bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rural Isolation, Small Towns, and the Risk of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: DuBois Kathryn O.
Published: July 2020

Ethnographic research from the United States on gender-based violence showing that rural isolation exacerbates intimate partner violence (IPV) is at odds with estimates from nationally representative victimization surveys which indicate that the incidence of IPV in settlements conventionally characterized as rural is similar to or less than the incidence for urban settlements. One possible reason for this discrepancy—that the conventional metropolitan statistical area–based measure of settlement type fails to distinguish isolated rural areas from other nonmetropolitan places—is put to test in this study. Pooled data from 578,471 women interviewed a total of 1,672,999 times in the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) between 1994 and 2015 were used in this study to consider the risk of IPV across a measure of settlement type that differentiates nonmetropolitan settlements into dispersed rural areas or residentially concentrated small towns. Logistic regression estimates of semiannual IPV prevalence were modeled using generalized estimating equations and robust standard errors to compensate for repeated measures and for the complex sample design of the NCVS. After adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, year, and time in sample, these analyses indicated that women from dispersed rural settlements had a lower semiannual risk of IPV (2.31 per 1,000 [95% confidence interval [CI] = [2.02, 2.64]]) than women from small towns (3.30 per 1,000 women [95% CI = [2.82, 3.87]]) or women from the urban core (2.60 per 1,000 [95% CI = [2.44, 2.77]]). Contrary to the ethnographic record, the results of this study indicate that women living in rural isolation are at a lower risk of IPV victimization relative to other American women and that women from small towns—the urbanized portions of nonmetropolitan counties—have been most at risk of suffering physical violence committed by an intimate partner.
Integrating laser profile sensor to an industrial robotic arm for improving quality inspection in manufacturing processes
Authors: Al Khawli Toufik , Anwar Muddasar , Gan Dongming , Islam Shafiqul
Published: July 2020

This paper investigates the integration of laser profile sensor to an industrial robotic arm for automating the quality inspection in manufacturing processes that requires a manual labour intensive work. The aim was to register the measurements from a laser profile sensor mounted on a six degrees-of-freedom robot with respect to the robot base frame. The registration is based on a six degrees-of-freedom calibration, which is an essential step for several automated manufacturing processes that require high level of accuracy in tool positioning and alignment on one hand, and quality inspection systems that require flexibility and accurate measurements on the other hand. The investigation compromises of two calibration procedures namely the calibration using a sharp object and the planar constraints. The solution of the calibration procedures estimated from both iterative and optimization solvers is thoroughly discussed. By implementing a simulation platform that generates virtual data for the two procedures with additional levels of noise, the six-dimensional poses are estimated and compared to the ground truth. Finally, an experimental test using a laser profile from Acuity mounted on Mitsubishi RV-6SDL manipulator is presented to investigate the measurement accuracy with four estimated laser poses. The calibration procedure using a sharp object shows the most accurate simulation and experimental results under the effect of noise.
A Case of Successful Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for HHV8-Positive Castleman’s Disease with a Review of the Literature
Authors: Wang Zhen , Yang Shiwei , Zhu Zunmin , Lei Pingchong , Yang Jing , Zhang Ping , Sun Kai
Published: July 2020

Objective:

To investigate the long-term clinical efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for patients with human herpes virus 8 (HHV8)-positive multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD).

Methods:

A 17-year-old female patient was admitted to Henan Provincial People’s Hospital with the complaint of febrile for half a month, headache, and enlarged superficial lymph nodes on October 5, 2010. HHV8-positive mixed cellular Castleman’s disease was found by pathological diagnosis of lymph nodes biopsy. After the administration of CHOP and Hyper-CVAD-B, the patient was still febrile, we administrated the followed COAP, two courses of VAD(Vincristine, Adriamycin, Dexamethasone), the patient received CR. Six months after CR, the patient relapsed, we administrated VAD and two courses of bortezomide+dexamethasone chemotherapy, and then the patient received PR. After that, the patient underwent allo-HSCT from his human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched unrelated donor after conditioning with Bu/Cy+Etoposide+Smoustin.graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis, which consisted of ATG (7.5 mg/kg, qd, ivdrip) from d-5 to d-2, cyclosporine (3 mg/kg/d, qd, ivdrip, for 24 h) started from day-1, MMF(0.5 g, tid, po.) started from day+1 to +28, and MTX (15 mg per time, ivdrip, d+1,+4,+7,+11). She received 3.5×106/L CD34+cells and 8.1×108/LMNC.

Results:

Granulocyte engraftment occurred on day+12, platelet engrafted on day+14. Bone marrow biopsy showed normalization of trilineage hematopoiesis on day+33, chimerism: 97.6%. The transplantation was successful and followed up for 7 years with CR.

Conclusion:

Allo-HSCT might cure patients with refractory/relapsed HHV8+ MCD.
Implementation and performance of Barnes-hut n-body algorithm on extreme-scale heterogeneous many-core architectures
Authors: Iwasawa Masaki , Namekata Daisuke , Sakamoto Ryo , Nakamura Takashi , Kimura Yasuyuki , Nitadori Keigo , Wang Long , Tsubouchi Miyuki , Makino Jun , Liu Zhao , Fu Haohuan , Yang Guangwen
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we report the implementation and measured performance of our extreme-scale whole planetary ring simulation code on Sunway TaihuLight and two PEZY-SC2 systems: Shoubu System B and Gyoukou. The numerical algorithm is the parallel Barnes-Hut tree algorithm, which has been used in many large-scale astrophysical particle-based simulations. Our implementation is based on our FDPS framework. However, the extremely large numbers of cores of the systems used (10 M on TaihuLight and 16 M on Gyoukou) and their relatively poor memory and network bandwidth pose new challenges. We describe the new algorithms introduced to achieve high efficiency on machines with low memory bandwidth. The measured performance is 47.9, 10.6 PF, and 1.01PF on TaihuLight, Gyoukou and Shoubu System B (efficiency 40%, 23.5% and 35.5%). The current code is developed for the simulation of planetary rings, but most of the new algorithms are useful for other simulations, and are now available in the FDPS framework.
Distribution, Stability, and Continuity of Autonomic Nervous System Responsivity at 18- and 36-Months of Age
Authors: Stephens Michelle , Bush Nicole , Weiss Sandra , Alkon Abbey
Published: July 2020

Objective:

Cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) measures, respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and preejection period (PEP), are valid and reliable indicators of children’s sensitivity to their environment; however, there are few studies of ANS measures in children less than three years of age. This study’s aim was to summarize the distributions, stability, and continuity of RSA and PEP measures during resting, challenge, and reactivity for children at 18- and 36-months.

Methods:

This was a cohort study of racially- and ethnically-diverse, low-income children who completed a developmentally challenging protocol while we simultaneously assessed their RSA and PEP at 18-months (N = 134) and 36-months (N = 102).

Results:

The ANS resting, challenge, and reactivity measures at 18- and 36-months of age were normally distributed. The RSA resting (r = 0.29), RSA challenge (r = 0.44), PEP resting (r = 0.55) and PEP challenge (r = 0.58) measures were moderately stable but RSA (r = 0.01) and PEP reactivity (r = 0.02) were not stable from 18- to 36-months of age. There was no continuity in the ANS measures from 18- to 36-months of age with statistically significant changes in sample means for all of the ANS measures.

Discussion:

These developmental changes in ANS are shown at the sample level but there are individual differences in ANS responses from 18- to 36-months that may be affected by adversity or protective factors experienced early in life.
Complete Genome and Comparative Genome Analysis of Lactobacillus reuteri YSJL-12, a Potential Probiotics Strain Isolated From Healthy Sow Fresh Feces
Authors: Xu Su , Cheng Jianjun , Meng Xiangchen , Xu Yan , Mu Ying
Published: July 2020

Lactobacillus reuteri YSJL-12 was isolated from healthy sow fresh feces and used as probiotics additives previously. To investigate the genetic basis on probiotic potential and identify the genes in the strain, the complete genome of YSJL-12 was sequenced. Then comparative genome analysis on 9 strains of Lactobacillus reuteri was performed. The genome of YSJL-12 consisted of a circular 2,084,748 bp chromosome and 2 circular plasmids (51,906 and 15,134 bp). From among the 2065 protein-coding sequences (CDSs), the genes resistant to the environmental stress were identified. The function of COG (Clusters of Orthologous Group) protein genes was predicted, and the KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways were analyzed. The comparative genome analysis indicated that the pan-genome contained a core genome of 1257 orthologous gene clusters, an accessory genome of 1064 orthologous gene clusters, and 1148 strain-specific genes, and the antibacterial mechanism among Lactobacillus reuteri strains might be different. The phylogenetic analysis and genomic collinearity revealed that the phylogenetic relationship among 9 strains of Lactobacillus reuteri was connected with host species and showed host specificity. The research could help us to better predict genes function and understand genetic basis on adapting to host gut in Lactobacillus reuteri YSJL-12.
In Silico Investigation of First-Pass Effect on Selected Small Molecule Excipients and Structural Dynamics of P-glycoprotein
Authors: Fatoki Toluwase Hezekiah , Ibraheem Omodele , Awofisayo Oladoja A , Oyedele Abiodun Samuel , Akinlolu Olapade Samuel
Published: July 2020

In this study, the interaction of selected pharmaceutical excipients on the function of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and activity of 6 cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms were computationally investigated. At binding free energy cut-off value of −5.0 kcal/mol, the result showed possible modulatory or inhibitory effect by cethyl alcohol on CPY3A4 and P-gp; cetyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide (CTAB) on CYP1A2 and P-gp; dibutyl sebacate on CYP2C9, CYP2E1, and P-gp; sodium caprylate on CYP1A2 and CYP3A4; while most of the tested excipients have good interaction with the cytochromes and P-gp. The predicted pharmacokinetics provided possible inhibitors of the CYPs and P-gp and suggested that aspartame and acetyl tributyl citrate may not permeate blood–brain barrier and not act as P-gp substrates. Target prediction for CTAB showed 100% and 35% probability of target to dynamin-1 (UniProt ID: Q05193) and histamine H3 receptor (UniProt ID: Q9Y5N1), respectively, whereas tricaprylin showed 40% probability of target to 5 Protein kinase C (UniProt IDs: P17252, Q02156, Q04759, P24723, and P05129). This study shows that synergistic effect of some excipients present in a drug formulation and multiple drugs administration is possible through modulation of CYPs activities and P-gp function, and this is crucial for consideration to mitigate toxicity in pediatric and adult populations.
Developing a Comprehensive, Interdisciplinary Concussion Program
Authors: Chen Jamie , Kouts Jill , Rippee Michael A. , Lauer Stephen , Smith David , McDonald Tracy , Kurylo Monica , Filardi Tanya
Published: July 2020

There has been a growing trend of local and national coverage of and interest in concussion injuries over the past 2 decades. Increasing public concern over potential catastrophic and unknown long-term effects of sports-related concussion injuries has led to an acknowledgment of the strong public health need for addressing all concussion injuries, regardless of mechanism of injury. In efforts to address this need for concussion prevention and management, both in sports and nonsports, The University of Kansas Health System initiated the interdisciplinary Center for Concussion Management program in 2012. The program was created as a virtual clinic concept and includes voluntary participation from various providers across the institution, limited budget, and space obstacles. Since its inception, the program has continued to operate as its initial design of a multidisciplinary team model outside the sole ownership of 1 department, and has expanded to include education and outreach to local and regional schools and groups.
Do (many) voters like ranking?
Authors: Blais André , Plescia Carolina , Högström John , Péloquin-Skulski Gabrielle
Published: July 2020

Do (many) voters like ranking? We address this question through an experimental study performed in four countries: Austria, England, Ireland and Sweden. Respondents were invited to participate in three successive elections. They were randomly assigned to one of four possible voting scenarios and asked to vote. The voting scenarios differed in terms of party supply (three or five parties) and the type of vote choice (vote for one party only or possibility of ranking all parties). After they had voted, respondents were asked about their satisfaction with the party supply and the voting system (using a scale from 0 “not at all satisfied” to 10 “very much satisfied”). We find little difference in overall satisfaction between those elections where people could rank order the parties and those where they could not.
Impact of oral anticoagulation choice on healthcare utilization for the primary treatment of venous thromboembolism
Authors: Lutsey Pamela L , MacLehose Richard F , Claxton J’Neka S , Walker Rob F , Adam Terrence J , Alonso Alvaro , Zakai Neil A
Published: July 2020

Little is known about the impact of oral anticoagulation (OAC) choice on healthcare encounters during venous thromboembolism (VTE) primary treatment. Among anticoagulant-naïve patients with VTE, we tested the hypotheses that healthcare utilization would be lower among users of direct OACs (DOACs; rivaroxaban or apixaban) than among users of warfarin. MarketScan databases for years 2016 and 2017 were used; healthcare utilization was identified in the first 6 months after initial VTE diagnoses. The 23,864 patients with VTE had on average 0.2 ± 0.5 hospitalizations, spent 1.3 ± 5.2 days in the hospital, had 5.7 ± 5.1 outpatient encounters, and visited an emergency department 0.4 ± 1.1 times. As compared to warfarin, rivaroxaban and apixaban were associated with fewer hospitalizations, days hospitalized, outpatient office visits, and emergency department visits after accounting for age, sex, comorbidities, and medications. Hospitalization rates were 24% lower (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 0.76; 95% CI: 0.69, 0.83) with rivaroxaban and 22% lower (IRR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.71, 0.87) with apixaban, as compared to warfarin (IRR: 1.00 (reference)). Healthcare utilization was similar between apixaban and rivaroxaban users. Patients with VTE prescribed rivaroxaban and apixaban had lower healthcare utilization than those prescribed warfarin, while there was no difference when comparing apixaban to rivaroxaban. These findings complement existing literature supporting the use of DOACs over warfarin.
A Thematic Analysis on the Implementation of Nutrition Policies at Food Pantries Using the RE-AIM Framework
Authors: Helmick Meagan , Yaroch Amy L. , Estabrooks Paul A. , Parks Courtney , Hill Jennie L.
Published: July 2020

Food pantries are responsible for the direct distribution of food to low-income households. While food pantries may be concerned about the nutritional quality of the food they are serving, they may have limited resources to adopt and implement nutrition policies to support efforts to promote high nutritional quality of the food served. Guided by the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness or Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework, this qualitative study explored the degree of implementation of nutrition policies at food pantries, as well as the barriers to implementation in those pantries that had not adopted a nutrition policy. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 food pantry directors: seven pantries with a formal nutrition policy and three with an informal nutrition policy. Using a thematic analysis method, results demonstrated themes from the interviews with policy-adopting pantries to be barriers, enforcement, delivery of the policy, unexpected consequences, and fidelity to the policy. A targeted intervention that builds on this research and focuses on building the capacity of food pantries to develop, adopt, and implement nutrition policies as well as helping to increase fidelity to the policy would be beneficial to continue to improve the food donated and distributed at food pantries. By supporting food pantries in the development, adoption, and implementation of nutrition policies, researchers can play an important role in improving the quality of food in the emergency food network.
Algorithmic Television in the Age of Large-scale Customization
Authors: Shapiro Stephen
Published: July 2020

One challenge that Television Studies faces today is how to respond to the rise of an industry increasingly organized by what Antoinette Rouvroy calls “data behavioralism.” The rise of streaming prestige television, exemplified by Netflix, has significant implications within the U.S. screen industry, but the “Netflix effect,” as McDonald and Smith-Rowsey call it, is more than just a change in the industrial mode of production, means of distribution, and method of consumption. The datalogic turn on which Netflixism is based also undermines the theoretical models on which Television Studies was largely built, including theories of representation, visual interpellation and pleasure, and power as “productive.” Hence, the rise of algorithmic television is not simply a new “object” or “wave” for us to study and comment upon; it challenges the mode of knowledge-production (or dispositif) on which the field has grounded itself.
Are Republicans Bad for the Environment?
Authors: Fowler Luke , Kettler Jaclyn J.
Published: July 2020

Does the partisanship of officeholders affect environmental outcomes? The popular perception is that Republicans are bad for the environment, but complicating factors like federalism may limit this outcome. Using a dataset that tracks toxic releases over 20 years, we examine how partisan control of executive and legislative branches at both state and federal levels affect environmental policy. Moving beyond the passage of policies or environmental program spending allows us to fully understand the impact of Republicans on the environment. In addition, we take into account structural complications that may shape the relationship between Republican control and environmental outcomes. We find that the conventional wisdom that Republicans are bad for the environment has some validity, but it is dependent on what offices Republican elected officials occupy. More specifically, Republicans significantly affect toxic chemical releases when occupying governorships and controlling Congress. Our conclusions provide further insight into understanding how partisanship affects environmental outcomes, including how partisanship composition across the federal system matters.
Evaluation of Knowledge Levels About Diabetes Foot Care and Self-Care Activities in Diabetic Individuals
Authors: Gökdeniz Damla , Akgün Şahin Zümrüt
Published: July 2020

This study was conducted descriptively for the purpose of evaluating the knowledge levels concerning diabetic foot care and self-care activities in individuals with diabetes. The study was carried out with 120 patients who had applied to the internal medicine clinic and endocrine polyclinic in a public hospital in the city center of Turkey. It was determined that Diabetes Self-Care Scale (DSCS) score averages were significantly different between the patients in the age group of 56 to 65 years, who had been diagnosed diabetes for 21 years, and went to doctor every month ( P < .05). It was found that the Diabetes Foot Knowledge Questionnaire score average was 2.3 ± 1.5 (minimum = 0; maximum = 5), the DSCS score average was 76.6 ± 15.5 (minimum = 46; maximum = 124), and the FSOG score average was 55.5 ± 10.8 (minimum = 30; maximum = 74). It should be stated to the patients that an appropriate foot care in diabetes is certainly important to prevent wound development.
Tests that now deserve to be more widely adopted in IBD clinical practice
Authors: Labarile Nunzia , Ghosh Subrata , Ng Siew C , Walters Julian , Iacucci Marietta
Published: July 2020

Inflammatory bowel diseases are chronic relapsing immune-mediated diseases of the intestinal tract with multifaceted manifestations and treatment related morbidity. Faecal and blood tests, radiological, endoscopic and histologic investigations are now widely used for managing both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Over the years, a number of new investigations have been proposed but not widely adopted yet. Patients with Crohn’s disease may have multiple causes of diarrhoea, not always attributable to disease exacerbation, but sometimes linked to bile acid malabsorption; we have a reliable serum test, C4, that allows us to recognize and treat this cause of diarrhoea efficaciously and not empirically, but it is not available or used widely. There is genetic inter-individual variability in drug responses, in terms of both efficacy and toxicity, leading to high rates of therapeutic failure. Patients treated with thiopurine or, more rarely, 5-aminosalicylic acid may suffer from unpredictable and serious adverse events, some of these with pathogenesis related to genetic variants: myelosuppression, acute pancreatitis and nephrotoxicity. The identification of pre-treatment genetic tests can optimize therapeutic choice and avoid adverse events. With regard to biological drugs, patients can experience primary non-response or loss of response due to induction of immune responses to the drugs affecting drug efficacy and determining hypersensitivity reactions. We have specifically reviewed a number of investigations, whose use is currently limited, and highlighted four tests that deserve to be more widely incorporated in clinical practice as these could improve medical decision-making and patient outcomes.
Enhanced Matching of Children’s Faces in “Super-Recognisers” But Not High-Contact Controls
Authors: Bate Sarah , Bennetts Rachel , Murray Ebony , Portch Emma
Published: July 2020

Face matching is notoriously error-prone, and some work suggests additional difficulty when matching the faces of children. It is possible that individuals with natural proficiencies in adult face matching (“super-recognisers” [SRs]) will also excel at the matching of children’s faces, although other work implicates facilitations in typical perceivers who have high levels of contact with young children (e.g., nursery teachers). This study compared the performance of both of these groups on adult and child face matching to a group of low-contact controls. High- and low-contact control groups performed at a remarkably similar level in both tasks, whereas facilitations for adult and child face matching were observed in some (but not all) SRs. As a group, the SRs performed better in the adult compared with the child task, demonstrating an extended own-age bias compared with controls. These findings suggest that additional exposure to children’s faces does not assist the performance in a face matching task, and the mechanisms underpinning superior recognition of adult faces can also facilitate the child face recognition. Real-world security organisations should therefore seek individuals with general facilitations in face matching for both adult and child face matching tasks.
Determinants of low birth weight among live birth newborns delivered at public hospitals in Gamo Gofa Zone, South Ethiopia: Unmatched case control study
Authors: Mingude Alemu Basazin , Gebretsadik Woiynshet , Misker Dresilgn , Woldeamanuel Gashaw Garedew
Published: July 2020

Background:

Birth weight is one of the major determinants of perinatal survival, infant morbidity, and mortality. There are only few published reports on assessment of low birth weight in Ethiopia and the determinants of low birth weight have not been well characterized.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to assess determinants of low birth weight among live birth newborns delivered at public hospitals in Gamo Gofa Zone, South Ethiopia.

Methods:

Institution-based case control study was conducted from February 25 to April 25, 2018 and consecutively selected 60 cases and 240 controls were enrolled in this study. The data were collected using face-to-face interview and review of medical records. Moreover, we have measured the newborns’ birth weight using a standard weight scale and mother’s mid-upper arm circumference using a standard World Health Organization mid-upper arm circumference measuring tape. Statistical analysis of the data was done using SPSS version 21.

Results:

A total of 300 newborns were included in the study. Late antenatal care booking (adjusted odds ratio = 1.87, confidence interval = [1.32–2.6]), birth interval <2 years (adjusted odds ratio = 0.385, confidence interval = [0.176–0.83]), anemia (adjusted odds ratio = 4.4, confidence interval = [1.84–10.5]), mid-upper arm circumference <23 cm (adjusted odds ratio = 7.99, confidence interval = [3.5–20.3]), nutritional counseling (adjusted odds ratio = 5.85, confidence interval = [2.14–14.8]), and husband smoking (adjusted odds ratio = 4.73; confidence interval = [1.42–15.7]) were found to be determinant factors of low birth weight.

Conclusion:

Most of the determining factors of low birth weight were preventable. Therefore, clinical and public health interventions should target on those determinant factors to prevent its adverse effects.
The Golden Compass Program: Overview of the Initial Implementation of a Comprehensive Program for Older Adults Living with HIV
Authors: Greene Meredith , Myers Janet , Tan Judy Y. , Blat Cinthia , O’Hollaren Allison , Quintanilla Francisco , Hsue Priscilla , Shiels Mary , Hicks Mary Lawrence , Olson Bill , Grochowski Janet , Oskarsson Jon , Havlir Diane , Gandhi Monica
Published: July 2020

The population with HIV is aging and has unique health needs. We present findings from an evaluation of the geriatric-HIV program, Golden Compass, at San Francisco General Hospital. We used the implementation science framework, RE-AIM ( Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) to guide the evaluation and used quantitative and qualitative methods to assess RE-AIM dimensions. From January 2017 to June 2018, 198 adults age ≥50 years participated in the program, with an estimated reach of 17%. Providers and patients indicated high acceptability of the program and were satisfied with clinics and classes. Colocation of services, specific pharmacy and geriatric assessments, and social support from classes were valued ( effectiveness). Provider adoption was high, and the program was implemented as originally designed. Areas for improvement included challenges of framing aging services to patients. Future efforts will focus on expanding the reach of the program and examining long-term outcomes.
Seismic risk assessment for the residential buildings of the major three cities in Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali
Authors: Acevedo Ana Beatriz , Yepes-Estrada Catalina , González Daniela , Silva Vitor , Mora Miguel , Arcila Mónica , Posada Gustavo
Published: July 2020

This study presents a seismic risk assessment and a set of earthquake scenarios for the residential building stock of the three largest metropolitan centers of Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín and Cali (with 8.0, 2.5, and 2.4 million inhabitants, respectively). A uniform methodology was followed for the development of the seismic hazard, vulnerability, and exposure models, thus allowing a direct comparison between the seismic risk of the different cities. Risk metrics such as exceedance probability curves and average annual losses were computed for each city. The earthquake scenarios were selected considering events whose direct economic impact is similar to the aggregated loss for a probability of exceedance of 10% in 50 years. Results show a higher mean aggregate loss ratio for Cali and similar mean aggregate loss ratios for Bogotá and Medellín. All of the models used in this study are openly accessible, enabling risk modelers, engineers, and stakeholders to explore them for disaster risk management.
Natromarkeyite and pseudomarkeyite, two new calcium uranyl carbonate minerals from the Markey mine, San Juan County, Utah, USA
Authors: Kampf Anthony R. , Olds Travis A. , Plášil Jakub , Burns Peter C. , Marty Joe
Published: July 2020

The new minerals natromarkeyite, Na2Ca8(UO2)4(CO3)13(H2O)24⋅3H2O (IMA2018-152) and pseudomarkeyite, Ca8(UO2)4(CO3)12(H2O)18⋅3H2O (IMA2018-114) were found in the Markey mine, San Juan County, Utah, USA, where they occur as secondary phases on asphaltum. Natromarkeyite properties are: untwinned blades and tablets to 0.2 mm, pale yellow green colour; transparent; white streak; bright bluish white fluorescence (405 nm laser); vitreous to pearly lustre; brittle; Mohs hardness 1½ to 2; irregular fracture; three cleavages ({001} perfect, {100} and {010} good); density = 2.70(2) g cm–3; biaxial (–) with α = 1.528(2), β = 1.532(2) and γ = 1.533(2); and pleochroism is X = pale green yellow, Y ≈ Z = light green yellow. Pseudomarkeyite properties are: twinned tapering blades and tablets to 1 mm; pale green yellow colour; transparent; white streak; bright bluish white fluorescence (405 nm laser); vitreous to pearly lustre; brittle; Mohs hardness ≈ 1; stepped fracture; three cleavages ({10$\bar{1}$} very easy, {010} good, {100} fair); density = 2.88(2) g cm–3; biaxial (–) with α = 1.549(2), β = 1.553(2) and γ = 1.557(2); and it is nonpleochroic. The Raman spectra of markeyite, natromarkeyite and pseudomarkeyite are very similar and exhibit bands consistent with UO22+, CO32– and O–H. Electron microprobe analyses provided the empirical formula Na2.01Ca7.97Mg0.03Cu2+0.05(UO2)4(CO3)13(H2O)24⋅3H2O (–0.11 H) for natromarkeyite and Ca7.95(UO2)4(CO3)12(H2O)18⋅3H2O (+0.10 H) for pseudomarkeyite. Natromarkeyite is orthorhombic, Pmmn, a = 17.8820(13), b = 18.3030(4), c = 10.2249(3) Å, V = 3336.6(3) Å3 and Z = 2. Pseudomarkeyite is monoclinic, P21/m, a = 17.531(3), b = 18.555(3), c = 9.130(3) Å, β = 103.95(3)°, V = 2882.3(13) Å3 and Z = 2. The structures of natromarkeyite (R1 = 0.0202 for 2898 I > 2σI) and pseudomarkeyite (R1 = 0.0787 for 2106 I > 2σI) contain uranyl tricarbonate clusters that are linked by (Ca/Na)–O polyhedra forming thick corrugated heteropolyhedral layers. Natromarkeyite is isostructural with markeyite; pseudomarkeyite has a very similar structure.
Large-scale GMP-compliant CRISPR-Cas9–mediated deletion of the glucocorticoid receptor in multivirus-specific T cells
Authors: Basar Rafet , Daher May , Uprety Nadima , Gokdemir Elif , Alsuliman Abdullah , Ensley Emily , Ozcan Gonca , Mendt Mayela , Hernandez Sanabria Mayra , Kerbauy Lucila Nassif , Nunez Cortes Ana Karen , Li Li , Banerjee Pinaki P. , Muniz-Feliciano Luis , Acharya Sunil , Fowlkes Natalie W. , Lu Junjun , Li Sufang , Mielke Stephan , Kaplan Mecit , Nandivada Vandana , Bdaiwi Mustafa , Kontoyiannis Alexander D. , Li Ye , Liu Enli , Ang Sonny , Marin David , Brunetti Lorenzo , Gundry Michael C. , Turk Rolf , Schubert Mollie S. , Rettig Garrett R. , McNeill Matthew S. , Kurgan Gavin , Behlke Mark A. , Champlin Richard , Shpall Elizabeth J. , Rezvani Katayoun
Published: July 2020

Virus-specific T cells have proven highly effective for the treatment of severe and drug-refractory infections after hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). However, the efficacy of these cells is hindered by the use of glucocorticoids, often given to patients for the management of complications such as graft-versus-host disease. To address this limitation, we have developed a novel strategy for the rapid generation of good manufacturing practice (GMP)–grade glucocorticoid-resistant multivirus-specific T cells (VSTs) using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)–CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) gene-editing technology. We have shown that deleting the nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 1 (NR3C1; the gene encoding for the glucocorticoid receptor) renders VSTs resistant to the lymphocytotoxic effect of glucocorticoids. NR3C1-knockout (KO) VSTs kill their targets and proliferate successfully in the presence of high doses of dexamethasone both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we developed a protocol for the rapid generation of GMP-grade NR3C1 KO VSTs with high on-target activity and minimal off-target editing. These genetically engineered VSTs promise to be a novel approach for the treatment of patients with life-threatening viral infections post-HSCT on glucocorticoid therapy.
Prediction of air trapping or pulmonary hyperinflation by forced spirometry in COPD patients: results from COSYCONET
Authors: Alter Peter , Orszag Jan , Kellerer Christina , Kahnert Kathrin , Speicher Tim , Watz Henrik , Bals Robert , Welte Tobias , Vogelmeier Claus F. , Jörres Rudolf A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Air trapping and lung hyperinflation are major determinants of prognosis and response to therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They are often determined by body plethysmography, which has limited availability, and so the question arises as to what extent they can be estimatedviaspirometry.

Methods

We used data from visits 1–5 of the COPD cohort COSYCONET. Predictive parameters were derived from visit 1 data, while visit 2–5 data was used to assess reproducibility. Pooled data then yielded prediction models including sex, age, height, and body mass index as covariates. Hyperinflation was defined as ratio of residual volume (RV) to total lung capacity (TLC) above the upper limit of normal. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:NCT01245933).

Results

Visit 1 data from 1988 patients (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease grades 1–4, n=187, 847, 766, 188, respectively) were available for analysis (n=1231 males, 757 females; mean±sdage 65.1±8.4 years; forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 53.1±18.4 % predicted (% pred); forced vital capacity (FVC) 78.8±18.8 % pred; RV/TLC 0.547±0.107). In total, 7157 datasets were analysed. Among measures of hyperinflation, RV/TLC showed the closest relationship to FEV1% pred and FVC % pred, which were sufficient for prediction. Their relationship to RV/TLC could be depicted in nomograms. Even when neglecting covariates, hyperinflation was predicted by FEV1% pred, FVC % pred or their combination with an area under the curve of 0.870, 0.864 and 0.889, respectively.

Conclusions

The degree of air trapping/hyperinflation in terms of RV/TLC can be estimated in a simple manner from forced spirometry, with an accuracy sufficient for inferring the presence of hyperinflation. This may be useful for clinical settings, where body plethysmography is not available.
Transbronchial cryobiopsy: an effective tool in the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorders of the lung
Authors: Bianchi Rita , Dubini Alessandra , Asioli Silvia , Ravaglia Claudia , Tomassetti Sara , Puglisi Silvia , Piciucchi Sara , Gurioli Christian , Gurioli Carlo , Fiocca Roberto , Poletti Venerino
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Malignant lymphoproliferative disorders are rarely observed in the lung and, considering their clinical and radiological heterogeneity, diagnosis is often difficult and may require invasive methods. Transbronchial cryobiopsy has been confirmed as a new tool in the diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases, given its fewer risks and costs compared to surgical approach. This study is aimed at assessing the effectiveness of cryobiopsy in the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorders.

Materials and methods

Among 970 consecutive cryobiopsies, performed between January 2011 and June 2018 at Morgagni Hospital of Forlì, Italy, 13 cases of lymphoproliferative disorders were collected.

Results

In 12 out of 13 cases a precise pathological diagnosis could be reached with the support of immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular ancillary studies. In the only case in which cryobiopsy did not lead to a definitive diagnosis, the subsequent surgical biopsy also did not help to clarify the diagnosis. Severe bleeding or pneumothorax did not occur in any case. On average, five biopsies were obtained per case, with a mean total area of 1161 mm2, and only 5 out of 65 specimens were inadequate for diagnosis. Instant freezing did not produce tissue artefacts nor did it affect IHC and molecular tests. In all cases the amount of available tissue was sufficient for all ancillary studies.

Conclusions

Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy is safe and effective for diagnosis in patients with suspected pulmonary involvement by lymphoproliferative disorders and it should therefore be considered a valid alternative to surgical biopsy in such cases.
Implementation of a computer-guided consultation in the assessment of suspected obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
Authors: Chakrabarti Biswajit , Lewis-Burke Nadia , Pearson Mike , Craig Sonya , Davies Lisa , Sheridan Kim , England Philip , McKnight Eddie , Angus Robert
Published: July 2020

Background

We describe implementation of a clinical decision support system, a computer-guided consultation (CGC), in the assessment of subjects referred with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS).

Methods

Two cohorts of patients were assessed. The first 100 cases had data collected with the CGC by a specialist sleep physician (stage1). A further 100 cases were assessed by a nonspecialist using the CGC (stage 2). For each case, the diagnosis suggested by the CGC was compared with the final diagnosis made by a second specialist sleep physician blinded to the CGC diagnosis.

Results

Stage 1: of 100 people evaluated, a final diagnosis of OSAS was made by both the sleep specialist and CGC in 88% of cases. In 7 of the remaining 12 cases, both agreed there was “No evidence of OSAS”; in 5 cases the CGC did not reach a final diagnosis instead prompting specialist referral. Stage 2: 100 people were evaluated; 95% were evaluable. Both CGC and the sleep specialist made a diagnosis of OSAS in 83 cases (87%), in 5 cases both agreed there was no OSAS, whereas in 7 cases the CGC prompted a specialist review due to unexplained symptoms. The CGC was concordant with the final diagnosis in 95% and 93% of cases in the two cohorts, respectively and where there was doubt, prompted for clinical review. No OSAS cases were overlooked by the CGC.

Conclusion

An intelligent CGC program creates opportunities in sleep medicine management pathways to safely yet effectively utilise nonspecialists working under specialist supervision.
Magnitude of problematic anger and its predictors in the Millennium Cohort
Authors: Adler Amy B. , LeardMann Cynthia A. , Roenfeldt Kimberly A. , Jacobson Isabel G. , Forbes David ,   for the Millennium Cohort Study Team
Published: July 2020

Background

Problematic anger is intense anger associated with elevated generalized distress and that interferes with functioning. It also confers a heightened risk for the development of mental health problems. In military personnel and veterans, previous studies examining problematic anger have been constrained by sample size, cross-sectional data, and measurement limitations.

Methods

The current study used Millennium Cohort survey data (N = 90,266) from two time points (2013 and 2016 surveys) to assess the association of baseline demographics, military factors, mental health, positive perspective, and self-mastery, with subsequent problematic anger.

Results

Overall, 17.3% of respondents reported problematic anger. In the fully adjusted logistic regression model, greater risk of problematic anger was predicted by certain demographic characteristics as well as childhood trauma and financial problems. Service members who were in the Army or Marines, active duty (vs. reserves/national guard), and previously deployed with high levels of combat had increased risk for problematic anger. Veterans were also more likely to report problematic anger than currently serving personnel. Mental health predictors included posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and comorbid PTSD/MDD. Higher levels of positive perspective and self-mastery were associated with decreased risk of problematic anger.

Conclusion

Not only did 1 in 6 respondents report problematic anger, but risk factors were significant even after adjusting for PTSD and MDD, suggesting that problematic anger is more than an expression of these mental health problems. Results identify potential targets of early intervention and clinical treatment for addressing problematic anger in the military and veteran context.
Capturing the complexity of healthcare for people with Down syndrome in quality indicators - a Delphi study involving healthcare professionals and patient organisations
Authors: van den Driessen Mareeuw Francine A. , Coppus Antonia M. W. , Delnoij Diana M. J. , de Vries Esther
Published: July 2020

Background

Insight into quality of healthcare for people with Down Syndrome (DS) is limited. Quality indicators (QIs) can provide this insight. This study aims to find consensus among participants regarding QIs for healthcare for people with DS.

Methods

We conducted a four-round Delphi study, in which 33 healthcare professionals involved in healthcare for people with DS and two patient organisations’ representatives in the Netherlands participated. Median and 75-percentiles were used to determine consensus among the answers on 5-point Likert-scales. In each round, participants received an overview of participants’ answers from the previous round.

Results

Participants agreed (consensus was achieved) that a QI-set should provide insight into available healthcare, enable healthcare improvements, and cover a large diversity of quality domains and healthcare disciplines. However, the number of QIs in the set should be limited in order to prevent registration burden. Participants were concerned that QIs would make quality information about individual healthcare professionals publicly available, which would induce judgement of healthcare professionals and harm quality, instead of improving it.

Conclusions

We unravelled the complexity of capturing healthcare for people with DS in a QI-set. Patients’ rights to relevant information have to be carefully balanced against providers’ entitlement to a safe environment in which they can learn and improve. A QI-set should be tailored to different healthcare disciplines and information systems, and measurement instruments should be suitable for collecting information from people with DS. Results from this study and two preceding studies, will form the basis for the further development of a QI-set.
Bayesian model selection reveals biological origins of zero inflation in single-cell transcriptomics
Authors: Choi Kwangbom , Chen Yang , Skelly Daniel A. , Churchill Gary A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Single-cell RNA sequencing is a powerful tool for characterizing cellular heterogeneity in gene expression. However, high variability and a large number of zero counts present challenges for analysis and interpretation. There is substantial controversy over the origins and proper treatment of zeros and no consensus on whether zero-inflated count distributions are necessary or even useful. While some studies assume the existence of zero inflation due to technical artifacts and attempt to impute the missing information, other recent studies argue that there is no zero inflation in scRNA-seq data.

Results

We apply a Bayesian model selection approach to unambiguously demonstrate zero inflation in multiple biologically realistic scRNA-seq datasets. We show that the primary causes of zero inflation are not technical but rather biological in nature. We also demonstrate that parameter estimates from the zero-inflated negative binomial distribution are an unreliable indicator of zero inflation.

Conclusions

Despite the existence of zero inflation in scRNA-seq counts, we recommend the generalized linear model with negative binomial count distribution, not zero-inflated, as a suitable reference model for scRNA-seq analysis.
Dramatic radiotherapy response in a necrotic lymphoma mass: a case report
Authors: McNeil Nicholas , Gorayski Peter , Blunt Danielle , Roos Daniel
Published: July 2020

Background

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) represents the most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is characterized by an aggressive natural history. It often presents with rapid symptom development and disease progression. Most lymphomas are inherently radiosensitive, which allows for effective disease control from relatively low radiation doses. We report a case of a dramatic radiotherapy response in a necrotic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma mass in an elderly patient with early-stage diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, illustrating the potential for palliative radiotherapy to reduce disease burden in patients not fit for systemic therapy. There is no current consensus recommendation for radiotherapy treatment in this setting.

Case presentation

A 97-year-old Caucasian woman presented to the emergency department of our institution with a painful, malodorous, necrotic right upper neck mass, which had progressed over a two-month period. Investigations confirmed stage 1A diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Palliative radiotherapy was delivered to a dose of 25 Gray (Gy) in five fractions on alternate days over two consecutive weeks. After four months, the mass completely resolved with no residual symptoms.

Conclusion

Dramatic responses resulting in durable local control and improvement in quality of life are achievable with palliative radiotherapy, owing to the radiosensitivity of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.