bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vaginal Cuff Closure by Endosuturing in Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy as Compared to Transvaginal Route of Suturing
Authors: Singh Pooja S , Bamniya Jaishree , Chakravarti Nisha , Dholakiya Saksha , Mansuri Misbah
Published: February 2022

Introduction: In present times, Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH) is one of the commonly performed gynaecological procedure. Vaginal vault or cuff closure is crucial and critical in performance of TLH. During TLH, vaginal vault or cuff closure is done using a variety of available sutures. The techniques of suturing and approaches, either endoscopic or transvaginal, can vary. The skill, experience and preference of the surgeon counts in the final outcome of the surgery. Aim: To compare and study the frequency of minor and major complication rates of intracorporeal (endosuturing) cuff closure technique and routinely used transvaginal route of suturing vaginal vault in TLH. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort research was conducted in the tertiary care hospital from May 2018 to December 2019. A total of 102 TLH were studied. In 51 cases (50%), vault was sutured endoscopically and in other 51 cases (50%), vault was sutured transvaginal, using single continuous interlocking suturing of vaginal vault with Vicryl 1-0 in all cases. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 24.0. Results: In the follow-up of three months period, there were no cases of Vaginal Cuff Dehiscence (VCD). In present study, 21 cases (20.6%) out of 102 presented with vaginal cuff complications. A 15.7% cases with minor vaginal cuff complications were noted in laparoscopic endosuturing group and 25.5% cases of vaginal suturing group presented with minor vaginal cuff complications. Conclusion: Both the techniques of suturing the vaginal vault following laparoscopic hysterectomy delivered the desired results. The laparoscopic route of suturing vaginal cuff following TLH had lesser complication rate though not statistically significant over vaginal route and none of the two groups had any major complication (VCD).
A Review of Granulomatous Anterior Uveitis: Clinical Presentation and Management
Authors: Mishra Shivangi , Sune Pradeep G.
Published: February 2022

Background: Inflammation of the uvea is called uveitis. Iris, ciliary body, and choroid are parts of the uvea. It is anatomically classified into Anterior, Posterior, Intermediate, and Pan-uveitis. Prevalence of Anterior uveitis is more common when compared to another type of inflammations, with varied rates of occurrence within the broader population of different countries. The severe implications of untreated or recurring anterior uveitis are often underestimated. Anterior uveitis is characterized by Iritis, which is inflammation of the iris, the anterior region of the ciliary body pars plicata (anterior cyclitis), or both components (iridocyclitis); it is the most common cause of uveitis. Also, based on its cause, Uveitis is classified into Granulomatous and No granulomatous uveitis. Non-infectious and infectious causes may cause it. INFECTIOUS: Tuberculosis, Syphilis, Leprosy, Herpes viruses, Cytomegalovirus, Trematodes, Toxoplasmosis, Post-streptococcal infections. NON-INFECTIOUS: Sarcoidosis, Multiple sclerosis, Lymphoma, Lens-induced. Pain, impaired vision, redness, watering, and photophobia are common symptoms of anterior uveitis. The treatment of uveitis should be evaluated according to the disease's signs and symptoms.

Objective: The purpose is to review the articles related to clinical features and management of granulomatous anterior uveitis.

Methodology: The data were collected from various electronic databases like google scholar, PubMed, etc.

Results: After reviewing the patient from OPD and given articles, granulomatous anterior uveitis can be managed by the given treatment and also reduces further diminution of vision

Conclusion: After reviewing the articles, we conclude that a given treatment can manage the signs and symptoms of granulomatous anterior uveitis.
Otosclerosis: Etiology and Prognostic Factors
Authors: Venurkar Shreya , Rahate Nachiket , Saha Souradip , Gaurkar Sagar
Published: February 2022

Otosclerosis is a temporal bone osseous dyscrasia that causes auditory impairment over time. Aberrant growth of a new bone in the middle ear eventually immobilizes and stops the stapes from oscillating in reaction to sound vibrations, resulting in gradual and persistent hearing impairment. Both ears are generally affected by the disease. Otosclerosis is a rapid occurrence of unexplained facial nerve palsy. With just an estimated prevalence of 15-30 per 100,000, it would be the most prevalent reason for lower motor neuron facial nerve paralysis. There are broadly two types of Otosclerosis, namely histological and clinical Otosclerosis.  A minor incidence of Bell's palsy usually goes away in about a fortnight. It takes to recover from a more severe instance of complete paralysis varies. Among the potential complications are. Multiple sclerosis, Miller-Fisher syndrome, Guillain–Barré syndrome, and autoimmune encephalitis are autoimmune diseases. In patients with otitis media, malignant otitis externa damage to your facial nerve is irreversible.

Nerve fiber regrowth is abnormal. When you try to move others, specific muscles may contract involuntarily (synkinesis) – for example, when you grin, the eye on the afflicted side may shut.

Due to prolonged dryness and scratching of the transparent protective coating of the eye (cornea), the eye becomes wholly or partially blind.

Patients report fast and increasing symptoms over a day to a week, with a 72-hour maximum severity. One-half of the face will be weak, resulting in eyebrows, forehead, and mouth angle instability. The incapacity to shut the afflicted eyelid or lip on the affected side is a common symptom. A partial or total weakening of the forehead is the most apparent physical exam finding. If the integrity of the forehead is preserved, a significant reason should be looked into.  Most of the cases of Otosclerosis have idiopathic or unknown causative agents. In some patients with Otosclerosis, a sponge-like bone grows abnormally in the middle ear chamber. Because of this expansion, the ear bones cannot vibrate in response to acoustic pressure.
Microwave Assisted Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation for Antimicrobial Activity of Novel 1, 5-Benzothiazepines
Authors: Kumar B. Praveen , Chandra Phool , Vidyadhara S. , Sachan Neetu
Published: February 2022

Aims: 1,5-benzothiazepine ring is privileged aromatic heterocycles of interest to organic and medicinal chemists because of its ease of synthesis and biological activities. This study aims to synthesize new series of 1, 5-benzothiazepine by direct and efficient microwave assistance and to evaluate for antimicrobial activity by MIC method.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Chebrolu Hanumaiah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guntur-19, A. P. from January, 2019 to October, 2021.

Methodology: 1, 5-benzothiazepines (BT-21 to BT-40) were synthesized by microwave irradiation. The structures of the products were established by elemental analysis, FTIR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and mass spectroscopic studies. The synthesized compounds were also evaluated for their Antimicrobial activity by MIC method.

Results: The microwave assisted synthetic procedure adopted yielded the 1,5-benzothiazepine derivatives BT-21 to BT-40 in good amounts and at a lesser time span. The synthesized 1, 5-benzothiazepine derivatives showed good to moderate antibacterial and antifungal activities.BT-25 having a dihydroxy-methyl-phenyl moiety proved to be more potent against all selected bacterial strains, B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa with a MIC value of 64 µg/ml. BT-33 having fluorophenyl moiety, BT-35 having hydroxyl-nitrophenyl moiety and BT-40having dibromophenyl moiety proved to be more potent against all selected fungal strains, A. niger and C. tropicalis with a MIC value of 16 µg/ml.

Conclusion: These results showed that the synthesized 1, 5-benzothiazepine derivatives have better scope for further development as antimicrobial agents.
Measurement of Salivary Tumor Necrosis Factor- alpha (TNF- α) in Periodontitis Patients with or without Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Swetaa A. , Jeevitha M. , Jayaraman Selvaraj
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory mediator considered to be a soluble mediator released from immunocompetent cells. It exercises a wide range of proinflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in different cell populations, such as stimulating prostaglandin synthesis, promoting tumors in a variety of cancers, producing proteases, and activating osteoclastic function and therefore bone resorption. Its myriad functions suggest that TNF-α plays an important role in mediating the immune-inflammatory responses initiated by infection or other types of damage.

Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the concentrations of Tumour Necrosis Factor- alpha (TNF- α) in the saliva of periodontitis patients with or without diabetes mellitus.

Materials and methods: A total of 30 participants were taken and divided into 3 groups with each group consisting of 10 saliva samples from patients with clinically healthy gingiva and patients with chronic periodontitis with diabetes mellitus and periodontitis patients only. Saliva sample was collected and salivary TNF- α was done using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Statistically analyses was done by one way ANOVA test

Results: Salivary TNF- α concentration in periodontal health, periodontitis with diabetes mellitus (P+DM), Periodontitis only (P) were analysed.  Salivary TNF- α concentration was found to be significantly higher (p<0.05) in periodontitis with diabetes mellitus (49±3.5 pg/ml) when compared with periodontitis only (29±3.6 pg/ml) and also when compared with healthy controls (17±1.4 pg/ml).

Conclusion: The present study showed elevated TNF- α in periodontitis patients with diabetes mellitus when compared to patients with periodontitis only and normal healthy patients. Further studies are required in a large scale to substantiate the role of TNF-α in the progression of periodontal diseases.
Effect of Yoga in Stress Management in Patients with Epilepsy- A Literature Review
Authors: Kulal Jeekshitha , Rashmitha A. P. , Kumar K. U. Dhanesh
Published: February 2022

Objective: The major goal of this research evaluation was to see if yoga therapy may help people with epilepsy manage stress.

Introduction: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that has a high psychological and physical toll. Self-reported seizures are frequently caused by stress, individual and many patients with epilepsy believe that reducing stress improves seizure management.

Methodology: An electronic search of published research publications was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and other databases, and the results were analysed to determine the effectiveness of yoga in the treatment of stress in epileptic patients." Based on inclusion criteria, few papers were included in the literature review like randomised controlled trials, systematic literature reviews, systematic reviews, Cochrane review, and pilot study.

Results: This review looked at how yoga affects stress through multiple mechanisms and found that it helps epileptic patients reduce stress and improve their quality of life.

Conclusion: This study found that yoga can be one of the alternative methods for reducing stress in epileptics. Yoga should be practised by epileptics to reduce stress and seizure frequency, as well as increase overall well-being. It doesn't have any negative side effects.
Slippery, Water‐Infused Membrane with Grooved Nanotrichomes for Lubricating‐Induced Oil Repellency
Authors: Lee Young A , Cho Seohyun , Choi Seounkyun , Kwon O‐Chang , Yoon Sun Mi , Kim Seong Jin , Park Kyoo‐Chul , Chung Seok , Moon Myoung‐Woon
Published: February 2022

Water, abundant and ubiquitous in nature, is an easy yet powerful resource for the creatures to survive by putting together with their topologies interfacing their living environment. Here, a slippery, water‐infusing surface (SWIS) that retains a thick and stable water layer on the membrane is presented, robustly maintaining the oil repellency against the pressure and friction of immiscible liquids. Inspired by the plant trichome structures and their function, grooved nanotrichome, formed on the fibrous membrane by the oxygen plasma etching, induces robust water lubrication on the SWIS. SWIS membrane repels and separates highly viscous and adhesive oils in air and underwater by preventing oils from adhering to the lubricating surface. Repeated tests both in air and underwater confirm the antiadhesion and self‐cleaning properties of the SWIS. The SWIS oil scooper, fixed on a frame with a handle, successfully collects spilled oil on a pilot‐scale oil spill site and a real ocean oil spill site by simply scooping and recovering the oil. In addition, SWIS membrane is expected to help protect environments with further applications such as oil‐wastewater treatment and oil separation in food.
Scavenging ROS to Alleviate Acute Liver Injury by ZnO‐NiO@COOH
Authors: Wu Xuan , Liu Shiyu , Zhu Huanhuan , Ma Zili , Dai Xiaohu , Liu Weiwei
Published: February 2022

Currently, the incidence of acute liver injury (ALI) is increasing year by year, and infection with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) can also induce ALI, but there are still no targeted therapeutic drugs. ZnO–NiO particles is mainly used to clean up reactive oxygen species (ROS) in industrial wastewater, and it is insoluble in water. Its excellent properties are discovered and improved by adding shuttle‐based bonds to make it more water‐soluble. ZnO‐NiO@COOH particles are synthetically applied to treat ALI. The p‐n junction in ZnO–NiO@COOH increases the surface area and active sites, thereby creating large numbers of oxygen vacancies, which can quickly adsorb ROS. The content in tissues and serum levels of L‐glutathione (GSH) and the GSH/oxidized GSH ratio are measured to assess the capacity of ZnO–NiO@COOH particles to absorb ROS. The ZnO–NiO@COOH particles significantly reduce the expression levels of inflammatory factors (i.e., IL‐1, IL‐6, and TNF‐α), macrophage infiltration, and granulocyte activation. ZnO‐NiO@COOH rapidly adsorb ROS in a short period of time to block the generation of inflammatory storms and gain time for the follow‐up treatment of ALI, which has important clinical significance.
Crystallization‐Driven Controlled Two‐Dimensional (2D) Assemblies from Chromophore‐Appended Poly(L‐lactide)s: Highly Efficient Energy Transfer on a 2D Surface
Authors: Rajak Aritra , Das Anindita
Published: February 2022

A rational approach towards precision two‐dimensional (2D) assemblies by crystallization‐driven self‐assembly (CDSA) of poly(L‐lactides) (PLLAs), end‐capped with dipolar dyes like merocyanine (MC) or naphthalene monoimide (NMI) and hydrophobic pyrene (PY) or benzene (Bn) is described. PLLA chains crystallize into diamond‐shaped platelets in isopropanol, which forces the terminal dyes to assemble into a 2D array on the platelet surface by either dipolar interactions or π‐stacking and exhibit tunable emission. Dipolar dyes play a critical role in imparting colloidal stability and structural uniformity to the 2D crystals, which is partly compromised for hydrophobic ones. Co‐crystallization between NMI‐ and PY‐labeled PLLAs yields similar diamond‐shaped co‐platelets with highly efficient (≈80 %) Förster Resonance Energy Transfer on the 2D surface. Further, the “living” CDSA method confers enlarged, segmented block co‐platelets using one of the homopolymers as “seed” and the other as “unimer”.
Local Symmetry Breaking Suppresses Thermal Conductivity in Crystalline Solids
Authors: Dutta Moinak , Prasad Matukumilli V. D. , Pandey Juhi , Soni Ajay , Waghmare Umesh V. , Biswas Kanishka
Published: February 2022

Understanding the correlations of both the local and global structures with lattice dynamics is critical for achieving low lattice thermal conductivity (κlat) in crystalline materials. Herein, we demonstrate local cationic off‐centring within the global rock‐salt structure of AgSbSe2 by using synchrotron X‐ray pair distribution function analysis and unravel the origin of its ultralow κlat≈0.4 W mK−1 at 300 K. The cations are locally off‐centered along the crystallographic
direction by about ≈0.2 Å, which averages out as the rock‐salt structure on the global scale. Phonon dispersion obtained by density functional theory (DFT) shows weak instabilities that cause local off‐centering distortions within an anharmonic double‐well potential. The local structural distortion arises from the stereochemically active 5s2 lone pairs of Sb. Our findings open an avenue for understanding how the local structure influences the phonon transport and facilitates the design of next‐generation crystalline materials with tailored thermal properties.
Intra‐season variations in distribution and abundance of humpback whales in the West Antarctic Peninsula using cruise vessels as opportunistic platforms
Authors: Johannessen John Elling Deehr , Biuw Martin , Lindstrøm Ulf , Ollus Victoria Marja Sofia , Martín López Lucía Martina , Gkikopoulou Kalliopi C. , Oosthuizen Wessel Chris , Lowther Andrew
Published: February 2022

Fine‐scale knowledge of spatiotemporal dynamics in cetacean distribution and abundance throughout the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) is sparse yet essential for effective ecosystem‐based management (EBM). Cruise vessels were used as platforms of opportunity to collect data on the distribution and abundance of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) during the austral summer of 2019/2020 in a region that is also important for the Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) fishery, to assess potential spatiotemporal interactions for future use in EBM. Data were analyzed using traditional design‐based line transect methodology and spatial density surface hurdle models fitted using a set of physical environmental covariates to estimate the abundance and distribution of whales in the area, and to describe their temporal dynamics. Our results indicate a rapid increase in humpback whale abundance in the Bransfield and Gerlache Straits through December, reaching a stable abundance by mid‐January. The distribution of humpback whales appeared to change from a patchier distribution in the northern Gerlache Strait to a significantly concentrated presence in the central Gerlache and southern Bransfield Straits, followed by a subsequent dispersion throughout the area. Abundance estimates agreed well with previous literature, increasing from approximately 7000 individuals in 2000 to a peak of 19,107 in 2020. Based on these estimates, we project a total krill consumption of between 1.4 and 3.7 million tons based on traditional and contemporary literature on per capita krill consumption of whales, respectively. When taken in the context of krill fishery catch data in the study area, we conclude that there is minimal spatiotemporal overlap between humpback whales and fishery activity during our study period of November–January. However, there is potential for significant interaction between the two later in the feeding season, but cetacean survey efforts need to be extended into late season in order to fully characterize this potential overlap.
The relationship of benign prostatic hyperplasia's symptoms severity with the risk of developing atrial fibrillation
Authors: Koçak Ajar , Şenol Cem , Coşgun Ayhan , Eyyupkoca Ferhat , Yıldırım Onur
Published: February 2022

Background

Attention is drawn to the increased incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients recently. Early predicting of AF in these patients can help in decreasing its clinical consequences. The aim of our study is to determine the association between BPH symptoms and AF predictors atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) and the P‐wave dispersion (PWD).

Methods

218 healthy individuals recently diagnosed with BPH were assigned into three groups according to symptoms severity using the International prostate symptom score (IPSS) questionnaire. The first group with mild symptoms (IPSS score between 0 and 7, n = 78), the second group with moderate symptoms (IPSS score between 8 and 19, n = 86), and the third group with severe symptoms (IPSS score between 20 and 35, n = 54). PWD and AEMD calculations were performed for all participants.

Results

There were statistically significant differences between the three groups in terms of AEMD and PWD (p < .01 and p < .01, respectively). In all three study groups, a significant positive correlation was observed between IPSS questionnaire scores and both AEMD and PWD (for AEMD r = .29, p = .013 and for PWD r = .27, p = .017). On the other hand, there were significant differences between the three groups in terms of the inflammatory markers C‐reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen (p < .01 and p < .01, respectively) and in terms of serum testosterone levels (p < .01).

Conclusions

We concluded that periodic evaluation of patients with BPH in terms of symptoms severity can be helpful not only from urological aspect, but also in the early prediction of possible serious cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Implicit bias and negative stereotyping in global software development and why it is time to move on!
Authors: Matthiesen Stina , Bjørn Pernille , Trillingsgaard Claus
Published: February 2022

Prior research documents how the use of national cultural differences when used as an argument for failed collaboration is problematic and makes information technology (IT) companies blind to the challenges in global software development (GSD). Nevertheless, we still witness how issues in GSD work are kept explained, applied, and predicted through generic descriptions of national cultural behavior. Based on two ethnographic studies conducted within two large Danish IT companies, we extend prior work on implicit bias. The paper presents empirical examples on the widespread practice of using racist and stereotypical rhetoric in GSD, which initially motivated us to look for alternative strategies for analyzing the actual and locally situated collaboration‐related problems within organizations involved in GSD. Our contributions are threefold: (1) We show how the widespread practice of using negative stereotypical rhetoric is weaved into the fabric of GSD engagements; (2) we present the empirical results of attending to implicit bias as an approach to explore and combat pervasive practices that deploy static cultural narratives and stereotypes in GSD; and (3) we propose three areas in GSD that software organizations should investigate to identify and address the implicit biases that potentially challenge or shatter their distributed collaborative work.
Ankle-Worn Sensor Sleeve to increase walking motivation
Authors: Sugimoto Minatsu , Iwata Hiroo , Igarashi Hiroya
Published: February 2022

In this study, we propose the Ankle-Worn Sensor Sleeve to help people maintain their health. Furthermore, our approach uses this sensor sleeve to improve walking motivation by making the walking motion more sensible. In this research, we pursue the design of a wearable device that users can wear as a “shoe accessory,” with the aim of promoting people’s walking motivation. This device is ankle-worn and generates electricity using the physical flexion and extension of the ankle, detects and acquires the amount of electricity generated, and uses the resulting power to produce sound and light feedback while walking. The Sleeve is designed to support health problems, such as locomotive syndrome and dementia, which are caused by physical inactivity. This article presents the results of a questionnaire survey conducted on 172 people who experienced or observed the device during exhibitions. The results reveal that this device increased people’s interest and motivation to walk, including those who did not like to walk.
Incidence of Complications for Different Approaches in Gynecomastia Correction: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Innocenti Alessandro , Melita Dario , Dreassi Emanuela
Published: February 2022

Background

Gynecomastia is nowadays a very common disease, affecting a large cohort of patients with different ages. The aim of this literature review is to assess the incidence of complications with all proposed techniques and for combined procedures versus single approach procedures in gynecomastia correction.

Materials and Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify all reported techniques for gynecomastia correction covering a period from January 1, 1987 to November 1, 2020. For all selected papers, demographic data, proposed technique, and complications’ incidence have been recorded.

Results

A total number of 3970 results was obtained from database analysis. A final total number of 94 articles was obtained for 7294 patients analyzed. Patients have been divided into three groups: aspiration techniques, consisting in 874 patients (11,98%), surgical excision techniques, consisting in 2764 patients (37,90%), and combined techniques, consisting in 3656 patients (50,12%). Complications have been recorded for all groups, for a total number of 1407, of which 130 among “Aspiration techniques” group (14,87%), 847 among “Surgical excision techniques” group (30,64%), and 430 in “Combined techniques” group (11,76%).

Conclusions

Several techniques have been proposed in the literature to address gynecomastia, with the potential to greatly improve self-confidence and overall appearance of affected patients. The combined use of surgical excision and aspiration techniques seems to reduce the rate of complications compared to surgical excision alone, but the lack of unique classification and the presence of several surgical techniques still represents a bias in the literature review.

Level of Evidence III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Brain region-specific susceptibility of Lewy body pathology in synucleinopathies is governed by α-synuclein conformations
Authors: de Boni Laura , Watson Aurelia Hays , Zaccagnini Ludovica , Wallis Amber , Zhelcheska Kristina , Kim Nora , Sanderson John , Jiang Haiyang , Martin Elodie , Cantlon Adam , Rovere Matteo , Liu Lei , Sylvester Marc , Lashley Tammaryn , Dettmer Ulf , Jaunmuktane Zane , Bartels Tim
Published: February 2022

The protein α-synuclein, a key player in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies, exists in different physiological conformations: cytosolic unfolded aggregation-prone monomers and helical aggregation-resistant multimers. It has been shown that familial PD-associated missense mutations within the α-synuclein gene destabilize the conformer equilibrium of physiologic α-synuclein in favor of unfolded monomers. Here, we characterized the relative levels of unfolded and helical forms of cytosolic α-synuclein in post-mortem human brain tissue and showed that the equilibrium of α-synuclein conformations is destabilized in sporadic PD and DLB patients. This disturbed equilibrium is decreased in a brain region-specific manner in patient samples pointing toward a possible “prion-like” propagation of the underlying pathology and forms distinct disease-specific patterns in the two different synucleinopathies. We are also able to show that a destabilization of multimers mechanistically leads to increased levels of insoluble, pathological α-synuclein, while pharmacological stabilization of multimers leads to a “prion-like” aggregation resistance. Together, our findings suggest that these disease-specific patterns of α-synuclein multimer destabilization in sporadic PD and DLB are caused by both regional neuronal vulnerability and “prion-like” aggregation transmission enabled by the destabilization of local endogenous α-synuclein protein.
A multi-method assessment of 3D printed micromorphological osteological features
Authors: Carew Rachael M. , Iacoviello Francesco , Rando Carolyn , Moss Robert M. , Speller Robert , French James , Morgan Ruth M.
Published: February 2022

The evaluation of 3D printed osteological materials has highlighted the difficulties associated with accurately representing fine surface details on printed bones. Moreover, there is an increasing need for reconstructions to be demonstrably accurate and reliable for use in the criminal justice system. The aim of this study was to assess the surface quality of 3D prints (n = 9) that presented with micromorphological alterations from trauma, taphonomy and pathology processes. The archaeological bones were imaged using micro-CT scanning and 3D printed with selective laser sintering (SLS) printing. A multi-method experimental approach subsequently identified: (1) the 3D printed bones to be metrically accurate to within 1.0 mm; (2) good representation of micromorphological surface features overall, albeit with some loss of intricate details, depths, and fine textures that can be important for visual processing; (3) five of the nine 3D printed bones were quantitatively scored as accurate using the visual comparison method; and, (4) low mesh comparison distances (± 0.2 mm) between the original models and the digitised 3D print models. The findings offer empirical data that can be used to underpin 3D printed reconstructions of exhibits for use in courts of law. In addition, an adaptable pathway was presented that can be used to assess 3D print accuracy in future reconstructions.
Dealing with the stochastic prosumager problem with controllable loads
Authors: Violi Antonio , Beraldi Patrizia , Carrozzino Gianluca
Published: February 2022

This paper focuses on the home energy management for a residential prosumager with flexible loads. In particular, three different types of controllable appliances (shiftable, interruptible, thermostatically controllable) have been considered, each one with a specific representation of energy consumption profile and a potential discomfort rate for the user. The inherent uncertainty affecting the main model parameters (i.e., non- controllable loads, solar production, external temperature) is explicitly accounted for by adopting the two-stage stochastic programming modeling paradigm. The model solution provides the prosumager with the optimal scheduling of the controllable loads and the operation of the storage system that guarantee the minimum expected energy procurement cost, taking into account the overall discomfort. A preliminary computational experience has shown the effectiveness of the proposed approach in terms of cost savings and the advantage related to the use of a stochastic programming approach over a deterministic formulation.
Hemodynamic response and clinical outcome following intravenous milrinone plus norepinephrine–based hyperdynamic hypertensive therapy in patients suffering secondary cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Steiger Hans-Jakob , Ensner Rolf , Andereggen Lukas , Remonda Luca , Berberat Jatta , Marbacher Serge
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Intravenous and intra-arterial milrinone as a rescue measure for delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has been adopted by several groups, but so far, evidence for the clinical benefit is unclear and effect on brain perfusion is unknown. The aim of the actual analysis was to define cerebral hemodynamic effects and outcome of intravenous milrinone plus norepinephrine supplemented by intra-arterial nimodipine as a rescue strategy for DCI following aneurysmal SAH.

Methods

Of 176 patients with aneurysmal SAH treated at our neurosurgical department between April 2016 and March 2021, 98 suffered from DCI and were submitted to rescue therapy. For the current analysis, characteristics of these patients and clinical response to rescue therapy were correlated with hemodynamic parameters, as assessed by CT angiography (CTA) and perfusion CT. Time to peak (TTP) delay in the ischemic focus and the volume with a TTP delay of more than 4 s (T4 volume) were used as hemodynamic parameters.

Results

The median delay to neurological deterioration following SAH was 5 days. Perfusion CT at that time showed median T4 volumes of 40 cc and mean focal TTP delays of 2.5 ± 2.1 s in these patients. Following rescue therapy, median T4 volume decreased to 10 cc and mean focal TTP delay to 1.7 ± 1.9 s. Seventeen patients (17% of patients with DCI) underwent additional intra-arterial spasmolysis using nimodipine. Visible resolution of macroscopic vasospasm on CTA was observed in 43% patients with DCI and verified vasospasm on CTA, including those managed with additional intra-arterial spasmolysis. Initial WFNS grade, occurrence of secondary infarction, ischemic volumes and TTP delays at the time of decline, the time to clinical decline, and the necessity for additional intra-arterial spasmolysis were identified as the most important features determining neurological outcome at 6 months.

Conclusion

The current analysis shows that cerebral perfusion in the setting of secondary cerebral ischemia following SAH is measurably improved by milrinone and norepinephrine–based hyperdynamic therapy. A long-term clinical benefit by the addition of milrinone appears likely. Separation of the direct effect of milrinone from the effect of induced hypertension is not possible based on the present dataset.
Diagnostic performance and clinical feasibility of a novel one-step RT-qPCR assay for simultaneous detection of multiple severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses
Authors: Le Tran Bac , Kim Hye Kwon , Ahn Min-Ju , Zanin Mark , Lo Van Thi , Ling Shiman , Jiang Zhanpeng , Kang Jung-Ah , Bae Pan Kee , Kim Yeon-Sook , Kim Seungtaek , Wong Sook-San , Jeong Dae Gwin , Yoon Sun-Woo
Published: February 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Other coronaviruses (CoVs) can also infect humans, although the majority cause only mild respiratory symptoms. Because early diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 is critical for preventing further transmission events and improving clinical outcomes, it is important to be able to distinguish SARS-CoV-2 from other SARS-related CoVs in respiratory samples. Therefore, we developed and evaluated a novel reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay targeting the genes encoding the spike (S) and membrane (M) proteins to enable the rapid identification of SARS-CoV-2, including several new circulating variants and other emerging SARS-like CoVs. By analysis of in vitro-transcribed mRNA, we established multiplex RT-qPCR assays capable of detecting 5 × 10° copies/reaction. Using RNA extracted from cell culture supernatants, our multiple simultaneous SARS-CoV-2 assays had a limit of detection of 1 × 10° TCID50/mL and showed no cross-reaction with human CoVs or other respiratory viruses. We also validated our method using human clinical samples from patients with COVID-19 and healthy individuals, including nasal swab and sputum samples. This novel one-step multiplex RT-qPCR assay can be used to improve the laboratory diagnosis of human-pathogenic CoVs, including SARS-CoV-2, and may be useful for the identification of other SARS-like CoVs of zoonotic origin.
Appearance-based loop closure detection combining lines and learned points for low-textured environments
Authors: Company-Corcoles Joan P. , Garcia-Fidalgo Emilio , Ortiz Alberto
Published: February 2022

Hand-crafted point descriptors have been traditionally used for visual loop closure detection. However, in low-textured environments, it is usually difficult to find enough point features and, hence, the performance of such algorithms degrade. Under this context, this paper proposes a loop closure detection method that combines lines and learned points to work, particularly, in scenarios where hand-crafted points fail. To index previous images, we adopt separate incremental binary Bag-of-Words (BoW) schemes for points and lines. Moreover, we adopt a binarization procedure for features’ descriptors to benefit from the advantages of learned features into a binary BoW model. Furthermore, image candidates from each BoW instance are merged using a novel query-adaptive late fusion approach. Finally, a spatial verification stage, which integrates appearance and geometry perspectives, allows us to enhance the global performance of the method. Our approach is validated using several public datasets, outperforming other state-of-the-art solutions in most cases, especially in low-textured scenarios.
Assessing cellulose micro/nanofibre morphology using a high throughput fibre analysis device to predict nanopaper performance
Authors: Pennells Jordan , Heuberger Bérénice , Chaléat Céline , Martin Darren J.
Published: February 2022

Characterising cellulose nanofibre (CNF) morphology has been identified as a grand challenge for the nanocellulose research field. Direct techniques for CNF morphology characterisation exhibit various difficulties related to the material network structure and equipment cost, while indirect techniques that investigate fibre-light interaction, fibre-solvent interaction, fibre-fibre interaction, or specific fibre surface area involve relatively facile methods but may be more unreliable. Nanopaper mechanical testing is a prevalent metric for assessing fibre-fibre interaction, but is an off-line, time-consuming, and destructive methodology. In this study, an optical fibre morphology analyser (MorFi, Techpap) was employed as an on-line, high throughput, fast turnaround tool to assess micro/nanofibre pulp morphology and predict the properties of nanopaper material. Correlation analysis identified fibre content and fibre kink properties as most correlated with nanopaper strength and toughness, while fibre width and coarseness were most inversely correlated with nanopaper performance. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to visualise interdependent morphological and mechanical data. Subsequently, two data driven statistical models—multiple linear regression (MLR) and machine learning based support vector regression (SVR)—were established to predict nanopaper properties from fibre morphology data, with SVR generating a more accurate prediction across all nanopaper properties (NRMSE = 0.13–0.33) compared to the MLR model (NRMSE = 0.33–0.51). This study highlights that statistical methods are useful to disentangle and visualise interdependent morphological data from an on-line fibre analysis device, while regression models are also capable of predicting paper mechanical properties from CNF samples even though these devices do not operate at nanoscale resolution.

Graphical abstract
Characterization and Mössbauer spectroscopy of steel slag generated in the ladle furnance in SIDERPERU steel plant
Authors: Dominguez A. G. Bustamante , Valerio-Cuadros M. I. , Borja-Castro L. E. , Valencia-Bedregal R. A. , Santibañez J. Flores , Suarez S. M. Espinoza , Cabrera-Tinoco H. , Moreno N.O , Barnes C. H. W. , Valladares L. De Los Santos
Published: February 2022

The steel industry produces large amounts of slag coming from different stages during the steelmaking process every year. Currently, there are numerous attempts to recycle it or to use it in some other industry sectors and to preserve the environment. The characteristics of the slag depends on the steelmaking process and it is crucial to have it before any attempt of recycling. In this work, slag sample produced in the ladle furnace from SIDERPERU steel plant were collected and analyzed by using energy dispersion X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), SQUID magnetometer and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The chemical analysis obtained by EDX and XRF indicate that the main elemental composition of the material is Fe, Ca, Si and Cr. XRD identifies that these elements are in the phases: FeO, Fe3O4, α-Fe2O3, Ca2SiO4, and Ca2,32Mn0,68SiO7. Magnetometry measurements suggest the Verwey transition for magnetite and the Morin transition for hematite are screened by the presence of superparamagnetic phases. The Mössbauer spectrum shows two doublets related to Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions with hyperfine parameters belonging to that of non-stoichiometric wustite. Also, the presence of hyperfine fields characteristic of the Fe3O4 and Fe2O3 phase identified at room temperature verifies the magnetometry analysis. The analysis of the sample used in this work reveals details connected with the steel fabrication processes and are helpful for posterior recycling attempts.
Differential taxation and security market lines–a clarification
Authors: Krause Marko , Lahmann Alexander
Published: February 2022

The literature on differential taxation of asset specific payoffs presents different representations of security market lines (SMLs), with puzzling features such as parallel lines and lines with the same intercept but different slopes - a security market fan. We show that these results can be traced back to using different combinations of pre-tax and after-tax figures for betas and expected returns. Above all, for betas based on returns and a stochastic discount factor (SDF), there is a single SML in after-tax expected return and after-tax beta space. Using pre-tax values for betas and/or expected returns leads to different representations in the respective beta and expected return space. With betas that use the market return instead of the SDF, it is important to distinguish whether tax payments are redistributed back to the agents. If they are, a single SML can only be obtained through a beta using the pre-tax market return and the after-tax return of single assets. In addition to SML representations, we also discuss differential taxation with respect to mean-variance frontiers in expected return and standard deviation spaces.
Metal Accumulation and Functional Traits of Maianthemum bifolium (L.) F. W. Schmidt in Acid Beech Forests Differing with Pollution Level
Authors: Bierza Karolina
Published: February 2022

Maianthemumbifolium (L.) F. W. Schmidt is a clonal plant with a wide geographical range throughout Europe and Asia. It is also abundant as an understory plant of acid beech forests in southern Poland. The response strategies of this species to heavy metals and their effects on some functional traits (height, specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), specific rhizome length (SRL) and rhizomes dry matter content (RDMC)) were tested. Selected heavy metal concentrations were measured in leaves, rhizomes and rooting soil of May lily in five beech forests of southern Poland, mainly including an industrialised region of Upper Silesia. The contamination level of these ecosystems was assessed with a single pollution index. The results show significant contamination with Pb even at control sites and moderate with Cd, Zn, Fe and Cu in Upper Silesian forests. May lily accumulated Pb, Zn and Fe mainly in rhizomes, but Ni, Cu and Cd were also translocated to aboveground organs in comparable quantities, which confirms the indicator value of this plant. May lily accumulated up to 21 and 30 mg g−1 Cd, 34 and 90 mg g−1 Pb and 250 and 553 mg g−1 Zn in leaves and rhizomes respectively. Moreover, the accumulation factors show that May lily accumulates Cd in above- and underground organs in higher amounts than found in soil. Although high concentrations of these toxic elements in tissues, no visible damages on plants were observed, also the measured functional traits show no apparent relationship with the pollution level.
Forecasting performance of Bayesian VEC-MSF models for financial data in the presence of long-run relationships
Authors: Pajor Anna , Wróblewska Justyna
Published: February 2022

The paper is focused on comparing the forecasting performance of two relatively new types of Vector Error Correction - Multiplicative Stochastic Factor (VEC-MSF) specifications: VEC-MSF with constant conditional correlations, and VEC-MSF-SBEKK with time-varying conditional correlations. For the sake of comparison, random walks, vector autoregressions (VAR) with constant conditional covariance matrix, and VAR-SBEKK models are also considered. Based on daily quotations on three exchange rates: PLN/EUR, PLN/USD, and EUR/USD, where the cointegrating vector may be assumed to be knowna priori, we show that in econometric models it can be more important to allow for cointegration relationships than for time-varying conditional covariance matrix.
Safety and tolerability of high-dose daily vitamin D3 supplementation in the vitamin D and type 2 diabetes (D2d) study—a randomized trial in persons with prediabetes
Authors: Johnson Karen C. , Pittas Anastassios G. , Margolis Karen L. , Peters Anne L. , Phillips Lawrence S. , Vickery Ellen M. , Nelson Jason , Sheehan Patricia R. , Reboussin David , Malozowski Saul , Chatterjee Ranee ,   D2d research group,   Steering Committee, Pittas Anastassios G. , Brodsky Irwin , Ceglia Lisa , Chadha Chhavi , Chatterjee Ranee , Dawson-Hughes Bess , Desouza Cyrus , Dolor Rowena , Foreyt John , Ghazi Adline , Hsia Daniel S. , Johnson Karen C. , Kashyap Sangeeta R. , Kim Sun , LeBlanc Erin S. , Lewis Michael R. , Liao Emilia , Malozowski Saul , Neff Lisa M. , O’Neil Patrick , Park Jean , Peters Anne , Phillips Lawrence S. , Pratley Richard , Raskin Philip , Rasouli Neda , Robbins David , Rosen Clifford ,   Past Steering Committee members, Aroda Vanita R. , Sheehan Patricia , Staten Myrlene A. , Ware James H. ,   Advisor, Knowler William C.
Published: February 2022

Background/Objectives

Routine use of vitamin D supplements has increased substantially in the United States. However, the safety and tolerability of long-term use of high-dose vitamin D are not known. We assessed the safety and tolerability of high-dose, daily vitamin D3 in the vitamin D and type 2 diabetes (D2d) study.

Subjects/Methods

In total, 2423 overweight/obese persons with prediabetes were randomized in a double-blind manner to either 4000 IU of vitamin D3 (the tolerable upper intake level for adults by the National Academy of Medicine) taken daily or matching placebo. All participants were included in this analysis. Incident adverse events (AE) were ascertained 4 times a year at in-person visits (twice a year) and interim remote encounters (twice a year) and were defined as untoward or unfavorable medical occurrences. Serious adverse events (SAE) included death, life-threatening events, and hospitalizations.

Results

A total of 8304 AEs occurred during 3 years of follow-up and were less frequent in the vitamin D group compared to placebo (Incidence Rate Ratio [IRR] = 0.94; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.90, 0.98). The overall frequency of protocol-specified AEs of interest, which included nephrolithiasis, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, or low estimated glomerular filtration rate, was low and did not differ by group. There were no significant between-group differences in total SAEs (IRR = 0.96 (0.81, 1.14)).

Conclusion

Vitamin D3 supplementation at 4000 IU per day was safe and well tolerated among overweight/obese participants at high risk for diabetes who were appropriately monitored for safety. In this population, this dose of vitamin D3 did not increase risk of AEs or SAEs, including those previously associated with vitamin D such as hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, or nephrolithiasis.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01942694, prospectively registered September 16, 2013