bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of NiTi Alloy on the Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Endodontic Files
Authors: Ruiz-Sánchez Celia , Faus-Llácer Vicente , Faus-Matoses Ignacio , Zubizarreta-Macho Álvaro , Sauro Salvatore , Faus-Matoses Vicente
Published: November 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of NiTi alloy in endodontic rotary instruments on cyclic fatigue resistance. Methods: One hundred and sixty-four (164) sterile endodontic rotary files were selected and distributed into the following study groups: A: 25.08 F2 ProTaper Universal (PTU) (n = 41); B: 25.06 X2 ProTaper Next (PTN) (n = 41); C: 25.08 F2 ProTaper Gold (PTG) (n = 41), and D: 25.06 ProFile Vortex Blue (PVB) (n = 41). A cyclic fatigue device was designed to conduct the static cyclic fatigue tests with stainless steel artificial root canals systems with 250 µm apical diameter, 60° curvature angle, 5 mm radius of curvature, 20 mm length, and 6% (25.06) and 8% taper (25.08). Failure of the endodontic rotary instrument was detected by a single operator through direct observation and was also filmed to allow measurement of the exact time to failure. Results were analyzed using the ANOVA test and Weibull statistical analysis. Results: All pairwise comparisons presented statistically significant differences between the time to failure for the NiTi alloy study groups (p < 0.001), except between the PTN and PVB study groups (p = 0.379). In addition, statistically significant differences between the number of cycles to failure for the NiTi alloy study groups (p < 0.001) were also observed. Conclusions: The NiTi CM-Gold wire alloy of the ProTaper Gold endodontic rotary files resulted in greater resistance to cyclic fatigue than ProFile Vortex Blue, ProTaper Next, and ProTaper Universal endodontic rotary files.
Association between a Deficit Accumulation Frailty Index and Mobility Outcomes in Older Adults: Secondary Analysis of the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) Study
Authors: Brown Joshua D. , Alipour-Haris Golnoosh , Pahor Marco , Manini Todd M.
Published: November 2020

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome represented by susceptibility to precipitating health events and reduced functional reserve. Frailty can be difficult to measure in clinical practice and research. One approach to approximate frailty is based on a deficit accumulation approach, which assesses a larger number of less specific measures such as the presence of comorbidities, physical or cognitive assessments, and lab tests, and summarizes these as a frailty index. The objective of this study was to develop such an index using the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) Study and evaluate the validity of the frailty measure derived based on baseline information via its association with the primary outcomes of the trial, namely major mobility disability (MMD) and persistent MMD (pMMD). Further, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the physical activity intervention among participants based on their baseline frailty score. Subjects in the LIFE Study were evaluated at baseline for demographics, clinical history, and a battery of physical and cognitive functioning assessments. In total, 75 possible deficits were scored either as present (yes/no) or based on each score’s quintiles for score-based assessments. The frailty index was measured as the total sum of deficits divided by the total number of possible deficits on a continuous scale between 0 and 100 (i.e., percent of deficits present). The frailty index was further divided into quintiles for comparison. A proportional hazards model was estimated for the MMD outcome controlling for other baseline information. A data driven approach was also used to determine relevant cut-offs in the frailty index where the trial intervention appeared to be modified. Among 1635 trial participants, the mean frailty index was 30.4 ± 6.6 and normally distributed. Over 2.5 years of average follow-up, 14.6%, 16.5%, 18.6%, 22.6%, and 27.6% of participants experienced MMD in quintiles 1–5, respectively. Each 1-unit increase in the frailty index increased the hazard of MMD by 4% (2–5%), and there was a nearly 2-fold increase in MMD between the highest and lowest frailty quintiles. Using log-rank criteria, a cut-point at the median was identified. Further, iterations tested for a frailty cut-off and indicated a subgroup beyond the 85th percentile wherein the physical activity intervention appeared to be no longer be effective. This internally derived deficit accumulation frailty index was uniquely able to identify individuals at higher risk of MMD and pMMD and showed that along the spectrum of frailty, the physical activity intervention remained effective for the majority of participants.
Prediction of Infarct Growth and Neurological Deterioration in Patients with Vertebrobasilar Artery Occlusions
Authors: Koh Seungyon , Park Ji Hyun , Park Bumhee , Choi Mun Hee , Lee Sung Eun , Lee Jin Soo , Hong Ji Man , Lee Seong-Joon
Published: November 2020

We aimed to identify predictors of infarct growth and neurological deterioration (ND) in vertebrobasilar occlusions (VBOs) with a focus on clinical-core mismatch. From 2010 to 2018, VBO patients were selected from a university hospital registry. In total, 138 VBO patients were included. In these patients, a posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (PC-ASPECTS) less than 6 was associated with futile outcome. Within patients with feasible cores, a decrease in PC-ASPECTS score of 2 or more on follow-up imaging was classified as infarct growth and could be predicted by a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) mental status subset of 1 or higher (odds ratio (OR): 3.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.19–9.38), p = 0.022). Among the 73 patients who did not undergo reperfusion therapy, 13 patients experienced ND (increase in discharge NIHSS score of 4 or more compared to the initial presentation). Incomplete occlusion (vs. complete occlusion, OR 6.17, 95% CI (1.11–34.25), p = 0.037), poorer collateral status (BATMAN score, OR: 1.91, 95% CI (1.17–3.48), p = 0.009), and larger infarct cores (PC-ASPECTS, OR: 1.96, 95% CI (1.11–3.48), p = 0.021) were predictive of ND. In patients with VBO, an initial PC-ASPECTS of 6 or more, but with a decrease in the mental status subset of 1 or more can predict infarct growth, and may be used as a criterion for clinical-core mismatch. ND in VBO patients presenting with milder symptoms can be predicted by incomplete occlusion, poor collaterals, and larger infarct cores.
Physiological Criteria Are Useful for the Diagnosis of Idiopathic Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis
Authors: Ikeda Takato , Kinoshita Yoshiaki , Ueda Yusuke , Sasaki Tomoya , Kushima Hisako , Ishii Hiroshi
Published: November 2020

Background: Diagnostic criteria of idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (IPPFE) were recently proposed, including physiological criteria of the body mass index (BMI) and percentage of the predicted values of residual volume (RV)/total lung capacity (TLC) (RV/TLC %pred.). The aim of this study was to evaluate (i) whether the physiologic criteria are useful for the diagnosis and (ii) whether the flat chest index, defined as the ratio of the anteroposterior diameter to the transverse diameter of the thoracic cage, could be an alternative parameter to RV/TLC %pred. Methods: We selected consecutive IPPFE patients and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients. We examined the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the physiological criteria and flat chest index for differentiating IPPFE patients from IPF patients. Results: This study included 37 IPPFE patients and 89 IPF patients. The physiological criteria distinguished IPPFE patients from IPF patients with a sensitivity of 78.6% and specificity of 88.0%. The combination of the flat chest index and BMI was also effective for differentiation (sensitivity of 82.1% and specificity of 89.3%). Conclusion: We verified the good performance of the physiologic criteria in a different cohort. When the RV/TLC is not measured, using the flat chest index instead of RV/TLC %pred. may be reasonable.
Treatment Response to Gabapentin in Neuropathic Ocular Pain Associated with Dry Eye
Authors: Yoon Hyeon-Jeong , Kim Jonghwa , Yoon Kyung Chul
Published: November 2020

Purpose: To investigate the response to gabapentin treatment in patients with dry eye (DE) accompanied by features of neuropathic ocular pain (NOP), and to analyze the differences between clinical manifestations of the groups according to treatment response. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 35 patients with DE accompanied by NOP features and obtained information on their medical history and previous ocular history. The patients underwent clinical examinations of the tear film, ocular surface, and meibomian gland and completed the Ocular Pain Assessment Survey (OPAS). One month after treatment with topical eye drops, add-on of gabapentin treatment was determined according to the Wong–Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WBFPS). A reduction of 2 points or more on the WBFPS was considered a positive treatment response. Enrolled patients were divided into three groups according to the treatment response: topical treatment response group (group 1, n = 11); gabapentin response group (group 2, n = 13); and gabapentin non-response group (group 3, n = 11). The medical history, clinical parameters, and OPAS scores were compared between groups. Results: The incidence of systemic comorbidities was higher in group 2 than in other groups. The corneal staining scores were lower in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1. Among the treatment response groups, group 2 showed improvements in OPAS scores of ocular pain severity, pain other than eyes, and quality of life, while group 1 showed improved OPAS scores of ocular pain severity and ocular associated factors. Group 2 exhibited lower scores of pains aggravated by mechanical and chemical stimuli than group 3. Conclusions: Gabapentin could be effective in patients who have systemic comorbidity and less pain evoked by mechanical and chemical stimuli for the treatment of DE patients with NOP, which is refractory to topical treatment.
Functional Assessment of Outer and Middle Macular Layers in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Ziccardi Lucia , Barbano Lucilla , Boffa Laura , Albanese Maria , Nicoletti Carolina Gabri , Landi Doriana , Grzybowski Andrzej , Falsini Benedetto , Marfia Girolama Alessandra , Centonze Diego , Parisi Vincenzo
Published: November 2020

The involvement of macular preganglionic elements’ function, during the neurodegenerative process of multiple sclerosis (MS), is controversial. In this case-control observational and retrospective study, we assessed multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) responses from 41 healthy Controls, 41 relapsing-remitting MS patients without optic neuritis (ON) (MS-noON Group) and 47 MS patients with ON: 27 with full recovery of high-contrast best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (MS-ON-G Group) and 20 with poor recovery (between 0.2 and 1 LogMAR) of BCVA, (MS-ON-P Group). In the latter Group, Sd-OCT macular volumes and thicknesses of whole and inner and outer retina were measured. MfERG N1 and P1 implicit times (ITs), and N1-P1 response amplitude densities (RADs), were measured from concentric rings (R) with increasing foveal eccentricity: 0–5° (R1), 5–10° (R2), 10–15° (R3), 15–20° (R4), 20–25° (R5), and from retinal sectors (superior, nasal, inferior and temporal) between 0–15° and 0–25°. In the MS-ON-P Group, mean mfERG RADs detected from R1 (0–5°) and from the central nasal sector (0–15°) were significantly reduced (p < 0.01) with respect to those of the Control, MS-noON and MS-ON-G Groups. No other significant differences between Groups for any mfERG parameters were found. All Sd-OCT measurements, apart from the inner retina macular volume in the central 1 mm, were significantly reduced in MS-ON-P patients compared to Controls. The functional impairment in the MS-ON-P Group was associated but not correlated with structural changes of the outer and inner retinal layers in corresponding retinal Areas and Sectors. Our results suggest that in MS, exclusively after ON with poor recovery of BCVA, the neurodegenerative process can induce dysfunctional mechanisms involving photoreceptors and bipolar cells of the fovea and of the more central nasal macular area.
Utility of Blood Parameters to Detect Complications during Long-Term Follow-Up in Patients with Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis
Authors: Tardáguila-García Aroa , García Álvarez Yolanda , García-Morales Esther , Álvaro-Afonso Francisco Javier , Sanz-Corbalán Irene , Lázaro-Martínez José Luis
Published: November 2020

The evidence is still unclear regarding the role of blood parameters in detecting complications in patients who suffer from diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO). In this study, the aim was to identify the capacity of different blood parameters in the diagnosis and prediction of the onset of complications. A cross-sectional prospective study was carried out with 116 DFO patients. The following blood parameters were evaluated during 1 year of follow-up: leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), glycemia, glycosylated hemoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP), alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and creatinine. Complication events were assessed for each participant during the study period. We investigated the association between blood parameter values and the onset of complication events by conducting a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Eighty-five (73.3%) patients developed complications. Regarding blood parameters, higher values of lymphocytes and albumin were predictive factors at the 12-month follow-up once the ulcer had healed. Higher values of ESR had predictive and diagnostic value for the onset of complication events, and higher values of CRP and hyperglycemia were diagnostic factors since they were elevated during the occurrence of an event. In conclusion, after suffering from DFO, the elevation of lymphocytes, ESR, CRP, albumin, and glycemia could be useful in detecting and diagnosing patients who are likely to develop a complication. Serial blood tests are a useful tool for early detection by healthcare professionals to prevent complications.
Risk and Severity of COVID-19 and ABO Blood Group in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Patients
Authors: Kibler Marion , Dietrich Laurent , Kanso Mohamad , Carmona Adrien , Marchandot Benjamin , Matsushita Kensuke , Trimaille Antonin , How-Choong Cécile , Odier Albane , Gennesseaux Gabrielle , Schramm Ophélie , Reydel Antje , Hess Sébastien , Sato Chisato , Caillard Sophie , Jesel Laurence , Morel Olivier , Ohlmann Patrick
Published: November 2020

While cardiovascular disease has been associated with an increased risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), no studies have described its clinical course in patients with aortic stenosis who had undergone transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Numerous observational studies have reported an association between the A blood group and an increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our objective was to investigate the frequency and clinical course of COVID-19 in a large sample of patients who had undergone TAVR and to determine the associations of the ABO blood group with disease occurrence and outcomes. Patients who had undergone TAVR between 2010 and 2019 were included in this study and followed-up through the recent COVID-19 outbreak. The occurrence and severity (hospitalization and/or death) of COVID-19 and their associations with the ABO blood group served as the main outcome measures. Of the 1125 patients who had undergone TAVR, 403 (36%) died before 1 January 2020, and 20 (1.8%) were lost to follow-up. The study sample therefore consisted of 702 patients. Of them, we identified 22 cases (3.1%) with COVID-19. Fourteen patients (63.6%) were hospitalized or died of disease. Multivariable analysis identified the A blood group (vs. others) as the only independent predictor of COVID-19 in patients who had undergone TAVR (odds ratio (OR) = 6.32; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.11−18.92; p = 0.001). The A blood group (vs. others; OR = 8.27; 95% CI = 1.83−37.43, p = 0.006) and a history of cancer (OR = 4.99; 95% CI = 1.64−15.27, p = 0.005) were significantly and independently associated with disease severity (hospitalization and/or death). We conclude that patients who have undergone TAVR frequently have a number of cardiovascular comorbidities that may work to increase the risk of COVID-19. The subgroup with the A blood group was especially prone to developing the disease and showed unfavorable outcomes.
Effectiveness of Active Therapy-Based Training to Improve the Balance in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Del-Moral-García María , Obrero-Gaitán Esteban , Rodríguez-Almagro Daniel , Rodríguez-Huguet Manuel , Osuna-Pérez María Catalina , Lomas-Vega Rafael
Published: November 2020

Balance impairment is a frequent disorder in patients with fibromyalgia (FMS), increasing the risk of falls and decreasing physical function and quality of life. In recent years, the use of active therapy-based training (ATBT) has increased, with the aim of improving balance in women with FMS. Our study aimed to assess the effect of ATBT to improve different balance outcomes in subjects with FMS. A systematic review with meta-analysis was carried out. We searched PubMed Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) databases up to September 2020. We included randomized controlled trials (RCT) that assessed the balance in patients with FMS after ATBT and compared to other treatments or no intervention. In a random-effects model, the standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to calculate the effect size. Ten studies were included in the review providing data from 546 FMS patients with a mean age of 52.41 ± 2.90 years old (98% females). Our results showed a medium effect favors ATBT with respect to other therapies for monopedal static balance (SMD = 0.571; 95% CI = 0.305, 0.836; p < 0.001), dynamic balance (SMD = 0.618; 95% CI = 0.348, 0.888; p < 0.001), and functional balance (SMD = 0.409; 95% CI = 0.044, 0.774; p = 0.028). No statistically significant differences were found for balance on unstable support. The present meta-analysis showed moderate-quality evidence of a medium effect of ATBT to improve dynamic and functional balance and low-quality evidence of a medium effect to improve monopedal static balance with respect to other therapies or no intervention.
Effectiveness and Safety of Topical Chlorhexidine and Vitamin E TPGS in the Treatment of Acanthamoeba Keratitis: A Survey on 29 Cases
Authors: Caruso Ciro , Eletto Daniela , Rinaldi Michele , Pacente Luigi , Troisi Salvatore , Semeraro Francesco , dell’Omo Roberto , Costagliola Ciro
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to test the effectiveness of a solution of chlorhexidine (CHX) and D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (Vitamin E TPGS or TPGS) in the treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) via a prospective, interventional case series study. Twenty-nine consecutive patients with AK were enrolled. At baseline, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit lamp examination, confocal microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed. Topical therapy with CHX 0.02% and VE-TPGS 0.2% was administered hourly/24 h for the first day, hourly in the daytime for the next three days, and finally, every two hours in the daytime up to one month. BCVA and ocular inflammation were recorded after two weeks, four weeks, and three months from baseline. Mean logMAR BCVA significantly improved at two weeks (0.78) compared to baseline (1.76), remaining stable over time (0.80 at four weeks, 0.77 at three months). Ocular inflammation improved in 14 eyes at 2 weeks, with further slow improvements in all cases. At three months, no patient had signs of corneal inflammation. The presence of corneal scars was first recorded at the two-week follow-up, with an enlargement at the four-week follow-up. At the three-month follow-up, 19 eyes still showed corneal opacities. In conclusion, the tested solution was shown to be effective for the treatment of AK. Furthermore, it might represent a good first-line treatment.
Automated CT Analysis of Major Forms of Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Crews Marlee S. , Bartholmai Brian J. , Adegunsoye Ayodeji , Oldham Justin M. , Montner Steven M. , Karwoski Ronald A. , Husain Aliya N. , Vij Rekha , Noth Imre , Strek Mary E. , Chung Jonathan H.
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to determine diagnostic and prognostic differences in major forms of interstitial lung disease using quantitative CT imaging. A retrospective study of 225 subjects with a multidisciplinary diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF), connective tissue disease (CTD), or chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (cHP) was conducted. Non-contrast CT scans were analyzed using the Computer Aided Lung Informatics for Pathology Evaluation and Rating (CALIPER) program. Resulting data were analyzed statistically using ANOVA and Student’s t-test. Univariate, multivariable, and receiver operating characteristic analyses were conducted on patient mortality data. CALIPER analysis of axial distribution on CT scans in those with IPF demonstrated greater peripheral volumes of reticulation than either CTD (p = 0.033) or cHP (p = 0.007). CTD showed lower peripheral ground-glass opacity than IPF (p = 0.005) and IPAF (p = 0.004). Statistical analysis of zonal distributions revealed reduced lower zone ground-glass opacity in cHP than IPF (p = 0.044) or IPAF (p = 0.018). Analysis of pulmonary vascular-related structure (VRS) volume by diagnosis indicated greater VRS volume in IPF compared to CTD (p = 0.003) and cHP (p = 0.003) as well as in IPAF compared to CTD (p = 0.007) and cHP (p = 0.007). Increased reticulation (p = 0.043) and ground glass opacity (p = 0.032) were predictive of mortality on univariate analysis. Increased pulmonary VRS volume was predictive of mortality (p < 0.001) even after multivariate analysis (p = 0.041). Quantitative CT imaging revealed significant differences between ILD diagnoses in specific CT findings in axial and, to a lesser degree, zonal distributions. Increased pulmonary VRS volume seems to be associated with both diagnosis and survival.
Drug Repurposing Approaches to Combating Viral Infections
Authors: Trivedi Jay , Mohan Mahesh , Byrareddy Siddappa N.
Published: November 2020

Development of novel antiviral molecules from the beginning costs an average of $350 million to $2 billion per drug, and the journey from the laboratory to the clinic takes about 10–15 years. Utilization of drug repurposing approaches has generated substantial interest in order to overcome these drawbacks. A drastic reduction in the failure rate, which otherwise is ~92%, is achieved with the drug repurposing approach. The recent exploration of the drug repurposing approach to combat the COVID-19 pandemic has further validated the fact that it is more beneficial to reinvestigate the in-practice drugs for a new application instead of designing novel drugs. The first successful example of drug repurposing is zidovudine (AZT), which was developed as an anti-cancer agent in the 1960s and was later approved by the US FDA as an anti-HIV therapeutic drug in the late 1980s after fast track clinical trials. Since that time, the drug repurposing approach has been successfully utilized to develop effective therapeutic strategies against a plethora of diseases. Hence, an extensive application of the drug repurposing approach will not only help to fight the current pandemics more efficiently but also predict and prepare for newly emerging viral infections. In this review, we discuss in detail the drug repurposing approach and its advancements related to viral infections such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
AL Amyloidosis: The Effect of Maintenance Therapy on Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation Outcomes
Authors: Ozga Michael , Zhao Qiuhong , Benson Don , Elder Patrick , Williams Nita , Bumma Naresh , Rosko Ashley , Chaudhry Maria , Khan Abdullah , Devarakonda Srinivas , Kahwash Rami , Vallakati Ajay , Campbell Courtney , Parikh Samir V. , Almaani Salem , Prosek Jason , Bittengle Jordan , Pfund Katherine , LoRusso Samantha , Freimer Miriam , Redder Elyse , Efebera Yvonne , Sharma Nidhi
Published: November 2020

Background: Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains an effective treatment option for many patients with systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis. While maintenance post ASCT in multiple myeloma is now standard, the decision to utilize maintenance in AL amyloidosis remains largely unexplored. The present study aims to determine the prognostic significance of utilizing maintenance therapy following ASCT and assess the impact of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) abnormalities, bone marrow plasma cell burden (BMPC), and degree of organ involvement on this decision. Methods and results: This is a retrospective analysis of fifty AL amyloidosis patients who underwent ASCT at The Ohio State University. Twenty-eight patients received maintenance and twenty-two did not. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to compare the effect of maintenance therapy with no significant difference in PFS (p = 0.66) and OS (p = 0.32) between the two groups. There was no difference in survival based on maintenance when further categorized by FISH, PFS (p = 0.15), and OS (p = 0.65); BMPC ≥ 10%, PFS (p = 0.49), and OS (p = 0.32); or with 2 or more organs involved, PFS (p = 0.34) and OS (p = 0.80). Conclusion: Maintenance therapy post ASCT did not impact PFS or OS when categorized by FISH abnormalities, increasing BMPC, or ≥2 organs involved in AL amyloidosis patients.
Factors Associated with the Remission of Type 1 Diastolic Dysfunction after Dapagliflozin Treatment in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Braha Adina , Albai Alin , Timar Romulus , Diaconu Laura , Vasiluță Lucian , Cipu Daniela , Timar Bogdan , Sima Alexandra
Published: November 2020

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease and heart failure (HF), both with preserved and reduced ejection fraction of the left ventricle. Previous research demonstrated that dapagliflozin treatment is associated with the remission of type 1 diastolic dysfunction (DD1) in patients with T2DM. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the possible baseline predictors associated with the remission of DD1 in patients with T2D after one year of dapagliflozin treatment. In this prospective and observational study, 45 patients with T2DM were evaluated before and after one year of treatment with 10 mg dapagliflozin daily added to their background therapy. In the studied group, 73.3% (33/45) of the patients had DD1 at baseline. The primary outcome of this research was DD1 remission. DD1 remission was associated with improvement of liver stiffness, an increase in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and a decrease in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Independent predictors for the remission of DD1 were a more than 0.4 kPa difference in the initial stiffness score and the 1-year assessment fibrosis score and a duration of diabetes ≤8 years. Age, body mass index (BMI), or patient weight after one year did not influence the DD1 outcome. Patients with a T2DM duration of less than eight years have the additional benefit of DD1 remission associated with dapagliflozin treatment beyond the conventional benefits such as improvements in glycemic control, cardiovascular, renal, and hepatic risk reductions. In patients with T2DM, the remission of DD1 was associated with decrease of liver stiffness.
The Predictive Value of Low Skeletal Muscle Mass Assessed on Cross-Sectional Imaging for Anti-Cancer Drug Toxicity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huiskamp Laura F. J. , Chargi Najiba , Devriese Lot A. , May Anne M. , Huitema Alwin D. R. , de Bree Remco
Published: November 2020

Low skeletal muscle mass (LSMM) is increasingly recognized for its predictive value for adverse events in cancer patients. In specific, the predictive value of LSMM has been demonstrated for anti-cancer drug toxicity in a variety of cancer types and anti-cancer drugs. However, due to the limited sample size and study populations focused on a single cancer type, an overall predictive value of LSMM for anti-cancer drug toxicity remains unknown. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the predictive value of LSMM and perform a meta-analysis to analyse the overall effect. A systematic search was conducted of MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane. Inclusion criteria were skeletal muscle mass (SMM) evaluated with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), articles published in English, SMM studied in humans, SMM measurement normalized for height, and patients did not receive an intervention to treat or prevent LSMM. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model and expressed in odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed using χ2 and I2 statistics. The search yielded 907 studies. 31 studies were included in the systematic review. Sample sizes ranged from 21 to 414 patients. The occurrence of LSMM ranged from 12.2% to 89.0%. The most frequently studied cancer types were oesophageal, renal, colorectal, breast, and head and neck cancer. Patients with LSMM had a higher risk of severe toxicity (OR 4.08; 95% CI 2.48–6.70; p < 0.001) and dose-limiting toxicity (OR 2.24; 95% CI 1.28–3.92; p < 0.001) compared to patients without LSMM. To conclude, the predictive value of LSMM for anti-cancer drug toxicity can be observed across cancer types. This information increases the need for further research into interventions that could treat LSMM as well as the possibility to adapt treatment regimens based on the presence of LSMM.
Psychological and Emotional Impact of Patients Living in Psychiatric Treatment Communities during Covid-19 Lockdown in Italy
Authors: Burrai Jessica , Roma Paolo , Barchielli Benedetta , Biondi Silvia , Cordellieri Pierluigi , Fraschetti Angelo , Pizzimenti Alessia , Mazza Cristina , Ferracuti Stefano , Giannini Anna Maria
Published: November 2020

Most studies on well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic have focused on the mental health of the general population; far less attention has been given to more specific populations, such as patients with mental illness. Indeed, it is important to examine the psychiatric population, given its vulnerability. The present study aimed at assessing the psychological and emotional impact of isolation on patients in Residential Rehabilitation Communities, compared to healthy controls. A questionnaire was administered cross-sectionally on an online survey platform and both psychiatric patients and healthy controls accessed via a designed link. The results showed significant differences between psychiatric patients and controls on Anxiety, Stress, Worry, and Risk Perception variables. Psychiatric patients scored lower on Stress compared to healthy controls and higher on Anxiety, Perceived Risk of getting infected with COVID-19 and Worry about the emergency situation. The results showed that, during the Italian lockdown, psychiatric patients living in residential communities received unbroken support from peers and mental health professionals, maintained their usual medication treatment, and were informed of COVID-19 consequences. This finding provides insight into the differences between residential and healthy populations and highlights the importance of continuous support for psychiatric patients, especially during stressful situations such as a pandemic.
Changes in the Use of Fresh-Frozen Plasma Transfusions in Preterm Neonates: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Houben Nina A. M. , Heeger Lisanne E. , Stanworth Simon J. , New Helen V. , van der Bom Johanna G. , Fustolo-Gunnink Suzanne , Lopriore Enrico
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the use of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) transfusions and the use of clotting tests in preterm neonates in our center over the past two decades. In this retrospective cohort analysis, we included all consecutive neonates with a gestational age at birth between 24 + 0 and 31 + 6 weeks admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between 2004 and 2019. We divided all included neonates into three consecutive time epochs according to date of birth: January 2004 to April 2009, May 2009 to August 2014 and September 2014 to December 2019. The main outcomes were the use of FFP transfusion, coagulation testing and the indications for FFP transfusion. The percentage of preterm neonates receiving FFP transfusion decreased from 5.7% (47/824) to 3.7% (30/901) to 2.0% (17/852) from the first epoch to the last epoch (p < 0.001). Additionally, the rate of neonates undergoing coagulation testing decreased from 24.3% (200/824) to 14.5% (131/901) to 8% (68/852) over the epochs (p < 0.001). Most FFP transfusions were prescribed prophylactically based on prolongation of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) or prothrombin time (PT) (56%). In conclusion, both the use of FFP transfusions and the use of coagulation tests decreased significantly over the years. The majority of the FFP transfusions were administrated prophylactically for abnormal coagulation tests.
Performance of Composite Metal Foam Armors against Various Threat Sizes
Authors: Marx Jacob , Portanova Marc , Rabiei Afsaneh
Published: November 2020

The ballistic capabilities of composite metal foam (CMF) armors were experimentally tested against a 14.5 × 114 mm B32 armor-piercing incendiary (API) and compared to various sizes of armor-piercing (AP) ballistic threats, ranging from a 7.62 to 12.7 mm. Three different arrangements of layered hard armors were designed and manufactured using ceramic faceplates (in one layer, two layers or multiple tiles), a combination of ceramic and steel face sheets, with a single-layered CMF core, and a thin aluminum backing. The performance of various CMF armor designs against the 14.5 mm rounds are compared to each other and to the performance of the rolled homogeneous armor standard to identify the most efficient design for further investigations. The percentage of kinetic energy absorbed by the CMF layer in various armor arrangements and in tests against various threat sizes was calculated and compared. It appears that the larger the threat size, the more efficient the CMF layer will be due to a greater number of hollow metal spheres that are engaged in absorbing the impact energy. The results from this study will help to model and predict the performance of CMF armors against various threat sizes and impact energies.
Bacterial Interactions with Dental and Medical Materials
Authors: Melo Mary Anne
Published: November 2020

Fundamental scientific understanding of oral diseases associated with tissue-contacting dental and medical devices is primordial to facilitate pathways for their translation to clinical use [...]
Numerical Assessment of Onshore Wave Energy in France: Wave Energy, Conversion and Cost
Authors: Sergent Philippe , Baudry Virginie , Bonviller Arnaud De , Michard Bertrand , Dugor Jérémy
Published: November 2020

There are few general analyses of the interest of onshore wave energy converters (onshore WEC) in terms of resources, efficiency and cost. The case of The Channel on the Atlantic coast of France is chosen here to illustrate the issues related to onshore WEC development. The paper presents a list of potential sites with their characteristics and a more in-depth analysis of a few sites. For four onshore WEC families, the production is given with a method of calculating the efficiency and economic analysis is carried out to estimate the energy cost at two selected sites. Annual wave power levels are maximum in Bayonne with 24 kW/m, and the lengths of useful dikes vary from 60 m in Molène up to 4000 m in Cherbourg. Wave reflection on the dike is an advantage in terms of energy production. The oscillating flaps constitute the systems with the highest efficiency, and the float systems have the lowest levelized cost of energy (LCoE), followed closely by the oscillating flaps. Oscillating water columns and overtopping systems have nearly five times these LCoEs. With mass production, costs of oscillating floats and flaps will approach those of other renewable energies such as solar and wind power.
Revisiting Vertical Land Motion and Sea Level Trends in the Northeastern Adriatic Sea Using Satellite Altimetry and Tide Gauge Data
Authors: De Biasio Francesco , Baldin Giorgio , Vignudelli Stefano
Published: November 2020

We propose a revisited approach to estimating sea level change trends based on the integration of two measuring systems: satellite altimetry and tide gauge (TG) time series of absolute and relative sea level height. Quantitative information on vertical crustal motion trends at six TG stations of the Adriatic Sea are derived by solving a constrained linear inverse problem. The results are verified against Global Positioning System (GPS) estimates at some locations. Constraints on the linear problem are represented by estimates of relative vertical land motion between TG couples. The solution of the linear inverse problem is valid as long as the same rates of absolute sea level rise are observed at the TG stations used to constrain the system. This requirement limits the applicability of the method with variable absolute sea level trends. The novelty of this study is that we tried to overcome such limitations, subtracting the absolute sea level change estimates observed by the altimeter from all relevant time series, but retaining the original short-term variability and associated errors. The vertical land motion (VLM) solution is compared to GPS estimates at three of the six TGs. The results show that there is reasonable agreement between the VLM rates derived from altimetry and TGs, and from GPS, considering the different periods used for the processing of VLM estimates from GPS. The solution found for the VLM rates is optimal in the least square sense, and no longer depends on the altimetric absolute sea level trend at the TGs. Values for the six TGs’ location in the Adriatic Sea during the period 1993–2018 vary from −1.41 ± 0.47 mm y−1 (National Research Council offshore oceanographic tower in Venice) to 0.93 ± 0.37 mm y−1 (Rovinj), while GPS solutions range from −1.59 ± 0.65 (Venice) to 0.10 ± 0.64 (Split) mm y−1. The absolute sea level rise, calculated as the sum of relative sea level change rate at the TGs and the VLM values estimated in this study, has a mean of 2.43 mm y−1 in the period 1974–2018 across the six TGs, a mean standard error of 0.80 mm y−1, and a sample dispersion of 0.18 mm y−1.
A Study on Enhancement of Fish Recognition Using Cumulative Mean of YOLO Network in Underwater Video Images
Authors: Park Jin-Hyun , Kang Changgu
Published: November 2020

In the underwater environment, in order to preserve rare and endangered objects or to eliminate the exotic invasive species that can destroy the ecosystems, it is essential to classify objects and estimate their number. It is very difficult to classify objects and estimate their number. While YOLO shows excellent performance in object recognition, it recognizes objects by processing the images of each frame independently of each other. By accumulating the object classification results from the past frames to the current frame, we propose a method to accurately classify objects, and count their number in sequential video images. This has a high classification probability of 93.94% and 97.06% in the test videos of Bluegill and Largemouth bass, respectively. The proposed method shows very good classification performance in video images taken of the underwater environment.
Epidemiology and Diagnostic Perspectives of Dermatophytoses
Authors: Petrucelli Monise Fazolin , Abreu Mariana Heinzen de , Cantelli Bruna Aline Michelotto , Segura Gabriela Gonzalez , Nishimura Felipe Garcia , Bitencourt Tamires Aparecida , Marins Mozart , Fachin Ana Lúcia
Published: November 2020

Dermatophytoses affect about 25% of the world population, and the filamentous fungus Trichophyton rubrum is the main causative agent of this group of diseases. Dermatomycoses are caused by pathogenic fungi that generally trigger superficial infections and that feed on keratinized substrates such as skin, hair, and nails. However, there are an increasing number of reports describing dermatophytes that invade deep layers such as the dermis and hypodermis and that can cause deep infections in diabetic and immunocompromised patients, as well as in individuals with immunodeficiency. Despite the high incidence and importance of dermatophytes in clinical mycology, the diagnosis of this type of infection is not always accurate. The conventional methods most commonly used for mycological diagnosis are based on the identification of microbiological and biochemical features. However, in view of the limitations of these conventional methods, molecular diagnostic techniques are increasingly being used because of their higher sensitivity, specificity and rapidity and have become more accessible. The most widely used molecular techniques are conventional PCR, quantitative PCR, multiplex PCR, nested, PCR, PCR-RFLP, and PCR-ELISA. Another promising technique for the identification of microorganisms is the analysis of protein profiles by MALDI-TOF MS. Molecular techniques are promising but it is necessary to improve the quality and availability of the information in genomic and proteomic databases in order to streamline the use of bioinformatics in the identification of dermatophytes of clinical interest.
Observations of, and Insights into, Cystic Fibrosis Mucus Heterogeneity in the Pre-Modulator Era: Sputum Characteristics, DNA and Glycoprotein Content, and Solubilization Time
Authors: Chance Deborah L. , Mawhinney Thomas P.
Published: November 2020

Airway obstruction with chronic inflammation and infection are major contributors to the lung damage and mortality of cystic fibrosis (CF). A better understanding of the congested milieu of CF airways will aid in improving therapeutic strategies. This article retrospectively reports our observations, and discusses insights gained in the handling and analysis of CF sputa. CF and non-CF mucus samples were surveyed for morphological features by electron microscopy and analyzed for the macromolecular dry weight (MDW), total protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and DNA. Mucus character was investigated with chemical solubilization time as a comparative tool. CF mucus appeared distinctly thick, viscous, and heterogeneous, with neutrophils as the dominant immune cell. CF sputum DNA content varied markedly for and between individuals (~1–10% MDW), as did solubilization times (~1–20 h). CF Sputum DNA up to 7.1% MDW correlated positively with solubilization time, whereas DNA >7.1% MDW correlated negatively. 3D analysis of CF sputa DNA, GP, and solubilization times revealed a dynamic and predictive relationship. Reflecting on the heterogeneous content and character of CF mucus, and the possible interplay in space and time in the respiratory tract of polymeric DNA and mucous glycoproteins, we highlight it’s potential to affect infection-related airway pathologies and the success of therapeutic interventions.
Global FDI Inflow and Its Implication across Economic Income Groups
Authors: Joshua Udi , Rotimi Mathew Ekundayo , Sarkodie Samuel Asumadu
Published: November 2020

Foreign direct investment (FDI) as a driver of growth is important in today’s globalized economy. It is extremely difficult for economies to grow sustainably without economic interactions outside their borders. However, there has been a debate on the impact of FDI inflow on economic expansion. Hence, this study investigated the influence of FDI on economic growth for a selection of 200 economies around the world for the period 1990–2018. We subdivided the sample into World Bank income group clusters to aid comparison across income blocs. The study employed panel estimation techniques including pooled ordinary least squares (POLS), dynamic panel estimation with fixed-effects and random-effects and generalized method of moments (GMM). The study found that FDI, debt stock and official development assistance are promoters of growth in the selected countries—although debt stock weakly impacts economic growth. In contrast, trade openness and exchange rates had a mixed (negative and positive) influence on economic growth. The study suggests that the creation of a conducive business environment and economic policies will attract FDI inflows. Additionally, borrowing from external sources could be minimized despite its perceived positive influence on growth to achieve financial independence.
A Clustering-Driven Approach to Predict the Traffic Load of Mobile Networks for the Analysis of Base Stations Deployment
Authors: Mahdy Basma , Abbas Hazem , Hassanein Hossam , Noureldin Aboelmagd , Abou-zeid Hatem
Published: November 2020

Mobile network traffic is increasing in an unprecedented manner, resulting in growing demand from network operators to deploy more base stations able to serve more devices while maintaining a satisfactory level of service quality. Base stations are considered the leading energy consumer in network infrastructure; consequently, increasing the number of base stations will increase power consumption. By predicting the traffic load on base stations, network optimization techniques can be applied to decrease energy consumption. This research explores different machine learning and statistical methods capable of predicting traffic load on base stations. These methods are examined on a public dataset that provides records of traffic loads of several base stations over the span of one week. Because of the limited number of records in the dataset for each base station, different base stations are grouped while building the prediction model. Due to the different behavior of the base stations, forecasting the traffic load of multiple base stations together becomes challenging. The proposed solution involves clustering the base stations according to their behavior and forecasting the load on the base stations in each cluster individually. Clustering the time series data according to their behavior mitigates the dissimilar behavior problem of the time series when they are trained together. Our findings demonstrate that predictions based on deep recurrent neural networks perform better than other forecasting techniques.
Publisher’s Note: Continued Publication of Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research by MDPI
Authors: Vicario Unai
Published: November 2020

The Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research (JTAER) was launched in 2006 and published over the past fourteen years by the University of Talca [...]
Improving the Effectiveness of Anti-Piracy Educational Deterrence Efforts: The Role of Message Frame, Issue Involvement, Risk Perception, and Message Evidence on Perceived Message Effectiveness
Authors: Jeong Bong Keun , Yoon Tom , Khan Sarah S.
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study is to explore methods to improve the effectiveness of anti-piracy educational deterrence efforts. We studied the effects of message framing (positive vs. negative), issue involvement (high vs. low), risk perception (high vs. low), and message evidence (anecdotal vs. statistical) on the perceived effectiveness of an anti-piracy campaign message. Our experimental results suggest that message frame alone does not have an impact on perceived message effectiveness. However, the effect of message framing is moderated by issue involvement, risk perception, and message evidence. Specifically, a positively framed message is more effective for individuals with low issue involvement, high perceived piracy risk, and who are exposed to anecdotal evidence. In contrast, a negatively framed message is more effective for individuals with high involvement, low risk, and who are exposed to statistical evidence.