bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hierarchy of Covid-19-Related Flu Symptoms According to Sex and Color or Race in Reports of Patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in Brazil
Authors: Santos João Francisco Severo- , Santos Dimítria Dahmer
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 is a disease that presents a wide variety of combinations and intensities of symptoms, characteristic of a Flu Syndrome (FS), which can quickly evolve to a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the hierarchy of symptoms of FS in patients with SARS caused by COVID-19 and to develop a prediction model for potential cases based on sex and race. Binary logistic regression modeling was used in 405,419 records selected from the database of the Ministry of Health of Brazil. It was found that men were more affected by the disease, with a 15.5% higher risk than women. They also died more, with a 13.8% and 15% higher risk for all causes and for COVID-19, respectively. The chances of more than one non-white patient dying from all causes ranged from 18.4% to 38.7% and for Covid-19 it ranged from 16.7% to 64.3% according to race. Fever, muscle pain and loss of smell or taste alternate in the first three positions of the symptom hierarchy, according to sex and race. Cough was only relevant for white men and sore throat for black men. Vomiting was only relevant for black women. The best prediction model developed encompassed seven symptoms adjusted for age, sex and race, but was able to explain only 63% of the cases of COVID-19. Possibly racial diversity, and the socioeconomic inequality associated with it, make the challenge of estimating probabilities of infection by COVID-19, based on symptoms, more complicated in Brazil than in other countries.
Patterns and Distribution of Imaging Findings on HRCT Chest in Various ILD’s: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wani Rakib Ahmad , Mir Riyaz Ahmad , Naik Mohd Asif , Hakeem Aijaz Ahmad
Published: January 2021

Background: Interstitial lung diseases present with diverse clinical, radiological and histological characteristics, yet have significant overlapping features. Different ILDs have different outcomes and need correct diagnosis for appropriate management. UIP, NSIP and sarcoidosis are the most common types. Other important types being COP, RB-ILD, HSP and ILD associated with connective disorders.

Objective: To identify patterns and distributions of imaging findings on HRCT for accurate diagnosis of type of ILDs. HRCT of known cases of ILD was done and predominant imaging features of ILDs documented. We had 75 patients in our study group with male predominance (58.6%). UIP was the most common type of ILD with honeycombing, septal thickening and bronchiectasis as the predominant imaging features with sparse ground glassing. Sarcoidosis was the second most common type of ILD with mediastinal and hilar LAP, perilymphatic nodules, fibrotic bands, septal thickening and bronchiectasis as predominant imaging findings. NSIP presented with ground glassing, septal thickening, bronchiectasis, and fibrotic bands as predominant features with no or minimal honeycombing. RB-ILD presented with predominant imaging features of peribronchial thickening, centrilobular nodules, air trapping and fibrotic bands in known smokers. COP presented with predominant imaging features of peripheral consolidations and ground glassings, septal thickenings and bronchiectasis. Lung biopsy is god standard but cannot be performed in every patients owing to higher rates of complication. HRCT has assumed importance in diagnosis and management of ILDs and are relatively specific in its diagnosis.
Metformin and Diabetes Prevention in Patients with Prediabetes: Results from Isfahan Diabetes Prevention Study (IDPS)
Authors: Shahraki Parisa Khodabandeh , Feizi Awat , Aminorroaya Ashraf , Farmani Mahboubeh , Amini Massoud
Published: January 2021

Aim: Although, the effectiveness of metformin in diabetes treatment is well established, its preventive effect in the development of diabetes is still unclear in real world. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of metformin therapy as a single preventive agent in patients with prediabetes in a cohort study (IDPS).

Study Design: In this prospective observational study.

Place and Duration of Study: Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

Methodology: We included 410 patients with prediabetes (168 metformin user, 242 non-users), who participated in IDPS. To determine the association between metformin use and incidence of type 2 diabetes, Cox proportional hazard method, Kaplan-Meier and log Rank test were used.

Results: In fully adjusted model for all confounders, significant hazard ratio (HR) for staying prediabetes rather than returning to normal was detected in male group of metformin non-user (HR: 2·41 [95% CI 1.01-5.79]; P<0·05) and those metformin non-user who had both Impaired Fasting Glucose and Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IFG & IGT) (HR: 2.13 [95% CI 1.05-4.34]; P=0·04).  There was no significant difference in terms of developing diabetes risk between metformin users and non-users.

Conclusion: This study evidenced that males and patients with IFG & IGT who had not used metformin are at higher risk to staying prediabetes than returning to normal.
Significance of Pharmacist’s Role in Keeping the People Healthy in Pandemic Situations
Authors: Singh Suruchi , Sharma Satish Kumar
Published: January 2021

As the lockdown situation progressed in COVID-19 pandemic, national pharmacy role players became major front line workers for maintaining accessibility of health care utilities. Pharmacists have been handling in-house deliveries of essentials, reducing burden on health care, along with attending patients with other ailments. Since pharmacists are representatives directly associated with public health concerns, there is need for disseminating awareness in pharmacists to maintain the health conditions of the people living in the pandemic situation. Pharmacy Colleges and representatives of public health interests were subjected to systematic literature review regarding publicly reported pharmacist positions. It is concluded that respondents having much experience are intended to perceive a pharmacist's position as being essential to health care providers relative to the individuals who have less experience. The findings of this research can be beneficial for educating pharmacists in order to achieve the goal of keeping the people healthy in the pandemic situations.
Economic Consequences of Population Morbidity
Authors: Petrov Artem Viktorovich , Panova Mariia Vital’evna , Varshavskij Vladislav Rimovich , Kalyakina Inessa Makedonovna , Djais Arni Irawaty , Zatsarinnaya Elena Ivanovna
Published: January 2021

In the modern world, the morbidity of the population plays an important role in the dynamics of economic processes. On the one hand, significant government expenditures on providing the necessary medical care and medicines to citizens directly or indirectly affect the dynamics of budget expenditures. On the other hand, state guarantees for financial support of citizens during their disability are also a costly budget item. Finally, global disasters such as pandemics certainly damage the economies of entire states in particular and the world as a whole. The purpose of the work is to consider the features of the economic consequences of population morbidity. According to the results of the study, it should be concluded that the morbidity of citizens of any country is always the reason for the state's expenses for their treatment and rehabilitation. At the same time, it is quite profitable for the state that citizens again acquire the necessary working capacity, since this directly affects the amount of taxes received by the state Treasury. At the same time, favorable working conditions significantly reduce the morbidity of the population and the occurrence of disability, which also, while reducing the cost of treatment and restoring the health of citizens, contributes to maintaining an appropriate level of taxation.

However, the morbidity of the population – the main productive force of any country-can be associated with the development of various kinds of epidemics and pandemics, when the spread of infection partially paralyzes the economy.

Outbreaks of infectious diseases can easily cross borders and threaten economic stability. The current outbreak of human coronavirus (COVID-19) is a reminder of this threat. The constant adaptation of microbes, as well as their ability to develop and become resistant to antibacterial and antiviral agents, ensures that infectious diseases will continue to be a constant and ever-changing economic threat. Consequently, the assessment of these threats is important to inform households, governments and businesses about potential economic shocks as a result of outbreaks of infectious diseases.

The purpose of the study is to determine the degree of economic consequences of population morbidity in the modern world.

The objectives of the study should include:

- identification of the impact of population morbidity on the economy of a country;

- analysis of the scale of economic consequences for countries as a result of the spread of infectious diseases;

- assessment of the possibility of reducing the negative impact of population morbidity on the economy of countries.
(Aza)Acenes Share the C2 Bridge with (Anti)Aromatic Macrocycles: Local vs. Global Delocalization Paths
Authors: Bartkowski Krzysztof , Pawlicki Miłosz
Published: January 2021

A strong conjugation present in fused systems plays a crucial role in tuning of the properties that would be showing a dependence on the efficiency of π‐electrons coupling. The π‐cloud available in the final structure can be drastically influenced by a side‐ or a linear fusion of unsaturated and conjugated hydrocarbons. The linear welding of naphthalene/anthracene or quinoxaline/benzo[g]quinoxaline with triphyrin(2.1.1) gives structures where the competition between local and global delocalization is distinguished. The aromatic character observed in skeletons strongly depends on the oxidation state of the macrocyclic flanking and is either extended over the whole system or kept as a composition of local currents (diatropic and paratropic) of incorporated units. The hybrid systems show the properties derived from the π‐conjugations that interlace one another but also show a significant independence of (aza)acene subunits reflected in the observed spectroscopic properties.
Toxic Metal Pollution and Ecological Risk Estimation in the Sediment around Hopa Harbor, Turkey (SE)
Authors: Ozseker Koray
Published: January 2021

The objective of this article is to determine the spatial changes occurring because of natural and anthropogenic toxic metal pollution in accordance with different indexes using the geographic information system (GIS) method. In this context, the distribution of toxic metals, i.e., chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and arsenic (As), is investigated using sediment samples from the Hopa Harbor situated in the Southeastern Black Sea region. Sediment samples are collected from nine different stations in June 2017. Metal concentrations (in dry weight) vary from 23.2 to 94.7 for Cr, 62.1 to 301.7 for Cu, 89.3 to 287.9 for Zn, 67.6 to 137.1 for Pb, 20.1 to 99.1 for Ni, and 14.2 to 57.4 µg g−1 for As. The samples with highest concentrations are situated in the inner part of the harbor, where the water circulation system to remove the impurities is very poor. It is evident that Hopa Port activities negatively affect sediment quality, with metal concentration values increasing at stations close to the port. The data of this study reveal that Cu, Pb, and As are the main contributors to the ecological toxicity in and around Hopa Harbor. However, if the results are evaluated according to the longer time series, more precise data on the toxic effects of metals can be obtained.
Tuning the Halogen Bonding Strength of Cyclic Diaryliodonium Salts
Authors: Reinhard Dominik L. , Heinen Flemming , Stoesser Julian , Engelage Elric , Huber Stefan M.
Published: January 2021

Diaryliodonium(III) salts have recently received increasing interest as a new class of strong halogen bonding noncovalent organocatalysts. Even though this utilization of their Lewis acidity has only been investigated in few studies, their high potential in comparison to classical monovalent iodine based XB donors has become very apparent. So far, only acyclic and cyclic five‐membered core structures have been used, and titration studies have shown the latter to be superior in terms of binding constants towards Lewis bases. Herein, we now compare the Lewis acidity and activity of these five‐membered iodolium salts with those of six‐membered iodininium derivatives. X‐Ray structural analyses, ITC measurements and the reaction kinetics of a Ritter‐type solvolysis reaction in wet acetonitrile (a typical halogen bond donor benchmark reaction) all demonstrate that iodolium salts are stronger halogen bond donors and catalysts than iodininium salts. Subsequently, we were able to improve the activity of both core structures significantly by introducing electron‐withdrawing substituents.
Cytotoxic effects ofSatureja montanaL. essential oil on oocytes of engorgedRhipicephalus microplusfemale ticks (Acari: Ixodidae)
Authors: Reis Aline Chaves , Konig Isaac Filipe Moreira , Rezende Danúbia Aparecida de Carvalho Selvati , Gonçalves Raquel Romano Palmeira , Lunguinho Allan da Silva , Ribeiro Jenifer Caroline Silva , Cardoso Maria das Graças , Remedio Rafael Neodini
Published: January 2021

In addition to pesticidal activity, the capacity of natural compounds to inhibit the reproduction of parasites emerge as an important alternative tick control method. In this context,Saturejaspp. stand out due to their recognized pesticidal properties. Among parasites of veterinary importance, the cattle tick,Rhipicephalus microplus, is responsible for great economic losses in livestock and transmission of relevant pathogens. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of the essential oil ofSatureja montanaL. on the ovary morphology ofR. microplusengorged females through histological and histochemical techniques. The most remarkable morphological changes found were: cytoplasmic vacuolation of germ cells, irregular and thicker chorion, irregular oocyte shape, ring‐shaped nucleolus, decrease in protein and carbohydrate content in oocytes, in addition to cellular changes in the oviduct and pedicel. All morphological changes were assessed using a semiquantitative method already established in the literature. Ticks exposed to 5.0 μl/ml of essential oil showed the most significant changes when compared to control groups. Thus, the essential oil ofS. montanaL. damaged the reproductive system ofR. microplus, which may impair ticks' offspring production and promote a long‐term control of this species.

Highlights

The essential oil ofSatureja montanaL. affects the ovary morphology of the cattle tick.

The main morphological alterations found were cytoplasmic vacuolation, irregular and thicker chorion and irregular oocyte shape.

These alterations may impair the development of eggs.
Increased body mass index is a risk factor for acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Kashanian Sarah M. , Li Andrew Y. , Mustafa Ali Moaath , Sutherland Mark E. , Duong Vu H. , Hambley Bryan C. , Zacholski Kyle , El Chaer Firas , Holtzman Noa G. , Imran Mohammad , Patzke Ciera L. , Cornu Jonathan , Duffy Alison , Dezern Amy E. , Gojo Ivana , Norsworthy Kelly J. , Levis Mark J. , Smith B. Douglas , Baer Maria R. , Ghiaur Gabriel , Emadi Ashkan
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Obesity has become increasingly prevalent worldwide and is a risk factor for many malignancies. We studied the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and the incidence of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), non‐APL acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and control hospitalized patients without leukemia in the same community.

Methods

Multicenter, retrospective analysis of 71 196 patients: APL (n = 200), AML (n = 437), ALL (n = 103), nonleukemia hospitalized (n = 70 456) admitted to University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins Cancer Centers, and University of Maryland Medical Center.

Results

Patients with APL had a significantly higher unadjusted mean and median BMI (32.5 and 30.3 kg/m2) than those with AML (28.3 and 27.1 kg/m2), ALL (29.3 and 27.7 kg/m2), and others (29.3 and 27.7 kg/m2) (P < .001). Log‐transformed BMI multivariable models demonstrated that APL patients had a significantly higher adjusted mean BMI by 3.7 kg/m2 (P < .001) or approximately 10% (P < .01) compared to the other groups, when controlled for sex, race, and age.

Conclusions

This study confirms that when controlled for sex, age, and race there is an independent association of higher BMI among patients with APL compared to patients with ALL, AML, and hospitalized individuals without leukemia in the same community.
Podcast‐Based Learning in Otolaryngology: Availability, Breadth, and Comparison with Other Specialties
Authors: Malka Ronit , Villwock Jennifer , Faucett Erynne A. , Bowe Sarah
Published: January 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Studies across multiple specialties of medical students, residents, and attending physicians demonstrate increased retention, breadth of knowledge, and literature awareness when podcasts are used as an adjunctive educational tool. This Contemporary Review aims to 1) quantify podcast availability and episode frequency for medical learners across a broad range of specialties, and 2) compare these metrics between otolaryngology‐specific podcasts with those of other specialties.

Data Sources

Top five podcast platforms: Spotify (Stockholm, Sweden 2006), Apple Podcasts (Cupertino, CA 2012), Google Podcasts (Mountain View, CA 2018), Stitcher (San Francisco, CA 2008), and TuneIn (San Francisco, CA 2002).

Methods

The selected podcast platforms were queried with a comprehensive set of keywords and manually searched for medically‐relevant podcasts. Specialty, content, and number of episodes annually for the last 10 years were recorded for each podcast.

Results

Otolaryngology has a comparable number of podcasts and breakdown of podcast category compared to other specialties, but reduced total episodes and episode frequency compared to other specialties. This may limit otolaryngologists' ability to engage in this validated form of medical education.

Conclusions

Podcast‐based education provides a valuable resource for medical professionals to reinforce learning, broaden general knowledge base, and stay updated on current literature, particularly in light of increased demand for mobile and on‐demand learning options. There is room for an increased number of podcasts and, particularly, increased episode frequency within the field of otolaryngology to extend these benefits to otolaryngologists and otolaryngologists in training. Laryngoscope, 131:E2131–E2138, 2021
Nocturnal hypertension associated with stroke and silent cerebral infarcts in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Strumph Kaitlin , Hafeman Michael , Ranabothu Saritha , Gomes William , Benitez Steven , Kaskel Frederick , Manwani Deepa , Mahgerefteh Joseph
Published: January 2021

Background

Strokes and silent cerebral infarcts (SCIs) lead to significant morbidity and mortality in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Higher systolic blood pressures increase risk for stroke and SCIs; however, patients with SCD often have lower clinic blood pressures than the general population. Twenty‐four‐hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) allows for more robust examination of blood pressures. This study evaluated associations between abnormal ABPM measurements with stroke and SCIs.

Procedure

A cross‐sectional study was performed. Children with SCD completed 24‐hour ABPMs. Children with a documented magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain within a year of the ABPM were included in the analysis. Bivariate analyses were performed to identify associations between ABPM parameters with cerebrovascular outcomes.

Results

Forty‐two children with a median age of 13 years (10, 17) were included in the analysis. Seven (17%) had history of stroke and seven (17%) had SCIs. Nocturnal hypertension, elucidated via 24‐hour ABPM, was noted in 25% of subjects. The presence of nocturnal hypertension was significantly higher in the SCI/stroke group (55% vs 12%, P = .01). Sensitivity analyses were performed during which stroke patients were removed from analysis. Nocturnal hypertension remained significantly associated with the presence of SCIs (P = .006).

Conclusions

This study reveals an association between nocturnal hypertension and a higher prevalence of SCI and stroke in children with SCD. Larger, prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and evaluate the contributory nature of blood pressure abnormalities to cerebrovascular events in children with SCD.
Gastroesophageal intussusception with complete herniation of the spleen in a 12 months old dog with idiopathic megaoesophagus
Authors: Rohwedder Thomas , Hellmuth Viktoria Carolin
Published: January 2021

A 12 months old, castrated male, mix‐breed dog was presented due to acute onset of vomiting, retching, anorexia, and tachypnoea. Idiopathic megaoesophagus was diagnosed three months prior to presentation. Radiographic and CT examination revealed gastroesophageal intussusception with herniation of the complete spleen into the intussusception. After initial stabilization surgical treatment was performed. The stomach and spleen were manually reduced into the abdomen. Due to questionable viability of the gastric wall an inverting suture pattern was used to invaginate the compromised part. Left sided gastropexy was performed to reduce risk of recurrence. Additionally oesophagopexy was performed to reduce the risk of hiatal hernia due to intraoperative damage to the hiatus. The patient recovered uneventful and was discharged from hospital five days following surgery. Conservative treatment of concurrent megaoesophagus was continued. At last follow up, 10 months later, the dog was clinically fine, had gained weight, and showed no signs of regurgitation.
Star-triangle type relations from 2d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = (0, 2) USp(2N) dualities
Authors: de-la-Cruz-Moreno J. , García-Compeán H.
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Inspired by the gauge/YBE correspondence this paper derives some star-triangle type relations from dualities in 2d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (0, 2) USp(2N) supersymmetric quiver gauge theories. To be precise, we study two cases. The first case is the Intriligator-Pouliot duality in 2d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (0, 2) USp(2N) theories. The description is performed explicitly for N = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and also for N = 3k + 2, which generalizes the situation in N = 2, 5. For N = 1 a triangle identity is obtained. For N = 2, 5 it is found that the realization of duality implies slight variations of a star-triangle relation type (STR type). The values N = 3, 4 are associated to a similar version of the asymmetric STR. The second case is a new duality for 2d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (0, 2) USp(2N) theories with matter in the antisymmetric tensor representation that arises from dimensional reduction of 4d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 USp(2N) Csáki-Skiba-Schmaltz duality. It is shown that this duality is associated to a triangle type identity for any value of N. In all cases Boltzmann weights as well as interaction and normalization factors are completely determined. Finally, our relations are compared with those previously reported in the literature.
Classical Soft Theorem in the AdS-Schwarzschild spacetime in small cosmological constant limit
Authors: Banerjee Nabamita , Bhattacharjee Arindam , Mitra Arpita
Published: January 2021

Abstract

We have studied scattering of a probe particle by a four dimensional AdS-Schwarzschild black hole at large impact factor. Our analysis is consistent perturbatively to leading order in the AdS radius and black hole mass parameter. Next we define a proper “soft limit” of the radiation and extract out the “soft factor” from it. We find the correction to the well known flat space Classical Soft graviton theorem due to the presence of an AdS background.
Is prone free breathing better than supine deep inspiration breath-hold for left whole-breast radiotherapy? A dosimetric analysis
Authors: Wang Xinzhuo , Fargier-Bochaton Odile , Dipasquale Giovanna , Laouiti Mohamed , Kountouri Melpomeni , Gorobets Olena , Nguyen Nam P. , Miralbell Raymond , Vinh-Hung Vincent
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The advantage of prone setup compared with supine for left-breast radiotherapy is controversial. We evaluate the dosimetric gain of prone setup and aim to identify predictors of the gain.

Methods

Left-sided breast cancer patients who had dual computed tomography (CT) planning in prone free breathing (FB) and supine deep inspiration breath-hold (DiBH) were retrospectively identified. Radiation doses to heart, lungs, breasts, and tumor bed were evaluated using the recently developed mean absolute dose deviation (MADD). MADD measures how widely the dose delivered to a structure deviates from a reference dose specified for the structure. A penalty score was computed for every treatment plan as a weighted sum of the MADDs normalized to the breast prescribed dose. Changes in penalty scores when switching from supine to prone were assessed by paired t-tests and by the number of patients with a reduction of the penalty score (i.e., gain). Robust linear regression and fractional polynomials were used to correlate patients’ characteristics and their respective penalty scores.

Results

Among 116 patients identified with dual CT planning, the prone setup, compared with supine, was associated with a dosimetric gain in 72 (62.1%, 95% CI: 52.6–70.9%). The most significant predictors of a gain with the prone setup were the breast depth prone/supine ratio (>1.6), breast depth difference (>31 mm), prone breast depth (>77 mm), and breast volume (>282 mL).

Conclusion

Prone compared with supine DiBH was associated with a dosimetric gain in 62.1% of our left-sided breast cancer patients. High pendulousness and moderately large breast predicted for the gain.
Developing a novel manufacturing method to produce stiffened plate structures
Authors: Garrick Andrew J. H. , Toumpis Athanasios I. , Galloway Alexander M.
Published: January 2021

Isogrid is a highly efficient stiffened plate structure which was developed in the aerospace industry for use in rocketry and space structures. Its current form is unviable outwith these applications, as the available production methods are expensive due to excessive machining time in addition to considerable material wastage. The method detailed in this body of work was developed to manufacture Isogrid in a more efficient manner, so that its weight-saving properties may become more widely accessible. This novel Isogrid manufacturing process uses a rolling mill with patterned rollers to imprint a 3D structure of ribs into the surface of a billet material. To validate this method, a patterned roller was designed, manufactured and fitted to a rolling mill to produce sheets of aluminium AA1050 Isogrid. This process successfully created Isogrid in a sustainable, rapid manner. The samples produced were tested in 3-point bending and compared against flat plate of the same material. They were found to be 100% stronger in bending compared to a neutral flat plate with a strength shape factor of 1.6 after discounting the effect of cold work.
Efficiency, equity, and social rationality under uncertainty
Authors: Miyagishima Kaname
Published: January 2021

In a simple model where agents’ monetary payoffs are uncertain, this paper examines the aggregation of subjective expected utility functions which are interpersonally noncomparable. A maximin social welfare criterion is derived from axioms of efficiency, ex post equity, and social rationality, combined with the independence of beliefs and risk preferences in riskless situations (Chambers and Echenique in Games Econ Behav 76:582–595, 2012). The criterion compares allocations by the values of the prospects composed of the statewise minimum payoffs evaluated by the certainty equivalents. Because of this construction, the criterion is egalitarian and risk averse.
On superconvergence of Runge–Kutta convolution quadrature for the wave equation
Authors: Melenk Jens Markus , Rieder Alexander
Published: January 2021

The semidiscretization of a sound soft scattering problem modelled by the wave equation is analyzed. The spatial treatment is done by integral equation methods. Two temporal discretizations based on Runge–Kutta convolution quadrature are compared: one relies on the incoming wave as input data and the other one is based on its temporal derivative. The convergence rate of the latter is shown to be higher than previously established in the literature. Numerical results indicate sharpness of the analysis. The proof hinges on a novel estimate on the Dirichlet-to-Impedance map for certain Helmholtz problems. Namely, the frequency dependence can be lowered by one power of $$\left| s\right| $$

s

(up to a logarithmic term for polygonal domains) compared to the Dirichlet-to-Neumann map.
Selection and characterization of a SpaCBA pilus-secreting food-grade derivative of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG
Authors: Tytgat Hanne L. P. , Rasinkangas Pia , Ritari Jarmo , Reunanen Justus , Aalvink Steven , Lin Chia-wei , Palva Airi , Douillard François P. , de Vos Willem M.
Published: January 2021

Many studies have established the functional properties of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, previously known as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, marketed worldwide as a probiotic. The extraordinary capacity of L. rhamnosus GG to bind to human mucus and influence the immune system especially stand out. Earlier, we have shown the key role of its SpaCBA sortase-dependent pili encoded by the spaCBA-srtC1 gene cluster herein. These heterotrimeric pili consist of a shaft pilin SpaA, a basal pilin SpaB, and tip pilin SpaC that contains a mucus-binding domain. Here, we set out to characterize a food-grade non-GMO mutant of L. rhamnosus GG, strain PA11, which secretes its pilins, rather than coupling them to the cell surface, due to a defect in the housekeeping sortase A. The sortase-negative strain PA11 was extensively characterized using functional genomics and biochemical approaches and found to secrete the SpaCBA pili into the supernatant. Given the functional importance and uniqueness of the mucus-binding pili of L. rhamnosus GG, strain PA11 offers novel opportunities towards the characterization and further therapeutic application of SpaCBA pili and their low-cost, large-scale production.

Key points

•Creation of pilus-secreting mutant (PA11) of the key probiotic LGG.

•Strain PA11 is defective in a functional housekeeping sortase SrtA.

•Strain PA11 opens novel biotherapeutic application avenues.

Graphical abstract
CD73 expression defines immune, molecular, and clinicopathological subgroups of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Rocha Pedro , Salazar Ruth , Zhang Jiexin , Ledesma Debora , Solorzano Jose L. , Mino Barbara , Villalobos Pamela , Dejima Hitoshi , Douse Dzifa Y. , Diao Lixia , Mitchell Kyle Gregory , Le Xiuning , Zhang Jianjun , Weissferdt Annikka , Parra-Cuentas Edwin , Cascone Tina , Rice David C. , Sepesi Boris , Kalhor Neda , Moran Cesar , Vaporciyan Ara , Heymach John , Gibbons Don L. , Lee J. Jack , Kadara Humam , Wistuba Ignacio , Behrens Carmen , Solis Luisa Maren
Published: January 2021

Introduction

CD73 is a membrane-bound enzyme crucial in adenosine generation. The adenosinergic pathway plays a critical role in immunosuppression and in anti-tumor effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Here, we interrogated CD73 expression in a richly annotated cohort of human lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and its association with clinicopathological, immune, and molecular features to better understand the role of this immune marker in LUAD pathobiology.

Materials and methods

Protein expression of CD73 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 106 archived LUADs from patients that underwent surgical treatment without neoadjuvant therapy. Total CD73 (T +) was calculated as the average of luminal (L +) and basolateral (BL +) percentage membrane expression scores for each LUAD and was used to classify tumors into three groups based on the extent of T CD73 expression (high, low, and negative).

Results

CD73 expression was significantly and progressively increased across normal-appearing lung tissue, adenomatous atypical hyperplasia, adenocarcinoma in situ, minimally invasive adenocarcinoma, and LUAD. In LUAD, BL CD73 expression was associated with an increase in PD-L1 expression in tumor cells and increase of tumor-associated immune cells. Stratification of LUADs based on T CD73 extent also revealed that tumors with high expression of this enzyme overall exhibited significantly elevated immune infiltration and PD-L1 protein expression. Immune profiling demonstrated that T-cell inflammation and adenosine signatures were significantly higher in CD73-expressing lung adenocarcinomas relative to those lacking CD73.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that higher CD73 expression is associated with an overall augmented host immune response, suggesting potential implications in the immune pathobiology of early stage lung adenocarcinoma. Our findings warrant further studies to explore the role of CD73 in immunotherapeutic response of LUAD.
Biologic Mesh in Surgery: A Comprehensive Review and Meta‐Analysis of Selected Outcomes in 51 Studies and 6079 Patients
Authors: Samson David J. , Gachabayov Mahir , Latifi Rifat
Published: January 2021

Background

In recent decades, biologic mesh (BM) has become an important adjunct to surgical practice. Recent evidence‐based clinical applications of BM include but are not limited to: reconstruction of abdominal wall defects; breast reconstruction; face, head and neck surgery; periodontal surgery; other hernia repairs (diaphragmatic, hiatal/paraesophageal, inguinal and perineal); hand surgery; and shoulder arthroplasty. Prior systematic reviews of BM in complex abdominal wall hernia repair had several shortcomings that our comprehensive review seeks to address, including exclusion of laparoscopic repair, assessment of risk of bias, use of an acceptable meta‐analytic method and review of risk factors identified in multivariable regression analyses.

Materials and methods

We sought articles of BM for open ventral hernia repair reporting on early complications, late complications or recurrences and included minimum of 50. We used the quality in prognostic studies risk of bias assessment tool. Random effects meta‐analysis was applied.

Results

This comprehensive review selected 62 articles from 51 studies that included 6,079 patients. Meta‐analytic pooling found that early complications are present in about 50%, surgical site occurrences (SSOs) in 37%, surgical site infections (SSIs) in 18%, reoperation in 7%, readmission in 20% and mortality in 3%. Meta‐analytic estimates of late outcomes included overall complications (42%), SSOs (40%) and SSIs (22%). Specific SSOs included seroma (14%), hematoma (4%), abscess (10%), necrosis (5%), dehiscence (8%) and fistula formation (5%). Reoperation occurred in about 17%, mesh explantation in 9% and recurrence in 36%.

Conclusion

Estimates of nearly all outcomes from individual studies were highly heterogeneous and sensitivity analyses and meta‐regressions generally failed to explain this heterogeneity. Recurrence is the only outcome for which there are consistent findings for risk factors. Bridge placement of BM is associated with higher risk of recurrence. Prior hernia repair, history of reintervention and history of mesh removal were also risk factors for increased recurrence.
A new particle for measuring mass transfer in turbulence
Authors: Oehmke Theresa B. , Variano Evan A.
Published: January 2021

We present a method for creating a new type of model particle that allows us to measure the mass transfer rate from the particle surface to the surrounding water. We use hollow glass spheres and sugar to create neutrally buoyant particles in a variety of molded shapes. These particles are an alternative to traditional gypsum objects for measuring mass transfer, with the important characteristic of being neutrally buoyant. This is an inexpensive method that allows for custom particle shapes to be manufactured with different densities. We test the utility of these particles by measuring their dissolution rates in homogeneous, isotropic turbulence in our laboratory turbulence tank. Our measurements fit our proposed model, and give a faster dissolution rate for rod-shaped particles than for disc-shaped ones.

Graphic abstract
Sustained dasatinib treatment prevents early fibrotic changes following ocular trauma
Authors: Ueda Shunichiro , Nunn Betty M. , Chauhan Rajat , McDonald Kevin , Kaplan Henry J. , O’Toole Martin G. , Tamiya Shigeo
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Posterior ocular trauma and the subsequent fibrotic retinal complication termed proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) are leading causes of blindness in children and young adults. A previous study suggested that changes occurring within the first month post-trauma can lead to development of PVR later. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of dasatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor clinically used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia, on fibrotic changes occurring within the first month following ocular trauma.

Methods

A previously established swine ocular trauma model that mimics both contusion and penetrating injuries was used. Dasatinib was administered on days 4 and 18 post-trauma via intravitreal injection of either bolus solution or suspension of a sustained release system incorporated in biodegradable poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles. Animals were followed up to day 32, and the development of traction full-thickness fold in the posterior retina was assessed.

Results

A full-thickness retinal fold extending from the wound site developed in 3 out of 4 control eyes injected with PLGA nanoparticles alone at 1 month. Administration of dasatinib solution had little preventative effect with 6 out of 7 eyes developing a fold. In contrast, dasatinib-incorporated PLGA nanoparticle injection significantly reduced the incidence of fold to 1 out of 10 eyes.

Conclusions

Injection of dasatinib-incorporated PLGA significantly reduced early fibrotic retinal changes which eventually lead to PVR following posterior ocular trauma. Thus, our sustained dasatinib release system can potentially be used to both prevent and/or broaden the surgical treatment window for PVR.
Insights into the combination of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and motor imagery in a training-based approach
Authors: Bouguetoch Amandine , Martin Alain , Grosprêtre Sidney
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Training stimuli that partially activate the neuromuscular system, such as motor imagery (MI) or neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), have been previously shown as efficient tools to induce strength gains. Here the efficacy of MI, NMES or NMES + MI trainings has been compared.

Methods

Thirty-seven participants were enrolled in a training program of ten sessions in 2 weeks targeting plantar flexor muscles, distributed in four groups: MI, NMES, NMES + MI and control. Each group underwent forty contractions in each session, NMES + MI group doing 20 contractions of each modality. Before and after, the neuromuscular function was tested through the recording of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), but also electrophysiological and mechanical responses associated with electrical nerve stimulation. Muscle architecture was assessed by ultrasonography.

Results

MVC increased by 11.3 ± 3.5% in NMES group, by 13.8 ± 5.6% in MI, while unchanged for NMES + MI and control. During MVC, a significant increase in V-wave without associated changes in superimposed H-reflex has been observed for NMES and MI, suggesting that neural adaptations occurred at supraspinal level. Rest spinal excitability was increased in the MI group while decreased in the NMES group. No change in muscle architecture (pennation angle, fascicle length) has been found in any group but muscular peak twitch and soleus maximal M-wave increased in the NMES group only.

Conclusion

Finally, MI and NMES seem to be efficient stimuli to improve strength, although both exhibited different and specific neural plasticity. On its side, NMES + MI combination did not provide the expected gains, suggesting that their effects are not simply cumulative, or even are competitive.
Characterization and localization of antigens for serodiagnosis of human paragonimiasis
Authors: Curtis Kurt C. , Fischer Kerstin , Choi Young-Jun , Mitreva Makedonka , Weil Gary J. , Fischer Peter U.
Published: January 2021

Paragonimiasis is a foodborne trematode infection that affects 23 million people, mainly in Asia. Lung fluke infections lead frequently to chronic cough with fever and hemoptysis, and are often confused with lung cancer or tuberculosis. Paragonimiasis can be efficiently treated with praziquantel, but diagnosis is often delayed, and patients are frequently treated for other conditions. To improve diagnosis, we selected five Paragonimus kellicotti proteins based on transcriptional abundance, recognition by patient sera, and conservation among trematodes and expressed them as His-fusion proteins in Escherichia coli. Sequences for these proteins have 76–99% identity with amino acid sequences for orthologs in the genomes of Paragonimus westermani, Paragonimus heterotremus, and Paragonimus miyazakii. Immunohistology studies showed that antibodies raised to four recombinant proteins bound to the tegument of adult P. kellicotti worms, at the parasite host interface. Only a known egg antigen was absent from the tegument but present in developing and mature eggs. We evaluated the diagnostic potential of these antigens by Western blot with sera from patients with paragonimiasis (from MO and the Philippines), fascioliasis, and schistosomiasis, and with sera from healthy North American controls. Two recombinant proteins (a cysteine protease and a myoglobin) showed the highest sensitivity and specificity as diagnostic antigens, and they detected antibodies in sera from paragonimiasis patients with early or mature infections. In contrast, antibodies to egg yolk ferritin appeared to be specific marker for patients with adult fluke infections that produce eggs. Our study has identified and localized antigens that are promising for serodiagnosis of human paragonimiasis.
Spiritualität und Behandlung. Die Perspektive von Patienten mit chronischen Schmerzen
Authors: Rettke Horst , Naef Rahel , Rufer Michael , Peng-Keller Simon
Published: January 2021

Hintergrund

Chronischer Schmerz betrifft alle menschlichen Lebensdimensionen und wirft auch spirituelle Fragen auf, die im Rahmen eines multimodalen Behandlungsmodells berücksichtigt werden sollten.

Ziel der Arbeit

Wir untersuchten die Perspektive von Patienten mit chronischen Schmerzen zu spirituellen Themen und deren möglicher Integration in den Behandlungsprozess.

Material und Methoden

Es wurden fünf Fokusgruppen- und zwei Kleingruppeninterviews an fünf Studienzentren durchgeführt. Daran nahmen 42 Patienten mit chronischen Schmerzen teil, die aktuell in ambulanter oder stationärer Schmerzbehandlung waren. Die Interviews wurden transkribiert und einer thematischen Analyse unterzogen.

Ergebnisse

Drei Themen traten hervor: 1. Chronischer Schmerz durchdringt die gesamte menschliche Existenz. 2. Spirituelle Ressourcen stellen eine Möglichkeit im Umgang mit chronischen Schmerzen dar. 3. Patienten ist es ein Anliegen, mit Fachpersonen in einen Dialog treten zu können, der auch für spirituelle Themen offen ist. Diese haben aus Sicht der Teilnehmenden große Relevanz. Sie verknüpften sie vielfach, aber nicht ausschließlich mit religiösen Überzeugungen. Häufig wurde geschildert, in der Schmerzerfahrung nicht ernst genommen zu werden.

Diskussion

Strategien für einen effektiven Umgang mit chronischem Schmerz zu finden, stellt einen Wendepunkt im Leben dar. In diesem Prozess unterstützt ein offener Dialog mit Fachpersonen, der auch spirituellen Themen Rechnung trägt.
Influence of short-fiber composite base on fracture behavior of direct and indirect restorations
Authors: Garoushi S. , Sungur S. , Boz Y. , Ozkan P. , Vallittu P. K. , Uctasli S. , Lassila L.
Published: January 2021

Objectives

The aim was to examine the influence of short-fiber composite (SFC) core on the fracture-behavior of different types of indirect posterior restorations. In addition, the effect of thickness ratio of SFC-core to the thickness of the veneering conventional composite (PFC) on fracture-behavior of bi-structured composite restorations was evaluated.

Materials and methods

MOD cavities with removed palatal cusps were prepared on 90 intact molars. Five groups of direct overlay restorations (n = 10/group) were fabricated having a SFC-core (everX Flow) with various thicknesses (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 mm) and layer of surface PFC (G-aenial Anterior), remaining the thickness of the bi-structure restoration to be 5 mm. Four groups of CAD/CAM-made restorations (Cerasmart 270 and e-max CAD) were fabricated either with 2-mm layer of SFC-core or without fiber reinforcement. Intact teeth (n = 10) were used as control group. Restorations were statically loaded until fracture. Fracture patterns were evaluated visually. Data were analyzed using ANOVA (p = 0.05).

Results

With indirect overlay restorations, no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the load-bearing capacities between restorations reinforced by 2-mm SFC-core (bi-structured) and those fabricated from plain restorative materials. ANOVA displayed that direct overlay restorations made from 4-mm layer thickness of SFC-core had significantly higher load-bearing capacities (3050 ± 574 N) (p < 0.05) among all the groups tested.

Conclusions

Restorations (direct/indirect) combining SFC-core and a surface layer of conventional material demonstrated encouraging achievement in reference to fracture behavior.

Clinical relevance

The use of flowable short-fiber composite as reinforcing base with large direct and indirect restorations may result in more repairable failure.
Das überarbeitete Konzept der Persönlichkeitsstörungen nach ICD-11: Neuerungen und mögliche Konsequenzen für die forensisch-psychiatrische Tätigkeit
Authors: Hauser Nicole C. , Herpertz Sabine C. , Habermeyer Elmar
Published: January 2021

Mit der Einführung der ICD-11 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 11. Auflage) wird die Diagnostik von Persönlichkeitsstörungen grundlegend verändert. Die Notwendigkeit einer Abkehr von der traditionellen typologischen Auffassung und Beschreibung von Persönlichkeitsstörungen wurde aufgrund folgender Problemstellungen gesehen: Das kategoriale Konzept einer Persönlichkeitsstörung nach ICD-10 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10. Auflage) begünstige die Stigmatisierung Betroffener, was dazu beitrage, dass die Diagnose in der klinischen Praxis zu selten vergeben werde. Wenn sie gestellt werde, komme es zu einer (zu) hohen Prävalenz der Persönlichkeitsstörung „nicht näher bezeichnet“ bzw. zu hohen Komorbiditäten zwischen verschiedenen Persönlichkeitsstörungen, was Zweifel an der Reliabilität der Persönlichkeitsstörungen begründe. Außerdem sei das in der ICD-10 geforderte Kriterium der Zeitstabilität unter Berücksichtigung von Verlaufsstudien nicht mehr sinnvoll anwendbar. Der Artikel skizziert die Hintergründe für die Überarbeitung der Konzeption von Persönlichkeitsstörungen, um nachfolgend das aktuelle diagnostische Verfahren nach ICD-11 zu illustrieren. Abschließend werden die Implikationen der neuen diagnostischen Vorgaben für die forensisch-psychiatrische Schuldfähigkeitsbegutachtung diskutiert und anhand von Persönlichkeitsprofilen beispielhaft die Auswirkungen der Neukonzeption für die Therapieplanung bzw. -prognose dargestellt und diskutiert.