bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Access to Addiction Specialist on Attitudes, Beliefs and Hospital-Based Opioid Use Disorder Related Care: A Survey of Hospitalist Physicians
Authors: Calcaterra Susan L. , Binswanger Ingrid A. , Edelman E. Jennifer , McNair Bryan K. , Wakeman Sarah E. , O'Connor Patrick G.
Published: April 2020

Background

Hospitalizations for complications related to opioid use disorder (OUD) are increasing. Hospitalists care for most hospitalized patients in the United States, yet little is known about their attitudes, beliefs, and clinical practices regarding OUD-related care.

Methods

We distributed an online survey to hospitalists in the United States to measure how access to addiction specialists affected attitudes and beliefs regarding hospital-based OUD care, OUD screening practices, naloxone prescribing, and buprenorphine initiation.

Results

Among 262 respondents, 67.9% ( n = 178) reported having access to addiction specialists. While 84.5% ( n = 221) reported often or always caring for patients with OUD, 48.2% ( n = 126) rarely or never screened for OUD, 57.1% ( n = 149) rarely or never prescribed or recommended naloxone as harm reduction, and 88.9% ( n = 233) rarely or never initiated buprenorphine. In multivariable analyses, compared to hospitalists without access to addiction specialists, hospitalist with access to addiction specialists were more likely to feel supported to screen and refer patients to treatment (aOR = 4.4, 95% CI 2.1 − 9.1; ρ < 0.001), to be aware of local treatment resources (aOR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.8 − 6.3; ρ < 0.001), and refer patients to treatment (aOR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.7 − 5.6; ρ < 0.001).

Conclusions

Many hospitalists do not provide life-saving treatment to patients with OUD. Access to addiction specialists may increase provision of OUD-related care by hospitalists.
Relationship between bow stability and postural control in recurve archery
Authors: Sarro Karine Jacon , Viana Thaynã De Castro , De Barros Ricardo Machado Leite
Published: April 2020

Archery is a sport that requires fine movement control, and postural stability is considered an important variable to achieve high performance. In order to better understand the coupling between archer and bow during the aiming phase, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between bow stability and postural control in recurve archery according to shooting performance. A total of 8 archers shot 6 arrows at a 13‐m distant target. The three‐dimensional position of one marker attached to the bow and the center of pressure (COP) position of the archer (the point of application of the resultant ground reaction force on a force plate) were measured during the aiming phase, representing bow and archer displacement, respectively. COP displacement in the direction across the target (COPY), length of the COP trajectory (DCOP) and length of the bow trajectory (Dbow) were higher in the lowest scoring shot compared to the highest one. A strong and significant correlation was found between COP and bow displacement in the direction towards/away from the target (COPX and DX) and between COPX and vertical displacement of the bow (DZ) during the highest scoring shot. This result indicates that synchronization between body and bow sway may influence the accuracy of the shot, suggesting that combined balance and bow stability training exercises would be beneficial to improve archery performance.
Directly coupled adiabatic superconductor logic
Authors: Takeuchi Naoki , Arai Kota , Yoshikawa Nobuyuki
Published: April 2020

Adiabatic superconductor logic (ASL) families are energy-efficient because they can operate with a switching energy much less than the I
cΦ0 product, where I
c is the critical current for Josephson junctions, Φ0 is the flux quantum, and I
cΦ0 is generally on the order of 10–19 J. A switching energy of 0.03I
cΦ0 has been demonstrated by adiabatic quantum-flux-parametron (AQFP) logic, which indicates the possibility of extremely energy-efficient digital circuits using ASL. ASL uses signal transformers to propagate and invert the signal current; otherwise, it is difficult to design inverters. However, signal transformers are generally difficult to miniaturize. Therefore, to realize high-density and energy-efficient superconductor circuits, ASL that does not use signal transformers is required. In this paper, we propose ASL without signal transformers, which we call directly coupled quantum-flux-parametron (DQFP). DQFP logic is based on AQFP, but it can invert signal current without using signal transformers. We conducted numerical simulation of a DQFP inverter chain to show that DQFP logic can invert signal current without signal transformers, and that DQFP logic can operate adiabatically. Then, we designed and fabricated basic DQFP circuits, such as an inverter chain and a full adder. All the circuits were found to have wide operating margins. Our results indicate that DQFP logic is suitable for high-density and energy-efficient superconductor circuits.
Modification of Methyl Orange dye as a light harvester on solar cell
Authors: Setyawati H , Hadi M S , Darmokoesoemo H , Murwani I K , Permana A J , Rochman F
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this research is to modify methyl orange be a complex compound Fe (II) -methyl orange and apply it as a light harvester on DSSC (Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell) technology. Titanium dioxide was used as a semiconductor and synthesized from tetrabuthylorthotitanate (TBOT). The wavelength spectra of Fe (II)-methyl orange was characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometer and showed d-d transition at 420.50 nm and charge transfer at 262 nm. The interaction of metal-ligand bonding (Fe–N) was characterized by FTIR spectrophotometer and shown at wavenumber 316.33 cm−1. Fe(II)-methyl orange was a paramagnetic compound with magnetic moment 3.9 BM and ionic compound because of its conductivity higher than its solvent. The photovoltaic analysis confirmed that Fe(II)-methyl orange produced a current of 40 mA, a voltage of 0.38 V and an efficiency of 0.24%.
The effect of acid variation on physical and chemical characteristics of cellulose isolated from Saccharum officinarum L. Bagasse
Authors: Fauziyah B , Yuwono M , Isnaeni
Published: April 2020

Saccharum officinarum L. bagasse is waste from sugarcane plants contains lignin, hemicellulose, cellulose and wax compounds. Isolation of cellulose from sugarcane can be done by acid hydrolysis of sugarcane waste and delignification with Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH). The objectives of this research were to study the effect of acid type and concentration on the physical and chemical characteristics of cellulose isolated from sugarcane bagasse. The acid variation that used were nitric acid: sulphuric acid; nitric acid; hydrochloric acid and sulphuric acid: hydrochloric acid in 1:1; 2:1 and 3:1 in the variation of concentration for each combination. Cellulose characteristics observed were color, shape and powder properties such as Hausner Ratio, Carr’s index, Angle of Repose and functional group analysis of cellulose using FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared). The cellulose that isolated from sugarcane bagasse with HNO3: H2SO and HNO3: HCl were matched in white powder form with standard cellulose. Cellulose color that obtained with other acids were cream in fiber form. The results showed that the hydrolysis process of cellulose with nitric acid was more effective than sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. Standard cellulose FTIR spectra showed that delignification process was success and cellulose obtained from sugarcane bagasse. Sugarcane bagasse cellulose samples that isolated with nitric acid: hydrochloric acid (2:1) was the largest in percentage of cellulose (44.143%) and showed in line peaks with standard cellulose. Bulk Densities, Tapped Densities, Hausner Ratio, Carr’s index and Angle of Repose values of sugarcane bagasse cellulose isolated in sequence were 0.05; 0.07; excellent; 26.6; good.
Competence of small medium enterprise employees to Implement ISO 14001:2015 (case study: laundry machine industry SME in Bantul Yogyakarta)
Authors: Budi I Y , Karuniasa M , Nurcahyo R
Published: April 2020

Small Medium Enterprises employees are the main executors in the implementation of standard in SME included the standard of environmental management system ISO 14001:2015. The success of this standard ISO 14001:2015 implementation is extremely determined by the competence of SME employees in understanding and implementing ISO 14001:2015 until the purpo se of implementation can be achieved such as reaching environmental targets, improving environmental performance, and fulfilling arrangement obligation. This research aims to see the competence of SME employees in the implementation of ISO 14001:2015 until the purpose of this standard ISO 14001:2015 implementation can be achieved. The method used in this research was quantitative research method. For this purpose, the research instruments were in the form of questionnaires designed and tested on SME employees. Data were processed statistically. The research results show that the competence of SME employees in the implementation of ISO 14001 is sufficient and above average. SME employees know the environmental target and environmental instruments in the implementation of ISO 14001:2015. Besides that, SME employees also understand environmental regulations and the management of waste produced by SME.
Effectiveness of macro compound NK fertilization on growth and yield of corn
Authors: Aisyawati L , Arifin Z
Published: April 2020

This research aimed to know the effectiveness of macro compound NK fertilization on growth and yield of corn. The experiment was conducted in dryland of Banjararum Village, Singosari Subdistrict, Malang Regency on dry Season 2016. This experiment was using experimental plot 6 m x 4 m and it was designed in randomized block with 6 combinations of fertilization, and repeated 4 times, namely: (1) A (0 kg Urea/ha + 0 kg SP-36/ha + 0 kg Ponska/ha + 0 kg NK/ha), (2) B (300 kg Urea/ha + 50 kg SP-36/ha + 200 kg Ponska/ha + 0 kg NK/ha), (3) C (300 kg Urea/ha + 50 kg SP-36/ha + 0 kg Ponska/ha + 200 kg NK/ha), (4) D (275 kg Urea/ha + 50 kg SP-36/ha + 0 kg Ponska/ha + 300 kg NK/ha), (5) E (250 kg Urea/ha + 50 kg SP-36/ha + 0 kg Ponska/ha + 400 kg NK/ha), and (6) F (225 kg Urea/ha + 50 kg SP-36/ha + 0 kg Ponska/ha + 500 kg NK/ha). The results showed that macro compound NK fertilization is giving 500 kg NK/ha with 225 kg of Urea/ha and 50 kg SP-36/ha (treatment of F) obtained the highest yield than other of 11,2 t/ha dry seeds with the profit of corn farming IDR. 1,905,000 per hectare.
Preliminary study of the site-specific inorganic fertilization on lowland rice in Bangkalan Madura
Authors: Sihombing D , Arifin Z , Handayati W
Published: April 2020

A preliminary study of the site-specific inorganic fertilization on lowland rice was carried out in Jambu village, Burneh District Bangkalan Regency East Java Province from March to July 2014. The experiment used a factorial split-plot design, with 5 replications. As the main plot were two varieties of lowland rice namely Inpari 4 and Inpari 10; and as a subplot was fertilization (dose level/inorganic type) based on a. existing practices (250 kg Urea + 300 kg NPK Ponska + 100 kg SP-36) b. PSTK (300 kg Urea + 75 kg SP-36 + 150 kg NPK), c. PC (150 kg Urea + 350 kg Ponska) and d. SSNM (125 kg Urea + 300 kg Ponska). The observations showed that there was no interaction effect between varieties and fertilization to the plant growth and yield. These parameters were affected significantly only by fertilization treatment. The highest weight of plotting yield and harvest yield was obtained in the fertilizer treatment of 453.62 kg/6.25 m2 and 7.26 tons’ ha−1. Thus the use of assistive devices, especially the PSTK and SSNM applications were more efficient in the use of inorganic fertilizers with the yields equivalent to the existing practice by the farmers.
Potential of extract rice bran fermented by Rhizopus oryzae as antibacterial against Salmonella typhi
Authors: Jannah A , Barroroh H , Maunatin A
Published: April 2020

The availability of bioactive compounds in rice bran can be increased through fermentation. This study aim to determine the effect of rice bran fermentation time by Rhizhopus Oryzae and rice bran extract concentration on antibacterial activity against Salmonella thypi. The time of rice bran fermentation were 5 and 7 days while as a control was rice bran without fermentation. Antibacterial test used the disk diffusion method with various concentrations of fermented and unfermented rice bran ethanol extracts which were 25%, 12.5% and 6.25% (w/v) as positive control using chloramphenicol and DMSO as negative control. The highest zone inhibitory analysis showed that the antibacterial activity of fermented rice bran extract for 5 days was 13.03 ± 3.08 mm, while for 7 days was 7.9 ± 3.44 mm and unfermented rice bran was 9.73 ± 1.1 mm. The results of this study showed that the fermented rice bran ethanol extract for 5 days had the highest antibacterial activity for inhibiting the growth of Salmonella thypi.
Ecosolution: new organic architecture on Wonocolo Geo-Heritage Center
Authors: Fauziah I K , Kurniawaty P , Bahar M A
Published: April 2020

New Organic Architecture stated that building must belong to the hill, not of the hill. One of the new organic principles is to be inspired by nature to be sustainable, healthy, conserving, and diverse. This paper explains how the new organic architecture approach is applied on the building to create the illusion of no boundaries between interior and exterior of the building. Methods of this study is descriptive qualitative methods on how the building applied the new organic architecture principles, adopting content analysis and cross-reference by the Holy Qur’an and Hadiths. Producing environment-friendly building which merges with surrounding nature.
Detection of hijab syar’i as smart clothes system for moslem people using high performance of parallel computing
Authors: Cholissodin I , Palupi D E , Putra M Y Y , Aprilisia S
Published: April 2020

Moslems are required to remain consistent in wearing syar’i clothing. Sometimes, however, it is very difficult to distinguish between syar’i clothes and the non-syar’i ones, especially in the current millennial era and until the end of time there are many temptations that are not good. Digital image processing in the present day has become one of the areas that can be processed to help various problems associated with images. However, it requires very long processing time and ineffective processing. The CPU alone is not enough. Therefore, it takes processing time allocation that can cut the time to speed up the process. This study utilizes the way to speed up performance analysis of digital images through GPU. The performance analysis of GPU includes CUDA and Yolo because it allows specialists in parallel programming to use GPU resources and can perform the object detection process quickly and accurately by applying an artificial neural network to the image of someone who is wearing syar‘i hijab as smart clothes for Moslem women. Several hardware, software, and file dependency specifications are employed to support the implementation process. The test results achieve the accuracy of 100%, proving that by using the implementation of Yolo under GPU.
The effect of synthesis reaction medium polarity on the degree of substitution (DS) value of carboxymethyl Kappa carrageenan (CMKC) synthesis: case study of isopropanolethanol-ethyl acetate mixture uses as synthesis reaction medium
Authors: Purnama N N , Kusumaningrum I K , Wijaya A R , Zuhroti B
Published: April 2020

This research aimed to analyze the effect of synthesis reaction medium polarity on the DS value of CMKC, we were studied the use of isopropanol-ethanolethyl acetate mixture at some proportion variation, as synthesis reaction medium, relation between polarity of reaction medium and DS value of CMKC, then determine optimum proportion of isopropanol-ethanol- ethyl acetate, as reaction medium, that was produced CMKC that has highest DS value. This research was done in two step (1) synthesize of cmkc by monochloroacetic acid (MCA) as etherification agent and mixture of isopropanolethanol-ethyl acetate as reaction medium (2) characterization of CMKC properties to determine the effect of synthesis reaction medium polarity against DS value. The results showed that reaction medium polarity affect on the value of DS. CMKC synthesis that was done in isopropanol-ethanol-etyl acetate 25:2:3 v/v has the highest DS value, 1.60.
Effectiveness of Breakpoint Chlorination and Rechlorination on Nitrified Chloraminated Water
Authors: Karthik N. B. , Bal Krishna KC , Sathasivan Arumugam
Published: April 2020

Chloramine is used as a secondary disinfectant in water distributions system (WDS). However, nitrification is a major concern involved in the chloraminated WDS as it leads to the accelerated decay of chloramines. After the onset of nitrification, breakpoint chlorination followed by rechlorination is generally practiced in WDS to reinstate chloramine residuals in the WDS. In this study, two different control strategies re-chlorination and breakpoint chlorination followed rechloramination were applied on the severely nitrified water collected from the laboratory-scale reactor system. Results showed that breakpoint chlorination followed by rechloramination is highly stable as the chloramine residual was maintained up to 300 hours and is highly effective than rechlorination alone as it could maintain residue only up to 50 hours even with repeated re-dosing.
Research and implementation of information security for intelligent distribution network
Authors: Ning Wang , Yanli Wu , Guangxing Liu , Ruizhe Yao , Longfei Zhang
Published: April 2020

The intelligent distribution network is an important hub for connecting power generation and users, and the security of its information is closely related to the stable operation of the power grid. In order to solve the contradiction between the security and real-time of information in intelligent distribution network according to Supplementary Provisions for Safety Protection of Medium and Low Voltage Distribution Network Automation System, an information security model of intelligent distribution network is proposed, after deeply studying AES encryption algorithm and SHA-256 authentication algorithm, using OPNET as simulation software for smart distribution network information to carryout transmission delay curve. FPGA is used as information security processing platform. We obtain the total delay, analyze the integrity and availability. The experiment proves that the intelligent distribution network information security processing solution satisfies the three elements of CIA information security, and has good confidentiality, integrity and availability.
Modelling and Exergetic Analysis of a Parabolic Trough Solar Collector
Authors: Yahi F , Belhamel M , Berdja M , Ouali A,M , Tetbirt  , Mokrane M , Djebiret MA
Published: April 2020

A parabolic trough collector was subject of a thermal study considering heat exchange mechanisms involved in the conversion process of solar energy into heat. The physical model presented was developed with assumptions related to steady state conditions. A code, developed under Matlab, allowed to estimate, by an iterative calculation, all temperatures encountered in the studied system and to calculate, consequently, various efficiencies: optical, energetic and exergetic. After validation of the model, a parametric analysis was carried out in order to consider the influence of the main model parameters on the exergetic behavior of the solar system.
Electrical generation and detection of spin waves in polycrystalline YIG/Pt grown on silicon wafers
Authors: Xiang Rongxin , Chen Lina , Zhang Sheng , Li Haotian , Du J , Du Y W , Liu R H
Published: April 2020

We studied the magnetic properties of polycrystalline Y3Fe5O12 (YIG) thin films (less than 100 nm) deposited on thermally oxidized silicon wafer by magnetron sputtering and followed by the post-annealing process. Our ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) results demonstrate that sputtering at room temperature combined with the post-annealing treatment can be an efficient method to achieve large-area (inch scale) and highly uniform YIG thin films with a low damping constant
α
 ∼ 7 × 10−3 on cheap oxidized Si wafer. Furthermore, our spin pumping experiments demonstrate that the polycrystalline YIG/Pt system has a good spin mixing conductance, where spin current can be effectively injected into the adjacent Pt layer from YIG through the interface. Then the electrical detection of magnetic properties (e.g., spin waves) of insulating YIG film can be achieved via the inverse spin Hall effect of Pt. The electrical detection of spin waves in the large-area polycrystalline YIG/Pt on silicon wafer may help to develop new spintronic devices (e.g., magnon-based devices) by utilizing the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology.
Cannabis: An Emerging Occupational Allergen?
Authors: Sussman Gordon L , Beezhold Donald H , Cohn John R , Silvers William S , Zeiger Joanna S , Nayak Ajay P
Published: April 2020

Cannabis is the most commonly used psychoactive drug. In recent years, Cannabis access has expanded for both medicinal and non-medicinal has grown. This is also marked with an increasing number of individuals gaining employment in this emerging industry. In this article, we briefly discuss the health hazards associated with Cannabis exposure with an emphasis on the potential for allergic reactions in workers who handle and process Cannabis plant.
The potential application of artificial intelligence for diagnosis and management of glaucoma in adults
Authors: Campbell Cara G , Ting Daniel S W , Keane Pearse A , Foster Paul J
Published: April 2020

Background

Glaucoma is the most frequent cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. There is no cure, but early detection and treatment can slow the progression and prevent loss of vision. It has been suggested that artificial intelligence (AI) has potential application for detection and management of glaucoma.

Sources of data

This literature review is based on articles published in peer-reviewed journals.

Areas of agreement

There have been significant advances in both AI and imaging techniques that are able to identify the early signs of glaucomatous damage. Machine and deep learning algorithms show capabilities equivalent to human experts, if not superior.

Areas of controversy

Concerns that the increased reliance on AI may lead to deskilling of clinicians.

Growing points

AI has potential to be used in virtual review clinics, telemedicine and as a training tool for junior doctors. Unsupervised AI techniques offer the potential of uncovering currently unrecognized patterns of disease. If this promise is fulfilled, AI may then be of use in challenging cases or where a second opinion is desirable.

Areas timely for developing research

There is a need to determine the external validity of deep learning algorithms and to better understand how the ‘black box’ paradigm reaches results.
Differences in gene-expression profiles in breast cancer between African and European-ancestry women
Authors: Ping Jie , Guo Xingyi , Ye Fei , Long Jirong , Lipworth Loren , Cai Qiuyin , Blot William , Shu Xiao-Ou , Zheng Wei
Published: April 2020

African American (AA) women have an excess breast cancer mortality than European American (EA) women. To investigate the contribution of tumor biology to this survival health disparity, we compared gene expression profiles in breast tumors using RNA sequencing data derived from 260 AA and 155 EA women who were prospectively enrolled in the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS) and developed breast cancer during follow-up. We identified 59 genes (54 protein-coding genes and 5 long intergenic non-coding RNAs) that were expressed differently between EA and AA at a stringent false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.01. A gene signature was derived with these 59 genes and externally validated using the publicly available Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data from180 AA and 838 EA breast cancer patients. Applying C-statistics, we found that this 59-gene signature has a high discriminative ability in distinguishing AA and EA breast cancer patients in the TCGA dataset (C-index = 0.81). These findings may provide new insight into tumor biological differences and the causes of the survival disparity between AA and EA breast cancer patients.
Efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban plus aspirin in women and men with chronic coronary or peripheral artery disease
Authors: Liang Yan , Zhu Jun , Liu Lisheng , Anand Sonia S , Connolly Stuart J , Bosch Jackie , Guzik Tomasz J , O’Donnell Martin , Dagenais Gilles R , Fox Keith Aa , Shestakovska Olga , Berkowitz Scott D , Muehlhofer Eva , Keller Lars , Yusuf Salim , Eikelboom John W ,   for the COMPASS Investigators
Published: April 2020

Aims

The COMPASS trial demonstrated that the combination of rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily and aspirin 100 mg once daily compared with aspirin 100 mg once daily reduced major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with chronic coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease by 24% during a mean follow-up of 23 months. We explored whether this effect varies by sex.

Methods and results

The effects were examined in women and men using log-rank tests and Kaplan–Meier curve. Hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained from stratified Cox proportional hazards models to explore subgroup effects including subgroup of women and men according to baseline modified REACH risk score. Of 27 395 patients randomized, 18 278 were allocated to receive rivaroxaban plus aspirin (n = 9152) or aspirin alone (n = 9126), and of these, 22.1% were women. Women compared with men had similar incidence rates for MACE and major bleeding but borderline lower rates for myocardial infarction (1.7% vs. 2.2%, P = 0.05). The effect of combination therapy compared with aspirin in women and men was consistent for MACE (women: 3.8% vs. 5.2%, HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.54–0.97; men: 4.2% vs. 5.5%, HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.66–0.89; P interaction 0.75) and major bleeding (women: 3.1% vs. 1.4%, HR 2.22, 95% CI 1.42–3.46; men: 3.2% vs. 2.0%, HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.29–1.97; P interaction 0.19). There was no significant interaction between randomized treatment and baseline modified REACH score above or below the median for MACE or major bleeding.

Conclusion

In patients with stable coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease, the combination of rivaroxaban (2.5 mg twice daily) and aspirin compared with aspirin alone appears to produce consistent benefits in women and men, independent of baseline cardiovascular risk.
Effect of beta-blocker therapy in patients with or without left ventricular systolic dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Joo Seung-Jae , Kim Song-Yi , Choi Joon-Hyouk , Park Hyeung Keun , Beom Jong Wook , Lee Jae-Geun , Chae Shung Chull , Kim Hyo-Soo , Kim Young Jo , Cho Myeong Chan , Kim Chong Jin , Rha Seung-Woon , Yoon Junghan , Jeong Myung Ho
Published: April 2020

Aims

This observational study aimed to investigate the association between beta-blocker therapy and clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), especially with mid-range or preserved left ventricular systolic function.

Methods and results

Among 13 624 patients enrolled in the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-National Institute of Health (KAMIR-NIH), 12 200 in-hospital survivors were selected. Patients with beta-blockers showed significantly lower 1-year major adverse cardiac events (MACE), which was a composite of cardiac death, MI, revascularization, and readmission due to heart failure [9.7 vs. 14.3/100 patient-year; hazard ratio (HR) 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72–0.97; P = 0.022). However, this association had a significant interaction with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Beta-blocker therapy at discharge was associated with lower 1-year MACE in patients with LVEF ≤40% (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.48–0.81; P < 0.001), and 40% <LVEF < 50% (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51–0.94; P = 0.020), but not in patients with LVEF ≥50% (HR 1.16, 95% CI 0.91–1.48; P = 0.234).

Conclusions

Beta-blocker therapy at discharge was associated with better 1-year clinical outcomes in patients with reduced or mid-range LVEF after AMI, but not in patients with preserved LVEF. These data suggested that the long-term beta-blocker therapy may be guided by LVEF.
The ‘votive antiphon’ among other sacred textual forms
Authors: Bowers Roger
Published: April 2020

Alongside settings of liturgical texts effected in manners strictly consistent with liturgical performance, there survive large numbers of early vocal pieces engaging Latin words of a religious or devotional nature all commonly subsumed together, both then and now, under the ‘catch-all’ term of ‘motet’. These, however, encompassed a remarkably diverse range of textual content, each destined for a distinct performance occasion and purpose no less likely to have been domestic than ecclesiastical; and these textual types, in turn, possess potential to have been reflected in corresponding distinctions of musical style and texture. Except in isolated instances, modern scholarship has paid only limited attention to these diversities of text and function, with the result that many musical works are classified together with little examination of the criteria by which compositional distinctions apparent between them might be explained. This article examines the category of ‘votive antiphon’ alongside other categories of Latin composition, and reflects upon the need to ask, of any such piece, the question ‘what was it for?’.
Restoration of sinus rhythm by pulmonary vein isolation improves heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in atrial fibrillation patients
Authors: Rattka Manuel , Pott Alexander , Kühberger Anna , Weinmann Karolina , Scharnbeck Dominik , Stephan Tilman , Baumhardt Michael , Bothner Carlo , Iturbe Orbe Mario , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Dahme Tillman
Published: April 2020

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients suffering from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is associated with increased symptoms and higher morbidity and mortality. Effective treatment strategies for this patient population have not yet been established.

Methods and results

We analysed clinical outcomes and echocardiographic parameters of patients with AF and HFpEF who underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Out of 374 PVI patients, we identified 35 patients suffering from concomitant HFpEF. Freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT) after 1 year was 80%. Heart failure symptoms assessed by New York Heart Association class significantly improved from 2.7 ± 0.7 to 1.7 ± 0.9 (P < 0.001). We observed regression of diastolic dysfunction by echocardiography 12 months after the index procedure. Moreover, 15 patients (42.9%) experienced complete resolution of HFpEF after a single ablation procedure. Multivariate logistic regression revealed absence of AT recurrence as an independent predictor of recovery from HFpEF (hazard ratio 11.37, 95% confidence interval 1.70–75.84, P = 0.009). Furthermore, resolution of HFpEF by achieving freedom from AT recurrence by PVI, including multiple procedures, led to a significant reduction of hospitalizations.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that restoration of sinus rhythm by PVI in HFpEF patients with concomitant AF induces reverse remodelling, improvement of symptoms, resolution of HFpEF and subsequently decrease of hospitalizations. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm our results.
EER test and analysis of surface ice cooling system for coal mine
Authors: Qi Yudong , Wang Minghong
Published: April 2020

With the depth increasing and the improvement of mining mechanization of the coal mine, heat hazard is becoming more and more serious, the ice cooling system is gradually promoted and applied in China for recent years, but the cooling capacity and energy efficiency ratio (EER) test and analysis for such system is seldom reported. The cooling capacity and EER of the refrigerating equipment of an ice cooling system of a coal mine are tested and analyzed in Shandong Province in this paper. The test result indicates that the refrigerating capacity and EER are lower and both the pre-cooling units and the ice making system have a large variable range. It points out that it should not evaluate the ice cooling system by the test data only in this mine but expect more test data and analysis of the ice cooling system in other coal mines to get a more scientific conclusion. And the test, analysis and comparison for different kinds of cooling system are also expected to explore suitable cooling system while a full consideration of the geological conditions and other factors of the mine are taken into consideration.
Characterizing Environmental Surveillance Sites in Nigeria and Their Sensitivity to Detect Poliovirus and Other Enteroviruses
Authors: Hamisu Abdullahi Walla , Blake Isobel M , Sume Gerald , Braka Fiona , Jimoh Abdullateef , Dahiru Habu , Bonos Mohammed , Dankoli Raymond , Mamuda Bello Ahmed , Yusuf Kabir M , Lawal Namadi M , Ahmed Fatimah , Aliyu Zainab , John Doris , Nwachukwu Theresa E , Ayeni Michael F , Gumede-Moeletsi Nicksy , Veltsos Philippe , Giri Sidhartha , Praharaj Ira , Metilda Angeline , Bandyopadhyay Ananda , Diop Ousmane M , Grassly Nicholas C
Published: April 2020

Background

Environmental surveillance (ES) for poliovirus is increasingly important for polio eradication, often detecting circulating virus before paralytic cases are reported. The sensitivity of ES depends on appropriate selection of sampling sites, which is difficult in low-income countries with informal sewage networks.

Methods

We measured ES site and sample characteristics in Nigeria during June 2018–May 2019, including sewage physicochemical properties, using a water-quality probe, flow volume, catchment population, and local facilities such as hospitals, schools, and transit hubs. We used mixed-effects logistic regression and machine learning (random forests) to investigate their association with enterovirus isolation (poliovirus and nonpolio enteroviruses) as an indicator of surveillance sensitivity.

Results

Four quarterly visits were made to 78 ES sites in 21 states of Nigeria, and ES site characteristic data were matched to 1345 samples with an average enterovirus prevalence among sites of 68% (range, 9%–100%). A larger estimated catchment population, high total dissolved solids, and higher pH were associated with enterovirus detection. A random forests model predicted “good” sites (enterovirus prevalence >70%) from measured site characteristics with out-of-sample sensitivity and specificity of 75%.

Conclusions

Simple measurement of sewage properties and catchment population estimation could improve ES site selection and increase surveillance sensitivity.
Association of Antibiotic Exposure With Survival and Toxicity in Patients With Melanoma Receiving Immunotherapy
Authors: Mohiuddin Jahan J , Chu Brian , Facciabene Andrea , Poirier Kendra , Wang Xingmei , Doucette Abigail , Zheng Cathy , Xu Wei , Anstadt Emily J , Amaravadi Ravi K , Karakousis Giorgos C , Mitchell Tara C , Huang Alexander C , Shabason Jacob E , Lin Alexander , Swisher-McClure Samuel , Maity Amit , Schuchter Lynn M , Lukens John N
Published: April 2020

Background

Gut microbial diversity is associated with improved response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Based on the known detrimental impact that antibiotics have on microbiome diversity, we hypothesized that antibiotic receipt prior to ICI would be associated with decreased survival.

Methods

Patients with stage III and IV melanoma treated with ICI between 2008 and 2019 were selected from an institutional database. A window of antibiotic receipt within 3 months prior to the first infusion of ICI was prespecified. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), and secondary outcomes were melanoma-specific mortality and immune-mediated colitis requiring intravenous steroids. All statistical tests were two-sided.

Results

There were 568 patients in our database of which 114 received antibiotics prior to ICI. Of the patients, 35.9% had stage III disease. On multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis of patients with stage IV disease, the antibiotic-exposed group had statistically significantly worse OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27 to 2.57; P <.001). The same effect was observed among antibiotic-exposed patients with stage III disease (HR = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.31 to 5.87; P =.007). When limited to only patients who received adjuvant ICI (n = 89), antibiotic-exposed patients also had statistically significantly worse OS (HR = 4.84, 95% CI = 1.09 to 21.50; P =.04). The antibiotic group had a greater incidence of colitis (HR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.02 to 4.52; P =.046).

Conclusion

Patients with stage III and IV melanoma exposed to antibiotics prior to ICI had statistically significantly worse OS than unexposed patients. Antibiotic exposure was associated with greater incidence of moderate to severe immune-mediated colitis. Given the large number of antibiotics prescribed annually, physicians should be judicious with their use in cancer populations likely to receive ICI.
Extinction of all infectious HIV in cell culture by the CRISPR-Cas12a system with only a single crRNA
Authors: Gao Zongliang , Fan Minghui , Das Atze T , Herrera-Carrillo Elena , Berkhout Ben
Published: April 2020

The CRISPR-Cas9 system has been used for genome editing of various organisms. We reported inhibition of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in cell culture infections with a single guide RNA (gRNA) and subsequent viral escape, but complete inactivation of infectious HIV with certain combinations of two gRNAs. The new RNA-guided endonuclease system CRISPR-Cas12a (formerly Cpf1) may provide a more promising tool for genome engineering with increased activity and specificity. We compared Cas12a to the original Cas9 system for inactivation of the integrated HIV DNA genome. Superior antiviral activity is reported for Cas12a, which can achieve full HIV inactivation with only a single gRNA (called crRNA). We propose that the different architecture of Cas9 versus Cas12a endonuclease explains this effect. We also disclose that DNA cleavage by the Cas12a endonuclease and subsequent DNA repair causes mutations with a sequence profile that is distinct from that of Cas9. Both CRISPR systems can induce the typical small deletions around the site of DNA cleavage and subsequent repair, but Cas12a does not induce the pure DNA insertions that are routinely observed for Cas9. Although these typical signatures are apparent in many literature studies, this is the first report that documents these striking differences.
Peptides containing the PCNA interacting motif APIM bind to the β-clamp and inhibit bacterial growth and mutagenesis
Authors: Nedal Aina , Ræder Synnøve B , Dalhus Bjørn , Helgesen Emily , Forstrøm Rune J , Lindland Kim , Sumabe Balagra K , Martinsen Jacob H , Kragelund Birthe B , Skarstad Kirsten , Bjørås Magnar , Otterlei Marit
Published: April 2020

In the fight against antimicrobial resistance, the bacterial DNA sliding clamp, β-clamp, is a promising drug target for inhibition of DNA replication and translesion synthesis. The β-clamp and its eukaryotic homolog, PCNA, share a C-terminal hydrophobic pocket where all the DNA polymerases bind. Here we report that cell penetrating peptides containing the PCNA-interacting motif APIM (APIM-peptides) inhibit bacterial growth at low concentrations in vitro, and in vivo in a bacterial skin infection model in mice. Surface plasmon resonance analysis and computer modeling suggest that APIM bind to the hydrophobic pocket on the β-clamp, and accordingly, we find that APIM-peptides inhibit bacterial DNA replication. Interestingly, at sub-lethal concentrations, APIM-peptides have anti-mutagenic activities, and this activity is increased after SOS induction. Our results show that although the sequence homology between the β-clamp and PCNA are modest, the presence of similar polymerase binding pockets in the DNA clamps allows for binding of the eukaryotic binding motif APIM to the bacterial β-clamp. Importantly, because APIM-peptides display both anti-mutagenic and growth inhibitory properties, they may have clinical potential both in combination with other antibiotics and as single agents.
Biomechanical research into lamina cribrosa in glaucoma
Authors: Li Long , Song Fan
Published: April 2020

Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, poses a considerable public health challenge and burden. Mechanical models of the lamina cribrosa under elevated intraocular pressure at different scales, contributing significantly to uncovering the glaucomatous pathogenesis, are discussed. Meanwhile, the open issues and avenues for further development are highlighted.
Interleukin-23 drives expansion of Thelper 17 cells through epigenetic regulation by signal transducer and activators of transcription 3 in lupus patients
Authors: Lee Seunghyun , Nakayamada Shingo , Kubo Satoshi , Yamagata Kaoru , Yoshinari Hiroko , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenic Th17 cells, we investigated the modulation of epigenetic modifications and its association with SLE.

Methods

Naive CD4+ T cells were cultured in Th17 polarizing conditions for 5 days and then treated with various cytokines, including IL-23. Expression of Th17 cell–related markers and phosphorylation of signal transducers and activators of transcription (pSTATs) were analysed using flow cytometry and quantitative PCR. Histone modifications were assessed using chromatin immunoprecipitation PCR. T cell phenotypes and pSTATs were analysed in blood samples of patients with SLE (n = 28). Finally, the effects of baricitinib on memory Th17 cells were investigated in SLE patients (n = 12).

Results

Stimulation of resting Th17 cells with IL-23 promoted maturation of these cells (P < 0.0001). IL-23 induced pSTAT3, but not pSTAT4, during Th17 cell maturation (P < 0.05). IL-23-induced STAT3 directly bound the RORγT gene locus. This was accompanied by induction of the H3H4me3 permissive mark and reduction of the H3K27me3 repressive mark, leading to enhanced RORγT gene expression. IL-23-induced expansion of Th17 cells and pSTAT3 were suppressed by the addition of baricitinib in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.05). In memory Th17 cells from SLE patients, pSTAT3 was hypersensitized by IL-23 stimulation and inhibited by baricitinib (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that IL-23/STAT3 signalling plays a fundamental role in Th17 cell maturation through transcriptional and epigenetic modifications in patients with SLE. This mechanism may underlie pathogenic Th17 cell expansion and may lead to identification of novel therapeutic targets for SLE.
Insolvency within your trust: bankrupt settlors, insolvent companies and insolvent trusts
Authors: Barton QC Zoë , Taylor Tara
Published: April 2020

Anecdotally at least, there seems to be a trend towards increased litigation involving insolvency practitioners pitted against trustees. This article considers the so-called ‘insolvent trust’ and the challenges these present to their trustees, with particular reference to the Z Trust litigation. It goes on to discuss certain claims that may be faced by insolvent settlors and companies involving the adjustment of antecedent transactions for the benefit of creditors, and how trustees can protect themselves in the face of such claims.
An interacting conformal chiral 2-form electrodynamics in six dimensions
Authors: Townsend Paul K.
Published: April 2020

The strong-field limit for the 2-form potential on an M5-brane yields a conformal chiral 2-form electrodynamics in six dimensions, with gauge-invariant self-interactions but no adjustable coupling constant; the stress tensor is that of a null fluid. Lorentz invariance can be made manifest via an interpretation as a tensionless ‘space-filling M5-brane’, or as a truncation of the infrared dynamics of an M5-brane in AdS
7
 × 
S
4
.
Spherization of red blood cells and platelets margination in COPD patients
Authors: Boudjeltia Karim Zouaoui , Kotsalos Christos , Ribeiro Daniel , Rousseau Alexandre , Lelubre Christophe , Sartenaer Olivier , Piagnerelli Michael , Dohet-Eraly Jerôme , Dubois Frank , Tasiaux Nicole , Chopard Bastien , Van Meerhaeghe Alain
Published: April 2020

Rationale

There are important interactions between Red Blood Cells (RBCs) and platelets in the bloodstream. These interactions lead to a phenomenon called margination. RBCs in pathological situations undergo biochemical and conformational changes leading to alterations in blood rheology.

Aim

RBCs shape in volunteers (21), stable (42) and exacerbated (31) COPD patients was analyzed. We studied the effect of the RBCs spherization on the platelets transport experimentally, in vitro, and by using numerical simulations.

Methods

RBC shape was estimated by the second moment of Pearson obtained through flow cytometry on fsc histogram. In vitro experiments were performed to analyze the effect of RBC shape on platelets adhesion/aggregation in dynamic conditions. Neuraminidase treatment was used to induce RBCs spherization. Numerical simulation were performed to determine the effect of RBCs spherization on platelets mean square displacement (MSD) to provide a physical explanation.

Results

Significant increase of RBC sphericity was observed in COPD patients compared to volunteers (Kruskal-Wallis: p<0.0001). In vitro experiments, at shear rate of 100 s-1, we observed that RBCs treated with neuraminidase mainly affect the number of platelet aggregates (p = 0.004). There was no change in the aggregates size. At a shear rate of 400 sec-1 neuraminidase treatment changes both the size of the aggregates (p = 0.009) and the number of platelet aggregates (p = 0.008).

Numerical simulations indicated that RBCs spherization induces an increase of MSD and the effect was more pronounced when the shear rate increased.

Conclusion

Our results show that the RBCs of COPD patients are more spherical than those of healthy volunteers. Experimentally we observe that the RBCs spherization induces an increase platelet transport to the wall. Additional studies are needed to better understand the possible association between the RBCs effect on the platelets transport and the increased cardiovascular events observed in COPD patients.
A model to predict SARS-CoV-2 infection based on the first three-month surveillance data in Brazil
Authors: Diaz-Quijano Fredi A. , da Silva José Mário Nunes , Ganem Fabiana , Oliveira Silvano , Vesga-Varela Andrea L. , Croda Julio
Published: April 2020

Background

COVID-19 diagnosis is a critical problem, mainly due to the lack or delay in the test results. We aimed to obtain a model to predict SARS-CoV-2 infection in suspected patients reported to the Brazilian surveillance system.

Methods

We analyzed suspected patients reported to the National Surveillance System that corresponded to the following case definition: patients with respiratory symptoms and fever, who traveled to regions with local or community transmission or who had close contact with a suspected or confirmed case. Based on variables routinely collected, we obtained a multiple model using logistic regression. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and accuracy indicators were used for validation.

Results

We described 1468 COVID-19 cases (confirmed by RT-PCR) and 4271 patients with other illnesses. With a data subset, including 80% of patients from Sao Paulo (SP) and Rio Janeiro (RJ), we obtained a function which reached an AUC of 95.54% (95% CI: 94.41% - 96.67%) for the diagnosis of COVID-19 and accuracy of 90.1% (sensitivity 87.62% and specificity 92.02%). In a validation dataset including the other 20% of patients from SP and RJ, this model exhibited an AUC of 95.01% (92.51% – 97.5%) and accuracy of 89.47% (sensitivity 87.32% and specificity 91.36%).

Conclusion

We obtained a model suitable for the clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 based on routinely collected surveillance data. Applications of this tool include early identification for specific treatment and isolation, rational use of laboratory tests, and input for modeling epidemiological trends.