bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant and Controller Optimization for Power and Energy Systems With Model Predictive Control
Authors: Docimo Donald J. , Kang Ziliang , James Kai A. , Alleyne Andrew G. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This article explores the optimization of plant characteristics and controller parameters for electrified mobility. Electrification of mobile transportation systems, such as automobiles and aircraft, presents the ability to improve key performance metrics such as efficiency and cost. However, the strong bidirectional coupling between electrical and thermal dynamics within new components creates integration challenges, increasing component degradation, and reducing performance. Diminishing these issues requires novel plant designs and control strategies. The electrified mobility literature provides prior studies on plant and controller optimization, known as control co-design (CCD). A void within these studies is the lack of model predictive control (MPC), recognized to manage multi-domain dynamics for electrified systems, within CCD frameworks. This article addresses this through three contributions. First, a thermo-electromechanical hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powertrain model is developed that is suitable for both plant optimization and MPC. Second, simultaneous plant and controller optimization is performed for this multi-domain system. Third, MPC is integrated within a CCD framework using the candidate HEV powertrain model. Results indicate that optimizing both the plant and MPC parameters simultaneously can reduce physical component sizes by over 60% and key performance metric errors by over 50%.
<p class="Body"><strong><em>Parabelbella </em></strong><strong>(<em>Paradyobelba</em>)<em> elchacoensis </em>subgen. nov., sp. nov. (Acari, Oribatida, Damaeidae), an</strong><strong> unusual representative of the genus </strong><strong>from Ecuador</strong></p>
Authors: Miko Ladislav , Ermilov Sergey G. 
Published: March 2021

A new oribatid mite subgenus, Parabelbella (Paradyobelba) subgen. nov. (Oribatida, Damaeidae), characterized by unusual tubercular anterior propodolateral apophyse PA in combination with tubercular apophyses P, Sa and Sp, with type species Parabelbella (Paradyobelba) elchacoensis sp. nov., is proposed and described from Ecuador. The relations between genera Parabelbella and Dyobelba are discussed on the background of two major lineages within Dameidae. Parabelbella dimidiaspina Xie, Yan & Yang, 2013 is recombined in Dyobelba.
Reference to nutrition in medical accreditation and curriculum guidance: a comparative analysis
Authors: Lepre Breanna , Mansfield Kylie J , Ray Sumantra , Beck Eleanor 
Published: March 2021

ObjectivePoor diet is a leading cause of death worldwide. Doctors are well placed to provide dietary advice, yet nutrition remains insufficiently integrated into medical education. Enforcement of curriculum or accreditation requirements such as nutrition requires relevant regulatory frameworks. The aim of this review was to identify nutrition content or requirements for nutrition education in accreditation standards or formal curriculum guidance for medical education internationally.DesignNon-systematic comparative analysis.Data sourcesAn internet search using the Google Search engine, the WHO Directory of Medical Schools and Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research Directory of Organizations that Recognise/Accredit Medical Schools was conducted through September 2020 to identify government and organisational reports as well as publications from regulatory and professional bodies relevant to medical education.Eligibility criteriaEligible publications included (A) accreditation standards, (B) competency standards or a framework, (C) curricula, and (D) assessment content.Data extraction and synthesisWe stratified findings by country or region and both preregistration and postregistration education. Findings were synthesised based on the existence of nutrition content or requirements for nutrition education within systems used to guide medical education internationally.ResultsThis review found that despite an emphasis on meeting the needs of the community and the demands of the labour market, only 44% of accreditation and curriculum guidance included nutrition. Nutrition remains inadequately represented in accreditation and curriculum guidance for medical education at all levels internationally. Accreditation standards provide a mandated framework for curricula and inclusion of nutrition in accreditation frameworks provides an incentive for the integration of nutrition into medical education.ConclusionsThis review is a call to action for the medical profession including government, health agencies and educational and accreditation entities. The inclusion of nutrition in medical education has appeared throughout medical education literature for more than five decades, yet without consensus standards there is little likelihood of uniform adoption.
Relationship between classic vascular risk factors and cumulative recurrent cardiovascular event burden in patients with clinically manifest vascular disease: results from the UCC-SMART prospective cohort study
Authors: de Vries Tamar Irene , Westerink Jan , Bots Michiel L , Asselbergs Folkert W , Smulders Yvo M , Visseren Frank L J 
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveThe aim of the current study was to assess the relationship between classic cardiovascular risk factors and risk of not only the first recurrent atherosclerotic cardiovascular event, but also the total number of non-fatal and fatal cardiovascular events in patients with recently clinically manifest cardiovascular disease (CVD).DesignProspective cohort study.SettingTertiary care centre.Participants7239 patients with a recent first manifestation of CVD from the prospective UCC-SMART (Utrecht Cardiovascular Cohort - Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease) cohort study.Outcome measuresTotal cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, stroke, vascular interventions, major limb events and cardiovascular mortality.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 8.9 years, 1412 patients had one recurrent cardiovascular event, while 1290 patients had two or more recurrent events, with a total of 5457 cardiovascular events during follow-up. The HRs for the first recurrent event and cumulative event burden using Prentice-Williams-Peterson models, respectively, were 1.36 (95% CI 1.25 to 1.48) and 1.26 (95% CI 1.17 to 1.35) for smoking, 1.14 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.18) and 1.09 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.12) for non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and 1.05 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.07) and 1.04 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.06) for systolic blood pressure per 10 mm Hg.ConclusionsIn a cohort of patients with established CVD, systolic blood pressure, non-HDL cholesterol and current smoking are important risk factors for not only the first, but also subsequent recurrent events during follow-up. Recurrent event analysis captures the full cumulative burden of CVD in patients.
Predictive value of echocardiographic left atrial size for incident stoke and stroke cause mortality: a population-based study
Authors: Li Tan , Li Guangxiao , Guo Xiaofan , Li Zhao , Yang Jun , Sun Yingxian 
Published: March 2021

ObjectivesTo investigate the associations between echocardiographic left atrial (LA) size and incident stoke and stroke cause mortality among a rural population in China.DesignA prospective study.Setting and participantsBased on the Northeast China Rural Cardiovascular Health Study, we selected a total of 10 041 participants aged ≥35 years who agreed to have transthoracic echocardiography at baseline and were successfully followed up for incident stoke and stroke cause mortality.Primary outcome measureThe outcomes were stroke and stroke cause death according to medical records and death certificates during the follow-up period.ResultsLA enlargement (LAE) group had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease than normal LA diameter (LAD) group. After excluding individuals who had a prior stroke, subjects with LAE showed higher incident rates of stroke and its mortality in the overall and specific stratified analyses (all p<0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that LAE could predict stroke incidence and stroke-free survival, but the association was no longer observed after the adjustment for potential confounding factors. Cox regression analysis reported that per 1 SD increment in LAD and LAD/body surface area (BSA) was associated with an increased incidence of stroke (LAD: HR=1.20, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.33, p<0.001; LAD/BSA: HR=1.22, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.35, p<0.001) and stroke cause mortality (LAD: HR=1.27, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.50, p<0.01; LAD/BSA: HR=1.41, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.65, p<0.001) in the total population, and similar trends were found in both genders (all p<0.05). LAD or LAD/BSA was related to ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke incidence, and the risk of ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke mortality (all p<0.05). The dose–response curves further suggested linear associations between LAD, LAD/BSA and the incidence of stroke and subsequent mortality in the general population (all p<0.05).ConclusionsOur population-based study implied that LA size, especially LAD and LAD/BSA, might be useful echocardiographic biomarkers that had the potential to predict incident stroke and stroke cause mortality.
Assessment of the level of knowledge, awareness and management of hypertension and diabetes among adults in Imo and Kaduna states, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Anyanti Jennifer , Akuiyibo Selema Margaret , Fajemisin Oluwole , Idogho Omokhudu , Amoo Babatunde 
Published: March 2021

ObjectivesThis study was designed to assess levels of awareness, knowledge, attitude and practices relating to hypertension and diabetes among adults aged 35 years resident in selected communities in Imo and Kaduna states, Nigeria.DesignA descriptive cross-sectional study.SettingSelected communities across 14 local government areas in Imo and Kaduna states were included.ParticipantsIn total, 824 adults, aged 35 years or older and resident in selected communities where the Access-N project was being implemented in Imo and Kaduna states participated in the study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe study assessed the level of hypertension and diabetes knowledge among the participants. Regular blood pressure (BP) and glucose screening practices were also examined as outcome measures.ResultsThe mean age of the respondents was 48.32 years. In total, 778 (94.4%) and 746 (90.5%) of the respondents were aware of hypertension and diabetes, respectively. The mean hypertension and diabetes knowledge scores (±SD) were 4.99 (±1.99) and 8.02 (±2.61), respectively. A total of 326 (41.9%) respondents aware of hypertension had a good knowledge of hypertension while 477 (63.9%) of those aware of diabetes had a good knowledge of diabetes. Levels of hypertension and diabetes knowledge were found to be associated with physical activity and the level of education of the respondents. About two-thirds (62.6%) and less than half (41.5%) of the respondents, respectively check their BP and blood glucose (BG) levels regularly (at least once yearly). Statistically significant associations were observed between age and regular BP and BG level checks.ConclusionsDespite the high awareness rate of hypertension and diabetes observed in this study and a relatively good knowledge about the two conditions, unhealthy lifestyle practices and non-regular routine screening abounds among the respondents. Thus, there is a need to improve access to quality information about hypertension and diabetes aimed at motivating adoption of healthy behaviours.
Background characteristics and anticoagulant usage patterns of elderly non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients in the ANAFIE registry: a prospective, multicentre, observational cohort study in Japan
Authors: Yasaka Masahiro , Yamashita Takeshi , Akao Masaharu , Atarashi Hirotsugu , Ikeda Takanori , Koretsune Yukihiro , Okumura Ken , Shimizu Wataru , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Toyoda Kazunori , Hirayama Atsushi , Yamaguchi Takenori , Teramukai Satoshi , Kimura Tetsuya , Kaburagi Jumpei , Takita Atsushi , Inoue Hiroshi 
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveTo explore anticoagulant usage patterns stratified by stroke and bleeding risk in elderly patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).DesignProspective, multicentre, observational cohort study.SettingThe real-world All Nippon AF In the Elderly (ANAFIE) registry.ParticipantsJapanese patients aged ≥75 years with NVAF (n=32 726).Outcome measuresThe distribution of stroke and bleeding risk scores, and the selection of anticoagulant regimen for patients at high stroke and bleeding risk.ResultsOverall, 18 185 (55.6%) patients had a high risk of stroke (CHADS2 score ≥3). Of these, 12 561 (38.4% of the total ANAFIE population) had a low bleeding risk (HAS-BLED ≤2) and 5624 (17.2%) had a high bleeding risk (HAS-BLED ≥3). Significant differences were noted between the high versus low bleeding risk groups in sex, height, weight, systolic blood pressure and rates of abnormality of lipid metabolism, gastrointestinal disease, cerebrovascular disorders, chronic kidney disease, angina pectoris, respiratory disease, primary malignant tumour, dementia and fall history within the past year (all p<0.0001). Patients with high stroke and bleeding risks had a lower anticoagulant usage rate versus the low bleeding risk group, and 8.7% and 5.8%, respectively, were not receiving any anticoagulant (p<0.0001). Patients in the high bleeding risk group had a higher usage of warfarin versus the low bleeding risk group (p<0.0001); more patients (14.0%) in the high bleeding risk group receiving warfarin had time in the therapeutic range <40%, versus those in the low bleeding risk group (11.6%, p=0.0146). Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) were used less in the high bleeding risk group, without notable differences in the DOAC dose distribution between the two groups.ConclusionsIn elderly NVAF patients at high stroke risk, significant demographic and clinical differences were observed according to bleeding risk. Administration of low-dose DOACs was frequent, but the dose distribution was unaffected by bleeding risk.Trial registration numberUMIN000024006 (http://www.umin.ac.jp/).
New optical coherence tomography grading system for macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: how off is off?
Authors: Boden Karl Thomas , Januschowski Kai , Szurman Peter , Seuthe Anna-Maria , Rickmann Annekatrin , Seitz Berthold , Alsharairi Mohammad , Leers Stephan , Wakili Philip 
Published: March 2021

Background/AimsThe classification of retinal detachment is currently still based on many objective criteria such as duration of symptoms and funduscopic macular status, which leaves some important questions unanswered. The most important factor is the macular status, which is determined using direct or indirect ophthalmoscopy. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become a standard tool in clinical practice and enables detecting the exact extent of subretinal fluid in macula-off/on retinal detachment. We introduce a new and simple OCT-based grading system for macular detachment to provide a basis for further investigations to determine the optimal timing for surgery.MethodsWe retrospectively included 155 patients who were treated for retinal detachment. We defined the extent of the macular detachment in six stages based on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grid of the OCT scan.The outermost ring of the ETDRS grid was defined as zone 1, the middle ring as zone 2 and the inner ring as zone 3. Only zone 3 differed in the retinal detachment height grades (grade a <250 µm vs grade b >250 µm). Retinal detachment heights that could not be measured were considered grade 4 (ungradable) detachments.ResultsForty-seven patients had no macular involvement (grade 0). Regarding macular detachment, 14 patients had grade 1, 20 had grade 2, 9 had grade 3a, 29 had grade 3b and 36 had grade 4.ConclusionThe newly developed OCT grading system for macular involvement following retinal detachment is a crucial tool to objectively classify a retinal detachment in order to be able to make better statements in the future, like for defining the optimal time for surgical intervention. A secondary benefit of this grading system would be that it improves predicting postoperative visual acuity.
Reasons for delay in timely administration of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with stage III colon cancer: a multicentre cohort study from the McGill University Department of Oncology
Authors: Elkrief Arielle , Redstone Genevieve , Petruccelli Luca , Ali Alla'a , Thomas Doneal , Fernandez Myriam , Rousseau Caroline , Aleynikova Olga , Anderson Dawn , Ghitulescu Gabriela , Vasilevsky Carol-Ann , Dalfen Richard , Langleben Adrian , Liberman Sender , Kavan Petr , Alcindor Thierry 
Published: March 2021

PurposeAdjuvant chemotherapy within 56 or 84 days following curative resection is globally accepted as the standard of care for stage III colon cancer as it has been associated with improved overall survival. Initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy within this time frame is therefore recommended by clinical practice guidelines, including the European Society for Medical Oncology. The objective of this study was to evaluate adherence to these clinical practice guidelines for patients with stage III colon cancer across the Rossy Cancer Network (RCN); a partnership of McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Jewish General Hospital and St Mary’s Hospital Center.Patients and methods187 patients who had been diagnosed with stage III colon cancer and received adjuvant chemotherapy within the RCN partner hospitals from 2012 to 2015 were included. Patient and treatment information was retrospectively determined by chart review. Χ2and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to measure associations and a multivariate Cox regression model was used to determine risk factors contributing to delays in administration of adjuvant chemotherapy.ResultsThe median turnaround time between surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy was 69 days. Importantly, only 27% of patients met the 56-day target, and 71% met the 84-day target. Increasing age, having more than one surgical complication and being diagnosed between 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 reduced the likelihood that patients met these targets. Furthermore, delays were observed at most intervals from surgery to first adjuvant chemotherapy treatment.ConclusionOur study found that within these academic hospital settings, 27% of patients met the 56-day target, and 71% met the 84-day target. Delays were associated with hospital, surgeon and patient-related factors. Initiatives in quality improvement are needed in order to improve adherence to recommended treatment guidelines for prompt administration of adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer.
Early recognition of PIMS-TS: a single centre retrospective review
Authors: Mistry Roshni , Scanlon Nicola , Hibberd James , Fuller Fionnghuala 
Published: March 2021

IntroductionResearch into paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS) has focused on tertiary level management. This review reports on symptoms and investigations at presentation.MethodsSingle centre retrospective case note analysis of patients fulfilling PIMS-TS diagnostic criteria from March to May 2020 in a London district level university hospital.ResultsSix patients presented in the week prior to their final diagnosis with fever and non-specific symptoms. Raised C-reactive protein (CRP), lymphopenia and hyponatraemia were noted. Kawasaki-like symptoms were under-represented in all patients.InterpretationThe results suggest that a proportion of children with early PIMS-TS present with a non-specific febrile illness and abnormal blood results. Further research is needed to determine the most appropriate identification and follow-up of these children.
Activated low-density granulocytes in peripheral and intervillous blood and neutrophil inflammation in placentas from SLE pregnancies
Authors: Stockfelt Marit , Larsson Gunilla , Engström Hanna , Puttonen Henri , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Sjöwall Christopher , Strevens Helena , Jönsen Andreas , Bengtsson Anders A , Majczuk Sennström Maria , Zickert Agneta , Svenungsson Elisabet , Gunnarsson Iva , Trysberg Estelle , Jacobsson Bo , Hultgård Ekwall Anna-Karin , Christenson Karin , Bylund Johan , Svensson Mattias N D , Lundell Anna-Carin 
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveWomen with SLE face an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes compared with healthy women, but the underlying immunological mechanisms are unknown. Given the recognised association of neutrophil activation with SLE pathogenesis, we examined whether there is increased neutrophil activation and inflammation in blood and placenta in SLE relative to healthy pregnancy.MethodsAt delivery, peripheral blood, maternal-derived intervillous blood and placentas were collected from 12 SLE and 10 healthy control pregnancies. The proportion of low-density granulocytes (LDGs) and the activation status of LDG and normal-density granulocytes were examined with flow cytometry. The chemokines CXCL8 and CXCL1 were quantified with a cytometric bead-based assay and interferon alpha (IFNα) protein levels with a Simoa method. IFNα-stimulated maternal-derived decidual stromal cells were examined forCXCL8gene expression with qPCR. A pathologist, blinded to the patient background, examined all placentas.ResultsWomen with SLE had significantly higher proportions of LDG in peripheral blood compared with controls (p=0.02), and LDG in both peripheral and intervillous blood were more activated in SLE relative to healthy pregnancies (peripheral blood: p=0.002 and intervillous blood: p=0.05). There were higher levels of CXCL8 and CXCL1 in intervillous compared with peripheral blood in women with SLE (p=0.004 and p=<0.0001, respectively) but not in controls. In SLE pregnancy, IFNα was detectable in 6 out of 10 intervillous blood samples but only in one control. Stimulation with IFNα upregulatedCXCL8gene expression in decidual stromal cells from both SLE and healthy pregnancy. Histological chorioamnionitis was present in 6 out of 12 placentas from women with SLE and in 1 out of 10 controls.ConclusionsIn women with SLE, locally produced chemokines in the placenta are increased and may attract and activate neutrophils. This in turn could contribute to placental inflammation and dysfunction and increased risk of placenta-related pregnancy complications.