bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obstetric outcomes of young women following in-vitro fertilization: a case–control study
Authors: Karavani Gilad , Chill Henry H. , Dick Aharon , Bergman Marva , Imbar Tal , Grisaru-Granovsky Sorina , Ben-Meir Assaf
Published: February 2022

Background

Women undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments are at increased risk for maternal and neonatal complications compared to women who conceive spontaneously. Though spontaneous pregnancies of young women and adolescents have an increased risk for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, pregnancy outcomes of this age group, following IVF treatment have been scarcely reported. The aim of this study was to report maternal and neonatal outcomes of young women who conceived following IVF compared to women in the same age group with spontaneous conception.

Methods

We performed a multicenter case–control study. The study group included women aged 17–25 years who conceived by IVF with an ongoing singleton pregnancy. For the purpose of the study, a control group matched (1:2 ratio) for maternal age at delivery and parity was constructed. Demographic, medical history, pregnancy related characteristics and maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between groups. Finally, factors associated with spontaneous vaginal delivery were assessed for the entire cohort using a univariate and multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

Between 2005 and 2021, we identified 80 women aged 19–25 years who conceived by IVF. A control group of 160 women was matched to the study group by age and parity. The unmatched maternal characteristics and pregnancy associated complications were similar among the groups. However, the IVF group had a significantly higher rate of induction of labor (48.1% vs. 26.6%, p = 0.001), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (27.6% vs. 14.1%, p = 0.025), prolonged second stage of labor (26.0% vs. 7.3%, p = 0.001) and operative vaginal delivery (22.5% vs.12.5%, p = 0.048).

Neonatal outcomes were for the most part comparable; nevertheless, we found a higher rate of neonates with an umbilical artery pH < 7.1 in the IVF group (9.8% vs. 0.0%, respectively; p = 0.022).

A logistic regression analysis for spontaneous vaginal delivery (vs. cesarean or operative vaginal deliveries) found that spontaneous onset of labor (vs. induction of labor) (OR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.07–4.05, p = 0.03) was positively associated with spontaneous vaginal delivery while prolonged second stage of labor (OR = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.13–0.95, p = 0.04) was negatively associated with this parameter.

Conclusion

Young women who conceive by in-vitro fertilization are expected to reach favorable pregnancy outcomes, comparable to women who conceived spontaneously.
Urinary metabolomics for discovering metabolic biomarkers of bladder cancer by UPLC-MS
Authors: Wang Rui , Kang Huaixing , Zhang Xu , Nie Qing , Wang Hongling , Wang Chaojun , Zhou Shujun
Published: February 2022

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most frequent cancer in the world, and its incidence is rising worldwide, especially in developed countries. Urine metabolomics is a powerful approach to discover potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis. In this study, we applied an ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) method to profile the metabolites in urine from 29 bladder cancer patients and 15 healthy controls. The differential metabolites were extracted and analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis methods. Together, 19 metabolites were discovered as differently expressed biomarkers in the two groups, which mainly related to the pathways of phenylacetate metabolism, propanoate metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, glycine and serine metabolism, and bile acid biosynthesis. In addition, a subset of 11 metabolites of those 19 ones were further filtered as potential biomarkers for BC diagnosis by using logistic regression model. The results revealed that the area under the curve (AUC) value, sensitivity and specificity of receiving operator characteristic (ROC) curve were 0.983, 95.3% and 100%, respectively, indicating an excellent discrimination power for BC patients from healthy controls. It was the first time to reveal the potential diagnostic markers of BC by metabolomics, and this will provide a new sight for exploring the biomarkers of the other disease in the future work.
Knowledge of glaucoma and associated factors among primary glaucoma patients in Kunming, China
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhong Yun-Long , Chen Qin , Tao Yi-Jin , Yang Wen-Yan , Niu Zhi-Qiang , Zhong Hua , Cun Qing
Published: February 2022

Background

To investigate the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices about glaucoma and associated factors among primary glaucoma patients in Kunming, China.

Methods

A hospital-based study was conducted on 93 patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data after written informed consent. Data were analyzed by SPSS 19.0. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors. A Chi-square test was used to analyze the association between knowledge of glaucoma and medication compliance, Mann–Whitney U test was performed to assess the relationship between knowledge of glaucoma and quality of life in patients with glaucoma.P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Among 93 patients,55 (59.14%) were aware of glaucoma, 48 (51.61%) had good knowledge of glaucoma, while 45 (48.39%) had poor knowledge. Younger age and duration of glaucoma were associated positively with knowledge of glaucoma. 87 (93.54%) patients got knowledge of their disease from doctors. 79.17% of respondents could use all the anti-glaucoma medications on time, out of which 54.17% had good knowledge of glaucoma while 25.00% had poor knowledge of glaucoma. 30.56% of respondents used to stop anti-glaucoma medications on their own out of which only 9.72% had good knowledge of glaucoma while 20.83% had poor knowledge of glaucoma. Patients with good knowledge of glaucoma had lower scores on the Glaucoma Quality of Life-15 questionnaire. Thus, the compliance to anti-glaucoma medications and glaucoma-related quality of life were better in patients with good knowledge.

Conclusions

The level of knowledge of glaucoma among patients in Kunming is relatively low. Improving knowledge with suitable content for patients through effective multiple means such as the mass media rather than relying only on ophthalmologists may be a veritable first step in combating blindness from glaucoma and enhancing patients' quality of life.
The influence of symptom severity of palliative care patients on their family caregivers
Authors: Valero-Cantero Inmaculada , Casals Cristina , Carrión-Velasco Yolanda , Barón-López Francisco Javier , Martínez-Valero Francisco Javier , Vázquez-Sánchez María Ángeles
Published: February 2022

Background

This study anlyzed whether family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer suffer impaired sleep quality, increased strain, reduced quality of life or increased care burden due to the presence and heightened intensity of symptoms in the person being cared for.

Method

A total of 41 patient-caregiver dyads (41 caregivers and 41 patients with advanced cancer) were recruited at six primary care centres in this cross-sectional study. Data were obtained over a seven-month period. Caregiver’s quality of sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), caregiver’s quality of life (Quality of Life Family Version), caregiver strain (Caregiver Strain Index), patients’ symptoms and their intensity (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System), and sociodemographic, clinical and care-related data variables were assessed. The associations were determined using non-parametric Spearman correlation.

Results

Total Edmonton Symptom Assessment System was significantly related to overall score of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (r = 0.365, p = 0.028), the Caregiver Strain Index (r = 0.45, p = 0.005) and total Quality of Life Family Version (r = 0.432, p = 0.009), but not to the duration of daily care (r = -0.152, p = 0.377).

Conclusions

Family caregivers for patients with advanced cancer suffer negative consequences from the presence and intensity of these patients’ symptoms. Therefore, optimising the control of symptoms would benefit not only the patients but also their caregivers. Thus, interventions should be designed to improve the outcomes of patient-caregiver dyads in such cases.
A 6.3 Mb maternally derived microduplication of 20p13p12.2 in a fetus with Brachydactyly type D and related literature review
Authors: Chen Guangquan , Xiong Shiyi , Zou Gang , Wu Fengyu , Qu Xiaoxing , Alawbathani Salem , Sun Luming
Published: February 2022

Background

With the introduction of genetic tests such as chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and exome sequencing (ES) into fetal medical practices, genotype–phenotype correlations in intrauterine-onset disorders have substantially improved. The BMP2 gene, located on the long arm of chromosome 20 plays a role in bone and cartilage development and is associated with Brachydactyly type A2, an autosomal dominant disease characterized by malformations of the middle phalanx of the index finger and abnormalities of the second toe. However, the BMP2 gene has so far never been reported as a candidate gene for Brachydactyly type D (BDD) affecting only the thumbs.

Methods and
results

Here, we report one family possessing a maternally inherited 6.3 Mb microduplication of 20p13p12.2 including the BMP2 gene with discordant phenotypes between the mother and the fetus. The mother was affected with BDD alongside mild facial dysmorphism and learning difficulties, while the female fetus showed BDD, severe symmetric intrauterine growth restriction combined with oligohydramnios. The CMA and Trio ES tests were implemented. Trio ES ruled out other possible monogenic causes for the family. After reviewing cases and literature with duplications within this genomic region, we found that they are extremely rare and most of the cited cases were too small for comparison. The disturbance of the BMP2 gene could explain BDD, but the other clinical presentations in the mother and fetus are not yet fully understood.

Conclusion

This study provides important evidence for the current understanding of genotype–phenotype association of this 6.3 Mb size duplication in the 20p13p12.2 region. This duplication is a unique CNV occurring so far only in this family. Further cases and research are needed to understand the discordance in the phenotypes between the mother and fetus and establish the relationship between BMP2 gene and BDD.
Composition and yield of non-cellulosic and cellulosic sugars in soluble and particulate fractions during consolidated bioprocessing of poplar biomass by Clostridium thermocellum
Authors: Biswal Ajaya K. , Hengge Neal N. , Black Ian M. , Atmodjo Melani A. , Mohanty Sushree S. , Ryno David , Himmel Michael E. , Azadi Parastoo , Bomble Yannick J. , Mohnen Debra
Published: February 2022

Background

Terrestrial plant biomass is the primary renewable carbon feedstock for enabling transition to a sustainable bioeconomy. Consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) by the cellulolytic thermophile Clostridium thermocellum offers a single step microbial platform for production of biofuels and biochemicals via simultaneous solubilization of carbohydrates from lignocellulosic biomass and conversion to products. Here, solubilization of cell wall cellulosic, hemicellulosic, and pectic polysaccharides in the liquor and solid residues generated during CBP of poplar biomass by C. thermocellum was analyzed.

Results

The total amount of biomass solubilized in the C. thermocellum DSM1313 fermentation platform was 5.8, 10.3, and 13.7% of milled non-pretreated poplar after 24, 48, and 120 h, respectively. These results demonstrate solubilization of 24% cellulose and 17% non-cellulosic sugars after 120 h, consistent with prior reports. The net solubilization of non-cellulosic sugars by C. thermocellum (after correcting for the uninoculated control fermentations) was 13 to 36% of arabinose (Ara), xylose (Xyl), galactose (Gal), mannose (Man), and glucose (Glc); and 15% and 3% of fucose and glucuronic acid, respectively. No rhamnose was solubilized and 71% of the galacturonic acid (GalA) was solubilized. These results indicate that C. thermocellum may be selective for the types and/or rate of solubilization of the non-cellulosic wall polymers. Xyl, Man, and Glc were found to accumulate in the fermentation liquor at levels greater than in uninoculated control fermentations, whereas Ara and Gal did not accumulate, suggesting that C. thermocellum solubilizes both hemicelluloses and pectins but utilizes them differently. After five days of fermentation, the relative amount of Rha in the solid residues increased 21% indicating that the Rha-containing polymer rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) was not effectively solubilized by C. thermocellum CBP, a result confirmed by immunoassays. Comparison of the sugars in the liquor versus solid residue showed that C. thermocellum solubilized hemicellulosic xylan and mannan, but did not fully utilize them, solubilized and appeared to utilize pectic homogalacturonan, and did not solubilize RG-I.

Conclusions

The significant relative increase in RG-I in poplar solid residues following CBP indicates that C. thermocellum did not solubilize RG-I. These results support the hypothesis that this pectic glycan may be one barrier for efficient solubilization of poplar by C. thermocellum.
Postpartum spontaneous vulvar hematoma as a cause of maternal near miss: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Tilahun Temesgen , Wakgari Aaga , Legesse Aschalew , Oljira Rut
Published: February 2022

Background

Postpartum spontaneous vulvar hematoma is a rare complication of childbirth that can potentially cause maternal death if not managed properly and in a timely manner.

Case summary

We present the case of maternal near miss secondary to postpartum hemorrhage secondary to vulvar hematoma after home delivery in a 28-year-old para IV mother from rural Ethiopia. The case was surgically managed under spinal analgesia. The mother and her newborn were discharged on the fourth postprocedure day.

Conclusion

Neglected and inappropriately managed postpartum vulvar hematoma can cause significant maternal morbidity; therefore, timely surgical exploration, ligation of bleeding vessels, and obliteration of dead space can avert severe maternal complications
Hopelessness and HIV infection: an exploratory study with a gender-specific perspective
Authors: Nilsson Schönnesson Lena , Ross Michael W. , Garcia-Huidobro Diego , Eriksson Lars E. , Andersson Galit , Williams Mark L. , Ekström Anna-Mia
Published: February 2022

Background

An understudied psychological response to HIV-related stressors among people living with HIV is hopelessness. Hopelessness is the expectation that things will not improve and feeling helpless to change one’s current situation. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence and levels of hopelessness and its direct and indirect contributors in people living with HIV in Sweden.

Methods

Participants included 967 women and men from the “Living with HIV in Sweden” cross-sectional study with available data regarding hopelessness measured by the Beck Hopelessness Scale. Binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine direct and indirect factors that may contribute to feelings of hopelessness. Path analyses were used to assess the underlying structure of hopelessness. All analyses were conducted by gender.

Results

Almost half the participants reported moderate to severe hopelessness. There were no differences in frequency of feeling hopeless or level of hopelessness by gender or sexual orientation. Dissatisfaction with finances, dissatisfaction with physical health, and low HIV-related emotional support were found to be directly associated with hopelessness for both women and men. Although having some indirect factors in common, unemployment and HIV stigmatization, women and men had different underlying structures of hopelessness.

Conclusions

Our findings are important to HIV clinicians in identifying those at risk of hopelessness from a gender perspective in order to reduce preventable psychological distress among people living with HIV.
Surgical simulation training should become a mandatory part of orthopaedic education
Authors: Seil Romain , Hoeltgen Claude , Thomazeau Hervé , Anetzberger Hermann , Becker Roland
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Ethical concerns and increasing economic constraints of hospitals have caused a reduction in proper training and education. It has been hypothesized that due to the lack of a one-to-one apprenticeship throughout the residency, surgical simulation training is essential.

Methods

Between June 2020 and June 2021, residents from teaching hospitals in Switzerland, France, Germany, and Luxembourg were surveyed to learn about their experience with and thoughts on surgical simulation training. Survey responses were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Of the 596 residents surveyed, 557 residents (51% female, 49% male) from Switzerland (270), France (214), Germany (52) and Luxembourg (21) agreed to anonymous data analysis. Among those giving consent, 100% considered that simulation training was important for their practical education and 84% thought that simulation training should become a mandatory part of their curriculum, with an average estimated training time of 42 ± 51 h per year, based on the survey.

Conclusions

This study suggests that surgical simulation training is well accepted and even demanded among surgical residents as an alternative training solution able to address some of the limitations and challenges of the current one-to-one apprenticeship model. There is a wide variation among the residents regarding the number of training hours required, underscoring the need for structured performance-based simulator training.
Epithelioid angiosarcoma of the duodenum: a case report
Authors: Sakamoto Shinya , Okabayashi Takehiro , Tabuchi Motoyasu , Sui Kenta , Murokawa Takahiro , Iwata Jun
Published: February 2022

Background

Angiosarcomas are rare malignant tumors that arise from the endothelium of blood vessels. They occur most commonly in the skin and soft tissue, and less commonly in the breast, liver, bone, and spleen. Gastrointestinal angiosarcomas are extremely rare. Herein, we present a case of duodenal epithelioid angiosarcoma that was treated with surgical resection.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old man presented with a 1-month history of fatigue and hypotension. He visited the outpatient clinic for a routine follow-up. Laboratory examination revealed anemia. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed multiple duodenal lesions with central ulceration. A biopsy showed a sheet-like arrangement of large round and spindle-shaped tumor cells that were positive for CD31. Based on the histological and immunohistochemical staining findings, an epithelioid angiosarcoma was diagnosed. Computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography–CT revealed no lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis. Radical subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy with lymphadenectomy was performed. After removing the specimen, reconstruction was performed using the Child procedure. Grossly, two dark-red polypoid tumors were found in the second portion of the duodenum. Histological evaluation revealed proliferation of malignant round and polygonal cells arranged in sheets and spindle-like cells arranged in bundles. Vasoformative structures were recognized as slit-like spaces containing red blood cells. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that the tumor cells were positive for CD31. These findings confirmed the diagnosis of epithelioid angiosarcoma in the duodenum. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 19 without any complications. At a follow-up examination in the outpatient clinic at postoperative 4 months, no evidence of recurrence was detected.

Conclusion

The present report describes a case of duodenal epithelioid angiosarcoma. Duodenal angiosarcomas may cause anemia and gastrointestinal bleeding. Because angiosarcomas sometimes show epithelioid cytomorphology, immunohistochemical analysis is useful for confirming the diagnosis.
Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia during acute stroke management: three case reports
Authors: Fujii Kazuki , Seki Tadahiko , Nakata Yasuyuki , Atagi Kazuaki , Matsuyama Takeshi
Published: February 2022

Background

There are many reports of non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia in patients on maintenance hemodialysis and following cardiac surgery. However, there are few reports of non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia in patients with acute stroke.

Case presentation

We report three cases of non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia with onset during treatment for acute stroke. All of the patients were undergoing strict blood-pressure control, and two patients developed NOMI soon after tracheostomy when enteral nutrition had been resumed.

Conclusion

Many stroke patients are older adults with risk factors such as arteriosclerosis. Thus, during acute stroke management, there is a possibility that patients may develop non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia due to decreased intestinal blood flow secondary to strict blood-pressure control. This case report implicates early enteral nutrition as a potential etiopathogenic factor of non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia in patients with acute stroke.
Flipped classrooms in higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic: findings and future research recommendations
Authors: Divjak Blaženka , Rienties Bart , Iniesto Francisco , Vondra Petra , Žižak Mirza
Published: February 2022

Flipped classroom (FC) approaches have gotten substantial attention in the last decade because they have a potential to stimulate student engagement as well as active and collaborative learning. The FC is generally defined as a strategy that flips the traditional education setting, i.e., the information transmission component of a traditional face-to-face lecture is moved out of class time. The FC relies on technology and is therefore suitable for online or blended learning, which were predominant forms of learning during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020–July 2021). In this paper we present a systematic literature review (SLR) of studies that covered online FC approaches in higher education during the pandemic. We analyzed 205 publications in total and 18 in detail. Our research questions were related to the main findings about the success of implementation of online FC and recommendations for future research. The findings indicated that those who had used FC approaches in face-to-face or blended learning environments more successfully continued to use them in online environments than those who had not used it before. The SLR opened possible questions for future research, such as the effectiveness of the FC for different courses and contexts, the cognitive and emotional aspects of student engagement, and students’ data protection. It pointed to the need to examine different aspects of online delivery of the FC more comprehensively, and with more research rigor.
Convolution conditions for two subclasses of analytic functions defined by Jackson q-difference operator
Authors: El-Emam Fatma Z.
Published: February 2022

By using Jackson q-derivative, some characterizations in terms of convolutions for two classes of analytic functions in the open unit disc are given. Also, coefficient conditions and inclusion properties for functions in these classes are found.
Failure to replicate associations between Toxoplasma gondii or hepatitis C virus infection and personality traits
Authors: Ibrahim Ibtihal Mohamed Aly , Tobar Salwa , Salah Hala , El-Sayed Hanan , Mansour Hader , Eissa Ahmed , Wood Joel , Fathi Warda , Dickerson Faith , Yolken Robert H. , El-Bahaey Wafaa , Nimgaonkar Vishwajit
Published: February 2022

Background

Infections with Toxoplasma gondii (Toxo), a protozoan that can infect the brain, have been reported to alter behavior in rodents and humans; several investigators have related Toxo infection to personality traits such as novelty seeking in humans. We investigated human personality traits in relation to Toxo in Egypt, where such infection is common.

Results

In a community-based sample of Egyptian adults (N = 255), Toxo infection were indexed by levels of IgG antibodies. Viruses like hepatitis C virus (HCV) have also been associated with cognitive dysfunction and mood disorders; therefore, HCV antibody titers were also assayed for comparison. The antibody levels were analyzed in relation to the Arabic version of the NEO personality inventory (NEO-FFI-3), accounting for demographic variables. No significant correlations were noted with Toxo or HCV antibody levels, after co-varying for demographic and socio-economic factors and following corrections for multiple comparisons.

Conclusions

Infection with Toxo or HCV infection was not associated with variations in personality traits in a sample of Egyptian adults. The possible reasons for the discordance with prior reported associations are discussed.
The forward modeling of 3D gravity and magnetic potential fields in space-wavenumber domains based on an integral method
Authors: Dai Shikun , Chen Qingrui , Li Kun , Ling Jiaxuan
Published: February 2022

With the help of the horizontal 2D Fourier transform, 3D convolutions can be transformed into vertical 1D integrations of different wavenumbers. It has already been proven that the Fourier domain method can greatly improve the efficiency of numerical simulations of 3D gravity and magnetic anomalies. Based on the aforementioned strategy, we have developed an efficient 1D integration algorithm in the space-wavenumber domain, which is combined with a fast continuation algorithm along the z-axis for high-efficiency calculations of nonconstant density or magnetization anomalies in rugged terrains. The calculation accuracy and efficiency of four 1D vertical integration methods (i.e., rectangular integrals, quadratic interpolations, Gaussian integrals, and cubic spline interpolations) are compared by using complex models (variable density distribution model and topographic model). The results indicate that, among the four integration methods, the quadratic interpolation method combined with a fast continuation algorithm achieves the best accuracy and efficiency. Compared with other Fourier domain algorithms, the proposed best 1D integration method in space-wavenumber domains achieves good numerical performance in calculating fields on planar and undulating terrains. Moreover, the proposed method is used to calculate the terrain effect on an airborne gravity and magnetic data set for realistic topography modeling. The results indicate that the new algorithm is suitable for the high-efficiency calculation of large-scale complicated 3D models.
Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Chronic Subdural Hematoma Using N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate With D5W Push Technique
Authors: Majidi Shahram , Matsoukas Stavros , De Leacy Reade A. , Morgenstern Peter F. , Soni Ria , Shoirah Hazem , Rapoport Benjamin I. , Shigematsu Tomoyoshi , Bederson Joshua B. , Berenstein Alejandro , Mocco J. , Fifi Johanna T. , Kellner Christopher P.
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND:

Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization has been recognized as a promising treatment for patients with subdural hematoma (SDH).

OBJECTIVE:

To present the technical feasibility and efficacy of n-butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) embolization in the largest consecutive cohort to date.

METHODS:

We retrospectively reviewed our consecutive cases of recurrent SDH treated with MMA embolization using diluted n-BCA with the “sugar rush” technique. In brief, a 2.1-Fr microcatheter was used to selectively catheterize the frontal and posterior branches of the MMA. 5% dextrose in water (D5W) was injected through an intermediate catheter while injecting n-BCA through the microcatheter. Complete obliteration of MMA and lack of SDH recurrence in a 3–6 months follow-up computed tomography scan were defined as efficacy outcomes. Cranial nerve palsy, vision loss, transient neurological deficit, and stroke were defined as safety outcomes.

RESULTS:

A total of 61 patients were identified with a mean (±standard deviation) age of 62.5 ± 9 years. In 6 patients (10%), coil embolization of the origin of the frontal or posterior branch was performed because super-selective catheterization of the branch was unsuccessful because of tortuous anatomy. Complete obliteration of frontal and posterior branches was achieved in 100% of the cases. Recurrent SDH was seen in 3 patients (5%). No incidence of cranial nerve palsy, vision loss, or stroke occurred. One patient suffered a transient neurological deficit.

CONCLUSION:

MMA embolization using diluted n-BCA with concomitant D5W injection is associated with a high degree of distal penetration and complete branch occlusion and minimal risk of cranial nerve palsy or other thromboembolic complications.
Enhancement of Mechanophore Activation by Electrostatic Interaction
Authors: Kasori Ryosuke , Watabe Takuma , Aoki Daisuke , Otsuka Hideyuki
Published: February 2022

Mechanophores, which change their chemical structure in response to mechanical stimuli, are widely used to develop mechanoresponsive materials, and their reactivity is greatly affected by the surrounding environment. Here, we focus on the effect of electrostatic interactions on the activation of mechanophores. A series of radical-type mechanophores with ionic functional groups, as well as mixed systems of these radical-type mechanophores with dicarboxylic acid groups and divalent ions were prepared, and their mechano-responsiveness in the bulk was investigated via ball-milling and subsequent electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements. The results revealed that the mechano-responsiveness is governed by the introduction of electrostatic interactions into the mechanophores.
Employer Incentives and Distortions in Health Insurance Design: Implications for Welfare and Costs
Authors: Tilipman Nicholas
Published: February 2022

This paper studies employer incentives in designing health insurance provider networks and whether observed offerings reflect preferences that are aligned with employees. I estimate a model of supply and demand where I endogenize employer health plan offerings with respect to hospital and physician networks. I find that employers “overprovide” broad networks by overweighting the preferences of certain employees, specifically older workers and those in regions with less provider competition, over the preferences of the average employee household. Shifting employers toward offering different provider networks in different geographic markets could yield substantial gains to surplus, with minimal distributional or selection effects. (JEL G22, G28, I13, J32, M52)
Απομόνωση βιοδραστικών δευτερογενών μεταβολιτών από τα είδη phlomis lycia d.don, thymus atticus celak. και salvia fruticosa mill. της οικογένειας labiatae
Authors: Παπαϊωάννου Φωτεινή
Published: February 2022

Στα πλαίσια της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής μελετήθηκε η χημικήσύσταση των οργανικών εκχυλισμάτων τριών επιλεγμένων φυτών της οικογένειαςLabiatae και συγκεκριμένα α. της Phlomis lycia, υπέργεια τμήματα του οποίου συλλέχθηκαν κατά τη διάρκεια της ανθοφορίας από αυτοφυείς πληθυσμούς στη νήσο Κάλυμνο, β. του Thymus atticus, υπέργεια τμήματα του οποίου συλλέχθηκαν κατά την περίοδο της ανθοφορίας από αυτοφυείς πληθυσμούς στο όρος Πάρνηθα και γ. της Salvia fruticosa, υπέργεια τμήματα του οποίου συλλέχθηκαν κατά την περίοδο της ανθοφορίας από αυτοφυείς πληθυσμούς στη περιοχή Επισκοπή του Ηρακλείου Κρήτης.Τα εκχυλίσματα υποβλήθηκαν σε σειρά χρωματογραφικών διαχωρισμών μεσκοπό την απομόνωση των δευτερογενών μεταβολιτών τους, οι οποίοι ταυτοποιήθηκαν με βάση την ανάλυση των φασματοσκοπικών τους δεδομένων (κυρίως NMR και MS). Συνολικά, απομονώθηκαν 74 διαφορετικοί δευτερογενείς μεταβολίτες, εκ των οποίων μέχρι στιγμής έχουν ταυτοποιηθεί οι 60. Εξ' αυτών, πέντε αποτελούν νέα φυσικά προϊόντα. Συγκεκριμένα, από το οργανικό εκχύλισμα του ενδημικού στην Α. Μεσόγειο φυτού P. lycia απομονώθηκαν και ταυτοποιήθηκαν 9 δευτερογενείς μεταβολίτες: (i) οκτώ φλαβονοειδή, εκ των οποίων ένα αποτελεί νέο φυσικό προϊόν, και (ii) έναπαράγωγο διυδροξυβενζοϊκού οξέος. Από το οργανικό εκχύλισμα του φυτού T. atticus απομονώθηκαν και ταυτοποιήθηκαν 28 δευτερογενείς μεταβολίτες: (i) τέσσερα μονοτερπένια, τα οποία αποτελούν νέα φυσικά προϊόντα, (ii) πέντε σεσκιτερπένια, (iii) τρία διτερπένια, (iv) ένα bis-nor-διτερπένιο, (v) δέκα τριτερπένια, (vi) δύο στεροειδή, (vii) ένα φλαβονοειδές,(viii) ένα υδροξυκιναμωμικό οξύ και (ix) ένα μίγμα λιπαρών εστέρων φαινυλαιθανοειδούς. Από το οργανικό εκχύλισμα του φυτού S. fruticosa απομονώθηκαν και ταυτοποιήθηκαν 28 δευτερογενείς μεταβολίτες: (i) δύο μονοτερπένια, (ii) επτάσεσκιτερπένια, (iii) δεκατρία διτερπένια, (iv) δύο nor-διτερπένια και (v) τέσσερατριτερπένια.Αριθμός απομονωμένων δευτερογενών μεταβολιτών ελέγχθηκαν ως προς τηναντιοξειδωτική τους δράση με τη μέθοδο DPPH.
A multi-wavelegth study of extragalactic supernova remnants
Authors: Κοψαχείλη Μαρία
Published: February 2022

Τα Υπολείμματα Υπερκαινοφανών (ΥΥ) παίζουν σημαντικό ρόλο στην ανατροφοδότηση και τον σχηματισμό του διαστρικού μέσου (ΔΜ). Σε αυτή τη διατριβή, σκοπός μας είναι να παρέχουμε νέα εργαλεία, που επιτρέπουν τη μελέτη διαφορετικών πληθυσμών ΥΥ, καθώς και τη σύγκριση μεταξυ διαφορετικών μελετών και μοντέλων. Επίσης παρουσιάζουμε νέα υποψήφια ΥΥ σε κοντινούς γαλαξίες. Κατασκευάζουμε νέα διαγνωστικά για την ταυτοποίηση ΥΥ στο οπτικό μέρος του φάσματος, πιο αποτελεσματικά σε ΥΥ χαμηλής διέγερσης, σε αντίθεση με το σύνηθες κριτήριο του [S II] λλ6717,6731ÅÅ/Hα. Τα νέα διαγνωστικά συνδυάζουν λόγους απαγορευμένων γραμμών εκπομπής σε 1, 2 και 3 διαστάσεις και μπορούν να αυξήσουν τον αριθμό των ταυτοποιημένων ΥΥ μέχρι ~35% σε σύγκριση με το διαγνωστικό του [S II]/Hα. Επιπλέον ταυτοποιούμε ΥΥ στους γαλαξίες NGC45, NGC55, NGC1313 και NGC7793 ακολουθώντας έναν τελείως αυτοματοποιημένο τρόπο. Παρουσιάζουμε 97 υποψήφια ΥΥ (τα 84 είναι νέες ταυτοποιήσεις). Αυτή η αυτοματοποιημένη προσέγγιση μας επιτρέπει να υπολογίσουμε την πληρότητα του δείγματος και να κατασκευάσουμε την Ηα και την δύο διαστάσεων [S II]-Ηα συναρτήσεις λαμπρότητας απαλλαγμένες από εφέ επιλογής. Εισάγουμε επίσης τη συνάρτηση διέγερσης και βρίσκουμε ότι υπάρχει μια τάση για τα πιο λαμπρά ΥΥ να παρουσιάζουν χαμηλότερη διέγερση. Αυτό συμβαίνει πιθανώς γιατί τα πιο λαμπρά ΥΥ βρίσκονται σε περιοχές αυξημένου Ηα, ή μέσα σε περιοχές ιονισμένου υδρογόνου. Παρακινούμενοι από την έλλειψη θεωρητικών μοντέλων για την κατανομή λαμπροτήτων των ΥΥ, αναπτύσσουμε έναν φορμαλισμό για την κατασκευή θεωρητικών συναρτήσεων λαμπρότητας. Αυτές βασίζονται σε σοκ μοντέλα που προβλέπουν τη λαμπρότητα γραμμών εκπομπής σοκ για ένα μεγάλο εύρος παραμέτρων του ΔΜ, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τις ταχύτητες των σοκ που βρίσκονται στη Sedov−Taylor φάση. ΄Ετσι κατασκευάζουμε τις θεωρητικές Ηα και [S II]-Ηα συναρτήσεις λαμπρότητας. Η σύγκριση μεταξύ θεωρητικών και παρατηρησιακών συναρτήσεων δείχνει πολύ καλή συμφωνία.
Complex event forecasting
Authors: Αλεβίζος Ηλίας
Published: February 2022

Όσο η ανάλυση δεδομένων κινείται προς ένα μοντέλο προδραστικού υπολογισμού, τόσο οι απαιτήσεις για τη δυνατότητα πρόβλεψης αποκτούν περισσότερη σημασία. Τα προβλεπτικά συστήματα μπορούν να βοηθήσουν σε σημαντικό βαθμό έναν χρήστη να λάβει έξυπνες αποφάσεις αμέσως μόλις εμφανιστούν κρίσιμες καταστάσεις. Η δυνατότητα να προβλεφθεί ότι ένα μοτίβο σε μια ροή δεδομένων έχει υψηλή πιθανότητα να εντοπιστεί πριν αυτό πραγματικά εντοπιστεί μπορεί να βοηθήσει έναν αναλυτή να εστιάσει από νωρίς σε ό,τι είναι σημαντικό και πιθανώς να προχωρήσει σε μια προληπτική δράση. Η ανάγκη για πρόβλεψη γεγονότων ως ένα μέσο προδραστική συμπεριφοράς έχει οδηγήσει στην εφμάνιση κάποιων προτάσεων σχετικά με το πώς η πρόβλεψη θα μπορούσε να εννοιοποιηθεί και να ενσωματωθεί εντός ενός συστήματος επεξεργασίας σύνθετων γεγονότων. Ωστόσο, αυτές οι προτάσεις έχουν παραμείνει σε ένα αφηρημένο επίπεδο, χωρίς να παρέχουν συγκεκριμένες υλοποιήσεις. Από την άλλη, υπάρχει ένα σημαντικό σώμα δουλειάς στο πεδίο της πρόβλεψης χρονο-σειρών. Όμως η ανάλυση χρονο-σειρών εφαρμόζεται συνήθως σε ροές αριθμητικών δεδομένων, όπου κάθε στοιχείο της ροής αντιστοιχεί στη μέτρηση μιας μεταβλητής. Επιπλέον, γίνεται η υπόθεση ότι τέτοιες μετρήσεις λαμβάνουν χώρα σε τακτά χρονικά διαστήματα. Αντιθέτως, τα συστήματα αναγνώρισης σύνθετων γεγονότων πρέπει να μπορούν να χειρίζονται και ροές συμβολικών / κατηγορικών δεδομένων, όπου κάθε στοιχείο μπορεί να συνοδεύεται από ορίσματα, είτε αριθμητικά είτε συμβολικά, και που καταφθάνουν σε μη τακτά διαστήματα. Ο σκοπός αυτής της διατριβής είναι να παρέχει μια θεωρητική βάση και να χτίσει ένα πρωτότυπο σύστημα πρόβλεψης σύνθετων γεγονότων. Αυτό θα καταστεί εφικτό μέσω της επέκτασης των υπαρχόντων μοντέλων αυτομάτων, πηγαίνοντας ένα βήμα παραπέρα από τα κλασσικά αυτόματα, έτσι ώστε τα μοτίβα να έχουν την εκφραστική δύναμη που απαιτείται σε εφαρμογές επεξεργασίας γεγονότων. Κατόπιν, θα αναπτυχθεί ένα πιθανοτικό πλαίσιο έτσι ώστε να μπορεί να ποσοτικοποιηθεί η συμπεριφορά αυτών των αυτομάτων με τρόπο που να επιτρέπει την εξαγωγή προβλέψεων. Το τελικό σύστημα θα αξιολογηθεί τόσο σε συνθετικά δεδομένα (για σκοπούς επαλήθευσης) όσο και σε πραγματικά δεδομένα ώστε να καταδειχθεί η χρησιμότητά του.
COVID-19, Cation Dysmetabolism, Sialic Acid, CD147, ACE2, Viroporins, Hepcidin and Ferroptosis: A Possible Unifying Hypothesis
Authors: Cavezzi Attilio , Menicagli Roberto , Troiani Emidio , Corrao Salvatore
Published: February 2022

Background:iron and calcium dysmetabolism, with hyperferritinemia, hypoferremia, hypocalcemia and anemia have been documented in the majority of COVID-19 patients at later/worse stages. Furthermore, complementary to ACE2, both sialic acid (SA) molecules and CD147 proved relevant host receptors for SARS-CoV-2 entry, which explains the viral attack to multiple types of cells, including erythrocytes, endothelium and neural tissue. Several authors advocated that cell ferroptosis may be the core and final cell degenerative mechanism.

Methods: a literature research was performed in several scientific search engines, such as PubMed Central, Cochrane Library, Chemical Abstract Service. More than 500 articles were retrieved until mid-December 2021, to highlight the available evidence about the investigated issues.

Results: based on COVID-19 literature data, we have highlighted a few pathophysiological mechanisms, associated with virus-based cation dysmetabolism, multi-organ attack, mitochondria degeneration and ferroptosis. Our suggested elucidated pathological sequence is: a) spike protein subunit S1 docking with sialylated membrane glycoproteins/receptors (ACE2, CD147), and S2 subunit fusion with the lipid layer; b) cell membrane morpho-functional changes due to the consequent electro-chemical variations and viroporin action, which induce an altered ion channel function and intracellular cation accumulation; c) additional intracellular iron concentration due to a deregulated hepcidin-ferroportin axis, with higher hepcidin levels. Viral invasion may also affect erythrocytes/erythroid precursors, endothelial cells and macrophages, through SA and CD147 receptors, with relative hemoglobin and iron/calcium dysmetabolism. AB0 blood group, hemochromatosis, or environmental elements may represent possible factors which affect individual susceptibility to COVID-19.    

Conclusions: our literature analysis confirms the combined role of SA molecules, ACE2, CD147, viroporins and hepcidin in determining the cation dysmetabolism and final ferroptosis in the cells infected by SARS-CoV-2. The altered ion channels and electrochemical gradients of the cell membrane have a pivotal role in the virus entry and cell dysmetabolism, with subsequent multi-organ immune-inflammatory degeneration and erythrocyte/hemoglobin alterations.
Automated phenol-chloroform extraction of high molecular weight genomic DNA for use in long-read single-molecule sequencing
Authors: Liu Andrew W. , Villar-Briones Alejandro , Luscombe Nicholas M. , Plessy Charles
Published: February 2022

Background: Automation has increasingly become more commonplace in the research laboratory workspace. The introduction of articulated robotic arms allows the researcher more flexibility in the tasks a single piece of automated machinery can perform. We set out to incorporate automation in processing of genomic DNA organic extractions to increase throughput and limit researchers to the exposure of organic solvents.

Methods: In order to automate the genome sequencing pipeline in our laboratory, we programmed a dual-arm anthropomorphic robot, the Robotic Biology Institute's Maholo LabDroid, to perform organic solvent-based genomic DNA extraction from cell lysates. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that automation of phenol-chloroform extraction has been reported.

Results: We achieved routine extraction of high molecular weight genomic DNA (>100 kb) from diverse biological samples including algae cultured in sea water, bacteria, whole insects, and human cell lines. The results of pulse-field electrophoresis size analysis and the N50 sequencing metrics of reads obtained from Nanopore MinION runs verified the presence of intact DNA suitable for direct sequencing.

Conclusions: We present the workflow that can be used to program similar robots and discuss the problems and solutions we encountered in developing the workflow. The protocol can be adapted to analogous methods such as RNA extraction, and there is ongoing work to incorporate further post-extraction steps such as library construction. This work shows the potential for automated robotic workflows to free molecular biological researchers from manual interventions in routine experimental work. A time-lapse movie of the entire automated run is included in this report.
An observational analysis of risk factors associated with symptomatic third molar teeth
Authors: Bruce Douglas , Dudding Tom , Gormley Mark , Richmond Rebecca C , Haworth Simon
Published: February 2022

Background: Third molar teeth (wisdom teeth) are a common cause of pain and infection in young adults. The study aimed to describe the prevalence of symptomatic third molar teeth and identify factors which predispose to third molar symptoms in a birth cohort.

Methods: An observational study was undertaken nested in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a birth cohort based in south west England. The main outcomes were self-reported third molar pain, swelling and treatment for third molar problems, taken from questionnaires completed at age 23 years. The exposures including sex, dental history, socioeconomic status, diet, and genetic factors were obtained from earlier ALSPAC data.

Results: In total 4,222 ALSPAC participants responded to one or more questions about third molar teeth. The final sample included more female participants than male participants. The majority of participants (56.6%) reported at least one episode of pain associated with their third molars. Females had greater odds than males of reporting swelling (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.97; 95%confidence interval (CI) 1.56, 2.51), pain (adjusted OR=1.96; 95%CI 1.56, 2.51) and receiving both non-surgical and surgical treatment (adjusted OR=2.30; 95%CI 1.62, 3.35, adjusted OR=1.54; 95%CI 1.17, 2.06 respectively). Participants with previously filled teeth had greater odds of third molar extraction. There were no strong associations between index of multiple deprivation (IMD) score or sugar intake and the third molar outcomes. There was weak evidence for a genetic contribution to third molar pain.

Conclusions: Symptomatic third molars are common in this age group, with over half of the participants reporting pain or other symptoms. Female participants had greater odds for third molar pain, swelling and treatment.
THE IMPACT OF MOBILE FINANCIAL SERVICES ON THE USAGE DIMENSION OF FINANCIAL INCLUSION: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY FROM BANGLADESH
Authors: Md Ali Ashraf
Published: February 2022

A plethora of studies have investigated how Mobile Financial Services (MFS) induces financial inclusion around the world. However, research in the context of Bangladesh was rather limited. Hence, the primary objective of this paper was to investigate whether there was a statistically significant relationship between MFS and financial inclusion, measured by two time series variables – the number of MFS agents and number of registered MFS users per 100,000 of population, from 2017 to 2020. For analyzing the relationship between these two variables, multiple statistical methods were employed – including Vector Auto Regression, Cointegration and Granger Causality. The analysis revealed that both time series variables had an increasing trend with time. More importantly, the analysis specified that there was no statistically significant relationship between MFS, measured by the number of agents and the ‘usage’ dimension of financial inclusion, measured by number of registered MFS users in the context of Bangladesh. Moreover, the study was unable to find any significant changes in the trends of these variables that could be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh.
LOCAL CURRENCIES SUPPORTING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN EUROPE
Authors: Patrycja Konieczna
Published: February 2022

Local currencies represent an alternative to fiat money. They contribute to the development of local communities, primarily by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, which remain fundamental for the economy of every European country. The purpose of the study is to identify both ways and methods focused on supporting the implementation of the concept of sustainable development by the selected local currencies in the area of Europe, analysed in the years 1932–2020. The paper takes the form a descriptive analysis based on the studies covering Polish, Czech, Dutch, German and English source literature as well as the Community Currencies in Action (CCIA) publications, websites of the analysed local currencies and other studies in the field of financial law. The method of comparative analysis was used to examine the similarities and differences in supporting the implementation of the concept of sustainable development. The basic conclusion formulated after conducting the research is the fact that each local currency does support sustainable development in an indirect way. In addition, certain local currencies can be identified, in the case of which the support of sustainable development is the essence of their functioning. The effectiveness of the impact exerted by local currencies on sustainable development depends on the involvement of the creators of these currency systems and the specificity of the existing conditions. The ability to establish partnerships between non-governmental organisations, business entities and public administration may also play a significant role.
BANKING SHORT- AND LONG-TERM STABILITY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN ISLAMIC AND CONVENTIONAL BANKS IN GCC COUNTRIES
Authors: Rihab Ben Slimen  , Fethi Belhaj  , Manel Hadriche
Published: February 2022

This research empirically assesses the contribution of Islamic finance to the financial stability of banks. The empirical analysis is based on the annual data related to 103 banks (51 Islamic banks and 52 conventional banks) operating in six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region during the period 2006–2015. The LADR ratio was computed and used to measure banks stability in the short term, and the Z -score was used to assess long-term stability.The results show that, overall, Islamic banks are financially more stable in the short-term but less stable in the long term than conventional banks. The comparative analysis of the financial stability determinants in the two systems shows that these determinants contribute differently to the short- and long-term financial stability of Islamic and conventional banks. This is due to the dissimilarities in the two operating principles.