bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimally invasive off-pump surgical pulmonary embolectomy for improved patient-centred care
Authors: Ayers Brian , Wood Katherine , Bjelic Milica , Gosev Igor
Published: September 2020

We present a complicated case of massive pulmonary embolism occurring 11 weeks after a craniotomy in a patient with multiple high-risk comorbidities. The patient underwent successful pulmonary artery surgical embolectomy via left mini-thoracotomy incision on peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. For this patient, avoiding a sternotomy allowed for greatly decreased postoperative morbidity and the use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation allowed for the avoidance of intraoperative anticoagulation. This case demonstrates the feasibility of off-pump surgical pulmonary embolectomy via left mini-thoracotomy as a treatment strategy for appropriate patients to improve patient-centred care.
Home and away: mortality among Finnish-born migrants in Sweden compared to native Swedes and Finns residing in Finland
Authors: Östergren Olof , Korhonen Kaarina , Gustafsson Nina-Katri , Martikainen Pekka
Published: September 2020

Background

Most first-generation migrants have lower mortality compared to the native population. Finnish-born migrants in Sweden instead have higher mortality; possibly because of health behaviours established before migration. To increase our understanding of this excess mortality, we compared the cause-specific mortality of Finnish migrants in Sweden to both the native population of Sweden and the native Finnish population residing in Finland.

Methods

We used Swedish and Finnish register data, applying propensity score matching techniques to account for differences in sociodemographic characteristics between the migrants, Swedes and Finns. The index population were Finnish migrants aged 40–60, residing in Sweden in 1995. We compared patterns of all-cause, alcohol- and smoking-related, and cardiovascular disease mortality across the groups in the period 1996–2007.

Results

Finnish migrant men in Sweden had lower all-cause mortality compared to Finnish men but higher mortality compared to the Swedish men. The same patterns were observed for alcohol-related, smoking-related and cardiovascular disease mortality. Among women, all three groups had similar levels of all-cause mortality. However, Finnish migrant women had higher alcohol-related mortality than Swedish women, similar to Finnish women. Conversely, migrant women had similar levels of smoking-related mortality to Swedish women, lower than Finnish women.

Conclusions

Finnish-born migrants residing in Sweden have mortality patterns that are typically in between the mortality patterns of the native populations in their country of origin and destination. Both the country of origin and destination need to be considered in order to better understand migrant health.
No Need for ‘Plausibility’ in German Patent Law
Authors: Ackermann Markus
Published: September 2020

In the case law of the Boards of Appeal of the European Patent Office (EPO), increasing importance is being attached to the concept of ‘plausibility’, which, however, has no literal basis in the EPC. Nevertheless, many decisions in which inventive step (Art. 56 EPC) is assessed address the question of whether the claimed solution was at least ‘plausible’ at the effective date. For medical use claims, a ‘plausibility test’ is even performed for assessing sufficiency of disclosure (Art. 83 EPC). Starting from this example, the following article shows why German patent law does not need ‘plausibility’.
Ecological Influences on Network Tie Dissolution in the Evolution of Affiliation Networks in the International Communication Association, 2009–2015
Authors: Xu Yu , Fulk Janet , Monge Peter
Published: September 2020

This study examined the influences of ecological factors on the dissolution of affiliation ties in the International Communication Association (ICA). The affiliation network in this study represented the connections between ICA members and ICA divisions and interest groups. Guided by insights from organizational ecology and network theory, this research used a multilevel discrete-time event history analysis to test how ecological factors influenced active ICA members’ decisions to drop affiliation ties. An empirical analysis was conducted using a longitudinal sample of 1,282 active members and 23 divisions and interest groups from 2009 to 2015. The results showed that the likelihood of tie dissolution was significantly constrained by the length of an individual’s organizational membership, the division or interest group’s fuzzy density (generally considered as a proxy for legitimacy perceptions), and the group’s contrast (one measure of the level of clarity vs ambiguity of a group’s identity). Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Understanding adherence of hypertensive patients in Mexico to an exercise-referral scheme for increasing physical activity
Authors: Gallegos-Carrillo Katia , Reyes-Morales Hortensia , Pelcastre-Villafuerte Blanca , García-Peña Carmen , Lobelo Felipe , Salmeron Jorge , Salgado-de-Snyder Nelly
Published: September 2020

Among the strategies developed thus far for promoting physical activity (PA), exercise-referral schemes (ERs) have gained in popularity as an effective means of preventing secondary health conditions such as hypertension. However, information on the factors affecting adherence to these programs is limited. Using a mixed-methods approach, we undertook the present study to determine the factors associated with adherence to a specific ER aimed at increasing PA among the hypertensive patients in a Social Security institution in Mexico. Data were obtained through semi-structured questionnaires and interviews as well as from the clinical records of participants. For the quantitative component, multinomial regression analysis estimated the factors behind the varying levels of adherence. For the qualitative component, we performed a content analysis based on the health belief model. According to our findings, 80% of participants who began the ER exhibited high levels of adherence. Older age and being female were the key demographic characteristics of those showing increased adherence. Meanwhile, financial issues, the investment of time required, low perception of the benefits of PA, lack of confidence in being able to achieve changes in lifestyle, and a reluctance to acknowledge the seriousness of their health condition were the principal factors among those who did not join the program or exhibited low levels of adherence. Our findings can serve as a basis for designing PA interventions that take into account individual, cultural and administrative elements in their efforts to improve adherence to PA programs for those suffering from chronic conditions such as hypertension.
The Duffy-null genotype and risk of infection
Authors: Legge Sophie E , Christensen Rune H , Petersen Liselotte , Pardiñas Antonio F , Bracher-Smith Matthew , Knapper Steven , Bybjerg-Grauholm Jonas , Baekvad-Hansen Marie , Hougaard David M , Werge Thomas , Nordentoft Merete , Mortensen Preben Bo , Owen Michael J , O’Donovan Michael C , Benros Michael E , Walters James T R
Published: September 2020

Many medical treatments, from oncology to psychiatry, can lower white blood cell counts and thus access to these treatments can be restricted to individuals with normal levels of white blood cells, principally in order to minimize risk of serious infection. This adversely affects individuals of African or Middle Eastern ancestries who have on average a reduced number of circulating white blood cells, because of the Duffy-null (CC) genotype at rs2814778 in the ACKR1 gene. Here, we investigate whether the Duffy-null genotype is associated with the risk of infection using the UK Biobank sample and the iPSYCH Danish case-cohort study, two population-based samples from different countries and age ranges. We found that a high proportion of those with the Duffy-null genotype (21%) had a neutrophil count below the threshold often used as a cut-off for access to relevant treatments, compared with 1% of those with the TC/TT genotype. In addition we found that despite its strong association with lower average neutrophil counts, the Duffy-null genotype was not associated with an increased risk of infection, viral or bacterial. These results have widespread implications for the clinical treatment of individuals of African ancestry and indicate that neutrophil thresholds to access treatments could be lowered in individuals with the Duffy-null genotype without an increased risk of infection.
Trem2 promotes anti-inflammatory responses in microglia and is suppressed under pro-inflammatory conditions
Authors: Liu Wenfei , Taso Orjona , Wang Rui , Bayram Sevinc , Graham Andrew C , Garcia-Reitboeck Pablo , Mallach Anna , Andrews William D , Piers Thomas M , Botia Juan A , Pocock Jennifer M , Cummings Damian M , Hardy John , Edwards Frances A , Salih Dervis A
Published: September 2020

Genome-wide association studies have reported that, amongst other microglial genes, variants in TREM2 can profoundly increase the incidence of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We have investigated the role of TREM2 in primary microglial cultures from wild type mice by using siRNA to decrease Trem2 expression, and in parallel from knock-in mice heterozygous or homozygous for the Trem2 R47H AD risk variant. The prevailing phenotype of Trem2 R47H knock-in mice was decreased expression levels of Trem2 in microglia, which resulted in decreased density of microglia in the hippocampus. Overall, primary microglia with reduced Trem2 expression, either by siRNA or from the R47H knock-in mice, displayed a similar phenotype. Comparison of the effects of decreased Trem2 expression under conditions of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pro-inflammatory or IL-4 anti-inflammatory stimulation revealed the importance of Trem2 in driving a number of the genes up-regulated in the anti-inflammatory phenotype. RNA-seq analysis showed that IL-4 induced the expression of a program of genes including Arg1 and Ap1b1 in microglia, which showed an attenuated response to IL-4 when Trem2 expression was decreased. Genes showing a similar expression profile to Arg1 were enriched for STAT6 transcription factor recognition elements in their promoter, and Trem2 knockdown decreased levels of STAT6. LPS-induced pro-inflammatory stimulation suppressed Trem2 expression, thus preventing TREM2’s anti-inflammatory drive. Given that anti-inflammatory signaling is associated with tissue repair, understanding the signaling mechanisms downstream of Trem2 in coordinating the pro- and anti-inflammatory balance of microglia, particularly mediating effects of the IL-4-regulated anti-inflammatory pathway, has important implications for fighting neurodegenerative disease.
Altered Capicua expression drives regional Purkinje neuron vulnerability through ion channel gene dysregulation in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1
Authors: Chopra Ravi , Bushart David D , Cooper John P , Yellajoshyula Dhananjay , Morrison Logan M , Huang Haoran , Handler Hillary P , Man Luke J , Dansithong Warunee , Scoles Daniel R , Pulst Stefan M , Orr Harry T , Shakkottai Vikram G
Published: September 2020

Selective neuronal vulnerability in neurodegenerative disease is poorly understood. Using the ATXN1[82Q] model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1), we explored the hypothesis that regional differences in Purkinje neuron degeneration could provide novel insights into selective vulnerability. ATXN1[82Q] Purkinje neurons from the anterior cerebellum were found to degenerate earlier than those from the nodular zone, and this early degeneration was associated with selective dysregulation of ion channel transcripts and altered Purkinje neuron spiking. Efforts to understand the basis for selective dysregulation of channel transcripts revealed modestly increased expression of the ATXN1 co-repressor Capicua (Cic) in anterior cerebellar Purkinje neurons. Importantly, disrupting the association between ATXN1 and Cic rescued the levels of these ion channel transcripts, and lentiviral overexpression of Cic in the nodular zone accelerated both aberrant Purkinje neuron spiking and neurodegeneration. These findings reinforce the central role for Cic in SCA1 cerebellar pathophysiology and suggest that only modest reductions in Cic are needed to have profound therapeutic impact in SCA1.
Negotiating Jewish divorce
Authors: Laufer-Ukeles Pamela
Published: September 2020

In this article I argue that beyond identifiable instances of extortion and abuse, the threat of being a chained wife fundamentally disempowers women in divorce negotiations in a manner that is deeply problematic and must be remedied. Using negotiation theory, I demonstrate how power imbalances that affect divorce negotiations are often left unacknowledged and yet create the potential for injustice for all women in Jewish divorce.
Comparative Profiling of Four Lignans (Phyllanthin, Hypophyllanthin, Nirtetralin, and Niranthin) in Nine Phyllanthus Species from India Using a Validated Reversed Phase HPLC-PDA Detection Method
Authors: Patel Jinal , Nagar Padamnabhi Shanker , Pal Kalpana , Singh Raghuraj , Dhanani Tushar , Patel Vyomesh , Srivastava Sharad , Kumar Satyanshu
Published: September 2020

Background

Phyllanthus species exhibit a wide range of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities; however, little is known about the compounds present in the extracts that are responsible for such actions.

Objective

Development and validation of a simple reversed phase HPLC-PDA method for profiling of phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, nirtetralin, and niranthin in extracts of Phyllanthus species was carried out.

Methods

Separation was achieved using an XBridge column® (150 × 4.6 mm, 5.0 µm id) in an isocratic elution mode with mobile phase comprising of a mixture of acetonitrile and water with TFA (0.05%, v/v, pH = 2.15) at ambient temperature with a flow rate of 1 mL/min.

Results

Phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, nirtetralin, and niranthin were eluted at mean retention times of 10.47, 11.10, 13.67, and 14.53 min, respectively. LOD and LOQ for all four analytes were 0.75 and 3.00 μg/mL, respectively. RSDr values for intraday and interday precision for phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, nirtetralin, and niranthin were 0.38–1.32 and 0.45–1.77%; 0.22–3.69 and 0.24–3.04%, 0.73–2.37 and 0.09–0.31%, and 1.56–2.77 and 0.12–0.68%, respectively.

Conclusions

The developed and validated HPLC-PDA method was applied for identification and quantification of phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, nirtetralin, and niranthin in extracts of different plant parts of selected Phyllanthus species. The outcome of the present investigation could be useful for selection of best species to promote its commercial cultivation and suitable extraction solvent for preparation of lignan-enriched fractions. This HPLC-PDA method could be useful for quality control of herbal formulations containing plants from Phyllanthus species.
The diversity and biology of symbiotic and parasitic crustaceans: an introduction
Authors: Dreyer Niklas , Chan Benny K K
Published: September 2020

The present special number of Journal of Crustacean Biology (JCB) house, in addition to novel contributions, articles originating from two symposia, ‘Frontiers in the Ecology and Biology of the Thecostraca’ in ICC9, Washington DC, 2018, and ‘Evolution and Ecology of Parasitic and Symbiotic Crustaceans’ in The Crustacean Society summer meeting in Hong Kong, 2019. Articles on symbiotic and parasitic crustaceans, including tantulocarids, isopods, amphipods, barnacles, and pilumnid and pinnotherid crabs, are devoted to advancing our knowledge on the diversity and biology of symbiotic (including parasitic) crustaceans.
‘Lines of Becoming’ Misha Black and Entanglements through Exhibition Design
Authors: Atkinson Harriet
Published: September 2020

In many historical accounts exhibitions are considered in isolation, in relation to specific political or cultural events. This article instead interrogates exhibitions as interlinked sites of personal and professional ‘entanglement’, connected entities that have capacity to sustain and develop multiple relationships, in this case across the career of a single designer, Misha Black (1910–1977). Through successive commissions, Black developed ideas about exhibitions as communication and propaganda, as well as developing his network and modelling formations for professional design practice. Exhibitions Black worked on which are discussed here included The Ibero-American Exhibition, Seville, 1929–1930; MARS Group Exhibition, 1938; Glasgow Empire Exhibition, 1938; New York World’s Fair, 1939–1940; Ministry of Information exhibitions mounted during the Second World War and the Festival of Britain, 1951.
Cystoscopy as a tool for hip arthroscopy for treating morbidly obese patients: a case report of treating a Sumo wrestler
Authors: Uchida Soshi , Yukizawa Yohei , Nakashima Hirotaka , Matsuda Dean K , Sakai Akinori
Published: September 2020

Sports medicine surgeons sometimes encounter morbidly obese athletes with femoroacetabular impingement, such as Sumo wrestlers. In such cases, traditional arthroscopic equipment will not reach the joint. This case report describes the use of a cystoscope to perform arthroscopy to treat borderline developmental dysplasia of the hip combined with cam impingement in a morbidly obese athlete. The cystoscope enables hip arthroscopy to be performed when traditional instruments are not of sufficient length to access the hip and/or an extra-long arthroscope is not available. The use of the cystoscope provides a practical, feasible and minimally invasive option to treat non-arthritic intraarticular hip pathology in the morbidly obese or extremely muscular athletes.
The Mahābhārata as Kṛṣṇacarita: Draupadī’s Prayer in Two Regional Retellings
Authors: Pillai Sohini Sarah
Published: September 2020

The scene in which Duḥśāsana tries to publicly strip Draupadī after Yudhiṣṭhira loses her in the disastrous dice game is one of most well-known and disturbing sequences in the Mahābhārata tradition. In several Mahābhāratas, Draupadī calls out to Kṛṣṇa who saves her by providing her with a never-ending garment. This article closely compares Draupadī’s prayer to Kṛṣṇa in two Mahābhāratas that identify themselves as kṛṣṇacaritas, that is, works reporting ‘the deeds of Kṛṣṇa’: Villiputtūr’s fifteenth--century Tamil Pāratam and Sabalsingh Cauhān’s seventeenth--century Bhasha (Old Hindi) Mahābhārat. Draupadī’s plea serves quite different purposes in these regional retellings: while Villi’s scene exemplifies the power of prapatti or ‘self-surrender’, Cauhān use Draupadī’s prayer as an opportunity to extol Kṛṣṇa in detail. What these two Mahābhāratas do share, however, is that they both transform the narrative of the entire dicing episode into a bhakti (devotional) story that emphasises Kṛṣṇa’s compassion for Draupadī and the Pāṇḍavas.
Trans Men Giving Birth and Reflections on Fatherhood: What to Expect?
Authors: Margaria Alice
Published: September 2020

What was long feared by legislators and courts has now become reality: trans men give birth to their own children and request to be designated as their ‘fathers’ for the purpose of birth registration. This article sheds light on the transformative potential of such procreative scenarios and the following legal claims for fatherhood. An argument is made that they invite essential reflections on what it means to be a father today and, in so doing, they prompt a (re)construction of legal fatherhood which includes care as a relevant, paternal parameter. By focusing on ongoing cases decided by English and German courts, however, this article shows that domestic courts’ understanding of fatherhood has essentially preserved its conventionally heteronormative, biological, and mediated nature. Yet, the game is still open and an application pending before the European Court of Human Rights may breathe fresh air into the debate.
Near-Gaussian distributions for modelling discrete stellar velocity data with heteroskedastic uncertainties
Authors: Sanders Jason L , Evans N Wyn
Published: September 2020

The velocity distributions of stellar tracers in general exhibit weak non-Gaussianity encoding information on the orbital composition of a galaxy and the underlying potential. The standard solution for measuring non-Gaussianity involves constructing a series expansion (e.g. the Gauss–Hermite series) that can produce regions of negative probability density. This is a significant issue for the modelling of discrete data with heteroskedastic uncertainties. Here, we introduce a method to construct positive-definite probability distributions by the convolution of a given kernel with a Gaussian distribution. Further convolutions by observational uncertainties are trivial. The statistics (moments and cumulants) of the resulting distributions are governed by the kernel distribution. Two kernels (uniform and Laplace) offer simple drop-in replacements for a Gauss–Hermite series for negative and positive excess kurtosis distributions with the option of skewness. We demonstrate the power of our method by an application to real and mock line-of-sight velocity data sets on dwarf spheroidal galaxies, where kurtosis is indicative of orbital anisotropy and hence a route to breaking the mass–anisotropy degeneracy for the identification of cusped versus cored dark matter profiles. Data on the Fornax dwarf spheroidal galaxy indicate positive excess kurtosis and hence favour a cored dark matter profile. Although designed for discrete data, the analytic Fourier transforms of the new models also make them appropriate for spectral fitting, which could improve the fits of high-quality data by avoiding unphysical negative wings in the line-of-sight velocity distribution.
Formation pathway for lonely stripped-envelope supernova progenitors: implications for Cassiopeia A
Authors: Hirai Ryosuke , Sato Toshiki , Podsiadlowski Philipp , Vigna-Gómez Alejandro , Mandel Ilya
Published: September 2020

We explore a new scenario for producing stripped-envelope supernova progenitors. In our scenario, the stripped-envelope supernova is the second supernova of the binary, in which the envelope of the secondary was removed during its red supergiant phase by the impact of the first supernova. Through 2D hydrodynamical simulations, we find that ∼50–90 ${{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the envelope can be unbound as long as the pre-supernova orbital separation is ≲5 times the stellar radius. Recombination energy plays a significant role in the unbinding, especially for relatively high mass systems (≳18 M⊙). We predict that more than half of the unbound mass should be distributed as a one-sided shell at about ∼10–100 pc away from the second supernova site. We discuss possible applications to known supernova remnants such as Cassiopeia A, RX J1713.7−3946, G11.2−0.3, and find promising agreements. The predicted rate is ∼0.35–1${{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the core-collapse population. This new scenario could be a major channel for the subclass of stripped-envelope or type IIL supernovae that lack companion detections like Cassiopeia A.
High-amplitude γ Doradus variables
Authors: Paunzen Ernst , Bernhard Klaus , Hümmerich Stefan , Hambsch Franz-Josef , Lloyd Christopher , Otero Sebastián
Published: September 2020

According to most literature sources, the amplitude of the pulsational variability observed in γ Doradus stars does not exceed 0.1 mag in Johnson V. We have analysed fifteen high-amplitude γ Doradus stars with photometric peak-to-peak amplitudes well beyond this limit, with the aim of unraveling the mechanisms behind the observed high amplitudes and investigating whether these objects are in any way physically distinct from their low-amplitude counterparts. We have calculated astrophysical parameters and investigated the location of the high-amplitude γ Doradus stars and a control sample of fifteen low-amplitude objects in the log Teff versus log L/L⊙ diagram. Employing survey data and our own observations, we analysed the photometric variability of our target stars using discrete Fourier transform. Correlations between the observed primary frequencies, amplitudes and other parameters like effective temperature and luminosity were investigated. The unusually high amplitudes of the high-amplitude γ Doradus stars can be explained by the superposition of several base frequencies in interaction with their combination and overtone frequencies. Although the maximum amplitude of the primary frequencies does not exceed an amplitude of 0.1 mag, total light variability amplitudes of over 0.3 mag (V) can be attained in this way. Low- and high-amplitude γ Doradus stars do not appear to be physically distinct in any other respect than their total variability amplitudes but merely represent two ends of the same, uniform group of variables.
Measuring the properties of reionized bubbles with resolved Lyαspectra
Authors: Mason Charlotte A , Gronke† Max
Published: September 2020

Identifying and characterizing reionized bubbles enables us to track both their size distribution, which depends on the primary ionizing sources, and the relationship between reionization and galaxy evolution. We demonstrate that spectrally resolved z ≳ 6 Lyman-alpha (Lyα) emission can constrain properties of reionized regions. Specifically, the distance from a source to a neutral region sets the minimum observable Lyα velocity offset from systemic. Detection of flux on the blue side of the Lyα resonance implies the source resides in a large, sufficiently ionized region that photons can escape without significant resonant absorption, and thus constrains both the sizes of and the residual neutral fractions within ionized bubbles. We estimate the extent of the region around galaxies which is optically thin to blue Lyα photons, analogous to quasar proximity zones, as a function of the source’s ionizing photon output and surrounding gas density. This optically thin region is typically ≲ 0.3 pMpc in radius (allowing transmission of flux ≳ −250 km s−1), ≲ 20 per cent of the distance to the neutral region. In a proof-of-concept, we demonstrate the z ≈ 6.6 galaxy COLA1 – with a blue Lyα peak – likely resides in an ionized region >0.7 pMpc, with residual neutral fraction <10−5.5. To ionize its own proximity zone we infer COLA1 has a high ionizing photon escape fraction (fesc > 0.50), relatively steep UV slope (β < −1.79), and low line-of-sight gas density (∼0.5 times the cosmic mean), suggesting it is a rare, underdense line-of-sight.
ViruSurf: an integrated database to investigate viral sequences
Authors: Canakoglu Arif , Pinoli Pietro , Bernasconi Anna , Alfonsi Tommaso , Melidis Damianos P , Ceri Stefano
Published: September 2020

ViruSurf, available at http://gmql.eu/virusurf/, is a large public database of viral sequences and integrated and curated metadata from heterogeneous sources (RefSeq, GenBank, COG-UK and NMDC); it also exposes computed nucleotide and amino acid variants, called from original sequences. A GISAID-specific ViruSurf database, available at http://gmql.eu/virusurf_gisaid/, offers a subset of these functionalities. Given the current pandemic outbreak, SARS-CoV-2 data are collected from the four sources; but ViruSurf contains other virus species harmful to humans, including SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, Ebola and Dengue. The database is centered on sequences, described from their biological, technological and organizational dimensions. In addition, the analytical dimension characterizes the sequence in terms of its annotations and variants. The web interface enables expressing complex search queries in a simple way; arbitrary search queries can freely combine conditions on attributes from the four dimensions, extracting the resulting sequences. Several example queries on the database confirm and possibly improve results from recent research papers; results can be recomputed over time and upon selected populations. Effective search over large and curated sequence data may enable faster responses to future threats that could arise from new viruses.
Continuity Points Via Riesz Potentials for ℂ-Elliptic Operators
Authors: Diening Lars , Gmeineder Franz
Published: September 2020

We establish a Riesz potential criterion for Lebesgue continuity points of functions of bounded $\mathbb{A}$-variation, where $\mathbb{A}$ is a $\mathbb{C}$-elliptic differential operator of arbitrary order. This result generalizes a potential criterion that is known for full gradients to the case where full gradient estimates are not available by virtue of Ornstein’s non-inequality.
DEVELOPMENT OF 222RN IN AIR SECONDARY STANDARD IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC
Authors: Blahušiak Pavol , Krivošík Matej , Slučiak Jarmila , Javorník Andrej , Zálešáková Michaela , Chytil Miroslav , Müllerová Monika , Holý Karol
Published: September 2020

Slovak Institute of Metrology received in 2016 funding for realisation of a set up of a radon chamber with AlphaGUARD as a secondary standard of 222Rn in air as one part of the project. This secondary standard will serve to provide the traceability for laboratories that deal with 222Rn measurements in environmental samples. This project is a response to the European Union legislation and provides metrological support for the development and implementation of the national radon action plan, which the member states of the European Union are committed to fulfil in accordance with Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom. During development of the radon chamber, the determination of its basic technical parameters, such as the exact determination of the container volume and the area of the inner walls of the radon chamber, many tightness tests of the chamber, the definition of homogeneous radon atmosphere parameters and bilateral comparisons, were realised.
STUDY OF 222RN CONTINUOUS MONITORING TIME SERIES AND DOSE ASSESSMENT IN SIX EUROPEAN CAVES
Authors: Ambrosino F , Thinová L , Briestenský M , Sabbarese C
Published: September 2020

The present work aims to assess the effective doses from long-term continual radon monitoring in six European caves (Slovenia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic), including influencing environmental factors. Caves are important radiation protection subjects because of elevated radon activity concentration (~kBq/m3), mostly due to the low natural ventilation. The sources of radon gas are most often underground rock layers and clastic sediments. The radon activity concentrations show seasonal variations, for which the outside temperature is the main driving force. The human health impact due to the radon inhalation in monitored caves was estimated through the annual effective dose, using the methodology provided by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP Publication 137). The annual effective dose could reach several tens of mSv, depending on the working hours spent in the underground.
ANALYSIS OF TIME SERIES OF RADON ACTIVITY CONCENTRATION IN OUTDOOR AIR AND THEIR RECONSTRUCTION
Authors: Bulko Martin , Holý Karol , Müllerová Monika
Published: September 2020

222Rn (radon) is an ever-present radioactive component of the surface layer of the atmosphere. The knowledge of the shape of radon activity concentration (RAC) time series has several important applications in atmospheric studies. This study presents the results of RAC analysis according to Garzon et al. approach during the years 1991–2009, as well as attempts to reconstruct the shape of composite diurnal RAC cycles using either Garzon et al. original approach or other methods. From this study, it follows that in order to accurately reconstruct the mean diurnal RAC cycles for individual months in our locality (Central European region), the parameters have to be calibrated by local RAC and measured global solar radiation data. The original Garzon et al. approach underestimates the amplitude of mean diurnal RAC cycles during April–August by up to 10%, and overestimates the amplitude during September–March by up to 25%.
Sleep health, diseases, and pain syndromes: findings from an electronic health record biobank
Authors: Dashti Hassan S , Cade Brian E , Stutaite Gerda , Saxena Richa , Redline Susan , Karlson Elizabeth W
Published: September 2020

Study Objectives

Implementation of electronic health record biobanks has facilitated linkage between clinical and questionnaire data and enabled assessments of relationships between sleep health and diseases in phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS). In the Mass General Brigham Biobank, a large health system-based study, we aimed to systematically catalog associations between time in bed, sleep timing, and weekly variability with clinical phenotypes derived from ICD-9/10 codes.

Methods

Self-reported habitual bed and wake times were used to derive variables: short (<7 hours) and long (≥9 hours) time in bed, sleep midpoint, social jetlag, and sleep debt. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to test cross-sectional and prospective associations, respectively, adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and employment status and further adjusted for body mass index.

Results

In cross-sectional analysis (n = 34,651), sleep variable associations were most notable for circulatory system, mental disorders, and endocrine/metabolic phenotypes. We observed the strongest associations for short time in bed with obesity, for long time in bed and sleep midpoint with major depressive disorder, for social jetlag with hypercholesterolemia, and for sleep debt with acne. In prospective analysis (n = 24,065), we observed short time in bed associations with higher incidence of acute pain and later sleep midpoint and higher sleep debt and social jetlag associations with higher incidence of major depressive disorder.

Conclusions

Our analysis reinforced that sleep health is a multidimensional construct, corroborated robust known findings from traditional cohort studies, and supported the application of PheWAS as a promising tool for advancing sleep research. Considering the exploratory nature of PheWAS, careful interrogation of novel findings is imperative.
Religion in the Age of Social Distancing: How COVID-19 Presents New Directions for Research
Authors: Baker Joseph O , Martí Gerardo , Braunstein Ruth , Whitehead Andrew L , Yukich Grace
Published: September 2020

In this brief note written during a global pandemic, we consider some of the important ways this historical moment is altering the religious landscape, aiming our investigative lens at how religious institutions, congregations, and individuals are affected by the social changes produced by COVID-19. This unprecedented time prompts scholars of religion to reflect on how to strategically approach the study of religion in the time of “social distancing,” as well as moving forward. Particularly important considerations include developing heuristic, innovative approaches for revealing ongoing changes to religion, as well as how religion continues to structure social life across a wide range of contexts, from the most intimate and personal to the most public and global. Although our note can only be indicative rather than exhaustive, we do suggest that the initial groundwork for reconsiderations might productively focus on several key analytical themes, including: Epidemiology, Ideology, Religious Practice, Religious Organizations and Institutions, as well as Epistemology and Methodology. In offering these considerations as a starting point, we remain aware (and hopeful) that inventive and unanticipated approaches will also emerge.
The Stockman’s Scorecard: quantitative evaluation of beef cattle stockmanship
Authors: Yost John K , Yates Jarred W , Davis Matt P , Wilson Matthew E
Published: September 2020

An animal’s action, or inaction, is the direct result of a stockman’s action or inaction. The Stockman’s Scorecard is a novel observation instrument that has been proven to be a valid and reliable tool to measure the quality of beef cattle stockmanship. Specific handler actions have been weighted based on their perceived negative relationship to cattle stress from handling. The purpose of this article is to 1) document the initial use of the scorecard in a beef cattle feedlot setting and 2) provide further support to its validity by establishing an association with other quantitative and qualitative means of evaluating stockmanship. The Scorecard was used at 39 beef feedlots in Texas between March 2018 and April 2019. Eighty-four stockman were observed, and the average score received was 84.5 (SD = 14.73, range = 20 to 100). The most frequent mistakes observed were as follows: fills crowd pen/tub over half full (n = 39), slow to remove pressure (n = 29), uses unnecessary noise (n = 25), stands in front and taps rear (n = 24), and fails to regulate animal flow through a pinch point (n = 22). A strong negative association (ρ = −0.51) was found between the points deducted from the Noise and Physical Contact theme of the Scorecard and the number of animals touched with an electric prod from the BQA Feedyard Assessment. Moderate negative associations were found between the Scorecard final score and the number of animals that vocalize in the chute prior to procedures (ρ = −0.31). Those stockmen that scored above average on the Scorecard were qualitatively observed to be calm and quiet while working with the cattle (Kappa = 0.44). The qualitative disposition of cattle had little effect on the final score of stockmen using the Scorecard (Kappa = 0.17). The use of the Scorecard in a feedlot setting has demonstrated that as stockman scores decrease, there is an increase in the number of negative actions toward cattle and a negative behavioral response of the cattle themselves. Establishment of an association between a stockman’s score using the Stockman’s Scorecard and the animal-based observations from the BQA Feedyard Assessment further strengthens the validity of the Stockman’s Scorecard as a tool to measure the quality of beef cattle stockmanship. The Scorecard has application as a tool to identify specific stockmanship deficiencies in order to target stockmanship training.
Evaluation of NGS-based approaches for SARS-CoV-2 whole genome characterisation
Authors: Charre Caroline , Ginevra Christophe , Sabatier Marina , Regue Hadrien , Destras Grégory , Brun Solenne , Burfin Gwendolyne , Scholtes Caroline , Morfin Florence , Valette Martine , Lina Bruno , Bal Antonin , Josset Laurence
Published: September 2020

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has been performed at unprecedented rate worldwide with the use of very diverse Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) methods. Herein, we compare the performance of four NGS-based approaches for SARS-CoV-2 WGS. Twenty-four clinical respiratory samples with a large scale of Ct values (from 10.7 to 33.9) were sequenced with four methods. Three used Illumina sequencing: an in-house metagenomic NGS (mNGS) protocol and two newly commercialised kits including a hybridisation capture method developed by Illumina (DNA Prep with Enrichment kit and Respiratory Virus Oligo Panel, RVOP), and an amplicon sequencing method developed by Paragon Genomics (CleanPlex SARS-CoV-2 kit). We also evaluated the widely used amplicon sequencing protocol developed by ARTIC Network and combined with Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing. All four methods yielded near-complete genomes (>99%) for high viral loads samples (n = 8), with mNGS and RVOP producing the most complete genomes. For mid viral loads (Ct 20–25), amplicon-based enrichment methods led to genome coverage >99 per cent for all samples while 1/8 sample sequenced with RVOP and 2/8 samples sequenced with mNGS had a genome coverage below 99 per cent. For low viral loads (Ct ≥25), amplicon-based enrichment methods were the most sensitive techniques. All methods were highly concordant in terms of identity in complete consensus sequence. Just one mismatch in three samples was observed in CleanPlex vs the other methods, due to the dedicated bioinformatics pipeline setting a high threshold to call SNP compared to reference sequence. Importantly, all methods correctly identified a newly observed 34nt-deletion in ORF6 but required specific bioinformatic validation for RVOP. Finally, as a major warning for targeted techniques, a loss of coverage in any given region of the genome should alert to a potential rearrangement or a SNP in primer-annealing or probe-hybridizing regions and would require further validation using unbiased metagenomic sequencing.
Evolutionary systematics of the viviparous gastropod Sermyla (Gastropoda: Cerithioidea: Thiaridae), with the description of a new species
Authors: Lentge-Maaß Nora , Neiber Marco T , Gimnich France , Glaubrecht Matthias
Published: September 2020

While most Cerithioidea are marine, some occur in brackish and freshwater habitats. Many members are systematically problematic due to variability or homoplasy in conchological characters, which has led to taxonomic redundancy, but also because of discrepancies between phylogenetic trees and morphologically distinguishable units as revealed in recent molecular genetic studies. We have chosen an evolutionary systematic approach and combine analyses of shell biometry and geometric morphometrics with the analyses of reproductive traits and molecular genetics based on mtDNA and AFLP markers in order to resolve the relationships among species of the genus Sermyla. We describe a new species from Sulawesi, Sermyla kupaensis sp. nov., which is characterized by a distinct reproductive strategy. This unique reproductive strategy corresponds with its distinct molecular genetic signal. However, it is not possible to distinguish S. kupaensis from S. riquetii based on shell morphology alone. We also provide data on the population structure of the endemic Australian species Sermyla carbonata, for which we found a drainage-based population structure. Overall, we present a new concept of the relationships among the species within the genus Sermyla based on morphological and genetic data.
Molecular Identification of Mutations Conferring Resistance to Azoxystrobin in Cercospora nicotianae
Authors: Li Hua , Barlow William , Dixon Edward , Amsden Bernadette F. , Hirsch R. Louis , Pfeufer Emily E.
Published: September 2020

Cercospora nicotianae, the causal agent of frogeye leaf spot (FLS) of tobacco, has been exposed to quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicides for more than a decade through azoxystrobin applications targeting other major foliar diseases. From 2016 to 2018, a total of 124 isolates were collected from tobacco fields throughout Kentucky. Sensitivity of these isolates to azoxystrobin was previously characterized by determining the effective concentration to inhibit 50% conidial germination (EC50). Based on azoxystrobin EC50, isolates were categorized into three discrete groups: high sensitivity (<0.08 µg/ml), moderate sensitivity (0.14 to 0.64 µg/ml), and low sensitivity (>1.18 µg/ml). Variability in sensitivity in a limited number of C. nicotianae isolates was previously shown to be a result of resistance mutations in the fungicide target gene. To improve understanding of C. nicotianae cytochrome b (cytb) structure, the gene was cloned from three isolates representing each EC50 group, and sequences were compared. Our analysis showed that cytb gene in C. nicotianae consists of 1,161 nucleotides encoding 386 amino acids. The cytb sequence among the cloned isolates was identical with the exception of the F129L and G143A point mutations. To more rapidly determine the resistance status of C. nicotianae isolates to azoxystrobin, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed to screen for mutations. According to this assay, 80% (n = 99) of tested C. nicotianae isolates carried an F129L mutation and were moderately resistant to azoxystrobin, and 7% (n = 9) carried the G143A mutation and were highly resistant. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested the PCR assay was a robust diagnostic tool to identify C. nicotianae isolates with different sensitivity to azoxystrobin in Kentucky tobacco production. The prevalence of both the F129L and G143A mutations in C. nicotianae from Kentucky differs from that of other pathosystems where resistance to QoI fungicides has been identified, in which the majority of sampled isolates of the pathogen species have a broadly occurring cytb mutation.
Intraoperative axial patellar imaging: a new technique
Authors: Lapin Harrison , Bidwell Richard , Williams Kevin , Thier Zachary , Locke Mark
Published: September 2020

Background:

The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) functions by providing patellar stability and preventing lateral displacement of the patella. Surgical fixation is commonly recommended for MPFL tears in the form of MPFL reconstruction via anatomic techniques. Intraoperative fluoroscopy is critical for identifying anatomical landmarks during surgery. Using the C-arm, both anteroposterior and lateral views are routinely obtained, leaving the surgeon blinded to the angle of approaching the patella. Thus, our team saw a need to develop a method to capture an axial-type view of the patella using available intraoperative imaging technology.

Technique:

After guide-pin insertion, fluoroscopy is positioned for an anteroposterior view. The knee is hyperflexed while externally rotating the tibia and ankle. The patient’s ankle is slightly below the edge of the operating table, causing the tibia to rotate out of view of the radiograph. The C-arm is angled cephalad, approximately 20 to 30 degrees with the C-arm lowered, the operating table is raised until the knee almost touches the C-arm. The angle of tibial rotation and knee flexion is adjusted to obtain a view that closely resembles is the Merchant view. Our axial patellofemoral fluoroscopic technique augments traditional anteroposterior and lateral views by providing increased accuracy of patellar fixation in relation to the patellofemoral joint.

Discussion:

As MPFL reconstruction and repair procedures become more common, there will be a desire to improve upon the technique and approach to the procedure. Anatomic positioning of the graft is the most important prognostic factor in determining success of the operation. To decrease complications, such as patellar fracture, accuracy of patellar fixation placement is paramount, and any measure to ensure proper graft placement should be utilized.

Conclusions:

Our technique established more precise guide-pin placement for the patellar tunnel. It also reduced time spent evaluating patellar fixation via additional orthogonal imaging. This could be associated with better outcomes and avoidance of common complications such as patellar fracture attributed to violation of the anterior cortex.

Level of Evidence:

Level V.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Secondary to the Presence of Fetal Cardiac Rhabdomyoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Li Hui-Fan , Wang Dong , Li Jun-Qi , Zhang Li , Zhang Xu , Qi Hong-Bo , Li Jun-Nan
Published: September 2020

Fetal cardiac rhabdomyoma is associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) which is an autosomal dominant hereditary neurocutaneous disease with an incidence of approximately 1 in 5 000 to 10 000 live birth. It is caused by mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 gene, de novo mutations accounting for approximately 80% of TSC cases, which can involve multiple organs and systems such as the heart, brain, kidney, lung, skin, and so on. Cardiac rhabdomyoma is the most common fetal heart tumor, accounting for about 60% of cases. It is closely related to TSC and may be the only manifestation of TSC which occurs during pregnancy. This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of a neonate with TSC diagnosed with fetal cardiac rhabdomyomas and confirmed by amniocentesis prenatal diagnosis as gene testing TSC1 gene positively. The parents had no such mutation. However, due to the influence of the sudden coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, the TSC genetic test report was not obtained until 38 weeks of pregnancy. Multiple hypo-pigmented spots (diameter >5 mm) were found immediately after birth. The characteristic cardiac feature of TSC is a rhabdomyoma and the diagnosis of TSC is based upon genetic testing and multiple ultrasound examinations or magnetic resonance imaging. Most patients with TSC have epilepsy, and one-half or more have cognitive deficits and learning disabilities. So rigorous follow-up will continue for the case we reported.