bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stains therapy and the risk of all bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled studies
Authors: Liu Xiong , Zhu Hailan , Zheng Haoxiao , Sun Lichang , Qiu Min , Huang Yuli
Published: December 2022

Aims

Statins had been used as a cornerstone in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Widespread attention had been given to the risk of bleeding, especially intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in patients receiving statins therapy. This study aimed to determine whether statins treatment was associated with the risk of bleeding and ICH in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Materials and methods

Electronic databases were searched for studies up to September 8, 2022. Articles from RCTs were included in the meta‐analysis if they reported the bleeding events associated with the treatment of statins or placebo/nonstatin treatment. The risk ratios (RR) of total bleeding and ICH were pooled from the number of patients with each outcome in the statins and control groups from the included studies.

Results

Twenty‐nine studies comprising 145,929 individuals (2437 incident bleeding cases) were included in the meta‐analysis. After a median follow‐up duration of 3.65 years, statins treatment was not associated with the risk of all bleeding (RR = 1.03, 95% CI 0.93−1.15). Furthermore, in 26 studies comprising 144,177 participants, after a median follow‐up duration of 3.95 years, statins treatment was not associated with the risk of ICH (RR = 1.05, 95% CI 0.84−1.31). Although in the subgroup analysis with patients with prior stroke, statins treatment showed an increased risk of ICH (RR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.07−2.01), sensitivity analysis showed that the result was unstable, which may be mainly driven by the SPARCL study.

Conclusions

Statins therapy is not associated with the risk of all bleeding and ICH. Although a mildly increased risk of ICH in patients with prior stroke is observed, which may be caused by chance finding and warrant further documentation.
Conservatively replacing missing anterior teeth with resin bonded ceramic restorations
Authors: Trushkowsky Richard , Asavanamuang Praewvanit , Khurana Deepakshi , Passaro Larry , Carnazza Guy
Published: December 2022

Objective

This article describes improvements in materials and adhesion technologies that have facilitated new, minimally invasive treatment for the replacement of missing anterior teeth.

Clinical Considerations

In the first of two case reports presented, the treatment of a 13‐year‐old female patient with a missing right lateral mandibular incisor is described. The patient was told she could not have an implant placed until she was 25 years of age and space post orthodontics was inadequate for implant placement. Treatment options included: a provisional removable appliance (flipper), an Essix appliance, or a resin‐bonded one‐wing lithium disilicate bridge with only slight modification to the right central incisor and a lingual wing on the canine. The second case report describes an adult female patient who had an impacted maxillary left canine that could not be pulled into position and wanted a replacement for the missing No. 11. This article demonstrates how the use a two‐abutment bridge consisting of an inlay in the first premolar and a lingual wing with a proximal retention groove and a vertical path of insertion is a viable alternative to an implant or a conventional bridge to replace a maxillary canine with minimal removal of tooth structure.

Conclusion

With the advent of new ceramic materials and improved adhesion minimally invasive prosthesis can be fabricated to replace missing teeth in the esthetic zone. Usually, one wing with a zirconia framework is recommended but Lithium disilicate can also be used depending on occlusal forces.

Clinical Significance

Resin‐bonded fixed dental prostheses (RBFDPs) can be used on occasion as a viable alternative to implants but case selection and adherence to appropriate adhesive techniques are key to longevity.
Small Bowel CLEansing Assessment and Report (SB‐CLEAR): Standardizing bowel preparation report in capsule endoscopy
Authors: Macedo Silva Vítor , Lima Capela Tiago , Freitas Marta , Sousa Magalhães Rui , Arieira Cátia , Xavier Sofia , Boal Carvalho Pedro , Rosa Bruno , Moreira Maria João , Cotter José
Published: December 2022

Background and aim

Small‐bowel (SB) cleansing is crucial to assess the reliability of capsule endoscopy (CE) findings. However, the presence of multiple grading systems is hampering their use in clinical practice. In 2020, Colon CLeansing Assessment and Report (CC‐CLEAR) was created and validated. We sought to develop and validate a new score for the evaluation of the SB cleansing, adapted from CC‐CLEAR, aiming to standardize CE reporting regarding the quality of preparation.

Methods

The new grading score, SB CLeansing Assessment and Report (SB‐CLEAR), divided the SB into three tertiles, each being scored depending on the percentage of visualized mucosa (0, < 50%; 1, 50%–75%; 2, > 75%; 3, > 90%). The overall classification was a sum of each segment score, graded between excellent, good, and inadequate (0–5). Any segment scoring ≤1 resulted in inadequate overall classification. CE videos were prospectively evaluated by two experienced CE readers blinded to each other.

Results

We included 52 CEs, 41(78.8%) female, with a mean age of 57.9 ± 17.9 years. Inter‐observer agreement was very strong for each tertile (first: r = 0.863; second: r = 0.865; third: r = 0.861; P < 0.001), which resulted in overall excellent correlation when considering the quality of preparation in all tertiles (r = 0.940; P < 0.001). By applying final classifications of “inadequate,” “good,” and “excellent,” correlation between observers was also very strong (r = 0.875; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

SB‐CLEAR is an innovative and reproducible grading score for evaluation of SB preparation quality in CE, with overall excellent inter‐observer agreement. Along with CC‐CLEAR, this may become a valuable tool to uniformize reporting of bowel preparation quality in CE.
A single protective polymorphism in the prion protein blocks cross‐species prion replication in cultured cells
Authors: Arshad Hamza , Patel Zeel , Amano Genki , Li Le yao , Al‐Azzawi Zaid A. M. , Supattapone Surachai , Schmitt‐Ulms Gerold , Watts Joel C.
Published: December 2022

The bank vole (BV) prion protein (PrP) can function as a universal acceptor of prions. However, the molecular details of BVPrP's promiscuity for replicating a diverse range of prion strains remain obscure. To develop a cultured cell paradigm capable of interrogating the unique properties of BVPrP, we generated monoclonal lines of CAD5 cells lacking endogenous PrP but stably expressing either hamster (Ha), mouse (Mo), or BVPrP (M109 or I109 polymorphic variants) and then challenged them with various strains of mouse or hamster prions. Cells expressing BVPrP were susceptible to both mouse and hamster prions, whereas cells expressing MoPrP or HaPrP could only be infected with species‐matched prions. Propagation of mouse and hamster prions in cells expressing BVPrP resulted in strain adaptation in several instances, as evidenced by alterations in conformational stability, glycosylation, susceptibility to anti‐prion small molecules, and the inability of BVPrP‐adapted mouse prion strains to infect cells expressing MoPrP. Interestingly, cells expressing BVPrP containing the G127V prion gene variant, identified in individuals resistant to kuru, were unable to become infected with prions. Moreover, the G127V polymorphic variant impeded the spontaneous aggregation of recombinant BVPrP. These results demonstrate that BVPrP can facilitate cross‐species prion replication in cultured cells and that a single amino acid change can override the prion‐permissive nature of BVPrP. This cellular paradigm will be useful for dissecting the molecular features of BVPrP that allow it to function as a universal prion acceptor.

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The Organizational Impact of Business Model Innovation: Assessing the Person‐Organization Fit
Authors: Menter Matthias , Göcke Lutz , Zeeb Christopher
Published: December 2022

Studies on business model innovation (BMI) have largely focused on firm performance, neglecting outcomes of BMI beyond financial performance indicators. Research lacks empirical findings from the internal organizational dynamics following the inherent transformation process induced by BMI. Rooting our analysis in configuration theory, the purpose of this paper is to shed light on the organizational impact of BMI. We employ the person‐organization fit concept and assess (unintentional) changes in the fit relationship subsequent to BMI. Our findings suggest that incremental BMI enhances fit whereas radical BMI decreases it. We further discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our study.
Incidental findings in cone beam computed tomography volumes: Calcified head‐and‐neck atheromas detected during dental evaluation
Authors: Amarin Rula , Alshalawi Heba , Zaghlol Raja , Price Jeffrey B. , Driscoll Carl F. , Romberg Elaine , Masri Radi
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Atheromas can be detected incidentally in routine dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. This study aims to assess prevalence and risk factors associated with these vascular lesions.

Materials and methods

The maxillofacial CBCTs of 458 subjects were evaluated and divided into 4 groups based on the presence of calcified atheroma: subjects with no calcified atheroma, subjects with intracranial calcified atheroma (ICA), subjects with extracranial calcified atheroma (ECA), and subjects exhibiting combined lesions. Age, sex, medical conditions, family history, and size were documented. Analysis of variance followed by a multiple comparison test was used for data satisfying parametric test assumptions. Chi‐squared tests were used to assess categorical data. The Spearman Rho test was used to assess the correlation between the incidence of calcified atheroma and subjects’ medical condition.

Results

Of the 458 CBCTs evaluated, 29.90% presented with calcified atheroma. Calcified atheroma prevalence was significantly higher in older patients versus younger patients (p = 0.004) and in males compared to females (p = 0.004). Males were more likely to have the combination of ICA and ECA, whereas females were more likely to have ICA alone (p ≤ 0.040). Patients with calcified atheroma were significantly more likely to have a history of hyperlipidemia (p = 0.001), hypertension (p = 0.001), and myocardial infarction/coronary artery diseases (p = 0.001). Overall, patients exhibiting both intracranial and extracranial lesions were more likely to have cardiovascular risk factors (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Incidentally detected calcified atheromas in CBCTs are common. Subjects with combined atheroma lesions are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease. The diagnosis of incidental calcified atheromas in CBCT's warrants early referral to medical specialists, especially if there is no medical history of existing cardiovascular disease.
Conceiving Mary's Agency: Towards a Barthian Mariology
Authors: de Stigter Christopher PAUL
Published: December 2022

This essay argues for the possibility of a ‘Barthian’ Mariology particularly through an analysis of human agency. I first show that Karl Barth's articulation of Mary in I/2 of the Church Dogmatics marginalizes Mary's agency in part due to his anti‐Roman Catholic polemic and his gender binary. I then correct Barth with Barth by showing how his mature Christology advances an account of human agency commensurate with Mariology. With this Christological account of human agency established, I construct a genuinely ‘Barthian’ Mariology that shows her as the eschatological and prototypical human agent.
Multiple chromatin‐associated modules regulate expression of an intracellular immune receptor gene in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yang Leiyun , Wang Zhixue , Hua Jian
Published: December 2022

The expression of an intracellular immune receptor gene SNC1 (SUPPRESSOR OF npr1, CONSTITUTIVE 1) is regulated by multiple chromatin‐associated proteins for tuning immunity and growth in Arabidopsis. Whether and how these regulators coordinate to regulate SNC1 expression under varying environmental conditions is not clear.

Here, we identified two activation and one repression regulatory modules based on genetic and molecular characterizations of five chromatin‐associated regulators of SNC1.

Modifier of snc1 (MOS1) constitutes the first module and is required for the interdependent functions of ARABIDOPSIS TRITHORAX‐RELATED 7 (ATXR7) and HISTONE MONOUBIQUITINATION 1 (HUB1) to deposit H3K4me3 and H2Bub1 at the SNC1 locus. CHROMATIN REMODELING 5 (CHR5) constitutes a second module and works independently of ATXR7 and HUB1 in the MOS1 module. HIGH EXPRESSION OF OSMOTICALLY RESPONSIVE GENES 15 (HOS15) constitutes a third module responsible for removing H3K9ac to repress SNC1 expression under nonpathogenic conditions. The upregulation of SNC1 resulting from removing the HOS15 repression module is partially dependent on the function of the CHR5 module and the MOS1 module.

Together, this study reveals both the distinct and interdependent regulatory mechanisms at the chromatin level for SNC1 expression regulation and highlights the intricacy of regulatory mechanisms of NLR expression under different environment.
Facilitating viral vector movement enhances heterologous protein production in an established plant system
Authors: Wang Xu , Prokhnevsky Alexei I. , Skarjinskaia Marina , Razzak Md Abdur , Streatfield Stephen J. , Lee Jung‐Youn
Published: December 2022

Molecular farming technology using transiently transformed Nicotiana plants offers an economical approach to the pharmaceutical industry to produce an array of protein targets including vaccine antigens and therapeutics. It can serve as a desirable alternative approach for those proteins that are challenging or too costly to produce in large quantities using other heterologous protein expression systems. However, since cost metrics are such a critical factor in selecting a production host, any system‐wide modifications that can increase recombinant protein yields are key to further improving the platform and making it applicable for a wider range of target molecules. Here, we report on the development of a new approach to improve target accumulation in an established plant‐based expression system that utilizes viral‐based vectors to mediate transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana. We show that by engineering the host plant to support viral vectors to spread more effectively between host cells through plasmodesmata, protein target accumulation can be increased by up to approximately 60%.
Allergic contact dermatitis to chlorhexidine‐containing antiseptics and their excipients in children: A series of six cases
Authors: Kefala Kalomoira , Ponvert Claude
Published: December 2022

Contact allergy to skin disinfectants is not often recognized in children. We report the cases of six children (1–16.5 years old) with allergic contact dermatitis to ingredients commonly contained in commercial antiseptic and cosmetic products. Patch test responses to chlorhexidine, benzyl alcohol, and benzalkonium chloride varied from one child to another one, but most children were sensitized to at least two components. In several of the cases, exposure had initially occurred in the neonatal period, but diagnosis occurred only after multiple reactions of increasing severity.
Quality of life and psychosocial outcomes of adults who were pediatric solid organ transplant recipients: A systematic review
Authors: Laliberté Durish Christianne , Lin Jia , Pol Sarah J. , Damer Alameen , Anthony Samantha J. , Wray Jo , Gold Anna
Published: December 2022

Background

The number of pediatric SOT recipients surviving into adulthood is increasing. Thus, understanding their psychosocial and QoL outcomes is important. We conducted a systematic review to collate existing literature examining QoL outcomes (physical functioning, psychological functioning, social functioning), as well as risk and protective factors associated with QoL, among adults who underwent SOT during childhood.

Methods

A systematic search of five databases, from inception to January 6, 2021, was conducted to identify articles that reported on QoL outcomes for adults (≥18‐year of age) who received a SOT during childhood (<19‐year of age).

Results

Twenty‐five articles met inclusion criteria. Studies examined QoL across a range of SOT populations (liver, kidney, heart). QoL and psychosocial outcomes were variable; however, the majority of studies indicated QoL in this population to be similar to the general population, or at least similar to other chronic illness groups, with the exception of physical and social functioning. Factors related to a more optimal medical course, younger age at transplant and follow‐up, and positive psychosocial functioning, were found to be predictive of better QoL outcomes.

Conclusions

While several studies indicated QoL to be similar to the general population, the literature is limited in both quantity and quality. No study employed prospective, longitudinal methodologies to systematically evaluate QoL over time and few studies utilized normative‐based measures of QoL. Furthermore, several SOT groups were under‐represented in the literature (e.g., lung, intestine, multi‐visceral). Nonetheless, findings have implications for intervention and clinical decision‐making.
Quorum sensing signals: Aquaculture risk factor
Authors: Priya P. Snega , Boopathi Seenivasan , Murugan Raghul , Haridevamuthu B. , Arshad Aziz , Arockiaraj Jesu
Published: December 2022

Bacteria produce several virulence factors and cause massive mortality in fish and crustaceans. Abundant quorum sensing (QS) signals and high cell density are essentially required for the production of such virulence factors. Although several strategies have been developed to control aquatic pathogens through antibiotics and QS inhibition, the impact of pre‐existing QS signals in the aquatic environment has been overlooked. QS signals cause detrimental effects on mammalian cells and induce cell death by interfering with multiple cellular pathways. Moreover, QS signals not only function as a messenger, but also annihilate the functions of the host immune system which implies that QS signals should be designated as a major virulence factor. Despite QS signals' role has been well documented in mammalian cells, their impact on aquatic organisms is still at the budding stage. However, many aquatic organisms produce enzymes that degrade and detoxify such QS signals. In addition, physical and chemical factors also determine the stability of the QS signals in the aqueous environment. The balance between QS signals and existing QS signals degrading factors essentially determines the disease progression in aquatic organisms. In this review, we highlight the impact of QS signals on aquatic organisms and further discussed potential alternative strategies to control disease progression.
Fertility results after exocervical insemination using goat semen cryopreserved with extenders based on egg yolk, skim milk, or soybean lecithin
Authors: Liang Jiachong , Larbi Allai , Lv Chunrong , Ali Sikandar , Wu Guoquan , Quan Guobo
Published: December 2022

To evaluate the effects of four extenders on the post‐thaw quality and fertility of goat semen, six Yunshang Black bucks' semen was collected, pooled, diluted with Andromed® (Andr®), Optidyl® (Opt®), P3644 Sigma l‐phosphatidylcholine (l‐α SL), and skim milk‐based (Milk) extenders, and then cryopreserved. The sperm motilities, abnormalities, membrane and acrosome integrity, mitochondrial activity, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were evaluated after thawing. After exocervical insemination with the thawed semen, the pregnancy, lambing, and twinning rates were recorded and compared. The results showed that sperm motilities, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial activity, and viable spermatozoa were significantly higher in the Andr® and Opt® groups than those in the l‐α SL and Milk groups (p < .05). Furthermore, there was no difference between Andr® and Opt® (p > .05). The sperm abnormality was lower in semen frozen with the Andr® or Opt® extenders, as compared to the l‐α SL or Milk extender (p < .05). Regarding, the viable cells with low ROS production, the optimal results were obtained in the semen frozen with Andr® and Opt® extenders. Following exocervical insemination, the pregnancy and lambing rates in the Milk group were significantly lower than those in the other groups (p < .05). No difference was found in the pregnancy and lambing rates between Andr®, Opt®, and l‐α SL (p > .05). Furthermore, the twinning rates were similar between these four groups (p > .05). In conclusion, egg yolk or skim milk can be substituted by soybean lecithin during cryopreservation of goat semen.
Reforms and education inequality in Ghana
Authors: Afoakwah Clifford , Deng Xin , Onur Ilke
Published: December 2022

We analyze the evolvement of education inequality and the gender gap in Ghana before and after two major education reforms. Using different measures of inequality, our findings suggest that the gender gap at the basic school level has closed following the introduction of the education expansion policies, but inequalities persist at the postbasic school levels and across regions. We further demonstrate that the educational expansion–schooling inequality nexus is best illustrated by an inverted U‐shaped Kuznets curve. We find that after an average of 6 years of schooling has been reached, inequality starts to decline, and gender equality can be achieved when the average years of schooling reach 9.
Hyperkeratotic erythema multiforme variant in 17 dogs
Authors: Banovic Frane , Olivry Thierry , Artlet Barbara , Rothstein Emily , Beco Luc , Linek Monika , Zabel Sonja , Peters‐Kennedy Jeanine , Welle Monika , Wilkes Rebecca , Austel Michaela , Linder Keith
Published: December 2022

Background

A new canine subgroup defined as ‘old‐dog’ or ‘hyperkeratotic’ erythema multiforme (HKEM) with marked hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis has been proposed without any detailed description of larger case series.

Objectives

We report herein the signalment, clinical signs, treatment outcome, and histopathological and immunological findings in 17 dogs with HKEM.

Animals

Inclusion criteria were the presence of (i) scaly skin lesions with or without crusting; and (ii) microscopic lesions typical of EM (i.e. a panepidermal cytotoxic lymphocytic dermatitis with or without basal keratinocyte apoptosis); and (iii) microscopic ortho‐ and/or parakeratotic hyperkeratosis affecting the interfollicular epidermis.

Materials and Methods

Clinical questionnaires and skin biopsies were reviewed. Polymerase chain reactions for epidermotropic viruses and direct immunofluorescence were performed.

Results

Various breeds were affected with an over‐representation of males in their mid‐to‐late adulthood (median age 9 years). Generalised skin lesions included multifocal‐to‐coalescing, linear and annular macules and plaques with erythema and adherent firm crusting. Microscopic lesions were specific for EM and featured prominent superficial epidermal apoptosis with lymphocytic satellitosis and parakeratosis. No drug triggers were identified. Polymerase chain reactions for canine herpesvirus polymerase gene, canine parvovirus and canine distemper virus were negative in all HKEM and canine erosive EM (15 dogs) biopsies. Lesions failed to respond to oral and/or topical antimicrobials. Complete remission of signs was achieved in 9 of 17 dogs (53%) using immunosuppressive regimens.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Hyperkeratotic erythema multiforme (HKEM) is a chronic, persistent and clinically distinctive erythema multiforme (EM) variant that differs from ‘classic’ vesiculobullous erosive‐to‐ulcerative EM in dogs.
Posterior lens capsule rupture in non‐diabetic canine cataracts: Pre‐operative, intra‐operative, and post‐operative findings
Authors: Verloop Alexander B. W. , Read Robert A. , Anastassiadis Zoe
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To describe clinical features of non‐diabetic canine cataracts with presumed pre‐existing posterior capsule rupture (PLCR) and their surgical outcomes.

Methods

Clinical records of 497 non‐diabetic canines that underwent elective cataract surgery were reviewed. Twelve canines met the inclusion criteria indicative of PLCR pre‐dating surgery.

Results

The incidence of presumed pre‐existing PLCR was 12/497 (2.4%). Cataracts included were unilateral in 10 out of 12 canines (83.3%) and bilateral in the remaining two (16.7%). Four eyes (28.6%) had clinically detectable pre‐operative lens‐induced uveitis. The mean age at cataract diagnosis for cases included was 6.6 years, and golden retrievers were the most common breed affected (28.6%). Phacoemulsification surgery was performed at a median time of 110 days (range 17–403 days) after presentation. Pre‐existing PLCR was found intra‐operatively as a large ellipse spanning the posterior capsule from equator to equator centrally in 12 eyes and peripherally in two eyes. The capsular defect in all eyes with PLCR incorporated a distinct “pseudo‐capsule” preventing vitreal presentation and ruling out intraoperative surgeon rupture. Ten eyes (71.4%) received an intraocular lens implant (IOL), and 13 eyes (92.9%) maintained vision throughout a mean follow‐up period of 12 months.

Conclusion

Posterior lens capsule rupture of blunt trauma origin and associated cataract formation, as reported in humans, may also be an infrequent but distinct cause of some cases of non‐diabetic canine cataracts. Medical management of phacolytic uveitis and delayed phacoemulsification surgery may be beneficial by allowing time for “pseudo‐capsule” development, increasing the likelihood of IOL placement and improved visual outcomes.
Application of OSCE using a Virtual Assessment Platform
Authors: Kim Jeremiah Y. , AlDosari Muath A. , Park Sang
Published: December 2022

Introduction: This study describes the development and implementation of a virtual objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) as an alternative to in-person OSCEs during the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluates its efficacy and reception by students and faculty.Methods: The virtual OSCE was conducted over Zoom (Zoom Video Communications, Inc. San Jose, CA) with students rotating through each discipline via Breakout Rooms. This study examined all 241 OSCE results from the HSDM classes of 2016-2022, with 170 in-person OSCE results and 71 virtual OSCE results. Descriptive and linear regression analysis were used to report the difference in OSCE experience and scores between virtual and in-person OSCEs.Results: Out of 100, the adjusted average score difference was 0.66 higher in virtual OSCE experience compared to in-person assessment, but it was not statistically significant (95%CI=-0.45, 1.78). A total of 35 students (49%) and 14 faculty responded to a survey regarding their virtual OSCE experience. Most students surveyed agreed that the virtual OSCE was effective (94%), accessible (97%), and should be offered post-pandemic (74%). The majority of faculty were neutral regarding the virtual OSCE as a comparable learning experience (76%) and in its accessibility (71%), and only 14% agreed that virtual OSCE should be offered in the future.Conclusion: The results show that the virtual OSCE can be a reasonable alternative to the in-person OSCE when primarily considering its clinical impact and suggest a viable role for virtual OSCE post-pandemic. Technological proficiency training could improve perceptions regarding future virtual OSCE implementation.
Modelo discreto aleatorio para calcular el índice de pérdidas desencadenante de los Cat Bonds
Authors: Pérez Fructuoso María José
Published: December 2022

En este trabajo se propone un modelo discreto aleatorio que describe la evolución del índice de pérdidas desencadenante de los bonos sobre catástrofes. Para ello, se supone que la cuantía total de la catástrofe es la suma de la cuantía declarada de siniestros y de la cuantía de siniestros pendientes de declaración. Tras establecer una dinámica de la declaración de siniestros determinista, en la que la aleatoriedad del modelo reside únicamente en la ocurrencia o no de una catástrofe se introduce la aleatoriedad en el modelo substituyendo la tasa de nominal de declaración de siniestros por una variable aleatoria dicotómica que permite simular una declaración de siniestros lenta o rápida en cada periodo.
Medición de indicadores de salud mental de población en contexto de conflicto armado en Colombia: revisión de alcance
Authors: López-López Wilson , Rubio León Diana Carolina , García-Padilla Dennys , Cakal Huseyin , Abitbol Pablo , Pineda Claudia , Rocha Daniela , Reyes Rivera María Juliana , Guzmán Duarte Andrés Felipe
Published: December 2022

El conflicto armado ha marcado las diferentes dimensiones de vida de la población colombiana por lo que ha sido objeto de diversos estudios, generando la necesidad de evaluar el abordaje e instrumentos utilizados para medir indicadores de salud mental de población en contexto de conflicto armado. Esta investigación pretende analizar artículos científicos que aborden dichos indicadores y que utilicen instrumentos psicométricos para tal fin. Se realizó una revisión de alcance siguiendo la metodología PRISMA y utilizando el software CADIMA. La búsqueda bibliográfica se hizo en las bases de datos Web of Science, Scielo y Scopus, usando términos claves en inglés y español. Se analizaron 21 artículos en los que se identifica el uso de 53 instrumentos, siendo los más aplicados el AUDIT y la CIDI-CAPI. La mayoría de los artículos reportaron afectaciones relacionadas con estrés postraumático, ansiedad, depresión y consumo de sustancias. Se encontraron pocos estudios de validación o construcción de instrumentos. Es necesario fortalecer el trabajo en el desarrollo y validación de pruebas para evaluar indicadores de salud mental en poblaciones víctimas del conflicto armado colombiano, con las que se posibilite una mejor valoración de las afectaciones.
Telepsicología en un centro de atención psicológica universitario durante el COVID-19: Experiencias de consultantes y estudiantes
Authors: Colón Llamas Tatiana , Escobar Altare Andrea , Ramírez Castro María Fernanda , Bermúdez Jaimes Milton Eduardo , López Sánchez María Camila , Castellanos Urrego Sergio Guillermo
Published: December 2022

El uso de la telepsicología como herramienta para la atención en salud mental ha presentado en las últimas décadas un importante incremento a nivel mundial. En Colombia, a pesar de existir servicios de teleconsulta, la publicación de estudios es limitada. A raíz de la crisis de salud generada por la pandemia por COVID-19 se implementó el servicio de atención por telepsicología en un centro de atención psicológica universitario. El presente trabajo se propuso caracterizar las experiencias de la atención en la modalidad de telepsicología de consultantes y estudiantes en práctica clínica, con el fin de ampliar el conocimiento en el área y aportar a la evaluación de la viabilidad de estos servicios. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de caracterización con un diseño transversal. Se aplicó un cuestionario a 253 consultantes y 77 estudiantes, construido por el equipo investigador. La información obtenida mostró que la atención por telepsicología logró altos niveles de satisfacción con el tratamiento recibido, la posibilidad de establecer vínculo terapéutico y el desarrollo de habilidades clínicas en los estudiantes, siendo esta modalidad de atención una alternativa útil para deponer barreras de atención en salud. Se sugiere realizar estudios de seguimiento en diferentes momentos para mayor fiabilidad de los resultados.
Role of dose optimization in Ru atomic layer deposition for low resistivity films
Authors: Wang Victor , Breeden Michael , Ashburn Nickolas , Bergschneider Matthew , Spiegelman Jacob , Simka Harsono , Cho Kyeongjae , Kummel Andrew C.
Published: December 2022

Ruthenium (Ru) is an alternative to copper (Cu) and cobalt (Co) interconnect layers in sub 20 nm features due to its low resistivity in scaled wires and low diffusion into porous low-K dielectrics (SiCOH). Two goals for a successful Ru atomic layer deposition (ALD) process are to enable films with resistivity values as close as possible to that of bulk Ru and to enable selective deposition to achieve bottom-up fill of vias. In this work, the effects of dose variation on resistivity and selectivity of the Ru ALD process using a dicarbonyl-bis(5-methyl-2, 4-hexanediketonato) Ru(II) precursor, Ru(IHD)2(CO)2 (“Carish”), and O2/He coreactant were investigated. Instead of varying the Carish precursor dose to optimize the growth rate per cycle, the precursor dose was optimized to reduce the film resistivity from 18.5 to 10.2 μΩ cm. By varying the O2/He coreactant dose, the substrate selectivity of the ALD process was successfully enhanced as evidenced by the increased nucleation delay on bis(N,N-dimethylamino)dimethylsilane passivated SiO2 over hydrofluoric acid-cleaned SiO2. These findings highlight the importance of dose optimization beyond the ALD saturation point in developing a selective and low resistivity Ru ALD process. Density functional theory calculations were performed to provide a mechanistic understanding of the underlying surface reactions of the Carish precursor and the roles of CH3 passivation and O2 coreactants.
A stacked self-attention network for two-dimensional direction-of-arrival estimation in hands-free speech communication
Authors: Yang Yi , Chen Hangting , Zhang Pengyuan
Published: December 2022

When making voice interactions with hands-free speech communication devices, direction-of-arrival estimation is an essential step. To address the detrimental influence of unavoidable background noise and interference speech on direction-of-arrival estimation, this paper introduces a stacked self-attention network system, a supervised deep learning method that enables utterance level estimation without requirement for any pre-processing such as voice activity detection. Specifically, alternately stacked time- and frequency-dependent self-attention blocks are designed to process information in terms of time and frequency, respectively. The former blocks focus on the importance of each time frame of the received audio mixture and perform temporal selection to reduce the influence of non-speech and interference frames, while the latter blocks are utilized to derive inner-correlation among different frequencies. Additionally, the non-causal convolution and self-attention networks are replaced by causal ones, enabling real-time direction-of-arrival estimation with a latency of only 6.25 ms. Experiments with simulated and measured room impulse responses, as well as real recordings, verify the advantages of the proposed method over the state-of-the-art baselines.
A Single Session of Mindfulness Meditation Expedites Immediate Motor Memory Consolidation to Improve Wakeful Offline Learning
Authors: Brown James O. , Chatburn Alex , Wright David L. , Immink Maarten A.
Published: December 2022

Posttraining meditation has been shown to promote wakeful memory stabilization of explicit motor sequence information in learners who are experienced meditators. We investigated the effect of single-session mindfulness meditation on wakeful and sleep-dependent forms of implicit motor memory consolidation in meditation naïve adults. Immediately after training with a target implicit motor sequence, participants (N = 20, eight females, 23.9 ± 3.3 years) completed either a 10-min mindfulness meditation (N = 10) or a control listening task before exposure to task interference induced by training with a novel implicit sequence. Target sequence performance was tested following 5-hr wakeful and 15-hr postsleep periods. Bayesian inference was applied to group comparisons of mean reaction time (RT) changes across training, interference, wakeful, and postsleep timepoints. Relative to control conditions, posttraining meditation reduced RT slowing between target sequence training and interference sequence introduction (BF10 [Bayes factors] = 6.61) and supported RT performance gains over the wakeful period (BF10 = 8.34). No group differences in postsleep RT performance were evident (BF10 = 0.38). These findings illustrate that posttraining mindfulness meditation expedites wakeful, but not sleep-dependent, offline learning with implicit motor sequences. Previous meditation experience is not required to obtain wakeful consolidation gains from posttraining mindfulness meditation.
Characterization of a Novel CD4 Mimetic Compound YIR-821 against HIV-1 Clinical Isolates
Authors: Matsumoto Kaho , Kuwata Takeo , Tolbert William D. , Richard Jonathan , Ding Shilei , Prévost Jérémie , Takahama Shokichi , Judicate George P. , Ueno Takamasa , Nakata Hirotomo , Kobayakawa Takuya , Tsuji Kohei , Tamamura Hirokazu , Smith Amos B. , Pazgier Marzena , Finzi Andrés , Matsushita Shuzo
Published: December 2022

Small CD4-mimetic compound (CD4mc) interacts with the Phe43 cavity and triggers conformational changes, enhancing antibody-mediated neutralization and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Here, we evaluated the effect of YIR-821, a novel CD4mc, against clinical isolates, including both subtype B and non-B subtype viruses.
Avian Reovirus σA Protein Inhibits Type I Interferon Production by Abrogating Interferon Regulatory Factor 7 Activation
Authors: Gao Li , Liu Rui , Luo Dan , Li Kai , Qi Xiaole , Liu Changjun , Zhang Yanping , Cui Hongyu , Wang Suyan , Gao Yulong , Wang Xiaomei
Published: December 2022

ARV, the causative agent of viral arthritis or tenosynovitis in chickens, has a significant economic impact as it results in poor weight gain and increased feed conversion ratios. The MDA5-mediated IFN-β signal pathway plays an important role in host antiviral defense.
Involvement of Microbiota in Insect Physiology: Focus on B Vitamins
Authors: Serrato-Salas Javier , Gendrin Mathilde
Published: December 2022

Insects are highly successful in colonizing a wide spectrum of ecological niches and in feeding on a wide diversity of diets. This is notably linked to their capacity to get from their microbiota any essential component lacking in the diet such as vitamins and amino acids.
A Brief History of the Discovery of RNA-Mediated Antiviral Immune Defenses in Vector Mosquitos
Authors: Blair Carol D.
Published: December 2022

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) persist in a natural cycle that includes infections of humans or other vertebrates and transmission between vertebrates by infected arthropods, most commonly mosquitos. Arboviruses can cause serious, sometimes fatal diseases in humans and other vertebrates but cause little pathology in their mosquito vectors.
Draft Genome Sequences of 14 Fungal Species from
Alternaria
Section
Infectoriae
Authors: Fulcher Michael R. , Bergstrom Gary C.
Published: December 2022

Isolates representing 14
Alternaria
section
Infectoriae
species collected from diverse hosts and locations were shotgun sequenced. These genome assemblies and annotations will improve the study of taxonomy and biology in this group of ubiquitous fungi.
Characteristics of the ErmK Protein of Bacillus halodurans C-125
Authors: Kim Sung Keun , Min Yu Hong , Jin Hyung Jong
Published: December 2022

Erm proteins confer MLS
B
antibiotic resistance (minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC] value up to 4,096 μg/mL) on microorganisms ranging from antibiotic producers to pathogens, imposing one of the most pressing threats to clinics. Therefore, Erm proteins have long been speculated to be plausible targets for developing inhibitor(s).
Direct Numerical Simulation of Acoustic Turbulence: Zakharov–Sagdeev Spectrum
Authors: Kochurin E. A. , Kuznetsov E. A.
Published: December 2022

We present the results of direct numerical simulation of three-dimensional acoustic turbulence in medium with weak positive dispersion. It is shown that at the beginning of the long-wavelength region in the turbulence energy distribution in the k-space, there are formed jets in the form of narrow cones. At higher wavenumbers, the cones broaden, and the distribution accordingly tends to isotropic. In this region of wavenumbers, the angle-averaged turbulence spectrum acquires a power-law character, $$E(k) \propto {{k}^{{ - \alpha }}}$$, with the exponent close to 3/2, which corresponds to the Zakharov–Sagdeev weak acoustic turbulence spectrum.
Novel 3D-Printed Alumina Monolith Catalysts for Hydroconversion of Tar
Authors: Lysikov A. I. , Vorobyeva E. E. , Polukhin A. V. , Lazarenko N. S. , Vdovichenko V. A. , Parkhomchuk E. V.
Published: December 2022

This paper reports on a novel method for the preparation of monolith catalysts using a 3D-printed matrix. The development included an investigation into potential approaches to improving the strength of alumina catalysts, 3D printing of a polymer matrix (template) with a specific channel structure, preparation of templated monolith catalysts, an examination of their physicochemical properties, and testing of these catalysts in hydroconversion of tar. Using an indirect template method, this study is the first to prepare a Al2O3 monolith catalyst with a Schwartz surface microstructure. The extrudate drying rate was found to be the most important parameter for the synthesis of high-strength catalysts. The activity of the monolith catalyst proved to be comparable—and in some parameters even markedly superior—to that of similar granular samples. The tar hydroconversion product consisted of super heavy oil with 2.8 wt % of sulfur.
Chronic management of pulmonary embolism in thromboangiitis obliterans
Authors: Martinho Mariana , Fonseca Ana Glória , Calé Rita , Pereira Helder Horta
Published: December 2022

Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO), also known as Buerger’s disease, is a rare small vessel vasculitis that is associated with an increased risk of arterial occlusion. Although venous thromboembolism has been described, the risk of its recurrence and the best long-term anticoagulation management is not known. Considering this, we would like to share our experience with two patients admitted to our hospital with recurrent pulmonary embolism and previous diagnosis of TAO, aiming to discuss the indication for indefinite anticoagulation in this population.
Pylephlebitis after sigmoid colonic polypectomy
Authors: Saito Yuna , Nishizawa Toshinori , Arioka Hiroko
Published: December 2022

A man in his 40s presented with a 7-day history of fever and abdominal pain after polypectomy of the sigmoid colon. On physical examination, he had mild tenderness on deep palpation of the left lower abdominal quadrants without guarding, rigidity or rebound tenderness. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed the thrombosis of the inferior mesenteric vein and the portal vein. Blood cultures were positive forEscherichia coli. We diagnosed him with pylephlebitis after colonic polypectomy, as a rare complication. He was started on cefmetazole and heparin. Antibiotic and anticoagulation therapy were initiated. He had a complete recovery within 17 days. The patient had no evidence of underlying hypercoagulable condition, and no signs of recurrence at a 3-month follow-up. Pylephlebitis after colonic polypectomy is extremely rare. Although bacteraemia after colonoscopy was a rare complication, phlebitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients who present with persisted fever and abdominal pain after polypectomy.
Social mixing patterns in the UK following the relaxation of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, July–August 2020: a cross-sectional online survey
Authors: Bridgen Jessica RE , Jewell Chris , Read Jonathan M
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To quantify and characterise non-household contact and to identify the effect of shielding and isolating on contact patterns.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting and participants

Anyone living in the UK was eligible to take part in the study. We recorded 5143 responses to the online questionnaire between 28 July 2020 and 14 August 2020.

Outcome measures

Our primary outcome was the daily non-household contact rate of participants. Secondary outcomes were propensity to leave home over a 7 day period, whether contacts had occurred indoors or outdoors locations visited, the furthest distance travelled from home, ability to socially distance and membership of support bubble.

Results

The mean rate of non-household contacts per person was 2.9 d-1. Participants attending a workplace (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 3.33, 95% CI 3.02 to 3.66), self-employed (aIRR 1.63, 95% CI 1.43 to 1.87) or working in healthcare (aIRR 5.10, 95% CI 4.29 to 6.10) reported significantly higher non-household contact rates than those working from home. Participants self-isolating as a precaution or following Test and Trace instructions had a lower non-household contact rate than those not self-isolating (aIRR 0.58, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.79). We found limited evidence that those shielding had reduced non-household contacts compared with non-shielders.

Conclusion

The daily rate of non-household interactions remained lower than prepandemic levels measured by other studies, suggesting continued adherence to social distancing guidelines. Individuals attending a workplace in-person or employed as healthcare professionals were less likely to maintain social distance and had a higher non-household contact rate, possibly increasing their infection risk. Shielding and self-isolating individuals required greater support to enable them to follow the government guidelines and reduce non-household contact and therefore their risk of infection.
Relation of salivary MMP-8 with oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma: a cross sectional analytical study
Authors: Kazmi Anum , Abbas Zia , Saleem Zohra , Haider Safdar , Farooqui Waqas Ahmed , Ahmed Shaheen
Published: December 2022

Objectives

We aim to evaluate salivary matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-8) levels in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) for the purpose of diagnosis at the early stage via non-invasive method.

Setting

The study was multicentre, carried out at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

Participants

A total 60 participants of any age, sex and ethnicity were randomly selected for the purpose of this study. Patients demonstrating clinical evidence of OSF and biopsy-proven cases of OSCC were included. Patients with indeterminate histopathological report, immunodeficiency, autoimmune disorder, chronic medical and periodontal disease (periodontal depth greater than 5 mm) and individuals with interincisal mouth opening greater than 35 mm were excluded from the study.

Interventions

Salivary MMP-8 levels were observed in OSF, healthy and OSCC groups by using ELISA. One way analysis of variance was applied to establish whether MMP-8 levels of disease-free individuals and patients suffering from OSF and OSCC differed from each other.

Results

Statistically significant difference in salivary MMP-8 expression in diseased and control group was observed. MMP-8 levels in OSCC (0.64 ng/mL) and OSF (0.66 ng/mL) were underexpressed as compared with healthy participants (7.9 ng/mL).

Conclusion

MMP-8 levels were underexpressed in OSCC and OSF patients as compared with controls, which imply that MMP-8 level has an inverse relation with OSCC and OSF.