bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Megacraniinae—The Palm Stick Insects: A new subfamily of Old World Phasmatodea and a redefinition of Platycraninae Brunner v. Wattenwyl, 1893 (Phasmatodea: “Anareolatae”)
Authors: HENNEMANN FRANK H.
Published: December 2020

The subfamily Platycraninae Brunner v. Wattenwyl, 1893 is polyphyletic in the traditional treatment. None of the genera attributed to the subfamily is closely related to the type-genus Platycrana Gray, 1835, which has already been suggested by morphological studies. The main key feature of Platycraninae traditionally used to characterize the subfamily, the remarkably large head and strongly enlarged genae (“cheeks”), is not true for Platycrana. Consequently, all other genera, the true “Palm Stick Insects” need to be removed from Platycraninae and are here accommodated in Megacraniinae subfam. nov.. Megacrania Kaup, 1871 is chosen as the type-genus of this new subfamily, because the name very well describes the main characteristic of this clade. Previous molecular studies have shown Megacraniinae subfam. nov. to be a member of the Old World family Phasmatidae s. str. (= Lanceocercata Bradler, 2001), which is characterized by the enlarged, laterally flattened and foliaceous or lanceolate cerci and by the male anal segment longitudinally split into two movable, interiorly dentate hemi-tergites that serve as a clasping apparatus to grasp the female abdomen during copulation and makes lacking a vomer. Neither character is true for Platycrana and Platycraninae sensu nov. respectively. Molecular studies have revealed Platycraninae sensu novo as the sister group of Phasmatidae s. str. (= Lanceocercata). The tribe Stephanacridini Günther, which has previously been without a subfamilar affiliation is transferred as a subordinate taxon of Platycraninae sensu novo. Platycraninae is characterized and distinguished from Phasmatidae s. str. (= Lanceocercata) by the small cylindrical cerci, simple anal segment and presence of a vomer in males, as well as the strongly keeled subgenital plate and remarkably elongated, filiform gonapophysis VIII of females, which greatly project over the apex of the abdomen. Characterizations are presented for Megacraniinae subfam. nov. as well as Platycraninae sensu nov. and its two tribes Platycranini and Stephanacridini. Lists of genera are provided for the three taxa. Three genera are removed from Platycraninae and Megacraniinae subfam. nov.: The Australian Echetlus Stål, 1875 is transferred to Phasmatinae: Acanthomimini and Redtenbacherus Özdikmen & Darilmaz, 2008 and Elicius Günther, 1935 are transferred to Lonchodidae: Necrosciinae. The male of Megacrania spina Hsiung, 2007 as well as the eggs of Megacrania brocki Hsiung, 2002, Erastus apalamnus Rehn, 1904, Ophicrania apterus (Redtenbacher, 1908), Ophicrania nigroplagiatus (Redtenbacher, 1908), Platycrana viridana (Olivier, 1792) and Macrophasma lyratus (Redtenbacher, 1908) are illustrated for the first time. Xenomaches moderata (Kirby, 1884) from the island of Ambon is synonymised with Platycrana viridana (Olivier, 1792) (syn. nov.).
The structure and musculature of male terminalia in the Palaearctic and Indo-Australian species of the eupitheciine genera Eupithecia Curtis, Gymnoscelis Mabille, and Pasiphila Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae)
Authors: SCHMIDT OLGA
Published: December 2020

Eupitheciini is a diverse cosmopolitan tribe of larentiine moths. The structure and musculature of the male terminalia were described in six Palaearctic and Indo-Australian eupitheciine species from the genera Eupithecia Curtis, Gymnoscelis Mabille, and Pasiphila Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae). The tergal flexors of the valvae, muscles m4, running to the medial part of the transtilla or to the membrane dorsad of the transtilla are identified as a potential synapomorphy for the tribe Eupitheciini. The tergal extensors of the valvae, muscles m3(2), running deep into the costa valvae is a possible synapomorphy for the genus Gymnoscelis. The genus Pasiphila does not share all eupitheciine characters, with the tergal flexors of the valvae, muscles m4, extending from the dorsal parts of the vinculum. The Eupithecia haworthiata species-group differs from other species-groups by the shape of the uncus and the sternal extensors of the valvae, muscles m8(3), with lateral fibres longer than the medial ones.
An inventory of online reptile images
Authors: MARSHALL BENJAMIN MICHAEL , FREED PAUL , VITT LAURIE J. , BERNARDO PEDRO , VOGEL GERNOT , LOTZKAT SEBASTIAN , FRANZEN MICHAEL , HALLERMANN JAKOB , SAGE RICHARD D. , BUSH BRIAN , DUARTE MARCELO RIBEIRO , AVILA LUCIANO JAVIER , JANDZIK DAVID , KLUSMEYER BORIS , MARYAN BRAD , HOŠEK JIŘÍ , UETZ PETER
Published: December 2020

No central online repository exists for the collection of animal images; hence it remains unclear how extensively species have been illustrated in the published literature or online. Here we compiled a list of more than 8000 reptile species (out of 11,341) that have photos in one of six popular online repositories, namely iNaturalist (6,349 species), the Reptile Database (5,144), Flickr (4,386), CalPhotos (3,071), Wikimedia (2,952), and Herpmapper (2,571). These sites have compiled over one million reptile photos, with some species represented by tens of thousands of images. Despite the number of images, many species have only one or a few images. This suggests that a considerable fraction of morphological and geographic variation is under documented or difficult to access. We highlight prominent gaps in amphisbaenians, lizards, and snakes, with geographic hotspots for species without images in Central Africa, Pacific Islands, and the Andes Mountains. We present a list of ~3,000 species without photos in any of the six databases and ask the community to fill the gaps by depositing images on one of these sites (preferably with minimal copyright restrictions).
New data of Nazeris Fauvel in Anhui, China (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae)
Authors: MIAO ZHENG-YI , HU JIA-YAO
Published: December 2020

A new species of Nazeris Fauvel, 1873 from Anhui, China, is described and illustrated: N. yaoluopingus, sp. n. Additional records of N. cultellatus Assing, 2013, an identification key to the Nazeris species in Anhui and a map showing their distribution are provided.
Pseudoepitheliomatous keratotic and micaceous balanitis: low-risk human papilloma virus detection in two further cases
Authors: Corbeddu Marialuisa , Pilloni Luca , Satta Roberta , Atzori Laura , Rongioletti Franco
Published: December 2020

We report two cases of histologically documented pseudoepitheliomatous keratotic and micaceous balanitis in middle-aged male patients, which showed positivity for low-risk serotype human papillomavirus DNA. To our knowledge, only one other case has been documented. Further immunohistochemical proliferative markers were performed and compared to literature findings in penile epithelial proliferations. Evolution to invasive verrucous carcinoma has been associated with absence of HPV DNA. Thus, if confirmed by further studies, HPV testing should be included in pseudoepitheliomatous keratotic and micaceous balanitis assessment to address prognosis, and management.
Faecal immunochemical testing in bowel cancer screening: Estimating outcomes for different diagnostic policies
Authors: Li Shuping J , Sharples Linda D , Benton Sally C , Blyuss Oleg , Mathews Christopher , Sasieni Peter , Duffy Stephen W
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The National Health Service Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (NHS BCSP) in England has replaced guaiac faecal occult blood testing by faecal immunochemical testing (FIT). There is interest in fully exploiting FIT measures to improve bowel cancer (CRC) screening strategies. In this paper, we estimate the relationship of the quantitative haemoglobin concentration provided by FIT in faecal samples with underlying pathology. From this we estimate thresholds required for given levels of sensitivity to CRC and high-risk adenomas (HRA).

Methods

Data were collected from a pilot study of FIT in England in 2014, in which 27,238 participants completed a FIT. Those with a faecal haemoglobin concentration (f-Hb) of at least 20 µg/g were referred for further investigation, usually colonoscopy. Truncated regression models were used to explore the relationship between bowel pathology and FIT results. Regression results were applied to estimate sensitivity to different abnormalities for a number of thresholds.

Results

Participants with CRC and HRA had significantly higher f-Hb, and this remained unchanged after adjusting for age and sex. While a threshold of 20 μg/g was estimated to capture 82.2% of CRC and 64.0% of HRA, this would refer 7.8% of participants for colonoscopy. The current programme threshold used in England of 120 μg/g was estimated to identify 47.8% of CRC and 25.0% of HRA.

Conclusions

Under the current diagnostic policy of dichotomising FIT results, a very low threshold would be required to achieve high sensitivity to CRC and HRA, which would place further strain on colonoscopy resources. The NHS BCSP in England might benefit from a diagnostic policy that makes greater use of the quantitative nature of FIT.
Chief Executive Officer Regulatory Focus and Competitive Action Frequency
Authors: Agnihotri Arpita , Bhattacharya Saurabh
Published: December 2020

Using regulatory focus, the Chief Executive Officer-Top Management Team (CEO-TMT) interface, and upper echelons theories, the present study casts additional light on the competitive action frequency of firms, as determined by their chief executive officers (CEOs) regulatory focus under the contingent effect of the CEO–TMT dissimilarity of informational demographics. Applying regulatory focus and upper echelons theories, this study first hypothesizes how CEO regulatory focus influences competitive action frequency. Next, leveraging CEO–TMT interface research, this study suggests moderating effects on the part of CEO–TMT dissimilarity, across functional background and tenure, and on the relationship between CEO regulatory focus and competitive action frequency. Drawing on a sample of 218 firms from India for a 5-year period (2010–2015), we find that a CEO promotion focus enhances a firm’s competitive action frequency and that a prevention focus diminishes the same. Furthermore, dissimilarities in terms of both CEO–TMT functional background orientation and tenure in the organization moderate this relationship. This study concludes with a discussion of the article’s theoretical and practical implications.
Wave propagation analysis of thermoelastic functionally graded nanotube conveying nanoflow
Authors: Dai Jiayin , Liu Yongshou , Tong Guojun
Published: December 2020

As a hollow cylindrical structure, a nanotube has potential to convey nanoflow, which has opened up a field of research. Functionally graded nanotube as a designable structure with continuous variation of material properties can perform better than uniform nanotube, especially in physical field without introducing large stress concentration. In this article, we take the thermal effect into account and investigated the wave propagation characteristics of functionally graded material nanotube conveying nanoflow. In particular, we compared the effects of different kinds of volume fraction function and also the cases of uniform and nonuniform temperature variation. According to the numerical results, we can conclude that as we decrease the exponent n of the volume fraction function, the system is enhanced and larger enhancement can be observed in the case of the power volume fraction function. In addition, there is a positive correlation between the stability and both the temperature variation and the nonuniformity of temperature variation.
Dynamic analysis of multiple cracked Timoshenko beam under moving load–analytical method
Authors: Ghannadiasl Amin , Khodapanah Ajirlou Saeid
Published: December 2020

When cracks start to surface in the surrounding areas of the structure, they create a local softness zone and influences on the dynamic response of the structure. The beams are more susceptible to shear and flexural cracks because of being subjected to shear and bending stress. In this study, the dynamic response of the single-span and multi-span damped beam under moving load with multi-crack and elastic boundary condition is studied based on Timoshenko’s theory. The Green’s function method is used to calculate the dynamic response of the cracked beam. In addition, the Green’s function method provides a solution for the differential equations. Moreover, the effects of the crack on the essential characteristics of the multi-span beams, especially the natural frequencies, are investigated. In this study, crack by itself is modeled in different situations and its effect on the behavior of the beam is analyzed. Also, the elastically restrained beam is modeled and its effect on the behavior of the beam is assessed. Because of the fact that the Euler–Bernoulli theory is also used in most beams, in this study, the results of the numerical examples are compared with the Euler–Bernoulli theory. Several examples are analyzed for a better understanding of the Timoshenko cracked beam.
A Risk-Based Screening Approach to Patients Needing Surgery During the De-Escalation Phase of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Vilallonga Ramon , Pellino Gianluca , Almirante Benito , Domínguez González José Manuel , Blanco-Colino Ruth , Petrola Carlos , Armengol Manel
Published: December 2020

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, many national and international surgical societies have produced guidelines regarding the management of surgical patients. During the mitigation phase of the pandemic, most documents suggested to consider postponing elective procedures, unless this might have impacted the life expectancy of patients. As awareness and knowledge about COVID-19 are gradually increasing, and as we enter a phase when surgical services are resuming their activities, surgical strategies have to adapt to this rapidly evolving scenario. This is particularly relevant when considering screening policies and the associated findings. We herein describe a risk-based approach to the management of patients with surgical diseases, which might be useful in order to limit the risks for healthcare workers and patients, while allowing for resuming elective surgical practice safely.
Vaccine-hesitant parents' reasons for choosing alternative protection methods in Turkey
Authors: Sumengen Aylin Akca , Ozcevik Damla , Kursun Hulya Yaren , Ocakci Ayse Ferda
Published: December 2020

Background

Parents use alternative protective methods instead of having their children vaccinated because of their various concerns.

Aims

The aim of this study is to examine the processes by which the parents preferred alternative methods rather than the vaccines to strengthen their child's immune system.

Methods

Semi-structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with 22 parents who had vaccine hesitancy. The study sample consisted of parents whose children were between the ages of 0 and 18 years and who experienced vaccine hesitancy and lived in Turkey. The interviews with individuals were conducted online and aimed to be representative of the population of Turkey.

Results

The factors that caused parental vaccine hesitancy were various, such as vaccine contents, distrust of healthcare workers and false information about vaccines. Because of these factors, parents resorted to natural nutrition, vitamin support and some other precautions, such as avoiding takeaway food or preparing homemade food, rather than having their children vaccinated.

Conclusions

In recent years, it is thought that parents need education about vaccination; outbreaks may be caused by immigrant children who cannot be registered, and therefore cannot be vaccinated, in Turkey, which has received immigration at a high rate.
Tackle and ruck technical proficiency in rugby union and rugby league: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Hollander Steve Den , Ponce Chanda , Lambert Michael , Jones Ben , Hendricks Sharief
Published: December 2020

The aim of this review was to consolidate and synthesise rugby union (RU) and rugby league (RL) studies on tackle and RU studies on ruck technique for rugby stakeholders. Forty-nine studies were identified (20 in RL and 29 in RU). RL studies primarily focussed on identifying factors that impact tackling ability. Leaner, fitter players, with greater lower body strength, tended to have more proficient tackle technique. Experience and level of play were positively associated with tackling ability. These findings highlight the importance of developing tackle technique and physical qualities to allow players to progress to higher levels. Research in RU mostly focussed on identifying tackle and ruck techniques associated with performance measures and injury outcomes. Eleven tackle techniques and five ball-carrier techniques were associated with both performance measures and injury outcomes. These findings support national injury prevention programmes that advocate that safe contact technique is also effective technique. (152 words)
Chemical Intolerance Is Associated With Altered Response Bias, not Greater Sensory Sensitivity
Authors: Andersson Linus , Sandberg Petra , Åström Elisabeth , Lillqvist Moa , Claeson Anna-Sara
Published: December 2020

Chemical intolerance is a surprisingly prevalent condition or affliction characterized by adverse reactions to low levels of chemical, often odorous stimulation. Sufferers often assume that their plight is due to an uncommon sensory acuteness, yet studies repeatedly fail to reveal altered detection thresholds. Here, we investigated whether self-reported chemical intolerance is associated with altered sensory sensitivity or response bias. The sensory acuity (sensitivity; A) and sensory decision rule (criterion; B) to n-butanol was assessed using the method of constant stimuli in 82 participants with different degrees of chemical intolerance (low to high). Higher self-reported chemical intolerance was associated with a lower criterion, but not with sensitivity.
Family constitution to manage family firms’ agency conflicts
Authors: Rodriguez-Garcia Pablo , Menéndez-Requejo Susana
Published: December 2020

This research examines the effectiveness of Family Constitution or Family Protocol agreements in mitigating each type of agency conflict in family firms. We performed a qualitative analysis, through a case study, and found that the succession process is the main driver for implementing this family governance mechanism. Our findings also show that a family constitution is useful in reducing three of the four agency conflicts described in the literature, specifically between family owners and managers, between family shareholders, and with the family at large. Key agreements include training and experience terms for family members to join the firm, transfer clauses of shares inter-vivos and causa mortis, and the development of family governance bodies. However, creditors are generally unaware of the protocol’s existence, hindering its potential positive effects, which has important implications for practitioners. Creditors point out its potential usefulness as a hint of orderly and structured continuity of the business.

JEL CLASSIFICATION G32, G34, L21, M10
The evolution of lower gastrointestinal endoscopy: where are we now?
Authors: Sivananthan Arun , Glover Ben , Ayaru Lakshmana , Patel Kinesh , Darzi Ara , Patel Nisha
Published: December 2020

Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy has evolved over time, fulfilling a widening diagnostic and therapeutic remit. As our understanding of colorectal cancer and its prevention has improved, endoscopy has progressed with improved diagnostic technologies and advancing endoscopic therapies. Despite this, the fundamental design of the endoscope has remained similar since its inception. This review presents the important role lower gastrointestinal endoscopy serves in the prevention of colorectal cancer and the desirable characteristics of the endoscope that would enhance this. A brief history of the endoscope is presented. Current and future robotic endoscopic platforms, which may fulfil these desirable characteristics, are discussed. The incorporation of new technologies from allied scientific disciplines will help the endoscope fulfil its maximum potential in preventing the increasing global burden of colorectal cancer. There are a number of endoscopic platforms under development, which show significant promise.
EQSIM—A multidisciplinary framework for fault-to-structure earthquake simulations on exascale computers, part II: Regional simulations of building response
Authors: McCallen David , Petrone Floriana , Miah Mamun , Pitarka Arben , Rodgers Arthur , Abrahamson Norman
Published: December 2020

The existing observational database of the regional-scale distribution of strong ground motions and measured building response for major earthquakes continues to be quite sparse. As a result, details of the regional variability and spatial distribution of ground motions, and the corresponding distribution of risk to buildings and other infrastructure, are not comprehensively understood. Utilizing high-performance computing platforms, emerging high-resolution, physics-based ground motion simulations can now resolve frequencies of engineering interest and provide detailed synthetic ground motions at high spatial density. This provides an opportunity for new insight into the distribution of infrastructure seismic demands and risk. In the work presented herein, the EQSIM fault-to-structure computational framework described in a companion paper, McCallen et al., is employed to investigate the regional-scale response of buildings to large earthquakes. A representative M = 7.0 strike-slip event is used to explore the distribution and amplitude of building demand, and comparisons are made between building response computed with fault-to-structure simulations and building response computed with existing measured near-fault earthquake records. New information on the distribution and variability of building response from high-performance parallel simulations is described and analyzed, and favorable first comparisons between building response predicted with both fault-to-structure simulations and real ground motions records are presented.
A systematic review assessing the under-representation of elderly adults in COVID-19 trials
Authors:   on behalf of ESCMID Study Group for Infections in the Elderly (ESGIE), Prendki Virginie , Tau Noam , Avni Tomer , Falcone Marco , Huttner Angela , Kaiser Laurent , Paul Mical , Leibovici-Weissmann Yaara , Yahav Dafna
Published: December 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused a pandemic threatening millions of people worldwide. Yet studies specifically assessing the geriatric population are scarce. We aimed to examine the participation of elderly patients in therapeutic or prophylactic trials on COVID-19.

Methods

In this review, randomized controlled trials (RCTs; n = 12) comparing therapeutic or prophylactic interventions registered on preprint repositories and/or published since December 2019 were analyzed. We searched in PubMed, leading journals websites, and preprint repositories for RCTs and large observational studies. We aimed to describe the age of included patients, the presence of an upper age limit and of adjusted analyses on age, any exclusion criteria that could limit participation of elderly adults such as comorbidities, cognitive impairment, limitation of life expectancy; and the assessment of long-term outcomes such as the need of rehabilitation or institutionalization. Mean participant ages were reported and compared with observational studies.

Results

Twelve RCTs assessing drug therapy for COVID-19 were included. Mean age of patients included in RCTs was 56.3 years. An upper age limit was applied in three published trials (25%) and in 200/650 (31%) trials registered at clinicaltrials.gov. One trial reported a subgroup analysis in patients ≥65. Patients were excluded for liver-function abnormalities in eight trials, renal disease in six, cardiac disease or risk of torsade de pointes in five, and four for cognitive or mental criteria, which are frequent comorbidities in the oldest patients. Only three trials allowed a family member to provide consent. Patients enrolled in RCTs were on average 20 years younger than those included in large (n ≥ 1000) observational studies. Seven studies had as their primary outcome a clinical endpoint, but none reported cognitive, functional or quality of life outcomes or need for rehabilitation or long-term care facility placement.

Conclusions

Elderly patients are clearly underrepresented in RCTs, although they comprise the population hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Long-term outcomes such as the need of rehabilitation or institutionalization were not reported. Future investigations should target specifically this vulnerable population.
Effects of adherence to pharmacological secondary prevention after acute myocardial infarction on health care costs – an analysis of real-world data
Authors: Kirsch Florian , Becker Christian , Kurz Christoph , Schwettmann Lars , Schramm Anja
Published: December 2020

Background

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), a major source of morbidity and mortality, is also associated with excess costs. Findings from previous studies were divergent regarding the effect on health care expenditure of adherence to guideline-recommended medication. However, gender-specific medication effectiveness, correlating the effectiveness of concomitant medication and variation in adherence over time, has not yet been considered.

Methods

We aim to measure the effect of adherence on health care expenditures stratified by gender from a third-party payer’s perspective in a sample of statutory insured Disease Management Program participants over a follow-up period of 3-years. In 3627 AMI patients, the proportion of days covered (PDC) for four guideline-recommended medications was calculated. A generalized additive mixed model was used, taking into account inter-individual effects (mean PDC rate) and intra-individual effects (deviation from the mean PDC rate).

Results

Regarding inter-individual effects, for both sexes only anti-platelet agents had a significant negative influence indicating that higher mean PDC rates lead to higher costs. With respect to intra-individual effects, for females higher deviations from the mean PDC rate for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, anti-platelet agents, and statins were associated with higher costs. Furthermore, for males, an increasing positive deviation from the PDC mean increases costs for β-blockers and a negative deviation decreases costs. For anti-platelet agents, an increasing deviation from the PDC-mean slightly increases costs.

Conclusion

Positive and negative deviation from the mean PDC rate, independent of how high the mean was, usually negatively affect health care expenditures. Therefore, continuity in intake of guideline-recommended medication is important to save costs.
Persistent symptoms after Covid-19: qualitative study of 114 “long Covid” patients and draft quality principles for services
Authors: Ladds Emma , Rushforth Alex , Wieringa Sietse , Taylor Sharon , Rayner Clare , Husain Laiba , Greenhalgh Trisha
Published: December 2020

Background

Approximately 10% of patients with Covid-19 experience symptoms beyond 3–4 weeks. Patients call this “long Covid”. We sought to document such patients’ lived experience, including accessing and receiving healthcare and ideas for improving services.

Methods

We held 55 individual interviews and 8 focus groups (n = 59) with people recruited from UK-based long Covid patient support groups, social media and snowballing. We restricted some focus groups to health professionals since they had already self-organised into online communities. Participants were invited to tell their stories and comment on others’ stories. Data were audiotaped, transcribed, anonymised and coded using NVIVO. Analysis incorporated sociological theories of illness, healing, peer support, clinical relationships, access, and service redesign.

Results

Of 114 participants aged 27–73 years, 80 were female. Eighty-four were White British, 13 Asian, 8 White Other, 5 Black, and 4 mixed ethnicity. Thirty-two were doctors and 19 other health professionals. Thirty-one had attended hospital, of whom 8 had been admitted. Analysis revealed a confusing illness with many, varied and often relapsing-remitting symptoms and uncertain prognosis; a heavy sense of loss and stigma; difficulty accessing and navigating services; difficulty being taken seriously and achieving a diagnosis; disjointed and siloed care (including inability to access specialist services); variation in standards (e.g. inconsistent criteria for seeing, investigating and referring patients); variable quality of the therapeutic relationship (some participants felt well supported while others felt “fobbed off”); and possible critical events (e.g. deterioration after being unable to access services). Emotionally significant aspects of participants’ experiences informed ideas for improving services.

Conclusion

Suggested quality principles for a long Covid service include ensuring access to care, reducing burden of illness, taking clinical responsibility and providing continuity of care, multi-disciplinary rehabilitation, evidence-based investigation and management, and further development of the knowledge base and clinical services.

Trial registration

NCT04435041.
Coronavirus vaccine development: from SARS and MERS to COVID-19
Authors: Li Yen-Der , Chi Wei-Yu , Su Jun-Han , Ferrall Louise , Hung Chien-Fu , Wu T.-C.
Published: December 2020

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new type of coronavirus that causes the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has been the most challenging pandemic in this century. Considering its high mortality and rapid spread, an effective vaccine is urgently needed to control this pandemic. As a result, the academia, industry, and government sectors are working tightly together to develop and test a variety of vaccines at an unprecedented pace. In this review, we outline the essential coronavirus biological characteristics that are important for vaccine design. In addition, we summarize key takeaways from previous vaccination studies of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), highlighting the pros and cons of each immunization strategy. Finally, based on these prior vaccination experiences, we discuss recent progress and potential challenges of COVID-19 vaccine development.
Prevalence of RECQL germline variants in Pakistani early-onset and familial breast cancer patients
Authors: Rashid Muhammad Usman , Muhammad Noor , Khan Faiz Ali , Shehzad Umara , Naeemi Humaira , Malkani Naila , Hamann Ute
Published: December 2020

Background

The RecQ Like Helicase (RECQL) gene has previously been shown to predispose to breast cancer mainly in European populations, in particular to estrogen receptor (ER) and/or progesterone receptor (PR) positive tumor. Here, we investigated the contribution of pathogenicRECQLgermline variants to hereditary breast cancer in early-onset and familial breast cancer patients from Pakistan.

Methods

ComprehensiveRECQLvariant analysis was performed in 302BRCA1andBRCA2negative patients with ER and/or PR positive breast tumors using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography followed by DNA sequencing. Novel variants were classified using Sherloc guidelines.

Results

One novel pathogenic protein-truncating variant (p.W75*) was identified in a 37-year-old familial breast cancer patient. The pathogenic variant frequencies were 0.3% (1/302) in early-onset and familial breast cancer patients and 0.8% (1/133) in familial patients. Further, three novel variants of unknown significance, p.I141F, p.S182S, and p.C475C, were identified in familial breast cancer patients at the age of 47, 68, and 47 respectively. All variants were absent in 250 controls.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that theRECQLgene plays a negligible role in breast cancer predisposition in Pakistan.
Correction to: Gene expression identifies patients who develop inflammatory arthritis in a clinically suspect arthralgia cohort
Authors: Niemantsverdriet Ellis , van den Akker Erik B. , Boeters Debbie M. , van den Eeden Susan J. F. , Geluk Annemieke , van der Helm-van Mil Annette H. M.
Published: December 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Correction to: Surfen and oxalyl surfen decrease tau hyperphosphorylation and mitigate neuron deficits in vivo in a zebrafish model of tauopathy
Authors: Naini Seyedeh Maryam Alavi , Yanicostas Constantin , Hassan-Abdi Rahma , Blondeel Sébastien , Bennis Mohamed , Weiss Ryan J. , Tor Yitzhak , Esko Jeffrey D. , Soussi-Yanicostas Nadia
Published: December 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Vitamin D deficiency among patients with COVID-19: case series and recent literature review
Authors: Pinzon Rizaldy Taslim , Angela  , Pradana Andryawan Wahyu
Published: December 2020

Background

The world is now challenging the pandemic of COVID-19 infection. This is the third and most extensive pandemic. Previous studies showed the plausibility of vitamin D prophylaxis and therapy for COVID-19, particularly in settings where hypovitaminosis D is frequent. Recent study from Indonesian showed that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 23.0%. The examination of vitamin D status is not a routine in the Indonesian clinical setting.

Methods

This study is a case series from confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Bethesda Hospital Yogyakarta Indonesia. The data of clinical symptoms, signs and laboratory examinations were obtained from the electronic medical records. The vitamin D status was measured by Enzyme-Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA) method. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for studies that included terms for Vitamin D and COVID-19.

Results

The data were obtained from 10 participants consisting of 50% male and 50% female. The mean age was 49.6 years. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this study was 90% (vitamin D levels < 20 ng/mL) and 10% of insufficiency (vitamin D levels < 30 ng/mL). Patients in this study had various symptoms such as fatigue (60%), fever (50%), dry cough (40%), non-specific headache (10%), and diarrhea (10%); have no symptoms (20%); and also had the various chronic diseases as comorbidity such as hypertension (40%), diabetes (10%), COPD (10%), and post stroke (10%).

Conclusions

All of the COVID-19 patients in this study had hypovitaminosis D. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this case series is 90% and only 1 patient (10%) had vitamin D insufficiency. There are many health benefits of vitamin D and very few adverse effects. Randomized controlled trials need to determine and evaluate this recommendation in preventing or treating COVID-19. Clinicians should continue to treat people with vitamin D deficiency especially in managing COVID-19 patients.
Insect resistance management in Bacillus thuringiensis cotton by MGPS (multiple genes pyramiding and silencing)
Authors: ZAFAR Muhammad Mubashar , RAZZAQ Abdul , FAROOQ Muhammad Awais , REHMAN Abdul , FIRDOUS Hina , SHAKEEL Amir , MO Huijuan , REN Maozhi
Published: December 2020

The introduction ofBacillus thuringiensis(Bt) cotton has reduced the burden of pests without harming the environment and human health. However, the efficacy of Bt cotton has decreased due to field-evolved resistance in insect pests over time. In this review, we have discussed various factors that facilitate the evolution of resistance in cotton pests. Currently, different strategies like pyramided cotton expressing two or more distinct Bt toxin genes, refuge strategy, releasing of sterile insects, and gene silencing by RNAi are being used to control insect pests. Pyramided cotton has shown resistance against different cotton pests. The multiple genes pyramiding and silencing (MGPS) approach has been proposed for the management of cotton pests. The genome information of cotton pests is necessary for the development of MGPS-based cotton. The expression cassettes against various essential genes involved in defense, detoxification, digestion, and development of cotton pests will successfully obtain favorable agronomic characters for crop protection and production. The MGPS involves the construction of transformable artificial chromosomes, that can express multiple distinct Bt toxins and RNAi to knockdown various essential target genes to control pests. The evolution of resistance in cotton pests will be delayed or blocked by the synergistic action of high dose of Bt toxins and RNAi as well as compliance of refuge requirement.
Identification of candidate genes controlling fiber quality traits in upland cotton through integration of meta-QTL, significant SNP and transcriptomic data
Authors: XU Shudi , PAN Zhenyuan , YIN Feifan , YANG Qingyong , LIN Zhongxu , WEN Tianwang , ZHU Longfu , ZHANG Dawei , NIE Xinhui
Published: December 2020

Background

Meta-analysis of quantitative trait locus (QTL) is a computational technique to identify consensus QTL and refine QTL positions on the consensus map from multiple mapping studies. The combination of meta-QTL intervals, significant SNPs and transcriptome analysis has been widely used to identify candidate genes in various plants.

Results

In our study, 884 QTLs associated with cotton fiber quality traits from 12 studies were used for meta-QTL analysis based on reference genome TM-1, as a result, 74 meta-QTLs were identified, including 19 meta-QTLs for fiber length; 18 meta-QTLs for fiber strength; 11 meta-QTLs for fiber uniformity; 11 meta-QTLs for fiber elongation; and 15 meta-QTLs for micronaire. Combined with 8 589 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with fiber quality traits collected from 15 studies, 297 candidate genes were identified in the meta-QTL intervals, 20 of which showed high expression levels specifically in the developing fibers. According to the function annotations, some of the 20 key candidate genes are associated with the fiber development.

Conclusions

This study provides not only stable QTLs used for marker-assisted selection, but also candidate genes to uncover the molecular mechanisms for cotton fiber development.
Correction to: Association of culprit lesion plaque characteristics with flow restoration post-fibrinolysis in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: an intravascular ultrasound-virtual histology study
Authors: Rao K Raghavendra , Reddy Sreenivas , Kashyap Jeet Ram , Ramalingam Vadivelu , Dash Debabrata , Kadiyala Vikas , Kumar Suraj , Reddy Hithesh , Kaur Jaspreet , Kumar Ashok , Kaur Naindeep , Gupta Anish
Published: December 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Multimodality molecular imaging of the alveolar-capillary barrier in lung disease using albumin based optical and PET tracers
Authors: Molotkov Andrei , Bhatt Nikunj , Doubrovin Mikhail , Castrillon John , Massa Christopher , Gerber Adam , D’Armiento Jeanine , Goldklang Monica , Mintz Akiva
Published: December 2020

Inflammatory changes caused by viruses, bacteria, exposure to toxins, commonly used drugs and even surgical intervention have the potential of causing abnormal epithelial permeability, which is manifest as infiltrative processes on computed tomography (CT), including the widespread infiltrates seen in COVID-19 pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We utilized a previously published mouse model of ARDS, intranasal delivery of LPS, to induce the alveolar-capillary barrier permeability seen in lung disease. We intravenously injected mice with Cy7 or 68-Gallium (68Ga) labeled mouse albumin and imaged using optical imaging (OI)/CT and PET. We observed significantly increased lung levels of Cy7-albumin on 3D OI/CT, which matched the abnormal appearance on microCT. This uptake correlated with fluorescence seen on sectioned lungs. To examine the translational potential of these findings, we radiolabeled albumin with 68Ga. We found that in mice with LPS-induced lung injury, 68Ga-albumin PET correlated with our optical imaging findings and demonstrated abnormal activity in the lung fields, indicative of abnormal epithelial permeability. These findings indicate 68Ga-albumin can be utilized as a sensitive translational radiotracer for quantifying the abnormal epithelial permeability that is seen in various lung pathologies, including COVID-19 induced pneumonia and ARDS. The ability to use Cy7-albumin 3D OI/CT imaging as a preclinical translational surrogate for 68Ga-albumin offers an accessible high throughput means to rapidly screen potential therapeutics against lung diseases that clinically manifest with endothelial permeability.
Evaluation method for low- to ultralow-permeability reservoirs based on pore-throat structure: A case study in the eastern Nanpu Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: Zhao Xiaodong , Wang Shilin , Yang Jingxu , Zhang Boming , Li Liang , Liu Xiao , Wen Wen , Zhang Yaxuan
Published: December 2020

The pore-throat structure of low- to ultralow-permeability reservoirs is complex, causing the permeability to vary greatly under similar porosity conditions. Moreover, the pore-throat structures are the key factors that controled the physical properties of such kind of reservoirs. Therefore, conventional reservoir evaluation methods can hardly meet the research needs of low- to ultralow-permeability reservoir exploration and development. We have conducted our research on Paleogene Shahejie and Neogene Dongying low- to ultralow-permeability reservoirs in the eastern Nanpu Sag of the Bohai Bay Basin to address this issue. Cores, thin sections, and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze the pore-throat structures to determine the characteristics of low- to ultralow-permeability reservoirs, and a new parameter for evaluating low- to ultralow-permeability reservoirs is developed. The results of this research show that primary pores, secondary pores, and microfractures are developed in the study area and that the pore-throat shape is mainly flaky or curved flaky. The microscopic pore-throat structure controlled the reservoir physical properties and fluid mobility of these reservoirs, the permeabilities of these reservoirs are dependent on the pore throats, and the correlation between connected pores and permeability is strong. Based on the analysis of the pore-throat structure, as well as the maximum mercury saturation (Smax) and the residual mercury saturation (Sr) at the maximum pressure and the minimum pressure obtained by the mercury injection test, an evaluation of the reservoir by using the mobility parameter of fluid (Δfm = Smax-Sr) is proposed, and the pore-throat radius R15 obtained by the mercury intrusion experiment has the best correlation with the fluid mobility parameters. The mobility parameters of fluid can effectively improve the accuracy of logging interpretation of low- to ultralow-permeability reservoirs and provide a scientific basis for the scale stimulation and effective development of low- to ultralow-permeability reservoirs.
Diffraction imaging for the fault-karst structure by least-squares reverse time migration
Authors: Mu Xinru , Huang Jianping , Fu Liyun , Jian Shikai , Hu Bing , Wang Ziying
Published: December 2020

The fault-karst reservoir, which evolved from the deformation and karstification of carbonate rock, is one of the most important reservoir types in Western China. Along the deep-seated fault zones, there are a lot of widely spread and densely distributed fractures and vugs. The energy of the diffractions generated by heterogeneous structures, such as faults, fractures, and vugs, is much weaker than that of the reflections produced by continuous formation interface. When using the conventional full-wavefield imaging method, the imaging results of continuous layers usually cover small-scale heterogeneities. Given that, we have used a plane-wave destruction filter to separate the diffractions from the full data and image the separated diffractions using the least-squares reverse time migration (LSRTM) method. We use several numerical examples to demonstrate that the newly developed diffractions using LSRTM can improve the definition of the heterogeneous structures, characterize the configuration and internal structure of the fault-karst structure well, and enhance the interpretation accuracy for the fault-karst reservoir.
Endothelial Cell–Derived Triosephosphate Isomerase Attenuates Insulin Secretion From Pancreatic Beta Cells of Male Rats
Authors: Daniel Bareket , Livne Ariela , Cohen Guy , Kahremany Shirin , Sasson Shlomo
Published: December 2020

Insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells is tightly regulated by glucose and paracrine signals within the microenvironment of islets of Langerhans. Extracellular matrix from islet microcapillary endothelial cells (IMEC) affect beta-cell spreading and amplify insulin secretion. This study was aimed at investigating the hypothesis that contact-independent paracrine signals generated from IMEC may also modulate beta-cell insulin secretory functions. For this purpose, conditioned medium (CMp) preparations were prepared from primary cultures of rat IMEC and were used to simulate contact-independent beta cell–endothelial cell communication. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) assays were then performed on freshly isolated rat islets and the INS-1E insulinoma cell line, followed by fractionation of the CMp, mass spectroscopic identification of the factor, and characterization of the mechanism of action. The IMEC-derived CMp markedly attenuated first- and second-phase GSIS in a time- and dose-dependent manner without altering cellular insulin content and cell viability. Size exclusion fractionation, chromatographic and mass-spectroscopic analyses of the CMp identified the attenuating factor as the enzyme triosephosphate isomerase (TPI). An antibody against TPI abrogated the attenuating activity of the CMp while recombinant human TPI (hTPI) attenuated GSIS from beta cells. This effect was reversed in the presence of tolbutamide in the GSIS assay. In silico docking simulation identified regions on the TPI dimer that were important for potential interactions with the extracellular epitopes of the sulfonylurea receptor in the complex. This study supports the hypothesis that an effective paracrine interaction exists between IMEC and beta cells and modulates glucose-induced insulin secretion via TPI–sulfonylurea receptor–KATP channel (SUR1-Kir6.2) complex attenuating interactions.
A Review on the Role of Machine Learning in Agriculture
Authors: Veeragandham Syamasudha , H Santhi
Published: December 2020

Machine learning is a promising domain which is widely used now a days in the field of agriculture. The availability of manpower for agriculture is not enough and skill full farmers are less. Understanding the situation of the crop is not that much easy to detect and prevent the diseases in the crop. It is also widely employed in various agricultural fields such as topsoil management, yield management, water management, disease management and climate conditions. The machine learning models facilitate very fast and optimal decisions. The model of machine learning involves with training and testing to predict the accuracy of the result. The use of machine learning in agriculture helps to increase the productivity and better management on soil classification, disease detection, species management, water management, yield prediction, crop quality and weed detection. This article aims at providing detailed information on various machine learning  approaches proposed in the past five years by emphasizing the advantage and disadvantages. It also compares different machine learning algorithms used in the modern agricultural field.