bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of in‐hospital life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmia or death after ST‐elevation myocardial infarction vs. the Takotsubo syndrome
Authors: Zeijlon Rickard , Chamat Jasmina , Enabtawi Israa , Jha Sandeep , Mohammed Mohammed Munir , Wågerman Johan , Le Vina , Shekka Espinosa Aaron , Nyman Erik , Omerovic Elmir , Redfors Björn
Published: January 2021

Aims

The risk of life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmias (LTVA) has been reported to be lower in Takotsubo syndrome (TS) compared with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the extent to which these differences relate to the fact that most patients with TS are women (who have a lower risk of LTVA) and a relatively larger proportion of patients with STEMI are men is incompletely understood. We aimed to investigate the risk of LTVA or death in sex‐matched and age‐matched patients with TS, anterior STEMI, and non‐anterior STEMI.

Methods and results

We systematically reviewed the charts of all patients with TS who were treated at Sahlgrenska University Hospital (Gothenburg, Sweden) between 2008 and 2019. A total of 155 patients with confirmed TS (according to the European Society of Cardiology diagnostic criteria for TS) were sex‐matched and age‐matched 1:1:1 to patients with anterior and non‐anterior STEMI. Baseline characteristics and in‐hospital outcomes were recorded directly from the patient charts for all patients, and all admission electrocardiographs were analysed. The primary outcome was the composite of death or LTVA [defined as sustained ventricular tachycardia (>30 s) or ventricular fibrillation] within 72 h. The risk of LTVA or death within 72 h after admission was considerably lower in TS (2.6%) vs. anterior STEMI (14%; P = 0.002) and non‐anterior STEMI (9.0%; P = 0.02), despite similar or greater risks of acute heart failure, and similar risks of cardiogenic shock. Compared with STEMI, TS was associated with a lower risk of sustained and non‐sustained ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.

Conclusions

In a predominantly female age‐matched and sex‐matched cohort of patients with TS, anterior STEMI, and non‐anterior STEMI, the adjusted risk of in‐hospital LTVA or death was considerably lower in TS compared with STEMI, despite similar or greater risk of acute heart failure and similar risk of cardiogenic shock.
Development of hemp fiber composites with recycled high density polyethylene grocery bags
Authors: Angulo Carlos , Brahma Siddhartha , Espinosa‐Dzib Alejandra , Peters Robert , Stewart Katherine M. E. , Pillay Selvum , Ning Haibin
Published: January 2021

This research focuses on the development of an environmentally friendly composite directly from recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE) grocery bags without changing their film form. Untreated and alkali‐treated hemp fibers are used as reinforcement for a composite with recycled High Density Polyethylene (rHDPE) and a combination of rHDPE and virgin HDPE (vHDPE). Grocery bags and hemp fibers are characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Fiber preforms are produced using a hydro‐entanglement method and compression molded with HDPE and/or rHDPE at weight fractions of 30, 40, and 50%. The hemp fiber HDPE composites are characterized and tested for their tension and flexure performance. The results show an improvement in mechanical properties when using treated fibers as well as the addition of vHDPE to the polymer matrix. The highest tensile and flexural strength values for the pure rHDPE composite were acquired after adding 40 and 50% weight fraction of treated fibers, respectively. An increase of around 10 MPa on both of these properties was found when using the optimized combination of the recycled and virgin matrix materials with 40 and 50% weight fraction of reinforcement, respectively. It is concluded that the composite made of hemp fibers and recycled plastic bag has relatively good mechanical properties and can be potentially used for secondary structural use.
High‐capacity hydrogen storage on Li‐decorated B16N16
Authors: Song Yan , Chen Hongshan , Zhang Yan , Yin Yuehong
Published: January 2021

The hydrogen adsorption on B16N16 clusters decorated by Li atoms is studied by density functional theory calculations. Li atoms transfer their electrons to the B atoms in B16N16 and form Li+ cations. The charges on Li are larger than 0.8 e. The hydrogen molecules are moderately polarized and adsorbed on the Li+ ions. The results indicate that each Li atom can adsorb two H2 molecules with an adsorption energy of about 0.16 eV/H2. The gravimetric hydrogen density can reach 9.15 wt% when B16N16Li12 adsorbs 24 H2. The present calculation results are helpful for exploring reversible hydrogen storage materials with high recycling storage capacity at ambient conditions.
A historical review of sediment export–import shift in the North Branch of Changjiang Estuary
Authors: Guo Leicheng , Xie Weiming , Xu Fan , Wang Xianye , Zhu Chunyan , Meng Yi , Zhang Weiguo , He Qing
Published: January 2021

Net sediment transport is predominantly seaward in fluvial‐dominated estuaries worldwide. However, a distributary branch in the Changjiang Estuary, the North Branch, undergoes net landward sediment transport, which leads to severe channel aggradation. Its controlling mechanism and the role of human activities remain insufficiently understood, although such knowledge is necessary for better management and restoration opportunities. In this study we revisit the centennial hydro‐morphodynamic evolution of the North Branch based on historical maps, field data, and satellite images and provide a synthesis of the regime change from ebb to flood dominance. The North Branch was once a major river and ebb‐dominant distributary channel. Within which alternative meandering channels and sand bars developed. Deposition of river‐borne sediment leads to infilling of the branch, while tidal flat embankment reduces the bankfull width and modifies the channel configuration, resulting in a profound decline in the sub‐tidal flow partition rate. The North Branch then becomes tide‐dominant with an occurrence of tidal bores and elongated sand ridges. Once tidal dominance is established, extensive tidal flat reclamation enhances the funnel‐shaped planform, amplifying the incoming tides and initiating a positive feedback process that links tidal flat loss, sediment import, and channel aggradation. Overall, the shift in branch dominance is a combined result of a natural southeastward realignment of the deltaic distributary channels and extensive reclamation. One management option to mitigate channel aggradation is to stop the aggressive reclamation and allow tidal flats to build up, which might reduce the sediment import and eventually lead to a morphodynamic equilibrium in the longer term. Understanding the impact of tidal flat reclamation is informative for the management of similar tidal systems under strong human interference.
Comprehensive electro‐thermal battery‐model for Li‐ion batteries in microgrid applications
Authors: Attanayaka Attanayaka M. S. M. H. S , Karunadasa Jayawardena P. , Hemapala Kullappu T. M. U.
Published: January 2021

Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) are frequently used to buffer the difference between intermittent renewable generations and energy demand in microgrids. The operation of BESS is affected by dynamics of charging/discharging current, internal temperature build up, extreme reaches of state of charge level, and so forth. This article presents a comprehensive electro‐thermal model for Li‐ion batteries that can be used to investigate dynamic and static performances of a microgrid under real time operating conditions. The battery‐model has the ability to self‐update its parameters with the variation of core‐temperature, and also to accommodate inherent hysteresis present on parameters between charging and discharging events. The developed model is presented as a block in MATLAB/Simulink for easier use by others. In parallel with that, the details of the development of a complete simulation platform of a microgrid is also described, which includes battery charging and discharging converter systems, bidirectional grid‐end AC/DC converter system, wind energy input, solar PV energy input, load and closed loop control associated with converter systems. The battery model is simulated within the microgrid platform with a chosen energy management criteria. The results of the simulation are also presented and discussed.
Probiotic yogurt supplemented with nanopowdered eggshell: Shelf‐life stability, physicochemical, and sensory characteristics
Authors: Kamel Dalia G. , Othman Aly A. , Osman Dina M. , Hammam Ahmed R. A.
Published: January 2021

The objectives of this study were to produce probiotic yogurt (5.0–7.0 log cfu/g) fortified with nanopowdered eggshell (NPES) at a rate of 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06 mg/ml, as well as, examine the effect of NPES on the physicochemical, microbial, sensory properties, and shelf‐life of probiotic yogurt. The NPES was prepared by milling preboiled dried eggshell using a mortar grinder. The size of the milled powder was measured to assure that the diameter of the powder is 27 ± 1.7 nm. Yogurt was manufactured by dividing the pasteurized milk into four aliquots portions. The first portion was utilized as control (T1), while the other three portions were supplemented with 0.02 (T2), 0.04 (T3), and 0.06 (T4) mg/ml NPES. All treatments were inoculated with 5.11 log cfu of Lactobacillus delbruckii ssp. bulgaricus (Lb) and Streptococcus thermophilus (St) combined and 5 log cfu of Bifidobacterium bifidum (Bb) per kg of milk at 40°C until the pH of 4.6 was reached. The acidity, sensory properties, Bb count, total bacterial count (TBC), yeast, and mold counts were examined. The results showed that the acidity was increasing during storage, however, increasing NPES resulted in low acid development (p < .05). The shelf‐life of control was ended after 8 d of storage at 4°C because molds were grown on the surface of the sample. The TBC significantly decreased (p < .05) as the concentration of NPES increased. Bb count in probiotic yogurt was also decreasing during storage. Yeast and molds were detected in control after 8 d; however, NPES did not result in molds even after 16 d of storage but yeast was exhibited. The NPES improved the sensory evaluation of probiotic yogurt slightly and increased the shelf‐life of probiotic yogurt as compared to control.
Association analysis of physiological traits in spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under water‐deficit conditions
Authors: Jabbari Mitra , Fakheri Barat Ali , Aghnoum Reza , Darvishzadeh Reza , Mahdi Nezhad Nafiseh , Ataei Reza , Koochakpour Zahra , Razi Mitra
Published: January 2021

In the present study, 148 commercial barley cultivars were assessed by 14 AFLP primer combinations and 32 SSRs primer pairs. Population structure, linkage disequilibrium, and genomic regions associated with physiological traits under drought stress were investigated. The phenotypic results showed a high level of diversity between studied cultivars. The studied barley cultivars were divided into two subgroups. Linkage disequilibrium analysis revealed that r2 values among all possible marker pairs have an average value of 0.0178. The mixed linear model procedure showed that totally, 207 loci had a significant association with investigated traits. 120 QTLs out of 207 were detected for traits under normal conditions, and 90 QTLs were detected for traits under drought stress conditions. Identified QTLs after validation and transferring to SCAR markers in the case of AFLPs can be used to develop MAS strategies for barley breeding programs. Some common markers were identified for a particular trait or some traits across normal and drought stress conditions. These markers show low interaction with environmental conditions (stable markers); therefore, selection by them for a trait under normal conditions will improve the trait value under stress conditions, too.
RETRACTED: Lopsided Blood‐Thinning Drug Increases the Risk of Internal Flow Choking Leading to Shock Wave Generation Causing Asymptomatic Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Kumar Valsalayam Raghavapanicker Sanal , Choudhary Shiv Kumar , Radhakrishnan Pradeep Kumar , Bharath Rajaghatta Sundararam , Chandrasekaran Nichith , Sankar Vigneshwaran , Sukumaran Ajith , Oommen Charlie
Published: January 2021

The discovery of Sanal flow choking in the cardiovascular‐system calls for multidisciplinary and global action to develop innovative treatments and to develop new drugs to negate the risk of asymptomatic‐cardiovascular‐diseases. Herein, it is shown that when blood‐pressure‐ratio (BPR) reaches the lower‐critical‐hemorrhage‐index (LCHI) internal‐flow‐choking and shock wave generation can occur in the cardiovascular‐system, with sudden expansion/divergence/vasospasm or bifurcation regions, without prejudice to the percutaneous‐coronary‐intervention (PCI). Analytical findings reveal that the relatively high and the low blood‐viscosity are cardiovascular‐risk factors. In vitro studies have shown that nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide gases are dominant in fresh blood samples of humans/guinea pigs at a temperature range of 98.6–104 F. An in silico study demonstrated the Sanal flow choking phenomenon leading to shock‐wave generation and pressure‐overshoot in the cardiovascular‐system. It has been established that disproportionate blood‐thinning treatment increases the risk of the internal‐flow‐choking due to the enhanced boundary‐layer‐blockage‐factor, resulting from an increase in flow‐turbulence level in the cardiovascular‐system, caused by an increase in Reynolds number as a consequence of low blood‐viscosity. The cardiovascular‐risk can be diminished by concurrently lessening the viscosity of biofluid/blood and flow‐turbulence by raising the thermal‐tolerance‐level in terms of blood‐heat‐capacity‐ratio (BHCR) and/or by decreasing the systolic‐to‐diastolic blood‐pressure‐ratio.
Development mode of reverse fault‐associated fractures in deep tight sandstones: A case study in Xinchang Gas Field, Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Xie Runcheng , Zhou Wen , Xiang Mingliang , Yin Shuai , Zhang Mengyuan , Wang Yongfei , Chen Jian
Published: January 2021

Evaluation of natural fractures is the key issue of the prediction of sweet spots in deep tight sandstones. In this article, taking the tight gas sandstone reservoir of the Xu 2 Member (second member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation) in Xinchang Gas Field, West Sichuan Depression as an example, we systematically studied the characteristics, formation periods, influencing factors, and developmental mode of fractures using testing results of cores, thin sections, rock mechanics, isotopes, fluid inclusions, and the structural curvature simulation method. The results show that the Xu 2 Member mainly develops vertical and high‐angle fractures. The fractures are highly effective and mainly developed in medium‐fine‐grained sandstone. The secondary minerals in the fractures have multi‐stage filling processes. The fluid inclusions are mainly gas–liquid two‐phase brine inclusions (secondary inclusions), and with the same crystal, the temperature difference between the brine inclusion and the organic inclusion is 23.7°C. Carbon and oxygen stable isotope tests show that calcite has two mixing stages. In the end, the formation periods of the fractures in the Xu 2 Member were divided into five stages. The influencing factors of fractures in the Xu 2 Member include lithology, fault, layer thickness, and structural deformation. According to geomechanical analysis, we finally established the development mode of reverse fault‐associated fractures in the Xu 2 Member.
Petrographic and geochemical analyses of dune sands from southeastern Mexico, Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Kasper‐Zubillaga Juan J. , Martínez‐Serrano Raymundo G. , Arellano‐Torres Elsa , Álvarez Sánchez León Felipe , Patiño Andrade Daniel , González Bermúdez Alejandro , Carlos‐Delgado Lizeth
Published: January 2021

Dune sands in southeastern Mexico are compositionally and geomorphologically controlled by fluvial input, eastward longshore currents, and the intense winds traveling through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Tehuano winds are mainly responsible for the remarkable dune sand entrapment circumscribed to the exposure of volcano‐sedimentary outcrops. Compositionally, the dunes are potentially influenced by granite denudation, volcano‐sedimentary rocks, metamorphic units, and Quaternary sediments besides alluvium. Mono‐ to polycrystalline subangular to angular quartz, K‐feldspar, and schists suggest that granitic‐metamorphic rocks control the river and dune sands composition. Subordinate fractions of mica, Fe–Ti oxide minerals, and reduced amphibole (actinolite) indicate metamorphic‐volcano sedimentary‐granite as the potential parent rock of sand sources. The dune sands compositional framework shows slight flat‐type rare earth elements (REE) trends with a low light rare earth elements (LREE)/heavy rare earth elements (HREE) ratio (e.g., 6.13 ± 6.00), suggesting a significant control of granite rocks. Geochemical signals, CIA and CIW chemical indices support moderate weathering. The petrographic and geochemical analyses indicate little dune sand recycling by aeolian transport despite strong wind systems along the SE coast of Mexico. This provenance study evidences the exhumation of granite, metamorphic, and volcano‐sedimentary materials in the Oaxaca dune sands, confined by the regional geomorphology.
The effects of environmental taxes on environmental pollution and unemployment: A panel co‐integration analysis on the validity of double dividend hypothesis for selected African countries
Authors: Degirmenci Tunahan , Aydin Mehmet
Published: January 2021

In this study, the validity of the double dividend hypothesis for several African countries (Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mali, South Africa, and Uganda) is investigated for the period of 1994–2017. The double dividend hypothesis claims that, in addition to reducing environmental pollution, environmental taxes can also increase employment. In this study, the validity of this hypothesis is examined with panel co‐integration and long‐run estimators. According to the findings obtained, environmental taxes increased environmental degradation and unemployment in Cameroon, environmental degradation in the Ivory coast, environmental degradation and employment in Mali, environmental restoration in South Africa and employment in Uganda. When the individual results obtained from the study are evaluated in general, it can be said that the double dividend hypothesis is not valid for African countries. The study proposes that taxation should be used as a financial incentive rather than a command‐and‐control policy to combat unemployment and environmental degradation.
Fintech and the economic capital of Chinese commercial bank's risk: Based on theory and evidence
Authors: Yao Ting , Song Liangrong
Published: January 2021

This article examines the impact of “finance + technology” (Fintech) on different sizes of banks economic capital through the application of Fintech perspective in China during the period January 2011 and September 2019, using a dynamic panel generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation technique. The study found compared with small and medium‐sized banks, large state‐owned commercial banks have advantages in scale, capital and experience. There is a negative correlation between the scale of assets of commercial banks and economic capital. Further tests reveal the impact of Fintech on the profitability of different types of commercial banks shows significant heterogeneity.
Prevalence of high‐risk human papillomavirus genotypes in two regions of Peru
Authors: Jelinek Kayla , Harding Laura , Briceno Ruben , Li Zenggang , Niezgoda Angela , Sergent Shane , Etchebarne Brett
Published: January 2021

Objective

This study aims to discover the most prevalent high‐risk (hr) HPV genotypes in the regions of Loreto and La Libertad, Peru.

Methods

In 2015, cervical cell samples were collected during pelvic examinations from women in the geographically distinct regions of Loreto and La Libertad, Peru. In 2017, additional samples were collected in La Libertad. A total of 429 women between the ages of 18 and 65 years living in these regions were enrolled in the study. All samples were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction for the hrHPV genotypes 16, 18, and 35.

Results

Sample collection from 126 women in 2015 in Loreto revealed an hrHPV incidence of 15.9% (20 of 126), with 60% (12 of 126) of HPV infections due to hrHPV 16. Samples from La Libertad revealed an hrHPV incidence of 14.5% incidence (44 of 303) (among 303 women). Of these infections, 38% (17) were attributable to hrHPV type 35 and 20% (9) were due to hrHPV type 16.

Conclusion

The prevalence of hrHPV genotypes in Peru may differ from those observed in North America and Europe. Loreto appears to follow the prevalence trend observed in North America, with hrHPV type 16 accounting for the majority of cases. However, hrHPV type 35 may account for a greater contribution to the cervical cancer burden in La Libertad. Further research, specifically on cervical tumor specimens, is needed.
The impact of lymph node dissection on apparent Stage I epithelial ovarian carcinoma: A population‐based study
Authors: Chen Qian , Wang Shu , Lang Jing‐He
Published: January 2021

Objective

To explore the impact of lymphadenectomy on the prognosis of women of reproductive age with clinically apparent Stage I epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Methods

Data of women of reproductive age with Stage I EOC, diagnosed between 2010 and 2016, were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Five‐year cancer‐specific survival (CSS) was evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariate Cox analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of lymph node dissection on survival. Propensity score (PS) matching was conducted to balance various clinicopathologic factors.

Results

Of 2222 patients included, 1609 (72.4%) received lymph node dissection. The rate of histopathologically confirmed lymph node metastasis was highest in serous subtype (10.2%) and lowest in mucinous subtype (2.2%). No significant difference between the lymphadenectomy and non‐lymphadenectomy groups in 5‐year CSS was observed in the original cohort (P = 0.364) or in the PS matching cohort (P = 0.248). Nevertheless, there was a significant difference between the lymphadenectomy and non‐lymphadenectomy groups for patients with Stage IC EOC (92.4% vs. 88.1%, P = 0.027). According to the multivariate analysis, performance of the lymphadenectomy was not significantly associated with CSS in the original cohort (P = 0.163) or the PS matching cohort (P = 0.101).

Conclusion

Dissection of lymph nodes was not significantly associated with improved prognosis for most Stage I EOC, but, lymphadenectomy may be necessary for women of reproductive age with Stage IC subtype.
Impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles and thymoquinone in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma induced in mice
Authors: Ghanem Heba B.
Published: January 2021

Background

The field of nanotechnology offers great opportunities for cancer therapy.

Objective

This study aimed to compare the therapeutic impact of Zn oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and thymoquinone (TQ) alone or as cotherapy in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) induced in mice.

Materials and Methods

This study was performed on 75 female albino mice divided into Group I: EAC‐bearing control group, Group II: EAC treated with TQ, Group III: EAC treated with low‐dose ZnO NPs, Group IV: EAC treated with high‐dose ZnO NPs, Group V: EAC treated with TQ and low‐dose ZnO NPs. All groups were subjected to measurement of cell viability, ascites fluid volume, Bcl2 protein expression by Western blot analysis, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) gene expression by a real‐time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay levels of Beclin 1, interferon γ (INFγ), interleukin 13 (IL‐13), and estimation of Zn concentrations in EAC cells and liver homogenate to evaluate its toxicity.

Results

Cotherapy has an efficient anticancer effect by enhancing apoptosis and autophagy, resulting in reducing tumor cell viability and ascites fluid volume together with downregulation of Bcl2 protein expression. This cotherapy increases Beclin 1 and INFγ and decreases IL‐13. ZnO NPs upregulate COX2 expression, whereas TQ downregulates its expression. High‐dose ZnO NPs have more toxic effects on liver enzymes. Using TQ together with ZnO NPs can eliminate ZnO NPs liver toxicity.

Conclusion

The cotherapy has an efficient anticancer effect by enhancing apoptosis and autophagy. High‐dose ZnO NPs have more toxic effects on liver enzymes. Using TQ together with ZnO NPs can eliminate ZnO NP liver toxicity.
Effects of statins on mitochondrial pathways
Authors: Mollazadeh Hamid , Tavana Erfan , Fanni Giovanni , Bo Simona , Banach Maciej , Pirro Matteo , von Haehling Stephan , Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: January 2021

Statins are a family of drugs that are used for treating hyperlipidaemia with a recognized capacity to prevent cardiovascular disease events. They inhibit β‐hydroxy β‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase, i.e. the rate‐limiting enzyme in mevalonate pathway, reduce endogenous cholesterol synthesis, and increase low‐density lipoprotein clearance by promoting low‐density lipoprotein receptor expression mainly in the hepatocytes. Statins have pleiotropic effects including stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques, immunomodulation, anti‐inflammatory properties, improvement of endothelial function, antioxidant, and anti‐thrombotic action. Despite all beneficial effects, statins may elicit adverse reactions such as myopathy. Studies have shown that mitochondria play an important role in statin‐induced myopathies. In this review, we aim to report the mechanisms of action of statins on mitochondrial function. Results have shown that statins have several effects on mitochondria including reduction of coenzyme Q10 level, inhibition of respiratory chain complexes, induction of mitochondrial apoptosis, dysregulation of Ca2+ metabolism, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐2 expression. The use of statins has been associated with the onset of additional pathological conditions like diabetes and dementia as a result of interference with mitochondrial pathways by various mechanisms, such as reduction in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, increase in oxidative stress, decrease in uncoupling protein 3 concentration, and interference in amyloid‐β metabolism.

Overall, data reported in this review suggest that statins may have major effects on mitochondrial function, and some of their adverse effects might be mediated through mitochondrial pathways.
Using business intelligence and data visualization to understand the characteristics of failed appointments in dental school clinics
Authors: Weber Kate , DaSilva Alexandre F. , Dault Jean T. , Eber Robert , Huner Kim , Jones Darlene , Kornman Kenneth , Ramaswamy Vidya , Snyder Mark , Ward Brent B. , Nalliah Romesh P.
Published: January 2021

Purpose/Objectives

Broken appointments are an important cause of waste in health care. Patients who fail to attend incur costs to providers, deny trainees learning opportunities, and impact their own health as well as that of other patients who are waiting for care.

Methods

A total of 410,000 appointment records over 3 years were extracted from our electronic health record. We conducted exploratory data analysis and assessed correlations between appointment no‐shows and other attributes of the appointment and the patient. The University of Michigan Medical School's Committee on Human Research reviewed the study and deemed that no Institutional Review Board oversight was necessary for this quality improvement project that was, retrospectively, turned into a study with previously de‐identified data.

Results

The patient's previous attendance record is the single most significant correlation with attendance. We found that patients who said they are “scared” of dental visits were 62% as likely to attend as someone reporting “no problem.” Patients over 65 years of age have better attendance rates. There was a positive association between receiving email/text confirmation and attendance. A total of 94.9% of those emailed a reminder and 92.2% of those who were texted attended their appointment.

Conclusion(s)

We were able to identify relationships of several variables to failed and attended appointments that we were previously unknown to us. This knowledge enabled us to implement interventions to support better attendance at Dental Clinics at the University of Michigan, improving patient health, student training, and efficient use of resources.
Care of inflammatory bowel disease patients during coronavirus disease‐19 pandemic using digital health‐care technology
Authors: Ghoshal Uday C , Sahu Shikha , Biswas Sugata N , Singh Prashant , Chaudhary Moni , Ghoshal Ujjala , Tiwari Priyanka , Rai Sushmita , Mishra Saroj K
Published: January 2021

Background and Aim

Although telemedicine is an option for the care of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients during the Coronavirus Disease (COVID)‐19 pandemic, its feasibility and acceptability data are scant. Data on the frequency of COVID‐19 among patients with IBD, quality of life (QOL), access to health care, psychological stress, and anxiety during the COVID‐19 pandemic are scant.

Methods

Video/audio consultation for IBD patients was undertaken after a web‐based appointment, and data on acceptability, IBD control, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), and World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL‐Bref) were obtained electronically. IBD patients were assessed for COVID‐19 symptoms or contact history and tested using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) on naso‐ oro‐pharyngeal swabs, and data were compared with 16,317 non‐IBD controls.

Results

Teleconsultation was feasible and acceptable. IBD patients had COVID‐19 as frequently as non‐IBD controls despite immunosuppressive therapy, possibly due to their awareness and preventive practices. Although the physical, psychological, and social QOL scores during the COVID‐19 pandemic were comparable to the prepandemic period, the environmental scores were worse. Psychological tension and interference with work due to pain were lower during the pandemic, which might be influenced by the control of the disease.

Conclusions

Teleconsultation is a feasible and acceptable alternative for IBD patients. They had COVID‐19 as frequently as non‐IBD controls despite a high frequency of immunosuppressive treatment, possibly due to their awareness of the disease and preventive practices. The QOL scores (except the environmental domains) and psychological issues were quite comparable or even better during the COVID‐19 pandemic than earlier.
Fast analysis of scattering from metallic‐dielectric composite large antenna arrays using characteristic modes
Authors: Zhou Wenyang , Chen Yikai , Yang Shiwen
Published: January 2021

In this article, characteristic modes for metallic‐dielectric composite structures (MDCS) are explored for fast and accurate analysis of scattering from large antenna arrays. Specifically, a generalized eigenvalue equation is formulated from a method of moments (MoM) impedance matrix of the electric field integral equation and Poggio, Miller, Chang, Harrington, Wu, and Tsai formulation. Modal currents for an antenna element with MDCS are then used as entire domain basis functions in the MoM for expanding equivalent currents over a large antenna array with MDCS. Only a small number of the modal currents are required to approximate the induced current over the antenna array with sufficient accuracy. Thus, the number of the unknowns and the corresponding CPU time in the MoM are significantly reduced in the proposed method. Furthermore, as the periodicity and intrinsic relationship of the matrix elements are considered when using the modal currents as entire domain basis functions, the computational efficiency of the proposed method is further improved. Numerical results of typical antenna arrays with MDCS are presented to illustrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method.
Activation response and functional connectivity change in rat cortex after bilateral transcranial direct current stimulation—An exploratory study
Authors: Boonzaier Julia , Straathof Milou , Ardesch Dirk Jan , van der Toorn Annette , van Vliet Gerard , van Heijningen Caroline L. , Otte Willem M. , Dijkhuizen Rick M.
Published: January 2021

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique implicated as a promising adjunct therapy to improve motor function through the neuromodulation of brain networks. Particularly bilateral tDCS, which affects both hemispheres, may yield stronger effects on motor learning than unilateral stimulation. Therefore, the aim of this exploratory study was to develop an experimental model for simultaneous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and bilateral tDCS in rats, to measure instant and resultant effects of tDCS on network activity and connectivity. Naïve, male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into a tDCS (n = 7) and sham stimulation group (n = 6). Functional MRI data were collected during concurrent bilateral tDCS over the sensorimotor cortex, while resting‐state functional MRI and perfusion MRI were acquired directly before and after stimulation. Bilateral tDCS induced a hemodynamic activation response, reflected by a bilateral increase in blood oxygenation level‐dependent signal in different cortical areas, including the sensorimotor regions. Resting‐state functional connectivity within the cortical sensorimotor network decreased after a first stimulation session but increased after a second session, suggesting an interaction between multiple tDCS sessions. Perfusion MRI revealed no significant changes in cerebral blood flow after tDCS. Our exploratory study demonstrates successful application of an MRI‐compatible bilateral tDCS setup in an animal model. Our results indicate that bilateral tDCS can locally modulate neuronal activity and connectivity, which may underlie its therapeutic potential.
Boron nitride modified reduced graphene oxide as solid‐phase microextraction coating material for the extraction of seven polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from water and soil samples
Authors: Li Hongda , Hou Baoxiu , Wang Ling , Zang Xiaohuan , Wang Chun , Wang Zhi
Published: January 2021

A novel hexagonal boron nitride modified reduced graphene oxide material was synthesized and used as the adsorbent for the solid‐phase microextraction of seven polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from water and soil samples prior to their detection by gas chromatography‐flame ionization detector. Under optimal conditions, the linear response range of the analytes for water sample is 0.25–50 ng/mL with the correlation coefficients (r) ranging between 0.9953 and 0.9996. The linear range for soil sample is 1.0–400 ng/g with r ranging from 0.9959 to 0.9999. On the basis of the signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3, the limits of detections for the analytes ranged from 0.05 to 0.15 ng/mL for water samples, and from 0.3 to 0.5 ng/g for soil samples. The relative recoveries of the seven polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons for water and soil samples were in the range of 79.55–120.0 and 78.76–120.8%, respectively. The relative standard deviations for the determination of the analytes in water and soil samples were lower than 11 and 10%, respectively. The method is simple and suitable for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon residues in water and soil samples.
Pain Catastrophizing and Quality of Life in Adults With Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Kazi Aasif , West Emma , Rahman Shahryar , Kim Sarah , Sima Adam , Schuman Theodore A.
Published: January 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Psychological comorbidity is common in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and is correlated with decreased overall and disease‐specific quality of life (QoL). Prior research reported that anxiety and depression, as measured by the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), are associated with worse CRS‐specific QoL, as assessed via the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI). Furthermore, patients prone to anxiety/depression may display an exaggerated response to real or anticipated discomfort; the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) is a validated instrument designed to measure this phenomenon. This study is intended to explore the role of pain catastrophizing in relation to anxiety, depression, and disease‐specific QoL in patients with facial pain attributed to CRS.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Diagnosis of presumed CRS was based upon current American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery (AAO‐HNS) guidelines; all participants reported facial pain as a component of their CRS symptomatology. RSDI, HADS, and PCS questionnaires were administered upon presentation prior to intervention, and objective measurements of sinonasal inflammation were obtained via nasal endoscopy and computed tomography (CT).

Results

Seventy‐five patients were enrolled in the study. Significant positive correlations were found between PCS and HADS, total RSDI, and RSDI emotional sub‐scores (P < .05). The incidence of objective evidence of disease, as measured via nasal endoscopy and CT, was not significantly different in catastrophizing patients.

Conclusions

Pain catastrophizing correlates with anxiety/depression and worse disease‐specific QoL in patients meeting symptomatic criteria for CRS. Otolaryngologists should be aware that catastrophic thinking can intensify a patient's perception of sinonasal symptoms, and clinicians may consider management of psychological comorbidity to optimize rhinologic outcomes.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1939–1945, 2021
BELONGING: THE SECRET TO BUILDING ENGAGEMENT FOR EMPLOYEES OF ALL BACKGROUNDS
Authors: Kennedy Julia Taylor
Published: January 2021

The author posits that leaders must learn to welcome and implement a concept that, while newer to our talent management vernacular, is actually as old as human nature: belonging. This is a fundamental human need. Yet, to find it, we paradoxically often retreat into our “tribes”—those who share our opinions, ideologies, geographies, socioeconomic backgrounds, and, often, our ethnicities or races. We most naturally “bond” through similarities rather than “bridge” across differences. Belonging does not replace diversity or inclusion in the talent management vernacular: It supports and enhances them. Research is presented from The Power of Belonging, a unique study by Coqual (formerly the Center for Talent Innovation). It shows that belonging is the missing link, the dynamo that drives and delivers on D&I's promises to retain and advance all employees, by enhancing employee engagement, strengthening loyalty and retention, and decreasing feelings of stall. The research identifies five specific senior leader behaviors that connect to high employee belonging scores, which are described in detail in the article. They are (1) embody the organization's values, (2) model inclusive leadership, (3) openly talk about their values, (4) forge personal and authentic connections with employees across the organization, and (5) tell stories.
Notes on the existence and uniqueness of solutions of Stieltjes differential equations
Authors: Márquez Albés Ignacio , Monteiro Giselle A.
Published: January 2021

We study some classical uniqueness and existence results, such as Peano's or Osgood's uniqueness criteria, in the context of Stieltjes differential equations. This type of equation is based on derivatives with respect to monotone functions, and enables the investigation of discrete and continuous problems from a common standpoint. We compare our results with previous work on the topic and illustrate the advantages of the theorems presented in this paper with an example. Finally, we make some remarks regarding analogous uniqueness results which can be derived for measure differential equations.
Reckless Generosity, Parkinson's Disease and Dopamine: A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Amstutz Deborah , Michelis Joan Philipp , Debove Ines , Maradan‐Gachet Marie Elise , Lachenmayer Martin Lenard , Muellner Julia , Schwegler Kyrill , Krack Paul
Published: January 2021

Background

Impulse control disorders (ICDs) are a frequent side effect of dopamine replacement therapy (DRT) in Parkinson's disease (PD). Reckless generosity might expand the spectrum of known ICDs.

Cases

Over 18 months, we encountered three PD patients exhibiting reckless generosity under DRT, leading to disastrous financial and social consequences.

Literature Review

Except for another case series describing reckless generosity in three PD patients, only one study has examined generosity in PD patients; with findings suggesting that PD patients with ICDs are less sensitive to the aversive aspects of the lack of reciprocation in social settings. Studies with healthy individuals suggest that increased availability of dopamine might reduce social discounting and promote egalitarian behavior, and thereby increase generous behavior towards strangers. Genetic studies show that polymorphisms in dopamine D4 receptors influence generous behavior.

Conclusions

Reckless generosity in PD patients with DRT might be underreported and should therefore be carefully be screened for by clinicians. A potential mechanism underlying this ICD‐related behavior might be a sensitization of the mesolimbic and mesocortical dopaminergic system, leading to reduced social discounting and maladaptive reward‐learning. Further research is needed to investigate the prevalence and underlying mechanisms of reckless generosity in PD patients.
Nuclear Genes Associated with Mitochondrial DNA Processes as Contributors to Parkinson's Disease Risk
Authors: Müller‐Nedebock Amica C. , van der Westhuizen Francois H. , Kõks Sulev , Bardien Soraya
Published: January 2021

Over the past four decades, mitochondrial dysfunction has been a recurring theme in Parkinson's disease (PD) and is hypothesized to play a central role in its disease pathogenesis. Given the instrumental role of mitochondria in cellular energy production, their dysfunction can be detrimental to highly energy‐dependent dopaminergic neurons, known to degenerate in PD. Mitochondria harbor multiple copies of their own genomes (mtDNA), encoding critical respiratory chain complexes required for energy production. Consequently, mtDNA has been investigated as a source of mitochondrial dysfunction in PD. As seen in multiple mitochondrial diseases, deleterious mtDNA variation and mtDNA copy number depletion can impede mtDNA protein synthesis, leading to inadequate energy production in affected cells and the onset of a disease phenotype. As such, high burdens of mtDNA defects but also mtDNA depletion, previously identified in the substantia nigra of PD patients, have been suggested to play a role in PD. Genetic variation in nuclear DNA encoding factors required for replicating, transcribing, and translating mtDNA, could underlie these observed mtDNA changes. Herein we examine this possibility and provide an overview of studies that have investigated whether nuclear‐encoded genes associated with mtDNA processes may influence PD risk. Overall, pathway‐based analysis studies, mice models, and case reports of mitochondrial disease patients manifesting with parkinsonism all implicate genes encoding factors related to mtDNA processes in neurodegeneration and PD. Most notably, cumulative genetic variation in these genes likely contributes to neurodegeneration and PD risk by acting together in common pathways to disrupt mtDNA processes or impair their regulation. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A meta‐analysis of functional outcomes in rat sciatic nerve injury models
Authors: DeLeonibus Anthony , Rezaei Majid , Fahradyan Vahe , Silver Jerry , Rampazzo Antonio , Bassiri Gharb Bahar
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Rat sciatic nerve injury (PNR) is the most utilized model in studies on peripheral nerve regeneration. However, large animal models are increasingly favored based on the assumption that nerve regeneration in rodents achieves more favorable outcomes than in humans. The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to investigate which rat PNR models are more stringent and should be used before utilizing large animal experimentation.

Methods

A PRISMA‐guided meta‐analysis of the English literature regarding functional outcomes in rat peripheral nerve injury models was conducted. Outcomes of five basic scenarios: (1) transected nerve/negative control, (2) transection with primary microsurgical repair, (3) isogenic/autologous grafts, (4) acellular‐allogenic grafts, and (5) limb transplantation were compared to sciatic nerves without any intervention/positive control. Outcomes were compared using Sciatic Functional Index (SFI). Log‐based projections were generated and evaluated using mean squared error (MSE), one‐way‐ANOVA, and Tukey‐HSD post‐hoc analysis.

Results

In total, 167 articles met the inclusion criteria. The earliest manifestations of motor recovery were encountered in the transection and primary repair group (p <.0005). There was a significant difference in recovery time and degree of recovery between all surgical models (p <.0005). At 24 weeks, the SFI in hindlimb transplantation group was significantly worse than all other groups (−74.07 ± 2.74, p <.0005). Autografts smaller than 10 mm recovered sooner than autografts longer than 10 mm (p = .021) and autografts recovered faster than allografts.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis does not support the belief that neuro‐regeneration is exceptional in transection models. These models remain adequate to provide translatable information and should initially be used in investigational studies.
Quantitative analysis of optical modes in sensing a medium of the higher refractive index through long‐period fiber grating
Authors: Prashar Shivendu , Singh Sartajvir , Sood Vishakha , Engles Derick
Published: January 2021

The response of a long‐period fiber grating (LPFG) based refractometric sensor is directly related to the optical modes' effective index of refraction (EIR). In this paper, the quantitative behavior of EIR is investigated with LPFG surrounded dielectric medium's refractive index (RI) higher than cladding RI and cladding radius. To analyze the impact on EIR, the 2‐layer and 3‐layer fiber structure‐based mathematical models have been introduced. In the past literature, the interaction of the ambient medium with the core mode field is rarely investigated. Therefore, such studies have been considered and as a result, a significant impact on core mode EIR has been observed. The influence of ambient‐medium RI (ARI = 1.458–1.738) on EIR is found ascended for its value near to cladding RI at normal cladding radius. However, the range of influencing ARIs has been extended with mode order and cladding radius reduction. This study encourages the measuring of LPFG RI response for the aforesaid ARI range in terms of shift in coupled mode resonance wavelength and improves the precision in sensing ARI.