bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Interleukin 18/Interleukin 18-Binding Protein in Adult-Onset Still’s Disease and Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Girard-Guyonvarc’h Charlotte , Harel Mathilde , Gabay Cem
Published: January 2022

Interleukin 18 (IL-18) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine of the IL-1 family, whose activity is tightly controlled at the level of production, as well as signalization. Notably, it is buffered by its natural inhibitor, IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), which is massively present in circulation in normal and in most pathological conditions, thus preventing harmful pro-inflammatory systemic effects of IL-18. IL-18 has long been considered to be involved in the pathophysiology of various inflammatory diseases. However, a first clinical trial using recombinant IL-18BP for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis gave disappointing results. Direct measurements of unbound, bioactive, free form of circulating IL-18 demonstrated that IL-18 was more specifically involved in adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) but also in their most severe complication, macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). More importantly, administration of recombinant IL-18BP to patients with AOSD, and sJIA with MAS, showed promising results. This review summarizes available data regarding IL-18 and IL-18BP in AOSD and sJIA in mouse models and humans and shows the importance of IL-18/IL-18BP imbalance in these conditions, leading to the conclusion that IL-18, particularly free IL-18, may be a useful biomarker in these diseases and an interesting therapeutic target.
The Role of Predictive Models in the Assessment of the Poor Outcomes in Pediatric Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Pop Tudor Lucian , Aldea Cornel Olimpiu , Delean Dan , Bulata Bogdan , Boghiţoiu Dora , Păcurar Daniela , Ulmeanu Coriolan Emil , Grama Alina
Published: January 2022

Objectives: In children, acute liver failure (ALF) is a severe condition with high mortality. As some patients need liver transplantation (LT), it is essential to predict the fatal evolution and to refer them early for LT if needed. Our study aimed to evaluate the prognostic criteria and scores for assessing the outcome in children with ALF. Methods: Data of 161 children with ALF (54.66% female, mean age 7.66 ± 6.18 years) were analyzed based on final evolution (32.91% with fatal evolution or LT) and etiology. We calculated on the first day of hospitalization the PELD score (109 children), MELD, and MELD-Na score (52 children), and King’s College Criteria (KCC) for all patients. The Nazer prognostic index and Wilson index for predicting mortality were calculated for nine patients with ALF in Wilson’s disease (WD). Results: PELD, MELD, and MELD-Na scores were significantly higher in patients with fatal evolution (21.04 ± 13.28 vs. 13.99 ± 10.07, p = 0.0023; 36.20 ± 19.51 vs. 20.08 ± 8.57, p < 0.0001; and 33.07 ± 8.29 vs. 20.08 ± 8.47, p < 0.0001, respectively). Moreover, age, bilirubin, albumin, INR, and hemoglobin significantly differed in children with fatal evolution. Function to etiology, PELD, MELD, MELD-Na, and KCC accurately predicted fatal evolution in toxic ALF (25.33 vs. 9.90, p = 0.0032; 37.29 vs. 18.79, p < 0.0001; 34.29 vs. 19.24, p = 0.0002, respectively; with positive predicting value 100%, negative predicting value 88.52%, and accuracy 89.23% for King’s College criteria). The Wilson index for predicting mortality had an excellent predictive strength (100% sensibility and specificity), better than the Nazer prognostic index. Conclusions: Prognostic scores may be used to predict the fatal evolution of ALF in children in correlation with other parameters or criteria. Early estimation of the outcome of ALF is essential, mainly in countries where emergency LT is problematic, as the transfer to a specialized center could be delayed, affecting survival chances.
Risk Factors for Early and Late Complications after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in One-Year Observation
Authors: Głuszyńska Paulina , Diemieszczyk Inna , Szczerbiński Łukasz , Krętowski Adam , Major Piotr , Razak Hady Hady
Published: January 2022

Background: Although laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is considered a safe bariatric procedure in the treatment of obesity, it still involves a risk of developing postoperative complications. Knowledge of risk factors for possible complications would allow appropriate preoperative planning, optimization of postoperative care, as well as early diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for complications after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Methods: A retrospective study of 610 patients who underwent LSG at a tertiary institution were included in the study through retrospective analysis of the medical data. Complications were categorized as early (<30 days) and late (≥30 days) and evaluated according to the Clavien–Dindo Classification. Results: Early complications were observed in 35 patients (5.74%) and late complications occurred in 10 patients (1.64%). Independent risk factors of early complications after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy included hypercholesterolemia (OR 3.73; p-value = 0.023) and smoking (OR = 274.66, p-value < 0.001). Other factors that may influence the postoperative course are length of hospital stay and operation time. Smoking, peptic ulcer diseases and co-existence of hiatal hernia were found to be an independent predictors of late complications. Conclusions: Smoking is associated with the higher risk of both, early and late complications, while hypercholesterolemia with only <30 days complications after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
Clinical Characteristics and Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality among Older Patients with Acute Heart Failure
Authors: De Matteis Giuseppe , Covino Marcello , Burzo Maria Livia , Della Polla Davide Antonio , Franceschi Francesco , Mebazaa Alexandre , Gambassi Giovanni
Published: January 2022

Acute Heart Failure (AHF)-related hospitalizations and mortality are still high in western countries, especially among older patients. This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and predictors of in-hospital mortality of older patients hospitalized with AHF. We conducted a retrospective study including all consecutive patients ≥65 years who were admitted for AHF at a single academic medical center between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2018. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality. We also analyzed deaths due to cardiovascular (CV) and non-CV causes and compared early in-hospital events. The study included 6930 patients, mean age 81 years, 51% females. The overall mortality rate was 13%. Patients ≥85 years had higher mortality and early death rate than younger patients. Infections were the most common condition precipitating AHF in our cohort, and pneumonia was the most frequent of these. About half of all hospital deaths were due to non-CV causes. After adjusting for confounding factors other than NYHA class at admission, infections were associated with an almost two-fold increased risk of mortality, HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.10–2.71 in patients 65–74 years (p = 0.014); HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.34–2.49 in patients 75–84 years (p = 0.001); HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.24–2.19 in patients ≥85 years (p = 0.001). In conclusion, among older patients with AHF, in-hospital mortality rates increased with increasing age, and infections were associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality. In contemporary patients with AHF, along with the treatment of the CV conditions, management should be focused on timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment of non-CV factors, especially pulmonary infections.
Psychometric Validation of the German Translation of the Quality of Life Questionnaire-Bronchiectasis (QOL-B)—Data from the German Bronchiectasis Registry PROGNOSIS
Authors: Quellhorst Laura , Barten-Neiner Grit , de Roux Andrés , Diel Roland , Mertsch Pontus , Pink Isabell , Rademacher Jessica , Sutharsan Sivagurunathan , Welte Tobias , Zurawski Annegret , Ringshausen Felix C. ,   on behalf of the PROGNOSIS study group
Published: January 2022

Patients with bronchiectasis feature considerable symptom burden and reduced health-related quality of life (QOL). We provide the psychometric validation of the German translation of the disease-specific Quality of Life Questionnaire-Bronchiectasis (QOL-B), version 3.1, using baseline data of adults consecutively enrolled into the prospective German bronchiectasis registry PROGNOSIS. Overall, 904 patients with evaluable QOL-B scores were included. We observed no relevant floor or ceiling effects. Internal consistency was good to excellent (Cronbach’s α ≥0.73 for each scale). QOL-B scales discriminated between patients based on prior pulmonary exacerbations and hospitalizations, breathlessness, bronchiectasis severity index, lung function, sputum volume, Pseudomonas aeruginosa status and the need for regular pharmacotherapy, except for Social Functioning, Vitality and Emotional Functioning scales. We observed moderate to strong convergence between several measures of disease severity and QOL-B scales, except for Social and Emotional Functioning. Two-week test-retest reliability was good, with intraclass correlation coefficients ≥0.84 for each scale. Minimal clinical important difference ranged between 8.5 for the Respiratory Symptoms and 14.1 points for the Social Functioning scale. Overall, the German translation of the QOL-B, version 3.1, has good validity and test-retest reliability among a nationally representative adult bronchiectasis cohort. However, responsiveness of QOL-B scales require further investigation during registry follow-up.
Current Aspects on the Pathophysiology of Bone Metabolic Defects during Progression of Scoliosis in Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Kaspiris Angelos , Savvidou Olga D. , Vasiliadis Elias S. , Hadjimichael Argyris C. , Melissaridou Dimitra , Iliopoulou-Kosmadaki Stella , Iliopoulos Ilias D. , Papadimitriou Evangelia , Chronopoulos Efstathios
Published: January 2022

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), which is the most common phacomatoses, is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by clinical presentations in various tissues and organs, such as the skin, eyes and nervous and skeletal systems. The musculoskeletal implications of NF1 include a variety of deformities, including scoliosis, kyphoscoliosis, spondylolistheses, congenital bony bowing, pseudarthrosis and bone dysplasia. Scoliosis is the most common skeletal problem, affecting 10–30% of NF1 patients. Although the pathophysiology of spinal deformities has not been elucidated yet, defects in bone metabolism have been implicated in the progression of scoliotic curves. Measurements of Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in the lumbar spine by using dual energy absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative computer tomography (QCT) have demonstrated a marked reduction in Z-score and osteoporosis. Additionally, serum bone metabolic markers, such as vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase, have been found to be abnormal. Intraoperative and histological vertebral analysis confirmed that alterations of the trabecular microarchitecture are associated with inadequate bone turnover, indicating generalized bone metabolic defects. At the molecular level, loss of function of neurofibromin dysregulates Ras and Transforming Growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling and leads to altered osteoclastic proliferation, osteoblastic activity and collagen production. Correlation between clinical characteristics and molecular pathways may provide targets for novel therapeutic approaches in NF1.
Does Preoperative Cognitive Optimization Improve Postoperative Outcomes in the Elderly?
Authors: Ishizawa Yumiko
Published: January 2022

Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is a growing concern, affecting several million elderly patients each year in the United States, but strategies for its effective prevention have not yet been established. Humeidan et al. recently demonstrated that preoperative brain exercise resulted in a decrease in postoperative delirium incidence in elderly surgical patients, suggesting the potential of presurgical cognitive optimization to improve postoperative cognitive outcomes. This brief review summarizes the current knowledge regarding preoperative cognitive optimization and highlights landmark studies, as well as current ongoing studies, as the field is rapidly growing. This review further discusses the benefit of cognitive training in non-surgical elderly populations and the role of cognitive training in patients with preexisting cognitive impairment or dementia. The review also examines preclinical evidence in support of cognitive training, which can facilitate understanding of brain plasticity and the pathophysiology of PND. The literature suggests positive impacts of presurgical cognitive optimization, but further studies are encouraged to establish effective cognitive training programs for elderly presurgical patients.
Evolution of Hypodensity on Non-Contrast CT in Correlation with Collaterals in Anterior Circulation Stroke with Successful Endovascular Reperfusion
Authors: Gębka Michał , Bajer-Czajkowska Anna , Pyza Sandra , Safranow Krzysztof , Poncyljusz Wojciech , Sawicki Marcin
Published: January 2022

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of collaterals on the evolution of hypodensity on non-contrast CT (NCCT) in anterior circulation stroke with reperfusion by mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Methods: We retrospectively included stroke patients with middle cerebral artery occlusion who were reperfused by MT in early and late time window. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based software was used to calculate of hypodensity volumes at baseline NCCT (V1) and at follow-up NCCT 24 h after MT (V2), along with the difference between the two volumes (V2-V1) and the follow-up (V2)/baseline (V1) volume ratio (V2/V1). The same software was used to classify collateral status by using a 4-point scale where the score of zero indicated no collaterals and the score of three represented contrast filling of all collaterals. The volumetric values were correlated with the collateral scores. Results: Collateral scores had significant negative correlation with V1 (p = 0.035), V2, V2− V1 and V2/V1 (p < 0.001). In cases with collateral score = 3, V2 was significantly smaller or absent compared to V1; in those with collateral score 2, V2 was slightly larger than V1, and in those with scores 1 and 0 V2 was significantly larger than V1. These relationships were observed in both early and late time windows. Conclusions: The collateral status determined the evolution of the baseline hypodensity on NCCT in patients with anterior circulation stroke who had MT reperfusion. Damage can be stable or reversible in patients with good collaterals while in those with poor collaterals tissues that initially appear normal will frequently appear as necrotic after 24 h. With good collaterals, it is stable or can be reversible while with poor collaterals, normal looking tissue frequently appears as necrotic in follow-up exam. Hence, acute hypodensity represents different states of the ischemic brain parenchyma.
Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Pause-Dependent Atrioventricular Block
Authors: Bun Sok-Sithikun , Asarisi Florian , Heme Nathan , Squara Fabien , Scarlatti Didier , Taghji Philippe , Deharo Jean-Claude , Moceri Pamela , Ferrari Emile
Published: January 2022

Background: In patients with complete atrioventricular block (AVB), the prevalence and clinical characteristics of patients with pause-dependent AVB (PD-AVB) is not known. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of PD-AVB in a population of patients with complete (or high-grade) AVB. Methods: Twelve-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and/or telemonitoring from patients admitted (from September 2020 to November 2021) for complete (or high-degree) AVB were prospectively collected at the University Hospital of Nice. The ECG tracings were analyzed by an electrophysiologist to determine the underlying mechanism of PD-AVB. Results: 100 patients were admitted for complete (or high-grade) AVB (men 55%; 82 ± 12 years). Arterial hypertension was present in 68% of the patients. Baseline QRS width was 117 ± 32 ms, and mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 56 ± 7%. Fourteen patients (14%) with PD-AVB were identified, and presented similar clinical characteristics in comparison with patients without PD-AVB, except for syncope (which was present in 86% versus 51% in the non-PD-AVB patients, p = 0.01). PD-AVB sequence was induced by: Premature atrial contraction (8/14), premature ventricular contraction (5/14), His extrasystole (1/14), conduction block in a branch (1/14), and atrial tachycardia termination (1/14). All patients with PD-AVB received a dual-chamber pacemaker during hospitalization. Conclusion: The prevalence of PD-AVB was 14%, and may be underestimated. PD-AVB episodes were more likely associated with syncope in comparison with patients without PD-AVB.
Predictive Role of the D-Dimer Level in Acute Kidney Injury in Living Donor Liver Transplantation: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Park Jaesik , Kim Sung Un , Choi Ho Joong , Hong Sang Hyun , Chae Min Suk
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to determine the association between serum D-dimer levels and the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Clinical data of 675 patients undergoing LDLT were retrospectively analyzed. The exclusion criteria included a history of kidney dysfunction, emergency cases, and missing data. The final study population of 617 patients was divided into the normal and high D-dimer groups (cutoff: 0.5 mg/L). After LDLT, 145 patients (23.5%) developed AKI. A high D-dimer level (>0.5 mg/L) was an independent predictor of postoperative development of AKI in the multivariate analysis when combined with diabetes mellitus [DM], platelet count, and hourly urine output. AKI was significantly higher in the high D-dimer group than in the normal D-dimer group (odds ratio [OR], 2.792; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.227–6.353). Patients with a high D-dimer exhibited a higher incidence of early allograft dysfunction, longer intensive care unit stay, and a higher mortality rate. These results could improve the risk stratification of postoperative AKI development by encouraging the determination of preoperative D-dimer levels in patients undergoing LDLT.
Early Preeclampsia Effect on Preterm Newborns Outcome
Authors: Matyas Melinda , Hasmasanu Monica , Silaghi Ciprian N. , Samasca Gabriel , Lupan Iulia , Orsolya Kovacs , Zaharie Gabriela
Published: January 2022

Background: An early form of preeclampsia is rare. Abnormal placentation, placental perfusion disorders, and inflammatory cytokine release will have an effect on the fetus and newborn. Material and methods: The study group consisted of preterm newborns whose mothers had a history of preeclampsia and a gestational age of between 30 weeks and 34 weeks + 6 days. The control group consists of neonates matched for gestational age with the case group, whose mothers had normal blood pressure. The incidence and severity of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), intraventricular hemorrhage, hypoglycemia, pH gas changes, and hematological parameters were analyzed in the two groups. Results: The study group of preterm neonates had a lower birth weight than the control group (p < 0.001). Most of the deliveries in the group of newborns exposed to preeclampsia were performed by cesarean section. Severe forms of RDS were two times more frequent in the group of newborns exposed to preeclampsia compared to those in the control group. Even though we expected to see a lower incidence, owing to the high number of deliveries by cesarean section, we still observed a higher rate of intraventricular hemorrhage in the preeclampsia group (16 cases in the study group vs. 7 in the control, p = 0.085). Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were more frequent in preterm newborns exposed to preeclampsia. Conclusions: The study shows that early preeclampsia increases the risk of complications in preterm neonates. RDS was more frequent in the exposed group than in the control group. The severity of preeclampsia correlates with hematological changes.
Associated Pathologies following Luxatio Erecta Humeri: A Retrospective Analysis of 38 Cases
Authors: Ostermann Roman C. , Joestl Julian , Hofbauer Marcus , Fialka Christian , Schanda Jakob E. , Gruber Maximilian , Binder Harald , Tiefenboeck Thomas M.
Published: January 2022

Inferior shoulder dislocation in fixed abduction, also known as luxatio erecta humeri (LEH), is a rare injury with little data available. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate and present our case series of this type of injury with special emphasis on associated pathologies; the secondary aim was to present diagnostic recommendations to detect for potential associated pathologies typically seen with this injury. A total of 38 patients (13 females, average age 72.8 years and 25 males, average age 41.4 years), who have been treated for inferior shoulder dislocation between 1992 and 2020, were included in this study. Associated pathologies after LEH were found in 81% of the cases. Twenty-one of these patients presented with secondary bony pathologies. Six patients revealed rotator cuff injuries diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Seven patients exhibited pathological findings at the capsule-ligament complex. Eight patients presented with neurological findings. All neurologic symptoms except one axillary nerve palsy and a radialis paresis dissolved during the follow-up period. Five patients received surgical treatment of the affected shoulder. Inferior shoulder dislocation is a rare condition presenting with a high number of associated injuries. According to the findings of the present study, we want to raised awareness of the high rate of potential secondary shoulder pathologies associated with LEH. Beside a thorough clinical examination and immediate standard radiographs in two planes, we recommend to perform computed tomography scanning and an MRI of the shoulder as soon as possible. In the case of neurologic deficiencies, a determination of nerve conduction should be performed.
Naloxegol and Postoperative Urinary Retention: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Turan Alparslan , Fang Jonathan , Esa Wael Ali Sakr , Hamadnalla Hassan , Leung Steve , Pu Xuan , Raza Syed , Chelnick David , Mounir Soliman Loran , Seif John , Ruetzler Kurt , Sessler Daniel I.
Published: January 2022

Background: Naloxegol antagonizes peripheral opioid-related side effects without preventing opioid-related analgesia. However, the effect of naloxegol on opioid-induced bladder dysfunction remains unknown. Hypothesis: patients given naloxegol have lower residual bladder urine volume than those given placebo. Methods: 136 patients scheduled for elective hip and knee surgery were randomized to oral naloxegol or placebo given the morning of surgery, and on the first two postoperative mornings. Residual urine volume was measured ultrasonographically within 30 min after voiding once in the morning and once in the afternoon for two postoperative days. Opioid-related Symptom Distress Scale (ORSDS), the need for indwelling urinary catheterization, and quality of recovery (QoR) score were secondary outcomes. Results: 67 were randomized to naloxegol and 64 to placebo. We did not identify a significant effect on urine residual volume, with an estimated ratio of geometric means of 0.9 (0.3, 2.6), p = 0.84. There were no significant differences in ORSDS or QoR. There were 19 (29%) patients assigned to naloxegol who needed indwelling urination catheterization versus 7 (11%) patients in the placebo group, p = 0.012. Conclusions: Our results do not support use of naloxegol for postoperative urinary retention after hip and knee surgery.
Flow-Responsive Noncoding RNAs in the Vascular System: Basic Mechanisms for the Clinician
Authors: De Rosa Salvatore , Iaconetti Claudio , Eyileten Ceren , Yasuda Masakazu , Albanese Michele , Polimeni Alberto , Sabatino Jolanda , Sorrentino Sabato , Postula Marek , Indolfi Ciro
Published: January 2022

The vascular system is largely exposed to the effect of changing flow conditions. Vascular cells can sense flow and its changes. Flow sensing is of pivotal importance for vascular remodeling. In fact, it influences the development and progression of atherosclerosis, controls its location and has a major influx on the development of local complications. Despite its importance, the research community has traditionally paid scarce attention to studying the association between different flow conditions and vascular biology. More recently, a growing body of evidence has been accumulating, revealing that ncRNAs play a key role in the modulation of several biological processes linking flow-sensing to vascular pathophysiology. This review summarizes the most relevant evidence on ncRNAs that are directly or indirectly responsive to flow conditions to the benefit of the clinician, with a focus on the underpinning mechanisms and their potential application as disease biomarkers.
Pain in Tourette Syndrome-Children’s and Parents’ Perspectives
Authors: Małek Agnieszka
Published: January 2022

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by the presence of tics and associated behavioral problems. Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS), The PedsQL Pediatric Pain Questionnaire, and Pediatric Pain Coping Inventory were used to assess the severity of tics, the severity of the pain, the location of the pain and pain coping strategies both from children’s and parents’ perspectives. Sixty percent of children demonstrated pain (past or present); the pain was reported by 72% of parents raising children with TS. The pain most commonly was cervical, throat, shoulder, ocular, and joint pain; most children declared pain located in more than one part of the body. Consistency between the declarations of children and their parents in coping with pain was observed. Pain should be recognized as a common comorbid aspect of tic disorders in childhood and therapeutic treatment must include the reduction of pain caused by tics.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins in Standard vs. Liposomal Form Enriched with Vitamin K2 in Cystic Fibrosis: A Randomized Multi-Center Trial
Authors: Nowak Jan Krzysztof , Krzyżanowska-Jankowska Patrycja , Drzymała-Czyż Sławomira , Goździk-Spychalska Joanna , Wojsyk-Banaszak Irena , Skorupa Wojciech , Sapiejka Ewa , Miśkiewicz-Chotnicka Anna , Brylak Jan , Zielińska-Psuja Barbara , Lisowska Aleksandra , Walkowiak Jarosław
Published: January 2022

Background: We aimed to assess a liposomal fat-soluble vitamin formulation containing vitamin K2 with standard treatment in cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods: A multi-center randomized controlled trial was carried out in 100 pancreatic-insufficient patients with CF. The liposomal formulation contained vitamin A as retinyl palmitate (2667 IU daily) and beta-carotene (1333 IU), D3 (4000 IU), E (150 IU), K1 (2 mg), and K2 as menaquinone-7 (400 µg). It was compared with the standard vitamin preparations in the closest possible doses (2500 IU, 1428 IU, 4000 IU, 150 IU, 2.14 mg, respectively; no vitamin K2) over 3 months. Results: Forty-two patients finished the trial in the liposomal and 49 in the control group (overall 91 pts: 22.6 ± 7.6 years, 62.6% female, BMI 19.9 ± 2.8 kg/m2, FEV1% 70% ± 30%). The main outcome was the change of vitamin status in the serum during the study (liposomal vs. standard): all-trans-retinol (+1.48 ± 95.9 vs. −43.1 ± 121.4 ng/mL, p = 0.054), 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (+9.7 ± 13.4 vs. +2.0 ± 9.8 ng/mL, p = 0.004), α-tocopherol (+1.5 ± 2.5 vs. −0.2 ± 1.6 µg/mL, p < 0.001), %undercarboxylated osteocalcin (−17.2 ± 24.8% vs. −8.3 ± 18.5%, p = 0.061). The secondary outcome was the vitamin status at the trial end: all-trans-retinol (370.0 ± 116.5 vs. 323.1 ± 100.6 ng/mL, p = 0.045), 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (43.2 ± 16.6 vs. 32.7 ± 11.5 ng/mL, p < 0.001), α-tocopherol (9.0 ± 3.1 vs. 7.7 ± 3.0 µg/mL, p = 0.037), %undercarboxylated osteocalcin (13.0 ± 11.2% vs. 22.7 ± 22.0%, p = 0.008). Conclusion: The liposomal fat-soluble vitamin supplement containing vitamin K2 was superior to the standard form in delivering vitamin D3 and E in pancreatic-insufficient patients with CF. The supplement was also more effective in strengthening vitamin K-dependent carboxylation, and could improve vitamin A status.
Agreement of Bioluminescence Measurements and Visual Assessment in Monitoring Occlusal Surfaces of Permanent Teeth
Authors: Jablonski-Momeni Anahita , Jablonski Boris , Heinzel-Gutenbrunner Monika , Korbmacher-Steiner Heike
Published: January 2022

Background: Caries lesion activity is typically assessed by visual–tactile criteria. Regular monitoring is required to detect the transition of lesions and to ensure that the initial assessment was valid. This clinical study aimed to evaluate the agreement of bioluminescence measurements (Calcivis imaging system, Cis) with visual examination to assess caries lesion activity and to monitor occlusal surfaces. Methods: The occlusal surfaces of ninety-one permanent posterior teeth were assessed for the presence or absence of active caries lesions with ICCMS criteria and Cis measurements at three visit times: baseline (t1) and six months (t2) and 12 months (t3) after baseline. Results: At the baseline visit, 70% of the included occlusal sites were assessed visually as active lesions (ICCMS codes 1 and 2). At t3, 64.8% of the sites showed signs of an active lesion. The percentage agreements between the visual and Cis methods were 87.8% (t1), 89.9% (t2) and 88.6% (t3). The corresponding κ-values were 0.71 (95% CI 0.52;0.87), 0.75 (95% CI 0.59;0.89) and 0.77 (95% CI 0.61;0.90), respectively. No significant difference between the visual and bioluminescence systems was found at any visit (p > 0.05). The results based on cluster randomization (generalized estimation equations) showed no significant differences between the visual and Cis findings for all visits (p = 0.108, Wald Χ2 with 1 df = 2.587). Conclusion: The bioluminescence system demonstrated substantial agreement for the activity assessment of occlusal lesions compared to the findings obtained by visual assessment over twelve months.
Comparison of Superior Mesenteric Artery Remodeling and Clinical Outcomes between Conservative or Endovascular Treatment in Spontaneous Isolated Superior Mesenteric Artery Dissection
Authors: Yu Sz-Han , Hii Ing-Heng , Wu I-Hui
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study was to analyze the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) remodeling after initial conservative or endovascular treatment with a standardized definition and midterm outcomes in patients with spontaneous isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric artery (SIDSMA). This retrospective study enrolled patients with SIDSMA from January 2007 to August 2019. All patients were treated initially with conservative treatment. If they failed the medical treatment, they were converted to interventional treatment. The morphological endpoint was determined by the standardized SMA remodeling, and the clinical endpoints were determined by the in-hospital mortality, hospital stay, and the bowel-related mid-term mortality. A total of 34 consecutive patients with SIDSMA were identified. Twenty-three (67.6%) and eleven (33.4%) patients underwent conservative and interventional treatments, respectively. Clinical features and morphologic changes on CTA were available in 25 (73.5%) patients during the median follow-up of 23.3 months. Standardized SMA remodeling was significantly (p < 0.05) better in patients undergoing endovascular stenting, especially in patients with Yun’s IIb classification. There was no mesenteric ischemia or SMA aneurysm during follow-up period. Patients with SIDSMA can be treated safely with initial conservative treatment. However, significant portions of patients will require endovascular intervention due to the persistent symptoms. Clinically endovascular stenting could be performed successfully, and SMA remodeling was satisfactory during the mid-term follow-up.
Valorisation of Waste Glasses for the Development of Geopolymer Mortar—Properties and Applications: An Appraisal
Authors: Luhar Salmabanu , Luhar Ismail
Published: January 2022

The current review paper studies the most noteworthy points in the fabrication of inorganic, eco-benign geopolymer mortar stressing the valorisation of Waste of Glasses (WG) about its properties and applications. Only a few studies are so far accessible on the topic, and therefore, more advanced studies in this respect will be valuable to construction industries and the research scientist, too. Mostly, the centre of attention on its valorisation with WG points a finger to its attitude to embrace the “conversion of wastes into best” strategy. Up until now, their character is neither well understood nor as embraced as OPC mortars. That is why this article reviews its confined literature with an aim to comprehend the valorisation of WG incorporation with geopolymer mortar, and it also reviews studies on its properties and applications, establishing it as a forthcoming constructive, productive, cost-effective, and sustainable large-scale construction material. The recommendations of this paper will be helpful for potential researchers on the topic. However, there are some challenges, such as curing impediments, occasionally practical antagonises of use, a restrained chain of supply, and a precondition for a sharp-eyed command of mixing design for preparing it for use in roadways to replace OPC counterparts in industry. When fabricated by employing abundantly available precursors, activators, and WG up to the standard superior control of varied properties, chiefly strength, durability, and the low-carbon footprints of alkali activators, GP mortars supplemented with WG are ground-breaking approaches to part of the prospect toolbox of sustainable and reasonably inexpensive construction materials. Finally, the paper identifies research work challenges, endorsement of utilisation, and most essentially the features of its properties and pertinent discussions for this promising new kind of valorised construction material.
Automatic Aortic Valve Cusps Segmentation from CT Images Based on the Cascading Multiple Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Aoyama Gakuto , Zhao Longfei , Zhao Shun , Xue Xiao , Zhong Yunxin , Yamauchi Haruo , Tsukihara Hiroyuki , Maeda Eriko , Ino Kenji , Tomii Naoki , Takagi Shu , Sakuma Ichiro , Ono Minoru , Sakaguchi Takuya
Published: January 2022

Accurate morphological information on aortic valve cusps is critical in treatment planning. Image segmentation is necessary to acquire this information, but manual segmentation is tedious and time consuming. In this paper, we propose a fully automatic aortic valve cusps segmentation method from CT images by combining two deep neural networks, spatial configuration-Net for detecting anatomical landmarks and U-Net for segmentation of aortic valve components. A total of 258 CT volumes of end systolic and end diastolic phases, which include cases with and without severe calcifications, were collected and manually annotated for each aortic valve component. The collected CT volumes were split 6:2:2 for the training, validation and test steps, and our method was evaluated by five-fold cross validation. The segmentation was successful for all CT volumes with 69.26 s as mean processing time. For the segmentation results of the aortic root, the right-coronary cusp, the left-coronary cusp and the non-coronary cusp, mean Dice Coefficient were 0.95, 0.70, 0.69, and 0.67, respectively. There were strong correlations between measurement values automatically calculated based on the annotations and those based on the segmentation results. The results suggest that our method can be used to automatically obtain measurement values for aortic valve morphology.
Use of Low-Cost Spherical Cameras for the Digitisation of Cultural Heritage Structures into 3D Point Clouds
Authors: Herban Sorin , Costantino Domenica , Alfio Vincenzo Saverio , Pepe Massimiliano
Published: January 2022

The digitization of Cultural Heritage is an important activity for the protection, management, and conservation of structures of particular historical and architectural interest. In this context, the use of low-cost sensors, especially in the photogrammetric field, represents a major research challenge. In this paper, the use of cameras capable of capturing a 360° scene with a single image was assessed. By using spherical photogrammetry and the algorithm based on the structure from motion and multi-view stereo, it is possible to reconstruct the geometry (point cloud) of an object or structure. In particular, for this experiment, the Ricoh theta SC2 camera was used. The analysis was conducted on two sites: one in the laboratory and another directly in the field for the digitization of a large structure (Colonada in Buziaș, Romania). In the case study of the laboratory, several tests were carried out to identify the best strategy for reconstructing the 3D model of the observed environment. In this environment, the approach that provided the best result in terms of both detail and dimensional accuracy was subsequently applied to the case study of Colonada in Buziaș. In this latter case study, a comparison of the point cloud generated by this low-cost sensor and one performed by a high-performance Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS), showed a difference of 15 centimeters for 80% of the points. In addition, the 3D point cloud obtained from 360° images is rather noisy and unable to construct complex geometries with small dimensions. However, the photogrammetric dataset can be used for the reconstruction of a virtual tour for the documentation and dissemination of Cultural Heritage.
Retinal Processing: Insights from Mathematical Modelling
Authors: Cessac Bruno
Published: January 2022

The retina is the entrance of the visual system. Although based on common biophysical principles, the dynamics of retinal neurons are quite different from their cortical counterparts, raising interesting problems for modellers. In this paper, I address some mathematically stated questions in this spirit, discussing, in particular: (1) How could lateral amacrine cell connectivity shape the spatio-temporal spike response of retinal ganglion cells? (2) How could spatio-temporal stimuli correlations and retinal network dynamics shape the spike train correlations at the output of the retina? These questions are addressed, first, introducing a mathematically tractable model of the layered retina, integrating amacrine cells’ lateral connectivity and piecewise linear rectification, allowing for computing the retinal ganglion cells receptive field together with the voltage and spike correlations of retinal ganglion cells resulting from the amacrine cells networks. Then, I review some recent results showing how the concept of spatio-temporal Gibbs distributions and linear response theory can be used to characterize the collective spike response to a spatio-temporal stimulus of a set of retinal ganglion cells, coupled via effective interactions corresponding to the amacrine cells network. On these bases, I briefly discuss several potential consequences of these results at the cortical level.
CORDIC Hardware Acceleration Using DMA-Based ISA Extension
Authors: Manor Erez , Ben-David Avrech , Greenberg Shlomo
Published: January 2022

The use of RISC-based embedded processors aimed at low cost and low power is becoming an increasingly popular ecosystem for both hardware and software development. High-performance yet low-power embedded processors may be attained via the use of hardware acceleration and Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) extension. Recent publications of AI have demonstrated the use of Coordinate Rotation Digital Computer (CORDIC) as a dedicated low-power solution for solving nonlinear equations applied to Neural Networks (NN). This paper proposes ISA extension to support floating-point CORDIC, providing efficient hardware acceleration for mathematical functions. A new DMA-based ISA extension approach integrated with a pipeline CORDIC accelerator is proposed. The CORDIC ISA extension is directly interfaced with a standard processor data path, allowing efficient implementation of new trigonometric ALU-based custom instructions. The proposed DMA-based CORDIC accelerator can also be used to perform repeated array calculations, offering a significant speedup over software implementations. The proposed accelerator is evaluated on Intel Cyclone-IV FPGA as an extension to Nios processor. Experimental results show a significant speedup of over three orders of magnitude compared with software implementation, while applied to trigonometric arrays, and outperforms the existing commercial CORDIC hardware accelerator.
Taxonomy and Ecology of Marine Algae
Authors: Park Bum Soo , Li Zhun
Published: January 2022

The term “algae” refers to a large diversity of unrelated phylogenetic entities, ranging from picoplanktonic cells to macroalgal kelps [...]
Three-Dimensional Simulations of Scour around Pipelines of Finite Lengths
Authors: Liang Dongfang , Huang Jie , Zhang Jingxin , Shi Shujing , Zhu Nichenggong , Chen Jun
Published: January 2022

In the past few decades, there have been many numerical studies on the scour around offshore pipelines, most of which concern two-dimensional setups, with the pipeline infinitely long and the flow perpendicular to the pipeline. Based on the Ansys FLUENT flow solver, this study establishes a numerical tool to study the three-dimensional scour around pipelines of finite lengths. The user-defined functions are written to calculate the sediment transport rate, update the bed elevation, and adapt the computational mesh to the new boundary. The correctness of the model has been verified against the measurements of the conventional two-dimensional scour around a long pipe and the three-dimensional scour around a sphere. A series of computations are subsequently carried out to discover how the scour hole is dependent on the pipeline length. It is found that the equilibrium scour depth increases with the pipeline length until the pipeline length exceeds four times the pipe diameter.
CFD Simulation and Experimental Study on Coupled Motion Response of Ship with Tank in Beam Waves
Authors: He Tao , Feng Dakui , Liu Liwei , Wang Xianzhou , Jiang Hua
Published: January 2022

Tank sloshing is widely present in many engineering fields, especially in the field of marine. Due to the trend of large-scale liquid cargo ships, it is of great significance to study the coupled motion response of ships with tanks in beam waves. In this study, the CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) method and experiments are used to study the response of a ship with/without a tank in beam waves. All the computations are performed by an in-house CFD solver, which is used to solve RANS (Reynold Average Navier-Stokes) equations coupled with six degrees-of-freedom solid-body motion equations. The Level Set Method is used to solve the free surface. Verification work on the grid number and time step size has been conducted. The simulation results agree with the experimental results well, which shows that the numerical method is accurate enough. In this paper, several different working conditions are set up, and the effects of the liquid height in the tank, the size of the tank and the wavelength ratio of the incident wave on the ship’s motion are studied. The results show the effect of tank sloshing on the ship’s motion in different working conditions.
Research on the Matching Characteristics of the Impellers and Guide Vanes of Seawater Desalination Pumps with High Capacity and Pressure
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Mingjiang , Ji Leilei , Wang Yulu , Awais Muhammad , Hu Jingning , Ye Xiaoyan
Published: January 2022

This paper presents the matching characteristics of impellers and guide vanes of high capacity and pressure seawater desalination pumps by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The single-stage pump is numerically calculated, and its external characteristics are consistent with the test results of model pump. Taking this scheme as a prototype, the research is carried out from three aspects: (i) the impeller blade outlet width; (ii) the number of impeller and guide vane blades; and (iii) the area ratio of impeller outlet to guide vane inlet. The results indicate that the blade outlet width significantly affects the pump head and efficiency. Appropriately increasing the number of guide vane blades or changing the number of impeller blades can improve efficiency and expand the high-efficiency area. Additionally, increasing the throat area of the guide vane has the opposite effect on the large flow and small flow area of the pump. An optimized hydraulic model design scheme is obtained.
Sound Field Fluctuations in Shallow Water in the Presence of Moving Nonlinear Internal Waves
Authors: Jiang Yanyu , Grigorev Valery , Katsnelson Boris
Published: January 2022

Fluctuations of sound intensity in the presence of moving nonlinear internal waves (NIWs) are studied. Prior works revealed the existence of peaks in the spectrum of these fluctuations due to mode coupling. In the given paper, the results of experiment ASIAEX 2001 are considered. Episodes are analyzed when soliton-like NIW move for ~6 h approximately along an acoustic track of length ~30 km. The depth of the ocean changes from ~350 m (position of the source) up to ~120 m near the receiver (Vertical Line Array). The source, placed near the bottom, transmitted pulses (M-sequences) with a frequency of 224 Hz. Theoretical analysis and numerical modeling show that peak frequencies in the spectrum of intensity fluctuations correspond to the most strongly interacting pairs of modes: in the given case pairs 2–3 and 3–4 and values of dominating frequencies are determined by the spatial scale of interference beating Λ of coupling modes and by the speed v of NIW. Due to the fact that in the narrowing channel velocity v decreases as well as the value of Λ, the predominant frequency as a function of time remains approximately the same. Results of modeling are in a good agreement with experimental data.
Efficacy and Safety of Enoxaparin versus New Oral Anticoagulants to Prevent Venous Thromboembolism after Total Hip Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alfarhan Mohammed Farhan A
Published: January 2022

Prophylactic anticoagulant therapy is recommended for reducing the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after a total hip replacement (THR). However, it is not clear which anticoagulant is preferable. Hence, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized double-blind controlled trials (RDBCTs) were conducted to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of enoxaparin in comparison with newer oral anticoagulants for the prevention of VTE after THR. The Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed/Medline databases were used for PICO search strategy. Relative risks (RR) of symptomatic VTE, clinically relevant bleeding, mortality, and a net clinical endpoint were estimated employing a random effect meta-analysis. ITC and RevMan software were used for indirect and direct comparisons, respectively. Nine RDBCTs comprising 24,584 patients were included. As compared to enoxaparin, a reduced risk for symptomatic VTE was observed with rivaroxaban (confidence interval [CI]: 0.32–0.77; RR: 0.46%) and comparable with apixaban (0.12–1.26; 0.42%) and dabigatran (0.22–2.20; 0.70%). Contrarily to enoxaparin, a greater risk for clinically relevant bleeding was observed with rivaroxaban (1.03–1.48; 1.23%), comparable with dabigatran (0.96–1.33; 1.10%) and reduced with apixaban (0.19–5.66; 0.96%). In indirect or direct comparisons, the interventions did not differ on the net clinical endpoint. In conclusion, the findings of this meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in the efficacy and safety of new oral anticoagulants as compared to enoxaparin for the prevention of VTE after total hip replacement surgery.