bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HYPOPHYSEO‐ADRENOCORTICAL FUNCTION IN DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: Asfeldt V. H.
Published: November 2020

Earlier experiments have given conflicting information on the hypophyseo‐adrenal function in diabetic patients. Normal suppression of plasma corticosteroids with 1 mg of dexamethasone (1 mg‐DST) in stable, noninsulin‐treated diabetics has previously been reported. However, only a partial response was found during 1 mg‐DST in approximately one‐third of the juvenile, insulin‐treated diabetics, indicating a slight hypercorticism in these patients. The cause of this was presumed to be repeated small stress‐stimuli as a consequence of fluctuation in the blood sugar. The present study attempts to elucidate this supposition. In contrast to earlier investigation a normal circadian rhythm and normal baseline values of plasma corticosteroids were found in 19 insulin‐treated diabetics during “basal” conditions, but this does not exclude the presence of a slight hypercorticism in some of the patients. Plasma corticosteroids and blood sugar were determined during 96 “subjective” hypoglycaemic attacks in 73 insulin‐treated diabetics. Elevated valuse of plasma corticosteroids were found both in cases of normal and low values of blood sugar. In six insulin‐treated diabetics with hyperglycaemia and ketonuria (four without acidosis) elevated values of plasma corticosteroids were found. The results support the assumption that a fall in the blood sugar to low values and fluctuations in the blood sugar at normal or high levels can bring about increased hypophyseo‐adrenal activity, and that this might be the cause of a slight hypercorticism in some cases of juvenile, insulin‐treated diabetics. It is not known whether the presumed hypercorticism is a reversible condition or not.
DETERMINATION OF PLASMA RENIN ACTIVITY BY RADIO‐IMMUNOASSAY FOR ANGIOTENSIN II
Authors: Nielsen Ingolf , Poulsen Knud , Simonsen Grethe
Published: November 2020

A procedure for coupling a radio‐immunoassay for angiotensin II to a method for plasma renin activity measurement has been described. The incubation product of the method is angiotensin I. This is converted to angiotensin II by a preparation of human plasma containing converting enzyme. In the assessment of angiotensin formed a standard curve with angiotensin I converted to angiotensin II in the same way as the unknown sample is applied. In this way a correction is made for incomplete conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II by the converting enzyme preparation.
MORTALITY OF HEART BLOCK COMPLICATING ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION MANAGED WITHOUT ARTIFICIAL PACEMAKERS
Authors: Woie Leik , Aksnes Einar G.
Published: November 2020

Complete heart block has been observed in 42 (7%) of 603 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) between 1966 and 1969 in this hospital. In addition 11 patients got their complete heart block after resuscitation and are excluded from this material. Of the 42 patients 24 were given isoprenaline and 10 insulin, glucose and potassium. No patients were treated with artificial pacemaker. Twenty‐two (52.4%) of the patients with complete heart block died, compared to a total mortality of 30%. The most adverse prognostic factors were BP below 80 mmHg (12 patients) and syncope (12 patients). Of the 22 patients with posterior infarction 11 (50%) died, compared to 4 (33.3%) of the 12 patients with anterior infarction. Of the 8 patients with posterior and anterior infarction or uncertain localization of the infarct 7 (87.5%) died. Of the 22 patients who died 13 died of shock or cardiac failure, 4 of ventricular fibrillation, 4 of asystole and 1 of a stroke. More information must be collected to demonstrate unequivocally the value of artificial pacemaker in the treatment of heart block in AMI.
TRANSFERRIN EXCRETION IN PATIENTS WITH PROTEINURIA
Authors: Kistner Sten , Norberg Renée
Published: November 2020

Serum and urinary transferrin have been determined in 35 patients with renal disease and in 12 patients with urinary tract tumour. The relative content of transferrin in serum proteins did not differ significantly between patients with different diseases. The urinary protein content of transferrin was significantly higher in patients with glomerulonephritis than in patients with pyelonephritis. Patients with urinary tract tumour had a lower transferrin content than patients with pyelonephritis, but this difference was not significant. The clearance of transferrin and the clearance of albumin were approximately equal in patients with renal disease and the correlation between the clearance values was highly significant. There was also a significant correlation between the clearance of transferrin and that of IgG, but the deviation was greater. In patients with urinary tract tumour no significant correlation was found between the clearance of transferrin and that of albumin or IgG. Serum content and renal clearance of transferrin were not correlated to Hb concentration, serum iron, or creatinine, and no difference in this respect was found between patients with a positive urine culture and non‐infected patients. It is concluded that the renal clearance of transferrin depends on the molecular size. The nature of the renal disease causing proteinuria may influence the relationship between the renal excretion of transferrin and that of other proteins of different molecular size. Proteinuria originating from the lower urinary tract may have a different composition from the one of renal origin.
MYOCARDIAL INFARCTECTOMY
Authors: Nitter‐Hauge Sigurd , Müller Ottar , Semb Gudmund , Hall Karl Viktor , Österud Arne , Efskind Leif
Published: November 2020

The effect of surgical infarctectomy 1‐9 weeks after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been evaluated in five patients with serious complications such as progressive heart failure and recurring tachyarrhythmias. Two patients had ventricular septal rupture as well. The diagnosis of left ventricular akinesia with ineffective motion of the myocardial wall was established by cineventriculography. All patients survived the operation. One did not regain consciousness and died from cerebral embolic disease after 1 week and another had sudden cardiac arrest and died 1½ weeks after the operation. The remaining three patients are all clinically well compensated 6 to 12 months after the operation and are at present living a fairly normal life. Cardiac catheterization in one case showed much improved left ventricular function.
LB‐46, A NEW β‐ADRENERGIC RECEPTOR BLOCKING AGENT IN CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS
Authors: Storstein Liv
Published: November 2020

A new β‐adrenergic receptor blocking agent, LB‐46 Viskèn, Sandoz (DL 4‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐isopropylaminopropoxy)indole) has been tried in various arrhythmias in 22 patients. It was effective in reducing the heart rate in sinus tachycardia, rapid atrial fibrillation and some cases of supraventricular and ventricular tachycardia. LB‐46 had no serious side‐effects and did not precipitate heart failure in any of our patients. It has an intrinsic sympathomimetic activity. LB‐46 was given to two pregnant patients in their last trimester with no adverse effect. The mechanism for the antiarrhythmic properties of β‐adrenergic receptor blocking agents is discussed.
CHANGES IN THE LIPOPROTEIN PATTERN DURING TWO YEARS FOLLOWING MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
Authors: Ritland Ståle , Enger Sven Chr.
Published: November 2020

In a previous investigation a normal lipoprotein pattern was demonstrated in 51% of 85 men during the first three months after myocardial infarction. Hyper‐β‐lipoproteinemia (type II pattern) was found in 22% and hyper‐pre‐β‐lipoproteinemia (type IV) in 27%. In a follow‐up study approximately 25 months after the myocardial infarction we found a normal lipoprotein pattern in 43%, hyper‐β‐lipoproteinemia in 31% and hyper‐pre‐β‐lipoproteinemia in 26% of 58 men. During the observation period there has been a significant elevation of the serum cholesterol levels in all groups and of the triglyceride level in type IV patients.
EXTRACORPOREAL IRRADIATION OF THE BLOOD
Authors: Weeke Eva
Published: November 2020

During the last three years a total of 80 patients have received extracorporeal irradiation of the blood (ECIB) prior to kidney transplantation. The irradiators were developed and fabricated by the Danish Atomic Energy Commission, Risø. The main data from three types of equipment—stationary and mobile gamma units and portable beta units—are presented. For the total material the average duration of ECIB was 103 h, the mean transit dose 295 rads and the mean total dose 42 850 rads. The lymphocyte concentration was reduced from 1 350 + 526 before to 335 + 122 after ECIB. According to the transit dose the patients were divided into three groups. Group I (20 patients) received a mean transit dose of 96 rads, and a mean total dose of 21 680 rads. Group II (21 patients) received a mean transit dose of 359 rads and an average total dose of 50 100 rads. Group III (20 patients) received an average transit dose of 432 rads and an average total dose of 54 420 rads. The rate of development of lymphopenia was significantly slower in group I than in groups II and III, but reduction of the lymphocyte concentration to the same degree (about 30% of pretreatment value) was observed in all three groups. At 15 000 rads the percentual reduction was significantly larger in group I than in groups II and III. There was no correlation between flow rate, calculated as the number of patients' blood volumes radiated per hour, and the rate of development of lymphopenia. After cessation of ECIB the lymphocyte concentration was followed in those patients who were not transplanted immediately. In 9 patients belonging to groups II and III the concentration remained constant at 30% of pretreatment value during the first 8 months. At 12 months it had increased to 50%. In 6 patients, belonging to group I, the lymphocyte concentration increased to 50% three months after cessation of ECIB. The practical conclusion of the present study is that a prolonged lymphocyte reduction is obtained with ECIB, with high transit doses resulting in high total radiation doses which caused hemolysis. If the total radiation doses are reduced by reduction of transit doses (100 rads), lymphopenia is obtained without hemolysis, but ECIB has to be repeated at more frequent intervals in order to maintain lymphopenia.
THE EFFECTS OF UNSATURATED AND SATURATED DIETARY FATS ON PLASMA CHOLESTEROL, PHOSPHOLIPIDS AND LECITHIN: CHOLESTEROL ACYLTRANSFERASE ACTIVITY
Authors: Gjone Egil , Nordøy Arne , Blomhoff Jan Petter , Wiencke Ingrid
Published: November 2020

The plasma concentrations of cholesterol, individual phospholipids and the activity of plasma lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) have been examined in two groups of healthy subjects on different diets. The diets were isocaloric with 40% fat. One group received a diet rich in unsaturated fatty acids, in which soybean oil was the fat source. The other group was given a saturated fatty acid diet with medium chain triglycerides (MCT). A significant fall in the plasma concentrations of cholesterol and lecithin was observed after 21 days' use of the soybean oil diet. Concomitantly a significant reduction in the plasma LCAT activity also took place. In the control group on MCT diet no significant changes in plasma lipid concentrations or LCAT activity were noted. The influence of dietary changes on plasma LCAT activity is discussed.
PERIARTERITIS NODOSA
Authors: Sairanen E. , Wasastjerna C.
Published: November 2020

Ten cases of periarteritis nodosa have been histologically diagnosed during a 3‐year period, nine of them by biopsies. Most of the patients had gastrointestinal and cardiac symptoms, together with fever. The BSR was high in nine cases, and in all ten patients serum electrophoresis revealed hypalbuminaemia. The γ‐ and α2‐globulin levels were increased in many cases. Six patients were anaemic. Proteinuria was present in six cases. All the patients were treated with corticosteroids. Seven patients were alive after 5 years, and five after 10 years.
LOCALIZED SUPRA VALVULAR AORTIC STENOSIS COMBINED WITH MENTAL RETARDATION AND PECULIAR FACIAL APPEARANCE
Authors: Eie Harald , Semb Gudmund , Müller Ottar , Bramness Guri
Published: November 2020

Three patients are reported who were admitted to hospital because of a peculiar “elfin‐like” facial appearance, mental retardation and systolic diamond‐shaped murmur recorded on phonocardiography. These findings are known to be connected with late infantile hypercalcemia, supravalvular aortic and pulmonary arterial stenosis. Two of the patients had membranous supravalvular aortic stenosis, while the third had coarctation of the aorta combined with subclavian and pulmonary artery stenoses. In one patient with membranous supravalvular aortic stenosis no pulmonary artery stenosis could be found. All three patients displayed bicuspid aortic valves. The findings in this anomaly are therefore more complex than generally described in the literature. Relevant to the bicuspid aortic valves is probably an early‐diastolic de‐crescendo murmur recorded on phonocardiography.
METABOLISM OF CHOLIC ACID ‐ 24‐14C IN PATIENTS WITH HEPATOBILIARY DISEASES
Authors: Alström T. , Norman A.
Published: November 2020

Cholic acid‐24‐14C was injected i.v. into five patients with chronic liver disease (four with Laennec's cirrhosis and one with amyloidosis) and three patients with acute liver failure of different etiology (massive hepatic necrosis of unknown etiology, carbon tetrachloride liver injury, infectious hepatitis). The rate of disappearance of isotope from the blood during the first 60 min was depressed in patients with icterus. An anicteric patient with amyloidosis showed greatly depressed removal rate. Only trace amounts of isotope were excreted in urine during the first hours following injection and only a small fraction of the cholic acid pool was eliminated by urinary excretion, since less than 13% of the administered isotope was excreted in urine during the four days following injection. Similar studies were performed in two patients with interrupted enterohepatic circulation of bile acids due to calculi in the choledochus. Bile was sampled through a T‐tube inserted in the choledochus. These patients had impaired liver function, as indicated by bilirubin concentration above 6.0 mg/100 ml. The injected isotope was rapidly excreted in bile and all isotope was recovered in bile within 24 hours in conjugated form. Chromatographic analysis of urinary labelled metabolites showed that eight of the ten patients mainly excreted labelled conjugated bile acids. In two of the patients, one with Laennec's cirrhosis and one with hepatic necrosis, a constant excretion of 30–40% of unconjugated labelled bile acids was observed.
DIURNAL PATTERN OF PLASMA 11‐HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROIDS IN ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
Authors: Nitter‐Hauge Sigurd , Kirkeby Knut , Aakvaag Asbjörn
Published: November 2020

Plasma levels of 11‐hydroxycorticosteroids (11‐OH‐CS) over a 24‐hour period after admission were studied in 19 patients with acute myocardial infarction, divided into two groups. Controls for this study consisted of 10 ambulatory patients without any endocrine diseases. The normal diurnal variation in plasma 11‐OH‐CS was lacking in most of the patients—the night levels were nearly the same as the morning levels and were higher than normal. The possible mechanisms causing the abolition of variation in plasma 11‐OH‐CS concentration are discussed. The present findings are of importance when discussing the adrenocortical stimulation during the early phase of myocardial infarction, and might be related to the absence of diurnal rhythm of water and electrolyte excretion in heart failure.
Transforming the Medication Regimen Review Process Using Telemedicine to Prevent Adverse Events
Authors: Kane‐Gill Sandra L. , Wong Adrian , Culley Colleen M. , Perera Subashan , Reynolds Maureen D. , Handler Steven M. , Kellum John A. , Aspinall Monica B. , Pellett Megan E. , Long Keith E. , Nace David A. , Boyce Richard D.
Published: November 2020

Background/Objectives

Federally‐mandated consultant pharmacist‐conducted retrospective medication regimen reviews (MRRs) are designed to improve medication safety in nursing homes (NH). However, MRRs are potentially ineffective. A new model of care that improves access to and efficiency of consultant pharmacists is needed. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of pharmacist‐led telemedicine services on reducing high‐risk medication adverse drug events (ADEs) for NH residents using medication reconciliation and prospective MRR on admission plus ongoing clinical decision support alerts throughout the residents’ stay.

Design

Quality improvement study using a stepped‐wedge design comparing the novel service to usual care in a one‐year evaluation from November 2016 to October 2017.

Setting

Four NHs (two urban, two suburban) in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Participants

All residents in the four NHs were screened. There were 2,127 residents admitted having 652 alerts in the active period.

Intervention

Upon admission, pharmacists conducted medication reconciliation and prospective MRR for residents and also used telemedicine for communication with cognitively‐intact residents. Post‐admission, pharmacists received clinical decision support alerts to conduct targeted concurrent MRRs and telemedicine.

Measurement

Main outcome was incidence of high‐risk medication, alert‐specific ADEs. Secondary outcomes included all‐cause hospitalization, 30‐day readmission rates, and consultant pharmacists' recommendations.

Results

Consultant pharmacists provided 769 recommendations. The intervention group had a 92% lower incidence of alert‐specific ADEs than usual care (9 vs 31; 0.14 vs 0.61/1,000‐resident‐days; adjusted incident rate ratio (AIRR) = 0.08 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.01–0.40]; P = .002). All‐cause hospitalization was similar between groups (149 vs 138; 2.33 vs 2.70/1,000‐resident‐days; AIRR = 1.06 (95% CI = 0.72–1.58); P = .75), as were 30‐day readmissions (110 vs 102; 1.72 vs 2.00/1,000‐resident‐days; AIRR = 1.21 (95% CI = 0.76–1.93); P = .42).

Conclusions

This is the first evaluation of the impact of pharmacist‐led patient‐centered telemedicine services to manage high‐risk medications during transitional care and throughout the resident's NH stay, supporting a new model of patient care.
Beyond the Health Deficit Count: Examining Deficit Patterns in a Deficit‐Accumulation Frailty Index
Authors: Olivieri‐Mui Brianne L. , Shi Sandra M. , McCarthy Ellen P. , Habtemariam Daniel , Kim Dae H.
Published: November 2020

Background/Objectives

Exploring deficit patterns among frail people may reveal subgroups of different prognostic importance.

Design

Analysis of National Health and Aging Trends Study.

Setting

Community.

Participants

Community dwelling older adults with mild to moderate frailty (deficit‐accumulation frailty index (FI) of 0.25–0.40) (n = 1821).

Measurements

Latent class analysis identified distinct clinical subgroups based on comorbidity (range: 0–10), National Health and Aging Trends Study dementia classification, and short physical performance battery (SPPB) (range: 0–12). Survival analyses compared 5‐year mortality by subgroups.

Results

Three latent classes existed: Class 1 (n = 831, mean FI = 0.30) had 2.7% probable dementia, high comorbidities (mean = 3.6), and low physical impairment (SPPB mean = 9.9); Class 2 (n = 734, mean FI = 0.32) had 6.9% probable dementia, low comorbidities (mean = 2.8), and moderate physical impairment (SPPB mean = 6.2); Class 3 (n = 256, mean FI = 0.34) had 20.7% probable dementia, low comorbidities (mean = 2.4), and high physical impairment (SPPB mean = 2.0). Compared to Class 1, Classes 2 and 3 experienced higher 5‐year mortality (C2: 1.28 (95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.00–1.62); C3: 1.87 (95% CI = 1.29–2.73)).

Conclusion

Deficit patterns among the mild‐to‐moderately frail provide additional prognostic information and highlight opportunities for preventive interventions.
Nursing workload assessment in an intensive care unit: A 5‐year retrospective analysis
Authors: Simões João Lindo , Sa‐Couto Pedro , Simões Carlos Jorge , Oliveira Cátia , dos Santos Neuza Maia , Mateus José , Magalhães Carlos Pires , Martins Matilde
Published: November 2020

Aims

To study the correlation between the workload of intensive care nursing teams and the sociodemographic, anthropometric and clinical characteristics of patients in critical condition in a Portuguese Intensive Care Unit (ICU) during a 5‐year period.

Background

Currently, indices of nursing workload quantification are one of the resources used for planning and evaluating ICUs. Evidence shows that there are several factors related to critical patients and their hospitalisation which potentially influence the nursing workload.

Design

Retrospective cohort analysis of a health record database from adult patients admitted to a Portuguese ICU between 1 January 2015–31 December 2019.

Methods

Simplified Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (TISS‐28) scores of 730 adult patients. Three TISS‐28 assessments were considered: first assessment, last assessment and average. The STROBE guidelines were used in reporting this study.

Results

The TISS‐28 has an average of 34.2 ± 6.9 points at admission, which is considered a high nursing workload. A somewhat lower result was found for the discharge and average assessments. It shows that basic activities accounted for the highest percentage of time spent (38.0%), followed by the cardiovascular support category (26.5%). The TISS‐28 shows consistent results throughout the study period, despite a small trend reduction in the last 2 years.

Conclusions

Lower workloads were found for age ≤44 years and with a shorter length of stay. Higher workload was more probable in patients classified in Cullen Class IV (OR = 2.5) and with a normal to higher weight percentile (OR = 1.9 and 1.5, respectively).

Relevance to clinical practice

Knowledge of the factors influencing the nursing workload facilitates the implementation of rules to improve performance in nursing interventions, based on the redefinition of care priorities, increased productivity, human resources management and reduction of additional costs to the organisation, related to possible adverse events, among others.
Primulina elegans (Gesneriaceae), a new species from North Vietnam
Authors: Tong Yi‐Hua , Wang Bing‐Mou , Vu Tien Chinh , Xia Nian‐He
Published: November 2020

Primulina elegans (Gesneriaceae), a new species from Vietnam is described. This species is similar to P. gemella and P. diffusa in having stolons and papillose‐hispid leaves, but is easily distinguished from them by having 9–15 cymes and corollas with two brown stripes on the adaxial lip and nine purplish lines on the abaxial lip. Furthermore, Primulina elegans differs from P. gemmella by its broadly infundibuliform corollas with purplish glandular pubescent filaments, and from P. diffusa by having three slightly purplish glandular pubescent staminodes.
A comparative evaluation of midfacial soft tissue and nasal bone changes with two maxillary protraction protocols: Tooth‐borne vs skeletal‐anchored facemasks
Authors: Jang Young‐Kwang , Chung Dong‐Hwa , Lee Jin‐Woo , Lee Sang‐Min , Park Jae Hyun
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Greater advancement of the maxilla can be achieved with skeletal‐anchored facemasks (SAFM) using miniplates than with conventional tooth‐borne facemasks (TBFM). The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of TBFM and SAFM on midfacial soft tissue and nasal bone up to two years after treatment.

Settings and Sample Population

Sixty‐seven growing patients with Class III malocclusions were treated with facemasks. They were divided into a SAFM group with 31 subjects (average age 11.1 years) and a TBFM group with 36 subjects (average age 11.0 years).

Materials and Methods

Cephalometric analysis was conducted using linear and angular midfacial measurements. Lateral cephalograms were taken initially (T0), after treatment (T1) and at two years post‐treatment (T2). Significance was assessed between the two groups.

Results

Comparing changes in the midfacial area between the SAFM and TBFM groups during the traction period (T0‐T1), angular measurements such as SNOr (1.34°), nasolabial angle (4.20°), nasal angles 1 and 2 (1.23°, 2.14°) and linear measurements such as Prn, Sn, A' distance (approximately 2 mm) increased significantly more in the SAFM group. Over the entire treatment period (T0‐T2), the changes in SNOr (1.33°), nasolabial angle (6.54°), nasal angles 1 and 2 (1.45°, 2.99°) and Prn, Sn, A' distance (approximately 2 mm) remained significant (P < .05).

Conclusions

In the treatment of growing patients with Class III malocclusions with maxillary deficiency, it was possible to achieve significantly greater advancement in the midfacial area with SAFM treatment than with TBFM treatment. This significant difference was well maintained at two years post‐treatment.
Periodontal disease and preterm birth: Findings from the 2015 Pelotas birth cohort study
Authors: de Oliveira Luísa J. C. , Cademartori Mariana G. , Schuch Helena S. , Barros Fernando C. , Silveira Mariângela F. , Correa Marcos B. , Demarco Flávio F.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To verify the association between periodontal conditions and preterm birth.

Materials and methods

This study used data from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study, Brazil. Pregnant women expected to give birth in 2015 were interviewed and dentally examined by a trained dentist, with periodontal measures collected in all teeth, six sites per tooth. Exposure was periodontal disease. Outcomes were preterm birth (all births <37 weeks of gestational age) and early preterm birth (<34 weeks). Analysis was carried out using Poisson regression according to a directed acyclic graph.

Results

A total of 2,474 women participated in the study. Incidence of preterm births was 10.2% and of early preterm births was 3.5%. Frequency of gingivitis was 21.7%, and periodontitis was 14.9%. Periodontitis was associated with a risk almost two times higher of having early preterm delivery compared with healthy pregnant women (RR 1.93; 95% CI 1.09–3.43). Presence of 5+ mm periodontal pocket with bleeding on probing was also associated with higher risk for early preterm delivery.

Conclusions

The association between periodontal disease in pregnancy and the occurrence of preterm delivery is sensitive to the case definitions. Periodontal disease increased the risk of early preterm delivery.
Dynamic corneal biomechanics in different cell layers: in keratoconus and normal eyes
Authors: Alvani Azam , Hashemi Hassan , Pakravan Mohammad , Mahbod Mirgholamreza , Amanzadeh Kazem , Seyedian Mohammad Amin , Yaseri Mehdi , Jafarzadehpur Ebrahim , Fotouhi Akbar
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the relationship between corneal cellular structures and biomechanical deformation parameters in keratoconic (KC) and healthy eyes.

Methods

In this prospective comparative study, 29 eyes of 29 KC patients were age‐ and gender‐matched with 28 eyes of 28 healthy individuals using frequency matching. Corneal parameters examined included the density of basal epithelial cells, anterior keratocytes, posterior keratocytes and endothelial cells as assessed by in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (HRT III‐RCM, Heidelberg Engineering, www.heidelbergengineering.com). Additionally, the coefficient of variation of endothelial cell size (CV) and the percentage of hexagonal endothelial cells (HEX%) were measured by specular microscopy (Konan NSP‐9900, Konan Medical, www.konanmedical.com). Further, biomechanical deformation parameters were derived from Corvis Scheimpflug Technology (Corvis ST, Oculus, www.oculus.de). All cellular and biomechanical deformation parameters in KC and normal groups were compared, and the relationship between cellular and biomechanical parameters calculated.

Results

In the KC group, the highest concavity (HC) delta arc length and maximum delta arc length were associated with endothelial cell density (Beta = −0.39, p = 0.03 and Beta = −0.60, p ˂ 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, there was a significant association between HC deflection length and HEX% (Beta = −0.67, p = 0.001). In the normal group, HC delta arc length and HC deflection length were significantly associated with endothelial cell density (Beta = 0.46, p = 0.02; and Beta = −0.51, p = 0.01, respectively). HC time, HC deformation amplitude and applanation 1 delta arc length were associated with CV (Beta = 0.50, p = 0.01; Beta = 0.27, p = 0.009; and Beta = −0.57, p = 0.002, respectively). Applanation 1 and applanation 2 deformation amplitudes were associated with HEX% (Beta = −0.49, p = 0.005; and Beta = −0.46, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Biomechanical deformation parameters were significantly correlated with endothelial cell properties in both KC and normal groups, thereby indicating the importance of the integrity of endothelial cells to the biomechanical properties of both KC and normal corneas.
What impact of air pollution in pediatric respiratory allergic diseases
Authors: Traina Giovanni , Barbalace Andrea , Betti Federica , Bolzacchini Ezio , Bonini Maira , Contini Daniele , Felice Giuseppe , Foti Tiziana , Mantecca Paride
Published: November 2020

Respiratory allergies are known to affect people all over the world. Environmental factors related to pollution play a significant etiopathogenic role in this regard. Polluting sources are industrial activities and urban traffic, capable of generating various types of pollutants that trigger inflammatory, direct, and indirect damage to tissues, promoting allergic symptoms, even serious ones, and interfering with the pharmacologic response. They are also able to modify pollen, promoting allergic sensitization. Pollution could have played a significant predisposing role in the ongoing morbidity and mortality of SARS‐CoV‐2.
Mass selection of fonio landraces (Digitaria exilis) grown in Benin: Pathway, homogeneity assessment and genotypes screening
Authors: Kanlindogbè Cyrille , Sekloka Emmanuel , G. Achigan‐Dako Enoch , Kwon‐Ndung Emmanuel
Published: November 2020

Fonio production is generally in polyvarietal mixture and no improved varieties are available yet. This work proposed a pathway for homogenization and mass selection from 19 accessions previously collected in Benin, to sort best genotypes. From 2015 to 2017, accessions were submitted to homogenization followed by separated conduct of different phenotypes appeared each year. Each material was evaluated on elementary plot of 3 m2. Agro‐morphological data collected were submitted to descriptive and multivariate analyses. Results showed homogeneity and selection effectiveness varied following characters and accessions. Better homogeneity level was obtained on qualitative characters compared to morphometric traits. Selection led to derivative accessions earlier or more productive than their parents. Thus, compared to parents, shortenings of 10%–30% on plant cycle and progress of 10%–70% in yield were recorded for some derivative accessions. On grains colour, 86% of accessions are homogeneous from 70% to 100%. Three groups characterized by earliness, productivity and grains homogeneity were identified. AS19‐1‐1, AS1, AS13‐1, AS2‐1‐1, AS15‐1‐1 and AS18 were sorted genotypes. Multi‐local assessments will be conducted for homogeneous and efficient ideotypes responding farmer's needs.
Vegetative spread is key to applied nucleation success in non‐native‐dominated grasslands
Authors: Holl Karen D. , Lesage Josephine C. , Adams Tianjiao , Rusk Jack , Schreiber Richard D. , Tang Mickie
Published: November 2020

Applied nucleation (i.e. planting vegetation patches) is a restoration strategy that better recreates natural ecosystem heterogeneity and requires fewer resources compared to planting the entire area. Whereas applied nucleation shows promise as a forest restoration strategy, this approach has received little study in grassland restoration, where the spread of planted vegetation nuclei may be impeded by aggressive non‐native species. We compared the establishment and cover of restored native grass, forb, and rush species for 7 years in applied nucleation and full planting treatments in a former agricultural site dominated by non‐natives along the central California coast. We planted seedlings of the same nine coastal prairie species in all treatments, but the applied nucleation plots had four nuclei with only 30% of the seedlings as the full planting plots. We also evaluated the effect of adding wood mulch to reduce non‐native plant competition. Native forb cover increased over time and was similar across treatments in the final study year. Native grasses increased for the first 4 years and then declined sharply in all treatments. Native forb cover spread into unplanted areas in applied nucleation plots, whereas grasses showed minimal spread. Of the five planted forb species, the two that persisted until the final study year both spread via rhizomes. Wood mulch reduced non‐native cover in the first 2 years and had a longer‐term effect on species composition. Our results suggest that applied nucleation can be an effective restoration strategy at a small scale in non‐native‐dominated grasslands for species that spread vegetatively.
Proxy Expenditure Weights for Consumer Price Index: Audit Sampling Inference for Big-Data Statistics
Authors: Zhang Li-Chun
Published: November 2020

Purchase data from retail chains can provide proxy measures of private household expenditure on items that are the most troublesome to collect in the traditional expenditure survey. Due to the inevitable coverage and selection errors, bias must exist in these proxy measures. Moreover, given the sheer amount of data, the bias completely dominates the variance. To investigate the potential of replacing costly and burdensome surveys by non-survey big-data sources, we propose an audit sampling inference approach, which does not require linking the audit sample and the big-data source at the individual level. It turns out that one is unable to reject a null hypothesis of unbiased big-data estimation at the chosen size, because the audit sampling variance is too large compared to the bias of the big-data estimate. For the same reason, audit sampling fails to yield a meaningful mean squared error estimate. We propose a novel accuracy measure that is generally applicable in such situations. This can provide a necessary part of the statistical argument for the uptake of non-survey big-data sources, in replacement of traditional survey sampling. An application to disaggregated food price indices is used to demonstrate the proposed approach.
Group bias in children’s rectification of inequality using resources of different values
Authors: Xiao Xue , Liu Lu , Wu Yuting , Liu Lisha , Xu Liangyuan , Li Yanfang
Published: November 2020

Previous research has found that children can engage in rectification of pre‐existing inequality by allocating more resources to individuals and groups of disadvantaged status, but less research has investigated how children address the inequalities using resources of different values, especially when they are linked to group membership (i.e., in‐group or out‐group member) in the first‐party (Study 1) and third‐party contexts (Study 2). To address these issues, children aged 5–6 years and 7–8 years were assigned four distribution tasks in each study, in which they were asked to allocate resources of different values to disadvantaged or advantaged persons who were either in‐group or out‐group members and then, reason about their decisions. We found that children used resources of different values to rectify inequalities in the intergroup context overall. Specifically, younger children demonstrated group bias in their rectification of inequalities in both first‐ and third‐party contexts whereas older children overcame group bias and were more concerned about inequality status during allocation. Thus, with age, children were better able to deal with the conflict between inequality status and group bias using resources of different values.
Use of color‐coded, three‐dimensional‐printed equine carpus models is preferred by students but does not result in statistically different academic performance
Authors: Johnson Kryssa L. , Hespel Adrien‐Maxence , Price Joshua M. , de Swarte Marie
Published: November 2020

Radiology can be a challenging subject for students and finding new techniques that help improve their understanding could have positive effects in their clinical practice. The purpose of this prospective experimental study was to implement the use of color‐coded, three‐dimensional‐printed, handheld equine carpus models into a radiographic anatomy course and evaluate the impact objectively and subjectively using quizzes and student response surveys. A first‐year veterinary class was randomly divided into two similarly sized groups (groups A and B) for an equine normal radiographic anatomy laboratory. Both groups experienced the same laboratory structure; however, each student in group B received a handheld three‐dimensional‐printed equine carpus. Both groups received a quiz at the end of their laboratory consisting of 10 multiple‐choice questions related to the equine carpus. An anonymous survey regarding the laboratory was emailed to students after the laboratory. One week later, the same 10 questions in randomized order were administered via a pop‐quiz. Students believed both quizzes would count toward their final course grade. There was no statistically significant difference in grades between groups on either quiz (P > .05). However, based on survey responses, group B students felt the carpus made the laboratory more enjoyable and improved their comprehension of the material, whereas group A students felt the carpus would have increased their enjoyment and improved their comprehension. The implementation of three‐dimensional‐printed anatomic models may be useful to enhance enjoyment and perceived comprehension of veterinary students; however, there is currently insufficient evidence to suggest these models improve academic performance.
Automatic adjustment of harrowing intensity in cereals using digital image analysis
Authors: Gerhards Roland , Späth Michael , Sökefeld Markus , Peteinatos Gerassimos G. , Nabout Adnan , Rueda Ayala Victor
Published: November 2020

Precision farming technologies were implemented into a commercial harrow to increase selectivity of weed harrowing in spring cereals. Digital cameras were mounted before and after the harrow measuring crop cover. Crop soil cover (CSC) was computed out of these two images. Eight field experiments were carried out in spring cereals. Mode of harrowing intensity was changed in four experiments by speed, number of passes and tine angle. Each mode was varied in five intensities. In four experiments, only intensity of harrowing was changed. Weed control efficacy (WCE) and CSC were measured immediately after harrowing. Crop recovery was assessed 14 days after harrowing. Modes of intensity were not significantly different. However, intensity had significant effects on WCE and CSC. Cereals recovered from 10% CSC, and selectivity was in the constant range at 10% CSC. Therefore, 10% CSC was the threshold for the decision algorithm. If the actual CSC was below 10% CSC, intensity was increased. If the actual CSC was higher than 10%, intensity was decreased. Image analysis, decision support system and automatic control of harrowing intensity by hydraulic adjustment of tine angle were installed on a controller mounted on the harrow. The new system was tested in an additional field study. Threshold values for CSC were set at 10%, 30% and 60%. Automatic tine angle adjustment precisely realised the three different CSC values with variations of 1.5% to 3%. This development contributes to selective weed control and supports farmers during harrowing.
Statin treatment and hypertrophic scarring after cardiac surgery
Authors: Chello Camilla , Nenna Antonio , Chello Massimo , Satriano Umberto Maria , Cardetta Francesco , Lusini Mario , Nappi Francesco , Dianzani Caterina
Published: November 2020

Wound healing process after surgical procedure plays a crucial role to prevent blood loss and infections. Hypertrophic scars might occur after surgery and are generally associated with an inflammatory burden. Cardiac surgery is intrinsically related to a strong systemic inflammatory state that might favor hypertrophic scarring. Besides lipid‐lowering effects, statins are known for their pleiotropic and anti‐inflammatory activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of statins in the healing process after median sternotomy in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. All patients undergoing major cardiac surgery with median sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass, and subsequently evaluated in the outpatient clinic after discharge, were included in this study. A total of 930 Caucasian patients were retrospectively reviewed. At outpatient visit, 276 patients (29.7%) showed the formation of hypertrophic scars. Patients with hypertrophic scars tended to be younger (P = .001) and nonstatin users (P = .001). Logistic regression analysis confirmed the protective role of statins (odds ratio 0.39, 95% confidence interval 0.29‐0.53, P = .001), after adjustment for age. A dose‐dependent effect was confirmed, showing a more intensive protective effect for higher doses of statins. Statin use might be correlated with reduced hypertrophic scars after cardiac surgery through median sternotomy. A dose‐dependent effect has been shown, and statin effect seems to be independent of age in a selected population undergoing surgery with an elevated inflammatory burden. Although further studies are warranted to elucidate the biologic mechanisms, the concept of using statins as anti‐scarring agents is novel and should be investigated with tailored studies.
Pensamiento educativo en la universidad: vida y testimonio de maestros. Volumen III
Authors: Bermúdez Gómez Mary , Cuartas Chacón Carlos Julio , Sarmiento Lozano Jaime Hernando , Navarro Sánchez Rosana Elena , Díaz Díaz Rafael Antonio , Convers Elías José Alejandro , Gaitán Pardo Jorge , Jiménez Ramírez Eduardo , Rivero Márquez Claudia Patricia , Cañón Abuchar Hilda María , Cañadas Garrido Raúl Antonio , Gutiérrez Fernández María Fernanda
Published: November 2020

Con las rápidas transformaciones sociales las universidades se están viendo apremiadas a reinventarse y reestructurarse como en ningún otro momento de su historia. Este tercer volumen de 'Pensamiento educativo en la universidad. Vida y testimonio de maestros', se constituye en un excelente ejemplo de la búsqueda y el logro de equilibrio entre tradición e innovación; pues en sus páginas, a través de las entrevistas y los in memoriam, se nos informa sobre cómo lograron los maestros elegidos —en virtud de su trayectoria educativa y sus aportes a la sociedad— poner en diálogo su experiencia personal y profesional con el ejercicio innovador en la docencia, la investigación y el servicio. De igual modo, se nos muestran los puentes que construyeron entre las demandas de la sociedad y las aspiraciones propias de la institución universitaria en la cual desempeñan o desempeñaron su vocación. Todos estos son ejemplos de delicados equilibrios sostenidos sobre un espíritu de dedicación, compromiso y coraje.
Adding air absorption to simulated room acoustic models
Authors: Kates James M. , Brandewie Eugene J.
Published: November 2020

Room acoustics models are often used in auditory research. The simplest implementations of these models ignore air absorption, and this lack can affect the room response, especially at high frequencies and for large simulated spaces. This letter proposes a method for adding air absorption to a simulated room impulse response calculated without air absorption. The procedure creates a time-varying lowpass filter that approximates air absorption as a function of distance. The existing absorption-free room response is passed through the filter to create a new response that incorporates air absorption effects.
An Interdisciplinary Approach to Improving the Quality of Life in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: A Case Study
Authors: Turner Carl , Rhodes Jonathan , Crocker Darren , Nedza Karol , May Jon
Published: November 2020

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a debilitating condition affecting the autonomic nervous system that causes a series of symptoms, such as blurred vision, brain fog, chest pain, headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue, syncope, and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can lead to diminished daily activity, daytime fatigue, poor sleep quality, and increased suicidal tendencies. Among the physical symptoms, POTS patients present decreased quality of life, increased prevalence of depression, and elevated anxiety. This case study documents an interdisciplinary approach to treating a 39-year-old female POTS patient with an 8-week intervention program and a further 4-week follow-up. The intervention investigated the combined effects of Functional Imagery Training and physical exercise on the patient’s quality of life. Following completion of the program, the subject improved in all four quality-of-life components, and this change was maintained over time when compared with baseline measures. The program demonstrated that high levels of exercise adherence beyond the intervention can be achieved when combining Functional Imagery Training and exercise, regardless of the exercise-intolerant characteristics presented by a POTS patient.
Comparison of growth models to describe growth from birth to 6 years in a Beninese cohort of children with repeated measurements
Authors: Ahmadi Shukrullah , Bodeau-Livinec Florence , Zoumenou Roméo , Garcia André , Courtin David , Alao Jules , Fievet Nadine , Cot Michel , Massougbodji Achille , Botton Jérémie
Published: November 2020

Objective

To select a growth model that best describes individual growth trajectories of children and to present some growth characteristics of this population.

Settings

Participants were selected from a prospective cohort conducted in three health centres (Allada, Sekou and Attogon) in a semirural region of Benin, sub-Saharan Africa.

Participants

Children aged 0 to 6 years were recruited in a cohort study with at least two valid height and weight measurements included (n=961).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

This study compared the goodness-of-fit of three structural growth models (Jenss-Bayley, Reed and a newly adapted version of the Gompertz growth model) on longitudinal weight and height growth data of boys and girls. The goodness-of-fit of the models was assessed using residual distribution over age and compared with the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). The best-fitting model allowed estimating mean weight and height growth trajectories, individual growth and growth velocities. Underweight, stunting and wasting were also estimated at age 6 years.

Results

The three models were able to fit well both weight and height data. The Jenss-Bayley model presented the best fit for weight and height, both in boys and girls. Mean height growth trajectories were identical in shape and direction for boys and girls while the mean weight growth curve of girls fell slightly below the curve of boys after neonatal life. Finally, 35%, 27.7% and 8% of boys; and 34%, 38.4% and 4% of girls were estimated to be underweight, wasted and stunted at age 6 years, respectively.

Conclusion

The growth parameters of the best-fitting Jenss-Bayley model can be used to describe growth trajectories and study their determinants.
Maternal grief: analysis and therapeutic recommendations
Authors: Meisenhelder Janice Bell
Published: November 2020

The following self-analysis contains key experiences of maternal grief over the course of the first 2 years following the death of a child, with specific examples and observations from bereaved mothers shared with the author. The references provide supporting evidence for commonality of the lived experience and observations. Therapeutic responses for clinicians give concrete direction for providing effective comfort. Self-care suggestions for mothers provide specific guidance for the readers. A 14-year retrospective epilogue puts the charged emotional description into a context of healing.