bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary care physicians’ attitudes and perceptions towards antibiotic resistance and outpatient antibiotic stewardship in the USA: a qualitative study
Authors: Zetts Rachel M , Stoesz Andrea , Garcia Andrea M , Doctor Jason N , Gerber Jeffrey S , Linder Jeffrey A , Hyun David Y
Published: July 2020

Objectives

At least 30% of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary. Outpatient antibiotic stewardship is needed to improve prescribing and address the threat of antibiotic resistance. A better understanding of primary care physicians (PCPs) attitudes towards antibiotic prescribing and outpatient antibiotic stewardship is needed to identify barriers to stewardship implementation and help tailor stewardship strategies. The aim of this study was to assess PCPs current attitudes towards antibiotic resistance, inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and the feasibility of outpatient stewardship efforts.

Design

Eight focus groups with PCPs were conducted by an independent moderator using a moderator guide. Focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed and coded for major themes using deductive and inductive content analysis methods.

Setting

Focus groups were conducted in four US cities: Philadelphia, Birmingham, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Participants

Two focus groups were conducted in each city—one with family medicine and internal medicine physicians and one with paediatricians. A total of 26 family medicine/internal medicine physicians and 26 paediatricians participated.

Results

Participants acknowledged that resistance is an important public health issue, but not as important as other pressing problems (eg, obesity, opioids). Many considered resistance to be more of a hospital issue. While participants recognised inappropriate prescribing as a problem in outpatient settings, many felt that the key drivers were non-primary care settings (eg, urgent care clinics, retail clinics) and patient demand. Participants reacted positively to stewardship efforts aimed at educating patients and clinicians. They questioned the validity of antibiotic prescribing metrics. This scepticism was due to a number of factors, including the feasibility of capturing prescribing quality, a belief that physicians will ‘game the system’ to improve their measures, and dissatisfaction and distrust of quality measurement in general.

Conclusions

Stakeholders will need to consider physician attitudes and beliefs about antibiotic stewardship when implementing interventions aimed at improving prescribing.
Research priorities for pregnancy hypertension: a UK priority setting partnership with the James Lind Alliance
Authors: Ho Alison , Webster Louise , Bowen Liza , Creighton Fiona , Findlay Sarah , Gale Chris , Green Marcus , Gronlund Toto , Magee Laura A , McManus Richard J , Mistry Hiten D , Singleton Gemma , Thornton Jim , Whybrow Rebecca , Chappell Lucy
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To identify research priorities for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy from individuals with lived experience and healthcare professionals.

Design

Prospective surveys and consensus meetings using principles outlined by the James Lind Alliance.

Setting

UK.

Methods

A steering group was established and ‘uncertainties’ were gathered using an online survey and literature search. An interim online survey ranked long-listed questions and the top 10 research questions were reached by consensus at a final prioritisation workshop.

Participants

Women, partners, relatives and friends of those with lived experience of pregnancy hypertension, researchers and healthcare professionals.

Results

The initial online survey was answered by 278 participants (180 women with lived experience, 9 partners/relatives/friends, 71 healthcare professionals and 18 researchers). Together with a literature search, this identified 764 questions which were refined into 50 summary questions. All summary questions were presented in an interim prioritisation survey that was answered by 155 participants (87 women with lived experience, 4 partners/relatives/friends, 49 healthcare professionals and 15 researchers). The top 25 highest ranked questions were considered by the final prioritisation workshop. The top 10 uncertainties were identified by consensus and ranked as follows in order of priority: long-term consequences of pregnancy hypertension (for the woman and baby), short-term complications of pregnancy hypertension (for the woman and baby), screening tests for pre-eclampsia, prevention of long-term problems (for the woman and baby), causes of pregnancy hypertension, prevention of recurrent pregnancy hypertension, educational needs of healthcare professionals, diagnosis of pre-eclampsia, management of pregnancy hypertension, provision of support for women and families.

Conclusions

Research priorities shared by those with lived experience of pregnancy hypertension and healthcare professionals have been identified. Researchers should use these to inform the choice of future studies in this area.
Protocol for a systematic review of economic analyses of nosocomial infection prevention and control interventions in OECD hospitals
Authors: Tchouaket Eric Nguemeleu , Beogo Idrissa , Sia Drissa , Kilpatrick Kelley , Séguin Catherine , Baillot Aurelie , Nadar Mahmoud , Parisien Natasha , Boivin Sandra
Published: July 2020

Background

Nosocomial infections (NIs) are associated with extra treatment costs, medical complications, reduction of quality of life and mortality. This systematic review intends to consolidate the evidence on the economic evaluation of four clinical best practices (CBPs) related to NI prevention and control interventions: hand hygiene, hygiene and sanitation, admission screening and basic and additional precautions. It will measure the return on investment of these CBPs.

Methods and analysis

Electronic searches will be conducted on MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science and JSTOR. OpenGrey will also be consulted for articles from 2000 to 2018, published in English or French. The population includes studies undertaken in medical or surgical units of hospitals of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. Studies will report the prevention and control ofClostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea, methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci and carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli. Interventions evaluating any of the four CBPs will be included. The design of articles will fall within randomised clinical trials, quasi-experimental, case-control, cohort, longitudinal and cross-sectional studies. Outcomes will include incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year, incremental cost per disability-adjusted life year and the incremental cost-benefit ratio, net costs and net cost savings. Two authors will independently screen studies, extract data and assess risk of bias using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines, the Drummond Economic Evaluation criteria and the Cochrane criteria for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards will be used for data extraction. All values will be adjusted to Canadian dollars ($C) indexed to 2019 using the discount rates (3%, 5% and 8%) for sensitivity analyses. This review will demonstrate the effectiveness of the CBPs in prevention and control of NIs. Decision-makers will thus have evidence to facilitate sound decision-making according to the financial gains generated.

Ethics and dissemination

The results of this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at a relevant scientific conference. Ethical approval is not required because the data we will use do not include individual patient data.
Weekly variation in quality of care for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction by day and time of admission: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Wang Chao , Li Xi , Sun Wantong , Li Jingkun , Wang Yupeng , Bao Xiaoqiang , Liu Meina , Zhang Qiuju
Published: July 2020

Background

The admission time of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may affect the quality of care they receive. This study aimed to explore the pattern and magnitude of variation in quality of care for patients with STEMI in both the process and outcome domains.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study based on STEMI data from China. We estimated the adjusted ORs of six process indicators and one outcome indicator of STEMI care quality by fitting multilevel multivariable regression models across 42 4hour time periods per week.

Results

The study cohort comprised 98 628 patients with STEMI. Care quality varied by time of arrival to the emergency department. We identified three main patterns of variation, which were consistent across days of the week. In the first pattern, which applied to electrocardiographic examination within 10 min of arrival and to aspirin or clopidogrel use within 10 min of arrival, quality was lowest for arrivals between 08:00 and 12:00, rose through the day and peaked for arrivals between 24:00 and 04:00. Percutaneous transluminal coronary intervention treatment within 90 min showed the same pattern but with maximal performance for those arriving 20:00–24:00. In the third pattern, applying to lipid function evaluation within 24 hours and beta blocker use within 24 hours, quality was best for arrivals between 04:00–08:00 and 16:00–19:00 and worst for arrivals between 24:00–04:00 and 12:00–16:00.

Conclusions

The quality of care for STEMI shows three patterns of diurnal variation. Detecting the times at which quality is relatively low may lead to quality improvement in healthcare. Quality improvement should focus on reducing the weekend effect and off-hour effect and the diurnal temporal variation.
Gastrointestinal perforations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in Sweden: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Barbulescu Andrei , Delcoigne Bénédicte , Askling Johan , Frisell Thomas
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To compare incidence rates of gastrointestinal (GI) perforations between patients with RA and the general population, and between patients treated with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) and non-TNFi biologics.

Methods

In this nationwide cohort study, a total of 63 532 patients with RA, with 26 050 biological treatment episodes (TNFi, rituximab, abatacept or tocilizumab) and 76 304 general population controls, were followed between 2009 and 2017 until the first outcome event. The main outcome was hospitalisation or death due to lower GI perforations, identified according to a prespecified list of ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision) codes. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used for adjustment.

Results

The sex-standardised and age-standardised incidence rates of lower GI perforations were 1.1 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.3) events per 1000 person-years among general population controls, 1.6 (1.5–1.7) among bionaïve patients and ranged from 1.8 (1.4–3.6) (TNFi) to 4.5 (2.7–10.4) (tocilizumab) among biologics-treated patients. After adjustment for glucocorticoid use, the risk in bionaïve, TNFi-treated, abatacept-treated or rituximab-treated patients with RA was no longer different from the general population, while for tocilizumab it remained significantly higher. Comparing tocilizumab to TNFi, the adjusted HR for lower GI perforations was 2.2 (1.3–3.8), corresponding to one additional GI perforation per 451 patient-years treated with tocilizumab instead of TNFi.

Conclusion

Tocilizumab was associated with a higher risk of lower GI perforations compared with alternative biologics. In absolute numbers, the risk remained low on all biologics commonly used to treat RA, but the accumulated evidence across settings and outcome definitions supports that this risk should be considered in treatment guidelines for RA.
Physiological and biochemical insights for salt stress tolerance in the habitat-indifferent halophyte Salsola drummondii during the vegetative stage
Authors: Elnaggar Attiat , Mosa Kareem A. , El-Keblawy Ali , Tammam Amel , El-Naggar Mohamed
Published: July 2020

We investigated changes in the growth parameters, sodium accumulation, element composition, and antioxidant enzyme activity of habitat-indifferent Salsola drummondii Ulbr. during the vegetative stage. Our results show that S. drummondii grows very well in salt concentrations up to 500 mmol/L NaCl. There were no significant differences in the water content and biomass of shoots, roots, and leaves between the control and plants treated with 500 mmol/L NaCl (equivalent to the salinity of seawater). However, chlorophyll and carotenoid content was reduced at higher salinities, which was associated with a significant increase in H2O2 and malondialdehyde. Our results revealed that S. drummondii can translocate Na+ from the roots to the shoots, with Na+ content in the shoots being higher than that in the roots. In contrast, the S. drummondii plants treated with NaCl exhibited a significant decrease in the levels of essential ions in different plant organs. Proline concentration significantly increased with increasing salinity, and significant changes were observed in guaiacol peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase levels under different salinity treatments. The activity of antioxidant enzymes and proline accumulation in S. drummondii plants correlated with enhanced salt tolerance. Our findings provide novel insights into the salt tolerance of S. drummondii.
Nuclear matter distributions of neutron rich 6He, 11Li, 14Be and 17B halo nuclei studied by the Bear–Hodgson potential
Authors: Abdullah Ahmed N.
Published: July 2020

The radial wave functions of the Bear–Hodgson potential have been used to study the ground state features such as the proton, neutron and matter densities and the associated rms radii of two neutrons halo 6He, [Formula: see text]Li, [Formula: see text]Be and [Formula: see text]B nuclei. These halo nuclei are treated as a three-body system composed of core and outer two-neutron [Formula: see text]. The radial wave functions of the Bear–Hodgson potential are used to describe the core and halo density distributions. The interaction of core-neutron takes the Bear–Hodgson potential form. The outer two neutrons of 6He and [Formula: see text]Li interact by the realistic interaction REWIL whereas those of [Formula: see text]Be and [Formula: see text]B interact by the realistic interaction of HASP. The obtained results show that this model succeeds in reproducing the neutron halo in these nuclei. From the calculated densities, it is found that 6He, [Formula: see text]Li, [Formula: see text]Be and [Formula: see text]B have a long tail in neutron and matter densities which is consistent with the experimental data. Elastic charge form factors for these halo nuclei are analyzed via the plane wave Born approximation.
Thermodynamics of isoradial quivers and hyperbolic 3-manifolds
Authors: Zahabi Ali
Published: July 2020

The BPS sector of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] toric quiver gauge theories, and its corresponding D6-D2-D0 branes on Calabi–Yau threefolds, have been previously studied using integrable lattice models such as the crystal melting model and the dimer model. The asymptotics of the BPS sector, in the large [Formula: see text] limit, can be studied using the Mahler measure theory.[Formula: see text] In this work, we consider the class of isoradial quivers and study their thermodynamic observables and phase structure. Building on our previous results, and using the relation between the Mahler measure and hyperbolic 3-manifolds, we propose a new approach in the asymptotic analysis of the isoradial quivers. As a result, we obtain the observables such as the BPS free energy, the BPS entropy density and growth rate of the isoradial quivers, as a function of the [Formula: see text]-charges of the quiver and in terms of the hyperbolic volumes and the dilogarithm functions. The phase structure of the isoradial quiver is studied via the analysis of the BPS entropy density at critical [Formula: see text]-charges and universal results for the phase structure in this class are obtained. Explicit results for the observables are obtained in some concrete examples of the isoradial quivers.
Energies, radial expectation values, hyperfine structures of the ground state and highly excited states for C and O2+
Authors: Chen Chao
Published: July 2020

The Rayleigh–Ritz variational method with multiconfiguration interaction wave functions is used to calculate energies, radiative transitions and radial expectation values of the [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] ground state and the [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] highly excited states of C and [Formula: see text]. Hyperfine structure parameters and magnetic coupling constants of these states are also calculated in this work. The present calculations agree well with theoretical and experimental values available in the literature. Other data not reported in the literature are expected to offer valuable benchmarks for future research.
Simulation and Experiments on Signals of Ground-Penetrating Radar in Soil Cement
Authors: Hou Zhezhe , Du Yanliang
Published: July 2020

Subgrade bedding is a key element of railway structure in stability and durability, and it is almost made of soil cement. The dielectric constant, compaction and curing ages of soil cement with different moisture contents were measured. The relation among curing ages, moisture content, compaction of soil cement and electromagnetic features was analyzed. The model of layered soil cement was established to simulate ground-penetrating radar (GPR) electromagnetic waves in the soil cement. The variation rules of dielectric constant and amplitude of radar signals were obtained. The electromagnetic features, i.e. velocity, frequency and amplitude, were analyzed. Ground-penetrating radar was used to detect the railway subgrade soil layer. Based on the center line of the subgrade, there were nine detection lines for every 1[Formula: see text]m to detect the density and smoothness of the subgrade soil layer. Based on the radar wave events and reflected waves, the subgrade condition can be judged.
Black holes and topological surgery
Authors: Antoniou Stathis , Kauffman Louis H. , Lambropoulou Sofia
Published: July 2020

We directly connect topological changes that can occur in mathematical three-space via surgery, with black hole formation, the formation of wormholes and new generalizations of these phenomena. This work widens the bridge between topology and natural sciences and creates a new platform for exploring geometrical physics.
Mathematical Modeling of the Vortex Shedding Structure and Sound Pressure Level of a Large Wind Turbine Tower
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Mahmood , Kamali Reza
Published: July 2020

The level of noise emission of a circular cylinder, especially a tower of a wind turbine, is remarkably dependent on vortex shedding behind the body of the tower. For these configurations, the key element to reduce noise emission is the upstream flow control of the body. In this paper, the sound pressure level of a wind turbine tower was investigated numerically. In this regard, an in-house OpenFoam solver with Curle’s acoustic analogy was used, and the results were compared with available experimental data, showing proper consistency among them. Then, three passive control methods such as longitudinal slot, splitter plate, and helical strake were applied to control the Kármán vortex shedding behind the tower, followed by the reduction in the level of sound pressure. The results showed that all the above control methods play an essential role in diminishing the fluctuation forces and affect the frequency of vortex shedding. However, the helical strake can lead to the significant suppression of Kármán vortex shedding due to the delay of boundary layer flow separation. Based on the observations, the tower with helical strake reduced the overall level of sound pressure as well as the Aeolian tones in a specific Strouhal number range.
A stochastic threshold of a delayed epidemic model incorporating Lévy processes with harmonic mean and vaccination
Authors: El Fatini Mohamed , Sekkak Idriss , Laaribi Aziz , Pettersson Roger , Wang Kai
Published: July 2020

The aim of this paper is to investigate a stochastic threshold for a delayed epidemic model driven by Lévy noise with a nonlinear incidence and vaccination. Mainly, we derive a stochastic threshold [Formula: see text] which depends on model parameters and stochastic coefficients for a better understanding of the dynamical spreading of the disease. First, we prove the well posedness of the model. Then, we study the extinction and the persistence of the disease according to the values of [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, using different scenarios of Tuberculosis disease in Morocco, we perform some numerical simulations to support the analytical results.
Fluctuations of the spectrum in rotationally invariant random matrix ensembles
Authors: Meckes Elizabeth S. , Meckes Mark W.
Published: July 2020

We investigate traces of powers of random matrices whose distributions are invariant under rotations (with respect to the Hilbert–Schmidt inner product) within a real-linear subspace of the space of [Formula: see text] matrices. The matrices, we consider may be real or complex, and Hermitian, antihermitian, or general. We use Stein’s method to prove multivariate central limit theorems, with convergence rates, for these traces of powers, which imply central limit theorems for polynomial linear eigenvalue statistics. In contrast to the usual situation in random matrix theory, in our approach general, nonnormal matrices turn out to be easier to study than Hermitian matrices.
Friday the 13th effect on Indian stock market
Authors: Sikarwar Tarika Singh , Shrivastava Karuna , Jadon Pratibha
Published: July 2020

Purpose: This paper attempts to investigate the presence of Friday the 13th Effect in the Indian stock market. Design/methodology/approach: This paper tests the presence of the Friday the 13th Effect using different sets of hypotheses for 7 days, 15 days and normal versus Friday the 13th by using statistical methods. Findings: The findings of the study do not support the presence of Friday the 13th Effect for all cases. There are few months for certain specific years where the effect was seen. Research limitations/implications: The Friday the 13th effect has been examined for two major indices of the Indian market, i.e., the Bombay Stock Exchange Index SENSEX and the National Stock Exchange Nifty Fifty Index. However, there are other major and sectoral indices as well where in the effect may be checked. Practical implications: The study results indicate that Indian stock market shows phased anomaly. The effect of Friday the 13th is seen only in some cases during certain years only. Originality/value: Friday the 13th effect has been mostly checked for developed nations and again there has been less work done with respect to this particular market anomaly. The present research is an original work done for emerging market naming India.
Integrated thematic geological mapping of the Atlantic Margin of Iberia
Authors: Terrinha Pedro , Medialdea Teresa , Batista Luis , Somoza Luis , Magalhães Vitor , González Francisco Javier , Noiva João , Lobato Ana , Rosa Marcos , Marino Egidio , Brito Pedro , Neres Marta , Ribeiro Carlos
Published: July 2020

This paper synthesizes the geology of the Atlantic Margin off the coast of Iberia and surrounding Abyssal Plains using published thematic mapping freely downloadable from EMODNET-Geology portal at different scales. Selected information was chosen in order to highlight mineral occurrences and natural hazards overlaid on geological and morphological maps. Altogether, this information is published and interpreted here for the first time; nevertheless this exercise can be carried out by anyone interested and allows different visualizations of geological objects. Cross-correlations of geological objects and processes can easily arise. Because all of the information (each piece of data and metadata) in the EMODNET-Geology portal has bibliographic references associated, readers are able to find the original source of information. It is shown that clicking in and out of layers of information (that cannot be found all together in a single scientific paper) allows quick cross-correlation using the EMODNET Geology thematic portal. This allows a free, versatile and quick way of cross-correlating geological objects and processes in vast marine areas and their comparison with onshore geology.
Turbulence Processes Within Turbidity Currents
Authors: Wells Mathew G. , Dorrell Robert M.
Published: July 2020

Sediment-laden gravity currents, or turbidity currents, are density-driven flows that transport vast quantities of particulate material across the floor of lakes and oceans. Turbidity currents are generated by slope failure or initiated when a sediment-laden flow enters into a lake or ocean; here, lofting or convective sedimentation processes may control flow dynamics. Depending upon the internal turbulent mixing, which keeps particles in suspension, turbidity currents can travel for thousands of kilometers across the seafloor. However, despite several competing theories, the process for the ultralong runout of these flows remains enigmatic. Turbidity currents often generate large sinuous channel–levee systems, and the dynamics of how turbidity currents flow around channel bends are strongly influenced by internal density and velocity structure, with large-scale flows being modified by the Coriolis force. Therefore, understanding some of the largest sedimentary structures on the Earth's surface depends on understanding the turbulence processes within turbidity currents.
Bacterial Volatile Compounds: Functions in Communication, Cooperation, and Competition
Authors: Netzker Tina , Shepherdson Evan M.F. , Zambri Matthew P. , Elliot Marie A.
Published: July 2020

Bacteria produce a multitude of volatile compounds. While the biological functions of these deceptively simple molecules are unknown in many cases, for compounds that have been characterized, it is clear that they serve impressively diverse purposes. Here, we highlight recent studies that are uncovering the volatile repertoire of bacteria, and the functional relevance and impact of these molecules. We present work showing the ability of volatile compounds to modulate nutrient availability in the environment; alter the growth, development, and motility of bacteria and fungi; influence protist and arthropod behavior; and impact plant and animal health. We further discuss the benefits associated with using volatile compounds for communication and competition, alongside the challenges of studying these molecules and their functional roles. Finally, we address the opportunities these compounds present from commercial, clinical, and agricultural perspectives.
Extended Scalar Sectors
Authors: Steggemann Jan
Published: July 2020

Extended scalar sectors appear in various extensions of the Standard Model of particle physics, such as supersymmetric models. They are also generic extensions of the Standard Model and can address a number of its shortcomings. Direct searches for additional Higgs bosons and measurements of the 125-GeV Higgs boson, both of which provide insights into the different possible sectors, are carried out at the LHC. This review gives an overview of searches for the additional Higgs bosons and their implications for different models. The discussed analyses comprise searches for neutral and charged Higgs bosons that decay in various final states. In addition, the review summarizes the constraints from precision measurements, including in particular the observed couplings of the 125-GeV Higgs boson. While several models naturally incorporate a Higgs boson with couplings that are similar to the ones in the Standard Model, the measurements of the 125-GeV Higgs boson provide constraints on all considered extensions.
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and cystic fibrosis
Authors: Stanton Bruce A. , Hampton Thomas H. , Ashare Alix
Published: July 2020

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. Although viral respiratory tract infections are, in general, more severe in patients with CF compared with the general population, a small number of studies indicate that SARS-CoV-2 does not cause a worse infection in CF. This is surprising since comorbidities including preexisting lung disease have been reported to be associated with worse outcomes in SARS-CoV-2 infections. Several recent studies provide insight into why SARS-CoV-2 may not produce more severe outcomes in CF. First, ACE and ACE2, genes that play key roles in SARS-CoV-2 infection, have some variants that are predicted to reduce the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Second, mRNA for ACE2 is elevated and mRNA for TMPRSS2, a serine protease, is decreased in CF airway epithelial cells. Increased ACE2 is predicted to enhance SARS-CoV-2 binding to cells but would increase conversion of angiotensin II, which is proinflammatory, to angiotensin-1–7, which is anti-inflammatory. Thus, increased ACE2 would reduce inflammation and lung damage due to SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, decreased TMPRSS2 would reduce SARS-CoV-2 entry into airway epithelial cells. Second, many CF patients are treated with azithromycin, which suppresses viral infection and lung inflammation and inhibits the activity of furin, a serine protease. Finally, the CF lung contains high levels of serine protease inhibitors including ecotin and SERPINB1, which are predicted to reduce the ability of TMPRSS2 to facilitate SARS-CoV-2 entry into airway epithelial cells. Thus, a variety of factors may mitigate the severity of SARS-CoV-2 in CF.
Persistent and resurgent Na+ currents in vestibular calyx afferents
Authors: Meredith Frances L. , Rennie Katherine J.
Published: July 2020

Action potential firing patterns differ between groups of afferent neurons innervating vestibular epithelia. We investigated the biophysical properties of Na+ currents in specialized vestibular calyx afferent terminals during postnatal development. Mature calyces express Na+ currents with transient, persistent, and resurgent components. Nav1.6 channels contribute to resurgent Na+ currents and may enhance firing in peripheral calyx afferents. Understanding Na+ channels that contribute to vestibular nerve responses has implications for developing new treatments for vestibular dysfunction.
Express saccades during a countermanding task
Authors: Errington Steven P. , Schall Jeffrey D.
Published: July 2020

A serendipitous discovery that macaque monkeys produce express saccades under conditions that should discourage them reveals how cognitive control can adapt behavior to maximize reward.
Influence of Participatory Project Initiation on Sustainable Forest Management in Saboti, Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya
Authors: Tabot Anthony , Owuor Ochieng , Migosi Joash
Published: July 2020

Forestry related projects fail due to the lack of participation by the community during the initiation stage. This further leads to unsustainable management of forests. This study was undertaken to examine how participatory project initiation influences sustainable forest management in Saboti forest in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya. Participatory Development Theory guided this study. The explanatory research design was adopted. The target population was 2600 community forest association (CFA) members and 15 Kenya Forest Officers. Census sampling was used in the sampling of Kenya forest Officers and simple random sampling to select community forest management members. The sample size was 347 community forest management members and 15 Kenya forest Officers. Data were collected using questionnaires and through interview. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Presentation of findings was carried out using tables. There was a significant influence of participatory project initiation on sustainable forest management (SFM) (r = 0.700, p=0.00). This implies that an increase in participatory project initiation improved sustainable forest management in Saboti. Participatory project initiation had a significant influence on sustainable forest management. The community participation in initiation had a significant influence on sustainable forest management. There is need for forest management to involve the community members during the initiation stage of the projects in order to achieve sustainable forest management.
Does Financial Development Hamper or Improve the Resource Curse? Analysis Based on the Panel Threshold Effect Model
Authors: Sun ZhiQiang , Cai ZeXiang
Published: July 2020

This paper analyzes the “resource curse” and “financial threshold effect” that may exist in China and then uses the data from 30 provinces from 2004 to 2018 as research samples. We used linear regression and nondynamic panel threshold models to analyze the financial threshold effects of the “resource curse” hypothesis and the “resource curse” phenomenon. At the same time, we divided the level of financial development to verify the robustness of the research conclusions in this paper. The study found the following: (1) There is a certain correlation between the abundance of resources and economic growth. Whether this can be seen as a “curse” or a “blessing” of resources is significantly related to the degree of financial development. (2) Whether financial development can alleviate the “resource curse” depends on the degree of financial development. In the extremely scarce stage of financial resources, the resource endowment effect is obvious, and the level of economic development in resource-based regions will be higher than in other regions; when the level of financial development is low (financial resources are not scarce and have not reached a reasonable level), the phenomenon of the “resource curse” appears; when the level of financial development is highly developed, economic development benefits more from financial development, and the effects of resource endowment decline. Only when financial development is at a reasonable level can resource endowments effectively raise the level of economic development.
Clinical Features and Rules of Chinese Herbal Medicine in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Patients
Authors: Zhao Jindong , Li Yan , Xin Ling , Sun Min , Yu Chanjuan , Shi Guobin , Bao Taotao , Liu Jian , Ni Yingqun , Lu RuiMin , Wu Yuanyuan , Fang Zhaohui
Published: July 2020

Objective. To analyse the clinical features of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and employ data mining technology to explore the rules of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) therapy. Methods. The clinical data of 216 patients with DPN and qi‐yin deficiency syndrome were obtained, and the clinical features of the patients were assessed by cluster analysis. Relevant information was entered into the clinical diagnosis and treatment collection system, and data mining techniques were used to analyse the drug frequency, core CHM, CHM pair, and so on. Results. In this study, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and homocysteine (HCY) were closely related to the pathogenesis of DPN. Overall, 162 patients had typical DPN syndrome characteristics, and we analysed 216 prescriptions, including 182 CHM. The frequencies of prescription of Astragalus membranaceus, Ligusticum wallichii, Poria cocos, and Radix Rehmanniae were greater than 45%. A Bayesian network analysis diagram showed that the 9 most common core CHM included Astragalus membranaceus, Ligusticum wallichii, Poria cocos, atractylodes rhizome, and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. According to the association rules of CHM, Radix Ophiopogon is used for Codonopsis pilosula; Astragalus membranaceus and atractylodes rhizome for Rehmannia are also frequently used. Astragalus membranaceus and Cinnamomi Ramulus or Ligusticum wallichii and Moutan bark were highly related to a decreased Michigan Diabetic Neuropathy Score. Conclusion. HbA1c and HCY are related risk factors for DPN. Numbness is a typical syndrome characteristic. Astragalus membranaceus is a monarch CHM and is used most frequently.
Cervical Spine Ischemic Stroke Complicated by Spastic Quadriparesis and Ogilvie Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Assad Salman , Nolte Justin , Singh Dharampreet , Hanif Samrina , Ferguson Paul
Published: July 2020

Infarction or ischemia of the spinal cord is a rare entity and is often misdiagnosed as inflammatory myelopathy in acute settings. Atherosclerotic disease can affect spinal arteries, leading to cord ischemia with clinical presentation mixed with myelopathy. We present a case of a 66-year-old male who came to the hospital with unsteady gait and numbness of all extremities without associated pain for the past 48 hours. The neurological examination on admission directed the diagnosis towards myelopathy of the cervical spine. However, the initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine demonstrated gliosis and restricted diffusion of the cord with multilevel neuroforaminal stenosis but without central canal stenosis or cord compression. The MRI brain, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and rheumatologic evaluation were unremarkable. Four days into the clinical course, the patient developed weakness and spasticity of all extremities prompting further evaluation. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) scan of the head and neck revealed right vertebral artery occlusion and intracranial atherosclerotic disease. He was started on aspirin and clopidogrel for secondary risk reduction. The hospital course was further complicated by Ogilvie syndrome (OS), and the patient underwent uncomplicated cecostomy.
Tectonic Record of Deformation in Intraplate Domains: Case Study of Far-Field Deformation in the Grands Causses Area, France
Authors: Parizot Oriane , Missenard Yves , Vergely Pierre , Haurine Frederic , Noret Aurélie , Delpech Guillaume , Barbarand Jocelyn , Sarda Philippe
Published: July 2020

Although tectonic plates are usually considered as rigid blocks, intraplate deformation such as lithospheric buckling or diffuse brittle deformation has been recognized for a long time. However, the origin of these deformations remains puzzling. Indeed, whereas the chronology of deformation at plate boundaries can be constrained by numerous methods (syntectonic sedimentary record, thermochronology, etc.), dating of brittle structures (faults, veins, and joints) in the far-field domains remains challenging, preventing a global interpretation of the system as a whole. In this contribution, we have combined a tectonic study with a synkinematical geochronological study of fault-related calcites of the Grands Causses intraplate domain, north of the Pyrenean orogeny. We show that these faults record a much longer history of deformation than previously thought. The Mesozoic extension, usually attributed to an early Jurassic Tethysian rifting event, probably lasted until the Barremian-Aptian epoch, in response to the Pyrenean basin’s opening. The so-called “Pyrenean deformation” of the Grands Causses domain, usually associated with the paroxysm of deformation in the belt during the late Eocene, began much earlier, around 100 Ma, and lasted for more than 60-70 Ma. This study demonstrates the high sensitivity of an intraplate domain (Grands Causses area) to record extensional or compressional deformations occurring at the edge of neighbouring plates.
Emergency Department Screening for Unhealthy Alcohol and Drug Use with a Brief Tablet-Based Questionnaire
Authors: Elder Joshua W. , Wu Evan F. , Chenoweth James A. , Holmes James F. , Parikh Aman K. , Moulin Aimee K. , Trevino Tommie G. , Richards John R.
Published: July 2020

Background. Screening for unhealthy alcohol and drug use in the emergency department (ED) can be challenging due to crowding, lack of privacy, and overburdened staff. The objectives of this study were to determine the feasibility and utility of a brief tablet-based screening method in the ED and if patients would consider a face-to-face meeting with a certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC) for more in-depth screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) helpful via this interface. Methods. A tablet-based questionnaire was offered to 500 patients. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18, Emergency Severity Index 2–5, and English comprehension. Subjects were excluded if they had evidence of acute intoxication and/or received sedating medication. Results. A total of 283 (57%) subjects were enrolled over a 4-week period, which represented an increase of 183% over the monthly average of patients referred for SBIRT by the CADC prior to the study. There were 131 (46%) who screened positive for unhealthy alcohol and drug use, with 51 (39%) and 37 (28%) who screened positive for solely unhealthy alcohol use and drug use/drug use disorders, respectively. There were 43 (33%) who screened positive for combined unhealthy alcohol and drug use. Despite willingness to participate in the tablet-based questionnaire, only 20 (15%) with a positive screen indicated via the tablet that a face-to-face meeting with the CADC for further SBIRT would be helpful. Conclusion. Brief tablet-based screening for unhealthy alcohol and drug use in the ED was an effective method to increase the number of adult patients identified than solely by their treating clinicians. However, only a minority of subjects screening positive using this interface believed a face-to-face meeting with the CADC for further SBIRT would be helpful.
Heuristic Algorithms for MapReduce Scheduling Problem with Open-Map Task and Series-Reduce Tasks
Authors: Zheng Feifeng , Wang Zhaojie , Xu Yinfeng , Liu Ming
Published: July 2020

Based on the classical MapReduce concept, we propose an extended MapReduce scheduling model. In the extended MapReduce scheduling problem, we assumed that each job contains an open-map task (the map task can be divided into multiple unparallel operations) and series-reduce tasks (each reduce task consists of only one operation). Different from the classical MapReduce scheduling problem, we also assume that all the operations cannot be processed in parallel, and the machine settings are unrelated machines. For solving the extended MapReduce scheduling problem, we establish a mixed-integer programming model with the minimum makespan as the objective function. We then propose a genetic algorithm, a simulated annealing algorithm, and an L-F algorithm to solve this problem. Numerical experiments show that L-F algorithm has better performance in solving this problem.
Simultaneous Quantification of γ-Hydroxybutyrate, γ-Butyrolactone, and 1,4-Butanediol in Four Kinds of Beverages
Authors: Jin Shaoming , Ning Xiao , Cao Jin , Wang Yaonan
Published: July 2020

γ-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a neurotransmitter, which exhibits a strong central nervous system depressant effect. The abuse of GHB or its precursor substances (γ-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD)) may cause serious problems. This study developed a fast and effective UHPLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of GHB, GBL, and 1,4-BD in four popular beverages, including carbonated drinks, tea, apple cider vinegar, and coffee. The established method overcomes the influence of the in-source collision-induced dissociation of unstable compounds during quantification. The limits of detection were 0.2 μg/mL for GBL and 0.5 μg/mL for GHB and 1,4-BD with excellent linearity in the range of 0.2–50 μg/mL. The recoveries of the three compounds at three spiked levels (2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 μg/mL) in the four kinds of beverages studied were between 90 and 110%, while the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were all <10%. The matrix effect was negligible using this simple and appropriate preprocessed procedure. The method established in this study can quickly and reliably detect the GHB content and its analogues in beverages.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Manifestation as Acute Myocardial Infarction in a Young, Healthy Male
Authors: Juthani Prerak , Bhojwani Rohan , Gupta Neil
Published: July 2020

Although a large part of the symptomology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been attributed to its effects in the lungs, the virus has also been shown to cause extensive cardiovascular complications in a small subset of patients. In this case report, we describe a 29-year-old nonobese hospital food service associate who presented with diffuse abdominal and chest pain; he was found to be positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with significantly elevated levels of troponin T and multiple acute phase reactants; his EKG demonstrated ST-elevations consistent with anterolateral infarction. Despite having no significant past medical history or atherosclerotic risk factors, he was found to have a complete occlusion of his left anterior descending artery that required cardiac catheterization. This case demonstrates that cardiovascular complications must be considered in the COVID-19 population, even without the clear presence of other risk factors for heart disease.
Observation of Gonio Structures during Microhook Ab Interno Trabeculotomy Using a Novel Digital Microscope with Integrated Intraoperative Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Ishida Akiko , Sugihara Kazunobu , Shirakami Tomoki , Tsutsui Aika , Manabe Kaoru , Tanito Masaki
Published: July 2020

Purpose. Observation of ocular structures using microscope-integrated intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) has been adopted. Using the novel digital ophthalmic microscope, ARTEVO 800 with iOCT, we tested the feasibility of trabecular meshwork (TM) imaging during microhook ab interno trabeculotomy, a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. Methods. The nasal and temporal sides of the TM/inner wall of Schlemm’s canal were incised more than 3 clock hours in 14 glaucomatous eyes of 10 patients. To observe the trabeculotomy site, iOCT was performed with the real-time five-line scan mode under observation using a Swan-Jacob gonioprism lens. The success of the imaging and visibility of the trabeculotomy cleft and its incisional patterns (i.e., anterior, middle, or posterior pattern) were determined by reviewing the iOCT video files. Results. OCT images of the region of interest were acquired successfully in 100% of the 28 nasal or temporal sides in 14 eyes, although the trabeculotomy cleft was not visualized in four (14%) sides due to blockage of the OCT signal by a blood clot. Based on the predominant locations of the TM flaps in 24 of the acquired images, the trabeculotomy clefts were classified as anterior incisional patterns in 13 (54%), middle incisional patterns in nine (38%), and posterior incisional patterns in two (8%). Conclusion. Intraoperative imaging of the gonio structures including the trabeculotomy cleft was feasible using the ARTEVO 800 with iOCT in combination with a gonioprism.
A Novel Mechanism to Induce BRCAness in Cancer Cells
Authors: Cai Changmeng
Published: July 2020

Cancer cells with germline deleterious mutations of BRCA1 or BRCA2 are deficient in homologous recombination repair and therefore sensitive to PARP inhibitor treatment. However, wild-type BRCA1/2-expressing cells with defects in other DNA damage repair pathway components may also exhibit “BRCAness,” which in combination with PARP inhibition can similarly induce synthetic lethality. In this issue of Cancer Research, Luo and colleagues report a novel mechanism by which BRCA1 protein degradation in response to DNA double-strand breaks is regulated by prolyl isomerase Pin1. Inactivation of Pin1 can establish BRCAness in cancer cells and thus sensitize cells to PARP inhibitor treatment.

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