bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Centre-of-mass and minimal speed limits of the great hammerhead
Authors: Iosilevskii Gil
Published: October 2020

The great hammerhead is denser than water, and hence relies on hydrodynamic lift to compensate for its lack of buoyancy, and on hydrodynamic moment to compensate for a possible misalignment between centres of mass and buoyancy. Because hydrodynamic forces scale with the swimming speed squared, whereas buoyancy and gravity are independent of it, there is a critical speed below which the shark cannot generate enough lift to counteract gravity, and there are anterior and posterior centre-of-mass limits beyond which the shark cannot generate enough pitching moment to counteract the buoyancy–gravity couple. The speed and centre-of-mass limits were found from numerous wind-tunnel experiments on a scaled model of the shark. In particular, it was shown that the margin between the anterior and posterior centre-of-mass limits is a few tenths of the product between the length of the shark and the ratio between its weight in and out of water; a diminutive 1% body length. The paper presents the wind-tunnel experiments, and discusses the roles that the cephalofoil and the pectoral and caudal fins play in longitudinal balance of a shark.
Selection and spatial arrangement of building materials during the construction of nest turrets by grass-cutting ants
Authors: Römer Daniela , Cosarinsky Marcela I. , Roces Flavio
Published: October 2020

Ants build complex nest structures by reacting to simple, local stimuli. While underground nests result from the space generated by digging, some leaf- and grass-cutting ants also construct conspicuous aboveground turrets around nest openings. We investigated whether the selection of specific building materials occurs during turret construction inAcromyrmex fracticornisgrass-cutting ants, and asked whether single building decisions at the beginning can modify the final turret architecture. To quantify workers' material selection, the original nest turret was removed and a choice between two artificial building materials, thin and thick sticks, was offered for rebuilding. Workers preferred thick sticks at the very beginning of turret construction, showed varying preferences thereafter, and changed to prefer thin sticks for the upper, final part of the turret, indicating that they selected different building materials over time to create a stable structure. The impact of a single building choice on turret architecture was evaluated by placing artificial beams that divided a colony's nest entrance at the beginning of turret rebuilding. Splitting the nest entrance led to the self-organized construction of turrets with branched galleries ending in multiple openings, showing that the spatial location of a single building material can strongly influence turret morphology.
Novel acetic acid bacteria from cider fermentations: Acetobacter conturbans sp. nov. and Acetobacter fallax sp. nov
Authors: Sombolestani Atena Sadat , Cleenwerck Ilse , Cnockaert Margo , Borremans Wim , Wieme Anneleen D. , De Vuyst Luc , Vandamme Peter
Published: October 2020

Strains LMG 1627T, LMG 1636T and LMG 1637 were all isolated from cider fermentations in the 1940s and 1950s. A recent study based on MALDI-TOF MS and dnaK gene sequence analyses suggested they represented novel

Acetobacter

species. In the present study, we determined the whole-genome sequences of these strains and analysed their phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics. A phylogenomic analysis based on 107 single-copy core genes revealed that they represented a single

Acetobacter

lineage with

Acetobacter aceti

,

Acetobacter sicerae

,

Acetobacter musti

and

Acetobacter oeni

,

Acetobacter estunensis

and with

Acetobacter nitrogenifigens

as an outgroup to this cluster. OrthoANIu value and dDDH analyses among these and other

Acetobacter

type strains confirmed that these three strains represented two novel

Acetobacter

species, which could be differentiated from other closely related type strains of

Acetobacter

by different phenotypic tests, such as ketogenesis from glycerol. We therefore propose to classify strain LMG 1627T in the novel species Acetobacter conturbans sp. nov., with LMG 1627T (=NCIMB 8945T) as the type strain, and to classify strains LMG 1636T and LMG 1637 in the novel species Acetobacter fallax sp. nov., with LMG 1636T (=NCIMB 8956T) as the type strain.
“Return to University Campuses Associated with 9% Increase in New COVID-19 Case Rate”
Authors: Adams Grace Bagwell , Shannon Jerry , Shannon Sarah
Published: October 2020

The vast majority of colleges and universities across the United States are bringing students back for in-person instruction in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the absence of an effective vaccine or other anti-viral therapeutic treatment. Using data from the New York Times and the American Community Survey, we assess the effect of this return to campus on viral case growth in counties with a significant college student population (“college counties”) relative to non-college counties. We find a significant surge in new cases in a 21-day time frame in college counties, a finding consistent across U.S. Census divisions. These results suggest the need for institutions of higher education and the communities where these institutions reside work together quickly and effectively to mitigate viral transmission and to prevent overwhelming local healthcare infrastructure in college counties.
Identifying latent profiles based on three components of organizational commitment: multi-sample investigations in Korea
Authors: Song Ji Hoon , Lee Yunsoo
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify latent profiles based on 3 dimensions of organizational commitment (OC) using 14 Korean samples.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used unpublished raw data. Allen and Meyer’s (1996) measurement was used to maintain consistency and facilitate comparison across samples. To determine the number of latent profiles that exist in Korea based on employees’ level of OC, a latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed.

Findings

The findings showed that there are two or three profiles (i.e. fully committed, weakly committed and/or moderately committed) across various types of organizations in Korea. These findings are similar to those based on LPA conducted in the West. The number of profiles is more limited in Korean samples than it is in Western samples. Like Western studies, this Korean-focused study identified fully committed, weakly committed and moderately committed profiles, but it did not show any other types of profiles found in the Western sample.

Originality/value

Based on these results, this study suggests academic and practical implications for researchers and practitioners.
Device architecture optimization of solder ball joints fatigue lifetime under random vibration frequencies
Authors: Gao Yang , Wang Fuwei , Ding Shaohu , Yang Bin , Liu Lin , Salmani Mohammad
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the vibration effects on ball grid array lifetime.

Design/methodology/approach

Several finite element method simulations and experiments were performed.

Findings

An optimized circuit configuration was found.

Originality/value

The originality of paper is confirmed by authors.
Bishop Cantilupe is Dead! Long Live St Thomas of Hereford! The Effects of St Thomas of Hereford's Miraculous Cult
Authors: BASS IAN L.
Published: October 2020

This article marks the 700th anniversary of the canonisation of St Thomas de Cantilupe, bishop of Hereford (1275‐82, canonised 1320), by providing a comprehensive overview of the extant fourteenth‐century miracle collection, Oxford, Exeter College, MS 158, with reference to a contemporary copy in Vatican, Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Vat. Cod. Lat. 4015. Taken together these two manuscripts represent the second largest collection of miracles – just over 460 – to survive for any medieval English saint, and they contain a wealth of information about life and death in late thirteenth‐ to early fourteenth‐century England, Wales and Ireland. After a short precis of Thomas's life and death, the article analyses the contents of the miracle collection. It shows the number of miracles reported annually for the life cycle of the cult, the ratio of male to female pilgrims, and the types of cures that were sought at Thomas's shrine in Hereford cathedral. In doing this, light will be shed on the miraculous cult of England's ‘second St Thomas’, placing him firmly within the pantheon of medieval English saints being celebrated in 2020.
Chromosome‐level genome assembly of Lethenteron reissneri provides insights into lamprey evolution
Authors: Zhu Ting , Li Yongxin , Pang Yue , Han Yinglun , Li Jun , Wang Zhongkai , Liu Xin , Li Haorong , Hua Yishan , Jiang Hui , Teng Hongming , Quan Jian , Liu Yu , Geng Ming , Li Meiao , Hui Fan , Liu Jinzhao , Qiu Qiang , Li Qingwei , Ren Yandong
Published: October 2020

The reissner lamprey Lethenteron reissneri, belonging to the class Cyclostomata, serves as a bridge between invertebrates and jawed vertebrates, and is considered the sister group of jawed vertebrates. However, despite this evolutionary significance, the genetic mechanisms underlying the adaptive evolution of the lamprey lineage remain unclear. Here, we assembled a 1.06 Gb chromosome‐level draft genome of L. reissneri, with 72 chromosomes (ranging in length from 4.5 Mb to 25.9 Mb) and a scaffold N50 length of 13.23 Mb. Genome quality comparisons revealed that the reissner lamprey genome has higher completeness and contiguity than the previously published sea lamprey and Japanese lamprey genomes. Moreover, reissner lamprey, sea lamprey, and Japanese lamprey species share similar transposable element profiles and Hox gene cluster compositions, suggesting that a burst of transposable element activity and whole genome duplication occurred before their divergence. Additionally, the Lip gene copy numbers, which have been studied for their functions in the host defence system, were found to be expanded uniquely in lamprey lineages, suggesting key roles for these genes in lamprey evolution and adaptation. We also identified two neural‐related genes, Nrn1 and Unc13a, with copy number expansions in jawed vertebrates, which may be functionally relevant to the origin of lamprey brains. Hence, this study not only provides the first chromosome‐level reference genome for Cyclostomata, but also highlights features of the unique biology and adaptive evolution of the lamprey lineage.
Phytochrome type B family: The abiotic stress responses signaller in plants
Authors: Junior Carlos Alberto Silva , D'Amico‐Damião Victor , Carvalho Rogério Falleiros
Published: October 2020

Photoreceptors are primarily known as key photomorphogenic modulators of various physiological events during plant development. Although there are different groups of photoreceptors, the phytochrome B (phyB) family mediates developmental responses in a wide range of plant species, from seed germination to flowering. In addition, these molecules also regulate abiotic stress acclimation responses, such as salinity, drought, low/high temperature, high light and heavy metals. The signalling pathways mediated by phyB could enhance plant resistance to environmental stresses, as phyB photoreceptors reduce leaf transpiration, increase the antioxidant system, enhance protective pigments and increase the expression of genes related to plant stress acclimation. Thus, the elucidation of positive or negative roles for phyB in these stress tolerance characteristics would provide essential knowledge for genetic engineering, improving plant growth and development in critical environments. In this review, we cover the main findings on how the phyB family works to modulate abiotic stress by discussing biochemical and molecular aspects of the underlying mechanisms operated by these photoreceptors.
Supersized Alcopop Consumption Associated With Homelessness and Gang Membership
Authors: Rossheim Matthew E. , Lerch Jennifer A. , Walters Scott T. , Livingston Melvin D. , Taxman Faye S.
Published: October 2020

Background

Supersized alcopops are single‐serving, ready‐to‐drink beverages with very high alcohol content. Research suggests that consumption of these products is especially dangerous. The current study was one of the first to examine individual‐level characteristics associated with recent consumption of supersized alcopops.

Methods

Adults on probation (n = 253; 70% male) in Baltimore City, MD, and Dallas, TX, who reported heavy drinking or any illicit drug use completed interviews. Psychosocial scales were drawn from the Criminal Justice Client Evaluation of Self and Treatment Intake. Bivariate analyses were conducted to examine characteristics associated with past 30‐day consumption of supersized alcopops.

Results

Past 30‐day consumption of supersized alcopops was significantly associated with higher scores for hostility and risk‐taking, and lower scores on the self‐esteem scale compared to nonconsumers. Recent consumption of supersized alcopops was also significantly associated with past 30‐day homelessness and current gang affiliation. Among those who did not experience homelessness, 11% consumed supersized alcopops, compared to 30% of those who experienced homelessness. Further, 11% of those who were not gang‐affiliated reported consuming a supersized alcopop within the past 30 days, compared to 57% of those who were gang‐affiliated.

Discussion

This study identifies disparate consumption of dangerous supersized alcopop products by vulnerable and at‐risk groups. Better regulation of supersized alcopop marketing is needed to reduce alcohol consumption among high‐risk groups, including people who are homeless and gang members, and display greater hostility and risk‐taking traits. Previous research suggests that reducing the alcohol by volume and increasing the retail price of supersized alcopops would reduce some of the harms associated with consumption.
Is laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) for gastric subepithelial tumor at the esophagogastric junction safe?
Authors: Ri Motonari , Nunobe Souya , Makuuchi Rie , Ida Satoshi , Kumagai Koshi , Ohashi Manabu , Sano Takeshi
Published: October 2020

Introduction

With technique improvements, indications for laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) for gastric subepithelial tumor (SET) are gradually expanding for tumors technically difficult to resect. However, surgical outcomes of LECS, including for esophagogastric junction (EGJ) tumors requiring advanced skills, remain unknown.

Methods

We reviewed patients in whom LECS had initially been attempted for gastric SET at the Cancer Institute Hospital in Tokyo from June 2006 to May 2018. Indications for LECS at the EGJ have gradually expanded during the study period to include tumors with esophageal invasion up to 2 cm, or less than half the EJG circumference, preoperatively. Surgical outcomes and risk factors for conversion to other procedures were investigated.

Results

Twenty (9.3%) of the 214 total patients had EGJ tumors. Four patients (20%) with EGJ tumors developed postoperative complications (Clavien‐Dindo grade ≥ II). Among 12 patients in whom LECS could be completed for EGJ tumors, only one non‐serious complication occurred. Eight patients required conversion to another operation for EGJ tumors (two laparotomy, six proximal gastrectomy). Among conversion cases with EGJ tumors, anastomotic leakage occurred in both patients undergoing laparotomy after LECS, necessitating additional defect closure. There was only one non‐serious complication in six proximal gastrectomy patients. On multivariate analysis, EGJ tumor was an independent risk factor for conversion to another operation.

Conclusion

LECS at the EGJ may be a risk factor for conversion operation, and when performing LECS at the EGJ is difficult, conversion to proximal gastrectomy, which can be performed safely, should be considered.
Finite element method for nerve root decompression in minimally invasive endoscopic spinal surgery
Authors: Kitahama Yoshihiro , Ohashi Hiroyuki , Namba Hiroki , Sakai Katsuhiko , Shizuka Hiroo , Miyake Hideaki
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Diagnosis is the key to improving spinal surgery outcomes. Improvements in the diagnosis of radiculopathy have created new indications for full‐endoscopic spine surgery. We assessed the finite element method (FEM) to visualize and digitize lesions not detected by conventional diagnostic imaging.

Methods

We used FEM in two patients: a lumbar patient and a cervical patient. The lumbar patient was a 67‐year‐old woman with a history of rheumatoid arthritis; she also had osteoporosis and pulmonary fibrosis. She had left L3 radiculopathy due to an L3 vertebral fracture. The cervical patient was a 61‐year‐old woman with left C6 radiculopathy due to C5‐C6 disc herniation. We performed full endoscopic foraminotomy per the patients's request. Based on preoperative and postoperative CT Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine data of 0.5‐mm slices, 3‐D imaging data were reproduced, and kinetic simulation of FEM was performed.

Results

Postoperatively, both patients’ radiculopathy disappeared, improving their activities of daily living and enabling them to walk and work. Also, the total contact area and maximum contact pressure of the nerve tissue decreased from 30% to 80% and from 33% to 67%, respectively.

Conclusions

A new method for perioperative evaluation and simulation, FEM can be to visualize and digitize the conditions of the lesion causing radiculopathy. FEM that can overcome both time and economic constraints in routine clinical practice is needed.
Epigenetic inactivation of IRX4 is responsible for acceleration of cell growth in human pancreatic cancer
Authors: Chakma Kanchan , Gu Zhaodi , Abudurexiti Yakefujiang , Hata Tatsuo , Motoi Fuyuhiko , Unno Michiaki , Horii Akira , Fukushige Shinichi
Published: October 2020

Epigenetic gene silencing by aberrant DNA methylation is one of the important mechanisms leading to loss of key cellular pathways in tumorigenesis. Methyl‐CpG‐targeted transcriptional activation (MeTA) reactivates hypermethylation‐mediated silenced genes in a different way from DNA‐demethylating agents. Microarray coupled with MeTA (MeTA‐array) identified seven commonly hypermethylation‐mediated silenced genes in 12 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell lines. Among these, we focused on IRX4 (Iroquois homeobox 4) because IRX4 is located at chromosome 5p15.33 where PDAC susceptibility loci have been identified through genome‐wide association study. IRX4 was greatly downregulated in all of the analyzed 12 PDAC cell lines by promoter hypermethylation. In addition, the IRX4 promoter region was found to be frequently and specifically hypermethylated in primary resected PDACs (18/28: 64%). Reexpression of IRX4 inhibited colony formation and proliferation in two PDAC cell lines, PK‐1 and PK‐9. In contrast, knockdown of IRX4 accelerated cell proliferation in an IRX4‐expressing normal pancreatic ductal epithelial cell line, HPDE‐1. Because IRX4 is a sequence‐specific transcription factor, downstream molecules of IRX4 were pursued by microarray analyses utilizing tetracycline‐mediated IRX4 inducible PK‐1 and PK‐9 cells; CRYAB, CD69, and IL32 were identified as IRX4 downstream candidate genes. Forced expression of these genes suppressed colony formation abilities for both PK‐1 and PK‐9. These results suggest that DNA methylation‐mediated silencing of IRX4 contributes to pancreatic tumorigenesis through aberrant transcriptional regulation of several cancer‐related genes.
Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B disrupts nasal epithelial barrier integrity
Authors: Martens Katleen , Seys Sven F. , Alpizar Yeranddy A. , Schrijvers Rik , Bullens Dominique M. A. , Breynaert Christine , Lebeer Sarah , Steelant Brecht
Published: October 2020

Background

Staphylococcus aureus colonization and release of enterotoxin B (SEB) has been associated with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). The pathogenic mechanism of SEB on epithelial barriers, however, is largely unexplored.

Objective

We investigated the effect of SEB on nasal epithelial barrier function.

Methods

SEB was apically administered to air‐liquid interface (ALI) cultures of primary polyp and nasal epithelial cells of CRSwNP patients and healthy controls, respectively. Epithelial cell integrity and tight junction expression were evaluated. The involvement of Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) activation was studied in vitro with TLR2 monoclonal antibodies and in vivo in tlr2−/− knockout mice.

Results

SEB applied to ALI cultures of polyp epithelial cells decreased epithelial cell integrity by diminishing occludin and zonula occludens (ZO)‐1 protein expression. Antagonizing TLR2 prevented SEB‐induced barrier disruption. SEB applied in the nose of control mice increased mucosal permeability and decreased mRNA expression of occludin and ZO‐1, whereas mucosal integrity and tight junction expression remained unaltered in tlr2−/− mice. Furthermore, in vitro SEB stimulation resulted in epithelial production of IL‐6 and IL‐8, which was prevented by TLR2 antagonization.

Conclusion & Clinical relevance

SEB damages nasal polyp epithelial cell integrity by triggering TLR2 in CRSwNP. Our results suggest that SEB might represent a driving factor of disease exacerbation, rather than a causal factor for epithelial defects in CRSwNP. Interfering with TLR2 triggering might provide a way to avoid the pathophysiological consequences of S. aureus on inflammation in CRSwNP.
Possible association between early formula and reduced risk of cow’s milk allergy: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Tezuka Junichiro , Sanefuji Masafumi , Ninomiya Takahito , Kawahara Takahiro , Matsuzaki Hiroshi , Sonoda Yuri , Ogawa Masanobu , Shimono Masayuki , Suga Reiko , Honjo Satoshi , Kusuhara Koichi , Ohga Shouichi ,   The Japan Environment, Children’s Study (JECS) Group
Published: October 2020

Background

Despite evidence for the protective effects of early regular exposure to peanut and egg proteins against allergies, the optimal timing of cow's milk (CM) protein exposure is unknown.

Objective

We aimed to determine when during the first year of life CM‐based formula consumption becomes associated with lower CM allergy (CMA) risk.

Methods

We used the data set of the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS), a nationwide birth cohort involving over 100 000 mother‐child pairs. CMA was defined as an allergic reaction to a CM product in an individual not consuming CM products at the time of evaluation, combined with physician‐diagnosed food allergy. For each exposure, we identified when formula milk was commenced, and its consumption status during 0‐3, 3‐6 and 6‐12 months old.

Results

The prevalence of CMA was 0.23% and 1.03% at 6 and 12 months old, respectively. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that introducing regular consumption of formula within the first 3 months of age was associated with lower risk of CMA at 12 months. Regular consumption at 3‐6 months was strongly associated with a reduction in 12‐month CMA (adjusted relative risks [95% confidence intervals]: 0.22 [0.12‐0.35]), whereas no association was observed at 0‐3 months (1.07 [0.90‐1.27]).

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Regular exposure to formula milk at age 3 months or older is associated with lower CMA at 12 months old, suggesting that the effect of very early CM exposure on CMA may disappear if the exposure is brief. At present, however, the results of this observational study should not be used for formula recommendation and randomized controlled trials are required to confirm this association.
Outcomes and surgical complications following living‐donor renal transplantation using kidneys retrieved with trans‐peritoneal or retro‐peritoneal hand‐assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy
Authors: Favi Evaldo , Iesari Samuele , Catarsini Nivia , Sivaprakasam Rajesh , Cucinotta Eugenio , Manzia Tommaso , Puliatti Carmelo , Cacciola Roberto
Published: October 2020

The best minimally invasive procedure for living‐donor kidney retrieval remains debated. Our objective was to assess trans‐peritoneal (TP) and retro‐peritoneal (RP) hand‐assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDN). In this single‐center retrospective study, we analyzed results from 317 living‐donor renal transplants (RT) performed between 2008 and 2016. Donor and recipient outcomes were compared between TP‐HALDN (n = 235) and RP‐HALDN (n = 82). Conversion to open nephrectomy (0.4% vs 0%;P = 1.000), intra‐operative complications (1.7% vs 1.2%;P = 1.000), and 1‐year overall post‐operative complications (11.9% vs 17.1%;P = .258) rates were similar in TP‐HALDN and RP‐HALDN. Overall surgical site infections were higher in RP‐HALDN (6.1% vs 1.7%;P = .053), whereas incisional hernias were only recorded following TP‐HALDN (3.4% vs 0%;P = .118). The duration of the procedure was 11‐minute shorter for TP‐HALDN than RP‐HALDN (P < .001) but extraction time was equivalent (2, IQR 1.5‐2.5 minutes;P = 1.000). RT following TP‐HALDN and RP‐HALDN showed comparable one‐year death‐censored allograft survival (97% vs 98.8%;P = .685), primary non‐function (0.4% vs 0%;P = .290), delayed graft function (1.3% vs 4.9%;P = .077), and urological complications (2.6% vs 4.9%;P = .290) rates. In our series, donor and recipient outcomes were not substantially affected by the approach used for donor nephrectomy. TP‐HALDN and RP‐HALDN were both safe and effective.
Polygenic risk heterogeneity among focal epilepsies
Authors: Gramm Marie , Leu Costin , Pérez‐Palma Eduardo , Ferguson Lisa , Jehi Lara , Daly Mark J. , Najm Imad M. , Busch Robyn M. , Lal Dennis
Published: October 2020

Focal epilepsy (FE) is clinically highly heterogeneous. It has been shown recently that not only rare but also a subset of common genetic variants confer risk for FE. The relatively modest power of genetic studies in FE suggests a high genetic heterogeneity of FE when grouped as one disorder. We hypothesize that the clinical heterogeneity of FE is correlated with genetic heterogeneity on a common risk variant level. To test the hypothesis, we used an FE polygenic risk score “FE‐PRS” that combines small effect sizes of thousands of common variants from the largest FE‐GWAS (genome‐wide association study) into a single measure. We grouped 414 individuals with FE according to common clinical features into subgroups, either by one feature at a time or by all features combined in a cluster analysis. We examined their association with FE‐PRS compared to 20 435 matched population controls and observed heterogeneous FE‐PRS burden among the subgroups. The highest phenotypic variance explained by FE‐PRS was identified in a cluster analysis–defined FE subgroup where all individuals had unknown etiologies and psychiatric comorbidities, and the majority had early onset seizures. Our results indicate that genetic factors associated with FE have differential burden among FE subtypes. Future studies using better‐powered FE‐PRS might have clinical utility.
The combined use of salivary biomarkers and clinical parameters to predict the outcome of scaling and root planing: A cohort study
Authors: Liu Yiying , Duan Dingyu , Ma Rui , Ding Yi , Xu Yi , Zhou Xuedong , Zhao Lei , Xu Xin
Published: October 2020

Aim

To explore the application of the combined use of baseline salivary biomarkers and clinical parameters in predicting the outcome of scaling and root planing (SRP).

Materials and methods

Forty patients with advanced periodontitis were included. Baseline saliva samples were analysed for interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), matrix metalloproteinase‐8 and the loads of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Tannerella forsythia. After SRP, pocket closure and further attachment loss at 6 months post‐treatment were chosen as outcome variables. Models to predict the outcomes were established by generalized estimating equations.

Results

The combined use of baseline clinical attachment level (CAL), site location and IL‐1β (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.764) better predicted pocket closure than probing depth (AUC = 0.672), CAL (AUC = 0.679), site location (AUC = 0.654) or IL‐1β (AUC = 0.579) alone. The combination of site location, tooth loss, percentage of deep pockets, detection of A. actinomycetemcomitans and T. forsythia load (AUC = 0.842) better predicted further clinical attachment loss than site location (AUC = 0.715), tooth loss (AUC = 0.530), percentage of deep pockets (AUC = 0.659) or T. forsythia load (AUC = 0.647) alone.

Conclusion

The combination of baseline salivary biomarkers and clinical parameters better predicted SRP outcomes than each alone. The current study indicates the possible usefulness of salivary biomarkers in addition to tooth‐related parameters in predicting SRP outcomes.
De‐mystifying the “Mixifusor”
Authors: Absalom Anthony R. , Rigby‐Jones Ann E. , Rushton Andrew R. , Robert Sneyd J.
Published: October 2020

Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) using a mixture of propofol and remifentanil in the same syringe has become an accepted technique in Pediatric Anesthesia. A survey by a group of respected UK anesthetists demonstrated a low incidence of serious complications, related to the pharmacology and dose of the drugs. However, a current guideline for the safe use of TIVA recommends against this practice. Pharmaceutical concerns include the physical stability of the emulsion when remifentanil is mixed with propofol; changes in drug concentration over time; nonuniform mixing of propofol and remifentanil; the risk of bacterial contamination; and the potential for drug administration errors. Propofol and remifentanil have markedly different pharmacokinetic profiles. When remifentanil is mixed with propofol and delivered as a target‐controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol, remifentanil delivery is not target‐controlled but passively follows the variable infusion rates calculated by the syringe driver to deliver predicted plasma or effect‐site concentrations of propofol. The pharmacokinetic consequences can be illustrated using pharmacokinetic modeling similar to that used in TCI pumps. The clinical consequences reflect the dose‐dependent pharmacodynamics of remifentanil. Increasing the target propofol concentration produces a rapid increase and peak in remifentanil concentration that risks apnea, bradycardia, and hypotension, especially with higher concentrations of remifentanil. The faster decline in remifentanil concentration with falling propofol concentrations risks inadequate narcosis and unwanted responses to surgical stimuli. Remifentanil delivery is inflexible and dosing cannot be adjusted to the clinical need and responses of individual patients. The medicolegal considerations are stark. In UK and EU Law, mixing propofol and remifentanil creates a new, unlicensed drug and the person mixing takes on the responsibilities of manufacturer. If a patient receiving anesthesia in the form of a mixed propofol‐remifentanil infusion suffered a critical incident or actual harm, the clinician's practice may come under scrutiny and criticism, potentially involving a legal challenge and the Medical Regulator.
Arthroscopic removal of a solitary osteochondroma interfering with the podotrochlear apparatus in a foal
Authors: Ysebaert Machiel P. , Johnson Jessica P. , Abbas Ghazanfar , Cavalcante Paulo Henrique , King Rodney , Oikawa Masa , Puchalski Sarah , David Florent
Published: October 2020

Objective

To report the diagnostics, surgical treatment, and outcome of a juvenile foal with solitary osteochondroma (SO) interfering with the podotrochlear apparatus.

Study design

Case report

Animal

One 36‐day‐old Arabian colt.

Methods

Clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic, computed tomographic, and histopathologic examinations were required to characterize and treat an SO located at the palmar aspect of the diaphysis of the second phalanx of the left forelimb. This SO caused severe distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) inflammation, marked interference with the podotrochlear apparatus, and associated lameness.

Results

Despite the small size of the foal's foot, complete resection of the SO was possible via palmar DIPJ arthroscopy by using motorized equipment. Full resolution of the lameness was achieved within 3 months of surgery.

Conclusion

Atypical SO located on the palmar aspect of the second phalanx can cause marked nonseptic inflammation of the DIPJ and interference with the podotrochlear apparatus and should be considered among the differential diagnoses for severe lameness in juvenile foals. Arthroscopic resection of the SO led to an excellent outcome.
The "Spirits" of Terrorism and (Digital) Insecurity in the Global Pandemic Era
Authors: Buoncompagni Giacomo
Published: October 2020

The Coronavirus pandemic and the anti-contagion restrictions adopted by governments around the world, as well as the strong media representations of the disease and deaths in hospitals have meant for many vulnerable and at risk subjects (the elderly, women, children, immigrants), already victims of violence, an aggravation of their personal problems. Some people have faced a double fear and a double enemy: Covid 19 on the outside and the context of unease and violence in which they live from the inside. According to a United Nations report, the forced quarantine that has forced tens of millions of people into their homes for weeks has caused an increase in abuse and violence against the most vulnerable people. The stress of the quarantine and the uncertainty of losing one's job have also worsened due to the tensions linked to economic uncertainties and the pandemic. The result: increased global tension and insecurity, increased cases of social injustice and the awakening of some forms of symbolic and political violence, also visible in digital environments. The following document will explore some cases mainly related to social and digital (in) security, terrorism in today's health emergency and the idea of a pandemic as a cultural trauma.
Analysis and Control of an In-Pipe Wheeled Robot With Spiral Moving Capability
Authors: Yeh T.-J. , Weng Tzu-Hsiang
Published: October 2020

This article presents analysis and control of a wheeled robot that can move spirally inside the pipeline. The wheeled robot considered is composed of two mechanical bodies, a pair of differential-drive wheels, a lifting motor, and a steering wheel. The mechatronic design allows the robot to easily press against the inner wall and spiral along pipelines of arbitrary inclination angles. Kinematic analysis shows how the lead angle of the differential-drive wheels and the steering angle should be coordinated so as to achieve stable spiraling. The steady-state force analysis further gives an analytic expression for the threshold torque needed for supporting the robot at different inclination angles. To ensure successful operation of the robot, four control systems that respectively regulate the spiraling speed, the lifting torque, the steering angle, and the lead angle are devised. Particularly for the lead angle control, it is theoretically proved that the feedback measurement can be obtained by performing algebraic operation on signals from a multi-axis gyro. A prototype robot is constructed and is controlled based on the analysis results. Experiments are conducted to verify the robot’s performance on moving spirally in pipelines of different inclination angles.
A Newly Designed ZnO/CdS/CuO:Co Solar Cell and Its Performance
Authors: Nkhaili L. , El Aakib H. , Liang C.-T. , Narjis A. , AitDads H. , El Kissani A. , Outzourhit A.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a ZnO/CdS/CuO:Co solar cell was prepared on a glass/indium oxide (ITO) substrate. First, we use RF-sputtering to deposit the window (ZnO) layer by optimizing the oxygen pressure while keeping the RF power at 200 W. Fourier transform infrared and X-ray reflectometry spectra were carried out, and it is found that 30% of O2 is the optimal percentage to obtain the best density and the best refractive index for the ZnO layer. The CdS layer was then deposited by the sol–gel method to align the energy bands, and a layer of CuO:Co with a thickness of 750 nm was deposited, also by reactive RF-sputtering technique. Finally, the electrical contacts were made by depositing circular silver electrodes. The obtained photovoltaic activity of device confirms that the aforementioned method is promising for further future optimizations.
Circadian disruption promotes tumor-immune microenvironment remodeling favoring tumor cell proliferation
Authors: Aiello I. , Fedele M. L. Mul , Román F. , Marpegan L. , Caldart C. , Chiesa J. J. , Golombek D. A. , Finkielstein C. V. , Paladino N.
Published: October 2020

Circadian disruption promotes tumor growth by changes in circadian rhythms of immune cells, clock genes, and cell cycle genes.
The support of genetic evidence for cardiovascular risk induced by antineoplastic drugs
Authors: Cui Hui , Zuo Shengkai , Liu Zipeng , Liu Huanhuan , Wang Jianhua , You Tianyi , Zheng Zhanye , Zhou Yao , Qian Xinyi , Yao Hongcheng , Xie Lu , Liu Tong , Sham Pak Chung , Yu Ying , Li Mulin Jun
Published: October 2020

The present study establishes a compendium of genetic evidence that support antineoplastic-induced cardiovascular risk.
cGAS suppresses genomic instability as a decelerator of replication forks
Authors: Chen Hao , Chen Hao , Zhang Jiamin , Wang Yumin , Simoneau Antoine , Yang Hui , Levine Arthur S. , Zou Lee , Chen Zhijian , Lan Li
Published: October 2020

cGAS controls replication dynamics and suppresses replication-associated DNA damage.
Getting to the heart of bone loss
Authors: Rodell Christopher B.
Published: October 2020

Heart attack leads to systemic bone loss in mice, indicating fracture risk as a clinical comorbidity of heart attack.
Draft Genome Sequence of Chromobacterium violaceum RDN09, Isolated from a Patient with a Wound Infection in Bangladesh
Authors: Mazumder Razib , Abdullah Ahmed , Hussain Arif , Ahmed Dilruba , Mondal Dinesh
Published: October 2020

Chromobacterium violaceum
is an emerging environmental opportunistic pathogen that causes life-threatening infections in humans. Here, we describe the draft genome sequence of
Chromobacterium violaceum
RDN09, isolated from the infected wound of an adult male patient in Bangladesh. The genome assembly consists of 4,736,739 bp spread across 84 contigs.
mSphere of Influence: Learning from Nature—Antibody Profiles Important for Protection of Young Infants
Authors: Ndungo Esther
Published: October 2020

Esther Ndungo works in the field of maternal-infant immunity against enteric pathogens. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on how the paper “Fc glycan-mediated regulation of placental antibody transfer” by Jennewein et al. (M. F. Jennewein, I. Goldfarb, S. Dolatshahi, C. Cosgrove, et al., Cell 178:202–215.e14, 2019,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2019.05.044
) impressed upon her the value of thinking “outside the box” and looking to nature to guide her research.
Infiltrating pattern and prognostic value of tertiary lymphoid structures in resected non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Zhang Wu-Hu , Wang Wen-Quan , Han Xuan , Gao He-Li , Xu Shuai-Shuai , Li Shuo , Li Tian-Jiao , Xu Hua-Xiang , Li Hao , Ye Long-Yun , Lin Xuan , Wu Chun-Tao , Long Jiang , Yu Xian-Jun , Liu Liang
Published: October 2020

Background

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are associated with favorable survival and play a critical role in most solid tumors. However, investigations of TLS are lacking in patients with grade 1 or grade 2 (G1/G2) non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PanNETs). This study aimed to investigate the presence, cellular composition, association with tumor-infiltrating immune cells, and prognostic value of TLS in G1/G2 NF-PanNETs.

Methods

Tumor tissues from a 182-patient Fudan cohort and a 125-patient external validation set were assessed by H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, and/or multispectral fluorescent immunohistochemistry.

Results

TLS were identified in more than one-third of patients with G1/G2 NF-PanNETs and were located peritumorally, either just outside the tumor tissue or in the stromal area. TLS were mainly composed of B-cell follicles with germinal centers and T-cell zones with dendritic cells. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that the presence of TLS correlated with both longer recurrence-free survival (RFS, p<0.001) and overall survival (OS, p=0.001), but the number of TLS had no prognostic significance. Multivariate Cox-regression analyses demonstrated that the presence of TLS, WHO classification, and 8th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC8th) tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage were independent prognostic factors for RFS (p=0.004, p=0.001, and p<0.001, respectively) and OS (p=0.009, p=0.008, and p=0.019, respectively). These results were confirmed using an external validation set. Finally, a nomogram incorporating the presence of TLS was constructed to predict the probability of 5-year RFS of resected G1/G2 NF-PanNETs, which improved on the current WHO classification and AJCC8th TNM stage.

Conclusions

The presence of TLS is an independent and favorable predictor of resected G1/G2 NF-PanNETs, which may play a role in cancer immunobiology.
Clinical effectiveness of different natalizumab interval dosing schedules in a large Italian population of patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Chisari Clara Grazia , Grimaldi Luigi Maria , Salemi Giuseppe , Ragonese Paolo , Iaffaldano Pietro , Bonavita Simona , Sparaco Maddalena , Rovaris Marco , D'Arma Alessia , Lugaresi Alessandra , Ferrò Maria Teresa , Grossi Paola , Di Sapio Alessia , Cocco Eleonora , Granella Franco , Curti Erica , Lepore Vito , Trojano Maria , Patti Francesco
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Natalizumab (NTZ) is one of the most effective treatment options for multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. Our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of NTZ when administered according to the extended dosing strategy compared with standard 4-weekly administration in a large Italian MS population.

Materials and methods

This retrospective multicentre study included patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS) who received NTZ administrations between the 1 June 2012 and the 15 May 2018 and were followed by the ‘Italian MS Register’. All patients with MS were stratified into two groups based on NTZ administration schedule: standard interval dosing (SID) patients who received infusions on average from 28 to 32 days (median 30) and extended interval dosing (EID) including patients who have been infused with interval between 33 and 49 days (median 43). Clinical data were assessed at baseline (before starting NTZ), after 12 (T1) and 24 months (T2) of treatment.

Results

Out of 5231 patients with RR-MS screened, 2092 (mean age 43.2±12.0, 60.6% women) were enrolled. A total of 1254 (59.9%) received NTZ according to SID, and 838 (40.1%) according to EID. At 12 and 24 months, no differences in terms of annualised relapse rate and disability status were found between the two groups. Progression index and confirmed disability worsening were similar between the two groups.

Discussion

The use of NTZ with an extended interval schedule showed similar effectiveness compared with SID. Unchanged clinical efficacy of EID schedule may raise the question of a possible advantage in terms of tolerability and safety.
Quantum Fisher information in massless scalar field with a boundary
Authors: Huang Zhiming
Published: October 2020

We explore the changes of Quantum Fisher information (QFI) for an uniformly accelerating atom coupling to fluctuating massless scalar field with a perfectly reflecting boundary. We first deduce the master equation that the system obeys. For the unbounded case, the vacuum fluctuation and Unruh thermal bath can rapidly degrade the QFI. However, with a boundary, the degradation, preservation, fluctuation and enhancement of QFI are dependent on the evolution time, boundary and acceleration. In addition, the existing boundary can effectively shield QFI from the influence of the vacuum fluctuation and Unruh thermal effect. Especially, the QFI seems to be unaffected by the vacuum fluctuation and acceleration when the atom is very close to the boundary. The efficient control of the boundary and acceleration can provide the feasible scheme of improving the parameter estimation precision.
Shape coding in occipito-temporal cortex relies on object silhouette, curvature, and medial axis
Authors: Papale Paolo , Leo Andrea , Handjaras Giacomo , Cecchetti Luca , Pietrini Pietro , Ricciardi Emiliano
Published: October 2020

There are several possible ways of characterizing the shape of an object. Which shape description better describes our brain responses while we passively perceive objects? Here, we employed three competing shape models to explain brain representations when viewing real objects. We found that object shape is encoded in a multidimensional fashion and thus defined by the interaction of multiple features.
Association between Circulating B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Cross-Sectional Study of a Chinese Type 2 Diabetic Population
Authors: Yan Pijun , Wan Qin , Zhang Zhihong , Xu Yong , Miao Ying , Chen Pan , Gao Chenlin
Published: October 2020

Cardiovascular disease which is associated with cardiac dysfunction, usually measured with circulating levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), has been associated with incidence and progression of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). The potential relationship of circulating physiological levels of BNP with DPN, however, has not been reported. Circulating levels of BNP were measured in 258 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and participants were divided into a DPN group (

n
=
61

) and no DPN group (

n
=
197

). The relationship between circulating physiological levels of BNP and DPN and other parameters was analyzed. Circulating levels of BNP were significantly elevated in T2DM patients with DPN compared to those without (

P
=
0.001

). Circulating levels of BNP were significantly and positively associated with systolic blood pressure (

P
=
0.035

), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (

P
=
0.007

), creatinine (

P
=
0.030

), vibration perception threshold values (

P
=
0.021

), and the prevalence of diabetic foot ulceration (

P
=
0.039

), peripheral arterial disease (

P
=
0.013

), DPN (

P
=
0.032

), and diabetic nephropathy (

P
=
0.020

) and negatively with lymphocyte count (

P
=
0.003

) and ankle-brachial index (

P
=
0.038

), irrespective of age, sex, and body mass index. Moreover, circulating levels of BNP was an independent decisive factor for the presence of DPN after multivariate adjustment (odds ratio, 1.044; 95% confidence interval, 1.006-1.084;

P
=
0.024

). Additionally, the higher quartiles of circulating BNP were related significantly to an increased risk of DPN compared to the lowest quartile (

P
=
0.003

). Last but most importantly, the analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves revealed that the best cutoff value for circulating levels of BNP to predict DPN was 15.18 pg/mL (sensitivity 78.7% and specificity 48.2%). These findings suggest that high circulating physiological levels of BNP may be associated with the development of DPN and may be a potential biomarker for DPN in patients with T2DM.