bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CALIBRATION AND VALIDATION OF SWMM MODEL IN A SUB CATCHMENT IN ELDORET TOWN, KENYA
Authors: Abraham Metto Rotich , Clement Kiprotich Kiptum , Emmanuel Chessum Kipkorir
Published: May 2021

Flooding in Eldoret town has been occurring during heavy downpours resulting in loss of property, live and interruption of transportation systems. This study aimed at determining the catchment characteristics in Eldoret town for the calibration and validation of SWMM5 model. This model was developed by US Environmental Protection Agency. The model has been evolving from Version 1 in 1971 to Version 5 of 2005 called SWMM5. It can simulate runoff quantity in any given catchment. Rainfall was measured using rain gauge while discharge was measured using current meter. Digital Elevation Model of the study area was also obtained. The results showed that the catchment drained an area of approximately 696.5 hectares with a total of 23 sub catchments. The average slope was found to be 2.57% and the mean average imperviousness was 25.72%. The drain base flow was found to be 0.002 m3/s. However, during prolonged rainfall, the discharge increased up to 32.4 m3/s. The maximum rainfall observed during the study period was 32.4 mm which resulted in the maximum average discharge of 0.131m3/s and resulted in overflow in the drain.  Calibrated model had N-Imperv of 0.45, Dstore-Imperv of 2.5 and Dstore-Perv of 8. ISE values of 1.9 and 1.4 were observed for calibration and validation, respectively.  NSE values of 0.97 and 0.99 were observed for calibration and validation, respectively. This meant that model excellently simulated rainfall-discharge relationship in the study area and can be used for final design by the Eldoret town engineers. Future study is required to calibrate the model based on more measurements of rainfall and their discharges in the catchment.
Barthes en Sarlo
Authors: Podlubne Judith
Published: May 2021

En el año 2013 se publicó Plan de operaciones, una compilación de textos de Beatriz Sarlo, a cargo de Leila Guerriero, que incluyó, con el título “Roland Barthes: una biografía imposible”, la extensa introducción de 1981 a El mundo de Roland Barthes. La decisión de reeditar este ensayo es índice del carácter inaugural que Sarlo le atribuye en su relación con el crítico. Para argumentar esta hipótesis, me propongo revisar y describir cómo se suscita y desenvuelve ese vínculo desde mediados de los años sesenta hasta comienzos de los ochenta, en los que ella se convierte en la autora del primer estudio de conjunto en nuestro país sobre la trayectoria y la obra de Barthes.
Sarlo: escribir desde las orillas
Authors: Jarkowski Aníbal
Published: May 2021

El artículo se propone una caracterización de Borges, un escritor en las orillas. Por un lado, en relación a los trabajos anteriores que Sarlo había dedicado a la obra de Borges; por otro, a la luz de las circunstancias que dieron origen al libro, las cuales determinaron un problema específico en torno al tipo de lectores a los que el texto buscó interpelar.
Dose–Response Relationship Between Velocity Loss During Resistance Training and Changes in the Squat Force–Velocity Relationship
Authors: Alcazar Julian , Cornejo-Daza Pedro J. , Sánchez-Valdepeñas Juan , Alegre Luis M. , Pareja-Blanco Fernando
Published: May 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the adaptations provoked by various velocity loss (VL) thresholds used in resistance training on the squat force–velocity (F–V) relationship. Methods: Sixty-four resistance-trained young men were randomly assigned to one of four 8-week resistance training programs (all 70%–85% 1-repetition maximum) using different VL thresholds (VL0 = 0%, VL10 = 10%, VL20 = 20%, and VL40 = 40%) in the squat exercise. The F–V relationship was assessed under unloaded and loaded conditions in squat. Linear and hyperbolic (Hill) F–V equations were used to calculate force at zero velocity (F0), velocity at zero force (V0), maximum muscle power (Pmax), and force produced at mean velocities ranging from 0.0 to 2.0 m·s−1. Changes in parameters derived from the F–V relationship were compared among groups using linear mixed models. Results: Linear equations showed increases in F0 (120.7 N [89.4 to 152.1]) and Pmax (76.2 W [45.3 to 107.2]) and no changes in V0 (−0.02 m·s−1 [−0.11 to 0.06]) regardless of VL. Hyperbolic equations depicted increases in F0 (120.7 N [89.4 to 152.1]), V0 (1.13 m·s−1 [0.78 to 1.48]), and Pmax (198.5 W [160.5 to 236.6]) with changes in V0 being greater in VL0 and VL10 versus VL40 (both P < .001). All groups similarly improved force at 0.0 to 2.0 m·s−1 (all P < .001), although in general, effect sizes were greater in VL10 and VL20 versus VL0 and VL40 at velocities ≤0.5 m·s−1. Conclusions: All groups improved linear and hyperbolic F0 and Pmax and hyperbolic V0 (except VL40). The dose–response relationship exhibited an inverted U-shape pattern at velocities ≤0.5 m·s−1 with VL10 and VL20 showing the greatest standardized changes.
Studies test lifestyle changes to avert dementia
Authors: Leslie Mitch
Published: May 2021

"Multidomain" trials look for brain benefits from multiple, simultaneous alterations.
Control of polarization in bulk ferroelectrics by mechanical dislocation imprint
Authors: Höfling Marion , Zhou Xiandong , Riemer Lukas M. , Bruder Enrico , Liu Binzhi , Zhou Lin , Groszewicz Pedro B. , Zhuo Fangping , Xu Bai-Xiang , Durst Karsten , Tan Xiaoli , Damjanovic Dragan , Koruza Jurij , Rödel Jürgen
Published: May 2021

Imprinting oxides

Dislocations can be problematic for the properties of functional oxides and are often avoided as a result. Höfling
et al.
found that introducing a network of dislocations to barium titanate actually enhanced the dielectric and piezoelectric properties. The authors introduced the dislocation network with uniaxial compression, which forced the material to have a domain structure that enhanced the piezoelectric coefficient by a factor of 19. This strategy should be a useful tool for optimizing properties of other functional oxides.

Science
, abe3810, this issue p.
961
Free coherent evolution of a coupled atomic spin system initialized by electron scattering
Authors: Veldman Lukas M. , Farinacci Laëtitia , Rejali Rasa , Broekhoven Rik , Gobeil Jérémie , Coffey David , Ternes Markus , Otte Alexander F.
Published: May 2021

Fast spin flips for entangled atoms

The integration of pump-probe spectroscopy with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) tools has allowed studies of spin relaxation in atoms on the nanosecond time scale. However, following the free evolution of a pair of entangled spins requires faster initial excitation than can be delivered with microwave pulses. Veldman
et al.
sequentially combined electron spin resonance–STM and direct-current pump-probe techniques to instantaneously flip spins while preserving spin coherence. They used this method to follow free, coherent flip-flop evolution of two coupled spin-1/2 atoms (hydrogenated titanium atom dimers) on a magnesium oxide surface.

Science
, abg8223, this issue p.
964
Development of a bacteriophage-typing set for Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Skahan J M , Parisi J T
Published: May 2021

Six phages isolated from lysogenic cultures of Staphylococcus epidermidis were used to type cultures in our collection classified previously as "untypable" with our original typing set of 13 phages, new clinical isolates from Missouri, and clinical isolates from Connecticut, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Typability with the new set of 6 phages and with our 13 original phages was compared. For 203 cultures, 81 (39.9%) cultures were typable with the set of 6 phages and 73 (36.0%) cultures were typable with the set of 13 phages. When the two typing sets were combined, the percentage of typability for 425 cultures increased to 49.9%. compared with 35.7% with the original set of 13 phages. For 109 cultures from outstate, the percentage of typability was 56.9%, whereas that for 316 cultures from Missouri was 47.5%. When only cultures in biotype 1 were considered, the percentage of typability for 268 cultures with the combined set increased to 58.2%, compared with 39.5% with the original set of 13 phages. Analysis of individual reactions for all 425 cultures typed in our laboratory indicated that 11 of the 19 phages in the combined set accounted for the majority of the reactions, and a provisional set containing these 11 phages is proposed.
Maintenance of viability and comparison of identification methods for influenza and other respiratory viruses of humans
Authors: Baxter B D , Couch R B , Greenberg S B , Kasel J A
Published: May 2021

A comparison of Hanks balanced salt solution, veal infusion broth (VIB), and charcoal viral transport medium for maintaining viability of type A influenza virus indicated approximately equal survival of virus on all three media at -70 and 4 degrees C, whereas at 25 degrees C virus survived best in VIB. VIB supplemented with bovine serum albumin was used as transport medium in a community-wide surveillance of febrile respiratory disease for influenza viruses. Unfrozen throat swab specimens were placed in VIB and stored at 4 degrees C for up to 5 days without effect on isolation frequencies of either type A or type B influenza virus or type 1 or type 3 parainfluenza virus. Comparison of indirect immunofluorescence with hemadsorption for detection of type A influenza virus in rhesus monkey kidney cultures revealed a requirement for at least five fluorescing cells to eliminate false positive indirect immunofluorescence tests and at least 3 days of incubation to eliminate false negative tests when compared with hemadsorption at later times. Detection frequencies for the two methods after 2 and 3 days of incubation were not significantly different.
Nontypable group B streptococci isolated from human sources
Authors: Wilkinson H W
Published: May 2021

The present study was done to determine whether so-called nontypable (NT) group B streptococci from human sources possess as yet unrecognized type antigens. Antisera were raised in rabbits against several NT strains and then tested with hydrochloric acid extracts of 53 NT group B streptococci. One serum was strain specific, another was nonspecific in that it contained only R-protein antibodies, and a third (NT1), although apparently type specific, reacted with only five strains. These results do not justify using NT1 serum in the group B typing system.
Detection of bacteriuria by automated electrical impedance monitoring in a clinical microbiology laboratory
Authors: Throm R , Specter S , Strauss R , Friedman H
Published: May 2021

An apparatus capable of rapidly detecting changes in electrical impedance was utilized for the continuous monitoring of bacterial growth in routine urine specimens in a clinical laboratory. In a trial study, 200 clinical specimens analyzed by the electrical impedance method resulted in an average detection time of 2.5 h for 41 clinically significant specimens, whereas conventional methods for bacterial isolation required overnight culture. Those specimens positive by the electrical impedance monitoring but negative by conventional bacteriological methods accounted for less than 2% of the total number of positive specimens, whereas electrical impedance-negative but conventional culture-positive specimens accounted for ca. 4%. Electrical impedance apparatus in clinical microbiology laboratories could provide rapid screening of clinical urine specimens as well as accurate detection of bacterial growth.
Selective medium for isolation of Bacteroides nodosus
Authors: Gradin J L , Schmitz J A
Published: May 2021

The sensitivity of Bacteroides nodosus, the causative agent of sheep foot rot, to 24 selected antimicrobial agents was tested. Many contaminants ordinarily associated with foot rot lesions were sensitive to lincomycin, whereas B. nodosus demonstrated resistance to this antibiotic. A concentration of 1 microgram of lincomycin per ml of basal medium optimally inhibited contaminants while allowing growth of B. nodosus. The basal medium was Eugon agar with 0.2% yeast extract and 10.0% defibrinated horse blood. Parallel inoculations of 31 foot rot lesion specimens onto basal medium and basal medium containing lincomycin (selective medium) were performed. B. nodosus was isolated from 16 of the specimens cultured on the selective medium and from only 3 of the specimens cultured on the basal medium. The concentration of agar in the standard Eugon medium was found to influence the growth of B. nodosus in the presence of lincomycin. Trimethoprim also exhibited potential selectivity for B. nodosus.
Anaerobes in human biliary tracts
Authors: England D M , Rosenblatt J E
Published: May 2021

During a 2-year period, 1,892 patients underwent biliary tract surgery at the Mayo Clinic. Both aerobic and anaerobic cultures of bile were performed in 371 of these patients. Sixty-nine percent of the cultures were positive, and 41% (117) of these grew anaerobes, although they were present in pure culture only twice. Mixed cultures most commonly contained four different organisms (three aerobes and one anaerobe). Bacteroides fragilis was the single most commonly isolated anaerobe and ranked fourth in terms of overall isolates behind Escherichia coli, group D streptococci, and Klebsiella B. fragilis accounted for 7.0% of the total group D streptococci, and Klebsiella. B. fragilis accounted for 7.0% of the total aerobic and anaerobic isolates and was present in 21% of all positive cultures. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Clostridium perfringens ranked fifth and sixth, providing 6.5 and 5.9% of all isolates, respectively. This study demonstrates the frequent presence of anaerobes in patients with bactibilia and suggests that they be considered in the formulation of antimicrobial therapy for infections involving human biliary tracts.
Evaluation of the Wampole Streptonase B test
Authors: Klein G C
Published: May 2021

The Streptonase B test was compared with the Center for Disease Control streptococcal anti-deoxyribonuclease B test. A total of 96% of anti-deoxyribonuclease B titers obtained with the Streptonase B test were within +/- 1 dilution step of those obtained with the Center for Disease Control anti-deoxyribonuclease B test.
Outcomes of neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy in centres with and without active therapeutic hypothermia: a nationwide propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Shipley Lara , Mistry Aarti , Sharkey Don
Published: May 2021

Objective

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) for neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE), delivered mainly in tertiary cooling centres (CCs), reduces mortality and neurodisability. It is unknown if birth in a non-cooling centre (non-CC), without active TH, impacts short-term outcomes.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using National Neonatal Research Database and propensity score-matching.

Setting

UK neonatal units.

Patients

Infants ≥36 weeks gestational age with moderate or severe HIE admitted 2011–2016.

Interventions

Birth in non-CC compared with CC.

Main outcome measures

Primary outcome was survival to discharge without recorded seizures. Secondary outcomes were recorded seizures, mortality and temperature on arrival at CCs following transfer.

Results

5059 infants were included with 2364 (46.7%) born in non-CCs. Birth in a CC was associated with improved survival without seizures (35.1% vs 31.8%; OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.31; p=0.02), fewer seizures (60.7% vs 64.6%; OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.95, p=0.007) and similar mortality (15.8% vs 14.4%; OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.31, p=0.20) compared with birth in a non-CC. Matched infants from level 2 centres only had similar results, and birth in CCs was associated with greater seizure-free survival compared with non-CCs. Following transfer from a non-CC to a CC (n=2027), 1362 (67.1%) infants arrived with a recorded optimal therapeutic temperature but only 259 (12.7%) of these arrived within 6 hours of birth.

Conclusions

Almost half of UK infants with HIE were born in a non-CC, which was associated with suboptimal hypothermic treatment and reduced seizure-free survival. Provision of active TH in non-CC hospitals prior to upward transfer warrants consideration.
Unusual presentation of a choroidal melanoma
Authors: Jain Sunila , Phoong Kar Yen
Published: May 2021

A 49-year-old gentleman presented with a 1-day history of painful deterioration of vision in his right eye. He was lifting heavy weights just before this visual loss. On examination, his vision was perception of light in that eye, with a medically uncontrollable high intraocular pressure and hyphaema almost completely filling his anterior chamber. An ultrasound performed suggested a working diagnosis of a Valsalva related ‘eight ball’ bleed. After an anterior chamber washout, he had another episode of bleeding three days later. A pars plana vitrectomy was performed and the sample obtained was sent off to the laboratory, revealing a choroidal melanoma. Following enucleation, the histology confirmed a large necrotic spindle cell melanoma, with a haemorrhagic background. Fortunately, no liver metastasis was found. Since his diagnosis 3 years ago, he continues to be followed up in an artificial eye clinic and has regular liver scans under the care of his oncologist.
Delaunay Triangulation Based Key Distribution for Three-Dimensional Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Saikia Monjul
Published: May 2021

The security of wireless sensor networks is a significant concern and can be achieved by the application of cryptographic algorithms. The symmetric key encryption techniques are widely used cryptographic mechanisms for the security of sensor networks due to its low computational complexity. A symmetric key encryption technique requires a secret key to be shared between both parties for confidential communication. In a wireless sensor network, it is difficult to know which node is going to be in its communication range at the deployment phase. If prior knowledge of sensor location exists, it is an added advantage and helps in the distribution of secret keys among nodes. Even if with the expected location information, distributing the keys properly among the nodes is a challenging task. A proper algorithm must be used so that it gives the adequate utilization of the distributed keys with a minimal number of keys per sensor node. In this paper, we propose a location-dependent key distribution scheme. We use Delaunay Triangulation for the efficient distribution of keys among sensor nodes. The method gives a high probability of secure communication links among nodes with high resilience to the network.
Micropore Characteristics and Geological Significance of Shale Reservoirs: Case Study of Fuling Shale Gas in Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Cheng Liang , Guan Fujia , Liu Dehua , Yang Wenxin , Sun Jing
Published: May 2021

Several techniques (such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and gas adsorption systems) have been used to study the pore features and structures of shale reservoirs. The available methods and techniques have restricted the specific research on micropores, and the morphology, genesis, volume, and main factors controlling pore characteristics are yet to be analyzed. Currently, there is no systematic understanding of the role that these spaces play in gas storage and flow. As such, our understanding of the spatial connectivity of pores and reserves of shale reservoirs is limited. In this study, the pores of the Fuling shale gas reservoir in the Sichuan Basin were systematically observed by SEM and transmission electron microscopy. Images of pores smaller than 2 nm were captured for the first time, and their morphology and genesis were analyzed by combining these images with the rock mineralogy theory. The pore size distribution characteristics of the reservoir were analyzed by the adsorption-mercury injection method and nuclear magnetic resonance, and the main factors controlling the distribution of different pore sizes were analyzed. The results show that large numbers of micropores were distributed between the mesopores and macropores in the shale reservoir, which mainly consisted intergranular pores, intermolecular pores, interlamellar pores of clay minerals, and organic matter skeleton pores. The development of pores smaller than 1 nm was mainly controlled by the clay mineral content, and the development of pores with a size of approximately 1-2 nm was related to the contents of clay minerals and organic matter. These pores could connect the macropores and mesopores well, which is important for gas storage and flow. In this paper, the types, distribution, and main controlling factors of micropores were studied, and our understanding of the reservoir space was improved from the nanometer level to the Angstrom level, which is important for gas storage and flow process analysis.
Superimposed Infectious Colitis in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Crain Matthew A. , Kupec Justin T.
Published: May 2021

The differential diagnosis for an acute Crohn’s flare should include enteric infection, a challenging yet critical distinction to make when determining appropriate therapy. Since both present similarly, identification of an enteric infection should be performed with comprehensive stool microbial testing. In the setting of moderate-to-severe disease, patients on biologic therapy may be more prone to infectious complications. We present a patient with chronic Crohn’s disease with an unusual, previously undetected enteric infection due to Plesiomonas shigelloides. Once identified, appropriate antibiotic treatment led to resolution of the patient’s acute symptomatology. This is the first reported case of P. shigelloides infection in Crohn’s disease.
Clinical Significance of Hyperdense Area after Endovascular Therapy in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jiang Qianmei , Hou Jie , Ge Jian , Huang Zhichao , Wang Huaishun , Guo Zhiliang , Cao Yongjun , You Shoujiang , Xiao Guodong
Published: May 2021

Objective: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the clinical significance of hyperdense area after thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods: We searched Ovid MEDLINE(R) and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process and other Non-Indexed, Cochrane Library Clinical Controlled Trials and Embase from inception to September 2020 and collected the cohort and case-control studies about the clinical significance of hyperdense area on different types of computed tomography (CT) after thrombectomy in patients with AIS. Outcomes were poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] Score 3–6 at discharge or 90-day), mortality and subtypes of hemorrhage according to the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study (ECASS). Results: 1,999 patients from 16 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled results indicated higher risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (odds ratio [OR] = 3.02; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.84–4.95; p < 0.0001, I2 = 0%) in patients with hyperdense area, and the subtype of parenchymal hematoma as well. There was also higher odds of poor functional outcome based on the mRS 3–6 at discharge or 90-day (OR = 1.92; 95% CI 1.35–2.73; p = 0.0003, I2 = 31%) and mortality (OR = 2.06; 95% CI 1.41–3.02; p = 0.0002, I2 = 0%) in patients with hyperdense area after thrombectomy compared with those without hyperdense area. Conclusions: Our results indicated that the presence of hyperdense area on CT after thrombectomy was associated with high risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, poor functional outcome, as well as mortality in patients with AIS. However, further studies were needed to confirm these results. The meta-analysis was conducted in adherence with the PRISMA Statement and was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42020164165). To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first meta-analysis investigating the effect of hyperdense area after endovascular therapy in patients with AIS.
Localized Immunoglobulin Light-Chain Amyloidosis of the Ulnar Nerve
Authors: Morisaki Shinsuke , Tsuchida Shinji , Konishi Eiichi , Katoh Nagaaki , Takahashi Yusuke , Takahashi Kenji
Published: May 2021

Amyloidosis is a disorder caused by extracellular tissue deposition of insoluble fibrils. Amyloidosis can be divided into systemic or localized disease. Primary systemic amyloidosis is a multisystem disease caused by the deposition of amyloid in various tissues. Localized amyloidosis has different characteristics than those of systemic amyloidosis. In this paper, we present the case of a middle-aged woman who presented with worsening ulnar nerve palsy. Electrophysiological examination and MRI indicated a tumor surrounding the ulnar nerve in the forearm. However, the operative findings revealed that ulnar nerve fascicles were replaced with a yellow tissue, which was diagnosed as amyloid light-chain λ amyloidosis, based on histopathological examination. Systemic amyloidosis was ruled out after the screening examinations. This paper is the first report of the ulnar nerve as the sole site of localized immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis manifestation.
Stroke Prevention: Little-Known and Neglected Aspects
Authors: Azarpazhooh M. Reza , Bogiatzi Chrysi , Spence J. David
Published: May 2021

Combining available therapies has the potential to reduce the risk of stroke by 80% or more. A comprehensive review of all aspects of stroke prevention would be very lengthy; in this narrative review, we focus on some aspects of stroke prevention that are little-known and/or neglected. These include the following: (1) implementation of a Mediterranean diet; (2) B vitamins to lower homocysteine; (3) coordinated approaches to smoking cessation; (4) intensive lipid-lowering therapy; (5) lipid lowering in the elderly; (6) physiologically individualized therapy for hypertension based on renin/aldosterone phenotyping; (7) avoiding excessive blood pressure reduction in patients with stiff arteries; (8) treatment of insulin resistance with pioglitazone in stroke patients with prediabetes and diabetes; (9) impaired activation of clopidogrel in patients with variants of CYP2C19; (10) aspirin pseudoresistance due to enteric coating; (11) rationale for anticoagulation in patients with embolic stroke of unknown source; (12) pharmacologic properties of direct-acting oral anticoagulants that should be considered when choosing among them; (13) the identification of which patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis are at a high enough risk to benefit from carotid endarterectomy or stenting; and (14) the importance of age in choosing between endarterectomy and stenting. Stroke prevention could be improved by better recognition of these issues and by implementation of the principles derived from them.
An Unusual Course of a 2,8-Dihydroxyadeninuria Crystalline Nephropathy Secondary to Adenine Phosphoribosyltransferase Deficiency
Authors: Nourié Nicole , Nassereddine Hussein , Azar Hiba
Published: May 2021

Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) deficiency is a rare disorder caused by an autosomal recessive genetic disease leading to the deposition of 2,8-dihydroxyadenine (2,8-DHA) in the kidney. The disease remains under-recognized, oftentimes diagnosed in late stages of renal insufficiency or a failed kidney allograft with biopsy-proven disease recurrence. Here, we present the case of a 59-year-old middle eastern male patient diagnosed with 2,8-DHA nephropathy after a very unusual presentation, and we show how the initiation of an appropriate therapy slowed down his evolution toward kidney replacement therapies. His disease was found to be secondary to a specific APRT gene variant c.188G>A p (Gly63Asp) also described in 4 other patients, all from middle eastern origins.
Poor Masticatory Capacity and Blood Biomarkers of Elevated Cardiovascular Disease Risk in the Community: The Paris Prospective Study III
Authors: Chatzopoulou Eirini , Rangé Hélène , Deraz Omar , Boutouyrie Pierre , Perier Marie-Cécile , Guibout Catherine , Thomas Frédérique , Andrieu Muriel , Bailly Karine , Vedie Benoît , Danchin Nicolas , Jouven Xavier , Bouchard Philippe , Empana Jean-Philippe
Published: May 2021

Objective:

The mechanisms underlying the association between low number of masticatory units and cardiovascular disease remain unclear. Under a nutritional framework, we hypothesized that poor masticatory capacity could represent an early sign of elevated cardiovascular disease risk as evaluated by circulating markers of systemic inflammation and cardiomyocyte stress or damage.

Approach and Results:

In this cross-sectional analysis of the Paris Prospective Study III, a community-based observational study, 4837 adults aged 50 to 75 without cardiovascular disease history underwent a full-mouth clinical examination and plasma NTproBNP (N-terminal natriuretic propeptide), hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), IL-6 (interleukin-6), hs-TNI (high-sensitivity troponin I) were measured using highly sensitive technics. Poor masticatory capacity was defined as <5 functional masticatory units, that is, pairs of opposing natural or prosthetically replaced posterior teeth. In linear regression analysis accounting for sociodemographic factors, cardiovascular disease risk factors, gingival inflammation, and body mass index, poor masticatory capacity was significantly associated with lower levels of NTproBNP (β=−0.11,
P
=0.045). The significant association between poor masticatory capacity and higher IL-6 in multivariable analysis was confounded by body mass index. There was no association between functional masticatory units and hs-TNI even in unadjusted analysis.

Conclusions:

The present findings support a nutritional pathway whereby diet alterations and the resulting abdominal obesity associated with poor masticatory capacity may contribute to the higher level of IL-6 and to the lower level of NTproBNP, respectively.
al-Nuzha al-Sāsāniyya by Shīrīn Maghribī (d. 810/1408)
Authors: Martini Giovanni Maria
Published: May 2021

This article presents for the first time the treatise al-Nuzha al-Sāsāniyya by the Tabrizi Sufi scholar and poet Muḥammad Shīrīn Maghribī (d. 810/1408), hitherto considered lost. The analysis of this Persian cosmology work, the rich graphic materials it contains, and its relationship with some of Ibn al-ʿArabī’s (d. 638/1240) most important cosmological texts including the treatise ʿUqlat al-mustawfiz and Chapter 371 of al-Futūḥāt al-Makkiyya, offers a unique opportunity for shedding new light on Maghribī as an eminent member of the so-called ‘School of Ibn al-ʿArabī’ and on his intellectual activity as a teacher and interpreter of the works and ideas of the Shaykh al-Akbar. At the same time, it explores the use of visual elements, and more specifically of diagrams, in the Sufi literature of the period, and their potential value for codicological and philological purposes.
Delicatophycus liuweii sp. nov., a new cymbelloid diatom (Bacillariophyceae) from an upper tributary of the Liujiang River, Guangxi, China
Authors: LIU WEI , LI YAN-LING , WU HAN , KOCIOLEK JOHN PATRICK
Published: May 2021

During a survey of freshwater diatoms from streams in the upper reaches of the Liujiang River, Guangxi, China, a new Delicatophycus species, Delicatophycus liuweii sp. nov. was discovered and is presented here based on light and scanning electron microscopy. The main features of D. liuweii include strongly dorsiventral valves with slightly truncate and obtusely rounded ends and 3–6 stigmata positioned on ventral striae adjacent to the middle. The new species is compared with Delicatophycus williamsii, D. pouemboutensis, D. nepouianaus and Cymbella parvulissima, all of which show similarities to the new species, but differ in size, valve shape, striae density, puncta density and number of stigmata.
On Tidal Modulation of the Evolution of Internal Solitary-Like Waves Passing Through a Critical Point
Authors: Bai Xiaolin , Lamb Kevin G. , Hu Jianyu , Liu Zhiyu
Published: May 2021

Internal solitary-like waves (ISWs) evolve considerably when passing through a critical point separating the deep water where ISWs are waves of depression and shallower water where they are waves of elevation. The location of the critical point is determined by the background current and stratification. In this study, we investigate the influence of tidal currents on the cross-shelf movement of the critical point and elucidate the underlying processes via fully nonlinear numerical simulations. Our simulations reveal phase-locked tidal variations of the critical point, which are mainly attributed to stratification fluctuations that are modulated by the combined effects of cross-shelf barotropic tidal currents and locally generated baroclinic tides. The barotropic tidal currents drive isopycnal displacements as they flow over the slope, and as this occurs baroclinic tides are generated, modulating the stratification and inducing sheared currents. This results in a cross-shelf movement of the critical point, which moves onshore (offshore) when the pycnocline is elevated (depressed) by the flood (ebb) tide. Our idealized numerical simulations for the study region in the South China Sea suggest that the cross-shelf movement of the critical point reaches to O(10) km within a tidal cycle. This distance depends on the strength of tidal currents, stratification, and bathymetry. Because of tidal currents, ISWs of depression may undergo a complex evolution even in a stratification with a shallow pycnocline. For the stratification with a deep pycnocline, the critical point may be at a location deep enough so that its tidal movement becomes insignificant.
Loss of a 7q gene,CUX1, disrupts epigenetically driven DNA repair and drives therapy-related myeloid neoplasms
Authors: Imgruet Molly K. , Lutze Julian , An Ningfei , Hu Bonnie , Khan Saira , Kurkewich Jeffrey , Martinez Tanner C. , Wolfgeher Donald , Gurbuxani Sandeep K. , Kron Stephen J. , McNerney Megan E.
Published: May 2021

Therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MNs) are high-risk late effects with poorly understood pathogenesis in cancer survivors. It has been postulated that, in some cases, hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) harboring mutations are selected for by cytotoxic exposures and transform. Here, we evaluate this model in the context of deficiency of CUX1, a transcription factor encoded on chromosome 7q and deleted in half of t-MN cases. We report that CUX1 has a critical early role in the DNA repair process in HSPCs. Mechanistically, CUX1 recruits the histone methyltransferase EHMT2 to DNA breaks to promote downstream H3K9 and H3K27 methylation, phosphorylated ATM retention, subsequent γH2AX focus formation and propagation, and, ultimately, 53BP1 recruitment. Despite significant unrepaired DNA damage sustained in CUX1-deficient murine HSPCs after cytotoxic exposures, they continue to proliferate and expand, mimicking clonal hematopoiesis in patients postchemotherapy. As a consequence, preexisting CUX1 deficiency predisposes mice to highly penetrant and rapidly fatal therapy-related erythroleukemias. These findings establish the importance of epigenetic regulation of HSPC DNA repair and position CUX1 as a gatekeeper in myeloid transformation.
Albino seedling lethality 4; Chloroplast 30S Ribosomal Protein S1 is Required for Chloroplast Ribosome Biogenesis and Early Chloroplast Development in Rice
Authors: Zhou Kunneng , Zhang Caijuan , Xia Jiafa , Yun Peng , Wang Yuanlei , Ma Tingchen , Li Zefu
Published: May 2021

Background

Ribosomes responsible for transcription and translation of plastid-encoded proteins in chloroplasts are essential for chloroplast development and plant growth. Although most ribosomal proteins in plastids have been identified, the molecular mechanisms regulating chloroplast biogenesis remain to be investigated.

Results

Here, we identified albinic seedling mutantalbino seedling lethality 4(asl4) caused by disruption of 30S ribosomal protein S1 that is targeted to the chloroplast. The mutant was defective in early chloroplast development and chlorophyll (Chl) biosynthesis. A 2855-bp deletion in theASL4allele was verified as responsible for the mutant phenotype by complementation tests. Expression analysis revealed that theASL4allele was highly expressed in leaf 4 sections and newly expanded leaves during early leaf development. Expression levels were increased by exposure to light following darkness. Some genes involved in chloroplast biogenesis were up-regulated and others down-regulated inasl4mutant tissues compared to wild type. Plastid-encoded plastid RNA polymerase (PEP)-dependent photosynthesis genes and nuclear-encoded phage-type RNA polymerase (NEP)-dependent housekeeping genes were separately down-regulated and up-regulated, suggesting that plastid transcription was impaired in the mutant. Transcriptome and western blot analyses showed that levels of most plastid-encoded genes and proteins were reduced in the mutant. The decreased contents of chloroplast rRNAs and ribosomal proteins indicated that chloroplast ribosome biogenesis was impaired in theasl4mutant.

Conclusions

RiceASL4encodes 30S ribosomal protein S1, which is targeted to the chloroplast.ASL4is essential for chloroplast ribosome biogenesis and early chloroplast development. These data will facilitate efforts to further elucidate the molecular mechanism of chloroplast biogenesis.
RNA-Seq analysis of blood meal induced gene-expression changes in Aedes aegypti ovaries
Authors: Nag Dilip K. , Dieme Constentin , Lapierre Pascal , Lasek-Nesselquist Erica , Kramer Laura D.
Published: May 2021

Background

Transmission of pathogens by vector mosquitoes is intrinsically linked with mosquito’s reproductive strategy because anautogenous mosquitoes require vertebrate blood to develop a batch of eggs. Each cycle of egg maturation is tightly linked with the intake of a fresh blood meal for most species. Mosquitoes that acquire pathogens during the first blood feeding can transmit the pathogens to susceptible hosts during subsequent blood feeding and also vertically to the next generation via infected eggs. Large-scale gene-expression changes occur following each blood meal in various tissues, including ovaries. Here we analyzed mosquito ovary transcriptome following a blood meal at three different time points to investigate blood-meal induced changes in gene expression in mosquito ovaries.

Results

We collected ovaries from Aedes aegypti that received a sugar meal or a blood meal on days 3, 10 and 20 post blood meal for transcriptome analysis. Over 4000 genes responded differentially following ingestion of a blood meal on day 3, and 660 and 780 genes on days 10 and 20, respectively. Proteins encoded by differentially expressed genes (DEGs) on day 3 include odorant binding proteins (OBPs), defense-specific proteins, and cytochrome P450 detoxification enzymes. In addition, we identified 580 long non-coding RNAs that are differentially expressed at three time points. Gene ontology analysis indicated that genes involved in peptidase activity, oxidoreductase activity, extracellular space, and hydrolase activity, among others were enriched on day 3. Although most of the DEGs returned to the nonsignificant level compared to the sugar-fed mosquito ovaries following oviposition on days 10 and 20, there remained differences in the gene expression pattern in sugar-fed and blood-fed mosquitoes.

Conclusions

Enrichment of OBPs following blood meal ingestion suggests that these genes may have other functions besides being part of the olfactory system. The enrichment of immune-specific genes and cytochrome P450 genes indicates that ovaries become well prepared to protect their germ line from any pathogens that may accompany the blood meal or from environmental contamination during oviposition, and to deal with the detrimental effects of toxic metabolites.
Aseptic meningitis as the initial presentation of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Tarassovi: two case reports and a literature review
Authors: Bandara A. G. N. M. K. , Kalaivarny G. , Perera Nilanka , Indrakumar J.
Published: May 2021

Background

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic illness caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira. The disease spectrum ranges from a mild influenza-like presentation to a more serious Weil’s syndrome. Leptospirosis rarely presents as a primary neurological syndrome. We report two cases of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Tarasssovi presenting as aseptic meningitis in Sri Lanka.

Case presentation

We describe case reports of two patients presenting as symptomatic aseptic meningitis due to neuroleptospirosis. Both patients had significant neurological involvement at presentation in the absence of common clinical features of leptospirosis. These patients were initially managed as bacterial or viral meningitis and leptospirosis was suspected due to a history of exposure to contaminated water. Subsequently, they were diagnosed to have neuroleptospirosis by positive Leptospira serology and both patients gained full recovery.

Conclusion

Our report highlights the importance of considering leptospirosis as a differential diagnosis in patients with aseptic meningitis in endemic settings. Obtaining a detailed occupational and recreational history is helpful in diagnosing neuroleptospirosis promptly. We report the association of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar (sv.) Tarassovi (strain bakeri) in causing aseptic meningitis, which has not been reported to the best of our knowledge.
Patients’ and family members’ perspectives on arrhythmias and sudden death in dialysis: the HeartLink focus groups pilot study
Authors: Xu Eric J. , Boyer LaPricia Lewis , Jaar Bernard G. , Ephraim Patti L. , Gimenez Luis , Cheng Alan , Chrispin Jonathan , Weir Matthew R. , Raj Dominic , Guallar Eliseo , Shafi Tariq
Published: May 2021

Background

Patients receiving dialysis face a high risk of cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Few patients, however, are aware of this risk. Implantable cardiac monitors are currently available for clinical use and can continuously monitor cardiac rhythms without the need for transvenous leads. Our goal was to gauge patients’ and family members’ perceptions of these risks and to identify their concerns about cardiac monitors.

Methods

Two 90-minute focus groups were conducted: one with patients receiving in-center hemodialysis and one with their family members. Trained moderators assessed: (1) knowledge of cardiovascular disease; (2) cardiovascular disease risk in dialysis; (3) risk of death due to cardiovascular disease; (4) best ways to convey this risk to patients/families; and (5) concerns about cardiac monitors. The sessions were audiotaped, transcribed, and independently analyzed by two reviewers to identify core themes. Emblematic quotations were chosen to illustrate the final themes.

Results

Nine adult patients and three family members participated. Patients felt education was inadequate and had little knowledge of arrhythmias. Patients’/families’ concerns regarding cardiac monitors were related to adverse effects, the notification process, and cosmetic effects. Patients/families felt that nephrologists, not dialysis staff, would be the best source for education.

Conclusions

The preliminary data from this small study population suggest that patients/families are not well aware of the high risk of arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death in dialysis. Further investigation is required to gauge this awareness among patients/families and to assess their impressions of implantable cardiac monitors for arrhythmia detection and management.
Anaotmical variability in the position of cystic artery during laparoscopic visualization
Authors: Fateh Omer , Wasi Muhammad Samir Irfan , Bukhari Syed Abdullah
Published: May 2021

Background

The laparoscopic view of extrahepatic biliary tract and cystic artery is different anatomically from open approach. Consequently iatrogenic injuries due to inadverent damage to cystic artery are not uncommon. These complications can be prevented by careful dissection in Calots triangle and better knowledge of laparoscopic anatomy of cystic artery and its variations. The aim of this study is to establish the prevalence of variation in position of cystic artery in relation to cystic duct. This will help identify the safe area for dissecting peritoneum in Calots triangle and thus help young surgeons overcome the long learning curve associated with laparoscopy.

Materials and methods

During a 10 year period from January 2009 to January 2019, 1850 laparoscopic cholecystectomies that were performed at a tertiary care hospital were studied. Patients with history of previous abdominal surgery were excluded from the study. Cystic artery was divided into four groups based on its relative position to cystic duct. It includes superomedial, superolateral, anterior and absent cystic artery relative to the cystic duct.

Results

Out of 1850 cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy 1676 (90.59%) patients had cystic artery superomedial to cystic duct and 96 (5.19%) had a cystic artery at superolateral position to cystic duct. In 48 (2.59%) patients it was found anterior to cystic duct and in 30 (1.62%) patients it was absent.

Conclusions

It is concluded that the most common position of cystic artery is superomedial while the least common position was found to be anterior to cystic duct. Hence it is postulated that blind dissection from anterior side is the safest approach to avoid injury to cystic artery.
Assessment of an integrated knowledge translation intervention to improve nutrition intakes among patients undergoing elective bowel surgery: a mixed-method process evaluation
Authors: Rattray Megan , Marshall Andrea P. , Desbrow Ben , von Papen Michael , Roberts Shelley
Published: May 2021

Background

A large evidence-practice gap exists regarding provision of nutrition to patients following surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the processes supporting the implementation of an intervention designed to improve the timing and adequacy of nutrition following bowel surgery.

Methods

A mixed-method pilot study, using an integrated knowledge translation (iKT) approach, was undertaken at a tertiary teaching hospital in Australia. A tailored, multifaceted intervention including ten strategies targeted at staff or patients were co-developed with knowledge users at the hospital and implemented in practice. Process evaluation outcomes included reach, intervention delivery and staffs’ responses to the intervention. Quantitative data, including patient demographics and surgical characteristics, intervention reach, and intervention delivery were collected via chart review and direct observation. Qualitative data (responses to the intervention) were sequentially collected from staff during one-on-one, semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were summarized using median (IQR), mean (SD) or frequency(%), while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.

Results

The intervention reached 34 patients. Eighty-four percent of nursing staff received an awareness and education session, while 0% of medical staff received a formal orientation or awareness and education session, despite the original intention to deliver these sessions. Several strategies targeted at patients had high fidelity, including delivery of nutrition education (92%); and prescription of oral nutrition supplements (100%) and free fluids immediately post-surgery (79%). Prescription of a high energy high protein diet on postoperative day one (0%) and oral nutrition supplements on postoperative day zero (62%); and delivery of preoperative nutrition handout (74%) and meal ordering education (50%) were not as well implemented. Interview data indicated that staff regard nutrition-related messages as important, however, their acceptance, awareness and perceptions of the intervention were mixed.

Conclusions

Approximately half the patient-related strategies were implemented well, which is likely attributed to the medical and nursing staff involved in intervention design championing these strategies. However, some strategies had low delivery, which was likely due to the varied awareness and acceptance of the intervention among staff on the ward. These findings suggest the importance of having buy-in from all staff when using an iKT approach to design and implement interventions.