bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Latest result of solar neutrino analysis in Super-Kamiokande
Authors: Nakano Yuuki 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Super-Kamiokande (SK), a 50 kton water Cherenkov detector in Japan, is observing neutrinos and searching for proton decay and neutrino produced by dark matter. In solar neutrino analysis, SK studies the effects of both the solar and terrestrial matter density on neutrino oscillations: a distortion of the solar neutrino energy spectrum would be caused by the edge of the Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein resonance in the solar core, and terrestrial matter effects would induce a day/night solar neutrino flux asymmetry. The installation of new front-end electronics in 2008 marks the beginning of the 4th phase of SK (SK-IV). On 2018 May, we finished taking data of SK-IV and started the refurbishment work in order to clean the inside of the detector and to seal the water tank to prevent water tank toward SK-Gd. In this proceedings, we overview the latest solar neutrino results in SK-IV, for example, the precise measurement of 8B solar neutrino flux, its energy spectrum and oscillation parameters. In addition, we discuss the future prospect of the new phase of SK-V.
Collagen, polycaprolactone and attapulgite composite scaffolds for in vivo bone repair in rabbit models
Authors: Zhao Hongbin , Zhang Xiaoming , Zhou Dong , Weng Yiping , Qin Wen , Pan Fang , Lv Songwei , Zhao Xiubo 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Although numerous materials have been explored as bone scaffolds, many of them are limited by their low osteoconductivity and high biodegradability. Therefore, new materials are desired to induce bone cell proliferation and facilitate bone formation. Attapulgite (ATP) is a hydrated silicate that exists in nature as a fibrillar clay mineral and is well known for its large specific surface area, high viscosity, and high absorption capacity, and therefore has the potential to be a new type of bone repair material due to its unique physicochemical properties. In this study, composite scaffolds composed of collagen/polycaprolactone/attapulgite (CPA) or collagen/polycaprolactone (CP) were fabricated through a salt-leaching method. The morphology, composition, microstructure, physical, and mechanical characteristics of the CPA and CP scaffolds were assessed. Cells from the mouse multipotent mesenchymal precursor cell line (D1 cells) were cocultured with the scaffolds, and cell adhesion, proliferation, and gene expression on the CPA and CP scaffolds were analyzed. Adult rabbits with radius defects were used to evaluate the performance of these scaffolds in repairing bone defects over 4–12 weeks. The experimental results showed that the cells demonstrated excellent attachment ability on the CPA scaffolds, as well as remarkable upregulation of the levels of osteoblastic markers such as Runx2, Osterix, collagen 1, osteopontin, and osteocalcin. Furthermore, results from radiography, micro-computed tomography, histological and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that abundant new bones were formed on the CPA scaffolds. Ultimately, these results demonstrated that CPA composite scaffolds show excellent potential in bone tissue engineering applications, with the capacity to be used as effective bone regeneration and repair scaffolds in clinical applications.
Merely Possessing a Placebo Analgesic Improves Analgesia Similar to Using the Placebo Analgesic
Authors: Wai-Lan Yeung Victoria , Geers Andrew L , Colloca Luana 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Placebo analgesia studies generally reported that the actual use of a placebo analgesic reduces pain. Yeung, Geers, and Kam found that the mere possession (without use) of a placebo analgesic also reduces pain.

Purpose
We investigated the relative effectiveness of using versus possessing a placebo analgesic on pain outcomes.

Methods
In Study 1a, 120 healthy adults were randomized to either the experimental (EXP) conditions (EXP1: used a placebo analgesic cream, EXP2: possessed a placebo analgesic cream) or control (CO) conditions (CO1: possessed a sham cream, CO2: no cream). All participants underwent a cold pressor test (CPT). Study 1b further delineated the effect of possession from the effect of use. Sixty healthy adults were randomized to either the placebo-possession condition (merely possessed a placebo analgesic cream) or the placebo-possession-use condition (possessed and used a placebo analgesic cream). All participants did a CPT.

Results
In Study 1a, as expected, a placebo effect was found—participants who used a placebo analgesic cream showed better pain outcomes than the two CO groups. Surprisingly, participants who merely possessed a placebo analgesic cream performed equally well as those who actually used it. In Study 1b, participants in the two conditions did not differ in most pain outcomes. Participants who possessed and used a placebo analgesic cream only showed slightly more reduction in pain intensity compared to participants who merely possessed the placebo analgesic cream.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that merely possessing a placebo analgesic could enhance pain outcomes similar to that of applying the placebo analgesic.
Race and Gender Differences in the Association Between Experiences of Everyday Discrimination and Arterial Stiffness Among Patients With Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Bromfield Samantha G , Sullivan Samaah , Saelee Ryan , Elon Lisa , Lima Bruno , Young An , Uphoff Irina , Li Lian , Quyyumi Arshed , Bremner J Douglas , Vaccarino Viola , Lewis Tené T 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundSelf-reported experiences of discrimination have been linked to indices of cardiovascular disease. However, most studies have focused on healthy populations. Thus, we examined the association between experiences of everyday discrimination and arterial stiffness among patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI).PurposeWe hypothesized that higher reports of discrimination would be associated with greater arterial stiffness and that associations would be more pronounced among Black women, in particular, relative to other race–gender groups, using an “intersectionality” perspective.MethodsData were from 313 participants (49.2% female, mean age: 50.8 years) who were 6 months post-MI in the Myocardial Infarction and Mental Stress 2 study. Data were collected via self-reported questionnaires, medical chart review, and a clinic visit during which arterial stiffness was measured noninvasively using pulse wave velocity.ResultsReports of discrimination were highest in Black men and women and arterial stiffness was greatest in Black and White women. After adjustment for demographics and relevant clinical variables, discrimination was not associated with arterial stiffness in the overall study sample. However, discrimination was associated with increased arterial stiffness among Black women but not White women, White men, or Black men.ConclusionsDespite no apparent association between discrimination and arterial stiffness in the overall study sample, further stratification revealed an association among Black women but not other race–gender groups. These data not only support the utility of an intersectionality lens but also suggest the importance of implementing psychosocial interventions and coping strategies focused on discrimination into the care of clinically ill Black women.
iWhale: a computational pipeline based on Docker and SCons for detection and annotation of somatic variants in cancer WES data
Authors: Binatti Andrea , Bresolin Silvia , Bortoluzzi Stefania , Coppe Alessandro 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Whole exome sequencing (WES) is a powerful approach for discovering sequence variants in cancer cells but its time effectiveness is limited by the complexity and issues of WES data analysis. Here we present iWhale, a customizable pipeline based on Docker and SCons, reliably detecting somatic variants by three complementary callers (MuTect2, Strelka2 and VarScan2). The results are combined to obtain a single variant call format file for each sample and variants are annotated by integrating a wide range of information extracted from several reference databases, ultimately allowing variant and gene prioritization according to different criteria. iWhale allows users to conduct a complex series of WES analyses with a powerful yet customizable and easy-to-use tool, running on most operating systems (macOs, GNU/Linux and Windows).
iWhale code is freely available at https://github.com/alexcoppe/iWhale and the docker image is downloadable from https://hub.docker.com/r/alexcoppe/iwhale.
Quantitative and Qualitative QC of Next-Generation Sequencing for Detecting Somatic Variants: An Example of Detecting Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential
Authors: Min Young Kyu , Lee Young Kee , Nam Seong-Hyeuk , Kim Jae Kyung , Park Kyung Sun , Kim Jong-Won 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Because next-generation sequencing (NGS) for detecting somatic mutations has been adopted in clinical fields, both qualitative and quantitative QC of the somatic variants through whole coding regions detected by NGS is crucial. However, specific applications or guidelines, especially for quantitative QC, are currently insufficient. Our goal was to devise a practical approach for both quantitative and qualitative QC using an example of detecting clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP).

Methods
We applied the QC scheme using commercial reference materials and in-house QC materials (IQCM) composed of haplotype map and cancer cell lines for monitoring CHIP.

Results
This approach efficiently validated a customized CHIP NGS assay. Accuracy, analytical sensitivity, analytical specificity, qualitative precision (concordance), and limit of detection achieved were 99.87%, 98.53%, 100.00%, 100.00%, and 1.00%, respectively. The quantitative precision analysis also had a higher CV percentage at a lower alternative read depth (R2 = 0.749∼0.858). Use of IQCM ensured more than 100-fold reduction in the cost per run compared with that achieved using commercial reference materials.

Conclusion
Our approach determined the general analytical performance of NGS for detecting CHIP and recognized limitations such as lower precision at a lower level of variant burden. This approach could also be theoretically expanded to a general NGS assay for detecting somatic variants. Considering the reliable NGS results and cost-effectiveness, we propose the use of IQCM for QC of NGS assays at clinical laboratories.
Critical examination of mechanisms underlying the reduction in heart failure events with SGLT2 inhibitors: identification of a molecular link between their actions to stimulate erythrocytosis and to alleviate cellular stress
Authors: Packer Milton 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce the risk of serious heart failure events, even though SGLT2 is not expressed in the myocardium. This cardioprotective benefit is not related to an effect of these drugs to lower blood glucose, promote ketone body utilization or enhance natriuresis, but it is linked statistically with their action to increase haematocrit. SGLT2 inhibitors increase both erythropoietin and erythropoiesis, but the increase in red blood cell mass does not directly prevent heart failure events. Instead, erythrocytosis is a biomarker of a state of hypoxia mimicry, which is induced by SGLT2 inhibitors in manner akin to cobalt chloride. The primary mediators of the cellular response to states of energy depletion are sirtuin-1 and hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF-1α/HIF-2α). These master regulators promote the cellular adaptation to states of nutrient and oxygen deprivation, promoting mitochondrial capacity and minimizing the generation of oxidative stress. Activation of sirtuin-1 and HIF-1α/HIF-2α also stimulates autophagy, a lysosome-mediated degradative pathway that maintains cellular homoeostasis by removing dangerous constituents (particularly unhealthy mitochondria and peroxisomes), which are a major source of oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte dysfunction and demise. SGLT2 inhibitors can activate SIRT-1 and stimulate autophagy in the heart, and thereby, favourably influence the course of cardiomyopathy. Therefore, the linkage between erythrocytosis and the reduction in heart failure events with SGLT2 inhibitors may be related to a shared underlying molecular mechanism that is triggered by the action of these drugs to induce a perceived state of oxygen and nutrient deprivation.
Slow versus fast rewarming after hypothermic circulatory arrest: effects on neuroinflammation and cerebral oedema
Authors: Linardi Daniele , Walpoth Beat , Mani Romel , Murari Angela , Tessari Maddalena , Hoxha Stiljan , Anderloni Marco , Decimo Ilaria , Dolci Sissi , Nicolato Elena , Bontempi Pietro , Merigo Flavia , Luciani Giovanni B , Faggian Giuseppe , Rungatscher Alessio 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOBJECTIVESAmong the factors that could determine neurological outcome after hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) rewarming is rarely considered. The optimal rewarming rate is still unknown. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of 2 different protocols for rewarming after HCA on neurological outcome in an experimental animal model.METHODSForty-four Sprague Dawley rats were cooled to 19 ± 1°C body core temperature by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). HCA was maintained for 60 min. Animals were randomized to receive slow (90 min) or fast (45 min) assisted rewarming with CPB to a target temperature of 35°C. After a total of 90 min of reperfusion in both groups, brain samples were collected and analysed immunohistochemically and with immunofluorescence. In 10 rats, magnetic resonance imaging was performed after 2 and after 24 h to investigate cerebral perfusion and cerebral oedema.RESULTSInterleukin 6, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and tumour necrosis factor α in the hippocampus are significantly less expressed in the slow rewarming group, and microglia cells are significantly less activated in the slow rewarming group. Magnetic resonance imaging analysis demonstrated better cerebral perfusion and less water content in brains that underwent slow rewarming at 2 and 24 h.CONCLUSIONSSlow rewarming after HCA might be superior to fast rewarming in neurological outcome. The present experimental study demonstrated reduction in the inflammatory response, reduction of inflammatory cell activation in the brain, enhancement of cerebral blood flow and reduction of cerebral oedema when slow rewarming was applied.
Current trends of sutureless and rapid deployment valves: an 11-year experience from the Sutureless and Rapid Deployment International Registry
Authors: Berretta Paolo , Arzt Sebastian , Fiore Antonio , Carrel Thierry P , Misfeld Martin , Teoh Kevin , Villa Emmanuel , Albertini Alberto , Fischlein Theodor , Martinelli Gianluca , Shrestha Malak , Savini Carlo , Miceli Antonio , Santarpino Giuseppe , Andreas Martin , Mignosa Carmelo , Phan Kevin , Meuris Bart , Solinas Marco , Yan Tristan , Di Eusanio Marco 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Current evidence on sutureless and rapid deployment aortic valve replacement (SURD-AVR) is limited and does not allow for the assessment of the clinical impact and the evolution of procedural and clinical outcomes of this new valve technology. The Sutureless and Rapid Deployment International Registry (SURD-IR) represents a unique opportunity to evaluate the current trends and outcomes of SURD-AVR interventions.

METHODS
Data from 3682 patients enrolled between 2007 and 2018 were analysed. Patients were divided according to the date of surgery into 6 equal groups and by the type of intervention: isolated SURD-AVR (n = 2472) and combined SURD-AVR (n = 1086).

RESULTS
Across the 11-year study period, significant changes occurred in patient characteristics including a decrease in age and in estimated surgical risk. Less invasive approaches for isolated SURD-AVR increased considerably from 49.4% to 85.5%. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 1.6% and 3.9% in isolated and combined procedures, respectively, with no change over time. The rate of perioperative stroke decreased significantly (from 4% to 0.5%), as did the rates of postoperative pacemaker implantation (from 12.8% to 5.9%) and aortic regurgitation (from 17.8% to 2.7%).

CONCLUSIONS
The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current trends and results of SURD-AVR interventions. The most notable changes over time were the increasing implantation of SURD valves in a younger population, with more frequent utilization of less invasive techniques. SURD-AVR demonstrated remarkable improvements in clinical outcomes with a significant reduction in the rates of stroke, pacemaker implantation and postoperative aortic regurgitation.
Evaluation of Current Tarnished Plant Bug (Hemiptera: Miridae) Thresholds in Transgenic MON 88702 Cotton Expressing the Bt Cry51Aa2.834_16 Trait
Authors: Corbin J C , Towles T B , Crow W D , Catchot A L , Cook D R , Dodds D M , Gore J 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), is an important pest of cotton in many areas of the southern United States. An experiment was conducted at two locations in Mississippi during 2016 and 2017 to evaluate action thresholds for tarnished plant bug on a novel Bacillus thuringiensis cotton that expresses the Cry51Aa2.834_16 toxin. Treatments included the current action threshold, a 2× threshold, and treatments where insecticides were only applied during the early season (preflower) or only during late season (during flowering) based on the current action thresholds. These were compared to an untreated control and a weekly insecticide use regime that received weekly insecticide sprays. All treatments were imposed on both Bt Cry1Aa2.834_16 cotton and a nontraited cotton. The Bt Cry1Aa2.834_16 trait reduced the number of tarnished plant bugs and injury, and improved yields compared to nontraited cotton. For all spray treatments except the weekly insecticide use regime, yields were greater for the Bt Cry51Aa2.834_16 cotton than the nontraited cotton. In terms of thresholds, Bt Cry1Aa2.834_16 cotton sprayed based on current action thresholds resulted in similar yields to the weekly insecticide use regime of both cotton types. In contrast, the 2× threshold resulted in lower yields than the current threshold for both cotton types. Though thresholds intermediate to the currently recommended action threshold and the 2× threshold were not tested, these data suggest that currently recommended action thresholds appear appropriate for Bt Cry51Aa2.834_16 cotton. These results suggest that this trait will be an important component of current IPM programs in cotton where tarnished plant bug is an important pest.
Modeling Alternative Collaborative Governance Network Designs: An Agent-Based Model of Water Governance in the Lake Champlain Basin, Vermont
Authors: Bitterman Patrick , Koliba Christopher J 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWith the widespread use of collaborative governance mechanisms for mitigating water pollution, an opportunity exists to test alternative institutional designs based on collaborative governance theory using computer simulation models, particularly when there is a clear relationship between governance networks, observable resource allocation decisions, and measurable outcomes. This is especially the case for wicked problems like nonpoint source water pollution where there are compelling questions regarding how best to design policies, allocate funds, and build administrative capacity to meet water quality standards. We present an agent-based model (ABM) of water governance for the Lake Champlain Basin to simulate the impacts of alternative collaborative governance arrangements on the development of suites of water quality projects. The ABM is connected or coupled with land use and phosphorus load accumulation models that are informed by existing hydrologic models, project datasets, and state-set load reduction targets. We find that regionally arranged collaborative governance in water quality project planning and implementation can lead to better water quality outcomes, thereby affirming one of the central premises of collaborative governance regime theory. We also find that externally mandated collaboration, as opposed to voluntary, self-initiated collaboration, can lead to better water quality outcomes, adding to our understanding of which type of collaborative governance arrangement is best suited to the specific contexts of this case. Further, without adequate administrative capacity in the form of human resources located in central network actors to manage project funds, “administrative bottlenecks” may form and money can go unspent. This research demonstrates the efficacy of using simulations of alternative institutional design for theory testing and tuning, and policy prototyping.
Missed opportunity of deworming a Maasai boy from nomadic family leading to life threatening intestinal obstruction
Authors: Pyuza Jeremia J , Andongolile Alice A , Issangya Christain E , Msuya David , Yahaya James J , Shao Elichilia R , Mremi Alex R 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Mass deworming against soil-transmitted helminthiasis, including Ascaris lumbricoides (AL), is one of the largest public health interventions in low- and middle-income countries. The prevalence of A. lumbricoides in Tanzania is 6.8%. We present a 3-year-old male of a known Tanzanian nomadic tribe (Masaai tribe) with history of missed deworming, who was brought to the emergency department with a 3-day history of constipation, nonprojectile, bilious vomiting, generalized abdominal distension and pain.

He was diagnosed with intestinal obstruction by the use of a plain abdominal X-ray, which revealed marked gaseous distension of the stomach and bowels without significant air-fluid levels. He was initially treated with intravenous ceftriaxone 50 mg/kg, metronidazole 15 mg/kg and acetaminophen 15 mg/kg. An explorative laparotomy was then performed. Intraoperative findings demonstrated a dense collection of A. lumbricoides worms in the gangrenous proximal jejunum and duodenum. Thorough abdominal lavage was carried out and abdomen was closed.
Reduced-port laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis in pregnancy
Authors: Hata Tsuyoshi , Hayashi Nobuyasu , Urabe Shoichiro , Hayashi Koji , Nakagawa Tomo , Michiura Toshiya , Yamabe Kazuo 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Current guidelines indicate that laparoscopic appendectomies are safe for pregnant patients with acute appendicitis. Recently, single- and reduced-port laparoscopic surgeries have gained popularity for nonpregnant patients, because they minimize abdominal wall trauma. Here, we describe a reduced-port laparoscopic appendectomy (RPLA) in a 31-year-old pregnant female performed at 27 weeks gestational age. Preoperative abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography imaging showed an inflamed, swollen appendix and blood test results showed elevations in the white blood cell count and the C-reactive protein level. Accordingly, acute appendicitis was diagnosed. A surgical incision was performed at the umbilicus with an EZ-access device; an additional 5-mm trocar was placed at the right lower quadrant. Recovery was uneventful. The patient was discharged 8 days postoperatively. A vaginal delivery was achieved at term. The RPLA was a good surgical option for minimizing surgical invasiveness, without increasing the technical difficulty, in conditions where the uterus and fetus are growing.