bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide landscape establishes novel association signals for metabolic traits in the Arab population
Authors: Hebbar Prashantha , Abubaker Jehad Ahmed , Abu-Farha Mohamed , Alsmadi Osama , Elkum Naser , Alkayal Fadi , John Sumi Elsa , Channanath Arshad , Iqbal Rasheeba , Pitkaniemi Janne , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Sladek Robert , Al-Mulla Fahd , Thanaraj Thangavel Alphonse
Published: September 2020

While the Arabian population has a high prevalence of metabolic disorders, it has not been included in global studies that identify genetic risk loci for metabolic traits. Determining the transferability of such largely Euro-centric established risk loci is essential to transfer the research tools/resources, and drug targets generated by global studies to a broad range of ethnic populations. Further, consideration of populations such as Arabs, that are characterized by consanguinity and a high level of inbreeding, can lead to identification of novel risk loci. We imputed published GWAS data from two Kuwaiti Arab cohorts (n = 1434 and 1298) to the 1000 Genomes Project haplotypes and performed meta-analysis for associations with 13 metabolic traits. We compared the observed association signals with those established for metabolic traits. Our study highlighted 70 variants from 9 different genes, some of which have established links to metabolic disorders. By relaxing the genome-wide significance threshold, we identified ‘novel’ risk variants from 11 genes for metabolic traits. Many novel risk variant association signals were observed at or borderline to genome-wide significance. Furthermore, 349 previously established variants from 187 genes were validated in our study. Pleiotropic effect of risk variants on multiple metabolic traits were observed. Fine-mapping illuminated rs7838666/CSMD1 rs1864163/CETP and rs112861901/[INTS10,LPL] as candidate causal variants influencing fasting plasma glucose and high-density lipoprotein levels. Computational functional analysis identified a variety of gene regulatory signals around several variants. This study enlarges the population ancestry diversity of available GWAS and elucidates new variants in an ethnic group burdened with metabolic disorders.
Artificial neural networks training acceleration through network science strategies
Authors: Cavallaro Lucia , Bagdasar Ovidiu , De Meo Pasquale , Fiumara Giacomo , Liotta Antonio
Published: September 2020

The development of deep learning has led to a dramatic increase in the number of applications of artificial intelligence. However, the training of deeper neural networks for stable and accurate models translates into artificial neural networks (ANNs) that become unmanageable as the number of features increases. This work extends our earlier study where we explored the acceleration effects obtained by enforcing, in turn, scale freeness, small worldness, and sparsity during the ANN training process. The efficiency of that approach was confirmed by recent studies (conducted independently) where a million-node ANN was trained on non-specialized laptops. Encouraged by those results, our study is now focused on some tunable parameters, to pursue a further acceleration effect. We show that, although optimal parameter tuning is unfeasible, due to the high non-linearity of ANN problems, we can actually come up with a set of useful guidelines that lead to speed-ups in practical cases. We find that significant reductions in execution time can generally be achieved by setting the revised fraction parameter ($$\zeta $$ζ) to relatively low values.
A recommendation for suitable technologies for an indoor farming framework
Authors: Gnauer Clemens , Pichler Harald , Schmittner Christoph , Tauber Markus , Christl Korbinian , Knapitsch Johannes , Parapatits Martin
Published: September 2020

Facing food insecurity and overuse of resources due to effects of climate change, humanity needs to find new ways to secure food production and produce close to consumers. Vertical farming, where plants are grown in vertical arrays inside buildings with help of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) components, could contribute to solving this issue. Such systems integrate heterogeneous devices on different computing layers and acquire a lot of data to monitor and optimize the production process. We created an indoor testing unit in which growing conditions can be monitored and controlled to optimize growth of microgreens. This setup includes an Indoor Farming Support as a Service (IFSaaS) prototype that provides safe and secure monitoring and controlling, as well as self-adaption of an indoor farming system. In this article we provide information about the combination of most suitable technologies.
Trait mindfulness during pregnancy and perception of childbirth
Authors: Hulsbosch Lianne P. , Boekhorst Myrthe G. B. M. , Potharst Eva S. , Pop Victor J. M. , Nyklíček Ivan
Published: September 2020

Women’s subjective childbirth experience is a risk factor for postpartum depression and childbirth-related posttraumatic stress symptoms. Subjective childbirth experience is influenced not only by characteristics of the childbirth itself but also by maternal characteristics. A maternal characteristic that may be associated with a more positive childbirth experience is trait mindfulness. The current study aimed to assess this association and to assess whether trait mindfulness during pregnancy had a moderating role in the possible association between non-spontaneous delivery and perception of childbirth. A subsample of 486 women, participating in a longitudinal prospective cohort study (Holistic Approach to Pregnancy and the first Postpartum Year study), completed the Three Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form at 22 weeks of pregnancy. Women completed the Childbirth Perception Scale and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale between 7 and 21 days postpartum. The mindfulness facets acting with awareness and non-reacting were significantly associated with a more positive perception of childbirth, after adjusting for covariates. Moderation analyses showed a significant interaction between acting with awareness and non-spontaneous delivery and non-judging and non-spontaneous delivery. Non-spontaneous delivery was associated with a more negative perception of childbirth for low/medium scores of acting with awareness and non-judging, but not for high scores on these mindfulness facets. Trait mindfulness during pregnancy may enhance a positive perception of childbirth. Because this is among the first studies examining the association between maternal dispositional mindfulness and perception of childbirth, future research is needed to confirm the results of the current study.
Evaluation of air polishing with a sterile powder and mechanical debridement during regenerative surgical periimplantitis treatment: a study in dogs
Authors: Solderer Alex , Pippenger Benjamin E. , Donnet Marcel , Wiedemeier Daniel , Ramenzoni Liza L. , Schmidlin Patrick R.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of mechanical debridement and/or air polishing on the healing of ligature-induced buccal periimplantitis dehiscence defects in dogs.

Material and methods

Forty-eight implants were placed in the mandibles of twelve beagle dogs, and periimplantitis was induced for 2 months using ligatures. The resulting buccal dehiscence-type defects were surgically cleaned and augmented (xenogenic filler and resorbable membrane) according to one of the following treatments: (1) Cleaning with carbon curette (debridement - D) and guided bone regeneration (GBR/G): DG, (2) air polishing cleaning (A) and GBR: AG, (3) a combination of D/A/G: DAG, and (4) D/A without GBR: DA. After 2 months, histomorphometric and inflammatory evaluations were conducted.

Results

The median bone gain after therapy ranged between 1.2 mm (DG) and 2.7 mm (AG). Relative bone gain was between 39% (DG) and 59% (AG). The lowest inflammation scores were obtained in DA without GBR (5.84), whereas significantly higher values between 8.2 and 9.4 were found in the groups with augmentation. At lingual sites without defects, scores ranged from 4.1 to 5.9. According to ISO, differences above 2.9 were considered representative for irritative properties.

Conclusions

All treatments resulted in partial regeneration of the defects. No treatment group showed a significantly (p < 0.05) better outcome. However, pretreatment with air polishing showed a tendency for less inflammation. Noteworthy, inflammation assessment showed an overall irritative potential after GBR in the evaluated early healing phase.

Clinical relevance

Periimplantitis treatment still represents a big issue in daily practice and requires additional preclinical research in order to improve treatment concepts.
Letermovir for the compassionate therapeutic use of cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Schubert Lorenz , Fisecker Lisa , Thalhammer Florian , Burgmann Heinz , Steininger Christoph
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Data on the efficacy, dosing and safety of letermovir for the compassionate therapeutic use of CMV infections are limited.

Methods

Clinical and virological efficacy of letermovir was assessed in a retrospective single-centre study of patients who received letermovir for the compassionate therapeutic use of CMV infections.

Results

Letermovir initiation yielded prompt treatment response in 7 out of 9 patients (77.7%).

Conclusion

Letermovir may be an effective and well tolerated option in the compassionate treatment of CMV infections, although recurrence of CMV and emergence of resistance may be issues.
Intravenous administration of Streptococcus mutans induces IgA nephropathy-like lesions
Authors: Naka Shuhei , Wato Kaoruko , Misaki Taro , Ito Seigo , Nagasawa Yasuyuki , Nomura Ryota , Matsumoto-Nakano Michiyo , Nakano Kazuhiko
Published: September 2020

Background

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is one of the most frequently occurring types of chronic glomerulonephritis. Previous analyses have revealed that a major pathogen of dental caries, Streptococcus mutans [which expresses collagen-binding protein (Cnm) on its surface], is involved in the pathogenesis of IgAN.

Methods

Cnm-positive S. mutans isolated from a patient with IgAN was intravenously administered to specific pathogen-free Sprague–Dawley rats to evaluate their kidney conditions.

Results

The urinary protein level of the S. mutans group reached a plateau at 30 days, with increased numbers of mesangial cells and an increased mesangial matrix. The numbers of rats with IgA-positive and/or C3-positive glomeruli were significantly greater in the S. mutans group than in the control group at 45 days (P < 0.05). Electron microscopy analyses revealed electron-dense depositions in the mesangial area among rats in the S. mutans group. There were significantly more CD68-positive cells (macrophages) in the glomeruli of the S. mutans group than in the glomeruli of the control group during the late phase (P < 0.05), similar to the findings in patients with IgAN.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that intravenous administration of Cnm-positive S. mutans caused transient induction of IgAN-like lesions in rats.
EEG bei Autoimmunenzephalitiden
Authors: Rüegg Stephan
Published: September 2020

Das Elektroenzephalogramm (EEG) ist eine wichtige paraklinische, nichtinvasive, reproduzierbare Untersuchungsmethode bei der diagnostischen Abklärung einer autoimmunen Enzephalitis, und sie dient auch der Therapieüberwachung im Falle von epileptischen Anfällen oder eines Status epilepticus. Bei Letzterem hat die kontinuierliche EEG-Ableitung einen hohen Stellenwert. Die EEG-Veränderungen finden sich v. a. über den temporalen und frontalen Hirnabschnitten; meistens sind sie unspezifisch und können auch bei vielen anderen Hirnerkrankungen beobachtet werden. Einzig der sog. „extreme Delta-Brush“ deutet auf eine Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartat(NMDA)-Rezeptor-assoziierte autoimmune Enzephalitis hin; dessen Fehlen bedeutet aber keineswegs den Ausschluss einer solchen Erkrankung. Die im Rahmen der autoimmunen Enzephalitis infolge von Anti-Leucin-reich-Gliom-induziertes Protein‑1(LGI‑1)-Antikörpern ebenfalls fast pathognomonischen nur 1–2 s dauernden faziobrachialen dystonen Anfälle weisen meistens kein EEG-Korrelat auf. Das EEG scheint bei autoimmuner Enzephalitis über eine gewisse Voraussagekraft hinsichtlich des Verlaufs und der Prognose zu verfügen.
Software engineering whispers: The effect of textual vs. graphical software design descriptions on software design communication
Authors: Jolak Rodi , Savary-Leblanc Maxime , Dalibor Manuela , Wortmann Andreas , Hebig Regina , Vincur Juraj , Polasek Ivan , Le Pallec Xavier , Gérard Sébastien , Chaudron Michel R. V.
Published: September 2020

Context

Software engineering is a social and collaborative activity. Communicating and sharing knowledge between software developers requires much effort. Hence, the quality of communication plays an important role in influencing project success. To better understand the effect of communication on project success, more in-depth empirical studies investigating this phenomenon are needed.

Objective

We investigate the effect of using a graphical versus textual design description on co-located software design communication.

Method

Therefore, we conducted a family of experiments involving a mix of 240 software engineering students from four universities. We examined how different design representations (i.e., graphical vs. textual) affect the ability to Explain, Understand, Recall, and Actively Communicate knowledge.

Results

We found that the graphical design description is better than the textual in promoting Active Discussion between developers and improving the Recall of design details. Furthermore, compared to its unaltered version, a well-organized and motivated textual design description–that is used for the same amount of time–enhances the recall of design details and increases the amount of active discussions at the cost of reducing the perceived quality of explaining.
Improving manganese circular economy from cellulose by chelation with siderophores immobilized to magnetic microbeads
Authors: Kunz Peter M. , Mörtter Kerstin , Müller Ralf , Sommer Isabell , Weller Philipp , Wilkesman Jeff
Published: September 2020

Manganese (Mn) contained in cellulose is partially responsible for an increased consumption of paper bleaching chemicals (like O2, H2O2), consequently diminishing the efficiency in pulp processing, darkening the pulp and deteriorating pulp quality. Usually, Mn in the paper industry is removed employing the environmentally critical EDTA. A greener alternative constitutes, however, the use of siderophores, high-affinity metal-chelating organic compounds that are produced by microorganisms to acquire metals (Fe and Mn among others), like desferrioxamine B (DFOB) or desferrioxamine E (DFOE). The use of native Mn-transporter proteins, like PratA, constitutes another possibility for Mn removal. The evaluation of utilizing siderophores or PratA for Mn removal from cellulose in a circular economy scheme is therefore essential. Firstly, Mn removal from cellulose was performed by immobilizing siderophores or PratA on magnetic beads (M-PVA C22). Secondly, the beads were incubated overnight with a 2% cellulose suspension, allowing Mn-ligand complex formation. Finally, cellulose suspensions were submitted for Mn quantification, employing either the TCPP [Tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin] method, the PAN [1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol] method or the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). When non-immobilized ligands were employed, a 31% Mn removal was achieved; when using immobilized ligands, around 10% Mn removal was obtained. Treated and untreated cellulose was analyzed by SEM and the Mn distribution between the solid and liquid phase was parameterized using adsorption isotherm models. This novel greener method proved to be feasible and easy, leading to potential improvements in the paper industry. Next research steps are to optimize Mn removal and quantify Mn recovery after ligand decoupling before scaling-up.
Autistic Traits Mediate Reductions in Social Attention in Adults with Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Kerr-Gaffney Jess , Mason Luke , Jones Emily , Hayward Hannah , Harrison Amy , Murphy Declan , Tchanturia Kate
Published: September 2020

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with difficulties in social and emotional functioning. A significant proportion of individuals with AN show autistic traits, which may influence social attention. This study examined attention to faces and facial features in AN, recovered AN (REC), and healthy controls, as well as relationships with comorbid psychopathology. One hundred and forty-eight participants’ eye movements were tracked while watching a naturalistic social scene. Anxiety, depression, alexithymia, and autistic traits were assessed via self-report questionnaires. Participants with AN spent significantly less time looking at faces compared to REC and controls; patterns of attention to individual facial features did not differ across groups. Autistic traits mediated the relationship between group and time spent looking at faces.
Formalising $$\varSigma $$-Protocols and Commitment Schemes Using CryptHOL
Authors: Butler D. , Lochbihler A. , Aspinall D. , Gascón A.
Published: September 2020

Machine-checked proofs of security are important to increase the rigour of provable security. In this work we present a formalised theory of two fundamental two party cryptographic primitives:$$\varSigma $$Σ-protocols and Commitment Schemes.$$\varSigma $$Σ-protocols allow a prover to convince a verifier that they possess some knowledge without leaking information about the knowledge. Commitment schemes allow a committer to commit to a message and keep it secret until revealing it at a later time. We use CryptHOL (Lochbihler in Archive of formal proofs, 2017) to formalise both primitives and prove secure multiple examples namely; the Schnorr, Chaum-Pedersen and Okamoto$$\varSigma $$Σ-protocols as well as a construction that allows for compound (AND and OR)$$\varSigma $$Σ-protocols and the Pedersen and Rivest commitment schemes. A highlight of the work is a formalisation of the construction of commitment schemes from$$\varSigma $$Σ-protocols (Damgard in Lecture notes, 2002). We formalise this proof at an abstract level using the modularity available in Isabelle/HOL and CryptHOL. This way, the proofs of the instantiations come for free.
Scheduling jobs with a V-shaped time-dependent processing time
Authors: Sedding Helmut A.
Published: September 2020

In the field of time-dependent scheduling, a job’s processing time is specified by a function of its start time. While monotonic processing time functions are well-known in the literature, this paper introduces non-monotonic functions with a convex, piecewise-linear V-shape similar to the absolute value function. They are minimum at an ideal start time, which is the same for all given jobs. Then, the processing time equals the job’s basic processing time. Earlier or later, it increases linearly with slopes that can be asymmetric and job-specific. The objective is to sequence the given jobs on a single machine and minimize the makespan. This is motivated by production planning of moving car assembly lines, in particular, to sequence a worker’s assembly operations such that the time-dependent walking times to gather materials from the line-side is minimized. This paper characterizes the problem’s computational complexity in several angles. NP-hardness is observed even if the two slopes are the same for all jobs. A fully polynomial time approximation scheme is devised for the more generic case of agreeable ratios of basic processing time and slopes. In the most generic case with job-specific slopes, several polynomial cases are identified.
Stacking sequences in composite laminates through design optimization
Authors: Cutolo A. , Carotenuto A. R. , Palumbo S. , Esposito L. , Minutolo V. , Fraldi M. , Ruocco E.
Published: September 2020

Composites are experiencing a new era. The spatial resolution at which is to date possible to build up complex architectured microstructures through additive manufacturing-based and sintering of powder metals 3D printing techniques, as well as the recent improvements in both filament winding and automated fiber deposition processes, are opening new unforeseeable scenarios for applying optimization strategies to the design of high-performance structures and metamaterials that could previously be only theoretically conceived. Motivated by these new possibilities, the present work, by combining computational methods, analytical approaches and experimental analysis, shows how finite element Design Optimization algorithms can be ad hoc rewritten by identifying as design variables the orientation of the reinforcing fibers in each ply of a layered structure for redesigning fiber-reinforced composites exhibiting at the same time high stiffness and toughening, two features generally in competition each other. To highlight the flexibility and the effectiveness of the proposed strategy, after a brief recalling of the essential theoretical remarks and the implemented procedure, selected example applications are finally illustrated on laminated plates under different boundary conditions, cylindrical layered shells with varying curvature subjected to point loads and composite tubes made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymers, recently employed as structural components in advanced aerospace engineering applications.
Distinct serum metabolomic signatures of multiparous and primiparous dairy cows switched from a moderate to high-grain diet during early lactation
Authors: Pacífico C. , Stauder A. , Reisinger N. , Schwartz-Zimmermann H. E. , Zebeli Q.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Feeding of high-grain diets is common in cows during early lactation, but increases the odds of metabolic derailments, which can likely be detected as undesirable shifts in the serum metabolome signature.

Objectives

The present study aimed to identify the metabolic signatures of the serum metabolome of early lactation dairy cows switched from a moderate to a high-grain diet.

Methods

Targeted ESI-LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics was used to characterize metabolic alterations in the serum of early lactation multiparous (MP, n = 16) and primiparous (PP, n = 8) Simmental cows, according to parity and feeding phase. Data were analysed using different data mining approaches.

Results

Carnitine, acetylcarnitine, propionoylcarnitine, amino acid related compounds cis-4-hydroxyproline, trans-4-hydroxyproline, proline betaine, lysophosphatidylcholine PC a C16:1 and phosphatidylcholine PC ae C36:0 were identified as the key metabolites distinguishing MP from PP cows. A different serum metabolite composition during moderate and high-grain diet was also evident. Notably, cows fed high grain diet had higher serum concentrations of primary bile acids and triglycerides, but lower levels of conjugated bile acids and carboxylic acids during the first week in grain. Amino acids valine, cystine and taurine together with lysophosphatidylcholine PC a C26:0 and several phosphatidylcholines were classified as important features for cluster separation.

Conclusions

Our study greatly expands earlier observations on dietary effects on serum metabolome composition of cows. The altered metabolomic fingerprints clearly distinguishable by diet and cow parity hold potential to be used as early diagnostic tools for cows experiencing grain-induced metabolic disturbances.
Good Robots, Bad Robots: Morally Valenced Behavior Effects on Perceived Mind, Morality, and Trust
Authors: Banks Jaime
Published: September 2020

Both robots and humans can behave in ways that engender positive and negative evaluations of their behaviors and associated responsibility. However, extant scholarship on the link between agent evaluations and valenced behavior has generally treated moral behavior as a monolithic phenomenon and largely focused on moral deviations. In contrast, contemporary moral psychology increasingly considers moral judgments to unfold in relation to a number of moral foundations (care, fairness, authority, loyalty, purity, liberty) subject to both upholding and deviation. The present investigation seeks to discover whether social judgments of humans and robots emerge differently as a function of moral foundation-specific behaviors. This work is conducted in two studies: (1) an online survey in which agents deliver observed/mediated responses to moral dilemmas and (2) a smaller laboratory-based replication with agents delivering interactive/live responses. In each study, participants evaluate the goodness of and blame for six foundation-specific behaviors, and evaluate the agent for perceived mind, morality, and trust. Across these studies, results suggest that (a) moral judgments of behavior may be agent-agnostic, (b) all moral foundations may contribute to social evaluations of agents, and (c) physical presence and agent class contribute to the assignment of responsibility for behaviors. Findings are interpreted to suggest that bad behaviors denote bad actors, broadly, but machines bear a greater burden to behave morally, regardless of their credit- or blame-worthiness in a situation.
Endo-urologie en stenen
Authors: Oomen Robert J.A. , Bouma-Houwert A.C.
Published: September 2020

Samenvatting

Hoewel het congres in Amsterdam dit jaar geen doorgang heeft gevonden, is er toch een hoop te vertellen over de urologie. Dat blijkt uit het uitgebreide programma dat geheel virtueel werd gepresenteerd dit jaar. ‘Hot Shots’ uit alle vakgebieden schoven aan om iedereen bij te praten over hun passie. Het merendeel van de praatjes betrof oncologische onderwerpen, maar er is zeker ook het een en ander te melden op het gebied van stenen en endo-urologie
Minimaal-invasieve technieken bij benigne prostaathyperplasie
Authors: Zhu Xiaoye , d’Ancona Frank C.H.
Published: September 2020

Samenvatting

De TURP (transurethrale resectie van de prostaat) is nog steeds de gouden standaard bij chirurgische desobstructie bij benigne prostaathyperplasie (BPH). Toch zijn er significante risico’s aan de operatie verbonden, zoals nabloeding, blaashalssclerose, urethrastrictuur en seksuele disfunctie, ondanks de intrede van bipolaire en vaporiserende technieken. Er zijn dan ook meerdere ontwikkelingen binnen de minimaal-invasieve urologie die zich richten op het verminderen van de kans op complicaties en seksuele bijwerkingen, maar die net zo effectief pogen te zijn als de TURP.
Bioactive Diarylheptanoids from Alpinia coriandriodora
Authors: Cheng Xiao-Li , Li Han-Xiang , Chen Juan , Wu Ping , Xue Jing-Hua , Zhou Zhong-Yu , Xia Nia-He , Wei Xiao-Yi
Published: September 2020

Eight new diarylheptanoids, coriandralpinins A–H (1–8), were isolated from the rhizomes of Alpinia coriandriodora, an edible plant of the ginger family. Their structures, including the absolute configurations, were established by extensive spectroscopic analysis and ECD calculations. Compounds 1–8 have a 1,5-O-bridged diarylheptanoid structure featuring polyoxygenated aryl units. When evaluated for intracellular antioxidant activity using t-BHP stressed RAW264.7 macrophages, all these compounds scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a concentration-dependent manner. Compounds 3 and 5 also showed inhibitory activity against NO release in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Six known flavonols, 7,4′-di-O-methylkaempferol, 7-O-methylquercetin, 7,4′-di-O-methylquercetin, 7,3′,4′-tri-O- methylquercetin, kaempferol 3-O-β-d-(6-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl)glucopyranoside, and 3-O-β-d-glucopyranuronosylquercetin were also isolated and characterized from the rhizomes.
Strongyloides infection manifested during immunosuppressive therapy for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia
Authors: Marchese Valentina , Crosato Verena , Gulletta Maurizio , Castelnuovo Filippo , Cristini Graziella , Matteelli Alberto , Castelli Francesco
Published: September 2020

Background

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has posed formidable public health and clinical challenges. The use of immunosuppressive agents, such as high dose corticosteroids and cytokine inhibitors (e.g., Tocilizumab) has been suggested to contrast the hyperinflammatory process involved in the pathogenesis of the severe disease, with conflicting evidence. Among the drawbacks of immunosuppressive therapy, the risk of reactivation of latent infections, including parasitic infestations, is to be considered.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 59-year-old Italian patient treated with high dose intravenous dexamethasone and two intravenous doses of Tocilizumab for interstitial bilateral pneumonia associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection who developed itching, abdominal pain, and an increased eosinophil count. Stool examination confirmed the presence of S. stercoralis larvae. The patient was treated with a 4-day course of Ivermectin with full recovery.

Discussion

We report the first case of S. stercoralis infection following an 11-day treatment with high-dose steroids and Tocilizumab for severe COVID-19. Clinicians should be aware of the risk of strongyloidiasis as a complication of the treatment for severe COVID-19.
Ethnic Prevalence of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Deletion (D) Polymorphism and COVID-19 Risk: Rationale for Use of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
Authors: Sarangarajan Rangaprasad , Winn Robert , Kiebish Michael A. , Bountra Chas , Granger Elder , Narain Niven R.
Published: September 2020

Rationale

Hypertension, obesity and diabetes are major risk factors associated with morbidities underlying COVID-19 infections. Regression analysis correlated presence of ACE insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism to COVID-19 incidence and mortality. Furthermore, COVID-19 prevalence correlated to allele frequency of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) deletion (D) polymorphism within the European population.

Objective

Homozygous ACE deletion polymorphism is associated with increase in ACE and angiotensin II (Ang-II), sustained levels can result in inflammation, fibrosis and organ damage. The ACE DD polymorphism is also associated with hypertension, acute respiratory distress and diabetic nephropathy, all considered high risk for COVID-19 infection and outcomes. The study objective was to describe a biological framework associating ethnic prevalence of ACE deletion polymorphism to COVID-19 comorbidities providing rationale for therapeutic utility of ACE-I/ARBs to improve outcomes.

Method and Results

The Allele Frequency Database (ALFRED) was queried for frequency of rs4646994 representing ACE I/D polymorphism. In a total of 349 worldwide population samples, frequency of ACE D allele was higher in European, Asian, and Africans cohorts. In the USA, the frequency of ACE D allele was higher in non-Hispanic Black compared with non-Hispanic White and Mexican Americans.

Conclusion

COVID-19 binding mediated reduction/inactivation of ACE-II can increase ACE/Ang-II signalling pathway and related pathologies. The presence of ACE DD polymorphism with COVID-19 infection likely augments ACE/Ang-II activities, increasing severity of COVID-19 morbidities and impacts outcomes. Thus, ethnic prevalence of ACE DD polymorphism can explain in part the severity of COVID-19 morbidity providing rationale for the use of ACE-I/ARBs to improve outcomes.
A genetic algorithm for the fuzzy shortest path problem in a fuzzy network
Authors: Lin Lihua , Wu Chuzheng , Ma Li
Published: September 2020

The shortest path problem (SPP) is an optimization problem of determining a path between specified source vertexsand destination vertextin a fuzzy network. Fuzzy logic can handle the uncertainties, associated with the information of any real life problem, where conventional mathematical models may fail to reveal proper result. In classical SPP, real numbers are used to represent the arc length of the network. However, the uncertainties related with the linguistic description of arc length in SPP are not properly represented by real number. We need to address two main matters in SPP with fuzzy arc lengths. The first matter is how to calculate the path length using fuzzy addition operation and the second matter is how to compare the two different path lengths denoted by fuzzy parameter. We use the graded mean integration technique of triangular fuzzy numbers to solve this two problems. A common heuristic algorithm to solve the SPP is the genetic algorithm. In this manuscript, we have introduced an algorithmic method based on genetic algorithm for determining the shortest path between a source vertex s and destination vertex t in a fuzzy graph with fuzzy arc lengths in SPP. A new crossover and mutation is introduced to solve this SPP. We also describe the QoS routing problem in a wireless ad hoc network.
Hochschild Cohomology, Monoid Objects and Monoidal Categories
Authors: Hellstrøm-Finnsen Magnus
Published: September 2020

This paper expands further on a category theoretical formulation of Hochschild cohomology for monoid objects in monoidal categories enriched over abelian groups, which has been studied in Hellstrøm-Finnsen (Commun Algebra 46(12):5202–5233, 2018). This topic was also presented at ISCRA, Isfahan, Iran, April 2019. The present paper aims to provide a more intuitive formulation of the Hochschild cochain complex and extend the definition to Hochschild cohomology with values in a bimodule object. In addition, an equivalent formulation of the Hochschild cochain complex in terms of a cosimplicial object in the category of abelian groups is provided.
Optimization of continuous-flow diphenyldiazomethane synthesis: an integrated undergraduate chemistry experiment
Authors: van Summeren Luuk T. C. G. , Gerretzen Jan , Rutjes Floris P. J. T. , Bloemberg Tom G.
Published: September 2020

We present a challenging flow-chemistry experiment concerning the synthesis of diphenyldiazomethane using the Omura-Sharma-Swern oxidation, that we have developed and used in our second-year undergraduate lab classes over the past seven years. The experiment integrates a number of different aspects and concepts of chemistry that are traditionally taught as separate subjects in undergraduate chemical education: organic synthesis, quantitative chemical analysis, design of experiments, optimization, statistical modelling, computer programming and continuous-flow processes.
Dass eine Familie weiß, wo sie was an Hilfe kriegen kann, wenn sie Hilfe braucht, das finde ich wichtig – Sozialräumliche Vernetzung von Kitas in der Migrationsgesellschaft und die Rolle der Leitungen
Authors: Salem Tanja , Lengyel Drorit
Published: September 2020

In vielen Regionen der Migrationsgesellschaft Deutschland ist Superdiversität Normalität für Kitas. Aufgabe von Kitas ist es, an den heterogenen Sozialisationserfahrungen und Bildungsvoraussetzungen von Kindern anzuknüpfen und ihre Arbeit sozialräumlich auszurichten, um Bildungsmöglichkeiten für Kinder (und Familien) zu eröffnen und zu erweitern. Im Anschluss an theoretische Konzepte zu Raum im Kontext von Bildung und die Rolle von Kita-Leitungen für die sozialräumliche Vernetzung in der Migrationsgesellschaft, geht die vorliegende empirische Studie den Zusammenhängen zwischen sozialstrukturellen und -kulturellen Bedingungen in und im Umfeld der Kita, der Vernetzung im Sozialraum sowie der Rolle der Kita-Leitungen hierfür nach.
Disability trajectories in activities of daily living of elderly Chinese before death
Authors: Zhang Wenjuan , Feldman Marcus W.
Published: September 2020

This study aims to analyze the changes in activities of daily living (ADL) of the Chinese elderly before death, and to explore the heterogeneity in this process. Using data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), we quantify disability trajectories of ADL using a group-based trajectory model and find that there are three types of disability trajectory for ADL. The elderly who differ by socioeconomic status, childhood experiences, health behaviors, ages and birth cohorts show significant differences in their disability trajectories. Long duration of disability is found to be more prevalent in older females and people with high socioeconomic status. Good and stable status of ADL is more common among males and people of low socioeconomic status, while the elderly in an early cohort who died at older ages were more likely to have experienced a long duration of disability. Selective and protective effects contribute to the observed differences in trajectories.
Numerical and experimental validation of SMArt thermography for the inspection of wind blade composite laminate
Authors: De Giorgi Marta , Nobile Riccardo , Saponaro Andrea
Published: September 2020

An innovative active thermography technique is proposed for the inspection of typical wind blade material. The proposed technique is based on the use of a multifunctional material obtained adding a grid of Shape Memory Alloy wires, which would serve also as a protection against lightning, to a traditional glass fibre composite panel. This technique, called SMArt thermography, which exploits the SMA wires as internal heat sources, has been compared to a traditional pulsed thermography in the case of a representative panel of unidirectional glass fibre and epoxy matrix with embedded SMA wires and artificial defects. The experimental results of the two techniques are reported and compared to the result of a numerical FEM transient model, in order to establish the reliability and the detectability limit of the proposed technique. The FEM model has been proven to be a useful tool for the definition of the multifunctional material at a design stage.
Investigating the relation among disturbed sleep due to social media use, school burnout, and academic performance
Authors: Evers Katerina , Chen Sufen , Rothmann Sebastiaan , Dhir Amandeep , Pallesen Ståle
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Previous studies have revealed the significant influence of electronic devices, especially social media use, on sleep difficulties among adolescents. In this study, disturbed sleep due to social media use (DSSM) was defined as reduced or troubled sleep caused by nighttime‐specific behaviors such as waking to check updates, being notified by incoming messages, or postponed bedtime because of social media activities. Inadequate and disturbed sleep during youth interferes with daytime academic efficiency and may be associated with school burnout, which were examined in this study.

Methods

Using two data waves collected from questionnaires on school burnout and DSSM and school test scores of 2462 Taiwanese middle school students (52.5% males) from various school types with average ages of 13.9 (SD = 0.72) and 14.3 (SD = 0.66) at Time 1 and Time 2, we investigated the relationship between the variables across time.

Results

DSSM, academic performance, and school burnout were significantly correlated. Cross‐lagged analyses to the group of adolescents with higher than the average DSSM scores revealed that burnout predicted lower academic achievements through DSSM as a mediator. Burnout did not have a direct effect on school performance but influenced the latter through disturbed sleep. Poor academic achievement in its turn showed a feedback effect on higher levels of burnout.

Conclusions

This research reveals a vicious cycle of burnout, disturbed sleep, and academic achievement. During adolescence, school burnout through DSSM increase can lead to a lower academic performance that may later cause even higher burnout.
COVID-19 Models for Hospital Surge Capacity Planning: A Systematic Review
Authors: Klein Michael G. , Cheng Carolynn J. , Lii Evonne , Mao Keying , Mesbahi Hamza , Zhu Tianjie , Muckstadt John A. , Hupert Nathaniel
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Health system preparedness for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) includes projecting the number and timing of cases requiring various types of treatment. Several tools were developed to assist in this planning process. This review highlights models that project both caseload and hospital capacity requirements over time.

Methods:

We systematically reviewed the medical and engineering literature according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We completed searches using PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Google search engine.

Results:

The search strategy identified 690 articles. For a detailed review, we selected 6 models that met our predefined criteria. Half of the models did not include age-stratified parameters, and only 1 included the option to represent a second wave. Hospital patient flow was simplified in all models; however, some considered more complex patient pathways. One model included fatality ratios with length of stay (LOS) adjustments for survivors versus those who die, and accommodated different LOS for critical care patients with or without a ventilator.

Conclusion:

The results of our study provide information to physicians, hospital administrators, emergency response personnel, and governmental agencies on available models for preparing scenario-based plans for responding to the COVID-19 or similar type of outbreak.
Prediction and Severity Ratings of COVID-19 in the United States
Authors: Yue Liping , Tu Taotao , Geng Xiuyuan
Published: September 2020

Objectives:

The objectives of this study is to predict the possible trajectory of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread in the United States. Prediction and severity ratings of COVID-19 are essential for pandemic control and economic reopening in the United States.

Method:

In this study, we apply the logistic and Gompertz model to evaluate possible turning points of the COVID-19 pandemic in different regions. By combining uncertainty and severity factors, this study constructed an indicator to assess the severity of the coronavirus outbreak in various states.

Results:

Based on the index of severity ratings, different regions of the United States are classified into 4 categories. The result shows that it is possible to identify the first turning point in Montana and Hawaii. It is unclear when the rest of the states will reach the first peak. However, it can be inferred that 75% of regions will not reach the first peak of coronavirus before August 2, 2020.

Conclusion:

It is still essential for the majority of states to take proactive steps to fight against COVID-19 before August 2, 2020.
Impact of a Physician Clinical Support Supervisor in Supporting Patients and Families, Staff, and the Health-Care System During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tevis Sarah E. , Patel Hemali , Singh Sarguni , Ehrenfeucht Cathy , Little Charlie , Kutner Jean , Persoff Jason
Published: September 2020

As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV2), became a pandemic, hospitals activated Hospital Incident Command Systems (HICS). At our institution, we included a role of Physician Clinical Support Supervisor (PCSS) in the HICS structure. The PCSS role was filled by physicians who served hospital leadership positions, such as Physician Advisor, Medical Staff leadership, Chief Quality Officer, and Chief Medical Informatics Officer. In an effort to summarize the lessons learned by implementation of the PCSS role during the COVID-19 pandemic, we evaluated a PCSS working Microsoft Teams™ spreadsheet and the experience of physicians in the PCSS role. Through efficient daily 2-way communication between frontline providers, HICS, and hospital leadership, the PCSS role facilitated rapid change and improved support for frontline staff, patients and families, and the health-care system. We recommend including the role of PCSS in HICS structure in the event of future pandemics or other crises.
Performing Qualitative Mask Fit Testing Without a Commercial Kit: Fit Testing Which Can Be Performed at Home and at Work
Authors: O’Kelly Eugenia , Arora Anmol , Pearson Charlotte , Ward James R. , Clarkson P. John
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Qualitative fit testing is a popular method of ensuring the fit of sealing face masks such as N95 and FFP3 masks. Increased demand due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to shortages in testing equipment and has forced many institutions to abandon fit testing. Three key materials are required for qualitative fit testing: the test solution, nebulizer, and testing hood. Accessible alternatives to the testing solution have been studied. This exploratory qualitative study evaluates alternatives to the nebulizer and hoods for performing qualitative fit testing.

Methods:

Four devices were trialed to replace the test kit nebulizer. Two enclosures were tested for their ability to replace the test hood. Three researchers evaluated promising replacements under multiple mask fit conditions to assess functionality and accuracy.

Results:

The aroma diffuser and smaller enclosures allowed participants to perform qualitative fit tests quickly and with high accuracy.

Conclusions:

Aroma diffusers show significant promise in their ability to allow individuals to quickly, easily, and inexpensively perform qualitative fit testing. Our findings indicate that aroma diffusers and homemade testing hoods may allow for qualitative fit testing when conventional apparatus is unavailable. Additional research is needed to evaluate the safety and reliability of these devices.
COVID-19 Presenting as Lupus Erythematosus-Like Syndrome
Authors: El Aoud Sahar , Morin Clément , Lorriaux Pauline , Obert Julie , Sorial Didier , Chaabouni Tarek , Thomas Laurent
Published: September 2020

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection had newly emerged with predominant respiratory complications. Other extrapulmonary features had been recently described. Here, we describe a COVID-19 patient presenting with multiorgan involvement mimicking systemic lupus erythematosus. He was successfully treated with glucocorticoids and tocilizumab.
Cybersecurity in the EU The Example of the Financial Sector: A Legal Perspective
Authors: Calliess Christian , Baumgarten Ansgar
Published: September 2020

Cybersecurity in the financial sector is a dynamic and evolving policy field with unique challenges and specific characteristics. While it has recently received a lot of attention from disciplines like Economics and Politics, legal literature on this topic, especially with regard to EU law, still lags behind. This is surprising, given that cybersecurity in the EU is characterized by complex governance structures, a variety of legal sources, and a wide range of different rule makers and involved actors, and given that only a clear legal framework with efficient institutions at both EU and Member State level can provide for a safe digital environment. The purpose of this Article, therefore, is twofold: On the one hand, it aims to introduce the legal aspects of cybersecurity in the financial sector while taking stock of existing cybersecurity schemes, including their strengths and weaknesses from a legal perspective. On the other hand, it will set out key elements that cybersecurity regulation in the financial sector must respect in order to be effective and come up with reform proposals to make the EU financial sector more cybersecure.
Idiosyncratic Information and Vague Communication
Authors: HONRYO TAKAKAZU , YANO MAKOTO
Published: September 2020

This study explores why, at critical moments, governments may withhold vital information from the public. We explain this phenomenon by what we call idiosyncratic events, or events independent of the information receiver’s state-contingent payoff functions. Idiosyncratic events often influence the receiver’s belief on the sender’s performance. If such events are correlated with the events determining the payoff functions, the sender may withhold information so as to improve his image. This result may be applied to the manipulation of information regarding a number of recent real-world phenomena, including the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011 and the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19.