bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BoLA‐DRB3 genetic diversity in Highland Creole cattle from Bolivia
Authors: Giovambattista Guillermo , Takeshima Shin‐Nosuke , Moe Kyaw Kyaw , Pereira Rico Juan A. , Polat Meripet , Loza Vega Ariel , Arce Cabrera Orlando N. , Aida Yoko
Published: October 2020

The genetic diversity of the BoLA‐DRB3 gene has been reported in different cattle breeds owing to its central role in the immune response. However, it is still unknown in hundreds of cattle breeds, especially native populations. Here, we studied BoLA‐DRB3 genetic diversity in Highland Creole cattle (CrAl) from Western Bolivia, raised at altitudes between 3800 and 4200 m. DNAs from 48 CrAl cattle were genotyped for BoLA‐DRB3 exon 2 alleles using polymerase chain reaction‐sequence‐based typing (PCR‐SBT). The results were compared with 1341 previously reported data from Tropical Creole cattle and other breeds raised in the region. Twenty‐three BoLA‐DRB3 alleles were identified in CrAl, including the BoLA‐DRB3*029:02 variant previously detected in other Creole cattle. Observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.87 and 0.93, respectively. Nucleotide diversity and the number of pairwise difference values were 0.078 and 19.46, respectively. The average number of nonsynonymous and synonymous substitutions were 0.037 and 0.097 for the entire BoLA‐DRB3 exon 2, and 0.129 and 0.388 for the antigen‐binding site, respectively. Venn analysis and the review of the IPD‐MHC database and the literature showed that 2 of 64 alleles were only detected in CrAl, including BoLA‐DRB3*029:01 previously reported in African cattle and *048:01 detected in Philippine cattle. Two additional alleles, BoLA‐DRB3*007:02 and *029:02, were only present in CrAl and Lowland Creole cattle. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that Bolivian Creole cattle breeds were closely located but they were distant from the Colombian Hartón del Valle Creole. FST analysis showed a low degree of genetic differentiation between Highland and Lowland Bolivian Creole cattle (FST = 0.015). The present results contribute to increasing our knowledge of BoLA‐DRB3 genetic diversity in cattle breeds.
Evaluation of a Cost-Effective Technology for the Experimental Investigation of Microflows With Water and Liquid Metal
Authors: Galván Jorge , Sellschopp F. Sergio , Beltrán Alberto , Vargas Joel , Rivero Michel
Published: October 2020

In this technical brief, we investigate the feasibility to use a cost-effective system for the study of frictional losses in hydro- and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows. Experiments are performed in rectangular channels with different aspect ratios, whose dimensions range from 500 μm to 1.835 mm. Fabrication is done with conventional technology, and characterization by commercial sensors and open-source electronic prototyping platforms. Water and GaInSn are used as working fluids. GaInSn experiments are performed for one aspect with and without external magnetic field. For these experiments, Reynolds number varies from 80 to 1000. Characterization is performed in terms of the Darcy friction factor. Uncertainty associated with this common fabrication and characterization methodology is presented.
A Computationally Efficient, High-Fidelity Testbed for Building Climate Control
Authors: Kircher Kevin J. , Schaefer Walter , Max Zhang K.
Published: October 2020

Advanced building climate control systems have the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs, but more research is needed to bring these systems to market. A key component of building control research is testing algorithms through simulation. Many high-fidelity simulation testbeds exist, but they tend to be complex and opaque to users. Simpler, more transparent testbeds also exist, but they tend to neglect important nonlinearities and disturbances encountered in practice. In this paper, we develop a simulation testbed that is computationally efficient, transparent and high fidelity. We validate the testbed empirically, then demonstrate its use through the examples of system identification, online state and parameter estimation, and model predictive control (MPC). The testbed is intended to enable rapid, reliable analysis of building control algorithms, thereby accelerating progress toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions at scale. We call the resulting testbed and supporting functions the bldg toolbox, which is free, open source, and available online.
Molecular Evaluation of Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Serial Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates from Individuals Diagnosed with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Willby Melisa , Chopra Paige , Lemmer Darrin , Klein Katherine , Dalton Tracy L. , Engelthaler David M. , Cegielski J. Peter , Posey James E.
Published: October 2020

Fluoroquinolones (FQ) are crucial components of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) treatment. Differing levels of resistance are associated with specific mutations within the
q
uinolone-
r
esistance-
d
etermining
r
egion (QRDR) of
gyrA
. We sequenced the QRDR from serial isolates of MDR TB patients in the Preserving Effective TB Treatment Study (PETTS) with baseline FQ resistance (FQ
R
) or acquired FQ resistance (FQ
ACQR
) using an Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (PGM) to a depth of 10,000× and reported single nucleotide polymorphisms in ≥1% of reads.
Origins and Molecular Evolution of the NusG Paralog RfaH
Authors: Wang Bing , Gumerov Vadim M. , Andrianova Ekaterina P. , Zhulin Igor B. , Artsimovitch Irina
Published: October 2020

In all domains of life, NusG-like proteins make contacts similar to those of RNA polymerase and promote pause-free transcription yet may play different roles, defined by their divergent interactions with nucleic acids and accessory proteins, in the same cell. This duality is illustrated by
Escherichia coli
NusG and RfaH, which silence and activate xenogenes, respectively. We combined sequence analysis and recent functional and structural insights to envision the evolutionary transformation of NusG, a core regulator that we show is present in all cells using bacterial RNA polymerase, into a virulence factor, RfaH. Our results suggest a stepwise conversion of a NusG duplicate copy into a sequence-specific regulator which excludes NusG from its targets but does not compromise the regulation of housekeeping genes. We find that gene duplication and lateral transfer give rise to a surprising diversity within the only ubiquitous family of transcription factors.
TOX defines the degree of CD8+ T cell dysfunction in distinct phases of chronic HBV infection
Authors: Heim Kathrin , Binder Benedikt , Sagar  , Wieland Dominik , Hensel Nina , Llewellyn-Lacey Sian , Gostick Emma , Price David A. , Emmerich Florian , Vingerhoet Hildegard , Kraft Anke R M , Cornberg Markus , Boettler Tobias , Neumann-Haefelin Christoph , Zehn Dietmar , Bengsch Bertram , Hofmann Maike , Thimme Robert
Published: October 2020

Objective

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is characterised by HBV-specific CD8+ T cell dysfunction that has been linked to Tcell exhaustion, a distinct differentiation programme associated with persisting antigen recognition. Recently, Thymocyte Selection-Associated High Mobility Group Box (TOX) was identified as master regulator of CD8+ T cell exhaustion. Here, we addressed the role of TOX in HBV-specific CD8+ T cell dysfunction associated with different clinical phases of infection.

Design

We investigated TOX expression in HBV-specific CD8+ T cells from 53 HLA-A*01:01, HLA-A*11:01 and HLA-A*02:01 positive patients from different HBV infection phases and compared it to hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific, cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific and influenza virus (FLU)-specific CD8+ T cells. Phenotypic and functional analyses of virus-specific CD8+ T cells were performed after peptide-loaded tetramer-enrichment and peptide-specific expansion.

Results

Our results show that TOX expression in HBV-specific CD8+ T cells is linked to chronic antigen stimulation, correlates with viral load and is associated with phenotypic and functional characteristics of T-cell exhaustion. In contrast, similar TOX expression in EBV-specific and CMV-specific CD8+ T cells is not linked to T-cell dysfunction suggesting different underlying programmes. TOX expression in HBV-specific CD8+ T cells is also affected by targeted antigens, for example, core versus polymerase. In HBV-specific CD8+ T cells, TOX expression is maintained after spontaneous or therapy-mediated viral control in chronic but not self-limiting acute HBV infection indicating a permanent molecular imprint after chronic but not temporary stimulation.

Conclusion

Our data highlight TOX as biomarker specific for dysfunctional virus-specific CD8+ T cells in the context of an actively persisting infection.
Investigation into the properties of a ruthenium(polypyridyl)-NHC compound
Authors: Pearson James W. , Endean Riley T. , Rasu Loorthuraja , Bergens Steven H.
Published: October 2020

The asymmetric imidazolium salt [Ru(dmbpy)2(bpip)](PF6)3 (bpip = 1-benzyl-3-isopropyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolinium) was prepared by a four-step synthetic route. The isotopomer labelled with 13C at the C2 position of bpip was prepared from 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-diamine and triethyl orthoformate-(formyl-13C). Deprotonation at low temperatures in acetonitrile using KO t Bu and KHMDS were monitored by NMR to investigate the formation of the free N-heterocyclic carbene.
Higher-dimensional particle model in pure Lovelock gravity
Authors: Forghani S. Danial , Mazharimousavi S. Habib , Halilsoy Mustafa
Published: October 2020

In this paper, based on the thin-shell formalism, we introduce a classical model for particles in the framework of [Formula: see text]-dimensional [Formula: see text]-order pure Lovelock gravity. In particular, we construct a spherically symmetric particle of radius [Formula: see text] whose inside is a flat Minkowski spacetime while its outside is charged pLG solution. Knowing that in [Formula: see text]-dimensional spherically symmetric Einstein gravity ([Formula: see text]-gravity) such a particle model cannot be constructed, as we have discussed first, provides the main motivation for this study. In fact, it is the richness of Lovelock parameters that provides such a particle construction possible. On the thin-shell, the energy-momentum components are chosen to vanish, yet their normal derivatives are nonzero.
A Technique to Calculate National Happiness Index by Analyzing Roman Urdu Messages Posted on Social Media
Authors: Habiba Rabia , Awais Dr. Muhammad , Shoaib Dr. Muhammad
Published: October 2020

National Happiness Index (NHI) is a national indicator of development that estimates the economic and social well-being of the nation's individuals. With the proliferation of the internet, people share a significant amount of data on social media websites. We can process the data with different sentiment analysis techniques to calculate the NHI. In the literature, different approaches have been used to calculate NHI, which include the lexicon-based approach and machine learning approach. All of these existing approaches are proposed to calculate NHI for the sentiments written in the English language. However, these methods fail for complex Roman Urdu tweets that contain more than two sub-opinions. There are three primary objectives of the research: (1) to investigate current sentiment analysis techniques are sufficient for the classification of complex Roman Urdu sentiments; (2) to propose rule-based classifier for the classification of Roman Urdu sentiments comprising multiple sub-opinions; (3) to calculate NHI using Roman Urdu sentiments. For this purpose, we proposed the discourse information extractor, the rule-based method (3-RBC), and the machine learning classifier. The experimental results show that 3-RBC is efficient for feature identification, and it is more statistically significant than the baseline classifiers. The 3-RBC has successfully increased the accuracy by 7% and precision by 8%, which provides evidence that the proposed technique significantly increased the calculation of NHI.
LoRadar
Authors: Choi Kwon Nung , Kolamunna Harini , Uyanwatta Akila , Thilakarathna Kanchana , Seneviratne Suranga , Holz Ralph , Hassan Mahbub , Zomaya Albert Y.
Published: October 2020

IoT deployments targeting different application domains are being unfolded at various administrative levels such as countries, states, corporations, or even individual households. Facilitating data transfers between deployed sensors and back-end cloud services is an important aspect of IoT deployments. These data transfers are usually done using Low Power WAN technologies (LPWANs) that have low power consumption and support longer transmission ranges. LoRa (Long Range) is one such technology that has recently gained significant popularity due to its ease of deployment. In this paper, we present
LoRadar
, a passive packet sniffing framework for LoRa's Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol, LoRaWAN.
LoRadar
is built using commodity hardware. By carrying out passive measurements at a given location,
LoRadar
provides key insights of LoRa deployments such as available LoRa networks, deployed sensors, their make, and transmission patterns. Since LoRa deployments are becoming more pervasive, these information are pivotal in characterizing network performance, comparing different LoRa operators, and in emergencies or tactical operations to quickly assess available sensing infrastructure at a given geographical location. We validate the performance of
LoRadar
in both laboratory and real network settings and conduct a measurement study at eight key locations distributed over a large city-wide geographical area to provide an in-depth analysis of the landscape of commercial IoT deployments. Furthermore, we show the usage of
LoRadar
in improving the network such as potential collision and jamming detection, device localization, as well as spectrum policing to identify devices that violate the daily duty-cycle quota. Our results show that most of the devices transmitting over the SF12 data rate at one of the survey location were violating the network provider's quota.
Fixed-Point Theorem for Isometric Self-Mappings
Authors: Gordon Joseph Frank
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we derive a fixed-point theorem for self-mappings. That is, it is shown that every isometric self-mapping on a weakly compact convex subset of a strictly convex Banach space has a fixed point.
Disaster Preparedness among Emergency Medical Service Providers: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Beyramijam Mehdi , Khankeh Hamid Reza , Farrokhi Mehrdad , Ebadi Abbas , Masoumi Gholamreza , Aminizadeh Mohsen
Published: October 2020

Background. The emergency medical service (EMS) provides first-line medical care to people who require urgent medical care in emergency and disaster situations. Preparedness is the most effective approach for the management of disaster risks, and it is essential for the emergency medical service (EMS) providers, such as paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMT), and other EMS personnel. This systematic review will explore evidence on the preparedness of emergency medical service providers in emergency and disaster situations by reviewing peer-reviewed journal articles. Methods/Design. This study will be conducted on peer-reviewed articles published between 2005 and 2019 to explore the preparedness of emergency medical service providers in emergencies and disasters. Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar will be thoroughly searched to identify published studies on emergency and disaster preparedness. The following keywords will be used for searching the databases: “Medical Technician,” “Paramedic,” “Emergency Paramedic,” “Emergency Medicine Technician,” “Emergency Medical Technician,” “Emergency Prehospital Provider,” “Emergency Preparedness,” “Disaster Preparedness,” “Hospital Preparedness,” “Disaster management,” “Disaster Competencies,” “Disaster Readiness,” “Disaster,” “Disaster Role,” “Readiness, Preparedness, Terrorist,” “Mass Casualty Incident,” “Major incidents,” “Mass Casualty,” “Mass Gathering,” “CBRNE,” “Weapons of Mass Destruction,” and “Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive Event.” Discussion. To the best of our knowledge, no comprehensive review study has been conducted on the preparedness of emergency medical service providers in disaster situations. This study is the first attempt to address this gap. It will also explore the key dimensions in disaster preparedness of EMS providers and the strategies to enhance their preparedness. Identifying the key dimensions of disaster preparedness is the first step in designing and developing valid instruments to evaluate EMS provider’s disaster preparedness and as well as adopting appropriate strategies to improve the level of their preparedness (This systematic review is registred in PROSPERO with CRD42020149689).
A Novel Regret Theory-Based Decision-Making Method Combined with the Intuitionistic Fuzzy Canberra Distance
Authors: Ren Haiping , Gao Yunxiao , Yang Tonghua
Published: October 2020

In practical decision-making, the behavior factors of decision makers often affect the final decision-making results. Regret theory is an important behavioral decision theory. Based on the regret theory, a novel decision-making method is proposed for the multiattribute decision-making problem with incomplete attribute weight information, and the attribute values are expressed by Atanassov intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. At first, a new distance of intuitionistic fuzzy sets is put forward based on the traditional Canberra distance. Then, we utilize it for the definition of the regret value (rejoice) for the attribute value of each alternative with the corresponding values of the positive point (negative point). The objective of this method is to maximize the comprehensive perceived utility of the alternative set by the decision maker. The optimal attribute weight vector is solved, and the optimal comprehensive perceived utility value of each alternative is obtained. Finally, according to the optimal comprehensive perceived utility value, the rank order of all alternatives is concluded.
Dynamic Compensation of Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor Based on Sparse Domain
Authors: Xu Bo , Han Tailin , Liu Hong , Wang Xiao , Ju Mingchi
Published: October 2020

In the process of transient test, due to the insufficient bandwidth of the pressure sensor, the test data is inaccurate. Firstly, based on the projection of the shock tube test signal in the sparse domain, the feature expression of the signal sample is obtained. Secondly, the problem of insufficient bandwidth is solved by inverse modeling of sensor dynamic compensation system based on swarm intelligence algorithm. In this paper, the method is used to compensate the shock tube test signals of the 85XX series pressure sensors made by the Endevco company of the United States, the working bandwidth of the sensor is widened obviously, the rise time of the pressure signal can be compensated to 12.5 μs, and the overshoot can be reduced to 8.96%. The repeatability of dynamic compensation is verified for the actual gun muzzle shock wave test data, the results show that the dynamic compensation can effectively recover the important indexes such as overpressure peak value and positive pressure action time, and the original shock wave signal is recovered from the high resonance data.
Effect of Iron Ion on Corrosion Behavior of Inconel 625 in High-Temperature Water
Authors: Zhou Huiling , Chen Yipeng , Sui Yi , Lv Yunfei , Zhu Zhiyuan , Yang Lanlan , He Zhen , Li Chengtao , Fang Kewei
Published: October 2020

The corrosion behavior of an ultralow iron nickel-based alloy Inconel 625 under high-temperature water has been evaluated. The results show that surface oxidation and pitting were the principal corrosion mechanisms of Inconel 625 during the initial immersion period. The surface layer of the oxide film is first Ni-enriched and then Fe-enriched as immersion time increases. The iron ions dissolved from the autoclave could lead to the formation of NiFe2O4 and have a great influence on the oxidation behavior of Inconel 625. The oxides nucleated by solid-state reactions with selective dissolution of Fe and Ni and then grew up through precipitation of cations from solution.
A Model of Trust within the Mother-Midwife Relationship: A Grounded Theory Approach
Authors: Mirzaee Firoozeh , Dehghan Mahlagha
Published: October 2020

Introduction. The mother-midwife relationship is a good experience during childbirth, but there is a lack of evidence about the trustful relationship between mothers and healthcare providers during labor and birth in Iran. The current study aimed to discover how a trustful mother-midwife relationship is formed during a vaginal delivery. Methods. Twenty-nine women who had a vaginal delivery, midwives, and obstetricians participated in this qualitative research with the grounded theory method. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and observations. Open, axial, and selective coding was used for data analysis. Findings. The main category of “seeking trust in midwife” and three subcategories of “effective interaction,” “attempt to access to healthcare provider”, and “playing an active role in birth” were extracted from the data. Conclusion. According to the findings, mothers tried to gain action/interaction strategies and increase healthcare providers’ trusts during vaginal delivery. It is essential to consider the factors that improve or disrupt this relationship.
Impact of Personalized Genetic Breast Cancer Risk Estimation With Polygenic Risk Scores on Preventive Endocrine Therapy Intention and Uptake
Authors: Kim Julian O. , Schaid Daniel J. , Vachon Celine M. , Cooke Andrew , Couch Fergus J. , Kim Christina A. , Sinnwell Jason P. , Hasadsri Linda , Stan Daniela L. , Goldenberg Benjamin , Neal Lonzetta , Grenier Debjani , Degnim Amy C. , Thicke Lori A. , Pruthi Sandhya
Published: October 2020

Endocrine therapy is underutilized to reduce breast cancer incidence among women at increased risk. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) assessing 77 breast cancer genetic susceptibility loci personalizes risk estimates. We examined effect of personalized PRS breast cancer risk prediction on intention to take and endocrine therapy uptake among women at increased risk. Eligible participants had a 10-year breast cancer risk ≥5% by Tyrer–Cuzick model [International Breast Cancer Intervention Study (IBIS)] or ≥3.0 % 5-year Gail Model risk with no breast cancer history or hereditary breast cancer syndrome. Breast cancer risk was estimated, endocrine therapy options were discussed, and endocrine therapy intent was assessed at baseline. After genotyping, PRS-updated breast cancer risk estimates, endocrine therapy options, and intent to take endocrine therapy were reassessed; endocrine therapy uptake was assessed during follow-up. From March 2016 to October 2017, 151 patients were enrolled [median (range) age, 56.1 (36.0–76.4 years)]. Median 10-year and lifetime IBIS risks were 7.9% and 25.3%. Inclusion of PRS increased lifetime IBIS breast cancer risk estimates for 81 patients (53.6%) and reduced risk for 70 (46.4%). Of participants with increased breast cancer risk by PRS, 39 (41.9%) had greater intent to take endocrine therapy; of those with decreased breast cancer risk by PRS, 28 (46.7%) had less intent to take endocrine therapy (P < 0.001). On multivariable regression, increased breast cancer risk by PRS was associated with greater intent to take endocrine therapy (P < 0.001). Endocrine therapy uptake was greater among participants with increased breast cancer risk by PRS (53.4%) than with decreased risk (20.9%; P < 0.001). PRS testing influenced intent to take and endocrine therapy uptake. Assessing PRS effect on endocrine therapy adherence is needed.

Prevention Relevance: Counseling women at increased breast cancer risk using polygenic risk score (PRS) risk estimates can significantly impact preventive endocrine therapy uptake. Further development of PRS testing to personalize breast cancer risk assessments and endocrine therapy counselling may serve to potentially reduce the incidence of breast cancer in the future.
Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase Testing prior to Treatment with 5-Fluorouracil, Capecitabine, and Tegafur: A Consensus Paper
Authors: Wörmann Bernhard , Bokemeyer Carsten , Burmeister Thomas , Köhne Claus-Henning , Schwab Matthias , Arnold Dirk , Blohmer Jens-Uwe , Borner Markus , Brucker Sara , Cascorbi Ingolf , Decker Thomas , de Wit Maike , Dietz Andreas , Einsele Hermann , Eisterer Wolfgang , Folprecht Gunnar , Hilbe Wolfgang , Hoffmann Jürgen , Knauf Wolfgang , Kunzmann Volker , Largiadèr Carlo R. , Lorenzen Sylvie , Lüftner Diana , Moehler Markus , Nöthen Markus M. , Pox Christian , Reinacher-Schick Anke , Scharl Anton , Schlegelberger Brigitte , Seufferlein Thomas , Sinn Marianne , Stroth Matthias , Tamm Ingo , Trümper Lorenz , Wilhelm Martin , Wöll Ewald , Hofheinz Ralf-Dieter
Published: October 2020

Background: 5-Fluorouracil (FU) is one of the most commonly used cytostatic drugs in the systemic treatment of cancer. Treatment with FU may cause severe or life-threatening side effects and the treatment-related mortality rate is 0.2–1.0%. Summary: Among other risk factors associated with increased toxicity, a genetic deficiency in dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), an enzyme responsible for the metabolism of FU, is well known. This is due to variants in the DPD gene (DPYD). Up to 9% of European patients carry a DPD gene variant that decreases enzyme activity, and DPD is completely lacking in approximately 0.5% of patients. Here we describe the clinical and genetic background and summarize recommendations for the genetic testing and tailoring of treatment with 5-FU derivatives. The statement was developed as a consensus statement organized by the German Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology in cooperation with 13 medical associations from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Key Messages: (i) Patients should be tested for the 4 most common genetic DPYD variants before treatment with drugs containing FU. (ii) Testing forms the basis for a differentiated, risk-adapted algorithm with recommendations for treatment with FU-containing drugs. (iii) Testing may optionally be supplemented by therapeutic drug monitoring.
Prolonged Intermittent Renal Replacement Therapy for Acute Kidney Injury in COVID-19 Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Ramirez-Sandoval Juan C. , Gaytan-Arocha Jorge E. , Xolalpa-Chávez Pedro , Mejia-Vilet Juan M. , Arvizu-Hernandez Mauricio , Rivero-Sigarroa Eduardo , Torruco-Sotelo Carlos , Correa-Rotter Ricardo , Vega-Vega Olynka
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to COVID-19 frequently develop severe acute kidney injury (AKI). Although continuous renal replacement therapy is the standard of care for critically ill patients, prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy (PIRRT) may be a feasible option. We aimed to describe the tolerability and security of PIRRT treatments in COVID-19 patients with ARDS who required mechanical ventilation and developed severe AKI. Methods: We prospectively analyzed patients who underwent PIRRT treatments at a COVID-19 reference hospital in Mexico City. Intradialytic hypotension was defined as a systolic blood pressure decrease of ≥20 mm Hg or an increase of 100% in vasopressor dose. Results: We identified 136 AKI cases (60.7%) in 224 patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Among them, 21 (15%) underwent PIRRT (130 sessions) due to stage 3 AKI. The median age of the cohort was 49 (range 36–73) years, 17 (81%) were male, 7 (33%) had diabetes, and the median time between symptoms onset and PIRRT initiation was 12 (interquartile range [IQR] 7–14) days. The median of PIRRT procedures for each patient was 5 (IQR 4–9) sessions. In 108 (83%) PIRRT sessions, the total ultrafiltration goal was achieved. In 84 (65%) PIRRT procedures, there was a median increase in norepinephrine dose of +0.031 mcg/kg/min during PIRRT (IQR 0.00 to +0.07). Intradialytic hypotensive events occurred in 56 (43%) procedures. Fifteen (12%) PIRRT treatments were discontinued due to severe hypotension. Vasopressor treatment at PIRRT session onset (OR 6.2, 95% CI 1.4–28.0, p: 0.02) and a pre-PIRRT lactate ≥3.0 mmol/L (OR 4.63, 95% CI 1.3–12.8, p: 0.003) were independently and significantly associated with the risk of hypotension during PIRRT. During follow-up, 11 patients (52%) recovered from AKI and respiratory failure and 9 (43%) died. Several adaptations to our PIRRT protocol during the COVID-19 outbreak are presented. Conclusions: PIRRT was feasible in the majority of COVID-19 patients with ARDS and severe AKI, despite frequent transitory intradialytic hypotensive episodes. PIRRT may represent an acceptable alternative of renal replacement therapy during the COVID-19 outbreak.
COVID-19 and Diabetes Mellitus: The Link and Clinical Implications
Authors: Ugwueze Chidiebere V. , Ezeokpo Basil Chukwuma , Nnolim Bede I. , Agim Emmanuel A. , Anikpo Nnamdi C. , Onyekachi Kenechukwu E.
Published: October 2020

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic viral infection that has ravaged the world in recent times, and the associated morbidity and mortality have been much more pronounced in those with noncommunicable disease. Diabetes mellitus is one of commonest noncommunicable diseases associated with worsening clinical status in COVID-19 patients. Summary: The aim of this review was to evaluate the receptors and pathogenetic link between diabetes and COVID-19. Both disease conditions involve inflammation with the release of inflammatory markers. The roles of angiotensin-converting enzyme molecule and dipeptidyl peptidase were explored to show their involvement in COVID-19 and diabetes. Pathogenetic mechanisms such as impaired immunity, microangiopathy, and glycemic variability may explain the effect of diabetes on recovery of COVID-19 patients. The effect of glucocorticoids and catecholamines, invasion of the pancreatic islet cells, drugs used in the treatment of COVID-19, and the lockdown policy may impact negatively on glycemic control of diabetic patients. The outcome studies between diabetic and nondiabetic patients with COVID-19 were also reviewed. Some drug trials are still ongoing to determine the suitability or otherwise of some drugs used in diabetic patients with COVID-19, such as dapagliflozin trial and linagliptin trial.
Incidence and Outcomes of Out‐of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Singapore and Victoria: A Collaborative Study
Authors: Lim Shir Lynn , Smith Karen , Dyson Kylie , Chan Siew Pang , Earnest Arul , Nair Resmi , Bernard Stephen , Leong Benjamin Sieu‐Hon , Arulanandam Shalini , Ng Yih Yng , Ong Marcus Eng Hock
Published: October 2020

Background

Incidence and outcomes of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) vary between communities. We aimed to examine differences in patient characteristics, prehospital care, and outcomes in Singapore and Victoria.

Methods and Results

Using the prospective Singapore Pan‐Asian Resuscitation Outcomes Study and Victorian Ambulance Cardiac Arrest Registry, we identified 11 061 and 32 003 emergency medical services‐attended adult OHCAs between 2011 and 2016 respectively. Incidence and survival rates were directly age adjusted using the World Health Organization population. Survival was analyzed with logistic regression, with model selection via backward elimination. Of the 11 061 and 14 834 emergency medical services‐treated OHCAs (overall mean age±SD 65.5±17.2; 67.4% males) in Singapore and Victoria respectively, 11 054 (99.9%) and 5595 (37.7%) were transported, and 440 (4.0%) and 2009 (13.6%) survived. Compared with Victoria, people with OHCA in Singapore were older (66.7±16.5 versus 64.6±17.7), had less shockable rhythms (17.7% versus 30.3%), and received less bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (45.7% versus 58.5%) and defibrillation (1.3% versus 2.5%) (all
P
<0.001). Age‐adjusted OHCA incidence and survival rates increased in Singapore between 2011 and 2016 (
P
<0.01 for trend), but remained stable, though higher, in Victoria. Likelihood of survival increased significantly (
P
<0.001) with arrest in public locations (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.81), witnessed arrest (aOR 2.14), bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (aOR 1.72), initial shockable rhythm (aOR 9.82), and bystander defibrillation (aOR 2.04) but decreased with increasing age (aOR 0.98) and emergency medical services response time (aOR 0.91).

Conclusions

Singapore reported increasing OHCA incidence and survival rates between 2011 and 2016, compared with stable, albeit higher, rates in Victoria. Survival differences might be related to different emergency medical services practices including patient selection for resuscitation and transport.
My Africa Reads
Authors: Gabi-Williams Olatoun
Published: October 2020

‘My Africa Reads’ is a memoir that looks back at my reading history. The ‘Preamble’ identifies authors who influenced my worldview during my secondary and tertiary education in the UK and who remained my companions during the first decade of my return to Nigeria. From this immersion in Eurocentric literature, the memoir progresses to my encounter with postcolonial African literature in the collective setting of the Africa Book Group (ABG), which I joined in 2002 and led from 2014 to 2018. The memoir looks at authors and literature that the international women of ABG have engaged with, and at meetings at which guest experts spoke on aspects of African studies and affairs. It highlights the power of ABG—a shared reading experience—to advance that part of my cultural liberation facilitated by good postcolonial literature and open, unconstrained discussions with other women.
Cohesive Plurality
Authors: Kirkbride Jasmin
Published: October 2020

Following Peter Elbow’s work on ‘resonant voice’ or ‘presence’, this essay examines the seldom-explored resonance between a text and its writer in the moment of its creation. The essay asks what the boundaries and content of this space might look like, and how this knowledge might positively affect the creative product. It challenges the popular search for a writer’s ‘voice’, instead positing that each writer has a perpetually shifting internal plurality of voices, which unifies the constructivist and social constructionist views of the self. By arguing that the resonance between writer and writing is the experience of this plurality coming to harmony, the essay posits that to create such a resonance involves a balance of simultaneously relinquishing control to the internal choir and learning how to better conduct it.
The genus Malesherbia Ruiz & Pav. (Passifloraceae) in Chile

Authors: BULL-HEREÑU KESTER
Published: October 2020

We present here an updated classification of Malesherbia taxa native to Chile including 14 species and 10 varieties, of which 9 species and 9 varieties are endemic to the territory. Distributional and nomenclature adjustments have been adopted following a combination of literature and herbarium revisions, field observations and additional collections. We include the description of two new varieties, reinstatement of M. solanoides and M. bracteata, and new combinations in section Xeromantana.
Sarcopeltis gen. nov. (Gigartinaceae, Rhodophyta), with S. skottsbergii comb. nov. from southern South America and S. antarctica sp. nov. from the Antarctic Peninsula

Authors: HUGHEY JEFFERY R. , LEISTER GEOFFREY L. , GABRIELSON PAUL W. , HOMMERSAND MAX H.
Published: October 2020

Gigartina skottsbergii is the currently accepted name for the large, peltate species of Gigartinaceae distributed in Argentina, Chile, and along the Antarctic Peninsula. However, phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences for more than twenty years indicate that two species are passing under the name G. skottsbergii, and both DNA sequences and morpho-anatomy indicate that the species are assignable to an undescribed genus. To formally validate the new genus and species, we performed next generation sequencing (NGS) on the lectotype material of G. skottsbergii to document its genetic identity and obtained its complete mitogenome and partial plastid genome. Phylogenetic analysis of rbcL and cox1 sequences of the lectotype along with recent collections of G. skottsbergii from southern South America and Antarctica, confirmed the generic distinction and the presence of two morphologically similar taxa. We propose Sarcopeltis gen. nov., containing the generitype S. skottsbergii comb. nov. from southern South America, and S. antarctica sp. nov. from the Antarctic Peninsula. Sarcopeltis is characterized by the following suite of features: 1) peg-like secondary haptera that adhere to the substratum, 2) absence of an envelope surrounding each cystocarp, 3) presence of extensive, terminal, tubular gonimoblast filaments that fuse with surrounding vegetative cells, and 4) tetrasporangia formed from secondary filaments entirely in the medulla. This study demonstrates that genetic analysis of type material, together with recently obtained DNA sequences from field collected specimens, can provide clear and objective taxonomic conclusions.
Two new species of genus Mallomonas from swamp localities in Vietnam

Authors: GUSEV EVGENIY S. , KULIKOVSKIY MAXIM S.
Published: October 2020

Two new species, Mallomonas punctostriata sp. nov. and Mallomonas collucata sp. nov., are described from Vietnam based on silica-scale morphology studied by means of transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Both species inhabits swamp areas. Mallomonas punctostriata belongs to section Striatae. Its scales have unique transverse rows, consisting of papillae, resembling transverse ribs of members of section Striatae. Mallomonas collucata belongs to section Annulatae. This species has small scales with hexagonal reticulation on the shield. Mallomonas punctostriata was found in Phu Quoc Island (Kien Giang Province) and Cam Ranh Peninsula (Khanh Hoa Province). Mallomonas collucata has been observed only in one site on Phu Quoc Island.
Taxonomy of Peruvian water beetles in the genus Hydrochus Leach, 1817 (Coleoptera: Hydrochidae)
Authors: PERKINS PHILIP D.
Published: October 2020

The taxonomy of Peruvian water beetles in the genus Hydrochus Leach, 1817 is presented. The known fauna now consists of 22 species, 14 of which are described as new species. The new species are diagnosed, and high-resolution images of the habitus and male genitalia of each species are given. The following new species are described: H. alternatus n. sp., H. astrictus n. sp., H. bisinuatus n. sp., H. bucapitus n. sp., H. cracentis n. sp., H. dualis n. sp., H. lescheni n. sp., H. obliquus n. sp., H. parvicollis n. sp., H. spinosus n. sp., H. subovatus n. sp., H. tambopaticus n. sp., H. tripartitus n. sp., and H. uniformis n. sp. New locality data are provided for H. argutus Knisch 1921, H. bituberculatus Perkins 2019, H. coeneni Makhan 1992, H. leei Perkins 2019, H. lobatus Perkins 2019, H. obscurus Sharp 1882, H. richteri Bruch 1915, and H. sagittarius Perkins 2019. Images of the habitus and male genitalia of H. coeneni Makhan 1992 are also given.
A new and likely extinct species of Antilissus Sharp, 1879 (Coleoptera: Zopheridae: Colydiinae) from Makauwahi Cave, Kauai, Hawaiian Islands
Authors: PORCH NICK
Published: October 2020

This paper describes Antilissus makauwahi, sp. nov., from the subfossil record of Makauwahi Cave on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. This new species is the second species of Antilissus Sharp from Hawaii and second described species for the genus. The type species of Antilissus, A. aper Sharp, has been widely collected from under the bark of dead or dying trees, at higher elevations, on all major Hawaiian Islands. In contrast, A. makauwahi is so far known only from a small number of subfossil sclerites recovered from sediments dating to before human arrival in Hawaii (>800 years before present). This potentially extinct species adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting the widespread extinction of Pacific island insects after human arrival.
The Parameter Dependence of Eddy Heat Flux in a Homogeneous Quasigeostrophic Two-Layer Model on a β Plane with Quadratic Friction
Authors: Chang Chiung-Yin , Held Isaac M.
Published: October 2020

This study investigates the parameter dependence of eddy heat flux in a homogeneous quasigeostrophic two-layer model on a β plane with imposed environmental vertical wind shear and quadratic frictional drag. We examine the extent to which the results can be explained by a recently proposed diffusivity theory for passive tracers in two-dimensional turbulence. To account for the differences between two-layer and two-dimensional models, we modify the two-dimensional theory according to our two-layer f-plane analyses reported in an earlier study. Specifically, we replace the classic Kolmogorovian spectral slope, −5/3, assumed to predict eddy kinetic energy spectrum in the former with a larger slope, −7/3, suggested by a heuristic argument and fit to the model results in the latter. It is found that the modified theory provides a reasonable estimate within the regime where both

and the strength of the frictional drag,

, are much smaller than unity (here, c

D
is the nondimensional drag coefficient divided by the depth of the layer, k

d
is the wavenumber of deformation radius, and U is the imposed background vertical wind shear). For values of

and

that are closer to one, the theory works only if the full spectrum shape of the eddy kinetic energy is given. Despite the qualitative, fitting nature of this approach and its failure to explain the full parameter range, we believe its documentation here remains useful as a reference for the future attempt in pursuing a better theory.
Regularity and Irregularity of the Seasonal Northward March of the East Asian Summer Wet Environment and the Influential Factors
Authors: Sun Bo , Wang Huijun , Wang Aihui , Miao Yue , Zhou Botao , Li Huixin
Published: October 2020

This study investigated the characteristics of both the regular and irregular seasonal northward march of the East Asian summer wet environment (SNM_EASWE) over the continent during June–July over the past six decades and in the future. During 1961–2015 and in the future, the regular SNM_EASWE is defined mainly by an intensified climatic northward-moving rainband over eastern China, whereas the irregular SNM_EASWE is defined mainly by less clear features of northward-moving rainband. Further analyses indicate that the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO) played a dominant role in affecting the regular/irregular SNM_EASWE during 1961–79, whereas both the BSISO and the seasonally varying western North Pacific (WNP) eddy may exert notable influences on the regular/irregular SNM_EASWE during 1980–2015 and in the future, where the WNP eddy refers to the anomalous anticyclone/cyclone over the WNP associated with the anomalous western Pacific subtropical high. During 1980–2015, a La Niña–like (El Niño–like) condition in the tropical Pacific during June–July may induce a regular (irregular) SNM_EASWE case because of the influence of anomalous convection over the Maritime Continent on the seasonally varying WNP eddy; an anomalous warming (cooling) in the tropical Indian Ocean during June–July may also partly induce a regular (irregular) SNM_EASWE case via influencing the seasonally varying WNP eddy. The increased influence of the seasonally varying WNP eddy on the regular/irregular SNM_EASWE after 1979 is attributed to the increased interannual variability of convective activity over the Maritime Continent and of sea surface temperatures in the Arabian Sea after 1979.
Evaluation of a Care Management Program for Pediatric Epilepsy Patients
Authors: Min Jea Young , Patel Anup D. , Glynn Peter , Otgonsuren Munkhzul , Harridas Babitha , Grinspan Zachary M.
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of a pediatric epilepsy care management intervention on emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and seizure freedom.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective observational study at a single academic medical center. Children with epilepsy with high risk of frequent emergency department use were enrolled in the intervention from January through May 2015, which included a baseline visit and follow-up support from a care management team. Controls selected from the same institution received standard of care. Baseline and follow-up information were collected from electronic health records and surveys (Family Impact Scale, Pediatric Epilepsy Medication Self-Management Questionnaire). Propensity score–weighted logistic regression compared emergency department visits, unplanned hospitalizations, and 3-month seizure freedom after 1 year in the intervention vs control groups.

Results:

A total of 56 children were enrolled in the intervention and 359 received standard of care. The intervention group was younger and had greater use of health services at baseline. When comparing the intervention to standard of care after 1 year, we found no significant difference in the risk of any emergency department visit (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.6-8.5) or seizure freedom (adjusted OR 2.5, 95% CI 0.3-21.5). However, the risk of unplanned hospital admissions remained higher in the intervention group (adjusted OR 23.1, 95% CI 5.1-104).

Conclusion:

We did not find that children with epilepsy who received a care management intervention had less use of health services or better clinical outcomes after a year compared with controls. The study is limited by small sample size and nonrandomized study design.
High-quality genome sequence assembly of R.A73 Enterococcus faecium isolated from freshwater fish mucus
Authors: El Jeni Rim , Ghedira Kais , El Bour Monia , Abdelhak Sonia , Benkahla Alia , Bouhaouala-Zahar Balkiss
Published: October 2020

Background

Whole-genome sequencing using high throughput technologies has revolutionized and speeded up the scientific investigation of bacterial genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Lactic acid bacteria (LABs) have been extensively used in fermentation and more recently as probiotics in food products that promote health. Genome sequencing and functional genomics investigations of LABs varieties provide rapid and important information about their diversity and their evolution, revealing a significant molecular basis.

This study investigated the whole genome sequences of the Enterococcus faecium strain (HG937697), isolated from the mucus of freshwater fish in Tunisian dams. Genomic DNA was extracted using the Quick-GDNA kit and sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq2500 system. Sequences quality assessment was performed using FastQC software. The complete genome annotation was carried out with the Rapid Annotation using Subsystem Technology (RAST) web server then NCBI PGAAP.

Results

The Enterococcus faecium R.A73 assembled in 28 contigs consisting of 2,935,283 bps. The genome annotation revealed 2884 genes in total including 2834 coding sequences and 50 RNAs containing 3 rRNAs (one rRNA 16 s, one rRNA 23 s and one rRNA 5 s) and 47 tRNAs. Twenty-two genes implicated in bacteriocin production are identified within the Enterococcus faecium R.A73 strain.

Conclusion

Data obtained provide insights to further investigate the effective strategy for testing this Enterococcus faecium R.A73 strain in the industrial manufacturing process. Studying their metabolism with bioinformatics tools represents the future challenge and contribution to improving the utilization of the multi-purpose bacteria in food.