bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and risk factors for admission in children undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation in a pediatric emergency department
Authors: Cadenas Jose Antonio Alonso , Andrés Beatriz Corredor , Martínez David Andina , Cañedo Gustavo , Ángulo Blanca Molina , Vicent Marta Gonzalez , Espí Mercedes de la Torre , Diaz Miguel
Published: September 2021

We describe 68 hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) patients who
visited our pediatric emergency department during 2014-2015 (188
encounters). Fever was the main complaint in 74 (34.8%) encounters.
Diagnostic tests were performed in 147 (78.2%) episodes [100% of
patients with unstable Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) and 75.7%
with stable PAT (P value 0.02)] and treatment was required in 93
(49.5%) episodes [15 (78.9%) with unstable PAT and 78 (46.2%) with
stable PAT (P value <0.001)]. Risk factors for admission
were unstable PAT [relative risk (RR) 3.4 (2.6-4.6), P value
<0.001] and ≤100 days since HCT [RR 2.1 (1.4-3.1), P value
<0.001].
Ecomorphological Study of Scales in Some Genera of the Viperid and Colubrid Snakes (Ophidia: Viperidae: Colubridae)
Authors: Akbarpour morteza , Pouyani Nasrullah Rastegar , Fathinia Behzad , Rastegar-pouyani Eskandar
Published: September 2021

Ecomorphological studies are aimed to find out the relation between the
morphology of organisms and their ecology. Many studies on reptile scale
microornamentation indicate that it has important functional values. In
this study microornamentation and light reflection of scales’ surface
among six viperid and two colubrid snake species in relation to their
habitat were examined. To compare microornamentation and light
reflection analyses, skin specimens were prepared and analyzed using
scanning electron microscopy and FluoVision Imaging System and
spectrometer, respectively. The results showed that snake species
inhabiting similar habitats had different microornamentation and vice
versa. Likely the scale microstructures are more influenced by
phylogenetic relationships than by the environment. In examining the
scales’ reflection, different species and different body parts reflect
various wavelengths of visible light, which relates to ecological
condition of them.
Economics and Outcomes of Sotalol In-Patient Dosing Approaches in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Varela Daniel , Burnham Tyson , May Heidi , Bair Tami , Steinberg Benjamin , Muhlestein Joseph , Anderson Jeffrey , Knowlton Kirk , Bunch Thomas
Published: September 2021

Background: There exists variability in the administration of inpatient
sotalol therapy for symptomatic atrial fibrillation(AF). The impact of
this variability on patient in-hospital and 30-day post-hospitalization
costs and outcomes is not known. Also, the cost impact of intravenous
sotalol, which can accelerate drug loading to therapeutic levels, is
unknown. Methods: 133 AF patients admitted for sotalol initiation at an
Intermountain Healthcare Hospital from January 2017-December 2018 were
included. Patient and dosing characteristics were described
descriptively, and the impact of dosing schedule was correlated with
daily hospital costs/clinical outcomes during the index hospitalization
and for 30 days. The CMS reimbursement for 3-day sotalol initiation is
$9,263.51. Projections of cost savings were made considering a 1-day
load using intravenous sotalol that costs $2,500.00 to administer.
Results: The average age was 70.3±12.3 years, 60.2% were male with
comorbidities of: hypertension(83%), diabetes(36%), and coronary
artery disease(53%). Mean ejection fraction was 59.9±7.8% and median
QTc was 453.7±37.6 ms before sotalol. No ventricular arrhythmias
developed, but bradycardia(<60 bpm) was observed in 37.6% of
patients. The average length of stay was 3.9±4.6(median: 2.2) days.
Post-discharge outcomes and rehospitalization rates stratified by length
of stay were similar. The cost per day was estimated at $2,931.55
(1:$2,931.55, 2:$5,863.10, 3:$8,794.65, 4:$11,726.20). Conclusions:
Inpatient sotalol dosing is markedly variable and results in the
potential of both cost gain and loss to a hospital. In consideration of
estimated costs, there is the potential for $871.55 cost savings
compared to a 2-day oral load and $3,803.10 compared to a 3-day oral
load.
Subtherpeutic anti-factor Xa levels in patient with ascites receiving subcutaneous enoxaparin injection at abdominal wall
Authors: Tharanon Vichapat , Kawamatawong Theerasuk
Published: September 2021

Enoxaparin is a low-molecular weight heparin for management of the
thromboembolic disorders. In practice, subcutaneous (SC) enoxaparin at
abdominal wall for patient with ascites might be indeterminate. It is
noticed that SC enoxaparin administration in patient with ascites likely
affected the anti-factor Xa level of enoxaparin.
Metastatic squamous carcinoma of cervix with tricuspid valve involvement
Authors: Lei Yong , Tang Ling , Yang Fang Hui , Liu Qiang Shi
Published: September 2021

Abstract Objective: To investigate the metastatic tumor with tricuspid
valve involvement, and to improve the understanding of the disease and
the level of diagnosis and treatment. Method: This article mainly
reports a case of a metastatic squamous carcinoma of cervix(SCC) with
tricuspid valve involvement patient treated with surgical treatment and
followed up one year after surgery . Result: The prognosis of the case
was good after surgery.But The short-term effect of the patient was not
ideal. Conclusion: Metastatic tumor of tricuspid valve is
infrequent,which is difficult to diagnose and treat because of the lack
of specific clinical manifestations.To achieve better therapeutic
effect, the multi-mode treatment strategy should be considered.
A clinical Response in Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC) Cases Treated with Supra-physiological Doses of Testosterone: Bipolar Androgen Therapy
Authors: Hoshi Senji , Bilim Vladimir , Hoshi Kiyotsugu , Nakagawa Takuya , Sato Sadanobu , Sakagami Rie , Konno Masato , Kudo Takashi , Numahata Kenji , Sasagawa Isoji
Published: September 2021

Androgen deprivation therapy is a standard of care for metastatic
prostate cancer, however, eventually, all men relapse. A paradoxical
approach utilizing high doses of testosterone in castration-resistant
prostate cancer patients demonstrated clinical responses. Here we report
on four heavily pretreated CRPC patients successfully treated with
supra-physiological doses of testosterone.
An adult case with LACHT syndrome (Mardini-Nyhan association)
Authors: zanganehfar Mohammad esmaeil , Pouraliakbar Hamidreza , Shojaeifard Maryam , Mahmoudi MohammadFaryad
Published: September 2021

Mardini–Nyhan or LACHT (lung anomaly, congenital heart defect, and
thumb anomaly) syndrome is extremely rare. The literature contains only
12 reported cases in the pediatric population. We herein describe an
adult patient with this syndrome.
Are Aortic Surgery Device Technology Providers Valid or Valued Assets?
Authors: Tan Cian , Idhrees Mohammed , Bashir Mohamad
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT The involvement of Medical Technology (MedTech) corporations in
the provision of surgical care remains a topic of debate. This
relationship is especially relevant in cardiac and aortic surgery as the
use of grafts, stents, prostheses, and other devices is an integral
component of most procedures. Many argue that the involvement of device
representatives in cardiac surgical cases is valuable – they are often
experts on their product and are able to contribute their expertise in
challenging cases. Yet, the potential for MedTech corporations to
influence surgeons’ clinical decision-making introduces a
conflict-of-interest and calls into question what the ‘best practice’
for sales reps should be. The influence of MedTech corporations over
policymaking bodies in the US, UK, and Europe also represents a major
issue for transparency and is equally deserving of evaluation.
Horizontal dorsal resection of a crooked septum in septoplasty
Authors: 박 상만 , Jeon Hyun Jong , Lee Hyun Soo , Lee Jae Woo , Lee Eun Jung , Park Dong-Joon
Published: September 2021

Objective: There are several types of septal deviation, including
horizontal, vertical, C-shaped, S-shaped, and high deviation. One of the
most difficult of these types to correct is the crooked dorsal septum,
which attaches to the upper lateral cartilage and causes a high septal
deviation. We propose a method for horizontal dorsal resection of a
crooked septum using a mucosal through-and-through suture technique for
the correction of high septal deviation. Design and setting: The medical
records of 30 patients (27 men) who underwent septoplasty by one author
of this study from 2019 to 2020 at our institute were reviewed
prospectively. The median follow-up was 11 months (range, 4–16 months).
All patients underwent a horizontal dorsal septal cartilaginous
resection with mucosal through-and-through suture. Data were collected
on demographics, symptoms, anatomic site of deviation, and postoperative
complications. Patient self-satisfaction scores were subjectively graded
using a visual analog scale ranging from 0 (excellent) to 10 (poor).
Results: One surgeon performed each septoplasty using the same method; 2
(6.7%) patients underwent additional valvuloplasty. The median scores
in subjective satisfaction for the 30 patients were 8.4±1.22 before
surgery and 2.07±1.26 after surgery (p<0.05). Furthermore, no
patient experienced a saddle deformity, septal hematoma, septal
perforation, or loss of nasal tip support during follow-up. Conclusions:
After horizontal dorsal resection from the upper lateral cartilage
during septoplasty, the patients experienced no stability problems. This
suggests that this surgical technique is a safe and effective method for
correcting high deviation due to a crooked dorsal septum.
Detection of a new deleterious SGCE gene variant in Moroccan family with inherited Myoclonic-dystonia
Authors: faiza chbel , hicham charoute , redouane Boulouiz , Hasna Hamdaoui , Houssein Mossafa , houda Benrahma , Ouldim Karim
Published: September 2021

Myoclonus-Dystonia is a neuropsychiatric disorder with autosomal
dominant mode of inheritance with variable severity and incomplete
penetrance. Pathogenic variants in SGCE are the most frequent genetic
cause of M-D with maternal imprinting. Herein we report a new
deleterious variant based on protein modeling analysis
(c.662G> T) inherited in moroccan family.
Effects of forest conversion and seasonal changes on the assembly of bacterial and fungal communities in tropical forests
Authors: Lan G , Chen Bangqian , Wu Zhixiang , Yang Chuan , Zhang Xicai
Published: September 2021

To date, few studies have assessed the impact of forest conversion or
seasonal changes on soil microbial community assembly. To fill this
research gap, 16S rRNA and ITS gene sequences were used to evaluate the
effects of forest conversion and seasonal changes on the assembly of
bacterial and fungal communities using 260 soil samples collected from
tropical rainforest and rubber plantation sites across Hainan Island,
South China. A majority (~60%) of observed OTUs
conformed with neutral model expectations, indicating that neutral
processes were important for the assembly of soil microbial communities.
For bacterial communities, the NST (normalized stochasticity ratio) was
higher in the tropical rainforest (0.746 in the dry season, 0.684 in the
rainy season) versus rubber plantation sites (0.647, 0.584), regardless
of season. Thus, forest conversion decreased the importance of
stochasticity for soil bacterial community assembly. For fungal
communities, rubber plantation communities showed greater stochasticity
(NST = 0.578) than rainforest communities (NST = 0.388) in the dry
season, but the reverse was true in the rainy season (NST = 0.852 for
rubber plantations; NST = 0.978 for rainforest). Both the NST results
and structural equation modeling showed that bacterial communities were
more stochastic in the dry season, while fungal communities were more
stochastic in the rainy season; the effects of seasonal changes on
assembly therefore differed between bacterial and fungal communities.
More importantly, forest conversion did not have a direct impact on the
assembly of bacterial or fungal communities, but exerted indirect
effects via soil pH and soil AK.
Adhesion Barriers in Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review of Safety and Efficacy
Authors: Head William , Paladugu Namrata , Kwon Jennie , Brennan Emily , Kavarana Minoo , Rajab Taufiek Konrad
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pericardial adhesions have been associated
with increased morbidity, mortality, and surgical difficulty. Barriers
exist to limit adhesion formation, yet little is known about their use
in cardiac surgery. The study presented here provides the first major
systematic review of adhesion barriers in cardiac surgery. METHODS:
Scopus and PubMed were assessed on November 20, 2020. Inclusion criteria
were clinical studies on human subjects, and exclusion criteria were
studies not published in English and case reports. Risk of bias was
evaluated with the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Barrier safety and
efficacy data were assessed with Excel and GraphPad Prism 5. RESULTS: 25
studies were identified with a total of 13 barriers and 2,928 patients.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was the most frequently evaluated barrier
(13 studies, 67% of patients) with an infection rate of 1.14%,
bleeding event rate of 0.75%, mortality rate of 1.22%, adhesion
formation rate of 37.31%, and standardized tenacity score of 26.50.
Several barriers had improved safety and efficacy. In particular, Cova
CARD had an infection rate of 0.00%, a bleeding event rate of 0.00%,
and a tenacity score of 15.00. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the data varied
considerably in terms of study design and reporting bias. The amount of
data was also limited for the non-PTFE studies. PTFE has historically
been effective in preventing adhesions. More recent barriers may be
superior, yet the current data is non-confirmatory. No ideal adhesion
barrier currently exists, and future barriers must focus on the
requirements unique to operating in and around the heart.
Improved protein docking by predicted interface residues.
Authors: Pozzati Gabriele , Kundrotas Petras , Elofsson Arne
Published: September 2021

Scoring docking solutions is a difficult task, and many methods have
been developed for this purpose. In docking, only a handful of the
hundreds of thousands of models generated by docking algorithms are
acceptable, causing difficulties when developing scoring functions.
Today’s best scoring functions can significantly increase the number of
top-ranked models but still fails for most targets. Here, we examine the
possibility of utilising predicted residues on a protein-protein
interface to score docking models generated during the scan stage of a
docking algorithm. Many methods have been developed to infer the
portions of a protein surface that interact with another protein, but
most have not been benchmarked using docking algorithms. Different
interface prediction methods are systematically tested for scoring
>300.000 low-resolution rigid-body template free docking
decoys. Overall we find that BIPSPI is the best method to identify
interface amino acids and score docking solutions. Further, using BIPSPI
provides better docking results than state of the art scoring functions,
with >12% of first ranked docking models being acceptable.
Additional experiments indicated precision as a high-importance metric
when estimating interface prediction quality, focusing on docking
constraints production. We also discussed several limitations for the
adoption of interface predictions as constraints in a docking protocol.
Root traits for low input agroecosystems in Africa: lessons from three case studies
Authors: Ndoye Mame Sokhatil , Burridge Jimmy , Bhosale Rahul , Grondin Alexandre , Laplaze Laurent
Published: September 2021

In Africa, agriculture is largely based on low-input and small-holder
farming systems that use little inorganic fertilizers and have limited
access to irrigation and mechanization. Improving agricultural practices
and developing new cultivars adapted to these low-input environments,
where production already suffers from climate change, is a major
priority for ensuring food security in the future. Root traits improving
water and nutrient uptake could represent a solution toward achieving
these goals. In this review, we illustrate how breeding for specific
root traits could improve crop adaptation and resilience in Africa using
three case studies covering very contrasted low-input agroecosystems.
First, we review how targeted changes in root system architecture
allowed a dramatic increase in common bean yield in low input
agroecosystems of South East Africa. We next discuss how root traits
could be targeted to improve the productivity and resilience of dryland
cereals in the face of climate change and soil degradation. Finally, we
evaluate how root traits could be mobilized to develop water-saving rice
agroecosystems for West Africa. We conclude with a discussion on how to
prioritize target root traits, how they could be validated and made
available to breeders and farmers through participatory approaches.
Adversarially Robust Bayesian Optimization for Efficient Auto-Tuning of Generic Control Structures under Uncertainty
Authors: Paulson Joel , Makrygiorgos Georgios , Mesbah Ali
Published: September 2021

The performance of advanced controllers depends on the selection of
several tuning parameters that can affect the closed-loop control
performance and constraint satisfaction in highly nonlinear and
nonconvex ways. There has been a significant interest in auto-tuning of
complex control structures using Bayesian optimization (BO). However, an
open challenge is how to deal with uncertainties in the closed-loop
system that cannot be attributed to a lumped, small-scale noise term.
This paper develops an adversarially robust BO (ARBO) method that is
suited to auto-tuning problems with significant time-invariant
uncertainties in a plant simulator. ARBO uses a Gaussian process model
that jointly describes the effect of the tuning parameters and
uncertainties on the closed-loop performance. ARBO uses an alternating
confidence-bound procedure to simultaneously select the next candidate
tuning and uncertainty realizations, implying only one expensive
closed-loop simulation is needed at each iteration. The advantages of
ARBO are demonstrated on two case studies.
Smaller species experience mild adversity under shading in an old-field plant community
Authors: Balfour Kelly , Greco Danielle , Gridzak Riley , Piggott Gillian , Schamp Brandon , Aarssen Lonnie
Published: September 2021

Plant competition experiments commonly suggest that larger species have
an advantage, especially in light acquisition. However, within crowded
natural vegetation, where competition evidently impacts fitness, most
resident species are relatively small. It remains unclear, therefore,
whether the size-advantage observed in controlled experiments is
realized in habitats under intensive competition. We tested for evidence
of a size-advantage in competition for light in an old-field plant
community composed of herbaceous perennial species. We investigated
whether larger species contributed to reduced light penetration (i.e.,
greater shading), and examined the impact of shade on smaller species by
testing whether their abundance and richness were lower in plots with
less light penetration. Light penetration in plots ranged from
0.3-72.4%. Plots with greater mean species height had significantly
lower light penetration. Plots with lower light penetration had
significantly lower small species abundance and richness. However, the
impact of shade on small species abundance and richness was relatively
small (R values between 8% and 15%) and depended on
how we defined “small species”. Significant effects were more common
when analyses focused on individuals that reached reproduction; focusing
on only flowering plants can clarify patterns. Our results confirm that
light penetration in herbaceous vegetation can be comparable to levels
seen in forests, that plots with taller species cast more shade, and
that smaller species are less abundant and diverse in plots where light
penetration is low. However, variation in mean plot height explained
less than 10% of variation in light penetration, and light penetration
explained 5-15% of variation in small species abundance and richness.
Coupled with the fact that reproductive small species were present even
within the most heavily shaded plots, our results suggest that any
advantage in light competition by large species is limited. One
explanation is that some small species in these communities are shade
tolerant.
Relative species abundance and population densities of the past; developing multi-species occupancy models for fossil data
Authors: Reitan Trond , Ergon Torbjørn , Liow Lee Hsiang
Published: September 2021

The number of individuals of species within communities varies, but
estimating abundance, given incomplete and biased sampling, is
challenging. Here, we describe a new occupancy model in a hierarchical
Bayesian framework with random effects, where multi-species occupancy
and detection are modeled as a means to estimate relative species
abundance and relative population densities. The modelling framework is
suited for occupancy data for temporal samples of fossil communities
with repeated sampling including multiple species with similar
preservation potential. We demonstrate our modelling framework using a
fossil community of benthic organisms to estimate changing relative
species abundance dynamics and relative population densities of focal
species in 9 (geological) time-intervals over 2.3 million years. We also
explored potential explanatory factors (paleoenvironmental proxies) and
temporal autocorrelation that could provide extra information on
unsampled time-intervals. The modelling framework is applicable across a
wide range of questions on species-level dynamics in (palaeo)ecological
community settings.
Double-valve Replacement for Aortic and Tricuspid Autoimmune Endocarditis
Authors: Sánchez Alvaro , Parra Juan , VINCK ERIC , Sanchez Oscar , Nunez Federico , Caicedo Victor , Jimenez Ivette
Published: September 2021

Libman–Sacks endocarditis (LSE) is a cardiac manifestation of systemic
lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome and is characterized
by non-bacterial verrucous vegetations with thrombogenic potential,
causing stenosis and/or regurgitation in left heart predominantly, which
can be asymptomatic in most of the cases but in the acute form it may
present an infective form (pseudoinfective endocarditis) and complicate
diagnosis and treatment. We present a case of aortic and tricuspid valve
destruction due to Libman-Sacks endocarditis in a patient with
antiphospholipid syndrome requiring surgical treatment by aortic and
tricuspid valve replacement.
Results of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting with off-pump first strategy in octogenarian
Authors: Kitamura Hideki , Tamaki Mototsugu , Kawaguchi Yasuhiko , Okawa Yasuhide
Published: September 2021

Background and aim: Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death
around the world. Coronary artery bypass grafting offers efficient
surgical revascularization for ischemic disease. Both on- or off-pump
coronary artery bypass methods provide promising results to
octogenarians, once complete vascularization is achieved. However,
off-pump bypass requires a certain level of experience to achieve
sufficient results. We have applied an off-pump coronary artery
bypass-first strategy to all generations since 2008. This study
investigated early and long-term results of surgical revascularization
for octogenarians by a team with an off-pump-first strategy. Methods:
All cases of isolated coronary artery bypass grafting performed since
2008 were identified and divided into a young group (age <80
years) and an old group (age >=80 years). Peri-operative
results were investigated retrospectively in both groups and long-term
results for the old group were assessed. Results: Among the 707
patients, 97% underwent off-pump bypass, and 94 cases were classified
to the old group. Distal anastomoses and ventilator time were identical
between groups (young vs. old: 3.3 vs. 3.2; 3.7 h vs. 3.7 h).
In-hospital death rates were 0.5% and 0% in the young and old groups,
respectively. With a mean follow-up of 1318 days, actual 1-, 3-, and
5-year survival rates for octogenarians were 92.1%, 81.2% and 68.3%,
respectively. Nearly half of the patients reached their nineties, which
was close to the life expectancy of the national general octogenarian.
Conclusions: An experienced team with an off-pump-first strategy could
provide valid therapeutic options for octogenarians.
Dual effects of FeNPs on maize growth and water use are actively mediated by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus via rhizosphere interactions
Authors: Yang yumiao , naseer minha , zhu ying , Zhu shuangguo , Wang baozhong , Wang yibo , wang jing , zhu hao , wang wei , zhu li , Gao yixia , Tao Hong-Yan , Xiong youcai
Published: September 2021

Nanoscale zero-valent iron (FeNPs) can affect plant growth and water
uptake positively or negatively. Yet, its mechanism is still unclear,
particularly for differentiate functional roles of FeNPs in plant-soil
interaction. To address this issue, we first confirmed 1.0 and 1.5
g·kg-1 FeNPs as growth-promotion concentrations and 1.5 g·kg-1 as
optimal one, while 2.0 g·kg-1 turned to restrict growth in maize
seedlings, comparing with CK. When AM fungus (Funneliformis mosseae) was
inoculated and cultured with FeNPs, 1.0 and 1.5 g·kg-1 FeNPs further
evidently enhanced water uptake and biomass accumulation
(P<0.05). ), as affected by the activated AMF colonization
carrier. Contrarily, FeNPs turned to promote AMF colonization and
development, achieving greater iron translocation efficiency in
mycorrhiza (P < 0.05). Yet, 2.0 g·kg-1 FeNPs restricted AMF
infection in roots, a negative effect. To investigate the
mycorrhizal-FeNPs symbiosis, scanning electron microscopy was used to
scan the extraradical hyphae, showing that hyphae intercepted excessive
iron nanoparticles, alleviating the blockage of root surface apertures
and ultimately restoring root activity. Therefore, dual effects of FeNPs
on maize physiology were actively mediated by AMF via rhizosphere
interactions. The findings provided new insights into safe and efficient
utilization of nanomaterials in agro-ecosystems.
Three-Dimensional Right Ventriculo-Arterial Coupling as an Independent Correlate of Severe Heart Failure Symptoms in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Vijiiac Aura , Onciul Sebastian , Deaconu Silvia , Vatasescu Radu , Guzu Claudia , Verinceanu Violeta , Scarlatescu Alina , Zamfir Diana , Petre Ioana , Udriste Alexandru Scafa , Dorobantu Maria
Published: September 2021

Background: Right ventricular-pulmonary artery coupling (RVPAC) is a
predictor of outcome in pulmonary hypertension. However, the role of
this parameter in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) remains to be
established. The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of
RVPAC to the occurrence of severe heart failure (HF) symptoms in
patients with DCM using three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography.
Methods: We prospectively screened 139 outpatients with DCM, 105 of whom
were enrolled and underwent 3D echocardiographic assessment. RVPAC was
estimated non-invasively as the 3D right ventricular stroke volume (SV)
to end-systolic volume (ESV) ratio. Severe HF symptoms were defined by
New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV. We evaluated
differences in RVPAC across NYHA classes and the ability of RVPAC to
predict severe symptoms. Results: Mean left ventricular (LV) ejection
fraction was 28±7%. Mean RVPAC was 0.77±0.30 and it was significantly
more impaired with increasing symptom severity (p=0.001). RVPAC was the
only independent correlate of severe HF symptoms, after adjusting for
age, diuretic use, LV systolic function, LV diastolic function and
pulmonary artery systolic pressure (OR 0.035 [95% CI, 0.004 –
0.312], p=0.003). By receiver-operating characteristic analysis, the
RVPAC cut-off value for predicting severely symptomatic status was 0.54
(area under the curve=0.712, p<0.001). Conclusion: 3D
echocardiographic SV/ESV ratio is an independent correlate of severe HF
symptoms in patients with DCM. 3D RVPAC might prove to be a useful risk
stratification tool for these patients, should it be further validated
in larger studies.
EPILEPSY INTERIM EXPERT ADVICE FOR PRESCRIBING CANNABIS MEDICINES
Authors: Lawson John , OBrien Terry , Graham Myf , Renaud Elianne , Jones Dean , Freeman Jeremy , Lawn Nicholas , Martin Jennifer
Published: September 2021

There is international interest for consensus advice for prescribers
working in the field of drug resistant epilepsy intending to trial
potential therapies which are non-registered or off-label. Cannabinoids
are one such therapy. In Australia in 2017, the New South Wales State
Government set up a cannabinoid prescribing guidance service for a wide
variety of indications, based on known pharmacology together with the
relevant new literature as it became available. Increasing interest in
cannabis medicines outside NSW over the following last five years
together with a paucity of registration-standard clinical trials and
lack of information around dosing issues, drug interactions and
biological plausibility means there remains a large unmet need for such
advice. To address the unmet need, and until medicines were registered
or regulator quality data was available, it was agreed to bring together
a working group comprising paediatric and adult epilepsy specialists,
clinical pharmacists. pharmacologists and cannabis researchers from
across Australia, to develop interim ‘Consensus Advice’ for prescribers.
Although interim, this consensus advice addresses much of the current
practice gap by providing an informed overview of the different cannabis
medicines currently available for use in the treatment of epilepsy in
paediatric and adult settings, with information on dose, drug
interactions, toxicity and type and frequency of symptom and seizure
relief. As such it supplements the limited evidence currently available
from clinical trials with experience from front-line practice. It is
expected that this consensus advice will be updated as new evidence
emerges and will provide guidance for a subsequent Guideline.
RBD-IgG levels correlate with protection in Residents Facing SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 Outbreaks
Authors: Blain Hubert , Tuaillon Edouard , Gamon Lucie , Pisoni Amandine , Miot Stephanie , Delpui Valentin , Si-Mohamed Nejm , Niel Clémence , Rolland Yves , Montes Brigitte , Groc Soraya , Rafasse Sophia , Dupuy Anne-Marie , Gros Nathalie , Muriaux Delphine , Picot Marie-Christine , Bousquet Jean
Published: September 2021

Background Limited information exists on nursing home (NH)
residents regarding BNT162b2/Pfizer vaccine efficacy in preventing
SARS-CoV-2 and severe Covid-19, and its association with post-vaccine
humoral response. Methods 396 residents from seven NHs
suffering a SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 (VOC-α) outbreak at least 14 days after a
vaccine campaign were repeatedly tested using SARS-CoV-2 real-time
reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction on nasopharyngeal swab
test (RT-PCR). SARS-CoV-2 Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD) of the S1
subunit (RBD-IgG) was measured in all residents. Nucleocapsid
antigenemia (N-Ag) was measured in RT-PCR-positive residents, and serum
neutralizing antibodies in vaccinated residents from one NH.
Results The incidence of positive RT-PCR was lower in residents
vaccinated by two doses (22.7%) vs one dose (32.3%) or non-vaccinated
residents (43.7%)(p<0.01). Covid-19-induced deaths were
observed in 10.4% of the non-vaccinated residents, in 6.4% of those
who had received one dose, and in 0.9% with two doses (p=0.0007).
Severe symptoms were more common in infected non-vaccinated (21.0%) vs
vaccinated residents (47.6%, p=0.002). Higher levels of RBD-IgG (n=325)
were associated with a lower SARS-CoV-2 incidence. No in vitro serum
neutralization activity was found for RBD-IgG levels below 1,050 AU/mL.
RBD-IgG levels were inversely associated with N-Ag levels, found as a
risk factor of severe Covid-19. Conclusions Two BNT162b2/Pfizer
doses are associated with a 48% reduction of SARS-CoV-2 incidence and a
91.3% reduction of death risk in residents from NHs facing a VOC-α
outbreak. BNT162b2/Pfizer efficacy was partly predicted by post-vaccine
RBD-IgG levels.
Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Explantation -- A Single Tertiary Center Experience
Authors: Pothineni Naga Venkata , Cherian Tharian , Patel Neel , Smietana Jeffrey , Frankel David , Deo Rajat , Epstein Andrew , Marchlinski Francis , Schaller Robert
Published: September 2021

Background: The subcutaneous implantable-cardioverter defibrillator
(S-ICD) is an appealing alternative to transvenous ICD systems. However,
data on indications for S-ICD explantations are sparse. Objectives: To
assess incidence and indications for S-ICD explantation at a large
tertiary referral center. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of
all S-ICD explantations performed from 2014 to 2020. Data on
demographics, comorbidities, implantation characteristics, and
indications for explantation, were collected. Results: A total of 64
patients underwent S-ICD explantation during the study period. During
that time, there were 410 S-ICD implantations at our institution of
which 53 (12.9%) were explanted with a mean duration from implant to
explant of 19.7±20.1 months. The mean age of the patients at
explantation was 44.8±15.3 years, and 42% (n=27) were female. The
indication for S-ICD implantation was primary prevention in 58% and
secondary prevention in 42% of the patients. The most common reason for
explantation was infection (32.8%) followed by abnormal sensing (25%)
and need for pacing (18.8%). Those who underwent S-ICD explantation for
pacing indications were significantly older (55.7±13.6 vs 42.3± 14.6
years, p = 0.005) with a wider QRS duration (111±19 ms vs 98±19 ms, p =
0.03) at device implantation compared to patients who underwent
explantation for other indications. Conclusion: Incidence of S-ICD
explantation in a large tertiary practice was 12.9%. While infection
was the indication for a third of the explantations, a significant
number were due to sensing abnormalities and need for pacing. These data
may have implications for patient selection for S-ICD implantation.
Primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the orbit: a rare clinical entity
Authors: Maamri Kais , frej Rihab Ben , Nessib Nesrine , Boukhit Mohamed , Hadhri Maher , Belkahla Ghassen , Nsir Atef Ben , Darmoul Mehdi
Published: September 2021

Primary mucinous adenocarcinoma is an exceptionally rare neoplasm with a
propensity for local recurrence and metastasis. We report the second
case in the literature of a primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the orbit
in a 66-year-old male with its clinical, histological features, and
management of this tumor.
Variation characteristic of the Yellow River water resources in Ningxia section
Authors: yu song
Published: September 2021

The subject of rapid economic and social development impact of global
climate change and the upper reaches of the Yellow River in the past
decade, Ningxia Yellow River water into Gansu substantial reduced,
resulting in Ningxia exit water also reduced to varying degrees, but the
water entry and exit difference (water consumption) has increased. In
this paper, comparative analysis of the Yellow River in Ningxia Section
from 2001 to 2012 and from 1956 to 1995 data, found the average years of
entry water by about 18%, leaving an average of about 23% less water
for many years, Ningxia Yellow River water consumption increased by
about 48%. Water impact from Meili Canal, Qixing canal, Qing Tongxia
east and west main canal, 211.73 m3/s annual flux above Qing Tongxia
Reservoir was evacuated by 2001 to 2012, more water in irrigated areas
back from Shi Zui Shan section of the Yellow River once again return to
the Yellow River, flow in the Ningxia exit section of the Yellow River
than Qing Tongxia station extra 102.99 m3/s; the point of view during
the year, due to the irrigation water from late March, the entry water
becomes greater than exit water of the Yellow River in Ningxia section,
effective irrigation due to precipitation increases in August, the
difference between entry water and exit water becomes narrow, with the
withdrawal of water regression in irrigated areas in downstream segment,
thus result of the Shi Zuishan exit section flow than the entry of water
cross section in varying degrees of increases in September, October and
December.
Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma of the oral cavity: a case report
Authors: Asadi Amirali , Mahmoudi Hamed , mofidi abbas , Mortezazadeh Masoud , hadizadeh Alireza
Published: September 2021

In this article, we report a 34-year-old man who presented with a buccal
progressive ulcerated lesion which through histopathologic and IHC
findings diagnosed as Peripheral T-cell lymphoma.
In-depth analysis of amino acid and nucleotide sequences of Hsp60: how conserved is this protein?
Authors: Tikhomirova Tatyana , Matyunin Maxim , Lobanov Mikhail , Galzitskaya Oxana
Published: September 2021

Chaperonin Hsp60, as a protein found in all organisms, is of great
interest in medicine, since it is present in many tissues and can be
used both as a drug and as an object of targeted therapy. Hence, Hsp60
deserves a fundamental comparative analysis to assess its evolutionary
characteristics. It was found that the percent identity of Hsp60 amino
acid sequences both within and between phyla was not high enough to
identify Hsp60s as highly conserved proteins. In turn, their amino acid
composition remained relatively constant. At the same time, the analysis
of the nucleotide sequences showed that GC content in the Hsp60 genes
was comparable to or greater than the genomic values, which may indicate
a high resistance to mutations due to tight control of the nucleotide
composition by DNA repair systems. Natural selection plays a dominant
role in the evolution of Hsp60 genes. The degree of mutational pressure
affecting the Hsp60 genes is quite low, and its direction does not
depend on taxonomy. Interestingly, for the Hsp60 genes from Chordata,
Arthropoda, and Proteobacteria the exact direction of mutational
pressure could not be determined. However, upon further division into
classes, it was found that the direction of the mutational pressure for
Hsp60 genes from Fish differs from that for other chordates. The
direction of the mutational pressure affects the synonymous codon usage
bias. The number of high and low represented codons increases with
increasing GC content, which can improve codon usage.
Effects of degraded lands restoration on soils physicochemical properties and adaptability of planted woody species in southwestern Niger
Authors: Salifou Noma Adamou , Daoudi Lahcen , Toure Amadou Abdourhamane
Published: September 2021

In the Sahel, exacerbated soils degradation is an ecological indicator
of ecosystem vulnerability. This study examines the effects of
restoration of degraded lands on soils physicochemical properties and
adaptability of planted woody species over a period of 4-6 years. It is
based on: 1) Physicochemical analyses of soils (granulometry,
calcimetry, and organic matter) carried out on 102 samples taken in the
upper 10 centimeters of the soil profile of the rehabilitated and
control sites, 2) measures carried out for the dimensioning of
anti-erosion structures, 3) dendrometric measurements on woody species
planting in 20 plots each with a rectangular shape 60 m × 30 m as well
as characterization of the structure of their root systems.
Physicochemical analyses show an improvement in soil quality and
structure thanks to the erosion control measures. The degradation of
anti-erosion structures, inferred from the rate of siltation of
micro-basins, the subsidence of the bulges, the formation, and extension
of the breaches, is strongly influenced by the topography,
precipitation, and sandy texture of the soils. The restoration
activities have led to the reconstitution of vegetation cover on
degraded soils. Based on dendrometric characteristics, height class
structure, and root systems architecture, significant differences were
observed between woody species planted in anti-erosive structures.
Eucalyptus camaldulensis groups of with a tracer root system and high
density, have the highest structural parameters resulting from the
adaptation of this species on Sahelian degraded lands.
Identification of p.Met215Ile mutation of the MC4R gene in a Moroccan woman with obesity
Authors: Fessikh Meriem El , BELGHITI HAKIM , ELKARHAT ZOUHAIR , GUERINECH HASSANIA , DAKKA Nadia , Baghdadi Jamila El
Published: September 2021

The MC4R is involved in the leptin-melanocortin pathway which mutations
can lead to severe forms of obesity. We report one rare mutation
p.Met215Ile in a woman with morbid obesity. This mutation leads to
changes in protein structure through the loss of hydrophobic
interactions and it is predicted to be disease-causing.
A taxonomy of hydrological processes and watershed function
Authors: McMillan Hilary
Published: September 2021

This paper presents a taxonomy (hierarchical organization) of
hydrological processes; specifically, runoff generation processes in
natural watersheds. Over 120 process names were extracted from a
literature review of papers describing experimental watersheds,
perceptual models, and runoff processes in a range of hydro-climatic
environments. Processes were arranged into a hierarchical structure, and
presented as a spreadsheet and interactive diagram. For each process,
additional information was provided: a list of alternative names for the
same process, a classification into hydrological function (e.g.
partitioning, flux, storage, release) and a unique identifier similar to
a hashtag. The taxonomy provides a method to label and search
hydrological knowledge, thereby facilitating synthesis and comparison of
processes across watersheds.
Contribution of Climate Change and Urbanization to the Variation of Extreme Precipitation in the Urban Agglomerations over the Loess Plateau
Authors: Wei Na , Wang Ninglian , zheng Yu rong
Published: September 2021

With global warming and rapid urbanization, urban agglomerations over
the Loess Plateau (LP) are suffering from various urban disasters.
Urbanization has aggravated the decreasing trends of extreme
precipitation in Taiyuan and Xi’an urban agglomerations (UAs) and
enhanced the increasing trends of extreme precipitation in Luoyang,
Hohhot and Xining UAs during 1979–2018. Meanwhile, the number of light
rain days decreases in almost all the cities, indicating the sensitivity
of light rain days to urbanization. The climate change is a primary
contributor to the change of urban precipitation during 1980–2000.
However, the urbanization contribution has been increasing gradually
since 2000, and the urbanization further amplifies the trend of extreme
precipitation caused by the climate change. In terms of the physical
mechanisms, the rapid increasing surface temperature and aerosol
particles are closely related to the urban precipitation. Our findings
provide a systematic understanding of the urbanization effects on the
extreme precipitation over the LP and may play an important role in the
mitigation of urban disasters.
Comparative analysis of differential gene expression indicates divergence in ontogenetic strategies of leaves in two conifer genera
Authors: Webster Cynthia , Figueroa-Corona Laura , Méndez-González Iván , Soto-Álvarez Lluvia , Neale David , Jaramillo-Correa Juan P. , Wegrzyn Jill L. , Vázquez-Lobo Alejandra
Published: September 2021

In land plants, heteroblasty broadly refers to a drastic change in
morphology during growth through ontogeny. Juniperus flaccida and
Pinus cembroides are conifers of independent lineages known to
exhibit leaf heteroblasty between the juvenile and adult life stage of
development. Juvenile leaves of P. cembroides develop spirally on
the main stem and appear decurrent, flattened and needle-like; whereas,
adult photosynthetic leaves are triangular or semi-circular needle-like,
and grow in whorls on secondary or tertiary compact dwarf shoots. By
comparison, J. flaccida juvenile leaves are decurrent and
needle-like, and adult leaves are compact, short and scale-like.
Comparative analyses were performed to evaluate differences in anatomy
and gene expression patterns between developmental phases in both
species. RNA from twelve samples was sequenced and analyzed with
available software. They were assembled de novo from the RNA-Seq reads.
Following assembly, 63,741 high quality transcripts were functionally
annotated in P. cembroides and 69,448 in J. flaccida.
Evaluation of the orthologous groups yielded 4,140 shared gene families
among the four references (adult and juvenile from each species).
Activities related to cell division and development were more abundant
in juveniles than adults in P. cembroides, and more abundant in
adults than juveniles in J. flaccida. Overall, there were 509
up-regulated and 81 down-regulated genes in the juvenile condition of
P. cembroides and 18 up-regulated and 20 down-regulated in
J. flaccida. Gene interaction network analysis showed evidence of
co-expression and co-localization of up-regulated genes involved in cell
wall and cuticle formation, development, and phenylpropanoid pathway, in
juvenile P. cembroides leaves. Whereas in J. flaccida,
differential expression and gene interaction patterns were detected in
genes involved in photosynthesis and chloroplast biogenesis. Although
J. flaccida and P. cembroides both exhibit leaf
heteroblastic development, little overlap was detected and unique genes
and pathways were highlighted in this study.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Due to COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Mansouri Parvin , Mozafari Nikoo
Published: September 2021

Since the start of the COVID‐19 vaccinations, many dermatological
manifestations have been described .There are certain safety-related
events that, due to rarity, might be detected only during the mass
vaccination programs. Here we report a potentially serious adverse
effect of Covid vaccines that have been rarely reported before