bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modalidad de cobertura por reclamación o “Claims made” en Colombia
Authors: Begué Hoyos María del Pilar , Valencia Cardona Daniela
Published: September 2021

En Colombia han surgido una serie de polémicas que tienen relación con la aplicación y la legalidad de la modalidad de cobertura Claims made. Esto se ha evidenciado especialmente en el campo de la responsabilidad fiscal con los recientes fallos de la Contraloría General de la República en los que ha inaplicado las normas de seguros, particularmente en lo referido a esta modalidad de cobertura. Lo anterior se ejemplificará con algunos casos como el del Instituto de Desarrollo Urbano y el reciente proceso de Reficar. Pese a que la Corte Suprema de Justicia ha reconocido y aplicado esta modalidad, conforme a lo dispuesto en la ley, los salvamentos de voto de los magistrados Ariel Salazar y Armando Tolosa han generado un impacto negativo en la concepción de los seguros que la incluyen al usar como argumentos en su contra que se trata de una práctica ilegal y abusiva. Teniendo en cuenta lo anterior este artículo muestra en qué consiste esta modalidad, cuál es su origen, cómo es percibida y desarrollada por distintos doctrinantes y la forma en que ha sido aplicada en la jurisprudencia de las Altas Cortes. Además, se expondrán las manifestaciones realizadas por la Superintendencia Financiera y, finalmente, algunas propuestas para solucionar las controversias que genera, bajo el entendido de que la modalidad de cobertura Claims made es completamente legal y que debe aplicarse técnicamente en las controversias de seguros que surjan.
Atención estomatológica de niños con microcefalia y bajo peso al nacer (1000 g). Descripción de un caso
Authors: Álvarez Correa Diana Carolina , Rodríguez Delgado Carlos Andrés , Bobadilla Turriago Lyna Rocío , Grandas Ramírez Ángela Liliana
Published: September 2021

Antecedentes: Una de las alteraciones del neurodesarrollo en los niños con <1500 g de peso al nacer es la parálisis cerebral espástica (PCE) que se asocia con microcefalia, epilepsia, discapacidad intelectual y retraso global del desarrollo. Objetivo: Describir el manejo estomatológico de un niño con cuadriparesia espástica. Descripción del caso: Para publicar este caso, se obtuvo autorización en consentimiento informado. El paciente era visto por un equipo multidisciplinario desde temprana edad pero solo ingresó al servicio de Estomatología Pediátrica de la Fundación Hospital Pediátrico de la Misericordia de Bogotá cuando tenía de 3 años 7 meses. El niño tenía antecedentes de prematuridad: 28 semanas; peso: 925 g; talla: 34 cm: perímetro cefálico: 25 cm. Diagnósticos sistémicos: PCE, microcefalia, epilepsia, discapacidad intelectual grave y retraso global del desarrollo. Examen físico: 9 kg de peso, 52 cm de estatura y 34 cm de perímetro cefálico. Examen extraoral: dolicocéfalo, perfil convejo, micrognatismo mandibular,  apertura bucal 1,5 cm. Examen intraoral: caries de infancia temprana. Se realizó atención odontológica integral con retiro de focos sépticos, motivación e instrucción en higiene oral. Conclusión: El equipo multidisciplinario para la atención de niños prematuros con alteraciones del neurodesarrollo, microcefalia y bajo peso al nacer debe contar con la presencia del(la) estomatólogo(a) u odontólogo(a) pediatra para iniciar procesos de promoción y prevención en salud bucal individualizados para evitar caries de infancia temprana y mejorar la calidad de vida.
Atención odontológica a pacientes con discapacidad mental y psicomotriz en la Facultad de Odontología de Mexicali
Authors: Figueroa Fernández Norma Patricia , Hermida Rojas Maikel , Domínguez Sánchez Anitza , Zorrilla Martínez Irma Irene , Valenzuela Ontiveros Yaneth Yadira , Rivera Luna Federico
Published: September 2021

Antecedentes: Las enfermedades bucales en pacientes con discapacidad implican procesos complejos tanto en atención como en comunicación, por lo que el tratamiento odontológico bajo anestesia general es excelente opción. Objetivo: Describir las experiencias en atención odontológica bajo anestesia general a pacientes con discapacidad mental y psicomotriz registrados en las clínicas de la Facultad de Odontología Mexicali (FOM). Método: Estudio observacional, analítico, transversal, sobre aspectos de atención odontológica, con datos disponibles en expedientes clínicos de todos los pacientes intervenidos bajo anestesia general, en el quirófano de la FOM, durante 2016 y 2017, los datos fueron vaciados para su análisis y descripción en el paquete estadístico STATA12. Resultados: La muestra quedó conformada por 38 casos, el sexo masculino predominó sobre el femenino (68 % vs 32 %). La media de edad fue 15.71 ± 8.75 años, la caries dental fue la necesidad de atención de mayor frecuencia, seguida de traumatismos dentoalveolares, y enfermedad periodontal.  En el análisis bivariado, se encontró asociación significativa entre las complicaciones y el tiempo de duración del procedimiento con  X2 = 7.05 y un valor de p = 0.029. Conclusión: Predominó la discapacidad psicomotriz, con mayor incidencia en menores de 10 años y en el sexo masculino. Todos los pacientes presentaron caries dental, que se acompañaba de fractura dentoalveolar en más de un tercio de los casos, por lo que hubo alta necesidad de tratamientos quirúrgicos. La frecuencia de complicaciones derivadas de la anestesia general fueron pocas y estuvieron asociadas al tiempo de exposición a la anestesia general.
Intervención preventiva por estudiantes de odontología a un paciente con parálisis cerebral. Descripción de un caso
Authors: Cárdenas Lancheros Mónica Liliana , Ocampo Anjellis Marcell , Mendoza González Isabel Cristina , Hernández Rojas Edith del Carmen
Published: September 2021

Antecedentes: En la ciudad de Bogotá, Colombia, la Fundación Fé efectúa una labor social con personas en condición de discapacidad. Allí, estudiantes de odontología de la Fundación Universitaria San Martín desarrollan actividades preventivas en salud oral. Objetivo: Describir una intervención preventiva por estudiantes de odontología a un paciente con parálisis cerebral (PC) y sus cuidadores. Descripción del caso: Se trató de una paciente institucionalizada con PC quien presentaba caries dental, enfermedad periodontal, maloclusión y sialorrea. Los estudiantes desarrollaron actividades preventivas y de manejo en salud bucal con los cuidadores de la paciente. Las actividades consistieron en instruirlos sobre cómo utilizar abridores de boca o tacos de mordida, cómo usar implementos de higiene bucal como crema fluorada, cepillo, seda y enhebradores y cómo aplicar enjuague bucal con gasas. Conclusiones: Esta actividad de instrucción y preventiva fue beneficiosa para los cuidadores al indicarles buenas prácticas de higiene oral para de la paciente. Asimismo, fue beneficiosa para la formación de los estudiantes de odontología con respecto al énfasis preventivo y educativo en poblaciones más necesitadas. Ellos ganaron en proactividad y conciencia sobre la labor social que pueden efectuar los profesionales con dichas poblaciones.
Amelogenesis Imperfecta Prevalence in a Colombian Population: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Naranjo Jiménez Lizeth Paola , Muñoz Briceño Myriam Adriana , Suárez Castillo Ángela , Lamby Tovar Claudia Patricia , Gutierrez Prieto Sandra Janeth
Published: September 2021

Background: Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a hereditary condition that affects the structure of tooth enamel and causes sensitivity, predisposition to cavities, and psychological problems. In Colombia, its frequency, magnitude, distribution, and behavior are unknown, so it is necessary to carry out prevalence studies to implement preventive actions. Purpose: To determine the prevalence of AI in patients who have attended the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana clinics in Bogotá. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional observational study was carried out, whose sample included 1,394 medical records of patients who attended between January 2015 and December 2017. Results: The prevalence of AI was 0.6 %, corresponding to 8 people affected, 4 men and 4 women between the ages of 9 and 10 years. The most frequent phenotype was hypoplastic in 7 patients (87.5 %) and one person had a hypocalcified phenotype (12.5 %). Taurodontism was the most frequent anomaly in the 8 patients (100 %). Seven of the eight patients (87.5 %) had a family history of AI. All the individuals had a lower-middle socioeconomic level and came from urban areas. Conclusions: This study is the first approximation to determine the prevalence of AI in a group of the Colombian population. Although the prevalence was low, it is comparable with the findings of other studies.
Initial Assessments of a Handheld Indentation Probe's Correlation With Cancellous Bone Density, Stiffness, and Strength: An Objective Alternative to “Thumb Testing”
Authors: Reeves Jacob M. , Vanasse Tom , Roche Chris , Faber Kenneth J. , Langohr G. Daniel G.
Published: September 2021

Objective: During shoulder arthroplasty, surgeons must select the optimal implant for each patient. The metaphyseal bone properties affect this decision; however, the typical resection “thumb test” lacks objectivity. This investigation's purposes were to determine the correlation strength between the indentation depth of a handheld mechanism and the density, compressive strength, and modulus of a bone surrogate; as well as to assess how changing the indenter tip shape and impact energy may affect the correlation strengths. Methods: A spring-loaded indenter was developed. Four tip shapes (needle, tapered, flat, and radiused cylinders) and four spring energies (0.13 J–0.76J) were assessed by indenting five cellular foam bone surrogates of varying density, every five times. After each indentation, the indentation depth was measured with a separate probe and correlated with manufacturer specifications of the apparent density, compressive strength, and modulus. Results: indentation depth plateaued as the bone surrogate's material properties increased, particularly for indentation tips with larger footprints and the 0.13 J spring. All tip shapes produced strong (R2≥0.7) power-law relationships between the indentation depth metric and the bone surrogate's material properties (density: 0.70 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.95, strength: 0.75 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.97, modulus: 0.70 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.93); though the use of the needle tip yielded the widest indentation depth scale. Interpretation: these strong correlations suggest that a handheld indenter may provide objective intra-operative evidence of cancellous material properties. Further investigations are warranted to study indenter tip shape and spring energy in human tissue; though the needle tip with spring energy between 0.30 J and 0.76 J seems the most promising.
A new species of Zercon (Parasitiformes: Mesostigmata) from Norway, with notes on sexual dimorphism in Zerconidae
Authors: Kaczmarek Sławomir , Marquardt Tomasz , Seniczak Anna
Published: September 2021

In this paper we describe and illustrate Zercon hamaricus sp. nov. based on all postembryonic stages obtained from soil samples and laboratory cultures. The new species belongs to a species group in which dorsal setae J1–J4 in females are short and similar in length, and J5 are considerably longer. In most species of this group opisthonotal setae J5 and Z4 are clearly displaced anteriorly. Zercon hamaricus sp. nov. is most similar to Z. forsslundi Sellnick, 1958 and to a less extent to Z. polonicus Błaszak, 1970. The females of Z. forsslundi, Z. polonicus and Z. hamaricus sp. nov. can be distinguished based on the range of J5, the length and character of the Z and S-series setae, the distance between setae Z5 and the location of gdZ3. We also include comparative information on other related species of Zercon. The new species is one of the six known species that have clearly visible sexual dimorphism in opisthonotal chaetotaxy.
Acute and Chronic Citrulline Malate Supplementation on Muscle Contractile Properties and Fatigue Rate of the Quadriceps
Authors: Fick Alyssa N. , Kowalsky Robert J. , Stone Matthew S. , Hearon Christopher M. , Farney Tyler M.
Published: September 2021

This study compared the acute and chronic impact of citrulline malate (CM) supplementation on muscle contractile properties and fatigue rate of the quadriceps. Eighteen recreationally trained males consumed both a placebo (PL) and CM treatment for two separate dosing periods. The first experimental testing session for each dosing period was considered the baseline day, the second session the acute day, and the third session the chronic day, which followed seven consecutive days of supplementation. All testing sessions included exercising on a cycle ergometer at 50%–60% of their max power output for 30 min followed by performing the Thorstensson test on an isokinetic dynamometer. A two-way (Supplement × Time) analysis of variance with repeated measures resulted in no significant interactions (p > .05) (PL: baseline day, acute day, chronic day vs. CM: baseline day, acute day, chronic day) for peak power (in watts) (469 ± 81, 490 ± 97, 502 ± 99 vs. 464 ± 85, 480 ± 103, 501 ± 81); peak torque (in newton meters) (150 ± 26, 157 ± 32, 161 ± 31 vs. 149 ± 27, 156 ± 33, 161 ± 26); fatigue rate (in percentage) (57 ± 9, 57 ± 10, 58 ± 9 vs. 57 ± 10, 56 ± 9, 58 ± 9); and heart rate (in beats per minute) (156 ± 17, 146 ± 13, 146 ± 9 vs. 155 ± 11, 146 ± 11, 146 ± 9). The results of this study suggest that neither acute nor chronic supplementation of CM had an effect on recovery or fatigue rate of the quadriceps.
Ambitious Coaching Core Practices: Borrowing From Teacher Education to Inform Coach Development Pedagogy
Authors: McCleery Julie , Hoffman Jennifer Lee , Tereschenko Irina , Pauketat Regena
Published: September 2021

Coach development programs have been moving away from knowledge focused, rationalistic pedagogies toward more constructivist, applied approaches that recognize the complex, relational, and contextual nature of coaching and learning to coach. Teacher educators have been doing similar pedagogical work: trying to identify the dynamic elements of what makes an expert teacher and distill those elements into a learner-centered teacher education framework that brings knowledge into action. One such practice-based teacher education framework is ambitious teaching core practices. Core practices are empirically-based moves and social routines that teachers learn to enact adaptively to enhance learning across diverse groups of students. The purpose of this study was to explore the application of ambitious teaching core practices to coach development and take a step toward identifying and defining coaching core practices. Findings from this Delphi panel of expert coaches resulted in 15 ambitious coaching core practices for facilitating athlete performance and well-being including allowing space for athlete exploration, creativity, and problem solving and developing and flexibly executing a practice plan. Applying the concept of core practices to coaching is both a novel way to understand effective coaching and a first step toward a new practice-based coach development framework.
Mechanisms of Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition
Authors: Lepley Adam S. , Lepley Lindsey K.
Published: September 2021

Context: Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) continues to be a limiting factor in joint rehabilitation as the inability to volitionally activate muscle significantly dampens recovery. New evidence acquired at higher brain centers and in clinical populations continues to reshape our perspective of what AMI is and how to treat it. This review aims to stimulate discussion about the far-reaching effects of AMI by exploring the interconnected pathways by which it evolves. Objectives: To discuss how reflexive inhibition can lead to adaptations in brain activity, to illustrate how changes in descending motor pathways limit our ability to contract muscle following injury, and to summarize the emerging literature on the wide-reaching effects of AMI on other interconnected systems. Data Sources: The databases PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science were searched for articles pertaining to AMI. Reference lists from appropriate articles were cross-referenced. Conclusion: AMI is a sequential and cumulative neurological process that leads to complex clinical impairments. Originating with altered afferent information arising from an injured joint, patients experience changes in afferent information, reflexive muscle inhibition, deficiencies in somatosensation, neuroplastic compensations in higher brain centers, and ultimately decreased motor output to the muscle surrounding the joint. Other aspects of clinical function, like muscle structure and psychological responses to injury, are also impaired and influenced by AMI. Removing, or reducing, AMI should continue to be a focus of rehabilitation programs to assist in the optimization of health after joint injury.
Should Athletes Be Allowed to Protest During the National Anthem? An Analysis of Public Opinions Among U.S. Adults
Authors: Knoester Chris , Ridpath B. David , Allison Rachel
Published: September 2021

Using descriptive and multiple regression analyses of data from the National Sports and Society Survey (N = 3,993), this study examines public opinions about athletes’ right to protest during the national anthem. Results suggest that public opinion is now more supportive of athletes being allowed to protest during the anthem, although considerable opposition persists. Black individuals and those who recognize racial/ethnic discrimination in society are especially likely to support athletes’ right to protest. Heterosexual, Christian, sports fan, and military identities seem to encourage opposition to the right to protest. Indicators of traditionalism and sports nationalism attitudes are also negatively associated with support for athlete protests.
Seasonality and Geography Have a Greater Influence than the Use of Chlorine-Based Cleaning Agents on the Microbiota of Bulk Tank Raw Milk
Authors: Yap Min , Gleeson David , O’Toole Paul W. , O’Sullivan Orla , Cotter Paul D.
Published: September 2021

The microbiota of raw milk is affected by many factors that can control or promote the introduction of undesirable microorganisms. Chlorine-based cleaning agents have been commonly used due to their effectiveness in controlling undesirable microorganisms, but they have been associated with the formation of chlorine residues that are detrimental to product quality and may impact consumer health.
Suppression of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Aggravates the Negative Interactive Effects of Warming and Nitrogen Addition on Soil Bacterial and Fungal Diversity and Community Composition
Authors: Yang Xue , Yuan Meng , Guo Jixun , Shi Lianxuan , Zhang Tao
Published: September 2021

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can influence the composition and diversity of plant communities. Previous studies have shown that climate warming and N deposition reduce the effectiveness of AMF.
Transcriptomic Responses to Coaggregation between Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus oralis
Authors: Choo Siew Woh , Mohammed Waleed K. , Mutha Naresh V. R. , Rostami Nadia , Ahmed Halah , Krasnogor Natalio , Tan Geok Yuan Annie , Jakubovics Nicholas S.
Published: September 2021

Dental plaque is responsible for two of the most prevalent diseases in humans, dental caries and periodontitis. Controlling the formation of dental plaque and preventing the transition from oral health to disease requires a detailed understanding of microbial colonization and biofilm development.
A Hemagglutination-Based Semiquantitative Test for Point-of-Care Determination of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Levels
Authors: Kruse Robert L. , Huang Yuting , Lee Alyssa , Zhu Xianming , Shrestha Ruchee , Laeyendecker Oliver , Littlefield Kirsten , Pekosz Andy , Bloch Evan M. , Tobian Aaron A. R. , Wang Zack Z.
Published: September 2021

Serologic point-of-care tests to detect antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are an important tool in the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of current point-of-care antibody tests developed for SARS-CoV-2 rely on lateral flow assays, but these do not offer quantitative information.
Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra Is Highly Sensitive for the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis Lymphadenitis in a High-HIV Setting
Authors: Minnies Stephanie , Reeve Byron W. P. , Rockman Loren , Nyawo Georgina , Naidoo Charissa C. , Kitchin Natasha , Rautenbach Cornelia , Wright Colleen A. , Whitelaw Andrew , Schubert Pawel , Warren Robin M. , Theron Grant
Published: September 2021

Tuberculosis lymphadenitis (TBL) is the most common extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) manifestation. Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Ultra) is a World Health Organization-endorsed diagnostic test, but performance data for TBL, including on noninvasive specimens, are limited. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy specimens (FNABs) from outpatients (≥18 years) with presumptive TBL (
n
 = 135) underwent (i) routine Xpert MTB/RIF testing (later with Ultra once programmatically available), (ii) an MGIT 960 culture (if Xpert or Ultra negative or rifampin resistant), and (iii) study Ultra testing. Concentrated paired urine specimens underwent Ultra testing.
A Novel Attenuated Enterovirus A71 Mutant with VP1-V238A,K244R Exhibits Reduced Efficiency of Cell Entry/Exit and Augmented Binding Affinity to Sulfated Glycans
Authors: Meng Tao , Wong Sek-Man , Chua Kaw-Bing
Published: September 2021

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is highly contagious in children and has been responsible for thousands of deaths in Asia-Pacific region since the 1990s. Unfortunately, the virulence determinants and pathogenesis of EV-A71 are not fully clear.
Multiple Signals in the Gut Contract the Mouse Norovirus Capsid To Block Antibody Binding While Enhancing Receptor Affinity
Authors: Williams Alexis N. , Sherman Michael B. , Smith Hong Q. , Taube Stefan , Pettitt B. Montgomery , Wobus Christiane E. , Smith Thomas J.
Published: September 2021

The protruding domains on the calicivirus capsids are recognized by cell receptors and antibodies. We demonstrated that MNV P domains are highly mobile, and bile causes contraction onto the shell surface while allosterically blocking antibody binding.
Viruses Defined by the Position of the Virosphere within the Replicator Space
Authors: Koonin Eugene V. , Dolja Valerian V. , Krupovic Mart , Kuhn Jens H.
Published: September 2021

Originally, viruses were defined as miniscule infectious agents that passed through filters that retain even the smallest cells. Subsequently, viruses were considered obligate intracellular parasites whose reproduction depends on their cellular hosts for energy supply and molecular building blocks.
Mild SARS-CoV-2 Illness Is Not Associated with Reinfections and Provides Persistent Spike, Nucleocapsid, and Virus-Neutralizing Antibodies
Authors: Schuler Charles F. , Gherasim Carmen , O’Shea Kelly , Manthei David M. , Chen Jesse , Zettel Cristyn , Troost Jonathan P. , Kennedy Andrew A. , Tai Andrew W. , Giacherio Donald A. , Valdez Riccardo , Baldwin James L. , Baker James R.
Published: September 2021

This article demonstrates that people who have mild COVID-19 illnesses and produce antibodies are protected from reinfection for up to 6 months afterward. The antibodies that people produce in this situation are stable for up to 6 months as well.
Complete Genetic Analysis of Plasmids Carried by Two Nonclonal
bla
NDM-5
- and
mcr-1
-Bearing Escherichia coli Strains: Insight into Plasmid Transmission among Foodborne Bacteria
Authors: Liu Xiaobo , Li Ruichao , Dong Ning , Ye Lianwei , Chan Edward Wai-Chi , Chen Sheng
Published: September 2021

Carbapenem and colistin are last-resort antibiotics used to treat serious clinical infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens. Plasmids encoding resistance to carbapenems and colistin have been reported in clinical pathogens in recent years, and yet few studies reported cocarriage of
mcr
and
bla
NDM
genes in
Escherichia coli
strains of food origin.
Ebselen Not Only Inhibits Clostridioides difficile Toxins but Displays Redox-Associated Cellular Killing
Authors: Marreddy Ravi K. R. , Olaitan Abiola O. , May Jordan N. , Dong Min , Hurdle Julian G.
Published: September 2021

We show that ebselen kills pathogenic
C. difficile
by disrupting its redox homeostasis, changing the normal concentrations of NAD
+
and NADH, which are critical for various metabolic functions in cells. However, this antimicrobial action is hampered by host components, namely, blood. Future discovery of ebselen analogues, or mechanistically similar compounds, that remain active in blood could be drug leads for CDI or probes to study
C. difficile
redox biology
in vivo
.
Demonstration of
N
,
N
-Dimethyldithiocarbamate as a Copper-Dependent Antibiotic against Multiple Upper Respiratory Tract Pathogens
Authors: Menghani Sanjay V. , Rivera Angela , Neubert Miranda , Hagerty James R. , Lewis Lourdes , Galgiani John N. , Jolly Emmitt R. , Alvin Joseph W. , Johnson Michael D. L.
Published: September 2021

With the rise of antibiotic resistance, approaches that add new antimicrobials to the current repertoire are vital. Here, we investigate putative and known copper ionophores in an attempt to intoxicate bacteria and use ionophore/copper synergy, and we ultimately find success with
N
,
N
-dimethyldithiocarbamate (DMDC). We show that DMDC has
in vitro
efficacy in a copper-dependent manner and kills pathogens across three different kingdoms,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
(
Sr. pneumoniae
),
Coccidioides posadasii
, and
Schistosoma mansoni
, and
in vivo
efficacy against
Sr
. pneumoniae
.
The Acceleration of Outer-Belt Electrons by Localized Electric Fields
Authors: Kropotkin A. P.
Published: September 2021

To explain the populations of the outer-belt energetic electrons, including relativistic electrons, that sporadically appear in the magnetosphere, a mechanism was proposed long ago for the acceleration of those electrons by short-term bursts of the electric field, which appear on the night side during substorm disturbances (Kropotkin, 1996). This mechanism can be substantially specified if the modern concepts of bursty bulk flows in the geomagnetic tail, the occurrence of dipolarization fronts, and the excitation of localized field-aligned-resonant poloidal Alfvén oscillations involving a strong component of the electric field in the dawn-dusk direction are taken into account.
Pharmaceutical industry payments and assisted reproduction in Australia: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Karanges Emily Aspasia , Nangla Conrad , Parker Lisa , Fabbri Alice , Farquhar Cynthia , Bero Lisa
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To investigate the extent and nature of pharmaceutical industry payments related to fertility and assisted reproduction in Australia.

Design and setting

This retrospective observational study employed four databases compiled from publicly available pharmaceutical industry transparency reports on educational event sponsorship (October 2011–April 2018), payments to healthcare professionals (October 2015–April 2018) and patient group support (January 2013–December 2017). Analyses were restricted to fertility-related payments by two major manufacturers of fertility medicines in Australia: Merck Serono and Merck, Sharp and Dohme (MSD).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Descriptive statistics on fertility-related payments and other transfers of value (counts, total and median costs in Australian dollars) for educational events and to healthcare professionals and patient groups.

Results

Between October 2011 and April 2018, Merck Serono and MSD spent $A4 522 263 on 970 fertility-related events for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses and fertility scientists. 56.8% (551/970) events were held by fertility clinics and 29.3% (284/970) by professional medical associations. Between October 2015 and April 2018, Merck Serono spent $A403 800 across 177 payments to 118 fertility healthcare professionals, predominantly for educational event attendance. Recipients included obstetricians and gynaecologists (76.3% of payments, 135/177), nurses (11.3%, 20/177) and embryologists/fertility scientists (9.6%, 17/117). The highest paid healthcare professionals held leadership positions in major fertility clinics. Merck Serono provided $A662 850 to fertility-related patient groups for advocacy and education (January 2013–December 2017).

Conclusions

The pharmaceutical industry sponsored a broad range of fertility clinicians and organisations, including doctors, nurses, embryologists, professional medical organisations, fertility clinics and patient groups. This sponsorship may contribute to the overuse of fertility services.
Association of residual stenosis after balloon angioplasty with vessel wall geometries in intracranial atherosclerosis
Authors: Hou Zhikai , Zhang Zhe , Yan Long , You Jidong , Wan Min , Song Jia , Pan Yuesong , Hui Ferdinand , Miao Zhongrong , Lou Xin , Wang Yongjun , Jing Jing , Ma Ning
Published: September 2021

Background

Percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTBA) may be an alternative treatment for patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) refractory to medical treatment. This study aimed to investigate the association of vessel wall geometric characteristics on high-resolution magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging (MR-VWI) with low residual stenosis in patients with ICAD after PTBA.

Methods

Patients with symptomatic ICAD who underwent PTBA were prospectively and consecutively enrolled. High-resolution MR-VWI was performed before the PTBA. Vessel wall geometries of the target artery, including normalized wall index (NWI: wall area/vessel area × 100%), normalized wall thickness index (NWTI: mean wall thickness/vessel radius × 100%), and remodeling index (RI) were evaluated. Low residual stenosis was defined as postprocedural stenosis degree ≤50%. Perioperative complications including symptomatic ischemic stroke/intracranial hemorrhage, death, and arterial dissection were recorded. The baseline characteristics, vessel wall geometries, and perioperative complications were compared between the patients with low residual stenosis and high residual stenosis.

Results

Among 60 patients prospectively enrolled, low residual stenosis was achieved in 46 participants (77%). Three patients (5%) suffered from symptomatic ischemic stroke within 30 days. Multivariable logistic regression showed that a lower NWI and lower NWTI were associated with low residual stenosis after PTBA (adjusted OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.94, p=0.027; and adjusted OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.98, p=0.015).

Conclusions

Lower NWI and NWTI of the target artery on high-resolution MR-VWI were associated with low residual stenosis in patients with ICAD after PTBA.
Topological Machine Learning for Mixed Numeric and Categorical Data
Authors: Wu Chengyuan , Hargreaves Carol Anne
Published: September 2021

Topological data analysis is a relatively new branch of machine learning that excels in studying high-dimensional data, and is theoretically known to be robust against noise. Meanwhile, data objects with mixed numeric and categorical attributes are ubiquitous in real-world applications. However, topological methods are usually applied to point cloud data, and to the best of our knowledge there is no available framework for the classification of mixed data using topological methods. In this paper, we propose a novel topological machine learning method for mixed data classification. In the proposed method, we use theory from topological data analysis such as persistent homology, persistence diagrams and Wasserstein distance to study mixed data. The performance of the proposed method is demonstrated by experiments on a real-world heart disease dataset. Experimental results show that our topological method outperforms several state-of-the-art algorithms in the prediction of heart disease.
Research on Extraction of Useful Tourism Online Reviews Based on Multimodal Feature Fusion
Authors: Li Meng
Published: September 2021

To effectively identify the influencing factors of the perceived usefulness of multimodal data in online reviews of tourism products, this article explores the optimization method of online tourism products based on user-generated content and conducts feature fusion of multimodal data in online reviews of tourism products from the perspective of data fusion analysis. Therefore, based on the word vector model, this article proposes a method to select the seed word set of emotion dictionary. In this method, emotional words are represented in vector form and the distance between word vectors is calculated to form the selection criteria and classification basis of seed word set, and then the sentiment dictionary of online review is formed by category judgment. This article takes the real online review data of tourism products as the research object, carries out descriptive statistical analysis, uses machine learning and deep learning methods, carries out text vector embedding and image content recognition, integrates image and text feature vector, constructs multimodal online review usefulness classification model, and conducts model test. The experimental results show that, compared with the single-mode reviews containing only text or pictures, the multimodal reviews combined with text and pictures can better predict the usefulness of online reviews, improve the quality of online reviews, give full play to the potential value of user-generated content, provide optimization ideas for product providers, and provide decision support for product consumers.
Variants of Homomorphism Polynomials Complete for Algebraic Complexity Classes
Authors: Chaugule Prasad , Limaye Nutan , Varre Aditya
Published: September 2021

We present polynomial families complete for the well-studied algebraic complexity classes VF, VBP, VP, and VNP. The polynomial families are based on the homomorphism polynomials studied in the recent works of Durand et al. (2014) and Mahajan et al. (2018). We consider three different variants of graph homomorphisms, namely
injective homomorphisms
,
directed homomorphisms
, and
injective directed homomorphisms
, and obtain polynomial families complete for VF, VBP, VP, and VNP under each one of these. The polynomial families have the following properties:

•

The polynomial families complete for VF, VBP, and VP are model independent, i.e., they do not use a particular instance of a formula, algebraic branching programs, or circuit for characterising VF, VBP, or VP, respectively.

•

All the polynomial families are hard under
p
-projections.
Algorithms and Lower Bounds for De Morgan Formulas of Low-Communication Leaf Gates
Authors: Kabanets Valentine , Koroth Sajin , Lu Zhenjian , Myrisiotis Dimitrios , Oliveira Igor C.
Published: September 2021

The class FORMULA[s]∘G consists of Boolean functions computable by size-sDe Morgan formulas whose leaves are any Boolean functions from a class G. We givelower boundsand (SAT, Learning, andpseudorandom generators(PRGs))algorithmsfor FORMULA[n1.99]∘G, for classes G of functions withlow communication complexity. Let R(k)G be the maximumk-party number-on-forehead randomized communication complexity of a function in G. Among other results, we show the following:

•

The Generalized Inner Product function GIPkncannot be computed in FORMULA[s]° G on more than 1/2+ε fraction of inputs for

s=o(n2/k⋅4k⋅R(k)(G)⋅log⁡(n/ε)⋅log⁡(1/ε))2).

This significantly extends the lower bounds against bipartite formulas obtained by [62]. As a corollary, we get an average-case lower bound for GIPknagainst FORMULA[n1.99]∘PTFk−1, i.e., sub-quadratic-size De Morgan formulas with degree-k-1)PTF(polynomial threshold function) gates at the bottom. Previously, it was open whether a super-linear lower bound holds for AND of PTFs.

•

There is a PRG of seed length n/2+O(s⋅R(2)(G)⋅log⁡(s/ε)⋅log⁡(1/ε)) that ε-fools FORMULA[s]∘G. For the special case of FORMULA[s]∘LTF, i.e., size-sformulas withLTF(linear threshold function) gates at the bottom, we get the better seed length O(n1/2⋅s1/4⋅log⁡(n)⋅log⁡(n/ε)). In particular, this provides the first non-trivial PRG (with seed length o(n)) for intersections ofnhalfspaces in the regime where ε≤1/n, complementing a recent result of [45].

•

There exists a randomized 2n-t#SAT algorithm for FORMULA[s]∘G, where

t=Ω(n\√s⋅log2⁡(s)⋅R(2)(G))/1/2.

In particular, this implies a nontrivial #SAT algorithm for FORMULA[n1.99]∘LTF.

•

The Minimum Circuit Size Problem is not in FORMULA[n1.99]∘XOR; thereby making progress on hardness magnification, in connection with results from [14, 46]. On the algorithmic side, we show that the concept class FORMULA[n1.99]∘XOR can be PAC-learned in time 2O(n/log n).
On the Parameterized Approximability of Contraction to Classes of Chordal Graphs
Authors: Gunda Spoorthy , Jain Pallavi , Lokshtanov Daniel , Saurabh Saket , Tale Prafullkumar
Published: September 2021

A graph operation that
contracts edges
is one of the fundamental operations in the theory of graph minors. Parameterized Complexity of editing to a family of graphs by contracting
k
edges has recently gained substantial scientific attention, and several new results have been obtained. Some important families of graphs, namely, the subfamilies of chordal graphs, in the context of edge contractions, have proven to be significantly difficult than one might expect. In this article, we study the

F
-Contraction

problem, where
F
is a subfamily of chordal graphs, in the realm of parameterized approximation. Formally, given a graph
G
and an integer
k
,

F
-Contraction

asks whether there exists
X
⊆
E(G)
such that
G/X
∈
F
and |
X
| ≤
k
. Here,
G/X
is the graph obtained from
G
by contracting edges in
X
. We obtain the following results for the
F
-
Contraction
problem:

•

Clique Contraction
is known to be
FPT
. However, unless NP⊆ coNP/
poly
, it does not admit a polynomial kernel. We show that it admits a polynomial-size approximate kernelization scheme (
PSAKS
). That is, it admits a (1 + ε)-approximate kernel with
O
(

k
f(ε))

vertices for every ε > 0.

•

Split Contraction
is known to be
W[1]-Hard
. We deconstruct this intractability result in two ways. First, we give a (2+ε)-approximate polynomial kernel for
Split Contraction
(which also implies a factor (2+ε)-
FPT
-approximation algorithm for
Split Contraction
). Furthermore, we show that, assuming
Gap-ETH
, there is no (5/4-δ)-
FPT
-approximation algorithm for
Split Contraction
. Here, ε, δ > 0 are fixed constants.

•

Chordal Contraction
is known to be
W[2]-Hard
. We complement this result by observing that the existing
W[2]-hardness
reduction can be adapted to show that, assuming
FPT
≠
W[1]
, there is no
F(k)
-
FPT
-approximation algorithm for
Chordal Contraction
. Here,
F(k)
is an arbitrary function depending on
k
alone.

We say that an algorithm is an
h(k)
-
FPT
-approximation algorithm for the

F
-Contraction

problem, if it runs in
FPT
time, and on any input
(G, k)
such that there exists
X
⊆
E(G)
satisfying
G/X
∈
F
and |
X
| ≤
k
, it outputs an edge set
Y
of size at most
h(k)
ċ
k
for which
G/Y
is in
F
.
LncRNA RGMB-AS1 facilitates pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and migration but inhibits cell apoptosis via miR-574-3p/PIM3 axis
Authors: Song Wenchong , Shi Chengjian
Published: September 2021

RGMB-AS1 promotes PC cell proliferation, elevates PC cell migration capacity, inhibits PC cell apoptosis, and promotes PC cell proliferation and migration but inhibits cell apoptosis via targeting miR-574-3p. PIM3 is directly targeted by miR-574-3p.
Intermediate between Idiopathic Hypereosinophilia and Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia: A Report of Two Hypereosinophilic Cases with Possible Novel Molecular Mutations
Authors: Choudhuri Jui , Eskandari Mohammad , Shi Yang , Wang Yanhua
Published: September 2021

To distinguish a reactive eosinophilia from its malignant counterpart is challenging. Establishing clonality of the eosinophils is crucial and considered the determining factor for establishing a diagnosis. Cases of hypereosinophilia without clear reactive etiologies, no evidence of end-organ damage, normal cytogenetics, and no molecular mutations are termed as “Idiopathic Hypereosinophilia (IHE).” For cases which lie between the spectrum of chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL) and IHE, identification of underlying molecular abnormalities might be helpful in better understanding the disease process and prognosis. Here, we report two cases of hypereosinophilia in which five possible novel molecular mutations were identified by targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis. They were FBXW7, KM2A, TCF3, ERBB4, and MET. With multiple genetic mutations, these cases could be classified as chronic eosinophilic leukemia. Both these young patients responded well to steroid therapy. While targeted NGS is a useful tool in identifying new molecular mutation associated with hypereosinophilia, our cases raise the question of further investigating this entity and if there is a possibility of an intermediate category lying between the spectrum of CEL and IHE. Defining hypereosinophilia with clonal molecular abnormality as a malignant process may need to be revisited. Even though attempts are being made to identify mutations in IHE, it might be more significant clinically to differentiate them based on response to steroid therapy and prognosis.
Assessment of Anterior Loop of Inferior Alveolar Nerve and Its Anatomic Variations with Age, Gender, and Dentition Status in Indian Population: A CBCT Study
Authors: Gupta Anjali , Kumar Sandeep , Singh Siddharth Kumar , Kumar Arunoday , Gupta Abhishek , Mehta Palkin
Published: September 2021

Background. The posterior region of the mandible is more often related to iatrogenic errors, but the interforaminal region is also not spared for neurovascular complications. This study aimed to use CBCT images to evaluate the prevalence of anterior nerve looping and its variations with age, gender, and dentition status. Methods. This retrospective study was carried out by studying 600 CBCT scans retrieved from archival records of a CBCT center in Lucknow. The scans were inspected by two trained investigators. The length of the anterior loop was measured using the measuring tool of Carestream 3D imaging software. Descriptive and analytical tests were performed. Results. The prevalence of the anterior loop of the inferior alveolar nerve was found to be 56%. The prevalence was found to be more on the right side (29.0%) compared to the left side (27.0%). The most common anterior looping of the inferior alveolar nerve was type 3 followed by type 1. Males were found to have significantly higher loops compared to females. The number of loops was found to decrease significantly with age. The mean length of the loop was found to vary from 1.14 to 1.61 mm. Conclusion. The anterior looping of IAN is very much prevalent in the Lucknow population. The use of the CBCT technique and appropriate preplanning prior to surgery or implant placement should be performed to prevent nerve injury.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) and Synchronous Intra-Abdominal Liposarcoma: A Report of Two Rare Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Diamantis Alexandros , Samara Athina A. , Baloyiannis Ioannis , Symeonidis Dimitrios , Diamantis Andreas-Marios , Tolia Maria , Bouliaris Konstantinos , Koukoulis Georgios , Tepetes Konstantinos
Published: September 2021

Introduction. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) quite frequently occur synchronously with other malignancies, with most cases being adenocarcinomas. GISTs and liposarcomas are both of mesenchymal origin, and their coexistence is extremely rare. Methods. We conducted a review of the current literature regarding the synchronous occurrence of GISTs and intra-abdominal liposarcomas. An electronic search of the literature was undertaken using MEDLINE (database provider PubMed). Furthermore, we present the first described case of an 86-year-old male with a GIST and synchronous liposarcoma, both located in the stomach, as well as a 66-year-old male with a gastric GIST and concurrent retroperitoneal liposarcoma. Results. A total of 5 cases of synchronous GIST and intra-abdominal liposarcoma have been reported in the literature to date, with the most recent cases included in the present study. Conclusion. Further research is required to explain any possible correlation in the coexistence of these different neoplasms of the same origin. Meanwhile, R0 resection of both tumors remains the treatment of choice.
Biocomposites Developed with Litchi Peel Based on Epoxy Resin: Mechanical Properties and Flame Retardant
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh
Published: September 2021

Bio-based composites are reinforced polymeric materials, which include one or two bio-based components. Biocomposites have recently attracted great attention for applications ranging from home appliances to the automotive industry. The outstanding advantages are low cost, biodegradability, lightness, availability, and solving environmental problems. In recent days, biodegradable natural fibers are attracting a great deal of interest from researchers to work on and develop a new type of composite material for diverse applications. The objective of this work is to evaluate fire resistance and mechanical properties of epoxy polymer composites reinforced with lychee peel (Vietnam), at 10 wt%, 20 wt%, and 30 wt% mass%. The study showed that the mechanical properties and flame retardancy tended to increase in the presence of lychee peel reinforcement. In the combined ratios, 20 wt% lychee rind gave a limiting oxygen index of 21.5%, with a burning rate of 23.45 mm/min. In terms of mechanical strength, in which the Izod impact strength increased by 26.46%, the compressive strength increased by 25.20% and the tensile strength increased by 20.62%. The microscopic images (SEM images) show that the particle distribution is quite good and the adhesion and wetting compatibility on the two-phase interface of lychee peel-epoxy resin are strong.
CGPP‐POI: A Recommendation Model Based on Privacy Protection
Authors: Li Gesu , Yin Guisheng , Xiong Zuobin , Chen Fukun
Published: September 2021

At present, with the popularization of intelligent equipment. Almost every smart device has a GPS. Users can use it to obtain convenient services, and third parties can use the data to provide recommendations for users and promote relevant business development. However, due to the large number of location data, there are serious data sparsity problems in the data uploaded by users. At the same time, with great value comes great danger. Once the user’s location information is obtained by the attacker, severe security issues will be caused. In recent years, a lot of researchers have studied the recommendation of point of interests (POIs) and the privacy protection of location. Yet, few of them have explored both together, which induces some drawbacks on the combination of them. This paper combines POI recommendation with a privacy protection mechanism. Besides providing user with POI recommendation service, it also protects the privacy of user’s location. We proposed a POI recommendation model with privacy protection mechanism, termed POI recommendation model for community groups based on privacy protection (CGPP‐POI). This model can ensure the recommendation accuracy and reduce the leakage of user location information via taking advantages of the characteristics of location. At the same time, it deals with the problem of poor recommendation performance caused by sparse data. In addition, through the expansion of location, random and other methods are used to protect the user’s real check‐in information. First, the data processed at the terminal satisfied local differential privacy. At the same time, we use the data to build a recommendation model. Then, we use a community of user in the model to improve the availability of these disturbed data, explore the relationship between users, and expand check‐ins within the community. Finally, we provide the POI recommendations to users. Based on the traditional evaluation criteria, we adopted four metrics, i.e., accuracy, recall rate, coverage rate, and popularity in evaluation part, where intensive experiments conducted on real datasets Gowalla and Brightkite demonstrate that our approach outperforms the baseline methods significantly.