bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On a history of Russian nineteenth century continental explorations in Alaska
Authors: Postnikov A V
Published: November 2020

In the 1840s, Russian-American Company paid much attention to exploration of the interior of continental Alaska. A ground for such an explorations has been solidly prepared by the Company’s fur extracting activities and by the preceding treks by Vasil’iev, Kolmakov, Glazunov, Malakhov, Lukin and Zagoskin. Russians were by now acquainted in general terms with geography and peoples inhabiting the lower courses of the Kvikhpak (the Yukon) and Kuskokwim rivers. The tribes inhabiting these region, on their part, were informed, at least indirectly, with Russian promyshlenniki’s activities through the process of fur barter trade and by this time did not consider contacts with them as an evil to be avoided at any cost. Zagoskin’s expedition was an outstanding achievement with respect to the study of the environment and population of Alaska’s interior. Arvid Adolf Etholen’s and Voznesenskii’s materials, together with the reports about the remarkable expedition by Zagoskin, attracted close attention of the leadership of the Geographical Society.
Observation and photographing of the Earth’s surface during the flight of the Voskhod three-seater manned spacecraft on October 12–13, 1964
Authors: Shcherbinin D Yu
Published: November 2020

Today, orbital-based optical means of observing the Earth’s surface is an important element of space technical devices. They went through almost 60-years-long history of development. The history of remote sensing is inextricably linked with the evolution of on-board photographic equipment of manned spacecraft. Observation and photographing of the Earth’s surface were part of the flight program of the first Soviet spacecraft of the Vostok series. These studies were continued during the flight of the Voskhod-1 manned spacecraft (October 12–13, 1964). The 24-hours flight of a three-seater spacecraft was an important stage for the formation of approaches to the research program onboard manned spacecraft. The task of this scientific and historical research was to determine the mission contribution to the development of means and methods of remote sensing of the Earth’s surface. The article describes the main technical means for fulfilling the tasks of surveying and photographing the Earth’s surface during the flight of the Voskhod spacecraft, the methods of their use in flight; an assessment of the achievement of the objectives of the flight program; the main results and conclusions based on the analysis of space photographs are presented. On the basis of historical material, a conclusion was drawn on the novelty of the information obtained in the conditions of the formation of Soviet cosmonautics and on the significance of the flight results of the Voskhod spacecraft in the development of onboard facility and methods for remote sensing of the Earth from space.
From Olonets to Kabarda. Reference to Johann Friedrich Bluher’s prospecting works and exploration in Russia
Authors: Yurkin I N
Published: November 2020

The article provides a review of Johann Friedrich Bluher’s activities as a prospector, mining engineer, assayer and metallurgist during his search for ferrous and non-ferrous metal ores in Russia. Bluher visited all the regions of the Russian state with existing metal industry. He also searched for mineral deposits in territories where such kind of works had not been previously performed. The author calls attention to his works on iron and copper ores’ prospecting in Olonets region and to his expedition to Bolshaya Kabardin Plain for silver and copper ores. We use records of Berg and Manufaktur Kollegiia (Mining board and Manufactory board) for the interpretation of events. We note the diversity of assessment of Bluher’s activities by his contemporaries and historians of the 21th century.
The work of the Learned Mining Committee in Imperial Russia: 1825–1917
Authors: Zakharchuk P A
Published: November 2020

The article describes activities of the Learning Mining Committee, an administrative body that existed in the Russian Empire from 1825 to 1917. It analyzes the reasons for creating the Committee and describes in brief the changes in the legal status of the Committee in the public administration system of the Russian Empire. It is analyzed the organization’s Charter, as well as the conditions for joining it. Most of the article is devoted to the analysis of publications of the Committee on the history of metallurgy. One of the sources of research was the Journal of Mining. The Committee has published it from 1825 to 1917. The article identified and analyzed forty-seven publications on the history of metallurgy in the Journal of Mining. One of the research objectives was to determine the professional affiliation of the authors of historical articles. The analysis revealed that the mining engineers, officials and local historians were the authors of that works. However, in all publications, they paid more attention to socio-economic history than to the history of technology. The article also analyzes books on the history of metallurgy that were published by the Committee. The research data may be used in further research on the historiography of the history of metallurgy. The article is of interest to researchers of the history of science and technology.
Two detection methods for the endpoint of the prepared reaction of N-(oxidiethylene)-2 benzothiazolyl sulfonamide and its analysis
Authors: Zhang Yidong , Liu Yanjun , Li Zhenqiu , Zhao Junmeng , Tong Xilei , Wang Quan , Qin Huixiong , Qing Ruibin
Published: November 2020

In this work, a detection method using pH and ORP for the endpoint determination of the prepared reaction of N-(oxidiethylene)-2-benzothiazolyl sulfonamide (NOBS) was reported, and the properties of NOBS samples were comprehensively investigated. According to the chemical equation of this reaction, the turning point of pH and ORP was used to determine the endpoint of this reaction. Results showed that the purity and yield of experimental NOBS samples increased to 96.4% and 81.7%, respectively. The FTIR and XRD analysis were also used to investigate the chemical structure and crystal absorption peak of NOBS samples. SEM-EDS spectra confirmed the existence of C, N, O and S elements, and there were no other elements in the products. What is more important, the properties of experimental NOBS samples were better than that of contrast samples. Thus, this paper offers an approach to determine the endpoint of the prepared reaction of NOBS.
A unipotent circle action on 𝑝-adic modular forms
Authors: Howe Sean
Published: November 2020

Following a suggestion of Peter Scholze, we construct an action of

G

m

^

\widehat {\mathbb {G}_m}

on the Katz moduli problem, a profinite-étale cover of the ordinary locus of the

p
p

-adic modular curve whose ring of functions is Serre’s space of

p
p

-adic modular functions. This action is a local,

p
p

-adic analog of a global, archimedean action of the circle group

S
1

S^1

on the lattice-unstable locus of the modular curve over

C

\mathbb {C}

. To construct the

G

m

^

\widehat {\mathbb {G}_m}

-action, we descend a moduli-theoretic action of a larger group on the (big) ordinary Igusa variety of Caraiani-Scholze. We compute the action explicitly on local expansions and find it is given by a simple multiplication of the cuspidal and Serre-Tate coordinates

q
q

; along the way we also prove a natural generalization of Dwork’s equation

τ
=
log
⁡
q

\tau =\log q

for extensions of

Q

p

/

Z

p

\mathbb {Q}_p/\mathbb {Z}_p

by

μ

p
∞

\mu _{p^\infty }

valid over a non-Artinian base. Finally, we give a direct argument (without appealing to local expansions) to show that the action of

G

m

^

\widehat {\mathbb {G}_m}

integrates the differential operator

θ
\theta

coming from the Gauss-Manin connection and unit root splitting, and explain an application to Eisenstein measures and

p
p

-adic

L
L

-functions.
DeepYY1: a deep learning approach to identify YY1-mediated chromatin loops
Authors: Dao Fu-Ying , Lv Hao , Zhang Dan , Zhang Zi-Mei , Liu Li , Lin Hao
Published: November 2020

The protein Yin Yang 1 (YY1) could form dimers that facilitate the interaction between active enhancers and promoter-proximal elements. YY1-mediated enhancer–promoter interaction is the general feature of mammalian gene control. Recently, some computational methods have been developed to characterize the interactions between DNA elements by elucidating important features of chromatin folding; however, no computational methods have been developed for identifying the YY1-mediated chromatin loops. In this study, we developed a deep learning algorithm named DeepYY1 based on word2vec to determine whether a pair of YY1 motifs would form a loop. The proposed models showed a high prediction performance (AUCs$\ge$0.93) on both training datasets and testing datasets in different cell types, demonstrating that DeepYY1 has an excellent performance in the identification of the YY1-mediated chromatin loops. Our study also suggested that sequences play an important role in the formation of YY1-mediated chromatin loops. Furthermore, we briefly discussed the distribution of the replication origin site in the loops. Finally, a user-friendly web server was established, and it can be freely accessed at http://lin-group.cn/server/DeepYY1.
One patient with an anomalous origin of the left pulmonary artery directly from the right ventricle: a case report
Authors: He Xiaomin , Zhang Zhifang , Zheng Jinghao , Zhu Zhongqun
Published: November 2020

Background

The anomalous origin of one pulmonary artery is a rare malformation, which so far has mainly been found as an anomalous origin from a different site of the aorta, accounting for 0.12% of all congenital heart diseases. This case report introduced a very rare case of the anomalous origin of one pulmonary artery which had never reported in the clinic.

Case summary

A 2-year-old boy with a 6-month history of shortness of breath and recurrent respiratory infection, was diagnosed left pulmonary artery (LPA) directly arising from the right ventricle by transthoracic echocardiography and multidetector computed tomography without a deletion in the region of 22q11. Eventually, the LPA was further conformed that arised from the right ventricle during the operation, and was corrected with a well clinical outcome.

Discussion

The surgical technique for repair of this anomalous LPA was not difficult in our case. However, the embryonic development of the present case still could not be completely explained by the current embryologic postulates since it was a new malformation that never reported. Due to its rarity, there is still much to learn about the origin and development of the pulmonary arteries that possibly develop prenatally.
Impact of a nutrition education programme on free sugar intake & nutrition-related knowledge in fifth-grade schoolchildren
Authors: Winzer Eva , Wakolbinger Maria , Schätzer Manuel , Blagusz Karin , Rieder Anita , Lechleitner Monika , Hoppichler Friedrich
Published: November 2020

Background

The objective was to evaluate a 5-week nutrition education programme (ACTION) in fifth-grade schoolchildren in Austria on free sugar intake, nutrition-related knowledge (NRK) and with the RE-AIM framework on the overall public health impact.

Methods

A prospective case-controlled cohort (pre–post design) from seven secondary schools in Vienna tested programme efficacy. NRK was assessed with a 20-item questionnaire and dietary behaviour and free sugar intake with a semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. A total of 12 intervention classes (IG) received the programme, conducted by teachers and integrated in the curriculum, and 6 control classes followed their usual curriculum.

Results

In 344 children, aged 10.4 (0.8) years, free sugar intake decreased significantly over time in IG by 13% (P=0.001) with a group difference of −10.1 (95% CI −18.8, −1.5; P=0.021) g/day. The food groups ‘sweets & pastries’, ‘soft drinks’, ‘fast food’ and ‘salty snacks’ mainly contributed to this reduction. Moreover, NRK increased significantly over time in IG with a group difference of 9.0% of correct answers (95% CI 5.8, 12.2; P<0.001; Cohen’s d 0.57). The programme was disseminated to 10% of fifth-grade classrooms in Austrian secondary schools and to 12% in Vienna.

Conclusions

The ACTION programme shows potential for public health impact with improving dietary behaviour as free sugar intake, NRK, and its dissemination. It required a minimum of money per schoolchild as the programme was conducted by teachers and was integrated in the curriculum.
Modification of the summative equation to estimate daily total digestible nutrients for bermudagrass pasture
Authors: Woli Prem , Rouquette Francis M , Long Charles R , Tedeschi Luis O , Scaglia Guillermo
Published: November 2020

In forage-animal nutrition modeling, diet energy is estimated mainly from the forage total digestible nutrients (TDN). As digestibility trials are expensive, TDN is usually estimated using summative equations. Early summative equations assumed a fixed coefficient to compute digestible fiber using the lignin-to-neutral detergent fiber (NDF) ratio. Subsequently, a structural coefficient (φ) was added to the summative equations to reflect an association between lignin and cell wall components. Additional modifications to the summative equations assumed a constant φ value, and they have been used as a standard method by many commercial laboratories and scientists. For feeds with nutritive values that do not change much over time, a constant φ value may suffice. However, for forages with nutritive values that keep changing during the grazing season owing to changes in weather and plant maturity, a constant φ value may add a systematic bias to prediction because it is associated with the variable lignin-to-NDF ratio. In this study, we developed a model to estimate φ as a function of the day of the year by using the daily TDN values of bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.], a popular warm-season perennial grass in the southern United States. The variable φ model was evaluated by using it in the TDN equation and comparing the estimated values with the observed ones obtained from several locations. Values of the various measures of fit used—the Willmott index (WI), the modeling efficiency (ME), R2, root mean square error (RMSE), and percent error (PE)—showed that using the variable φ vis-à-vis the constant φ improved the TDN equation significantly. The WI, ME, R2, RMSE, and PE values of 0.94, 0.80, 0.80, 2.5, and 4.7, respectively, indicated that the TDN equation with the variable φ model was able to mimic the observed values of TDN satisfactorily. Unlike the constant φ, the variable φ predicted more closely the forage nutritive value throughout the grazing season. The variable φ model may be useful to forage-beef modeling in accurately reflecting the impacts of plant maturity and weather on daily forage nutritive value and animal performance.
Trademarks
Authors: Correa Carlos Maria
Published: November 2020

This chapter addresses Section 2, Part II, of the Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement, which relates to trademarks. In addition to the substantive rules contained in said section, the Agreement incorporates provisions to ensure the enforcement of rights (Part III) and, particularly, procedures to be followed by customs authorities with regard to counterfeit trademark goods (Part III, Section 4). This section significantly strengthens the rights of trademark owners as compared to those available under the Paris Convention. The main innovation brought about by the TRIPS text in the trademark area probably relates to the expanded protection conferred on well-known trademarks. Another area of potential significant impact is the limitation and conditions imposed with regard to the use requirement to maintain registration, and the flexibility accorded to assign trademarks unrelated to the respective business. The enforcement rules in Part III are likely to be, however, the most significant components of the Agreement in terms of impact on trademark law.
Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights
Authors: Correa Carlos Maria
Published: November 2020

This chapter focuses on the enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPRs). Unlike pre-existing conventions on IPRs, the Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement contains a detailed set of provisions relating to the enforcement of such rights. The aim of Part III of the Agreement is to ensure that in addition to make available certain rights, Members adopt obligations to permit their effective exercise. Article 41 sets forth the general obligation regarding enforcement: to ensure that procedures as specified in this Part are available under the Member’s national law ‘so as to permit effective action against any act of infringement of intellectual property rights covered by this Agreement’. Article 41.1 requires the establishment of two types of remedies. These include expeditious remedies to prevent infringements, and remedies which constitute a deterrent to further infringements. Although the obligation to provide ‘expeditious remedies to prevent infringements’ is stipulated in general terms in Article 41.1, the specific content of such obligation is developed in Article 50 (provisional measures) and Article 51 (border measures) of the Agreement. Members may not be required to go beyond what is required under these provisions.
Conservatory and Interim Measures
Authors: Kobayashi Patrícia Shiguemi
Published: November 2020

This chapter addresses conservatory and interim measures. Not differently from other jurisdictions, the Brazilian legal framework up until the Brazilian Arbitration Law (BAL) was enacted in 1996 did not grant arbitrators powers to issue conservatory and interim measures. The prohibition derived from the perception that provisional relief sought by the parties required a coercive power that arbitral tribunals lacked by the very nature of their jurisdiction. With the development of Arbitration and a better understanding of the method, the BAL of 1996 was enacted, and it revoked the abovementioned limitation imposed to arbitral tribunals in the Civil Procedure Code (CPC). In 2015, the BAL was revised, and articles 22-A, 22-B, and 22-C included express provisions on (i) the possibility of requesting conservatory and urgent measures to national courts before the constitution of the arbitral tribunal; (ii) the arbitral tribunal's powers to grant such measures after its constitution; (iii) arbitral tribunal's powers to uphold, amend, or revoke an interim measure granted by national courts; and (iv) the cooperation between national courts and arbitral tribunals in case of non-compliance in the course of the proceedings. It is therefore a system comprised of the non-concurrent competence between national courts and arbitrators.
Project Finance, PPP, and Concession Agreements
Authors: Sester Peter
Published: November 2020

This chapter examines investment arbitration in Brazil. In the 1990s, the country signed a dozen Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs). These included clauses modelled on the framework for classic investor-state-arbitration. However, these BITs were never ratified and there are no signs that this will soon change. In recent years, Brazil has entered into a new type of investment agreement with a number of emerging markets. These contracts do not provide for investor-state-arbitration, but rather a kind of conciliation or meditation mechanism on the state-to-state level, which has never been tested so far. Since 2015, however, Brazil has been heading towards a new type of investment arbitration based on Brazilian Arbitration Law (BAL) and the New York Convention (NYC). In this new type of arbitrations, the public administration will, in principle, be represented by its own state attorneys. The arbitration framework used by Brazilian public administration is modelled on the legal framework of Commercial Arbitration, though with some important modifications mainly serving the interest of public administration.
Just Culture Is Not “Just” Culture—It’s Shifting Mindset
Authors: Foslien-Nash Cynthia , Reed Brady
Published: November 2020

Health care and the Veterans Health Administration have adopted many initiatives to improve patient care, including efforts to create a “Just Culture” environment for patient safety and quality outcomes. Despite significant resources and efforts on these initiatives and some temporary improvements, we continue to struggle to make significant and sustainable improvements. At the Veterans Administration North Texas Health Care System, we see that our efforts have addressed the wrong thing. By focusing our efforts to shift the underlying mindset that drives behavior, we expect to create the foundation that will help us truly achieve a High Reliability and Just Culture organization that provides the care and outcomes our patients and staff deserve.
Disc fragmentation and intermittent accretion on to supermassive stars
Authors: Matsukoba Ryoki , Vorobyov Eduard I , Sugimura Kazuyuki , Chon Sunmyon , Hosokawa Takashi , Omukai Kazuyuki
Published: November 2020

Supermassive stars (SMSs) with ∼104–105 M⊙ are candidate objects for the origin of supermassive black holes observed at redshift z > 6. They are supposed to form in primordial-gas clouds that provide the central stars with gas at a high accretion rate, but their growth may be terminated in the middle due to the stellar ionizing radiation if the accretion is intermittent and its quiescent periods are longer than the Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) time-scales at the stellar surfaces. In this paper, we examine the role of the ionizing radiation feedback based on the accretion history in two possible SMS-forming clouds extracted from cosmological simulations, following their evolution with vertically integrated two-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations with detailed thermal and chemical models. The consistent treatment of the gas thermal evolution is crucial for obtaining the realistic accretion history, as we demonstrate by performing an additional run with a barotropic equation of state, in which the fluctuation of the accretion rate is artificially suppressed. We find that although the accretion becomes intermittent due to the formation of spiral arms and clumps in gravitationally unstable discs, the quiescent periods are always shorter than the KH time-scales, implying that SMSs can form without affected by the ionizing radiation.
EP26 HIV infection masquerading as connective tissue disease
Authors: Javaid Zeeshan , Mekkayil Babitha , Paul Anupam
Published: November 2020

Case report - Introduction

Connective tissue diseases are multisystem disorders. Diagnosis and evaluation of suspected cases is not straight forward in most of the cases. This case describes the significance of considering a broader approach when evaluating a suspected case of connective tissue disease.

Case report - Case description

We describe a case of 58 years old non-smoker lady, presented with acute onset livedo reticularis rash on lower limbs and background of sicca symptoms, oral ulcers, fatigue, paraesthesias in feet and arthralgias without any systemic or inflammatory joint symptoms.

General examination showed livedo reticularis rash on both elbows and lower legs. There was no evidence of peripheral joint synovitis, but she had nodal osteoarthritis in her hands. Systemic examination was unremarkable.

Investigations revealed anaemia, pancytopenia, ESR of 77, low C4 and urine dipstick positive for leucocytes, nitrates, protein, and blood. Schirmer’s test, ANA and ENA screen was positive with positive RNP and SMdp antibody. She also had hypergammaglobulinemia in a polyclonal pattern. Nerve Conduction and EMG studies revealed mild axonal sensory neuropathy.

Case report - Discussion

This lady appeared to have mixed connective tissue disease with mixed features of Sjögren’s syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus. She was started on Hydroxychloroquine but stopped it shortly after developing floaters in her eye. She had poor response to Depomedrone injection. She had ongoing symptoms of fatigue, weight-loss, loose stools, and abdominal pain, investigated further and CT scan showed hyperdense liver lesions and mesenteric lymphadenopathy. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed oesophageal candidiasis. She was admitted with progressive symptoms. Further investigations showed a positive HIV test and liver biopsy came back positive for anaplastic lymphoma, later she was diagnosed with advanced HIV disease, rapidly deteriorated with neutropenic sepsis and multi-organ failure, and unfortunately died.

Case report - Key learning points

This lady initially presented with symptoms of connective tissue disease and investigations in keeping with this diagnosis. Unfortunately, by the time she was tested for HIV infection, it was already too late. There could be overlap of symptoms of connective tissue disease and viral infections e.g. HIV infection. Autoantibodies may be falsely positive in infections e.g. HIV and in malignancy. Risk factors of HIV infection should be considered during assessment of multisystem diseases like connective tissue diseases particularly prior to immunosuppression. Viral screening including HIV test should be considered in all high-risk patients and particularly if the symptoms are atypical and do not quite fit well with the diagnosis.
Fitness and Competitive Ability of Field Isolates of Phytophthora capsici Resistant or Sensitive to Fluopicolide
Authors: Wang Li , Ji Pingsheng
Published: November 2020

Phytophthora blight, caused by Phytophthora capsici, is one of the most destructive diseases in the production of solanaceous and cucurbitaceous vegetable crops. Fluopicolide has been used to control the disease; however, reduced efficacy of the fungicide was observed in Georgia. P. capsici isolates were collected from commercial vegetable fields in Georgia in 2018 and 2019 to determine sensitivity to fluopicolide, which were phenotyped to have 43.1% of the isolates as resistant. The fitness of resistant (R) and sensitive (S) isolates was assessed through mycelial growth and sporulation assays exposed to the fungicide (0 or 50 µg/ml). Fluopicolide did not reduce mycelial growth, sporangial production, and zoospore germination of the R isolates. In the absence of fluopicolide, there was no significant difference between the R and S isolates in sporangial production but mycelial growth and zoospore germination of the R isolates was greater than the S isolates (P = 0.01 and 0.001, respectively). The R isolates had an ability similar to that of the S isolates to induce disease on Aristotle bell pepper, and most of the R and S isolates caused the same level of disease on Paladin. Inoculating squash fruit using different R:S ratios and recovering R and S isolates after five cycles of inoculation resulted in similar trends in changes of R versus S isolate ratios. Overall, it appeared that fitness and competitive ability of the R isolates were not reduced compared with the S isolates. This is the first report of the occurrence of field isolates of P. capsici resistant to fluopicolide in the world. The results have significant implications in providing guidance for growers to avoid or limit use of this fungicide in vegetable production.
Competitive Interactions Between Whitefly- and Aphid-Transmitted Poleroviruses Within the Plant Host and the Insect Vectors
Authors: Bello Vinicius Henrique , Ghosh Saptarshi , Krause-Sakate Renate , Ghanim Murad
Published: November 2020

Pepper cultivation in Israel has been constrained by two sympatric poleroviruses, Pepper vein yellows virus-2 (PeVYV-2) and Pepper whitefly-borne vein yellows virus (PeWBVYV), which are transmitted specifically by aphids and whiteflies, respectively. This study investigated the interaction between PeVYV-2 and PeWBVYV inside the host plant and the insect vectors. Our results show that PeVYV-2 and PeWBVYV compete against each other inside the host plant and also inside aphids. PeWBVYV was the weaker competitor inside the host plant, with diminished transmission rates when inoculated simultaneously or successively after PeVYV-2 and could only be transmitted efficiently when inoculated first and then challenged by PeVYV-2. Successive inoculations of plants with viruliferous whiteflies with PeWBVYV followed by viruliferous aphids with PeVYV-2 led to a coinfection rate of 60%, but with severely reduced titers of PeWBVYV in the coinfected plants compared with singly infected plants. In contrast, PeVYV-2 was the weaker competitor inside the insect vector, with reduced quantities of the acquired virus and a reduced transmission rate by aphids when given prior acquisition on PeWBVYV. However, we also show that the transmission efficiency of PeVYV-2 and PeWBVYV from coinfected plants by whiteflies and aphids remained comparable to that from singly infected plants. This is likely attributable to the reduced titers of PeWBVYV inside coinfected plants causing lesser impact on transmission of PeVYV-2 by aphids and the stronger competitiveness of PeWBVYV inside the whitefly. Competitive interactions between PeVYV-2 and PeWBVYV inside the host plant and insect vector can thus be beneficial for their coexistence.
Characteristics of Stillbirths Associated With Diabetes in a Diverse U.S. Cohort
Authors: Page Jessica M. , Allshouse Amanda A. , Cassimatis Irina , Smid Marcela C. , Arslan Erol , Thorsten Vanessa , Parker Corette , Varner Michael W. , Dudley Donald J. , Saade George R. , Goldenberg Robert L. , Stoll Barbara J. , Hogue Carol J. , Bukowski Radek , Conway Deborah , Pinar Halit , Reddy Uma M. , Silver Robert M.
Published: November 2020

OBJECTIVE:

To characterize stillbirths associated with pregestational diabetes and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a large, prospective, U.S. case–control study.

METHODS:

A secondary analysis of stillbirths among patients enrolled in a prospective; multisite; geographically, racially, and ethnically diverse case–control study in the United States was performed. Singleton gestations with complete information regarding diabetes status and with a complete postmortem evaluation were included. A standard evaluation protocol for stillbirth cases included postmortem evaluation, placental pathology, clinical testing as performed at the discretion of the health care professional, and a recommended panel of tests. A potential cause of death was assigned to stillbirth cases using a standardized classification tool. Demographic and delivery characteristics among women with pregestational diabetes and GDM were compared with characteristics of women with no diabetes in pairwise comparisons using χ2 or two-sample t tests as appropriate. Sensitivity analysis was performed excluding pregnancies with genetic conditions or major fetal malformations.

RESULTS:

Of 455 stillbirth cases included in the primary analysis, women with stillbirth and diabetes were more likely to be older than 35 years and have a higher body mass index. They were also more likely to have a gestational hypertensive disorder than women without diabetes (28% vs 9.1%; P<.001). Women with pregestational diabetes had more large-for-gestational-age (LGA) neonates (26% vs 3.4%; P<.001). Stillbirths occurred more often at term in women with pregestational diabetes (36%) and those with GDM (52%). Maternal medical complications, including pregestational diabetes and others, were more often identified as a probable or possible cause of death among stillbirths with maternal diabetes (43% vs 4%, P<.001) as compared with stillbirths without diabetes.

CONCLUSION:

Compared with stillbirths in women with no diabetes, stillbirths among women with pregestational diabetes and GDM occur later in pregnancy and are associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, maternal medical complications, and LGA.
Adherence to Oral Anticancer Therapeutics in the Gynecologic Oncology Population
Authors: Watson Catherine H. , Fish Laura J. , Falkovic Margaret , Monuszko Karen , Lorenzo Amelia , Havrilesky Laura J. , Secord Angeles Alvarez , Davidson Brittany A.
Published: November 2020

INTRODUCTION:

To gain a better understanding of gynecologic oncology patient adherence to oral anticancer agents through both a cross-sectional survey of adherence and qualitative interviews with patients and clinicians regarding their experience with these medications.

METHODS:

Eligible participants completed a survey for this cross-sectional study that included an assessment of adherence, distress, quality of life, and health literacy. Any woman taking an oral anticancer agent for a gynecologic malignancy at a tertiary academic medical center for 30 days or more was eligible. Semi-structured qualitative interviews (n=14) were then conducted to explore experiences with oral anticancer agents. We also conducted a qualitative group interview with physicians and nurse practitioners.

RESULTS:

One hundred women taking oral anticancer agents were enrolled. Fifty-four percent reported perfect adherence to their medication, 21% reported equivocal adherence (demonstrating at least one nonadherent behavior in the previous 7 days), and 25% reported nonadherence (demonstrating more than one nonadherent behavior in the previous 7 days). Qualitative analysis identified five major themes: ease of use compared with traditional therapy; the mental burden of self-administrated medication; perceived importance of the medication; management of side effects; and the desire for consistent physician communication. Common misperceptions expressed in the health care professional interviews included high adherence to oral medications and a belief that cost was the biggest barrier to adherence.

CONCLUSION:

Almost half of the patients surveyed reported equivocal or nonadherence to their oral anticancer agent. The qualitative interviews identified several important themes, many of which were not recognized by physicians and nurse practitioners. These findings highlight the need for patient and health care professional interventions to improve patient adherence.
Circulating angiogenic factors are associated with progression to preeclampsia and the occurrence of adverse outcomes in women with gestational hypertension
Authors: Nolasco-Leaños Ana G. , Ramírez-Valenzuela Karla L. , Carrillo-Juárez Reyes I. , Molina-Pérez Carlos J. , Isordia-Salas Irma , Leaños-Miranda Alfredo
Published: November 2020

Objective:

Gestational hypertension is characterized by an imbalance in angiogenic factors. The goal of the current study was to evaluate whether circulating concentrations of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors are associated with the risk of progression to preeclampsia and development of adverse outcomes in women with gestational hypertension.

Methods:

We studied 496 women with gestational hypertension. Patients were divided into three groups based on their degree of angiogenic imbalance, evaluated by the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1/placental growth factor ratio: no angiogenic imbalance (≤38), mild angiogenic imbalance (>38–<85), and severe angiogenic imbalance (≥85) or stratified into tertiles according to soluble endoglin (sEng) levels.

Results:

The concentrations of all angiogenic factors were significantly different in patients with gestational hypertension than in healthy pregnancy. A significant trend towards higher serum sEng levels was observed as the degree of angiogenic imbalance increased. Patients with severe angiogenic imbalance had higher rates of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes and progression to preeclampsia (P < 0.001) when compared with patients with no or mild angiogenic imbalance. The risk of combined adverse maternal outcomes and specific adverse outcomes (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count syndrome, preterm delivery, small-for-gestational-age infant, perinatal death, and progression to preeclampsia within 7, 14, 28, and 56 days) was higher in patients with severe angiogenic imbalance or sEng values in the highest tertile (odds ratio ≥5.6 and ≥2.0, respectively), compared with no angiogenic imbalance or the lowest tertile.

Conclusion:

In women with gestational hypertension at the time of initial evaluation, circulating concentrations of the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1/placental growth factor ratio and sEng appear to be suitable markers to assess the risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes and progression to preeclampsia.
Negative polymerase chain reaction for SARS-CoV-2 in aqueous sample of patient with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 and recurrence of herpetic stromal keratitis
Authors: Roberts Harry W. , Akram Haseeb , Myerscough James
Published: November 2020

This case report describes a negative result for antigen testing for the SARS-CoV-2 virus in an aqueous sample taken during the management of suspected herpes simplex keratitis from a patient with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 based on antigen testing of high nasal swab. The implications of no viral load detectable in the aqueous sample are discussed in context of routine phacoemulsification surgery during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
An Integrative Review of Cerebral Salt Wasting Syndrome
Authors: Oh HyunSoo , Seo WhaSook
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: Although cerebral salt wasting syndrome (CSWS) is widely recognized, its clinical characteristics, diagnostic criteria, and management have not been clearly defined. This study was undertaken to comprehensively review current literature and provide a more complete picture of CSWS. This review also aimed to provide information for nurses on how to differentiate cerebral salt wasting syndrome from syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion. METHODS: An integrative review was performed. Searches were conducted between May and July 2018. The primary information sources were CINAHL, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Included articles were published from 1954 to July 2018. RESULTS: The essential features of CSWS are hyponatremia, hypovolemia, and increased urine output. Treatment regimens may be determined based on the acuity and severity of hyponatremia and hypovolemia as well as evident symptoms and signs. CONCLUSION: This review may help neuroscience nurses become knowledgeable about CSWS for the drafting of appropriate nursing care plans and also be able to differentiate CSWS from syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion as early as possible for timely and proper management.
Comparison of Q-value-guided laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis and standard laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia
Authors: Zhang Kai-Ping , Fang Xiang , Zhang Yin , Chao Min
Published: November 2020

Background:

Previous studies examining the safety and efficacy ofQ-value-guided laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for treating myopia have yielded inconsistent results. We, therefore, performed a meta-analysis to clarify this issue

Methods:

Various databases were conducted up to November 21, 2018. All randomized controlled trials and cohorts that comparedQ-value-guided LASIK with standard LASIK were selected. Mean differences (MDs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the correlations. Additionally, different subgroup analyses and publication bias tests were performed. Data were extracted including the number of postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/20 or better, postoperative UCVA, preoperative and postoperativeQ-value, postoperative refractive spherical equivalent (SE), the number of postoperative SE within ±0.5D, higher order aberration (HOA), coma-like aberration and spherical-like aberration.

Results:

A total of seventeen studies with 2640 patients and 3,358 eyes were included. It has been shown that postoperativeQ-value (MD = -0.42; 95% CI: -0.64, -0.21;P < .001), HOA (MD = -0.14; 95% CI: -0.23, -0.06;P = .001), spherical-like aberration (MD = -0.19; 95% CI: -0.32, -0.06;P = .004) rather than postoperative UCVA (MD = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.07;P = .012) were significantly better in theQ-value-guided LASIK than standard LASIK. However, the pooled results revealed that no significant differences were found between the 2 paired groups of postoperative UCVA of 20/20 or better (OR = 1.09; 95% CI: 0.62, 1.92;P = .763), preoperativeQ-value (MD = -0.00; 95% CI: -0.02, 0.02;P = .922), postoperative refractive SE (MD = 0.08; 95% CI: -0.09, 0.25;P = .336), coma-like aberration (horizontal: MD = -0.00; 95% CI: -0.03, 0.03;P = .966; vertical: MD = -0.01; 95% CI: -0.03, 0.01;P = .263) and postoperative SE within ±0.5 D (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 0.48, 2.33;P = .886). Likewise, similar results were detected in some corresponding subgroups.

Conclusion:

Q-value-guided LASIK is a safe, effective and predictable surgical option for treating myopia, especially showing superiority over standard LASIK in postoperativeQ-value, HOA and spherical-like aberration. However, more detailed studies are required to confirm our conclusions in advanced researches.
The effect of preoperative degenerative spondylolisthesis on postoperative outcomes of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Chang Yueliang , Zhou Fubiao , Fei Le , Wang Zili
Published: November 2020

Background:

Most degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) patients primitively received the conservative treatment to control symptoms. In order to develop an optimal surgical treatment strategy, it is very significant to understand how the degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DS) affects the effect of decompression in the DLSS. Thus, the aim of this current study was to explore whether the concomitant DS would affect the effect of decompression alone in the patients with DLSS.

Methods:

The current study was carried out at our hospital and it was approved through our institutional review committee of General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University. During the period from January 2015 to December 2017, in our study, we identified consecutive patients who received the minimally invasive laminectomy to treat the DLSS. The inclusion criterion included radicular leg pain or neurogenic claudication with the neurological symptoms associated with DLSS syndrome, magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine reveals at least 1 level of serious stenosis, the conservative treatment failed for at least 3 months, and patients agreed to provide the postoperative details. The major outcomes of this present research was Oswestry Disability Index. Secondary outcomes of this current study involved visual analog score, short form-36, surgical revision rate as well as complications.

Results:

We assumed that previous DS possessed a negative effect on the postoperative results of the DLSS patients.

Trial registration:

researchregistry5943.
Immunoglobulins concentration and B cell counts as severity markers in adult community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Luchsinger Vivian , Lizama Luis , Garmendia María Luisa , Tempio Fabián , Ruiz Mauricio , Pizarro Rolando , Rossi Patricio , Huenchur Lucía , Moreno Cristian , López Mercedes , Ampuero Sandra , Larrañaga Carmen , Avendaño Luis Fidel
Published: November 2020

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality. Immunoglobulins (Igs) and B cells quantification studies in CAP are few and show discrepancies. Serum IgA acts as a powerful natural anti-inflammatory factor, but its role in the CAP has not yet been defined. The highly sensitive xMAP Luminex technique allows better immunoglobulins quantification. The aim of this study was to analyze the relation between clinical severity and circulating Igs and B cells in adults with CAP.

Igs (M, A, G1, G2, G3, and G4) and B cells were quantified in peripheral blood of 190 Chilean patients ≥18 years old hospitalized for CAP and in 21 adults without respiratory disease, using xMAP Luminex and flow cytometry, respectively. Clinical history was recorded and PSI and CURB-65 scores were calculated for evaluation of clinical severity.

The total IgM, IgG2 and total IgG levels were lower in CAP than in asymptomatic adults (P < .05). No significant differences of Igs levels were found between patients classified as severe and mild by PSI and CURB-65 scores. Fatal cases had higher levels of IgA (P < .05). No differences in CD19+ B cells frequency was found between CAP and asymptomatic adults (P = .40). In PSI severe cases, CD19+ B cells were significantly lower than in mild cases (P = .008). No differences were found in CURB-65 severe and mild groups (P = .11). In fatal cases (11/82) group, CD19+ B cells frequency was lower than in 71 survivors (P = .2). No differences in memory B lymphocytes were detected between asymptomatic and CAP adults, severe and mild patients, survivors and fatal cases (P > .05).

Serum IgA levels were significantly higher in fatal CAP cases, raising it as a potential biomarker for severe disease considering its relatively universal availability. In PSI severe patients, B cells showed lower levels and could have a role on its physiopathology. Finding new markers rooted in physiopathology could improve the possibility of scoring severe CAP cases. Luminex technology showed promising quantification serum Igs.
A comparative study of the normal oesophageal wall thickness based on 3-dimensional, 4-dimensional, and cone beam computed tomography
Authors: Hu Chao Yue , Li Yan Kang , Li Jian Bin , Wang Jin Zhi , Shao Qian , Wang Wei , Guo Yan Luan , Xu Min , Li Wen Wu
Published: November 2020

Background:

The study aimed to compare normal oesophageal wall thickness based on 3-dimensional computed tomography (3DCT), 4-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods:

Contrast-enhanced 3DCT, 4DCT, and CBCT scans were acquired from 50 patients with lung cancer or metastatic lung cancer. The outer oesophageal wall was manually contoured on each 3DCT, the maximum intensity projection of 4DCT (4DCTMIP) the end expiration phase of 4DCT (4DCT50) (the end expiration phase of 4DCT) and the CBCT data sets. The average wall thicknesses were measured (defined as R3DCT, R50, RMIP, and RCBCT).

Results:

Whether for thoracic or for intra-abdominal segments, there were no significant differences between R3DCT and R50, but significant differences between R3DCT and RMIP, R3DCT and RCBCT. For upper and middle oesophagus, RCBCT were larger than RMIP. There was no significant difference between upper and middle segments on 3DCT, 4DCT, and CBCT. Intra-abdominal oesophageal wall thickness was greater than that of thoracic oesophagus. There were no differences between upper and lower, and middle and lower oesophagus on CBCT.

Conclusion:

Our findings indicate normal oesophageal wall thickness differed along the length of oesophagus whatever it was delineated on 3DCT, 4DCT (4DCT50 and 4DCTMIP) or CBCT. It is reasonable to use uniform criterion to identify normal esophageal wall thickness when delineating gross tumor volume on 3DCT and 4DCT50, the same is true of delineating internal gross tumor volume on 4DCTMIP or CBCT images for lower and intra-abdominal oesophagus. But, in spite of using contrast-enhanced scanning, relatively blurred boundary on the CBCT images is noteworthy, especially for upper and middle thoracic esophagus.