bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety of surgical tracheostomy under continued antithrombotic therapy: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sugaya Takayuki , Ueha Rumi , Sato Taku , Goto Takao , Yamauchi Akihito , Yamasoba Tatsuya 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveAlthough various guidelines have been established for the management of antithrombotic therapy during surgical treatments, surgical tracheostomy (ST) under continued antithrombotic therapy (CAT) remains challenging. Here, we investigated the risk factors for complications after ST by focusing on the application of CAT during ST.DesignA retrospective cohort study with medical records from 2009 to 2020.SettingA single‐center study.ParticipantsThis study included patients who had undergone ST at the Department of Otolaryngology of our hospitalMain outcome measuresThe primary outcomes were the incidence of complications and blood test results. Secondary outcomes were risk factors for postoperative complications.ResultsWe identified 288 patients (median age: 64 years; 184 men [64%]), among whom 40 (median age: 67 years; 29 men [73%]) underwent CAT. Although the patients undergoing CAT had significantly longer activated partial thromboplastin time (p=0.002) and a higher prothrombin time‐international normalized ratio (p=0.006) compared to antithrombotic naïve patients, no statistically significant intergroup differences were observed for the risk of bleeding, infection, or subcutaneous emphysema. Instead, ST under local anesthesia (p=0.01) and ST for airway emergency (p=0.02) significantly increased the risk of early postoperative complications.ConclusionThese results suggest that ST under CAT can be safely performed without any increased risk of postoperative complications. Nevertheless, surgeons should be extra cautious about early complications after ST under local anesthesia without intubation or ST for airway emergencies.
The harm in and of COVID‐19
Authors: Asogwa Nicholas Uchechukwu 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCoronavirus‐19 (COVID‐19) is a trending topic that is currently engaging the attention of scholars all over the globe. Much has been said and written about it in terms of its nature, mode of infection, the ethics, the harm and, of course, the best resource allocation and triaging paradigm. While offering theoretical explanation of why we need to make a distinction between harms in and of COVID‐19, this paper, at the same time, exposes the harms in and of COVID‐19, as well as offer examples of where both forms could be seen, using three spheres of reality, namely economy, education, and reproductive rights (abortion). Whereas it notes that harms in COVID‐19 are those harms that are inherent in it and are direct vis‐à‐vis its victims, the paper observes that harms of COVID‐19 are those harms that are causally, but only indirectly related to COVID‐19. It concludes that knowledge of the distinction between harms in and of COVID‐19 will be of use to the masses across the globe in checkmating the antics of those state actors in their respective jurisdictions who may wish to hide under the guise of combating the spread and menace of COVID‐19 to carry out some hidden, selfish and vindictive agenda.
A low‐dose rituximab regimen for first‐line treatment of acquired haemophilia A
Authors: Hunt Stewart , Robertson Jeremy , Conn Jason , Casey John , Royle Jane , Collins Joel , Hourigan Matthew , Richmond Joshua , Yang Wang Tzu , Mills Anthony , Mason Jane 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA low‐dose rituximab regimen for first‐line treatment of acquired haemophilia A.IntroductionAcquired haemophilia A (AHA) is a rare disease caused by the development of autoantibodies against FVIII. Diagnosis involves confirmation of FVIII deficiency and the presence of an inhibitor via the Bethesda assay. Severe bleeding is often managed with bypassing agents such as recombinant factor VII. This is then followed by eradication of the inhibitor with immunosuppression which typically includes a corticosteroid backbone.AimReview the current management and outcomes of AHA in Queensland, Australia. Determine the incidence, demographics and clinical characteristics of AHA patients.MethodsRetrospective case series of AHA diagnosed between May 2014 and August 2018. Data were derived from the Australian Bleeding Disorders Registry and state‐wide pathology database. Data collection proforma was completed by the treating haematologist and reviewed/compiled centrally.Results24 patients were identified (incidence 1 in 1.27 million). The median age was 76.5 years. Median follow‐up was 20 months. Index bleed was atraumatic and skin/soft tissue in the majority of patients. Recombinant FVIIa was the most commonly used haemostatic therapy and effective in 85% of patients. Immunosuppression and steroid usage were uniform. Upfront second agent was used in 75% of patients and was most commonly rituximab. 87.5% of patients achieved a complete remission in a median time of 48 days. Low‐dose rituximab was frequently used and equally as efficacious as standard dose.ConclusionImmunosuppression with combination therapy, notably rituximab, appears to be non‐inferior and has a favourable side effect profile.
The standard interpretation of Schopenhauer's compensation argument for pessimism: A nonstandard variant
Authors: Bather Woods David 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAccording to Schopenhauer's compensation argument for pessimism, the non‐existence of the world is preferable to its existence because no goods can ever compensate for the mere existence of evil. Standard interpretations take this argument to be based on Schopenhauer's thesis that all goods are merely the negation of evils, from which they assume it follows that the apparent goods in life are in fact empty and without value. This article develops a non‐standard variant of the standard interpretation, which accepts the relevance of the negativity thesis but rejects that the argument assumes that life's goods are all empty and valueless. Instead, it argues that whatever value negative goods might possess, they do not have the kind of value to compensate for positive evils. This involves additional development of the negativity thesis and a defense of it against objections from Byron Simmons.
Increased delta power as a scalp marker of epileptic activity: a simultaneous scalp and intracranial electroencephalography study
Authors: De Stefano Pia , Carboni Margherita , Marquis Renaud , Spinelli Laurent , Seeck Margitta , Vulliemoz Serge 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeThe purpose was to evaluate whether intracranial interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) that are not visible on the scalp are associated with changes in the frequency spectrum on scalp electroencephalograms (EEGs).MethodsSimultaneous scalp high‐density EEG and intracranial EEG recordings were recorded in nine patients undergoing pre‐surgical invasive recordings for pharmaco‐resistant temporal lobe epilepsy. Epochs with hippocampal IED visible on intracranial EEG (ic‐IED) but not on scalp EEG were selected, as well as control epochs without ic‐IED. Welch's power spectral density was computed for each scalp electrode and for each subject; the power spectral density was further averaged across the canonical frequency bands and compared between the two conditions with and without ic‐IED. For each patient the peak frequency in the delta band (the significantly strongest frequency band in all patients) was determined during periods of ic‐IED. The five electrodes showing strongest power at the peak frequency were also determined.ResultsIt was found that intracranial IEDs are associated with an increase in delta power on scalp EEGs, in particular at a frequency ≥1.4 Hz. Electrodes showing slow frequency power changes associated with IEDs were consistent with the hemispheric lateralization of IEDs. Electrodes with maximum power of slow activity were not limited to temporal regions but also involved frontal (bilateral or unilateral) regions.ConclusionsIn patients with a clinical picture suggestive of temporal lobe epilepsy, the presence of delta slowing ≥1.4 Hz in anterior temporal regions can represent a scalp marker of hippocampal IEDs. To our best knowledge this is the first study that demonstrates the co‐occurrence of ic‐IED and increased delta power.
Fewer COVID‐19‐associated strokes and reduced severity during the second COVID‐19 wave: The Madrid Stroke Network
Authors: Fuentes Blanca , Alonso de Leciñana María , Rigual Ricardo , García‐Madrona Sebastián , Díaz‐Otero Fernando , Aguirre Clara , Calleja Patricia , Egido‐Herrero José A. , Carneado‐Ruiz Joaquín , Ruiz‐Ares Gerardo , Rodríguez‐Pardo Jorge , Rodríguez‐López Ángela , Ximénez‐Carrillo Álvaro , de Felipe Alicia , Ostos Fernando , González‐Ortega Guillermo , Simal Patricia , Gómez Escalonilla Carlos I. , Gómez‐Porro‐Sánchez Pablo , Cabal‐Paz Borja , Reig Gemma , Gil‐Núñez Antonio , Masjuán Jaime , Díez Tejedor Exuperio 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeThe experience gained during the first COVID‐19 wave could have mitigated the negative impact on stroke care in the following waves. Our aims were to analyze the characteristics and outcomes of patients with stroke admitted during the second COVID‐19 wave and to evaluate the differences in the stroke care provision compared with the first wave.MethodsThis retrospective multicenter cohort study included consecutive stroke patients admitted to any of the seven hospitals with stroke units (SUs) and endovascular treatment facilities in the Madrid Health Region. The characteristics of the stroke patients with or without a COVID‐19 diagnosis were compared and the organizational changes in stroke care between the first wave (25 February to 25 April 2020) and second wave (21 July to 21 November 2020) were analyzed.ResultsA total of 550 and 1191 stroke patients were admitted during the first and second COVID‐19 waves, respectively, with an average daily admission rate of nine patients in both waves. During the second wave, there was a decrease in stroke severity (median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 5 vs. 6; p = 0.000), in‐hospital strokes (3% vs. 8.1%) and in‐hospital mortality (9.9% vs. 15.9%). Furthermore, fewer patients experienced concurrent COVID‐19 (6.8% vs. 19.1%), and they presented milder COVID‐19 and less severe strokes. Fewer hospitals reported a reduction in the number of SU beds or deployment of SU personnel to COVID‐19 dedicated wards during the second wave.ConclusionsDuring the second COVID‐19 wave, fewer stroke patients were diagnosed with COVID‐19, and they had less stroke severity and milder COVID‐19.
Cardiopulmonary function and intestinal blood flow in anaesthetised, experimentally endotoxaemic horses given a constant rate infusion of dexmedetomidine
Authors: Hector Rachel C. , Rezende Marlis L. , Nelson Brad B. , Monnet Eric 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundEndotoxaemia causes untoward inflammatory‐mediated effects that might be attenuated by dexmedetomidine.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of a dexmedetomidine intravenous (IV) infusion on systemic and intestinal haemodynamics and arterial blood gas values in sevoflurane‐anaesthetised horses administered Escherichia coli O55:B5 lipopolysaccharides (LPS).Study designRandomised controlled in vivo experiment.MethodsA total of 13 horses weighing 456 ± 86 kg (mean ± standard deviation) and aged 13.9 ± 9.0 years donated for euthanasia underwent ventral midline celiotomy using sevoflurane anaesthesia. Baseline physiological variables were recorded after a 90‐minute equilibration period. All horses were given 0.1 mcg/kg bwt LPS IV. Horses were randomly assigned to no further treatment (group LPS; seven horses) or IV administration of dexmedetomidine (loading dose 1.75 mcg/kg bwt followed by 1.75 mcg/kg bwt/h; group LPS–Dex; six horses) with concurrent target sevoflurane dose reduction of 50%. Cardiac index (CI; thermodilution), intestinal blood flow, arterial blood parameters and plasma dexmedetomidine concentration measurements were recorded every 30 minutes until euthanasia at 390 minutes. Data were compared between and within groups to baseline using a mixed model analysis (significance P < .05).ResultsIn LPS‐Dex horses, intestinal blood flow and CI were transiently decreased after the dexmedetomidine loading dose, but no significant differences were found compared with baseline during the infusion. Sevoflurane dose was reliably reduced by approximately 40%. Significant differences were identified in creatinine (115 umol/L LPS‐Dex; 195 umol/L LPS), bicarbonate (29.7 mmol/L LPS‐Dex; 23 mmol/L LPS) and base excess (2.0 mmol/L LPS‐Dex; −5.3 mmol/L LPS). Dexmedetomidine plasma concentrations were highest after the loading dose and stable during infusion dosing.Main limitationsExperimental conditions are not reflective of clinical colic management.ConclusionsA dexmedetomidine infusion with sevoflurane dose reduction attenuated some deleterious changes in anaesthetised horses administered LPS without sustained negative cardiovascular effects and may be beneficial during colic surgery.
Impacts of the Triple bristles three‐sided sonic powered toothbrush on tooth shade, plaque control and gingival health
Authors: AL‐Omiri Mahmoud K. , Al‐Shayyab Mohammad H. , Alahmari Nasser M. , Aldosari Lujain I. , Alzoubi Ibrahim A. , Al Nazeh Abdullah A. , Majdalawi Farah , Alsafadi Lana , Lynch Edward 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of the Triple bristles three‐sided sonic powered toothbrush in plaque removal and its impact on tooth shade and gingival health, and to compare this with a conventional manual toothbrush.MethodsFifty two participants (26 males and 26 females; mean age [SD] = 22.48 [1.52], SE = 0.210, 95% CI = 22.06–22.90) were recruited into this controlled within‐subject, randomized, two‐treatment, 1‐month crossover and examiner‐blinded observational study between October 2020 and January 2021 in the School of Dentistry, University of Jordan. Within each participant, the upper and lower jaws were randomized to receive a brushing protocol either with the Triple bristles three‐sided sonic brush or with a soft manual standard toothbrush with flat trimmed bristles. Tooth shades were recorded for upper and lower anterior and premolar teeth. The Turesky‐Modified Quigley‐Hein Plaque Index (TMQHPI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were evaluated at study baseline, 1 week and 1 month after applying the brushing protocol.ResultsBoth tested brushes were associated with significant reduction in plaque scores and BOP (p < 0.05). The Triple bristles brush was more effective in reduction in plaque and BOP in the lower jaw and among females than the manual brush (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe Triple bristles brush was more superior for reduction in plaque and probing on bleeding in the lower jaw and among females.
Fabrication and properties of alumina ceramics shaped by digital light processing as an additive manufacturing technology
Authors: Zhang Ling , Huang Jingyin , He Yu , Liu Kaige , Xiang Bingxi , Zhai Jianpang , Kong Ling Bing , Zhang Tianshu , Liu Yin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCeramic slurries with different contents of Al2O3 were formulated and alumina ceramic parts with promising surface morphology were fabricated by using digital light processing photopolymerization‐based additive manufacturing technology. The factors influencing curing depth of the slurries were studied, while the effects of powder content on shrinkage of the green bodies and microstructure, density, and hardness of the sintered bodies were evaluated. Although the curing depth was decreased with increasing content of Al2O3, all the five groups of slurries could be well cured, as the exposure time was set to be 16 s. According to TG‐DTG curves, the weight loss of the samples was completed at about 580°C. Samples from the slurries with 70 and 75 wt.% Al2O3 had dense microstructure, without obvious cracks at both the macro‐ and micro‐scales. Furthermore, with increasing content of Al2O3 in slurries, the bulk density and hardness of sintered bodies were increased. It is believed that our results could be used as a reference for the fabrication of alumina ceramics through additive manufacturing technology.
Two‐year change in weight status and high carotid intima‐media thickness in Chinese children
Authors: Liu Qin , Xi Bo , Ma Shujing , Zhao Min , Magnussen Costan G. 
Published: September 2021

SummaryBackgroundNo studies have assessed the association between change in weight status and subclinical cardiovascular outcomes in children.ObjectiveTo examine the association of change in weight status over 2 years with carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT) among Chinese children.MethodsA total of 1184 children aged 6–11 years at baseline with complete data were included, and there were 1073 children after excluding those with cIMT ≥ sex‐ and age‐specific 90th percentile values at baseline. Overweight (including obesity) at baseline or follow‐up was defined by criteria for overweight and obesity for Chinese school‐aged children and adolescents. High cIMT at follow‐up was defined as cIMT ≥ age‐ and sex‐specific 90th percentile based on the study population at follow‐up.ResultsCompared with children who were in persistent normal‐weight group, those in the incident or persistent overweight groups had higher cIMT change (incident overweight: β = 0.0149, p < 0.05; persistent overweight: β = 0.0068, p < 0.05) and had higher odds of high cIMT at follow‐up (incident overweight: odds ratio [OR] = 3.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.34–9.61; persistent overweight: OR = 13.41, 95% CI = 7.58–23.73). In contrast, there was no significant increase in cIMT change (β = 0.0106, p > 0.05) and odds of high cIMT (OR = 2.50, 95% CI = 0.69–9.01) in the resolution group.ConclusionChildren who developed overweight or maintained overweight over 2 years had increased odds of high cIMT, whereas those able to resolve their overweight status had a similar odds of developing high cIMT in childhood at follow‐up. These findings highlight the potential role of managing weight status among children to preserve vascular health.
The Impact of COVID‐19 Lockdown on Design Students’ Performance Case Study in the UAE
Authors: Amro Dana Khalid 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn China and the rest of the world, the COVID‐19 pandemic has been spreading since December 2019. This pandemic had negative effects on the public in general and on students’ performance. This study aimed to evaluate the perceived performance of design students participating in online distance learning due to the COVID‐19 pandemic lockdown in the UAE. The evaluation of the students’ negative emotions and their impact on creativity and design performance was conducted in two design courses. The case study included 193 design students, 140 first year and 53 fourth year students who are enrolled from the College of Fine Arts and Design. An online survey was used as a post‐evaluation tool for the students. Two focus group interviews were conducted for instructors who were involved in the sudden remote teaching. The findings showed the instructors’ deep understanding of the students’ emotions and how such emotions are reflected on performance during the pandemic. First year students had higher anxiety levels than fourth students, which negatively affected their design practice and learning performance for the lack of design experience. However, first years produced creative projects. Fourth years also had high anxiety levels, but they showed a higher level of satisfaction in their performance than first years. This study explored the impact, changes and challenges brought about by the pandemic experience and how instructors could benefit from it in future. Online classes changed the way design was taught and delivered. Blended learning is considered as a motivational and creative learning process.
Genomic differentiation with gene flow in a widespread Amazonian floodplain‐specialist bird species
Authors: Luna Leilton Willians , Ribas Camila Cherem , Aleixo Alexandre 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimEcological, climatic and palaeogeographical processes drive biological diversification. However, the evolutionary outcomes of those mechanisms are complex and difficult to discriminate. Here, we test how alternative drivers affected connectivity along the Amazonian floodplains generating current patterns of population structure and diversity within the Striped Woodcreeper, a widespread bird species tied to forests seasonally flooded by Amazonian rivers.LocationAmazonian floodplains.TaxonXiphorhynchus obsoletus (Aves, Furnariidae).MethodsWe sequenced 2213 loci of ultraconserved elements (UCEs) and 20 exons to investigate patterns of genetic structure and connectivity across the Striped Woodcreeper distribution, using a set of spatially explicit methods. Population genetics statistics were calculated for each sampled drainage and within each identified cluster. We tested alternative evolutionary scenarios and estimated past and current demographic parameters implementing a simulation‐based framework.ResultsThree genetic clusters with high admixture proportions were identified. These clusters are distributed in the western, central and eastern parts of the Amazon Basin and are not correlated with different river water types representing ecological gradients along the floodplains. Instead, migration rates indicate two putative historical barriers along the main channel of the Amazonas‐Solimões River. Demographic model tests suggest a process of sequential differentiation, partitioned across the Amazon Basin, with stable population sizes and continuous gene flow.Main conclusionOur results support the hypothesis that late Quaternary changes in connectivity between the eastern and western Amazonian drainages were responsible for driving genetic differentiation in the Striped Woodcreeper. Genomic differentiation occurred in the presence of long‐term gene flow throughout the X. obsoletus distribution, suggesting some degree of continuous historical connectivity across Amazonian floodplains. Compared to previous studies, our results suggest that although connectivity among populations of Amazonian bird species specialized in floodplain habitats varies in response to the same abiotic mechanisms, species‐specific differences in habitat use may be a strong predictor of population divergence.