bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Baseline Specimens of Erosion and Abrasion Studies
Authors: Ishak Hayati , Field James , German Matthew
Published: December 2020

The difficulty in obtaining human teeth that are caries-free that have similar environmental exposure, e.g., diet intake and water fluoridation has lead researchers to opt for bovine teeth as a substitute for erosion studies. Bovine mandibular incisors are readily available at abattoirs and often originate from the same region and are likely to consume similar dietary intake. The bovine teeth for erosion or abrasion studies usually undergo specimen preparation to produce a “flat surface” baseline specimen. Among other terms used to define baseline specimens for erosion and abrasion studies include phrases like “optically flat” and “flat and smooth surface.” However, these terms might have no quantitative value as it does not justify the actual surface characteristics of the prepared flattened surface. In dentistry, roughness average (Ra) is the most commonly used parameter when reporting the roughness of specimens Reporting Ra alone might not be sufficient as it does not provide information regarding the surface texture as there is no distinction between valleys and peaks, nor does it provide information about the core structure of a material unlike the bearing area curve. The incorporation of Ra and BAP values in baseline specimens has the potential in predicting the wear or lubricating potential of these specimens. Furthermore, standardization of baseline specimens by acknowledging its surface roughness values ensures comparability of erosion and abrasion studies as different specimen preparation technique might influence the outcome or results of research.
Microtensile Bond Strength, Marginal Leakage, and Antibacterial Effect of Bulk Fill Resin Composite with Alkaline Fillers versus Incremental Nanohybrid Composite Resin
Authors: Mohamed Nada Ismail , Safy Rehab Khalil , Elezz Ahmed Fawzy Abo
Published: December 2020

Objective This study aimed to investigate the microtensile bond strength (µTBS), microleakage, and antibacterial effect of bulk fill resin composite with alkaline fillers (alkasite) (alkaline fillers such as barium aluminum silicate glass and ytterbium trifluoride) in comparison to incremental nanohybrid resin composite.

Materials and Methods µTBS was evaluated by using 30 human mandibular molars. Teeth were randomly divided into three groups (C): nanohybrid resin composite (C0), self-cured alkasite (C1), and dual-cured alkasite (C2). Each group was subdivided into two subgroups according to the bulk thickness: 4 mm (T1) and 6 mm (T2). The occlusal enamel of teeth was removed and the resin composite was applied to a flat dentin surface. Then, teeth were sectioned into beams to be tested under tension. For microleakage testing, mesio-occlusal class II cavities were prepared in 15 molars and divided into three groups as mentioned before. Following this, cavities were restored, thermocycled, immersed in a dye, sectioned mesiodistally, and then dye penetration was assessed. The antibacterial effect of both tested materials was evaluated using agar disc diffusion and broth dilution methods against chlorhexidine as a control positive group.

Results There was no significant difference in µTBS between all tested groups. Bulk fill self-cured alkasite showed the lowest microleakage value followed by bulk fill dual-cured alkasite and incremental nanohybrid resin composite, respectively. Also, cervical microleakage showed significantly higher mean value than the occlusal one. The antibacterial effect of alkasite was less than chlorhexidine. Alkasite showed maximum broth clarity at lowest tested bacterial concentration.

Conclusion Resin composite with alkaline fillers was characterized by good µTBS and marginal integrity with weak antibacterial effect.
Range of Motion after the Sauvé–Kapandji and Darrach Procedures without Extensor Tendon Rupture
Authors: Kato Tomoyuki , Suzuki Taku , Kameyama Makoto , Okazaki Masato , Morisawa Yasushi , Nishiwaki Masao , Nakamura Toshiyasu , Sato Kazuki , Iwamoto Takuji
Published: December 2020

Background Previous study demonstrated that distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) plays a biomechanical role in extension and flexion of the wrist and suggested that fixation of the DRUJ could lead to loss of motion of the wrist. Little is known about the pre- and postoperative range of motion (ROM) after the Sauvé–Kapandji (S-K) and Darrach procedures without tendon rupture. To understand the accurate ROM of the wrist after the S-K and Darrach procedures, enrollment of patients without subcutaneous extensor tendon rupture is needed.

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the pre- and postoperative ROM after the S-K and Darrach procedures without subcutaneous extensor tendon rupture in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods This retrospective study included 36 patients who underwent the S-K procedure and 10 patients who underwent the Darrach procedure for distal radioulnar joint disorders without extensor tendon rupture. Pre- and postoperative ROMs after the S-K and Darrach procedures were assessed 1 year after the surgery.

Results In the S-K procedure, the mean postoperative ROM of the wrist flexion (40 degrees) was significantly lower than the mean preoperative ROM (49 degrees). In wrist extension, there were no significant differences between the mean preoperative ROM (51 degrees) and postoperative ROM (51 degrees). In the Darrach procedure, the mean postoperative ROM of the wrist flexion and extension increased compared with the mean preoperative ROM; however, there were no significant differences.

Conclusion In the S-K procedure, preoperative ROM of the wrist flexion decreased postoperatively. This study provides information about the accurate ROM after the S-K and Darrach procedures.

Level of Evidence This is a Level IV, therapeutic study.
An Evaluation on Deep Caries Removal Method and Management Performed by Undergraduate Dental Students: A Malaysia Experience
Authors: Othman Nurin Izyani , Ismail Hanan Umaira , Mohammad Norazlina , Ghazali Norzalina , Alauddin Muhammad Syafiq
Published: December 2020

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the current knowledge and attitude of deep caries removal method among dental students in Malaysia.

Materials and Methods A total of 303 students (n = 303) responded to the online questionnaire. The first part of questionnaire was to evaluate the demographic data of the respondents and focused on the technique and management approach used for deep caries lesion. The second part investigated the preferred treatment used for deep caries based on the designated clinical case, while the third part assessed the factors that affected the decision on deep caries management.

Statistical Analysis Independent t-test was used to compare difference between the two groups.

Results Seventy four percent of the students have the knowledge of the different methods of caries removal, while 25.8% were only familiar with complete caries removal. The preferred method for deep caries removal in permanent teeth was partial caries removal (53%). For primary dentition, 45.6% of the students prefer to perform pulpotomy as compared with other techniques. There was no significant difference in caries removal method for permanent teeth between undergraduate year of study (p > 0.05), which was partial caries removal at 52.7 and 53.5%, respectively. For primary dentition, the preferred caries removal method was pulpotomy for year 4 (39.8%) and year 5 (52%) students. The popular material to restore deep caries was resin composite (42%) followed by glass ionomer cement (23.3%).

Conclusions This study showed that partial caries removal was the preferred method despite partial understanding on the identification of the clinical indicators of the technique.
The Psychological Impact Analysis of Novel COVID-19 Pandemic in Health Sciences Students: A Global Survey
Authors: Bashir Thelma Farasat , Hassan Sobia , Maqsood Afsheen , Khan Zafar Ali , Issrani Rakhi , Ahmed Naseer , Bashir Evangel Faraz
Published: December 2020

Objective To evaluate the anxiety and depression amid novel coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic in health sciences students around the globe.

Materials and Methods This cross-sectional observational study comprised 523 health science students. A well-structured online questionnaire consisting of closed-ended questions based on student’s general information, Patient Heath Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)-7 scales were used to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19.

Statistical Analysis SPSS-25 was used to analyze the outcome of this study. Multiple linear regression analysis test was used to assess variables which had impact on PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores among the participants. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results Among the 523 participants, 365 (69.55%) students were from developing countries and 158 (30.21%) from developed countries; 424 (81.1%) students were tested negative for COVID-19 and 99 (18.9%) had suffered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection during pandemic. The mean GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores were 7.16 ± 5.755 and 7.30 ± 6.166, respectively. Significant impact on anxiety levels was associated with age, gender, education status, and COVID-19 positive patient, while depression was not significantly associated with gender, COVID-19, and its reported symptoms in participants.

Conclusion As the world is trying to contain the health effects of COVID-19, the psychological effects might take a longer time to be addressed. Our study highlights the dire need to identify mental well-being of health science students as this may have a direct impact on their professional commitments and future responsibilities.
Disparities Associated with Sepsis Mortality in Critically Ill Children
Authors: Reddy Anireddy R. , Badolato Gia M. , Chamberlain James M. , Goyal Monika K.
Published: December 2020

Disparities in health care related to socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity are well documented in adult and neonatal sepsis, but they are less characterized in the critically ill pediatric population. This study investigated whether socioeconomic status and/or race/ethnicity is associated with mortality among children treated for sepsis in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). A retrospective cohort study was conducted using information from 48 children's hospitals included in the Pediatric Health Information System database. We included visits by children ≤ 21 years with All Patients Refined Diagnosis-Related Groups (APR-DRG) diagnosis codes of septicemia and disseminated infections that resulted in PICU admission from 2010 to 2016. Multivariable logistic regression was used to measure the effect of race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (insurance status and median household income for zip code) on mortality after adjustment for age, gender, illness severity, and presence of complex chronic condition. Among the 14,276 patients with sepsis, the mortality rate was 6.8%. In multivariable analysis, socioeconomic status, but not race/ethnicity, was associated with mortality. In comparison to privately insured children, nonprivately insured children had increased odds of mortality (public: adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.2 [1.0, 1.5]; uninsured: aOR: 2.1 [1.2, 3.7]). Similarly, children living in zip codes with the lowest quartile of annual household income had higher odds of mortality than those in the highest quartile (aOR: 1.5 [1.0, 2.2]). These data suggest the presence of socioeconomic, but not racial/ethnic, disparities in mortality among children treated for sepsis. Further research is warranted to understand why such differences exist and how they may be addressed.
The Association of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Training Programs with Research Publication Productivity and Employment Outcomes of Their Graduates
Authors: Basu Sonali , Horak Robin , Pollack Murray M.
Published: December 2020

Our objective was to associate characteristics of pediatric critical care medicine (PCCM) fellowship training programs with career outcomes of PCCM physicians, including research publication productivity and employment characteristics. This is a descriptive study using publicly available data from 2557 PCCM physicians from the National Provider Index registry. We analyzed data on a systematic sample of 690 PCCM physicians representing 62 fellowship programs. There was substantial diversity in the characteristics of fellowship training programs in terms of fellowship size, intensive care unit (ICU) bed numbers, age of program, location, research rank of affiliated medical school, and academic metrics based on publication productivity of their graduates standardized over time. The clinical and academic attributes of fellowship training programs were associated with publication success and characteristics of their graduates' employment hospital. Programs with greater publication rate per graduate had more ICU beds and were associated with higher ranked medical schools. At the physician level, training program attributes including larger size, older program, and higher academic metrics were associated with graduates with greater publication productivity. There were varied characteristics of current employment hospitals, with graduates from larger, more academic fellowship training programs more likely to work in larger pediatric intensive care units (24 [interquartile range, IQR: 16–35] vs. 19 [IQR: 12–24] beds; p < 0.001), freestanding children's hospitals (52.6 vs. 26.3%; p < 0.001), hospitals with fellowship programs (57.3 vs. 40.3%; p = 0.01), and higher affiliated medical school research ranks (35.5 [IQR: 14–72] vs. 62 [IQR: 32, unranked]; p < 0.001). Large programs with higher academic metrics train physicians with greater publication success (H index 3 [IQR: 1–7] vs. 2 [IQR: 0–6]; p < 0.001) and greater likelihood of working in large academic centers. These associations may guide prospective trainees as they choose training programs that may foster their career values.
Anthropometric Determinations of Umbilical Position in Iraqi Adults
Authors: Abdulla Mazin Abdulsattar , Fahad Saja Mahmood Ali
Published: December 2020

Introduction Umbilicus is an important surface landmark on the anterior abdominal wall in addition to its aesthetic and psychological effect.

Objectives The objective of the study is to determine the position of umbilicus in Iraqi adults to provide a guide for the neoumbilicus in abdominoplasty.

Subjects and Methods This is an observational study performed on 100 volunteers with no abdominal wall abnormality. Measurements included weight, height, body mass index (BMI), distance from xiphoid to umbilicus, distance from xiphoid process to pubic symphysis, distance from xiphoid process to both anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), distance from pubic symphysis to umbilicus and from pubic symphysis to xiphisternum, distance of umbilicus to both ASIS, and distance of umbilicus to interspinous line and to inter-anterior hypochondrium line.

Results The study included 100 volunteers, with 50% male and 50% female whose age ranges between 18 to 60 years. The results were a follows: distance from xiphoid process to umbilicus and distance from xiphoid process to pubic symphysis were 18.03 ± 3.25 cm and 32.21 ± 4.64 cm, respectively; distances from xiphoid process to right ASIS and left ASIS were 25.95 ± 5.72 cm and 25.84 ± 6.02 cm, respectively; distance from pubic symphysis to umbilicus was 17.66 ± 3.12 cm; distance of umbilicus to interspinous line was 9.25 ± 1.84 cm. The distance from umbilicus to inter anterior hypochondrium line was 9.905 ± 2.19 cm.

Conclusion These measurements can determine the neoumbilicus position, reduce practical mistakes, and improve postsurgical outcomes.
Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Levels of Empathy among Undergraduate Dental Students in Pakistan
Authors: Ghaus Sundas , Waheed Madiha Abdul , Khan Shahreen Zahid , Mustafa Laila , Siddique Sohaib , Quershi Ali Waqar
Published: December 2020

Objective The purpose of our study is to determine the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the levels of empathy toward patients among undergraduate dental students in Pakistan.

Materials and Methods A cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted at Islamic International Dental College, Islamabad, Pakistan. After taking an informed consent, a validated and pretested Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ) was distributed amongst the undergraduate dental students at two points, one before the COVID-19 existed, and the other after August 7th, 2020, when the COVID-19 cases dropped in Pakistan. Responses were indicated on a five point Likert Scale.

Statistical Analysis A one-way ANOVA (analysis of variance) was used to compare the TEQ scores between the different years of education at the dental school. Difference within the groups was analyzed using the post-hoc Tukey test. Pre- and post-COVID-19 comparison was done using the Chi-square test (significance level p < 0.05).

Results A total of 221 out of 260 students in the pre-COVID-19 group, while 210 out of 260 students in the post-COVID-19 group enrolled in the dentistry program participated in the study. Significant difference in the empathy levels was observed in the pre- and post-COVID-19 groups of the same population, i.e., (p < 0.05). The response rate was 85%.

Conclusions This study showed an increase in mean empathy scores among the undergraduate dental students after COVID-19, indicating a significant improvement in their empathy levels during the time of COVID-19. It highlights the impact of the pandemic, whereby death and chaos seem to have brought about an improvement in interpersonal harmony.
Reduced Expression of GPX3 in Breast Cancer Patients in Correlation with Clinical Significance
Authors: Saelee Pensri , Pongtheerat Tanett , Sophonnithiprasert Thanet
Published: December 2020

Glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3) is the main antioxidant enzyme in plasma. Its biological roles are to protect cells from oxidative stress-induced damage. Several studies have been reported the association between GPX3 expression and its correlation with cancer carcinogenesis including breast cancer. The aim of this research was to investigate the GPX3 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression in 82 breast tumors and paired normal breast tissues by SYBR green quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and the association with clinicopathological data. Our results show that GPX3 reduced expression was found significantly associated with number of metastatic lymph nodes (odds ratio [OR] = 3.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.35–8.64, p = 0.01), no distant metastasis (OR = 5.52, 95% CI = 3.74–11.89, p = 0.04), and nonhormone usage breast cancer patients (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.04–0.93, p = 0.04). This finding suggested that GPX3 plays a role in breast carcinogenesis, and might serve as a prognostic biomarker in breast cancer patients.
Translating the queer body
Authors: Martínez Pleguezuelos Antonio Jesús
Published: December 2020

The objective of this study is to enlarge the concept of translation with the theoretical basis of the proposals from
Edwin Gentzler’s “post-translation studies” (2017) and Susan Bassnett’s “outward turn” (2017). These contributions represent a turning point in the field of translation studies due to the
opportunities they present to discover new discursive limits in the rewriting process. Based on this extended concept of translation, this
article analyzes the body as a text which is determined by acts of rewriting and, at the same time, as a subversive element that allows us
to bring into question the social and cultural rules that define the normativity of sexuality. This article refers to feminist currents
including LGBTIQ studies and queer theory, in order to build the necessary theoretical structure to analyze the power of (translated)
discourses in the construction of the body and its sexuality. Finally, this article applies this proposal to the analyses of specific cases of
non-normative bodies so as to observe the power and the influence of translation on the definition and classification of sexual
identities.
Die frühe voraltsächsische und voraltfriesische Runenüberlieferung
Authors: Nedoma Robert
Published: December 2020

This paper deals with two runic inscriptions that are highly relevant to language history. 1. The runic sequences on the three Weser rune bones, which date to the first half of the 5th century, are not entirely clear. However, West Germanic (Pre-Old Saxon) linguistic features such as gemination byj(kunni‘kin, clan’) and loss of -a< *-az(hari‘army’) are obvious. By far the most interesting linguistic form is the preteritedede‘did’ that reflects PGmc. *-dai(cf. PNorsetalgi-dai‘carved’ on the Nøvling fibula) as opposed to PGmc. *-dǣ(d)(PNorse-da, OHG -taetc.). Apparently, we are dealing with two distinct endings, *-daideriving from an PIE middle in *-(t)ói̯. 2. The legendska2nomodu(a2 = ᚪ) on a solidus of unknown provenance (ca. 600) renders the dithematic anthroponymSkānɔmōdə̣(or *Skānɵmōdə̣), presumably the name of the moneyer. It seems that medialostands for [ɔ] or [ɵ], an allophonic variant of the linking element /a/ before a labial consonant; parallels can be found in Old Germanic naming. Two linguistic features, viz.ā< WGmc. *auand the nominative ending -ə̣< WGmc. -a< PGmc. *-az, indicate that the language of the inscription is Pre-Old Frisian.
Deciphering the inscription of the Undley bracteate under the possibilities/restrictions of the Pre-Old English sound system
Authors: Nielsen† Hans Frede
Published: December 2020

This paper was first read at a runic event held in Eichstätt in 2012 and was subsequently, in a revised and extended form, presented at the symposium on theEarly History of the North-Sea Germanic Languagesthat took place in Odense on 13 March 2018. The paper is highly relevant to the theme of the Odense conference as well as to this special issue ofNOWELEin that it deals with the runes and the language of the Undley bracteate, a stray runic find from the late fifth century discovered at Undley in Suffolk in the south-east of England. My presentation will focus on the vocalism of the Undley legend. But the linguistic perspective will be widened considerably, and I shall discuss and criticize in detail some of the major proposals for reading and interpreting this inscription within a North-Sea Germanic and Pre-Old English context.
Lenition in North Sea Germanic
Authors: Goblirsch Kurt
Published: December 2020

Lenition, or postvocalic weakening of obstruents, occurred in several languages in North Sea Germanic. Although
the main centers of Germanic lenition lie outside this region, in High German and Danish, systemic lenition took place in Low
German, North Frisian, and Dutch. Lenition in northern Low German is completely independent of lenition in High German, but the
area does, however, border on Danish, which has the most far reaching of the Germanic lenitions. Lenition in mainland North
Frisian is also in an area adjacent to Danish, but it displays a modified and rather unique form. In Dutch, there are only two
small isolated areas with systemic lenition, one in Groningish and one in East Flemish. In general, lenition is attributed to the
establishment of complementary length and the correlation of syllable cut in accented syllables. There are several convincing
arguments to support this claim. Lenition is considered a Germanic trend, which is present only in its nascent form in other areas
of West Germanic.
On the fringe between West and North Germanic
Authors: Hoekstra Jarich
Published: December 2020

In this paper I investigate the early language contact between North Frisian and Danish. Since we have no direct
evidence for this language contact apart from the layer of medieval Danish interferences in Modern North Frisian, the question
arises, whether it is possible to say anything about the specific type of language contact that has taken place in the Middle Ages
on the basis of the modern language data and with the help of language contact theory. Taking the lead of van Coetsem’s language
contact theory, I discuss two phenomena in the (morpho)syntax of Modern North Frisian, the placement of directional particles and
the inventory of verbal particles, and argue that they point to a language contact situation in which a considerable number of
Danish-speakers shifted to North Frisian.
The effect of 10 days of energy‐deficit diet and high‐intensity exercise training on the plasma high‐density‐lipoprotein (HDL) level among healthy collegiate males
Authors: Naharudin Mohamed Nashrudin , Yusof Ashril
Published: December 2020

An energy‐deficit (ED) diet increases lipid mobilisation, while endurance exercise improves lipid profile by promoting formation of high‐density lipoproteins (HDLs) among moderately active population. However, it is not clear whether ED with high‐intensity exercise training can improve lipid profiles. Therefore, 20 recreationally active males (20.3 ± 2.7 years old with peak oxygen consumption ( O2peak) of 2.8 ± 0.2 L min−1) with HDL concentration of 1.44 ± 0.32 mmol L−1, were evenly allocated to either an ED group (1590 ± 79 kcal day−1: 40% of total caloric omitted at lunchtime) or a control (CON) group (2570 ± 139 kcal day−1). Participants in both groups performed high‐intensity cycling at 90% O2peak at a constant workload for 8 min, 2 h after breakfast on day D0, D2, D4, D6, D8 and D10 (Dn is day number), after which blood samples were collected. In ED, compared to D0, triglycerides (TG) decreased on D6‐10 (p < .01) while total low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC) increased on D2‐10, while HDL progressively increased on D6‐10 (p = .01) with a final value of 1.67 ± 0.24 mmol L−1. In CON, there were no changes in TG, TC and HDL while LDL was reduced on D8‐10 (p = .01). Moreover, the proportions of TC/HDL and LDL/HDL increased in ED on D2‐10 and D2‐8 (p = .05), respectively, while LDL/HDL in CON was reduced on D8‐10 (p = .01). In brief, 10 days of ED and a series of high‐intensity exercise sessions show progressive elevation of HDL which suggest longer period is required to observe changes in lipid ratios.
Caustic Mist Exposure and Respiratory Outcomes in a Cohort Study of Alumina Refinery Workers
Authors: Benke Geza , Del Monaco Anthony , Dennekamp Martine , Dimitriadis Christina , Gwini Stella M , de Klerk Nicholas , Musk Arthur William , Fritschi Lin , Abramson Michael J , Sim Malcolm R
Published: December 2020

A common chemical exposure in alumina refining is caustic mist. Although recognized as a strong airways irritant, little is known of the chronic respiratory effects of caustic mist in alumina refining. A suitable metric for caustic mist exposure assessment in alumina refining for epidemiological purposes has not been identified. Peak exposure is likely to be important, but is difficult to assess in epidemiological studies. In this study, we investigate the respiratory effects of caustic mist in an inception cohort (n = 416) of alumina refinery workers and describe the development and use of a peak exposure metric for caustic mist. We then compare the results with a metric based on duration of exposure. Participants were interviewed annually about respiratory symptoms and had a lung function test. Job history data were collected from each interview and levels of caustic mist were measured periodically by air monitoring. We found a weak association between the caustic mist peak exposure metric and reported cough (P for linear trend = 0.079) with the highest peak exposure group odds ratio = 2.32 (95% confidence interval: 1.27, 4.22). For lung function, we found declines in the forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity for changes in annual and absolute lung function for both metrics of exposure, but only the ratio of absolute lung function was statistically associated with an increasing duration of caustic exposure (P for linear trend = 0.011). In this cohort, we did not observe an association with respiratory symptoms or consistent decrements in lung function. There was little difference between the exposure metrics used for investigation of the chronic effects from caustic mist.
I—The Presidential Address
Authors: Brewer Bill
Published: December 2020

We believe that the ordinary physical objects that we perceive continue to exist unperceived; and this is intuitively an aspect of any authentic characterization of how the world appears to us in perception. But how can experience present its objects as continuing to exist beyond that very experience of them? Here I aim to explain this phenomenon. I start with an insight from Evans (1985). Familiar attempts to implement this insight fail, in my opinion. Here I introduce, motivate, defend, and elaborate an alternative approach to its implementation that, I claim, succeeds. Its key is to recognize the role of Evans’s insight in the metaphysics of perceptual experience itself.
Mastery of Basic Rhinology: An Important Tool for the Modern Rhinoplasty Specialist
Authors: Ghersi Marcelo , Matarasso Alan , Sakharpe Aniket K
Published: December 2020

Rhinology is the branch of medicine that deals with nasal function as part of the respiratory apparatus. It is a fundamental component of otolaryngology curricula and thus generously found in that specialty’s literature. Ear, nose, and throat specialists who have made aesthetic rhinoplasty a cornerstone of their practice have understood the importance of rhinology for years. We propose that deeper knowledge and understanding of rhinology would be incredibly useful for the cosmetic rhinoplasty surgeon, especially the one who has no formal training in otolaryngology. This is of critical importance because sometimes, cosmetic rhinoplasties may have negative repercussions on nasal function, a problem that must be dealt with either preemptively at the time of surgery or at a revision procedure. Moreover, many of today’s rhinoplasty patients are seeking comprehensive surgical care by a specialist who can manage both aesthetic and functional concerns in a single operation.
GWASinspector: comprehensive quality control of genome-wide association study results
Authors: Ani Alireza , van der Most Peter J , Snieder Harold , Vaez Ahmad , Nolte Ilja M
Published: December 2020

Quality control (QC) of genome wide association study (GWAS) result files has become increasingly difficult due to advances in genomic technology. The main challenges include continuous increases in the number of polymorphic genetic variants contained in recent GWASs and reference panels, the rising number of cohorts participating in a GWAS consortium, and inclusion of new variant types. Here, we present GWASinspector, a flexible R package for comprehensive QC of GWAS results. This package is compatible with recent imputation reference panels, handles insertion/deletion and multi-allelic variants, provides extensive QC reports and efficiently processes big data files. Reference panels covering three human genome builds (NCBI36, GRCh37 and GRCh38) are available. GWASinspector has a user friendly design and allows easy set-up of the QC pipeline through a configuration file. In addition to checking and reporting on individual files, it can be used in preparation of a meta-analysis by testing for systemic differences between studies and generating cleaned, harmonized GWAS files. Comparison with existing GWAS QC tools shows that the main advantages of GWASinspector are its ability to more effectively deal with insertion/deletion and multi-allelic variants and its relatively low memory use.

Availability and implementation

Our package is available at The Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN): https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=GWASinspector. Reference datasets and a detailed tutorial can be found at the package website at http://gwasinspector.com/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Online News Media Coverage of Sea Turtles and Their Conservation
Authors: Santos Bianca S , Crowder Larry B
Published: December 2020

The media can be key in informing individuals around topics not easily observable, such as remote environmental issues and wildlife. Sea turtles are enigmatic animals that attract public attention, but they have faced severe population declines worldwide. Assessing how the news reports on sea turtle conservation is critical in evaluating how a concerned layperson may perceive threats affecting these animals and can provide insights on how experts can better engage with the media. We collected online articles about sea turtles from 2003 to 2019, recording the frequency by which various threats were mentioned as hazardous to sea turtles, the types of solutions noted in response to these threats, and common quoted messengers. We found that the media disproportionately reports on the threats of pollution and resource use. Importantly, this may not align with scientific consensus of top conservation concerns for these animals and can be problematic if it leads to a misinformed public.
Anterior insula and inferior frontal gyrus: where ventral and dorsal visual attention systems meet
Authors: Cazzoli Dario , Kaufmann Brigitte C , Paladini Rebecca E , Müri René M , Nef Tobias , Nyffeler Thomas
Published: December 2020

The clinical link between spatial and non-spatial attentional aspects in patients with hemispatial neglect is well known; in particular, an increase in alerting can transitorily help to allocate attention towards the contralesional side. In models of attention, this phenomenon is postulated to rely on an interaction between ventral and dorsal cortical networks, subtending non-spatial and spatial attentional aspects, respectively. However, the exact neural underpinnings of the interaction between these two networks are still poorly understood. In the present study, we included 80 right-hemispheric patients with subacute stroke (50% women; age range: 24–96), 33 with and 47 without neglect, as assessed by paper–pencil cancellation tests. The patients performed a computerized task in which they were asked to respond as quickly as possible by button-press to central targets, which were either preceded or not preceded by non-spatial, auditory warning tones. Reaction times in the two different conditions were measured. In neglect patients, a warning tone, enhancing activity within the ventral attentional ‘alerting’ network, could boost the reaction (in terms of shorter reaction times) of the dorsal attentional network to a visual stimulus up to the level of patients without neglect. Critically, using voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping analyses, we show that this effect significantly depends on the integrity of the right anterior insula and adjacent inferior frontal gyrus, i.e., right-hemispheric patients with lesions involving these areas were significantly less likely to show shorter reaction times when a warning tone was presented prior to visual target appearance. We propose that the right anterior insula and inferior frontal gyrus are a critical hub through which the ventral attentional network can ‘alert’ and increase the efficiency of the activity of the dorsal attentional network.
Genetic heterogeneity of polymicrogyria: study of 123 patients using deep sequencing
Authors: Stutterd Chloe A , Brock Stefanie , Stouffs Katrien , Fanjul-Fernandez Miriam , Lockhart Paul J , McGillivray George , Mandelstam Simone , Pope Kate , Delatycki Martin B , Jansen Anna , Leventer Richard J
Published: December 2020

Polymicrogyria is a malformation of cortical development characterized by overfolding and abnormal lamination of the cerebral cortex. Manifestations include epilepsy, speech disturbance and motor and cognitive disability. Causes include acquired prenatal insults and inherited and de novo genetic variants. The proportion of patients with polymicrogyria and a causative germline or mosaic variant is not known. The aim of this study was to identify the monogenic causes of polymicrogyria in a heterogeneous cohort of patients reflective of specialized referral services. Patients with polymicrogyria were recruited from two clinical centres in Australia and Belgium. Patients with evidence of congenital cytomegalovirus infection or causative chromosomal copy number variants were excluded. One hundred and twenty-three patients were tested using deep sequencing gene panels including known and candidate genes for malformations of cortical development. Causative and potentially causative variants were identified and correlated with phenotypic features. Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were identified in 25/123 (20.3%) patients. A candidate variant was identified for an additional patient but could not be confirmed as de novo, and therefore it was classified as being of uncertain significance with high clinical relevance. Of the 22 dominant variants identified, 5 were mosaic with allele fractions less than 0.33 and the lowest allele fraction 0.09. The most common causative genes were TUBA1A and PIK3R2. The other eleven causative genes were PIK3CA, NEDD4L, COL4A1, COL4A2, GPSM2, GRIN2B, WDR62, TUBB3, TUBB2B, ACTG1 and FH. A genetic cause was more likely to be identified in the presence of an abnormal head size or additional brain malformations suggestive of a tubulinopathy, such as dysmorphic basal ganglia. A gene panel test provides greater sequencing depth and sensitivity for mosaic variants than whole exome or genome sequencing but is limited to the genes included, potentially missing variants in newly discovered genes. The diagnostic yield of 20.3% indicates that polymicrogyria may be associated with genes not yet known to be associated with brain malformations, brain-specific somatic mutations or non-genetic causes.
Treatment of Male Sexual Partners of Women With Bacterial Vaginosis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Schwebke Jane R , Lensing Shelly Y , Lee Jeannette , Muzny Christina A , Pontius Angela , Woznicki Nicole , Aguin Tina , Sobel Jack D
Published: December 2020

Background

We aimed to determine if treatment of male sexual partners of women with recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV) with oral metronidazole 2×/day for 7 days (ie, multidose metronidazole) significantly decreased BV recurrence rates in the female.

Methods

This was a multicenter, 2-arm, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Women with recurrent BV and current diagnosis of BV by Amsel and Nugent were enrolled. Multidose metronidazole for 7 days was dispensed to women. Male partners were randomized to placebo versus multidose metronidazole for 7 days and asked to refrain from unprotected sex for 14 days. Female follow-up visits were conducted at day 21 and 8 and 16 weeks. Male follow-up visits occurred at days 14–21. BV cure was defined as 0–2 Amsel criteria and Nugent score 0–6 in the female partner with the primary endpoint at 16 weeks.

Results

214 couples were enrolled. In the intent-to-treat population, there was no significant difference between treatment arms for the primary outcome. BV treatment failure occurred in 81% and 80% of women in the metronidazole and placebo arms through the third follow-up visit, respectively (P > .999). However, women whose male partners adhered to study medication were less likely to fail treatment (adjusted relative risk, .85; 95% CI, .73–.99; P = .035). This finding persisted in post hoc comparisons in the metronidazole arm.

Conclusions

Overall, this study did not find that male partner treatment with multidose metronidazole significantly reduces BV recurrence in female partners, although women whose partners adhered to multidose metronidazole were less likely to fail treatment.

Clinical Trials Registration

(NCT02209519).
A framework to evaluate whether to pool or separate behaviors in a multilayer network
Authors: van der Marel Annemarie , Prasher Sanjay , Carminito Chelsea , O'Connell Claire L , Phillips Alexa , Kluever Bryan M , Hobson Elizabeth A
Published: December 2020

A multilayer network approach combines different network layers, which are connected by interlayer edges, to create a single mathematical object. These networks can contain a variety of information types and represent different aspects of a system. However, the process for selecting which information to include is not always straightforward. Using data on 2 agonistic behaviors in a captive population of monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus), we developed a framework for investigating how pooling or splitting behaviors at the scale of dyadic relationships (between 2 individuals) affects individual- and group-level social properties. We designed 2 reference models to test whether randomizing the number of interactions across behavior types results in similar structural patterns as the observed data. Although the behaviors were correlated, the first reference model suggests that the 2 behaviors convey different information about some social properties and should therefore not be pooled. However, once we controlled for data sparsity, we found that the observed measures corresponded with those from the second reference model. Hence, our initial result may have been due to the unequal frequencies of each behavior. Overall, our findings support pooling the 2 behaviors. Awareness of how selected measurements can be affected by data properties is warranted, but nonetheless our framework disentangles these efforts and as a result can be used for myriad types of behaviors and questions. This framework will help researchers make informed and data-driven decisions about which behaviors to pool or separate, prior to using the data in subsequent multilayer network analyses.
Experimental evidence of Wolbachia introgressive acquisition between terrestrial isopod subspecies
Authors: Bech Nicolas , Beltran-Bech Sophie , Chupeau Cassandre , Peccoud Jean , Thierry Magali , Raimond Roland , Caubet Yves , Sicard Mathieu , Grève Pierre
Published: December 2020

Wolbachia are the most widespread endosymbiotic bacteria in animals. In many arthropod host species, they manipulate reproduction via several mechanisms that favor their maternal transmission to offspring. Among them, cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) promotes the spread of the symbiont by specifically decreasing the fertility of crosses involving infected males and uninfected females, via embryo mortality. These differences in reproductive efficiency may select for the avoidance of incompatible mating, a process called reinforcement, and thus contribute to population divergence. In the terrestrial isopod Porcellio dilatatus, the Wolbachia wPet strain infecting the subspecies P. d. petiti induces unidirectional CI with uninfected individuals of the subspecies P. d. dilatatus. To study the consequences of CI on P. d. dilatatus and P. d. petiti hybridization, mitochondrial haplotypes and Wolbachia infection dynamics, we used population cages seeded with different proportions of the 2 subspecies in which we monitored these genetic parameters 5 and 7 years after the initial setup. Analysis of microsatellite markers allowed evaluating the degree of hybridization between individuals of the 2 subspecies. These markers revealed an increase in P. d. dilatatus nuclear genetic signature in all mixed cages, reflecting an asymmetry in hybridization. Hybridization led to the introgressive acquisition of Wolbachia and mitochondrial haplotype from P. d. petiti into nuclear genomes dominated by alleles of P. d. dilatatus. We discuss these results with regards to Wolbachia effects on their host (CI and putative fitness cost), and to a possible reinforcement that may have led to assortative mating, as possible factors contributing to the observed results.
Predicting Outcome in Acute Severe Colitis—Controversies in Clinical Practice in 2021
Authors: Gupta Vipin , Mohsen Waled , Chapman Thomas P , Satsangi Jack
Published: December 2020

Acute severe ulcerative colitis [ASUC] remains a common medical emergency, with 25% of patients with ulcerative colitis experiencing at least one event in their disease course. Despite advances in medical therapy, ASUC continues to be associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, with up to 30% of patients requiring colectomy during initial admission. Our aim was to review the current controversies and recent progress in risk stratification, prediction of outcome, and personalisation of care in ASUC. We re-assess the use of Truelove and Witts’ criteria, serum biomarkers, and the use of composite clinical indices in current clinical practice. We explore the potential for endoscopic prediction using defined validated indices for accurate and early prognostication, and the need to define outcome. We also consider the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, we discuss the current research agenda, including the application of new and emerging biomarkers coupled with multi-omics and the implications in management and optimisation of outcome. Research priorities for the prediction of outcome in acute severe colitis include the following.

1. Development of an accurate admission score to guide early medical rescue therapy or colectomy.

2. Utility of point-of-care faecal calprotectin, with determination of optimal cut-off values.

3. Role of serum and faecal infliximab levels to both predict outcome and guide accelerated infliximab dosing.

4. Role of novel biomarkers, including serum calprotectin, in predicting response to corticosteroids or rescue therapy.

5. Specific predictors of response to ciclosporin and infliximab to allow rationalisation of drug use.

6. Utility of validated endoscopic scores.

7. Utility of radiological assessment beyond use of plain abdominal X-ray.

8. The use of multiomics and machine learning to predict risk of Acute Severe Colitis in patients with Ulcerative Colitis.
‘The bubble heart’: an unusual natural history told by multimodality imaging- a case report
Authors: Locorotondo Gabriella , Fedele Elisa , Napolitano Carmela , Galiuto Leonarda
Published: December 2020

Background

Intracardiac thrombosis is a relatively common pathological condition. Often, it is diagnosed at echocardiography during the subacute or chronic phase. In the very acute phase, tissue composition can make thrombus appearance very different from that usually seen. Fresh thrombosis has been previously found also in peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPC), but with imaging features different from our case.

Case summary

A 27-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for PPC, with echocardiographic finding of intraventricular masses, resembling big bubbles. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) allowed definitively diagnosing intracardiac ‘very acute’ thrombosis, which is rarely detected.

Discussion

Our case provides a practical lesson about management of an unusual presentation of a common problem. When early echocardiography does not allow making a certain diagnosis, CMR can be helpful and decisive, due to its unique ability to provide characterization of intracardiac masses.
Revisiting the Hypothesis of High Discounts and High Unemployment
Authors: Martellini Paolo , Menzio Guido , Visschers Ludo
Published: December 2020

We revisit the hypothesis that cyclical fluctuations in unemployment are caused by shocks to the discount rate. We use a simple but rich search-theoretic model of the labour market in which the UE, EU and EE rates are all endogenous. Analytically, we show that an increase in the discount rate lowers the UE rate and, under some natural conditions, it lowers the EU rate. Quantitatively, we show that an increase in the discount rate from 4% to 10% generates a 3.5% decline in the UE rate and a 6% decline in the EU rate. These findings are at odds with the actual behaviour of the US labour market over the business cycle, which features a negative comovement between the UE and EU rates.