bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Εκτίμηση παραγόντων καρδιαγγειακού κινδύνου σε παιδιά και εφήβους με δυσλιπιδαιμία
Authors: Κλινάκη Ελένη 
Published: September 2021

Εισαγωγή: Η παιδική ηλικία αποτελεί την αφετηρία για τους παθοφυσιολογικούς μηχανισμούς που οδηγούν σε καρδιαγγειακά συμβάματα αργότερα στην ενήλικο ζωή. Η εγκατάσταση αθηρωσκληρωτικών βλαβών θεωρείται μία χρόνια εξελικτική διαδικασία η οποία επάγεται κυρίως από τη φλεγμονή και την ενδοθηλιακή δυσλειτουργία των αγγείων. Η ασύμμετρη διμεθυλαργινίνη (asymmetric dimethylarginine, ADMA) και η συνδεδεμένη με τις λιποπρωτεΐνες φωσφολιπάση Α2 (lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2, Lp-PLA2) αναγνωρίζονται ως δείκτες πρώιμης αθηρωσκλήρυνσης καθώς και πρόγνωσης των όψιμων επιπλοκών στην ενήλικο ζωή.Σκοπός: Η τεκμηρίωση συσχέτισης μεταξύ των μορίων ADMA, Lp-PLA2 και παραδοσιακών βιοχημικών δεικτών καρδιαγγειακού κινδύνου σε παιδιά και εφήβους με δυσλιπιδαιμία ή σακχαρώδη διαβήτη τύπου 1.Υλικό και μέθοδοι: Τον πληθυσμό της μελέτης αποτέλεσαν 123 παιδιά και έφηβοι, 68 αγόρια / 55 κορίτσια, με διάμεση ηλικία 9,9 έτη, 73 παιδιά με δυσλιπιδαιμία (επίπεδα LDL-C ≥ 130 mg/dl), 19 παιδιά με σακχαρώδη διαβήτη τύπου 1 και 31 υγιή παιδιά. Ο εργαστηριακός έλεγχος ελήφθη μετά από ολονύκτια νηστεία και προσδιορίστηκαν τα λιπίδια, οι λιποπρωτεϊνες, η hsCRP, η γλυκόζη, η HbA1c καθώς επίσης τα επίπεδα των ADMA και Lp-PLA2 (ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Τα επίπεδα της LDL-C προσδιορίστηκαν με άμεση μέτρηση. Η στατιστική ανάλυση των δεδομένων πραγματοποιήθηκε με τη χρήση της εφαρμογής STATA (Windows v8.5) και η στατιστική σημαντικότητα ορίστηκε στο 5%.Αποτελέσματα: Τα παιδιά με δυσλιπιδαιμία είχαν υψηλότερα επίπεδα ADMA και Lp-PLA2. Τα επίπεδα της ADMA είχαν σηματική θετική συσχέτιση με τα επίπεδα ολικής, LDL και non-HDL χοληστερόλης, καθώς και TGs. Στα παιδιά με δυσλιπιδαιμία, ακόμα και μικρές αλλαγές των συγκεντρώσεων ADMA ακολουθούνται από διαφοροποιήσεις στα επίπεδα των λιποπρωτεϊνών. Όσον αφορά τα επίπεδα Lp-PLA2 παρατηρήθηκε ισχυρή θετική συσχέτιση με τα επίπεδα hsCRP και θετική συσχέτιση οριακής στατιστικής σημαντικότητας με τα επίπεδα LDL-C και non-HDL-C. Επίσης σημαντική συσχέτιση παρατηρήθηκε μεταξύ των επιπέδων ADMA και Lp-PLA2. Στην ομάδα των παιδιών με σακχαρώδη διαβήτη παρατηρήθηκε στατιστικά σημαντική αρνητική συσχέτιση μεταξύ των επιπέδων ADMA και της ηλικίας και οριακά σημαντική θετική συσχέτιση μεταξύ των επιπέδων LpPLA2 και των TGs. Συμπεράσματα: Από τη μελέτη υποστηρίζεται ότι στα παιδιά με δυσλιπιδαιμία οι ADMA και LpPLA2 έχουν θετική συσχέτιση τόσο μεταξύ τους όσο και με βιοχημικούς δείκτες που συνδέονται με το μακροχρόνιο κίνδυνο αθηρωμάτωσης. Η συναξιολόγηση των συγκεκριμένων βιοδεικτών πιθανόν να μπορεί να συμβάλει στην πρόγνωση του καρδιαγγειακού κινδύνου και αντίστοιχα στις στρατηγικές διαχείρισης στον παιδιατρικό πληθυσμό.
Short Communication: Silba adipata (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) parasitoids on cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens) in Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Yuliadhi Ketut Ayu , SUPARTHA I WAYAN , DARMIATI NI NENGAH , BANGUN ALPREDO , YUDHA I KADEK WISMA , UTAMA I WAYAN EKA KARYA , WIRADANA PUTU ANGGA 
Published: September 2021

Abstract. Yuliadhi KA, Supartha IW, Darmiati NN, Bangun A, Yudha IKW, Utama IWEK, Wiradana PA. 2021. Silba adipata (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) parasitoids on cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens) in Bali, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 3929-3935. The black fig fly (Silba adipata) is newly emerging pests that attack cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) plants in Bali Province, Indonesia. This study aimed to determine the parasitoid type, community structure, distribution, and parasitization rate of the parasitoids of S. adipata on cayenne pepper in Bali. The sampling method employed in this study involves purposive sampling techniques on 100-150 pieces of cayenne pepper infested with S. adipata at each location point, with the emerging parasitoids identified morphologically. Three types of parasitoid species were associated with S. adipata, which include Asobara japonica Belokobylskij, Fopius arisanus (Sonan), and Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead). The parasitoid community structure associated with S. adipata had a low abundance index, low diversity index, and a moderate dominance index. Based on the distribution of the three parasitoids, D. longicaudata is distributed evenly in Bali, whereas F. arisanus was not found in Jembrana . Conversely, A. japonica was only found in Badung, Bangli, Gianyar, and Klungkung. As summary, D. laungicaudata had the highest parasitization rate compared to the F. arisanus and A. japonica. D. longicaudata is a potential parasitoid, which can be studied for the future biological control of S. adipata.
Addressing the issue of bias in observational studies: Using instrumental variables and a quasi-randomization trial in an ESME research project
Authors: Ezzalfani Monia , Porcher Raphaël , Savignoni Alexia , Delaloge Suzette , Filleron Thomas , Robain Mathieu , Pérol David ,   ESME Group
Published: September 2021

Purpose
Observational studies using routinely collected data are faced with a number of potential shortcomings that can bias their results. Many methods rely on controlling for measured and unmeasured confounders. In this work, we investigate the use of instrumental variables (IV) and quasi-trial analysis to control for unmeasured confounders in the context of a study based on the retrospective Epidemiological Strategy and Medical Economics (ESME) database, which compared overall survival (OS) with paclitaxel plus bevacizumab or paclitaxel alone as first-line treatment in patients with HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Patients and methods
Causal interpretations and estimates can be made from observation data using IV and quasi-trial analysis. Quasi-trial analysis has the same conceptual basis as IV, however, instead of using IV in the analysis, a “superficial” or “pseudo” randomized trial is used in a Cox model. For instance, in a multicenter trial, instead of using the treatment variable, quasi-trial analysis can consider the treatment preference in each center, which can be informative, and then comparisons of results between centers or clinicians can be informative.

Results
In the original analysis, the OS adjusted for major factors was significantly longer with paclitaxel and bevacizumab than with paclitaxel alone. Using the center-treatment preference as an instrument yielded to concordant results. For the quasi-trial analysis, a Cox model was used, adjusted on all factors initially used. The results consolidate those obtained with a conventional multivariate Cox model.

Conclusion
Unmeasured confounding is a major concern in observational studies, and IV or quasi-trial analysis can be helpful to complement analysis of studies of this nature.
The First (and Second) Coming of David Foster Wallace’sInfinite Jest
Authors: Andersen Tore Rye 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBefore the publication ofInfinite Jestin 1996, no less than a dozen excerpts from Wallace’s novel had already been published in various journals and magazines. The essay presents the first complete overview of these previously neglected excerpts and analyzes how they frameInfinite Jest. Drawing on theories by Bryant, McGann and Bhaskar, the analysis shows that the excerpts function as ‘paracontent’ that occupies a gray area between self-contained content and marketing. The essay then considers the sum of excerpts, which exhibits a surprising bias in favor of certain parts of Wallace’s novel, and discusses the implications of this imbalance.
“All business as usual”: Richard Powers’Gainand the Complicities of (Re-)Incorporation
Authors: Liste Noya José 
Published: September 2021

AbstractRenowned for his thoroughly researched ‘discursive narratives’ that trace in near-encyclopedic mode the complex interconnectivity of life in our (post-)postmodern period, Richard Powers’Gainambivalently raises the stakes of politics in the novel of late capitalism by asserting the imaginative agency of fiction itself. But how does one employ fiction to redress the simulacral hollowing out of everyday life in a corporate culture that fabricates reality by molding consumer desire to its own ends, specifically the end of financial profit? Can the ethical acknowledgement of complicity do away with its inevitability and even willingness within the unmappable totality which is our late capitalist moment?Gainconfronts this problematic in ways that both resist and embrace it. The novel’s seemingly intentional ambivalence that mimics, yet strives to invert, the unashamed cynicism of late capitalist ideology finds a point of obdurate insistence in the ‘corpo-reality’ of the human body itself. At the same time, it imagines a vehicle of transcendence in the re-incorporation of that body or, more specifically, that body’s agential possibilities in a sphere beyond mere economic interest. Yet the asymmetry patent between the body’s death and the deathless corporation, despite the narrative parallelisms that the novel damningly establishes, returns us to the ambivalence of fictional ambivalence itself and the ethical dilemma of imagining ourselves beyond the currently unimaginable real.1
Alchemy in an age of disclosure: the case of an Arabic Pseudo-Aristotelian treatise and its Syriac Christian “translator”
Authors: Rassi Salam 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This article examines a little-known and unstudied alchemical treatise, The Epistle on Alchemy (al-Risāla fī l-ṣināʿa) attributed to Aristotle, purportedly translated from Syriac into Arabic by the Nestorian bishop ʿAbdīshōʿ bar Brīkhā (d. 1318). In particular, I investigate the Epistle’s discourse on the concealment and revelation of alchemical knowledge. Like other occult sciences, alchemy was characterised by a marked concern for secrecy and frequently employed codes, or Decknamen, when discussing the “Noble Art.” Yet the author of the Epistle consciously avoids such conventions, choosing instead to disclose its mysteries in an open and accessible manner, while making clear that secrecy would otherwise be necessary were the reader deemed unworthy. By engaging with scholarship in Islamic and Jewish occult science and esotericism, I show that the author of the Epistle navigates the boundaries between concealment and disclosure by framing his treatise as a private exchange between two foundational figures of philosophy and kingship: Aristotle and Alexander the Great. Based on a study of the Epistle’s sources and genre, I consider it possible that the work was not a translation of any Syriac original but a composition by ʿAbdīshōʿ himself and a product of the Arabic-speaking, Islamicate environment in which he lived.
The Mechanics of Individually- and Socially-Optimal Decisions during an Epidemic
Authors: Vandenbroucke Guillaume 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
I present a model where work implies social interactions and the spread of a disease is described by an SIR-type framework. Upon the outbreak of a disease reduced social contacts are decided at the cost of lower consumption. Private individuals do not internalize the effects of their decisions on the evolution of the epidemic while the planner does. Specifically, the planner internalizes that an early reduction in contacts implies fewer infectious in the future and, therefore, a lower risk of infection. This additional (relative to private individuals) benefit of reduced contacts implies that the planner’s solution feature more social distancing early in the epidemics. The planner also internalizes that some infectious eventually recover and contribute further to a lower risk of infection. These mechanisms imply that the planner obtains a flatter infection curve than that generated by private individuals’ responses.
Effect of Introducing Long Chain Branching on Fiber Diameter and Fiber Diameter Distribution in Melt Blowing Process of Polypropylene
Authors: Iiba K. , Takarada W. , Kikutani T. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
In the melt blowing process, the molten polymers extruded from nozzles are elongated by high-velocity and high-temperature air flow. In this study, with the aim of stabilizing the melt blowing process for producing nonwoven webs with fine diameter fibers, the effect of the control of polymer rheology by the introduction of either low melt flow rate (MFR) polypropylene (PP) or long chain branched PP (LCB-PP) to regular high MFR PP was investigated. Introduction of low MFR PP into regular PP increased shear viscosity and fibers of larger diameter were produced in the melt blowing process, while introduction of low MFR LCB-PP suppressed the elongational viscosity reduction with the increase of strain rate, and eventually spinning was stabilized. It was found that the blending of an optimum amount of LCB-PP to regular PP caused the stabilization of the melt blowing process. As a result, the formation of nonwoven webs consisting of fine fibers of rather uniform diameter distribution could be achieved.
Preparation and Photo-Oxidation Aging Behavior of Oriented Polylactic Acid
Authors: Li Z.-Q. , Ran L.-C. , Lang Y. , Wu T. , Chen Y. L. , Chen B. S. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis study employed solid hot stretching technology to produce successfully specifically oriented polylactic acid (PLA) while investigating the impact of orientation structure on its photo-oxidation aging properties. After orientation, the molecular weight and mechanical properties retention rate of PLA were improved, and the crystallinity (Xc) increased in conjunction with prolonged aging time, while the molecular orientation failed to modify the mechanism responsible for PLA deterioration. Furthermore, an examination regarding the way in which the photo-oxidation stability of PLA was enhanced, demonstrated that the increased Xcand structural orientation were beneficial for delaying the photo-oxidation aging of PLA.
Novel Design and Comparison of Structural and Modal Analyses of Auxetic Geometry versus Honeycomb Geometry
Authors: Kemiklioğlu U. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Auxetic structures are popular, since they have many applications in defense, textile and sport industries. The advantages of providing comfort and protection to people for the impact energy increase the usability of auxetic structures in these areas. Within the scope of this study, two structures were designed as honeycomb and auxtetic structures with lateral displacements in opposite directions. The auxetic and honeycomb structures were modeled in Ansys software by keeping the boundaries of these two structures close to each other. Structural and modal analysis were applied to these structures and the auxetic structure gave better results in terms of the tensile strength.
Reframing Risk in the Wake of COVID-19
Authors: Blackburn Christine Crudo , Shelke Sayali , Alatorre Sharon Zaldivar 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Concerns about infectious disease in mega-shelters following hurricanes should be a top priority. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the challenge of implementing standard evacuation and sheltering procedures for hurricanes during an outbreak of a respiratory disease and the lessons learned from the 2020 hurricane season must be applied to future response efforts. In this article, we examine the current risk framing for hurricane preparedness and response utilizing Prospect Theory. We also examine how the COVID-19 pandemic has complicated this traditional framing and offer a new framework for which to provide adequate sheltering following a hurricane, while minimizing the risk of respiratory disease to those seeking shelter. We argue that such a framework is necessary to protect American citizens in future hurricane seasons.
Functional evaluation of the diaphragm with a noninvasive test
Authors: Bordoni Bruno , Escher Allan R. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Cardiac surgery with median sternotomy causes iatrogenic damage to the function of the diaphragm muscle that is both temporary and permanent. Myocardial infarction itself causes diaphragmatic genetic alterations, which lead the muscle to nonphysiological adaptation. The respiratory muscle area plays several roles in maintaining both physical and mental health, as well as in maximizing recovery after a cardiac event. The evaluation of the diaphragm is a fundamental step in the therapeutic process, including the use of instruments such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed axial tomography (CT). This article reviews the neurophysiological relationships of the diaphragm muscle and the symptoms of diaphragmatic contractile dysfunction. The authors discuss a scientific basis for the use of a new noninstrumental diaphragmatic test in the hope of stimulating research.
Long-term effect of conventional phosphate and calcitriol treatment on metabolic recovery and catch-up growth in children with PHEX mutation
Authors: Alikasifoglu Ayfer , Unsal Yagmur , Gonc Elmas Nazli , Ozon Zeynep Alev , Kandemir Nurgun , Alikasifoglu Mehmet 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets (HR) is conventionally treated with phosphate and calcitriol. Exploring genotype and phenotypic spectrum of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLHR), focusing on short-term, long-term, and pubertal impact of conventional treatment was aimed.

Methods
Sixteen patients from 12 unrelated families with HR were analyzed for phosphate regulating endopeptidase homolog X-linked (PHEX) mutation. Initially Sanger sequencing analysis was performed. If PHEX mutation was not detected, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was performed. If molecular defect was detected, first-degree relatives were analyzed. Thirteen patients (81%) and five first-degree relatives with XLHR were evaluated for genotype–phenotype or gender-phenotype correlation. Clinical characteristics and response to conventional treatment were determined retrospectively.

Results
Nine different PHEX mutations were identified; four splice-site, three point mutations, and two single exon deletions. Four were novel mutations. Despite conventional treatment, median adult height was lower than median height on admission (−3.8 and −2.3 SDS, respectively), metabolic and radiographic recovery were not achieved, adherence was low (30%). Although mean adult height was better in compliant patients than noncompliants (−2.6 vs. −3.7 SDS, respectively), they were still short. Correlation between phenotype and genotype or gender could not be shown. Median phosphate decreased significantly throughout puberty (p=0.014). Median pubertal height was lower than prepubertal height (−4.4 vs. −3.6 SDS; respectively), pubertal growth spurt was not observed. Among five patients with a follow-up longer than five years, three had nephrocalcinosis (60%), two had hyperparathyroidism (40%), 4/6 (33%) required correction osteotomy.

Conclusions
Conventional treatment appears to have limited effect on metabolic, clinical and radiographic recovery in XLHR. Metabolic control and growth worsened during puberty. Although, long-term adverse effects are yet to be seen, introduction of burosumab as first-line treatment may be an alternative after infancy.
Maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancies with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Passarella Eloise , Czuzoj-Shulman Nicholas , Abenhaim Haim A. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to many health comorbidities. We aimed to ascertain if OSA correlates with a rise in poor obstetrical outcomes.

Methods
Employing the United States’ Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project – National Inpatient Sample, we performed our retrospective cohort study including all women who delivered between 2006 and 2015. ICD-9 codes were used to characterize women as having a diagnosis of OSA. Temporal trends in pregnancies with OSA were studied, baseline features were evaluated among gravidities in the presence and absence of OSA, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized in assessing consequences of OSA on patient and newborn outcomes.

Results
Of a total 7,907,139 deliveries, 3,115 belonged to patients suffering from OSA, resulting in a prevalence of 39 per 100,000 deliveries. Rates rose from 10.14 to 78.12 per 100,000 deliveries during the study interval (p<0.0001). Patients diagnosed with OSA were at higher risk of having pregnancies with preeclampsia, OR 2.2 (95% CI 2.0–2.4), eclampsia, 4.1 (2.4–7.0), chorioamnionitis, 1.4 (1.2–1.8), postpartum hemorrhage, 1.4 (1.2–1.7), venous thromboembolisms, 2.7 (2.1–3.4), and to deliver by caesarean section, 2.1 (1.9–2.3). Cardiovascular and respiratory complications were also more common among these women, as was maternal death, 4.2 (2.2–8.0). Newborns of OSA patients were at elevated risk of being premature, 1.3 (1.2–1.5) and having congenital abnormalities, 2.3 (1.7–3.0).

Conclusions
Pregnancies with OSA were linked to an elevated risk of poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. During pregnancy, OSA patients should receive attentive follow-up care in a tertiary hospital.
A randomized controlled trial of two-doses of vaginal progesterone 400 vs. 200 mg for prevention of preterm labor in twin gestations
Authors: Abdel Wahab Ahmed S. , Abdelmonaem Mostafa I. , Mahmoud Walaa M. , Mansour Ahmed E. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To compare between the effectiveness and safety of two different daily doses of vaginal progesterone (400 vs. 200 mg) in the prevention of preterm labor in twin pregnancy.

Methods
This is a prospective single-blinded randomized controlled trial conducted on 100 primi-gravida who had twin pregnancy and attended the antenatal clinic of a University hospital. They were equally and randomly allocated into two arms each containing 50 patients. Arm 1 received 400 mg and arm 2 received 200 mg vaginal progesterone daily at bed time starting from 14 weeks of pregnancy to 36 weeks. Transvaginal ultrasound was performed for assessment of the length of cervix at 14 and 22 weeks.

Results
Both arms of the current study were comparable regarding the cervical length at 14 and 22 weeks, mean gestational age at delivery, incidence of pre-term delivery, birth weight of the first twin. Second twin in addition to the average weight of both twins. No statistical significance differences between two arms regarding incidence of early neonatal death. NICU, mechanical ventilation, length of admission in NICU for the first twin. Second twin as well as both twins.

Conclusions
Vaginal progesterone treatment with different doses was tolerable, but wasn’t effective in the prevention of preterm labor in twin pregnancy.
Elaboration and characterization of extruded clay bricks with light weight date palm fibers
Authors: Bakhaled Mohamed Laid , Bentchikou Mohamed , Belarbi Rafik , Maliki Mustapha 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Construction materials used in arid zones in Algeria are mainly concrete and clay bricks. These materials are not suitable for this climate as they have poor insulating properties. In order to improve thermal comfort in buildings and to save energy, materials used in construction must be good insulators while having an acceptable mechanical strength. New extruded clay bricks have been developed by incorporating date palm fibers into the clay matrix. These are considered renewable and are abundant agricultural waste generated by date palm trees each year without exploitation. Starting from the composition usually used by the local brickyard, seven compositions were tested, with clay/fiber ratios from 80 %/0 % to 68 %/12 %, by considering as a constant the sum of the masses (clay and fiber), with the percentage of dune sand maintained as equal to 20 wt.-%. From experiment tests it was observed that for a composition with 68 wt.-% clay, 20 wt.-% dune sand and 12 wt.-% fiber, the bricks prepared were light weight, had good thermal properties and met compressive strength requirements. For this composition the weight reduction exceeded 23 % for an energy saving impact of more than 44 % in a dry state.