bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐Time and Wireless Assessment of Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy With Co‐Encapsulated Ingestion Sensor in HIV‐Infected Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Daar Eric S. , Rosen Marc I. , Wang Yan , Siqueiros Lisa , Shen Jie , Guerrero Mario , Xiong Di , Dao John , Young Todd , Corado Katya , Fletcher Courtney V. , Liu Honghu
Published: September 2019

Adherence with antiretroviral therapy is important for preventing disease progression and HIV transmission. The co‐encapsulated pill sensor system sends a signal through a cutaneous patch and allows real‐time monitoring of pill ingestion. A 16‐week pilot study used a sensor system in 15 HIV‐infected individuals with real‐time monitoring of pill‐taking with a personalized short message system text. System acceptability was assessed by survey at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16. Follow‐up occurred in 80% of subjects through 8 weeks. The system effectively collected measures of pill ingestion, which triggered text message reminders. Only 2 of 14 participants stated that co‐encapsulated pills were “unable to take” or “poorly tolerated.” At least 75% of respondents stated at each visit that the patch was very or somewhat comfortable. With regard to text message reminders, only 10–15% of the participants at any visit did not find the messages to be helpful. Larger studies will define the utility of this system to assess antiretroviral adherence relative to standard measures.
Clinical utility of echocardiography for the diagnosis of native valve infective endocarditis in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia
Authors: Lau Lawrence , Wiens Evan J. , Karlowsky James A. , Keynan Yoav , Jassal Davinder S.
Published: September 2019

Background

The incidence of Staphylococcus aureus infective endocarditis (IE) is steadily rising due to advances in health care delivery. Routine echocardiography is essential in the management of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB). The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to characterize the real‐world use of echocardiography in adult patients with SAB and native valve S aureus IE.

Methods

Using an academic hospital microbiological database, all cases of SAB in adults between 2010 and 2016 were identified. Demographic, echocardiographic, and clinical features were recorded.

Results

A total of 738 episodes of SAB were identified, of which 504 (68%) patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) within 30 days. Of 73 patients with definite IE, 46 (63%) patients had definite IE diagnosed on the initial TTE. An additional 14 (19%) patients had definite IE diagnosed on repeat TTE, 6 (8%) on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and 7 (10%) were diagnosed without fulfilling Duke echocardiographic criteria. The yield of repeat TTE was comparable to that of TEE for identifying new vegetations not identified on the initial TTE (17% vs 21%, P = .78).

Conclusions

Most cases of IE in SAB were identified using TTE alone, with repeat TTE improving the diagnostic yield in the setting of clinical decompensation.
Cognitive reserve as a useful variable to address robotic or conventional upper limb rehabilitation treatment after stroke: a multicentre study of the Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi
Authors: Padua L. , Imbimbo I. , Aprile I. , Loreti C. , Germanotta M. , Coraci D. , Piccinini G. , Pazzaglia C. , Santilli C. , Cruciani A. , Carrozza M. C. ,   the FDG Robotic Rehabilitation Group
Published: September 2019

Background and purpose

Rehabilitation plays a central role in stroke recovery. Besides conventional therapy, technological treatments have become available. The effectiveness and appropriateness of technological rehabilitation are not yet well defined; hence, research focused on different variables impacting recovery is needed. Results from the literature identified cognitive reserve (CR) as a variable impacting on the cognitive outcome. In this paper, the aim was to evaluate whether CR influences the motor outcome in patients after stroke treated with conventional or robotic therapy and whether it may influence one treatment rather than another.

Methods

Seventy‐five stroke patients were enrolled in five Italian neurological rehabilitation centres. Patients were assigned either to a robotic group, rehabilitation by means of robotic devices, or to a conventional group, where a traditional approach was used. Patients were evaluated at baseline and after rehabilitation treatment of 6 weeks through the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), the Motricity Index (MI) and the Barthel Index (BI). CR was assessed at baseline using the Cognitive Reserve Index (CRI) questionnaire.

Results

Considering all patients, a weak correlation was found between the CRI related to leisure time and MI evolution (r= 0.276;P = 0.02). Amongst the patients who performed a robotic rehabilitation, a moderate correlation emerged between the CRI related to working activities and MI evolution (r= 0.422;P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that CR may influence the motor outcome. For each patient, CR and its subcategories should be considered in the choice between conventional and robotic treatment.
Early reduced dopaminergic tone mediated by D3 receptor and dopamine transporter in absence epileptogenesis
Authors: Cavarec Fanny , Krauss Philipp , Witkowski Tiffany , Broisat Alexis , Ghezzi Catherine , De Gois Stéphanie , Giros Bruno , Depaulis Antoine , Deransart Colin
Published: September 2019

Objective

In Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats From Strasbourg (GAERSs), epileptogenesis takes place during brain maturation and correlates with increased mRNA expression of D3 dopamine receptors (D3R). Whether these alterations are the consequence of seizure repetition or contribute to the development of epilepsy remains to be clarified. Here, we addressed the involvement of the dopaminergic system in epilepsy onset in GAERSs.

Methods

Experiments were performed using rats at different stages of brain maturation from three strains according to their increasing propensity to develop absence seizures: nonepileptic control rats (NECs), Wistar Hannover rats, and GAERSs. Changes in dopaminergic neurotransmission were investigated using different behavioral and neurochemical approaches: autoradiography of D3R and dopamine transporter, single photon emission computed tomographic imaging, acute and chronic drug effects on seizure recordings (dopaminergic agonists and antagonists), quinpirole‐induced yawns and dopamine synaptosomal uptake, microdialysis, brain tissue monoamines, and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor quantification.

Results

Autoradiography revealed an increased expression of D3R in 14‐day‐old GAERSs, before absence seizure onset, that persists in adulthood, as compared to age‐matched NECs. This was confirmed by increased yawns, a marker of D3R activity, and increased seizures when animals were injected with quinpirole at low doses to activate D3R. We also observed a concomitant increase in the expression and activity of the dopamine transporter in GAERSs before seizure onset, consistent with both lowered dopamine basal level and increased phasic responses.

Significance

Our data show that the dopaminergic system is persistently altered in GAERSs, which may contribute not only to behavioral comorbidities but also as an etiopathogenic factor in the development of epilepsy. The data suggest that an imbalanced dopaminergic tone may contribute to absence epilepsy development and seizure onset, as its reversion by a chronic treatment with a dopamine stabilizer significantly suppressed epileptogenesis. Our data suggest a potential new target for antiepileptic therapies and/or improvement of quality of life of epileptic patients.
Silver centers luminescence in phosphate glasses subjected to X‐Rays or combined X‐rays and femtosecond laser exposure
Authors: Guérineau Théo , Cova Francesca , Petit Yannick , Abou Khalil Alain , Fargues Alexandre , Dussauze Marc , Danto Sylvain , Vedda Anna , Canioni Lionel , Cardinal Thierry
Published: September 2019

The generation of silver species has been investigated in silver‐containing sodo‐gallo‐phosphate glasses subjected to X‐ray irradiations. Radioluminescence spectroscopy has evidenced the presence of isolated and paired silver ions. The proportion of silver pairing is found dominant in ortho‐phosphate glass compositions, compared to poly‐phosphate counterparts. The phosphate glass network is reported to have a decisive impact on X‐Ray photosensitivity and the formation of luminescent silver species, namely Ag2+ hole trap silver ions and Agmx+ silver clusters. The subsistence of femtosecond laser produced silver luminescent structures under X‐Ray irradiation has been demonstrated.
Coordinated optimized scheduling of locks and transshipment in inland waterway transportation using binary NSGA‐II
Authors: Ji Bin , Sun Hongjun , Yuan Xiaohui , Yuan Yanbin , Wang Xiaorong
Published: September 2019

Traffic congestion in inland waterways caused by insufficient throughput capacity of locks has become a compelling problem in developed inland shipping countries. In order to avoid excessive time wasted in waiting for lock service, it is suggested that some types of cargoes should be unloaded at the quays and transported by road/train to their destinations, which is called water–land transshipment. By this means, the ships are divided into two groups that either pass the lock or are transshipped at the quays, engendering the lock and water–land transshipment co‐scheduling (LWTC) problem. This paper focuses on the LWTC, where the roll‐on roll‐off ships, passenger ships, and general cargo ships that can be transshipped and other ships that can only pass the lock are considered in a lock‐quay co‐scheduling system. The LWTC problem is decomposed into an outer‐layer main 0‐1 optimization problem and two inner‐layer subproblems: lock scheduling and berth allocation. A multiobjective optimization model is proposed for the LWTC problem based on its two‐layer structure. To solve the LWTC problem, a hybrid heuristic method is proposed, where a modified binary nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II is proposed to solve the main problem, and the two subproblems are solved by specific heuristics. The proposed model and hybrid method are tested on instances extracted from historical data of traffic at Three Gorges Dam, the results of which demonstrate the feasibility of the model and the superiority of the proposed hybrid heuristic method over other comparisons.
Thermochemistry of the ZrO2–SrO System: From enthalpies of formation and heat capacities of the compounds to the phase diagram
Authors: Gong Weiping , Xie Yun , Zhao Zhentin , Li Yajie , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: September 2019

The thermodynamics of the ZrO2–SrO system is of interest for the optimization of synthesis and applications of functional materials and high‐temperature structural ceramics. Earlier data on phase relationships and thermodynamic properties of the system are unfortunately scattered and inconsistent. In this study, the compounds Srn+1ZrnO3n+1 (n = 3, 2, and 1) were prepared by solid‐state reaction. Their heat capacities from 573 to 1273 K were measured by differential scanning calorimetry and their enthalpies of formation from component oxides at 298 K were determined by high‐temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry. The CALPHAD method was used to assess the ZrO2–SrO system, using both available literature data and our new measurements. A self‐consistent thermodynamic database and the calculated phase diagram of the ZrO2–SrO system are provided. This work is a prerequisite for accurate predictions of the relationships among the composition, temperature, and microstructure of complex functional and structural materials containing ZrO2 and SrO.
Inheritance and the Family
Authors: Pedersen Jørgen , Bøyum Steinar
Published: September 2019

Inherited wealth will be of increasing importance in years to come. Yet inheritance taxation is unpopular, and part of this unpopularity is due to family concerns. Such taxation is seen by many as morally problematic because it is taken to violate important family values. In this article, we explore five family arguments against inheritance taxation: firstly, whether we have a right to benefit our children; secondly, whether it is a virtue to benefit one's children; thirdly, whether children have a right to their parent's belongings, due to common ownership; fourthly, whether inheritance taxation may impair a vital sense of continuity and belonging; and lastly, an argument from incentives that appeals specifically to the relation between parents and children. We conclude that none of the arguments provide strong objections against a moderate or even a high inheritance tax rate, at least not when special provisions are made for things like family houses or farms. However, since the arguments all introduce concerns that should be assigned some weight, it would be unjust to abolish inheritance entirely.
Anatomic predictors of late right inferior pulmonary vein reconnection in the setting of second‐generation cryoballoon ablation
Authors: Terasawa Muryo , Chierchia Gian‐Battista , Takarada Ken , Rizzo Alessandro , Maj Riccardo , Borio Gianluca , Osório Thiago Guimarães , Scala Oriana , Galli Alessio , Al Housari Maysam , Tanaka Kaoru , Sieira Juan , Brugada Pedro , de Asmundis Carlo , Ströker Erwin
Published: September 2019

Introduction

The right inferior pulmonary vein (RIPV) accounts as the most frequently reconnected vein after pulmonary vein isolation using second‐generation cryoballoon ablation (CB‐A). Our objective was to assess anatomic predictors of late RIPV reconnection based on preprocedural computed tomography scan.

Methods

Patients with a repeat procedure for atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence after index CB‐A procedure were included. A total of 129 RIPVs were evaluated for ostial diameters, ostial area, and branching pattern. Interior angle between RIPV and horizontal line in the frontal/transversal plane was used to measure the RIPV orientation: RIPV frontal/transversal angle, respectively. In addition, interior angle between RIPV and the line perpendicular on the septal intersection line at the level of the fossa ovalis, estimated as trans‐septal (TS) puncture site, was measured in the frontal/transversal view: RIPV‐TS frontal/transversal angle, respectively.

Results

Late vein reconnection was present in 36/129 RIPVs (28%). Warmer balloon nadir temperature (P = .01), more inferior (P < .001) and posterior (P < .01) RIPV orientation (ie, more positive RIPV frontal and RIPV transversal angle, respectively), and sharper RIPV‐TS frontal angle (P < .001) were associated with late RIPV reconnection on univariate analysis. Independent variables after multivariate analysis were nadir temperature (odds ratio [OR], 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03‐1.23; P = .013) and RIPV frontal angle (OR, 1.13, CI, 1.07‐1.19; P < .001).

Conclusion

Frontal RIPV orientation could significantly predict late RIPV electrical reconnection after CB‐A. Therefore, preprocedural anatomic assessment of the RIPV might be useful to plan the correct ablation strategy.
Non‐invasively quantified changes in left ventricular activation predict outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Friedman Daniel J. , Emerek Kasper , Hansen Steen Møller , Polcwiartek Christoffer , Sørensen Peter L. , Loring Zak , Sutter Joanne , Søgaard Peter , Kisslo Joseph , Graff Claus , Atwater Brett D.
Published: September 2019

Background

Changes in left ventricular (LV) activation after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) influence survival but are difficult to quantify noninvasively.

Methods and Results

We studied 527 CRT patients to assess whether noninvasive quantification of changes in LV activation, defined by change (Δ) in QRS area (QRSA), can predict outcomes after CRT. The study outcome was time until LV assist device(LVAD), cardiac transplant, or death. The three‐dimensional QRSA was measured from clinical 12 lead ECGs which were transformed into vectorcardiograms using the Kors method. QRSA was calculated as (QRSx2 + QRSy2 + QRSz2)1/2; ΔQRSA was calculated as post‐QRSA minus pre‐QRSA, where a negative value represents a reduction in LV activation delay. Kaplan–Meier plots and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to relate ΔQRSA area with outcomes after stratifying the population into quartiles of ΔQRSA. The median baseline QRSA of 93.6 µVs decreased to 59.7 µVs after CRT. Progressive reductions in QRSA with CRT were associated with a lower rate of LVAD, transplant, or death across patient quartiles (P < .001). In Cox regression analyses, ΔQRSA was associated with outcomes independent of QRS morphology and other clinical variables (Q1[greatest decrease] vs Q4[smallest change=reference], HR 0.45, CI, 0.30‐0.70, P < .001). There was no interaction between ΔQRSA and QRS morphology.

Conclusions

CRT induced ΔQRSA was associated with clinically meaningful changes in event‐free survival. ΔQRSA may be a novel target to guide lead implantation and device optimization.
Machine learning and blood pressure
Authors: Santhanam Prasanna , Ahima Rexford S.
Published: September 2019

Machine learning (ML) is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) based on pattern recognition. There are different forms of supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms that are being used to identify and predict blood pressure (BP) and other measures of cardiovascular risk. Since 1999, starting with neural network methods, ML has been used to gauge the relationship between BP and pulse wave forms. Since then, the scope of the research has expanded to using different cardiometabolic risk factors like BMI, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio in concert with BP and its various pharmaceutical agents to estimate biochemical measures (like HDL cholesterol, LDL and total cholesterol, fibrinogen, and uric acid) as well as effectiveness of anti‐hypertensive regimens. Data from large clinical trials like the SPRINT are being re‐analyzed by ML methods to unearth new findings and identify unique relationships between predictors and outcomes. In summary, AI and ML methods are gaining immense attention in the management of chronic disease. Elevated BP is a very important early metric for the risk of development of cardiovascular and renal injury; therefore, advances in AI and ML will aid in early disease prediction and intervention.
Establishment and characterization of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from central nervous system lupus erythematosus
Authors: De Angelis Maria Teresa , Santamaria Gianluca , Parrotta Elvira Immacolata , Scalise Stefania , Lo Conte Michela , Gasparini Sara , Ferlazzo Edoardo , Aguglia Umberto , Ciampi Clara , Sgura Antonella , Cuda Giovanni
Published: September 2019

Involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) is an uncommon feature in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), making diagnosis rather difficult and challenging due to the poor specificity of neuropathic symptoms and neurological symptoms. In this work, we used human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from CNS‐SLE patient, with the aim to dissect the molecular insights underlying the disease by gene expression analysis and modulation of implicated pathways. CNS‐SLE‐derived hiPSCs allowed us to provide evidence of Erk and Akt pathways involvement and to identify a novel cohort of potential biomarkers, namely CHCHD2, IDO1, S100A10, EPHA4 and LEFTY1, never reported so far. We further extended the study analysing a panel of oxidative stress‐related miRNAs and demonstrated, under normal or stress conditions, a strong dysregulation of several miRNAs in CNS‐SLE‐derived compared to control hiPSCs. In conclusion, we provide evidence that iPSCs reprogrammed from CNS‐SLE patient are a powerful useful tool to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease and to eventually develop innovative therapeutic approaches.
Tuscan consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Prignano F. , Pescitelli L. , Giani I. , Dini V. , Romanelli M. ,   and the Tuscany HS Working Group
Published: September 2019

Background

A rationalized model of clinical and therapeutic management of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) should place the patients at the heart of the process, facilitating their access to diagnostic tests and treatments, providing the appropriate care for each grade of disease severity and optimizing the use of healthcare resources, both in economic and human terms.

Material and methods

This paper reports the results of a Consensus of the Tuscany HS working group for a rationalized model of diagnosis and management of HS.

Results

The diagnostic and therapeutic protocols, the available technological equipments and the management models, are presented in the light of today's scientific evidence.

Conclusion

The goal of the Consensus is to bring the issue of HS management to the attention of the Tuscan regional government, in order to create unanimously accepted diagnostic and therapeutic protocols.
Hidradenitis suppurativa epidemiology: from the first Italian registry in 2009 to the most recent epidemiology updates – Italian Registry Hidradenitis Suppurativa project 2
Authors: Bettoli V. , Cazzaniga S. , Scuderi V. , Zedde P. , Di Landro A. , Naldi L. ,   the IRHIS Group
Published: September 2019

Background

The incidence of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is still not fully established with only a few studies reporting its estimates. Prevalence estimates range from 5:10 000 to 4:100. These extremely large variations could be explained by a combination of factors, including different selection procedures, different diagnostic criteria, and variations in the sex and age distribution of the examined samples.

Objectives

To analyze variations between two consecutive Italian Registries on HS.

Methods

Data obtained from the second Italian Registry on HS, named ‘Italian Registry Hidradenitis Suppurativa (IRHIS) Project 2’, are compared to the previous first Italian registry on HS.

Results

Data on 944 patients are reported. The more relevant aspects that characterize IRHIS 2 project, in comparison with the previous first Italian Registry on HS, are as follows: (i) the total number of patients, about fourfold higher; (ii) a more uniform national geographic distribution of the patient population; (iii) a larger number of dermatology units involved; (iv) a larger number of items considered in the data collection; (v) 6 years of difference between the onset of the two registries (2009–2013 vs. 2015–2019). Comparing data of the two registries, there are no statistically significant differences in terms of age at the time of the visit, gender, BMI, smoking habits, age at onset and age at first diagnosis by physician. Interestingly, the mean Sartorius score in the IRHIS project 2 (58.8) was significantly lower compared to the first Italian Registry (78.4).

Conclusions

The importance of the registries, at both national and international levels, in collecting useful real‐life data is confirmed by these two Italian projects.
Improving the disease awareness: how a communication campaign brings hidradenitis suppurativa to the light
Authors: Ribero S. , Dapavo P. , Casalegno C. ,   the HS Awareness Working Group
Published: September 2019

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa is an inflammatory skin disease that presents a recurrence of painful and suppurating lesions in the apocrine gland‐bearing regions, with a strong impact on the patients’ life quality. Despite its peculiar presentation, early forms are often underestimated by patients and this would inevitably result in late diagnosis and delayed therapy.

Objectives

Improved communication around the disease could facilitate self‐diagnosis and a quicker response from healthcare practitioners, especially in this moment when we dispose of effective treatment against this disease.

Methods

A HS awareness campaign was conducted for 2 years with the help of a media agency and a patients’ association.

Results

Results confirm that a better communication has a strong impact on the disease awareness.

Conclusions

This paper demonstrates that the more this disease awareness is carried on, the more quick, effective and efficient the patient's management could be.
Successful treatment of co‐existent SAPHO syndrome and hidradenitis suppurativa with adalimumab and methotrexate
Authors: Genovese G. , Caorsi R. , Moltrasio C. , Marzano A.V.
Published: September 2019

SAPHO syndrome, namely Synovitis, Acne, Pustulosis, Hyperostosis and Osteitis, is a rare autoinflammatory chronic disease presenting with non‐infectious inflammatory osteitis, sterile joint inflammation and skin manifestations, including palmoplantar pustulosis and severe acne. The case of a 15‐year‐old boy affected by SAPHO syndrome and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is presented and discussed. Coexistence of these two diseases may represent a therapeutic challenge and this case confirms literature data reporting the efficacy of the combination of methotrexate and adalimumab in SAPHO complicated by HS.
Treatment and clinical outcomes in anti‐p200 pemphigoid: a systematic review
Authors: Laufer Britva R. , Amber K.T. , Cohen A.D. , Kridin K.
Published: September 2019

Background

Current treatment paradigms in anti‐p200 pemphigoid rely on low levels of evidence, primarily originating from case reports and case series.

Objective

To systematically review the utilized treatment modalities for anti‐p200 pemphigoid and to synthesize the available clinical outcomes of treated patients.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of the literature using Ovid‐Medline (1946–2018), Embase (1947–2018) and Web of Science (1900–2018) databases with a broad and inclusive search strategy along with a subsequent search of retrieved articles. All case reports and case series of patients with anti‐p200 pemphigoid were included.

Results

Sixty‐eight eligible studies comprising 113 anti‐p200 pemphigoid patients with a mean age of 65.5 years were included in the qualitative synthesis. The clinical outcome of patients following treatment was reported for 91 (80.5%) patients, of whom 83 (91.2%) had achieved complete remission at least once. Complete remission on‐therapy was observed in 51 (56.0%) and complete remission off‐therapy in 12 (13.2%) patients. Thirty‐six (39.6%) patients had experienced at least one flare during the duration of follow‐up. A combination of systemic corticosteroids and adjuvant immunomodulatory agents was the leading therapeutic approach (63.0%) required for disease control. Systemic and topical corticosteroids as monotherapy were sufficient to control the disease in 19.6% and 13.0% of cases, respectively. Dapsone was the most commonly used (41.3%) adjuvant agent. The highest rates of complete remission were achieved in patients managed by systemic corticosteroids as monotherapy (100%) and in those managed by systemic corticosteroids with adjuvant agents (90.7%). Conversely, 45.5% of patients treated only by topical corticosteroids experienced at least one relapse during follow‐up.

Conclusion

The vast majority of patients had reached a complete remission during the course of the disease, whereas a considerable proportion of patients experienced at least one relapse. A combination of systemic corticosteroids and adjuvant immunomodulatory agents was the most frequently utilized therapeutic approach.
Evidence and Expertise in Genetic Nomenclatures
Authors: Halverson Colin Michael Egenberger
Published: September 2019

Clinicians and laboratory scientists use a number of different systems for naming genetic mutations in their daily activities. Based on participant observation at an American academic medical center and interviews with a variety of actors at American hospitals, this paper analyzes the use of these systems. I argue that their distribution corresponds to differences in professional regimes of responsibility. An examination of these often quite complex linguistic items reveals a correlation between the type of components (evidential versus epistemic modifiers) that constitute the names and the presupposed professional role of their intended audiences.
Pterygiella trichosepala (Orobanchaceae), sp. nov. from Yunnan, southwest China
Authors: Yin Ming‐Yun , Li Shi‐Gang , Wang Huan‐Chong
Published: September 2019

Pterygiella trichosepala (Orobanchaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species endemic to Yunnan, southwest China. It grows in calcareous grasslands or scrubs at elevations of 2000–2600 m a.s.l. This new species is closely related to P. nigrescens Oliv., but clearly differs from the latter by being pilose–hirsute throughout, with stems simple or rarely branched, 10–30 cm tall, and leaves 10–20 mm long and 3–6 mm wide (with L/W ratio 3.5–5.0), racemose inflorescences, and calyx 13–20 mm long and 8–13 mm in diameter; moreover its seed micromorphological features are significantly different from those of P. nigrescens.
Aristolochia kechangensis sp. nov. (Aristolochiaceae) from Guangxi, China
Authors: Peng Yu‐De , Gadagkar Sudhindra R. , Li Jin , Xie Yue‐Ying , Huang Xue‐Yan , Lu Hui‐Zhen , Huang Bao‐You , Yu Li‐Ying
Published: September 2019

Aristolochia kechangensis Y. D. Peng & L.Y. Yu, a new species from northwestern Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. Based on morphology, the species is referred to Aristolochia subg. Isotrema. The species is similar to A. kwangsiensis and is found in karstic limestone habitats, with ovate‐rounded to heart‐shaped blades and 1–4‐flowered racemose inflorescences, but differs from the latter by a heart‐shaped (versus rounded) blade base, yellow‐green limbs with densely brown nervules (versus red to purple limbs with tuberculate ornamentation), and slender fruit with a diameter of ca 1.5 cm (versus robust fruit with a diameter of ca 2 cm). The leaf epidermis of the new species is characterized by tuberculate protuberances. We present a detailed description, with line drawings, distribution map and color plate, and compare it to related species based on morphological characters. An updated key to Aristolochia distributed in Guangxi region is provided.
Dwarfism in Troyer syndrome: a family with SPG20 compound heterozygous mutations and a literature review
Authors: Liang Hanting , Miao Hui , Yang Hongbo , Gong Fengying , Chen Shi , Wang Linjie , Zhu Huijuan , Pan Hui
Published: September 2019

Troyer syndrome is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by spastic paralysis, dysarthria, distal amyotrophy, and short stature. Recently, two siblings (an older brother and a younger sister) were admitted to our hospital for the chief complaints of “short stature and intellectual disability.” Through whole exome sequencing of the sister, who is the proband, it was found that her SPG20 gene had compound heterozygous mutations: c.364_365delAT (p.Met122Valfs*2) and c.892delA (p.Thr298Glnfs*30). Target testing revealed that the brother had the same genotype as the sister, and the former mutation originated from the father, while the latter mutation originated from the mother. In summary, this is the first report of Troyer syndrome in a family caused by SPG20 compound heterozygous mutations. A novel SPG20 mutation was found, namely c.892delA (p.Thr298Glnfs*30). In addition, we also summarize these Troyer syndrome patients’ heights and their clinical characteristics, and provide a brief review of all known pathogenic mutations of SPG20.
Patient related outcomes and improvements in quality of life following orthognathic surgery
Authors: Dong Q.N. , Yates J.M.
Published: September 2019

Aim

The purpose of this systematic review was to summarise the findings and to evaluate changes in patient quality of life (QOL) following orthognathic surgery.

Materials and methods

Online searches were undertaken to identify suitable studies. Prospective cohort or case‐control studies using questionnaires or similar assessment instruments to evaluate pre‐ and post‐orthognathic surgery QOL were included in the analysis. QOL was assessed in the following five domains: physical functioning and limitations, physical pain, psychological well‐being and self‐esteem, self‐perception with regards to aesthetics and social functioning and relationships.

Results

Of the 13 studies included in the analysis most noted significant improvements in all QOL domains. The domains in which the greatest improvements were noted post‐operatively were psychological well‐being and self‐esteem and self‐perception with regards to aesthetics. The results of the Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) revealed that patients experienced no considerable changes in QOL after orthognathic surgery, while the other assessment instruments used demonstrated that patients experienced changes primarily in self‐perception within the aesthetics domain.

Conclusions

The results indicate that orthognathic surgery significantly improved QOL in the five domains detailed. In particular, surgery elicited the greatest improvements in QOL in the psychological well‐being and self‐esteem and self‐perception in the aesthetics domains.
Peculiar tooth renewal in a Jurassic ray‐finned fish (Lepisosteiformes, †Scheenstia sp.)
Authors: Leuzinger Léa , Cavin Lionel , López‐Arbarello Adriana , Billon‐Bruyat Jean‐Paul
Published: September 2019

Tooth replacement in vertebrates is extremely diverse, and its study in extinct taxa gives insights into the evolution of the different dental renewal modes. Based on μ‐CT scans of a left lower jaw of the extinct fish †Scheenstia (Actinopterygii, Lepisosteiformes), we describe in detail a peculiar tooth replacement mode that is, as far as we could ascertain from the literature, unique among vertebrates. The formation of the replacement teeth comprises a 180° rotation of their acrodin cap that occurs intraosseously within bony crypts, and their setting up appears to be synchronous. We propose a model for the dental renewal process and identify complementary anatomical features visible in the tomography such as the junction between the different tooth‐bearing bones (prearticular–coronoid and dentary), as well as cavities corresponding to intraosseous crypts, nervous and/or vascular canals. The location of the cavities and their subsequent identification (e.g. Meckel's cavity, mandibular sensory canal) help us to identify the function of pores visible on the bone surface and understand their relation to internal anatomical features. Finally, recognition of this tooth replacement mode raises the question of whether it is specific to †Scheenstia or related to a particular dentition type and thus potentially occurs in other lineages.
Cost‐utility of continuous‐flow ventricular assist devices as bridge to transplant in pediatrics
Authors: Evers Patrick D. , Villa Chet , Wittekind Samuel G. , Hobing Rebecca , Morales David L. S. , Lorts Angela
Published: September 2019

Objective

The initial costs of a CF‐VAD exceed those of a PF‐VAD. However, the safety profile of CF‐VAD is superior and the possibility of outpatient device support may justify the additional initial costs. This study analyzed the cost‐utility of CF‐VAD use in the pediatric population.

Methods

A Markov‐state transition model was constructed for the clinical course of the two VAD subtypes from implantation until death with variables extracted from internal financial records and the published literature. The modeled population consisted of pediatric heart failure patients who met indications for VAD implant (INTERMACS profile 1 or 2) and were size‐eligible for either a PF‐VAD or CF‐VAD.

Results

The cost‐utility analysis illustrated that CF‐VAD is both more effective and less costly compared to PF‐VAD at base‐case conditions. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that only in extreme conditions did a CF‐VAD strategy not meet criteria for cost‐effectiveness (if readmission rate >20% weekly, neurologic event rate >8% weekly, or CF‐VAD discharge rates <18% in a month) or VAD support duration shortens to ≤12 weeks.

Conclusion

While the implantation costs of a CF‐VAD exceed those of a PF‐VAD, after 12 weeks of device support CF‐VAD becomes the more cost‐effective strategy if the anticipated outpatient device care is sufficiently long. The cost efficacy of the CF‐VAD will be further heightened as initiatives that result in earlier and safer discharges, as well as reductions in readmission rates continue to be successful.
Developmental trajectory of the late positive potential: Using temporal‐spatial PCA to characterize within‐subject developmental changes in emotional processing
Authors: Mulligan Elizabeth M. , Infantolino Zachary P. , Klein Daniel N. , Hajcak Greg
Published: September 2019

The late positive potential (LPP) is characterized by temporal and spatial changes across development—though existing work has primarily relied on visual or statistical comparisons of relatively few electrodes and averaged activity over time. The current study used an empirically based approach to characterize temporal and spatial changes in ERPs over time. Data were utilized from a large longitudinal study (N = 380) in which the LPP was recorded to pleasant, neutral, and unpleasant pictures around age 9 and again around age 12. Age 9 ERPs were subtracted from age 12 ERPs for all three image types; the resulting ERPs for each subject at each electrode site were then submitted to a temporospatial principal component analysis (PCA). A PCA factor was greater in amplitude for emotional pictures compared to neutral pictures between ages 9 and 12, evident as an occipital negativity and frontocentral positivity that peaked approximately 850 ms following picture presentation. Furthermore, the factor scores to emotional pictures for this component increased as a function of age 12 pubertal development, consistent with the notion that the LPP shifts from occipital to more frontocentral sites in relation to developmental changes from childhood to adolescence. A similar factor was observed when PCA was applied to all ERPs from both ages 9 and 12. Using temporospatial PCA on ERPs collected from the same subjects over time—especially within‐subject subtraction‐based ERPs—provides a concise way of characterizing and quantifying within‐subject developmental changes in both the timing and scalp distribution of ERPs.
Anti‐p53 autoantibody in blood as a diagnostic biomarker for colorectal cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Shuxia , Tan Qiaoyun , Song Yuanyuan , Shi Yuankai , Han Xiaohong
Published: September 2019

Serum autoantibodies against tumour‐associated antigens are promising biomarkers for diagnosis of cancer. This review summarizes the available evidence pertaining to the diagnostic potential of autoantibodies studied in the context of colorectal cancer (CRC). A systematic literature search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase). Data pertaining to a total of 145 autoantibodies published in 80 articles were reviewed. Of these, anti‐p53 antibody was the most commonly studied autoantibody; thus, we performed a meta‐analysis on anti‐p53 antibody in 24 articles. According to the cut‐off values used to determine positivity for anti‐p53 antibody, we divided the included studies into five groups. Owing to the presence of threshold effect in groups 4 and 5 and non‐threshold effect in groups 1 and 2, pooled analysis focused on group 3 using a fixed‐effects model (Mantel‐Haenszel). Group 3, determining the cut‐off value based on the value of p53 antibody titre index, was comprised of five articles including 733 patients with CRC and 172 controls (126 healthy individuals and 46 benign diseases). The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio and summary area under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.21, 0.99, 12.26, 0.80, 15.46 and 0.87, respectively. Serum anti‐p53 autoantibody may potentially help distinguish CRC from healthy controls or benign diseases; however, it should be used in combination with other indicators due to the low sensitivity. Our study provides insights for further exploration of the optimal combination of different tumour‐associated antigens or autoantibodies for diagnosis of CRC.
Observers’ reactions to workplace incivility in the masculine domain: How does role congruency explain gender bias in future workers?
Authors: Carmona‐Cobo Isabel , Lopez‐Zafra Esther , Garrosa Eva
Published: September 2019

Based on Role Congruity Theory, we tested the hypothesis of gender bias by examining gender differences in observers’ evaluations of the awareness and acceptability of workplace incivility gender‐dyad interaction. Three hundred and ninety‐six Spanish high school students (55.3% female) read one scenario of overt incivility (publicly humiliates and openly doubts the employee's judgment) or covert (omits and pays little attention) from a leader (female vs. male) toward a subordinate (female vs. male) in engineering. Results indicated gender differences among observers. From the leader actor of incivility, males were more aware and accepted less the incivility when performed by a female leader in a male domain; whereas females were more aware and accepted less incivility than males in all cases. Regarding the subordinate target of incivility, only females were more aware and accepted less incivility, and both males and females were more aware and accepted less covert incivility. Our results reveal practical implications for interventions from a gender perspective.
Positive youth development, thriving and social engagement: An analysis of gender differences in Spanish youth
Authors: Gomez‐Baya Diego , Reis Marta , Gaspar de Matos Margarida
Published: September 2019

The framework of Positive Youth Development (PYD) arose from a strength‐based conception of the transition to adulthood. Although previous literature has provided evidence for some PYD correlates, little is known about gender differences in PYD and its outcomes in thriving and social engagement, which could improve interventions” effectiveness. Thus, this study aimed to examine gender differences in PYD dimensions (i.e., competence, confidence, connection, caring, and character), individual thriving (i.e., psychological adjustment, academic adjustment, and healthy lifestyles) and social engagement, and to examine the associations between them. Data from the ‘PYD in a Cross‐National Perspective Project” in Spain were collected by administering a paper‐based self‐report to students from high school and university. Results showed greater scores in connection, caring, and character in women, as well as greater social engagement and academic adjustment. Men presented higher competence and confidence, more frequent physical activity and better psychological adjustment. In addition, more PYD was related to greater social engagement, better psychological and academic adjustment, and healthier lifestyles. Some practical implications for program design may be derived, which underscore the need to promote the five PYD dimensions equally in female and male youths in order to improve their individual thriving and social engagement.
Discovering the Unclassified Suicide Cases Among Undetermined Drug Overdose Deaths Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Liu Daphne , Yu Mia , Duncan Jeffrey , Fondario Anna , Kharrazi Hadi , Nestadt Paul S.
Published: September 2019

Objective

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monitor accidental and intentional deaths to answer questions that are critical for the development of effective prevention and resource allocation. CDC's National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) is a major innovation in surveillance linking individual‐level data from multiple sources. However, suicide underreporting is common, particularly from drug overdose deaths. This study sought to assess machine learning (ML) techniques in quantifying drug overdose suicide underreporting rates.

Methods

Clinical, sociodemographic, toxicological, and proximal stressor data on overdose decedents (n = 2,665) were extracted from Utah's NVDRS from 2012 to 2015. The existing well‐determined cases were used to train and test our ML models. We assessed and compared multiple machine learning methods including Logistic Regression, Random Forest Classifier, Support Vector Machines, and Artificial Neural Networks. We applied a majority voting methodology to classify undetermined drug overdose deaths.

Results

Overdose suicide rates were estimated to be underreported by 33% across all years, increasing yearly from 29% in 2012 to 37% in 2015. The overall test accuracies for all models ranged from 92.3% to 94.6%.

Conclusions

This research identifies a cost‐effective, replicable, and expandable ML‐based methodology to estimate the true rates of suicide which may be partially masked during the opioid epidemic.
Non‐surgical blepharoplasty with the novel plasma radiofrequency ablation technology
Authors: Baroni Adone
Published: September 2019

Background

Surgical blepharoplasty is one of the most common plastic surgical procedures performed worldwide. It is carried out for treating both aesthetic and functional indications. As with any surgical procedures, the technique is not free from complications. The growing request for non‐invasive, effective procedures, and safe technology for aesthetic treatments of eyelids has implied the research for novel treatment strategies marked by a good efficacy and less collateral effects when compared to surgical procedures. The choice fell on the relatively recent plasma skin regeneration technique.

Aims

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of plasma radiofrequency ablation in non‐surgical blepharoplasty performed with DAS Medical device (Technolux), a tool working with long‐wave plasma radiofrequency principles.

Patients/Methods

Ten patients affected by aesthetically unpleasant dermatochalasis, excess of tissue and fine wrinkles of the eyelids, were enrolled for non‐surgical blepharoplasty with long‐wave plasma radiofrequency ablation device. The treatment consisted of two sessions carried out at interval of 30 days.

Results

Treatments were well tolerated by all patients with no adverse effects and optimal aesthetic results.

Conclusions

The technique consists of a modeling of the eyelids that must be sculpted reducing excess of skin, improving the appearance of eyelids, rejuvenating the eyes, and reducing eyelid heaviness. Long‐wave plasma radiofrequency ablation could be an effective treatment for non‐surgical blepharoplasty, and could offer an alternative choice to surgical procedures for aesthetic treatments of eyelids.
DeepTetrad: high‐throughput image analysis of meiotic tetrads by deep learning in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Lim Eun‐Cheon , Kim Jaeil , Park Jihye , Kim Eun‐Jung , Kim Juhyun , Park Yeong Mi , Cho Hyun Seob , Byun Dohwan , Henderson Ian R. , Copenhaver Gregory P. , Hwang Ildoo , Choi Kyuha
Published: September 2019

Meiotic crossovers facilitate chromosome segregation and create new combinations of alleles in gametes. Crossover frequency varies along chromosomes and crossover interference limits the coincidence of closely spaced crossovers. Crossovers can be measured by observing the inheritance of linked transgenes expressing different colors of fluorescent protein in Arabidopsis pollen tetrads. Here we establish DeepTetrad, a deep learning‐based image recognition package for pollen tetrad analysis that enables high‐throughput measurements of crossover frequency and interference in individual plants. DeepTetrad will accelerate the genetic dissection of mechanisms that control meiotic recombination.