bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Analysis of Reinforcement Rust in Cement under Corrosive Environment
Authors: Li Xiaozhen , Wang Hui , Wang Jianmin , Liu Junzhe
Published: February 2021

In this work, the microstructure characteristics of corrosion products of reinforcement under a corrosive environment with chloride, carbonation and the combination of chloride-carbonization were studied by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy/energy spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The results indicate that the outside of the passivation film reacts with the cement slurry to produce Fe–SiO4 in all three corrosive environments. The inner side is not completely corroded. The morphology of the corrosion is different in the three environments. In a chloride environment, corrosion products have obvious cracks, and the local layered structure is dense. In a carbonation environment, the surface of the steel corrosion shows a uniform granular structure and loose texture. With the combination of chloride and combination, the surface of the structural layer of steel corrosion was uneven and accompanied by protrusions, cracking and spalling occurred. The composition of the corrosion substances in the three corrosion environments are mainly composed of FeO, Fe3O4, Fe2O3 and Fe–SiO4. The content of iron oxide increases from a chloride salt, carbonization to the composite environment, indicating that the corrosion degree intensifies successively.
Influence of Habitat on Presence of Striped Skunks in Midwestern North America
Authors: Amspacher Katelyn , Jiménez F. Agustín , Nielsen Clayton
Published: February 2021

Striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) are urban-adapted, generalist mesocarnivores widely distributed throughout North America. Although striped skunks have been studied extensively at small scales, knowledge of habitat influences on striped skunks at large scales is lacking. We developed a species distribution model (SDM) to examine potential striped skunk presence in a 16,058 km2 portion of southern Illinois, USA. We built models using SDM Toolbox and MaxEnt, and incorporated known presence locations, 1 km2 land cover data, and an index of human modification of the landscape. Land cover and human modification explained 98% and 2% of variation in our model, respectively. The highest presence of striped skunks existed in areas with forest cover and developed open space with moderate human modification. The striped skunk presence was lowest in areas with cultivated crops and woody wetlands with either low or high human modification. Forest cover provides natural food and shelter resources for striped skunks, but resources are likely augmented by human activity in developed open space. Cultivated crops only provide seasonal resources, and inundation limits denning in wooded wetlands. Our model indicated striped skunks are a synanthropic species that regularly inhabits both natural and anthropogenic habitats over a large scale.
Wavy Floating Greater Omentum Findings Are Useful for Differentiating the Etiology of Fetal Ascites
Authors: Iizuka Takashi , Ono Masanori , Yamazaki Rena , Kagami Kyosuke , Mitani Yusuke , Sakai Seisho , Fujiwara Hiroshi
Published: February 2021

The greater omentum is an apron-like peritoneal mesothelial sheet that was described by ultrasound as a floating fluid-filled viscus in ascites during the fetal period. To examine the association between the etiology of fetal ascites and ultrasound findings of the greater omentum, a retrospective study was conducted. Ultrasound findings of fetal omentum were defined as follows: (1) a cyst-like shape with a thin membrane observed as wavy in the ascites, (2) beside the stomach and below the liver, and (3) no blood flow noted on color Doppler. Eleven pregnancies had fetal ascites. A fetal greater omentum was confirmed in eight cases in which ascites were caused by non-peritonitis: fetal hydrops (n = 4), congenital cytomegalovirus infection (n = 2), idiopathic chylous ascites (n = 1), and unknown cause (n = 1). Of these eight cases, no abdominal surgical management was required in three live babies. However, a fetal greater omentum was not confirmed in all three cases of meconium peritonitis. It was suggested that the finding of the greater omentum can be an important clue for estimating the pathophysiological etiology of fetal ascites and helping with postnatal management. It should be reasonable to add the finding of the greater omentum to the detailed ultrasound examination checklist.
Pulmonary Histoplasmosis Mimicking Metastatic Lung Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Ruegg Gion , Zimmerli Stefan , Trachsel Maria , Berezowska Sabina , Engelbrecht Swantje , Martin Yonas , Perrig Martin
Published: February 2021

Histoplasmosis is a well-known endemic fungal infection but experience in non-endemic regions is often limited, which may lead to delayed diagnosis and extensive testing. The diagnosis can be especially challenging, typically when the disease first presents with pulmonary nodules accompanied by hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, suggesting a much more common malignant disease. In this situation, a greater FDG uptake in draining lymph nodes in comparison with the associated lung nodule seen in [18F]FDG-PET/CT, the so-called “flip-flop fungus” sign, can help to orientate further diagnostic measures. We report a case of a 56-year-old woman living in Switzerland, a non-endemic region, whose diagnosis of imported histoplasmosis was delayed since the findings had been initially misinterpreted as pulmonary malignancy. Further, histological workup was inconclusive due to lack of specific fungal staining, leading to ineffective treatment and non-resolving disease. This paper intends to highlight the pitfalls in diagnosing Histoplasma capsulatum and presents images of particularities of fungal infections in [18F]FDG-PET/CT, which in our case showed a “flip-flop fungus” sign.
Analyses of the Relation between BPPV and Thyroid Diseases: A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Choi Hyo Geun , Song Young Shin , Wee Jee Hye , Min Chanyang , Yoo Dae Myoung , Kim So Young
Published: February 2021

Background: This study investigated relationship between multiple thyroid disorders and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), adjusting for levothyroxine medication. Methods: The Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort data from 2002 to 2015 were used. A total of 19,071 patients with BPPV were matched with 76,284 participants of a control group in a ratio of 1:4 for age, sex, income, and region of residence. The previous histories of thyroid disorders such as goiter, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune thyroiditis were investigated in both the BPPV and control groups. The odds ratios (ORs) for BPPV in thyroid diseases were calculated using conditional logistic regression analyses. Results: The histories of goiter (5.5% vs. 4.1%), hypothyroidism (4.7% vs. 3.7%), thyroiditis (2.1% vs. 1.6%), and hyperthyroidism (3.1% vs. 2.5%) were higher in the BPPV group than in the control group (all p < 0.001). Goiter, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, and hyperthyroidism were associated with BPPV (adjusted OR = 1.28 (95% CI = 1.17–1.39) for goiter, 1.23 (95% CI = 1.10–1.37) for hypothyroidism, 1.13 (95% CI = 1.02–1.26) for hyperthyroidism, each p < 0.05). Conclusions: BPPV was associated with thyroid disorders such as goiter, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, and hyperthyroidism.
Pyonephrosis Ultrasound and Computed Tomography Features: A Pictorial Review
Authors: Tamburrini Stefania , Lugarà Marina , Iannuzzi Michele , Cesaro Edoardo , De Simone Fiore , Del Biondo Dario , Toto Roberta , Iulia Dora , Marrone Valeria , Faella Pierluigi , Liguori Carlo , Marano Ines
Published: February 2021

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most frequent community-acquired and healthcare-associated bacterial infections. UTIs are heterogeneous and range from rather benign, uncomplicated infections to complicated UTIs (cUTIs), pyelonephritis and severe urosepsis, depending mostly on the host response. Ultrasound and computed tomography represent the imaging processes of choice in the diagnosis and staging of the pathology in emergency settings. The aim of this study is to describe the common ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) features of pyonephrosis. US can make the diagnosis, demonstrating echogenic debris, fluid/fluid levels, and air in the collecting system. Although the diagnosis appears to be easily made with US, CT is necessary in non-diagnostic US examinations to confirm the diagnosis, to demonstrate the cause and moreover to stage the pathology, defining extrarenal complications. In emergency settings, US and CT are differently used in the diagnosis and staging of pyonephrosis.
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) Plasma Concentration in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Bleilevens Christian , Soppert Josefin , Hoffmann Adrian , Breuer Thomas , Bernhagen Jürgen , Martin Lukas , Stiehler Lara , Marx Gernot , Dreher Michael , Stoppe Christian , Simon Tim-Philipp
Published: February 2021

Mortality in critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients is high and pharmacological treatment strategies remain limited. Early-stage predictive biomarkers are needed to identify patients with a high risk of severe clinical courses and to stratify treatment strategies. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) was previously described as a potential predictor for the outcome of critically ill patients and for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a hallmark of severe COVID-19 disease. This prospective observational study evaluates the predictive potential of MIF for the clinical outcome after severe COVID-19 infection. Plasma MIF concentrations were measured in 36 mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients over three days after intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Increased compared to decreased MIF was significantly associated with aggravated organ function and a significantly lower 28-day survival (sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score; 8.2 ± 4.5 to 14.3 ± 3, p = 0.009 vs. 8.9 ± 1.9 to 12 ± 2, p = 0.296; survival: 56% vs. 93%; p = 0.003). Arterial hypertension was the predominant comorbidity in 85% of patients with increasing MIF concentrations (vs. decreasing MIF: 39%; p = 0.015). Without reaching significance, more patients with decreasing MIF were able to improve their ARDS status (p = 0.142). The identified association between an early MIF response, aggravation of organ function and 28-day survival may open future perspectives for biomarker-based diagnostic approaches for ICU management of COVID-19 patients.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of 68Ga DOTA-TATE PET/CT, 111In-Pentetreotide SPECT/CT and CT for Diagnostic Workup of Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Froelich Matthias Frank , Schnitzer Moritz Ludwig , Holzgreve Adrien , Gassert Felix Gerhard , Gresser Eva , Overhoff Daniel , Schwarze Vincent , Fabritius Matthias Philipp , Nörenberg Dominik , von Münchhausen Niklas , Hokamp Nils Große , Auernhammer Christoph J. , Ilhan Harun , Todica Andrei , Rübenthaler Johannes
Published: February 2021

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are relatively rare neoplasms arising from the hormone-producing neuroendocrine system that can occur in various organs such as pancreas, small bowel, stomach and lung. As the majority of these tumors express somatostatin receptors (SSR) on their cell membrane, utilization of SSR analogs in nuclear medicine is a promising, but relatively costly approach for detection and localization. The aim of this study was to analyze the cost-effectiveness of 68Ga-DOTA-TATE PET/CT (Gallium-68 DOTA-TATE Positron emission tomography/computed tomography) compared to 111In-pentetreotide SPECT/CT (Indium-111 pentetreotide Single Photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography) and to CT (computed tomography) alone in detection of NETs. A decision model on the basis of Markov simulations evaluated lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) related to either a CT, SPECT/CT or PET/CT. Model input parameters were obtained from publicized research projects. The analysis is grounded on the US healthcare system. Deterministic sensitivity analysis of diagnostic parameters and probabilistic sensitivity analysis predicated on a Monte Carlo simulation with 30,000 reiterations was executed. The willingness-to-pay (WTP) was determined to be $ 100,000/QALY. In the base-case investigation, PET/CT ended up with total costs of $88,003.07 with an efficacy of 4.179, whereas CT ended up with total costs of $88,894.71 with an efficacy of 4.165. SPECT/CT ended up with total costs of $89,973.34 with an efficacy of 4.158. Therefore, the strategies CT and SPECT/CT were dominated by PET/CT in the base-case scenario. In the sensitivity analyses, PET/CT remained a cost-effective strategy. This result was due to reduced therapy costs of timely detection. The additional costs of 68Ga-DOTA-TATE PET/CT when compared to CT alone are justified in the light of potential savings in therapy costs and better outcomes.
Performance and Phenotypic Stability of Norway Spruce Provenances, Families, and Clones Growing under Diverse Climatic Conditions in Four Nordic Countries
Authors: Skrøppa Tore , Steffenrem Arne
Published: February 2021

Genetic variation and phenotypic stability in Norway spruce were studied based on provenances, families, and clones planted in trials at 12 sites in four Nordic countries. The families were generated in a factorial cross between 10 parents of Norwegian origin and 10 parents of Eastern European origin, and the clones were propagated from seedlings within 20 of the same families. Traits analyzed were survival, proportion of trees with stem defects, and tree heights. Stability was analyzed by regression analyses with the genetic entries’ annual shoot increment as the dependent variable and the total site mean as an environmental index. Information about growth and phenology traits were available from short-term tests. For tree heights, significant variance components were present both among female and male parents, but not for their interactions, indicating that non-additive genetic effects are small. Genotype × environment interactions were significant at all three genetic levels, but their variance components had considerably lower values than the variance components estimated for the effects of families and clones. For the set of families of Norwegian origin, strong relationships were observed between the timing of annual shot elongation, mortality, and height growth. Large variation was found at all three genetic levels for phenotypic stability measured by regression coefficients. A positive relationship was present between the regression coefficient and the timing of annual shoot growth for families, indicating that later flushing families responded more to a high site index. The regression coefficient can be a useful supplement to the breeding value when selecting for superior and stable genotypes.
Semantic Task Planning for Service Robots in Open Worlds
Authors: Cui Guowei , Shuai Wei , Chen Xiaoping
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a planning system based on semantic reasoning for a general-purpose service robot, which is aimed at behaving more intelligently in domains that contain incomplete information, under-specified goals, and dynamic changes. First, Two kinds of data are generated by Natural Language Processing module from the speech: (i) action frames and their relationships; (ii) the modifier used to indicate some property or characteristic of a variable in the action frame. Next, the task’s goals are generated from these action frames and modifiers. These goals are represented as AI symbols, combining world state and domain knowledge, which are used to generate plans by an Answer Set Programming solver. Finally, the plan’s actions are executed one by one, and continuous sensing grounds useful information, which makes the robot use contingent knowledge to adapt to dynamic changes and faults. For each action in the plan, the planner gets its preconditions and effects from domain knowledge, so during the execution of the task, the environmental changes, especially those conflict with the actions, not only the action being performed but also the subsequent actions, can be detected and handled as early as possible. A series of case studies are used to evaluate the system and verify its ability to acquire knowledge through dialogue with users, solve problems with the acquired causal knowledge, and plan for complex tasks autonomously in the open world.
Molecular Biomarkers for Contemporary Therapies in Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Freelander Allegra , Brown Lauren J. , Parker Andrew , Segara Davendra , Portman Neil , Lau Brandon , Lim Elgene
Published: February 2021

Systemic treatment of hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer is undergoing a renaissance, with a number of targeted therapies including CDK4/6, mTOR, and PI3K inhibitors now approved for use in combination with endocrine therapies. The increased use of targeted therapies has changed the natural history of HR+ breast cancers, with the emergence of new escape mechanisms leading to the inevitable progression of disease in patients with advanced cancers. The identification of new predictive and pharmacodynamic biomarkers to current standard-of-care therapies and discovery of new therapies is an evolving and urgent clinical challenge in this setting. While traditional, routinely measured biomarkers such as estrogen receptors (ERs), progesterone receptors (PRs), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) still represent the best prognostic and predictive biomarkers for HR+ breast cancer, a significant proportion of patients either do not respond to endocrine therapy or develop endocrine resistant disease. Genomic tests have emerged as a useful adjunct prognostication tool and guide the addition of chemotherapy to endocrine therapy. In the treatment-resistant setting, mutational profiling has been used to identify ESR1, PIK3CA, and AKT mutations as predictive molecular biomarkers to newer therapies. Additionally, pharmacodynamic biomarkers are being increasingly used and considered in the metastatic setting. In this review, we summarise the current state-of-the-art therapies; prognostic, predictive, and pharmacodynamic molecular biomarkers; and how these are impacted by emerging therapies for HR+ breast cancer.
Assessment of the Thyroid Functions among Female Flight Attendants
Authors: Radowicka Małgorzata , Madej Anna , Pietrzak Bronisława , Wielgoś Mirosław
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Epidemiological observations indicate that stewardesses are exposed to reproductive and endocrine system disturbances. The aim of the study was to assess of thyroid function disturbances as well as to identify factors affecting the thyroid function among stewardesses working both within one time zone and on long-distance flights. Material and methods: The cross-sectional study covered 103 women aged 23–46. The study group (I) was divided into two subgroups: group Ia comprising stewardesses flying within one flight zone and group Ib stewardesses working on long-distance flights. The control group (II) were women of reproductive age who sought medical assistance due to marital infertility in whom the male factor was found to be responsible for problems with conception in the course of the diagnostic process. The assessment included: age, BMI, menstrual cycle regularity, length of work, frequency of flying, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration, level of free thyroxine (fT4), antibodies to thyroglobulin (aTG) and to thyroperoxidase (aTPO), prolactin concentration, sex hormone binding globulin (SHGB) concentration, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) fraction. Descriptive methods and inferential statistics methods were used to compile the data. Results: The difference between the concentrations of TSH in the study group (2.59 mcIU/mL) and the control group (1.52 mcIU/mL) was statistically significant (p < 0.01). An elevated titer of thyroid antibodies (aTPO and/or aTG) was revealed in 46.3% of stewardesses and in 15.1% of patients from the control group (p < 0.001). Groups Ia and Ib in individual concentrations were not statistically significant. The frequency of occurrence of an elevated titer of thyroid antibodies depended on the length of work in the study group (p > 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in patients spending up to 60 h a month flying and in patients spending more than 60 h flying, the percentage of the occurrence of thyroid antibodies was 50% and 43.5, respectively. Conclusions: The occurrence in stewardesses of a higher TSH concentration than in the control group can signify that stewardesses are burdened with a higher risk of the development of hypothyroidism in the future. The character of the work of stewardesses (frequency of flying as well as length of work) does not affect the immunological profile of the thyroid.
Female Germ Cell Development, Functioning and Associated Adversities under Unfavorable Circumstances
Authors: Bharti Dinesh , Tikka Manisha , Lee Sang-Yun , Bok Eun-Yeong , Lee Hyeon-Jeong , Rho Gyu-Jin
Published: February 2021

In the present era, infertility is one of the major issues which restricts many couples to have their own children. Infertility is the inability to achieve a clinical pregnancy after regular unprotected sexual intercourse for the period of one year or more. Various factors including defective male or female germ cell development, unhealthy and improper lifestyles, diseases like cancer and associated chemo-or-radiation therapies, congenital disorders, etc., may be responsible for infertility. Therefore, it is highly important to understand the basic concepts of germ cell development including primordial germ cell (PGC) formation, specification, migration, entry to genital ridges and their molecular mechanisms, activated pathways, paracrine and autocrine signaling, along with possible alteration which can hamper germ cell development and can cause adversities like cancer progression and infertility. Knowing all these aspects in a proper way can be very much helpful in improving our understanding about gametogenesis and finding possible ways to cure related disorders. Here in this review, various aspects of gametogenesis especially female gametes and relevant factors causing functional impairment have been thoroughly discussed.
Effects of Rearing Density on Developmental Traits of Two Different Biotypes of the Gypsy Moth, Lymantria Dispar L., from China and the USA
Authors: Wang Yiming , Harrison Robert L. , Shi Juan
Published: February 2021

The life-history traits of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), have been observed to vary with larval population density, which can increase significantly during an outbreak of this pest. Laboratory studies on density-dependent variation in gypsy moth development have focused on single populations and were limited to comparing solitary larvae with groups of larvae reared at a single density. To evaluate how density-dependent impacts on development vary with different populations and subspecies of L. dispar, we compared the effects of rearing larvae of a European gypsy moth (L. dispar dispar L.) population from Connecticut, USA; and larvae of two populations of the Asian gypsy moth (L. dispar asiatica Vnukovskij) from Guizhou and Hebei provinces in China. Larvae were reared on an artificial diet at densities of one, three, five, seven, and nine larvae per 115 mL container, and the duration of larval development, percentage of surviving larvae, and the rates of pupation and emergence were measured at each density. A two-tailed response to density variation with values falling away on both sides from a peak or climbing from a base was observed for all three populations tested, with the most rapid larval development and the highest values of survival, pupation, and emergence observed at a density of five larvae/container. Although differences in larval development time, survival, pupation and emergence were observed among the different populations under the conditions of our study, our findings indicate that density-dependent effects on the development of different gypsy moth subspecies and populations follow the same trends.
Bacterial Composition and Diversity of the Digestive Tract of Odontomachus monticola Emery and Ectomomyrmex javanus Mayr
Authors: Zheng Zhou , Hu Xin , Xu Yang , Wei Cong , He Hong
Published: February 2021

Ponerine ants are generalist predators feeding on a variety of small arthropods, annelids, and isopods; however, knowledge of their bacterial communities is rather limited. This study investigated the bacterial composition and diversity in the digestive tract (different gut sections and the infrabuccal pockets (IBPs)) of two ponerine ant species (Odontomachus monticola Emery and Ectomomyrmex javanus Mayr) distributed in northwestern China using high-throughput sequencing. We found that several dominant bacteria that exist in other predatory ants were also detected in these two ponerine ant species, including Wolbachia, Mesoplasma, and Spiroplasma. Bacterial communities of these two ant species were differed significantly from each other, and significant differences were also observed across their colonies, showing distinctive inter-colony characteristics. Moreover, bacterial communities between the gut sections (crops, midguts, and hindguts) of workers were highly similar within colony, but they were clearly different from those in IBPs. Further, bacterial communities in the larvae of O. monticola were similar to those in the IBPs of workers, but significantly different from those in gut sections. We presume that the bacterial composition and diversity in ponerine ants are related to their social behavior and feeding habits, and bacterial communities in the IBPs may play a potential role in their social life.
The Effect of Transoesophageal Echocardiography on Treatment Change in a High-Volume Stroke Unit
Authors: Siegel Camille , Marchandot Benjamin , Matsushita Kensuke , Trimaille Antonin , Mirea Corina , Peillex Marilou , Sauer François , How-Choong Cecile , Zeyons Floriane , Rouyer Olivier , Trinh Annie , Petit-Eisenmann Helene , Jesel Laurence , Ohlmann Patrick , Wolff Valérie , Morel Olivier
Published: February 2021

Background and purpose—current guidelines recommend the use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in relation to cardio-embolic sources of stroke. Methods—by using an hospital-based cohort, we retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), acute hemorrhagic stroke (AHS) and transient ischemic attack (TIA) who were admitted in Strasbourg Stroke Center, France between November 2017 to December 2018. TEE reports were screened for detection of potential cardiac sources of embolism and the subsequent change in medical management. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to identify predictors of relevant TEE findings. Results-out of the 990 patients admitted with confirmed stroke, 432 patients (42.6%) underwent TEE. Patients with TEE were younger (62.8 ± 14.8 vs. 73.8, p < 0.001), presented less comorbidities and lower stroke severity assessed by lower NIHSS (2 IQR (0–4) vs. 3 IQR (0–10), p < 0.01) and Modified Rankin Scale (1 IQR (0–1) vs. 1 (0–3), p < 0.01). A total of 227 examinations (52.5%) demonstrated abnormal findings considered as potential cardiac sources of embolism and 31 examinations (7.1%) were followed by subsequent change in medical management. Age (HR: 0.948, 95% CI 0.923 to 0.974; p < 0.001), previous AIS (HR: 3.542, 95% CI 1.290 to 9.722; p = 0.01), previous TIA (HR: 7.830, CI 95% 2214 to 27,689; p = 0.001) and superficial middle cerebral artery territory infarction (HR: 2.774, CI 95% 1.168–6.589; p = 0.021) were strong independent predictors with change in medical management following TEE. Conclusions—additional TEE changed the medical course of stroke patients in 7.1% in a French high-volume stroke unit.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: The New Challenges of Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Sperlongano Simona , Renon Francesca , Bigazzi Maurizio Cappelli , Sperlongano Rossella , Cimmino Giovanni , D’Andrea Antonello , Golino Paolo
Published: February 2021

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an increasingly widespread percutaneous intervention of aortic valve replacement (AVR). The target population for TAVI is mainly composed of elderly, frail patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), multiple comorbidities, and high perioperative mortality risk for surgical AVR (sAVR). These vulnerable patients could benefit from cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs after percutaneous intervention. To date, no major guidelines currently recommend CR after TAVI. However, emerging scientific evidence shows that CR in patients undergoing TAVI is safe, and improves exercise tolerance and quality of life. Moreover, preliminary data prove that a CR program after TAVI has the potential to reduce mortality during follow-up, even if randomized clinical trials are needed for confirmation. The present review article provides an overview of all scientific evidence concerning the potential beneficial effects of CR after TAVI, and suggests possible fields of research to improve cardiac care after TAVI.
Preoperative Screening CT and PET/CT Scanning for Acral Melanoma: Is it Necessary?
Authors: Ide Taketoshi , Ito Takamichi , Wada-Ohno Maiko , Furue Masutaka
Published: February 2021

The efficacy of preoperative imaging for acral melanoma (AM) has not been fully evaluated. We examined the accuracy of imaging modalities in the detection of nodal and distant metastases in patients with AM. A retrospective review of 109 patients with AM was performed. All patients had no clinical signs suggestive of distant metastases, and underwent preoperative screening computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scans. Of 100 patients without lymphadenopathy, 17 patients were suspected of having nodal metastasis in CT and PET/CT, but only two of them were confirmed on histopathological analysis. On the other hand, 12 out of 83 negatively imaged patients showed histopathological signs of nodal metastasis; thus, the sensitivity and specificity of nodal detection were 14.3% and 82.6%, respectively. Regard to the detection of distant metastases, four patients were suspected of having metastasis, but this was later ruled out. The remaining 96 negatively imaged patients were confirmed to have no metastasis at the time of CT and PET/CT by the follow-up. In contrast, distant metastases were found by CT and PET/CT in four of nine patients (44.4%) with lymphadenopathy. Routine preoperative CT and PET/CT for AM patients without lymphadenopathy may not be warranted because of low sensitivity and specificity, but it can be considered for those with lymphadenopathy.
Impact of Interferon-Based Therapy on Hepatitis C-Associated Rheumatic Diseases: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Cheng Jur-Shan , Lin Yu-Sheng , Hu Jing-Hong , Chang Ming-Yu , Ku Hsin-Ping , Chien Rong-Nan , Chang Ming-Ling
Published: February 2021

Whether hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection-associated risk of rheumatic diseases is reversed by anti-HCV therapy remain elusive. A nationwide population-based cohort study of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database was conducted. Of 19,298,735 subjects, 3 cohorts (1:4:4, propensity score-matched), including HCV-treated (6919 HCV-infected subjects with interferon and ribavirin therapy ≥ 6 months), HCV-untreated (n = 27,676) and HCV-uninfected (n = 27,676) cohorts, were enrolled and followed (2003–2015). The HCV-uninfected cohort had the lowest cumulative incidence of rheumatic diseases (95% confidence interval (CI): 8.416–10.734%), while HCV-treated (12.417–17.704%) and HCV-untreated (13.585–16.479%) cohorts showed no difference in the cumulative incidences. Multivariate analyses showed that HCV infection (95% CI hazard ratio (HR): 1.54–1.765), female sex (1.57–1.789), age ≥ 49 years (1.091–1.257), Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 1 (1.075–1.245), liver cirrhosis (0.655–0.916), chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (1.130–1.360), end-stage renal disease (0.553–0.98), diabetes mellitus (0.834–0.991) and dyslipidemia (1.102–1.304) were associated with incident rheumatic diseases. Among the 3 cohorts, the untreated cohort had the highest cumulative incidence of overall mortality, while the treated and un-infected cohorts had indifferent mortalities. Conclusions: HCV infection, baseline demographics and comorbidities were associated with rheumatic diseases. Although HCV-associated risk of rheumatic diseases might not be reversed by interferon-based therapy, which reduced the overall mortality in HCV-infected patients.
Treating Hyperuricemia: The Last Word Hasn’t Been Said Yet
Authors: Russo Elisa , Verzola Daniela , Leoncini Giovanna , Cappadona Francesca , Esposito Pasquale , Pontremoli Roberto , Viazzi Francesca
Published: February 2021

Gout as well as asymptomatic hyperuricemia have been associated with several traditional cardiovascular risk factors and chronic kidney disease. Both in vitro studies and animal models support a role for uric acid mediating both hemodynamic and tissue toxicity leading to glomerular and tubule-interstitial damage, respectively. Nevertheless, two recent well designed and carried out trials failed to show the benefit of allopurinol treatment on kidney outcomes, casting doubts on expectations of renal protection by the use of urate lowering treatment. With the aim of providing possible explanations for the lack of effect of urate lowering treatment on chronic kidney disease progression, we will critically review results from all available randomized controlled trials comparing a urate-lowering agent with placebo or no study medication for at least 12 months and report renal clinical outcomes.
Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Using a Cytokine Cocktail Secreted by Skeletal Muscle-Derived Stem Cells in a Mouse Model
Authors: Maki Daisuke , Tamaki Tetsuro , Fukuzawa Tsuyoshi , Natsume Toshiharu , Yamato Ippei , Uchiyama Yoshiyasu , Saito Kosuke , Okami Kenji
Published: February 2021

Severe peripheral nerve injury, which does not promise natural healing, inevitably requires clinical treatment. Here, we demonstrated the facilitation effect of peripheral nerve regeneration using a cytokine cocktail secreted by skeletal muscle-derived stem cells (Sk-MSCs). Mouse sciatic nerve was transected with a 6 mm gap and bridged collagen tube, and the culture supernatant of Sk-MSCs with 20% adult mouse serum (AMS)/Iscove’s modified Dulbecco’s medium (IMDM) was administered into the tube immediately after the operation, followed by an injection once a week for six weeks through the skin to the surrounding tube of the cytokine (CT) group. Similarly, 20% AMS/IMDM without cytokines was administered to the non-cytokine control (NT) group. Tension recovery in the plantar flexor muscles via electrical stimulation at the upper portion of the damaged nerve site, as well as the numerical recovery of axons and myelinated fibers at the damaged site, were evaluated as an index of nerve regeneration. Specific cytokines secreted by Sk-MSCs were compared with damaged sciatic nerve-derived cytokines. Six weeks after operation, significantly higher tension output and numerical recovery of the axon and myelinated fibers were consistently observed in the CT group, showing that the present cytokine cocktail may be a useful nerve regeneration acceleration agent. We also determined 17 candidate factors, which are likely included in the cocktail.
Gene Regulatory Network of ETS Domain Transcription Factors in Different Stages of Glioma
Authors: Babal Yigit Koray , Kandemir Basak , Kurnaz Isil Aksan
Published: February 2021

The ETS domain family of transcription factors is involved in a number of biological processes, and is commonly misregulated in various forms of cancer. Using microarray datasets from patients with different grades of glioma, we have analyzed the expression profiles of various ETS genes, and have identified ETV1, ELK3, ETV4, ELF4, and ETV6 as novel biomarkers for the identification of different glioma grades. We have further analyzed the gene regulatory networks of ETS transcription factors and compared them to previous microarray studies, where Elk-1-VP16 or PEA3-VP16 were overexpressed in neuroblastoma cell lines, and we identify unique and common regulatory networks for these ETS proteins.
Mediterranean Landscape Re-Greening at the Expense of South American Agricultural Expansion
Authors: Martínez-Valderrama Jaime , Sanjuán María E. , del Barrio Gabriel , Guirado Emilio , Ruiz Alberto , Maestre Fernando T.
Published: February 2021

The stabling of livestock farming implies changes in both local ecosystems (regeneration of forest stands via reduced grazing) and those located thousands of kilometers away (deforestation to produce grain for feeding livestock). Despite their importance, these externalities are poorly known. Here we evaluated how the intensification and confinement of livestock in Spain has affected forest surface changes there and in South America, the largest provider of soybeans for animal feed to the European Union. For this purpose, we have used Spanish soybean import data from Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina and a land condition map of Spain. The area of secondary forest in Spain that has regenerated as a result of livestock stabling has been ~7000 kha for the decade 2000–2010. In the same period, 1220 kha of high value South American ecosystems (e.g., Chaco dry Forest, Amazonian rainforest or Cerrado) have been deforested. While these figures may offer a favorable interpretation of the current industrial livestock production, it is not possible to speak of compensation when comparing the destruction of well-structured ecosystems, such as primary South American forests, with the creation of secondary forest landscapes in Spain, which are also prone to wildfires. Our results highlight how evaluating land use change policies at a national or regional level is an incomplete exercise in our highly telecoupled and globalized world.
Adult Restorative Justice and Gendered Violence: Practitioner and Service Provider Viewpoints from Queensland, Australia
Authors: Jeffries Samantha , Wood William R. , Russell Tristan
Published: February 2021

This paper presents findings from a study exploring the experiences and viewpoints of conventional criminal justice actors, social and legal service providers, and restorative justice (RJ) conference facilitators/convenors regarding the use of adult RJ conferencing in cases of intimate partner, domestic, family (IPDFV) and sexual violence (SV). Results indicated strong views about what IPDFV/SV victims needed from a system of justice, perceived failings of conventional justice systems in this regard, and the potential of RJ to deliver more efficacious justice. Nevertheless, using RJ in these cases posed concerns and challenges. Research participants identified steps that could be taken to overcome these issues through an RJ best practice framework underpinned by a victim-centred approach committed to victim empowerment, safety, healing, and practitioner training.
Titanium and Platinum–Fluoroplastic Stapes Prostheses Visualization on Cone Beam Computed Tomography and High-Resolution Computed Tomography
Authors: Dahm Valerie , Schwarz–Nemec Ursula , Auinger Alice B. , Arnoldner Michael A. , Kaider Alexandra , Riss Dominik , Czerny Christian , Arnoldner Christoph
Published: February 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether stapes prostheses can be visualized with less metal artifacts and therefore more accurately on cone beam computed tomography in comparison to computed tomography imaging. Recent studies have shown that cone beam computed tomography has advantages when imaging metal artifacts. Patients with hearing loss or vertigo, who have undergone stapedotomy, often present a challenge for otologic surgeons. Imaging studies can deliver crucial additional information. Methods: A retrospective analysis of imaging studies and clinical data in a tertiary care center were carried out. Forty-one patients with forty-five implanted ears were evaluated in the study. All included patients had been implanted with a platinum–fluoroplastic (n = 19) or titanium (n = 26) piston and subsequently had undergone imaging months or years after surgery for various reasons. Patients underwent computed tomography or cone beam computed tomography of the temporal bone depending on availability. Piston visualization, prosthesis length, vestibular intrusion and audiologic results were compared between the groups. Piston position on imaging studies were compared to intraoperative findings. Results: Functional length measurements of all prostheses were carried out with a mean error of −0.17 mm (±0.20). Platinum–fluoroplastic protheses were significantly underestimated in length compared to titanium prostheses. To analyze the material-dependent difference in the measurement errors of the imaging techniques the interaction was tested in an ANOVA model and showed no statistically significant result (p = 0.24). The blinded neuroradiologist viewed two implants, both platinum–fluoroplastic pistons, as located outside of the vestibule due to an underestimation of the prothesis length and the missing radiodensity of the lower end of the prosthesis. Conclusion: Surgeons and radiologists should be aware of the different types and radiologic features of stapes prostheses and the missing radiodensity of some protheses parts. Cone beam computed tomography is an imaging alternative with a potential advantage of reduced radiation in patients after stapes surgery suffering from vertigo or hearing loss to evaluate piston position.
Feed Force and Sawdust Geometry in Particleboard Sawing
Authors: Pałubicki Bartosz , Hlásková Luďka , Frömel-Frybort Stephan , Rogoziński Tomasz
Published: February 2021

The measurement of cutting forces permits building of physic-mechanical cutting models for a better understanding of the phenomena observed during cutting. It also permits the design and optimization of processes, machines, tools, and wood preparation. Optimization of cutting conditions of wood-based materials can decrease the cutting forces, which directly relates to the energy consumption and surface quality. The sawdust analysis may serve for analysis of cutting kinematics and occupational health risk. The aim of the study was to estimate the correlation between the feed rate and both feed force and sawdust particle size produced during particleboard circular sawing. A saw machine type K700 was used in experiments. There were three feed rates of 12, 18, and 24 m/min executed by a horizontal pneumatic actuator fixed to the sliding side table of the saw machine. Based on the results of the experiments, a positive correlation was observed between the feed rate in a circular sawing process and feed forces and an unexpected particle size distribution depending on the feed rate.
Preparation and Electrical Properties of Silicone Composite Films Based on Silver Nanoparticle Decorated Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Lee Kwang Se , Phiri Isheunesu , Kim Sang Hern , Oh Kyeongkeun , Ko Jang Myoun
Published: February 2021

The electrical properties of silicone composite films filled with silver (Ag) nanoparticle-decorated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) prepared by solution processing are investigated. Pristine MWNT is oxidized and converted to the acyl chloride-functionalized MWNT using thionyl chloride, which is subsequently reacted with amine-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (APDMS). Thereafter, APDMS-modified MWNT are decorated with Ag nanoparticles and then reacted with a poly(dimethylsiloxane) solution to form Ag-decorated MWNT silicone (Ag-decorated MWNT-APDMS/Silicone) composite. The morphological differences of the silicone composites containing Ag-decorated MWNT and APDMS-modified MWNT are observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the surface conductivities are measured by the four-probe method. Ag-decorated MWNT-APDMS/Silicone composite films show higher surface electrical conductivity than MWNT/silicone composite films. This shows that the electrical properties of Ag-decorated MWNT-APDMS/silicone composite films can be improved by the surface modification of MWNT with APDMS and Ag nanoparticles, thereby expanding their applications.
Reliable Sea Water Ro Operation with High Water Recovery and No-Chlorine/No-Sbs Dosing in Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Miyakawa Hiroki , Maghram Al Shaiae Mohammed , Green Troy N. , Ito Yohito , Sugawara Yuichi , Onishi Makoto , Fusaoka Yoshinari , Farooque Ayumantakath Mohammed , Saleh Al Amoudi Ahmed
Published: February 2021

For providing advanced desalination the combination of the improvement of water recovery ratio in the reverse osmosis (RO) process and the No-Chlorine/No-Sodium Bisulfite (SBS) Dosing process was studied. In order to prevent membrane fouling even in high recovery water operations, an advanced two-stage design was implemented to (1) control the permeate flux through the RO membrane module, (2) optimize the system to reduce contaminant build-up and (3) eliminate the use of chlorine and SBS, which can accelerate membrane fouling. The system was evaluated by monitoring the biofouling and the microorganisms proliferation on the membrane surface based on membrane biofilm formation rate (mBFR). The pilot plant was operated in the condition of a water recovery rate of 55%. As a result, the system was operated for longer than four months without membrane cleaning (clean in place; CIP) and the possibility of operation for seven months without CIP was confirmed by the extrapolation of the pressure values. In addition, the mBFR is a reliable tool for water quality assessment, based on a comparison between the fouling tendency estimated from the mBFR and the actual membrane surface condition from autopsy study and the effectiveness No-Chlorine/No-SBS Dosing process was verified from mBFR of pretreated seawater.
Design and Multidimensional Screening of Flash-PEO Coatings for Mg in Comparison to Commercial Chromium(VI) Conversion Coating
Authors: Wierzbicka Ewa , Mohedano Marta , Matykina Endzhe , Arrabal Raul
Published: February 2021

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations demand for an expedient discovery of a Cr(VI)-free alternative corrosion protection for light alloys even though the green alternatives might never be as cheap as current harmful technologies. In the present work, flash- plasma electrolytic oxidation coatings (FPEO) with the process duration < 90 s are developed on AZ31B alloy in varied mixtures of silicate-, phosphate-, aluminate-, and fluoride-based alkaline electrolytes implementing current density and voltage limits. The overall evaluation of the coatings’ anticorrosion performance (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), neutral salt spray test (NSST), paintability) shows that from nine optimized FPEO recipes, two (based on phosphate, fluoride, and aluminate or silicate mixtures) are found to be an adequate substitute for commercially used Cr(VI)-based conversion coating (CCC). The FPEO coatings with the best corrosion resistance consume a very low amount of energy (~1 kW h m−2 µm−1). It is also found that the lower the energy consumption of the FPEO process, the better the corrosion resistance of the resultant coating. The superb corrosion protection and a solid environmentally friendly outlook of PEO-based corrosion protection technology may facilitate the economic justification for industrial end-users of the current-consuming process as a replacement of the electroless CCC process.