bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entwicklung interprofessioneller Ausbildungsziele für die Gesundheitsberufe an der Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin – Eine Delphi-Studie
Authors: Behrend Ronja , Herinek Doreen , Kienle Rolf , Arnold FranziskaLouisa , Peters Harm
Published: January 2021

Ziel der Studie Interprofessionelle Zusammenarbeit der Gesundheitsberufe ist für die patient/innenzentrierte Versorgung von zunehmender Bedeutung und sollte von Lernenden der Gesundheitsberufe in Ausbildung bzw. Studium erlernt werden. An der Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin soll ein gemeinsames Verständnis von Interprofessionalität geschaffen werden, um die interprofessionelle Ausbildung weiterzuentwickeln. Ziel dieser Studie ist die Entwicklung von professionsübergreifenden, interprofessionellen (IP) Ausbildungszielen als Rahmenwerk für den lokalen Kontext.

Methodik IP Ausbildungsziele wurden in einem systematischen, 2-schrittigem Verfahren entwickelt und validiert. Zunächst hat eine Arbeitsgruppe (N=12) mittels Nominal Group Technique und Gruppenarbeitsphasen einen Entwurf an IP Ausbildungszielen entwickelt. Diese wurden mittels Delphi-Studie in 2 Runden mit Fakultätsmitgliedern (N=17) validiert.

Ergebnisse Es wurde ein Rahmenwerk für IP Ausbildungsziele entwickelt und validiert. Dieses umfasst einen einleitenden Text, sowie 4 Domänen, die jeweils einen Titel, eine Beschreibung des zu erreichenden Outcomes und operationalisierte Lernziele für die Bereiche Wissen, Fähigkeiten/Fertigkeiten sowie Einstellung/Haltung definieren.

Schlussfolgerung Mit der Entwicklung und Validierung von IP Ausbildungszielen an der Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin liegt ein berufsgruppenübergreifend abgestimmtes Rahmenwerk an Ausbildungszielen vor, das als Basis für die Implementierung interprofessioneller Lehre der im Hause angebotenen Ausbildungen und Studiengängen genutzt werden soll. Dieses Rahmenwerk kann anderen Fakultäten als Grundlage für die eigene Weiterentwicklung interprofessioneller Lehre dienen.
Quantum sensor monitors the temperature inside a silicon carbide device
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: January 2021

Silicon vacancy centers can be used as quantum sensors in hexagonal SiC to measure local temperature in an operating device.
Work relation in non-equilibrium steady states of one-dimensional quantum lattice systems
Authors: Yamaga Kazuki
Published: January 2021

We consider the non-equilibrium steady state induced by two infinitely extended quantum thermal reservoirs at different inverse temperatures β + Δβ, β − Δβ and derive a work relation. We consider global cyclic operations and derive an upper bound of the work density in one-dimensional quantum lattice systems. This relation reproduces the second law of thermodynamics in the equilibrium limit Δβ → 0. A free fermion system is discussed as an example, and the physical interpretation is given to the upper bound.
Development of a high-time/spatial resolution self-impedance probe for measurements in laboratory and space plasmas
Authors: DuBois Ami M. , Tejero Erik M. , Gatling George R. , Amatucci William E.
Published: January 2021

Plasma impedance probes are often used in laboratory experiments as well as in space to make measurements of important plasma parameters such as the electron density. Conventional impedance probe methods involve sweeping the frequency applied to the probe through a range containing the plasma frequency, which can take on the order of a second to complete. This acquisition time leads to very low spatial resolution when making measurements from sounding rockets in the ionosphere. A high-time resolution impedance probe is under development at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory with the goal of increasing the spatial resolution of measurements in space. To achieve this, a short-time Gaussian monopulse with a center frequency of 40 MHz and containing a full spectrum of frequencies is applied to an electrically short dipole antenna. Laboratory experiments were performed with the Gaussian monopulse triggered once every 10 µs and averaged over ten shots, equating to a spatial resolution of 13 cm for a typical sounding rocket speed. This paper discusses the development of the new high-time/spatial resolution self-impedance probe and illustrates that the short-time pulse method yields results that match well with data taken using conventional methods. It is shown that plasma parameters such as the electron density, sheath frequency, and electron–neutral collision frequency can also be derived from the data. In addition, data from the high-time/spatial resolution impedance probe are shown to compare well with those from theoretical impedance models.
Bilinear expansions of lattices of KP
τ
-functions in BKP
τ
-functions: A fermionic approach
Authors: Harnad J. , Orlov A. Yu.
Published: January 2021

We derive a bilinear expansion expressing elements of a lattice of Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (KP) τ-functions, labeled by partitions, as a sum over products of pairs of elements of an associated lattice of BKP τ-functions, labeled by strict partitions. This generalizes earlier results relating determinants and Pfaffians of minors of skew symmetric matrices, with applications to Schur functions and Schur Q-functions. It is deduced using the representations of KP and BKP τ-functions as vacuum expectation values (VEVs) of products of fermionic operators of charged and neutral type, respectively. The lattice is generated by the insertion of products of pairs of charged creation and annihilation operators. The result follows from expanding the product as a sum of monomials in the neutral fermionic generators and applying a factorization theorem for VEVs of products of operators in the mutually commuting subalgebras. Applications include the case of inhomogeneous polynomial τ-functions of KP and BKP type.
Experimental analysis of supercritical-assisted atomization
Authors: Shariatnia Shadi , Asadi Amir , Jarrahbashi Dorrin
Published: January 2021

Supercritical CO2 is used in supercritical-assisted atomization (SAA) systems to promote the atomization of nanoparticle suspensions in powder generation in pharmaceutical, electronics, and coating applications. Due to the sensitivity of the mixture properties to the operational conditions, the SAA process is not fully resolved to date. This study experimentally investigates the underlying mechanisms behind SAA utilizing CO2 or N2 as the assisted-atomization fluid (CO2-A or N2-A) using high-speed imaging and laser diffraction techniques. The effects of injection temperature, pressure, and gas-to-liquid ratio (GLR) are explored, and empirical droplet size models are developed. It is found that the primary breakup of CO2-A is governed by the emergence of the near-nozzle gas bubbles originated from the dissolved CO2, which expand radially and squeeze the liquid due to the inertial forces. As a result, the edges of the liquid core become thinner and deform into relatively long ligaments that further break up into droplets. CO2-A exhibited a shorter liquid length, wider spray angle, and smaller droplet size compared to N2-A. The discrepancies observed in the breakup process are mainly attributed to the higher solubility of CO2 in water and lower surface tension of the CO2–water system. The smallest droplet size distribution and the narrowest droplet size distribution are detected for CO2-A injected at the critical pressure of the CO2–water binary system where the solubility of CO2 in water significantly rises. Linear instability analysis indicates that both shear and acceleration that indirectly incorporate the experimentally observed bubble expansion are the main factors driving the instabilities.
Laboratory earthquake forecasting: A machine learning competition
Authors: Johnson Paul A. , Rouet-Leduc Bertrand , Pyrak-Nolte Laura J. , Beroza Gregory C. , Marone Chris J. , Hulbert Claudia , Howard Addison , Singer Philipp , Gordeev Dmitry , Karaflos Dimosthenis , Levinson Corey J. , Pfeiffer Pascal , Puk Kin Ming , Reade Walter
Published: January 2021

Earthquake prediction, the long-sought holy grail of earthquake science, continues to confound Earth scientists. Could we make advances by crowdsourcing, drawing from the vast knowledge and creativity of the machine learning (ML) community? We used Google’s ML competition platform, Kaggle, to engage the worldwide ML community with a competition to develop and improve data analysis approaches on a forecasting problem that uses laboratory earthquake data. The competitors were tasked with predicting the time remaining before the next earthquake of successive laboratory quake events, based on only a small portion of the laboratory seismic data. The more than 4,500 participating teams created and shared more than 400 computer programs in openly accessible notebooks. Complementing the now well-known features of seismic data that map to fault criticality in the laboratory, the winning teams employed unexpected strategies based on rescaling failure times as a fraction of the seismic cycle and comparing input distribution of training and testing data. In addition to yielding scientific insights into fault processes in the laboratory and their relation with the evolution of the statistical properties of the associated seismic data, the competition serves as a pedagogical tool for teaching ML in geophysics. The approach may provide a model for other competitions in geosciences or other domains of study to help engage the ML community on problems of significance.
Replication-independent instability of Friedreich’s ataxia GAA repeats during chronological aging
Authors: Neil Alexander J. , Hisey Julia A. , Quasem Ishtiaque , McGinty Ryan J. , Hitczenko Marcin , Khristich Alexandra N. , Mirkin Sergei M.
Published: January 2021

Significance

The inheritance of long (GAA)
n
repeats in the frataxin gene causes the debilitating neurodegenerative disease Friedreich’s ataxia. Subsequent expansions of these repeats throughout a patient’s lifetime in the affected tissues, like the nervous system, may contribute to disease onset. We developed an experimental model to characterize the mechanisms of repeat instability in nondividing cells to better understand how mutations can occur as cells age chronologically. We show that repeats can expand in nondividing cells. Notably, however, large deletions are the major type of repeat-mediated genome instability in nondividing cells, implicating the loss of important genetic material with aging in the progression of Friedreich’s ataxia.
Genome-wide CRISPR screens reveal a specific ligand for the glycan-binding immune checkpoint receptor Siglec-7
Authors: Wisnovsky Simon , Möckl Leonhard , Malaker Stacy A. , Pedram Kayvon , Hess Gaelen T. , Riley Nicholas M. , Gray Melissa A. , Smith Benjamin A. H. , Bassik Michael C. , Moerner W. E. , Bertozzi Carolyn R.
Published: January 2021

Significance

Cancer cells are frequently coated with chains of sugar molecules (glycans) that bind to inhibitory immune receptors, leading to suppression of anticancer immunity. While blocking these interactions may be therapeutically beneficial, the specific glycoprotein ligands that engage such receptors are often complex and difficult to characterize. To solve this problem, we used unbiased genome-wide screening to identify genes required for cell-surface presentation of ligands that bind members of the Siglec immune receptor family. This approach led to identification of the glycoprotein CD43 as a highly specific ligand for Siglec-7. Blocking the interaction between CD43 and Siglec-7 sensitizes leukemia cells to immune cell lysis, implying that targeting the CD43/Siglec-7 checkpoint could be therapeutically beneficial.
Sensing the presence of gods and spirits across cultures and faiths
Authors: Luhrmann Tanya Marie , Weisman Kara , Aulino Felicity , Brahinsky Joshua D. , Dulin John C. , Dzokoto Vivian A. , Legare Cristine H. , Lifshitz Michael , Ng Emily , Ross-Zehnder Nicole , Smith Rachel E.
Published: January 2021

Significance

The sensory presence of gods and spirits is central to many of the religions that have shaped human history—in fact, many people of faith report having experienced such events. But these experiences are poorly understood by social scientists and rarely studied empirically. We present a multiple-discipline, multiple-methods program of research involving thousands of people from diverse cultures and religions which demonstrates that two key factors—cultural models of the mind and personal orientations toward the mind—explain why some people are more likely than others to report vivid experiences of gods and spirits. These results demonstrate the power of culture, in combination with individual differences, to shape something as basic as what feels real to the senses.
Targeting OCT3 attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury
Authors: Huang Kevin M. , Zavorka Thomas Megan , Magdy Tarek , Eisenmann Eric D. , Uddin Muhammad Erfan , DiGiacomo Duncan F. , Pan Alexander , Keiser Markus , Otter Marcus , Xia Sherry H. , Li Yang , Jin Yan , Fu Qiang , Gibson Alice A. , Bonilla Ingrid M. , Carnes Cynthia A. , Corps Kara N. , Coppola Vincenzo , Smith Sakima A. , Addison Daniel , Nies Anne T. , Bundschuh Ralf , Chen Taosheng , Lustberg Maryam B. , Wang Joanne , Oswald Stefan , Campbell Moray J. , Yan Pearlly S. , Baker Sharyn D. , Hu Shuiying , Burridge Paul W. , Sparreboom Alex
Published: January 2021

Significance

Understanding the initiating mechanisms of cardiac injury associated with doxorubicin is fundamental to the development of novel preventative strategies. Evidence suggests that expression of membrane transporters contributes to the initial accumulation of doxorubicin in cardiomyocytes and, subsequently, cellular injury. Using patient-derived cardiomyocytes, we identified a candidate membrane transporter contributing to this debilitating phenotype and performed validation studies using engineered cell-based and animal models to demonstrate that targeting this transport mechanism can afford cardio-protection without compromising the anticancer properties of doxorubicin. Our findings provide insights that addresses an unmet therapeutic need in cancer patients receiving doxorubicin-based treatment.
Conceptual meaning in Italian speaking learners’ expression of temporality in L2 English
Authors: Austen Samantha , Jarvis Scott
Published: January 2021

This study explores conceptual meaning in the construal of distinct temporal concepts by L1 Italian speakers, and considers the possibility that L1 constrained perspectives may influence the L2 English production of these speakers in the form of Conceptual Transfer (CT). Adopting a Cognitive Linguistics framework,think aloudreports are used as a data collection technique capable of accessing the meanings that both L1 Italian and L1 English speakers seek to convey in relation to the target concepts in English. Analysis of thethink aloudreports revealed distinctly different approaches by the two language groups in the construal of these concepts. Results of this initial exploratory study point to cross-linguistic difference in the temporal meanings expressed, a role for L1 constrained construal in second language acquisition, the potential for CT based on this and the potency ofthink aloudreports in revealing this and other relevant factors.
Developing “conceptual knowledge” descriptors for CEFR-based proficiency levels
Authors: Galantomos Ioannis
Published: January 2021

This article proposes a framework for the integration of “conceptual knowledge” descriptors’ into CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for languages)-based proficiency levels. Research on the difficulties faced by second language (L2) learners when learning an additional language has shown that apart from the pure linguistic and communicative errors, a further type of error, namely conceptual errors hinders communication in the target language. Conceptual errors are a manifestation of ill-developed conceptual knowledge, that is the ability to express oneself in an L2 while using the L2 conceptual system. Although there exists a number of studies linking conceptual knowledge and its constituent parts to native-like fluency, relatively little is present in the CEFR. Hence, the goal of this paper is twofold, first to introduce and clarify “conceptual knowledge” and second (and most importantly) to develop conceptual knowledge descriptors’ and sample activities for each CEFR level ranging from A2 to C2.
Magnetic performance of SrFe12O19–Zn0.2Fe2.8O4 hybrid magnets prepared by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Jenuš P , Učakar A , Repše S , Sangregorio C , Petrecca M , Albino M , Cabassi R , de Julián Fernández C , Belec B
Published: January 2021

In the last few years, significant effort has again been devoted to ferrite-based permanent magnet research due to the so-called rare-earth crisis. In particular, a quest to enhance ferrites maximum energy product, BH
max, is underway. Here, the influence of composition and sintering conditions on the microstructure and consequently magnetic properties of strontium ferrite-based hybrid composites was investigated. The powder mixtures consisted of hydrothermally synthesised Sr-ferrite with hexagonally shaped platelets with a diameter of 1 μm and thickness up to 90 nm, and a soft magnetic phase in various ratios. Powders were sintered using a spark plasma sintering furnace. The crystal structure, composition and microstructure of the starting powders and hybrid magnets were examined. Their magnetic properties were evaluated by vibrating sample magnetometer, permeameter and by single-point-detection measurements.
Graphene deposited liquid crystal and thermal sensitivity using photonic crystals
Authors: Elsayed Hussein A , Sayed Fatma A , Aly Arafa H
Published: January 2021

In this work, we present a simple design to act as a temperature sensor based on the well-known one dimensional photonic crystal. The main idea of the proposed sensor is essentially depending on the inclusion a defect layer of graphene monolayers deposited on nematic liquid crystal through the photonic crystal. The transfers matrix method, Kubo-Formula, and fitting experimental data represent the core axes of our theoretical treatment. Here, our design is prepared to sense temperature based on the shift of the resonant peak with the temperature variation. The performance of such sensor is demonstrated by calculating the sensitivity, figure of merit, detection limit, sensor resolution and the quality factor. The effect of the thickness of the defect layer and the mode of polarization as well on the performance of our sensor is investigated. The numerical results show that our sensor could be of interest in many fields of application due to the high values of its sensitivity and quality factor. The proposed sensor could provide a sensitivity of 4 nm °C−1 and quality factor up to 11000.
Radiative swirl motion of hydromagnetic Casson nanofluid flow over rotary cylinder using Joule dissipation impact
Authors: Khan Arshad , Saeed Anwar , Gul Taza , Mukhtar Safyan , Ali Ishtiaq , Jawad Muhammad
Published: January 2021

In this article, the heat transfer is examined in spinning flow of the Casson nanofluid. The spinning motion is produced with the help of stretching and rotating cylinder. In current work two cases, both for constant and variant axial temperature over the exterior of the spinning cylinder are studied. For controlling the rate of heat transfer, some heat effects such as heat generation/absorption, Joule heating and thermal radiations have been considered for flow system. For investigation the influence of thermophoretic force and Brownian motion exerted by Casson nanofluid, the famous Buongiorno model has been employed. The modeled equations have converted to dimensionless form using a set of similar variables. To improve the solution convergence of flow equations a compressed variable is also employed. As the main outcome of this work, it has observed that, with growing values of Reynolds number and magnetic parameter the flow characteristics reduce in all directions. A growth in temperature profile is also observed for constant wall temperature (CWT), while a reduction is noticed in temperature profile for prescribed surface temperature (PST). Moreover, the concentration of fluid reduces with growing values of Prandtl and Lewis numbers.
Spatio-temporal characterization of causal electrophysiological activity stimulated by single pulse focused ultrasound: an ex vivo study on hippocampal brain slices
Authors: Suarez-Castellanos Ivan M , Dossi Elena , Vion-Bailly Jérémy , Salette Léa , Chapelon Jean-Yves , Carpentier Alexandre , Huberfeld Gilles , N’Djin William Apoutou
Published: January 2021

Objective. The brain operates via generation, transmission and integration of neuronal signals and most neurological disorders are related to perturbation of these processes. Neurostimulation by focused ultrasound (FUS) is a promising technology with potential to rival other clinically used techniques for the investigation of brain function and treatment of numerous neurological diseases. The purpose of this study was to characterize spatial and temporal aspects of causal electrophysiological signals directly stimulated by short, single pulses of FUS on ex vivo mouse hippocampal brain slices. Approach. Microelectrode arrays (MEAs) are used to study the spatio-temporal dynamics of extracellular neuronal activities both at the single neuron and neural networks scales. Hence, MEAs provide an excellent platform for characterization of electrical activity generated, modulated and transmitted in response to FUS exposure. In this study, a novel mixed FUS/MEA platform was designed for the spatio-temporal description of the causal responses generated by single 1.78 MHz FUS pulses in ex vivo mouse hippocampal brain slices. Main results. Our results show that FUS pulses can generate local field potentials (LFPs), sustained by synchronized neuronal post-synaptic potentials, and reproducing network activities. LFPs induced by FUS stimulation were found to be repeatable to consecutive FUS pulses though exhibiting a wide range of amplitudes (50–600 μV), durations (20–200 ms), and response delays (10–60 ms). Moreover, LFPs were spread across the hippocampal slice following single FUS pulses thus demonstrating that FUS may be capable of stimulating different neural structures within the hippocampus. Significance. Current knowledge on neurostimulation by ultrasound describes neuronal activity generated by trains of repetitive ultrasound pulses. This novel study details the causal neural responses produced by single-pulse FUS neurostimulation while illustrating the distribution and propagation properties of this neural activity along major neural pathways of the hippocampus.
Carl Singer (1945-2013) – Life on a Plate: yeast genetics meetings and micromanipulators
Authors: Singer Harry , Cooper Terrance G
Published: January 2021

Micromanipulators, more than any other instrument, opened the early doors to developing the powerful genetics of yeast that underlies much of the molecular work today. The ability to separate the spores of a tetrad and analyze their phenotypes generated the genetic maps and biology upon which subsequent cloning, sequencing, cutting edge molecular and cell biology depended. This work describes the development of those micromanipulators from garage to barn to factory and the developer of the sophisticated instruments we use today. For more than 30 years Carl Singer and his family were staunch and generous supporters of the International Conferences on Yeast Genetics and Molecular Biology meetings both in Europe and America. Carl Singer's displays at meetings became a traditional fixture and engaged the appetites of many students and advanced researchers to employ a technique that many perceived as too complicated or difficult, but which he made simple and easy to learn. His experiences also document a sketch of the international yeast meetings, their venues and how they developed through the years.
ZIKA Virus Neutralizing Antibody Kinetics in Antenatally Exposed Infants
Authors: Espindola Otavio de Melo , Jaenisch Thomas , Nielsen-Saines Karin , Oliveira Raquel de Vasconcellos Carvalhaes de , Pastorino Boris , Vasconcelos Zilton , Gabaglia Claudia Raja , Ribeiro Ieda Pereira , Cunha Denise Cotrim da , Pone Marcos Vinicius , Carvalho Liege Maria Abreu de , Pone Sheila Moura , Damasceno Luana , Zin Andrea Araujo , Bonaldo Myrna C , Moreira Maria Elisabeth Lopes , Cherry James D , de Lamballerie Xavier , Brasil Patrícia
Published: January 2021

Background

Zika virus (ZIKV) is associated with severe congenital abnormalities and laboratory diagnosis of antenatal infection is difficult. Here we evaluated ZIKV neutralizing antibody (nAb) kinetics in infants born to mothers with PCR-confirmed ZIKV infection during pregnancy.

Methods

Neonates (n = 98) had serum specimens tested repeatedly for ZIKV nAb over the first 2 years of life using virus neutralization test (VNT). ZIKV neonatal infection was confirmed by RT-PCR in blood or urine and/or presence of ZIKV IgM antibodies, and results were correlated with infant clinical features.

Results

Postnatal laboratory evidence of ZIKV vertical transmission was obtained for 60.2% of children, while 32.7% exhibited clinical abnormalities. Congenital abnormalities were found in 37.3% of children with confirmed ZIKV infection and 31.0% of children without confirmed infection (P = .734). All but 1 child displayed a physiologic decline in ZIKV nAb, reflecting maternal antibody decay, despite an early ZIKV-IgM response in one-third of infants.

Conclusions

Infants with antenatal ZIKV exposure do not develop ZIKV nAb despite an early IgM response. Therefore, ZIKV VNT in children is not useful for diagnosis of congenital infection. In light of these findings, it remains to be determined if children infected in utero are potentially susceptible to reinfection.
Learning to perform in early modern art collections
Authors: Goldgar Anne
Published: January 2021

This essay discusses the relationship of understandings of civility and performance to expected behaviour when visiting art collections in the first half of the seventeenth century. With the growth of art collecting as a fashion across Europe in the 1600s, it became increasingly necessary for visitors to collections to acquire a vocabulary and sense of standards concerning art in order to be able to converse effectively about objects within collections. The text examines the types of literature available to novices and the first principles considered important by different kinds of authors for this market. It looks in particular at the English situation in the first half of the seventeenth century, when there were few opportunities to examine and discuss art collections.
Damage-less observation of polymers by electron dose control in scanning electron microscope
Authors: Hashimoto Yoichiro , Shigeto Kunji , Komatsuzaki Ryo , Saito Tsutomu , Sekiguchi Takashi
Published: January 2021

Methodology for quantitative evaluation of electron radiation damage and calculation of tolerable electron dose was developed to achieve damage-less scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation of beam-sensitive polymer film. The radiation damage is typically evaluated with visual impressions of SEM images; however, this method may be unreliable because observer’s subjectivity may affect the results. Evaluation with quantitative value is crucial to improve reliability. In this study, the radiation damage was evaluated by using normalized correlative coefficient (RNCC) between an initial frame and latter frames of the multiple SEM images that were taken consecutively. Tolerable dose was obtained by defining a threshold point of RNCC where rapid reduction of RNCC started. A SEM image with less damage and acceptable signal-to-noise ratio was obtained by integrating the images from the initial frame to the tolerable frame.
The African Principles on the Law Applicable to International Commercial Contracts – a first drafting experiment
Authors: Neels Jan L
Published: January 2021

This article contains the first draft of the envisaged African Principles on the Law Applicable to International Commercial Contracts. The drafting of various sets of African Principles of Commercial Private International Law is a project of the Research Centre for Private International Law at the University of Johannesburg. The future sets of principles, in the form of model laws, could be used by national legislators on the continent and African economic integration organisations, particularly the African Union, in, respectively, domestic legislation and regional or supranational laws of a soft or binding nature. The existence of a reliable transnational legal infrastructure in respect of international commercial law, including commercial private international law, is a prerequisite for investor confidence, inclusive economic growth, sustainable development, and the ultimate alleviation of poverty on the African continent. The proposed sets of African Principles may contribute to sustainable growth on a long-term basis. The regulation of private international law of contract is essential in the further development of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which was established in 2018. Academics and other interested parties are invited to provide comments on the draft below before the end of June 2021.
Characterization and Detection of Passiflora Mottle Virus and Two Other Potyviruses Causing Passionfruit Woodiness Disease in Vietnam
Authors: Do Duy-Hung , Chong Yee-Hang , Ha Viet-Cuong , Cheng Hao-Wen , Chen Yuh-Kun , Bui Thi-Ngoc-Lan , Nguyen Thi-Bich-Ngoc , Yeh Shyi-Dong
Published: January 2021

Passionfruit plantings in Vietnam increased to 10,000 ha in 2019. However, outbreaks of passionfruit woodiness disease (PWD) have become a serious threat to production. In this study, five virus isolates (DN1, DN4, NA1, GL1, and GL2) were collected from different areas of Vietnam. Their causal roles in PWD were verified by back-inoculation to passionfruit. Analyses of coat protein (CP) and genomic sequences revealed that the GL1 isolate is closely related to East Asia Passiflora virus (EAPV) AO strain of Japan (polyprotein nt and aa identities of 98.1 and 98.2%, respectively), and the GL2 isolate is related to Telosma mosaic virus (TelMV) isolate PasFru, China (polyprotein nt and aa identities of 87.1 and 90.9%, respectively). CP comparison, host range, and cytological characterization indicated that DN1, DN4, and NA1 are potyviruses but are different from EAPV and TelMV. Phylogenic analyses of their CP and genome sequences indicated that these three isolates and the passionfruit severe mottle-associated virus Fujian isolate of China belong to a distinct clade, which does not meet the threshold (76% nt identity of polyprotein) to be regarded as any of potyviral species. Thus, a new species name, Passiflora mottle virus, (PaMoV), has been proposed by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. A rabbit antiserum was produced against the CP of DN1, and it can distinguish PaMoV from TelMV and EAPV in western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) without cross-reactions. Field surveys of 240 samples by ELISA and reverse transcription PCR found that PWD in Vietnam is caused mainly by PaMoV, followed by EAPV, mixed infection of PaMoV and EAPV, and rare cases of TelMV.
Comparison of SB2-Infliximab With Originator-Infliximab in the Measurement of Serum Concentrations: A Short Communication
Authors: Ward Mark G. , Rosella Ourania , Rosella Gennaro , Martin Catherine , Gibson Peter R.
Published: January 2021

Background:

The optimal use of infliximab depends on the measurement of trough levels with subsequent appropriate dose adjustment. With the introduction of biosimilars, it is important to demonstrate that the biosimilar behaves similarly in the assay used as the originator-infliximab, for which the assays were developed. In this study, the authors aimed to compare the concentrations of SB2-infliximab (Renflexis) with that of originator-infliximab (Remicade) when added to serum from healthy subjects and those with inflammatory bowel disease when measured by commonly used commercial assays.

Methods:

Sera from 2 healthy controls, 2 patients with ulcerative colitis (1 with quiescent disease and 1 with active disease), and 2 patients with Crohn disease (1 with quiescent disease and 1 with active disease) were spiked with SB2-infliximab or originator-infliximab at 0–20 mcg/mL. Concentrations were measured using 3 commonly used assay kits (Lisa-Tracker, Shikari Q-Inflix, Promonitor IFX) and one rapid test (Quantum Blue). The results were compared using Bland–Altman techniques.

Results:

Close agreement was observed between measured concentrations for all assays, irrespective of the origin of the serum. Limits of agreement varied between at worst −0.302 and 0.465 mcg/mL, with the mean difference between the molecules being at worst 0.04 mcg/mL (95% confidence intervals, −0.011 to 0.093).

Conclusions:

The originator and SB-2 biosimilar-infliximab behaved similarly in several currently used assays in their concentrations in biological fluids. Clinicians can be confident that therapeutic drug monitoring using platforms designed and developed for the originator-infliximab can be applied to SB-2-infliximab.
Preimplantation dehydration for corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segment implantation
Authors: Parker Jack S. , Dockery Philip W. , Jacob Soosan , Parker John S.
Published: January 2021

Corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segments (CAIRS) are semicircular pieces of donor corneal stroma, which may be surgically implanted to flatten keratoconic corneas. These segments can be trimmed to different thicknesses; whereas thicker segments confer greater flattening, their bulk renders them more technically challenging to insert. Consequently, thinner segments are often preferred, especially for starting surgeons. Here, we describe a technique for transiently thinning CAIRS to facilitate easy insertion, thereby permitting the use of thicker segments to achieve the maximal flattening effect.
Acute postoperative endophthalmitis after resurgery following primary cataract surgery: 9 years experience from a tertiary eyecare center
Authors: Shekhar Madhu , Lamba Priyanka , Haripriya Aravind , Ravindran Sankarananthan , Palod Sapan , Mishra Chitaranjan , Sundar Balagiri , Sen Sagnik
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

To report the incidence, risk factors, and visual outcomes of acute postoperative endophthalmitis in patients undergoing resurgery after cataract surgery.

Setting:

Tertiary eye hospital in southern India.

Design:

Retrospective, clinical registry.

Methods:

Medical records of patients were retrospectively reviewed from January 2010 to December 2018. Incidence, risk factors, causative organisms, management, and outcomes were studied. Patients who underwent resurgery within 6 weeks of primary cataract surgery and developed endophthalmitis within 6 weeks of resurgery were included.

Results:

A total of 5705 patients (0.64%) underwent resurgery. Of 5705 resurgeries, 11 patients (0.19%) developed postoperative endophthalmitis. The incidence of endophthalmitis was higher in the eyes having a breach in the posterior capsule than the eyes with no breach in the posterior capsule (10/1277 [0.78%] vs 1/4428 [0.02%]). Among the 11 patients, secondary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation was the most common indication for resurgery (9/11 [82%]) after which endophthalmitis occurred. Three (27.3%) of the 11 patients were culture-positive. Nine (82%) of 11 patients were managed with a vitreous tap along with intravitreal antibiotics and steroid injections. After treatment, 80% of the patients achieved a visual acuity of 6/18 or greater (logMAR 0.5, P value < .05). None of the eyes developed phthisis bulbi.

Conclusions:

Eyes having a breach in the posterior capsule requiring vitrectomy and taken for resurgery as secondary IOL implantation were having an increased risk for endophthalmitis. The posttreatment visual outcomes were favorable.
Contamination of multiuse eyedrop bottles by exhaled air from patients wearing face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic: Schlieren imaging analysis
Authors: Garcia Giancarlo A. , Hines Jacob A. , Wang Evan W. , Davila Jose R. , Chiang Bryce , Choi Daniel Y.
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

To determine whether mask-induced redirected exhaled air through the superior mask gap contacts multiuse eyedrop bottles during drop administration and the efficacy of interventions to reduce such exposure.

Setting:

Academic ophthalmology center.

Design:

Interventional analysis.

Methods:

Schlieren airflow imaging was taken of an examinee wearing frequently used face masks and enacting common clinical scenarios—with and without manual occlusion of the superior mask gap and/or neck extension—and maximum visible vertical breath plume height was quantified. Bottle height during eyedrop administration was measured for 4 ophthalmologists during instillation to 8 eyes of 4 subjects.

Results:

Breath plume height (mean ± SD 275.5 ± 16.3 mm) was significantly greater than mean bottle height (13.9 ± 4.7 mm; P < .01). Plume height was reduced with manual mask occlusion vs without (P < .01) and was also lower than mean bottle height with manual mask occlusion (P < .01) but not in the absence of occlusion (P < .01). Neck extension alone did not adequately redirect liberated breath to prevent contact with a bottle.

Conclusions:

Exhaled air liberated from commonly worn patient face masks was able to contact multiuse eyedrop bottles during eyedrop administration. These findings have important patient safety implications during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and with other respiratory pathogens because these multiuse bottles could potentially serve as vectors of disease. Occlusion of the superior mask gap significantly reduces breath contamination and should be strongly considered by eyecare providers during drop administration in eye clinics.
SARS-CoV-2 Leakage From the Gas Outlet Port During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for COVID-19
Authors: Ogawa Tatsunori , Uemura Tatsuki , Matsuda Wataru , Sato Motohiko , Ishizuka Kota , Fukaya Takashi , Kinoshita Noriko , Nakamoto Takato , Ohmagari Norio , Katano Harutaka , Suzuki Tadaki , Hosaka Shigeru
Published: January 2021

Patients with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) sometimes develop refractory respiratory failure and may require venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). It is known that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is sometimes present in the blood of COVID-19 patients. VV-ECMO is often used for several weeks, and plasma leaks can occur, albeit rarely. Hence, in terms of infection control, a concern is that SARS-CoV-2 may leak from the gas outlet port of the oxygenator during ECMO support of critically ill COVID-19 patients. The aim of this study was to clarify whether SARS-CoV-2 leaks from the oxygenator during ECMO support. Five patients with critical COVID-19 pneumonia were placed on VV-ECMO. Silicone-coated polypropylene membrane oxygenators were used in the ECMO circuits for these patients. SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) was measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in serum and at the gas outlet port of the ECMO circuit at the time of circuit replacement or liberation from ECMO. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in the gas outlet port of the ECMO circuit for three of the five patients. None of the medical staff involved in the care of these five patients has been infected with COVID-19. In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2 could leak to the gas outlet port of the ECMO circuit through silicone-coated polypropylene membranes during ECMO support of critically ill COVID-19 patients.
The genetic counselor's role in management of patients with dyslipidemia
Authors: Brown Emily E.
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

The role of genetic testing in diagnosis and management of dyslipidemias continues to grow. Consequently, it is increasingly important for patients to have access to clinicians who have expertise in medical genetics and the psychological implications related to this type of testing. Often a lipidologist has had limited training in this regard, and this review explores the role of the genetic counselor to fill this gap.

Recent findings

Genetic counselors are key members of the healthcare team, and their specialized training in medical genetics and counseling allows them to fill this professional knowledge gap within the lipid clinic.

With the continued emphasis on precision medicine, the utility of genetic testing for dyslipidemias will continue to grow. This will in turn increase the demand for provider expertise in medical genetics and counseling around these complex issues. Integrating a genetic counselor within the lipid clinic provides an ideal management scenario providing patients and families with access to not only medical information but also emotional support regarding their hereditary condition
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Li Hangting , Wu Jia , Ni Qiqi , Zhang Jun , Wang Yun , He Guijuan
Published: January 2021

Background

The physical and psychological well-being of patients with breast cancer is an important global issue. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) aims to equip patients with the skills to respond and adapt to difficult circumstances. However, the extent of the physical and psychological outcomes of this therapy in patients with breast cancer remains unclear.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to summarize available evidence and assess the efficacy of ACT on physiological and psychological outcomes in patients with breast cancer.

Methods

Published randomized controlled studies were identified in MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and CNKI from inception to December 2019 and Cochrane Library, AMED, and Clinical trials.gov from inception to September 2020. Methodological rigor was assessed by two reviewers using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Review of Interventions. Sufficient data were statistically pooled with review manager; otherwise, a narrative summary was used.

Results

Thirteen trials were included in the review. Methodological quality varied across the studies. Meta-analyses demonstrated that ACT had moderate to large effects on reducing anxiety, depression, and stress and improving hope. Sensitivity analyses reached results similar to those of the meta-analyses. However, the effects of ACT on the physiological symptoms, fear of cancer recurrence, and psychological flexibility of patients with breast cancer remain inconclusive.

Discussion

ACT has beneficial effects on the anxiety, depression, stress, and hope of patients with breast cancer. The evidence of ACT on physiological symptoms, fear of cancer recurrence, and psychological flexibility needs to be treated with caution. Further studies are needed and should consider different delivery forms and also explore the mechanisms of each component of ACT under different cultural contexts.
Sexually Transmitted Infections Among US Women and Men: Prevalence and Incidence Estimates, 2018
Authors: Kreisel Kristen M. , Spicknall Ian H. , Gargano Julia W. , Lewis Felicia M.T. , Lewis Rayleen M. , Markowitz Lauri E. , Roberts Henry , Johnson Anna Satcher , Song Ruiguang , St. Cyr Sancta B. , Weston Emily J. , Torrone Elizabeth A. , Weinstock Hillard S.
Published: January 2021

Background

The most recent estimates of the number of prevalent and incident sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States were for 2008. We provide updated estimates for 2018 using new methods.

Methods

We estimated the total number of prevalent and incident infections in the United States for 8 STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, genital herpes, human papillomavirus, sexually transmitted hepatitis B, and sexually transmitted HIV. Updated per-capita prevalence and incidence estimates for each STI were multiplied by the 2018 full resident population estimates to calculate the number of prevalent and incident infections. STI–specific estimates were combined to generate estimates of the total number of prevalent and incident STIs overall, and by sex and age group. Primary estimates are represented by medians, and uncertainty intervals are represented by the 25th (Q1) and 75th (Q3) percentiles of the empirical frequency distributions of prevalence and incidence for each STI.

Results

In 2018, there were an estimated 67.6 (Q1, 66.6; Q3, 68.7) million prevalent and 26.2 (Q1, 24.0; Q3, 28.7) million incident STIs in the United States. Chlamydia, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, and human papillomavirus comprised 97.6% of all prevalent and 93.1% of all incident STIs. Persons aged 15 to 24 years comprised 18.6% (12.6 million) of all prevalent infections; however, they comprised 45.5% (11.9 million) of all incident infections.

Conclusions

The burden of STIs in the United States is high. Almost half of incident STIs occurred in persons aged 15 to 24 years in 2018. Focusing on this population should be considered essential for national STI prevention efforts.
Suicide by an Unusual Compound
Authors: Fenu Elena M. , Brower Justin O. , O'Neill Tiffany E.
Published: January 2021

Forensic pathologists may sometimes encounter cases of suicide with ingestion of unusual compounds. Herein, we describe a case of suicide by ingestion of barium acetate. Deaths by ingestion of this compound have not previously been reported in literature. This case shows the clinical presentation of the toxicity of barium compounds and highlights the importance of scene investigation and clinicopathologic correlation in suicides by unusual ingestion.