bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety of Uncrossmatched ABO-Compatible RBCs in Alloimmunized Patients with Bleeding: Data from Two Decades: Results of a Systematic Analysis in 6,109 Patients
Authors: Ringel Frauke , Schoenfeld Helge , El Bali Said , Sehouli Jalid , Spies Claudia , Salama Abdulgabar
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Uncrossmatched ABO-compatible red blood cells (RBCs) are generally recommended in patients with life-threatening massive bleeding. There is little data regarding RBC transfusion when patients are transfused against clinically significant alloantibodies because compatible RBCs are not immediately available. Methods/Patients: All patients reviewed in this study (n = 6,109) required emergency blood transfusion and were treated at the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin between 2001 and 2015. Primary uncrossmatched O Rh(D)-positive or -negative RBC units were immediately transfused prior to complete regulatory serological testing including determination of ABO group, Rhesus antigens, antibody screening, and crossmatching. Results: Without any significant change in the protocol of emergency transfusion of RBCs, a total of 63,373 RBC units were transfused in 6,109 patients. Antibody screening was positive in 413 patients (6.8%), and 19 of these patients received RBC units against clinically significant alloantibodies. None of these patients appeared to have developed significant hemolysis, and only one patient with anti-D seems to have developed signs of insignificant hemolysis following the transfusion of three Rh(D)-positive units. One patient who had anti-Jka received unselected units and did not develop a hemolytic transfusion reaction. Conclusion: Transfusion of uncrossmatched ABO-compatible RBCs against alloantibodies is highly safe in patients with life-threatening hemorrhage.
The Relation between Head Circumference and Mid-Pelvic Circumference: A Simple Index for Cephalopelvic Disproportion Evaluation
Authors: Liberty Gad , Gemer Ofer , Siyanov Irena , Anteby Eyal Y. , Apter Alona , Cohen Sarah M. , Bord Ilia , Yagel Simcha
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) is one of the most common obstetric complications. Since CPD is the disproportion between the fetal head and maternal bony pelvis, evaluation of the head circumference (HC) relative to the maternal bony pelvis may be a useful adjunct to pre-labor CPD evaluation. The aim of the present study was a proof-of-concept evaluation of the ratio between HC and pelvic circumference (PC) as a predictor of CPD. Methods: Of 11,822 deliveries, 104 cases that underwent an abdominopelvic CT for any medical indication and who underwent normal vaginal deliveries (NVDs) (n = 84) or cesarean deliveries (CD) due to CPD (n = 20) were included retrospectively. Maternal pelvis dimensions were reconstructed and neonatal HC, as a proxy for fetal HC, was measured. The correlation between cases of CPD and cephalopelvic circumference index (CPCI), which represents the ratio between the HC and PC in percentage (HC/PC × 100), was evaluated. Results: The mid-pelvis CPCI (MP-CPCI) was larger in CD groups as compared to the NVD group: 103 ± 11 versus 97 ± 8%, respectively (p = 0.0003). In logistic regression analysis, the MP-CPCI was found to be independently associated with CD due to CPD: each 1% increase in MP-CPCI increased the likelihood of CD for CPD by 11% (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.11, 95% CI, 1.03–1.19, p = 0.004). The aOR for CD due to CPD increased incrementally as the MP-CPCI increased, from 3.56 (95% CI, 1.01–12.6) at MP-CPCI of 100 to 5.6 (95% CI, 1.63–19.45) at 105, 21.44 (95% CI, 3.05–150.84) at 110, and 28.88 (95% CI, 2.3–362.27) at MP-CPCI of 115. Conclusions: The MP-CPCI, representing the relative dimensions of the fetal HC and maternal PC, is a simple tool that can potentially distinguish between parturients at lower and higher risk of CPD. Prospective randomized studies are required to evaluate the feasibility of prenatal pelvimetry and MP-CPCI to predict the risk of CPD during labor.
Immunolabeling Provides Evidence for Subregions in the Songbird Nucleus Accumbens and Suggests a Context-Dependent Role in Song in Male European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)
Authors: Polzin Brandon J. , Heimovics Sarah A. , Riters Lauren V.
Published: December 2021

Birdsong is well known for its role in mate attraction during the breeding season. However, many birds, including European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), also sing outside the breeding season as part of large flocks. Song in a breeding context can be extrinsically rewarded by mate attraction; however, song in nonbreeding flocks, referred to here as gregarious song, results in no obvious extrinsic reward and is proposed to be intrinsically rewarded. The nucleus accumbens (NAC) is a brain region well known to mediate reward and motivation, which suggests it is an ideal candidate to regulate reward associated with gregarious song. The goal of this study was to provide new histochemical information on the songbird NAC and its subregions (rostral pole, core, and shell) and to begin to determine subregion-specific contributions to gregarious song in male starlings. We examined immunolabeling for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), neurotensin, and enkephalin (ENK) in the NAC. We then examined the extent to which gregarious and sexually motivated song differentially correlated with immunolabeling for the immediate early genes FOS and ZENK in each subdivision of the NAC. We found that TH and ENK labeling within subregions of the starling NAC was generally similar to patterns seen in the core and shell of NACs in mammals and birds. Additionally, we found that gregarious song, but not sexually motivated song, positively correlated with FOS in all NAC subregions. Our observations provide further evidence for distinct subregions within the songbird NAC and suggest the NAC may play an important role in regulating gregarious song in songbirds.
Abstract 10: Intracranial Hemorrhage Risks among Warfarin Treated Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Receiving Thrombolytic Therapy
Authors: Xian Ying , Fonarow Gregg C , Smith Eric E , Schwamm Lee H , Reeves Mathew J , Liang Li , Olson DaiWai M , Hernandez Adrian F , Peterson Eric D
Published: December 2021

Background
While intravenous thrombolytic therapy (tPA) improves the outcomes of ischemic stroke, treatment of those receiving warfarin raises concerns regarding symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). While guidelines suggest excluding patients with an international normalized ratio (INR) >1.7, little is known about the use and safety of tPA in warfarin-treated patients in clinical practice.

Methods
Data from 23,437 ischemic stroke patients treated with tPA with an INR ≤1.7 in 1,203 Get With The Guidelines-Stroke hospitals between April 2009 and June 2011. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association of preadmission warfarin use on ICH risk while adjusting for potential confounders. Results Overall 1,802 (7.7%) were taking warfarin prior to admission. Warfarin treated patients were older (median 77 vs. 71 years, p<0.001) and had more comorbid illness and greater stroke severity (median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 14 vs. 11, p<0.001). Crude rates of ICH were higher in those taking warfarin 5.7% vs. 4.7% (unadjusted OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.99-1.51). However, after risk adjustment, ICH risks were similar (adjusted OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.82-1.25). These findings were consistent across several sensitivity analyses (Table). There were no significant differences between warfarin and non-warfarin users for serious systemic hemorrhage (0.9% vs. 0.9%; adjusted OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.48-1.24), any tPA complications (10.6% vs. 8.4%; adjusted OR 1.09; 95% CI 0.93-1.29), and in-hospital mortality (11.4% vs. 7.9%; adjusted OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.79-1.13). Among those receiving warfarin, a trend toward higher crude ICH rates was observed among those with higher baseline INR levels (Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel trend test, p=0.03). After adjustment for risk factors, higher INR levels had a marginally significant association with ICH risk (adjusted OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.00-1.20, p=0.06 for each 0.1 units increase in INR).

Conclusion
This represents the largest clinical experience of the safety of thrombolysis in warfarin treated patients who meets clinical guideline eligibility criteria. Use of intravenous tPA among warfarin-treated stroke patients (INR ≤1.7) was not associated with increased ICH risk compared to non-warfarin treated patients in routine clinical practice. These data provide empirical support of current AHA/ASA guideline recommendations.
Abstract 101: Is The Question Of Viability Imaging In Patients With Left Ventricular Dysfunction Relevant? Predictors Of Post-viability Imaging Referral To Revascularization
Authors: Hachamovitch Rory , Ling Lee F , Jaber Wael A , Brunken Richard C , Cerqueira Manuel D , Thomas Marwick H
Published: December 2021

Background
. In light of the recent STICH trial results, the clinical practice of viability imaging in patients (pts) with reduced left ventricular (LV) function has been called to question. Whether measures of hibernating myocardium alter pt management is unknown. We explored the impact of the results of cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) perfusion and viability imaging on short-term referral to revascularization.

Methods
. We identified 586 consecutive patients with LV ejection fraction (EF) <50% who underwent Rb-82 dipyridamole stress/rest perfusion imaging with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET between March, 2006 and May, 2009. Automated quantitative software with user defined limits was used to determine the amount of myocardium that was scar, ischemic, or hibernating based on these results. Early revascularization (EREV) was performed within 90 days of PET in 198 patients (34%). Multiple logistic regression was used to model the association between the results of PET imaging and EREV after adjusting for potential confounders.

Results
. Overall, pts were 65±12 years, 23% female, with mean LVEF 31±12%. Expressed as %total myocardium, PET results revealed 6.0±8.1% scar, 9.1±8.5% ischemia, and 14.7%±11.6% hibernation (total defect size 29.8±16.6%). Logistic regression revealed that after adjusting for pt age, sex, prior MI, BMI, diabetes, beta-blocker use, race, residence location, prior REV, chest pain, and LV end-diastolic volumes, ischemia was the single most powerful predictor of EREV [adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95%CI: 2.6 (2.0-3.3) per 10% ischemia], while hibernation was not a predictor of EREV (p=0.77). The presence of scar reduced EREV [0.48 (0.34-0.66) per 10% scar].

Conclusion.
Although assessment of ischemia and hibernation is often considered to be a standard part of the evaluation of pts with LV dysfunction, hibernating myocardium extent measured by cardiac PET does not influence subsequent referral to revascularization.
Abstract 112: Use of Evidence-Based Therapies in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Comorbidities and Risk Factors in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Findings From the ORBIT-AF Registry
Authors: Hess Paul L , Kim Sunghee , Piccini Jonathan P , Chang Paul , Allen Larry A , Gersh Bernard , Ansell Jack , Hylek Elaine , Mahaffey Kenneth W , Freeman James , Go Alan S , Peterson Eric D , Fonarow Gregg C
Published: December 2021

Background:
The use of evidence-based therapies to treat cardiovascular comorbidities and risk factors in patients with AF in outpatient clinical practice has not been well characterized.

Methods:
Using a large, community-based registry of patients with AF in the United States, the prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities and corresponding use of evidence-based therapies were determined.

Results:
Among 9,589 enrolled patients with AF, the median age was 75 years; 57.8% were male; 10.7% were non-white; 69.9% had Medicare or Medicaid; 31.8% had coronary heart disease, 32.2% had heart failure, 13.0% had peripheral vascular disease, and 29.5% had diabetes mellitus. Among eligible patients, 62.8% of 3,612 were prescribed an antiplatelet agent, 72.1% of 4,674 were prescribed a β-blocker, 59.7% of 5,121 were prescribed an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker, 15.7% of 624 were prescribed an aldosterone antagonist, 70.1% of 6,914 were prescribed a statin, 94.7% of 8,329 were prescribed an antihypertensive, 58.3% of 504 had an ICD, and 44.5% of 9,589 received all indicated evidence-based therapies (
Table
).

Conclusion:
Cardiovascular comorbidities and risk factors in patients with AF are often inadequately treated with evidence-based therapies in the outpatient practice setting, underscoring opportunities to improve care for patients with AF.
Abstract 120: ROSE Rule is Underutilized in the Emergency Department Evaluation of Syncope
Authors: Patel Ankitkumar , Fakorede Foluso , Waldman Brett , Elbaum Phil , Patel Ankita , Iliadis Elias
Published: December 2021

Background:
The Risk Stratification of Syncope in the Emergency Department (ROSE) Rule has been validated as an effective way of selecting which patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with syncope should be admitted and which can be discharged from the ED (Reed et al, JACC 2010). Many of these patients undergo extensive inpatient testing, including transthoracic echocardiography (ECHO) as part of their evaluation which leads to increased health care costs. Our study investigates whether the ROSE Rule criteria are utilized in the ED of one urban academic medical center in determining admission.

Methods:
Patients presenting to the hospital with a chief complaint of syncope who underwent ECHO from August 2010 to December 2010 were selected (n=151). Retrospective chart review was conducted. The ROSE rule is considered positive if any of the following were present: brain natriuretic peptide concentration (BNP) ≥ 300 pg/mL, heart rate <50 bpm, positive fecal occult blood, hemoglobin <9.0 g/dL, oxygen saturation ≤ 94%, chest pain and q wave on electrocardiogram.

Results:
The study population had a mean age of 67 years and 69 females (46%). Fifty three patients (35%) had a positive ROSE Rule [BNP ≥ 300 pg/mL (n=5), heart rate <50 bpm(n=7), positive fecal occult blood (n=1), hemoglobin <9.0 g/dL(n=7), oxygen saturation ≤ 94% (n=5), chest pain (n=5) and q wave on electrocardiogram (n=31)].

Conclusions:
Our study demonstrates that the ROSE Rule is underutilized in the ED and results in increased hospital admissions for syncope. Two thirds of patients who are admitted for diagnostic work up for syncope have a negative ROSE Rule and could have been safely discharged from the ED.
Salvation and Victory by Christ’s Death and Resurrection in the Ancient Church
Authors: Roukema Riemer
Published: December 2021

The theme of this article arises from Reformed theology, namely, how did authoritative Christian authors of the second to the fifth centuries AD think about salvation by Christ’s substitutionary and atoning death? How do their views relate to the ‘Christus Victor’ theology that is sometimes propagated nowadays as a more biblical alternative to the traditional Reformed soteriology, and which is considered the dominant approach in the ancient church? Can traces of Christ giving ‘satisfaction’ for God’s offended honor or for his wrath against sin be found in the first centuries? Did any church fathers hold that Christ vicariously bore God’s punishment for the sins of humankind? What was meant by the ransom that Christ had to pay, and to whom did he pay it: to God or to the devil, or were these considered invidious alternatives? This article demonstrates that in their interpretations of biblical texts, the church fathers did indeed address most of these questions. However, a continuous debate on such questions remained, so that the church of those centuries did not create a standard doctrine about the rationale of salvation by Christ, which testifies to varied understandings of it.
Eclectic Theory and Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria: A Contextual Overview
Authors: Idowu Samuel S.
Published: December 2021

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is an integral and indispensable source of foreign capital for both the developed and developing countries aside its catalytic economic growth accompanying it. Hence, the competition to court more to maximizing its positives by countries is intensified in the contemporary world and eclectic theory offers significant insights on the tripartite and interrelated platforms of ownership, location, and internalization advantages to the appropriation of FDI to an economy. Therefore, this article main objective is to examine Nigeria’s experience in this regard. The case study research method is adopted to carry out a contextual assessment of Nigeria’s FDI position within the eclectic theory framework using secondary data sources. The findings reveal that Nigeria’s location advantages are not too conducive for FDI attraction and optimum exploitation of the internalization advantages by firms which consequently deprived the country of its benefits of export-driven economy objective and employment generation amongst others. The study recommends diversification of her economy and recalibration of the country’s political, economic and policy environment to enable positive predictability, FDI attraction, and its inherent returns appropriation.
Inquiring the Political Strategy of Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF) in Post-2018 Ethiopia
Authors: Alamineh Asabu S. , Geremew Birhanu B. , Temesgen Kidanu A.
Published: December 2021

The upsurge of TPLF led regime to power installed ethnic politics and deconstruction of Ethiopian history with corporate corruption, ultra-vires and pseudo-federalism. The misappropriations of national assets added with autocratic nature of the regime procreated erratic political oppositions and protests since the party set on to power. The political marginalization at intra-party level also created split, which brought state elites in Amhara and Oromia regions to support the acute popular protest. These political scenarios have compelled TPLF to abscond into Mekelle and the coming of reformist leaders to power in 2018. This paper thus aimed to uncover TPLF’s political strategy in post 2018 Ethiopia by employing a qualitative case study with a secondary data obtained from Mass Media, commentaries and digitized outlets. The loss of key political positions and attachment of the regime’s wrong deeds to TPLF has bugging its elites after the coming of the new premiership. As counter to the reformist leaders, TPLF undertook huge militarization, destabilization and proxies, inducing popular fear, supporting like-minded regional oppositions to propagandize sensitive political issues to regain its lost prestige. This power rivalry created political absurdism, where political decisions and policies of the reformists had continued to be officially banned by TPLF in a way that disastrously impacted the survival of the state. Thus, it is important to undertake political reconciliation to freeze the prevailing political deadlocks for the continuation of the polity.
Review of the hyperiidean amphipod family Lycaeidae Claus, 1879 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Hyperiidea)
Authors: ZEIDLER WOLFGANG
Published: December 2021

This is the first comprehensive taxonomic review of the family Lycaeidae. This study is based primarily on the extensive collections of the Natural History Museum, Denmark (NHMD, formerly ZMUC) and the US National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC, USA (USNM), and on additional material from the South African Museum (SAM) and in the South Australian Museum (SAMA). The two currently recognized genera in the family, Lycaea Dana, 1852 and Simorhynchotus Stebbing, 1888, are maintained with the latter still regarded monotypic with S. antennarius (Claus, 1871). Characters used to distinguish species in the past are re-evaluated in order to determine their validity. There are 15 nominal species of Lycaea in the literature, excluding Pseudolycaea pachypoda Claus, 1879 and Metalycaea globosa Stephensen, 1925. Pseudolycaea Claus, 1879 is regarded a synonym of Lycaea, as confirmed by this study, and M. globosa is a junior synonym of L. serrata Claus, 1879, as demonstrated by an examination of the type material. Of the remaining nominal species many have been synonymized with L. pulex Marion, 1874 in the past, often based on erroneous literature references. Thus, the taxonomic status of all nominal species was redetermined by the examination of type material or from the original literature reference if type material could not be found. In conclusion, ten species of Lycaea are recognized as valid, including three described as new. Lycaea bovallii Chevreux, 1900 is determined to be a valid species with the following as junior synonyms, L. gracilis Spandl, 1924, L. bajensis Shoemaker, 1925 and L. bovallioides Stephensen, 1925. It seems to be widely distributed and relatively common in the tropical regions of all the world’s oceans, including the Mediterranean Sea. The other species recognized as valid are L. lilia Volkov, 1982; L. nasuta Claus, 1879; L. pachypoda (Claus, 1879); L. pulex Marion, 1874 (L. robusta Claus, 1879, L. similis Claus, 1879 and L. pauli Stebbing, 1888 regarded junior synonyms); L. serrata Claus, 1879 and L. vincentii Stebbing, 1888 (Amphipronoe longicornuta Giles, 1888 a junior synonym). In addition, three species are described as new to science; L. intermedia sp. nov., L. proserrata sp. nov. and L. osbornae sp. nov. All were found in the tropical regions of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans; the former two are relatively common and widespread. All species are described and illustrated and a key is provided to facilitate their identification.
A new species of planthopper from Costa Rica in the genus Oropuna from palms in lowland tropical rainforest
Authors: BAHDER BRIAN W. , ECHAVARRIA MARCO A. ZUMBADO , BARRANTES EDWIN A. BARRANTES , HELMICK ERICKA E. , BARTLETT CHARLES R.
Published: December 2021

The derbid genus Oropuna is a small taxon of Neotropical planthoppers in the tribe Cenchreini comprised of three species. Recent survey work on palms for planthoppers in Costa Rica resulted in the discovery of a fourth species, Oropuna halo sp. n. In this study the new species is described and a key to the four species is provided along with sequence data for the cyctochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 18S rRNA gene for the novel taxon.
The Imaginal Characters of Cincticostella gosei (Allen, 1975) linking the genus Cincticostella Allen, 1971 to Ephacerella Paclt, 1994 (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae)
Authors: ZHANG MIN , LI WEN-JUAN , YING XIAO-LI , ZHOU CHANG-FA
Published: December 2021

The imagos of Cincticostella gosei (Allen, 1975), which were reared from mature nymphs in Spring 2021 in China, are described in detail for the first time, along with the eggs. Junior synonyms Ephemerella nigromaculata Xu et al., 1980 and Ephemerella tianmushanensis Xu et al., 1980 are confirmed upon new materials and types. Compared to congeners, the males of C. gosei have dark tibiae and gently curved forceps. In addition, the nymphs of this species are redescribed and photographed in detail. Morphologically, the nymph can be identified by pairs of smaller tergal spines on the abdomen and lack of maxillary palp. The smaller body size is also helpful to its identification among Chinese Cincticostella species. The characters of C. gosei seem like those of Ephacerella Paclt, 1994 in smoothly bent forceps and narrowed penes from base to apex.
The Impact of Hazard Statement Design Elements in Procedures: Counterintuitive Findings and Implications for Standards
Authors: Hendricks Joseph W. , Peres S. Camille , Dumlao Stefan V. , Armstrong Cara A. , Neville Timothy J.
Published: December 2021

Objective

The objective of these studies was to identify hazard statement (HS) design elements in procedures that affected whether both workers and lab participants performed the associated hazard mitigation.

Background

Many of the incidents in high-risk industries are the result of issues with procedures (e.g., standard operating procedures; SOPs) workers use to support their performance. HSs in these procedures are meant to communicate potential work hazards and methods of mitigating those hazards. However, there is little empirical research regarding whether current hazard design guidelines for consumer products translate to procedures.

Method

Two experimental studies—(1) a laboratory study and (2) a high-fidelity simulation—manipulated the HS design elements present in procedures participants used while performing tasks. Participants’ adherence to the mitigation of the hazard was compared for the HS designs.

Results

The guidelines for HSs from consumer products did not translate to procedures. Specifically, the presence of an alert icon, a box around the statement, and highlighting the statement did not improve adherence to HSs. Indeed, the only consistent finding was for the Icon, with its presence reliably predicting nonadherence in both studies. Additionally, the total number of design elements did not have a positive effect on adherence.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that more fundamental procedure HSs research is needed to identify effective designs as well as to understand the potential attentional mechanisms associated with these findings.

Application

The findings from these studies indicate that current regulations and guidelines should be revisited regarding hazard presentation in procedures.
Host Genetic Associations with Salivary Microbiome in Oral Cancer
Authors: Yang S.F. , Lin C.W. , Chuang C.Y. , Lee Y.C. , Chung W.H. , Lai H.C. , Chang L.C. , Su S.C.
Published: December 2021

Despite the growing recognition of a host genetic effect on shaping gut microbiota composition, the genetic determinants of oral microbiota remain largely unexplored, especially in the context of oral diseases. Here, we performed a microbiome genome-wide association study in 2 independent cohorts of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC, n = 144 and 67) and an additional group of noncancer individuals ( n = 104). Besides oral bacterial dysbiosis and signatures observed in OSCC, associations of 3 loci with the abundance of genus-level taxa and 4 loci with β diversity measures were detected ( q < 0.05) at the discovery stage. The most significant hit (rs10906082 with the genus Lachnoanaerobaculum, P = 3.55 × 10–9 at discovery stage) was replicated in a second OSCC cohort. Moreover, the other 2 taxonomical associations, rs10973953 with the genus Kingella ( P = 1.38 × 10–9) and rs4721629 with the genus Parvimonas ( P = 3.53 × 10–8), were suggestive in the meta-analysis combining 2 OSCC cohorts. Further pathway analysis revealed that these loci were enriched for genes in regulation of oncogenic and angiogenic responses, implicating a genetic anchor to the oral microbiome in estimation of casual relationships with OSCC. Our findings delineate the role of host genotypes in influencing the structure of oral microbial communities.
Ckip-1 Mediates P. gingivalis–Suppressed Cementoblast Mineralization
Authors: Huang X. , Ma L. , Wang X. , Wang H. , Peng Y. , Gao X. , Huang H. , Chen Y. , Zhang Y. , Cao Z.
Published: December 2021

Porphyromonas gingivalis is responsible for the destruction of cementum in patients with periodontitis and periapical periodontitis. However, research about the effects of P. gingivalis on cementoblast mineralization and the underlying mechanism is still lacking. Casein kinase 2 interacting protein 1 (Ckip-1) is a scaffold protein that interacts with various proteins and signals to regulate different cell functions, such as cell morphology, apoptosis, and differentiation. In this study, we verified the suppressive effects of P. gingivalis and lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS) on OCCM-30 mineralization. We also showed that Ckip-1 gradually decreased during OCCM-30 mineralization but increased with the aggravation of Pg-induced inflammation. However, it remained unchanged when cells were stimulated with Pg-LPS, regardless of the concentration and incubation time. Then, more cellular cementum and enhanced Osterix expression were observed in Ckip-1 knockout mice when compared with the wild-type mice. Meanwhile, Ckip-1 silencing significantly enhanced cementoblast mineralization with or without P. gingivalis–associated inflammation. The trend was opposite when Ckip-1 was overexpressed. Finally, we found that the p38, Akt, and Wnt pathways were activated, while the Erk1/2 pathway was inhibited when Ckip-1 was silenced. The opposite results were also observed in the Ckip-1 overexpression group. Furthermore, we proved that cell mineralization was weakened when p38, Akt inhibitors were applied and strengthened when the Erk1/2 pathway was inhibited. In summary, Ckip-1 is upregulated under P. gingivalis–induced inflammation and negatively regulates cementoblast mineralization partially through mitogen-activated protein kinases and Akt signaling pathways, which may contribute to the restoration of cementum destroyed by P. gingivalis.
Learning to Set Prices
Authors: Huang Yufeng , Ellickson Paul B. , Lovett Mitchell J.
Published: December 2021

The authors empirically examine how firms learn to set prices in a new market. The 2012 privatization of off-premises liquor sales in Washington State created a unique opportunity to observe retailers learning to set prices from the beginning of the learning process. Tracking this market as it evolved through time, the authors find that firms indeed learn to set more profitable prices, that these prices increasingly reflect demand fundamentals, and that prices ultimately converge to levels consistent with (static) profit maximization. The authors further demonstrate that initial pricing mistakes are largest for products whose demand conditions differ the most from those of previously privatized markets, that retailers with previous experience in the category are initially better informed, and that learning is faster for products with more precise sales information. These findings indicate that firm behavior converges to rational models of firm conduct, but such convergence takes time to unfold and plays out differently for different firms. These patterns suggest the important roles of firms’ learning and heterogeneous firm capabilities.
Computerization and Occupational Change: Assessing the Impact of Automation on Racial and Gender Employment Densities
Authors: Mason Patrick L.
Published: December 2021

The current wave of technological change is driven by automation, the process of using computers to improve the labor process, viz., increasing the quantity and quality of work “by means of computer-controlled equipment.” Automation has had and will continue to have heterogeneous economic effects across alternative social groups—altering racial and gender inequality. This study empirically examines the relationship between the racial and gender density of occupations and the probability of automation of both minor and broad occupations. Regression analysis is used to uncover correlations between future employment change and the current racial and ethnic composition of occupations, alerting us to whether future employment growth will have a negative or positive association with occupations where each racial group of workers is currently concentrated. Increases in automation are correlated with increases in labor income inequality and increases in racial and gender employment differences. Male jobs may suffer more technological unemployment than female jobs. Specifically, within each racial group high density male jobs have a greater probability of automation (and lower probability of future demand) than high density female jobs. High density White female jobs appear to be most complementary to automation, while the high density occupations of racial minority men appear to be least complementary to automation.
Combined underwater endoscopic and microscopic surgery for external auditory canal cholesteatoma: A case report
Authors: Anzai Takashi , Takata Yusuke , Hara Satoshi , Sonoda Kenji , Ikeda Katsuhisa , Okada Hiroko , Matusmoto Fumihiko
Published: December 2021

Transcanal endoscopic ear surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that allows a clear visualization of the middle ear. Recently, indications for endoscopic surgery have been expanding. We performed combined underwater endoscopic and microscopic surgery for external auditory canal cholesteatoma, the computer tomography of which indicates the possibility of cholesteatoma not only in the canal wall but also in the mastoid. The 30° endoscope and underwater technique makes the surgical view clear, and we could remove the cholesteatoma without canalplasty. To the best of our knowledge, no case of external auditory canal cholesteatoma treated with underwater endoscopic and microscopic surgery has been previously reported. This case indicates that the procedure could be a good indication for external auditory canal cholesteatoma.
Impact of statin treatment on patients diagnosed with chronic venous disease. Morphological analysis of the venous wall and clinical implications
Authors: Matei Sergiu-Ciprian , Matei Mervat , Anghel Flavia Medana , Derban Mihnea Dragoș , Olariu Andra , Olariu Sorin
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The study evaluates the potential morphological changes that may occur in the venous wall in the case of the patients with chronic venous disease which associates treatment with statins for at least 2 years.

Methods

Operated patients with chronic venous disease in the CEAP C2-C3 stage were included in the study. 215 venous fragments, collected from 50 patients within the study group and 179 venous fragments collected from 52 patients within the control group were microscopically analysed, evaluating a series of morpho-anatomical parameters.

Results

In the study group, it was found that, venous reflux predominantly affects small veins, and also, a significant increase in collagen deposits in the adventitia and media tunics, proportional to the thickening of the venous wall.

Conclusion

Our results indicate possible effects of statins upon the venous morphology. Further studies are needed to determine the impact of these results on daily practice.
Subsurface stresses in an elliptical Hertzian contact
Authors: Greenwood James Anthony
Published: December 2021

The traditional solution for the stresses below an elliptical Hertzian contact expresses the results in terms of incomplete Legendre elliptic integrals, so are necessarily based on the length of the semi-major axis a and the axis ratio k. The result is to produce completely different equations for the stresses in the x and y directions; and although these equations are now well-known, their derivation from the fundamental, symmetric, integrals is far from simple. When instead Carlson elliptic integrals are used, they immediately match the fundamental integrals, allowing the equations for the stresses to treat the two semi-axes equally, and so providing a single equation where two were needed before. The numerical evaluation of the Carlson integrals is simple and rapid, so the result is that more convenient answers are obtained more conveniently. A bonus is that the temptation to record the depth of the critical stresses as a fraction of the length of the semi-major axis is removed. Thomas and Hoersch’s method of finding all the stresses along the axis of symmetry has been extended to determine the full set of stresses in a principal plane. The stress patterns are displayed, and a comparison between the answers for the planes of the major and minor semiaxes is made. The results are unchanged from those found from equations given by Sackfield and Hills, but not previously evaluated. The present equations are simpler, not only in the simpler elliptic integrals, but also for the “tail” of elementary functions.
Wedge method for landfill stability analysis considering temperature increase
Authors: Xu Gaojie , Shi Jianyong , Yang Yang , Jiang Zhaoqi
Published: December 2021

The increase in landfill temperature often results in shear strength reduction of both the solid waste and the liner, which leads to slope instability. However, very few landfill slope analysis methods can simultaneously consider the effect of temperature on the shear strength of the waste solid and the liner. In this study, based on the strength parameters of the liner and waste with temperature, a wedge method for translational failure analysis of landfills considering temperature increase was established. The results showed that rising temperatures caused by biochemical degradation at the bottom and middle of the landfill reduced the anti-slide force of back slope more than that of bottom slope. With the leachate level increasing, the effect of temperature rise on landfill stability became obvious. The feasibility of the proposed wedge method was verified by the engineering case study of Xiaping Landfill, Shenzhen, China. This study probably provides important guidance for the design, operation and management of municipal solid waste landfills.
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) White Matter Hyperintensities in Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome With or Without Migraine
Authors: Rashid Salman , Weaver Samantha , Al-Robaidi Khaled , Dure Leon , Singh Sumit
Published: December 2021

Background:

Cyclic vomiting syndrome is classified as a possible subset of migraine. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of white matter hyperintensities are well documented in migraineurs, but not in patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome. This study focuses on white matter hyperintensities in children with cyclic vomiting syndrome.

Methods:

We investigated our database of outpatient medical records for the diagnosis codes associated with cyclic vomiting syndrome from January 2008 to October 2018.

Results:

Brain MRIs were obtained in 31 of 185 patients (∼17%) with a diagnosis code related to cyclic vomiting syndrome. We excluded 13 of 31 patients because of the inaccessibility of images or a confounding diagnosis. Remaining patients were divided into 2 groups: 13 of 18 cyclic vomiting syndrome with migraine (CVS+M), and 5 of 18 cyclic vomiting syndrome without migraine (CVS-M). We found that 3 of the 13 patients in the CVS +M group had migraine-like white matter hyperintensities compared to 0 of the 5 in the CVS-M group.

Conclusion:

This small study suggests a possible relationship between white matter hyperintensities and CVS+M. A larger study is required to validate these findings.
Peritoneal dialysis in very low and extremely low birthweight infants: A pooled analysis
Authors: Bellos Ioannis , Karageorgiou Vasilios
Published: December 2021

Background:

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) represents an important therapeutic option in neonatal acute kidney injury (AKI), although evidence regarding its effects in preterm neonates remains unclear. The present study aims to evaluate the feasibility of PD in very low birthweight (VLBW) and extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants and clarify the association of catheter choice with clinical outcomes.

Methods:

Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Clinicaltrials.gov and CENTRAL databases were systematically searched from inception to 15 January 2021. Studies reporting individual participant data of VLBW and ELBW infants treated with PD were selected.

Results:

Overall, 20 studies were included comprising 101 patients. Catheter-related complications were significantly more frequent among ELBW infants (odds ratio: 5.18, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.23–29.09). After inverse probability treatment weighting, compared to drainage catheters, death risk was significantly lower with the use of PD (hazard ratio: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.19–0.90) but not vascular catheters (hazard ratio: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.28–1.20). Similarly, kidney function loss was significantly lower only with the implementation of PD catheters (hazard ratio: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.21–0.94).

Conclusions:

PD is a feasible kidney replacement therapy modality in VLBW and ELBW infants with AKI. The use of drainage catheters may be linked to significantly worse kidney recovery and overall survival rates, compared to PD catheters. Future cohorts should confirm the most appropriate catheter type and contribute to the standardisation of PD procedures.
A Legorization method based on 3D color printing trajectory
Authors: Zhou Bo , Tian Tongtong , Zhao Jibin , Liu Dianhai
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a Legorization method which can reconstruct LEGO model with complex internal and external structures from 3D color printing trajectory is proposed. Different from voxelization methods, by combining advanced adaptive slicing algorithm with building “high-resolution” regions with thin plates, the reconstruction accuracy of initial LEGO units can be guaranteed. Furthermore, the tree structure is employed for automatically generating support structures which can be converted into LEGO support structures. By adopting split assembly appropriately and implementing combination of these parts accurately, the reducing supporting structures can be further simplified. In order to optimize the Legorization scheme, a machine learning method is used to guarantee the quality and efficiency of the reconstruction work. Complex LEGO models are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Elastic breakdown via multi-core high frequency discharge for lean-burn ignition
Authors: Han Xiaoye , Yu Xiao , Zhu Hua , Wang Linyan , Yu Shui , Wang Meiping , Zheng Ming
Published: December 2021

An advanced ignition technique is developed to achieve multi-event breakdown and multi-site ignition using a single coil for ignition quality improvements. The igniter enables a unique elastic breakdown process embracing a series of high-frequency discharge events at the spark gap. The equivalent electric circuits and current/voltage equations are identified and verified for the first time to explain the working principle that governs such an elastic breakdown process. Benchmarking tests are first performed to compare the elastic breakdown ignition with the conventional and advanced multi-electrode ignition systems. The elastic breakdown and spark events are thereafter analyzed through current and voltage measurements and high-speed imaging techniques. Finally, ignition tests in combustion chambers are performed to examine the effects on the ignition process in comparison with conventional coil-based ignition systems. The experiments show that, the elastic breakdown ignition can distribute multiple high-frequency breakdown events at all electrode pairs of a multi-electrode sparkplug while using only one ignition coil, thereby offering significant cost saving advantage and packaging practicability.
Numerical investigation on the compressor for gas-entraining diffuser EGR
Authors: Zhu Fei , Ma Chaochen , Wang Zhihui , Wang Pengxiao , Chen Shaolin
Published: December 2021

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) is an effective way to reduce nitrogen oxide (NO x) emissions, and the EGR application increases the engine backpressure to some extent. In this paper, a new EGR method named gas-entraining diffuser EGR was proposed to reduce pumping loss. It introduces the exhaust gas into the compressor diffuser inlet where the static pressure is the lowest without blades fouled by exhaust gas. As a result, lower pressure at the turbine upstream can achieve EGR. Then, a newly designed induced structure not only introduces exhaust gas into the compressor diffuser but also reduces the energy loss caused by EGR application. Furthermore, the performance of compressor with different induced angles of the induced structure was investigated using simulation method. Results showed that the compressor’s adiabatic efficiency was the best when the induced angle was 20°. Regarding the induced angle of 20°, the adiabatic efficiency drop of compressor was in the range of 0.8%–12%. Approximately 10% of the adiabatic efficiency drop was caused by the induced structure, the other was mainly from the flow loss and mixing loss in diffuser system. The induced structure mainly affected the static pressure difference between induced structure inlet and impeller outlet ([Formula: see text]). When the impeller mass flow was 0.23 kg/s, [Formula: see text] was 11.21, 13.95, 15.59, 17.18 kPa respectively with corresponding induced angles of 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°. The primary energy loss leading to the adiabatic efficiency drop of compressor with induced structure occurred in diffuser system. It was caused by the mixing process of induced gas and impeller exit gas, and the enhanced effect from the shroud side’s impeller jet-wake and volute tongue.
Friction magazine: The upcycling of manufacture for structural design
Authors: Le Pavec Alexandre , Zerhouni Sonia , Leduc Nicolas , Kuzmenko Kateryna , Brocato Maurizio
Published: December 2021

The growing need for new buildings and the soaring resources depletion call for a new way of considering the building material. As follows, the principle of recycling and reuse keep gaining in consideration as a pertinent strategy to address those issues, inciting the use of new materials and approaches for structural design. The present paper inscribes in this later framework and proposes a method for structural design and manufacturing out of old magazines using a broadly known physical phenomenon of friction in interleaved assemblies. The proposed method consist of a stock-based form-finding strategy for a net-like structure, based on the mechanical and fabrication-aware considerations with an integration of a geodesic constrain control for the rectilinear paper strips. In closing, a demonstration pavilion is built using the developed method and its further potential applications in construction sector are discussed.
The optimization process leading to the tessellation of the first geodesic dome structure, the first Planetarium of Jena
Authors: Gáspár Orsolya
Published: December 2021

The tessellation of the first built geodesic dome structure (the first planetarium of Jena, designed by Walther Bauersfeld, built 1922–23) has been unknown until recently. While original documentation of the tessellation has been published, the concept behind it has not been uncovered. This article presents the evolution of the final tessellation based on Bauersfeld’s hand-written notes found in the Zeiss Archives in Jena. Bauersfeld contemplated various methods of subdivision and performed detailed calculations and optimality analysis on them—preceding the theoretical studies on the tessellation of geodesic domes by almost 30 years. His key findings, relevant and comparable with later studies are highlighted. The concept of the presumably final tessellation is revealed to be the equal-area triangulation of the sphere—which has to the author’s knowledge not been considered ever since for geodesic domes. The remarkably simple algorithm applied did not result in a theoretically exact solution (well known to Bauersfeld), but as shown in this article in engineering terms it got sufficiently close. Moreover, it is concluded that the resulting tessellation excels in terms of important parameters (e.g. edge length ratio, number of different edges) compared to existing practical and theoretical solutions.
Health Status and Healthcare Services of Scheduled Tribes in Odisha: Challenges and the Way Forward
Authors: Behera Minaketan , Dassani Preksha
Published: December 2021

Health is an essential aspect of human life, and good health significantly contributes to the social development and economic progress of a nation. The health practices are shaped by culture, economic life, and geographical and ecological conditions, among others. The Scheduled Tribes (STs) are socially and educationally backward. The government healthcare services have not optimally reached the tribal communities, and, hence, they are forced to depend on their traditional health practices. This article presents and critically evaluates the health status of STs in Odisha. It outlines the performance of various health indicators, health status and the factors influencing tribal health. The analysis is based on secondary data, including the National Family Health Survey-4 and Rural Health Statistics, 2019. The relevant indicators reveal that the nutrition and health status among the STs in Odisha is poor and is much lower than the national average.