bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bulls for sacrifice, cows for work? Morphometric models suggest that female cattle were used for traction in the Chinese Bronze Age Late Shang dynasty (ca. 1300–1046 BCE)
Authors: Lin Minghao , Luan Fengshi , Fang Hui , Xu Hong , Zhao Haitao , Hu Songmei , Qian Yaopeng , Ma Xiaolin , Barker Graeme
Published: October 2021

Training animals to pull agricultural equipment and wheeled transport significantly shaped and advanced human economic systems. In this context the use of large domestic animals such as cattle was a milestone event in human history, part of what Sherratt memorably termed the Secondary Products Revolution: the use of the products of live animals such as milk, wool and traction power. It is commonly assumed that male cattle were generally preferred for traction because of their greater strength compared with females, and the importance of the latter for breeding and, in some societies, for milk and for dairy products, but surprisingly little is known of this aspect of the Secondary Products Revolution in prehistoric China. Here we apply established morphometric models to 10 assemblages of cattle bones from Chinese Bronze Age (ca. 2000–221 BCE) contexts. Our results indicate a process of intensified cattle labour exploitation at this time and, intriguingly, we also observe the earliest labour employment of female cattle during the Late Shang dynasty (ca. 1300–1046 BCE). It is proposed that female cattle may have been required for traction because of the large numbers of male cattle, especially bulls, that were sent for ritual sacrifice. Such a strategy reveals a sophisticated social management, upon which the Late Shang civilisation eventually developed.
Central Bank Communications and Professional Forecasts: Evidence From India
Authors: Goyal Ashima , Parab Prashant
Published: October 2021

We analyze the influence of qualitative and quantitative communications of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on inflation expectations of professional forecasters and draw out implications for policy. Estimating Carroll-type epidemiological models of expectation formation under information rigidities, we get a large speed of adjustment of professional forecasters’ expectations. Analysis of the determinants of inflation forecasts, inflation surprises, and forecaster disagreement reveals significant influence of quantitative RBI communications in the form of inflation projections. This effect is prominent for shorter-horizon forecasts and after adoption of flexible inflation targeting. Macroeconomic fundamentals like lagged inflation and repo rate also significantly influence inflation forecasts. Choice of words in the RBI monetary policy statements has more impact after October 2016, when the monetary policy committee became the decision-making body.

JEL Classification: E31, E52, E58
Pediatric poisoning pattern: A comparison of preadolescent and adolescent groups in Hong Kong over 3 years
Authors: Lui Safiyyah Nok Sze , Chan Chi Keung
Published: October 2021

Objective:

To compare local poisoning patterns of preadolescents and adolescents.

Methods:

Retrospective cross‐sectional study. Data collected through the Hong Kong Poison Information Centre (HKPIC) Poisoning Information and Clinical Management System (PICMS). Patients aged 10 to 17 years old from January 2016 to December 2018 were included and divided into preadolescent (10–12 years old) and adolescent (13–17 years old) groups. Statistical analysis for categorical variables was performed using chi‐square test of independence, p < 0.05. Strength of association examined with Cramer's V. Rate ratios with 95% confidence interval were used to determine nature of association, using preadolescents as comparison group.

Results:

A total of 703 cases were analyzed. There were 107 cases in the preadolescent group and 596 cases in the adolescent group. Three variables showed moderate association: intentional exposure (rate ratio: 2.91, 2.13–3.98), exposure in school (rate ratio: 0.30, 0.21–0.44), and the use of pharmaceuticals (rate ratio: 1.95, 1.57–2.44). The most common substance of exposure were analgesics (n = 213, 24.94%) and fumes, gases, and vapors (n = 19, 15.08%) in adolescents and preadolescents, respectively.

Conclusion:

Epidemiological difference still exists between preadolescents and adolescents. The association of adolescents with intentional poisoning, and the use of pharmaceuticals was highlighted. The study acts as a recent update of pediatric poisoning patterns and hopes to act as a reference for future studies.
An adaptive shock mitigation control method for helicopter seat system with magnetorheological energy absorbers
Authors: Feng Zhongqiang , Chen Zhaobo , Xing Xudong
Published: October 2021

This research presents a minimal maximum deceleration (MMD) control method which can be used in the shock mitigation system with magnetorheological energy absorbers (MREAs). The proposed control method can make the payload stop at the end of the available MREA stroke with the lowest maximum deceleration, which does not exceed the deceleration threshold value and lead to the lowest occupant injury probability. The shock mitigation system controlled by MMD will experience constant deceleration control stage and maximum damping force control stage while making full use of the available MREA stroke. The comparative performance of the MMD control method with Bingham number (BN) control, constant deceleration (CD) control and minimum duration deceleration exposure (MDDE) control is shown. Then, the controllable drop velocity range and the required maximum MREA controllable damping force range of MMD control method is calculated. Subsequently, the optimal control method selection criterion among BN control method, CD control method and MMD control method is developed. Finally, the optimal selection criterion is applied to the drop induced shock mitigation system with varying payload velocity, payload mass (occupant type) and the maximum controllable damping force of MREA.
Does Local Autonomy Breed Leviathans? An Empirical Examination of All Cities in the United States
Authors: Ivonchyk Mikhail
Published: October 2021

US states grant their local units different levels of autonomy in several dimensions including fiscal, functional, structural, and legal discretion. This study uses a comprehensive, multidimensional measure of autonomy to test its association with the fiscal behavior of over 19,000 municipalities in the United States. Competing theoretical predictions range from significant increases in government size (Leviathan model), to no effect (median-voter model), and even smaller governments (institutional collective action model). Quantile regression analysis is implemented to test the association between autonomy and fiscal behavior for different city sizes. The empirical findings indicate that cities with more autonomy tend to spend less and have lower taxes and debt. The strength of this relationship, however, varies by city size.
Companion Diagnostics: State of the Art and New Regulations
Authors: Valla Vasiliki , Alzabin Saba , Koukoura Angeliki , Lewis Amy , Nielsen Anne Ahlmann , Vassiliadis Efstathios
Published: October 2021

Companion diagnostics (CDx) hail promise of improving the drug development process and precision medicine. However, there are various challenges involved in the clinical development and regulation of CDx, which are considered high-risk in vitro diagnostic medical devices given the role they play in therapeutic decision-making and the complications they may introduce with respect to their sensitivity and specificity. The European Union (E.U.) is currently in the process of bringing into effect in vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (IVDR). The new Regulation is introducing a wide range of stringent requirements for scientific validity, analytical and clinical performance, as well as on post-market surveillance activities throughout the lifetime of in vitro diagnostics (IVD). Compliance with General Safety and Performance Requirements (GSPRs) adopts a risk-based approach, which is also the case for the new classification system. This changing regulatory framework has an impact on all stakeholders involved in the IVD Industry, including Authorized Representatives, Distributors, Importers, Notified Bodies, and Reference Laboratories and is expected to have a significant effect on the development of new CDx.
Debate as a pedagogical tool for developing speaking skills in second language education
Authors: el Majidi Abid , de Graaff Rick , Janssen Daniel
Published: October 2021

Many secondary school students’ second language (L2) speaking skills suffer from deficiencies; the effects thereof are detrimental to their academic and career opportunities in a globalized world that highlights the importance of oral communication skills. Debate has been considered a potentially effective speaking pedagogical tool that can scaffold learning processes in ways that can lead to language development. This study investigates the effect of a debate intervention on English L2 speaking competence of Dutch secondary school students. Following a pretest–posttest control group design, we elicited speech samples from opinion tasks which we coded in terms of measures of speech quantity, fluency, complexity, accuracy and cohesion. Multilevel analysis results indicate that after the intervention, the intervention group produced more language which was more fluent, accurate, coherent and lexically more sophisticated relative to the control group. These findings, which have significant implications for L2 speaking development, are discussed in relation to specific characteristics of L2 debate pedagogy.
Special elections in alternative vote electoral systems: Exploring turnout and the vote in Irish by-elections 1923–2019
Authors: Quinlan Stephen
Published: October 2021

Most literature on special elections has focused on first-past-the-post contests and on the performance of governments. Turnout, candidates, and how the electoral system impacts the result have received less attention. This contribution fills these voids by exploring special elections in Ireland, elections conducted under the alternative vote system. Taking a multifaceted approach, it investigates the correlates of turnout, the impact of candidates and the decisive effect of lower preferences, while also testing multiple explanations of government performance. I find Irish special elections live up to the by-election truisms of lower turnout and government loss. Government performance is associated with national economic conditions. By-election victory is more likely among candidates with familial lineage and former members of parliament. Where they come into play, one in five candidates owe their victory to lower preferences.
The Important Role for Physicians as Advocates for Firearm and Road Traffic Injury Prevention
Authors: Liller Karen D. , Mehmood Amber
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this article is to discuss the important role for physicians in advocating for the prevention of road traffic and firearm injuries. Physicians have shown to be effective advocates for a variety of injuries, and this needs to continue and be enhanced for these injury categories. Road traffic and firearm injuries are among the leading causes of death across the lifespan. The influence and credibility of physicians enhance the messages they provide in advocacy efforts. It is important that physicians educate and counsel patients in a variety of healthcare settings along with joining advocacy efforts of professional associations. Recommendations are provided for advocacy components related to these injuries. Also, it is very important that physicians receive training in medical school and/or residency about injuries and how to successfully advocate for evidence-based injury prevention strategies.
Lawful Sequence of Events and Cryptocurrency Anomalies: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Bhatia Parul , Jain Lipika
Published: October 2021

The structural variations related to legal tender of cryptocurrencies operating across the world markets has been instable since their inception. There have been many changes incorporated for their status to be recognized as a legal financial instrument for investment purposes over the virtual financial markets. The concept of anomalies associated with the popular efficient market hypotheses given by Eugene Fama existed for Bitcoin and few other cryptocurrencies over a period of time. The present work attempts to contribute to the existing literature on cryptocurrency studies. A focused investigation has been carried for cryptocurrencies to find different behaviour of returns on these currencies over a varied response from various countries with respect to their permissible manoeuvres. The study has used independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA and dummy regression analysis to examine the day of the week effect for a time period between 2014–2020 split into multiple sub-periods. Anomalies have been found for cryptocurrencies across multiple sub-periods with varied magnitude.
Characterization of Deposits in Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder: Deposits Are Composed of Large Aggregates of Highly Crystalline, Rod-Like Crystals
Authors: Mateos José Maria , Singer Gad , Kaech Andres , Ziegler Urs , Eid Karim
Published: October 2021

Background:

In the current literature, deposits in calcific tendinitis are described as amorphous masses of hydroxyapatite with a size in the range of 5 to 20 μm. Theoretically, these are too big to be phagocytized by macrophages and induce an inflammatory reaction.

Purpose:

To better characterize the deposits seen in calcific tendinitis.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Included in the study were 6 patients with a history of at least 1 year of shoulder pain (range, 1-14 years). Shoulder arthroscopy was performed under general anesthesia, and calcium deposits from the supraspinatus tendon and biopsies from the adjacent subacromial bursa were taken. Samples were analyzed by light microscopy and immunostained for macrophages. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis were used to assess the morphology and chemical composition of the calcific deposits.

Results:

Light microscopy showed round and bulky calcium deposits partially surrounded by activated CD68-positive macrophages within inflammatory tissue. Some hemosiderin positive mononuclear cells, indicative for (micro-) hemorrhage, were seen. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the large calcific deposits (1-20 μm) were composed of rod-like structures. These highly crystalline rods had a size of approximately 100 nm in length and 20 nm in width. Chemical composition by EDX analysis showed that crystals were composed of mainly calcium, oxygen, and phosphorus, equaling the chemical composition of hydroxyapatite.

Conclusion:

Deposits in calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff are not amorphous but composed of highly crystalline structures. Fragmentation of these aggregates and subsequent release of the needle-like nanocrystals might initiate the strong inflammatory reaction often seen in patients with calcifying tendinitis of the rotator cuff.
Lateral Meniscal Tears in Young Patients: A Comparison of Meniscectomy and Surgical Repair
Authors: Duethman Nicholas C. , Wilbur Ryan R. , Song Bryant M. , Stuart Michael J. , Levy Bruce A. , Camp Christopher L. , Krych Aaron J.
Published: October 2021

Background:

Meniscal tears are common in active patients, but treatment trends and surgical outcomes in young patients with lateral meniscal tears are lacking.

Purpose:

To evaluate treatment trends, outcomes, and failure rates in young patients with lateral meniscal tears.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Patients aged ≤25 years treated surgically for isolated lateral meniscal tears from 2001 to 2017 were identified. Treatment trends were compared over time. International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores and failure rates were compared by treatment modality (meniscectomy vs meniscal repair). Failure was defined as reoperation, symptomatic osteoarthritis, or a severely abnormal IKDC score. Univariate regression analyses were performed to predict failure and IKDC scores based on treatment, type and location of tear, or extent of meniscectomy.

Results:

Included were 217 patients (226 knees) with a mean age of 17.4 years (range, 7-25 years); of these patients, 144 knees (64%) were treated with meniscectomy and 82 knees (36%) with meniscal repair. Treatment with repair increased over time compared with meniscectomy ( P < .001). At a minimum 2-year follow-up (mean, 6.1 ± 3.9 years), 107 patients (110 knees) had IKDC scores, and analysis indicated that although scores in both groups improved from pre- to postoperatively (repair: from 69.5 ± 13.3 to 97.4 ± 4.3; meniscectomy: from 75.7 ± 9.0 to 97.3 ± 3.9; P < .001 for both), improvement in IKDC score was greater after repair (27.9 ± 13.9) versus meniscectomy (21.6 ± 9.4) ( P = .005). Included in the failure analysis were 184 patients (192 knees) at a mean follow-up of 8.4 ± 4.4 years. The rates of reoperation, symptomatic osteoarthritis, and failure were not significantly different between the meniscectomy and repair groups.

Conclusion:

An increase was seen in the rate of isolated lateral meniscal tear repair in young patients. IKDC score improvement was greater after repair than meniscectomy, although postoperative IKDC scores were similar. Symptomatic arthritis, reoperation, and failure rates were similar between groups; however, there was a trend for increased arthritis symptoms in patients treated with meniscectomy, especially total meniscectomy. Treatment modality, type and location of tear, and amount of meniscus removed were not predictive of final IKDC scores or failure.
Spectral matching RotD100 target spectra: Effect on records characteristics and seismic response
Authors: Rivera-Figueroa Alan , Montejo Luis A
Published: October 2021

This article investigates three different approaches to generate seismic input compatible with RotD100 design spectra: (1) separately matching each horizontal component to the target spectrum, (2) separately matching and then scaling-down the records to improve the match and (3) directly pursuing the match of RotD100 by simultaneously modifying both horizontal components. We examine the strong motion characteristics of the resulting records individually and their variability as suites of input records. The records generated, along with a set of amplitude-scaled records, are used as input for bi-directional non-linear response history analyses of idealized single column reinforced concrete bridge piers with different geometric and reinforcement characteristics. It is shown that the records generated pursuing a direct match of the target spectrum attain the closest match, retain better the strong motion characteristics of the seed records and their horizontal components exhibit a spectral variability comparable to suites of amplitude-scaled records. Regarding the effect on seismic response, the suites constructed separately matching each component consistently imposed larger peak inelastic and total energy demands than all other suites. Directly pursuing the match of RotD100 generated responses close but consistently below the expected from amplitude-scaled suites. The best results were obtained using the direct match methodology but using as target 110% the RotD100 spectrum as required in ASCE 7-16.
Effect of a day-trip to altitude (2500 m) on exercise performance in pulmonary hypertension: randomised crossover trial
Authors: Schneider Simon R. , Mayer Laura C. , Lichtblau Mona , Berlier Charlotte , Schwarz Esther I. , Saxer Stéphanie , Tan Lu , Furian Michael , Bloch Konrad E. , Ulrich Silvia
Published: October 2021

Question addressed by the study

To investigate exercise performance and hypoxia-related health effects in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) during a high-altitude sojourn.

Patients and methods

In a randomised crossover trial in stable (same therapy for >4 weeks) patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) with resting arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) ≥7.3 kPa, we compared symptom-limited constant work-rate exercise test (CWRET) cycling time during a day-trip to 2500 mversus470 m. Further outcomes were symptoms, oxygenation and echocardiography. For safety, patients with sustained hypoxaemia at altitude (peripheral oxygen saturation <80% for >30 min or <75% for >15 min) received oxygen therapy.

Results

28 PAH/CTEPH patients (n=15/n=13); 13 females; mean±sdage 63±15 years were included. After >3 h at 2500 mversus470 m, CWRET-time was reduced to 17±11versus24±9 min (mean difference −6, 95% CI −10 to −3), corresponding to −27.6% (−41.1 to −14.1; p<0.001), but similar Borg dyspnoea scale. At altitude,PaO2was significantly lower (7.3±0.8versus10.4±1.5 kPa; mean difference −3.2 kPa, 95% CI −3.6 to −2.8 kPa), whereas heart rate and tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient (TRPG) were higher (86±18versus71±16 beats·min−1, mean difference 15 beats·min−1, 95% CI 7 to 23 beats·min−1) and 56±25versus40±15 mmHg (mean difference 17 mmHg, 95% CI 9 to 24 mmHg), respectively, and remained so until end-exercise (all p<0.001). The TRPG/cardiac output slope during exercise was similar at both altitudes. Overall, three (11%) out of 28 patients received oxygen at 2500 m due to hypoxaemia.

Conclusion

This randomised crossover study showed that the majority of PH patients tolerate a day-trip to 2500 m well. At highversuslow altitude, the mean exercise time was reduced, albeit with a high interindividual variability, and pulmonary artery pressure at rest and during exercise increased, but pressure–flow slope and dyspnoea were unchanged.
Paternal care effects outweigh gamete-mediated and personal environment effects during the transgenerational estimation of risk in fathead minnows
Authors: Meuthen Denis , Ferrari Maud C. O. , Chivers Douglas P.
Published: October 2021

Background

Individuals can estimate risk by integrating prenatal with postnatal and personal information, but the relative importance of different information sources during the transgenerational response is unclear. The estimated level of risk can be tested using the cognitive rule of risk allocation, which postulates that under consistent high-risk, antipredator efforts should decrease so that individual metabolic requirements can be satisfied. Here we conduct a comprehensive study on transgenerational risk transmission by testing whether risk allocation occurs across 12 treatments that consist of different maternal, paternal, parental care (including cross-fostering) and offspring risk environment combinations in the fathead minnowPimephales promelas, a small cyprinid fish with alloparental care. In each risk environment, we manipulated perceived risk by continuously exposing individuals from birth onwards to conspecific alarm cues or a control water treatment. Using 2810 1-month old individuals, we then estimated shoaling behaviour prior to and subsequent to a novel mechanical predator disturbance.

Results

Overall, shoals estimating risk to be high were denser during the prestimulus period, and, following the risk allocation hypothesis, resumed normal shoaling densities faster following the disturbance. Treatments involving parental care consistently induced densest shoals and greatest levels of risk allocation. Although prenatal risk environments did not relate to paternal care intensity, greater care intensity induced more risk allocation when parents provided care for their own offspring as opposed to those that cross-fostered fry. In the absence of care, parental effects on shoaling density were relatively weak and personal environments modulated risk allocation only when parental risk was low.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the high relative importance of parental care as opposed to other information sources, and its function as a mechanism underlying transgenerational risk transmission.
The relationship between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and glycosylated hemoglobin in diabetic patients aged 20 or above: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Huang Rui , Yan Li , Lei Yuhua
Published: October 2021

Aim

The incidence rate of diabetes is increasing year by year, seriously threatening human health. As a predictor of glycemic control, glycated hemoglobin is reported to be related to various complications and prognoses of diabetes. Besides, HDL-C dyslipidemia is a component of metabolic syndrome and may be related to various cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The principal objective of this project was to investigate the relationship between HDL-C and glycosylated hemoglobin in adult diabetic patients.

Methods

A total of 3171 adult diabetic patients aged 20 years and above were included in the present study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). HDL-C and glycosylated hemoglobin were regarded as independent and dependent variables, respectively. EmpowerStats software and R (version 3.4.3) were used to examine the association between HDL-C and glycosylated hemoglobin.

Results

HDL-C was inversely associated with glycohemoglobin after adjusting for other covariates (β = − 0.004, 95% CI:− 0.008 to − 0.000, p = 0.044). Race/ethnicity and age were considered the most prominent interactive factors that affect the relationship between HDL and glycosylated hemoglobin by the interaction analysis. A U-shaped association was detected between HDL-C and glycosylated hemoglobin for people of other race/ethnicity or aged 60 and above, which had an inflection point of HDL-C at 60 mg/dL. In contrast, we observed an inverted U-shaped distribution between HDL-C and glycosylated hemoglobin in people under 40 with point of inflection located at 60 mg/dL as well.

Conclusions

HDL-C in diabetic patients is inversely associated with glycosylated hemoglobin and may be relevant to glycemic control. However, a U-shaped relationship was also observed in a certain kind of people, which implied that, though HDL-C is considered as metabolism and anti-atherogenic property, for diabetics, it is not the higher, the better.
What do end-users want to know about managing the performance of healthcare delivery systems? Co-designing a context-specific and practice-relevant research agenda
Authors: Evans Jenna M. , Gilbert Julie E. , Bacola Jasmine , Hagens Victoria , Simanovski Vicky , Holm Philip , Harvey Rebecca , Blake Peter G. , Matheson Garth
Published: October 2021

Background

Despite increasing interest in joint research priority-setting, few studies engage end-user groups in setting research priorities at the intersection of the healthcare and management disciplines. With health systems increasingly establishing performance management programmes to account for and incentivize performance, it is important to conduct research that is actionable by the end-users involved with or impacted by these programmes. The aim of this study was to co-design a research agenda on healthcare performance management with and for end-users in a specific jurisdictional and policy context.

Methods

We undertook a rapid review of the literature on healthcare performance management (n = 115) and conducted end-user interviews (n = 156) that included a quantitative ranking exercise to prioritize five directions for future research. The quantitative rankings were analysed using four methods: mean, median, frequency ranked first or second, and frequency ranked fifth. The interview transcripts were coded inductively and analysed thematically to identify common patterns across participant responses.

Results

Seventy-three individual and group interviews were conducted with 156 end-users representing diverse end-user groups, including administrators, clinicians and patients, among others. End-user groups prioritized different research directions based on their experiences and information needs. Despite this variation, the research direction on motivating performance improvement had the highest overall mean ranking and was most often ranked first or second and least often ranked fifth. The research direction was modified based on end-user feedback to include an explicit behaviour change lens and stronger consideration for the influence of context.

Conclusions

Joint research priority-setting resulted in a practice-driven research agenda capable of generating results to inform policy and management practice in healthcare as well as contribute to the literature. The results suggest that end-users are keen to open the “black box” of performance management to explore more nuanced questions beyond “does performance management work?” End-users want to know how, when and why performance management contributes to behaviour change (or fails to) among front-line care providers.
Opportunities and challenges of glioma organoids
Authors: Xu Xiangdong , Li Lingfei , Luo Linting , Shu Lingling , Si Xiaoli , Chen Zhenzhen , Xia Wenqing , Huang Jinyu , Liu Yang , Shao Anwen , Ke Yiquan
Published: October 2021

Glioma is the most common primary brain tumor and its prognosis is poor. Despite surgical removal, glioma is still prone to recurrence because it grows rapidly in the brain, is resistant to chemotherapy, and is highly aggressive. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a platform to study the cell dynamics of gliomas in order to discover the characteristics of the disease and develop more effective treatments. Although 2D cell models and animal models in previous studies have provided great help for our research, they also have many defects. Recently, scientific researchers have constructed a 3D structure called Organoids, which is similar to the structure of human tissues and organs. Organoids can perfectly compensate for the shortcomings of previous glioma models and are currently the most suitable research platform for glioma research. Therefore, we review the three methods currently used to establish glioma organoids. And introduced how they play a role in the diagnosis and treatment of glioma. Finally, we also summarized the current bottlenecks and difficulties encountered by glioma organoids, and the current efforts to solve these difficulties.
Kinect-based rapid movement training to improve balance recovery for stroke fall prevention: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Junata Melisa , Cheng Kenneth Chik-Chi , Man Hok Sum , Lai Charles Wai-Kin , Soo Yannie Oi-Yan , Tong Raymond Kai-Yu
Published: October 2021

Background

Falls are more prevalent in stroke survivors than age-matched healthy older adults because of their functional impairment. Rapid balance recovery reaction with adequate range-of-motion and fast response and movement time are crucial to minimize fall risk and prevent serious injurious falls when postural disturbances occur. A Kinect-based Rapid Movement Training (RMT) program was developed to provide real-time feedback to promote faster and larger arm reaching and leg stepping distances toward targets in 22 different directions.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of the interactive RMT and Conventional Balance Training (CBT) on chronic stroke survivors’ overall balance and balance recovery reaction.

Methods

In this assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial, chronic stroke survivors were randomized to receive twenty training sessions (60-min each) of either RMT or CBT. Pre- and post-training assessments included clinical tests, as well as kinematic measurements and electromyography during simulated forward fall through a “lean-and-release” perturbation system.

Results

Thirty participants were recruited (RMT = 16, CBT = 14). RMT led to significant improvement in balance control (Berg Balance Scale: pre = 49.13, post = 52.75; P = .001), gait control (Timed-Up-and-Go Test: pre = 14.66 s, post = 12.62 s; P = .011), and motor functions (Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery: pre = 60.63, post = 65.19; P = .015), which matched the effectiveness of CBT. Both groups preferred to use their non-paretic leg to take the initial step to restore stability, and their stepping leg’s rectus femoris reacted significantly faster post-training (P = .036).

Conclusion

The RMT was as effective as conventional balance training to provide beneficial effects on chronic stroke survivors’ overall balance, motor function and improving balance recovery with faster muscle response.

Trial registration: The study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03183635, NCT03183635) on 12 June 2017.
Modifiable factors affecting renal preservation in type I glycogen storage disease after liver transplantation: a single-center propensity-match cohort study
Authors: Chan Yi-Chia , Liu Kai-Min , Chen Chao-Long , Ong Aldwin D. , Lin Chih-Che , Yong Chee-Chien , Tsai Pei-Chun , Lu Liang-Suei , Wu Jer-Yuarn
Published: October 2021

Background and aims

Glycogen storage disease type I (GSD-I) is an autosomal recessive disorder of carbohydrate metabolism, resulting in limited production of glucose and excessive glycogen storage in the liver and kidneys. These patients are characterized by life-threatening hypoglycemia, metabolic derangements, hepatomegaly, chronic kidney disease, and failure to thrive. Liver transplantation (LT) has been performed for poor metabolic control and delayed growth. However, renal outcome was diverse in pediatric GSD patients after LT. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcome of renal function in pediatric GSD-I patients after living donor LT (LDLT), and to identify modifiable variables that potentially permits LT to confer native renal preservation.

Methods

The study included eight GSD-Ia and one GSD-Ib children with a median age of 9.0 (range 4.2–15.7) years at the time of LT. Using propensity score matching, 20 children with biliary atresia (BA) receiving LT were selected as the control group by matching for age, sex, pre-operative serum creatinine (SCr) and pediatric end-stage liver disease (PELD) score. Renal function was evaluated based on the SCr, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), microalbuminuria, and morphological changes in the kidneys. Comparability in long-term renal outcome in terms of anatomic and functional parameters will help to identify pre-LT factors of GSD-I that affect renal prognosis.

Results

The clinical and biochemical characteristics of the GSD and BA groups were similar, including immunosuppressive regimens and duration of follow-up (median 15 years) after LT. Overall, renal function, including eGFR and microalbuminuria was comparable in the GSD-I and BA groups (median eGFR: 111 vs. 123 ml/min/1.73m2, P = 0.268; median urine microalbuminuria to creatinine ratio: 16.0 vs. 7.2 mg/g, P = 0.099, respectively) after LT. However, in the subgroups of the GSD cohort, patients starting cornstarch therapy at an older age (≥ 6-year-old) before transplantation demonstrated a worse renal outcome in terms of eGFR change over years (P < 0.001). In addition, the enlarged kidney in GSD-I returned to within normal range after LT.

Conclusions

Post-LT renal function was well-preserved in most GSD-I patients. Early initiation of cornstarch therapy before preschool age, followed by LT, achieved a good renal prognosis.
Single Session and Short-Term Exercise for Mental Health Promotion in Tertiary Students: A Scoping Review
Authors: Pascoe Michaela C. , Bailey Alan P. , Craike Melinda , Carter Tim , Patten Rhiannon K. , Stepto Nigel K. , Parker Alexandra G.
Published: October 2021

Exercise can improve mental health; however many tertiary students do not reach recommended levels of weekly engagement. Short-term exercise may be more achievable for tertiary students to engage in to promote mental health, particularly during times of high stress. The current scoping review aimed to provide an overview of controlled trials testing the effect of short-term (single bout and up to 3 weeks) exercise across mental health domains, both at rest and in response to an experimentally manipulated laboratory stress task, in tertiary students. The search was conducted using ‘Evidence Finder,’ a database of published and systematic reviews and controlled trials of interventions in the youth mental health field. A total of 14 trials meet inclusion criteria, six measured mental health symptoms in response to an experimentally manipulated laboratory stress task and the remaining eight measured mental health symptoms. We found that short-term exercise interventions appeared to reduce anxiety like symptoms and anxiety sensitivity and buffered against a drop in mood following an experimentally manipulated laboratory stress task. There was limited available evidence testing the impacts of exercise on depression like symptoms and other mental health mental health domains, suggesting further work is required. Universities should consider implementing methods to increase student knowledge about the relationship between physical exercise and mental health and student access to exercise facilities.
Factors affecting glycemic control among Egyptian people with diabetes attending primary health care facilities in Mansoura District
Authors: Azzam Mai Mohamed , Ibrahim Adel Alwehedy , Abd El-Ghany Mohammed I.
Published: October 2021

Background

Diabetes is a rapidly growing health problem worldwide. In 2019, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that Egypt is the 9th country worldwide with about 8,850,400 cases and a prevalence of 15.2% in adults. By 2045, Egypt is expected to be the 7th country worldwide. Several factors affecting glycemic control are related to patients, physicians, and the infrastructure of primary health care facilities (PHCFs). The effect of health care infrastructure and resources is not well studied. This cross-sectional study aims to explore factors affecting glycemic control among subjects with diabetes visiting PHCFs in the Mansoura District. A questionnaire was done to assess these factors among subjects with diabetes, primary care physicians (PCPs), and PHCFs infrastructure and resources. Three hundred and two subjects with diabetes attending PHCFs in the Mansoura District underwent a detailed clinical history. Also, HbA1c was obtained.

Results

Factors in patients that affect diabetic control include patient’s education and occupation and their smoking status. Practicing physical exercise is important for diabetes control. Physicians can affect diabetes control by their rural residence, older age, participation in diabetes training, early graduation year, longer durations since started dealing with subjects with diabetes, and following guidelines. Resources of infrastructure have a role in diabetes control. Metformin and investigation availability has a positive association with diabetes control.

Conclusion

Patients, physicians, and resources of infrastructure have a role in diabetes control.
Antifibrinolytic Drugs for the Prevention of Bleeding in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery on Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Siemens Kristina , Sangaran Dilanee P. , Hunt Beverley J. , Murdoch Ian A. , Tibby Shane M.
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND:

Bleeding is one of the commonest complications affecting children undergoing cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass. Antifibrinolytic drugs are part of a multifaceted approach aimed at reducing bleeding, though sufficiently sized pediatric studies are sparse, and dosing algorithms are heterogeneous. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of antifibrinolytic agents as well as the effectiveness of different dosing regimens in pediatric cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass.

METHODS:

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating randomized controlled trials published between 1980 and 2019, identified by searching the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and CENTRAL. All studies investigating patients <18 years of age without underlying hematological disorders were included. The primary outcome was postoperative bleeding; secondary end points included blood product transfusion, mortality, and safety (thromboses, anaphylaxis, renal or neurological dysfunction, and seizures). Different dosing regimens were compared. Studies were dual appraised, outcomes were reported descriptively and, if appropriate, quantitatively using the Review Manager 5 (REVMAN 5) software (The Cochrane Collaboration).

RESULTS:

Thirty of 209 articles were included, evaluating the following drugs versus control: aprotinin n = 14, tranexamic acid (TXA) n = 12, and epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) n = 4. The number of participants per intervention group ranged from 11 to 100 (median, 25; interquartile range [IQR], 20.5) with a wide age span (mean, 13 days to 5.8 years) and weight range (mean, 3.1–26.3 kg). Methodological quality was low to moderate.

All agents reduced mean 24-hour blood loss compared to control: aprotinin by 6.0 mL/kg (95% confidence interval [CI], −9.1 to −3.0; P = .0001), TXA by 9.0 mL/kg (95% CI, −11.3 to −6.8; P < .00001), and EACA by 10.5 mL/kg (95% CI, −21.1 to 0.0; P = .05). Heterogeneity was low for TXA (I
2 = 29%; P = .19), moderate for aprotinin (I
2 = 41%; P = .11), and high for EACA (I
2 = 95%; P < .00001). All agents also reduced 24-hour blood product transfusion. There was no clear dose-response effect for TXA nor aprotinin. Studies were underpowered to detect significant differences in mortality, thromboses, anaphylaxis, and renal or neurological dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS:

The available data demonstrate efficacy for all 3 antifibrinolytic drugs. Therefore, the agent with the most favorable safety profile should be used. As sufficient data are lacking, large comparative trials are warranted to assess the relative safety and appropriate dosing regimens in pediatrics.
Human Rights, Humanitarianism, and “Failed” Nations: Haiti and Jewish Refugees in the 1930s
Authors: Veldwachter Nadège
Published: October 2021

Using the field of humanitarianism as the critical locus, this essay reflects on what Haiti, called the “Republic of NGOs,” can teach us about unsettling the coloniality of being, power, and freedom if we acknowledge in our critical thought system the acts of humanitarianism this nation has performed. By pursuing the issue of agency otherwise denied to any organism—be it political or intellectual—that departs from Western paradigms, the author aims to contribute to the call on critics and historians to rethink the ideologies that have informed and continue to inform the patterns of research methodologies entrenched in various disciplines to address the vexed question of epistemic dependency. In response, the essay focuses on the episode of inter-minority solidarity between blacks and Jews when, following the 1938 Evian conference, the Haitian government offered asylum to the undesirables of Europe based on the principles of the 1804 Haitian Revolution.
Ανάπτυξη ευφυών υπολογιστικών μεθόδων για την αξιολόγηση και τη βελτίωση της υγείας και της ασφάλειας των εργαζομένων σε νοσοκομεία - θεραπευτήρια
Authors: Κοκλώνης Κυριάκος
Published: October 2021

Σκοπός της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι η ανάπτυξη ενός ευφυούς συστήματος αξιολόγησης και βελτίωσης της Υγείας και της Ασφάλειας των Εργαζομένων στα Νοσοκομεία, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τον αυξημένο πολυδιάστατο επαγγελματικό κίνδυνο που χαρακτηρίζει την εργασία στο συγκεκριμένο πεδίο, αλλά και τις δυνατότητες που προσφέρουν οι νέες τεχνολογίες και ειδικότερα οι αλγόριθμοι μηχανικής μάθησης στο συγκεκριμένο τομέα. Για το σκοπό αυτό πραγματοποιήθηκε βιβλιογραφική επισκόπηση σχετικά με τις εφαρμογές ηλεκτρονικών «εργαλείων» και μηχανικής μάθησης στον τομέα της Υγείας και Ασφάλειας της Εργασίας στο χώρο της υγείας. Στη συνέχεια, παρουσιάστηκε μεθοδολογία για την υλοποίηση του προτεινόμενου συστήματος, με βάση δεδομένα συμβάντων και ατυχημάτων καθώς και μελέτης εκτίμησης επαγγελματικού κινδύνου Νοσοκομείου της χώρας. Οι αλγόριθμοι που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν επέδειξαν υψηλή προγνωστική αξία συγκρινόμενοι με τις αναφορές του Τεχνικού Ασφαλείας. Με την εφαρμογή του προτεινόμενου συστήματος δίνεται η δυνατότητα για την αντίληψη της πιθανότητας να λάβει χώρα ένα συμβάν ή ατύχημα σε ένα τμήμα του Νοσοκομείου, καθώς και την εκτίμηση της αποτελεσματικότητας ενδεχόμενων παρεμβάσεων στο συγκεκριμένο τομέα από τη Διοίκηση του Νοσοκομείου. Επίσης, προτάθηκαν «εργαλεία» διαχείρισης της μυοσκελετικής καταπόνησης και κατανομής κόστους παρεμβάσεων Υγείας και Ασφάλειας της Εργασίας, με την πιλοτική τους εφαρμογή να επιδεικνύει πρακτικότητα και λειτουργικότητα.
Austria w polskiej polityce bezpieczeństwa w latach 1918–1926
Authors: Alabrudzińska Elżbieta
Published: October 2021

Celem artykułu jest ustalenie znaczenia Austrii w polityce bezpieczeństwa RP w latach 1918–1926. Przeprowadzona analiza stosunków dwustronnych ma wykazać, czy Polska traktowała Austrię jako potencjalnego sojusznika, czy jednak w większym stopniu jako zagrożenie. Groźba utraty niepodległości przez Austrię była uznawana przez władze polskie za czynnik zagrożenia systemu wersalskiego, którego nienaruszalność stanowiła kamień węgielny polityki bezpieczeństwa RP. Paradoksalnie to słabość Austrii decydowała o jej dużym znaczeniu w polityce bezpieczeństwa Polski.
Privacy-Preserving Dynamic Personalized Pricing with Demand Learning
Authors: Chen Xi , Simchi-Levi David , Wang Yining
Published: October 2021

The prevalence of e-commerce has made customers’ detailed personal information readily accessible to retailers, and this information has been widely used in pricing decisions. When using personalized information, the question of how to protect the privacy of such information becomes a critical issue in practice. In this paper, we consider a dynamic pricing problem over T time periods with an unknown demand function of posted price and personalized information. At each time t, the retailer observes an arriving customer’s personal information and offers a price. The customer then makes the purchase decision, which will be utilized by the retailer to learn the underlying demand function. There is potentially a serious privacy concern during this process: a third-party agent might infer the personalized information and purchase decisions from price changes in the pricing system. Using the fundamental framework of differential privacy from computer science, we develop a privacy-preserving dynamic pricing policy, which tries to maximize the retailer revenue while avoiding information leakage of individual customer’s information and purchasing decisions. To this end, we first introduce a notion of anticipating [Formula: see text]-differential privacy that is tailored to the dynamic pricing problem. Our policy achieves both the privacy guarantee and the performance guarantee in terms of regret. Roughly speaking, for d-dimensional personalized information, our algorithm achieves the expected regret at the order of [Formula: see text] when the customers’ information is adversarially chosen. For stochastic personalized information, the regret bound can be further improved to [Formula: see text].

This paper was accepted by J. George Shanthikumar, big data analytics.
Firework season 2021 — whizzes, flashes and bangs
Authors: Hargrave Claire
Published: October 2021

With previously socially robust pets and younger, less environmentally competent pets showing sensitivity to fresh exposures, it is important that people prepare well for the firework season. Claire Hargrave explains how.