bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Circulating Copeptin Levels Are Associated with Vaso-Occlusive Crisis and Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Deveci Onur Sinan , Ozmen Caglar , Karaaslan Muhammet Bugra , Celik Aziz Inan , Rahimova Hatice , Akray Anil , Tepe Omer , Gurkan Emel , Deniz Ali
Published: December 2021

Objective: Vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is a common clinical manifestation of sickle cell anemia (SCA) and is associated with increased proinflammatory mediators. Copeptin is the C-terminal part of the prohormone for provasopressin and seems clinically relevant in various clinical conditions. Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction significantly appears in SCA patients due to pulmonary hypertension. This study aimed to investigate the association of copeptin levels in VOC patients and evaluate RV dysfunction. Materials and Methods: A total of 108 patients were enrolled in the study. Twenty-eight SCA patients in steady state (30.2 ± 0.9 years), 25 SCA patients in VOC (36.8 ± 11.8 years), and 55 healthy individuals (31.9 ± 9.4 years) with HbAA genotype were included. Clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory data were recorded. ELISA was used for the determination of serum levels of copeptin. Results: VOC patients had significantly higher copeptin level compared both with controls and SCA subjects in steady state (22.6 ± 13.0 vs. 11.3 ± 5.7 pmol/L, 22.6 ± 13.0 vs. 12.4 ± 5.8 pmol/L, p = 0.009 for both). Additionally, the copeptin level was significantly higher in SCA patients with RV dysfunction than those without RV dysfunction (23.2 ± 12.2 vs. 15.3 ± 9.5 pmol/L, p = 0.024). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and copeptin levels were found to be associated with VOC. Conclusion: This study showed that copeptin and hs-CRP levels were increased in patients with VOC, and it was found that RV dysfunction was more common in SCA patients with VOC than in the control group. Copeptin can be considered for use as a potential biomarker in predicting VOC crisis in SCA patients and in the early detection of patients with SCA who have the potential to develop RV dysfunction.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in the Treatment of Obesity
Authors: Jensterle Mojca , Janež Andrej
Published: December 2021

Background: Obesity treatment based on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) proved to limit morbidity and mortality in adult population. In children, optimizing lifestyle intervention (LSI) and reducing culpable environmental exposures represent the mainstay strategy for obesity prevention and management. However, there remains a subset of children and adolescents whose obesity is resistant to lifestyle approach. For these poor responders, the need for safe and effective weight-reducing agents is apparent. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the efficacy and safety of approved GLP-1 RA in the management of adult and pediatric obesity. Summary: We presented the main outcomes of clinical trial programs called SCALE and STEP that supported a market authorization approval for liraglutide and semaglutide for the treatment of obesity in adult population. Then, we summarized the studies on the efficacy of GLP-1 RA in pediatric obesity that have been accumulating from 2 larger studies with liraglutide and few other smaller studies with exenatide and liraglutide. The results indicate that GLP-1 RA is safe, tolerable, and effective in reducing weight and also in improving cardiometabolic profile in children with obesity and poor response to LSI alone. At present, liraglutide is the first and so far the only GLP-1 RA that received FDA approval in 2020 for use in children aged 12–17 years with obesity. New trials including semaglutide for pediatric obesity are ongoing. Key Messages: There is a strong interest in current use and further development of obesity treatments based on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonism. In adolescents with obesity, who are poor responders to lifestyle approach, the use of GLP-1 RA as an adjunct to LSI is effective and safe. Due to limited experience, a general recommendation is to prioritize long acting over short acting GLP-1 RA because they are approved for the treatment of obesity and have better tolerability, safety, and treatment response effect. In the future research, more high-grade evidence including novel iterations of GLP-1 agonism and long-term follow-ups are needed in pediatric population.
Effects of Cilostazol and Isosorbide Mononitrate on Cerebral Hemodynamics in the LACI-1 Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Blair Gordon W. , Janssen Esther , Stringer Michael S. , Thrippleton Michael J. , Chappell Francesca , Shi Yulu , Hamilton Iona , Flaherty Katie , Appleton Jason P. , Doubal Fergus N. , Bath Philip M. , Wardlaw Joanna M.
Published: December 2021

Background and Purpose:

Cerebral small vessel disease—a major cause of stroke and dementia—is associated with cerebrovascular dysfunction. We investigated whether short-term isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) and cilostazol, alone or in combination, improved magnetic resonance imaging–measured cerebrovascular function in patients with lacunar ischemic stroke.

Methods:

Participants were randomized to ISMN alone, cilostazol alone, both ISMN and cilostazol, or no medication. Participants underwent structural, cerebrovascular reactivity (to 6% carbon dioxide) and phase-contrast pulsatility magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and after 8 weeks of medication.

Results:

Of 27 participants (mean age, 68±7.7; 44% female), 22 completed cerebrovascular reactivity and pulsatility imaging with complete datasets. White matter cerebrovascular reactivity increased in the ISMN (β=0.021%/mm Hg [95% CI, 0.003–0.040]) and cilostazol (β=0.035%/mm Hg [95% CI, 0.014–0.056]) monotherapy groups and in those taking any versus no medication (β=0.021%/mm Hg [95% CI, 0.005–0.037]).

Conclusions:

While limited by small sample size, we demonstrate that measuring cerebrovascular function with magnetic resonance imaging is feasible in clinical trials and that ISMN and cilostazol may improve cerebrovascular function.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02481323. URL:
www.isrctn.com
; Unique identifier: ISRCTN12580546. URL:
www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu
; Unique identifier: EudraCT 2015-001953-33.
Inter-individual differences of calling and exploratory behaviour in a lebinthine cricket species hint at different mate-finding strategies
Authors: Tan Ming Kai , Schöneich Stefan , Robillard Tony
Published: December 2021

Individual fitness can be boosted by behavioural strategies that maximise mate-finding probability while minimising predation risk. Animals that use acoustics to find mates may benefit from using both stationary calling and active exploration, but these also expose them to different types of predators. Studying calling and searching behaviours concurrently allows us to understand their evolutionary trade-offs between survival and reproduction. Unlike most other crickets, lebinthine males alternate between singing and exploration to find females, which offer a unique and excellent opportunity to test for inter-individual differences and behavioural syndrome between call properties and exploratory behaviours. Our data demonstrate that call properties and exploratory behaviour were repeatable. We did not, however, find that call properties correlate with exploration as some consistently exploratory individuals produce longer calls while others produce shorter calls. Our study suggests that lebinthine males use different combinations of calling and exploratory behaviours to cope with unpredictable risk–benefit scenarios.
Case alignment in Kabyle Amazigh
Authors: Felice Lydia
Published: December 2021

This paper examines the state alternation in Kabyle, arguing that state is the morphological realization of Case. The free state is accusative case, and the construct state is nominative case. Taking morphological patterns and syntactic distribution into account, Kabyle is found to be a Type 2 marked nominative language. Both states, or cases, are morphologically marked. The free state is the default case. This analysis accounts for the bulk of the distribution of free state and construct state nouns, and situates Kabyle as belonging to a typologically rare alignment system that is concentrated in Afroasiatic and African languages.
On interdental fricatives in the first-layer dialects of Maghrebi Arabic
Authors: Guerrero Jairo
Published: December 2021

The present paper aims at revisiting the question of interdental fricatives in the so-called pre-Hilali Arabic dialects, that is the descendants of the first stage of Arabicization in North Africa. It attempts to challenge, from a diachronic and comparative approach, the view that the absence of interdental fricatives—and their merger with dental stops—is a hallmark of pre-Hilali Arabic. On the basis of neglected data, we will provide evidence suggesting that interdental phonemes occur or did occur in some of the Arabic dialects which resulted from the early Muslim conquest of North Africa.
A Ḥarsusi text re-examined
Authors: Rubin Aaron D.
Published: December 2021

Ḥarsusi, one of the six languages that comprise the Modern South Arabian branch of the Semitic family, is still rather poorly attested. One of the major sources of information is a small corpus of texts collected by T.M. Johnstone and published posthumously by Harry Stroomer. The errors present in that published edition have a negative impact on our limited understanding of Ḥarsusi grammar and vocabulary. The present article, which includes a re-edition of one of Johnstone’s texts, along with translation and commentary, aims to improve upon our current knowledge of Ḥarsusi.
Arabic loanwords in seven Ethiopian languages
Authors: Alqarni Muteb
Published: December 2021

Within the Theory of Constraints and Repair Strategies (Paradis, 1988a,b; Paradis & LaCharité, 1993, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2008, henceforth TCRS), we provide a formal analysis to the Arabic loanwords in seven languages spoken in Ethiopia: Ge’ez, Tigre, Tigrinya, Amharic, Harari, Argobba and Gurage. The analysis draws upon a corpus of 540 loanwords extracted from the works of Leslau (1956a,b,c; 1957a,b,c; 1958; 1963; 1990). The article presents theoretical challenges to the TCRS Loanword Model (Paradis & LaCharité, 1997), in particular to the Threshold Principle which stipulates that an illicit segment should universally undergo less than two repairs to be licensed in the borrowing language; beyond this limit, it will be deleted. The adaptations of Arabic segmental malformations in these seven Ethiopian languages, however, exceed this number totaling in certain cases to six repairs. The article also discusses the Arabic gutturals, [ʔ], [ʕ] and [ħ], which undergo unpredictable deletion in Amharic and Argobba, showing that the Non-Availability Hypothesis (Paradis & LaCharité, 2001) cannot account for these deletions either. Although the Francophones systematically delete gutturals in Arabic loanwords due to the non-availability of Pharyngeal node in French, the inventories of Amharic and Argobba include the laryngeal [h], the uvular [q] and the glottalized ejectives, thus employing Pharyngeal node plus the features [RTR] and [constricted glottis] as phonologically treatable primitives.
Uncertain Time: Precarious Schedules and Job Turnover in the US Service Sector
Authors: Choper Joshua , Schneider Daniel , Harknett Kristen
Published: December 2021

The authors develop a model of cumulative disadvantage relating three axes of disadvantage for hourly workers in the US retail and food service sectors: schedule instability, turnover, and earnings. In this model, exposure to unstable work schedules disrupts workers’ family and economic lives, straining the employment relation and increasing the likelihood of turnover, which can then lead to earnings losses. Drawing on new panel data from 1,827 hourly workers in retail and food service collected as part of the Shift Project, the authors demonstrate that exposure to schedule instability is a strong, robust predictor of turnover for workers with relatively unstable schedules (about one-third of the sample). Slightly less than half of this relationship is mediated by job satisfaction and another quarter by work–family conflict. Job turnover is generally associated with earnings losses due to unemployment, but workers leaving jobs with moderately unstable schedules experience earnings growth upon re-employment.
Super-resolution of low-fidelity flow solutions via generative adversarial networks
Authors: Pourbagian Mahdi , Ashrafizadeh Ali
Published: December 2021

While computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can solve a wide variety of fluid flow problems, accurate CFD simulations require significant computational resources and time. We propose a general method for super-resolution of low-fidelity flow simulations using deep learning. The approach is based on a conditional generative adversarial network (GAN) with inexpensive, low-fidelity solutions as inputs and high-fidelity simulations as outputs. The details, including the flexible structure, unique loss functions, and handling strategies, are thoroughly discussed, and the methodology is demonstrated using numerical simulations of incompressible flows. The distinction between low- and high-fidelity solutions is made in terms of discretization and physical modeling errors. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the approach is capable of accurately forecasting high-fidelity simulations.
Preparation and properties of fluffy high-shrinkage polyester/polyamide 6 hollow segmented pie microfiber nonwovens
Authors: Duo Yongchao , Qian Xiaoming , Zhao Baobao , Gao Longfei , Bai He , Guo Xun , Song Bing
Published: December 2021

Bicomponent spunbond hydroentanglement technology can break the interface between the two components by physical extrusion and shearing, thereby realizing the green and efficient production of high-strength microfiber nonwoven materials. Herein, we report a soft and fluffy bicomponent spunbond hydroentanglement nonwoven material using high-shrinkage polyester/polyamide 6 (HSPET/PA6) as the bicomponent. HSPET/PA6 hollow segmented pie composite fibers with different volume ratios were prepared by spunbond technology, the HSPET and PA6 segments were alternately arranged, and the interface was flat. The composite fibers were split by heat treatment. The dry heat shrinkage rates of the composite fibers were 8.45% (50/50) and 10.57% (70/30), and the boiling water shrinkage rates were 10.02% (50/50) and 12.27% (70/30). HSPET/PA6 hollow segmented pie microfiber nonwovens were prepared by hydroentanglement technology. After heat treatment, the fibers of nonwovens were further split and the HSPET fibers curled, giving the nonwovens a fluffy characteristic. By comparing the properties of HSPET/PA6 after heat treatment, the shrinkage effect of the water bath was obviously better than that of dry heat, and the split degree of fibers reached 81.97% (50/50) and 84.65% (70/30). Compared with polyester/PA6 nonwovens, the softness of HSPET/PA6 nonwovens increased by 45.1% (50/50) and 49.3% (70/30) after boiling water shrinkage. At the same time, the mechanical properties of HSPET/PA6 nonwovens were also improved. The successful fabrication of HSPET/PA6 microfiber nonwovens provides a new method for enhancing the softness of bicomponent spunbond hydroentanglement nonwovens.
Difficult texts: being made perfect according to Matthew 5 and 19
Authors: O’Collins SJ Gerald
Published: December 2021

Usually translated as ‘perfect’, teleios appears in Matthew’s Gospel – twice in an exhortation (in the Sermon on the Mount) to imitate our heavenly Father’s boundless love and once in an invitation to a rich young man to divest himself of his great wealth and join the disciples in following Jesus. This article explores the grounds and difficulties for Christians who embrace this imitatio Christi and imitatio Dei.
Starting with the episcopate: any chance of some serious ‘reformation’ in the Church of England?
Authors: Loades Ann
Published: December 2021

The article argues for some much needed simplification of the episcopate, to shift resources to the ‘ground level’ and local communities, the ‘ordained’ clergy and other forms of ministry, especially the laity, who continue to disappear from the ‘Church’.
Development of Liquid-Chromatography Tandem-Mass-Spectrometry Method for Determining Environmental Contamination by Powdered Medicinal Drugs in Pharmacies
Authors: Hasegawa Shiori , Inaba Ryoichi , Nakamura Hiroki , Kato Yamato , Nakao Satoshi , Hirade Kouseki , Suzuki Takaaki , Iwata Mari , Kato Takeshi , Iguchi Kazuhiro , Yamada Masahide , Hioki Atsushi , Nakamura Mitsuhiro
Published: December 2021

The environment and personnel are both exposed to powdered pharmaceuticals inside pharmacies. This makes developing new methods for rapidly determining such contaminants an important objective. In this study, we developed a liquid-chromatography tandem-mass-spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for the simultaneous qualitative and quantitative determination of powdered medicinal drugs, such as famotidine, risperidone, lansoprazole, olanzapine, haloperidol, clarithromycin, promethazine, levomepromazine, and chlorpromazine. The method involves the use of acetaminophen as the internal standard, an LC–MS/MS method with a core–shell column, and a 10 mM ammonium formate/acetonitrile gradient mobile phase. The analytes were separated within 14 min, and MS with an electrospray ionization source in positive-ion mode was used. The limits of detection for the 9 drugs were .1-8.4 ng/mL. Linear calibration curves in the 10-50 000 ng/mL range were constructed, and inter-day accuracies of 92.6-113.8% were determined for the 9 drugs. The coefficients of variation were less than 14.6%. These data suggest that the proposed method is applicable for the routine assaying of powdered-medicine contamination in pharmacies.
Defending De-idealization in Economic Modeling: A Case Study
Authors: Peruzzi Edoardo , Cevolani Gustavo
Published: December 2021

This paper defends the viability of de-idealization strategies in economic modeling against recent criticism. De-idealization occurs when an idealized assumption of a theoretical model is replaced with a more realistic one. Recently, some scholars have raised objections against the possibility or fruitfulness of de-idealizing economic models, suggesting that economists do not employ this kind of strategy. We present a detailed case study from the theory of industrial organization, discussing three different models, two of which can be construed as de-idealized versions of the first (the so-called Bertrand model of oligopoly). We conclude that recent pessimism about de-idealization in economics is largely unfounded, and that de-idealization strategies are not only possible but also widely employed in economics.
Apnea–hypopnea index severity as an independent predictor of post-tonsillectomy respiratory complications in pediatric patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Rossi Nicholas A , Spaude Jordan , Ohlstein Jason F , Pine Harold S , Daram Shiva , McKinnon Brian J , Szeremeta Wasyl
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Despite the presence of clinical practice guidelines for overnight admission of pediatric patients following adenotonsillectomy, variance in practice patterns exists between pediatric otolaryngologists. The purpose of this study is to examine severity of apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) as an independent predictor of postoperative respiratory complications in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of all children undergoing adenotonsillectomy at a large tertiary referral center between January 2015 and December 2019 who underwent preoperative polysomnography and were admitted for overnight observation. Charts were reviewed for total adverse events and respiratory events occurring during admission.

Results

Overall, respiratory events were seen in 50.6% of patients with AHI ≥10 and in 39.6% of patients with AHI <10. The overall mean AHI was 19.2, with a mean of 28.1 in the AHI ≥10 subgroup vs 4.6 in the AHI <10 subgroup. There was no statistical correlation or increased risk between an AHI ≥10 and having a pure respiratory event, with a relative risk of 1.19 (.77–1.83, P = .43). There was a statistically significant difference between the mean AHI of those with any adverse event and those without (21.6 vs 13.4, P = .008). There is additionally an increased risk of any event with an AHI over 10, with a relative risk of 1.51 (1.22–1.88, P < .0001).

Conclusion

Preoperative AHI of 10 events per hour was not a predictor of postoperative respiratory complications. However, there was a trend for those with a higher AHI requiring additional supportive measures or a prolonged stay. Practitioners should always use their best judgment in deciding whether a child warrants postoperative admission following adenotonsillectomy.
Perceptions of Local Government Fiscal Health and Fiscal Stress: Evidence From Quantile Regressions With Michigan Municipalities and Counties
Authors: Leiser Stephanie , Wang Shu , Kargman Charles
Published: December 2021

This study applies insights from open systems theory to explore how the perceptions of local officials can enhance our understanding of local government fiscal health—in particular, to understand differences between healthy and distressed jurisdictions. With a sample of local governments in Michigan from 2013 to 2019, we use quantile regression to investigate associations between subjective financial condition measures and objective indicators. The results show that these relationships are often more muted for lower-stress governments and more pronounced for higher-stress governments, a pattern that is not accounted for by traditional methods of measuring financial condition. The findings demonstrate the utility of open systems theory and quantile regression techniques to improve understanding of the financial condition and suggest that in order to avoid overlooking cases of fiscal distress, policymakers and analysts should incorporate these approaches into methods for diagnosing local fiscal health.
Polysomnographic Characteristics of the Patients Having Chronic Insomnia and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Evidence for Paradoxical Insomnia and Comorbid Insomnia with OSA (COMISA)
Authors: Kundu Kaustav , Sharma Gaurav , Saini Lokesh , Gupta Ravi
Published: December 2021

Background:

Sleep state misperception (SSM) is seen among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as well as those having insomnia. Moreover, OSA and insomnia can also be comorbid. This study aims at finding the proportion of SSM and “Comorbid Insomnia with OSA” (COMISA) among patients of OSA and chronic insomnia. Macroachitecture of sleep was also compared across groups.

Methods:

This study utilized the retrospective laboratory and medical records of two groups of patients: chronic insomnia and OSA. Sleep disorders were diagnosed according to standard criteria. Daytime sleepiness was examined using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Diagnosis of SSM was based on the difference between subjective and objective sleep onset latency (Subjective SOL > 1.5 × Objective SOL).

Results:

Sixteen adult subjects were included in each group. Based on the difference between subjective and objective sleep onset latency, SSM was reported by 62.5% subjects of chronic insomnia and 56.25% subjects having OSA (OR = 1.29; 95% CI = 0.31–5.33; P = 0.79). The proportion of COMISA in subjects with chronic insomnia was 18% and among subjects with OSA, it was 43%. Effect size for the proportion was calculated as odds ratio (33.96; 95% CI = 7.48–154.01; P < 0.0002). Thus, the odds for COMISA were higher among subjects with OSA than those with chronic Insomnia. The three groups (OSA, COMISA and Chronic Insomnia) were comparable with regard to the macro-architecture of sleep.

Conclusion:

SSM is common among subjects with OSA and chronic insomnia. COMISA was commoner among patients with OSA compared to those with chronic insomnia. Macro-architecture of sleep is comparable among groups.
Prevalence of blindness and its major causes in sub-Saharan Africa in 2020: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xulu-Kasaba Zamadonda Nokuthula , Kalinda Chester
Published: December 2021

Background:

Global studies show that the prevalence of visual impairment and blindness continued to rise despite the implementation of strategies outlined in the Global Action Plan, aimed at reducing these by the year 2020. Vision impairment impacts negatively on one’s independence, opportunities, and quality of life. Therefore, knowledge of the prevalence, and the major causes of blindness impairment in any population, is vital in designing strategies to address this public health challenge.

Methods:

Literature mapping evidence of vision impairment was searched for on PubMed, Google Scholar, and EBSCOhost databases MEDLINE, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Health Source – Consumer Edition, CINAHL, and Academic Search Complete. Studies that were searched for included peer-reviewed and grey literature published in English from various countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Results:

Only 77 studies with 191,173 participants, contributing data from 26 countries within SSA, met the inclusion criteria for the final review. The overall pooled prevalence estimate (PPE) of blindness from the selected studies was 10% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.0% – 11.0%). West Africa and East Africa had the highest prevalence. The identified leading causes of blindness were cataracts (46%; 95% CI: 40% – 52%), followed by glaucoma (14%; 95% CI: 11% – 18%). There was a high level of heterogeneity in most pooled estimates (I2 ˃ 80%, p < .001).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of blindness in SSA has increased in all four regions with most cases being avoidable. Policymakers should prioritise blindness prevention programmes, ensure enabling health systems, and provide the necessary resources towards reducing blindness in SSA.
Predicting cerebral infarction in patients with atrial fibrillation using machine learning: The Fushimi AF registry
Authors: Nishi Hidehisa , Oishi Naoya , Ogawa Hisashi , Natsue Kishida , Doi Kento , Kawakami Osamu , Aoki Tomokazu , Fukuda Shunichi , Akao Masaharu , Tsukahara Tetsuya ,   on behalf of the Fushimi AF Registry investigators.
Published: December 2021

The CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores are widely used to assess ischemic risk in the patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the discrimination performance of these scores is limited. Using the data from a community-based prospective cohort study, we sought to construct a machine learning-based prediction model for cerebral infarction in patients with AF, and to compare its performance with the existing scores. All consecutive patients with AF treated at 81 study institutions from March 2011 to May 2017 were enrolled (n = 4396). The whole dataset was divided into a derivation cohort (n = 1005) and validation cohort (n = 752) after excluding the patients with valvular AF and anticoagulation therapy. Using the derivation cohort dataset, a machine learning model based on gradient boosting tree algorithm (ML) was built to predict cerebral infarction. In the validation cohort, the receiver operating characteristic area under the curve of the ML model was higher than those of the existing models according to the Hanley and McNeil method: ML, 0.72 (95%CI, 0.66–0.79); CHADS2, 0.61 (95%CI, 0.53–0.69); CHA2DS2-VASc, 0.62 (95%CI, 0.54–0.70). As a conclusion, machine learning algorithm have the potential to perform better than the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores for predicting cerebral infarction in patients with non-valvular AF.
Factors associated with brain white matter damage in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a tract-based spatial statistics study
Authors: Guo Zhi-Jun , Xu Qian , Bai Ze-Mei , Liu Yan , Lin Qiang , Zhao Bao-Hong , Liu Hai-Tao
Published: December 2021

Background

The pathogenesis and related factors of central nervous system abnormality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have always been the focus of clinical research.

Purpose

To compare and analyze the area of white matter (WM) damage in patients with T2DM based on their level of hemoglobin A1C (HBA1c) and discuss any related factors.

Material and Methods

Based on their levels of HBA1c, 87 patients with T2DM were divided into three groups (Group B, C, or D), of which 29 non-diabetic volunteers served as the control group (Group A). DTI data analysis was based on tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS). The obtained parameters were compared among each group and the relevant clinical factors were analyzed.

Results

For age, sex, mini-mental state examination (MMSE), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores, there were no statistically significant differences among groups. For fractional anisotropy (FA) and radial diffusivity (RD) of WM, there were statistically significant differences ( P < 0.05, two-tailed, FWE corrected) in the local area of corpus callosum, corona radiate, superior longitudinal fasciculus, etc. Most of these were significantly correlated with body mass index (BMI), left systolic blood pressure (SBP_L), and β2 microglobulin.

Conclusion

Before the cognitive function was obviously impaired, abnormalities of FA and RD had been found in the corpus callosum, corona radiate, and upper fasciculus in patients with T2DM, which suggested that the damage mainly occurred in the myelin sheath of WM and may be related to systemic vascular damage.
The role of real-time elastosonography in the diagnosis of quadriceps fat pad edema
Authors: Nalbant Emre , Nalbant Hande , Cay Nurdan
Published: December 2021

Background

Quadriceps fat pad edema (QFPE) is one of the causes of anterior knee pain. Real-time elastosonography (RTE) has been increasingly used in musculoskeletal disorders.

Purpose

To evaluate the role of RTE in the diagnosis of QFPE.

Material and Methods

A total of 23 patients with QFPE on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (study group) were prospectively compared with 29 patients with normal MRI findings (control group) using RTE. On MRI, the thickness of the quadriceps fat pad (QFP), and on RTE, strain ratio (SR) of QFP were measured and compared between the two groups.

Results

The study group contained 23 patients (12 men, 11 women; mean age = 41.6 ± 7.0 years) and the control group contained 29 patients (14 men, 15 women; mean age = 42.3 ± 6.1 years). No significant differences were found in terms of mean age and sex between the two groups ( P = 0.70, P = 0.78, respectively). The median thicknesses of the QFPs were 8.10 mm and 6.75 mm in the study and control groups, respectively ( P < 0.001). The median SR values of the study group and control group were found to be 63.20 and 6.24, respectively. The SR values were significantly higher in patients with QFPE ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

RTE may be an effective imaging method for evaluating QFPE.
Inter- and intra-observer agreement on evaluating the presence of residual glandular tissue with magnetic resonance tomography following prophylactic mastectomy
Authors: Skoglund Märta A , Andersson Magnus N , Björkgren Annika , Tolocka Ernst , Sund Malin , Wiberg Rebecca
Published: December 2021

Background

There are no published international consensus or guideline documents regarding appropriate medical follow-up for women with hereditary increased risk of breast cancer who opt for prophylactic mastectomy. Moreover, it is not known whether breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed after a prophylactic mastectomy is a reproducible method for evaluating whether clinically relevant amounts of residual glandular tissue remains.

Purpose

To evaluate the inter- and intra-observer agreement on detecting residual glandular tissue with MRI.

Material and Methods

In total, 40 women previously operated with prophylactic mastectomy underwent MRI and two breast radiologists (R1 and R2) independently assessed the presence of residual glandular tissue. Inter- and intra-rater agreements were assessed using Cohen's kappa (k).

Results

Residual glandular tissue was found in 69 of 248 quadrants (27.8%) and 32 of 62 breasts (51.6%) by R1 and 77 of 248 quadrants (31.1%) and 35 of 62 breasts (56.5%) by R2. The interrater agreement was observed to be moderate (k = 0.554) and the intra-rater agreement was observed to be substantial (k = 0.623).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the inter-and intra-rater observer agreement in regard to detection of residual glandular tissue was not excellent, which would be desirable for a method considered reproducible enough to be used as a surveillance tool after the surgical procedure in order to ensure that there is no relevant residual glandular tissue remaining warranting further follow-up. More research is needed, as well as establishment of precise protocols, before using the method in risk assessment of remaining glandular tissue and breast cancer risk.
Myotendinous pseudomasses: an imaging review
Authors: Hemachandran Naren , Goyal Ankur , Kandasamy Devasenathipathy , Gamanagatti Shivanand , Srivastava Deep Narayan , Ansari Mohd Tahir
Published: December 2021

A mass or a tumor may not always be an underlying cause for a clinically apparent swelling. A wide range of myotendinous disorders can present as pseudomasses. These include muscle/myofascial hernia, tendon tears, benign hypertrophy, accessory muscles, tendon xanthomas, diffuse myositis, and exertional compartment syndromes. We have briefly reviewed these lesions highlighting their typical radiological findings and have also highlighted the role of different imaging modalities and the role of dynamic imaging. Although rare, radiologists should be aware of these entities to avoid mislabeling a pseudomass as a mass or malignancy and to detect the abnormality in not-so-apparent masses.
A novel de novo hemizygous ARHGEF9 mutation associated with severe intellectual disability and epilepsy: a case report
Authors: Qiu Tong , Dai Qian , Wang Qiu
Published: December 2021

ARHGEF9 encodes collybistin, a brain-specific guanosine diphosphate-guanosine-5′-triphosphate exchange factor that plays an important role in clustering of gephyrin and γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors in the postsynaptic membrane. Overwhelming evidence suggests that defects in this protein can cause X-linked intellectual disability, which comprises a series of clinical phenotypes, including autism spectrum disorder, behavior disorder, intellectual disability, and febrile seizures. Here, we report a boy with clinical symptoms of severe intellectual disability, epilepsy, and developmental delay and regression. Trio exome sequencing ( trio-clinical exome sequencing) identified a novel hemizygous deletion, c.656_c.669delACTTCTTTGAGGCC (p. His219Leu fs*9), in exon 5 of ARHGEF9. This variant was not reported in either the Genome Aggregation Database or our database of 309 patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. Oxcarbazepine and levetiracetam reduced the frequency of the patient’s epileptic seizures to a certain extent, but psychomotor developmental delay and developmental regression became more obvious with age. This case study seeks to report a de novo loss-of-function mutation of ARHGEF9, aiming to emphasize the genetic diagnosis of X-linked intellectual disability and further improve knowledge of the ethnic distribution of ARHGEF9 mutations.
The Perceived Beauty of Convex Polygon Tilings: The Influence of Regularity, Curvature, and Density
Authors: Zhang Yilei , Fu Kaili , Lin Xun
Published: December 2021

Polygon tilings in natural and man-made objects show great variety. Unlike previous studies that have mainly focused on their classification and production methods, this study aimed at exploring factors that may contribute to the perceived beauty of convex polygon tilings. We analyze the dimensions of regularity, curvature, and density, as well as individual differences. Triangle tilings and hexagon tilings were tested in Experiment 1 and 2, respectively. The results showed that the perceived beauty of convex polygon tilings can be enhanced by higher levels of regularity and nonobvious local curvature. Surprisingly, the effect of density appeared to be different, with the dense triangle tilings and the less dense hexagon tilings scoring higher than the reverse. We discuss a possible explanation based on trypophobia caused by different types of polygons, as well as the observers’ personality trait of agreeableness.
A Digital Twin concept for the prescriptive maintenance of protective coating systems on wind turbine structures
Authors: Momber Andreas W , Möller Torben , Langenkämper Daniel , Nattkemper Tim W , Brün Daniel
Published: December 2021

The application of protective coating systems is the major measure against the corrosion of steel for tower sections of wind turbines. The inspection, condition monitoring and maintenance of protective coating system is a demanding and time-consuming procedure and requires high human effort. The paper introduces for the first time a Digital Twin concept for the condition monitoring and prescriptive maintenance planning for surface protection systems on wind turbine towers. The initial point of the concept is an in-situ Virtual Twin for the generation of reference areas for condition monitoring. The paper describes the integration of an online image annotation and processing tool, a maintenance model, corrosive resistance parameters, structural load parameters, and sensor data into the Digital Twin concept. The prospects of the concept and its practical relevance are shown for tower structures of large onshore wind turbines.
Backstepping sliding-mode control for active suspension system matching mechanical elastic wheel with uncertainties
Authors: Xu Tao , Zhao Youqun , Lin Fen , Wang Qiuwei
Published: December 2021

For the purpose of anti-puncture and lightweight, a new type of mechanical elastic wheel (MEW) is constructed. However, the large radial stiffness of MEW has a negative effect on ride comfort. To make up for the disadvantage, this paper proposes a novel control strategy consisting of backstepping control and integral sliding-mode control, considering the uncertainties of active suspension and MEW. First, an active suspension system matching MEW is established, discussing the impact of uncertainties. The nonlinear radial characteristic of MEW is fitted based on the previous experiment results. Then, in order to derive ideal motions, an ideal suspension system combining sky-hook and ground-hook damping control is introduced. Next, ignoring the nonlinear characteristics and external random disturbance, a backstepping controller is designed to track ideal variables. Combined with the backstepping control law, an integral sliding-mode control strategy is given, further taking parameter uncertainty and external disturbance into account. To tackle chattering problem, an adaptive state variable matrix is applied. By using Lyapunov stability theory, the whole scheme proves to be robust and convergent. Finally, co-simulations with Carsim and MATLAB/Simulink are carried out. By analyzing the simulation results, it can be concluded that the vehicle adopting backstepping sliding-mode control performs best, with excellent real-time performance and robustness.
“If You Do Not Fit in With the Stereotype, They Eat You Alive”: Discourses of Masculinities and Their Reflections in Young Spanish Men’s Health
Authors: Cerdán-Torregrosa Ariadna , La Parra-Casado Daniel , Vives-Cases Carmen
Published: December 2021

Hegemonic masculinity has been especially linked, among other aspects, to unhealthy behaviors and heterosexuality. This study aimed to explore the discourses of masculinities with young Spanish men with different sexual orientations (heterosexuals, bisexuals, and homosexuals), comparing them with the social representations that are put into practice on Instagram. Three qualitative approaches were triangulated to seek a richer comprehension and interpretational level: discussion groups, semi-structured interviews, and an online non-participant observation on Instagram with a total of 26 young men aged between 18 and 24. Results indicate that hegemonic masculinity discourse is still significant when understanding and experiencing young men’s masculinities, promoting behaviors that put their health at risk and generating psychological discomfort, especially among non-heterosexual men. Our findings provide knowledge of the social framework that legitimizes and reproduces male domination in younger generations both online and offline and how this is reflected in men’s health.
Unvaxxed: A Cultural Study of the Online Anti-Vaccination Movement
Authors: DiRusso Carlina , Stansberry Kathleen
Published: December 2021

In this study, the constructive communication process of anti-vaccination advocates is explored to provide insight into the challenges of communicating with an engaged, educated public that is distrustful of mainstream medical and governmental organizations. Using the circuit of culture as a theoretical and methodological model, this article examines how anti-vaccination advocates use social media to construct and reinforce a belief system that counters dominate understandings of health. Findings show that, through online communication, anti-vaccination advocates create shared cultural constructs embracing the identity of health information crusader, critic, and expert. This community consumes, produces, and distributes information that reframes mainstream health information and reinforces shared values. The purposes of this study are to better understand the culture of anti-vaccination advocates, identify communication barriers, and offer practical implications for health care professionals.
Extending the Scholar Baller Model to Support and Cultivate the Development of Academically Gifted Black Male Student-Athletes
Authors: Dexter Marques R. , Collins Kristina H. , Grantham Tarek C.
Published: December 2021

Professional athletes and entertainers are often identified as the source of emulation for young males, especially Black males. With far less romanticized career representations than those in the athletic arena, many Black families foster, knowingly and unknowingly, a polarized path to elusive goals of a professional athletic career. Explicitly focusing on academically gifted Black males who are also athletically talented, gifted education teachers have an opportunity to support and cultivate dual identity development complement both athletic and scholar identities, acknowledging the cultural significance sport and athletics play. This article seeks to provide gifted education teachers with a framework to fulfill these goals—the Scholar Baller Model. Through its integration into the curriculum, gifted education teachers can enrich the pre-college experiences of academically and athletically gifted Black males, resulting in more positive convergence of their academic and athletic identities that will, in turn, cultivate more positive educational outcomes and career options for collegiate-level Black athletes.
The flypaper sticks even when aid travels overseas
Authors: Marshall Emily C. , Saunoris James W. , Daniel Woodbury T.
Published: December 2021

This paper extends the current literature by considering the existence of the flypaper effect internationally, with donor countries supplying foreign aid to recipient countries. The flypaper effect refers to the empirical anomaly associated with intergovernmental grants stimulating government expenditures more than can be explained by a pure income effect. The results reveal evidence of flypaper behavior such that for recipient countries one dollar of foreign aid raises public spending by $0.21-$0.42, whereas an equal increase in domestic income raises government expenditures by only $0.09-$0.16. Furthermore, we exploit variation in political institutions across countries and find that the flypaper effect is most pronounced in less democratic countries and find no flypaper effect in more democratic countries. This suggests that government officials are more likely to behave as expected by the median voter model when they are held accountable. Furthermore, countries with proportional, rather than majority/plurality, voting mechanisms do not display flypaper behavior.
Effects of home-based virtual reality telerehabilitation system in people with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pagliari Chiara , Di Tella Sonia , Jonsdottir Johanna , Mendozzi Laura , Rovaris Marco , De Icco Roberto , Milanesi Tommaso , Federico Sara , Agostini Michela , Goffredo Michela , Pellicciari Leonardo , Franceschini Marco , Cimino Vincenzo , Bramanti Placido , Baglio Francesca
Published: December 2021

Background and objective

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system that can lead to severe motor disability. The aim of this study was to verify the health care effects of an integrated telerehabilitation approach involving dual-domains (motor and cognitive) in people with multiple sclerosis using a virtual reality rehabilitation system compared to a home-based conventional rehabilitative intervention usual care for patient-relevant outcomes (motor, cognitive and participation).

Methods

This multicentre interventional, randomized controlled trial included 70 participants with multiple sclerosis, 35 in the telerehabilitation group (30 sessions of home-based virtual reality rehabilitation system training, five sessions for week each lasting 45 min) and 35 in the usual care group (30 sessions of conventional treatment, five sessions for week). Participants completed the assessment of motor, cognitive and participation outcomes at baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment.

Results

In total, 63.3% of the telerehabilitation group exhibited improvement in the physical domain of the quality of life ( p = 0.045). The telerehabilitation group showed greater improvement than the usual care group in Mini-BESTest domains of balance ( p = 0.014), postural control ( p = 0.024), and dynamic walking ( p = 0.020) at post-treatment. Higher adherence was registered for telerehabilitation compared with usual care (86.67% vs . 80.0%).

Discussion

This study provides evidence that people with multiple sclerosis can benefit from telerehabilitation treatment in the physical domain of the quality of life and motor symptoms. Moreover, considering the persistent COVID-19 emergency, telerehabilitation can represent an effective telemedicine solution for safely delivering effective rehabilitation care to people with multiple sclerosis.

Trial registration number and trial register

This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03444454).
Outcome of 185 pregnancies studied by prenatal genomic array technique: Bioethical reflections
Authors: Roselló Mónica , Lluna-González Javier , Aznar Justo
Published: December 2021

Prenatal genetic diagnosis with new high-performance technologies such as genomic array adds great complexity to the ethical dilemmas that already exist in current medicine. The main objective of this study was to carry out an analysis and bioethical reflections centred on the outcome associated with the use of the genetic array technique in 185 pregnancies at the Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe (Valencia, Spain). It is an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study during the years 2014 to 2017, inclusive. We analyse the results and the follow-up of the 185 cases in which this prenatal genetic study was carried out by array technique. Of the 185 prenatal genetic studies carried out, 165 showed no copy number variants (normal result) and in the 20 remaining pregnancies (10.81%), a dose change was detected. Abortion was carried out in 11 cases with pathological and/or probably pathological abnormalities. Of the 165 cases in which no dose variant was detected, an abortion was carried out in 49 cases, which represents 29.7%. The introduction of new genomic analysis techniques to invasive prenatal diagnosis highlights the ethical problems that arise above all in the interpretation of genetic variants detected and genetic counselling, while emphasising the need for correct informed consent and it adds, if possible, more controversy to a subject with great bioethical substance such as abortion.