bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of aging changes of the superficial fat compartments of the midface over time: A computed tomography study
Authors: Sarigul Guduk Sukran , Cevik Cenkeri Halime , Derin Cicek Esin , Kus Sadiye
Published: June 2021

Background

Previous studies on alterations in superficial fat compartments with age yielded contradictory results; the superficial fat tissue volume or thickness was reported to increase, decrease, or remain unchanged.

Aims

To investigate volumetric and dimensional changes in superficial midfacial fat tissue retrospectively in patients who underwent a repeated computed tomography (CT).

Methods

A total of 262 patients (mean age, 46 years; median elapsed time between two CT imagings, 56 months) were included. Axial and sagittal planes were used for measurements of the medial part of the superficial cheek fat (SCF), which is divided into three compartments. The thickness, width, and height of each compartment were measured, and volumes were calculated for both hemifaces. Additionally, results were compared between males and females, and between three age groups: <45, 45–54, and ≥55 years.

Results

The total volume of SCF and inferior compartment was significantly increased compared with the first CT findings (p < 0.05). Upper and middle compartment volumes were found to decrease with age (p < 0.05). Thickness was decreased in the upper and middle compartments but not in the lower compartment. The width of the lower and middle compartments increased (p < 0.05), while the upper compartment did not show a significant change with age (p > 0.05). The height of the superficial fat layer was significantly increased at follow‐up (p < 0.05). The results were similar for both sexes and all age groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

SCF undergoes significant volume and dimensional changes with aging. Therefore, superficial fat tissue should be considered for enhancement of cosmetic treatments.
Carcinomatous meningitis from recurrent glassy cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix—A case report
Authors: Tasaki Kazuto , Terada Atsumu , Nishida Naoyo , Murakami Fumihiro
Published: June 2021

Carcinomatous meningitis presents with a variety of neurological symptoms and has a poor prognosis. We encountered a case of carcinomatous meningitis from cervical cancer. A 30‐year‐old patient was diagnosed with cervical cancer (glassy cell carcinoma), stage IIB. She underwent radical hysterectomy and chemoradiotherapy. Nine months later, the disease recurred with iliac lymph node and right lung metastases. The patient received chemotherapy; however, after seven cycles, the lung lesions increased. The patient responded to supportive care; nevertheless, symptoms including headaches developed and were followed by diplopia. A contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance image of the head confirmed the diagnosis of carcinomatous meningitis. She was transferred to the palliative care unit and died approximately 1 week later. Carcinomatous meningitis has a poor prognosis and is difficult to treat; however, early diagnosis may provide meaningful time to patients. Therefore, attention must be paid to meningeal irritation and neurological symptoms.
Dysautonomia in immune‐mediated neuropathies
Authors: Kaida Kenichi
Published: June 2021

In Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS), severe dysautonomia is associated with a poor prognosis and may cause extraperipheral nervous system disorders such as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Dysautonomia is associated with demyelination in vagal nerves with mononuclear cell infiltration, and demyelination is the predominant pathology. Approximately half of the cases of autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG) are positive for antiganglionic acetylcholine receptor antibody. It is believed that there is no clinical difference between antibody‐positive and antibody‐negative cases, but a recent study indicated that seronegative AAG is a distinct clinical entity. Extra‐autonomic symptoms such as central nervous system disorder, amenorrhea, and syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone are also present in AAG. When accompanied by sensory impairment, it is difficult to distinguish AAG from acute autonomic sensory neuropathy (AASN). It is also often difficult to distinguish AASN from GBS, as two‐thirds of patients with AASN have antecedent infection, AASN often has a monophasic course, and there are also antiglycolipid antibody‐positive cases. Identification of biomarkers is required for evaluation of the pathophysiology of AASN and establishment of diagnostic criteria. There is an urgent need for biomarkers and for definition of highly sensitive diagnostic criteria for immune‐mediated dysautonomia.
Comparing long‐term care systems: A multi‐dimensional, actor‐centred typology
Authors: Fischer Johanna , Frisina Doetter Lorraine , Rothgang Heinz
Published: June 2021

Like other fields of social policy, the organization of long‐term care (LTC) varies temporally and geographically. The present article aims to advance the comparison of LTC systems worldwide by proposing a conceptual framework to analyse variation, putting a special focus on analysing the role of public and private actor types. In a precluding literature review of existing LTC typologies, we find that there are various promising classification approaches, but with an overwhelming concentration on European countries and often constructed in‐transparently and superficially. Building on the concept of the care/welfare mix, we develop a multi‐dimensional, actor‐centred typology of LTC systems. In doing so, we employ the methodological procedure of theoretically constructing a typological attribute space. We argue that three dimensions, that is service provision, financing and regulation, are crucial for differentiating types. Furthermore, we chose an actor‐centred approach, asking who bears the main responsibility in each dimension. Five relevant types of corporate actors are distinguished: state, societal actors, private for‐profit actors, private individual actors, and global actors. Finally, we present and discuss the resulting attribute space and further illustrated the typology's use by exemplarily classifying three countries.
A new species of Pergalumna (Acari, Oribatida, Galumnidae) from Bolivia, with updated identification key to known species of the genus from the Neotropical region
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Stary Josef
Published: June 2021

A new species of Pergalumna (Oribatida, Galumnidae) is described from leaf litter of rain forest in the Espejillos environs near the Bolivian Ambor National Park. Pergalumna espejillosensis sp. nov. is similar to Pergalumna nasica Pérez-Íñigo & Baggio, 1980 in the presence of protruding rostrum, three pairs of rounded/oval notogastral porose areas and minute interlamellar seta, and in the absence of dorsosejugal suture, but differs by the smaller body length, setiform bothridial seta and long lamellar seta, and the absence of a median pore. An identification key to known species/subspecies of the genus from the Neotropical region is presented.
An Egg-Derived SulfatedN-Acetyllactosamine Glycan Is an Antigenic Decoy of Influenza Virus Vaccines
Authors: Guthmiller Jenna J. , Utset Henry A. , Henry Carole , Li Lei , Zheng Nai-Ying , Sun Weina , Costa Vieira Marcos , Zost Seth , Huang Min , Hensley Scott E. , Cobey Sarah , Palese Peter , Wilson Patrick C.
Published: June 2021

Influenza viruses grown in eggs for the purposes of vaccine generation often acquire mutations during egg adaptation or possess different glycosylation patterns than viruses circulating among humans. Here, we report that seasonal influenza virus vaccines possess an egg-derived glycan that is an antigenic decoy, with egg-binding MAbs reacting with a sulfatedN-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc).
Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage secondary tohaemophilus influenzaein a vaping patient
Authors: Kubbara Aahd , Hawari Feras , Johnkoski John
Published: June 2021

Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) is known to occur from several infectious and non-infectious aetiologies. Among the infectious aetiologies,Haemophilus influenzae, an organism known to cause community-acquired pneumonia, has not been reported in association with DAH prior to this case. On the other hand, vaping, an evolving epidemic concern, has been linked to various types of lung injury, including DAH. However, DAH related to vaping is only limited to several case reports. Our case describesH. influenzaepneumonia with DAH in a patient known to have vaped until the night prior to elective lobectomy for lung cancer and developed DAH within 24 hours of hospitalisation. He subsequently recovered with treatment. DAH requires immediate recognition, and healthcare providers need to be aware that neither haemoptysis nor decrease in haemoglobin level is necessarily associated. Prior to diagnosis, empirical treatment with intravenous steroids and antibiotics can be life-saving.
Outcome and durability of mitral valve annuloplasty in atrial secondary mitral regurgitation
Authors: Deferm Sébastien , Bertrand Philippe B , Verhaert David , Dauw Jeroen , Van Keer Jan M , Van De Bruaene Alexander , Herregods Marie-Christine , Meuris Bart , Verbrugghe Peter , Rex Steffen , Vandervoort Pieter M , Rega Filip
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Atrial secondary mitral regurgitation (ASMR) is a clinically distinct form of Carpentier type I mitral regurgitation (MR), rooted in excessive atrial and mitral annular dilation in the absence of left ventricular dysfunction. Mitral valve annuloplasty (MVA) is expected to provide a more durable solution for ASMR than for ventricular secondary MR (VSMR). Yet data on MR recurrence and outcome after MVA for ASMR are scarce. This study sought to investigate surgical outcomes and repair durability in patients with ASMR, as compared with a contemporary group of patients with VSMR.

Methods

Clinical and echocardiographic data from consecutive patients who underwent MVA to treat ASMR or VSMR in an academic centre were retrospectively analysed. Patient characteristics, operative outcomes, time to recurrence of ≥moderate MR and all-cause mortality were compared between patients with ASMR versus VSMR.

Results

Of the 216 patients analysed, 97 had ASMR opposed to 119 with VSMR and subvalvular leaflet tethering. Patients with ASMR were typically female (68.0% vs 33.6% in VSMR, p<0.001), with a history of atrial fibrillation (76.3% vs 33.6% in VSMR, p<0.001), paralleling a larger left atrial size (p<0.033). At a median follow-up of 3.3 (IQR 1.0–7.3) years, recurrence of ≥moderate MR was significantly lower in ASMR versus VSMR (7% vs 25% at 2 years, overall log-rank p=0.001), also when accounting for all-cause death as competing risk (subdistribution HR 0.50 in ASMR, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.88, p=0.016). Moreover, ASMR was associated with better overall survival compared with VSMR (adjusted HR 0.43 95% CI 0.22 to 0.82, p=0.011), independent from baseline European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II surgical risk score.

Conclusion

Prognosis following MVA to treat ASMR is better, compared with VSMR as reflected by lower all-cause mortality and MR recurrence. Early distinction of secondary MR towards underlying ventricular versus atrial disease has important therapeutic implications.
Efficacy of treat-and-repair strategy for atrial septal defect with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Takaya Yoichi , Akagi Teiji , Sakamoto Ichiro , Kanazawa Hideaki , Nakazawa Gaku , Murakami Tsutomu , Yao Atsushi , Nanasato Mamoru , Saji Mike , Hirokami Mitsugu , Fuku Yasushi , Hosokawa Shinobu , Tada Norio , Matsumoto Kensuke , Imai Masao , Nakagawa Koji , Ito Hiroshi
Published: June 2021

Objective

Therapeutic strategies for atrial septal defect (ASD) with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PAH-specific medications and subsequent transcatheter closure (ie, treat-and-repair strategy) on clinical outcomes.

Methods

We enrolled 42 patients who were referred to 13 institutions for consideration of ASD closure with concomitant PAH and underwent the treat-and-repair strategy. The endpoint was cardiovascular death or hospitalisation due to heart failure or exacerbated PAH.

Results

At baseline prior to PAH-specific medications, pulmonary to systemic blood flow ratio (Qp:Qs), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), and mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) were 1.9±0.8, 6.9±3.2 Wood units and 45±15 mm Hg. Qp:Qs was increased to 2.4±1.2, and PVR and mean PAP were decreased to 4.0±1.5 Wood units and 35±9 mm Hg at the time of transcatheter ASD closure after PAH-specific medications. Transcatheter ASD closure was performed without any complications. During a median follow-up period of 33 months (1–126 months) after transcatheter ASD closure, one older patient died and one patient was hospitalised due to heart failure, but the other patients survived with an improvement in WHO functional class. PAP was further decreased after transcatheter ASD closure.

Conclusions

The treat-and-repair strategy results in low complication and mortality rates with a reduction in PAP in selected patients with ASD complicated with PAH who have a favourable response of medical therapy.
Coupled harmonic oscillators and their application in the dynamics of entanglement and the nonadiabatic Berry phases
Authors: Abidi A. , Trabelsi A. , Krichene S.
Published: June 2021

In the dynamic description of physical systems, the two coupled harmonic oscillators’ time-dependent mass, angular frequency, and coupling parameter are recognized as a good working example. We present in this work an analytical treatment with a numerical evaluation of the entanglement and the nonadiabatic Berry phases in the vacuum state. On the basis of an exact resolution of the wave function solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) using the Heisenberg picture approach, we derive the wave function of the two coupled harmonic oscillators. At the logarithmic scale, we derive the entanglement entropies and the temperature. We discuss the existence of the cyclical initial state (CIS) based on an instant Hamiltonian and we obtain the corresponding nonadiabatic Berry phases through a period T. Moreover, we extend the result to the case of N coupled harmonic oscillators. We use the numerical calculation to follow the dynamic evolution of the entanglement in comparison to the time dependance of the nonadiabatic Berry phases and the time dependance of the temperature. For two coupled harmonic oscillators with time-independent mass and angular frequency, the nonadiabatic Berry phases present very slight oscillations with the equivalent period as the period of the entanglement. A second model is composed of two coupled harmonic oscillators with angular frequency, which change initially as well as later. Herein, the entanglement and the temperature exhibit the same oscillatory behavior with exponential increase in temperature.
Wormhole solutions in f(R) gravity theory for Chaplygin gas scenario
Authors: Ghosh Bikram , Mitra Saugata
Published: June 2021

This paper deals with some wormhole solutions which are obtained by taking two different shape functions along with zero tidal force. For obtaining wormhole solutions, anisotropic fluid and a equation of state [Formula: see text] related by Chaplygin gas are considered, where [Formula: see text] is the energy density, [Formula: see text] is tangential pressure and [Formula: see text] is positive constant. Energy conditions are examined for two different models, and it is found that major energy conditions are satisfied in a region.
Local electronic and atomic structures of the mixed B-site ions in SrFe1−xMnxO3−δ studied with X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Oishi Masatsugu , Fujishiro Fumito , Ina Toshiaki , Yamagishi Hirona , Watanabe Iwao , Ohta Toshiaki
Published: June 2021

Local electronic and atomic structures of the B-site ions in perovskite SrFe[Formula: see text]Mn[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] were evaluated with X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at Mn, Fe [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-edges and O [Formula: see text]-edge. The energy of [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-edge peaks for Mn and Fe ions stayed unchanged against the change in Mn content [Formula: see text]. The analysis of Mn [Formula: see text]-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) revealed that Mn−O polyhedra was kept as an octahedron with Mn[Formula: see text] irrespective of the [Formula: see text] value, agreeing with the results of [Formula: see text]-edge spectra. The Fe [Formula: see text]-edge EXAFS analysis showed that the Fe–O distance decreased with decrease of the Mn contents, suggesting that the ratio of FeO5 polyhedra to FeO6 octahedra is increased due to smaller oxygen amount. By analyzing both the [Formula: see text]-edge and [Formula: see text]-edge spectra, we clarified the local electronic and atomic structural changes particularly occurred in the B-site mixed perovskite oxides.
Operational Indicators to Manage the Replacement of Electromechanical Equipment in Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Authors: Hernández-Chover Vicent , Castellet-Viciano Lledó , Hernández-Sancho Francesc
Published: June 2021

Optimal management is usually at the top of the concerns in the context of water infrastructures. In the specific domain of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), European Directive 91/271 established the need of implementing a biological treatment of wastewater leading to an intensive construction of WWTPs in several European countries, which now present important problems of maintenance. These facilities are composed of different types of assets, which should be managed efficiently in order to optimize the performance of the processes as well as the maintenance and replacement costs of the equipment. In fact, the deterioration of these assets increases the operational risk and endangers the continuity of the service of these WWTPs. In this paper, the authors combine multicriteria methodologies (MCDM) and economic aspects of the equipment to define an appropriate technical–economical replacement policy. With the aim of developing a reference procedure in the wastewater sector, an approach has been made to blower pump, which is an equipment widely used in WWTPs to provide a continuous air flow to the reactor facilitating the elimination of organic matter and the nutrients contained in the wastewater. The proposal integrates aspects such as acquisition costs and corrective maintenance, interest rate, and amortization based on the condition of the equipment.
WHICH BUSINESSES ARE BEST FOR THE BASE OF THE PYRAMID? COMPARING IMPACTS ON YOUNG CHILDREN
Authors: LONDON TED
Published: June 2021

Interest and investment in enterprise-based approaches to reduce the impoverishment faced by the base of the pyramid (BoP) continues to grow. Although recent research provides a greater understanding of the poverty-alleviation impacts from specific businesses, little has been done to compare impacts across businesses or business strategies. In this study, I address this gap by comparing the changes in well-being in young children, the segment considered most vulnerable to poverty, for four BoP businesses employing two different business strategies. Using a framework that incorporates a multi-dimensional perspective on who is impacted and how, I develop and compare business- and strategy-specific poverty impact profiles for the young children of key stakeholders. My findings contribute to a better understanding of how to utilize BoP businesses to address social goals.
Ni(II) and Cu(III) organometallic complexes of trans doubly N-confused porphodimethenes: Synthesis, spectroscopic and theoretical characterization
Authors: Halder Nyancy , Mahadavaiah Maheshwari Horalavadi , Usharani Dandamudi , Rath Harapriya
Published: June 2021

Synthesis, spectroscopic and theoretical investigations of hitherto unknown highly stable nickel, and copper organometallic complexes of trans-doubly N-confused porphodimethenes are reported. The distorted square planar Ni organometallic complex has been susceptible to trivial +2 oxidation state of Ni via single CH activation and another weak Ni-C bond with C-H agostic interaction while the diamagnetic near square planar copper complex exhibits the atypical +3 oxidation state of copper via double inner CH activation. The conformational preorganization and metallation induced conformational reorganization owing to the formation of M-C bond formations by both nickel and copper have been thoroughly investigated by various spectroscopic techniques and in-depth DFT level theoretical calculations.
Fixed-Point Convergence Results of a Three-Step Iterative Process in CAT(0) Spaces
Authors: Ullah Kifayat , Ahmad Junaid , Arshad Muhammad , De la Sen Manuel
Published: June 2021

In this article, we suggest some

Δ

and strong convergence results of a three-step Sahu–Thakur iteration process for Garcia-Falset maps in the nonlinear setting of CAT(0) spaces. We furnish a new example of Garcia-Falset maps and prove that its three-step Sahu–Thakur iterative process is more effective than the many well-known iterative processes. Our results improve and extend some recently announced results of the current literature.
Tetrahydrocurcumin Ameliorates Skin Inflammation by Modulating Autophagy in High‐Fat Diet‐Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Kim Jung Eun , Kim Hye Ran , Kim Jin Cheol , Lee Eun Soo , Chung Choon Hee , Lee Eun Young , Chung Bo Young
Published: June 2021

Obesity can induce chronic low‐grade inflammation via oxidative stress. Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) is a major curcumin metabolite with anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects, but little is known about its effects on the skin of obese individuals. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of THC on inflammatory cytokine production, oxidative stress, and autophagy in the skin of mice with high‐fat diet‐ (HFD‐) induced obesity. Eight‐week‐old C57BL/6J mice were fed a regular diet, HFD (60% of total calories from fat), or HFD supplemented with THC (100 mg/kg/day orally) for 12 weeks. We measured their body weights during the experimental period. After 12‐week treatments, we performed western blotting and real‐time polymerase chain reaction analyses on skin samples to evaluate the expression of inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers, and autophagy markers. We observed higher tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2), Nox4, and phosphorylated p65 levels; lower nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression; and higher light chain 3 (LC3), autophagy‐related 5 (Atg5), and Beclin 1 expression in the skin of HFD mice compared to the corresponding levels in the skin of mice fed with regular diet. THC administration decreased TNF‐α, Nox2, Nox4, and phosphorylated p65 levels and activated the Nrf2 pathway. Interestingly, THC administration suppressed the expression of the autophagy markers LC3, Atg5, and Beclin 1. Overall, HFD‐fed mice exhibited an elevation in inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy in their skin. THC ameliorated obesity‐related skin pathology, and therefore, it is a potential therapeutic agent for obesity‐related inflammatory skin diseases.
Measuring the Pollutants in a System of Three Interconnecting Lakes by the Semianalytical Method
Authors: Ghosh Indranil , Chowdhury M. S. H. , Aznam Suazlan Mt , Rashid M. M.
Published: June 2021

Pollution has become an intense danger to our environment. The lake pollution model is formulated into the three-dimensional system of differential equations with three instances of input. In the present study, the new iterative method (NIM) was applied to the lake pollution model with three cases called impulse input, step input, and sinusoidal input for a longer time span. The main feature of the NIM is that the procedure is very simple, and it does not need to calculate any special type of polynomial or multipliers such as Adomian polynomials and Lagrange’s multipliers. Comparisons with the Adomian decomposition method (ADM) and the well-known purely numerical fourth-order Runge-Kutta method (RK4) suggest that the NIM is a powerful alternative for differential equations providing more realistic series solutions that converge very rapidly in real physical problems.
Human Platelets Take up Anti-VEGF Agents
Authors: Sobolewska B. , Fehrenbacher B. , Münzer P. , Kalbacher H. , Geue S. , Stellos Konstantinos , Schaller M. , Ziemssen F.
Published: June 2021

Purpose. Growing evidence suggests different systemic exposure of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents with repeated intravitreal application. Since the penetration of anti-VEGF agents through vascular barrier was reported, the interaction of anti-VEGF with nonresident platelets has become a topic of interest. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, with the help of visualization techniques, whether platelets take up the anti-VEGF agents ranibizumab, aflibercept, and bevacizumab. Methods. The uptake of anti-VEGF agents with or without VEGF treatment was investigated using immunofluorescence and immunogold staining in human platelets. The role of actin filaments and clathrin-coated vesicles in the transport of ranibizumab, aflibercept, and bevacizumab was evaluated by two pharmacologic inhibitors: staurosporine (protein kinase C inhibitor) and cytochalasin D. Results. All three anti-VEGF agents were taken up by platelets and colocalized with VEGF. Ranibizumab and aflibercept were mainly detected in alpha-granules; however, bevacizumab was equally localized in alpha-granules and in platelet vesicles. Both staurosporine and cytochalasin D completely inhibited the uptake of aflibercept into platelets. Both pharmacological inhibitors also decreased the transport of ranibizumab and bevacizumab into platelets. Bevacizumab was significantly more frequently colocalized within clathrin-coated vesicles than ranibizumab and aflibercept. Conclusion. All three anti-VEGF agents are taken up by platelets and internalized in alpha-granules, which may result in a higher local exposure of anti-VEGF after the activation of platelets, potentially contributing to arterial thromboembolic events. Clathrin-coated vesicles seem to be more prominent in the transport of bevacizumab than ranibizumab and aflibercept. Nevertheless, whether the different localization and transport of bevacizumab are truly related to specific differences of receptor-mediated endocytosis has to be revealed by further research.
The Effect of Controlled Diabetes and Hyperglycemia on Implant Placement with Simultaneous Horizontal Guided Bone Regeneration: A Clinical Retrospective Analysis
Authors: De Angelis Paolo , Manicone Paolo Francesco , Gasparini Giulio , De Filippis Ilaria , Liguori Margherita Giorgia , De Angelis Silvio , Cannata Francesca , D’Addona Antonio
Published: June 2021

Diabetes represents a challenge in implant therapy because hyperglycemia may negatively affect bone regeneration, directly compromising clinical outcomes and increasing clinical failures. The aim of this retrospective study is to analyse the prognostic significance of HbA1c levels in patients undergoing implant placement associated with horizontal guided bone regeneration. Thirty‐four patients were divided into 3 groups according to their HbA1c levels: nondiabetic normoglycemic patients (HbA1c < 5.7%), nondiabetic hyperglycemic patients (HbA1c < 6.5%), and controlled diabetic patients (HbA1c < 7%). Primary outcomes were dimensional changes in height (VDH) and width (DW) of the peri‐implant defect. Secondary outcomes were evaluations of periodontal parameters of adjacent tooth sites, wound healing, marginal bone loss (MBL), and survival and success rates. At T1 (6 months), mean VDH values in groups 1, 2, and 3 were, respectively, 0.07, 0.5, and 0.25 mm. Mean DW values in those same groups were, respectively, 0.07, 0.38, and 0.33 mm. HbA1c levels were not statistically related to VDH and DW values at T1. No statistically significant differences were observed in MBL between groups (p = 0.230). Implant survival and success rates were, respectively, 98% and 96%. Simultaneous guided bone regeneration is a feasible procedure for the treatment of horizontal bone deficiencies in controlled diabetic patients.
Intelligent Prediction for Rock Porosity While Drilling Complex Lithology in Real Time
Authors: Gamal Hany , Elkatatny Salaheldin , Alsaihati Ahmed , Abdulraheem Abdulazeez
Published: June 2021

Rock porosity is an important parameter for the formation evaluation, reservoir modeling, and petroleum reserve estimation. The conventional methods for determining the rock porosity are considered costly and time‐consuming operations during the well drilling. This paper aims to predict the rock porosity in real time while drilling complex lithology using machine learning. In this paper, two intelligent models were developed utilizing the random forest (RF) and decision tree (DT) techniques. The drilling parameters include weight on bit, torque, standpipe pressure, drill string rotation speed, rate of penetration, and pump rate. Two datasets were employed for building the models (3767 data points) and for validating the developed models (1676 data points). Both collected datasets have complex lithology of carbonate, sandstone, and shale. Sensitivity and optimization on different parameters for each technique were conducted to ensure optimum prediction. The models’ performance was checked by four performance indices which are coefficient of determination (R2), average absolute percentage error (AAPE), variance account for (VAF), and a20 index. The results indicated the strong porosity prediction capability for the two models. DT model showed R2 of 0.94 and 0.87 between the predicted and actual porosity values with AAPE of 6.07 and 9% for training and testing, respectively. Generally, RF provided a higher level of strong prediction than DT as RF achieved R2 of 0.99 and 0.90 with AAPE of 1.5 and 7% for training and testing, respectively. The models’ validation proved a high prediction performance as DT achieved R2 of 0.88 and AAPE of 8.58%, while RF has R2 of 0.92 and AAPE of 6.5%.
Levels of Trimethylamine N-Oxide Remain Elevated Long Term After Left Ventricular Assist Device and Heart Transplantation and Are Independent From Measures of Inflammation and Gut Dysbiosis
Authors: Yuzefpolskaya Melana , Bohn Bruno , Javaid Azka , Mondellini Giulio M. , Braghieri Lorenzo , Pinsino Alberto , Onat Duygu , Cagliostro Barbara , Kim Andrea , Takeda Koji , Naka Yoshifumi , Farr Maryjane , Sayer Gabriel T. , Uriel Nir , Nandakumar Renu , Mohan Sumit , Colombo Paolo C. , Demmer Ryan T.
Published: June 2021

Background:

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO)—a gut-derived metabolite—is elevated in heart failure (HF) and linked to poor prognosis. We investigated variations in TMAO in HF, left ventricular assist device (LVAD), and heart transplant (HT) and assessed its relation with inflammation, endotoxemia, oxidative stress, and gut dysbiosis.

Methods:

We enrolled 341 patients. TMAO, CRP (C-reactive protein), IL (interleukin)-6, TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha), ET-1 (endothelin-1), adiponectin, lipopolysaccharide, soluble CD14, and isoprostane were measured in 611 blood samples in HF (New York Heart Association class I–IV) and at multiple time points post-LVAD and post-HT. Gut microbiota were assessed via 16S rRNA sequencing among 327 stool samples. Multivariable regression models were used to assess the relationship between TMAO and (1) New York Heart Association class; (2) pre- versus post-LVAD or post-HT; (3) biomarkers of inflammation, endotoxemia, oxidative stress, and microbial diversity.

Results:

ln-TMAO was lower among HF New York Heart Association class I (1.23 [95% CI, 0.52–1.94] µM) versus either class II, III, or IV (1.99 [95% CI, 1.68–2.30], 1.97 [95% CI, 1.71–2.24], and 2.09 [95% CI, 1.83–2.34] µM, respectively; all
P
<0.05). In comparison to class II–IV, ln-TMAO was lower 1 month post-LVAD (1.58 [95% CI, 1.32–1.83] µM) and 1 week and 1 month post-HT (0.97 [95% CI, 0.60–1.35] and 1.36 [95% CI, 1.01–1.70] µM). ln-TMAO levels in long-term LVAD (>6 months: 1.99 [95% CI, 1.76–2.22] µM) and HT (>6 months: 1.86 [95% CI, 1.66–2.05] µM) were not different from symptomatic HF. After multivariable adjustments, TMAO was not associated with biomarkers of inflammation, endotoxemia, oxidative stress, or microbial diversity.

Conclusions:

TMAO levels are increased in symptomatic HF patients and remain elevated long term after LVAD and HT. TMAO levels were independent from measures of inflammation, endotoxemia, oxidative stress, and gut dysbiosis.
Impact of Insulin Treatment on the Effect of Eplerenone: Insights From the EMPHASIS-HF Trial
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Lamiral Zohra , McMurray John J.V. , Swedberg Karl , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Vincent John , Rossignol Patrick , Pocock Stuart J. , Pitt Bertram , Zannad Faiez
Published: June 2021

Background:

Patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and insulin-treated diabetes have a high risk of cardiovascular complications. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists may mitigate this risk. We aim to explore the effect of eplerenone on cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause mortality in HFrEF patients with diabetes, including those treated with insulin in the EMPHASIS-HF trial (Eplerenone in Patients with Systolic Heart Failure and Mild Symptoms).

Methods:

The primary outcome was the composite of heart failure hospitalization or cardiovascular death. Cox models with treatment-by-diabetes subgroup interaction terms were used.

Results:

The median follow-up was 21 (10–33) months. Of the 2737 patients included, 623 (23%) had non-insulin-treated diabetes, 236 (9%) had insulin-treated diabetes and 1878 did not have diabetes. Patients with insulin-treated diabetes were younger, more often women, with higher body mass index, waist circumference, more frequent ischemic heart failure cause, impaired kidney function, and longer diabetes duration. Compared with patients without diabetes, those with insulin-treated diabetes had a 2-fold higher risk of having a primary outcome event. The hazard ratio (95% CI) for the effect of eplerenone, compared with placebo, on the primary outcome was 0.31 (0.19–0.50) in insulin-treated diabetes, 0.69 (0.50–0.93) in non-insulin-treated diabetes, and 0.72 (0.58–0.88) in patients without diabetes; interaction
P
=0.007. The annualized number needed-to-treat-to-benefit with regards to the primary outcome was 3 (95% CI, 3–4) in patients with insulin-treated diabetes, 16 (13–19) in patients with diabetes not receiving insulin, and 26 (24–28) in patients without diabetes.

Conclusions:

Patients with insulin-treated diabetes experienced a greater benefit from eplerenone than those with diabetes not treated with insulin and people without diabetes.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT00232180.
Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy and the Fibrinolytic System: Is Plasmin a Therapeutic Target?
Authors: Mutimer Chloe A. , Keragala Charithani B. , Markus Hugh S. , Werring David J. , Cloud Geoffrey C. , Medcalf Robert L.
Published: June 2021

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is a devastating cause of intracerebral hemorrhage for which there is no specific secondary stroke prevention treatment. Here we review the current literature regarding cerebral amyloid angiopathy pathophysiology and treatment, as well as what is known of the fibrinolytic pathway and its interaction with amyloid. We postulate that tranexamic acid is a potential secondary stroke prevention treatment agent in sporadic cerebral amyloid angiopathy, although further research is required.
Confirmation of a species status of Diamesa leoniella Hansen, 1976, stat. resurr. (Diptera, Chironomidae) from North America
Authors: MAKARCHENKO EUGENYI A.
Published: June 2021

N/A
Leveraging Field-Campaign Networks to Identify Sexual Harassment in Atmospheric Science and Pilot Promising Interventions
Authors: Fischer Emily V. , Bloodhart Brittany , Rasmussen Kristen , Pollack Ilana B. , Hastings Meredith G. , Marin-Spiotta Erika , Desai Ankur R. , Schwarz Joshua P. , Nesbitt Stephen , Hence Deanna
Published: June 2021

Sexual harassment in field settings brings unique challenges for prevention and response, as field research occurs outside “typical” workplaces, often in remote locations that create additional safety concerns and new team dynamics. We report on a project that has 1) trained field project participants to recognize, report, and confront sexual harassment, and 2) investigated the perceptions, attitudes, and experiences of field researchers regarding sexual harassment. Precampaign surveys from four major, multi-institutional, domestic, and international field projects indicate that the majority of sexual harassment reported prior to the field campaigns was hostile work environment harassment, and women were more likely to be the recipients, on average reporting two to three incidents each. The majority of those disclosing harassment indicated that they coped with past experiences by avoiding their harasser or downplaying incidents. Of the incidences reported (47) in postcampaign surveys of the four field teams, all fell under the category of hostile work environment and included incidents of verbal, visual, and physical harassment. Women’s harassment experiences were perpetrated by men 100% of the time, and the majority of the perpetrators were in more senior positions than the victims. Men’s harassment experiences were perpetrated by a mix of women and men, and the majority came from those at the same position of seniority. Postproject surveys indicate that the training programs (taking place before the field projects) helped participants come away with more positive than negative emotions and perceptions of the training, the leadership, and their overall experiences on the field campaign.
Palliative Care for Extracorporeal Life Support: Insights From the National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Williamson Catherine , Verma Arjun , Hadaya Joseph , Tran Zachary , Sanaiha Yas , Benharash Peyman
Published: June 2021

Background

Providing temporary cardiopulmonary support, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) carries a high risk of mortality. Palliative care (PC) may facilitate a patient-centered approach to end-of-life care in order to aid symptom management and provide psychosocial support to families. The present study aimed to identify factors associated with PC consultation and its impact on resource utilization in ECMO.

Study Design

All adults placed on ECMO at a PC capable center were identified in the 2006-2017 National Inpatient Sample. Indications for ECMO were identified using diagnosis codes and classified into postcardiotomy syndrome, respiratory failure, cardiogenic shock, mixed cardiopulmonary failure, and transplant related.

Results

Of 41 122 patients undergoing ECMO, 20 514 (49.9%) died in the same hospitalization. Of those, 3951 (19.3%) received a PC consult. Use of PC consults increased significantly from 5.5% in 2006 to 22.8% in 2017 (nptrend<.001). After multivariable risk adjustment, PC consults did not affect costs (β: –$7341, 95% CI: −22 572 to +7888) or duration of hospitalizations (β: −.37 days, 95% CI: −2.76 to +2.02).

Conclusion

Utilization of PC does not appear to negatively influence resource utilization among non-survivors of ECMO. Increased adaptation of PC in ECMO may improve end-of-life care, a factor that deserves future study.
Psychomythology of Psychopathology: Myths and Mythbusting in Teaching Abnormal Psychology
Authors: Curtis Drew A. , Kelley Leslie J.
Published: June 2021

Background:

A great amount of information is presented to psychology students through various mediums, often leading to misinformation and believing inaccurate psychological myths.

Objective:

We conducted two studies to examine psychomythology of psychopathology and whether mythbusting may be an effective pedagogical tool.

Method:

In Study 1, a total of 251 participants were recruited and asked about psychology myths they believed by using the Myths of Abnormal Psychology Questionnaire (MAP). In Study 2, a total of 46 students across two sections of abnormal psychology courses were asked about psychological myths they believed at the onset of class and at the end of class using the MAP. These students also were provided with an educational mythbusting intervention throughout the class.

Results:

Participants endorsed several myths of psychopathology and indicated that the greatest sources of their understanding came from instructors, the internet, movies, and mythbusting led to a decrease in myth endorsement.

Conclusion:

Students enter abnormal psychology courses believing several inaccurate myths and mythbusting appears to be a viable tool to address these misconceptions.

Teaching Implications:

Mythbusting can be implemented within abnormal psychology courses as an an engaging and effective teaching tool, as well as a means to model scientific thinking.
The use of OPAC query logs to support evidence-informed information literacy (IL) training at The University of Dar es Salaam
Authors: Ndumbaro Faraja , Kassim Mohamed
Published: June 2021

This paper reports the results of the study which analysed OPAC users’ searching behaviour through the use of search queries. The study analysed how OPAC search queries can be used to assess the effectiveness of the information literacy programme offered by the University of Dar es Salaam. Data were collected unobtrusively and stored in the OPAC web server’s log file. OPAC search logs were qualitatively and quantitatively analysed to determine search patterns and search query formulation. Information literacy course contents were also qualitatively analysed and compared with users’ search activities. The results suggest that search query logs are essential and high quality evidence that can be used to inform information literacy pedagogical methods and course contents improvement. A comparison between OPAC users’ search behaviours and information lteracy course content identified some areas for readjusting the way information literacy instructions are delivered and improving OPAC search functionalities. The study has contributed to the conceptual understanding and the use of evidence to support evidence-informed practices (EIPs) in delivering information literacy courses.
Embracing variability and complexity and the explanatory reductionism of scientific realism
Authors: Witherington David C. , Vandiver Timothy I. , Spinks Jacob A.
Published: June 2021

We agree with Arocha’s criticism of psychological science’s reliance on statistical procedures that factor out intraindividual variability and the complex dynamics inherent to behavior, as well as with his call for the adoption of a metatheoretical framework that embraces such variability. However, we disagree that scientific realism provides such a framework, given its reductive privileging of certain forms of explanation over others. We advocate, instead, a process-relational paradigm and the explanatory pluralism that it supports, allowing psychological science to more dynamically, and realistically, model individual human behavior.
Determining the Rayleigh damping parameters of flexible pavements for finite element modeling
Authors: Huang Jiandong , Li Xin , Zhang Jia , Sun Yuantian , Ren Jiaolong
Published: June 2021

The dynamic analysis has been successfully used to predict the pavement response based on the finite element modeling, during which the stiffness and mass matrices have been established well, whereas the method to determine the damping matrix based on Rayleigh damping is still under development. This article presents a novel method to determine the two parameters of the Rayleigh damping for dynamic modeling in pavement engineering. Based on the idealized shear beam model, a more reasonable method to calculate natural frequencies of different layers is proposed, by which the global damping matrix of the road pavement can be assembled. The least squares method is simplified and used to calculate the frequency-independent damping. The best-fit Rayleigh damping is obtained by only determining the natural frequencies of the two modal. Finite element model and in-situ field test subjected by the same falling weight deflectometer pulse loads are performed to validate the accuracy of this method. Good agreements are noted between simulation and field in-situ results demonstrating that this method can provide a more accurate approach for future finite element modeling and back-calculation.
Post-Run T2 Mapping Changes in Knees of Adolescent Basketball Players
Authors: Chechik Yigal , Beit Ner Eran , Lysyy Oleg , Tal Sigal , Stern Neta , Agar Gabriel , Beer Yiftach , Ben-Eliezer Noam , Lindner Dror
Published: June 2021

Objective:

While articular cartilage defects are common incidental findings among adult athletes, the effect of running on the cartilage of adolescent athletes have rarely been assessed. This study aims to assess the variations in the articular cartilage of the knees in healthy adolescent basketball players using quantitative T2 MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

Design:

Fifteen adolescent basketball players were recruited (13.8 ± 0.5 years old). Girls were excluded to avoid potential gender-related confounding effects. Players underwent a pre-run MRI scan of both knees. All participants performed a 30-minute run on a treadmill. Within 15 minutes after completion of their run, players underwent a second, post-run MRI scan. Quantitative T2 maps were generated using the echo modulation curve (EMC) algorithm. Pre-run scans and post-run scans were compared using paired t test.

Results:

Participants finished their 30-minute run with a mean running distance of 5.77 ± 0.42 km. Pre-run scans analysis found statistically significant ( P < 0.05) changes in 3 regions of the knee lateral compartment representing the cartilaginous tissue. No differences were found in the knee medial compartment. Post-run analysis showed lower T2 values in the medial compartment compared to the pre-run scans in several weight-bearing regions: femoral condyle central (pre/post mean values of 33.9/32.2 ms, P = 0.020); femoral condyle posterior (38.1/36.8 ms, P = 0.038); and tibial plateau posterior (34.1/31.0 ms, P < 0.001). The lateral regions did not show any significant changes.

Conclusions:

Running leads to microstructural changes in the articular cartilage in several weight-bearing areas of the medial compartment, both in the femoral and the tibial cartilage.