bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative Ultrasound Imaging in Silicone Filler Removal
Authors: Suchyta Marissa A. , Hunt Christopher H. , Eiken Patrick , Mardini Samir
Published: April 2021

Dermal filler injections, one of the most commonly performed procedures in facial esthetic surgery, are rising in popularity. This has also led to an increase in nonmedical grade filler injections performed by nonmedical personnel, including that of injectable silicone. Surgical removal of silicone fillers is challenging, as the hydrophobic material often disperses within the soft tissue as droplets. This can lead to a systemic inflammatory reaction requiring steroid treatment. MRI localization of the filler material does not enable intraoperative guidance, and palpitation of the material is challenging since the filler droplets are often too small to palpate and located in multiple planes. We present a case demonstrating the advantages of utilizing intraoperative ultrasound to localize and silicone filler material. Utilizing this technique, we were able to achieve a high degree of excision of silicone filler material and the patient was able to stop her previous necessary immunosuppressive steroid regimen successfully.
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels are concordant across multiple platforms but are not fully predictive of sterilizing immunity
Authors: Bradley Benjamin T. , Bryan Andrew , Fink Susan L. , Goecker Erin A. , Roychoudhury Pavitra , Huang Meei-Li , Zhu Haiying , Chaudhary Anu , Madarampalli Bhanupriya , Lu Joyce Y.C. , Strand Kathy , Whimbey Estella , Bryson-Cahn Chloe , Schippers Adrienne , Mani Nandita S. , Pepper Gregory , Jerome Keith R. , Morishima Chihiro , Coombs Robert W. , Wener Mark , Cohen Seth , Greninger Alexander L.
Published: April 2021

With the availability of widespread SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, high-throughput quantitative anti-spike serological testing will likely become increasingly important. Here, we investigated the performance characteristics of the recently FDA authorized semi-quantitative anti-spike AdviseDx SARS-CoV-2 IgG II assay compared to the FDA authorized anti-nucleocapsid Abbott Architect SARS-CoV-2 IgG, Roche elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2-S, EuroImmun Anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA, and GenScript surrogate virus neutralization assays and examined the humoral response associated with vaccination, natural protection, and breakthrough infection. The AdviseDx assay had a clinical sensitivity at 14 days post-symptom onset or 10 days post PCR detection of 95.6% (65/68, 95% CI: 87.8-98.8%) with two discrepant individuals seroconverting shortly thereafter. The AdviseDx assay demonstrated 100% positive percent agreement with the four other assays examined using the same symptom onset or PCR detection cutoffs. Using a recently available WHO International Standard for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody, we provide assay unit conversion factors to international units for each of the assays examined. We performed a longitudinal survey of healthy vaccinated individuals, finding median AdviseDx immunoglobulin levels peaked seven weeks post-first vaccine dose at approximately 4,000 IU/mL. Intriguingly, among the five assays examined, there was no significant difference in antigen binding level or neutralizing activity between two seropositive patients protected against SARS-CoV-2 infection in a previously described fishing vessel outbreak and five healthcare workers who experienced vaccine breakthrough of SARS-CoV-2 infection – all with variants of concern. These findings suggest that protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection cannot currently be predicted exclusively using in vitro antibody assays against wildtype SARS-CoV-2 spike. Further work is required to establish protective correlates of protection for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Mechanisms Underlying the Complex Dynamics of Temperature Entrainment by a Circadian Clock
Authors: Burt Philipp , Grabe Saskia , Madeti Cornelia , Upadhyay Abhishek , Merrow Martha , Roenneberg Till , Herzel Hanspeter , Schmal Christoph
Published: April 2021

Autonomously oscillating circadian clocks resonate with daily environmental (zeitgeber) rhythms to organize physiology around the solar day. While entrainment properties and mechanisms have been studied widely and in great detail for light-dark cycles, entrainment to daily temperature rhythms remains poorly understood despite that they are potent zeitgebers.

Here we investigate the entrainment of the chronobiological model organismNeurospora crassa, subject to thermocycles of different periods and fractions of warm versus cold phases, mimicking seasonal variations. Depending on the properties of these thermocycles, regularly entrained rhythms, period-doubling (frequency demultiplication) but also irregular aperiodic behavior occurs. We demonstrate that the complex nonlinear phenomena of experimentally observed entrainment dynamics can be understood by molecular mathematical modeling.

Abstract Figure
Integration of embryo-endosperm interaction into a holistic and dynamic picture of seed development using a rice mutant with notched-belly grains
Authors: Tao Yang , An Lu , Xiao Feng , Li Ganghua , Ding Yanfeng , Paul Matthew J. , Liu Zhenghui
Published: April 2021

The interaction between the embryo and endosperm affects seed development, an essential process in yield formation in crops such as rice. Signals that communicate between embryo and endosperm are largely unknown. Here we use the notched-belly (NB) mutant with impaired communication between embryo and endosperm to evaluate 1) the impact of embryo on developmental staging of the endosperm; 2) signaling pathways emanating from the embryo that regulate endosperm development. Hierachical clustering of mRNA datasets from embryo and endosperm samples collected through development in NB and wild type showed a delaying effect of the embryo on the developmental transition of the endosperm by extending the middle stage. K-means clustering further identified coexpression modules of gene sets specific for embryo and endosperm development. Combined gene expression and biochemical analysis showed that T6P-SnRK1, gibberellin and auxin signalling from the embryo regulate endosperm developmental transition. The data enable us to propose a new seed developmental staging system for rice and the most detailed signature of rice grain formation to date, that will direct genetic strategies for rice yield improvement.
Generating realistic cell samples for gene selection in scRNA-seq data: A novel generative framework
Authors: Lall Snehalika , Ray Sumanta , Bandyopadhyay Sanghamitra
Published: April 2021

High dimensional, small sample size (HDSS) scRNA-seq data presents a challenge to the gene selection task in single cell. Conventional gene selection techniques are unstable and less reliable due to the fewer number of available samples which affects cell clustering and annotation. Here, we present an improved version of generative adversarial network (GAN) called LSH-GAN to address this issue by producing new realistic samples and combining this with the original scRNA-seq data. We update the training procedure of the generator of GAN using locality sensitive hashing which speeds up the sample generation, thus maintains the feasibility of applying gene selection procedures in high dimension scRNA-seq data. Experimental results show a significant improvement in the performance of benchmark feature (gene) selection techniques on generated samples of one synthetic and four HDSS scRNA-seq data. Comprehensive simulation study ensures the applicability of the model in the feature (gene) selection domain of HDSS scRNA-seq data.

Availability

The corresponding software is available athttps://github.com/Snehalikalall/LSH-GAN
[2,5-Bis(dipropylamino)-4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]methanol
Authors: Schmitt Volker , Holzmann Gideon , Schollmeyer Dieter , Detert Heiner
Published: April 2021

The centrosymmetric title compound, C22H36N2O2, was prepared in five steps from diethyl succinate. The dipropylamino groups are almost orthogonal to the central phenylenedimethanol ring [dihedral angle = 87.62 (9)°]. In the crystal, the molecules are connected by O—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming (101) layers separated by the propyl chains.
The SMART university: the transformational role of learning analytics
Authors: Lewis David Jonathan Arwel
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to answer the following questions: What is the process and policy journey that a university must go through in implementing an effective learning analytics programme? What are the drivers for undertaking such an activity, and who are the stakeholders?

Design/methodology/approach

The journey of the information, the process or the stakeholder is placed at the heart of the programme, so a primarily ethnographic methodology is appropriate, although ultimately the outcomes of analytics are usually quantitative.

Findings

In undertaking the journey to a full implementation of an analytics programme, a university must clearly know the strategic driver for starting, and the clear outcomes, if a purposeful path is to travelled.

Originality/value

As a currently growing area of interest for lots of higher and further education institutions in the UK and worldwide, learning analytics should be high on everyone’s agenda. This viewpoint is intended to provide a short overview to the process and the important strategic drivers.
Rapid characterization of the volatile profiles in Pu‐erh tea by gas phase electronic nose and microchamber/thermal extractor combined with TD‐GC‐MS
Authors: Yang Yanqin , Rong Yuting , Liu Fuqiao , Jiang Yongwen , Deng Yuliang , Dong Chunwang , Yuan Haibo
Published: April 2021

Aroma plays an important role in the quality of Pu‐erh tea. However, the quality evaluation of Pu‐erh tea aroma is heavily relied on the experience of sensory evaluation, and the theoretical research is relatively scarce. In the present work, the volatile compounds in Pu‐erh tea were characterized by using gas phase electronic nose (e‐nose) and microchamber/thermal extractor (µ‐CTE) combined with thermal desorption coupled to gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (TD‐GC‐MS). A satisfactory discrimination model (R2Y = 0.95, Q2 = 0.807) was obtained by using orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) based on the odor fingerprint of different brands of Pu‐erh tea. In addition, based on the double criterion of multivariate analysis with VIP >1.0 and univariate analysis with p ≤ 0.001, 39 volatile components were identified to contribute greatly to the discrimination of five brands of Pu‐erh tea. The results suggested that gas phase e‐nose and µ‐CTE combined with TD‐GC/MS were simple, rapid techniques to characterize the volatile compounds in Pu‐erh tea and were allowed to effectively distinguish different brands of Pu‐erh tea, which would provide an important reference on the quality assessment of Pu‐erh tea.

Practical Application

This work demonstrates that the volatile compounds in Pu‐erh tea are simply and rapidly characterized by using µ‐CTE/TD‐GC/MS and gas phase e‐nose, allowing to effectively distinguish different brands of Pu‐erh tea, which can provide an important reference for the quality assessment and authentication of Pu‐erh tea.
Characterization of the β‐Glucosidase activity in indigenous yeast isolated from wine regions in China
Authors: Huang Rong , Zhang Fangfang , Yan Xingmin , Qin Yi , Jiang Jiao , Liu Yanlin , Song Yuyang
Published: April 2021

β‐glucosidase is a pivotal enzyme that hydrolyzes bound volatile aromatic compounds. However, the activity of β‐glucosidase in winemaking and the mechanism by which it affects the flavor and taste of wines have not been fully investigated. In this study, we profiled the characteristics of β‐glucosidase derived from wine‐related yeasts isolated from different wine‐making regions in China, and analyzed the enzyme activity from different parts of the cells under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. A total of 56 strains of wine‐related yeasts producing β‐glucosidases were screened using the YNB‐C medium (YNB 6.7 g L–1, cellobiose 5 g L–1, pH 5.0). We found that strain Clavispora lusitaniae C117 produced the highest enzyme activity (152.39 µmol pNP ml–1 h–1). In most strains, β‐glucosidase were located in whole cells (periplasmic space) and permeabilized cells (intracellular). The non‐Saccharomyces species had the highest enzymatic activity in a strain‐dependent manner. Under aerobic conditions, C. lusitaniae C117, Hanseniaspora guilliermondii A27‐3‐4, Metschnikowia pulcherrima F‐1‐6, and Pichia anomala C84 had the highest β‐glucosidase activity. We further investigated the β‐glucosidase activity during the wine fermentation and the effects of sugar, pH, temperature, and ethanol on the enzyme activities of P. anomala C84 and commercial Saccharomyces yeast strains RC212 and VL1. The presence of fructose, glucose, and sucrose strongly inhibited enzyme activity. Similarly, low pH and low temperature inhibited the activity of β‐glucosidase, whereas ethanol promoted enzyme activity. Our findings provide a theoretical basis on understanding the different yeast characteristics of β‐glucosidase and their potential application for further improving wine aroma complexity.
Clinicopathological features and risk factors for developing colorectal neoplasia in Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivors
Authors: Ykema Berbel L. M. , Rigter Lisanne S. , Spaander Manon C. W. , Moons Leon M. G. , Bisseling Tanya M. , Aleman Berthe M. P. , Dekker Evelien , Verbeek Wieke H. M. , Kuipers Ernst J. , de Boer Jan Paul , Lugtenburg Pieternella J. , Janus Cecile P. M. , Petersen Eefke J. , Roesink Judith M. , van der Maazen Richard W. M. , Meijer Gerrit A. , Schaapveld Michael , van Leeuwen Flora E. , Carvalho Beatriz , Snaebjornsson Petur , van Leerdam Monique E.
Published: April 2021

Background

Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) survivors treated with abdominal radiotherapy and/or procarbazine have an increased risk of developing colorectal neoplasia.

Aims

We evaluated the clinicopathological characteristics and risk factors for developing (advanced) neoplasia (AN) in HL survivors.

Methods

In all, 101 HL survivors (median age 51 years, median age of HL diagnosis 25 years) underwent colonoscopy and 350 neoplasia and 44 AN (classified as advanced adenomas/serrated lesions or colorectal cancer), mostly right‐sided, were detected, as published previously. An average‐risk asymptomatic cohort who underwent screening colonoscopy were controls (median age 60 years). Clinicopathological characteristics of AN were evaluated in both groups. Mismatch repair (MMR) status was assessed using immunohistochemistry (MLH1/MSH2/MSH6/PMS2). Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors for AN in HL survivors, including age at HL diagnosis and interval between HL and colonoscopy.

Results

In 101 colonoscopies in HL survivors, AN was primarily classified based on polyp size ≥10 mm, whereas (high‐grade)dysplasia was more often seen in AN in controls. An interval between HL diagnosis and colonoscopy >26 years was associated with more AN compared with an interval of <26 years, with an odds ratio for AN of 3.8 (95% confidence interval 1.4–9.1) (p < 0.01). All 39 AN that were assessed were MMR proficient.

Conclusions

Colorectal neoplasia in HL survivors differ from average‐risk controls; classification AN was primarily based on polyp size (≥10 mm) in HL survivors. Longer follow‐up between HL diagnosis and colonoscopy was associated with a higher prevalence of AN in HL survivors.
Reply to “Comment on: Decrease of anticholinergic drug use in nursing home residents in the United States”
Authors: Mehta Hemalkumar B. , Malagaris Ioannis , Goodwin James S.
Published: April 2021

This letter comments on the letter by Ulla Aalto.
Growing role for arnica in cosmetic dermatology: Lose the bruise
Authors: Sherban Alexander , Wang Jordan V. , Geronemus Roy G.
Published: April 2021

This commentary examines the utility of arnica in cosmetic dermatology. For many years, arnica has been used to reduce the morbidity associated with various procedures, including surgeries and treatments with lasers and other energy‐based devices. Arnica is a traditional homeopathic remedy that can reduce post‐procedural edema and bruising. Although it has been used clinically by many physicians and is widely and readily available to patients, the available data is limited and often conflicting. We reviewed the relevant information on arnica and offer our own insights into its use in order to shed more light on its periprocedural utility.
Clinical impact of the first pass effect on clinical outcomes in patients with near or complete recanalization during mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel ischemic stroke
Authors: Memon Muhammad Zeeshan , Daniel David , Chaudhry Mohammad Rauf A. , Grewal Manjot , Saini Vasu , Lukas Joshua , Siddu Mithilesh , Algahtani Rami , Nisar Taha , Majidi Shahram , Leon Guerrero Christopher R. , Burger Kathleen M. , Greenberg Edward , Khandelwal Priyank , Malik Amer M. , Starke Robert M. , Koch Sebastian , Yavagal Dileep R.
Published: April 2021

Background and Purpose

The first pass effect has been reported as a mechanical thrombectomy (MT) success metric in patients with large vessel occlusive stroke. We aimed to compare the clinical and neuroimagign outcomes of patients who had favorable recanalization (mTICI 2c or mTICI 3) achieved in one pass versus those requiring multiple passes.

Methods

In this “real‐world” multicenter study, patients with mTICI 2c or 3 recanalization were identified from three prospectively collected stroke databases from January 2016 to December 2019. Clinical outcomes were a favorable functional outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2), and the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) any ICH, and 90‐day mortality.

Results

Favorable recanalization was achieved in 390/664 (59%) of consecutive patients who underwent MT (age 71.2 ± 13.2 years, 188 [48.2%] women). This was achieved after a single thrombectomy pass (n= 290) or multiple thrombectomy passes (n= 100). The rate of favorable clinical outcome was higher (41% vs. 28 %,p= .02) in the first pass group with a continued trend on multivariate analysis that did not reaching statistical significance (OR 1.68 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0–2.95,p= .07). Similarly, the odds of any ICH were significantly lower (OR 0.56 CI 0.32–0.97,p= .03). A similar trend of favorable clinical outcomes was noticed on subgroup analysis of patients with M1 occlusion (OR 1.81 CI 1.01–3.61,p= .08).

Conclusion

The first‐pass reperfusion was associated with a trend toward favorable clinical outcome and lower rates of ICH. These data suggest that the first‐pass effect should be the mechanical thrombectomy procedure goal.
An EAACI Task Force report on allergy to beta‐lactams in children: Clinical entities and diagnostic procedures
Authors: Blanca‐Lopez Natalia , Atanaskovic‐Markovic Marina , Gomes Eva R. , Kidon Mona , Kuyucu Semanur , Mori Francesca , Soyer Ozge , Caubet Jean‐Christoph
Published: April 2021

Beta‐lactam (BL) allergy suspicion is common in children and constitutes a major public health problem, with an impact on patient's health and on medical costs. However, it has been found that most of these reactions are not confirmed by a complete allergic workup. The diagnostic value of the currently available allergy tests has been investigated intensively recently by different groups throughout the world. This has led to major changes in the management of children with a suspected BL allergy. Particularly, it is now well accepted that skin tests can be skipped before the drug provocation test in children with a benign non‐immediate reaction to BL. However, there is still a debate on the optimal allergic workup to perform in children with a benign immediate reaction. In addition, management of children with severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions remains difficult. In this review, based on a selection of the most relevant studies found in the literature, we will review and discuss the diagnosis of different forms of BL allergy in children.
The Lubricating Activity of Phospholipids on Charged and Neutral Surfaces
Authors: Pawlak Zenon , Gocman Krzysztof , Kaldonski Tomasz J. , Kaldonski Tadeusz , Gospodarczyk Jacek , Sojka Michal
Published: April 2021

In this paper, the amphoteric character of cartilage surface is used to study friction between charged (+/+), (−/−), and uncharged (±/±) biological surfaces. The surface of the bovine articular cartilage at varying pH solutions is either charged positively or negatively. When examining the coefficient of friction of the (cartilage/cartilage) pair, depending on the pH, we observe surfaces charged positively, negatively, and without charge. The uncharged surface refers to the iso-electric point (IEP) and shows greater friction than the charged surfaces of the cartilage. The measurement of surface energy versus. pH of the spherical lipid bi-layer will reveal the amphoteric nature of the membrane surface. The friction coefficient of the (cartilage/cartilage) pair and the surface energy of the spherical lipid bi-layer versus pH are expressed by a bell-shaped curve. This is an interesting case that confirms the fact that the phospholipid bi-layer is embedded on the surface cartilage. This experimental confirmation of negative surface cartilage is insufficiently highlighted in the literature on natural lubrication.
Changes in Spatiotemporal Measures and Variability During User-Driven Treadmill, Fixed-Speed Treadmill, and Overground Walking in Young Adults: A Pilot Study
Authors: Holmes Hillary H. , Fawcett Randall T. , Roper Jaimie A.
Published: April 2021

Walking is an integral indicator of human health commonly investigated while walking overground and with the use of a treadmill. Unlike fixed-speed treadmills, overground walking is dependent on the preferred walking speed under the individuals’ control. Thus, user-driven treadmills may have the ability to better simulate the characteristics of overground walking. This pilot study is the first investigation to compare a user-driven treadmill, a fixed-speed treadmill, and overground walking to understand differences in variability and mean spatiotemporal measures across walking environments. Participants walked fastest overground compared to both fixed and user-driven treadmill conditions. However, gait cycle speed variability in the fixed-speed treadmill condition was significantly lower than the user-driven and overground conditions, with no significant differences present between overground and user-driven treadmill walking. The lack of differences in variability between the user-driven treadmill and overground walking may indicate that the user-driven treadmill can better simulate the variability of overground walking, potentially leading to more natural adaptation and motor control patterns of walking.
A CURE for Meat: Comparing Bacterial Contaminants on Different Ground Beef Sources Emphasizes Process of Science and Quantitative Reasoning
Authors: Boomer Sarah M. , Kumar Savannah , Dutton Bryan E.
Published: April 2021

To broaden and emphasize the educational benefits of research to more biology majors in a course setting, we developed and assessed a microbiology-focused course-based undergraduate research experience that utilizes culture-based bacterial enumeration to compare contamination present on different ground beef sources (conventional versus organic). During the final 3 weeks of the quarter, students learned and practiced common microbiology techniques like dilution math, selective and differential media-based identification, and statistical analysis to evaluate data and test hypotheses.
Effects of Remote Teaching in a Crisis on Equity Gaps and the Constructivist Learning Environment in an Introductory Biology Course Series
Authors: Zuckerman Austin L. , Hardesty Rebecca A. , Denaro Kameryn , Lo Stanley M. , Owens Melinda T.
Published: April 2021

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, higher education institutions had to pivot rapidly to online remote learning. Many educators were concerned that the disparate impact of this crisis would exacerbate inequities in learning outcomes and student learning experiences, especially for students from minoritized backgrounds.
Maintaining Student Engagement during an Abrupt Instructional Transition: Lessons Learned from COVID-19
Authors: Senn Siena , Wessner David R.
Published: April 2021

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges and universities announced an abrupt transition to remote learning during the spring 2020 semester. In this report, we discuss the instructional changes that were implemented in an undergraduate microbiology course at a small liberal arts college as a result of this transition.
Bacterial Unknown Project in the COVID19 Era: Transition from in-Person Lab Experience to Online Environment
Authors: Amrein Jennifer , Dimond Zoe , Reboullet Julie , Hotze Eileen
Published: April 2021

The eruption of the COVID-19 pandemic forced many universities to quickly transition traditional in-person laboratory courses to an online format for remote learning. Consequently, learning objectives focused on hands-on laboratory skills shifted to ones that assess skills that could be recapitulated in the online format.
Online Portfolio: An Alternative to a Research Paper as a Final Assessment
†
Authors: Chavis Jai , Wong Kelvin , Linden Monica L.
Published: April 2021

Research papers are a common end-of-semester assessment for senior-level seminars. The mid-semester switch to remote learning due to COVID-19 allowed for the opportunity to rethink this model and to provide for an alternative final assessment using a multi-part online portfolio that addresses the learning goals of the course and the objectives of research paper-based final assessments.
Leveraging Virtual Experiences for International Professional Development Opportunities during the Pandemic and beyond
Authors: Morra Christina N. , Adkins-Jablonsky Sarah J. , Raut Samiksha A.
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all spheres of life, including the world of education. Within no time, the once-bustling university classrooms were compelled to be moved online, leaving the educators to rely on virtual engagement tools.
Implementing CUREs with Cookbook-Style Laboratory Exercises in in-Person, Online, and Hybrid Formats
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Authors: Doctor Erika L. , Lehman Melissa , Korte Cassandra S.
Published: April 2021

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) provide students with ample opportunity to engage in the scientific process and are increasingly replacing more traditional cookbook-style laboratory exercises in the undergraduate biology curriculum. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the difficulty of implementing these projects during times of crisis.
Supplemental Material: Detrital chromites reveal Slave craton’s missing komatiite
Authors: Haugaard Rasmus , al. et
Published: April 2021

Detailed field observations, chromite separation techniques, analytical techniques (including Microprobe, LA-ICP-MS, Re-Os isotope,s and PGE chemistry) and data tables.
Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI): a mixed-methods study on implementation, knowledge and resource availability in Malawi
Authors: Kilov Kim , Hildenwall Helena , Dube Albert , Zadutsa Beatiwel , Banda Lumbani , Langton Josephine , Desmond Nicola , Lufesi Norman , Makwenda Charles , King Carina
Published: April 2021

Background

The introduction of the WHO’s Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) guidelines in the mid-1990s contributed to global reductions in under-five mortality. However, issues in quality of care have been reported. We aimed to determine resource availability and healthcare worker knowledge of IMCI guidelines in two districts in Malawi.

Methods

We conducted a mixed-methods study, including health facility audits to record availability and functionality of essential IMCI equipment and availability of IMCI drugs, healthcare provider survey and focus group discussions (FGDs) with facility staff. The study was conducted between January and April 2019 in Mchinji (central region) and Zomba (southern region) districts. Quantitative data were described using proportions and χ2 tests; linear regression was conducted to explore factors associated with IMCI knowledge. Qualitative data were analysed using a pragmatic framework approach. Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed and presented separately.

Results

Forty-seven health facilities and 531 healthcare workers were included. Lumefantrine-Artemether and cotrimoxazole were the most available drugs (98% and 96%); while amoxicillin tablets and salbutamol nebuliser solution were the least available (28% and 36%). Respiratory rate timers were the least available piece of equipment, with only 8 (17%) facilities having a functional device. The mean IMCI knowledge score was 3.96 out of 10, and there was a statistically significant association between knowledge and having received refresher training (coeff: 0.42; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.82). Four themes were identified in the FGDs: IMCI implementation and practice, barriers to IMCI, benefits of IMCI and sustainability.

Conclusion

We found key gaps in IMCI implementation; however, these were not homogenous across facilities, suggesting opportunities to learn from locally adapted IMCI best practices. Improving on-going mentorship, training and supervision should be explored to improve quality of care, and programming which moves away from vertical financing with short-term support, to a more holistic approach with embedded sustainability may address the balance of resources for different conditions.
Effects of permanent and temporary edges onPinus clausa(sand pine) architecture and stand conditions
Authors: Smith Colin , Putz Francis E.
Published: April 2021

Effects of permanent (i.e., maintained) and temporary edges with north- and south-facing exposures were studied in sand pine (Pinus clausa var. clausa (Chapm. ex Engelm.) Vasey ex Sarg.) scrub, an open-canopied forest type in Ocala National Forest, Florida. On edges and interiors of four stands of each type, we measured canopy tree architecture in 5 m × 100 m plots and stand density and basal area in 5 m × 200 m plots. Edge effects were modest but often stronger on south- than north-facing edges and along permanent forest roads than temporary edges of clearcuts that were allowed to regrow. Compared with interior trees, those on edges were typically shorter, retained branches lower on their boles, oriented their first branches more towards the edge, and produced more asymmetrical crowns with the long axis extending into the opening; these trends were greater on south- than north-facing edges and along permanent than temporary edges. Contrary to expectations, there were no edge effects on total basal area, dead tree densities, proportions of sand pine trees with leaning trunks, directions of lean, or angles of lean. Instead of an edge effect, most trees leaned towards the southwest, which seems related to the northeastern origin of prevailing winds and wind gusts.
Therapeutic Opportunities of Targeting Canonical and Noncanonical PcG/TrxG Functions in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Zeisig Bernd B. , So Chi Wai Eric
Published: April 2021

Transcriptional deregulation is a key driver of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a heterogeneous blood cancer with poor survival rates. Polycomb group (PcG) and Trithorax group (TrxG) genes, originally identified in Drosophila melanogaster several decades ago as master regulators of cellular identity and epigenetic memory, not only are important in mammalian development but also play a key role in AML disease biology. In addition to their classical canonical antagonistic transcriptional functions, noncanonical synergistic and nontranscriptional functions of PcG and TrxG are emerging. Here, we review the biochemical properties of major mammalian PcG and TrxG complexes and their roles in AML disease biology, including disease maintenance as well as drug resistance. We summarize current efforts on targeting PcG and TrxG for treatment of AML and propose rational synthetic lethality and drug-induced antagonistic pleiotropy options involving PcG and TrxG as potential new therapeutic avenues for treatment of AML.
A Road Environment Prediction System for Intelligent Vehicle
Authors: Ma Chao , Sun Zhao , Pei Shanshan , Liu Chao , Cui Feng
Published: April 2021

The road environment prediction is an essential task for intelligent vehicle. In this study, we provide a flexible system that focuses on freespace detection and road environment prediction to host vehicle. The hardware of this system includes two parts: a binocular camera and a low‐power mobile platform, which is flexible and portable for a variety of intelligent vehicle. We put forward a multiscale stereo matching algorithm to reduce the computing cost of the hardware unit. Based on disparity space and points cloud, we propose a weighted probability grid map to detect freespace region and a state model to describe the road environment. The experiments show that the proposed system is accurate and robust, which indicates that this technique is fully competent for road environment prediction for intelligent vehicle.
Thoracic Empyema Secondary to Congenital Chylothorax in a 14-Month-Old Boy with Noonan Syndrome
Authors: Oikawa Takeru , Ota Chiharu , Iwasawa Shinya , Onoki Takehiko , Ikeda Hideyuki , Hanita Takushi
Published: April 2021

Thoracic empyema usually occurs as a complication of bacterial pneumonia, but in rare cases, it is caused by hematogenous dissemination secondary to nonpulmonary diseases. Congenital chylothorax or chylothorax in children is associated with maldevelopment of the lymphatic system, nonimmune hydrops fetalis, several syndromes including Down syndrome, Noonan syndrome, or Turner syndrome, a complication of thoracic surgery, right heart failure with high central venous pressure, or tumors. There are very few reports of empyema associated with preexisting chylothorax. In the present study, we describe a rare case of thoracic empyema associated with congenital chylothorax and supravalvular pulmonary stenosis associated with clinically diagnosed Noonan syndrome. It is necessary to closely monitor patients with chylothorax because they are at risk of developing severe lung infections, such as pleural empyema or lung abscesses.
Clinical, Imaging and Histopathology of Angioleiomyoma of the Buccal Cheek
Authors: Jafarian Mohammad , Mashhadi Abbas Fatemeh , Ghazizadeh Ahsaie Mitra , Saebnoori Homeira
Published: April 2021

Angioleiomyoma is a benign neoplasia originating from vascular smooth muscle and very uncommon in the oral cavity. In this report, we present a rare case of angioleiomyoma in oral cavity in a 46-year-old female buccal cheek and discuss the clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical characteristics. As the treatment of choice is the complete excision, the lesion was excised under local anesthesia with no further complications. In addition, a brief update on other reported cases of angiomyoma in the oral cavity is further discussed.
Acute Bacterial Tenonitis and Conjunctivitis following Intravitreal Injection
Authors: Huang Lillian Y. , Edwards Albert O.
Published: April 2021

A 73-year-old man presented 3 days after intravitreal injection (IVI) with bevacizumab for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration with pain and redness around the injection site. Examination showed conjunctival edema and injection around the injection site and a central infiltrate at the injection site consistent with infection of Tenon’s capsule and the conjunctiva. Infection of a vitreous wick was considered, but vitreous inflammation was not present. Acute bacterial tenonitis and conjunctivitis were diagnosed, and the patient was prescribed topical antibiotic drops. The patient’s symptoms were resolved within 48 h following the use of topical antibiotic drops, so a culture was not performed. The patient did not develop endophthalmitis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of acute bacterial tenonitis and conjunctivitis of the injection site following IVI. Even with the use of betadine, infection of Tenon’s capsule and the conjunctiva may occur after IVI and must be differentiated from other causes of postinjection ocular redness such as chemical irritation of the ocular surface, corneal abrasions, and endophthalmitis.
Electrophysiological Monitoring of Focal and Entire Retinal Function during Treatment with Intravitreal Methotrexate for Intraocular Lymphoma
Authors: Matsushima Takashi , Yoshikawa Yuji , Shimura Airi , Yajima Ayana , Ojima Yui , Shinoda Kei
Published: April 2021

We describe the electroretinographic findings of a case of primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) wherein the patient received intravitreal injections of methotrexate (ivMTX). A 62-year-old man developed blurred vision and complained of decreased visual acuity (VA) in his right eye. Fundus examination showed vitreous opacity and multiple subretinal yellowish lesions. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed subretinal and intraretinal infiltrations. The full-field electroretinogram (ffERG) showed subnormal combined rod-cone response and multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) recorded using skin electrodes showed severe attenuation of the response compared with the other eye. Pars prana vitrectomy, phacoemulsification, and lens implantation were performed to remove the opacity, and vitreous biopsy revealed a high ratio of interleukin 10–6 (76.0). There was no systemic malignant lesion, and the patient was diagnosed with PIOL. Treatment with ivMTX (400 μg/0.1 mL) was started. One month later, the intraretinal infiltration had disappeared, and mfERG revealed recovery of the response density from the central area. Two months later, OCT showed recovery of the foveal ellipsoid and interdigitation zones, and VA recovered to 20/17; mfERG showed maintenance of macular function. However, the amplitude of a- and b-waves in the ffERG gradually decreased. Macular function recovered, but there was also a decrease in total retinal function. mfERG and ffERG recorded using skin electrodes were useful in monitoring macular and entire retinal function with repeated examinations and showed recovery and maintenance of macular function in a case of PIOL treated with ivMTX.
Digital/Computational Technology for Molecular Cytology Testing: A Short Technical Note with Literature Review
Authors: Osamura Robert Y. , Matsui Naruaki , Kawashima Masato , Saiga Hiroyasu , Ogura Maki , Kiyuna Tomoharu
Published: April 2021

This short article describes the method of digital cytopathology using Z-stack scanning with or without extended focusing. This technology is suitable to observe such thick clusters as adenocarcinoma on cytologic specimens. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been applied to histological images, but its application on cytologic images is still limited. This article describes our attempt to apply AI technology to cytologic digital images. For molecular analysis, cytologic materials, such as smear, LBC, and cell blocks, have been successfully used for targeted single gene detection and multiplex gene analysis with next-generation sequencing. As a future perspective, the system can be connected to full automation by combining digital cytopathology with AI application to detect target cancer cells and to perform molecular analysis. The literature review is updated according to the subjects.
EGFR-mutiertes Adenokarzinom der Lunge: Wachsender Stellenwert der multimodalen Therapie
Authors: Hekmat Khosro
Published: April 2021

Objectives: The characteristics and efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in advanced EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma patients with primary tumor resection (PTR) is not yet clear. Methods: We enrolled advanced EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma patients with EGFR-TKI as first-line therapy to access the impact of PTR on the outcomes. Results: A total of 466 patients were enrolled with 76 patients (16.3%) undergoing PTR; 59 patients recurred after curative surgery, while 17 patients underwent surgery as diagnostic purposes. PTR patients displayed a better performance status, a lower metastatic burden, and much less measurable diseases (30.3 vs. 97.4%, p < 0.001). PTR patients experienced a significantly longer progression-free survival (25.1 [95% CI 16.6–33.7] vs. 9.4 [95% CI 8.4–10.4] months; aHR 0.40 [95% CI 0.30–0.54], p < 0.001) and overall survival (56.8 [95% CI 36.3–77.2] vs. 31.8 [95% CI 28.2–35.4] months; aHR 0.57 [95% CI 0.39–0.84], p = 0.004). Survival advantage was still observed while comparing PTR patients with the better performance and lower metastatic burden subgroup found within the non-resection group. Moreover, the progression-free survival and overall survival of 11 patients who were found having pleural metastases during surgery and underwent PTR plus pleural biopsy, were also longer than those with pure N0–1/M1a-malignant pleural effusion disease in the non-resection group (n = 19) (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Conclusion: PTR was associated with significantly better outcomes in advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients treated with EGFR-TKI. Further studies are needed to evaluate the biological role of PTR among these patients.
Evolution of Macular Bruch Membrane Defects of Patchy Chorioretinal Atrophy in Pathologic Myopia Based on a Recent Classification System
Authors: Ruiz-Moreno José M. , Puertas Mariluz , Flores-Moreno Ignacio , Ruiz-Medrano Jorge , Almazán-Alonso Elena , Garcia-Zamora Maria
Published: April 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the progression of macular Bruch membrane defects (BMD) in highly myopic patients with patchy atrophy (PA); and study its correlation with the enlargement of PA and ATN grading. Setting/Venue: Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda University Hospital, Madrid, Spain. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, noninterventional study. A series of 451 highly myopic eyes with spherical equivalent > −6.0 D and/or >26 mm of axial length (AL) were included. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmological examination and swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), and were graded using the ATN system by 2 masked retina experts that assessed the atrophic (A), tractional (T), and neovascular (N) components. SS-OCT b-scans were employed to study PA and macular BMD at baseline and at a 1-year follow-up, in patients with good foveal fixation. Results: Out of total 451 eyes, 126 eyes (27.9%) had PA (53 patients; 75.4% women). Mean T and N in eyes with PA were 1.1 ± 1.3 and 0.08 ± 0.2, respectively. Sixty-eight of them had >1-year follow-up with a good foveal fixation and enough image quality. From them, BMD were found in 44 eyes (64.7%) at baseline and increased to 59 eyes (86.7%) at a 1-year follow-up. The mean great linear dimension of PA and macular BMD increased with a median of 384.5 ± 462.5 μm (IR 68.0–660.2) and 265.6 ± 418.1 μm (IR 0–331.7), respectively. At 1-year, PA and BMD sizes increase, and were statistically significant (p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the growth of macular BMD and the growth of PA (r = 0.490, p < 0.00). T grading correlated significantly with PA growth (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Macular BMD increase its prevalence and its size over time in highly myopic patients with PA. There is a positive correlation between BMD and PA area growth. New studies with a larger sample size, longer follow-up, and AL elongation correlation are necessary to corroborate our findings.
Design and development of an Irrigation Mobile Robot
Authors: Hassan Ahmed , Asif Rao M. , Rehman Ateeq Ur , Nishtar Zuhaib , Kaabar Mohammed K. A. , Afsar Khan
Published: April 2021

Water plays a significant role among other existing natural resources. The daily demand for water supplies is increasingly on the rise as the population grows. To minimize the consumption of water in irrigation, several proposals were suggested. The currently existing system known as the automated irrigation system for effective water resource use with the prediction of the weather (AISWP) functions with a single farm that lacks the reliability in the precision of weather forecasting. So, a robot-based irrigation system has been proposed to improve the performance of the system. To minimize the water usage for crops, an automated irrigation system has been developed which irrigates the field in acres. An additional characteristic of the system has also been given for the soil pH measurement to allow the use of fertilizers accordingly. The solar-powered robot is managed wirelessly by a designated application. The robot is attached with various sensors and with a highresolution camera that tests crop conditions and senses the soil state. The application has been created to provide information about the soil’s condition such as temperature level, humidity level, water level, and level of nutrients to the PC/Laptop with the real-time values via the GSM module.
A Brief Introduction to Recent Chinese Studies on Sanskrit and Khotanese (Chiefly Buddhist) Literature
Authors: Silk Jonathan A.
Published: April 2021

The past decade has seen the appearance of a number of Chinese publications relevant to the readership of the Indo-Iranian Journal. This article briefly introduces some of those publications, dealing mostly with Buddhist sources, primarily in Sanskrit, Khotanese and Middle Indic.
Kāma at the Kadamba Court
Authors: Cecil Elizabeth A. , Gomes Mekhola
Published: April 2021

In March 1971, B.R. Gopal discovered a partially buried pillar with visible inscribed writing in the village of Guḍnāpur in Karnataka. The monument has since become known as the Guḍnāpur Pillar Inscription of Ravivarman (ca. 465–500 CE) after the ruler of the early Kadamba kingdom who commissioned it. The inscription preserves a compelling historical record that details the intersections of religious and political performance at the Kadamba court as centered around a temple to Kāma constructed within the confines of the royal residence at Vaijayantī (Banavasi), and the distribution of agrarian lands to support its maintenance. This study presents a new translation and analysis of the text and a discussion of the pillar as a ‘text-monument’ that was both embedded within and constitutive of landscapes: physical and built as well as rhetorical and imagined. By presenting the Guḍnāpur inscription as a text-monument situated within multiple landscapes, the article reveals how documentary, donative, religious, and agrarian practices supported state-making in an early South Indian kingdom.
Six new species of the Oriental genus Hlavaciellus Jałoszyński (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: April 2021

Six new species of the cephenniine genus Hlavaciellus Jałoszyński are described: H. cincinnalis sp. n. (Malaysia: Sabah); H. carinatus sp. n. (Malaysia: Pahang); H. microtuberculatus sp. n. (Malaysia: Pahang); H. diversipilosus sp. n. (Malaysia: Pahang);  H. concavus sp. n. (Indonesia: Sumatra); and H. sumatranus sp. n. (Indonesia: Sumatra). An updated key to identification of males of all nominal species of Hlavaciellus is given.