bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of home‐use light‐emitting diode device at 637 and 854‐nm for facial rejuvenation: A split‐face pilot study
Authors: Ng Janice Natasha C. , Wanitphakdeedecha Rungsima , Yan Chadakan
Published: July 2020

Background

The use of light‐emitting diode (LED) in combination wavelength for facial rejuvenation has been previously reported. Nowadays, there has been a growing market for home‐use cosmetic devices because of its low cost and convenience.

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of home‐use LED device on facial rejuvenation.

Methods

This was a prospective split‐face clinical trial with a total of 24 subjects, who presented with photo aging skin. All subjects were treated with the home‐use LED device on the left side of their face, twice a week for 8 weeks. Primary outcomes measured in the study were the changes in the biophysical properties of the skin assessed with the following parameters: skin elasticity, skin hydration, texture, and wrinkles. Evaluations were done at baseline, 2‐, 4‐, 6‐, and 8‐week follow‐up. Subjects’ self‐improvement scores and adverse reactions were also recorded.

Results

All 24 subjects completed the study and attended all follow‐up. Skin elasticity was significantly higher in the LED group compared to the control during the 6‐ and 8‐week follow‐up (P < .05). In the LED group, an image of the treated skin captured using Visioscan® showed improvement of the skin texture at 8‐week follow‐up. Majority of the subjects in the LED group scored good improvement on all follow‐ups (37.5%, 41.7%, 58.3%, and 62.5%) when compared to the baseline. No adverse reactions or pain were recorded in the study.

Conclusion

The home‐use LED device, with a combination wavelength of 637 and 854 nm, is safe and can be used as an adjunctive treatment for self‐administered facial rejuvenation.
Monetary Policy and Global Banking
Authors: BRÄUNING FALK , IVASHINA VICTORIA
Published: July 2020

When central banks adjust interest rates, the opportunity cost of lending in local currency changes, but—absent frictions—there is no spillover effect to lending in other currencies. However, when equity capital is limited, global banks must benchmark domestic and foreign lending opportunities. We show that, in equilibrium, the marginal return on foreign lending is affected by the interest rate differential, with lower domestic rates leading to an increase in local lending, at the expense of a reduction in foreign lending. We test our prediction in the context of changes in interest rates in six major currency areas.
Race, racism and disparities in obesity rates in the US
Authors: Nguemeni Tiako M. J. , Stanford F. C.
Published: July 2020

Click here to view the Letter to the Editor by Gower et al.
Microembolic Signals Detected by Transcranial Doppler Predict Future Stroke and Poor Outcomes
Authors: Das Alvin S. , Regenhardt Robert W. , LaRose Sarah , Monk Andrew D. , Castro Pedro M. , Sheriff Faheem G. , Sorond Farzaneh A. , Vaitkevicius Henrikas
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although transcranial Doppler detects microembolic signals (MES) in numerous settings, the practical significance of such findings remains unclear.

METHODS

Clinical information from ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack patients (n = 248) who underwent embolic monitoring from January 2015 to December 2018 was obtained.

RESULTS

MES were found in 15% of studies and ischemic recurrence was seen in 11% of patients (over 7 ± 6 days). Patients with MES had more lacunes than those without MES (1 ± 3 vs. 1 ± 2, P = .016), were more likely to have ischemic recurrence (37% vs. 6%, P < .001), undergo a future revascularization procedure (26% vs. 10%, P = .005), have a longer length of stay (9 vs. 4 days, P = .043), and have worse functional disability at discharge (modified Rankin Scale 3‐6, 66% vs. 34%, P < .001). After controlling for several relevant cofactors, patients with MES were more likely to have ischemic recurrence (HR 4.90, 95% CI 2.16‐11.09, P < .001), worse functional disability (OR 3.31, 95% CI 1.22‐8.99, P = .019), and longer length of stays (β = .202, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

MES may help to risk stratify patients as their presence is associated with ischemic recurrence and worse outcomes.
Paediatric liver transplantation in Australia and New Zealand: 1985‐2018
Authors: Stormon Michael O , Hardikar Winita , Evans Helen M , Hodgkinson Peter
Published: July 2020

Liver transplantation has become the standard of care for children with end‐stage liver disease. In Australia and New Zealand, there are four paediatric liver transplant units, in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland. Over the past 30 years, there have been significant changes to indications for transplant, as well as medical and surgical advances. In this paper, using retrospective data from the Australia and New Zealand Liver Transplant Registry, we review 977 children (less than 16 years of age) who underwent liver transplant from 1985 to 2018. The most common indication was biliary atresia (54%), although there has been an increase in other indications, including inborn errors of metabolism, fulminant hepatic failure and malignant liver tumours. Over the past 3 decades, areas of change and innovation include: the use of ‘split grafts’ to enable an adult and a child to receive the same donor liver, live donation, improvements in immunosuppressive regimens and infectious prophylaxis protocols and innovative surgical techniques allowing transplantation in smaller infants. The outcomes for children who undergo liver transplant in ANZ are excellent, with current 10‐year patient survival rates of 95%, comparable to other larger centres around the world.
Isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques for detection and identification of pathogenic fungi: A review
Authors: Silva Zatti Matheus , Domingos Arantes Thales , Cordeiro Theodoro Raquel
Published: July 2020

Background

Fungal infections have increased during the last years due to the AIDS epidemic and immunosuppressive therapies. The available diagnostic methods, such as culture, histopathology and serology, have several drawbacks regarding sensitivity, specificity and time‐consuming, while molecular methods are still expensive and dependent on many devices. In order to overcome these challenges, isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques (INAT) arose as promising diagnostic methods for infectious diseases.

Objective

This review aimed to present and discuss the main contributions of the isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques applied in medical mycology.

Methods

Papers containing terms for each INAT (NASBA, RCA, LAMP, CPA, SDA, HAD or PSR) and the terms ‘mycoses’ or ‘disease, fungal’ were obtained from National Center for Biotechnology Information database until August 2019.

Results

NASBA, RCA, LAMP and PSR are the INAT reported in the literature for detection and identification of pathogenic fungi. Despite the need of a previous conventional PCR, the RCA technique might also be used for genotyping or cryptic species differentiation, which may be important for the treatment of certain mycoses; nevertheless, LAMP is the most used INAT for pathogen detection.

Conclusion

Among all INATs herein reviewed, LAMP seems to be the most appropriate method for fungal detection, since it is affordable, sensitive, specific, user‐friendly, rapid, robust, equipment‐free and deliverable to end‐users, fulfilling all ASSURED criteria of the World Health Organization for an ideal diagnostic method.
Esophageal physiology—an overview of esophageal disorders from a pathophysiological point of view
Authors: Lottrup Christian , Khan Abraham , Rangan Vikram , Clarke John O.
Published: July 2020

The esophagus serves the principal purpose of transporting food from the pharynx into the stomach. A complex interplay between nerves and muscle fibers ensures that swallowing takes place as a finely coordinated event. Esophageal function can be tested by a variety of methods, endoscopy, manometry, and reflux monitoring being some of the most important. Regarding pathophysiology, motor disorders, such as achalasia, often cause dysphagia and/or chest pain. Functional esophageal disorders are a heterogeneous group with hypersensitivity as a dominant pathophysiological factor. Gastroesophageal reflux disease often causes symptoms, such as heartburn and regurgitation, and a spectrum of disease, ranging from minimal mucosal damage visible only in the microscope to esophageal ulcers and strictures in the most severe cases. Eosinophilic esophagitis is an immune‐mediated condition that can result in significant dysphagia and associated luminal narrowing. In the following, we will provide an overview of the most common esophageal disorders from a combined pathophysiological and clinical view.
Age‐related cerebrovascular carbon dioxide reactivity in children with ventricular septal defect younger than 3 years
Authors: Cui Boqun , Ou‐Yang Chuan , Xie Siyuan , Lin Duomao , Ma Jun
Published: July 2020

Background

Impaired cerebrovascular reactivity to carbon dioxide was proposed to contribute to neurological morbidity in children undergoing cardiac surgery. The objective of this study was to assess carbon dioxide reactivity and regional cerebral oxygen saturation in children younger than 3 years.

Methods

This study enrolled children younger than 3 years undergoing ventricular septal defect repair. The cohort was divided into three age groups: younger than 6 months, 6‐12 months, and 12‐36 months. Under steady‐state anesthesia, carbon dioxide reactivity was calculated by measuring changes in middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity using transcranial Doppler sonography. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation changes were measured by near‐infrared spectroscopy while endtidal carbon dioxide pressure was adjusted from 30 to 45 mm Hg.

Results

Carbon dioxide reactivity showed a statistically significant increasing relationship with age (younger than 6 months group: 4.42% ± 2.73%, 6‐12 months group: 5.86% ± 1.91%, 12‐36 months group: 7.58% ± 1.49%; P < .001). Regional cerebral oxygen saturation showed a statistically significant increasing relationship with age (younger than 6 months group: 65% ± 6%, 6‐12 months group: 68% ± 5%, 12‐36 months group: 70% ± 5%; P = .027). Regional cerebral oxygen saturation showed a statistically significant increasing relationship with endtidal carbon dioxide pressure in all children (P < .001).

Conclusion

Abnormal carbon dioxide reactivity is prevalent in children younger than 3 years and the degree varies according to age.
Multifocal infantile hemangiomas associated with concomitant giant hepatic rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma
Authors: Wessman Laurel L. , Mori Westley S. , Totoraitis Kristin , Murati Michael , Maguiness Sheilagh
Published: July 2020

We present a 9‐day‐old girl with multifocal cutaneous and hepatic infantile hemangiomas as well as a hepatic rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma. These two distinct vascular tumors have rarely been reported to co‐occur. We additionally review the sonographic features that distinguish a hepatic congenital hemangioma from the hepatic infantile hemangioma.
Colletotrichum species causing grape ripe rot disease in Vitis labrusca and V. vinifera varieties in the highlands of southern Brazil
Authors: Echeverrigaray Sergio , Scariot Fernando J. , Fontanella Gabrielli , Favaron Francesco , Sella Luca , Santos Murilo C. , Schwambach Joséli , Pedrotti Carine , Delamare Ana Paula L.
Published: July 2020

Ripe rot is one of the most important bunch diseases of grapes in the highlands of southern Brazil and a matter of concern for winegrowers. Sixty‐one strains isolated from berries of Vitis labrusca and V. vinifera varieties with symptoms were classified by phylogenetic analysis of the sequences of β‐tubulin, glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, D1/D2 domain of 28S rDNA, and rDNA internal transcribed spacer. They were also characterized by morphology, and their pathogenicity was evaluated. The combined molecular data allowed identification of six Colletotrichum species: C. fructicola, C. kahawae and C. viniferum (gloeosporioides complex), C. limitticola, C. nymphaeae (acutatum complex), and C. karstii (boninense complex). This is the first report of C. karstii and C. limitticola associated with the ripe rot of grapes. Morphological characteristics varied within and among species, confirming their separation at the complex level. Pathogenicity tests on V. vinifera berries showed that the most prevalent species, C. viniferum (37.8%) and C. fructicola (36.1%), were more virulent than the less prevalent species C. limitticola and C. karstii. Our findings indicate that there is a high diversity of Colletotrichum species associated with ripe rot disease of grapes in Brazil. There were no clear differences in the distribution of Colletotrichum species between V. labrusca and V. vinifera varieties. The determination of fungal species responsible for grape ripe rot in Brazilian vineyards may contribute to further epidemiological studies and the development of more efficient prophylactic methods for ripe rot management.
Policy Innovation Adoption Across the Diffusion Life Course
Authors: Mallinson Daniel J.
Published: July 2020

This study develops and tests a theory of the diffusion life course using a dataset of 566 policies adopted between 1960 and 2016. Previous small‐N studies found differences between leaders and laggards, but broader innovation theory points to five stages of adoption: innovation, early adoption, early majority, late majority, and laggard. This study demonstrates that predictors of policy adoption change throughout the diffusion life course. Neighbor adoptions matter early in the life course but are supplanted by the consistent effect of ideological learning across all stages. The results confirm that less professionalized states tend to adopt later. Finally, state wealth and population size are increasingly important as policies spread. These results have implications for our understanding of when and why states adopt policy innovations. They also illustrate the substantial opportunity for political science and public policy researchers to draw from broader theories.
A Simple New Approach to Variable Selection in Regression, with Application to Genetic Fine Mapping
Authors: Wang Gao , Sarkar Abhishek , Carbonetto Peter , Stephens Matthew
Published: July 2020

We introduce a simple new approach to variable selection in linear regression, with a particular focus on quantifying uncertainty in which variables should be selected. The approach is based on a new model—the ‘sum of single effects’ model, called ‘SuSiE’—which comes from writing the sparse vector of regression coefficients as a sum of ‘single-effect’ vectors, each with one non-zero element. We also introduce a corresponding new fitting procedure—iterative Bayesian stepwise selection (IBSS)—which is a Bayesian analogue of stepwise selection methods. IBSS shares the computational simplicity and speed of traditional stepwise methods but, instead of selecting a single variable at each step, IBSS computes a distribution on variables that captures uncertainty in which variable to select. We provide a formal justification of this intuitive algorithm by showing that it optimizes a variational approximation to the posterior distribution under SuSiE. Further, this approximate posterior distribution naturally yields convenient novel summaries of uncertainty in variable selection, providing a credible set of variables for each selection. Our methods are particularly well suited to settings where variables are highly correlated and detectable effects are sparse, both of which are characteristics of genetic fine mapping applications. We demonstrate through numerical experiments that our methods outperform existing methods for this task, and we illustrate their application to fine mapping genetic variants influencing alternative splicing in human cell lines. We also discuss the potential and challenges for applying these methods to generic variable-selection problems.
Is the unemployment–inflation trade‐off still alive in the Euro Area and its member countries? It seems so
Authors: Ribba Antonio
Published: July 2020

The unemployment–inflation trade‐off can be interpreted as a proposition concerning the response of these two variables to aggregate demand shocks. In this paper, we study the possible presence of the trade‐off in the Euro Area and in a wide group of Euro‐area countries in the last 20 years, that is, since the start of EMU. We use the structural VAR methodology that allows the separation between supply and demand shocks. Our main finding is that the existence of a trade‐off is largely confirmed both at the Euro Area and at the national level. Nevertheless, the size of the trade‐off, measured at different horizons, shows some heterogeneity among countries. No less important, when we augment the VAR model by introducing monetary policy in the context of an open economy, we find that monetary policy shocks push inflation and unemployment in opposite directions in the currency area. Another interesting result concerns the evidence of a relatively flat relation between unemployment and inflation, conditionally to monetary policy shocks. The bulk of these conclusions seem to be confirmed by a number of robustness checks.
Evaluation of the effects of helmet continuous positive airway pressure on laryngeal size in dogs anesthetized with propofol and fentanyl using computed tomography
Authors: Rondelli Vincenzo , Guarracino Alessandro , Iacobellis Pierpaolo , Grasso Salvatore , Stripoli Tania , Lacitignola Luca , Auriemma Edoardo , Romano Francesca , Araos Joaquin D. , Staffieri Francesco
Published: July 2020

Objective

To evaluate the effect of 5 cm H2O of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on laryngeal size in spontaneously breathing anesthetized dogs via computed tomography (CT).

Design

Prospective, randomized, cross‐over clinical study.

Setting

University teaching hospital and referral private practice.

Animals

Eight healthy client‐owned dogs undergoing CT.

Interventions

Dogs were sedated with acepromazine 20 μg/kg IM and induced with fentanyl 2 μg/kg and propofol 3–5 mg/kg IV before being maintained on fentanyl (5 μg/kg/h) and propofol (0.3 mg/kg/min) constant rate infusion. Dogs received an air/oxygen mixture with (CPAP) and without (NO‐CPAP) 5 cm H2O of CPAP in a random order. Each study step lasted 15 minutes.

Measurements and Main Results

Ten minutes after the beginning of each study period, a CT scan of the laryngeal region was obtained at end‐expiration. CT images were analyzed to determine the laryngeal cross‐sectional area (CSA; cm2), total volume (VTOT; cm3), and laterolateral and dorsoventral diameters (DLL and DDV, respectively; cm). Differences between the 2 treatments were analyzed with t‐test for paired data (P < 0.05). Compared to the NO‐CPAP, during CPAP the CSA increased by 53.3 ± 23.1% (ie, from 3.3 ± 0.8 to 5.1 ± 1.3 cm2, P = 0.0004), VTOT increased by 52.4 ± 13.6% (from 6.2 ± 1.7 to 9.4 ± 2.4 cm3, P < 0.0001), and DLL and DDV were 55.5 ± 13.3% (3.6 ± 0.8 vs 2.4 ± 0.5 cm, P = 0.006) and 20.3 ± 8.8% larger (3.2 ± 0.7 vs 2.7 ± 0.6 cm, P = 0.0002), respectively.

Conclusions

Laryngeal volume and cross sectional area increased during the application of 5 cm H2O of helmet CPAP in spontaneously breathing anesthetized dogs.
Screening of ectoparasites from domesticated dogs for bacterial pathogens in Vientiane, Lao PDR
Authors: Nguyen Hung Manh , Theppannga Watthana , Vongphayloth Khamsing , Douangngeun Bounlom , Blacksell Stuart D. , Robinson Matthew T.
Published: July 2020

Arthropod‐borne diseases are widespread worldwide and are a complex interaction between animals, humans and ectoparasites. The understanding of the diversity and epidemiology of organisms transmitted by arthropod vectors, and the role of hosts and vectors in transmission of infections remain limited in Lao PDR. What knowledge does exist is primarily focused on more rural regions of the country. This study screened ectoparasites from domestic dogs in Vientiane city for the presence of bacterial pathogens of zoonotic importance. A total of 3,511 arthropod vectors were collected from 112 dogs. Vectors collected were Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks, Ctenocephalides felis felis and Ctenocephalides felis orientis fleas and Heterodoxus spiniger lice. A sub‐sample of vectors from each dog was analysed by PCR to identify the potential bacteria. From 129 vector pools, Rickettsia spp. was detected in 6.7% (7/105) pools of ticks, 86.4% (19/22) pools of fleas and both pools of lice. Sequencing analysis confirmed Rickettsia felis in 13 flea pools and one louse pool and Rickettsia asembonensis in six flea pools. Anaplasmataceae was identified in 14.3% (15/105) tick pools and 100% (22/22) flea pools. Sequencing revealed the presence of Anaplasma platys in ticks and Wolbachia pipientis in fleas. Leptospira spp. was detected in one tick and one louse pool, and Brucella spp. was detected in 12.4% (13/105) tick pools. All samples were negative for Bartonella spp., Coxiella burnetii and Borrelia burgdorferi. This is the first study providing evidence of R. asembonensis in fleas in Laos. Results from this study show arthropods are potential vectors to transmit zoonotic infection in Vientiane city, suggesting humans are at risk of zoonotic infections in the city.
Passive Suppression of Self-Excited Combustion Instabilities in Liquid Spray Flame Using Microperforated Plate
Authors: Zhou Hao , Liu Zihua , Tao Chengfei , Zhou Mingxi
Published: July 2020

This paper presents an experimental investigation of using a microperforated plate (MPP) backed by an adjustable cavity to mitigate the combustion instabilities of liquid fuel swirl flame. The acoustic properties of MPPs with different porosities and aperture diameters were first tested in an impedance tube. At low bias flow rates, the sound reflection coefficients of MPPs with large holes commensurate well with the Luong model, and at high bias flow rates, the results of MPPs with small holes agree well with the predictions. The maximum sound absorption coefficient of each panel at the target frequency exceeded 95%. The perforated panels were then selected and integrated into a spray combustor individually. It was shown that the maximum reduction of pressure and heat release fluctuations inside the chamber was 14.91 dB and 13.40 dB, respectively. After noise elimination, the main frequencies of pressure and CH* signals were slightly shifted toward low frequencies. When the combustion conditions change, the MPPs operating near the optimal bias flow rates still have good sound absorption characteristics. After noise suppression, the synchronization between pressure and heat release signals was reduced, and the flame shapes were relatively stable. More generally, this study can promote the application of MPPs under bias flow in stabilizing the liquid spray combustion.
Numerical Investigation of a Mistuned Academic Bladed Disk Dynamics With Blade/Casing Contact
Authors: Joachim Jeanne , Nyssen Florence , Batailly Alain
Published: July 2020

This contribution focuses on the combined analysis of mistuning and unilateral blade-tip/casing contacts. A two-dimensional (2D) phenomenological finite element (FE) model of an aircraft engine fan stage is considered. It is reduced by means of the Craig–Bampton component mode synthesis method and contact treatment relies on a Lagrange multiplier algorithm within an explicit time-integration scheme. Blade-tip/casing contacts are initiated through the deformed shape of a perfectly rigid casing. Mistuning is accounted for on the blades only. Monte Carlo simulations are carried out in both linear and nonlinear configurations, which allows to compare amplifications predicted in both context due to mistuning. Following a thorough convergence analysis of the proposed numerical strategy, the influence of mistuning level as well as the configuration of the external forcing are investigated. Presented results underline the detrimental consequences of mistuning in a nonlinear structural context, yielding even higher vibration amplifications than in a linear context. A cross-analysis between linear and nonlinear computations reveals that no correlation is found between linear and nonlinear amplifications which suggests that the effect of existing strategies to mitigate vibration amplifications within a linear context may not be suitable within a nonlinear context.
Cooperation between
Broussonetia papyrifera
and Its Symbiotic Fungal Community To Improve Local Adaptation of the Host
Authors: Chen Peilin , Hu Yanmin , Tang Feng , Zhao Meiling , Peng Xianjun , Shen Shihua
Published: July 2020

The coevolution of plants with the associated fungal community and its effect on plant adaptability are not clear, especially for native trees. This study focuses on the genetic basis of local adaptation in plants and the effect of genetic divergence of
Broussonetia papyrifera
on the associated fungal community. We identified genes related to the microbiome that are important for local adaptation of the host. Our results show that genetic divergence in
B. papyrifera
significantly affects the fungal community, which has a close connection with local adaptation. This helps us to understand the relationship between local adaptation, genetic divergence, and associated fungal communities. This study highlights the effect of plant genetic divergence on associated fungal community for native trees and establishes a close connection between this effect and local adaptability in the host. In addition, these observations lay a foundation for the research of coevolution of plants and their symbiotic microbiome through genome-wide association study (GWAS).
A Highly Prevalent Polymorphism in the Core Region Impairs Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) by the cobas TaqMan HBV Assay
Authors: Boizeau Laure , Servant-Delmas Annabelle , Ducancelle Alexandra , Chevaliez Stéphane , Thibault Vincent , Laperche Syria , Cappy Pierre
Published: July 2020

The high genetic variability of hepatitis B virus (HBV) can impair DNA quantification. Here, we investigate a major underquantification of HBV by the cobas TaqMan HBV assay (CTM; Roche). In France, between 2005 and 2017, HBV DNA was detected in 3,102 blood donations by use of the CTM (95% limit of detection [LOD
95
], 4.8 IU/ml). HBV strains were sequenced in the S region (LOD
95
, ∼30 IU/ml). Concordant (
n
 = 120) and discordant (
n
 = 45) samples were identified according to the agreement between the plasma viral load (pVL) determined by the CTM and sequencing; all samples were also quantified using the RealTime HBV assay (RTH; Abbott).
Morphology, structure, and kinematics of the San Clemente and Catalina faults based on high-resolution marine geophysical data, southern California Inner Continental Borderland (USA)
Authors: Walton Maureen A.L. , Brothers Daniel S. , Conrad James E. , Maier Katherine L. , Roland Emily C. , Kluesner Jared W. , Dartnell Peter
Published: July 2020

Catalina Basin, located within the southern California Inner Continental Borderland (ICB), United States, is traversed by two active submerged fault systems that are part of the broader North America–Pacific plate boundary: the San Clemente fault (along with a prominent splay, the Kimki fault) and the Catalina fault. Previous studies have suggested that the San Clemente fault (SCF) may be accommodating up to half of the ∼8 mm/yr right-lateral slip distributed across the ICB between San Clemente Island and the mainland coast, and that the Catalina fault (CF) acts as a significant restraining bend in the larger transform system. Here, we provide new high-resolution geophysical constraints on the seabed morphology, deformation history, and kinematics of the active faults in and on the margins of Catalina Basin. We significantly revise SCF mapping and describe a discrete releasing bend that corresponds with lows in gravity and magnetic anomalies, as well as a connection between the SCF and the Santa Cruz fault to the north. Subsurface seismic-reflection data show evidence for a vertical SCF with significant lateral offsets, while the CF exhibits lesser cumulative deformation with a vertical component indicated by folding adjacent to the CF. Geodetic data are consistent with SCF right-lateral slip rates as high as ∼3.6 mm/yr and transpressional convergence of <1.5 mm/yr accommodated along the CF. The Quaternary strands of the SCF and CF consistently cut across Miocene and Pliocene structures, suggesting generation of basin and ridge morphology in a previous tectonic environment that has been overprinted by Quaternary transpression. Some inherited crustal fabrics, especially thinned crust and localized, relatively hard crustal blocks, appear to have had a strong influence on the geometry of the main trace of the SCF, whereas inherited faults and other structures (e.g., the Catalina Ridge) appear to have minimal influence on the geometry of active faults in the ICB.
Intrarift fault fabric, segmentation, and basin evolution of the Lake Malawi (Nyasa) Rift, East Africa
Authors: Scholz Christopher A. , Shillington Donna J. , Wright Lachlan J.M. , Accardo Natalie , Gaherty James B. , Chindandali Patrick
Published: July 2020

The Lake Malawi (Nyasa) Rift, in the East African Rift System (EARS), is an ideal modern analogue for the study of extensional tectonic systems in low strain rate settings. The seismically active rift contains the 700-m-deep Lake Malawi, one of the world’s oldest and largest freshwater lakes with one of the most diverse endemic faunal assemblages on Earth. Modern and reprocessed legacy multichannel seismic-reflection data are constrained by velocity information from a wide-angle seismic experiment to evaluate variability in extension, segmentation, and timing of fault development along the 550-km-long rift zone. Fault geometries and patterns of synrift sediment fills show that the Lake Malawi Rift is composed of three asymmetric rift segments, with intervening accommodation zone morphologies controlled by the degree of overlap between segment border faults. Most extension occurs on the basin border faults, and broadly distributed extension is only observed at one accommodation zone, where no border fault overlap is observed. Structural restorations indicate a weakly extended rift system (∼7 km), with diminishing values of extension and thinner rift fill from north to south, suggesting a progressively younger rift to the south. There is no evidence of diking, sill injection, or extrusives within the synrift fill of the Lake Malawi Rift, although the volcanic load of the Rungwe magmatic system north of the lake and related subsidence may explain the presence of anomalously thick synrift fill in the northernmost part of the lake. The thickest synrift depocenters (∼5.5 km) are confined to narrow 10- to 20-km-wide zones adjacent to each rift segment border fault, indicating concentration of strain on border faults rather than intrarift faults. Intrarift structures control axial sediment delivery in the North and Central rift segments, focusing sediment into confined areas resulting in localized overpressure and shale diapirs. The asymmetric, basement-controlled relief was established early in rift development. When overprinted with frequent high-amplitude hydroclimate fluctuations, which are well documented for this basin, the resulting highly variable landscape and lake morphometry through time likely impacted the diverse endemic faunas that evolved within the basin. New seismic-reflection data, augmented by wide-angle seismic data and age constraints from drill core, offer the most highly resolved 3D view to date of latest Cenozoic extensional deformation in East Africa and provide a foundation for hazards analysis, resource assessments, and constraining deformation in a low strain rate, magma-poor active rift.
Acute ophthalmoplegia in a patient with anti-GQ1b antibody and chronic facial diplegia
Authors: Du Fanny Huynh , Yerevanian Alexan , Shtrahman Matthew
Published: July 2020

A 56-year-old man with a remote history of bilateral recurrent facial palsies presented with a week of ophthalmoplegia with intact deep tendon reflexes and lack of ataxia, cerebrospinal fluid with albuminocytologic dissociation and elevated serum anti-ganglioside Q1b (GQ1b) IgG antibody. We diagnosed the patient with acute ophthalmoplegia without ataxia, a condition under the spectrum of anti-GQ1b antibody syndromes which also includes Miller Fisher syndrome. Given the rarity of recurrent facial palsies and anti-GQ1b antibody syndromes as well as reports associating facial palsies and this syndrome, we suggest that our case may be an unusual presentation of an anti-GQ1b antibody syndrome beginning with recurrent facial palsies several years prior to ophthalmoplegia. Prior studies of human nerves provide insight into the pathophysiology, including ganglioside distribution and cross-reactivities underlying the heterogeneity of anti-GQ1b antibody syndromes. This report may expand the differential diagnosis in patients with recurrent facial palsies and broaden the phenotype of anti-GQ1b syndromes.
Post-traumatic preauricular pulsatile swelling in a patient on oral anticoagulation therapy
Authors: Hazra Darpanarayan , Kota Albert Abhinay , Agarwal Sunil
Published: July 2020

The differential diagnoses for preauricular swellings include dermoid cyst, lymph nodes, lipoma, nerve sheath tumours, parotid swelling, mastoiditis, vascular malformations and arterio-venous fistulas aneurysms/pseudoaneurysms. Superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysm(s) (STAPA) are rare (1% of all aneurysms) vascular complications, which occur following a blunt injury of the head or iatrogenic causes. The use of anticoagulation therapy increases the risk of pseudoaneurysm formation. We present a case of traumatic STAPA while on oral anticoagulation. He was treated with surgical exploration, STAPA excision with ligation of the vessel. He had an uneventful recovery with a good functional and cosmetic outcome at 1 year.
Deferasirox-induced liver injury and Fanconi syndrome in a beta-thalassemia major male
Authors: Fraser Jacqueline , Brook Rowena , He Tony , Lewis Diana
Published: July 2020

A 33-year-old male presenting with subacute abdominal pain was found to have hyperbilirubinaemia, hypokalaemia and hyponatraemia. This was in the setting of transitioning between deferasirox iron chelator formulations, from dispersible tablets to film-coated tablets for ongoing treatment of chronic iron overload secondary to transfusion requirement for beta-thalassemia major. A liver biopsy demonstrated acute cholestasis with patchy confluent hepatocellular necrosis and mild to moderate microvesicular steatosis. Based on the histological, biochemical and clinical findings, the diagnosis of hepatotoxicity and Fanconi-like syndrome was made. The patient improved clinically and biochemically with cessation of the deferasirox film-coated tablets and supportive management. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of hepatotoxicity and Fanconi-like syndrome occurring due to deferasirox film-coated tablets with previous tolerance of dispersible deferasirox tablets. It is important to raise clinical awareness of this potentially severe complication.
Incidence of diabetes and prediabetes and predictors of glycemic change among South Asians in the USA: the MASALA study
Authors: Gujral Unjali P , Narayan K M Venkat , Kandula Namratha R , Liu Kiang , Kanaya Alka M
Published: July 2020

Introduction

South Asians have a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This may be associated with high rates of conversion through the natural history of disease. However, there is a paucity of data on prediabetes and T2DM incidence and related predictors in South Asians in the USA.

Research design and methods

We estimated prediabetes and T2DM incidence after 5 years of follow-up in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America study (n=481) and examined the associated correlates. We defined T2DM and prediabetes using the American Diabetes Association criteria. Prediabetes included isolated impaired fasting glucose (iIFG), isolated impaired glucose tolerance (iIGT) and combined IFG and IGT.

Results

Overall, 152 (32%, 95% CI: 27.6 to 35.9) individuals progressed either from normal glucose tolerance to prediabetes or T2DM, or from prediabetes to T2DM. In standardised logistic regression models controlling for age and sex, only hepatic fat attenuation (increased hepatic fat) (OR: 0.67 (95% CI: 0.55 to 0.87) per SD, visceral fat area (OR: 1.36 (95% CI: 1.06 to 1.74) per SD and hypertension (OR: 2.21 (95% CI: 1.44 to 3.40) were associated with any glycemic progression.

Conclusions

South Asians in the USA have a high incidence of dysglycemia. Hepatic and visceral fat may be factors in glycemic progression, and prevention efforts should target ectopic fat reduction.
Nasa dugo(‘It’s in the blood’): lay conceptions of hypertension in the Philippines
Authors: Lasco Gideon , Mendoza Jhaki , Renedo Alicia , Seguin Maureen L , Palafox Benjamin , Palileo-Villanueva Lia M , Amit Arianna Maever L , Dans Antonio L , Balabanova Dina , McKee Martin
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Understanding explanatory models is important for hypertension, a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. This article aims to determine what adult patients with hypertension in the Philippines attribute their condition to, how these views might be explained and what the implications are for hypertension management.

Methods

This is a qualitative study drawing on 71 semistructured interviews (40 initial and 31 follow-up) and four focus group discussions with patients diagnosed with hypertension. The setting was urban and rural low-income communities in the Philippines.

Results

Four prominent perceived causes were identified—genetics, heat, stress and diet—for what patients refer to as ‘high blood’. We propose a ‘folk physiology’ that rests on local understandings of blood and blood flow, draws from broader cultural notions of illness causation and accounts for a dynamic, non-chronic view of hypertension that in turn informs the health behaviours of those affected.

Conclusions

By understanding that hypertension is frequently seen not as a chronic constant condition but rather as an episodic one triggered by external influences, although in those genetically predisposed to it, it may be possible to address patient’s beliefs and thus adherence to treatment.
Attrition from specialised rehabilitation associated with an elevated mortality risk: results from a vital status tracing study in Swiss spinal cord injured patients
Authors: Chamberlain Jonviea D , Eriks-Hoogland Inge E , Hug Kerstin , Jordan Xavier , Schubert Martin , Brinkhof Martin W G
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Study drop-out and attrition from treating clinics is common among persons with chronic health conditions. However, if attrition is associated with adverse health outcomes, it may bias or mislead inferences for health policy and resource allocation.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study uses data attained through the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury (SwiSCI) cohort study on persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Vital status (VS) was ascertained either through clinic medical records (MRs) or through municipalities in a secondary tracing effort. Flexible parametric survival models were used to investigate risk factors for going lost to clinic (LTC) and the association of LTC with subsequent risk of mortality.

Results

1924 individuals were included in the tracing study; for 1608 of these cases, contemporary VS was initially checked in the MRs. VS was ascertained for 704 cases of the 1608 cases initially checked in MRs; of the remaining cases (n=904), nearly 90% were identified in municipalities (n=804). LTC was associated with a nearly fourfold higher risk of mortality (HR=3.62; 95% CI 2.18 to 6.02) among persons with traumatic SCI. Extended driving time (ie, less than 30 min compared with 30 min and longer to reach the nearest specialised rehabilitation facility) was associated with an increased risk of mortality (HR=1.51, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.22) for individuals with non-traumatic SCI.

Conclusion

The differential risk of LTC according to sociodemographic and SCI lesion characteristics underscores the importance of accounting for attrition in cohort studies on chronic disease populations requiring long-term care. In addition, given the associated risk of mortality, LTC is an issue of concern to clinicians and policy makers aiming to optimise the long-term survival of community-dwelling individuals with traumatic SCI. Future studies are necessary to verify whether it is possible to improve survival prospects of individuals LTC through more persistent outreach and targeted care.
Retinal detachment in retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Chan Weng Onn , Brennan Nicholas , Webster Andrew R , Michaelides Michel , Muqit Mahiul M K
Published: July 2020

Objective

Retinitis pigmentosa-related retinal detachment (RPRD) is rare, and the full spectrum of retinal complications is not well defined. To describe the types of retinal detachment in patients with retinitis pigmentosa and the surgical outcomes of RPRD.

Methods

This is a non-comparative, retrospective case series. An electronic database search was performed using Moorfields OpenEyes electronic health records. We identified 90 patients with RPRD between January 2000 and August 2017. Main outcome and measures are visual acuity (VA), surgical outcomes and classification of RPRD.

Results

Of the 90 patients/detachments, 61 (67.8%) were rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), 19 (21.1%) were exudative, 3 (3.3%) were tractional retinal detachment (TRD) and 7 (7.8%) had combined. 37.5% (9/24) of patients with exudative retinal detachment were treated with either cryotherapy or laser, and one patient underwent vitrectomy for vitreous haemorrhage. 56/90 patients underwent surgical intervention. Nine patients presented late and were deemed inoperable (two exudative and seven RRD). Of the RRD patients with full operative record, the primary attachment rate was 76.2% (16/21) and final reattachment rate was 85.7% (18/21) over a mean 15.4-year follow-up period. Mean VA for RRD surgery improved from 6/190 (1.51 logMAR) to 6/120 (1.31 logMAR) (p=0.194). In the TRD group, the mean VA was 6/300 (1.66 logMAR) at baseline and improved after surgery to 6/48 (0.90 logMAR) (p=0.421).

Conclusions

We demonstrated a final reattachment rate of 85.7% with a trend toward better vision following intervention for patients with RPRD. However, the final long-term vision may be poor due to the natural progression of retinitis pigmentosa-associated macular degeneration.
Amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations on Alzheimer’s disease with depression: evidence from resting-state fMRI
Authors: Mu Yuzhu , Li Yumei , Zhang Qi , Ding Zhongxiang , Wang Mei , Luo Xingguang , Guo Xiaoyun , Xu Maosheng
Published: July 2020

Background

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) comorbid with depression is common. However, the mechanisms of AD with depression remain unclear.

Aims

To investigate the regional alterations of brain activity of AD with depression in resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI).

Methods

154 patients with AD who met the inclusion criteria were recruited from the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital from October 2014 to October 2016. According to whether the core symptoms of depression were present, patients were divided into two groups, 22 patients with AD with depression (AD-D) and 52 patients with AD without depression (AD-nD). The amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) was compared between two groups by performing independent-samples t-test.

Results

Compared with the AD-D group, increased ALFF values in the bilateral superior frontal gyrus, left middle frontal gyrus and left inferior frontal gyrus were observed in the AD-nD group. The brain activity in the AD-nD group in the bilateral superior frontal gyrus, left middle frontal gyrus and the left inferior frontal gyrus was higher than the AD-D group.

Conclusions

Resting-state brain functional alterations may be closely bound up with the pathophysiologic features of patients with AD with depressive symptoms.
Treating canine pyoderma with topical antibacterial therapy
Authors: Frosini Siân‐Marie , Loeffler Anette
Published: July 2020

Background: The historical concept that topical treatments have to ‘sting, stain and stink’ in order to be effective has long been overhauled. A broad range of topical antibacterial products is now available, some as prescription‐only medicines following efficacy and safety studies, others are accessible to owners without prescription and marketed as antibacterial. Now, with the emergence of multidrug‐resistant bacteria to systemic therapies, the role of topical therapy has changed from supportive to mainstay in many infections. However, the outcome of topical therapy relies heavily on owner and patient compliance, and engaging owners in the process can be time‐consuming and challenging for veterinary practitioners.

Aim of the article: This article summarises the latest evidence relating to topical antibacterial treatments for canine pyoderma, provides practical tips on how to maximise treatment success, and highlights where topical therapy can replace systemic antibiotics to support good antimicrobial stewardship.
Morphological and evolutionary patterns of emerging arctic coastal landscapes: the case of northwestern Nunavik (Quebec, Canada)
Authors: Boisson Antoine , Allard Michel
Published: July 2020

Northwestern Nunavik (Quebec, Canada) is characterized by specific landforms and poorly documented examples of emerging coastal landscapes. In this study, we identified the different types of coasts and examined how they were morphologically reworked and shaped during the Holocene. This coastal region is currently emerging at rates of 8–9 mm/year due to glacial isostatic adjustment. The coastal zone includes a large number of glacial and glaciofluvial landforms such as De Geer moraines, eskers, and drumlinoid ridges that are continuously modified by coastal processes as they emerge. Wave erosion, shore drifting, and sedimentation transform the original landforms into transverse spits, tombolos, dunes, beaches, and narrow tidal flats. Once raised above the reach of storm surges, the coastal landscape evolves into a maze of low tundra ridges, wetlands, and lakes, which represent the end point of rapid shoreline regression. Exposure to a cold climate allows permafrost inception and aggradation in the uplifted sediments, forming features such as ice-wedge polygons and frost boils. Conceptual models of coastal evolution and ecosystem formation are proposed, from the original submarine landscapes to the emerged landscapes.