bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pervasive generation of non-canonical subgenomic RNAs by SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Nomburg Jason , Meyerson Matthew , DeCaprio James A.
Published: November 2020

Background

SARS-CoV-2, a positive-sense RNA virus in the family Coronaviridae, has caused a worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19. Coronaviruses generate a tiered series of subgenomic RNAs (sgRNAs) through a process involving homology between transcriptional regulatory sequences (TRS) located after the leader sequence in the 5′ UTR (the TRS-L) and TRS located near the start of ORFs encoding structural and accessory proteins (TRS-B) near the 3′ end of the genome. In addition to the canonical sgRNAs generated by SARS-CoV-2, non-canonical sgRNAs (nc-sgRNAs) have been reported. However, the consistency of these nc-sgRNAs across viral isolates and infection conditions is unknown. The comprehensive definition of SARS-CoV-2 RNA products is a key step in understanding SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.

Methods

Here, we report an integrative analysis of eight independent SARS-CoV-2 transcriptomes generated using three sequencing strategies, five host systems, and seven viral isolates. Read-mapping to the SARS-CoV-2 genome was used to determine the 5′ and 3′ coordinates of all junctions in viral RNAs identified in these samples.

Results

Using junctional abundances, we show nc-sgRNAs make up as much as 33% of total sgRNAs in cell culture models of infection, are largely consistent in abundance across independent transcriptomes, and increase in abundance over time during infection. By assessing the homology between sequences flanking the 5′ and 3′ junction points, we show that nc-sgRNAs are not associated with TRS-like homology. By incorporating read coverage information, we find strong evidence for subgenomic RNAs that contain only 5′ regions of ORF1a. Finally, we show that non-canonical junctions change the landscape of viral open reading frames.

Conclusions

We identify canonical and non-canonical junctions in SARS-CoV-2 sgRNAs and show that these RNA products are consistently generated by many independent viral isolates and sequencing approaches. These analyses highlight the diverse transcriptional activity of SARS-CoV-2 and offer important insights into SARS-CoV-2 biology.
Feasibility of using a handheld ultrasound device to detect and characterize shunt and deep vein thrombosis in patients with COVID-19: an observational study
Authors: Rajendram Rajkumar , Hussain Arif , Mahmood Naveed , Kharal Mubashar
Published: November 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes an atypical acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with thromboembolism and high shunt fraction. Shunt may be intrapulmonary, or extrapulmonary. Handheld devices are increasingly being used for point-of-care ultrasound, but their use to characterize shunt has not been reported.

Objectives

Determine the feasibility of using handheld ultrasound to detect and characterize anatomical substrates of hypoxia and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with COVID-19 suspected to have severe shunt.

Methods

A handheld ultrasound device (iQ, Butterfly, USA) was used to perform lung ultrasound, vascular assessment for DVT, and limited transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with color Doppler and saline microbubble contrast in patients with COVID-19 suspected to have severe shunt. Images were reassessed by an independent reviewer.

Results

After screening 40 patients, six patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were identified. Two were excluded because palliation had been initiated. So, four patients were studied. Interpretable images were obtained in all cases. Interobserver agreement was good. All patients had abnormal lung ultrasound (lung ultrasound score range 17–22). Identified lung pathology included interstitial syndrome with light beams and small peripheral consolidation (4), lobar consolidation (1), and pleural effusion (1). Abnormal echocardiographic findings included interatrial shunt (2), intrapulmonary shunt (1), and dilated right ventricle with tricuspid valve regurgitation (1). Significant DVT was not detected.

Conclusion

Use of handheld ultrasound to perform combined lung ultrasound, DVT ultrasound, and limited TTE with color Doppler and saline microbubble contrast is feasible, and may be able to characterize shunt in critically hypoxic patients. Serial studies could be used to monitor changes in shunt. Further studies are required to determine whether this can guide treatment to improve the outcomes of patients with refractory hypoxia.
An abnormal course of the interazygos vein: a case report
Authors: Shiri Elham , Madadi Soheila
Published: November 2020

Background

The azygos venous system in the posterior mediastinum has a complex developmental pattern.

Case presentation

During the dissection of this region, we encountered a variation in this system. In this case, we observed that the accessory hemiazygos and hemiazygos veins in the left side passed anterior to the aorta and drained to the azygos vein located on the left side of the vertebral column. Other structures were normal in this area.

Conclusions

This variation is important in mediastinal surgery and radiographic interpretation.
A low-area high-efficiency video coding inverse transform core using resource and time sharing architecture
Authors: Chen Yuan-Ho , Liu Chieh-Yang
Published: November 2020

In this paper, a very-large-scale integration (VLSI) design that can support high-efficiency video coding inverse discrete cosine transform (IDCT) for multiple transform sizes is proposed. The proposed two-dimensional (2-D) IDCT is implemented at a low area by using a single one-dimensional (1-D) IDCT core with a transpose memory. The proposed 1-D IDCT core decomposes a 32-point transform into 16-, 8-, and 4-point matrix products according to the symmetric property of the transform coefficient. Moreover, we use the shift-and-add unit to share hardware resources between multiple transform dimension matrix products. The 1-D IDCT core can simultaneously calculate the first- and second-dimensional data. The results indicate that the proposed 2-D IDCT core has a throughput rate of 250 MP/s, with only 110 K gate counts when implemented into the Taiwan semiconductor manufacturing (TSMC) 90-nm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The results show the proposed circuit has the smallest area supporting the multiple transform sizes.
New generalized Pólya–Szegö and Čebyšev type inequalities with general kernel and measure
Authors: Iqbal S. , Samraiz M. , Abdeljawad Thabet , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Rahman G. , Adil Khan M.
Published: November 2020

It is always attractive and motivating to acquire the generalizations of known results. In this article, we introduce a new class$\mathfrak{C(h)}$C(h)of functions which can be represented in a form of integral transforms involving general kernel withσ-finite measure. We obtain some new Pólya–Szegö and Čebyšev type inequalities as generalizations to the previously proved ones for different fractional integrals including fractional integral of a function with respect to another function capturing Riemann–Liouville integrals, Hadamard fractional integrals, Katugampola fractional integral operators, and conformable fractional integrals. This new idea shall motivate the researchers to prove the results over a measure space with general kernels instead of special kernels.
Eventual periodicity of the fuzzy max-difference equation $x_{n} = \max \{ C, \frac{x_{n-m-k}}{x_{n-m}}\}$
Authors: Han Caihong , Su Guangwang , Li Lue , Xia Guoen , Sun Taixiang
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we study the eventual periodicity of the fuzzy max-type difference equation$x_{n} =\max \{C , \frac{x_{n-m-k}}{x_{n-m} }\}, n\in \{0,1,\ldots \} $xn=max{C,xn−m−kxn−m},n∈{0,1,…}, wheremandkare positive integers,Cand the initial values are positive fuzzy numbers. Let the support$\operatorname{supp} C=\overline{\{t : C(t) > 0\}}=[C_{1},C_{2}]$suppC={t:C(t)>0}‾=[C1,C2]ofC. We show that: (1) if$C_{1}>1$C1>1, then every positive solution of this equation equalsCeventually; (2) there exists a positive fuzzy numberCwith$C_{1}=1$C1=1such that this equation has a positive solution which is not eventually periodic; (3) if$C_{2}\leq 1$C2≤1, then this equation has a positive solution which is not eventually periodic; (4) if$C_{1}<1<C_{2}$C1<1<C2, then every positive solution of the above equation is not eventually periodic.
Recommendations from the Italian intersociety consensus on Perioperative Anesthesia Care in Thoracic surgery (PACTS) part 1: preadmission and preoperative care
Authors:   on behalf of AIPO, Associazione Italiana Pneumologi Ospedalieri, Piccioni Federico ,   SIAARTI, Società Italiana di Anestesia Analgesia Rianimazione e Terapia Intensiva,   SIC, Società Italiana di Chirurgia,   SICT, Società Italiana di Chirurgia Toracica,   SIET, Società Italiana di Endoscopia Toracica,   SIP, Società Italiana di Pneumologia, Droghetti Andrea , Bertani Alessandro , Coccia Cecilia , Corcione Antonio , Corsico Angelo Guido , Crisci Roberto , Curcio Carlo , Del Naja Carlo , Feltracco Paolo , Fontana Diego , Gonfiotti Alessandro , Lopez Camillo , Massullo Domenico , Nosotti Mario , Ragazzi Riccardo , Rispoli Marco , Romagnoli Stefano , Scala Raffaele , Scudeller Luigia , Taurchini Marco , Tognella Silvia , Umari Marzia , Valenza Franco , Petrini Flavia
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Anesthetic care in patients undergoing thoracic surgery presents specific challenges that necessitate standardized, multidisciplionary, and continuously updated guidelines for perioperative care.

Methods

A multidisciplinary expert group, the Perioperative Anesthesia in Thoracic Surgery (PACTS) group, comprising 24 members from 19 Italian centers, was established to develop recommendations for anesthesia practice in patients undergoing thoracic surgery (specifically lung resection for cancer). The project focused on preoperative patient assessment and preparation, intraoperative management (surgical and anesthesiologic care), and postoperative care and discharge. A series of clinical questions was developed, and PubMed and Embase literature searches were performed to inform discussions around these areas, leading to the development of 69 recommendations. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were graded using the United States Preventative Services Task Force criteria.

Results

Recommendations for preoperative care focus on risk assessment, patient preparation (prehabilitation), and the choice of procedure (open thoracotomy vs. video-assisted thoracic surgery).

Conclusions

These recommendations should help pulmonologists to improve preoperative management in thoracic surgery patients. Further refinement of the recommendations can be anticipated as the literature continues to evolve.
Standard reference values of weight and maximum pressure distribution in healthy adults aged 18–65 years in Germany
Authors: Ohlendorf D. , Kerth K. , Osiander W. , Holzgreve F. , Fraeulin L. , Ackermann H. , Groneberg D. A.
Published: November 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to collect standard reference values of the weight and the maximum pressure distribution in healthy adults aged 18–65 years and to investigate the influence of constitutional parameters on it.

Methods

A total of 416 healthy subjects (208 male / 208 female) aged between 18 and 65 years (Ø 38.3 ± 14.1 years) participated in this study, conducted 2015–2019 in Heidelberg. The age-specific evaluation is based on 4 age groups (G1, 18–30 years; G2, 31–40 years; G3, 41–50 years; G4, 51–65 years). A pressure measuring plate FDM-S (Zebris/Isny/Germany) was used to collect body weight distribution and maximum pressure distribution of the right and left foot and left and right forefoot/rearfoot, respectively.

Results

Body weight distribution of the left (50.07%) and right (50.12%) foot was balanced. There was higher load on the rearfoot (left 54.14%; right 55.09%) than on the forefoot (left 45.49%; right 44.26%). The pressure in the rearfoot was higher than in the forefoot (rearfoot left 9.60 N/cm2, rearfoot right 9.51 N/cm2/forefoot left 8.23 N/cm2, forefoot right 8.59 N/cm2). With increasing age, the load in the left foot shifted from the rearfoot to the forefoot as well as the maximum pressure (p≤ 0.02 and 0.03; poor effect size). With increasing BMI, the body weight shifted to the left and right rearfoot (p≤ 0.001, poor effect size). As BMI increased, so did the maximum pressure in all areas (p≤ 0.001 and 0.03, weak to moderate effect size). There were significant differences in weight and maximum pressure distribution in the forefoot and rearfoot in the different age groups, especially between younger (18–40 years) and older (41–65 years) subjects.

Discussion

Healthy individuals aged from 18 to 65 years were found to have a balanced weight distribution in an aspect ratio, with a 20% greater load of the rearfoot. Age and BMI were found to be influencing factors of the weight and maximum pressure distribution, especially between younger and elder subjects. The collected standard reference values allow comparisons with other studies and can serve as a guideline in clinical practice and scientific studies.
Induction of amyloid-β deposits from serially transmitted, histologically silent, Aβ seeds issued from human brains
Authors:   The Brainbank Neuro-CEB Neuropathology Network, Hérard Anne-Sophie , Petit Fanny , Gary Charlotte , Guillermier Martine , Boluda Susana , Garin Clément M. , Lam Suzanne , Dhenain Marc
Published: November 2020

In humans, iatrogenic transmission of cerebral amyloid-β (Aβ)-amyloidosis is suspected following inoculation of pituitary-derived hormones or dural grafts presumably contaminated with Aβ proteins as well as after cerebral surgeries. Experimentally, intracerebral inoculation of brain homogenate extracts containing misfolded Aβ can seed Aβ deposition in transgenic mouse models of amyloidosis or in non-human primates. The transmission of cerebral Aβ is governed by the host and by the inoculated samples. It is critical to better characterize the propensities of different hosts to develop Aβ deposition after contamination by an Aβ-positive sample as well as to better assess which biological samples can transmit this lesion. Aβ precursor protein (huAPPwt) mice express humanized non-mutated forms of Aβ precursor protein and do not spontaneously develop Aβ or amyloid deposits. We found that inoculation of Aβ-positive brain extracts from Alzheimer patients in these mice leads to a sparse Aβ deposition close to the alveus 18 months post-inoculation. However, it does not induce cortical or hippocampal Aβ deposition. Secondary inoculation of apparently amyloid deposit-free hippocampal extracts from these huAPPwt mice to APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse models of amyloidosis enhanced Aβ deposition in the alveus 9 months post-inoculation. This suggests that Aβ seeds issued from human brain samples can persist in furtive forms in brain tissues while maintaining their ability to foster Aβ deposition in receptive hosts that overexpress endogenous Aβ. This work emphasizes the need for high-level preventive measures, especially in the context of neurosurgery, to prevent the risk of iatrogenic transmission of Aβ lesions from samples with sparse amyloid markers.
Initial survey of PLA2G6 missense variant causing neuroaxonal dystrophy in Papillon dogs in North America and Europe
Authors: Raj Karthik , Giger Urs
Published: November 2020

Background

An autosomal recessive, rapidly progressive degenerative neuropathy known as infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD) was originally reported in Papillion puppies in 1995. In 2015, a causative missense variant in the PLA2G6 gene was identified in three affected puppies. Archived samples from Papillons clinically diagnosed with NAD prior to 2015 as well as samples obtained from 660 Papillons from North America and Europe between 2015 and 2017 were screened for the presence of this PLA2G6 gene variant (XM_022424454.1:c.1579G > A) using a TaqMan assay.

Results

Archived samples from affected puppies diagnosed prior to 2015 and three more recently acquired samples from Papillons clinically affected with NAD were all homozygous for the variant. SIFT analysis predicts that the PLA2G6 missense substitution (XP_022280162.1:p.Ala527Thr) will not be tolerated in the iPLA2β protein. Notably, 17.5% of the 660 tested Papillons were heterozygotes, resulting in a variant allele frequency of 0.092 in this initial survey. Since then, screening for NAD in Papillons by at least 10 other laboratories and data from the Health Committee of Papillon Club of America gathered between 2017 and 2019 reveal a variant allele frequency of 0.047.

Conclusions

This survey and data from other laboratories documents the widespread presence of the PLA2G6 variant in the Papillon population in North America and Europe. Despite the apparent declining prevalence of the PLA2G6 variant, screening of Papillons intended for breeding is still recommended to avoid inadvertent production of puppies with infantile NAD.
Ultrasound-guided arthroscopic communication enlargement surgery may be an ideal treatment option for popliteal cysts – indications and technique
Authors: Goto Kazumi , Saku Isaku
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Several studies have shown an excellent success rate of communication enlargement surgery for popliteal cysts (Baker’s cysts). Ultrasound-guided surgery can improve the accuracy of this procedure and may lead to better outcomes. This study describes a simple ultrasound-guided arthroscopic technique to manage popliteal cysts and reduce postoperative pain.

Methods

After routine arthroscopic observation with a standard 2-portal approach, the arthroscope is redirected toward the posteromedial compartment from the anterolateral portal through the intercondylar notch. A posteromedial portal is then placed at this view. Subsequently, a contrast dye (indigo carmine) is injected into the popliteal cyst percutaneously using ultrasonography. This procedure makes it easier to find a capsular fold or valvular opening. The valvular opening between the semimembranosus and medial gastrocnemius is enlarged with a shaver and radiofrequency ablation. Cystectomy is not performed in any case. Finally, the irrigation fluid is suctioned, and the reduced cyst is visualized by ultrasound. Additionally, a periarticular multimodal drug injection is administered into the septum and inner wall of the cyst under ultrasound guidance.

Conclusions

Ultrasound-guided arthroscopic surgery for popliteal cysts can ensure reproducibility and be effective for postoperative pain relief. Thus, this combined procedure may be an optimal treatment option.
Tumor stiffness measured by shear wave elastography correlates with tumor hypoxia as well as histologic biomarkers in breast cancer
Authors: Yoo Joonghyun , Seo Bo Kyoung , Park Eun Kyung , Kwon Myoungae , Jeong Hoiseon , Cho Kyu Ran , Woo Ok Hee , Song Sung Eun , Cha Jaehyung
Published: November 2020

Background

Shear wave elastography (SWE) is an ultrasound technique for the noninvasive quantification of tissue stiffness. The hypoxic tumor microenvironment promotes tumor stiffness and is associated with poor prognosis in cancer. We aimed to investigate the correlation between tumor hypoxia and histologic biomarkers and tumor stiffness measured by SWE in breast cancer.

Methods

From June 2016 to January 2018, 82 women with invasive breast cancer who underwent SWE before treatment were enrolled. Average tumor elasticity (Eaverage) and tumor-to-fat elasticity ratio (Eratio) were extracted from SWE. Immunohistochemical staining of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) was used to assess tumor hypoxia in breast cancer tissues and automated digital image analysis was performed to assess GLUT1 activities. Spearman correlation and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associations between GLUT1 expression and SWE values, histologic biomarkers, and molecular subtypes. The Mann–Whitney U test, t test, or Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare SWE values and histologic features according to the GLUT1 expression (≤the median vs > median).

Results

Eaverage (r = 0.676) and Eratio (r = 0.411) correlated significantly with GLUT1 expression (both p <  0.001). Eaverage was significantly higher in cancers with estrogen receptor (ER)–, progesterone receptor (PR)–, Ki67+, and high-grade (p <  0.05). Eratio was higher in cancers with Ki67+, lymph node metastasis, and high-grade (p <  0.05). Cancers with high GLUT1 expression (>median) had higher Eaverage (mean, 85.4 kPa vs 125.5 kPa) and Eratio (mean, 11.7 vs 17.9), and more frequent ER– (21.7% vs 78.3%), PR– (26.4% vs 73.1%), Ki67+ (31.7%% vs 68.3%), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) + (25.0% vs 75.0%), high-grade (28.6% vs 71.4%), and HER2-overexpressing (25.0% vs 75.0%) and triple-negative (23.1% vs 76.9%) subtypes (p <  0.05). Multivariable analysis showed that Eaverage was independently associated with GLUT1 expression (p <  0.001).

Conclusions

Tumor stiffness on SWE is significantly correlated with tumor hypoxia as well as histologic biomarkers. In particular, Eaverage on SWE has independent prognostic significance for tumor hypoxia in the multivariable analysis and can potentially be used as a noninvasive imaging biomarker to predict prognosis and pretreatment risk stratification in breast cancer patients.
Effect of xanthan gum-based food thickeners on the dissolution profile of fluoroquinolones oral formulations
Authors: Takahashi Nobuyuki , Fujita Yoshiaki , Takahashi Nanako , Nakamura Akihiro , Harada Tsutomu
Published: November 2020

Background

Xanthan gum-based food thickeners (XG-FTs) are often ingested by patients with dysphagia to prevent aspiration during drug treatment. Reportedly, XG-FTs affect tablet disintegration, drug dissolution rates, and reduce the efficacy of postprandial antihyperglycemic agents. The absorption rate and quantity of fluoroquinolone antimicrobial agents correlate with drug efficacy, raising concern about the impact of XG-FTs. Previously, we reported that film-coated tablets were less susceptible to the effects of XG-FT than conventional and orally disintegrating tablets. Here, we compare the effect of XG-FTs on dissolution profiles of three oral fluoroquinolone-based film-coated tablets by evaluating the dissolution of crushed products, fine granules, and film-coated fine granules.

Methods

We examined formulations of tosufloxacin tosylate monohydrate (TFLX), levofloxacin hemihydrate (LVFX), and ciprofloxacin hydrochloride hydrate (CPFX). The formulations were immersed in 20 mL of 1.5% (w/v) XG-FT aqueous solution for 2.5 min followed by a dissolution test using the paddle method according to the Japanese Pharmacopoeia (dissolution test solution pH 1.2; volume 900 mL; temperature 37 ± 0.5 °C). The dissolution profile was evaluated according to the dissolution quantity indicated in product specifications and guidelines for bioequivalence testing of generic drugs. The 15-min mean dissolution rate was determined for a formulation immersed in 1.5% (w/v) XG-FT aqueous solution and compared with that for a non-immersed formulation (control). Fluoroquinolone film-coated tablets were mixed with starch-based FTs, guar gum-based FTs, or XG-FTs to observe their appearances.

Results

The dissolution profile of LVFX film-coated tablets was not affected by XG-FTs, but the dissolution of TFLX and CPFX was delayed. For crushed film-coated tablets, the 15-min mean dissolution rate was significantly delayed for all three fluoroquinolones when compared with that of uncrushed products. The dissolution profile of TFLX film-coated fine granules was unchanged by XG-FTs. CPFX film-coated tablets and crushed products produced a gel-like precipitate when mixed with XG-FTs and failed to meet product-dissolution specifications. A gel-like precipitate was also observed with guar gum-based FTs.

Conclusion

The effect of XG-FTs on the dissolution profile of film-coated fluoroquinolone formulations varied depending on the formulation. The CPFX formulation formed a gel-like precipitate when immersed in XG-FTs resulting in a significantly delayed dissolution.
Congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries: a case series of five unoperated African children
Authors: Obongonyinge Bernard , Namuyonga Judith , Tumwebaze Hilda , Aliku Twalib , Lwabi Peter , Lubega Sulaiman
Published: November 2020

Background

Congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries (ccTGA) is rare. It is commonly associated with ventricular septal defect (VSD), pulmonary stenosis and heart block. Early anatomic repair is recommended between 3 and 6 months of age to prevent development of tricuspid valve regurgitation and systemic right ventricular failure.

Case presentation

We retrospectively identified five cases of ccTGA. Cases were between one and 13 years of age. All the cases were unoperated. Four of the five cases had associated intracardiac defects/complications. These included: VSD, pulmonary stenosis, tricuspid valve regurgitation, right ventricular systolic dysfunction and heart block.

Conclusion

These cases demonstrate the challenges of access to early diagnosis and surgery in a low resource setting. This delay in anatomic repair leads to complications of tricuspid valve regurgitation and systemic right ventricular failure.
The efficacy and safety of a novel method of peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion from the McBurney point
Authors: Ogawa Kyohei , Maruyama Yukio , Matsuo Nanae , Tanno Yudo , Ohkido Ichiro , Hirano Keita , Ikeda Masato , Yokoo Takashi
Published: November 2020

Background

Catheter dysfunction, especially omental wrapping, is a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Although catheter implantation at a lower site was reported to prevent omental wrapping, this method could induce insufficient drainage of the PD solution and cause pain or a persistent desire to defecate, when the intraperitoneal catheter is of insufficient length or when its tip is in direct contact with the pelvic floor, respectively. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a novel PD catheter insertion method of approaching from the McBurney point, from the outer side of the abdomen.

Methods

This retrospective study included 23 patients with end-stage renal disease who were started on PD from January 2017 to July 2018 at Ashikaga Red Cross Hospital, Tochigi, Japan. Among them, 16 patients underwent a PD catheter insertion using a conventional method, whereas 7 patients underwent a novel method of approaching from the McBurney point. Infectious and mechanical complications were evaluated until August 2020.

Results

There were 18 men and 5 women, with a mean age of 63.1 ± 13.6 years. All patients were followed up postoperatively for a mean duration of 27.2 ± 13.4 months. No patient experienced omental wrapping, insufficient drainage of the PD solution, and pain or persistent desire to defecate in both groups. Both the incidence of infectious and mechanical complications (times per patient-year) were not statistically different between patients undergoing a conventional and a novel PD catheter insertion (0.18 vs. 0.24; p = 0.79 and 0.03 vs. 0.16; p = 0.16, respectively).

Conclusions

This novel method of PD catheter insertion from the McBurney point was safe, caused less discomfort, and was effective in preventing catheter dysfunction.
Determinants of HIV-malaria co-infection among people living with HIV on anti-retroviral therapy in Northeast Ethiopia: unmatched case control study
Authors: Yibeltal Tenaw , Abitew Dereje Birhanu , Melese Amsalu Birara , Mulu Yared
Published: November 2020

Background

HIV and malaria are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the developing world including Ethiopia. Globally, HIV-malaria co-infection causes approximately 3 million deaths per year. However, both these infections are preventable if measures are taken on determinant factors. The objective of the study was therefore to assess factors associated with HIV-malaria co-infection among HIV-positive people who lived in Shewarobit district, northeast Ethiopia.

Methods

Unmatched case-control study was conducted among people living with HIV (PLWHA) in Shewarobit district from February 28, 2018, to April 30, 2018. The sample size was determined taking the assumption of 95% CI, 85% power, 3:1 control to case ratio, the proportion of PLWHA-malaria coinfection of 22.7%, OR 2.73, and 10% non-response rate. The final sample size was 262 (66 cases and 196 controls). Cases were adults on anti-retroviral therapy and diagnosed positive for malaria by microscopy while controls were adults on anti-retroviral therapy and diagnosed negative for malaria by microscopy in the previous 6 months before the survey.

Result

The median age of cases and controls in years was 35 (IQR = 19) and 38 (IQR = 19) respectively. Variables that had a significant association with HIV-malaria co-infection were non-in-door residual spraying (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.91; 95% CI 4.03, 15.13), poor perception on the health risk of HIV-malaria co-infections (AOR = 4.11; 95% CI 1.28, 10.17), non-use of insecticidal treated bed nets (AOR = 6.21; 95%CI 2.74, 14.11), non-use of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis (AOR = 2.42; 95% CI 1.11, 5.28), and not received health education on the risk of HIV-malaria interaction (AOR = 4.11; 95% CI 1.24, 4.84).

Conclusion

Provision of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis, sleeping under an insecticidal treated bed net, and indoor residual spraying help to reduce HIV-malaria co-infection-associated morbidity/mortality.
Going, going, gone: competitive decision-making in Dutch auctions
Authors: Bennett Murray , Mullard Rachel , Adam Marc T. P. , Steyvers Mark , Brown Scott , Eidels Ami
Published: November 2020

In a Dutch auction, an item is offered for sale at a set maximum price. The price is then gradually lowered over a fixed interval of time until a bid is made, securing the item for the bidder at the current price. Bidders must trade-off between certainty and price: bid early to secure the item and you pay a premium; bid later at a lower price but risk losing to another bidder. These properties of Dutch auctions provide new opportunities to study competitive decision-making in a group setting. We developed a novel computerised Dutch auction platform and conducted a set of experiments manipulating volatility (fixed vs varied number of items for sale) and price reduction interval rate (step-rate). Triplets of participants ($$N=66$$N=66) competed with hypothetical funds against each other. We report null effects of step-rate and volatility on bidding behaviour. We developed a novel adaptation of prospect theory to account for group bidding behaviour by balancing certainty and subjective expected utility. We show the model is sensitive to variation in auction starting price and can predict the associated changes in group bid prices that were observed in our data.
Recent progress on peripheral neural interface technology towards bioelectronic medicine
Authors: Cho Youngjun , Park Jaeu , Lee Chengkuo , Lee Sanghoon
Published: November 2020

Modulation of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) has a great potential for therapeutic intervention as well as restore bodily functions. Recent interest has focused on autonomic nerves, as they regulate extensive functions implicated in organ physiology, chronic disease state and appear tractable to targeted modulation of discrete nerve units. Therapeutic interventions based on specific bioelectronic neuromodulation depend on reliable neural interface to stimulate and record autonomic nerves. Furthermore, the function of stimulation and recording requires energy which should be delivered to the interface. Due to the physiological and anatomical challenges of autonomic nerves, various forms of this active neural interface need to be developed to achieve next generation of neural interface for bioelectronic medicine. In this article, we present an overview of the state-of-the-art for peripheral neural interface technology in relation to autonomic nerves. Also, we reveal the current status of wireless neural interface for peripheral nerve applications. Recent studies of a novel concept of self-sustainable neural interface without battery and electronic components are presented. Finally, the recent results of non-invasive stimulation such as ultrasound and magnetic stimulation are covered and the perspective of the future research direction is provided.
Mechanical removal of surface residues on graphene for TEM characterizations
Authors: Kim Dong-Gyu , Lee Sol , Kim Kwanpyo
Published: November 2020

Contamination on two-dimensional (2D) crystal surfaces poses serious limitations on fundamental studies and applications of 2D crystals. Surface residues induce uncontrolled doping and charge carrier scattering in 2D crystals, and trapped residues in mechanically assembled 2D vertical heterostructures often hinder coupling between stacked layers. Developing a process that can reduce the surface residues on 2D crystals is important. In this study, we explored the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) to remove surface residues from 2D crystals. Using various transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations, we confirmed that surface residues on graphene samples can be effectively removed via contact-mode AFM scanning. The mechanical cleaning process dramatically increases the residue-free areas, where high-resolution imaging of graphene layers can be obtained. We believe that our mechanical cleaning process can be utilized to prepare high-quality 2D crystal samples with minimum surface residues.
Leiomyosarcoma of ileal mesentery in a middle age female: a rare case report
Authors: Ahmed Maria , Babar Jahanzaib , Khan Hina , Rana Maheen , Khan Sarah , Abbasi Mujeeb Ur Rehman , Memon Amjad Siraj
Published: November 2020

Background

Leiomyosarcoma arising from mesentery is a rare tumor associated with worse prognosis. The tumor arises from smooth muscles in vascular wall. Ileal mesentery is common site of this tumor origin.

Case presentation

A middle age female was presented with complain of abdominal distension. A mass was palpable on abdominal examination. CT scan showed large mesenteric cyst. 15 × 10 cm large mass excised with associated mesentery and small bowel segment and on histopathology was found, and it was diagnosed as mesenteric leiomyosarcoma. The patient was discharged and referred to oncology for chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Leiomyosarcoma is a rare disease with grave prognosis. There is a paucity of literature and proper guidelines for its management; however, surgical excision with healthy margins is a mainstay of management. Close follow-up is recommended post-operatively because there are high chances of recurrence and metastasis.
Provider perspectives of implementation of an evidence-based insomnia treatment in Veterans Affairs (VA) primary care: barriers, existing strategies, and future directions
Authors: Koffel Erin , Hagedorn Hildi
Published: November 2020

Background

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a highly effective nonpharmacological intervention that is widely considered the gold standard for insomnia treatment. Insomnia is a prevalent and debilitating public health concern. Up to one third of the general population struggles with chronic insomnia, greatly increasing the risk for chronic pain and inflammation, depression and suicide, and cognitive decline. Over the last 10 years, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) evidence-based psychotherapy training program has trained nearly 1000 providers to deliver CBT-I in hospitals and clinics nationwide. Despite increased access, most patients with insomnia receive sleeping medications instead of CBT-I. This is particularly concerning for vulnerable populations, like older adults, who may be at increased risk of harms from medications. The goal of this study was to obtain a broad range of perspectives on CBT-I implementation from providers who commonly utilize and deliver CBT-I. This work identifies barriers and successful strategies used to overcome these barriers to guide future implementation efforts promoting evidence-based sleep care.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews, using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) as a guide, were conducted with 17 providers from five Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities (8 primary care physicians, 4 primary care psychologists, and 5 CBT-I coordinators). We used a thematic analysis approach in which common ideas were identified across interviews and then grouped into larger conceptual themes. Data were concurrently collected and analyzed with rapid assessment process (RAP) techniques.

Results

Findings suggested implementation barriers and facilitators related to the CFIR constructs of intervention characteristic (e.g., providers unfamiliar with primary evidence of CBT-I effectiveness), inner setting (e.g., sleep as a low relative priority in primary care), and outer setting (e.g., lack of external incentives for increasing CBT-I use), as well as several successful strategies, including use of local champions and supportive opinion leaders.

Conclusions

These findings suggest promising opportunities to improve implementation of CBT-I, especially at facilities with less well-established CBT-I programs. Formal implementation trials are needed to systematically determine the real-world impact of strategies such as enlisting CBT-I champions, informing opinion leaders about CBT-I services, and promoting network weaving among primary care, mental health, and sleep clinics.
Are acute and acclimated thermal effects on metabolic rate modulated by cell size? a comparison between diploid and triploid zebrafish larvae
Authors: Hermaniuk Adam , van de Pol Iris L. E. , Verberk Wilco C. E. P.
Published: November 2020

Being composed of small cells may carry energetic costs related to maintaining ionic gradients across cell membranes as well as benefits related to diffusive oxygen uptake. Here we test the hypothesis that these costs and benefits of cell size in ectotherms are temperature dependent. To study the consequences of cell size for whole-organism metabolic rate we compared diploid and triploid zebrafish larvae differing in cell size. A fully factorial design was applied combining three different rearing and test temperatures that allowed us to distinguish acute from acclimated thermal effects. Individual oxygen consumption rates of diploid and triploid larvae across declining levels of oxygen availability were measured. We found that both acute and acclimated thermal effects affected the metabolic response. In comparison to triploids, diploids responded more strongly to acute temperatures, especially when reared at the highest temperature. These observations support the hypothesis that animals composed of smaller cells (i.e. diploids) are less vulnerable to oxygen limitation in warm aquatic habitats. Furthermore, we found slightly improved hypoxia tolerance in diploids. By contrast, warm-reared triploids had higher metabolic rates when they were tested at acute cold temperature, suggesting that being composed of larger cells may provide metabolic advantages in the cold. We offer two mechanisms as a potential explanation of this result, related to homeoviscous adaptation of membrane function and the mitigation of developmental noise. Our results suggest that being composed of larger cells provides metabolic advantages in cold water, while being composed of smaller cells provides metabolic advantages in warm water.
Cervical air sac oxygen profiles in diving emperor penguins: parabronchial ventilation and the respiratory oxygen store
Authors: Williams Cassondra L. , Czapanskiy Max F. , John Jason S. , Leger Judy St. , Scadeng Miriam , Ponganis Paul J.
Published: November 2020

Some marine birds and mammals can perform dives of extraordinary duration and depth. Such dive performance is dependent on many factors, including total body oxygen (O2) stores. For diving penguins, the respiratory system (air sacs and lungs) constitutes 30-50% of the total body O2 store. To better understand the role and mechanism of parabronchial ventilation and O2 utilization in penguins both on the surface and during the dive, we examined air sac partial pressures of O2 (PO2) in emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri) equipped with backpack PO2 recorders. Cervical air sac PO2s at rest were lower than in other birds, while the cervical air sac to posterior thoracic air sac PO2 difference was larger. Pre-dive cervical air sac PO2s were often greater than those at rest, but had a wide range and were not significantly different from those at rest. The maximum respiratory O2 store and total body O2 stores calculated with representative anterior and posterior air sac PO2 data did not differ from prior estimates. The mean calculated anterior air sac O2 depletion rate for dives up to 11 min was approximately one-tenth that of the posterior air sacs. Low cervical air sac PO2s at rest may be secondary to a low ratio of parabronchial ventilation to parabronchial blood O2 extraction. During dives, overlap of simultaneously recorded cervical and posterior thoracic air sac PO2 profiles supported the concept of maintenance of parabronchial ventilation during a dive by air movement through the lungs.
Climate change and invasive species: a physiological performance comparison of invasive and endemic bees in Fiji
Authors: da Silva Carmen R. B. , Beaman Julian E. , Dorey James B. , Barker Sarah J. , Congedi Nicholas C. , Elmer Matt C. , Galvin Stephen , Tuiwawa Marika , Stevens Mark I. , Alton Lesley A. , Schwarz Michael P. , Kellermann Vanessa
Published: November 2020

Anthropogenic climate change and invasive species are two of the greatest threats to biodiversity, affecting the survival, fitness and distribution of many species around the globe. Invasive species are often expected to have broad thermal tolerances, be highly plastic, or have high adaptive potential when faced with novel environments. Tropical island ectotherms are expected to be vulnerable to climate change as they often have narrow thermal tolerances and limited plasticity. In Fiji, only one species of endemic bee, Homalictus fijiensis, is commonly found in the lowland regions, but two invasive bee species, Braunsapis puangensis and Ceratina dentipes, have recently been introduced to Fiji. These introduced species pollinate invasive plants and might compete with H. fijiensis and other native pollinators for resources. To test whether certain performance traits promote invasiveness of some species, and to determine which species are the most vulnerable to climate change, we compared the thermal tolerance, desiccation resistance, metabolic rate, and seasonal performance adjustments of endemic and invasive bees in Fiji. The two invasive species tended to be more resistant to thermal and desiccation stress than H. fijiensis, while H. fijiensis had greater capacity to adjust their CTMAX with season, and H. fijiensis females tended to have higher metabolic rates, than B. puangensis females. These findings provide mixed support for current hypotheses for the functional basis of the success of invasive species, however, we expect the invasive bees in Fiji to be more resilient to climate change due to their increased thermal tolerance and desiccation resistance.
Pursuit predation with intermittent locomotion in zebrafish
Authors: Soto Alberto P. , McHenry Matthew J.
Published: November 2020

The control of a predator's locomotion is critical to its ability to capture prey. Flying animals adjust their heading continuously with control similar to guided missiles. However, many animals do not move with rapid continuous motion, but rather interrupt their progress with frequent pauses. To understand how such intermittent locomotion may be controlled during predation, we examined the kinematics of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as they pursued larval prey of the same species. Like many fishes, zebrafish move with discrete burst-and-coast swimming. We found that the change in heading and tail excursion during the burst phase was linearly related to the prey's bearing. These results suggest a strategy, which we call intermittent pure pursuit, that offers advantages in sensing and control. This control strategy is similar to perception and path-planning algorithms required in the design of some autonomous robots and may be common to a diversity of animals.
Cellular metabolism and IL-6 concentrations during stimulated inflammation in small and large dog breeds’ primary fibroblasts cells, as they age
Authors: Jimenez Ana Gabriela , Downs Cynthia J. , Lalwani Sahil , Cipolli William
Published: November 2020

The immune system undergoes marked changes during aging characterized by a state of chronic, low-grade inflammation, so called inflammaging. Domestic dogs are the most morphological and physiological diverse group of mammals, with the widest range in body masses for a single species. Additionally, smaller dogs tend to live significantly longer than larger dogs across all breeds. Body mass is intricately linked to mass-specific metabolism and aging rates, thus, dogs are exemplary for studies in inflammaging. Dermal fibroblasts cells play an important role in skin inflammation, and as such, are a good cell type to determine inflammatory patterns in dogs. Here, we examine aerobic and glycolytic cellular metabolism, and IL-6 concentrations in primary fibroblast cells isolated from small and large, young and old dogs when treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli to stimulate an inflammatory phenotype. We found no differences in cellular metabolism of any group when treated with LPS. Unlike mice and humans, there was a less drastic amplification of IL-6 concentration after LPS treatment in the geriatric population of dogs compared with puppies. We also found evidence that large breed puppies have significantly less background or control IL-6 concentrations compared with small breed puppies. This implies that the patterns of inflammaging in dogs may be distinct and different from other mammals commonly studied.
Effects of temperature on physiological performance and behavioral thermoregulation in an invasive fish, the round goby
Authors: Christensen Emil A. F. , Norin Tommy , Tabak Iren , van Deurs Mikael , Behrens Jane W.
Published: November 2020

Invasive species exert negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems on a global scale, which may be enhanced in the future by climate change. Knowledge of how invasive species respond physiologically and behaviorally to novel and changing environments can improve our understanding of which traits enable the ecological success of these species, and potentially facilitate mitigation efforts. We examined the effects of acclimation to temperatures ranging from 5 to 28°C on aerobic metabolic rates, upper temperature tolerance (critical thermal maximum, CTmax), as well as temperature preference (Tpref) and avoidance (Tavoid) of round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), one of the most impactful invasive species in the world. We show that round goby maintained a high aerobic scope from 15 to 28°C; that is, the capacity to increase its aerobic metabolic rate above that of its maintenance metabolism remained high across a broad thermal range. Although CTmax increased relatively little with acclimation temperature compared to other species, Tpref and Tavoid were not affected by acclimation temperature at all, meaning that round goby maintained a large thermal safety margin (CTmax−Tavoid) across acclimation temperatures, indicating a high level of thermal resilience in the species. The unperturbed physiological performance and high thermal resilience was likely facilitated by high levels of phenotypic buffering, which can make species readily adaptable and ecologically competitive in novel and changing environments. We suggest that these physiological and behavioral traits could be common for invasive species, which would only increase their success under continued climate change.