bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction in paediatric intensive care admissions during COVID-19 lockdown in Maryland, USA
Authors: Graciano Ana Lia , Bhutta Adnan T , Custer Jason W
Published: November 2020

As a public health measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world instituted a variety of interventions to ‘flatten the curve’. The government of Maryland instituted similar measures. We observed a striking decline in paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions during that period, mostly due to a decease in respiratory infections. We believe this decline is multifactorial: less person-to-person contact, better air quality and perhaps ‘fear’ of going to a hospital during the pandemic. We report an analysis of our PICU admissions during the lockdown period and compared them with the same time period during the four previous years.
Trends of global burden of atrial fibrillation/flutter from Global Burden of Disease Study 2017
Authors: Wang Lina , Ze Feng , Li Jun , Mi Lan , Han Bing , Niu Huan , Zhao Na
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study aimed to estimate the global burden of atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (AF/AFL).

Methods

We retrieved data from the Global Health Data Exchange query tool and estimated the age-standardised rates (ASRs) of prevalence, incidence and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of AF/AFL, as well as the population attributable fraction (PAF) of risk factors contributing to DALYs. ASRs and sociodemographic index (SDI) were assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients.

Results

In 2017, there were 37.6 million (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 32.5 to 42.6 million) individuals with AF/AFL globally. The prevalence rates increased with increased SDI values in most regions for all years. Men had a higher prevalence than women across all regions except for China. From 1990 to 2017, global prevalence rate decreased by 5.08% (95% UI −6.24% to −3.82%), with the largest decrease noted in the region with high SDI values. The global DALYs rate declined by 2.53% (95% UI −4.16 to −0.29). PAF of elevated systolic blood pressure for attributable DALYs accounted for the highest percentage, followed by high body mass index, alcohol use, high-sodium diet, smoking and lead exposure.

Conclusions

Although the ASRs of prevalence, incidence and DALYs decreased from 1990 to 2017, the absolute number of patients with AF/AFL, annual number of new AF/AFL cases and DALYs lost due to AF/AFL increased. This indicates that the burden of AF/AFL is likely to remain high. Systematic surveillance is needed to better identify and manage AF/AFL so as to prevent its various risk factors and complications.
Aircraft noise control policy and mental health: a natural experiment based on the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA)
Authors: Li Liming , Carrino Ludovico , Reinhard Erica , Timmermans Erik , Huisman Martijn , Claassens Jip , Lakerveld Jeroen , Avendano Mauricio
Published: November 2020

Background

This study examines the impact of environmental noise policy on depressive symptoms by exploiting the national experiment afforded by the New Deal aircraft noise control policy introduced in Schiphol (Amsterdam) in 2008.

Methods

Data came from older adults (ages 57–102) participating in three waves (2005/2006, 2008/2009 and 2011/2012) of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) (N=1746). Aircraft noise data from the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency were linked to LASA cohort addresses using the GeoDMS software. The Centre for Epidemiologic Studies—Depression (CES-D) scale was used to measure depressive symptoms. Using a difference-in-dfferences (DiD) approach, we compared changes in CES-D levels of depressive symptoms before and after the policy between people living close (≤15 km) and those living far away (>15 km) from Schiphol airport.

Results

There were few changes in noise levels after the introduction of the policy. Estimates suggested that the policy did not lead to a reduction in noise levels in the treatment areas relative to the control areas (DiD estimate=0.916 dB(A), SE=0.345), and it had no significant impact on levels of depressive symptoms (DiD estimate=0.044, SE=0.704). Results were robust to applying different distance thresholds.

Conclusion

The New Deal aircraft noise control policy introduced in Amsterdam was not effective in reducing aircraft noise levels and had no impact on depressive symptoms in older people. Our results raise questions about the effectiveness of the current noise control policy to improve the well-being of residents living near the airport.
Linking physical and social environments with mental health in old age: a multisensor approach for continuous real-life ecological and emotional assessment
Authors: Fernandes Amanda , Van Lenthe Frank J , Vallée Julie , Sueur Cedric , Chaix Basile
Published: November 2020

Background

Urban stress is mentioned as a plausible mechanism leading to chronic stress, which is a risk factor of depression. Yet, an accurate assessment of urban stressors in environmental epidemiology requires new methods. This article discusses methods for the sensor-based continuous assesment of geographic environments, stress and depressive symptoms in older age. We report protocols of the promoting mental well-being and healthy ageing in cities (MINDMAP) and Healthy Aging and Networks in Cities (HANC) studies nested in the RECORD Cohort as a background for a broad discussion about the theoretical foundation and monitoring tools of mobile sensing research in older age. Specifically, these studies allow one to compare how older people with and without depression perceive, navigate and use their environment; and how the built environments, networks of social contacts, and spatial mobility patterns influence the mental health of older people.

Methods

Our research protocol combines (1) Global Positioning System (GPS) and accelerometer tracking and a GPS-based mobility survey to assess participants’ mobility patterns, activity patterns and environmental exposures; (2) proximity detection to assess whether household members are close to each other; (3) ecological momentary assessment to track momentary mood and stress and environmental perceptions; and (4) electrodermal activity for the tentative prediction of stress. Data will be compared within individuals (at different times) and between persons with and without depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

The development of mobile sensing and survey technologies opens an avenue to improve understanding of the role of momentary stressors and resourcing features of residential and non-residential environments for older populations’ mental health. However, validation, privacy and ethical aspects are important issues to consider.
Transgenic CD8αβ co-receptor rescues endogenous TCR function in TCR-transgenic virus-specific T cells
Authors: Bajwa Gagan , Lanz Inès , Cardenas Mara , Brenner Malcolm K , Arber Caroline
Published: November 2020

Background

Genetically engineered virus-specific T cells (VSTs) are a platform for adoptive cell therapy after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, redirection to a tumor-associated antigen by the introduction of a transgenic T-cell receptor (TCR) reduces anti-viral activity, thereby impeding the possibility of preventing or treating two distinct complications—malignant relapse and viral infection—with a single cell therapy product. Availability of CD8αβ co-receptor molecules can significantly impact class I restricted T-cell activation, and thus, we interrogated whether transgenic CD8αβ improves anti-viral activity mediated by native VSTs with or without a co-expressed transgenic TCR (TCR8).

Methods

Our existing clinical VST manufacturing platform was adapted and validated to engineer TCR+ or TCR8+ VSTs targeting cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus. Simultaneous anti-viral and anti-tumor function of engineered VSTs was assessed in vitro and in vivo. We used pentamer staining, interferon (IFN)-γ enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot), intracellular cytokine staining (ICS), cytotoxicity assays, co-cultures, and cytokine secretion assays for the in vitro characterization. The in vivo anti-tumor function was assessed in a leukemia xenograft mouse model.

Results

Both transgenic CD8αβ alone and TCR8 had significant impact on the anti-viral function of engineered VSTs, and TCR8+ VSTs had comparable anti-viral activity as non-engineered VSTs as determined by IFN-γ ELISpot, ICS and cytotoxicity assays. TCR8-engineered VSTs had improved anti-tumor function and greater effector cytokine production in vitro, as well as enhanced anti-tumor function against leukemia xenografts in mice.

Conclusion

Incorporation of transgenic CD8αβ into vectors for TCR-targetable antigens preserves anti-viral activity of TCR transgenic VSTs while simultaneously supporting tumor-directed activity mediated by a transgenic TCR. Our approach may provide clinical benefit in preventing and treating viral infections and malignant relapse post-transplant.
RECIST and iRECIST criteria for the evaluation of nivolumab plus ipilimumab in patients with microsatellite instability-high/mismatch repair-deficient metastatic colorectal cancer: the GERCOR NIPICOL phase II study
Authors: Cohen Romain , Bennouna Jaafar , Meurisse Aurélia , Tournigand Christophe , De La Fouchardière Christelle , Tougeron David , Borg Christophe , Mazard Thibault , Chibaudel Benoist , Garcia-Larnicol Marie-Line , Svrcek Magali , Vernerey Dewi , Menu Yves , André Thierry
Published: November 2020

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are highly effective in patients with microsatellite instability/mismatch repair-deficient (MSI/dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 criteria may underestimate response to ICIs due to the pseudoprogression phenomenon. The GERCOR NIPICOL phase II study aimed to evaluate the frequency of pseudoprogressions in patients with MSI/dMMR mCRC treated with nivolumab and ipilimumab.

Methods

Patients with MSI/dMMR mCRC previously treated with fluoropyrimidines, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan with/without targeted therapies received nivolumab 3 mg/kg plus ipilimumab 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks for four cycles then nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks until progression or a maximum of 20 cycles. Computed tomography scan tumor assessments were done every 6 weeks for 24 weeks and then every 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was disease control rate at 12 weeks according to RECIST 1.1 and iRECIST by central review.

Results

Of 57 patients included between December 2017 and November 2018, 48.0% received ≥3 prior lines of chemotherapy, 18.0% had BRAFV600E mutation, and 56.0% had Lynch syndrome-related cancer. Seven patients (12.0%) discontinued treatment due to adverse events; one died due to a treatment-related adverse event. The disease control rate (DCR) at 12 weeks was 86.0% with RECIST 1.1% and 87.7% with iRECIST. Two pseudoprogressions (3.5%) were observed, at week 6 and at week 36, representing 18% of patients with disease progression per RECIST 1.1 criteria. With a median follow-up of 18.4 months, median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were not reached. The 12-month PFS rate was 72.9% with RECIST 1.1% and 76.5% with iRECIST. The 12-month OS rate was 84%. Overall response rate was 59.7% with both criteria. RAS/BRAF status, sidedness, Lynch syndrome, and other baseline parameters were not associated with PFS.

Conclusion

Pseudoprogression is rare in patients with MSI/dMMR mCRC treated with nivolumab and ipilimumab. This combined ICI therapy confirms impressive DCR and survival outcomes in these patients.

Trial registration number

NCT03350126.
The future of neuroprotection in stroke
Authors: Chamorro Ángel , Lo Eng H , Renú Arturo , van Leyen Klaus , Lyden Patrick D
Published: November 2020

Investigators acknowledge the limitations of rodent or non-human primate stroke models, hundreds of putative neuroprotectants have been evaluated in preclinical models, but not one has entered the clinical realm. Initial studies focused on the neuron, but in recent years the focus has widened to also include other neural cells including astrocytes, pericytes and endothelial cells, which together form the neurovascular unit. Some new developments raise renewed hope for neuroprotection: the appearance of new compounds with multiple mechanisms of action, or the promulgation of new standards for a rigorous preclinical testing. At the bedside in the last 5 years, uric acid and nerinetide are the only compounds tested for clinical efficacy in randomised controlled trials (RCTs), where all patients had to receive reperfusion therapies, either intravenous thrombolysis and/or mechanical thrombectomy. In addition, otaplimastat, 3K3A-activated protein C (APC), intra-arterial verapamil and intra-arterial hypothermia were also assessed in combination with reperfusion therapy, but in RCTs that only included feasibility or safety outcomes. Some of these compounds yielded promising results which are discussed in this review. Altogether, a deeper knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the ischaemic death process at the neurovascular unit, an improved preselection and evaluation of drugs at the preclinical stage and the testing of putative neuroprotectants in enriched clinical studies of patients receiving reperfusion therapies, might prove more effective than in the past to reverse a dismal situation that has lasted already too long.
Pre-diabetes in the elderly and the see-saw model of paternalism
Authors: Burch Patrick , Holm Soren
Published: November 2020

Pre-diabetes is a risk factor for the development of diabetes, not a disease in its own right. The prevalence increases with age and reaches nearly 50% of those aged over 75 years in the USA. While lifestyle modification and treatment are likely to benefit those with many years of life ahead of them, they are unlikely to benefit patients with a limited life expectancy. Despite this, some very elderly patients in the UK and elsewhere are being labelled as pre-diabetic. While ideal practice would be to carefully consider the impact of any potentially abnormal blood test before it is taken, this is not always possible in routine practice. In this paper, we discuss a pragmatic, ethical approach for clinicians managing pre-diabetic blood tests in very elderly patients. We argue that a ‘see-saw’ model of paternalism should be used in deciding which patients to inform that they can be labelled as pre-diabetic. Those patients that may benefit from the label should be informed, and those that will not, should not. Where the benefits/drawbacks are unclear, the result and its potential significance should be discussed in depth with the individual patient. We do not advocate withholding information from any patient. Instead we suggest clinicians use individual patient circumstances to contextualise the relevance of pre-diabetes to the patient and consider the benefits and drawbacks before informing them. This approach has the potential to be used for other pre-conditions and risk factors in addition to pre-diabetes.
Efficacy of ultrasound guidance for lumbar punctures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Shu LiPei , Huang Jiao , Liu Jing Chen
Published: November 2020

Ultrasound guidance has been reported to facilitate the performance of lumbar punctures (LPs). However, the use of ultrasound guidance has not yet received consistent conclusions. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the efficacy of ultrasound-guided LPs. PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomised controlled trials comparing ultrasound guidance with traditional palpation for LPs in adults. The primary outcome was risk of failed procedures. A random-effects Mantel-Haenzsel model or random-effects inverse variance model was used to calculate relative risks (RRs) or standardised mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CIs. Twenty-eight trials (N=2813) met the inclusion criteria. Ultrasound-guided LPs were associated with a reduced risk of failed procedures (RR=0.58, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.85, p=0.005). No significant heterogeneity was detected (I2=27%) among these trials. It further decreased first attempt to failure (RR=0.43, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.62, p<0.00001), mean attempts to success (SMD=−0.61, 95% CI −0.80 to −0.43, p=0.00001) and incidences of complications of headache and backache (RR=0.63, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.85, p=0.003). Ultrasound guidance is an effective technique for LPs in adults.
Safety and outcomes of outpatient compared to inpatient total knee arthroplasty: a national retrospective cohort study
Authors: Mai Harry T , Mukhdomi Taif , Croxford Daniel , Apruzzese Patricia , Kendall Mark C , De Oliveira Gildasio S
Published: November 2020

Background

Many factors are driving total knee arthroplasty to be performed more commonly as an outpatient (<24 hour discharge) procedure. Nonetheless, the safety of total knee replacements performed in the outpatient setting is not well established when compared with inpatient setting. The purpose of this study is to compare the postoperative outcomes of outpatient and inpatient total knee arthroplasties.

Methods

The 2015 and 2016 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data sets were queried to extract patients who underwent primary, elective, unilateral total knee arthroplasty. The primary outcome was serious adverse events defined by a composite outcome including: return to operating room, wound-related infection, thromboembolic event, renal failure, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation, cerebrovascular accident, use of ventilator >48 hours, unplanned intubation, sepsis/septic shock, and death. Propensity matched analysis was used to adjust for potential confounding covariates.

Results

1099 patients undergoing outpatient total knee arthroplasty (1% of total cases) were successfully matched to 1099 patients undergoing inpatient surgeries. The composite rate of serious adverse events was greater in outpatient procedures compared with inpatient procedures (3.18% vs 1.36%, p=0.005). In contrast, failure to rescue and readmission rates were not different between groups.

Conclusions

Outpatient total knee arthroplasty is associated with a higher composite risk of serious adverse events than inpatient procedures. Anesthesiologists and surgeons should inform patients and discuss this information when obtaining consent for surgery and planning for discharge timing.
Neuraxial and peripheral misconnection events leading to wrong-route medication errors: a comprehensive literature review
Authors: Viscusi Eugene R , Hugo Vincent , Hoerauf Klaus , Southwick Frederick S
Published: November 2020

We conducted a search of the literature to identify case reports of neuraxial and peripheral nervous system misconnection events leading to wrong-route medication errors. This narrative review covers a 20-year period (1999–2019; English-language publications and abstracts) and included the published medical literature (PubMed and Embase) and public access documents. Seventy-two documents representing 133 case studies and 42 unique drugs were determined relevant. The most commonly reported event involved administering an epidural medication by an intravenous line (29.2% of events); a similar proportion of events (27.7%) involved administering an intravenous medication by an epidural line. Medication intended for intravenous administration, but delivered intrathecally, accounted for 25.4% of events. In the most serious cases, outcomes were directly related to the toxicity of the drug that was unintentionally administered. Patient deaths were reported due to the erroneous administration of chemotherapies (n=16), muscle relaxants (n=4), local anesthetics (n=4), opioids (n=1), and antifibrinolytics (n=1). Severe outcomes, including paraplegia, paraparesis, spinal cord injury, and seizures were reported with the following medications: vincristine, gadolinium, diatrizoate meglumine, doxorubicin, mercurochrome, paracetamol, and potassium chloride. These case reports confirm that misconnection events leading to wrong-route errors can occur and may cause serious injury. This comprehensive characterization of events was conducted to better inform clinicians and policymakers, and to describe an emergent strategy designed to mitigate patient risk.
American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity checklist: 2020 version
Authors: Neal Joseph M , Neal Erin J , Weinberg Guy L
Published: November 2020

The American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA) periodically updates its practice advisories and associated cognitive aids. The 2020 version of the ASRA Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity checklist was created in response to user feedback, simulation studies and advances in medical knowledge. This report presents the 2020 version and discusses the rationale for its update.
Cost assessment of health interventions and diseases
Authors: Fautrel Bruno , Boonen Annelies , de Wit Maarten , Grimm Sabine , Joore Manuela , Guillemin Francis
Published: November 2020

Health resource use and identification of related costs are two essential steps in health economics assessment. The elicited costs will be balanced with health outcome improvement and enable the comparison of different diagnostic procedures or therapeutic strategies from a health economic point of view. The cost typology can be disentangled in three main components, that is, direct cost related to health resource use, indirect costs related to productivity loss and sometimes intangible costs (costs related to pain and suffering). These costs can be elicited from different perspectives depending on the general aim of the assessment: payer, societal perspective or patient perspective. Practically, the first step corresponds to the quantification of health resource use, that is, number of consultations, biological or imaging workups, hospitalisation, dispensed medication units or days on sick leave. It can be done by specific self-questionnaires or by access to insurance health databases. The second step is then to value each health resource use item, based on available public databases—either produced by insurance entities or statistics institute—providing the unit costs for each item. Importantly, substantial variability does exist in the costing exercise, requiring accepting a certain uncertainty around cost estimates. This can be taken into account by sensitivity analyses, which capture in what extent measurement error can impact cost assessment, depending on different hypotheses or assumptions. One essential element of health economic assessment is the identification of costs incurred by or associated with a specific health condition for a study on the economic burden of a disease—cost-of-illness study—or with a given diagnostic or therapeutic intervention in the context of health technology assessment in which these costs are compared with the alternative reference strategy—cost-effectiveness study.
COPD assessment test for the evaluation of COVID-19 symptoms
Authors: Daynes Enya , Gerlis Charlotte , Briggs-Price Samuel , Jones Paul , Singh Sally J
Published: November 2020

There is evidence to demonstrate the ongoing symptoms of COVID-19; however, there are currently no agreed outcomes to assess these symptoms. This study examined the use of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) assessment test (CAT) for patients recovering from COVID-19. 131 patients who were admitted with COVID-19 were followed up over the phone to assess symptoms. The median (IQR) CAT score was 10 (5–16). Cough, phlegm and chest tightness domains were within range for healthy people, but there was evidence of significant breathlessness, loss of energy, and activity and sleep disturbance. The CAT is a useful tool to assess symptoms of COVID-19 recovery.
Use of fever detection in combination with thoracic ultrasonography to identify respiratory disease, and compare treatments of antimicrobials and NSAID: a randomised study in dairy calves
Authors: Mahendran Sophie A
Published: November 2020

Background

This study explored the combined use of fever detection and thoracic ultrasonography to identify calves with early onset bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Thoracic ultrasonography was then used to assess the efficacy of antimicrobial and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) treatment for early onset BRD through a randomised study design.

Methods

Calves were recruited from a single dairy farm in the UK, and fitted with a TempVerified FeverTag, which was activated when a calf developed fever (a temperature of 39.7°C for six hours). On identification of fever, a Wisconsin calf score was used to provide a diagnosis of BRD by exclusion of other causes. Calves were randomly assigned to experimental groups; group 1 (NSAID) received flunixin meglumine, group 2 (antimicrobial) received florfenicol, group 3 (both) received both drugs. A thoracic ultrasound was conducted within 48 hours of fever detection, and again 14 days later to assess lung pathology.

Results

A total of 152 calves were recruited, with a relative BRD prevalence of 49 per cent (74/152). Thirty‐two calves required a secondary treatment (due to continued fever), causing exclusion from statistical analysis of the change in ultrasound score and resulting in the study being underpowered for detecting statistical significance. Initial thoracic ultrasound scores were very low, with 70/74 calves scoring either 0 or 1, indicating few comet tails and no lung consolidation was seen and potential overdiagnosis of BRD. For assessment of therapy efficacy, no effect of experimental group was detected on average daily growth rates (mean 0.85 kg/day, P=0.89). Calves also displayed very few clinical signs at the time of fever detection. These factors combined suggest a high rate of false positive identification (low specificity) for BRD through fever detection alone. Calves given the NSAID only were more likely to require repeat treatments due to fever recurrence (OR=3.10 (95 per cent CI 0.86 to 11.15), P=0.083). Also calves affected by their first case of fever at an older age (21 v28 days old) were less likely to go on to have further fever episodes (OR=0.95 (95 per cent CI 0.90 to 0.99), P=0.026).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated calves given only an NSAID at occurrence of fever due to BRD may be more likely to require repeat treatments throughout the preweaning period. The use of fever detection alone for BRD indicated a low specificity for definitive diagnosis as shown by the low thoracic ultrasound scores and lack of clinical signs. The study was underpowered to assess the ultrasonic effects of the different treatment protocols on lung pathology.
The hot GDR revisited
Authors: Santonocito Domenico , Blumenfeld Yorick
Published: November 2020

The properties of the Isovector Giant Dipole Resonance are reviewed as a function of the temperature of the state on which it is built. The experimental methods, based on scintillation detectors efficient for the detection of high energy gamma-rays, are described. Methods for determining the excitation energy and temperature from the measurement of light charged particle energy spectra taking pre-equilibrium emission into account are presented. The resonance properties, energy, width and strength, are followed as a function of increasing temperature. The data are analyzed in the framework of the statistical model, which is briefly presented, by using the codes CASCADE and DCASCADE. Various prescriptions for the characteristics of the resonance as well as theoretical models are incorporated into these statistical codes in view of a direct comparison with the data. The successes and deficiencies of the Thermal Shape Fluctuation model at low temperatures are discussed. A salient feature is the surprisingly abrupt disappearance of dipole strength above a limiting temperature which depends on the nuclear mass. Several models taking into account the competition between the time scales of collective degrees of freedom and nuclear lifetime only roughly reproduce the trend of the data. This disappearance of strength is tentatively linked to the nuclear liquid–gas phase transition.
Wave function of the photon in a curved spacetime
Authors: Sogut K. , Salti M.
Published: November 2020

It is known that the classical variables are replaced by operators for the dynamics of the electromagnetic field, thus the second quantization is traditionally used. There is a significant question in modern theoretical physics area: “Why is there no fully developed first-quantized theory of photons?” In the present work, we argue that a photon wave function can be obtained if one uses the massless Duffin-Kemmer-Petiau (mDKP) equation. Thus, we focus on exact solutions of the mDKP equation the Robertson–Walker type spacetime via the Teleparallel Theory (TPT) of Gravity. The mDKP equation is generally known as the spinor formulation of the photons. We also focus on solutions of the Maxwell equations (MEs) to verify the equivalence between the mDKP and the ME formulations of the photons. It is shown that photons present an oscillatory behavior.
Weak deflection angle by Casimir wormhole using Gauss-Bonnet theorem and its shadow
Authors: Javed Wajiha , Hamza Ali , Övgün Ali
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we calculate the weak deflection angle by Casimir wormhole and its shadow. To do so, we derive the Gaussian optical curvature and use the Gauss–Bonnet theorem (GBT). Then we find the deflection angle by Casimir wormhole in weak field limits. Moreover, we obtain the weak deflection angle in the presence of plasma medium and see the effect of the plasma medium on the weak deflection angle. Moreover, we study a shadow of Casimir wormhole and we plot and discuss them. We show the shadow of Casimir wormhole’s behavior when changing the value of a.
OPTIMIZATION OF DRILLING PROCESS ON CARBON-FIBER REINFORCED PLASTICS USING GENETIC ALGORITHM
Authors: KUMAR D. RAJ , JEYAPRAKASH N. , YANG CHE-HUA , SIVASANKARAN S.
Published: November 2020

The usages of carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) in aerospace, defense, and structural fields are increasing due to their excellent properties. However, the materials design, forming of material, machine tool and processing conditions are major tasks in manufacturing industries. Particularly, the micro feature making on macro-components using vertical machining center is a challenge nowadays. In this work, two different drill bits, such as high-speed steel (HSS) and solid carbide (SC) micro-drill, were used to make drilling on CFRP material. The performance of drills was evaluated by obtaining minimum delamination and stress in drilling by varying cutting velocity (CV), feed rate (FR), and air pressure (AP). Regression equations were formed according to the measured quality performance characteristics. The linear weighted method-based combined objective function algorithm and Genetic Algorithm was followed to multi-objective optimization. Besides, the most influencing factors were also identified and discussed using analysis of variance. The results explained that the SC micro-drill performance was better than HSS micro-drill. Also, the CV has the most eminent parameters followed by FR.
Optimized Parallel Prefix Sum Algorithm on Optoelectronic Biswapped-Torus Architecture
Authors: Gupta Ashish
Published: November 2020

The Biswapped-Torus is a recently reported optoelectronic node-symmetrical member of Biswapped-framework family. In this paper,optimized parallel approach is presented for prefix sum computation on [Formula: see text] Biswapped-Torus. The proposed parallel algorithm demands total 7[Formula: see text] electronic and three optical moves on odd network size or 7[Formula: see text] electronic and three optical moves on even network size. The algorithmic performance of the suggested parallel algorithm is also compared with the performances of recently reported optimal prefix sum algorithms on [Formula: see text] Biswapped-Mesh and [Formula: see text]-dimensional Biswapped Hyper Hexa-cell. Based on the comparative analysis, Biswapped-Torus claims to map prefix sum faster that require fewer communication moves compared to the Grid-based traditional architecture of biswapped family named Biswapped-Mesh. Moreover, the former also has architectural benefit of node-symmetry that leads to advantages such as easy embedding, mapping and designing of routing algorithms. Compared to symmetrical counter-part of biswapped family named Biswapped-Hyper Hexa-Cell, Biswapped-Torus is cost-efficient, but requires comparatively more communication moves for mapping prefix sum.
3D seismic classification of fluid escape pipes in the western Exmouth Plateau, North West Shelf of Australia
Authors: Ruge Susy Mercado , Scarselli Nicola , Bilal Awad
Published: November 2020

Fluid escape pipes are vertical pathways of focused flow venting from a variety of deep overpressure sources. These geological features are typical of many sedimentary basins, including proven petroliferous provinces worldwide, such as the North Sea and the Exmouth Plateau in the Northern Carnarvon Basin, NW Australia. High-quality three-dimensional (3D) seismic reflection data from the western Exmouth Plateau revealed the occurrence of exceptionally well-imaged fluid escape pipes affecting the Jurassic strata and the Triassic Mungaroo Formation, a key reservoir unit in the basin. A total of 171 fluid escape pipes, including blowout, seepage and hydrothermal pipes, were mapped, and their geomorphological characteristics were analysed. In the study area, these features form prominent vertical columns up to 4.5 km long disrupting continuous reflections of the Triassic to Jurassic section. Numerous fluid escape pipes terminate with palaeo-pockmarks affecting the Upper Jurassic syn-extension strata, providing evidence for pipe genesis during the early stages of the Late Jurassic rifting in the Exmouth Plateau. Fluid escape pipes were found rooting from different stratigraphic levels, suggesting multiple fluid sources within the Triassic sediments. Several fluid flow structures nucleated along or near rift-related fault planes within the Mungaroo Formation, providing further evidence of rifting as a main triggering factor of important fluid flow in the basin. In the study area, the presence of fluid escape pipes represents a significant risk for the preservation of potential hydrocarbon accumulations, as, when these features form, vertical fluid venting breaches through stratigraphy, compromising the integrity of seal units. This seems supported by the lack of significant discoveries within the area covered by seismic survey analysed in this study.
The Impact of Ink and Spray Variables on Catalyst Layer Properties, Electrolyzer Performance, and Electrolyzer Durability
Authors: Alia Shaun M. , Reeves Kimberly S. , Baxter Jefferey S. , Cullen David A.
Published: November 2020

In proton exchange membrane-based electrolysis, cell-level performance and durability is affected not only by individual components, but also by how those components are integrated into membrane electrode assemblies. In this study, several ink and ultrasonic spray parameters are evaluated for their effect on catalyst layer properties, electrolyzer performance, and electrolyzer durability. The relative impact of these variables on kinetic and ohmic loss were revealed and linked to catalyst layer morphology. Ionomer loading and dispersion principally affect kinetics and accelerate kinetic loss over time. Catalyst layer uniformity, however, tends to affect ohmic loss, where poor catalyst-transport layer contact adds resistances, increases ohmic loss, and accelerates ohmic loss over time. These efforts to understand catalyst layer formation and the impact of catalyst layer properties on electrolyzer performance and durability aid in the establishment of robust baselines and better inform component development efforts and manufacturing processes. Separating losses and quantifying how losses change during extended operation are also useful as a diagnostics approach to elucidate why suboptimal performance/durability occurs and develop strategies to mitigate loss.
Graphene Quantum Dot beyond Electrocatalyst: An In Situ Electrolyte Catalyst towards Improved Reaction Kinetics of VO2+/VO2
+ Redox Couples
Authors: Ulaganathan Mani , Mariyappan Karuppusamy , Suresh Subramanian , Ragupathy Pitchai
Published: November 2020

Graphene quantum dots (GQD) have been used in various potential applications due to their range of attractive properties such as high conductivity, good chemical resistance, very good optical properties and etc. Very first time, in this study, the GQD is used as a molecular catalyst; here the given volume of GQD around 300 μl is dispersed in as prepared vanadium based electrolyte. It is observed that the CV curve of the GQD incorporated electrolyte showed significant variation in the electrochemical activity of VO2
+/VO2+ redox reaction. The resistive behavior obtained from the EIS analysis of GQD showed highly enhanced values when compared with the bare electrolyte. The addition of GQD in the active electrolyte showed great improvement in the VO2
+ to VO2+ redox reaction kinetics which is evidenced from the obtained kinetics parameters such as exchange current density, rate constant and etc. The GQD added electrolyte showed excellent improvisation in the exchange current density value of i

0
= 6.175 × 10−4 A cm−2 which is two-fold higher than the bare electrolyte (i

0
= 2.365 × 10−4 A cm−2). Thus, the idea of using GQD will play potential effect in various electrochemical applications.
Depletion of pulmonary intravascular macrophages rescues inflammation-induced delayed neutrophil apoptosis in horses
Authors: Anderson Stacy L. , Duke-Novakovski Tanya , Robinson Alexandra R. , Townsend Hugh G. G. , Singh Baljit
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of pulmonary intravascular macrophage depletion on systemic inflammation and ex vivo neutrophil apoptosis using an experimental model of intestinal ischemia and reperfusion injury in horses. Neutrophils were isolated before and after surgery from horses that were randomized to three treatment groups, namely, sham celiotomy (CEL, n = 4), intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (IR, n = 6), and intestinal ischemia and reperfusion with gadolinium chloride treatment to deplete pulmonary intravascular macrophages (PIMs, IRGC, n = 6). Neutrophil apoptosis was assessed with Annexin V and propidium iodide staining quantified with flow cytometry and caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 activities in neutrophil lysates. All horses experienced a systemic inflammatory response following surgery. Following surgery, ex vivo neutrophil apoptosis was significantly delayed after 12 or 24 h in culture, except in IRGC horses (12 h: CEL: P = 0.03, IR: P = 0.05, IRGC: P = 0.2; 24 h: CEL: P = 0.001, IR: P = 0.004, IRGC: P = 0.3). Caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 activities were significantly reduced in neutrophils isolated after surgery and cultured for 12 h in IR horses, but not in IRGC horses (IR caspase-3: P = 0.002, IR caspase-8: P = 0.002, IR caspase-9: P = 0.04). Serum TNF-α concentration was increased in IRGC horses for 6–18 h following jejunal ischemia. Following surgery, ex vivo equine neutrophil apoptosis was delayed via downregulation of caspase activity, which was ameliorated by PIM depletion potentially via upregulation of TNF-α.
Arm cycling increases the short-latency reflex from ankle dorsiflexor afferents to knee extensor muscles
Authors: Sasada Syusaku , Tazoe Toshiki , Nakajima Tsuyoshi , Omori Shigeki , Futatsubashi Genki , Komiyama Tomoyoshi
Published: November 2020

Whether locomotive arm movement contributes to control of the reflex pathway from the ankle dorsiflexor afferents to the knee extensor [common peroneal nerve (CPN) reflex] has been an unresolved issue. The CPN reflex in stationary leg was facilitated only by locomotive arm cycling, not by passive or isometric motor tasks. Our results demonstrate that the arm locomotor system is a modulator of ankle dorsiflexor afferents to the knee extensor muscles during locomotion.
Five Years Pathological Evaluation of Corneal Regrafts: A Study from Southern Iran
Authors: Eghtedari Masoomeh , Kamalzadeh Mahmood , Yasemi Masoud , Movahedan Hossein , Ashraf Mohammad Javad
Published: November 2020

Purpose. Corneal regrafts sometimes needed to restore the transparency after graft failure. The aim of the study is five years epidemiologic and histopathological evaluation of corneal regrafts. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, all corneal regrafts during 5 years (2012–2016) were assessed in the Khalili Ophthalmology Center at Shiraz city. Demographic data including age, area of residence, primary disease, type of graft, cause of regraft, interval between primary and subsequent grafts (IPSG), associated eye diseases or surgeries, and systemic diseases were recorded. Also, microscopic findings of corneas were reviewed. Results. Among a total of 1190 corneal grafts, 76 of them (6.38%) were regrafts. The most common type of grafting was penetrating keratoplasty (PK). The shortest IPSG was observed in fungal keratitis. Main causes of graft failure were endothelial dysfunction, infection, immunologic rejection, technical problems, and recurrence of primary disease, respectively. The most common histopathological finding in failed grafts was severe endothelial cell loss (89.8%). Also, more than half and one-third of cases had Descemet membrane changes and stromal ingrowth, respectively. Conclusion. Endothelial cell loss was the major cause of failure in our study. Also, recurrence rate in infective cases, especially fungal keratitis, was very high. Considerable presence of histopathological changes such as doubling of Descemet membrane and retrocorneal fibrous ingrowth need further investigations. Perhaps, modification in techniques of corneal grafting and assessment of donor tissue and recipient bed along with any need for longer medical treatment are the basis for future studies in order to increase graft survival.
Option Pricing Formulas in a New Uncertain Mean-Reverting Stock Model with Floating Interest Rate
Authors: Liu Zhaopeng
Published: November 2020

Options play a very important role in the financial market, and option pricing has become one of the focus issues discussed by the scholars. This paper proposes a new uncertain mean-reverting stock model with floating interest rate, where the interest rate is assumed to be the uncertain Cox-Ingersoll-Ross (CIR) model. The European option and American option pricing formulas are derived via the

α

-path method. In addition, some mathematical properties of the uncertain option pricing formulas are discussed. Subsequently, several numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Incidence and Predictors of Structural Valve Deterioration after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Long Yu-Xiang , Liu Zeng-Zhang
Published: November 2020

Background. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), widely used as an alternative therapy in patients with severe aortic stenosis, is expected to be offered to low-risk patents with a longer life expectancy. The durability of transcatheter aortic valve is becoming of increasing importance. Method. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL from the inception to March 2020 were systematically screened for studies reporting on structural valve deterioration (SVD) in TAVR patients. Incidence of SVD was diagnosed according to the latest European consensus as the primary end point. Predictors of SVD evaluated at multivariable analysis and cumulative incidence function (CIF) of SVD were the secondary end point. Result. Twelve studies encompassing 10031 patients evaluating the incidence of SVD were included, with a follow-up between 1 and 8 years. The pooled incidence of SVD was 4.93% (95% CI, 2.75%–7.70%, I2 = 96%) at 1 year and 8.97% (95% CI, 6.89%–11.29%, I2 = 86%) in the long term (≥5 years). Subgroup analysis was performed to identify the valve type that may result in partial heterogeneity. SVD was more frequent in patents with a valve diameter of <26 mm (HR: 3.57, 1.47–8.69), oral anticoagulants (OAC), exposure at discharge (OR: 0.48, 0.38–0.61), or by a disease of renal dysfunction (OR 1.42, 1.03–1.96). Conclusion. SVD represents infrequent events after TAVR in the long term (>5 years), occurring more commonly in renal dysfunction patients, with small valve diameter and without OAC exposure. There may be an underestimation of the incidence if we assume death as a competing risk.
Retrospective Clinical Study of a Freely Removable Implant‐Supported Fixed Dental Prosthesis by a Microlocking System
Authors: Bae Eun-Bin , Cho Won-Tak , Bae Hyun-Young , Lee So-Hyoun , Kim Tae-Hyung , Huh Jung-Bo
Published: November 2020

This retrospective clinical study was conducted to evaluate the clinical usefulness of a freely removable microlocking implant prosthesis (MLP) that was developed to overcome the problems with conventional implant prostheses. A total of 54 patients (male: 31, female: 23) and 100 implant prostheses were included. Patients were divided into three groups such as 6‐12 months, 12‐18 months, and 18‐24 months according to the used period after implant prosthesis delivery, and the patients in each group were recalled for examinations of survival rate, marginal bone resorption, peri‐implant soft tissue indices, and complications. The prosthetic complications were analysed by combining the recorded chart data during the periodic checks including the last call for this study. During a 2‐year observation period, all the implants showed a 100% survival rate without clinical mobility and functional problems. There was no significant difference in marginal bone resorption, plaque index, and bleeding index over the observation period after implant prosthesis delivery. Probing depth of the 18‐24 months group (1.5 ± 0.19 mm) was significantly lower than that of the 6‐12 months group (p < 0.05). The main complication was abutment loosening (4%), followed by implant prosthesis fracture (2%) and food impaction (2%) which were recorded. Within the limits of the present study, the implant prostheses with MLP are considered to be an applicable and predictable treatment method.