bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Somatic growth of Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) under global climate variability: evidence from over 60 years of daily resolved growth increments with a simulation study
Authors: Zhou Can
Published: September 2021

Somatic growth is integral to fishery stock productivity. Under climate variability, omitting growth variability renders fishery management strategies non-optimal. Based on a multidecadal tag–recapture database, a case study is presented to investigate the potential growth response of the Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) to three regionally relevant large-scale climate patterns: the North Atlantic Oscillation, Arctic Oscillation, and Pacific North America pattern. An additional simulation study is conducted to explore the effect of the overall scale and the distribution of measurement error on the detection probability of extrinsic effects and the estimation of growth parameters. Results indicate significant growth response at an intra-annual scale to all three climate indices examined. Identified growth responses to climate variations are highly nonlinear. The projected growth shows increased growth in recent decades under climate variability with respect to the historical mean. Simulation results show a higher probability to detect climate signals when the overall measurement error is low. Substantial bias is expected when the measurement error at tag release is high, cautioning against careless integration of different types of growth data.
Effect of intracutaneous pyonex on analgesia and sedation in critically ill patients with mechanical ventilation
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Wu Wenhua , Zhang Jie , Sun Jia , Wang Jiling , Hang Yongqing , Wang Qianwen , Duan Peibei
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of intracutaneous pyonex on analgesia and sedation in critically ill patients who underwent mechanical ventilation. A total of 88 critically ill patients were divided into a control group and an intervention group. Critical Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) and Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale (RASS) were used to evaluate pain and agitation. The dosage and treatment period of sedative and analgesic drugs in the intervention group were notably lower than the control group (p < 0.05). Analgesia compliance time in the intervention group was superior to control group (p < 0.05). The shallow sedation compliance rate in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.01). There was significant difference in blood gas analysis before and after treatment between the two groups (p < 0.05). After 2 h of sedation and analgesia, heart rate in the intervention group was lower than control group, but respiratory rate was higher than the control group (p < 0.05). The traditional analgesia and sedation combined with intracutaneous pyonex reduced the total amount and treatment period of sedative and analgesic drugs in critically ill patients throughout the treatment process, and it also decreased the adverse reactions such as blood pressure drops and respiratory depression.
Measurement of the $$^{232}$$Th(n,f) cross section with quasi-monoenergetic neutron beams in the energy range 2–18 MeV
Authors: Michalopoulou V. , Axiotis M. , Chasapoglou S. , Eleme Z. , Gkatis G. , Kalamara A. , Kokkoris M. , Lagoyannis A. , Patronis N. , Stamatopoulos A. , Tsantiri A. , Vlastou R.
Published: September 2021

The fission cross section of $$^{232}$$

232

Th has been measured at fast neutron energies, using a setup based on Micromegas detectors. The experiment was performed at the 5.5 MV Van de Graaff Tandem accelerator in the neutron beam facility of the National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”. The quasi-monoenergetic neutron beams were produced via the $$^{3}$$

3

H(p,n), $$^{2}$$

2

H(d,n) and $$^{3}$$

3

H(d,n) reactions, while the $$^{238}$$

238

U(n,f) and $$^{235}$$

235

U(n,f) reactions were used as references, in order to acquire cross-section data points in the energy range 2–18 MeV. The characterization of the actinide samples was performed via $$\alpha $$
α
-spectroscopy with a Silicon Surface Barrier (SSB) detector, while Monte Carlo simulations with the FLUKA code were used to achieve the deconvolution of the $$^{232}$$

232

Th $$\alpha $$
α
peak from the $$\alpha $$
α
background of its daughter nuclei present in the spectrum. Special attention was given to the study of the parasitic neutrons present in the experimental area, produced via charged particle reactions induced by the particle beam and from neutron scattering. Details on the data analysis and results are presented.
Sit-to-Stand Test for Neurodegenerative Diseases Video Classification
Authors: Convertini Nicola , Dentamaro Vincenzo , Impedovo Donato , Pirlo Giuseppe
Published: September 2021

In this extended version of this paper, an automatic video diagnosis system for dementia classification is presented. Starting from video recordings of patients and control subjects, performing sit-to-stand test, the designed system is capable of extracting relevant patterns for binary discern patients with dementia from healthy subjects. The original system achieved an accuracy 0.808 by using the rigorous inter-patient separation scheme especially suited for medical purposes. This separation scheme provides the use of some people for training and others, different, people for testing. The implementation of features from the kinematic theory of rapid human movement and its sigma-lognormal model together with classic features increased the overall accuracy of the system to 0.947 F1 score. In addition, multi-class classification was performed with the aim of classifying neurodegenerative disease severities. This work is an original and pioneering work on sit-to-stand video classification for neurodegenerative diseases, its novelties are on phases segmentation, experimental setup and the application of kinematic theory of rapid human movements to sit-to-stand videos for neurodegenerative disease assessment.
A QFGMOS-Based gm-Boosted and Adaptively Biased Two-Stage Amplifier Offering Very High Gain and High Bandwidth
Authors: Bansal Urvashi , Bakre Abhilasha , Kumar Prem , Yadav Devansh , Kumar Mohit , Raj Niranjan
Published: September 2021

A low voltage low power two-stage CMOS amplifier with high open-loop gain, high gain bandwidth product (GBW) and enhanced slew rate is presented in this work. The proposed circuit makes use of folded cascode gm-boosting cells in conjunction with a low voltage gain enhanced cascode mirror using quasi-floating gate (QFGMOS) transistors. QFGMOS transistors are also used in input pair and adaptive biasing, which facilitate large dynamic output current in the presented circuit. Consequently, the slew rate is enhanced without much increase in static power dissipation. The unity gain frequency (UGF) and dc gain of the circuit are 29.4[Formula: see text]MHz and 132[Formula: see text]dB, respectively. The amplifier is operated at 0.6[Formula: see text]V dual supply with 89[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]W power consumption and has a nearly symmetrical average slew rate of 51.5[Formula: see text]V/[Formula: see text]s. All simulations including Monte Carlo and corner analysis are carried out using 180-nm CMOS technology for validating the design with help of spice tools.
MORPHOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF ZnO NANOSTRUCTURES GROWN ON Sb-DOPED ZnO SEEDING FILMS ANNEALED UNDER DIFFERENT ATMOSPHERES
Authors: SINORNATE WUTTICHAI , MIMURA HIDENORI , PECHARAPA WISANU
Published: September 2021

In this work, morphological and physical properties of pyramid-like ZnO nanostructures fabricated on Sb-doped ZnO seeding films annealed under different atmospheres are extensively studied. The Sb-doped ZnO seeding films were first prepared by sol–gel spin coating technique onto glass substrate then annealed in nitrogen, air and argon followed by low-temperature hydrothermal process for ZnO nanostructures fabrication. The morphological results exhibit the growth of pyramid-like ZnO nanostructure with increasing density of the ZnO nanostructures. The crystal structure shows pyramid-like ZnO wurtzite hexagonal growth along the c-axis without any impurity phase. The growth of pyramid-like ZnO nanostructures is due to the high growth rate of (002) plane. Photoluminescence spectra exhibit the near-band-edge of all samples while the red emission appears in ZnO nanostructures after the hydrothermal process due to the imperfection in the crystal. The reflectance of ZnO nanostructures covers the visible region with the absorption edge of 375[Formula: see text]nm. The calculation shows the relevant energy band gaps in the range of 3.26–3.28[Formula: see text]eV. The difference in hydrothermally grown ZnO nanostructures is significantly affected by different annealing atmospheres.
The limit empirical spectral distribution of complex matrix polynomials
Authors: Barbarino Giovanni , Noferini Vanni
Published: September 2021

We study the empirical spectral distribution (ESD) for complex [Formula: see text] matrix polynomials of degree k under relatively mild assumptions on the underlying distributions, thus highlighting universality phenomena. In particular, we assume that the entries of each matrix coefficient of the matrix polynomial have mean zero and finite variance, potentially allowing for distinct distributions for entries of distinct coefficients. We derive the almost sure limit of the ESD in two distinct scenarios: (1) [Formula: see text] with k constant and (2) [Formula: see text] with n bounded by [Formula: see text] for some [Formula: see text]; the second result additionally requires that the underlying distributions are continuous and uniformly bounded. Our results are universal in the sense that they depend on the choice of the variances and possibly on k (if it is kept constant), but not on the underlying distributions. The results can be specialized to specific models by fixing the variances, thus obtaining matrix polynomial analogues of results known for special classes of scalar polynomials, such as Kac, Weyl, elliptic and hyperbolic polynomials.
Displacement-Time Graph of a Point on a Wave Pulse
Authors: Goh Ker Liang
Published: September 2021

Using a linear substitution of distance by velocity and time, it is shown how a displacement-time profile of a particle on a wave pulse is graphed.
Solutions of the Ortvay Rudolf International Competition in Physics: Exploding Refrigerator (2016/10 Problem)
Authors: Ákos Gombkötő
Published: September 2021

The Ortvay Rudolf international competition was first organized in 1970. The focus is usually not on routine school-level problems but rather on problem-solving relying on physical reasoning and skills in recognizing the fundamental character and “heart” of the problem. Some problems lead the contestants to so-far unsolved, open questions, while some are accessible to first-year students.

However, only for a relatively small number of problems do official solutions exist. The intention of this paper is to be the first in a series of published solutions discussing the competition problems.

The problem treated below is a simple exercise about heat transfer in a thermodynamic system, which highlights the limitations and consequences of accepting seemingly intuitive approximations, and gives a didactical example of “explosive” dynamics. The calculation does not use mathematical techniques beyond those commonly expected of high school students.
Demonstrating Gravitational Lensing Using Solar Eclipses
Authors: Foo Gillian , Tan Jhoon Yong , Yuen Edmund , Arlany Laurentcia , Yang A. , Ng S. C. Cindy , Sow C. H. , Chan A. H.
Published: September 2021

As encouraged by the interesting paper “Solar eclipses as a teaching opportunity in relativity” by Overduin et al.,awe made measurements of the angular deflections of neighboring stars during the 9 March 2016 total solar eclipse as imaged by National University of Singapore (NUS) students, to verify a result of general relativity. In this project, we used these images and measured the stars’ pixel positions and transformed them to equatorial coordinates using a similar approach to Overduin et al., with a few modifications. Instead of solving to determine the pixel scale and rotation, we performed a plate solution using the software AstroImageJ which enables accounting for the image’s higher order distortion. This data is found in the image’s Flexible Image Transport System (FITS) header. Image star pair separations were then compared to their database separations after determining how the individual deflections affect angular separation. Our experimental results have large uncertainties and were deemed imprecise to confirm the effects of gravitational light deflection. We include a detailed analysis and discussion on this educational project.
White Light Communication: A Design for High School Experiment
Authors: Tay Dayrius , Fu Tianyi , Goo Alexander , Ricardo Bernard
Published: September 2021

As wireless communication carrier frequencies continually increase to respond to growing bandwidth demands, from hundreds of MHz (3G/4G) to dozens of GHz (5G), it would only be logical to postulate that the next step in this technological revolution would be to move to hundreds of THz, also known as visible light. This completely alleviates the carrier frequency induced bandwidth limitations while serving as ambient lighting. In this paper, a visible light communication setup capable of moderate bitrate serial communication with interference from ambient lighting will be presented. Furthermore, this paper proposes the implementation of a similar setup as a form of hands-on experiential learning for high school and undergraduate engineering students.
Adenine Quadruplexes Show Surprising Stability: Potential Implications for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Chapman Simon , Ghesquière Pierre , Perry Elliot , Taylor Peter Geoffrey , Power Nicholas P. , Sansom Clare E. , Xu Yao-Zhong
Published: September 2021

SARS-CoV-2 is an endemic positive-sense RNA virus naturally transmissible between numerous species with notable infectivity and associated mortality. It is characterized by a poly-adenylated structure capping the genomic terminus. This poly(A) tail is crucial to a cascade of viral replicative activity occurring both extra- and intra-cellular during infection. As a route to proposing potential chemotherapy, this study suggests simple biplanar adenine quadruplexes (A4s) which may fold in specific sequences of the viral genome. To the best of our knowledge, uniquely biplanar A4s have not been previously described in any context. Using molecular modeling techniques and molecular dynamics simulations, some of these non-canonical structures show reasonable stability in a biological context. Notably, mRNA configured as a biplanar A4, shows less dynamic activity than DNA equivalents. This observation may be especially relevant in a physiological context. Furthermore, in contrast to well-characterized guanine quadruplexes, co-ordination with cations appears not to impact on stability. Our molecular dynamics simulations and analyses demonstrate that some A4s are stable in biologically relevant terms. These conclusions may apply to SARS-CoV-2, its variants and other pathogenic RNA viruses.
Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling and Flap Inverting under Air in Large Idiopathic Macular Hole Surgery
Authors: Zong Yuan , Wu Kaicheng , Yu Jian , Zhou Changbo , Jiang Chunhui
Published: September 2021

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling combined with modified flap inverting under air in the treatment of large idiopathic macular hole (MH). Methods. Eyes with a large idiopathic MH (minimum diameter >550 μm) were included in this study. The surgical procedure included standard 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), ILM peeling, complete fluid-gas exchange, and ILM flap inversion under air. The patients underwent follow-up exam including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement. Results. Sixteen eyes from 16 patients were included. Mean MH diameter was 681.43 ± 112.12 μm. After a mean follow-up time of 6.25 ± 2.65 months, in all cases, the MH was closed, and the ILM flap could be seen at the inner surface of the fovea. U-shaped and V-shaped MH closure was achieved in 11 and 5 cases, respectively. The BCVA improved significantly from 1.49 ± 0.35 logMAR to 0.89 ± 0.35 logMAR (

p
<
0.05

), and visual acuity of 20/100 or better was achieved in 8 eyes. Conclusion. ILM flap inverting under air was helpful in improving the functional and anatomic outcomes of vitrectomy for large idiopathic MH.
Identification of Novel COVID-19 Biomarkers by Multiple Feature Selection Strategies
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Qu Renliang , Wang Pengyan , Wang Shenghan
Published: September 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) arising from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in a global pandemic since its first report in December 2019. So far, SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection has been deemed as the golden standard of COVID-19 diagnosis. However, this detection method often leads to false negatives, thus triggering missed COVID-19 diagnosis. Therefore, it is urgent to find new biomarkers to increase the accuracy of COVID-19 diagnosis. To explore new biomarkers of COVID-19 in this study, expression profiles were firstly accessed from the GEO database. On this basis, 500 feature genes were screened by the minimum-redundancy maximum-relevancy (mRMR) feature selection method. Afterwards, the incremental feature selection (IFS) method was used to choose a classifier with the best performance from different feature gene-based support vector machine (SVM) classifiers. The corresponding 66 feature genes were set as the optimal feature genes. Lastly, the optimal feature genes were subjected to GO functional enrichment analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. All in all, it was posited that the 66 feature genes could effectively classify positive and negative COVID-19 and work as new biomarkers of the disease.
Machining Path Optimization of 3C Locking Robots Using Adaptive Ant Colony Optimization
Authors: Luo Jiayuan , Xu Xiangyang , Wei Peitang , Shi Chengxiang , Liu Guofeng
Published: September 2021

The motion smoothness of 3C locking robot directly affects the machining performance. Improving the motion smoothness can optimize the motion trajectory and reduce the processing time. In this paper, a novel machining path optimization model including motion smoothness is built by employing the coordinate boundary of velocity and acceleration after evaluating the machining motion smoothness of the 3C locking robot. Secondly, based on the creation of the ant colony of adaptive function algorithm, the optimization model of the 3C locking robot in the situation of fixed bolt hole position and floating bolt hole position is resolved. Lastly, the proposed approach collects and analyses a huge amount of data to enable robots to make on-the-fly decisions in the middle of production, even when faced with unexpected circumstances. In the Spark distributed environment, we use the conventional K clustering technique to improve the final output utilizing clustering means. The results show that the machining path optimization of fixed hole considering the motion smoothness improves the smoothness but extends the machining path; the cooperative machining path optimization of multiregion floating bolt holes can significantly improve the motion smoothness and effectively reduce the length of the path. The research results provide theoretical support and design guidance for designers.
Novel Construction of Copulas Based on (
α
,
β
) Transformation for Fuzzy Random Variables
Authors: Giakoumakis Stylianos , Papadopoulos Basil
Published: September 2021

The paper introduces a method for the construction of bivariate copulas with the usage of specific values of the parameters

α
 and 
β

(

α
,
β

transformation) and the parameters

κ
 and 
λ

in their domain. The produced bivariate copulas are defined in four subrectangles of the unit square. The bounds of the produced copulas are investigated, while a novel construction method for fuzzy copulas is introduced, with the usage of the produced copulas via

α
,
β

transformation in four subrectangles of the unit square. Following this construction procedure, the production of an infinite number of copulas and fuzzy copulas could be possibly achieved. Some applications of the proposed methods are presented.
Inhaled [D-Ala2]-Dynorphin 1-6 Prevents Hyperacetylation and Release of High Mobility Group Box 1 in a Mouse Model of Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Karkischenko Vladislav N. , Skvortsova Veronika I. , Gasanov Melik T. , Fokin Yuriy V. , Nesterov Maxim S. , Petrova Nataliya V. , Alimkina Oxana V. , Pomytkin Igor A.
Published: September 2021

COVID-19 is a respiratory infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that can rapidly escalate to life-threatening pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Recently, extracellular high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) has been identified as an essential component of cytokine storms that occur with COVID-19; HMGB1 levels correlate significantly with disease severity. Thus, the modulation of HMGB1 release may be vital for treating COVID-19. HMGB1 is a ubiquitous nuclear DNA-binding protein whose biological function depends on posttranslational modifications, its redox state, and its cellular localization. The acetylation of HMGB1 is a prerequisite for its translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and then to the extracellular milieu. When released, HMGB1 acts as a proinflammatory cytokine that binds primarily to toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and RAGE, thereby stimulating immune cells, endothelial cells, and airway epithelial cells to produce cytokines, chemokines, and other inflammatory mediators. In this study, we demonstrate that inhaled [D-Ala2]-dynorphin 1-6 (leytragin), a peptide agonist of δ-opioid receptors, significantly inhibits HMGB1 secretion in mice with lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced acute lung injury. The mechanism of action involves preventing HMGB1’s hyperacetylation at critical lysine residues within nuclear localization sites, as well as promoting the expression of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an enzyme known to deacetylate HMGB1. Leytragin’s effects are mediated by opioid receptors, since naloxone, an antagonist of opioid receptors, abrogates the leytragin effect on SIRT1 expression. Overall, our results identify leytragin as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of pulmonary inflammation associated with HMGB1 release. In a broader context, we demonstrate that the opioidergic system in the lungs may represent a promising target for the treatment of inflammatory lung diseases.
Development of Sciatic Neuropraxia following Abdominal Surgery in 3 Giant Breed Dogs
Authors: Marti Laura , Sumner Julia P.
Published: September 2021

This report describes the clinical course of three giant breed dogs (2 Great Danes and 1 Saint Bernard) that developed sciatic neuropraxia following successful surgical management of gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). All three patients received physical rehabilitation with varying degrees of success. Two patients died of unrelated causes within a year of their initial presentation. The third case recovered nerve function and is alive with minimal neurologic deficits at the time of publication. This paper is aimed at positing potential causes for this complication and highlighting the importance of proper management of giant-breed dogs during hospitalization. Special attention should be given in regards to intraoperative positioning and postoperative care including frequent walks or changes in positioning, deep kennel bedding, and physical therapy.
Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Markers in Oral Lichen Planus
Authors: Wang Jia , Yang Jingjing , Wang Chen , Zhao Zhibai , Fan Yuan
Published: September 2021

Background. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a relatively common chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, which might be caused by oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defense. Objective. To systematically investigate the markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant systems in the saliva and blood from OLP patients and healthy controls. Methods. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase were systematically queried to collect data from studies in which oxidative stress/antioxidant markers from OLP and healthy subjects had been evaluated until March 10, 2021. Results. A total of 28 studies fulfilled inclusion criteria, and 25 of them, having 849 OLP patients and 1,052 control subjects and analyzing 12 oxidative stress and antioxidant state marker levels, were subjected to meta‐analysis. We found a significant decrease in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and uric acid (UA) and a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in the saliva and serum/plasma of OLP patients. Moreover, a significant elevation of 8‐hydroxy‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) and advanced oxidation protein product (AOOP) level and a decrease in vitamin C were also observed in the saliva of the OLP group. In contrast, salivary vitamin A, zinc, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), vitamin E, and nitrite were not significantly different between the two groups. In single studies, markers of oxidative stresses such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and 8‐isoprostanelevels were elevated in OLP, and antioxidant parameters such as glutathione (GSH) and total protein (TP) levels were dysregulated. Conclusion. This meta‐analysis helps to clarify the profile of oxidative stress and antioxidant state markers in OLP patients although existing evidence is rather heterogeneous and many studies are affected by several limitations. Larger and more standardized studies are warranted to ascertain whether these markers are potential causes or effects of OLP and whether antioxidant therapy improving oxidative stress will be useful.
Production, Characterization, and Sensory Profiling of Novel Pepper Distilled Spirit
Authors: Ann Yap Chin , Wei Foo See , Yeo Gilbert , Ping Teow Wei , Tuah Lawrence
Published: September 2021

This study described the production method of novel whiskey using black pepper berries as raw material including the determination of chemical composition and sensory profile of this distillate. The production process consisted of production of fermentation medium via hydrothermal treatment, followed by fermentation and distillation. The incorporation of hydrothermal extraction process makes this whiskey production process differ from the existing commercial spirit production protocol. Chemical composition analysis showed that there were 12 main volatile compounds that contribute to the aroma profile of this pepper whiskey which consisted of 1 aldehyde group, 3 ester groups, 2 phenolic compounds, and 6 alcohol groups. All of these compounds are presented at different concentrations that are able to give pleasant and signature aroma to this spirit. A 10-member descriptive analysis panel conducted showed that 7 descriptors can be used to define the organoleptic quality of this whiskey, namely, clarity and brilliance (visual), fruity and flora (aroma), spiciness and sweetness (taste), and fruity mouthfeels. In conclusion, pepper berries can be used as raw material for pepper whiskey production and having organoleptic quality acceptable for human consumption.
Differences in the Clinical Manifestations and Mortality of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Onset in Children and Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Xiaolan , Jia Nan , Xiao Fei , Sun Chunrong , Zhu Jia , Lai Jianming , Cui Xiaodai
Published: September 2021

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the differences between childhood-onset and adult-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE and aSLE) for clinical manifestations and mortality using a meta-analytic approach. Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library were searched for eligible studies published between January 1982 and March 2021. The odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval was used to calculate the pooled effect estimates using the random-effects model. Results: Thirty-four studies involving 21,946 SLE patients were included. cSLE was associated with an increased risk of malar rash (OR: 1.64; p < 0.001), ulcers/mucocutaneous involvement (OR: 1.22; p = 0.039), general neurological involvement (OR: 1.52; p < 0.001), seizures (OR: 1.92; p < 0.001), general renal involvement (OR: 2.08; p < 0.001), proteinuria (OR: 1.35; p = 0.015), urinary cellular casts (OR: 1.67; p = 0.047), fever (OR: 2.31; p < 0.001), anemia (OR: 1.91; p < 0.001), thrombocytopenia (OR: 1.41; p < 0.001), leucopenia (OR: 1.57; p = 0.017), lymphadenopathy (OR: 2.40; p < 0.001), and cutaneous vasculitis (OR: 1.72; p = 0.001) as compared with aSLE. Moreover, cSLE versus aSLE was associated with a reduced risk of articular manifestations (OR: 0.63; p = 0.001), pulmonary involvement (OR: 0.54; p = 0.001), and pleuritis (OR: 0.61; p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between cSLE and aSLE for mortality risk (OR: 1.20; p = 0.203). Conclusion: We found that certain clinical manifestations of SLE are different in cSLE and aSLE. Moreover, the mortality risk of cSLE and aSLE was not significantly different.
Carotid-Femoral Pulse Transit Time Variability Predicted Mortality and Improved Risk Stratification in the Elderly
Authors: An De-Wei , Muhammad Iram Faqir , Li Ming-Xuan , Borné Yan , Sheng Chang-Sheng , Persson Margaretha , Cai Ren-Zhi , Guo Qian-Hui , Wang Ji-Guang , Engström Gunnar , Li Yan , Nilsson Peter M.
Published: September 2021

The carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity, determined by pulse transit time (PTT) and distance, is a well-established measure of arterial stiffness and predicts adverse outcomes. However, its predictive value decreases with aging. To explore new risk indicator in the elderly, we investigated if the variation of carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity, registered as beat-to-beat variability of carotid-to-femoral PTT (cf-PTT), could predict outcome. Totally 3015 (median age, 72.4 years; 39.6% men) and 1181 (75.6 years; 42.2% men) subjects from communities of Malmö, Sweden, and Shanghai, China, were analyzed, respectively. Continuous pulse waves for 10 seconds were recorded sequentially at carotid and femoral arterial sites with applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor, Atcor, Australia). During a median of 6.6 and 10.2 years, 389 and 427 deaths occurred in the Malmö and Shanghai cohorts, respectively. Each one-SD increase in the log-transformed coefficient of variation of cf-PTT was associated with 24% (95% CI, 13%–37%) and 21% (10%–33%) increased risk for all-cause mortality in the Malmö and Shanghai subjects, and 60% (33%–91%) for cardiovascular mortality in the Malmö subjects. Adding the coefficient of variation of cf-PTT to the models including conventional risk factors and carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity significantly (
P
<0.05) improved prediction for all-cause mortality in both cohorts (integrated discrimination improvement, 0.005–0.008) and cardiovascular mortality in the Malmö cohort (net reclassification improvement, 0.206). In both cohorts, a coefficient of variation of cf-PTT <6% was not associated with increased mortality risk. In conclusion, the beat-to-beat variability of cf-PTT predicted mortality and improved risk stratification, which might be a novel risk indicator for elderly people.
Age and Phenotype of Patients With Plaque Erosion
Authors: Araki Makoto , Yonetsu Taishi , Kurihara Osamu , Nakajima Akihiro , Lee Hang , Soeda Tsunenari , Minami Yoshiyasu , Higuma Takumi , Kimura Shigeki , Takano Masamichi , Yan Bryan P. , Adriaenssens Tom , Boeder Niklas F. , Nef Holger M. , Kim Chong Jin , McNulty Iris , Crea Filippo , Kakuta Tsunekazu , Jang Ik‐Kyung
Published: September 2021

Background

A recent study reported that the outcome of patients with plaque erosion treated with stenting is poor when the underlying plaque is lipid rich. However, the detailed phenotype of patients with plaque erosion, particularly as related to different age groups, has not been systematically studied.

Methods and Results

Patients with acute coronary syndromes caused by plaque erosion were selected from 2 data sets. Demographic, clinical, angiographic, and optical coherence tomography findings of the culprit lesion were compared between 5 age groups. Among 579 erosion patients, male sex and current smoking were less frequent, and hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease were more frequent in older patients. ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction was more frequent in younger patients. Percentage of diameter stenosis on angiogram was greater in older patients. The prevalence of lipid‐rich plaque (27.3% in age <45 years and 49.4% in age ≥75 years,
P
<0.001), cholesterol crystal (3.9% in age <45 years and 21.8% in age ≥75 years,
P
=0.027), and calcification (5.5% in age <45 years and 54.0% in age ≥75 years,
P
<0.001) increased with age. After adjusting risk factors, younger patients were associated with the presence of thrombus, and older patients were associated with greater percentage of diameter stenosis and the presence of lipid‐rich plaque and calcification.

Conclusions

The demographic, clinical, angiographic, and plaque phenotypes of patients with plaque erosion distinctly vary depending on age. This may affect the clinical outcome in these patients.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifiers: NCT03479723, NCT02041650.
The Impact of Principal Attrition and Replacement on Indicators of School Quality
Authors: Winters Marcus A. , Kisida Brian , Cho Ikhee
Published: September 2021

Transitions to a new principal are common, especially within urban public schools, and potentially highly disruptive to a school's culture and operations. We use longitudinal data from New York City to investigate if the effect of principal transitions differs by whether the incoming principal was hired externally or promoted from within the school. We take advantage of variation in the timing of principal transitions within an event-study approach to estimate the causal effect of principal changes. Changing principals has an immediate negative effect on student test scores that is sustained over several years regardless of whether hired internally or externally. However, externally hired principals lead to an increase in teacher turnover and a decline in perceptions of the school's learning environment, whereas transitions to an internally promoted principal have no such effects. This pattern of results raises important questions about leadership transitions and the nature of principal effects on school quality.
Reading Ancient and Medieval Philosophers after Vollenhoven
Authors: Sweetman Robert
Published: September 2021

This is a study of D. H. Th. Vollenhoven’s type-focused historiography of philosophy and its development with respect to pre-Socratic philosophy. It uses the work of Pierre Hadot on philosophical askesis, the work of Martha Nussbaum on therapeutic argument, and recent work on the transformative character of Aquinas’s Summa contra Gentiles and Summa theologiae to question some of the central assumptions of Vollenhoven’s methodology. In the process, Vollenhoven’s practice is compared to and contrasted with the historiographical practice of Aristotle in his Metaphysics. What emerges is a way to acknowledge the continued worth of type-focused reading and the religious intuitions that gave rise to it, but on the basis of different methodological assumptions and to different historiographical effects.
A new species of the sun coral genus Tubastraea (Scleractinia: Dendrophylliidae) from Hong Kong
Authors: YIU SAM KING FUNG , CHUNG SHEENA SUET-WAH , QIU JIAN-WEN
Published: September 2021

Tubastraea, commonly known as sun coral, is a genus of brightly coloured azooxanthellate corals in the family Dendrophylliidae. The diversity of this genus is low, with only seven recognized species. Herein, we describe Tubastraea megacorallita sp. nov. from Hong Kong based on morphological and molecular analyses. This new species exhibits several characteristics of the genus including being colonial, having a rough texture of corallum and no epitheca. It can be distinguished from its congenerics by bigger corallites, and the Pourtalès plan arrangement of its septa. The rDNA gene sequences (consisting of ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2, 18S and 28S) showed 2.45–5.18% divergence from those of its closest relatives, T. coccinea and T. micranthus.
Three new species of Loboschiza Diakonoff, 1968 (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae) with redescriptions of L. mediana (Walker, 1864) and L. martia (Meyrick, 1911), two new records from Thailand
Authors: MUADSUB SOPITA , PINKAEW NANTASAK
Published: September 2021

Loboschiza mediana (Walker, 1866) and Loboschiza martia (Meyrick, 1911) are recorded from Thailand for the first time and redescribed. Loboschiza ellipsa sp. nov., Loboschiza namphromensis sp. nov., and Loboschiza sictriquetra sp. nov. from Thailand are described as new to science. These taxa increase the number of described Loboschiza species to 24 worldwide and to 12 in Thailand. Illustrations of adults and genitalia are provided. A key to Loboschiza species in Thailand is also provided.
Delirium and Long-Term Outcomes among Survivors of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Therapy: A Nationwide Cohort Study in South Korea
Authors: Oh Tak Kyu , Park Hye Yoon , Song In-Ae
Published: September 2021

Background: The prevalence of delirium and its association with long-term outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy have not yet been identified. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of delirium and its associated factors during hospitalization among ECMO survivors. We also examined whether the occurrence of delirium was associated with 1-year all-cause mortality among ECMO survivors. Methods: As a population-based cohort study, data were obtained from the National Health Insurance Service database in South Korea. Adults older than 18 years who received ECMO therapy between 2005 and 2018 were included in this study. ECMO survivors were defined as patients who were discharged from the hospital. Results: The analysis included a total of 8153 ECMO survivors, of whom 551 (6.8%) experienced delirium during hospitalization. Older age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.02; P = 0.004), male sex (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.13-1.68; P = 0.002), underlying depression (OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.49-2.41; P < 0.001), and longer length of hospital stay (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.02-1.03; P < 0.001) were associated with a higher incidence of delirium. In multivariable Cox regression modeling, the occurrence of delirium was not significantly associated with the risk of 1-year all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.76-1.07; P = 0.229). Conclusion: The prevalence of delirium among ECMO survivors during hospitalization was 6.8% in South Korea, and old age, male sex, longer duration of hospital stay, and underlying depression were associated with it. However, there was no significant association between delirium and 1-year all-cause mortality among ECMO survivors.
Anti-TRIM21 antibody is associated with aberrant B-cell function and type I interferon production in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kunishita Yosuke , Yoshimi Ryusuke , Kamiyama Reikou , Kishimoto Daiga , Komiya Takaaki , Sakurai Natsuki , Sugiyama Yumiko , Takase-Minegishi Kaoru , Kirino Yohei , Nagaoka Shouhei , Nakajima Hideaki
Published: September 2021

Background

TRIM21 is a member of the tripartite motif family proteins and is one of the autoantigens which react with anti-SS-A antibody (Ab) present in sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren’s syndrome. Previous studies have shown that TRIM21 dysfunction promotes aberrant B-cell differentiation and Ab production in SLE, and anti-TRIM21 Ab may be related to the TRIM21 dysfunction in human SLE pathogenesis. Here, we examined the relationship between anti-TRIM21 Ab and clinical and immunological characteristics in SLE patients.

Methods

Twenty-seven patients with SLE (23 women and four men) before immunosuppressive therapies, who fulfilled the revised 1997 American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE, and four healthy controls (3 women and one man) were enrolled in the study. SLE patients were divided into two groups according to the seropositivity for anti-TRIM21 Ab. Serum anti-TRIM21 Ab levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The serum levels of cytokines and immunoglobulins were measured by cytometer beads arrays. The expression levels of TRIM21 protein in peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from SLE patients were evaluated by Western blotting.

Results

Sixteen and 9 patients showed seronegativity and seropositivity for anti-TRIM21 Ab, respectively. There were no significant differences in the background parameters, including female ratio, age, disease duration, SLE activity, and laboratory data between the two groups. The serum levels of interferon (IFN)-β were significantly higher in patients with anti-TRIM21 Ab as compared with those without anti-TRIM21 Ab ( P = .043). The levels of IgG1 and IgA were significantly higher in SLE patients with anti-TRIM21 Ab as compared with those without anti-TRIM21 Ab ( P = .0022 and .032, respectively). The PBMCs of patients with anti-TRIM21 Ab showed a significantly lower expression of TRIM21 protein as compared with those of patients without anti-TRIM21 Ab ( P = .014).

Conclusions

Anti-TRIM21 Ab seropositivity was related to B-cell abnormalities and type I IFN overproduction in SLE patients. These findings suggest that anti-TRIM21 Ab may have an inhibitory effect on TRIM21 functions and be a novel biomarker for the level of dependence on type I IFN overproduction and B-cell abnormalities.
The formulary process for biosimilar additions at a comprehensive cancer center
Authors: Aschermann Lauren M , Forshay Charlotte M , Kennerly-Shah Julie , Pilz Jeffrey
Published: September 2021

Biological products may be used to diagnose, prevent, treat, and cure diseases and medical conditions, including cancer. Biosimilar agents, approved under an abbreviated 351(k) pathway, continue to increase in number and market share for biologic agents, especially for cancer care. Although biosimilars offer the potential for improved access to care, their introduction to the marketplace has created significant disruption. It is imperative that health systems providing care to patients with cancer develop a well-defined process to address the challenges associated with biosimilars. This descriptive article outlines pharmacy considerations for biosimilars and describes the current practices at The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute at The Ohio State University. Biosimilars have and will continue to significantly impact oncology care. Organizations must understand the clinical, operational, and financial challenges associated with the use of these products.
Coloniality and Psychology: From Silencing to Re-Centering Marginalized Voices in Postcolonial Times
Authors: Bhatia Sunil , Priya Kumar Ravi
Published: September 2021

We adopt a decolonizing framework in this article to examine how legacies of colonialism and coloniality continue to manifest in Euro-American psychology. The population of India is now over 1.2 billion people with over 356 million youth they make up the world’s largest youth population, but their stories remain largely invisible in Euro-American psychology. For this article, we draw on a growing body of research by decolonial theorists and our ethnographic research. We argue that Euro-American psychological science now reworks the old forms of imperialism and domination in neoliberal contexts of globalization. In particular, we analyze (a) how mainstream psychological knowledge of “culture” and “diversity” have reinforced a neoliberal self in postcolonial India; (b) the varied ways in which identities, values, and mental health experiences of marginalized communities have been silenced and ignored through the application of Euro-American psychiatric and colonial psychological knowledge; and (c) how persistent caste-based violence and exploitation in contemporary times reflects the “internal coloniality” of Indian society.
Characterization of severely burned patients and evaluation of factors associated to mortality. An observational retrospective cohort study in San Vicente Fundación Hospital
Authors: Robledo Cadavid Juan M , Salgado Flórez Laura , Garcés Echeverri Juan C , Ruiz Santacruz Jorge E , Hernandez Ortiz Olga H
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Burns are common in developing countries and place a large burden on the medical and social care systems. However, information about management and outcomes from such countries is scarce. The purpose of this study was to analyze the epidemiology and main factors related to the mortality in severely burned patients at the Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación in Medellín, Colombia.

Methods

An observational retrospective cohort study was conducted. To establish prognostic factors associated with mortality, we analyzed variables such as age, sex, burned surface, and degree of burn, among others. Demographic, clinic, and management features as well as complications and factors associated with mortality were analyzed using logistic regression.

Results

4516 clinical histories were reviewed, 225 were included in the study. 76.9% were men, with a median age of 35 years; 64.9% were fire burns. The median burned body surface area was 42%. There were inhalation injuries in 135 patients and ocular in 106 patients. The main complication was infection followed by rhabdomyolysis. The overall hospital stay was 27 days, and the median length of stay at the intensive care unit was 7 days with in-hospital mortality of 30.7%. The variables associated with mortality were age, burned body surface area, degree of burn, and kidney injury. Surgical intervention was protective.

Conclusions

Severely burned patients in our hospital have similar outcomes and, in some cases, better outcomes than those reported in the literature in countries with similar characteristics, and we have seen that in the last years, there has been a better experience in the management of these patients. Elderly, extension, and depth of burnt tissue are markers of poor outcomes. Early surgery and intubation have shown better outcomes, probably due to infection control and removal of necrotic tissue, airway management, and ventilatory support for metabolic and hemodynamic derangement.
The Role of Social Capital on Rural Enterprises Economic Performance: A Case Study in Indonesia Villages
Authors: Aritenang Adiwan
Published: September 2021

Following the nationwide implementation of the Village Funds, the government attempted to accelerate rural economic growth through rural enterprises ( Badan Usaha Milik Desa/BUMDes). This study aimed to analyze how social capital affects village-owned enterprise management to accelerate rural economy. This study was conducted in 2018 and applied a qualitative approach and case study design with a content analysis method derived from interviews, observations, and legal documents. The analysis shows that stakeholders’ development visions to initiate the establishment are critical to determining the management and cooperation of rural enterprises, especially regarding the common direction of development. This study’s results show that, presently, rural enterprises have a low impact on rural economic growth. This study also argues for policy implications by highlighting the importance of social capital and village local assets to determine BUMDes development in Indonesia. Specifically, local policies should also aim to enhance community participation and improve BUMDes’ human capital on management and marketing.