bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Robust Part-Based Model with Affine Transformations for Facial Landmark Localization and Detection in Big Data
Authors: Zhang Chentao , Likassa Habte Tadesse , Liang Peidong , Guo Jielong
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we developed a new robust part-based model for facial landmark localization and detection via affine transformation. In contrast to the existing works, the new algorithm incorporates affine transformations with the robust regression to tackle the potential effects of outliers and heavy sparse noises, occlusions and illuminations. As such, the distorted or misaligned objects can be rectified by affine transformations and the patterns of occlusions and outliers can be explicitly separated from the true underlying objects in big data. Moreover, the search of the optimal parameters and affine transformations is cast as a constrained optimization programming. To mitigate the computations, a new set of equations is derived to update the parameters involved and the affine transformations iteratively in a round-robin manner. Our way to update the parameters compared to the state of the art of the works is relatively better, as we employ a fast alternating direction method for multiplier (ADMM) algorithm that solves the parameters separately. Simulations show that the proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art works on facial landmark localization and detection on the COFW, HELEN, and LFPW datasets.
Age-Related Disease Risks in Younger versus Older B-Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivors
Authors: Ocier Krista , Abdelaziz Sarah , Kim Seungmin , Rowe Kerry , Snyder John , Deshmukh Vikrant G. , Newman Michael , Fraser Alison , Smith Ken R. , Porucznik Christina A. , Shoaf Kimberley , Stanford Joseph B. , Lee Catherine J. , Hashibe Mia
Published: November 2021

Background:

Younger cancer survivors may develop age-related diseases due to the cancer treatment that they undergo. The aim of this population-based study is to estimate incidence of age-related diseases besides cardiovascular disease among younger versus older B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL) survivors compared with their respective general population cohorts.

Methods:

Survivors of B-NHL were diagnosed between 1997 and 2015 from the Utah Cancer Registry. Using the Utah Population Database, up to 5 cancer-free individuals from the general population were matched with a B-NHL survivor on sex, birth year, and state of birth. Hazard ratios (HR) for age-related disease outcomes, which were identified from medical records and statewide health care facility data, were estimated using Cox Proportional Hazards models for B-NHL survivors diagnosed at <65 years versus ≥65 years at least 5 years since B-NHL diagnosis.

Results:

Comparing 2,129 B-NHL survivors with 8,969 individuals from the general population, younger B-NHL survivors had higher relative risks of acute renal failure [HR, 2.24; 99% confidence interval (CI), 1.48–3.39; Pheterogeneity = 0.017), pneumonia (HR, 2.42; 99% CI, 1.68–3.49; Pheterogeneity = 0.055), and nutritional deficiencies (HR, 2.08; 99% CI, 1.48–2.92; Pheterogeneity = 0.051) ≥5 years after cancer diagnosis.

Conclusion:

Younger B-NHL survivors had higher relative risks of acute renal failure, pneumonia, and nutritional deficiencies than older B-NHL survivors compared with their respective general population cohorts, ≥5 years after cancer diagnosis.
Hemoglobin A1c and Fructosamine Evaluated in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis Using Long-Term Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Authors: Bomholt Tobias , Feldt-Rasmussen Bo , Butt Rizwan , Borg Rikke , Sarwary Mir Hassan , Elung-Jensen Thomas , Almdal Thomas , Knop Filip K. , Nørgaard Kirsten , Ranjan Ajenthen G. , Larsson Anders , Rix Marianne , Hornum Mads
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Shortened erythrocyte life span and erythropoietin-stimulating agents may affect hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). We compared HbA1c with interstitial glucose measured by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in patients with type 2 diabetes receiving PD. Methods: Fourteen days of CGM (Ipro2, Medtronic) were performed in 23 patients with type 2 diabetes receiving PD and in 23 controls with type 2 diabetes and an estimated glomerular filtration rate over 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Patients were matched on gender and age (±5 years). HbA1c (mmol/mol), its derived estimate of mean plasma glucose (eMPGA1c) (mmol/L), and fructosamine (µmol/L) were measured at the end of the CGM period and compared with the mean sensor glucose (mmol/L) from CGM. Results: In the PD group, mean sensor glucose was 0.98 (95% con­fidence interval (CI): 0.43–1.54) mmol/L higher than the eMPGA1c compared with the control group (p = 0.002) where glucose levels were nearly identical (−0.05 (95% CI: −0.35–0.25) mmol/L). A significant association was found between fructosamine and mean sensor glucose using linear regression with no difference between slopes (p = 0.89) or y-intercepts (p = 0.28). Discussion/Conclusion: HbA1c underestimates mean plasma glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes receiving PD. However, the clinical significance of this finding is undetermined. Fructosamine seems to more accurately reflect glycemic status. CGM or fructosamine could complement HbA1c to increase the accuracy of glycemic monitoring in the PD population.
Review of Available Data for the Efficacy and Effectiveness of Nabiximols Oromucosal Spray (Sativex®) in Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Moderate to Severe Spasticity
Authors: Conte Antonella , Vila Silván Carlos
Published: November 2021

Background: Sativex (USAN: nabiximols [NAB]) oromucosal spray is indicated for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with moderate to severe spasticity and inadequate response to other antispasticity medications who demonstrate clinically significant improvement during an initial trial of therapy. This narrative review investigated the efficacy and effectiveness of NAB oromucosal spray for moderate to severe MS spasticity by examining spasticity 0–10 numerical rating scale (NRS) data from interventional and observational studies which featured a 4-week trial period as per the European Union-approved label. Summary: Across both study types, clinically relevant and statistically significant reductions in mean MS spasticity 0–10 NRS scores were measured soon after treatment start and were maintained in the mid- to long term in treatment responders. Initial responder rates (≥20% NRS improvement from baseline at week 4) ranged from 47.6% to 81.4%, tending lower in the randomized clinical trials setting. Clinically relevant responder rates (≥30% NRS improvement from baseline at week 12) were similar between study types (range 30–41%) except for one outlier (74% in an observational study). Two open studies reported treatment continuation for ≥18 months in approximately half of patients who initiated treatment. In most longer term studies, symptomatic improvement in MS spasticity was maintained at mean daily dosages of about 6–7 sprays/day. Safety was consistent with the known profile of NAB. Key Messages: Experimental and observational studies of NAB oromucosal spray recorded similar findings. About half to two-thirds of MS patients who begin treatment will perceive initial symptomatic relief of spasticity within the 4-week trial period. About 40% of patients who initiate treatment will reach the ≥30% NRS improvement threshold at 3 months, comprising the majority of patients who continue long-term treatment. A trial of therapy with NAB is useful to identify patients most likely to gain longer term improvement in spasticity symptoms and discontinue those with insufficient benefit.
Modifiable Risk Factors for Intracranial Aneurysm and Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Karhunen Ville , Bakker Mark K. , Ruigrok Ynte M. , Gill Dipender , Larsson Susanna C.
Published: November 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the associations of modifiable lifestyle factors (smoking, coffee consumption, sleep, and physical activity) and cardiometabolic factors (body mass index, glycemic traits, type 2 diabetes, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lipids, and inflammation and kidney function markers) with risks of any (ruptured or unruptured) intracranial aneurysm and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage using Mendelian randomization.

Methods and Results

Summary statistical data for the genetic associations with the modifiable risk factors and the outcomes were obtained from meta‐analyses of genome‐wide association studies. The inverse‐variance weighted method was used as the main Mendelian randomization analysis, with additional sensitivity analyses conducted using methods more robust to horizontal pleiotropy. Genetic predisposition to smoking, insomnia, and higher blood pressure was associated with an increased risk of both intracranial aneurysm and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. For intracranial aneurysm, the odds ratios were 3.20 (95% CI, 1.93–5.29) per SD increase in smoking index, 1.24 (95% CI, 1.10–1.40) per unit increase in log‐odds of insomnia, and 2.92 (95% CI, 2.49–3.43) per 10 mm Hg increase in diastolic blood pressure. In addition, there was weak evidence for associations of genetically predicted decreased physical activity, higher triglyceride levels, higher body mass index, and lower low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels with higher risk of intracranial aneurysm and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, with 95% CI overlapping the null for at least 1 of the outcomes. All results were consistent in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

This Mendelian randomization study suggests that smoking, insomnia, and high blood pressure are major risk factors for intracranial aneurysm and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Newly Diagnosed Infection After Admission for Acute Heart Failure: From the KCHF Registry
Authors: Seko Yuta , Kato Takao , Morimoto Takeshi , Yaku Hidenori , Inuzuka Yasutaka , Tamaki Yodo , Ozasa Neiko , Shiba Masayuki , Yamamoto Erika , Yoshikawa Yusuke , Yamashita Yugo , Kitai Takeshi , Taniguchi Ryoji , Iguchi Moritake , Nagao Kazuya , Jinnai Toshikazu , Komasa Akihiro , Nishikawa Ryusuke , Kawase Yuichi , Morinaga Takashi , Toyofuku Mamoru , Furukawa Yutaka , Ando Kenji , Kadota Kazushige , Sato Yukihito , Kuwahara Koichiro , Kimura Takeshi ,   for the KCHF Study Investigators
Published: November 2021

Background

No studies have explored the association between newly diagnosed infections after admission and clinical outcomes in patients with acute heart failure. We aimed to explore the factors associated with newly diagnosed infection after admission for acute heart failure, and its association with in‐hospital and post‐discharge clinical outcomes.

Methods and Results

Among 4056 patients enrolled in the Kyoto Congestive Heart Failure registry, 2399 patients without any obvious infectious disease upon admission were analyzed. The major in‐hospital and post‐discharge outcome measures were all‐cause deaths. There were 215 patients (9.0%) with newly diagnosed infections during hospitalization, and 2184 patients (91.0%) without infection during hospitalization. The factors independently associated with a newly diagnosed infection were age ≥80 years, acute coronary syndrome, non‐ambulatory status, hyponatremia, anemia, intubation, and patients who were not on loop diuretics as outpatients. The newly diagnosed infection group was associated with a higher incidence of in‐hospital mortality (16.3% and 3.2%,
P
<0.001) and excess adjusted risk of in‐hospital mortality (odds ratio, 6.07 [95% CI, 3.61–10.19],
P
<0.001) compared with the non‐infection group. The newly diagnosed infection group was also associated with a higher 1‐year incidence of post‐discharge mortality (19.3% in the newly diagnosed infection group and 13.6% in the non‐infection group,
P
<0.001) and excess adjusted risk of post‐discharge mortality (hazard ratio, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.08–2.07],
P
=0.02) compared with the non‐infection group.

Conclusions

Elderly patients with multiple comorbidities were associated with the development of newly diagnosed infections after admission for acute heart failure. Newly diagnosed infections after admission were associated with higher in‐hospital and post‐discharge mortality in patients with acute heart failure.

Registration

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02334891.
Low Blood Pressure, Comorbidities, and Ischemic Stroke Mortality in US Veterans
Authors: Aparicio Hugo J. , Tarko Laura M. , Gagnon David , Costa Lauren , Galloway Ashley , Demissie Serkalem , Djousse Luc , Seshadri Sudha , Cho Kelly , Wilson Peter W.F.
Published: November 2021

Background and Purpose:

Low blood pressure (BP) is associated with higher stroke mortality, although the factors underlying this association have not been fully explored. We investigated prestroke BP and long-term mortality after ischemic stroke in a national sample of US veterans.

Methods:

Using a retrospective cohort study design of veterans hospitalized between 2002 and 2007 with a first ischemic stroke and with ≥1 outpatient BP measurements 1 to 18 months before admission, we defined 6 categories each of average prestroke systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP, and 7 categories of pulse pressure. Patients were followed-up to 12 years for primary outcomes of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. We used Cox models to relate prestroke BP indices to mortality and stratified analyses by the presence of preexisting comorbidities (smoking, myocardial infarction, heart failure, atrial fibrillation/flutter, cancer, and dementia), race and ethnicity.

Results:

Of 29 690 eligible veterans with stroke (mean±SD age 67±12 years, 98% men, 67% White), 2989 (10%) had average prestroke SBP<120 mm Hg. During a follow-up of 4.1±3.3 years, patients with SBP<120 mm Hg experienced 61% all-cause and 27% cardiovascular mortality. In multivariable analyses, patients with the lowest SBP, lowest diastolic BP, and highest pulse pressure had the highest mortality risk: SBP<120 versus 130 to 139 mm Hg (hazard ratio=1.26 [95% CI, 1.19–1.34]); diastolic BP <60 versus 70 to 79 mm Hg (hazard ratio=1.35 [95% CI, 1.23–1.49]); and pulse pressure ≥90 versus 60 to 69 mm Hg (hazard ratio=1.24 [95% CI, 1.15–1.35]). Patients with average SBP<120 mm Hg and at least one comorbidity (smoking, heart disease, cancer, or dementia) had the highest mortality risk (hazard ratio=1.45 [95% CI, 1.37–1.53]).

Conclusions:

Compared with normotension, low prestroke BP was associated with mortality after stroke, particularly among patients with at least one comorbidity.
Correspondence between XPs and Phonological Phrases
Authors: Büring Daniel , Truckenbrodt Hubert
Published: November 2021

Bresnan (1971, 1972) establishes an interaction between stress assignment and syntactic movement. We are interested in a restriction on this interaction. We argue that this restriction shows that the constraint STRESS-XP needs to be part of the syntax-prosody mapping and that it needs to be a restriction on a correspondence relation between syntactic XPs and phonological phrases. (A second constraint on the correspondence relation is either WRAP-XP or MATCH-XP.)

In the course of our argument, we analyze Bresnan’s interaction between stress assignment and movement within an account in which Internal Merge induces reconstruction effects at both LF and PF.
Contracts and Firms' Inflation Expectations
Authors: Kumar Saten , Wesselbaum Dennis
Published: November 2021

We use novel survey data to study firms’ inventory contracts. We document facts about the usage of purchase and sale contracts. We find that firms purchase and sell inventory through three contractual arrangements: fixed price and quantity, fixed price only, and fixed quantity only. Those using fixed price and quantity hold the largest share of contracts. The average duration of purchase contracts is not very different from the average duration of sale contracts. We then find that the upward bias in inflation expectations is a feature of firms that do not purchase or sell largely through contracts. Our findings are useful in the calibration of sticky price models.
Norms, Enforcement, and Tax Evasion
Authors: Besley Timothy , Jensen Anders , Persson Torsten
Published: November 2021

This paper studies individual and social motives in tax evasion. We build a simple dynamic model that incorporates these motives and their interaction. The social motives underpin the role of norms and are the source of the dynamics that we study. Our empirical analysis exploits the adoption in 1990 of a poll tax to fund local government in the United Kingdom, which led to widespread evasion. The evidence is consistent with the model's main predictions on the dynamics of evasion.
Federalism as Fairness in Ethiopia
Authors: De Schutter Helder
Published: November 2021

In this contribution I apply the normative political theory of multinational federalism to the case of Ethiopia. Can the political philosophy of multinational federalism ground Ethiopian federalism, and does Ethiopia satisfy its moral demands? To do so, I examine the Ethiopian federal system from the perspective of four desiderata of multinational federalism: (1) national-cultural self-government, (2) solidarity, (3) central government, and (4) linguistic justice. While Ethiopia’s federal structure has scored well with respect to (1) national-cultural self-government and (2) solidarity, it does face problems of (3) federal togetherness and (4) recognition of internal linguistic minorities. In the article several ways to overcome the two last-mentioned problems are suggested, although the article places these problems in perspective, as they trouble many multinational federal states.
Functional morphology and phylogenetic significance of the forewing base structure in Ensifera (Orthoptera)
Authors: Takahashi Mamoru , Yoshizawa Kazunori
Published: November 2021

The forewing base structure of the orthopteran suborder Ensifera, a group of insects well known for their sound-producing behavior, was examined by using light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and µCT. We detected significant novel characters, such as functional changes in the tpm9 muscle from the flexor to the extensor of the forewing that are likely associated with the acquisition of sound-producing behavior using forewings. Phylogenetic analysis based on the characters selected from the forewing base structure showed that the character system contains a strong phylogenetic signal supporting the monophyly of Ensifera, Tettigonioidea and Grylloidea as well as the sister-group relationship between Grylloidea and Gryllotalpoidea, but no apomorphies to resolve the deep phylogeny among superfamilies could be determined from this character system.
Parliamentary Scrutiny of Brexit in the EU-27
Authors: Högenauer Anna-Lena
Published: November 2021

Concerns about a democratic deficit in the European Union reached new heights in recent years, as the organization has had to address a number of highly politicized challenges. In this context, the question of how much oversight should be exercised by the European Parliament (ep) and national parliaments individually or collectively becomes increasingly salient. Against this background, this article argues that on the issue of Brexit theephas been quick to carve out a role for itself. However, unlike in previous trade negotiations, national parliaments took a backseat on Brexit despite its potential impact on member states. This is largely due to the similarity of national and party positions on Brexit. In addition, the way the different interparliamentary bodies addressed Brexit reveals the limitations of these bodies in terms of their powers and the depth of their discussions.
Taxonomic and nomenclatural notes on Philippine ferns. IV. Asplenium pahli (Polypodiales, Aspleniineae, Aspleniaceae), a new species from Leyte, Philippines
Authors: SALGADO ARTHUR EDWARD
Published: November 2021

Asplenium pahli, a new species from Leyte, Philippines, is described. Morphological and distribution range differences between A. pahli, A. anisodontum, A. caudatum, A. falcatum, A. gueinzianum, and A. planicaule are discussed. The habitat and climate of Eastern Leyte is described.
Review of female Andreimyrme Lelej (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae: Smicromyrmini)
Authors: OKAYASU JURIYA , WILLIAMS KEVIN A. , LELEJ ARKADY S. , PHAM THAI HONG
Published: November 2021

Females of the East Asian velvet-ant genus Andreimyrme Lelej, 1995 are reviewed. The genus definition is extended to accommodate A. borkenti (Williams, 2019), comb. nov. (from Smicromyrme Thomson, 1870), and nine new species: A. auricoma Okayasu, sp. nov. (Malaysia), A. laminatihumeralis Okayasu, sp. nov. (Indonesia, Malaysia), A. matsumotoi Okayasu, sp. nov. (Vietnam), A. naturalis Williams, sp. nov. (Indonesia), A. rong Williams, sp. nov. (Thailand, Vietnam), A. silvorientalis Okayasu, sp. nov. (Indonesia), A. takensis Okayasu, sp. nov. (Thailand), A. ursasolaris Williams, sp. nov. (Indonesia), and A. yotoi Okayasu, sp. nov. (Laos, Vietnam). Diagnoses, distributional records, and illustrations are provided for these and four previously recognized species, A. neaera (Mickel, 1935), A. paniya Terine, Lelej & Girish Kumar, 2021, A. sarawakensis Lelej, 1996, and A. substriolata (Chen, 1957). Andreimyrme borkenti is newly recorded from Vietnam. A key to species known from females is provided. Habitat preference of this genus is discussed based on collecting records.
A new species and two new records of symbiotic infaunal alpheid shrimps from the genera Leptalpheus Williams, 1965 and Fenneralpheus Felder & Manning, 1986 (Decapoda: Caridea) from Venezuela
Authors: CARIPE JONATHAN VERA , PEREDA LUISANA , ANKER ARTHUR
Published: November 2021

Leptalpheus lirai sp. nov., a new species of symbiotically living, infaunal alpheid shrimp, is described based on a single specimen from the Gulf of Santa Fe, Sucre, Venezuela. The new species belongs to an informal group of nine species within the genus Leptalpheus Williams, 1965, which is characterised by the presence of well-developed adhesive disks on the major chela. In addition, Leptalpheus axianassae Dworschak & Coelho, 1999 and Fenneralpheus chacei Felder & Manning, 1986 are recorded for the first time from Venezuela (Anzoátegui and Sucre, respectively), the latter also representing the first record of the genus Fenneralpheus Felder & Manning, 1986 for the country. These records bring to 11 the number of alpheid genera, and to four the number of species of Leptalpheus, known in Venezuelan marine waters.
A new species of Sparsorythus Sroka & Soldán, 2008 (Ephemeroptera: Tricorythidae) from Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: SRINIVASAN PANDIARAJAN , SIVARUBAN T. , BARATHY S. , ISACK RAJASEKARAN
Published: November 2021

Sparsorythus srokai sp. nov. is described from the Veerapandi River, Theni district, Tamil Nadu, India based on nymphs of both sexes. The nymphs of Sparsorythus srokai sp. nov. can be distinguished by the following combination of characters: i) presence of lateral setae in each segment of caudal filaments, ii) dorsal surface of labrum entirely covered with scattered ribbon-like bristles, iii) posterior margin of mesonotum reaching abdominal segment III in both sexes, and iv) left prostheca with several pointed teeth apically. The new species is compared with other Indian species: S. gracilis Sroka & Soldán, 2008, S. sivaramakrishnani Sivaruban, Srinivasan, Barathy, Rosi & Isack, 2021 and S. nanjangudensis Muthukatturaja & Balasubramanian, 2021. The distributional map and key to the genus Sparsorythus in Southern India are also given.
A new bamboo-feeding species, Mohunia manohari sp. nov., (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) and first record of the genus from India
Authors: MESHRAM NARESH M.
Published: November 2021

A new record for the leafhopper genus Mohunia Distant from India is provided with description of Mohunia manohari sp. nov. (Arunachal Pradesh: Basar). Type material is deposited in the National Pusa Collection, Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India. Illustrations habitus and male genitalia of healthy and parasitized males are given along with an annotated checklist to species of the genus.
Post-COVID-19 Intestinal and Mesenteric Mucormycosis
Authors: Banerjee Niladri , Lodha Mahendra , Kompally Prathyusha , Chawla Siddhi
Published: November 2021

A thirty-eight-year-old uncontrolled diabetic with a recent COVID-19 infection presented with extensive bowel ischemia and gangrene with a microscopic diagnosis of intestinal and mesenteric mucormycosis. Although there are a few reported cases of primary gastrointestinal mucormycosis, our case showing involvement of the intestine and/or mesentery, that too in a post-COVID patient, is quite uncommon. The immunosuppressive effect of the COVID-19 disease, uncontrolled diabetes, and the use of corticosteroids for the treatment of severe COVID are the most probable reasons for the emergence of severe opportunistic infections, both as a coinfection and as a sequalae to COVID.
Gastroschisis Complicated by Colonic Atresia
Authors: Everett Hayley M. , Bhattacharya S. Dave
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Gastroschisis with colonic atresia is a rare association. Due to its rarity and variation in presentation, no standardized surgical treatment option exists. Complicated gastroschisis is associated with a higher morbidity and mortality than intestinal atresia or gastroschisis alone. Methods: This is a case report of a neonate with congenital gastroschisis. On day of life 1, a silo was placed. On day of life 4, the upper portion of silo contents appeared more congested with dusky discoloration and the patient was oliguric. She was taken to the operating room for exploration. Results: The patient required resection of the terminal ileum and an atretic portion of the cecum due to necrosis. Four days later, primary closure of the gastroschisis defect was performed with creation of an end ileostomy. Elective ileostomy takedown was performed 5 months later. She returned to the operating room for anastomotic revision and gastrostomy tube placement for intestinal dysmotility and prolonged ileus. Tube feedings were discontinued 3 months post-operatively. Conclusions: Gastroschisis with intestinal atresia is associated with increased hospital length of stay, longer duration of parenteral nutrition, more severe intestinal dysfunction, increased surgical complications, and higher mortality than gastroschisis or intestinal atresia alone. With associated colonic atresia, loss of a significant length of bowel due to necrosis, including the ileocecal region, is almost unavoidable. An already compromised blood supply to the atretic bowel is further impaired by a tight abdominal wall defect and postnatal increases in gravitational force. Complicated gastroschisis remains a complex surgical challenge requiring further discussion.
Renoduodenal Fistula Following Penetrating Abdominal Injury
Authors: Hohenleitner Julien , Yu Yasong , Gore Amy , Traupman Frank , Jackson Maya , Kunac Anastasia
Published: November 2021

Renoduodenal fistula is an uncommon occurrence and usually results as a complication of injury or inflammatory process. Here, we describe a case of renoduodenal fistula formation after traumatic injury via gunshot wound to the abdomen. The patient suffered right renal and ureteral injury, complicated by urine leak, managed by surgery, interventional radiology, and urology. His post-hospital course was complicated by recurrent urinary tract infections and was found to have a renoduodenal fistula 3 months after the initial operation. Patient underwent uncomplicated right nephrectomy and repair of fistula. Etiology, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options of renoduodenal fistula are discussed.
Laparoscopic Colectomy for Acute Diverticulitis in the Urgent Setting is Associated with Similar Outcomes to Open
Authors: Hajirawala Luv N , Moreci Rebecca , Leonardi Claudia , Bevier-Rawls Elyse R , Orangio Guy R , Davis Kurt G , Barton Jeffrey S , Klinger Aaron L
Published: November 2021

Purpose/Background

The role of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for the surgical treatment of diverticular disease is evolving. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of MIS colectomy to those of open surgery for patients with acute diverticulitis requiring urgent surgery.

Methods

The American college of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database was queried for all patients undergoing an urgent colectomy for acute diverticulitis between 2013 and 2018. The patients were then divided into 2 groups: MIS and open. Baseline characteristics and short-term outcomes were compared using univariable and multivariable regression analyses.

Results/Outcomes

3487 patients were included in the analysis. Of these, 1272 (36.5%) underwent MIS colectomy and 2215 (63.5%) underwent open colectomy. Patients undergoing MIS colectomy were younger (58.7 vs 61.9 years) and less likely to be American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification (ASA) III (52.5 vs 57.9%) or IV (6.3 vs 10.5%). After adjusting for baseline differences, the odds of mortality for MIS and open groups were similar. While there was no difference in short-term complications between groups, the odds of developing an ileus were lower following MIS colectomy (OR .61, 95% CI: .49, .76). Both total length of stay (LOS) (12.3 vs 13.9 days) and post-operative LOS (7.6 days vs 9.5 days) were shorter for MIS colectomy. Minimally invasive surgery colectomy added an additional 40 minutes of operative time (202.2 vs 160.1 min).

Conclusion/Discussion

Minimally invasive surgery colectomy appears to be safe for patients requiring urgent surgical management for acute diverticulitis. Decreased incidence of ileus and shorter LOS may justify any additional operative time for MIS colectomy in suitable candidates.
Perceived Deprivation and Voter Turnout in Austria: Do Views on Social Inequality Moderate the Deprivation—Abstention Nexus?
Authors: Habersack Fabian , Heinisch Reinhard , Jansesberger Viktoria , Mühlböck Armin
Published: November 2021

Socioeconomic resources are important predictors of electoral participation, yet to understand their impact, we argue it is essential to examine the interaction of income dissatisfaction (egocentric dimension) with someone’s view of societal conditions (sociotropic dimension). Drawing on pooled national election surveys, we find that deprivation indeed depresses voting, but more importantly also that there is significant variation among those who experience economic difficulties: those who disconnect their personal misfortune from broader grievances are significantly more likely to abstain (Relative Power Hypothesis), while embedding one’s situation in a context of societal disparities leads to a desire for change and participation levels nearly as high as among the better off (Conflict Hypothesis). Our findings speak to inequality and turnout research but also have direct political implications, as it seems that responsiveness to campaigns focused on distributional injustices hinges on voters’ perception of themselves in relation to society.
Guidance law of interceptors against a high-speed maneuvering target based on deep Q-Network
Authors: Wu Ming-yu , He Xian-jun , Qiu Zhi-ming , Chen Zhi-hua
Published: November 2021

This paper proposes a novel guidance law for intercepting a high-speed maneuvering target based on deep reinforcement learning, which mainly includes the interceptor–target relative motion model and value function approximation model based on deep Q-Network (DQN) with prioritized experience replay. First, a method called prioritized experience replay is applied to extract more efficient samples and reduce the training time. Second, to cope with the discrete action space of DQN, a normal acceleration is introduced to the state space, and the normal acceleration rate is chosen as the action. Then, the continuous normal acceleration command is obtained using numerical integral method. Third, to make the line-of-sight (LOS) rate converge rapidly, the reward function whose absolute value tends to zero has been constructed. Finally, compared with proportional navigation guidance (PNG) and the Q-Learning-based guidance law (QLG), the simulation experiments are implemented to intercept high-speed maneuvering targets at different acceleration policies. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed DQN-based guidance law (DQNG) can obtain continuous acceleration command, make the LOS rate converge to zero rapidly, and hit the maneuvering targets using only the LOS rate. It also confirms that DQNG can realize the parallel-like approach and improve the interception performance of the interceptor to high-speed maneuvering targets. The proposed DQNG also has the advantages of avoiding the complicated formula derivation of traditional guidance law and eliminates the acceleration buffeting.
Parents’ Perceptions of Children’s Behavioral Difficulties and the Parent–Child Interaction During the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Laufer Avital , Bitton Mally Shechory
Published: November 2021

The study examined parents’ perceptions of their children’s behavioral difficulties (CBD) and positive parent–child interaction (PCI) during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Israel, as well as the associations among parents’ psychological distress, parents’ COVID-19–related worries, parents’ coping, and parents’ resilience. Participants were 437 parents of minor children. Parents reported more behavioral and emotional difficulties alongside with more quality time with their children. Parents’ distress and COVID-19–related worries were positively related to CBD. Emotion-focused coping mediated the association between psychological distress and CBD, while resilience mediated the association between distress and PCI. The study results indicated that parents perceived their children as having greater difficulties, but they also perceived more positive parent–child interactions, during the lockdown. Parents’ distress appears to have been a significant variable in perceived child’s difficulties during the lockdown.
Egg protein supplementation improved upper body muscle strength and protein intake in community-dwelling older adult females who attended congregate meal sites or adult learning centers: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ullevig Sarah L. , Zuniga Krystle , Austin Lobitz C. , Santoyo Alejandra , Yin Zenong
Published: November 2021

Background: Older adults that utilize community-based nutrition services are at higher nutritional risk than the general aging population, yet studies on the efficacy of protein interventions in this population are lacking. Aim: A double-blinded randomized controlled pilot study trial evaluated the impact of egg white protein supplementation on muscle mass, strength, and physical function in predominantly low-income Latina community-dwelling adult females aged 60 or older with reduced muscle strength or function. Methods: Participants (mean age = 73.6  ±  8.3 years) were randomly assigned to receive a daily dried egg white (20 g protein) or isocaloric maltodextrin supplement for 6 months (n = 16 intervention; n = 13 control). The primary outcome measure was appendicular skeletal muscle mass. Secondary outcomes were measures of muscle strength and function and dietary protein intake. Comparisons of baseline demographics were conducted using t-tests and χ2 or Fisher's exact tests. Differences between groups were assessed using general linear models, adjusted for baseline values, and differences within groups were assessed using paired t-tests or Kruskal–Wallis. Results: No significant between-group differences were found for all measures, but protein intake, handgrip strength, and the number of arm curls significantly improved in the intervention group. Under-recruitment of study participants and a high dropout rate impacted the ability of this study to detect significant differences between groups. Conclusion: Daily egg white protein supplementation increases protein intake and supports upper body physical function in older adults, but additional studies are needed to investigate its role in the prevention of age-related muscle mass decline in older adults. Trial #NCT03530774 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03530774 ).
Factors influencing green information technology adoption: A multi-level perspective in emerging economies context
Authors: Mouakket Samar , Aboelmaged Mohamed
Published: November 2021

Research in the area of green information technology (GIT) adoption is still sluggish and rather limited, particularly in the emerging economy context. To address this research void, this study investigates the determinants of GIT adoption in the workplace at the individual and organizational levels using an integrated framework that combines the “technology-organization-environment” (TOE) framework, the “technology readiness index” (TRI), and social psychology theories. Data is collected via paper-based survey from different organizations in the United Arab Emirates. Structural equation modelling was utilized to test the hypotheses that were presented in our model. The findings show that the integrated model has good explanatory power and confirms its robustness in predicting the GIT adoption. Organizational factors comprising management support, resource commitment, and quality of human resources have emerged as strong determinants of GIT adoption. Individual factors, on the contrary, demonstrated weak influence on GIT adoption. This study is one of the first empirical attempts that predict GIT adoption in the United Arab Emirates context. The paper concludes with several implications that can foster GIT adoption initiatives, particularly for emerging economies.
Docking protein 1 and free fatty acids are associated with insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ha Xiaoqin , Cai Xiaoling , Cao Huizhe , Li Jie , Yang Bo , Jiang Ruru , Li Xin , Li Bin , Xin Yuan
Published: November 2021

Objective

Insulin resistance (IR) is a key defect in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); therefore, effective means of ameliorating IR are sought.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 154 patients with T2DM and 39 with pre-diabetes (pre-DM). The effects of IR and a high concentration of FFA on gene expression were determined using microarray analysis and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in patients with T2DM or pre-DM.

Results

Serum FFA concentration and homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) were significantly higher in patients with T2DM but no obesity and in those with pre-DM than in controls. HOMA-IR was significantly associated with T2DM. RT-qPCR showed that the expression of FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog ( FOS) and AE binding protein 1 ( AEBP1) was much lower in the circulation of participants with obesity and diabetes. RT-qPCR showed that the expression of docking protein 1 ( DOK1) was significantly lower in the blood of participants with diabetes but no obesity and in those with pre-DM than in controls.

Conclusions

FFA and DOK1 are associated with IR in patients with T2DM but no obesity or pre-DM. The downregulation of DOK1 might inhibit lipid synthesis and induce lipolysis, inducing or worsening IR.
Diagnosis of a single gallbladder with double cystic ducts and dominant accessory duct draining into the right hepatic duct: a case report
Authors: Wu Cheng-Hsien , Wu Patricia Wanping , Wong Yon-Cheong , Kang Shih-Ching
Published: November 2021

Biliary anomalies are a high risk for biliary injury during surgery, and although a biliary anomaly is occasionally encountered, variations in cystic ducts are rare. A preoperative diagnosis is highly valuable in facilitating surgical procedures and avoiding surgical complications. Herein, the case of a 67-year-old female patient with acute cholecystitis, in which preoperative fluoroscopic cholangiography clearly demonstrated a single gallbladder with double cystic ducts, is presented. The accessory duct was found to be dominant, draining into the otherwise normal right intrahepatic bile duct, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed smoothly and successfully. Fluoroscopic cholangiography is a powerful tool that may clearly depict the anomaly of a single gallbladder with double cystic ducts. Through appropriate preoperative knowledge and demonstration of this biliary anomaly in the present case, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was safely performed, and the patient was symptom-free at the 3-year follow-up assessment.
Crowding Out Development: Fiscal Federalism after the Great Recession
Authors: Xu Yuanshuo , Warner Mildred E.
Published: November 2021

Since the onset of the Great Recession, austerity has become more common at the national and local levels throughout the OECD. As states pass expenditure responsibilities down to the local level, this causes a shift toward mandatory spending at the local level which may undermine discretionary spending for social and physical infrastructure. We use Census of Government Finance data from 2012 for all county areas in the continental US to model the expenditure gap between current operations and capital investment, and show how this crowd out affects growth. Our structural equation models find fiscal decentralization has direct negative effects on local growth and indirect negative effects on growth by increasing the local current-capital expenditure gap. This local expenditure gap is larger where decentralization of spending responsibility is higher and state aid is lower, especially in places with greater need (poverty, older infrastructure, and rural areas). In contrast to the theoretical claims of fiscal efficiency, we find fiscal decentralization may be undermining local economic growth by increasing the gap between local current and capital expenditure. We argue that fiscal federalism (decentralization) is “broken” in the US because states have structural incentives to shift fiscal responsibility downward to local government, and local governments face increased social and economic need, especially since the Great Recession.
Macroscopic Real-Time Timetable Rescheduling Approach for High-Speed Railway under Complete Blockages Using a Three-Stage Algorithm
Authors: Gao Bowen , Dong Decun , Wu Yusen , Ou Dongxiu
Published: November 2021

The rescheduling of train timetables under a complete blockage is a challenging process, which is more difficult when timetables contain lots of trains. In this paper, a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model is formulated to solve the problem, following the rescheduling strategy that blocked trains wait inside the stations during the disruption. When the exact end time of the disruption is known, trains at stations downstream of the blocked station can depart early. The model aims at minimizing the total delay time and the total number of delayed trains under the constraints of station capacities, activity time, overtaking rules, and rescheduling strategies. Because there are too many variables and constraints of the MILP model to be solved, a three-stage algorithm is designed to speed up the solution. Experiments are carried out on the Beijing–Guangzhou high-speed railway line from Chibibei to Guangzhounan. The original timetable contains 162 trains, including 29 cross-line trains and 133 local trains. The simulation results show that our model can handle the optimization task of the timetable rescheduling problem very well. Compared with the one-stage algorithm, the three-stage algorithm is proved to greatly improve the solving speed of the model. All instances can get a better optimized disposition timetable within 450 to 600 s, which is acceptable for practical use.
Polymorphisms of the AS3MT gene are associated with arsenic methylation capacity and damage to the P21 gene in arsenic trioxide plant workers
Authors: Ni Guanghui , Tan Jingwen , Wang Mengjie , Ping Nina , Liu Min , He Yuefeng
Published: November 2021

Epidemiological evidence suggests that the metabolic profiles of each individual exposed to arsenic (As) are related to the risk of cancer, coronary heart disease, and diabetes. The arsenite methyltransferase ( AS3MT) gene plays a key role in As metabolism. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms in the AS3MT gene may affect both enzyme activity and gene transcription. AS3MT polymorphisms are associated with the proportions of monomethylarsenic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsenic acid (DMA) in urine as well as the incidence of cancer. P21 protein is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor. Mutations of the P21 gene have been found in cancer patients. In our study, we investigate whether polymorphisms of the AS3MT gene alter As methylation capacity and adversely affect the P21 gene in arsenic trioxide plant workers. The DNA damage was examined by the quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to analyze the genotype of the AS3MT gene. The results showed that DNA damage in P21 gene fragments was greater in those individuals exposed to high levels of As. There was a strong positive correlation between the DNA damage to P21 gene fragments and the percentage of MMA in urine. However, DNA damage in P21 gene fragments was negatively associated with the percentage of DMA in urine (%uDMA), primary methylation index (PMI), and secondary methylation index. We found that subjects with the rs7085104 GG or GA allele were associated with higher %uDMA and PMI and less DNA damage. The subjects with the rs11191454 GG+GA or GA allele were also associated with higher %uDMA and PMI and less DNA damage. Our results suggest that rs1191454 and rs7085104 in the AS3MT gene affect the As-induced DNA damage by altering individual metabolic efficiency.
Hypertriglyceridemia Induced Pancreatitis: plasmapheresis or conservative management?
Authors: Dichtwald S. , Meyer A. , Zohar E. , Ifrach N. , Rotlevi G. , Fredman B.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis (HIAP) may result in severe morbidity and mortality. The most effective management strategy is unknown. While plasmapheresis is often performed, it is possible that a conservative approach which includes fasting, intravenous fluids and high-dose insulin, may be successful.

Objectives

To compare the 28 day mortality and morbidity parameters among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to HIAP when treated conservatively, as compared to patients who were treated with plasmapheresis.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study was performed, including all patients at least 18 years of age who were admitted to the ICU between the years 2010 to 2020 with diagnosis of HIAP. Patients underwent plasmapheresis or were managed conservatively. Collected data included patient demographics, chronic illness and medications, hospital and ICU admission times, 28-day mortality, need for ventilation, number of ventilation days, need for inotropic support, daily triglyceride levels, APACHE II score, lactate on admission, need for dialysis, antibiotic treatment, surgical or percutaneous intervention.

Results

The study included 29 patients. Twenty two patients were treated conservatively and 7 patients with plasmapheresis. There were no significant statistical differences between the groups regarding demographic parameters, chronic disease and medications. Furthermore, on ICU admission and during the subsequent 4 days APACHE score, serum lactate and triglyceride levels were similar between the groups. There was no significant difference in mortality. However, plasmapheresis was associated with greater morbidity (longer admission times, need for ventilation and number of ventilation days, need for inotropic support and dialysis, and invasive surgical intervention). Finally, when compared to conservative management, the rate of serum triglyceride decrease was not improved following plasmapheresis.

Conclusion

Efficacy of conservative treatment in lowering the serum triglyceride level in HIAP is similar to plasmapheresis. Due to the small patient cohort further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.