bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
5 GHz high gain slotted SIW epsilon near zero antenna array for wireless communications
Authors: George Dibin Mary , Chandroth Aanandan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
New types of antennas such as Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) antennas are being used for high frequency applications. In this paper, the development of an array of novel slotted SIW epsilon near zero (ENZ) antenna is presented. Due to the limited fabrication facilities, the study is conducted in the 5 GHz band. The effective permittivity falls to zero at the cut off frequency of the waveguide. This impact is utilized to make an effective ENZ material in an ENZ super tunnelling waveguide. The design of 1 × 2, 1 × 4 antenna array is presented. The design of microstrip power dividers for feeding the array element is discussed. The presented antenna array achieve higher gain than the previously designed antennas. The prototype of the 1 × 4 SIW ENZ antenna array is fabricated and the measurement results are compared with the simulated studies. This work pertains to investigation on the array of SIW antennas for millimetre wave applications.
Longitudinal plasma p-tau217 is increased in early stages of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Mattsson-Carlgren Niklas , Janelidze Shorena , Palmqvist Sebastian , Cullen Nicholas , Svenningsson Anna L , Strandberg Olof , Mengel David , Walsh Dominic M , Stomrud Erik , Dage Jeffrey L , Hansson Oskar 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPlasma levels of tau phosphorylated at threonine-217 (p-tau217) is a candidate tool to monitor Alzheimer’s disease. We studied 150 cognitively unimpaired participants and 100 patients with mild cognitive impairment in the Swedish BioFINDER study. P-tau217 was measured repeatedly for up to 6 years (median three samples per person, median time from first to last sample, 4.3 years). Preclinical (amyloid-β-positive cognitively unimpaired, n = 62) and prodromal (amyloid-β-positive mild cognitive impairment, n = 49) Alzheimer’s disease had accelerated p-tau217 compared to amyloid-β-negative cognitively unimpaired (β  =  0.56, P &lt; 0.001, using linear mixed effects models) and amyloid-β-negative mild cognitive impairment patients (β  =  0.67, P &lt; 0.001), respectively. Mild cognitive impairment patients who later converted to Alzheimer’s disease dementia (n = 40) had accelerated p-tau217 compared to other mild cognitive impairment patients (β  =  0.79, P &lt; 0.001). P-tau217 did not change in amyloid-β-negative participants, or in patients with mild cognitive impairment who did not convert to Alzheimer’s disease dementia. For 80% power, 109 participants per arm were required to observe a slope reduction in amyloid-β-positive cognitively unimpaired (71 participants per arm in amyloid-β-positive mild cognitive impairment). Longitudinal increases in p-tau217 correlated with longitudinal worsening of cognition and brain atrophy. In summary, plasma p-tau217 increases during early Alzheimer’s disease and can be used to monitor disease progression.
Maturation of the Olfactory Sensory Neuron and Its Cilia
Authors: McClintock Timothy S , Khan Naazneen , Xie Chao , Martens Jeffrey R 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) are bipolar neurons, unusual because they turn over continuously and have a multiciliated dendrite. The extensive changes in gene expression accompanying OSN differentiation in mice are largely known, especially the transcriptional regulators responsible for altering gene expression, revealing much about how differentiation proceeds. Basal progenitor cells of the olfactory epithelium transition into nascent OSNs marked by Cxcr4 expression and the initial extension of basal and apical neurites. Nascent OSNs become immature OSNs within 24–48 h. Immature OSN differentiation requires about a week and at least 2 stages. Early-stage immature OSNs initiate expression of genes encoding key transcriptional regulators and structural proteins necessary for further neuritogenesis. Late-stage immature OSNs begin expressing genes encoding proteins important for energy production and neuronal homeostasis that carry over into mature OSNs. The transition to maturity depends on massive expression of one allele of one odorant receptor gene, and this results in expression of the last 8% of genes expressed by mature OSNs. Many of these genes encode proteins necessary for mature function of axons and synapses or for completing the elaboration of non-motile cilia, which began extending from the newly formed dendritic knobs of immature OSNs. The cilia from adjoining OSNs form a meshwork in the olfactory mucus and are the site of olfactory transduction. Immature OSNs also have a primary cilium, but its role is unknown, unlike the critical role in proliferation and differentiation played by the primary cilium of the olfactory epithelium’s horizontal basal cell.
Pro-calcifying analysis of uraemic serum from patients treated with medium cut-off membrane in a prospective, cross-over study
Authors: Ciceri Paola , Tettamanti Giorgia , Galassi Andrea , Magagnoli Lorenza , Fabresse Nicolas , Alvarez Jean-Claude , Massy Ziad A , Messa Piergiorgio , Cozzolino Mario 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
The retention of a large number of solutes that are normally excreted or metabolized by the kidney is responsible for the symptoms typical in uraemic patients. These molecules are defined as uraemic toxins and can be classified into three groups: small water-soluble molecules, middle molecules and protein-bound toxins. Recently, efforts were put towards developing dialysis membranes that allow the removal of large middle molecules without clinically relevant albumin loss. These membranes are the medium cut-off (MCO) membranes that allow the removal of middle molecules up to ∼50 000 Da.

Methods
We performed a prospective, open-label, controlled, cross-over pilot study comparing expanded haemodialysis (HDx) (novel MCO membrane Theranova 400) and conventional haemodialysis (HD) in 20 prevalent HD patients. Ten patients used conventional HD high-flux dialyser and 10 patients used HDx for 3 months; later the patients switched and received the other treatment for a further 3 months. We then analysed the pro-calcifying effect of uraemic serum in a model of high phosphate(Pi)–induced calcification in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).

Results
In this study, every patient was the control of himself and, interestingly, we found a tendency of less pro-calcifying potential from HDx-treated patients’ serum compared with HD. Studying pathogenetic processes involved in high Pi–induced calcium deposition, we found that uraemic serum of HDx-treated patients induced less VSMC necrosis compared with uraemic serum of HD patients. Nevertheless, no differences were found between the different dialytic treatments in the serum potential to induce apoptosis and to modulate the expression of a panel of genes involved in VSMC simil-osteoblastic differentiation such as bone morphogenetic protein 2, runt-related transcription factor 2, osteocalcin, matrix Gla protein, osteopontin, elastin and collagen I α1. In an effort to characterize the difference in uraemic toxin profile during the two different dialytic treatments, we measured a panel of 10 uraemic toxins and 3 precursors, finding a significant increased removal during HDx of 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furanpropanoic acid, tryptophane and some of its metabolites, such as 3-indoxyl sulphate, indole 3-acetic acid and kynurenine.

Conclusions
These preliminary data are promising, although larger patients’ groups are needed to better understand the effects of HDx on vascular calcification.
Biological Variation of Cardiac Troponins in Health and Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Diaz-Garzon Jorge , Fernandez-Calle Pilar , Sandberg Sverre , Özcürümez Mustafa , Bartlett William A , Coskun Abdurrahman , Carobene Anna , Perich Carmen , Simon Margarita , Marques Fernando , Boned Beatriz , Gonzalez-Lao Elisabet , Braga Federica , Aarsand Aasne K ,   the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) Working Group on Biological Variation and Task Group for the Biological Variation Database
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Many studies have assessed the biological variation (BV) of cardiac-specific troponins (cTn), reporting widely varying within-subject BV (CVI) estimates. The aim of this study was to provide meta-analysis-derived BV estimates for troponin I (cTnI) and troponin T (cTnT) for different sampling intervals and states of health.

Methods
Relevant studies were identified by a systematic literature search. Studies were classified according to their methodological quality by the Biological Variation Data Critical Appraisal Checklist (BIVAC). Meta-analyses of BIVAC-compliant studies were performed after stratification by cTn isoform, exclusion of results below the limit of detection, states of health, and sampling interval to deliver reference change values (RCV), index of individuality (II) and analytical performance specifications (APS) for these settings.

Results
Sixteen and 15 studies were identified for cTnI and cTnT, respectively, out of which 6 received a BIVAC grade A. Five studies had applied contemporary cTnI assays, but none contemporary cTnT. High-sensitivity (hs-) cTnI and cTnT delivered similar estimates in all settings. Long-term CVI estimates (15.1; 11.3%) derived from healthy individuals were higher than short-term (4.3%; 5.3%) for hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT, respectively, although confidence intervals overlapped. Estimates derived from diseased subjects were similar to estimates in healthy individuals for all settings.

Conclusions
This study provides robust estimates for hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT applicable for different clinical settings and states of health, allowing for the use of RCV both to aid in the diagnosis of myocardial injury and for prognosis. BV-based APS appear too strict for some currently available technologies.
Impact of Diet on Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms: An Adolescent Viewpoint
Authors: Zangara Megan T , Bhesania Natalie , Liu Wei , Cresci Gail A M , Kurowski Jacob A , McDonald Christine 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Dietary modification shows promise as therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, it is unknown whether adolescents are interested in a dietary approach.

Methods
Cross-sectional survey of adolescents with IBD ages 14–21 on disease knowledge, dietary habits, and perceptions of diet therapy.

Results
A total of 132 subjects (48.5% female), mean age of 17.8 years and median disease length of 5 years (range 0, 16), completed the survey. Diet was perceived as a symptom trigger by 59.8% of subjects, and 45.4% had tried using diet as a treatment for symptom resolution, often without physician supervision and with limited success. Subjects experiencing active disease symptoms as determined by Manitoba IBD Index were more likely to be currently modifying their diet compared to subjects without active disease symptoms (odds ratio = 4.11, confidence interval = 1.58, 10.73, P = 0.003).

Conclusions
Adolescents with IBD perceive a relationship between diet and disease symptoms and are interested in dietary modification as a symptom management option.
The age of randomized clinical trials: three important aspects of randomized clinical trials in cardiovascular pharmacotherapy with examples from lipid, diabetes, and antithrombotic trials
Authors: Drexel Heinz , Lewis Basil S , Rosano Giuseppe M C , Saely Christoph H , Tautermann Gerda , Huber Kurt , Dopheide Joern F , Kaski Juan Carlos , Mader Arthur , Niessner Alexander , Savarese Gianluigi , Schmidt Thomas A , Semb AnneGrete , Tamargo Juan , Wassmann Sven , Per Kjeldsen Keld , Agewall Stefan , Pocock Stuart J 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This review article aims to explain the important issues that data safety monitoring boards (DSMB) face when considering early termination of a trial and is specifically addressed to the needs of clinical and research cardiologists. We give an insight into the overall background and then focus on the three principal reasons for stopping trials, i.e. efficacy, futility, and harm. The statistical essentials are also addressed to familiarize clinicians with the key principles. The topic is further highlighted by numerous examples from lipid trials and antithrombotic trials. This is followed by an overview of regulatory aspects, including an insight into industry–investigator interactions. To conclude, we summarize the key elements that are the basis for a decision to stop a randomized clinical trial (RCT).
IDseq—An open source cloud-based pipeline and analysis service for metagenomic pathogen detection and monitoring
Authors: Kalantar Katrina L , Carvalho Tiago , de Bourcy Charles F A , Dimitrov Boris , Dingle Greg , Egger Rebecca , Han Julie , Holmes Olivia B , Juan Yun-Fang , King Ryan , Kislyuk Andrey , Lin Michael F , Mariano Maria , Morse Todd , Reynoso Lucia V , Cruz David Rissato , Sheu Jonathan , Tang Jennifer , Wang James , Zhang Mark A , Zhong Emily , Ahyong Vida , Lay Sreyngim , Chea Sophana , Bohl Jennifer A , Manning Jessica E , Tato Cristina M , DeRisi Joseph L 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has enabled the rapid, unbiased detection and identification of microbes without pathogen-specific reagents, culturing, or a priori knowledge of the microbial landscape. mNGS data analysis requires a series of computationally intensive processing steps to accurately determine the microbial composition of a sample. Existing mNGS data analysis tools typically require bioinformatics expertise and access to local server-class hardware resources. For many research laboratories, this presents an obstacle, especially in resource-limited environments.

Findings
We present IDseq, an open source cloud-based metagenomics pipeline and service for global pathogen detection and monitoring (https://idseq.net). The IDseq Portal accepts raw mNGS data, performs host and quality filtration steps, then executes an assembly-based alignment pipeline, which results in the assignment of reads and contigs to taxonomic categories. The taxonomic relative abundances are reported and visualized in an easy-to-use web application to facilitate data interpretation and hypothesis generation. Furthermore, IDseq supports environmental background model generation and automatic internal spike-in control recognition, providing statistics that are critical for data interpretation. IDseq was designed with the specific intent of detecting novel pathogens. Here, we benchmark novel virus detection capability using both synthetically evolved viral sequences and real-world samples, including IDseq analysis of a nasopharyngeal swab sample acquired and processed locally in Cambodia from a tourist from Wuhan, China, infected with the recently emergent SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusion
The IDseq Portal reduces the barrier to entry for mNGS data analysis and enables bench scientists, clinicians, and bioinformaticians to gain insight from mNGS datasets for both known and novel pathogens.
Current status of cancer immunotherapy for gynecologic malignancies
Authors: Nishio Hiroshi , Iwata Takashi , Aoki Daisuke 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Recent cancer immunotherapy development with immune checkpoint inhibitors has shown durable clinical responses in a wide variety of tumor types. These drugs targeting programmed cell death 1, its ligand programmed death ligand 1 and cytotoxic T cell lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 have revolutionized the field of cancer treatment. It is of significant interest in optimizing the immunotherapy for cancer patients beyond the conventional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Many clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of various combined regimens with immune checkpoint inhibitors have been reported and are in progress. Among gynecologic malignancy, endometrial cancers have distinct subtypes with microsatellite instability-high status and polymerase ɛ mutation. These types have been shown to immunogenic tumors and appropriated candidate for immune checkpoint inhibitors. Also, recurrent cervical cancer showed a promising objective response with single anti-PD1 Ab treatment. Despite their definite outcome and considerable potential of immunotherapy, not all patients received a survival benefit and further understanding of human tumor immunology is essential to improve this type of therapy. In this review, we have summarized the updated results of clinical trials of cancer immunotherapy for gynecologic malignancies and discussed the future perspectives.
A Music Therapy Respite Program for Caregivers of Individuals With Memory Loss
Authors: Wellman Becky 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Music therapy has been a known positive and impactful intervention for adults with memory loss, but previous research and program reports have focused mainly on residents in long-term care facilities. In this study, a caregiver survey was utilized to learn how Music Therapy Respite, a community-based drop-in program, benefited caregivers and their care partner and if this changed based on attendance in a professionally led support group. One hundred twenty-eight surveys were collected over 23 sessions in a 4-month period. Survey results showed that stress and anxiety decreased and mood changed for the better for both caregivers and group participants, but attendance in the support group did not significantly impact these changes. Future research with more rigor, consistency, and additional measures such as changes in cognitive testing, and individual responses within sessions is needed to clearly define community-based benefit, needs, and full impact of music therapy for this population.
A forum on synthetic biology: meet the great challenges with new technology
Authors: Zhao Weijie 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Synthetic biology aims to redesign and reconstruct living systems for understanding life or for useful real-world applications. In the past two decades, scientists have been able to use engineered living systems to produce many kinds of products from bioplastics to drugs, to construct a minimal bacterium with a fully synthetic genome and to store huge amount of information within a cell. And in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world, the synthetic biology community became one of the major forces to develop effective diagnostic approaches as well as the drugs and vaccines, to rapidly cope with this great challenge with the state-of-the-art technologies in their hands. In this panel discussion held on 3rd August 2020, eleven pioneering synthetic biologists from six countries across four continents gathered to discuss the development trend, challenges and biosafety issues concerning synthetic biology.

George Church Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School and Professor of Health Sciences and Technology at Harvard and MIT, USA

Paul Freemont Professor of Structural Biology in the Department of Infectious Disease at Imperial College and a member of the Science Advisory Board of Tierra Biosciences, UK

Akihiko Kondo Professor in School of Science, Technology and Innovation, and Department of Chemical Science and Engineering at Kobe University, Japan

Christina Smolke Professor of Bioengineering and of Chemical Engineering at Stanford University and CEO of Antheia Inc., USA

Xian-En Zhang Professor at the Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Chenli Liu (Chair) Professor and Director of Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Jim Collins Termeer Professor of Medical Engineering & Science and Professor of Biological Engineering at MIT, USA

Jay Keasling Professor of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering at the University of California, Berkeley, USA

Sang Yup Lee Dean of KAIST Institutes and Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), South Korea

Claudia Vickers Director of the Future Science Platform in Synthetic Biology at Commonwealth Science and Industry Research Organization (CSIRO), Australia

Guoping Zhao Professor at the Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment in Older Persons With HIV
Authors: Sangarlangkarn Aroonsiri , Appelbaum Jonathan S 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWith increased longevity related to the advent of antiretroviral therapy, there are increasing proportions of older persons with HIV (PWH). Prior studies have demonstrated increased prevalence of geriatric syndromes in older PWH and recommended the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) in this population. However, there is currently no peer-reviewed literature that outlines how to perform the CGA in PWH in the clinical setting. In this article, we offer a review on how to perform the CGA in PWH, outline domains of the CGA and their importance in PWH, and describe screening tools for each domain focusing on tools that have been validated in PWH, are easy to administer, and/or are already commonly used in the field of geriatrics.
Phylogenetic Analysis Revealed the Dissemination of Closely Related EpidemicVibrio choleraeO1 Isolates in Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam
Authors: Morita Masatomo , Okada Kazuhisa , Yamashiro Tetsu , Sekizuka Tsuyoshi , Roobthaisong Amonrattana , Wongboot Warawan , Chantaroj Siriporn , Tu Nguyen Dong , Xangsayarath Phonepadith , Sithivong Noikaseumsy , Noilath Khambai , Vongdouangchanh Arounnapha , Kuroda Makoto , Hamada Shigeyuki , Izumiya Hidemasa , Ohnishi Makoto 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe performed whole-genome sequencing of Vibrio cholerae O1 isolates from Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, where cholera outbreaks occurred, to determine their genetic lineages. Core genome phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolates located in same lineage without regional clusters, which suggests that closely related strains circulated in Southeast Asia.