bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the fine-tuned lemon coloration of a pierid butterflyCatopsilia pomona
Authors: Mishra Monalisa , Choudhury Ashutosh , Achary P Sagar , Sahoo Harekrushna
Published: December 2020

Butterflies wings possess different types of scales to perform diverse functions. Each scale has many nano and microstructures, which interferes with light, resulting in unique coloration for each butterfly. Besides coloration, the arrangement of scales further helps in giving better survivability. Thus, analysis of wing pattern provides an overall idea about adaptation and activity of the animal. The current study deciphers the structure and composition of a wing of a pierid butterfly Catopsilia pomona, which remains active at 42°C at which temperature all other butterflies face a tougher task for existence. In order to know the relation between survivability and adaptation in the wing, we have investigated the structural and physical composition of the wing of C. pomona under optical spectroscopy (absorption, reflectance and transmittance) along with microscopy techniques (optical and scanning electron microscopy), which are not described in earlier studies. The current findings reveal unique structural arrangement within scales to provide the best fit to the animal in variable temperature.
Blood Product Administration During the Role 1 Phase of Care: The Prehospital Trauma Registry Experience
Authors: Fisher Andrew D , Paulson Matthew W , McKay Jerome T , Bynum James , Flarity Kathleen M , Howell Michelle , Bebarta Vikhyat S , Schauer Steven G
Published: December 2020

Background

The majority of combat deaths occur in the prehospital setting. Efforts to increase survival including blood transfusions are made in the prehospital setting. The blood products available in the Role 1 setting include whole blood (WB), red blood cells (RBCs), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and lyophilized (freeze-dried) plasma (FDP).

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of a previously published dataset within the Prehospital Trauma Registry (PHTR) from 2003 through May 2019. Deterministic linking was used when possible with the DoD Trauma Registry for outcome data. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.

Results

We identified 1,357 patient encounters in the PHTR. Within that group, 28 patients received a prehospital blood product, with 41 total administrations: WB (18), RBCs (12), FFP (6), FDP (3), and blood not otherwise specified (2). Outcome data were available for 17 of the 28 patients. The median injury severity score was 20, with the thorax being the most frequent seriously injured body region. Most (94%) patients survived to discharge. The median ICU days was 11 (Interquartile Range [IQR] 3-19), and the median hospital days was 19 (IQR 8-29). The average volume (units) of RBCs was 6.0 (95% CI 1.9-10.1), WB 2.8 (95% CI 0.0-5.6), platelets 0.7 (95% CI 0.0-1.4), and FFP 5.0 (95% CI 1.2-8.8).

Conclusions

The use of prehospital blood products is uncommon in U.S. combat settings. Patients who received blood products sustained severe injuries but had a high survival rate. Given the infrequent but critical use and potentially increased need for adequate prolonged casualty care in future near-peer conflicts, optimizing logistical chain circulation is required.
Faces of Vicarious Responsibility
Authors: Mellor Rowan
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates whether responsibility could be borne vicariously. I distinguish between three different senses of responsibility: attributional responsibility, practices of holding people responsible, and substantive responsibility. I argue that it is doubtful both whether attributional responsibility could be borne vicariously, and whether it could be appropriate to hold someone vicariously responsible. However, I suggest that substantive responsibility can genuinely be borne vicariously. Getting clear on these conceptual issues has important implications for how we approach more concrete legal and political questions. More specifically, I argue these abstract arguments can be used to inform views on the common-law doctrine of joint enterprise, and on reparations for historic injustice.
Effects of a long-acting trace mineral rumen bolus upon range cow productivity
Authors: Sprinkle James E , Schafer David W , Cuneo S Peder , Tolleson Douglas R , Enns R Mark
Published: December 2020

The objectives were to determine if strategic supplementation of range cows in central Arizona with either two or four long acting (6 mo) trace mineral rumen boluses containing Cu, Se, and Co would: 1) decrease yearly calving interval; 2) increase cow body condition, milk production, or calf adjusted weaning weights; and 3) to see if any of the above traits varied by cow breed. There were 194 Hereford (H) and 132 Composite (CGC; 50% Red Angus, 25% Tarentaise, 25% Charolais) control cows, 173 H and 125 CGC 1X treated (2 boluses in late winter) cows, and 183 H and 117 CGC 2X treated (2 boluses in autumn and 2 in late winter) cows used over the 4-yr period. Cows were weighed and scored for body condition (1–9, 9 = fattest) in February, May, and September of each year. Milk production was determined by weigh-suckle-weigh on a subset of cows (n = 169) at an average of 50 d lactation. The outcomes were analyzed using a restricted maximum likelihood-based mixed-effects model that included the categorical, fixed effects of breed, bolus, and year with the interactions of breed × bolus, and breed × year. For adjusted weaning wt (WW), year × bolus was added. The random effect of cow was also included. Calving interval had only the breed × bolus interaction added to the main effects. Age of dam was added as a covariate to all models. Milk production used the same model as calving interval with the added covariate of postpartum interval. Cow body condition score and calf adjusted weaning weights differed by breed and treatment (P < 0.05) with WW being greater (P < 0.05) for calves from 2X cows than for control calves. Milk production differed by year (P < 0.0001) but did not differ by either breed or treatment (P > 0.05). Calving interval was 389 ± 2.7, 382 ± 3.2, and 378 ± 3.2 d for control, 1X, and 2X treatments, respectively and calving interval declined (P < 0.05) from the control to the 2X treatment group. Strategic supplementation via a long-acting trace mineral bolus was successful in decreasing calving interval and increasing calf-weaning weights from cattle grazed in an extensive rangeland environment.
Speech Segregation in Active Middle Ear Stimulation: Masking Release With Changing Fundamental Frequency
Authors: Auinger Alice Barbara , Liepins Rudolfs , Kaider Alexandra , Vyskocil Erich , Riss Dominik , Arnoldner Christoph
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

Temporal fine structure information such as low-frequency sounds including the fundamental frequency (F0) is important to separate different talkers in noisy environments. Speech perception in noise is negatively affected by reduced temporal fine structure resolution in cochlear hearing loss. It has been shown that normal-hearing (NH) people as well as cochlear implant patients with preserved acoustic low-frequency hearing benefit from different F0 between concurrent talkers. Though patients with an active middle ear implant (AMEI) report better sound quality compared with hearing aids, they often struggle when listening in noise. The primary objective was to evaluate whether or not patients with a Vibrant Soundbridge AMEI were able to benefit from F0 differences in a concurrent talker situation and if the effect was comparable to NH individuals.

Design:

A total of 13 AMEI listeners and 13 NH individuals were included. A modified variant of the Oldenburg sentence test was used to emulate a concurrent talker scenario. One sentence from the test corpus served as the masker and the remaining sentences as target speech. The F0 of the masker sentence was shifted upward by 4, 8, and 12 semitones. The target and masker sentences were presented simultaneously to the study subjects and the speech reception threshold was assessed by adaptively varying the masker level. To evaluate any impact of the occlusion effect on speech perception, AMEI listeners were tested in two configurations: with a plugged ear-canal contralateral to the implant side, indicated as AMEIcontra, or with both ears plugged, indicated as AMEIboth.

Results:

In both study groups, speech perception improved when the F0 difference between target and masker increased. This was significant when the difference was at least 8 semitones; the F0-based release from masking was 3.0 dB in AMEIcontra (p = 0.009) and 2.9 dB in AMEIboth (p = 0.015), compared with 5.6 dB in NH listeners (p < 0.001). A difference of 12 semitones revealed a F0-based release from masking of 3.5 dB in the AMEIcontra (p = 0.002) and 3.4 dB in the AMEIboth (p = 0.003) condition, compared with 5.0 dB in NH individuals (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Though AMEI users deal with problems resulting from cochlear damage, hearing amplification with the implant enables a masking release based on F0 differences when F0 between a target and masker sentence was at least 8 semitones. Additional occlusion of the ear canal on the implant side did not affect speech performance. The current results complement the knowledge about the benefit of F0 within the acoustic low-frequency hearing.
Electronic Health Records As a Platform for Audiological Research: Data Validity, Patient Characteristics, and Hearing-Aid Use Persistence Among 731,213 U.S. Veterans
Authors: Saunders Gabrielle H. , Dillard Lauren K. , Zobay Oliver , Cannon John B. , Naylor Graham
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

This article presents a summary of audiological, general health, and hearing aid (HA) outcome data in a large sample of U.S. Veterans receiving HAs. The current article also provides the foundation for a series of papers that will explore relationships between a wide range of factors and HA outcomes.

Design:

The patient sample is all (n = 731,213) patients for whom HAs were ordered between April 2012 and October 2014 through the U.S. Veterans Health Administration Remote Order Entry System. For these patients, Veterans Affairs electronic health records (EHRs) stored in various databases provided data on demographics, received diagnostic and procedure codes (2007 to 2017), audiometry, self-reported outcomes up to 6 months postfitting, and HA battery orders (to 2017). Data cleaning and preparation was carried out and is discussed with reference to insights that provide potential value to other researchers pursuing similar studies. HA battery order data over time was used to derive a measure of long-term HA use persistence. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample, comparative analyses against other data supported basic validity assessment, and bivariate analyses probed novel associations between patient characteristics and HA use persistence at 2 years postfitting.

Results:

Following extensive cleaning and data preparation, the data show plausible characteristics on diverse metrics and exhibit adequate validity based on comparisons with other published data. Further, rates of HA use persistence are favorable when compared against therapy persistence data for other major chronic conditions. The data also show that the presence of certain comorbid conditions (Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, arthritis, and visual impairment) are associated with significantly lower HA use persistence, as are prior inpatient admissions (especially among new HA recipients), and that increasing levels of multimorbidity, in general, are associated with decreasing HA use persistence. This is all despite the fact that deriving relevant audiological care-process variables from the available records was not straightforward, especially concerning the definition of the date of HA fitting, and the use of battery ordering data to determine long-term HA use persistence.

Conclusions:

We have shown that utilizing EHRs in audiology has the potential to provide novel insights into clinical practice patterns, audiologic outcomes, and relations between factors pertaining to hearing and to other health conditions in clinical populations, despite the potential pitfalls regarding the lack of control over the variables available and limitations on how the data are entered. We thus conclude that research using EHRs has the potential to be an integral supplement to population-based and epidemiologic research in the field of audiology.
Relationship Between Electrocochleography, Angular Insertion Depth, and Cochlear Implant Speech Perception Outcomes
Authors: Canfarotta Michael W. , O’Connell Brendan P. , Giardina Christopher K. , Buss Emily , Brown Kevin D. , Dillon Margaret T. , Rooth Meredith A. , Pillsbury Harold C. , Buchman Craig A. , Adunka Oliver F. , Fitzpatrick Douglas C.
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

Electrocochleography (ECochG), obtained before the insertion of a cochlear implant (CI) array, provides a measure of residual cochlear function that accounts for a substantial portion of variability in postoperative speech perception outcomes in adults. It is postulated that subsequent surgical factors represent independent sources of variance in outcomes. Prior work has demonstrated a positive correlation between angular insertion depth (AID) of straight arrays and speech perception under the CI-alone condition, with an inverse relationship observed for precurved arrays. The purpose of the present study was to determine the combined effects of ECochG, AID, and array design on speech perception outcomes.

Design:

Participants were 50 postlingually deafened adult CI recipients who received one of three straight arrays (MED-EL Flex24, MED-EL Flex28, and MED-EL Standard) and two precurved arrays (Cochlear Contour Advance and Advanced Bionics HiFocus Mid-Scala). Residual cochlear function was determined by the intraoperative ECochG total response (TR) measured before array insertion, which is the sum of magnitudes of spectral components in response to tones of different stimulus frequencies across the speech spectrum. The AID was then determined with postoperative imaging. Multiple linear regression was used to predict consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC) word recognition in the CI-alone condition at 6 months postactivation based on AID, TR, and array design.

Results:

Forty-one participants received a straight array and nine received a precurved array. The AID of the most apical electrode contact ranged from 341° to 696°. The TR measured by ECochG accounted for 43% of variance in speech perception outcomes (p < 0.001). A regression model predicting CNC word scores with the TR tended to underestimate the performance for precurved arrays and deeply inserted straight arrays, and to overestimate the performance for straight arrays with shallower insertions. When combined in a multivariate linear regression, the TR, AID, and array design accounted for 72% of variability in speech perception outcomes (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

A model of speech perception outcomes that incorporates TR, AID, and array design represents an improvement over a model based on TR alone. The success of this model shows that peripheral factors including cochlear health and electrode placement may play a predominant role in speech perception with CIs.
Surgical Outcomes for Severe Idiopathic Toe Walkers
Authors: Westberry David E. , Carpenter Ashley M. , Brandt Addison , Barre Alyssa , Hilton Samuel B. , Saraswat Prabhav , Davids Jon R.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Idiopathic toe walking (ITW) is a diagnosis of exclusion and represents a spectrum of severity. Treatment for ITW includes observation and a variety of conservative treatment methods, with surgical intervention often reserved for severe cases. Previous studies reviewing treatment outcomes are often difficult to interpret secondary to a mixture of case severity. The goal of this study was to review surgical outcomes in patients with severe ITW who had failed prior conservative treatment, as well as determine differences in outcomes based on the type of surgery performed.

Methods:

After IRB approval, all patients with surgical management of severe ITW at a single institution were identified. Zone II or zone III plantar flexor lengthenings were performed in all subjects. Clinical, radiographic, and motion analysis data were collected preoperatively and at 1 year following surgery.

Results:

Twenty-six patients (46 extremities) with a diagnosis of severe ITW from 2002 to 2017 were included. Zone II lengthenings were performed in 25 extremities (mean age=9.9 y) and zone III lengthenings were performed in 21 extremities (mean age=8.6 y). At the most recent follow-up, 100% of zone III lengthening extremities and 88% of zone II lengthening demonstrated decreased severity of ITW. Six extremities required additional treatment, all of which were initially managed with zone II lengthenings.

Conclusions:

Severe ITW or ITW that has not responded to conservative treatment may benefit from surgical intervention. More successful outcomes, including continued resolution of toe walking, were observed in subjects treated with zone III lengthenings.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—case series.
Growth-friendly Spinal Instrumentation in Marfan Syndrome Achieves Sustained Gains in Thoracic Height Amidst High Rates of Implant Failure
Authors: Bellaire Laura L. , Zhang Chong , Smith John T. , Heflin John A. , Klatt Joshua , Roye David , Sponseller Paul , Samdani Amer , Fedorak Graham T.
Published: December 2020

Background:

There are few reports on the surgical management of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) associated with Marfan syndrome (MFS). Affected patients tend to have more rapid curve progression than those with idiopathic EOS, and their course is further complicated by medical comorbidities. As surgical techniques and implants for growing spines become more widely applied, this study seeks to better delineate the safety and efficacy of growth-friendly spinal instrumentation in treating this population.

Methods:

A prospective registry of children treated for EOS was queried for MFS patients treated between 1996 and 2016. Forty-two patients underwent rib-based or spine-based growing instrumentation and were assessed on preoperative, surgical, and postoperative clinical and radiographic parameters including complications and reoperations. Subgroup analysis was performed based on spine-based versus rib-based fixation.

Results:

Patients underwent their index surgery at a mean age of 5.5 years, when the major coronal curve and kyphosis measured 77 and 50 degrees, respectively. Over half were treated with traditional growing rods. Patients underwent 7.2 total surgical procedures—4.7 lengthening and 1.9 revision surgeries not including conversion to fusion—over a follow-up of 6.5 (±4.1) years. Radiographic correction was greatest at index surgery but maintained over time, with a final thoracic height measuring 23.8 cm. Patients experienced a mean of 2.6 complications over the course of the study period; however, a small group of 6 patients experienced ≥6 complications while over half of patients experienced 0 or 1. Implant failures represented 42% of all complications with infection and pulmonary complications following.

Conclusions:

This is the largest report on patients with EOS and MFS. All subtypes of growth-friendly constructs reduced curve progression in this cohort, but complications and reoperations were nearly universal; patients were particularly plagued by implant failure and migration. Further collaborations are needed to enhance understanding of optimal timing and fixation constructs for those with MFS and other connective tissue diseases.
Transient Reticular Cystic Corneal Epithelial Edema With Topical Netarsudil: A Case Series and Review
Authors: LoBue Stephen A. , Moustafa Giannis A. , Vu Anderson , Amin Mira , Nguyen Thanh , Goyal Himani
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

To describe cases in which netarsudil ophthalmic solution 0.02% precipitated reversible, reticular cystic epithelial edema.

Methods:

A retrospective case review at the Brooklyn Veteran's Association Hospital of patients with corneal stromal edema that were treated with netarsudil and subsequently developed cystic epithelial edema.

Results:

Four male patients with a mean age of 72 ± 8.0 years developed a reticular, honeycomb-like pattern of epithelial edema located in the interpalpebral and inferior cornea. In 3 of 4 patients, epithelial edema arose within 1 month compared with 2 months in 1 patient. New epithelial cysts did not correlate with worsening central corneal thickness and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity in every patient, which was likely due to the location of the cysts. Two of 4 patients developed increased central corneal thickness with worsening best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. In comparison, 1 patient had improvement in both parameters, whereas 1 patient had no significant change. In all cases, there was resolution of the epithelial cysts after discontinuation of netarsudil.

Conclusions:

Although rho-kinase inhibitors have been suggested to improve endothelial function, we have documented worsening epithelial cysts in a subset of patients with pre-existing corneal edema. These effects of netarsudil were transient and resolved after discontinuing treatment within 2 weeks in most patients. We hypothesize that the incidence of this adverse finding is more common than previously believed. Nevertheless, large-scale studies are needed to accurately report on the incidence and clinical significance of this novel finding.
Efficacy of Long-term Use of 0.3% Sodium Hyaluronate Eye Drops for Traumatic Corneal Abrasion: A Randomized Controlled, Pilot Trial
Authors: Wei Menghuan , Zou Yingshi , Duan Fang , Ding Xiaohu , Zhuang Jiejie , Deng Jiayu , Yuan Zhaohui
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

Traumatic corneal abrasion (TCA) causes damage to both corneal epithelium and the underlying hemidesmosomal junctions. Delayed recovery of hemidesmosomal junctions causes symptomatic episodes. However, there is no recommended treatment for recovery of hemidesmosomal junctions, indicating that a blank period exists in TCA treatment. In this study, the efficacy of long-term use of sodium hyaluronate on recovery of hemidesmosomal junctions during the blank period in TCA healing was investigated.

Methods:

In this prospective, randomized control pilot study, 60 patients with TCA were enrolled. The patients were randomized 1:1 to receive 0.3% sodium hyaluronate eye drops for 3 months (HA group) or observation alone (control group) after complete corneal epithelium recovery. The primary and secondary outcomes were the cumulative incidence of major and minor symptomatic episodes during a 12-month follow-up, respectively.

Results:

Fifty-six subjects (29 in the HA group and 27 in the control group) completed the 12-month follow-up. The 12-month cumulative incidence rate of major symptomatic episodes was 20.7% in the HA group and 18.5% in the control group. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups (P = 0.838). The 12-month cumulative incidence rate of minor symptomatic episodes was 48.3% and 37.0% in the HA and control groups, respectively, with no significant difference (P = 0.397).

Conclusions:

Approximately one-fifth of patients with TCA experience major symptomatic episodes again within their 1-year follow-up. Long-term use of sodium hyaluronate in the period of recovery of hemidesmosomal junctions has no benefit to it.
Clinical Outcomes of Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in Pseudophakic Eyes Compared With Triple-DMEK at 1-Year Follow-up
Authors: Fajardo-Sanchez Julia , de Benito-Llopis Laura
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

To compare the survival rate 1 year after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in pseudophakic eyes versus combined phacoemulsification and DMEK (triple-DMEK).

Methods:

Retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series. From all DMEKs performed from January 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018, we selected those performed in pseudophakic eyes (pseudophakic DMEK) and those that underwent triple-DMEK. We compared the survival rate 1 year after surgery between both groups and between the Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (FED) cases in both groups, plus the FED cases versus the pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) cases in the pseudophakic DMEK group. Second, we compared rebubbling rates and the influence of the use of gas or corneal sutures on rebubbling and dislocation rates.

Results:

A total of 329 eyes were included (218 eyes pseudophakic DMEK and 111 eyes triple-DMEK). The survival rate at 1 year was 79.8% and 90%, respectively (P = 0.03). When only FED cases were included (133 pseudophakic DMEK and 108 triple-DMEK), no significant difference was found (87.9% vs. 90.7%, P = 0.59). Within the pseudophakic DMEK group, the survival rate was higher in FED cases (87.8%) compared with PBK cases (66.6%) (P = 0.0001). Rebubbling rates were 21.1% (pseudophakic DMEK) and 17.1% (triple-DMEK) (P = 0.39). The use of gas versus air or placing corneal sutures did not seem to influence the rebubbling (P = 0.64 and P = 0.13, respectively) or dislocation rates (P = 0.71 and P = 0.53, respectively).

Conclusions:

In the FED cases, performing phacoemulsification before DMEK or doing a combined procedure did not seem to affect the rebubbling or survival rate up to 1 year postoperatively. PBK was associated with a higher failure rate compared with that of FED.
Using Simulation to Facilitate Transition to the Nurse Educator Role
Authors: Fitzwater Julie , McNeill Jeanette , Monsivais Diane , Nunez Franchesca
Published: December 2020

Background

Nurse clinicians transitioning to the educator role require competency development. Simulation methods may increase knowledge and skill development in nurse educators.

Purpose

The purpose of this review was to examine what is known about using simulation to facilitate transition to the nurse educator role.

Methods

A literature search was completed including simulation methods at any level of fidelity with nurse educators as learners.

Results

Using Meleis' Transitions Theory, the outcomes of reviewed reports demonstrated properties of transitions, facilitators of transitions, and indicators of successful transitions to the nurse educator role. Transition outcomes related to mastery of the role were not evident in the reports.

Conclusions

Simulation learning has the potential to support the nurse educator in role transition and development.
Correlation Between Immunohistochemistry and Sequencing in H3G34-Mutant Gliomas
Authors: Gianno Francesca , Antonelli Manila , Di Dio Tiziano , Minasi Simone , Donofrio Vittoria , Buccoliero Anna M. , Gardiman Marina P. , Pollo Bianca , Diomedi Camassei Francesca , Rossi Sabrina , Novello Mariangela , Giangaspero Felice , Arcella Antonietta , Gessi Marco , Buttarelli Francesca R.
Published: December 2020

Recurrent glycine-to-arginine/valine alterations at codon 34 (G34R/V) within H3F3A gene characterize a subset of hemispheric high-grade gliomas (HGG) affecting children and young adults. These tumors, defined as G34R/V-mutant gliomas, are histologically heterogenous, with microscopic features of either HGG or embryonal tumors (primitve neuroectodermal tumor-like features). To assess the value of immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect G34R/V-mutated cases, we tested anti-histone G34V (clone 329E5) and anti-histone G34R (clone RM240) antibodies in a series of 28 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded samples. A total of 28 cases of hemispheric, IDH-wt HGG mainly affecting children and young adults were evaluated by IHC and by sequencing. The median age of patients at diagnosis was 17 years (0.1 to 26 y). By IHC, 10 of the 28 cases showed nuclear positivity for G34R and 3 of the 28 cases for G34V. Molecular analysis of G34R/V-mutation status was successful in 24 of the 28 cases. Mutation at glycine 34 of the H3F3A gene was identified in 9 of the 24 tumors (37%) by direct sequencing, revealing 7 of 9 positive case by sequencing and 2 of 9 false negative cases by IHC. Two of 15 negative case by sequencing demonstrated a false positivity by IHC. In total, in 4 (16.6%) of 24 cases, IHC and mutational results were discordant: 2 tumors were negative by IHC (false negative) but harbored G34R mutation by sequencing, and 2 cases were positive by IHC (false positive by IHC) but wild type by sequencing. Moreover, most mutated cases showed loss of ATRX expression and/or p53 expression. The positivity by IHC with specific antibody tested is not highly predictive for presence of G34R/V mutation, but confirmation by sequencing is mandatory; G34R/V mutations should be suspected in all hemispheric tumor IDH1/2 wild type, showing loss of OLIG2 and ATRX and/or p53 expression.
Adverse Childhood Experiences in Women With Overactive Bladder or Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome
Authors: Komesu Yuko M. , Petersen Timothy R. , Krantz Tessa E. , Ninivaggio Cara S. , Jeppson Peter C. , Meriwether Kate V. , Dunivan Gena C.
Published: December 2020

Objective

The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in women with overactive bladder (OAB) or interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) to age-matched controls.

Methods

This case-control study compared numbers and types of ACEs in women with OAB or IC/BPS compared with controls based on the Center for Disease Control’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System ACE Module. Participants completed demographic forms, condition-specific symptom questionnaires, and the ACE Module (11 questions summarizing traumatic exposures occurring before the age of 18 years). Cases and controls were compared using χ2 and t tests, significance level P < 0.05.

Results

Three hundred twenty-two women were enrolled from April 2018 to March 2019; OAB = 91 cases and 91 controls, IC/BPS = 70 cases and 70 controls. Overactive bladder group’s mean age was 56 ± 13 years, and IC/BPS was 46 ± 13 years. Compared with controls, OAB and IC/BPS cases differed in race/ethnicity and education (P < 0.02), history of substance abuse (P ≤ 0.03), and median numbers of ACEs (OAB 3, controls 1; IC/BPS 4, controls 2, P < 0.01). Cases had increased odds of having 4 or more ACEs, a parameter known to be associated with poor health and longevity, and increased greater than 2-fold in OAB and greater than 7-fold in IC/BPS. Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome cases had notably increased odds of exposure to abuse (physical/emotional/sexual) and witnessed domestic violence (all P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Overactive bladder and IC/BPS cases reported increased ACE exposures; more than one-third of OAB and more than IC/BPS cases reported 4 or more ACES, a threshold associated with poor health outcomes. Recognition of increased childhood adversity in OAB and IC/BPS has important treatment and health implications.
Digital proximity tracing app notifications lead to faster quarantine in non-household contacts: results from the Zurich SARS-CoV-2 Cohort Study
Authors: Ballouz Tala , Menges Dominik , Aschmann Helene E , Domenghino Anja , Fehr Jan S , Puhan Milo A , von Wyl Viktor
Published: December 2020

Background

Digital proximity tracing (DPT) apps may warn exposed individuals faster than manual contact tracing (MCT), leading to earlier interruption of transmission chains through quarantine. However, it is yet unclear whether these apps lead to a reduction in transmissions under real-world conditions. This study aimed at evaluating whether the SwissCovid DPT app is effective in warning close contacts of SARS-CoV-2 infected cases and prompting them to quarantine earlier.

Methods

A population-based sample of adult index cases and close contacts identified through MCT and enrolled in the Zurich SARS-CoV-2 Cohort study were surveyed regarding use of the SwissCovid app and SARS-CoV-2 exposure setting. We analyzed ooutcomes related to app effectiveness and adherence (i.e., receipt and uploading of notification codes by index cases; receipt of app warnings and steps taken by close contacts). Furthermore, we performed adjusted time-to-event analyses stratified by exposure setting to estimate the effect of the app on time between relevant exposure and entering quarantine among close contacts.

Findings

We included 393 index cases and 261 close contacts in the analysis. Among index cases using SwissCovid, 88% reported receiving and uploading a notification code in the app to trigger a warning among proximity contacts. Among close contacts using the app, 38% reported receiving an app warning due to the risk exposure. We found that non-household contacts who were notified by the app started quarantine at a median of 2 days after exposure, while those not notified started quarantine at a median of 3 days. In stratified multivariable analyses, app notified contacts had a greater probability of going into quarantine earlier than those without app notification (HR 1·53, 95% CI 1·15-2·03).

Interpretation

Our study showed that non-household contacts notified by the app started quarantine one day earlier than those not notified by the app. These findings constitute the first evidence that DPT may reach exposed contacts faster than MCT, leading to earlier quarantine and potential interruption of SARS-CoV-2 transmission chains.

Funding

Cantonal Health Directorate Zurich, University of Zurich Foundation and the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health.
Dynamics of a dual SARS-CoV-2 strain co-infection on a prolonged viral shedding COVID-19 case: insights into clinical severity and disease duration
Authors: Pedro Nicole , Silva Cláudio N. , Magalhães Ana C. , Cavadas Bruno , Rocha Ana M. , Moreira Ana C. , Gomes Maria S. , Silva Diogo , Sobrinho-Simões Joana , Ramos Angélica , Cardoso Maria J. , Filipe Rita , Palma Pedro , Ceia Filipa , Silva Susana , Guimarães João T. , Sarmento António , Fernandes Verónica , Pereira Luisa , Tavares Margarida
Published: December 2020

Objectives

A few molecularly proven SARS-CoV-2 cases of symptomatic reinfection are currently known worldwide, with a resolved first infection followed by a second infection after a 48 to 142-day intervening period. We report a multiple-component study of a clinically severe and prolonged viral shedding COVID-19 case in a teenager Portuguese female. She had two hospitalisations, a total of 19 RT-PCR tests, mostly positive, and criteria for releasing from home isolation at the end of 97 days.

Methods

The viral genome was sequenced in seven serial samples and in the diagnostic sample from an infected close relative. A human genome-wide array (>900K) was screened on the seven samples, and in vitro culture was conducted on isolates from three late samples.

Results

The patient had co-infection by two SARS-CoV-2 strains, affiliated in distinct clades and diverging by six variants. The 20A lineage was absolute at the diagnosis (shared with a cohabitating relative), but nine days later the 20B lineage had 3% frequency, and two months later the 20B lineage had 100% frequency. The 900K profiles confirmed the identity of the patient in the serial samples, and allowed us to infer that she had polygenic risk scores for hospitalization and severe respiratory disease within the normal distributions for a Portuguese population cohort.

Conclusions

The early-on dynamic co-infection was the probable cause for the severity of COVID-19 in this otherwise healthy young patient, and for her prolonged SARS-CoV-2 shedding profile.
A topic landscape study for adolescent depression
Authors: Li Tianran , Guo Liang , Wang Xiaoqiang , Decoster Stijn
Published: December 2020

Background

Literature on adolescent depression is not only rich in content and diverse in form, but also scattered and complex in structure. However, there is no dynamic development analysis and evolution analysis related to the topic. Therefore, this study drew a topic landscape map and predicted the prevalence of topics in the future.

Methods

A systematic review was made to collect research publications on adolescent depression and describe the development of this field in the last five decades. We adopted visualization strategy and Herfindahl-Hirschman Index to uncover the latent structure of different topics from literature. The ARIMA model was utilized to predict the prevalence of each topic in the time dimension.

Results

By using content analysis technique, 21 topics are extracted from 1,595 articles of adolescent depression. These 21 topics were further divided into four hot topics, seven stable topics and ten cold topics based on the results of the ARIMA model. In particular, we predict that “family environment and parenting styles”, “diagnosis, treatment and interventions” and “mental disorder and behavior problems” will receive much attention in the next five years.

Conclusion

This paper provides temporal characteristics of each topic. This has an important implication to choose promising research topics for researchers and journal editors.
Development of a novel hybrid alphavirus-SARS-CoV-2 particle for rapid in vitro screening and quantification of neutralization antibodies, viral variants, and antiviral drugs
Authors: Hetrick Brian , He Sijia , Chilin Linda D. , Dabbagh Deemah , Alem Farhang , Narayanan Aarthi , Luchini Alessandra , Li Tuanjie , Liu Xuefeng , Copeland Joshua , Pak Angela , Cunningham Tshaka , Liotta Lance , Petricoin Emanuel F. , Andalibi Ali , Wu Yuntao
Published: December 2020

Timely development of vaccines and antiviral drugs is critical to control the COVID-19 pandemic 1–6. Current methods for quantifying vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies involve the use of pseudoviruses, such as the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S) pseudotyped lentivirus7–14. However, these pseudoviruses contain structural proteins foreign to SARS-CoV-2, and require days to infect and express reporter genes15. Here we describe the development of a new hybrid alphavirus-SARS-CoV-2 (Ha-CoV-2) particle for rapid and accurate quantification of neutralization antibodies and viral variants. Ha-CoV-2 is a non-replicating SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particle, composed of SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins (S, M, N, and E) and a RNA genome derived from a fast expressing alphavirus vector 16. We demonstrated that Ha-CoV-2 can rapidly and robustly express reporter genes in target cells within 3-6 hours. We further validated Ha-CoV-2 for rapid quantification of neutralization antibodies, viral variants, and antiviral drugs. In addition, as a proof-of-concept, we assembled and compared the relative infectivity of a panel of 10 Ha-CoV-2 variant isolates (D614G, P.1, B.1.1.207, B.1.351, B.1.1.7, B.1.429, B.1.258, B.1.494, B.1.2, B.1.1298), and demonstrated that these variants in general are 2-10 fold more infectious. Furthermore, we quantified the anti-serum from an infected and vaccinated individual; the one dose vaccination with Moderna mRNA-1273 has greatly increased the anti-serum titer for approximately 6 fold. The post-vaccination serum has also demonstrated various neutralizing activities against all 9 variants tested. These results demonstrated that Ha-CoV-2 can be used as a robust platform for rapid quantification of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
Crystal structure of death-associated protein kinase 1 in complex with the dietary compound resveratrol
Authors: Yokoyama Takeshi , Suzuki Ryoya , Mizuguchi Mineyuki
Published: December 2020

Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) is a large multidomain protein with an N-terminal serine/threonine protein kinase domain. DAPK1 is considered to be a promising molecular target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, the inhibitory potency of resveratrol (RSV), a dietary polyphenol found in red wine, against the catalytic activity of DAPK1 was investigated. Kinetic and fluorescent probe competitive binding analyses revealed that RSV directly inhibited the catalytic activity of DAPK1 by binding to the ATP-binding site. Crystallographic analysis of DAPK1 in complex with RSV revealed that the A-ring of RSV occupied the nucleobase-binding position. Determination of the binding mode provided a structural basis for the design of more potent DAPK1 inhibitors. In conclusion, the data here clearly show that RSV is an ATP-competitive inhibitor of DAPK1, encouraging speculation that RSV may be useful for the development of AD inhibitors.
Investigation of pull-in behavior of circular nanoplate actuator based on the modified couple stress theory
Authors: Lin Ming-Xian , Chen Chao Kuang
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present a nonclassical circular plate model subjected to hydrostatic pressure and electrostatic actuations by considering the modified couple stress theory and the surface elasticity theory. The pull-in phenomenon and nonlinear behavior of circular nanoplate are investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The hybrid differential transformation method (DTM) and finite difference method (FDM) are used to approach the model. The DTM was first applied to the equation with respect to the time, and then the FDM was applied with respect to the radius.

Findings

The numerical results were in agreement with the numerical data in the previous literature. The effects of the length scale parameters, surface parameters, thermal stress, residual stress, hydrostatic pressure and electrostatic actuations of the nonclassical circular plate on the pull-in instability are investigated. The parametric study demonstrated that the pull-in behavior of the circular nanoplate was size dependent.

Originality/value

In this study, the results provide a suitable method in a nonclassical circular plate model. The length scale parameter had an obvious effect on the nonlinear behavior of the circular nanoplate.
Social capital, person-organization fit and cynicism: a multi-stage mediation model of turnover intention in public organizations
Authors: Ko Myeong Chul , Campbell Jesse W.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The informal dimension of organizational experience can shape performance-relevant employee behavior, including voluntary turnover. The authors develop a multi-stage model of turnover intention relevant to public organizations based on the quality of informal intra-organizational employee ties. Specifically, the authors argue that organizational social capital reduces turnover intention both directly and indirectly via its influence on person-organization fit, organizational cynicism and job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use data from a survey of 946 Korean public sector employees and partial least squares structural equation modeling to test our hypotheses. A number of checks are performed to evaluate the integrity of the data and probe the robustness of the results.

Findings

The authors find that there is a significant link between organizational social capital and turnover intention, but that this relationship is fully mediated by the specified intervening processes. Social capital is associated with increased P-O fit, increased job satisfaction and reduced cynicism. In turn, P-O fit reduces turnover intention both directly and indirectly via increased job satisfaction and reduced cynicism.

Originality/value

While a number of studies demonstrate the value of organizational social capital, the current study works through the theoretical mechanisms by which social capital is transformed into valued organizational outputs. Some of these are specifically relevant to public organizations. The authors describe the model's practical relevance and suggest research questions that can build upon our findings. The authors also note the study's limitations.
Systematic incident command training and organisational competence
Authors: Lamb Katherine , Farrow Malcolm , Olymbios Costa , Launder David , Greatbatch Ian
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The study aims to determine if the application of a systematic command training system (Effective Command) could influence the organisational competency profile, through the identification, training and assessment of key behavioural markers.

Design/methodology/approach

The Effective Command framework is aligned to UK National Fire Service role-maps and is routinely used in both development and assessment of Fire Officers worldwide. Data from 1,261 formal assessments were analysed and descriptive statistics performed.

Findings

Structured analysis of incident command assessment data should inform subsequent training cycles of individuals, organisations and procedures. Key behavioural markers were identified in Level 1 (L1) and Level 2 (L2) commanders which influence assessment outcomes. Reduced competence scores between L1 and L2 officers were recorded, providing a strong argument for a supported development process for L2 officers.

Practical implications

Six key behavioural markers were identified in L1 commanders, all were associated with information comprehension and evaluation, which ultimately impacted the outcomes of formal assessments. This study provides empirical evidence that frequent incident or scenario exposure, coupled with metacognitive understanding of the decision rationale could reverse these weaknesses and turn them into individual strengths. This in-depth analysis of data generated in individuals who pass or fail these assessments should strengthen organisational learning.

Originality/value

The use of a structured command training framework contributes significantly to operational assurance by providing a robust assessment and training methodology, which ensures that organisations can appoint, train and assess their incident commanders.
Trusted Secure Geographic Routing Protocol: outsider attack detection in mobile ad hoc networks by adopting trusted secure geographic routing protocol
Authors: Shajin Francis H. , Rajesh Paulthurai
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the direct trust value for each node and calculate the trust value of all nodes satisfying the condition and update the trust value and value each trust update interval for a secure and efficient communication between sender and destination node. Hence, a Trusted Secure Geographic Routing Protocol (TSGRP) has been proposed for detecting attackers (presence of the hacker), considering the trust value for a node produced by combining the location trusted information and the direct trusted information.

Design/methodology/approach

Amelioration in the research studies related to mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) and wireless sensor networks has shown greater concern in the presence of malicious nodes, due to which the delivery percentage in any given network can degrade to a larger extent, and hence make the network less reliable and more vulnerable to security.

Findings

TSGRP has outperformed the conventional protocols for detecting attacks in MANET. TSGRP is establishing a trust-based secure communication between the sender and destination node. The evaluated direct trust value is used after the transmission of route-request and route-reply packets, to evaluate the direct trust value of each node and a secure path is established between the sender and the destination node. The effectiveness of the proposed TSGRP is evaluated through NS-2 simulation.

Originality/value

The simulation results show the delay of the proposed method is 92% less than PRISM approach and the overhead of the proposed TSGRP approach is 61% less than PRISM approach.