bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring Online Teaching Service Quality in Higher Education in the COVID-19 Environment
Authors: Ramírez-Hurtado José M. , Hernández-Díaz Alfredo G. , López-Sánchez Ana D. , Pérez-León Víctor E.
Published: March 2021

The use of the Internet to develop new technologies has generated a considerable change in teaching and student learning in higher education. The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has forced universities to switch from face-to-face to online instruction. Furthermore, this transfer process was planned and executed quickly, with urgent redesigns of courses originally conceived for live teaching. The aim of this work is to measure the service quality of online teaching delivered during the COVID-19 period. The methodology was based on an importance-performance analysis using a structural equations model. The data were obtained from a sample of 467 students attending a university in southern Spain. The results reveal five priority attributes of online teaching that need to be improved in order to enhance the service quality of the virtual instruction provided to students. Universities need to redefine their online format by integrating methodological and technological decisions and involving collaboration between teachers, students and administration staff and services. The results do not apply to educational institutions that exclusively teach courses online, but to those institutions that had to rapidly adapt, and shift course material originally designed for face-to-face training.
Low COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance Is Correlated with Conspiracy Beliefs among University Students in Jordan
Authors: Sallam Malik , Dababseh Deema , Eid Huda , Hasan Hanan , Taim Duaa , Al-Mahzoum Kholoud , Al-Haidar Ayat , Yaseen Alaa , Ababneh Nidaa A. , Assaf Areej , Bakri Faris G. , Matar Suzan , Mahafzah Azmi
Published: March 2021

Vaccination to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged as a promising measure to overcome the negative consequences of the pandemic. Since university students could be considered a knowledgeable group, this study aimed to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among this group in Jordan. Additionally, we aimed to examine the association between vaccine conspiracy beliefs and vaccine hesitancy. We used an online survey conducted in January 2021 with a chain-referral sampling approach. Conspiracy beliefs were evaluated using the validated Vaccine Conspiracy Belief Scale (VCBS), with higher scores implying embrace of conspiracies. A total of 1106 respondents completed the survey with female predominance (n = 802, 72.5%). The intention to get COVID-19 vaccines was low: 34.9% (yes) compared to 39.6% (no) and 25.5% (maybe). Higher rates of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance were seen among males (42.1%) and students at Health Schools (43.5%). A Low rate of influenza vaccine acceptance was seen as well (28.8%), in addition to 18.6% of respondents being anti-vaccination altogether. A significantly higher VCBS score was correlated with reluctance to get the vaccine (p < 0.001). Dependence on social media platforms was significantly associated with lower intention to get COVID-19 vaccines (19.8%) compared to dependence on medical doctors, scientists, and scientific journals (47.2%, p < 0.001). The results of this study showed the high prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its association with conspiracy beliefs among university students in Jordan. The implementation of targeted actions to increase the awareness of such a group is highly recommended. This includes educational programs to dismantle vaccine conspiracy beliefs and awareness campaigns to build recognition of the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.
Evaluating Social Distancing Measures and Their Association with the Covid-19 Pandemic in South America
Authors: Oliveira Gisliany Lillian Alves de , Lima Luciana , Silva Ivanovitch , Ribeiro-Dantas Marcel da Câmara , Monteiro Kayo Henrique , Endo Patricia Takako
Published: March 2021

Social distancing is a powerful non-pharmaceutical intervention used as a way to slow the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus around the world since the end of 2019 in China. Taking that into account, this work aimed to identify variations on population mobility in South America during the pandemic (15 February to 27 October 2020). We used a data-driven approach to create a community mobility index from the Google Covid-19 Community Mobility and relate it to the Covid stringency index from Oxford Covid-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT). Two hypotheses were established: countries which have adopted stricter social distancing measures have also a lower level of circulation (H1), and mobility is occurring randomly in space (H2). Considering a transient period, a low capacity of governments to respond to the pandemic with more stringent measures of social distancing was observed at the beginning of the crisis. In turn, considering a steady-state period, the results showed an inverse relationship between the Covid stringency index and the community mobility index for at least three countries (H1 rejected). Regarding the spatial analysis, global and local Moran indices revealed regional mobility patterns for Argentina, Brazil, and Chile (H1 rejected). In Brazil, the absence of coordinated policies between the federal government and states regarding social distancing may have played an important role for several and extensive clusters formation. On the other hand, the results for Argentina and Chile could be signals for the difficulties of governments in keeping their population under control, and for long periods, even under stricter decrees.
COVID-19 Infection and Mortality: Association with PM2.5 Concentration and Population Density—An Exploratory Study
Authors: Yu Xinyu , Wong Man Sing , Kwan Mei Po , Nichol Janet Elizabeth , Zhu Rui , Heo Joon , Chan Pak Wai , Chin David C. W. , Kwok Coco Yin Tung , Kan Zihan
Published: March 2021

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a public health problem at a global scale because of its high infection and mortality rate. It has affected most countries in the world, and the number of confirmed cases and death toll is still growing rapidly. Susceptibility studies have been conducted in specific countries, where COVID-19 infection and mortality rates were highly related to demographics and air pollution, especially PM2.5, but there are few studies on a global scale. This paper is an exploratory study of the relationship between confirmed COVID-19 cases and death toll per million population, population density, and PM2.5 concentration on a worldwide basis. A multivariate linear regression based on Moran eigenvector spatial filtering model and Geographically weighted regression model were undertaken to analyze the relationship between population density, PM2.5 concentration, and COVID-19 infection and mortality rate, and a geostatistical method with bivariate local spatial association analysis was adopted to explore their spatial correlations. The results show that there is a statistically significant positive relationship between COVID-19 confirmed cases and death toll per million population, population density, and PM2.5 concentration, but the relationship displays obvious spatial heterogeneity. While some adjacent countries are likely to have similar characteristics, it suggests that the countries with close contacts/sharing borders and similar spatial pattern of population density and PM2.5 concentration tend to have similar patterns of COVID-19 risk. The analysis provides an interpretation of the statistical and spatial association of COVID-19 with population density and PM2.5 concentration, which has implications for the control and abatement of COVID-19 in terms of both infection and mortality.
Novel lncRNAs Co-Expression Networks Identifies LINC00504 with Oncogenic Role in Luminal A Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Mathias Carolina , Groeneveld Clarice S. , Trefflich Sheyla , Zambalde Erika P. , Lima Rubens S. , Urban Cícero A. , Prado Karin B. , Ribeiro Enilze M. S. F. , Castro Mauro A. A. , Gradia Daniela F. , de Oliveira Jaqueline C.
Published: March 2021

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are functional transcripts with more than 200 nucleotides. These molecules exhibit great regulatory capacity and may act at different levels of gene expression regulation. Despite this regulatory versatility, the biology of these molecules is still poorly understood. Computational approaches are being increasingly used to elucidate biological mechanisms in which these lncRNAs may be involved. Co-expression networks can serve as great allies in elucidating the possible regulatory contexts in which these molecules are involved. Herein, we propose the use of the pipeline deposited in the RTN package to build lncRNAs co-expression networks using TCGA breast cancer (BC) cohort data. Worldwide, BC is the most common cancer in women and has great molecular heterogeneity. We identified an enriched co-expression network for the validation of relevant cell processes in the context of BC, including LINC00504. This lncRNA has increased expression in luminal subtype A samples, and is associated with prognosis in basal-like subtype. Silencing this lncRNA in luminal A cell lines resulted in decreased cell viability and colony formation. These results highlight the relevance of the proposed method for the identification of lncRNAs in specific biological contexts.
DAMPs and RAGE Pathophysiology at the Acute Phase of Brain Injury: An Overview
Authors: Balança Baptiste , Desmurs Laurent , Grelier Jérémy , Perret-Liaudet Armand , Lukaszewicz Anne-Claire
Published: March 2021

Early or primary injury due to brain aggression, such as mechanical trauma, hemorrhage or is-chemia, triggers the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in the extracellular space. Some DAMPs, such as S100B, participate in the regulation of cell growth and survival but may also trigger cellular damage as their concentration increases in the extracellular space. When DAMPs bind to pattern-recognition receptors, such as the receptor of advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), they lead to non-infectious inflammation that will contribute to necrotic cell clearance but may also worsen brain injury. In this narrative review, we describe the role and ki-netics of DAMPs and RAGE at the acute phase of brain injury. We searched the MEDLINE database for “DAMPs” or “RAGE” or “S100B” and “traumatic brain injury” or “subarachnoid hemorrhage” or “stroke”. We selected original articles reporting data on acute brain injury pathophysiology, from which we describe DAMPs release and clearance upon acute brain injury, and the implication of RAGE in the development of brain injury. We will also discuss the clinical strategies that emerge from this overview in terms of biomarkers and therapeutic perspectives
Anti-Müllerian Hormone, Growth Hormone, and Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Modulate the Migratory and Secretory Patterns of GnRH Neurons
Authors: Cannarella Rossella , Paganoni Alyssa , Cicolari Stefania , Oleari Roberto , Condorelli Rosita , La Vignera Sandro , Cariboni Anna , Calogero Aldo , Magni Paolo
Published: March 2021

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is secreted by Sertoli or granulosa cells. Recent evidence suggests that AMH may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) and that its serum levels could help to discriminate HH from delayed puberty. Moreover, the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) system may be involved in the function of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, as delayed puberty is commonly found in patients with GH deficiency (GHD) or with Laron syndrome, a genetic form of GH resistance. The comprehension of the stimuli enhancing the migration and secretory activity of GnRH neurons might shed light on the causes of delay of puberty or HH. With these premises, we aimed to better clarify the role of the AMH, GH, and IGF1 on GnRH neuron migration and GnRH secretion, by taking advantage of previously established models of immature (GN11 cell line) and mature (GT1-7 cell line) GnRH neurons. Expression of Amhr, Ghr, and Igf1r genes was confirmed in both cell lines. Cells were then incubated with increasing concentrations of AMH (1.5–150 ng/mL), GH (3–1000 ng/mL), or IGF1 (1.5–150 ng/mL). All hormones were able to support GN11 cell chemomigration. AMH, GH, and IGF1 significantly stimulated GnRH secretion by GT1-7 cells after a 90-min incubation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the direct effects of GH and IGF1 in GnRH neuron migration and of GH in the GnRH secreting pattern. Taken together with previous basic and clinical studies, these findings may provide explanatory mechanisms for data, suggesting that AMH and the GH-IGF1 system play a role in HH or the onset of puberty.
COVID-19 and Diagnostic Testing for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR—Facts and Fallacies
Authors: Bustin Stephen , Mueller Reinhold , Shipley Gregory , Nolan Tania
Published: March 2021

Although molecular testing, and RT-qPCR in particular, has been an indispensable component in the scientific armoury targeting SARS-CoV-2, there are numerous falsehoods, misconceptions, assumptions and exaggerated expectations with regards to capability, performance and usefulness of the technology. It is essential that the true strengths and limitations, although publicised for at least twenty years, are restated in the context of the current COVID-19 epidemic. The main objective of this commentary is to address and help stop the unfounded and debilitating speculation surrounding its use.
How miR-31-5p and miR-33a-5p Regulates SP1/CX43 Expression in Osteoarthritis Disease: Preliminary Insights
Authors: Costa Viviana , De Fine Marcello , Carina Valeria , Conigliaro Alice , Raimondi Lavinia , De Luca Angela , Bellavia Daniele , Salamanna Francesca , Alessandro Riccardo , Pignatti Giovanni , Fini Milena , Giavaresi Gianluca
Published: March 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative bone disease that involved micro and macro-environment of joints. To date, there are no radical curative treatments for OA and novel therapies are mandatory. Recent evidence suggests the role of miRNAs in OA progression. In our previous studies, we demonstrated the role of miR-31-5p and miR-33a families in different bone regeneration signaling. Here, we investigated the role of miR-31-5p and miR-33a-5p in OA progression. A different expression of miR-31-5p and miR-33a-5p into osteoblasts and chondrocytes isolated from joint tissues of OA patients classified in based on different Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) grading was highlighted; and through a bioinformatic approach the common miRNAs target Specificity proteins (Sp1) were identified. Sp1 regulates the expression of gap junction protein Connexin43 (Cx43), which in OA drives the modification of (i) osteoblasts and chondrocytes genes expression, (ii) joint inflammation cytokines releases and (iii) cell functions. Concerning this, thanks to gain and loss of function studies, the possible role of Sp1 as a modulator of CX43 expression through miR-31-5p and miR-33a-5p action was also evaluated. Finally, we hypothesize that both miRNAs cooperate to modulate the expression of SP1 in osteoblasts and chondrocytes and interfering, consequently, with CX43 expression, and they might be further investigated as new possible biomarkers for OA.
The Cross-Talk between Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Immune Cells in Tissue Repair and Regeneration
Authors: Harrell Carl Randall , Djonov Valentin , Volarevic Vladislav
Published: March 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are self-renewable, rapidly proliferating, multipotent stem cells which reside in almost all post-natal tissues. MSCs possess potent immunoregulatory properties and, in juxtacrine and paracrine manner, modulate phenotype and function of all immune cells that participate in tissue repair and regeneration. Additionally, MSCs produce various pro-angiogenic factors and promote neo-vascularization in healing tissues, contributing to their enhanced repair and regeneration. In this review article, we summarized current knowledge about molecular mechanisms that regulate the crosstalk between MSCs and immune cells in tissue repair and regeneration.
Plasma Proteomic Profiling in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Patients before and after Surgical Myectomy Reveals Post-Procedural Reduction in Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Larson Amy , Libermann Towia A. , Bowditch Heather , Das Gaurav , Diakos Nikolaos , Huggins Gordon S. , Rastegar Hassan , Chen Frederick Y. , Rowin Ethan J. , Maron Martin S. , Chin Michael T.
Published: March 2021

Left Ventricular Outflow Tract (LVOT) obstruction occurs in approximately 70% of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients and currently requires imaging or invasive testing for diagnosis, sometimes in conjunction with provocative physiological or pharmaceutical stimuli. To identify potential biomarkers of LVOT obstruction, we performed proteomics profiling of 1305 plasma proteins in 12 HCM patients with documented LVOT obstruction, referred for surgical myectomy. Plasma was collected at the surgical preoperative visit, approximately one month prior to surgery and then at the post-surgical visit, approximately 3 months later. Proteomic profiles were generated using the aptamer-based SOMAscan assay. Principal Component Analysis using the highest statistically significant proteins separated all preoperative samples from all postoperative samples. Further analysis revealed a set of 25 proteins that distinguished the preoperative and postoperative states with a paired t-test p-value of <0.01. Ingenuity Pathway analysis facilitated the generation of protein interaction networks and the elucidation of key upstream regulators of differentially expressed proteins, such as interferon-γ, TGF-β1, and TNF. Biological pathways affected by surgery included organ inflammation, migration, and motility of leukocytes, fibrosis, vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, acute coronary events, endothelial proliferation, eicosanoid metabolism, calcium flux, apoptosis, and morphology of the cardiovascular system. Our results indicate that surgical relief of dynamic outflow tract obstruction in HCM patients is associated with unique alterations in plasma proteomic profiles that likely reflect improvement in organ inflammation and physiological function.
Emergent Robotic Personality Traits via Agent-Based Simulation of Abstract Social Environments
Authors: Bennett Casey
Published: March 2021

This paper discusses the creation of an agent-based simulation model for interactive robotic faces, built based on data from physical human–robot interaction experiments, to explore hypotheses around how we might create emergent robotic personality traits, rather than pre-scripted ones based on programmatic rules. If an agent/robot can visually attend and behaviorally respond to social cues in its environment, and that environment varies, then idiosyncratic behavior that forms the basis of what we call a “personality” should theoretically be emergent. Here, we evaluate the stability of behavioral learning convergence in such social environments to test this idea. We conduct over 2000 separate simulations of an agent-based model in scaled-down, abstracted forms of the environment, each one representing an “experiment”, to see how different parameters interact to affect this process. Our findings suggest that there may be systematic dynamics in the learning patterns of an agent/robot in social environments, as well as significant interaction effects between the environmental setup and agent perceptual model. Furthermore, learning from deltas (Markovian approach) was more effective than only considering the current state space. We discuss the implications for HRI research, the design of interactive robotic faces, and the development of more robust theoretical frameworks of social interaction.
Early Outcomes of Carotid Revascularization in Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Nana Petroula , Kouvelos George , Brotis Alexandros , Spanos Konstantinos , Dardiotis Efthimios , Matsagkas Miltiadis , Giannoukas Athanasios
Published: March 2021

Background: Most data in carotid stenosis treatment arise from randomized control trials (RCTs) and cohort studies. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare 30-day outcomes in real-world practice from centers providing both modalities. Methods: A data search of the English literature was conducted, using PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases, until December 2019, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement (PRISMA) guidelines. Only studies reporting on 30-day outcomes from centers, where both techniques were performed, were eligible for this analysis. Results: In total, 15 articles were included (16,043 patients). Of the patients, 68.1% were asymptomatic. Carotid artery stenting (CAS) did not differ from carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in terms of stroke (odds ratio (OR) 0.98; 0.77–1.25; I2 = 0%), myocardial ischemic events (OR 1.03; 0.72–1.48; I2 = 0%) and all events (OR 1.0; 0.82–1.21; I2 = 0%). Pooled stroke incidence in asymptomatic patients was 1% (95% CI: 0–2%) for CEA and 1% for CAS (95% CI: 0–2%). Pooled stroke rate in symptomatic patients was 3% (95% CI: 1–4%) for CEA and 3% (95% CI: 1–4%) for CAS. The two techniques did not differ in either outcome both in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. Conclusion: Carotid revascularization, performed in centers providing both CAS and CEA, is safe and effective. Both techniques did not differ in terms of post-procedural neurological and cardiac events, both in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. These findings reiterate the importance of a tailored therapeutic strategy and that “real-world” outcomes may only be valid from centers providing both treatments.
CPAP Therapy Termination Rates by OSA Phenotype: A French Nationwide Database Analysis
Authors: Pépin Jean-Louis , Bailly Sébastien , Rinder Pierre , Adler Dan , Szeftel Daniel , Malhotra Atul , Cistulli Peter , Benjafield Adam , Lavergne Florent , Josseran Anne , Tamisier Renaud , Hornus Pierre ,   on behalf of the medXcloud Group
Published: March 2021

The nationwide claims data lake for sleep apnoea (ALASKA)—real-life data for understanding and increasing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) quality of care study—investigated long-term continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) termination rates, focusing on the contribution of comorbidities. The French national health insurance reimbursement system data for new CPAP users aged ≥18 years were analyzed. Innovative algorithms were used to determine the presence of specific comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)). Therapy termination was defined as cessation of CPAP reimbursements. A total of 480,000 patients were included (mean age 59.3 ± 13.6 years, 65.4% male). An amount of 50.7, 24.4 and 4.3% of patients, respectively, had hypertension, diabetes and COPD. Overall CPAP termination rates after 1, 2 and 3 years were 23.1, 37.1 and 47.7%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, age categories, female sex (1.09 (1.08–1.10) and COPD (1.12 (1.10–1.13)) and diabetes (1.18 (1.16–1.19)) were significantly associated with higher CPAP termination risk; patients with hypertension were more likely to continue using CPAP (hazard ratio 0.96 (95% confidence interval 0.95–0.97)). Therapy termination rates were highest in younger or older patients with ≥1 comorbidity. Comorbidities have an important influence on long-term CPAP continuation in patients with OSA.
Quality of Recovery after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Following Neuromuscular Blockade Reversal with Neostigmine or Sugammadex: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Han Jiwon , Oh Ah-Young , Jeon Yong-Tae , Koo Bon-Wook , Kim Bo Young , Kim Donghyun , Hwang Insung
Published: March 2021

The risk of neuromuscular blockade is certainly minimized by sugammadex in combination with monitoring. However, the effect of sugammadex-aided recovery on patients’ satisfaction is unclear. This study compared the Quality of Recovery (QoR)-15 score, which is a patient-reported outcome, in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Eighty patients were randomly assigned to the neostigmine or sugammadex groups. At the end of surgery, neostigmine or sugammadex was administered, and tracheal extubation was performed after confirmation of a train of four ratio ≥ 0.9. The QoR-15 questionnaire was administered at 1 day before surgery and on post-operative days (POD) 1 and 2. The primary outcome was the QoR-15 score on POD 1. The secondary outcomes were the QoR-15 score on POD 2, modified Aldrete score, length of post-anesthetic care unit stay, post-operative pain, administration of anti-emetics, urinary retention, and length of hospital stay. No significant differences were found in QoR-15 scores on POD 1 (94.4 vs. 95.5, p = 0.87) or 2 (116.3 vs. 122, p = 0.33). Secondary outcomes were also comparable, with the exception of urinary retention (15.8% neostigmine vs. 2.6% sugammadex, p = 0.04). This study demonstrated that the quality of recovery was comparable between the neostigmine and sugammadex groups when reversal and tracheal extubation were performed in accordance with the current guidelines.
Short (6 mm) and Regular Dental Implants in the Posterior Maxilla–7-Years Follow-up Study
Authors: Hadzik Jakub , Kubasiewicz-Ross Paweł , Nawrot-Hadzik Izabela , Gedrange Tomasz , Pitułaj Artur , Dominiak Marzena
Published: March 2021

Short 6 mm dental implants are considered as an alternative to the maxillary sinus elevation and bone augmentation procedure where there is a reduced alveolar ridge height. The aim of this study was to compare the implant survival rate between short dental implants (6 mm) and regular length implants (11–13 mm) when placed in combination with bone grafting and loaded with a single non splinted crown, seven years after placing the implant. It was conducted as a controlled clinical study of 30 patients with partial edentulism in the posterior maxilla. The protocol included radiological and clinical evaluation of the C/I ratio (length of the superstructure divided by the length of the implant crestal part), marginal bone level (MBL), ultrasonography measurement of soft tissue surrounding implant (STT), patient-reported outcomes, and biological and technical complications. A total number of 28 implants (93%) remained integrated during follow-up period. MBL of 0.50 and 0.52 mm was observed for short implants and regular implants, respectively. MBL was checked for correlation with STT, and a negative correlation was found between MBL: STT. Our study has demonstrated a significantly lower implant survival rate for short implants compared to regular implants (87% compared to 100%). Despite the loss of several implants, good clinical results were achieved in the remaining implants in both groups. It is, therefore, worth considering short implants as an alternative to regular implants with a sinus lift surgery.
Analysis of The Reproducibility of Subgingival Vertical Margins Using Intraoral Optical Scanning (IOS): A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
Authors: Ferrari Cagidiaco Edoardo , Zarone Fernando , Discepoli Nicola , Joda Tim , Ferrari Marco
Published: March 2021

Background: The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the capability of an IOS (Intra Oral Scanner) device, used in standardized conditions, to detect margins of abutments prepared with knife-edge finishing line located at three different levels in relation to the gingival sulcus. Methods: sixty abutment teeth for treatment with full crowns were selected and randomly divided in three groups accordingly to the depth of the finishing line: Group A: supragingival margin; Group B: 0.5–1.0 mm into the sulcus; Group C: 1.5–2.0 mm into the sulcus. Temporary crowns were placed for two weeks and then digital impressions (Aadva IOS 100, GC, Japan) were made of each abutment. As controls, analog impressions were taken, poured, and scanned using a laboratory scanner (Aadva lab scanner, GC, Japan). Two standard tessellation language (STL) files were generated for each abutment, subsequently processed, and superimposed by Exocad software (Exocad GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany), applying the “best-fit“ algorithm in order to align the scan of the conventional with the digital impressions. The distances between each preparation margin and the adjacent gingival tissue were measured. Four measures were taken, two interproximally and buccally, for a total of six measures of each abutment considering three modes of impressions. The data were statistically evaluated using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for each site and the Bonferroni test. Results: there was no difference between the two kinds of impression in Group A in both sites, in Group B a difference of 0.483 mm and 0.682 mm at interproximal and buccal sites, respectively, and in Group C 0.750 mm and 0.964 mm at interproximal and buccal sites, respectively. The analysis performed on a site level (mesial/distal/vestibular) for the depth of both vertical preparations revealed significant differences (p < 0.0001). After a post hoc analysis (Bonferroni), vestibular sites of the shallow vertical preparations resulted in significantly lower values compared to the other sites prepared deeply. Conclusions: the results showed that the location of the margin is an important factor in making a precise and complete impression when IOS (Intra Oral Scanner) is used. Moreover, deep preparation into the sulcus is not recommended for IOS (Intra Oral Scanner) impressions.
Challenges in Acanthamoeba Keratitis: A Review
Authors: Varacalli Giuseppe , Di Zazzo Antonio , Mori Tommaso , Dohlman Thomas H. , Spelta Sara , Coassin Marco , Bonini Stefano
Published: March 2021

To review challenges in the diagnosis and management of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), along with prognostic factors, in order to help ophthalmologists avoid misdiagnosis, protracted treatment periods, and long-term negative sequelae, with an overarching goal of improving patient outcomes and quality of life, we examined AK studies published between January 1998 and December 2019. All manuscripts describing clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and challenges in short- and long-term management were included. The diagnosis of AK is often challenging. An increased time between symptom onset and the initiation of appropriate therapy is associated with poorer visual outcomes. The timely initiation of standardized antiamoebic therapies improves visual outcomes, decreases the duration of treatment, and reduces the chances of needing surgical intervention. In clinical practice, AK diagnosis is often missed or delayed, leading to poorer final visual outcomes and a negative impact on patient morbidity and quality of life.
Aortic Valve Disease and Associated Complex CAD: The Interventional Approach
Authors: Marin Federico , Scarsini Roberto , Kotronias Rafail , Terentes-Printzios Dimitrios , Burrage Matthew , Bray Jonathan , Ciofani Jonathan , Venturi Gabriele , Pighi Michele , De Maria Giovanni , Banning Adrian
Published: March 2021

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is highly prevalent in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). The management of CAD is a central aspect of the work-up of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), but few data are available on this field and the best percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) practice is yet to be determined. A major challenge is the ability to elucidate the severity of bystander coronary stenosis independently of the severity of aortic valve stenosis and subsequent impact on blood flow. The prognostic role of CAD in patients undergoing TAVI is being still debated and the benefits and the best timing of PCI in this context are currently under evaluation. Additionally, PCI in the setting of advanced AS poses some technical challenges, due to the complex anatomy, risk of hemodynamic instability, and the increased risk of bleeding complications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the available literature on myocardial revascularization in patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI. This work can assist the Heart Team in individualizing decisions about myocardial revascularization, taking into account available diagnostic tools as well as the risks and benefits.
Interventricular Septal Thickness as a Diagnostic Marker of Fetal Macrosomia
Authors: Szmyd Bartosz , Biedrzycka Małgorzata , Karuga Filip Franciszek , Rogut Magdalena , Strzelecka Iwona , Respondek-Liberska Maria
Published: March 2021

Serious complications in both mother and newborn arising as a result of fetal macrosomia indicate the need for early diagnosis and prevention. Unfortunately, current predictors, such as fetal biometry, fundal height, and amniotic fluid index, appear to be insufficient. Therefore, we decided to assess the predictive potential of interventricular septal thickness (IVST), as measured at ≥33 weeks of gestation. Two hundred and ninety-nine patients met the inclusion criteria: complete medical history including all necessary measurements—namely, IVST obtained by M-mode echocardiography, fetal biometry, and birth weight. The Statistica 13.1 PL software was used to generate the receiver operating curve. The optimal cut-off point (IVST of 4.7 mm) was selected using the Youden index method. The analysis of fetal biometry abnormalities resulted in 46.6% of macrosomia cases being correctly predicted; however, IVST analysis detected 71.4% of cases. IVST at ≥4.7 mm appears to have a higher sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) than routine ultrasound.
Network Visualization and Pyramidal Feature Comparison for Ablative Treatability Classification Using Digitized Cervix Images
Authors: Guo Peng , Xue Zhiyun , Jeronimo Jose , Gage Julia C. , Desai Kanan T. , Befano Brian , García Francisco , Long L. Rodney , Schiffman Mark , Antani Sameer
Published: March 2021

Uterine cervical cancer is a leading cause of women’s mortality worldwide. Cervical tissue ablation is an effective surgical excision of high grade lesions that are determined to be precancerous. Our prior work on the Automated Visual Examination (AVE) method demonstrated a highly effective technique to analyze digital images of the cervix for identifying precancer. Next step would be to determine if she is treatable using ablation. However, not all women are eligible for the therapy due to cervical characteristics. We present a machine learning algorithm that uses a deep learning object detection architecture to determine if a cervix is eligible for ablative treatment based on visual characteristics presented in the image. The algorithm builds on the well-known RetinaNet architecture to derive a simpler and novel architecture in which the last convolutional layer is constructed by upsampling and concatenating specific RetinaNet pretrained layers, followed by an output module consisting of a Global Average Pooling (GAP) layer and a fully connected layer. To explain the recommendation of the deep learning algorithm and determine if it is consistent with lesion presentation on the cervical anatomy, we visualize classification results using two techniques: our (i) Class-selective Relevance Map (CRM), which has been reported earlier, and (ii) Class Activation Map (CAM). The class prediction heatmaps are evaluated by a gynecologic oncologist with more than 20 years of experience. Based on our observation and the expert’s opinion, the customized architecture not only outperforms the baseline RetinaNet network in treatability classification, but also provides insights about the features and regions considered significant by the network toward explaining reasons for treatment recommendation. Furthermore, by investigating the heatmaps on Gaussian-blurred images that serve as surrogates for out-of-focus cervical pictures we demonstrate the effect of image quality degradation on cervical treatability classification and underscoring the need for using images with good visual quality.
Repeated Fecal Microbial Transplantations and Antibiotic Pre-Treatment Are Linked to Improved Clinical Response and Remission in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Pooled Proportion Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mocanu Valentin , Rajaruban Sabitha , Dang Jerry , Kung Janice Y. , Deehan Edward C. , Madsen Karen L.
Published: March 2021

The response of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) has been inconsistent possibly due to variable engraftment of donor microbiota. This failure to engraft has resulted in the use of several different strategies to attempt optimization of the recipient microbiota following FMT. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effects of two distinct microbial strategies—antibiotic pre-treatment and repeated FMT dosing—on IBD outcomes. A systematic literature review was designed and implemented in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A medical librarian conducted comprehensive searches in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and Cochrane Library on 25 November 2019 and updated on 29 January 2021. Primary outcomes of interest included comparing relapse and remission rates in patients with IBD for a single FMT dose, repeated FMT dosages, and antibiotic pre-treatment groups. Twenty-eight articles (six randomized trials, 20 cohort trials, two case series) containing 976 patients were identified. Meta-analysis revealed that both repeated FMT and antibiotic pre-treatment strategies demonstrated improvements in pooled response and remission rates. These clinical improvements were associated with increases in fecal microbiota richness and α-diversity, as well as the enrichment of several short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing anaerobes including Bifidobacterium, Roseburia, Lachnospiraceae, Prevotella, Ruminococcus, and Clostridium related species.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Narrative Review
Authors: Li Nathan , Dierks Gregor , Vervaeke Hayley E. , Jumonville Allison , Kaye Alan D. , Myrcik Dariusz , Paladini Antonella , Varrassi Giustino , Viswanath Omar , Urits Ivan
Published: March 2021

Thoracic outlet syndrome comprises a group of disorders that result in compression of the brachial plexus and subclavian vessels exiting the thoracic outlet. Symptoms include pain, paresthesia, pallor, and weakness depending upon the compromised structures. While consensus in diagnostic criteria has not yet been established, a thorough patient history, physical exam, and appropriate imaging studies are helpful in diagnosis. General first-line therapy for thoracic outlet syndrome is a conservative treatment, and may include physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, NSAIDs, and injection therapy of botulinum toxin A or steroids. Patients who have failed conservative therapy are considered for surgical decompression. This article aims to review the epidemiology, etiology, relevant anatomy, clinical presentations, diagnosis, and management of thoracic outlet syndrome.
Predicting Ship Trajectory Based on Neural Networks Using AIS Data
Authors: Volkova Tamara A. , Balykina Yulia E. , Bespalov Alexander
Published: March 2021

To create an autonomously moving vessel, it is necessary to know exactly how to determine the current coordinates of the vessel in the selected coordinate system, determine the actual trajectory of the vessel, estimate the motion trend to predict the current coordinates, and calculate the course correction to return to the line of the specified path. The navigational and hydrographic conditions of navigation on each section of the route determine the requirements for the accuracy of observations and the time spent on locating the vessel. The problem of predicting the trajectory of the vessel’s motion in automatic mode is especially important for river vessels or river-sea vessels, predicting the trajectory of the route sections during the maneuvering of the vessel. At the moment, one of the most accurate ways of determining the coordinates of the vessel is by reading the satellite signal. However, when a vessel is near hydraulic structures, problems may arise connected with obtaining a satellite signal due to interference and, therefore, the error in measuring the coordinates of the vessel increases. The likelihood of collisions and various kinds of incidents increases. In such cases, it is possible to correct the trajectory of the movement using an autonomous navigation system. In this work, opportunities of the possible application of artificial neural networks to create such a corrective system using only the coordinates of the ship’s position are discussed. It was found that this is possible on sections of the route where the ship does not maneuver.
Deep Structure, Tectonics and Petroleum Potential of the Western Sector of the Russian Arctic
Authors: Egorov Alexey S. , Prischepa Oleg M. , Nefedov Yury V. , Kontorovich Vladimir A. , Vinokurov Ilya Y.
Published: March 2021

The evolutionary-genetic method, whereby modern sedimentary basins are interpreted as end-products of a long geological evolution of a system of conjugate palaeo-basins, enables the assessment of the petroleum potential of the Western sector of the Russian Arctic. Modern basins in this region contain relics of palaeo-basins of a certain tectonotype formed in varying geodynamic regimes. Petroleum potential estimates of the Western Arctic vary broadly—from 34.7 to more than 100 billion tons of oil equivalent with the share of liquid hydrocarbons from 5.3 to 13.4 billion tons of oil equivalent. At each stage of the development of palaeo-basins, favourable geological, geochemical and thermobaric conditions have emerged and determined the processes of oil and gas formation, migration, accumulation, and subsequent redistribution between different complexes. The most recent stage of basin formation is of crucial importance for the modern distribution of hydrocarbon accumulations. The primary evolutionary-genetic sequence associated with the oil and gas formation regime of a certain type is crucial for the assessment of petroleum potential. Tectonic schemes of individual crustal layers of the Western sector of the Russian Arctic have been compiled based on the interpretation of several seismic data sets. These schemes are accompanied by cross-sections of the Earth’s crust alongside reference geophysical profiles (geo-traverses). A tectonic scheme of the consolidated basement shows the location and nature of tectonic boundaries of cratons and platform plates with Grenvillian basement as well as Baikalian, Caledonian, Hercynian, and Early Cimmerian fold areas. Four groups of sedimentary basins are distinguished on the tectonic scheme of the platform cover according to the age of its formation: (1) Riphean-Mesozoic on the Early Precambrian basement; (2) Paleozoic-Cenozoic on the Baikalian and Grenvillian basements; (3) Late Paleozoic-Cenozoic on the Caledonian basement; (4) Mesozoic-Cenozoic, overlying a consolidated basement of different ages. Fragments of reference sections along geo-traverses illustrate features of the deep structure of the main geo-structures of the Arctic shelf and continental regions of polar Russia.
The Role of the Human Factor in Marine Accidents
Authors: Hasanspahić Nermin , Vujičić Srđan , Frančić Vlado , Čampara Leo
Published: March 2021

A common interest of all shipping industry stakeholders is safe and accident-free shipping. To reach that goal, one of the most important actions that can be done is to analyze previous marine accidents. It means finding causes of accidents and, based on the analysis results, implementing effective corrective measures that can help reduce such undesired events in the future and improve safety efforts in shipping. Since it is widely accepted that human error accounts for 80–85% of all marine accidents, the research was focused on the human factor analysis in marine accidents. In this paper, 135 marine accident reports recorded in the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) database from 2010 to 2019 were analyzed. The analysis aimed to categorize causal factors and discover the ones that are the most common. The Human Factor Analysis and Classification System for Maritime Accidents (HFACS-MA) method was used to be able to do so. Furthermore, multiple linear regression was used to determine the relationship between the number of accidents and the most common HFACS-MA causal factors. The research revealed that the causes of marine accidents are primarily dependent on two human factor categories and confirmed that by influencing those human factors categories, the number of marine accidents could be reduced and shipping safety improved in general.
Pineapple Mycobiome Related to Fruitlet Core Rot Occurrence and the Influence of Fungal Species Dispersion Patterns
Authors: Vignassa Manon , Meile Jean-Christophe , Chiroleu Frédéric , Soria Christian , Leneveu-Jenvrin Charlène , Schorr-Galindo Sabine , Chillet Marc
Published: March 2021

Fruitlet Core Rot (FCR) is a fungal disease that negatively impacts the quality of pineapple, in particular the ‘Queen Victoria’ cultivar. The main FCR causal agent has been identified as Fusariumananatum. This study focused on the correlation between FCR disease occurrence, fungal diversity, and environmental factors. FCR incidence and fungal species repartition patterns were spatially contextualized with specific surrounding parameters of the experimental plots. The mycobiome composition of healthy and diseased fruitlets was compared in order to search for potential fungal markers. A total of 240 pineapple fruits were sampled, and 344 fungal isolates were identified as belonging to 49 species among 17 genera. FCR symptom distribution revealed a significant gradient that correlated to that of the most abundant fungal species. The association of wind direction and the position of proximal cultivated crops sharing pathogens constituted an elevated risk of FCR incidence. Five highly represented species were assayed by Koch’s postulates, and their pathogenicity was confirmed. These novel pathogens belonging to Fusariumfujikuroi and Talaromycespurpureogenus species complexes were identified, unravelling the complexity of the FCR pathosystem and the difficulty of apprehending the pathogenesis over the last several decades. This study revealed that FCR is an airborne disease characterized by a multi-partite pathosystem.
Performance of Existing Definitions and Tests for the Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases other than Invasive Candidiasis and Invasive Aspergillosis in Critically Ill, Adult Patients: A Systematic Review with Qualitative Evidence Synthesis
Authors: Giacobbe Daniele , Cortegiani Andrea , Karaiskos Ilias , Mercier Toine , Tejada Sofia , Peghin Maddalena , Grecchi Cecilia , Rebuffi Chiara , Asperges Erika , Zuccaro Valentina , Scudeller Luigia , Bassetti Matteo ,   the FUNDICU investigators
Published: March 2021

The Fungal Infections Definitions in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients (FUNDICU) project aims to provide standard sets of definitions for invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) in critically ill, adult patients, including invasive aspergillosis (IA), invasive candidiasis (IC), Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), and other non-IA, non-IC IFDs. The first step of the project was the conduction of separated systematic reviews of the characteristics and applicability to critically ill, adult patients outside classical populations at risk (hematology patients, solid organ transplant recipients) of available definitions and diagnostic tests for IFDs. We report here the results of two systematic reviews exploring the performance of available definitions and tests, for PJP and for other non-IA, non-IC IFDs. Starting from 2585 and 4584 records for PJP and other IFDs, respectively, 89 and 61 studies were deemed as eligible for full-text evaluation. However, only two studies for PJP and no studies for other IFDs met the FUNDICU protocol criteria for inclusion in qualitative synthesis. Currently, there is no sufficient solid data for directly evaluating the performance of existing definitions and laboratory tests for the diagnosis of PJP and other non-IA, non-IC IFDs in critically ill adult patients outside classical populations at risk.