bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on electrical conductivity and microwave absorption properties of CNTs/CB/PMMA nanocomposites foam
Authors: Mao Huajie , Zhong Xuliang , Liu Xiaorui , Guo Wei , Zhou Danfeng , Yuan Huan , Luo Guoqiang , Ruan Wei
Published: November 2021

In order to study the conductive and microwave absorption performance of multi-dimensional multiphase filler conductive foam composites, carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/carbon black (CB)/polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) nanocomposites with different porosity were fabricated via supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2) one-step physical constraint foaming technology. The effects of filler component and porosity on the conductivity and absorbing properties of CNTs/PMMA/CB composite foam were studied. The Monte-Carlo method was used to study the percolation of composites and the effect of introduced microcells on the conductive network of multi-dimensional fillers. The results revealed that the volume conductivity of CNTs(3 vol%)/PMMA composites increased from 0.88 S m−1 to 3.31 S m−1 after the addition of 1 vol% CB. CNTs and CB had obvious synergistic effect on improving the conductivity of the composites, and the microwave absorption efficiency rose from 12.6 dB to 17.2 dB. With the increase of porosity, the electromagnetic wave absorption peak of CNTs/CB/PMMA composite foam moved to low frequency, while the conductivity showed a first rise and then a decline. The simulated percolation probability obtained by representative volume element (RVE) with different porosity also showed a similar trend, which turned out that with the increase of porosity, the effect of microcells on the convertion of conductive network construction from promoting to inhibiting.
Facile thermal synthesis of g–C3N4/ZnO nanocomposite with antibacterial properties for photodegradation of Methylene blue
Authors: Hakimi-Tehrani Mohammad Javad , Hassanzadeh-Tabrizi S A , Koupaei Narjes , Saffar-Teluri Ali , Rafiei Mahdi
Published: November 2021

Semiconductors as photocatalysts are ideal materials for wastewater remediation. A nanocomposite of g–C3N4 and ZnO was produced using a two-step in situ synthesis technique to achieve a better photocatalyst. The samples were assessed via UV–vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared analysis, and x-ray diffraction. The photodegradation of methylene blue as an organic dye model was assessed to assess the photocatalytic characteristics of the fabricated samples. The antibacterial characteristics of synthesized samples were also investigated. The findings revealed that the photodegradation efficiency of the binary g–C3N4/ZnO systems was better than that of pure g–C3N4. Under irradiation, the photodegradation yield of g–C3N4/ZnO with a 15 wt.% of ZnO was up to 3.5 times better than that of pristine g–C3N4. The feature of enhanced separation of photoinduced holes and electrons resulting from heterojunction creation among g–C3N4 and ZnO surfaces might be attributed to this photocatalytic activity enhancement. The synthesized binary nanocomposites showed suitable antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria.
Predicting CBR value of stabilized pond ash with lime and lime sludge using multivariate adaptive regression splines
Authors: Xing-xing Shen , Wei-wei Cao , Kai Li
Published: November 2021

In this study, multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) model with order two and three were developed for predicting the California bearing capacity (CBR) value of pond ash stabilized with lime and lime sludge. To this aim, the model had five variables named maximum dry density, optimum moisture content, lime percentage, lime sludge percentage, and curing period as inputs, and CBR as output variable. MARS-O3 has the best results, which its R2 stood at 0.9565 and 0.9312, and PI 0.0709 and 0.1061 for the training and testing phases, respectively. In both developed models, the estimated CBR values in training and testing stages specify acceptable agreement with experimental results, representing the workability of proposed equations for predicting the CBR values with high accuracy. Comparison of two developed equations supplied that MARS-O3 has a better result than MARS-O2. Based on error curves, the MARS-O3 model results in the lowest error percentage in the CBR predicting process, providing roughly accurate prediction than those of the rest developed methods specified. Therefore, MARS-O3 could be recognized as the proposed model.
Miniaturizing neural networks for charge state autotuning in quantum dots
Authors: Czischek Stefanie , Yon Victor , Genest Marc-Antoine , Roux Marc-Antoine , Rochette Sophie , Camirand Lemyre Julien , Moras Mathieu , Pioro-Ladrière Michel , Drouin Dominique , Beilliard Yann , Melko Roger G
Published: November 2021

A key challenge in scaling quantum computers is the calibration and control of multiple qubits. In solid-state quantum dots (QDs), the gate voltages required to stabilize quantized charges are unique for each individual qubit, resulting in a high-dimensional control parameter space that must be tuned automatically. Machine learning techniques are capable of processing high-dimensional data—provided that an appropriate training set is available—and have been successfully used for autotuning in the past. In this paper, we develop extremely small feed-forward neural networks that can be used to detect charge-state transitions in QD stability diagrams. We demonstrate that these neural networks can be trained on synthetic data produced by computer simulations, and robustly transferred to the task of tuning an experimental device into a desired charge state. The neural networks required for this task are sufficiently small as to enable an implementation in existing memristor crossbar arrays in the near future. This opens up the possibility of miniaturizing powerful control elements on low-power hardware, a significant step towards on-chip autotuning in future QD computers.
Predicting Injury Risk Over Changes in Physical Activity in Children Using the Acute:Chronic Workload Ratio
Authors: Wang Chinchin , Stokes Tyrel , Vargas Jorge Trejo , Steele Russell , Wedderkopp Niels , Shrier Ian
Published: November 2021

Limited research exists on the relationship between changes in physical activity levels and injury in children. In this study, we investigated the prognostic relationship between changes in activity, measured by the acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR), and injury in children. We used data from the Childhood Health, Activity, and Motor Performance School Study Denmark (2008–2014), a prospective cohort study of 1,660 children aged 6–17 years. We modeled the relationship between the uncoupled 5-week ACWR and injury, defined as patient-reported musculoskeletal pain, using generalized additive mixed models. These methods accounted for repeated measures, and they improved model fit and precision compared with previous studies that used logistic models. The prognostic model predicted an injury risk of approximately 3% between decreases in activity level of up to 60% and increases of up to 30%. Predicted risk was lower when activity decreased by more than 60% (minimum of 0.5% with no recreational activity). Predicted risk was higher when activity increased by more than 30% (4.5% with a 3-fold increase in activity). Girls were at significantly higher risk of injury than boys. We observed similar patterns but lower absolute risks when we restricted the outcome to clinician-diagnosed injury. Predicted increases in injury risk with increasing activity were much lower than those of previous studies carried out in adults.
Heterogeneous coefficients, control variables and identification of multiple treatment effects
Authors: Newey W K , Stouli S
Published: November 2021

Multi-dimensional heterogeneity and endogeneity are important features of models with multiple treatments. We consider a heterogeneous coefficients model where the outcome is a linear combination of dummy treatment variables, with each variable representing a different kind of treatment. We use control variables to give necessary and sufficient conditions for identification of average treatment effects. With mutually exclusive treatments we find that, provided the heterogeneous coefficients are mean independent from treatments given the controls, a simple identification condition is that the generalized propensity scores (Imbens, 2000) be bounded away from zero and that their sum be bounded away from one, with probability one. Our analysis extends to distributional and quantile treatment effects, as well as corresponding treatment effects on the treated. These results generalize the classical identification result of Rosenbaum & Rubin (1983) for binary treatments.
Insular dichotomy in the implicit detection of emotions in human faces
Authors: Frot Maud , Mauguière François , Garcia-Larrea Luis
Published: November 2021

The functional roles of the insula diverge between its posterior portion (PI), mainly connected with somato-sensory and motor areas, and its anterior section (AI) connected with the frontal, limbic, and cingulate regions. We report intracranial recordings of local field evoked potentials from PI, AI, and the visual fusiform gyrus to a full array of emotional faces including pain while the individuals’ attention was diverted from emotions. The fusiform gyrus and PI responded equally to all types of faces, including neutrals. Conversely, the AI responded only to emotional faces, maximally to pain and fear, while remaining insensitive to neutrals. The two insular sectors reacted with almost identical latency suggesting their parallel initial activation via distinct functional routes. The consistent responses to all emotions, together with the absence of response to neutral faces, suggest that early responses in the AI reflect the immediate arousal value and behavioral relevance of emotional stimuli, which may be subserved by “fast track” routes conveying coarse-spatial-frequency information via the superior colliculus and dorsal pulvinar. Such responses precede the conscious detection of the stimulus’ precise signification and valence, which need network interaction and information exchange with other brain areas, for which the AI is an essentialhub.
Does mechanical dyssynchrony in addition to QRS area ensure sustained response to cardiac resynchronization therapy?
Authors: Wouters Philippe C , van Everdingen Wouter M , Vernooy Kevin , Geelhoed Bastiaan , Allaart Cornelis P , Rienstra Michiel , Maass Alexander H , Vos Marc A , Prinzen Frits W , Meine Mathias , Cramer Maarten J
Published: November 2021

Aims

Judicious patient selection for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) may further enhance treatment response. Progress has been made by using improved markers of electrical dyssynchrony and mechanical discoordination, using QRSAREA, and systolic rebound stretch of the septum (SRSsept) or systolic stretch index (SSI), respectively. To date, the relation between these measurements has not yet been investigated.

Methods and results

A total of 240 CRT patients were prospectively enrolled from six centres. Patients underwent standard 12-lead electrocardiography, and echocardiography, at baseline, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up. QRSAREA was derived using vectorcardiography, and SRSsept and SSI were measured using strain-analysis. Reverse remodelling was measured as the relative decrease in left ventricular end-systolic volume, indexed to body surface area (ΔLVESVi). Sustained response was defined as ≥15% decrease in LVESVi, at both 6- and 12-month follow-up. QRSAREA and SRSsept were both strong, multivariable adjusted, variables associated with reverse remodelling. SRSsept was associated with response, but only in patients with QRSAREA ≥ 120 μVs (AUC = 0.727 vs. 0.443). Combined presence of SRSsept ≥ 2.5% and QRSAREA ≥ 120 μVs significantly increased reverse remodelling compared with high QRSAREA alone (ΔLVESVi 38 ± 21% vs. 22 ± 21%). As a result, 92% of left bundle branch block (LBBB)-patients with combined electrical and mechanical dysfunction were ‘sustained’ volumetric responders, as opposed to 51% with high QRSAREA alone.

Conclusion

Parameters of mechanical dyssynchrony are better associated with response in the presence of a clear underlying electrical substrate. Combined presence of high SRSsept and QRSAREA, but not high QRSAREA alone, ensures a sustained response after CRT in LBBB patients.
Myocarditis and pericarditis in adolescents after first and second doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines
Authors: Foltran Déborah , Delmas Clément , Flumian Clara , De Paoli Pierre , Salvo Francesco , Gautier Sophie , Drici Milou-Daniel , Karsenty Clément , Montastruc François
Published: November 2021

Aims

While some concerns about vaccination-related pericarditis and/or myocarditis have been raised, no published data are available on pericarditis and/or myocarditis with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in the age group of adolescents, particularly 12–15 years. The objective of this study was to determine whether the risk of reporting pericarditis and/or myocarditis with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines varied according to dose of vaccination, age, sex, and type of pericarditis and/or myocarditis in adolescents between 12 and 17 years.

Methods and results

We performed an observational study reviewing all reports of adolescents vaccinated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and recorded in VigiBase®, the World Health Organization global database of individual case safety reports. We included all reports registered between 1 January 2021 and 14 September 2021. Reporting odds ratios (RORs) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to estimate the risk of reporting pericarditis and/or myocarditis. Among 4942 reports with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in adolescents, we identified 242 pericarditis and/or myocarditis. Compared with the first dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, the second dose was associated with an increased risk of reporting pericarditis and/or myocarditis (ROR 4.95; 95% CI 3.14, 7.89). The risk of reporting pericarditis and/or myocarditis was 10 times higher in boys than in girls and no difference between the two types of vaccines could be demonstrated.

Conclusion

This investigation including only adolescent data suggests for the first time that the second dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines increases the risk of reporting myocarditis/pericarditis compared with the first dose particularly in boys without significant difference between tozinameran and elasomeran.
One Cell, Two Gears: Extensive Somatic Genome Plasticity Accompanies High Germline Genome Stability in Paramecium
Authors: Catania Francesco , Rothering Rebecca , Vitali Valerio
Published: November 2021

Mutation accumulation (MA) experiments are conventionally employed to study spontaneous germline mutations. However, MA experiments can also shed light on somatic genome plasticity in a habitual and genetic drift-maximizing environment. Here, we revisit an MA experiment that uncovered extraordinary germline genome stability in Paramecium tetraurelia, a single-celled eukaryote with nuclear dimorphism. Our re-examination of isogenic P. tetraurelia MA lines propagated in nutrient-rich medium for >40 sexual cycles reveals that their polyploid somatic genome accrued hundreds of intervening DNA segments (IESs), which are normally eliminated during germline-soma differentiation. These IESs frequently occupy a fraction of the somatic DNA copies of a given locus, producing IES excision/retention polymorphisms, and preferentially fall into a class of epigenetically controlled sequences. Relative to control lines, retained IESs are flanked by stronger cis-acting signals and interrupt an excess of highly expressed coding exons. These findings suggest that P. tetraurelia’s elevated germline DNA replication fidelity is associated with pervasive somatic genome plasticity. They show that MA regimes are powerful tools for investigating the role that developmental plasticity, somatic mutations, and epimutations have in ecology and evolution.
Pathobiology, Diagnosis, and Current Biomarkers in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Fiala Clare , Rotstein Dalia , Pasic Maria D
Published: November 2021

Background

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS), particularly the optic nerves and spinal cord. Although it displays some clinical features similar to multiple sclerosis (MS), the etiology and treatment are distinct, and therefore accurate diagnosis is essential. Autoantibodies targeting the water channel protein aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and the myelin sheath protein myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein are the major antigen-specific serological biomarkers known to date, with destruction of astrocytes as the primary mode of CNS damage in AQP4-positive disease.

Content

This mini-review summarizes the pathobiology, clinical features, and current methods of serological testing used to assess NMOSD and differentiate this disorder from MS. A brief summary of emerging therapies is also presented.

NMOSD can be distinguished from MS through a combination of clinical findings, imaging investigations, and serological analysis. Seronegative cases are particularly difficult to diagnose and can pose a challenge to clinicians. As knowledge deepens, new therapies and biomarkers are expected to improve treatment of this rare debilitating disease.
A Second Bite at the Cherry
Authors: Nuridzhanian Gaiane
Published: November 2021

The principle of ne bis in idem, or the rule against double jeopardy, guarantees that a person is not tried twice in respect of the same matter. In exceptional circumstances ne bis in idem permits revisiting a final conviction or acquittal to correct a flawed verdict. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC, the Court) permits revision of a final conviction delivered by the ICC while a final acquittal of the Court is accorded absolute finality. This article proposes amending the ICC Statute to introduce revision of so-called tainted acquittals, meaning acquittals that have been obtained through offences against administration of justice. Revision of tainted acquittals would allow the ICC to hold responsible perpetrators of crimes within its jurisdiction who might have otherwise benefited from unlawful interference with the proceedings before the Court. It may also discourage interference with the ICC’s administration of justice and strengthen the ne bis in idem guarantee in Article 20(1) of the ICC Statute.
A rare isolated cutaneous metastatic mass after colon cancer resection
Authors: Fong Suysen Hung , Narasimha Neethi , Thakkar Rishabh , Misra Subhasis , Thakkar Darshan
Published: November 2021

Metastatic cutaneous lesions from colorectal in origin are extremely rare, and especially without any visceral metastasis. Due to its poor response to chemotherapy, it is a poor prognostic indicator with a 1–6 month(s) death rate. Routine screening colonoscopy should be highly encouraged. This case is about a patient with obstructing, bleeding right colon mass and metastatic cutaneous soft tissue mass postcolonic mass resection. The biology and the mechanism of these metastatic lesions are not well understood, and they can be mistaken with any other primary soft tissue malignancy.
Safety and efficacy of dapagliflozin in patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: a prespecified analysis of the dapagliflozin and prevention of adverse outcomes in chronic kidney disease (DAPA-CKD) trial
Authors: Wheeler David C , Jongs Niels , Stefansson Bergur V , Chertow Glenn M , Greene Tom , Hou Fan Fan , Langkilde Anna Maria , McMurray John J V , Rossing Peter , Nowicki Michal , Wittmann István , Correa-Rotter Ricardo , Sjöström C David , Toto Robert D , Heerspink Hiddo J L ,   DAPA-CKD Trial Committees and Investigators
Published: November 2021

Background

Despite renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system blockade and immunosuppressive treatment, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) often progresses to kidney failure. The objective of this prespecified analysis of the dapagliflozin and prevention of adverse outcomes in chronic kidney disease trial (DAPA-CKD) was to assess efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in a small subgroup of participants with FSGS confirmed by kidney biopsy.

Methods

In DAPA-CKD, patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 25–75 mL/min/1.73 m2 and urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (UACR) 200–5000 mg/g (22.6–565 mg/mol) were randomized to dapagliflozin 10 mg once daily or placebo as an adjunct to standard care and followed for median 2.4 years. The primary composite endpoint was sustained eGFR decline ≥50%, end-stage kidney disease, or kidney or cardiovascular death. The endpoint of interest for this analysis was eGFR slope (acute effects from baseline to Week 2 and chronic effects from Week 2 to end of treatment).

Results

Of 104 participants with biopsy-confirmed FSGS, 45 were randomized to dapagliflozin and 59 to placebo. Mean (standard deviation) age was 54.0 (14.3) years, mean eGFR 41.9 (11.5) mL/min/1.73 m2 and median (interquartile range) UACR 1248 (749–2211) mg/g. The primary outcome occurred in 4 (8.9%) and 7 (11.9%) participants randomized to dapagliflozin and placebo, respectively [hazard ratio 0.62, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.17, 2.17]. Dapagliflozin led to a larger acute reduction (standard error) in eGFR compared with placebo (−4.5, 95% CI −5.9 to −3.1 versus −0.9, −2.1 to 0.4 mL/min/1.73 m2/2 weeks). Thereafter, mean rates of chronic eGFR decline with dapagliflozin and placebo were −1.9 (−3.0, −0.9) and −4.0 (−4.9, −3.0) mL/min/1.73 m2/year, respectively (difference 2.0, 95% CI 0.6 to 3.5, mL/min/1.73 m2/year). Adverse events leading to study drug discontinuation were similar in both groups; there were fewer serious adverse events with dapagliflozin.

Conclusions

Among DAPA-CKD participants with FSGS, dapagliflozin reduced the rate of chronic decline of eGFR compared with placebo, although this difference was not statistically significant.
Three-dimensional distribution of larval fish habitats at the entrance of the Gulf of California in the tropical-subtropical convergence region off Mexico (April 2012)
Authors: Gutiérrez-Bravo Juan G , Tenorio-Fernandez Leonardo , Jiménez-Rosenberg Sylvia P A , Sánchez-Velasco Laura
Published: November 2021

Larval fish habitats and their representative species were analyzed in relation to water mass distribution and mesoscale processes at the entrance of the Gulf of California during April 2012. Results show that the oxygenated Gulf of California Water (GCW) spread south near Cabo Corrientes, above the hypoxic (>44 μmol kg-1) Subtropical Subsurface Water (StSsW), causing strong stratification. Two mesoscale eddies south of Cabo San Lucas entrapped surface oxygenated Transitional Water and sunk hypoxic waters to ~100 m depth. These conditions defined two larval fish habitats that extended horizontally over most of the study area and were vertically separated by the eddy-modulated oxycline depth: a surface habitat associated with the southwards expansion of GCW and the influence of the eddies, represented by Vinciguerria lucetia; and a hypoxic habitat, represented by the highest abundances of Diogenichthys laternatus. Results are in contrast with previous studies that recorded these mesopelagic species throughout the water column. A third larval fish habitat was associated with the upwelling area off Cabo Corrientes, represented by Bregmaceros bathymaster. This species shows high tolerance to wide gradients of dissolved oxygen. Our records indicate that a highly stratified water column could favor the expansion of hypoxic StSsW and associated marine biota.
Effects of Bisphenols A, AF, and S on Endochondral Ossification and the Transcriptome of Murine Limb Buds
Authors: Iskandarani Lama , McHattie Tessa , Robaire Bernard , Hales Barbara F
Published: November 2021

Bisphenols are a family of chemicals commonly used to produce polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) is associated with a variety of adverse effects; thus, many alternatives to BPA, such as bisphenol AF (BPAF) and bisphenol S (BPS), are now emerging in consumer products. We have determined the effects of 3 bisphenols on endochondral ossification and the transcriptome in a murine limb bud culture system. Embryonic forelimbs were cultured in the presence of vehicle, BPA, BPAF, or BPS. BPA (≥10 μM), BPAF (≥1 μM), and BPS (≥50 μM) reduced the differentiation of hypertrophic chondrocytes and osteoblasts. Chondrogenesis was suppressed by exposure to ≥50 μM BPA, ≥5 μM BPAF, or 100 μM BPS and osteogenesis was almost completely arrested at 100 μM BPA or 10 μM BPAF. RNA sequencing analyses revealed that the total number of differentially expressed genes increased with time and the concentration tested. BPA exposure differentially regulated 635 genes, BPAF affected 554 genes, whereas BPS affected 95 genes. Although the genes that were differentially expressed overlapped extensively, each bisphenol also induced chemical-specific alterations in gene expression. BPA- and BPAF-treated limbs exhibited a downregulation of Rho-specific guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (RhoGDI) signaling genes. Exposure to BPA and BPS resulted in the upregulation of key genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, whereas exposure to BPAF induced an upregulation of genes involved in bone formation and in the p53 signaling pathway. These data suggest that BPAF may be more detrimental to endochondral ossification than BPA, whereas BPS is of comparable toxicity to BPA.
Cochlear Implant Compression Optimization for Musical Sound Quality in MED-EL Users
Authors: Gilbert Melanie L. , Deroche Mickael L. D. , Jiradejvong Patpong , Chan Barrett Karen , Limb Charles J.
Published: November 2021

Objectives:

Variations in loudness are a fundamental component of the music listening experience. Cochlear implant (CI) processing, including amplitude compression, and a degraded auditory system may further degrade these loudness cues and decrease the enjoyment of music listening. This study aimed to identify optimal CI sound processor compression settings to improve music sound quality for CI users.

Design:

Fourteen adult MED-EL CI recipients participated (Experiment No. 1: n = 17 ears; Experiment No. 2: n = 11 ears) in the study. A software application using a modified comparison category rating (CCR) test method allowed participants to compare and rate the sound quality of various CI compression settings while listening to 25 real-world music clips. The two compression settings studied were (1) Maplaw, which informs audibility and compression of soft level sounds, and (2) automatic gain control (AGC), which applies compression to loud sounds. For each experiment, one compression setting (Maplaw or AGC) was held at the default, while the other was varied according to the values available in the clinical CI programming software. Experiment No. 1 compared Maplaw settings of 500, 1000 (default), and 2000. Experiment No. 2 compared AGC settings of 2.5:1, 3:1 (default), and 3.5:1.

Results:

In Experiment No. 1, the group preferred a higher Maplaw setting of 2000 over the default Maplaw setting of 1000 (p = 0.003) for music listening. There was no significant difference in music sound quality between the Maplaw setting of 500 and the default setting (p = 0.278). In Experiment No. 2, a main effect of AGC setting was found; however, no significant difference in sound quality ratings for pairwise comparisons were found between the experimental settings and the default setting (2.5:1 versus 3:1 at p = 0.546; 3.5:1 versus 3:1 at p = 0.059).

Conclusions:

CI users reported improvements in music sound quality with higher than default Maplaw or AGC settings. Thus, participants preferred slightly higher compression for music listening, with results having clinical implications for improving music perception in CI users.
Comparing and Contrasting the Clinical Utility of Sagittal Spine Alignment Classification Frameworks
Authors: Passias Peter G. , Bortz Cole , Pierce Katherine E. , Passfall Lara , Kummer Nicholas A. , Krol Oscar , Lafage Renaud , Diebo Bassel G. , Lafage Virginie , Ames Christopher P. , Burton Douglas C. , Gupta Munish C. , Sciubba Daniel M. , Schoenfeld Andrew J. , Bess Shay , Hostin Richard , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Line Breton G. , Klineberg Eric O. , Smith Justin S. , Schwab Frank J.
Published: November 2021

Study Design.

Retrospective cohort study of a prospectively collected database.

Objective.

To compare clinical utility of two common classification systems for adult spinal deformity (ASD) and determine whether both should be considered in surgical planning to improve patient outcomes.

Summary of Background Data.

Surgical restoration of appropriate Roussouly classification shape or SRS-Schwab ASD classification may improve outcomes.

Methods.

ASD patients with pre- and 2-year postop (2Y) radiographic/health-related quality of life (HRQL) data were grouped by “theoretical” and “current” Roussouly type. Univariate analyses assessed outcomes of patients who mismatched Roussouly types at both pre- and 2Y intervals (Mismatched) and those of preoperative mismatched patients who matched at 2-years (Matched). Subanalysis assessed outcomes of patients who improved in Schwab modifiers, and patients who both improved in both Schwab modifiers and matched Roussouly type by 2Y.

Results.

Included: 515 ASD patients (59 ± 14 yrs, 80% F). Preoperative breakdown of “current” Roussouly types: Type 1 (10%), 2 (54%), 3 (24%), and 4 (12%). Matched and Mismatched groups did not differ in rates of reaching MCID for any HRQL metrics by 2Y (all P > 0.10). Reoperation, PJK, and complications did not differ between Matched and Mismatched (all P > 0.10), but Roussouly Matched patients had toward lower rates of instrumentation failure (17.2% vs. 24.8%, P = 0.038). By 2Y, 28% of patients improved in PT Schwab modifier, 37% in SVA, and 46% in PI-LL. Patients who both Matched Roussouly at 2Y and improved in all Schwab modifiers met MCID for Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) activity at higher rates than patients who did not.

Conclusion.

Isolated restoration per the Roussouly system was not associated with superior outcomes. Patients who both matched Roussouly type and improved in Schwab modifiers had superior patient-reported outcomes at 2-years. Concurrent consideration of both systems may offer utility in establishing optimal realignment goals.

Level of Evidence: 3
Lower Eyelid Ectropion Secondary to Over-the-Counter Treatment of Xanthelasma
Authors: Salloum George , Crawford Jessica J. , Dryden Stephen , Meador Andrew G. , Wesley Ralph E. , Klippenstein Kimberly
Published: November 2021

Xanthelasmas are localized accumulations of lipids, mainly cholesterol, that can occur in the epidermis, dermis, and muscle of the eyelids. They are the most common cutaneous presentation of xanthoma and occur most commonly on the upper eyelid near the inner canthus. Despite their benign presence, xanthelasmas can be cosmetically concerning. With this in mind, several treatment modalities have been described to eliminate the appearance. We report the first case to describe a cicatricial ectropion from the topical treatment, “Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Mandelic acid, Salicylic acid, Resorcinol, Jessners peel” (XanthelR, 483 Green Lanes, London, N13 4BS).
A Qualitative Examination of the Parent–Teacher Relationship and Early Childhood Expulsion
Authors: Zulauf-McCurdy Courtney A. , Zinsser Katherine M.
Published: November 2021

Children in the United States are being expelled from their early care and education settings at alarming rates. A growing body of research indicates that teachers' perceptions of parents may impact their decision to request a child's removal from their classroom. Nevertheless, few studies have simultaneously captured the voices of both parents and teachers when describing the process of expulsion and how the parent–teacher relationship can protect a child from being expelled. To identify and describe protective qualities of the parent–teacher relationship, we conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 8 parents and 8 early childhood teachers currently working with a child who was previously expelled. The parents and teachers interviewed consistently attributed the successful retention of the child in their current program following the expulsion to the transparent and open communication between home and school. Our findings indicate that one particularly important area for intervention is promoting high-quality parent–teacher relationships for all children, with special attention to how these relationships may differ for children who have previously been expelled.
Coronavirus disease 2019 in immunocompromised patients: a comprehensive review of coronavirus disease 2019 in hematopoietic stem cell recipients
Authors: Lafarge Antoine , Mabrouki Asma , Yvin Elise , Bredin Swann , Binois Yannick , Clere-Jehl Raphael , Azoulay Elie
Published: November 2021

Purpose of review

Immunocompromised patients are notably vulnerable to severe coronavirus disease 2019. This review summarizes COVID-19 features and outcomes in autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients.

Recent findings

Recent findings suggest that HSCT recipients exhibit a high burden of comorbidities and COVID-19 clinical features almost similar to the general COVID population. Furthermore, HSCT recipients exhibit a protracted SARS-CoV-2 shedding, prolonging duration of symptoms and promoting the generation of highly mutated viruses. Last, most of studies report a higher COVID-19 mortality in HSCT recipients, mainly driven by age, comorbidities, time from transplantation, and immunosuppression because of both treatments and underlying hematological malignancy.

Further studies are warranted to determine the proper impact of HSCT-related immune disorders on COVID-19 outcomes, and to evaluate specific treatments and vaccination strategy in this high-risk population. Taken together, those findings emphasize the need for more rigorous surveillance and preemptive measures for all HSCT recipients.
Resting-state fMRI in temporal lobe epilepsy patients with cognitive impairment
Authors: Sun Yi-ming , Peng Yu-xuan , Wen Quan , Dai Yu , Liu Xin-ru , Yang Xue-ping , Ye Qing
Published: November 2021

Background:

Temporal lobe epilepsy is a group of neurological diseases caused by the repeated abnormal discharge of brain neurons. Patients with this disease are often accompanied with cognitive impairment. However, the pathogenesis of the cognitive impairment remains unclear. Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging is a kind of magnetic resonance imaging method based on blood oxygen level dependence. This can reflect the spontaneous brain functional activity of a human brain in the resting state. In recent years, a number of researchers have used resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging to study the changes in resting spontaneous brain function in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy with cognitive impairment (TLE-CI). However, due to the differences in sample and methodology, the results of these studies were inconsistent. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the characteristics of the resting spontaneous brain function in patients with TLE-CI through a meta-analysis.

Methods:

A search was conducted on electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WANGFANG DATA and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Baidu scholar Database, from the establishment of the database to April 20, 2021. Randomized controlled trials that employed amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations/regional homogeneity to investigate the changes in resting spontaneous brain function in patients with TLE-CI were selected. Anisotropic effect size version of signed differential mapping was applied to perform the data analysis.

Results:

The study summarized the changes in spontaneous brain function in patients with TLE-CI.

Conclusion:

The conclusion for the functional cerebral alterations based on the latest studies will be provided.
Early unexpected failure of a vitamin E-infused highly cross-linked polyethylene liner
Authors: Kim Kyeong Baek , Lee Sang-Min , Moon Nam Hoon , Do Min Uk , Shin Won Chul
Published: November 2021

Rationale:

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) with a polyethylene (PE) liner is 1 of the most effective and successful treatment strategies for end-stage hip disorders. Vitamin E-infused highly cross-linked polyethylene is theoretically known to prevent failure due to oxidative degradation in the body, and is resistant to wear; therefore, successful long-term survival of THA is expected.

Patient concerns:

In June 2019, approximately 1.5 years after THA, the patient sat down and stood up without any specific issue; however, an unusual bullet sound occurred around the left hip joint. Since then, his discomfort persisted, and he was admitted to the emergency department.

Diagnosis:

Plain radiography and metal artifact reduction computed tomography performed in the emergency department revealed eccentric elevation of the prosthetic femoral head and suspected PE liner failure.

Intervention:

Revision surgery was performed for modular component exchange. To reduce the dislocation risk without performing cup exchange, conversion to dual-mobility articulation was performed.

Outcomes:

During the regular follow-up post-surgery, the patient could perform daily life activities without any discomfort, and dislocation was not observed. At 2 years postoperatively, no significant changes were observed in the radiographic images.

Lessons:

This case report presents an unexpected failure of THA due to superior rim fracture and excessive wear at the locking mechanism of the vitamin E-infused highly cross-linked polyethylene liner. This is an interesting case, as early PE liner failure occurred without strong labor intensity or trauma. A modular component exchange was performed with a dual-mobility bearing, and no issues were observed approximately 2 years after the reoperation. Therefore, third-generation highly cross-linked polyethylene liners can also cause early failure without a clear cause, and this case report highlights the necessity of considering several strategies for reoperation.

Study Design:

Case report.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Cortés Olga L. , Piñeros Hillary , Aya Pedro Antonio , Sarmiento Jefferson , Arévalo Indira
Published: November 2021

Background:

Intra-hospital falls have become an important public health problem globally. The use of movement sensors with alarms has been studied as elements with predictive capacity for falls at hospital level. However, in spite of their use in some hospitals throughout the world, evidence is lacking about their effectiveness in reducing intra-hospital falls. Therefore, this study aims to develop a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing scientific literature exploring the impact of using sensors for fall prevention in hospitalized adults and the elderly population.

Methods:

We explored literature based on clinical trials in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, assessing the impact of devices used for hospital fall prevention in adult and elderly populations. The search included databases such as IEEE Xplore, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Science Direct databases. The critical appraisal was performed independently by two researchers. Methodological quality was assessed based on the ratings of individual biases. We performed the sum of the results, generating an estimation of the grouped effect (Relative Risk, 95% CI) for the outcome first fall for each patient. We assessed heterogeneity and publication bias. The study followed PRISMA guidelines.

Results:

Results were assessed in three randomized controlled clinical trials, including 29,691 patients. A total of 351 (3%) patients fell among 11,769 patients assigned to the intervention group, compared with 426 (2.4%) patients who fell among 17,922 patients assigned to the control group (general estimation RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04, 1.37, P = .02, I2 = 0%; Moderate GRADE).

Conclusion:

Our results show an increase of 19% in falls among elderly patients who are users of sensors located in their bed, bed-chair, or chair among their hospitalizations. Other types of sensors such as wearable sensors can be explored as coadjutants for fall prevention care in hospitals.
Combined immune score predicts the prognosis of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients in the bortezomib-based therapy era
Authors: Wei Min , Guo Honggang , Liu Siwei , Xu Fangfang , Zhang Yin , Shi Jie , Xu Zhiwei , Chen Yuqing
Published: November 2021

To investigate the effect of a combined immune score including the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and uninvolved immunoglobulin (u-Ig) levels on the prognosis of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients treated with bortezomib.

Clinical data of 201 NDMM patients were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with LMR ≥ 3.6 and LMR < 3.6 were scored 0 and 1, respectively. Patients with preserved u-Ig levels, suppression of 1 u-Ig, and suppression of at least 2 u-Igs were scored 0, 1, and 2, respectively. The immune score, established from these individual scores, was used to separate patients into good (0–1 points), intermediate (2 points), and poor (3 points) risk groups. The baseline data, objective remission rate (ORR), whether receive maintenance treatment regularly and overall survival of patients before treatment were analyzed.

The ORR of the good-risk group was significantly higher than that of the intermediate-risk group (75.6% vs 57.7%, P = .044) and the poor-risk group (75.6% vs 48.2%, P = .007). The multivariate analysis results showed that age ≥ 65 years, International Staging System stage III, platelet count ≤ 100 × 109/L, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) > 250 U/L, serum calcium > 2.75 mmol/L, no receipt of regular maintenance treatment, LMR < 3.6, suppressed u-Igs = 1, suppressed u-Igs ≥ 2, intermediate-risk group and poor-risk group were independent predictors of poor overall survival.

In the bortezomib era, the LMR, u-Ig levels, and the immune score play an important role in the prognosis of NDMM patients. Among them, the immune score showed the strongest prognostic value, and it could be a beneficial supplement for the early identification of high-risk patients.
A fatal familial insomnia patient newly diagnosed as having depression
Authors: Yukang Tan , Jiaquan Liang , Xiaoling Li , Yiliang Liu , Guohong Xu , Caixia Xu , Guojun Xie
Published: November 2021

Introduction:

Fatal familial insomnia (FFI) is a rare clinical case. The study was mainly to report the clinical symptoms and imaging and genetic characteristics of a FFI case with depression, with relevant literature summarized.

Patient concerns:

A male, aged 57 years old, with mental disorders and progressive memory decline one year before admission.

Diagnosis:

Clinical manifestations: he had obvious abnormal mental behavior, rapidly progressing dementia symptoms, stubborn insomnia, abnormal movements and laryngeal stridor after falling asleep at night. Imaging and genetic test results: the cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed frontal temporal lobe atrophy; the polysomnography results showed no effective sleep; the 14-3-3 test result of cerebrospinal fluid was negative; the prion protein (PRNP) test showed that the D178N gene locus had mutations. And the patient was finally diagnosed as FFI.

Interventions:

There were no obvious effects in the treatment using medicines such as Risperidone, Olanzapine, Alprazolam, Clonazepam, and Deanxit.

Outcomes:

Mobility dysfunction of the patient was further aggravated. He was no longer able to move around on his own, and there were serious mental disorders.

Conclusion:

PRNP examination is of guiding significance for the diagnosis of the FFI of depression. Hence, it is very necessary to perform PRNP examination in clinical diagnosis of FFI of depression.
Willing But Not Quite Ready: Nurses' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Research in an Academic Healthcare System
Authors: Nowlin Sarah , Rampertaap Kavita , Lulgjuraj Diana , Goldwire Tiffany , Cohen Bevin , Souffront Kimberly
Published: November 2021

OBJECTIVE

To describe nurses' research knowledge, attitudes, and practices within an academic hospital system.

BACKGROUND

Hospitals are investing in research resources to meet Magnet® goals and advance the science of nursing, but nurses' specific needs for support are not well characterized and may vary by setting.

METHODS

We conducted an anonymous online survey of RNs at an academic hospital system in 2019-2020 using the validated Nurses' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Research Survey.

RESULTS

Respondents (N = 99) indicated high willingness to engage in research-related tasks but low or moderate knowledge of and ability to perform them. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of research increased with level of education, although gaps between willingness to engage versus knowledge and ability persisted even among doctorally prepared nurses.

CONCLUSIONS

Research support for clinical nurses should leverage enthusiasm for research and focus on developing and applying specific practical skills, even among nurses with advanced degrees.
A Pattern-based Pathology Approach to Very Early-onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Thinking Beyond Crohn Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Wilkins Benjamin J. , Kelsen Judith R. , Conrad Maire A.
Published: November 2021

Very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO-IBD), IBD diagnosed in children younger than 6 years old, is phenotypically and genetically distinct from older onset IBD. Monogenic and digenic causative defects, particularly in primary immunodeficiency and intestinal epithelial barrier genes, have been identified in a subset of patients with VEO-IBD allowing for targeted therapies and improved outcomes. However, these findings are the minority, thus strategies to correctly diagnose patients, including identification of specific histopathologic findings with correlating clinical and laboratory features may provide critical and necessary insight into mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and subsequent therapeutic options. In this article, we review the pathologic findings seen in patients with VEO-IBD and outline a pattern-based approach to diagnosis using examples from primary immunodeficiencies with gastrointestinal manifestations.
The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on people with HIV
Authors: del Amo Julia , Diaz Asuncion , Polo Rosa
Published: November 2021

Purpose of review

The COVID-19 pandemic materialized in 2020, the year the international community had expected to meet the interim targets to end AIDS by 2030. Forty years into the HIV pandemic, the COVID-19 pandemic challenges the achievements made in HIV and may even reverse some of them.

Recent findings

This article provides an overview of the impact of COVID-19 on people with, and at risk of, HIV infection. It addresses where the global response to HIV was expected to be by 2020, analyzes the impact of COVID-19 on HIV-related outcomes and reviews the impact of HIV on COVID-19 related outcomes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the response to HIV infection through disruption of prevention, testing, and access to antiretroviral treatment, as well as on the management of long-term HIV and mental health. This negative impact has been unequal throughout the world and across populations and deepens inequities in health. HIV does not increase Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) susceptibility once confounders are taken into account and inconsistencies are reported regarding its direct role on clinical severity. In post-COVID-19 scenarios, new models for HIV testing and care are likely to be consolidated. Monitoring responses needs high-quality epidemiological data and collaborative research.