bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The reproductive value of large females: consequences of shifts in demographic structure for population reproductive potential in Chinook salmon
Authors: Ohlberger Jan , Schindler Daniel E. , Brown Randy J. , Harding Joel M.S. , Adkison Milo D. , Munro Andrew R. , Horstmann Lara , Spaeder Joe
Published: June 2020

While conservation and fisheries management are often concerned with changes in population abundance and distribution, shifts in population age–size structure are commonly observed in response to human and environmental stressors. Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) have experienced widespread declines in mean age and size throughout their North American range. We investigated the consequences of declines in body size for spawner reproductive potential in terms of total egg mass per female. Our case study is the Yukon River where Chinook salmon have supported subsistence, commercial, and recreational fisheries. Using historical observations on individual body size from throughout the Yukon River and the relationship between female size and total egg mass from the Canadian portion, we estimate a decline in average female reproductive potential of 24%–35% since the 1970s. Because spawner abundances and the population sex ratio have not shown clear trends over time, our results suggest a reduced total population reproductive potential. Changes in spawner quality should be considered when developing management reference points, and conservation of population demographic structure may be necessary to sustain productive Chinook salmon systems.
Water relations and drought response of Pinus strobiformis
Authors: Bucholz Ethan R. , Waring Kristen M. , Kolb Thomas E. , Swenson Jared K. , Whipple Amy V.
Published: June 2020

Southwestern white pine (Pinus strobiformis Engelm.) faces dual threats of climate change shifting its environmental niche and mortality due to a nonnative, invasive fungal pathogen. To inform efforts to sustain this species, we established experimental field trials in three common gardens along an elevational gradient with drought treatments to assess trait responses in southwestern white pine. We measured predawn and midday water potential on 44 maternal families from 10 populations at each garden. We used regression between predawn and midday water potentials to estimate hydroscape area, an index of stomatal regulation of transpiration. We measured leaf carbon isotope ratio and estimated carbon isotope discrimination and leaf mass per area to understand the effects of gardens and treatments on stomatal aperture and leaf structure. Water stress caused by experimental drought and temperature decreased leaf carbon isotope discrimination and leaf mass per area, indicating formation of thin leaves with low stomatal conductance in response to heat and drought. The hydroscape area of southwestern white pine suggests tight control of transpiration via stomatal closure, similar to other isohydric pines. Families with greater stomatal closure (inferred from carbon isotope ratio) at the warm, dry garden had higher survival than other families, suggesting an important role of isohydry in acclimation of southwestern white pine to expected habitat drying and warming.
Role of nuclear-cytoplasmic protein localization duringDrosophilaneuroblast development
Authors: Keegan Sophie E. , Hughes Sarah C.
Published: June 2020

Nuclear-cytoplasmic localization is an efficient way to regulate transcription factors and chromatin remodelers. Altering the location of existing protein pools also facilitates a more rapid response to changes in cell activity or extracellular signals. There are several examples of proteins that are regulated by nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling, which are required for Drosophila neuroblast development. Disruption of the localization of homologs of these proteins has also been linked to several neurodegenerative disorders in humans. Drosophila has been used extensively to model the neurodegenerative disorders caused by aberrant nucleo-cytoplasmic localization. Here, we focus on the role of alternative nucleo-cytoplasmic protein localization in regulating proliferation and cell fate decisions in the Drosophila neuroblast and in neurodegenerative disorders. We also explore the analogous role of RNA binding proteins and mRNA localization in the context of regulation of nucleo-cytoplasmic localization during neural development and a role in neurodegenerative disorders.
Early-time and late-time quantum chaos
Authors: Ma Chen-Te
Published: June 2020

We show the relation between the Heisenberg averaging of regularized 2-point out-of-time ordered correlation function and the 2-point spectral form factor in bosonic quantum mechanics. The generalization to all even-point is also discussed. We also do the direct extension from the bosonic quantum mechanics to the noninteracting scalar field theory. Finally, we find that the coherent state and large-[Formula: see text] approaches are useful in the late-time study. We find that the computation of the coherent state can be simplified by the Heisenberg averaging. Therefore, this provides a simplified way to probe the late-time quantum chaos through a coherent state. The large-[Formula: see text] result is also comparable to the [Formula: see text] numerical result in the large-[Formula: see text] quantum mechanics. This can justify that large-[Formula: see text] technique in bosonic quantum mechanics can probe the late time, not the early time. Because the quantitative behavior of large-[Formula: see text] can be captured from the [Formula: see text] numerical result, the realization in experiments should be possible.
A Novel Multi-Perspective Benchmarking Framework for Selecting Image Dehazing Intelligent Algorithms Based on BWM and Group VIKOR Techniques
Authors: Abdulkareem Karrar Hameed , Arbaiy Nureize , Zaidan A. A. , Zaidan B. B. , Albahri O. S. , Alsalem M. A. , Salih Mahmood M.
Published: June 2020

The increasing demand for image dehazing-based applications has raised the value of efficient evaluation and benchmarking for image dehazing algorithms. Several perspectives, such as inhomogeneous foggy, homogenous foggy, and dark foggy scenes, have been considered in multi-criteria evaluation. The benchmarking for the selection of the best image dehazing intelligent algorithm based on multi-criteria perspectives is a challenging task owing to (a) multiple evaluation criteria, (b) criteria importance, (c) data variation, (d) criteria conflict, and (e) criteria tradeoff. A generally accepted framework for benchmarking image dehazing performance is unavailable in the existing literature. This study proposes a novel multi-perspective (i.e., an inhomogeneous foggy scene, a homogenous foggy scene, and a dark foggy scene) benchmarking framework for the selection of the best image dehazing intelligent algorithm based on multi-criteria analysis. Experiments were conducted in three stages. First was an evaluation experiment with five algorithms as part of matrix data. Second was a crossover between image dehazing intelligent algorithms and a set of target evaluation criteria to obtain matrix data. Third was the ranking of the image dehazing intelligent algorithms through integrated best–worst and VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje methods. Individual and group decision-making contexts were applied to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed framework. The mean was used to objectively validate the ranks given by group decision-making contexts. Checklist and benchmarking scenarios were provided to compare the proposed framework with an existing benchmark study. The proposed framework achieved a significant result in terms of selecting the best image dehazing algorithm.
TAX MORALE AND SOCIAL BUSINESS IN MEXICO
Authors: FUENTES-CONTRERAS ROBERTO , MUNGARAY-LAGARDA ALEJANDRO , RAMIREZ-URQUIDY MARTIN
Published: June 2020

This research presents empirical results about the importance of tax morale in the probability of tax compliance in social businesses. It highlights the relevance of increasing the intrinsic value to the social business owner on paying taxes, instead of the traditional approach of increasing punishment, to reduce non-compliance. The paper suggests changing the focus question from “Why don’t they pay taxes?” to “Why, despite the low probability of being punished for not paying taxes, do some social business owners comply with their tax contribution?”. The main results of the research point out that factors such as public expenditure in economic development increases the probability of tax compliance in social businesses, whereas public expenditure in social programs decreases this probability.
Boundary Element Algorithm for Nonlinear Modeling and Simulation of Three-Temperature Anisotropic Generalized Micropolar Piezothermoelasticity with Memory-Dependent Derivative
Authors: Fahmy Mohamed Abdelsabour
Published: June 2020

The main aim of this paper is to introduce a new memory-dependent derivative theory to contribute for increasing development of technological and industrial applications of anisotropic smart materials. This theory is called three-temperature anisotropic generalized micropolar piezothermoelasticity. The governing equations of the proposed theory are very difficult to solve analytically because of material anisotropy and its nonlinear properties. Therefore, we propose a new boundary element formulation for solving such equations. The efficiency of our proposed technique has been developed by using an adaptive smoothing and prolongation algebraic multigrid (aSP-AMG) preconditioner to reduce the computation time. The numerical results are presented highlighting the effects of the kernel function and time delay on the temperature and displacements. The numerical results also verify the validity and accuracy of the proposed methodology. It can be concluded from the numerical results of our current complex and general study that some well-known uncoupled, coupled and generalized theories of anisotropic micropolar piezothermoelasticity can be connected with the three-temperature radiative heat conduction to characterize the deformation of anisotropicmicropolar piezothermoelasticstructures in the context of memory-dependent derivative.
Extremal multiplicative Zagreb indices among trees with given distance k-domination number
Authors: Hayat Fazal
Published: June 2020

The first multiplicative Zagreb index [Formula: see text] of a graph [Formula: see text] is the product of the square of every vertex degree, while the second multiplicative Zagreb index [Formula: see text] is the product of the products of degrees of pairs of adjacent vertices. In this paper, we give sharp lower bound for [Formula: see text] and upper bound for [Formula: see text] of trees with given distance [Formula: see text]-domination number, and characterize those trees attaining the bounds.
An algorithm to recognize weak roman domination stable trees under vertex deletion
Authors: Mahavir B. , Roushini Leely Pushpam P. , Kamalam M.
Published: June 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a graph and [Formula: see text] be a function. A vertex [Formula: see text] with weight [Formula: see text] is said to be undefended with respect to [Formula: see text], if it is not adjacent to any vertex with positive weight. The function [Formula: see text] is a weak Roman dominating function (WRDF) if each vertex [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] is adjacent to a vertex [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] such that the function [Formula: see text] defined by [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text], has no undefended vertex. The weight of [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]. The weak Roman domination number, denoted by [Formula: see text], is the minimum weight of a WRDF on [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we present two linear time algorithms one that obtains the weak Roman domination number of an arbitrary tree and the labeling of its vertices, to produce the weak Roman domination number, and the other, that determines whether the given tree is in [Formula: see text].
Peculiarities of surface acoustic waves, propagation in structures with functionally graded piezoelectric materials, coating from different ceramics on the basis of PZT
Authors: Belyankova T. I. , Vorovich E. I. , Kalinchuk V. V. , Tukodova O. M.
Published: June 2020

A model of a piezoelectric structure with an inhomogeneous coating is considered. The structure is a homogeneous half-space made of PZT-5H ferroelectric ceramics with a functionally graded coating. The properties of coating vary continuously in thickness from parameters of one material to parameters of another material in a continuously nonmonotonic or piecewise-continuous manner. As coating materials, various combinations of ceramics of different stiffness based on PZT are considered. Using the example of the problem of the propagation of sh-waves in a piezoelectric structure, we studied the influence of the ratio of the physical parameters of the coating materials, the localization region, and the size of the transition zone of one material to another on the propagation features of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) and the structure of the wave field.
High-resolution geological mapping towards an understanding of post-glacial development and Holocene sedimentation processes in the eastern Gulf of Finland: an EMODnet Geology case study
Authors: Ryabchuk Daria , Sergeev Alexander , Zhamoida Vladimir , Budanov Leonid , Krek Alexander , Neevin Igor , Bubnova Ekaterina , Danchenkov Aleksandr , Kovaleva Olga
Published: June 2020

Analyses of high-resolution multibeam and sub-bottom profiling data, acquired during marine geological field cruises between 2017 and 2019 in the eastern Gulf of Finland (Baltic Sea), enabled the detailed mapping of Quaternary deposits, and revealed diverse submerged glacial and post-glacial landforms (e.g. streamlined moraine ridges, large retreat moraine ridges, De Geer moraines and kettle holes). The morphology of these glacial features provides evidence of the ice-sheet retreat direction and rate throughout the deglaciation of the region, which occurred between 13.8 and 13.3 ka BP (Pandivere­­–Neva Stage) and 12.25 ka BP (Salpausselkä I Stage). Analysis of sub-bottom profiling, supported by piston long-core sampling, indicates periods of bottom erosion/non-deposition during the Holocene caused by relative water-level regressions. Significant negative relief features are also observed in the area for the first time. These linear and curved V-shaped furrows are several kilometres long and 5 m deep, and are tentatively ascribed to bottom current and gas-seepage processes.
Mapping Ireland's coastal, shelf and deep-water environments using illustrative case studies to highlight the impact of seabed mapping on the generation of blue knowledge
Authors: O'Toole Ronan , Judge Maria , Sacchetti Fabio , Furey Thomas , Mac Craith Eoin , Sheehan Kevin , Kelly Sheila , Cullen Sean , McGrath Fergal , Monteys Xavier
Published: June 2020

Through Ireland's national seabed mapping programme, Integrated Mapping for the Sustainable Development of Ireland's Marine Resource (INFOMAR), the collaboration between Geological Survey Ireland and the Marine Institute continues to comprehensively map Ireland's marine territory in high resolution. Through its work, the programme builds on earlier Irish seabed mapping efforts, including the Irish National Seabed Survey project in producing seabed mapping products that support Ireland's blue economy, European marine policy and international efforts to understand our global oceans. INFOMAR uses a variety of marine technologies to deliver accurate bathymetric maps and useful data products to end users through a free and open source licensing agreement. To reflect the diversity of applications these data products serve, a series of four case studies are presented here focusing on marine geophysical and geological data from locations within Ireland's marine territories. The case studies illustrate how data generated through seabed mapping may be interpreted to directly impact the generation of blue knowledge across a variety of marine environments ranging from shallow coastal and shelf waters to the deep oceanic depths of the continental slope of Ireland's marine area. The impact of Ireland's seabed mapping efforts is further considered in the context of national, European and international initiatives where Ireland's marine knowledge resource is leveraged to deliver positive benefit to the programme's stakeholders.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Difluorophosphate Salt Electrolyte Additives for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Hall David S. , Hynes Toren , Aiken Connor P. , Dahn J. R.
Published: June 2020

The electrolyte additive lithium difluorophosphate improves the lifetime of lithium-ion cells. This work presents the synthesis and evaluation of alternative difluorophosphate salt electrolyte additives. Ammonium difluorophosphate is readily prepared via a solid-state, benchtop reaction of ammonium fluoride and phosphorus pentoxide that requires only gentle heating to initiate. The best yield of sodium difluorophosphate (NaFO) in the present study was obtained by reacting difluorophosphoric acid and sodium carbonate in 1,2-diemethoxyethane over 3 Å molecular sieves. Tetramethylammonium difluorophosphate was prepared from NaFO via cation-exchange with tetramethylammonium chloride. NaFO is here reported to be a very good electrolyte additive, with similar performance in NMC532/graphite pouch cells as the lithium salt. The beneficial nature of both additives is attributable to the difluorophosphate anion. In contrast, ammonium and tetramethylammonium difluorophosphates are found to be poor electrolyte additives. For the former, this is suggested to be due to the formation of lithium nitride and hydrogen gas.
An acute rise of plasma Na+concentration associates with syndecan-1 shedding during hemodialysis
Authors: Koch Josephine , Idzerda Nienke M. A. , Ettema Esmée M. , Kuipers Johanna , Dam Wendy , van den Born Jacob , Franssen Casper F. M.
Published: June 2020

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) contributes to the high incidence of cardiovascular events in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Syndecan-1 in the endothelial glycocalyx can be shed into the circulation, serving as a biomarker for ED. As Na+is a trigger for glycocalyx shedding, we now tested whether hemodialysis, with higher dialysate Na+concentrations, is associated with more syndecan-1 shedding compared with standard hemodialysis (SHD). In this crossover study in 29 patients, plasma syndecan-1 was repeatedly measured during SHD and during Hemocontrol hemodialysis (HHD), which is characterized by initially higher dialysate and plasma Na+levels. Courses of syndecan-1 were compared with linear mixed models. Syndecan-1 shedding was assessed by area under the curve analysis. Plasma Na+increased early after the start of SHD and HHD, with higher values during HHD (30 min: 142.3 vs. 139.9 mM, P < 0.001). Syndecan-1 increased significantly during both conditions, but the percent change was higher (42.9% vs. 19.5%) and occurred earlier (120 vs. 180 min) during HHD. Syndecan-1 levels were significantly higher at 120 min during HHD compared with SHD ( P < 0.05). Overall, syndecan-1 shedding was higher during HHD compared with SHD (means: 40.4 vs. 19.0 arbitrary units, P = 0.06). Lower predialysis plasma Na+and osmolality were associated with greater intradialytic increases in syndecan-1 levels (both groups, P = 0.001). The rise in plasma syndecan-1 levels was more pronounced and occurred earlier during hemodialysis with higher plasma Na+levels. Although we cannot prove that the rise in plasma syndecan-1 originates from the endothelial glycocalyx, our findings are compatible with Na+-driven endothelial glycocalyx-derived syndecan-1 shedding.
Exosomal MicroRNAs in Serum as Potential Biomarkers for Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Sun Jianhua , Deng Gaopi , Ruan Xiaofeng , Chen Si , Liao Huiyan , Liu Xiaorong , Li Jing , Zhao Guang , Gao Jie
Published: June 2020

Design. From July 2016 to June 2018, 36 women with symptomatic early pregnancy around 4‐8 weeks of gestation were recruited into the study. Among them, there were 16 women with viable intrauterine pregnancy (VIP), 9 women with spontaneous abortion (SA), and 11 women of EP. Serum exosomal miRNAs were extracted and measured at the first prenatal visit. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the clinical utility of these biomarkers as single markers and as multimarker panels for EP. Results. Concentrations of miR‐378d in serum exosomes were significantly higher in EP than in VIP and also SA group. As a single marker, miR‐378d had the highest specificity of 64% at the sensitivity of 89.1%. Comparatively, both combined panels of hCG, progesterone, miR‐100‐5p and hCG, progesterone, and miR‐215‐5P yielded the specificity of 96%. Panels for all markers achieved the highest specificity of 80% at the sensitivity of 91%. Conclusions. Although further validation in large‐scale prospective studies is necessary, our results suggest that serum exosomal miR‐378d, miR‐100‐5p, and miR‐215‐5P are promising biomarkers for early EP.
Surgical Management of Right Atrial Mass Associated with a Vascular Access Catheter
Authors: Ferreira David , Le Anthony , Khoo John , Nguyen Paul , Jain Manish , Spicer Timothy , Juergens Craig
Published: June 2020

Atrial masses are an uncommon but serious clinical problem. The authors report a case of an atrial mass associated with a tunnelled vascular access catheter in an immunosuppressed haemodialysis patient. In the setting of immunosuppression with fevers, a broad differential for the atrial mass was considered. Multidisciplinary team review was pursued to guide management decisions. Ultimately, surgical excision of the mass was pursued with an excellent result. The causes and management of this complex clinical scenario are discussed.
Magnitude of Preterm Birth and Its Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study at Butajira Hospital, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Abdo Ritbano Ahmed , Halil Hassen Mosa , Muhammed Muhammed Abdu , Karebo Mohammed Sultan
Published: June 2020

Background. Preterm birth infants are at a greater risk of mortality and a variety of health and developmental problems; reliable data support that this rate is increasing in almost all countries. The purpose is to find the magnitude of preterm birth and its associated factors among newborns delivered at Butajira Hospital, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region, Ethiopia. Methods. This hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 304 maternity cards using the systematic sampling method during May 1_21 in 2019. The data collection was performed using a structured case record form. The data were entered into EpiData software (version 3.1) and analyzed using SPSS software (version 21). Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were computed to identify the associated factors at 95% CI. Results. Overall magnitude of preterm birth was observed to be 15.5%. The factors significantly associated with the preterm birth were preeclampsia (AOR=4.0; 95% CI: 1.6-10.0), and premature rupture of fetal membranes (AOR=4.2; 95% CI: 1.4-12.9). Conclusion. Preterm birth is still public concern in the study area. The concerned administrative body should implement health education programs and improve the quality of health care delivered to pregnant mothers to control these associated factors and, consequently, promote public health in the study area.
Dp-brane Dynamics and Thermalization in Type IIB Ben Ami-Kuperstein-Sonnenschein Models
Authors: Kaviani Dariush
Published: June 2020

We extend and complete our analysis arXiv:1608.02380 and study the induced world volume metrics and Hawking temperatures of all type IIB rotating probe Dp-branes, dual to the temperature of different flavors at finite R-charge, in the Ben Ami–Kuperstein–Sonnenschein holographic models including the effects of spontaneous conformal and chiral flavor symmetry breakdown. The model embeds type IIB probe flavor Dp-branes into the Klebanov-Witten gravity dual of conformal gauge theory, with the embedding parameter, given by the minimal radial extension of the probes, dual to the IR scale of conformal and chiral flavor symmetry breakdown. We show that when the minimal extension is positive definite, the induced world volume metrics of type IIB rotating probe branes admit thermal horizons and Hawking temperatures despite the absence of black holes in the bulk subject to the world volume and topology of the nontrivial internal cycle wrapped by the probe. We also derive the energy–stress tensor of the thermal probes and study their backreaction and energy dissipation. We show that at the IR scale the backreaction is nonnegligible and find the energy can flow from the probes to the bulk, dual to the energy dissipation from the flavor sectors into the gauge theory.
Neuroinflammatory Gene Expression Pattern Is Similar between Allergic Rhinitis and Atopic Dermatitis but Distinct from Atopic Asthma
Authors: Sobkowiak Paulina , Langwiński Wojciech , Nowakowska Joanna , Wojsyk-Banaszak Irena , Szczepankiewicz Dawid , Jenerowicz Dorota , Wasilewska Eliza , Bręborowicz Anna , Szczepankiewicz Aleksandra
Published: June 2020

Background and Aim. Neurogenic inflammation underlies the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Interactions between neurons with the immune cells and structural cells (airway epithelium, nasal mucosa, skin keratinocytes) undergo altered regulation during chronic inflammation. Therefore, we hypothesized that the expression of neuroinflammatory genes may be altered allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis, and that, compared to atopic asthma, the expression pattern may be disease‐specific in pediatric patients. Methods. In the study, we included 86 children diagnosed with atopic asthma (n = 25), allergic rhinitis (n = 20), and atopic dermatitis (n = 20) and healthy control subjects (n = 21) of Caucasian origin from the Polish population. The blood leukocyte expression of 31 genes involved in neuroinflammatory response (neurotrophins, their receptors, neuropeptides, and histamine signaling pathway) was analysed using TaqMan low‐density arrays. The relative expression of selected proteins from plasma was done using TaqMan Protein Assays. Statistical analysis was done using Statistica. Results. Blood expression of 31 genes related to neuroimmune interactions showed significant increase in both allergic diseases, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, in comparison to the control group. We found 12 genes significantly increased in allergic rhinitis and 9 genes in which the expression was elevated in atopic dermatitis. Moreover, 9 genes with changed expression in atopic dermatitis overlapped with those in allergic rhinitis. Atopic asthma showed 5 genes with altered expression. The peripheral expression of neuroinflammatory genes in the human study was verified in target tissues (nasal epithelium and skin) in a rat model of allergic inflammation. Conclusions. A common pattern of neuroinflammatory gene expression between allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis may reflect similar changes in sensory nerve function during chronic allergic inflammation.
A Low-Cost High-Temperature Sensor Based on Long-Period Fiber/Microfiber Gratings by Local Fictive Temperature Modification
Authors: Zhou Guorui , Zhang Chuanchao , Xie Xiufang , Wan Yi , Yao Caizhen , Liu Jun , Niu Longfei , Miao Xinxiang , Zhou Hai , Jiang Xiaodong , Xu Shizhen , Lv Haibing
Published: June 2020

A high temperature-sensitive long-period fiber grating (LPFG) sensor fabricated by the local fictive temperature modification is proposed and demonstrated. High-frequency CO2 laser pulses scan standard single-mode fiber (SMF), and the modification zones extended to the core of SMF. Experimental results demonstrate that the LPFG temperature sensors with 600 μm grating period and 32 period numbers offer the average sensitivity of 0.084 nm/C in the temperature range of room temperature (RM) to 875°C. The LPFGs fabricated here show exponential change in terms of the spectral wavelength shift versus changes in temperature. In addition, the maximum temperature sensitivity of 0.37 nm/C is achieved by employing long-period microfiber grating (LPMFG), fabricated by the microheater brushing technique and the local fictive temperature modification. LPMFG sensor exhibits better temperature characteristics due to a thinner diameter.
Frequency and Mortality Risk Factors of Acute Ischemic Stroke in Emergency Department in Burkina Faso
Authors: Dabilgou Alfred Anselme , Dravé Alassane , Kyelem Julie Marie Adeline , Ouedraogo Saïdou , Napon Christian , Kaboré Jean
Published: June 2020

Objective. To determine the prevalence of ischemic stroke deaths and their predictive factors in the Emergency Department at Yalgado Ouedraogo University Teaching Hospital (YOUTH). Methodology. This was a retrospective study with an analytical and descriptive focus over a period of three years from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2017. Results. During the study period, 302 acute ischemic stroke patients with a mean age of 62.2±14.26 years were included. Atrial hypertension was the most common vascular risk factor in 52.5%. On admission, 34.8% of patients had loss of consciousness. The mean time to perform brain CT was 1.5 days. The average length of stay was 4 days. Electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and cervical Doppler were not performed during hospitalization in ED. The mortality rate was 39%, respectively, 37.6% in male and 41.6% in female. The mean age of patients who died in ED was 63.6±13.52 years. Hypertension was the most common vascular risk factors in 54.2% of death. After logistic regression, the predictors of death were past history of heart disease, consciousness disorders, hyperthermia, hyperglycemia on admission, poststroke pneumonia, and urinary tract infection. Conclusions. Acute ischemic stroke was frequent in Emergency Department with high mortality rate. The mortality risk factors were the same than those found in literature. This higher mortality can be avoided by early diagnosis and an adequate management.
A Prospective Trial of 68Ga-PSMA and 18F-FDG PET/CT in Nonmetastatic Prostate Cancer Patients with an Early PSA Progression During Castration
Authors: Wang Beihe , Liu Chang , Wei Yu , Meng Jin , Zhang Yingjian , Gan Hualei , Xu Xiaoping , Wan Fangning , Pan Jian , Ma Xuejun , Hu Silong , Freedland Stephen J. , Song Shaoli , Ye DingWei , Zhu Yao
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

Tumor heterogeneity and burden, which impact treatment outcome in prostate cancer, are rarely evaluated using next-generation imaging.

Experimental Design:

The trial prospectively included 37 patients who had an early PSA progression (≤2 ng/mL) during castration and high-risk (PSA doubling time ≤10 months) nonmetastatic disease by conventional imaging. All patients underwent both 68Ga-PSMA and 18F-FDG PET/CT. Lesions were classified into PSMA+FDG± lesions and PSMA-FDG+ lesions. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of PSMA-FDG+ disease. Tumor burden, predictors for positive imaging, and suitability for oligometastases-directed therapy (OMDT) were also evaluated.

Results:

All patients were treated with RP and the median duration of castration was 23 months. The median PSA at imaging was 0.57 ng/mL. Overall, 114 lesions were detected in 29 of the 37 patients. A high prevalence (73%) of N+/M+ disease was observed. Of the 114 lesions, 81 were PSMA+FDG± and 33 were PSMA-FDG+. Per patient level, 9 men (24%; 95% confidence interval: 10%–39%) showed at least one new PSMA-FDG+ lesions. A short PSA doubling time (P = 0.009, OR = 8.000) was associated with PSMA+FDG± disease, while a high Gleason grade group (P = 0.022, OR = 13.091) with PSMA-FDG+ disease. Nineteen patients (51%) with 51 lesions, including 10 PSMA-FDG+ lesions, could be enrolled for OMDT. Among different disease stages, PSMA-FDG+ disease was rarely detected in the hormone-sensitive cohort, but frequently found in the castration-resistant cohort.

Conclusions:

Using 68Ga-PSMA and 18F-FDG PET, we observed a high prevalence of N+/M+ disease and a significant proportion of PSMA-FDG+ disease in patients with an early PSA progression during castration (ChiCTR1900022634).
Tissue-Infiltrating Lymphocytes as a Predictive Factor for Recurrence in Patients with Curatively Resected Colon Cancer: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Chan Lin Fung , Sadahiro Sotaro , Suzuki Toshiyuki , Okada Kazutake , Miyakita Hiroshi , Yamamoto Seiichiro , Kajiwara Hiroshi
Published: June 2020

Background: In patients with colorectal cancer, the rate of recurrence increases as the histologic stage progresses. However, the prediction of recurrence in individual patients is difficult. Many studies have reported on the relation between outcomes and tissue-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). The aim of our study was to clarify the relation between TILs and oncologic outcomes in patients with colon cancer using propensity score matching analysis. Methods: The study group comprised 513 patients with colon cancer who received curative resection. By using propensity score matching for sex, age, tumor location, T stage, N stage, histologic type, and adjuvant therapy as conventional prognostic factors, 61 patients with recurrence and 61 patients with no recurrence were selected. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining using CD3, CD8, CD4, and FoxP3 were performed for lymphocytes in the primary tissue. The results were evaluated separately in the whole tumor, the central part, and the invasive margin. Results: The median follow-up period was 53 months. Among the 513 patients, 70 had recurrence and 443 had no recurrence. In the comparison of outcomes between the 61 patients with recurrence and the 61 patients with no recurrence, univariate analysis showed that the disease-free survival rate was significantly higher among the patients with positive TILs in the whole tumor and in the invasive margin (p = 0.016 and p = 0.012, respectively) and with CD8+ cells in the central part (p = 0.039) than among those with negative results. A multivariate analysis showed that TILs in the invasive margin (hazard ratio 1.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–3.05; p = 0.037) and CD8+ cell density in the central part (hazard ratio 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–2.93; p = 0.023) were prognostic factors that were independent from conventional prognostic factors. Conclusions: In patients with curatively resected colon cancer, TILs in the invasive margin and CD8+ cell density in the central part may be prognostic factors suggesting host antitumor immune response.
Sequential Bilateral Vertebral Artery Dissections with Prompt Resolution of Initial Insult
Authors: Morales Vidal Sarkis , Lara Carlos , Gordin Ari
Published: June 2020

Vertebral arterial dissection is a known cause of stroke in young adults. There has been a multitude of cases of bilateral vertebral dissections, including progression from one vertebral artery to another. This case reports the curious sequential nature of the healing of a previously dissected vertebral artery with subsequent dissection of the collateral vertebral artery. Follow-up neuroimaging evaluation performed several months later showed healed bilateral vertebral artery. The potential trigger was neck cracking.
Nonchemotherapy Treatment of Immunoglobulin Light Chain Amyloidosis
Authors: Van Doren Layla , Lentzsch Suzanne
Published: June 2020

Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL amyloidosis) is a rare, life-threatening disease characterized by the deposition of misfolded proteins in vital organs such as the heart, the lungs, the kidneys, the peripheral nervous system, and the gastrointestinal tract. This causes a direct toxic effect, eventually leading to organ failure. The underlying B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder is almost always a clonal plasma cell disorder, most often a small plasma cell clone of <10%. Current therapy is directed toward elimination of the plasma cell clone with the goal of preventing further organ damage and reversal of the existing organ damage. Autologous stem cell transplantation has been shown to be a very effective treatment in patients with AL amyloidosis, although it cannot be widely applied as patients are often frail at presentation, making them ineligible for transplantation. Treatment with cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone has emerged as the standard of care for the treatment of AL amyloidosis. Novel anti-plasma cell therapies, such as second generation proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulators, monoclonal antibodies targeting a surface protein on the plasma cell (daratumumab, elotuzumab), and the small molecular inhibitor venetoclax, have continued to emerge and are being evaluated in combination with the standard of care. However, there is still a need for therapies that directly target the amyloid fibrils and reverse organ damage. In this review, we will discuss current and emerging nonchemotherapy treatments of AL amyloidosis, including antifibril directed therapies under current investigation.
Age-Related Differences in the Uncanny Valley Effect
Authors: Tu Yun-Chen , Chien Sung-En , Yeh Su-Ling
Published: June 2020

Background: Due to declining birthrates and an increasing aging population, shortage of the caregiving labor force has become a global issue. Among various efforts toward the solution, introducing robotic products for assistance could provide an effective way to help older adults in their daily lives. As previous studies have indicated that older adults’ acceptance of robots is lower than that of younger adults, enhancing older adults’ acceptance of robots is imperative. Because older adults’ first impressions based on a robot’s appearance might affect their acceptance of the robot, we investigated the uncanny valley effect (UVE) here. The UVE refers to the phenomenon that people rate robots more positively as robots become more humanlike, but only up to a certain point; as robots approach a near-perfect similarity to human appearance, likeability drops and forms the uncanny valley. Nevertheless, evidence for the UVE came mainly from younger adults. Objective: The present study aimed to examine whether the UVE varies across different age groups and whether a robot’s appearance would affect participants’ acceptance of the robot’s service or companionship. Methods: An online questionnaire study was conducted with 255 participants, including younger (n = 77, age 18–39 years), middle-aged (n = 87, age 40–59 years), and older (n = 91, age 60–87 years) adults. Participants were asked to view each picture in a set selected from a total of 83 robot pictures and evaluate their impressions of each robot and the intention of use regarding robot function as a service provider or a companion. Results: The UVE was found in younger and middle-aged adults; however, older adults did not show the UVE. Older adults preferred humanlike over non-humanlike robots, regardless of robot function. Conclusion: The design of assistive robots should take the UVE into consideration by customizing robot appearance based on the age group of the intended user.
Necrotizing Fasciitis Complicating Transobturator Tape Operation
Authors: Yasa Cenk , Dural Ozlem , Usta İrem , Celik Engin , Salduz Ahmet , Gungor Ugurlucan Funda
Published: June 2020

Midurethral slings (MUSs) have been used successfully for the last 20 years in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence and accepted as the gold standard surgical procedure. High success rates and minimal invasiveness of surgery are among the most important advantages, but sometimes serious complications can occur during or after surgery. Although serious complications are rare after widely performed transobturator tape (TOT) operation, awareness, early diagnosis, and aggressive management are essential as they can progress with serious morbidity and mortality. In order to reduce the infectious complications after MUS procedures, in addition to sterility of the operating theater and the operating equipment, the type of mesh used and the preparation of the surgical site are crucial. We aimed to pre­sent the successful management of a case of necrotizing fasciitis in a TOT patient.
Studying Within-Person Variation and Within-Person Couplings in Intensive Longitudinal Data: Lessons Learned and to Be Learned
Authors: Neubauer Andreas B. , Schmiedek Florian
Published: June 2020

Intensive longitudinal designs (e.g., experience sampling methods, daily diary studies, or ambulatory assessments) continue to gain importance in psychological aging research. Empirical research using these designs has greatly facilitated our understanding of short-term within-person processes and has started to approach the question how these processes shape long-term development across the life span. The aim of this viewpoint article is to point out four key issues in intensive longitudinal designs that in our opinion require more attention than they are currently given: (a) improvement in measurement reliability, (b) the necessity to investigate inter-individual differences in short-term dynamics, (c) considerations of the time scale across which dynamic effects unfold, and (d) targeting causality by incorporating experimental methods in intensive longitudinal designs. We illustrate these four key issues by referring to a prominent example of within-person dynamics in prior empirical research: the within-person coupling of stressor occurrence and well-being (stress reactivity).
Characteristics of Children with Acute Rheumatic Carditis from a High-Incidence Region: Importance of Unexplained Worsening of Functional Class
Authors: Narang Rajiv , Saxena Anita , Ramakrishnan Sivasubramanian , Gupta Saurabh K. , Juneja Rajnish , Kothari Shyam S.
Published: June 2020

Background: Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and acute rheumatic carditis (ARC) continue to be a major public health problem in developing countries. Objective: To study the characteristics of children with ARC being treated at a tertiary centre. Methods and Results: We studied 126 children (mean age 10.4 ± 2.3 years, range 5–15 years, 60% males) diagnosed with ARC by treating cardiologists. Most had lower socio-economic status. Fifty of 126 (40%) presented with a first episode of ARC. Joint symptoms were present in 29% and fever in 25%. Only 2.4% had subcutaneous nodules and none had erythema marginatum or chorea. Fifty-one percent presented in NYHA class II and 29% in NYHA class III or IV. Tachycardia and heart failure were present in 53% and 21%, respectively. Recent worsening of NYHA class (dyspnoea) was the commonest feature (48%). Laboratory investigations showed raised antistreptolysin O titres (>333 units) in only 36.7% of patients. Raised C-reactive protein (CRP) was present in 70%, while raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate was found in only 37% of patients. On the basis of above findings, the modified Jones criteria (2015) for the diagnosis of ARF were satisfied only in 46% of children. Echocardiography showed mitral valve thickening in 77% and small nodules on the tip of the leaflets in 43% (27 and 8%, respectively for aortic valve). Left ventricular ejection fraction was <50% in only 3 patients. The dominant valve lesion was mitral regurgitation (MR) (present in 95% of patients; severe in 78%, moderate in 15%), while aortic regurgitation was present in 44% (severe in 14%). Conclusions: The criteria are often not satisfied by patients being treated for ARC. Recent unexplained worsening of dyspnoea, young age, significant MR, echocardiographic nodules, and elevated CRP are important indicators.
A Case of External Auditory Canal Sebaceous Carcinoma: Literature Review and Treatment Discussion
Authors: Saadi Robert , Pennock Michael , Baker Aaron , Isildak Huseyin
Published: June 2020

Sebaceous neoplasms are a rare type of skin cancer that may occur in any area with sebaceous glands, including the outer third of the external auditory canal. However, documentation of the tumor originating in this location is limited to scarce case reports. In this location, malignancies can invade the temporal bone, typically requiring en bloc resection and radiation therapy. We describe a case managed with limited surgical excision based on criteria for primary squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal with only close observation following surgery. Margins were free of disease following excision and histology demonstrated a favorable prognosis. The patient was disease free after a follow-up period of over 3 years postoperatively.A review of relevant literature is utilized to discuss clinical characteristics, staging, treatment, and prognosis to assist in clinical decision making for these patients.
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy for a Patient with Severe COVID-19
Authors: Katagiri Daisuke , Ishikane Masahiro , Ogawa Tatsunori , Kinoshita Noriko , Katano Harutaka , Suzuki Tadaki , Fukaya Takashi , Hinoshita Fumihiko , Ohmagari Norio
Published: June 2020

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health threat. It is a respiratory disease, and acute kidney injury (AKI) is rare; however, if a patient develops severe AKI, renal replacement therapy (RRT) should be considered. Recently, we had a critically ill COVID-19 patient who developed severe AKI and needed continuous RRT (CRRT). To avoid the potential risk of infection from CRRT effluents, we measured severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genetic material in the effluents by qRT-PCR, and low copy numbers of the viral genome were detected. Due to unstable hemodynamic status in critically ill patients, CRRT should be the first choice for severe AKI in COVID-19 patients. We suggest prevention of clinical infection and control during administration of RRT in the acute phase of COVID-19 patients with AKI or multiple organ failure.
A Case of Duodenal Tumor Adjacent to the Diverticulum That Was Resected by the Technique of Partial Submucosal Injection Combined with Underwater Endoscopic Mucosal Resection
Authors: Takatori Yusaku , Kato Motohiko , Nakayama Atsushi , Yahagi Naohisa
Published: June 2020

A 66-year-old male was referred to our hospital for treatment of duodenal tumor. The most difficult part was that the lesion was adjacent to duodenal diverticulum. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) was difficult because submucosal injection spread broadly and quickly and makes it difficult to visualize the diverticulum edge of the lesion. Simple underwater EMR (UEMR) had risk for perforation at the diverticulum part because duodenal diverticulum is spurious diverticulum that defects the proper muscle layer. Therefore, to make sufficient distance between diverticulum and the lesion, we performed partial submucosal injection into only the diverticulum side of the lesion combined with simple UEMR. The lesion was resected en bloc without any adverse events. Histopathological diagnosis was tubular adenoma with moderate atypia and surgical margin negative. Partial submucosal injection combined with simple UEMR might be useful for duodenal tumor that has any technical difficulties as in this case.