bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Three Novel Bracket Luting Agents Containing Zirconia Primer on Shear Bond Strength of Metal Orthodontic Brackets Attached to Monolithic Zirconia Crowns: A Preliminary In Vitro Study
Authors: Shamohammadi Heidari Milad , Moradinejad Mehrnaz , Tabatabaei Hamed , Rakhshan Vahid
Published: February 2022

Background. The increased use of zirconia crowns in adult orthodontic patients warrants the establishment of methods and materials to adhere orthodontic brackets properly to zirconia crowns. However, studies in this regard are scarce, and many materials remain untested. This preliminary study aimed to examine three new adhesives containing zirconia primers for the first time. Methods. Sixty identical monolithic zirconia crowns were fabricated and randomly divided into 4 groups of 15 each (Panavia SA Cement Plus, G-CEM, TheraCem, and Transbond XT Composite (control)). After glaze removal with a diamond bur, a metal orthodontic bracket was attached to the surfaces of the crowns using the respective adhesive. Specimens were incubated at 37°C and then thermocycled for 2000 cycles. Shear bond strengths (SBS) of brackets in different groups were estimated using a universal testing machine. Mean SBS values were compared with the values 6, 8, and 10 (as acceptable SBS values) and 13 MPa (as the maximum SBS tolerable by zirconia) using the one-sample t-test. They were also compared with each other using the one-way ANOVA and Tamhane post hoc test (α = 0.05). Results. The ANOVA indicated a significant overall difference; the Tamhane test showed that the difference between the control group and all test groups was significant (

P

 < 0.0005); however, the 3 test groups were not significantly different from each other (

P

 > 0.30). The SBS of the control group was significantly lower than the minimum acceptable SBS (6 MPa,

P

 < 0.0005). The mean SBS of the TheraCem was not significantly different from 10 MPa (

P

 = 0.902), while the mean SBS values of Panavia SA Cement Plus and G-CEM were significantly greater than 10 MPa (

P

 < 0.05). None of the three zirconia adhesives had mean SBS values higher than 13 MPa. Conclusion. All novel zirconia adhesives (Panavia SA Cement Plus, G-CEM, and TheraCem) generated SBS values adequate to attach metal orthodontic brackets to zirconia prostheses (at or greater than 10 MPa) without damaging the zirconia during bracket removal (not above 13 MPa).
Effect of PEEK Particles on Physiomechanical Behavior of Carbon/Epoxy Composite
Authors: Rehman Muhammad Muslim , Shaker Khubab , Nawab Yasir
Published: February 2022

The inherently brittle nature and the susceptibility to impact damage hinder the use of carbon/epoxy composite in some areas. In this study, poly ether ether ketone (PEEK) microparticles were incorporated to increase the resistance to delamination and interlaminar fracture toughness. A hand lay-up technique followed by compression molding was used to fabricate composite. The influence of PEEK particles was evaluated by tensile, flexural, short beam shear (SBS), compression, and Charpy impact test. The Barcol hardness, density, fiber volume fraction, and void content were also determined. According to the result, a maximum improvement in the tensile and flexural strength was observed for 2% incorporation of PEEK particles. However, there is downturn found in the flexural modulus. Moreover, a notable increment in the matrix-dominated properties (short beam shear, compression, and Charpy impact strength) was found with the addition of the PEEK particles.
Analysis and Evaluation of Key Elements of Optimal Regulation of Green Supply Chain from the Perspective of Low Carbon
Authors: Dai Zhenhua , Ye Chunming
Published: February 2022

Economic globalization competition leads to rapid replacement of green products, large demand fluctuations, and prominent problems in green supply chain management. Based on the traditional supply chain performance evaluation theory, this paper introduces the low-carbon perspective, adopts the comprehensive optimization method to screen the indicators, and constructs the evaluation index system of the key elements of green supply chain optimization from the five dimensions of financial value, supply chain internal process, customer service level, innovation and learning, and low-carbon development. Then, the expert ranking method and the subjective and objective method of coefficient of variation are used to simulate the weight of indicators.
Application of Nonsurgical Modalities in Improving Facial Aging
Authors: Li Kelun , Meng Fanyu , Li Yu Ru , Tian Yueyi , Chen Hao , Jia Qi , Cai HongXin , Jiang Heng Bo
Published: February 2022

Objective. This review aims to summarize different kinds of applications of minimally invasive surgery in improving facial aging to provide a comprehensive and accurate introduction on the issue of esthetic treatment of facial skin. Overview. In the twentieth century, facial rejuvenation has become a new beauty trend. Facial cosmetology has entered a period of antiaging and rejuvenation therapies and microplastic surgery. The pursuit of beauty has promoted the development of minimally invasive plastic surgery. This review introduces the possible causes of facial aging and its related topics with a focus on facial injectable drugs, such as botulinum toxin, main filler materials (hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, poly L-lactic acid, collagen, autologous fat, and polymethyl methacrylate), and some current antiwrinkle technologies, such as thread lift and radiofrequency rhytidectomy. Conclusions. Despite the difference in mechanisms of action, each technique can address facial aging involving the loss of collagen, displacement and enlargement of fat, and muscle relaxation. Combinations of these treatments can provide patients with reasonable, comprehensive, and personalized treatment plans.
An IoT-Based Intelligent Geological Disaster Application Using Open-Source Software Framework
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Jin
Published: February 2022

With the development of Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning technologies, mobile geographic information systems (GISs) have developed rapidly. Moreover, mobile GIS applications serve all walks of life including remote sensing, geological disaster management, and decision support systems. This article discusses the main development methods of the Android system for mobile GIS, analyzes the characteristics of different development methods, and mainly introduces the technology of developing mobile GIS based on free and open-source software (FOSS) framework. Finally, we present a data collection framework for an Android application development, based on QGIS, QFiled, GeoServer, PostgreSQL, and GeoPackage. The mobile GIS can collect important data. Furthermore, the data collection framework uses a data aggregation technique to filter and remove redundant data. Machine learning approaches are integrated in the GIS to make it intelligent. The application, in the Xishan mining area of Taiyuan, proves that the proposed framework can complete the collection and storage of geological disaster data, which has certain practical significance. Our experimental results show that the data aggregation method is approximately 42.3–44.09 percent (training times) more efficient than the no aggregation approach. Moreover, the attention network may produce an additional overhead in the prediction process, depending on the model. This overhead is observed between 0.58% and 2.83% for the LSTM model.
The Effect of Exercise Training Intensity on VO2max in Healthy Adults: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
Authors: Crowley Emmet , Powell Cormac , Carson Brian P. , W. Davies Robert
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to evaluate systematic reviews and meta-analyses that have examined the effect of exercise training on VO2max in healthy individuals at different intensities. Five databases were searched: EBSCOhost, MEDLINE/PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Eligibility criteria for selecting reviews included systematic reviews and meta-analyses of healthy adults that examined the effect of lower intensity training (LIT) and/or high intensity training (HIT) on VO2max. Eleven reviews met the eligibility criteria. All reviews were of moderate-to-very strong methodological quality. The included reviews reported data from 179 primary studies with an average of 23 ± 10 studies per review. All reviews included in this overview showed that exercise training robustly increased VO2max at all intensities. Three meta-analyses that compared LIT versus HIT protocols on VO2max reported small/moderate beneficial effects for HIT over LIT; however, the beneficial effects of HIT on VO2max appear to be moderated by training variables other than intensity (e.g., training impulse, interval length, training volume, and duration) and participants’ baseline characteristics (e.g., age and fitness levels). Overall, evidence from this overview suggests that the apparent differences between LIT and HIT protocols on VO2max were either small, trivial, or inconclusive, with several methodological considerations required to standardise research designs and draw definitive conclusions.
Blood Acylated Ghrelin Concentrations in Healthy Term Newborns: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Parveen Neha , Ahmad Ayesha , Ali Syed Manazir , Moin Shagufta , Noor Nasreen
Published: February 2022

Objective. The effect of ghrelin, a growth hormone (GH) secretagogue on growth of neonates, has been studied in the past, but not fully clarified. We aimed to investigate the relationship between ghrelin and growth parameters at birth and at the age of three months in healthy term infants. Methodology. This was a prospective observational study carried out in a tertiary care hospital. Eighty-four infants born at gestational ages between 37 and 42 weeks and classified as term small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) were included in the study. Estimation of acylated ghrelin (AG) concentrations was done in the cord blood at birth and in venous blood at the age of 3 months in all the infants. The correlation between AG concentrations and growth parameters at birth and at 3 months was studied. Results. AG concentrations were significantly higher in SGA (236.16±152.4 pg/ml) than AGA neonates (59.45±20.95 pg/ml) at birth. Concentrations were observed to be negatively correlated with birth weight (r=−0.34,pvalue 0.03), birth length, and head circumference (r=−0.509and -0.376, respectively) in SGA neonates. However, at 3 months, AG concentrations did not correlate with changes in anthropometric parameters in both the groups. Conclusion. Cord acylated ghrelin concentrations are higher in SGA neonates, and the concentrations are inversely proportional to the birth weight. Hence, its role as a surrogate marker for intrauterine nutrition can be suggested. However, its concentrations do not correlate with anthropometric parameters in early postnatal growth, suggesting it may not have a direct role in postnatal growth.
Subpopulation Particle Swarm Optimization with a Hybrid Mutation Strategy
Authors: Xie Zixuan , Huang Xueyu , Liu Wenwen
Published: February 2022

With the large-scale optimization problems in the real world becoming more and more complex, they also require different optimization algorithms to keep pace with the times. Particle swarm optimization algorithm is a good tool that has been proved to deal with various optimization problems. Conventional particle swarm optimization algorithms learn from two particles, namely, the best position of the current particle and the best position of all particles. This particle swarm optimization algorithm is simple to implement, simple, and easy to understand, but it has a fatal defect. It is hard to find the global optimal solution quickly and accurately. In order to deal with these defects of standard particle swarm optimization, this paper proposes a particle swarm optimization algorithm (SHMPSO) based on the hybrid strategy of seed swarm optimization (using codes available from https://gitee.com/mr-xie123234/code/tree/master/). In SHMPSO, a subpopulation coevolution particle swarm optimization algorithm is adopted. In SHMPSO, an elastic candidate-based strategy is used to find a candidate and realize information sharing and coevolution among populations. The mean dimension learning strategy can be used to make the population converge faster and improve the solution accuracy of SHMPSO. Twenty-one benchmark functions and six industries-recognized particle swarm optimization variants are used to verify the advantages of SHMPSO. The experimental results show that SHMPSO has good convergence speed and good robustness and can obtain high-precision solutions.
Bilateral Episcleral Corkscrew Vessels: Expedition into the Unknown – Case Report
Authors: Madeira Carolina , Alves Gonçalo , Godinho Gonçalo , Meira Jorge , Leal Vítor , Falcão Manuel , Falcão-Reis Fernando , Barbosa Breda João
Published: February 2022

We aim to report a case of a middle-aged woman with bilateral idiopathic elevated episcleral venous pressure (IEEVP) and its difficulties in the diagnostic approach. Particularly in this case, the atypical feature of ocular hypertension without glaucomatous optic nerve damage may be misleading. We present a 66-year-old woman with longstanding bilateral “red eyes.” Clinical findings included bilateral episcleral vessel engorgement and tortuosity and raised intraocular pressure with open iridocorneal angles. Despite ocular hypertension, glaucomatous neuropathy was absent and confirmed by normal structural (optical coherence tomography) and functional (standard automated perimetry) tests. The systemic workup was unremarkable. Magnetic resonance angiography showed bilateral dilated superior ophthalmic veins. Cerebral digital subtraction angiography was requested, and no carotid-cavernous fistula (or other significant vascular findings) was identified. The diagnosis of IEEVP was assumed. In conclusion, our case highlights the systematic investigation necessary in cases of bilateral episcleral vessel engorgement and tortuosity and the possible differential diagnosis to be considered to rule out life-threatening causes of elevated episcleral venous pressure. It is important for clinicians to be aware of IEEVP even in patients with atypical features that despite significative ocular hypertension had no glaucomatous damage.
Diastolic Blood Pressure Alleles Improve Congenital Heart Defect Repair Outcomes
Authors: Breeyear Joseph H. , Keaton Jacob M. , Torstenson Eric S. , Smith Andrew H. , Klarin Derek , Damrauer Scott M. , Natarajan Pradeep , Van Driest Sara L. , Weiner Jeffrey G. , Kannankeril Prince J. , Edwards Todd L.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) affect 40 000 US births per year, half of which require surgical intervention. Individual differences in surgical outcomes including mortality and complications are not well understood but may be due to genetic variability. We hypothesized that polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for blood pressure in adults are associated with treatments and postsurgical outcomes in children with CHD, as CHD survivors are at higher risk of negative cardiometabolic disease.

Methods:

We used imputed genotype data from pediatric participants requiring surgery for CHD (median age at surgery, 201 days; n
max
=2498). Base data for the systolic and diastolic blood pressure PRSs (n
max
=760 226) came from published genome-wide association study. The blood pressure PRSs were tested for association with postsurgical outcomes. All effects presented are per SD increase in PRS and adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, surgical complexity score, and first 10 principal components of ancestry.

Results:

A higher diastolic blood pressure PRS was associated with decreased in-hospital mortality risk (odds ratio, 0.57 [0.39–0.82];
P
=0.0022). Additional analyses suggest an interaction between diastolic blood pressure PRS and vasopressor dose. Those with a diastolic blood pressure PRS 1 SD above the mean, receiving a vasopressor dose in the top tertile, were estimated to have 52% (32%–66%) lower risk of in-hospital mortality compared with those with a vasopressor dose in the bottom tertile.

Conclusions:

These results suggest a genetically determined postsurgical survival advantage for CHD patients with blood pressure increasing alleles. Further study may reveal novel mechanisms contributing to postoperative morbidity and mortality, and this approach may assist in early identification of children at risk for adverse postoperative outcomes.
Iron Deposition in the Brain After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Galea Ian , Durnford Andrew , Glazier James , Mitchell Sophie , Kohli Suraj , Foulkes Lesley , Norman Jeanette , Darekar Angela , Love Seth , Bulters Diederik O. , Nicoll James A.R. , Boche Delphine
Published: February 2022

Background:

After aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), thrombus forms over the cerebral cortex and releases hemoglobin. When extracellular, hemoglobin is toxic to neurones. High local hemoglobin concentration overwhelms the clearance capacity of macrophages expressing the hemoglobin-haptoglobin scavenger receptor CD163. We hypothesized that iron is deposited in the cortex after SAH and would associate with outcome.

Methods:

Two complementary cross-sectional studies were conducted. Postmortem brain tissue from 39 SAH (mean postictal interval of 9 days) and 22 control cases was studied with Perls’ staining for iron and immunolabeling for CD163, ADAM17 (a disintegrin and metallopeptidase domain 17), CD68, and Iba1 (ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1). In parallel, to study the persistence of cortical iron and its relationship to clinical outcome, we conducted a susceptibility-weighted imaging study of 21 SAH patients 6 months postictus and 10 control individuals.

Results:

In brain tissue from patients dying soon after SAH, the distribution of iron deposition followed a gradient that diminished with distance from the brain surface. Iron was located intracellularly (mainly in macrophages, and occasionally in microglia, neurones, and glial cells) and extracellularly. Microglial activation and motility markers were increased after SAH, with a similar inward diminishing gradient. In controls, there was a positive correlation between CD163 and iron, which was lost after SAH. In SAH survivors, iron-sensitive imaging 6 months post-SAH confirmed persistence of cortical iron, related to the size and location of the blood clot immediately after SAH, and associated with cognitive outcome.

Conclusions:

After SAH, iron deposits in the cortical gray matter in a pattern that reflects proximity to the brain surface and thrombus and is related to cognitive outcome. These observations support therapeutic manoeuvres which prevent the permeation of hemoglobin into the cortex after SAH.
Cerebral Autoregulation Correlation With Outcomes and Spreading Depolarization in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Owen Bryce , Vangala Adarsh , Fritch Chanju , Alsarah Ali A. , Jones Tom , Davis Herbert , Shuttleworth C. William , Carlson Andrew P.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Delayed cerebral ischemia remains one of the principal therapeutic targets after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. While large vessel vasospasm may contribute to ischemia, increasing evidence suggests that physiological impairment through disrupted impaired cerebral autoregulation (CA) and spreading depolarizations (SDs) also contribute to delayed cerebral ischemia and poor neurological outcome. This study seeks to explore the intermeasure correlation of different measures of CA, as well as correlation with SD and neurological outcome.

Methods:

Simultaneous measurement of 7 continuous indices of CA was calculated in 19 subjects entered in a prospective study of SD in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage undergoing surgical aneurysm clipping. Intermeasure agreement was assessed, and the association of each index with modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days and occurrence of SD was assessed.

Results:

There were 4102 hours of total monitoring time across the 19 subjects. In time-resolved assessment, no CA measures demonstrated significant correlation; however, most demonstrate significant correlation averaged over 1 hour. Pressure reactivity (PRx), oxygen reactivity, and oxygen saturation reactivity were significantly correlated with modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days. PRx and oxygen reactivity also were correlated with the occurrence of SD events. Across multiple CA measure reactivity indices, a threshold between 0.3 and 0.5 was most associated with intervals containing SD.

Conclusions:

Different continuous CA indices do not correlate well with each other on a highly time-resolved basis, so should not be viewed as interchangeable. PRx and oxygen reactivity are the most reliable indices in identifying risk of worse outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage undergoing surgical treatment. SD occurrence is correlated with impaired CA across multiple CA measurement techniques and may represent the pathological mechanism of delayed cerebral ischemia in patients with impaired CA. Optimization of CA in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage may lead to decreased incidence of SD and improved neurological outcomes. Future studies are needed to evaluate these hypotheses and approaches.
Clinical and neurocognitive outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with cerebral protection: initial experience with a novel dual-filter device in Southeast Asia
Authors: Chiam PT , Chan NS , Lim YT , Lim CP , Nair D , Lim TT , Soon CY , Khoo BC , Lim J , Tan KS , Lam L , Yan P , Ooi YW , Chong MS
Published: February 2022

INTRODUCTION Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is increasingly performed in patients with severe aortic stenosis. A novel dual-filter system to reduce cerebral embolism during TAVI recently became available. We aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, and clinical and neurocognitive outcomes of TAVI with cerebral protection in Asian patients. METHODS 40 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI with cerebral protection were enrolled. All procedures were performed via femoral access using the self-expanding Evolut R/PRO or Portico, or the balloon-expandable SAPIEN 3 bioprostheses. Baseline characteristics, procedural and clinical outcomes were recorded. Cognition was assessed at baseline and 30 days using the abbreviated mental test (AMT). RESULTS The mean age of the patients (75% male) was 76.4 ± 8.4 years. TAVI was uncomplicated in all patients. The filter device was successfully deployed in 38 (95.0%) patients without safety issues. There was no stroke or death at 30 days, and the survival rate at nine months was 95.0%. There was no overall cognitive change (baseline vs. 30-day AMT: 9.2 ± 1.1 vs. 9.0 ± 1.5, p = 0.12), and only 1 (2.5%) patient developed impaired cognition at 30 days. Patients with a decreased AMT score at 30 days were significantly older than those without (82.1 ± 4.5 vs. 74.4 ± 7.7 years, p = 0.019). All patients with decreased AMT scores were aged ≥ 76 years. CONCLUSION In this early Asian experience of TAVI under cerebral protection, the filter device was successfully deployed in 95% of patients, with 100% procedural success. There were no filter-related complications and no stroke or mortality at 30 days. Overall cognition was preserved, although increased age was associated with a decline in AMT score.
Descriptions of a new species of Hydroptila Dalman and the mature larva of a species of Stactobiella Martynov from Japan (Trichoptera, Hydroptilidae)
Authors: ITO TOMIKO
Published: February 2022

Description of a new species in the genus Hydroptila Dalman and of the mature larva and case of Stactobiella tshisjakovi (Arefina & Morse 2002) contribute further to studies on the micro-caddisflies of Japan. A single highly distinctive male, Hydroptila hattorii sp. nov. has the dorsal plate flanked by slender lateral arms that bend sharply to meet apically. The larva and case of S. tshisjakovi are similar to those known for congeneric species, but the larva differs from others in the shape of the basal spurs of the tarsal claws and the length of longest seta on the head capsule. The larval habitat in Japan is described.
A new species of Polana (Angusana) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Gyponini): new record, key to males and description of the female terminalia of Polana exornata
Authors: DOMAHOVSKI ALEXANDRE CRUZ , CAVICHIOLI RODNEY RAMIRO
Published: February 2022

The subgenus Angusana is newly recorded from Brazil with description of a new species, Polana (Angusana) eliasi sp. nov. from State of Rondônia. Polana (Angusana) exornata is recorded from Costa Rica and the female terminalia is described and illustrated for the first time. A revised diagnosis and key to males of Angusana are provided.
A new species of Nephochaetopteryx Townsend (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) from the Brazilian Amazon mangrove forest
Authors: DE-SOUZA CAROLINE COSTA , DE SOUZA MATHEUS TAVARES , DA SILVA CARVALHO-FILHO FERNANDO
Published: February 2022

A new species of Nephochaetopteryx Townsend, Nephochaetopteryx aryi sp. nov., is described based on three male specimens from the Brazilian Amazon. They were collected with traps baited with rotting crustaceans (shrimp and crab) in a mangrove forest on the Atlantic coast, in the state of Pará.
Continental Water Vapor Dominantly Impacts Precipitation during the Snow Season on the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Weiguo , Li Hongyi , Xie Zeming , Zhu Xiaofan , Xiao Linhong , Hao Xiaohua , Wang Jian
Published: February 2022

Atmospheric water vapor plays a key role in the water cycle, especially on the Tibetan Plateau, where precipitation is an invaluable contributor to water resources. To better understand which water vapor source areas influence precipitation on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau (NETP), we applied the flexible particle dispersion method (FLEXPART) to simulate water vapor trajectories and water vapor source contribution related to precipitation events during the snow season from 1979 to 2017 on the NETP. The results show that continental water vapor source areas contributed 92.33% of the water vapor to precipitation events on the NETP, which was obviously greater than the water vapor contribution from oceanic areas. One key continental water vapor source area, the Tibetan Plateau without the study area, contributed 66.13% of the water vapor to the precipitation, and central Asia supplied 8.69%, ranking second. Comparing the distributions of the water vapor contributions to extensive and regional precipitation events revealed that the only difference between extensive and regional precipitation events is in the magnitudes of the water vapor contributions, and the spatial distributions of the water vapor contributions are extremely similar. Central and southern China obviously supplied more water vapor to extensive precipitation events than to regional precipitation events. These results help us better understand the recent drastic precipitation changes on the NETP.

Significance Statement

We sought to understand how water vapor influences precipitation over the northeastern Tibetan Plateau and which water vapor source areas play a key role in the water vapor supply. Therefore, we applied a numerical model to investigate the relationship between water vapor and precipitation from 1979 to 2017 during the snow season. Continental water vapor source areas contributed considerably more water vapor than oceanic water vapor source areas. The most important continental water vapor contributor was the Tibetan Plateau without the northeastern Tibetan Plateau area, and the second highest contributor was central Asia. Future work should focus on how water vapor impacts the precipitation changes in this wetter and warming area.
Disasters, Displacement, and Housing Instability: Estimating Time to Stable Housing 13 Years after Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Merdjanoff Alexis A. , Abramson David M. , Park Yoon Soon , Piltch-Loeb Rachael
Published: February 2022

Catastrophic disasters disrupt the structural and social aspects of housing, which can lead to varying lengths of displacement and housing instability for affected residents. Stable housing is a critical aspect of postdisaster recovery, which makes it important to understand how much time passes before displaced residents are able to find stable housing. Using the Gulf Coast Child and Family Health Study, a longitudinal cohort of Mississippi and Louisiana residents exposed to Hurricane Katrina (n = 1079), we describe patterns of stable housing by identifying protective and prohibitive factors that affect time to stable housing in the 13 years following the storm. Survival analyses reveal that median time to stable housing was 1082 days—over 3 years after Katrina. Age, housing tenure, marital status, income, and social support each independently affected time to stable housing. Findings suggest that postdisaster housing instability is similar to other forms of housing instability, including eviction, frequent moves, and homelessness.

Significance Statement

Climate change is expected to increase gradual-onset events like sea level rise, as well as the frequency and intensity of acute disasters like hurricanes. Such events when coupled with population growth, coastline development, and increasing inequality will lead to high levels of displacement and housing instability. Using longitudinal data, we wanted to understand how much time passed until residents who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina were able to find permanent and stable housing and identify factors that either prolonged or accelerated respondents’ time to stable housing. Addressing this gap can help to improve resident recovery and create targeted postdisaster housing policy, especially as displacement from disasters becomes increasingly common among those living in regions susceptible to the effects of climate change.
Colistin (Polymyxin E) Use in Abdominal Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
Authors: Krishnakumar Radhika T. , Asok Amrita , Mohamed Zubair U. , Padma Uma D. , Sathyapalan Dipu T. , Moni Merlin , Balachandran Sabarish , Kumar Anil V. , Nair Rajesh , Sudhindran Surendran , Singh Sanjeev K.
Published: February 2022

Background: Patients undergoing solid organ transplantation are at a higher risk of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections especially during the immediate post operative period. Objective: To audit the usage, dosage appropriateness and safety of colistin use in abdominal solid organ transplant recipients to treat immediate post-transplant bacterial infections. Methods: After completion of 1000 abdominal solid organ transplants at our institute, data of the transplant recipients who received colistin between October 2010 and December 2019 was extracted from the hospital health information system. Data of all microbiological culture isolates, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of colistin, appropriateness of colistin dosing and nephrotoxicity associated with colistin use was assessed. Results: Of the 1170 (732 liver and 438 renal) solid organ transplant recipients, 82 (66 liver and 16 renal) received colistin to treat posttransplant MDR bacterial infections. Nearly 60% received colistin as definitive therapy and 87.81% received colistin as combination. Mean duration of colistin therapy was found to be higher in renal than liver transplant recipients. Out of the total 89 bacterial isolates, there were 2 colistin resistant Klebsiella strains. Colistin in combination with meropenem (36.4%) was the most commonly used dual therapy. Out of the total 89 bacterial isolates, there were 2 colistin resistant Klebsiella strains. Overall in-hospital mortality of patients who received colistin was 43.9%. Renal impairment occurred in 28.8% of liver transplant recipients. Conclusion: Infection necessitating colistin use increases mortality by three folds in liver transplant recipients and by five percentage points in renal transplant recipients.
The Scarcity–Prosociality Link: Ambiguous, Yet Thought-provoking
Authors: Krishnan Lilavati
Published: February 2022

The present essay examines the scarcity–prosociality link, that is, the conditions in which scarcity leads to self-interest and competitiveness or to other-oriented prosociality and cooperativeness. Adopting a social-psychological approach, the findings of the major investigations of reactions to scarcity are summarised. These studies show both self-interest and prosociality as reactions to scarcity, depending on various mediating factors, although a scarcity mindset or limited-good perception is not revealed directly. This link needs to be interpreted in the light of social-psychological, cognitive, economic and cultural factors. In general, the scarcity–prosociality relationship is found to be ambiguous, yet thought-provoking. Some aspects that require detailed exploration and the multi-pronged implications of the scarcity–prosociality association for societal development are highlighted. It is suggested that effective coping with scarcity in resource-constrained economies will be possible if socialisation and social policies promote practices that enhance resource availability, encourage an optimal use of resources, and modify a competitive stance to a cooperative one, and a zero-sum game perception of resource exchange to one of non-zero-sum game.
Incidence of treated first-episode psychosis amongst Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youth in the Top End of the Northern Territory, Australia
Authors: Mirza Tamoor , Taft William , He Vincent Yaofeng , Gooding Jade , Dingwall Kylie , Nagel Tricia
Published: February 2022

Objectives

This study aims to estimate the incidence rate of first episode of psychosis (FEP) in the Top End of the Northern Territory (NT), exploring how rates vary by age, sex, Aboriginal status and remoteness.

Method

Youths (ages 15–24) presenting with FEP to the two specialist mental health services in the Top End were identified through audit of the electronic health records between 2014–2018. Population demographic data were collected from the 2016 Australian National Census. Statistical analysis estimated variation in incidence rates by age, sex, Aboriginal status and remoteness.

Results

A total of 236 youths with FEP were included in the study. The overall incidence rate was 174 per 100,000 person-years. Rates were very high in the Aboriginal (331 per 100,000 person-years) and remote populations (308 per 100,000 person-years), and lower in the non-Aboriginal population (85 per 100,000 person-years).

Conclusion

This study shows high rates of FEP in young people in the Top End, attributable to very high rates in the Aboriginal population, many of whom live in remote areas. Resources should be allocated to support this high-risk group.
Current Surgical Practice for Children Born with a Cleft lip and/or Palate in the United Kingdom
Authors: Fell Matthew , Davies Alex , Davies Amy , Chummun Shaheel , Cobb Alistair R.M. , Moar Kanwalraj , Wren Yvonne
Published: February 2022

Objective

This study describes primary surgical reconstructions performed for children born with a cleft lip and/or palate (CL ± P) in the United Kingdom (UK).

Design

Data forms completed at the time of surgery included details on timing, technique, and adjuncts used during the operative period. Demographic data on participants were validated via parental questionnaires.

Setting

Data were obtained from the Cleft Collective, a national longitudinal cohort study.

Patients

Between 2015 and 2021, 1782 Cleft Collective surgical forms were included, relating to the primary reconstructions of 1514 individual children.

Results

The median age at primary cheiloplasty was 4.3 months. Unilateral cleft lips (UCL) were reconstructed with an anatomical subunit approximation technique in 53%, whereas bilateral cleft lips (BCL) were reconstructed with a broader range of eponymous techniques. Clefts of the soft palate were reconstructed at a median age of 10.3 months with an intravelar veloplasty in 94% cases. Clefts of the hard palate were reconstructed with a vomer flap in 84% cases in a bimodal age distribution, relating to reconstruction carried out simultaneously with either lip or soft palate reconstruction. Antibiotics were used in 96% of cases, with an at-induction-only regimen used more commonly for cheiloplasties ( P < .001) and a 5 to 7-day postoperative regime used more commonly for soft palatoplasties ( P < .001). Perioperative steroids were used more commonly in palatoplasties than cheiloplasties ( P < .001) but tranexamic acid use was equivalent ( P = .73).

Conclusions

This study contributes to our understanding of current cleft surgical pathways in the UK and will provide a baseline for analysis of the effectiveness of utilized protocols.
Transgenerational trauma in Rwandan genocidal rape survivors and their children: A culturally enhanced bioecological approach
Authors: Kahn Sarilee , Denov Myriam
Published: February 2022

Multiple theories, including attachment, family systems, and epigenetics, among many others, have been invoked to explain the mechanisms through which trauma is transmitted from one generation to the next. To move toward integration of extant theories and, thus, acknowledgement of multiple pathways for transmission of trauma, the authors explore the potential of applying a culturally enhanced bioecological theory to transgenerational trauma (TGT). Data from in-depth qualitative interviews in Rwanda more than two decades after the genocide, with 44 mothers of children born of genocidal rape, and in-depth interviews and focus groups with a total of 60 youth born of genocidal rape, were analyzed according to the processes of culturally enhanced bioecological theory. The findings from a hybrid inductive and deductive thematic analysis suggest that a culturally enhanced bioecological theory of human development allows for an integrated, multi-dimensional analysis of individual, family, cultural, and societal factors of transmission of TGT. Some facets of the data, however, are not accounted for in the theory, specifically, how some mothers were able to create and sustain a positive bond with their children born of genocidal rape, despite societal and family pressure to abandon or abort them. Nonetheless, the findings demonstrate how a culturally enhanced bioecological theory can be an important overarching framework for developing policies and practices to help interrupt or mitigate TGT, strengthen resilience, and facilitate healing for children born of genocidal rape, their mothers, and their families.
Improving Prediction of Amyloid Deposition in Mild Cognitive Impairment With a Timed Motor Task
Authors: Schaefer Sydney Y. , Duff Kevin , Hooyman Andrew , Hoffman John M.
Published: February 2022

Cortical amyloid deposition is one of the hallmark biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, given how cost- and time-intensive amyloid imaging can be, there is a continued need for a low-cost, non-invasive, and accessible enrichment strategy to pre-screen individuals for their likelihood of amyloid prior to imaging. Previous work supports the use of coordinated limb movement as a potential screening tool, even after controlling for cognitive and daily function. Thirty-six patients diagnosed with amnestic mild cognitive impairment over the age of 65 underwent 18F-Flutemetamol amyloid-positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and then completed a timed motor task involving upper limb coordination. This task takes ∼5 minutes to administer and score. Multivariate linear regression and receiver operator characteristic analyses showed that including motor task performance improved model prediction of amyloid burden. Results support the rationale for including functional upper extremity motor assessment as a cost- and time-effective means to screen participants for amyloid deposition.
Maternal near-miss and mortality in a teaching hospital in Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Teka Hale , Yemane Awol , Berhe Zelelow Yibrah , Tadesse Habtom , Hagos Hadgay
Published: February 2022

Objective:

This study seeks to examine the prevalence of maternal morbidities and deaths in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study. Total purposive sampling method was employed to collect data prospectively using modified World Health Organization criteria for baseline assessment of maternal near-miss and mortality. Pregnant women or those who are within 42 days postpartum/any form of pregnancy termination that satisfy the inclusion criteria were enrolled.

Results:

A total of 691 mothers were recorded as having severe maternal complications. Out of these, 170 women developed severe maternal outcome, ending with 146 maternal near-miss cases and 24 maternal deaths. The maternal near-miss ratio and maternal mortality ratio were 28.5 per 1000 live births and 469.1 per 100,000 live births, respectively. The overall mortality index was 14%. The top underlying causes of severe maternal complications were the infamous triads of preeclampsia (n = 303, 43.8%), obstetric hemorrhage (n = 166, 24.0%) and sepsis (n = 130, 18.8%). About 62.5% of mothers who died were not admitted to intensive care unit.

Conclusion:

This study found that the infamous triads of preeclampsia, obstetric hemorrhage and sepsis persist as the commonest causes of severe maternal complications in the study area. A significant number of women with severe maternal outcome were not admitted to intensive care unit. It also highlights that the severe maternal complications, severe maternal outcome, maternal near-miss ratio and mortality index in the study area are disproportionately higher than the global average. These staggering numbers call for a system re-thinking at multiple junctures.
A novel antimicrobial peptide derived from human BPIFA1 protein protects against Candida albicans infection
Authors: Hu Nan , Mo Xi-Ming , Xu Shi-Na , Tang Hao-Neng , Zhou Ying-Hui , Li Long , Zhou Hou-De
Published: February 2022

Bactericidal/permeability-increasing fold containing family A, member 1 (BPIFA1) is an innate immunity defense protein. Our previous studies proved its antibacterial and antiviral effects, but its role in fungi remains unknown. The study aimed to identify antifungal peptides (AFP) derived from BPIFA1, and three antimicrobial peptides (AMP1–3) were designed. The antifungal effects were proved by growth inhibition assay. AMP3 activity was confirmed by germ tube growth experiment and XTT assay. Its effects on cell wall and membrane of Candida albicans were assessed by tannic acid and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, respectively. Additionally, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used for morphological and ultrastructural observation. The expression of ALS1, EAP1, and SUN41 was tested by qPCR. Ultimately, three AMPs could fight against C. albicans in vitro, and AMP3 was highly effective. It functioned by destroying the integrity of cell wall and normal structure of cell membrane. It also inhibited biofilm formation of C. albicans. In addition, AMP3 down-regulated the expression of ALS1, EAP1, and SUN41, those are known to be involved in virulence of C. albicans. Altogether, the study reported successful development of a novel AFP, which could be used as a new strategy for antifungal therapy.
Health Inequities Exist in Europe: Are Spatial Health Inequities Present in the Small State of Malta?
Authors: Cuschieri Sarah , Calleja Neville , Mamo Julian
Published: February 2022

Targeting and reducing health inequities is a requisite for public health. The Maltese Islands are divided into six geographical districts with a total area of 316 km2. It is anticipated that the close geographical proximity and social integration would result in similar population health status. This study aims to identify whether geographical health inequities exist despite the small country area. A cross-sectional health examination survey was conducted. Participants with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and impaired fasting blood glucose (IFG) were identified, depending on their medical and drug history and fasting blood glucose levels. Those with body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 were labeled as obese. Different health status was compared between the residents in the different districts according to demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and medical history. Regression analysis was carried out to identify links between the different districts, BMI, IFG, and T2DM diagnosis, while adjusting for confounders. Geographical inequities were evident despite the close proximity. The Gozo district exhibited distinctive metabolic inequities compared to the other districts. An independent relationship was present between IFG diagnosis and residence in Gozo and Northern districts. Obesity was linked to residing in Gozo. Health inequities were evident between the close districts of the Maltese Islands despite similar socioeconomic, lifestyle, and healthcare provision. Psychosocial factors might be the underlying causes for these inequities. Public health officials and government should work to enhance public education and set up local policies and interventions to target these inequities.
Genistein protects against ultraviolet B–induced wrinkling and photoinflammation in in vitro and in vivo models
Authors: Tang Sheau-Chung , Hsiao Yu-Ping , Ko Jiunn-Liang
Published: February 2022

Background

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays causes severe skin damage by inducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Identifying a safe and natural substance for skin protection is a crucial research goal.

Objective

The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of genistein on skin inflammation and photoaging by using 3 models (humans: skin parameters; animals: wrinkle formation; and cells: anti-inflammatory effects).

Methods

Food frequency questionnaire data and serum and skin parameter data from 120 volunteers (a group with a genistein-rich diet [RG group] and a control group). Human keratinocytes were pretreated with genistein before ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. Genistein was topically applied to the dorsal skin of rats.

Results

The blood samples of the RG group had lower serum uric acid levels and blood urea nitrogen levels. The dynamic elasticity level in the RG group was higher than that in the controls. Genistein pretreatment suppressed the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (CXCL1, IL-1, MIF, and PLANH1) and the proteins released by UVB-treated keratinocytes. Topical application of genistein to the dorsal skin of rats reduced the severity of UVB-induced wrinkling. Both intake and topical application of genistein combated UVB-induced inflammation and aging.

Conclusions

Genistein could be used as a safe and natural compound for use in novel anti-inflammatory agents for topical application.

Graphical abstract

The experimental design procedure, including the skin parameter and blood serum measurements of 137 participants. Genistein-rich compounds provide protection against UVB-induced inflammation, as determined using in vitro and in vivo animal model experiments.