bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance of Indirect Immunoglobulin M (IgM) Serology Tests and IgM Capture Assays for Laboratory Diagnosis of Measles
Authors: Ratnam Samuel , Tipples Graham , Head Carol , Fauvel Micheline , Fearon Margaret , Ward Brian J. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT
As progress is made toward elimination of measles, the laboratory confirmation of measles becomes increasingly important. However, both false-positive and false-negative results can occur with the routinely used indirect measles immunoglobulin M (IgM) serology tests. The measles IgM capture assay is considered to be more specific, and therefore, its use is indicated for confirmatory testing, but its relative performance has not been fully assessed. Four commercial indirect measles IgM serology test kits (the Behring, Clark, Gull, and PanBio assays) and a commercial IgM capture assay (the Light Diagnostics assay) were evaluated for their abilities to detect measles virus-specific IgM antibody with a total of 308 serum samples from patients involved in a measles outbreak and with confirmed cases of measles and 454 samples from subjects without measles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) IgM capture assay was also used in a part of the evaluation. Among the indirect assays, the overall sensitivities ranged from 82.8% (Clark assay) to 88.6% (Behring assay) and specificity ranged from 86.6% (PanBio assay) to 99.6% (Gull assay). These rates were 92.2 and 86.6%, respectively, for the Light Diagnostics capture assay and 87.0 and 94.8%, respectively, for the CDC capture assay. While the Light Diagnostics capture assay had the best detection rate (80%) with the acute-phase samples compared with those for the rest of the tests (CDC capture assay, 77%; Behring assay, 70%; Gull assay, 69%; PanBio assay, 58%; and Clark assay, 57%), all tests showed a significantly improved sensitivity in the range of 92% (Clark and PanBio assays) to 97% (Light Diagnostics and CDC capture assays) with the convalescent-phase samples, as expected. The best seropositivity rates (in the range of 92 to 100%) were observed with samples collected 6 to 14 days after the onset of symptoms. The Gull assay showed the highest positive predictive value (99.6%), followed by the Behring assay (97.8%) and the CDC capture assay (96.1%). Overall, the Gull and Behring assays were found to be as good as or better than the capture assays. In conclusion, laboratory diagnosis of measles based on IgM serology varies depending on the timing of specimen collection and the test used, and the case for the use of the IgM capture assay as the confirmatory test appears to be uncertain.
Intermittent percutaneous drainage of ovarian tumour
Authors: Oya Kiyofumi , Kuboyama Yusuke , Kashiwagi Hideyuki 
Published: May 2021

IntroductionAbdominal pain and distention are common in ovarian tumours. When the ovarian tumour grows too large, the tumour can cause these symptoms. Percutaneous drainage from ovarian tumours, which can alleviate symptoms, is traditionally discouraged for its potential risk of peritoneal tumour seeding.CaseA 73-year-old woman with a multilocular ovarian tumour reporting abdominal fullness and pain was referred to the palliative care outpatient department. The multilocular tumour occupied most of the intra-abdominal space, which was determined to cause her symptoms. To alleviate her symptoms, we performed intermittent percutaneous drainage for 1.5 years. A clinical autopsy revealed the tumour was an ovarian mucinous carcinoma. Despite iterative tumour drainage, we observed no feature of peritoneal dissemination.ConclusionIntermittent percutaneous drainage of ovarian tumours could reduce tumour-related abdominal symptoms without pathological evidence of peritoneal dissemination. This procedure can be a new palliative treatment option for ovarian tumour-related abdominal symptoms.
Thin accretion disks around rotating black holes in 4D Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity
Authors: Heydari-Fard Mohaddese , Heydari-Fard Malihe , Sepangi Hamid Reza 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRecently, Kumar and Ghosh have derived Kerr-like rotating black hole solutions in the framework of four-dimensional Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet theory of gravity and investigated the black hole shadow. Using the steady-state Novikov–Thorne model, we study thin accretion disk processes for such rotating black holes including the energy flux, temperature distribution, emission spectrum, energy conversion efficiency as well as the radius of the innermost stable circular orbit. We also study the effects of the Gauss–Bonnet coupling parameter $$\alpha $$
α
on these quantities. The results are compared to slowly rotating relativistic Kerr black holes which show that for a positive Gauss–Bonnet coupling, thin accretion disks around rotating black holes in four-dimensional Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity are hotter and more efficient than that for Kerr black holes with the same rotation parameter a, while for a negative coupling they are cooler and less efficient. Thus the accretion disk processes may be considered as tools for testing Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity using astrophysical observations.
Conjugated-linker dependence of the photophysical properties and electronic structure of chlorin dyads
Authors: Kang Hyun Suk , Satraitis Andrius , Meares Adam , Bhagavathy Ganga Viswanathan , Diers James R. , Niedzwiedzki Dariusz M. , Kirmaier Christine , Ptaszek Marcin , Bocian David F. , Holten Dewey 
Published: May 2021

The synthesis, photophysical properties and electronic structure of seven new chlorin dyads and associated benchmark monomers are described. Each dyad contains two identical chlorins linked at the macrocycle [Formula: see text]-pyrrole 13-position. The extent of electronic communication between chlorin constituents depends on the nature of the conjugated linker. The communication is assessed by modification of prominent ground-state absorption and redox properties, rate constants and yields of excited-state decay processes, and molecular-orbital characteristics. Relative to the benchmark monomers, the chlorin dyads in toluene exhibit a substantial bathochromic shift of the long-wavelength absorption band (30 nm average), two-fold increased radiative rate constant [average (10 ns)[Formula: see text] vs. (22 ns)[Formula: see text]], reduced singlet excited-state lifetimes (average 5.0 ns vs. 8.2 ns), and increased fluorescence quantum yields (average 0.56 vs. 0.42). The excited-state lifetime and fluorescence yield for the chlorin dyad with a benzothiadiazole linker are reduced substantially in benzonitrile vs. toluene due largely to [Formula: see text]25-fold accelerated internal conversion. The results aid design strategies for molecular architectures that may find utility in solar-energy conversion and photomedicine.
Insulin Knowledge, Handling, and Storage among Diabetic Pilgrims during the Hajj Mass Gathering
Authors: Yezli Saber , Yassin Yara , Mushi Abdulaziz , Balkhi Bander , Khan Anas 
Published: May 2021

Background. Diabetes is one of the most common underlying health conditions among Hajj pilgrims. Many diabetics manage their condition using insulin, which requires appropriate storage conditions to maintain its stability and effectiveness. We aimed to investigate insulin knowledge, storage, and handling among diabetic pilgrims during Hajj to identify specific areas for improvement. Method. Adult diabetic pilgrims from 22 countries were interviewed using a structured questionnaire during the 2019 Hajj. Results. The study enrolled 277 diabetic pilgrims with a mean age of 58.4 years (

SD
=
10.4

, range: 20-83) and male : female ratio of 1.6 : 1. Most participants (86.4%) were literate and reported using insulin for a mean of 7.1 years (

SD
=
5.3

, range: 1-23). Over 95% of pilgrims brought their insulin with them from their country of origin, where they also received most of their insulin storage information, mainly from physicians (77.8%) and pharmacists (59.6%). Pilgrims’ knowledge regarding insulin storage was just above average (

mean

knowledge

score
=
0.51

;

SD
=
0.23

). Pilgrims who were literate and previously received education on insulin storage, those with a higher level of education, and those with a longer duration of insulin therapy, had significantly higher knowledge scores. Pilgrims’ storage and handling of their insulin during Hajj also varied depending on the stages of their pilgrimage journey. Conclusion. Inadequate knowledge and inappropriate practices regarding insulin handling and storage were identified among diabetic Hajj pilgrims, which could compromise the quality of insulin and lead to health hazards. Improving diabetic pilgrims’ knowledge of diabetes management, including insulin storage, will be beneficial during the pilgrimage and beyond.
Simultaneous Pharmacologic Inhibition of Yes‐Associated Protein 1 and Glutaminase 1 via Inhaled Poly(Lactic‐co‐Glycolic) Acid–Encapsulated Microparticles Improves Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Acharya Abhinav P. , Tang Ying , Bertero Thomas , Tai Yi‐Yin , Harvey Lloyd D. , Woodcock Chen‐Shan C. , Sun Wei , Pineda Ricardo , Mitash Nilay , Königshoff Melanie , Little Steven R. , Chan Stephen Y. 
Published: May 2021

Background
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a deadly disease characterized by vascular stiffness and altered cellular metabolism. Current treatments focus on vasodilation and not other root causes of pathogenesis. Previously, it was demonstrated that glutamine metabolism, as catalyzed by GLS1 (glutaminase 1) activity, is mechanoactivated by matrix stiffening and the transcriptional coactivators YAP1 (yes‐associated protein 1) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ), resulting in pulmonary vascular proliferation and PH. Pharmacologic inhibition of YAP1 (by verteporfin) or glutaminase (by CB‐839) improved PH in vivo. However, systemic delivery of these agents, particularly YAP1 inhibitors, may have adverse chronic effects. Furthermore, simultaneous use of pharmacologic blockers may offer additive or synergistic benefits. Therefore, a strategy that delivers these drugs in combination to local lung tissue, thus avoiding systemic toxicity and driving more robust improvement, was investigated.

Methods and Results
We used poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid polymer‐based microparticles for delivery of verteporfin and CB‐839 simultaneously to the lungs of rats suffering from monocrotaline‐induced PH. Microparticles released these drugs in a sustained fashion and delivered their payload in the lungs for 7 days. When given orotracheally to the rats weekly for 3 weeks, microparticles carrying this drug combination improved hemodynamic (right ventricular systolic pressure and right ventricle/left ventricle+septum mass ratio), histologic (vascular remodeling), and molecular markers (vascular proliferation and stiffening) of PH. Importantly, only the combination of drug delivery, but neither verteporfin nor CB‐839 alone, displayed significant improvement across all indexes of PH.

Conclusions
Simultaneous, lung‐specific, and controlled release of drugs targeting YAP1 and GLS1 improved PH in rats, addressing unmet needs for the treatment of this deadly disease.
Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Shocks During COVID‐19 Outbreak
Authors: Adabag Selçuk , Zimmerman Patrick , Black Adam , Madjid Mohammad , Safavi‐Naeini Payam , Cheng Alan 
Published: May 2021

Background
COVID‐19 was temporally associated with an increase in out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrests, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We sought to determine if patients with implantable defibrillators residing in areas with high COVID‐19 activity experienced an increase in defibrillator shocks during the COVID‐19 outbreak.

Methods and Results

Using the Medtronic (Mounds View, MN) Carelink database from 2019 and 2020, we retrospectively determined the incidence of implantable defibrillator shock episodes among patients residing in New York City, New Orleans, LA, and Boston, MA. A total of 14 665 patients with a Medtronic implantable defibrillator (age, 66±13 years; and 72% men) were included in the analysis. Comparing analysis time periods coinciding with the COVID‐19 outbreak in 2020 with the same periods in 2019, we observed a larger mean rate of defibrillator shock episodes per 1000 patients in New York City (17.8 versus 11.7, respectively), New Orleans (26.4 versus 13.5, respectively), and Boston (30.9 versus 20.6, respectively) during the COVID‐19 surge. Age‐ and sex‐adjusted hurdle model showed that the Poisson distribution rate of defibrillator shocks for patients with ≥1 shock was 3.11 times larger (95% CI, 1.08–8.99;
P
=0.036) in New York City, 3.74 times larger (95% CI, 0.88–15.89;
P
=0.074) in New Orleans, and 1.97 times larger (95% CI, 0.69–5.61;
P
=0.202) in Boston in 2020 versus 2019. However, the binomial odds of any given patient having a shock episode was not different in 2020 versus 2019.

Conclusions
Defibrillator shock episodes increased during the higher COVID‐19 activity in New York City, New Orleans, and Boston. These observations may provide insights into COVID‐19–related increase in cardiac arrests.
New‐Onset Perioperative Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Long‐Term Risk of Adverse Events: An Analysis From the CORONARY Trial
Authors: Conen David , Wang Michael K. , Devereaux P. J. , Whitlock Richard , McIntyre William F. , Healey Jeff S. , Yuan Fei , Yusuf Salim , Lamy Andre 
Published: May 2021

Background
Perioperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is common in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Conflicting evidence exists whether patients with POAF after cardiac surgery have an increased long‐term risk of stroke and other adverse events.

Methods and Results
We prospectively followed for up to 5 years 4624 patients without prior atrial fibrillation who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting in an international study. POAF was defined as atrial fibrillation that occurred during the initial hospitalization for surgery, lasted for ≥5 minutes, and required treatment. Outcomes assessed were a composite of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction or nonfatal stroke, and its individual components. Median age was 67 years, and 778 (16.8%) had an episode of POAF. The incidence of the composite outcome was 6.84 and 4.10 per 100 patient‐years in patients with and without POAF, and the incidence of stroke was 0.75 versus 0.45, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) were 1.36 (95% CI, 1.16–1.59) for the composite outcome; 1.33 (95% CI, 1.10–1.61) for death; 1.58 (95% CI, 1.23–2.02) for myocardial infarction, and 1.27 (95% CI, 0.81–2.00) for stroke. In a landmark analysis excluding events of the initial hospital admission, the aHRs were 1.26 (95% CI, 1.03–1.54) for the composite outcome, 1.28 (95% CI, 1.03–1.59) for death, 1.70 (95% CI, 0.86–3.36) for myocardial infarction, and 1.07 (95% CI, 0.59–1.93) for stroke. At hospital discharge, 10.7% and 1.4% of patients with and without POAF received oral anticoagulation, respectively.

Conclusions
Patients with POAF after cardiac surgery had an increased long‐term risk of adverse outcomes, mainly death and myocardial infarction. The risk of stroke was low and not increased in patients with POAF.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT00463294.
The Decline of Green-Glazed Jars after the Early Abbasid Period
Authors: Harvey Elon 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Green-glazed jars were manufactured in southern Iraq during the Parthian, Sasanian, and early Islamic periods. In the latter period, they were distributed in great numbers in the Near East and in coastal areas along the Indian Ocean from the Horn of Africa to China and Japan. The jars are thought to have been used chiefly for storing “date-syrup.” Around the 4th/10th century their production was significantly reduced and their prevalence greatly declined, a phenomenon that has puzzled archeologists. In this study, I identify these jars with “the green jars” (al-jarr al-akhḍar or ḥantam) mentioned in some classical Islamic texts. According to numerous Ḥadīth, the Prophet prohibited nabīdh (date-wine) in “green jars.” While many Muslim jurists held that the Prophet withdrew this prohibition and that these jars were lawful, many found the use of these jars reprehensible or even forbidden. I suggest that the Ḥadīth in which the Prophet prohibited green jars may have contributed to the decline of green-glazed jars.
Power Lies in the Barrel of a Gun: Diplomacy Without Strategic Military Capability Is Futile
Authors: Leshoele Moorosi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The United States of America invests heavily on their military capability and it is estimated that it spends, alone, approximately 40 per cent of what the whole world spends on military. Four of the other super powers that make up the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UN-SC) also spend a significant percentage of their national budgets on military. Chinweizu has for a long time argued that Africa needs a well-resourced African Standby Force (or the Black Africa League) that will protect the interests of the continent so as to prevent the history of Africans enslavement and colonialism repeating itself. This article seeks to analyse Africa’s investment on its military defense capability vis-à-vis the five permanent members of the UN-SC and North Korea, by critiquing two case studies of two of the continent’s economic giants – South Africa and Egypt. Realist and Sankofa perspectives are used as the prisms through which the article was researched.
In line with Chinweizu’s observation, the article argues that without serious political will and dedication to building Africa’s nuclear weapons capability and ensuring that Africa is economically self-reliant, diplomatic engagements with the rest of the world as (un)equal partners will remain a pipe dream and the looting of Africa’s mineral wealth will continue unabated. It is clear that given the reality of the African Holocust if African countries fail to collectively defend themselves, Africa will continue to be a political football for the rest of the world.
Fiction vs. Evidence: A Critical Review of Ataa Ayi Kwei Armah’s Wat Nt Shemsw and the Eurasian Rhetorical Ethic
Authors: Kambon Ọbádélé Bakari , Songsore Lwanga 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
At the 2018 Outstanding African Thinkers Conference on Nna Chinweizu, attendees – the first author included – took a pledge that “In all branches of our lives, we must be capable of criticizing and of accepting criticism. But criticism, proof of the willingness of others to help us or of our willingness to help others, must be complemented by self-criticism – proof of our own willingness to help ourselves to improve our thoughts and our actions. This is a sacred principle and it is my sacred duty to apply and defend it at all costs” (Chinweizu 2018). In response to that call to action, this article represents an effort to restore MꜢꜤt ‘Maat.’ Ataa Ayi Kwei Armah’s Wat Nt Shemsw: The Way of Companions epitomizes undeclared fiction masquerading as an accurate reflection of the mythology of classical Kmt ‘Land of Black People.’ By cross-checking Ataa Armah’s undeclared fiction with actual historical, iconographical, and archaeological data, we are able to debunk his numerous misrepresentations. We find that the best way to approach Kmt ‘Land of Black People’ is through direct engagement with actual evidence rather than through the distortions of fiction writers turned Egyptologists. Further, we will address the personality cult, or what we term “Ataa Armah’s Manor Shemsw model,” which embodies the rhetorical ethic whereby all egalitarians are equal, but some egalitarians are more equal than others (Orwell, Baker, and Woodhouse 1996).
An Encounter with God
Authors: Seal David 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Scholars acknowledge that most ancient people experienced the written text of Hebrews by hearing it read out loud. Several studies also recognize the book’s emphasis on divine speech. However, research has not examined how the occurrences of divine speech in Hebrews would have been spoken by the person reading the text once it arrived at its intended destination or how the speech would have been perceived by the communities that heard it recited. The oral cultural context from which Hebrews originated decisively shaped the form and delivery of the written divine speech and must be considered in any analysis. In this study I will address this gap by examining how the divine word from Psalm 95 cited in Hebrews 3:7–11 might have been vocalized in its original context and examine the kinds of rhetorical appeals the author made to the audience.
Revolutionizing Theological Imagination
Authors: Stout Andrew C. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The Reformed tradition helped provide the rationale for Southern slavery and for South African apartheid. If Reformed theology is going to speak to the racial issues of our day, it must come to terms with the tradition of Black theology. Some Reformed evangelical theologians have begun to engage with the insights of Black theologians, but they have done so very selectively. Reformed Evangelicals need to learn from the theological imaginations of such Black theologians as James Cone and Allan Boesak. By doing so, they can undermine the tradition’s racist legacy and unleash its liberative potential.
Persuading the Giant? Explaining Eastern Partnership States’ (Unexpected) Negotiation Success in Relations with the European Union
Authors: Bosse Giselle , Höpner Moritz , Vieira Alena 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In bilateral relations and negotiations with the European Union (EU), smaller and economically weaker states are often unable to express their national preferences. Despite their limited bargaining power, however, some Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries obtained significant concessions from the EU. This article analyzes the factors that explain EaP states’ unexpected negotiation success in the context of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) with Ukraine, the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Armenia, and enhanced economic partnership with Belarus. We identify negotiation strategies that are crucial to understanding of the puzzle.
Negotiating Norwegian Mission Education in Zululand and Natal during World War II
Authors: Rosnes Ellen Vea 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Missionaries from the Lutheran Norwegian Mission Society (NMS) came to South Africa from the 1840s. By 1940, more than 6000 pupils were attending NMS-owned schools in Zululand and Natal. World War II brought about different forms of negotiations between the missionaries and other actors. The War resulted in the missionaries losing contact with their central board in Norway and the provincial authorities of the Union were among those bodies who came to rescue them financially. Local congregations took over more of the mission responsibilities and the nature and forms of cooperation with other Lutheran missions changed. Added to these changes was the growing aspiration among Zulu pastors for more independence that also manifested itself in the management of schools. This paper presents an analysis of the ways in which the Norwegian missionaries negotiated their educational work in Zululand and Natal during the World War II period.