bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential Ability of Necrophagous Diptera to Colonize Concealed Resources: Empirical Evidence From a Field Experiment in Brazil
Authors: Barbosa Taciano M. , Jales Jessica T. , Vasconcelos Simão D. , Gama Renata A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractField studies in forensic entomology seem to assume that a cadaver is a resource equally accessible to flies, irrespective of the species’ size, behavior, and sensorial capacity. We aimed to challenge this assumption by experimentally manipulating baited traps in order to test whether the accessibility to decomposing baits is related to the following: (i) the diversity of necrophagous dipterans; (ii) the body size of adults; and (iii) the female sexual maturity stage. The experiment was performed in a rainforest fragment in Northeastern Brazil, in an area characterized by high levels of homicides. Traps baited with decomposing chicken liver had three levels of access: easy (six openings on the trap), intermediate (three), and difficult (one). A total of 750 adults of Calliphoridae, Fanniidae, Muscidae, Phoridae, and Sarcophagidae were collected. Of the 18 species recorded, Megaselia scalaris was the most abundant (46.8%) followed by Lucilia eximia (29.7%) and Chrysomya megacephala (9.8%). The number of species increased significantly with the accessibility level, but overall abundance did not differ, as a consequence of the numerical dominance of M. scalaris. A strong female bias (>91%) was observed in all traps. For Calliphoridae specimens, 90% of the females caught in traps under intermediate and difficult access were sexually mature. By empirically demonstrating that limitation of access and exclusion of visual stimuli do not deter several dipteran species from reaching a substrate, we expand the knowledge on the factors that can shape the colonization of concealed human cadavers, including variables such as insect size and stage of sexual maturity.
Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) for the Documentation of Saw Mark Characteristics
Authors: Martlin Britny , Rando Carolyn 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPhotography is widely accepted as a means of forensic case documentation and evaluation. In cases of criminal dismemberment digital microscopy is commonly used to assess marks left on the bone. Reflectance transformation imaging (RTI) is a computational photography technique which documents and enhances the three‐dimensional (3D) reflectance properties of the surface of an object. RTI has primarily been used in the cultural heritage sector but has recently transitioned into forensic science. This study examines the use of RTI for the documentation and presentation of cut surface characteristics on fully sectioned long bones. Juvenile pig radii were bisected using three different handsaws, chosen as handsaws are the most common implement used in criminal dismemberments. The resulting 42 cut surfaces were then documented with a digital microscope and RTI. Four rendering modes were applied to the default RTI image, with diffuse gain being the most beneficial to accentuate cut surface features. Although great care must be taken when obtaining the photographic sequences necessary for detailed RTI analysis, RTI is relatively inexpensive, expeditious, and easy to use, and creates highly detailed, virtually interactive images. RTI may not replace microscopic methods of saw mark analysis, however could prove useful for the documentation, image sharing, and presentation of forensic evidence.
A Holistic Multi‐Scale Approach to Using 3D Scanning Technology in Accident Reconstruction
Authors: Baier Waltraud , Donnelly Michael J. , Payne Mark , Williams Mark A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThree‐dimensional scanning and documentation methods are becoming increasingly employed by law enforcement personnel for crime scene and accident scene recording. Three‐dimensional documentation of the victim's body in such cases is also increasingly used as the field of forensic radiology and imaging is expanding rapidly. These scanning technologies enable a more complete and detailed documentation than standard autopsy. This was used to examine a fatal pedestrian‐vehicle collision where the pedestrian was killed by a van while crossing the road. Two competing scenarios were considered for the vehicle speed calculation: the pedestrian being projected forward by the impact or the pedestrian being carried on the vehicle's bonnet. In order to assist with this, the impact area of the accident vehicle was scanned using laser surface scanning, the victim was scanned using postmortem CT and micro‐CT and the data sets were combined to virtually match features of the vehicle to injuries on the victim. Micro‐CT revealed additional injuries not previously detected, lending support to the pedestrian‐carry theory.
Tuberculosis spondylitis in patients on hemodialysis: Clinical features, risk factors, and outcomes in 12 patients
Authors: Zhang Jianna , Zhang Ji , Sun Mei , Zhou Qiongxiu , Liu Yi , Chen Chaosheng , You Xiaohan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features, risk factors and outcomes of tuberculosis spondylitis (TBS) in patients on hemodialysis (HD). We systematically reviewed medical records from 12 HD patients with TBS admitted to our hospital from April 2008 to April 2018. A total of 120 age‐ and sex‐matched HD patients without infections were randomly selected as controls. The incidence of TBS in our patient group was 1.5/1000 per year. The average duration from initial symptoms to diagnosis was 45.4 days (range, 11‐180 days). Neurosurgery was performed in 4 (33.3%) patients. TBS was cured or improved in 11 (91.7%) patients. HD patients with TBS had significantly lower albumin and Hb levels than controls (P = .03 and P = .01). These findings indicated that lower albumin and Hb levels were possible risk factors for TBS in patients on HD, most HD patients with TBS had a good outcome after anti‐TB therapy with or without surgery.
The therapeutic benefits of combined sorafenib and transarterial chemoembolization for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lee Shou Wu , Lee Teng Yu , Peng Yen Chun , Yang Sheng Shun , Yeh Hong Zen , Chang Chi Sen 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveSystemic therapy, such as sorafenib, has been used clinically to treat patients with advanced stage or Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system (BCLC) stage C hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic benefit of combined sorafenib and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in this group of patients.MethodsData on patients with HCC at BCLC stage C from August 2012 to September 2017 were collected. Patients who were given sorafenib alone were classified as the monotherapy group and those taking sorafenib and TACE were classed as the combined therapy group.ResultsA total of 118 patients were enrolled. There were 65 and 53 patients in the monotherapy and the combined therapy group, respectively. The groups' general characteristics were similar. Compared with the monotherapy group the combined therapy group experienced prolonged time‐to‐progression (TTP) (mean 6.42 mo vs 3.63 mo, P = 0.003) and overall survival (OS) (mean 11.21 mo vs 5.98 mo, P = 0.001). A subgroup analysis found that patients with macroscopic vascular invasion (MVI) also had prolonged TTP and OS in the combined therapy group than the monotherapy group (mean TTP, 7.93 mo vs 3.43 mo, P = 0.007; mean OS, 13.41 mo vs 5.50 mo, P = 0.001), however, these significant differences did not exist for those with extrahepatic spread (EHS).ConclusionCombined sorafenib and TACE therapy has significant better outcomes than sorafenib alone in patients with stage C HCC, particularly those with MVI.
Genome‐wide association analyses based on whole‐genome sequencing of Protosalanx hyalocranius provide insights into sex determination of Salangid fishes
Authors: Li Yu‐Long , Xing Teng‐Fei , Liu Jin‐Xian 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIdentification of sex determination system and sex‐determining genes have important implications in conservation, ecology and evolution. However, much remains to be discovered about the evolution of different sexual determination systems in teleost fishes, of which the mechanisms of sex determination are remarkably variable. In the present study, the whole genomes of 20 males and 20 females of a Salangid fish, Protosalanx hyalocranius, were sequenced and genome wide association analyses were conducted to uncover its sex determination system and putative sex‐determining genes. A total of 150 SNPs were significantly associated with sex, which showed high differentiation between sexes (FST ranged from 0.245 to 0.556). Of the 150 sex‐associated SNPs, 76 SNPs displayed sex specificity with even coverage of depth and were female heterogametic, which suggested a ZZ/ZW sex determination system. Interestingly, one scaffold containing sex‐specific SNPs displayed synteny to the sex chromosome of medaka. Annotations of sex‐associated loci suggested that both transcriptional regulators (e.g., FOX genes) and secreted hormones and their receptors might be involved in the sex determination/differentiation of P. hyalocranius. More strikingly, we found a nonsense mutation in one copy of GALNT homology gene of all females, which suggested that “Z dosage” effect might play a vital role in the processes of sex determination/differentiation. These sex‐specific loci could be a valuable resource for further research on sex determination of Salangid fishes and the results could contribute to the understanding of sex determination mechanisms and the evolution of sex chromosome in teleost fishes.
Ultrasonography involvement of carotid, upper and lower limb arteries in a large cohort of systemic sclerosis patients
Authors: Caimmi Cristian , De Marchi Sergio , Bosello Silvia Laura , Giuggioli Dilia , Caramaschi Paola , Di Giorgio Angela , Spinella Amelia , Astorino Giulia , Canestrari Giovanni , Cocchiara Emanuele , Gremese Elisa , Viapiana Ombretta , Rossini Maurizio 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivesData on macrovascular involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) are still debatable. The aim of this study was to estimate its prevalence and possible determinants in a large cohort.MethodsOne hundred and fifty‐five outpatients with SSc were enrolled. Data about disease characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors were collected and patients underwent ecocolor Doppler ultrasonography of arteries of the neck and lower (LL) and upper (UL) limbs.ResultsMean age was 57.9 ± 14.5 years and most were female (88.4%) with a limited subset (63.2%). Mean disease duration was 11.4 ± 8.1 years. Twenty‐three (14.8%) had hypertension, 7 (4.8%) diabetes, 64 (41.3%) hypercholesterolemia and 63 (40.6%) were active/past smokers. Seventy‐nine (49%) patients had plaques at carotids, 49 (32.9%) at LL and 7 (4.9%) at UL. In multivariate analysis, patients with carotid plaques had more often a limited pattern (P = .001), patients with distal LL plaques pulmonary arterial hypertension (P = .006) and patients with proximal LL plaques lower diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide adjusted to hemoglobin and its ratio to alveolar volume (P = .004). In patients with UL plaques traditional cardiovascular risk factors were not more common, while forced vital capacity was lower (P = .023). Finally, upper limb and proximal LL plaques were as common in early disease patients as in longstanding ones, although the former were younger.ConclusionsThis study shows that macrovascular involvement is quite common in SSc and that some disease characteristics linked to microvascular involvement are associated with atherosclerotic plaques, which can be present even in early disease. Our study suggests that a complete evaluation of macrocirculation is mandatory for rheumatologists treating SSc patients.
Expression levels of a gene signature in hiPSC associated with lung adenocarcinoma stem cells and its capability in eliciting specific antitumor immune‐response in a humanized mice model
Authors: Wang Jingbo , Shao Lijuan , Wu Liujing , Ma Wei , Zheng Yuanyuan , Hu Chaofeng , Li Furong 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundPrevious studies have reported that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a key role in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and recurrence. CSC‐based vaccination confers better protection in tumor cells. However, isolation and cultivation of CSCs are difficult. This study aimed to explore the similarities between CSCs and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).MethodsALDH1+ cancer stem cells were isolated from lung adenocarcinoma patients and their gene expression patterns compared with human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). In addition, a tumor vaccine was developed using hiPSC and unmethylated cytosine‐guanine (CpG). Finally, the antitumor properties of the vaccine were evaluated in a humanized mouse model.ResultsPreimmunization of iPSC+CpG elicited stronger antigen presentation and cytotoxic T cell response which suppressed the growth of tumors. Adoptive transfer of spleen T cells from the vaccine preimmunized mice inhibited tumor growth in unvaccinated recipients without any side effects.ConclusionsThis study suggests a universal strategy for tumor therapy which simplifies future clinical procedures. Therefore, the application of hiPSC elicits tumor protective responses.
The state of bariatric dental care in Australia: a silent disability crisis?
Authors: Malik Z 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn the absence of dental related guidelines available in Australia specific to obesity and minimal awareness of the clinical implications on local dental practice, bariatric dental care can be perceived as a 'silent disability crisis'. This opinion piece and brief clinical note aims to question and raise awareness amongst dental professionals surrounding the current limited availability of bariatric dental chairs, difficulties in access, the safety of dental care delivery and ethical considerations for the dental management of people with obesity.
A hybrid of two major Blomia tropicalis allergens as an allergy vaccine candidate
Authors: da Silva Eduardo Santos , Aglas Lorenz , Pinheiro Carina Silva , de Andrade Belitardo Emília M. M. , Silveira Elisânia Fontes , Huber Sara , Torres Rogério Tanan , Wallner Michael , Briza Peter , Lackner Peter , Laimer Josef , Pacheco Luis Gustavo C. , Cruz Álvaro A. , Alcântara‐Neves Neuza Maria , Ferreira Fatima 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroductionAllergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT) represents a curative approach for treating allergies. In the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, Blomia tropicalis (Blo t 5 and Blo t 21) is the likely dominant source of indoor allergens.AimTo generate a hypoallergenic Blo t 5/Blo t 21 hybrid molecule that can treat allergies caused by B tropicalis.MethodsUsing in silico design of B tropicalis hybrid proteins, we chose two hybrid proteins for heterologous expression. Wild‐type Blo t 5/Blo t 21 hybrid molecule and a hypoallergenic version, termed BTH1 and BTH2, respectively, were purified by ion exchange and size exclusion chromatography and characterized by physicochemical, as well as in vitro and in vivo immunological, experiments.ResultsBTH1, BTH2 and the parental allergens were purified to homogeneity and characterized in detail. BTH2 displayed the lowest IgE reactivity that induced basophil degranulation using sera from allergic rhinitis and asthmatic patients. BTH2 essentially presented the same endolysosomal degradation pattern as the shortened rBlo t 5 and showed a higher resistance towards degradation than the full‐length Blo t 5. In vivo immunization of mice with BTH2 led to the production of IgG antibodies that competed with human IgE for allergen binding. Stimulation of splenocytes from BTH2‐immunized mice produced higher levels of IL‐10 and decreased secretion of IL‐4 and IL‐5. In addition, BTH2 stimulated T‐cell proliferation in PBMCs isolated from allergic patients, with secretion of higher levels of IL‐10 and lower levels of IL‐5 and IL‐13, when compared to parental allergens.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceBTH2 is a promising hybrid vaccine candidate for immunotherapy of Blomia allergy. However, further pre‐clinical studies addressing its efficacy and safety are needed.
Potential implications of COVID‐19 on the Canadian pork industry
Authors: McEwan Ken , Marchand Lynn , Shang Max , Bucknell Delia 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCanada and the United States have strong economic ties and form part of an integrated North American pork industry. Canada's pork industry is export‐oriented, and the United States represents a key market for both live pigs and pork. Pork value chain stakeholders include input suppliers, pig producers, transportation companies, slaughter plants, wholesalers, and retailers. There are three overriding areas of concern for the Canadian pork industry with respect to potential impacts of the current pandemic (COVID‐19). The first is Canada/US trade and the ability to continue exporting Canadian live pigs and pork to the United States. The second is labor and the impact of potential absenteeism on all sectors of the pork value chain. The third is global trade, because Canada's pork industry relies heavily on exporting pork to markets around the world.
The impact of COVID‐19 on the grains and oilseeds sector
Authors: Brewin Derek Gerald 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWhile downstream distribution and demand is likely to be hampered by the labor and income effects of COVID‐19, Canada is expected to produce over 88 million tons of grains and oilseeds in 2020. Canadians have valid concerns about delays related to their changing needs as millions move their purchases from food services to retail groceries, but they should not worry about our overall supply of calories. Despite some shortages, the supply chains for flour and cooking oil are not likely to be blocked for an extended period. Learning from the coordinated needs of the BSE crisis in the beef sector, the federal government developed Value Chain Roundtables in 2003, including one for grains. These roundtables bring together government and industry to tackle the issues that face each sector's major needs, including food safety, transportation infrastructure, and market access. A working group made up of various roundtable members was set up specifically to deal with COVID‐19‐related supply chain challenges. This gives both industry and government a venue to attack any choke point or breakdown within our agrifood supply chains—the exact response we need at this time. A preestablished forum for discussion of critical issues at these roundtables, assuming the right players are active and present, cannot hurt, but it would useful for future planners and researchers if the federal government could clarify any positive impact they have.
Healthcare use by children and young adults with cerebral palsy
Authors: Carter Bethan , Bennett C Verity , Jones Hywel , Bethel Jackie , Perra Oliver , Wang Ting , Kemp Alison 
Published: April 2020

AimTo link routinely collected health data to a cerebral palsy (CP) register in order to enable analysis of healthcare use by severity of CP.MethodThe Northern Ireland Cerebral Palsy Register was linked to hospital data. Data for those on the CP register born between 1st January 1981 and 31st December 2009 and alive in 2004 were extracted, forming a CP cohort (n=1684; 57% males, 43% females; aged 0–24y). Frequencies of healthcare events, and the reasons for them, were reported according to CP severity and compared with those without CP who had had at least one hospital attendance in Northern Ireland within the study period.ResultsCases of CP represented 0.3% of the Northern Ireland population aged 0 to 24 years but accounted for 1.6% of hospital admissions and 1.6% of outpatient appointments. They had higher rates of elective admissions and multi‐day hospital stays than the general population. Respiratory conditions were the most common reason for emergency admissions. Those with most severe CP were 10 times more likely to be admitted, and four times more likely to attend outpatients, than those with mild CP.InterpretationLinkage between a register and routinely collected healthcare data provided a confirmed cohort of cases of CP that was sufficiently detailed to analyse healthcare use by disease severity.
Retinal ganglion cell topography predicts visual field function in spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Jacobson Lena , Lennartsson Finn , Nilsson Maria 
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to identify and assess visual field defects caused by primary damage to the optic radiation in individuals with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Ten individuals with spastic CP (six females, four males, with a median age of 21 years [range 17–38y]) had their brain lesions documented with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion‐weighted MRI fibre tractography. Their macular ganglion cell layer (GCL) and inner plexiform layer (IPL) were examined with OCT and their visual fields were plotted. All participants had good visual acuity and were able to cooperate with the MRI and OCT examinations, as well as undergoing reliable perimetry. We found focal thinning of the GCL+IPL and corresponding homonymous visual field defects in individuals with brain damage affecting the optic radiation. We used GCL+IPL sector asymmetry as a sensitive OCT parameter to identify focal visual field defects. We observed no such sector asymmetry in GCL+IPL, or focal visual field defects, in individuals with normal MRI optic radiation imaging. Lesions affecting the optic radiation cause retrograde trans‐synaptic degeneration of retinal ganglion cells. OCT examination of the GCL in the macula identified corresponding focal damage to the optic radiation in individuals with spastic CP and can be used to predict focal visual field defects.What this paper adds

Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) may be associated with damage to the optic radiation.

Damage to the optic radiation causes retrograde trans‐synaptic degeneration (RTSD).

RTSD can be mapped using optical coherence tomography.

Ganglion cell topography can predict visual field defects in individuals with spastic CP.
COVID‐19 infection may cause ketosis and ketoacidosis
Authors: Li Juyi , Wang Xiufang , Chen Jian , Zuo Xiuran , Zhang Hongmei , Deng Aiping 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe present study included 658 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID‐19. Forty‐two (6.4%) out of 658 patients presented with ketosis on admission with no obvious fever or diarrhoea. They had a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 47.0 (38.0–70.3) years, and 16 (38.1%) were men. Patients with ketosis were younger (median age 47.0 vs. 58.0 years; P = 0.003) and had a greater prevalence of fatigue (31.0% vs. 10.6%; P < 0.001), diabetes (35.7% vs. 18.5%; P = 0.007) and digestive disorders (31.0% vs. 12.0%; P < 0.001). They had a longer median (IQR) length of hospital stay (19.0 [12.8–33.3] vs. 16.0 [10.0–24.0] days; P < 0.001) and a higher mortality rate (21.4% vs. 8.9%; P = 0.017). Three (20.0%) out of the 15 patients with diabetic ketosis developed acidosis, five patients (26.7%) with diabetic ketosis died, and one of these (25.0%) presented with acidosis. Two (7.4%) and four (14.3%) of the 27 non‐diabetic ketotic patients developed severe acidosis and died, respectively, and one (25.0%) of these presented with acidosis. This suggests that COVID‐19 infection caused ketosis or ketoacidosis, and induced diabetic ketoacidosis for those with diabetes. Ketosis increased the length of hospital stay and mortality. Meanwhile, diabetes increased the length of hospital stay for patients with ketosis but had no effect on their mortality.