bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GENETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY TO IBD OPERATES VIA CONTROL OF APICAL JUNCTIONAL COMPLEXES
Authors: Hébert-Milette Isabelle , Lévesque Chloé , Charron Guy , Rioux John 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Intestinal permeability is increased in unaffected 1st degree relatives of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and is considered a risk factor for the development of IBD, likely increasing the interactions between intestinal microorganisms and the immune system. We recently reported that C1orf106, a gene located within a genomic region associated with IBD, regulates epithelial permeability. We further demonstrated that a rare coding variant within C1orf106 (p.Y333F) decreases protein stability and that lower levels of C1orf106 protein leads altered stability of adherens junctions (AJ) and to an increase in epithelial permeability.

Hypothesis
In addition to altering AJ, we believe that C1orf106 is also involved in the regulation of tight junction (TJ) formation, which also impacts epithelial permeability.

Objectives
The objectives of the project are to (a) validate the impact of C1orf106 on tight junctions and (b) verify the impact of C1orf106 IBD-associated variants on intestinal barrier integrity.

Results
We observed that knocking down the expression of C1orf106 in Caco-2 cells leads to a number of phenotypes in human epithelial monolayer (2D) and spheroid (3D) cultures that are associated with alterations in TJs. Specifically, when studying the dynamic reformation of TJ in 2D cultures after transient withdrawal of calcium, which is required for TJ stability, we observed that lower levels of C1orf106 resulted in (1) decreased recovery of barrier function as measured by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER); (2) an alteration of tight junction protein localization; and (3) thickening of the circumferential actin belt. Moreover, in 3D cultures, we observed an altered spheroid formation associated with impaired epithelial polarization. In addition, our preliminary studies of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived epithelial cultures support that Y333F heterozygotes also have altered structure and function of their tight junctions.

Conclusion
Our observations indicate an important role of C1orf106 in apical junctional complex (AJC) formation likely mediated by a regulation of the circumferential actin belt. This can affect other functions of AJC, like the establishment of cell polarity. AJC formation is important for epithelial repair after an injury and its dysregulation impairs the formation of an impermeable epithelial barrier, which likely facilitates the passage of microorganisms and the induction and maintenance of intestinal inflammation.
NATIONWIDE ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF NAFLD ON CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN IBD PATIENTS
Authors: Noorian Shaya , Jeon Yejoo , Nguyen Minh Thu , Sauk Jenny , Limketkai Berkeley 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the fastest growing cause of chronic liver disease among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Studies have suggested that patients with IBD develop NAFLD with fewer metabolic risk factors than those without IBD. Data have also suggested associations between NAFLD and factors inherent to IBD such as disease activity, disease duration, and prior IBD surgery. Despite this complex relationship, the impact of NAFLD on clinical outcomes in IBD patients has not been examined on a large scale.

Methods
We performed a propensity-score matched study among hospitalized IBD patients using the Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2016–2017. ICD-10 codes were used to identify patients with IBD, NAFLD, and comorbidities. Patients with NAFLD were matched to those without NAFLD based on the following variables: age, sex, IBD type, metabolic syndrome (MS), and diabetes mellitus (DM). Cox regression was used to evaluate the primary outcomes of interest: readmission and death. Linear regression was used to evaluate healthcare utilization, including length of stay (LOS) and cost of care (COC). Multivariable models accounted for matched variables and adjusted for hospital characteristics, source of payment, patient income, and elective status of admissions. Statistical analyses accounted for the complex survey design.

Results
The prevalence of NAFLD in all hospitalized Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) was 2.4% and 2.1%, respectively. After matching based on predetermined variables, 11,497 patients with CD and 6,120 patients with UC were included in our study. NAFLD was associated with a higher risk of readmission for both CD (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.93–2.12, p&lt;0.001) and UC (HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.63–2.25, p&lt;0.001). No significant association was noted between NAFLD and death in CD (HR 1.59, 95% CI 0.86–2.94, p=0.141) or UC (HR 1.42, CI 0.68–2.97, p=0.35). For healthcare utilization, NAFLD was associated with a longer LOS by 0.69 days (95% CI 0.25–1.13 days, p=0.002) and 0.82 days (95% CI 0.31–1.32 days, p=0.002) in CD and UC respectively. Additionally, NAFLD was associated with a $7,322 higher COC (95% CI $2,295–12,349, p&lt;0.01) in CD and $11,272 (95% CI $4,155–18,388, p=0.02) in UC.

Conclusions
NAFLD is associated with higher readmission rates, longer lengths of stay, and higher costs of care in IBD patients. Identification and management of metabolic factors should be considered in the care of patients with IBD and future research should elucidate the roles of non-metabolic factors in the development of NAFLD, given the large impact of NAFLD on clinical outcomes in IBD.
PHOTOVOICE AS A TOOL TO IMPROVE PATIENT - PROVIDER COMMUNICAITON IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE CLNIIC: A PILOT OF FEASIBILITY STUDY
Authors: Gorbenko Ksenia , Riggs Alexa , Phlegar Sydney , Koeppel Brooke , Dubinsky Marla , Ungaro Ryan , Keefer Laurie 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Introduction
The emotional health of patients with IBD has been difficult to elucidate in routine IBD care, but is critical to medication adoption, adherence and self-management. Patients often are unsure how to communicate their preferences and concerns to their providers in ways that could directly inform shared decision making. Photovoice is an established research methodology used to give vulnerable patients a voice through alternative communication strategies, but has not been previously used in IBD.

Aim
Our goal was to determine the acceptability and feasibility of developing a communication tool using photovoice in an IBD clinic. The ultimate goal is to adapt Photovoice to facilitate doctor – patient communication around treatment and wellness goals in the clinic setting.

Methods
We recruited patients at a single tertiary care IBD center in 2019 to participate in a pilot Photovoice study. Patients received a digital camera, training on basic usage and 10 disease specific prompts focused on goals/strategies they used to manage IBD. For example, “What is the most important thing for your doctor to know about you?” Patients then participated in in-depth interviews where they shared the photos they took and described rationale for their photo choice. The interviews lasted approximately one hour and were audio recorded and professionally transcribed. Three analysts coded transcripts for themes using qualitative analysis software QSR NVivo 11. Subsequently, five physicians were recruited and also participated in in-depth interviews to gauge provider feasibility of incorporating Photovoice into clinical practice.

Results
Fifteen patients were enrolled, median age 28 IQR (24–40), 66% women, 86% white. Three patients (20%) identified as Hispanic and six (40%) identified as Ashkenazi Jewish. Fourteen transcripts were available for analysis (9 patient and 5 providers). A total of 87 photos were taken and reviewed with patients, with a subset of 15 photos reviewed with physicians. The general themes from patients were physical and psychological aspects of disease, logistical/practical aspects, and future with IBD. Physician response was overwhelmingly supportive of incorporating Photovoice into clinical practice and suggested several ways to incorporate: 1. As discrete parts of visits to foster goal-setting and identify patient priorities. 2. Displayed in the hallways of the clinic to foster community among patients. 3. As part of electronic medical records or as prompts in the waiting room to generate referrals to other resources like psychotherapy, social work and diet consults.

Conclusions
Photovoice is a feasible methodology for patients with IBD and acceptable to providers to use in a clinical setting. Photovoice may help providers identify patient concerns and tailor their communication and enhance approaches to shared decision making.
Robotic open-thoracotomy-view approach using vertical port placement and confronting monitor setting
Authors: Sakakura Noriaki , Nakada Takeo , Shirai Suguru , Takahara Hirotomo , Nakanishi Keita , Matsui Takuya , Ueno Harushi , Takahashi Yusuke , Kuroda Hiroaki 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Robotic lung resections (RLRs) are conventionally performed using look-up views of the thorax from the caudal side. To conduct RLR with views similar to those in open thoracotomy, we adopted a vertical port placement and confronting upside-down monitor setting, which we called robotic ‘open-thoracotomy-view approach’. We herein present our experience of this procedure.

METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed 58 patients who underwent RLR (43 with lobectomy; 15 with segmentectomy) with 3-arm open-thoracotomy-view approach using the da Vinci Surgical System between February 2019 and October 2020. The patient cart was rolled in from the left cranial side of the patient regardless of the side to be operated on. Robotic ports were vertically placed along the axillary line, and 2 confronting monitors and 2 assistants were positioned on each side of the patient. The right-side monitor, which was set up for the left-side assistant to view, projected the upside-down image of the console surgeon’s view.

RESULTS
All procedures were safely performed. The median duration of surgery and console operation was 215 and 164 min, respectively. Emergency conversion into thoracotomy and severe morbidities did not occur, and the median postoperative hospitalization duration was 3 days. In all procedures, the console surgeon and 2 assistants had direct ‘bird-eye’ views of the cranially located intrathoracic structures and instrument tips, which are sometimes undetectable with the conventional look-up view.

CONCLUSIONS
The open-thoracotomy-view approach setting is a possible option for RLR. It offers natural thoracotomy views and can circumvent some of the known limitations of the conventional procedure.
Improvement in right ventricular function by mitral valve closure in hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Authors: Asada Dai , Kawai Yoko , Maeda Yoshinobu , Yamagishi Masaaki 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
A male neonate presented with the aortic/mitral stenotic variant of hypoplastic left heart syndrome, wherein the suprasystemic left ventricular pressure and relatively large left ventricle had shifted the intraventricular septum. Despite bilateral pulmonary artery banding, the stroke volume was difficult to maintain owing to the compressed right ventricle, causing heart failure symptoms. Percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty decreased the left ventricular pressure, restoring the right ventricular function. Norwood procedure with mitral valve closure after catheter intervention reduced the left ventricular size and improved the right ventricular function. This paper refers to the potential of mitral valve closure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
Economic evaluation of pharmacists prescribing for minor ailments in Ontario, Canada: a cost-minimization analysis
Authors: Kim John J , Tian Adeline H , Pham Lee , Nakhla Nardine , Houle Sherilyn K D , Wong William W L , Alsabbagh Mhd Wasem 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objectives
The objective of this study was to use a decision-analytic model to examine the potential economic impact of establishing a remunerated programme for pharmacists prescribing for minor ailments (PPMA) in Ontario, Canada.

Methods
A novel decision tool was developed to assess the economic impact of pharmacists prescribing for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), contact dermatitis (CD) and conjunctivitis by performing a cost-minimization analysis from a public payer perspective. Two prescribing strategies were compared: (1) PPMA, where patients may seek care from pharmacists or physicians, and (2) the usual care model (UCM), where all patients receive care from physicians. Two remuneration models for the PPMA strategy were also compared: (1) a prescription-detached scenario (PDS), where pharmacists were remunerated CAD$18.00 for each consultation, and (2) a Prescription-Attached Scenario (PAS), where pharmacists were only remunerated if a decision to prescribe was made.

Key findings
At a service uptake rate of 38% for the PDS, the PPMA model led to savings of $7.51, $4.08 and $5.15 per patient for URTIs, CD and conjunctivitis, respectively. Per 30 000 patients, the PPMA model for these minor ailments was projected to lead to cumulative reductions in visits to the emergency department, family physician and walk-in clinics by 799, 3677 and 5090, respectively.

Conclusions
The results of the study strongly suggest that enabling community pharmacists to assess and prescribe for minor ailments could potentially lead to large savings for the government in Ontario, Canada. In 100% of the PAS scenarios simulated, pharmacists as prescribers led to cost savings.
Learning deep linear neural networks: Riemannian gradient flows and convergence to global minimizers
Authors: Bah Bubacarr , Rauhut Holger , Terstiege Ulrich , Westdickenberg Michael 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
We study the convergence of gradient flows related to learning deep linear neural networks (where the activation function is the identity map) from data. In this case, the composition of the network layers amounts to simply multiplying the weight matrices of all layers together, resulting in an overparameterized problem. The gradient flow with respect to these factors can be re-interpreted as a Riemannian gradient flow on the manifold of rank-$r$ matrices endowed with a suitable Riemannian metric. We show that the flow always converges to a critical point of the underlying functional. Moreover, we establish that, for almost all initializations, the flow converges to a global minimum on the manifold of rank $k$ matrices for some $k\leq r$.
Effect of dietary folate level on organ weight, digesta pH, short-chain fatty acid concentration, and intestinal microbiota of weaned piglets
Authors: Wang Lei , Zou Lijun , Li Jianzhong , Yang Huansheng , Yin Yulong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Folate is increasingly thought to promote gastrointestinal health and regulate the diversity of gut microbiota to alleviate weaning stress in piglets. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of folate on organ weight, digesta pH, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentration, and intestinal microbiota in weaned piglets. A total of 28 piglets (6.73 ± 0.62 kg) were allocated to four dietary treatments consisting of a control group, 3, 9, and 18 mg/kg of folate supplementation in a 14-d feeding trial. The results showed that piglets fed with 9 and 18 mg/kg of folate supplementation had greater (P &lt; 0.05) average liver and spleen weight than the control group. Folate supplementation (9 and 18 mg/kg) can significantly increase (P &lt; 0.05) the stomach pH and tend (P &lt; 0.10) to decrease the cecum pH. Folate treatment (9 and 18 mg/kg) had a positive effect on the metabolism of SCFAs in piglets, in particular, compared with the control group, and the content of acetic acid (AA) and valeric acid was markedly increased (P &lt; 0.05) in the cecum and colon, respectively. Moreover, isobutyric acid, butyric acid, and isovaleric acid were tended (P &lt; 0.10) to increase in the colon. Cecum contents samples were used to determine bacterial community diversity by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. At the genus level, in the cecum, there was a higher (P &lt; 0.05) relative abundance of Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus salivarius, and Lactobacillus mucosae in the 9 mg/kg folate supplementation group. The functional pathways analysis predicted that folate may modify nutrient metabolism by changing the gut microbiota function of weaned piglets. Furthermore, the data showed that Lactobacillus was positively correlated with AA in the cecum. Overall, these findings suggested that folate treatment could increase the organ weight and the stomach pH of weaned piglets and had beneficial effects on gut health, which might be attributed to the alteration in intestinal microbiota induced by folate and the interaction of the intestinal microbiota with SCFAs.
Individual distinctiveness across call types of the southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum)
Authors: Linn Sabrina Nicolleta , Schmidt Sabine , Scheumann Marina 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Individual distinctiveness in the acoustic structure of vocalizations provides a basis for individual recognition in mammals and plays an important role in social behavior. Within a species, call types can differ in individual distinctiveness, which can be explained by three factors, namely differences in the social function, the distance of the caller to the receiver, and the acoustic structure of the call. We explored the variation in individual distinctiveness across three call types (Grunt, Hiss, Snort) of the southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) and investigated to what extent the abovementioned factors account for individual distinctiveness. Calls were recorded from 25 adult southern white rhinoceroses in six different zoos. We used three methods to compare the level of individual distinctiveness across call types, namely discriminant function analysis (DFA), potential for individual identity coding (PIC), and the information criterion (Hs). The three call types possessed an acoustic structure capable of showing individual variation to different extents. Individual distinctiveness was lowest for Snorts, intermediate for Hisses, and highest for Grunts. The level of individual distinctiveness of all three call types was lower than that previously reported for Pant calls of this species. Calls functioning to mediate intragroup social interactions had the highest individual distinctiveness. This highlights that a given communicative function and the need for individual discrimination during a social interaction have a major influence on the degree of individual distinctiveness.
Study on the heterogeneous material coupling connection characteristics and mechanical strength of Oratosquilla oratoria mantis shrimp saddle
Authors: Liang Yunhong , Zhang Hao , Zhao Qian , Lin Zhaohua , Zhang Zhihui , Han Zhiwu , Ren Luquan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The microstructure, chemical composition and mechanical strength of heterogeneous materials of mantis shrimp (Oratosquilla oratoria) saddle were studied. As the key component of the striking system, the saddle comprised two distinct layers including outer layer and inner layer. The outer layer contained blocky microtubules and exhibited compact appearance. The inner layer presented a typical periodic lamellar structure. Due to the change of the thickness of the mineralized outer layer, the organic multilamellar structure became the foundation and enhanced the connection strength (4.55 MPa) at the connect regions between the saddle and merus exoskeleton and membrane, respectively. In the process of fracture, the lamellar structure dispersed the stress effectively by the change of the crack deflection direction and the microfibrils ordered arrangement. The exploration of mantis shrimp saddle region is beneficial to understand the striking system and provided the possibility for the stable connection of heterogeneous materials in engineering fields. The microstructure, heterogeneous material connection characteristics and high mechanical strength of saddle provide bionic models for the preparation of fiber-reinforced resin composites and soft composites.
Palestinians and Europe’s ‘Refugee Crisis’ Seeking Asylum in France in the Wake of the Syrian War
Authors: Gabiam Nell 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis article examines French immigration policy through the experiences of Palestinians displaced by the war in Syria who are currently residing in France. In response to the Syrian refugee crisis, France has instituted an ‘asylum visa’ that enables refugees from Syria who are awarded the visa to travel legally from the Middle East to France to apply for asylum there. The asylum visa, also referred to as a ‘humanitarian visa’, extends to Syro-Palestinians. Humanitarian visas have been celebrated by some as a means by which individuals in need of international protection can seek asylum in Europe in a dignified and safe manner. I argue that it is too early to celebrate the French asylum visa. Indeed, evidence shows that steps to provide legal routes to Europe for asylum-seekers through humanitarian visas coexist with rather than overturn broader policies that seek to deter the majority of asylum-seekers from entering Europe.
Yellow fever in Asia–a risk analysis
Authors: Cracknell Daniels Bethan , Gaythorpe Katy , Imai Natsuko , Dorigatti Ilaria 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
There is concern about the risk of yellow fever (YF) establishment in Asia, owing to rising numbers of urban outbreaks in endemic countries and globalisation. Following an outbreak in Angola in 2016, YF cases were introduced into China. Prior to this, YF had never been recorded in Asia, despite climatic suitability and the presence of mosquitoes. An outbreak in Asia could result in widespread fatalities and huge economic impact. Therefore, quantifying the potential risk of YF outbreaks in Asia is a public health priority.

Methods
Using international flight data and YF incidence estimates from 2016, we quantified the risk of YF introduction via air travel into Asia. In locations with evidence of a competent mosquito population, the potential for autochthonous YF transmission was estimated using a temperature-dependent model of the reproduction number and a branching process model assuming a negative binomial distribution.

Results
In total, 25 cities across Asia were estimated to be at risk of receiving at least one YF viraemic traveller during 2016. At their average temperatures, we estimated the probability of autochthonous transmission to be &lt;50% in all cities, which was primarily due to the limited number of estimated introductions that year.

Conclusion
Despite the rise in air travel, we found low support for travel patterns between YF endemic countries and Asia resulting in autochthonous transmission during 2016. This supports the historic absence of YF in Asia and suggests it could be due to a limited number of introductions in previous years. Future increases in travel volumes or YF incidence can increase the number of introductions and the risk of autochthonous transmission. Given the high proportion of asymptomatic or mild infections and the challenges of YF surveillance, our model can be used to estimate the introduction and outbreak risk and can provide useful information to surveillance systems.