bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Distribution and Asymmetry of Surface Electromyography on Lumbar Muscles of Soldiers with Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Hao Zengming , Xie Lin , Wang Jian , Hou Zhenhai
Published: October 2020

This study investigated spatial distribution and asymmetry of surface electromyography on lumbar muscles during a sustained contraction in soldiers with and without chronic low back pain. Twenty healthy soldiers and twenty chronic low back pain (CLBP) soldiers had performed the Sorensen test with a duration of 60 seconds. The corresponding muscle fatigue, spatial distribution, and the asymmetry of muscle activity over bilateral paraspinal lumbar regions were measured by the high-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG). The paired and independent samples t-tests were performed to compare the degree of muscle fatigue and asymmetry. The repeated-measures analyses of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare spatial distribution between groups and muscle fatigue. The baseline characteristics of soldiers between groups were comparable. CLBP soldiers had significantly less muscle fatigue on both sides of erector spinae compared to healthy ones. The spatial distribution was significantly associated with the group factor but independent of muscle fatigue. In addition, the asymmetry of erector spinae activity in the CLBP soldiers was significantly higher than the healthy one. In conclusion, uneven spatial distribution and asymmetry of lumbar muscle activity play significant roles in CLBP patients. The HDsEMG could be used as an objective method in distinguishing the function of the erector spinae between healthy individuals and CLBP patients during 1 min sustained contraction.
Activity of Phosvitin in Hydroxyapatite Acid-Damage Immersion and Antimicrobial Assays
Authors: Shipman Richard D. , Doering Sean D. , Hemsath Jack R. , Lee Eun Joo , Grant Jennifer E.
Published: October 2020

Phosvitin, the most highly phosphorylated metal-binding protein found in nature, binds more than 100 calcium ions, and has been identified as an agent that could be used to generate biomineralization scaffolds. Because of published reports describing phosvitin’s affinity for calcium and potential antibiotic activity, this study was undertaken in order to evaluate phosvitin for both antibiotic activity against common microorganisms and the ability to protect hydroxyapatite surfaces from acid damage. To more clearly define its antibiotic action, the effects of phosvitin on Micrococcus luteus, P. mirabilis, B. cereus, E. coli, and S. epidermidis were evaluated. In both Kirby–Bauer tests and liquid culture growth inhibition assays, phosvitin inhibited M. luteus, a microorganism that thrives in the human mouth, but not the other bacteria tested. The MIC of phosvitin was determined to be 31.3 μg/mL when delivered in 1 mM CaCl2 but was 0.5 mg/mL in the absence of added calcium. Expanding on the potential impacts of phosvitin on the mouth, its action was evaluated in a model of tooth decay represented by acid-damaged hydroxyapatite discs. SEM, AFM, and FAAS analyses revealed that pretreatment of discs with phosvitin modulated the damage-induced morphology and topography changes associated with acid-damaged discs.
A Current Sensing Biosensor for BOD Rapid Measurement
Authors: Liu Yiman , Li Jie , Wan Nianxin , Fu Tianyu , Wang Lili , Li Cong , Qie Zhonghui , Zhu Ao
Published: October 2020

In order to improve the practicality of the rapid biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) method, a highly sensitive rapid detection method for BOD that is based on establishing the correlation between current and dissolved oxygen (DO) was developed. In this experiment, Bacillus subtilis was used as the test microorganism, and the embedding method was used to achieve quantitative fixation of microorganisms, which could increase the content of microorganisms and prolong the service life of the biological element. The conductivity (COND) probe is used as a sensing element, so that the testing value can be read every second. In the program, the moving average method is used to process the collected data so that the value can be read every minute. National standard samples were detected to test the accuracy and stability of the method. The results showed that relative error and analytical standard deviations were less than 5%. Different polluted water was tested to evaluate its application range. The results showed that relative error was less than 5%. The results of the method are consistent with the results of the wastewater sample obtained by the BOD5 standard method. The proposed rapid BOD current sensing biosensor method should be promising in practical application of wastewater monitoring.
Checking the Hippo in Sarcomatoid Renal Cell Carcinoma with Immunotherapy
Authors: Hwang Joyce K. , Agarwal Neeraj , Brugarolas James , Zhang Tian
Published: October 2020

Subset analysis of patients with sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (sRCC) included in the CheckMate 214 trial of ipilimumab-nivolumab versus sunitinib showed improved outcomes in sRCC with ipilimumab-nivolumab. The use of checkpoint inhibitor–based regimens in sRCC, for which therapeutic options were once limited, is further supported by additional clinical trials.

See related article by Tannir et al., p. 78
Palmitate-Induced IRE1–XBP1–ZEB Signaling Represses Desmoplakin Expression and Promotes Cancer Cell Migration
Authors: Nath Aritro , Oak Amrita , Chen Kevin Y. , Li Irene , Splichal R. Chauncey , Portis Jason , Foster Sean , Walton S. Patrick , Chan Christina
Published: October 2020

Elevated uptake of saturated fatty acid palmitate is associated with metastatic progression of cancer cells; however, the precise signaling mechanism behind the phenomenon is unclear. The loss of cell adhesion proteins, such as desmoplakin (DSP), is a key driving event in the transformation of cancer cells to more aggressive phenotypes. Here, we investigated the mechanism by which palmitate induces the loss of DSP in liver and breast cancer cells. We propose that palmitate activates the IRE1–XBP1 branch of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway to upregulate the ZEB transcription factor, leading to transcriptional repression of DSP. Using liver and breast cancer cells treated with palmitate, we found loss of DSP leads to increased cell migration independent of E-cadherin. We report that the ZEB family of transcription factors function as direct transcriptional repressors of DSP. CRISPR-mediated knockdown of IRE1 confirmed that the transcription of ZEB, loss of DSP, and enhanced migration in the presence of palmitate is dependent on the IRE1–XBP1 pathway. In addition, by analyzing the somatic expression and copy number variation profiles of over 11,000 tumor samples, we corroborate our hypothesis and establish the clinical relevance of DSP loss via ZEB in human cancers.

Implications:

Provides mechanistic link on palmitate-induced activation of IRE1α to cancer cell migration.
The Paradoxical Roles of Orphan Nuclear Receptor 4A (NR4A) in Cancer
Authors: Safe Stephen , Karki Keshav
Published: October 2020

The three-orphan nuclear receptor 4A genes are induced by diverse stressors and stimuli, and there is increasing evidence that NR4A1 (Nur77), NR4A2 (Nurr1), and NR4A3 (Nor1) play an important role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and in pathophysiology. In blood-derived tumors (leukemias and lymphomas), NR4A expression is low and NR4A1−/−/NR4A3−/− double knockout mice rapidly develop acute myelocytic leukemia, suggesting that these receptors exhibit tumor suppressor activity. Treatment of leukemia and most lymphoma cells with drugs that induce expression of NR4A1and NR4A3 enhances apoptosis, and this represents a potential clinical application for treating this disease. In contrast, most solid tumor–derived cell lines express high levels of NR4A1 and NR4A2, and both receptors exhibit pro-oncogenic activities in solid tumors, whereas NR4A3 exhibits tumor-specific activities. Initial studies with retinoids and apoptosis-inducing agents demonstrated that their cytotoxic activity is NR4A1 dependent and involved drug-induced nuclear export of NR4A1 and formation of a mitochondrial proapoptotic NR4A1–bcl-2 complex. Drug-induced nuclear export of NR4A1 has been reported for many agents/biologics and involves interactions with multiple mitochondrial and extramitochondrial factors to induce apoptosis. Synthetic ligands for NR4A1, NR4A2, and NR4A3 have been identified, and among these compounds, bis-indole derived (CDIM) NR4A1 ligands primarily act on nuclear NR4A1 to inhibit NR4A1-regulated pro-oncogenic pathways/genes and similar results have been observed for CDIMs that bind NR4A2. Based on results of laboratory animal studies development of NR4A inducers (blood-derived cancers) and NR4A1/NR4A2 antagonists (solid tumors) may be promising for cancer therapy and also for enhancing immune surveillance.
Flare Size but Not Intensity Reflects Histamine-Induced Itch
Authors: Lehmann Sylwia , Deuring Elyne , Weller Karsten , Scheffel Jörg , Metz Martin , Maurer Marcus , Hawro Tomasz
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Flare reactions arise due to the release of vasodilators from sensory nerves caused by antidromic transmission of action potentials after the induction of itch. Objective: We investigated the link between flare and itch using 3 models of itch. Methods: Skin provocations with histamine, capsaicin, and cowhage were performed in 31 subjects. Itch was quantified using the visual analog scale. Flare was assessed using laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) and digital photography. Results: The duration, intensity, and area under the curve of histamine-induced itch correlated with the area of increased blood flow measured with LSCI (r = 0.545, p = 0.002; r = 0.575, p = 0.001; and r = 0.649, p < 0.001, respectively). Itch and skin blood flow in response to capsaicin or cowhage did not correlate. Conclusion: In histamine-induced skin inflammation, itch and increased blood flow are linked. Thus, the area of histamine-induced flare may be used as a surrogate marker for histamine-induced itch.
Influence of Consanguinity and Medication on the Development of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Tufail Muhammad , Hassan Ishtiaq
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. The disease is more prevalent in aged individuals compared to young ones. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the factors associated with PD in the population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: In this study, the questionnaire was filled from 600 PD patients, which include 54 familial cases, and 1,200 control subjects. To study the risk of PD in familial cases, questionnaires were also filled from the cases and controls. Results: This study revealed that depression symptomology is common in PD patients. Moreover, the risk of PD was higher in patients with consanguineous marriages compare to controls (OR = 3.96, 95% Cl = 1.98–7.89). The first-degree relatives (59.3%) of PD patients are more likely to develop PD compared to a second- (29.5%) or third-degree (11.1%) relatives. Furthermore, the risk of PD is higher in individuals whose parents get married to first-cousin (OR: 4.76, 95% Cl: 1.81–12.5) than second- (OR: 1.34, 95% Cl: 0.54–3.32) or third-cousin marriages (OR = 0.18, 95% Cl: 0.06–0.49). Moreover, the use of paracetamol (OR: 0.39; 95% Cl: 0.25–0.59) and ibuprofen (OR: 0.35; 95% Cl: 0.17–0.70) were higher in control subjects. Conclusion: This study concludes that consanguineous marriages and first-degree relation with PD patients increase the risk of PD, while the use of certain medications may decrease the risk of PD. Further study is warranted in a population of Pakistan.
Trichotillomania in Children and the Different Approaches between Dermatological and Behavioral Health Professionals at an Urban Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Rangu Sneha , Castelo-Soccio Leslie
Published: October 2020

Background: Trichotillomania (TTM) is a complex disease with varying clinical characteristics, and psychosocial impairment is noted in many TTM patients. Despite its prevalence in childhood, there is limited research on pediatric TTM. Objective: To analyze the clinical and epidemiologic features of TTM in children evaluated by dermatologists and behavioral health specialists. Method: We performed a retrospective chart review of 137 pediatric patients seen at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia with initial presentation of TTM at age 17 or younger. Patients were treated by dermatology or behavioral health. Results: The majority of the patients were females, with an average diagnosis age around 8 years. Over half had a psychiatric comorbidity, and over a quarter had a skin disorder. Skin disorders were more commonly present in those evaluated by dermatology, and psychiatric comorbidities were more commonly present in those evaluated by behavioral health. The most common form of treatment was behavioral therapy, with medications prescribed more often by dermatologists. Conclusions: TTM patients choose to present to behavioral health or dermatology; however, there are distinctive differences between the two cohorts. With behavioral and pharmacologic treatment options, a relationship between dermatologists and behavioral health specialists is necessary for multifactorial management of TTM.
Can SARS-CoV-2 Viral RNA Continually Persist in an Asymptomatic COVID-19 Patient?
Authors: Thomas Sen Variaveettil , Nizam Anjala , Iqbal Tarab
Published: October 2020

An asymptomatic 39-year-old male patient with well-controlled hypertension on a combination of antihypertensives including angiotensin receptor blocker was screened positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR nasopharyngeal (NP) swab and was admitted to an isolation facility in Dubai on March 23, 2020. He had a history of exposure to a COVID-19 patient a few days prior to the screening test. His chest X-ray showed signs of pneumonitis. He was discharged from the isolation facility on day 28 with 2 consecutive negative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR NP swab results, 24 h apart. After 14 days of home quarantine, he tested positive again for SARS-CoV-2 on day 44 and was again isolated in our facility. He continued testing positive until day 51, after which he was discharged again following 2 consecutive negative tests 24 h apart.
C-Reactive Protein-Lymphocyte Ratio Identifies Patients at Low Risk for Major Morbidity after Oesophagogastric Resection for Cancer
Authors: Neary Colm , McAnena Peter , McAnena Oliver , Kerin Michael , Collins Chris
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Complications following oesophagogastric surgery have significant implications for patient recovery. Objective: identify cost-effective biomarkers which can predict morbidity. Methods: Analysis of all upper gastrointestinal resections in Galway University Hospital from 2014 to 2018 was performed. The ability of C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and CRP-lymphocyte ratio (CLR) to predict morbidity, including anastomotic leak (AL), was assessed and compared. Results: Seventy-one oesophagectomies and 77 gastrectomies were performed. There were 2 (1%) 30-day mortalities and 83 (56%) morbidities of which 30 (20%) were of Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or higher. The rate of major morbidity within the oesophagectomy cohort was 27% and was 14% in the gastrectomy cohort. There were 11 (7%) ALs, 7 in the oesophagectomy cohort, and 4 in the gastrectomy cohort. From post-operative day (POD) 2 onwards, CRP could predict AL (POD2 AUC = 0.705, p = 0.025; POD3 AUC = 0.757, p = 0.005, POD4 AUC = 0.811, p = 0.001; and POD5 AUC = 0.824, p = 0.001). CLR predicted AL on POD2 onwards (POD2 AUC = 0.722, p = 0.005; POD3 AUC = 0.736, p = 0.01; POD4 AUC = 0.775, p = 0.003; and POD5 AUC = 0.817, p = 0.001). CRP level of 218 mg/dL and CLR level of 301 at POD 2 generated negative predictive values of 97 and 98%, respectively, for AL. Post-operative NLR did not display sufficient discriminatory ability for the outcomes. Conclusion: CRP and CLR are reliable negative predictors of major morbidity, including AL, after oesophagogastric resection. Their use can inform patient intervention and recovery.
Use of a Humanized Anti-CD6 Monoclonal Antibody (Itolizumab) in Elderly Patients with Moderate COVID-19
Authors: Díaz Yayquier , Ramos-Suzarte Mayra , Martín Yordanis , Calderón Néstor Antonio , Santiago William , Viñet Orlando , La O Yulieski , Oyarzábal Jorge Pérez Augusto , Pérez Yoan , Lorenzo Geidy , Cepeda Meylan , Saavedra Danay , Mazorra Zaima , Estevez Daymys , Lorenzo-Luaces Patricia , Valenzuela Carmen , Caballero Armando , Leon Kalet , Crombet Tania , Hidalgo Carlos Jorge
Published: October 2020

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a recent outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In Cuba, the first case of COVID-19 was reported on March 11, 2020. Elderly individuals with multiple comorbidities are particularly susceptible to adverse clinical outcomes in the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. During the outbreak, a local transmission event took place in a nursing home in Villa Clara province, Cuba, in which 19 elderly residents tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Methods: Based on the increased susceptibility to cytokine release syndrome, inducing respiratory and systemic complications in this population, 19 patients were included in an expanded access clinical trial to receive itolizumab, an anti-CD6 monoclonal antibody. Results: All patients had underlying medical conditions. The product was well tolerated. After the first dose, the course of the disease was favorable, and 18 of the 19 patients (94.7%) were discharged clinically recovered with negative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test results at 13 days. After one dose of itolizumab, circulating IL-6 decreased within the first 24–48 h in patients with high baseline values, whereas in patients with low levels, this concentration remained over low values. To preliminarily assess the effect of itolizumab, a control group was selected among the Cuban COVID-19 patients that did not receive immunomodulatory therapy. The control subjects were well matched regarding age, comorbidities, and severity of the disease. The percentage of itolizumab-treated, moderately ill patients who needed to be admitted to the intensive care unit was only one-third of that of the control group not treated with itolizumab. Additionally, treatment with itolizumab reduced the risk of death 10 times as compared with the control group. Conclusion: This study corroborates that the timely use of itolizumab in combination with other antivirals reduces COVID-19 disease worsening and mortality. The humanized antibody itolizumab emerges as a therapeutic alternative for patients with COVID-19. Our results suggest the possible use of itolizumab in patients with cytokine release syndrome from other pathologies.
Effects of Intensive Systolic Blood Pressure Control on All-Cause Hospitalizations
Authors: Rocco Michael V. , Comeau Mary E. , Marion Miranda C. , Freedman Barry I. , Hawfield Amret T. , Langefeld Carl D. ,   for the SPRINT Research Group*
Published: October 2020

Intensive blood pressure control decreases the rate of cardiovascular events by >25% compared with standard blood pressure control. We sought to determine whether the decrease in cardiovascular events seen with intensive blood pressure control is associated with an increased rate of other causes of hospitalization. This is a post hoc analysis of SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) in 9361 adult participants with hypertension and elevated cardiovascular risk. Participants were randomly assigned to an intensive or standard systolic blood pressure goal (<120 or <140 mm Hg, respectively). The primary outcome was hospitalization rates per 100 person-years for hospitalizations not associated with SPRINT primary events. After excluding hospitalizations linked to SPRINT primary events, there were 4678 participants with a rate of 19.70 hospitalizations per 100 person-years, compared with 4683 participants with a rate of 19.65 (
P
=0.37). Equivalence testing shows that these hospitalization rates were statistically equivalent at the
P
=0.05 level. Of those with hospitalizations, >1 hospitalization was seen in 38.8% of intensive arm participants and 41.9% of standard arm participants (
P
=0.08). The mean cumulative count of nonprimary event hospitalizations was comparable between the two arms. The most common causes of hospitalization were cardiovascular (23.6%) followed by injuries, including bone and joint therapeutic procedures (15.7%), infections (12.0%), and nervous systems disorders (10.7%). No categories of hospitalization were statistically more common in the intensive arm compared with the standard arm. Thus, the decrease in cardiovascular events seen with intensive blood pressure control is not associated with an increased rate of other causes of hospitalization.

Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01206062.
High‐Dose Glucagon Has Hemodynamic Effects Regardless of Cardiac Beta‐Adrenoceptor Blockade: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Petersen Kasper M. , Bøgevig Søren , Riis Troels , Andersson Niklas W. , Dalhoff Kim P. , Holst Jens J. , Knop Filip K. , Faber Jens , Petersen Tonny S. , Christensen Mikkel B.
Published: October 2020

Background

Intravenous high‐dose glucagon is a recommended antidote against beta‐blocker poisonings, but clinical effects are unclear. We therefore investigated hemodynamic effects and safety of high‐dose glucagon with and without concomitant beta‐blockade.

Methods and Results

In a randomized crossover study, 10 healthy men received combinations of esmolol (1.25 mg/kg bolus+0.75 mg/kg/min infusion), glucagon (50 µg/kg), and identical volumes of saline placebo on 5 separate days in random order (saline+saline; esmolol+saline; esmolol+glucagon bolus; saline+glucagon infusion; saline+glucagon bolus). On individual days, esmolol/saline was infused from −15 to 30 minutes. Glucagon/saline was administered from 0 minutes as a 2‐minute intravenous bolus or as a 30‐minute infusion (same total glucagon dose). End points were hemodynamic and adverse effects of glucagon compared with saline. Compared with saline, glucagon bolus increased mean heart rate by 13.0 beats per minute (95% CI, 8.0–18.0;
P
<0.001), systolic blood pressure by 15.6 mm Hg (95% CI, 8.0–23.2;
P
=0.002), diastolic blood pressure by 9.4 mm Hg (95% CI, 6.3–12.6;
P
<0.001), and cardiac output by 18.0 % (95% CI, 9.7–26.9;
P
=0.003) at the 5‐minute time point on days without beta‐blockade. Similar effects of glucagon bolus occurred on days with beta‐blockade and between 15 and 30 minutes during infusion. Hemodynamic effects of glucagon thus reflected pharmacologic glucagon plasma concentrations. Glucagon‐induced nausea occurred in 80% of participants despite ondansetron pretreatment.

Conclusions

High‐dose glucagon boluses had significant hemodynamic effects regardless of beta‐blockade. A glucagon infusion had comparable and apparently longer‐lasting effects compared with bolus, indicating that infusion may be preferable to bolus injections.

Registration Information

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03533179.
Stroke Disparities: From Observations to Actions
Authors: Sacco Ralph L.
Published: October 2020

Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated stroke disparities across race and ethnic groups. The goal of the NOMAS (Northern Manhattan Study) was to evaluate race and ethnic differences in stroke within a community with 3 different race-ethnic groups. Starting as a population-based incidence and case-control study, the study evolved into a cohort study. Results from NOMAS have demonstrated differences in stroke incidence, subtypes, risk factors, and outcomes. Disparities in ideal cardiovascular health can help explain many differences in stroke incidence and call for tailored risk factor modification through innovative portals to shift more diverse subjects to ideal cardiovascular health. The results of NOMAS and multiple other studies have provided foundational data to support interventions. Conceptual models to address health disparities have called for moving from detecting disparities in disease incidence, to determining the underlying causes of disparities and developing interventions, and then to testing interventions in human populations. Further actions to address race and ethnic stroke disparities are needed including innovative risk factor interventions, stroke awareness campaigns, quality improvement programs, workforce diversification, and accelerating policy changes.
An Eddy–Zonal Flow Feedback Model for Propagating Annular Modes
Authors: Lubis Sandro W. , Hassanzadeh Pedram
Published: October 2020

The variability of the zonal-mean large-scale extratropical circulation is often studied using individual modes obtained from empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analyses. The prevailing reduced-order model of the leading EOF (EOF1) of zonal-mean zonal wind, called the annular mode, consists of an eddy–mean flow interaction mechanism that results in a positive feedback of EOF1 onto itself. However, a few studies have pointed out that under some circumstances in observations and GCMs, strong couplings exist between EOF1 and EOF2 at some lag times, resulting in decaying-oscillatory, or propagating, annular modes. Here, we introduce a reduced-order model for coupled EOF1 and EOF2 that accounts for potential cross-EOF eddy–zonal flow feedbacks. Using the analytical solution of this model, we derive conditions for the existence of the propagating regime based on the feedback strengths. Using this model, and idealized GCMs and stochastic prototypes, we show that cross-EOF feedbacks play an important role in controlling the persistence of the annular modes by setting the frequency of the oscillation. We find that stronger cross-EOF feedbacks lead to less persistent annular modes. Applying the coupled-EOF model to the Southern Hemisphere reanalysis data shows the existence of strong cross-EOF feedbacks. The results highlight the importance of considering the coupling of EOFs and cross-EOF feedbacks to fully understand the natural and forced variability of the zonal-mean large-scale circulation.
Weakening Influence of Spring Soil Moisture over the Indo-China Peninsula on the Following Summer Mei-Yu Front and Precipitation Extremes over the Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Gao Chujie , Li Gen , Xu Bei
Published: October 2020

The seasonal prediction of precipitation extremes over the Yangtze River basin (YRB) has always been a great challenge. This study investigated the effects of spring soil moisture over the Indo-China Peninsula (ICP) on the following summer mei-yu front and YRB precipitation extremes during 1961–2010. The results indicated that the frequency of summer YRB precipitation extremes was closely associated with the mei-yu front intensity, which exhibited a strong negative correlation with the preceding spring ICP soil moisture. However, the lingering climate influence of the ICP soil moisture was unstable, with an obvious weakening since the early 1990s. Due to its strong memory, an abnormally lower spring soil moisture over the ICP would increase local temperature until the summer by inducing less evapotranspiration. Before the early 1990s, the geopotential height elevation associated with the ICP heating affected the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH), strengthening the southwesterly summer monsoon. Consequently, the mei-yu front was intensified as more warm, wet air was transported to the YRB, and local precipitation extremes also occurred more frequently associated with abnormal ascending motion mainly maintained by the warm temperature advection. In the early 1990s, the Asian summer monsoon underwent an abrupt shift, with the changing climatological states of the large-scale circulations. Therefore, the similar ICP heating induced by the anomalous soil moisture had different effects on the monsoonal circulation, resulting in weakened responses of the mei-yu front and YRB precipitation extremes since the early 1990s.
Formation of Anticyclones above Topographic Depressions
Authors: Solodoch Aviv , Stewart Andrew L. , McWilliams James C.
Published: October 2020

Long-lived anticyclonic eddies (ACs) have been repeatedly observed over several North Atlantic basins characterized by bowl-like topographic depressions. Motivated by these previous findings, the authors conduct numerical simulations of the spindown of eddies initialized in idealized topographic bowls. In experiments with one or two isopycnal layers, it is found that a bowl-trapped AC is an emergent circulation pattern under a wide range of parameters. The trapped AC, often formed by repeated mergers of ACs over the bowl interior, is characterized by anomalously low potential vorticity (PV). Several PV segregation mechanisms that can contribute to the AC formation are examined. In one-layer experiments, the dynamics of the AC are largely determined by a nonlinearity parameter ϵ that quantifies the vorticity of the AC relative to the bowl’s topographic PV gradient. The AC is trapped in the bowl for low , but for moderate values () partial PV segregation allows the AC to reside at finite distances from the center of the bowl. For higher , eddies freely cross the topography and the AC is not confined to the bowl. These regimes are characterized across a suite of model experiments using ϵ and a PV homogenization parameter. Two-layer experiments show that the trapped AC can be top or bottom intensified, as determined by the domain-mean initial vertical energy distribution. These findings contrast with previous theories of mesoscale turbulence over topography that predict the formation of a prograde slope current, but do not predict a trapped AC.
Subseasonal Prediction with and without a Well-Represented Stratosphere in CESM1
Authors: Richter Jadwiga H. , Pegion Kathy , Sun Lantao , Kim Hyemi , Caron Julie M. , Glanville Anne , LaJoie Emerson , Yeager Stephen , Kim Who M. , Tawfik Ahmed , Collins Dan
Published: October 2020

There is a growing demand for understanding sources of predictability on subseasonal to seasonal (S2S) time scales. Predictability at subseasonal time scales is believed to come from processes varying slower than the atmosphere such as soil moisture, snowpack, sea ice, and ocean heat content. The stratosphere as well as tropospheric modes of variability can also provide predictability at subseasonal time scales. However, the contributions of the above sources to S2S predictability are not well quantified. Here we evaluate the subseasonal prediction skill of the Community Earth System Model, version 1 (CESM1), in the default version of the model as well as a version with the improved representation of stratospheric variability to assess the role of an improved stratosphere on prediction skill. We demonstrate that the subseasonal skill of CESM1 for surface temperature and precipitation is comparable to that of operational models. We find that a better-resolved stratosphere improves stratospheric but not surface prediction skill for weeks 3–4.
Percutaneous Revascularization of Grafts versus Native Coronary Arteries in Postcoronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients
Authors: Garcia-Tejada Julio , Velazquez Maite , Hernandez Felipe , Albarran Agustín , Rodriguez Sergio , Gomez Ivan , Andreu Javier , Tascon Juan
Published: October 2020

In patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery, it is unknown whether better results may be obtained with percutaneous interventions of grafts versus native arteries. The clinical outcomes in 84 patients undergoing percutaneous interventions of either grafts (n = 31) or native arteries (n = 53) were compared. Procedural success rate was 95.3% (96.8% in the graft group vs 94.4% in the native group, P = .3). Mean follow-up was 19 ± 7 months. The incidence of major adverse events was 14.2% (12.9% vs 15.1% in the graft and native groups, respectively; P = .8), mortality rate was 3.5% (6.4% vs 1.8% in the graft and native groups, respectively; P = .3), and target-lesion revascularization was performed in 4.7% (6.4% vs 3.7% in the graft and native groups, respectively, P = .6). In conclusion, both graft or native percutaneous interventions were similar for immediate and midterm clinical outcomes. The relatively low risk need for target-lesion revascularization obtained with both strategies is encouraging.
Atomic and Molecular Species Post-2 μs Dynamics in Laser-Induced Carbon Plasmas in Air
Authors: Yousfi Houssyen , Abdelli-Messaci Samira , Ouamerali Ourida , Dekhira Azeddine
Published: October 2020

Laser-induced carbon plasma in air undergoes various physicochemical processes that affect the kinetic chemistry of species of the plasma plume. We report the time- and space-resolved characterization of carbon plasma produced by infrared nanosecond laser into air at atmospheric pressure. Investigating the laser fluence effect highlights dissociation for fluences >40 J cm−2, and recombination processes in the fluence range of 10–40 J cm−2. Emission intensities of C2 and CN molecules undergo an enhancement at specific spatiotemporal locations in the laser-induced plasma. At a value of 27 J/cm2 and 0.8 mm from the plasma ignition, molecular band formation is favored for the specific temperature and density values of 1.7 × 1015 cm−3 and 9502 K. The vibrational temperatures of molecules are determined using nonlinear spectral data fitting program. The shock front between laser-induced carbon plasma and air may lead to a significant shock wave that affects the occurrence of molecular CN and C2 formation. This can be explained by the distinct temperatures exhibited by CN and C2 molecules with laser fluence. The atomic carbon travels farther to react and form C2, where the ionization–recombination process plays a significant role in its formation. Collisions of C with N neutrals and N2 molecules are the plausible origin of CN generation. Moreover, the density of CN in the plasma depends on C2 molecules.
Report From Bolsonaro’s Brazil: The Consequences of Ignoring Science
Authors: Idrovo Alvaro J. , Manrique-Hernández Edgar F. , Fernández Niño Julián A.
Published: October 2020

Currently, the fast spread of COVID-19 is the cause of a sanitary emergency in Brazil. This situation is largely due to President Bolsonaro’s denial and the uncoordinated actions between the federal and local governments. In addition, the Brazilian government has reported that it would change its method of sharing information about the pandemic. On June 6, 2020, the presentation of accumulated cases and deaths was stopped, and the Supreme Court of Brazil determined that the federal government should continue to consolidate and disseminate the accumulated figures of cases and deaths. However, doubt about the transparency of the data remained. We used data reported by the government from Situation Reports 38–209 of the World Health Organization to assess the Benford’s law fulfillment as an indicator of data quality. This rapid evaluation of data quality during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil suggests that the Brazilian public health surveillance system had an acceptable performance at the beginning of the epidemic. Since the end of June, the quality of cumulative death data began to decrease and remains in that condition as of August 2020. A similar situation has existed since August, with the data of accumulated new cases.
Individual-Level Predictors of the Working Relationship between Probation Officers and Probationers
Authors: Sloas Lincoln , Lerch Jennifer , Walters Scott , Taxman Faye S.
Published: October 2020

The working relationship between probation officers and probationers is an important area of research given recent studies illustrate a strong relationship reduces recidivism. In this study, the perceptions of the working relationship between officers and probationers were examined among a group of substance-using probationers who participated in a multi-site randomized clinical trial. After 6 months, probationers who reported greater alcohol use and greater family and peer drug use on a baseline Addiction Severity Index were less likely to perceive their probation officer as being caring/fair/trustworthy, and older probationers were less likely to perceive their PO as being tough. Important policy implications are discussed.
Does Psychopathy Influence Juror Decision-Making in Capital Murder Trials? “The Devil is in the (Methodological) Details”
Authors: Truong Tiffany N. , Kelley Shannon E. , Edens John F.
Published: October 2020

Concerns about the potentially stigmatizing impact of psychopathy evidence in court have been expressed for decades. Saks et al. manipulated diagnostic information (e.g., psychopathy, schizophrenia) and the basis for that evidence (e.g., clinical, neuroimaging) to examine effects on outcomes in two capital murder case vignettes. Somewhat surprisingly, their psychopathy manipulation did not have a consistently adverse impact on juror attitudes relative to other diagnoses or a control condition. We administered the Saks et al. stimulus materials to college students ( N = 569), but added a scale quantifying participant ratings of how psychopathic they perceived the defendant to be. Notably, we obtained uniformly high mean psychopathy ratings across all study conditions. In addition, participants who rated the defendant as more psychopathic (regardless of condition) were more likely to support death verdicts. We discuss the implications of our results in terms of the design of experimental manipulations of mental health evidence for jury simulations.
Labor Disputes in China’s Local Government-Led Enterprise Restructuring: A Litigation Case Study,
Authors: Zhao Liuyang
Published: October 2020

In legal practice in contemporary China, courts usually distinguish between government-led enterprise restructuring 政府主导的企业改制 and independent enterprise restructuring 企业自主改制. Following contract logic, the courts believe that labor disputes related to government-led enterprise restructuring are not contract disputes—that is, they are not disputes between equal parties, which is required for civil litigation—and are therefore generally not accepted. Moreover, in actual legal practice, the scope of application of the principle of government-led restructuring has been expanded, with the courts adopting a very broad standard. In addition, a considerable number of cases are excluded on the grounds that the time limit imposed on arbitration has been exceeded. This in effect has replaced the older principles surrounding labor relations in enterprise restructuring led by local governments. The actual practice of the principle of government-led restructuring should be understood in the larger framework of multidimensional and complex relationships between local governments and the market. The use of local government power in conjunction with the logic of contract in effect enlarges the scope for setting aside the older principles of labor relations for the purpose of enhancing the market competitiveness of enterprises and promoting economic development. The result has been a marked degree of social injustice. The construction of labor laws should be rooted in actual conditions, and not overemphasize the formalism of contract logic and ignore the substantive logic of labor relations.
Uneven professional paths: A study on highly qualified Chinese and Indian migrants in Germany
Authors: Aksakal Mustafa
Published: October 2020

This paper addresses some key factors influencing the career development of highly qualified migrants during their stay abroad. It is based on 44 qualitative interviews with international students and highly qualified migrant workers from China and India, most of whom were temporarily residing in Germany. The findings show that different types of social capital might co-exist and perform multiple functions. Some migrants engage in entrepreneurial activities, availing themselves of links between their country of origin and Europe, which could help them to advance their professional goals. The study found that the political assessment of migrants also plays an important role. The paper concludes that the category of highly qualified migrants is heterogenous which comprises migrants who have different aspirations as well as divergent career trajectories.
Multicenter experience: early outcome of mitral valve repair in patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation
Authors: Hussein Mohamed Abdelwahab , Abdelrehim Ayman Ramadan , Mubarak Yasser Shaban M
Published: October 2020

Background

Ischemic mitral regurgitation is associated with poor outcomes. The optimal surgical strategy for management of ischemic mitral regurgitation is still debated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the early mortality and morbidity of mitral valve repair in patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, observational, cohort study on prospectively collected data on 136 consecutive coronary artery bypass graft patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation undergoing mitral valve repair between January 2016 and January 2020. Perioperative echocardiogram findings, operative procedures, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results

The overall mortality rate was 4.4%. Mitral valve repair with a low ejection fraction had a 4-fold increase in the risk of death compared to mitral valve repair with preserved ejection fraction > 30%. However, after adjusting for preoperative risk factors, the number of grafts was not an independent risk factor for mortality (odds ratio = 0.18, 95% confidence interval: 0.03–2.81, p = 0.84). Multivariable analysis showed that preoperative ejection fraction (odds ratio = 1.14, 95% confidence interval: 0.82–4.86, p < 0.01), preoperative left ventricular end-systolic dimension (odds ratio = 1.03, 95% confidence interval: 0.65–3.51, p < 0.01) and preoperative left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (odds ratio = 0.99, 95% confidence interval: 0.64–3.28, p = 0.04) were independent risk factors for mortality.

Conclusions

Mitral valve repair can be performed safely concomitantly with coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with moderate, moderately severe, and severe ischemic mitral regurgitation.
The mean bilateral proximal extension of the clot is associated with pulmonary embolism severity parameters and management-associated outcomes
Authors: Tavoly Mazdak , Gleditsch Jostein , Ghanima Josef. P. , Bremtun Fredrik , Schintzkewitz Martin , Thrane Karl Julius , Jervan Oyvind , Ghanima Waleed
Published: October 2020

Background

The value of the proximal extension of the clot in risk stratification of pulmonary embolism (PE) has not been established. The mean bilateral proximal extension of the clot (MBPEC) is a computed tomography (CT) radiological score, where initial evaluation showed promising results considering its ability in predicting the severity of PE.

Purpose

To explore the possible associations between MBPEC and PE-severity parameters, short- and long-term outcomes of PE, and inter-observer agreement.

Material and Methods

Patients diagnosed with PE at Østfold Hospital, Norway during 2003–2011 were identified. MBPEC was calculated by calculating the mean of a score in the range of 1–4 assigned for the most proximal extension of the clot in each lung: sub-segmental; segmental; lobar; and main pulmonary arteries. Medical records were reviewed to capture clinical, biochemical, and management-associated data (thrombolysis, admission to ICU).

Results

The mean age of 245 included patients was 55 ± 16 years; 42% were women. Patients with higher MBPEC scores had a significantly higher pulse rate and lower oxygen saturation. MBPEC score <4 predicted a negative troponin value with a negative predictive value of 90% (95% confidence interval [CI] 81–95). Patients with MBPEC 4 were 5.3 times more likely to have elevated troponin (odds ratio [OR] 5.3, 95% CI 2.0–14.3). MBPEC score of 4 was independently associated with admission to ICU (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.8–7.9). The inter-observer agreement was excellent; weighted kappa 0.82.

Conclusion

MBPEC is associated with PE-severity parameters and can predict short-term adverse outcomes.
Fanconi syndrome induced by adefovir dipivoxil: a case report and clinical review
Authors: Song Kaixin , Yan Qi , Yang Yi , Lv Mengyue , Chen Yuting , Dai Yue , Zhang Le , Huang Yi , Zhang Cuntai , Gao Hongyu
Published: October 2020

More than 150 cases of Fanconi syndrome (FS) or hypophosphatemia osteomalacia induced by low-dose adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) have been reported since 2002, when ADV was introduced for the long-term treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Because the life expectancy of HBV-infected individuals has increased, the adverse effects of long-term treatment with antiviral therapies are increasingly observed, and nephrotoxicity is one of the most severe adverse effects of ADV. Therefore, the number of cases may be far higher than reported. Moreover, ADV-induced FS is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed long after it first develops. ADV-induced FS may seriously decrease patient quality of life and lead to bone fractures and even disability. Although progress has been made in the identification of biomarkers and treatments, few systematic clinical guidelines or clinical reviews for FS induced by ADV have been reported. In this study, we highlighted the recent progress toward understanding of FS induced by ADV, described a clinical case, and summarized the primary characteristics and laboratory findings of this disease.
Prevalences and characteristics of cultivable nasal bacteria isolated from preclinical medical students
Authors: Zhou Ke , Sun Fei , Xu Xiu-li , Hao Xiao-ke , Liu Jia-yun
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Commensal bacteria in the nasal cavity may act as opportunistic pathogens that cause infections under certain conditions. Screening for commensal bacteria in the nasal cavity may aid in understanding their roles in microbiota balance and preventing potential infections.

Methods

Nasal samples were collected from healthy preclinical medical students and used to inoculate various bacterial culture media, by means of the WaspLab microbiology automated system. Bacterial colonies were then identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Antibiotic resistance phenotypes of Staphylococcus aureus were determined by antibiotic susceptibility tests.

Results

In total, 549 bacterial strains were isolated from 161 participants. These strains included the following genera: Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, Dolosigranulum, Bacillus, Micrococcus, Haemophilus, Neisseria, Moraxella, Pseudomonas, and members of Enterobacteriaceae (e.g., Escherichia, Klebsiella, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, and Serratia). Approximately 25.5% of students were carriers of S. aureus; most S. aureus isolates were resistant to penicillin, erythromycin, and clindamycin. The prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus in nasal samples was 4.3%.

Conclusions

A diverse group of nasal commensal bacteria inhabited our population of healthy volunteers. These data can improve comprehension of the potential roles of these nasal commensal bacteria in regulating microbiota balance and promoting or mitigating potential future infections.