bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changing paradigm of sacral neuromodulation and external anal sphincter repair for faecal incontinence in specialist centres
Authors: Ong K. , Bordeianou L. , Brunner M. , Buntzen S. , Collie M.H.S. , Hanly A. , Hunt C. W. , Matzel K. E. , O’Connell P. R. , Rydningen M. , Savitt L. , Totaro A. , Vaizey C. J. , Maeda Y.
Published: September 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine whether the paradigm of surgical intervention for faecal incontinence (FI) has changed between 2000 and 2013.

Method

This was a multi‐centre retrospective study of patients who had undergone either sacral neuromodulation (SNM) or delayed sphincter repair or sphincteroplasty (SR) as a primary surgical intervention for FI in five centres in Europe and one in the United States. The flow of patients according to the intervention, sustainability of the treatment at a minimum follow‐up of 5 years, complications and requirement for further interventions were recorded.

Results

A total of 461 patients (median age 56 years, range 24–90 years, 41 men) had either SNM or SR as an index operation during the study period [SNM 284 (61.6%), SR 177 (38.4%)]. Among SNM patients, there were 169 revisional operations (change of battery and/or lead, re‐siting or removal). At the time of last follow‐up 203 patients (71.4%) continued to use SNM. Among SR patients, 30 (16.9%) had complications, most notably wound infection (22, 12.4%). During follow‐up 32 patients (18.1%) crossed over to SNM. Comparing two 4‐year periods (2000–2003 and 2007–2010), the proportion of patients operated on who had a circumferential sphincter defect of less than 90° was 48 (68%) and 45 (46%), respectively (P = 0.03), while those who had SNM as the primary intervention increased from 29% to 89% (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The paradigm of surgical intervention for FI has changed with increasing use of SNM.
How Experts Adapt Their Gaze Behavior When Modeling a Task to Novices
Authors: Emhardt Selina N. , Kok Ellen M. , Jarodzka Halszka , Brand‐Gruwel Saskia , Drumm Christian , van Gog Tamara
Published: September 2020

Domain experts regularly teach novice students how to perform a task. This often requires them to adjust their behavior to the less knowledgeable audience and, hence, to behave in a more didactic manner. Eye movement modeling examples (EMMEs) are a contemporary educational tool for displaying experts’ (natural or didactic) problem‐solving behavior as well as their eye movements to learners. While research on expert‐novice communication mainly focused on experts’ changes in explicit, verbal communication behavior, it is as yet unclear whether and how exactly experts adjust their nonverbal behavior. This study first investigated whether and how experts change their eye movements and mouse clicks (that are displayed in EMMEs) when they perform a task naturally versus teach a task didactically. Programming experts and novices initially debugged short computer codes in a natural manner. We first characterized experts’ natural problem‐solving behavior by contrasting it with that of novices. Then, we explored the changes in experts’ behavior when being subsequently instructed to model their task solution didactically. Experts became more similar to novices on measures associated with experts’ automatized processes (i.e., shorter fixation durations, fewer transitions between code and output per click on the run button when behaving didactically). This adaptation might make it easier for novices to follow or imitate the expert behavior. In contrast, experts became less similar to novices for measures associated with more strategic behavior (i.e., code reading linearity, clicks on run button) when behaving didactically.
Conservation value of national forest roadless areas
Authors: Talty McKinley J. , Mott Lacroix Kelly , Aplet Gregory H. , Belote R. Travis
Published: September 2020

Conservation scientists call for establishing additional protected areas amidst ongoing threats of expanding human development. Nevertheless, some existing protected areas are being downsized and demoted of their existing conservation protections. In 2001, the Roadless Area Conservation Rule prohibited road construction and timber harvest in 240,000 km2 of inventoried roadless areas (IRAs) located on United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service lands. IRAs represent a non‐legislative protected status that is in jeopardy of conservation demotion or “degazettement,” and few national protected area assessments recognize the IRA designation. Since the rule's conception two decades ago, little research has been conducted to assess the conservation values of IRAs and the values they could add to the existing system of highly protected areas in the continental United States. To increase understanding of these conservation values, we assessed three aspects of roadless areas: (a) how wild and intact are IRA lands compared to state, national, and protected lands, (b) how do IRAs complement the size, connectedness, and representation of protected lands, and (c) how do IRAs contribute to protection of important ecosystem services (drinking water and annual carbon capture)? Through this analysis we found that many IRAs are among the most wild, undeveloped areas both in the nation and within their respective states. IRAs increase the size of—and reduce isolation between—protected areas, likely buffering them from external stressors. In some places, IRAs protect watersheds that deliver drinking water to hundreds of thousands of people. IRAs also add significantly to the total carbon captured by existing protected areas. The results of our evaluation demonstrate the potential of IRAs to contribute to the conservation value of the U.S. protected area system and to deliver important ecosystem services.
A fair allocation approach to the ethics of scarce resources in the context of a pandemic: The need to prioritize the worst‐off in the Philippines
Authors: De Castro Leonardo , Lopez Alexander Atrio , Hamoy Geohari , Alba Kriedge Chlare , Gundayao Joshua Cedric
Published: September 2020

Using a fair allocation approach, this paper identifies and examines important concerns arising from the Philippines’ COVID‐19 response while focusing on difficulties encountered by various sectors in gaining fair access to needed societal resources. The effectiveness of different response measures is anchored on addressing inequities that have permeated Philippine society for a long time. Since most measures that are in place as part of the COVID‐19 response are meant to be temporary, these are unable to resolve the inequities that have led to the magnitude of morbidity and mortality associated with the pandemic. These cannot improve the country’s readiness to deal with pandemics and other emergencies in the future.

Transition to a new normal recognizes the possibility that other infectious diseases could come and endanger our health security. Our pandemic experiences are proving that having an egalitarian society will serve the interests not only of disadvantaged sectors but also of everybody else, including the privileged. Response measures should thus take the opportunity to promote equity by giving importance to the concerns of the underprivileged and vulnerable while giving preference to initiatives that can be sustained beyond the period of the current pandemic.
Comparison of postoperative outcomes following multidetector computed tomography based vs transesophageal echocardiography based annulus sizing for transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tang Guozhang , Lv Qifeng , He Xiangqin
Published: September 2020

Background

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the difference in postoperative outcomes following multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)‐based annulus sizing for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods

Electronic search of PubMed, Biomed Central, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases was conducted until August 15, 2019. We included all types of studies comparing MDCT‐based annulus sizing with TEE‐based annulus sizing and assessing paravalvular regurgitation (PVR). Data were summarized using the Mantel‐Haenszel odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

A total of six studies were included. Pooled analysis of 431 participants in the MDCT group and 509 participants in the TEE group demonstrated that MDCT‐based annulus sizing is associated with a significantly lower incidence of more than moderate PVR as compared to 2DTEE‐based sizing (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.18‐0.54, P < .0001; I2 = 0%). There was no statistical difference in annulus rupture (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.12‐2.66, P = .91; I2 = 0%), procedural mortality (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.19‐4.86, P = .97; I2 = 0%), and 30‐day mortality (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.26‐1.50, P = .29; I2 = 0%) with MDCT or 2DTEE‐based annulus sizing. Compared with 3DTEE, the incidence of PVR in the MDCT group was lower, but there was no statistical difference in 30‐day mortality.

Conclusion

Use of MDCT in comparison with 2DTEE is associated with significantly lower incidence of more than moderate PVR after TAVR. There seems to be no difference in annulus rupture and 30‐day mortality with either imaging modality.
Anticoagulation for coexisting bioprosthetic aortic valve thrombosis and anticoagulant‐related bleeding: “A double edge sword”
Authors: Xu Jiaqian , Lata Adrian L. , Zhou Li , Upadhya Bharathi , Pu Min
Published: September 2020

The choice of anticoagulant agents for newly implanted bioprosthetic valve varies significantly, particularly in the presence of postoperative atrial fibrillation with increasing use of nonvitamin K oral anticoagulation (NOACs) in recent years. We reported a challenging case with a coexisting bioprosthetic aortic valve thrombosis and significant anticoagulant‐related bleeding. Clinical management strategy and brief literature review were presented.
Revisiting Orstavik’s PAI score to produce a reliable and reproducible assessment of the outcomes of endodontic treatments in routine practice
Authors: Zanini Marjorie , Decerle Nicolas , Hennequin Martine , Cousson Pierre‐Yves
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Orstavik's periapical index is widely used for radiographic assessment of periapical status. This study analyses the reliability and reproducibility of a modified guide for the interpretation of the periapical index (PAI) scores recorded by undergraduate students.

Materials and Method

Two groups of 4th‐year students were asked to assess the PAI scores of 100 X‐rays two or three times depending on the group. The reliability of their judgment was evaluated by comparing the students' assessments to those of a standard, based on the evaluations made by three teachers. Short‐term stability was evaluated for two lengths of interval separating the Test and Retest phases, respectively, 1 week for Group 1 and 2 weeks for Group 2. Long‐term stability was evaluated by having Group 1 repeat the Retest phase after 15 months.

Results

Overall mean success rates ranged from 61% to 65% according to the student group and the study phase. Intergroup comparisons showed no statistical difference. The reliability of the PAI score evaluation by students was excellent in both groups. Short‐term and long‐term stability were also excellent regardless of the duration of the interval between the study's phases.

Discussion

The image misinterpretations are discussed according to the study phases and the PAI score values.

Conclusion

Undergraduate students can be trained to use the modified guide for scoring PAI for self‐evaluation of the outcomes of the root canal treatments and re‐treatments they are asked to perform during their clinical sessions.
Heart–brain interactions during social and cognitive stress in hypertensive disease: A multidimensional approach
Authors: Legaz Agustina , Yoris Adrián , Sedeño Lucas , Abrevaya Sofía , Martorell Miguel , Alifano Florencia , García Adolfo M. , Ibañez Agustín
Published: September 2020

Hypertensive disease (HTD), a prominent risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, is characterized by elevated stress‐proneness. Since stress levels are underpinned by both cardiac and neural factors, multidimensional insights are required to robustly understand their disruption in HTD. Yet, despite their crucial relevance, heart rate variability (HRV) and multimodal neurocognitive markers of stress in HTD remain controversial and unexplored respectively. To bridge this gap, we studied cardiodynamic as well as electrophysiological and neuroanatomical measures of stress in HTD patients and healthy controls. Both groups performed the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), a validated stress‐inducing task comprising a baseline and a mental stress period. During both stages, we assessed a sensitive HRV parameter (the low frequency/high frequency [LF/HF ratio]) and an online neurophysiological measure (the heartbeat‐evoked potential [HEP]). Also, we obtained neuroanatomical data via voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) for correlation with online markers. Relative to controls, HTD patients exhibited increased LF/HF ratio and greater HEP modulations during baseline, reduced changes between baseline and stress periods, and lack of significant stress‐related HRV modulations associated with the grey matter volume of putative frontrostriatal regions. Briefly, HTD patients presented signs of stress‐related autonomic imbalance, reflected in a potential basal stress overload and a lack of responsiveness to acute psychosocial stress, accompanied by neurophysiological and neuroanatomical alterations. These multimodal insights underscore the relevance of neurocognitive data for developing innovations in the characterization, prognosis and treatment of HTD and other conditions with autonomic imbalance. More generally, these findings may offer new insights into heart–brain interactions.
Transient ischemic attack without self‐awareness of symptoms witnessed by bystanders: analysis of the PROMISE‐TIA registry
Authors: Tanaka K. , Uehara T. , Ohara T. , Sato S. , Hayakawa M. , Kimura K. , Okada Y. , Hasegawa Y. , Tanahashi N. , Suzuki A. , Nakagawara J. , Arii K. , Nagahiro S. , Ogasawara K. , Uchiyama S. , Matsumoto M. , Iihara K. , Toyoda K. , Minematsu K. ,   the PROMISE‐TIA study Investigators
Published: September 2020

Background and purpose

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) can occur without self‐awareness of symptoms. We aimed to investigate characteristics of patients with a tissue‐based diagnosis of TIA but having no self‐awareness of their symptoms and whose symptoms were witnessed by bystanders.

Methods

We used data from the multicenter registry of 1414 patients with a clinical diagnosis of TIA. For patients without evidence of ischemic lesions on imaging, clinical characteristics were compared between patients with and without self‐awareness of their TIA symptoms.

Results

Among 896 patients (559 men, median age of 70 years), 59 (6.6%) were unaware of their TIA symptoms, but had those symptoms witnessed by bystanders. Patients without self‐awareness of symptoms were older and more frequently female, and more likely to have previous history of stroke, premorbid disability, and atrial fibrillation, but less likely to have dyslipidemia than those with self‐awareness. Patients without self‐awareness of symptoms arrive at hospitals earlier than those with self‐awareness (P < 0.001). ABCD2 score was higher in patients without self‐awareness of symptoms than those with self‐awareness (median 5 vs. 4, P = 0.002). Having no self‐awareness of symptoms was a significant predictor of ischemic stroke within 1 year after adjustment for sex, ABCD2 score, and onset to arrival time (hazard ratio = 2.44, 95% confidential interval: 1.10–4.83), but was not significant after further adjustment for arterial stenosis or occlusion.

Conclusions

Patients with a TIA but having no self‐awareness of their symptoms might have higher risk of subsequent ischemic stroke rather than those with self‐awareness, suggesting urgent management is needed even if patients have no self‐awareness of symptoms.
Gender analysis of ‘man‐in‐the‐barrel’ syndrome: is ‘person‐in‐the‐barrel’ a more adequate term?
Authors: Soares C. , Ferreira D. , Araújo R.
Published: September 2020

Background and purpose

Gender bias is a known issue in healthcare and academia. We analysed the gender of patients reported in the literature with ‘man‐in‐the‐barrel’ syndrome or equivalent semiological terms.

Methods

A search in the PubMed database was conducted using the terms ‘man‐in‐the‐barrel’, ‘person‐in‐the‐barrel’, ‘woman‐in‐the‐barrel’, ‘brachial diplegia’, ‘flail arm’ and ‘cruciate paralysis’. All articles published between 1969 and 2020 containing a detailed description compatible with the original description of man‐in‐the‐barrel syndrome were included.

Results

Ninety‐five patients with a clinical picture compatible with man‐in‐the‐barrel syndrome were included. Up to 33% of patients were female. Overall, the proportion of female patients with man‐in‐the‐barrel syndrome was 25%.

Discussion and conclusions

The term man‐in‐the‐barrel may disenfranchise up to a third of women presenting with brachial diplegia with undesirable consequences. We propose a gender‐neutral alternative such as ‘person‐in‐the‐barrel’.
Exploring the SSBreakome: genome‐wide mapping of DNA single‐strand breaks by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Zilio Nicola , Ulrich Helle D.
Published: September 2020

Mapping the genome‐wide distribution of DNA lesions is key to understanding damage signalling and DNA repair in the context of genome and chromatin structure. Analytical tools based on high‐throughput next‐generation sequencing have revolutionized our progress with such investigations, and numerous methods are now available for various base lesions and modifications as well as for DNA double‐strand breaks. Considering that single‐strand breaks are by far the most common type of lesion and arise not only from exposure to exogenous DNA‐damaging agents, but also as obligatory intermediates of DNA replication, recombination and repair, it is surprising that our insight into their genome‐wide patterns, that is the ‘SSBreakome’, has remained rather obscure until recently, due to a lack of suitable mapping technology. Here we briefly review classical methods for analysing single‐strand breaks and discuss and compare in detail a series of recently developed high‐resolution approaches for the genome‐wide mapping of these lesions, their advantages and limitations and how they have already provided valuable insight into the impact of this type of damage on the genome.
Prevalence of hyposalivation in older people: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pina Gisela de Martins Souza , Mota Carvalho Regina , Silva Brunno Santos de Freitas , Almeida Fabiana Tolentino
Published: September 2020

Background

The proportion of elders is increasing worldwide, and hyposalivation has been associated with the ageing process. Therefore, there has been growing interest in the frequency of hyposalivation in older people since it can cause transient or permanent problems that could affect oral health.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of hyposalivation in older people (aged ≥ 60 years).

Methods

The review was registered at Prospero ‐ International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews under number CRD42018106322. The search was performed in six electronic databases (Embase, LILACS, Medline, PubMed, Web of Science and Abstracts in Social Gerodontology) and grey literature (Google Scholar) for articles published up to February 2019. The methodology of selected studies was evaluated using the Meta‐Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review (MAStARI) risk of bias checklist. Meta‐analyses were performed using Medcalc and Stata 15.

Results

Thirteen studies totalising 3,885 individuals (≥60 years) were included in this systematic review. The meta‐analysis showed an overall hyposalivation prevalence of 33.37% (95% confidence interval [CI] 23.90 ‐ 43.57, P < .0001, n = 3,447). The prevalence of hyposalivation for unstimulated and stimulated methods was 33.39% (95% CI 21.08 ‐ 46.96, P < .0001, n = 2,425 individuals) and 30.47% (95% CI 22.53‐39.04, P < .0001, n = 1,495 individuals), respectively. Most of the studies were evaluated as low risk of bias. Some study limitations were related to the observational studies potential risk of bias, and different criteria to measure saliva flow rate.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the overall prevalence of hyposalivation in older people is 33.37%. When considering stimulated methods, the prevalence of hyposalivation was slightly lower (30.47%).
Accurate Trace Element Reporting in Corundum: Development of Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry Relative Sensitivity Factors
Authors: Stone‐Sundberg Jennifer L. , Guan Yunbin , Sun Ziyin , Ardon Troy
Published: September 2020

The attractive physical and chemical properties of corundum lend to this material’s importance in both its natural and synthetic forms. However, much of the quantitative work performed on this material is plagued by unknown inaccuracy as non‐matrix‐matched reference materials are used. To conduct accurate quantitative analysis using SIMS, matrix‐specific relative sensitivity factors (RSFs) were determined for eighteen trace elements in corundum using dose‐verified ion implants. The RSF values ranged from 2.56 × 1022 to 3.29 × 1024 cm‐1 with total combined uncertainty values ranging from 7 to 10%. The RSF values, which are related to ionisation potentials, showed trends consistent with expectations for an insulating oxide. The developed values were applied to calibrate reference materials for LA‐ICP‐MS and to study other natural and synthetic corundum samples. A measurement reference material calibrated for Mg, Si, Ti, V, Fe and Ga produced consistent results over ten sessions in 4 years with relative standard deviations per trace element of 5% or less, confirming the repeatability of our process. A key finding was that calibrating LA‐ICP‐MS with NIST SRM 610 and 612 glasses to analyse corundum resulted in under‐reporting trace elements Be, Ti, V, Fe, Co, Ni and Ga compared with using matrix‐matched reference materials.
Capitalizing on translocal affiliations: configuring capital in returnee entrepreneurship
Authors: Haarman Amanda , Langevang Thilde
Published: September 2020

In this article, we examine how returnee entrepreneurs seek to capitalize on translocal affiliations by deploying different forms of capital in their business practices. Based on a case study of returnees in Ghana's creative industries, the article identifies three practices through which entrepreneurs configure capital to seize opportunities and deal with challenges of running a business as a returnee. The practice of compensating encompasses efforts at compensating for encountered obstacles in Ghana by taking advantage of unique translocal positions. Fusing involves creatively blending local and foreign aesthetics and business approaches, while switching implies adapting to social situations through changing bodily appearances and speech. The findings demonstrate that using capital back home is not merely a matter of transferring capital from abroad, but a translocal practice where capital is carefully configured. We highlight the importance of paying analytical attention to multiple sites of engagement and foreground African returnee entrepreneurs as transnational actors.
Transmitted drug resistance to NRTIs and risk of virological failure in naïve patients treated with integrase inhibitors
Authors: Borghetti A , Ciccullo A , Lombardi F , Baldin G , Belmonti S , Prosperi M , Incardona F , Heger E , Borghi V , Sönnerborg A , Zazzi M , De Luca A , Di Giambenedetto S
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) transmitted drug resistance mutations (TDRMs) could increase the risk of virological failure (VF) of first‐line integrase strand transfer inhibitor (InSTI)‐based regimens.

Methods

Patients starting two NRTIs (lamivudine/emtricitabine plus abacavir/tenofovir) plus raltegravir or dolutegravir were selected from the EuResist cohort. The role of NRTI genotypic susceptibility score and of specific TDRMs in VF (i.e. two consecutive viral loads > 50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL or a single viral load ≥ 200 copies/mL after 3 months from antiretroviral therapy start) was evaluated in the overall population and according to the InSTI employed.

Results

From 2008 to 2017, 1095 patients were eligible for the analysis (55.5% men, median age 39 years). In all, 207 VFs occurred over 1023 patient‐years of follow‐up. The genotypic susceptibility score (GSS) had no effect on the risk of VF in the overall population. However, the presence of M184V/I independently predicted VF of raltegravir‐ but not dolutegravir‐based therapy when compared with a fully‐active backbone [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 3.09, P = 0.035], particularly when associated with other non‐thymidine analogue mutations (aHR = 27.62, P = 0.004). Higher‐zenith HIV‐RNA and lower nadir CD4 counts independently predicted VF.

Conclusions

NRTI backbone TDRMs increased the risk of VF with raltegravir‐based but not dolutegravir‐based regimens.
‘Indians are the Majority of the Prisoners’? Historical Variations in Incarceration Rates for Indigenous Women and Men in British Columbia
Authors: INWOOD KRIS , ROBERTS EVAN
Published: September 2020

Indigenous people have experienced relatively high incarceration rates in British Columbia, as elsewhere in North America, since the 1940s. Archival prison records, however, show that the incidence of Indigenous incarceration was lower than for other people before 1910. This evidence implies the crucial period for increasing incarceration of Indigenous peoples in British Columbias was from 1910 to 1940. The pattern for Indigenous women differed from that of men. Large numbers of Indigenous women were imprisoned in the 1870s and 1880s. The British Columbia Indigenous pattern has important similarities to the New Zealand Māori in the same era. Neither Indigenous experience is easily explained by group threat theory used to understand rising incarceration for African‐Americans in this period. Indigenous incarceration in settler states prior to the 1950s needs additional comparative research and theoretical understanding.
Retrospective evaluation of endodontic case reports published in the International Endodontic Journal and the Journal of Endodontics for their compliance with the PRICE 2020 guidelines
Authors: Berlin‐Broner Y. , Levin L.
Published: September 2020

Aim

To evaluate, retrospectively, the quality of previously published case reports in Endodontics according to the PRICE 2020 guidelines.

Methodology

An electronic literature search was conducted in PubMed database on 12 March 2020, to identify case reports published during the last five years in the International Endodontic Journal and the Journal of Endodontics. For each of the included case reports, information regarding fulfilment of each of the items of the PRICE 2020 guidelines was extracted as ‘0’ (not present in the manuscript), ‘1’ (present in the manuscript) and ‘NA’ (not applicable) and translated into a score (percentage of items fulfilled). Additionally, the percentage of papers fulfilling each item was calculated.

Results

Overall, 70 endodontic case reports were identified. The scores of the papers ranged between 56.41% and 79.55%, with a mean score of 70.26 ± 4.36% (SD). The percentage of papers fulfilling each item of the applicable PRICE 2020 items ranged widely, between 0% and 100%. The median of the percentage of all the items (n = 47) was 97.01% and mean 73.33 ± 36.28% (SD). The lowest scores were recorded for specific items in the following domains: ‘Case Report Information’‐Items 6c, 6g–i, ‘Patient Perspective’‐Item 8a and ‘Quality of Images’‐Items 12c–d.

Conclusions

Several areas with low reporting rates were identified in case reports published over the last 5 years in Endodontics. Authors should be encouraged to follow the PRICE 2020 guidelines in order to increase the quality and improve reproducibility of their case reports.
Corrosion behavior of oxide ion conductors for high‐temperature direct electrochemical metal oxide reduction
Authors: Hwang Kuk‐Jin , Shin Miyoung , Lee Myung‐Hyun , Lee Heesoo , Shin Tae Ho
Published: September 2020

The corrosion behaviors of high oxide ion conductors using solid oxide membrane (SOM) electrolysis were investigated in practical operating conditions (current load or molten CaF2‐NaF‐CaO eutectic salt). In previous researches, yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ), which is widely used in SOM electrolysis due to its good mechanical properties and ionic conductivity at high temperature, has several problems including phase transition due to yttrium ion dissolution, which results in decreased current efficiency and severe fracture of SOM tube. Thus, we introduced oxide ion conductors with a higher ionic conductivity than that of YSZ to exploit its excellent current efficiency and long‐term stability. In this study, we investigated the phase stability of Sr‐ and Mg‐doped lanthanum gallate (LSGM), Sc‐doped zirconia (ScSZ) and Gd‐doped ceria (GDC) using the structural analysis methods. Phase transition of LSGM and ScSZ easily occurred than that of GDC. GDC showed fairly tolerable stability; the molten salt ions were found only 10 μm deep on the surface, and the ions hardly penetrated the interior of bulk. However, LSGM (~40 μm) and ScSZ (~100 μm) showed a deep cation ion infiltration depth from the surface and severe surface corrosion was observed on the surface of LSGM and ScSZ.
Role of brand experience in shaping brand love
Authors: Joshi Richa , Garg Prerna
Published: September 2020

Consumer–brand relationships are witnessing a tremendous upheaval from the past few years, with emotions becoming a predictor of a brand's fate. Brand love is a construct that reflects the passionate emotional attachment of a consumer with a brand, thus, it has captured the attention of practitioners around the globe. Moreover, Gen Z consumers of countries like India have also shown huge emotional sensitivity while purchasing fashion apparel brands since these brands intensify their social image. The marketers, therefore, are looking out for strategic alternatives to engage the consumer and stimulate their emotions. In view of this, the present study adds to the existing body of literature by introducing novel linkages in branding by examining the mediating role of brand engagement in shaping loyalty intentions. The study also recognizes the moderating role of experience with several proposed relationships concerning brand love. For this purpose, cross‐sectional research was carried out by collecting responses from Gen Z consumers. The results reveal the significant mediating role of brand engagement between brand love and loyalty intention and confirms the moderating role of brand experience in two relationships (i.e., brand trust and brand image) with brand love while insignificant with brand satisfaction. It has also observed direct and indirect effects of brand love, thus, extending existing models and proposed theories. Emerging markets like India have massive potential for marketers in almost all product categories. However, the fashion apparel category has come out as an attractive industry due to the emergence of fashion‐conscious generation, that is, gen Z. The marketers today focus on the loyalty of the customer therefore, a study articulating loyalty intention and its precursors would help in constituting several branding strategies.
Consumption and life satisfaction: The Korean evidence
Authors: Choung Youngjoo , Pak Tae‐Young , Chatterjee Swarn
Published: September 2020

This study examines the association between consumption expenditure and life satisfaction among older Koreans (aged 50 or older). We estimate a series of individual fixed effects regressions that link life satisfaction to various types of household consumption using data drawn from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging. The results show that leisure consumption is positively related to life satisfaction and that this association is driven largely by uncommon and infrequent leisure activities, like travel and entertainment. Expenditures for leisure that provides more ordinary experiences, such as recreation and self‐development programs, were generally uncorrelated with life satisfaction, despite being consumed by a large fraction of older Koreans. Finally, the evidence on whether material purchases or status‐enhancing purchases were positively correlated with life satisfaction is mixed. On the one hand, our findings reaffirm the conventional wisdom that people feel more satisfied when spending money on experiences than on material possessions. On the other hand, we provide the novel finding that consumption directed towards extraordinary and memorable experiences that go beyond everyday life tends to generate greater life satisfaction.
Children of the Sun: a historical look at how pediatric light therapy shaped attitudes and behaviors toward sunbathing
Authors: Bax Christina E. , James William D.
Published: September 2020

Today, parents are warned to protect their children from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, the most preventable and leading cause of skin cancer. Yet, during the first half of the 20th century, the medical community widely extolled the health benefits of daily sunbaths for babies and children. What initially had begun as evidence‐based medical therapies to prevent pediatric diseases, specifically tuberculosis and rickets, soon took on a life of its own as physicians, public health experts, and the general public embraced sunbathing and tanning as a means to ensure health and wellbeing for children and families. Here, we trace how specific medical therapies entered mainstream pediatric medicine and, converging with societal and cultural forces, shaped attitudes and behaviors towards sunbathing that still exist today. Understanding our complex history with the sun may shed light on the current peak of skin cancer incidence and future disease development. Moreover, it may help improve how we educate parents and children about sun safety by taking into account the current social and cultural context of medical practice and health communication.
Is catechol‐O‐methyltransferase gene associated with temporomandibular disorders? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Brancher João Armando , Bertoli Fernanda Mara de Paiva , Michels Bruna , Lopes‐Faturri Aluhê , Pizzatto Eduardo , Losso Estela Maris , Orsi Juliana Schaia , Feltrin de Souza Juliana , Küchler Erika Calvano , Wambier Letícia Maíra
Published: September 2020

Background

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a condition, in which multiple factors act synergistically to determine the outcome of the disorder.

Aim

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between genetic polymorphisms in catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) and TMD.

Design

Observational studies that investigated this association were included. The risk of bias and study quality were evaluated according to the Newcastle‐Ottawa tool. The meta‐analysis was performed for each polymorphism associated with TMD signs and symptoms.

Results

A total of 1903 articles were identified. Ten remained in the qualitative analysis: six were classified as low risk of bias and four with moderate risk of bias, and three were included in the meta‐analysis. The polymorphism rs6269, in the genotypic model (0.65; CI = 0.44‐0.97; P = .04) and in the allelic model (0.73; CI = 0.54‐0.98; P = .04), was associated with myofascial pain. The rs9332377 was associated with myofascial pain in the genotypic model (2.69; CI = 1.51‐4.76; P = .0007) and in the allelic model (1.46; CI = 1.01‐2.13; P = .05) and with painful TMD in the genotypic model (2.08; CI = 1.27‐3.40; P = .004) and in the allelic model (1.34 CI = 0.98‐1.82; P = .06).

Conclusion

The polymorphisms in COMT were significantly associated with TMD.
Pathways influencing dental caries increment among children: A cohort study
Authors: Reyes Lilian Toledo , Knorst Jessica Klöckner , Ortiz Fernanda Ruffo , Mendes Fausto Medeiros , Ardenghi Thiago Machado
Published: September 2020

Background

Dentists should assess pathways influencing the increment of dental caries among children to guide the prevention and treatment of the disease.

Aim

Evaluate the pathways that influence the increment of carious lesions in pre‐school children.

Design

This is a 2‐year cohort study was conducted with a random sample of 639 pre‐school children in southern Brazil. Caries experience, socioeconomic status (SES), social capital, and psychosocial characteristics were obtained at baseline. Increment of dental caries was assessed at 2 years follow‐up in 467 children (cohort retention rate of 73.1%). Previously calibrated examiners assess the caries through the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to test the pathways influencing dental caries increment.

Results

Dental caries at baseline was heavily influenced by children's age (SC: 0.381, P < .01), tooth plaque (SC: 0.077, P = .02), parent's perception child oral health (SC: 0.295, P < .01), and household (SC: 0.148, P < .01). Increment of dental caries was directly affected by dental caries at baseline (Standardized Coefficients [SC]: 0.377, P < .01). Indirect paths were not significant.

Conclusions

Dental caries experience was the main factor of direct influence on the increment of caries, reinforcing the theory of risk accumulation over time.
Hierarchical porous ceramics with multiple open pores from boehmite gel emulsions
Authors: Zheng Yu , Luo Xudong , You Jiegang , Li Ting , Hou Qingdong
Published: September 2020

Ceramic foam materials with highly porous microstructure are playing vital role in increasing areas, especially for those with requirements for open channels and superior specific surface area. In this work, a simple and versatile approach to prepare ceramic foams with open pores has been proposed, that is gelation of boehmite nanoparticle‐assembled emulsions. Notably, hierarchical porous microstructure with open channels and uniform pore structure has been built. High specific surface area up to389.4 m2/g is attainable, making it excellent adsorption material when combining the merit of hierarchical pore structure. Furthermore, lattice‐shaped ceramics are prepared via direct ink writing gelled emulsion, displaying the potential of forming lightweight material with complex shape and designable macrostructure. The three‐dimensional (3D) printed foams exhibit multiple open pores, which cover length scale from mm scale, to μm scale and nm scale, making them promising materials in several fields like adsorption and gas filtrations, etc.
Microstructure and mechanical behavior of TiO2‐MnO‐doped alumina/alumina laminates
Authors: Daniel Barros Marcelo , Jelitto Hans , Hotza Dachamir , Janssen Rolf
Published: September 2020

Tapes of TiO2‐MnO‐doped alumina (d‐Al2O3) and pure alumina (Al2O3) were shaped via tape casting. Laminates with three different layer numbers and respective thicknesses were produced and sintered at 1200°C. The microstructure and mechanical behavior of laminates were investigated and compared to the respective monolithic references (d‐Al2O3 and Al2O3). The use of dopants in alumina decreased the initial sintering temperature, leading to higher densification at 1200°C (~98% theoretical density (TD)) when compared to Al2O3 (~73% TD). The higher density was reflected in a higher Young's modulus and hardness for doped alumina. A region of diffusion of dopants in pure alumina layers was observed along the interface with doped layers. The mechanical strength of d‐Al2O3 samples sintered at 1200°C was not statistically different from Al2O3 samples sintered at 1350°C. The strength of laminates composed of doped layers with undoped, porous interlayers did not change. Nevertheless, as the thickness of these porous interlayers increases, a loss of strength was observed. Monolithic references showed constant values of fracture toughness (KIC), ~2 MPa·m1/2, and linear crack path. On the other hand, KIC of laminates increases when the crack propagates from weak Al2O3 layers to dense d‐Al2O3 layers.
A new clinical risk score for predicting the prevalence of low‐voltage areas in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Matsuda Yasuhiro , Masuda Masaharu , Asai Mitsutoshi , Iida Osamu , Okamoto Shin , Ishihara Takayuki , Nanto Kiyonori , Kanda Takashi , Tsujimura Takuya , Hata Yosuke , Uematsu Hiroyuki , Mano Toshiaki
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Although the presence of left atrial low‐voltage areas (LVAs) is strongly associated with the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after ablation, few methods are available to classify the prevalence of LVAs. The purpose of this study was to establish a risk score for predicting the prevalence of LVAs in patients undergoing ablation for AF.

Methods

We enrolled 1004 consecutive patients who underwent initial ablation for AF (age, 68 ± 10 years old; female, 346 (34%); persistent AF, 513 (51%)). LVAs were deemed present when the voltage map after pulmonary vein isolation demonstrated low‐voltage areas with a peak‐to‐peak bipolar voltage of <0.5 mV covering ≥5 cm2 of the left atrium.

Results

LVAs were present in 206 (21%) patients. The SPEED score was obtained as the total number of independent predictors as identified on multivariate analysis, namely female sex (odds ratio [OR], 3.4 [95% confidence interval {CI} 2.2–5.2], p < .01), persistent AF (OR, 1.8 [95% CI, 1.1–3.0], p = .02), age ≥ 70 years (OR, 2.3 [95% CI, 1.5–3.4], p < .01), elevated brain natriuretic peptide ≥100 pg/ml or N‐terminal probrain natriuretic peptide ≥400 pg/ml (OR, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.02–2.8], p = .04), and diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.8 [95% CI, 1.1–2.8], p = .02). LVAs were more frequent in patients with a higher SPEED score, and prevalence increased with each additional SPEED score point (OR, 2.4 [95% CI, 2.0–2.8], p < .01).

Conclusion

The SPEED score accurately predicts the prevalence of LVAs in patients undergoing ablation for AF.
Circulating choline is associated with coronary artery stenosis in patients with hypertension: A cross‐sectional study of Chinese adults
Authors: Guo Fei , Qiu Xueting , Zhu Yuanting , Tan Zhirong , Li Zhenyu , Ouyang Dongsheng
Published: September 2020

Choline is an important nutrient involved in multiple biosynthesis pathways. However, whether circulating choline levels are associated with the risk of hypertension (HTN) and artery stenosis in HTN remains unknown. We investigated the correlations of plasma choline with HTN and coronary artery injury and explored the utility of plasma choline as a diagnostic biomarker for HTN and artery stenosis. 193 HTN patients and 154 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (CON) were recruited in this study. Fasting plasma choline was detected using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Choline levels were significantly higher in HTN without artery stenosis (HTN‐AS) than CON (8.07 [7.19‐9.24] μM vs 7.03 [6.21‐8.13] μM, P < .01) group and were further upregulated in HTN with artery stenosis (HTN + AS) (8.63 [7.09‐10.59] μM, P < .01) group. Patients with multivessel disease (MVD) also exhibited higher choline levels than those with single vessel disease (SVD) (8.64 [7.16‐10.55] μM vs 8.04(6.74‐9.38) μM, P < .01). Increased choline levels were independently associated with the risk of HTN (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1‐1.45, P = .05), HTN + AS (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.09‐1.48, P < .01), and MVD (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.02‐1.31, P = .02) after adjustment for multiple risk factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that choline had an area under curve (AUC) score of 0.69, 0.67, and 0.63 in determining HTN, HTN + AS, and MVD. In conclusion, higher choline levels were associated with increased risk of HTN and artery stenosis in hypertensive patients.
Myocardial work in hypertensive patients with and without diabetes: An echocardiographic study
Authors: Tadic Marijana , Cuspidi Cesare , Pencic Biljana , Grassi Guido , Celic Vera
Published: September 2020

We aimed to investigate myocardial performance using pressure‐strain loops in hypertensive patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). This cross‐sectional study included 165 subjects (55 controls, 60 hypertensive patients without DM, and 50 hypertensive patients with DM) who underwent complete two‐dimensional echocardiographic examination (2DE) including two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography. Pressure‐strain curve was used to determine global myocardial work index, constructive work, wasted work, and work efficiency in all study participants. Left ventricular (LV) longitudinal and circumferential strains gradually reduced from controls throughout hypertensive subjects to patients with DM and hypertension. Global myocardial work index gradually increased from controls, throughout hypertensive patients to subjects with hypertension and DM (1887 ± 289 vs 2073 ± 311 vs 2144 ± 345 mm Hg%, P = .001). Constructive work increased in the same direction (2040 ± 319 vs 2197 ± 344 vs 2355 ± 379 mm Hg%, P < .001). Work efficiency and wasted work did not differ between three observed groups. Glycosylated hemoglobin and systolic blood pressure were associated with global myocardial work and constructive work independently of age, body mass index, LV structural and functional parameters in all hypertensive participants. In conclusion, pressure‐strain curve showed that myocardial work was significantly affected by hypertension and diabetes. Diabetes demonstrated an additional negative effect on myocardial work in hypertensive patients.
m6A RNA methylation regulators could contribute to the occurrence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Huang Xinwei , Lv Dongjin , Yang Xiao , Li Min , Zhang Hong
Published: September 2020

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation, the most prevalent internal chemical modification of mRNA, has been reported to participate in the progression of various tumours via the dynamic regulation of m6A RNA methylation regulators. However, the role of m6A RNA methylation regulators in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has never been reported. This study aimed to determine the expression and potential functions of m6A RNA methylation regulators in COPD. Four gene expression data sets were acquired from Gene Expression Omnibus. Gene ontology function, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses, weighted correlation network analysis and protein‐protein interaction network analysis were performed. The correlation analyses of m6A RNA methylation regulators and key COPD genes were also performed. We found that the mRNA expressions of IGF2BP3, FTO, METTL3 and YTHDC2, which have the significant associations with some key genes enriched in the signalling pathway and biological processes that promote the development progression of COPD, are highly correlated with the occurrence of COPD. In conclusion, six central m6A RNA methylation regulators could contribute to the occurrence of COPD. This study provides important evidence for further examination of the role of m6A RNA methylation in COPD.