bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complementary NAD+ replacement strategies fail to functionally protect dystrophin-deficient muscle
Authors: Frederick David W. , McDougal Alan V. , Semenas Melisa , Vappiani Johanna , Nuzzo Andrea , Ulrich John C. , Becherer J. David , Preugschat Frank , Stewart Eugene L. , Sévin Daniel C. , Kramer H. Fritz
Published: October 2020

Background

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle wasting disorder stemming from a loss of functional dystrophin. Current therapeutic options for DMD are limited, as small molecule modalities remain largely unable to decrease the incidence or mitigate the consequences of repetitive mechanical insults to the muscle during eccentric contractions (ECCs).

Methods

Using a metabolomics-based approach, we observed distinct and transient molecular phenotypes in muscles of dystrophin-deficient MDX mice subjected to ECCs. Among the most chronically depleted metabolites was nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), an essential metabolic cofactor suggested to protect muscle from structural and metabolic degeneration over time. We tested whether the MDX muscle NAD pool can be expanded for therapeutic benefit using two complementary small molecule strategies: provision of a biosynthetic precursor, nicotinamide riboside, or specific inhibition of the NAD-degrading ADP-ribosyl cyclase, CD38.

Results

Administering a novel, potent, and orally available CD38 antagonist to MDX mice successfully reverted a majority of the muscle metabolome toward the wildtype state, with a pronounced impact on intermediates of the pentose phosphate pathway, while supplementing nicotinamide riboside did not significantly affect the molecular phenotype of the muscle. However, neither strategy sustainably increased the bulk tissue NAD pool, lessened muscle damage markers, nor improved maximal hindlimb strength following repeated rounds of eccentric challenge and recovery.

Conclusions

In the absence of dystrophin, eccentric injury contributes to chronic intramuscular NAD depletion with broad pleiotropic effects on the molecular phenotype of the tissue. These molecular consequences can be more effectively overcome by inhibiting the enzymatic activity of CD38 than by supplementing nicotinamide riboside. However, we found no evidence that either small molecule strategy is sufficient to restore muscle contractile function or confer protection from eccentric injury, undermining the modulation of NAD metabolism as a therapeutic approach for DMD.
On basic Horn hypergeometric functions $\mathbf{H}_{3}$ and $\mathbf{H}_{4}$
Authors: Shehata Ayman
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this work is to demonstrate several interesting contiguous function relations and q-differential formulas for basic Horn hypergeometric functions $\mathbf{H}_{3}$

H
3

and $\mathbf{H}_{4}$

H
4

. Some properties of our main results are also constructed.
Molecular drivers and cells of origin in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma
Authors: Gao He-Li , Wang Wen-Quan , Yu Xian-Jun , Liu Liang
Published: October 2020

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The two major histological subtypes of pancreatic cancer are pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), accounting for 90% of all cases, and pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm (PanNEN), which makes up 3–5% of all cases. PanNEN is classified into well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and poorly-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (PanNEC). Although PDAC and PanNEN are commonly thought to be different diseases with distinct biology, cell of origin, and genomic abnormalities, the idea that PDAC and PanNEC share common cells of origin has been gaining support. This is substantiated by evidence that the molecular profiling of PanNEC is genetically and phenotypically related to PDAC. In the current review, we summarize published studies pointing to common potential cells of origin and speculate about how the distinct paths of differentiation are determined by the genomic patterns of each disease. We also discuss the overlap between PDAC and PanNEC, which has been noted in clinical observations.
Human genetic factors associated with susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease severity
Authors: Anastassopoulou Cleo , Gkizarioti Zoi , Patrinos George P. , Tsakris Athanasios
Published: October 2020

Background

The emergence of the novel coronavirus in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019 marked the synchronization of the world to a peculiar clock that is counting infected cases and deaths instead of hours and minutes. The pandemic, highly transmissible severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has indeed caused considerable morbidity and mortality and drastically changed our everyday lives. As we continue to become acquainted with the seventh coronavirus known to infect our species, a number of its characteristics keep surprising us. Among those is the wide spectrum of clinical manifestations of the resulting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which ranges from asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic infections to severe pneumonia, respiratory failure, and death.

Main body

Data, now from patient populations, are beginning to accumulate on human genetic factors that may contribute to the observed diversified disease severity. Therefore, we deemed it prudent to review the associations between specific human genetic variants and clinical disease severity or susceptibility to infection that have been reported in the literature to date (at the time of writing this article in early August 2020 with updates in mid-September). With this work, we hope (i) to assist the fast-paced biomedical research efforts to combat the virus by critically summarizing current knowledge on the potential role of host genetics, and (ii) to help guide current genetics and genomics research towards candidate gene variants that warrant further investigation in larger studies. We found that determinants of differing severity of COVID-19 predominantly include components of the immune response to the virus, while determinants of differing susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 mostly entail genes related to the initial stages of infection (i.e., binding of the cell surface receptor and entry).

Conclusion

Elucidating the genetic determinants of COVID-19 severity and susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection would allow for the stratification of individuals according to risk so that those at high risk would be prioritized for immunization, for example, if or when safe and effective vaccines are developed. Our enhanced understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms could also guide personalized therapeutics. Such knowledge is already beginning to provide clues that help explain, at least in part, current epidemiologic observations regarding the typically more severe or benign disease course in older males and children, respectively.
Spatial and spatio-temporal analysis of malaria cases in Zimbabwe
Authors: Gwitira Isaiah , Mukonoweshuro Munashe , Mapako Grace , Shekede Munyaradzi D. , Chirenda Joconiah , Mberikunashe Joseph
Published: October 2020

Background

Although effective treatment for malaria is now available, approximately half of the global population remain at risk of the disease particularly in developing countries. To design effective malaria control strategies there is need to understand the pattern of malaria heterogeneity in an area. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to explore the spatial and spatio-temporal pattern of malaria cases in Zimbabwe based on malaria data aggregated at district level from 2011 to 2016.

Methods

Geographical information system (GIS) and spatial scan statistic were applied on passive malaria data collected from health facilities and aggregated at district level to detect existence of spatial clusters. The global Moran’s I test was used to infer the presence of spatial autocorrelation while the purely spatial retrospective analyses were performed to detect the spatial clusters of malaria cases with high rates based on the discrete Poisson model. Furthermore, space-time clusters with high rates were detected through the retrospective space-time analysis based on the discrete Poisson model.

Results

Results showed that there is significant positive spatial autocorrelation in malaria cases in the study area. In addition, malaria exhibits spatial heterogeneity as evidenced by the existence of statistically significant (P < 0.05) spatial and space-time clusters of malaria in specific geographic regions. The detected primary clusters persisted in the eastern region of the study area over the six year study period while the temporal pattern of malaria reflected the seasonality of the disease where clusters were detected within particular months of the year.

Conclusions

Geographic regions characterised by clusters of high rates were identified as malaria high risk areas. The results of this study could be useful in prioritizing resource allocation in high-risk areas for malaria control and elimination particularly in resource limited settings such as Zimbabwe. The results of this study are also useful to guide further investigation into the possible determinants of persistence of high clusters of malaria cases in particular geographic regions which is useful in reducing malaria burden in such areas.
Agroresidues enhanced peroxidase activity expression by Bacillus sp. MABINYA-1 under submerged fermentation
Authors: Falade Ayodeji O. , Mabinya Leonard V. , Okoh Anthony I. , Nwodo Uchechukwu U.
Published: October 2020

Agroresidues have continued to gain preference over conventional carbon sources for microbial enzyme production due to the low price and abundance in the environment. Therefore, this study aimed at improving peroxidase yield by Bacillus sp. MABINYA-1 (BMAB-1) using agroresidues under submerged fermentation. The culture parameters that support maximum peroxidase yield by BMAB-1 was initially determined and the results showed that peroxidase activity expression was optimum at pH 5, 30 °C and 150 rpm while veratryl alcohol and ammonium sulphate served as the best peroxidase-inducer and inorganic nitrogen source, respectively. BMAB-1 exhibited maximum peroxidase expression (17.50 ± 0.10 U/mg) at 72 h using kraft lignin liquid medium (KLLM) under the optimized culture conditions. Upon utilization of selected agroresidues (sawdust, wheat straw and maize stover) as sole carbon sources by BMAB-1 in the fermentation process, peroxidase activity was significantly enhanced when compared with glucose (14.91 ± 0.31 U/mg) and kraft lignin (17.50 ± 0.10 U/mg). Sawdust produced the highest peroxidase yield (47.14 ± 0.41 U/mg), followed by maize stover (37.09 ± 0.00 U/mg) while wheat straw yielded the lowest peroxidase specific activity (21.65 ± 0.35 U/mg). This indicates that utilization of sawdust by BMAB-1 resulted in 3.2- and 2.7-fold increase in peroxidase activity expression as compared to glucose and kraft lignin, respectively. The aptitude of BMAB-1 to utilize agroresidues would reduce the cost of peroxidase production by the bacteria since the substrates are cheaper than the conventional carbon sources and are, as well, more readily available.
LncRNA OIP5-AS1 upregulates snail expression by sponging miR-34a to promote ovarian carcinoma cell invasion and migration
Authors: Jiang Xingzhi , Ye Zhongxue , Jiang Yafen , Yu Wen , Fang Qian
Published: October 2020

Background

Although OIP5-AS1 has been characterized as an oncogenic lncRNA in many types of cancer, its role and underlying mechanism in ovarian carcinoma (OC) remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of OIP5-AS1 in OC.

Methods

OC tissues and non-tumor tissues (ovary tissues within 3 cm around tumors) were collected from 58 OC patients (age range 36 to 67 years old, mean age 51.4 ± 5.9 years old). The expression of OIP5-AS1 and snail in paired tissues were determined by RT-qPCR. The interaction between OIP5-AS1 and miR-34a was predicted by IntaRNA2.0 and confirmed by dual luciferase reporter assay. The effects of overexpression of OIP5-AS1 and miR-34a on the expression of snail were analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Cell invasion and migration were analyzed by Transwell assay.

Results

We observed that the expression of OIP5-AS1 and snail was upregulated and positively correlated with each other in OC. RNA–RNA interaction analysis showed that OIP5-AS1 might sponge miR-34a. In OC cells, overexpression of OIP5-AS1 resulted in the upregulated expression of snail, while overexpression of miR-34a downregulated the expression of snail. In addition, overexpression of miR-34a reduced the effects of overexpression of OIP5-AS1 on the expression of snail. In cell invasion and migration assay, overexpression of OIP5-AS1 and snail resulted in increased OC cell invasion and migration, while overexpression of miR-34a decreased OC cell invasion and migration. Moreover, overexpression of miR-34a attenuated the effects of OIP5-AS1 overexpression on OC cell invasion and migration.

Conclusions

Therefore, OIP5-AS1 may upregulate snail expression in OC by sponging miR-34a to promote OC cell invasion and migration.
A machine learning-based algorithm used to estimate the physiological elongation of ocular axial length in myopic children
Authors: Tang Tao , Yu Zekuan , Xu Qiong , Peng Zisu , Fan Yuzhuo , Wang Kai , Ren Qiushi , Qu Jia , Zhao Mingwei
Published: October 2020

Background

Axial myopia is the most common type of myopia. However, due to the high incidence of myopia in Chinese children, few studies estimating the physiological elongation of the ocular axial length (AL), which does not cause myopia progression and differs from the non-physiological elongation of AL, have been conducted. The purpose of our study was to construct a machine learning (ML)-based model for estimating the physiological elongation of AL in a sample of Chinese school-aged myopic children.

Methods

In total, 1011 myopic children aged 6 to 18 years participated in this study. Cross-sectional datasets were used to optimize the ML algorithms. The input variables included age, sex, central corneal thickness (CCT), spherical equivalent refractive error (SER), mean K reading (K-mean), and white-to-white corneal diameter (WTW). The output variable was AL. A 5-fold cross-validation scheme was used to randomly divide all data into 5 groups, including 4 groups used as training data and one group used as validation data. Six types of ML algorithms were implemented in our models. The best-performing algorithm was applied to predict AL, and estimates of the physiological elongation of AL were obtained as the partial derivatives ofALpredicted-age curves based on an unchanged SER value with increasing age.

Results

Among the six algorithms, the robust linear regression model was the best model for predicting AL, with aR2value of 0.87 and relatively minimal averaged errors between the predicted AL and true AL. Based on the partial derivatives of theALpredicted-age curves, the estimated physiological AL elongation varied from 0.010 to 0.116 mm/year in male subjects and 0.003 to 0.110 mm/year in female subjects and was influenced by age, SER and K-mean. According to the model, the physiological elongation of AL linearly decreased with increasing age and was negatively correlated with the SER and the K-mean.

Conclusions

The physiological elongation of the AL is rarely recorded in clinical data in China. In cases of unavailable clinical data, an ML algorithm could provide practitioners a reasonable model that can be used to estimate the physiological elongation of AL, which is especially useful when monitoring myopia progression in orthokeratology lens wearers.
Prevention of post-cardiac surgery vitamin D deficiency in children with congenital heart disease: a pilot feasibility dose evaluation randomized controlled trial
Authors: McNally James Dayre , O’Hearn Katie , Fergusson Dean A. , Lougheed Jane , Doherty Dermot R. , Maharajh Gyaandeo , Weiler Hope , Jones Glenville , Khamessan Ali , Redpath Stephanie , Geier Pavel , McIntyre Lauralyn , Lawson Margaret L. , Girolamo Tara , Menon Kusum ,   on behalf of the Canadian Critical Care Trials Group
Published: October 2020

Background

The vast majority of children undergoing cardiac surgery have low vitamin D levels post-operative, which may contribute to greater illness severity and worse clinical outcomes. Prior to the initiation of a large phase III clinical trial focused on clinical outcomes, studies are required to evaluate the feasibility of the study protocol, including whether the proposed dosing regimen can safely prevent post-operative vitamin D deficiency in this high-risk population.

Methods

We conducted a two-arm, double-blind dose evaluation randomized controlled trial in children requiring cardiopulmonary bypass for congenital heart disease. Pre-operatively, participants were randomized to receive cholecalciferol representing usual care (< 1 year = 400 IU/day, > 1 year = 600 IU/day) or a higher dose approximating the Institute of Medicine tolerable upper intake level (< 1 year = 1600 IU/day, > 1 year = 2400 IU/day). The feasibility outcomes were post-operative vitamin D status (primary), vitamin D-related adverse events, accrual rate, study withdrawal rate, blinding, and protocol non-adherence.

Results

Forty-six children were randomized, and five withdrew prior to surgery, leaving 41 children (21 high dose, 20 usual care) in the final analysis. The high dose group had higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations both intraoperatively (mean difference + 25.9 nmol/L; 95% CI 8.3–43.5) and post-operatively (mean difference + 17.2 nmol/L; 95% CI 5.5–29.0). Fewer participants receiving high-dose supplementation had post-operative serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations under 50 nmol/L, compared with usual care (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.11–0.87). Post-operative vitamin D status was associated with the treatment arm and the number of doses received. There were no cases of hypercalcemia, and no significant adverse events related to vitamin D. While only 75% of the target sample size was recruited (limited funding), the consent rate (83%), accrual rate (1.5 per site month), number of withdrawals (11%), and ability to maintain blinding support feasibility of a larger trial.

Conclusions

Pre-operative daily high-dose supplementation improved vitamin D status pre-operatively and at time of pediatric ICU admission. The protocol for a more definitive trial should limit enrollment of children with at least 30 days between randomization and surgery to allow adequate duration of supplementation or consider a loading dose.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01838447. Registered on April 24, 2013
Reverse Water-Gas Shift Reaction via Redox of Re Nanoclusters Supported on TiO2
Authors: Ting Kah Wei , Maeno Zen , Siddiki S M A Hakim , Shimizu Ken-ichi , Toyao Takashi
Published: October 2020

A Re catalyst supported on TiO2 (Re/TiO2) promoted the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction, exhibiting high selectivity toward CO. Operando X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) measurements revealed that the redox of Re species was responsible for promotion of the reaction. The Re/TiO2 catalyst also possessed remarkable durability and maintained >99.9% CO selectivity for more than 1000 h.
Factors predicting timely implementation of radiotherapy innovations: the first model
Authors: Swart Rachelle R , Jacobs Maria JG , Roumen Cheryl , Houben Ruud MA , Koetsveld Folkert , Boersma Liesbeth J
Published: October 2020

Objective:

The improvement of radiotherapy depends largely on the implementation of innovations, of which effectivity varies widely. The aim of this study is to develop a prediction model for successful innovation implementation in radiotherapy to improve effective management of innovation projects.

Methods:

A literature review was performed to identify success factors for innovation implementation. Subsequently, in two large academic radiotherapy centres in the Netherlands, an inventory was made of all innovation projects executed between 2011 and 2017. Semi-structured interviews were performed to record the presence/absence of the success factors found in the review for each project. Successful implementation was defined as timely implementation, yes/no. Cross-tables, Χ2 tests, t-tests and Benjamin-Hochberg correction were used for analysing the data. A multivariate logistic regression technique was used to build a prediction model.

Results:

From the 163 identified innovation projects, only 54% were successfully implemented. We found 31 success factors in literature of which 14 were significantly related to successful implementation in the innovation projects in our study. The prediction model contained the following determinants: (1) sufficient and competent employees, (2) complexity, (3) understanding/awareness of the project goals and process by employees, (4) feasibility and desirability. The area Under the curve (AUC) of the prediction model was 0.86 (0.8–0.92, 95% CI).

Conclusion:

A prediction model was developed for successful implementation of innovation in radiotherapy.

Advances in knowledge:

This prediction model is the first of its kind and, after external validation, could be widely applicable to predict the timely implementation of radiotherapy innovations.
Pseudoaneurysm of the lingual artery as an unusual radiological finding of oropharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Espallargas Irene , Marsico Salvatore , Zuccarino Flavio , González-Ortiz Sofia , Maiques José María , Capellades Jaume , Medrano Santiago
Published: October 2020

Pseudoaneurysms of the lingual artery are an extremely rare entity and often are consequence of neck surgery, trauma or inflammation (e.g., due to chemoradiotherapy or odontogenic infection), and may cause life-threatening bleeding. To our knowledge, this is the first report of buccal bleeding secondary to the presence of a previously undiagnosed oropharyngeal carcinoma with an associated lingual artery pseudoaneurysm.
Hip bone osteonecrosis with intraosseous pneumatosis after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: a case of emphysematous osteomyelitis
Authors: Chamsi Basha Amjad , Khalifa Mohamed AbdelGhafour , Albadr Fahad , Kaid Jamal , Alsakkaf Hussein
Published: October 2020

Intraosseous pneumatosis is a rare and often fatal condition characterised by air accumulation in the bone that may be brought about by infection, trauma (surgical or otherwise), degenerative disease or neoplastic processes. Here, we present a case of pelvic emphysematous osteomyelitis following repair of an infected abdominal aortic aneurysm.

A 56-year-old Saudi male, known to have diabetes and hypertension, presented to the emergency department complaining of intermittent abdominal pain over the right lower quadrant. The patient was later diagnosed intraoperatively with an infected abdominal aortic aneurysm and treated appropriately. During multiple follow-up imaging studies, the patient was noted to have multiple intra-abdominal fluid collections, as well as intraosseous pneumatosis in the pelvis and right femur. 3 months later, intervention was again required due to patient deterioration and possible aortic graft leakage. Graft abscess was diagnosed and managed.

We present a case of an infected abdominal aortic aneurysm that eventually led to emphysematous osteomyelitis of the pelvis. This case report sheds light on intraosseous pneumatosis and emphysematous osteomyelitis, which is characterised by the former, in addition to signs of an underlying infection or abscess formation.
Case Report: An extremely rare occurrence of recurrent inguinal low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma involving the scrotum
Authors: Chitayat Samy , Barros Rodrigo , Ribeiro José Genilson , Silva Heleno Augusto Moreira , Sá Flávio Rondinelli , Reis Bruno de Souza Bianch , Fosse Junior Angelo Maurilio
Published: October 2020

Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (LGFMS) is a rare sarcoma subtype. The most common tumor locations are the deep soft tissue of extremities or trunks. We report a rare case of recurrent LGFMS in the inguinal region involving the scrotum and both testicles. A 38-year-old male patient reported a history of multiple nodular lesions in the left inguinal region accompanied by local inflammation. The patient was submitted for local resection of the lesion at our institution, with histopathological diagnosis of LGFMS. He missed his follow-up, returning with a large bulge in the left inguinal region involving the scrotum with signs of tissue necrosis and local purulent discharge. Surgical exploration was performed and the patient underwent tumor resection in the left inguinal region and the entire scrotum, with bilateral orchiectomy, with the margins enlarged to the right inguinal region and proximal surface of the penis. Local reconstruction was performed with a left fascia lata tensor muscle flap and ipsilateral thigh coverage using partial skin graft. On microscopic examination, the tumor showed spindle cells arranged in bundles, with abundant collagen and myxoid stroma with interspersed prominent vessels. The immunohistochemical study carried out showed immunoreactivity with Ki67 (<5%), immunonegativity with desmin and S100, confirming the diagnosis of LGFMS. Postoperative recovery was good and no recurrence was seen after two years. The patient is in good health, realizing multidisciplinary outpatient follow-up and performing continuous testosterone replacement. Surgical resection with negative margins for localized disease remains the standard treatment for LGFMS.
The case for an inclusive scholarly communication infrastructure for social sciences and humanities
Authors: Maryl Maciej , Błaszczyńska Marta , Szulińska Agnieszka , Rams Paweł
Published: October 2020

This article presents a vision for a scholarly communication research infrastructure for social sciences and humanities (SSH). The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the pressing need to access research outputs without the traditional economic and temporal barriers. This article explores the current scholarly communication landscape, assessing the reasons for the slower uptake of open access in SSH research. The authors discuss such frontiers as commercial interests, sources of academic prestige and discipline-specific genres.

This article defines and discusses the key areas in which a research infrastructure can play a vital role in making open scholarly communication a reality in SSH: (1) providing a federated and easy access to scattered SSH outputs; (2) supporting publication and dissemination of discipline-specific genres (e.g. monographs, critical editions); (3) providing help with evaluation and quality assurance practices in SSH; (4) enabling  scholarly work in national languages, which is significant for local communities; (5) being governed by researchers and for researchers as a crucial factor for productive, useful and accessible services; (6) lastly, considering the needs of other stakeholders involved in scholarly communication, such as publishers, libraries, media, non-profit organisations, and companies.

They conclude that a scholarly-driven, inclusive, dedicated infrastructure for the European Research Area is needed in order to advance open science in SSH and to address the issues tackled by SSH researchers at a structural and systemic level.
MendelianRandomization v0.5.0: updates to an R package for performing Mendelian randomization analyses using summarized data
Authors: Broadbent Jim R. , Foley Christopher N. , Grant Andrew J. , Mason Amy M. , Staley James R. , Burgess Stephen
Published: October 2020

The MendelianRandomization package is a software package written for the R software environment that implements methods for Mendelian randomization based on summarized data. In this manuscript, we describe functions that have been added to the package or updated in recent years. These features can be divided into four categories: robust methods for Mendelian randomization, methods for multivariable Mendelian randomization, functions for data visualization, and the ability to load data into the package seamlessly from the PhenoScanner web-resource. We provide examples of the graphical output produced by the data visualization commands, as well as syntax for obtaining suitable data and performing a Mendelian randomization analysis in a single line of code.
Kirschner Wire Fixation for Immobilization of the Thenar Flap in an Uncooperative Pediatric Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Yoo Hyokyung , Kim Yunghoon , Kwon Sung Tack , Kim Byung Jun
Published: October 2020

Thenar flap is a commonly used operational method in fingertip reconstruction. It should be maintained for two to three weeks before flap division until the neovascularization is established from the fingertip to the flap. However, immobilization between two stages of operation is challenging especially in uncooperative pediatric patients. A 47-month-old female with a ring fingertip amputation underwent soft tissue reconstruction with thenar flap. Two days postoperatively, the flap’s proximal margin was found disrupted. Flap revision was performed, followed by applying a trans-phalangeal Kirschner wire (K-wire) between the thumb proximal phalanx and ring finger middle phalanx. The flap was successfully divided two weeks after the original operation. The result was aesthetically pleasing, and no complication was observed, including dehiscence, necrosis, limitation of range of motion, and visible scar of the pinning sites. In conclusion, K-wire fixation is a safe and effective method to immobilize thenar flap in uncooperative pediatric patients.
Small Bowel Obstruction: Clinical Presentation and Surgical Outcomes at Jimma University Medical Centre in Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Olani Adugna , Lemi Gemechu , Biratu Yonas , Bayana Ebissa
Published: October 2020

Background

The mortality from small bowel obstruction (SBO) range between 2% and 8% globally, and the proper management of it is a clinical challenge for surgeons. In Africa, intestinal obstruction accounts for a great proportion of morbidity, and in Ethiopia it ranges from 20–56%.

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of disease and management outcomes among patient admitted to the surgical ward at Jimma Medical Center in Jimma, Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted over 5–25 November 2019. Data were entered in Epi-data 3.1 and exported to SPSS v23 for analysis. Logistic regression was undertaken to analyse the association between dependent and independent variables, and P-values below 0.05 at 95% CI were considered indicative of a statistically significant association.

Results

The study revealed that patient outcomes in SBO were significantly associated with people aged over 60 years, a prolonged hospital stay of more than 14 days, septic shock complications and previous history of congestive heart failure.

Conclusions

SBO was shown to be an issue of major concern, with major aetiologies related to volvulus, adhesions, intussusception and hernia.
Inspection Regime Evolves Further Due to COVID-19
Authors: Halliwell Amanda
Published: October 2020

As Care Quality Commission inspections change again to support providers in coping with COVID-19, what has changed and when are you next likely to be inspected?
Managing Patients' Expectations During COVID-19' Expectations During COVID-19
Authors: Baylis Diane
Published: October 2020

The new way of working has brought an increased risk of unmet patient expectations and dissatisfaction with care, resulting in adverse events or complaints. This article looks at how to best communicate with patients and resolve difficult situations
Preprocessing in digital lensless holographic microscopy for intensity reconstructions with enhanced contrast
Authors: Tobon Heberley , Trujillo Carlos , Garcia-Sucerquia Jorge
Published: October 2020

In this work, a numerical method to enhance the contrast of intensity hologram reconstructions of digital lensless holographic microscopy (DLHM) is presented. The method manipulates the in-line hologram and reference images through mathematical operations between them; additionally, a sharpening operation, functionalized in terms of the parameters of the recording setup, is applied to the said images. The preprocessing of the recorded images produces a modified in-line hologram and a reference wave image from which an intensity reconstruction with a 25% improvement of its contrast, with respect to the conventional reconstruction procedure, is achieved. The method is illustrated with intensity reconstructions of a hologram of a monolayer of polystyrene spheres 1.09 µm in diameter. Finally, the preprocessing method is validated with a modeled hologram, successfully applied to holograms of the section of the head a Drosophila melanogaster fly and its results are contrasted with those obtained via bright-field microscopy.
Angular anisoplanatism in non-Kolmogorov turbulence over horizontal paths
Authors: Beck Jeffrey R. , Bos Jeremy P.
Published: October 2020

We use Mellin-transform techniques to derive generalized expressions
for the piston-removed and piston-and-tilt-removed anisoplanatic error
in non-Kolmogorov turbulence with a finite outer scale. We use these
expressions to investigate the behavior of the anisoplanatic error
when imaging over long horizontal paths where the angular extent of
the scene is often many times the isoplanatic angle. By evaluating
these expressions, we first find that in many cases, the anisoplanatic
error saturates to a value less than

1

r
a
d

2

. Next, as power law increases, the
contributions due to piston and tilt dominate the anisoplanatic error
expression. Last, the size of the outer scale contributes primarily to
the piston and tilt terms. Together, these behaviors imply that when
piston and tilt are removed, anisoplanatism is reduced by as much as
60%.
Reflectionless dual standing-wave microcavity resonator units for photonic integrated circuits
Authors: Al Qubaisi Kenaish , Popović Miloš A.
Published: October 2020

We propose a novel photonic circuit element configuration that emulates the through-port response of a bus coupled traveling-wave resonator using two standing-wave resonant cavities. In this “reflectionless resonator unit”, the two constituent cavities, here photonic crystal (PhC) nanobeams, exhibit opposite mode symmetries and may otherwise belong to a single design family. They are coupled evanescently to the bus waveguide without mutual coupling. We show theoretically, and verify using FDTD simulations, that reflection is eliminated when the two cavities are wavelength aligned. This occurs due to symmetry-induced destructive interference at the bus coupling region in the proposed photonic circuit topology. The transmission is equivalent to that of a bus-coupled traveling-wave (e.g. microring) resonator for all coupling conditions. We experimentally demonstrate an implementation fabricated in a new 45 nm silicon-on-insulator complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (SOI CMOS) electronic-photonic process. Both PhC nanobeam cavities have a full-width half-maximum (FWHM) mode length of 4.28 μm and measured intrinsic Q’s in excess of 200,000. When the resonances are tuned to degeneracy and coalesce, transmission dips of the over-coupled PhC nanobeam cavities of −16 dB and −17 dB nearly disappear showing a remaining single dip of −4.2 dB, while reflection peaks are simultaneously reduced by 10 dB, demonstrating the quasi-traveling-wave behavior. This photonic circuit topology paves the way for realizing low-energy active devices such as modulators and detectors that can be cascaded to form wavelength-division multiplexed links with smaller power consumption and footprint than traveling wave, ring resonator based implementations.
Broadband single-channel coherent perfect absorption with a perfect magnetic mirror
Authors: Jin Yeonghoon , Yu Kyoungsik
Published: October 2020

Two-channel coherent perfect absorption (CPA) enables absorption modulation as well as perfect absorption in a very simple way. However, because of its narrow and discrete operable wavelength range, the CPA has been limited to specific applications. In this work, we theoretically and experimentally demonstrate broadband single-channel CPA operable from the visible to near-infrared wavelengths, using an ultrathin absorbing material on a pseudo perfect magnetic mirror. Our simple yet effective method can be applied to various applications such as solar cells, thermophotovoltaics, and stealth technology.
Photo detection and modulation from 1,550 to 2,000 nm realized by a GeSn/Ge multiple-quantum-well photodiode on a 300-mm Si substrate
Authors: Zhou Hao , Xu Shengqiang , Wu Shaoteng , Huang Yi-Chiau , Zhao Peng , Tong Jinchao , Son Bongkown , Guo Xin , Zhang Daohua , Gong Xiao , Tan Chuan Seng
Published: October 2020

A GeSn/Ge multiple-quantum-well (MQW) p-i-n photodiode structure was proposed for simultaneously realizing high detectivity photo detection with low dark current and effective optical modulation based on the quantum confined Stark (QCSE) effect. The MQW stacks were grown on a 300-mm Ge-buffered Si substrate using reduced pressure chemical vapor deposition (RPCVD). GeSn/Ge MQW p-i-n photodiodes with varying mesa diameters were fabricated and characterized. An ultralow dark current density of 16.3 mA/cm2 at -1 V was achieved as expected due to the low threading dislocation density (TDD) in pseudomorphic GeSn layer. Owing to the ultralow dark current density and high responsivity of 0.307 A/W, a high specific detectivity of 1.37×1010 cm·Hz1/2/W was accomplished at 1,550 nm, which is comparable with commercial Ge and extended-InGaAs photodetectors. Meanwhile, the bias voltage-dependent photo response was investigated from 1,700 to 2,200 nm. The extracted effective absorption coefficient of GeSn/Ge MQW shows a QCSE behavior with electric field-dependent exciton peaks from 0.688 to 0.690 eV. An absorption ratio of 1.81 under -2 V was achieved at 2 μm, which shows early promise for effective optical modulation. The high frequency response was calculated theoretically, and the predicted 3-dB bandwidth for the photodiode with a mesa diameter of 30 μm could reach 12 GHz at -2 V.
Anapole moment of localized spoof plasmon polaritons based on a hybrid coupling mechanism
Authors: Yu Yingying , Sun Bo , Yang Wenxing
Published: October 2020

In the past several years, the anapole mode has received increasing interest and has been used in numerous applications. However, little relevant work exists on localized spoof plasmon polaritons (LSSPs), which are limited by the excitation of the electric dipole in a symmetrical structure. The lack of an electric dipole makes the excitation of the anapole moment difficult. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate that compact planar metadisks can exhibit a radiationless anapole mode of LSSPs at microwave frequencies. By integrating large and small split-ring resonators, the strong interaction between conductive and inductive coupling is shown to excite the electric dipole. The necessary condition for excitation of the electric dipole using the hybrid coupling mechanism is derived by analyzing equivalent LCR circuits. The proposed structure exhibits nearly equal magnitudes of the toroidal and electric dipoles. Moreover, analytical and numerical approaches are developed to explain the physics of the hybrid coupling mechanism accurately. Further experimental measurements confirm the theoretical predictions.
Populismo em Portugal
Authors: Serrano Estrela
Published: October 2020

Partidos populistas têm obtido sucesso eleitoral na Europa ultrapassando parti- dos que dominaram o sistema partidário nas últimas décadas. As explicações para o sucesso destes partidos têm-se centrado essencialmente nas desigualdades eco- nómicas entre países, na insegurança e no aumento da imigração e do número de refugiados. A importância do populismo não pode ser hoje ignorada. Em Portugal, o sistema partidário tem-se mantido estável com dois partidos hegemónicos ao centro (Partido Socialista e Partido Social Democrata) alternando entre si no poder, com ou sem coligações com partidos mais pequenos à direita ou com acordos à es- querda, estes últimos na legislatura de 2016-2019. As eleições legislativas de 2019 vieram contudo provocar um “abanão” na estabilidade do sistema com a entrada no Parlamento de três novas formações políticas e o enfraquecimento dos dois parti- dos situados à direita do espectro parlamentar.

Com base nas abordagens conceptuais do populismo este artigo procura mani- festações desse fenómeno no discurso político do líder do novo partido parlamentar Chega, tal como representado na imprensa e na televisão, em três acontecimentos que obtiveram grande mediatização. Concomitantemente, a análise procura perce- ber até que ponto os media podem funcionar como catalisadores ou inibidores de causas e sentimentos populistas. A análise de discurso e a análise de conteúdo são os principais instrumentos de análise utilizados.
Pemanfaatan Teripang di Kabupaten Kaimana Provinsi Papua Barat
Authors: Sjafrie Nurul Dhewani Mirah , Setyastuty Ana
Published: October 2020

The Utilization of Sea Cucumber in Kaimana Regency, West Papua Province.Sea cucumbers are one of marine commodities that are traded at local, national and international scale. Kaimana Regency, West Papua Province is one of the sea cucumber producers in Indonesia. The exploitation of sea cucumber in this regency has been carried out for long times, applying thesasisystem. The purpose of this study is to determine the exploitation of sea cucumbers with the sasi system. Data were collected in April 2018 in two location, namely Kayumerah Island and Kambala Village. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was perfomed out using structured questions to gather information of the sea cucumber exploitation. The snowball technique was used to locate the sea cucumber collectors. This study results showed 22 commercial species of sea cucumber were found in Kayumerah Island and 33 species in Kambala Village. Duration of open-closed sasi in Kayumerah Island was 2 to 3 years for 14 days, while in Kambala Village was 2 years for 6 months. The average catched of sea cucumbers was 3.57 kg dry weight/person/ day in Kayumerah Island and 0.09 kg dry weight/person/day in Kambala Village. These commodities were sold to the city nearby. Sasi system at the study site seems to have changed due to an auction system or fee for collecting of sea cucumbers and a changes in capture methods, through diving supported by compressor
A 5-Year Clinical Experience of Haemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes and Low Platelet Count (HELLP) Syndrome at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in North Karnataka – A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Biradar Aruna Mallangouda , Yaliwal Rajasri G , Kori Shreedevi Somashekar , B S Gamini , Pujeri Shivakumar U
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND Haemolysis (H), elevated liver enzymes (EL) and low platelet count (LP) i.e., HELLP syndrome is a vaguely understood condition of pregnancy which can present with rapid onset. It is commonly associated with pre - eclampsia. HELLP is also known to manifest itself without the clinical features of pre - eclampsia. The present study aims to assess the maternal and foetal complications associated with HELLP syndrome. METHODS This retrospective study included all the pregnant women who developed HELLP / partial HELLP with gestational age of ≥ 28 weeks. The variables analyzed were obstetric history, menstrual history, antenatal complications, laboratory investigations (haemolysis, ALT / AST, LDH, CBC), mode of delivery, postnatal complications, maternal outcomes and perinatal outcomes. RESULTS 72 patients were included in the present study. The mean age of pregnant women with HELLP syndrome was 23.6 ± 4.15 years. The average age of gestation was 33.17 ± 4.02 weeks. 58 % patients were primigravida. As per Mississippi triple-class system 82 % patients had partial HELLP, 18 % had complete HELLP. 4 %, 4 % & 10 % patients had HELLP class I, II & III respectively. Among the total cases, 74 % patients had antepartum onset, 10 % had intrapartum & 17 % postpartum onset of HELLP syndrome respectively. 65 % patients delivered vaginally & rest 35 % underwent caesarean section. High risk factors such as pre - eclampsia (65 %), eclampsia (3 %) & previous history of HELLP (8 %) were noted in study cases. Abruptio placentae (18 %), postpartum haemorrhage (17 %), pulmonary oedema (14 %), renal failure (14 %) & DIC (7 %) were the maternal complications noted. Maternal mortality was 7 %. The major perinatal morbidities noted were prematurity (67 %) & FGR (42 %). Intrauterine death was noted in 19 % babies. Neonatal intensive care (NICU) was required for 58 % babies, of which 42 % had respiratory distress. Neonatal death was noted in 17 %. CONCLUSIONS HELLP syndrome is a life threatening condition of pregnancy which has serious maternal and perinatal morbidities. Prompt referral, timely and appropriate interventions can save lives. Availability of Intensive Care Units (ICU) facilities, dialysis units and blood and its components along with Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) facilities can remarkably reduce the maternal and neonatal complications. KEY WORDS HELLP Syndrome, Preeclampsia, Maternal Mortality, Neonatal Mortality, Mississippi Triple - Class System
Metformin and Gastrointestinal Cancer Development in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes: A Population-Based Study in Korea
Authors: You Ji Hong , Song Sun Ok , Kang Min Jin , Cho Yoon Young , Kim Sun Wook , Suh Sung Hwan , Lee Sujin , Lee Yong-ho , Lee Byung-Wan
Published: October 2020

INTRODUCTION:

Clinical studies have produced conflicting results on the effects of metformin on gastrointestinal cancer development. We aimed to investigate the association between metformin use and stomach, colon, liver, and pancreatic cancer development among patients with newly diagnosed, drug-naïve type 2 diabetes.

METHODS:

This retrospective study evaluated propensity score-matched patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Metformin users were categorized into tertiles according to the cumulative dose or duration of metformin treatment, and the risks of gastrointestinal cancers were compared.

RESULTS:

Metformin users had reduced risks of developing stomach cancer (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.841, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.797–0.887), colon cancer (HR: 0.865, 95% CI: 0.822–0.91), and liver cancer (HR: 0.709, 95% CI: 0.675–0.746; P < 0.001). However, metformin users did not have a reduced overall risk of pancreatic cancer (HR: 1.335, 95% CI: 1.209–1.475; P < 0.001). The risks tended to decrease at higher cumulative doses and durations of metformin use, with significantly reduced risks of all 4 cancers at the highest cumulative dose (≥1,200,000 mg) and the longest duration (≥2,000 days) of metformin use.

DISCUSSION:

This population-based data suggest that metformin could be associated with reductions in the risks of stomach, colon, and liver cancers, as well a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer in some subgroups. Metformin has benefit as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus. A further role in cancer risk reduction could be studied in controlled trials.
Mixed Reality Ideation
Authors:   Syracuse University, O. Schneider Ralf
Published: October 2020

The recent development of Mixed Reality (MR) devices and apps hint at an exciting future. To be true to the inherent innovative spirit of the design profession, it is important to expose students to MR in the classroom in an exploratory setting.