bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of clinical phenotypes of peripheral involvement in patients with spondyloarthritis, including psoriatic arthritis: a cluster analysis in the worldwide ASAS-PerSpA study
Authors: López-Medina Clementina , Chevret Sylvie , Molto Anna , Sieper Joachim , Duruöz Tuncay , Kiltz Uta , Elzorkany Bassel , Hajjaj-Hassouni Najia , Burgos-Vargas Ruben , Maldonado-Cocco José , Ziade Nelly , Gavali Meghna , Navarro-Compan Victoria , Luo Shue-Fen , Biglia Alessandro , Tae-Jong Kim , Kishimoto Mitsumasa , Pimentel-Santos Fernando M , Gu Jieruo , Muntean Laura , van Gaalen Floris A , Geher Pál , Magrey Marina , Ibáñez-Vodnizza Sebastián E , Bautista-Molano Wilson , Maksymowych Walter , Machado Pedro M , Landewé Robert , van der Heijde Desirée , Dougados Maxime
Published: November 2021

Objective

To identify clusters of peripheral involvement according to the specific location of peripheral manifestations (ie, arthritis, enthesitis and dactylitis) in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) including psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and to evaluate whether these clusters correspond with the clinical diagnosis of a rheumatologist.

Methods

Cross-sectional study with 24 participating countries. Consecutive patients diagnosed by their rheumatologist as PsA, axial SpA or peripheral SpA were enrolled. Four different cluster analyses were conducted: one using information on the specific location from all the peripheral manifestations, and a cluster analysis for each peripheral manifestation, separately. Multiple correspondence analyses and k-means clustering methods were used. Distribution of peripheral manifestations and clinical characteristics were compared across the different clusters.

Results

The different cluster analyses performed in the 4465 patients clearly distinguished a predominantly axial phenotype (cluster 1) and a predominantly peripheral phenotype (cluster 2). In the predominantly axial phenotype, hip involvement and lower limb large joint arthritis, heel enthesitis and lack of dactylitis were more prevalent. In the predominantly peripheral phenotype, different subgroups were distinguished based on the type and location of peripheral involvement: a predominantly involvement of upper versus lower limbs joints, a predominantly axial enthesitis versus peripheral enthesitis, and predominantly finger versus toe involvement in dactylitis. A poor agreement between the clusters and the rheumatologist‘s diagnosis as well as with the classification criteria was found.

Conclusion

These results suggest the presence of two main phenotypes (predominantly axial and predominantly peripheral) based on the presence and location of the peripheral manifestations.
Some Kazhdan–Lusztig Coefficients of Affine Weyl Group of Type B~ 2
Authors: Feng Ge , Wang Liping
Published: November 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be the affine Weyl group of type [Formula: see text], on which we consider the length function [Formula: see text] from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] and the Bruhat order [Formula: see text]. For [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] be the coefficient of [Formula: see text] in Kazhdan–Lusztig polynomial [Formula: see text]. We determine some [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the lowest two-sided cell of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is the higher one. Furthermore, we get some consequences using left or right strings and some properties of leading coefficients.
Lentinan Attenuates Damage of the Small Intestinal Mucosa, Liver, and Lung in Mice with Gut-Origin Sepsis
Authors: Kuang Zhongshen , Jin Tingting , Wu ChangYi , Zong Yanan , Yin Panpan , Dong WangYu , Lin Xue , You WeiYan , Zhang Chenlong , Wang Lijie , Liu Yongying , Ren Shan , Yin Jiangwen , Xu Hang
Published: November 2021

This study is aimed at exploring the effects of lentinan on small intestinal mucosa as well as lung and liver injury in mice with gut-origin sepsis. Cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) were used to construct a mouse model of gut-origin sepsis. The mice were randomly divided into six groups: sham operation group (sham), gut-origin sepsis model group (CLP), ulinastatin-positive drug control group (UTI), lentinan low concentration group (LTN-L, 5 mg/kg), lentinan medium concentration group (LTN-M, 10 mg/kg), and lentinan high concentration group (LTN-H, 20 mg/kg). H&E staining was used to detect the pathological damage of the small intestine, liver, and lung. The serum of mice in each group was collected to detect the expression changes of inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress biomarkers, and liver function indexes. In vitro assessment of bacterial translocation was achieved through inoculated culture media. Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to detect the expression of molecules related to the NF-κB signaling pathway in the small intestine tissues of mice. The results showed that compared with the CLP group, the injury degree of the small intestine, liver, and lung in mice with gut-origin sepsis was improved with the increase of lentinan concentration. In addition, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and HMGB1 were decreased with the increase of lentinan concentration, but the expression of IL-10 was increased. Lentinan could also reduce the expression of oxidative stress injury indexes and liver function indexes and inhibit bacterial translocation to liver and lung tissues. Further mechanism investigation revealed that lentinan downregulated the expression of the NF-κB signaling pathway molecules (NF-κB, TLR4, and Bax) and upregulated the expression of occludin and Bcl-2. In conclusion, lentinan inhibits the activity of the NF-κB signaling pathway, thus attenuating injuries of small intestinal mucosa and liver and lung in mice with gut-origin sepsis and reducing the inflammatory response in the process of sepsis.
Utilization, Determinants, and Prospects of Electronic Medical Records in Ethiopia
Authors: Oumer Abdu , Muhye Ahmed , Dagne Imam , Ishak Nesredin , Ale Ahmed , Bekele Abiyot
Published: November 2021

Background. A lot of effort is being done in the electronic medical record (EMR) system. However, it has not been implemented and used at the expected scale for maximal effectiveness. There is limited evidence on the factors affecting the utilization of EMR in this particular context, which are critical for targeted strategies. Objective. To assess the magnitude and factors affecting the utilization of EMR among health professionals in eastern Ethiopia. Methods. An institutional‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 412 health professionals from Harari and Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia, using a pretested self‐administered questionnaire. The tool was developed from previous literature, and a pilot survey was done before the actual study. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression were done to assess the relationship between an independent variable with EMR use. Crude and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were reported. A P value of less than 0.05 was used to declare a statistically significant association. Results. A total of 412 health professionals with a mean age of 29 years (±6.4 years) were included. A total of 229 (55.6%) and 300 (72.8%) of them had good knowledge and attitude towards the EMR, while 279 (67.7%) used the service (54% used it on a daily basis). About 272 (66%) of the respondents reported that they prefer EMRs to paper‐based systems. Health professionals with more than five years of experience had two times higher odds of using the service (AOR = 2.22; 95% CI; 1.12‐4.42) than early‐career workers. Health professionals trained in EMR would use the service more (AOR = 5.88; 95% CI; 2.93‐11.88) compared to those who did not take the training. In addition, having good knowledge (AOR = 1.52; 95% CI; 0.92‐1.5) and a good attitude towards the EMR system (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI; 1.35‐4.31) showed to use EMR as compared to counterparts. Conclusions. The utilization of EMR was found to be optimal. Age, work experience, knowledge, attitude, and training of professionals were positively associated with the use of the service in their facility.
Correlation between Imaging Features and Pathological Stages of Primary Lung Tumors Based on Nanocontrast Agents
Authors: Li Jin , Xu Qian , Mao Cunhua , Liu Yuliang
Published: November 2021

As one of the conventional methods of lung cancer detection, computed tomography (CT) usually requires the use of contrast agents to enhance the imaging effect. Conventional iodine contrast agents have poor signal-to-noise ratio and are prone to adverse reactions. It is necessary to find more effective and safe contrast agents for CT scans. The gold nanoparticles with secondary electron effect and photoelectric absorption effect can prolong the display time of the patient’s blood circulation after being injected into the patient’s body, which makes the nanocontrast agent a research hotspot in the field of CT imaging. In this study, ultrasmall gold nanoclusters with a diameter of about 5 nm were used as the contrast agent in CT scans. It was found that CT scans based on nanocontrast agents can obtain high-quality lung cancer imaging images, and the patient has no obvious adverse reactions. When observing the CT image, it was found that the stage of lung cancer patients can be clearly distinguished through the CT scan image. When analyzing the consistency of CT imaging and pathological classification, the Kappa value was 0.810, indicating that the two have a high degree of consistency. Therefore, this study believes that the imaging characteristics of primary lung tumors based on nanocontrast agents are highly correlated with their pathological types.
Differential Gene Expression in Bladder Tumors from Workers Occupationally Exposed to Arylamines
Authors: Kolli Ramya T. , Xu Zongli , Panduri Vijayalakshmi , Taylor Jack A.
Published: November 2021

Occupational exposure to the arylamines benzidine and β‐naphthylamine increase bladder cancer risk up to 100‐fold, making them some of the most powerful human carcinogens. We hypothesize that tumors arising in people with occupational exposures have different patterns of gene expression than histologically similar tumors from people without such exposures. In a case‐case study, we compare gene expression in 22 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) bladder tumors from men with high‐level occupational exposure to arylamines to that in 26 FFPE bladder tumors from men without such exposure. Gene expression analysis was performed on the NanoString nCounter system using a PanCancer Progression Panel comprised of 740 cancer progression‐related genes and a custom panel of 69 arylamine‐ and bladder cancer‐related genes which were chosen from in vitro studies. Although fold differences were small, there was evidence of differential expression by exposure status for 17 genes from the Progression Panel and 4 genes from the custom panel. In total, 10 genes showed dose‐response association at a p < 0.01, of which 4 genes (CD46, NR4A1, BAX, and YWHAZ) passed a false discovery rate (FDR) q value cutoff of 0.05 but were not significant after Bonferroni correction. Overall, we find limited evidence for differentially expressed genes in pathways related to DNA damage signaling and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT).
Tetanus Toxoid Vaccination Coverage and Associated Factors among Childbearing Women in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Nigussie Jemberu , Girma Bekahegn , Molla Alemayehu , Mareg Moges
Published: November 2021

Background. Tetanus is a bacterial disease caused by the Clostridium tetani, which is a highly fatal, noncommunicable, and toxin‐mediated disease. Globally, maternal and neonatal tetanus is a public health problem due to low maternal tetanus toxoid immunization. Ethiopia has the highest neonatal mortality and morbidity related to tetanus due to low tetanus toxoid immunization and the high number of home deliveries. The main objective of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to estimate the pooled coverage of at least two doses of tetanus toxoid immunization, and the pooled effect sizes of associated factors in Ethiopia. Methods. Primary studies for this review were searched from the PubMed/MEDLINE online, ScienceDirect, Hinari, Google, and Google Scholar databases. Primary articles published from 2010 up to August 30, 2020, were included in this meta‐analysis. Data were extracted in Microsoft Excel format and exported to STATA Version 14.0. A random‐effects meta‐analysis model was used to estimate the pooled coverage of two or more tetanus toxoid immunizations and its associated factors. Heterogeneity was evaluated by the I2 test. Egger’s weighted regression test was used to assess publication bias. Results. We retrieved 212 records; of these, 199 articles were excluded for reasons. Finally, 14 studies were included in this meta‐analysis. The pooled estimate of receiving at least two doses of tetanus toxoid immunization coverage in Ethiopia was 52.2% (95% CI: 42.47‐61.93, I2 = 98.4%). Antenatal care (OR = 7.8 (95% CI: 3.2, 19.2), I2 = 96.3%), media exposure (OR = 8.3 (95% CI: 2.1, 33.3), I2 = 98.1%), distance from the health facility (OR = 2.64 (95% CI: 1.1, 6.6), I2 = 94.1%), educational status of women (OR = 4.7 (95% CI: 2.07, 9.56), I2 = 94.2%), and educational status of husbands (OR = 2.995 (95% CI: 1.194, 7.512), I2 = 92.5%) were factors significantly associated with receiving at least two doses of tetanus toxoid immunization coverage in Ethiopia. Conclusions. The coverage of tetanus toxoid immunization among childbearing women was low in Ethiopia. Strengthening maternal health service utilization (antinatal care and institutional delivery) to the nearest health facility even in health posts and empowering education for both women and their husbands is recommended to increase tetanus toxoid immunization coverage in Ethiopia.
Multipolicy Robot-Following Model Based on Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Yu Ning , Nan Lin , Ku Tao
Published: November 2021

We propose in this paper a new approach to solve the decision problem of robot-following. Different from the existing single policy model, we propose a multipolicy model, which can change the following policy in time according to the scene. The value of this paper is to obtain a multipolicy robot-following model by the self-learning method, which is used to improve the safety, efficiency, and stability of robot-following in the complex environments. Empirical investigation on a number of datasets reveals that overall, the proposed approach tends to have superior out-of-sample performance when compared to alternative robot-following decision methods. The performance of the model has been improved by about 2 times in situations where there are few obstacles and about 6 times in situations where there are lots of obstacles.
Production Decline Analysis and Hydraulic Fracture Network Interpretation Method for Shale Gas with Consideration of Fracturing Fluid Flowback Data
Authors: Xiao Jianfeng , Ke Xianzhe , Wu Hongxuan
Published: November 2021

After multistage hydraulic fracturing of shale gas reservoir, a complex fracture network is formed near the horizontal wellbore. In postfracturing flowback and early-time production period, gas and water two-phase flow usually occurs in the hydraulic fracture due to the retention of a large amount of fracturing fluid in the fracture. In order to accurately interpret the key parameters of hydraulic fracture network, it is necessary to establish a production decline analysis method considering fracturing fluid flowback in shale gas reservoirs. On this basis, an uncertain fracture network model was established by integrating geological, fracturing treatment, flowback, and early-time production data. By identifying typical flow-regimes and correcting the fracture network model with history matching, a set of production decline analysis and fracture network interpretation method with consideration of fracturing fluid flowback in shale gas reservoir was formed. Derived from the case analysis of a typical fractured horizontal well in shale gas reservoirs, the interpretation results show that the total length of hydraulic fractures is 4887.6 m, the average half-length of hydraulic fracture in each stage is 93.4 m, the average fracture conductivity is 69.7 mD·m, the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) is418×104 m3, and the permeability of SRV is5.2×10−4 mD. Compared with the interpretation results from microseismic monitoring data, the effective hydraulic fracture length obtained by integrated fracture network interpretation method proposed in this paper is 59% of that obtained from the microseismic monitoring data, and the effective SRV is 83% of that from the microseismic monitoring data. The results show that the fracture length is smaller and the fracture conductivity is larger without considering the influence of fracturing fluid.
Overexpression Effects of miR‐424 and BMP2 on the Osteogenesis of Wharton’s Jelly‐Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Fallah Asghar , Alipour Mahdieh , Jamali Zahra , Farjadfar Akbar , Roshangar Leila , Partovi Nasr Minoo , Hashemi Parisa , Aghazadeh Marziyeh
Published: November 2021

Recently, the translational application of noncoding RNAs is accelerated dramatically. In this regard, discovering therapeutic roles of microRNAs by developing synthetic RNA and vector‐based RNA is attracting attention. Here, we studied the effect of BMP2 and miR‐424 on the osteogenesis of Wharton’s jelly‐derived stem cells (WJSCs). For this purpose, human BMP2 and miR‐424 DNA codes were cloned in the third generation of lentiviral vectors and then used for HEK‐293T cell transfection. Lentiviral plasmids contained miR424, BMP‐2, miR424‐BMP2, green fluorescent protein (GFP) genes, and helper vectors. The recombinant lentiviral particles transduced the WJSCs, and the osteogenesis was evaluated by real‐time PCR, Western blot, Alizarin Red staining, and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity. According to the results, there was a significant increase in the expression of the BMP2 gene and secretion of Osteocalcin protein in the group of miR424‐BMP2. Moreover, the amount of dye deposition in Alizarin Red staining and alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly higher in the mentioned group (p < 0.05). Thus, the current study results clarify the efficacy of gene therapy by miR424‐BMP2 vectors for bone tissue engineering. These data could help guide the development of gene therapy‐based protocols for bone tissue engineering.
A Note on Derivative of Sine Series with Square Root
Authors: Kęska Sergiusz
Published: November 2021

Chaundy and Jolliffe proved that ifanis a nonnegative, nonincreasing real sequence, then series∑ansinnxconverges uniformly if and only ifnan⟶0. The purpose of this paper is to show that ifnanis nonincreasing andnan⟶0, then the seriesfx=∑ansinnxcan be differentiated term-by-term onc,dforc,d>0. However,f′0may not exist.
The Effect of Facilitating Conditions on Implementing A Regional Financial Management Information System (SIPKD) at Padang City Hall Goverment
Authors: Nurhikmah Nurhikmah , Ananda Febryandhie
Published: November 2021

The government is trying to realize the excellent service to the community by building information technology in finance or accounting in relation to the financial management area. The purpose of this study to determine the influence of facilitating conditions on implementing a regional financial management information system (SIPKD). This research was conducted at Padang City Hall government. One hundred questionnaires have sent to companies, and only 80 questionnaires can be used. The data collection techniques uses aquestionnaire prepared by using the UTAUT konstuk. Quantitative analysis techniques and simple linear regression analysis is used as a data analysis technique with the help of SPSS 25. The analysis shows the facilitating conditions positive influence on the implementing a regional financial management information system (SIPKD).
Smart Safe Deposit Box Based on Internet of Things
Authors: Romadhoni Mohamad Abdul Wahid , Majdi Naufal , Asri Purwidi
Published: November 2021

The development of Internet of Things technology today is overgrowing in various fields, one of which is security. Safe-deposit box system is considered less safe because there is no warning to the owner. This study proposes a safe deposit box system that has a token security feature based on the internet of things. This system uses a webcam that functions to take pictures automatically. The image is sent to the server via the FTP protocol. It has two levels of users, namely admin, and guest. This system has a warning alarm, and notifications feature that works when the safe door is opened by force. Keyword: internet of things, safe deposit box
Design of a Robotic Humanoid for Surveillance Application
Authors: Agbo David Odu , Enokela Jonathan A. , Nentawe Goshwe Y.
Published: November 2021

The evolution of robotics and their control systems have made the placement of arms, their motion, grasping of objects, as well as exploring their immediate environments a very important area of research. The electronic design and implementation of the humanoid which involves the keypad and graphical user interface (GUI) to track the movement of the humanoid robot as well as control the humanoid robot in performing the tasks of avoidance of obstacles and picking of objects is achieved. The system is made of two units: the remote controller unit and the humanoid control unit. The remote controller unit is of two types namely; the keypad and the GUI. The keypad uses the buttons to control or direct the humanoid while the GUI does the control using PC. The GUI has the additional function of viewing the picture taken by the humanoid, if the arrangement of an obstacle is not included among the sixteen obstacle avoidance algorithms considered. The humanoid control unit makes the humanoid walk and avoid obstacles autonomously. The simulation of robotic humanoid and hardware results also show that the hardware implementation can be embedded into the humanoid frame for surveillance applications
A Study on the Implementation of a Monitoring System to Solar-Powered Houses
Authors: Ignacio Aris , Soria Carmichael D.
Published: November 2021

The study involves the implementation of a solar power monitoring system to solar-powered houses to help owners keep watch and make preventive maintenances to respective solar power systems installed at home.
Usage of Inhaled Nitric Oxides in Cases of Eisenmenger Syndrome
Authors: Triastuti Nenny , Airlangga Muhammad Perdana , Anas Muhammad
Published: November 2021

Eisenmenger Syndrome is congenital heart disease with pulmonary hypertension and shunting turning from right to left. The resistance of pulmonary vascular more than 7.5 mmHg/L/min. The right ventricle and pulmonary artery always enlarge. Physiological effects of inhaled nitric oxide therapy cause selective pulmonary vasodilation: Hypoxia alveoli causes reversible vasoconstriction, thereby increasing pulmonary wedge pressure. Inhaled nitric oxide can lower it. Moderate cardiac output and systematic arterial pressure are not affected; Selective in pulmonary because it is activated by hemoglobin; Selective vasodilation in the ventilated area, local hypoxia alveoli constricts the surrounding vascular tissue and redistributes blood flow to the ventilated lungs better and higher intraalveolar oxygen pressure. Inhaled nitric oxide enhances this mechanism by increasing blood flow through a well-ventilated lung; Bronchodilators; Pulmonary surfactant, The combination of high concentrations of inspired oxygen and high concentrations of Inhaled nitric oxide reduces the minimum surfactant surface tension.
Pengaruh Persepsi dan Minat Masyarakat Yogyakarta Terhadap Sikap Masyarakat dalam Wakaf
Authors: Mahendra Taufik Riza
Published: November 2021

Wakaf dalam peranannya di Indonesia memiliki potensi dan peranan terhadap pemberdayaan ekonomi kerakyataan Indonesia yang perlu terus dikembangkan. Sehingga, tujuan penelitian ini ialah untuk memberikan pengetahuan perkembangkan wakaf yang didasarkan pada analisis persepsi, minat, dan sikap masyarakat dalam berwakaf. Responden yang digunakan oleh peneliti berjumlah 60 masyarakat muslim Yogyakarta. Teknik analisi yang digunakan dalam penelitian adalah analisis deskriptif. Dari hasil penelitian, menunjukan adanya pengaruh persepsi dan minat terhadap sikap masyarakat Yogyakarta dalam berwakaf.
Pengaruh Bauran Pemasaran terhadap Keputusan Pembelian di Waserba Koperasi SESKO TNI Bandung
Authors: Dewi Wiwi Warsiati , Sudrartono Tiris , Sari Fitri Puspita
Published: November 2021

Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui bauran pemasaran di koperasi waserba sesko TNI Bandung. untuk mengetahui Keputusan pembelian, untuk mengetahui seberapa besar pengaruh Bauran Pemasaran  terhadap keputusan pembelian, untuk mengetahui kendala yang ada dalam bauran Pemasaran dan untuk mengetahui upaya apa yang dilakukuan perusahaan dalam mengatasi kendala Bauran Pemasaran di Waserba Kopaerasi Sesko TNI Bandung.

Teknik Pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah dengan memyebarkan Koesioner (angket) dengan 27 buah pertanyaan dan 82 responden dari sampel penelitian. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kuantitatifs deskriptif, teknik analisis yang digunakan adalah teknik analisis Person Product Moment dengan pengolahan data menggunakan SPSS V 25.

Hasil peneltian menunjukkan bahwa  adanya pengaruh bauran Pemasaran   terhadap  keputusan Pembelian di waserab Koperasi sesko TNI, Kota Bandung sebesar R 0,967 % yang terlihat pada R Sguare dan sisanya 6,5 % dipengaruhi oleh faktor lain yang tidak diteliti oleh penulis dengan tingkat Korelasi sedang.

Penulis menyimpulkan bahwa perusahan sudah cukup baik dalam melakukan pemasaran sebagai cara untuk dapat mempengaruhi keputusan pembelian terhadap produk perusahaan akan tetapi selama penulis meneliti adanya produk yang kurang variatif karena dibatasi oleh ruangan yang terbatas. Saran penulis diharapkan perusahaan lebih meluaskan tempat agar bisa menambah produk agar lebih variatif lagi.
Mental health, substance use disorder, and opioid uses disorder: updates and strategies for treatment
Authors: Owens Rebecca , Smalling Maxine , Fitzpatrick Joyce
Published: November 2021

Objective: to describe the main strategies to deal with gaps in the identification, treatment and training regarding substance use disorder (SUD), and opioid uses disorder (OUD). Method: this is a narrative review, based on recent articles and publications on mental health and substance use recognized internationally. Results: a prevalence of co-occurring substance use and mental health/psychiatric disorders continue to rise and are considered complex problems, with multifaceted treatment challenges including medical conditions, disabilities, homelessness, medication noncompliance, and high relapse rates. The treatment for SUD and OUD are complex. The co-occurrence of these two disorders require a multifaceted approach for the diagnosis and treatment. Conclusion: the prevalence of SUD, OUD and their co-occurrence continue to rise and nurses and other health professionals should be prepared to diagnose, treat and/or refer users to assure their adequate care and long term recovery.
Restoration of the genus Hampsonascia Volynkin (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini) with descriptions of five new species
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , ČERNÝ KAREL
Published: November 2021

The genus Hampsonascia Volynkin, 2019 is restored from the synonymy with the genus Sesapa Walker, 1854 and subdivided into two species-groups. Five new species are described: H. thaifascia sp. n. (N Thailand), H. phukha sp. n. (N Thailand), H. vanlanga sp. n. (N Vietnam), H. saldaitisi sp. n. (С Vietnam) and H. aulaca sp. n. (N Vietnam). A new combination is established: Hampsonascia dentifascia (Hampson, 1894), comb. nov. Adults together with male and female genitalia are illustrated.
Intraoperative Methadone Reduces Postoperative Opioid Requirements in Nuss Procedure for Pectus Excavatum
Authors: Froehling Nadia M. , Martin James A. , Miles M. Victoria P. , Wilson Andrew W. , Byers Brynn , LeMaster David , Salazar Óscar , Bhattacharya S. Dave , Smith Lisa A.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Surgical correction of pectus excavatum by Nuss procedure, commonly referred to as minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE), often results in significant postoperative pain. This study investigated whether adding intraoperative methadone would reduce the postoperative opioid requirement during admission for patients undergoing MIRPE.

Methods

A retrospective cohort chart review was conducted for 40 MIRPE patients between 2018 and 2020. Patients were stratified into 2 groups: those who received multimodal anesthesia (MM, n = 20) and those who received multimodal anesthesia with the addition of intraoperative methadone (MM + M, n = 20). Data collected included total opioid consumption during hospital stay (morphine milligram equivalents [MMEs]), hospital length of stay (LOS), pain scores, time to ambulation, and time to tolerating solid food.

Results

Addition of intraoperative methadone for patients undergoing MIRPE significantly reduced postoperative opioid requirements (MME/kg) during admission ( P = .007). On average, patients in the MM group received 1.61 ± .55 MME/kg while patients in the MM + M group received 1.16 ± .44 MME/kg. Hospital opioid (non-methadone) total was also significantly reduced between the MM (1.87 ± .54) and MM + M group (1.37 ± .46), P = .003. There was no significant difference in hospital opioid total MME/kg administered between the groups. There were no significant differences observed in hospital LOS, pain scores, time to ambulation, or time to toleration of solid food.

Discussion

Incorporating intraoperative methadone for patients undergoing MIRPE reduced postoperative opioid requirements and hospital opioid (non-methadone) totals without a significant change in pain scores. Patients undergoing the Nuss procedure may benefit from the administration of intraoperative methadone.
Percutaneous Cholecystostomy Tubes versus Medical Management for Acute Cholecystitis
Authors: Cook Madeline D. , Karim Saleema A. , Jensen Hanna K. , Bennett Judy L. , Burdine Lyle J. , Bhavaraju Avi , Sexton Kevin W. , Kalkwarf Kyle J.
Published: November 2021

Background

Cholecystitis is one of the most common infections treated surgically in the United States. Surgical risk is prohibitive in some patients, leading to alternative therapeutic strategies, including medical management (antibiotics) with or without percutaneous cholecystostomy tube (PCT) drainage.

Materials and methods

Using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) National Readmission Database (NRD), we performed a retrospective review to compare medically managed patients with or without PCT placement by evaluating 60-day readmissions rates, health care costs, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Both study groups were matched using the Elixhauser comorbidity index, age, and sex. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed using STATA.

Results

776,766 patients were included in the analysis. The population receiving PCT placement was on average 16 years older (69.9 vs 53.6 years; P < .01), less likely to be female (40.7% vs 59.3%; P < .01), and had almost twice as many comorbidities (3.36 vs 1.81; P < .01) compared to the population receiving medical management. After matching our data to account for these incongruities, PCT patients were still 10.4 times more likely to be readmitted, had a 11.6% increase in the cost of care, and a 37.6% increase in LOS compared to those managed medically.

Discussion

Percutaneous cholecystostomy tube placement for cholecystitis is associated with a higher readmission rate, increased charges, and increased LOS compared to antibiotic therapy alone, even after correcting for age, sex, and comorbidities.
Fatigue resistance of ultra-high-modulus pitch-based carbon fiber/epoxy composites under tensile loading
Authors: Waller Matthew D , Bakis Charles E , Koudela Kevin L
Published: November 2021

Pitch-based carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites are used in specialized applications for their high-modulus and thermal conductivity; however, little data on their fatigue performance are available in the open literature. In this study, fatigue behaviors of ultra-high-modulus pitch-based carbon fiber and standard-modulus polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fiber were compared in woven quasi-isotropic epoxy matrix composites subject to uniaxial tension. It was found that the pitch fiber composite possessed higher normalized tensile fatigue strength and that its stress-life ( S-N) curve is less steep. Extrapolation suggests the pitch fiber composite is more fatigue-resistant in higher cycle regimes (specifically, N > 107). Cyclic loading of the pitch fiber composite resulted in minimal matrix damage, and the eventual fractures were localized and fiber-dominated for all stress levels. Cyclic loading of the PAN fiber composites resulted in widespread matrix cracking and delamination. The difference in fatigue behavior is attributed to the different strain levels attained at similar stress levels and the consequent difference in matrix damage development.
NEETs and the Process of Transition From School to the Labor Market: A Comparative Analysis of Italy, Romania, and Bulgaria
Authors: Caroleo Floro Ernesto , Rocca Antonella , Neagu Gabriela , Keranova Dilyana
Published: November 2021

The aim of this article is to identify the main mechanisms leading to the NEET status in Italy, Romania, and Bulgaria. It does so by highlighting the differences amongst them and verifying how place of residence effectively affects the connected propensity to this status after having controlled for many personal characteristics through a series of probit models. Furthermore, multiple correspondence analyses produce profound understanding of the NEET phenomenon and associated determinants. The results highlight the need to plan support actions tailored to specific NEET characteristics. Whilst the degree of urbanization impacts upon the NEET status throughout Romania and Bulgaria, Italy shows a strong divide between the North and the South. However, in all three countries there is a need to improve the education system and stimulate higher levels of education as the main measure of NEET prevention.
Granulocytosis, a Paraneoplastic Syndrome Associated With Non-Glandular Squamous Cell Carcinomas (NGSCC) in the Tg.rasH2 Studies
Authors: Paranjpe Madhav , Mann Peter , Denton Melissa
Published: November 2021

Non-glandular squamous cell carcinoma (NGSCC) is an extremely rare tumor in Tg.raH2 mice. There have been 5 NGSCC in 1615 control male mice (0.31%) and 2 NGSCC in 1560 control female mice (0.13%) on 26-week carcinogenicity studies, with a range of 0 to 1 of per group per sex in each study without statistical significance in 52 male and 51 female studies conducted in Tg.rasH2 mice. Every case of NGSCC was accompanied by profound granulocytosis.
The Visibility of Sound: Acoustic Archaeology in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Authors: Nash, PhD, RPA Carole L.
Published: November 2021

Waterfalls are documented among Indigenous peoples as settings for the intergenerational transfer of knowledge and locations sacred to life transitions. Eastern Woodlands ethnographic literature identifies waterfalls as places where life emerges in the presence of danger, requiring the acknowledgement of those who travel near them. In the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, ceramic-bearing Middle and Late Woodland sites near named waterfalls are associated with small sites located outside the topographic parameters of modeled site locations and containing non-local or unique objects. Sound mapping with calibrated decibel meters, survey-grade GPS, and inverse distance weighted interpolation demonstrate a correspondence between the location of the small sites and natural sound magnification. The small sites and the deposited objects may represent the offerings of travelers made aware of the sacred/dangerous place by the sound of the waterfall. Acoustic archaeology is introduced as a practice that takes into consideration sensory experience as central to place identity.
Lower cerebral oxygen utilization is associated with Alzheimer’s disease-related neurodegeneration and poorer cognitive performance among apolipoprotein E ε4 carriers
Authors: Robb W Hudson , Khan Omair A , Ahmed Humza A , Li Judy , Moore Elizabeth E , Cambronero Francis E , Pechman Kimberly R , Liu Dandan , Gifford Katherine A , Landman Bennett A , Donahue Manus J , Hohman Timothy J , Jefferson Angela L
Published: November 2021

Oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) are markers of cerebral oxygen homeostasis and metabolism that may offer insights into abnormal changes in brain aging. The present study cross-sectionally related OEF and CMRO2 to cognitive performance and structural neuroimaging variables among older adults (n = 246, 74 ± 7 years, 37% female) and tested whether apolipoprotein E ( APOE)-ε4 status modified these associations. Main effects of OEF and CMRO2 were null (p-values >0.06), and OEF interactions with APOE-ε4 status on cognitive and structural imaging outcomes were null (p-values >0.06). However, CMRO2 interacted with APOE-ε4 status on language (p = 0.002), executive function (p = 0.03), visuospatial (p = 0.005), and episodic memory performances (p = 0.03), and on hippocampal (p = 0.006) and inferior lateral ventricle volumes (p = 0.02). In stratified analyses, lower oxygen metabolism related to worse language (p = 0.02) and episodic memory performance (p = 0.03) among APOE-ε4 carriers only. Associations between CMRO2 and cognitive performance were primarily driven by APOE-ε4 carriers with existing cognitive impairment. Congruence across language and episodic memory results as well as hippocampal and inferior lateral ventricle volume findings suggest that APOE-ε4 may interact with cerebral oxygen metabolism in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegeneration.
A Value-of-Information Framework for Personalizing the Timing of Surveillance Testing
Authors: Bansal Aasthaa , Heagerty Patrick J. , Inoue Lurdes Y. T. , Veenstra David L. , Wolock Charles J. , Basu Anirban
Published: November 2021

Background

Patient surveillance using repeated biomarker measurements presents an opportunity to detect and treat disease progression early. Frequent surveillance testing using biomarkers is recommended and routinely conducted in several diseases, including cancer and diabetes. However, frequent testing involves tradeoffs. Although surveillance tests provide information about current disease status, the complications and costs of frequent tests may not be justified for patients who are at low risk of progression. Predictions based on patients’ earlier biomarker values may be used to inform decision making; however, predictions are uncertain, leading to decision uncertainty.

Methods

We propose the Personalized Risk-Adaptive Surveillance (PRAISE) framework, a novel method for embedding predictions into a value-of-information (VOI) framework to account for the cost of uncertainty over time and determine the time point at which collection of biomarker data would be most valuable. The proposed sequential decision-making framework is innovative in that it leverages the patient’s longitudinal history, considers individual benefits and harms, and allows for dynamic tailoring of surveillance intervals by considering the uncertainty in current information and estimating the probability that new information may change treatment decisions, as well as the impact of this change on patient outcomes.

Results

When applied to data from cystic fibrosis patients, PRAISE lowers costs by allowing some patients to skip a visit, compared to an “always test” strategy. It does so without compromising expected survival, by recommending less frequent testing among those who are unlikely to be treated at the skipped time point.

Conclusions

A VOI-based approach to patient monitoring is feasible and could be applied to several diseases to develop more cost-effective and personalized strategies for ongoing patient care.

Highlights

In many patient-monitoring settings, the complications and costs of frequent tests are not justified for patients who are at low risk of disease progression. Predictions based on patient history may be used to individualize the timing of patient visits based on evolving risk. We propose Personalized Risk-Adaptive Surveillance (PRAISE), a novel method for personalizing the timing of surveillance testing, where prediction modeling projects the disease trajectory and a value-of-information (VOI)–based pragmatic decision-theoretic framework quantifies patient- and time-specific benefit-harm tradeoffs. A VOI-based approach to patient monitoring could be applied to several diseases to develop more personalized and cost-effective strategies for ongoing patient care.
How Does Ride-Hailing Influence Individual Mode Choice? An Examination Using Longitudinal Trip Data from the Seattle Region
Authors: Wang Yiyuan , Moudon Anne Vernez , Shen Qing
Published: November 2021

This study investigates the impacts of ride-hailing, which we define as mobility services consisting of both conventional taxis and app-based services offered by transportation network companies, on individual mode choice. We examine whether ride-hailing substitutes for or complements travel by driving, public transit, or walking and biking. The study overcomes some of the limitations of convenience samples or cross-sectional surveys used in past research by employing a longitudinal dataset of individual travel behavior and socio-demographic information. The data include three waves of travel log data collected between 2012 and 2018 in transit-rich areas of the Seattle region. We conducted individual-level panel data modeling, estimating independently pooled models and fixed-effect models of average daily trip count and duration for each mode, while controlling for various factors that affect travel behavior. The results provide evidence of substitution effects of ride-hailing on driving. We found that cross-sectionally, participants who used more ride-hailing tended to drive less, and that longitudinally, an increase in ride-hailing usage was associated with fewer driving trips. No significant associations were found between ride-hailing and public transit usage or walking and biking. Based on detailed travel data of a large population in a major U.S. metropolitan area, the study highlights the value of collecting and analyzing longitudinal data to understand the impacts of new mobility services.
COVID-19's Impact on Probation Professionals’ Views About Their Roles and the Future of Probation
Authors: Martin Kelli D. , Zettler Haley R.
Published: November 2021

In 2020, the COVID-19 global pandemic forced probation departments to change their practices overnight. The phenomenon presented many challenges for probation departments but also opened avenues for innovation and changes in attitudes toward supervision practices. We surveyed adult and juvenile probation departments in the entire state of Texas, specifically targeting management and supervisory personnel, officers with caseloads, including court officers, and information technology personnel ( N = 1,353). Our goals of this research included not only obtaining information about operational changes made because of the pandemic but also gauging attitudes toward these changes and the future of probation. We understood operational changes were inevitable, thus findings of significant operational changes were not surprising. We found that probation personnel were open to changes in operational procedures and that the pandemic spurred innovation and widespread acceptance in the use of technology for a variety of activities going forward that may not have been accepted prior to the pandemic.
Economic globalization and energy consumption patterns in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development economies
Authors: Padhan Hemachandra , Sahu Santosh Kumar , Dash Umakant
Published: November 2021

This study examines the impact of economic globalization on the patterns of energy consumption for 24 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) economies from 1995 to 2015. We employ Westerlund cointegration, which shows a long-run association between economic globalization and energy consumption patterns. Furthermore, cross-sectional autoregressive distributed lag models (CS-ARDL) results explain the short-run and long-run relationship between the series. The results further explain that economic globalization reduces oil and coal consumption while accelerating gas consumption in OECD economies. We additionally employ the Eberhardt augmented mean group test to verify consistency with CS-ARDL results. The empirical evidence of this study suggests that OECD economies’ policymakers should prioritize economic globalization in framing policies related to energy consumption. Furthermore, allocating funds for better technology related to high polluting fuels should be one of the crucial considerations arising from this study. Finally, we recommend economic globalization as an important indicator to address the issues related to OECD economics’ environmental and ecological footprints.
Quality prescribing in early psychosis: key pharmacotherapy principles
Authors: Scott James G , McKeon Gemma , Malacova Eva , Curtis Jackie , Burgher Bjorn , Macmillan Iain , Thompson Andrew , Parker Stephen D
Published: November 2021

Objective:

To present a practical, easy-to-implement clinical framework designed to support evidence-based quality prescribing for people with early psychosis.

Method:

Identification and explanation of key principles relating to evidence-based pharmacotherapy for people with early psychosis. These were derived from the literature, practice guidelines and clinical experience.

Results:

Key principles include (1) medication choice informed by adverse effects; (2) metabolic monitoring at baseline and at regular intervals; (3) comprehensive and regular medication risk–benefit assessment and psychoeducation; (4) early consideration of long-acting injectable formulations (preferably driven by informed patient choice); (5) identification and treatment of comorbid mood disorders and (6) early consideration of clozapine when treatment refractory criteria are met.

Conclusions:

Current prescribing practices do not align with the well-established evidence for quality pharmacotherapy in early psychosis. Adopting evidence-based prescribing practices for people with early psychosis will improve outcomes.