bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in anterior lens density after Implantable Collamer Lens V4c implantation: a 4‐year prospective observational study
Authors: Yang Wen , Zhao Jing , Zhao Jiao , Shen Yang , Niu Lingling , A Ruma , Wang Xiaoying , Zhou Xingtao
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To investigate the changes in anterior lens density with a Pentacam after Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) V4c implantation in patients with myopia.

Methods

This prospective case series examined 62 eyes of 32 patients (mean age, 28.5 ± 5.73 years) with myopia or myopic astigmatism after ICL V4c implantation. Uncorrected distance vision acuity, corrected distance vision acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction, intraocular pressure, anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), anterior chamber angle (ACA), endothelial cell density and Pentacam images of lens density were obtained pre‐ and postoperatively. The vault was obtained during the follow‐ups.

Results

Patients were followed up for an average of 51 ± 2.7 months (range, 48–57 months). All surgeries were uneventful, without any complication. The efficacy and safety indices at the last follow‐up were 1.03 ± 0.2 and 1.22 ± 0.22, respectively. No eye had decreased CDVA, and 66% eyes gained ≥1 line. Furthermore, refractive error in 90% eyes was within ±0.50 D and that of 100% was within ±1.0 D of the attempted refraction. Anterior average lens density (a‐ALD) in the 0.5‐, 1.0‐ and 1.5‐mm depth zones increased by 10.41 ± 11.51%, 17.1 ± 11.09% and 16.76 ± 10.4%, respectively, compared to preoperative values (all p < 0.05). The change in a‐ALD between two different age groups was not significant. Moreover, there were no significant correlations between the change in a‐ALD and age, preoperative spherical equivalent, ACD, ACA, ACV or vault.

Conclusions

Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) V4c implantation demonstrates safety and efficacy for myopia correction. Although a‐ALD increased slightly at 4 years postoperatively, no cataract developed during the follow‐up. Further studies should investigate the reason for the postoperative increase in a‐ALD.
To estimate the safety and efficacy of a 3‐D visualization helmet for vitreoretinal surgery
Authors: Piccirillo Valerio , Sbordone Sandro , Sorgente Francesco , Ragucci Adele , Iovine Antonello , Iaccarino Gennarfrancesco , Lanza Michele
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To evaluate a 3‐D visualization helmet (3DVH) during 23‐gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for macular holes (MH) and macular puckers (MP).

Methods

A total of 184 eyes of 184 patients undergoing PPV for MH or MP were randomly selected for surgery with 3DVH or standard Galilean microscope (GM). Only one highly trained surgeon performed each PPV. A surgical comfort score, ranging from 1 to 10 was recorded after each operation. Statistical analysis was run with SPSS to compare parameters before and after surgery and between the two groups.

Results

No statistical differences were found between the two groups for mean best correct visual acuity improvement after surgery (p < 0.001). Mean surgery comfort evaluation was 7.63 ± 0.48 in 3DVH eyes and 8.21 ± 0.62 in GM ones (p = 0.09); mean overall surgical time was 35.12 ± 3.8 min in 3DVH eyes and 32.7 ± 2.27 min in GM ones (p < 0.001); mean peeling time was 14.24 ± 3.42 min in 3DVH eyes and 13.61 ± 4.63 min in GM ones (p = 0.11).

Conclusions

According to the data observed in this study, the 3DVH provides adequate safety and efficacy in retinal and macular visualization during PPV for MH and MP.
Acceptability of the health‐related quality of life instrument EQ‐5D‐Y‐5L among patients in child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient care
Authors: Krig Sonja , Åström Mimmi , Kulane Asli , Burström Kristina
Published: August 2020

Aim

The generic EuroQol 5 Dimensions Youth 5 Level (EQ‐5D‐Y‐5L) measures health‐related quality of life among children from 8 years. Respondents report their health on five dimensions with five severity levels and rate their overall health on a visual analogue scale (EQ VAS). The aim of the study was to explore acceptability of the EQ‐5D‐Y‐5L instrument among patients in child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient care.

Methods

A convenience sample of patients within a psychiatric inpatient care clinic in Region Stockholm, Sweden, was used. Follow‐up questions were answered directly after filling in the EQ‐5D‐Y‐5L. Conventional qualitative content analysis was chosen to analyse the open‐ended questions on how they perceived answering the instrument.

Results

In total, 52 patients (83% girls), mean age 15.4 years (range 13‐17), were included. Three themes emerged: generic content of the EQ‐5D‐Y‐5L descriptive system; design and wording of the EQ‐5D‐Y‐5L descriptive system and the EQ VAS; self‐reporting health with the EQ‐5D‐Y‐5L descriptive system and the EQ VAS.

Conclusion

The inclusion of physical health dimensions was perceived as positive, but some patients considered the descriptive system too generic. The results indicate that these patients in general could self‐report their health in a meaningful way with the EQ‐5D‐Y‐5L instrument.
Estimation of conditional power for cluster‐randomized trials with interval‐censored endpoints
Authors: Cook Kaitlyn , Wang Rui
Published: August 2020

Cluster‐randomized trials (CRTs) of infectious disease preventions often yield correlated, interval‐censored data: dependencies may exist between observations from the same cluster, and event occurrence may be assessed only at intermittent study visits. This data structure must be accounted for when conducting interim monitoring and futility assessment for CRTs. In this article, we propose a flexible framework for conditional power estimation when outcomes are correlated and interval‐censored. Under the assumption that the survival times follow a shared frailty model, we first characterize the correspondence between the marginal and cluster‐conditional survival functions, and then use this relationship to semiparametrically estimate the cluster‐specific survival distributions from the available interim data. We incorporate assumptions about changes to the event process over the remainder of the trial—as well as estimates of the dependency among observations in the same cluster—to extend these survival curves through the end of the study. Based on these projected survival functions, we generate correlated interval‐censored observations, and then calculate the conditional power as the proportion of times (across multiple full‐data generation steps) that the null hypothesis of no treatment effect is rejected. We evaluate the performance of the proposed method through extensive simulation studies, and illustrate its use on a large cluster‐randomized HIV prevention trial.
Complement's favourite organelle—Mitochondria?
Authors: Rahman Jubayer , Singh Parul , Merle Nicolas S. , Niyonzima Nathalie , Kemper Claudia
Published: August 2020

The complement system, well known for its central role in innate immunity, is currently emerging as an unexpected, cell‐autonomous, orchestrator of normal cell physiology. Specifically, an intracellularly active complement system—the complosome—controls key pathways of normal cell metabolism during immune cell homeostasis and effector function. So far, we know little about the exact structure and localization of intracellular complement components within and among cells. A common scheme, however, is that they operate in crosstalk with other intracellular immune sensors, such as inflammasomes, and that they impact on the activity of key subcellular compartments. Among cell compartments, mitochondria appear to have built a particularly early and strong relationship with the complosome and extracellularly active complement—not surprising in view of the strong impact of the complosome on metabolism. In this review, we will hence summarize the current knowledge about the close complosome–mitochondria relationship and also discuss key questions surrounding this novel research area.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed issue on Canonical and non‐canonical functions of the complement system in health and disease. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.14/issuetoc
A co‐training‐based approach for the hierarchical multi‐label classification of research papers
Authors: Masmoudi Abir , Bellaaj Hatem , Drira Khalil , Jmaiel Mohamed
Published: August 2020

This paper focuses on the problem of the hierarchical multi‐label classification of research papers, which is the task of assigning the set of relevant labels for a paper from a hierarchy, using reduced amounts of labelled training data. Specifically, we study leveraging unlabelled data, which are usually plentiful and easy to collect, in addition to the few available labelled ones in a semi‐supervised learning framework for achieving better performance results. Thus, in this paper, we propose a semi‐supervised approach for the hierarchical multi‐label classification task of research papers based on the well‐known Co‐training algorithm, which exploit content and bibliographic coupling information as two distinct papers' views. In our approach, two hierarchical multi‐label classifiers, are learnt on different views of the labelled data, and iteratively select their most confident unlabelled samples, which are further added to the labelled set. The success of our suggested Co‐training‐based approach lies in two main components. The first is the use of two suggested selection criteria (i.e., Maximum Agreement and Labels Cardinality Consistency) that enforce selecting confident unlabelled samples. The second is the appliance of an oversampling method that rebalances the labels distribution of the initial labelled set, which reduces the reinforcement of the label imbalance issue during the Co‐training learning. The proposed approach is evaluated using a collection of scientific papers extracted from the ACM digital library. Performed experiments show the effectiveness of our approach with regards to several baseline methods.
Radiological characterization of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) by X‐ray computed tomography
Authors: Ceballos‐Francisco Diana , Carrillo Nuria G. , Pardo‐Fernández Francisco J. , Cuesta Alberto , Esteban María Á.
Published: August 2020

In recent years, the increasing use of fish as new animal models in scientific research and the growth of fish farming (mainly for human consumption) have highlighted the need for advanced technology to deepen our knowledge of fish biology. Hence, the present study was carried out to radiologically analyse the whole body of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) specimens using X‐ray computed tomography (CT). Images were acquired in an Albira SPECT/PET/CT tri‐modal preclinical‐scanner. Segmentation, measurements and three‐dimensional reconstruction were made using the Carestream Molecular imaging Albira CT system in conjunction with Pmod, AMIDE and Amira software packages. The results showed that the density values of gilthead seabream are in the range −700 to +2500 HU for the whole body. We also determined the density ranges that topographically coincide with the swim bladder, soft tissues, fat, skin and skeleton. This work describes, validates and demonstrates the application of a fully automated image analysis technique to study and quantify fish body composition, whether segmented or as a whole. In addition, the basis for applying this image technique in other in vivo studies is established.
Influence of moisture content on engineering properties of two varieties of rice bean
Authors: Bhushan Bharat , Raigar Rakesh Kumar
Published: August 2020

Engineering properties of pulses are important for seed quality understanding, designing of food processing operations and equipment. This study seeks to carefully evaluate engineering properties of green and brown rice bean varieties on different moisture content in a range of 14–34% (db). The average length, breadth, thickness, geometric mean diameter, thousand‐seed weight, true density, porosity, angle of repose, and terminal velocity significantly (p ≤ 0 .5) increased from 8.05 to 11.32 mm; 5.02 to 6.26 mm; 4.05 to 5.27 mm; and 5.45 to 7.18 mm; 127.48 to 254.86 g; 1,016.33 to 1,410.49 kg/m3; 17.61 to 58.96%; 23.41 to 36.39°; and 6.06 to 8.54 m/s, respectively, as the moisture content increased. The bulk density significantly reduced from 875.78 to 522.19 kg/m3for both varieties, whereas sphericity of green and brown rice beans showed an insignificant and significant decrease, respectively, with increasing moisture content. The hardness at an initial moisture level for green rice bean was higher in comparison to the brown variety and later on increasing the moisture level, the hardness decreased significantly for both varieties. The static regime of frictional coefficient produced similar results for both varieties, that is, maximum on wood followed by galvanized iron, mild steel, and aluminum surface.

Practical applications

Rice bean production is expanding due to the increasing demand for local customers, lower prices, and excellent nutritional availability. The strategy used for harvesting, storage, and processing is still traditional and arduous to a greater extent. Nitty‐gritty data on engineering properties of rice bean is provided in this report, which is extremely helpful in the design of equipment used in harvesting operations, unit operations, and food processing operations. In this manner, the report will help to extend the production of rice bean and diminishing human drudgery.
Reply to Comment on COVID‐19 Deaths in Long Term Care Facilities ‐ A Critical Piece of the Puzzle
Authors: Lau‐Ng Rossana , Caruso Lisa B. , Perls Thomas T.
Published: August 2020

This letter comments on the letter by Tak-kwan Kong.
Comment on: COVID‐19 Deaths in Long‐Term Care Facilities: A Critical Piece of the Pandemic Puzzle
Authors: Kong Tak‐kwan
Published: August 2020

See the Reply by Lau-Ng et al.
Syncope and presyncope in patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Oates Connor P. , Turagam Mohit K. , Musikantow Daniel , Chu Edward , Shivamurthy Poojita , Lampert Joshua , Kawamura Iwanari , Bokhari Mahmoud , Whang William , Miller Marc A. , Choudry Subbarao , Langan Noelle , Sofi Aamir , Dukkipati Srinivas R. , Reddy Vivek Y. , Koruth Jacob S.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Recent studies have described several cardiovascular manifestations of COVID‐19 including myocardial ischemia, myocarditis, thromboembolism, and malignant arrhythmias. However, to our knowledge, syncope in COVID‐19 patients has not been systematically evaluated. We sought to characterize syncope and/or presyncope in COVID‐19.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients hospitalized with laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 with either syncope or presyncope. This “study” group (n = 37) was compared with an age and gender‐matched cohort of patients without syncope (“control”) (n = 40). Syncope was attributed to various categories. We compared telemetry data, treatments received, and clinical outcomes between the two groups.

Results

Among 1000 COVID‐19 patients admitted to the Mount Sinai Hospital, the incidence of syncope/presyncope was 3.7%. The median age of the entire cohort was 69 years (range 26‐89+ years) and 55% were men. Major comorbidities included hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease. Syncopal episodes were categorized as (a) unspecified in 59.4% patients, (b) neurocardiogenic in 15.6% patients, (c) hypotensive in 12.5% patients, and (d) cardiopulmonary in 3.1% patients with fall versus syncope and seizure versus syncope in 2 of 32 (6.3%) and 1 of 33 (3.1%) patients, respectively. Compared with the “control” group, there were no significant differences in both admission and peak blood levels of d‐dimer, troponin‐I, and CRP in the “study” group. Additionally, there were no differences in arrhythmias or death between both groups.

Conclusions

Syncope/presyncope in patients hospitalized with COVID‐19 is uncommon and is infrequently associated with a cardiac etiology or associated with adverse outcomes compared to those who do not present with these symptoms.
Dominant pretibial dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa in an Italian family
Authors: Vaccaro Mario , Guarneri Claudio , Guarneri Fabrizio , Lentini Maria , Cannavò Serafinella P.
Published: August 2020

We describe a case of pretibial dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa in a 5‐year‐old girl, her mother, and maternal great aunt. All subjects had trauma‐induced blisters and erosions, with scarring, on the knees and lower legs, and nail dystrophy of variable severity. Genetic analysis in all three patients showed a 6849del18 mutation in the COL7A1 gene, causing the production of shortened collagen VII polypeptides and resulting in a mild phenotype, with localized acral blisters and nail involvement.
Vascular inflow after renal transplantation: Does the arteriotomy technique impact early allograft perfusion and function?
Authors: Keefe Daniel T. , Rickard Mandy , Manickavachagam Karthikeyan , Hannick Jessica H. , Fernandez Nicolas , DeCotiis Keara , Teoh Chia Wei , Koyle Martin A. , Lorenzo Armando J.
Published: August 2020

Background

There are two main techniques for arterial reconstruction in RT: TA using a stab longitudinal incision which creates an elliptical opening and AP which fashions a circular defect. We hypothesized that AP creates a natural anastomosis lumen, similar to the donor renal artery, which optimizes RT perfusion.

Methods

A retrospective review of a single‐institution database was performed between 2000 and 2018. Twenty patients who underwent AP arteriotomy were compared to 40 TA‐matched controls. Data were collected on creatinine (preoperative, nadir, and time to nadir), and DUS RI and PSV at 1 week, 3 months, and 6‐12 months post‐RT.

Results

ttNC was shorter in the AP group (5 ± 4 vs 12 ± 13 days; P = .03). PSV at 1 week was lower in the AP group (186 ± 65 cm/s vs 232 ± 89 cm/s; P = .04). There was no difference in nadir creatinine value (P = .26), preoperative creatinine (P = .66), and initial postoperative creatinine (P = .80). RI at week 1 were not different between groups (P = .37). Follow‐up DUS showed the difference in PSV between groups became non‐significant (1 month P = .50 and 6‐12 months P = .53).

Conclusions

AP arteriotomy in RT improves early perfusion and function parameters (ttNC and initial PSV) as compared to TA. AP arteriotomy optimizes early allograft reperfusion, which may have important long‐term implications and deserves further evaluation.
The Norwegian Football Family and Strategic Crisis Communication
Authors: Kristiansen Elsa , Dille Therese , Day Simon Tærud
Published: August 2020

This commentary uses the Norwegian Football Association’s COVID-19 crisis communication strategy as an example of how federations can take an active role and use their influence to guide and be proactive in the opening of a society after a lockdown. By paying close attention to the public debate and by interviewing the federation’s communication director, the authors outlined the four phases of the strategic crisis communication—and the consequences of them in Norway. While the first consequence was the postponing of the Euro Qualifier against Serbia on March 26 for the European Championship this summer, the lockdown changed the focus quickly, and the strategy became about getting all players back on the football fields. The authors elaborated on how a major federation can (and maybe should) take a leading role by using its “voice” in the media and public and expertise to aid reopening a society after lockdown.
Supplemental Material: Past hot fluid flows in limestones detected by Δ47–(U-Pb) and not recorded by other geothermometers
Authors: Brigaud Benjamin , al. et
Published: August 2020

Supplemental text, Tables S1 and S2, and Figures S1–S3 (petrographical descriptions, clumped Δ477 and U-Pb methods); and Table S3 (detailed laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry U-Pb data).
Directional sensory thalamus deep brain stimulation in poststroke refractory pain
Authors: ten Brinke Timo Rafael , Arnts Hisse , Schuurman Rick , van den Munckhof Pepijn
Published: August 2020

Thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) for chronic pain is performed in selected patients with a variable success rate. We report the use of recently developed directional DBS in a patient with hemibody central poststroke pain (CPSP) and its added value in the induction of pleasant, pain-distracting paresthesia’s throughout the contralateral body side. A 68-year-old man suffered from multiple strokes in the left hemisphere 11 years before presentation, resulting in medically refractory right-sided hemibody CPSP. He was implanted with a directional DBS electrode in the left ventrocaudal nucleus of the thalamus. A directional single-segment contact configuration produced a better improvement throughout the contralateral body side than ring-mode and other directional configurations. Treatment led to a reduction of almost 50% in pain. This case demonstrates the value of directional DBS in the treatment of chronic pain, as steering increases selectivity and reduces side effects in a small target area surrounded by structures with high functional diversity.
Multivisceral robotic resection: a glimpse into the future of minimally invasive abdominal surgery
Authors: Bhat Anantha Shreepad , Farrugia Alexia , Marangoni Gabriele , Ahmad Jawad
Published: August 2020

A 62-year-old man was referred to the Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) surgeons with left upper quadrant discomfort. The initial investigations and CT scans revealed a tumour in the pancreatic tail with liver metastases, confirmed on MRI. It was initially thought to be an adenocarcinoma; however, further investigations found that it was a grade 1 neuroendocrine tumour with Ki 67 at 1% and it was agreed that he would undergo a total robotic surgery involving resection of the locally advanced tumour of the tail of pancreas, with the involvement of the stomach, and splenic flexure of the colon with liver metastases. The resulting procedure was a total robotic distal pancreatectomy, splenectomy, sleeve resection of stomach, cholecystectomy, atypical resection of two liver lesions and microwave ablation of multiple liver lesions. Four days post-operatively, he was discharged from hospital and commenced adjuvant chemotherapy. He currently enjoys a good quality of life.
Potential role for furosemide in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and an unusual presentation of pulmonary embolism in a complex patient
Authors: Zornitzki Lior , Bornstein Gil
Published: August 2020

An 81-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital after experiencing syncope. She was diagnosed with a large pulmonary embolism and was hemodynamically unstable therefore requiring endotracheal intubation and norepinephrine support. She presented with an upper gastrointestinal bleed which prevented her from receiving tissue plasminogen activator. She was treated with enoxaparin and ceftriaxone. Her blood, sputum and urine cultures were negative. When transferred to our ward, her antibiotic treatment was changed to piperacillin–tazobactam. A lumbar puncture was not suggestive of a central nervous system infection. Chest X-rays demonstrated rapid advancement of diffuse bilateral infiltrates which were not present at first and were interpreted by radiology consultation as suggestive of acute respiratory distress syndrome. An echocardiography showed right ventricle dilatation without left-sided heart failure. Diuretics were added and with this treatment, a quick respiratory improvement was noted as she regained consciousness and extubated shortly after.
Transverse vaginal septum presenting as secondary amenorrhoea: a rare clinical presentation
Authors: Yadav Garima , Agrawal Neha , Binit Sureka , Singh Pratibha
Published: August 2020

Transverse vaginal septum is one of the variants of Mullerian duct anomaly, caused as a result of defective fusion or recanalisation of vaginal and Mullerian organs. At an early age, it commonly presents as primary amenorrhea along with cyclical abdominal pain while later on usually it presents as dyspareunia and infertility. Our 22-year-old patient presented with secondary amenorrhea. It is very unusual for a transverse vaginal septum to cause secondary amenorrhea. MRI and clinical examination raised the suspicion of transverse vaginal septum causing secondary amenorrhea. She attained regular menstrual cycle after septum excision. The proposed theory behind it is obliteration of microperforated transverse vaginal septum because of menstrual blood and cell debris. Thus, a rare possibility of transverse vaginal septum should also be considered as a differential diagnosis of secondary amenorrhea.
Paraneoplastic subacute sensory neuropathy with triple positive antineuronal antibodies associated with small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Hean Virginie , Camdessanché Jean-Philippe , Cathébras Pascal , Killian Martin
Published: August 2020

A 67-year-old woman with a history of smoking and cardiovascular risk factors was admitted to the emergency room for uncontrolled diabetes, loss of appetite, nausea, significant weight loss and asthenia. The initial investigation, including cerebral and gastrointestinal explorations, were normal. One month later, she started presenting severe asymmetric proprioceptive ataxia of the lower extremities. She also reported paresthesia and neuropathic pain in both feet and ankles. A positron emission tomography (PET)-scanner showed a hypermetabolic nodule in the right lung. The neurological symptoms were attributed to paraneoplastic sensory and dysautonomic neuropathy, even though the bronchoscopic biopsies came back negative at first. Anti-Hu, anti-CV2/CRMP5 and anti-SOX1 antibodies were documented. Due to the severity and rapid progression of symptoms (from the lower to the upper limbs), corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins and immunosuppressants were introduced prior to biopsies revealing a small-cell lung cancer. Despite these treatments and antineoplastic chemotherapy, her status deteriorated rapidly.
Diplopia as the initial symptom of multiple myeloma in a patient with sarcoidosis
Authors: Yazdanpanah Omid , Kaur Jasleen , Shafi Irfan , Sarakbi Housam A
Published: August 2020

We present the case of a 45-year-old man with a known history of sarcoidosis who presented with double vision and headache. On examination, he was found to have left abducens and hypoglossal nerve palsy. CT and then MRI demonstrated extensive osseous lesions with a large expansile mass involving the clivus bone and sphenoid sinus. Laboratory data were remarkable for normocytic anaemia, low anion gap and elevated total protein which raised the suspicion for multiple myeloma. Subsequent protein electrophoresis and immunofixation illustrated monoclonal spike of IgG lambda present in the gamma zone. This was followed by a bone marrow biopsy that demonstrated plasma cells compromising around 80% of marrow cellularity. Left sphenoidal mass biopsy was consistent with plasmacytoma. Based on these findings, the patient was initially started on palliative radiation to shrink the intracranial tumour and is currently undergoing induction chemotherapy.
Clinical course of a 66-year-old man with an acute ischaemic stroke in the setting of a COVID-19 infection
Authors: Basi Saajan , Hamdan Mohammad , Punekar Shuja
Published: August 2020

A 66-year-old man was admitted to hospital with a right frontal cerebral infarct producing left-sided weakness and a deterioration in his speech pattern. The cerebral infarct was confirmed with CT imaging. The only evidence of respiratory symptoms on admission was a 2 L oxygen requirement, maintaining oxygen saturations between 88% and 92%. In a matter of hours this patient developed a greater oxygen requirement, alongside reduced levels of consciousness. A positive COVID-19 throat swab, in addition to bilateral pneumonia on chest X-ray and lymphopaenia in his blood tests, confirmed a diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. A proactive decision was made involving the patients’ family, ward and intensive care healthcare staff, to not escalate care above a ward-based ceiling of care. The patient died 5 days following admission under the palliative care provided by the medical team.
Angiogenin maintains gut microbe homeostasis by balancing α-Proteobacteria and Lachnospiraceae
Authors: Sun Desen , Bai Rongpan , Zhou Wei , Yao Zhengrong , Liu Yaxin , Tang Shasha , Ge Xiaolong , Luo Liang , Luo Chi , Hu Guo-fu , Sheng Jinghao , Xu Zhengping
Published: August 2020

Objective

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play essential roles in maintaining gut health and are associated with IBD. This study is to elucidate the effect of angiogenin (ANG), an intestine-secreted AMP, on gut microbiota and its relevance with IBD.

Design

The effect of ANG on microbiota and its contribution to colitis were evaluated in different colitis models with co-housing and faecal microbiota transplantation. ANG-regulated bacteria were determined by 16S rDNA sequencing and their functions in colitis were analysed by bacterial colonisation. The species-specific antimicrobial activity of ANG and its underlying mechanism were further investigated with microbiological and biochemical methods. ANG level and the key bacteria were characterised in IBD faecal samples.

Results

ANG regulated microbiota composition and inhibited intestinal inflammation. Specifically, Ang1 deficiency in mice led to a decrease in the protective gut commensal strains of Lachnospiraceae but an increase in the colitogenic strains of α-Proteobacteria. Direct binding of ANG to α-Proteobacteria resulted in lethal disruption of bacterial membrane integrity, and consequently promoted the growth of Lachnospiraceae, which otherwise was antagonised by α-Proteobacteria. Oral administration of ANG1 reversed the dysbiosis and attenuated the severity of colitis in Ang1-deficient mice. The correlation among ANG, the identified bacteria and IBD status was established in patients.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate a novel role of ANG in shaping gut microbe composition and thus maintaining gut health, suggesting that the ANG-microbiota axis could be developed as a potential preventive and/or therapeutic approach for dysbiosis-related gut diseases.
Determinants of quality of life in Rett syndrome: new findings on associations with genotype
Authors: Mendoza Jonathan , Downs Jenny , Wong Kingsley , Leonard Helen
Published: August 2020

Background

Rett syndrome is a genetically caused neurodevelopmental disorder associated with functional deficits and comorbidities. This study investigated relationships between genotype, functional abilities and comorbidities and quality of life in Rett syndrome.

Methods

The International Rett Syndrome Database, InterRett, was used as a sampling frame for this observational study. Information was collected to describe functional abilities (walking and feeding), health (Sleep Disorder Scale for Children, the Rett Syndrome Behavioural Questionnaire), parental health (12-item Short Form Health Survey) sociodemographic factors (parental employment and education) and quality of life (Quality of Life Inventory-Disability) for 210 individuals with Rett syndrome. Univariate and multivariate regressions were used to analyse the relationships between the independent variables and quality of life.

Results

Compared with individuals with the p.Arg270* mutation, those with the p.Arg294* mutation type had the poorest quality of life (coeff −12.81, 95% CI –23.49 to 2.12), despite this being recognised as a clinically milder genotype. Overall better walking and feeding skills and seizure parameters were more associated with better quality of life and poor sleep and behavioural difficulties with poorer quality of life.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that genotype, functioning and health each have implications for quality of life and should be considered when counselling families and planning clinical and support management strategies.
Implementation of a radial long sheath protocol for radial artery spasm reduces access site conversions in neurointerventions
Authors: Luther Evan , Chen Stephanie H , McCarthy David J , Nada Ahmed , Heath Rainya , Berry Katherine , Strickland Allison , Burks Joshua , Silva Michael , Sur Samir , Yavagal Dileep R , Starke Robert M , Peterson Eric C
Published: August 2020

Background

Many neurointerventionalists have transitioned to transradial access (TRA) as the preferred approach for neurointerventions as studies continue to demonstrate fewer access site complications than transfemoral access. However, radial artery spasm (RAS) remains one of the most commonly cited reasons for access site conversions. We discuss the benefits, techniques, and indications for using the long radial sheath in RAS and present our experience after implementing a protocol for routine use.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients undergoing neurointerventions via TRA at our institution from July 2018 to April 2020 was performed. In November 2019, we implemented a long radial sheath protocol to address RAS. Patient demographics, RAS rates, radial artery diameter, and access site conversions were compared before and after the introduction of the protocol.

Results

747 diagnostic cerebral angiograms and neurointerventional procedures in which TRA was attempted as the primary access site were identified; 247 were performed after the introduction of the long radial sheath protocol. No significant differences in age, gender, procedure type, sheath sizes, and radial artery diameter were seen between the two cohorts. Radial anomalies and small radial diameters were more frequently seen in patients with RAS. Patients with clinically significant RAS more often required access site conversion (p<0.0001), and in our multivariable model use of the long sheath was the only covariate protective against radial failure (OR 0.061, 95% CI 0.007 to 0.517; p=0.0103).

Conclusion

In our experience, we have found that the use of long radial sheaths significantly reduces the need for access site conversions in patients with RAS during cerebral angiography and neurointerventions.
Accelerating progress on effective tobacco tax policies in Montenegro
Authors: Mugosa Ana , Cizmovic Mirjana , Lakovic Tanja , Popovic Milenko
Published: August 2020

Background

The objective of this study is to estimate the sensitivity of cigarette quantity demanded to price and income changes in Montenegro.

Data and methods

The sensitivity of cigarette quantity demanded to price and income changes was estimated using micro and macro analysis. Micro analysis implied the use of Deaton’s model on Household Budget Survey data (2006–2017). In macro analysis, conventional static demand model is applied using error correction and autoregressive distributed lag time series methodology on annual time series aggregated data (2001–2017).

Results

The same results were obtained using micro and macro analysis which contributes to the objectivity of the conducted research. Results derived from the Deaton’s model indicate a negative price elasticity of cigarettes in the range between −0.62 and −0.80 (conditional and unconditional), while in macro model estimated price elasticity is in that range and equals −0.68. Simulation results confirm the efficiency of excise tax policy changes, having an evident decrease in consumption and increase of public revenues.

Conclusion

Analysis of the tobacco market and regulatory environment suggests that the increase of excise and other taxes on tobacco have an important direct impact on the reduction of cigarettes and other tobacco products consumption. Our estimates of long and short-run price elasticity show that direct impact is strong and very much in accordance with the results obtained so far for other low-income and middle-income countries. This paper gives a contribution to the analysis of price elasticity of demand for cigarettes, which was for the first time conducted in Montenegro.
Price elasticity of demand for cigarettes in Bosnia and Herzegovina: microdata analysis
Authors: Gligorić Dragan , Pepić Anđela , Petković Saša , Ateljević Jovo , Vukojević Borislav
Published: August 2020

Background

Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) is among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of number of smokers. The cigarette prices in B&H are under a direct impact of state excise tax policy. The specific excise on cigarettes was introduced in B&H in 2009. Since then it has been increasing every year thus being the main driver of cigarette prices growth.

Methods

In this paper we estimate price elasticity of demand for cigarettes following Deaton demand model and apply it on microdata obtained from the Household Budget Surveys in B&H conducted in 2011 and 2015. Deaton model uses within-cluster information to estimate total expenditure elasticities and then uses between-cluster information to estimate price elasticities. For B&H, the cluster is defined as a municipality × in the year t. Our sample contains 14 252 households, divided into 267 clusters.

Results

Our results show that the price elasticity is statistically significant and amounts to −1.366. This means that if cigarette prices in B&H are increased by 10%, the demand for cigarettes would decrease by 13.66%.

Conclusions

We found a negative price elasticity of demand for cigarettes of −1.366. These results of the econometric estimate of elasticity of demand are more elastic compared with the results of similar surveys carried out on the sample of low and middle-income countries. It demonstrates that the demand for cigarettes responds strongly to the price increase.
Exaggerated pressor response to blood flow restriction resistance exercise is associated with a muscle metaboreflex-induced increase in blood pressure in young, healthy humans
Authors: Hori Amane , Hasegawa Daisuke , Suijo Kenichi , Nishigaki Keita , Ishida Koji , Hotta Norio
Published: August 2020

Some researchers are concerned that exercise training with the blood flow restriction (BFR) technique induces an exaggeration in blood pressure response and potentiates adverse cardiovascular events. In the present study, we demonstrate that the blood pressure response to arm-curl exercise was intensified by the BFR technique, and the degree of intensification was associated with a blood pressure response to postexercise muscle ischemia of the elbow flexors, which elicit a muscle metaboreflex.

Novelty: BFR technique intensifies blood pressure response to exercise, which was associated with a blood pressure response in postexercise muscle ischemia-induced muscle metaboreflex.
Spatial pattern of intraspecific trait variability inSphagnum fuscum
Authors: Oke Tobi A. , Turetsky M.R.
Published: August 2020

Recent studies have shown that intraspecific variability is a mechanism by which species respond to environmental heterogeneity, and that intraspecific variation can have large implications for ecological processes. Here, we studied whether there is meaningful intraspecific variation in the ecohydrological traits, biomass allocation, and decomposability in Sphagnum moss, and if so, to explore the spatial pattern of variability. We implemented a hierarchical design in which we quantified traits of S. fuscum at three spatial scales: (i) between individuals within 8 cm2patches; (ii) between replicate patches located within a single hummock or hollow location; and (iii) between hummocks. Although we focused on S. fuscum, we also compared the variability in some morphological features of S. fuscum and S. magellanicum. If growth is affected by density, we expected variability to be lowest at the patch level. Contrary to our expectation, most of the variability in both species occurred within-patch, which is our smallest sampling unit. Variability was generally higher in the traits for S. magellanicum compared with the variability in the traits for S. fuscum, which was generally negligible. Also, the pattern of variability observed for some of the traits such as the capitulum mass suggests that the mechanisms controlling different traits may be operating at different spatial scales.
Long-term recovery of soil carbon stocks and permafrost depth lags recovery of organic layer thickness following fire in black spruce forests of the Copper River Basin, Alaska
Authors: Sousa Michael J. , Jelinski Nicolas A. , Windmuller-Campione Marcella A. , Williams Andrea K. , GreyBear Edward , Finnesand Katie , Zachman Vanessa
Published: August 2020

This study investigated differences in forest structure, organic layer thickness, soil organic carbon, and permafrost depth between late-successional (LS) and postfire (PF; 90–120 years since burn) plots under black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) growing on fine-textured, poorly drained lacustrine sediments in the Copper River Basin, Alaska. Although live stem and seedling density and organic layer thickness were not significantly different between PF and LS plots (28 ± 7 cm and 31 ± 10 cm, respectively), we did find a significant difference in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks (30 ± 10 kg·m−2 and 46 ± 12 kg·m−2, respectively) permafrost depth (90 ± 28 cm and 56 ± 12 cm, respectively). OLT was linearly related to 1 m SOC stocks for LS plots but not for PF plots, and LS plots had a greater proportion of highly decomposed (humic) material in the organic layer. The soil properties of PF plots appear to be on a trajectory of recovery toward those of LS plots with respect to SOC stocks, permafrost depth, and organic layer composition. However, PF plots remain different despite nearly 100 years since fire disturbance and thus they are potentially more sensitive to changes in future fire frequency or climate.
Glow discharge excited at low to high radio frequencies around active dipoles in the ionosphere
Authors: James H. Gordon , Yau Andrew W.
Published: August 2020

We present the first space-borne observation of optical emissions of both neutral and ionized argon atoms resulting from a radio-frequency glow discharge (RF-GD) from a sounding rocket payload. The Observations of Electric-field Distributions in the Ionospheric Plasma — a Unique Strategy-C (OEDIPUS-C) payload was designed to separate into two sub-payloads on its up-leg. This separation permitted a number of two-point measurements, including those on radio wave propagation from the active dipole antennas on the upper sub-payload to the synchronized receiving dipoles on the lower sub-payload. A white-light video camera on the lower sub-payload recorded strong luminosity around the active dipoles during the first 15 s after sub-payload separation, when argon gas jets were providing propulsion to separate the two sub-payloads. Parts of the ejected argon appeared as a glowing volume where the large radio-frequency (RF) fields from the two active dipoles excited the optical emission, as the sub-payload separation increased from 2 to 55 m. The shape and intensity of the luminosity were well repeated as a function of the swept frequency (0.025–8.000 MHz), but their frequency dependences were distinctly different from those of sounder-accelerated electrons measured onboard, and deduced to result from the nonlinearity of the glow discharge. The observation is to our knowledge the first of its kind, and is interpreted in terms of a RF-GD energized by the strong near electric fields of the transmitting dipoles.
Design of a nanocoated heat exchanger working with organic nanofluids using a hybrid technique
Authors: Suresh Pungaiah S. , Kailasanathan C.
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we developed an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to predict the thermal and hydrodynamic properties of two types of Newtonian nanomodules in the outer layer of shell and tube heat exchanger (STHE). The input data for the ANFIS model were the apparent density of the nanoparticles, the Reynolds number, the thermal conductivity of the nanoparticles, and the brand number. According to a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, multi-component optimization was performed to reduce the overall pressure, increase the heat transfer coefficient, and increase the number of nanofluid cores in the STHE. During the optimization, the pressure of the nanofluids decreased and the number of noses (tube side) was calculated using the ANFIS model. The best ANFIS was a combination of spatial neural network and phase organization. Despite the stability of the nanofluids, the heat transfer during cooking was significantly reduced owing to its resistance to minerals. The formation and laceration of the nanoparticles was experimentally studied. The comparison of experimental thermal conductivity coefficients between the results of the relationship with the ANFIS shows high efficiency and accuracy of the synthetic neural network provided in thermal conductivity data.
Investigating model and impacts of lane-changing execution process based on CA model
Authors: Jian Meiying , Li Xiaojuan , Cao Jinxin
Published: August 2020

Lane changing is one of the basic driving behaviors and consists of lane-changing decision-making process and lane-changing execution process. However, most existing traffic simulation models focus on lane-changing decision-making process and assume that drivers complete their lane-changing behaviors instantaneously. Then these models may not reproduce the actual traffic phenomenon. Furthermore, there are several failed lane-changing behaviors, referring to that drivers may go back to the original lane during lane-changing process. And the impacts of these behaviors have not been investigated up to now. In order to characterize the lateral movement process and to investigate its impacts on traffic flow, this study puts forward a symmetric two-lane cellular automaton model with lane-changing execution (STCA-LE model). In this model, the lateral movement rules of lane changing vehicles are formulated and introduced. The results of numerical simulation indicate that there is a positive relationship between the lane-changing duration and traffic density that is consistent with observation data analysis. Based on this model, the lane-changing trajectories and impacts of lane-changing process are investigated by introducing the critical lane-changing duration. The results of this study could be taken as an important reference to the development of traffic measures and the designation of intelligent vehicles.
A new method for designing and machining air compressor screw pairs
Authors: Hoang Long , Banh Tien Long , Nguyen Tuan-Linh
Published: August 2020

Screw air compressors have been being used widely for 45 years. There are many research works on these machines, but there have been still many problems, especially on designing and machining their screw pair, to study. This paper focuses on gate screw profiling from the main screw profile and disc tool profiling for manufacturing the screw pair. The air compressor screw 3D model pair, designed by using the proposed methods, have satisfied the meshing condition. The disc tool 3D models created for machining the screws have also been tested in many ways, these testing results show high accuracy of the disk tool 3D model, which can be used in industrial manufacturing.
Experimental study in vibration monitoring of main diesel engine installed on motor vessel KN168
Authors: Do Duc Luu , Nguyen Tri Minh , Lai Huy Thien , Nguyen Huy Hao
Published: August 2020

Monitoring vibrations (VMs) of the sea-going ships are necessary to measure and control under the Rules for Classification and Construction of Sea-going Ships of some national registers, such as Russian Maritime Register (RMR) of shipping, Edit 2014. The VM is important and necessary for safety marine diesel engine (MDE) in its technical operation at dangerous levels of torsional, axial or lateral vibrations (TVs, AVs, LVs), which appear in practice at some abnormal regimes, especially on the two-stroke MDE and its main propulsion plant (MPP). This paper presents the results of experimental study for monitoring vibration of the four-stroke MDE, and it’s MPP in the sea — trail test of the MV.KN168, designed and manufactured by Hong Ha Shipyard (Haiphong, Vietnam, 2017). The vibration signals were measured and analyzed using Multi-channel Measurement and Monitoring Vibration System (MMMVS) made by Vietnam Maritime University (VMU).The vibration research results on the four-stroke MDE of the MV.KN168 indicated that the vibration levels of the every measured position lie in the allowable limitations.