bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recurrent TB: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the incidence rates and the proportions of relapses and reinfections
Authors: Vega Victor , Rodríguez Sharon , Van der Stuyft Patrick , Seas Carlos , Otero Larissa
Published: February 2021

Background

A recurrent tuberculosis (TB) episode results from exogenous reinfection or relapse after cure. The use of genotyping allows the distinction between both.

Methods

We did a systematic review and meta-analysis, using four databases to search for studies in English, French and Spanish published between 1 January 1980 and 30 September 2020 that assessed recurrences after TB treatment success and/or differentiated relapses from reinfections using genotyping. We calculated person years of follow-up and performed random-effects model meta-analysis for estimating pooled recurrent TB incidence rates and proportions of relapses and reinfections. We performed subgroup analyses by clinical–epidemiological factors and by methodological study characteristics.

Findings

The pooled recurrent TB incidence rate was 2.26 per 100 person years at risk (95% CI 1.87 to 2.73; 145 studies). Heterogeneity was high (I
2
=98%). Stratified pooled recurrence rates increased from 1.47 (95% CI 0.87 to 2.46) to 4.10 (95% CI 2.67 to 6.28) per 100 person years for studies conducted in low versus high TB incidence settings. Background HIV prevalence, treatment drug regimen, sample size and duration of follow-up contributed too. The pooled proportion of relapses was 70% (95% CI 63% to 77%; I²=85%; 48 studies). Heterogeneity was determined by background TB incidence, as demonstrated by pooled proportions of 83% (95% CI 75% to 89%) versus 59% (95% CI 42% to 74%) relapse for studies from settings with low versus high TB incidence, respectively.

Interpretation

The risk of recurrent TB is substantial and relapse is consistently the most frequent form of recurrence. Notwithstanding, with increasing background TB incidence the proportion of reinfections increases and the predominance of relapses among recurrences decreases.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018077867
Improved multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann model for Allen–Cahn equation
Authors: Yan Xianzhong , Ye Yonglong , Chen Jun , Wang Xiaofeng , Du Rui
Published: February 2021

Two-phase flow is important in both science and engineering. In this paper, a D2Q5 multi-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann model is proposed for solving Allen–Cahn equation, which is a convection–diffusion equation for the order parameter. Through Chapmann–Enskog analysis, the macroscopic equations can be recovered from the D2Q5 MRT LB model. Then, a detailed numerical study on several classical problems is performed to give a comparison between the present model for the AC equation and the previous study. The results show that the present model gets better accuracy and has better stability than that of single-relaxation-time LB model, and has higher computational efficiency than that of D2Q9 MRT LB model. Furthermore, as an important application, the model is also used to study the deformation field problem because of its excellent ability to cope with complex and changeable boundaries.
Spectrum of theq-Schrödinger equation by means of the variational method based on the discreteq-Hermite I polynomials
Authors: Turan Mehmet , Adıgüzel Rezan Sevinik , Çalışır Ayşe Doğan
Published: February 2021

In this work, the [Formula: see text]-Schrödinger equations with symmetric polynomial potentials are considered. The spectrum of the model is obtained for several values of [Formula: see text], and the limiting case as [Formula: see text] is considered. The Rayleigh–Ritz variational method is adopted to the system. The discrete [Formula: see text]-Hermite I polynomials are handled as basis in this method. Furthermore, the following potentials with numerous results are presented as applications: [Formula: see text]-harmonic, purely [Formula: see text]-quartic and [Formula: see text]-quartic oscillators. It is also shown that the obtained results confirm the ones that exist in the literature for the continuous case.
On Hawking entropy revisited
Authors: Ulhoa S. C. , Santos A. F. , Furtado T. F. , Khanna F. C.
Published: February 2021

The teleparallel gravity, in the weak field approximation, is considered. In the Schwarzschild space–time the gravitational Stefan–Boltzmann law is calculated. Using the first law of thermodynamics, the Hawking entropy and temperature of the black hole are calculated. Thermofield dynamics formalism is used to define the temperature-dependent theory. In addition the gravitational Casimir effect and Stefan–Boltzmann law at zero and finite temperature are calculated in Schwarzschild space–time.
Trusted Service Provider Discovery Based on Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom
Authors: Lei Yu , Yucong Duan
Published: February 2021

Data, information, knowledge, and wisdom forms a progressive relationship. Information is formed by data collation. Knowledge is filtered, refined, and processed from relevant information. Wisdom is based on knowledge and is accumulated through experience. This paper uses the progressive relationship of service data, information, knowledge, and wisdom to explain the expression of service knowledge graph. It is an increasingly challenging demand to discover trusted Cloud service providers with service data, information, and knowledge. We propose an efficient method of trusted service provider discovery based on service knowledge graphs, called PDG (Provider Discovery based on Graphs), to ensure that each service instance of composite services in Cloud systems is trustworthy. PDG evaluates the outputs of service providers in service classes with the help of additional service information. According to the additional service information, service knowledge is generated and trusted service providers can be found easily. PDG improves the accuracy of processing results by automatically replacing data provided by untrusted service providers with results provided by trusted service providers.
The Technical Debt Density Over Multiple Releases and the Refactoring Story
Authors: BenIdris Mrwan , Ammar Hany , Dzielski Dale
Published: February 2021

Do developers postpone fixing Technical Debt (TD) in software systems? TD is a metaphor that refers to short-term decisions in software development that may affect the cost of the software development life cycle. The bad smell is an imperfect solution in the software system that negatively impacts the internal software quality and maintainability. In this paper, we will study five open-source software projects (OSSPs) that have several releases and also estimate the numbers of architecture smells (ASs), design smells (DSs), and code smells (CSs) for every release. Designite will be used to detect smells. We describe a case study conducted to explore the following: (1) What is the average smells density for architecture, design, and code smells in an OSSP? (2) Does the density of each smell type increase over multiple releases? (3) What percentage of each smell-type density is eliminated by refactoring? We collected around 2 million LOC from five OSSPs that have multiple releases from the GitHub repository to statistically analyze the software concerning the smells as indicators of TD. We find 36% of Architecture Technical Debt (ATD) is Cyclic Dependency, while 33% of Design Debt (DD) is Cyclically-dependent Modularization. More than 70% of Code Debt (CD) is Magic Number. Even though the developers do refactoring between releases, the TD density in general increases. On average, by refactoring, developers remove around 48%, 16%, and 22% from the introduced ATD, DD, and CD from their next release, respectively.
A Berestycki–Lions type result for a class of problems involving the 1-Laplacian operator
Authors: Alves Claudianor O.
Published: February 2021

In this work we prove a Berestycki–Lions type result for the following class of problems: [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is the [Formula: see text]-Laplacian operator and [Formula: see text] is a continuous function satisfying some technical conditions. Here we apply variational methods by using [Formula: see text]-Laplacian problems and taking the limit when [Formula: see text].
Compactness and existence results for quasilinear elliptic problems with singular or vanishing potentials
Authors: Badiale Marino , Guida Michela , Rolando Sergio
Published: February 2021

Given [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], two measurable functions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and a continuous function [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]), we study the quasilinear elliptic equation [Formula: see text] We find existence of nonnegative solutions by the application of variational methods, for which we have to study the compactness of the embedding of a suitable function space [Formula: see text] into the sum of Lebesgue spaces [Formula: see text], and thus into [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) as a particular case. Our results do not require any compatibility between how the potentials [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] behave at the origin and at infinity, and essentially rely on power type estimates of the relative growth of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], not of the potentials separately. The nonlinearity [Formula: see text] has a double-power behavior, whose standard example is [Formula: see text], recovering the usual case of a single-power behavior when [Formula: see text].
Robust wavelet-based estimation for varying coefficient dynamic models under long-dependent structures
Authors: Zhou Xingcai , Lv Shaogao
Published: February 2021

This paper considers a class of robust estimation problems for varying coefficient dynamic models via wavelet techniques, which can adapt to local features of the underlying functions and has less restriction to the smoothness of the functions. The convergence rates and asymptotic distributions of the robust wavelet-based estimator are established when the design variables are stationary short-range dependent (SRD) and the errors are long-range dependent (LRD). Particularly, a rate of convergence [Formula: see text] in terms of estimation consistency can be achievable when the true components satisfy certain smoothness for a LRD process. Furthermore, an asymptotic property of the proposed estimator is given to indicate the confidence level of our proposed method for varying coefficient models with LRD.
A note on the degree conjecture for separability of multipartite quantum states
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhao Ming-Jing , Wang Zhi-Xi
Published: February 2021

The degree conjecture for bipartite quantum states which are normalized graph Laplacians was first put forward by Braunstein et al. [Phys. Rev. A 73 (2006) 012320]. The degree criterion, which is equivalent to PPT criterion, is simpler and more efficient to detect the separability of quantum states associated with graphs. Hassan et al. settled the degree conjecture for the separability of multipartite quantum states in [J. Math. Phys. 49 (2008) 0121105]. It is proved that the conjecture is true for pure multipartite quantum states. However, the degree condition is only necessary for separability of a class of quantum mixed states. It does not apply to all mixed states. In this paper, we show that the degree conjecture holds for the mixed quantum states of nearest point graph. As a byproduct, the degree criterion is necessary and sufficient for multipartite separability of [Formula: see text]-qubit quantum states associated with graphs.
Chiral asymmetries in near-horizon region of charged black hole and teleparallelism
Authors: Garcia de Andrade L. C.
Published: February 2021

The issue of encoding physical information into metric structure of physical theories has been discussed recently by the author in the case of black hole teleparallelism. In this paper, one obtains a teleparallel chiral currents from quantum anomalies and topological torsional invariants of Nieh-Yan type. The Pontryagin index is also obtained in the case of rotating Kerr spacetime metric of non-static black holes. Magnetic monopoles which appears in this approach can be eliminated by a torsion constraint. These ideas are applied to Kerr and Kerr–Newmann charged black holes.
ENVIRONMENT TURBULENCE EFFECT ON THE DYNAMICS OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL ACCUMULATION AND AMBIDEXTROUS INNOVATION
Authors: HORCHANI SAMAH CHEMLI , ZOUAOUI MAHMOUD
Published: February 2021

The aim of this paper is to study the influence of the environment on the link between intellectual capital and ambidextrous innovation. The environment has been considered taking into account the technological turbulence and the market turbulence. Using a questionnaire survey approach, data were obtained from 155 directors representing Tunisian SMEs. Two main theoretical implications were highlighted. The first is the extent of the intellectual capital contribution, with its human, organizational and relational components, to the reading of the ambidextrous innovation within the organization. The second is the moderating role of environmental turbulence. From a practical side, the study tried to reap the intellectual capital benefits and the intermediate effect of environmental turbulence to improve the manager’s yields in term of innovation. Interestingly, results show that human capital affects ambidextrous innovation. It influences radical innovation more than incremental innovation. Relationship capital promotes only incremental innovation. Organizational capital influences ambidextrous innovation. Its effect on incremental innovation is greater than on radical innovation. Both technological and market turbulences moderate negatively the human capital effect on incremental innovation. Counter to our expectations, however, environmental turbulence does not moderate the interrelationships selectively between relational capital, organizational capital and ambidextrous innovation. The present study is one of the few studies conducted in Tunisia investigating the field of intellectual capital and the first studying its effect on the ambidextrous innovation in a turbulent environment.
Automated retinal layer segmentation on optical coherence tomography image by combination of structure interpolation and lateral mean filtering
Authors: Ma Yushu , Gao Yingzhe , Li Zhaolin , Li Ang , Wang Yi , Liu Jian , Yu Yao , Shi Wenbo , Ma Zhenhe
Published: February 2021

Segmentation of layers in retinal images obtained by optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become an important clinical tool to diagnose ophthalmic diseases. However, due to the susceptibility to speckle noise and shadow of blood vessels etc., the layer segmentation technology based on a single image still fail to reach a satisfactory level. We propose a combination method of structure interpolation and lateral mean filtering (SI-LMF) to improve the signal-to-noise ratio based on one retinal image. Before performing one-dimensional lateral mean filtering to remove noise, structure interpolation was operated to eliminate thickness fluctuations. Then, we used boundary growth method to identify boundaries. Compared with existing segmentations, the method proposed in this paper requires less data and avoids the influence of microsaccade. The automatic segmentation method was verified on the spectral domain OCT volume images obtained from four normal objects, which successfully identified the boundaries of 10 physiological layers, consistent with the results based on the manual determination.
REVENUE DIVERSIFICATION AND BANKING RISK: DOES THE STATE OWNERSHIP MATTER? EVIDENCE FROM AN EMERGING MARKET
Authors: VUONG GIANG THI HUONG , NGUYEN MANH HUU
Published: February 2021

Our paper investigates the influence of state ownership on the linkage between revenue diversification and risk of Vietnam domestic commercial banks in the period 2009–2018. By using the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation for a dynamic panel model, the empirical results indicate that Vietnamese domestic commercial banks with higher state equity are promoted to take more risks in the revenue diversification process. Our findings are robustly checked by a variety of measures of banking risk, income diversification, and state equity. Empirical results from our dynamic model are not only accordant with the previous findings of Batten and Vo [(2016). Bank risk shifting and diversification in an emerging market. Risk Management, 18(4), 217–235] estimated by Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression on the positive relationship between banking risk and income diversification in Vietnamese domestic commercial banks but also provide new evidence on the tradeoff relationship between risk-return in the operating strategy of Vietnamese state-owned banks in the post-financial crisis. This paper proposes a framework for evaluating the nexus between revenue diversification and risk from the state ownership aspect in other frontier markets.
The Effects of Rewards on Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Operations Using Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Virani Hemali , Liu Dahai , Vincenzi Dennis
Published: February 2021

The effects of rewards on the ability of an autonomous UAV controlled by a Reinforcement Learning agent to accomplish a target localization task were investigated. It was shown that with an increase in the reward obtained by a learning agent upon correct detection, systems would become more risk-tolerant, efficient and have a tendency to locate targets faster with an increase in the sensor sensitivity after systems achieve steady-state performance.
Analyzing the Critical Success Enablers of Industry 4.0 Using Hybrid Fuzzy AHP–CoCoSo Method
Authors: Choudhary Vikas , Mishra Akanksha
Published: February 2021

Industry 4.0 has emerged as a valuable solution for tackling the present-day cut-throat competition. This work aims to identify and analyze the Critical Success Enablers (CSEs) which makes the implementation of Industry 4.0 easier. These Enablers have been identified through literature exploration and expert’s discussion. Afterwards, a hybrid methodology based on fuzzy AHP and combined compromised solution (CoCoSo) method was used. Fuzzy AHP approach has been used for computation of weights of Desired Outcomes (DOs) of industry 4.0 implementation (used as a baseline for prioritization of CSEs). CoCoSo method has been used for finding the ranking of identified Enablers. Moreover, results obtained by fuzzy AHP–CoCoSo method has been validated by another hybrid methodology i.e. fuzzy AHP-proximity indexed value (PIV) method. The results obtained by using these hybrid methods are quite similar.
High Porosity Single-Phase Silicon Negative Electrode Made with Phase-Inversion
Authors: Jimenez Niccolo P. , Balogh Michael P. , Halalay Ion C.
Published: February 2021

Herein we present a Si electrode fabrication process that includes a phase-inversion step subsequent to slurry-based electrode casting and discuss its consequences for Si//Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cell performance. The phase inversion consists of extracting 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone with water and the concomitant coagulation of the polyacrylonitrile binder. Phase inversion improves capacity retention by 50% during C/5 cycling of Si//Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 coin cells between 3.0 and 4.2 V. Phase-inversion Si electrodes have (1) 80% porosity compared to 55% for standard electrodes; and (2) bimodal pore size distribution, consisting of micropores (as in standard electrodes) and macropores with dimensions of 2 to 20 μm. The surface film mass growth rate in phase-inversion electrodes is smaller by 24% than in air-dried Si electrodes. Furthermore, during electrochemical cycling, the overall thickness change rate in phase-inversion electrodes is 5x smaller than in air-dried electrodes. Additionally, the high porosity electrodes display a reduced tendency to deform during electrochemical cycling. The insertion of a phase-inversion step into the electrode fabrication process may thus mitigate the volume expansion of the cell, enabling efficient module and pack design, while also increasing battery durability.
Kinesthetic and visual scaffolding for understanding oxygen delivery and reading hemoglobin oxygen curves
Authors: Milanick Mark A.
Published: February 2021

I describe a kinesthetic activity about oxygen handling by hemoglobin with two specific goals: 1) to help students gain a better understanding of how hemoglobin properties affect oxygen delivery and 2) to improve the ability of the students to actually read the hemoglobin oxygen-binding curve. The activity makes understanding oxygen delivery more intuitive, provides a kinesthetic analog to delivery of oxygen, and provides data to plot for the hemoglobin-oxygen curve.
MOTS-c reduces myostatin and muscle atrophy signaling
Authors: Kumagai Hiroshi , Coelho Ana Raquel , Wan Junxiang , Mehta Hemal H. , Yen Kelvin , Huang Amy , Zempo Hirofumi , Fuku Noriyuki , Maeda Seiji , Oliveira Paulo J. , Cohen Pinchas , Kim Su-Jeong
Published: February 2021

MOTS-c, a mitochondrial-derived peptide reduces high-fat-diet-induced muscle atrophy signaling by reducing myostatin expression. The CK2-PTEN-mTORC2-AKT-FOXO1 pathways play key roles in MOTS-c action on myostatin expression.
Investigation of Strong Strata Behaviors in the Close‐Distance Multiseam Coal Pillar Mining
Authors: Mu Hongwei , Bao Yongsheng , Song Dazhao , Su Dongfang
Published: February 2021

According to the new stress distribution pattern and the strong strata behaviors as the characteristics of the coal pillars in the close‐distance multiseam coal pillar mining, the common characteristics of different types of overlying coal pillars were summarized and analyzed. Moreover, a theoretical model for the mechanism of strong strata behaviors in the close‐distance multiseam coal pillar mining was established, which was validated by the monitoring data of seismic computed tomography CT, microseism, and electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Furthermore, the results of the study indicated that the main factors affecting the strong strata behaviors were the static stress concentration caused by the overlying coal pillars and the dynamic disturbance caused by the fracturing and slipping of the overlying coal pillars and roof under the influence of mining. In the case of Xinzhouyao coal mine, the transmitted stress and lateral support pressure of the overlying coal pillars accounted for 78.3% and 16% of the vertical concentrated stress, respectively, and the areas closer to the overlying coal pillars were more susceptible to dynamic load disturbances. The monitoring results of seismic computed tomography CT and EMR demonstrated the static load stress concentration area was distributed near the overlying coal pillar, and the stress concentration degree was greater in the area of superimposed lateral support pressure and advanced support pressure. Moreover, microseismic spatial positioning revealed that the high‐energy microseismic events were mainly concentrated near the overlying large coal pillars and roof. The on‐site multiparameter detection results were highly consistent with the characteristics of actual strata behaviors and the conclusions of the theoretical model. This method could provide a reference for the quantitative calculation of stress distribution under similar conditions and the identification of the danger zone of strata behaviors.
Removal of Matrix Interferences by Nano-MgO and Co-Adsorbents for Accurate Multi-Pesticide Residue Analysis in the Chinese Medicinal Herb, Paeoniae Radix Alba
Authors: Wang Chunyu , Wang Xinquan , Wang Jiao , Di Shanshan , Wang Zhiwei , Xu Hao , Zhao Huiyu , Zhao Changshan , Qi Peipei
Published: February 2021

A simple, accurate, and high-throughput analytical method was developed to detect 123 pesticide residues in Chinese medicinal herb Paeoniae Radix Alba (PRA) by introducing nano-MgO as a highly efficient purification material based on quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) design concept. Various PRA samples were extracted using 8 mL 0.5% acetic acid-acetonitrile solution and purified by a dispersive solid-phase extraction method with 30 mg nano-MgO, 40 mg primary secondary amine (PSA), and 40 mg octadecylsilane (C18) as the cleanup adsorbents, followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). 70.7% of pesticides showed a weak matrix effect after the purification process, indicating that this method can give the precise quantitative analysis of trace pesticides residue. The method was systematically validated under optimal conditions in five different kinds of PRA samples; good linearity was observed in the concentration range of 0.5–250 μg/L or 1–250 μg/L. Pesticide recovery in each sample spiked at concentrations of 20, 50, and 200 μg/kg ranged from 98.0% to 111% and the mean relative standard deviation ranged from 2.72% to 5.70%. Furthermore, the method comparison with the traditional QuEChERS method suggested the feasibility, advantages, and potential application prospect of the present method for the multi-pesticide residue analysis in various PRA samples.
[Retracted] Shared Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms between the Osteogenic Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells and Bone Marrow Stem Cells
Authors: Gaus Sebastian , Li Hanluo , Li Simin , Wang Qian , Kottek Tina , Hahnel Sebastian , Liu Xiangqiong , Deng Yupei , Ziebolz Dirk , Haak Rainer , Schmalz Gerhard , Liu Lei , Savkovic Vuk , Lethaus Bernd
Published: February 2021

Objective. To identify the shared genetic and epigenetic mechanisms between the osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) and bone marrow stem cells (BMSC). Materials and Methods. The profiling datasets of miRNA expression in the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells from the dental pulp (DPSC) and bone marrow (BMSC) were searched in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differential expression analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) dysregulated in DPSC and BMSC osteodifferentiation. The target genes of the DEmiRNAs that were dysregulated in DPSC and BMSC osteodifferentiation were identified, followed by the identification of the signaling pathways and biological processes (BPs) of these target genes. Accordingly, the DEmiRNA‐transcription factor (TFs) network and the DEmiRNAs‐small molecular drug network involved in the DPSC and BMSC osteodifferentiation were constructed. Results. 16 dysregulated DEmiRNAs were found to be overlapped in the DPSC and BMSC osteodifferentiation, including 8 DEmiRNAs with a common expression pattern (8 upregulated DEmiRNAs (miR‐101‐3p, miR‐143‐3p, miR‐145‐3p/5p, miR‐19a‐3p, miR‐34c‐5p, miR‐3607‐3p, miR‐378e, miR‐671‐3p, and miR‐671‐5p) and 1 downregulated DEmiRNA (miR‐671‐3p/5p)), as well as 8 DEmiRNAs with a different expression pattern (i.e., miR‐1273g‐3p, miR‐146a‐5p, miR‐146b‐5p, miR‐337‐3p, miR‐382‐3p, miR‐4508, miR‐4516, and miR‐6087). Several signaling pathways (TNF, mTOR, Hippo, neutrophin, and pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells), transcription factors (RUNX1, FOXA1, HIF1A, and MYC), and small molecule drugs (curcumin, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), vitamin D3, arsenic trioxide, 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), and naringin) were identified as common regulators of both the DPSC and BMSC osteodifferentiation. Conclusion. Common genetic and epigenetic mechanisms are involved in the osteodifferentiation of DPSCs and BMSCs.
Henoch–Schönlein Purpura Associated with Lung Cancer: When Paraneoplastic Manifestations Impede Oncological Management
Authors: Philippe Éloïse , Barnier Aude , Menguy Juliette , Robinet Gilles , Quéré Gilles , Couturaud Francis , Descourt Renaud
Published: February 2021

Background. Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP) is an uncommon syndrome that mostly occurs in children, in whom it is frequently triggered by infections. In contrast, HSP in adults is more frequently of neoplastic origin. Case Presentation. We report HSP associated with a locally advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma that was considered a paraneoplastic syndrome. Systemic corticosteroids were given because a kidney biopsy revealed active glomerulonephritis. Concomitant chemoradiotherapy achieved a partial response of the lung tumor. Consolidation immunotherapy (programmed death protein-1-ligand-1 (PD-L1) inhibitor) was cancelled because HSP is known to be an autoimmune vasculitis, and long-term corticosteroid therapy was pursued. Conclusion. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the effect of anti-PD-(L) 1 immunotherapies on autoimmune manifestations.
The Novel Ultrasonographic Marker of Uterocervical Angle for Prediction of Spontaneous Preterm Birth in Singleton and Twin Pregnancies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hessami Kamran , Kasraeian Maryam , Sepúlveda-Martínez Álvaro , Parra-Cordero Mauro Cristian , Vafaei Homeira , Asadi Nasrin , Benito Vielba Marta
Published: February 2021

The alteration of the uterocervical angle (UCA) has been proposed to play an important role in spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the evidence on the UCA predictive role in sPTB. In this study, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google scholar were systematically searched from inception up to June 2020. Inter-study heterogeneity was also assessed using Cochrane’s Q test and the I2 statistic. Afterward, the random-effects model was used to pool the weighted mean differences (WMDs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Eleven articles that reported second-trimester UCA of 5,061 pregnancies were included in this study. Our meta-analysis results indicate that a wider UCA significantly increases the risk of sPTB in following cases: all pregnancies (WMD = 15.25, 95% CI: 11.78–18.72, p < 0.001; I2 = 75.9%, p < 0.001), singleton (WMD = 14.43, 95% CI: 8.79–20.06, p < 0.001; I2 = 82.4%, p < 0.001), and twin pregnancies (WMD = 15.14, 95% CI: 13.42–16.87, p < 0.001; I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.464). A wider ultrasound-measured UCA in the second trimester seems to be associated with the increased risk of sPTB in both singleton and twin pregnancies, which reinforces the clinical evidence that UCA has the potential to be used as a predictive marker of sPTB.
Pediatric Spinal Subdural Abscesses: A Report of Three Consecutive Patients
Authors: Abdallah Anas
Published: February 2021

Background: Despite technological advances in medical treatment, the prognosis of the rarely reported spinal subdural abscesses (SSAs) has remained a serious entity largely unaffected, especially when they are diagnosed late. In this study, the authors aimed to present the surgical outcomes of 3 consecutive pediatric patients with SSA. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of pediatric patients with spinal lesions who underwent surgery at 2 neurosurgical centers spanning 7 years, from 2012 to 2019. All pediatric patients who were diagnosed with SSA (n = 3) were selected as the core sample for this study. Results: Three pediatric patients (2 females and 1 male) with SSA were surgically treated. Holocord SSA was observed in 1 patient. The mean age was 7.1 ± 7.7 years. The most common presenting symptoms were gait disturbance and weakness of lower extremities (100%). The mean preoperative course was 5.7 ± 4.0 weeks. The causative pathogens were Escherichia coli (E. coli) and M. tuberculosis. In the 2nd case, the pathogen was non-tuberculosis mycobacterium in the extramedullary abscess. In the 44th postoperative month, she underwent surgery for intramedullary abscess. The causative pathogen was E. coli. Except for 1 male adolescent who presented with severe clinical status (paraplegic), the improvement was observed in all patients at their last follow-up after 50.3 ± 43.5 months of average. Conclusions: Drainage followed by appropriate antibiotics is the optimal treatment for SSAs. Early diagnosis and urgent surgical treatment are essential for a good prognosis. All surgically treated SSA patients with neurological deficits were rehabilitated with physical therapy postoperatively.
Two Siblings with Kaufman Oculocerebrofacial Syndrome Resembling Oculoauriculovertebral Spectrum
Authors: Ürel-Demir Gizem , Aydın Büşra , Karaosmanoğlu Beren , Akgün-Doğan Özlem , Taşkıran Ekim Zihni , Şimşek-Kiper Pelin Özlem , Utine Gülen Eda , Boduroğlu Koray
Published: February 2021

Kaufman oculocerebrofacial syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder which represents a phenotype mainly involving craniofacial and neurodevelopmental manifestations due to UBE3B gene mutations. The vast majority of the affected individuals exhibit microcephaly, eye abnormalities, and typical facial gestalt including blepharophimosis, ptosis, telecanthus, upslanting palpebral fissures, dysplastic ears, and micrognathia. We encountered 2 siblings in whom severe psychomotor delay, distinctive facial features, hearing loss, and respiratory distress were observed. Some clinical manifestations of the patients, including epibulbar dermoid, microtia, and multiple preauricular tags, were reminiscent of the oculoauriculovertebral spectrum. However, 2 affected siblings exhibited a similar clinical picture consisting of microcephaly, severe developmental and cognitive disabilities, failure to thrive, and dysmorphic features, which were not fully consistent with oculoauriculovertebral spectrum. Also, hypoplastic nails, considered as a core manifestation of Coffin-Siris syndrome, were present in our patients. Therefore, whole-exome sequencing was carried out in order to identify the underlying genetic alterations, contributing to the complex phenotype shared by the 2 siblings. A homozygous pathogenic mutation was found in both affected siblings in the UBE3B gene which caused Kaufman oculocerebrofacial syndrome. Kaufman oculocerebrofacial syndrome should be considered among the autosomal recessive causes of blepharophimosis-mental retardation syndromes, particularly in populations with a high rate of consanguineous marriages, even if there are dysmorphic facial features that are not typically associated with the phenotype.
Bilateral Vestibular Schwannomas in a Patient with Ring Chromosome 22: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Nussbaum Penelope E. , Patel Puja D. , Nussbaum Leslie A. , Hilton Christopher W. , Nussbaum Eric S.
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Ring chromosome 22 (r[22]) can lead to the development of intracranial tumors such as meningiomas, neurofibromas, and schwannomas similar to neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2). Case Presentation: An 18-year-old female with r(22) and a history of global development delay and cognitive impairment presented with sudden hearing loss. MRI revealed bilateral vestibular schwannomas. Given documented audiologic decline in the patient’s hearing, the larger tumor was treated with CyberKnife fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery, and the smaller tumor is being monitored. Conclusion: This case provides further evidence that patients with r(22) can develop clinical features of NF2, including the development of bilateral vestibular schwannomas, and should be monitored for hearing disturbances starting in puberty as a warning sign for these tumors.
Dual Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System: A Strategy that Should Be Reconsidered in Cardiorenal Diseases?
Authors: Mei Mei , Zhou Zulian , Zhang Qian , Chen Yi , Zhao Hongwen , Shen Bingbing
Published: February 2021

Studies on pharmacological mechanisms demonstrated that a strategy of dual renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade may have a synergistic effect in the treatment of cardiorenal diseases and may reduce adverse reactions. However, some previous clinical studies reported that dual RAS blockade did not significantly benefit many patients with cardiorenal diseases and increased the risk of hyperkalemia, hypotension and renal function damage. Therefore, the current clinical guidelines suggest that the combined use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) should be used with caution in the clinic. However, these studies enrolled older patients with cardiovascular risk factors, and the results of these trials may not be generalized to the overall population. Some clinical evidence suggests that the combination of low-dose ACEIs and ARBs leads to more effective RAS blockade with few adverse effects. The advent of new RAS inhibitors with superior pharmacological effects provides a more suitable drug choice for individualized therapy for dual RAS blockade. Therefore, the choice of appropriate ARBs/ACEIs for individualized therapy based on patient condition may be a better way to improve the efficiency and safety of the dual RAS blockade strategy.
Excimer Laser Coronary Angioplasty: Clinical Applications and Procedural Outcome, in a Large-Volume Tertiary Centre
Authors: McQuillan Conor , Farag Mohamed , Egred Mohaned
Published: February 2021

Excimer-laser coronary angioplasty can be used to modify undilatable and uncrossable lesions in native arteries and in-stent restenosis which are increasingly encountered with the ageing population undergoing coronary intervention. We present our laser experience over a 10-year period in a large cardiac tertiary centre. Method: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on all procedures where laser was used from August 2008 to December 2019. Clinical presentation, demographics, and procedural details were all recorded. Successful procedures were defined as <30% stenosis at the end. Periprocedural and in-hospital complications were recorded and verified. Results are presented as numbers and percentages. Results: A total of 331 patients were identified with 473 lesions treated with laser and an overall total of 637 lesions. Of the 473 lesions treated, 46 (9.9%) were in-stent restenosis, 146 (30.9%) were chronic total occlusions, and the rest were uncrossable or undilatable lesions. The vast majority of procedures (97.0%) were performed with the 0.9-mm laser catheter. The overall success rate was 81.6% (58–87%) from low- to high-volume user. Complications included dissection 3 (0.6%), no-reflow 3 (0.6%), coronary perforation 13 (2.7%), and tamponade in 1 (0.2%). Only 3 (0.6%) of the perforations were seen after the laser catheter passage, the rest were seen later following balloon preparation or stent insertion. Conclusion: Laser is a valuable tool for treating complex and resistant coronary lesions. Its efficacy and safety are well established and when applied appropriately, it helps to achieve optimal outcomes for our patients.
Asbestos-Induced Lung Cancer-Associated SNP rs13383928 Regulates PTH2R Expression in Lung Tissue
Authors: Meng Yuan-Qing , Shi Qiang , Zhu Si-Jing , He Guang-Huan , Zhang Shi-Jiao , Sun Chang
Published: February 2021

Background: Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors, and asbestos exposure was suggested to contribute to a proportion of lung cancer cases. Previous genome-wide gene-environment interaction analysis reported that rs13383928 was associated with asbestos-related lung cancer. However, the mechanism of this association was still unclear. Methods: In the present study, we retrieved the genotype data from the 1,000 Genomes Project on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) surrounding rs13383928 and analyzed the linkage disequilibrium (LD) pattern of this region. Further functional genomics analyses were performed. Results: The result indicated that no other SNPs were in LD with rs13383928, suggesting that rs13383928 is the causal one. The following dual luciferase assay disclosed that the T allele of rs13383928 presented significantly higher enhancer activity than G in lung cells, thus verifying that this SNP was functional in the lung. Through chromosome conformation capture, the PTH2R (parathyroid hormone 2 receptor)promoter was identified to interact with the segment surrounding rs13383928. By chromatin immunoprecipitation, it was observed that the region spanning rs13383928 could bind transcription factor FOXJ2 (forkhead box J2). Conclusion: Our functional genomics evidence supports a link between rs13383928 and asbestos-related lung cancer through regulating PTH2R.
Distinctions in the Management, Patient Impact, and Clinical Profiles of Pachyonychia Congenita Subtypes
Authors: Wu Albert G. , Lipner Shari R.
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Pachyonychia congenita (PC) is a rare dermatosis that confers lifelong physical and emotional morbidities in affected patients. However, the clinical findings, treatments, and psychosocial impact of this disease have not been adequately described. The International PC Research Registry (IPCRR), a multinational initiative to collect data on PC patients, has allowed an opportunity to distinguish the salient features of this disease. We aimed to characterize the breadth and extent of nail disease, treatments, and quality of life in PC patients, and to describe any significant differences in clinical presentation or treatment of PC subtypes. Methods: The most recent IPCRR patient survey data consisting of an 857-response questionnaire and a 102-response addendum were analyzed in a retrospective analysis. The survey data were collected as part of a multinational, multicenter initiative and comprise the largest representative population of PC to date. Participants (survey respondents) were included in the study based on questionnaire responses and a genetic confirmation of having a PC subtype. Results: A total of 857 survey responses were collected. Genetic variations among PC subtypes influence nail disease onset and severity of symptoms. Nail disease negatively impacts patients’ emotional health, especially during the adolescent and young adult years. Nail treatment tools vary little in terms of effectiveness and acquired infection rates. Conclusion and Discussion: Patients with different PC subtypes have distinct clinical nail presentations and psychosocial impact. Genetic testing should be used to confirm PC diagnoses. Further characterization of PC, especially the rarer subtypes, may allow for more individualized patient education.
Low Expression of miR-663a Indicates Poor Prognosis and Promotes Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion in Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Gang , Chen Lei , Jian Wei , Fang Lin
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant cancers among women worldwide. MicroRNA-663a (miR-663a) acts as a tumor suppressor gene involved in the development of various cancers. Objective: The aim of this study was to reveal the clinical significance and biological function of miR-663a in breast cancer. Methods: The expression of miR-663a in breast cancer tissues and cells was evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analysis were performed to evaluate the prognostic significance of miR-663a in breast cancer. CCK-8 and Transwell assays were used to demonstrate the effect of miR-663a on breast cancer cell function. Results: We confirmed that the expression of miR-663a was significantly downregulated in breast cancer tissue samples and cell lines. Low miR-663a expression was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, subtypes, and poor survival in breast cancer patients, indicating that miR-663a is an independent prognostic factor for patients with breast cancer. Cell function experiments revealed that low miR-663a expression promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in breast cancer. Conclusions: All experimental results demonstrated that miR-663a acts as a tumor suppressor that inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells, and miR-663a may be a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for breast cancer.
The Correlation between Vitamin D Levels and the Risk of Postoperative Recurrence in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Yamada Akihiro , Komaki Yuga , Komaki Fukiko , Haider Haider , Micic Dejan , Pekow Joel , Dalal Sushila , Cohen Russell D. , Cannon Lisa , Umanskiy Konstantin , Smith Radhika , Shogan Benjamin D. , Hurst Roger , Hyman Neil , Rubin David T. , Sakuraba Atsushi
Published: February 2021

Background and Aims: Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with disease activity in Crohn’s disease (CD). We assessed whether there is a correlation between vitamin D levels and the risk of postoperative recurrence in CD. Methods: CD patients who underwent surgery were identified from a prospectively maintained database at the University of Chicago. The primary endpoint was the correlation of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels measured at 6–12 months after surgery and the proportion of patients in endoscopic remission, defined as a simple endoscopic score for CD of 0. Clinical, biological (C-reactive protein), and histologic recurrences were also studied. Results: Among a total of 89 patients, 17, 46, and 26 patients had vitamin D levels of <15, 15–30, and >30 ng/mL, respectively. Patients with higher vitamin D levels were significantly more likely to be in endoscopic remission compared to those with lower levels (23, 42, and 67% in ascending tertile order; p = 0.028). On multivariate analysis, vitamin D >30 ng/mL (odds ratio [OR] 0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.07–0.66, p = 0.006) and anti-tumor necrosis factor agent treatment (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.08–0.83, p = 0.01) were associated with reduced risk of endoscopic recurrence. Rates of clinical, biological, and histologic remission trended to be higher in patients with higher vitamin D levels (p = 0.17, 0.55, 0.062, respectively). Conclusion: In the present study, higher vitamin D level was associated with lower risk of postoperative endoscopic CD recurrence. Further, studies are warranted to assess the role of vitamin D in postoperative CD recurrence.
Shisha, Hookah & Co.: Kohlenmonoxid-Intoxikationen nicht übersehen
Authors: Velasco Garrido Marcial , Preisser Alexandra M.
Published: February 2021

Background: Exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) remains a leading occupational hazard in firefighters, but cigarette and waterpipe smoking likely contributes to the other sources of CO in such workers. The aim of this study was to estimate the contribution of self-reported active cigarette smoking, waterpipe use, and potential job-related sources of CO to the level of exhaled CO in firefighters. Methods: We surveyed the personnel of 18 fire stations (N = 842), median age 28 years, who participated at an annual screening not timed to coincide with recent firefighting. We surveyed smoking and waterpipe history, exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), use of coal for health and biomass for cooking and time since last exposure to firefighting in the workplace. We measured exhaled CO with an instantaneous reading device (piCO Smokerlyzer). We used multivariable regression models to test the association of time since last smoked cigarette (≤12 h) and waterpipe (≤12 h) and time since last fire (≤6 h) with exhaled CO. Results: In analysis limited to men (93.5% of all surveyed), 42% were daily cigarette; 1% were waterpipe smokers; 94% were exposed to SHS, 29% used coal for heating and 4% used biomass for cooking. The median CO was 4 (interquartile range 3;8) ppm. Age (beta 0.74 per 10 years, p < 0.001), use of biomass fuel for cooking (beta 1.38, p = 0.05), cigarette smoked in the last 12 h (beta 8.22, p < 0.001), waterpipe smoked in the last 12 h (beta 23.10, p < 0.001) were statistically associated with CO, but not time since last fire (≤6 h) (beta 4.12, p = 0.12). There was a significant interaction between older age and firefighting for exhaled CO (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Cigarette and recent waterpipe smoking are associated with increased exhaled CO in firefighters. Firefighting itself was a less potent contributor to exhaled CO when measured at an annual screening, but an age interaction was manifested.