bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do dietary interventions improve health outcomes in people with multiple sclerosis? A Cochrane Review summary with commentary
Authors: Amatya Bhasker , Khan Fary
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND: A broad range of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches, including different dietary interventions, alone or in conjunction with conventional medicine are currently trailed in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Published clinical and experimental data suggest that certain dietary interventions may improve MS-related health outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of dietary interventions to improve MS-related health outcomes. METHODS: To summarize the updated Cochrane Review “Dietary interventions for multiple sclerosis-related outcomes” conducted by Parks et al. Best available evidence was discussed from the rehabilitation perspective. RESULTS: Overall 30 RCTs (with 2335 participants) evaluated a range of dietary interventions: polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant supplements, dietary programmes and other dietary supplements. All included trials had one or more methodological issues leading to an unknown or high risk of bias. The findings suggest that the evidence is uncertain about the effect of dietary interventions on MS-related health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence for dietary interventions in people with MS is sparse and uncertain, and more robust studies are needed.
Danny Dorling and Stuart Gietel-Basten (2018). Why Demography Matters. Oxford, UK: Policy Press
Authors: Chełchowska Milena
Published: January 2022

The book entitled Why Demography Matters (written by Danny Dorling and Stuart Gietel-Basten) describes the role of demography in shaping humans’ perception of the world. It tries to highlight the excesses of competence, too hasty conclusions, and mistakes in the assessment of the world around us and in visions of what the future of mankind will look like from the demographic point of view.
Wykorzystanie teorii klas społecznych do analizy zachowań i postaw związanych z prokreacją i rolami płci
Authors: Tymicki Krzysztof
Published: January 2022

Zmiana systemowa oraz instytucjonalna, która dokonała się w Polsce po 1989 roku, wywarła znaczący wpływ na wiele aspektów życia społecznego. Jednym z jej przejawów był gwałtowny spadek liczby rodzących się dzieci wynikający, między innymi, z opóźniania decyzji o założeniu rodziny a także co raz częstszego wyboru modelu rodziny 2+1. Niniejszy artykuł stawia sobie za cel wyjaśnienie niektórych aspektów tej zmiany demograficznej z wykorzystaniem teorii klas społecznych w ujęciu zaproponowanym przez francuskiego socjologa Pierre’a Bourdieu. Istotną cechą zaproponowanego ujęcia jest potraktowanie klasy społecznej jako czynnika różnicującego nastawienie Polaków do posiadania dzieci, ich wychowania, wykształcenia a także wartości przekazywanych młodszemu pokoleniu. Wykorzystanie teorii klas społecznych w demografii nabiera na znaczeniu ze względu na zjawisko tzw. ekspansji edukacyjnej, czyli, między innymi, wzrostem udziału osób z wykształceniem wyższym. Zacieranie się różnic w poziomie wykształcenia niekoniecznie musi prowadzić do ujednolicania się wzorców reprodukcji stąd wykorzystywanie klas społecznych jako dodatkowego miernika różnicującego jednostki ze względu na wartości, postawy i zachowania może nabierać na znaczeniu.Analizy zaprezentowane w artykule wykorzystują dane z badania GGS zarówno do analiz opisowych jak i do konstrukcji modeli statystycznych w których zmiennymi wynikowymi są liczba posiadanych dzieci, intencje prokreacyjne oraz normy i wartości. Wyniki sugerują, iż główne osie podziałów między klasowych przebiegają w sferze manifestowanych wartości mniej zaś w obszarze dzietności planowanej czy zrealizowanej.
The ABC's (Autoimmunity, Blood Type, Cytokines) in Types and Severity of Reactions to COVID-19 Vaccines.
Authors: Check Diane , Check Jerome H. , Kaplan Nina
Published: January 2022

Based on initial reports of the association of blood types, especially type A, on increasing susceptibility and more severe disease in patients with Covid-19 disease, an observational study was performed to determine if there would be any correlation of bad side effects to the COVID-19 vaccines, associated with blood types, especially type A. At the time of study, only mRNA vaccines had been approved and available, thus Moderna and Pfizer were the ones evaluated. If an association was found, then the same evaluation could be done with vector vaccines, such as Johnson and Johnson, which was recently approved. Vaccine reactions were categorized as “Bad”, if the participant experienced 6 of 9 of the following symptoms: fever (temperature >100.4 F), extreme fatigue, headaches, body aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, arm soreness > 3 days, and numbness in any area of the body. “Moderate”, having 3 or 4 of the symptoms and “Mild”, having 1 or 2 symptoms. Comparing participants with bad reactions; 28 of 39 type A (71.7%) vs. 4 of 39 type O (10.2%) experienced bad reactions, (Chi-square found P<.001). When comparing participants with at least moderate reactions, type A, B, AB together (52) vs. type O (39), there were 40/52 (76.9%) in type A, B & AB group, vs. 7/39 (17.9%) in type O people. There have been reported findings of patients with prolonged, long term and chronic health consequences, months after the initial illness, referred to as (Long COVID). If these are seen as a result of vaccination too, especially those with severe initial reactions, people may find themselves deciding if the risk of developing a chronic illness, outweighs the risk of acquiring the COVID-19 disease. Abbreviations: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19); World Health Organization (WHO); Center for Disease Control (CDC); Acute Respiratory Syndrome (ARS); Electric Health Record (EHR); Emergency Use Authorization (EUA); Interleukins (IL).
Cradle-to-Prison Pipeline
Authors: Singleton Everett B.
Published: January 2022

Youth who experience academic failure are at a greater risk for involvement in delinquency. While studies have revealed a myriad of factors for such failure, the perceptions of these youth regarding their educational experiences have proven to be one of the most valuable resources regarding the systematic barriers to academic achievement. The purpose of this essay is to examine how youth of color are overwhelming affected by a phenomenon known as Cradle-to-Prison Pipeline. Several school districts in the U. S. employ harsh discipline practices that inevitably push students out of classrooms, on the streets, and in the juvenile justice system at an astounding rate. Students of color experience higher rates of suspensions, expulsion, truancy, retention, and academic failure in schools. Harsh discipline polices, along with bias and discrimination have a direct or indirect impact on their academic journey, including feeling of inferiority due to their academic shortcomings.

*The original version of this article included the term Native Indigenous students.  Per the authors request, the term Native Indigenous has been replaced with Indigenous.
Tourism Potential Resources Measurement: The Talaga Pancar Lake Case
Authors: Aceng Gima Sugiama  , Femmy Indriany Dalimunthe  , Rinjani Sastrowati
Published: January 2022

This paper is aimed to measure the potential resources of tourism based on the criteria of tourist attraction, accessibility, infrastructure and facilities, and environmental degradation. The research using a case study in Talaga Pancar Lake based on qualitative and quantitative data with a descriptive explanation. Data through depth interviews were obtained from the manager and operator, while observed and measuring the potential tourism resource by using a rating scale. Results showed that tourist attractions were a medium category, that's the existing natural tourist attractions were sufficient to be used as potential as natural tourist attractions. The available accessibility was a potential medium, that the place has sufficient infrastructure and superstructure for tourists to reach the place. The level of environmental degradation was medium, that the impact of damage to environmental assets conditions was insufficiently maintained. Infrastructure assets were a high category, which means that the availability of assets is much complete. While the availability of supporting facilities was not sufficient by the adequacy standard for tourism destination services.
Presentasi Bisnis dalam Hospitality Industry: Analisis dan Pengembangan Modul
Authors: Dika Pranadwipa Koeswiryono  , Komang Ratih Tunjungsari
Published: January 2022

Dalam industri perhotelan, presentasi bisnis yang disajikan secara efektif akan membantu audiens memahami konten dan mengubah sudut pandang atau keputusan mereka. Sayangnya, banyak presentasi yang diberikan sulit dipahami dan tidak memotivasi, baik karena presenter telah meniru kebiasaan buruk maupun karena kurangnya kesadaran dan pengetahuan. Dalam penelitian ini, beberapa manajer vila dan hotel diwawancarai untuk mengetahui topik presentasi yang diberikan di bidang perhotelan. Hasil wawancara menjadi dasar untuk membuat modul presentasi bisnis bagi para profesional perhotelan, yang terdiri dari empat bab. Dalam modul tersebut dibahas kesalahan umum dalam presentasi, penentuan objektif presentasi, struktur presntasi dan visualisasi data. Dengan modul ini, baik mahasiswa maupun profesional khususnya di bidang perhotelan dapat merancang presentasi yang lebih efektif
Instant Oyster Mushroom Congee
Authors: Faisal Akbar Zaenal  , Syahrial  , Abdi Nurul Mahsyar
Published: January 2022

This research is an experimental study that aims to determine: (1) The process of making instant oyster mushroom congee; (2) Panelists acceptance of the organoleptic of instant oyster mushroom congee, which includes color, aroma, texture, taste, and overall (overall assessment); (3) Potassium Nutritional Value of instant oyster mushroom congee. There were 38 panelists, consisting of 3 trained panelists, 25 semi-trained panelists, and 10 untrained panelists. The data collection techniques used are questionnaires and documentation. The data analysis technique used is descriptive analysis and ANOVA. The research was out at the Kitchen Laboratory Politeknik Pariwisata Makassar and the Makassar Health Laboratory Center. The results showed instant oyster mushroom congee products started from preparation, weighing, cutting, grinding, drying, storage and packaging. The panelists acceptance of the instant oyster mushroom congee with the F1 formulation with a yield of 1.5 grams of dry oyster mushrooms is equivalent to 15 grams of fresh oyster mushrooms. In terms of color, aroma, texture, and taste assessment, it is better than other formulations with a rating of 4.18, aroma, texture, and taste of 4.82, and overall, 5.42. The change in the nutritional value of potassium in instant oyster mushroom congee was 225.75 mcg, and the nutritional value of iron was 14.72 mcg.
Perilaku Pencarian Informasi dan Literasi Kesehatan Digital Mahasiswa Universitas Terbuka yang Terpapar Covid-19
Authors: Riady Yasir
Published: January 2022

Digital communication technology plays an important role in succeeding the message of the importance of government health communication and public health authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nowadays both the Internet, social media and social networks have become an important source of health-related information about COVID-19 and the development of both the latest information, prevention and if exposed to what to do during isolation or communicating with local COVID-19 task force officers and the surrounding community. In addition, information related to COVID-19 is spreading faster than the coronavirus itself, which interferes with communication efforts related to government health, especially hoax and misguided news. Therefore, digital health literacy is the main competency to make the COVID-19 web-based information and service environment better and prevent misinformation received by the community. This paper tries to review the digital information literacy obtained by Open University students during exposure to covid-19, on whether there are obstacles received by UT students, what information they are looking for, how the search pattern of information and access to information used, and how the student can still attend lectures at the Open University both through webinar tutorials, online tutorials and UAS Take Home Exam despite exposure to covid-19.

 

Teknologi komunikasi digital memainkan peran penting dalam mensukseskan pesan pentingnya komunikasi kesehatan pemerintah dan otoritas kesehatan masyarakat selama pandemi COVID-19. Saat ini baik Internet, sosial media dan sosial network telah menjadi sumber penting informasi terkait kesehatan tentang COVID-19 dan perkembangannya baik informasi terkini, pencegahan dan jika terpapar apa yang harus dilakukan selama isolasi atau pun berkomunikasi dengan petugas satgas COVID-19. Selain itu, informasi terkait COVID-19 menyebar lebih cepat dari virus corona itu sendiri yang mengganggu upaya komunikasi terkait kesehatan pemerintah khususnya berita hoaks. Oleh karena itu, literasi kesehatan digital merupakan kompetensi utama untuk membuat lingkungan informasi dan layanan berbasis web COVID-19 lebih baik dan mencegah misinformasi yang diterima oleh masyarakat. Tulisan ini mencoba mengulas literasi informasi digital yang didapatkan oleh mahasiswa Universitas Terbuka, apakah ada kendala yang diterima oleh mahasiswa UT, informasi apa yang mereka cari, bagaimana pola pencarian inforamasinya dan akses informasi yang digunakan, serta bagaimana mahasiswa tersebut tetap bisa mengikuti perkuliahan di Universitas Terbuka baik melalui tutorial webinar, tutorial online, dan UAS Take Home Exam meskipun terpapar covid-19.
Assessing Smoothness of Arm Movements With Jerk: A Comparison of Laterality, Contraction Mode and Plane of Elevation. A Pilot Study
Authors: Roren Alexandra , Mazarguil Antoine , Vaquero-Ramos Diego , Deloose Jean-Baptiste , Vidal Pierre-Paul , Nguyen Christelle , Rannou François , Wang Danping , Oudre Laurent , Lefèvre-Colau Marie-Martine
Published: January 2022

Measuring the quality of movement is a need and a challenge for clinicians. Jerk, defined as the quantity of acceleration variation, is a kinematic parameter used to assess the smoothness of movement. We aimed to assess and compare jerk metrics in asymptomatic participants for 3 important movement characteristics that are considered by clinicians during shoulder examination: dominant and non-dominant side, concentric and eccentric contraction mode, and arm elevation plane. In this pilot study, we measured jerk metrics by using Xsens® inertial measurement units strapped to the wrists for 11 different active arm movements (ascending and lowering phases): 3 bilateral maximal arm elevations in sagittal, scapular and frontal plane; 2 unilateral functional movements (hair combing and low back washing); and 2 unilateral maximal arm elevations in sagittal and scapular plane, performed with both arms alternately, right arm first. Each arm movement was repeated 3 times successively and the whole procedure was performed 3 times on different days. The recorded time series was segmented with semi-supervised algorithms. Comparisons involved the Wilcoxon signed rank test (p < 0.05) with Bonferroni correction. We included 30 right-handed asymptomatic individuals [17 men, mean (SD) age 31.9 (11.4) years]. Right jerk was significantly less than left jerk for bilateral arm elevations in all planes (all p < 0.05) and for functional movement (p < 0.05). Jerk was significantly reduced during the concentric (ascending) phase than eccentric (lowering) phase for bilateral and unilateral right and left arm elevations in all planes (all p < 0.05). Jerk during bilateral arm elevation was significantly reduced in the sagittal and scapular planes versus the frontal plane (both p < 0.01) and in the sagittal versus scapular plane (p < 0.05). Jerk during unilateral left arm elevation was significantly reduced in the sagittal versus scapular plane (p < 0.05). Jerk metrics did not differ between sagittal and scapular unilateral right arm elevation. Using inertial measurement units, jerk metrics can well describe differences between the dominant and non-dominant arm, concentric and eccentric modes and planes in arm elevation. Jerk metrics were reduced during arm movements performed with the dominant right arm during the concentric phase and in the sagittal plane. Using IMUs, jerk metrics are a promising method to assess the quality of basic shoulder movement.
In Silico Prediction of Food Properties: A Multiscale Perspective
Authors: Vitrac Olivier , Nguyen Phuong-Mai , Hayert Murielle
Published: January 2022

Several open software packages have popularized modeling and simulation strategies at the food product scale. Food processing and key digestion steps can be described in 3D using the principles of continuum mechanics. However, compared to other branches of engineering, the necessary transport, mechanical, chemical, and thermodynamic properties have been insufficiently tabulated and documented. Natural variability, accented by food evolution during processing and deconstruction, requires considering composition and structure-dependent properties. This review presents practical approaches where the premises for modeling and simulation start at a so-called “microscopic” scale where constituents or phase properties are known. The concept of microscopic or ground scale is shown to be very flexible from atoms to cellular structures. Zooming in on spatial details tends to increase the overall cost of simulations and the integration over food regions or time scales. The independence of scales facilitates the reuse of calculations and makes multiscale modeling capable of meeting food manufacturing needs. On one hand, new image-modeling strategies without equations or meshes are emerging. On the other hand, complex notions such as compositional effects, multiphase organization, and non-equilibrium thermodynamics are naturally incorporated in models without linearization or simplifications. Multiscale method’s applicability to hierarchically predict food properties is discussed with comprehensive examples relevant to food science, engineering and packaging. Entropy-driven properties such as transport and sorption are emphasized to illustrate how microscopic details bring new degrees of freedom to explore food-specific concepts such as safety, bioavailability, shelf-life and food formulation. Routes for performing spatial and temporal homogenization with and without chemical details are developed. Creating a community sharing computational codes, force fields, and generic food structures is the next step and should be encouraged. This paper provides a framework for the transfer of results from other fields and the development of methods specific to the food domain.
Biosynthesis of Gold Nanoisotrops Using Carallia brachiata Leaf Extract and Their Catalytic Application in the Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol
Authors: Ahmad Kuthi Najwa , Chandren Sheela , Basar Norazah , Jamil Mohamad Shazwan Shah
Published: January 2022

The past decade has observed a significant surge in efforts to discover biological systems for the fabrication of metal nanoparticles. Among these methods, plant-mediated synthesis has garnered sizeable attention due to its rapid, cost-effective, environmentally benign single-step procedure. This study explores a step-wise, room-temperature protocol for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Carallia brachiata, a mangrove species from the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The effects of various reaction parameters, such as incubation time, metal ion concentration, amount of extract and pH, on the formation of stable colloids were monitored using UV-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectrophotometry. Our findings revealed that the physicochemical properties of the AuNPs were significantly dependent on the pH. Changing the pH of the plant extract from acidic to basic appears to have resulted in a blue-shift in the main characteristic feature of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band, from 535 to 511 nm. The high-resolution-transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images revealed the morphologies of the AuNPs synthesized at the inherent pH, varying from isodiametric spheres to exotic polygons and prisms, with sizes ranging from 10 to 120 nm. Contrarily, an optimum pH of 10 generated primarily spherical-shaped AuNPs with narrower size distribution (8–13 nm). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis verified the formation of AuNPs as the diffraction patterns matched well with the standard value of a face-centered cubic (FCC) Au lattice structure. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra suggested that different functional groups are involved in the biosynthetic process, while the phytochemical test revealed a clear role of the phenolic compounds. The reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) was selected as the model reaction for evaluating the catalytic performance of the green-synthesized AuNPs. The catalytic activity of the small, isotropic AuNPs prepared using basic aqueous extract was more effective than the nanoanisotrops, with more than 90% of 4-NP conversion achieved in under an hour with just 3 mg of the nanocatalyst.
Overcoming the Limits of Ejection Fraction and Ventricular-Arterial Coupling in Heart Failure
Authors: Antohi Elena-Laura , Chioncel Ovidiu , Mihaileanu Serban
Published: January 2022

Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) [VAC = Ea/Ees; Ea: effective arterial elastance; Ees: left ventricle (LV) elastance] are both dimensionless ratios with important limitations, especially in heart failure setting. The LVEF to VAC relationship is a divergent non-linear function, having a point of intersection at the specific value of 0.62, where V0 = 0 ml (V0: the theoretical extrapolated value of the volume-axis intercept at end-systolic pressure 0 mmHg). For the dilated LV, both LVEF and VAC are highly dependent on V0 which is inconclusive when derived from single-beat Ees formulas. VAC simplification should be avoided. Revisiting the relationship between systolic time intervals (STI), pressure, and volumes could provide simple-to-use guiding formulas, affordable for daily clinical practice. We have analyzed by echocardiography the hemodynamics of 21 patients with severe symptomatic heart failure with reduced ejection (HFrEF) compared to 12 asymptomatic patients (at risk of heart failure with mild structural disease). The groups were unequivocally separated by ‘classic’ measures (LVEF, LV end-systolic volume (ESV), LV mass, STI). Chen's Ees formula was weakly correlated with LVEF and indexed ESV (ESVi) but better correlated to the pre-ejection period (PEP); PEP/total ejection time (PEP/TET); systolic blood pressure/PEP (SBP/PEP) (P < 0.001). Combining the predictability of the LVEF to the determinant role of SBP/PEP on the Ees variations, we obtained: (SBP*LVEF)/PEP mm Hg/ms, with an improved R2 value (R2 = 0.848; P < 0.001). The strongest correlations to VAC were for LVEF (R = −0.849; R2 = 0.722) and PEP/TET (R = 0.925; R2 = 0.857). By multiple regression, the VAC was strongly predicted (N = 33): (R = 0.975; R2 = 0.95): VAC = 0.553–0.009*LVEF + 3.463*PEP/TET, and natural logarithm: Ln (VAC) = 0.147–1.4563*DBP/SBP*0.9–0.010*LVEF + 4.207*PEP/TET (R = 0.987; R2 = 0.975; P = 0) demonstrating its exclusive determinants: LVEF, PEP/TET, and DBP/SBP. Considering Ea as a known value, the VAC-derived Ees formula: Ees_d ≈ Ea/(0.553–0.009*LVEF+3.463*PEP/TET) was strongly correlated to Chen's Ees formula (R = 0.973; R2 = 0.947) being based on SBP, ESV, LVEF, and PEP/TET and no exponential power. Thus, the new index supports our hypothesis, in the limited sample of patients with HFrEF. Indices like SBP/PEP, (SBP*LVEF)/PEP, PEP/TET, and DBP/SBP deserve further experiments, underlining the major role of the forgotten STI.
A Mixed Comparisons of Aerobic Training With Different Volumes and Intensities of Physical Exercise in Patients With Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lu Zhenghui , Song Yang , Chen Hairong , Li Shudong , Teo Ee-Chon , Gu Yaodong
Published: January 2022

It is essential for patients with hypertension to effectively reduce and maintain appropriate blood pressure levels. As one of the non-pharmacological and invasive methods, physical exercise seems to improve blood pressure of the patients with hypertension. However, different volumes and intensities of physical exercise on the improvement of hypertension are different. To understand the effects of the type of exercise training on blood pressure and the other health status of patients with hypertension, a network meta-analysis was used to compare the mixed effects of different types of exercise training. This systematic review includes all eligible randomized controlled trials of PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 846 participants at the end of the study). The results show that a medium-intensity training (MIT) is best in improving the blood pressure of patients with hypertension, while a high-volume high-intensity interval training (HVHIIT) is better in reducing body mass and resting heart rate. In addition, the analysis of the exercise capacity shows that HVHIIT has a better effect on the improvement of patients with hypertension. Noticeably, long-term high-volume and appropriate intensity exercise can effectively improve the health status of patients with hypertension. In short, for patients with high blood pressure, MIT seems to be better at lowering blood pressure, while HVHIIT can better improve exercise ability and physical fitness. However, larger randomized controlled trials with a longer duration than those included in this meta-analysis are needed to confirm these results.
A Real World 10-Year Experience With Vascular Closure Devices and Large-Bore Access in Patients Undergoing Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Heitzinger Gregor , Brunner Christina , Koschatko Sophia , Dannenberg Varius , Mascherbauer Katharina , Halavina Kseniya , Doná Carolina , Koschutnik Matthias , Spinka Georg , Nitsche Christian , Mach Markus , Andreas Martin , Wolf Florian , Loewe Christian , Neumayer Christoph , Gschwandtner Michael , Willfort-Ehringer Andrea , Winter Max-Paul , Lang Irene M. , Bartko Philipp E. , Hengstenberg Christian , Goliasch Georg
Published: January 2022

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has established itself as a safe and efficient treatment option in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis, regardless of the underlying surgical risk. Widespread adoption of transfemoral procedures led to more patients than ever being eligible for TAVR. This increase in procedural volumes has also stimulated the use of vascular closure devices (VCDs) for improved access site management. In a single-center examination, we investigated 871 patients that underwent transfemoral TAVR from 2010 to 2020 and assessed vascular complications according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC) III recommendations. Patients were grouped by the VCD and both, vascular closure success and need for intervention were analyzed. In case of a vascular complication, the type of intervention was investigated for all VCDs. The Proglide VCD was the most frequently used device (n = 670), followed by the Prostar device (n = 112). Patients were old (median age 83 years) and patients suffered from high comorbidity burden (60% coronary artery disease, 30% type II diabetes, 40% atrial fibrillation). The overall rate of major complications amounted to 4.6%, it was highest in the Prostar group (9.6%) and lowest in the Manta VCD group (1.1% p = 0.019). The most frequent vascular complications were bleeding and hematoma (n = 110, 13%). In case a complication occurred, 72% of patients did not need any further intervention other than manual compression or pressure bandages. The rate of surgical intervention after complication was highest in the Prostar group (n = 15, 29%, p = 0.001). Temporal trends in VCD usage highlight the rapid adoption of the Proglide system after introduction at our institution. In recent years VCD alternatives, utilizing other closure techniques, such as the Manta device emerged and increased vascular access site management options. This 10-year single-center experience demonstrates high success rates for all VCDs. Despite successful closure, a significant number of patients does experience minor vascular complications, in particular bleeding and hematoma. However, most complications do not require surgical or endovascular intervention. Temporal trends display a marked increase in TAVR procedures and highlight the need for more refined vascular access management strategies.
Evaluating Research Grade Bioimpedance Hardware Using Textile Electrodes for Long-Term Fluid Status Monitoring
Authors: Delano Maggie , Ganapati Vidya , Kamal Rezhwan , Le Bryan , Le Jackie , Mendoza Rey
Published: January 2022

Fluid overload is a chronic medical condition that affects over six million Americans with conditions such as congestive heart failure, end-stage renal disease, and lymphedema. Remote management of fluid overload continues to be a leading clinical challenge. Bioimpedance is one technique that can be used to estimate the hydration of tissue and track it over time. However, commercially available bioimpedance measurement systems are bulky, expensive, and rely on Ag/AgCl electrodes that dry out and can irritate the skin. The use of bioimpedance today is therefore limited to clinical and research settings, with measurements performed at daily intervals or over short periods of time rather than continuously and long-term. This paper proposes using wearable calf bioimpedance measurements integrated into a compression sock for long-term fluid overload management. A PCB was developed using standard measurement techniques that measures the calf bioimpedance using a custom analog front-end built around an AD8302 gain-phase detection chip. Data is transmitted wirelessly via Bluetooth Low Energy to an iOS device using a custom iOS app. Bioimpedance data were collected both from the wearable system and a commercial measurement system (ImpediMed SFB7) using RRC networks, Ag/AgCl electrodes, and the textile compression sock. Bioimpedance data collected from the wearable system showed close agreement with data from the SFB7 when using RRC networks and in five healthy human subjects with Ag/AgCl electrodes. However, when using the textile compression sock the wearable system had worse precision than the SFB7 (4% run to run compared to <1% run to run) and there were larger differences between the two systems than when using the RRC networks and the Ag/AgCl electrodes. Wearable system precision and agreement with the SFB7 was improved by pressure or light wetting of the current electrodes on the sock. Future research should focus on reliable elimination of low-frequency artifacts in research grade hardware to enable long-term calf bioimpedance measurements for fluid overload management.
Association Between Autoimmune Diseases and Spontaneous Cervicocranial Arterial Dissection
Authors: Li Hao , Song Pu , Yang Wei , Yang Le , Diao Shanshan , Huang Shicun , Wang Yiqing , Xu Xingshun , Yang Yi
Published: January 2022

A series of biopsies and reports showed autoimmune diseases might be involved in the process of local inflammation related to spontaneous cervicocranial arterial dissection (SCCAD) occurrence. This retrospective case-control study examined the association between SCCADs and autoimmune diseases in patients and control subjects from 2014 to 2020. SCCAD patients and age/sex-matched control subjects were recruited, and clinical data were collected. SCCAD was confirmed by digital subtraction angiography or high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. The study included 215 SCCAD patients and 430 control subjects. Totally, 135 (62.8%) of the 215 cases were found SCCAD in the anterior circulation, 26 (12.0%) patients involved multiple vessels. Autoimmune disease occurred in 27 (12.6%) cases with SCCAD and 4 (0.9%) control subjects (p<0.001). A conditional multivariable logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds ratio for SCCAD among patients with a history of autoimmune disease, adjusting for hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking. After adjustment, autoimmune diseases were associated with SCCAD (p<0.001). After sub-analysis by a similar modeling strategy, significant associations were still observed in different subgroups, such as female group and male group as well as intramural hematoma (IMH) group and Non-IHM group. The association of SCCAD with autoimmune disease suggested that autoimmune mechanisms may be involved in some etiologies of SCCAD.
The Status of Silver Carp Resources and Their Complementary Mechanism in the Yangtze River
Authors: Fang Di-an , Zhou Yan-feng , Ren Peng , Peng Yun-xing , Xue Xiang-ping , Ren Long , Xu Dong-po
Published: January 2022

The global climate and environmental variability can induce fish adaptive strategy change and form a corresponding complementary mechanism subsequently. Because of climate fluctuation, human activities, and water conservancy projects, it has been reported that natural fish resources of the silver carp have been declining in a wavy trend from 1950. However, few studies have explored the potential effects of determining the relationship between the adult fish and fish larvae. Using the field survey method, this study analyzed the fisheries resource status of the adult silver carp and its early life stage in the Yangtze River. Results indicated that different geographic populations showed significant habitat dependence, and the adult silver carp tends to choose habitats with slow water flow, rich biological bait, and less human interference. What is more, its distribution pattern has regional and seasonal differences obviously. Additionally, redundancy analysis on the fish larvae showed that water temperature and water flow are the two most important factors influencing the fish larvae blooming. According to the generalized additive model (GAM), the hydrological factors that significantly influence the larvae abundance are water temperature, transparency, daily increasing rate of water level, and discharge (p < 0.05). Combining the historical and present research data, the results indicated that river and lake connected habitat is essential for the silver carp recruitment and migration. Future studies should focus on the complementary mechanism of silver carp both in the natural habitat and invasion waters. It is suggested that the spawning habitat should be well protected during the channel project and economic belt construction along the Yangtze River.
Influence of Ocular Residual Astigmatism and Target-Induced Astigmatism on the Efficacy of the Implantation of a Toric Implantable Collamer Lens With Central Hole for Myopic Astigmatism Correction
Authors: Zhao Jing , Zhao Jiao , Yang Wen , Sun Ling , Qian Yishan , Wang Xiaoying , Zhou Xingtao
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To investigate the effects of ocular residual astigmatism (ORA) and target-induced astigmatism (TIA) on the efficacy of toric implantable collamer lens (TICL) with central hole for myopic astigmatism correction.

Methods

Retrospective case series. One hundred and eighteen eyes implanted with a TICL (V4c) from 118 patients were included. Subjective refraction and corneal topography were examined preoperatively, at 1 and 12 months postoperatively. The eyes were divided into the low-ORA ( ≤ 0.5 D) and high-ORA (>0.5 D) groups based on vector analysis, and into the low-TIA (≥0.75D and <2 D) and the high-TIA (≥2 D and ≤ 4 D) groups according to preoperative refractive astigmatism. Correction index (CI) and index of success (IOS) were compared between different groups.

Results

All surgeries were uneventful, and no complications occurred during follow-up. At 1 and 12 months postoperatively, no significant differences were found in CI or IOS values between the high and low ORA groups, while significantly higher CI and lower IOS were detected in the high-TIA group than in the low-TIA group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in CI between 1 and 12 months postoperatively in either group (P > 0.05). However, significantly lower IOS was found at 12 months compared with 1 month postoperatively for each group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Toric implantable collamer lens (TICL) implantation is effective in correcting myopic astigmatism and is more effective in eyes with high TIA, while ORA has a minor effect.
ShapeEditor: A StyleGAN Encoder for Stable and High Fidelity Face Swapping
Authors: Yang Shuai , Qiao Kai , Qin Ruoxi , Xie Pengfei , Shi Shuhao , Liang Ningning , Wang Linyuan , Chen Jian , Hu Guoen , Yan Bin
Published: January 2022

With the continuous development of deep-learning technology, ever more advanced face-swapping methods are being proposed. Recently, face-swapping methods based on generative adversarial networks (GANs) have realized many-to-many face exchanges with few samples, which advances the development of this field. However, the images generated by previous GAN-based methods often show instability. The fundamental reason is that the GAN in these frameworks is difficult to converge to the distribution of face space in training completely. To solve this problem, we propose a novel face-swapping method based on pretrained StyleGAN generator with a stronger ability of high-quality face image generation. The critical issue is how to control StyleGAN to generate swapped images accurately. We design the control strategy of the generator based on the idea of encoding and decoding and propose an encoder called ShapeEditor to complete this task. ShapeEditor is a two-step encoder used to generate a set of coding vectors that integrate the identity and attribute of the input faces. In the first step, we extract the identity vector of the source image and the attribute vector of the target image; in the second step, we map the concatenation of the identity vector and attribute vector onto the potential internal space of StyleGAN. Extensive experiments on the test dataset show that the results of the proposed method are not only superior in clarity and authenticity than other state-of-the-art methods but also sufficiently integrate identity and attribute.
Why Are We Scientists? Drawing Inspiration From Rita Levi-Montalcini
Authors: Malerba Francesca
Published: January 2022

In 2007, drawing inspiration from her previous experiments on chick embryos, Rita Levi-Montalcini, at the age of 98, proposed a new project, and a research group, in which I was included, was formed at the European Brain Research Institute (EBRI). Looking back on this experience, I can say that Professor Levi-Montalcini’s approach and the relationships she formed with my colleagues and me, contributed to my growth as a researcher. With her welcoming and warm-hearted disposition, she taught me how to consider other people’s ideas without prejudice, to reason and not to exclude any hypothesis. I also learned from her how to overcome those difficulties that are so frequent in the research field, always keeping in mind the starting point and looking toward the objective, with a factual optimism. I was just a young researcher and deeply flattered that a Nobel Laureate, with an incredible career and extraordinary life, treated me as her equal. My experience with Professor Levi-Montalcini has also provided me with a reliable path to follow, and when I encounter difficulties and challenges, I ask myself what would she have done. This approach has always helped me to move forward. Indeed, I believe the best way to celebrate Rita Levi-Montalcini as a woman in neuroscience is to recount how her exceptional example is a constant reminder as to why I have chosen to be a scientist. I hope she will always continue to be a source of inspiration for scientists in the future.
Technical Comparison of Treatment Efficiency of Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy and Pallidotomy in Skull Density Ratio-Matched Patient Cohorts
Authors: Ahmed Abdul-Kareem , Guo Sijia , Kelm Nathaniel , Clanton Ryan , Melhem Elias R. , Gullapalli Rao P. , Ksendzovsky Alexander , Eisenberg Howard M. , Miller Timothy R. , Gandhi Dheeraj
Published: January 2022

Objective

MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is increasingly being used to treat patients with essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson's disease (PD) with thalamotomy and pallidotomy, respectively. Pallidotomy is performed off-center within the cranium compared to thalamotomy and may present challenges to therapeutic lesioning due to this location. However, the impact of target location on treatment efficiency and ability to create therapeutic lesions has not been studied. This study aimed to compare the physical efficiency of MRgFUS thalamotomy and pallidotomy.

Methods

Treatment characteristics were compared between patients treated with thalamotomy (n = 20) or pallidotomy (n = 20), matched by skull density ratios (SDR). Aspects of treatment efficiency were compared between these groups. Demographic and comparative statistics were conducted to assess these differences. Acoustic field simulations were performed to compare and validate the simulated temperature profile for VIM and GPi ablation.

Results

Lower SDR values were associated with greater energy requirement for thalamotomy (R2 = 0.197, p = 0.049) and pallidotomy (R2 = 0.342, p = 0.007). The impact of low SDR on efficiency reduction was greater for pallidotomy, approaching significance (p = 0.061). A nearly two-fold increase in energy was needed to reach 50°C in pallidotomy (10.9kJ) than in thalamotomy (5.7kJ), (p = 0.002). Despite lower energy requirement, the maximum average temperature reached was higher in thalamotomy (56.7°C) than in pallidotomy (55.0°C), (p = 0.017). Mean incident angle of acoustic beams was lesser in thalamotomy (12.7°) than in pallidotomy (18.6°), (p < 0.001). For all patients, a lesser mean incident angle correlated with a higher maximum average temperature reached (R2 = 0.124, p = 0.026), and less energy needed to reach 50°C (R2=0.134, p = 0.020). Greater skull thickness was associated with a higher maximum energy for a single sonication for thalamotomy (R2 = 0.206, p = 0.045) and pallidotomy (R2 = 0.403, p = 0.003). An acoustic and temperature field simulation validated similar findings for thalamotomy and pallidotomy in a single patient.

Conclusion

The centrally located VIM offers a more efficient location for therapeutic lesioning compared to GPi pallidotomy in SDR matched cohort of patients. The impact on therapeutic lesioning with lower SDR may be greater for pallidotomy patients. As newer off-center targets are investigated, these findings can inform patient selection and treatment requirements for lesion production.
Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Inhibitors: Preclinical and Clinical Focus on CNS-A Decade Onward
Authors: Arciniegas Ruiz Sara Melisa , Eldar-Finkelman Hagit
Published: January 2022

The protein kinase, GSK-3, participates in diverse biological processes and is now recognized a promising drug discovery target in treating multiple pathological conditions. Over the last decade, a range of newly developed GSK-3 inhibitors of diverse chemotypes and inhibition modes has been developed. Even more conspicuous is the dramatic increase in the indications that were tested from mood and behavior disorders, autism and cognitive disabilities, to neurodegeneration, brain injury and pain. Indeed, clinical and pre-clinical studies were largely expanded uncovering new mechanisms and novel insights into the contribution of GSK-3 to neurodegeneration and central nerve system (CNS)-related disorders. In this review we summarize new developments in the field and describe the use of GSK-3 inhibitors in the variety of CNS disorders. This remarkable volume of information being generated undoubtedly reflects the great interest, as well as the intense hope, in developing potent and safe GSK-3 inhibitors in clinical practice.
On the Importance of Being Flexible: Dynamic Brain Networks and Their Potential Functional Significances
Authors: Safron Adam , Klimaj Victoria , Hipólito Inês
Published: January 2022

In this theoretical review, we begin by discussing brains and minds from a dynamical systems perspective, and then go on to describe methods for characterizing the flexibility of dynamic networks. We discuss how varying degrees and kinds of flexibility may be adaptive (or maladaptive) in different contexts, specifically focusing on measures related to either more disjoint or cohesive dynamics. While disjointed flexibility may be useful for assessing neural entropy, cohesive flexibility may potentially serve as a proxy for self-organized criticality as a fundamental property enabling adaptive behavior in complex systems. Particular attention is given to recent studies in which flexibility methods have been used to investigate neurological and cognitive maturation, as well as the breakdown of conscious processing under varying levels of anesthesia. We further discuss how these findings and methods might be contextualized within the Free Energy Principle with respect to the fundamentals of brain organization and biological functioning more generally, and describe potential methodological advances from this paradigm. Finally, with relevance to computational psychiatry, we propose a research program for obtaining a better understanding of ways that dynamic networks may relate to different forms of psychological flexibility, which may be the single most important factor for ensuring human flourishing.
Gut Microbiota Is a Potential Biomarker in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Guo Xue , Huang Chen , Xu Jing , Xu Haoming , Liu Le , Zhao Hailan , Wang Jiaqi , Huang Wenqi , Peng Wu , Chen Ye , Nie Yuqiang , Zhou Yongjian , Zhou Youlian
Published: January 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is characterized by relapse and remission alternately. It remains a great challenge to diagnose and assess disease activity during IBD due to the lack of specific markers. While traditional biomarkers from plasma and stool, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), fecal calprotectin (FC), and S100A12, can be used to measure inflammation, they are not specific to IBD and difficult to determine an effective cut-off value. There is consensus that gut microbiota is crucial for intestinal dysbiosis is closely associated with IBD etiopathology and pathogenesis. Multiple studies have documented differences in the composition of gut microbiota between patients with IBD and healthy individuals, particularly regarding microbial diversity and relative abundance of specific bacteria. Patients with IBD have higher levels of Proteobacteria and lower amounts of Bacteroides, Eubacterium, and Faecalibacterium than healthy individuals. This review summarizes the pros and cons of using traditional and microbiota biomarkers to assess disease severity and treatment outcomes and addresses the possibility of using microbiota-focused interventions during IBD treatment. Understanding the role of microbial biomarkers in the assessment of disease activity and treatment outcomes has the potential to change clinical practice and lead to the development of more personalized therapies.