bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Divergence‐Free Shape Correspondence by Deformation
Authors: Eisenberger M. , Lähner Z. , Cremers D.
Published: August 2019

We present a novel approach for solving the correspondence problem between a given pair of input shapes with non‐rigid, nearly isometric pose difference. Our method alternates between calculating a deformation field and a sparse correspondence. The deformation field is constructed with a low rank Fourier basis which allows for a compact representation. Furthermore, we restrict the deformation fields to be divergence‐free which makes our morphings volume preserving. This can be used to extract a correspondence between the inputs by deforming one of them along the deformation field using a second order Runge‐Kutta method and resulting in an alignment of the inputs. The advantages of using our basis are that there is no need to discretize the embedding space and the deformation is volume preserving. The optimization of the deformation field is done efficiently using only a subsampling of the orginal shapes but the correspondence can be extracted for any mesh resolution with close to linear increase in runtime. We show 3D correspondence results on several known data sets and examples of natural intermediate shape sequences that appear as a by‐product of our method.
Point Pattern Synthesis via Irregular Convolution
Authors: Tu Peihan , Lischinski Dani , Huang Hui
Published: August 2019

Point pattern synthesis is a fundamental tool with various applications in computer graphics. To synthesize a point pattern, some techniques have taken an example‐based approach, where the user provides a small exemplar of the target pattern. However, it remains challenging to synthesize patterns that faithfully capture the structures in the given exemplar. In this paper, we present a new example‐based point pattern synthesis method that preserves both local and non‐local structures present in the exemplar. Our method leverages recent neural texture synthesis techniques that have proven effective in synthesizing structured textures. The network that we present is end‐to‐end. It utilizes an irregular convolution layer, which converts a point pattern into a gridded feature map, to directly optimize point coordinates. The synthesis is then performed by matching inter‐ and intra‐correlations of the responses produced by subsequent convolution layers. We demonstrate that our point pattern synthesis qualitatively outperforms state‐of‐the‐art methods on challenging structured patterns, and enables various graphical applications, such as object placement in natural scenes, creative element patterns or realistic urban layouts in a 3D virtual environment.
Parallel Globally Consistent Normal Orientation of Raw Unorganized Point Clouds
Authors: Jakob J. , Buchenau C. , Guthe M.
Published: August 2019

A mandatory component for many point set algorithms is the availability of consistently oriented vertex‐normals (e.g. for surface reconstruction, feature detection, visualization). Previous orientation methods on meshes or raw point clouds do not consider a global context, are often based on unrealistic assumptions, or have extremely long computation times, making them unusable on real‐world data. We present a novel massively parallelized method to compute globally consistent oriented point normals for raw and unsorted point clouds. Built on the idea of graph‐based energy optimization, we create a complete kNN‐graph over the entire point cloud. A new weighted similarity criterion encodes the graph‐energy. To orient normals in a globally consistent way we perform a highly parallel greedy edge collapse, which merges similar parts of the graph and orients them consistently. We compare our method to current state‐of‐the‐art approaches and achieve speedups of up to two orders of magnitude. The achieved quality of normal orientation is on par or better than existing solutions, especially for real‐world noisy 3D scanned data.
Immediate nonfunctional loading of implants placed simultaneously using computer‐guided flapless maxillary crestal sinus augmentation with bone morphogenetic protein‐2/collagen matrix
Authors: An Xueyin , Lee Chunui , Fang Yiqin , Choi Byung‐Ho
Published: August 2019

Background

Immediate loading has shown positive results for total, partial, or single edentulism. The effects of BMP‐2 addition to graft materials on bone formation and implant stability in the early stages of healing have rarely been studied, especially in patients with severely atrophic maxillae.

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of simultaneously placed immediate non‐functional loaded implants and bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2)‐loaded Bio‐Oss collagen, on bone formation and implant stability during the early healing stages of patients with a severely atrophic posterior maxilla using crestal approach.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐three cases presenting posterior maxillary residual alveolar bone height of 1‐3 mm were evaluated. Flapless crestal sinus augmentation surgery was performed using BMP‐2‐loaded Bio‐Oss collagen, with non‐functional implants immediately loaded after surgery. The bone height was assessed using preoperative and postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Bone density of the sinus graft sites and implant stability (after 3 months) were evaluated using postoperative CBCT scans and Periotest, respectively. The periodontal parameters and marginal bone loss around the implant were checked after 37.3 months of final prosthesis.

Results

The survival rate of the implants was 100% and the gingiva around the implants remained healthy. All implants remained integrated, and all sinus grafts showed radiographic bone formation. The results indicated high level of bone density and good implant stability, showing minimal marginal bone loss after 37.3 months.

Conclusion

This technique could be used in the posterior maxillary region exhibiting poor bone quantity.
Outcomes of patients with infection related to a ventricular assist device after heart transplantation
Authors: Moayedi Yasbanoo , Multani Ashrit , Bunce Paul E. , Henricksen Erik , Lee Roy , Yang Wenjia , Gomez Carlos A. , Garvert Donn W. , Tremblay‐Gravel Maxime , Duclos Sebastien , Hiesinger William , Ross Heather J. , Khush Kiran K. , Montoya Jose G. , Teuteberg Jeffrey J.
Published: August 2019

Background

Despite significant advances in durable mechanical support survival, infectious complications remain the most common adverse event after ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation and the leading cause of early death after transplantation. In this study, we aim to describe our local infectious epidemiology and review short‐term survival and infectious incidence rates in the post‐transplantation period and assess risk factors for infectious episodes after transplantation.

Methods

Retrospective single‐center study of all consecutive adult heart transplant patients from 2008 to 2017. Survival data were estimated and summarized using the Kaplan‐Meier method. We quantified and evaluated the difference in the incidence rate between patients with and without infection using a Fine‐Gray model. The outcome of interest is the time to first infection diagnosis with post‐transplant death as the competing event.

Results

Among 278 heart transplant patients, 74 (26.5%) underwent LVAD implantation. Twenty‐one patients (28.3%) developed an infection while supported by an LVAD. When compared to patients supported by an LVAD without a preceding infection, BMI was significantly greater (31.2 vs 27.8 kg/m2, P = .03). Median follow‐up post‐transplantation was 3.01 years. Significant risk factors for the competing risk regression for infection after heart transplantation include LVAD infection (HR 1.94, [95% CI] 1.11‐3.39, P = .020) and recipient COPD (HR 2.14, [95% CI] 1.39‐3.32, P = .001) when adjusted for recipient age, gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and body mass index.

Conclusions

Patients with LVAD‐related infection had a significantly increased risk of infectious complications after heart transplantation. Further research on the avoidance of induction agents and reduced maintenance immunosuppression in this patient population is warranted.
Donor hypernatremia and smoking addiction contribute to primary graft failure in heart transplantation
Authors: Finger Marco Aurélio , Cipullo Reginaldo , Rossi Neto João Manoel , dos Santos Carolina Casadei , Contreras Carlos Alberto , Chaccur Paulo , Dinkhuysen Jarbas Jakson , de Souza Roberta , Dias França João Italo , Lin‐Wang Hui Tzu
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Primary graft failure (PGF) is an important contributor to early mortality, accounting for 41% of deaths within the first 30 days after heart transplantation (HT). Donor hypernatremia has been associated with PGF development. However, controversial data exist regarding the impact of sodium deregulation in patient survival after HT. This study aimed to assess the influence of donor hypernatremia on PGF development and to determine the serum sodium level threshold to assist in decision‐making for organ procurement.

Methods

The medical record from 200 HT patients and organ donors were retrospectively assessed and categorized by PGF occurrence. Donor sodium levels were compared and cut‐off points obtained by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A multiple logistic regression model was applied to assess the effects of factors and covariates that influence PGF development.

Results

Sodium levels of donors were significantly higher in recipients who developed PGF than those who did not develop PGF (162 vs. 153 mmol/L, P = .001). The sodium cut‐off value determined by the ROC curve was 159 mmol/L. The group who received organs from donors with a serum sodium concentration ≥159 mmol/L had a higher incidence of PGF (63.3% vs 32.4%, P < .001). Furthermore, donor sodium levels ≥159 mmol/L increased the likelihood of recipients developing PGF by 3.4 times. It is also observed that the incidence of donor smoking addiction was significantly higher in the PGF group (28.6% vs. 11.5%, P = .004) and donor smoking addiction increased the risk of developing PGF by 2.8 times.

Conclusion

Smoking addiction and the application of suboptimal organs from donors with hypernatremia contribute to primary graft failure in heart transplantation.
Left ventricular dyssynchrony in coronary artery disease patients without regional wall‐motion abnormality: Correlation with Gensini score
Authors: Li Miao , Li Lin , Wu Wenfang , Ran Hong , Zhang Pingyang
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Our study investigated left ventricular dyssynchrony (LVD) in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients without regional wall‐motion abnormality (RWMA) by three‐dimensional echocardiography (3‐DE) and explored the relationship between LVD and severity of CAD as assessed by the Gensini score (GS).

Methods

Sixty‐one patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CAD by coronary angiography (CAG) were enrolled. We quantified LVD parameters, including the left ventricular segments (16, 12, and 6) standard deviation of the time to minimum systolic volume (TmsvSD‐16, TmsvSD‐12, and TmsvSD‐6) and the systolic dyssynchrony index in regions 16, 12, and 6 (16R‐SDI, 12R‐SDI, 6R‐SDI) using 3‐DE. The severity of coronary atherosclerotic lesions was evaluated by the GS system on the basis of CAG findings. We further divided all patients into three groups according to the tertiles of GS: low‐GS ≤20, mid‐GS >20 and ≤48, and high‐GS >48. The differences of LVD values among the three groups were compared, and the associations between LVD parameters and GS were analyzed.

Results

Coronary artery disease patients demonstrated increased LVD parameters compared with healthy controls. TmsvSD12, 16R‐SDI, and 6R‐SDI were prolonged in the high‐GS group compared with the low‐ and mid‐GS groups. 16R‐SDI was positively correlated with the GS, and multivariate regression analysis showed that 16R‐SDI was an independent predictor of the GS. 16R‐SDI above 10.7% had a sensitivity of 84.21% and a specificity of 92.86% for identifying high‐GS.

Conclusion

Three‐dimensional echocardiography is a noninvasive technique to detect LVD in non‐RWMA CAD patients, and the parameter 16R‐SDI was significantly correlated with CAD severity.
Alexithymia, resilience, somatic sensations and their relationships with suicide ideation in drug naïve patients with first‐episode major depression: An exploratory study in the “real world” everyday clinical practice
Authors: De Berardis Domenico , Fornaro Michele , Valchera Alessandro , Rapini Gabriella , Di Natale Serena , De Lauretis Ida , Serroni Nicola , Orsolini Laura , Tomasetti Carmine , Bustini Massimiliano , Carano Alessandro , Vellante Federica , Perna Giampaolo , Core Laura , Alessandrini Marco , Fraticelli Silvia , Martinotti Giovanni , Di Giannantonio Massimo
Published: August 2019

Aim

The present study is aimed at revaluating alexithymia, somatic sensations, resilience and their relationships with suicide ideation in drug naïve adult outpatients suffering from first episode major depression (MD).

Methods

Data of 103 adult outpatients (49 men, 56 women) with a diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4th edition, text revision (DSM‐IV‐TR) diagnosis of MD were analysed. Alexithymia was measured using the 20‐item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS‐20) and resilience with the 25 items Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale (CD‐RISC) whereas depression was evaluated using the 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, somatic sensations with the Body Sensations Questionnaire and suicide ideation with Scale of Suicide Ideation (SSI).

Results

Gender comparisons between all demographic and clinical variables showed no significant differences in all variables. Subjects who were found positive for alexithymia showed higher scores on all clinical variables controlling for age, gender and duration of the current episode. In a linear regression model, lower scores on CD‐RISC and Difficulty in Identifying Feelings dimension of TAS‐20 were significantly predictive of higher scores on SSI.

Conclusions

Alexithymia and low resilience were significant predictors of increased suicide ideation in a first MD episode. However, study limitations must be considered and future research needs are being discussed.
Sex‐dependency of oestrogen‐induced structural synaptic plasticity: Inhibition of aromatase versus application of estradiol in rodents
Authors: Brandt Nicola , Rune Gabriele M.
Published: August 2019

Sex‐dependent differences in learning and memory formation in humans have been frequently shown. The mechanisms underlying the formation and retention of memories are assumed to involve synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. Estradiol was shown to effect synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus of rodents. The effects after exogenous application of estradiol to animals frequently produce inconsistent results, in particular, if sex is not considered in the studies. Recently we provided evidence that locally synthesized estradiol plays an essential role on synaptic connectivity in the hippocampus of females but not of male mice. In females, inhibition of local estradiol synthesis leads to synapse loss, which results from impairment of long‐term potentiation and dephosphorylation of cofilin, and thereby the destabilization of postsynaptic dendritic spines. This sex‐dependency was also seen in the classical aromatase knock‐out mouse. Intriguingly, no differences between sexes have been found in a conditional forebrain‐specific aromatase knock‐out mouse. Altogether, the findings underscore the necessity of including ‘Sex as a Biological Variable’ in studies of sex steroid‐induced synaptic plasticity.
Speed Gaps: Exploring Differences in Response Latencies Among Groups
Authors: Wright Daniel B.
Published: August 2019

There is much discussion about and many policies to address achievement gaps in education among groups of students. The focus here is on a different gap and it is argued that it also should be of concern. Speed gaps are differences in how quickly different groups of students answer the questions on academic assessments. To investigate some speed gaps, response times from approximately 75,000 untimed online assessments were compared by English language learning proficiency, student gender, and ethnicity. Also examined were the relationships between response time and accuracy for these groups. The differences observed lead to recommendations for assessment accommodations and teaching strategies for taking assessments.
Development of high internal phase Pickering emulsions stabilised by ovotransferrin–gum arabic particles as curcumin delivery vehicles
Authors: Wei Zihao , Huang Qingrong
Published: August 2019

This study explored feasibility of preparing high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPEs) as curcumin delivery vehicles. Particles assembled from ovotransferrin (OVT) and gum arabic (GA) could stabilise HIPEs successfully, and OVT–GA particle‐stabilised HIPEs with extremely high oil fraction of 0.90 were stable. Droplet size and rheological properties of OVT–GA particle‐stabilised HIPEs were dependent on both particle concentration and oil fraction. Either increasing particle concentration or decreasing oil fraction resulted in a decrease of droplet size. Increase in storage modulus and viscosity of HIPEs could be achieved by increasing particle concentration or oil fraction. Food structures with controlled shape could be constructed by OVT–GA particle‐stabilised HIPEs. When compared with bulk MCT oil, OVT–GA particle‐stabilised HIPEs improved both extent of lipolysis and curcumin bioaccessibility significantly. These findings provided novel insight into potential application of HIPEs with extremely high oil fractions in nutraceutical delivery systems.
Is there a place and role for endocytic TCR signaling?
Authors: Saveanu Loredana , Zucchetti Andres E. , Evnouchidou Irini , Ardouin Laurence , Hivroz Claire
Published: August 2019

T‐lymphocyte activation relies on the cognate recognition by the TCR of the MHC‐associated peptide ligand (pMHC) presented at the surface of an antigen‐presenting cell (APC). This leads to the dynamic formation of a cognate contact between the T lymphocyte and the APC: the immune synapse (IS). Engagement of the TCR by the pMHC in the synaptic zone induces a cascade of signaling events leading to phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of proteins and lipids, which ultimately shapes the response of T lymphocytes. Although the engagement of the T‐cell receptor (TCR) takes place at the plasma membrane, the TCR/CD3 complexes and the signaling molecules involved in transduction of the TCR signal are also present in intracellular membrane pools. These pools, which are both endocytic and exocytic, have tentatively been characterized by several groups including ours. We will herein summarize what is known on the intracellular pools of TCR signaling components. We will discuss their origin and the mechanisms involved in their mobility at the IS. Finally, we will propose several hypotheses concerning the functional role(s) that these intracellular pools might play in T‐cell activation. We will also discuss the tools that could be used to test these hypotheses.
Beyond the CRAC: Diversification of ion signaling in B cells
Authors: Mahtani Trisha , Treanor Bebhinn
Published: August 2019

Although calcium signaling and the important role of calcium release–activated calcium channels is well recognized in the context of immune cell signaling, there is a vast diversity of ion channels and transporters that regulate the entry of ions beyond calcium, including magnesium, zinc, potassium, sodium, and chloride. These ions play a critical role in numerous metabolic and cellular processes. The importance of ions in human health and disease is illustrated by the identification of primary immunodeficiencies in patients with mutations in genes encoding ion channels and transporters, as well as the immunological defects observed in individuals with nutritional ion deficiencies. Despite progress in identifying the important role of ions in immune cell development and activation, we are still in the early stages of exploring the diversity of ion channels and transporters and mechanistically understanding the role of these ions in immune cell biology. Here, we review the biology of ion signaling in B cells and the identification of critical ion channels and transporters in B‐cell development, activation, and differentiation into effector cells. Elucidating the role of ion channels and transporters in immune cell signaling is critical for expanding the repertoire of potential therapeutics for the treatment of immune disorders. Moreover, increased understanding of the role of ions in immune cell function will enhance our understanding of the potentially serious consequences of ion deficiencies in human health and disease.
T and B‐cell signaling in activated PI3K delta syndrome: From immunodeficiency to autoimmunity
Authors: Preite Silvia , Gomez‐Rodriguez Julio , Cannons Jennifer L. , Schwartzberg Pamela L.
Published: August 2019

Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinases (PI3K) are a family of lipid kinases that are activated by a variety of cell‐surface receptors, and regulate a wide range of downstream readouts affecting cellular metabolism, growth, survival, differentiation, adhesion, and migration. The importance of these lipid kinases in lymphocyte signaling has recently been highlighted by genetic analyses, including the recognition that both activating and inactivating mutations of the catalytic subunit of PI3Kδ, p110δ, lead to human primary immunodeficiencies. In this article, we discuss how studies on the human genetic disorder “Activated PI3K‐delta syndrome” and mouse models of this disease (Pik3cdE1020K/+ mice) have provided fundamental insight into pathways regulated by PI3Kδ in T and B cells and their contribution to lymphocyte function and disease, including responses to commensal bacteria and the development of autoimmunity and tumors. We highlight critical roles of PI3Kδ in T follicular helper cells and the orchestration of the germinal center reaction, as well as in CD8+ T‐cell function. We further  present data demonstrating the ability of the AKT‐resistant FOXO1AAA mutant to rescue IgG1 class switching defects in Pik3cdE1020K/+ B cells, as well as data supporting a role for PI3Kδ in promoting multiple T‐helper effector cell lineages.
Signaling pathways involved in the T‐cell‐mediated immunity against Epstein‐Barr virus: Lessons from genetic diseases
Authors: Latour Sylvain , Fischer Alain
Published: August 2019

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) provide researchers with unique models to understand in vivo immune responses in general and immunity to infections in particular. In humans, impaired immune control of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated with the occurrence of several different immunopathologic conditions; these include non‐malignant and malignant B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a severe inflammatory condition, and a chronic acute EBV infection of T cells. Studies of PIDs associated with a predisposition to develop severe, chronic EBV infections have led to the identification of key components of immunity to EBV – notably the central role of T‐cell expansion and its regulation in the pathophysiology of EBV‐associated diseases. On one hand, the defective expansion of EBV‐specific CD8 T cells results from mutations in genes involved in T‐cell activation (such as RASGRP1, MAGT1, and ITK), DNA metabolism (CTPS1) or co‐stimulatory pathways (CD70, CD27, and TNFSFR9 (also known as CD137/4‐1BB)) leads to impaired elimination of proliferating EBV‐infected B cells and the occurrence of lymphoma. On the other hand, protracted T‐cell expansion and activation after the defective killing of EBV‐infected B cells is caused by genetic defects in the components of the lytic granule exocytosis pathway or in the small adapter protein SH2D1A (also known as SAP), a key activator of T‐ and NK cell‐cytotoxicity. In this setting, the persistence of EBV‐infected cells results in HLH, a condition characterized by unleashed T‐cell and macrophage activation. Moreover, genetic defects causing selective vulnerability to EBV infection have highlighted the role of co‐receptor molecules (CD27, CD137, and SLAM‐R) selectively involved in immune responses against infected B cells via specific T‐B cell interactions.
Multi‐lead vs single‐lead Tpeak‐Tend interval measurements for prediction of reperfusion ventricular tachyarrhythmias
Authors: Sedova Ksenia , Galinyte Viktorija , Arteyeva Natalia , Hejda Jan , Bernikova Olesya , Kneppo Peter , Azarov Jan
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Electrocardiographic Tpeak‐Tend interval (Tp‐Te) is a promising marker for the prediction of ventricular tachycardia and/or ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF). The study was aimed to compare single‐lead vs multilead Tp‐Te variables as VT/VF predictors in experimental ischemia/reperfusion model.

Methods and Results

Computer simulations were done using the ECGSIM model with an ischemic region set in anterior left ventricular apex. In 18 anesthetized cats, myocardial ischemia was induced by 30‐minute ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery followed by reperfusion. Body surface ECGs in limb leads and modified precordial leads were recorded. Tp‐Te was detected automatically in individual leads with a custom‐designed parametric algorithm. Tp‐Te dispersion and total Tp‐Te were calculated as a difference between the maximal and minimal value of individual Tp‐Te(s) and an interval between the earliest Tpeak and the latest Tend throughout all leads, respectively.

Simulations showed that the increase of local, but not total, dispersion of repolarization characteristic for ischemic damage led to nonuniform shortening of T‐peak times across 12 standard leads, which in turn resulted in the increase of single‐lead Tp‐Te(s), total Tp‐Te and Tp‐Te dispersion. Animals experienced VT/VF showed increased Tp‐Te dispersion and total Tp‐Te during reperfusion. In univariate logistic regression analysis, only the Tp‐Te dispersion at the beginning of reperfusion was associated with the VT/VF incidence. According to ROC curve analysis, the optimal cut‐off value of the Tp‐Te dispersion was 17 ms (sensitivity 0.71, specificity 0.80).

Conclusions

The reperfusion VT/VFs were independently predicted by increased Tp‐Te dispersion, which suggests the importance of multi‐lead evaluation of Tp‐Te intervals.
A novel ECG‐based algorithm to determine right ventricular lead placement in permanent pacemaker patients (RVpace study)
Authors: Zajac Dariusz , Farkowski Michal M. , Kowalik Ilona , Jankowska Agnieszka , Firek Bohdan , Szwed Hanna , Pytkowski Mariusz
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Fluoroscopy guidance alone is not sufficient for the accurate localization of the pacing lead (PL) in the right ventricle (RV) during implantation of the cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED). The aim of this study was to create a surface electrocardiogram (ECG) algorithm based on paced QRS (pQRS) morphology to accurately localize PL position in the RV.

Methods and Results

Thirty consecutive patients scheduled for catheter ablation of right heart arrhythmias were enrolled. After the elimination of index arrhythmia pacing from the RV interventricular septum (IVS), apex and free wall was performed and pQRS were recorded. The pacing site was verified both by fluoroscopy and transthoracic echocardiography. After a careful analysis of pQRS, a stepwise algorithm was developed to aid the proper positioning of the PL in RV. The algorithm was later prospectively validated in 31 pacemaker patients undergoing an elective generator exchange.

A clear R wave in I, II, and V5 leads indicated proximal IVS. For a reliable indication of other RV sites, four ECG leads were crucial I, II, V5, and V6. A prospective evaluation of the algorithm revealed 90.3% agreement between RV lead localization obtained by ECG and echocardiography, with sensitivity of 92.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 83.2%‐100.0%) and a positive predictive value of 96.0% (95% CI, 89.0%‐100.0%) for desired lead locations in RV.

Conclusion

A simple ECG algorithm can reliably differentiate between the sites of permanent PL implantation in the RV in CIED recipients.
Family functioning and psychological distress in a sample of mental health outpatients: Implications for routine examination and screening
Authors: Tramonti Francesco , Petrozzi Angela , Burgalassi Annalisa , Milanfranchi Alessandro , Socci Cristina , Belviso Cristina , Mainardi Cecilia , Albanesi Giorgio , Guglielmi Paola
Published: August 2019

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Clinical and research evidence suggests that family functioning is an important variable in shaping psychological well‐being, despite being often overlooked in the prevailing approaches to mental health. The aim of the present study is to examine the associations between psychological distress and family functioning in a sample of patients accessing a public mental health service.

Method

CORE‐OM and FACES IV questionnaires were administered to 112 patients, and all the correlations between the scales and subscales were calculated. Descriptive statistics concerning family typologies and satisfaction with family communication or relationships were also evaluated.

Results

The results showed significant associations between family functioning and psychological well‐being. Positive aspects of family functioning, such as balanced cohesion and flexibility, were associated with lower distress, while negative aspects such as disengagement were associated with poorer mental health. According to the Circumplex model, most of the families were described as balanced in their functioning; however, the communication and family satisfaction scores revealed that many patients had concerns about their family relationships.

Conclusions

This study confirms that family functioning is significantly associated with psychological distress, also in the absence of clear and conspicuous signs of structural imbalances within family relationships.
Impacts of the Model Minority Myth on Asian American Individuals and Families: Social Justice and Critical Race Feminist Perspectives
Authors: Shih Kristy Y. , Chang Tzu‐Fen , Chen Szu‐Yu
Published: August 2019

Asian Americans have been portrayed as the model minority for seemingly having achieved socioeconomic success and being free of problems. Such stereotypes may have lasting and negative impact on Asian American individuals, families, and communities. Utilizing the social justice framework and critical race feminist theory, we interrogate and problematize the model minority stereotype and its impacts by situating Asian Americans in the Black‐and‐White racial hierarchy, offering a brief history of the term, providing disaggregated statistics on Asian Americans' socioeconomic conditions, reviewing recent literature on Asian Americans and their families, and discussing some consequences that this myth generates. We focus on the roles of family and community contexts and acculturation status on Asian Americans' educational achievement, gender, and psychological adjustment and mental health issues. Our review illustrates the diversity and nuance in Asian Americans' educational, psychological, social, and economic outcomes. We conclude with some recommendations for professionals working with Asian Americans.
Oral Health Symptoms and Cognitive Function Among US Community‐Dwelling Chinese Older Adults
Authors: Petrovsky Darina V. , Wu Bei , Mao Weiyu , Dong XinQi
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Limited research is available on the relationship between oral health symptoms and cognitive function among community‐dwelling US Chinese older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between tooth/gum symptoms and changes in cognitive function.

DESIGN

Two‐wave epidemiological study.

SETTING

Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE).

PARTICIPANTS

US Chinese older adults (N = 2713; mean age = 72.6 y; 58.4% women).

MEASUREMENTS

We selected self‐reported oral (tooth and gum) symptoms as independent variables. To examine changes in cognitive function (wave 2: Baseline), we chose the following three domains: episodic memory (East Boston Memory Test); executive function (Symbol Digit Modalities Test); and working memory (Digit Span Backwards). In addition, we assessed global cognitive function by constructing a composite measure.

RESULTS

At baseline, 1297 participants (47.8%) reported having teeth symptoms, and 513 participants (18.9%) reported having gum symptoms. Adjusting for sociodemographic and health‐related characteristics, participants who reported having teeth symptoms at baseline experienced their global cognition decrease by 0.07 units (estimate = −0.07; p = .003) and their episodic memory decrease by 0.07 units (estimate = −0.07; p = .026). Participants who reported having teeth symptoms at baseline experienced a faster rate of decline in global cognition for every additional year (estimate = 0.02; p = .047). However, this effect disappeared once we adjusted for all covariates (estimate = 0.02; p = .069). We found no significant relationship between baseline gum symptoms and change of cognitive function.

CONCLUSION

Having teeth symptoms was associated with a decline in cognitive function among US Chinese older adults. Developing policy measures aimed at ameliorating health and improving cognition in this high‐risk fast‐growing population in the United States would need to include oral health preventive and dental care services. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:S532–S537, 2019.
The Influence of Smoking Status on the Health Profiles of Older Chinese American Men
Authors: Li Chien‐Ching , Matthews Alicia K. , Dong XinQi , Simon Melissa
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVE

To examine the influence of smoking status on the health profiles of community‐dwelling older Chinese American men in the greater Chicago, IL, area.

DESIGN

This study utilized a cross‐sectional study design to analyze data obtained from the larger Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE).

SETTING

A population‐based study conducted in Chicago.

PARTICIPANTS

Baseline data from Chinese American men who participated in PINE (N = 1492).

MEASURES

Demographic characteristics measured included age, education years, marital status, income, health insurance coverage, and smoking pack‐years. Self‐reported smoking status included never smoker, current smoker, and former smoker. Health profile indicators included perceived health status, past 12‐month changes in health, chronic medical conditions (heart diseases, stroke, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, and osteoarthritis), quality of life, and depression and anxiety.

RESULTS

The mean age of the study sample was 72.5 years. Of the sample, 65% reported a smoking history, with 25.1% current smokers and 40.1% former smokers. Current smokers were younger, less educated, and uninsured. Former smokers had the poorest overall health profiles. Compared to former smokers, current smokers were less likely to have heart disease (odds ratio [OR] = 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.39‐0.90), hypertension (OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.41‐0.72), high cholesterol (OR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.56‐0.99), thyroid disease (OR = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.21‐0.90), depression (rate ratio [RR] = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.58‐0.99), and anxiety (RR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.59‐0.89), and they had fewer overall chronic medical conditions (RR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.70‐0.88) after controlling for demographic factors and smoking pack‐year history. Compared to never smokers, former and current smokers reported poorer self‐rated health (OR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.11‐2.26) and lower perceived quality of life (OR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.04‐4.29).

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent with prior research, smoking rates were elevated among this sample of older Chinese men. Counter to study hypotheses, former smokers had worse overall health. Study findings suggest the need for health promotion interventions for both current and former smokers. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:S577–S583, 2019.
Institutional Special Needs Plans and Hospice Enrollment in Nursing Homes: A National Analysis
Authors: Dhingra Lara , Lipson Karen , Dieckmann Nathan F. , Chen Jack , Bookbinder Marilyn , Portenoy Russell
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Institutional Special Needs Plans (I‐SNPs) in nursing homes could impact hospice use by residents with advanced illness. Little is known about their relationship.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether I‐SNP availability has been associated with changes in hospice utilization.

DESIGN

Federal data from 2011 and 2013 were extracted from the Minimum Data Set (MDS) and other sources. Multilevel models evaluated I‐SNP–, resident‐, and facility‐related variables as predictors of hospice utilization.

SETTING

All US nursing homes in 2011 (N = 15 750) and 2013 (N = 15 732).

PARTICIPANTS

Nursing home residents enrolled in Medicare or in both Medicare and Medicaid.

MEASUREMENTS

Nursing home and resident data were obtained from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services sources: the MDS 3.0, Master Summary Beneficiary File, and Special Needs Plan Comprehensive Report.

RESULTS

The mean number of residents per nursing home was 210.9 (SD = 167.1) in 2011 and 217.2 (SD = 171.5) in 2013. The prevalence of I‐SNP contracts in nursing homes increased between 2011 and 2013, from 55.2% (N = 8691) to 61.1% (N = 9605), respectively (P < .001). In multivariate analyses, greater hospice enrollment in nursing homes was associated with having at least one I‐SNP enrollee per month; year (2013 higher than 2011); smaller facility size; urban (vs rural) setting; location in the Northeast (vs Midwest); lower average resident mental status; higher average resident mobility; younger residents, on average; and facilities with higher proportions of residents with specific diagnoses (cancer, cirrhosis, and dementia). After adjusting for resident and nursing home characteristics, the association between monthly I‐SNP presence and hospice enrollment was found only in nursing homes with 50 or greater beds and there was a positive relationship with increasing size.

CONCLUSIONS

Growth of I‐SNPs has been associated with changes in hospice utilization, and the relationship varies by facility size. Studies are needed to clarify the nature of this association and determine whether care may be improved through coordination of these programs. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2537–2544, 2019
Efficacy of gabapentin in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ta Patrick Chieu Poa , Dinh Hue Quyen , Nguyen Kim , Lin Samuel , Ong Yong Li , Ariyawardana Anura
Published: August 2019

The aim of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy of gabapentin (GBP) in the treatment of pain of  idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (TN). A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (EBSCO Industries), Emcare (Ovid), Medline (Ovid), Medline (PubMed), Scopus (Elsevier) and Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics). The inclusion criteria comprised randomized controlled trials of GBP as a monotherapy in the treatment of idiopathic TN in adult participants and publications in English. All other study methodologies were excluded. The search yielded 1472 articles, and after exclusion, 11 full‐text articles were eligible for full‐text analysis. Only two studies met the inclusion criteria. There is insufficient evidence either to support or refute the efficacy of GBP in the management of idiopathic TN. Therefore, further well‐designed placebo‐controlled trials are required to confirm the efficacy of GBP in managing TN pain as a single therapy.
A reappraisal and revision of the numbering of the pharyngeal arches
Authors: Graham Anthony , Poopalasundaram Subathra , Shone Victoria , Kiecker Clemens
Published: August 2019

The pharyngeal arches are a prominent and significant feature of vertebrate embryos. These are visible as a series of bulges on the lateral surface of the embryonic head. In humans, and other amniotes, there are five pharyngeal arches numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6; note the missing ‘5’. This is the standard scheme for the numbering of these structures, and it is a feature of modern anatomy textbooks. In this article, we discuss the rationale behind this odd numbering, and consider its origins. One reason given is that there is a transient 5th arch that is never fully realized, while another is that this numbering reflects considerations from comparative anatomy. We show here, however, that neither of these reasons has substance. There is no evidence from embryology for a ‘5th’ arch, and the comparative argument does not hold as it does not apply across the vertebrates. We conclude that there is no justification for this strange numbering. We suggest that the pharyngeal arches should simply be numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 as this would be in keeping with the embryology and with the general numbering of the pharyngeal arches across the vertebrates.
Mycobacterium abscessus infections following injection of botulinum toxin
Authors: Fang Rou‐yu , Sun Qiu‐ning
Published: August 2019

Background

The incidence of Mycobacterium abscessus infections has increased in recent years. Some of these infections are caused by invasive cosmetic procedures.

Aims

Raising the awareness of cosmetic procedure related Mycobacterium abscessus infection for clinicians.

Patients/Methods

We presented a 28‐year‐old woman who developed multiple erythema and painful nodules in her lower extremities after injections of botulinum toxin.

Results

Mycobacterium culture and strain identification of the tissue confirmed Mycobacterium abscessus. Combination antibiotics therapy was given and the lesion healed with scar and pigmentation.

Conclusion

Mycobacterium abscessus infections following injection of botulinum toxin are rare and easily misdiagnosed as common suppurative infections. Early microbiologic tests are necessary for diagnose. Standardized operation should be performed to avoid this particular infection.
Hope and human capital enhance job engagement to improve workplace outcomes
Authors: Ozyilmaz Adnan
Published: August 2019

Drawing from conservation of resources theory, we contend that motivation (job engagement) fully mediates the relationships between hope and human capital (antecedents) and task performance. We also propose that job engagement provides an interesting explanation for organizational citizenship behaviours (OCBs) that differs from the explanation provided by human capital. Using triad data collected from 170 employees, their supervisors, and their peers at 15 different business organizations in Turkey across four waves, we find that the associations of hope and human capital with task performance occur through job engagement. Interestingly, one path (human capital–job engagement–task performance–OCBs) provides a chain of positive associations that can explain OCBs, whereas another path (human capital–OCBs) has a direct, negative association with OCBs. The results suggest that the motivational value of job engagement leads to improvement in the task performance and OCBs of individuals who are full of hope and have high human capital.

Practitioner points

Practising managers should invest in hiring, training, and retaining individuals with high levels of hope and human capital to enhance job engagement in the workplace because such individuals conserve their resources to engage in their job.

Job engagement in role A (task) contributes to role B (OCBs) because high accomplishment in task performance generates positive emotions, which lead to high achievement in OCBs. Therefore, practising managers should allow their subordinates to allocate their resources to addressing their multiple roles in the order of the importance that they assign to these roles because employees’ resources, energy, time, and attentional capacities are limited.
Changes in masticatory laterality 3 months after treatment with unilateral implant‐supported fixed partial prosthesis
Authors: Khoury‐Ribas Laura , Ayuso‐Montero Raul , Willaert Eva , Peraire Maria , Martinez‐Gomis Jordi
Published: August 2019

Objective

This study assessed changes in masticatory laterality in patients with unilateral posterior missing teeth 3 months after treatment with an implant‐supported fixed partial prosthesis (ISFPP).

Methods

Thirty patients with unilateral posterior missing teeth participated in this prospective study. They were treated with one‐, two‐ or three‐unit ISFPPs. The control group comprised 10 healthy individuals with complete natural dentition. Each participant performed masticatory assays at baseline and at 3‐month follow‐up, chewing pieces of silicon inside a latex bag. Masticatory laterality was determined using three different methods: assessment of the first chewing cycle, of all cycles and application of a visual analogue scale. Data were compared using the Kruskal‐Wallis or the Mann‐Whitney U test as appropriate.

Results

Three months after treatment, a significant change in the asymmetry index towards the treated side and a significant reduction in the Unilateral Chewing Index were observed in the ISFPP group. No significant differences in masticatory laterality between groups were detected at 3‐month follow‐up, regardless of the method assessed.

Conclusion

Treatment with ISFPPs alters the masticatory laterality, moving it to the treated side and increasing the degree of bilateral chewing in patients with unilateral posterior missing teeth.
Reproductive phenology of submerged macrophytes: A tracker of year‐to‐year environmental variations
Authors: Calero Sara , Rodrigo Maria A.
Published: August 2019

Aims

Phenological shifts are useful trackers of climate change effects on species and communities, but few datasets focus on the climate‐driven phenological responses of aquatic ecosystem vegetation. We aimed to analyse the reproductive seasonality of a submerged macrophyte community, the synchrony among coexisting species, and their responses to several environmental factors.

Location

A Mediterranean coastal pond in Valencia, Spain.

Methods

We analysed three years of data on a submerged macrophyte community. Plants were collected biweekly or monthly (57 collection dates) to quantify the intensity of flowering/fruiting per species. The reproductive seasonality of the community was tested with circular statistics. The reproductive synchrony of species was calculated with the Augspurger and the Freitas and Bolmgren indexes. The environmental factors driving reproduction in macrophytes were analysed with redundancy analyses.

Results

The reproductive activity of the community was seasonal (peaking in spring–summer) or non‐seasonal (peaking in spring–summer and autumn) depending on the year‐to‐year variations of precipitations after the summer drought. The synchronization among species in flowering and fruiting (overlap in time and intensity) was low, because the species‐specific reproductive patterns were spread throughout the long Mediterranean growing season. Temperature, water level, and conductivity were the variables that best explained flowering variability in the community, indicating that these factors affected each species differently. Fruiting was temporally correlated to flowering, with different lags depending on the species life cycle.

Conclusions

The species‐specific responses suggest that a warming climate may act as an environmental filter, gradually changing the community structure. The reproductive phenology of submerged macrophytes could act as an early indicator of a changing climate, with charophytes (Characeae) as suitable tracker candidates. Further studies concerning their phenology are needed to assess the resilience of submerged macrophyte communities to drought and assure the long‐term functioning of Mediterranean aquatic ecosystems.