bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lingering Chukchi Sea sea ice and Chukchi Sea mean winds influence population age structure of euphausiids (krill) found in the bowhead whale feeding hotspot near Pt. Barrow, Alaska
Authors: Ashjian Carin J. , Okkonen Stephen R. , Campbell Robert G. , Alatalo Philip
Published: July 2021

Interannual variability in euphausiid (krill) abundance and population structure and associations of those measures with environmental drivers were investigated in an 11-year study conducted in late August–early September 2005–2015 in offshelf waters (bottom depth > 40 m) in Barrow Canyon and the Beaufort Sea just downstream of Distributed Biological Observatory site 5 (DBO5) near Pt. Barrow, Alaska. Statistically-significant positive correlations were observed among krill population structure (proportion of juveniles and adults), the volume of Late Season Melt Water (LMW), and late-spring Chukchi Sea sea ice extent. High proportions of juvenile and adult krill were seen in years with larger volumes of LMW and greater spring sea ice extents (2006, 2009, 2012–2014) while the converse, high proportions of furcilia, were seen in years with smaller volumes of LMW and lower spring sea ice extent (2005, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2015). These different life stage, sea ice and water mass regimes represent integrated advective responses to mean fall and/or spring Chukchi Sea winds, driven by prevailing atmospheric pressure distributions in the two sets of years. In years with high proportions of juveniles and adults, late-spring and preceding-fall winds were weak and variable while in years with high proportions of furcilia, late-spring and preceding-fall winds were strong, easterly and consistent. The interaction of krill life history with yearly differences in the northward transports of krill and water masses along with sea ice retreat determines the population structure of late-summer krill populations in the DBO5 region near Pt. Barrow. Years with higher proportions of mature krill may provide larger prey to the Pt. Barrow area bowhead whale prey hotspot. The characteristics of prey near Pt. Barrow is dependent on krill abundance and size, large-scale environmental forcing, and interannual variability in recruitment success of krill in the Bering Sea.
Alteration of corneal biomechanical properties in patients with dry eye disease
Authors: Satitpitakul Vannarut , Taweekitikul Parichart , Puangsricharern Vilavun , Kasetsuwan Ngamjit , Reinprayoon Usanee , Kittipibul Thanachaporn
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the association between symptoms and signs of dry eye diseases (DED) with corneal biomechanical parameters.

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled 81 participants without history of ocular hypertension, glaucoma, keratoconus, corneal edema, contact lens use, diabetes, and ocular surgery. All participants were evaluated for symptoms and signs of DED using OSDI questionnaire, tear film break-up time (TBUT), conjunctival and corneal staining (NEI grading) and Schirmer test. Corneal biomechanical parameters were obtained using Corvis ST. Mixed-effects linear regression analysis was used to determine the association between symptoms and signs of DED with corneal biomechanical parameters. Difference in corneal biomechanical parameter between participants with low (Schirmer value ≤10 mm; LT group) and normal (Schirmer value >10mm; NT group) tear production was analyzed using ANCOVA test.

Results

The median OSDI scores, TBUT, conjunctival and corneal staining scores as well as Schirmer test were 13±16.5 (range; 0–77), 5.3±4.2 seconds (range; 1.3–11), 0±1 (range; 0–4), 0±2 (ranges; 0–9) and 16±14 mm (range; 0–45) respectively. Regression analysis adjusted with participants’ refraction, intraocular pressure, and central corneal thickness showed that OSDI had a negative association with highest concavity radius (P = 0.02). The association between DED signs and corneal biomechanical parameters were found between conjunctival staining scores with second applanation velocity (A2V, P = 0.04), corneal staining scores with second applanation length (A2L, P = 0.01), Schirmer test with first applanation time (A1T, P = 0.04) and first applanation velocity (P = 0.01). In subgroup analysis, there was no difference in corneal biomechanical parameters between participants with low and normal tear production (P>0.05). The associations were found between OSDI with time to highest concavity (P<0.01) and highest displacement of corneal apex (HC-DA, P = 0.04), conjunctival staining scores with A2L (P = 0.01) and A2V (P<0.01) in LT group, and Schirmer test with A1T (P = 0.02) and HC-DA (P = 0.03), corneal staining scores with A2L (P<0.01) in NT group.

Conclusions

According to in vivo observation with Corvis ST, patients with DED showed more compliant corneas. The increase in dry eye severity was associated with the worsening of corneal biomechanics in both patients with low and normal tear production.
Screening of viral-vectored P. falciparum pre-erythrocytic candidate vaccine antigens using chimeric rodent parasites
Authors: Kolli Surendra Kumar , Salman Ahmed M. , Ramesar Jai , Chevalley-Maurel Severine , Kroeze Hans , Geurten Fiona G. A. , Miyazaki Shinya , Mukhopadhyay Ekta , Marin-Mogollon Catherin , Franke-Fayard Blandine , Hill Adrian V. S. , Janse Chris J.
Published: July 2021

To screen for additional vaccine candidate antigens of Plasmodium pre-erythrocytic stages, fourteen P. falciparum proteins were selected based on expression in sporozoites or their role in establishment of hepatocyte infection. For preclinical evaluation of immunogenicity of these proteins in mice, chimeric P. berghei sporozoites were created that express the P. falciparum proteins in sporozoites as an additional copy gene under control of the uis4 gene promoter. All fourteen chimeric parasites produced sporozoites but sporozoites of eight lines failed to establish a liver infection, indicating a negative impact of these P. falciparum proteins on sporozoite infectivity. Immunogenicity of the other six proteins (SPELD, ETRAMP10.3, SIAP2, SPATR, HT, RPL3) was analyzed by immunization of inbred BALB/c and outbred CD-1 mice with viral-vectored (ChAd63 or ChAdOx1, MVA) vaccines, followed by challenge with chimeric sporozoites. Protective immunogenicity was determined by analyzing parasite liver load and prepatent period of blood stage infection after challenge. Of the six proteins only SPELD immunized mice showed partial protection. We discuss both the low protective immunogenicity of these proteins in the chimeric rodent malaria challenge model and the negative effect on P. berghei sporozoite infectivity of several P. falciparum proteins expressed in the chimeric sporozoites.
Evaluation of skin doses for cone-beam computed tomography in dentomaxillofacial imaging: A preclinical study
Authors: Reidelbach Carolin Sophie , Neubauer Jakob , Russe Maximilian Frederik , Kusterer Jan , Semper-Hogg Wiebke
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Evaluation of skin organ doses in six different cone-beam computed tomography scanners (CBCT) dedicated to dentomaxillofacial imaging. Our hypothesis is that the dose varies between different devices, protocols and skin areas.

Materials and methods

An anthropomorphic adult head and neck phantom was used to which a dosimeter (Waterproof Farmer® Chamber, PTW, Freiburg, Germany) was attached to anatomic landmarks of both parotid glands, both ocular lenses, the thyroid gland and the neurocranium. CBCT examinations were performed on six different CBCT devices dedicated to dentomaxillofacial imaging with standard settings and, if available, also in high dose settings. Measurements were repeated five times each.

Results

The measured mean skin doses ranged from 0.48 to 2.21 mGy. The comparison of the region based dose evaluation showed a high correlation between the single measurements. Furthermore, the distribution of doses between regions was similar in all devices, except that four devices showed side differences for the dose of the parotid region and one device showed side differences for the lens region. The directly exposed regions, such as the parotid glands, showed significant higher values than the more distant regions like the neurocranium.

When comparing examination protocols, a significant difference between the standard dose and the high dose acquisitions could be detected. But also a significant dose difference between the different CBCTs could be shown. 3D Accuitomo 170 (Morita, Osaka, Japan) showed the highest absorbed mean dose value for standard settings with 2.21 mGy, especially at the directly exposed regions and their adjacent organs. The lowest mean value for standard settings was achieved with VGi evo (NewTom, Verona, Italy) with 0.48 mGy.

Conclusion

Repeated measurements of skin organ doses in six different CBCT scanners using a surface dosimeter showed side differences in distribution of dose in five devices for the parotid and lens region. Additionally, significant dose differences between the devices could be detected. Further studies should be performed to confirm these results.
Burden of post-COVID-19 syndrome and implications for healthcare service planning: A population-based cohort study
Authors: Menges Dominik , Ballouz Tala , Anagnostopoulos Alexia , Aschmann Hélène E. , Domenghino Anja , Fehr Jan S. , Puhan Milo A.
Published: July 2021

Background

Longer-term consequences after SARS-CoV-2 infection are becoming an important burden to societies and healthcare systems. Data on post-COVID-19 syndrome in the general population are required for the timely planning of healthcare services and resources. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of impaired health status and physical and mental health symptoms among individuals at least six months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and to characterize their healthcare utilization.

Methods

This population-based prospective cohort study (Zurich SARS-CoV-2 Cohort) enrolled 431 adults from the general population with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection reported to health authorities between 27 February 2020 and 05 August 2020 in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland. We evaluated the proportion of individuals reporting not to have fully recovered since SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the proportion reporting fatigue (Fatigue Assessment Scale), dyspnea (mMRC dyspnea scale) or depression (DASS-21) at six to eight months after diagnosis. Furthermore, the proportion of individuals with at least one healthcare contact after their acute illness was evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with these main outcomes.

Results

Symptoms were present in 385 (89%) participants at diagnosis and 81 (19%) were initially hospitalized. At six to eight months, 111 (26%) reported not having fully recovered. 233 (55%) participants reported symptoms of fatigue, 96 (25%) had at least grade 1 dyspnea, and 111 (26%) had DASS-21 scores indicating symptoms of depression. 170 (40%) participants reported at least one general practitioner visit related to COVID-19 after acute illness, and 10% (8/81) of initially hospitalized individuals were rehospitalized. Individuals that have not fully recovered or suffer from fatigue, dyspnea or depression were more likely to have further healthcare contacts. However, a third of individuals (37/111) that have not fully recovered did not seek further care.

Conclusions

In this population-based study, a relevant proportion of participants suffered from longer-term consequences after SARS-CoV-2 infection. With millions infected across the world, our findings emphasize the need for the timely planning of resources and patient-centered services for post-COVID-19 care.
Insights into the influence of cell concentration in design and development of microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) process
Authors: Murugan Raja , Suraishkumar G. K. , Mukherjee Abhijit , Dhami Navdeep K.
Published: July 2021

Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) process utilising the biogeochemical reactions for low energy cementation has recently emerged as a potential technology for numerous engineering applications. The design and development of an efficient MICP process depends upon several physicochemical and biological variables; amongst which the initial bacterial cell concentration is a major factor. The goal of this study is to assess the impact of initial bacterial cell concentration on ureolysis and carbonate precipitation kinetics along with its influence on the calcium carbonate crystal properties; as all these factors determine the efficacy of this process for specific engineering applications. We have also investigated the role of subsequent cell recharge in calcium carbonate precipitation kinetics for the first time. Experimental results showed that the kinetics of ureolysis and calcium carbonate precipitation are well-fitted by an exponential logistic equation for cell concentrations between optical density range of 0.1 OD to 0.4 OD. This equation is highly applicable for designing the optimal processes for microbially cemented soil stabilization applications using native or augmented bacterial cultures. Multiple recharge kinetics study revealed that the addition of fresh bacterial cells is an essential step to keep the fast rate of precipitation, as desirable in certain applications. Our results of calcium carbonate crystal morphology and mineralogy via scanning electron micrography, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis exhibited a notable impact of cell number and extracellular urease concentration on the properties of carbonate crystals. Lower cell numbers led to formation of larger crystals compared to high cell numbers and these crystals transform from vaterite phase to the calcite phase over time. This study has demonstrated the significance of kinetic models for designing large-scale MICP applications.
Comparing predictors of sentence self-paced reading times: Syntactic complexity versus transitional probability metrics
Authors: Kapteijns Bob , Hintz Florian
Published: July 2021

When estimating the influence of sentence complexity on reading, researchers typically opt for one of two main approaches: Measuring syntactic complexity (SC) or transitional probability (TP). Comparisons of the predictive power of both approaches have yielded mixed results. To address this inconsistency, we conducted a self-paced reading experiment. Participants read sentences of varying syntactic complexity. From two alternatives, we selected the set of SC and TP measures, respectively, that provided the best fit to the self-paced reading data. We then compared the contributions of the SC and TP measures to self-paced reading times when entered into the same model. Our results showed that while both measures explained significant portions of variance in reading times (over and above control variables: word/sentence length, word frequency and word position) when included in independent models, their contributions changed drastically when SC and TP were entered into the same model. Specifically, we only observed significant effects of TP. We conclude that in our experiment the control variables explained the bulk of variance. When comparing the small effects of SC and TP, the effects of TP appear to be more robust.
Lean mass and biological maturation as predictors of muscle power and strength performance in young athletes
Authors: Almeida-Neto Paulo Francisco de , de Medeiros Rafaela Catherine da Silva Cunha , de Matos Dihogo Gama , Baxter-Jones Adam D. G. , Aidar Felipe J. , de Assis Gilmara Gomes , Silva Dantas Paulo Moreira , Cabral Breno Guilherme de Araújo Tinôco
Published: July 2021

Background

The biological maturation (BM) analyzed by peak height velocity (PHV) and bone age (BA), and lean body mass has been associated with the strength and muscle power of young athletes. However, the ability of BM (PHV and BA) and LM markers to predict muscle strength and power in young athletes remains uncertain.

Objective

The Aim was determine the predicting power of BM markers (PHV and BA) and LM in relation to muscle power of upper and lower limbs and muscle strength of upper limbs in adolescent athletes at puberty.

Methods

Ninety-two adolescent athletes (both sexes; age 12.4 ± 1.02 years) were assessed for body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Power of upper limbs (ULP), force handgrip (HG), vertical jump (VJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) were recorded. BM was predicted by mathematical models to estimate PHV and BA. Multilayer artificial neural network analyses (MLP’s) were used to determine the power of prediction of LM, PHV and BA on muscle power and strength of upper- and lower-limbs of the athletes.

Results

LM, BA and PHV were associated with HG (r>0.74, p<0.05) and ULS (r>0.60, p<0.05) in both sexes. In both sexes BA was associated with VJ (r>0.55, p<0.05) and CMJ (r>0.53, p<0.05). LM indicated associations (r>0.60, p<0.05) with BA and with PHV (r<0.83, p<0.05) in both sexes. MLP’s analysis revealed that the LM provides > 72% of probability to predict the muscle power of upper- and lower-limbs, and the strength of the upper limbs; whereas PHV provides > 43% and bone age >64% in both female and male adolescent athletes.

Conclusion

We identified that, like PHV and BA, LM is a strong predictor of low cost of both upper limbs muscle strength and upper and lower limbs power in adolescent athletes.
Relationship between sex and cardiovascular mortality in chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shajahan Sultana , Amin Janaki , Phillips Jacqueline K. , Hildreth Cara M.
Published: July 2021

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant health challenge associated with high cardiovascular mortality risk. Historically, cardiovascular mortality risk has been found to higher in men than women in the general population. However, recent research has highlighted that this risk may be similar or even higher in women than men in the CKD population. To address the inconclusive and inconsistent evidence regarding this relationship between sex and cardiovascular mortality within CKD patients, a systematic review and meta-analysis of articles published between January 2004 and October 2020 using PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Scopus and Cochrane databases was performed. Forty-eight studies were included that reported cardiovascular mortality among adult men relative to women with 95% confidence intervals (CI) or provided sufficient data to calculate risk estimates (RE). Random effects meta-analysis of reported and calculated estimates revealed that male sex was associated with elevated cardiovascular mortality in CKD patients (RE 1.13, CI 1.03–1.25). Subsequent subgroup analyses indicated higher risk in men in studies based in the USA and in men receiving haemodialysis or with non-dialysis-dependent CKD. Though men showed overall higher cardiovascular mortality risk than women, the increased risk was marginal, and appropriate risk awareness is necessary for both sexes with CKD. Further research is needed to understand the impact of treatment modality and geographical distribution on sex differences in cardiovascular mortality in CKD.
DNA methylation analyses identify an intronic ZDHHC6 locus associated with time to recurrent stroke in the Vitamin Intervention for Stroke Prevention (VISP) clinical trial
Authors: Davis Armstrong Nicole M. , Chen Wei-Min , Hsu Fang-Chi , Brewer Michael S. , Cullell Natalia , Fernández-Cadenas Israel , Williams Stephen R. , Sale Michèle M. , Worrall Bradford B. , Keene Keith L.
Published: July 2021

Aberrant DNA methylation profiles have been implicated in numerous cardiovascular diseases; however, few studies have investigated how these epigenetic modifications contribute to stroke recurrence. The aim of this study was to identify methylation loci associated with the time to recurrent cerebro- and cardiovascular events in individuals of European and African descent. DNA methylation profiles were generated for 180 individuals from the Vitamin Intervention for Stroke Prevention clinical trial using Illumina HumanMethylation 450K BeadChip microarrays, resulting in beta values for 470,871 autosomal CpG sites. Ethnicity-stratified survival analyses were performed using Cox Proportional Hazards regression models for associations between each methylation locus and the time to recurrent stroke or composite vascular event. Results were validated in the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital cohort from Barcelona, Spain. Network analyses of the methylation loci were generated using weighted gene coexpression network analysis. Primary analysis identified four significant loci, cg04059318, ch.2.81927627R, cg03584380, and cg24875416, associated with time to recurrent stroke. Secondary analysis identified three loci, cg00076998, cg16758041, and cg02365967, associated with time to composite vascular endpoint. Locus cg03584380, which is located in an intron of ZDHHC6, was replicated in the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital cohort. The results from this study implicate the degree of methylation at cg03584380 is associated with the time of recurrence for stroke or composite vascular events across two ethnically diverse groups. Furthermore, modules of loci were associated with clinical traits and blood biomarkers including previous number of strokes, prothrombin fragments 1 + 2, thrombomodulin, thrombin-antithrombin complex, triglyceride levels, and tissue plasminogen activator. Ultimately, these loci could serve as potential epigenetic biomarkers that could identify at-risk individuals in recurrence-prone populations.
Foliar application of seed water extract of Nigella sativa improved maize growth in cadmium-contaminated soil
Authors: Hussain Madiha Khadim , Aziz Abida , Ditta Hafiza Mamona Allah , Azhar Muhammad Farooq , El-Shehawi Ahmed M. , Hussain Sajjad , Mehboob Noman , Hussain Mubshar , Farooq Shahid
Published: July 2021

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread heavy metal, which commonly exert negative impacts on agricultural soils and living organisms. Foliar application of seed water extract of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) can mitigate the adverse impacts of Cd-toxicity in plants through its rich antioxidants. This study examined the role of seed water extracts of N. sativa (NSE) in mitigating the adverse impacts of Cd-toxicity on maize growth. Two maize genotypes (synthetic ‘Neelum’ and hybrid ‘P1543’) were grown under 0, 4, 8 and 12 mg Cd kg-1 soil. The NSE was applied at three different concentrations (i.e., 0, 10 and 20%) as foliar spray at 25 and 45 days after sowing. All Cd concentrations had no effect on germination percentage of both genotypes. Increasing Cd concentration linearly decreased root and allometric attributes, gas exchange traits and relative water contents of hybrid genotype. However, gas exchange traits of synthetic genotype remained unaffected by Cd-toxicity. Overall, hybrid genotype showed better tolerance to Cd-toxicity than synthetic genotype with better germination and allometric attributes and less Cd accumulation. Foliar application of NSE lowered negative effects of Cd-toxicity on all studied traits, except relative water contents. In conclusion, foliar application of NSE seemed a viable option to improve maize growth in Cd-contaminated soil.
Acute kidney injury and its progression in hospitalized patients—Results from a retrospective multicentre cohort study with a digital decision support system
Authors: Kister Thea Sophie , Remmler Johannes , Schmidt Maria , Federbusch Martin , Eckelt Felix , Isermann Berend , Richter Heike , Wehner Markus , Krause Uwe , Halbritter Jan , Cundius Carina , Voigt Markus , Kehrer Alexander , Telle Jörg Michael , Kaiser Thorsten
Published: July 2021

In this retrospective multicentric cohort study, we evaluate the potential benefits of a clinical decision support system (CDSS) for the automated detection of Acute kidney injury (AKI). A total of 80,389 cases, hospitalized from 2017 to 2019 at a tertiary care hospital (University of Leipzig Medical Center (ULMC)) and two primary care hospitals (Muldentalkliniken (MTL)) in Germany, were enrolled. AKI was defined and staged according to the Kidney disease: improving global outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines. Clinical and laboratory data was automatically collected from electronic patient records using the frameworks of the CDSS. In our cohort, we found an overall AKI incidence proportion of 12.1%. We identified 6,393/1,703/1,604 cases as AKI stage 1/2/3 (8.0%/2.1%/2.0%, respectively). Administrative coding with N17 (ICD-10-GM) was missing in 55.8% of all AKI cases with the potential for additional diagnosis related groups (DRG) reimbursement of 1,204,200 € in our study. AKI was associated with higher hospital mortality, increased length of hospitalisation and more frequent need of renal replacement therapy. A total of 19.1% of AKI cases (n = 1,848) showed progression to higher AKI stages (progressive AKI) during hospitalization. These cases presented with considerably longer hospitalization, higher rates of renal replacement therapy and increased mortality (p<0.001, respectively). Furthermore, progressive AKI was significantly associated with sepsis, shock, liver cirrhosis, myocardial infarction, and cardiac insufficiency. AKI, and especially its progression during hospitalization, is strongly associated with adverse outcomes. Our automated CDSS enables timely detection and bears potential to improve AKI outcomes, notably in cases of progressive AKI.
What shall we call God? An exploration of metaphors coded from descriptions of God from a large U.S. undergraduate sample
Authors: Fetterman Adam K. , Evans Nicholas D. , Exline Julie J. , Meier Brian P.
Published: July 2021

People use numerous metaphors to describe God. God is seen as a bearded man, light, and love. Based on metaphor theories, the metaphors people use to refer to God reflect how people think about God and could, in turn, reflect their worldview. However, little work has explored the common metaphors for God. This was the purpose of the current investigation. Four trained raters coded open-ended responses from predominantly Christian U.S. undergraduates (N = 2,923) describing God for the presence or absence of numerous metaphoric categories. We then assessed the frequency of each of the metaphor categories. We identified 16 metaphor categories that were present in more than 1% of the responses. The top categories were “GOD IS POWER,” “GOD IS HUMAN,” and “GOD IS MALE.” These findings were similar across religious affiliations. We attempted to support our coding analysis using top-down and bottom-up automated language analysis. Results from these analyses provided added confidence to our conclusions. We discuss the implications of our findings and the potential for future studies investigating important psychological and behavioral outcomes of using different metaphors for God.
The economic impact of hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia: A systematic review of cost of illness studies
Authors: Ferrara Pietro , Di Laura Danilo , Cortesi Paolo A. , Mantovani Lorenzo G.
Published: July 2021

Hypercholesterolemia is a clinically relevant condition with an ascertained role in atherogenesis. In particular, its presence directly correlates to the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). As known, cardiovascular diseases pose a significant economic burden worldwide; however, a clear picture of the economic impact of ASCVD secondary to hypercholesterolemia is lacking. This study aiming at conducting a systematic review of the current literature to assess the economic impact of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), non-familial hypercholesterolemia (non-FH) or mixed dyslipidemia. A literature search was performed in Medline/PubMed and Embase database up to September 1st, 2020, exploring evidence published from 2010. The literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. To be included the studies must be conducted on people who have been diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia, non-familial hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia, and report data/information on costs attributable to these conditions and their sequelae. A total of 1260 studies were retrieved. After reading the titles and abstract, 103 studies were selected for full reading and eight met the criteria for inclusion. All but one studies were published in the American continent, with the majority conducted in US. An observational design with a prevalence approach were used and all estimated the economic burden of CVD. Direct cost estimates as annual average health expenditure on all population, ranging from $17 to $259 million. Few studies assessing the economic impact of hypercholesterolemia are available in the literature and new researches are needed to provide a more updated and reliable picture. Despite this scarceness of evidence, this review adds important data for future discussion on the knowledge of the economic impact of hypercholesterolemia and costs of care associated to this condition, with important implication for public health researches and novel therapies implementation.
Metaphors of motion and philosophies of process: A practitioner’s perspective in contemporary motion design
Authors: Yilmaz Laura
Published: July 2021

Contemporary motion design has become ubiquitous across all platforms of the modern media landscape, and yet even the term itself enjoys little cultural awareness and has attracted notably less scholarly attention. Like the motion graphics tradition out of which it evolved, it is an inherently hybrid practice that draws upon the histories and techniques of a broad spectrum of time-based media and, in spite of its unreservedly commercial aims, is both deeply rooted in and a concentrated distillation of experimental animation practices in particular. Drawing upon my own recent experience designing a motion sequence for a documentary feature film, this article explores the unique aesthetic qualities and metaphors of motion that characterize motion design, and ultimately seeks to define it as a distinct discipline in its own right.
Improvements on the truth
Authors: Gascoigne Damian
Published: July 2021

My drawn animation practice has always focused on the gestural mark and messy materiality. This article is about what happened to that practice in the transition from analogue to digital animation, questioning what was lost forever and what might still be worth fighting for. This practitioner’s account of a ‘before digital, after digital’ career describes the experience of making work, as work itself changed forever. Ushered in with little reflection or resistance in the mid-1990s, the new digital doctrine slowly consumed hand-drawn 2D animation production to the point where few but the most determined independent makers keep this vital practice alive. My contention is that a reckoning on why and how we engage with digital technology is long overdue. The article will set out why – after working with digital tools for more than twenty years – I have now abandoned all but the most cursory engagement with new media tools and taken the long walk back to a material analogue practice. The ideas under discussion here can be traced back to one overriding concern – the unsolvable relationship between movement in drawing and drawing for movement. This dichotomy is unique to 2D animation, because freedom of gesture in drawing does not produce continuity of movement in animation. Mining this seam drives my independent animation practice as I try to reconcile the page and the frame.
Experimental animation and the neosurrealist remediation of popular music video
Authors: Perrott Lisa
Published: July 2021

Once appearing to function primarily as a commercial tool for popular entertainment, the popular form of music video has recently been exposed by scholars as formally and functionally diverse, with a rich history stretching back decades before the advent of MTV. Animated music videos owe much to centuries old traditions spanning the visual, musical and performing arts, providing performative and material models that inspire contemporary video directors. Experimental animation, surrealism and music video form a matrix of historical and contemporary significance; however, few scholars have undertaken close examinations of the relations between them. John Richardson and Mathias Korsgaard show how music video directors have employed surrealist compositional strategies together with experimental animation methods, thus giving rise to challenging new forms that traverse disparate approaches to art and culture. Building upon their contributions, this article explores the continuity between experimental animation, surrealism and music video, with a view to discovering the subversive potential of this matrix. In order to probe this potential, the author examines how music video directors experiment with animation technique as a means of subversion and enrichment of popular music video. Through close analysis of music videos directed by Adam Jones, Stephen Johnson, Floria Sigismondi and Chris Hopewell, this article charts the continuity of surrealist strategy across culturally specific moments in history, thus provoking questions around the perceived functions of animated media and popular music video.
Abstraction and meaning in the animation of Hong Kong artists
Authors: Hattler Max
Published: July 2021

This article discusses the experimental animation works of Choi Sai-Ho, Carla Chan, Tobias Gremmler and Chris Cheung Hon-Him to probe animated abstraction as a discursive space through which meaning can be negotiated. These Hong Kong artists explore alternative, open-ended and fluid ways of meaning-making that are emerging in response to more traditional modes of moving image storytelling. In developing a narrative-abstraction vocabulary for artists and scholars to work with, what role can the works of Hong Kong artists play in shaping this, and what perspectives can these works offer for such an endeavour? A range of preoccupations with references ranging from spiritual symbolism and abstracted landscape to Chinese opera and Hong Kong architecture bring to light some of those other visions and possible modes of animated abstraction engaged with producing meaning.
Dissidências políticas em monumentos epigráficos
Authors: D'Encarnação José
Published: July 2021

Em todos os tempos, as dissidências políticas deixaram marca visível em monumentos epigráficos. Referem-se, neste ensaio, exemplos de damnatio memoriae da época romana, com destaque para a revisão de um conhecido testemunho de Conimbriga.
Alimentar o corpo, despertar os sentidos
Authors: De Ornellas e Castro Inês
Published: July 2021

Alimentar o corpo com prazer implica seduzir e estimular os sentidos. Assim sendo, qual o papel conferido ao gosto? A partir de textos neolatinos de médicos portugueses de finais do século XVI e início do século XVII, procuraremos demonstrar numa primeira instância como, ao contrário do Cristianismo, que relega o sentido do gosto para a base da escala, os tratados médicos reconhecem, desde a Antiguidade e até à época moderna, a importância cognitiva do palato na apreensão da substância do alimento, coadjuvado pelo sentido do olfato. Se o alimento que nutre pode ser também um medicamento para o corpo, ou um “alimento medicamentosoˮ, urge seduzir o palato do paciente, porquanto só um palato satisfeito conduzirá à cura.
Gamificar y transformar la escuela
Authors: Díaz-Delgado Natalia
Published: July 2021

En este artículo hemos puesto de manifiesto que el aprendizaje utilizando estrategias lúdicas mejora la adquisición de competencias y estrategias deseadas para educar y alcanzar los objetivos de aprendizaje previstos por la escuela. Señalaremos la motivación como la característica básica para avanzar en el juego y para determinar el grado de éxito de nuestro sistema.  Además las características propias del juego, las competencias y estrategias que se dan al jugar y su posible aplicación en las aulas en un sistema gamificado. Partiendo de la observación a jugadores, reseñaremos estrategias de juego tales como la preparación previa, la búsqueda del detalle, la colaboración o la creación, que se revelan como los fundamentos del juego y también del aprendizaje. Para llegar a ellas el diseño de nuestro sistema debe tener en cuenta el por qué, el qué, para quiénes y el cómo. Y cuando todo ello está encauzado se produce la práctica, juegos en el aula, elementos de juegos para aprender, reflexión sobre el juego...
Dacriocistorrinostomía transcanalicular con láser diodo en el tratamiento de la obstrucción primaria adquirida del conducto nasolagrimal
Authors: De las Heras Paula M , Fernández Cascón Sara , Gil-Carcedo Sañudo Elisa , Rettig Infante Isidora , Herrero Agustín Javier , Herrero Calvo David
Published: July 2021

La obstrucción primaria adquirida infrasacal del ducto nasolagrimal es una entidad bastante frecuente en pacientes de edad media y avanzada que origina epífora y blefaritis así como dacriocistitis crónica y/o recurrente.

En el tratamiento de esta patología se sigue considerando, aunque cada vez menos, la dacriocistorrinostomía (DCR) externa como “el gold standard” con unas tasas de éxito que se sitúan alrededor del 85%.

Sin embargo, en la actualidad, es considerada como una opción “invasiva”, que pone en riesgo estructuras como el mecanismo de bomba canalicular y puede generar una cicatriz poco cosmética.

Estos riesgos potenciales se pueden evitar con técnicas menos invasivas (DCR endoscópica y la DCR transcanalicular con láser diodo modificada).

La principal desventaja que puede presentar la técnica quirúrgica de dacriocistorrinostomía con láser diodo es la inversión económica por el alto coste del aparataje y su mantenimiento
GAIT SPEED AND HANDGRIP STRENGTH AS PREDICTORS OF INCIDENT DISABILITY IN MEXICAN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: LOPEZ-TEROS T. , GUTIERREZ-ROBLEDO L.M. , PEREZ-ZEPEDA M.U.
Published: July 2021

Physical performance tests are associated with different adverse outcomes in older people. Theobjective of this study was to test the association between handgrip strength and gait speed with incidentdisability in community-dwelling, well-functioning, Mexican older adults (age ≥70 years). Incident disability wasdefined as the onset of any difficulty in basic or instrumental activities of daily living. Of a total of 133participants, 52.6% (n=70) experienced incident disability during one year of follow-up. Significant associationsof handgrip strength (odds ratio [OR] 0.96, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.93-0.99) and gait speed (OR0.27, 95%CI 0.07-0.99) with incident disability were reported. The inclusion of covariates in the models reducedthe statistical significance of the associations without substantially modifying the magnitude of them. Handgripstrength and gait speed are independently associated with incident disability in Mexican older adults.
STAGE-SPECIFIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FRAILTY AND COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN A SPECIALIST MEMORY CLINIC SETTING
Authors: CHONG M.S. , TAY L. , CHAN M. , LIM W.S. , YE R. , WONG W.C. , LIM J.P. , TAN E.K. , DING Y.Y.
Published: July 2021

Background: It is unclear if the complex relationship between physical frailty and cognition variesacross the severity of cognitive impairment. Objectives:We therefore aimed to explore if there are stage-specificdifferences in the relationship between frailty and cognitive impairment. Design:Cross-sectional study. Setting:A specialist Memory Clinic setting. Participants: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild-moderateAlzheimer’s disease (AD) community-dwelling subjects. Measurements: We obtained data on demographics,multimorbidity, cognition-related measures, nutrition, neuroimaging measures, muscle mass, Vitamin D level,apolipoprotein – e (APOE) status and physical performance measures. Frailty measures of gait speed, hand gripstrength, question on exhausation and weight loss, classified subjects according to the Buchmann criteria intonon-frail and frail categories. Results: Forty-five MCI, 64 mild AD and 13 moderate AD subjects (total n=122)were studied. The prevalence of frailty for MCI, mild AD and moderate AD was 35.6%, 21.9% and 46.2%respectively, indicating a u-shaped trend. Significant differences were noted in fatigue, grip strength and gaitspeed frailty sub-items. Significant correlation of frailty with cognition were noted in mild-moderate AD(Spearman’s coefficient 0.26, p<0.05) but not in MCI (0.01, p=0.6). No other differences in multimorbidity,Vitamin D, APOE, nutritional measures, white matter lesions were observed. Sarcopenia interestingly had aninverse stage-specific relationship unlike frailty. Conclusions:Our results suggest a U-shaped relationshipbetween frailty and cognition, characterized by initial dissociation with cognitive impairment and subsequentconvergence at later stages. Future studies incorporating immune markers and endocrine pathways withlongitudinal follow-up could potentially elucidate intermediary mechanisms in the frailty cascade.
EDUCATIONAL INEQUALITIES AND FRAILTY IN SPAIN: WHAT IS THE ROLE OF OBESITY?
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ LÓPEZ S. , MONTERO P. , CARMENATE M.
Published: July 2021

Background: Evaluate how obesity is associated with the development of frailty among older adults isimportant. However, few studies have examined the relation between obesity and frailty within differenteducational backgrounds. Objectives:This study aims to investigate the association between educational leveland frailty and to evaluate whether obesity explains any possible associations among Spanish adults. Design,participants and settings:This is a cross-sectional study including 2,319 50-years-old and older community-dwelling Spanish adults, who participated in the first wave (2004/05) of the Survey of Health, Ageing andRetirement in Europe (SHARE). Measurements:Educational differences in frailty phenotypes –defined by theSHARE’s operationalized criterion– and their association with obesity –estimated through self-reports of weightand height– were evaluated using multinomial logistic regression analyses. Results:Women experienced frailtyin a larger proportion than men (22.3% vs. 13.3%). After adjusting for all confounders, we found a markededucational gradient in frailty, where individuals with non-formal education showed increased odds of a frailtyphenotype than individuals with higher education. Moreover, obesity was significantly related to frailty and theeffect of obesity is similar at all levels of education after testing for interaction effects. Although there is amediation effect of obesity, the educational gradient in frailty is robust to controls for obesity. Conclusions:Ourfindings suggest a somehow independent effect of both educational background and obesity on frailty amongSpanish individuals. This adds to the evidence of the frailty-obesity association among different educationalbackgrounds, and has implications for future interventions leading to reduce health disparities in elders.
THE ACUTE EFFECTS OF ECCENTRICALLY-BIASED VERSUS CONVENTIONAL WEIGHT TRAINING IN OLDER ADULTS: A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED CROSS-OVER STUDY
Authors: SELVA RAJ I. , WESTFOLD B.A. , SHIELD A.J. , LINDEN M.D. , BIRD S.R.
Published: July 2021

Background: Whilst resistance training has been proven to convey considerable benefits to olderpeople; immediately post-exercise there may be elevated transient risks for cardiac events and falls. Objectivesand Measurements:We assessed the acute effects of eccentrically-biased (EB) and conventional (CONV)resistance exercise on: platelet number, activation and granule exocytsosis; and mean velocity of centre ofpressure displacement (Vm). Design, Setting, Participants and Intervention:Ten older adults (7 males, 3females; 69 ± 4 years) participated in this randomised controlled cross-over study in which they performed EBand CONV training sessions that were matched for total work and a control condition. Results:Immediately post-exercise there was a statistically significant difference in platelet count between the control condition, in which ithad declined (pre 224 ± 35 109/L; post 211 ± 30 109/L: P < 0.05) and CONV in which it had increased (pre 236 ±55 109/L; post 242 ± 51 109/L: P > 0.05). There was no change in platelet activation and granule exocytsosis orVm following EB and CONV. Conclusions:Overall, while minor differences between regimens were observed,no major adverse effect on parameters of platelet function or centre of pressure displacement were observedacutely following either regimen. Eccentrically-biased and conventional resistance exercise training regimens donot appear to present an elevated acute risk in the context of changes to platelet function contributing to a cardiacevent or postural stability increasing falls risk for apparently healthy older adults.
MOLECULAR CROSSROADS OF FRAILTY AND HIV
Authors: TAMEZ-RIVERA O. , MARTINEZ-AYALA P. , NAVARRETE-REYES A.P. , AMIEVA H. , AVILA-FUNES J.A.
Published: July 2021

An epidemiological transition is occurring regarding Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.This phenomenon, explained by several mechanisms (e.g.: physiologic changes, pharmacologic advances, sexualbehaviors), is demonstrated by a significant increase in the number of patients aged 50 years and older diagnosedwith this infection. The immunological changes observed in HIV-infected patients may prompt the appearance ofan accelerated aging process as well as that of comorbidities and other pathological entities commonly diagnosedin older adults. Frailty is a biologic syndrome characterized by a multi-systemic decrease of the individual’sphysiologic and homeostatic reserves, leading to diminished resistance against stressors and increasedvulnerability. The purpose of this review is to describe the common molecular changes seen in both frailty andHIV-1 infection, offering an in-depth analysis of their pathophysiology and specifying common processes wheretheir pathways meet.
PRESBYPHAGIA AND SARCOPENIC DYSPHAGIA: ASSOCIATION BETWEEN AGING, SARCOPENIA, AND DEGLUTITION DISORDERS
Authors: WAKABAYASHI H.
Published: July 2021

Presbyphagia refers to age-related changes in the swallowing mechanism in the elderly associated witha frailty in swallowing. Presbyphagia is different from dysphagia. Sarcopenic dysphagia is difficulty swallowingdue to sarcopenia of generalized skeletal muscles and swallowing muscles. Age-related loss of swallowingmuscle mass becomes evident in the geniohyoid muscle and tongue. Elderly subjects with both sarcopenia anddysphagia may have not only disease-related dysphagia but also sarcopenic dysphagia. In cases of aspirationpneumonia, deterioration in activity-, disease-, and nutrition-related sarcopenia of generalized skeletal musclesand swallowing muscles may develop into sarcopenic dysphagia. Assessment of sarcopenic dysphagia includesevaluation of both dysphagia and sarcopenia. The 10-item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and a water testcombined with pulse oximetry are useful for dysphagia screening. Assessment of the multi-factorial causes ofsarcopenia including nutritional review is important, because rehabilitation of sarcopenic dysphagia differsdepending on its etiology. Consensus diagnostic criteria for sarcopenic dysphagia were proposed at the 19thAnnual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Dysphagia Rehabilitation. Rehabilitation for sarcopenic dysphagiaincludes treatment of both dysphagia and sarcopenia. The core components of dysphagia rehabilitation are oralhealth care, rehabilitative techniques, and food modification. The causes of adult malnutrition may alsocontribute to the etiology of secondary sarcopenia and sarcopenic dysphagia. Therefore, nutrition management isindispensable for sarcopenic dysphagia rehabilitation. In cases of sarcopenia with numerous complicating causes,treatment should include pharmaceutical therapies for age-related sarcopenia and comorbid chronic diseases,resistance training, early ambulation, nutrition management, protein and amino acid supplementation, and non-smoking.