bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lung transplant graft salvage using aortic homograft for bronchial dehiscence
Authors: Ram Duvuru , Mathew Geevarghese , Lewis Christopher , McWilliams Tanya , O’Carroll Mark , Lund Jens Teglgaard , Sibal Amul Kumar
Published: August 2020

The use of aortic homograft in infective pathology is well described. Its use in the repair of post-transplant airway complications has been seldom reported. Herein, we report our experience with the successful use of aortic homograft in the management of post-transplant large airway complications in two patients.
Asymptotic Syzygies and Higher Order Embeddings
Authors: Agostini Daniele
Published: August 2020

We show that vanishing of asymptotic $p$-th syzygies implies $p$-very ampleness for line bundles on arbitrary projective schemes. For smooth surfaces, we prove that the converse holds when $p$ is small, by studying the Bridgeland–King–Reid–Haiman correspondence for tautological bundles on the Hilbert scheme of points. This extends the previous results by Ein–Lazarsfeld and Ein–Lazarsfeld–Yang and gives a partial answer to some of their questions. As an application of our results, we show how to use syzygies to bound the irrationality of a variety.
Solutions ofϕ(n) =ϕ(n + k) andσ(n) =σ(n + k)
Authors: Ford Kevin
Published: August 2020

We show that for some even $k\leqslant 3570$ and all$k$ with $442720643463713815200|k$, the equation $\phi (n)=\phi (n+k)$ has infinitely many solutions $n$, where $\phi $ is Euler’s totient function. We also show that for a positive proportion of all $k$, the equation $\sigma (n)=\sigma (n+k)$ has infinitely many solutions $n$. The proofs rely on recent progress on the prime $k$-tuples conjecture by Zhang, Maynard, Tao, and PolyMath.
School-Based Serosurveys to Assess the Validity of Using Routine Health Facility Data to Target Malaria Interventions in the Central Highlands of Madagascar
Authors: Steinhardt Laura C , Ravaoarisoa Elisabeth , Wiegand Ryan , Harimanana Aina , Hedje Judith , Cotte Annett H , Zigirumugabe Sixte , Kesteman Thomas , Rasoloharimanana Tsikiniaina L , Rakotomalala Emma , Randriamoramanana Anny M , Rakotondramanga Jean-Marius , Razanatsiorimalala Seheno , Mercereau-Puijalon Odile , Perraut Ronald , Ratsimbasoa Arsène , Butts Jessica , Rogier Christophe , Piola Patrice , Randrianarivelojosia Milijaona , Vigan-Womas Inès
Published: August 2020

Background

In low-malaria–transmission areas of Madagascar, annual parasite incidence (API) from routine data has been used to target indoor residual spraying at subdistrict commune level. To assess validity of this approach, we conducted school-based serological surveys and health facility (HF) data quality assessments in 7 districts to compare API to gold-standard commune-level serological measures.

Methods

At 2 primary schools in each of 93 communes, 60 students were randomly selected with parents and teachers. Capillary blood was drawn for rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and serology. Multiplex bead-based immunoassays to detect antibodies to 5 Plasmodium falciparum antigens were conducted, and finite mixture models used to characterize seronegative and seropositive populations. Reversible catalytic models generated commune-level annual seroconversion rates (SCRs). HF register data were abstracted to assess completeness and accuracy.

Results

RDT positivity from 12 770 samples was 0.5%. Seroprevalence to tested antigens ranged from 17.9% (MSP-1) to 59.7% (PF13). Median commune-level SCR was 0.0108 (range, 0.001–0.075). Compared to SCRs, API identified 71% (95% confidence interval, 51%–87%) of the 30% highest-transmission communes; sensitivity declined at lower levels. Routine data accuracy did not substantially affect API performance.

Conclusions

API performs reasonably well at identifying higher-transmission communes but sensitivity declined at lower transmission levels.
Reengineer healthcare: a human factors and ergonomics framework to improve the socio-technical system
Authors: Santos Raquel
Published: August 2020

Objective

Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) discipline is critical to improve the healthcare system. The technical development of medicine in general is not accompanied by the organizational system that supports the delivery of high-quality, safe care. The potential for improvement in care delivery is overwhelming. This paper describes an HFE framework that consists of four main domains of action within the organization: (1) Process; (2) Product; (3) Training and (4) Research. It aims to demonstrate to healthcare stakeholders, especially boards, management and professionals, as well as to the community of human factors, how HFE can be structured to respond to the challenges of improving the socio-technical health system.

Design

None.

Setting

Intra-hospital environment of a private healthcare group.

Participants

None.

Intervention(s)

None.

Main outcome measure(s)

None.

Results

HFE framework.

Conclusion

Together with other disciplines, HFE can and must play a determinant role in the reengineering of a human-centered healthcare. HFE must be embedded in healthcare organizations and must demonstrate its value in a more comprehensive way, so that stakeholders become aware of the benefits and feel the need to ask for help. Examples of systemic, practical and comprehensive applications are needed. This framework is a contribution in this direction.
In vitro activity of olorofim against clinical isolates of Scedosporium species and Lomentospora prolificans using EUCAST and CLSI methodologies
Authors: Rivero-Menendez Olga , Cuenca-Estrella Manuel , Alastruey-Izquierdo Ana
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the in vitro activity of olorofim, a new broad-spectrum antifungal with a novel mechanism of action, against a collection of 123 Spanish clinical isolates belonging to five Scedosporium species and Lomentospora prolificans.

Methods

The activity of olorofim against Scedosporium apiospermum (n = 30), Scedosporium boydii (n = 30), Scedosporium ellipsoideum (n = 10), Scedosporium aurantiacum (n = 20), Scedosporium dehoogii (n = 3) and Lomentospora prolificans (n = 30) was compared with that of amphotericin B, voriconazole, isavuconazole and micafungin by performing EUCAST and CLSI reference methods for antifungal susceptibility testing.

Results

Amphotericin B and isavuconazole showed MICs ≥2 mg/L for all the species evaluated and voriconazole was moderately active (GM, MIC50 and MIC90 values ≤2 mg/L) against all of them except L. prolificans. Micafungin was effective against S. apiospermum complex strains, but exhibited elevated MECs for S. dehoogii and S. aurantiacum. Olorofim showed low MICs for all the Scedosporium strains tested (GM values were lower than 0.130 and 0.339 by the EUCAST method and the CLSI method, respectively, for all of the species), including those belonging to the MDR species L. prolificans, for which GM values were 0.115 and 0.225 mg/L by the EUCAST method and the CLSI method, respectively, while the GMs for the rest of the antifungals evaluated were higher than 3.732 mg/L using both methodologies.

Conclusions

Olorofim displayed promising in vitro activity against the Scedosporium and L. prolificans strains tested, some of which have reduced susceptibility to the antifungals that are currently in use.
Evaluation and Comparison of Bioactive Constituents of Artemisiae argyi Folium Collected at Different Developmental Stages
Authors: Zhang Dan , Yao Limin , Chang Yaqing , Yang Guiya , Xue Zijing , Wang Lei , Zheng Yuguang , Guo Long
Published: August 2020

Background

Artemisiae argyi Folium (AF) has been used as herbal medicine and a food supplement in China and other Asian countries. There is no report about whether the different developmental stages can influence the bioactive compositions of AF.

Objective

To investigate the dynamic changes of bioactive constituents of AF collected at different developmental stages.

Method

The volatile and nonvolatile bioactive components in AF collected at six different developmental stages were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and (GC-MS) high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Chemometrics analysis, including principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLS-DA), were further performed to compare and discriminate the AF samples based on the analysis results.

Results

The results indicated the bioactive compositions in AF underwent obvious changes during the period of growth. The volatile compositions of AF collected at different stages were the same, while their relative contents were different. Six volatile compounds could be regarded as chemical markers, which were responsible for the intergroup differences. The phenolic profiles of AF at different stages indicated a similar composition when the content levels of the main phenolic compounds were variated.

Conclusions

The comparative results will facilitate better understanding of dynamic changes of bioactive constituents of AF samples collected at different stages and will provide useful information for cultivation and utilization of this herbal medicine.

Highlights

The volatile and nonvolatile bioactive components in AF collected at different developmental stages were evaluated and compared for the first time.
Identification of A-Type Proanthocyanidins in Cranberry-Based Foods and Dietary Supplements by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry, First Action Method: 2019.05
Authors: Esquivel-Alvarado Daniel , Alfaro-Viquez Emilia , Krueger Christian G , Vestling Martha M , Reed Jess D
Published: August 2020

Background

Cranberry proanthocyanidins (c-PAC) are oligomeric structures of flavan-3-ol units, which possess A-type interflavan bonds. c-PAC differs from other botanical sources because other PAC mostly have B-type interflavan bonds. Cranberry products used to alleviate and prevent urinary tract infections may suffer from adulteration, where c-PAC are replaced with less expensive botanical sources of PAC that contain B-type interflavan bonds.

Objective

Identifying the presence of A-type interflavan bonds in cranberry fruit and dietary supplements.

Methods

Thirty-five samples reported to contain A-type PAC (cranberry fruit and cranberry products) and 36 samples reported to contain B-type PAC (other botanical sources) were identified and differentiated using MALDI-TOF MS, deconvolution of overlapping isotope patterns, and principal component analysis (PCA).

Results

Our results show that both MALDI-TOF MS and deconvolution of overlapping isotope patterns were able to identify the presence of A-type interflavan bonds with a probability greater than 90% and a confidence of 95%. Deconvolution of MALDI-TOF MS spectra also determined the ratio of A-type to B-type interflavan bonds at each degree of polymerization in cranberry fruit and cranberry products, which is a distinguishing feature of c-PAC in comparison to other botanical sources of PAC. PCA shows clear differences based on the nature of the interflavan bonds.

Conclusions

MALDI-TOF MS, deconvolution of overlapping isotope patterns of MALDI-TOF MS spectra, and PCA allow the identification, estimation, and differentiation of A-type interflavan bonds in cranberry-based foods and dietary supplements among other botanical sources containing mostly B-type interflavan bonds.
A New Green In Situ Effervescent CO2-Table-Induced Switchable Hydrophilicity Solvent Extraction Method of Rhodamine B in Food and Soft Drink Samples
Authors: Khan Naeemullah , Tuzen Mustafa
Published: August 2020

Background

A new and simple effervescent CO2-table-induced switchable hydrophilicity solvent extraction method (CI-SHS) was used for the preconcentration of rhodamine B (RB).

Objective

The main theme of the proposed method to disperse green solvent by in situ CO2-table system overcome on the contamination and to avoid the dispersion by using different chemicals.

Methods

Switchable hydrophilicity solvent (N, N-Dimethyl cyclohexylamine) was dispersed in an aqueous solution by reaction of CO2-table of sodium carbonate and citric acid to enhance the contact area between two medium, which radically improved the extraction capacity of the RB from aqueous medium to switchable solvent. The phase separation was achieved by simple heating not by centrifugation that makes a change on hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity. The supernatant-enriched RB- N, N-Dimethyl cyclohexylamine phase was withdrawn and injected into the UV glass cells. The absorbance was measured at 542.

Results

Limit of detection and enhancement factor were achieved to be 0.042 and 50 µg/L. Validity and accuracy of the method verified by analysis of real samples by the spiking addition method. The relative standard deviation was obtained at 3.2%. The method was applied to food and soft drink samples.

Conclusions

This method offers high sensitivity, selectivity, accuracy, and precision for the separation, preconcentration, and spectrophotometric determination of RB. Simple, fast, low-cost, and green extraction method was developed.

Highlights

High enrichment factor and lower detection limits were observed in this microextraction method. Present method is sensitive, selective, very accurate, and precise.
Comparison of Spectroscopic Techniques Combined with Chemometrics for Cocaine Powder Analysis
Authors: Eliaerts Joy , Meert Natalie , Dardenne Pierre , Baeten Vincent , Pierna Juan-Antonio Fernandez , Van Durme Filip , De Wael Karolien , Samyn Nele
Published: August 2020

Spectroscopic techniques combined with chemometrics are a promising tool for analysis of seized drug powders. In this study, the performance of three spectroscopic techniques [Mid-InfraRed (MIR), Raman and Near-InfraRed (NIR)] was compared. In total, 364 seized powders were analyzed and consisted of 276 cocaine powders (with concentrations ranging from 4 to 99 w%) and 88 powders without cocaine. A classification model (using Support Vector Machines [SVM] discriminant analysis) and a quantification model (using SVM regression) were constructed with each spectral dataset in order to discriminate cocaine powders from other powders and quantify cocaine in powders classified as cocaine positive. The performances of the models were compared with gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography with flame-ionization detection (GC–FID). Different evaluation criteria were used: number of false negatives (FNs), number of false positives (FPs), accuracy, root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV) and determination coefficients (R2). Ten colored powders were excluded from the classification data set due to fluorescence background observed in Raman spectra. For the classification, the best accuracy (99.7%) was obtained with MIR spectra. With Raman and NIR spectra, the accuracy was 99.5% and 98.9%, respectively. For the quantification, the best results were obtained with NIR spectra. The cocaine content was determined with a RMSECV of 3.79% and a R2 of 0.97. The performance of MIR and Raman to predict cocaine concentrations was lower than NIR, with RMSECV of 6.76% and 6.79%, respectively and both with a R2 of 0.90. The three spectroscopic techniques can be applied for both classification and quantification of cocaine, but some differences in performance were detected. The best classification was obtained with MIR spectra. For quantification, however, the RMSECV of MIR and Raman was twice as high in comparison with NIR. Spectroscopic techniques combined with chemometrics can reduce the workload for confirmation analysis (e.g., chromatography based) and therefore save time and resources.
Structural insight and stability of TNFR-Fc fusion protein (Etanercept) produced by using transgenic silkworms
Authors: Kiyoshi Masato , Tatematsu Ken-Ichiro , Tada Minoru , Sezutsu Hideki , Shibata Hiroko , Ishii-Watabe Akiko
Published: August 2020

Therapeutic proteins expressed using transgenic animals have been of great interest for several years. Especially, transgenic silkworm has been studied intensively because of its ease in handling, low-cost, high-yield and unique glycosylation patterns. However, the physicochemical property of the therapeutic protein expressed in transgenic silkworm remains elusive. Here, we constructed an expression system for the TNFR-Fc fusion protein (Etanercept) using transgenic silkworm. The TNFR-Fc fusion protein was employed to N-glycan analysis, which revealed an increased amount of afucosylated protein. Evidence from surface plasmon resonance analysis showed that the TNFR-Fc fusion protein exhibit increased binding affinity for Fcγ receptor IIIa and FcRn compared to the commercial Etanercept, emphasizing the profit of expression system using transgenic silkworm. We have further discussed the comparison of higher order structure, thermal stability and aggregation of the TNFR-Fc fusion protein.
The Unstable Object: Glifo, Blow and Sacco at MoMA, 1972
Authors: Halland Ingrid
Published: August 2020

This article discusses three radical objects—the Glifo shelf from 1966, the Blow chair from 1967 and the Sacco chair from 1968—that were all exhibited at Museum of Modern Art’s ground-breaking architecture and design exhibition Italy: The New Domestic Landscape in 1972. The article proposes that these early postmodern objects should not merely be considered a new stylistic development, a new aesthetics or as expressing new conceptions of sociopolitical ideologies; rather, they can be considered as instigating a new epistemological status of objects. A close reading reveals how the structural element of Glifo, Blow and Sacco is hard to trace and how these objects’ physical limits seem to soften or even dissolve. By engaging with the writings of Jean Baudrillard, Jacques Derrida and Manfredo Tafuri, this article claims that the poststructuralist landscape of ideas has a material counterpart in some objects from the late 1960s and then discusses the political and intellectual implications of such unstable objects.
Evaluating National Preventive Mechanisms: A Conceptual Model
Authors: Carver Richard , Handley Lisa
Published: August 2020

This article outlines a rigorous and systematic approach to evaluating both the performance and impact of national preventive mechanisms (NPMs) formed under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. Many human rights practitioners remain sceptical about both the desirability and feasibility of evaluating human rights work. One obstacle has been that ‘indicators’ of human rights progress are formulated without evidence that they actually have a causal relationship to the intended outcome. By contrast, the tools used in this assessment model are derived from scientific research into what forms of torture prevention actually work, meaning that greater weight can be assigned to more effective activities (and vice versa). The model is piloted in an assessment of the performance and impact of the Georgian NPM, which in ten years of work is shown to have had a significant impact in reducing the incidence of torture and other ill-treatment, particularly in police detention and prisons.
Women at the Frontline of COVID-19: Can Gender Mainstreaming in Free Trade Agreements Help?
Authors: Bahri* Amrita
Published: August 2020

Health pandemics affect women and men differently, and they can make the existing gender inequalities much worse. COVID-19 is one such pandemic, which can have substantial gendered implications both during and in the post-pandemic world. Its economic and social consequences could deepen the existing gender inequalities and roll back the limited gains made in respect of women empowerment in the past few decades. The impending global recession, multiple trade restrictions, economic lockdown, and social distancing measures can expose vulnerabilities in social, political, and economic systems, which, in turn, could have a profound impact on women’s participation in trade and commerce. The article outlines five main reasons that explain why this health pandemic has put women employees, entrepreneurs, and consumers at the frontline of the struggle. It then explores how free trade agreements can contribute in repairing the harm in the post-pandemic world. In doing so, the author sheds light on various ways in which the existing trade agreements embrace gender equality considerations and how they can be better prepared to help minimize the pandemic-inflicted economic loss to women.
Overexpression of MUC16 (CA125) in extramammary Paget’s disease
Authors: Sawamura Soichiro , Kajihara Ikko , Tasaki Yukino , Otsuka-Maeda Saki , Sakamoto Ryoko , Kanazawa-Yamada Saori , Makino Katsunari , Aoi Jun , Ihn Hironobu
Published: August 2020

In this study, we identified the mucin-16 (CA125), a well-known disease marker for ovarian cancer, is overexpressed in the lesions of Extramammary Paget’s disease.
Insulin insulated: barriers to competition and affordability in the United States insulin market
Authors: Knox Ryan
Published: August 2020

Insulin prices in the United States are skyrocketing. In addition to several challenges common to high-priced prescription drugs, insulin faces several unique legal, regulatory, and practical challenges to increasing access and affordability. Despite the fact that insulin was developed almost 100 years ago, the insulin market is dominated by only three companies and there continue to be no biosimilar competitors in the United States. Unlike many high-priced prescription drugs, insulin has been insulated from competition for years. This article examines the barriers to competition in the insulin market, considering the challenges surrounding regulatory approval, interchangeability, trade secrets, and anticompetitive behavior. Further, this article discusses the potential and limitations of various legislative proposals to address access to insulin. In doing so, this article attempts to explain why there is such limited competition in the insulin market and identifies issues specific to the insulin market for lawmakers to consider in developing proposals to address access to affordable insulin in the United States.
Increasing the Role of Phenomenology in Psychiatric Diagnosis–The Clinical Staging Approach
Authors: Drożdżowicz Anna
Published: August 2020

Recent editions of diagnostic manuals in psychiatry have focused on providing quick and efficient operationalized criteria. Notwithstanding the genuine value of these classifications, many psychiatrists have argued that the operationalization approach does not sufficiently accommodate the rich and complex domain of patients’ experiences that is crucial for clinical reasoning in psychiatry. How can we increase the role of phenomenology in the process of diagnostic reasoning in psychiatry? I argue that this could be done by adopting a clinical staging approach in diagnostic reasoning in psychiatry. The approach has the resources to include the progressive nature of patients’ experiences to a much greater degree than is currently practiced. It can address the recent plea for increasing the role of phenomenology in psychiatric diagnosis by offering a model for clinical reasoning that goes beyond the operationalized, static criteria of diagnostic manuals, without depriving us of their benefits.
Questionable Agreement: The Experience of Depression and DSM-5 Major Depressive Disorder Criteria
Authors: Nussbaum Abraham M
Published: August 2020

Immediately before the release of DSM-5, a group of psychiatric thought leaders published the results of field tests of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. They characterized the interrater reliability for diagnosing major depressive disorder by two trained mental health practitioners as of “questionable agreement.” These field tests confirmed an open secret among psychiatrists that our current diagnostic criteria for diagnosing major depressive disorder are unreliable and neglect essential experiences of persons in depressive episodes. Alternative diagnostic criteria exist, but psychiatrists rarely encounter them, forestalling the discipline’s epistemological crisis. In Alsadair MacIntyre’s classic essay, such crises occur in science when a person encounters a rival schemata that is incompatible with their current schemata and subsequently constructs a narrative that allows them to reconstruct their own tradition. In search of rival schemata that are in conversation with their own tradition, psychiatric practitioners can utilize alternative diagnostic criteria like the Cultural Formulation Interview, embrace an epistemologically humble psychiatry, and attend to the narrative experience of a person experiencing a depressive episode.
Comparing the Cost-Effectiveness of Innovative Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests
Authors: Peterse Elisabeth F P , Meester Reinier G S , de Jonge Lucie , Omidvari Amir-Houshang , Alarid-Escudero Fernando , Knudsen Amy B , Zauber Ann G , Lansdorp-Vogelaar Iris
Published: August 2020

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with colonoscopy and the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is underused. Innovative tests could increase screening acceptance. This study determined which of the available alternatives is most promising from a cost-effectiveness perspective.

Methods

The previously validated Microsimulation Screening Analysis-Colon model was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of screening with capsule endoscopy every 5 or 10 years, computed tomographic colonography every 5 years, the multi-target stool DNA test every 1 or 3 years, and the methylated SEPT9 DNA plasma assay (mSEPT9) every 1 or 2 years. We also compared these strategies with annual FIT screening and colonoscopy screening every 10 years. Quality-adjusted life-years gained (QALYG), number of colonoscopies, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were projected. We assumed a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100 000 per QALYG.

Results

Among the alternative tests, computed tomographic colonography every 5 years, annual mSEPT9, and annual multi-target stool DNA screening had incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of $1092, $63 253, and $214 974 per QALYG, respectively. Other screening strategies were more costly and less effective than (a combination of) these 3. Under the assumption of perfect adherence, annual mSEPT9 screening resulted in more QALYG, CRC cases averted, and CRC deaths averted than annual FIT screening but led to a high rate of colonoscopy referral (51% after 3 years, 69% after 5 years). The alternative tests were not cost-effective compared with FIT and colonoscopy.

Conclusions

This study suggests that for individuals not willing to participate in FIT or colonoscopy screening, mSEPT9 is the test of choice if the high colonoscopy referral rate is acceptable to them.
Audience Heterogeneity, Costly Signaling, and Threat Prioritization: Bureaucratic Reputation-Building in the EU
Authors: van der Veer Reinout Arthur
Published: August 2020

Organizational reputation theory suggests reputational threats can induce public organizations to change their behavior. However, it offers few insights into how organizations in contexts of high audience heterogeneity prioritize between conflicting threats, or how they ensure reputation-seeking signals reach their intended audiences. This article seeks to close these knowledge gaps. It expects organizational threat prioritization to be shaped by the centrality of the threat to the organization’s distinct reputation, and by differences in audiences’ capacity to put pressure on the organization through mobilization. Moreover, it argues that public organizations strategically vary the observability and costliness of outgoing reputation-seeking signals in response to shifts in the balance of reputational threats they face. It finds support for these expectations in the context of the European Commission, a supranational organization operating in a context of high audience heterogeneity and severe reputational threats. The empirical analysis is based on the Bayesian longitudinal modeling and simulation of Commission decision-making and applies a novel dataset on fiscal rule enforcement in the European Union (EU). The findings have important implications for organizational reputation theory and call for a renewed focus on the mechanisms underlying audience-induced organizational behavior.
Interobserver error in grassland vegetation surveys: sources and implications
Authors: Morrison Lloyd W , Leis Sherry A , DeBacker Michael D
Published: August 2020

Aims

Observer error is an unavoidable aspect of vegetation surveys involving human observers. We quantified four components of interobserver error associated with long-term monitoring of prairie vegetation: overlooking error, misidentification error, cautious error and estimation error. We also evaluated the association of plot size with pseudoturnover due to observer error, and how documented pseudochanges in species composition and abundance compared with recorded changes in the vegetation over a 4-year interval.

Methods

This study was conducted at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Kansas. Monitoring sites contained 10 plots; each plot consisted of a series of four nested frames (0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 m2). The herbaceous species present were recorded in each of the nested frames, and foliar cover was visually estimated within seven cover categories at the 10 m2 spatial scale only. Three hundred total plots (30 sites) were surveyed, and 28 plots selected at random were resurveyed to assess observer error. Four surveyors worked in teams of two.

Important Findings

At the 10 m2 spatial scale, pseudoturnover resulting from overlooking error averaged 18.6%, compared with 1.4% resulting from misidentification error and 0.6% resulting from cautious error. Pseudoturnover resulting from overlooking error increased as plot size decreased, although relocation error likely played a role. Recorded change in species composition over a 4-year interval (excluding potential misidentification error and cautious error) was 30.7%, which encompassed both pseudoturnover due to overlooking error and actual change. Given a documented overlooking error rate of 18.6%, this suggests the actual change for the 4-year period was only 12.1%. For estimation error, 26.2% of the time a different cover class was recorded. Over the 4-year interval, 46.9% of all records revealed different cover classes, suggesting that 56% of the records of change in cover between the two time periods were due to observer error.
Latent Profiles of Health Behaviors in Rural Children with Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Mitchell Tarrah B , Janicke David M , Ding Ke , Moorman Erin L , Basch Molly C , Lim Crystal S , Mathews Anne E
Published: August 2020

Objective

The objectives were to identify profiles of school-age children with overweight and obesity (OW/OB) from rural counties based on patterns of diet, activity, and sleep, to examine demographic predictors, and to examine whether profiles were differentially associated with psychosocial functioning.

Methods

Participants included 163 children (Mage = 9.8) and parents. Children wore accelerometers to assess physical activity and sleep duration. Consumption of fruits and vegetables (F/V) and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. Self-report of emotional, social, and academic health-related quality of life (HRQOL), peer victimization, social skills, and social problem behaviors was collected, as well as parent-report of HRQOL. Latent variable mixture modeling (LVMM) was conducted.

Results

Sleep did not significantly contribute to profile differentiation and was removed. Four profiles emerged: (a) Low F/V + Low SSB + Low activity, (b) Low F/V + Low SSB + Moderate activity, (c) High F/V + High SSB + Low activity, and (d) Moderate F/V + Moderate SSB + High activity. Older children were more likely to be in profile 1. After controlling for child age, parents of children in profile 1 reported significantly lower child social HRQOL than parents of children in profiles 2 and 4. Children in profile 4 reported experiencing significantly lower victimization than those in profile 3.

Conclusions

There are subgroups of rural children with OW/OB that engage in various combinations of healthy and unhealthy behaviors. LVMM has the potential to inform future interventions and identify needs of groups of children with OW/OB.
Mindful Parenting Behaviors and Emotional Self-Regulation in Children With ADHD and Controls
Authors: Evans Subhadra , Bhide Sampada , Quek Jeremey , Nicholson Jan M , Anderson Vicki , Hazell Philip , Mulraney Melissa , Sciberras Emma
Published: August 2020

Objective

Mindfulness is defined as paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally and these behaviors can be applied to parenting. Thus far, it is not understood whether mindful parenting (MP) differs in parents of children with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and how MP relates to other parenting practices and children’s self-regulation.

Methods

This study examined the relationships between MP, parenting behaviors and children’s self-regulation in 120 families with child ADHD (85% male; mean age = 11.93) and 105 control families (62% male; mean age = 11.98). Parents completed measures of MP (Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting Scale), parenting behaviors (parenting warmth, consistency, and anger assessed with the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children measures), psychological distress (Kessler 6), and children’s self-regulation (Social Skills Improvement System—self-control subscale).

Results

When compared with controls, parents of children with ADHD reported significantly lower MP. Higher MP was associated with lower levels of parent psychological distress, higher levels of parenting warmth and consistency, lower levels of parenting anger, and higher child emotion self-regulation in both groups. In mediation analyses, MP was indirectly associated with child emotion self-regulation through lower parenting anger, with the model accounting for 55% of the variance in child self-regulation.

Conclusions

MP is a useful construct for understanding parent behaviors, and children’s emotion self-regulation.
Coping and Social Adjustment in Pediatric Oncology: From Diagnosis to 12 Months
Authors: Desjardins Leandra , Rodriguez Erin , Dunn Madeline , Bemis Heather , Murphy Lexa , Manring Samantha , Winning Adrien , Vannatta Kathryn , Gerhardt Cynthia A , Compas Bruce E
Published: August 2020

Objective

Children diagnosed with cancer experience stress associated with their diagnosis and treatment and are at heightened risk for problems in social adjustment. This study investigated the association between coping with cancer-related stress and problems in social adjustment across the first year after a pediatric cancer diagnosis.

Methods

Mothers of children (ages 5–17 years) with cancer (N = 312) were recruited from two children’s hospitals. Mother’s reported on their child’s social adjustment and coping near diagnosis (T1) and 12 months (T2).

Results

Primary, secondary control, and disengagement coping were significantly associated with concurrent social adjustment at 12 months. The bivariate associations between baseline primary and secondary control coping and social problems 12 months later were no longer significant in a multivariate regression model.

Conclusions

These findings inform our understanding of the association between coping with cancer-related stress and social adjustment of children diagnosed with cancer. Interventions teaching primary and secondary control coping strategies for cancer-related stressors may offer some benefit to concurrent youth social adjustment. Further research is needed on how best to support social adjustment in this population over time.
Miliary abscess of the liver: unusual complication of intestinal perforation
Authors: Geraldo Raouf Fayisall , Tchangai Boyodi Katanga , Amouzou Efoé-Ga Yawod Olivier , Alassani Fousseni , Koutora Birega , Sakiye Abossisso , Kanassoua Kokou Kouliwa , Dosseh David Ekoué
Published: August 2020

Miliary abscess of the liver represents a rare presentation of multiple liver abscesses. They often occur in immunosuppressed patients, or those with underlying liver disease. We report the case of a 22-year-old patient, without known immunodeficiency factors, surgical history or notion of tuberculous contacts, who was admitted for generalized peritonitis and ileal perforation. An ileostomy was performed. The infectious syndrome persisted in post-operative period, associated with painful hepatomegaly. An contrast-enhanced abdominal CT scan led to the diagnosis of miliary abscess of the liver. A blood culture isolated Escherichia coli. The treatment included antibiotics and the clinical evolution was favorable. The follow-up abdominal CT scan was normal. Intestinal continuity was restored without complications. Miliary abscess of the liver is rare and requires rapid diagnosis. The treatment is based on antibiotic therapy.
Aggressive angiomyxoma persistently misdiagnosed as an obturator hernia managed with resection and hormonal therapy: case report
Authors: Alomary Nawaf Abdulkareem , Albeeshi Majid Zaab , Al Thebaity Rasha Eidah , Yousef Zeyad Mohammed , El-Boghdadly Sami Abdelkereim
Published: August 2020

Aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) is an uncommon mesenchymal tumor that mainly affects the perineum and pelvis in females of reproductive age. AA is commonly misdiagnosed as a Bartholin’s duct cyst, abscess or levator hernia. A 42-year-old female presented with a large, progressive and painless perineal swelling. She was initially diagnosed with an obturator hernia three times over the past 10 years and underwent multiple surgeries for recurrences. For this presentation, she underwent exploratory laparotomy. No hernia was identified. A large mass over the perineal area extending from the vulvar commissure to the anus was visualized. The diagnosis of AA was made on histopathology. Leuprolide (GnRHa) was used as hormonal therapy postoperatively. AA should be considered in any pelvic mass in a young female that recurs after excision. Prompt diagnosis will contribute toward minimizing local destruction of surrounding structures.
A rare form of cardiac myxoma: interatrial septum tumor
Authors: Kunioka Shingo , Fujita Kishu , Iwasa Shizuko , Murakami Hironori , Kamiya Hiroyuki , Yamazaki Kenji , Tsukui Hiroyuki
Published: August 2020

A myxoma is one of the most common tumors in cardiac surgery, with most of them originating from the left or right atrial walls and causing embolic complications. An 84-year-old woman was referred to our institution after echocardiography showed an interatrial septum tumor that was presumed to be a thrombus; however, postoperative pathological examination revealed it to be a cardiac myxoma. This atypical myxoma was covered with a solid capsule containing connective tissue and substantial calcifications, which had made it difficult to establish a diagnosis of myxoma.
Robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in patient with type I papillary renal cancer recurrence after 5 years of follow-up
Authors: Al Salhi Yazan , Fuschi Andrea , Velotti Gennaro , Capone Lorenzo , Aversa Sara , de Nunzio Cosimo , Porta Natale , Petrozza Vincenzo , Carbone Antonio , Pastore Antonio Luigi
Published: August 2020

Papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) is a rare cancer and is the second most frequent histologic type among all renal cell carcinoma, accounting for up to 15%. A 72-year-old man underwent a right radical nephrectomy 7 years ago with final histopathology diagnosis of type 1 PRCC with negative surgical margins. Five years after surgery, computed tomography scan imaging showed the presence of multiple masses suspicious for node recurrences disease localized in the renal lodge, in the inter-aorto-caval space, at the iliac vessels bifurcation and right common iliac vessels. Patient underwent a robotic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. The histopathological examination confirmed the recurrence of type I papillary renal cancer in all the specimens. No further recurrences have been observed at 24-month follow-up after surgery. This report is the first describing a robot-assisted minimally invasive surgical excision for type I papillary renal cancer nodal and renal fossa recurrences.
CYP720A1 function in roots is required for flowering time and systemic acquired resistance in the foliage of Arabidopsis
Authors: Chaturvedi Ratnesh , Giri Mrunmay , Chowdhury Zulkarnain , Venables Barney J , Mohanty Devasantosh , Petros Robby A , Shah Jyoti
Published: August 2020

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is an inducible defense mechanism that systemically enhances resistance against pathogens in foliar tissues. SAR, which engages salicylic acid (SA) signaling, shares molecular components with the autonomous pathway, which is involved in controlling flowering time in Arabidopsis thaliana. FLOWERING LOCUS D (FLD) is one such autonomous pathway component that is required for flowering time and the systemic accumulation of SA during SAR. Here, we show that CYP720A1, a putative cytochrome P450 monoxygenase, controls FLD expression and is required for the timing of flowering and the manifestation of SAR. The delayed flowering time in the cyp720a1 mutant correlated with the elevated transcript level of the floral repressor FLC, while the SAR deficiency phenotype of the cyp720a1 mutant correlated with the inability to systemically accumulate SA. CYP720A1 transcript abundance in shoots is poor compared with roots. Reciprocal root–shoot grafting confirmed that CYP720A1 function in the roots is critical for flowering time and SAR. We therefore suggest that root to shoot communication involving a CYP720A1-dependent factor contributes to the timing of reproductive development and defense in the foliage.
The Frequency of Discordant Variant Classification in the Human Gene Mutation Database: A Comparison of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Guidelines and ClinVar
Authors: Park Kyoung-Jin , Lee Woochang , Chun Sail , Min Won-Ki
Published: August 2020

Objective

Discordant variant classifications among public databases is one of the well-documented limitations when interpreting the pathogenicity of variants. The aim of this study is to investigate the level of germline variant misannotation from the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD) and the annotation concordance between databases.

Methods

We used a total of 188,106 classified variants (disease-causing mutations [n = 179,454] and polymorphisms [n = 8652]) in 6466 genes from the HGMD. All variants were reanalyzed based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines and compared to ClinVar database variants.

Results

When variants were classified based on the ACMG guidelines, misclassification was observed in 3.47% (2289/65,896) of variants. The overall concordance between HGMD and ClinVar was 97.62% (52,499/53,780) of variants studied.

Conclusion

Variants in databases must be used with caution when variant pathogenicity is interpreted. This study reveals the frequency of misannotation of the HGMD variants and annotation concordance between databases in depth.
Becoming Divine Women: Miriam Toews’ Women Talking as Parable1
Authors: Kehler Grace
Published: August 2020

This article attends to the ways in which Canadian Mennonite novelist Miriam Toews’ Women Talking crafts a feminist theological parable of women envoicing and incarnating pacifism in the context of a purportedly pacifist colony devastated by patriarchal violence. I argue that the novel, like the biblical parables, functions as a ‘mythos (a heuristic fiction) which has the mimetic power of “redescribing” [pained] human existence’ in reparative terms (Ricoeur). More particularly, as a feminist theological parable, the novel displays in literary form what Luce Irigaray philosophically conceives of as ‘becoming divine women’. I first explore definitions of biblical parables and divine becomings, prior to turning my attention to the Bolivian crisis, and then to Toews’ hopeful, revisionist narrative.
Medical Tourism and the Best Interests of the Critically ill Child in the Era of Healthcare Globalisation
Authors: Bhatia Neera , Birchley Giles
Published: August 2020

In this article, we examine emerging challenges to medical law arising from healthcare globalisation concerning disputes between parents and healthcare professionals in the care and treatment of critically ill children. We explore a series of issues emerging in English case law concerning children’s medical treatment that are signs of increasing globalisation. We argue that these interrelated issues present distinct challenges to healthcare economics, clinical practice, and the operation of the law. First, social media leverages the emotive aspects of cases; secondly, the Internet provides unfiltered information about novel treatments and access to crowdfunding to pay for them. Finally, the removal of barriers to global trade and travel allows child medical tourism to emerge as the nexus of these issues. These aspects of globalisation have implications for medicine and the law, yet child medical tourism has been little examined. We argue that it affects a range of interests, including children’s rights, parents’ rights as consumers, and the interests of society in communalised healthcare. Identifying putative solutions and a research agenda around these issues is important. While cases involving critically ill children are complex and emotionally fraught, the interconnectedness of these issues requires the law to engage and respond coherently to the impacts of healthcare globalisation.
The skin mycobiome of an astronaut during a 1-year stay on the International Space Station
Authors: Sugita Takashi , Yamazaki Takashi , Cho Otomi , Furukawa Satoshi , Mukai Chiaki
Published: August 2020

Analysis of the skin mycobiome of an astronaut during a 1-year stay on the International Space Station (ISS) revealed an increased relative abundance of Malassezia restricta and level of Malassezia colonization, and the presence of Cyberlindnera jadinii and Candida boidinii, uncommon skin mycobiome taxa. Similar observations were made in astronauts during a 6-month stay on the ISS (Med Mycol. 2016; 54: 232–239). Future plans for extended space travel should consider the effect of high levels of Malassezia colonization over long periods on astronauts’ skin, and the abnormal proliferation of uncommon microorganisms that may occur in closed environments such as the ISS.
AstroSat view of LMC X-2: evolution of broad-band X-ray spectral properties along a complete Z-track
Authors: Agrawal V K , Nandi Anuj
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we report the first results of the extragalactic Z-source Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) X-2 obtained using the ∼140 ks observations with Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC) and Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) onboard AstroSat. The Hardness-Intensity Diagram created with the LAXPC data revealed a complete Z-pattern of the source, showing all the three branches. We studied the evolution of the broad-band X-ray spectra in the energy range of 0.5–20.0 keV along the Z-track, a first such study of this source. The X-ray spectra of the different parts of the Z-pattern were well described by an absorbed Comptonized component. An absence of the accretion disc component suggests that the disc is most probably obscured by a Comptonized region. The best fit electron temperature (kTe) was found to be in the range of 1.7–2.1 keV and optical depth (τ) was found to be in the range of 13.2–17.5. The optical depth (τ) increased as the source moved from the normal/flaring branch (NB/FB) vertex to the upper part of the FB, suggesting a possible outflow triggered by a strong radiation pressure. The power density spectra (PDS) of HB and NB could be fitted with a pure power law of index α∼1.68 and 0.83, respectively. We also found a weak evidence of quasi-periodic oscillation (2.8σ) in the FB. The intrinsic luminosity of the source varied between (1.03–1.79) × 1038 erg s−1. We discuss our results by comparing with other Z-sources and the previous observations of LMC X-2.