bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurological Music Therapy Rebuilds Structural Connectome after Traumatic Brain Injury: Secondary Analysis from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sihvonen Aleksi , Siponkoski Sini-Tuuli , Martínez-Molina Noelia , Laitinen Sari , Holma Milla , Ahlfors Mirja , Kuusela Linda , Pekkola Johanna , Koskinen Sanna , Särkämö Teppo
Published: April 2022

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common and devastating neurological condition, associated often with poor functional outcome and deficits in executive function. Due to the neuropathology of TBI, neuroimaging plays a crucial role in its assessment, and while diffusion MRI has been proposed as a sensitive biomarker, longitudinal studies evaluating treatment-related diffusion MRI changes are scarce. Recent evidence suggests that neurological music therapy can improve executive functions in patients with TBI and that these effects are underpinned by neuroplasticity changes in the brain. However, studies evaluating music therapy induced structural connectome changes in patients with TBI are lacking. Design: Single-blind crossover (AB/BA) randomized controlled trial (NCT01956136). Objective: Here, we report secondary outcomes of the trial and set out to assess the effect of neurological music therapy on structural white matter connectome changes and their association with improved execute function in patients with TBI. Methods: Using an AB/BA design, 25 patients with moderate or severe TBI were randomized to receive a 3-month neurological music therapy intervention either during the first (AB, n = 16) or second (BA, n = 9) half of a 6-month follow-up period. Neuropsychological testing and diffusion MRI scans were performed at baseline and at the 3-month and 6-month stage. Findings: Compared to the control group, the music therapy group increased quantitative anisotropy (QA) in the right dorsal pathways (arcuate fasciculus, superior longitudinal fasciculus) and in the corpus callosum and the right frontal aslant tract, thalamic radiation and corticostriatal tracts. The mean increased QA in this network of results correlated with improved executive function. Conclusions: This study shows that music therapy can induce structural white matter neuroplasticity in the post-TBI brain that underpins improved executive function.
Head and Neck Porocarcinoma: SEER Analysis of Epidemiology and Survival
Authors: Scampa Matteo , Merat Rastine , Kalbermatten Daniel F. , Oranges Carlo M.
Published: April 2022

Porocarcinoma is a rare malignant adnexal tumor. Little is known about the location of the disease in the head and neck. Our aim is to offer the largest analysis of demographic, pathological, and treatment patterns of head and neck porocarcinoma in comparison with other locations of the neoplasm from an epidemiologically representative cohort. Method: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program of the National Cancer Institute was searched for all cases of porocarcinomas diagnosed between 2000 and 2018. This database is considered representative of the US population. Demographic, pathological, and treatment variables were compared between the head and neck and other regions. Overall and disease-specific survival was calculated and compared between groups. Results: 563 porocarcinomas were identified, with 172 in the head and neck. The mean age was 66.4 years. Males were more affected in the head and neck. Regional and distant invasion rates were low (2.9 and 2.3%, respectively). Local excision and Mohs surgery were the most frequent therapies. Five-year overall survival was 74.8%. Five-year disease-specific survival was 97%. Conclusions: Head and neck porocarcinoma affects more males than females. Regional or distant metastatic rates are low and overestimated in previous literature. Disease-specific mortality is low. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment.
Evaluation of FMR4, FMR5 and FMR6 Expression Levels as Non-Invasive Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Fragile X-Associated Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (FXPOI)
Authors: Alvarez-Mora Maria Isabel , Agusti Ines , Wijngaard Robin , Martinez-Barrios Estefania , Barcos Tamara , Borras Aina , Peralta Sara , Guimera Marta , Goday Ana , Manau Dolors , Rodriguez-Revenga Laia
Published: April 2022

Female FMR1 (Fragile X mental retardation 1) premutation carriers are at risk for developing fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI), a condition characterized by amenorrhea before age 40 years. Not all women with a FMR1 premutation suffer from primary ovarian insufficiency and nowadays there are no molecular or other biomarkers that can help predict the occurrence of FXPOI. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) comprise a group of regulatory transcripts which have versatile molecular functions, making them important regulators in all aspects of gene expression. In recent medical studies, lncRNAs have been described as potential diagnostic biomarkers in many diseases. The present study was designed to determine the expression profile of three lncRNAs derived from the FMR1 locus, FMR4, FMR5 and FMR6, in female FMR1 premutation carriers in order: (i) to determine a possible role in the pathogenesis of FXPOI and (ii) to investigate whether they could serve as a biomarker for the diagnosis of FXPOI. FMR4, FMR5 and FMR6 transcripts levels were evaluated in total RNA extracted from peripheral blood by digital droplet PCR and compared between FMR1 premutation carriers with FXPOI and without FXPOI. The diagnostic value of lncRNAs was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results revealed a significant association between FXPOI and high expression levels of FMR4. No association was obtained for FMR5 or FMR6. ROC curve analysis revealed that FMR4 can distinguish FMR1 premutation carrier with FXPOI with a diagnostic power of 0.67. These findings suggest a potential role of FMR4 as a possible biomarker for FXPOI.
Results of a Clinical Scoring System Regarding Symptoms and Surgical Treatment of Isolated Unilateral Zygomatico-Orbital Fractures: A Single-Centre Retrospective Analysis of 461 Cases
Authors: Ritschl Lucas M. , Wittmann Matthias , von Bomhard Achim , Koerdt Steffen , Unterhuber Tobias , Kehl Victoria , Deppe Herbert , Wolff Klaus-Dietrich , Mücke Thomas , Fichter Andreas M.
Published: April 2022

Systematic assessment of computed tomography (CT) scans and clinical symptoms is necessary to quickly indicate the correct treatment of zygomatico-orbital (ZMO) fractures. For this purpose, a clinical scoring system (=Clinical Score) was developed and correlated with CT scans to analyse its validity. Every operated, isolated, and unilateral ZMO fracture between January 2012 and December 2016 was screened retrospectively, including patient and treatment data. All available CT scans were analysed, and the grade of dislocation was measured for each case and plane. Four hundred and sixty-one cases were included and showed a median surgery time of 66.0 min (5.0–361.0) and a median postoperative hospital stay of three days (0–25). The distribution of gender, aetiologies and age groups was significantly different (each p = 0.001), and the aetiology had a significant influence on the Clinical Score (p = 0.038). The degree of dislocation in the coronary and sagittal planes correlated significantly with the Clinical Score with regard to the orbital involvement (p < 0.001, ρ = 0.566; p < 0.001, ρ = 0.609). The simple, quick, and easy-to-apply Clinical Score showed a significant correlation with the most important planes in CT scans as well as with the clinical course. It may facilitate fast risk stratification of the patient. However, the validity of the proposed score in determining indications must now be evaluated in a prospective setting, including both operated and non-operated fractures.
Trends in the Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases of the Airways in Children Growing Up in an Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Mazur Marcel , Czarnobilska Maria , Dyga Wojciech , Czarnobilska Ewa
Published: April 2022

The prevalence of asthma and allergies among children has become an increasing problem in the last few decades. Data on the population of children and adolescents, especially living in polluted cities, are limited and based on studies carried out in small groups. In our study, we analyzed the incidence of asthma and allergic rhinitis between 2014 and 2018. We analyzed data collected from nearly 30,000 children aged seven to eight and adolescents aged 16–17, which allowed us to assess the frequency of allergic diseases in the population of children and youth in Krakow. More than 40% of respondents reported allergic symptoms, and nearly 50% of them were not diagnosed and treated. In the group of seven- and eight-year-olds with a positive history of allergies, 52% had allergic rhinitis and 9.1% had asthma. In the group of 16–17-year-olds, allergic rhinitis was diagnosed in 35.8%, while asthma was found in 4.9% of cases. The results obtained over the course of 10 years has shown the reduction in the frequency of asthma (from 22% in the case of asthma in both age groups) and allergic rhinitis cases (from 63.9% in adolescents). In our opinion, this can be considered a positive effect of the preventive measures taken in Kraków after 2010. Although there is still a higher incidence of allergic diseases among children and young people living in urban areas compared to rural areas, the trend apparently has reversed for some diseases.
Quality of Life in Myasthenia Gravis and Correlation of MG-QOL15 with Other Functional Scales
Authors: Diez Porras Laura , Homedes Christian , Alberti Maria , Velez Santamaria Valentina , Casasnovas Carlos
Published: April 2022

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in myasthenia gravis (MG) is frequently decreased. Further, there are many validated clinical scales and questionnaires to evaluate the clinical status in MG. We aimed to determine if there was an improvement in HRQOL following an intensive treatment for MG, identify which demographic and clinical features influenced patients’ HRQOL, and investigate if the questionnaire MG-QOL15 correlated with other evaluation scales. We recruited 45 patients with generalised MG who were starting immunomodulatory treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins and prednisone for the first time. At each visit, we administered several validated scales for MG. The mean MG-QOL15 score improved significantly at 4 and 6 weeks of the study. Additionally, the MG-QOL15 score correlated strong with the Myasthenia Gravis-Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) and the Neuro-QOL Fatigue and weakest with the Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis Scoring System (QMG). The QMG score prior to study enrolment was associated with HRQOL. We observed that HRQOL in MG improved after receiving an intensive immunomodulatory treatment and achieving better control of the symptoms. The questionnaire MG-QOL15 correlated positively with other clinical measures. As MG is a fluctuating condition, and some symptoms are difficult to examine, we direct physicians toward the use of scales and questionnaires composed of items perceived by the patient.
Antithrombotic Therapy Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Granger Camille , Guedeney Paul , Collet Jean-Philippe
Published: April 2022

Due to a large technical improvement in the past decade, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has expanded to lower-surgical-risk patients with symptomatic and severe aortic stenosis. While mortality rates related to TAVR are decreasing, the prognosis of patients is still impacted by ischemic and bleeding complications, and defining the optimal antithrombotic regimen remains a priority. Recent randomized control trials reported lower bleeding rates with an equivalent risk in ischemic outcomes with single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) when compared to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients without an underlying indication for anticoagulation. In patients requiring lifelong oral anticoagulation (OAC), the association of OAC plus antiplatelet therapy leads to a higher risk of bleeding events with no advantages on mortality or ischemic outcomes. Considering these data, guidelines have recently been updated and now recommend SAPT and OAC alone for TAVR patients without and with a long-term indication for anticoagulation. Whether a direct oral anticoagulant or vitamin K antagonist provides better outcomes in patients in need of anticoagulation remains uncertain, as recent trials showed a similar impact on ischemic and bleeding outcomes with apixaban but higher gastrointestinal bleeding with edoxaban. This review aims to summarize the most recently published data in the field, as well as describe unresolved issues.
Chronic Inflammation in Obesity and Cancer Cachexia
Authors: Divella Rosa , Gadaleta Caldarola Gennaro , Mazzocca Antonio
Published: April 2022

Chronic inflammation has long been linked to obesity and related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. According to current research, the increased risk of cancer in people with certain metabolic diseases may be due to chronic inflammation. Adipocytokines, which are pro-inflammatory cytokines secreted in excess, are elevated in many chronic metabolic diseases. Cytokines and inflammatory mediators, which are not directly linked to DNA, are important in tumorigenesis. Cachexia, a type of metabolic syndrome linked to the disease, is associated with a dysregulation of metabolic pathways. Obesity and cachexia have distinct metabolic characteristics, such as insulin resistance, increased lipolysis, elevated free fatty acids (FFA), and ceramide levels, which are discussed in this section. The goal of this research project is to create a framework for bringing together our knowledge of inflammation-mediated insulin resistance.
The Future in Standards of Care for Gynecologic Laparoscopic Surgery to Improve Training and Education
Authors: Tica Vlad I. , Tica Andrei A. , De Wilde Rudy L.
Published: April 2022

Standards of care offer doctors and patients the confidence that an established quality, evidence-based, care is provided, and represent a tool for optimal responding to the population’s needs. It is expected that they will increasingly express a multimodal relationship with gynecologic laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is, now, a standard procedure in operative gynecology, standards are embedded in many laparoscopic procedures, standardization of the skills/competency assessment has been progressively developed, and the proof of competency in laparoscopy may become a standard of care. A continuous development of surgical education includes standard equipment (that may bring value for future advance), standardized training, testing (and performance) assessment, educational process and outcome monitoring/evaluation, patients’ care, and protection, etc. Standards of care and training have a reciprocally sustaining relationship, as training is an essential component of standards of care while care is provided at higher standards after a structured training and as credentialing/certification reunites the two. It is envisaged that through development and implementation, the European wide standards of care in laparoscopic surgery (in close harmonization with personalized medicine) would lead to effective delivery of better clinical services and provide excellent training and education.
Quality of Life of Patients Treated for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Open Surgery and Endoprosthesis
Authors: Barrena-Blázquez Silvestra , Díez-Alonso Manuel , Riera del Moral Luis Felipe , Sanchez Coll Salvador , Alvarez-Mon Melchor , Ortega Miguel A. , Ruiz Grande Fernando
Published: April 2022

Objectives: To determine the degree of long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients undergoing surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and to analyze the results according to the type of treatment, namely, open abdominal repair (OAR) or endoprosthesis (EVAR). Patients and Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional observational study. Patients receiving intervention for AAA between January 2013 and December 2020 were included. The Spanish version of the SF-36 questionnaire was used. A single survey was performed on all patients, and the time elapsed since the intervention was recorded. Results: On all health scales and in the two groups of patients, the highest scores were recorded at six months postoperatively. At that time, the EVAR and OAR groups had similar values. Between 13 and 16 months postoperatively, EVAR patients presented a transient but significant decrease in their scores for physical function (p = 0.016), vitality (p = 0.035) and social function (p = 0.041). From that moment, there were progressive decreases in the scores of the two groups of patients on all the scales of the SF-36 questionnaire, although this trend was less pronounced in the OAR group. At 60 months after the intervention, the latter group showed significantly higher values than EVAR for physical function (p = 0.01), vitality (p = 0.032) and mental health (p = 0.029). Additionally, at 60 months after the intervention, the Sum of the psychological component (MCS) and Sum of the physical component (PCS) scores were significantly higher in the OAR group (p = 0.040 and p = 0.039, respectively). Conclusions: In the short term, patients treated for AAA by EVAR or OAR showed similar results on the SF-36 questionnaire. In the long term, patients treated by EVAR had lower scores on the physical function, vitality and mental health scales.
Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Prevention in Type 2: Diabetes in a Real-World Practice Database
Authors: Ramírez-Morros Anna , Franch-Nadal Josep , Real Jordi , Gratacòs Mònica , Mauricio Didac
Published: April 2022

Women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a 40% excess risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) compared to men due to the interaction between sex and gender factors in the development, risk, and outcomes of the disease. Our aim was to assess differences between women and men with T2DM in the management and degree of control of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). This was a matched cross-sectional study including 140,906 T2DM subjects without previous CVD and 39,186 T2DM subjects with prior CVD obtained from the System for the Development of Research in Primary Care (SIDIAP) database. The absolute and relative differences between means or proportions were calculated to assess sex differences. T2DM women without previous CVD showed higher levels of total cholesterol (12.13 mg/dL (0.31 mmol/L); 95% CI = 11.9–12.4) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c; 5.50 mg/dL (0.14 mmol/L); 95% CI = 5.3–5.7) than men. The recommended LDL-c target was less frequently achieved by women as it was the simultaneous control of different CVRF. In secondary prevention, women showed higher levels of total cholesterol (16.89 mg/dL (0.44 mmol/L); 95% CI = 16.5–17.3), higher levels of LDL-c (8.42 mg/dL (0.22 mmol/L); 95% CI = 8.1–8.8), and higher levels of triglycerides (11.34 mg/dL (0.13 mmol/L); 95% CI = 10.3–12.4) despite similar rates of statin prescription. Recommended targets were less often achieved by women, especially LDL-c < 100 mg/dL (2.59 mmol/L). The composite control was 22% less frequent in women than men. In conclusion, there were substantial sex differences in CVRF management of people with diabetes, with women less likely than men to be on LDL-c target, mainly those in secondary prevention. This could be related to the treatment gap between genders.
Botulinum Toxin A Treatment in HIV Infected Patients—A Long-Term Observational Study
Authors: Evers Stefan , Buchheister Alexandra , Reichelt Doris , Husstedt Ingo W. , Frese Achim
Published: April 2022

Objective: It is unknown whether interactions between HIV infection and the safety of botulinum toxin A (BTX) exist. Methods: We studied eight patients with HIV infection who were treated with BTX every three months for up to nine years. All patients were on antiretroviral treatment. The efficacy and safety of BTX were evaluated. Results: Indications for BTX treatment (including off-label use), dosage of BTX, and frequency of application did not differ as compared to non-HIV infected patients. BTX treatment was effective in all HIV infected patients during a long-term observation period without loss of efficacy and without clinically relevant side effects. Only one of the eight patients showed mild side effects due to BTX, and no clinical signs of antibody development were noted. We also observed no signs of interaction with antiretroviral treatment. CD4+ cell count and viral load remained stable during the observation period. Conclusions: We conclude that BTX treatment is safe and effective in the treatment of HIV infected patients who suffer also from a condition which can be treated by BTX. It is a therapeutic option in addition to oral medication for HIV infected patients.
Efficacy of a Third-Generation High-Vision Ultrathin Endoscope for Evaluating Gastric Atrophy and Intestinal Metaplasia in Helicobacter pylori-Eradicated Patients
Authors: Uematsu Junichi , Sugimoto Mitsushige , Hamada Mariko , Iwata Eri , Niikura Ryota , Nagata Naoyoshi , Fukuzawa Masakatsu , Itoi Takao , Kawai Takashi
Published: April 2022

Background: Image-enhanced endoscopy methods such as narrow-band imaging (NBI) are advantageous over white-light imaging (WLI) for detecting gastric atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, and cancer. Although new third-generation high-vision ultrathin endoscopes improve image quality and resolution over second-generation endoscopes, it is unclear whether the former also enhances color differences surrounding atrophy and intestinal metaplasia for endoscopic detection. We compared the efficacy of a new third-generation ultrathin endoscope and an older second-generation endoscope. Methods: We enrolled 50 Helicobacter pylori-eradicated patients who underwent transnasal endoscopy with a second-generation and third-generation endoscope (GIF-290N and GIF-1200N, respectively) in our retrospective study. Color differences based on the International Commission on Illumination 1976 (L*, a*, b*) color space were compared between second-generation and third-generation high-vision endoscopes. Results: Color differences surrounding atrophy produced by NBI on the GIF-1200N endoscope were significantly greater than those on GIF-290N (19.2 ± 8.5 vs. 14.4 ± 6.2, p = 0.001). In contrast, color differences surrounding intestinal metaplasia using both WLI and NBI were similar on GIF-1200N and GIF-290N endoscopes. NBI was advantageous over WLI for detecting intestinal metaplasia on both endoscopes. Conclusions: NBI using a third-generation ultrathin endoscope produced significantly greater color differences surrounding atrophy and intestinal metaplasia in H. pylori-eradicated patients compared with WLI.
Combined Radiographic Features and Age Can Distinguish Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia from Other Bacterial Pneumonias: Analysis Using the 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing Data
Authors: Iwanaga Yuto , Yamasaki Kei , Nemoto Kazuki , Akata Kentaro , Ikegami Hiroaki , Uchimura Keigo , Noguchi Shingo , Nishida Chinatsu , Kawanami Toshinori , Fukuda Kazumasa , Mukae Hiroshi , Yatera Kazuhiro
Published: April 2022

The study objective was to evaluate chest radiographic features that distinguish Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) from other bacterial pneumonias diagnosed based on the bacterial floral analysis with 16S rRNA gene sequencing, using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples directly obtained from pneumonia lesions. Patients were grouped according to the dominant bacterial phenotype; among 120 enrolled patients with CAP, chest CT findings were evaluated in 55 patients diagnosed with a mono-bacterial infection (one bacterial phylotype occupies more than 80% of all phylotypes in a sample) by three authorized respiratory physicians. Among this relatively small sample size of 55 patients with CAP, 10 had MPP, and 45 had other bacterial pneumonia and were categorized into four groups according to their predominant bacterial phylotypes. We created a new scoring system to discriminate MPP from other pneumonias, using a combination of significant CT findings that were observed in the M. pneumoniae group, and age (<60 years) (MPP–CTA scoring system). When the cutoff value was set to 1, this scoring system had a sensitivity of 80%, a specificity of 93%, a positive predictive value of 73%, and a negative predictive value of 95%. Among the CT findings, centrilobular nodules were characteristic findings in patients with MPP, and a combination of chest CT findings and age might distinguish MPP from other bacterial pneumonias.
Which Actigraphy Dimensions Predict Longitudinal Outcomes in Bipolar Disorders?
Authors: Ferrand Lisa , Hennion Vincent , Godin Ophelia , Bellivier Frank , Scott Jan , Etain Bruno
Published: April 2022

Bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by recurrent mood episodes. It is increasingly suggested that disturbances in sleep–wake cycles and/or circadian rhythms could represent valuable predictors of recurrence, but few studies have addressed this question. Euthymic individuals with BD (n = 69) undertook 3 weeks of actigraphy recording and were then followed up for a median duration of 3.5 years. Principal component analyses were used to identify core dimensions of sleep quantity/variability and circadian rhythmicity. Associations between clinical variables and actigraphy dimensions and time to first recurrence were explored using survival analyses, and then using area under the curve (AUC) analyses (early vs. late recurrence). Most participants (64%) experienced a recurrence during follow-up (median survival time: 18 months). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, an actigraphy dimension comprising amplitude and variability/stability of circadian rhythms was a significant predictor of time to recurrence (p = 0.009). The AUC for correct classification of early vs. late recurrence subgroups was only 0.64 for clinical predictors, but combining these variables with objectively measured intra-day variability improved the AUC to 0.82 (p = 0.04). Actigraphy estimates of circadian rhythms, particularly variability/stability and amplitude, may represent valid predictive markers of future BD recurrences and could be putative targets for future psychosocial interventions.
Evaluation of Quality and Bone Microstructure Alterations in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Narrative Review
Authors: Martínez-Montoro José Ignacio , García-Fontana Beatriz , García-Fontana Cristina , Muñoz-Torres Manuel
Published: April 2022

Bone fragility is a common complication in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, traditional techniques for the evaluation of bone fragility, such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), do not perform well in this population. Moreover, the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) usually underestimates fracture risk in T2DM. Importantly, novel technologies for the assessment of one microarchitecture in patients with T2DM, such as the trabecular bone score (TBS), high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), and microindentation, are emerging. Furthermore, different serum and urine bone biomarkers may also be useful for the evaluation of bone quality in T2DM. Hence, in this article, we summarize the limitations of conventional tools for the evaluation of bone fragility and review the current evidence on novel approaches for the assessment of quality and bone microstructure alterations in patients with T2DM.
Thermal Decomposition Characteristics of PEO/LiBF4/LAGP Composite Electrolytes
Authors: Denney Jacob , Huang Hong
Published: April 2022

Lithium-based batteries with improved safety performance are highly desired. At present, most safety hazard is the consequence of the ignition and flammability of organic liquid electrolytes. Dry ceramic-polymer composite electrolytes are attractive for their merits of non-flammability, reduced gas release, and thermal stability, in addition to their mechanical strength and flexibility. We recently fabricated free-standing solid composite electrolytes made up of polyethylene oxide (PEO), LiBF4 salt, and Li1+xAlxGe2−x(PO4)3 (LAGP). This study is focused on analyzing the impacts of LAGP on the thermal decomposition characteristics in the series of PEO/LiBF4/LAGP composite membranes. It is found that the appropriate amount of LAGP can (1) significantly reduce the organic solvent trapped in the polymer network and (2) increase the peak temperature corresponding to the thermal degradation of the PEO/LiBF4 complex. In the presence of LAGP, although the peak temperature related to the degradation of free PEO is reduced, the portion of free PEO, as well as its decomposition rate, is effectively reduced, resulting in slower gas release.
TiO2 Nanotubes Functionalized with Icariin for an Attenuated In Vitro Immune Response and Improved In Vivo Osseointegration
Authors: Negrescu Andreea-Mariana , Mitran Valentina , Draghicescu Wanda , Popescu Simona , Pirvu Cristian , Ionascu Iuliana , Soare Teodoru , Uzun Seralp , Croitoru Sorin Mihai , Cimpean Anisoara
Published: April 2022

Due to their superior mechanical and chemical properties, titanium (Ti) and its alloys have been widely used as orthopedic implantable devices. However, their bioinertness represents a limitation, which can be overcome by employing various surface modifications, such as TiO2 nanotube (TNT) fabrication via electrochemical anodization. Anodic TNTs present tunable dimensions and unique structures, turning them into feasible drug delivery platforms. In the present work, TNTs were loaded with icariin (Ica) through an adhesive intermediate layer of polydopamine (DP), and their in vitro and in vivo biological performance was evaluated. The successful fabrication of the modified surfaces was verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and contact angle measurements (CA), while the in vitro release of Ica was evaluated via UV-VIS spectrophotometry. In terms of in vitro behaviour, comparative studies on RAW 264.7 macrophages demonstrated that the TNT substrates, especially TNT-DP-Ica, elicited a lower inflammatory response compared to the Ti support. Moreover, the in vivo implantation studies evinced generation of a reduced fibrotic capsule around this implant and increased thickness of the newly formed bone tissue at 1 month and 3 months post-implantation, respectively. Overall, our results indicate that the controlled release of Ica from TNT surfaces could result in an improved osseointegration process.
Storm Surge Forecasting along Korea Strait Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Park Youngmin , Kim Euihyun , Choi Youngjin , Seo Gwangho , Kim Youngtaeg , Kim Hokyun
Published: April 2022

Typhoon attacks on the Korean Peninsula have recently become more frequent, and the strength of these typhoons is also gradually increasing because of climate change. Typhoon attacks cause storm surges in coastal regions; therefore, forecasts that enable advanced preparation for these storm surges are important. Because storm surge forecasts require both accuracy and speed, this study uses an artificial neural network algorithm suitable for nonlinear modeling and rapid computation. A storm surge forecast model was created for five tidal stations on the Korea Strait (southern coast of the Korean Peninsula), and the accuracy of its forecasts was verified. The model consisted of a deep neural network and convolutional neural network that represent the two-dimensional spatial characteristics. Data from the Global Forecast System numerical weather model were used as input to represent the spatial characteristics. The verification of the forecast accuracy revealed an absolute relative error of ≤5% for the five tidal stations. Therefore, it appears that the proposed method can be used for forecasts for other locations in the Korea Strait. Furthermore, because accurate forecasts can be computed quickly, the method is expected to provide rapid information for use in the field to support advance preparation for storm surges.
A Block Sparse-Based Dynamic Compressed Sensing Channel Estimator for Underwater Acoustic Communication
Authors: Xu Lingji , Chen Lixing , Li Yaan , Jiang Weihua
Published: April 2022

Due to the complex ocean propagation environments, the underwater acoustic (UWA) multipath channel often exhibits block sparse time-varying features, and while dynamic compressed sensing (DCS) can mitigate the time-varying effects of the UWA channel, DCS-based algorithms have limited performance for the UWA channel with block sparsity. In this study, by formulating the UWA channel with blocks concatenation, a block sparse-based DCS approach (BS-CS) is proposed to explore the block and time-varying sparsity of UWA channel simultaneously. In detail, we firstly adopt a block sparse recovery algorithm, block orthogonal matching pursuit (BOMP), to compute the temporary estimate. Then, the CS approach is applied to compute the support additions, which are caused by the time-varying components of the UWA channel. Next, we use the selected support to perform the BOMP estimate, and obtain the estimated channel response. Finally, the numerical simulation and the sea experiment were carried out to verify the superior performance of the proposed BS-CS algorithm in the block sparse time-varying UWA channels.
Tuning Exciton Recombination Pathways in Inorganic Bismuth-Based Perovskite for Broadband Emission
Authors: Shi Ming , Yang Bin , Liu Siping , Zhang Ruiling , Han Keli , Li Can , Li Rengui
Published: April 2022

Single-component emitters with broadband emission are attractive but challenging for illumination and display applications. The two-dimensional organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites have exhibited outstanding broad emission property due to low electronic dimensionality and strong exciton-phonon coupling. However, few layered all-inorganic lead-free perovskites with broadband emission have been explored, and the explicit mechanism of exciton recombination in them also needs in-depth understanding. Herein, the inorganic bismuth-based perovskite Cs
3
Bi
2
Br
9
achieves the stable broadband emission under ambient temperature and pressure by tuning the exciton recombination pathways via antimony (Sb) doping, and the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) realizes an enhancement from 2.9% to 15.9%. The photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra indicate that the doped Sb introduces newly extrinsic self-trapped states. The incorporation of Sb promotes the transfer of free excitons (FEs) to extrinsic self-trapped excitons (STEs) observed from Sb content-dependent steady-state PL spectra and, meanwhile, reduces the nonradiative recombination of the generated extrinsic STEs, which are primarily responsible for the remarkably enhanced broad emission. Furthermore, femtosecond transient absorption results elucidate a clear exciton dynamics, in which the transition from FEs to STEs might arise through the gradient energy levels, and finally extrinsic STEs at various energy states contribute to the broadband emission.
Deskripsi Kemampuan Koneksi Matematis Siswa Pada Materi Teorema Pythagoras
Authors: Yusuf Arya Aurellio , Bito Nursiya , Nurwan Nurwan , Zakaria Perry
Published: April 2022

This article discusses the description of students' mathematical connection abilities in solving mathematics on the Pythagorean theorem material. This descriptive research was conducted at SMP Negeri 1 Bolaang Uki in the odd semester of the 2019/2020 school year. The technique of data collection is done by test. Description test to obtain mathematical connection ability data. The results showed that the students' mathematical connection ability to recognize and use connections between mathematical ideas was 45.14%, the indicator of understanding how mathematical ideas were connected and built on one another to produce a coherent whole was 29.63%, and indicators of the introduction and application of mathematics in daily life by 23.61%.
Profil Minat Belajar Matematika Siswa di Masa Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Handriani Delvin Safitri , Hulukati Evi , Ismail Sumarno
Published: April 2022

This article discusses the interest profile of mathematics students to find out how the interest profile of learning mathematics students of class VIII Junior High School 1 Limboto in the pandemic covid-19. The method used is the method of descriptive research. The sample used in this study amounted to 60 students who were divided into 30 students as online learning research samples and 30 students became offline learning research samples. The sampling technique used is simple random sampling. The utilization of learning interest data is done using a questionnaire with 5 measuring indicators, namely (1) feeling happy, (2) Interest in learning, (3) attention in learning, (4) involvement in learning, (5) knowledge in learning. The results showed that students of class VIII of State Junior High School 1 Limboto school year 2020/2021 have a high interest in learning mathematics, both students who follow math teaching online and offline.
Common Pathogenetic Mechanisms of Ischemic Stroke and COVID-19: the Role of Focal and Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Сидорович Э.К.
Published: April 2022

В результате аналитического обзора многих клинических и экспериментальных исследований установлены общие патогенетические механизмы развития ишемического инсульта (инфаркта мозга) и COVID-19. Они включают системное и фокальное иммунное гипервоспаление, нейроваскулярную эндотелиальную дисфункцию, эндотелиит, нарушение регуляции ренин-ангиотензин-альдостероновой системы, окислительный стресс, чрезмерную агрегацию тромбоцитов, гиперкоагуляцию, которые могут значительно влиять на исходы инфаркта мозга при COVID-19. Выявлена двунаправленная взаимоотягощающая связь между COVID-19 и инфарктом мозга. Коронавирусная инфекция COVID-19 может выступать как триггер, фактор риска и этиопатогенеза, а также фактор, усугубляющий ишемическое поражение головного мозга, способствующий долговременной отсроченной воспалительной реакции с хронизацией ишемии, развитием когнитивного расстройства. Вероятность развития инфаркта мозга при COVID-19 следует учитывать всегда, особенно у пациентов с тяжелым течением заболевания, что требует динамического неврологического наблюдения за пациентами, проведения соответствующих диагностических процедур. Требуются разработка и применение стратегий, направленных на коррекцию иммунного гипервоспаления у пациентов с ИМ при COVID-19.

As a result of an analytical review of many clinical and experimental studies, common pathogenetic mechanisms for the development of ischemic stroke and COVID-19 have been established. They include systemic and focal immune hyperinflammation, neurovascular endothelial dysfunction, endothelitis, dysregulation of the central nervous system renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, oxidative stress, excessive platelet aggregation, and hypercoagulability, which can significantly influence the outcome of ischemic stroke in COVID-19. A bidirectional mutually aggravating relationship between COVID-19 and ischemic stroke was revealed. COVID-19 can act as a trigger, risk factor and etiological factor, as well as a factor that aggravates the cerebral ischemic damage, contributing to a long-term delayed inflammatory response with chronic brain ischemia and cognitive impairment. The likelihood of having ischemic stroke in the patients with COVID-19 should always be considered, especially in cases with a severe course of the disease; this requires dynamic neurological monitoring and appropriate diagnostic procedures. The development and application of strategies aimed to correct immune hyperinflammation in the patients with ischemic stroke and COVID-19 is required.
Emergency General Surgery Experience Of A Tertiary Center
Authors: TAŞ İlhan , YİĞİT Ebral
Published: April 2022

Background: We aimed to present the emergency General Surgery patient profile and results of our hospital.Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in Diyarbakır Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital Clinic between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2019. Patients who were admitted to the emergency department and underwent emergency operations at the General Surgery clinic were included in the study. Gender, age, anamnesis, laboratory tests, radiological findings, preoperative diagnoses, surgery notes, and postoperative results of the patients were recorded.Results: A total number of 2820 cases including 1201 (42.6%) female, and 1619 (57.4%) male patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the patients was 37.32 years (min: 14, max: 94). The most common age range was between the ages of 21-30 years.Most of the emergency surgeries were performed due to nontraumatic indications in 2645 (93.8%) , and 1790 of them (67.67%) were cases of appendicitis. Other indications of nontrau-matic emergency surgeries were abscess, incarcerated hernia, ileus, and perforation. 175 (6.2%) patients who came to our general surgery emergency department were operated on due to trauma. The most common causes of trauma in these patients were sharp force and stab in-juries in 43.4% and gunshot wounds in 39.4% of the cases.Conclusions: The frequency and distribution of emergency cases vary according to the locations of the hospitals. Epidemiological studies and increasing data on emergency surgery enable the determination of the emergency surgery profile of the regions and the preparation of the hos-pital staff for the patients who will seek medical help.
Vücut Geliştirme Egzersizi Yapan Kas Obezi Yetişkin Bireylerde Tiyol/Disülfit Homeostazının İncelenmesi
Authors: TÜYSÜZ Mehmed Zahid , ÇELİK Hakim , EREN Mehmet Ali , AKTAŞ Yakup
Published: April 2022

Amaç
Bu çalışmada vücut geliştirme egzersizi yapan bireylerdeki oksidatif stres düzeylerinin, sedanter normal kilolu, aşırı kilolu ve obez bireyler ve düzenli fiziksel egzersiz yapan normal kilolu bireyler ile karşılaştırarak araştırılması amaçlanmıştır.
Materyal ve Metod
Çalışmaya 18-45 yaşları arasında 122 gönüllü erkek katılımcı dahil edildi. Katılımcılar ilgilendikleri egzersizin şekline ve Vücut Kitle İndeksine göre 4 farklı gruba ayrıldı. Vücut geliştirme egzersizi yapan bireylerdeki oksidatif stres düzeyleri, sedanter normal kilolu, obez bireyler ve düzenli fiziksel egzersiz yapan normal kilolu bireyler ile karşılaştırıldı. Oksidatif stres düzeylerini belirlemek için serum tiyol-disülfit parametreleri ölçüldü.
Bulgular
Normal kilolu düzenli egzersiz yapan katılıcılarda dinamik tiyol / disülfit homeostazının sağlandığı, ancak vücut geliştirme egzersizi yapan grupta dinamik tiyol / disülfit homeostazının bozulduğunu gözlenmiştir.
Sonuç
Deney sonuçları vücut geliştirme egzersizi gibi ağır egzersizlerden kaçınmamızı, düzenli ve hafif egzersizlerin ise teşvik edilmesi gerektiğini göstermektedir.
Uji Eksperimental Respon Struktur 3D Modelling Struktur Portal Open Frame dan Struktur Portal Bresing Terhadap Beban Gempa
Authors: Barus Anggi , Lubis Fadrizal , Apriani Widya
Published: April 2022

Salah satu kendala dalam pengujian laboratorium adalah ketersediaan kapasitas pengujian. Sehingga dikembangkan metode similitude yang bertujuan untuk mereplikasi keaadaan prototipe dengan cara menskalakan variabel agar dapat dilakukan pengujian di laboratorium. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk  mengetahui  selisih hasil uji numerik dan uji eksperimental respon struktur portal open frame dan struktur portal bresing terhadap parameter perpindahan dan drift ratio struktur portal baja pada bangunan gempa. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah metode uji eksperimental. Dari hasil analisis selisih hasil perpindahan terbesar antara uji numerik dan uji eksperimental struktur portal open frame terdapat pada lantai 4 yaitu dengan selisih 21.8 mm, sedangkan selisih hasil perpindahan terbesar pada struktur bresing terdapat pada lantai 6 yaitu dengan selisih 14.54 mm, Selisih perpindahan paling tinggi antara uji numerik dan uji eksperimental yang terjadi pada struktur open frame terdapat pada lantai 3, 4, dan 5 sedangkan yang terjadi pada struktur bresing terdapat pada lantai 5, 6, dan 7 tetapi perpindahan uji eksperimental masih dalam batas izin untuk perencanaan struktur dan jika di tinjau dari hasil drift ratio, hasil melebihi batasan izin drift ratio 2% dari tinggi tiap tingkat bangunan yang terdapat pada lantai 1 dan lantai 6 struktur portal open frame dan pada lantai 5 struktrur portal bresing.
Analisis Karakteristik Beton Self Compacting Concrete Terhadap Penambahan Superplasticizer Master Gelenium ACE 8595
Authors: Haniza Sjelly , Jusi Ulfa , Saputra Angga
Published: April 2022

Beton Self Concrete Composite (SCC), memiliki sifat alir (flowable) sehingga dapat mengisi seluruh rongga beton tanpa melalui proses pemadatan dengan vibrator. Pemakaian beton SCC biasanya dilakukan pada struktur yang memiliki tulangan-tulangan yang rapat, dimana alat vibrator tidak dapat digunakan untuk menggetarkan dan mengeluarkan udara yang terjebak didalam beton. Untuk mengetahui sejauh mana perilaku karakteristik beton SCC menggunakan superplasticizer master glenium ACE 859 dengan variasi dosis 0%, 1,1%, 1,3%, dan 1,5% dari berat semen. Penelitian menggunakan mutu beton Fc’-60 MPa dan perencanaan menggunakan metode SNI 03-6468-2000. Hasil penelitian terhadap beton segar didapat bahwa penambahan superplasticizer pada campuran beton dapat dikategorikan sebagai beton  Self Compacting Concrete (SCC), dimana slump tertinggi pada dosis SP 1,5% sebesar 700 mm. Kuat tekan maksimum diperoleh pada pemakaian dosis SP 1,5% sebesar 72,65 MPa. Nilai absorbsi umur 28 hari terjadi penurunan disetiap penambahan dosis SP, dimana  untuk dosis SP 1,1% sebesar 0,76%, dosis SP 1,3% sebesar 0,66%, dan dosis SP 1,5% sebesar 0,60%. Hasil penelitian kuat tekan umur 28 hari membuktikan bahwa pemakaian superplasticizer master glenium ACE 8595 dapat meningkatkan mutu beton rencana dan  mengurangi penyerapan (absorpsi).
Analisis Kuat Tekan Dan Workability Bata Ringan Cellular Lightweight Concrete Dengan Bahan Tambah Substitusi Semen
Authors: Sedrian Putra Revo , Suryanita Reni , Maizir Harnedi
Published: April 2022

Perkembangan zaman di bidang ilmu pengetahuan setiap tahun terus meningkat, sehingga memunculkan ide baru terutama dalam bidang konstruksi dinding. Pada konstruksi dinding memiliki inovasi baru seperti bata ringan sebagai pengganti bata merah konvensional. Bata ringan dibuat dengan menyertakan gelembung udara pada campuran mortar, sehingga berat bata menjadi lebih ringan. Salah satu bahan penyusun utama bata ringan adalah semen yang menjadi faktor kekuatan bata ringan. Sifat dari semen yang tidak terbarukan menjadikan harga semen semakin mahal dari waktu ke waktu, sehingga muncul inovasi menggunakan bahan lain yang dapat digunakan sebagai pengganti sebagian semen. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengindentifikasi komposisi optimal bata ringan cellular lightweight concrete, dengan mengganti jumlah semen dalam campuran bata ringan menggunakan kalsium karbonat berdasarkan kuat tekan sampel trial dan flow table. Benda uji berupa sampel trial berbentuk kubus dibuat memiliki ukuran setiap sisi 10 cm dengan 5 variasi substitusi kapur mentah kalsium karbonat 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% dan 20% dari jumlah semen, setiap variasi memiliki 12 sampel. Selanjutnya melakukan pengujian flow table untuk mengukur workability pada campuran adonan sampel trial dan melakukan pengujian kuat tekan pada umur 3 hari, 7 hari, 14 hari dan 28 hari. Hasil pengujian flow table pada campuran sampel trial memiliki nilai flow untuk variasi 0% sebesar 106,98%, variasi 5% sebesar 102,98%, variasi 10% sebesar 97,03%, variasi 15% sebesar 93,98%, dan variasi 20% sebesar 96,08%. Hasil nilai kuat tekan sampel trial pada umur 28 hari untuk variasi 0% sebesar 0,740 MPa, variasi 5% sebesar 0,783 MPa, variasi 10% sebesar 0,907 MPa, variasi 15% sebesar 1,423 MPa, dan variasi 20% sebesar 0,913 MPa. Benda uji bata ringan dengan ukuran sebenarnya dibuat berdasarkan kuat tekan optimum dari pengujian sampel trial, dengan ukuran panjang 60 cm, lebar 10 cm dan tinggi 20 cm sebanyak 8 sampel. Hasil nilai kuat tekan bata ringan pada umur 28 hari dengan variasi 15% kalsium karbonat sebesar 1,317 MPa. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini bahwa variasi persentase 15% kalsium karbonat dari berat semen menghasilkan kuat tekan sampel trial yang paling tinggi, dengan tambahan 0,68 MPa atau 92,34% dari nilai kuat tekan sampel trial tanpa kalsium karbonat.