bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A manikin study comparing the performance of the GlideScope®, the Airtraq® and the C-MAC® in endotracheal intubation using suction-assisted laryngoscopy airway decontamination techniques in a simulated massive haematemesis scenario by emergency doctors
Authors: Wong Ching Hin Kevin , Ko Shing , Wong Oi Fung , Ma Hing Man , Lit Chau Hung Albert , Shih Yau Ngai
Published: September 2020

Background:

The suction-assisted laryngoscopy and airway decontamination (SALAD) techniques (level 1, SALAD-1 and level 2, SALAD-2) are newly proposed airway management skills to facilitate endotracheal intubation in patients with massive haematemesis. A pilot study using GlideScope® demonstrated the superior performance of SALAD-1 technique in massive haematemesis simulation.

Objectives:

To compare the performance of three different video laryngoscopes (the GlideScope®, the Airtraq® and the C-MAC®) in endotracheal intubation using SALAD techniques by emergency doctors in a manikin simulating massive haematemesis.

Methods:

Forty-eight emergency doctors were recruited. The participants’ performance of endotracheal intubation using the GlideScope®, the Airtraq® and the C-MAC® with the conventional and the two SALAD techniques in a manikin simulating massive haematemesis was evaluated. The time for intubation, number of attempts, rate of failed intubation, amount of aspirated fluid and the subjective ease of different devices and techniques were compared.

Results:

The C-MAC® had shorter intubation time compared with GlideScope® when using conventional (mean intubation time: 28.48 vs 47.00 s, p = 0.018) and SALAD-1 technique (mean intubation time: 29.35 vs 43.25 s, p < 0.039). The intubation time of all three video laryngoscopes was similar in SALAD-2 technique. There was no significant difference in the number of attempts and failed intubation rate among different video laryngoscopes in using different techniques. Intubation with the C-MAC® resulted in the least mean amount of aspiration in all the conventional (35.63 mL), SALAD-1 (14.06 mL) and SALAD-2 (18.13 mL) techniques. However, the results were not significantly different from the GlideScope® and the Airtraq®. The C-MAC® was rated the most favourable video laryngoscope for the SALAD-1 technique (p < 0.001). There was no significant preference for different video laryngoscopes in using the SALAD-2 technique (p = 0.111).

Conclusion:

All the video laryngoscopes have similar intubation performance with the SALAD-1 and SALAD-2 techniques. The C-MAC® performed better than GlideScope® in terms of intubation time. The C-MAC® was the most favourable video laryngoscope for the SALAD-1 technique.
“Picturing” Xenophobia: Visual Framing of Masks During COVID-19 and Its Implications for Advocacy in Technical Communication
Authors: Batova Tatiana
Published: September 2020

This article reviews images of people of Asian descent wearing masks in popular press articles discussing mask shortages and argues that visual framing had the potential of fueling racial antagonism during the initial months of COVID-19’s spread across the United States. Technical communicators need to include globalized perspectives in educational materials about masks as an advocacy strategy that can help communities and individuals to navigate the crisis situation and better protect themselves and those around them.
Development of Machine Learning Models to Validate a Medication Regimen Complexity Scoring Tool for Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Al-Mamun Mohammad A. , Brothers Todd , Newsome Andrea Sikora
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

The Medication Regimen Complexity -Intensive Care Unit (MRC-ICU) is the first tool for measuring medication regimen complexity in critically ill patients. This study tested machine learning (ML) models to investigate the relationship between medication regimen complexity and patient outcomes.

Methods:

This study was a single-center, retrospective observational evaluation of 130 adults admitted to the medical ICU. The MRC-ICU score was utilized to improve the inpatient model’s prediction accuracy. Three models were proposed: model I, demographic data without medication data; model II, demographic data and medication regimen complexity variables; and model III: demographic data and the MRC-ICU score. A total of 6 ML classifiers was developed: k-nearest neighbor (KNN), naïve Bayes (NB), random forest, support vector machine, neural network, and logistic classifier (LC). They were developed and tested using electronic health record data to predict inpatient mortality.

Results:

The results demonstrated that adding medication regimen complexity variables (model II) and the MRC-ICU score (model III) improved inpatient mortality prediction.. The LC outperformed the other classifiers (KNN and NB), with an overall accuracy of 83%, sensitivity (Se) of 87%, specificity of 67%, positive predictive value of 93%, and negative predictive value of 46%. The APACHE III score and the MRC-ICU score at the 24-hour interval were the 2 most important variables.

Conclusion and Relevance:

Inclusion of the MRC-ICU score improved the prediction of patient outcomes on the previously established APACHE III score. This novel, proof-of-concept methodology shows promise for future application of the MRC-ICU scoring tool for patient outcome predictions.
Extended state observer–based backstepping fast terminal sliding mode control for active suspension vibration
Authors: Wang Haoping , Chang Lei , Tian Yang
Published: September 2020

In this study, an extended state observer–based backstepping fast terminal sliding mode control is developed for the ride comfort of a full-car active suspension system. In the referred extended state observer–based backstepping fast terminal sliding mode control, the extended state observer is designed to estimate the lumped disturbances of external road excitation and uncertain dynamics. Then, a backstepping fast terminal sliding mode controller is used to track the desired trajectory reference which is obtained via a nonlinear filter. A virtual prototype of vehicle suspension is also built on ADAMS software as the simulated real-time controlled system. The co-simulation results of MATLAB/Simulink+ADAMS show that the proposed controller has better performance than the passive suspension and the active suspension using the traditional backstepping method whether under random road or bumpy road.
Beat traveling wave principle and its verification on rotating ultrasonic motor
Authors: Yang Lin , Ma Chengcheng , Ren Weihao , Zhang Jiaojiao
Published: September 2020

A beat traveling wave principle which combines beat vibration with a traveling wave is proposed. Based on the traveling wave principle and the beat vibration theory, a mathematical model is established to analyze the operation law of the beat traveling wave. Theoretical analyses and numerical simulations are used to study the amplitude variation of the beat traveling wave. Then, a spatial–temporal partial derivative method is developed to study the changing law of the beat traveling wave propagation direction. The research shows that the beat traveling wave is a waveform with periodic variation of both amplitude and propagation directions. An ultrasonic motor, as a potential application field of the beat wave traveling, is investigated deeply during the research. As a driving principle, the beat wave traveling can efficiently and conveniently realize the continuous reciprocating operation on ultrasonic motors. The beat traveling wave principle and its applicability are verified by finite element simulations and experiments. Meanwhile, a good prospect of its application is also given in this study.
Association Between Device-Measured Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Academic Performance in Adolescents
Authors: Bueno Maria Raquel de Oliveira , Zambrin Lidyane Ferreira , Panchoni Camila , Werneck André Oliveira , Fernandes Romulo Araújo , Serassuelo Hélio , Romanzini Marcelo , Ronque Enio Ricardo Vaz
Published: September 2020

Background

Although many studies found a positive association between physical activity (PA) and academic performance (AP), most did not consider important variables of school setting and students’ self-concept.

Aims

To analyze the association between moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and AP in adolescents, considering potential confounding variables of school setting and self-concept in adolescents.

Method

The final sample was composed of 394 students (186 boys) with a mean age of 11.3 ( SD = 0.8) years. The school grades were used as an indicator of AP. Measurements of body mass and stature were collected, and the body mass index was calculated and converted into z-score values. Maternal education, socioeconomic status, self-concept, and variables of the school setting were self-reported. MVPA and sedentary behavior (SB) were measured through accelerometry (GT3X and GT3X+; ActiGraph, Pensacola, Florida). Multiple linear regression was used for the association analyses, adopting p < .05.

Results

MVPA was inversely associated with global AP and mathematics only for girls: β = −.105 (95% CI [−0.205, −0.006]; p = .038); β = −.136 (95% CI [−0.261, −0.011]; p = .033). After adjusting for the school setting and self-concept, these significant associations disappear.

Discussion

MVPA was inversely associated with global AP and mathematics only for girls regardless of age, z-score body mass index, maternal education, socioeconomic status, and SB. However, after adjusting for school setting and self-concept, theses association disappear in mathematics and global AP, respectively.

Conclusion

The device-measured MVPA was not associated with AP after controlling for important variables (school setting and self-concept).
A mutation in CRX causing pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy
Authors: Oh Jin Kyun , Nuzbrokh Yan , Lee Winston , Lima de Carvalho Jose Ronaldo , Wang Nan Kai , Sparrow Janet R , Allikmets Rando , Tsang Stephen H
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

Mutations in the cone-rod homeobox ( CRX) gene, a known cause of inherited retinal dystrophy, are characterized by extensive phenotypic heterogeneity. We describe a novel presentation of rod-cone dystrophy (RCD) phenocopying pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy associated with a mutation in CRX.

Case description:

A 53-year-old man and his 48-year-old brother presented with a history of progressive vision loss and nyctalopia. Fundus examination revealed a bull’s eye lesion with chorioretinal atrophy and intraretinal pigment migration, while spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) demonstrated retinal thinning with outer retinal atrophy. On short-wavelength autofluorescence (SW-AF) imaging, an atypical paravenous pattern of atrophy with a surrounding hyperautofluorescent border was observed. Full-field electroretinogram (ffERG) revealed a rod-cone pattern of dysfunction. A heterozygous pathogenic variant, c.119G>A:p.(Arg40Gln), in the CRX gene was identified in both brothers and segregated in their family.

Conclusion:

This case report broadens the currently known phenotypic presentations of CRX-associated retinopathy and suggests that mutations in CRX may be associated with pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy.
The application of intracavitary electrocardiogram for tip location of femoral vein catheters in chemotherapy patients with superior vena cava obstruction
Authors: Ma Mengdan , Zhang Jinghui , Hou Jianmei , Gong Zhihong , Hu Zixin , Chen Shujie , Kong Xiaoya , Shi Zhengkun
Published: September 2020

Background:

Most studies focused on the application of intracavitary electrocardiogram (IC-ECG) location in superior vena cava access catheterization, this study aimed to explore the effect of IC-ECG for tip location of femoral vein catheters in chemotherapy patients with superior vena cava obstruction (SVCO).

Methods:

A total of 158 patients placed catheters through superficial femoral vein from July 2016 to May 2019 were enrolled in the randomized controlled study. The patients were divided into two groups by envelope lottery method: X-ray location was used in the control group ( n = 79); IC-ECG location was used in the observation group ( n = 79). The catheters should be located at or near the inferior vena cava (IVC)-right atrium (RA) junction (above the level of diaphragm within the IVC). The general information of patients, clinical catheterization effects and catheter-related complications were compared between the groups.

Results

No significant differences in general information, catheter obstruction, catheter-related thrombosis, catheter exit-site bleeding and infection were found between the groups. The rate of successful insertion at the first attempt and patient satisfaction in the observation group were significantly higher than that in the control group ( p < 0.05). The time and cost of location and the incidence of catheter-related complications in the control group were 32.57 min and 140.51 Yuan and 21.5%, which were significantly higher than 6.94 min and 13.59 Yuan and 7.6% in the observation group ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion

IC-ECG accurately located the tip of femoral vein catheters, reduced the incidence of catheter-related complications and the time and cost of location, improved patient satisfaction.
Use of Modals as Stance Markers: A Corpus-Based Study on Pakistani English Newspaper Editorials
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad , Mahmood Muhammad Asim , Farukh Ammara
Published: September 2020

This study analyses the use of modals as stance markers in newspaper editorials. Corpora of the study comprised of 500 editorials published in Pakistani English newspapers, that is, The Daily Dawn and The Daily News (250 editorials from each newspaper) which were analysed with the help of AntConc 3.4.4.0. Results show Pakistani editorial writers use all types of modals (i.e., prediction, possibility, necessity, modal adverbs, reporting verbs, knowledge verbs and generic phrases). The editorial writers use these modals to mark personal stance while commenting, reporting or informing about the state of affairs. Among these modals the use of prediction markers is the most frequent which indicates that prediction is a characteristic feature as well as function in the said newspaper editorials. Results also reveal that there is a difference in the use of modal adverbs in the editorials of both newspapers. In addition, the results reveal that the editorial writers of The Daily Dawn make less use of prediction markers as compared to the editorial writers of The Daily News. The study creates awareness of the stance of editorial writers’ and how it might affect readers’ opinions.
Competition and gender: Time’s up on essentialist knowledge production
Authors: Mavin Sharon , Yusupova Marina
Published: September 2020

This article is an intervention in current trends of thinking about competition and gender in essentialist and stereotypical ways. Such thinking has produced numerous comparative studies measuring competitiveness of women and men; ‘proving’ men as competitive and women as non-competitive. Based on experiments and written questionnaires, these studies reduce gender to perceived biological sex and treat competition as a ‘self-evident’, static and easily measurable phenomenon. To contribute new understandings and learning, we surface five fallacies of this comparative research, explaining why the approach is misleading, inequitable and socially harmful. Drawing upon gender as a social construction and women leaders’ narratives, we offer a blueprint for democratising knowledge production. We write differently, choosing not to provide a ‘balanced’ view of the field and construct competition as a processual, complex and contextually specific phenomenon with underlying gender dynamics, rather than a discrete, observable and fixed in time event. The article provides learning: for leaders and managers to resist automatic categorisation on the basis of perceived biological sex; for management educators to challenge the ways that leadership and management are traditionally taught; and, for executive coaches to support changes in practice, by embracing complexity of the contemporary contexts in which leaders operate.
The impact of stressors and overload on informal caregivers of patients with cirrhosis: The first use of the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers in Brazil
Authors: Sanches Slusarski Martins Raquel , Pipek Leonardo Zumerkorn , Mesquita Gustavo Heluani Antunes de , Nii Fernanda , Medeiros Kayo Augusto de Almeida , Carvalho Bárbara Justo , Martines Diego Ramos , D’Albuquerque Luiz Augusto Carneiro , Meyer Alberto , Andraus Wellington
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

Cirrhosis affects liver functions and compromises much of the body’s organs. The significant increase in chronic diseases, including cirrhosis, has led to changes in medical practice and health systems, leading the informal caregiver to play a major role because of family ties or some level of proximity to the patient, assuming daily care function. However, the burden generated by informal caregivers for uninterrupted care is present at different levels (physical, mental, social, professional, and financial) and even in the prognosis of the patient.

Objective:

The present study aims to evaluate the impact of stressors and overload on informal caregivers of cirrhosis patients.

Method:

Cross-sectional study, conducted with 54 informal caregivers of cirrhosis patients, followed up at the Liver Transplant Service Outpatient Clinic of the University of São Paulo School of Medicine Hospital das Clínicas, where they had access to a sociodemographic questionnaire, history of the patient’s disease and the scale Burden Scale for Family Caregivers.

Results:

It was observed that higher levels of education and income of the caregiver correlates with a lower degree of stress. In addition, there is a significant difference found in the caregiver’s age variable, which indicates that the youngest are those who have the highest degree of stress. The variable Na mEg/l of the patient also presents a statistically significant difference.

Conclusion:

Our study was a precursor using the BSFC scale of worldwide coverage and that had not yet been applied in any study in Brazil, thus allowing a look at the various aspects that affect the quality of life of caregivers of patients with cirrhosis. Our results and the literature corroborate the importance not only of the patient, but also the informal caregiver’s health.
The influence of social factors on the prosody of Spanish in contact with Basque
Authors: Elordieta Gorka , Romera Magdalena
Published: September 2020

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions:

The main goal of this paper is to analyse how social factors determine the degree of occurrence of intonational features of Basque in Spanish in the Basque Country (i.e. Basque Spanish).

Design/methodology/approach:

We concentrate on information-seeking yes/no questions. In Castilian Spanish, these end in a rising contour, whereas in Basque they end in a rising–falling contour. The data were gathered through sociolinguistic interviews with 12 speakers of Basque Spanish with different linguistic profiles: monolingual Spanish; first language Spanish–second language Basque; and L1 Basque–L2 Spanish.

Data and analysis:

172 information-seeking yes/no interrogatives were obtained from conversational speech. Their final intonational contours were annotated in the Spanish Tone and Break Index model of intonational analysis.

Findings/conclusions:

79% of all information-seeking yes/no questions had final configurations with a rising–falling circumflex contour. Only 21% had the final rising contour of Castilian Spanish. Speakers differed in their frequency of occurrence of falling contours, but the differences did not correlate with the speakers’ linguistic profile (monolingual vs bilingual). Rather, higher percentages of yes/no questions ending in a falling contour were found among speakers who had (a) a higher degree of contact with the Basque ethnolinguistic group, and (b) more positive attitudes towards the Basque language and the Basque ethnolinguistic group.

Originality:

Methodologically, this study is original because the intonational analysis is carried out on natural speech rather than on read or elicited speech. This study is also original from a theoretical point of view because it is the first one to underline the role that subjective factors such as linguistic attitudes play in the adoption of features of a language variety from another contact variety.

Significance/implications:

Our research opens up a path to continue investigating the weight of subjective social factors such as linguistic attitudes in explaining the variation in the influence of one language variety over another.
Smart self-sensory carbon-based textile reinforced concrete structures for structural health monitoring
Authors: Yosef Lidor , Goldfeld Yiska
Published: September 2020

The goal of this study is to develop a structural health monitoring methodology for smart self-sensory carbon-based textile reinforced concrete elements. The self-sensory concept is based on measuring the electrical resistance change in the carbon roving reinforcement and by means of an engineering gage factor, correlating the relative electrical resistance change to an integral value of strain along the location of the roving. The concept of the nonlinear engineering gage factor that captures the unique micro-structural mechanism of the roving within the concrete matrix is demonstrated and validated. The estimated value of strain is compared to a theoretical value calculated by assuming a healthy state. The amount of discrepancy between the two strain values makes it possible to indicate and distinguish between the structural states. The study experimentally demonstrates the engineering gage factor concept and the structural health monitoring procedure by mechanically loading two textile reinforced concrete beams, one by a monotonic loading procedure and the other by a cyclic loading procedure. It is presented that the proposed structural health monitoring procedure succeeded in estimating the strain and in clearly distinguishing between the structural states.
The Prevalence of Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Patel Unnati , Roesch Ronald
Published: September 2020

The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the prevalence of technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) within the adolescent and adult population regarding victimization and perpetration. In addition to the primary aim, associated health outcomes with TFSV were discussed through a qualitative lens. Specific forms of TFSV that were examined include distribution of, production of, and threats to distribute sexual material involving another individual without that person’s consent via images or videos; 425 articles from MEDLINE, PsycArticles, PsycINFO, Criminal Justice Abstracts, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, and Google Scholar were screened. Nineteen articles (comprising 20 independent samples) reporting prevalence rates of TFSV on 32,247 participants were included in this random-effects meta-analysis. Pooled prevalence of victimization results revealed that 8.8% of people have had their image or video-based sexts shared without consent, 7.2% have been threatened with sext distribution, and 17.6% have had their image taken without permission. Regarding perpetration, 12% have shared sexts beyond the intended recipient, 2.7% have threatened to share sexts, and 8.9% have nonconsensually taken an image. Moderator variables included publication year, mean participant age, proportion of female participants, and study setting, with meta-regression analyses revealing no significant predictors. Finally, a qualitative analysis of nine articles ( n = 3,990) was conducted to assess mental health associations with TFSV victimization, revealing significant mental health impacts, including anxiety, depression, and poor coping, for victims.
Quasi-static and dynamic mechanical thermal performance of date palm/glass fiber hybrid composites
Authors: Merzoug Abderrazek , Bouhamida Bachir , Sereir Zouaoui , Bezazi Abderrezak , Kilic Ali , Candan Zeki
Published: September 2020

The present work reports an experimental study on the thermal and mechanical properties of hybrid composites obtained from Petiole Date Palm Fiber (PDPF)/Glass fiber (GF) as reinforcement and vinylester resin (VE). In order to improve the fiber/matrix adhesion, palm fibers were alkali treated with 5% NaOH solution for 24 h–72h. SEM and ATR-FTIR analysis revealed that the 48 h treatment of PDFP with NaOH solution led to rough fiber surface. Vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) system was used to produce four hybrid composites (30PDPF/0GF, 20PDPF/10GF, 10PDPF/20GF and 0PDPF/30GF) where the weight ratio of total fiber reinforcement was kept 30%. The treated palm fibers were arranged as a nonwoven mat and placed between woven glass fabrics. Tensile, flexural, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), and thermogravimetric (TGA) were carried out to evaluate the performance of the hybrid composites. The flexural strength and modulus for pure PDPF composite were found to be 60 MPa and 3.87 GPa respectively. Addition of 20%wt glass fiber led an increase in the thermal stability and an enhancement in the tensile and flexural strength by 71.72% and 74.51%, respectively compared to pure PDPF composite. However, the incorporation of 10% of PDPF increases the damping factor from 0.2 for the composite glass/VE to 0.54 for the hybrid 10PDPF/20GF. According to findings of this study, PDPF based composites can be used as non-structural parts in automotive and boat industries.
Throughput and delay analysis for IEEE 802.11 multi-hop networks considering data rate
Authors: Kanematsu Takeshi , Sanada Kosuke , Li Zhetao , Pei Tingrui , Choi Young-June , Nguyen Kien , Sekiya Hiroo
Published: September 2020

In an IEEE 802.11 Distributed Coordination Function–based wireless network with multiple hops, a node operates on its own with several predefined data rates (i.e. following modulation and coding schemes). Moreover, the IEEE 802.11 Distributed Coordination Function node’s communication is characterized by transmission and carrier-sensing distances. The transmission one is, in general, reverse proportional to the data rate. Meanwhile, the carrier distance keeps constant regardless of the modulation and coding scheme. Therefore, when a node has a high transmission rate, within its carrier-sensing range, the number of nodes may increase. The previous works have not yet extensively investigated the impact of data rates on such a scenario. This article addresses that issue aiming to quantify the network performance of the multi-hop IEEE 802.11 networks. As a solution, we propose the mathematical expressions, which consider data rates, for end-to-end throughputs, as well as delays in the network with string topology. We confirm the expressions’ correctness by presenting the quantitative agreements between the analytical and simulation results.
Study on creep characteristics of geogrids considered sand-geosynthetics interaction under different loading levels
Authors: Wang Jia-Quan , Xu Liang-Jie , Lin Zhi-Nan , Tang Yi
Published: September 2020

Only considered creep behavior of geosynthetics in the design and construction of reinforced structures, not that the creep behavior of reinforced materials considered geosynthetics-sand interaction under different loading levels. A series of creep tests on a geogrid under different loading levels were carried out through a self-developed test device. The long-term creep characteristics of the geogrids under different loading levels were analyzed. The results showed that: Compared to sand constraint condition, under the same loading level, the creep rate under non-constraint condition is about 1.1 times. After the creep time over 400 h, the strain growth rate tends to be a constant value for sand constraint condition, which needs 700 h for non-constraint condition. Creep deformation mainly occurs near the pullout endpoint of the geogrid, and the deformation of each strain measurement zone is reduced from the tensile end to the fixed end of the geogrid.
Contrast polarity affects verification of addition and subtraction problems via conceptual mapping
Authors: Šetić Beg Mia , Glavaš Dragan , Domijan Dražen
Published: September 2020

The extent to which processing of abstract numerical concepts depends on perceptual representations is still an open question. In four experiments, we examined the association between contrast polarity and mental arithmetic, as well as its possible source. Undergraduate psychology students verified the correctness of single-digit arithmetic problems such as 2 + 5 = 7 or 9 − 6 = 5. Problems appeared either in white or black on a grey background, thus creating positive or negative contrast polarity, respectively. When the correct response was Yes (No), participants were faster (slower) in verifying positive than negative addition problems and in verifying negative than positive subtraction problems. Experiment 2 confirmed that the same result also held for written word problems (e.g., SEVEN + SIX = THIRTEEN). However, Experiment 3 found that the effect of contrast polarity observed in Experiments 1 and 2 disappeared in a blocked design where arithmetic operation was a between-participant factor. In addition, Experiment 4 revealed that the effect of contrast polarity does not generalise to multiplication and division. Overall, available evidence suggests that participants spontaneously associate the abstract relation between addition and subtraction (more-less) with a similar relation between contrast polarities (bright-dark).
Diffuse necrotising leukoencephalopathy with microhaemorrhages in a patient with severe COVID-19 disease
Authors: Nicolas-Jilwan Manal , Almaghrabi Reem Saad
Published: September 2020

A wide range of neurological complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is increasingly recognised. Although the majority of these remain ischaemic and haemorrhagic events, various disorders are being reported. In particular, several cases of diffuse acute leukoencephalopathy have been observed in critically ill patients with COVID-19 disease. We report the case of a 59-year-old man with multiple comorbidities and severe COVID-19 pneumonia who developed a diffuse leukoencephalopathy with microhaemorrhages and extensive associated white matter necrosis. Although this is the first documented case of extensive COVID-19-associated white matter necrosis, we highlight the relatively constant features of this injury similar to previously reported cases, including symmetrical involvement of the supratentorial white matter, sparing of the peripheral subcortical regions except in the precentral gyri, frequently associated microhaemorrhages, relative sparing of the deep gray matter structures and infratentorial structures, and lack of enhancement.
Urban governance dispositifs: cohering diverse ecologies of urban energy governance
Authors: McGuirk Pauline , Dowling Robyn
Published: September 2020

As cities confront increasingly complex governance problems, conceptions of urban governance are becoming progressively more receptive to grasping its dynamic and multiplex nature, its connection to multiple lines of authority and forms of power, and the socio-material assemblages through which it works. Yet, despite conceptual advances around the dynamism and heterogeneity of urban governing assemblages and their durability, much remains to be understood about the processes and devices that compose and cohere their constituent elements to generate governance capacity. We explore this limitation by deploying Foucault’s concept of ‘dispositif’ to analytically characterize how urban governance capacity is achieved around complex urban problems via processes and devices of composition and cohering. We do so by examining an emergent urban energy governance dispositif focused around top-tier commercial office space in Sydney, Australia: a key site around which multiple elements have been composed in a complex, entangled dispositif to produce effective urban governance capacity and accomplish substantive gains in office building energy performance. We characterise the socio-material elements involved and, more particularly, identify and analyse the processes and devices that compose the dispositif and cohere its governance capacity and we draw out the diverse forms of power that are immanent in these processes. These are, we argue, key steps in refining systematic understandings of the contemporary functioning and politics of the distributed urban governance of complex urban challenges. We conclude with key observations suggested by our analysis for urban governance scholarship.
Xenotropic and polytropic retrovirus receptor 1 regulates procoagulant platelet polyphosphate
Authors: Mailer Reiner K. , Allende Mikel , Heestermans Marco , Schweizer Michaela , Deppermann Carsten , Frye Maike , Pula Giordano , Odeberg Jacob , Gelderblom Mathias , Rose-John Stefan , Sickmann Albert , Blankenberg Stefan , Huber Tobias B. , Kubisch Christian , Maas Coen , Gambaryan Stepan , Firsov Dmitri , Stavrou Evi X. , Butler Lynn M. , Renné Thomas
Published: September 2020

Polyphosphate is a procoagulant inorganic polymer of linear-linked orthophosphate residues. Multiple investigations have established the importance of platelet polyphosphate in blood coagulation; however, the mechanistic details of polyphosphate homeostasis in mammalian species remain largely undefined. In this study, xenotropic and polytropic retrovirus receptor 1 (XPR1) regulated polyphosphate in platelets and was implicated in thrombosis in vivo. We used bioinformatic analyses of omics data to identify XPR1 as a major phosphate transporter in platelets. XPR1 messenger RNA and protein expression inversely correlated with intracellular polyphosphate content and release. Pharmacological interference with XPR1 activity increased polyphosphate stores, led to enhanced platelet-driven coagulation, and amplified thrombus formation under flow via the polyphosphate/factor XII pathway. Conditional gene deletion of Xpr1 in platelets resulted in polyphosphate accumulation, accelerated arterial thrombosis, and augmented activated platelet-driven pulmonary embolism without increasing bleeding in mice. These data identify platelet XPR1 as an integral regulator of platelet polyphosphate metabolism and reveal a fundamental role for phosphate homeostasis in thrombosis.
RUNX1 and CBFβ-SMMHC transactivate target genes together in abnormal myeloid progenitors for leukemia development
Authors: Zhen Tao , Cao Yaqiang , Ren Gang , Zhao Ling , Hyde R. Katherine , Lopez Guadalupe , Feng Dechun , Alemu Lemlem , Zhao Keji , Liu P. Paul
Published: September 2020

Inversion of chromosome 16 is a consistent finding in patients with acute myeloid leukemia subtype M4 with eosinophilia, which generates a CBFB-MYH11 fusion gene. It is generally considered that CBFβ-SMMHC, the fusion protein encoded by CBFB-MYH11, is a dominant negative repressor of RUNX1. However, recent findings challenge the RUNX1-repression model for CBFβ-SMMHC–mediated leukemogenesis. To definitively address the role of Runx1 in CBFB-MYH11–induced leukemia, we crossed conditional Runx1 knockout mice (Runx1f/f) with conditional Cbfb-MYH11 knockin mice (Cbfb+/56M). On Mx1-Cre activation in hematopoietic cells induced by poly (I:C) injection, all Mx1-CreCbfb+/56M mice developed leukemia in 5 months, whereas no leukemia developed in Runx1f/fMx1-CreCbfb+/56M mice, and this effect was cell autonomous. Importantly, the abnormal myeloid progenitors (AMPs), a leukemia-initiating cell population induced by Cbfb-MYH11 in the bone marrow, decreased and disappeared in Runx1f/fMx1-CreCbfb+/56M mice. RNA-seq analysis of AMP cells showed that genes associated with proliferation, differentiation blockage, and leukemia initiation were differentially expressed between Mx1-CreCbfb+/56M and Runx1f/fMx1-CreCbfb+/56M mice. In addition, with the chromatin immunocleavage sequencing assay, we observed a significant enrichment of RUNX1/CBFβ-SMMHC target genes in Runx1f/fMx1-CreCbfb+/56M cells, especially among downregulated genes, suggesting that RUNX1 and CBFβ-SMMHC mainly function together as activators of gene expression through direct target gene binding. These data indicate that Runx1 is indispensable for Cbfb-MYH11–induced leukemogenesis by working together with CBFβ-SMMHC to regulate critical genes associated with the generation of a functional AMP population.
Similar patterns of genetic diversity and linkage disequilibrium in Western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) and humans indicate highly conserved mechanisms of MHC molecular evolution
Authors: Vangenot Christelle , Nunes José Manuel , Doxiadis Gaby M. , Poloni Estella S. , Bontrop Ronald E. , de Groot Natasja G. , Sanchez-Mazas Alicia
Published: September 2020

Background

Many species are threatened with extinction as their population sizes decrease with changing environments or face novel pathogenic threats. A reduction of genetic diversity at major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes may have dramatic effects on populations’ survival, as these genes play a key role in adaptive immunity. This might be the case for chimpanzees, theMHCgenes of which reveal signatures of an ancient selective sweep likely due to a viral epidemic that reduced their population size a few million years ago. To better assess how this past event affectedMHCvariation in chimpanzees compared to humans, we analysed several indexes of genetic diversity and linkage disequilibrium across sevenMHCgenes on four cohorts of chimpanzees and we compared them to those estimated at orthologousHLAgenes in a large set of human populations.

Results

Interestingly, the analyses uncovered similar patterns of both molecular diversity and linkage disequilibrium across the sevenMHCgenes in chimpanzees and humans. Indeed, in both species the greatest allelic richness and heterozygosity were found at lociA,B,CandDRB1,the greatest nucleotide diversity at lociDRB1,DQA1andDQB1, and both significant global linkage disequilibrium and the greatest proportions of haplotypes in linkage disequilibrium were observed at pairsDQA1 ~ DQB1,DQA1 ~ DRB1,DQB1 ~ DRB1andB ~ C. Our results also showed that, despite some differences among loci, the levels of genetic diversity and linkage disequilibrium observed in contemporary chimpanzees were globally similar to those estimated in small isolated human populations, in contrast to significant differences compared to large populations.

Conclusions

We conclude, first, that highly conserved mechanisms shaped the diversity of orthologousMHCgenes in chimpanzees and humans. Furthermore, our findings support the hypothesis that an ancient demographic decline affecting the chimpanzee populations – like that ascribed to a viral epidemic – exerted a substantial effect on the molecular diversity of theirMHCgenes, albeit not more pronounced than that experienced byHLAgenes in human populations that underwent rapid genetic drift during humans’ peopling history. We thus propose a model where chimpanzees’MHCgenes regenerated molecular variation through recombination/gene conversion and/or balancing selection after the selective sweep.
Distributed causality in resting-state network connectivity in the acute and remitting phases of RRMS
Authors: Wu Lin , Huang Muhua , Zhou Fuqing , Zeng Xianjun , Gong Honghan
Published: September 2020

Background

Although previous studies have shown that intra-network abnormalities in brain functional networks are correlated with clinical/cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS), there is little information regarding the pattern of causal interactions among cognition-related resting-state networks (RSNs) in different disease stages of relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) patients. We hypothesized that abnormalities of causal interactions among RSNs occurred in RRMS patients in the acute and remitting phases.

Methods

Seventeen patients in the acute phases of RRMS, 24 patients in the remitting phases of RRMS, and 23 appropriately matched healthy controls participated in this study. First, we used group independent component analysis to extract the time courses of the spatially independent components from all the subjects. Then, the Granger causality analysis was used to investigate the causal relationships among RSNs in the spectral domain and to identify correlations with clinical indices.

Results

Compared with the patients in the acute phase of RRMS, patients in the remitting phase of RRMS showed a significantly lower expanded disability status scale, modified fatigue impact scale scores, and significantly higher paced auditory serial addition test (PASAT) scores. Compared with healthy subjects, during the acute phase, RRMS patients had significantly increased driving connectivity from the right executive control network (rECN) to the anterior salience network (aSN), and the causal coefficient was negatively correlated with the PASAT score. During the remitting phase, RRMS patients had significantly increased driving connectivity from the rECN to the aSN and from the rECN to the visuospatial network.

Conclusions

Together with the disease duration (mean disease duration < 5 years) and relatively better clinical scores than those in the acute phase, abnormal connections, such as the information flow from the rECN to the aSN and the rECN to the visuospatial network, might provide adaptive compensation in the remitting phase of RRMS.
Association analysis between agronomic traits and AFLP markers in a wide germplasm of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) under normal and salinity stress conditions
Authors: Yazdizadeh Mehdi , Fahmideh Leila , Mohammadi-Nejad Ghasem , Solouki Mahmood , Nakhoda Babak
Published: September 2020

Background

Proso millet is a highly nutritious cereal considered an essential component of processed foods. It is also recognized with high water-use efficiency as well as short growing seasons. This research was primarily aimed at investigating the genetic diversity among genotypes based on evaluating those important traits proposed in previous researches under both normal and salinity- stress conditions. Use of Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) molecular markers as well as evaluating the association between markers and the investigated traits under both conditions was also another purpose of this research.

Results

According to the phenotypic correlation coefficients, the seed yield had the highest correlation with the forage and biological yields under both conditions. By disintegrating those traits investigated under normal and salinity-stress conditions into principal component analysis, it was found that the first four principal components justified more than 59.94 and 62.48% of the whole variance, respectively. The dendrogram obtained by cluster analysis displayed three groups of genotypes under both normal and salinity- stress conditions. Then, association analyses were conducted on 143 proso millet genotypes and 15 agronomic traits as well as 514 polymorphic AFLP markers (out of 866 created bands) generated by 11 primer combinations (out of the initial 20 primer combinations) EcoRI/MseI. The results obtained by mixed linear model (MLM) indicated that under normal conditions, the M14/E10–45 and M14/E10–60 markers had strong associations with seed yield. A similar trend was also observed for M14/E10–45 and M14/E11–44 markers in relation to forage yield. On the other hand, M14/E10–14, M14/E10–64 markers (for seed yield) and M14/E10–64 marker (for forage yield), had significant and stable association in all environments under salinity-stress conditions. Moreover, a number of markers showed considerable associations and stability under both normal and salinity stress conditions.

Conclusions

According to the analysis of phenotypic data, the wide germplasm of Iranian proso millet has significant variation in terms of measured traits. It can be concluded that markers showing strong associations with traits under salinity-stress conditions are suitable candidates to be used in future marker-assisted selection (MAS) studies to improve salinity-resistance genotypes of Panicum miliaceum in arid and semiarid areas.
A randomized controlled trial evaluating the hemodynamic impact of ultrasound-guided great auricular nerve block in middle ear microsurgery
Authors: Liu Jinsheng , Yuan Kezhi , Zhou Hongling , Li Li , Wang Guyan , Li Tianzuo
Published: September 2020

Background

The peri-operative effectiveness of ultrasound-guided great auricular nerve block (GANB) in patients, especially in adult patients undergoing middle ear microsurgery remains unclear. We hypothesized that ultrasound-guided GANB would decrease the hemodynamic responsiveness to incision and opioid consumption in middle ear microsurgery as well as the post-operative analgesia requirement.

Methods

Sixty patients undergoing middle ear microsurgery were randomized into two equal groups to receive either a GANB with 2 ml of 0.25% ropivacaine under ultrasound guidance (GANB group) or to receive a blank control intervention (without any performed injection) before general anesthesia inductions. The primary outcomes were hemodynamic changes of MAP (mean artery pressure) and HR (heart rate) to skin incision. The secondary endpoints were to determine the consumptions of propofol and remifentanil during the operation and the incidence of remedial analgesia 48 h post-operation to maintain VAS ≤ 3.

Results

The MAP post incision in GANB group was significantly lower than that in control group (GANB group 93.83 ± 11.72 mmHg vs. control group 100.87 ± 12.65 mmHg, P = 0.029). The increases for MAP and HR post incision were also lower in GANB group (∆MAP GANB group 11.90 ± 8.32 mmHg vs. control group 19.83 ± 10.37 mmHg, P = 0.002; ∆HR GANB group 3.67 ± 5.30 beat min− 1 vs. control group 8.23 ± 8.56 beat min− 1, P = 0.016). Remifentanil consumption was significantly decreased in GANB group (GANB group 401.55 ± 100.51 μg h− 1 vs. control group 697.34 ± 215.45 μg h− 1, P = 0.000). The incidence of remedial analgesia post-operation in GANB group (5/30) was significantly lower than that in control group (20/30, P = 0.000).

Conclusion

Ultrasound-guided GANB decreases the hemodynamic responsiveness to incision and remifentanil consumption in middle ear microsurgery as well as the post-operative analgesia requirement.

Trial registration

This trial was retrospectively registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn with the registration number of ChiCTR1800014333 on 6 January, 2018.