bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic mRNA expression of donor-derived activating KIR genes and their significant effects on clinical outcome after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Li Ying , Wang Tian , Hu Xing , Zhang Huanhuan , Bao Xiaojing , Wu Depei , He Jun
Published: June 2021

Numerous reports suggest that activating killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (aKIRs) of natural killer (NK) cells, in addition to inhibitory KIRs (iKIRs), play a prognostic role after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). We aimed to investigate the association between the dynamic expression of KIRs on NK cells and the outcomes, particularly regarding graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). This study retrospectively enrolled 260 pairs of donors and recipients who had undergone allo-HSCT without in-vitro T cell depletion. The mRNA transcription level of KIRs was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT–qPCR). The levels of aKIR transcripts were decreased more than those of iKIRs during the occurrence of GvHD. The transcription levels of KIR2DS2 and KIR2DS4 in the patients developing GvHD, compared with those who were at a tolerance state, showed the most significant decrease in the month at their peak transcription levels (p = 0.03, p = 0.002). Significantly decreased expression of KIR2DS1 (p = 0.02), KIR2DS3 (p = 0.04) and KIR2DS5 (p = 0.04) in the GvHD group was observed when the transcription level reached a maximum. High expression of KIR3DS1 was associated with superior overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001). The expression of KIR2DS4 in the KIR genotype Bx group decreased more during GvHD, particularly at 3M (p = 0.02). These findings suggest that KIR genes are potential post-HSCT biomarkers and dynamic changes in the KIR transcription levels can be detected to better predict the occurrence and evaluate the treatment of GvHD after transplantation.
Fast Updates for Least‐Squares Rotational Alignment
Authors: Zhang Jiayi Eris , Jacobson Alec , Alexa Marc
Published: June 2021

Across computer graphics, vision, robotics and simulation, many applications rely on determining the 3D rotation that aligns two objects or sets of points. The standard solution is to use singular value decomposition (SVD), where the optimal rotation is recovered as the product of the singular vectors. Faster computation of only the rotation is possible using suitable parameterizations of the rotations and iterative optimization. We propose such a method based on the Cayley transformations. The resulting optimization problem allows better local quadratic approximation compared to the Taylor approximation of the exponential map. This results in both faster convergence as well as more stable approximation compared to other iterative approaches. It also maps well to AVX vectorization. We compare our implementation with a wide range of alternatives on real and synthetic data. The results demonstrate up to two orders of magnitude of speedup compared to a straightforward SVD implementation and a 1.5‐6 times speedup over popular optimized code.
Coherent Mark‐based Stylization of 3D Scenes at the Compositing Stage
Authors: Garcia M. , Vergne R. , Farhat M.‐A. , Bénard P. , Noûs C. , Thollot J.
Published: June 2021

We present a novel temporally coherent stylized rendering technique working entirely at the compositing stage. We first generate a distribution of 3D anchor points using an implicit grid based on the local object positions stored in a G‐buffer, hence following object motion. We then draw splats in screen space anchored to these points so as to be motion coherent. To increase the perceived flatness of the style, we adjust the anchor points density using a fractalization mechanism. Sudden changes are prevented by controlling the anchor points opacity and introducing a new order‐independent blending function. We demonstrate the versatility of our method by showing a large variety of styles thanks to the freedom offered by the splats content and their attributes that can be controlled by any G‐buffer.
Deep HDR estimation with generative detail reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Y. , Aydın T. O.
Published: June 2021

We study the problem of High Dynamic Range (HDR) image reconstruction from a Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) input with potential clipping artifacts. Instead of building a direct model that maps from SDR to HDR images as in previous work, we decompose an input SDR image into a base (low frequency) and detail layer (high frequency), and treat reconstructing these two layers as two separate problems. We propose a novel architecture that comprises individual components specially designed to handle both tasks. Specifically, our base layer reconstruction component recovers low frequency content and remaps the color gamut of the input SDR, whereas our detail layer reconstruction component, which builds upon prior work on image inpainting, hallucinates missing texture information. The output HDR prediction is produced by a final refinement stage. We present qualitative and quantitative comparisons with existing techniques where our method achieves state‐of‐the‐art performance.
Cyclostationary Gaussian noise: theory and synthesis
Authors: Lutz Nicolas , Sauvage Basile , Dischler Jean‐Michel
Published: June 2021

Stationary Gaussian processes have been used for decades in the context of procedural noises to model and synthesize textures with no spatial organization. In this paper we investigate cyclostationary Gaussian processes, whose statistics are repeated periodically. It enables the modeling of noises having periodic spatial variations, which we call “cyclostationary Gaussian noises”. We adapt to the cyclostationary context several stationary noises along with their synthesis algorithms: spot noise, Gabor noise, local random‐phase noise, high‐performance noise, and phasor noise. We exhibit real‐time synthesis of a variety of visual patterns having periodic spatial variations.
Geometric construction of auxetic metamaterials
Authors: Bonneau GP. , Hahmann S. , Marku J.
Published: June 2021

This paper is devoted to a category of metamaterials called auxetics, identified by their negative Poisson's ratio. Our work consists in exploring geometrical strategies to generate irregular auxetic structures. More precisely we seek to reduce the Poisson's ratio ν, by pruning an irregular network based solely on geometric criteria. We introduce a strategy combining a pure geometric pruning algorithm followed by a physics‐based testing phase to determine the resulting Poisson's ratio of our structures. We propose an algorithm that generates sets of irregular auxetic networks. Our contributions include geometrical characterization of auxetic networks, development of a pruning strategy, generation of auxetic networks with low Poisson's ratio, as well as validation of our approach. We provide statistical validation of our approach on large sets of irregular networks, and we additionally laser‐cut auxetic networks in sheets of rubber. The findings reported here show that it is possible to reduce the Poisson's ratio by geometric pruning, and that we can generate irregular auxetic networks at lower processing times than a physics‐based approach.
Patch Erosion for Deformable Lapped Textures on 3D Fluids
Authors: Gagnon Jonathan , Guzmán Julián E. , Mould David , Paquette Eric
Published: June 2021

We propose an approach to synthesise a texture on an animated fluid free surface using a distortion metric combined with a feature map. Our approach is applied as a post‐process to a fluid simulation. We advect deformable patches to move the texture along the fluid flow. The patches are covering the whole surface every frame of the animation in an overlapping fashion. Using lapped textures combined with deformable patches, we successfully remove blending artifact and rigid artifact seen in previous methods. We remain faithful to the texture exemplar by removing distorted patch texels using a patch erosion process. The patch erosion is based on a feature map provided together with the exemplar as inputs to our approach. The erosion favors removing texels toward the boundary of the patch as well as texels corresponding to more distorted regions of the patch. Where texels are removed leaving a gap on the surface, we add new patches below existing ones. The result is an animated texture following the velocity field of the fluid. We compared our results with recent work and our results show that our approach removes ghosting and temporal fading artifacts.
Orthogonalized Fourier Polynomials for Signal Approximation and Transfer
Authors: Maggioli F. , Melzi S. , Ovsjanikov M. , Bronstein M. M. , Rodolà E.
Published: June 2021

We propose a novel approach for the approximation and transfer of signals across 3D shapes. The proposed solution is based on taking pointwise polynomials of the Fourier‐like Laplacian eigenbasis, which provides a compact and expressive representation for general signals defined on the surface. Key to our approach is the construction of a new orthonormal basis upon the set of these linearly dependent polynomials. We analyze the properties of this representation, and further provide a complete analysis of the involved parameters. Our technique results in accurate approximation and transfer of various families of signals between near‐isometric and non‐isometric shapes, even under poor initialization. Our experiments, showcased on a selection of downstream tasks such as filtering and detail transfer, show that our method is more robust to discretization artifacts, deformation and noise as compared to alternative approaches.
Spatiotemporal Texture Reconstruction for Dynamic Objects Using a Single RGB‐D Camera
Authors: Kim Hyomin , Kim Jungeon , Nam Hyeonseo , Park Jaesik , Lee Seungyong
Published: June 2021

This paper presents an effective method for generating a spatiotemporal (time‐varying) texture map for a dynamic object using a single RGB‐D camera. The input of our framework is a 3D template model and an RGB‐D image sequence. Since there are invisible areas of the object at a frame in a single‐camera setup, textures of such areas need to be borrowed from other frames. We formulate the problem as an MRF optimization and define cost functions to reconstruct a plausible spatiotemporal texture for a dynamic object. Experimental results demonstrate that our spatiotemporal textures can reproduce the active appearances of captured objects better than approaches using a single texture map.
For love or money? Family versus financial blockholders in international acquisitions
Authors: Chen Victor Zitian , Hobdari Bersant , Kellermanns Franz W. , Sluhan Anne
Published: June 2021

Research Question/Issue

We study the relationship between family blockholding of voting rights and the relative size of international acquisitions, and the moderating effect of two types of financial blockholders (pressure‐resistant and pressure‐sensitive blockholders).

Research Findings/Insights

Employing an international sample of 8,687 non‐financial cross‐border acquisitions conducted by 4,630 acquirer firms from 40 home markets to 66 host countries between 2004 and 2013, we find a U‐shaped relationship between family blockholding of voting rights and the relative size of international acquisitions. Further, we find evidence that this relationship is moderated by the presence and type of financial blockholders. While pressure‐resistant financial blockholders shift this relationship downwards (due to intensified conflicts), pressure‐sensitive financial blockholders shift it upwards.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

We contribute to the literature on family firm governance and internationalization on several fronts. First, we revisit the predominant logic of linear effects of the family blockholding. We suggest the family blockholding's effects are related to nonlinear risk preferences of family owners, expressed through socioemotional wealth (SEW) slack. Second, we suggest that the “dominant shareholder interest” assumption of family firms, usually based on the controlling family's SEW should be interpreted contingent upon the interests of other financial shareholders. Finally, using family‐financial blockholder conflicts as the scenario, we suggest that principal‐principal conflicts depend on the composition of the conflicting blockholders, specifically, upon the nature of their relations with the firm.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This study offers insights to policymakers and those interested in incentivizing family ownership that family owners' risk behaviors should be understood and discussed in the context of different financial blockholders as a reference group.
Rare mimic of angiosarcoma: Erythema ab igne with reactive angiomatosis
Authors: Johnson Nathan M. , Shvygina Anna , Luyimbazi David T. , Grider Douglas J.
Published: June 2021

Erythema ab igne is an uncommon physical dermatosis that presents with localized patches of reticulated erythema and hyperpigmentation corresponding with the underlying dermal venous plexus. The rash occurs in response to chronic heat exposure that does not meet the threshold for thermal burn of the skin. The histopathologic findings are characterized by atrophy and thinning of the epidermis, focal hyperkeratosis, and keratinocyte atypia. The dermis displays dilated capillaries, evidence of pigment incontinence, and prominent elastotic material. We report a case of a 65‐year‐old male who presented to his primary care physician with a 1‐year history of reticular erythema and hyperpigmentation with focal ulceration on his right lateral leg. Histopathology on biopsy revealed mild hyperkeratosis and focal epidermal atrophy; however, the most striking finding was a proliferation of dermal vascular spaces lined by pleomorphic endothelial cells and numerous mitotic figures, which was morphologically compatible with angiosarcoma. However, clinicopathologic correlation and immunostaining revealed an actual diagnosis of erythema ab igne with reactive angiomatosis. Reactive angiomatosis—morphologically mimicking angiosarcoma—is a rarely reported feature of severe erythema ab igne, and dermatopathologists should be aware of this possibility to avoid misdiagnosis of erythema ab igne as angiosarcoma.
BAP1‐inactivated melanocytic tumors show prominent centrosome amplification and associated loss of primary cilia
Authors: Ye Julia , Sheahon Kathleen M. , LeBoit Philip E. , McCalmont Timothy H. , Lang Ursula E.
Published: June 2021

Background

BRCA1‐associated protein (BAP1) is a tumor suppressor whose loss is associated with various malignancies. The primary cilium is an organelle involved in signal transduction and cell cycle progression. Primary cilia have been shown to be absent in melanoma but retained to some extent in melanocytic nevi, and the severity of dysplasia influences the degree of cilia loss. Additionally, studies have revealed roles for BAP1 in centrosome and mitotic spindle formation. Because the primary cilium is nucleated on the mother centriole, we examined the connection between the presence of primary cilia and the formation of centrosomes in BAP1‐inactivated melanocytic tumors (BIMTs).

Methods

We evaluated the cilia and centrosomes in 11 BIMTs and five conventional melanocytic nevi using immunofluorescence staining of acetylated alpha‐tubulin and gamma‐tubulin.

Results

We found that, compared to nevi, BIMTs show loss of primary cilia and amplification of centrosomes. Occasional nevi also showed increased centrioles; however, these foci of amplification were more likely to be ciliated than those in BIMTs.

Conclusions

Although centrosome amplification does not absolutely correlate with loss of primary cilia in melanocytic neoplasms, absence of BAP1 exacerbates the phenotype. Moreover, aberrant centrosome and cilia formation are likely critical in the pathogenesis of other BAP1‐inactivated tumors.
Relationship value benefits of membership programs, heterogeneous stakeholders and museum impact beyond fees
Authors: Ebbers Joris J. , Leenders Mark A. A. M. , Augustijn Jonathan J. E.
Published: June 2021

In times of decreasing public funding, cultural institutions such as museums increasingly develop new stakeholder management practices to build a different or more diversified support base. Recently, membership programs have especially been gaining popularity. In this paper, we adopt a relationship value approach to study the poorly understood behaviors of members that can benefit museums beyond membership fees. In particular, we focus on the extent to which membership level and the perceived prestige of the museum drive value co‐creation through prestige leveraging. We study this by using a sample of 430 members and non‐members of the Hermitage Museum in Amsterdam. We find that membership level is positively related with cross‐buying behavior at the museum store and restaurant, and recommending the museum. In addition, these value creating behaviors are mediated by members leveraging the museum's prestige in their social environment. In contrast, we find a negative relationship between membership level and recruiting new members into the program, which could be explained by status dilution effects.
Network centrality and value relevance of insider trading: Evidence from Europe
Authors: Afzali Mansoor , Martikainen Minna
Published: June 2021

We examine the value relevance of insider trades in Europe and find that both purchases and sales of well‐connected insiders are positively associated with long‐term abnormal returns. We argue that the market perceives the purchases of networked insiders as more informative, leading to higher returns. For sales of networked insiders, the market decreases their negative information content, leading to lower negative returns. Our results do not support the view that insiders use their informational advantage to extract economic rents in the form of dollar profits. We posit that they use their networks to provide signals to the market when trading.
Metazoan activity facilitates passive sediment trapping in modern supratidal microbialites: Revealed using µ‐CT‐scanning and microscopy
Authors: Dodd Carla , Anderson Callum R. , Rishworth Gavin M. , Perissinotto Renzo , van Niekerk Xandri
Published: June 2021

Microbialites are formed through two processes, the trapping and binding of sediment grains and mineral precipitation. Sediment trapping and binding result in coarse sandy textures, whereas fine micritic textures are produced by mineral precipitation. Although well‐studied modern microbialites (e.g. Bahamas and Shark Bay) are formed through the former process, purely trapped‐and‐bound examples are rare throughout the geologic record and limited to shallow‐marine environments. Through the use of conventional microscopy and 3D micro‐computed tomography (µ‐CT) scanning, this study found that South African coastal microbialites have a primarily mineral precipitated texture, although detrital material is included sporadically. Furthermore, these modern microbialites exhibit both micritic and fibrous layering with high porosity. The novel use of 3D microtomography rotational scans has revealed that microbialites are extensively burrowed by metazoan activity and was also able to distinguish the occurrence and distribution of heavy minerals and detrital shell material in the samples. Some of the detrital grains appeared to be accidental/random inclusions, while in other cases the metazoan burrows provided space for the accumulation of sediment once abandoned. In both cases, sediment was incorporated as a product of intermittent accumulation, rather than systematic trapping and binding. The microfabric texture of South African microbialites is therefore a function of both biological (e.g. microbially mediated precipitation) and environmental (e.g. sporadic sediment deposition and inorganic cementation) influence. Overall, the findings presented here highlight the importance of these systems regarding microbialite formation, ichnology and taphonomy.
Ambivalent returns: Dhaqan celis and counter‐diasporic migration among second‐generation Somalis
Authors: Bakaari Farah , Escandell Xavier
Published: June 2021

Rapid globalisation and decades‐long civil wars have led to the rise of transnational families and mobility within the Somali diaspora. This article focuses on the phenomenon of dhaqan celis where first‐generation Somali parents living in Western nations take their children to their ethnic homeland for a period of cultural reorientation. Building on existing scholarship on dhaqan celis as well the literature on counter‐diasporic migrations and reverse transnationalism, we explore the forms of cultural and familial belonging that instigate dhaqan celis and how the perception of young returnees evolves over time. We argue that dhaqan celis, while representing an involuntary forced return, does not always develop into stories of exploitation and suffering but rather becomes a tool for inter‐generational connection and understanding.
Single‐shot quantitative phase imaging as an extension of differential interference contrast microscopy
Authors: Yasuhiko Osamu , Takeuchi Kozo , Yamada Hidenao , Ueda Yukio
Published: June 2021

Various studies have been conducted to obtain quantitative phase information based on differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy. As one such attempt, we propose in this study a single‐shot quantitative phase imaging (QPI) method by combining two developments. First, an add‐on optical system to a commercialized DIC microscope was developed to perform quantitative phase gradient imaging (QPGI) with single image acquisition using a polarization camera. Second, an algorithm was formulated to reconstitute QPI from the obtained QPGI by reducing linear artifacts, which arise in simply integrated QPGI images. To demonstrate the applicability of the developed system in cell biology, the system was used to measure various cell lines and compared with fluorescence microscopy images of the same field of view. Consistent with previous studies, nucleoli and lipid droplets can be imaged by the system with greater optical path lengths (OPL). The results also implied that combining fluorescence microscopy and the developed system might be more informative for cell biology research than using these methods individually. Exploiting the single‐shot performance of the developed system, time‐lapse imaging was also conducted to visualize the dynamics of intracellular granules in monocyte‐/macrophage‐like cells. Our proposed approach may accelerate the implementation of QPI in standard biomedical laboratories.
A Rapid Decision Support Tool for Estimating Impacts of a Vadose Zone Volatile Organic Compound Source on Groundwater and Soil Gas
Authors: Johnson Christian D. , Muller Katherine A. , Truex Michael J. , Tartakovsky Guzel , Becker David J. , Harms Carl M. , Popovic Jovan
Published: June 2021

Diminishing rates of subsurface volatile contaminant removal by soil vapor extraction (SVE) oftentimes warrants an in‐depth performance assessment to guide remedy decision‐making processes. Such a performance assessment must include quantitative approaches to better understand the impact of remaining vadose zone contamination on soil gas and groundwater concentrations. The spreadsheet‐based Soil Vapor Extraction Endstate Tool (SVEET) software functionality has recently been expanded to facilitate quantitative performance assessments. The updated version, referred to as SVEET2, includes expansion of the input parameter ranges for describing a site (site geometry, source characteristics, etc.), an expanded list of contaminants, and incorporation of elements of the Vapor Intrusion Estimation Tool for Unsaturated‐zone Sources software to provide soil gas concentration estimates for use in vapor intrusion evaluation. As part of the update, SVEET2 was used to estimate the impact of a tetrachloroethene (PCE) vadose zone source on groundwater concentrations, comparing SVEET2 results to field‐observed values at an undisclosed site where SVE was recently terminated. PCE concentrations from three separate monitoring wells were estimated by SVEET2 to be within the range of 6.0–6.7 μg/L, as compared to actual field concentrations that ranged from 3 to 11 μg/L PCE. These data demonstrate that SVEET2 can rapidly provide representative quantitative estimates of impacts from a vadose zone contaminant source at field sites. In the context of the SVE performance assessment, such quantitative estimates provide a basis to support remedial and/or regulatory decisions regarding the continued need for vadose zone volatile organic compound remediation or technical justification for SVE termination, which can significantly reduce the cost to complete for a site.
Chronic macrocheilia: a clinico‐etiological series of 47 cases
Authors: Toumi Asma , Litaiem Noureddine , Gara Soumaya , Chabchoub Ines , Bacha Takwa , Slouma Maroua , Ben Hassine Lamia , Rammeh Soumaya , Jones Meriem , Zeglaoui Faten
Published: June 2021

Background

Macrocheilia is an inflammatory disfiguring condition responsible for the swelling of the lips. This multi‐etiological entity represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Published data on macrocheilia is scarce, often limited to granulomatous cheilitis.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study, including all patients presenting with chronic macrocheilia (CM) for nineteen years. CM was defined as a persistent enlargement of one or both lips for at least eight weeks. Both descriptive and analytical analyses were performed.

Results

Of the 47 patients identified, 20 (43%) had cutaneous leishmaniasis, 10 (21%) had Miescher's cheilitis, five (11%) had Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome, five (11%) had sarcoidosis, one (2%) had lepromatous leprosy, one (2%) had systemic amyloidosis, and one (2%) had Crohn's disease. In four cases, the CM was unlabeled. Ulcerations were significantly associated with leishmaniasis (P < 0.05). Histological study showed a granulomatous infiltrate in 72% of cases. Medical treatment was adapted to the etiology of CM. Surgery was performed in two cases. Improvement of CM secondary to leishmaniasis was seen in all cases. In patients with idiopathic orofacial granulomatosis, partial improvement was noted in four cases and a total improvement in one case. Recurrences were noted in three cases after complete regression.

Conclusions

Macrocheilia is a rare and disfiguring condition that requires an etiological investigation, considering that it can reveal a serious underlying systemic disease. We identified several factors that could help recognize the cause of CM, including age, history of intermittent swelling, the extent of lip enlargement, the existence of ulceration, and systemic symptoms.
Increased long‐term risk of heart failure and other adverse cardiac outcomes in dermatomyositis and polymyositis: Insights from a nationwide cohort
Authors: Yafasova A. , Diederichsen L. P. , Schou M. , Sun G. , Torp‐Pedersen C. , Gislason G. H. , Fosbøl E. L. , Køber L. , Butt J. H.
Published: June 2021

Background

Mounting evidence suggests that dermatomyositis/polymyositis (DM/PM) are associated with increased risk of atherosclerotic events and venous thromboembolism. However, data on the association between DM/PM and other cardiac outcomes, especially heart failure (HF), are scarce.

Objectives

To examine the long‐term risk and prognosis associated with adverse cardiac outcomes in patients with DM/PM.

Methods

Using Danish administrative registries, we included all patients ≥18 years with newly diagnosed DM/PM (1996–2018). Risks of incident outcomes were compared with non‐DM/PM controls from the background population (matched 1:4 by age, sex, and comorbidity). In a secondary analysis, we compared mortality following HF diagnosis between DM/PM patients with HF and non‐DM/PM patients with HF (matched 1:4 by age and sex).

Results

The study population included 936 DM/PM patients (median age 58.5 years, 59.0% women) and 3744 matched non‐DM/PM controls. The median follow‐up was 6.9 years. Absolute 10‐year risks of incident outcomes for DM/PM patients vs matched controls were as follows: HF, 6.98% (CI, 5.16–9.16%) vs 4.58% (3.79–5.47%) (P = 0.002); atrial fibrillation, 10.17% (7.94–12.71%) vs 7.07% (6.09–8.15%) (P = 0.005); the composite of ICD implantation/ventricular arrhythmias/cardiac arrest, 1.99% (1.12–3.27%) vs 0.64% (0.40–0.98%) (P = 0.02); and all‐cause mortality, 35.42% (31.64–39.21%) vs 16.57% (15.10–18.10%) (P < 0.0001). DM/PM with subsequent HF was associated with higher mortality compared with HF without DM/PM (adjusted hazard ratio 1.58 [CI, 1.01–2.47]).

Conclusion

Patients with DM/PM had a higher associated risk of HF and other adverse cardiac outcomes compared with matched controls. Among patients developing HF, a history of DM/PM was associated with higher mortality.
Novel robotic TCD ultrasound with bubbles versus standard care to detect right to left shunt: Study methods
Authors: Rubin Mark N. , Alexandrov Andrei V. , Douville Colleen , Rinsky Brenda , Tsivgoulis Georgios
Published: June 2021

Background and Purpose

Right to left shunt (RLS), from patent foramen ovale (PFO) or elsewhere, is a recognized risk factor for stroke. Current standard of care for RLS diagnosis includes transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) which is insensitive, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) which is invasive, and transcranial Doppler (TCD) which has excellent sensitivity and specificity for RLS but is heavily operator dependent and expertise is scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the RLS detection rate of a novel robotic‐assisted TCD (ra‐TCD) to standard of care diagnostic techniques, including TTE, TEE, and TCD.

Methods

This is a multicenter, prospective, single‐arm, nonsignificant risk device study of ra‐TCD versus TTE for RLS diagnosis in adult patients who present with neurological signs and symptoms that include embolic stroke or transient ischemic attack on the differential diagnosis. Up to 150 subjects will be enrolled at up to seven centers considering the prevalence of PFO, suboptimal transtemporal windows, and potential dropouts. Enrolled patients will undergo ra‐TCD supine and at 45° in a manner otherwise in line with standard of care TCD bubble technique. The enrolled patients will have undergone TTE, and optionally standard TCD and TEE, per usual care.

Results

The primary efficacy endpoint is percent detection of RLS by ra‐TCD compared against TTE. The primary safety endpoint is the incidence of device‐related serious adverse events.

Conclusions

This is the first multicenter, prospective study evaluating the accuracy, feasibility, and safety of novel ra‐TCD for the diagnosis of RLS as compared to standard of care diagnostics.
Taking Paediatrics Abroad: Working with low‐ and middle‐income countries in a global pandemic
Authors: Parker Anneka , Tek Chheng Eap , Nasi Titus , Orelly Thyna , Aho George , Whitaker Sally , Weaver James , Phin Sue , Baker Ruth , Woolfenden Susan , Currow Kathryn
Published: June 2021

Children and young people around the world face challenges to their health and wellbeing. In particular, in low‐ and middle‐income countries they experience a higher burden of disease, exacerbated by global inequity limiting access to quality health care. According to the inverse care law, the availability of quality health care varies inversely to the need of the population, and hardworking health‐care professionals in under‐resourced countries may face impediments to continued education or subspecialty training. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, collaborations have been developed between high‐income and low‐ and‐middle‐income countries to address global disparities in health. These collaborations face challenges of high financial costs, difficulties creating long‐term sustainable change, and with the emergence of the COVID‐19 pandemic, border closures preventing fly‐in volunteers. In this paper, we describe the development of an innovative, paediatric‐specific model of care for training and support between high‐ and low‐income countries – Taking Paediatrics Abroad Ltd. Taking Paediatrics Abroad supports the development of mutually beneficial relationships between Australian paediatric health‐care professionals and paediatric health‐care professionals in developing countries and remote, underserved Australian Aboriginal communities. Since May 2020, there have been over 100 sessions covering a vast array of paediatric specialties. This article explores Taking Paediatrics Abroad's model of care, its implementation and challenges, and opportunities for the future.
Effect of WeChat follow‐up education on breastfeeding efficiency of infants after congenital cardiac surgery and parents' satisfaction: A short‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Yu Xian‐Rong , Xie Wen‐Peng , Liu Jian‐Feng , Dai Wang‐Sheng , Cao Hua , Chen Qiang
Published: June 2021

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the impact of WeChat follow‐up education on infants' breastfeeding efficiency after congenital cardiac surgery and parents' satisfaction.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted in a provincial hospital in China. Sixty participants were divided into two groups: 30 participants in the study group received WeChat follow‐up health education, and 30 participants in the control group received postoperative routine nursing education for infants after congenital cardiac surgery. The infants' breastfeeding efficiency, parents' satisfaction and relevant clinical data were recorded and analysed.

Results

After the WeChat follow‐up intervention, the breastfeeding efficacy score, the parents' satisfaction score and the exclusive breastfeeding rate in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of feeding intolerance, abdominal distension, dyspeptic diarrhoea, weight gain or recurrent vomiting between the two groups during the 3‐month follow‐up period.

Conclusion

WeChat education can improve infants' breastfeeding efficiency after congenital cardiac surgery and can improve parents' satisfaction and exclusive breastfeeding rate during the short‐term follow‐up period.
Anaemia among under‐five children: Is maternal marriage at 18th birthday and above protective? Evidence from 15 countries in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Anjorin Seun , Yaya Sanni
Published: June 2021

Prevalence of child marriage has remained high in many parts of Africa despite its multisectoral adverse effect. As it is now being suggested to have intergeneration impact, we examined if marriage at or after 18th birthday is associated with the risk of anaemia among under‐five children. Cross‐sectional data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted between 2010 and 2018 in 15 African countries as of August 2020 were used. Maternal age of marriage was defined as when they started living with their husband or partner. Children with haemoglobin level below 11.0 g/dl after adjustment for altitude were categorised to be anaemic. The study involved a multivariable logistic regression analysis of 17,033 children data born by women between the childbearing ages. About 65% of under‐five children in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) were anaemic, ranging from 40% in Rwanda to 82% in Mali. Girl child marriage ranged from 40% in South Africa to 97% in Niger with an average of about 60%. We observed a significant reduction (20%) in the risk of anaemia among under‐five children when their mothers married after at or after their 18th birthday. Country‐specific analysis showed that increased risk of anaemia was strongly associated with early marriage in Côte d'Ivoire and Mozambique. This study contributed to the growing evidence that maternal age of marriage might have an intergenerational impact. Maternal marriage at or after their 18th birthday reduces the risk of anaemia among under‐five children in Africa. Interventions aimed at tackling anaemia in Africa should capture and affect household socioeconomic risks and children's exposures.
Cross‐cultural validation and psychometric testing of the supportive supervisory scale in Spanish
Authors: Alconada‐Romero Álvaro , Horta‐García Gemma , Gea‐Sánchez Montserrat , Blanco‐Blanco Joan , Mateos José T. , Stewart Steven C. , Barallat‐Gimeno Eva , McGilton Katherine S.
Published: June 2021

Background

Supervisory effectiveness in long‐term care facilities has been identified a key factor in staff satisfaction and quality of care. Determining its utility in Spanish speaking countries will assist with understanding different cultural and health service contexts.

Objectives

To develop and psychometrically test the Supervisory Support Scale in Spanish. The Spanish version of the Supportive Supervisory Scale could be useful for cross‐cultural comparisons of supervisory support, which is a key factor to improving work relationships in long‐term care facilities.

Methods

Validation was carried out with 405 participants in 37 long‐term care facilities. One‐way analysis of variance was the test of significance performed to examine the differences among the facilities and Pearson product‐moment correlations were used to assess construct validation of the scale. The mean and standard deviation were calculated for each supervisory score in each facility. Structural equation modelling was used to confirm the dimensions of the scale.

Results

The item‐to‐item correlations were positive, ranging from 0.44 to 0.78, indicating good reliability of the scale. The coefficient alpha for the total scale was 0.96. The 15‐item had mean item scores which ranged from 2.89 to 3.96 (SD = 1.01–1.26). Standardised factor loadings ranged within a narrow range: 0.75‐0.86 for the ‘respecting uniqueness’ latent variable and 0.76‐0.88 for the ‘being reliable’ latent variable. Construct validity was demonstrated as measure was positively associated with job satisfaction (r = 0.412, p < 0.0001) and was negatively correlated with HCAs’ stress and burden.

Conclusion

The two‐factor solution identified in the original scale that highlighted two key attributes of the supervisor; being reliable and respecting uniqueness, was also demonstrated in the Spanish Supervisory Support Scale as there was a moderate fit of the model.

Implications for practice

The Spanish version of the Supportive Supervisory Scale could be useful for cross‐cultural comparisons of supervisory support in nursing facilities which is a key factor to improving staff relationships and care in nursing facilities.
Current practice and future prospects in left atrial appendage occlusion
Authors: Narasimhan Bharat , Aedma Surya Kiran , Bhatia Kirtipal , Garg Jalaj , Kanuri Sri Harsha , Turagam Mohit K. , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya
Published: June 2021

The thromboembolic complications of Atrial fibrillation (AF) remain a major problem in contemporary clinical practice. Despite advances and developments in anticoagulation strategies, therapy is complicated by the high risk of bleeding complications and need for meticulous medication compliance. Over the past few decades, the left atrial appendage has emerged as a promising therapeutic target to prevent thromboembolic events while mitigating bleeding complications and compliance issues. Emerging data indicates that it is a safe, effective and feasible alternative to systemic anticoagulation in patients with non‐valvular AF. A number of devices have been developed for endocardial or epicardial based isolation of the left atrial appendage. Increasing experience has improved overall procedural safety and ease while simultaneously reducing device related complication rates. Furthermore, increasing recognition of the non‐mechanical advantages of this procedure has led to further interest in its utility for further indications beyond the prevention of thromboembolic complications. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the evolution of left atrial appendage occlusion, commercially available devices and the role of this modality in the current management of AF. We also provide a brief outline of the landmark trials supporting this approach as well as the ongoing research and future prospects of left atrial appendage occlusion
A review of the orphan small grain cereals improvement with a comprehensive plan for genomics‐assisted breeding of fonio millet in West Africa
Authors: Ibrahim Bio Yerima Abdou R. , Achigan‐Dako Enoch G.
Published: June 2021

Orphan small grain cereals highly contribute to food and nutrition security worldwide, although the genetic and genomic resources for these cereals are far less available compared to major grain cereals. Consequently, there is low progress in their genetic improvement notwithstanding the high nutrient content, diversity, and health benefits of many of them. Therefore, additional efforts are expected to improve our understanding of the genes related to important agronomic traits. In this review, we provide an overview of achievements and bottlenecks in orphan small cereals improvement. We point out the need for the generation of basic knowledge that should guide the initial breeding process of orphan small cereals. Focusing on fonio, we showed how conventional breeding combined with advances in next‐generation sequencing technologies could potentially speed up the genetic improvement of the crop. Furthermore, a comprehensive action plan that integrates research, technological development and dissemination, and value chain improvement was illustrated in this review. These actions will foster the economy of West African fonio millet through wider cultivation, marketing, and consumption.
Validation of the elastic angle for quantitative and visible evaluation of skin elasticity in vivo
Authors: Myoung Joonoh , Jeong Eui Taek , Kim Mina , Lim Jun Man , Kang Nae Gyu , Park Sun Gyoo
Published: June 2021

Background

Reduction in skin elasticity due to aging causes skin sagging and wrinkles. Although there are various objective and reliable techniques for measuring skin elasticity, it is difficult to obtain a visual representation of skin elasticity with them. Therefore, we developed a novel device, the Swing anglemeter, and analyzed its effectiveness for measuring skin elasticity of the cheek.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐five healthy Korean women (age, 23‐60 years) participated. The Swing anglemeter works by dropping a rubber ball on a subject's cheek, which draws a curve as it collides with the cheek. After recording the movement of the ball using the slow‐motion function on a mobile phone, we defined the maximum angle at which the ball bounces off the skin as the elastic angle, using frame‐by‐frame video analysis. Changes in the elastic angle were assessed according to age, and correlation with the Ballistometer® results (Dia‐stron Ltd., Andover, UK) was analyzed for validation.

Results

Elastic angles differed significantly (P < .001) according to age. A negative correlation was found between the elastic angle and age (r = −.799, P < .001). Compared with the Ballistometer® measurements, the elastic angle was negatively correlated with alpha (r = −.570, P < .001); it was positively correlated with the mean coefficient of restitution and area (r = .602, P < .001 and r = .535, P < .001, respectively).

Conclusion

The elastic angle is a useful parameter for reflecting skin elasticity, both quantitatively and visually. Our method can help subjects understand their skin elasticity status. Therefore, we expect the device will be utilized in various fields within the cosmetic industry.
A comparison between dehydrated and cryopreserved heterologous corneal grafts for penetrating keratoplasty in dogs and cats
Authors: Voitekha Mariia A. , Shilkin Aleksei G.
Published: June 2021

Objective

To compare the efficacy of dehydrated and cryopreserved heterologous corneal grafts in the management of full‐thickness corneal defects in cats and dogs.

Animals Studied

Sixty‐five cats (81 eyes) and 42 dogs (51 eyes) with full‐thickness corneal defects of different origin.

Materials and Methods

This prospective randomized trial included 132 animal eyes (81 feline and 51 canine) with different full‐thickness corneal defects. Penetrating keratoplasty with cryopreserved and dehydrated corneal grafts was performed in 57 and 75 eyes, respectively. Follow‐up lasted for 6 months.

Results

Optically clear cornea with mild scarring was achieved in 40.4% of cases (23/57 eyes) after cryopreserved and in 42.7% of cases (32/75 eyes) after dehydrated corneal grafting. Moderate scarring after cryopreserved and dehydrated corneal grafting was observed in 35.1% of cases (20/57 eyes) and 37.3% of cases (28/75 eyes), respectively. Severe scarring and corneal opacities with severe vision loss after cryopreserved and dehydrated corneal grafting developed in 22.8% of cases (13/57 eyes) and 18.7% of cases (14/75 eyes), respectively. In two groups of animals combined, the affected eyes were salvaged and visual function improvement of varying degree was achieved in 78.0% of cases (103/132 eyes). Transplant rejection warranted enucleation in 1.75% of cases (1/57 eyes) and 1.3% of cases (1/75 eyes) after cryopreserved and dehydrated corneal grafting, respectively.

Conclusions

No statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty with cryopreserved and dehydrated corneal grafts were observed. Dehydrated cornea may be considered a viable alternative to cryopreserved grafts for the management of full‐thickness corneal defects.
Clinical features and MRI characteristics of retinal detachment in dogs and cats
Authors: Stromberg Stephanie J. , Yan Jenny , Wisner Tristan G. , Wisner Erik R. , Good Kathryn L.
Published: June 2021

The aim of this retrospective observational study was to characterize the MRI appearance of retinal detachment (RD) in a sample of dogs and cats. Study inclusion was based on the following medical record criteria: (a) had a diagnosis of RD in at least one eye by either funduscopic examination or ocular ultrasound and had an MRI evaluation including the eyes, or (b) had a diagnosis of RD documented in an MRI report for at least one eye and also had a clinical eye examination. Eighteen patients (12 dogs, 6 cats) and 35 eyes met the inclusion criteria, although four eyes that were clinically examined could not be visualized funduscopically and did not have ocular ultrasound performed (criterion 2). The MRI and clinical diagnosis (via either funduscopy or ultrasound) of RD/no RD was concordant in 27 of 31 eyes (87%). Qualitatively, RD appeared as a variable intensity curvilinear structure located internal and adjacent to the sclera on all sequences and was best delineated on T2W sequences. RDs inconsistently contrast enhanced and, although there was no statistical difference, subjectively appeared more clearly delineated on dorsal and parasagittal images. In conclusion, findings from the current study support using MRI as an ancillary diagnostic test for confirmation or further characterization of RD in dogs and cats.
A Comprehensive Stability Criterion for Forced Vibrations in Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Klotter K. , Pinney E.
Published: June 2021

This paper deals with the forced vibrations described by the differential equation a q .. + c q + c Φ ( q , q . ) = P cos Ω t wherein Φ denotes a nonlinear function of q and/or q̇. It presents a criterion for determining their stability. It is shown that under very weak restrictions, which equivalently means, for a large variety of cases (including all of practical importance) the stability depends on the sign of ∂q*/∂P (q* denoting the maximum value of q(t) within a period). The motion is stable if this derivative is positive; it is unstable if it is negative.