bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
At‐Most‐Hexa Meshes
Authors: Bukenberger Dennis R. , Tarini Marco , Lensch Hendrik P. A.
Published: September 2021

Volumetric polyhedral meshes are required in many applications, especially for solving partial differential equations on finite element simulations. Still, their construction bears several additional challenges compared to boundary‐based representations. Tetrahedral meshes and (pure) hex‐meshes are two popular formats in scenarios like CAD applications, offering opposite advantages and disadvantages. Hex‐meshes are more intricate to construct due to the global structure of the meshing, but feature much better regularity, alignment, are more expressive, and offer the same simulation accuracy with fewer elements. Hex‐dominant meshes, where most but not all cell elements have a hexahedral structure, constitute an attractive compromise, potentially unlocking benefits from both structures, but their generality makes their employment in downstream applications difficult. In this work, we introduce a strict subset of general hex‐dominant meshes, which we term ‘at‐most‐hexa meshes’, in which most cells are still hexahedral, but no cell has more than six boundary faces, and no face has more than four sides. We exemplify the ease of construction of at‐most‐hexa meshes by proposing a frugal and straightforward method to generate high‐quality meshes of this kind, starting directly from hulls or point clouds, for example, from a 3D scan. In contrast to existing methods for (pure) hexahedral meshing, ours does not require an intermediate parameterization of other costly pre‐computations and can start directly from surfaces or samples. We leverage a Lloyd relaxation process to exploit the synergistic effects of aligning an orientation field in a modified 3D Voronoi diagram using the norm for cubical cells. The extracted geometry incorporates regularity as well as feature alignment, following sharp edges and curved boundary surfaces. We introduce specialized operations on the three‐dimensional graph structure to enforce consistency during the relaxation. The resulting algorithm allows for an efficient evaluation with parallel algorithms on GPU hardware and completes even large reconstructions within minutes.
Antenatal counselling for prospective parents whose fetus has a neurological anomaly: part 2, risks of adverse outcome in common anomalies
Authors: Hart Anthony R , Vasudevan Chakra , Griffiths Paul D , Foulds Nicola , Piercy Hilary , de Lacy Patricia , Boxall Sally , Howe David , Vollmer Brigitte
Published: September 2021

After diagnosis of a fetal neurological anomaly, prospective parents want to know the best and worst‐case scenarios and an estimation of the risk to their infant of having an atypical developmental outcome. The literature on developmental outcomes for fetal neurological anomalies is poor: studies are characterized by retrospective design, small sample size, often no standardized assessment of development, and differing definitions of anomalies. This review provides an aide‐memoir on the risks of adverse neurodevelopmental outcome for ventriculomegaly, cortical anomalies, microcephaly, macrocephaly, agenesis of the corpus callosum, posterior fossa anomalies, and myelomeningocele, to assist healthcare professionals in counselling. The data in this review should be used alongside recommendations on counselling and service design described in part 1 to provide antenatal counselling.
Regulation of sphingolipid biosynthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum via signals from the plasma membrane in budding yeast
Authors: Ishino Yuko , Komatsu Nao , Sakata Ken‐taro , Yoshikawa Daichi , Tani Motohiro , Maeda Tatsuya , Morishige Kanta , Yoshizawa Koushiro , Tanaka Naotaka , Tabuchi Mitsuaki
Published: September 2021

Saccharomyces cerevisiae LIP1 encodes a regulatory subunit that forms a complex with the ceramide synthase catalytic subunits, Lag1/Lac1, which is localized on the membrane of endoplasmic reticulum. To understand the underlying regulatory mechanism of sphingolipid biosynthesis, we generated strains upon replacing the chromosomal LIP1 promoter with a Tet‐off promoter, which enables the expression in Dox‐dependent manner. The lip1‐1 strain, obtained through the promoter substitution, exhibits severe growth inhibition and remarkable decrease in sphingolipid synthesis in the presence of Dox. Using this strain, we investigated the effect of a decrease in ceramide synthesis on TOR complex 2 (TORC2)‐Ypk1 signaling, which senses the complex sphingolipid level at the plasma membrane and promotes sphingolipid biosynthesis. In lip1‐1 cells, Ypk1 was activated via both upstream kinases, TORC2 and yeast PDK1 homologues, Pkh1/2, thereby inducing hyperphosphorylation of Lag1, but not of another Ypk1‐substrate, Orm1, which is a known negative regulator of the first step of sphingolipid metabolism, in the presence of Dox. Therefore, our data suggest that the metabolic enzyme activities at each step of the sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway are controlled through a fine regulatory mechanism.
Development of mesoporous bioactive glass‐containing macroporous titanium for controlled release of antimicrobial drugs
Authors: Kamarudin Nur Hidayatul Nazirah , D'Haeyer Camille , Thevissen Karin , Braem Annabel
Published: September 2021

Biofilm‐associated infections pose a serious threat to the long‐term survival of metal‐based bone implants, which can potentially be resolved by the controlled delivery of antimicrobial agents locally at the implant surface. Mesoporous bioactive glasses (BAGs) are multifunctional materials able to combine bone‐bonding properties with such a drug release functionality. Here, we propose for the first time to modify a macroporous Ti implant material with an antimicrobial‐releasing BAG phase. The feasibility of a sol‐gel synthesis route, including the structure‐directing agent (SDA) Pluronic F127, and its effect on the mesoporous structure and concomitant drug release performance was evaluated. Mesopore sizes ranged from 3.4 nm for SDA‐free to 3.7 nm for SDA‐derived BAG, thereby both enabling configurational diffusion of the antiseptic chlorhexidine (CHX), but the latter showed a more narrow pore size distribution leading to a slower, more controlled release. Adjusting the feed concentration allowed fine‐tuning the daily CHX release through the SDA‐derived Ti/BAG composite to 1.4 μM. Even though just below the biofilm inhibitory concentration, this daily release rate was sufficient to effectively prevent Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation on the surface of the material. This proof‐of‐concept for a temporary antimicrobial‐releasing bioceramic surface modification on Ti can be of interest for orthopedic implants.
Reproductive trade‐offs and phenotypic selection change with body condition, but not with predation regime, across island lizard populations
Authors: Cox Robert M. , Wittman Tyler N. , Calsbeek Ryan
Published: September 2021

Trade‐offs between reproduction and survival are central to life‐history theory and are expected to shape patterns of phenotypic selection, but the ecological factors structuring these trade‐offs and resultant patterns of selection are generally unknown. We manipulated reproductive investment and predation regime in island populations of brown anole lizards (Anolis sagrei) to test (1) whether previously documented increases in the survival of experimentally non‐reproductive females (OVX = ovariectomy) reflect the greater susceptibility of reproductive females (SHAM = control) to predation and (2) whether phenotypic selection differs as a function of reproductive investment and predation regime. OVX females exceeded SHAM controls in growth, mass gain and body condition, indicating pronounced energetic costs of reproduction. Although mortality was greatest in the presence of bird and snake predators, differences in survival between OVX and SHAM were unrelated to predation regime, as were patterns of natural selection on body size. Instead, we found that body condition at the conclusion of the experiment differed significantly across populations, suggesting that local environments varied in their ability to support mass gain and positive energy balance. As mean body condition improved across populations, the magnitude of the survival cost of reproduction increased, linear selection on body size shifted from positive to negative, and quadratic selection shifted from stabilizing to weakly disruptive. Our results suggest that reproductive trade‐offs and patterns of phenotypic selection in female brown anoles are more sensitive to inferred variation in environmental quality than to experimentally induced variation in predation.
Flow behavior and mechanical properties of water chestnut (Trapa natans) under steady shear as affected by acid and autoclave treatment
Authors: Bhat Mohmad Sayeed , Arya Shalini Subhash
Published: September 2021

The flow behavior and mechanical properties of the water chestnut as influenced by acid and autoclave treatment (AT) are envisaged. The water chestnut flour (WCNF) was exposed to 1 M HCl, acid hydrolysed (AH) in the ratio of 1:1 (wt/vol) and AT at 121°C for 15 min, and cooled for 24 (AT‐24) and 72 (AT‐72) hr at 4°C. The acid hydrolysis and autoclaving resulted in significant changes in physico‐functional, flow behavior, and mechanical properties of the water chestnut. The WCNF showed a non‐Newtonian behavior, and the viscosity decreased with an increase in the shear rate for both acid and autoclave treated WCNF samples. The mechanical spectra, storage modulus (G′), and loss modulus (G″) observed dominance of the elastic component over viscous component in both acidic and autoclaving conditions. The flow behavior and mechanical spectrum data were fitted to the power‐law model and the Ostwald‐de Waele equation. The relationship among the power‐law coefficients (n, K, n′, and n″) was assessed by linear regression of the fitted models. The swelling power of WCNF and AH was lower than AT samples. However, the increase in swelling power with the rise in temperature from 55 to 95°C was more for WCNF and AH samples than AT samples. The autoclaving‐cooling changed the A‐type X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern to a B‐type XRD pattern representing the loss of molecular order and the disintegration of the internal structure.

Practical applications

Since different stresses cause different reactions in materials, it is critical to measure liquid flow in a way that mimics the mechanism it might encounter in an industrial or commercial setting. Many processing operations that include slurries or pastes, such as beneficiation (wet mixing and milling, filtration); shape formation (extrusion); and coating or deposition, require knowledge of rheological behavior. Although various nuts and seeds are extensively being studied for their physicochemical and functional behavior in different environments, the data of water chestnut on feasibility in industry‐related process operations is scarce. Therefore, the rheology of the water chestnut in acid and autoclave environment can help to decide the process feasibility and, hence, use in a particular industrial operation.
Hidden ‘pit’falls in deciphering the gonadotropin releasing hormone neuroendocrine cell lineage
Authors: Shan Yufei , Wray Susan
Published: September 2021

To this day, the identity of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) progenitors remains unclear. However, the visualization of different developmental markers in subsets of GnRH neurons during early embryonic stages raised the possibility of at least two GnRH subpopulations. This observation led directly to a second question. Does visualization of different developmental markers in subsets of GnRH neurons reflect functional heterogeneity? This question remains unanswered, but as we learn more about the GnRH system, functional GnRH subpopulations become critically important to understanding GnRH function. This review addresses the development of the neuroendocrine GnRH system, specifically the heterogeneity of the GnRH neuroendocrine population.
A case of ovarian serous cystadenofibroma with scattered lesions in pelvic cavity, like malignant disseminations
Authors: Fujita Kazuhisa , Ogawa Chisa , Sako Takahiro , Utsumi Fumi , Inada Ken‐ichi , Shibata Kiyosumi
Published: September 2021

Ovarian serous cystadenofibroma is a relatively rare subtype of serous cystadenoma classified as ovarian benign epithelial tumor. We report a rare case of ovarian serous cystadenofibroma with scattered lesions in pelvic cavity, like malignant disseminations. The patient was 22 years old, gravida 0, para 0. In the laparoscopic surgery, numerous hard yellowish‐white solid masses of various sizes were present in the bilateral ovaries. Grossly similar masses were scattered in the fimbria of the fallopian tubes, peritoneum, and great omentum. Because the intraoperative rapid histological diagnosis was benign tumor, surgery was completed for only tumor excision. Postoperative histopathological diagnosis is serous cystadenofibroma. Similar pathological findings were noted in the scattered lesions in the peritoneum and great omentum. No malignant or borderline malignant finding was observed. Because of a benign disease, careful treatment taking fertility preservation into consideration is necessary, especially for young patients.
Lung and lymph node metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma: Comparison of pathological aspects
Authors: Woo Ha Young , Rhee Hyungjin , Yoo Jeong Eun , Kim Se Hoon , Choi Gi Hong , Kim Do Young , Woo Hyun Goo , Lee Hye Sun , Park Young Nyun
Published: September 2021

Background & Aims

Extrahepatic metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a catastrophic event, yet organ‐specific pathological characteristics of metastatic HCC remain unclear. We aimed to characterize the pathological aspects of HCC metastases to various organs.

Methods

We collected intrahepatic HCC (cohort 1, n = 322) and extrahepatic metastatic HCC (cohort 2, n = 130) samples. Clinicopathological evaluation and immunostaining for K19, CD34, αSMA, fibroblast‐associated protein (FAP), CAIX, VEGF, PD‐L1, CD3, CD8, Foxp3, CD163 and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related markers were performed.

Results

Independent factors for extrahepatic metastasis included BCLC stage B–C, microvascular invasion (MVI), vessels encapsulating tumour clusters (VETC)‐HCC, K19 and FAP expression, and CD163+ macrophage infiltration (cohort 1, P < .05 for all). Lung metastases (n = 63) had the highest proportion of VETC‐HCC and macrotrabecular‐massive (MTM)‐HCC. Lymph node metastases (n = 19) showed significantly high rates of EMT‐high features, K19 expression, fibrous tumour stroma with αSMA and FAP expression, high immune cell infiltration, PD‐L1 expression (combined positive score), CD3+, CD8+, Foxp3+ T cell and CD163+ macrophage infiltration (adjusted P < .05 for all). In both cohorts, EMT‐high HCCs showed higher rates of K19 expression, fibrous tumour stroma, high immune cell infiltration, PD‐L1 expression and CD3+ T cell infiltration, whereas EMT‐low HCCs were more frequent among VETC‐HCCs (P < .05 for all). Overall phenotypic features were not significantly different between paired primary‐metastatic HCCs (n = 32).

Conclusions

Metastatic HCCs to various organs showed different pathological features. VETC and MTM subtypes were related to lung metastasis, whereas K19 expression, EMT‐high features with fibrous tumour stroma and high immune cell infiltration were related to lymph node metastasis.
The gut microbiota and its products: Establishing causal relationships with obesity related outcomes
Authors: Li Lili , Zhang Yubing , Speakman John Roger , Hu Shanliang , Song Yipeng , Qin Song
Published: September 2021

Gut microorganisms not only participate in the metabolism of carbohydrate, lipids, protein, and polypeptides in the intestine but also directly affect the metabolic phenotypes of the host. Although many studies have described the apparent effects of gut microbiota on human health, the development of metagenomics and culturomics in the past decade has generated a large amount of evidence suggesting a causal relationship between gut microbiota and obesity. The interaction between the gut microbiota and host is realized by microbial metabolites with multiple biological functions. We concentrated here on several representative beneficial species connected with obesity as well as the mechanisms, with particular emphasis on microbiota‐dependent metabolites. Finally, we consider the potential clinical significance of these relationships to fuel the conception and realization of novel therapeutic and preventive strategies.
Traditional health‐related practices of Russian‐speaking immigrants
Authors: Amburg Polina , Lindgren Teri , Ivanov Luba Louise
Published: September 2021

The population of foreign‐born residents continues to grow in the United States. One of the largest growing groups of immigrants is the population of Russian‐speakers moving from the countries of the former Union of Soviet Socialistic Republics (Soviet Union/USSR). Like many other immigrants, Russian speakers present with various health concerns. Empirical literature indicates a gap in research that addresses culturally based beliefs and behaviors related to health in this group of immigrants. A qualitative ethnographic study that addresses the health‐related practices of Russian‐speaking immigrants was conducted on the East Coast of the United States. Twenty‐eight participants, ages 36–86, were interviewed, along with participant observation and analysis of documents. Data analysis revealed three related categories: perception of health, perception of illness, and health‐related practices. Perceptions of health were influenced by families and defined roles within the family. Perceptions of illness were outlined by approaches to disease management and remedies to illness. Subsequently, the health‐related practices of Russian‐speaking immigrants were molded by perceptions of health and illness. Further research is recommended to examine specific health‐related practices of Russian‐speaking immigrants in the United States and to explore more diverse groups within this aggregate.
Quickly locating POIs in large datasets from descriptions based on improved address matching and compact qualitative representations
Authors: Cheng Ruozhen , Liao Jiaxin , Chen Jing
Published: September 2021

Locating points of interest (POIs) from descriptions can support intelligent location‐based services. Available research achieves it through address matching and spatial reasoning. However, semantic characteristics and spatial proximities of address fields are usually neglected in address matching; current applications of spatial reasoning represent qualitative spatial relations in semantic networks for efficient queries, but they do not yet scale to large datasets for qualitative direction reasoning due to massive qualitative direction relations between objects; moreover, spatial reasoning on various quantitative distances should be optimized. This study proposes a method that improves the accuracy of address matching by combining multiple similarities and enables quick spatial reasoning through the faster relation retrieval of compact qualitative direction representations implemented on global equal latitude and longitude grids (ELLGs) and the ELLG‐based quantitative calculations. The proposed method has been verified by two real‐world datasets and proven to be efficient and accurate when locating POIs in large POI datasets from descriptions.
The in vitro quality of X‐irradiated platelet components in PAS‐E is equivalent to gamma‐irradiated components
Authors: Johnson Lacey , Vekariya Shuchna , Wood Ben , Costa Marylia , Waters Lauren , Green Sarah , Marks Denese C.
Published: September 2021

Background

Blood components are irradiated to inactivate lymphocytes in an effort to prevent transfusion‐associated graft versus host disease. Although gamma irradiators are commonly used, they are subjected to rigorous health, safety, and compliance regulations, compared with X‐irradiators which have the advantage of only emitting radiation while the machine is switched on. While the effects of gamma irradiation on platelet components are well known, there is little or no data comparing the effects of X‐ and gamma‐irradiation on the quality of these components. Therefore, this study examined the in vitro quality of platelet components (pooled and apheresis) following X‐ or gamma‐irradiation.

Study design and methods

Whole‐blood‐derived (pooled) and apheresis platelet components in platelet additive solution (n = 20 pairs for each type) were irradiated (X vs. gamma). In vitro platelet quality was tested prior to irradiation (day 1) and subsequently on days 2, 5, and 7. Non‐irradiated components were tested on day 5 in parallel as reference controls. Metabolic parameters, surface expression of glycoproteins and activation markers (CD62P and annexin‐V binding), and agonist‐induced aggregation were measured.

Results

All components met Council of Europe specifications. There were no statistical differences in any in vitro quality measurements between X‐ and gamma‐irradiated pooled or apheresis platelet components.

Conclusion

X‐ and gamma‐irradiation have similar effects on the in vitro quality of stored blood components, indicating that either technology represents a suitable option for irradiation of platelet components.
Deep Convolutional Neural Network Framework for Diagnostics of Planetary Gearboxes Under Dynamic Loading With Feature-Level Data Fusion
Authors: Gecgel Ozhan , Ekwaro-Osire Stephen , Gulbulak Utku , Morais Tobias Souza
Published: September 2021

Planetary gearboxes are susceptible to premature failures due to cyclic random loadings and extreme operating conditions. Fault diagnostics strategies are crucial to increase operational safety and reduce economic costs. This led to the research question is: Can a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) with data fusion improve diagnostics of a planetary gearbox using simulated data? To answer this question, a DCNN framework was proposed to diagnose planetary gearbox with crack using simulated time and the frequency response. A finite element model was developed to generate a time-varying mesh stiffness response for gear tooth meshing at different crack levels. The mesh stiffness was expanded in terms of the Fourier series to generate values at any rotational speed and time interval. The generated mesh stiffness response was used on a dynamic model to generate the time and frequency response of the system. An additional data set was generated using feature-level data fusion. The two datasets were fed to the DCNN model to diagnose the crack faults and results were compared. It was shown that the feature-level data fusion method is very robust in diagnosing crack faults with good accuracy rates even with the presence of a high level of noise.
Insulin and T
reg
cells
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: September 2021

Insulin signaling in mouse adipose tissue drives the differentiation of regulatory T cells.
A Genome-Scale Antibiotic Screen in Serratia marcescens Identifies YdgH as a Conserved Modifier of Cephalosporin and Detergent Susceptibility
Authors: Lazarus Jacob E. , Warr Alyson R. , Westervelt Kathleen A. , Hooper David C. , Waldor Matthew K.
Published: September 2021

Serratia marcescens
, a member of the order
Enterobacterales
, is adept at colonizing health care environments and is an important cause of invasive infections. Antibiotic resistance is a daunting problem in
S. marcescens
because, in addition to plasmid-mediated mechanisms, most isolates have considerable intrinsic resistance to multiple antibiotic classes.
Vimentin Regulates Chemokine Expression and NOD2 Activation in Brain Endothelium during Group B Streptococcal Infection
Authors: Villarreal R. , Manzer H. S. , Keestra-Gounder A. M. , Doran K. S.
Published: September 2021

Streptococcus agalactiae
(group B
Streptococcus
, or GBS) is an opportunistic pathogen capable of causing invasive disease in susceptible individuals, including the newborn. Currently, GBS is the leading cause of meningitis in the neonatal period.
Polyribosome-Dependent Clustering of Membrane-Anchored RNA Degradosomes To Form Sites of mRNA Degradation in Escherichia coli
Authors: Hamouche Lina , Poljak Leonora , Carpousis Agamemnon J.
Published: September 2021

Here, we show that RNase E, RhlB, and PNPase act together as components of the multienzyme RNA degradosome in polyribosome-dependent clustering to form puncta on the inner cytoplasmic membrane. Our results support the hypothesis that RNA degradosome puncta are sites of mRNA degradation.
Role of the
WOR1
Promoter of Candida albicans in Opaque Commitment
Authors: Conway Thomas P. , Conway Kayla , Boksa Frank A. , Pujol Claude , Wessels Deborah , Soll David R.
Published: September 2021

Candida albicans
, the most pervasive fungal pathogen colonizing humans, undergoes a phenotypic transition between a white and opaque phenotype. The unique opaque phenotype is necessary for mating and colonization of the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Liver dysfunction in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension: prevalence, characteristics and prognostic significance, a retrospective cohort study in China
Authors: Luo Cijun , Wu Wenhui , Wu Changwei , Qiu Hongling , Yuan Ping , Jiang Rong , Zhao Qinhua , Gong Sugang , Zhang Rui , Li Jinling , He Jing , Liu Jinming , Wang Lan
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The aim was to elucidate the relationship between liver function and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH).

Design and setting

Retrospective, longitudinal study in urban tertiary care centre in Shanghai, China.

Participants

407 IPAH consecutive incident patients age 18–65 years were retrospectively enrolled from January 2008 to December 2018.

Outcome measurements

The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. The cut-off value was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), which was validated by Cox proportional hazard model was internally validated by bootstrap analysis and used for survival analysis. The Cox model was (internally) validated and cross-validated areas under the curve (AUC) should be reported.

Results

The prevalence of abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) at baseline was 77.6%. Hyperbilirubinaemia is the most common abnormal biochemical liver test: abnormal total bilirubin (TBIL in 51.6% patients). During the follow-up, 160 patients died. Patients with mixed liver dysfunction have worse prognosis than those with normal LFTs or isolated abnormal bilirubin metabolism. Comparing with patients with hepatocellular injury, the survival of patients with abnormal bilirubin metabolism is lower. Multivariable Cox models revealed a positive association between TBIL, γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and mortality showing that each Ig increment in TBIL and GGT was associated with a higher all-cause mortality (TBIL: HR 4. 29 (95% CI 1. 21 to 15. 27), p=0. 02; GGT: HR 2. 76 (95% CI 1. 18 to 6. 45), p=0. 02). A novel formula named Liver Function Predict Index (LFPI) was constructed (LFPI=−0.002*6MWD+1.014*lg GGT+1.458*lg TBIL) to predict prognosis. ROC curve analysis did further identify 2.729 as the best cut-off value for LFPI (AUC 0.75, p<0.001, sensitivity 79%, specificity 70%).

Conclusions

Liver dysfunction is frequent in IPAH, and characterised by a predominantly cholestatic enzyme profile. LFTs abnormalities are associated with worse survival and LFPI was a new and simple predictor for prognosis of IPAH.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the caregiver contribution to self-care of chronic illness inventory in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Dan Dan , Zhang Hui , Cui Nianqi , Tang Leiwen , Shao Jing , Wang Xiyi , Wang Dan , Liu Na , Ye Zhihong
Published: September 2021

Objective

Caregiver contribution (CC) is important for the self-care behaviors of chronic disease individuals, as it could enhance patient outcomes. Therefore, it is necessary to assess this CC by using a good validity and reliability instrument. The Caregiver Contribution to Self-Care Chronic Illness Inventory (CC-SC-CII) was designed to assess CC to self-care behaviors of patients with chronic illness in Italy. However, it was unclear whether this tool had sound psychometrics properties in the context of Chinese culture. Therefore, we performed the cross-cultural adaption of the CC-SC-CII and we tested its psychometric properties among Chinese caregivers of patients with chronic disease.

Design

A cross-sectional observational design.

Settings

Participants were recruited from communities and institutions in Pingdingshan, Henan Province, China.

Participants

301 caregivers of care recipients with chronic disease completed the Chinese version of the CC-SC-CII (C-CC-SC-CII).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The content validity index of items (I-CVI), the scale content validity index-average (S-CVI/Ave), exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal consistency and item analysis were tested.

Results

The range of I-CVI was between 0.833 and 1.00, and the score of S-CVI was 0.991. In CFA, the C-CC to self-care monitoring scale had satisfactory fit indices. However, the C-CC to self-care maintenance and management scales had unsupported fit indices. The reliability coefficients of C-CC-SC-CII were 0.792, 0.880 and 0.870 for its three scales. Item-total correlations were all over 0.590. Test–retest reliability showed that the range of intraclass correlation coefficients was from 0.728 to 0.783.

Conclusion

The C-CC-SC-CII has sound psychometrics characteristics and is a culturally appropriate and reliable instrument for assessing CC to the self-care behaviours of patients with chronic disease in China.
Patient satisfaction in China: a national survey of inpatients and outpatients
Authors: Liang Huigang , Xue Yajiong , Zhang Zhi-ruo
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Patient satisfaction is an important indicator of hospital healthcare quality. Little up-to-date information of patient satisfaction in China is available. This study attempts to gain a holistic understanding of patient satisfaction in China and identify the key antecedents of patient satisfaction.

Design

A cross-sectional national survey was conducted in 2018.

Setting

Hospitals in 27 provinces and 4 municipalities in 4 regions of China.

Participants

A random sample of 15 699 patients who visited 1304 hospitals were surveyed, with around 500 from each of the 27 provinces and 4 municipalities.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems questionnaire was used to measure patients’ overall satisfaction and willingness to recommend the hospital.

Results

We found significant variation in overall patient satisfaction but little variation in hospital recommendation across the four broad regions. Moreover, we examined determinants of patient satisfaction and their likelihood to recommend the hospital. The overall satisfaction for inpatients and outpatients is commonly influenced by communication with doctors (inpatient: β=0.524, p<0.001; outpatient: β=0.541, p<0.001), hospital cleanness (inpatient: β=0.165, p<0.05; outpatient: β=0.144, p<0.001) and acceptable charges (inpatient: β=1.481, p<0.001; outpatient: β=1.045, p<0.001). Both inpatients and outpatients are more likely to recommend the hospital if there are communication with doctors (inpatient: OR=1.743, p<0.001; outpatient: OR=1.647, p<0.001), acceptable charges (inpatient: OR=2.660, p<0.001; outpatient: OR=2.433, p<0.001). Outpatient satisfaction and hospital recommendation are also influenced by time spent with doctors (satisfaction: β=0.301, p<0.001; recommend: OR=1.430, p<0.001) and waiting time (satisfaction: β=−0.318, p<0.001; recommend: OR=0.844, p<0.001).

Conclusions

There are regional differences of patient satisfaction in China. Patient satisfaction is influenced by a variety of hospital factors and province/municipality factors. The influencing factors of patient satisfaction may not motivate patients to recommend the hospital.
Protocol for conducting scoping reviews to map implementation strategies in different care settings: focusing on evidence-based interventions for preselected phenomena in people with dementia
Authors: Manietta Christina , Quasdorf Tina , Rommerskirch-Manietta Mike , Braunwarth Jana Isabelle , Purwins Daniel , Roes Martina
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Various evidence-based interventions are available to improve the care of people with dementia in different care settings, many of which are not or are only partially implemented in routine care. Different implementation strategies have been developed to support the implementation of interventions in routine care; however, the implementation of complex interventions remains challenging. The aim of our reviews is to identify promising strategies for, significant facilitators of and barriers to the implementation of evidence-based interventions for very common dementia care phenomena: (A) behaviour that challenges supporting a person with dementia in long-term care, (B) delirium in acute care and (C) the postacute care needs of people with dementia.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct one scoping review for each preselected dementia care phenomenon (A, B and C). For this, three literature searches will be carried out in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), CINAHL (via EBSCO) and PsycINFO (via EBSCO). Additionally, we will perform backward and forward citation tracking via reference lists and Google Scholar. Identified records will be independently screened by two reviewers (title/abstract and full text) using the defined inclusion criteria. We will include all study designs and publications in the German or English language. For the data analyses, we will conduct a deductive content analysis using two different analytical approaches: Expert Recommendations for Implementation Change and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

Ethics and dissemination

Due to the nature of a review, ethical clearing is not required. We will disseminate our results in peer-reviewed journals, workshops with stakeholders, and (inter)national conferences.
Early experience of COVID-19 vaccination in adults with systemic rheumatic diseases: results from the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance Vaccine Survey
Authors: Sattui Sebastian Eduardo , Liew Jean W , Kennedy Kevin , Sirotich Emily , Putman Michael , Moni Tarin T , Akpabio Akpabio , Alpízar-Rodríguez Deshiré , Berenbaum Francis , Bulina Inita , Conway Richard , Singh Aman Dev , Duff Eimear , Durrant Karen L , Gheita Tamer A , Hill Catherine L , Howard Richard A , Hoyer Bimba F , Hsieh Evelyn , El Kibbi Lina , Kilian Adam , Kim Alfred Hyoungju , Liew David F L , Lo Chieh , Miller Bruce , Mingolla Serena , Nudel Michal , Palmerlee Candace A , Singh Jasvinder A , Singh Namrata , Ugarte-Gil Manuel Francisco , Wallace John , Young Kristen J , Bhana Suleman , Costello Wendy , Grainger Rebecca , Machado Pedro M , Robinson Philip C , Sufka Paul , Wallace Zachary S , Yazdany Jinoos , Harrison Carly , Larché Maggie , Levine Mitchell , Foster Gary , Thabane Lehana , Rider Lisa G , Hausmann Jonathan S , Simard Julia F , Sparks Jeffrey A
Published: September 2021

Background

We describe the early experiences of adults with systemic rheumatic disease who received the COVID-19 vaccine.

Methods

From 2 April to 30 April 2021, we conducted an online, international survey of adults with systemic rheumatic disease who received COVID-19 vaccination. We collected patient-reported data on clinician communication, beliefs and intent about discontinuing disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) around the time of vaccination, and patient-reported adverse events after vaccination.

Results

We analysed 2860 adults with systemic rheumatic diseases who received COVID-19 vaccination (mean age 55.3 years, 86.7% female, 86.3% white). Types of COVID-19 vaccines were Pfizer-BioNTech (53.2%), Oxford/AstraZeneca (22.6%), Moderna (21.3%), Janssen/Johnson & Johnson (1.7%) and others (1.2%). The most common rheumatic disease was rheumatoid arthritis (42.3%), and 81.2% of respondents were on a DMARD. The majority (81.9%) reported communicating with clinicians about vaccination. Most (66.9%) were willing to temporarily discontinue DMARDs to improve vaccine efficacy, although many (44.3%) were concerned about rheumatic disease flares. After vaccination, the most reported patient-reported adverse events were fatigue/somnolence (33.4%), headache (27.7%), muscle/joint pains (22.8%) and fever/chills (19.9%). Rheumatic disease flares that required medication changes occurred in 4.6%.

Conclusion

Among adults with systemic rheumatic disease who received COVID-19 vaccination, patient-reported adverse events were typical of those reported in the general population. Most patients were willing to temporarily discontinue DMARDs to improve vaccine efficacy. The relatively low frequency of rheumatic disease flare requiring medications was reassuring.
Two Effective Properties of ω-Rational Functions
Authors: Finkel Olivier
Published: September 2021

We prove two new effective properties of rational functions over infinite words which are realized by finite state Büchi transducers. Firstly, for each such function [Formula: see text], one can construct a deterministic Büchi automaton [Formula: see text] accepting a dense [Formula: see text]-subset of [Formula: see text] such that the restriction of [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] is continuous. Secondly, we give a new proof of the decidability of the first Baire class for synchronous [Formula: see text]-rational functions from which we get an extension of this result involving the notion of Wadge classes of regular [Formula: see text]-languages.
Barbero–Immirzi value from experiment
Authors: Perlov Leonid
Published: September 2021

We consider general relativity as a limit case of the scalar–tensor theory with Barbero–Immirzi (BI) field when the field tends to a constant. We use Shapiro time delay experimental value of [Formula: see text] provided by the Cassini spacecraft to find the present BI parameter value.
Quantization of the momentum of an electromagnetic field in atoms and selection rules for optical transitions
Authors: Pyroha S. A.
Published: September 2021

The existing methods for calculating the energy of stationary states relate it to the energy of the electron, considering it negative in the atom. Formally, choosing a point that corresponds to zero potential energy you can assign a negative value to the electron energy. However, this approach does not answer many other questions, for example, the actual value of the energy of stationary states is unknown, but only the difference in energies between stationary states is known; the concept of “minimum energy of the system” loses its meaning (choosing the origin of the energy reference, we replace the minimum with the maximum, or vice versa); the physical reason for the stability of stationary states is not clear; it is impossible to reveal the physical reason for the introduction of selection rules, since the Heisenberg uncertainty relations exclude the analysis of the transition mechanism, replacing it with the concept of a “quantum leap”. Let us show that the energy of stationary states is the energy of a spherical capacitor, the covers of which are spheres whose radii are equal to the radius of the nuclear and corresponding stationary state. The energy of the ground state in the hydrogen atom is 0.8563997 MeV. The presence of charges and a magnetic field presupposes the circulation of energy in the volume of the atom (the Poynting vector is not zero). Revealed quantization of the angular momentum of the electromagnetic field in stationary states is [Formula: see text]. The change in the angular momentum of the electromagnetic field during transitions between stationary states in atoms removes the physical grounds for introducing selection rules. The analysis shows that the Heisenberg uncertainty relations are not universal, and their application in each specific case must be justified.
INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF WALKING SPEED ON LEG MUSCLE REACTION BY COMPLEXITY-BASED ANALYSIS OF ELECTROMYOGRAM (EMG) SIGNALS
Authors: NAMAZI HAMIDREZA , PAKNIYAT NAJMEH
Published: September 2021

An important research area in physiological and sport sciences is the analysis of the variations of the muscle reaction due to changes in walking speed. In this paper, we investigated the effect of walking speed variations on leg muscle reaction by the analysis of Electromyogram (EMG) signals at different walking inclines. For this purpose, we benefited from fractal theory and sample entropy to analyze how the complexity of EMG signals changes at different walking speeds. According to the results, although fractal theory could not show a clear trend between the variations of the complexity of EMG signals and the variations of the walking speed, however, based on the results, increasing the speed of walking in the case of different inclines is mapped on to the decrement of the sample entropy of EMG signals. Therefore, sample entropy could decode the effect of walking speed on the reaction of leg muscle. This analysis method could be applied to analyze the variations of other physiological signals of humans durin walking.
The Role of Testosterone in Menopause Management: A Review of Literature
Authors: Manalo Eileen M. , Irabon Ina S. , Fajutagana Shayne S.
Published: September 2021

Background: Despite the lack of approved testosterone formulations for women in most countries, testosterone therapy is still being offered to women worldwide. Aging and loss of ovarian or adrenal function, among others, can lower testosterone levels in women. However, international guidelines currently do not routinely recommend androgen replacement therapy due to lack of long-term safety data. Evidence on its benefits and risks still remains uncertain.

Objectives: The aim of this literature review is to present current studies and guidelines that examined the effects of testosterone therapy for postmenopausal women, including its role on cognition and mood; breast and endometrial cancer risks; musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and genitourinary health; and sexual function.

Methodology: A review of literature was done using PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct, OVID, and Google scholar, with the following key words: androgen, testosterone, menopause, and hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction. We identified reviews, clinical trials, and guidelines. The population was limited to postmenopausal women.

Results: There is no evidence from current published literature to support the use of testosterone therapy for female well-being, mood and cognition, bone and cardiovascular health. Intravaginal testosterone appears to be a promising alternative for the treatment of genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM) but efficacy and safety are yet to be confirmed. Well-designed, randomized, and placebo-controlled trials are needed to establish long-term safety, efficacy, and appropriate dosing and route of testosterone therapy in postmenopausal women. The only evidence-based indication for testosterone therapy in women is for the treatment of postmenopausal hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Should a trial of testosterone therapy be given for HSDD, the transdermal route is the preferred method of delivery. Baseline total testosterone concentration should be determined before starting treatment, and repeated after 3–6 months. Serum testosterone levels should be monitored at regular intervals to avoid supraphysiologic dosing.

Conclusion: Currently, there is no robust evidence to support the use of exogenous testosterone to improve female well-being, musculoskeletal health, mood and cognition, as well as bone and cardiovascular health among postmenopausal women. The only evidence-based indication for testosterone therapy in women is the treatment of postmenopausal hypoactive sexual desire disorder, but only after all other causes of sexual dysfunction have been ruled out. To date, testosterone therapy has no US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) approval due to the lack of long-term efficacy and safety data.
Plating energy: a universal descriptor to classify anode degradation induced cell failure modes under extremes
Authors: Rangarajan Sobana Perumaram , Barsukov Yevgen , Mukherjee Partha P
Published: September 2021

The study demonstrates the interplay of temperature-induced interfacial heterogeneity and propagation of lithium plating which influences the rate of capacity degradation and cell failure. Inoperando anode potential measurements are used to quantify lithium plating and anode impedance during cycling at different temperatures
Different Outcomes of “Silent Hypoxia” in Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Ratnayake Ashani , Kumarihamy Prabhashini , Gunaratne Sujeewa , Abeysinghe Hiranya , Perera Sahan , Ekanayake Shirley
Published: September 2021

COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic since March 2020 and it has been responsible for millions of deaths worldwide. The SARS-CoV-2 causes a spectrum of diseases mainly affecting the respiratory system. It can also complicate other systems causing thromboembolic phenomena and myocardial ischaemia. An entity of hypoxia has been described in these patients which show no clinical signs and symptoms of respiratory distress despite being extremely hypoxic. This is called silent or happy hypoxia. The exact mechanism for this is not known. We report 4 cases which had similar presentations of silent hypoxia but had different course of illness and different outcomes. All 4 patients did not show any signs of respiratory distress, but had oxygen saturation less than 82%. 3 of them needed intensive care unit support for oxygen therapy and subsequently needed noninvasive ventilation. Only one required invasive ventilation. The fourth patient did not require intensive care support. The patient who required invasive ventilation succumbed due to severe COVID pneumonia whereas the other 3 patients were discharged from the hospital. Silent hypoxemia can go undetected in COVID-19 patients particularly in the time of a pandemic. This case series highlights the importance of meticulous clinical examination including oxygen saturation measurements in suspected or confirmed patients with COVID-19. The course of illness can be different in different populations, and this needs further clinical evidence.
Hydroxychloroquine’s Early Impact on Cone Density
Authors: Ueda-Consolvo Tomoko , Oiwake Toshihiko , Abe Shinya , Nakamura Tomoko , Numata Ayaka , Hayashi Atsushi
Published: September 2021

Purpose. To evaluate early effects of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) on the retina using adaptive optics (AO). Methods. This was a prospective observational single-center study of 29 eyes of 29 patients who had been treated with HCQ for the first time and followed with AO for a minimum of two years. Cone counting was performed in 4 quadrants, nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior, at 0.75 mm from the foveal center. The changes of cone density on AO, visual acuity, and foveal thickness within two years of use were analyzed. The changes of mean cone density of patients whose cumulative dose was over 200 g in 2 years were also assessed. We evaluated the correlation between cone density and cumulative dose of HCQ. Results. There was no significant decrease in cone density in the first 2 years of HCQ use. VA and foveal thickness did not show obvious change, either. Among 9 patients whose cumulative dose was over 200 g in 2 years, the mean cone density showed no significant change at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months compared with baseline (

P
=
0.381

,

P
=
0.380

,

P
=
0.281

, and

P
=
0.534

, respectively). There was no correlation between cone density and cumulative dose of HCQ at two years (Spearman’s correlation coefficient, r = −0.0553,

P
=
0.780

; n = 29). Conclusion. AO showed no change in cone density in the first two years of HCQ use.