bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Modulation and Potential Biomarkers of the Prognosis Identification for Severe Aortic Stenosis after TAVR by a Metabolomics Study
Authors: Liao Yanbiao , Liu Chang , Xiong Tianyuan , Zhao Mingyue , Zheng Wen , Feng Yuan , Li Yijian , Ou Yuanweixiang , Zhao Zhengang , Peng Yong , Wei Jiafu , Li Qiao , Meng Wei , Liu Xiaojing , Chen Mao
Published: October 2020

Objectives. To investigate the metabolic profile in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and explore the potential biomarkers to predict prognosis after TAVR based on metabolomics. Methods and Results. Fifty-nine consecutive AS patients were prospectively recruited. Blood samples from the ascending aorta, coronary sinus, and peripheral vein at before and after TAVR were collected, respectively. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were performed to analyze the metabolic profile before and after TAVR. Influential metabolites were identified by integrating the univariate test, multivariate analysis, and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) algorithm. PLS-DA analysis revealed a significant extremely early (within 30 minutes after TAVR) alterations of metabolites in the ascending aorta, coronary sinus, and peripheral vein. The early (within 7 days after TAVR) changed metabolites in the peripheral vein were involved in purine metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, glycerolipid metabolism, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, one carbon pool by folate and alanine, and the aspartate and glutamate metabolism pathway. We used volcano plots to find that the cardiac-specific changed metabolites were enriched to the sphingolipid metabolism pathway after TAVR. Besides, WGCNA algorithm was performed to reveal that arginine and proline metabolites could reflect left ventricle regression to some extent. Conclusion. This is the first study to reveal systemic and cardiac metabolites changed significantly in patients with AS after TAVR. Some altered metabolites involved in the arginine and proline metabolism pathway in the peripheral vein could predict left ventricle regression, which merited further study.
The Pivotal Potentials of Scorpion Buthus Martensii Karsch-Analgesic‐Antitumor Peptide in Pain Management and Cancer
Authors: Richard Seidu A. , Kampo Sylvanus , Sackey Marian , Hechavarria Maite Esquijarosa , Buunaaim Alexis D. B.
Published: October 2020

Scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch ‐analgesic‐antitumor peptide (BmK AGAP) has been used to treat diseases like tetanus, tuberculosis, apoplexy, epilepsy, spasm, migraine headaches, rheumatic pain, and cancer in China. AGAP is a distinctive long‐chain scorpion toxin with a molecular mass of 7142 Da and composed of 66 amino acids cross‐linked by four disulfide bridges. Voltage‐gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are present in excitable membranes and partakes in essential roles in action potentials generation as compared to the significant function of voltage‐gated calcium channels (VGCCs). A total of nine genes (Nav1.1–Nav1.9) have been recognized to encode practical sodium channel isoforms. Nav1.3, Nav1.7, Nav1.8, and Nav1.9 have been recognized as potential targets for analgesics. Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 are associated with nociception initiated by inflammation signals in the neuronal pain pathway, while Nav1.8 is fundamental for neuropathic pain at low temperatures. AGAP has a sturdy inhibitory influence on both viscera and soma pain. AGAP potentiates the effects of MAPK inhibitors on neuropathic as well as inflammation‐associated pain. AGAP downregulates the secretion of phosphorylated p38, phosphorylated JNK, and phosphorylated ERK 1/2 in vitro. AGAP has an analgesic activity which may be an effective therapeutic agent for pain management because of its downregulation of PTX3 via NF‐κB and Wnt/beta‐catenin signaling pathway. In cancers like colon cancer, breast cancer, lymphoma, and glioma, rAGAP was capable of blocking the proliferation. Thus, AGAP is a promising therapy for these tumors. Nevertheless, research is needed with other tumors.
Repeatability of Aberrometry-Based Automated Subjective Refraction in Healthy and Keratoconus Subjects
Authors: Carracedo Gonzalo , Carpena-Torres Carlos , Pastrana Cristina , Privado-Aroco Ana , Serramito María , Batres Laura
Published: October 2020

Purpose. To compare the intersession repeatability of the Eye Refract, a new instrument to perform aberrometry-based automated subjective refraction, on healthy and keratoconus subjects. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional and randomized study was performed. A total of 64 participants were evaluated in the study, selecting one eye per participant randomly. The sample was divided into two different groups: 33 healthy subjects (38.85 ± 13.21 years) and 31 with keratoconus (37.29 ± 11.37 years). Three refractions per participant with the Eye Refract were performed on three different days, without cycloplegia. The repeatability analysis of refractive variables (M, J0, and J45), binocular corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), and spent time in refraction was performed in terms of repeatability (Sr), its 95% confidence interval (r), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results. There were no statistically significant differences (

P
≥
0.05

) between sessions in both groups for all refractive variables (M, J0, and J45) and BCDVA. Spent time in refraction was reduced as the sessions went by (

P
<
0.05

). The Eye Refract was more repeatable for refractive errors assessment in healthy subjects (M : Sr = 0.27 D; J0 : Sr = 0.09 D; J45 : Sr = 0.06 D) compared to those with keratoconus (M : Sr = 0.65 D; J0 : Sr = 0.29 D; J45 : Sr = 0.24 D), while it was similar for BCDVA. Conclusions. The Eye Refract offered better repeatability to assess refractive errors in healthy subjects compared to those with keratoconus. Despite measurements being also consistent in keratoconus subjects, they should be treated with caution in clinical practice.
Association between Circulating Growth Differentiation Factor 15 and Cirrhotic Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Authors: Li Zhanyi , Liu Yu , Li Xiangyong , Wu Yuankai , Yang Fangji , Mo Qiwan , Chong Yutian
Published: October 2020

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a common condition that usually shows a progressive course towards cirrhosis without adequate treatment. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) plays multiple roles in various pathological conditions. The overall role of circulating GDF15 in cirrhotic PBC requires further investigation. Twenty patients with cirrhotic PBC, 26 with non‐cirrhotic PBC, and 10 healthy subjects were enrolled between 2014 and 2018, and the serum levels of GDF15 were measured via enzyme immunoassay. The correlations between serum GDF15, weight, biochemical parameters, and the prognosis were analysed. Serum levels of GDF15 were significantly higher in cirrhotic PBC patients than in non‐cirrhotic PBC patients or healthy controls (p = 0.009 and p < 0.001, respectively). The circulating GDF15 levels strongly correlated with weight changes (r = −0.541, p = 0.0138), albumin (r = −0.775, p < 0.0001), direct bilirubin (r = −0.786, p < 0.0001), total bile acids (r = 0.585, p = 0.007), and C‐reactive protein (r = 0.718, p = 0.0005). Moreover, circulating GDF15 levels strongly correlated with the Mayo risk score (r = 0.685, p = 0.0009) and Model for End‐stage Liver Disease score (r = 0.687, p = 0.0008). Determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves, the overall diagnostic accuracies of GDF15 were as follows: cirrhosis = 0.725 (>3646.55 pg/mL, sensitivity: 70.0%, specificity: 69.2%), decompensated cirrhosis = 0.956 (>4073.30 pg/mL, sensitivity: 84.62%, specificity: 100%), and cirrhotic biochemical non‐responders = 0.835 (>3479.20 pg/mL, sensitivity: 71.43%, specificity: 92.31%). GDF15 may be a useful and integrated biochemical marker to evaluate not only the disease severity and prognosis but also the nutrition and response to treatment of cirrhotic PBC patients, and its overall performance is satisfactory. Therapy targeting GDF15 is likely to benefit cirrhotic PBC patients and is worth further research.
CFG Pile Composite Foundation: Its Engineering Applications and Research Advances
Authors: Uge Bantayehu Uba , Guo Yuan-Cheng
Published: October 2020

Problematic soils exist almost everywhere on the globe. State-of-the-art solutions to make civil engineering infrastructures built on them are still highly sought. The CFG (cement-fly ash-gravel) pile composite foundation system has been widely used in buildings, highways, railways, and bridge transition sections owing to its proven engineering characteristics in soft ground treatment. This paper discusses about the development and achievements of its engineering applications, along with possible future research directions. The remarkable evolution took place in the past to address projects’ strict differential and postconstruction settlement control requirements including embedding the geosynthetic layer into the load transfer platform and combining it with rigid slabs, as seen implemented in few CFG pile-supported embankments. It was also observed that the interaction of the existing CFG pile composite foundation with an adjacent new foundation pit excavation inevitably presents a complex soil-structure interaction mechanism among the fundamental components—the retaining wall, mat, piles, cushion, and soil.
Timely Initiation of Complementary Feeding and Associated Factors among Mothers of Children Aged 6–24 Months in Dessie Referral Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Andualem Atsedemariam , Edmealem Afework , Tegegne Belachew , Tilahun Lehulu , Damtie Yitayish
Published: October 2020

Background. Timely, appropriate, safe, adequate, and frequent feeding is essential during the transition period for optimal growth and development as well as vulnerability of the child. The age of initiation of complementary feeding needs to be strongly addressed. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine timely initiation of complementary feeding and associated factors among mothers of children aged 6–24 months in Dessie Referral Hospital. Methods. Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 mothers of children aged 6–24 months. A systematic random sampling technique was employed for selection of study participants by considering the 1st comer as a starting point and then at every 5th interval till the sample size was saturated at exit time. Data were collected using pretested and validated structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were entered to Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20.0 software for analysis. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model were used. Results. Overall response rate was 98.2%. Among 275 mothers with children aged 6–24 months, 36 (13.1%), 179 (65.1%), and 60 (21.8%) mothers started giving complementary feeding for their children early (before six months), timely (at six months), and late (after six months), respectively. Mothers’ educational status of grade 9–12 and college and above [AOR = 3.03; 95% CI (1.13–8.14), and AOR = 3.74; 95% CI (1.19–11.70), respectively], getting counsel [AOR = 2.83; 95% CI (1.54–5.21)], and poor knowledge [AOR = 0.37; 95% CI (0.19–0.72)] were found to be independent predictors. Conclusions. Prevalence of timely initiation of complementary feeding was high as compared to the national prevalence. Mothers’ educational status, getting counsel about complementary feeding, and knowledge were factors associated with timely initiation of complementary feeding. Therefore, awareness creation, counseling, and health education should be done on society by concerned bodies to improve timely introduction of complementary feeding level more than this result.
Genetic Mutations of Tim-3 Ligand and Exhausted Tim-3+ CD8+ T Cells and Survival in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Ren Tianyuan , Song Zheng , Zhao Jing , Jiao Lei , Zhang Zhenzhen , He Jin , Liu Xianming , Qiu Lihua , Li Lanfang , Zhou Shiyong , Meng Bin , Zhai Qiongli , Ren Xiubao , Qian Zhengzi , Wang Xianhuo , Zhang Huilai
Published: October 2020

Tim-3 is a promising target for antitumor immunotherapy. A number of clinical trials are evaluating the efficacy of anti-Tim-3 therapies as a single agent or combinations in solid tumors and haematologic malignancies. However, there remains a considerable lack of data on Tim-3 signalling, especially the genetic characteristics and immune microenvironment, in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Herein, we identified three genetic mutations in galectin-9, a major ligand of Tim-3, in six patients with DLBCL (6/188, 3.2%) that were not detected in the COSMIC database. The Oncomine database showed that the mRNA levels of Tim-3 were higher in DLBCL cells than those in normal B cells. Multiplexed immunofluorescence revealed that patients with Tim-3-expressing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (Tim-3+ TILs) exhibited poor outcomes than those with Tim-3- TILs (

p
=
0.041

). The median survival times of these patients were 65.0 (95% confidence interval (CI): 71.2–88.6) and 79.9 months (95% CI: 54.4–75.6), respectively. Furthermore, we defined a novel subtype of exhausted T cells, named as exhausted Tim-3+ CD8+ T cells, and found that patients with exhausted Tim-3+ CD8+ T cells (median survival, 62.8 months, 95% CI: 50.0–75.6) exhibited shorter survival than those with nonexhausted Tim-3- CD8+ T cells (median survival, 82.5 months, 95% CI: 72.0–92.9;

p
=
0.034

). Overall, these findings provide the genetic status of the Tim-3 ligand in DLBCL. Patients with Tim-3+ TILs and exhausted Tim-3+ CD8+ T cells exhibited inferior survival, thus highlighting the possibility of potential therapeutic applications of the inhibition of Tim-3 alone or in combination with other immune checkpoints for treatment of patients with DLBCL.
Modeling Human Evacuating Behavior in Limited Space Based on Cellular Automata Model
Authors: Li Zhihong , Wen Yanjie , Zhao Li , Dong Yang
Published: October 2020

The study of evacuation for buildings with limited space is an important part of improving evacuation efficiency and preventing stampedes. A building evacuation model was proposed based on cellular automata simulation considering different crowd states. Different flow sizes under layout environments with the same facilities as well as evacuation efficiency, bottleneck area density, and escape routes choice under the orderly and disorderly distribution conditions have also been analyzed. The results show that the initial disorderly distribution state is superior to the orderly distribution state in terms of the evacuation efficiency index. The former provides evacuees with maximum room for the corridor and the exit, with the overall evacuation density being lower than that of the latter. Evacuation along the central corridor provides more room compared to that of the two flanks, which explains why evacuees prefer to occupy the central area when space is limited, and this is detrimental to the moving capacity.
Progressive and Prognostic Performance of an Extracellular Matrix-Receptor Interaction Signature in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yang Xiangchou , Chen Liping , Mao Yuting , Hu Zijing , He Muqing
Published: October 2020

The role of an extracellular matrix- (ECM-) receptor interaction signature has not been fully clarified in gastric cancer. This study performed comprehensive analyses on the differentially expressed ECM-related genes, clinicopathologic features, and prognostic application in gastric cancer. The differentially expressed genes between tumorous and matched normal tissues in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and validation cohorts were identified by a pairedt-test. Consensus clusters were built to find the correlation between clinicopathologic features and subclusters. Then, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) method was used to construct a risk score model. Correlation analyses were made to reveal the relation between risk score-stratified subgroups and clinicopathologic features or significant signatures. In TCGA (26 pairs) and validation cohort (134 pairs), 25 ECM-related genes were significantly highly expressed and 11 genes were downexpressed in gastric cancer. ECM-based subclusters were slightly related to clinicopathologic features. We constructed a risk scoremodel=0.081∗log2 CD36+0.043∗log2 COL5A2+0.001∗log2 ITGB5+0.039∗log2 SDC2+0.135∗log2 SV2B+0.012∗log2 THBS1+0.068∗log2 VTN+0.023∗log2 VWF. The risk score model could well predict the outcome of patients with gastric cancer in both training (n=351, HR: 1.807, 95% CI: 1.292-2.528,P=0.00046) and validation (n=300, HR: 1.866, 95% CI: 1.347-2.584,P=0.00014) cohorts. Besides, risk score-based subgroups were associated with angiogenesis, cell adhesion molecules, complement and coagulation cascades, TGF-beta signaling, and mismatch repair-relevant signatures (P<0.0001). By univariate (1.845, 95% CI: 1.382-2.462,P<0.001) and multivariate (1.756, 95% CI: 1.284-2.402,P<0.001) analyses, we regarded the risk score as an independent risk factor in gastric cancer. Our findings revealed that ECM compositions became accomplices in the tumorigenesis, progression, and poor survival of gastric cancer.
Spinal Reflex Recovery after Dorsal Rhizotomy and Repair with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Gel Combined with Bioengineered Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs)
Authors: Castro Mateus Vidigal de , Silva Moníze Valéria Ramos da , Chiarotto Gabriela Bortolança , Santana Maria Helena Andrade , Luzo Ângela Cristina Malheiros , Kyrylenko Sergiy , Oliveira Alexandre Leite Rodrigues de
Published: October 2020

Dorsal root rhizotomy (DRZ) is currently considered an untreatable injury, resulting in the loss of sensitive function and usually leading to neuropathic pain. In this context, we recently proposed a new surgical approach to treat DRZ that uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel to restore the spinal reflex. Success was correlated with the reentry of primary afferents into the spinal cord. Here, aiming to enhance previous results, cell therapy with bioengineered human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to overexpress fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) was combined with PRP. For these experiments, adult female rats were submitted to a unilateral rhizotomy of the lumbar spinal dorsal roots, which was followed by root repair with PRP gel with or without bioengineered hESCs. One week after DRZ, the spinal cords were processed to evaluate changes in the glial response (GFAP and Iba-1) and excitatory synaptic circuits (VGLUT1) by immunofluorescence. Eight weeks postsurgery, the lumbar intumescences were processed for analysis of the repaired microenvironment by transmission electron microscopy. Spinal reflex recovery was evaluated by the electronic Von Frey method for eight weeks. The transcript levels for human FGF2 were over 37-fold higher in the induced hESCs than in the noninduced and the wildtype counterparts. Altogether, the results indicate that the combination of hESCs with PRP gel promoted substantial and prominent axonal regeneration processes after DRZ. Thus, the repair of dorsal roots, if done appropriately, may be considered an approach to regain sensory-motor function after dorsal root axotomy.
Optimal Semiactive Damping Control for a Nonlinear Energy Sink Used to Stabilize Milling
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Lu Huancai
Published: October 2020

Improving product quality of machining components has always met with problems due to the vibration of the milling machine’s spindle, which can be reduced by adding a vibration absorber. The tuned vibration absorber (TVA) has been studied extensively and found to have a narrow bandwidth, but the cutting force possesses wide bandwidth in the process of machining parts. Introducing nonlinearity into the dynamic vibration absorber can effectively increase the bandwidth of vibration suppression and can significantly improve the robustness of the vibration absorber. In addition, a semiactive TVA has proved to be more effective than a passive TVA for many applications, so the main purpose of this study is to find some appropriate semiactive control methods for a nonlinear energy sink (NES), a nonlinear vibration absorber, in structural vibration applications. Two semiactive control methods are considered in this study: continuous groundhook damping control based on velocity and on-off groundhook damping control based on velocity. To fairly compare these vibration absorbers, the optimal parameters of a passive TVA, a passive NES, and two semiactive NESs are designed using numerical optimization techniques to minimize the root-mean-square acceleration. Two cutting forces are introduced in this study, a periodic force and an aperiodic force, and the four vibration absorbers are compared. When the primary structure is excited with aperiodic cutting force, the amplitude of the primary structure decreased by 17.73% with the passive TVA, by 72.29% with the passive NES, by 73.54% with the on-off NES, and by 87.54% with the continuous NES. When the primary structure is excited with periodic cutting force, the amplitude of the primary structure decreased by 49.01% with a passive TVA, by 86.93% with a passive NES, by 96.38% with an on-off NES, and by 99.23% with a continuous NES. The results show that the passive NES is better than the passive TVA; the semiactive NES provides more effective vibration attenuation than the passive NES, and the continuous control is more effective than the on-off control.
MD-MinerP: Interaction Profiling Bipartite Graph Mining for Malware-Control Domain Detection
Authors: Jeng Tzung-Han , Chen Yi-Ming , Chen Chien-Chih , Huang Chuan-Chiang
Published: October 2020

Despite the efforts of information security experts, cybercrimes are still emerging at an alarming rate. Among the tools used by cybercriminals, malicious domains are indispensable and harm from the Internet has become a global problem. Malicious domains play an important role from SPAM and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) threats to Botnet and Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) attacks at large scales. To ensure there is not a single point of failure or to prevent their detection and blocking, malware authors have employed domain generation algorithms (DGAs) and domain-flux techniques to generate a large number of domain names for malicious servers. As a result, malicious servers are difficult to detect and remove. Furthermore, the clues of cybercrime are stored in network traffic logs, but analyzing long-term big network traffic data is a challenge. To adapt the technology of cybercrimes and automatically detect unknown malicious threats, we previously proposed a system called MD-Miner. To improve its efficiency and accuracy, we propose the MD-MinerP here, which generates more features with identification capabilities in the feature extraction stage. Moreover, MD-MinerP adapts interaction profiling bipartite graphs instead of annotated bipartite graphs. The experimental results show that MD-MinerP has better area under curve (AUC) results and found new malicious domains that could not be recognized by other threat intelligence systems. The MD-MinerP exhibits both scalability and applicability, which has been experimentally validated on actual enterprise network traffic.
Follow-Up of Advanced Parkinson’s Disease Patients after Clinical or Surgical Emergencies: A Practical Approach
Authors: Teive Hélio A. G. , Ferreira Matheus Gomes , Camargo Carlos Henrique F. , Munhoz Renato P.
Published: October 2020

Background. Patients with advanced stage Parkinson’s disease (PD) typically present with a myriad of motor and nonmotor symptoms in addition to comorbidities and, as a consequence, polypharmacy. Objective. To analyze a series of cases of advanced PD in which a clinical or surgical emergency played a trigger role in the irreversible progression of landmarks of the course of the disease. Methods. Data were collected during a 13-month observational period of a cohort of 230 PD patients, in 751 medical appointments. We included a total of 13 (5.65% of the total number) patients with advanced PD defined by Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) stage ≥3 who presented with various clinical and surgical complications which, with the contribution of drug interventions, led to significant worsening of patients’ overall clinical condition. Results. Hip fractures and infections were the most common complications identified. As part of this scenario, most patients presented with delirium, often requiring treatment with dopamine receptor blocking agents and/or had dopaminergic treatment withdrawn. Upon reassessment after 3 months, all patients remained bed or wheel chair bound (H&Y 5) and presented significant worsening of their UPDRS part III score of at least 10 points (mean 51.5 ± 3.3; paired t-test two-tailed

p
<
0.0001

compared to baseline). The mean dose of levodopa at baseline was 907.7 ± 149.8 mg (600–1200) and significantly higher (paired t-test two-tailed

p
<
0.0001

) on follow-up, 1061.5 ± 175.8 mg (700–1300). Conclusion. Clinical and surgical emergencies are major determinants for a progression of PD to more advanced stages.
Analysis of the Variation of Friction Coefficient of Sandstone Joint in Sliding
Authors: Zhao Guochao , Wang Laigui , Zhao Na , Yang Jianlin , Li Xilin
Published: October 2020

The friction coefficient of rock joints is closely related to the stability of the slope. However, it is difficult to predict the friction coefficient due to the influence of surface roughness and mechanical properties of rocks. In this study, we use a method that combines theoretical analysis with a sandstone sliding friction test and propose a model to predict the friction coefficient of Sandstone Joint. A sandstone sliding friction test was performed on a self‐made reciprocating sliding friction test device. Good agreement between the estimated values and test values verified the validity of the friction coefficient prediction model. Through an analysis of the friction coefficient in sandstone sliding, it was established that the larger the wear mass, the larger the friction coefficient in sliding, and the larger the wear area, the smaller the friction coefficient. With the cycles increasing of sandstone, the friction coefficient gradually decreased before finally reaching a stable value. Comparisons between the estimated value and test results showed that when the wear difference coefficient c = 2.0 and the meshing friction amplification coefficient K = 1.4, the minimum error was 2.89%. The results obtained are significant in the control of slope sliding.
Environmental Disinfection of a Dental Clinic during the Covid‐19 Pandemic: A Narrative Insight
Authors: Scarano Antonio , Inchingolo Francesco , Lorusso Felice
Published: October 2020

Background. The control of biological hazard risk in health care and dental clinic environments represents a critical point in relation to the Covid‐19 infection outbreak and international public health emergency. The purpose of the present review was to evaluate the scientific literature on the no‐touch disinfection procedures in dental clinics aiming to limit transmission via airborne particles or fomites using no‐touch procedures for environmental decontamination of dental clinics. Methods. An electronic database literature search was performed to retrieve research papers about Covid‐19 and no‐touch disinfection topics including full‐length articles, editorials, commentaries, and outbreak studies. A total of 86 papers were retrieved by the electronic research. Results. No clinical article about the decontamination of a dental clinic during the Covid‐19 pandemic was detected. About the topic of hospital decontamination, we found different no‐touch disinfection procedures used in hospital against highly resistant organisms, but no data were found in the search for such procedures with respect to SARS‐CoV‐2: (1) aerosolized hydrogen peroxide, (2) H2O2 vapor, (3) ultraviolet C light, (4) pulsed xenon, and (5) gaseous ozone. One paper was retrieved concerning SARS‐CoV‐2; 32 documents focused on SARS and MERS. The cleaning and disinfection protocol of health care and dental clinic environment surfaces are essential elements of infection prevention programs, especially during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. Conclusion. The decontamination technique that best suits the needs of the dental clinic is peroxide and hypochlorous which can be sprayed via a device at high turbine speed with the ability of producing small aerosol particles, recommendable also for their low cost.
Positive Solutions Depending on Parameters for a Nonlinear Fractional System withp-Laplacian Operators
Authors: Yang Chen , Zhu Xiaolin
Published: October 2020

This paper considers a system of fractional differential equations involvingp-Laplacian operators and two parametersD0+α1φp1D0+β1ut+λft,ut,vt=0,0<t<1,D0+α2φp2D0+β2vt+μgt,ut,vt=0,0<t<1,u0=u1=u′0=u′1=0,D0+β1u0=0,D0+β1u1=b1D0+β1uη1,v0=v1=v′0=v′1=0,D0+β2v0=0,D0+β2v1=b2D0+β2vη2,whereαi∈1,2,βi∈3,4,D0+αiandD0+βiare the standard Riemann-Liouville derivatives,φpis=spi−2s,pi>1,φpi−1=φqi,1/pi+1/qi=1,ηi∈0,1,bi∈0,ηi1−αi/pi−1,i=1,2, andf,g∈C0,1×0,+∞×0,+∞,0,+∞andλandμare two positive parameters. We obtain the existence and uniqueness of positive solutions depending on parameters for the system by utilizing a recent fixed point theorem. Furthermore, an example is present to illustrate our main result.
Implantation of the Black Artisan Iris-Claw Intraocular Lens: A Case Series
Authors: Demirkaya Nazli , Vasanthananthan Keamela , van der Meulen Ivanka , Lapid-Gortzak Ruth
Published: October 2020

In this case series, we report the use of the black Artisan iris-claw intraocular lens (IOL) (Ophtec, The Netherlands) in 6 patients with various visually debilitating symptoms requesting occlusion of one eye. Between 2016 and 2019, 6 (5 female, 1 male) patients underwent implantation of the custom-made black Artisan iris-claw IOL after other management strategies had failed to relieve their symptoms. The black Artisan IOL is an opaque anterior chamber IOL that is fixated to the iris by enclavation. Data were obtained from the electronic patient records (Epic, Verona, WI, USA). All implantation surgeries were uneventful. In terms of outcomes, 4 patients (67%) were satisfied with the result. In 2 patients (33%), the dysphotopic symptoms were not resolved, and these patients opted for either an enucleation or an evisceration. In conclusion, a black Artisan IOL is a valuable and – if needed – reversible option in the management of patients suffering from monocular debilitating visual symptoms leading to disturbances of binocular vision. The clinical presentation leading to the implantation of a pupil-occluding IOL varies and patient satisfaction following implantation is variable. Careful preoperative evaluation of patient factors and expectations, and stepped-care management is recommended to minimize treatment failure. Pupil-occluding lens implantation is often the last step in the treatment of intractable visual complaints in eyes with complex ophthalmologic history, before evisceration or enucleation.
Predictive Value and Correlation of Neuron-Specific Enolase for Prognosis in Patients with Coma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ye Wen , Tang Yunliang , Dong Xiaoyang , Chen Gengfa , Yan Yan , Zhou Lu , Wang Ziwen , Chen Liwei , Li Moyi , Feng Zhen
Published: October 2020

Objective: Coma is the most serious disturbance of consciousness, which affects the life quality of patients and increases the burden of their family. Studies to assess the prognostic value of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in patients with coma have not led to precise, generally accepted prognostic rules. The study aims to assess the correlation between NSE and prognosis of coma and the predictive value of NSE for clinical prognosis. Methods: A search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and WanFang Data from the establishment time of databases to December 2019. This analysis included patients with coma, regardless of how long the coma was. In total, 26 articles were retrieved and included in the review. Results: The meta-analysis revealed the NSE concentration of patients with coma is significantly higher than that of the control group (standard mean difference = 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.63–1.12, p < 0.05). The pooled sensitivity and specificity of NSE in coma diagnosis was 0.5 (95% CI: 0.39–0.61) and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.71–0.94). Conclusions: The NSE concentration of patients with poor coma prognosis is significantly higher than that of the control group. The high NSE concentration is not necessarily a poor prognosis for coma, but low NSE concentration indicates a high probability of a good prognosis for coma.
Pneumatocele after Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in an Adult Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Chennu Gouthami , Przydzial Paulina , Tchao Yee , Isedeh Anthony , Madan Nikhil
Published: October 2020

Pulmonary pneumatocele is a cystic, air-filled lesion in the lung parenchyma. It results from underlying inflammation or bronchial injury. It is seen in several lung pathologies including bacterial pneumonia, positive-pressure ventilation, chest trauma, chemical pneumonitis, and is most often seen in infants and children. On imaging, pneumatoceles appear as rounded, thin-walled, air-filled spaces in the lung parenchyma. The exact mechanism for forming pneumatoceles is not fully understood but thought to be due to a check-valve mechanism due to obstruction by inflammation causing air trapping in the damaged lung. These lesions are asymptomatic and transient in most patients and disappear by about 6 weeks. They usually do not require any specific treatment or intervention. Surgical intervention is only necessary when pneumatoceles cause cardiopulmonary compromise or rupture into the pleural space. We describe a case of a young adult who developed a pneumatocele after developing acute respiratory distress syndrome from community-acquired pneumonia treated with positive-pressure ventilation. He was managed conservatively with complete resolution of symptoms.
Recovery of Renal Function following Kidney-Specific VEGF Therapy in Experimental Renovascular Disease
Authors: Engel Jason E. , Williams Maxx L. , Williams Erika , Azar Camille , Taylor Erin B. , Bidwell Gene L. , Chade Alejandro R.
Published: October 2020

Background: Chronic renovascular disease (RVD) can lead to a progressive loss of renal function, and current treatments are inefficient. We designed a fusion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) conjugated to an elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) carrier protein with an N-terminal kidney-targeting peptide (KTP). We tested the hypothesis that KTP-ELP-VEGF therapy will effectively recover renal function with an improved targeting profile. Further, we aimed to elucidate potential mechanisms driving renal recovery. Methods: Unilateral RVD was induced in 14 pigs. Six weeks later, renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were quantified by multidetector CT imaging. Pigs then received a single intrarenal injection of KTP-ELP-VEGF or vehicle. CT quantification of renal hemodynamics was repeated 4 weeks later, and then pigs were euthanized. Ex vivo renal microvascular (MV) density and media-to-lumen ratio, macrophage infiltration, and fibrosis were quantified. In parallel, THP-1 human monocytes were differentiated into naïve macrophages (M0) or inflammatory macrophages (M1) and incubated with VEGF, KTP-ELP, KTP-ELP-VEGF, or control media. The mRNA expression of macrophage polarization and angiogenic markers was quantified (qPCR). Results: Intrarenal KTP-ELP-VEGF improved RBF, GFR, and MV density and attenuated MV media-to-lumen ratio and renal fibrosis compared to placebo, accompanied by augmented renal M2 macrophages. In vitro, exposure to VEGF/KTP-ELP-VEGF shifted M0 macrophages to a proangiogenic M2 phenotype while M1s were nonresponsive to VEGF treatment. Conclusions: Our results support the efficacy of a new renal-specific biologic construct in recovering renal function and suggest that VEGF may directly influence macrophage phenotype as a possible mechanism to improve MV integrity and function in the stenotic kidney.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection
Authors: Carss Keren J. , Baranowska Anna A. , Armisen Javier , Webb Tom R. , Hamby Stephen E. , Premawardhana Diluka , Al-Hussaini Abtehale , Wood Alice , Wang Quanli , Deevi Sri V. V. , Vitsios Dimitrios , Lewis Samuel H. , Kotecha Deevia , Bouatia-Naji Nabila , Hesselson Stephanie , Iismaa Siiri E. , Tarr Ingrid , McGrath-Cadell Lucy , Muller David W. , Dunwoodie Sally L. , Fatkin Diane , Graham Robert M. , Giannoulatou Eleni , Samani Nilesh J. , Petrovski Slavé , Haefliger Carolina , Adlam David
Published: October 2020

Background:

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) occurs when an epicardial coronary artery is narrowed or occluded by an intramural hematoma. SCAD mainly affects women and is associated with pregnancy and systemic arteriopathies, particularly fibromuscular dysplasia. Variants in several genes, such as those causing connective tissue disorders, have been implicated; however, the genetic architecture is poorly understood. Here, we aim to better understand the diagnostic yield of rare variant genetic testing among a cohort of SCAD survivors and to identify genes or gene sets that have a significant enrichment of rare variants.

Methods:

We sequenced a cohort of 384 SCAD survivors from the United Kingdom, alongside 13 722 UK Biobank controls and a validation cohort of 92 SCAD survivors. We performed a research diagnostic screen for pathogenic variants and exome-wide and gene-set rare variant collapsing analyses.

Results:

The majority of patients within both cohorts are female, 29% of the study cohort and 14% validation cohort have a remote arteriopathy. Four cases across the 2 cohorts had a diagnosed connective tissue disorder. We identified pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in 7 genes (PKD1,COL3A1,SMAD3,TGFB2,LOX,MYLK, andYY1AP1) in 14/384 cases in the study cohort and in 1/92 cases in the validation cohort. In our rare variant collapsing analysis,PKD1was the highest-ranked gene, and several functionally plausible genes were enriched for rare variants, although no gene achieved study-wide statistical significance. Gene-set enrichment analysis suggested a role for additional genes involved in renal function.

Conclusions:

By studying the largest sequenced cohort of SCAD survivors, we demonstrate that, based on current knowledge, only a small proportion have a pathogenic variant that could explain their disease. Our findings strengthen the overlap between SCAD and renal and connective tissue disorders, and we highlight several new genes for future validation.
Contrast-Induced Encephalopathy After Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Chu Yung-Tsai , Lee Kang-Po , Chen Chih-Hao , Sung Pi-Shan , Lin Yen-Heng , Lee Chung-Wei , Tsai Li-Kai , Tang Sung-Chun , Jeng Jiann-Shing
Published: October 2020

Background and Purpose:

Contrast-induced encephalopathy (CIE) is a rare and underrecognized complication after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke. This study investigated the incidence and risk factors of CIE in patients who underwent EVT.

Methods:

Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke who received EVT between September 2014 and December 2019 at 2 medical centers were included. CIE was diagnosed on clinical criteria of neurological deterioration or delayed improvement within 24 hours after the procedure that was unexplained by the infarct or hemorrhagic transformation and radiological criterion of edematous change extending beyond the infarct core accompanied by contrast staining.

Results:

Of 421 patients with acute ischemic stroke who received EVT, 7 (1.7%) developed CIE. The manifestations included worsening of focal neurological signs, coma, and seizure. Patients with CIE were more likely to experience contrast-induced acute kidney injury than were those without CIE, but the volume of contrast medium was comparable between the two groups. The independent risk factors for CIE included renal dysfunction (defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate <45 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
; odds ratio, 5.77 [95% CI, 1.37–24.3];
P
=0.02) and history of stroke (odds ratio, 4.96 [95% CI, 1.15–21.3];
P
=0.03). Patients with CIE were less likely to achieve favorable functional outcomes (odds ratio, 0.09 [95% CI, 0.01–0.87];
P
=0.04).

Conclusions:

CIE should be suspected in patients with clinical worsening after EVT accompanied by imaging evidence of contrast staining and edematous changes, especially in patients with renal dysfunction or history of stroke.
Price Negotiation with Merchant Heterogeneity in the Payment Card Industry
Authors: Ho Chun-Yu , Xu Li , Zhang Daiqiang
Published: October 2020

We examine price negotiation in the payment card industry by exploiting a unique merchant-, industry-, and city-level data set. Motivated by the substantial variation in acquirer fees and heterogeneous merchant card transactions, we use Nash bargaining to model the negotiation over the acquirer fee between an acquirer and a merchant. We find that the merchants secure a larger incremental surplus than the acquirer on average. Moreover, merchants might face upward pressure on acquirer fees as the card penetration rate rises over time, and policies that weaken the acquirer's bargaining power could relieve the upward fee pressure.
Molecular characterisation and phylogenetic relationships of sedentary nematodes of the genus Meloinema Choi & Geraert, 1974 (Nematoda: Tylenchida)
Authors: Subbotin Sergei A. , Kim Donggeun
Published: October 2020

Molecular characterisation of two species of Meloinema: M. chitwoodi from Oregon, USA, and M. odesanens from South Korea, is given based on the partial 18S rRNA, the D2-D3 of 28S rRNA, ITS rRNA, and COI gene sequences. In the phylogenetic trees, Meloinema clustered with Meloidogyne, in a basal position and more closely with Meloidogyne indica and M. nataliei. The Shimodaira-Hasegawa (SH) maximum likelihood testing of an alternative topology with two gene fragments (D2-D3 of 28S rRNA and 18S rRNA genes) did not reject a sister relationship of Meloidogyne and Meloinema. Molecular results confirmed the view of Siddiqi (2000) that Meloidogyne and Meloinema evolved from a Pratylenchidae-type ancestor. The clade Meloinema + Meloidogyne + Nacobbus was rejected by the SH test of the D2-D3 of 28S rRNA gene sequence dataset. The molecular results suggested that the genus Nacobbus should be placed not in the Meloidogynidae, but in a separate subfamily, the Nacobbinae, under the family Pratylenchidae.
Sequential spectral changes of Meloidogyne enterolobii-infected plants using two dimensional correlation IR spectroscopy
Authors: Guerra Mayamarú , Paba Gabriel , Cubillán Néstor , Portillo Edgar , Casassa-Padrón Ana M. , Aballay Erwin , San-Blas Ernesto
Published: October 2020

In this work, we found that tomato and guava plants infected with Meloidogyne enterolobii showed different Fourier-transformed infrared spectral patterns compared to non-infected plants. Additionally, by using two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) we were able to track and explain those spectral differences according to the progression of the nematode infection in the plants. In general, 2D-COS reveals the same chain of changes in both tomatoes and guavas when under nematode infection. There is a decrease in bands representing amino acids and proteins, fatty acids and lipids are down-regulated, and sugars and total phenols increase in leaves of infected plants. The application of this technique provides useful information on the metabolic and biochemical changes in plant tissues when diseased in a rapid manner. This technique could be used in the future, combined with other methods, to improve field diagnosis, quality control, or to reduce analytical time for biochemical purposes.
The scent world of cats: where to place a urine scent mark to increase signal persistence?
Authors: Mohorović Maja , Krofel Miha
Published: October 2020

Scent-marking is a predominant form of communication among felids, with urine spraying having a key role. Detectability and longevity of scent marks are recognized as crucial for efficiency of scent-marking, but there is limited research that has tested scent persistence with respect to various environmental factors. We used an experimental framework to measure human-perceived strength of felid urine smell and determine the effects of substrate, tilt and aspect of marked surfaces on persistence of the simulated scent marks. We used area under the curve (AUC), calculated for the scent strength of each scent-marked surface over time, as a proxy for urine scent preservation. Thereafter, we used ANOVA, followed by analysis of differences of interest between the marking sites, to assess the effect of environmental factors on human-perceived scent mark persistence. Odour persisted significantly better on rough surfaces, surfaces covered with moss and on surfaces with overhanging tilts, while there was no significant difference between the northerly- and southerly-oriented surfaces. The results are generally in accordance with the use and selection of marking sites previously reported for wild felids throughout the world, confirming that in their marking behaviour felids strive to prolong the persistence of scent marks. This knowledge will help researchers in interpretation of data on scent-marking and to evaluate the adaptive significance of this behaviour.
Turntablism in the History of International Law
Authors: d’Aspremont Jean
Published: October 2020

This article uses the metaphor of turntablism to shed light on the confinement of international lawyers’ engagement with history to the terms, vocabularies, and categories of the very historical narratives they seek to evaluate, disrupt, or displace. For the sake of this article, turntablism is understood here as the art of creating new music and sound effects by using one or several turntables on which a record is placed. This article argues that twenty-first century international lawyers engaging with the history of international law are talented turntablists in that the many historiographical works of international lawyers produced since the so-called ‘historical turn’ have remained confined to the very terms, categories, and vocabularies of the histories whose creation they have been discoursing and theorising. This article ultimately shows that turntablism is not the inevitable fate of international lawyers engaging with history, and that a radical historical critique is possible and should be promoted.
Histories Hidden in the Shadow: Vitoria and the International Ostracism of Francoist Spain
Authors: Bühner Julia
Published: October 2020

In recent years, interest in the historiography on the Dominican friar Francisco de Vitoria (1483–1546) has increased. Besides contributing to the current methodological discussions about the benefits of writing history of international law in context, the article focuses on the articles of a Spanish yearbook published by the Asociación Francisco de Vitoria and its political implications during the era of international ostracism of the Francoist regime. The authors, conception and composition of the yearbook are considered as well as the way in which the articles present and misuse the Dominican friar for propagandistic purposes.