bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Changes in Masticatory Performance as a Result of Wearing Removable Partial Dentures in Patients with Partially Edentulous Arches
Authors: Kikuchi Satsuki , Hasegawa Yoko , Salazar Simonne E. , Kaneda Koh , Yoneda Hiroyuki , Hori Kazuhiro , Ono Takahiro
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To measure masticatory performance (MP) in partially edentulous patients when wearing removable partial dentures (RPDs) versus when not wearing RPDs, and to identify factors that could enable clinical evaluations related to differences in MP.

Materials and methods

This study consisted of 87 partially edentulous patients (57 females, 30 males; mean age, 69.41 ± 8.85 years) categorized as Eichner classification B who habitually wore RPDs. MP was evaluated while wearing versus while not wearing RPDs using test gummy jellies. The participants were categorized into four groups by the presence of occlusal contacts in one to three of the molar and premolar regions (occlusal support), or in the anterior region only, according to the Eichner index (B1‐B4). The participants were also categorized according to the jaw on which the RPDs were worn and the Kennedy classification, and evaluated in regard to changes in MP resulting from wearing RPDs. Additionally, the rate of change in MP (MP‐rv) was calculated for each participant using MP when not wearing RPDs as a reference, and factors affecting MP‐rv were evaluated using single or multiple regression analysis and the Kruskal‐Wallis test with multiple comparisons.

Results

Significant increases in MP‐rv were observed for all participants and for those with occlusal support in two (p = 0.006) and three regions (p = 0.019); however, no significant differences were observed when wearing and not wearing RPDs in participants with (p = 0.090) and those without occlusal support in one region (p = 0.474). With respect to the jaw on which the RPDs were worn, only maxillary or both maxillary/mandibular RPDs tended to have higher MP‐rvs than did only mandibular jaws. The results of the multiple regression analysis showed that Kennedy Class I edentulous arches were a factor in increasing MP‐rv (standard partial regression coefficient = 0.46, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

According to the results of this study, among various factors on the degree of improvement in masticatory performance by wearing RPDs, bilateral missing posterior teeth might be a predictor for achieving clinical improvement.
Role of serological tests in the diagnosis of coeliac disease in children in New Zealand
Authors: Ho Shaun SC , Keenan Jacqueline I , Day Andrew S
Published: September 2020

Aim

To circumvent the need for an endoscopic biopsy to establish the diagnosis of coeliac disease (CD), the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) introduced a non‐biopsy pathway for selected children in 2012. This pathway was recently updated to utilise anti‐tissue transglutaminase IgA (anti‐TTG IgA), 10× upper limit of normal (ULN) and positive endomysial antibodies (EMA). This study focused on the retrospective application of these guidelines in children from two regions of New Zealand.

Methods

Children aged <18 years who had anti‐TTG IgA measured and underwent oesophagogastroduodenoscopy over a 30‐month period were identified retrospectively. Medical records were reviewed to determine whether patients subsequently had biopsy‐proven CD (Marsh ≥2).

Results

One hundred and thirty‐six children, with a mean age (±standard deviation) of 9.9 ± 4.2 years, fulfilled the study criteria and 101 (74%) of these children had positive anti‐TTG IgA. Eighty‐two of 136 (60%) children had biopsy‐proven CD. Positive anti‐TTG IgA and EMA were highly sensitive in diagnosing CD, 96.3 and 98.6%, respectively. Anti‐TTG‐IgA ≥10× ULN alone, and combined anti‐TTG IgA ≥10× ULN with positive EMA, both provided positive predictive values of 100% in diagnosing CD. Nineteen of 103 (18%) children could have been diagnosed with CD based on the ESPGHAN non‐biopsy criteria.

Conclusion

A proportion of New Zealand children with CD can potentially be diagnosed using the latest ESPGHAN non‐biopsy criteria. However, prospective studies are required to validate this conclusion.
Where are they now? An autism follow‐up study
Authors: McDonald Jenny , Milne Susan , Masi Anne , Zieba Jerzy , Eapen Valsamma
Published: September 2020

Aim

To explore the stability of diagnosis and the relationship between behavioural, adaptive and developmental skills in early to middle childhood in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods

Fifty‐four children recruited to the study were diagnosed with ASD before 42 months. Outcomes at follow‐up after a mean interval of 64 months were measured using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Vineland‐II adaptive scale and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children and parental survey data. Scores before school were compared with follow‐up data through descriptive, correlational and multiple regression analyses.

Results

ASD was confirmed in all children at follow‐up (mean age 10 years). Fifty‐eight percent of children were enrolled in a supported educational class or school and 42% were taking a psychotropic medication. Adaptive function improved significantly in 19% of children. Developmental and adaptive behavioural scores before school correlated with cognitive, behaviour and adaptive assessments at follow‐up.

Conclusion

At follow‐up, the diagnosis was confirmed in all children. The children showed gains in their adaptive skills but and many required ongoing educational and behavioural support. Early developmental and adaptive assessments reliably predicted later educational support needs, cognitive and adaptive function and are a useful component of a diagnostic assessment.
Therapeutic play to teach children with type 1 diabetes insulin self‐injection: A pilot trial in a developing country
Authors: La Banca Rebecca O. , Laffel Lori M. B. , Volkening Lisa K. , C. Sparapani Valéria , de Carvalho Emilia C. , Nascimento Lucila C.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Child participation in type 1 diabetes (T1D) self‐care is needed in developing countries due to a lack of resources, especially during the school day. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of a therapeutic play intervention (ITP) versus standard education (SE) on the ability of children with T1D to correctly perform insulin injection technique.

Design and Methods

Children with T1D (7–12 years) were recruited at two diabetes clinics in Brazil and randomized to ITP or SE. Registered nurses received protocol training to deliver the intervention and perform data collection. ITP group received an education that included a story about a child with T1D who self‐injects insulin at school; SE group received routine clinic‐based education. Preintervention, children were video‐recorded giving insulin injections to a doll; postintervention, children were rerecorded giving the doll an injection. The research team reviewed the videos and assessed the injection technique using validated checklists. Parents reported children's self‐injection practices at baseline and 30 days.

Results

Children (N = 20, 40% male) were 9.6 ± 1.3 years old and had T1D for 3.6 ± 2.3 years; HbA1c was 9.1 ± 2.0%; 20% of ITP and 50% of SE children used syringes (vs. pens) for injections. At baseline, 80% of both groups knew how to self‐inject; most were taught by a parent/relative. Injection technique scores were low in both groups; ITP group increased their scores significantly postintervention. Practices of self‐injection did not change in either group after 30 days.

Practice Implications

The play‐based intervention appeared to improve the injection technique in the short‐term. Pilot findings support the development of a larger trial to evaluate the effectiveness of ITP on educating children on insulin injections.
Preparation and characterization of kafirin‐quercetin film for packaging cod during cold storage
Authors: Lou Danlu , Tong Lu , Kang Xinzi , Yu Yimin , Zhang Jinjie , Lou Qiaoming , Huang Tao
Published: September 2020

This study mainly evaluated the physical properties of kafirin‐quercetin (KQ) edible films and their application on the quality of cod fillets during cold storage. The results showed that the addition of quercetin significantly increased mechanical properties of KQ films, while decreased water vapor permeability, water solubility, and transparency. As quercetin was 0.4% (wt/vol), the film had the highest tensile strength (4.96 ± 1.23 MPa), the lowest water vapor permeability (1.08 ± 0.09 g·mm·m−2·h·KPa−1) and water solubility (22.02 ± 0.45%). Moreover, compared with the pure kafirin and polythylene films, KQ films could effectively inhibit the cod meat deterioration by restraining the growth of microorganisms and decreasing TVB‐N and TBARs. The KQ0.4% film was the best to prolong the shelf life of cod fillets during cold storage. Therefore, KQ edible films could be used as a potential food packaging material to protect and retain the quality of aquatic products.
Efficacy of adding ramipril (VAsotop) to the combination of furosemide (Lasix) and pimobendan (VEtmedin) in dogs with mitral valve degeneration: TheVALVEtrial
Authors: Wess Gerhard , Kresken Jan‐Gerd , Wendt Ralph , Gaugele Juliane , Killich Markus , Keller Lisa , Simak Julia , Holler Peter , Bauer Alexander , Küchenhof Helmut , Glaus Tony
Published: September 2020

Background

Triple therapy (TT) consisting of furosemide, pimobendan, and an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) frequently is recommended for the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) attributable to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). However, the effect of adding an ACEI to the combination of pimobendan and furosemide (dual therapy [DT]) so far has not been evaluated prospectively.

Hypothesis

Triple therapy will extend survival time compared to DT in dogs with CHF secondary to MMVD.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs presented with the first episode of CHF caused by MMVD.

Methods

Prospective, single‐blinded, randomized multicenter study. One‐hundred and fifty‐eight dogs were recruited and prospectively randomized to receive either DT (furosemide and pimobendan) or TT (furosemide, pimobendan, and ramipril). The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiac death, euthanasia for heart failure, or treatment failure.

Results

Seventy‐seven dogs were randomized to receive DT and 79 to receive TT. Two dogs were excluded from analysis. The primary endpoint was reached by 136 dogs (87%; 66 dogs, DT; 70 dogs, TT). Median time to reach the primary endpoint for all dogs in the study was 214 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 168‐259 days). Median time to reach the primary endpoint was not significantly different between the DT group (227 days; interquartile range [IQR], 103‐636 days) compared with TT group (186 days; IQR, 72‐453 days;P= .42).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Addition of the ACEI ramipril to pimobendan and furosemide did not have any beneficial effect on survival time in dogs with CHF secondary to MMVD.
Recolonization patterns of benthic assemblages after relict sand dredging in the central Tyrrhenian sea
Authors: Loia Marco , La Valle Paola , Lattanzi Loretta , La Porta Barbara , Targusi Monica , Nicoletti Luisa
Published: September 2020

Recolonization patterns of benthic assemblages after relict sand dredging were investigated in an area offshore of Capo d’Anzio (central Tyrrhenian Sea). Surveys were performed before, during, and after dredging in 2007. Sampling stations were located within and outside the dredging site in water depths between 40 and 56 m. Defaunation due to sand extraction was the main impact observed in the inner stations and in stations located in proximity of the dredging site. At the inner stations, 9 months after dredging, a significant increase in species richness and diversity was observed: the sediment removal led to an increase of the sandy sediment fraction, favouring the settlement of sabulicolous species. A decrease in number of individuals and species was also observed in most of the outer stations, probably due to fine sediment redeposition. Recolonization of macrobenthic assemblages was essentially achieved at inner stations both in terms of abundance and species richness, while at outer stations it was still in progress. Results of this study, providing a picture of recovery times and processes in the Tyrrhenian Sea, could be used to develop predictions of the effects of future offshore sand dredging projects in comparable areas. Monitoring programs and research have a key role to provide a more detailed overview of biological recovery processes and times in different regions and with different dredging intensity.
Cardiac and lung endothelial cells in response to fluid shear stress on physiological matrix stiffness and composition
Authors: Bacci Cydnee , Wong Vanessa , Barahona Victor , Merna Nick
Published: September 2020

Objective

Preconditioning of endothelial cells from different vascular beds has potential value for re‐endothelialization and implantation of engineered tissues. Understanding how substrate stiffness and composition affects tissue‐specific cell response to shear stress will aid in successful endothelialization of engineered tissues. We developed a platform to test biomechanical and biochemical stimuli.

Methods

A novel polydimethylsiloxane‐based parallel plate flow chamber enabled application of laminar fluid shear stress of 2 dynes/cm2 for 12 hours to microvascular cardiac and lung endothelial cells cultured on cardiac and lung‐derived extracellular matrix. Optical imaging of cells was used to quantify cell changes in cell alignment. Analysis of integrin expression was performed using flow cytometry.

Results

Application of fluid shear stress caused the greatest cell alignment in cardiac endothelial cells seeded on polystyrene and lung endothelial cells on polydimethylsiloxane. This resulted in elongation of the lung endothelial cells. αv and β3 integrin expression decreased after application of shear stress in both cell types.

Conclusion

Substrate stiffness plays an important role in regulating tissue‐specific endothelial response to shear stress, which may be due to differences in their native microenvironments. Furthermore, cardiac and lung endothelial cell response to shear stress was significantly regulated by the type of coating used.
Unique regulator SrpR mediates crosstalk between efflux pumps TtgABC and SrpABC in Pseudomonas putida B6‐2 (DSM 28064)
Authors: Yao Xuemei , Tao Fei , Tang Hongzhi , Hu Haiyang , Wang Weiwei , Xu Ping
Published: September 2020

The coexistence of multiple homologous resistance‐nodulation‐division (RND) efflux pumps in bacteria is frequently described with overlapping substrate profiles. However, it is unclear how bacteria balance their transcription in response to the changing environment. Here, we characterized a repressor, SrpR, in Pseudomonas putida B6‐2 (DSM 28064), whose coding gene is adjacent to srpS that encodes the local repressor of the RND‐type efflux pump SrpABC gene cluster. SrpR was demonstrated as a specific repressor of another RND efflux pump gene cluster ttgABC that is locally repressed by TtgR. SrpR was found to be capable of binding to the ttgABC operator with a higher affinity (KD, 138.0 nM) compared to TtgR (KD, 15.4 μM). EMSA and β‐galactosidase assays were performed to survey possible effectors of SrpR with 35 available chemicals being tested. Only 2,3,4‐trichlorophenol was identified as an effector of SrpR. A regulation model was then proposed, representing a novel strategy for balancing the efflux systems with partially overlapping substrate profiles. This study highlights sophisticated interactions among the RND efflux pumps in a Pseudomonas strain, which may endow bacteria with certain advantages in a fluctuant environment.
Peliosanthes cupuliformis (Asparagaceae), a new species from central Laos
Authors: Averyanov Leonid V. , Tanaka Noriyuki , Nguyen Khang Sinh , Maisak Tatiana V.
Published: September 2020

We describe a new species, Peliosanthes cupuliformis, from central Laos with photographic illustrations and relevant taxonomic data. The species appears to be a local endemic confined to a karstic limestone area of Khammouane Province (Boualapha District). It is readily distinguishable from all other congeners by a suit of unique traits such as the dwarf habit, laterally revolute perianth segments, short truncate annular or cup‐shaped staminal corona, and broadly conoid pistil with a centrally slightly sunken stigma. Its relationship to P. divaricatanthera known from central Vietnam and Yunnan, China, is briefly discussed. A preliminary identification key to all the species of Peliosanthes so far known from Laos is also provided.
Clinical features and gastric myoelectrical activity in patients with idiopathic and post‐surgical rapid gastric emptying who present with unexplained chronic nausea
Authors: Wang Patty T. , Wellington Jennifer , Koch Kenneth L.
Published: September 2020

Background

The cause of chronic nausea can be difficult to diagnose. Idiopathic rapid gastric emptying (iRGE) can cause nausea, but limited literature exists on clinical and pathophysiological features. In contrast, dumping syndrome or post‐surgical rapid gastric emptying (psRGE) is well‐known and may present with early phase vasomotor symptoms, diarrhea, and late phase reactive hypoglycemia. Our aim is to compare clinical and gastric motility characteristics in patients with iRGE and psRGE and unexplained chronic nausea.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on patients with unexplained chronic nausea and RGE (<30% retention of a standard isotope‐labeled solid meal at 1‐h). Gastric myoelectrical activity (GMA) was recorded during water load satiety tests (WLST) using validated electrogastrogram (EGG) recording methods.

Key Results

Thirty iRGE and sixteen psRGE patients with unexplained chronic nausea were identified; average 1‐hour meal retention was 18.6% and 16.2%, respectively. Nausea, bloating, early satiety, and bowel function were similar in the two groups; fewer iRGE patients had abdominal pain and none had vasomotor symptoms. Normal 3 cpm GMA was recorded in 44% of iRGE vs 29% of psRGE, tachygastria in 13% vs 43%, bradygastria in 25% vs 14%, and mixed in 19% vs 14% (pvalues >0.05). Abnormal WLST volume (<300 ml) was found in 69% of iRGE and 43% of psRGE (p = 0.36).

Conclusions & Inferences

(a) iRGE and psRGE patients may present with unexplained chronic nausea rather than classic vasomotor symptoms and diarrhea. (b) iRGE and psRGE patients had similar gastric dysrhythmias and accommodation dysfunction, which may contribute to RGE.
The distributional impact of climate change
Authors: Tol Richard S.J.
Published: September 2020

Poorer, hotter countries are more vulnerable to climate change and will experience more negative impacts. The pattern of vulnerability between countries is used to impute impacts for income deciles within countries, for administrative regions, and for grid cells. Almost three‐quarters of people will face worse impacts than their country average. Between‐country variation is larger than within‐country variation for income deciles and regions, and about as large for grid cells. I here revisit earlier estimates of the economic impact of climate change and extend the analysis to impute the distribution of impacts within countries.
The role of Nodal and Cripto‐1 in human oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Daraghma Hussein , Untiveros Gustavo , Raskind Aleksandr , Iaccarino Emanuela , Sandomenico Annamaria , Ruvo Menotti , Arnouk Hilal , Ciancio Mae J. , Cuevas‐Nunez Maria , Strizzi Luigi
Published: September 2020

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common epithelial malignancy of the oral cavity. Nodal and Cripto‐1 (CR‐1) are important developmental morphogens expressed in several adult cancers and are associated with disease progression. Whether Nodal and CR‐1 are simultaneously expressed in the same tumor and how this affects cancer biology are unclear. We investigate the expression and potential role of both Nodal and CR‐1 in human OSCC. Immunohistochemistry results show that Nodal and CR‐1 are both expressed in the same human OSCC sample and that intensity of Nodal staining is correlated with advanced‐stage disease. However, this was not observed with CR‐1 staining. Western blot analysis of lysates from two human OSCC line experiments shows expression of CR‐1 and Nodal, and their respective signaling molecules, Src and ERK1/2. Treatment of SCC25 and SCC15 cells with both Nodal and CR‐1 inhibitors simultaneously resulted in reduced cell viability and reduced levels of P‐Src and P‐ERK1/2. Further investigation showed that the combination treatment with both Nodal and CR‐1 inhibitors was capable of reducing invasiveness of SCC25 cells. Our results show a possible role for Nodal/CR‐1 function during progression of human OSCC and that targeting both proteins simultaneously may have therapeutic potential.
Inhibition of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor 2 attenuated ligature‐induced periodontitis in mice
Authors: Snipes Marquise , Sun Chao , Yu Hong
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Periodontitis is an inflammatory bone loss disease initiated by oral bacterial inflammation. Herein, we determined whether inhibition of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2, a G protein‐coupled receptor) by its specific antagonist, JTE013, could alleviate ligature‐induced periodontitis in mice.

Materials and Methods

C57BL/6 mice were placed with silk ligatures at the left maxillary second molar to induce experimental periodontitis. Mice were treated with JTE013 or control vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO) oral topically on the ligatures once daily. After 15 days of treatment, RNA was extracted from the lingual mucosal tissues to quantify IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF mRNA levels in the tissues. Alveolar bone loss was determined by micro‐computed tomography. Sagittal periodontal tissue sections were cut and stained by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for general histology, or stained by tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) for osteoclasts.

Results

Treatment with JTE013 attenuated ligature‐induced alveolar bone loss compared with DMSO treatment. Treatment with JTE013 reduced IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF mRNA levels in murine gingival mucosal tissues, inhibited leukocyte infiltration in the periodontal tissues, and decreased the number of osteoclasts in the periodontal tissues compared with controls.

Conclusion

Oral topical administration of JTE013 alleviated periodontal inflammatory bone loss induced by ligature placement in mice.
Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz on self‐control
Authors: Gallegos‐Ordorica Sergio Armando
Published: September 2020

The Novohispanic nun Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz has not been traditionally considered as a philosopher within the Anglophone philosophical sphere because her writings are primarily poems and plays. In the last three decades, only a few philosophers have engaged with Sor Juana's works. However, their scholarship has focused only on a narrow range of issues, such as Sor Juana's defense of the right of women to be educated, and has neglected other dimensions of her thought, such as her position on self‐control. In this study, I argue that, in contraposition to traditional interpretations of Sor Juana's views on self‐control offered by Octavio Paz and Anna More, it is better to read her as adopting a stance on self‐control that prefigures a position recently adopted by Al Mele (who distinguishes having self‐control from being self‐controlled). In particular, I show that the interpretation that I propose is better than the others I discuss because it fits better Sor Juana's apologetic goals.
Visual load does not decrease the auditory steady‐state response to 40‐Hz amplitude‐modulated tones
Authors: Szychowska Malina , Wiens Stefan
Published: September 2020

The auditory pathway consists of multiple recurrent loops of afferent and efferent connections that extend from the cochlea up to the prefrontal cortex. The early‐filter theory proposes that these loops allow top‐down filtering of early and middle latency auditory responses. Furthermore, the adaptive filtering model suggests that the filtering of irrelevant auditory stimuli should start lower in the pathway during more demanding tasks. If so, the 40‐Hz auditory steady‐state responses (ASSRs) to irrelevant sounds should be affected by top‐down crossmodal attention to a visual task, and effects should vary with the load of the visual task. Because few studies have examined this possibility, we conducted two preregistered studies that manipulated visual load (Study 1: N = 43, Study 2: N = 45). Study 1 used two levels (low and high), and Study 2 used four levels (no, low, high, and very high). Subjects were asked to ignore a 500‐Hz task‐irrelevant tone that was amplitude‐modulated to evoke 40‐Hz ASSRs. Results from Bayesian analyses provided moderate to extreme support for no effect of load (or of a task) on ASSRs. Results also supported no interaction with time (i.e., over blocks, over minutes, or with changes in ASSRs that were synchronized with the onset of the visual stimuli). Further, results provided moderate support for no correlation between the effects of load and working memory capacity. Because the present findings support the robustness of ASSRs against manipulations of crossmodal attention, they are not consistent with the adaptive filtering model.
Time and memory in Carthage
Authors: Das Nandini
Published: September 2020

Rome and the Roman idea of imperium – a centring, totalizing military and legal right to rule and command obedience – looms large behind innumerable historical instances of geopolitical aspiration. Yet the story of ancient Rome and the empire it shaped does not belong to Rome alone. From the very beginning, and throughout its history, it was linked repeatedly and inextricably to a peripheral alter‐ego: Carthage, established in present‐day Tunisia by Phoenicians settlers from Tyre. Much has been written about the historiographical representation of the conflicts between the two cities. The focus of ‘Time and Memory in Carthage’ is instead on the city's spatial and memorial presence, and on the raking light it throws across the narrative of empire that European tradition inherited from Rome. Using a range of material from Virgil's Aeneid to medieval and Renaissance visual depictions of Carthage, this essay attends to the strange tricks that the city of Carthage plays with both time and space, both in the Roman imagination, and in the early modern world – opening up spaces of conversation and alterity that survived even as the city's architectural space was destroyed, reappropriated, rebuilt, and reimagined.
The right tools for the job: The case for spatial science tool‐building
Authors: Boeing Geoff
Published: September 2020

This article was presented as the 8th annual Transactions in GIS plenary address at the American Association of Geographers annual meeting in Washington, DC. The spatial sciences have recently seen growing calls for more accessible software and tools that better embody geographic science and theory. Urban spatial network science offers one clear opportunity: from multiple perspectives, tools to model and analyze non‐planar urban spatial networks have traditionally been inaccessible, atheoretical, or otherwise limiting. This article reflects on this state of the field. Then it discusses the motivation, experience, and outcomes of developing OSMnx, a tool intended to help address this. Next it reviews this tool's use in the recent multidisciplinary spatial network science literature to highlight upstream and downstream benefits of open‐source software development. Tool‐building is an essential but poorly incentivized component of academic geography and social science more broadly. To conduct better science, we need to build better tools. The article concludes with paths forward, emphasizing open‐source software and reusable computational data science beyond mere reproducibility and replicability.
Challenges in the last mile of the global guinea worm eradication program
Authors: Lemma Getahun Weldu , Müller Olaf , Reñosa Mark Donald , Lu GuangYu
Published: September 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify the existing challenges in the last mile of the global Guinea Worm Eradication Program.

Methods

Systematic Review of articles published from 1 January 2000 until 31 December 2019. Papers listed in Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, ProQuest PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched and reviewed.

Results

Twenty‐five articles met inclusion criteria of the study and were selected for analysis. Hence, relevant data were extracted, grouped and descriptively analysed. Results revealed 10 main challenges complicating the last mile of global guinea worm eradication: unusual mode of transmission; rising animal guinea worm infection; suboptimal surveillance; insecurity; inaccessibility; inadequate safe water points; migration; poor case containment measures, ecological changes; and new geographic foci of the disease.

Conclusion

This systematic review shows that most of the current challenges in guinea worm eradication have been present since the start of the campaign. However, the recent change in epidemiological patterns and nature of dracunculiasis in the last remaining endemic countries illustrates a new twist. Considering the complex nature of the current challenges, there seems to be a need for a more coordinated and multidisciplinary approach of dracunculiasis prevention and control measures. These new strategies would help to make history by eradicating dracunculiasis as the first ever parasitic disease.
Association between preoperative gonioscopic status and postoperative glaucoma after phacoemulsification in dogs: A retrospective cohort study of 505 eyes
Authors: Sanders Matthew T. , Morton John M. , Kaese Heather J. , Ford Marnie , Stanley Robin G.
Published: September 2020

Objective

To assess whether preoperative gonioscopy status is associated with the development of postoperative glaucoma after phacoemulsification.

Procedure

Eligible dogs and eyes were selected from medical records (2007‐2017), and each eye was classified as having normal or abnormal gonioscopy status. Records were examined for postoperative glaucoma, and data were collected for baseline variables including patient signalment, surgical factors, and pre, intra, and postoperative medications.

Results

Of 305 dogs (505 eyes) selected for review in this study, 111 dogs (163 eyes) had abnormal gonioscopy findings, and 194 dogs (342 eyes) had normal gonioscopy findings. Postoperative glaucoma occurred in 24% (39/163) of eyes with abnormal gonioscopy and in 14% (49/342) eyes with normal gonioscopy. Eyes with abnormal gonioscopy status were at higher risk of postoperative glaucoma compared to normal eyes (P = .025). There was no important confounding due to the numerous baseline variables summarised above. Regardless of gonioscopy status, the risk of glaucoma was highest during the first 2 months after surgery.

Conclusions

Eyes with abnormal gonioscopy findings are at increased risk of postoperative glaucoma compared with eyes with normal gonioscopy findings. Gonioscopy is recommended as a part of presurgical assessment in all dogs prior to phacoemulsification. Further study is needed to assess whether the incidence of postoperative glaucoma can be reduced by increased monitoring or altered treatment protocols in cases that are known to have abnormal gonioscopy findings prior to cataract surgery.
Dot blots of solubilized extracellular matrix allow quantification of human antibodies bound to epitopes present in decellularized porcine pulmonary heart valves
Authors: Smart Isabel , Goecke Tobias , Ramm Robert , Petersen Björn , Lenz Doreen , Haverich Axel , Niemann Heiner , Hilfiker Andres
Published: September 2020

Background

The present study reports the development of a sensitive dot blot protocol for determining the level of preformed antibodies against porcine heart valve tissue derived from wild‐type (WT) and α‐Gal‐KO (GGTA1‐KO) pigs in human sera.

Methods

The assay uses decellularized and solubilized heart valve tissue; antibody binding found in this dot blot assay could be correlated with antibody titers of preformed anti‐α‐Gal and anti‐Neu5Gc antibodies detected by a sensitive ELISA.

Results

The ultimate protocol had an inter‐assay variance of 9.5% and an intra‐assay variance of 9.2%, showing that the test is reliable and highly reproducible. With the aid of this dot blot assay, we found significant variation with regard to antibody contents among twelve human sera. Binding of preformed antibodies to WT tissue was significantly higher than to GGTA1‐KO tissue.

Conclusions

The dot blot assay described herein could be a valuable tool to measure preformed antibody levels in human sera against unknown epitopes on decellularized tissue prior to implantation. Ultimately, this prescreening may allow a matching of the porcine xenograft with the respective human recipients in demand and thus may become an important tool for graft long‐term survival similar to current allotransplantation settings.
Design and Analysis of New Haptic Joysticks for Enhancing Operational Skills in Excavator Control
Authors: C S Meera , Sairam Pinisetti Swami , Veeramalla Vineeth , Kumar Adarsh , Gupta Mukul Kumar
Published: September 2020

The design perspective of interfaces has strong implications on operator intuition and safety. Haptics enabled user interfaces can enhance operator skills and enhance interactivity. In this paper, an innovative method of haptic feedback in joysticks is presented for excavator control. Haptic illusion in the device is generated with the concept of the variable stiffness actuation mechanism. The force feedback (FFB) is rendered through “haptic links,” based on the effect of digging force at each joint. The stiffness in the device varies dynamically with the load and restricts the operator motion with a resistive torque in the range of 0–0.9 Nm. The haptic joystick aims to render high-fidelity kinesthetic feedback that can help to mitigate the operator error in loading operations. The user evaluation with the joystick showed an improvement of 40% in the volume of material removed and a significant drop in error rate related to force patterns and collisions.
Effects of Active and Passive Recovery on Muscle Oxygenation and Swimming Performance
Authors: Pratama Ade B. , Yimlamai Tossaporn
Published: September 2020

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of 3 recovery protocols on muscle oxygenation, blood lactate, and subsequent performance during a 200-m repeated swim session. Methods: Twelve collegte swimmers completed 3 sessions of 2 consecutive 200-m front-crawl trials separated by 1 of 3 recovery protocols: a 15-minute active recovery (AR), a 15-minute passive recovery (PR), and a combination of 5-minute AR and 10-minute PR (CR) in a counterbalanced design. Tissue saturation index at biceps femoris, blood lactate concentration, arterial oxygen saturation, and heart rate were measured at rest, immediately after the trial, and at 5, 10, and 15 minutes of recovery. Two-way analysis of variance (recovery × time) with repeated measures was used to determine measurement variables. A level of significance was set at P < .05. Results: No significant changes in swimming time were observed between trials (AR: 156.79 [4.09] vs 157.79 [4.23] s, CR: 156.50 [4.89] vs 155.55 [4.86] s, PR: 156.54 [4.70] vs 156.30 [4.52] s) across recovery conditions. Interestingly, tissue saturation index rapidly declined immediately after a 200-m swim and then gradually returned to baseline, with a greater value observed during CR compared with AR and PR after 15-minute recovery (P = .04). These changes were concomitant with significant reductions in blood lactate and heart rate during the recovery period (P = .00). Conclusion: The CR in the present study was more effective in enhancing muscle reoxygenation after a 200-m swim compared with AR and PR, albeit its beneficial effect on subsequent performance warrants further investigation.
Overspeed Stimulus Provided by Assisted Jumping Encourages Rapid Increases in Strength and Power Performance of Older Adults
Authors: Vetrovsky Tomas , Omcirk Dan , Malecek Jan , Stastny Petr , Steffl Michal , Tufano James J.
Published: September 2020

Following a 4-week control period, 24 older men and women (55–91 years) attended a 4-week progressive jumping program to determine whether assisted jumping could be safely and effectively implemented as a novel stimulus in healthy older adults. Bodyweight countermovement jump performance, isometric and isokinetic strength, postural stability, and exercise enjoyment were assessed before the control period, before the training intervention, and after the training intervention. Following the 4-week intervention, eccentric quadriceps strength increased by 19 N·m (95% confidence interval [2, 36], p = .013), bodyweight countermovement jump height increased by 1.7 cm (95% CI [0.5, 2.9], p < .001), postural sway improved by 2.1 mm/s (95% CI [0.3, 4.0], p = .026), and the participants’ perceived exercise enjoyment improved (p = .026). Therefore, using assisted jumping to induce an overspeed training stimulus in a jump training program resulted in similar performance improvements as in previous studies in older populations but with less training volume and a shorter training duration.
Passive-margin magmatism caused by enhanced slab-pull forces in central Tibet
Authors: Dan Wei , Wang Qiang , White William M. , Li Xian-Hua , Zhang Xiu-Zheng , Tang Gong-Jian , Ou Quan , Hao Lu-Lu , Qi Yue
Published: September 2020

We report on a ca. 239 Ma mafic dike swarm intruded in the Southern Qiangtang terrane, central Tibet, that was generated on the passive continental margin of a subducting lower plate. The dikes are tholeiitic basalts and exhibit light rare earth element enrichment, modest negative anomalies in Nb and Ta, and enriched isotopic signatures. The dikes are coeval with a back-arc basin formed in the upper plate as a result of the rollback of the Paleo-Tethys oceanic slab. Thus, after ocean-ridge subduction, enhanced slab-pull forces related to slab rollback on one side of the ocean induced extension and magmatism in the passive margin on the opposite side. We argue that enhanced slab-pull forces are a previously unrecognized mechanism for the generation of lower-plate passive-margin magmatism.
Nailed to the craton: Stratigraphic continuity across the southeastern Canadian Cordillera with tectonic implications for ribbon continent models
Authors: McMechan M.E. , Root K.G. , Simony P.S. , Pattison D.R.M.
Published: September 2020

Cambrian and Upper Devonian to Mississippian strata can be confidently traced westward, without strike-slip offset, from the autochthonous section above North American basement into the southeastern Canadian Cordillera, and are thus “nailed” to the craton. These strata are in turn stratigraphically pinned to older (Mesoproterozoic Belt-Purcell Supergroup, Neoproterozoic Windermere Supergroup, and Ediacaran), intermediate-aged (Ordovician–Silurian), and younger (Permian to Middle Jurassic) strata found only in the mountains, thus linking them to the adjacent autochthonous craton. The overlapping distribution of linking successions, regionally traceable unique stratigraphic horizons in the Belt-Purcell and Windermere Supergroups, and across-strike stratigraphic features show that the entire Cariboo, northern Selkirk, Purcell, and Rocky Mountains are directly tied to the adjacent North American craton without discernible strike-slip or oblique displacement, or substantial purely convergent plate-scale (>400 km) horizontal displacement. They link the entire width of the Belt-Purcell and Windermere basins in the southeastern Canadian Cordillera to the adjacent craton and show that any proposed Cretaceous ribbon continent suture, with its thousands of kilometers of proposed displacement, cannot run through the southeastern Canadian Cordillera.
Early estimates of COVID-19 infections in small, medium and large population clusters
Authors: Siraj Amir , Worku Alemayehu , Berhane Kiros , Aregawi Maru , Eshetu Munir , Mirkuzie Alemnesh , Berhane Yemane , Siraj Dawd
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Since its emergence in late December 2019, COVID-19 has rapidly developed into a pandemic in mid of March with many countries suffering heavy human loss and declaring emergency conditions to contain its spread. The impact of the disease, while it has been relatively low in the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) as of May 2020, is feared to be potentially devastating given the less developed and fragmented healthcare system in the continent. In addition, most emergency measures practised may not be effective due to their limited affordability as well as the communal way people in SSA live in relative isolation in clusters of large as well as smaller population centres.

Methods

To address the acute need for estimates of the potential impacts of the disease once it sweeps through the African region, we developed a process-based model with key parameters obtained from recent studies, taking local context into consideration. We further used the model to estimate the number of infections within a year of sustained local transmissions under scenarios that cover different population sizes, urban status, effectiveness and coverage of social distancing, contact tracing and usage of cloth face mask.

Results

We showed that when implemented early, 50% coverage of contact tracing and face mask, with 33% effective social distancing policies can bringing the epidemic to a manageable level for all population sizes and settings we assessed. Relaxing of social distancing in urban settings from 33% to 25% could be matched by introduction and maintenance of face mask use at 43%.

Conclusions

In SSA countries with limited healthcare workforce, hospital resources and intensive care units, a robust system of social distancing, contact tracing and face mask use could yield in outcomes that prevent several millions of infections and thousands of deaths across the continent.
Prevalence of psychoactive substance use among acutely hospitalised patients in Oslo and Moscow: a cross-sectional, observational study
Authors: Gamboa Danil , Jørgenrud Benedicte , Bryun Evgeny A , Vindenes Vigdis , Koshkina Evgenya A , Nadezhdin Aleksei V , Kabashi Saranda , Tetenova Elena J , Berg Thomas , Nyman Anna Armika Tussilago , Kolgashkin Alexey J , Petukhov Aleksei E , Perekhodov Sergey N , Davydova Elena N , Lerdal Anners , Nordby Gudmund , Bogstrand Stig Tore
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The use of psychoactive prescription medication is increasing in the general population. This is a cause for concern, particularly among the elderly, where physiological changes related to senescence increase the risk for adverse effects. While previous studies regarding psychoactive substance use have generally been population based, we sought to determine the frequency of such use among acutely hospitalised patients.

Setting

Two emergency departments (EDs), one in Oslo and one in Moscow, admitting patients to Departments of Internal Medicine.

Participants

5583 patients aged ≥18 years participated, distributed evenly between genders and study locations. Patients unable to give informed consent were excluded. The study sites did not admit patients with surgical conditions and/or injuries.

Primary and secondary outcomes

The presence of psychoactive substances was determined through blood analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Secondary outcomes comprised demographic data (including age, gender, employment and marital status), degree of psychological distress, concurrent alcohol use, and self-reported alcohol, psychoactive drug and illicit substance use.

Results

32.3% in Oslo and 12% in Moscow were positive for one or more psychoactive medicinal drugs (benzodiazepines, z-hypnotics, opioids or barbiturates). In Oslo, medicinal drug use was associated with being aged 61 to 70 years (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.61 to 3.58) compared with 18 to 40 years, and psychological distress (OR 2.61, 95% CI 2.06 to 3.30). In Moscow, psychoactive medicinal drug use was also associated with psychological distress (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.39), and was less common among patients aged 41 to 60 years (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.88) than among patients aged 18 to 40 years.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of admitted patients used one or more psychoactive medicinal drugs, in particular benzodiazepines (Oslo and Moscow) and opiates (Oslo). We suggest formalised screening for inappropriate prescription drug use and increased adherence to clinical prescription guidelines.
Bedside hyperspectral imaging for the evaluation of microcirculatory alterations in perioperative intensive care medicine: a study protocol for an observational clinical pilot study (HySpI-ICU)
Authors: Dietrich Maximilian , Marx Sebastian , Bruckner Thomas , Nickel Felix , Müller-Stich Beat Peter , Hackert Thilo , Weigand Markus A , Uhle Florian , Brenner Thorsten , Schmidt Karsten
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Normalisation of macrocirculatory parameters during resuscitation therapy does not guarantee the restoration of microcirculatory perfusion in critical illness due to haemodynamic incoherence. Persistent microcirculatory abnormalities are associated with severity of organ dysfunction and mandate the development of bedside microcirculatory monitoring. A novel hyperspectral imaging (HSI) system can visualise changes in skin perfusion, oxygenation and water content at the bedside. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of HSI for bedside monitoring of skin microcirculation and the association of HSI parameters with organ dysfunction in patients with sepsis and major abdominal surgery.

Methods and analysis

Three independent groups will be assessed and separately analysed within a clinical prospective observational study: (1) 25 patients with sepsis or septic shock (according to sepsis-3 criteria), (2) 25 patients undergoing pancreatic surgery and (3) 25 healthy controls. Patients with sepsis and patients undergoing pancreatic surgery will receive standard therapy according to local protocols derived from international guidelines. In addition, cardiac output of perioperative patients and patients with sepsis will be measured. Healthy controls undergo one standardised evaluation. The TIVITA Tissue System is a novel HSI system that uses the visible and near-infrared spectral light region to determine tissue microcirculatory parameters. HSI analysis (hand/knee) will be done in parallel to haemodynamic monitoring within defined intervals during a 72-hour observation period. HSI data will be correlated with the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, global haemodynamics, inflammation and glycocalyx markers, surgical complications and 30-day outcome.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol has been approved by the local ethics committee of the University of Heidelberg (S-148/2019). Study results will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals and medical conferences.

Trial registration number

DRKS00017313; Pre-results.