bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness and safety of oral sedation in adult patients undergoing dental procedures: a systematic review
Authors: Araújo Jimmy de Oliveira , Bergamaschi Cristiane de Cássia , Lopes Luciane Cruz , Guimarães Caio Chaves , de Andrade Natalia Karol , Ramacciato Juliana Cama , Motta Rogério Heládio Lopes
Published: January 2021

Objectives

It can be challenging to manage patients who are anxious during dental procedures. There is a lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of oral sedation in adults. This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of oral sedation in patients undergoing dental procedures.

Design

Systematic review.

Methods

Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) compared the oral use of benzodiazepines and other medications with a placebo or other oral agents in adult patients. A search of the Cochrane (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (via Ovid), EMBASE (via Ovid) and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (via Ovid) databases was conducted, without any restrictions on language or date of publication. The primary outcomes included the adverse effects and anxiety level. The secondary outcomes included sedation, satisfaction with the treatment, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation. Reviewers, independently and in pairs, assessed each citation for eligibility, performed the data extraction and assessed the risk of bias. A narrative synthesis of the data was provided.

Results

A number of RCTs (n=327 patients) assessed the use of benzodiazepines (n=9) and herbal medicines (n=3). We found good satisfaction with treatment after the use of midazolam 7.5 mg or clonidine 150 µg and reduced anxiety with alprazolam (0.5 and 0.75 mg). Midazolam 15 mg promoted greater anxiety reduction than Passiflora incarnata L. 260 mg, while Valeriana officinalis 100 mg and Erythrina mulungu 500 mg were more effective than a placebo. More patients reported adverse effects with midazolam 15 mg. Diazepam 15 mg and V. officinalis 100 mg promoted less change in the heart rate and blood pressure than a placebo.

Conclusions

Given the limitations of the findings due to the quality of the included studies and the different comparisons made between interventions, further RCTs are required to confirm the effectiveness and safety of oral sedation in dentistry.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017057142.
COVID-19 welbeing study: a protocol examining perceived coercion and psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic by means of an online survey, asynchronous virtual focus groups and individual interviews
Authors: Ranieri Veronica , Sem Stoltenberg Andrea , Pizzo Elena , Montaldo Chiara , Bizzi Emanuele , Edwards Sarah , Kamboj Sunjeev
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many countries applying restrictive measures, such as lockdown, to contain and prevent further spread. The psychological impact of lockdown and working as a healthcare worker on the frontline has been chronicled in studies pertaining to previous infectious disease pandemics that have reported the presence of depressive symptoms, anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Potentially linked to psychological well-being and not yet studied is the possibility that lockdown and working on the frontline of the pandemic are associated with perceptions of coercion.

Methods and analysis

The present study aimed to examine perceived coercion in those who have experienced COVID-19-related lockdown and/or worked as a frontline healthcare worker across three European countries. It aimed to describe how such perceptions may impact on psychological well-being, coping and post-traumatic growth. It will employ an explanatory mixed-methods research methodology consisting of an online survey and online asynchronous virtual focus groups (AVFGs) and individual interviews. χ2tests and analyses of variance will be used to examine whether participants from different countries differ according to demographic factors, whether there are differences between cohorts on perceived coercion, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic growth scores. The relationship between coercion and symptoms of distress will be assessed using multiple regression. Both the AVFGs and the narrative interviews will be analysed using thematic narrative analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by University College London’s Research Ethics Committee under Project ID Number 7335/004. Results will be disseminated by means of peer-reviewed publications and at national and/or international conferences.
Determining the role and responsibilities of the Australian epilepsy nurse in the management of epilepsy: a study protocol
Authors: Rapport Frances , Hutchinson Karen , Herkes Geoffrey K , Bleasel Andrew , Nikpour Armin , Ryder Tayhla , Wong Chong , Bartley Melissa , Ireland Carol , Coleman Honor , Todd Lisa , Groot Wendy , Kerr Mike , Vagholkar Sanjyot , Shears Graeme , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Epilepsy is a common neurological condition affecting between 3% and 3.5% of the Australian population at some point in their lifetime. The effective management of chronic and complex conditions such as epilepsy requires person-centred and coordinated care across sectors, from primary to tertiary healthcare. Internationally, epilepsy nurse specialists are frequently identified as playing a vital role in improving the integration of epilepsy care and enhancing patient self-management. This workforce has not been the focus of research in Australia to date.

Methods and analysis

This multistage mixed-method study examines the role and responsibilities of epilepsy nurses, particularly in primary and community care settings, across Australia, including through the provision of a nurse helpline service. A nationwide sample of 30 epilepsy nurses will be purposively recruited via advertisements distributed by epilepsy organisations and through word-of-mouth snowball sampling. Two stages (1 and 3) consist of a demographic questionnaire and semistructured interviews (individual or group) with epilepsy nurse participants, with the thematic data analysis from this work informing the areas for focus in stage 3. Stage 2 comprises of a retrospective descriptive analysis of phone call data from Epilepsy Action Australia’s National Epilepsy Line service to identify types of users, their needs and reasons for using the service, and to characterise the range of activities undertaken by the nurse call takers.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval for this study was granted by Macquarie University (HREC: 52020668117612). Findings of the study will be published through peer-reviewed journal articles and summary reports to key stakeholders, and disseminated through public forums and academic conference presentations. Study findings will also be communicated to people living with epilepsy and families.
Device abandonment in deafblindness: a scoping review of the intersection of functionality and usability through the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health lens
Authors: Wittich Walter , Granberg Sarah , Wahlqvist Moa , Pichora-Fuller M. Kathleen , Mäki-Torkko Elina
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Abandonment of vision, hearing or mobility aids suggests common barriers and facilitators to ongoing device use. However, the possible interactive effects of combined hearing and vision disabilities on device use by those living with deafblindness are unclear. Here we summarise existing knowledge on variables influencing assistive technology use from the perspective of persons living with deafblindness. We used the WHO’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework to contextualise the findings, asking ‘What is currently known about variables influencing the (non-)use of assistive devices recommended for persons with deafblindness?’

Design

A scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist.

Data sources

PubMed; ProQuest: ERIC; ProQuest Dissertation; ProQuest: Sociological Thesaurus; Web of Science; Scientific Electronic Library Online; Bielefeld Academic Search Engine; Pascal & Francis; APA PsycINFO and Ebsco for CINAHL were searched through 9 November 2020.

Eligibility criteria

We included peer-reviewed studies that reported on assistive technology, device abandonment/utilisation and provided data from persons living with deafblindness.

Data extraction and synthesis

Four team members independently scored 83 studies for eligibility.

Results

Ten articles were chosen for data extraction. The emerging variables replicated established categories of barriers and facilitators: personal, device-related, environmental and intervention variables. The use of the ICF highlighted how an intermediate variable (eg, device acceptability) was necessary in order for a variable to become a barrier or a facilitator to device use.

Conclusions

The variables influencing device use by persons with deafblindness followed the same categories described for single impairments. Usability was challenged in devices that rely on the ‘other’ sense. Haptic and tactile aids are rarely studied. The limited available information and the dire need for assistive technologies for people with deafblindness emphasises the urgency of research and technology development for this marginalised population.
Preventable adverse drug events causing hospitalisation: identifying root causes and developing a surveillance and learning system at an urban community hospital, a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: de Lemos Jane , Loewen Peter , Nagle Cheryl , McKenzie Robert , You Yong Dong , Dabu Anna , Zed Peter , Ling Peter , Chan Richard
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To identify root causes of preventable adverse drug events (pADEs) contributing to hospital admission; to develop key messages which identify actions patients/families and healthcare providers can take to prevent common pADEs found; to develop a surveillance learning system for the community.

Methods

Cross-sectional observational study; 120 patients and families, 61 associated healthcare providers were interviewed then root cause analysis was performed to develop key learning messages and an electronic reporting tool was designed. Most common pADE-related medical conditions and their root causes and most common pADE root causes of entire cohort are reported.

Results

Most common pADE-related medical conditions: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/asthma (13.3%), bleeding (12.5%), hypotension (12%), heart failure (10%), acute kidney injury (5%) and pneumonia (5%). Most common root causes were: providers not confirming that the patient/family understands information given (29.2%), can identify how a medication helps them/have their concerns addressed (16.7%), can identify if a medication is working (14.1%) or causing a side effect (23.3%); can enact medication changes (7.5%); absence of a sick day management plan (12.5%), and other action plans to help patients respond to changes in their clinical status (10.8%); providers not assessing medication use and monitoring competency (19.2%). Ten key learning messages were developed and a pADE surveillance learning system was implemented.

Conclusions

To prevent pADEs, providers need to confirm that patients/families understand information given, how a medication helps them, how to recognise and respond to side effects, how to enact medication changes and follow action plans; providers should assess patient’s/families’ medication use and monitoring competency.
Association between intrahospital transfer and hospital-acquired infection in the elderly: a retrospective case–control study in a UK hospital network
Authors: Boncea Emanuela Estera , Expert Paul , Honeyford Kate , Kinderlerer Anne , Mitchell Colin , Cooke Graham S , Mercuri Luca , Costelloe Céire E
Published: January 2021

Background

Intrahospital transfers have become more common as hospital staff balance patient needs with bed availability. However, this may leave patients more vulnerable to potential pathogen transmission routes via increased exposure to contaminated surfaces and contacts with individuals.

Objective

This study aimed to quantify the association between the number of intrahospital transfers undergone during a hospital spell and the development of a hospital-acquired infection (HAI).

Methods

A retrospective case–control study was conducted using data extracted from electronic health records and microbiology cultures of non-elective, medical admissions to a large urban hospital network which consists of three hospital sites between 2015 and 2018 (n=24 240). As elderly patients comprise a large proportion of hospital users and are a high-risk population for HAIs, the analysis focused on those aged 65 years or over. Logistic regression was conducted to obtain the OR for developing an HAI as a function of intrahospital transfers until onset of HAI for cases, or hospital discharge for controls, while controlling for age, gender, time at risk, Elixhauser comorbidities, hospital site of admission, specialty of the dominant healthcare professional providing care, intensive care admission, total number of procedures and discharge destination.

Results

Of the 24 240 spells, 2877 cases were included in the analysis. 72.2% of spells contained at least one intrahospital transfer. On multivariable analysis, each additional intrahospital transfer increased the odds of acquiring an HAI by 9% (OR=1.09; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.13).

Conclusion

Intrahospital transfers are associated with increased odds of developing an HAI. Strategies for minimising intrahospital transfers should be considered, and further research is needed to identify unnecessary transfers. Their reduction may diminish spread of contagious pathogens in the hospital environment.
Is the use of two versus one long-acting bronchodilator by patients with COPD associated with a higher risk of acute coronary syndrome in real-world clinical practice?
Authors: Parkin Lianne , Williams Sheila , Barson David , Sharples Katrina , Horsburgh Simon , Jackson Rod , Dummer Jack
Published: January 2021

Background

Cardiovascular comorbidity is common among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and there is concern that long-acting bronchodilators (long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) and long-acting beta2agonists (LABAs)) may further increase the risk of acute coronary events. Information about the impact of treatment intensification on acute coronary syndrome (ACS) risk in real-world settings is limited. We undertook a nationwide nested case–control study to estimate the risk of ACS in users of both a LAMA and a LABA relative to users of a LAMA.

Methods

We used routinely collected national health and pharmaceutical dispensing data to establish a cohort of patients aged>45 years who initiated long-acting bronchodilator therapy for COPD between 1 February 2006 and 30 December 2013. Fatal and non-fatal ACS events during follow-up were identified using hospital discharge and mortality records. For each case we used risk set sampling to randomly select up to 10 controls, matched by date of birth, sex, date of cohort entry (first LAMA and/or LABA dispensing), and COPD severity.

Results

From the cohort (n=83 417), we identified 5399 ACS cases during 281 292 person-years of follow-up. Compared with current use of LAMA therapy, current use of LAMA and LABA dual therapy was associated with a higher risk of ACS (OR 1.28 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.44)). The OR in an analysis restricted to fatal cases was 1.46 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.91).

Conclusion

In real-world clinical practice, use of two versus one long-acting bronchodilator by people with COPD is associated with a higher risk of ACS.
Comparison of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Prescribed Vancomycin in Combination with Piperacillin-Tazobactam or Cefepime for Diabetic Foot Infections
Authors: Piccuirro Sarah R , Casapao Anthony M , Claudio Alyssa M , Isache Carmen , Jankowski Christopher A
Published: January 2021

Concomitant therapy with vancomycin (VAN) and piperacillin-tazobactam (PTZ) has been associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). Diabetic patients may be more susceptible to AKI due to various factors. In an observational, retrospective, cohort study of adults treated for diabetic foot infections (DFIs), rates of AKI were compared between groups receiving VAN+PTZ versus VAN+cefepime (CFP). Among 356 patients screened for inclusion, 210 were analyzed. Forty-nine of 140 patients (35%) in the VAN+PTZ group and 5 of 70 patients (7%) in the VAN+CFP group developed AKI according to the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria (OR 7.00 (95% CI 2.64 to 18.53), p<0.001). After adjusting for baseline differences, VAN+PTZ was an independent predictor of AKI (OR 6.21 (95% CI 2.30 to 16.72), p<0.001). Time to AKI was 102.1 hours (IQR 47-152.7) in the VAN+PTZ group versus 78.3 hours (IQR 39.8-100.6) in the VAN+CFP group (p>0.999). Median length of stay was significantly higher in the VAN+PTZ group at 11.9 days (IQR 7.9-17.8) versus 7.8 days (IQR 4.9-12.1) in the VAN+CFP group (p<0.001). VAN+PTZ was also associated with higher total hospital charges at US$99,742.83 (IQR US$69,342.50-US$165,549.59) compared with US$74,260.25 (IQR US$48,446.88-US$107,396.99) in the VAN+CFP arm (p<0.001). In conclusion, VAN+CFP should be the preferred empiric regimen in patients with severe DFI.
Coccidioidomycosis: A Review
Authors: Johnson Royce H , Sharma Rupam , Kuran Rasha , Fong Isabel , Heidari Arash
Published: January 2021

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection of the Western hemisphere that is endemic to the soil in areas with limited rainfall. Human and animal infections result with inhalation of arthroconidia. Most often, this is an asymptomatic event. When illness occurs, it is primarily a pneumonic presentation. A small minority of infections eventuate in disseminated disease. Predominately, this presents as meningitis or osteoarticular or integumentary disease. Treatment may not be required for the mildest illness. Azoles are commonly prescribed. Severe infections may require amphotericin B.
Pregnancy outcomes in women with neurofibromatosis 1: a Danish population-based cohort study
Authors: Kenborg Line , Boschini Cristina , Bidstrup Pernille E , Dalton Susanne O , Doser Karoline , Nielsen Thomas T , Krøyer Anja , Johansen Christoffer , Frederiksen Kirsten , Sørensen Sven Asger , Hove Hanne , Østergaard John R , Mulvihill John J , Winther Jeanette F
Published: January 2021

Background

The probability of a pregnancy, live birth, stillbirth and abortion has never been assessed in women with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) in a large population-based study.

Methods

We included 1006 women (15–49 years) registered with NF1 in the Danish National Patient Registry or followed in two national Centers for Rare Diseases and 10 020 women from the Danish population. Information on pregnancy outcomes was ascertained from health registries. Cumulative incidence, mean cumulative count, hazard ratios (HRs) and proportion ratios (PRs) with 95% CIs were calculated.

Results

The cumulative incidence of a first pregnancy at age 50 years was slightly lower in women with NF1 (74%; 95% CI 70 to 77) than in population comparisons (78%; 95% CI 77 to 79). When all pregnancies were included, two pregnancies were expected per woman at age of 50 years, irrespective of a NF1 diagnosis. The hazard of a pregnancy did not differ between women with NF1 (HR 1.03; 95% CI 0.95 to 1.11) and the comparisons after adjustment for somatic and psychiatric disease. The proportion of pregnancies that resulted in a live birth was 63% (783/1252) among women NF1 and 68% (8432/12 465) among the comparisons, yielding a PR of 0.95 (95% CI 0.90 to 1.00). The proportions of stillbirths (PR 2.83; 95% CI 1.63 to 4.93) and spontaneous abortions (PR 1.40; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.79) were increased in women with NF1.

Conclusions

A similar hazard for pregnancy was observed for women with NF1 and population comparisons after adjustment for potential medical consequences of NF1. However, women with NF1 experienced more spontaneous abortions and stillbirths.
Lyso-Gb3 associates with adverse long-term outcome in patients with Fabry disease
Authors: Nowak Albina , Beuschlein Felix , Sivasubramaniam Visnuka , Kasper David , Warnock David G
Published: January 2021

Background

Fabry disease (FD) is a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the α-galactosidase A gene (GLA) leading to deficiency of α-galactosidase A and ultimately in progressive glycosphingolipid accumulation, especially globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and its deacylated derivative globotriaosylsphingosine (Lyso-Gb3). The aim of the study was to assess plasma Lyso-Gb3 levels as a possible factor associated with adverse outcomes in FD.

Methods

In a cohort of 66 patients with genetically confirmed FD (26 males and 40 females), we analysed serum Lyso-Gb3 as a factor associated with adverse clinical outcomes in a long-term study. The main outcome was a composite endpoint of incident kidney replacement therapy, atrial fibrillation, pacemaker and/or implantable cardioverter defibrillator, cerebrovascular events or death, whichever occurred first.

Results

During the median follow-up time of 68 (40–80) months, events occurred in 19 (29%) of the patients. In a Cox multivariate regression analysis, Lyso-Gb3 levels (HR 4.62 (1.55 to 13.81); p=0.006) and the pretreatment exposure to Lyso-Gb3 (HR 3.41 (1.11 to 10.49); p=0.03) (both per SD increase) were significantly associated with adverse outcomes. If pretreatment Lyso-Gb3 exposure was added to multivariable logistic regression models containing age, sex, phenotype and enzyme replacement therapy as other covariates with the composite outcome as dependent variable, the area under the curve for the composite outcome significantly improved from 0.72 to 0.86 (p comparison=0.04).

Conclusion

Lyso-Gb3 is a significant risk factor associated with important clinical events. Whether treatment-related amelioration of Lyso-Gb3 levels will be associated with improved long-term outcome needs to be established in prospective intervention trials.
Teaching with madness/‘mental illness’ autobiographies in postsecondary education: ethical and epistemological implications
Authors: de Bie Alise
Published: January 2021

This paper presents a critical interpretive synthesis of 53 articles describing the pedagogical use of madness/‘mental illness’ autobiographical narratives in postsecondary education. Focusing on instructor intentions and representations of student learning outcomes, findings indicate that narratives are most commonly used as ‘learning material’ to engage students in active learning, cultivate students’ empathy, complement dominant academic/professional knowledges, illustrate abstract concepts and provide ‘real’-life connections to course content. This paper contributes to a conversation across the intellectual traditions of Mad studies, medical humanities, educational research, stigma reduction and service user involvement to interrogate pedagogical uses of autobiographical narratives that remain in uncritical educational terms rather than as a matter of justice for Mad communities. While teaching with narratives will not inevitably result in social justice outcomes, thoughtful engagement with the ethical and epistemological considerations raised throughout this review may increase this possibility by shifting when, why and how we teach with autobiography.
Experience of video consultation during the COVID-19 pandemic in elderly population for Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders
Authors: Kumar Anil
Published: January 2021

We have not been prepared for the current pandemic which has hit us hard. COVID-19, being a very contagious disease, one has to be very careful and diligent in caring for our patients keeping safety in mind all the time. For day-to-day care, new norms have been adopted for inpatient care. For outpatient care, the face-to-face (F2F) clinics were cancelled and instead telephone consultations were started. However, it has its own limitations. Unfortunately, there were patients who would need F2F consultation but could not come to the clinic due to the infection risks. For those patients, video consultation was started, which was an innovation in practice. The National Health Service has an Attend Anywhere clinic, as part of transformation in service, which enabled remote consultation with a better outcome than telephone clinics. However, it has its own limitation as not everyone could use it.
Multidisciplinary team intervention to reduce the nocebo effect when switching from the originator infliximab to a biosimilar
Authors: Petit Juliette , Antignac Marie , Poilverd Rose-Marie , Baratto Régine , Darthout Sylvie , Desouches Sandra , Louati Karine , Deparis Nathalie , Berenbaum Francis , Beauvais Catherine
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To evaluate an intervention to reduce the nocebo effect (NE) when switching from the originator infliximab (OI) to the infliximab biosimilar SB2 in chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease (CIRD).

Methods

An intervention was built with healthcare professionals (HPs) and a patient representative, based on a systematic review of interventions reducing the NE in musculoskeletal diseases and semi-directed questioning of five patients. Our strategy consisted of training HPs, switch information given by the nurses, a consistent vocabulary. All CIRD patients switched from OI to SB2 were included for the intervention. The primary outcome was the SB2 retention rate (RR) at 34 weeks. Secondary outcomes were the SB2 RR at 12 months, discontinuation rates due to a possible NE and comparison with a historical cohort of CIRD patients receiving the OI and 6 published European cohorts.

Results

45 patients were included from March 2018 (rheumatoid arthritis, n=17, spondylarthritis, n=28). After 34 weeks, the SB2 RR was 91.2%, similar to the historical cohort RR (p=0.41) but higher than the 3 European cohort RRs (p<0.05). At 12 months, the SB2 RR was 84.5% vs 88.4% for the historical cohort (p=0.52). SB2 discontinuation due to a possible NE was 6.6% after 12 months.

Conclusions

A tailored communication with a prominent role of nurses reduced the NE in non-medical switches from the OI to SB2 as compared to published results. The RR was similar to the historical cohort RR. The methodology used to construct this intervention may help improve the outcomes of switches with upcoming biosimilars.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of WOX genes in Cucumis sativus
Authors: Han Ni , Tang Rui , Chen Xueqian , Xu Zhixuan , Ren Zhonghai , Wang Lina
Published: January 2021

WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) proteins are plant-specific transcription factors that are profoundly involved in regulation of plant development and stress responses. In this study, we totally identified 11 WOX transcription factor family members in cucumber (Cucumis sativus, CsWOX) genome and classified them into three clades with nine subclades based on phylogenetic analysis results. Alignment of amino acid sequences revealed that all WOX members in cucumber contained the typical homeodomain, which consists of 60–66 amino acids and is folded into a helix-turn-helix structure. Gene duplication event analysis indicated that CsWOX1a and CsWOX1b were a segment duplication pair, which might affect the number of WOX members in cucumber genome. The expression profiles of CsWOX genes in different tissues demonstrated that the members sorted into the ancient clade (CsWOX13a and CsWOX13b) were constitutively expressed at higher levels in comparison to the others. Cis-element analysis in promoter regions suggested that the expression of CsWOX genes was associated with phytohormone pathways and stress responses, which was further supported by RNA-seq data. Taken together, our results provide new insights into the evolution of cucumber WOX genes and improve our understanding about the biological functions of the CsWOX gene family.
Off-diagonal cosmological solutions in emergent gravity theories and Grigory Perelman entropy for geometric flows
Authors: Vacaru Sergiu I. , Veliev Elşen Veli , Bubuianu Laurenţiu
Published: January 2021

We develop an approach to the theory of relativistic geometric flows and emergent gravity defined by entropy functionals and related statistical thermodynamics models. Nonholonomic deformations of G. Perelman’s functionals and related entropic values used for deriving relativistic geometric evolution flow equations. For self-similar configurations, such equations describe generalized Ricci solitons defining modified Einstein equations. We analyse possible connections between relativistic models of nonholonomic Ricci flows and emergent modified gravity theories. We prove that corresponding systems of nonlinear partial differential equations, PDEs, for entropic flows and modified gravity posses certain general decoupling and integration properties. There are constructed new classes of exact and parametric solutions for nonstationary configurations and locally anisotropic cosmological metrics in modified gravity theories and general relativity. Such solutions describe scenarios of nonlinear geometric evolution and gravitational and matter field dynamics with pattern-forming and quasiperiodic structure and various space quasicrystal and deformed spacetime crystal models. We analyse new classes of generic off-diagonal solutions for entropic gravity theories and show how such solutions can be used for explaining structure formation in modern cosmology. Finally, we speculate why the approaches with Perelman–Lyapunov type functionals are more general or complementary to the constructions elaborated using the concept of Bekenstein–Hawking entropy.
Barrow HDE model for statefinder diagnostic in FLRW universe
Authors: Pradhan Anirudh , Dixit Archana , Bhardwaj Vinod Kumar
Published: January 2021

We have analyzed the Barrow holographic dark energy (BHDE) in the framework of flat FLRW universe by considering the various estimations of Barrow exponent △. Here, we define BHDE, by applying the usual holographic principle at a cosmological system, for utilizing the Barrow entropy rather than the standard Bekenstein–Hawking. To understand the recent accelerated expansion of the universe, consider the Hubble horizon as the IR cutoff. The cosmological parameters, especially the density parameter [Formula: see text], the equation of the state parameter [Formula: see text], energy density [Formula: see text] and the deceleration parameter [Formula: see text] are studied in this paper and found the satisfactory behaviors. Moreover we additionally focus on the two geometric diagnostics, the statefinder [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to discriminant BHDE model from the [Formula: see text]CDM model. Here we determined and plotted the trajectories of evolution for statefinder [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] diagnostic plane to understand the geometrical behavior of the BHDE model by utilizing Planck 2018 observational information. Finally, we have explored the new Barrow exponent △, which strongly affects the dark energy equation of state that can lead it to lie in the quintessence regime, phantom regime and exhibits the phantom-divide line during the cosmological evolution.
AZERTY amélioré
Authors: Feit Anna Maria , Nancel Mathieu , John Maximilian , Karrenbauer Andreas , Weir Daryl , Oulasvirta Antti
Published: January 2021

A new French keyboard standard is the first designed with the help of computational methods.
Differential privacy
Authors: CACM Staff
Published: January 2021

A discussion with Miguel Guevara, Damien Desfontaines, Jim Waldo, and Terry Coatta
When permissioned blockchains deliver more decentralization than permissionless
Authors: Bakos Yannis , Halaburda Hanna , Mueller-Bloch Christoph
Published: January 2021

Considerations for the governance of distributed systems.
The 3rd ACM SIGSPATIAL International Workshop on Geospatial Simulation
Authors: Kim Joon-Seok , Anderson Taylor , Shashidharan Ashwin , Züfle Andreas
Published: January 2021

Space has long been acknowledged by researchers as a fundamental constraint which shapes our world. As technological changes have transformed the very concept of distance, the relative location and connectivity of geospatial phenomena have remained stubbornly significant in how systems function. At the same time, however, technology has advanced the science of geospatial simulation to bear on our understanding of how such systems work. While previous generations of scientists and practitioners were unable to gather spatial data or to incorporate it into models at any meaningful scale, new methodologies and data sources are becoming increasingly available to researchers, developers, users, and practitioners. These developments present new research opportunities for geospatial simulation.
Membrane Exporters of Fluoride Ion
Authors: McIlwain Benjamin C. , Ruprecht Michal T. , Stockbridge Randy B.
Published: January 2021

Microorganisms contend with numerous and unusual chemical threats and have evolved a catalog of resistance mechanisms in response. One particularly ancient, pernicious threat is posed by fluoride ion (F−), a common xenobiotic in natural environments that causes broad-spectrum harm to metabolic pathways. This review focuses on advances in the last ten years toward understanding the microbial response to cytoplasmic accumulation of F−, with a special emphasis on the structure and mechanisms of the proteins that microbes use to export fluoride: the CLCFfamily of F−/H+antiporters and the Fluc/FEX family of F−channels.
Effect of Food Processing on Antioxidant Potential, Availability, and Bioavailability
Authors: Verghese Martha , Willis Shantrell , Boateng Judith , Gomaa Ahmed , Kaur Rajwinder
Published: January 2021

Antioxidants are understood to play a key role in disease prevention; because of this, research and interest in these compounds are ever increasing. Antioxidative phytochemicals from natural sources are preferred, as some negative implications have been associated with synthetic antioxidants. Beans, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables, to name a few, are important sources of phytochemicals, which have purported health benefits. The aforementioned plant sources are reportedly rich in bioactive compounds, most of which undergo some form of processing (boiling, steaming, soaking) prior to consumption. This article briefly reviews selected plants (beans, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables) and the effects of processing on the antioxidant potential, availability, and bioavailability of phytochemicals, with research from our laboratory and other studies determining the health benefits of and processing effects on bioactive compounds.
Analysis of Pepsin Concentration and Influencing Factors in Saliva of Elderly Nasal Feeding Patients
Authors: Ding Yu , Hou Huiru , Liu Miao , Wang Xiaoyuan , Xu Yue , Shi Haiyan , Du Haitao , Wang Liyuan
Published: January 2021

Background. Elderly patients receiving nasal feeding have weaker physiological function, and placement of a nasogastric tube weakens the natural barrier of the cardia‐esophageal sphincter; therefore, the risk of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is higher. Many studies have shown that pepsin is extremely sensitive in predicting GERD, so this study intends to investigate the level of pepsin in saliva of elderly patients with nasal feeding and analyze its influencing factors. Methods. This was a cross‐sectional study. Patients admitted to the Chinese PLA General Hospital from April 2018 to October 2018 who received nasal feeding were included. One ml of saliva was collected from each patient in while sitting during fasting in the morning and 1 hour after lunch for 3 consecutive days. Pepsin was quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The patients were predivided into two groups (≥7.75μg/ml or <7.75μg/ml) based on the median pepsin. Baseline and clinical factors were compared. Results. The mean age of the patients was 91.09 ± 4.91 years. There were statistical differences in diabetes and feeding methods between the two groups. There was a positive correlation between the morning and postprandial pepsin levels (r = 0.442, P < 0.001), and has no statistical difference (P = 0.175). Multivariate analysis showed that the risk factors for higher pepsin levels were diabetes (odds ratio (OR): 2.67; 95% CI: 1.225‐5.819, P = 0.013) and nasal feeding methods (OR: 2.475; 95% CI: 1.183‐5.180, P=0.016). Conclusions. For patients undergoing nasal feeding who are older than 80 years, the fasting and 1‐hour postprandial pepsin concentration were consistent. Diabetes and feeding methods are risk factors for high pepsin levels. For the elderly over 80 years old, age has no influence on pepsin concentration.
Multiview ISAR Imaging for Complex Targets Based on Improved SBR Scattering Model
Authors: Feng Tiantian , Guo Lixin
Published: January 2021

A novel multiview inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging method is proposed to simulate high-resolution and identifiable ISAR image of complex targets by handling large-angle and wide-bandwidth scattering data. The scattering data are simulated with the shooting and bouncing ray (SBR) method. The bidirectional ray-tracing algorithm is developed to reduce the computation time. Simulation results indicate that the improved method is efficient and reliable to calculate electromagnetic (EM) scattering of electrically large targets. To implement the multiview ISAR imaging method after data simulation, we divide the large-angle and wide-bandwidth scattering data into subaperture data and conduct ISAR image processing for each subaperture datum locally. Transforming each subaperture ISAR image to the global coordinate system and summing them together will produce the high-resolution ISAR image that is meaningful for the database set up for synthetic aperture radar automatic target recognition (SAR ATR). The final simulation ISAR images further validate the great performance of our scattering calculation algorithm and ISAR imaging method.
Dimensionality Reduction of Social Media Application Attributes for Ubiquitous Learning Using Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Sam Caitlin , Naicker Nalindren , Adebiyi Marion
Published: January 2021

Ubiquitous learning is anywhere and anytime learning using e-learning and m-learning platforms. Learning takes place regularly on mobile devices. School-based instructors and learners have capitalised on ubiquitous learning platforms in unprecedented times such as COVID-19. There has been a proliferation of social media applications for ubiquitous learning. There are a vast number of attributes of the social media applications that must be considered for it to be deemed suitable for education. Further to this, mobile and desktop accessibility criteria must be considered. The aim of this research study was to determine the high impacting and most pertinent criteria to evaluate social media applications for school-based ubiquitous learning. Data was collected from 30 experts in the field of teaching and learning who were asked to evaluate 60 criteria. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was the method employed for the dimensionality reduction. PCA was implemented using singular value decomposition (SVD) on R-Studio. The results showed loading values from principal component one for the top 40 educational requirements and technology criteria of the 60 criteria used in the study. The implications of this research study will guide researchers in the field of Educational Data Mining (EDM) and practitioners on the most important dimensions to consider when evaluating social media applications for ubiquitous learning.
Effect of Statins on Platelet Activation and Function: From Molecular Pathways to Clinical Effects
Authors: Nenna Antonio , Nappi Francesco , Lusini Mario , Satriano Umberto Maria , Schilirò Davide , Spadaccio Cristiano , Chello Massimo
Published: January 2021

Purpose. Statins are a class of drugs widely used in clinical practice for their lipid‐lowering and pleiotropic effects. In recent years, a correlation between statins and platelet function has been unveiled in the literature that might introduce new therapeutic indications for this class of drugs. This review is aimed at summarizing the mechanisms underlying statin‐platelet interaction in the cardiologic scenario and building the basis for future in‐depth studies. Methods. We conducted a literature search through PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science from their inception to June 2020. Results. Many pathways could explain the interaction between statins and platelets, but the specific effect depends on the specific compound. Some could be mediated by enzymes that allow the entry of drugs into the cell (OATP2B1) and others by enzymes that mediate their activation (PLA2, MAPK, TAX2, PPARs, AKT, and COX‐1), recruitment and adhesion (LOX‐1, CD36, and CD40L), or apoptosis (BCL2). Statins also appear to have a synergistic effect with aspirin and low molecular weight heparins. Surprisingly, they seem to have an antagonistic effect with clopidogrel. Conclusion. There are many pathways potentially responsible for the interactions between statins and platelets. Their effect appears to be closely related, and each single effect can be barely measured. Also, the same compound might have complex downstream signaling with potentially opposite effects, i.e., beneficial or deleterious. The multiple clinical implications that can be derived as a result of this interaction, however, represent an excellent reason to develop future in‐depth studies.
Voice Keyword Retrieval Method Using Attention Mechanism and Multimodal Information Fusion
Authors: Zhang Hongli
Published: January 2021

A cross-modal speech-text retrieval method using interactive learning convolution automatic encoder (CAE) is proposed. First, an interactive learning autoencoder structure is proposed, including two inputs of speech and text, as well as processing links such as encoding, hidden layer interaction, and decoding, to complete the modeling of cross-modal speech-text retrieval. Then, the original audio signal is preprocessed and the Mel frequency cepstrum coefficient (MFCC) feature is extracted. In addition, the word bag model is used to extract the text features, and then the attention mechanism is used to combine the text and speech features. Through interactive learning CAE, the shared features of speech and text modes are obtained and then sent to modal classifier to identify modal information, so as to realize cross-modal voice text retrieval. Finally, experiments show that the performance of the proposed algorithm is better than that of the contrast algorithm in terms of recall rate, accuracy rate, and false recognition rate.
Malignant Transformation of Temporal Bone Schneiderian Papilloma Associated with HPV-6
Authors: Marzouk O. , Brasch F. , Todt I. , Goon P. K. C. , Sudhoff H.
Published: January 2021

Introduction. Temporal bone Schneiderian papillomas (TBSPs) rarely present as a primary tumors arising from the middle ear and mastoid process. The clinical findings and imaging of TBSPs are not specific. Therefore, diagnosis can only reliably be definitively established by histopathology. Objective. To report a novel case of a malignant transformation of TBSP associated with HPV-6 and to present its management. Case Report. A 68-year-old woman presented with conductive hearing loss and recurrent right-sided otorrhoea. Initially, we performed a lateral temporal bone resection and obliteration with abdomen fat. Early histology described TBSP associated with HPV-6. Follow-up detected malignant transformation of the Schneiderian papillomatous variant. Postoperative radiotherapy combined with extended temporal bone resection resulted in a disease-free 17-month period of follow-up. Discussion. TBSPs are not very specific, and the diagnosis can only reliably be established by histopathology. There is a risk of malignant transformation, and due to the absence of reliable prognostic markers, strict postoperative follow-up is mandatory and should consist of regular otoscopy, nasal endoscopy, and imaging. This case also supports the importance of extended temporal bone resections as salvage surgery, combining radical surgery with radiotherapy for improved survival rates.
Applicability of Anisotropic Failure Criteria and Associated Application with Layered Rocks
Authors: Deng Wenxue , Yang Tianhong , Liu Honglei , Liu Feiyue , Xu HongLiang
Published: January 2021

This paper examines the applicability of four failure criteria applied to layered rocks, namely, Pariseau’s model, linear empirical equation, nonlinear empirical equation (LEE and NLEE), and Jaeger’s plane‐of‐weakness model (JPW). A database comprising 282 uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) tests and 1,273 triaxial tests conducted worldwide on layered rocks is compiled. Pariseau’s model is classified as a continuous function, and LEE and NLEE, as well as JPW, are classified as piecewise functions. Nonlinear least squares and traversing methods are used to determine the global minima of the material coefficients in the two types of functions. The goodness of fit of these criteria for the database is evaluated. Two statistical parameters, namely, regression coefficient (R2) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) are used for precision assessment. The aforementioned methods and the criteria are further used for evaluating the surrounding rock stability of the eastern slope of Yanshan iron open‐pit and the underground powerhouse of the Jinping I hydropower station. The results show that (1) Pariseau’s model is not suitable for layered rocks when n = 2, and the fit is worst in the condition of insufficient triaxial data when n = 1; (2) the MAPE of the empirical equation (LEE and NLEE) is within 20%, with the best predictive accuracy under medium to low confining pressures, and the MPAE of JPW is within 40%, with the best predictive accuracy under high confining pressures; and (3) calculation of the damage area of the slope and underground powerhouse and comparison with the actual damage on the site verify that the empirical equation has the best engineering prediction accuracy under medium to low confining pressure conditions.
Research on Torsional Property of Body-In-White Based on Square Box Model and Multiobjective Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Meng Yanmei , Liang Yuan , Zhao Qinchuan , Qin Johnny
Published: January 2021

In order to assess the performance of a vehicle in the conceptual design stage, a square box model was proposed to predict the torsional stiffness and the first-order torsional frequency of Body-in-White. The structure of Body-in-White was decomposed into eight simple structural surfaces, from which a square box model was constructed. Based on the finite element method, modified shear stiffness of each simple structure surface was calculated and the torsional stiffness was obtained. Then, simple structural surfaces of Body-in-White were constructed into an eight degree-of-freedom series spring system to calculate the first-order torsional frequency. Furthermore, a multiobjective genetic algorithm was used to determine the thickness and structural reinforcement of panels with small stiffness, so as to achieve the goal of increasing the stiffness while reducing the mass of the panel. The result shows that the optimal values of thickness are reduced by around 9.9 percent without affecting their performance by the proposed method. Compared to the prediction results obtained with the complicated numerical simulation, the relative error of the square box model in predicting the torsional stiffness is 6.04 percent and in predicting the first-order torsional frequency is 0.95 percent, indicating that the prediction model is effective.