bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Current Status and Challenges in the Development of Vaccines and Drugs against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome‐Corona Virus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2)
Authors: Beeraka Narasimha M. , Tulimilli SubbaRao V. , Karnik Medha , Sadhu Surya P. , Pragada Rajeswara Rao , Aliev Gjumrakch , Madhunapantula SubbaRao V.
Published: June 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection causes coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19), which is characterized by clinical manifestations such as pneumonia, lymphopenia, severe acute respiratory distress, and cytokine storm. S glycoprotein of SARS‐CoV‐2 binds to angiotensin‐converting enzyme II (ACE‐II) to enter into the lungs through membrane proteases consequently inflicting the extensive viral load through rapid replication mechanisms. Despite several research efforts, challenges in COVID‐19 management still persist at various levels that include (a) availability of a low cost and rapid self‐screening test, (b) lack of an effective vaccine which works against multiple variants of SARS‐CoV‐2, and (c) lack of a potent drug that can reduce the complications of COVID‐19. The development of vaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2 is a complicated process due to the emergence of mutant variants with greater virulence and their ability to invoke intricate lung pathophysiology. Moreover, the lack of a thorough understanding about the virus transmission mechanisms and complete pathogenesis of SARS‐CoV‐2 is making it hard for medical scientists to develop a better strategy to prevent the spread of the virus and design a clinically viable vaccine to protect individuals from being infected. A recent report has tested the hypothesis of T cell immunity and found effective when compared to the antibody response in agammaglobulinemic patients. Understanding SARS‐CoV‐2‐induced changes such as “Th‐2 immunopathological variations, mononuclear cell & eosinophil infiltration of the lung and antibody‐dependent enhancement (ADE)” in COVID‐19 patients provides key insights to develop potential therapeutic interventions for immediate clinical management. Therefore, in this review, we have described the details of rapid detection methods of SARS‐CoV‐2 using molecular and serological tests and addressed different therapeutic modalities used for the treatment of COVID‐19 patients. In addition, the current challenges against the development of vaccines for SARS‐CoV‐2 are also briefly described in this article.
Utilization of Integrated Community Case Management and Its Factors in Southern Ethiopia: Facility Based-Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yohannes Samuel , Habtu Yitagesu , Abreham Bereket , Ayele Menen
Published: June 2021

Background. An integrated community case management (ICCM) program fosters child health care seeking and access to appropriate treatment for illnesses in children at the community level in Ethiopia. There is paucity of evidence to the utilization of ICCM services by mothers/child caregivers in rural Sothern Ethiopia. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the utilization of integrated community case management (ICCM) and its factors among mothers/child caregivers in rural Southern Ethiopia. Methods. A multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants in health care facilities offering child health care services. An exit interview was conducted on 574 mothers/child caregivers in randomly selected public health centres. Data were entered using Epi Info and transported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Results. Only less than a quarter of participants visited health posts for ICCM services during the study period. Those study participants who have not heard about ICCM service before the survey were about 6.53 times more likely not to use the services as compared to those who have heard about the service. Participants who were not members of the women’s development team were about 2.23 times more likely not to utilize ICCM services when compared to their counterparts. Conclusion. The study shows low utilization of ICCM service by children less than five years. Prior information about ICCM services and membership in the health development army was significantly associated with ICCM use. Therefore, our finding may suggest the need for advocacy to increase participation in the health development army and information education to increase the level of awareness and formal education efforts.
Diagnostic Implication and Clinical Relevance of Dermatomal Somatosensory Evoked Potentials in Patients with Radiculopathy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Jo Nam-Gyu , Ko Myoung-Hwan , Won Yu Hui , Park Sung-Hee , Kim Gi-Wook , Seo Jeong-Hwan
Published: June 2021

Objective. Dermatomal somatosensory evoked potentials (DSEPs) are used to evaluate abnormalities of the somatosensory tract. There have been some studies on the diagnostic value of DSEP in radiculopathy, but it is still controversial. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the diagnostic implication and clinical relevance of DSEPs in patients with radiculopathy by comparing DSEP findings to radiculopathy symptoms and intervertebral foramen (IVF) or spinal canal stenosis in lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods. This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of patients (n = 59) who were examined by DSEP (each L4 and L5 dermatome) and lumbar MRI. Radiculopathy symptoms and DSEPs results were compared. For the evaluation of IVF and spinal canal size, sagittal (each bilateral L4/5 and L5/S1 IVF) and axial MR images were selected at the most stenotic level. The sizes of the IVF and spinal canal were measured by the pixel counts of selected MR images. In addition, stenosis severity was morphologically graded on a 4-point scale. DSEP results were compared with the size and grade of the IVF or spinal canal stenosis. Results. DSEPs showed high sensitivity for radiculopathy symptoms. The IVF size at L4/5 and L5/S1 (pixel counts) was significantly related to either L4 or L5 dermatomal somatosensory pathway dysfunction, respectively. However, spinal stenosis (pixel counts and grade) and IVF stenosis grade were not significantly related to DSEPs. Conclusion. This paper could be helpful in the electrophysiologic diagnosis of lumbar radiculopathy.
Genetic Algorithm and BP Neural Network for College Physical Education Teaching Evaluation
Authors: Wang Shuxin
Published: June 2021

Physical education is considered as the essential part of health plan and also reflects the higher education system. A teacher with physical education is accountable to teach physical education and/or health education to the students. This study has proposed a new approach for teaching evaluation with college physical education in universities. By combining neural network with genetic algorithm (GA), the approach that we proposed can improve the general traditional BP network, such as global convergence and training time. The model uses MATLAB software for empirical research work. According to MATLAB simulation and experiments, it was revealed that the combining neural network with GA algorithm has effective application prospects for the teaching evaluation with college physical education in universities.
ANOVA-Based Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer with Bone Metastasis and Rehabilitation Treatment
Authors: Yuan Feng , He Ling , Zhu Yancui , Guo Honglei
Published: June 2021

This study was to analyze the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of prostate cancer patients with bone metastasis and the difference in the rehabilitation effect of patients with different bone metastases. The MRI, diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), magnetic resonance elastic imaging (MRE), and MRI + DWI + MRE imaging were performed on 200 prostate cancer patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University hospital. The prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and prostate volume in patients with bone metastases were analyzed. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the four detection methods of bone metastases in prostate cancer were detected. In addition, the changes of the bone metabolism index β-special collagen sequence (β-CTX), type I procollagen amino terminal propeptide (PINP), and osteocalcin (BGP) of the patients were analyzed and compared before and after the treatment. The results showed that the levels of PSMA4 (17.35 ± 51.64 ng/mL) and PSA (15.86 ± 6.33 ng/mL) in nonbone metastatic prostate cancer patients were much lower than those of osteogenic bone metastases (668.95 ± 47.13 ng/mL and 202.15 ± 31.53 ng/mL), mixed bone metastases (637.63 ± 41.35 ng/mL and 186.45 ± 24.86 ng/mL) prostate patients. The sensitivity (96.25%), specificity (89.85%), and accuracy (98.53%) of MRI + DWI + MRE in the prostate cancer bone metastasis were obviously higher than those of MRI (86.46%, 78.31%, and 90.31%), DWI (88.11%, 82.53%, and 91.43%), and MRE (83.36%, 76.94%, and 89.76%). The levels of β-CTX (0.41 ± 0.07 ng/mL), PINP (39.04 ± 6.38 ng/mL), and BGP (17.56 ± 4.22 ng/mL) after treatment in patients with nonbone metastasis prostate cancer were greatly lower than those of osteogenic bone metastases (0.66 ± 0.08 ng/mL, 51.45 ± 7.45 ng/mL, and 33.65 ± 6.14 ng/mL) and patients with mixed bone metastases (0.75 ± 0.12 ng/mL, 53.66 ± 9.22 ng/mL, and 31.24 ± 5.73 ng/mL), showing statistically obvious differences (

P
<
0.05

). In short, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MRI + DWI + MRE in detection of prostate cancer bone metastasis were better than those of a single examination method, showing significant impacts on the rehabilitation of patients with prostate cancer bone metastasis.
On Ve-Degree-Based Irregularity Properties of the Crystallographic Structure of Molecules
Authors: Jahanbani Akbar , Khoeilar Rana , Shooshtari Hajar
Published: June 2021

Irregularity indices are usually used for quantitative characterization of the topological structure of nonregular graphs. In numerous applications and problems in material engineering and chemistry, it is useful to be aware that how irregular a molecular structure is? In this paper, we are interested in formulating closed forms of irregularity measures of some of the crystallographic structures of

Cu

2

O

p
,
q
,
r

and crystallographic structure of titanium difluoride of

T

i

F

2

p
,
q
,
r

. These theoretical conclusions provide practical guiding significance for pharmaceutical engineering and complex network and quantify the degree of folding of long organic molecules.
Clinical Effects of Form-Based Management of Forceps Delivery under Intelligent Medical Model
Authors: Xin Siming , Wang Zhizhong , Lai Hua , Liu Lingzhi , Shen Ting , Xu Fangping , Zeng Xiaoming , Zheng Jiusheng
Published: June 2021

Background. Forceps delivery is one of the most important measures to facilitate vaginal delivery. It can reduce the rate of first cesarean delivery. Frustratingly, adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with forceps delivery have been frequently reported in recent years. There are two major reasons: one is that the abilities of doctors and midwives in forceps delivery vary from hospital to hospital and the other one is lack of regulations in the management of forceps delivery. In order to improve the success rate of forceps delivery and reduce the incidence of maternal and neonatal complications, we applied form-based management to forceps delivery under an intelligent medical model. The aim of this work is to explore the clinical effects of form-based management of forceps delivery. Methods. Patients with forceps delivery in Maternal and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University were divided into two groups: form-based patients from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020, were selected as the study group, while traditional protocol patients from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2018, were chosen as the control group. Then, we compared the maternal and neonatal outcomes of these two groups. Results. There were significant differences in the maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes such as rate of postpartum hemorrhage, degree of perineal laceration, and incidence of neonatal facial skin abrasions between the two groups, whereas differences in the incidence of asphyxia and intracranial hemorrhage were not significant. Conclusions. Form-based management could help us assess the security of forceps delivery comprehensively, as it could not only improve the success rate of the one-time forceps traction scheme but also reduce the incidence of maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes effectively.
Theoretical Analysis and Experimental Validation on Galloping of Iced Transmission Lines in a Moderating Airflow
Authors: Huo Bing , Li Xuliang , Cui Fujiang , Yang Shuo
Published: June 2021

Galloping of an iced transmission line subjected to a moderating airflow has been analysed in this study, and a new form of galloping is discovered both theoretically and experimentally. The partial differential equations of the iced transmission line are established based on the Hamilton theory. The Galerkin method is then applied on the continuous model, and a discrete model is derived along with its first two in‐plane and torsional modes. A trapezoidal wind field model is built through the superposition of simple harmonic waves. The vibrational amplitude is generally observed to be more violent when the wind velocity decreases, except in the 2nd in‐plane mode. Furthermore, the influence of the declining wind velocity rates on galloping is analysed using different postdecline wind velocities and the duration of the decline in wind velocities. Subsequently, an experiment has been carried out on a continuous model of an iced conductor in the wind tunnel dedicated for galloping. The first two in‐plane modal profiles are observed, along with their response to the moderating airflow. Different declining rates of the wind velocity are also verified in the wind tunnel, which show good agreement with the results simulated by the mathematical model. The sudden increase in the galloping amplitude poses a significant threat to the transmission system, which also improves the damage mechanism associated with the galloping of a slender, a long structure with a noncircular cross‐section.
Efficiency of Treatment Plant and Drinking Water Quality Assessment from Source to Household, Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Desye Belay , Belete Biniam , Asfaw Gebrezgi Zinabu , Terefe Reda Tsegaye
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Access to safe drinking water is essential to health, and it is a basic human right. However, drinking water treatment plant efficiency and its water quality are not well investigated in low-income countries including Ethiopia. Methods. A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 75 water samples. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 22 to generate descriptive statistics, and one-way ANOVA was used to test statistically significant difference. Results. Physicochemical qualities of the water samples from tap water sources were found to be pH (6.88 ± 0.05), turbidity (5.15 ± 0.006 NTU), electrical conductivity (170.6 ± 0.1 μS/cm), residual chlorine (0.19 ± 0.003 mg/L), and fluoride (1.17 ± 0.009 mg/L). The removal efficiency of turbidity, total hardness, and nitrate was found to be 94.4%, 52.3%, and 88.7%, respectively. Removal efficiency of the treatment plant for total coliforms up to 91.6% (15 ± 0.26 CFU/100 mL in tap water) and faecal coliforms up to 99% (1.51 ± 0.03 CFU/100 mL in tap water) was recorded. Parameters of pH, temperature, and faecal coliform were statistically significant different at

p
<
0.05

in tap water source. The overall efficiency of the treatment plant (68.5%) and the water quality index (76) were recorded. Conclusion. Based on the results, some of the investigated parameters of water quality (turbidity, residual chlorine, total coliform, and faecal coliform) were found to be not within the permissible limits of WHO guideline values for drinking water quality. The water quality index of the water samples was categorized under good water quality. To adequately treat drinking water and improve the treatment plant, adequate preliminary treatments like screening to reduce the incoming organic loading, proper chlorination of the drinking water system, and frequent monitoring and maintenance of the treatment plant system are required.
Overshunting-Related Cervical Myelopathy Causing Progressive Gait Disturbance: A Case Report
Authors: Vister Eva , Hammer Sebastiaan , Keunen Rudolf W.M. , Rijssenbeek Astrid L. , van der Gaag Niels A.
Published: June 2021

A complication of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting is overdrainage or overshunting of cerebrospinal fluid, which can cause formation of hygroma but in rare cases also cervical myelopathy at a later stage. In this article, we describe a very late complication of VP shunting. We present a 75-year-old man, previously given a VP shunt at the age of 46, who developed a progressive gait disturbance and ataxia of the limbs after 27 years. MRI showed a cervical stenosis and myelopathy as a result of venous engorgement due to chronic overshunting of the VP shunt. Revision of the VP shunt resulted in complete resolution of his neurological symptoms and the cervical myelopathy. Cervical myelopathy due to chronic overshunting is a rare and potentially very late complication of a VP shunt. Our case underlines the importance of awareness of this complication while proper treatment can reverse the associated symptoms fully.
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Associated with COVID-19: A Review with an Emphasis on Mucocutaneous and Kawasaki Disease-Like Findings
Authors: Marzano Angelo Valerio , Cassano Nicoletta , Moltrasio Chiara , Verdoni Lucio , Genovese Giovanni , Vena Gino Antonio
Published: June 2021

Background: COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects children with less severe symptoms than adults. However, severe COVID-19 paediatric cases are increasingly reported, including patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) or a multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) that can present with features resembling KD. Summary: MIS-C is an emerging severe paediatric syndrome associated with COVID-19 that can show overlapping features of KD, KD shock syndrome, and toxic shock syndrome. MIS-C might be an inflammatory disease distinct from KD resulting from an exaggerated immune response. A high prevalence of mucocutaneous manifestations – in addition to gastrointestinal and cardiovascular involvements – was found in MIS-C. The most frequent mucocutaneous findings were conjunctivitis and rash, often described as macular and/or papular or polymorphous. In this article, we present a brief overview of MIS-C with an emphasis on mucocutaneous findings and the relationship with KD.
SARC-F Is Inaccurate to Identify Geriatric Rehabilitation Inpatients at Risk for Sarcopenia: RESORT
Authors: Dedeyne Lenore , Reijnierse Esmee M. , Pacifico Jacob , Kay Jacqueline E. , Maggs Patricia , Verschueren Sabine , Tournoy Jos , Gielen Evelien , Lim Wen Kwang , Maier Andrea B.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Sarcopenia is highly prevalent in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients; screening using the Strength, Assistance in walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs, Falls history questionnaire (SARC-F) has been recommended. This study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the SARC-F in identifying sarcopenia according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP), EWGSOP2, and Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) definitions in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients. Methods: REStOring health of acutely unwell adulTs (RESORT) is an observational, longitudinal cohort of geriatric rehabilitation inpatients. The SARC-F was completed for 2 time-points, status at preadmission (1 month before admission) and at admission; a score ≥4 was considered at risk for sarcopenia. Muscle mass (bioelectrical impedance analysis), handgrip strength (handheld dynamometry), and gait speed (4-m walk test) were measured at admission. Diagnostic accuracy was determined by sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC). Results: The sarcopenia prevalence (n = 290, median age 84.0 years [IQR 79.0–89.0], 56.9% female) was 40.3% (EWGSOP1), 25.4% (EWGSOP2), and 38.8% (AWGS). For preadmission and admission status, respectively, the SARC-F identified 67.9 and 82.1% (EWGSOP), 66.0 and 81.0% (EWGSOP2), and 67.5 and 81.6% (AWGS) inpatients at risk for sarcopenia. The SARC-F showed fair sensitivity (67–74%), poor specificity (32–37%), and poor AUC (0.411–0.474) to identify inpatients at risk for sarcopenia at preadmission status, and fair-good sensitivity (79–84%), poor specificity (17–20%), and poor AUC (0.401–0.432) to identify inpatients at risk for sarcopenia at admission, according to EWGSOP, EWGSOP2, and AWGS definitions. Conclusion: The SARC-F showed poor diagnostic accuracy in identifying sarcopenia in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients. Assessment of sarcopenia is recommended without screening.
Epidemiological Risk Factors Associated with Acne Vulgaris Presentation, Severity, and Scarring in a Singapore Chinese Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Heng Anna Hwee Sing , Say Yee-How , Sio Yang Yie , Ng Yu Ting , Chew Fook Tim
Published: June 2021

Background: Acne vulgaris is classified based on the severity of skin lesions and post-healing scar types of these lesions. Numerous epidemiology studies have investigated the risk factors associated with acne presentation and severity, but studies for acne scarring are lacking. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of acne, severity, and scarring grades and their associated risk factors among Singapore Chinese. Methods: A total of 3,888 subjects (2,090 cases/1,798 controls; median age = 21 ± 4.589; range 17–71) completed an investigator-administered questionnaire as part of a cross-sectional study, which included sociodemographics, familial medical history, lifestyle factors, dietary habits, and acne history. Acne cases were further evaluated for their severity (n = 991) and scarring (n = 988) grades by a trained personnel. Results: The majority of the acne cases had mild acne/grade 1 scarring, while less than 1% had severe acne/grade 4 scarring. Parental acne was significantly associated with acne presentation and moderate/severe acne, while sibling acne was significantly associated with grade 3/4 scarring. Gender and age affected acne severity and scarring but not acne presentation, while tertiary maternal education level and the possession of ≥3 siblings were particularly associated with acne scarring. Underweight BMI was protective against acne presentation, while atopic diseases (asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema) were its predisposing factors. Of the evaluated lifestyle factors, computer/TV usage had significant association with acne presentation, while alcohol consumption was significantly associated with acne severity. Frequent milk consumption was associated with a protective effect for moderate-severe acne, while frequent butter consumption had a detrimental effect on acne scarring extent. Conclusion: Positive familial history is a strong predisposing factor in determining acne presentation, severity, and scarring. Demographic factors (gender, age) and sedentary lifestyle (increased computer/TV usage) influence acne presentation, while dietary habits (milk and butter consumption) influence acne severity and scarring. The predisposing factors revealed in this study could help us to gain insights into acne pathophysiology and hence develop interventions especially targeting modifiable risk factors.
Onycholemmal Horn: An Exceedingly Rare Subungual Tumor
Authors: Olvera-Rodríguez Valeria , Toussaint-Caire Sonia , Domínguez-Cherit Judith
Published: June 2021

The onycholemmal horn is an exceedingly rare subungual tumor characterized by trichilemmal-like keratinization pattern. The only previous instance of onycholemmal horn dates back to 1983 when Haneke reported a keratotic subungual tumor clinically and histologically comparable to a trichilemmal horn. No other case of this condition has been reported so far. We present the case of a 72-year-old female patient, with a history of a slowly growing tumor originating from the nail bed epithelium of the left thumb. The lesion was surgically removed, and pathological examination was consistent with the diagnosis of an onycholemmal horn. Additionally, this study aims to elucidate the correlation between the onycholemmal and trichilemmal keratinization.
Expert Statement: Pneumothorax Associated with One-Way Valve Therapy for Emphysema: 2020 Update
Authors: van Dijk Marlies , Sue Rick , Criner Gerard J. , Gompelmann Daniela , Herth Felix J.F. , Hogarth D. Kyle , Klooster Karin , Kocks Janwillem W.H. , de Oliveira Hugo G. , Shah Pallav L. , Valipour Arschang , Slebos Dirk-Jan
Published: June 2021

For selected patients with advanced emphysema, bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with one-way valves can lead to clinically relevant improvements of airflow obstruction, hyperinflation, exercise capacity, and quality of life. The most common complication of this procedure is pneumothorax with a prevalence of up to ±34% of the treated patients. Patients who develop a pneumothorax also experience meaningful clinical benefits once the pneumothorax is resolved. Timely resolution of a post-valve treatment pneumothorax requires skilled and adequate pneumothorax management. This expert panel statement is an updated recommendation of the 2014 statement developed to help guide pneumothorax management after valve placement. Additionally, mechanisms for pneumothorax development, risk assessment, prevention of pneumothorax, and outcomes after pneumothorax are addressed. This recommendation is based on a combination of the current scientific literature and expert opinion, which was obtained through a modified Delphi method.
Towards Precision Dermatology: Emerging Role of Proteomic Analysis of the Skin
Authors: Fredman Gabriella , Skov Lone , Mann Matthias , Dyring-Andersen Beatrice
Published: June 2021

Background: The skin is the largest organ in the human body and serves as a multilayered protective shield from the environment as well as a sensor and thermal regulator. However, despite its importance, many details about skin structure and function at the molecular level remain incompletely understood. Recent advances in liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) proteomics have enabled the quantification and characterization of the proteomes of a number of clinical samples, including normal and diseased skin. Summary: Here, we review the current state of the art in proteomic analysis of the skin. We provide a brief overview of the technique and skin sample collection methodologies as well as a number of recent examples to illustrate the utility of this strategy for advancing a broader understanding of the pathology of diseases as well as new therapeutic options. Key Messages: Proteomic studies of healthy skin and skin diseases can identify potential molecular biomarkers for improved diagnosis and patient stratification as well as potential targets for drug development. Collectively, efforts such as the Human Skinatlas offer improved opportunities for enhancing clinical practice and patient outcomes.
Structural Endpoints and Outcome Measures in Uveitis
Authors: Wintergerst Maximilian W.M. , Liu Xiaoxuan , Terheyden Jan H. , Pohlmann Dominika , Li Jeany Q. , Montesano Giovanni , Ometto Giovanni , Holz Frank G. , Crabb David P. , Pleyer Uwe , Heinz Carsten , Denniston Alastair K. , Finger Robert P.
Published: June 2021

Most uveitis entities are rare diseases but, taken together, are responsible for 5–10% of worldwide visual impairment which largely affects persons of working age. As with many rare diseases, there is a lack of high-level evidence regarding its clinical management, partly due to a dearth of reliable and objective quantitative endpoints for clinical trials. This review provides an overview of available structural outcome measures for uveitis disease activity and damage in an anatomical order from the anterior to the posterior segment of the eye. While there is a multitude of available structural outcome measures, not all might qualify as endpoints for clinical uveitis trials, and thorough testing of applicability is warranted. Furthermore, a consensus on endpoint definition, standardization, and “core outcomes” is required. As stipulated by regulatory agencies, endpoints should be precisely defined, clinically important, internally consistent, reliable, responsive to treatment, and relevant for the respective subtype of uveitis. Out of all modalities used for assessment of the reviewed structural outcome measures, optical coherence tomography, color fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence, and fluorescein/indocyanine green angiography represent current “core modalities” for reliable and objective quantification of uveitis outcome measures, based on their practical availability and the evidence provided so far.
Sibling Gender Effects on Test Scores
Authors: Cho Hyunkuk
Published: June 2021

This study examines the hypothesis that having an older sister causes one to perform relatively better at reading. For the analysis, a cross-subject analysis is conducted to examine a student's relative reading test score (reading test score minus math test score) based on older sibling gender. We found that a student's relative reading test score is larger when the student has an older sister than when he or she has an older brother. Further analyses show that although conversation frequency does not vary based on older sibling gender, siblings are more likely to talk about studying, career paths, or school life when an older sibling is a sister than when an older sibling is a brother.
Hemisphere-specific Parietal Contributions to the Interplay between Working Memory and Attention
Authors: Kiyonaga Anastasia , Powers John P. , Chiu Yu-Chin , Egner Tobias
Published: June 2021

To achieve our moment-to-moment goals, we must often keep information temporarily in mind. Yet, this working memory (WM) may compete with demands for our attention in the environment. Attentional and WM functions are thought to operate by similar underlying principles, and they often engage overlapping fronto-parietal brain regions. In a recent fMRI study, bilateral parietal cortex BOLD activity displayed an interaction between WM and visual attention dual-task demands. However, prior studies also suggest that left and right parietal cortices make unique contributions to WM and attentional functions. Moreover, behavioral performance often shows no interaction between concurrent WM and attentional demands. Thus, the scope of reciprocity between WM and attentional functions and the specific contribution that parietal cortex makes to these functions both remain unresolved. Here, we took a causal approach, targeting brain regions that are implicated in shared processing between WM and visual attention, to better characterize how those regions contribute to behavior. We first examined whether behavioral indices of WM and visual search differentially correlate with left and right parietal dual-task BOLD responses. Then, we delivered TMS over fMRI-guided left and right parietal sites during dual-task WM–visual search performance. Only right-parietal TMS influenced visual search behavior, but the stimulation either helped or harmed search depending on the current WM load. Therefore, whereas the left and right parietal contributions were distinct here, attentional and WM functions were codependent. Right parietal cortex seems to hold a privileged role in visual search behavior, consistent with prior findings, but the current results reveal that behavior may be sensitive to the interaction between visual search and WM load only when normal parietal activity is perturbed. The parietal response to heightened WM and attentional demands may therefore serve to protect against dual-task interference.
“That’s Opuntia, that was!”, again: a new combination for an old and enigmatic Opuntia s.l. (Cactaceae)
Authors: KÖHLER MATIAS , FONT FABIÁN , PUENTE-MARTINEZ RAUL , MAJURE LUCAS CHARLES
Published: June 2021

The genus Opuntia is one of the most emblematic of the cactus family (Cactaceae) and a species-rich clade within subfamily Opuntioideae. After molecular phylogenetic studies showed that the traditional broad circumscription of Opuntia could not be retained as the genus was polyphyletic, various segregated genera were recognize based on both morphological data and phylogenetic studies. Here, we reassessed an old and enigmatic taxon, O. schickendantzii, through molecular and morphological investigations. Our results support that O. schickendantzii was best circumscribed within the Salmonopuntia lineage based on molecular and morphological features. As a consequence, a new combination is proposed, and an epitype from the herbarium BAF is designated. An updated description of the taxon with illustrations is also given.
New replacement name for the genus Latitergum Yu, Ślipiński, Leschen, Ren & Pang, 2014 (Insecta: Coleoptera: Trogossitidae)
Authors: ZHANG YUBO
Published: June 2021

Yu, Ślipiński, Leschen, Ren and Pang (2014) established the trogossitid fossil genus Latitergum with the type species Latitergum glabrum Yu, Ślipiński, Leschen, Ren & Pang, 2014 from China (Jiulongshan Formation, Inner Mongolia). So far, this genus includes only type species and it is recorded only from China. It was used as a valid generic name in the family Trogossitidae (Insecta: Coleoptera).
A new species of Caenis Stephens, 1835 (Ephemeroptera: Caenidae) from Tamil Nadu, Southern India
Authors: MUTHUKATTURAJA MARIMUTHU , BALASUBRAMANIAN CHELLAIAH
Published: June 2021

A new mayfly species Caenis maduraiensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated from nymph and adults collected from lentic habitat around Madurai. The nymph can be distinguished by the following characters: anterior margin of labrum with row of bipectinate setae longer laterally and a group of highly fringed setae behind emargination; and hind claw long, slender and hooked with row of denticles. Adults are characterized by prosternal triangle with slightly concave sides, tip acutely pointed; apical part of forceps abruptly narrowed to the tip, with a long apical spine, and few trichomes on surface.
Effects of Wheat Grain Filling and Yield Formation by Exogenous Strigolactone Under Drought Condition
Authors: Wang Yanjing , Wang Linqing , Yang Xiwen , Li Xiangdong , Zang Hecang , Fang Baoting
Published: June 2021

Drought is one of the major disasters affecting wheat cultivation in northern China. Strigolactones (SLs, GR24) can regulate the growth and development of plants, but its application in wheat cultivation has yet to be further carried out. In this study, exogenous GR24 was sprayed
on the leaves to study its influence on the growth and yield formation of wheat. It was found that, under drought conditions, exogenous SLs could enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes in wheat, reduce membrane lipid peroxidation, increase the content of photosynthetic pigment, and thus
increase the yield of wheat. In conclusion, the research provided a technical and theoretical support for its wide application in wheat cultivation and production.
A Decade of Eastern Tropical Indian Ocean Observation Network (TIOON)
Authors: Zeng Lili , Chen Gengxin , Huang Ke , Chen Ju , He Yunkai , Zhou Fenghua , Yang Yikai , Liang Zhanlin , Peng Qihua , Shi Rui , Gamage Tilak Priyadarshana , Chen Rongyu , Li Jian , Zhang Zhenqiu , Wu Zewen , Yu Linghui , Wang Dongxiao
Published: June 2021

As an important part of the Indo-Pacific warm pool, the Indian Ocean has great significance for research on the Asian monsoon system and global climate change. From the 1960s onward, several international and regional programs have led to important new insights into the Indian Ocean. The eastern Tropical Indian Ocean Observation Network (TIOON) was established in 2010. The TIOON consists of two parts: large-scope observations and moored measurements. Large-scope observations are performed by the eastern Tropical Indian Ocean Comprehensive Experiment Cruise (TIO-CEC). Moored measurements are executed by the TIOON mooring array and the hydrological meteorological buoy. By 2019, 10 successful TIO-CEC voyages had been accomplished, making this mission the most comprehensive scientific investigation in China. The TIO-CEC voyages have collected temperature/salinity profiles, GPS radiosonde profiles, and other observations in the Indian Ocean. To supplement the existing buoy array in the Indian Ocean, an enhanced TIOON mooring array consisting of eight subthermocline acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) moorings, was established since 2013. The TIOON mooring equipped with both upward-looking and downward-looking WHLS75K ADCP provide valuable current monitoring information to depth of 1,000 m in the Indian Ocean. To improve air–sea interaction monitoring, two real-time hydrological–meteorological buoys were deployed in 2019 and 2020 in the equatorial Indian Ocean. A better understanding of the Indian Ocean requires continuous and long-term observations. The TIOON program and other aspiring field investigation programs will be promoted in the future.
Influence of sub-mesoscale topography on daytime precipitation associated with thermally driven local circulations over a mountainous region
Authors: Nishizawa Seiya , Yamaura Tsuyoshi , Kajikawa Yoshiyuki
Published: June 2021

In this study, the effect of sub-mesoscale topography (i.e., topographical features smaller than a few kilometers in size) on precipitation associated with thermally driven local circulations over a mountainous region is examined in the absence of synoptic-scale precipitation systems through a 100-m-mesh large-eddy simulation experiment. The observed effect of topography on precipitation is different to that identified in previous studies; sub-mesoscale topography is observed to induce a weakening effect on precipitation in this study, while previous studies have suggested that sub-mesoscale topography enhances precipitation. This discrepancy between studies is owing to differences in the scale of the topography and the precipitation-inducing system under consideration. Previous studies have focused on precipitation associated with synoptic-scale systems, where mechanical orographic forcing is dominant. The mechanism of the topographic effect where thermal orographic forcing is dominant was clarified in this study. Under thermally driven local circulation, the convergence of upslope flow near large-scale mountain ridges is one of the main causes of precipitation. Sub-mesoscale topographic features promote the detachment of upslope flow from the mountain surface and vertical mixing in the boundary layer. This detachment and mixing result in a weakening of convergence and updraft and reduction of equivalent potential temperature around the ridge that explains the observed weakening effect on precipitation. Cold pools formed by evaporation of rainfall associated with upslope flow enhance the weakening effect. These results confirm the importance of sub-mesoscale topography in orographic precipitation.
Subtotal Appendectomy to Treat Gangrenous Appendicitis Incarcerated in an Obturator Hernia
Authors: Kelly Colleen H. , Teicher Erik J.
Published: June 2021

Obturator hernias are quite rare in the world of hernias, and one that contains an acutely inflamed appendix becomes a very rare case indeed. An obturator hernia containing the appendix has been reported only 5 times in the surgical literature. Three of those cases were in elderly women with delayed presentations and were fatal. The most recent case was in a young woman with prompt laparoscopic appendectomy and no complications. We present a case in a 25-year-old man presenting with acute appendicitis and found to be incarcerated within the obturator canal during laparoscopy. The patient was treated with a 4-day course of postoperative antibiotics and a surgical drain that was later removed who had a full recovery. We conclude that the appropriate workup includes CT imaging and treatment with laparoscopic surgery for removal of the appendix.
Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery With Concomitant Hiatal Hernia Repair Using an Absorbable Tissue Matrix
Authors: Love Michael W. , Verna Daniel F. , Kothari Shanu N. , Scott John D.
Published: June 2021

Background

Hiatal hernias are a common finding in patients who undergo bariatric surgery with an incidence of about 20% of all bariatric patients. Controversy exists on the utility of a biosynthetic tissue matrix (BTM) usage in combination with crural repair. This study was designed to explore the safety and benefits of the use of a BTM during concomitant hiatal hernia repair with bariatric surgical procedures.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of bariatric surgical patients who underwent a concomitant hiatal hernia repair at a single practice at a tertiary academic medical center from January 2014 to February 2019.

Results

A total of 420 patients were reviewed. Hiatal BTM reinforcement, recurrence, and postoperative proton pump inhibitor use were reported by type of operation. Recurrence was higher in gastric bypass patients who underwent hiatal hernia repair with suture cruroplasty alone vs. those who also underwent hiatal BTM reinforcement (7.1% vs. 3.7%, P = .52) and significantly higher in gastric sleeve patients who underwent hiatal hernia repair with suture cruroplasty alone vs. those who also underwent hiatal BTM reinforcement (7.1% vs. .5%, P = .01). No patient required reoperation for hiatal hernia recurrence.

Discussion

Performing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or vertical sleeve gastrectomy with concomitant hiatal hernia repair is safe and durable. Employing crural reinforcement with BTM may be of benefit in reducing recurrence rates of hiatal hernia, particularly in sleeve gastrectomy patients.
The policing, investigation and governance of ‘Rogue Trader’ fraud: Whose responsibility?
Authors: Aplin Rachael
Published: June 2021

This Rogue Trader fraud study examines questionnaire data from 26 England and Wales police force intelligence branches (FIB) and trading standards focus group data. Findings highlight police disinclination to investigate and prosecute rogue trader ‘fraud’ due to its low priority; the complexity of level two criminality and stretched police resources, all exacerbated by poor application of the Fraud Act 2006. Placing artifice crimes on separate NPCC portfolios reduces the scope to identify patterns in crime series offending, fragmenting the intelligence picture. Whilst this crime lacks an enforcement arm and straddles trading standards and police remits, rogue trader remains ‘nobody’s problem’.
Simultaneous-integrated evaluation of mechanical–thermal sensory attributes of woven fabrics in considering practical wearing states
Authors: Liu Ling , Wei Li , Sun Fengxin
Published: June 2021

Tactile sensations of fabrics are the primary property determining the wearing comfort of clothing; however, comprehensive evaluation of the fabric tactile property by considering the flexural buckling of fabrics under high curvature, hysteresis performance and thermal property has not been fully studied, leading to a clear gap between the existing measurement methods and application requirements. Herein, a simultaneous-integrated testing method, namely the Touch Sensation Tester for Fabrics (TST-F) was introduced to evaluate the mechanical–thermal sensory properties of woven fabrics. The introduced instrument used one device with a single mechanical sensor to test various mechanical properties by constructing different deformations of fabrics, and the thermal property was simultaneously measured using an infrared detector array, achieving an efficient characterization of the mechanical–thermal sensation properties of textiles. The measurement capacity and repeatability of the TST-F were statistically analyzed; the measurement indices and their relation with fabric mechanical–thermal sensation properties were also exhibited. Results showed that the TST-F was promising to characterize fabric touch sensations in terms of bending stiffness, compression softness with wrinkling, stretching tightness and thermal comfort by considering the infrared transmission and heat conductivity of textiles.
Spring-resonance-assisted maximal power tracking control of a direct-drive wave energy converter
Authors: Wang Ning , Jia Yusen , Fu Shui
Published: June 2021

In this paper, to finely accommodate large-range wave frequencies on same sea areas, a spring resonance mechanism is created to facilitate maximal power tracking control of a direct-drive wave energy converter (DWEC) that is expected to be equipped on same sea areas, whereby the spring-resonance-assisted module is devised by mover-coaxial springs and reshapes the resonant-frequency pertaining to a specific spectrum. By virtue of modeling the spring-resonance-assisted DWEC system, a finite-time disturbance observer (FDO) is deployed to rapidly compensate environmental disturbances. Accordingly, the FDO-based integral sliding-mode (ISM) control framework is proposed, to accurately achieve the resonance between the DWEC buoy and wave, thereby contributing to spring-resonance-assisted maximal power tracking control (SR-MPTC) of the DWEC. Simulation studies and comprehensive comparisons demonstrate that the proposed SR-MPTC scheme performs remarkably fast adaptation and accurately maximal power tracking in the presence of disturbances and spring resonance assistance.
Valuation Implications of FAS 159 Reported Gains and Losses From Fair Value Accounting for Liabilities
Authors: Chung Sung Gon , Lee Cheol , Lobo Gerald J. , Yong Kevin Ow
Published: June 2021

This study examines the economic implications of fair value liability gains and losses arising from the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159 (hereafter, FAS 159). We find a positive correspondence between a firm’s FAS 159 fair value liability gains and losses and current period stock returns, consistent with the notion that these gains and losses are priced by equity investors. However, further analysis indicates that fair value gains and losses from liabilities have a statistically significant negative association with future returns, suggesting that investors misprice this earnings component and subsequently correct the mispricing. We also find that the negative association for fair value gains is stronger for firms with lower levels of institutional ownership.
Recherche et Applications en Marketing au cœur des transformations dans le monde de la recherche
Authors: Özçağlar-Toulouse Nil
Published: June 2021

Cet article présente de manière non exhaustive les récentes transformations de l’environnement académique de la revue Recherche et Applications en Marketing. Tout d’abord, la transformation de l’enseignement supérieur et de la recherche est évoquée. Ensuite, la question du classement des revues est abordée. Enfin, le tournant de la Science Ouverte est examiné. Ces trois champs de transformations ne sont pas sans poser des questions sur l’avenir de la revue Recherche et Applications en Marketing, dont les réponses reviennent à l’ensemble de la communauté.