bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Left apicoposterior segmentectomy for lung cancer with displaced segmental bronchus: A case report
Authors: Yanagiya Masahiro , Yamaguchi Hirokazu , Hiyama Noriko , Matsumoto Jun
Published: September 2020

Background

Pulmonary segmentectomy can be challenging when thoracic surgeons encounter anatomical anomalies. A displaced left apicoposterior bronchus is a rare bronchial anomaly that makes lung anatomical resection challenging. We herein present a case of successful left apicoposterior segmentectomy for lung cancer in a patient with an anomalous segmental bronchus.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old man was clinically diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer for which segmentectomy was indicated. A preoperative image revealed a displaced left apicoposterior bronchus that branched behind the left main pulmonary artery. With the aid of three-dimensional reconstruction imaging and systemic indocyanine green injection, we successfully performed left apicoposterior segmentectomy under complete video-assisted thoracic surgery. The pathological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma. The patient was alive without recurrence 8 months after segmentectomy.

Conclusion

Preoperative three-dimensional imaging and systemic indocyanine green injection enabled us to successfully conduct challenging segmentectomy in a patient with an anomalous bronchus.
Evaluation of the SureX HPV Genotyping Test for the Detection of High-Risk HPV in Cervical Cancer Screening
Authors: Wei Baojun , Mei Ping , Huang Shengkai , Yu Xueting , Zhi Tong , Wang Guojing , Xu Xiaotian , Xiao Lin , Dong Xin , Cui Wei
Published: September 2020

Background: The SureX HPV genotyping test (SureX HPV test), which targets the human papillomavirus (HPV) E6/E7 genes was compared with the Cobas 4800 and Venus HPV tests for detecting 14 high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) types in clinical referral and follow-up patients to evaluate its value for cervical cancer screening.Methods: Two different populations were enrolled in the study. The first population comprised 185 cases and was used for comparing the SureX HPV test (Health, China) with the Cobas 4800 test (Roche, USA). The second population comprised 290 cases and was used for comparing the SureX HPV test (Health, China) with the Venus HPV test (Zhijiang, China). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing was performed for further confirmation of discordant results.Results: In the first population, the overall agreement rate was 95.6% for 14 High-Risk HPV types. Eight discordant cases were confirmed by PCR sequencing, which showed that the agreement rates were 75.0% between the SureX HPV test and PCR sequencing and 25.0% between the Cobas 4800 test and PCR sequencing (P<0.01). In the second population, the overall agreement rate was 95.5%. Thirteen discordant cases were confirmed by PCR sequencing, which showed that the agreement rates were 76.9% between the SureX HPV test and PCR sequencing and 23.1% between the Venus HPV test and PCR sequencing (P<0.01). With cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2+ (CIN2+) as the reference standard, the sensitivity values of the SureX HPV test and the Venus HPV test were 93.5% and 92.0%, (P>0.05), while the specificity values were 43.3% and 46.7%, respectively (P>0.05).Conclusion: The SureX HPV test had good consistency with both the Cobas 4800 and Venus HPV tests for 14 HR-HPV types. In addition, it avoided some false negatives and false positives. Therefore, the SureX HPV test can be used for cervical cancer screening.
First Detection and Molecular Characterisation of Pseudocowpox Virus in a Cattle Herd in Zambia
Authors: Ziba Maureen Wakwamba , Chitala Chanda , Settypalli Tirumala Bharani K , Mumba Malama , Cattoli Giovanni , Fandamu Paul , Lamien Charles Euloge
Published: September 2020

Background: Pseudocowpox virus (PCPV) of the genus Parapoxvirus in the family Poxviridae causes pseudocowpox in cattle worldwide and presents a zoonotic concern. Most poxviruses produce diseases of similar clinical signs in affected animals, which are impossible to differentiate clinically or by serology. It is, therefore, vital to use molecular assays to rapidly identify the causative agents of poxvirus infections. This study aimed to detect, diagnose, and characterize the causative agent of pox-like skin lesions in a cattle herd in Zambia, initially suspected to be infected with Lumpy Skin Disease virus.Methods: We used a High-Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis assay to detect the PCPV genome and sequenced the major envelope protein (B2L gene) for comparative sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Our field investigations showed cattle presenting atypical skin lesions and high morbidity within the herd. The laboratory diagnosis, based on the HRM assay revealed PCPV DNA in the samples. Phylogenetic and comparative sequence analyses confirmed PCPV in the samples and revealed genomic differences between samples collected in 2017 and 2018 from the same farm.Conclusion: Our work is the first documented report of PCPV in Zambia. It shows the strength of molecular methods to diagnose pox-like infections in cattle and discriminate between diseases causing similar clinical signs. This rapid and accurate diagnosis improves the response time for more accurate veterinary interventions.
“Standing on common ground” - a qualitative study of self-management support for patients with multimorbidity in primary health care
Authors: Freilich Joel , Nilsson Gunnar , Ekstedt Mirjam , Flink Maria
Published: September 2020

Background: Multimorbidity, the co-existence of two or more chronic conditions in an individual, is present in most patients over 65 years. Primary health care (PHC) is uniquely positioned to provide the holistic and continual care recommended for this group of patients, including support for self-management. The aim of this study was to explore professionals’, patients’, and family caregivers’ perspectives on how PHC professionals should support self-management in patients with multimorbidity. This study also includes experiences of using telemedicine to support self-management. Methods: A mixed qualitative method was used to explore regular self-management support and telemedicine as a tool to support self-management. A total of 42 participants (20 physicians, 3 registered nurses, 12 patients, and 7 family caregivers) were interviewed using focus group interviews (PHC professionals), pair interviews (patients and family caregivers), and individual interviews (registered nurses, patients, and family caregivers). The study was performed in urban areas in central Sweden and rural areas in southern Sweden between April 2018 and October 2019. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: The main theme that emerged was “Standing on common ground enables individualized support.” To achieve such support, professionals needed to understand their own views on who bears the primary responsibility for patients’ self-management, as well as patients’ self-management abilities, needs, and perspectives. Personal continuity and trustful relationships facilitated this understanding. The findings also indicated that professionals should be accessible for patients with multimorbidity, function as knowledge translators (help patients understand their symptoms and how the symptoms correlated with diseases), and coordinate between levels of care. Telemedicine supported continual monitoring and facilitated patient access to PHC professionals.Conclusion: Through personal continuity and patient-centered consultations, professionals could collaborate with patients to individualize self-management support. For some patients, this means that PHC professionals are in control and monitor symptoms. For others, PHC professionals play a less controlling role, empowering patients’ self-management. Development and improvement of eHealth tools for patients with multimorbidity should focus on improving the ability to set mutual goals, strengthening patients’ inner motivation, and including multiple caregivers to enhance information-sharing and care coordination.
Afebrile patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection have a longer viral positivity duration: a retrospective analysis of 143 patients
Authors: Ding Rui , Zhao Rugang , Xie Wen , Fan Ying , Liu Ligai , Cao Ying , Cheng Cheng , Wang JingJing , Wang Qi , Wang Yanbin , Zhang Ting , LI Minghui
Published: September 2020

Background A pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is on-going. Clinical characters of afebrile cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 remain poorly understood and informations are limited on the duration of SARS-CoV-2 viral positivity.Methods We performed a single-center retrospective study of 143 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 26 to April 15, 2020. Differences were compared among patients with/without fever. Risk factors for the duration of SARS-CoV-2 viral positivity were evaluated.Results A total of 143 patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 test were enrolled, including 38 afebrile patients and 105 febrile patients. On admission, a total of 40 (28%) patients had leukopenia, 44 (30.8%) had lymphopenia and 8 (5.6%) had thrombocytopenia. 78 patients (54.5%) had decreased T lymphocytes and 105 patients (73.4%) had decreased CD4+T lymphocytes. Compared with febrile cases, afebrile patients had a significantly higher white blood cell count (P = 0.02), total lymphocytes (P < 0.01), platelet count (P < 0.01), T lymphocytes (P < 0.01) and CD8+ T lymphocytes (P = 0.02). The median SARS-CoV-2 viral positivity duration of these 143 patients was 14 days (IQR, 10-30 days) and for febrile and afebrile group were 13 days (IQR, 10-29 days) and 20 days (IQR, 11-31 days) respectively. Multivariate Cox regression results showed that the fever [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.49, P < 0.01]and higher count of platelet (HR = 5.47, P = 0.02) were the predominant risk factor for the SARS-CoV-2 viral positivity duration.Conclusion The SARS-CoV-2 virial positivity duration of the afebrile group was significantly longer than that in the febrile group. Fever and a higher count of platelet were the independent protective factors for a shorter SARS-CoV-2 RNA positivity duration.
Clinical implementation of PLANET®Dose for dosimetric assessment after [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE : comparison with Dosimetry Toolkit® and OLINDA/EXM® V1.0
Authors: Santoro Lore , Pitalot Laurine , Trauchessec Dorian , Mora-Ramirez Erick , Kotzki Pierre-Olivier , Bardiès Manuel , Deshayes Emmanuel
Published: September 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to compare a commercial dosimetry workstation (PLANET®Dose) and the dosimetry approach (GE Dosimetry Toolkit® and OLINDA/EXM® V1.0) currently used in our department for quantification of the absorbed dose in organs at risk after peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE. Methods: An evaluation on phantom was performed to determine the SPECT calibration factor variations over time and to compare the Time Integrated Activity Coefficients (TIACs) and absorbed doses obtained with the two tools. Then, the two tools were used for dosimetry evaluation in 21 patients with neuroendocrine tumours after the first and second injection of 7.2 ± 0.2 GBq of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE (40 dosimetry analyses with each software). SPECT/CT images were acquired at 4h, 24h, 72h and 192h after [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE injection and were reconstructed using the Xeleris software (General Electric). The liver, spleen and kidney masses, TIACs and absorbed doses were calculated using i) GE Dosimetry Toolkit® (DTK) and OLINDA/EXM® V1.0 and ii) the Local Deposition Method (LDM) or Dose voxel-Kernel convolution (DK) on PLANET®Dose. Results: With the phantom, the 3D calibration factors showed a slight variation (0.8% and 3.3%) over time and TIACs of 225.19h and 217.52h were obtained with DTK and PLANET®Dose, respectively. In patients, the root mean square deviation value was 8.9% for the organ masses, 8.1% for the TIACs, and 9.1 and 7.8% for the absorbed doses with LDM and DK, respectively. The Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient was 0.99 and the Bland-Altman plot analysis estimated that the difference of absorbed dose values between methods ranged from -0.75 Gy to 0.49 Gy, from -0.20 Gy to 0.64 Gy and from -0.43 to 1.03 Gy for approximately 95% of the 40 liver, kidneys and spleen dosimetry analyses. A difference of 2.2% was obtained between the absorbed doses to organs at risk calculated with LDM and DK. Conclusions: The absorbed doses to organs at risk obtained with the new workstation are concordant with those calculated with the currently used software and in agreement with the literature. These results validate the use of PLANET®Dose in clinical routine for patient dosimetry after targeted radiotherapy with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE.
The impact of sequential therapy from short-term teriparatide to denosumab compared with denosumab alone in patients with osteoporotic hip fracture: A 1-year follow-up study
Authors: Park Chan Ho , Yoo Jun-Il , Choi Chang Hyun , Suh You-Sung
Published: September 2020

Background : Sequential therapy from bone-forming medication to resorptive agents is reportedly effective for patients with severe osteoporosis. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of implementing short-term teriparatide (TPTD) intervention before denosumab (DMab) therapy compared with DMab therapy alone for 1 year after hip fracture. Methods : TPTD was administered to 22 patients for an average of 12.1 weeks after which the intervention was switched to DMab therapy for 12 months (group 1). DMab alone was administered to 16 patients for 12 months (group 2). Bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated before and after treatment at the 1-year follow-up. The improvement of BMD in hip and spine was compared with the levels of bone turnover marker.Results: The difference in femoral neck BMD was 0.0049±0.04 in group 1 and -0.0139±0.10 in group 2 (p=0.442). The difference of spine BMD was 0.0433±0.05 in group 1 and 0.0515±0.06 in group 2 (p=0.640). BMD of the spine improved significantly in groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.001, 0=0.002). There was no statistical difference in C-terminal telopeptide and osteocalcin level. Conclusion : Short-term TPTD administration followed by DMab alone was effective only in improving spine BMD. Short-term treatment with TPTD caused mild improvement in femur neck BMD compared with DMab alone. However, further research with a longer duration of TPTD treatment is warranted, as our findings lack statistical significance.
Pars plana vitrectomy combined with penetrating keratoplasty and transscleral-sutured intraocular lens implantation in complex eyes: a case series
Authors: Hayashi Takahiko , Ida Yasutsugu , Shimizu Toshiki , Kuroki Tsubasa , Kobashigawa Yuji , Iijima Yasuhito , Yuda Kentaro
Published: September 2020

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and transscleral-sutured intraocular lens (IOL) implantation (IOL-suture) in complex eyes.Methods In this prospective, consecutive interventional case series, patients who underwent PKP combined with PPV and IOL implantation from July 2014 to March 2018 at Yokohama Minami Kyosai Hospital were enrolled. The postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (converted to logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution [logMAR] units), intraocular pressure (IOP, mmHg), endothelial cell density (ECD, cells/mm2), graft survival, complications, astigmatism, and spherical equivalent (dioptres [D]) were evaluated. Results This study included 11 eyes of 11 patients (three females and eight males; mean age, 61.8 ± 13.9 years) with an injury (n = 6) or bullous keratopathy (n = 5). The BCVA significantly improved from 1.50 ± 0.66 logMAR preoperatively to 0.78 ± 0.59 logMAR (p < 0.001) postoperatively. The baseline ECD significantly decreased from 2396 ± 238 cells/mm2 preoperatively to 1132 ± 323 cells/mm2 (p < 0.001) postoperatively. Despite two rejection episodes, graft survival rates were 100%. The mean follow-up period was 38.0 ± 20.5 months. Two patients required combined glaucoma surgery, and three patients underwent subsequent glaucoma surgery. Postoperative astigmatism and spherical equivalent were 3.9 ± 3.2 D and 0.29 ± 2.18 D, respectively.Conclusion The combination of PKP, PPV, and IOL-suture implantation could be a safe and effective approach for eyes requiring anterior segment surgery; however, these eyes are associated with a higher incidence of glaucoma surgery.
Alpha lipoic acid antagonizes cytotoxicity of cobalt nanoparticles by inhibiting ferroptosis-like cell death
Authors: Liu Yake , Zhu Wenfeng , Ni Dalong , Zhou Zihua , Gu Jin-hua , Zhang Weinan , Sun Huanjian , Liu Fan
Published: September 2020

As a main element in the hard metal industry, cobalt is one of the major components of human metal implants. Cobalt-containing implants, especially joint prostheses used for artificial joint replacement, can be corroded due to the complex physiological environment in vivo , producing a large number of nanoscale cobalt particles (Cobalt Nanoparticles, CoNPs). These CoNPs can be first accumulated around the implant to cause adverse local reactions and then enter into the blood vessels followed by reaching to the liver, heart, brain, kidney, and other organs through systematic circulation, which leads to multi-system toxicity symptoms. To ensure the long-term existence of cobalt-containing implants in the body, it is urgently required to find out a safe and effective detoxification drug. Herein, we have demonstrated that CoNPs could induce the ferroptosis-like cell death through the enhancement of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, cytoplasmic Fe 2+ level, lipid peroxidation and consumption of reduced glutathione (GSH) as well as inhibition of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity. Importantly, α-lipoic acid (ALA), a natural antioxidant with the capability to scavenge free radicals and chelate toxic metals, was found to efficiently alleviate the adverse effects of CoNPs. The present study illustrates a new mechanism of CoNPs mediated by ferroptosis-like cytotoxicity and discloses an effective method for the detoxification of CoNPs by employing the natural antioxidant of ALA, providing a basis for further in vivo detoxification study.
Uptake of routine vitamin A supplementation for children in Humbo district, Southern Ethiopia: Community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Kassa Getnet , Mesfin Addisalem , Gebremedin Samson
Published: September 2020

BackgroundIn low- and middle-income countries routine vitamin A supplementation (VAS) is a key strategy for reducing vitamin A deficiency and mortality and morbidity of preschool children. However, in Ethiopia, there is paucity of evidence regarding the level and determinants of the uptake of the supplement. This study was designed to assess the coverage and predictors of VAS among preschool children in Humbo district, Southern Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2016. A total of 840 mothers/caregivers having children 6-59 months of age were selected using multistage cluster sampling technique from six rural villages implementing routine VAS program. Data were collected using interviewer administered questionnaire. Possible predictors considered in the study include distance from the nearby health facility, household socio-economic status, type of the household (model vs non-model), maternal access to health education on VAS, and knowledge on vitamin A and VAS. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of uptake of VAS. The outputs are presented using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with the respective 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsThe coverage of VAS was 75.0% (95% CI: 72.1-77.9). Better knowledge of mothers about the importance of the supplement (AOR: 1.49, 1.02-2.17), obtaining VAS related information from frontline community health workers (AOR: 1.51, 1.34-2.72) than health professionals and being from households in the “rich” wealth tertile (AOR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.07-3.03) were positively associated with uptake VAS.ConclusionThe VAS coverage of the area was approaching the expected national target of 80%. However, the uptake can be enhanced though awareness creation and improving socio-economic status of the community.
Increased expression of UBE2T predicting poor survival of ovarian cancer: based on bioinformatics analysis of UBE2s, clinical samples and the GEO database
Authors: Zou Ruoyao , Xu Haoya , Li Feifei , Wang Shengke , Zhu Liancheng
Published: September 2020

Background：Ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes E2 (UBE2) have been reported in the microenvironment of various malignant tumors, but their correlation with ovarian cancer remains elusive. Methods: The Oncomine, GEPIA, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, cBioPortal, and STRING databases were used to systematically analyze the expression pattern, prognostic value, genetic variation, and biological function of 12 members of the UBE2 gene family in ovarian cancer. UBE2T exhibited a strong correlation with ovarian cancer and was thus further examined. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), as well as analyses of function and pathway enrichment, somatic mutations, copy number variation, and methylation were performed, and the correlation with immune cell infiltration was examined to explore the mechanism underlying aberrant UBE2T expression. Finally, the expression and prognostic value of UBE2T in ovarian cancer were verified by immunohistochemical evaluation of 131 clinical ovarian samples and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE51088, GSE73614, and GSE63885 datasets) analysis.Results: The mRNA levels of UBE2C, UBE2N, UBE2S, and UBE2T were significantly upregulated in ovarian cancer compared with those in normal ovarian tissue. In patients with ovarian serous carcinoma, UBE2A, UBE2B, UBE2C, UBE2G, UBE2R2 and UBE2T upregulation were associated with poor overall survival. Moreover, UBE2A, UBE2N, UBE2R2 and UBE2T upregulation and UBE2G downregulation were associated with poor progression-free survival. Immunohistochemistry revealed that UBE2T was significantly upregulated in ovarian malignant tumors compared with that in borderline tumors, benign tumors, and normal ovarian tissues, and its high expression was associated with poor prognosis. The Cox model showed that UBE2T upregulation was an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis of ovarian cancer (hazard ratio: 4.095, P=0.029). The above results were verified in the GEO database. In addition, UBE2T was associated with specific immune cells and mainly involved in cell cycle-related events. Genomic analysis showed that TP53 and TTN mutations were associated with UBE2T expression. Gene copy number amplification and hypomethylation may be responsible for UBE2T upregulation in ovarian cancer. Conclusions: UBE2 family members may play a role in the development of ovarian cancer. Specifically, UBE2T could serve as a new prognostic marker and therapeutic target for this disease.
[177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ZOL Bone Pain Palliation in Patients with Skeletal Metastases From Various Cancers: Efficacy and Safety Results
Authors: Yadav Madhav Prasad , Ballal Sanjana , Meckel Marian , Roesch Frank , Bal Chandrashekhar
Published: September 2020

Background: [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ZOL has shown promising results from the dosimetry and preclinical aspects, but data on its role in the clinical efficacy is limited. In this light, the objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ZOL as a bone pain palliation agent in patients experiencing pain due to skeletal metastases from various cancers. Methods: 40 patients experiencing bone pain due to skeletal metastases were enrolled in this study. The patients were treated with a mean cumulative dose of 2.1 ± 0.6 GBq (1.3 - 2.7 GBq) [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ZOL in a median follow-up duration of 10 months (IQR: 8 - 14 months). The primary outcome endpoint was response assessment according to the visual analog score (VAS). Secondary endpoints included analgesic score (AS), global pain assessment score, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Assessment performance status (ECOG), Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), overall survival, and safety assessment by the National Cancer Institute’s Common Toxicity Criteria V5.0. Results: 40 patients, 15 males, and 25 females with a mean age of 46.6 ± 15.08 years (range: 24 - 78 years) were treated with either 1 (N=15) or 2 (N= 2lobal5) cycles of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ZOL. g According to the VAS response assessment criteria, complete, partial, and minimal responses were observed in 11 (27.5%), 20 (50%), and 5 patients (12.5%), respectively with an overall response rate of 90%. Global pain assessment criteria revealed complete, partial, minimal and no response in 2 (5%), 25 (62.5%), 9 (22.5%), and 4 (10%) patients, respectively. Twenty eight patients died and the estimated median overall survival was 13 months (95% CI: 10 - 14 months). A significant improvement was observed in the VAS, AS and ECOG status when compared to baseline. None of the patients experienced grade III/IV hematological, kidney or hepatotoxicity due to [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ZOL therapy. Conclusion: [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ZOL shows promising results and is an effective radiopharmaceutical in the treatment of bone pain due to skeletal metastases from various cancers.
An improved pollen number counting method using a cell counter and mesh columns
Authors: Kakui Hiroyuki , Tsurisaki Eriko , Sassa Hidenori , Moriguchi Yoshinari
Published: September 2020

BackgroundThe determination of pollen number is important in evolutionary, agricultural, and medical studies. Tree species of the Cupressaceae family cause serious pollinosis worldwide. Although Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) is the most important forestry species in Japan, it is also the biggest cause of pollinosis in the country. Japanese cedar trees have been selected for growth speed and superior morphological traits and then cloned. These clones may vary in their pollen production, but there has been little research on how many pollen grains are produced by a single male strobilus (flower). A recently reported method for counting pollen number with a cell counter was applicable to Arabidopsis species and wheat, but was not suitable for Japanese cedar because the strobilus does not open with heating (e.g. 60°C, overnight). ResultsHere, we report an improved pollen counting method for Japanese cedar using a precise and rapid cell counter in combination with home-made mesh columns. The male strobilus was gently crushed using a pestle. Large and small debris were then removed using 100- and 20-μm mesh columns. We successfully detected pollen sizes and numbers that differed between two clones using this method. ConclusionsThis improved method is not only suitable for counting pollen from Japanese cedar, but could also be applied to other species of the Cupressaceae family with hard scale tissue covering the pollen. Moreover, this method could be applied to a broader range of plant species, such as wheat, because there is no need to wait for anthesis and debris can be removed efficiently.
Intraventricular synchronism assessment by gated - SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging in cardiac resynchronization therapy. Does cardiomyopathy type influence results?
Authors: Peix Amalia , Padrón Kenia , Cabrera Lázaro O. , Castañeda Osmín , Milán Danet , Castro Jesús , Falcón Roylan , Martínez Frank , Rodríguez Lydia , Sánchez Jesús , Mena Erick , Carrillo Regla , Fernández Yoel , Escarano Ricardo , Páez Diana , Dondi Maurizio
Published: September 2020

Purpose: To analyse the evolution post-cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) cardiomyopathy (CM) patients compared to other types of CM, according to clinical and functional variables, by using gated-SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI).Methods: Ninety-three patients (60 ± 11 years, 28% women) referred for pre-CRT assessment were studied and divided into three groups: 1 (non-ischemic CM with LVNC, 11 patients), 2 (ischemic CM, 28 patients), and 3 (non-ischemic CM, 53 patients). All were studied by a 99mTc-MIBI gated-SPECT MPI at rest pre-CRT implantation, and 6±1 months after, including intraventricular dyssynchrony assessment by phase analysis. Quality of life was measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ). Results: No differences in sex, atherosclerotic risk factors other than smoking habit, and MLHFQ results were found among groups. LVNC CM patients were younger, with greater QRS width and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at baseline, but the differences were not significant. No significant differences were found at baseline regarding ventricular function, although end-systolic volume was slightly higher in LVNC CM patients. Mean SRS was significantly higher (p<0.0001) in ischemic patients (14.9) vs. non-ischemic ones (8.7 in group 1 and 9 in group 2). At baseline, LVNC CM patients were significantly more dyssynchronous: their phase standard deviation (PSD) was higher (89.5±14.2 degrees) vs. groups 2 (65.2±23.3 degrees) and 3 (69.7±21.7 degrees), p=0.007. Although the quality of life significantly improved in all groups, non-ischemic patients (with or without LVNC) showed a higher LVEF increase and volumes reduction at 6 months post-CRT. Dyssynchrony reduced post-CRT in all groups. Nevertheless, those more dyssynchronous at baseline (LVNC CM) exhibited the most significant intraventricular synchronism improvement: PSD was reduced from 89.5±14.2 degrees at baseline to 63.7±20.5 degrees post-CRT (p=0.028). Six months post-CRT, 89% of patients were responders: 11 (100%) of those with LVNC CM, 25 (86%) of those with ischemic CM, and 47 (89%) of patients with non-ischemic CM. No patient with LVNC CM had adverse events during the follow-up. Conclusion: CRT contributes to a marked improvement in non-ischemic CM patients with non-compaction myocardium. Phase analysis in gated-SPECT MPI is a valuable tool to assess the response to CRT.
Diagnostic accuracy of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score for the prediction of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and metabolic syndrome in the Lebanese University.
Authors: Abdallah Maher , SHARBAJI Safa , SHARBAJI Marwa , DAHER Zeina , FAOUR Tarek , MANSOUR Zeinab , HNEINO Mohammad
Published: September 2020

Background: Risk scores were mainly proved to predict undiagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (UT2DM) in a non-invasive manner and to guide earlier clinical treatment. The objective of the present study was to assess the performance of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) for detecting three outcomes: UT2DM, prediabetes, and the metabolic syndrome (MS).Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study during which employees aged between 30 and 64, with no known diabetes and working within the faculties of the Lebanese University (LU) were conveniently recruited. Participants completed the FINDRISC questionnaire and their glucose levels were examined using both fasting blood glucose (FBG) and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT). Furthermore, they underwent lipid profile tests with anthropometry.Results: Of 713 subjects, 397 subjects (55.2% female; 44.8% male) completed the blood tests and thus were considered as the sample population. 7.6% had UT2DM, 22.9% prediabetes and 35.8% had MS, where men had higher prevalence than women for these 3 outcomes (P = 0.001, P = 0.003 and P = 0.001) respectively. The AUROC value with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) for detecting UT2DM was 0.795 (0.822 in men and 0.725 in women), 0.621(0.648 in men and 0.59 in women) for prediabetes and 0.710 (0.734 in men and 0.705 in women) for MS. The correspondent optimal cut-off point for UT2DM was 11.5 (sensitivity = 83.3% and specificity = 61.3%), 9.5 for prediabetes (sensitivity = 73.6% and specificity = 43.1%) and 10.5 (sensitivity = 69.7%; specificity = 56.5%) for MS.Conclusion: The FINDRISC can be considered a simple, quick, inexpensive, and non-invasive instrument to use in a Lebanese community of working people who are unaware of their health status and who usually report being extremely busy because of their daily hectic work for the screening of UT2DM and MS. However, it poorly screens for prediabetes in this context.
A multiscale 3D chemotaxis assay reveals bacterial navigation mechanisms
Authors: Grognot Marianne , Taute Katja
Published: September 2020

How motile bacteria navigate environmental chemical gradients has implications ranging from health to climate science, but the underlying behavioral mechanisms are unknown for most species. The well-studied navigation strategy of Escherichia coli forms a powerful paradigm that is widely assumed to translate to other bacterial species. This assumption is rarely tested because of a lack of techniques capable of bridging scales from individual navigation behavior to the resulting population-level chemotactic performance.
Here, we present such a multiscale 3D chemotaxis assay by combining high-throughput 3D bacterial tracking with microfluidically created chemical gradients. Large datasets of 3D trajectories yield the statistical power required to assess chemotactic performance at the population level, while simultaneously resolving the underlying 3D navigation behavior for every individual. We demonstrate that surface effects confound typical 2D chemotaxis assays, and reveal that, contrary to previous reports, Caulobacter crescentus breaks with the E. coli paradigm.
Practical No-Signalling proof Randomness Amplification using Hardy paradoxes and its experimental implementation
Authors: Ramanathan Ravishankar , Horodecki Michal , Anwer Hammad , Pironio Stefano , Horodecki Karol , Grünfeld Marcus , Muhammad Sadiq , Bourennane Mohamed , Horodecki Paweł
Published: September 2020

Device-Independent (DI) security is the gold standard of quantum cryptography, providing information-theoretic security based on the very laws of nature. In its highest form, security is guaranteed against adversaries limited only by the no-superluminal signalling rule of relativity. The task of randomness amplification, to generate secure fully uniform bits starting from weakly random seeds, is of both cryptographic and foundational interest, being important for the generation of cryptographically secure random numbers as well as bringing deep connections to the existence of free-will. DI no-signalling proof protocols for this fundamental task have thus far relied on esoteric proofs of non-locality termed pseudo-telepathy games, complicated multi-party setups or high-dimensional quantum systems, and have remained out of reach of experimental implementation. In this paper, we construct the first practically relevant no-signalling proof DI protocols for randomness amplification based on the simplest proofs of Bell non-locality and illustrate them with an experimental implementation in a quantum optical setup using polarised photons. Technically, we relate the problem to the vast field of Hardy paradoxes, without which it would be impossible to achieve amplification of arbitrarily weak sources in the simplest Bell non-locality scenario consisting of two parties choosing between two binary inputs. Furthermore, we identify a deep connection between proofs of the celebrated Kochen-Specker theorem and Hardy paradoxes that enables us to construct Hardy paradoxes with the non-zero probability taking any value in (0,1]. Our methods enable us, under the fair-sampling assumption of the experiment, to realize up to 25 bits of randomness in 20 hours of experimental data collection from an initial private source of randomness 0.1 away from uniform.
A mussel-inspired film for adhesion of wet buccal tissue and efficient buccal drug delivery
Authors: Hu Shanshan , Pei Xibo , Duan Lunliang , Zhu Zhou , Liu Yanhua , Chen Junyu , Chen Tao , Ji Ping , Wan Qianbing , Wang Jian
Published: September 2020

Administration of drug via the buccal route has attracted much attention in recent years. However, developing system with satisfactory adhesion in wet conditions and drug bioavailability still remains a challenge. Here, we propose a mussel inspired mucoadhesive film. Ex vivo porcine and in vivo rat models show that the film can achieve strong adhesion with wet buccal tissues. We also demonstrate that the film exhibits tunable mucoadhesion strength and erosion rate. The adhesion mechanism of this film relies on both physical association and covalent bonding between the film and mucus. Then, polydopamine (PDA) modified nanoparticles (NPs) are incorporated into the film and the PDA NPs loaded films show superior advantages to transport across multiple barriers of buccal mucosa with improved drug bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy in oral mucositis models. We anticipate that this platform might aid the development of tissue adhesives and inspire the design of nanoparticle-based buccal delivery systems.
Further development on Traub’s method for solving system of nonlinear equations and ODE’s
Authors: Madhu Kalyanasundaram , Al-arydah Mo'tassem
Published: September 2020

The foremost objective of this work is to propose a eighth and sixteenth order scheme for handling a nonlinear equation. The eighth order method uses three evaluations of the function and one assessment of the first derivative and sixteenth order method uses four evaluations of the function and one appraisal of the first derivative. Kung-Traub conjecture is satisfied, theoretical analysis of the methods are presented and numerical examples are added to confirm the order of convergence. The performance and efficiency of our iteration methods are compared with the equivalent existing methods on some standard academic problems. We tested projectile motion problem, Planck’s radiation law problem as an application. The basins of attraction are also given to demonstrate their dynamical behavior in the complex plane. Further, we attempt to proposed a sixteenth order iterative method for solving system of nonlinear equation with four functional evaluation, namely two F and two F 0 and only one inverse of Jacobian. The theoretical proof of the method is given and numerical examples are included to confirm the convergence order of the presented methods. We apply the new scheme to find solution on 1-D bratu problem. The performance and efficiency of our iteration methods are compared.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency department CT for suspected diverticulitis: A natural experiment to explain patients’ and clinicians’ assessment of risk and willingness to undergo CT scanning?
Authors: MD Averi L. Gibson , Chen Byron Y. , MD Max P. Rosen , Paez S. Nicolas , MD Hao S. Lo
Published: September 2020

Purpose: This study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency department CT use for acute non-traumatic abdominal pain, to better understand why imaging volume so drastically decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: This was a retrospective review of emergency imaging volumes from January 5 to May 30, 2020. Weekly volume data were collected for total imaging studies, abdominopelvic CT, and abdominopelvic CTs positive for common causes of acute non-traumatic abdominal pain. Two emergency radiology attendings scored all diverticulitis cases independently and weekly volume data for uncomplicated and complicated diverticulitis cases was also collected. Volume data prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic was compared, using 2019 volumes as a control.Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, overall emergency imaging volume decreased 30% compared to 2019 (p = 0.002). While the number of emergency abdominopelvic CTs positive for appendicitis and small bowel obstruction did not significantly change during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of cases of diverticulitis decreased significantly compared to 2019 (p = 0.001). This reduction can be specifically attributed to decreased uncomplicated diverticulitis cases, as the number of uncomplicated diverticulitis cases dropped significantly (p = 0.002) while there was no significant difference in the number of complicated diverticulitis cases (p = 0.09). Conclusions: Reduced emergency abdominopelvic CT volume during the COVID-19 pandemic can partially be explained by decreased imaging of lower acuity patients. This data may help formulate future strategies for imaging resource utilization with an improved understanding of the relationship between perceived imaging risk and symptom acuity.
SARS-COV-2 genomic surveillance in the Brazilian Western Amazon region: evolutionary history of epidemic dissemination and genetic signature in Rondônia, Brazil
Authors: Souza Luan Felipo Botelho , Lima Felipe Souza Nogueira , Roca Tárcio Peixoto , Santos Alcione de Oliveira dos , Naveca Felipe Gomes , Maia Adriana Cristina Salvador , Silva Cicileia Correia da , Mendonça Aline Linhares Ferreira de Melo , Lugtenburg Celina Aparecida Bertoni , Azzi Camila Flávia Gomes , Furtado Juliana Loca , Cavalcante Suelen , Rampazzo ‪Rita de Cássia Pontello , Santos Caio Henrique Nemeth , Guimarães Alice Paula Di Sabatino , Medeiros Jansen Fernandes de , Máximo Fernando Rodrigues , Vilallobos-Salcedo Juan Miguel , Vieira Deusilene Souza
Published: September 2020

SARS-CoV-2 has spread rapidly around the world, with Brazil currently considered an epicenter of the pandemic. The northern region of the country has the highest incidence and mortality rates. This study aimed to investigate information about the evolutionary history of epidemic spread and genetic aspects of strains isolated on the Western Amazon, in the State of Rondônia, Brazil. It was possible to detect a total of 22 mutations. Some of these alterations may possibly be related to effects on transmissibility, the fidelity of RNA replication, the ability of cancer patients to respond to infection, beyond a mutation that emerged after the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 in Rondônia. At least two events of introduction were detected, corresponding to the B.1 and B.1.1 European lineages. An introduction was observed possibly through Argentina, where strains originated that circulated in the Minas Gerais and Ceará Brazilian states, prior to Rondônia (B.1.), as well as through the Minas Gerais state and the Federal District, which gave rise to strains that spread to Rondônia, from the capital to more rural parts of the state (B.1.1.). The findings show the need to monitor the genetic epidemiology of COVID-19, in order to surveil the virus’s evolution, dispersion and diversity.
Feedback Control Methods for a Single Machine Infinite Bus System
Authors: Vernekar Pratik N , Wang Zhongkui , Serrani Andrea , Passino Kevin
Published: September 2020

In this manuscript we present a high fidelity physics-based truth model of a Single Machine Infinite Bus (SMIB) system. We also present reduced-order control-oriented nonlinear and linear models of a synchronous generator-turbine system connected to a power grid. The reduced-order control-oriented models are next used to design various control strategies such as: proportional-integral-derivative (PID), linear-quadratic regulator (LQR), pole placement-based state feedback, observer-based output feedback, loop transfer recovery (LTR)-based linear-quadratic-Gaussian (LQG), and nonlinear feedback-linearizing control for the SMIB system. The controllers developed are then validated on the higher fidelity physics-based truth model of the SMIB system. Finally, a comparison is made of the performance of the controllers at different operating points of the SMIB system.
Examination of the daily drinking patterns and their relationships with alcohol dependence symptoms among adult users in Burkina Faso
Authors: Diendéré Jeoffray , Kaboré Ahmed , Hien Hervé , Kaboré Jean , Somda Serge , Zeba Augustin , Ouédraogo Laurent T. , Testa Jean , Ouédraogo Arouna
Published: September 2020

Background: The alcohol consumption level is rising in Burkina Faso, which has the highest prevalence of heavy drinking in West Africa. This study used daily alcohol intake levels to explore drinking behaviors in regard to the days of the week and associations with dependence signs.Methods: We operated variables from the past 12-month drinkers reported by the 2013 Stepwise survey, which provided information on daily drinking and symptoms of alcohol dependence. We performed student tests, principal component analyses and logistic regression.Results: Data from 1,139 past 12-month drinkers was analyzed, and 15.9% (95%; CI: 13.8–18.1) of users had at least one sign of alcohol dependence. Both drinkers without and with dependence symptoms had a common behavior for higher intake on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, while lower intake behavior was observed on Tuesday. Only drinkers with dependence signs had high intake behavior, especially on Monday and Friday. In multivariate analysis, alcohol dependence signs were associated with increased drinking only on Monday [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) =1.24, p=0.0001)] or Friday (aOR=1.15, p=0.003).Conclusion: For drinkers without any dependence sympoms, behaviors for higher intake were limited to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday in accordance with the “social events schedule” and the “weekly administrative time-off”, but those with dependence signs extended this kind of behavior to Monday or Friday, likely due to the increased and persistent craving triggered by the high intake the previous day.
COVID-19 in Kerala: analysis of measures and impacts
Authors: Goult Elizabeth , Sathyendranath Shubha , Kovač Žarko , Abdulaziz Anas , Menon Nandini , George Grinson , Kong Christina Eunjin , Platt Trevor
Published: September 2020

In the absence of an effective vaccine or drug therapy, non-Pharmaceutical Interventions are the only option for control of the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019, a pandemic with global implications. Each of the over 200 countries affected1 has followed its own path in dealing with the crisis, making it difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of measures implemented, either individually, or collectively. In this paper we analyse the case of the south Indian state of Kerala, which received much praise in the international media for its success in containing the spread of the disease in the early months of the pandemic, but is now in the grips of a second wave. We use a model to study the trajectory of the disease in the state during the first four months of the outbreak. We then use the model for a retrospective analysis of measures taken to combat the spread of the disease, to evaluate their impact. Because of the unusual aspects of the Kerala case, we argue that it is a model worthy of a place in the discussion on how the world might best handle this and other, future, pandemics.