bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibody-induced procoagulant platelets in severe COVID-19 infection
Authors: Althaus Karina , Marini Irene , Zlamal Jan , Pelzl Lisann , Singh Anurag , Häberle Helene , Mehrländer Martin , Hammer Stefanie , Schulze Harald , Bitzer Michael , Malek Nisar , Rath Dominik , Bösmüller Hans , Nieswandt Bernard , Gawaz Meinrad , Bakchoul Tamam , Rosenberger Peter 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The pathophysiology of COVID-19–associated thrombosis seems to be multifactorial. We hypothesized that COVID-19 is accompanied by procoagulant platelets with subsequent alteration of the coagulation system. We investigated depolarization of mitochondrial inner transmembrane potential (ΔΨm), cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) concentration, and phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization. Platelets from COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU; n = 21) showed higher ΔΨm depolarization, cytosolic Ca2+, and PS externalization compared with healthy controls (n = 18) and non-ICU COVID-19 patients (n = 4). Moreover, significant higher cytosolic Ca2+ and PS were observed compared with a septic ICU control group (ICU control; n = 5). In the ICU control group, cytosolic Ca2+ and PS externalization were comparable with healthy controls, with an increase in ΔΨm depolarization. Sera from COVID-19 patients in the ICU induced a significant increase in apoptosis markers (ΔΨm depolarization, cytosolic Ca2+, and PS externalization) compared with healthy volunteers and septic ICU controls. Interestingly, immunoglobulin G fractions from COVID-19 patients induced an Fcγ receptor IIA–dependent platelet apoptosis (ΔΨm depolarization, cytosolic Ca2+, and PS externalization). Enhanced PS externalization in platelets from COVID-19 patients in the ICU was associated with increased sequential organ failure assessment score (r = 0.5635) and D-dimer (r = 0.4473). Most importantly, patients with thrombosis had significantly higher PS externalization compared with those without. The strong correlations between markers for apoptosic and procoagulant platelets and D-dimer levels, as well as the incidence of thrombosis, may indicate that antibody-mediated procoagulant platelets potentially contributes to sustained increased thromboembolic risk in ICU COVID-19 patients.
A pragmatic multi-institutional approach to understanding transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy after stem cell transplant
Authors: Dandoy Christopher E. , Rotz Seth , Alonso Priscila Badia , Klunk Anna , Desmond Catherine , Huber John , Ingraham Hannah , Higham Christine , Dvorak Christopher C. , Duncan Christine , Schoettler Michelle , Lehmann Leslie , Cancio Maria , Killinger James , Davila Blachy , Phelan Rachel , Mahadeo Kris M. , Khazal Sajad , Lalefar Nahal , Vissa Madhav , Myers Kasiani , Wallace Greg , Nelson Adam , Khandelwal Pooja , Bhatla Deepika , Gloude Nicholas , Anderson Eric , Huo Jeffrey , Roehrs Philip , Auletta Jeffery J. , Chima Ranjit , Lane Adam , Davies Stella M. , Jodele Sonata 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) is a severe complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). A single-center prospective screening study has shown that the incidence of TA-TMA is much higher than prior retrospective studies that did not systematically screen. These data have not been replicated in a multicenter study. Our objective was to determine the incidence and risk factors for TA-TMA and compare outcomes of pediatric HSCT patients with and without TA-TMA. Patients were prospectively screened for TA-TMA at participating centers using a simple to implement and inexpensive strategy from the start of the preparative regimen through day +100. TA-TMA was diagnosed if ≥4 of 7 laboratory/clinical markers diagnostic for TA-TMA were present concurrently or if tissue histology showed TA-TMA. A total of 614 patients (359 males; 58%) received prospective TA-TMA screening at 13 pediatric centers. TA-TMA was diagnosed in 98 patients (16%) at a median of 22 days (interquartile range, 14-44) posttransplant. Patients with TA-TMA had significantly increased bloodstream infections (38% [37/98] vs 21% [107/51], P ≤ .001), mean total hospitalization days (68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 63-74 vs 43; 95% CI, 41-45; P ≤ .001), and number of days spent in the intensive care unit (10.1; 95% CI, 6.4-14; vs 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.2; P ≤ .001) in the first 100 days after HSCT compared with patients without TA-TMA. Overall survival was significantly higher in patients without TA-TMA (93%; 490/516) compared with patients with TA-TMA (78%; 76/98) (P ≤ .001). These data support the need for systematic screening for TA-TMA and demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of an easy to implement strategy to do so.
Robust cooperation against mutations via costly expulsion
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Duh Maja , Perc Matjaž 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Research has shown that spatial selection can lead to the evolution of cooperation in social dilemmas. However, the effectiveness of spatial reciprocity among cooperative players is often diminished by mutations. Here, we report the evolution of robust cooperation against mutations, which is brought about by costly expulsion in the spatial public goods game. We find that costly expulsion is able to enhance the robustness of positive assortment among cooperators against mutations. Moreover, we also show that moderate mutation rates are beneficial for the expansion of spatial clusters among cooperative individuals once the spontaneous formation of segregation patterns is completed by costly expulsion. Our results thus communicate the counterintuitive conclusions that mutations are not always detrimental for the evolution of cooperation in spatial social dilemma games, and what is more, can even be beneficial for faster spreading of cooperator clusters.
A motion compensation treadmill for untethered wood ants (Formica rufa): evidence for transfer of orientation memories from free-walking training
Authors: Goulard Roman , Buehlmann Cornelia , Niven Jeremy E. , Graham Paul , Webb Barbara 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTThe natural scale of insect navigation during foraging makes it challenging to study under controlled conditions. Virtual reality and trackball setups have offered experimental control over visual environments while studying tethered insects, but potential limitations and confounds introduced by tethering motivates the development of alternative untethered solutions. In this paper, we validate the use of a motion compensator (or ‘treadmill’) to study visually driven behaviour of freely moving wood ants (Formica rufa). We show how this setup allows naturalistic walking behaviour and preserves foraging motivation over long time frames. Furthermore, we show that ants are able to transfer associative and navigational memories from classical maze and arena contexts to our treadmill. Thus, we demonstrate the possibility to study navigational behaviour over ecologically relevant durations (and virtual distances) in precisely controlled environments, bridging the gap between natural and highly controlled laboratory experiments.
Direct Amorphous-structure Analysis: How are Surface/Bulk Structure and Activity of Titania Photocatalyst Particles Changed by Milling?
Authors: Chen Guangyi , Takashima Mai , Ohtani Bunsho 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Changes in surface and bulk structures of rutile titania particles induced by braying up to 10 d and post calcination in air at 773 K were analyzed by reversed double-beam photoacoustic spectroscopy. The observed energy-resolved distribution of electron traps indicated that the surface was amorphized by braying to give rutile-core amorphous-shell structure and the amorphous layer was partly recrystallized by post-calcination leaving grain boundaries in the surface layers, both of which may cause the observed markedly decreased photocatalytic activities.
Ruthenium(II)-catalyzed Arylation of ortho-C–H Bonds in 2-Aroyl-imidazoles with Aryl Halides
Authors: Wang Chen-an , Chatani Naoto 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The ruthenium(II)-catalyzed ortho-C–H arylation of 2-aroyl-imidazoles with aryl bromides and chloride is reported. An imidazole ring functions both as a masked ester and a directing group for C–H activation. A variety of functional groups are tolerated under the reaction conditions. The arylated final products could be easily converted into the corresponding esters and amide.
A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the diagnostic accuracy of initial RT-PCR and CT scan in suspected COVID-19 patients
Authors: Mair Manish Devendra , Hussain Mohammed , Siddiqui Saad , Das Sudip , Baker Andrew , Conboy Peter , Valsamakis Theodoros , Uddin Javed , Rea Peter 
Published: December 2020

Objective:
To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the diagnostic accuracy of CT and initial reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for detecting COVID-19 infection.

Methods:
We searched three databases, PubMed, EMBASE, and EMCARE, to identify studies reporting diagnostic accuracy of both CT and RT-PCR in detecting COVID-19 infection between December 2019 and May 2020. For accurate comparison, only those studies that had patients undergoing both CT and RT-PCR were included. Pooled diagnostic accuracy of both the tests was calculated by using a bivariate random effects model.

Results:
Based on inclusion criteria, only 11 studies consisting of 1834 patients were included in the final analysis that reported diagnostic accuracy of both CT and RT-PCR, in the same set of patients. Sensitivity estimates for CT scan ranged from 0.69 to 1.00 and for RT-PCR varied ranging from 0.47 to 1.00. The pooled estimates of sensitivity for CT and RT-PCR were 0.91 [95% CI (0.84–0.97)] and 0.84 [95% CI (0.71–0.94)], respectively. On subgroup analysis, pooled sensitivity of CT and RT-PCR was 0.95 [95% CI (0.88–0.98)] and 0.91 [95% CI (0.80–0.96), p = o.ooo1]. The pooled specificity of CT and RT-PCR was 0.31 [95% CI (0.035–0.84)] and 1.00 [95% CI (0.96–1.00)].

Conclusion:
CT is more sensitive than RT-PCR in detecting COVID-19 infection, but has a very low specificity.

Advances in knowledge:
Since the results of a CT scan are available quickly, it can be used as an adjunctive initial diagnostic test for patients with a history of positive contact or epidemiological history.
Botulism outbreak after the consumption of vegetarian pâté in the south of Viet Nam
Authors: Ngan Nguyen Thi Thuy , Tho Vo Ngoc Anh , Khanh Do Thi Ngoc , Hien Vo Thi Thanh , Day Jeremy N. , Sang Nguyen Ngoc , Tam Hua Thoai , Thanh Ho Thi Chi , Hung Le Quoc 
Published: December 2020

Botulism is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum. Here we reported a case series of six patients who presented with botulism following ingestion of commercially made pâté. The key features of presentation were acute onset of bilateral cranial nerve palsies and symmetrical descending weakness in the absence of fever resulting in the need for mechanical ventilation in all six patients. The clinical diagnosis of botulism was confirmed through the identification of C. botulinum from the suspected food source. Given that botulinum antitoxin was not available in Vietnam at the time, and their severe status, all patients received a trial of plasma exchange therapy, but no clear benefit was seen. Due to its rarity, diagnosing botulism is a challenge, demanding high clinical suspicion. Successful outcomes depend upon early recognition and rapid initiation of specific treatment with botulinum antitoxin. There is a need to improve global access to antitoxin. These cases, the first in Viet Nam, serve as a reminder of the need to maintain the highest possible food hygiene and preservation practices.
La Passió segons Tintoretto. Del Judici al Davallament
Authors: Alcoy i Pedrós Rosa 
Published: December 2020

L’article destaca alguns dels interessos i estratègies pictòriques essencials de Tintoretto. El transvasament del seu caràcter impactant a la configuració d’una individualitat pictòrica arriba associada a un llenguatge que, lluny de voler ser arbitrari, vol sobresortir pels seus valors intrínsecs al temps que dialoga amb l’art del passat i aprecia la intel·ligència de l’espectador. Si de tant en tant ens desubica és per obligar-nos a retornar als temes mantenint la tensió precisa. El pintor explica els temes amb refinada elaboració i en un format visible, un format singular que vol apropiar-se de l’atenció del que mira i que no s’agenolla davant de cap discurs oral o escrit. El cicle de la Passió de Crist fa possible explicar pas a pas aquest sentiment del discurs en l’obra de Jacopo Robusti. La seva projecció excepcional a la Scuola Grande de San Rocco avala una trajectòria que no queda tancada en els sus murs. La institució veneciana és el punt de partida d’un recorregut més ampli que es planteja valorar també l’aportació d’altres produccions de primer ordre en què la mà de Tintoretto és la més rellevant...
Snapshot spectroscopic microscopy with double spherical slicer mirrors
Authors: Zhang Yinxin , Xu Daiyu , Liu Guoxuan , Yang Huaidong 
Published: December 2020

Snapshot hyperspectral microscopic imaging can obtain the morphological characteristics and chemical specificity of samples simultaneously and instantaneously. We demonstrate a double-slicer spectroscopic microscopy (DSSM) that uses two spherical slicer mirrors to magnify the target image and slice it. These slits are lined up and dispersed, then mapped onto an area-array detector. An anamorphosis unit optimizes the capacity of the limited pixels. With a single shot and image recombination, a data cube can be constructed for sample analysis, and a model of DSSM is simulated. The system covers the spectral range from 500 nm to 642.5 nm with 20 spectral channels. The spatial resolution is 417 nm, and the spectral resolution is 7.5 nm.
Neurological outcome after minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery (NOMICS): An observational prospective cohort study
Authors: Stessel Björn , Nijs Kristof , Pelckmans Caroline , Vandenbrande Jeroen , Ory Jean-Paul , Yilmaz Alaaddin , Starinieri Pascal , Van Tornout Michiel , De Klippel Nina , Dendale Paul 
Published: December 2020

Background/Objectives
Endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (Endo-CABG) is a minimally invasive CABG procedure with retrograde arterial perfusion. The main objective of this study is to assess neurocognitive outcome after Endo-CABG.

Methods/Design
In this prospective observational cohort study, patients were categorised into: Endo-CABG (n = 60), a comparative Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) group (n = 60) and a healthy volunteer group (n = 60). A clinical neurological examination was performed both pre- and postoperatively, delirium was assessed postoperatively. A battery of 6 neurocognitive tests, Quality of life (QoL) and the level of depressive feelings were measured at baseline and after 3 months. Patient Satisfaction after Endo-CABG was assessed at 3-month follow-up. Primary endpoints were incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), stroke and delirium after Endo-CABG. Secondary endpoints were QOL, patient satisfaction and the incidence of depressive feelings after Endo-CABG.

Results
In total, 1 patient after Endo-CABG (1.72%) and 1 patient after PCI (1.67%) suffered from stroke during the 3-month follow-up. POCD in a patient is defined as a Reliable Change Index ≤-1.645 or Z-score ≤-1.645 in at least two tests, and was found in respectively 5 and 6 patients 3 months after Endo-CABG and PCI. Total incidence of POCD/stroke was not different (PCI: n= 7 [15.9%]; Endo-CABG: n= 6 [13.0%], p = 0.732). ICU delirium after Endo-CABG was found in 5 (8.6%) patients. QoL increased significantly three months after Endo-CABG and was comparable with QoL level after PCI and in the control group. Patient satisfaction after Endo-CABG and PCI was comparable. At follow-up, the level of depressive feelings was decreased in all groups.

Conclusions
The incidence of poor neurocognitive outcome, including stroke, POCD and postoperative ICU delirium until three months after Endo-CABG is low and comparable with PCI.

Trial registration
Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02979782)
Evaluation of community based surveillance in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, 2019
Authors: Van Boetzelaer Elburg , Chowdhury Samiur , Etsay Berhe , Faruque Abu , Lenglet Annick , Kuehne Anna , Carrion-Martin Isidro , Keating Patrick , Dada Martins , Vyncke Jorieke , Sonne Kazungu Donald , Verdecchia Maria 
Published: December 2020

Background
Following an influx of an estimated 742,000 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) established an active indicator-based Community Based Surveillance (CBS) in 13 sub-camps in Cox’s Bazar in August 2017. Its objective was to detect epidemic prone diseases early for rapid response. We describe the surveillance, alert and response in place from epidemiological week 20 (12 May 2019) until 44 (2 November 2019).

Methods
Suspected cases were identified through passive health facility surveillance and active indicator-based CBS. CBS-teams conducted active case finding for suspected cases of acute watery diarrhea (AWD), acute jaundice syndrome (AJS), acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), dengue, diphtheria, measles and meningitis. We evaluate the following surveillance system attributes: usefulness, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), timeliness, simplicity, flexibility, acceptability, representativeness and stability.

Results
Between epidemiological weeks 20 and 44, an average of 97,340 households were included in the CBS per surveillance cycle. Household coverage reached over 85%. Twenty-one RDT positive cholera cases and two clusters of AWD were identified by the CBS and health facility surveillance that triggered the response mechanism within 12 hours. The PPV of the CBS varied per disease between 41.7%-100%. The CBS required 354 full-time staff in 10 different roles. The CBS was sufficiently flexible to integrate dengue surveillance. The CBS was representative of the population in the catchment area due to its exhaustive character and high household coverage. All households consented to CBS participation, showing acceptability.

Discussion
The CBS allowed for timely response but was resource intensive. Disease trends identified by the health facility surveillance and suspected diseases trends identified by CBS were similar, which might indicate limited additional value of the CBS in a dense and stable setting such as Cox’s Bazar. Instead, a passive community-event-based surveillance mechanism combined with health facility-based surveillance could be more appropriate.
COVID-19 Pandemic Uncertainty Shock Impact on Macroeconomic Stability in Ethiopia
Authors: DEMIESSIE Habtamu Girma 
Published: December 2020

This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 pandemic uncertainty shock on the macroeconomic stability in Ethiopia in the short run period. The World Pandemic Uncertainty Index (WPUI) was used a proxy variable to measure COVID-19 Uncertainty shock effect. The pandemic effect on core macroeconomic variables like investment, employment, prices (both food & non-food prices), import, export and fiscal policy indicators was estimated and forecasted using Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) Model. The role of fiscal policy in mitigating the shock effect of coronavirus pandemic on macroeconomic stability is also investigated. The finding of the study reveals that the COVID-19 impact lasts at least three years to shake the economy of Ethiopia. Given that the Ethiopian economy heavily relies on import to supply the bulk of its consumption and investment goods, COVID-19 uncertainty effect starts as supply chain shock, whose effect transmitted into the domestic economy via international trade channel.
The pandemic uncertainty shock effect is also expected to quickly transcend to destabilize the economy via aggregate demand, food & non-food prices, investment, employment and export shocks. The overall impact of COVID-19 pandemic uncertainty shock is interpreted into the economy by resulting under consumption at least in the next three years since 2020. Therefore, the government is expected to enact incentives/policy directions which can boost business confidence. A managed expansionary fiscal policy is found key to promote investment, employment and to stabilize food & non-food prices. A particular role of fiscal policy was identified to stabilizing food, transport and communication prices. The potency of fiscal policies in stabilizing food, transport and communication prices go in line with the prevailing reality in Ethiopia where government has strong hands to control those markets directly and/or indirectly.
This suggests market failure featuring COVID-19 time, calling for managed interventions of governments to promote market stabilities. More importantly, price stabilization policies of the government can have spillover effects in boosting aggregate demand by spurring investments (and widening employment opportunities) in transport/logistics, hotel & restaurant, culture & tourism and export sectors in particular.
Interpretation of Glass Composition Measurements: The Effects of Match Criteria on Discrimination Capability
Authors: Koons RD , Buscaglia JA 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The concentrations of ten elements in 209 unrelated glass specimens received as evidence were used to assess the frequencies of errors of false association (Type II errors) using several comparison criteria at specified significance levels (Type I errors). Pairwise comparisons of the samples using either the equal-variance t-test or Welch's modification (unequal variances) result in a small number of errors of false association, even when adjusting the significance level (Bonferroni correction) for multivariate comparisons. At the 95% confidence level (overall Type I error of 0.05, or individual element comparison error of 0.005), only two Type II errors are made in 21736 comparisons (0.009%) when using the equal-variance t-test for comparison of sample means. In this study, the range overlap test using three replicate measurements per specimen results in no errors of false association. Most specimen pairs in this data set are readily discriminated either by differences in the concentrations of several elements or by an extremely large difference in the concentrations of one or more element.
The Influence of Behavior on Freefall Injury Patterns: Possible Implications for Forensic Anthropological Investigations
Authors: Christensen AM 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Case studies of freefall injuries suggest that most falls from heights result in lower extremity, pelvic, and vertebral fractures. These injuries are largely a consequence of the fact that most falls are accidental with victims landing feet first. This study investigates whether human behavioral response affects body orientation at impact and whether the human body tends to align in a particular way as a result of physical laws. The investigation was undertaken by observing nine experimental falls of an anthropomorphic dummy from a height of 65 ft (9.8 m). In all nine falls, the dummy landed horizontally, suggesting that the human form has a tendency to align horizontally during freefall for falls greater than 50 ft (15.24 m). This has important implications for the potential use of injury patterns in the deduction of pre-fall circumstances, which are discussed here with respect to a case study of a fall victim.