bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The History of Durable Left Ventricular Assist Devices and Comparison of Outcomes: HeartWare, HeartMate II, HeartMate 3, and the Future of Mechanical Circulatory Support
Authors: Berardi Cecilia , Bravo Claudio A. , Li Song , Khorsandi Maziar , Keenan Jeffrey E. , Auld Jonathan , Rockom Sunny , Beckman Jennifer A. , Mahr Claudius
Published: April 2022

The utilization of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) in end-stage heart failure has doubled in the past ten years and is bound to continue to increase. Since the first of these devices was approved in 1994, the technology has changed tremendously, and so has the medical and surgical management of these patients. In this review, we discuss the history of LVADs, evaluating survival and complications over time. We also aim to discuss practical aspects of the medical and surgical management of LVAD patients and future directions for outcome improvement in this population.
Adapting Human-Based Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation to Develop a Clinically Relevant Animal Model
Authors: Malloy Dillon C. , Knikou Maria , Côté Marie-Pascale
Published: April 2022

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) as a neuromodulatory strategy has received great attention as a method to promote functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, due to the noninvasive nature of tSCS, investigations have primarily focused on human applications. This leaves a critical need for the development of a suitable animal model to further our understanding of this therapeutic intervention in terms of functional and neuroanatomical plasticity and to optimize stimulation protocols. The objective of this study is to establish a new animal model of thoracolumbar tSCS that (1) can accurately recapitulate studies in healthy humans and (2) can receive a repeated and stable tSCS treatment after SCI with minimal restraint, while the electrode remains consistently positioned. We show that our model displays bilateral evoked potentials in multisegmental leg muscles characteristically comparable to humans. Our data also suggest that tSCS mainly activates dorsal root structures like in humans, thereby accounting for the different electrode-to-body-size ratio between the two species. Finally, a repeated tSCS treatment protocol in the awake rat after a complete spinal cord transection is feasible, tolerable, and safe, even with minimal body restraint. Additionally, repeated tSCS was capable of modulating motor output after SCI, providing an avenue to further investigate stimulation-based neuroplasticity and optimize treatment.
Does the Value of FSH Predict Severity of Metabolic Complications in Females with POI?
Authors: Kunicki Michał , Kruszewska Jagoda , Skórska Jolanta , Laudy-Wiaderny Hanna , Wrona Marcin , Smolarczyk Roman
Published: April 2022

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is defined as a cessation of ovarian function before the age of 40. Such early deprivation of estrogens in women may be associated with several adverse cardiovascular and metabolic consequences. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate whether women with POI and a serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level of 25–40 I/U (Group A) have the same metabolic profile as women with POI and a serum FSH level of >40 I/U (Group B). One hundred twenty-three women were included in the study group (Group A; n = 41; Group B; n = 82). The control group comprised 77 healthy women with regular menstruation. In the age- and BMI-adjusted model, no differences were found between the groups with respect to total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, HOMA-IR, glucose, and insulin. The only significant difference was found in terms of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The highest serum concentration was found in Group B, the second highest was found in Group A, and the lowest was in the controls. In conclusion, changing the threshold of FSH required to establish a POI diagnosis may have an impact on the level of serum LDL-C.
Clinical, Immunological, and Genetic Findings in a Cohort of Patients with the DiGeorge Phenotype without 22q11.2 Deletion
Authors: Alberio Antonino Maria Quintilio , Legitimo Annalisa , Bertini Veronica , Baroncelli Giampiero I. , Costagliola Giorgio , Valetto Angelo , Consolini Rita
Published: April 2022

Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by a broad and heterogeneous clinical presentation associated with various degrees of T-cell deficiency. We report the clinical, immunologic, and genetic findings of a cohort of eight patients presenting with a clinical phenotype that is highly suggestive of this syndrome but without the 22q11.2 deletion. The cardinal features of 22q11.2DS, such as congenital heart defects, hypoparathyroidism, and facial dysmorphisms, were observed in the majority of the patient cohort. The unusual features are described in detail. The immunologic assessment showed various degrees of immunodeficiency of the T-cell compartment, notably a reduction in the thymic output. Half of the patient cohort exhibited a reduction in total dendritic cells. Array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) revealed six patients harboring copy number variations (CNVs) never reported in normal subjects. The gene content of these CNVs was carefully analyzed to understand the mechanisms leading to 22q11.2DS phenocopies. According to these results, we suggested that array-CGH should be used as a first-tier tool for patients resembling 22q11.2DS.
Current Knowledge and Perceptions of Bariatric Surgery among Diabetologists and Internists in Poland
Authors: Zawadzka Karolina , Więckowski Krzysztof , Stefura Tomasz , Major Piotr , Szopa Magdalena
Published: April 2022

Perioperative care and follow-up after bariatric surgery (BS) engage various medical professionals. It is key for them to be well informed about these procedures. However, knowledge and attitudes may be not satisfactory enough to provide proper care. We aimed to assess knowledge and perceptions of BS among diabetologists and internists. A total of 34 diabetologists and 30 internists completed the electronic questionnaire. There were no differences in self-estimated knowledge between them, except regarding items related to the treatment of diabetes and metabolic control. Several misconceptions were identified in the questions testing the understanding of key issues in BS. Most participants considered BS effective in weight loss and metabolic control. A total of 75% highlighted the lack of appropriate equipment for dealing with morbidly obese patients. Interestingly, in a multivariable linear regression model, self-estimated knowledge was the only variable associated with frequency of referrals to bariatric surgeons. A total of 92% of respondents were interested in broadening their knowledge. Guidelines for long-term follow-up and funding were the most frequently chosen topics to explore. The study showed a positive attitude of diabetologists and internists towards surgical treatment of obesity and identified some significant gaps in knowledge. The results may be helpful in planning trainings to provide the best care for patients suffering from morbid obesity.
Acute Kidney Injury in Critically-Ill COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Arrestier Romain , Gendreau Ségolène , Mokrani David , Bastard Jean-Philippe , Fellahi Soraya , Bagate François , Masi Paul , d’Humières Thomas , Razazi Keyvan , Carteaux Guillaume , De Prost Nicolas , Audard Vincent , Mekontso-Dessap Armand
Published: April 2022

Purpose: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in patients with COVID-19, however, its mechanism is still controversial, particularly in ICU settings. Urinary proteinuria profile could be a non-invasive tool of interest to scrutinize the pathophysiological process underlying AKI in COVID-19 patients. Material and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study between March 2020 and April 2020. All patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and without end-stage kidney disease requiring renal replacement therapy before ICU admission were included. Our objectives were to assess the incidence and risk factors for AKI and to describe its clinical and biological characteristics, particularly its urinary protein profile. Results: Seventy patients were included; 87% needed mechanical ventilation and 61% needed vasopressor during their ICU stay; 64.3% of patients developed AKI and half of them needed dialysis. Total and tubular proteinuria on day 1 were higher in patients with AKI, whereas glomerular proteinuria was similar in both groups. The main risk factor for AKI was shock at admission (OR = 5.47 (1.74–17.2), p < 0.01). Mortality on day 28 was higher in AKI (23/45, 51.1%) than in no-AKI patients (1/25, 4%), p < 0.001. Risk factors for 28-days mortality were AKI with need for renal replacement therapy, non-renal SOFA score and history of congestive heart failure. Conclusions: AKI is common in COVID-19 patients hospitalized in ICU; it seems to be related to tubular lesions rather than glomerular injury and is related to shock at ICU admission.
The Osteosynthesis of the Mandibular Head, Does the Way the Screws Are Positioned Matter?
Authors: Kozakiewicz Marcin , Gabryelczak Izabela
Published: April 2022

Currently, an increasing number of medical centers are treating mandibular head fractures surgically. Dedicated screws for compression osteosynthesis have been developed. However, due to the very limited size of the fractured bones and the considerable technical difficulties accompanying the execution of the fixation, there is little room for correction of the positioning and reinsertion of the screws. Therefore, knowing the optimal position of the fixation material is crucial for therapeutic success. The aim of this study is the evaluation of fixation screw position on the mandibular ramus height obtained in the treatment of the condylar head fracture. A total of 57 patients were included in this study. The loss of mandibular ramus height on computed tomography twelve months after mandibular head osteosynthesis was evaluated in relation to the initial distance of the screws from the fracture line, the angle of insertion of the screw into the bone, and the size of the protrusion to the inner side of the condyle. The relationship of the proximity of the screw to the fracture line, angulation, and the size of the protrusion with the loss of ramus height was confirmed. Conclusions: the optimal location for the superior screw is approx. 4 mm below the fracture line (with any angulation), inferior screw is approx. 8 mm (with any angulation), and anterior screw position is approx. 4–5 mm distant from fracture line with the best angulation of 130 degrees to the lateral mandible ramus surface in the coronal plane.
Medium-Term Outcomes in COVID-19
Authors: Akhtar Zaki , Sharma Sumeet , Elbatran Ahmed I. , Leung Lisa W. M. , Kontogiannis Christos , Spartalis Michael , Roberts Alice , Bajpai Abhay , Zuberi Zia , Gallagher Mark M.
Published: April 2022

COVID-19 causes severe illness that results in morbidity and mortality. Electrocardiographic features, including QT prolongation, have been associated with poor acute outcomes; data on the medium-term outcomes remain scarce. This study evaluated the 1-year outcomes of patients who survived the acute COVID-19 infection. Methods and Materials: Data of the 159 patients who survived the COVID-19 illness during the first wave (1 March 2020–18 May 2020) were collected. Patient demographics, laboratory findings and electrocardiography data were evaluated. Patients who subsequently died within 1-year of the index illness were compared to those who remained well. Results: Of the 159 patients who had survived the index illness, 28 (17.6%) subsequently perished within 1-year. In comparison to the patients that were alive after 1-year, the deceased were older (68 vs. 83 years, p < 0.01) and equally male (60.4% vs. 53.6%, p = 0.68), with a similar proportion of hypertension (59.5% vs. 57.1%, p = 0.68), diabetes (25.2% vs. 39.2%, p = 0.096) and ischaemic heart disease (11.5% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.54). The QTc interval for the alive and deceased patients shortened by a similar degree from the illness to post-COVID (−26 ± 33.5 vs. −20.6 ± 30.04 milliseconds, p = 0.5); the post-COVID R-R interval was longer in the alive patients compared to the deceased (818.9 ± 169.3 vs. 761.1 ± 61.2 ms, p = 0.02). A multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age (HR1.098 [1.045–1.153], p < 0.01), diabetes (HR3.972 [1.47–10.8], p < 0.01) and the post-COVID R-R interval (HR0.993 [0.989–0.996], p < 0.01) were associated with 1-year mortality. Conclusions: The COVID-19-associated mortality risk extends to the post-COVID period. The QTc does recover following the acute illness and is not associated with outcomes; the R-R interval is a predictor of 1-year mortality.
The Local Intraarterial Administration of Nimodipine Might Positively Affect Clinical Outcome in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Delayed Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Walter Johannes , Grutza Martin , Möhlenbruch Markus , Vollherbst Dominik , Vogt Lidia , Unterberg Andreas , Zweckberger Klaus
Published: April 2022

The effect of the intraarterial administration of nimodipine as a rescue measure to treat delayed vasospasm after aSAH remains understudied; therefore, we evaluated its effect on short- and long-term functional and neuropsychological outcomes after aSAH. In this prospective observational study, a total of 107 consecutive patients treated for aSAH of WFNS grades I–V were recruited. At follow-up visits 3-, 12- and 24-months after the hemorrhage, functional outcome was assessed using the Extended Glasgow Outcome (GOSE) and modified Rankin (mRS) scales, while neurocognitive function was evaluated using the screening module of the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB-S). The outcome of patients, who had received rescue therapy according to the local standard treatment protocol (interventional group, n = 37), and those, who had been treated conservatively (conservative group, n = 70), were compared. Even though significantly more patients in the interventional treatment group suffered from high-grade aSAH (WFNS Grades IV and V, 54.1% vs. 31.4%, p = 0.04) and required continuous drainage of cerebrospinal fluid at discharge (67.7% vs. 37.7%, p = 0.02) compared to the control group, significant differences in functional outcome were present only at discharge and three months after the bleeding (GOSE > 4 in 8.1% vs. 41.4% and 28.6% vs. 72.7%, p < 0.001 and p = 0.01 for the interventional and control group, respectively). Thereafter, group differences were no longer significant. While significantly more patients in the intervention group had severe neuropsychological deficits (76.3% vs. 36.0% and 66.7% vs. 29.2%, p = 0.04 and 0.05, respectively) and were unable to work (5.9% vs. 38.1%, p = 0.03 at twelve months) at three and twelve months after the hemorrhage, no significant differences between the two groups could be detected at long-term follow-up. The presence of moderate neuropsychological impairments did not significantly differ between the groups at any timepoint. In conclusion, despite initially being significantly more impaired, patients treated with intraarterial administration of nimodipine reached the same functional and neuropsychological outcomes at medium- and long-term follow-up as conservatively treated patients suggesting a potential beneficial effect of intraarterial nimodipine treatment for delayed vasospasm after aSAH.
Positive Impulse Phase versus Propulsive Impulse Phase: Correlations between Asymmetry and Countermovement Jump Performance
Authors: Painter Keith B. , Hornsby William Guy , Carroll Kevin , Mizuguchi Satoshi , Stone Michael H.
Published: April 2022

The relationship between asymmetry and performance is still undetermined in the literature. Methods of assessing asymmetry have been inconsistent and focused on the analysis of jumping asymmetry. Dual ground reaction forces are prevalent in athlete monitoring, though underutilized in asymmetry research. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of countermovement jump (CMJ) impulse asymmetry to performance in collegiate soccer athletes. Male and female athletes were selected from an ongoing athlete research repository database of NCAA D-I soccer athletes. All athletes contributed two maximal effort unweighted (CMJ0) and weighted countermovement jumps (CMJ20) using the mean for calculations. Propulsive phase asymmetry scores (PrPAS) and positive impulse asymmetry scores (PIAS) were calculated to determine the magnitude of asymmetry for each prospective phase. Statistically significant correlations were found between CMJ0 jump height and unweighted PIAS (r = −0.43) in females. Males had statistically significant correlations between CMJ20 jump height and weighted PIAS (r = −0.49). Neither unweighted PrPAS nor weighted PrPAS produced statistically significant correlations (r < 0.26) to their prospective jump heights. When assessing CMJ asymmetry, it is recommended to conduct both weighted and unweighted CMJ testing, utilizing PIAS as the metric to be assessed.
Synoptic Flow Variability in a River-Influenced Inner Shelf off Central Chile
Authors: Sobarzo Marcus , Soto-Riquelme Camila , Flores Raúl P. , Saldías Gonzalo S.
Published: April 2022

The response of inner shelf circulation and bottom temperature variability to synoptic wind forcing and freshwater outflow is evaluated in an area with a wide continental shelf off central Chile. This forced circulation, with a strong seasonal evolution from upwelling- to downwelling-favorable conditions, is a key process modulating the exchange of water properties in a coastal zone characterized by multiple river outflows and high biological productivity. Ocean currents on the inner shelf (34 m depth) off the Itata River mouth were obtained and analyzed for a nine-month record (December 2008 to September 2009). The synoptic wind and current variability was defined between 2 and 16 days (0.02 to 0.0026 cph). The subinertial coastal circulation within the inner shelf off Itata River was dominated by the along-shelf flow, while cross-shelf flows driven by along-shelf winds were substantially reduced. The alongshore synoptic currents showed two distinct modal structures: (i) A mean two-layer flow field during upwelling-favorable wind stress with northward (southward) flow at the surface (bottom), and (ii) a mean southward flow through the entire water column during downwelling-favorable wind stress periods, which were intensified during peak river discharge events in winter. Calculations of the wind index clarified the relative importance of wind versus buoyancy forcing on the alongshore flow. The wind forcing dominated during summer when the river discharge was minimum, whereas the relative importance of the freshwater outflow from the Itata River became dominant in winter (May-August) when the buoyancy forcing, in conjunction with southward wind events, modulated strong barotropic southward flows. The change in the long-term regime of coastal winds and river discharges, with a dominance of upwelling winds and reduced river outflows in the last decade, is discussed in the context of observations of thinner river plumes under frequent upwelling conditions off central Chile.
Diagonal Denoising for Spatially Correlated Noise Based on Diagonalization Decorrelation in Underwater Radiated Noise Measurement
Authors: Jiang Guoqing , Sun Chao , Xie Lei
Published: April 2022

In underwater radiated noise measurement using a vertical linear array, a diagonalization-decorrelation-based diagonal denoising method is proposed to improve the denoising effect for spatially correlated noise. Firstly, the ambient noise cross-spectral matrix is measured without the radiated noise source. Subsequently, the eigenvector matrix of the ambient noise cross-spectral matrix is utilized to implement a unitary transformation for the received data, which eliminates the correlation of the received noise and transforms the received noise cross-spectral matrix into a diagonal matrix, then the noise components are removed by diagonal denoising. Finally, the denoised cross-spectral matrix is used to estimate the power of the radiated noise by beamforming. Consequently, the influence of spatially correlated noise on radiated noise measurement is reduced. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated and compared with the diagonal denoising method and the whitening-decorrelation-based diagonal denoising method via numerical simulations and experimental data. Under the ideal condition, the noise reduction performances of the proposed method and the whitening-decorrelation-based diagonal denoising method are equal and better than that of the diagonal denoising method. In practice, the number of snapshots is limited, so there is an inevitable mismatch between the ambient noise cross-spectral matrix and the received noise cross-spectral matrix due to the randomness of noise. The mismatch results in imperfect whitening and diagonalization, which reduces the denoising effect. However, the simulation results indicate that the proposed method still reduces more correlated noise and has a better performance on underwater radiated noise measurement compared with the diagonal denoising method and the whitening-decorrelation-based diagonal denoising method even if the number of snapshots is finite.
Lack of Functional Trehalase Activity in Candida parapsilosis Increases Susceptibility to Itraconazole
Authors: Sánchez-Fresneda Ruth , Muñoz-Megías María Luz , Yagüe Genoveva , Solano Francisco , Maicas Sergi , Argüelles Juan Carlos
Published: April 2022

Central metabolic pathways may play a major role in the virulence of pathogenic fungi. Here, we have investigated the susceptibility of a Candida parapsilosis mutant deficient in trehalase activity (atc1Δ/ntc1Δ strain) to the azolic compounds fluconazole and itraconazole. A time-course exposure to itraconazole but not fluconazole induced a significant degree of cell killing in mutant cells compared to the parental strain. Flow cytometry determinations indicated that itraconazole was able to induce a marked production of endogenous ROS together with a simultaneous increase in membrane potential, these effects being irrelevant after fluconazole addition. Furthermore, only itraconazole induced a significant synthesis of endogenous trehalose. The recorded impaired capacity of mutant cells to produce structured biofilms was further increased in the presence of both azoles, with itraconazole being more effective than fluconazole. Our results in the opportunistic pathogen yeast C. parapsilosis reinforce the study of trehalose metabolism as an attractive therapeutic target and allow extending the hypothesis that the generation of internal oxidative stress may be a component of the antifungal action exerted by the compounds currently available in medical practice.
CFTR Modulator Therapy for Rare CFTR Mutants
Authors: Mergiotti Marco , Murabito Alessandra , Prono Giulia , Ghigo Alessandra
Published: April 2022

Cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common genetic disease among the Caucasian population, is caused by mutations in the gene encoding for the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a chloride epithelial channel whose dysfunction results in severe airway obstruction and inflammation, eventually leading to respiratory failure. The discovery of the CFTR gene in 1989 provided new insights into the basic genetic defect of CF and allowed the study of potential therapies targeting the aberrant protein. In recent years, the approval of “CFTR modulators”, the first molecules designed to selectively target the underlying molecular defects caused by specific CF-causing mutations, marked the beginning of a new era in CF treatment. These drugs have been demonstrated to significantly improve lung function and ameliorate the quality of life of many patients, especially those bearing the most common CFTR mutatant F508del. However, a substantial portion of CF subjects, accounting for ~20% of the European CF population, carry rare CFTR mutations and are still not eligible for CFTR modulator therapy, partly due to our limited understanding of the molecular defects associated with these genetic alterations. Thus, the implementation of models to study the phenotype of these rare CFTR mutations and their response to currently approved drugs, as well as to compounds under research and clinical development, is of key importance. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the potential of CFTR modulators in rescuing the function of rare CF-causing CFTR variants, focusing on both investigational and clinically approved molecules.
Distribution and Influencing Factors of Metals in Surface Soil from the Yellow River Delta, China
Authors: Yu Yang , Ling Yue , Li Yunzhao , Lv Zhenbo , Du Zhaohong , Guan Bo , Wang Zhikang , Wang Xuehong , Yang Jisong , Yu Junbao
Published: April 2022

To study metal enrichment and identify the influencing factors, 106 surface soils were collected in the Yellow River delta, including ten vegetation types. Concentrations of 10 different metals, including As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Al, Fe, and physicochemical properties pH, salinity, particle size were detected. The pH value was 7.35~9.17, and the salinity was in the range of 0.01~2.00%. The average value of silt was 76.18%, which was the main particle size for 99% of the samples. The mean concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, and Ni were higher than the background value of Shandong Province or the background value of yellow soil in China. A higher concentration of Fe occurred in Phragmites australis (mean concentration 2.50%) and paddy field. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb and Zn were lower in the Suaeda salsa soil. The Nemerow pollution index indicated that 79% of all samples showed low-level metal pollution, and 7% of all samples showed moderate-level metal pollution. In the areas with higher salinity, the concentrations of As were higher, while the concentrations of Cd and Ni were lower. The correlation analysis showed that with increasing pH, the concentrations of As and Zn decreased significantly. The metal concentrations had a significant positive correlation with clay, except for As.
Insect Abundance and Diversity Respond Favorably to Vegetation Communities on Interim Reclamation Sites in a Semi-Arid Natural Gas Field
Authors: Curran Michael F. , Robinson Timothy J. , Guernsey Pete , Sorenson Joshua , Crow Taylor M. , Smith Douglas I. , Stahl Peter D.
Published: April 2022

Natural resource extraction has been linked to habitat loss and declines in biodiversity. Insects, the most diverse and abundant animals on Earth, provide a wide array of critical ecosystem services, but are typically understudied in terrestrial restoration projects. Here, we examine how insects and other arthropods respond to reclamation efforts in the Pinedale Anticline natural gas field in semi-arid Wyoming, USA. Vegetation on two-year-old well pads seeded with native grass or one-year-old well pads seeded with a native annual forb, Rocky Mountain bee plant (Cleomeserrulata), was measured and compared to reference areas adjacent to the well pads with a free software program called SamplePoint. Reference areas in the Pinedale Anticline natural gas field consist primarily of decadent sagebrush stands with low floral diversity. Insect and arthropod communities were also collected and assessed for family richness and abundance on these well pads and reference areas over two years. Based on the mass flowering hypothesis, we expected higher insect abundance and diversity on well pads seeded with the Rocky Mountain bee plant compared to adjacent reference areas. Based on the plant vigor hypothesis, we expected higher insect abundance and diversity on well pads seeded with native grass than reference communities. In year one, 893 insects from 30 insect families with an additional 12 arthropods from 4 families were captured. In year two, 685 insects from 17 families were collected. Reclaimed well pads had significantly higher abundance in both years and vegetation types. In year one, we did not detect a significant difference in richness on native-grass-treated well pads vs. the reference site. We found a significant difference in richness on bee-plant-treated well pads vs. the reference in both years, as well as native-grass-treated well pads vs. the reference in year two. Implications of these findings are discussed in the manuscript.
Local Corticosteroid Injections versus Surgical Carpal Tunnel Release for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Schäfer Luise , Maffulli Nicola , Baroncini Alice , Eschweiler Jörg , Hildebrand Frank , Migliorini Filippo
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy. This meta-analysis compared local steroid injections (LSIs) versus carpal tunnel release (CTR) for the management of CTS. Neurophysiological parameters, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and the complication rate were investigated. We hypothesized that LSIs may represent an effective and safe alternative to surgical management. Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the 2020 PRISMA statement. All the clinical investigations comparing LSIs versus CTR for carpal tunnel syndrome were accessed. In March 2022, the following databases were accessed: Pubmed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Embase. No time constrains were used for the search. The risk of bias and statistical analyses were conducted using the Review Manager Software 5.3 (The Nordic Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen). Results: Data from 1096 procedures were retrieved. The mean follow-up was 12.3 (1 to 58) months. The mean age of the patients was 51.1 ± 4.6. Nocturnal paraesthesia (p < 0.0001) and visual analogue scale (p < 0.0001) were greater in the LSIs cohort. No difference was found in the functional (p = 0.2) and symptom (p = 0.4) subscales of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), median nerve distal motor latency (p = 0.9), median nerve motor amplitude (p = 0.7), median nerve sensory conduction velocity (p = 0.4), or median nerve sensory amplitude (p = 0.3). No difference was found in terms of minor complications (p = 0.9). No major complications were observed within the duration of follow-up. Conclusion: Both CTR and LSIs were effective and feasible in reducing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Though LSIs led to greater pain relief, this superiority was not permanent. Irrespective of the severity of the symptoms, current evidence suggests that a cycle of LSIs may be considered in patients with CTS. However, patients must be aware that LSIs may not be the definitive therapy, and CTR should be recommended.
Endothelial Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Risk in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Review Article
Authors: Peracaula Miriam , Torres Daniela , Poyatos Paula , Luque Neus , Rojas Eric , Obrador Anton , Orriols Ramon , Tura-Ceide Olga
Published: April 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a respiratory condition during sleep caused by repeated pauses in breathing due to upper airway obstruction. It is estimated that OSA affects 30% of the population, but only 10% are well diagnosed due to the absence of a well-defined symptomatology and poor screening tools for early diagnosis. OSA is associated to an endothelial dysfunction inducing several biological responses such as hypoxia, hypercapnia and oxidative stress, among others. OSA also triggers respiratory, nervous, metabolic, humoral and immunity system activations that increase the possibility of suffering a cardiovascular (CV) disease. In this review, we expose different studies that show the relationship between OSA and endothelial dysfunction and its association with CV pathologies like hypertension, and we define the most well-known treatments and their limitations. Additionally, we describe the potential future directions in OSA research, and we report clinical features such as endothelial progenitor cell alterations that could act as biomarkers for the development of new diagnostic tools and target therapies.
Electrochemical Properties of Multilayered Sn/TiNi Shape-Memory-Alloy Thin-Film Electrodes for High-Performance Anodes in Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Seo Duck-Hyeon , Lee Jun-Seok , Yun Sang-Du , Yang Jeong-Hyeon , Huh Sun-Chul , Sung Yon-Mo , Jeong Hyo-Min , Noh Jung-Pil
Published: April 2022

Sn is a promising candidate anode material with a high theoretical capacity (994 mAh/g). However, the drastic structural changes of Sn particles caused by their pulverization and aggregation during charge–discharge cycling reduce their capacity over time. To overcome this, a TiNi shape memory alloy (SMA) was introduced as a buffer matrix. Sn/TiNi SMA multilayer thin films were deposited on Cu foil using a DC magnetron sputtering system. When the TiNi alloy was employed at the bottom of a Sn thin film, it did not adequately buffer the volume changes and internal stress of Sn, and stress absorption was not evident. However, an electrode with an additional top layer of room-temperature-deposition TiNi (TiNi(RT)) lost capacity much more slowly than the Sn or Sn/TiNi electrodes, retaining 50% capacity up to 40 cycles. Moreover, the charge-transfer resistance decreased from 318.1 Ω after one cycle to 246.1 Ω after twenty. The improved cycle performance indicates that the TiNi(RT) and TiNi-alloy thin films overall held the Sn thin film. The structure was changed so that Li and Sn reacted well; the stress-absorption effect was observed in the TiNi SMA thin films.
Design of New Concept of Knitted Hernia Implant
Authors: Żywicka Bogusława , Struszczyk Marcin Henryk , Paluch Danuta , Kostanek Krzysztof , Krucińska Izabella , Kowalski Krzysztof , Kopias Kazimierz , Rybak Zbigniew , Szymonowicz Maria , Gutowska Agnieszka , Kubiak Paweł
Published: April 2022

A knitted implant, unilaterally modified with plasma-assisted chemical-vapor deposition (PACVD), and with a nano-layer of fluorine derivative supplementation, for reducing the risk of complications related to adhesions, and the formation of a thick postoperative scar was prepared. The biological evaluation of designed or modified medical devices is the main aspect of preclinical research. If such studies use a medical device with prolonged contact with connective tissue (more than 30 days), biocompatibility studies require a safety assessment in terms of toxicity in vitro and in vivo, allergenicity, irritation, and cancerogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity. The ultimate aspect of biological evaluation is biofunctionality, and evaluation of the local tissue response after implantation, resulting in the determination of all aspects of local biocompatibility with the implemented synthetic material. The implantation of PACVD-modified materials in muscle allows us to estimate the local irritation effect on the connective tissue, determining the risk of scar formation, whereas implantation of the above-mentioned knitted fabric into the abdominal wall, assists with evaluating the risk of fistula formation—the main post-surgical complications. The research aimed to evaluate the local reaction of the soft tissues after the implantation of the knitted implants modified with PACVD of the fluoropolymer in the nanostuctural form. The local effect that occurred during the implantation of the designed implants was quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated when PACVD unmodified (reference), and modified medical devices were implanted in the abdominal cavity (intra-abdominal position) for 12 or into the muscles for 56 weeks. The comparative semi-quantitative histological assessment included the severity of inflammatory cells (multinucleated cells, lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, giant cells) and the tissue response (necrosis, neovascularization, fibrosis, and fat infiltration) on a five-point scale. The knitted implants modified by PACVD did not indicate cumulative tissue response when they were implanted in the muscle and intra-abdominally with direct contact with the viscera. They reduced local tissue reaction (score −2.71 after 56 weeks of the implantation) and internal organ adhesion (irritation score −2.01 and adhesion susceptibility −0.3 after 12 weeks of the implantation) compared with the reference (unmodified by PACVD) knitted implant, which had an identical structure and was made of the same source.
The Facile Strategy of Improving the Long-Term Stability of Highly Transparent Polyvinyl Chloride by Introducing Unsaturated Zn Oleate and Uracil Derivatives
Authors: Song Lifang , Huo Huiwen , Zhang Wenshuo , Xia Huiyun , Niu Yanhui
Published: April 2022

In order to improve the initial color and the long-term heat stability of super-transparent polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a series of composite heat stabilizers consisting of unsaturated Zn oleate and uracil derivatives have been designed in this paper. The uracil derivatives are 1,3-dimethyl-6-amino-uracil (DAU) and 6,6′-diamino-1,1′,3,3′-tetramethyl-5,5′-(ethylidene)bisuracil (OSU). The static thermal stability, dynamic thermal stability, and transparency were used to evaluate the properties of the stabilized transparent PVC sheets. The results indicate that the compatibility between the stabilizer and PVC was greatly enhanced by introducing an unsaturated long-chain Zn oleate and a long alkyl chain bisuracil derivative. Through the thermal discoloration test, the best ratio of DAU/zinc oleate (DAU/Zn) and OSU/zinc oleate (OSU/Zn) was determined to be 4:1, with a total amount of 3 phr in 100 phr PVC. It was verified that the combination of zinc oleate with uracil derivatives could improve the long-term thermal stability of PVC, and the DAU/Zn was better than that of the OSU/Zn. In addition, through the transmission/haze verification, adding a proper amount of epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO) and phosphite ester to the OSU/Zn system has a certain synergistic effect. The thermal stability and transparency of PVC can be remarkably enhanced.
Predicting the Lateral Load Carrying Capacity of Reinforced Concrete Rectangular Columns: Gene Expression Programming
Authors: Asghar Raheel , Javed Muhammad , Alrowais Raid , Khalil Alamgir , Mohamed Abdeliazim , Mohamed Abdullah , Vatin Nikolai
Published: April 2022

This research presents a novel approach of artificial intelligence (AI) based gene expression programming (GEP) for predicting the lateral load carrying capacity of RC rectangular columns when subjected to earthquake loading. To achieve the desired research objective, an experimental database assembled by the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) center consisting of 250 cyclic tested samples of RC rectangular columns was employed. Seven input variables of these column samples were utilized to develop the coveted analytical models against the established capacity outputs. The selection of these input variables was based on the linear regression and cosine amplitude method. Based on the GEP modelling results, two analytical models were proposed for computing the flexural and shear capacity of RC rectangular columns. The performance of both these models was evaluated based on the four key fitness indicators, i.e., coefficient of determination (R2), root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and root relative squared error (RRSE). From the performance evaluation results of these models, R2, RMSE, MAE, and RRSE were found to be 0.96, 53.41, 38.12, and 0.20, respectively, for the flexural capacity model, and 0.95, 39.47, 28.77, and 0.22, respectively, for the shear capacity model. In addition to these fitness criteria, the performance of the proposed models was also assessed by making a comparison with the American design code of concrete structures ACI 318-19. The ACI model reported R2, RMSE, MAE, and RRSE to be 0.88, 101.86, 51.74, and 0.39, respectively, for flexural capacity, and 0.87, 238.74, 183.66, and 1.35, respectively, for shear capacity outputs. The comparison depicted a better performance and higher accuracy of the proposed models as compared to that of ACI 318-19.
Residual Stresses Measurements in Laser Powder Bed Fusion Using Barkhausen Noise Analysis
Authors: Staub Alexandre , Scherer Muriel , Zehnder Pascal , Spierings Adriaan Bernardus , Wegener Konrad
Published: April 2022

In recent years, the advancement of technology brought the laser powder bed fusion process to its industrialisation step. Despite all the advancements in process repeatability and general quality control, many challenges remain unsolved due to the intrinsic difficulties of the process, notably the residual stresses issue. This work aimed to assess the usability of Barkhausen noise analysis (BNA) for the residual stress in situ monitoring of laser powder bed fusion on Maraging steel 300 (18Ni-300/1.2709). After measuring the evolution of grain size distribution over process parameter changes, two series of experiments were designed. First, a setup with an external force allows to validate the working principle of BNA on the chosen material processed using LPBF. The second experiment uses on-plates samples with different residual stress states. The results show a good stability in microstructure, a prerequisite for BNA. In addition, the external load setup acknowledges that signal variation correlates with the induced stress state. Finally, the on-plate measurement shows a similar signal variation to what has been observed in the literature for residual stress variation. It is shown that BNA is a suitable method for qualitative residual stresses variation monitoring developed during the LPBF process and underlines that BNA is a promising candidate as an in situ measurement method.
Series of Floor and Ceiling Function—Part I: Partial Summations
Authors: Shah Dhairya , Sahni Manoj , Sahni Ritu , León-Castro Ernesto , Olazabal-Lugo Maricruz
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we develop two new theorems relating to the series of floor and ceiling functions. We then use these two theorems to develop more than forty distinct novel results. Furthermore, we provide specific cases for the theorems and corollaries which show that our results constitute a generalisation of the currently available results such as the summation of first n Fibonacci numbers and Pascal’s identity. Finally, we provide three miscellaneous examples to showcase the vast scope of our developed theorems.
Impact of Variable Fluid Properties and Double Diffusive Cattaneo–Christov Model on Dissipative Non-Newtonian Fluid Flow Due to a Stretching Sheet
Authors: Khalil Khalil M. , Soleiman A. , Megahed Ahmed M. , Abbas W.
Published: April 2022

The present work focuses on the attributes of flow, heat, and mass transfer together with double diffusive Cattaneo–Christov mechanism with regards to their applications. The aim of this study is to investigate the non-Newtonian Powell–Eyring fluid flow, taking into account the twofold impact of the heat generation mechanism and the viscous dissipation due to an extensible sheet. The chemical reaction between the fluid particles and the fluid variable properties is assumed in this study. The motive behind this study is the continuous and great interest in the utilization of non-Newtonian liquids in organic and technical disciplines. This model is administered and governed by the momentum equation, energy equation, and concentration, all of which are in the form of partial differential equations. With the help of the shooting technique, the numerical solution is obtained. Graphs show the characteristics of flow, heat, and mass transfer mechanisms for various governing parameters. Additionally, significant physical non-dimensional quantities have been presented in a tabular form. The outcomes detect that increasing the Deborah number, which is connected with the mass transfer field and the chemical reaction parameter, decreases the concentration distribution.
Adaptive Neural Network Sliding Mode Control for a Class of SISO Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Li Bin , Zhu Jiahao , Zhou Ranran , Wen Guoxing
Published: April 2022

In this article, a sliding mode control (SMC) is proposed on the basis of an adaptive neural network (NN) for a class of Single-Input–Single-Output (SISO) nonlinear systems containing unknown dynamic functions. Since the control objective is to steer the system states to track the given reference signals, the SMC method is considered by employing the adaptive neural network (NN) strategy for dealing with the unknown dynamic problem. In order to compress the impaction coming from chattering phenomenon (which inherently exists in most SMC methods because of the discontinuous switching term), the boundary layer technique is considered. The basic design idea is to introduce a continuous proportional function to replace the discontinuous switching control term inside the boundary layer so that the chattering can be effectively alleviated. Finally, both Lyapunov theoretical analysis and computer numerical simulation are used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed SMC method.
Optimization of the Cognitive Processes in a Virtual Classroom: A Multi-objective Integer Linear Programming Approach
Authors: Nolé María Luisa , Soler David , Higuera-Trujillo Juan Luis , Llinares Carmen
Published: April 2022

A fundamental problem in the design of a classroom is to identify what characteristics it should have in order to optimize learning. This is a complex problem because learning is a construct related to several cognitive processes. The aim of this study is to maximize learning, represented by the processes of attention, memory, and preference, depending on six classroom parameters: height, width, color hue, color saturation, color temperature, and illuminance. Multi-objective integer linear programming with three objective functions and 56 binary variables was used to solve this optimization problem. Virtual reality tools were used to gather the data; novel software was used to create variations of virtual classrooms for a sample of 112 students. Using an interactive method, more than 4700 integer linear programming problems were optimally solved to obtain 13 efficient solutions to the multi-objective problem, which allowed the decision maker to analyze all the information and make a final choice. The results showed that achieving the best cognitive processing performance involves using different classroom configurations. The use of a multi-objective interactive approach is interesting because in human behavioral studies, it is important to consider the judgement of an expert in order to make decisions.
Regularity, Asymptotic Solutions and Travelling Waves Analysis in a Porous Medium System to Model the Interaction between Invasive and Invaded Species
Authors: Díaz Palencia José Luis , Roa González Julián , Rahman Saeed Ur , Redondo Antonio Naranjo
Published: April 2022

This work provides an analytical approach to characterize and determine solutions to a porous medium system of equations with views in applications to invasive-invaded biological dynamics. Firstly, the existence and uniqueness of solutions are proved. Afterwards, profiles of solutions are obtained making use of the self-similar structure that permits showing the existence of a diffusive front. The solutions are then studied within the Travelling Waves (TW) domain showing the existence of potential and exponential profiles in the stable connection that converges to the stationary solutions in which the invasive species predominates. The TW profiles are shown to exist based on the geometry perturbation theory together with an analytical-topological argument in the phase plane. The finding of an exponential decaying rate (related with the advection and diffusion parameters) in the invaded species TW is not trivial in the nonlinear diffusion case and reflects the existence of a TW trajectory governed by the invaded species runaway (in the direction of the advection) and the diffusion (acting in a finite speed front or support).