bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Swimming as Treatment for Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Su Yanlin , Chen Zhe , Xie Wei
Published: May 2020

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease that seriously affects human health and quality of life. This study is aimed at determining whether swimming had an effect on the bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine and femoral neck in postmenopausal and premenopausal osteoporosis patients. We retrieved relevant literature and analyzed data from randomized controlled trials to assess the effect of swimming on BMD in postmenopausal and premenopausal women. Relevant studies, with no language restrictions, from inception to September 2019, were retrieved from the PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, and EBSCO databases independently by two investigators. The keywords used for the literature search were “osteoporosis” and “swimming.” The main results included BMD and T‐score. We searched 256 relevant articles and finally screened five articles, including 263 participants. Lumbar spine density was mentioned in three articles. Although the heterogeneity of lumbar vertebral density is moderate, the analysis of swimmers to nonswimmers shows that the lumbar vertebral density in swimmers is improved [heterogeneity: chi2 = 5.16, df = 2 (P = 0.08); I2 = 61%]. We analyzed the following heterogeneous subgroups: subgroup 1 (3–6 hours) and subgroup 2 (<3 hours). The BMD in subgroup 1 was significantly higher than that in the placebo, while no effect on BMD was found in subgroup 2 [heterogeneity: chi2 = 0.15, df = 3 (P = 0.70); I2 = 0%]. According to the current evidence, swimming may improve the BMD of postmenopausal women participants, if the swimming time is between 3 and 6 hours, especially in long‐term swimmers. However, the effectiveness of swimming does require further investigation.
Horizontal Ridge Augmentation Using a Xenograft Bone Substitute for Implant-Supported Fixed Rehabilitation: A Case Report with Four Years of Follow-Up
Authors: Mello Bruno Freitas , de Carvalho Formiga Márcio , de Souza da Silva Luiz Fernando , dos Santos Coura Gustavo , Shibli Jamil Awad
Published: May 2020

The guided bone regeneration (GBR) technique has been used to achieve optimal bone volume augmentation and allow dental implant placement in atrophic maxilla and mandible, with predictable results and high survival rates. The use of bone substitutes has reduced the necessity of autogenous bone grafts, reducing the morbidity at the donor areas and thus improving the patients’ satisfaction and comfort. This clinical case report shows a clinical and histological evaluation of the bone tissue behavior, in a case that required the horizontal augmentation of the alveolar ridge, with the use of xenograft biomaterial and further dental implant placement. After six months of healing time, six implants were placed, and a bone biopsy was done. The histological analysis depicted some fragments of the xenograft bone graft, integrated with the new-formed bone tissue.
Insulin Independence in Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes Patient following Fenofibrate Treatment
Authors: Buschard Karsten , Holm Laurits J. , Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla
Published: May 2020

A 19-year-old girl was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and showing polydipsia and polyuria. She was double autoantibody-positive and had a diabetes-prone tissue type. She was immediately started on insulin. Fenofibrate treatment (160 mg daily) was initiated seven days after diagnosis. The need for insulin quickly declined, and she took her last dose of insulin 19 days after the first dose of fenofibrate, having regained endogenous control of blood glucose concentrations. She has now been insulin independent for one year and 9 months. Unstimulated C-peptide has increased by 51% (317 to 479 pmol/l), and IA-2 autoantibody level has decreased by 65% (49 to 17 × 103 arbitrary units). Fenofibrate is a widely used drug for reducing triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Fenofibrate reverses and prevents autoimmune diabetes in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice by increasing the amount of the sphingolipid sulfatide in islets. Sphingolipid metabolism is otherwise abnormal in the islets at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. In conclusion, we describe a 19-year-old patient with classical newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes, which following fenofibrate treatment has been without insulin for 21 months.
Long-Term Outcomes of Behçet’s Syndrome-Related Uveitis: A Monocentric Italian Experience
Authors: Sota Jurgen , Cantarini Luca , Vitale Antonio , Sgheri Arianna , Gentileschi Stefano , Caggiano Valeria , Gelardi Viviana , Frediani Bruno , Tosi Gian Marco , Fabiani Claudia
Published: May 2020

Objectives. To examine demographic and clinical characteristics and long-term visual outcome in a cohort of Italian patients affected by Behçet’s uveitis (BU). Materials and Methods. Retrospective chart review of 47 patients with BU attending our unit between January 2018 and December 2019. Ophthalmologic manifestations, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fluoroangiography and optical coherence tomography findings, and ocular complications were recorded. Predictive factors of a poor visual outcome and long-term complications were also investigated. Results. Forty-seven patients (23 males and 24 females) for a total of 84 eyes were enrolled. Uveitis was bilateral in 37 (78.7%) patients with panuveitis being the most frequent anatomical pattern (40 out of 84 eyes), whereas 27 eyes presented a posterior uveitis. Isolated anterior uveitis was detected in 16 eyes. A significant improvement of median BCVA between baseline and last follow-up values was detected (p=0.042). A higher risk of poor visual prognosis was observed in patients with uveitis duration greater than 15 years (p=0.019). A significant resolution of retinal vasculitis was detected between baseline and last follow-up evaluation (p<0.0001) whereas the mean±SD macular thickness did not decrease significantly between baseline (376.00±97.45 μm) and last follow-up evaluation (338.08±55.81 μm). Forty-two eyes developed 57 complications during the disease course. Cataract was the most frequent (n=12), followed by epiretinal membranes (n=11) and cystoid macular edema (n=6). The following variables were identified as predictors of long-term complications: human leukocyte antigen- (HLA-) B51 (p=0.006), panuveitis (p=0.037), and a uveitis duration of more than 15 years (p=0.049). Conclusions. In Italian patients, BU typically arises in the third decade and predominantly manifests as a bilateral posterior uveitis or panuveitis. Its duration is associated with a poor visual prognosis. Uveitis duration, the presence of HLA-B51, and panuveitis are predictors of long-term structural complications, thus representing main drivers in the treatment decision-making.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Miodesin™: Modulation of Inflammatory Markers and Epigenetic Evidence
Authors: Oliveira Carlos Rocha , Vieira Rodolfo Paula
Published: May 2020

Purpose. To investigate the effects of a combined herbal medicine Miodesin™ on the inflammatory response of key cells involved in the acute and chronic inflammatory processes as well as the possible epigenetic involvement. Methods. After the establishment of the IC50 dose, the chondrocyte, keratinocyte, and macrophage cell lines were pretreated for 2 hours with Miodesin™ (200 μg/mL) and stimulated with LPS (1 μg/mL) for 24 hours. The supernatant was used to measure the levels of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) and chemokines (CCL2, CCL3, and CCL5), and the cells were used to extract the mRNA for the transcription factor (NF-κβ), inflammatory enzymes (COX-1, COX-2, PLA2, and iNOS), and chemokines (CCL2, CCL3, and CCL5). Results. Miodesin™ inhibited the release of LPS-induced cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α; p<0.01) and chemokines (CCL2, CCL3, and CCL5; p<0.01) and the expression of the transcription factor (NF-κβ; p<0.01), inflammatory enzymes (COX-1, COX-2, PLA2, iNOS; p<0.01), and chemokines (CCL2, CCL3, and CCL5; p<0.01). In addition, the evaluation of epigenetic mechanism revealed that Miodesin™ did not induce changes in DNA methylation, assuring the genetic safeness of the compound in terms of the inflammatory response. Conclusions. Miodesin™ presents anti-inflammatory properties, inhibiting hyperactivation of chondrocytes, keratinocytes, and macrophages, involving epigenetics in such effects.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head in Multiple Myeloma Patients Undergoing Dexamethasone‐Based Regimens
Authors: Wu Xinjie , Geng Chuanying , Sun Wei , Tan Mingsheng
Published: May 2020

Objectives. To investigate the incidence and risk factors for osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients undergoing dexamethasone‐based regimens (DBRs). Methods. A retrospective study was conducted in MM patients administered DBRs between December 2012 and April 2015. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were extracted to compare between two groups. Incidence of ONFH were calculated and risk factors identified by both univariate and multivariate analysis. Results. The study group comprised 105 patients undergoing DBRs. Seven patients with ONFH after DBRs were classified as the ONFH group, and the other 98 patients without ONFH were included in the non‐ONFH group. Incidence of ONFH was 6.7%. Median age of developing ONFH was 51 years (45–64), and the male to female ratio was 6 : 1. A total of 12 femoral heads were involved, including unilateral in 2 patients and bilateral in 5 patients. After the multivariate analysis, four risk factors were confirmed including male, younger age, cumulative dose of dexamethasone, and hyperlipidemia. Conclusion. The overall incidence of ONFH in MM patients treated with DBRs is 6.7%, and 4 risk factors are confirmed including male, younger age, cumulative dose of dexamethasone, and hyperlipidemia in our study.
Robust Adaptive Output Feedback Control for a Class of Underactuated Aerial Vehicles with Input and Output Constraints
Authors: Tran Trong-Toan , Nguyen Tan-No , Nguyen Duc-Duy , Nguyen Viet-Long , Truong Nguyen-Vu
Published: May 2020

This paper addresses the problem of nonlinear robust adaptive output feedback controller for a class of underactuated aerial vehicles with input and output constraints. To solve the problem, the modular design strategy is proposed for the control design. By using the neural networks (NNs) to approximate system uncertainties and observers to reconstruct system states, robust adaptive output feedback controllers are developed. By using a combination of saturation functions and barrier functions, input and output constraints are simultaneously dealt with. The design methodology shows that a cascaded system of an input-to-state stable (ISS) subsystem driven by an ultimate bounded (UB) subsystem enjoys ultimate boundedness property. In addition, the tracking error converges to adjustable neighbourhoods of the origin.
Multichart Schemes for Detecting Changes in Disease Incidence
Authors: Engmann Gideon Mensah , Han Dong
Published: May 2020

Several methods have been proposed in open literatures for detecting changes in disease outbreak or incidence. Most of these methods are likelihood-based as well as the direct application of Shewhart, CUSUM and EWMA schemes. We use CUSUM, EWMA and EWMA-CUSUM multi-chart schemes to detect changes in disease incidence. Multi-chart is a combination of several single charts that detects changes in a process and have been shown to have elegant properties in the sense that they are fast in detecting changes in a process as well as being computationally less expensive. Simulation results show that the multi-CUSUM chart is faster than EWMA and EWMA-CUSUM multi-charts in detecting shifts in the rate parameter. A real illustration with health data is used to demonstrate the efficiency of the schemes.
On the Group Controllability of Leader-Based Continuous-Time Multiagent Systems
Authors: Liu Bo , Wu Licheng , Li Rong , Su Housheng , Han Yue
Published: May 2020

The group controllability of continuous-time multiagent systems (MASs) with multiple leaders is considered in this paper, where the entire group is compartmentalized into a few subgroups. The group controllability concept of continuous-time MASs with multiple leaders is put forward, and the group controllability criteria are obtained for switching and fixed topologies, respectively. Finally, the numerical simulations are given to prove the validity of the theoretical results.
Neck Circumference is an Effective Supplement for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Screening in a Community-Based Population
Authors: Jian Chaohui , Xu Yiting , Ma Xiaojing , Shen Yun , Wang Yufei , Bao Yuqian
Published: May 2020

Background. Accumulating evidence has shown that neck circumference (NC) is associated with obesity-related metabolic abnormalities. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is regarded as a liver manifestation of metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between NC and liver fat content (LFC) and NAFLD. Methods. A total of 1698 subjects (577 men and 1121 women) from the Shanghai community were enrolled. All the subjects underwent NC measurement and biochemical measurements. LFC was calculated using the parameters from abdominal ultrasound images. Elevated NC was defined as NC ≥38.5 cm in men and NC ≥34.5 cm in women. Results. Subjects with NAFLD based on the LFC measurement had higher values of NC, liver enzyme profiles, homoeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index, and LFC than those without NAFLD (all P<0.05), irrespective of sex. NC showed an upward trend with the increase of LFC in both men and women (both P<0.05). An elevated NC could identify 55.22% of men and 50.29% of women with NAFLD based on quantitative ultrasonography. The positive correlation between NC and LFC remained significant even after adjustment for central obesity (both P<0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of NAFLD in subjects with an elevated NC was 1.52-fold higher in men (P=0.036) and 2.31-fold higher in women (P<0.001). Conclusions. There was a significant and positive correlation between NC and LFC. The risk of NAFLD increased significantly in subjects with an elevated NC.
A Systematic Review of Essential Oils and the Endocannabinoid System: A Connection Worthy of Further Exploration
Authors: Johnson Scott A. , Rodriguez Damian , Allred Kathryn
Published: May 2020

Aromatic compounds have a long history of use as medicines in most recorded cultures. An increasing interest in these therapeutic volatile molecules in both scientific and lay communities has led to the advancement of essential oils as phytomedicines. Recent discoveries suggest essential oils augment the endocannabinoid system in a positive manner to mitigate various pathologies. However, the exact mechanisms whereby essential oils influence endocannabinoid system activity are not fully known, these studies provide a glimpse into their involvement and warrant further evaluation. Additional study of the interaction between essential oils and the endocannabinoid system may lead to promising phytomedicines for the treatment of diseases and conditions involving dysregulation or activation of the endocannabinoid system.
A Thermodynamics-Based Nonlocal Bar-Elastic Substrate Model with Inclusion of Surface-Energy Effect
Authors: Sae-Long Worathep , Limkatanyu Suchart , Prachasaree Woraphot , Rungamornrat Jaroon , Sukontasukkul Piti
Published: May 2020

This paper presents a bar-elastic substrate model to investigate the axial responses of nanowire-elastic substrate systems considering the effects of nonlocality and surface energy. The thermodynamics-based strain gradient model is adopted to capture the nonlocality of the bar-bulk material while the Gurtin-Murdoch surface theory is utilized to consider the surface energy. To characterize the bar-surrounding substrate interaction, the Winkler foundation model is employed. In a direct manner, system compatibility conditions are obtained while within the framework of the virtual displacement principle, the system equilibrium condition and the corresponding natural boundary conditions are consistently obtained. Three numerical simulations are conducted to investigate the characteristics and behaviors of the nanowire-elastic substrate system: the first is conducted to reveal the capability of the proposed model to eliminate the paradoxical behavior inherent to the Eringen nonlocal differential model; the second is employed to characterize responses of the nanowire-elastic substrate system; and the third is aimed at demonstrating the dependence of the system effective Young’s modulus on several system parameters.
Experimental and Theoretical Analysis for Isolation Performance of New Combined Isolation Devices under Blast Loading
Authors: Liu Yang , Liao Zhen , Xue Yulong , Li Zhizhong , Shao Luzhong , Tang Degao
Published: May 2020

The strong shock and vibration effect caused by explosion may pose a serious threat to the surrounding environment and the safety of personnel and equipment. This also makes the problem of vibration isolation and absorption of the structures subjected to blast loading increasingly prominent. In this paper, three kinds of new combined isolation devices with high resistance are designed and manufactured, and the characteristic parameters such as natural vibration period, frequency, and damping ratio are obtained through drop hammer impact test. Based on the Duhamel integral principle, analytical solutions of dynamic response of the combined isolation devices under rectangular pulse blast loading are derived, and the calculation expressions of transmissibility and vibration isolation rate are proposed. Combined with the test results, the isolation performance of three kinds of combined isolation devices under blast loading is obtained by using the theoretical calculation formula, and the influencing factors of isolation performance are further analyzed parametrically. The research results provide a reference for the application of combined isolation devices in isolation and shock absorption of structures under blast loading.
Treatment of Maxillary Second Premolar with 4 Roots
Authors: Allahem Z. , AlYami S.
Published: May 2020

Aim. To report a case of maxillary second premolar with four roots and four separate foramina and the use of CBCT to help identify the root canal system configuration. Summary. A 45-year-old female patient with a no significant medical history was referred for treatment tooth #15. The tooth was diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and symptomatic apical periodontitis. After taking periapical radiographs and expected uncommon morphology, CBCT was taken to help confirm canals configuration and aid in the treatment of the case. Root canals treatment was carried without complication under dental operating microscope using a rotary system and continuous wave obturation.
Chronic Atrophic Gastritis with Negative Intrinsic Factor and Parietal Cell Antibody Presenting as a Severe Hemolytic Anemia
Authors: Cittolin-Santos G. F. , Khalil S. , Bakos J. K. , Baker K.
Published: May 2020

A 28-year-old Caucasian male with Hashimoto’s disease and vitiligo presented with two weeks of dizziness on exertion following pharyngitis which was treated with prednisone 40 mg by mouth once a day for five days. Initial workup revealed anemia, elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and low haptoglobin. He underwent workup for causes of hemolytic anemia which was remarkable for a peripheral blood smear with hypersegmented neutrophils and low vitamin B12 levels concerning for pernicious anemia. Parietal cell and intrinsic factor antibodies were negative, and he then underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy. The biopsy was negative for Helicobacter pylori, and the immunohistochemical stains were suggestive of chronic atrophic gastritis. He was started on vitamin B12 1,000 mcg intramuscular injections daily. His hemoglobin, LDH, and haptoglobin normalized. Given the absence of the parietal cell antibody and intrinsic factor antibody, this is a rare case of seronegative pernicious anemia.
Mechanism of Secondary Deformation of Extruded AZ31 Magnesium Alloy by Viscoplastic Self‐Consistent Model
Authors: Hui Su , Chu Zhibing , Wang Huanzhu , Li Yugui , Ma Lifeng , Xue Chun
Published: May 2020

The viscoplastic self‐consistent (VPSC) model is used to establish a combination of different deformation mechanisms. By using this model, axial tension and compression tests of extruded AZ31 magnesium alloy at room temperature are simulated. The influence of secondary deformation mechanism (prismatic  slip, pyramidal  slip, and compression twin) on mechanical response and texture evolution is expounded. Increased activity of the prismatic  slip is conducive for the improvement of flow stress in mechanical response during axial tension and for the splitting of pole densities in the {0002} pole figure during axial compression. However, increased activity of the pyramidal  slip causes the basal texture to transfer to the extrusion direction in the {0002} pole figure during axial compression. The compression twinning has a negligible influence on the plastic deformation and mechanical response of AZ31 magnesium alloy during axial tension and compression. However, the compression twinning should be included in VPSC modeling to predict the texture evolution accurately.
Seepage Property of Crushed Mudstone Rock in Collapse Column
Authors: Zhang Bo-Yang , Lin Zhi-Bin
Published: May 2020

The karst collapse column composed of crushed rocks and fine argillaceous or clay particles is easy to form the fissure channels between the coal seam working face and the confined limestone aquifer under mining and causes water inrush disasters with the loss of underground water resource, economic losses, and casualties. It is of great necessity to understand the seepage properties of crushed rock in karst collapse column for the prevention of water inrush and the protection of underground water resource. A self‐developed seepage test system is used in this paper to conduct laboratory experiments on seepage properties of crushed mudstone specimens. The effects of the particle size distribution, the porosity (specimen height), and the hydraulic pressure on the water flow velocity and the permeability of crushed specimen are analyzed. The results indicate that the permeability of specimen increases with the particle size, porosity, and hydraulic pressure. It can be known from the comparative experiments of progressive hydraulic pressure on one specimen and variable hydraulic pressure on different specimens with constant particle size and porosity that more fine particles leak out from the specimen with repeated application of hydraulic pressure on one specimen. Therefore, the permeability of one specimen is bigger than that of different specimens under the condition of same hydraulic pressure.
Reliability of a New Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Biometer in Healthy Children, Adults, and Cataract Patients
Authors: Huang Jinhai , Zhao Yuyu , Savini Giacomo , Yu Guanshun , Yu Jinjin , Chen Zhongxing , Tu Ruixue , Zhao Yune
Published: May 2020

Purpose. To comprehensively assess the reliability of a new optical biometer (IOLMaster 700), based on swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and comparison with a standard biometer (IOLMaster 500), in healthy children, adults, and cataract patients. Methods. A total of 301 eyes from 301 consecutive subjects were enrolled prospectively. Two experienced operators measured each eye three times consecutively with the IOLMaster 700. The axial length (AL), keratometry (K), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), central corneal thickness (CCT), and white-to-white (WTW) distance were recorded. Intraoperator repeatability and interoperator reproducibility of the IOLMaster 700 were analyzed using the test-retest (TRT), coefficients of variation (CoV), and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The agreement between the two devices was evaluated using the Bland–Altman method. Results. The repeatability and reproducibility of the SS-OCT optical biometer were high for all ocular biometry parameters in all groups, except for the WTW in cataract patients (TRT, 0.27–0.44 mm; ICC, 0.86–0.95). The reproducibility of averaged measurements from three consecutive readings (TRT : AL = 0.02 mm, CCT = 5.41 μm, ACD = 0.03 mm, LT = 0.03 mm, Km = 0.17 D, and WTW = 0.22 mm) was higher than the reproducibility of single measurements (TRT : AL = 0.04 mm, CCT = 7.43 μm, ACD = 0.06 mm, LT = 0.05 mm, Km = 0.26 D, and WTW = 0.35 mm) in the three groups. The consistency in the data between the two biometers was high, with narrow 95% LoAs in the three groups. Conclusion. Repeatability and reproducibility of the new SS-OCT optical biometer were excellent and consistent with that of the standard biometer with respect to healthy children, healthy adults, and cataract patients.
Preparation and Characterization of Rare Earth-Doped Ti/SnO2-Sb-Mn Electrodes for the Electrocatalytic Performance
Authors: Wai Thet Phyo , Yin Yilin , Zhang Xiao , Li Zenghe
Published: May 2020

The modified Ti/SnO2-Sb-Mn/Re electrodes were prepared using rare earth (Re) Gd, Eu, Ce, and Er and various molar ratios of tin and manganese by thermal decomposition. To investigate the electrocatalytic performance of electrodes, phenol was applied as a model pollutant. Phenol removal pursued pseudofirst-order kinetics in the experimental range. The experimental outcomes show that the phenol degradation at ~95% and ~97% was found in Mn (1 mol%)/Re and Mn (2 mol%)/Re electrodes after treatment for 140 min. Accelerated lifetime testing showed that the best-accelerated service life could be measured only in Mn (3 mol%)/Re and Mn (4 mol%)/Re compared with other prepared Mn (0%,1%, and 2%)/Re electrodes under the condition of 500 mAcm-2 current density in this study. The modified electrodes were then characterized, including oxygen evolution potential (OEP), crystal structure, and surface composition of the electrode coatings.
On the Nonlinear Seismic Responses of Shock Absorber-Equipped Porcelain Electrical Components
Authors: Zhu Zhubing , Zhang Lingxin , Cheng Yongfeng , Guo Hulun , Lu Zhicheng
Published: May 2020

Porcelain electrical equipment is prone to brittle failure due to resonance under seismic effects. To improve its seismic resistance, some researchers have conducted research on shock absorption technology for porcelain electrical equipment. However, extant research fails to provide a detailed and systematic study of the effect of the nonlinear characteristics of these shock absorbers on the performance of equipment under seismic effects. This paper provides a theoretical analysis, verified by shaking table testing, of the performance of a 1000 kV pillar-type porcelain lightning arrester. The Bouc–Wen model is fitted to the force-displacement curve of hysteretic nonlinear metal shock absorbers, and a dynamic model of, and equations for, pillar-type porcelain electrical components are derived, taking into account their nonlinear characteristics. This reveals the influence of the nonlinear characteristics of shock absorbers on the nonlinear seismic response characteristics of these components. Our results indicate that the seismic responses of pillar-type porcelain components can be effectively suppressed by hysteretic nonlinear shock absorbers and that the greater the intensity of the seismic waves, the more obvious the efficiency of shock absorption. However, as the installation radius and yield force of the installed shock absorbers increase, their shock absorption efficiency gradually decreases.
Cardia Laxity under Retroflexed Endoscopy Is a Reflection of Esophageal Hiatus Enlargement
Authors: Chen Dong , Tian Shurui , Hu Zhiwei , Wu Jimin
Published: May 2020

Background and Aim. In clinical practice, we found that the degree of gastroesophageal laxity (cardia or hiatus) under retroflexed endoscopy is associated with the enlargement of esophageal hiatus during operation, but specific data was lacking. The aim of this study was to confirm this correlation. Methods. Information from patients who underwent endoscopy and CT scan in our department was collected and analyzed retrospectively. Three-dimensional reconstruction of hiatus from CT images was performed using 3DSlicer software, and the degree of esophageal hiatus enlargement was compared with the degree of gastroesophageal laxity under retroflexed endoscopy. Results. Information from 104 patients was included for analysis. The Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.617 (p≤0.001). When subgroup correlation analysis was performed according to the presence of hiatal hernia on CT, the Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.816 (p≤0.001) in the hernia group and 0.351 (p=0.002) in the nonhernia group. The proportion of hiatal hernia and severe esophagitis was increasing gradually with the degree of gastroesophageal laxity. Conclusion. The degree of gastroesophageal laxity (cardia or hiatus) under retroflexed endoscopy reflects the degree of esophageal hiatus enlargement; with the degree of gastroesophageal laxity increasing, the proportion of HH and severe esophagitis increases gradually. This may be useful for physicians in China to guide themselves in the selection of patients for endoscopic antireflux treatment.
Characterization and Significance of Monocytes in Acute Stanford Type B Aortic Dissection
Authors: Lu Li , Tong Yuanhao , Wang Wenwen , Hou Yayi , Dou Huan , Liu Zhao
Published: May 2020

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is one of the most common fatal diseases noted in vascular surgery. Human monocytes circulate in dynamic equilibrium and display a considerable heterogeneity. However, the role of monocytes in AAD remains elusive. In our recent study, we firstly obtained blood samples from 22 patients with Stanford type B AAD and 44 age-, sex-, and comorbidity-matched control subjects. And the monocyte proportions were evaluated by flow cytometry. Results showed that the percentage of total CD14+ monocytes in the blood samples of Stanford AAD patients was increased significantly compared with that of normal volunteers (P<0.0005), and the absolute numbers of CD14brightCD16+ and CD14brightCD16- monocytes both increased significantly regardless of the percentage of PBMC or CD14+ cells, while CD14dimCD16+ monocytes displayed the opposite tendency. However, the percentage of CD14+ cells and its three subsets demonstrated no correlation with D-dimer (DD) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Then, blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples were collected by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation, followed with CD14+ magnetic bead sorting. After the purity of CD14+ cells was validated over 90%, AAD-related genes were concentrated in CD14+ monocytes. There were no significant differences observed with regard to the mRNA expression levels of MMP1 (P=0.0946), MMP2 (P=0.3941), MMP9 (P=0.2919), IL-6 (P=0.4223), and IL-10 (P=0.3375) of the CD14+ monocytes in Stanford type B AAD patients compared with those of normal volunteers. The expression levels of IL-17 (P<0.05) was higher in Stanford type B AAD patients, while the expression levels of TIMP1(P<0.05), TIMP2(P<0.01), TGF-β1 (P<0.01), SMAD3 (P<0.01), ACTA2 (P<0.001), and ADAMTS-1 (P<0.001) decreased. The data suggested that monocytes might play an important role in the development of Stanford type B AAD. Understanding of the production, differentiation, and function of monocyte subsets might dictate future therapeutic avenues for Stanford type B AAD treatment and can aid the identification of novel biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets for decreasing inflammation in AAD.
A Digital Camera-Based Rotation-Invariant Fingerprint Verification Method
Authors: Khan Sajid , Lee Dong-Ho , Khan Asif , Waqas Ahmad , Gilal Abdul Rehman , Khand Zahid Hussain
Published: May 2020

Fingerprint registration and verification is an active area of research in the field of image processing. Usually, fingerprints are obtained from sensors; however, there is recent interest in using images of fingers obtained from digital cameras instead of scanners. An unaddressed issue in the processing of fingerprints extracted from digital images is the angle of the finger during image capture. To match a fingerprint with 100% accuracy, the angles of the matching features should be similar. This paper proposes a rotation and scale-invariant decision-making method for the intelligent registration and recognition of fingerprints. A digital image of a finger is taken as the input and compared with a reference image for derotation. Derotation is performed by applying binary segmentation on both images, followed by the application of speeded up robust feature (SURF) extraction and then feature matching. Potential inliers are extracted from matched features by applying the M-estimator. Matched inlier points are used to form a homography matrix, the difference in the rotation angles of the finger in both the input and reference images is calculated, and finally, derotation is performed. Input fingerprint features are extracted and compared or stored based on the decision support system required for the situation.
Violências contra trabalhadores adoecidos e instrumentos de gestão
Authors: Tavares Daniela Sanches , Lima Cristiane Queiroz Barbeiro
Published: May 2020

Trata-se de estudo realizado por demanda de um sindicato de trabalhadores metalúrgicos à Fundacentro, objetivando analisar as situações de violências vividas por trabalhadores adoecidos pelo trabalho em uma montadora de automóveis. Foram realizadas entrevistas com sindicalistas, visita à montadora, entrevistas individuais e coletivas com trabalhadores, validação dos dados. À luz da discussão sobre violências relacionadas ao trabalho e intensificação do trabalho, analisou-se sua relação com instrumentos de gestão. Com base na compreensão de gestão de Gaulejac e na perspectiva das evoluções conceituais sobre violência no trabalho, expressada por Soboll, entre outros, confirmaram-se práticas de exclusão e isolamento de trabalhadores adoecidos, humilhações e descaracterização das doenças relacionadas ao trabalho, deslegitimando e colocando os adoecidos sob suspeita. Instrumentos de gestão e elementos da cultura organizacional eram utilizados nestas práticas violentas caracterizando um modo de agir sistêmico que contribui para a cronificação de doenças e a geração de incapacidade, além de prejudicarem ações preventivas, tanto da própria empresa, como do Estado, pela ocultação de riscos e danos. Demandas dessa natureza são frequentes, evidenciando que a violência contra adoecidos pelo trabalho e o ocultamento de doenças do trabalho constituem sério problema social com impacto dramático nas vidas de trabalhadores e no sistema de saúde pública.
Discordant Values in Lower Extremity Physiologic Studies Predict Increased Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Firth Christine , Tseng Andrew S. , Abdelmalek Mina , Girardo Marlene , Atwal Danish , Cooper Leslie , McBane Robert , Pollak Amy , Liedl David , Wennberg Paul , Shamoun Fadi Elias
Published: May 2020

Background

Ankle‐brachial indexes (
ABI
) are a noninvasive diagnostic tool for peripheral arterial disease and a marker of increased cardiovascular risk.
ABI
is calculated using the highest systolic blood pressure of the 4 ankle arteries (bilateral dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial). Accordingly, patients may be assigned a normal
ABI
when the result would be abnormal if calculated using one of the other blood pressure readings. Cardiovascular outcomes for patients with discordant
ABI
s are undescribed.

Methods and Results

We performed a retrospective study of patients who underwent
ABI
measurement for any indication between January 1996 and June 2018. Those with normal
ABI
s (1.00–1.39) were included. We compared patients with all 4 normal
ABI
s (calculated using all 4 ankle arteries; n=15 577, median age 64.0 years, 54.4% men) to those with discordant
ABI
s (at least 1 abnormal
ABI
≤0.99; n=2095, median age 66.0 years, 47.8% men). The outcomes assessed were ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and all‐cause mortality. Compared with patients with concordant normal
ABI
s, patients with discordant
ABI
s were older; women; smoked; and had chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, or prior stroke. Patients with discordant
ABI
s had a greater risk of myocardial infarction (hazard ratio [HR], 1.31; 95%
CI,
1.10–1.56), ischemic stroke (
HR,
1.53; 95%
CI,
1.37–1.72), and all‐cause mortality (
HR,
1.27; 95%
CI,
1.16–1.39), including after adjustment for baseline comorbidities.

Conclusions

Discordant
ABI
results were associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and all‐cause mortality in the studied population. Clinicians should examine
ABI
calculations using all 4 ankle arteries to better characterize a patient's cardiovascular risk.
Development of a Novel Adult Congenital Heart Disease–Specific Patient‐Reported Outcome Metric
Authors: Cedars Ari M. , Ko Jong Mi , John Anitha S. , Vittengl Jeffrey , Stefanescu‐Schmidt Ada C. , Jarrett Robin B. , Kutty Shelby , Spertus John A.
Published: May 2020

Background

Patient‐reported outcome metrics (
PRO
s) quantify important outcomes in clinical trials and can be sensitive measures of patient experience in clinical practice. Currently, there is no validated disease‐specific
PRO
for adults with congenital heart disease (
ACHD
).

Methods and Results

We conducted a preliminary psychometric validation of a novel
ACHD PRO
.
ACHD
patients were recruited prospectively from 2 institutions and completed a series of questionnaires, a physician health assessment, and a 6‐minute walk test. Participants returned to complete the same questionnaires and assessment 3 months±2 weeks later. We tested the internal consistency and test–retest reliability by comparing responses among clinically stable patients at the 2 study visits. We assessed convergent and divergent validity by comparison of
ACHD PRO
responses to existing validated questionnaires. We assessed responsiveness by comparison with patient‐reported clinical change. One hundred three patients completed 1 study visit and 81 completed both. The
ACHD PRO
demonstrated good internal consistency in each of its 5 domains (Cronbach's α: 0.87; 0.74; 0.74; 0.90; and 0.89, respectively) and in the overall summary score (0.92). Test–retest reliability was good with an intraclass correlation ≥0.73 for all domains and 0.78 for the Summary Score. The
ACHD PRO
accurately assessed domain concepts based on comparison with validated standards. Preliminary estimates of responsiveness suggest sensitivity to clinical status.

Conclusions

These studies provide initial support for the validity and reliability of the
ACHD PRO
. Further studies are needed to assess its sensitivity to changes in clinical status.
Patterns of Antiplatelet Therapy During Noncardiac Surgery in Patients With Second‐Generation Drug‐Eluting Stents
Authors: Kim Choongki , Kim Jung‐Sun , Kim Hyeongsoo , Ahn Sung Gyun , Cho Sungsoo , Lee Oh‐Hyun , Park Jong‐Kwan , Shin Sanghoon , Moon Jae Youn , Won Hoyoun , Suh Yongsung , Cho Jung Rae , Cho Yun‐Hyeong , Oh Seung‐Jin , Lee Byoung‐Kwon , Hong Sung‐Jin , Shin Dong‐Ho , Ahn Chul‐Min , Kim Byeong‐Keuk , Ko Young‐Guk , Choi Donghoon , Hong Myeong‐Ki , Jang Yangsoo
Published: May 2020

Background

Continuing antiplatelet therapy (
APT
) has been generally recommended during noncardiac surgery, but it is uncertain if preoperative discontinuation of
APT
has been avoided or harmful in patients with second‐generation drug‐eluting coronary stents.

Methods and Results

Patients undergoing noncardiac surgery after second‐generation drug‐eluting coronary stent implantation were assessed in a multicenter cohort in Korea. Net adverse clinical events within 30 days postoperatively, defined as all‐cause death, major adverse cardiac events, and major bleeding, were evaluated. Of 3582 eligible patients, 49% patients discontinued
APT
during noncardiac surgery. The incidence of net adverse clinical events was comparable between patients with continuation versus discontinuation (4.1% versus 3.4%;
P
=0.257) of
APT
during noncardiac surgery. Perioperative discontinuation of
APT
did not impact on net adverse clinical events (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.00; 95% CI, 0.69–1.44;
P
=0.995). In subgroup analysis, patients undergoing intra‐abdominal surgery were exposed to less risk of major bleeding by discontinuing
APT
(adjusted HR, 0.26; 95%
CI
, 0.08–0.91;
P
=0.035). Prolonged discontinuation of
APT
for ≥9 days was associated with higher risk of a major adverse cardiac event compared with continuing
APT
(adjusted HR, 3.38; 95%
CI,
1.36–8.38;
P
=0.009).

Conclusions

APT
was discontinued preoperatively in almost half of patients with second‐generation drug‐eluting coronary stents. Our explorative analysis showed that there was no significant impact of discontinuing
APT
on the risk of perioperative adverse events except that discontinuing
APT
may be associated with decreased hemorrhagic risk in patients undergoing intra‐abdominal surgery.

Registration

URL
:
https://www.clini​caltr​ials.gov
; Unique identifier:
NCT
03908463.
Sharq al-Adna
Authors: McNicholas Anthony
Published: May 2020

Sharq al-Adna, or the Near East Arab Broadcasting Station, was a covert, British radio station that broadcasted in Arabic from 1941 to 1956, at first from Palestine before moving to Cyprus in 1948, where it posed as a commercial station but, in reality, was controlled by British Special Intelligence Services until the military commandeered it at the time of Suez. In the intervening fifteen years, its mainly Arab staff, loosely supervised by a small number of British personnel, broadcasted a mixture of music, drama, discussion, educational and religious programs, albeit with a subtle British slant to its news. In this article, which is based on archival sources, including the memoirs of some of those involved and some material originally published in Arabic, the author assesses the station’s contribution to British propaganda efforts in the Middle East and to the development of Arab broadcasting.
Book review: Zorawar Daulet Singh, Power & Diplomacy – India’s Foreign Policies During the Cold War
Authors: Raghavan T. C. A.
Published: May 2020

Zorawar Daulet Singh, Power & Diplomacy – India’s Foreign Policies During the Cold War (New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2019), 398 pp., ₹995.00, ISBN-13: 9780199489640.
Online media reporting of suicidal behaviour in Ghana: Analysis of adherence to the WHO guidelines
Authors: Quarshie Emmanuel Nii-Boye , Andoh-Arthur Johnny , Asante Kwaku Oppong , Asare-Doku Winifred
Published: May 2020

Background:

Irresponsible media reporting of suicide is a potential risk for copycat suicide. There is a paucity of studies from sub-Saharan Africa on the quality of media reporting of suicide.

Objectives:

We assessed the compliance of Ghanaian online media outlets with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for media reporting of suicide.

Methods:

We searched 10 local media outlets with strong online presence in Ghana, to identify suicide-related news reports from 2000 through 2019. We applied summative content analysis and chi-square [Formula: see text] test to the data.

Results:

We included 288 news reports, of which 261 (90.6%) were completed suicides, 7 (2.4%) were attempted suicides and 20 (6.9%) were homicide suicides. Most of the news reports failed to comply with the WHO guidelines: 92.7% mentioned the specific method of the suicide act, 82.6% included ‘suicide’ in the headline and 55.6% included photos of the victims. The [Formula: see text] tests indicated that privately owned media outlets were more likely than publicly owned to post a photo of the victim, [Formula: see text] = 17.37, p < .001, and report the incident location in the headline, [Formula: see text] = 15.00, p < .001. However, generally, there were no statistically significant relationships between the quality of reporting and media outlet ownership. Each of the 288 reports failed to mention any of the potentially helpful features recommended by the WHO guidelines.

Conclusion:

Regardless of the ownership of the media outlet (whether private or publicly owned), mostly, the online reportage of suicidal behaviour in Ghana deviates sharply from the international recommended best practice by the WHO.
Street-hawking in a Foreign Land: Social Dynamics of Migrant Petty Traders’ Livelihoods in Nigeria
Authors: Iwuoha Victor Chidubem
Published: May 2020

This article investigates how migrant petty trading populations confront social systems/perceptions of their host localities and the effects on the sustainability of their trading activities. I examine clusters of long-term migrant petty traders (LTMs) and very recent migrant petty traders (VRMs) (i.e. from Lake Chad region: Chad, Cameroon and Niger) found in Nigerian peri-urban areas. Adopting Kaufman’s symbolic-analytic model, I argue that a mix of socio-economic factors – peri-urban residents’ negative perception of migrant petty traders, divergence in symbolic attachments, and a low patronage system – affect the growth of the migrant petty trade sector in specific localities.
Rethinking powers of political: The national emergency and the J. P. movement in Rahi Masoom Raza’s Katra Bi Arzoo
Authors: Arora Bharti
Published: May 2020

In this reading of Rahi Masoom Raza’s Katra Bi Arzoo (1978), the article proposes that the imposition of the National Emergency in India on 25–26 June 1975 should be perceived in the light of the politics of the preceding decades. The 1960s and early 1970s were riven by social movements such as the Naxalite movement, the women’s movement, and especially the J. P. movement. In highlighting this context, the article argues that Raza’s novel cognitively registers the making and unmaking of these sociopolitical movements to contest the dominant trajectories of Nehruvian developmentalism and its attendant processes of nation making. The fiction inscribes an alternative, performative aspect of the nation which has been marginalized by the grand rhetoric and dominant historiography of the nation state. Such an engagement will help locate the selected fiction in the interstices between ethics and politics so pertinent to the discourses on and around the social movements of 1970s. As Jessica Berman suggests: “Ethics as an attitude or activity within the sphere of community, rather than a set of common principles or a narrative domain, becomes essential to the ordering of our lives together, and to the ‘ensemble of human relations in their real, social structure’ that we might call politics” (2011: 25).
Pultruded materials and structures: A review
Authors: Vedernikov Alexander , Safonov Alexander , Tucci Fausto , Carlone Pierpaolo , Akhatov Iskander
Published: May 2020

Currently, the application of pultruded profiles is increasing owing to their advantages, such as light weight, high strength, improved durability, corrosion resistance, ease of transportation, speed of assembly, and nonmagnetic/nonconductive characteristics. This review analyzes the main application fields of elements produced by pultrusion manufacturing processes: bridges and bridge decks, cooling towers, building elements and complete building systems, marine construction, transportation, and energy systems. Analysis of the scientific literature in relation to the mechanical behavior of pultruded elements is presented as well. Finally, this review outlines the future study possibilities, giving the researchers and practitioners the directions for deeper investigation of specific features and exploration of new ones concerning the mentioned aspects of pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer composites.