bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Performance of SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Tests
Authors: Green Daniel A. , Zucker Jason , Westblade Lars F. , Whittier Susan , Rennert Hanna , Velu Priya , Craney Arryn , Cushing Melissa , Liu Dakai , Sobieszczyk Magdalena E. , Boehme Amelia K. , Sepulveda Jorge L.
Published: June 2020

Molecular testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the gold standard for diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but the clinical performance of these tests is still poorly understood, particularly with regard to disease course, patient-specific factors, and viral shedding. From 10 March to 1 May 2020, NewYork-Presbyterian laboratories performed 27,377 SARS-CoV-2 molecular assays from 22,338 patients. Repeat testing was performed for 3,432 patients, of which 2,413 had initial negative and 802 had initial positive results.
An Extended Primer Grip of Picornavirus Polymerase Facilitates Sexual RNA Replication Mechanisms
Authors: Kempf Brian J. , Watkins Colleen L. , Peersen Olve B. , Barton David J.
Published: June 2020

Picornaviruses have both asexual and sexual RNA replication mechanisms. Sexual RNA replication shapes picornavirus species groups, contributes to the emergence of vaccine-derived polioviruses, and counteracts error catastrophe. Can viruses distinguish between homologous and nonhomologous partners during sexual RNA replication? We implicate an extended primer grip of the viral polymerase in sexual RNA replication mechanisms. By sensing RNA sequence complementarity near the active site, the extended primer grip of the polymerase has the potential to distinguish between homologous and nonhomologous RNA templates during sexual RNA replication.
ORF4 of the Temperate Archaeal Virus SNJ1 Governs the Lysis-Lysogeny Switch and Superinfection Immunity
Authors: Chen Beibei , Chen Zhao , Wang Yuchen , Gong Han , Sima Linshan , Wang Jiao , Ouyang Shushan , Gan Wenqiang , Krupovic Mart , Chen Xiangdong , Du Shishen
Published: June 2020

Archaeal viruses are important parts of the virosphere. Understanding how they regulate their life cycles and interact with host cells provide crucial insights into their biological functions and the evolutionary histories of viruses. However, mechanistic studies of the life cycle of archaeal viruses are scarce due to a lack of genetic tools and demanding cultivation conditions. Here, we discover that the temperate haloarchaeal virus SNJ1, which infects
Natrinema
sp. strain J7, employs a lysis-lysogeny switch and establishes superinfection immunity like bacteriophages. We show that its ORF4 is critical for both processes and acts as a repressor of the replication of SNJ1. These results establish ORF4 as a master regulator of SNJ1 life cycle and provides novel insights on the regulation of life cycles by temperate archaeal viruses and on their interactions with host cells.
Genetic and functional insights into CDA-I prevalence and pathogenesis
Authors: Olijnik Aude-Anais , Roy Noémi B A , Scott Caroline , Marsh Joseph A , Brown Jill , Lauschke Karin , Ask Katrine , Roberts Nigel , Downes Damien J , Brolih Sanja , Johnson Errin , Xella Barbara , Proven Melanie , Hipkiss Ria , Ryan Kate , Frisk Per , Mäkk Johan , Stattin Eva-Lena Maria , Sadasivam Nandini , McIlwaine Louisa , Hill Quentin A , Renella Raffaele , Hughes Jim R , Gibbons Richard J , Groth Anja , McHugh Peter J , Higgs Douglas R , Buckle Veronica J , Babbs Christian
Published: June 2020

Background

Congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia type I (CDA-I) is a hereditary anaemia caused by biallelic mutations in the widely expressed genes CDAN1 and C15orf41. Little is understood about either protein and it is unclear in which cellular pathways they participate.

Methods

Genetic analysis of a cohort of patients with CDA-I identifies novel pathogenic variants in both known causative genes. We analyse the mutation distribution and the predicted structural positioning of amino acids affected in Codanin-1, the protein encoded by CDAN1. Using western blotting, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence, we determine the effect of particular mutations on both proteins and interrogate protein interaction, stability and subcellular localisation.

Results

We identify six novel CDAN1 mutations and one novel mutation in C15orf41 and uncover evidence of further genetic heterogeneity in CDA-I. Additionally, population genetics suggests that CDA-I is more common than currently predicted. Mutations are enriched in six clusters in Codanin-1 and tend to affect buried residues. Many missense and in-frame mutations do not destabilise the entire protein. Rather C15orf41 relies on Codanin-1 for stability and both proteins, which are enriched in the nucleolus, interact to form an obligate complex in cells.

Conclusion

Stability and interaction data suggest that C15orf41 may be the key determinant of CDA-I and offer insight into the mechanism underlying this disease. Both proteins share a common pathway likely to be present in a wide variety of cell types; however, nucleolar enrichment may provide a clue as to the erythroid specific nature of CDA-I. The surprisingly high predicted incidence of CDA-I suggests that better ascertainment would lead to improved patient care.
Identification of differentially expressed miRNA 48 h after cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury in mice by the technique of miRNA microarray
Authors: Zhang Yaping , Ding Nan , Yi Hanlu , Zhao Yudong , Ye Zankai , Shen Lei , Li Zhiqiang , Zhu Yaobin
Published: June 2020

The objective was to identify the differential expressed miRNA during cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury (CIRI) process, thereby assisting in elucidating the mechanism of CIRI development and providing a potential target for CIRI prevention and treatment. Six mice were randomly assigned to two groups: control group and CIRI model group. A global cerebral IR model by four-vessel occlusion was prepared among the CIRI model group. Brain tissues were collected 48 h after reperfusion. Total RNA was extracted for each sample. miRNA microarrays were employed to detect the differentially expressed miRNA between the CIRI group and the control group. One differentially expressed miRNA was selected for verification by PCR. Compared with the control group, 69 miRNAs were significantly differential expressed in samples of the CIRI group, among which 50 miRNAs were upregulated and 19 miRNAs were downregulated. The real-time qPCR results indicated that the results of the miRNA microarray were reliable. A number of miRNAs were significantly regulated in the CIRI model, which suggested that miRNA was closely associated with the pathological alterations after ischemia. These identified miRNAs may provide directions and targets for the future pathological research of CIRI.
Holographic information theoretic quantities for Lifshitz black hole
Authors: Karar Sourav , Gangopadhyay Sunandan
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we have investigated the holographic entanglement entropy for a linear subsystem in a$$3+1$$3+1-dimensional Lifshitz black hole. The entanglement entropy has been analysed in both the infra-red and ultra-violet limits, and has also been computed in the near horizon approximation. The notion of a generalized temperature in terms of the renormalized entanglement entropy has been introduced. This also leads to a generalized thermodynamics like law$$E=\frac{1}{2}T_g S_{REE}$$E=12TgSREE. The generalized temperature has been defined in such a way that it reduces to the Hawking temperature in the infra-red limit. We find that the inverse of the generalized temperature ($$\beta _g=1/T_g$$βg=1/Tg) attains a non-zero value when the subsystem length becomes zero although it is zero in case of the Schwarzschild-AdS black hole. We have then computed the holographic subregion complexity. We find that the subregion complexity has logarithmic divergence which was absent in case of the$$3+1$$3+1-dimensional Schwarzschild-AdS black hole. Then the Fisher information metric and the fidelity susceptibility for the same linear subsystem have also been computed using the bulk dual prescriptions. It has been observed that the two metrics are not related to each other.
Spin polarization in monolayer MoS2 in the presence of proximity-induced interactions
Authors: Zhao X. N. , Xu W. , Xiao Y. M. , Van Duppen B.
Published: June 2020

When monolayer (ML) MoS2 is placed on a substrate, the proximity-induced interactions such as the Rashba spin-orbit coupling (RSOC) and exchange interaction (EI) can be introduced. Thus, the electronic system can behave like a spintronic device. In this study, we present a theoretical study on how the presence of the RSCO and EI can lead to the band splitting, the lifting of the valley degeneracy and to the spin polarization in [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-type ML MoS2. We find that the maxima of the in-plane spin orientation in the conduction and valence bands in ML MoS2 depend on the Rashba parameter and the effective Zeeman field factor. At a fixed Rashba parameter, the minima of the split conduction band and the maxima of the split valence band along with the spin polarization in ML MoS2 can be tuned effectively by varying the effective Zeeman field factor. On the basis that the EI can be induced by placing the ML MoS2 on a ferromagnetic substrate or by magnetic doping in ML MoS2, we predict that the interesting spintronic effects can be observed in [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-type ML MoS2. This work can be helpful to gain an in-depth understanding of the basic physical properties of ML MoS2 for application in advanced electronic and optoelectronic devices.
On the Cauchy problem for Dt2 − Dx(b(t)a(x))Dx
Authors: Colombini Ferruccio , Nishitani Tatsuo
Published: June 2020

We consider the Cauchy problem for second-order differential operators with two independent variables [Formula: see text]. Assuming that [Formula: see text] is a nonnegative [Formula: see text] function and [Formula: see text] is a nonnegative Gevrey function of order [Formula: see text], we prove that the Cauchy problem for [Formula: see text] is well-posed in the Gevrey class of any order [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text].
Weakly stable hyperbolic boundary problems with large oscillatory coefficients: Simple cascades
Authors: Williams Mark
Published: June 2020

We prove energy estimates for exact solutions to a class of linear, weakly stable, first-order hyperbolic boundary problems with “large”, oscillatory, zeroth-order coefficients, that is, coefficients whose amplitude is large, [Formula: see text], compared to the wavelength of the oscillations, [Formula: see text]. The methods that have been used previously to prove useful energy estimates for weakly stable problems with oscillatory coefficients (e.g. simultaneous diagonalization of first-order and zeroth-order parts) all appear to fail in the presence of such large coefficients. We show that our estimates provide a way to “justify geometric optics”, that is, a way to decide whether or not approximate solutions, constructed for example by geometric optics, are close to the exact solutions on a time interval independent of [Formula: see text]. Systems of this general type arise in some classical problems of “strongly nonlinear geometric optics” coming from fluid mechanics. Special assumptions that we make here do not yet allow us to treat the latter problems, but we believe the present analysis will provide some guidance on how to attack more general cases.
Click-Through Rate Prediction of Online Banners Featuring Multimodal Analysis
Authors: Xia Bohui , Seshime Hiroyuki , Wang Xueting , Yamasaki Toshihiko
Published: June 2020

As the online advertisement industry continues to grow, it is predicted that online advertisement will account for about 45% of global advertisement spending by 2020.a Thus, predicting the click-through rates (CTRs) of advertisements is increasingly crucial for the advertisement industry. Many studies have already addressed the CTR prediction. However, most studies tried to solve the problem using only metadata such as user id, URL of the landing page, business category, device type, etc., and did not include multimedia contents such as images or texts. Using these multimedia features with deep learning techniques, we propose a method to effectively predict CTRs for online banners, a popular form of online advertisements. We show that multimedia features of advertisements are useful for the task at hand. In our previous work [ 1 ], we proposed a CTR prediction model, which outperformed the state-of-the-art method that uses the three features mentioned above, and also we introduced an attention network for visualizing how much each feature affected the prediction result. In this work, we introduce another text analysis technique and more detailed metadata. As a result, we have achieved much better performance as compared to our previous work. Besides, for better analyzing of our model, we introduce another visualization technique to show regions in an image that make its CTR better or worse. Our prediction model gives us useful suggestions for improving design of advertisements to acquire higher CTRs.
Discriminative Robust Head-Pose and Gaze Estimation Using Kernel-DMCCA Features Fusion
Authors: Rabba Salah , Kyan Matthew , Gao Lei , Quddus Azhar , Zandi Ali Shahidi , Guan Ling
Published: June 2020

There remain outstanding challenges for improving accuracy of multi-feature information for head-pose and gaze estimation. The proposed framework employs discriminative analysis for head-pose and gaze estimation using kernel discriminative multiple canonical correlation analysis (K-DMCCA). The feature extraction component of the framework includes spatial indexing, statistical and geometrical elements. Head-pose and gaze estimation is constructed by feature aggregation and transforming features into a higher dimensional space using K-DMCCA for accurate estimation. The two main contributions are: Enhancing fusion performance through the use of kernel-based DMCCA, and by introducing an improved iris region descriptor based on quadtree. The overall approach is also inclusive of statistical and geometrical indexing that are calibration free (does not require any subsequent adjustment). We validate the robustness of the proposed framework across a wide variety of datasets, which consist of different modalities (RGB and Depth), constraints (wide range of head-poses, not only frontal), quality (accurately labelled for validation), occlusion (due to glasses, hair bang, facial hair) and illumination. Our method achieved an accurate head-pose and gaze estimation of 4.8∘ using Cave, 4.6∘ using MPII, 5.1∘ using ACS, 5.9∘ using EYEDIAP, 4.3∘ using OSLO and 4.6∘ using UULM datasets.
Chapter 11 Coal mining subsidence in the UK
Authors: Donnelly Laurance
Published: June 2020

One of the geohazards associated with coal mining is subsidence. Coal was originally extracted where it outcropped, then mining became progressively deeper via shallow workings including bell pits, which later developed into room-and-pillar workings. By the middle of the 1900s, coal was mined in larger open pits and underground by longwall mining methods. The mining of coal can often result in the subsidence of the ground surface. Generally, there are two main types of subsidence associated with coal mining. The first is the generation of crown holes caused by the collapse of mine entries and mine roadway intersections and the consolidation of shallow voids. The second is where longwall mining encourages the roof to fail to relieve the strains on the working face and this generates a subsidence trough. The ground movement migrates upwards and outwards from the seam being mined and ultimately causes the subsidence and deformation of the ground surface. Methods are available to predict mining subsidence so that existing or proposed structures and land developments may be safeguarded. Ground investigative methods and geotechnical engineering options are also available for sites that have been or may be adversely affected by coal mining subsidence.
Staleness Control for Edge Data Analytics
Authors: Aral Atakan , Erol-Kantarci Melike , Brandić Ivona
Published: June 2020

A new generation of cyber-physical systems has emerged with a large number of devices that continuously generate and consume massive amounts of data in a distributed and mobile manner. Accurate and near real-time decisions based on such streaming data are in high demand in many areas of optimization for such systems. Edge data analytics bring processing power in the proximity of data sources, reduce the network delay for data transmission, allow large-scale distributed training, and consequently help meeting real-time requirements. Nevertheless, the multiplicity of data sources leads to multiple distributed machine learning models that may suffer from sub-optimal performance due to the inconsistency in their states. In this work, we tackle the insularity, concept drift, and connectivity issues in edge data analytics to minimize its accuracy handicap without losing its timeliness benefits. To this end, we propose an efficient model synchronization mechanism for distributed and stateful data analytics. Staleness Control for Edge Data Analytics (SCEDA) ensures the high adaptability of synchronization frequency in the face of an unpredictable environment by addressing the trade-off between the generality and timeliness of the model. Making use of online reinforcement learning, SCEDA has low computational overhead, automatically adapts to changes, and does not require additional data monitoring.
Cellular Automata in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Authors: Menshutina Natalia V. , Kolnoochenko Andrey V. , Lebedev Evgeniy A.
Published: June 2020

We review the modern state of cellular automata (CA) applications for solving practical problems in chemistry and chemical technology. We consider the problems of material structure modeling and prediction of materials’ morphology-dependent properties. We review the use of the CA approach for modeling diffusion, crystallization, dissolution, erosion, corrosion, adsorption, and hydration processes. We also consider examples of hybrid CA-based models, which are combinations of various CA with other computational approaches and modeling methods. Finally, we discuss the use of high-performance parallel computing to increase the efficiency of CA.
The Role of Water in Vapor-fed Proton-Exchange-Membrane Electrolysis
Authors: Fornaciari Julie C. , Gerhardt Michael R. , Zhou Jie , Regmi Yagya N. , Danilovic Nemanja , Bell Alexis T. , Weber Adam Z.
Published: June 2020

Water-vapor fed electrolysis, a simplified single-phase electrolyzer using a proton-exchange membrane electrode assembly, achieved >100 mA cm−2 performance at <1.7 V, the best for water-vapor electrolysis to date, and was tested under various operating conditions (temperature and inlet relative humidity (RH)). To further probe the limitations of the electrolyzer, a mathematical model was used to identify the overpotentials, local water activity, water content values, and temperature within the cell at these various conditions. The major limitations within the water-vapor electrolyzer are caused by a decreased water content within the membrane phase, indicated by increased Ohmic and mass transport losses seen in applied voltage breakdowns. Further investigations show the water content (λ, mole of water/mole of sulfonic acid) can decrease from 13 at low current densities down to 6 at high current densities. Increasing the temperature or decreasing RH exacerbates this dry-out effect. Using our mathematical model, we show how these mass transport limitations can be alleviated by considering the role of water as both a reactant and a hydrating agent. We show that low cathode RH can be tolerated as long as the anode RH remains high, showing equivalent performance as symmetric RH feeds.
Analysis of the Effect of Thermal Runaway Initiation Conditions on the Severity of Thermal Runaway—Numerical Simulation and Machine Learning Study
Authors: Kriston Akos , Podias Andreas , Adanouj Ibtissam , Pfrang Andreas
Published: June 2020

The main goal of this work is to understand the effect of thermal runaway initiation conditions on the severity of thermal runaway (TR) of Graphite—NMC (111) cells. A coupled electrical-thermal model is developed, which includes the initial energy input, the chemical decomposition processes of the anode, cathode and the electrical energy released by an internal short circuit. 780 different thermal runaway events are simulated and the output is analysed by machine learning techniques such as principal component analysis and clustering. It was found that TR events form 5 clusters between no thermal runaway and severe thermal runaway. Sensitivity analysis is applied on the 39 input invariants and the triggering energy input, resistance ratio, the heat convection coefficient, the ratio of activation energy of oxygen liberation and electrolyte evaporation are found to be the most important parameters. The later one determines the amount of electrolyte combustion. The probability of thermal runaway is calculated taking into account the most important parameters and their interactions. Finally, a combination of initiation parameters is suggested, which most likely results in a repeatable and reproducible outcome.
Volume Deformation of Large-Format Lithium Ion Batteries under Different Degradation Paths
Authors: Li Ruihe , Ren Dongsheng , Guo Dongxu , Xu Chengshan , Fan Xingcun , Hou Zhichao , Lu Languang , Feng Xuning , Han Xuebin , Ouyang Minggao
Published: June 2020

Lithium ion batteries experience volume deformation in service, leading to a large internal stress in modules and potential safety issues. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of volume deformation of a lithium ion battery is critical to ensuring the long-term safety of electric vehicles. In this work, the irreversible and reversible deformation of a large-format lithium ion battery under four degradation paths, including cycling at −5°C/1 C, 55°C/1 C and 25°C/4 C, and storage at 55°C/100% state of charge, are investigated using laser scanning. The reversible deformation decreases while the irreversible deformation increases as batteries age, following a linear trend with the state of health. The mechanism behind irreversible deformation is investigated using incremental capacity analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The irreversible deformation of the battery cycled at 25°C/4 C and stored at 55°C becomes extremely large below 80% state of health, mainly because of the additional deposit layers on the anode and increased gas production, respectively. Mechanical calculations show the huge stress in the aged modules. Proper spacers between batteries are suggested to reduce such damage. This study is valuable for understanding the mechanical safety of battery modules.
The Rare Case of an Adult-Onset Xanthogranuloma of the Paranasal Sinuses: A Histological Dilemma
Authors: Bastianpillai J. , Haloob N. , Panchappa S. A. , Marais J.
Published: June 2020

Xanthogranuloma is a rare benign tumour, part of the non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis group, uncommon in adults and even less common in the paranasal sinuses. Despite its benign nature, it mimics neoplasm due to its local effects which can have serious functional consequences depending on the anatomical location. We present the rare case of a young lady who presented insidiously with a maxillary sinus xanthogranuloma and was treated with endoscopic resection. Tissue diagnosis is of paramount importance to guide correct further investigations and management, and we discuss the potential challenge in identifying such a rarely seen pathology.
Interactions between Bacteriophages and Eukaryotic Cells
Authors: Putra Ramendra Dirgantara , Lyrawati Diana
Published: June 2020

As the name implies, bacteriophage is a bacterium-specific virus. It infects and kills the bacterial host. Bacteriophages have gained attention as alternative antimicrobial entities in the science community in the western world since the alarming rise of antibiotic resistance among microbes. Although generally considered as prokaryote-specific viruses, recent studies indicate that bacteriophages can interact with eukaryotic organisms, including humans. In the current review, these interactions are divided into two categories, i.e., indirect and direct interactions, with the involvement of bacteriophages, bacteria, and eukaryotes. We discuss bacteriophage-related diseases, transcytosis of bacteriophages, bacteriophage interactions with cancer cells, collaboration of bacteriophages and eukaryotes against bacterial infections, and horizontal gene transfer between bacteriophages and eukaryotes. Such interactions are crucial for understanding and developing bacteriophages as the therapeutic agents and pharmaceutical delivery systems. With the advancement and combination of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches and clinical trials, bacteriophages definitely serve as useful repertoire for biologic target-based drug development to manage many complex diseases in the future.
Monitoring LST-NDVI Relationship Using Premonsoon Landsat Datasets
Authors: Guha Subhanil , Govil Himanshu , Diwan Prabhat
Published: June 2020

The present study monitors the interrelationship of land surface temperature (LST) with normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in Raipur City of India using premonsoon Landsat satellite sensor for the season of 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018. The results describe that the mean LST of Raipur City is gradually increased with time. The value of mean NDVI is higher in the area below mean LST compared to the area above mean LST. The value of mean NDVI is also higher in Landsat 8 data than Landsat 5 and Landsat 7 data. A strong negative LST-NDVI correlation is observed throughout the period. The correlation coefficient is higher in the area above mean LST and lower in the area below mean LST. The value of the correlation coefficient is decreased with time. The mixed urban landscape of the city is closely related to the changes of LST-NDVI relationship. These results provide systematic planning of the urban environment.
Dysregulation in Plasma ω3 Fatty Acids Concentration and Serum Zinc in Heavy Alcohol-Drinking HCV Patients
Authors: Vatsalya Vatsalya , Agrawal Ruchita , Frimodig Jane , Srivastava Shweta , Schwandt Melanie L.
Published: June 2020

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients comorbid with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (HCV + AUD) could have progressively severe clinical sequels of liver injury and inflammation. Serum zinc and several polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) get dysregulated in AUD as well as HCV. However, the extent of dysregulation of PUFAs and zinc deficiency and their interaction in HCV + AUD as a comorbid pathology has not been studied. We examined the role of dysregulation of FAs and low zinc in HCV + AUD patients. 138 male and female participants aged 21–67 years were grouped as HCV-only (Gr. 1; n = 13), HCV + AUD (Gr. 2; n = 25), AUD without liver injury (Gr. 3; n = 37), AUD with liver injury (Gr. 4; n = 51), and healthy volunteers (Gr. 5 or HV; n = 12). Drinking history, individual demographic measures, fasting fatty acids, liver function, and zinc were measured and analyzed. HCV + AUD patients showed the highest ALT level compared to the rest of the groups. Serum zinc concentrations were the lowest, and the proinflammatory shift was the highest (characterized by ω6 : ω3 ratio) in the HCV + AUD patients. Total ω3, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA5,3) were the lowest in HCV + AUD patients. Total ω3, α-linoleic acid (α-LA) along with covariable number of drinking days past 90 days (NDD90), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA5,3) independently showed significant association with low zinc in the HCV + AUD patients. Heavy drinking pattern showed that NDD90 has a significant mediating role in the representation of the relationship between candidate ω3 PUFAs and zinc uniquely in the HCV + AUD patients. Low serum zinc showed a distinctively stronger association with total and candidate ω3s in the HCV + AUD patients compared to the patients with HCV or AUD alone, supporting dual mechanism involved in the exacerbation of the proinflammatory response in this comorbid cohort. This trial is registered with NCT#00001673.
Nailfold Capillary Hemorrhages: Microvascular Risk Factors for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Pfahler Nicholas M. , Barry Jordan L. , Bielskus Indre E. , Kakouri Agni , Giovingo Michael C. , Volpe Nicholas J. , Knepper Paul A.
Published: June 2020

Background. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is associated with systemic microvascular dysfunction including hemorrhages and other abnormalities of the nailfold capillary bed. This study aimed to verify the specificity of nailfold capillary hemorrhages and other abnormalities as risk factors for POAG. Methods. Nailfold video capillaroscopy was performed using a JH-1004 capillaroscope on the fourth and fifth digits of the nondominant hand in control (n = 277), POAG (n = 206), OHT (n = 57), and SG (n = 29) subjects. The number of hemorrhages, dilated capillaries >50 µm, and avascular zones ≥200 µm were counted and adjusted to counts per 100 capillaries. Descriptive analyses as well as univariate- and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression were performed comparing all groups with controls and POAG with OHT and SG. Subanalyses were conducted in POAG patients examining the association between nailfold capillary outcomes and previous glaucoma surgery, successful IOP control, or disease severity. Results. All nailfold capillary outcomes were significantly increased in POAG, no outcomes were increased in SG, and only hemorrhages were mildly increased in OHT. Hemorrhages were significantly more frequent in POAG compared with both OHT (P<0.0001) and SG (P=0.001). There were significant trends between higher numbers of hemorrhages and POAG compared with controls, OHT, and SG, with odds ratios of 18.3 (8.5–39.4), 9.1 (1.9–13.4), and 11.8 (1.7–7.3), respectively, for the presence of two or more hemorrhages per 100 capillaries. Hemorrhages were not significantly associated with previous glaucoma surgery, successful postoperative IOP control, or disease severity in POAG. Conclusions. These findings suggest that systemic microvascular dysfunction is frequent in POAG and occurs early in the disease process. The high specificity of nailfold hemorrhages makes them viable clinical risk factors for POAG.
Acehnese Cultural Leaders’ Perspective on Anemia in Pregnant Women: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Darmawati Darmawati , Siregar Tongku N. , Kamil Hajjul , Tahlil Teuku
Published: June 2020

Introduction. Anemia during pregnancy is one of the commonest issues in pregnancy. Cultural belief is among the contributing factors to this problem. This study aims to explore the cultural leaders’ perception on Acehnese culture regarding anemia in pregnancy. Methods. The qualitative study was conducted using three in-depth interviews and a focus group discussion with Acehnese cultural leaders. Data analysis was conducted by the inductive content analysis method. Results. Four themes emerged from interviews and discussion: (1) cultural beliefs about anemia; (2) locally resourced food; (3) husband participation in preventing anemia during pregnancy; (4) do’s and don’ts. Conclusion. Our findings provide insight into how cultural leaders’ perceptions of anemia are in pregnancy and how they are integrated strongly into Acehnese people’s lives. These findings would assist in developing culturally adapted strategic policy to prevent anemia during pregnancy.
Plattenepithelkarzinom des Ösophagus: Zielgerichtete Therapie weiterhin gesucht
Authors: Stahl Michael
Published: June 2020

Background: Palliative chemotherapy of advanced oesophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) consists of cisplatin/5-fluorouracil (CF) to target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) with panitumumab (P); chemotherapy enhanced overall survival (OS) in advanced colorectal or squamous cell head and neck cancers. With prospective serum and tumour biomarkers, we tested if P added to CF (CFP) improved OS in advanced ESCC. Patients and methods: Eligible patients with confirmed ESCC that was not curatively resectable or did not qualify for definitive radiochemotherapy, were randomised 1:1 to receive CF [cisplatin (C) 100mg/m2 i.v., day 1; 5-fluorouracil (F) 1000mg/m2 i.v., days 1-4] or CF plus P (9mg/kg, i.v., day 1, each q3-week cycle) until progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity. Safety was reviewed by the Data Safety Monitoring Board after 40, 70 and 100 patients who completed at least one cycle. After 53 enrolled patients, cisplatin was reduced from 100mg/m2 to 80mg/m2. Results: The trial was stopped early based on interim efficacy results triggered by the third safety analysis: median OS (mOS) favoured CF over CFP, regardless of cisplatin dose [hazard ratio (HR) 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-2.98; P=0.028]. In the final analysis, mOS was 10.2 versus 9.4 months for CF versus CFP, respectively (HR 1.17, 95% CI 0.79-1.75; P=0.43). One hundred (70.4%) of 142 patients in the safety population died, 51 (51.0%) with CFP. Most deaths were related to disease progression [44/49 (90%) deaths in CF versus 34/51 (67%) deaths in CFP]; objective responses [27/73 (37.0%)] were identical. The most common serious adverse events were kidney injury [3 (4.3%) versus 7 (9.7%)], general health deterioration [5 (7.1%) versus 5 (6.9%)] and dysphagia [4 (5.7%) versus 4 (5.6%)] in CF versus CFP, respectively. There were three (4.3%) and 17 (23.6%) common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) grade 5 events in CF versus CFP, respectively. Low soluble (s)EGFR levels were associated with better progression-free survival; sEGFR was induced under CFP.Conclusion: EGFR inhibition added to CF did not improve survival in unselected advanced ESCC patients. The results support further liquid biopsy studies.
Anwendung von Venetoclax in Kombination mit hypomethylierenden Wirkstoffen zur Behandlung von Patienten mit neu diagnostizierter akuter myeloischer Leukämie
Authors: Jonas Brian A. , Pollyea Daniel A.
Published: June 2020

Die akute myeloische Leukämie (AML) ist, insbesondere bei älteren Patienten, bei denen die Krankheit am häufigsten auftritt, mit schlechten Behandlungsergebnissen verbunden. Für den Fortbestand und die Aufrechterhaltung der AML spielt das antiapoptotische Protein B-Zell-Lymphom 2 (BCL-2) eine Rolle, das in der leukämischen Stammzellpopulation überexprimiert wird. Venetoclax ist ein oraler BCL-2-Proteininhibitor, der kürzlich von der US-amerikanischen Food and Drug Administration (FDA) für die Anwendung in Kombination mit einem hypomethylierenden Wirkstoff (hypomethylating agent, HMA) (Azacitidin oder Decitabin) oder niedrig dosiertem Cytarabin zur Front-Line-Therapie der AML bei älteren Patienten oder solchen, die für eine Induktions-Chemotherapie ungeeignet sind, zugelassen wurde. Angesichts des einzigartigen Wirkmechanismus überrascht es nicht, dass diese breit wirksame Therapie mit speziellen Herausforderungen verbunden ist, darunter, aber nicht ausschließlich, die Geschwindigkeit des Ansprechens, die Häufigkeit und Tiefe von Zytopenien und Aspekte im Zusammenhang mit Arzneimittelwechselwirkungen. Vor dem Hintergrund der kürzlichen Zulassung durch die FDA und der zunehmenden Verbreitung wollen wir in der vorliegenden Arbeit auf Basis der Evidenzlage und Erfahrungen neue Behandlungsstrategien für die Kombination von HMAs und Venetoclax in der Therapie der AML zusammenfassen.
Fox-Fordyce Disease: Dermoscopic Perspective
Authors: Singal Archana , Kaur Ishmeet , Jakhar Deepak
Published: June 2020

Fox-Fordyce disease (FFD) is a rare chronic skin disease of the apocrine unit. It presents chiefly in postpubertal females as grouped, monomorphic, skin-colored follicular papules associated with intense pruritus commonly in axillae but may involve pubic, perineal, areolar, and umbilical areas [An Bras Dermatol. 2018;93(1):161–2]. Diagnosis is mostly clinical as histological features are often nonspecific and variable. However, the lesions at times may be mistaken for irritant contact dermatitis, lichen nitidus, syringoma, etc. [J Dermatol. 2009;36(9):485–90]. Dermoscopy is being increasingly utilized in pigmentary and inflammatory skin disorders. In this communication, we describe the dermoscopic features in FFD, which shows typical light brown to dark brown folliculocentric structureless areas with loss of dermatoglyphics. Some of the lesions also show hyperkeratotic follicular plugging.
Malignes Mesotheliom: Die diagnostische Aussagekraft einer Computertomographie kritisch hinterfragen
Authors: Keymel Stefanie
Published: June 2020

Background: Medical history, thoracentesis, and imaging features are usually the first steps in the investigation of a possible malignant pleural effusion (MPE). Unfortunately, the diagnostic yield of thoracentesis in this situation is suboptimal even if the procedure is repeated, especially in the context of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). The next step for confirming the diagnosis, if clinically appropriate, is thoracoscopy, but not all patients are fit to undergo this procedure, so the diagnosis is then based on the medical history and imaging features only. Objectives: Our objective was to evaluate the diagnostic value of the medical history and imaging features in MPM. Methods: We reviewed the imaging and medical charts of 92 patients with a final diagnosis of MPE included in our prospective medical thoracoscopy database. The clinical characteristics and imaging features of patients with primary MPE were compared with those of patients with secondary MPE. Results: Male sex (82 vs. 59%, p = 0.02), asbestos exposure (58 vs. 10%, p < 0.001), and mediastinal (68 vs. 33%, p = 0.04), diaphragmatic (75 vs. 31%, p = 0.001) and circumferential pleural thickening (55 vs. 19% p = 0.001) were significantly more frequent in MPM patients. In a multivariate linear regression model, only asbestos exposure (OR 11.2; 95% CI 3.4-36.9) and circumferential pleural thickening (OR 4.7; 95% CI 1.6-13.9) were significantly associated with a diagnosis of MPM. Conclusion: In situations where it is impossible to obtain adequate pleural samples to differentiate MPM from a secondary pleural malignancy, the combination of circumferential pleural thickening and a history of asbestos exposure may be sufficient to make a clinical diagnosis.
Tardigrades Research in Brazil: an overview and updated checklist
Authors: Barros Rodolfo Corrêa de
Published: June 2020

Tardigrades are microscopic animals, commonly referred to as “water bears”, and comprise the phylum Tardigrada. They are found in diverse habitats in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments worldwide. In this paper, it is presented a brief history of the study of tardigrades in Brazil and an updated species checklist of Brazilian tardigrades. Since the first report in 1913, the number of tardigrades records has increased, reflecting advances in the understanding the diversity of tardigrades in Brazil. A total of 100 species known from Brazil are listed, being 30 in marine and 70 in terrestrial and freshwater environments. The records are concentrated in Southeast (47.1%) and Northeast (41.3%) regions. Despite the advances, further research and sampling of new areas is still needed, besides reanalysis and confirmation of old records. Brazil, with its vast territory, extensive continental shelf and great diversity of biomes, has great potential to expand our knowledge of tardigrades fauna.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Catheterization Laboratory Survey
Authors: Banerjee Subhash , Tarantini Giuseppe , Abu‐Fadel Mazen , Banerjee Avantika , Little Bertis B. , Sorajja Paul , Shishehbor Mehdi H. , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: June 2020

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is expected to affect operations and lifestyles of interventional cardiologists around the world in unprecedented ways. Timely gathering of information on this topic can provide valuable insight and improve the handling of the ongoing and future pandemic outbreaks.

Methods and Results

A survey instrument developed by the authors was disseminated via e‐mail, text messaging, WhatsApp, and social media to interventional cardiologists between April 6, 2020, and April 11, 2020. A total of 509 responses were collected from 18 countries, mainly from the United States (51%) and Italy (36%). Operators reported significant decline in coronary, structural heart, and endovascular procedure volumes. Personal protective equipment was available to 95% of respondents; however FIT‐tested N95 or equivalent masks were available to only 70%, and 74% indicated absence of coronavirus disease 2019 pretesting. Most (83%) operators expressed concern when asked to perform cardiac catheterization on a suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 patient, primarily because of fear of viral transmission (88%). Although the survey demonstrated significant compliance with social distancing, high use of telemedicine (69%), and online education platforms (80%), there was concern over impending financial loss.

Conclusions

Our survey indicates significant reduction in invasive procedure volumes and concern for viral transmission. There is near universal adoption of personal protective equipment; however, coronavirus disease 2019 pretesting and access to FIT‐tested N95 masks is suboptimal. Although there is concern over impending financial loss, substantial engagement in telemedicine and online education is reported.
Guidance on Short‐Term Management of Atrial Fibrillation in Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Rattanawong Pattara , Shen Win , El Masry Hicham , Sorajja Dan , Srivathsan Komandoor , Valverde Arturo , Scott Luis R.
Published: June 2020

Atrial fibrillation is a common clinical manifestation in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Medications used to treat atrial fibrillation, such as antiarrhythmic drugs and anticoagulants, may have significant drug interactions with emerging COVID‐19 treatments. Common unintended nontherapeutic target effects of COVID‐19 treatment include potassium channel blockade, cytochrome P 450 isoenzyme inhibition or activation, and P‐glycoprotein inhibition. Drug‐drug interactions with antiarrhythmic drugs and anticoagulants in these patients may lead to significant bradycardia, ventricular arrhythmias, or severe bleeding. It is important for clinicians to be aware of these interactions, drug metabolism changes, and clinical consequences when choosing antiarrhythmic drugs and anticoagulants for COVID‐19 patients with atrial fibrillation. The objective of this review is to provide a practical guide for clinicians who are managing COVID‐19 patients with concomitant atrial fibrillation.
Limitations of the Ordinary-Crimes Approach to the International Crime of Rape: the Case of Uganda
Authors: Lubaale Emma Charlene
Published: June 2020

Not many states have effective national laws on prosecution of international crimes. Presently, of the 124 states parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Rome Statute), less than half have specific national legislation incorporating international crimes. Some faith has been placed in the ordinary-crimes approach; the assumption being that states without effective laws on international crimes can prosecute on the basis of ordinary crimes. This article assesses the practicality of this approach with regard to the crime of rape in Uganda. Based on this assessment, the author draws a number of conclusions. First, that there are glaring gaps in the Ugandan definition of rape, making it impossible for it to be relied on. Secondly, although national courts have the option to interpret national laws with a view to aligning them with international law, the gaps salient in the definition of ordinary rape are too glaring; they cannot be remedied by way of interpretation without undermining the principle of legality. Thirdly, prosecuting the international crime of rape as an ordinary crime suggests that approaches applicable to the prosecution of ordinary rape will be invoked. Because these approaches were never intended to capture the reality of the international crime of rape, the ordinary-crimes approach remains illusory.
The Status in Nigeria of Treaties Predating the 1979 Constitution: Reflections on JFS v. Brawal Line Ltd
Authors: Enabulele Amos Osaigbovo , Osadolor Faith Osama
Published: June 2020

It is an essential ingredient of sovereignty that every State has an absolute jurisdiction to determine the laws that apply within its territory and to determine, by its laws, the organ of the State that has the competence to make laws and the procedures to be followed. The competent organ that makes municipal law (the legislature) is usually different from the organ that makes international law (the executive). As a result, and following the dictates of separation of powers, while the executive is competent to enter into treaties, its competence is eroded by the competence of the legislature when a treaty is intended to be applied to municipal subjects; such a treaty intrudes into the competence of the legislature. When this occurs, the municipal applicability of the treaty would turn on the requirements specified by municipal law. This is the function of section 12(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). This section bars the executive from transforming its treaty-making power into legislative powers by requiring legislative approval for the application of a treaty in Nigeria. Expectedly, the section has been variously interpreted and applied by Nigerian courts. This paper examines the views expressed by the Supreme Court in JFS v. Brawal Line Ltd and argues that the Supreme Court failed to give proper expression to the dualist nature of that section.
The Right to Privacy v National Security in Africa: Towards a Legislative Framework Which Guarantees Proportionality in Communications Surveillance
Authors: Mavedzenge Justice Alfred
Published: June 2020

Governments often resort to communications surveillance in order to combat threats against national security. Communication surveillance infringes upon the right to privacy. In order to protect privacy, international law requires communication surveillance to be proportionate. However, very little has been written to justify why this right deserves such protection in Africa, given counter-arguments suggesting that where national security is threatened, the state must be permitted to do everything possible to avert the threat, and the protection of privacy is an inconvenience. This article addresses these counter-arguments by demonstrating that the right to privacy deserves protection because it is as important as defending national security. It analyses approaches taken by selected African countries to regulate authorisation of communication surveillance. This article questions the assumption that prior judicial authorisation is the ideal approach to regulating communication surveillance in order to guarantee proportionality, and it suggests a need to consider other alternatives.
Redescription of the female, male, larva and pupa of Sabethes (Sabethoides) glaucodaemon (Dyar & Shannon) (Diptera: Culicidae) and description of the female genitalia
Authors: STEIN MARINA , BANGHER DEBORA N. , NEVES MAYCON SEBASTIÃO ALBERTO SANTOS , ALVAREZ CARLA N.
Published: June 2020

Sabethes (Sabethoides) glaucodaemon was described for the first time by Dyar & Shannon (1925) based on the adult female. Later, descriptions of the male genitalia and parts of the fourth-instar larva and pupa were published by other authors. No one has described the female genitalia or made a complete description of the larva and pupa. The aim of this study was to redescribe Sa. glaucodaemon in the adult stage, including the male and female genitalia, and the pupa and fourth-instar larva. All stages are illustrated. Distinctions from Sa. (Sbo.) tridentatus are discussed.