bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of left ventricular subclinical systolic dysfunction between hemodialysis patients and renal transplant recipients using real time three‐dimensional echocardiography
Authors: Ekmekci Cenk , Cabuk Ali Kemal 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAimsThe relationship between chronic kidney disease and development of heart failure is a well‐known clinical entity. Systolic dyssynchrony index (SDI_16) is a new diagnostic tool for detection of subclinical left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction by using three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE). We aimed to investigate this parameter in patients with end‐stage renal disease who were receiving hemodialysis and patients with renal transplant compared to healthy control subjects.Material and MethodsForty‐five hemodialysis patients, 45 patients with renal transplant and 45 age‐sex matched healthy control subjects included in the study. All participants were evaluated with 3DE in the interdialytic phase for measurement of LV volumes, ejection fraction and SDI_16 parameter.ResultsBoth LV diastolic and systolic volumes were significantly higher in hemodialysis group compared to renal transplant group and healthy controls, but this finding did not translate to a statistically significant difference for LVEF measurements between groups (58.71 ± 3.53 vs. 57.17 ± 2.97 vs. 59.23 ± 3.26, p = .16 for renal transplant and hemodialysis and healthy control groups, respectively). Mean value of SDI_16 parameters was significantly higher in hemodialysis group compared to renal transplant group (7.93 ± 2.50 vs. 3.72 ± 1.71, p < .001) and healthy controls (7.93 ± 2.50 vs. 3.00 ± .99, p < .001); whereas, it was similar between renal transplant group and control subjects (3.72 ± 1.71 vs. 3.00 ± .99, p = .10).ConclusionSDI_16 was significantly higher in hemodialysis patients compared to patients with renal transplant and healthy controls.
Mitral valve Doppler for cardiac output assessment in preterm neonates
Authors: Nitzan Itamar , Hammerman Cathy , Menahem Samuel , Sehgal Arvind 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionCardiac output (CO) assessment in neonates is commonly done by echocardiography. It is unclear which is the best site to measure the left ventricular (LV) outflow tract for CO assessment (the aortic valve [AV] aortic sinus [AS] or the sinotubular junction [STJ]). In the normal heart, the blood flow entering the LV equals the blood ejected from it. Therefore, measuring the blood flow into the LV through the mitral valve (MV) is an alternative way to measure CO.MethodsIn stable preterm infants the MV CO was compared with the right ventricular (RV) CO and the three ways to measure LV CO, in 30 stable preterm neonates. Interobserver variability for MV CO was established.ResultsIn the 30 neonates studied, MV CO was best correlated and had a minimal bias to the RV CO and LV CO measured at the STJ. Left ventricular CO measured at the AV and AS had significant bias relative to RV CO and MV CO. MV CO inter‐observer variability was similar to other echocardiographic CO assessment methods.ConclusionMV CO may be used as an alternative way to assess CO. The STJ may be the optimal site to measure LV outflow tract.
Inverse size‐dependent phenology of female spruce budworms along reproductive and behavioral classes: an empirical study
Authors: Rhainds Marc , Delisle Johanne , Boulanger Yan , Labrecque Alain 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe incidence and causality of inverse size‐dependent phenology was investigated for spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in part due to large sample size [>22000 feral females with known body size (wing area) and timing of emergence/occurrence]. Data collected in three Canadian provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec) between 1976 and 2019 included a wide array of sampling procedures grouped along gradients of reproductive classes. (1) For resident females of local origin (collected as pupae and allowed to emerge in the laboratory), body size declined over time at seven of seven sites, indicative of inverse size‐dependent timing of emergence. (2) Females foraging on trees (collected by fogging host trees or with sweep nets) exhibited declines in body size over time at five of five sites. (3) For behaviorally active females collected at traps (malaise, light, and canopy traps), inverse size‐dependent phenology of flight was observed at 20 of 23 combination of trap types/sites; partition of variance indicated limited variation in body size as a function of trap type, thus all inflight females were pooled in subsequent analyses. (4) In contrast to other sampling procedures, dead females collected on drop trays exhibited size‐dependent timing of mortality at only one of five sites. The article includes first body size measurements of migrant females captured in the troposphere with a kite balloon; as with other sampling procedures, body size decreased during the interval of sampling. Ongoing studies combining measurements of body size and dry weight of females (wing load) aim at inferring consequences of inverse size‐dependent phenology on reproduction and migration of budworms, including linkages with population dynamics.
Poverty, pollution, and mortality: The 1918 influenza pandemic in a developing German economy
Authors: Franke Richard 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe paper provides a detailed analysis of excess mortality during the ‘Spanish Flu’ in a developing German economy and the effect of poverty and air pollution on pandemic mortality. The empirical analysis is based on a difference‐in‐differences approach using annual all‐cause mortality statistics at the parish level in the Kingdom of Württemberg. The paper complements the existing literature on urban pandemic severity with comprehensive evidence from mostly rural parishes. The results show that middle‐ and high‐income parishes had a significantly lower increase in mortality rates than low‐income parishes. Moreover, the mortality rate during the 1918 influenza pandemic was significantly higher in highly polluted parishes compared with least polluted parishes. Furthermore, the paper provides a detailed description of mortality statistics in Württemberg and new excess mortality rate estimates for Germany and its states.
The Union shall promote social justice
Authors: Schemmel Christian 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWhat would it take for the European Union (EU) to be in the service of social justice as much as it can be required to be? This paper argues that the EU has a duty to further social justice within its member states, and that its main avenue for discharging this duty should be to incentivise and facilitate the adoption, extension, and maintenance of just welfare policies, which, so it suggests, consist of universal and egalitarian such policies. This proposals contrasts both with a more integrationist approach, according to which welfare policies within the EU should be, to a significant extent, supranationalised; and with an internationalist proposal, according to which the EU should mainly preserve, and extend, member states' freedom to act in a globalised world economy, and generate economic benefits which these states might, or might not, employ to further internal justice. The argument of the paper demonstrates that this proposal has important advantages over these two rival approaches, and that a principled and plausible justification for it is to be found within an extended internationalist framework for theorising social justice. It concludes by considering what kind of EU policies its adoption might call for, in practice.
Transition into marriage: A test of relational uncertainty, turbulence, dyadic synchrony, and cohabitation in newlyweds
Authors: Blalock Jamie , Bartle‐Haring Suzanne 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis study explored the associations among relational uncertainty, relational turbulence, dyadic synchrony, and cohabitation status among newlyweds.BackgroundMarriage is a highly desired institution across racial groups, gender identities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic status. However, divorce rates remain high and marital problems early in the relationship are more predictive of dissolution.MethodsWe developed a preliminary instrument to test dyadic synchrony, an outcome variable within relational turbulence theory (RTT). EFA results suggested a two‐factor measure of dyadic synchrony: conversational comfort and ease and communication coordination and authenticity. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate direct and indirect theoretical associations among relational uncertainty, relational turbulence, and dyadic synchrony. An online survey was administered to a sample of newlyweds (N = 234) through Amazon's MTurk.ResultsResults indicated that relational uncertainty and turbulence, predicted dyadic synchrony; turbulence also mediated these associations. Finally, results indicated no differences between premarital and marital cohabiters' experiences of relational uncertainty, turbulence, and dyadic synchrony.ConclusionThe study results offer theoretical and methodological insights as well as translational implications for newlyweds, family systems, and clinicians.ImplicationsIf couples and their support systems view relational uncertainty and turbulence as a likelihood, this could help normalize their experiences and remove feelings of worry, shame, and guilt. Moreover, clinicians working with partners in premarital counseling or couples therapy could incorporate these findings into treatment such that partners could better adjust expectations, build awareness, and develop conflict resolution and strong communication skills.
The effect of the COVID‐19 social distancing measures on Turkish women's mental well‐being and burnout levels: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tekkas Kerman Kader , Albayrak Selvinaz , Arkan Gulcihan , Ozabrahamyan Serena , Beser Ayse 
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACTLockdown and social distancing measures during the COVID‐19 pandemic increase women's responsibilities and influence their mental health. This study aimed to assess the effect of COVID‐19 social distancing measures on mental well‐being and burnout levels of women using an online cross‐sectional survey in Turkey. The Warwick‐Edinburgh Mental Well‐being Scale, The Burnout Measure, and Sociodemographic form were used in this study. All analyses were performed on a sample of 438 women aged between 18 and 65. The mean score of mental well‐being was 47.86 (SD = 10.04) and the mean score of burnout was 3.86 (SD = 1.16). Being younger than 30 years old (t = 2.14, P = 0.033), having undergraduate education or above (F = 5.09, P = 0.007), part‐time working (F = 5.39, P = 0.005), attending to school (t = 2.68, P = 0.008), having COVID‐19 symptoms (t = 6.01, P < 0.001), and perceiving spousal emotional support (F = 3.47, P = 0.016) were the factors associated with high burnout. Being older than 30 years old (z = −3.11, P = 0.002), full time working (H = 11.96, P = 0.003), not attending to school (z = −2.09, P = 0.036), perceiving spousal emotional (H = 13.22, P = 0.004), or social (H = 13.11, P = 0.004) support were the factors associated with higher mental well‐being. Age (β = −0.03, P = 0.001), having two or more children (β = 0.42, P = 0.015), and perceiving COVID‐19 symptoms (β = −0.73, P < 0.001) were the predictors of women’s burnout. This study shows that mental well‐being and burnout levels of women in Turkey have been considerably affected as a result of social distancing measures taken with the first wave of the pandemic. Findings signal the immediate need for targeted mental health nursing interventions. Therefore, technology‐based mental health support programmes are recommended to be designed and utilized by mental health nurses.
Studying experimentally and numerically the rate of moisture loss in conditioned alfalfa using computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Dana Maryam , Ahmadi Moghaddam Parviz 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe nutritional value and protein content play a key role in alfalfa for animal and human consumption; hence, the drying method is highly significant. An innovative combination method, including drying under natural convection and different conditioning intensities of alfalfa stem, were evaluated in this study. The conditioning intensities including three intensities of 3‐, 8‐, and 13‐impacts were selected considering the physics of the alfalfa stems. Computational fluid dynamics method and porous media model were used to simulate the drying process of alfalfa and the drying kinetics of alfalfa was also studied in three conditions. Fine quad‐type meshes were used adjacent to the stem wall to achieve more accurate results. Also, the maximum leaves‐stem separation forces were obtained by a texture analyzer at different conditioning intensities and different times. The leaf‐stem separation force was significantly reduced by decreasing humidity and increasing conditioning intensity. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental data with a maximum error less than 9% in all conditioning levels. Finally, the 8‐impacts conditioning level has the best condition among the studied levels in terms of drying kinetics and studying fouling at different intensities of conditioning.Practical ApplicationsMoisture content in foods such as forages is one of the factors affecting crop losses during harvest. Uniform stem‐leave moisture is an impressive factor in reducing losses. Therefore, using new numerical methods such as computational fluid dynamics with experimental validation can improve crop fouling by obtaining optimal moisture.
Viewing stromal vascular fraction de novo vessel formation and association with host microvasculature using the rat mesentery culture model
Authors: Hodges Nicholas A. , Lampejo Arinola O. , Shang Hulan , Rowe Gabrielle , LeBlanc Amanda Jo , Katz Adam J. , Murfee Walter L. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of the study is to demonstrate the innovation and utility of mesenteric tissue culture for discovering the microvascular growth dynamics associated with adipose‐derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) transplantation. Understanding how SVF cells contribute to de novo vessel growth (i.e., neovascularization) and host network angiogenesis motivates the need to make observations at single‐cell and network levels within a tissue.MethodsStromal vascular fraction was isolated from the inguinal adipose of adult male Wistar rats, labeled with DiI, and seeded onto adult Wistar rat mesentery tissues. Tissues were then cultured in MEM + 10% FBS for 3 days and labeled for BSI‐lectin to identify vessels. Alternatively, SVF and tissues from green fluorescent‐positive (GFP) Sprague Dawley rats were used to track SVF derived versus host vasculature.ResultsStromal vascular fraction‐treated tissues displayed a dramatically increased vascularized area compared to untreated tissues. DiI and GFP+ tracking of SVF identified neovascularization involving initial segment formation, radial outgrowth from central hub‐like structures, and connection of segments. Neovascularization was also supported by the formation of segments in previously avascular areas. New segments characteristic of SVF neovessels contained endothelial cells and pericytes. Additionally, a subset of SVF cells displayed the ability to associate with host vessels and the presence of SVF increased host network angiogenesis.ConclusionsThe results showcase the use of the rat mesentery culture model as a novel tool for elucidating SVF cell transplant dynamics and highlight the impact of model selection for visualization.
Optimizing techniques for measuring anal resting and squeeze pressures with high‐resolution manometry
Authors: Oblizajek Nicholas R. , Deb Brototo , Kathavarayan Ramu Shivabalan (Shiva) , Chunawala Zainali , Feuerhak Kelly , Bailey Kent R. , Bharucha Adil E. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe optimal methods for measuring and analyzing anal resting and squeeze pressure with high‐resolution manometry (HRM) are unclear.MethodsAnal resting and squeeze pressures were measured with HRM in 90 healthy women, 35 women with defecatory disorders (DD), and 85 with fecal incontinence (FI). Pressures were analyzed with Manoview™ software and a customized approach. Resting pressures measured for 20, 60, and 300 s were compared. During the squeeze period, (3 maneuvers, 20 s each), the squeeze increment, which was averaged over 5, 10, 15, and 20 s, and squeeze duration were evaluated.ResultsCompared to healthy women, the anal resting pressure, squeeze pressure increment, and squeeze duration were lower in FI (p ≤ 0.04) but not in DD. The 20, 60, and 300 s resting pressures were strongly correlated (concordance correlation coefficients = 0.96–0.99) in healthy and DD women. The 5 s squeeze increment was the greatest; 10, 15, and 20 s values were progressively lower (p < 0.001). The squeeze pressure increment and duration differed (p < 0.01) among the three maneuvers in healthy and DD women but not in FI women. The upper 95th percentile limit for squeeze duration was 19.5 s in controls, 19.9 s in DD, and 19.3 s in FI. Adjusted for age, resting pressure, and squeeze duration, a greater squeeze increment was associated with a lower risk of FI versus health (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94–0.97).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that anal resting and squeeze pressures can be accurately measured over 20 s. In most patients, one squeeze maneuver is probably sufficient.
Oral amoxicillin/clavulanate for the prevention of bacteremia following dental extractions
Authors: Diniz Freitas Márcio , Álvarez Fernández Maximiliano , Vasallo Vidal Francisco Jose , Limeres Posse Jacobo , Diz Dios Pedro , Fernández Feijoo Javier 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of oral amoxicillin/clavulanate (AMX‐CL) for the prevention of bacteremia following dental extractions. The study group (AMX‐CLG) comprised 40 adults requiring dental extractions under general anesthesia who were administered a prophylactic regimen of 1875/125 mg of AMX‐CL orally 1–2 h prior to the surgery. Venous blood samples were collected from each patient at baseline and at 30 s and 15 min after dental extractions. Samples were inoculated into BACTEC Plus culture bottles and processed in the BACTEC 9240. Conventional microbiological techniques were used for subcultures and further identification of the isolated bacteria. The results for the AMX‐CLG were compared with those of a control group (CG; no prophylaxis) and an amoxicillin group (AMXG; 2 g of amoxicillin orally), consisting of randomly selected patients from among those participating in two clinical trials that we have previously published. The prevalence of bacteremia in the CG, AMXG, and AMX‐CLG was 97%, 50%, and 15%, respectively, at 30 s after completing the extractions, and 67%, 10%, and 4% at 15 min, respectively, after the last extraction. The prevalence of bacteremia in the AMXG and the AMX‐CLG at 30 s and at 15 min after completing the extractions was significantly lower than that in the CG (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively; Fisher’s exact test). The prevalence of bacteremia in the AMX‐CLG at 30 s after completing the extractions was significantly lower than that in the AMXG (p < 0.001; Fisher’s exact test). Based in the results of this preliminary study, oral AMX‐CL could be an excellent option for preventing bacteremia secondary to dental procedures in patients at risk.
Torticollis, Facial Asymmetry, Local Pain, and Barré‐Liéou Syndrome in Connection with One‐Sided Ponticulus Posticus: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Li Guangzhou , Wang Qing , Wang Gaoju 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundPonticulus posticus (PP) occurs frequently and may cause symptom series, including vertebrobasilar insufficiency, migraine, hearing loss, and Barré‐Liéou syndrome. However, few studies to date have described surgical treatment of PP. We report a rare case of a patient who suffered from torticollis, facial asymmetry, localized pain, and Barré‐Liéou syndrome in connection with PP. We also review the pertinent literature, focusing on surgical treatment for symptoms due to PP.Case presentationA 23‐year‐old male presented with the chief complaint of continuous significant dizziness to the point of losing consciousness while rotating his head to the right. Plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans of the cervical spine showed a С1 anomaly with the formation of complete PP on the left (dominant) side, with acute‐angled, С‐shaped kinking of the vertebral artery. Resection of PP via the posterior midline was performed successfully. The patient had satisfactory postoperative relief from localized pain and Barré‐Liéou syndrome, but there were no obvious changes in the torticollis and facial asymmetry observed during the 3‐month follow‐up period.ConclusionsThis case is a rare presentation of torticollis, facial asymmetry, localized pain, and Barré‐Liéou syndrome in connection with one‐sided complete PP. This tetrad indicates that PP may affect the patient earlier than expected. In such situations, early diagnosis and timely surgical treatment may significantly improve patients' quality of life and avoid the development of torticollis and face asymmetry.
Overexpression of cytoplasmic C4Flaveria bidentis carbonic anhydrase in C3Arabidopsis thaliana increases amino acids, photosynthetic potential, and biomass
Authors: Kandoi Deepika , Ruhil Kamal , Govindjee Govindjee , Tripathy Baishnab C. 
Published: April 2022

SummaryAn important method to improve photosynthesis in C3 crops, such as rice and wheat, is to transfer efficient C4 characters to them. Here, cytosolic carbonic anhydrase (CA: βCA3) of the C4 Flaveria bidentis (Fb) was overexpressed under the control of 35S promoter in Arabidopsis thaliana, a C3 plant, to enhance its photosynthetic efficiency. Overexpression of CA resulted in a better supply of the substrate for the endogenous phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase in the cytosol of the overexpressers, and increased its activity for generating malate that feeds into the tricarboxylic acid cycle. This provided additional carbon skeleton for increased synthesis of amino acids aspartate, asparagine, glutamate, and glutamine. Increased amino acids contributed to higher protein content in the transgenics. Furthermore, expression of FbβCA3 in Arabidopsis led to a better growth due to expression of several genes leading to higher chlorophyll content, electron transport, and photosynthetic carbon assimilation in the transformants. Enhanced CO2 assimilation resulted in increased sugar and starch content, and plant dry weight. In addition, transgenic plants had lower stomatal conductance, reduced transpiration rate, and higher water‐use efficiency. These results, taken together, show that expression of C4 CA in the cytosol of a C3 plant can indeed improve its photosynthetic capacity with enhanced water‐use efficiency.