bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel mechanism of decreased iris vasculature density after cosmetic iris implants
Authors: Goldsmith Jason A , Agarwal Prateek , Smith Scott D , Sayegh Rony R
Published: February 2021

A 25-year-old man presented with decreased vision in both eyes, approximately 4 years following bilateral bright ocular cosmetic iris implantation. On examination, he was found to have bilateral elevated intraocular pressures, anterior chamber cells and flare, chronic peripheral anterior synechiae and significantly reduced endothelial cell counts. Ultrasound biomicroscopy demonstrated compression of the peripheral iris, resulting in synechial angle closure in both eyes. Surgical removal of the implants was performed without additional complication. On removal, bilateral iris atrophy was evident with non-reacting pupils and permanent mydriasis. Optical coherence tomography angiography showed a reduction in iris vasculature density that is more pronounced in the area of the iris atrophic defects. This case suggests that cosmetic iris implants may compress iris vasculature, resulting in decreased iris perfusion resulting in atrophic mydriasis and iris defects. This is a potential novel mechanism for complications in eyes with cosmetic iris implants.
Reversible, severe mitral regurgitation in thyrotoxic Graves’ disease
Authors: Fekri Kaveh , Michel Caroline Maud , Tamilia Michael
Published: February 2021

Mitral valve prolapse is a common finding in Graves’ disease. However, severe mitral regurgitation (MR) is a relatively uncommon manifestation of Graves’ disease. We report a case of a 32-year-old woman with toxic Graves’ disease and MR. The echocardiogram was suggestive of severe MR with biventricular failure, severe enough to be considered for mitral valve replacement. With medical control of the thyrotoxic state, a repeat echocardiogram revealed only trace MR, with normal left ventricular function. The timely management of the thyrotoxic state in this patient with Graves’ disease and moderate to severe MR possibly related to myxomatous degeneration, averted the need for mitral valve replacement.
Amenorrhoea with XY karyotype postbone marrow transplant
Authors: Tambawala Zenab Yusuf , Al Ani Kinda , Abdelgadir Elamin , Alawadi Fatheya
Published: February 2021

A 17-year-old girl presented with secondary amenorrhoea. She developed normal age-appropriate secondary sexual characteristics and attained menarche at the age of 13 years. One year following her menarche, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia and was treated with chemotherapy, total body radiation and bone marrow transplant with complete remission. The matched donor was her elder male sibling. Her evaluation for secondary amenorrhoea included full hormonal analysis and pelvic ultrasound scan. These suggested hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism with a normal uterus and ovaries. Peripheral leucocyte karyotype as part of routine hypogonadism workup was found to be 46 XY. The differential diagnosis of Swyer syndrome, which entails surgical removal of gonads due to the high risk of gonadoblastoma, was raised initially before reviewing the laboratory results of previous chromosomal analysis. Considering her medical history, the amenorrhoea was finally attributed to ovarian insufficiency due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The 46 XY karyotyping could be explained by the bone marrow transplant received from her donor brother. Hypogonadism causing amenorrhoea is commonly encountered after chemoradiotherapy. Pretreatment and post-treatment chromosomal analysis is essential in such cases. Karyotyping could be misleading especially if the patient suffered from graft-versus-host reaction post gender mismatched bone marrow transplant.
Sudden onset peripheral visual deficit secondary to retinal artery spasm in Raynaud’s phenomenon
Authors: Ansari Yousuf , Kale Aditya Uday , Tallouzi Mohammad O , Manna Avinash
Published: February 2021

A 32-year-old doctor, who has a medical history of primary Raynaud’s disease and previous scotomas, presented to eye clinic with sudden onset blurring of vision (infero-nasally) with no other associated symptoms. The patient had good visual acuity bilaterally (6/6) and no anterior chamber activity or conjunctival hyperaemia. Findings consistent with a nerve fibre layer infarct were noted in the right eye, with unremarkable examination of the left eye. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images were obtained, which showed an area of capillary shut down in keeping with a nerve fibre layer lesion. Previous literature pertaining to similar symptoms is sparse with symptoms such as migraines, epilepsy and visual loss being stated. This case provides further evidence of Raynaud’s associated retinal artery spasm, with complete resolution at 4 weeks. We also demonstrate the accessibility of OCT and more importantly OCTA for investigation of sudden onset visual deficit.
Steroid harms if given early in COVID-19 viraemia
Authors: Arora Kanupriya , Panda Prasan Kumar
Published: February 2021

COVID-19 is a biphasic illness with an initial viraemia phase and later effective adaptive immune phase, except in a minority of people who develop severe disease. Immune regulation is the key target to treat COVID illness. In anticipation, an elderly man self-medicated himself with dexamethasone on the day of symptom onset of a flu-like illness, took other symptomatic measures and was tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. His condition deteriorated with each passing day resulting in hospitalisation. He demanded oxygen and declared as severe COVID. With supportive treatment, he recovered after the 20th day of illness. Immunosuppression and anti-inflammation are likely to benefit when the immune response is dysregulated and turning into a cytokine storm. A medication that has saved many could be the one predisposing to severity if taken as a preventive measure, too early in the disease course, especially the viraemia phase.
Suprachoroidal CLS-TA for non-infectious uveitis: an open-label, safety trial (AZALEA)
Authors: Henry Christopher Ryan , Shah Milan , Barakat Mark R , Dayani Pouya , Wang Robert C , Khurana Rahul N , Rifkin Lana , Yeh Steven , Hall Colette , Ciulla Thomas
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To evaluate local and systemic safety of suprachoroidal (SC) triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension (CLS-TA) injections in subjects with non-infectious uveitis (NIU).

Design

Open-label, prospective multicentre safety study.

Participants

Thirty-eight subjects with NIU, with and without macular oedema (MO).

Methods

Treatment consisted of two suprachoroidal injections of CLS-TA 4 mg, 12 weeks apart. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), adverse event (AE) assessment, ophthalmic examinations and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were conducted every 4 weeks for 24 weeks. Blood samples were analysed for plasma triamcinolone acetonide (TA) concentrations.

Main outcome measures

The main outcome measure was frequency of AEs. Other endpoints included plasma TA concentrations, change in signs of inflammation, BCVA and retinal central subfield thickness (CST).

Results

Based on a CST of >300 µm, 20 out of 38 subjects had MO at baseline. Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 13.3 mm Hg at baseline and 15.2 mm Hg at week 24 in the study eye. A total of six (15.8%) subjects had an IOP rise >10 mm Hg compared with baseline, in the study eye, and two (5.3%) subjects had IOP >30 mm Hg (maximum 34 mm Hg at week 8 and 38 mm Hg at week 20). Cataract formation AEs were reported in four study eyes; one of which was deemed treatment-related. No serious ocular AEs in the study eye occurred in the study. Quantifiable post-injection TA plasma concentration was <1 ng/mL. Efficacy parameters showed improvement over the 24-week study period.

Conclusions

Suprachoroidally administered CLS-TA was safe and well tolerated over the 24-week, open-label study in NIU subjects with and without MO.
Access to Translator (AT&T) project: Interpreter on Wheels during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kwok Matthew Mo Kin , Chan Richard K , Hansen Cindy , Thibault Kris , Wong Hing Yi
Published: February 2021

We report our experience in using virtual technology in our emergency department (ED) to meet communication needs of our patients who have limited English proficiency (LEP) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our project aim was to improve communication between our ED staff and patients who have LEP. Specifically, our primary aim was to eliminate the use of healthcare staff as ad hoc interpreters by 50% in our ED by using virtual medical interpreters within 2 months. To achieve our goal, several strategies were employed. First, we assessed the need for interpreters in our ED by tracking the number of times our nursing staff is pulled away from their nursing role to help other staff as an ad hoc interpreter. Second, a patient survey was conducted to understand their thoughts and needs for interpretation in the ED. Third, we developed strategies in improving access to interpreters in our ED. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted a trial of using ‘Interpreter on Wheels’ (IOW) in our ED. In a 2-month period, we had 477 virtual interpretation encounters totaling 4123 interpretation minutes of IOW usage. We found that it satisfied not only our communication needs but also reduced some of our potential infection control risks during the pandemic.
Telemedicine medical abortion at home under 12 weeks’ gestation: a prospective observational cohort study during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Reynolds-Wright John Joseph , Johnstone Anne , McCabe Karen , Evans Emily , Cameron Sharon
Published: February 2021

Background

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, legislation and guidance were introduced in Scotland permitting medical abortion at home by telemedicine for pregnancies at less than 12 weeks’ gestation. Women had a telephone consultation with a clinician. Routine ultrasound was not performed. Medications and a low-sensitivity pregnancy test to confirm success of treatment were collected by or delivered to the woman, with telephone support provided as needed.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of 663 women choosing medical abortion at home via the NHS Lothian telemedicine abortion service between 1 April and 9 July 2020. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were completed 4 and 14 days following treatment. Regional hospital databases were reviewed to verify abortion outcomes and complications within 6 weeks. Outcome measures included efficacy, complications and acceptability.

Results

Almost all (642/663, 98.2%) the women were under 10 weeks’ gestation. For 522/663 (78.7%) women, gestation was determined using last menstrual period alone. Some 650/663 (98%) women had a complete abortion, 5 (0.8%) an ongoing pregnancy and 4 (0.6%) an incomplete abortion. No one was treated inadvertently beyond 12 weeks’ gestation, but one woman was never pregnant. One woman who had a pre-abortion ultrasound was later managed as a caesarean scar ectopic. There were two cases of haemorrhage and no severe infections. Some 123 (18.5%) women sought advice by telephone for a concern related to the abortion and 56 (8.4%) then attended a clinic for review. Most (628, 95%) women rated their care as very or somewhat acceptable.

Conclusions

This model of telemedicine abortion without routine ultrasound is safe, and has high efficacy and high acceptability among women.
SP safety, autonomy and healthcare simulation practice in the COVID-19 era
Authors: Clark Lou , Woll Anne , Owens Tamara L , Shropshire Deltonia , Kiser Bob , Gephardt Grace , Park Christine S
Published: February 2021

This letter expands upon the three tenets of the Healthcare Simulation Manifesto—comprehensive safety, collaborative advocacy, and ethical leadership. To do this, we will discuss two key terms: ‘essential’ and ‘autonomy’ in relation to safety for standardized/simulated patients (SPs). In this time of crisis, simulationists must move the boundary of skills training previously accepted as safe for human beings, and leverage technology to ensure the highest level of safety achievable for our SPs.
Risk of major cardiovascular events according to educational level before and after the initial COVID-19 public lockdown: a nationwide study
Authors: Andersen Julie , Strandberg-Larsen Katrine , Gerds Thomas , Gislason Gunnar , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Blanche Paul , Andersson Charlotte , Køber Lars , Fosbøl Emil , Phelps Matthew , Kragholm Kristian , Andersen Mikkel Porsborg , Østergaard Lauge , Butt Jawad Haider , Schou Morten
Published: February 2021

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, decreasing rates of hospitalisations for cardiovascular disease raised concerns for undertreatment, particularly for vulnerable groups. We investigated how the initial COVID-19 public lockdown, impacted the risk of being hospitalised with a major cardiovascular event (MCE: myocardial infarction/stroke/heart failure) according to educational level.

Methods

We grouped all Danish residents according to educational attainment level (low, medium, high) and age (40–59, 60–69, ≥70 years). In each group, we calculated the age-standardised and sex standardised risk of MCE hospitalisation in the initial COVID-19 lockdown-period (13 March 2020–3 May 2020) and in the corresponding calendar period in 2019. We calculated age-standardised and sex-standardised risks to investigate whether the COVID-19 lockdown had a differential effect on MCE incidence according to educational level.

Results

In the period in 2019, 2700 Danish residents were hospitalised with MCE, compared with only 2290 during the lockdown. During lockdown, the risk of hospitalisation for MCE decreased among residents aged ≥70 with low education (risk difference (RD) −46.2 (−73.2; −19.2) per 100,000) or medium education (RD −23.2 (−50.8; 4.3) per 100 000), but not among residents with high education (RD 5.1 (−32.3; 42.5), per 100 000). The risk of hospitalisation for MCE did not decrease significantly for the younger age groups.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 lockdown is associated with a reduced incidence for MCE, especially among low educated, elderly residents. This raises concern for undertreatment that without clinical awareness and action may widen the educational gap in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
How does vulnerability to COVID-19 vary between communities in England? Developing a Small Area Vulnerability Index (SAVI)
Authors: Daras Konstantinos , Alexiou Alexandros , Rose Tanith C , Buchan Iain , Taylor-Robinson David , Barr Benjamin
Published: February 2021

Background

During the initial wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in England, several population characteristics were associated with increased risk of mortality—including, age, ethnicity, income deprivation, care home residence and housing conditions. In order to target control measures and plan for future waves of the epidemic, public health agencies need to understand how these vulnerabilities are distributed across and clustered within communities.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional ecological analysis across 6789 small areas in England. We assessed the association between COVID-19 mortality in each area and five vulnerability measures relating to ethnicity, poverty, prevalence of long-term health conditions, living in care homes and living in overcrowded housing. Estimates from multivariable Poisson regression models were used to derive a Small Area Vulnerability Index.

Results

Four vulnerability measures were independently associated with age-adjusted COVID-19 mortality. Each SD increase in the proportion of the population (1) living in care homes, (2) admitted to hospital in the past 5 years for a long-term health condition, (3) from an ethnic minority background and (4) living in overcrowded housing was associated with a 28%, 19% 8% and 11% increase in age-adjusted COVID-19 mortality rate, respectively.

Conclusion

Vulnerability to COVID-19 was noticeably higher in the North West, West Midlands and North East regions, with high levels of vulnerability clustered in some communities. Our analysis indicates the communities who will be most at risk from a second wave of the pandemic.
Increased serum nesfatin-1 levels in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Beyaz Şengül , Akbal Erdem
Published: February 2021

Background

Adipokines are adipose tissue–derived secreted molecules that can exert anti-inflammatory or proinflammatory activities. Altered expression of adipokines has been described in various inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Little is known about nesfatin-1, a recently identified adipokine, in IBD. The aim of this study was to investigate serum nesfatin-1 levels in patients with IBD.

Methods

This study included a total of 52 adult individuals (17 patients with CD, 18 patients with UC and 17 healthy volunteers) with similar age and body mass index. Serum nesfatin-1 levels were measured by ELISA in healthy individuals and patients with IBD in their active and remission periods. Blood inflammation markers including C reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR) and white cell count (WCC) were also measured in patients.

Results

We found significantly elevated levels of serum nesfatin-1 in the active disease period in both patients with CD (p=0.00003) and patients with UC (p=0.00001), compared with healthy individuals. Serum nesfatin-1 levels moderately decreased in the remission period; however, they were still significantly higher than that of healthy individuals. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses indicated serum nesfatin-1 with an excellent diagnostic value for IBD. Finally, patients had significantly high CRP, ESR and WCC in the active IBD; however, we found the nesfatin-1 strongly correlated only with ESR in the active CD.

Conclusion

This is the first study investigating the circulating levels of nesfatin-1 in patients with IBD. Serum nesfatin-1 may serve as an additional inflammatory marker for diagnosis of IBD in affected individuals.
Metabolic flexibility during late pregnancy is associated with neonatal adiposity
Authors: Tinius Rachel A. , Blankenship Maire M. , Furgal Karen E. , Cade W. Todd , Duchette Cathryn , Pearson Kevin J. , Maples Jill M.
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between maternal metabolic flexibility during pregnancy and neonatal health outcomes. Percent change in lipid oxidation (before and after a high-fat meal) was calculated as the measure of “metabolic flexibility”. Neonatal adiposity was assessed within 48 h of delivery by skinfold anthropometry. Metabolic flexibility (r = −0.271, p = 0.034), maternal HOMA-IR (r = 0.280, p = 0.030), and maternal body mass index (r = 0.299, p = 0.018) were correlated with neonatal subscapular skinfold (i.e., measure of neonatal adiposity). Clinical Trail Registration Number: NCT03504319.

Novelty: This is the first study to link maternal metabolic flexibility, body mass index, and insulin resistance during pregnancy to neonatal adiposity at parturition.
A test of the provisioning hypothesis of recruitment control in Georges Bank haddock
Authors: Friedland Kevin D.
Published: February 2021

The haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) stock of the Georges Bank region of the US Northeast Continental Shelf displays a pattern of large, episodic recruitments. Among the hypothesized controlling mechanisms is the idea that recruitment events are related to provisioning of prespawning haddock by the fall bloom the year before. With the occurrence of a recent large recruitment event in 2013, it would be prudent to retest this hypothesis. Fall bloom magnitude was positively correlated (r = 0.645, p = 0.005) with haddock survivor ratio (recruits per spawning biomass), including data from the 2013 recruitment. This relationship identifies a pathway of bottom-up control of a resource species, thus focusing concern over recent changes in lower trophic-level productivity.
Criteria for projected discovery and exclusion sensitivities of counting experiments
Authors: Bhattiprolu Prudhvi N. , Martin Stephen P. , Wells James D.
Published: February 2021

The projected discovery and exclusion capabilities of particle physics and astrophysics/cosmology experiments are often quantified using the median expected p-value or its corresponding significance. We argue that this criterion leads to flawed results, which for example can counterintuitively project lessened sensitivities if the experiment takes more data or reduces its background. We discuss the merits of several alternatives to the median expected significance, both when the background is known and when it is subject to some uncertainty. We advocate for standard use of the “exact Asimov significance” $$Z^\mathrm{A}$$

Z
A

detailed in this paper.
Measurements of $$H_0$$ and reconstruction of the dark energy properties from a model-independent joint analysis
Authors: Bonilla Alexander , Kumar Suresh , Nunes Rafael C.
Published: February 2021

Gaussian processes (GP) provide an elegant and model-independent method for extracting cosmological information from the observational data. In this work, we employ GP to perform a joint analysis by using the geometrical cosmological probes such as Supernova Type Ia (SN), Cosmic chronometers (CC), Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO), and the H0LiCOW lenses sample to constrain the Hubble constant $$H_0$$

H
0

, and reconstruct some properties of dark energy (DE), viz., the equation of state parameter w, the sound speed of DE perturbations $$c^2_s$$

c
s
2

, and the ratio of DE density evolution $$X = \rho _\mathrm{de}/\rho _\mathrm{de,0}$$

X
=

ρ
de

/

ρ

de
,
0

. From the joint analysis SN+CC+BAO+H0LiCOW, we find that $$H_0$$

H
0

is constrained at 1.1% precision with $$H_0 = 73.78 \pm 0.84\ \hbox {km}\ \hbox {s}^{-1}\,\hbox {Mpc}^{-1}$$

H
0

=
73.78
±
0.84

km

s

-
1

Mpc

-
1

, which is in agreement with SH0ES and H0LiCOW estimates, but in $$\sim 6.2 \sigma $$

∼
6.2
σ

tension with the current CMB measurements of $$H_0$$

H
0

. With regard to the DE parameters, we find $$c^2_s < 0$$

c
s
2

<
0

at $$\sim 2 \sigma $$

∼
2
σ

at high z, and the possibility of X to become negative for $$z > 1.5$$

z
>
1.5

. We compare our results with the ones obtained in the literature, and discuss the consequences of our main results on the DE theoretical framework.
Optimization Method of the Multistage Axial Compressors Using CFD Simulation
Authors: Popov Grigorii , Egorov Igor , Goriachkin Evgenii , Baturin Oleg , Kolmakova Daria , Matveev Valery
Published: February 2021

The current level of numerical methods of gas dynamics makes it possible to optimize compressors using 3D CFD models. However, the methods and means are not sufficiently developed for their wide application. This paper describes a new method for the optimization of multistage axial compressors based on 3D CFD modeling and summarizes the experience of its application. The developed method is a complex system of interconnected components (an effective mathematical model, a parameterizer, and an optimum search algorithm). The use of the method makes it possible to improve or provide the necessary values of the main gas-dynamic parameters of the compressor by changing the shape of the blades and their relative position. The method was tested in solving optimization problems for multistage axial compressors of gas turbine engines (the number of stages from 3 to 15). As a result, an increase in efficiency, pressure ratio, and stability margins was achieved. The presented work is a summary of a long-years investigation of the research team and aims at creating a complete picture of the obtained results for the reader. A brief description of the results of industrial compresses optimization contained in the paper is given as an illustration of the effectiveness of the developed methods.
Wormhole structures and energy conditions in f(ℛ) gravity with hybrid shape functions
Authors: Ikram Ouziala , Ahmad Mushtaq , Mustafa G.
Published: February 2021

This paper discusses the possible wormhole solutions in modified [Formula: see text] gravity by employing the two hybrid shape functions i.e. [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is constant. The solutions are accomplished by implementing the modified-gravity functions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]. It is presented by investigating the energy constraints through the graphical analysis that the null energy conditions for the energy–momentum tensor are largely violated for our both models. Energy constraints connected to the matter source threading the possible wormhole structures are in general worked out, supporting the null energy constraints in the neighborhood of the wormhole neck. This concludes that threaded by the matter, the existence of the non-exotic wormhole geometries have been found in this gravity. Subsequently, it is shown that violation of the null energy condition may be accredited to the collective effects of the [Formula: see text] gravity and owing to the non-commutative geometry.
Approximation algorithms for maximum weight k-coverings of graphs by packings
Authors: Gavril Fanica , Shalom Mordechai , Zaks Shmuel
Published: February 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be a family of graphs and let [Formula: see text] be a set of connected graphs, each with at most [Formula: see text] vertices, [Formula: see text] fixed. A [Formula: see text]-packing of a graph GA is a vertex induced subgraph of GA with every connected component isomorphic to a member of [Formula: see text]. A maximum weight [Formula: see text]-covering of a graph GA by [Formula: see text]-packings, is a maximum weight subgraph of GA exactly covered by [Formula: see text] vertex disjoint [Formula: see text]-packings. For a graph [Formula: see text] let [Formula: see text](GA) be a graph, every vertex [Formula: see text] of which corresponds to a vertex subgraph [Formula: see text] of GA isomorphic to a member of [Formula: see text], two vertices [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text](GA) being adjacent if and only if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] have common vertices or interconnecting edges. The closed neighborhoods containment graph [Formula: see text] of a graph [Formula: see text], is the graph with vertex set [Formula: see text] and edges directed from vertices [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] if and only if they are adjacent in GA and the closed neighborhood of [Formula: see text] is contained in the closed neighborhood of [Formula: see text]. A graph [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text] reduced graph if it can be obtained from a graph [Formula: see text] by deleting the edges of a transitive subgraph [Formula: see text] of CNCG(GA). We describe 1.582-approximation algorithms for maximum weight [Formula: see text]-coverings by [Formula: see text]-packings of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] reduced graphs when [Formula: see text] is vertex hereditary, has an algorithm for maximum weight independent set and [Formula: see text]. These algorithms can be applied to families of interval filament, subtree filament, weakly chordal, AT-free and circle graphs, to find 1.582 approximate maximum weight [Formula: see text]-coverings by vertex disjoint induced matchings, dissociation sets, forests whose subtrees have at most [Formula: see text] vertices, etc.
Perfect t-codes in Cayley graphs of groups
Authors: Bagheri Neda , Asghar Talebi Rostami A.
Published: February 2021

A perfect [Formula: see text]-code in a graph [Formula: see text] is a subset [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] such that every vertex of [Formula: see text] is at a distance not more than [Formula: see text], to exactly one vertex of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we present a new family of perfect [Formula: see text]-codes in Cayley graphs of groups. We proposed the role of the subgroups of a group to create perfect [Formula: see text]-codes by restricting the elements of the left transversal of the subgroups in the given group. Also, we introduce a new decoding algorithm for the all of perfect [Formula: see text]-codes in Cayley graphs. These codes are able to correct every [Formula: see text]-error pattern.
Comparison between the MAIA® Implant and Trapeziectomy for Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis: Outcomes at 9 Years’ Follow-Up
Authors: Seaourt Anne-Charlotte , Dap François , Dautel Gilles , Athlani Lionel
Published: February 2021

Background: The purpose of this retrospective study was to report and compare the outcomes of the MAIA® prosthesis and trapeziectomy for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis.

Methods: We included 92 consecutive patients (8 men, 84 women) with a mean age of 57 years (range 44–75 years) who underwent trapeziectomy (44 patients) or trapeziometacarpal joint replacement with a MAIA® prosthesis (48 patients) for painful osteoarthritis. All patients were evaluated (pain, range of motion, strength, function, X-rays) by an independent examiner.

Results: The two groups of patients had comparable preoperative characteristics. At the mean follow-up of 9 years (range: 8–10), we found a significant reduction in pain levels for each group. In the final data review, there were no significant differences in terms of pain levels, grip strength, thumb active motion and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score between the two groups. Pinch strength and the work performance score on the Michigan Hand Questionnaire were significantly better in the MAIA® prosthesis group. The MAIA® group had a shorter postoperative recovery time of 6 weeks and fewer patients required physiotherapy. Postoperatively, the thumb column length was significantly less in the trapeziectomy group. In this group, we found a significant decrease in the trapezial cavity height between the immediate postoperative evaluation and the final assessment, with three patients having painful scaphometacarpal impingement. Two patients required surgical revision for symptomatic meta-carpophalangeal joint hyperextension. In the MAIA® group, we found no implant subsidence, loosening, dislocation or fracture. None of the implants were revised.

Conclusions: From this study, we found that the both procedures can be used as a surgical treatment for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. The MAIA® prosthesis is a useful alternative to trapeziectomy and appears to be a reliable and effective implant in the medium- to long-term.
Wrist Arthrodesis in Athetoid Type Cerebral Palsy: A Case Study of 2 Patients
Authors: Seok Hyun Sik , Chae Young Ju , Gong Hyun Sik
Published: February 2021

Wrist arthrodesis has been used successfully for the management of severe wrist flexion deformity when soft tissue procedures would not provide adequate correction. However, in athetoid type cerebral palsy which has a component of involuntary movement, the outcome of wrist arthrodesis has not been discussed much. We present our experience in 2 athetoid type cerebral palsy patients who underwent wrist arthrodesis due to severe involuntary movement of the wrist. One patient had a nonunion and both patients had unexpected aggravation of involuntary movement in the adjacent joints. Secure fixation using a pre-contoured plate is necessary and preparation for iliac bone grafting should be considered as proximal row carpectomy is usually not necessary in these patients. In addition, although single-event, multi-level surgery is advocated for patients with cerebral palsy, potential additional procedures for the adjacent joints should be discussed preoperatively because unexpected aggravation of involuntary movement of adjacent joints can occur after stabilization of the wrist.
Why Real Citizens Would Turn to Artificial Leaders
Authors: Spatola Nicolas , Macdorman Karl F.
Published: February 2021

Governments are increasingly using artificial intelligence to improve workflows and services. Applications range from predicting climate change, crime, and earthquakes to flu outbreaks, low air quality, and tax fraud. Artificial agents are already having an impact on eldercare, education, and open government, enabling users to complete procedures through a conversational interface. Whether replacing humans or assisting them, they are the technological fix of our times. In two experiments and a follow-up study, we investigate factors that influence the acceptance of artificial agents in positions of power, using attachment theory and disappointment theory as explanatory models. We found that when the state of the world provokes anxiety, citizens perceive artificial agents as a reliable proxy to replace human leaders. Moreover, people accept artificial agents as decision-makers in politics and security more willingly when they deem their leaders or government to be untrustworthy, disappointing, or immoral. Finally, we discuss these results with respect to theories of technology acceptance and the delegation of duties and prerogatives.
Epigenetic Remodeling in Innate Immunity and Inflammation
Authors: Zhang Qian , Cao Xuetao
Published: February 2021

The innate immune response is a rapid response to pathogens or danger signals. It is precisely activated not only to efficiently eliminate pathogens but also to avoid excessive inflammation and tissue damage. cis-Regulatory element–associated chromatin architecture shaped by epigenetic factors, which we define as the epiregulome, endows innate immune cells with specialized phenotypes and unique functions by establishing cell-specific gene expression patterns, and it also contributes to resolution of the inflammatory response. In this review, we focus on two aspects: ( a) how niche signals during lineage commitment or following infection and pathogenic stress program epiregulomes by regulating gene expression levels, enzymatic activities, or gene-specific targeting of chromatin modifiers and ( b) how the programed epiregulomes in turn mediate regulation of gene-specific expression, which contributes to controlling the development of innate cells, or the response to infection and inflammation, in a timely manner. We also discuss the effects of innate immunometabolic rewiring on epiregulomes and speculate on several future challenges to be encountered during the exploration of the master regulators of epiregulomes in innate immunity and inflammation.
Study of ΒΕSOI MOSFET Reconfigurable Transistor for Biosensing Application
Authors: Yojo L. S. , Rangel R. C. , Sasaki K. R. A. , Martino J. A.
Published: February 2021

The Back Enhanced SOI (BESOI MOSFET) is a planar reconfigurable device, which transistor type (n- or p-type) can be programed by the back-gate bias. This transistor is explored in this paper for biosensing application through numerical simulation, based on the fabricated device experimental results. The permittivity value and the charges inside the biomaterial deposited on the underlap region (between gate and source/drain contacts) influence the BESOI MOSFET drain current. The dimensions of the device were evaluated in order to optimize the sensitivity. Among the studied parameters, the underlap length was the most relevant parameter. For short underlap devices, the fringe electric field from the front gate electrode benefits the permittivity-based sensors, while long underlap length devices have a bigger sensitive area in which the charge-based sensor presented better results. Also, the n-type biased device presented higher sensitivity to positively charged materials, while the p-type biased one presented better result for negatively charged materials. The parameters optimization resulted in one order magnitude improvement of the sensitivity for the permittivity-based sensor, for both n- and p-type. As for the charge-based sensor, the optimized device presented twice as bigger sensitivity for the n-type, and at least eight times improvement for the p-type device. This fact represents an advantage of the BESOI structure as the type of the device can be chosen by the back-gate bias.
Demonstration of age-related blood-brain barrier disruption and cerebromicrovascular rarefaction in mice by longitudinal intravital two-photon microscopy and optical coherence tomography
Authors: Nyúl-Tóth Ádám , Tarantini Stefano , DelFavero Jordan , Yan Feng , Balasubramanian Priya , Yabluchanskiy Andriy , Ahire Chetan , Kiss Tamas , Csipo Tamas , Lipecz Agnes , Farkas Attila E. , Wilhelm Imola , Krizbai István A. , Tang Qinggong , Csiszar Anna , Ungvari Zoltan
Published: February 2021

Methods are presented for longitudinal detection of age-related increase in blood-brain barrier permeability and microvascular rarefaction in the mouse cerebral cortex by intravital two-photon microscopy and optical coherence tomography.
Electronic cigarette solvents, pulmonary irritation, and endothelial dysfunction: role of acetaldehyde and formaldehyde
Authors: Jin Lexiao , Lynch Jordan , Richardson Andre , Lorkiewicz Pawel , Srivastava Shweta , Theis Whitney , Shirk Gregg , Hand Alexis , Bhatnagar Aruni , Srivastava Sanjay , Conklin Daniel J.
Published: February 2021

Use of electronic cigarettes (E-cig) induces endothelial dysfunction (ED) in healthy humans, yet the specific constituents in E-cig aerosols that contribute to ED are unknown. Our study implicates formaldehyde that is formed in heating of E-cig solvents (propylene glycol, PG; vegetable glycerin, VG). Exposure to formaldehyde or PG-VG–derived aerosol alone stimulated ED in female mice. As ED was independent of nicotine and flavorants, these data reflect a “universal flaw” of E-cigs that use PG-VG.
Deformation Responses and Mechanical Mechanism of Existing Tunnel due to New Building Construction
Authors: Guo Haifeng , Ma Dong , Yao Aijun
Published: February 2021

This study mainly investigated the variation law and mechanical mechanism of surrounding earth pressure and deformation of an existing tunnel, caused by dewatering, foundation excavation, building loading, and groundwater recovery. According to different dewatering schemes, two modes were established: nonisolated dewatering unloading‐loading mode and isolated dewatering unloading‐loading mode. Through large‐scale similar materials model test, the variation law of deformation and surrounding earth pressure of adjacent tunnel under complex unloading‐loading conditions was preliminarily revealed. Based on the size of the prototype project, the test results were further verified by the numerical simulation. The mechanical mechanism of tunnel deformation in different construction stages was analyzed after the comparative study. The results show that the tunnel structure deformation, vertical and horizontal displacement, and torsion occur in the process of building construction. In the nonisolated dewatering unloading‐loading mode, the decrease or rise of the groundwater level significantly reduces (maximum 27.85%) or increases (maximum 35.19%) the surrounding earth pressure of the tunnel. The decrease or increase of the horizontal total stress was much greater than that of the vertical total stress, which leads to the deformation of tunnel structure. The vertical displacement of the tunnel is generally settlement, which mainly occurs in the stage of dewatering and building loading, accounting for 83.21%–100.00% and 25.11%–40.34% of the total settlement, respectively. In the stage of foundation pit excavation and groundwater recovery, the tunnel rises. In the horizontal direction, the tunnel moves towards the foundation pit, mainly in the excavation stage, accounting for 82.77%–86.30% of the maximum value. Due to the uneven change of displacement field and stress field of soil outside the foundation pit, the tunnel torsion occurs. In the isolated dewatering unloading‐Loading mode, the change of groundwater has little effect on the tunnel. In the stage of excavation and construction load, the variation law of tunnel surrounding earth pressure and deformation is similar in the two modes.
Two-Dimensional DOA Estimation of MIMO Radar Coherent Source Based on Toeplitz Matrix Set Reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Fei , Jin Aisuo , Hu Yin
Published: February 2021

In order to realize the high-precision direction of arrival (DOA) estimation of the coherent source of two-dimensional multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) radar, a solution is given by combining Toeplitz matrix set reconstruction. MIMO radar obtains a larger aperture with fewer arrays. Traditional two-dimensional reconstruction Toeplitz-like algorithms use part of the information in the construction of two correlation matrices or covariance matrices to construct the Toeplitz matrix when performing two-dimensional coherent source DOA estimation, which makes the information utilization incomplete and requires additional denoising processing. To solve the above problems, this paper proposes an improved Toeplitz matrix set reconstruction algorithm based on the two-dimensional reconstruction Toeplitz class algorithm. The complete array element receiving signal vector is used to construct two Toeplitz matrix sets containing complete information, and then their conjugate transposes. Multiply and sum to correct the matrix to obtain a full-rank matrix, so as to achieve the purpose of decoherence and combine the traditional ESPRIT algorithm to perform two one-dimensional reconstruction processing through rotation invariance and then perform angle matching to achieve two-dimensional coherent signal angle estimation, while avoiding additional denoising processing. Finally, the simulation results of the cross array and the L-shaped array verify the effectiveness of the algorithm in this paper and further extend it to the two-dimensional MIMO radar array model and compare it with the traditional ESPRIT-like algorithm and the REC-FBSS-ESPRIT algorithm. In comparison, the algorithm in this paper has better performance under the conditions of successful resolution, DOA estimation accuracy, and low signal-to-noise ratio.
A Study of Highly Sensitive Wearable Strain Sensor Based on Graphical Sensitive Units
Authors: Wang Jie , Du Yi , Zhang Qiang , Jing Zhu , Zhuo Kai , Ji Jianlong , Yuan Zhongyun , Zhang Wendong , Sang Shengbo
Published: February 2021

The sensitivity improvement is the choke point of the soft strain sensor’s development. This paper focuses on heightening the soft strain sensor’s sensitivity through changing the sensitive unit’s shape. The sensitive units in shape of square or sine wave with different periods were studied in this work. Silver nanowires (Ag NWs) in excellent electrical conductivity and flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were used as sensitive nanomaterials and soft substrate. The soft strain sensor whose sensitive unit is double cycled square wave performs the highest sensitivity whose gauge factor (GF) reaches to 14763.8. Based on the high sensitivity, the sensor was applied on real‐time detection of the human expression.
Microscopic Tumour Classification by Digital Mammography
Authors: Yang Jingjing , Li Huichao , Shi Ning , Zhang Qifan , Liu Yanan
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we investigate the classification of microscopic tumours using full digital mammography images. Firstly, to address the shortcomings of traditional image segmentation methods, two different deep learning methods are designed to achieve the segmentation of uterine fibroids. The deep lab model is used to optimize the lesion edge detailed information by using the void convolution algorithm and fully connected CRF, and the two semantic segmentation networks are compared to obtain the best results. The Mask RCNN case segmentation model is used to effectively extract features through the ResNet structure, combined with the RPN network to achieve effective use and fusion of features, and continuously optimize the network training to achieve a fine segmentation of the lesion area, and demonstrate the accuracy and feasibility of the two models in medical image segmentation. Histopathology was used to obtain ER, PR, HER scores, and Ki-67 percentage values for all patients. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival estimation, the Log-rank test was used for single-factor analysis, and Cox proportional risk regression was used for multifactor analysis. The prognostic value of each factor was calculated, as well as the factors affecting progression-free survival. This study was done to compare the imaging characteristics and diagnostic value of mammography and colour Doppler ultrasonography in nonspecific mastitis, improve the understanding of the imaging characteristics of nonspecific mastitis in these two examinations, improve the accuracy of the diagnosis of this type of disease, improve the ability of distinguishing it from breast cancer, and reduce the rate of misdiagnosis.
An Improved Fuzzy Trajectory Clustering Method for Exploring Urban Travel Patterns
Authors: Liu Fang , Bi Wei , Hao Wei , Gao Fan , Tang Jinjun
Published: February 2021

Exploring urban travel patterns can analyze the mobility regularity of residents to provide guidance for urban traffic planning and emergency decision. Clustering methods have been widely applied to explore the hidden information from large-scale trajectory data on travel patterns exploring. How to implement soft constraints in the clustering method and evaluate the effectiveness quantitatively is still a challenge. In this study, we propose an improved trajectory clustering method based on fuzzy density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (TC-FDBSCAN) to conduct classification on trajectory data. Firstly, we define the trajectory distance which considers the influence of different attributes and determines the corresponding weight coefficients to measure the similarity among trajectories. Secondly, membership degrees and membership functions are designed in the fuzzy clustering method as the extension of the classical DBSCAN method. Finally, trajectory data collected in Shenzhen city, China, are divided into two types (workdays and weekends) and then implemented in the experiment to explore different travel patterns. Moreover, three indices including Silhouette Coefficient, Davies–Bouldin index, and Calinski–Harabasz index are used to evaluate the effectiveness among the proposed method and other traditional clustering methods. The results also demonstrate the advantage of the proposed method.
A Multimodal Hair-Loss Treatment Strategy Using a New Topical Phytoactive Formulation: A Report of Five Cases
Authors: Umar Sanusi , Carter Marissa J.
Published: February 2021

Introduction. Current approved medications for hair loss, such as topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, may have suboptimal efficacy or side effects precluding continued use in some patients. Thus, we report an evaluation of the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of a new topical botanical formulation -GASHEE containing over 12 phytoactive ingredients that affect multiple targets in the cascade of pathophysiologic events that cause hair loss. Five patients with various hair-loss conditions, including cases of previous treatment failures, are presented. Case Presentation. This is a case series of four women and one man with hair loss due to various causes, four of whom had failed minoxidil treatment for over a year. All patients used the topical treatment as a sole therapy for at least 3 months before the documentation of outcomes, which involved interval changes noted through each patient’s account, direct observation, and photography. Discussion. In all patients, we observed significant improvements in hair regrowth in the nape, crown, vertex, and temple areas after 3–15 months of treatment. All patients were highly satisfied with their results and reported no adverse events. Although the use of botanicals in the treatment of hair loss is in an infant stage, the new formulation used in this study demonstrated a good efficacy related to hair growth, warranting further evaluation.