bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recurrent Auricular Pseudocyst: Successful Treatment Using a Dental Silicon Cast
Authors: Yoshioka Yusuke , Namiki Takeshi , Ugajin Tsukasa , Yokozeki Hiroo , Tanaka Atsushi
Published: July 2021

Auricular pseudocysts (APs) are benign intercartilaginous cysts at the auricle. Various therapeutic options have been used to treat APs, but they frequently recur in usual clinical practice. Here, we report a case of AP successfully treated using a silicon cast. A 65-year-old male presented with a cyst on his right auricle. Although a local injection of steroid was administered, the cyst had recurred. A dental silicon cast was applied after removal of the contents of the cyst by suction. There was no recurrence of the cyst 6 years after that treatment. Dental silicon casts are a novel technique for an appropriate fixation over auricles in the treatment of APs and had an effective therapeutic result in our case.
Neuropsychiatric Derangement by Polycythemia Vera: A Case Report of an Unexpected Disease Presentation and Review of the Literature
Authors: De Lil Heleen , van Beek Michelle , Herbers Alexandra , van der Holst Ellen , Keijsers Karen
Published: July 2021

Cerebral infarction as well as other thromboses, headaches, and visual complaints are well-known symptoms of polycythemia vera. However, chorea and neuropsychiatric disturbances are less recognized consequences of this chronic disease. Whereas chorea is a rare but acknowledged symptom of polycythemia vera, neuropsychiatric symptoms have only sporadically been reported. We depict 2 patients with an unusual presentation of polycythemia vera. Our first patient presented with right-sided hemiballism and psychosis, and the second patient had a long diagnostic trajectory of unexplained chorea. In both cases diagnosis of JAK2 positive polycythemia vera was established, and in both cases remarkable recovery occurred after the initiation of phlebotomies. The underlying pathophysiology of these symptoms has not been clearly elucidated. Because of the unfamiliarity of the link between especially neuropsychiatric symptoms and polycythemia, current reported numbers are probably an underestimation. Benefit of treatment appears to be large. We seek to create more awareness among physicians about this phenomenon.
Safety and Feasibility Analysis of a Prospective Trial on Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Solitary Bone Plasmacytoma
Authors: Mauro Geovanne Pedro , Neffá Pedro Pereira , Villar Rosangela Correa , Martinez Gracia Aparecida , de Andrade Carvalho Heloísa
Published: July 2021

Background: There have been reports on the use of hypofractionated stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for bone plasmacytomas, but no prospective data are available. We present the initial analysis of an ongoing prospective protocol on SBRT addressing the feasibility and safety of this treatment for solitary bone plasmacytomas. Patients and Methods: A prospective cohort of SBRT for solitary bone plasmacytoma was developed. Patients could receive different doses depending on the index bone, from single fraction for skull base lesions, 24 Gy in 3 fractions for spine lesions, and 30 Gy in 5 fractions for other bones. Overall survival, bone events, local control, and progression to multiple myeloma (MM) were measured and compared to our retrospective cohort of patients treated with conformal standard-dose radiotherapy. Quality of life was assessed via the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire, and toxicities were assessed by the CTCAE v5.0 criteria. After 1 year or the inclusion of 5–10 patients, a feasibility and safety analysis was programmed. Results: Between April 2018 and April 2019, 5 patients were included. All were male, with a median age of 53.1 years. The median follow-up was 21.8 months. No patient had local progression, bone event, or died. Two patients had progressions to MM. The mean survival free of progression to MM was 18.6 months, compared to 19 months in the retrospective cohort; median values were not reached. There were no grade 3 toxicities. Conclusion: SBRT for plasmacytoma is safe and feasible. More robust data are awaited.
The Comparison of Imaging and Clinical Methods to Estimate Prostate Volume: A Single-Centre Retrospective Study
Authors: Massanova Matteo , Robertson Sophie , Barone Biagio , Dutto Lorenzo , Caputo Vincenzo Francesco , Bhatt Jaimin R. , Ahmad Imran , Bada Maida , Obeidallah Alison , Crocetto Felice
Published: July 2021

Background: Prostate volume (PV) is a useful tool in risk stratification, diagnosis, and follow-up of numerous prostatic diseases including prostate cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy. There is currently no accepted ideal PV measurement method. Objective: This study compares multiple means of PV estimation, including digital rectal examination (DRE), transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and radical prostatectomy specimens to determine the best volume measurement style. Methods: A retrospective, observational, single-site study with patients identified using an institutional database was performed. A total of 197 patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy were considered. Data collected included age, serum PSA at the time of the prostate biopsy, clinical T stage, Gleason score, and PVs for each of the following methods: DRE, TRUS, MRI, and surgical specimen weight (SPW) and volume. Results: A paired t test was performed, which reported a statistically significant difference between PV measures (DRE, TRUS, MRI ellipsoid, MRI bullet, SP ellipsoid, and SP bullet) and the actual prostate weight. Lowest differences were reported for SP ellipsoid volume (M = −2.37; standard deviation [SD] = 10.227; t[167] = −3.011; and p = 0.003), MRI ellipsoid volume (M = −4.318; SD = 9.53; t[167] = −5.87; and p = 0.000), and MRI bullet volume (M = 5.31; SD = 10.77; t[167] = 6.387; and p = 0.000). Conclusion: The PV obtained by MRI has proven to correlate with the PV obtained via auto-segmentation software as well as actual SPW, while also being more cost-effective and time-efficient. Therefore, demonstrating that MRI estimated the PV is an adequate method for use in clinical practice for therapeutic planning and patient follow-up.
Cutoff Points for Step Count to Predict 1-year All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Shingai Kazuya , Matsuda Toshiaki , Kondoh Yasuhiro , Kimura Tomoki , Kataoka Kensuke , Yokoyama Toshiki , Yamano Yasuhiko , Ogawa Tomoya , Watanabe Fumiko , Hirasawa Jun , Kozu Ryo
Published: July 2021

Background: Although physical activity is associated with mortality in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), reference values to interpret levels of physical activity are lacking. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of physical activity assessed by step count and its cutoff points for all-cause mortality. Methods: We measured physical activity (steps per day) using an accelerometer in patients with IPF at the time of diagnosis. Relationships among physical activity and mortality, as well as cutoff points of daily step count to predict all-cause mortality were examined. Results: Eighty-seven patients (73 males) were enrolled. Forty-four patients (50.1%) died during the follow-up (median 54 months). In analysis adjusting for Gender-Age-Physiology stage and 6-min walk distance, daily step count was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.820, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.694–0.968, p = 0.019). The optimal cutoff point (receiving operating characteristic analysis) for 1-year mortality was 3,473 steps per day (sensitivity = 0.818 and specificity = 0.724). Mortality was significantly lower in patients with a daily step count exceeding 3,473 steps than in those whose count was 3,473 or less (HR = 0.395, 95% CI = 0.218–0.715, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Step count, an easily interpretable measurement, was a significant predictor of all-cause mortality in patients with IPF. At the time of diagnosis, a count that exceeded the cutoff point of 3,473 steps/day more than halved mortality. These findings highlight the importance of assessing physical activity in this patient population.
In vitro and in vivo Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma-Based Autologous Topical Serum on Cutaneous Wound Healing
Authors: Anitua Eduardo , Muñoz Victoria , Aspe Libe , Tierno Roberto , García-Salvador Adrian , Goñi-de-Cerio Felipe , Pino Ander
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Skin injury and wound healing is an inevitable event during lifetime. However, several complications may hamper the regeneration of the cutaneous tissue and lead to a chronic profile that prolongs patient recovery. Platelet-rich plasma is rising as an effective and safe alternative to the management of wounds. However, this technology presents some limitations such as the need for repeated blood extractions and health-care interventions. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the use of an endogenous and storable topical serum (ES) derived from plasma rich in growth factors promoting wound healing, and to obtain preliminary data regarding its clinical and experimental effect over ulcerated skin models and patient care. Methods: Human dermal fibroblast and 3D organotypic ulcerated skin models were used to assess ES over the main mechanisms of wound healing including cell migration, edge contraction, collagen synthesis, tissue damage, extracellular matrix remodeling, cell death, metabolic activity, and histomorphometry analysis. Additionally, 4 patients suffering from skin wounds were treated and clinically assessed. Results: ES promoted dermal fibroblast migration, wound edge contraction, and collagen synthesis. When topically applied, ES increased collagen and elastin deposition and reduced tissue damage. The interstitial edema, structural integrity, and cell activity were also maintained, and apoptotic levels were reduced. Patients suffering from hard-to-heal wounds of different etiologies were treated with ES, and the ulcers healed completely within few weeks with no reported adverse events. Conclusion: This preliminary study suggests that ES might promote cutaneous wound healing and may be useful for accelerating the re-epithelization of skin ulcers.
Use of CRRT and Plasmapheresis to Treat Simultaneous Iron and Acetaminophen Overdose
Authors: Nye Rebecca , Singh Tripti
Published: July 2021

There is limited information about the prevalence and treatment of concurrent acetaminophen and iron overdose. One case study has suggested that this combination may be lethal. We present a case of fatal intentional acetaminophen and iron overdose and treatment with extracorporeal methods, including continuous venovenous hemofiltration and plasmapheresis, for removal of both toxins.
N-Cadherin Regulates GluA1-Mediated Depressive-Like Behavior in Adolescent Female Rat Offspring following Prenatal Stress
Authors: Shao Shuya , Yao Dan , Li Senya , Li Jing , Si Yufang , Zhang Huiping , Zhu Zhongliang , Song Dongli , Li Hui
Published: July 2021

Background: The incidence of depression is twice higher in women than in men, and gender differences in the prevalence rates first emerge around puberty. Prenatal stress (PS) induces gender-dependent depressive-like behavior in adolescent offspring, but the neuro-physiological mechanisms remain unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the possible neuro-physiological mechanisms of gender-dependent depressive-like behavior in PS adolescent offspring and further explored the possibility of treating depression in adolescent female rats. Methods: The pregnant rats were exposed to restraint stress in the third trimester for 7 days. The depressive-like behavior and the expression of N-cadherin and AMPARs in the hippocampus of adolescent offspring rats were assessed. 10 mg/kg AMPAR antagonist CNQX and 10 mg/kg N-cadherin antagonist ADH-1 were intraperitoneally injected into female adolescent offspring, respectively; 0.2 µg AMPAR agonist CX546 was administered to the dentate gyrus of male adolescent offspring to determine the role of N-cadherin-AMPARs in depressive-like behavior of the offspring following PS. Results: We found that PS increased N-cadherin expression, which upregulated GluA1 expression in the dentate gyrus, mediating depressive-like behavior in adolescent female rat offspring by reducing PSD-95. In addition, ADH-1 and CNQX improved depressive-like behavior in adolescent female offspring following PS. Furthermore, injection of the CX546 into the dentate gyrus induced depressive-like behavior in PS male offspring. Conclusion: The gender-dependent expression of N-cadherin-GluA1 pathway in adolescent offspring in the dentate gyrus was the key factor in gender differences of depressive-like behavior following PS.
Ethnobotany of three sea grass species from Port Blair, a step towards its conservation in Andaman Islands
Authors:   Pondicherry University, Brookshabad campus Port Blair- 744112 Andaman Islands, India., Naufal Mohammed , Padmavati Gadi ,   Pondicherry University, Brookshabad campus Port Blair- 744112 Andaman Islands, India.
Published: July 2021

Ethno-phycology is the study of the relationships of human society to flora and its ecosystem. In the marine world, ethno-biology is a thriving area of research which have yielded valuable ethno-biological knowledge. The main goal of the present study was to understand the effect of abiotic factors as well as the natural and anthropogenic disturbances that shape seagrass community in Andaman Island and to reveal the knowledge of the local people, about the significance of seagrass habitat and its conservation. The qualitative study on distribution of seagrasses in Chidiyatapu (11° 29' 30" to 11° 30' 34" N and 92° 35' 10" to 92° 42' 30" E) was carried out during December2012 to February 2013. A total of three seagrass species such as Thalassia hempirichi (Ehrenberg) Ascherson, 1871, Halodule uninervis (R.Brown) J.D.Hooker 1858, Halophila ovalis (Forsskål) Ascherson 1882, where identified. Among them, T. hempirichi, and H. ovalis found in this study was reported to have the ethno-medicinal value from west coast of India. As a part of the study, the semi-structured survey was carried out among the local coastal people to analyse the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). The survey has revealed the unawareness of coastal residents about the medicinal, nutritional as well as conservational values of seagrasses. An effective implementation has to be taken to make them aware that seagrasses are fundamental components of healthy marine ecosystems and the local livelihoods that rely on them. The present findings provide the first report on the ethno-phycology of seagrasses from South Andaman Island.
The Dynamic of Calcium Oxalate (CaOx) in Porang Corms (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) at Different Harvest Time
Authors:   Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture Universitas Borneo Tarakan, Chairiyah Nurul , Harijati Nunung ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Universitas Brawijaya, Mastuti Retno ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Universitas Brawijaya
Published: July 2021

The research aims to observe the influence of harvesting time on the change of calcium oxalate (CaOx) content and crystal density in Porang corms. The corms were harvested at different times, i.e., (1) two weeks before the plants shed (R0-1), (2) when the plants shed (R0), and (3) two weeks after the plants shed (R0+1). CaOx was obtained using the modified extracting method. Microscopic observations were obtained from the slices of the edge and center part of porang corms. Parameter observed including CaOx content, corm weight, shape, and density of CaOx crystal. CaOx content and crystal density in corms were analyzed using One way ANOVA. If the results are significant, it will be followed by Tukey Test α 0.05. In the meantime, the relation between CaOx content and corm weight was analyzed using Correlation Test Bivariate. The results showed that CaOx content was relatively higher in porang corms, i.e., 15.98 ± 0.60g/100g. On the other hand, the increasing of CaOx content might improve corm weight. The total density of druse, styloid, and prism crystal was pretty high in corms obtained when the plants shed compared to another harvest time, i.e., 1,494 ± 286; 31,280 ± 17,406 and 6,256 ± 1,533 crystals/cm2 . Raphide crystal density, by contrast, increased in corms obtained after the plants shed, i.e.,1,656 ± 368 crystals/cm2 . Total CaOx crystal density in the edge parts of corms harvested when the plants shed was proportionately higher than in the other harvest times, i.e., 12,292 ± 4,687.89 crystals/cm2 . In contrast, CaOx crystal densities in the center parts of corms were not much different at three harvesting times. The density of druse and prism crystals was somewhat higher in the center part of corms than in the edge parts. In opposition to, the density of raphide and styloid crystals was fairly higher in the edge part of corms than it was in the center parts. However, only raphide crystal density found in the edge and center part of corms was significantly affected by harvest time from all these results
Genomic Analysis of Mesorhizobium loti Strain TONO Reveals Dehalogenases for Bioremediation
Authors:   Lecturer at Kabul University, Zakary Sefatullah , Oyewusi Habeebat ,   School of Science and Computer Studies, Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti, Ado Ekiti PMB 5351, Ekiti State, Nigeria, Huyop Fahrul ,   Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Published: July 2021

Halogenated compounds are extensively utilized in different industrial applications such as pesticides and herbicides and cause severe environmental problems because of their toxicity and persistence. Degradation of these compounds by the biological method is a significant method to reduce these recalcitrant. Mesorhizobium loti is important for nitrogen fixation in legume roots. Up to now, there is no report to indicate M. loti can produce dehalogenase enzymes. Thus, a total of twenty-five genomes of M. loti strains from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) were analyzed. These strains notably carry dehalogenase genes and were further investigated. The relative ratio of haloalkane and haloacid dehalogenase type II or L-type from all twenty-five genomes was 26% and 74%, respectively, suggesting type II dehalogenase is common. Surprisingly, only M. loti strain TONO carries four dehalogenases and therefore it was further characterized. The chromosome of M. loti strain TONO contains four haloacid dehalogenase type II genes namely, dehLt1 (MLTONO_2099), dehLt2 (MLTONO_3660), dehLt3 (MLTONO_4143), and dehLt4 (MLTONO_6945), and their corresponding enzymes were designated as DehLt1, DehLt2, DehLt3, and DehLt4, respectively. The only haloalkane dehalogenase gene (MLTONO_4828) was located upstream of the dehLt3 gene and its amino acid share 88% identity with DmlA of Mesorhizobium japonicum MAFF 303099. The putative haloacid permease gene designated as dehrPt (MLTONO_0284) was located downstream of the dehLt1 and its amino acids show 69% identity with haloacid permease of Rhizobium sp. RC1. The gene encoding helix-turn-helix (HTH) motif family DNA-binding protein regulator and LysR family transcriptional regulator genes were also identified, possibly for regulatory functions. The genomic studies as such, have good potential to be screened for new type of dehalogenases based on basic molecular structure and functions analysis
Effect of essential oils on seed borne Fusarium sp., and seed quality of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors:   Maharani's Science College for Women, JLB Road, Mysuru - 570 008, INDIA, Girish K , S Chaithra ,   Postgraduate Department of Microbiology Maharani’s Science College for Women JLB Road, Mysuru – 570 008, Karnataka, INDIA, Fathima Syeda ,   Postgraduate Department of Microbiology Maharani’s Science College for Women JLB Road, Mysuru – 570 008, Karnataka, INDIA
Published: July 2021

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is as an important oilseed crop and seed borne fungi are reducing the yield as well as quality of the seeds produced. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of essential oils for control of seed borne fungi as well as enhancement of seed quality of sesame. Fusarium sp., was isolated from sesame seeds by agar plate method. Four essential oils such as camphor oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil and rose oil were screened for their antifungal potential against the isolated Fusarium sp., by poisoned food method. Selected essential oils were tested at different concentrations of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm concentrations for their ability to inhibit the mycelial growth of test fungi. All the oils completely inhibited the mycelial growth of test fungi at 500 ppm concentration. The effect of selected essential oils on sesame seed quality was analyzed by standard blotter method. All the four oils increased the germination percentage and seed vigour while the fungal infection was completely inhibited without any phytotoxic effects. Comparatively, clove oil showed the best activity followed by camphor oil, cinnamon oil and rose oil. These results observed of the essential oils indicate the possible usage of them for the sesame seed treatment following further investigations.
Spouse’s Cardiovascular Disease As a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease in Middle-Aged Adults: A Matched-Pair Cohort Study
Authors: Ohbe Hiroyuki , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: July 2021

Background:

Little is known about the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events in individuals whose spouse has a history of cardiovascular diseases. We assessed whether the spouse’s history of cardiovascular disease is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular events.

Methods:

Using data on married couples from the Japan Medical Data Center database (April 2008–August 2018), we conducted a matched-pair cohort study by matching individuals who had no history of cardiovascular disease and whose spouse had a history of cardiovascular disease at their first health check-up (exposure group) with up to 4 individuals who had no history of cardiovascular disease and whose spouse had no history of cardiovascular disease at their first health check-up (nonexposure group) matched for birth year, sex, and first health check-up year. We compared severe cardiovascular events after the first health check-up between the 2 groups.

Results:

Among 236 527 eligible married couples (473 054 spouses), we identified 13 759 individuals in the exposure group who were matched with 55 027 individuals in the nonexposure group. During the mean 95-month observational period from the first health check-up, the percentage of individuals with severe cardiovascular events was higher in the exposure group than in the nonexposure group (0.6% [82/13 759] versus 0.4% [224/55 027], respectively), with a hazard ratio of 1.48 (95% CI, 1.15–1.90). Analyses stratified by sex showed that the hazard ratios of the exposure to the spouse’s history of cardiovascular disease for severe cardiovascular events in women and men were 1.22 (95% CI, 0.82–1.83) and 1.68 (95% CI, 1.22–2.32), respectively.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that a spouse’s history of cardiovascular disease can be a risk factor for subsequent cardiovascular events in men but not in women. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and to explore effective primary prevention strategies for these individuals.
Disrupted Resolution Mechanisms Favor Altered Phagocyte Responses in COVID-19
Authors: Koenis Duco Steven , Beegun Issa , Jouvene Charlotte Camille , Aguirre Gabriel Amador , Souza Patricia Regina , Gonzalez-Nunez Maria , Ly Lucy , Pistorius Kimberly , Kocher Hemant M. , Ricketts William , Thomas Gavin , Perretti Mauro , Alusi Ghassan , Pfeffer Paul , Dalli Jesmond
Published: July 2021

Rationale:

Resolution mechanisms are central in both the maintenance of homeostasis and the return to catabasis following tissue injury and infections. Among the proresolving mediators, the essential fatty acid-derived specialized proresolving lipid mediators (SPM) govern immune responses to limit disease severity. Notably, little is known about the relationship between the expression and activity of SPM pathways, circulating phagocyte function and disease severity in patients infected with the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 leading to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Objective:

Herein, we investigated the link between circulating SPM concentrations and phagocyte activation status and function in patients with COVID-19 (n=39) compared with healthy (n=12) and post-COVID-19 (n=8) volunteers.

Methods and Results:

Lipid mediator profiling demonstrated that plasma SPM concentrations were upregulated in patients with mild COVID-19 and are downregulated in those with severe disease. SPM concentrations were correlated with both circulating phagocyte activation status and function. Perturbations in plasma SPM concentrations and phagocyte activation were retained after the resolution of COVID-19 clinical symptoms. Treatment of patients with dexamethasone upregulated both the expression of SPM biosynthetic enzymes in circulating phagocytes and plasma concentration of these mediators. Notably, incubation of phagocytes from patients with COVID-19 with SPM rectified their phenotype and function. This included a downregulation in the expression of activation markers, a decrease in the tissue factor and inflammatory cytokine expression, and an upregulation of bacterial phagocytosis.

Conclusions:

The present findings suggest that downregulation of systemic SPM concentrations is linked with both increased disease severity and dysregulated phagocyte function. They also identify the upregulation of these mediators by dexamethasone as a potential host protective mechanism elicited by this drug in patients with COVID-19. Taken together, our findings elucidate a role for altered resolution mechanisms in the disruption of phagocyte responses and the propagation of systemic inflammation in COVID-19.
Regional Adiposity and Risk of Heart Failure and Mortality: The Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Rao Vishal N. , Bush Christopher G. , Mongraw‐Chaffin Morgana , Hall Michael E. , Clark Donald , Fudim Marat , Correa Adolfo , Hammill Bradley G. , O’Brien Emily , Min Yuan‐I , Mentz Robert J.
Published: July 2021

Background

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is associated with incident heart failure (HF) and HF with preserved ejection fraction, yet it is unknown how pericardial and abdominal adiposity affect HF and mortality risks in Black individuals. We examined the associations of pericardial adipose tissue (PAT), VAT, and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) with incident HF hospitalization and all‐cause mortality in a large community cohort of Black participants.

Methods and Results

Among the 2882 Jackson Heart Study Exam 2 participants without prevalent HF who underwent body computed tomography, we used Cox proportional hazards models to examine associations between computed tomography–derived regional adiposity and incident HF hospitalization and all‐cause mortality. Fully adjusted models included demographics and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Median follow‐up was 10.6 years among participants with available VAT (n=2844), SAT (n=2843), and PAT (n=1386). Fully adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) of distinct computed tomography–derived adiposity measures (PAT per 10 cm
3
, VAT or SAT per 100 cm
3
) were as follows: for incident HF, PAT 1.08 (95% CI, 1.02–1.14) and VAT 1.04 (95% CI, 1.01–1.08); for HF with preserved ejection fraction, PAT 1.13 (95% CI, 1.04–1.21) and VAT 1.07 (95% CI, 1.01–1.13); for mortality, PAT 1.07 (95% CI, 1.03–1.12) and VAT 1.01 (95% CI, 0.98–1.04). SAT was not associated with either outcome.

Conclusions

High PAT and VAT, but not SAT, were associated with incident HF and HF with preserved ejection fraction, and only PAT was associated with mortality in the fully adjusted models in a longitudinal community cohort of Black participants. Future studies may help understand whether changes in regional adiposity improves HF, particularly HF with preserved ejection fraction, risk predictions.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT00005485.
Revision of a unique Australian leafhopper genus Stenopsoides Evans (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Idiocerinae: Macropsini)
Authors: SEMERARO LINDA , FLETCHER MURRAY J. , MALIPATIL MALLIK B. , CONSTANT JEROME , NEW TIMOTHY R.
Published: July 2021

The Australian genus Stenopsoides Evans (Idiocerinae: Macropsini) is revised. The type species, S. turneri Evans, is redescribed and three new species are added: S. newi Semeraro sp. nov., S. punctatus Semeraro sp. nov. and S. truncatus Semeraro sp. nov.. Species photographic plates, a distribution map and an illustrated key to the four species are provided. The possibility of parthenogenetic reproduction occuring in this genus is discussed.
The Different Morphology of Co3O4 Catalysts and Application in the Abatement of Carbon Monoxide
Authors: Tang Chih-Wei , Shih Hsiang-Yu , Wu Ruei-Ci , Wang Chih-Chia , Wang Chen-Bin
Published: July 2021

The increase of harmful carbon monoxide (CO) caused by incomplete combustion can affect human health even lead to suffocation. Therefore reducing the CO discharged by vehicles or factories is urgent to improve the air quality. The spinel cobalt (II, III) oxide (Co3O4)
is an active catalyst for CO abatement. In this study, we tried to fabricate dispersing Co3O4 via the dispersion-precipitation method with acetic acid, formic acid, and oxalic acid as the chelating dispersants. Then, the asprepared samples were calcined at 300 ºC
for 4 h to obtain active catalysts, and assigned as Co(A), Co(F) and Co(O) respectively, the amount of the dispersants used are labeled as I (0.12 mole), II (0.03 mole) and III (0.01 mole). For comparison, another CoAP sample was prepared via alkaliinduced precipitation and calcined at 300
ºC. All samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and nitrogen adsorption/desorption system, and the catalytic activity focused on the CO oxidation. The influence of chelating dispersant on the performance
of abatement of CO was pursued in this study. Apparently, the results showed that the chelating dispersant can influence the catalytic activity of CO abatement. An optimized ratio of dispersant can improve the performance, while excess dispersant lessens the surface area and catalytic performance.
The series of Co(O) samples can easily donate the active oxygen since the labile Co–O bonding and indicated the preferential performance than both Co(A) and Co(F) samples. The nanorod Co(O)-II showed preferential for CO oxidation, T50 and T90 approached 96 and 127
ºC, respectively. Also, the favorable durability of Co(O)-II sample maintains 95% conversion still for 50 h at 130 ºC and does not emerge deactivation.
Tunable Cytotoxicity and Selectivity of Phosphonium Ionic Liquid with Aniline Blue Dye
Authors: Macchi Samantha , Zubair Mohd , Ali Nawab , Guisbiers Grégory , Siraj Noureen
Published: July 2021

Ionic liquids are an interesting class of materials that have recently been utilized as chemotherapeutic agents in cancer therapy. Aniline blue, a commonly used biological staining agent, was used as a counter ion to trihexyltetradecylphosphonium, a known cytotoxic cation. A facile,
single step ion exchange reaction was performed to synthesize a fluorescent ionic liquid, trihexyltetradecylphosphonium aniline blue. Aqueous nanoparticles of this hydrophobic ionic liquid were prepared using reprecipitationmethod. The newly synthesized ionic liquid and subsequent nanoparticles
were characterized using various spectroscopic techniques. Transmission electron microscopy and zeta potential measurements were performed to characterize the nanoparticles’ morphology and surface charge. The photophysical properties of the nanoparticles and the parent aniline blue compound
were studied using absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Cell viability studies were conducted to investigate the cytotoxicity of the newly developed trihexyltetradecylphosphonium aniline blue nanoparticles in human breast epithelial cancer cell line (MCF-7) and its corresponding normal
epithelial cell line (MCF-10A) in vitro. The results revealed that the synthesized ionic nanomedicines were more cytotoxic (lower IC50) than the parent chemotherapeutic compound in MCF-7 cells. Nanoparticles of the synthesized ionic liquid were also shown to be more stable
in both aqueous and cellular media and more selective than parent compounds towards cancer cells.
Probing Protein Secondary Structure Influence on Active Centers with Hetero Two-Dimensional Correlation (Resonance) Raman Spectroscopy: A Demonstration on Cytochrome C
Authors: Hniopek Julian , Bocklitz Thomas , Schmitt Michael , Popp Jürgen
Published: July 2021

The functionality of active centers in proteins is governed by the secondary and higher structure of proteins which often lead to structures in the active center that are different from the structures found in protein-free models of the active center. To elucidate this structure–function relationship, it is therefore necessary to investigate both the protein structure and the local structure of the active center. In this work, we investigate the application of hetero (resonance) Raman two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) to this problem. By employing a combination of near-infrared-Fourier transform-Raman- and vis-resonance Raman spectroscopy, we could show that this combination of techniques is able to directly probe the structure–function relationship of proteins. We were able to correlate the transition of the heme center in cytochrome c from low to high spin with changes in the secondary structure with the above mentioned two spectroscopic in situ techniques and without sample preparation. Thereby, we were able to reveal that the combination of a spectroscopic method to selectively observe the active center with a technique that monitors the whole system offers a promising toolkit to investigate the structure–function relationship of proteins with photoactive centers in general.
Collaborative Relationship-Focused Occupational Therapy: Evolving Lexicon and Practice
Authors: Restall Gayle J. , Egan Mary Y.
Published: July 2021

Background.

Client-centred practice has been part of occupational therapists’ identity for several decades. However, therapists have begun to question whether the term obstructs critical relational aspects of therapy.

Purpose.

The purpose of this article is to summarize critiques of the use of the term client-centred and propose an expanded descriptor and a fundamental shift in how occupational therapists engage with individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations.

Key Issues.

Three themes summarize critiques of how client-centred practice has been envisioned: (a) the language of client-centred, (b) insufficient appreciation of how the therapist affects the relationship, and (c) inadequate consideration of the relational context of occupation. We propose collaborative relationship-focused practice that has key relational elements of being contextually relevant, nuanced, and safe, and promotes rights-based self-determination.

Conclusion.

We argue that these essential relational elements, along with a focus on occupations, are required to promote occupational participation, equity, and justice.
Electrical characterization of deformation behavior of carbon-based conductive filled nanocomposites under constant amplitude fatigue loading
Authors: Kasım Hasan , Yazici Murat
Published: July 2021

Elastomer-based nanocomposites(EcNs) were prepared with a novel mixing method to determine the deformation properties under constant amplitude dynamic operating conditions. The fillers of EcNs consists of functionalized(M-FCNTs) and nonfunctionalized carbon-nanotubes(M-NCNTs), graphite(GF) and carbon black(CB). In this study, six different mixtures were prepared using M-FCNT, and M-NCNT fillers in 1, 2, 3 phr ratios, except for a CB-filled reference mixture(C00). Graphite, which has exfoliation and excellent lubricating properties1, was added to six mixtures at the rate of 1 phr to prevent agglomeration of M-CNTs in the mixtures. SEM images show that M-CNTs are homogeneously distributed, interacting strongly with GF, and M-FCNTs have a better interface interaction than M-NCNTs. During crosslinking of M-NCNT filled EcNs, due to the resistance in the direction of the polymer chain's movement, the difference between minimum torque and maximum torque increased by approximately 10% compared to M-FCNTs. The lost energy (ΔW) between the loading and unloading curves of M-NCNT filled EcNs increased compared to the M-FCNT filled mixtures and C00. The resistance properties depending on the samples' strain value showed a more stable and repetitive behavior in M-FCNT filled EcNs with a ratio of 1 and 2 phr, called F-C01 and F-C02, respectively. The semiconductor F-C01 sample showed the most stable behavior due to preserving the conductive filler network's structural order during the fatigue test, although the average resistance change was highest with 1.51E + 07 Ω. We discuss ways to use conductive elastomer composites as an effective deformation detection sensor in dynamic applications based on the results.
Data Dentistry: How Data Are Changing Clinical Care and Research
Authors: Schwendicke F. , Krois J.
Published: July 2021

Data are a key resource for modern societies and expected to improve quality, accessibility, affordability, safety, and equity of health care. Dental care and research are currently transforming into what we term data dentistry, with 3 main applications: 1) medical data analysis uses deep learning, allowing one to master unprecedented amounts of data (language, speech, imagery) and put them to productive use. 2) Data-enriched clinical care integrates data from individual (e.g., demographic, social, clinical and omics data, consumer data), setting (e.g., geospatial, environmental, provider-related data), and systems level (payer or regulatory data to characterize input, throughput, output, and outcomes of health care) to provide a comprehensive and continuous real-time assessment of biologic perturbations, individual behaviors, and context. Such care may contribute to a deeper understanding of health and disease and a more precise, personalized, predictive, and preventive care. 3) Data for research include open research data and data sharing, allowing one to appraise, benchmark, pool, replicate, and reuse data. Concerns and confidence into data-driven applications, stakeholders’ and system’s capabilities, and lack of data standardization and harmonization currently limit the development and implementation of data dentistry. Aspects of bias and data-user interaction require attention. Action items for the dental community circle around increasing data availability, refinement, and usage; demonstrating safety, value, and usefulness of applications; educating the dental workforce and consumers; providing performant and standardized infrastructure and processes; and incentivizing and adopting open data and data sharing.
Bis[2-(Methacryloyloxy) Ethyl] Phosphate as a Primer for Enamel and Dentine
Authors: Alkattan R. , Koller G. , Banerji S. , Deb S.
Published: July 2021

Dental resin composites are commonly used in the restorative management of teeth via adhesive bonding, which has evolved significantly over the past few decades. Although current self-etch bonding systems decrease the number of clinical steps, the acidic functional monomers employed exhibit a limited extent of demineralization of enamel in comparison to phosphoric acid etchants, and the resultant superficial ionic interactions are prone to hydrolysis. This study evaluates the etching of primers constituted with bis[2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl] phosphate (BMEP) of dental hard tissue, interfacial characteristics, and inhibition of endogenous enzymes. We examine the incorporation of 2 concentrations of BMEP in the formulation of experimental primers used with a hydrophobic adhesive to constitute a 2-step self-etching bonding system and compare to a commercial 10–methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP)–containing system. The interaction of the primer with enamel and dentine was characterized using scanning electron, confocal laser scanning, and Raman microscopy while the polymerization reaction between the BMEP primers and hydroxyapatite was evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The inhibitory effect against matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzymes of these primers was studied and percentage of inhibition analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc test ( P < 0.05). Results of the scanning electron microscopy micrographs demonstrated potent etching of both enamel and dentine with the formation of longer resin tags with BMEP primers compared to the 10-MDP–based system. The BMEP polymerized on interaction with pure hydroxyapatite in the dark, while the 10-MDP primer exhibited the formation of salts. Furthermore, BMEP primers were able to inhibit MMP activity in a dose-dependent manner. BMEP could be used as a self-etching primer on enamel and dentine, and the high degree of polymerization in the presence of hydroxyapatite can contribute to an increased quality of the resin polymer network, prompting resistance to gelatinolytic and collagenolytic degradation.
Diffusion coefficient calculated by time-lag using the film-roll method
Authors: Park Geon Yong
Published: July 2021

A method for determining the diffusion coefficient by time-lag using the film-roll method for the sublimation diffusion of disperse dye was proposed. A polyethylene terephthalate film-roll coated with dye paste was treated at 170–190°C for various times. A solution consisting of the sum of a steady-state solution and a transient solution was obtained by the homogeneous boundary value problem from a trigonometrical series. The boundary conditions of the steady-state first layer and the steady-state first layer amount of dye were determined from the steady-state concentration distribution. For various diffusion times, the steady-state first layer-passed total amounts of dye that passed through the first layer in the steady-state condition were obtained by subtracting the steady-state first layer amounts from the total amounts. The time-lag was calculated from the linear regression line for the plot of the steady-state first layer-passed total number(X) of positive values against time. The diffusion coefficient was calculated by the boundary conditions of the steady-state first layer and the time-lag. For diffusion at 170°C, 180°C, and 190°C, the correlations of the steady-state first layer-passed total amounts with respect to time were very linear and the reliability of the diffusion coefficients obtained by the time-lag was proved by the good linearity of the Arrhenius plot. The activation energy obtained was 36.8 kcal[Formula: see text]mol−1.
Living Tradition in Orthodox Theological Spirituality and/in Contemporary Society: Comments on Traditionalism, Traditions and Renewal
Authors: Dumitraşcu Nicu
Published: July 2021

In this article I aim to discuss the resources and methods by which Tradition can adapt to the needs of contemporary society, without losing any of its power and content. What is the difference between “Tradition” and “Traditionalism” and to what extent does the latter distort the actualization of the Gospel message? Does the diversity of local or regional “traditions” affect the unity and character of the Tradition? Can we talk about adaptability or renewal of Tradition? What does “formalism” mean and how harmful is it for receiving the authentic content of Tradition?
An initial investigation of the role of death concerns in evaluations of metaphoric language about God
Authors: Keefer Lucas A , Brown Faith L , Rials Thomas G
Published: July 2021

Past research suggests that death pushes some individuals to strongly promote religious worldviews. The current work explores the role of conceptual metaphor in this process. Past research shows that metaphors can provide meaning and certainty, suggesting that death may therefore cause people to be more attracted to epistemically beneficial metaphoric descriptions of God. In three studies, we test this possibility against competing alternatives suggesting that death concerns may cause more selective metaphor preferences. Using both correlational (Study 1 and pre-registered replication) and experimental (Study 2) methods, we find that death concern is generally associated with embracing metaphors about God.
A Cross-Cultural Investigation of Metamotivational Beliefs About Regulatory Focus Task-Motivation Fit
Authors: Nguyen Tina , Togawa Taku , Scholer Abigail A. , Miele David B. , Fujita Kentaro
Published: July 2021

Recent metamotivation research revealed that Westerners recognize that promotion versus prevention motivations benefit performance on eager versus vigilant tasks, respectively; that is, they know how to create task-motivation fit with respect to regulatory focus. Westerners also believe that, across tasks, promotion is more beneficial than prevention (i.e., a promotion bias). Adopting a cross-cultural approach, we examined whether beliefs about task-motivation fit generalize across cultures, whether Easterners exhibit a contrasting prevention bias, and the role of independence/interdependence in these beliefs. Results revealed cross-cultural similarities in metamotivational beliefs. Moreover, Easterners and Westerners alike often exhibited a promotion bias, suggesting that this effect may not be shaped by culture. One potential cultural difference did emerge: Easterners appeared to recognize how to create task-motivation fit for both independent and interdependent outcomes, whereas Westerners only recognized how to do so for independent outcomes. We discuss the role of culture in shaping metamotivation.
Contrasting Effects of Finding Meaning and Searching for Meaning, and Political Orientation and Religiosity, on Feelings and Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Newman David B. , Schneider Stefan , Stone Arthur A.
Published: July 2021

Perceiving life as meaningful can buffer against negative experiences, whereas searching for meaning in life is often associated with negative outcomes. We examined how these individual differences, along with religiosity and political orientation, are associated with feelings and health-related behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic ( N = 7,220; U.S. nationally representative sample). Conservatism and religiosity predicted less negative effect; conservatives (but not the highly religious) were less likely to engage in preventive actions such as wearing face masks and social distancing. Controlling for political orientation, religiosity, and demographics, the presence of meaning in life predicted less negative affect and greater healthy preventive actions, whereas searching for meaning predicted greater negative affect and more preventive and risky health behaviors. Thus, the perception that life is meaningful not only predicts an individual’s emotional well-being but is also associated with beneficial actions that can help protect others from the spread of the coronavirus.