bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional evaluation of bracket placement accuracy and excess bonding adhesive depending on indirect bonding technique and bracket geometry: an in-vitro study
Authors: Möhlhenrich Stephan Christian , Alexandridis Constantin , Peters Florian , Kniha Kristian , Modabber Ali , Danesh Golamreza , Fritz Ulrike
Published: August 2020

Background

This study aimed at comparing bracket placement and excess bonding adhesive depending on different indirect bonding (IDB) techniques and bracket geometries.

Methods

Four hundred eighty brackets without hook (WOH) and 360 with hook (WH) were placed on 60 plaster models. Three IDB techniques were tested: polyvinyl-siloxane vacuum-form (PVS-VF), polyvinyl-siloxane putty (PVS-putty), and translucence double-polyvinyl-siloxane (double-PVS). PVS-VF and PVS-putty were combined with chemically, and double-PVS was combined with light cured bonding adhesive. Virtual images of models before and after bracket transfer were generated, and computerized images were compared. Linear, angular deviations, and excess bonding adhesive were measured.

Results

Linear differences between the three groups were obtained for PVS-VF (WH: 1.08, SD 0.50 mm; WOH: 0.86, SD 0.25 mm), PVS-putty (WH: 0.73, SD 0.51 mm; WOH: 0.58, SD 0.28 mm), and double-PVS (WH: 0.65, SD 0.45 mm; WOH: 0.59, SD 0.33 mm) (P < 0.001). Hooks affected bracket placement accuracy in PVS-VF (P < 0.001) and PVS-putty (P = 0.029). Angular differences were observed for brackets WOH between the PVS-VF (0.64, SD 0.48°) and double-PVS group (0.92, SD 0.76°) (P < 0.001) and within double-PVS group (WH: 0.66, SD 0.51° vs. WOH: 0.92, SD 0.76°, P < 0.001). Highest amount of excess adhesive was obtained for PVS-putty group (WH: 6.54, SD 5.31 mm 2).

Conclusions

The double-PVS group revealed promising results with respect to transfer accuracy, whereas the PVS-VF group provided least excess bonding adhesive. Basically, hooks lead to lower precision and higher excess bonding adhesive. PVS trays for IDB generate high bracket placement accuracy. PVS-putty is the easiest to handle with and also the cheapest, but leads to large excess bonding adhesive, especially in combination with hooked brackets or tubes.
Time trend of mediastinal lymph node dissection in stage IA non-small cell lung cancer patient who undergo lobectomy: a retrospective study of surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database
Authors: Pan Liang , Mo Ran , Zhu Linhai , Yu Wenfeng , Lv Wang , Hu Jian
Published: August 2020

Background

Although lobectomy with mediastinal lymph node dissection (MLND) is the first option for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, the time trends of MLND in stage IA NSCLC patients who undergo a lobectomy are not clear still.

Methods

We included stage IA NSCLC patients who underwent lobectomy or lobectomy with MLND between 2003 and 2013 in the SEER database. The time trend of MLND was compared among patients who underwent a lobectomy.

Results

For stage T1a patients, the lobectomy group and lobectomy with MLND group had no differences in postoperative overall survival (OS) (P = 0.34) or lung-cancer specific survival (LCSS) (P = 0.18) between 2003 and 2013. For stage T1b patients, the OS (P = 0.01) and LCSS (P = 0.01) were different between the lobectomy group and the lobectomy with MLND group in the period from 2003 to 2009; however, only OS (P = 0.04), not LCSS (P = 0.14), was different between the lobectomy group and the lobectomy with MLND group between 2009 and 2013. For T1c patients, the OS (P = 0.01) and LCSS (P = 0.02) were different between the two groups between 2003 and 2009 but not between 2009 and 2013 (P = 0.60; P = 0.39). From the Cox regression analysis, we found that the factors affecting OS/LCSS in T1b and T1c patients were age, sex, year of diagnosis, histology, and grade, in which year of diagnosis was the obvious factor (HR = 0.79, CI = 0.71–0.87; HR = 0.73, CI = 0.64–0.84).

Conclusions

There was a time trend in prognosis differences between the lobectomy group and lobectomy with MLND group for T1b and T1c stage NSCLC patients.
Recent advance in treatment of osteoarthritis by bioactive components from herbal medicine
Authors: Li Xu-zhao , Zhang Shuai-nan
Published: August 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic articular degenerative disease, and characterized by articular cartilage degradation, synovial inflammation/immunity, and subchondral bone lesion, etc. The disease affects 2–6% of the population around the world, and its prevalence rises with age and exceeds 40% in people over 70. Recently, increasing interest has been devoted to the treatment or prevention of OA by herbal medicines. In this paper, the herbal compounds with anti-OA activities were reviewed, and the cheminformatics tools were used to predict their drug-likeness properties and pharmacokinetic parameters. A total of 43 herbal compounds were analyzed, which mainly target the damaged joints (e.g. cartilage, subchondral bone, and synovium, etc.) and circulatory system to improve the pathogenesis of OA. Through cheminformatics analysis, over half of these compounds have good drug-likeness properties, and the pharmacokinetic behavior of these components still needs to be further optimized, which is conducive to the enhancement in their drug-likeness properties. Most of the compounds can be an alternative and valuable source for anti-OA drug discovery, which may be worthy of further investigation and development.
Correction to: Maximum emergency department overcrowding is correlated with occurrence of unexpected cardiac arrest
Authors: Kim June-sung , Bae Hyun-Jin , Sohn Chang Hwan , Cho Sung-Eun , Hwang Jeongeun , Kim Won Young , Kim Namkug , Seo Dong-Woo
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Developing a roadmap to improve trial delivery for under-served groups: results from a UK multi-stakeholder process
Authors: Witham Miles D. , Anderson Eleanor , Carroll Camille , Dark Paul M. , Down Kim , Hall Alistair S. , Knee Joanna , Maier Rebecca H. , Mountain Gail A. , Nestor Gary , Oliva Laurie , Prowse Sarah R. , Tortice Amanda , Wason James , Rochester Lynn ,   On behalf of the INCLUDE writing group
Published: August 2020

Background

Participants in clinical research studies often do not reflect the populations for which healthcare interventions are needed or will be used. Enhancing representation of under-served groups in clinical research is important to ensure that research findings are widely applicable. We describe a multicomponent workstream project to improve representation of under-served groups in clinical trials.

Methods

The project comprised three main strands: (1) a targeted scoping review of literature to identify previous work characterising under-served groups and barriers to inclusion, (2) surveys of professional stakeholders and participant representative groups involved in research delivery to refine these initial findings and identify examples of innovation and good practice and (3) a series of workshops bringing together key stakeholders from funding, design, delivery and participant groups to reach consensus on definitions, barriers and a strategic roadmap for future work. The work was commissioned by the UK National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network. Output from these strands was integrated by a steering committee to generate a series of goals, workstream plans and a strategic roadmap for future development work in this area.

Results

‘Under-served groups’ was identified and agreed by the stakeholder group as the preferred term. Three-quarters of stakeholders felt that a clear definition of under-served groups did not currently exist; definition was challenging and context-specific, but exemplar groups (e.g. those with language barriers or mental illness) were identified as under-served. Barriers to successful inclusion of under-served groups could be clustered into communication between research teams and participant groups; how trials are designed and delivered, differing agendas of research teams and participant groups; and lack of trust in the research process. Four key goals for future work were identified: building long-term relationships with under-served groups, developing training resources to improve design and delivery of trials for under-served groups, developing infrastructure and systems to support this work and working with funders, regulators and other stakeholders to remove barriers to inclusion.

Conclusions

The work of the INCLUDE group over the next 12 months will build on these findings by generating resources customised for different under-served groups to improve the representativeness of trial populations.
Correction to: Roles of microRNA-34a targeting SIRT1 in mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Zhang Fengyun , Cui Jinjin , Liu Xiaojing , Lv Bo , Liu Xinxin , Xie Zulong , Yu Bo
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Determinants of Technical Efficiency in Public Hospitals: The Case of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alatawi Ahmed D. , Niessen Louis W. , Khan Jahangir A. M.
Published: August 2020

Objective

In this study, we investigate the effect of the external environmental and institutional factors on the efficiency and the performance of the public hospitals affiliated to the Ministry of Health (MOH) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). We estimate the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of catchment populations that explain the demand for health services.

Methods

We apply descriptive analysis to explore what external factors (demographic and socioeconomic factors) can explain the observed differences in technical efficiency scores. We use Spearman’s rank correlation, multivariate Tobit regression and Two-part model to measure the impact of the explanatory variables (i.e. population density, nationality, gender, age groups, economic status, health status, medical interventions and geographic location) on the efficiency scores.

Results

The analysis shows that the external factors had a significant influence on efficiency scores. We find significant associations between hospitals efficiency scores and number of populations in the catchment area, percentage of children (0–5 years old), the prevalence of infectious diseases, and the number of prescriptions dispensed from hospital’s departments. Also, the scores significantly associate with the number of populations who faced financial hardships during medical treatments, and those received financial support from social administration. That indicates the hospitals that serve more patients in previous characteristics are relatively more technically efficient.

Conclusions

The environmental and institutional factors have a crucial effect on efficiency and performance in public hospitals. In these regards, we suggested improvement of health policies and planning in respect to hospital efficiency and resource allocation, which consider the different demographic, socioeconomic and health status of the catchment populations (e.g., population density, poverty, health indicators and services utilization). The MOH should pay more attention to ensure appropriate allocation mechanisms of health resources and improve utilization of health services among the target populations, for securing efficient and equitable health services.
Doppler evaluation of maternal vessels in normal gestation and threatened abortion in canines
Authors: Gaikwad Sandeep Mahadeo , Gulavane Sarita Ulhas , Kumbhar Umesh Balkrishna , Shelar Raju Ramrao , Chaudhari Ravindra Jayram , Ribeiro Ruth Ann
Published: August 2020

Background

Ultrasonographic monitoring of the pregnant bitch is an established routine in many veterinary clinics. In order to better assess foetal health and avoid pregnancy losses, Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of the pregnant uterus is the need of the day. Investigations on the dynamics of maternal and foetal blood flow using Doppler ultrasound have been conducted in multiple species recently and it is invisaged that it would be a reliable diagnostic tool in future in monitoring pregnancy. The present study was designed to compare Doppler parameters systolic peak velocity (SPV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), pulsatility index (PI) and resistivity index (RI) of the uteroplacental (UPA) and umbilical arteries (UA) measured during 40 to 50 and 51 to 60 days in normal gestation and threatened abortion in canines.

Results

In total 40 pregnant bitches with known history of breeding; irrespective of age and parity belonging to different breeds were classified into normal gestation (NG) and threatened abortion (TA). Bitches with the history of greenish black discharge or expulsion of one foetus were included in the abortion group and bitches with no such symptoms were included in the normal gestation group. End diastolic velocity of uteroplacental vessels decreased while PI and RI increased significantly with decrease in body weight in threatened abortion cases during 40 to 50 and 51 to 60 days of gestation in canines. Systolic peak velocity and EDV of umbilical arteries increased while PI decreased significantly with decrease in body weight during 40 to 50 days of gestation in canine threatened abortions.

Conclusions

Doppler evaluation of uteroplacental and umbilical arteries is recommended as a diagnostic tool to monitor high risk pregnancy during 40 to 50 and 51 to 60 days of gestation in canines.
Multiple carrier frequency offset compensation for cooperative HAPS IoT systems
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Wang Baocong , Li Xing , Liu Na , Ji Wenjuan , Li Xin
Published: August 2020

Due to the deployment flexibility and broad coverage capabilities, High Altitude Platform Station is an efficiency solution of communication access for underserved areas like remote areas. However, for some special scenarios, multiple platforms may need to collaborate to overcome the effects of terrain. But the interferences introduced by multiple carriers and access links may hinder the process and restrict its practicability. In order to eliminate these interferences, a proposal on multiple carrier frequency offsets (MCFO) compensation algorithm was provided in this paper. Furthermore, this paper analyzed the lower bound of bit error ratio (BER) for cooperative HAPS systems. Simulation was also carried out, and the results validate the correctness of our theoretical analysis results.
Multiplication operators on weighted Bloch spaces of the first Cartan domains
Authors: Jiang Zhi-jie
Published: August 2020

Let $\Re_{I}(m,n)$

ℜ
I

(
m
,
n
)
be the first Cartan domain. Motivated by some results of the multiplication operators on the holomorphic function spaces on the unit ball of ${\mathbb {C}}^{n}$

C
n

, we study multiplication operators on weighted Bloch spaces of the first Cartan domain and obtain some necessary or sufficient conditions for the boundedness and compactness in this paper.
A hybrid inertial algorithm for approximating solution of convex feasibility problems with applications
Authors: Chidume Charles E. , Kumam Poom , Adamu Abubakar
Published: August 2020

An inertial iterative algorithm for approximating a point in the set of zeros of a maximal monotone operator which is also a common fixed point of a countable family of relatively nonexpansive operators is studied. Strong convergence theorem is proved in a uniformly convex and uniformly smooth real Banach space. This theorem extends, generalizes and complements several recent important results. Furthermore, the theorem is applied to convex optimization problems and to J-fixed point problems. Finally, some numerical examples are presented to show the effect of the inertial term in the convergence of the sequence of the algorithm.
A new discrete pareto type (IV) model: theory, properties and applications
Authors: Ghosh Indranil
Published: August 2020

Discrete analogue of a continuous distribution (especially in the univariate domain) is not new in the literature. The work of discretizing continuous distributions begun with the paper by Nakagawa and Osaki (1975) to the best of the knowledge of the author. Since then several authors proposed discrete analogues of known continuous models. In this paper, we propose and study a discrete analogue of the continuous Pareto (type IV) distribution, namely the discrete Pareto (type IV) distribution (DPIV, henceforth, in short) that has three parameters. Its probability mass function can be approximately symmetric, right-skewed and left-skewed shapes, and the hazard rate function possesses decreasing and upside-down bathtub shapes. Also, the proposed discrete distribution can be under-, over- or equi- dispersion. The flexibility of the new discrete model is illustrated by means of three applications to real life data sets arising out of various domains affecting our life.
Life experiences associated with change in perpetration of domestic violence
Authors: Adhia Avanti , Lyons Vivian H. , Cohen-Cline Hannah , Rowhani-Rahbar Ali
Published: August 2020

Background

This study assessed whether several adult life experiences, including loss of support, loss of food security, loss of housing, and substance use cessation, are associated with change in domestic violence (DV) perpetration from early to later adulthood. Using 2015 to 2016 cross-sectional, self-report survey data from Medicaid enrollees in Oregon (N = 1620), we assessed change in DV perpetration from early adulthood (19–30 years) to later adulthood (≥ 31 years of age), cut points determined by existing survey questions. Multinomial logistic regression models were constructed to estimate the association between life experiences and physical DV perpetration using odds ratios (OR), adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, DV victimization, and childhood abuse, bullying, and social support.

Findings

Of the 20% of participants who perpetrated DV, 36% perpetrated DV in both early and later adulthood (persisters), 42% discontinued (desisters) and 22% began (late-onsetters) perpetration in later adulthood. Loss of support and loss of food security were both associated with change in DV perpetration (i.e., desistance or late onset of perpetration or both). Loss of support was associated with 9.5 times higher odds of being a desister (OR = 9.5, 95% CI = 1.1, 84.1) and 54.2 times higher odds of being a late-onsetter (OR = 54.2, 95% CI = 6.5, 450.8) of DV perpetration compared to persisters. Loss of food security was associated with 10.3 times higher odds of being a late-onsetter (OR = 10.3, 95% CI = 1.9, 55.4) of DV perpetration compared to persisters. In addition, substance use cessation was associated with 10.3 times higher odds of being a desister (OR = 10.3, 95% CI = 1.9, 56.2) compared to persisters.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that specific life experiences in adulthood, including loss of support, loss of food security, and substance use cessation, are associated with changes in DV perpetration.
Unilateral morning glory disc anomaly in a patient with prenatal Zika virus exposure
Authors: Muns Sofía M. , González Mónica P. , Villegas Victor M. , de la Vega Gabriela , Ventura Camila V. , Berrocal Audina M.
Published: August 2020

Background

To report a case of morning glory disc anomaly (MGDA) in a pediatric patient with prenatal Zika virus (ZIKV) exposure.

Case presentation

A 3-year-old male with prenatal exposure to ZIKV, confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction testing during the second trimester of pregnancy, was evaluated due to visual loss. Physical examination was remarkable for unilateral MGDA. Neuroimaging showed a base of skull encephalocele through the floor of the sella and callosal dysgenesis.

Conclusions

This is the first report to suggest an association between prenatal ZIKV exposure and MGDA. Prenatal ZIKV exposure may be associated to a wider pathologic spectrum than previously reported.
Association between polymorphisms in mannose-binding lectin 2 gene with pulmonary tuberculosis susceptibility
Authors: Shen Wenhao , Xiao Li , Li Yang , Zhou Daming , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2020

Background

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL2) is considered to play a role in the human innate immune response to tuberculosis (TB) infections, and 4 common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may be associated with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) risk. To examine these potential associations, we performed a comprehensive analysis to assess the relationships betweenMBL2polymorphisms and PTB.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, and SinoMed databases were searched for articles published prior to June 13, 2019. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate the strength of the relationships.

Results

There were 37 case-control studies examining the effects of the four SNPs inMBL2on PTB. A positive association between rs11003125 and PTB risk was observed in the hospital-based subgroup. Moreover, for the combined polymorphism and PTB risk, positive associations were detected not only in the total population but also in those with Asian origins across all source of control subgroups. No associations were found for rs7096206 or rs7095891.

Conclusions

Our current study indicated that several SNPs inMBL2may be associated with susceptibility to PTB.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced inflammatory arthritis: a qualitative study identifying unmet patient needs and care gaps
Authors: Cappelli Laura C. , Grieb Suzanne M. , Shah Ami A. , Bingham Clifton O. , Orbai Ana-Maria
Published: August 2020

Background

Patients treated for cancer with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) may develop autoimmune adverse events, including ICI-induced inflammatory arthritis (IA). ICI-induced IA treatment requires balancing immune activation to fight cancer and immune modulation to control autoimmunity. Our objective was to learn how patients experience ICI-induced IA and potentially conflicting treatment decisions.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants with rheumatologist-diagnosed ICI-induced IA recruited from a longitudinal cohort. The interview guide probed the experience of diagnosis and treatment, symptoms and impact of ICI-induced IA, coping mechanisms, and treatment decision-making. Two researchers used an iterative coding process to identify themes through inductive thematic analysis and consensus. An overarching conceptual framework was derived from the qualitative analysis to identify care gaps perceived by patients, and inform future research.

Results

Fourteen patients with ICI-induced IA participated in semi-structured interviews. Five overarching themes were identified: an awareness gap leading to delay in diagnosis of IA, descriptors of ICI-induced IA and relationship to other adverse events, emotional and quality-of-life impact of IA, fear and decision-making, and contextual factors including social support.

Conclusions

As reported by patients, ICI-induced IA had a significant functional and emotional impact, even as compared to cancer and other ICI-induced side effects. Increasing awareness and integrated care of ICI-induced IA, and increasing social support are key targets for improving patient care. Additionally, more data on cancer outcomes in patients requiring immunomodulation for ICI-induced IA would help address fear and uncertainty for patients, and better support them through therapeutic decisions.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma among the pediatric patients in a non-endemic region: our experience at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Eastern India
Authors: Swain Santosh Kumar , Samal Smrutipragnya , Mohanty Jatindra Nath , Choudhury Jasahree
Published: August 2020

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an extremely rare malignant lesion among the pediatric age group. The relative rarity of pediatric NPC makes the diagnosis difficult. This rarity is often associated with delayed diagnosis which may lead to advanced loco-regional disease. Here, we study the clinical presentations, investigations, and treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the pediatric age group in a non-endemic region.

Result

This is a retrospective study where 21 pediatric patients were enrolled with age under 18 years. They were managed at a tertiary care teaching hospital between December 2010 and January 2019. Majority of the patients in this study were boys (66.7%). All children diagnosed with NPC were treated with radiotherapy covering entire nasopharynx and some children with chemotherapy. Until the patient is in a late stage, most children diagnosed with NPC were presenting with symptoms of neck mass (90.5%), bleeding from the nose (66.7%), nasal blockage (57.1%), and hearing loss (47.6%). Pathological report revealed WHO type III in the majority of the patients. All patients were treated with radiotherapy to primary and enlarged neck nodes.

Conclusion

Children with NPC have excellent survival except for those with distant metastatic disease. NPC in the pediatric age is usually not suspected clinically until patient in late stage. The TNM staging has the most relevant prognostic factor. Unfortunately, NPC tends to be locally advanced at the time of diagnosis in the pediatric age group and is sometimes associated with distant metastasis. In our study, most children were diagnosed with NPC along with neck node enlargement and were treated with radiotherapy. The diagnosis of pediatric NPC should prompt timely treatment.
Maintaining line of sight in oil and gas exploration: A case study from Mahakam Delta, Indonesia
Authors: Kunjan Balakrishnan , Ardjakusumah Witan , McDonald Kevin , Booth Hannah , Rouxel Seda , Christensen Asbjorn Norlund
Published: August 2020

In all exploration processes, the evaluation of basins, permits, and individual prospects changes over time with incremental availability and quality of data, technical effort expended, and knowledge gained. The NU prospect, located in the Mahakam Hilir PSC (East Kalimantan), is an example in which geologic chance of success (GCOS) predictions can change over time with increasing acquisition and availability of geophysical and geologic data and the studies done on them. We show how studies done on any one prospect or group of prospects can progressively increase/decrease the chance of at least one success in an exploration campaign of several wells. After a series of four wells was drilled in the PSC, which did not deliver commercial success, a change in approach was required to continue exploration. This included the acquisition of airborne gravity gradiometry data, initial trial prestack depth migration (PSDM) reprocessing of two key 1989 vintage 2D lines, acquisition of vintage well data from four Sambutan Field wells, acquisition of nine vintage 2D seismic lines over the field, and PSDM reprocessing of the nine 2D seismic lines. All data were then integrated to build a new geologic model. As a result, the NU prospect GCOS progressively moved from less than 10% to nearly 40%.
A new approach to petroelastic modeling of carbonate rocks using an extended pore-space stiffness method, with application to a carbonate reservoir in Central Luconia, Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Babasafari Amir Abbas , Bashir Yasir , Ghosh Deva Prasad , Salim Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed , Janjuhah Hammad Tariq , Kazemeini Sayed Hesammoddin , Kordi Masoumeh
Published: August 2020

Pore geometry plays an important role in the elastic response of carbonate rocks. Diagenetic processes in carbonate sediments generate a range of pore-type distributions. Hence, the petroelastic modeling (PEM) of carbonate rocks is more complex than for clastics. Petrophysical properties connect to elastic properties through PEM or, in general terms, rock-physics modeling. Pore types cause variation in P-wave velocity — up to 40% for a given porosity. A variety of pore types with different aspect ratios such as vuggy, moldic, interparticle, intraparticle, fracture, and crack makes the porosity-velocity relationship complex, and empirical models fail to handle it properly. We propose a new, easy-to-implement approach for PEM of carbonate rocks that leads to more accurate elastic properties estimation. It offers a novel PEM method that reduces the number of defined parameters and equations. In it, the Xu-Payne rock-physics modeling equations are replaced with an extended pore-space stiffness equation. Instead of including a pore's aspect ratio as is done when using the Xu-Payne inclusion model formulation, in our proposed technique only the appropriate value of pore-space stiffness for each pore type is considered, together with the corresponding volume fraction of pore types. However, parameters are optimized by calibrating the estimated elastic properties with corresponding information from well-log measurements. This inclusion model yields acceptable predictions of elastic properties at wells that do not have measured elastic logs. The method was tested using well data from a carbonate reservoir in Central Luconia, offshore Sarawak, Malaysia. Here, one well has a complete suite of log data needed to calibrate the model. The calibrated model was then used to predict the missing shear velocity log in the other well. Next, simultaneous elastic seismic inversion was performed on 3D seismic data covering the area of the carbonate reservoir, and elastic property volumes (acoustic impedance and VP/VS ratio) were estimated. From these results, a posterior probability distribution of stiff pore types was determined, which validated the outcome of this approach using a blind test.
Phase 3 Trial of a Small-volume Subcutaneous 6-Month Duration Leuprolide Acetate Treatment for Central Precocious Puberty
Authors: Klein Karen O , Freire Analía , Gryngarten Mirta Graciela , Kletter Gad B , Benson Matthew , Miller Bradley S , Dajani Tala S , Eugster Erica A , Mauras Nelly
Published: August 2020

Context

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHas) are standard of care for central precocious puberty (CPP). A 6-month subcutaneous injection has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Objective

Determine efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and safety of 6-month 45-mg subcutaneous leuprolide acetate for CPP.

Design

Phase 3 multicenter, open-label, single-arm study.

Setting

25 sites in 6 countries.

Subjects

64 GnRHa-naïve children with CPP (age: 7.5 ± 0.1 years) received study drug: 59 completed the study.

Intervention(s)

2 doses of 45-mg subcutaneous leuprolide acetate (0.375 mL) at 0 and 24 weeks; children were followed for 48 weeks.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Percentage of children with serum luteinizing hormone (LH) <4 IU/L 30 minutes following GnRHa stimulation at week 24.

Results

54/62 (87%) children achieved poststimulation LH <4 IU/L at week 24; 49/56 (88%) girls and 1/2 boys maintained peak LH <4 IU/L at week 48. Mean growth velocity decreased from 8.9 cm/year at week 4 to 6.0 cm/year at week 48. Mean bone age was advanced 3.0 years beyond chronological age at screening and 2.7 years at week 48. Breast pubertal stage regressed or was stable in 97% of girls and external genitalia development regressed in both boys. Adverse events were mild and did not cause treatment discontinuation.

Conclusions

A small volume of 45-mg subcutaneous leuprolide acetate administered at a 6-month interval effectively suppressed pubertal hormones and stopped or caused regression of pubertal progression. This long-acting GnRHa preparation of leuprolide acetate is a new, effective, and well-tolerated therapy for children with CPP.
Bilateral Adrenal Hemorrhage in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Frankel Meir , Feldman Itamar , Levine Michal , Frank Yigal , Bogot Naama R , Benjaminov Ofer , Kurd Ramzi , Breuer Gabriel S , Munter Gabriel
Published: August 2020

Context

Bilateral adrenal hemorrhage is a rare condition with potentially life-threatening consequences such as acute adrenal insufficiency. Early adrenal axis testing, as well as directed imaging, is crucial for immediate diagnosis and treatment. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with coagulopathy and thromboembolic events.

Case description

A 66-year-old woman presented with acute COVID-19 infection and primary adrenal insufficiency due to bilateral adrenal hemorrhage (BAH). She also had a renal vein thrombosis. Her past medical history revealed primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS). Four weeks after discharge she had no signs of COVID-19 infection and her polymerase chain reaction test for COVID-19 was negative, but she still needed glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement therapy. The combination of APLS and COVID-19 was probably responsible of the adrenal event as a “two-hit” mechanism.

Conclusions

COVID-19 infection is associated with coagulopathy and thromboembolic events, including BAH. Adrenal insufficiency is life threatening; therefore, we suggest that early adrenal axis testing for COVID-19 patients with clinical suspicion of adrenal insufficiency should be carried out.
Atypical Progeroid Syndrome and Partial Lipodystrophy Due to LMNA Gene p.R349W Mutation
Authors: Magno Silvia , Ceccarini Giovanni , Pelosini Caterina , Ferrari Federica , Prodam Flavia , Gilio Donatella , Maffei Margherita , Sessa Maria Rita , Barison Andrea , Ciccarone Annamaria , Emdin Michele , Aimaretti Gianluca , Santini Ferruccio
Published: August 2020

Atypical progeroid syndrome (APS) comprises heterogeneous disorders characterized by variable degrees of fat loss, metabolic alterations, and comorbidities that affect skeleton, muscles, and/or the heart. We describe 3 patients that were referred to our center for the suspicion of lipodystrophy. They had precocious aging traits such as short stature, mandibular hypoplasia, beaked nose, and partial alopecia manifesting around 10 to 15 years of age recurrently associated with: (1) partial lipodystrophy; (2) proteinuric nephropathy; (3) heart disease (rhythm disorders, valvular abnormalities, and cardiomyopathy); and (4) sensorineural hearing impairment. In all patients, genetic testing revealed a missense heterozygous lamin A/C gene (LMNA) mutation c.1045 C > T (p.Arg349Trp). Ten patients with LMNA p.R349W mutation have been reported so far, all presenting with similar features, which represent the key pathological hallmarks of this subtype of APS. The associated kidney and cardiac complications occurring in the natural history of the disease may reduce life expectancy. Therefore, in these patients a careful and periodic cardiac and kidney function evaluation is required.
Categorizing 10 Sports According to Bone and Soft Tissue Profiles in Adolescents
Authors: AGOSTINETE RICARDO RIBEIRO , FERNANDES ROMULO ARAÚJO , NARCISO PEDRO HENRIQUE , MAILLANE-VANEGAS SANTIAGO , WERNECK ANDRÉ OLIVEIRA , VLACHOPOULOS DIMITRIS
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Considering the different loading and training characteristics of the sports practiced during growth, it is important to specify and categorize the bone and soft tissue adaptations in adolescent athletes. This study aimed to categorize 10 different loading sports and a nonsport group and identify the differences in bone density and soft tissues.

Methods

The sample included 625 adolescents (10 to 17 yr of age) of 10 sports (soccer, basketball, volleyball, track and field, judo, karate, kung fu, gymnastics, baseball, and swimming) and a nonsport group. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry assessed areal bone mineral density (aBMD), bone mineral apparent density (BMAD), and soft tissues (lean soft tissue and fat mass). The results were adjusted for sex, peak height velocity status, lean soft tissue, fat mass, and weekly training volume.

Results

The comparisons among groups showed that soccer had the highest whole-body aBMD (mean ± SEM: 1.082 ± 0.007 g·cm−2) and lower limb aBMD (1.302 ± 0.010 g·cm−2). Gymnastics presented the highest upper limb aBMD (0.868 ± 0.012 g·cm−2) and whole-body BMAD (0.094 ± 0.001 g·cm−3). Swimming presented the lowest aBMD values in all skeletal sites (except at the upper limbs) and whole-body BMAD. The soft tissue comparisons showed that soccer players had the highest lean soft tissue (43.8 ± 0.7 kg). The lowest fat mass was found in gymnasts (8.04 ± 1.0 kg).

Conclusion

The present study investigated and categorized for the first time 10 different sports according to bone density and soft tissue profiles. Soccer and gymnastics sport groups were found to have the highest bone density in most body segments, and both sports were among the groups with the lowest fat mass.
Ischemic Preconditioning Blunts Loss of Knee Extensor Torque Complexity with Fatigue
Authors: PETHICK JAMIE , CASSELTON CHARLOTTE , WINTER SAMANTHA L. , BURNLEY MARK
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Neuromuscular fatigue reduces the temporal structure, or complexity, of muscle torque output, purportedly through an effect on motor unit behavior. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC), an emerging ergogenic aid, has been demonstrated to have a potent effect on muscular output and endurance. We therefore tested the hypothesis that IPC would attenuate the fatigue-induced loss of muscle torque complexity.

Methods

Ten healthy participants (6 males/4 females) performed intermittent isometric knee extension contractions (6 s contraction, 4 s rest) to task failure at 40% maximal voluntary contraction. Contractions were preceded by either IPC (three bouts of 5 min proximal thigh occlusion at 225 mm Hg, interspersed with 5 min rest) or SHAM (as IPC, but occlusion at only 20 mm Hg) treatments. Torque and EMG signals were sampled continuously. Complexity and fractal scaling were quantified using approximate entropy (ApEn) and the detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) α scaling exponent. Muscle oxygen consumption (mV˙O2) was determined using near-infrared spectroscopy.

Results

IPC increased time to task failure by 43% ± 13% (mean ± SEM, P = 0.047). Complexity decreased in both trials (decreased ApEn, increased DFA α; both P < 0.001), although the rate of decrease was significantly lower after IPC (ApEn, −0.2 ± 0.1 vs –0.4 ± 0.1, P = 0.013; DFA α, 0.2 ± 0.1 vs 0.3 ± 0.1, P = 0.037). Similarly, the rates of increase in EMG amplitude (P = 0.022) and mV˙O2 (P = 0.043) were significantly slower after IPC.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the ergogenic effect of IPC observed here is of neural origin and accounts for the slowing of the rates of change in torque complexity, EMG amplitude, and mV˙O2 as fatigue develops.
Operational Values of Radioactive Skin Contamination in the Case of Radiological Accident
Authors: Grachev M. , Salenko Yu. , Abramov Yu. , Frolov G. , Klochkov V. , Kukhta B. , Tesnov I.
Published: August 2020

Purpose: Development of recommendations on the use in medical practice of institutions under FMBA of Russia of operational values of radioactive skin contamination in the event of radiological accidents.

Material and methods: The easily measured radiation parameters were used as operational values: ambient dose equivalent rate (ADER) of γ-radiation, density of skin contamination with γ-, β- and α-emitting radionuclides. Operational values ​​of skin contamination were estimated on the basis of experimental data described in the literature and models on the kinetics of radioactive substances transport in the body, accepted values ​​of dose criteria for deterministic and stochastic effects. The estimation of radioactive material resorption through the skin was based on the results of experimental studies in laboratory animals (mainly piglets) for a limited set of chemical compounds of radionuclides.

Results: The values of γ-ADER of the main dose-forming radionuclides measured at a distance of 10 cm from the skin surface in the range of 10–1000 μSv/h and the possible health effects due to the skin exposure and the intake of radioactive substances into the body were presented. In the IAEA recommendations, the level of skin contamination at 1 µSv/h is considered as a significant operational value according to the criterion of radioactive substances intake through the mouth from the contaminated surface of the hands. However, in our opinion, this estimate is excessively conservative; therefore it is not included in the recommended operational values. If the skin is contaminated with γ-β-emitting radionuclide solutions at a surface contamination higher than 106 Bq/cm2 (ADER ≥1000 µSv/h), the out of turn emergency decontamination should be carried out. Obligatory indications for the whole body counter examination after thorough decontamination and conducting biophysical analysis of bioassay are the following operational values: γ-ADER from the skin > 10 µSv/h; surface contamination of intact skin with β-active radionuclides > 20 000 β-part./(cm2·min); surface contamination of intact skin with α-active radionuclides > 200 α-part./ (cm2·min).

Conclusion: The recommended operational values allow preliminarily and promptly to assess the health risk not only in the case of external (contact) exposure of the skin and underlying tissues, but also due to the intake of soluble radioactive substances into the body through intact and damaged (injured) skin. Taking into account the high degree of uncertainty of the estimates obtained, the operational values ​​should be considered as strictly conservative. They should be used only to determinate of urgency of decontamination carrying out for the provision of medical care during the prehospital and early hospital periods with the obligatory follow-up dosimetry examination for the final assessment of absorbed dose.
About of the Necessary of Corrections of the NRB-99/2009 and OSPORB-99/2010
Authors: Serebryakov B.
Published: August 2020

Purpose: The Basic Sanitary Rules (OSPORB-99/2010) and the Standards of Radiation Safety (NRB-99/2009) contain requirements on the treatment of radionuclide contaminated materials and waste, but non-radioactive substances and radioactive waste. The aim of this work is to develop recommendations for adjustment of OSPORB-99/2010 and NRB-99/2009 for radiation safety of current and future generations of people.

Results: Identified and justified by the shortcomings of NRB-99/2009 and OSPORB-99/2010 governing the treatment of materials and waste contaminated by radionuclides, but non-radioactive substances and radioactive waste, which can lead to overexposure of present and future generations of people. Developed and justified proposals for adjustments to NRB-99/2009 and OSPORB-99/2010.

Conclusions: It was proposed adjustment of NRB-99/2009 and OSPORB-99-2010:

in NRB-99/2009 it was proposed to delete from paragraph 5.3.4 the provisions regulating the use of materials for road construction;

in OSPORB-99/2010 the return to OSPORB-99 on establishment of the lower border of wastes and materials of limited use on total alpha and beta-activity is offered.
Examination of the Health Status of the Population in the Vicinity of the Nerpa Shipyard Involved in the Decommission and Dismantlement of the Nuclear Legacy Facility – FTB Lepse
Authors: Lyaginskaya A. , Shandala N. , Kiselev S. , Ermalitskiy A. , Isaev D. , Kuptsov V.
Published: August 2020

Purpose: Purpose of this report is to assess the health status of the residents of the town of Snezhnogorsk, located in the impact area of the shipyard (SRZ Nerpa) involved in the decommission and dismantlement of the floating technical base Lepse (PTB Lepse).

Material and method: The following parameters were assessed as public health indicators: total primary and chronic primary morbidity of adult and children population, child disability, reproductive health in terms of the status of pregnant women and newborns, general and child mortality. Annual external radiation background values were evaluated along with contents in soil and water of manmade radionuclides, such as 137Cs and 90Sr, and natural ones, such as 226Ra, 223Th, 40K and 235U.

Results: The health of the population of the town of Snezhnogorsk, being measured by incidence indicators and reproductive health, is lower than that in the country as a whole: the adult morbidity (667.7 ± 4.2 and 454.2 ± 19.8 per 1000 residents respectively) and child morbidity (3336.2 and 2052.3 ± 194.4 per 1000 residents respectively) is higher; the frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes (stillbirth, early neonatal fetal death, spontaneous abortions) is also higher – 86.2 ± 18.4 and 46.6 per 1000 residents respectively.

Conclusion: The main causes of the negative impact on the health of the population of the town of Snezhnogorsk are climatic and geographical conditions of the Kola Arctic and the presence of medium-light iodine deficiency (goiter endemia).
Forecast of Radiation Risks of the Population in the Contaminated 137Cs Territories of Russia, in Accordance with Current ICRP Recommendations
Authors: Menyajlo A. , Kashcheev V. , Pryakhin E. , Maksyutov M. , Tumanov K. , Ivanov V.
Published: August 2020

Purpose: Calculations of radiation detriment to the population currently living (in 2020) in the territories of Russia contaminated with 137Cs after the Chernobyl accident in 1986.

Material and methods: Radiation detriment was calculated in two ways: according to the original ICRP method, and approximate calculation as the product of the nominal risk factor of RSS-99/2009 by the effective dose (nominal radiation detriment). For ICRP calculations, equivalent doses were estimated using the dose coefficients of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The number of the studied population at the beginning of 2020 was 142676 people, 65205 men and 77471 women. This is mainly the population of the Bryansk region and Tula region, 85.5 % and 10 % of the total population, respectively. The average accumulated effective dose of the population was 30.6 mSv, and the maximum individual accumulated dose was 707 mSv.

Results: In 2020, for men at the age of 44 and for women at the age of 55, the nominal radiation detriment is approximately equal to the value of radiation detriment calculated using the ICRP method. At the same time, the nominal detriment is significantly (up to 2.3 times) underestimated for younger and overestimated for older ages. In 2020, the critical population groups with the highest accumulated doses and maximum radiation detriment are men aged 34 and women aged 35. For these population groups, the average accumulated effective doses were 35.3 mSv and 39.2 mSv, and the average radiation detriment was 2.6×10–3 and 4.2×10–3, for men and women, respectively. For 11.8 % of the population (8.3 % of men and 14.8 % of women), the individual radiation detriment calculated using the ICRP method exceeds the value of 3.5×10–3, which corresponds to the maximum increase in individual risk for the population over 70 years of exposure, established by RSS-99/2009 for normal exposure conditions. The maximum radiation detriment of 3.9×10–2 was found for a woman of the Krasnogorsky district of the Bryansk region at the age of 37 years, with an accumulated effective dose of 392 mSv.

Conclusion: The results of this work can be used in preparing recommendations to health authorities on improving medical supervision of exposured citizens living in areas contaminated with radionuclides, as well as in developing regulatory documents for the provision of targeted medical care to people from high radiation risk groups using personalized medicine methods.