bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical informatics during the COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons learned and implications for emergency department and inpatient operations
Authors: Hsu Hanson , Greenwald Peter W , Laghezza Matthew R , Steel Peter , Trepp Richard , Sharma Rahul
Published: November 2020

In response to a pandemic, hospital leaders can use clinical informatics to aid clinical decision making, virtualizing medical care, coordinating communication, and defining workflow and compliance. Clinical informatics procedures need to be implemented nimbly, with governance measures in place to properly oversee and guide novel patient care pathways, diagnostic and treatment workflows, and provider education and communication. The authors’ experience recommends (1) creating flexible order sets that adapt to evolving guidelines that meet needs across specialties, (2) enhancing and supporting inherent telemedicine capability, (3) electronically enabling novel workflows quickly and suspending noncritical administrative or billing functions in the electronic health record, and (4) using communication platforms based on tiered urgency that do not compromise security and privacy.
Physical Distancing Behavior: The Role of Emotions, Personality, Motivations, and Moral Decision-Making
Authors: Alivernini Fabio , Manganelli Sara , Girelli Laura , Cozzolino Mauro , Lucidi Fabio , Cavicchiolo Elisa
Published: November 2020

Objective

Physical distancing behavior (PDB) is a key disease prevention strategy for limiting the spread of COVID-19. In order to effectively encourage it among adolescents, it is necessary to understand the associated mental mechanisms. Health behavior theories suggest that emotions, personality, motivation, and moral disengagement could all play a role. On the basis of a longitudinal study, we investigated the importance of these factors in predicting PDB.

Methods

The participants were 347 adolescents residing in Italy. Data were collected in four waves starting from 1 year before the pandemic. A structural equation model based on health behavior theory was tested.

Results

After the COVID-19 national lockdown, adolescents experienced fewer positive emotions and more negative emotions compared with 1 year earlier. Nevertheless, these emotional changes, and adolescents’ personality (except for openness to experiences), were not related to the adoption of PDB. Instead, the autonomous motivation of adolescents significantly predicted a higher likelihood to adopt PDB by increasing the intention to engage in this behavior and, more indirectly, by substantially decreasing moral disengagement, which was negatively related to PDB. In contrast, controlled motivation corresponded to significantly higher levels of moral disengagement and predicted less likelihood of adopting PDB.

Conclusions

Messages and interventions targeted at adolescents should be oriented towards supporting autonomy, emphasizing the personal and social value of PDB. Communications should avoid the use of coercive strategies based on eliciting emotions such as shame and guilt in adolescents who do not adopt PDB, which appear to trigger off mechanisms of moral disengagement.
Rectal prolapse following short-course radiotherapy for rectal cancer: report of a case
Authors: Nocera Fabio , von Flüe Markus , Steinemann Daniel C
Published: November 2020

Palliative short-course radiotherapy may be considered as an alternative to abdominoperineal resection in elderly patients with advanced rectal cancer.

A 92-year-old woman was diagnosed with a rectal prolapse after short-course radiotherapy; 2 months before she was diagnosed with advanced lower rectal cancer. A curative approach was declined. Therefore, a palliative short-course radiotherapy followed. Two weeks after termination of radiotherapy, a symptomatic rectal prolapse has been observed. Endoscopy confirmed a tumor completely included in the prolapsing rectum. A rectal prolapse resection by Altemeier’s technique was performed. Histological examination downgraded the tumor staging to ypT1 M0.

This case discusses whether the prolapse was preexisting and led to overstaging the tumor or whether the prolapse is a new-onset complication of the radiotherapy.

It seems of paramount importance to detect preexisting rectal prolapse to avoid overstaging. If presumed rectal prolapse was not present before therapy, rectal prolapse may represent a new-onset adverse event of short-course radiotherapy.
Modelling the spatial crosstalk between two biochemical signals explains wood formation dynamics and tree-ring structure
Authors: Hartmann Félix P , Rathgeber Cyrille B K , Badel Éric , Fournier Meriem , Moulia Bruno
Published: November 2020

In conifers, xylogenesis during a growing season produces a very characteristic tree-ring structure: large, thin-walled earlywood cells followed by narrow, thick-walled latewood cells. Although many factors influence the dynamics of differentiation and the final dimensions of xylem cells, the associated patterns of variation remain very stable from one year to the next. While radial growth is characterized by an S-shaped curve, the widths of xylem differentiation zones exhibit characteristic skewed bell-shaped curves. These elements suggest a strong internal control of xylogenesis. It has long been hypothesized that much of this regulation relies on a morphogenetic gradient of auxin. However, recent modelling studies have shown that while this hypothesis could account for the dynamics of stem radial growth and the zonation of the developing xylem, it failed to reproduce the characteristic tree-ring structure. Here, we investigated the hypothesis of regulation by a crosstalk between auxin and a second biochemical signal, by using computational morphodynamics. We found that, in conifers, such a crosstalk is sufficient to simulate the characteristic features of wood formation dynamics, as well as the resulting tree-ring structure. In this model, auxin controls cell enlargement rates while another signal (e.g. cytokinin, tracheary element differentiation inhibitory factor) drives cell division and auxin polar transport.
Gradients of cell wall nano-mechanical properties along and across elongating primary roots of maize
Authors: Petrova Anna , Gorshkova Tatyana , Kozlova Liudmila
Published: November 2020

To test the hypothesis that particular tissues can control root growth, we analysed the mechanical properties of cell walls belonging to different tissues of the apical part of the maize root using atomic force microscopy. The dynamics of properties during elongation growth were characterized in four consecutive zones of the root. Extensive immunochemical characterization and quantification were used to establish the polysaccharide motif(s) related to changes in cell wall mechanics. Cell transition from division to elongation was coupled to the decrease in the elastic modulus in all root tissues. Low values of moduli were retained in the elongation zone and increased in the late elongation zone. No relationship between the immunolabelling pattern and mechanical properties of the cell walls was revealed. When measured values of elastic moduli and turgor pressure were used in the computational simulation, this resulted in an elastic response of the modelled root and the distribution of stress and strain similar to those observed in vivo. In all analysed root zones, cell walls of the inner cortex displayed moduli of elasticity that were maximal or comparable with the maximal values among all tissues. Thus, we propose that the inner cortex serves as a growth-limiting tissue in maize roots.
Observing correlations between dark matter accretion and galaxy growth – I. Recent star formation activity in isolated Milky Way-mass galaxies
Authors: O’Donnell Christine , Behroozi Peter , More Surhud
Published: November 2020

The correlation between fresh gas accretion on to haloes and galaxy star formation is critical to understanding galaxy formation. Different theoretical models have predicted different correlation strengths between halo accretion rates and galaxy star formation rates, ranging from strong positive correlations to little or no correlation. Here, we present a technique to observationally measure this correlation strength for isolated Milky Way-mass galaxies with z < 0.123. This technique is based on correlations between dark matter accretion rates and the projected density profile of neighbouring galaxies; these correlations also underlie past work with splashback radii. We apply our technique to both observed galaxies in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey as well as simulated galaxies in the UniverseMachine where we can test any desired correlation strength. We find that positive correlations between dark matter accretion and recent star formation activity are ruled out with $\gtrsim 85{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ confidence. Our results suggest that star formation activity may not be correlated with fresh accretion for isolated Milky Way-mass galaxies at z = 0 and that other processes, such as gas recycling, dominate further galaxy growth.
Breaking beta: a comparison of mass modelling methods for spherical systems
Authors: Read J I , Mamon G A , Vasiliev E , Watkins L L , Walker M G , Peñarrubia J , Wilkinson M , Dehnen W , Das P
Published: November 2020

We apply four different mass modelling methods to a suite of publicly available mock data for spherical stellar systems. We focus on the recovery of the density and velocity anisotropy as a function of radius, either using line-of-sight velocity data only or adding proper motion data. All methods perform well on isotropic and tangentially anisotropic mock data, recovering the density and velocity anisotropy within their 95 per cent confidence intervals over the radial range 0.25 < R/R1/2 < 4, where R1/2 is the half-light radius. However, radially anisotropic mocks are more challenging. For line-of-sight data alone, only methods that use information about the shape of the velocity distribution function are able to break the degeneracy between the density profile and the velocity anisotropy, β, to obtain an unbiased estimate of both. This shape information can be obtained through directly fitting a global phase-space distribution function, by using higher order ‘virial shape parameters’ or by assuming a Gaussian velocity distribution function locally, but projecting it self-consistently along the line of sight. Including proper motion data yields further improvements, and in this case, all methods give a good recovery of both the radial density and velocity anisotropy profiles.
Distances to PHANGS galaxies: New tip of the red giant branch measurements and adopted distances
Authors: Anand Gagandeep S , Lee Janice C , Van Dyk Schuyler D , Leroy Adam K , Rosolowsky Erik , Schinnerer Eva , Larson Kirsten , Kourkchi Ehsan , Kreckel Kathryn , Scheuermann Fabian , Rizzi Luca , Thilker David , Tully R Brent , Bigiel Frank , Blanc Guillermo A , Boquien Médéric , Chandar Rupali , Dale Daniel , Emsellem Eric , Deger Sinan , Glover Simon C O , Grasha Kathryn , Groves Brent , S. Klessen Ralf , Kruijssen J M Diederik , Querejeta Miguel , Sánchez-Blázquez Patricia , Schruba Andreas , Turner Jordan , Ubeda Leonardo , Williams Thomas G , Whitmore Brad
Published: November 2020

PHANGS-HST is an ultraviolet-optical imaging survey of 38 spiral galaxies within ∼20 Mpc. Combined with the PHANGS-ALMA, PHANGS-MUSE surveys and other multiwavelength data, the data set will provide an unprecedented look into the connections between young stars, H ii regions, and cold molecular gas in these nearby star-forming galaxies. Accurate distances are needed to transform measured observables into physical parameters (e.g. brightness to luminosity, angular to physical sizes of molecular clouds, star clusters and associations). PHANGS-HST has obtained parallel ACS imaging of the galaxy haloes in the F606W and F814W bands. Where possible, we use these parallel fields to derive tip of the red giant branch (TRGB) distances to these galaxies. In this paper, we present TRGB distances for 10 PHANGS galaxies from ∼4 to ∼15 Mpc, based on the first year of PHANGS-HST observations. Four of these represent the first published TRGB distance measurements (IC 5332, NGC 2835, NGC 4298, and NGC 4321), and seven of which are the best available distances to these targets. We also provide a compilation of distances for the 118 galaxies in the full PHANGS sample, which have been adopted for the first PHANGS-ALMA public data release.
Dynamical evolution of population III stellar systems and the resulting binary statistics
Authors: Liu Boyuan , Meynet Georges , Bromm Volker
Published: November 2020

We use N-body simulations to study the dynamical evolution of population III (Pop III) stellar systems and the resulting binary statistics. We design a physically motivated framework for the initial conditions of Pop III star clusters, based on small-scale hydrodynamic simulations and the scale-free nature of disc evolution during Pop III star formation. Our novel approach enables us to explore the dependence of binary statistics on initial conditions and arrive at more robust predictions for the signals of Pop III X-ray binaries (XRBs) and binary black hole (BBH) mergers, compared to simple extrapolations of Pop III protostar systems. We find that binary properties are highly sensitive to the initial cluster size and distribution of binary separation, while the effect of initial mass function is relatively minor. Our simulations predict less close binaries, and thus, significantly lower efficiencies (by a factor of ∼10–104) for the formation and accretion of Pop III XRBs, than found in previous studies, implying that the contribution of Pop III XRBs to the cosmic X-ray background is negligible and their feedback effects are unimportant. We estimate the efficiency of Pop III BBH mergers as $\sim 10^{-5}\!-\!10^{-4}\ \rm M_{\odot }^{-1}$, for which three-body hardening by surrounding stars in dense star clusters or close binary interactions is required to facilitate in-spirals of BBHs. All simulation data, including catalogues of Pop III binaries and multiple systems, are publicly available.
Analysis of the Karma asteroid family
Authors: Pavela Debora , Novaković Bojan , Carruba Valerio , Radović Viktor
Published: November 2020

The Karma asteroid family is a group of primitive asteroids in the middle part of the main belt, just at the outer edge of the 3J:1A mean-motion resonance. We obtained the list of the family members with 317 asteroids, and estimated that it was formed by the catastrophic disruption of a parent body that was between 34 and 41 km in diameter. Based on the V-shape method, age of the Karma family is estimated to be about 137 Myr. A detailed dynamical map of the region combined with numerical simulations allowed us to reconstruct the long-term dynamical evolution of the family, and to identify the mechanisms responsible for this evolution. The numerical simulations successfully reproduced the main features in the orbital distribution of the family members but also showed that some regions of the Karma family could be missing. A more detailed analysis revealed that these regions likely consist of very dark objects, fainter than absolute magnitude H = 17, that have not yet been detected. Based on the obtained results, we concluded that magnitude–frequency distribution of family members up to H = 16 mag is neither affected by dynamical erosion nor observational incompleteness, and therefore represents the result of collisional grinding of the original family population. Finally, we found that the Karma family have been supplying some asteroids to the near-Earth region via the 3J:1A resonance. Currently, there should about 10 family members larger than 1 km in diameter, orbiting in the near-Earth space.
Mouse Genome Database (MGD): Knowledgebase for mouse–human comparative biology
Authors: Blake Judith A , Baldarelli Richard , Kadin James A , Richardson Joel E , Smith Cynthia L , Bult Carol J ,   the Mouse Genome Database Group, Anagnostopoulos Anna V , Beal Jon S , Bello Susan M , Blodgett Olin , Butler Nancy E , Campbell Jeffry , Christie Karen R , Corbani Lori E , Dolan Mary E , Drabkin Harold J , Flores Maria , Giannatto Susan L , Guerra Angelina , Hale Paul , Hill David P , Judd Jonathan , Law Meiyee , McAndrews Monica , Miers David , Mitchell Cailey , Motenko Howie , Ni Li , Onda Hiroaki , Ormsby Janice , Perry Michelle , Recla Jill M , Shaw David , Sitnikov Dmitry , Tomczuk Monika , Wilming Lauren , Zhu Yunxia ‘Sophia’
Published: November 2020

The Mouse Genome Database (MGD; http://www.informatics.jax.org) is the community model organism knowledgebase for the laboratory mouse, a widely used animal model for comparative studies of the genetic and genomic basis for human health and disease. MGD is the authoritative source for biological reference data related to mouse genes, gene functions, phenotypes and mouse models of human disease. MGD is the primary source for official gene, allele, and mouse strain nomenclature based on the guidelines set by the International Committee on Standardized Nomenclature for Mice. MGD’s biocuration scientists curate information from the biomedical literature and from large and small datasets contributed directly by investigators. In this report we describe significant enhancements to the content and interfaces at MGD, including (i) improvements in the Multi Genome Viewer for exploring the genomes of multiple mouse strains, (ii) inclusion of many more mouse strains and new mouse strain pages with extended query options and (iii) integration of extensive data about mouse strain variants. We also describe improvements to the efficiency of literature curation processes and the implementation of an information portal focused on mouse models and genes for the study of COVID-19.
Regulation of ex-translational activities is the primary function of the multi-tRNA synthetase complex
Authors: Cui Haissi , Kapur Mridu , Diedrich Jolene K , Yates John R , Ackerman Susan L , Schimmel Paul
Published: November 2020

During mRNA translation, tRNAs are charged by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and subsequently used by ribosomes. A multi-enzyme aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complex (MSC) has been proposed to increase protein synthesis efficiency by passing charged tRNAs to ribosomes. An alternative function is that the MSC repurposes specific synthetases that are released from the MSC upon cues for functions independent of translation. To explore this, we generated mammalian cells in which arginyl-tRNA synthetase and/or glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase were absent from the MSC. Protein synthesis, under a variety of stress conditions, was unchanged. Most strikingly, levels of charged tRNAArg and tRNAGln remained unchanged and no ribosome pausing was observed at codons for arginine and glutamine. Thus, increasing or regulating protein synthesis efficiency is not dependent on arginyl-tRNA synthetase and glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase in the MSC. Alternatively, and consistent with previously reported ex-translational roles requiring changes in synthetase cellular localizations, our manipulations of the MSC visibly changed localization.
Mechanical and structural properties of archaeal hypernucleosomes
Authors: Henneman Bram , Brouwer Thomas B , Erkelens Amanda M , Kuijntjes Gert-Jan , van Emmerik Clara , van der Valk Ramon A , Timmer Monika , Kirolos Nancy C S , van Ingen Hugo , van Noort John , Dame Remus T
Published: November 2020

Many archaea express histones, which organize the genome and play a key role in gene regulation. The structure and function of archaeal histone–DNA complexes remain however largely unclear. Recent studies show formation of hypernucleosomes consisting of DNA wrapped around an ‘endless’ histone-protein core. However, if and how such a hypernucleosome structure assembles on a long DNA substrate and which interactions provide for its stability, remains unclear. Here, we describe micromanipulation studies of complexes of the histones HMfA and HMfB with DNA. Our experiments show hypernucleosome assembly which results from cooperative binding of histones to DNA, facilitated by weak stacking interactions between neighboring histone dimers. Furthermore, rotational force spectroscopy demonstrates that the HMfB–DNA complex has a left-handed chirality, but that torque can drive it in a right-handed conformation. The structure of the hypernucleosome thus depends on stacking interactions, torque, and force. In vivo, such modulation of the archaeal hypernucleosome structure may play an important role in transcription regulation in response to environmental changes.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor–associated hypercalcaemia
Authors: Izzedine Hassan , Chazal Thibaud , Wanchoo Rimda , Jhaveri Kenar D
Published: November 2020

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) have recently become a cornerstone for the treatment of different advanced cancers. These drugs have the ability to reactivate the immune system against tumour cells but can also trigger a myriad of side effects, termed immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Although there are numerous reports of CPI-related endocrinopathies, hypercalcaemia as a suspected irAE is not well documented. The mechanisms of CPI hypercalcaemia are not clearly established. However, in our review, four distinct causes emerged: endocrine disease-related, sarcoid-like granuloma, humoral hypercalcaemia due to parathyroid-related hormone and hyperprogressive disease following CPI initiation. Prompt recognition of hypercalcaemia and the institution of therapy can be lifesaving, affording the opportunity to address the underlying aetiology. In this review we discuss the incidence, diagnosis and management of immune-related hypercalcaemia in oncological patients receiving CPI agents.
Common Liabilities in Internalizing Symptoms and Cigarette Use in Adolescence
Authors: Bares Cristina B , Silberg Judy , Kendler Kenneth S , Maes Hermine H
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Substance use and mood disorders account for about 10% of the global burden of disease and, among adolescents, are a significant source of disability. The present study examined whether additive genetic or shared environmental factors influenced the covariance of internalizing symptoms and cigarette use during adolescence when both of these problems begin to increase.

Aims and Methods

We used data (n = 1230 pairs of twins) from the Virginia Twin Study of Adolescent Behavioral Development (mean age = 15.3) to decompose the variance of internalizing symptoms, cigarette initiation, and quantity of cigarettes smoked in a variance decomposition model that included a beta coefficient to allow for estimates of cigarette initiation to influence quantity of cigarettes smoked.

Results

In biometric models we were able to equate all parameter estimates by sex. After identifying the best fitting model, parameter estimates were calculated and the significance of overlapping paths between internalizing symptoms and cigarette initiation were tested. After accounting for the genetic architecture of cigarette initiation and quantity smoked, the covariance between internalizing symptoms and cigarette use was accounted for by sex-specific shared and unique environmental factors.

Conclusions

Among adolescents, the overlap in risk factors between internalizing symptoms and cigarette use is because of non-genetic, environmental factors. Further exploration of the environmental sources of variance involved in the onset of adolescents internalizing symptoms and cigarette use is warranted.

Implications

We find that during adolescence common environmental factors influence the association between internalizing symptoms and cigarette use. Correlated vulnerabilities because of environmental sources between internalizing and cigarette use may be open to intervention and likely will influence the progression of internalizing and cigarette use.
Ombudsmen as Courts
Authors: Thomson Stephen
Published: November 2020

The non-judicial character of ombudsmen is viewed as their greatest asset, offering a more accessible, informal and flexible channel than courts for expressing grievances. Yet the Pensions Ombudsman has objected vigorously to its characterisation in the Chancery Division as ‘not a court’, pointing to a range of judicial qualities with which it has been statutorily invested. This raises the broader question of whether ombudsmen can be courts; a rarely considered characterisation. It is argued in this article that, although some ombudsmen exhibit judicial or quasi-judicial attributes, they are categorically distinct from courts and should remain so. Parliament must be astute not to invest ombudsmen with too many judicial qualities, lest the boundary between exercising judicial functions and exercising the judicial power of the state is crossed. This article also gives cause to reflect more broadly on the fundamental and distinctive nature of courts, tribunals and ombudsmen.
Supertropestantivalism
Authors: Giberman Daniel
Published: November 2020

According to the identity version of spacetime supersubstantivalism, material objects are numerically identical to spacetime regions. While the view has been commended for its parsimony and concordance with physics, it has not properly been assessed in light of the metaphysics of properties. The present essay fills this void by discerning several subspecies of identity supersubstantivalism, corresponding to various property ontologies. Finding them all wanting, the essay develops and defends a novel brand of supersubstantivalism based on the trope ontology. On this view, here dubbed ‘supertropestantivalism’, regions are pluralities of geometrically and topologically alike tropes, some of which bundle together as material objects. The resulting picture is not itself an identity version of supersubstantivalism, but it retains the originally attractive features of the identity version while avoiding the shortcomings of competing ontologies.
The truth must prevail: citizens’ rights to know the truth during the era of COVID-19
Authors: Sarmiento Philip Joseph D , Yap John Federick C , Espinosa Kevin Aldrin G , Ignacio Ria P , Caro Carisma A
Published: November 2020

In a recent short report, the necessity of sophisticated practices in gathering records that would facilitate data sharing yields data-driven analysis in time of COVID-19. Consequently, there is a need to present the truth in data analytics in the era of COVID-19. This paper discusses the urgent call for people handling the COVID-19 data to be ethically responsible in their handling, processing, and reporting that impacts the lives of ordinary people especially in this time of pandemic as public health crisis.
Influence of inflammatory and non-inflammatory rheumatic disorders on the clinical and biological profile of type-2 diabetes
Authors: Avouac Jérôme , Elhai Muriel , Forien Marine , Sellam Jérémie , Eymard Florent , Molto Anna , Banal Frédéric , Damiano Joël , Dieudé Philippe , Larger Etienne , Allanore Yannick
Published: November 2020

Objective

To study the profile of type-2 diabetes (T2D) in patients with RA or OA.

Methods

This observational, multicentre, cross-sectional study included, over a 24-month period, consecutive patients with adult-onset diabetes and RA or OA. We collected demographics, disease activity and severity indices, current treatments for RA and diabetes, history and complications of diabetes. A systematic blood test was performed, assessing inflammatory, immunological and metabolic parameters. The homoeostasis model assessment (HOMA)2-S was used to assess insulin resistance.

Results

We included 167 patients with T2D, 118 with RA and 49 with OA. RA and OA patients had severe T2D with suboptimal metabolic control and a biological profile of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance was significantly higher in RA than in OA patients after stratification on age, BMI and CS use [HOMA2-S: 63.5 (35.6) vs 98.4 (69.2), P < 0.001]. HOMA2-S was independently associated with DAS28 [odds ratio (OR): 4.46, 95% CI: 1.17, 17.08]. T2D metabolic control was not related to disease activity and functional impairment, but HbA1c levels were independently associated with bone erosions (OR: 4.43, 95% CI: 1.18, 16.61). Treatment with low-dose CSs was not associated with decreased insulin sensitivity or increased HbA1c levels. Treatment with TNF-α inhibitors was associated with increased insulin sensitivity compared with patients not receiving biologics [101.3 (58.71) vs 60.0 (32.5), P = 0.001].

Conclusion

RA patients display severe T2D with inflammation-associated insulin resistance. These findings may have therapeutic implications, with the potential targeting of insulin resistance through the treatment of joint and systemic inflammation.
The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Dutch people with and without an inflammatory rheumatic disease
Authors: Koppert Tim Y , Jacobs Johannes W G , Geenen Rinie
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To determine the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with and without an inflammatory rheumatic disease and establish whether psychological flexibility buffers this impact.

Methods

From online surveys in the general Dutch population in 2018 and during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we analysed data of people with (index group, n = 239) and without (control group, n = 1821) an inflammatory rheumatic disease. Worry, stress, mental well-being (SF-36) and psychological flexibility levels were subjected to covariate-adjusted analyses of variance or linear regression analyses.

Results

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, as compared with the control group, the index group was more worried about getting infected with the virus (partial η2=0.098; medium effect) and more stressed (partial η2=0.040; small effect). However, as compared with data acquired in 2018, the level of mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic peak was not lower in both groups. Levels of psychological flexibility did not moderate associations of group or year with mental well-being.

Conclusions

Although patients with an inflammatory rheumatic disease were more worried and stressed during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, their level of mental well-being was not reduced, which may have prevented us from finding a buffering effect of psychological flexibility. Overall, our results suggest that the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with inflammatory rheumatic disease is modest, which could imply that common education and health care will do for most patients.
210PO IN SOIL AND TOBACCO LEAVES IN QUANG XUONG, VIETNAM AND ESTIMATION OF ANNUAL EFFECTIVE DOSE TO SMOKERS
Authors: Van Duong Hao , Thanh Nguyen Duong , Peka Anita , Tóth-Bodrogi Edit , Kovács Tibor
Published: November 2020

210Po is the main radiotoxic chemical in tobacco smoke and one of the primary causes of lung cancer. Investigating 210Po concentration in tobacco is important in estimating the annual effective dose (AED) due to smoking. In this study, the 210Po concentrations in tobacco leaves and soil in Quang Xuong, Vietnam were measured using a high-resolution passivated and implanted planar silicon detector. Based on these data the AEDs to smokers were estimated. The 210Po activity concentration in tobacco varied significantly from 28.7 to 254.0 mBq g−1, whereas its variation in soil was insignificant. The AED due to smoking fresh tobacco leaves in Vietnam (average 565 μSv y−1) was significantly higher than the values reported for other countries (36–361 μSv y−1).
REVIEW OF QUANTITATIVE MECHANISTIC MODELS OF RADIATION-INDUCED NON-TARGETED EFFECTS (NTE)
Authors: Shuryak Igor , Brenner David J
Published: November 2020

Quantitative mechanistic modeling of the biological effects of ionizing radiation has a long rich history. Initially, it was dominated by target theory, which quantifies damage caused by traversal of cellular targets like DNA by ionizing tracks. The discovery that mutagenesis, death and/or altered behavior sometimes occur in cells that were not themselves traversed by any radiation tracks but merely interacted with traversed cells was initially seen as surprising. As more evidence of such ‘non-targeted’ or ‘bystander’ effects accumulated, the importance of their contribution to radiation-induced damage became more recognized. Understanding and modeling these processes is important for quantifying and predicting radiation-induced health risks. Here we review the variety of mechanistic mathematical models of nontargeted effects that emerged over the past 2–3 decades. This review is not intended to be exhaustive, but focuses on the main assumptions and approaches shared or distinct between models, and on identifying areas for future research.
Pre-constitutional Laws in India: Beyond Presumption of Constitutionality
Authors: Singh Snehil Kunwar
Published: November 2020

Recent judgements of the Supreme Court of India have done away with presumption of constitutionality for pre-constitutional laws in India. Regarded as one of the core principles in the study of interpretation of statutes, presumption of constitutionality assumes great significance when constitutionality of any law is under challenge. Removal of this presumption for pre-constitutional laws has far-reaching potential on judicial scrutiny of vires of pre-constitutional laws. However, the implications of such removal on pre-constitutional laws have not been studied. This article is an attempt to study such implications. I shall take example of Indian law on sedition, which is a pre-constitutional law, to demonstrate the impact of removal of the presumption.
Development of a Range of Plausible Noncancer Toxicity Values for 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin Based on Effects on Sperm Count: Application of Systematic Review Methods and Quantitative Integration of Dose Response Using Meta-Regression
Authors: Wikoff Daniele S , Urban Jonathan D , Ring Caroline , Britt Janice , Fitch Seneca , Budinsky Robert , Haws Laurie C
Published: November 2020

Regulatory agencies have derived noncancer toxicity values for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin based on reduced sperm counts relying on single studies from a large body of evidence. Techniques such as meta-regression allow for greater use of the available data while simultaneously providing important information regarding the uncertainty associated with the underlying evidence base when conducting risk assessments. The objective herein was to apply systematic review methods and meta-regression to characterize the dose-response relationship of gestational exposure and epididymal sperm count. Twenty-three publications (20 animal studies consisting of 29 separate rat experimental data sets, and 3 epidemiology studies) met inclusion criteria. Risk of bias evaluation was performed to critically appraise study validity. Low to very low confidence precluded use of available epidemiological data as candidate studies for dose-response due to inconsistencies across the evidence base, high risk of bias, and general lack of biological coherence, including lack of clinical relevance and dose-response concordance. Experimental animal studies, which were found to have higher confidence following the structured assessment of confidence (eg, controlled exposure, biological consistency), were used as the basis of a meta-regression. Multiple models were fit; points of departure were identified and converted to human equivalent doses. The resulting reference dose estimates ranged from approximately 4 to 70 pg/kg/day, depending on model, benchmark response level, and study validity integration approach. This range of reference doses can be used either qualitatively or quantitatively to enhance understanding of human health risk estimates for dioxin-like compounds.
Poncet’s Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Verma Henuka , Rajvanshi Nikhil , Rathaur Vyas Kumar , Pathania Monika , Bhat Nowneet Kumar
Published: November 2020

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). It spreads from one person to the another through the air while coughing, spitting, speaking or sneezing. TB most commonly affects lungs but it can affect any organ system. Diagnosis of TB is made on the basis of microbiological evidence of MTB on microscopic examination, cultures and chest X-rays. Poncet’s disease is a separate entity in which joints are involved in the form of joint pain and swelling without any microbiological evidence of MTB. It usually occurs in the background setting of pulmonary TB. This case focuses on importance of considering Poncet’s disease in the differential diagnosis of paediatric polyarticular arthritis in TB endemic regions or if there is a history suggestive of TB exposure and infection.
Mapping the evolutionary landscape of Zika virus infection in immunocompromised mice
Authors: Johnson Katherine E E , Noval Maria G , Rangel Margarita V , De Jesus Elfie , Geber Adam , Schuster Samantha , Cadwell Ken , Ghedin Elodie , Stapleford Kenneth A
Published: November 2020

The fundamental basis of how arboviruses evolve in nature and what regulates the adaptive process remain unclear. To address this problem, we established a Zika virus (ZIKV) vector-borne transmission system in immunocompromised mice to study the evolutionary characteristics of ZIKV infection. Using this system, we defined factors that influence the evolutionary landscape of ZIKV infection and show that transmission route and specific organ microenvironments impact viral diversity and defective viral genome production. In addition, we identified in mice the emergence of ZIKV mutants previously seen in natural infections, including variants present in currently circulating Asian and American strains, as well as mutations unique to the mouse infections. With these studies, we have established an insect-to-mouse transmission model to study ZIKV evolution in vivo. We also defined how organ microenvironments and infection route impact the ZIKV evolutionary landscape, providing a deeper understanding of the factors that regulate arbovirus evolution and emergence.
In Search of the Older Worker: Framing Job Requirements in Recruitment Advertisements
Authors: van Selm Martine , van den Heijkant Linda
Published: November 2020

Older workers face problems in the labor market due to dominant beliefs about their abilities: they are perceived as reliable, trustworthy, and loyal, but also as less adaptable, less motivated, and less capable compared to younger workers. The mixed beliefs about older workers resonate with the stereotype of older people in society according to the Stereotype Content Model (SCM) of being warm but less competent and are reflected in news and corporate media. The present study contributes by approaching stereotypes about older workers’ employability from a communication perspective. The study examines which requirements are communicated by employers in job advertisements targeting older job seekers, compared to those in job advertisements targeting general job seekers. This is done by using automated content analysis to inductively identify prominently advertised requirements, and to examine how these align with the older workers’ stereotype. Additionally, interviews with recruitment experts are conducted to provide explanation and interpretation. Findings reveal that the persistent idea about older workers performing well on so-called soft abilities and poorer on so-called hard abilities is reflected in job advertisements targeting older job seekers, as these represent requirements related to hard abilities to a lesser extent, whereas abilities related to customer service are more often requested. The mixed beliefs about older workers are reflected in the expert perspective of recruiters too, although with some optimism that older workers’ soft abilities fit well with employers’ need for a social and responsible workforce. The study contributes to insights regarding the SCM and framing theory.
COPD Maintenance Pharmacotherapy
Authors: Gordon Ayla , Young Meilin , Bihler Eric , Cheema Tariq
Published: November 2020

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is currently the fourth leading cause of death worldwide and will likely be the third most common cause by the end of 2020. It is felt to be caused by repetitive noxious stimuli to the lung, most commonly from smoking, with persistent symptoms of cough, wheeze, and shortness of breath. Most patients will have these baseline symptoms, with periodic flare-ups known as exacerbations. This article focuses on pharmacological therapy in a stable COPD patient. Pharmacological treatment of a stable COPD patient focuses on minimizing symptoms, improving exercise tolerance, and preventing exacerbations. Nonpharmacological management of stable COPD, smoking cessation, and treatment of exacerbations are covered in other sections.
Nonpharmacological Therapies in COPD
Authors: Rabold Erica , Virani Ahmed , Arshad Hammad , Cheema Tariq
Published: November 2020

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has recently been gaining more attention, as beyond impacting roughly 10% of the world's population, it also carries high morbidity and mortality. The mainstay of management is optimizing pharmacological therapy, but various nonpharmacological therapies have shown benefits in providing symptom improvement and relief, prevention and mitigation of exacerbations, quality of life, and even mortality rate. Such modalities include supplemental oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, viral and bacterial vaccinations, and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation therapy.
The Role of Palliative Care in COPD
Authors: Baltaji Stephanie , Cheronis Nicholas , Bajwa Omer , Cheema Tariq
Published: November 2020

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a highly symptomatic disease that may lead to significant morbidity. Even with optimal therapy, the patient's quality of life can be severely affected. These symptoms include dyspnea, anxiety, depression, and malnourishment. Palliative care is a branch of medicine that specializes in the care of patients with a terminal illness no matter what stage of the disease they are in. It implements a family-centered approach to help patients deal with their symptoms. It also helps with shared decision-making and advanced care planning.
COVID-19
Authors: Ashraf Obaid , Virani Ahmed , Cheema Tariq
Published: November 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) remains a serious issue for global health, given widespread infectivity and a high contagion rate. A tremendous amount of data has been generated since it was first identified in December 2019. It is vital to keep up with these data from across the world at a time of uncertainty and continuously evolving guidelines and clinical practice. This review provides an update on recent developments concerning epidemiology, clinical presentation, treatment options, and scientific advancements to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
LOCALIZED CONJUNCTIVAL AL-AMYLOID DEPOSITS SECONDARY TO A RETINAL DETACHMENT SURGERY RADIAL EXPLANT
Authors: Mudhar Hardeep S. , Stafanous Sabah
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

To describe a hitherto unreported late ocular surface complication of retinal detachment surgery around a radial segment explant.

Methods:

A single case report of a 72-year-old white man, with a previous history of right scleral buckling surgery for retinal detachment surgery 25 years ago, presented with right-sided ptosis of 6 months duration.

Results:

Ocular surface examination showed a prominent right supero-nasal quadrant radial segment explant, around which there was bulky pink conjunctival mass, extending from the supero-medial fornix down to the medial canthal area and inferior medial fornix with similar changes seen on the upper medial tarsal conjunctiva. The clinical differential diagnosis was either inflammation from an exposed radial explant or lymphoma. Biopsies of the conjunctival mass showed perivascular and interstitial solid eosinophilic deposits of amyloid, with scattered giant cells; the amyloid was of AL type. There was no morphological or immunohistochemical evidence of lymphoma or a plasma cell neoplasm in the specimen.

Conclusion:

This is the first report of localized conjunctival amyloid deposition, secondary to a retinal detachment radial explant. It is proposed that the localized amyloid deposit arose from the ocular surface irritative effects of the radial explant.
DEVELOPMENT OF CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION AFTER TREATMENT WITH PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY IN A 5-YEAR-OLD FEMALE WITH CHOROIDAL OSTEOMA
Authors: Jabbehdari Sayena , Fernández-Vega Gonzalez Alvaro , Zahid Sarwar , Mieler William F.
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

To describe a patient with a choroidal osteoma treated with photodynamic therapy to prevent tumor growth in whom choroidal neovascularization (CNV) developed after being treated with photodynamic therapy.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 5-year-old Hispanic woman presented with an asymptomatic choroidal osteoma, temporal to the macula of her right eye. According to the patient's mother, her medical, surgical, and family history was unremarkable. At examination, best-corrected visual acuity was 20/30 in both eyes. After 11 months of follow-up, signs of tumor growth toward the fovea without any signs of CNV was noted. Photodynamic therapy was performed to prevent invasion of the foveola. Two months thereafter, the patient developed CNV in the macula region in the right eye, decreasing visual acuity to 20/200. The patient was treated with four total intravitreal injections of 1.25 mg of bevacizumab over 24 weeks, which resulted in inactivation of the CNV and improved visual acuity to 20/20. Choroidal neovascularization had been never reported in her past history and her follow-up visits over 7 years. In addition, no evidence of recurrent neovascular activity or tumor growth was reported.

Conclusion:

Choroidal osteoma is a benign tumor that can result in vision-threatening complications, caused by tumor growth and tumor decalcification. Photodynamic therapy is an effective modality in inducing choroidal osteoma decalcification and stabilization; however, CNV due to reperfusion following photodynamic therapy can be seen in the retina.
GORE-TEX SCLERAL-SUTURED ENVISTA INTRAOCULAR LENS DISLOCATION: THREE CASES AND AN ASSESSMENT OF EYELET TENSILE STRENGTH, FRACTURE CHARACTERISTICS, AND RISK FACTORS
Authors: Lippincott John K. , Collins Marilyn M. , Tieu Brian C.
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

Three cases of dislocation of a Gore-Tex scleral-sutured EnVista intraocular lens are reported. The tensile strength of the lens eyelets under two suturing methods is assessed. Pursuant surgical considerations are discussed.

Methods:

A chart review was performed to identify cases of scleral-sutured EnVista lens dislocations. In addition, six EnVista lenses were suspended in a balanced salt solution tank, tied either with suture over haptic or simple pass technique. Eyelet tensile strength was calculated by gradual addition of weights. Eyelet fracture position and width were measured. The tensile strength of one additional EnVista lens was assessed in open air.

Patients:

In a retrospective, consecutive case series, three dislocated lenses were identified out of 17 surgeries from one institution. Two dislocations occurred postoperatively, and one occurred intraoperatively.

Results:

The EnVista eyelet demonstrated greater tensile strength tied with the simple pass method (0.27 ± 0.017 N, n = 3) than with the suture over haptic method (0.15 ± 0.016 N, n = 3; P = 0.0015). Eyelet fracture location corresponded to tensile strength. The lens in air withstood greater tensile stress.

Conclusion:

Stress is placed on different regions of the eyelet with each suturing method. Simple pass may withstand greater tension and decrease risk for lens fracture, but the operating surgeon must consider multiple factors when forming an operative plan.