bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bias and interpersonal skepticism
Authors: Pasnau Robert
Published: September 2020

Recent philosophy has paid considerable attention to the way our biases are liable to encroach upon our cognitive lives, diminishing our capacity to know and unjustly denigrating the knowledge of others. The extent of the bias, and the range of domains to which it applies, has struck some as so great as to license talk of a new form of skepticism. I argue that these depressing consequences are real and, in some ways, even more intractable than has previously been recognized. For the difficulties we face in this domain are fueled not only by implicit biases but by various other sorts of entrenched cognitive attitudes we bear toward others, whether or not we judge them to be our peers. Inasmuch as the epistemic standing of this broader set of attitudes is itself quite dubious, the problem of epistemic injustice turns out to be just one special case—albeit of a particularly nasty kind—from a broader domain of cases where the collaborative character of knowledge clashes with tendencies that make collaboration difficult. This makes the threat of skepticism all the greater, and at the same time makes it harder to see what path of escape there might be.
Moving forecasts forward
Authors: DeMarche Megan L.
Published: September 2020

This article is a Commentary on Patsiou et al. (2020), 228: 525–540.
R2R3‐MYB genes control petal pigmentation patterning in Clarkia gracilis ssp. sonomensis (Onagraceae)
Authors: Lin Rong‐Chien , Rausher Mark D.
Published: September 2020

Petal pigmentation patterning is widespread in flowering plants. The genetics of these pattern elements has been of great interest for understanding the evolution of phenotypic diversification. Here, we investigate the genetic changes responsible for the evolution of an unpigmented petal element on a colored background.

We used transcriptome analysis, gene expression assays, cosegregation in F2 plants and functional tests to identify the gene(s) involved in petal coloration in Clarkia gracilis ssp. sonomensis.

We identified an R2R3‐MYB transcription factor (CgsMYB12) responsible for anthocyanin pigmentation of the basal region (‘cup’) in the petal of C. gracilis ssp. sonomensis. A functional mutation in CgsMYB12 creates a white cup on a pink petal background. Additionally, we found that two R2R3‐MYB genes (CgsMYB6 and CgsMYB11) are also involved in petal background pigmentation. Each of these three R2R3‐MYB genes exhibits a different spatiotemporal expression pattern. The functionality of these R2R3‐MYB genes was confirmed through stable transformation of Arabidopsis.

Distinct spatial patterns of R2R3‐MYB expression have created the possibility that pigmentation in different sections of the petal can evolve independently. This finding suggests that recent gene duplication has been central to the evolution of petal pigmentation patterning in C. gracilis ssp. sonomensis.
A snapshot of reproductive and sexual health and rights of women living with HIV in Asia
Authors: Yuvaraj Anandi , Kundu Paramita
Published: August 2020

Objective

A brief review of status of sexual and reproductive health and rights of women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Asia with a focus on their access to related services.

Subject(s) and methods

The content has primarily emerged from several meetings, workshops and research studies that regional networks of women living with HIV have conducted in the region. We used published and unpublished literature in English after the year 2000.

Results

We found many hindrances to realization of sexual and reproductive rights by HIV‐positive women and their access to related health services. Rampant stigma and discrimination by service providers take the form of denial of contraceptive and maternal health services, forced sterilization, breach of confidentiality and disclosure of status to others without the consent of the woman. Families blaming women for bringing HIV and male partners objecting to using condoms affect the well‐being of HIV‐positive women. Sexual rights specifically aspects of positive sexuality such as sexual pleasure have not received attention.

Conclusion

Findings suggest the need to enhance capacities of HIV‐positive women's organizations to meaningfully participate in decisions on positive women's sexual, reproductive health and rights and sensitize service providers to adequately address HIV‐positive women's concerns.
Neuropathy complication of antiretroviral therapy in HIV/AIDS patients
Authors: Winias Saka , Radithia Desiana , Savitri Ernawati Diah
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Significant pain from HIV‐associated sensory neuropathy (HIV‐SN) affects 40% of HIV‐infected individuals treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART). The most salient symptom of the neuropathy is pain, which frequently is moderate‐to‐severe intensity, associated with reduced activities and physical function, sleep disruption, increased severity of depression, and anxiety. Yet, evidence for managing painful HIV‐SN is poor. The purpose of this study was to verify by scientific evidence the neuropathy complication in HIV/AIDS patients to develop effective pain management strategies.

Methods

Design: Systematic review. Data sources: PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane, www.controlled-trials.com. Selection criteria: the filter “English” was used, timeframed searched was 2009–2019, randomized controlled trials (RCT). Keywords were verified in MeSH “Peripheral Nervous System Disease” and “Antiretroviral Agents” or “Antiretroviral therapy.” Review method: the PRISMA flowchart was used.

Result

A systematic search following PRISMA guidelines was carried out, and 12 specific articles/studies on the subject were selected. The results revealed that HIV therapy, aging, body mass index, height, and systemic conditions influence neuropathy conditions in HIV/AIDS patients. The multistudies focused on pain management approaches such as administration of pain medication, drug combination to prevent side effects, or ART with minimal side effects.

Conclusion

Sensory neuropathy is a frequent complication of HIV infection and ART. An understanding of the mechanism and pathophysiology of neuropathy in HIV is urgently required to develop alternative treatment modalities and to evaluate preventive strategies.
HIV screening in dental settings: Challenges, opportunities, and a call to action
Authors: Riddle Melissa Wiseman
Published: August 2020

HIV is responsible for tremendous suffering and loss around the world, but many advances in HIV screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention provide hope for an end to the HIV epidemic. Global and national campaigns facilitate access to these HIV advances, but some individuals and communities still lack access, particularly in developing countries. To reach those who remain under‐served, campaigns encourage greater integration of HIV services with non‐HIV services. As members of the healthcare team with a clinical stake in HIV, dental care providers have a unique contribution to make. Much research on the role of dental care providers in HIV has focused on HIV screening in the dental setting, and researchers have identified possible ways forward but also daunting challenges. Approaches for screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment used in primary care and dental care settings for other health risks may help overcome challenges related to provider scope of practice and need for training. Approaches to managing distress and uncertainty in other clinical contexts may help overcome challenges related to patient acceptability, equipping providers to manage sensitive topics and emotional aspects of HIV screening. While not panaceas, these approaches may be useful to dental care providers interested in answering the global “call to action” for contributing to ending the HIV epidemic.
The role of patient and public involvement in oral health and HIV/AIDS research, practice and policy
Authors: Sharma Mahendra Vaishali , Ranauta Amitha , Yuvraj Anandi , Santella Anthony J. , Taslim Aditia , Doughty Janine
Published: August 2020

Patient and public involvement (PPI) is a process whereby patients, caregivers, service users and other relevant stakeholders, including the general public, are actively involved and engaged in activities to develop research. The dental research agenda has traditionally been driven by clinicians, where patients and the public have participated in research as subjects; patient and public involvement can contribute to the research agenda including the design and conduct of research by providing unique perspectives gained through lived experience. This panel of the 8th World Workshop on Oral Health and Diseases in AIDS considered the role of people living with HIV (PLHIV) to contribute to oral health and HIV research and policy through a process of involvement and empowerment. The panel introduced the concepts of PPI, described the purpose of PPI, reflected upon the logistic and ethical considerations thereof and considered how PPI had been utilised effectively in HIV research and policy change. The audience discussion focused on ways in which PPI could more readily and consistently be encouraged within oral health research involving PLHIV.
Are we all exploiters?*
Authors: Ferguson Benjamin
Published: September 2020

This paper argues that two single‐factor accounts of exploitation are inadequate and instead defends a two‐factor account. Purely distributive accounts of exploitation, which equate exploitation with unfair transaction, make exploitation pervasive and cannot deliver the intuition that exploiters are blameworthy. Recent, non‐distributive alternatives, which make unfairness unnecessary for exploitation, largely avoid these problems, but their arguments for the non‐necessity of unfairness are unconvincing. This paper defends a two factor account according to which A exploits B iff A gains unfairly from B and either A believes that the gains he receives in the transaction wrong B, or A is culpably unaware that the gains he receives in the transaction wrong B. This account avoids the problems of non‐distributive approaches and also delivers the intuition that exploiters are blameworthy.
Highly infested soils undermine the use of resistant olive rootstocks as a control method of verticillium wilt
Authors: Valverde Pedro , Trapero Carlos , Arquero Octavio , Serrano Nicolás , Barranco Diego , Muñoz Díez Concepción , López‐Escudero Francisco J.
Published: September 2020

Verticillium wilt of olive (VWO) is probably the most devastating fungal disease for olive trees worldwide, and currently the main cultivars are susceptible or moderately susceptible to this disease. The evaluation of resistant cultivars as rootstocks to control the disease has scarcely been explored, and mainly in short‐term studies under controlled conditions, which usually do not correspond with field evaluations. The main objective of this study was to assess the responses to VWO of different scion × rootstock combinations of the olive cultivars Picual, Arbequina, Changlot Real, and Frantoio in a long‐term field experiment with a soil highly infested with the defoliating pathotype of Verticillium dahliae. The results showed that grafting the susceptible cultivar Picual onto resistant rootstocks delayed the onset of the disease symptoms; however, after 4 years, it was observed that all combinations that contain Picual (a) were extensively colonized by V. dahliae; (b) developed severe symptoms of the disease; and (c) had plant mortality similar to Picual growing on its own roots. This result highlights the importance of long‐term field experiments to evaluate VWO and shows that grafting susceptible olive cultivars onto resistant ones does not provide a durable control of VWO under high inoculum potential, as V. dahliae is able to progress through the resistant rootstock and then extensively colonize and kill the susceptible scion. However, the high inoculum potential observed in this study does not allow us to consider the evaluated resistant cultivars as completely ineffective under lower inoculum densities.
Ethical challenges posed by COVID‐19
Authors: Komesaroff Paul A.
Published: August 2020

See related Commentary
Real Lax spectrum implies spectral stability
Authors: Upsal Jeremy , Deconinck Bernard
Published: September 2020

We consider the dynamical stability of periodic and quasiperiodic stationary solutions of integrable equations with 2 2 Lax pairs. We construct the eigenfunctions and hence the Floquet discriminant for such Lax pairs. The boundedness of the eigenfunctions determines the Lax spectrum. We use the squared eigenfunction connection between the Lax spectrum and the stability spectrum to show that the subset of the real line that gives rise to stable eigenvalues is contained in the Lax spectrum. For non‐self‐adjoint members of the AKNS hierarchy admitting a common reduction, the real line is always part of the Lax spectrum and it maps to stable eigenvalues of the stability problem. We demonstrate our methods work for a variety of examples, both in and not in the AKNS hierarchy.
IL‐16 processing in sentinel node regulatory T cells is a factor in bladder cancer immunity
Authors: Krantz David , Mints Michael , Winerdal Malin , Riklund Katrine , Rutishauser Dorothea , Zubarev Roman , Zirakhzadeh Amir Ali , Alamdari Farhood , Johansson Markus , Sherif Amir , Winqvist Ola
Published: August 2020

In the effort of developing new immunotherapies, the sentinel node (SN) has proven a promising source from which to harness an effective antitumour T cell response. However, tumour immune escape, a process in which regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a central role, remains a major limiting factor. Therefore, there is a clear need to increase the knowledge of Treg function and signalling in sentinel nodes. Here, we set out to explore whether the proteome in SN‐resident T cells is altered by the tumour and to identify key proteins in SN T cell signalling, focusing on Tregs. Five patients with muscle‐invasive urothelial bladder cancer were prospectively included. Mass spectrometry was performed on two patients, with validation and functional studies being performed on three additional patients and four healthy donors. At cystectomy, SN, non‐SN lymph nodes and peripheral blood samples were collected from the patients and T cell subsets isolated through flow cytometry before downstream experiments. Proteomic analysis indicated that growth and immune signalling pathways are upregulated in SN‐resident Tregs. Furthermore, centrality analysis identified the cytokine IL‐16 to be central in the SN‐Treg signalling network. We show that tumour‐released factors, through activating caspase‐3, increase Treg IL‐16 processing into bioactive forms, reinforcing Treg suppressive capacity. In conclusion, we provide evidence that Tregs exposed to secreted factors from bladder tumours show increased immune and growth signalling and altered IL‐16 processing which translates to enhanced Treg suppressive function, indicating altered IL‐16 signalling as a novel tumour immune escape mechanism.
Peer teaching: Students teaching students to increase academic performance
Authors: Rusli Megawati , Degeng Nyoman Sudana , Setyosari Punaji , Sulton
Published: September 2020

Peer teaching among students has a powerful role in the learning process and has been studied and recognized as an effective teaching method. Research on peer teaching applied in different contexts has shown that learning through the process of teaching others increases students' academic performance. In Indonesia, some research on peer teaching has been conducted, but there has been no research on peer teaching in the context of theological studies. Hence, this empirical study aims to verify whether peer teaching is effective when applied in a theological school setting. In this study, students of a homiletics course were the research sample. Results show that peer teaching had a positive effect on students' academic performance. However, further research is recommended on the application of peer teaching in other subject areas to confirm the effectiveness of peer teaching in a theological school context.
Incidence and prevalence of acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder in parents of children hospitalized in intensive care units: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Barnes Shannon , Broom Margaret , Jordan Zoe
Published: August 2020

Objective:

The objective of this review is to determine the incidence and prevalence of acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder in parents who have a child hospitalized in an intensive care unit.

Introduction:

Having a child admitted to an intensive care unit is known to be challenging and stressful for parents. This stress may lead to clinical stress disorders that may be improved through interventions. However, there is insufficient clarity around the incidence and prevalence of these disorders.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider studies of parents who have had a child admitted to a neonatal or pediatric intensive care unit and who have developed associated acute stress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder related to their child's hospitalization.

Methods:

The proposed review will follow JBI methodology for systematic reviews of prevalence and incidence. A strategic search for eligible studies will include multiple database sources and unpublished literature. Studies will be assessed for inclusion by two independent reviewers based initially on study titles and abstracts, and subsequently on full text. Methodological quality will be assessed by two independent reviewers, with inclusion criteria focusing on sampling and statistical analysis. Data extraction will be completed, and data synthesis will pool data where possible.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO (CRD42020190875)
Field-Testing of Biodiesel (B100) and Diesel-Fueled Vehicles: Part 1—No Load and Highway Driving Emissions, and Acceleration Characteristics
Authors: Agarwal Avinash Kumar , Agarwal Deepak
Published: September 2020

Biodiesel has emerged as a sustainable renewable transport fuel worldwide. This study investigated the use of biodiesel (B100) and mineral diesel in two identical unmodified vehicles to realistically assess different aspects of biodiesel’s compatibility with modern common rail direct injection (CRDI) diesel engines. Exhaustive experimental results from this series of tests are divided into four segments and no-load engine speed emissions, highway driving emissions, and acceleration characteristics of biodiesel and diesel-fueled vehicles are included in this first paper of the series of four papers. First, the emissions were measured at different engine speeds at no load, when the vehicles were stationary. Thereafter, the real highway driving emissions were measured at different vehicle speeds using on-board emission analyzers. CO and HC emissions from biodiesel fueled stationary vehicle were negligible but relatively higher than mineral diesel-fueled stationary vehicle. NOx emissions increased with increasing engine speed at no-load condition for both stationary vehicles and smoke opacity was also very low for most engine speeds at no load. Among real highway driving emissions, CO and HC from biodiesel-fueled vehicles were ∼13% and ∼30% lower than mineral diesel-fueled vehicles, respectively, at varying vehicle speeds. Emissions of CO2 were not too different in these two vehicles but NOx emissions from biodiesel-fueled vehicle were ∼32% higher than mineral diesel-fueled vehicle. Smoke opacity from biodiesel-fueled vehicle was lower by ∼80% than mineral diesel-fueled vehicle and it didn’t increase with increasing vehicle speed. Acceleration characteristics of biodiesel-fueled vehicle were as good as diesel-fueled vehicle up to a speed of 90 kmph using stock electronic control unit (ECU), however, beyond 90 kmph vehicle speed, the acceleration of biodiesel-fueled vehicle was noticeably lower than baseline mineral diesel-fueled vehicle. This underlines the need for ECU recalibration before the large-scale implementation of biodiesel in existing diesel vehicles.
Field-Testing of Biodiesel (B100) and Diesel-Fueled Vehicles: Part 3—Wear Assessment of Liner and Piston Rings, Engine Deposits, and Operational Issues
Authors: Agarwal Avinash Kumar , Agarwal Deepak
Published: September 2020

This study investigated the use of biodiesel (B100) and baseline mineral diesel in two identical unmodified vehicles to realistically assess different aspects of biodiesel’s compatibility and durability issues with modern common rail direct injection (CRDI) engine-powered vehicles. Two identical vehicles were operated for 30,000 km under identical operating conditions during a field-trial using biodiesel (B100) and mineral diesel. Exhaustive experimental results from this series of tests are divided into four sections, and this is the third paper of this series of four papers, which covers comparative feasibility and wear analyses, underlining the effect of long-term use of biodiesel on wear of cylinder liner and piston rings compared to baseline mineral diesel-fueled vehicle. Surface microstructures at three locations of the cylinder liner were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Wear was found to be relatively lower at all locations of liners from biodiesel-fueled vehicle compared to diesel-fueled vehicle. Surface roughness of cylinder liners measured at different locations showed that it reduced by ∼30–40% at top dead center (TDC), ∼10–20% at mid-stroke, and ∼20–30% at bottom dead center (BDC) for both vehicles, showing higher wear close to TDC compared to mid-stroke and BDC locations. Loss of piston-ring weight was significantly lower for biodiesel-fueled vehicle. Engine tear-down observations and carbon deposits on various engine components were recorded after the conclusion of the field trials. During these field-trials, engine durability-related issues such as fuel-filter plugging, injector coking, piston-ring sticking, carbon deposits in the combustion chamber, and contamination of lubricating oils were found to be relatively lower in biodiesel-fueled vehicle. Overall, no noticeable durability issues were recorded because of the use of biodiesel in CRDI engine-powered vehicle.
Investigation on Thermal Runaway of Li-Ion Cells Based on LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2
Authors: Xie Xiaoyi , Ren Dongsheng , Wang Li , Feng Xuning , He Xiangming
Published: September 2020

The thermal runaway behavior of lithium-ion cells plays a crucial role in the safety management of the powertrain in electric vehicles. In this study, the effect of states of charge (SOC) on the thermal runaway behavior of commercial LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 (NMC)-based pouch cells is investigated using accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC) and ex-situ X-ray diffraction. By studying the differences in the onset temperature of self-heating (T1) and the onset temperature of thermal runaway (T2) along with the mass loss between the different SOCs, we observed that higher SOC led to a decrease in the T2. However, T1 initially increased and then decreased with increasing SOC. These trends were attributed to the phase change of cathode material and separator. The ARC results also indicated the occurrence of endothermic reactions during the self-heating accumulation period. The findings in this study are helpful for thermal safety management of battery powertrain for electric vehicles.
False equivalencies: Online activism from left to right
Authors: Freelon Deen , Marwick Alice , Kreiss Daniel
Published: September 2020

Digital media are critical for contemporary activism—even low-effort “clicktivism” is politically consequential and contributes to offline participation. We argue that in the United States and throughout the industrialized West, left- and right-wing activists use digital and legacy media differently to achieve political goals. Although left-wing actors operate primarily through “hashtag activism” and offline protest, right-wing activists manipulate legacy media, migrate to alternative platforms, and work strategically with partisan media to spread their messages. Although scholarship suggests that the right has embraced strategic disinformation and conspiracy theories more than the left, more research is needed to reveal the magnitude and character of left-wing disinformation. Such ideological asymmetries between left- and right-wing activism hold critical implications for democratic practice, social media governance, and the interdisciplinary study of digital politics.
Campaigns influence election outcomes less than you think
Authors: Nickerson David W. , Rogers Todd
Published: September 2020

Campaigns have small effects but are built to win close races
Can democracy work for the poor?
Authors: Pande Rohini
Published: September 2020

Millions of the world’s poorest people now live in middle-income democracies that, in theory, could use their resources to end extreme poverty. However, citizens in those countries have not succeeded in using the vote to ensure adequate progressive redistribution. Interventions aiming to provide the economically vulnerable with needed resources must go beyond assisting them directly, they must also improve democratic institutions so that vulnerable populations themselves can push their representatives to implement redistributive policies. Here, I review the literature on such interventions and then consider the “democracy catch-22”: How can the poor secure greater democratic influence when the existing democratic playing field is tilted against them?
Sexual dimorphism in body clocks
Authors: Anderson Seán T. , FitzGerald Garret A.
Published: September 2020

Sexual dimorphism in chronobiology has implications for the health of our 24-hour society
Incidental finding of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis in the mandible
Authors: Sundaresan Pritam Daniel , Foo Magdalen
Published: September 2020

A 78-year-old man was referred to the Special Needs Dentistry Clinic for review prior to beginning bisphosphonate treatment as part of the management for his metastatic prostate cancer given the increased risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws in this patient cohort. Imaging revealed a well-defined radiolucency in the mandible that was closely associated with a non-vital anterior tooth. The lesion was asymptomatic. Incisional biopsy revealed a low grade B cell lymphoproliferation compatible with a monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL). The patient was subsequently referred to haematology as MBL may develop into chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
Repeated and adaptive multidisciplinary assessment of a patient with acute pulmonary embolism and recurrent cardiac arrests
Authors: Fryk Karin , Rylander Christian , Svennerholm Kristina
Published: September 2020

High-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition that must be recognised and treated rapidly. The importance of correct risk stratification to guide therapeutic decisions has prompted the introduction of multidisciplinary PE response teams (PERTs). The recommended first-line treatment for high-risk PE is intravenous thrombolysis. Alternatives to consider if thrombolysis has insufficient effect or may cause significant haemorrhagic complications include catheter-directed intervention (CDI) and surgical thrombectomy. For patients in deep shock or cardiac arrest, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) can be instituted for cardiopulmonary rescue and support during CDI, thrombectomy or pharmacological treatment. We present a complex case of high-risk PE that illustrates the importance of an early PERT conference and repeated decision-making when the initial therapy fails. After a trial of thrombolysis with insufficient effect, VA-ECMO was used to reverse circulatory and respiratory collapse in a patient with PE and recurrent episodes of cardiac arrest.
Obstructed ileocaecal tuberculosis with splenic tuberculosis and solid pseudopapillary tumour of tail of pancreas in an immunocompetent woman
Authors: Paramasivam Surendran , Murali Magesh , Rajappa Parimuthukumar
Published: September 2020

A 22-year-old young woman presented with fever, lower abdominal pain and vomiting for 20 days. She had persistent fever and abdominal pain. Fever panel was negative. Clinical features were suggestive of subacute small bowel obstruction. Contrast-enhanced CT abdomen showed thickening of distal ileum, ileocaecal junction and caecum with conglomerate necrotic nodal mass in the ileocolic mesentry along with a lesion in the tail of pancreas. Patient was discussed with multidisciplinary team and decided to undergo a single-stage procedure after adequate nutritional optimisation. During optimisation, she underwent acute obstruction and hence taken up for emergency laparotomy proceeded to right haemicolectomy with distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy 4 weeks after the time of admission. Histopathology showed ileocaecal tuberculosis and solid pseudopapillary tumour with margins free of tumour. Approach of obstructed ileocaecal tuberculosis in the setting of incidental diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary tumour of pancreas in a moribund patient was challenging.
Central retinal artery occlusion fromStreptococcus gallolyticusendocarditis
Authors: Serras-Pereira Rita , Hipolito-Fernandes Diogo , Azevedo Luísa , Vieira Luísa
Published: September 2020

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a rare but blinding disorder. We present a case of a 81-year-old woman with multiple cardiovascular comorbidities admitted to the emergency department due to sudden, painless vision loss on left eye (oculus sinister (OS)) on awakening. The patient also reported long standing fatigue associated with effort that started 4 months before admission. She presented best corrected visual acuity of counting fingers OS. Funduscopy OS revealed macular oedema with cherry red spot pattern. Blood cultures came positive forStreptococcus gallolyticusin the context of a bacteremia and native mitral valve vegetation identified on transoesophageal echocardiography. CRAO of embolic origin was admitted in the context of an infective endocarditis. CRAO can be the first manifestation of a potentially fatal systemic condition and thus multidisciplinary approach is warranted with close collaboration between ophthalmologists and internists in order to provide proper management and the best possible treatment.
Acute massive gastric dilatation as a result of closed-loop obstruction of stomach: an unusual and rare phenomenon
Authors: Shaikh Oseen Hajilal , Reddy Nikhil , Kumbhar Uday Shamrao , Suresh Chilaka
Published: September 2020

Acute massive gastric dilatation (AMGD) is a rare event which is usually underdiagnosed. It can occur due to multiple etiologies, including medical and surgical, or as a postoperative complication. We report a rare case of AMGD as a result of closed-loop obstruction of the stomach following feeding jejunostomy in a patient with carcinoma oesophagus. A high index of suspicion, early diagnosis and prompt management is the key to the successful treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second case report of a closed-loop obstruction of the stomach leading to AMGD in published literature.
Case of COVID-19 in a 5-week-old baby
Authors: Fleming Rachael , Grattan Rosemary , Bohmova Kristyna
Published: September 2020

On 31 December 2019, the first case of COVID-19, was reported in Wuhan. A public health emergency of international concern was declared on 30 January 2020 and the first case in Scotland, on 2 March. The effect of COVID-19 appears to be less in the paediatric population and there are fewer cases reported in the literature in comparison to the adult population. Here, we report a case of a previously well 5-week-old infant who presented with fever and increased sleepiness. There was no known contact with any unwell individuals. COVID-19 was identified through a septic screen work up. The infant’s course was uneventful and she has made a full recovery. This case highlights the need to have a low index of suspicion in the diagnosis of COVID-19 and the need to be vigilant in use of personal protective equipment, even in paediatric patients with subtle symptoms.
Hyponatraemia compounding pre-eclamptic toxaemia in a patient with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Briggs Emily , Greer Orene , Shah Nishel Mohan , Singh Natasha
Published: September 2020

We report a case of profound, symptomatic hyponatraemia in association with pre‐eclamptic toxaemia (PET) in a 38‐year‐old nulliparous woman with type 1 diabetes mellitus. This patient developed hypertension and proteinuria at 31+6 weeks’ gestation and was admitted for management of pre-eclampsia. Severe headache, visual disturbance and nausea were associated with a hyponatraemia of 115 mmol/L followed by ketoacidosis. This was reversed through fluid restriction, supplementation with 1.8%–3.0% hypertonic saline and a volume-reduced variable-rate insulin infusion. Clinical stability was achieved and she was subsequently worked up for an induction of labour for worsening pre-eclampsia. Hyponatraemia in the context of PET has been previously reported as rare. However, it has complications that may significantly compound the sequelae of severe PET. We propose that specific and focused monitoring of serum sodium levels should become common practice in the management of women with this condition to allow for timely, measured correction of abnormalities.
Efficacy of brief intervention for drug misuse in primary care facilities: systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Sahker Ethan , Sakata Masatsugu , Toyomoto Rie , Hwang Chiyoung , Yoshida Kazufumi , Luo Yan , Watanabe Norio , Furukawa Toshi A
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Drug misuse is associated with significant global morbidity, mortality, economic costs and social costs. Many primary care facilities have integrated drug misuse screening and brief intervention (BI) into their usual care delivery. However, the efficacy of BI for drug misuse in primary care has not been substantiated through meta-analysis. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the efficacy of BI for drug misuse in primary care settings.

Methods and analysis

We will include all randomised controlled trials comparing primary care-delivered BI for drug misuse with no intervention or minimal screening/assessment and usual care. Primary outcomes are (1) drug use frequency scores and (2) severity scores at intermediate follow-up (4–8 months). We will retrieve all studies through searches in CENTRAL, Embase, MEDLINE and PsycINFO until 31 May 2020. The reference list will be supplemented with searches in trial registries (eg, www.clinicaltrials.gov) and through relevant existing study reference lists identified in the literature. We will conduct a random-effect pairwise meta-analysis for primary and secondary outcomes. We will assess statistical heterogeneity though visual inspection of a forest plot and calculate I2 statistics. We will assess risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool V.2 and evaluate the certainty of evidence through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Sensitivity analyses will account for studies with control group variations and studies with a high risk of bias. If heterogeneity is present, subgroup analyses will consider patient variables of age, sex/gender, race/ethnicity, per cent insured, baseline severity and primary drug misused.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will use published aggregate data and will not require ethical approval. Findings will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal.
More than consent for ethical open-label placebo research
Authors: Specker Sullivan Laura
Published: September 2020

Recent studies have explored the effectiveness of open-label placebos (OLPs) for a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, cancer-related fatigue and irritable bowel syndrome. OLPs are thought to sidestep traditional ethical worries about placebos because they do not involve deception: with an OLP, patients or subjects are told outright that they are not given an active substance. As deception is framed as the primary hurdle to ethical placebo use, the door is ostensibly opened to ethical studies of OLPs. In this article, I suggest that even though OLPs seemingly do not involve deception, there are other ethical considerations in their clinical investigation and subsequent use. Research ethics often focusses on informed consent—of which, deception and honesty are a piece—as a means to justify research practices with human subjects. Yet, it is but one of the ethical considerations that should be taken into account. With research into placebo effects in particular, I argue that the history of clinical placebo use grounds special considerations for OLP research that go beyond respect for the autonomy of individual patients through informed consent and encompass structural concerns about the type of patient for whom a placebo has historically been thought appropriate.
Left ventricular systolic dysfunction is associated with poor functional outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy
Authors: Tan Benjamin Y Q , Leow Aloysius ST , Lee Tsong-Hai , Gontu Vamsi Krishna , Andersson Tommy , Holmin Staffan , Wong Ho-Fai , Lin Chuan-Min , Cheng Chih-Kuang , Sia Ching-Hui , Ngiam Nicholas , Ng Zhi-Xuan , Yeo Joshua , Chan Bernard , Teoh Hock-Luen , Seet Raymond , Paliwal Prakash , Anil Gopinathan , Yang Cunli , Maus Volker , Abdullayev Nuran , Mpotsaris Anastasios , Bhogal Pervinder , Wong Ken , Makalanda Hegoda Levansri Dilrukshan , Spooner Oliver , Amlani Sageet , Campbell Daniel , Michael Robert , Quäschling Ulf , Schob Stefan , Maybaum Jens , Sharma Vijay Kumar , Yeo Leonard LL
Published: September 2020

Background

Endovascular thrombectomy (ET) has transformed acute ischemic stroke (AIS) therapy in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) decreases global cerebral blood flow and predisposes to hypoperfusion. We evaluated the relationship between LVSD, as measured by LV ejection fraction (LVEF), and clinical outcomes in patients with anterior cerebral circulation LVO who underwent ET.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective cohort study examined anterior circulation LVO AIS patients from six international stroke centers. LVSD was measured by assessment of the echocardiographic LVEF using Simpson’s biplane method of discs according to international guidelines. LVSD was defined as LVEF <50%. The primary outcome was defined as a good functional outcome using a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 0–2 at 3 months.

Results

We included 440 AIS patients with LVO who underwent ET. On multivariate analyses, pre-existing diabetes mellitus (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.24 to 3.39;p=0.005), unsuccessful reperfusion (Treatment in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) grade 0-2a) status (OR 4.21, 95% CI 2.04 to 8.66; p<0.001) and LVSD (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.18 to 3.68; p=0.011) were independent predictors of poor functional outcomes at 3 months. On ordinal (shift) analyses, LVSD was associated with an unfavorable shift in the mRS outcomes (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.52 to 3.53; p<0.001) after adjusting for age and ischemic heart disease.

Conclusion

Anterior circulation LVO AIS patients with LVSD have poorer outcomes after ET, suggesting the need to consider cardiac factors for ET, the degree of monitoring and prognostication post-procedure.
Effect of curing conditions on the compressive strength of sodium carbonate activated slag–glass powder mortar
Authors: Adesina Adeyemi , Cercel Jonathan , Das Sreekanta
Published: September 2020

This study presents the experimental investigation of the effect of curing conditions on the properties of mortar mixtures made with sodium carbonate activated slag–glass powder as a binder. Slag and glass powder were used at an equal percentage as the aluminosilicate precursor and the binary blend was activated with sodium carbonate. The corresponding compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity of the mixtures cured in different conditions were investigated. The curing conditions used in this study are dry, moist, and submerged curing. Microstructural investigations were also carried out to understand the microstructural properties of the mixtures exposed to these curing conditions. Results from this study showed that moist curing is the most effective curing method for mortar made with sodium carbonate alkali-activated slag–glass powder as a binder. Microstructural evaluations further confirm the strength results as mortar samples cured in a moist condition exhibited a denser microstructure.
Reflections on the contributions of Populus research at Rhinelander, Wisconsin, USA
Authors: Isebrands J.G. , Zalesny R.S.
Published: September 2020

The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service established three regional Institutes of Forest Genetics in the United States in the 1950s to improve trees for reforestation and improve the management of forests. The institute in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, started in 1956 as part of the Lake States Forest Experiment Station. Since that time, the “Rhinelander Lab” has undergone changes in research priorities, organizational changes, and name changes while becoming an international center of forest scientific excellence. Many of the researchers’ key findings over the years were published in the Canadian Journal of Forest Research. In this paper, for the 50th anniversary edition of the Journal, we reflect upon one part of those accomplishments: the history of the contributions of Populus L. research at Rhinelander. We discuss major research programs and the scientists conducting this work, including (i) physiology of wood formation, (ii) short rotation intensive culture and short rotation woody crops, (iii) intensively cultured plantations, (iv) physiology and utilization of short rotation poplar yields, (v) breeding and selection, (vi) biotechnology and molecular genetics, (vii) atmospheric pollution and climate change, (viii) phytotechnologies, and (ix) ecosystem services. Also, we describe four major international conferences held in Rhinelander and (or) hosted by Rhinelander researchers.
Spatial distribution and conservation hotspots of mammals in Canada
Authors: Cameron Victor , Hargreaves Anna L.
Published: September 2020

High-latitude countries often contain the polar range edge of species that are common farther south, potentially focusing national conservation efforts toward range-edge populations. The global conservation value of edge populations is controversial, but if they occur where biodiversity is high, there need not be trade-offs in protecting them. Using 152 of 158 terrestrial mammal species in Canada, we tested how species’ distributions relate to their national conservation status and total mammal richness. We found that half of “Canadian” mammals had <20% of their global range in Canada. National threat status was strongly associated with range area; mammals considered “at risk” had 42% smaller Canadian ranges than mammals considered secure. However, after accounting for range area, taxa with smaller proportions of their global range in Canada were not more likely to be considered at risk, suggesting edge populations are not inherently more vulnerable. When we calculated mammal diversity across Canada (100 × 100 km grid cells), we found that hotspots of at-risk or range-edge mammals were twice as species rich as nonhotspot cells, containing up to 44% of Canadian mammal diversity per grid cell. Our results suggest that protecting areas with the most at-risk or range-edge mammals would simultaneously protect habitat for many species currently deemed secure.
Effects of Gauss–Bonnet entropy on thermodynamics of Kiselev black hole
Authors: Jawad Abdul , Siddique Iqra , Lobo Iarley P. , us Salam Wardat
Published: September 2020

In this paper, the thermodynamics of Reissner–Nordström-anti de Sitter black hole surrounded by quintessence is studied and the impact of the Gauss–Bonnet term is measured. The modified entropy, first law of thermodynamics and corresponding Smarr relation are derived due to the combined action of the Gauss–Bonnet term and quintessence fluid. We study the so-called black hole chemistry from the analysis of the corresponding equation-of-state, conjugate potential and the critical points in the extended phase space. To study the phase transitions, we plotted [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] diagrams and analyzed the conditions for the coexistence of phases.
Robust Fuzzy Clustering Algorithms for Change-Point Regression Models
Authors: Lu Kang-Ping , Chang Shao-Tung
Published: September 2020

This article presents a robust fuzzy procedure for estimating change-point regression models. We propose incorporating the fuzzy change-point algorithm with the M-estimation technique for robust estimations. The fuzzy c partitions concept is embedded into the change-point regression model so the fuzzy c-regressions and fuzzy c-means clustering can be employed to obtain the estimates of change-points and regression parameters. The M estimation with a robust criterion is used to make the estimators robust to the presence of outliers and heavy-tailed distributions. We create two robust algorithms named FCH and FCT by using Huber’s and Tukey’s functions as the robust criterion respectively. Extensive experiments with numerical and real examples are provided for demonstrating the effectiveness and the superiority of the proposed algorithms. The experimental results show the proposed algorithms are resistant to atypical observations and outperform the existing methods. The proposed FCH and FCT are generally comparable but FCT performs better in the presence of extremely high leverage outliers and heavy-tailed distributions. Real data applications show the practical usefulness of the proposed method.
NO ASSOCIATION AMONG GLUTEUS MEDIUS ACTIVITY, HIP ABDUCTION STRENGTH, AND KINEMATIC VARIABLES DURING SINGLE-LEG SQUAT IN YOUNG WOMEN WITH CHRONIC NONSPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN
Authors: Intelangelo Leonardo , Bordachar Diego , Mendoza Cristian , Bevacqua Nicolás , Barbosa Alexandre Carvalho
Published: September 2020

Background: Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) is the leading cause of long-term pain and disability. There is evidence suggesting a relationship between CNSLBP in adult women and altered hip kinematics and gluteus medius (GM) muscle function. However, this association has been less studied in young women. Objective: To assess the association between lower limb and pelvis kinematics in the frontal plane, and GM strength and electromyographic activity in young women with CNSLBP compared with an age-matched control group of asymptomatic women. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 32 young women with CNSLBP ([Formula: see text] months of pain; Oswestry index range: 21–40%) and 20 healthy age-matched women were included. The frontal plane projection angle (FPPA) and contralateral pelvis drop (CPD) at the endpoint of the single-leg squat (SLS) test were measured through photogrammetry. Mean GM muscle activity during the SLS and peak isometric GM strength was measured using surface electromyography (sEMG) and hand-held dynamometry, respectively. Results: The Hotelling’s trace showed no significant differences between groups when the variables were considered as a composite ([Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]). Also, the univariate results showed no individual differences between groups considering each variable separately. Conclusions: The results showed no association between CNSLBP, hip and pelvis kinematics, and GM strength and activity in young women.