bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Science: Medical Treatment In Prophet’s Behaviour Context / Sains Kesihatan: Perubatan Dalam Konteks Tasarrufat Nabawiyyah
Authors: Awang Abdul Bari , Mahmad Robbi Ahmad Akram
Published: June 2020

This article discusses the characteristics of speeches that come from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on his medical prophetic. It aims to clarify Taṣarrufāt Nabawiyyah of the Prophet (PBUH) through authentic ahadeeth on medical issues. The diversity of roles of the Prophet (PBUH) has prompted variences between the the jusrists in the determination of legal opinion. There are several regarding the roles of the Prophet, for instance the role of being a guider, a mufti, a jurist, a leader and a human being. The consequence of that diversity, Islamic jurists have been arguing with each other to affirm the Syariah ruling on medical issues that came from the Prophetic medical traditions. The qualitative method was used to gather data and information that were consequently analysed. At the completion of the study, it was discovered that Taṣarrufāt Nabawiyyah could be one of the factors causing the misunderstanding of authentic ahadeeth on medical issues and thus this is the main reason for the need to understand the legal texts in accordance with Syariah purposes.
The International Financial Reporting Standards and Firm Performance: A Systematic Review
Authors: Salah Wafaa
Published: June 2020

This study reviews the accounting literature which investigates the effects of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on firms’ financial performance to answer a debating question of how effective are the accounting standards in affecting financial performance and to provide guidance for future studies. The focus of the review is three primary streams, first, reasons and evidence of differences between countries in accounting practices; second, theories justifying the transition from local Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to IFRS; Third, the effect of accounting standards on firms’ financial performance regarding three broad groups: (1) Common law countries (2) Civil law countries, and (3) Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region countries affected by both sharia law and civil law. The review demonstrates that the transition from local GAAP to IFRS has been successful in affecting firms’ financial performance measures in less shareholder-oriented civil law and MENA region countries. This was attributed to the IFRS fair value orientation, which causes volatility in the statement of financial position and financial performance figures. These impacts, however, usually vary between countries, depending on the pre-transition differences between local GAAP and IFRS. The more the difference, the more volatile the financial performance measures, particularly the profitability ratios. This review’s findings have implications for other jurisdictions, particularly developing countries, where IFRS adoption is already underway. In addition, managers, investors, practitioners, and standard setters can use this review to identify the factors that have been found to influence firm performance, especially in a globalized economy that is increasingly cross-listed.
Does Age Matter? Examination of Hungarian Basketball Coaches’ Pedagogical Beliefs and Professional Attitudes
Authors: Balogh Judit , Trzaskoma-Bicsérdy Gabriella
Published: June 2020

Sports coaching in Hungary is an established profession. The coaching workforce, which is diverse in terms of age and coaching experience, is trained and paid. This study aimed to illustrate the impact of age on coaches’ values, beliefs and attitudes towards various aspects of their jobs. A total of 152 basketball coaches (105 male and 47 female) working in Hungary, with an average of 12.9 years (±11.5) coaching experience participated in an online survey. They were categorized into five age-groups i.e. < 23 years, 23-35 years, 36-45 years, 46-55 years and > 55 years; one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc tests were used to identify the differences between groups. Regardless of their ages, coaches shared similar viewpoints on a range of aspects concerning coaching. Significant distinctions were mainly seen between coaches aged over 55 years and other age-groups suggesting that age has some effect on coaches’ beliefs and attitudes. Because respondents’ age and coaching experience were closely related, these differences could be attributed to age and commensurate experience.
Plasma resistance of sintered and ion-plated yttrium oxyfluorides with various Y, O, and F composition ratios for use in plasma process chamber
Authors: Goto Tetsuya , Shiba Yoshinobu , Teramoto Akinobu , Kishi Yukio , Sugawa Shigetoshi
Published: June 2020

Yttrium oxyfluoride was developed for use in the plasma process chamber using various corrosive gases. In this paper, sintered yttrium oxyfluorides with various Y, O, and F composition ratios (YxOyFz) and ion-plated YOF and Y5O4F7 films were prepared, and the physical etching behavior due to Ar ion bombardment and NF3/Ar plasma resistance was investigated. It was found that the etching rate of the sintered yttrium oxyfluoride due to the bombardment of Ar ions with an energy of 500 eV decreased as the oxygen composition ratio in the samples decreased, i.e., F-rich yttrium oxyfluoride had better resistance against energetic-ion bombardment. It was also found that the surface roughness of sintered YOF and Y5O4F7, both of which had the stable phases, was much smoother after Ar ion bombardment than that of yttrium oxyfluorides without the stable phase. NF3/Ar plasma resistance was also investigated. For the sintered yttrium oxyfluoride, both YOF and Y5O4F7 showed good resistance against the NF3/Ar plasma, where the ideal stoichiometric atomic composition ratio could be kept even after plasma irradiation. For both as-deposited ion-plated YOF and Y5O4F7 films, the F composition ratio was slightly smaller than the ideal stoichiometric ratios, suggesting that some amount of fluorine was escaped from the starting materials of YOF and/or Y5O4F7 during the ion-plated film deposition processes. After NF3/Ar plasma irradiation, F composition ratios were increased for both ion-plated YOF and Y5O4F7 films, and the atomic composition ratio becomes closer to the ideal stoichiometric ratios for both films.
Assessing Cryotherapy and Moist Heat Pack Application With and Without the Use of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation-Contract Relax Stretching
Authors: Mauro Amy , Long Blaine C.
Published: June 2020

Cryotherapy or moist heat packs (MHP) are often used prior to static stretching to enhance range of motion (ROM). Their influence on ROM when applied prior to proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation-contract relax (PNF-CR) stretching is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if an ice bag or MHP influenced passive hip flexion ROM prior to PNF-CR stretching. When compared to the control, all treatment groups had a large effect. Participants receiving MHP PNF-CR, PNF-CR only, and ice bag PNF-CR met or exceeded our meaningful detectable change, thus demonstrating increased ROM. Those receiving an ice bag or MHP only did not demonstrate improvements and failed to present with ROM improvements.
Authors, elite journals under fire after major retractions
Authors: Piller Charles , Travis John
Published: June 2020

Editors, co-authors missed warning signs, critics say.
Vaccines that use human fetal cells draw fire
Authors: Wadman Meredith
Published: June 2020

Abortion opponents urge United States and Canada to avoid "ethically-tainted" cell lines.
Galactic flash points to source of enigmatic fast radio bursts
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: June 2020

CHIME telescope catches burst generated by a highly magnetized neutron star in the Milky Way.
Linking glutamate receptor movements and synapse function
Authors: Groc Laurent , Choquet Daniel
Published: June 2020

Receptors moving in and out of the synapse

The number of neurotransmitter receptors and their spatial organization on the postsynaptic site is a central determinant of synaptic efficacy. Sophisticated techniques to visualize and track the movement of single molecules have provided us with profound new insights into these dynamics. We now know that neurotransmitter receptors undergo movements on different scales. Groc and Choquet review our present understanding of the mechanisms that regulate glutamate receptor localization and clustering. Receptor movements are fundamental to basic synaptic function and participate in many forms of synaptic plasticity.

Science
, this issue p.
eaay4631
Membrane-proximal F-actin restricts local membrane protrusions and directs cell migration
Authors: Bisaria Anjali , Hayer Arnold , Garbett Damien , Cohen Daniel , Meyer Tobias
Published: June 2020

Actin cortex controls cell migration

Cell migration is mainly controlled by local actin polymerization–driven membrane protrusion. However, a second structural mechanism might also regulate membrane protrusions and directed migration: changes in the density of the attachment between the plasma membrane and the underlying F-actin cortex, a parameter related to membrane tension. Many types of attachment and signaling mechanisms are known to alter the density of membrane-proximal cortical actin. Bisaria
et al.
designed a membrane-proximal F-actin (MPA) reporter that could directly measure local changes in the density of MPA in living cells. Levels of MPA were surprisingly low toward the front of migrating cells despite an opposing high overall concentration of F-actin in the same front region. The researchers propose that MPA density can integrate different signaling processes to direct local membrane protrusions and stabilize cell polarity during cell migration.

Science
, this issue p.
1205
h
/
e
oscillations in interlayer transport of delafossites
Authors: Putzke Carsten , Bachmann Maja D. , McGuinness Philippa , Zhakina Elina , Sunko Veronika , Konczykowski Marcin , Oka Takashi , Moessner Roderich , Stern Ady , König Markus , Khim Seunghyun , Mackenzie Andrew P. , Moll Philip J.W.
Published: June 2020

Coherent electronic waves

The wave nature of conducting electrons in solids can be revealed through interference effects. In layered materials, these effects are most often seen in in-plane transport. By contrast, Putzke
et al.
studied electronic transport perpendicular to the conductive layers in the ultraclean delafossites PdCoO
2
and PtCoO
2
. When an in-plane magnetic field was applied, the electrical resistance exhibited periodic oscillations as a function of field magnitude. The findings can be explained through a model that requires that the electronic waves remain coherent over macroscopic distances.

Science
, this issue p.
1234
Chloride-mediated selective electrosynthesis of ethylene and propylene oxides at high current density
Authors: Leow Wan Ru , Lum Yanwei , Ozden Adnan , Wang Yuhang , Nam Dae-Hyun , Chen Bin , Wicks Joshua , Zhuang Tao-Tao , Li Fengwang , Sinton David , Sargent Edward H.
Published: June 2020

Charging into epoxides

Ethylene oxide is a strained, reactive molecule produced on a vast scale as a plastics precursor. The current method of synthesis involves the direct reaction of ethylene and oxygen at high temperature, but the original protocol relied on the reduction of chlorine to produce a chlorohydrin intermediate. Leow
et al.
report a room temperature method that returns to the chlorine route but uses electrochemistry to generate it catalytically from chloride (see the Perspective by Barton). This efficient process uses water in place of oxygen and can be integrated with the electrochemical generation of ethylene from carbon dioxide. Propylene oxide can be produced using the same method.

Science
, this issue p.
1228
; see also p.
1181
Type I and III interferons disrupt lung epithelial repair during recovery from viral infection
Authors: Major Jack , Crotta Stefania , Llorian Miriam , McCabe Teresa M. , Gad Hans Henrik , Priestnall Simon L. , Hartmann Rune , Wack Andreas
Published: June 2020

Interferons interfere with lung repair

Interferons (IFNs) are central to antiviral immunity. Viral recognition elicits IFN production, which in turn triggers the transcription of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), which engage in various antiviral functions. Type I IFNs (IFN-α and IFN-β) are widely expressed and can result in immunopathology during viral infections. By contrast, type III IFN (IFN-λ) responses are primarily restricted to mucosal surfaces and are thought to confer antiviral protection without driving damaging proinflammatory responses. Accordingly, IFN-λ has been proposed as a therapeutic in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other such viral respiratory diseases (see the Perspective by Grajales-Reyes and Colonna). Broggi
et al.
report that COVID-19 patient morbidity correlates with the high expression of type I and III IFNs in the lung. Furthermore, IFN-λ secreted by dendritic cells in the lungs of mice exposed to synthetic viral RNA causes damage to the lung epithelium, which increases susceptibility to lethal bacterial superinfections. Similarly, using a mouse model of influenza infection, Major
et al.
found that IFN signaling (especially IFN-λ) hampers lung repair by inducing p53 and inhibiting epithelial proliferation and differentiation. Complicating this picture, Hadjadj
et al.
observed that peripheral blood immune cells from severe and critical COVID-19 patients have diminished type I IFN and enhanced proinflammatory interleukin-6– and tumor necrosis factor-α–fueled responses. This suggests that in contrast to local production, systemic production of IFNs may be beneficial. The results of this trio of studies suggest that the location, timing, and duration of IFN exposure are critical parameters underlying the success or failure of therapeutics for viral respiratory infections.

Science
, this issue p.
706
, p.
712
, p.
718
; see also p.
626
Type III interferons disrupt the lung epithelial barrier upon viral recognition
Authors: Broggi Achille , Ghosh Sreya , Sposito Benedetta , Spreafico Roberto , Balzarini Fabio , Lo Cascio Antonino , Clementi Nicola , De Santis Maria , Mancini Nicasio , Granucci Francesca , Zanoni Ivan
Published: June 2020

Interferons interfere with lung repair

Interferons (IFNs) are central to antiviral immunity. Viral recognition elicits IFN production, which in turn triggers the transcription of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), which engage in various antiviral functions. Type I IFNs (IFN-α and IFN-β) are widely expressed and can result in immunopathology during viral infections. By contrast, type III IFN (IFN-λ) responses are primarily restricted to mucosal surfaces and are thought to confer antiviral protection without driving damaging proinflammatory responses. Accordingly, IFN-λ has been proposed as a therapeutic in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other such viral respiratory diseases (see the Perspective by Grajales-Reyes and Colonna). Broggi
et al.
report that COVID-19 patient morbidity correlates with the high expression of type I and III IFNs in the lung. Furthermore, IFN-λ secreted by dendritic cells in the lungs of mice exposed to synthetic viral RNA causes damage to the lung epithelium, which increases susceptibility to lethal bacterial superinfections. Similarly, using a mouse model of influenza infection, Major
et al.
found that IFN signaling (especially IFN-λ) hampers lung repair by inducing p53 and inhibiting epithelial proliferation and differentiation. Complicating this picture, Hadjadj
et al.
observed that peripheral blood immune cells from severe and critical COVID-19 patients have diminished type I IFN and enhanced proinflammatory interleukin-6– and tumor necrosis factor-α–fueled responses. This suggests that in contrast to local production, systemic production of IFNs may be beneficial. The results of this trio of studies suggest that the location, timing, and duration of IFN exposure are critical parameters underlying the success or failure of therapeutics for viral respiratory infections.

Science
, this issue p.
706
, p.
712
, p.
718
; see also p.
626
The global odyssey of plastic pollution
Authors: Rochman Chelsea M. , Hoellein Timothy
Published: June 2020

Thinking big about small particles reveals new features of the microplastic cycle
Combating sexual harassment
Authors: Wolinetz Carrie D. , Lauer Michael S. , Collins Francis S.
Published: June 2020

Sexual harassment, including gender harassment, presents an unacceptable barrier that prevents women from achieving their rightful place in science, and robs society and the scientific enterprise of diverse and critical talent. As the largest single funder of biomedical research in the world, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) bears a responsibility to take action to put an end to this behavior. In 2019, the NIH began to bolster its policies and practices to address and prevent sexual harassment. This included new communication channels to inform the agency of instances of sexual harassment related to NIH-funded research. This week, the NIH announces a change that will hold grantee institutions and investigators accountable for this misconduct, to further foster a culture whereby sexual harassment and other inappropriate behaviors are not tolerated in the research and training environment.
The receptor-binding domain of the viral spike protein is an immunodominant and highly specific target of antibodies in SARS-CoV-2 patients
Authors: Premkumar Lakshmanane , Segovia-Chumbez Bruno , Jadi Ramesh , Martinez David R. , Raut Rajendra , Markmann Alena J. , Cornaby Caleb , Bartelt Luther , Weiss Susan , Park Yara , Edwards Caitlin E. , Weimer Eric , Scherer Erin M. , Rouphael Nadine , Edupuganti Srilatha , Weiskopf Daniela , Tse Longping V. , Hou Yixuan J. , Margolis David , Sette Alessandro , Collins Matthew H. , Schmitz John , Baric Ralph S. , de Silva Aravinda M.
Published: June 2020

The serum level of RBD-binding antibodies correlates with SARS-CoV-2 neutralization and can be used for population-level surveillance.
Evaluation of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra Assay for Diagnosis of Childhood Tuberculosis: a Multicenter Accuracy Study
Authors: Sun Lin , Zhu Yu , Fang Min , Shi Yan , Peng Xiaoshan , Liao Qiong , Wang Xingyun , Quan Shuting , Wang Yacui , Duan Li , Shi Xiaomei , Zhao Zhipeng , Chen Lanqin , Xu Yongsheng , Zhang Tongqiang , Cui Xiaojian , Wan Chaomin , Shen Adong
Published: June 2020

A multicenter study was performed to evaluate the value of testing gastric aspirate (GA) with Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay (Ultra) for childhood tuberculosis (TB) detection in China. In total, 129 children with active TB and 173 children without TB were enrolled. The sensitivity of Ultra in bacteriologically confirmed TB and probable TB cases was 87.5% (42/48) and 44.4% (36/81), respectively. The specificity of Ultra was high (99.4%, 172/173). When Ultra, culture, and acid-fast bacilli outcomes were integrated as a composite reference standard, the percentage of children with definite TB increased from 37.
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Utilizes Viral Apoptotic Mimicry as an Alternative Pathway To Infect Host Cells
Authors: Wei Xin , Li Rui , Qiao Songlin , Chen Xin-xin , Xing Guangxu , Zhang Gaiping
Published: June 2020

PRRS has caused huge economic losses to pig farming worldwide. Its causative agent, PRRSV, infects host cells through low pH-dependent clathrin-mediated endocytosis and CD163 is indispensable during the process. Whether there exist alternative infection pathways for PRRSV arouses our interest. Here, we found that PRRSV exposed PS on its envelope and disguised as apoptotic debris. The PS receptor TIM-1/4 recognized PRRSV and induced the downstream signaling pathway to mediate viral infection via CD163-dependent macropinocytosis. The current work deepens our understanding of PRRSV infection and provides clues for the development of drugs and vaccines against the virus.
Supplemental Material: Detrital zircon geochronology and Hf isotope geochemistry of Mesozoic sedimentary basins in south-central Alaska: Insights into regional sediment transport, basin development, and tectonics along the NW Cordilleran margin
Authors: Fasulo C.R. , al. et
Published: June 2020

Supplemental Figure S1. Normalized distribution plot of detrital zircon ages from the Kahiltna assemblage of the central Alaska Range (Hampton et al., 2010), the Wellesly basin (this study), and the Kahiltna assemblage of the northwestern Talkeetna Mountains (Hampton et al., 2010). Note that the detrital zircon age distribution of ages older than 500 Ma has 10× vertical exaggeration.
Immediate effects of systemic administration of normal and high O2-affinity haemoglobin vesicles as a transfusion alternative in a rat pneumonectomy model
Authors: Hashimoto Ryo , Kohno Mitsutomo , Oiwa Kana , Onozawa Hiroto , Watanabe Masazumi , Horinouchi Hirohisa , Sakai Hiromi , Kobayashi Koichi , Iwazaki Masayuki
Published: June 2020

Background

Haemoglobin vesicles (HbVs) are red blood cell (RBC) substitutes with a phospholipid bilayer membrane and a polyethylene modified surface (diameter=250 nm; P50=28 Torr). They can be preserved for years and can be used in patients of all blood types without the risk of infection. Their oxygen affinity can be modified by changing the allosteric effectors.

Methods

Left pneumonectomy was performed under mechanical ventilation on rats, followed by rapid exsanguination of ~30% of the total circulating blood volume. Rat RBCs shed in 5% human serum albumin (HSA) solution (rat RBC), HbV with high oxygen affinity in 5% albumin solution (low-P50HbV, P50=9 Torr), normal HbV suspended in 5% albumin (HbV, P50=28 Torr) or 5% HSA was infused for resuscitation. Haemodynamics and oxygenation were evaluated.

Results

Systemic arterial blood pressure significantly decreased after exsanguination and increased after each infusion. In the HbV, low-P50HbV and rat RBC groups, all rats were liberated from mechanical ventilation and blood pressure was stabilised, whereas 50% of the rats in the HSA group died within 1 hour after weaning from mechanical ventilation. The PaO2in arterial blood for 1 hour after liberation from mechanical ventilation in the rat RBC, HbV and low-P50HbV groups was 59.4±12.5, 58.3±10.1 and 70.5±14.5 mm Hg, respectively. The PaO2in the low-P50HbV group was significantly higher than those in the rat RBC and HbV groups (p=0.05 for both). Serum lactate elevations due to hypoxic damage were minimised by HbV, low-P50HbV as well as rat RBCs.

Conclusions

The oxygen-carrying ability of HbV was comparable to that of rat RBCs, even under impaired lung function after pneumonectomy. HbVs with high oxygen affinity may have more beneficial effects on oxygenation in pulmonary resection.
Percutaneous retrocrural versus ultrasound-guided coeliac plexus neurolysis for refractory pancreatic cancer pain
Authors: Motoyama Yasushi , Sato Hitoaki , Nomura Yuki , Obata Norihiko , Mizobuchi Satoshi
Published: June 2020

We report a successful case of fluoroscopic percutaneous retrocrural coeliac plexus neurolysis (PRCPN) for pancreatic cancer pain refractory to endoscopic ultrasound-guided coeliac plexus neurolysis (EUS-CPN). A 55-year-old man with upper abdominal pain due to end-stage pancreatic cancer underwent EUS-CPN. Although CT revealed distribution of the contrast medium with neurolytic agent around the left and cephalic sides of the coeliac artery, the pain did not improve and became even more severe. PRCPN was performed, resulting in the drastic improvement of pain immediately. PRCPN should be considered when EUS-CPN is not effective.
Acute myocardial injury is common in patients with COVID-19 and impairs their prognosis
Authors: Wei Jia-Fu , Huang Fang-Yang , Xiong Tian-Yuan , Liu Qi , Chen Hong , Wang Hui , Huang He , Luo Yi-Chun , Zhou Xuan , Liu Zhi-Yue , Peng Yong , Xu Yuan-Ning , Wang Bo , Yang Ying-Ying , Liang Zong-An , Lei Xue-Zhong , Ge Yang , Yang Ming , Zhang Ling , Zeng Ming-Quan , Yu He , Liu Kai , Jia Yu-Heng , Prendergast Bernard D , Li Wei-Min , Chen Mao
Published: June 2020

Objective

We sought to explore the prevalence and immediate clinical implications of acute myocardial injury in a cohort of patients with COVID-19 in a region of China where medical resources are less stressed than in Wuhan (the epicentre of the pandemic).

Methods

We prospectively assessed the medical records, laboratory results, chest CT images and use of medication in a cohort of patients presenting to two designated covid-19 treatment centres in Sichuan, China. Outcomes of interest included death, admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), need for mechanical ventilation, treatment with vasoactive agents and classification of disease severity. Acute myocardial injury was defined by a value of high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) greater than the normal upper limit.

Results

A total of 101 cases were enrolled from January to 10 March 2020 (average age 49 years, IQR 34–62 years). Acute myocardial injury was present in 15.8% of patients, nearly half of whom had a hs-TnT value fivefold greater than the normal upper limit. Patients with acute myocardial injury were older, with a higher prevalence of pre-existing cardiovascular disease and more likely to require ICU admission (62.5% vs 24.7%, p=0.003), mechanical ventilation (43.5% vs 4.7%, p<0.001) and treatment with vasoactive agents (31.2% vs 0%, p<0.001). Log hs-TnT was associated with disease severity (OR 6.63, 95% CI 2.24 to 19.65), and all of the three deaths occurred in patients with acute myocardial injury.

Conclusion

Acute myocardial injury is common in patients with COVID-19 and is associated with adverse prognosis.
Methylation study of the Paris system for reporting urinary (TPS) categories
Authors: Pierconti Francesco , Martini Maurizio , Cenci Tonia , Fiorentino Vincenzo , Sacco Emilio , Bientinesi Riccardo , Pugliese Dario , Iacovelli Roberto , Schinzari Giovanni , Larocca Luigi Maria , Bassi Pier Francesco
Published: June 2020

Aims

Bladder EpiCheck is one of several urinary tests studied to identify bladder tumours and analyses 15 methylation biomarkers determining bladder cancer presence on the basis of methylation profile.

Methods

374 patients diagnosed with high-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer were treated and followed for 1 year with voided urine cytology and white-light cystoscopy and biopsies according to European Association of Urology Guidelines. 268 cases were diagnosed with high-grade papillary carcinoma, while 106 cases were carcinoma in situ. Bladder EpiCheck test was performed together with cytology in all cases.

Results

Comparing cytological categories of negative for high-grade urothelial carcinoma (NHGUC) and atypical urothelial cells (AUCs), we found that an EpiScore <60 correlates with NHGUC (p=0.0003, Fisher’s exact test), while comparing AUC and suspicious for high-grade urothelial carcinoma (SHGUC) or SHGUC and high-grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC) categories, an EpiScore ≥60 correlates with SHGUC and HGUC, respectively (p=0.0031 and p=0.0027, Fisher’s exact test). In each TPS category, we found that sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predicitve Value (PPV) and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of the Bladder EpiCheck test in HGUC category were higher than those observed in SHGUC group (sensitivity=98%, specificity=100%, NPV=85.7%, PPV=100% vs sensitivity=86.6%, specificity=52.3%, NPV=84.6%, PPV=56.5%).

Conclusions

Analysing methylation study results, we demonstrated that different TPS cytological categories also carry a distinct molecular signature. Moreover, our results confirm that cytological categories SHGUC and HGUC are different entities also from a molecular point of view and should continue to represent distinct groups in TPS.
Personal historical perspective of HIV: part 11
Authors: Welsby Philip D
Published: June 2020

All animal life on earth is thought to have a common origin and have common genetic mechanisms. Evolution has enabled differentiation of species. Pathogens likewise have evolved within various species and mostly come to a settled dynamic equilibrium such that co-existence results (pathogens ideally should not kill their hosts). Problems arise when pathogens jump species because the new host had not developed any resistance. These infections from related species are known as zoonoses. COVID-19 is the latest example of a virus entering another species but HIV (and various strains of influenza) were previous examples. HIV entered the human population from monkeys in Africa. These two papers outline the underlying principle of HIV and the differing epidemiologies in Africa, the USA and in Edinburgh. The underlying immunosuppression of HIV in Africa was initially hidden behind common infections and HIV first came to world awareness in focal areas of the USA as a disease seemingly limited to gay males. The epidemic of intravenous drug abuse in Edinburgh was associated with overlapping epidemics of bloodborne viruses like hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
Traumatic rib fractures: a marker of severe injury. A nationwide study using the National Trauma Data Bank
Authors: Peek Jesse , Ochen Yassine , Saillant Noelle , Groenwold Rolf H H , Leenen Loek P H , Uribe-Leitz Tarsicio , Houwert R Marijn , Heng Marilyn
Published: June 2020

Background

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the treatment of patients with rib fractures. However, the current literature on the epidemiology and outcomes of rib fractures is outdated and inconsistent. Furthermore, although it has been suggested that there is a large heterogeneity among patients with traumatic rib fractures, there is insufficient literature reporting on the outcomes of different subgroups.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study using the National Trauma Data Bank was performed. All adult patients with one or more traumatic rib fractures or flail chest who were admitted to a hospital between January 2010 and December 2016 were identified by the International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision diagnostic codes.

Results

Of the 564 798 included patients with one or more rib fractures, 44.9% (n=2 53 564) were patients with polytrauma. Two per cent had open rib fractures (n=11 433, 2.0%) and flail chest was found in 4% (n=23 388, 4.1%) of all cases. Motor vehicle accidents (n=237 995, 51.6%) were the most common cause of rib fractures in patients with polytrauma and flail chest. Blunt chest injury accounted for 95.5% (n=5 39 422) of rib fractures. Rib fractures in elderly patients were predominantly caused by high and low energy falls (n=67 675, 51.9%). Ultimately, 49.5% (n=2 79 615) of all patients were admitted to an intensive care unit, of whom a quarter (n=146 191, 25.9%) required invasive mechanical ventilatory support. The overall mortality rate was 5.6% (n=31 524).

Discussion

Traumatic rib fractures are a marker of severe injury as approximately half of patients were patients with polytrauma. Furthermore, patients with rib fractures are a very heterogeneous group with a considerable difference in epidemiology, injury characteristics and in-hospital outcomes. Worse outcomes were predominantly observed among patients with polytrauma and flail chest. Future studies should recognize these differences and treatment should be evaluated accordingly.

Level of evidence

II/III.
Pediatric dog bite outcomes: infections and scars
Authors: Drumright Benjamin , Borg Breanna , Rozzelle Arlene , Donoghue Lydia , Shanti Christina
Published: June 2020

Background

There is little consensus on the management of dog bite victims. Few studies have examined long-term patient outcomes. This study was designed to evaluate two outcomes: infection and unfavorable scar formation.

Methods

A retrospective study of dog bite cases from January 2013 to May 2016 was conducted at our level I pediatric trauma center. Forty-five patients were identified who received definitive repair and had long-term follow-up for reasons other than rabies vaccination. Variables recorded were wound characteristics including presence of tissue loss, location in the hospital of the wound repair procedure, personnel performing the repair, postrepair infection, and a binary assessment of unfavorable scar formation.

Results

Unfavorable scarring was not significantly related to either repair location or personnel. Rate of infection was not significantly related to repair location. However, infection rate was significantly related to personnel performing the repair (p=0.002), with 8 of 11 (73%) infections after repair by emergency physicians compared with surgeons.

Discussion

The presence of infection was significantly related to bedside repair by emergency physicians. The data are suggestive of differences in wound preparation and repair technique between emergency department and surgical personnel. Standardizing technique could reduce infectious complications and long-term morbidity associated with repairing dog bites and other contaminated wounds. A robust and practical classification system for dog bite wounds would be helpful in stratifying these wounds for research comparison and healthcare triage.

Level of evidence

The level of evidence for this retrospective study is level III.
Community structure and diversity of the microbiomes of two microhabitats at the root–soil interface: implications of meta-analysis of the root-zone soil and root endosphere microbial communities in Xiong’an New Area
Authors: Wang Can , Masoudi Abolfazl , Wang Min , Yang Jia , Shen Ruowen , Man Meng , Yu Zhijun , Liu Jingze
Published: June 2020

The diversity of the microbial compositions of the root-zone soil (the rhizosphere-surrounding soil) and root endosphere (all inner root tissues) of Pinus tabulaeformis Carr. and Ginkgo biloba L. were evaluated in Xiong’an New Area using high-throughput sequencing; the influence of the soil edaphic parameters on microbial community compositions was also evaluated. Our results showed that both the taxonomic and phylogenetic diversities of the root endosphere were lower than those of the root-zone soil, but the variation in the endosphere microbial community structure was remarkably higher than that of the root-zone soil. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the soil organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphate, total potassium, ratio of carbon to nitrogen, and pH significantly explained the α-diversity of the bacterial community and that total nitrogen differentially contributed to the α-diversity of the fungal community. Variation partitioning analysis showed that plant species had a greater influence on microbial composition variations than did any other soil property, although soil chemical parameters explained more variation when integrated. Together, our results suggest that both plant species and soil chemical parameters played a critical role in shaping the microbial community composition.
Fundamentals of graphic design—essential tools for effective visual science communication
Authors: Murchie Karen J. , Diomede Dylan
Published: June 2020

Guidance on improving the visual aspects of science communication range from “recipe”-style instructions to hyper-focused aspects of data visualization. Currently lacking in the peer-reviewed literature is a primer in graphic design tailored to a high-level overview of basic design principles and associated jargon related to layout, imagery, typeface, and colour. We illustrate why these aspects are important to effective communication. Further, we provide considerations on when to solicit professional assistance and what to expect when working with graphic designers. Having the fundamental principles of good design in your toolbox facilitates the production of effective visual communication related to your research and fruitful scientist–designer collaborations.
A magneto-gravitational trap for studies of gravitational quantum states
Authors: Nesvizhevsky V. V. , Nez F. , Vasiliev S. A. , Widmann E. , Crivelli P. , Reynaud S. , Voronin A. Yu.
Published: June 2020

Observation time is the key parameter for improving the precision of measurements of gravitational quantum states of particles levitating above a reflecting surface. We propose a new method of long confinement in such states of atoms, anti-atoms, neutrons and other particles possessing a magnetic moment. The earth gravitational field and a reflecting mirror confine particles in the vertical direction. The magnetic field originating from electric current passing through a vertical wire confines particles in the radial direction. Under appropriate conditions, motions along these two directions are decoupled to a high degree. We estimate characteristic parameters of the problem, and list possible systematic effects that limit storage times due to the coupling of the two motions.
A New Index for TOPSIS based on Relative Distance to Best and Worst Points
Authors: Sadabadi S. A. , Hadi-Vencheh A. , Jamshidi A. , Jalali M.
Published: June 2020

The technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is one of the most well-known methods in multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) problems. The classical TOPSIS method employs a similarity index to rank alternatives. However, the chosen alternative sometimes does not have the shortest distance to the positive ideal solution (PIS) and remotest distance from the negative ideal solution (NIS), simultaneously. Besides, in some cases, TOPSIS cannot assign a unique rank to alternatives. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new similarity TOPSIS index based on the relative distance to the best and worst points. In the proposed method, by treating the separations of an alternative from the PIS and the NIS as negative criterion and positive criterion, respectively, we reduce the original MCDM problem to a new one with two criteria. The proposed index, based on different weights, in optimistic, pessimistic, and apathetic cases, easily determines the score of each alternative. Finally, we illustrate the proposed index using four numerical examples. The results are compared with those published in the literature.
A Concentration Ratio for Nonlinear Best Worst Method
Authors: Rezaei Jafar
Published: June 2020

Best Worst Method (BWM) is a multi-criteria decision-making method that is based on a structured pairwise comparison system. It uses two pairwise comparison vectors (best-to-others and others-to-worst) as input for an optimization model to get the optimal weights of the criteria (or alternatives). The original BWM involves a nonlinear model that sometimes results in multiple optimal weights meaning that the weight of each criterion is presented as an interval. The aim of this paper is to introduce a ratio, called concentration ratio, to check the concentration of the optimal intervals obtained from the nonlinear BWM. The relationship between the concentration ratio and the consistency ratio is investigated and it is found that the concentration ratio along with the consistency ratio of the model provides enhanced insights into the reliability and flexibility of the results of BWM.
Xanthine oxidoreductase inhibition – A review of computational aspect
Authors: Dong Chao , Montes Milka , Al-Sawai Wael M.
Published: June 2020

Xanthine Oxidoreductase (XOR) exists in a variety of organisms from bacteria to humans and catalyzes the oxidation of hypoxanthine to xanthine and from xanthine to uric acid. Excessive uric acid could lead to gout and hyperuricemia. In this paper, we have reviewed the recent computational studies on xanthine oxidase inhibition. Computational methods, such as molecular dynamics (molecular mechanics), quantum mechanics, and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM), have been employed to investigate the binding affinity of xanthine oxidase with synthesized and isolated nature inhibitors. The limitations of different computational methods for xanthine oxidase inhibition studies were also discussed. Implications of the computational approach could be used to help to understand the existing arguments on substrate/product orientation in xanthine oxidase inhibition, which allows designing new inhibitors with higher efficacy.
Geological controls on dispersal and deposition of river flood sediments on the Hidaka shelf, Northern Japan
Authors: Ikehara Ken , Katayama Hajime , Sagayama Tsumoru , Irino Tomohisa
Published: June 2020

The distribution and characteristics of marine surface sediments are a basic marine geological information. Large river floods are a frequent natural hazard that transport substantial terrigenous sediments into the marine environment. In August 2003, TY ETAU (0310) caused heavy rainfall in the southern coast of Hokkaido, north Japan, where some mountainous rivers in the Hidaka region flooded. Two deposition modes for the 2003 flood sediments can be identified by comparing the pre- and post-flood surface sediment distribution. Shore-normal shallow depressions off the mouth of the Saru and Atsubetsu rivers served as channels for the discharged floodwater preventing dispersion and maintaining the necessary water density to transport the materials as density bottom currents. This action also promoted long-distance transport of flood materials across the continental shelf. Absence of depression on the inner shelf off the mouth of the Niikappu and Shizunai rivers may have dispersed floodwaters near the river mouth and deposited the flood materials close to the shore. Marine geological mapping suggests that the differences in submarine topography (the presence or absence of shallow depressions) are closely related to the regional geological structure. Thus, submarine geology is a controlling factor of the seafloor environments influenced by the river flood.
Faulting within the San Juan–southern Gulf Islands Archipelagos, upper plate deformation of the Cascadia subduction complex
Authors: Greene H. Gary , Barrie J. Vaughn
Published: June 2020

The San Juan–southern Gulf Islands Archipelago of Washington State, USA and western Canada is located on the upper plate of the Cascadia subduction zone, in the forearc between the trench and volcanic arc. Onland and island investigations show many faults within the region that primarily represent old, inactive faults associated with transport, subduction and accretion of tectonostratigraphic terranes. However, until recently little geologic investigation and mapping have been done in the offshore. From these narrow straits, channels and sounds we have collected and interpreted high-resolution multibeam echosounder bathymetric data, 3.5 kHz sub-bottom and Huntec seismic-reflection profiles, and piston-cores to identify and date recently active faults. Previous studies by us focused on the earlier recognized active Devils Mountain fault zone that bounds the southern part of the Archipelago and the recently reported newly mapped active Skipjack Island fault zone that bounds the northern part. These transcurrent fault zones appear to be deforming and rotating the Archipelago. We concentrate on the unique deformation occurring within the seaways to determine the relationship and styles of faulting associated with these active bounding fault zones and relate the fault geometry and kinematics to one other subduction complex, the New Hebrides island arc of Vanuatu.
Revealing the secrets of Norway's seafloor – geological mapping within the MAREANO programme and in coastal areas
Authors: Bøe Reidulv , Bjarnadóttir Lilja Rún , Elvenes Sigrid , Dolan Margaret , Bellec Valérie , Thorsnes Terje , Lepland Aave , Longva Oddvar
Published: June 2020

Results from geological mapping within the MAREANO (Marine Areal Database for Norwegian Coasts and Sea Areas) programme and mapping projects in the coastal zone reveal a rich and diverse seafloor in Norwegian territories. The geomorphology and sediment distribution patterns reflect a complex geological history, as well as various modern-day hydrodynamic processes. By early 2019, MAREANO has mapped more than 200 000 km
2
(
c.
10%) of Norwegian offshore areas, spanning environmental gradients from shallow water to more than 3000 m depth, with ocean currents in places exceeding 1 m s
−1
and water temperatures below −1°C. Inshore, along the 100 000 km-long Norwegian coastline, the Geological Survey of Norway (NGU) has conducted a series of seabed mapping projects in collaboration with local communities, industry and other stakeholders, resulting in detailed seabed and thematic maps of seabed properties covering
c.
10 000 km
2
(11% of the areas). Bathymetric and geological maps produced by MAREANO and coastal mapping projects provide the foundation for benthic habitat mapping when combined with biological and oceanographic data. Results from the mapping conducted over the past decade have significantly increased our understanding of Norway's seabed and contributed to the knowledge base for sustainable management. Here we summarize the main results of these mapping efforts.
Geological mapping of coastal and offshore Japan (by GSJ-AIST): collecting and utilizing the geological information
Authors: Arai Kohsaku
Published: June 2020

Devastating earthquakes and tsunamis capable of causing catastrophic damage to human societies and economies have frequently occurred on and around the Japanese islands. Because Japan is a long and narrow island arc in the Pacific Ocean located at the junction of four plates (the Eurasian and Philippine Sea Plates in the SW and the North America and Pacific Plates in the NE), it has probably suffered the highest number of earthquake and tsunami events anywhere in the world. Hence, geological and geoinformation investigations are supremely important, not only for understanding the geological development of Japan but also for forecasting the risks associated with geohazards and securing the safety of human lives and infrastructures. For these reasons, the Geological Survey of Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (GSJ-AIST) has been conducting marine geological surveys since 1974 and, as of the end of 2019, produced a Marine Geology Map Series consisting of 90 geological maps. In addition, a coastal zone research project that aims to connect marine, coastal and land area geoinformation seamlessly was launched in 2008 to survey areas that have not yet been investigated, and six maps of geologically distinct areas have already been published based on that collected data.
A Low‐Cost and Low‐Density Cement Slurry System Suitable for a Shallow Unconsolidated Stratum
Authors: Yue Jiaping , Liu Zhaonian , Wang Jie , Sun Ting , Wu Zhiqiang , Geng Yanan
Published: June 2020

The shallow unconsolidated stratum in the offshore oilfield is characterized by large porosity, low temperature, and weak formation and often faces problems such as low density and poor compressive strength of a cement slurry, among others, which pose serious challenges to construction. A high‐performance low‐density cement slurry system must be used for cementing to ensure the safety of subsequent drilling and mining on‐site and to reduce the cost of cement slurry for the efficient development of oil and gas fields. Based on these problems, according to the principle of particle gradation, a mixture with a high accumulation rate and low density composed of five types of mineral materials, i.e., artificial microbeads, floating beads, microsilicon, fly ash, and slag, has been developed through a large number of indoor experiments, and a set of low‐cost and low‐density cement slurry systems has been developed; these systems are suitable for the shallow loose formations of offshore oil fields. The cement slurry system meets the requirements of the cementing operation conducted under different temperatures and pressures. The density range is 1.4–1.7 g/cm3, which can be adjusted. The cement slurry is stable and exhibits good fluidity. The thickening time meets the requirements of cementing construction. Moreover, the compressive strength of the cement paste is high, and the compressive strength of cement paste is greater than 12 MPa for 24 h and 14 MPa for 48 h of curing at 50°C, which maximizes the economic benefits. The research results provide technical support for the safe and efficient development of offshore oil and gas fields.