bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents Reduce the Risk of Malignant Transformation of Hepatobiliary Phase-Hypointense Nodule without Arterial Phase Hyperenhancement to Hepatocellular Carcinoma on Gd-EOB-DPTA-Enhanced Imaging in the Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Liver
Authors: Shimizu Yoshiaki , Arai Kuniaki , Yamashita Taro , Yamashita Tatsuya , Shimakami Tetsuro , Kawaguchi Kazunori , Kitamura Kazuya , Sakai Yoshio , Mizukoshi Eishiro , Honda Masao , Kitao Azusa , Kozaka Kazuto , Kobayashi Satoshi , Kaneko Shuichi
Published: January 2020

Background and Aims: Hepatobiliary phase-hypointense nodules without arterial phase hyperenhancement (HHNs without APHE) on gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI) are considered to be dysplastic nodules or early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and have high risk of undergoing malignant transformation and progression to hypervascular HCC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of HHNs without APHE diagnosed by Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI before the eradication of HCV by direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs). Methods: We retrospectively investigated 221 consecutive patients with HCV infection who were treated with DAAs. Thirty patients with 65 HHNs without APHE were enrolled in a sustained virologic response (SVR) cohort and 22 with 43 HHNs without APHE who did not receive DAAs or had failed HCV eradication therapy were enrolled in a non-SVR cohort. Fifty-seven percent of patients in the SVR group and 64% of those in the non-SVR group had a history of HCC. The primary endpoint of this study was the development of hypervascular HCC from HHNs without APHE detected on imaging. The cumulative incidence and relative risk of progression to hypervascular HCC in relation to clinical characteristics were compared between the two cohorts. Results: The 2-year cumulative incidence of progression to hypervascular HCC was 8.5 and 21.9% in the SVR and non-SVR cohorts, respectively. There was a significant reduction in progression of HHNs without APHE to HCC after the eradication of HCV (p = 0.022, log-rank test). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified hyperintensity on T2-weighted images (relative risk 14.699, p < 0.001) and achieving SVR (relative risk 0.290, p = 0.043) as independent factors associated with the risk of HCC. During follow-up, 6 (9.2%) of the HHNs without APHE in the SVR cohort became undetectable on hepatocyte-phase images. Conclusions: Eradication of HCV by DAAs could reduce the hypervascularization rate of HHNs without APHE, and some of these nodules disappeared.
Comparative Effect of Proton-Pump Inhibitors on the Success of Triple and Quadruple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Boltin Doron , Levi Zohar , Gingold-Belfer Rachel , Schmilovitz-Weiss Hemda , Shochat Tzippy , Dickman Ram , Perets Tsachi Tsadok , Dotan Iris , Niv Yaron
Published: January 2020

Introduction: Suppression of gastric acid secretion with proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) is an integral part of the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. Esomeprazole has been shown to be superior to other PPIs when used in the context of triple therapy; however, comparative data for PPI efficacy in quadruple therapy are lacking. Current guidelines recommend H. pylori eradication with quadruple therapy in areas with high clarithromycin resistance. Objective: To determine whether esomeprazole is more effective than other PPIs in the context of quadruple therapy for H. pylori eradication. Methods: We retrospectively identified 25- to 60-year-old subjects with a positive 13C-urea breath test and no prior laboratory or endoscopic test for H. pylori infection. Pharmacy dispensation data were retrieved. Results: A total of 7,896 subjects including 2,856 (36.2%) males, aged 40.4 ± 10.6 years, were identified. Of those, 78.1% received omeprazole, 20.1% received lansoprazole, 1.5% received esomeprazole, and 0.34% received pantoprazole together with antibiotics for H. pylori eradication. Esomeprazole was associated with a greater proportion of successful eradication (85.0 vs. 77.5%, esomeprazole vs. omeprazole, OR 1.64; 95% CI 0.99–2.72; p = 0.05). A nonsignificant trend favored esomeprazole over omeprazole among subjects receiving quadruple therapy (90.0 vs. 82.0%, respectively, OR 1.98; 95% CI 0.68–5.72; p = 0.16). Independent predictors of treatment success included older age and quadruple therapy. Conclusion: Esomeprazole is more beneficial than other PPIs for H. pylori eradication. Studies with larger subgroups are necessary to confirm our findings among subjects receiving quadruple therapy.
Hemodialysis Patients with Pruritus and Insomnia Have Increased Risk of Death
Authors: Orasan Olga Hilda , Muresan Flaviu , Mot Augustin , Sitar Taut Adela , Minciuna Iulia , Coste Sorina Cezara , Negrean Vasile , Orasan Remus Aurel , Cozma Angela
Published: January 2020

Background: Pruritus and insomnia are common disorders in hemodialysis (HD) patients, with a major clinical impact as they are associated with poor quality of life and increased mortality. Their coexistence and impact on survival in HD patients have rarely been investigated. Our aim is to investigate the survival of HD patients presenting either none, one, or both disorders and to compare certain features between these groups. Methods: After the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 170 patients treated by HD or online hemodiafiltration were assigned in 4 study groups depending on the presence of either, neither, or both pruritus and insomnia. We analyzed the survival difference between groups after 20 months, and we searched if there were significant differences in terms of clinical and laboratory features. Results: Survival at 20 months was lower in patients with both pruritus and insomnia. Patients with pruritus alone had a lower Kt/V than those with no complaints or insomnia alone. Those with no complaints had lower C-reactive protein and higher albumin levels than patients with insomnia alone or both conditions. Conclusion: Pruritus and insomnia should be actively investigated and correlated with some clinical and laboratory features as they have a significant impact on survival in HD patients.
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy Without Anticoagulation: Top Ten Tips to Prevent Clotting
Authors: Baldwin Ian , Jones Daryl , Carty Paula , Fealy Nigel
Published: January 2020

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is intended to function continuously and is prescribed for this outcome. Anticoagulants may not always be used. Clotting and clogging within the CRRT filter stopping therapy occurs with a variability in the total elapsed time associated. This is commonly known as the circuit or filter “life”. It is very useful and important to record this time at the bedside and refer to this as a measure of success and quality. Filter life (i.e., hours) is reported in many reports investigating CRRT but is not well understood or clear for when this is considered inadequate and clinical review strategies should be considered. Failure before 8 h could be associated with inadequate renal support and “therapy”. Anticoagulation is the key intervention to prolong filter function; however, the extracorporeal circuit design and set up, access catheter profile and insertion site, CRRT machine settings, and the human interface operating CRRT are always important and the only consideration to prevent failure when no anticoagulation is mandated for CRRT.
How Should We Manage Renal Transplant Patients with Failed Allografts Who Return to Dialysis?
Authors: Kochar Guneet S. , Langone Anthony J.
Published: January 2020

Patients with failing renal allografts often progress to end-stage renal disease, unlike transplant-naive chronic kidney disease patients, in an accelerated and unpredictable manner. The variability of this population renders decisions regarding placement of permanent dialysis access more difficult. Since patients with failed allografts who return to dialysis experience higher rates of morbidity and mortality, recognition and optimization of factors that will improve survival outcomes and quality of life are tantamount to longer term success. We provide guidelines on several topics such as immunosuppression withdrawal and determination of nephrectomy need versus retaining the allograft based on the current literature and our copious single-center experience.
Faults detection and diagnoses of permanent magnet synchronous motor based on neuro-fuzzy network
Authors: Dakheel Hashmia Sh. , Abdulla Zainab B. , Jawad Helen Jassim
Published: January 2020

Faults in electrical machine are very important in order to improve the machine expensive maintenance, efficiency, life time, and reliability at real time, therefore this study deals with Simulink model response for healthy and neuro-fuzzy network (ANFIS), this intelligent technique consist of two parts, the first part include electrical and demagnetization faults while another part deals with mechanical faults. Simulation results obtain record activation, high performance, and efficiency of this network.
Optimal incorporation of multiple distributed generation units based on a new system maximum loadability computation approach and vortex searching algorithm
Authors: Latreche Y. , Bouchekara H. R. E. H. , Javaid M. S. , Aman M. M. , Mokhlis H. , Kerrour F.
Published: January 2020

In this paper, the optimal incorporation of distributed generation (OIDG) units for the maximization of the system‟s loadability is investigated (based on sizing and siting). To this end a new computational approach for computing maximum loadability of the system is developed. This approach has been compared with the classical one on different radial test systems (RTS) and is found to be faster and more accurate. The OIDG problem is formulated mathematically as an optimization problem with the objective function to maximize system‟s loadability, the imposed constraints are; voltage limits, thermal limits and DG penetration level. The optimization algorithm used is to solve the OIDG problem is the Vortex searching algorithm (VS). The tested radial distribution systems are the standard 33-bus and 69-bus systems. This paper also discusses some other interesting findings about VS algorithm.
Performance evaluation of roof top solar photovoltaic systems in Tamilnadu
Authors: Aravindan M. , Balaji V. , Saravanan V. , Arumugam M.
Published: January 2020

This manuscript reports the monitored performance results of roof top solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants in different parts of Tamilnadu, India. In this work, PV plants of capacities 84 kWp and 18 kWp located at Tirunelveli and Ranipet respectively in Tamilnadu are considered. During an eight month period, of September 2014 to April 2015, these plants had generated 43.99 MWh and 15.55 MWh units of electricity respectively. The average electricity production per day for the considered period of these plants is 181.74 kWh and 62.81 kWh respectively. The performance ratio (PR) of these plants PV1 and PV2 is found to be 0.52 and 0.86 respectively. The characteristics of poly crystalline PV modules and the performance of employed photovoltaic inverters are also analyzed.It is observed that external conditions like climate and bad weather significantly reduces the PV system output, whereas it reduces marginally due to inverter failure as observed from the values of energy yield and performance ratio of these plants. Online monitoring of PV plant with DC/AC line and phase voltages and current waveforms observed for the given day are also presented.
Survey of Hardware and Software Design Approaches for Mechatronic Chordophones
Authors: Placencia Juan Pablo Yepez , Murphy Jim , Carnegie Dale
Published: January 2020

Mechatronic instruments can create complex sounds that computers and digital instruments have yet to offer. As a specific example, we explore mechatronic chordophones, which use strings as a sound generator and offer a wide array of parametric affordances. The purpose of this work is to review recent approaches for chordophone design and construction, and present current, state-of-the-art devices. We explore multiple mechatronic frames and their components, and we analyze the challenges of building and interacting with these machines. Finally, we review software and hardware approaches that have been implemented to enhance these instruments and to bridge technical and creative restrictions.
Questions on the taxonomic status of species of Protoholozoa Kott 1969 (Ascidiacea, Aplousobranchia, Holozoidae) with a description of a new genus
Authors: MONNIOT FRANÇOISE , TATIÁN MARCOS
Published: January 2020

Among numerous ascidians, two colonies of the deep species Protoholozoa pedunculata Kott, 1969 were collected in 2017 by the French Poker 4 survey, Indian Ocean. The larvae of this species are described here for the first time. The present material shows the disposition of adhesive papillae in a line and incubation in the atrial cavity. That is different from what was first reported and from what is known in other species of the genus, which show triradiate adhesive papillae and incubation in a brood pouch. This new data leads us to discuss the taxonomic status of different species, leaving Protoholozoa Kott, 1969 for the previous ones and creating Scotiazoa gen. nov. for species with triradiate larval papillae and brood pouch.
Two new Oriental genera of Cephenniini (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: January 2020

Two new genera are proposed, Foveomicrus gen. n. (type species Foveomicrus indicus sp. n.) and Indomicrus gen. n. (type species Indomicrus chera sp. n.), for south Indian species of Cephenniini. The new taxa are classified as members of the ‘Cephennomicrus group’ of genera, characterized, among others, by a short and broad, button-like maxillary palpomere IV. Relationships of Foveomicrus and Indomicrus are discussed, and an updated identification key to world genera of Cephenniini is presented.
Numerical Simulation for Enhancement of the Output Performance of CZTS Based Thin Film Photovoltaic Cell
Authors: Sadanand  , Dwivedi D. K.
Published: January 2020

The performance of CZTS thin film photovoltaic cell has been simulated using SCAPS-1D (Solar cell capacitance simulator). The thickness of CZTS absorber layer, ZnO buffer layer and ZnO doped with Al window layer have been varied to optimize the overall output performance of CZTS based
thin film photovoltaic cell. Simulation show the favorable result which can help to prove the feasibility of highly efficient CZTS thin film photovoltaic cell.
Temperature-dependent heterojunction device characteristics of n-ZnO nanorods/p-Si assembly
Authors: Badran Rashad I. , Al-Hadeethi Yas , Umar Ahmad , Al-Heniti Saleh H. , Raffah Bahaaudin M. , Ansari M. Shahnawaze , Jilani Asim
Published: January 2020

Heterojunction diode based on n-ZnO nanorods/p-Silicon (Si) assembly was fabricated, examined and reported here. Horizontal quartz tube thermal evaporation technique was used for the growth of ZnO nanorods on Si substrate. The nanorods were characterized by several techniques
to examine the structural, morphological, scattering and electrical properties. Wurtzite hexagonal phase of the grown aligned nanorods was observed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The appearance of a sharp Raman peak at 438 cm–1 was observed
and it is related to the E2(high) mode of the wurtzite hexagonal phase of ZnO. The electrical properties of the fabricated heterojunction assembly were examined at different temperatures (298∼398 K) in both reverse and forward biased conditions, and a good stability was
observed over the entire temperature range. A reduction in the turn-on and breakdown voltage was observed with increasing temperature. By increasing the temperature, the effective potential barrier height was increased, while quality factor was decreased. The observed activation energy was
found to be ∼93.4 meV, higher than the exciton binding energy of ZnO.
Nanomixture: A new strategy to simultaneously deliver multiple natural bioactive compounds
Authors: Huang Jun , Huang Junbin , Wang Heni , Su Xiaohan , Cao Nan , Zhao Meng , Chen Chun
Published: January 2020

Undesired adverse effects caused by chemodrugs cannot be neglected in antitumor therapy, and therefore, it is important to identify new medicines with desirable therapeutic efficacy and low toxicity to normal cells. A large number of natural extracts have been shown to have favorable
therapeutic effects. In addition, the synergic interactions of multiple compounds are essential for antitumor activity. In this study, we propose a strategy to simultaneously deliver multiple antitumor compounds via a nanomixture and demonstrate the feasibility of this approach by delivering
jujube polysaccharides (JPS) and curcumin (CUR) to CT26.WT cells. The experimental results indicate that increased uptake of nanoparticles and enhanced antitumor activity in vitro can be reached using our designed delivery system. This strategy could become a promising approach for
drug delivery research.
Dose- and time-dependent effects of low molecular weight heparin on trophoblast
Authors: Guo Fang , Zeng Huiqian , Ji Wanqing , Zheng Yongjiang , He Ping
Published: January 2020

Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has been successfully applied in the treatment of pregnancy complications associated with pro-thrombotic and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The underlying mechanism remains enigmatic. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of time
and dosage of LMWH on the proliferation and apoptosis of human trophoblast. The biological function of LMWH on primary trophoblast was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), by detecting the expression of proliferation genes SDS22, APPL1, CyclinB1, as well as the expression of
apoptosis-related gene Survivin. Our results showed that the treatment time and dosage of LMWH have critical effects on trophoblast proliferation and apoptosis. LMWH had the most obvious effect on promoting trophoblast proliferation and could suppress apoptosis at the concentration of 0.1
IU/ml at 72 h. This study thus provides detailed mechanism of the biological effects of LMWH on trophoblast, and sheds light on the effective clinical application of LMWH in pregnancy complications.
Trends in Upper-Tropospheric Humidity: Expansion of the Subtropical Dry Zones?
Authors: Tivig Miriam , Grützun Verena , John Viju O. , Buehler Stefan A.
Published: January 2020

Subtropical dry zones, located in the Hadley cells’ subsidence regions, strongly influence regional climate as well as outgoing longwave radiation. Changes in these dry zones could have significant impact on surface climate as well as on the atmospheric energy budget. This study investigates the behavior of upper-tropospheric dry zones in a changing climate, using the variable upper-tropospheric humidity (UTH), calculated from climate model experiment output as well as from radiances measured with satellite-based sensors. The global UTH distribution shows that dry zones form a belt in the subtropical winter hemisphere. In the summer hemisphere they concentrate over the eastern ocean basins, where the descent regions of the subtropical anticyclones are located. Recent studies with model and satellite data have found tendencies of increasing dryness at the poleward edges of the subtropical subsidence zones. However, UTH calculated from climate simulations with 25 models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) shows these tendencies only for parts of the winter-hemispheric dry belts. In the summer hemisphere, even though differences exist between the simulations, UTH is increasing in most dry zones, particularly in the South and North Pacific Ocean. None of the summer dry zones is expanding in these simulations. Upper-tropospheric dry zones estimated from observational data do not show any robust signs of change since 1979. Apart from a weak drying tendency at the poleward edge of the southern winter-hemispheric dry belt in infrared measurements, nothing indicates that the subtropical dry belts have expanded poleward.
Near-Real-Time Forecast of Satellite-Based Soil Moisture Using Long Short-Term Memory with an Adaptive Data Integration Kernel
Authors: Fang Kuai , Shen Chaopeng
Published: January 2020

Nowcasts, or near-real-time (NRT) forecasts, of soil moisture based on the Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP) mission could provide substantial value for a range of applications including hazards monitoring and agricultural planning. To provide such a NRT forecast with high fidelity, we enhanced a time series deep learning architecture, long short-term memory (LSTM), with a novel data integration (DI) kernel to assimilate the most recent SMAP observations as soon as they become available. The kernel is adaptive in that it can accommodate irregular observational schedules. Testing over the CONUS, this NRT forecast product showcases predictions with unprecedented accuracy when evaluated against subsequent SMAP retrievals. It showed smaller error than NRT forecasts reported in the literature, especially at longer forecast latency. The comparative advantage was due to LSTM’s structural improvements, as well as its ability to utilize more input variables and more training data. The DI-LSTM was compared to the original LSTM model that runs without data integration, referred to as the projection model here. We found that the DI procedure removed the autocorrelated effects of forcing errors and errors due to processes not represented in the inputs, for example, irrigation and floodplain/lake inundation, as well as mismatches due to unseen forcing conditions. The effects of this purely data-driven DI kernel are discussed for the first time in the geosciences. Furthermore, this work presents an upper-bound estimate for the random component of the SMAP retrieval error.
Intelligent crack extraction based on terrestrial laser scanning measurement
Authors: Yang Hao , Xu Xiangyang
Published: January 2020

The hazards of cracks, which could badly decrease reliability and safety of structures, are receiving increasing attention with the popularity of tunnel constructions. Traditional crack inspection relies on visual examination, which is time-, cost- and labor-intensive. Therefore, how to identify and measure cracks intelligently is significantly essential. The paper focuses on the Canny method to extract cracks of tunnel structures by the intensity value of reflectivity. We propose and investigate a novel method which combines dilation and the Canny algorithm to identify and extract the cracks automatically and intelligently based on the point cloud data of terrestrial laser scanning measurement. In order for measurement of cracks, the projection of summed edge pixels is adopted, where a synthesis is carried out on the detection results with all sampling parameters. Based on the synthesized image, vertical crack presents two sharp peaks where the space of the peaks indicates the average width of the crack, as well as its position. The advantage of the method is that it does not require determination of Canny detector parameters. The deviation between manual measurement and Canny detection is 2.92%.
Effect of Cobalt Precursors on Cobalt-Hydroxyapatite Used in Bone Regeneration and MRI
Authors: Lin W.C. , Chuang C.C. , Yao C. , Tang C.M.
Published: January 2020

In clinical dentistry practice, supplemental bone surgery or jawbone defect after tooth extraction must be assisted by a bone-filling material. Cobalt-substituted hydroxyapatite (COHA) effectively promotes bone cell growth, reduces the inflammatory response, and is an antibacterial agent. COHA can therefore be used as an alveolar bone-filling material or guided bone regeneration membrane. Meanwhile, COHA can be used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with negative contrast agents and targeting materials without causing metal interference with the image. Hence, COHA has received increasing amounts of attention in recent years. However, the influence of different cobalt precursors on the synthesized COHA is still unknown. Therefore, COHA synthesized from 3 cobalt precursors (cobalt chloride, cobalt nitrate, and cobalt sulfate) was compared in this study. The results show that COHA synthesized by the precursor with the smallest anion radius, cobalt chloride, has a larger particle size (239 nm) and a higher cobalt ion substitution rate (15.6%). When the cobalt ion substitution rate increases, the MRI has a stronger contrast. Bioactivity data indicate that COHAC is more susceptible to degradation and therefore releases more cobalt ions to contribute to the differentiation of bone cells. Based on these studies, COHAC prepared with the cobalt chloride precursor has a higher cobalt ion substitution rate, faster degradation rate, better image contrast, and better bioactivity. It is therefore the preferred choice of bone-filling material for alveolar bone regeneration.
Hypertension and Epistaxis: Why Is There Limited Guidance in the Nosebleed Clinical Practice Guidelines?
Authors: Payne Spencer C. , Feldstein David , Anne Samantha , Tunkel David E.
Published: January 2020

Hypertension has long been thought to influence the risk and severity of epistaxis. However, evaluation of the relevant literature reveals articles with methodologic concerns or limited quality. In many instances, these studies are not adequately controlled, and lack of multivariate analyses calls into question any noted association between epistaxis and hypertension. The goal of this commentary is to explain why there is limited guidance about the management of hypertension and the possible association with nosebleed in the 2020 American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation clinical practice guideline for nosebleeds. Background on the literature that describes the association between hypertension and nosebleeds is provided.
Global Burden of Head and Neck Cancer: Economic Consequences, Health, and the Role of Surgery
Authors: Patterson Rolvix H. , Fischman Victoria G. , Wasserman Isaac , Siu Jennifer , Shrime Mark G. , Fagan Johannes J. , Koch Wayne , Alkire Blake C.
Published: January 2020

Objective

We aimed to describe the mortality burden and macroeconomic effects of head and neck cancer as well as delineate the role of surgical workforce in improving head and neck cancer outcomes.

Study Design

Statistical and economic analysis.

Setting

Research group.

Subjects and Methods

We conducted a statistical analysis on data from the World Development Indicators and the 2016 Global Burden of Disease study to describe the relationship between surgical workforce and global head and neck cancer mortality‐to‐incidence ratios. A value of lost output model was used to project the global macroeconomic effects of head and neck cancer.

Results

Significant differences in mortality‐to‐incidence ratios existed between Global Burden of Disease study superregions. An increase of surgical, anesthetic, and obstetric provider density by 10% significantly correlated with a reduction of 0.76% in mortality‐to‐incidence ratio (P <. 0001; adjusted R2 = 0.84). There will be a projected global cumulative loss of $535 billion US dollars (USD) in economic output due to head and neck cancer between 2018 and 2030. Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania will suffer the greatest gross domestic product (GDP) losses at $180 billion USD, and South Asia will lose $133 billion USD.

Conclusion

The mortality burden of head and neck cancer is increasing and disproportionately affects those in low‐ and middle‐income countries and regions with limited surgical workforces. This imbalance results in large and growing economic losses in countries that already face significant resource constraints. Urgent investment in the surgical workforce is necessary to ensure access to timely surgical services and reverse these negative trends.
The Prevalence of Buccal Cervical Root Resorptions in Australian Cats
Authors: Coles Stephen
Published: January 2020

Cervical root resorptions (neck lesions, cat caries, erosions, etc.) have long been recognized in Australia. Their etiology and progression are yet to be fully documented, and there has not been a statistical analysis of their prevalence published. This study found 52% of the 64 cats examined had one or more buccal root resorption lesions. This study examines the prevalence of these lesions relating to gender, location, and specific tooth types. (This article has been edited as to form but not content).
Crown Amputation and Vital Pulpotomy to Resolve an Unusual Orthodontic Problem in a Kinkajou
Authors: Lobprise Heidi B. , Wiggs Robert B.
Published: January 2020

This report describes the evaluation and treatment of a malocclusion problem in a kinkajou. The treatment included crown reduction and direct pulpotomy of the mandibular canine teeth. The report includes an extensive explanation of vital pulpotomy for all teeth and supports crown reduction as a viable option for treatment of malocclusion.
Charting and the Oral Examination
Authors: Schumacher Carol Brewer
Published: January 2020

The dental chart is essential for monitoring both the course of dental disease and the effectiveness of treatment. The veterinary technician has a role in recording or charting the complete dental examination. This article presents a systematic approach to dental charting for use by the technician and veterinarian.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Subgingival Bacterial Flora in Dogs with Gingivitis
Authors: Harvey C.E. , Thornsberry C. , Miller B.R. , Shofer F. S.
Published: January 2020

The aerobic and anaerobic flora from gingival pockets of 49 dogs with severe gingivitis and periodontitis were cultured. The susceptibility of each isolate to four antimicrobial agents currently approved for veterinary use in the USA (amoxicillin-clavulanic acid; clindamycin; cefadroxil; and enrofloxacin) was determined. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Clavamox® Pfizer Animal Health) had the highest in-vitro susceptibility against all isolates (96%), all aerobes (94%) and all anaerobes (100%) tested. For gram-negative aerobes, enrofloxacin (Baytril®, Bayer Corp.) had the highest in-vitro susceptibility activity. For bacteria associated with treatment of gingivitis, which typically are mixed aerobic/anaerobic and gram-positive/gram-negative organisms, the antimicrobial of choice for clinical use based on these susceptibility tests is amoxicillin-clavulanic acid.
Description of the D4/D4 genotype in Miniature horses with dwarfism
Authors: Andrade Danilo G. A. , Basso Roberta M. , Castiglioni Maria C. R. , Silva Jeana P. , Machado Vânia M. V. , Laufer-Amorim Renée , Borges Alexandre S. , Oliveira-Filho José P.
Published: January 2020

Four causative mutations (D1, D2, D3*, and D4) of chondrodysplastic dwarfism have been described in the equine aggrecan ( ACAN) gene. Homozygotes for one of these mutations and heterozygotes for any combination of these mutations exhibit the disproportionate dwarfism phenotype. However, no case description of homozygotes for D4 (D4/D4) has been reported in the literature, to our knowledge. We report 2 Miniature horses with the genotype D4/D4 in the ACAN gene. Clinically, the 2 dwarfs had a domed head that was large compared to the rest of the body, mandibular prognathism, and short and bowed limbs, mainly in the proximal region of the metatarsal bones. Radiographic examination revealed contour irregularities of the subchondral bone in the long bones and confirmed mandibular prognathism; histopathology revealed irregular chondrocyte organization. To determine the genotypes of the horses, we performed DNA extraction from white blood cells, PCR, and Sanger sequencing. Genotyping demonstrated that these 2 animals had the D4/D4 genotype in the ACAN gene. The D4/D4 dwarfs were clinically similar to animals with the other ACAN genotypes reported for this disease. Identification of heterozygous animals makes mating selection possible and is the most important control measure to minimize economic losses and casualties.
Genes Involved in the HPA Axis and the Symptom Cluster of Fatigue, Depressive Symptoms, and Anxiety in Women With Breast Cancer During 18 Months of Adjuvant Therapy
Authors: Li Hongjin , Marsland Anna L. , Conley Yvette P. , Sereika Susan M. , Bender Catherine M.
Published: January 2020

This study aimed to (1) identify subgroups of women with breast cancer with the psychological symptom cluster (fatigue, depressive symptoms, and anxiety) during the first 18 months of adjuvant therapy and (2) explore associations between demographic and clinical characteristics and variations in genetic polymorphisms related to hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function and predicted symptom trajectory subgroup membership. We obtained symptom data at 4 time points from baseline to 18 months of adjuvant therapy among 292 postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Genetic data were collected in a subgroup at baseline ( N = 184). Group-based multitrajectory modeling was used to classify women into subgroups with similar psychological symptom cluster trajectories. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the associations between each genotypic and phenotypic predictor and predicted subgroup membership. Two distinct symptom subgroups (low and high) were identified based on the trajectories of the symptom cluster of fatigue, depressive symptoms, and anxiety over the first 18 months of adjuvant therapy. Women who were younger, less educated, and who received chemotherapy had greater likelihood of being in the high-symptom subgroup. Variation in genes regulating the HPA axis ( FKBP5 rs9394309 [odds ratio ( OR) = 3.98, p = .015], NR3C2 rs5525 [ OR = 2.54, p = .036], and CRHR1 rs12944712 [ OR = 3.99, p = .021]) was associated with membership in the high-symptom subgroup. These results may help to identify women with breast cancer who are at increased risk for psychological symptoms, facilitating the development of individualized and preemptive interventions to better manage these symptoms during adjuvant therapy.
Community-Led Action to Reduce Menthol Cigarette Use in the African American Community
Authors: Kingsbury John H. , Hassan Asha
Published: January 2020

Background. African Americans suffer a disproportionate burden of tobacco harm and researchers have posited that menthol cigarettes are a key contributor to this disparity. In 2015, a county health department and African American community-based organization (CBO) in Minnesota partnered to educate and engage the African American community on menthol and its role in tobacco-related health disparities. The following case study describes successes, challenges, and recommendations from this work. We focus on the role of a public health and community partnership in menthol policy adoption so others can more effectively implement a community-driven approach in their own communities. Methods. Interviews were conducted with local and state public health staff, leadership from the CBO, youth coordinators, and change agents—that is, leaders in the African American community recruited to educate and engage the community on menthol. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed in Atlas.ti using thematic analysis. Results. Participants identified several successes: (1) assessment data from community members helped inform policy decision making, (2) collaboration between local public health and CBO was powerful and a key to success, and (3) change agents were trusted communicators and effectively engaged and provided education to the community. Participants faced challenges related to stylistic and cultural differences in communication. Participants recommended engaging youth and incorporating cessation into the broader context of issues systemically affecting African American communities (e.g., economic inequity, police violence, incarceration). Implications. Menthol tobacco restrictions have the potential to reduce tobacco-related health inequities for African Americans. Findings highlight the role that public health and community partnerships can play in supporting this critical work to effect policy change.
Hierarchically defining Internet of Things security: From CIA to CACA
Authors: Yin Lihua , Fang Binxing , Guo Yunchuan , Sun Zhe , Tian Zhihong
Published: January 2020

With the rapid development of Internet of Things technology (e.g. wireless sensor networks), security has become a global issue. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability (known as the CIA triangle) is widely used to define and model information security. However, this CIA triangle is insufficient to address rapidly changing security requirements. In this article, we divide information systems into four layers: physical layer, operational layer, data layer, and content layers (PODC). Corresponding, hierarchy of information security is proposed. Furthermore, we define the basic security properties for each layer and show that the four properties (i.e. confidentiality, availability, controllability, and authentication, called CACA) are minimally complete and independent for information security. Based on PODC and CACA, a new definition of information security is proposed, which acts as a secure foundation for information systems.
A Critical Review of Chinese Theoretical Research on Moral Education Since 2000
Authors: Cheng Hongyan
Published: January 2020

Purpose:

The purpose of this article is to summarize and reflect Chinese theoretical research on moral education in the context of globalization and value pluralism since 2000 and to propose possible directions for the future research.

Design/Approach/Methods:

The research methods in this article are primarily literature review. Those papers which met the following criteria were selected and included in this review: (1) Papers published from 2000 to 2014 were included if they were cited by at least one other published article and (2) papers published from 2015 to 2017 were included if they were presented in a core research journal. Based on that, speculative thinking and critical thinking are also embodied in this research.

Findings:

Based on the features of “a man of virtue,” the article identifies the four dimensions that have influenced Chinese thinking about moral education: (1) Kantian and Enlightenment philosophy, (2) emotion and life experience, (3) social rights, and (4) the culture-value dimension. The four dimensions of moral education theory are related and complement, rather than contradict, each other. The author argues that the research scopes underlying current moral education theories are fairly narrow. A more comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach is needed to improve theoretical research and to enhance the effectiveness of moral education practice in schools and universities.

Originality/Value:

The article provides a latest overview and critical insights to consolidate the foundation of moral education in an era of societal transformation by comparing moral education research between China and the West and proposing realizing a deep integration between theory and practice.
A comparison of aspirin against rivaroxaban for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after hip or knee arthroplasty: A meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Joshua , Kanagaratnam Aran , Cao Jacob Y , Chaggar Gurpreet S , Bruce Warwick
Published: January 2020

Purpose:

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients are at an elevated risk of post-operative venous thromboembolism (VTE). Newer thromboprophylactic agents such as rivaroxaban are increasingly used and effective in preventing thromboembolic events but may worsen bleeding risk. Recent studies have suggested that the more cost-effective aspirin may also be effective in preventing VTE. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy of aspirin against rivaroxaban for the prevention of VTE following TKA and THA.

Methods:

Electronic searches were performed using five databases from their date of inception to August 2018. Relevant studies were identified, with data extracted and meta-analyzed from the studies.

Results:

Five studies were included, which consisted of 2257 in the aspirin group and 2337 in the rivaroxaban group. There were no differences between aspirin and rivaroxaban for either VTE ( p = 0.48) or its components deep vein thrombosis ( p = 0.44) and pulmonary embolism ( p = 0.98). Also, there were no differences between groups for either major bleeding ( p = 0.17), any bleeding ( p = 0.62), readmissions ( p = 0.37) or wound complications ( p = 0.17).

Conclusion:

Aspirin was not significantly different to rivaroxaban for prevention of VTE or adverse events after TKA or THA. However, this study was limited by the significant heterogeneity of the included studies. More large randomized studies are needed to add to this body of evidence.
Selling to strategic customers with cost uncertainty
Authors: Song Guodaohou , Wang Xiaofang
Published: January 2020

Production cost can be influenced by previous sales in an uncertain way. In reality, production cost may decrease in the number of initial buyers due to the learning effect, or increase in the number of initial buyers due to the quality-improving pressure from negative comments of unhappy users. Taking this uncertainty into account, this paper studies the optimal intertemporal pricing strategies of a firm when selling to strategic customers in two periods where production cost in the second period randomly changes with the number of buyers in the first period. Our results suggest how firms should adjust their optimal pricing strategies under different market circumstances.
Prevalence of Toxocara and Toxascaris infection among human and animals in Iran with meta-analysis approach
Authors: Eslahi Aida Vafae , Badri Milad , Khorshidi Ali , Majidiani Hamidreza , Hooshmand Elham , Hosseini Hamid , Taghipour Ali , Foroutan Masoud , Pestehchian Nader , Firoozeh Farzaneh , Riahi Seyed Mohammad , Zibaei Mohammad
Published: January 2020

Background

Toxocariasis is a worldwide zoonotic parasitic disease caused by species ofToxocaraandToxascaris, common in dogs and cats. Herein, a meta-analysis was contrived to assess the prevalence ofToxocara/Toxascarisin carnivore and human hosts in different regions of Iran from April 1969 to June 2019.

Methods

The available online articles of English (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Ovid) and Persian (SID, Iran Medex, Magiran, and Iran Doc) databases and also the articles that presented in held parasitology congresses of Iran were involved.

Results

The weighted prevalence ofToxocara/Toxascarisin dogs (Canis familiaris) and cats (Felis catus) was 24.2% (95% CI: 18.0–31.0%) and 32.6% (95% CI: 22.6–43.4%), respectively. Also, pooled prevalence in jackal (Canis aureus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was 23.3% (95% CI: 7.7–43.2%) and 69.4% (95% CI: 60.3–77.8%), correspondingly. Weighted mean prevalence of human cases with overall 28 records was 9.3% (95% CI: 6.3–13.1%). The weighted prevalence ofToxocara canis,Toxocara cati, andToxascaris leoninawas represented as 13.8% (95% CI: 9.8–18.3%), 28.5% (95% CI: 20–37.7%) and 14.3% (95% CI: 8.1–22.0%), respectively.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis results illustrate a considerable prevalence rate ofToxocara/Toxascaris, particularly in cats and dogs of northern parts of Iran. The presence of suitable animal hosts, optimum climate and close contact of humans and animals would have been the reason for higher seroprevalence rates of human cases in our region. Given the significance clinical outcomes of humanToxocara/Toxascaris, necessary measures should be taken.
Reducing financial barriers through the implementation of voucher incentives to promote children’s participation in community sport in Australia
Authors: Reece L. J. , McInerney C. , Blazek K. , Foley B. C. , Schmutz L. , Bellew B. , Bauman A. E.
Published: January 2020

Background

Participation in organised sport and physical activity contributes to health-enhancing levels of leisure time physical activity. In Australia, 58% of children aged 0–14 years participated at least once a week in October 2015 – December 2017. To overcome the frequently cited cost barrier, sports voucher incentives have been widely implemented across Australia.

Method

The financial value of jurisdictional vouchers and the National median financial value were used to calculate the proportion of total annual expenditure on children’s participation in sport supported by sports vouchers. Participation rates using AusPlay data were estimated by age, sex and socio-economic index (SEIFA) at state and national level for children aged 0–14 years.

Results

Five States and Territories implemented sports vouchers from 2011 to 2018, with a median value of AU$150. Nationally, median annual expenditure for children’s sport participation was AU$447 (IQR $194.2–936), with 27% reported expenditure supported by a sports voucher. The proportion of financial support from sports vouchers increased considerably with social disadvantage, rising to over 60% of total expenditure in the most disadvantaged populations.

Conclusions

Socio-economic status was associated with sports-related expenditure and sports participation amongst children. Sport vouchers should target children in the most disadvantaged areas to promote participation in organised sport and physical activity.
Effect of trauma-informed care on hair cortisol concentration in youth welfare staff and client physical aggression towards staff: results of a longitudinal study
Authors: Schmid Marc , Lüdtke Janine , Dolitzsch Claudia , Fischer Sophia , Eckert Anne , Fegert Jörg M.
Published: January 2020

Background

Professional caregivers working in child and youth welfare institutions are frequently faced with the complex mental health issues, emotional needs and challenging coping strategies of clients with cumulated traumatic experiences, leaving them prone to developing high levels of stress, burn-out and compassion fatigue. Trauma-informed care (TIC) is a milieu-therapeutic approach that aims to promote the self-efficacy and self-care of youth welfare staff by guiding them to a better understanding of their own and their clients’ stress symptoms and countertransference. Despite increasing efforts to implement TIC practices, and more widespread recognition of their value in youth welfare systems, there is a lack of studies evaluating the effectiveness of this approach. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of TIC practices in youth welfare institutions on both the physiological stress of staff members and clients’ physical aggression towards their caregivers. .

Methods

Data was obtained from a longitudinal study investigating the effectiveness of TIC in 14 residential youth welfare institutions. Our sample consisted of 47 youth welfare employees (66.0% female) aged from 23 to 60 years (M = 37.4, SD = 10.4 years). Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) and occurrences of client physical aggression were assessed at four annual measurement time points (T1 to T4).

Results

Participants in five institutions employing TIC practices (intervention group) showed significantly lower HCC at T4 than staff members from institutions who did not receive training in TIC (control group), indicating reduced physiological stress levels. At T4, the intervention group reported significantly less physical aggression than the control group.

Conclusions

TIC might be a promising approach for reducing the emotional burden of employees and institutions should invest in training their staff in TIC practices. More research is necessary, to investigate the benefits and efficacy of TIC, both to youths and staff members, and to foster a better understanding of which specific factors may contribute to stress reduction.