bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is the most useful imaging parameter to explore the prognostic value of the right ventricular function at the time of multimodality cardiovascular imaging?
Authors: Cazalbou Stéphanie , Chong Fah Shen Vanessa , Petermann Antoine , Eyharts Damien , Fournier Pauline , Cariou Eve , Lavie‐Badie Yoan , Hennig Alexia , Roncalli Jérôme , Rousseau Hervé , Carrié Didier , Galinier Michel , Berry Isabelle , Lairez Olivier
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background

Right ventricular (RV) function is a powerful independent predictor of adverse heart failure outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the predictive value of main RV systolic imaging parameters for outcome.

Methods

Seventy‐nine patients underwent comprehensive cardiovascular imaging modalities including transthoracic echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, and tomographic equilibrium radionuclide ventriculography (ERV) for the assessment of RV function. The composite primary endpoint (CPE) was defined by the occurrence of death, heart transplantation, implantation of a left ventricular assist device, or new‐onset acute heart failure.

Results

During a mean follow‐up of 13 ± 9 months, 15 (19%) patients reached the CPE. The areas under the receiver operator characteristic curves for the prediction of the CPE were 0.922 (P < .001), 0.913 (P < .001), 0.906 (P < .001), 0.849 (P = .002), 0.837 (P = .003), 0.799 (P = .009), 0.792 (P = .011), 0.753 (P = .026), 0.720 (P = .053), and 0.608 (P = .346) for integral systolic S’ wave tricuspid annular velocity, RV free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS), RV fractional area change, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, RV ejection fraction (RVEF) by CMR using the 4‐chamber slices, peak systolic S’ wave tricuspid annular velocity, RVEF by CMR using short‐axis slices, RVEF by ERV, RV myocardial performance index, and RV myocardial acceleration during isovolumic contraction, respectively.

Conclusion

Echocardiographic parameters, and particularly integral systolic S’ wave tricuspid annular velocity and RVFWLS, have the best prognostic performance.
Mitral leaflet separation index for mitral valve assessment during balloon mitral valvuloplasty
Authors: Kinsara Abdulhalim Jamal , Awadallah Ahmed Mohammed , AlZaki Manar , Goda Hala , C. Nanda Navin
Published: July 2020

Objective

The objective of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of the mitral leaflet separation index (MLSI) in selected patients with mitral stenosis, before and after percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV), compared to conventional methods with transthoracic echocardiography [TTE].

Methods

A prospective study was conducted in 30 patients, ages 20‐60 years, with severe symptomatic mitral stenosis (MS) who had PBMV in the Cardiology Department, Zagazig University and National Heart Institute. A mean of three to five measurements of MLSI was taken in diastole in the parasternal long‐axis and apical four‐chamber views. The MLSI was re‐measured 24‐48 hours after PBMV. We calculated the correlation of the MLSI, pre and post BMV, with two‐dimensional (2D) MV planimetry and pressure half‐time (PHT) methods to assess MVA.

Results

There was a positive, highly significant correlation between pre PBMV 2D planimetry and MLSI (r = .665, P‐value < .001) as well as post PBMV 2D planimetry and MLSI (r = .410, P‐value = .025). A positive highly significant correlation was also noted between pre PBMV PHT and MLSI (r = .678, P‐value <.001) and between post PBMV PHT and MLSI (r = .706, P‐value <.001).

Conclusion

Mitral leaflet separation index is an easy and reliable measurement for the assessment of mitral stenosis before and after PBMV.
Clinical significance of tissue Doppler imaging in chronic Chagas disease
Authors: Cianciulli Tomás F. , Saccheri María C. , Papantoniou Alonso , Prado Nilda G. , Riarte Adelina R. , Méndez Ricardo J. , Clérici Javier E. , Beck Martin A. , Lax Jorge A. , Gagliardi Juan A.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Chagas disease (ChD) is one of the main parasitic diseases in Latin‐America. Its heart involvement is the most important cause of death. The aim of this study is to evaluate if Doppler Tissue Imaging (DTI) may have a predictive value for later events in subjects with chronic ChD.

Methods

we analyses DTI variables of 543 patients with chronic ChD for the evaluation of predicting factors of events. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were considered as stroke, heart failure resistant to treatment, sustained ventricular tachycardia, implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator, sudden death, and cardiovascular death. The following findings were also included in total evens: heart failure, bradycardia, ventricular arrhythmia, new conduction system abnormalities, and new echocardiographic abnormalities. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression was used in order to assess the Doppler and DTI parameters predicting events. Variables with a P‐value ≤ .5 in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariate analysis.

Results

In patients with chronic ChD, the analysis of DTI parameters showed that S′ wave and E′ wave of the lateral wall of the left ventricle were significant predictors of MACE (OR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.71–0.96; P‐value: .015 and OR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.66–0.98; P‐value: .031, respectively).

Conclusions

This study found that patients with chronic ChD who had events showed significantly lower parameters in the DTI. What is more, this study showed that even lower DTI parameters are significant predictors of events.
Compressing soil structural information into parameterized correlation functions
Authors: Karsanina Marina V. , Lavrukhin Efim V. , Fomin Dmitry S. , Yudina Anna V. , Abrosimov Konstantin N. , Gerke Kirill M.
Published: July 2020

Soil structure is highly interconnected to all of its properties and functions. The structure for most soils is very complex and hierarchical in nature. Considering the fact that a truly multiscale digital 3D soil structure model for a single genetic horizon, even with the resolution not finer than 1 μm, will contain an enormous amount (approx. up to 1015 voxels or even more) of data, it is an appealing idea to compress this structural information. Effective management and pore‐scale simulations based on such datasets do not seem feasible at the moment. Another approach would be to reduce the complexity to a limited but meaningful set of characteristics/parameters, for example using universal correlation functions (CFs). In this study, we successfully compressed the soil structural information in the form of 3D binary images into a set of correlation functions, each of which is described using only six parameters. We used four different correlation functions (two‐point probability, lineal, cluster and surface‐surface functions) computed in three orthogonal directions for the pores. The methodology was applied to 16 different soil 3D images obtained using X‐ray microtomography (XCT) and segmented into pores and solids. All computed CFs were fitted using a superposition of three basis functions. In other words, we reduced 900–13003 voxel images into sets of 72 parameters. Fitting of computed correlation functions and reducing them to a number of parameters is a powerful way of compressing soil structural information. However, the analysis based on parameters alone is different from the one where correlation functions are used. This problem can be negated by uncompressing the correlation functions back from these parameters before any application. This way, correlation functions are not only a way to compress the soil structural information with minimal loss, but also may be used to solve a number of additional problems, including the comparison and differentiation of soil samples, location of elementary volumes, effective physical property prediction using machine learning, and fusion of hierarchical soil structures.

Highlights

The 900–13003 voxels soil XCT scans were compressed into sets of 72 parameters

The use of fitted parameters alone may result in the inconsistent analysis of the soil structures

Each soil structure was uniquely described by a set of directional correlation functions

Correlation functions were found to be sensitive to the structural difference of all the studied soils
Edge crack forming mechanism and the countermeasures in as‐sintered 2024 aluminium alloy during cold rolling
Authors: Wang Tao , Yang Lun , Huang Yufeng , Ma Yunzhu , Wu Lei , Yan Huanyuan , Liu Chao , Liu Yang , Liu Bing , Liu Wensheng
Published: July 2020

In order to solve the problem of edge cracking of the as‐sintered 2024 aluminium alloy during cold rolling, the initiation mechanisms of edge cracking were studied. The results indicate that the “herringbone” crack parallel to the rolling direction and the “zigzag” crack perpendicular to the rolling direction easily formed during cold rolling. The former mainly occurred during the early stage of cold rolling and was related to the poor plasticity of the as‐sintered alloy and the stress state at the end of the rolled plate, whereas the latter appeared in a sample with a rolling reduction of more than 60%, mainly because the grains at the edge of the sample were subjected to three‐direction shear stress, which results in cracking along the grain boundaries. However, both herringbone and zigzag cracks propagated along the grain boundary. Finally, the crack‐free products were obtained by optimizing the cold rolling process.
Integration of HIV services with primary care in Yangon, Myanmar: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Tun NN , McLean ARD , Wilkins E , Hlaing MMM , Aung YY , Linn T , Ashley EA , Smithuis FM
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Integration of HIV care with general healthcare may improve patient engagement. We assessed patient outcomes in four clinics offering HIV care integrated into primary care clinics in Yangon, Myanmar.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective cohort analysis of 4551 patients who started antiretroviral therapy between 2009 and 2017. Mortality and disengagement from care were assessed using Cox regression.

Results

People living with HIV presented late with low CD4 counts [median (25th, 75th percentile) = 178 (65, 308) from 4216 patients] and advanced HIV (69% with stage 3 or 4). Survival was 0.95 at 1 year and 0.90 at 5 years. Males were at a higher risk of mortality than females [unadjusted hazard ratio (uHR) = 1.6 (95% CI: 1.3–2.0). Patients linked to HIV care via antenatal care or partner/parent notification were at reduced risk of mortality [uHR = 0.4 (95% CI: 0.1–1.0) and uHR = 0.5 (95% CI: 0.3–0.7)] relative to patients who presented for HIV testing. The cumulative incidence of disengagement was 0.06 at 1 year and 0.15 at 5 years. Young adults had a higher risk of disengagement than did children and older patients. Women linked to HIV care via antenatal care services were at increased risk of disengagement relative to patients who came for HIV testing (uHR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.7–3.4). Mortality and disengagement remained steady over calendar time as the programme scaled up.

Conclusions

HIV care within a primary care model is effective to attain early linkage to care, with high survival. However, close attention should be given to disengagement from care, in particular for pregnant women.
Adipokinetic hormone enhances CarE‐mediated chlorpyrifos resistance in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Tang B. , Cheng Y. , Li Y. , Li W. , Ma Y. , Zhou Q. , Lu K.
Published: July 2020

Adipokinetic hormone (AKH), the principal stress‐responsive neurohormone in insects, has been implicated in insect responses to insecticides. However, the functionality of AKH and its mode of signalling in insecticide resistance are unknown. Herein, we demonstrated that the enhanced activity of carboxylesterases (CarEs) is involved in the chlorpyrifos resistance in Nilaparvata lugens [brown planthopper (BPH)]. Chlorpyrifos exposure significantly induced the expression of AKH and its receptor AKHR in the susceptible BPH (Sus), and these two AKH signalling genes were over‐expressed in the chlorpyrifos‐resistant strain (Res) compared to Sus. RNA interference (RNAi) against AKH or AKHR decreased the CarE activity and suppressed the BPH's resistance to chlorpyrifos in Res. Conversely, AKH peptide injection elevated the CarE activity and enhanced the BPH's survival against chlorpyrifos in Sus. Furthermore, five CarE genes were identified to be positively affected by the AKH pathway using RNAi and AKH injection. Among these CarE genes, CarE and Esterase E4‐1 were found to be over‐expressed in Res compared to Sus, and knockdown of either gene decreased the BPH's resistance to chlorpyrifos. In conclusion, AKH plays a role in enhancing chlorpyrifos resistance in the BPH through positive influence on the expression of CarE genes and CarE enzyme activity.
T cells and cytokines in inflamed psoriatic skin. Who's in charge?
Authors: Milling Simon , Siebert Stefan
Published: July 2020

Inflammation in psoriasis is driven through the IL‐23/IL‐17 pathway. Monoclonal antibodies targeting cytokines in the pathway have proven highly effective and are widely used in clinical practice. There is still much to learn, however, about how these pathogenic responses are controlled, particularly with respect to the highly immunologically active molecules produced by the inflamed skin tissue itself. These tissue‐derived molecules, which include IL‐33, play important roles in modulating chronic inflammation that we are only beginning to understand. Here we highlight new research indicating a role for IL‐33 in modulating the inflammatory Th17 response in psoriasis, which may provide avenues for developing new psoriasis treatments.
Connectedness among stocks and tail risk: Evidence from China
Authors: Hu Zhijun , Sun Ping‐Wen
Published: July 2020

Applying the market tail risk measure proposed by Kelly and Jiang in the China's A‐shares market, we find that the monthly market tail risk significantly and negatively predicts the monthly industrial output growth rate up to 1 year. In addition, from July 2007 to June 2019, we find that stocks with a higher tail risk outperform stocks with a lower tail risk by 0.62% (0.30% after risk adjustment) per month. Using the institutional holding weight within an industry and correlations in return on assets as proxies for the connectedness among stocks associated with firm fundamentals, and treating the sentiment risk and correlations in the three factor risk‐adjusted residuals as proxies for the connectedness among stocks associated with investor sentiment, we further show that the connectedness among stocks significantly affects individual stocks' tail risk and tail risk premium. Moreover, our findings show that the connectedness components of tail risk associated both with firm fundamentals and with investor sentiment can significantly and positively predict stock returns. Our finding suggests that the connectedness among stocks provides an important channel through which firm fundamentals and investor sentiment influence the tail risk premium in the China's A‐shares market.
Prediabetes and long‐term outcomes in patients with three‐vessel coronary artery disease: A large single‐center cohort study
Authors: Yuan Deshan , Zhang Ce , Jia Sida , Jiang Lin , Xu Lianjun , Zhang Yin , Xu Jingjing , Xu Bo , Hui Rutai , Gao Runlin , Gao Zhan , Song Lei , Yuan Jinqing
Published: July 2020

Aims/Introduction

Whether detection of prediabetes by routinely testing hemoglobin A1c and fasting plasma glucose in three‐vessel disease patients could identify individuals at high risk of future cardiovascular disease events remains unclear. This study evaluated the relationship between different glycemic status and clinical outcomes in this specific population.

Materials and Methods

This study included 8,891 Chinese patients with three‐vessel disease. Patients were categorized according to their glycemic status (normoglycemia [NG], n = 3,195; prediabetes, n = 1,978; diabetes mellitus, n = 3,718).

Results

The median follow‐up time was 7.5 years, during which 1,354 deaths and 2,340 major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events occurred. Compared with the NG group, patients in the prediabetes and diabetes mellitus groups had more comorbidities. After adjusting for confounders, the diabetes mellitus group had a higher risk of all‐cause death (hazard ratio [HR] 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–1.53; P < 0.001), cardiac death (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.14–1.61; P = 0.001) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.11–1.34; P < 0.001) compared with the NG group, whereas the prediabetes and NG groups had no significant difference. The diabetes mellitus group also had a higher risk of stroke compared with the NG group (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.02–1.46; P = 0.031).

Conclusions

In the context of three‐vessel disease, prediabetes patients have comparable long‐term outcomes in terms of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, cardiac death and all‐cause death to those with NG. Routine screening of glycemic metabolism based on hemoglobin A1c and fasting plasma glucose might be valuable to identify individuals with diabetes mellitus who are at high risk of future cardiovascular disease events and individuals with prediabetes who are at high risk of progressing to diabetes mellitus.
Bilateral atrophy of the extensor digitorum brevis muscle might be a useful sign for diagnosing diabetic polyneuropathy in Japanese men who do not sit in the traditional “seiza” style
Authors: Kishimoto Shohei , Sasaki Hideyuki , Kurisu Seigo , Ogawa Kenichi , Matsuno Shohei , Furuta Hiroto , Arita Mikio , Naka Keigo , Nanjo Kishio , Akamizu Takashi
Published: July 2020

Aims/Introduction

As the extensor digitorum brevis muscle is a small muscle in the most distal part of the legs, its atrophy (EDBA) might reflect symmetric polyneuropathy (SPN). We aimed to clarify the EDBA‐related factors and the usefulness of bilateral EDBA detection for diagnosing SPN, especially diabetic SPN (DSPN).

Materials and Methods

In 1,893 participants from the Japanese general population (investigation I) and 133 established diabetes patients (investigation II), relationships between EDBA and various factors including the traditional sitting style called “seiza’” (kneeling and sitting on one’s heels) were investigated. Analyses were carried out by univariate and multivariate analysis, and SPN or DSPN was diagnosed by the criteria of “Probable DSPN” of the Toronto Consensus. The validity of EDBA detection for diagnosing SPN/DSPN was also evaluated.

Results

Investigation I: EDBA was more prevalent in women than men (44% vs 20%). Significant EDBA‐related factors were aging and seiza habit regardless of sex. Male‐specific EDBA‐related factors were SPN and known diabetes. In men without seiza habit, EDBA was significantly associated with SPN regardless of diabetes, so EDBA seemed to be a useful sign for diagnosing SPN/DSPN. Investigation II: In men, DSPN was more prevalent in the EDBA group than the non‐EDBA group (71% vs 33%). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and kappa coefficient of EDBA detection for diagnosing DSPN were 44, 87, 67% and 0.323, showing fair agreement.

Conclusions

EDBA detection might be a useful method to screen for distal symmetric polyneuropathy, such as DSPN in men, although the exclusion of individuals with seiza habit is necessary to improve accuracy.
Analysis of intermittent infrared drying using heat recovery with a novel control methodology
Authors: Dolgun Ekin Can , Karaca Gülşah , Aktaş Mustafa , Kılıç Faruk
Published: July 2020

Drying is one of the most energy consuming process. By using automatic control systems in the industry, a higher quality and energy efficient drying is achieved. There are two main periods in drying process, the constant rate period and the falling rate period. In the falling rate period, it becomes difficult to evaporate water from the product, and this results in high specific energy consumption values and low energy efficiency values. In this study, apple slices were dried in an intermittent infrared dryer with two new developed drying methodologies as a solution to this problem (Model 2 and 3). An Arduino based automatic control system was used for Model 2 and Model 3. Developed models were compared with conventional experiments (Model 1). With Model 2, a constant drying rate was achieved independently of the moisture content. With Model 3, 57% shorter drying time compared to Model 2 and 16% less energy consumption compared to Model 1 was provided. Also using of the Model 3 the energy efficiency increased as 50% and the specific energy consumption decreased as 48% compared to Model 1. This study offers a solution with high efficiency in industrial usage.

Practical Applications

Conventional dryers have low energy efficiency and high specific energy consumption. With two novel drying methodologies developed within the scope of this study, a reduction of 16% in energy consumption and increase of 50% in energy efficiency were observed as an alternative to conventional drying. In addition, a constant drying rate was achieved independently of the moisture content. These drying methodologies offer an applicable solution for drying process with high energy efficiency in industrial food drying systems. Thus, it is foreseen to decrease the energy consumption and increase the efficiency in the drying industry, which constitutes a large part of the industrial energy consumption.
Anti‐Müllerian hormone and antral follicle count differ in their ability to predict cumulative treatment outcomes of the first complete ovarian stimulation cycle in patients from POSEIDON groups 3 and 4
Authors: Liu Luxin , Zhou Canquan
Published: July 2020

Aim

To explore the ability of anti‐Müllerian hormone and antral follicle count to predict cumulative live birth and clinical pregnancy in the first complete ovarian stimulation cycle among patients from POSEIDON (Patient‐Oriented Strategies Encompassing IndividualizeD Oocyte Number) groups 3–4.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective study was conducted on 260 patients in POSEIDON groups 3–4 (antral follicle count <5 and/or anti‐Müllerian hormone <1.2 ng/mL) who first underwent complete in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles between January 2016 and June 2018. The main outcomes were cumulative live birth rate and cumulative clinical pregnancy rate.

Results

Of 260 patients, 113 (43.5%) achieved clinical pregnancy and 82 (31.5%) achieved live birth in their first complete ovarian stimulation cycles. With multivariate regression analysis, age and antral follicle count were significantly correlated with cumulative clinical pregnancy, whereas age and anti‐Müllerian hormone were significantly associated with cumulative live birth. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that age had the highest accuracy for the prediction of cumulative treatment outcomes. The optimal cut‐off value of age was 40.5 and that of antral follicle count was 2.5 for predicting cumulative clinical pregnancy. The optimal cut‐off value of age was 36.5 and that of anti‐Müllerian hormone was 0.725 for predicting cumulative live birth.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that anti‐Müllerian hormone is a better predictor of cumulative live birth than antral follicle count, independent of age, in the first complete ovarian stimulation cycle of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection among patients in POSEIDON groups 3–4.
Deliberative control in audiovisual sociolinguistic perception*
Authors: Campbell‐Kibler Kathryn
Published: July 2020

Cognitive models of sociolinguistics must support a wide range of goal‐oriented behavior (e.g. Eckert, 2000a) without suggesting unrealistic levels of deliberative control on the part of speakers. The current study investigates the limits of deliberative control in audiovisual face‐voice perception. Perceivers evaluated co‐present recorded speech and static face pictures, rating the stimuli on the scales ‘accented’ and ‘good‐looking’ in one of three conditions: as a combined voice and face; evaluating the face while ignoring the voice; and evaluating the voice while ignoring the face. Perceivers' ability to ignore social information from a face or voice upon instruction are taken as indicative of deliberative control in social evaluation. The results suggest that deliberative control and evaluative relevance both play a role in perception, but that available social information is difficult to ignore completely. They further suggest an asymmetry making voices more difficult to ignore than static faces and support a model of sociolinguistic perception and evaluation as a function of multiple competing processes under varying degrees of deliberative control.
Acquired factor V inhibitors after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a dog
Authors: Masciana Joseph , Peterson Nathan , Chretin John
Published: July 2020

Objective

Describe the clinical course and management of a dog that underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for treatment of B‐cell lymphoma and developed acquired circulating factor V (FV) inhibitors.

Case Summary

An 8‐year‐old male castrated Briard dog diagnosed with lymphoma (IVb, B‐cell) presented for allogeneic HSCT. Despite multiple platelet, fresh frozen plasma, and red blood cell transfusions prolonged recovery and clinical bleeding occurred. Circulating acquired FV inhibitors were identified and hemorrhage subsequently was managed by immunosuppression. The dog was discharged when clinical resolution of bleeding was achieved.

New or Unique Information Provided

This case report describes a dog undergoing curative intent treatment for lymphoma, and subsequently acquiring factor inhibition, and was successfully managed. Specific coagulation screening to assess for coagulation factor deficiencies or inhibitors is essential in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with refractory bleeding or only transient response to blood transfusion.
Utility of radiographic measurements to predict echocardiographic left heart enlargement in dogs with preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease
Authors: Poad Megan H. , Manzi Timothy J. , Oyama Mark A. , Gelzer Anna R.
Published: July 2020

Background

Evaluation of left heart size helps determine disease severity in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD).

Hypothesis/Objectives

Determine the ability of radiographic vertebral heart size (VHS) and vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) to predict LHEECHOin dogs with preclinical MMVD.

Animals

Seventy client‐owned dogs with MMVD and no historical or present clinical or radiographic evidence of congestive heart failure (CHF).

Methods

Retrospective cross‐sectional study of dogs with same‐day echocardiography and thoracic radiography. Receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the ability of VHS, VLAS, and VHS + VLAS to discern dogs with and without LHEECHO, and clinically relevant cutpoints for these radiographic measurements were selected.

Results

The ability of VHS and VHS + VLAS to predict LHEECHOwas moderate (area under the curve [AUC]VHS= 0.851; 95% CI, 0.762‐0.941; AUCVHS + VLAS= 0.865; 0.783‐0.947), and performance of VLAS and VHS + VLAS was not different from that of VHS alone. A VHS cutpoint of >10.8 had sensitivity = 91.1% (76.3%‐98.1%) and specificity = 69.4% (51.9%‐83.7%) for predicting LHEECHO. A cutpoint of >11.7 had sensitivity = 32.4% (17.4%‐50.5%) and specificity = 97.2% (85.5%‐99.9%) for predicting LHEECHO. Thirty (43%) of the 70 dogs had a VHS value of 10.9 to 11.7.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Vertebral heart size >11.7 identified dogs with LHEECHOand VHS ≤ 10.8 excluded dogs with LHEECHO. A large percentage of dogs had VHS values intermediate to these cutpoints.
Therapeutic interventions to restore microcirculatory perfusion following experimental hemorrhagic shock and fluid resuscitation: A systematic review
Authors: van Leeuwen Anoek L. I. , Dekker Nicole A. M. , Jansma Elise P. , Boer Christa , van den Brom Charissa E.
Published: July 2020

Objective

Microcirculatory perfusion disturbances following hemorrhagic shock and fluid resuscitation contribute to multiple organ dysfunction and mortality. Standard fluid resuscitation is insufficient to restore microcirculatory perfusion; however, additional therapies are lacking. We conducted a systematic search to provide an overview of potential non‐fluid‐based therapeutic interventions to restore microcirculatory perfusion following hemorrhagic shock.

Methods

A structured search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library was performed in March 2020. Animal studies needed to report at least one parameter of microcirculatory flow (perfusion, red blood cell velocity, functional capillary density).

Results

The search identified 1269 records of which 48 fulfilled all eligibility criteria. In total, 62 drugs were tested of which 29 were able to restore microcirculatory perfusion. Particularly, complement inhibitors (75% of drugs tested successfully restored blood flow), endothelial barrier modulators (100% successful), antioxidants (66% successful), drugs targeting cell metabolism (83% successful), and sex hormones (75% successful) restored microcirculatory perfusion. Other drugs consisted of attenuation of inflammation (100% not successful), vasoactive agents (68% not successful), and steroid hormones (75% not successful).

Conclusion

Improving mitochondrial function, inhibition of complement inhibition, and reducing microvascular leakage via restoration of endothelial barrier function seem beneficial to restore microcirculatory perfusion following hemorrhagic shock and fluid resuscitation.
Raloxifene Prevents Early Periprosthetic Bone Loss for Postmenopausal Women after Uncemented Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Gong Long , Zhang Yao‐yao , Yang Na , Qian Huan‐juan , Zhang Ling‐kun , Tan Ming‐sheng
Published: July 2020

Objective

To examine the results of raloxifene for prevention of periprosthetic bone loss around the femoral stem in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

Between January 2015 and May 2017, 240 female patients between 55 and 80 years underwent primary THA and were randomly allocated to receive 60 mg raloxifene hydrochloride per day (treatment group, TG, n = 120) or placebo (control group, CG, n = 120) orally at bedtime using computer‐generated randomization sequence generation. Baseline data, the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), women's quality of life (QoL) score, bone mineral density (BMD) around the prosthesis, and adverse events were compared between the two groups. The measuring range of BMD around the prosthesis was divided into seven regions of interest (ROI). The sample size was calculated to detect a mean difference in BMD of 0.15 g/cm2 with a standard deviation (SD) of 0.3. The error was set at 0.05 and the power level at 90% with additional compensation for a possible dropout rate of 20%.

Results

A total of 240 participants in the study up to 24 months after THA. There were no significant differences in the mean BMD of all the zones between groups before surgery (all P > 0.05). However, there were significant differences in the BMD of Gruen zones 4 and 7 between groups at 6 months postoperatively (both P < 0.05); there were significant differences in Gruen zones 1, 4, 6, and 7 at 12 months postoperatively (all P < 0.01); there were significant differences in Gruen zones 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 at 24 months postoperatively (all P < 0.001). Patients taking raloxifene reported higher QoL scores, with better improvement in BMD in all areas except in zones 3 and 5 compared with the control group. There were no significant differences in WOMAC pain (P = 0.4045), WOMAC function (P = 0.4456) and women's QoL scores (P = 0.5983) between groups before surgery. However, WOMAC pain, WOMAC function and women's QoL score in the treatment group were significantly better at all time points (all P < 0.05). Patients in the treatment group showed no increased adverse events, including cardiac events, stroke, venous thromboembolism, and gynecological cancer (all P > 0.05), but did show decreased odds of breast cancer in comparison with those using a placebo (P = 0.0437).

Conclusion

Raloxifene can help inhibit bone loss around the prosthesis and improve the QoL of postmenopausal women after THA with no increased adverse events, and can even decrease the odds of breast cancer.
Are we underestimating overweight and obesity prevalence in children?
Authors: Laurent Jennifer S. , Tompkins Connie L. , Cioffredi Leigh‐Anne , Wollenburg Emelia , Smith Denise , Fontaine Elisabeth
Published: July 2020

Objective

To objectively determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in elementary school children in two rural counties in Vermont prior to implementing a community‐based intervention.

Methods

School‐based objective measures of body mass index (BMI) were obtained from 1,688 public school children in first, third, and fifth grades in two Northern Vermont counties in the Fall of 2017.

Results

Forty‐one percentage of elementary school children were either overweight or obese, nearly double the estimated Vermont prevalence rate of 22.2%. Schools located in more rural areas showed higher levels of overweight and obesity in children than schools in less rural areas in these northern counties (p < .005).

Conclusions

Indirect and self‐reported measures of BMI may be underestimating the true prevalence of overweight and obesity particularly in more rural communities.

Policy implications

Data presented here in which children were measured directly by trained study staff demonstrate that the prevalence of obesity among children in elementary school is alarmingly high. Accurate, ongoing BMI measurement surveillance is one tool to better understand both the current trends in childhood overweight and obesity and the effect of community and state interventions.
Can vasohibin‐1, an endothelium‐derived angiogenesis inhibitor, be a marker of endothelial dysfunction in hemodialysis patients?
Authors: Altunoren Orcun , Kerkutluoglu Murat , Sarısık Feyza Nur , Akkus Gulsum , Seyithanoglu Muhammed , Doganer Adem , Tutuncu Sezal Didem , Cagrı Aykan Ahmet , Eren Necmi , Erken Ertugrul , Gungor Ozkan
Published: July 2020

Background

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is associated with high cardiovascular disease burden in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Vasohibin‐1, an endothelium‐derived angiogenesis inhibitor, is essential for endothelial cell survival, therefore it may be a promising marker of ED. We aimed to investigate whether vasohibin‐1 levels are associated with ED markers in HD patients.

Methods

Fifty HD patients and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. As markers of ED, endothelium‐dependent flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD), carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT), and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were examined. Serum vasohibin‐1 levels were measured with ELISA.

Results

Serum vasohibin‐1 levels were low (387.7 ± 115.7 vs 450.1 ± 140.1 P = .02), FMDs' were impaired (6.65 ± 2.50 vs 10.95 ± 2.86 P < .001), PWV (7.92 ± 1.964 vs 6.79 ± 0.96 P = .01) and CIMT (0.95 ± 0.20 vs 0.60 ± 0.11 P < .001) were increased in HD patients compared to healthy controls. In regression analysis, vasohibin‐1 levels were not related with FMD, PWV, or CIMT.

Conclusions

Hemodialysis patients have low serum vasohibin‐1 levels but serum levels of vasohibin‐1 did not show any significant relationship with FMD, PWV, and CIMT in HD patients. Since vasohibin‐1 acts via paracrine pathways, serum levels may be insufficient to explain the relationship between vasohibin and ED. Local vasohibin‐1 activity on tissue level may be more important instead of circulating levels.
Ideological rupturing
Authors: Head James Christopher
Published: July 2020

Seeking to rectify the asocial nature of conventional social psychological investigation, some researchers and scholars have sought ways to better understand what is shared in everyday thinking and have, accordingly, focused their attention on the notion of ideology. Although this vein of scholarship has reclaimed the social domain, it has not thoroughly accounted for the way that ideologies can be imposed, and as such, does not adequately address the concept in a way that honors its origin and development. In this paper, I articulate a conceptual framework that can be used to underpin research on momentary ideological impositions in relation to people's negotiation of imposed value orientations—moments that can be described as instances of ideological rupturing. After situating this articulation in relation to the work of other ideology‐focused psychologists, I introduce a recent enactment of educational policy as an illustrative case of ideological rupturing. In so doing, I present a narrative approach that is grounded in dialogic activity as an ideal way to investigate instances of ideological rupturing.
Comparison of mechanical, chemical and physical human models of in vivo skin damage: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Leskur Dario , Perišić Ivana , Romac Kristina , Šušak Helena , Šešelja Perišin Ana , Bukić Josipa , Rušić Doris , Kladar Nebojša , Božin Biljana , Modun Darko
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Human in vivo models of skin damage were often used in research of cutaneous disorders. The most commonly used models were tape‐stripping as mechanical, sodium lauryl sulphate‐induced irritation as chemical and ultraviolet radiation as physical damage model. In regard to differences between models, they were expected to have different responses to damage and recovery, with unique skin parameters’ changes over time.

Objective

The aim was to compare skin parameters in three different skin damage models on the same anatomical location, with and without topical treatment.

Methods

Four test sites on each forearm were randomly assigned to three skin damage models with the fourth sites on each forearm chosen as a control, undamaged site. Skin parameters were assessed using non‐invasive methods.

Results

Sodium lauryl sulphate irritation caused the strongest damage with delayed reaction to the irritant. Tape stripping leads to highest initial skin barrier disruption but afterwards it showed the fastest skin recovery. Ultraviolet radiation did not affect skin barrier function, but it elevated skin erythema and melanin level. Tested preparation did not lead to changes in measured parameters.

Conclusion

The skin of the participants had different response to three skin damage models with distinct changes of skin parameters and recovery.

The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT03783819.
Effect of a free healthcare policy on health services utilisation for non‐malarial febrile illness by children under five years in Burkina Faso: an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Sia D. , Dondbzanga B. D. G. , Carabali M. , Bonnet E. , Enok Bonong P. R. , Ridde V.
Published: July 2020

Objective

To assess the effect of a free healthcare policy for children under five years old implemented in Burkina Faso since April 2016, on the use of health care of non‐malarial febrile illnesses (NMFI).

Methods

To assess the immediate and long‐term effect of the free healthcare policy in place, we conducted an interrupted time series analysis of routinely collected data on febrile illnesses from three urban primary health centres of Ouagadougou between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2016.

Results

Of the 39 046 febrile cases reported in the study period, 17 017 NMFI were included in the study. Compared to the period before the intervention, we observed an immediate, non‐statistically significant increase of 7% in the number of NMFI (IRR = 1.07; 95% CI = 0.75, 1.51). Compared to the trend that would have been expected in absence of the intervention, the results showed a small but sustained increase of 6% in the trend of monthly number of NMFI during the intervention period (IRR = 1.06; 95%CI = 1.01, 1.12).

Conclusion

Our study highlighted an increase in the uptake of healthcare services, specifically for NMFI by children under five years of age, after the implementation of a free care policy. This analysis contributes to informing decision makers on the need to strengthen the capacities of healthcare centres and to anticipate the challenges of the sustainability of this policy.
Fasting reduces the incidence of vincristine‐associated adverse events in dogs
Authors: Duckett Margaret E. , Curran Kaitlin M. , Leeper Haley J. , Ruby Carl E. , Bracha Shay
Published: July 2020

Fasting has been shown to decrease chemotherapy‐associated adverse events (AEs), in part through insulin‐like growth factor (IGF‐1) reduction, and may induce a protective effect on normal cells during chemotherapy treatment in mice and people. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of fasting on constitutional, bone marrow and gastrointestinal (GI) AEs, and serum glucose, IGF‐1 and insulin levels in dogs receiving vincristine. The study was a prospective, crossover clinical trial in tumour‐bearing dogs. Dogs were randomized to be fasted for 24 to 28 hours prior to and 6 hours following their first or second vincristine treatment, and fed normally for the alternate dose. A significant reduction in nausea, anorexia, lethargy and serum insulin was observed when dogs were fasted; however, no significant differences were found in other GI symptoms, neutrophil count, serum glucose or IGF‐1. Fasting prior to vincristine therapy is a safe and effective treatment modality that helped mitigate constitutional and GI AEs in tumour‐bearing dogs.
Evolution of ischemia and neovascularization in a murine model of full thickness human wound healing
Authors: Karim Aos S. , Liu Aiping , Lin Christie , Uselmann Adam J. , Eliceiri Kevin W. , Brown Matthew E. , Gibson Angela L. F.
Published: July 2020

Translation of wound healing research is limited by the lack of an appropriate animal model, due to the anatomic and wound healing differences in animals and humans. Here, we characterize healing of grafted, full‐thickness human skin in an in vivo model of wound healing. Full‐thickness human skin, obtained from reconstructive operations, was grafted onto the dorsal flank of NOD.Cg‐KitW41J Tyr + Prkdcscid Il2rgtm1Wjl/ThomJ mice. The xenografts were harvested 1 to 12 weeks after grafting, and histologic analyses were completed for viability, neovascularization, and hypoxia. Visual inspection of the xenograft shows drying and sloughing of the epidermis starting at week four. By week 12, the xenograft appears healed but has lost 63.05 ± 0.24% of the initial graft size. There is histologic evidence of epidermolysis as early as 2 weeks, which progresses until week 4, when new epidermis appears from the wound edges. Epidermal regeneration is complete by week 12, although the epidermis appears hypertrophied. An initial increase of infiltrating immune mouse cells into the xenograft normalizes to baseline 6 months after grafting. Neovascularization, as evidenced by positive staining for the proteins human CD31 and alpha smooth muscle actin, is present as early as 2 weeks after grafting at the interface between the xenograft and the mouse tissue. CD31 and alpha smooth muscle actin staining increased throughout the xenograft over the 12 weeks, leading to greater viability of the tissue. Likewise, there is increased Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1‐alpha expression at the interface of viable and nonviable tissue, which suggest a hypoxia‐driven process causing early graft loss. These findings illustrate human skin wound healing in an ischemic environment, providing a timeline for use of full thickness human skin after grafting in a murine model to study mechanisms underlying human skin wound healing.
Study on the Features and Strategies of Number-Concept Development of Rural Children in Early Primary School Years: Study of Number-Concept Development of Rural Children
Authors: Li He , Fan Mengxu , Hermann Christopher
Published: July 2020

The development level of children’s number-concept is a critical element in measuring the development of children's thinking. Previous studies have shown that preschool is an important stage of development and that vocabulary can help promote children’s number-concept development. This study aims to explore the characteristics of the development of rural children’s number-concept in their early years, and propose teaching strategies suitable for rural children based on the research results. This research method is based on a one-to-one standard test, supplemented by a self-designed structured interview for teachers. The research object is the early school-age children in rural areas. The impact of gender, age, school, and language on children’s number-concept development is discussed. By describing and studying the characteristics of their number-concept development, educational strategies and suggestions are put forward. This research can contribute to the literature theoretically, pedagogically and practically.
Assessment System for Parkinson's Disease Tremor and Correlation Analysis With Applied Signal Processing Algorithms
Authors: Zhu Na , Miller Nathaniel S.
Published: July 2020

Accurate measurement and assessment of Parkinson's disease (PD) tremor is important for patients, clinicians, and researchers to track changes in disease progression and the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. This study measured resting, postural, and kinetic tremor from patient's most-affected hand with accelerometers and gyrometers; thus, the linear and rotational motions in the x, y, z directions were obtained. Data were collected when patients were both ON and OFF their anti-PD medications. A bandpass filter was applied to extract raw tremor information, and several signal processing algorithms were used to analyze the data in both time and frequency domains, including the correlations between motions in different directions. The results of medication effectiveness on PD tremor and the correlational analyses were discussed.
Regulation Mechanism of Microribs on Heat Transfer Process of Cracking Reactive Flow With Strong Thermal Stratification
Authors: Li Xin , Zhang Silong , Qin Jiang , Bao Wen
Published: July 2020

Microrib is regarded as an efficient method to regulate the heat transfer and thermal cracking of hydrocarbon fuel in regenerative cooling channels of advanced aero-engines. In order to explore the regulation mechanism of microribs on heat transfer of endothermic hydrocarbon fuel with thermal cracking in the unilateral heated channels, a three-dimensional simulation model including a 22-step cracking mechanism was built and experimentally tested. Besides, a macroscopic approach based on time scale analysis is proposed to estimate effects of obstacles on turbulence and thermal cracking. The studies demonstrated that due to unilateral heating, the regulation of microribs on heat transfer and thermal cracking is nonuniform in the channel, relating to local turbulence intensity and fluid properties. Particularly, the thermal cracking of fuel responses more slowly than turbulence when meeting obstacles. In this case, the regulation of microribs on the heat transfer characteristics of cracking hydrocarbon fuel is dominated by the direct perturbation of microribs on flow momentum, not through promoting chemical absorption of thermal cracking by microribs. Furthermore, higher fuel conversion and higher fluid temperature both assist the promotion of microribs on thermal cracking to a limited extent but has little effect on the acceleration of microribs on local turbulent flow.