bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
African psychology: from acquiescence to dissent
Authors: Nwoye Augustine
Published: September 2020

Over the past 5 or 6 years, it has consistently been argued that African psychology should be recognised as an emerging tradition and a counter-canonical and insurgent postcolonial discipline fitting to be classified in the same category as other postcolonial disciplines in African humanities such as African literature, African philosophy, African religion, African anthropology, African history, African archaeology, African music, and African art. This article is an attempt to expatiate on this thesis. It aims to demonstrate that continental African psychology is a legitimate, autonomous, and self-determinative postcolonial discipline endowed with its own definable epistemological, philosophical, and methodological traditions to psychological scholarship. The basic idea of the article is consistent with the view credited to Guba and Lincoln that social science scholarship ‘needs emancipation from hearing only the voices of Western Europe, emancipation from generations of silence, and emancipation from seeing the world in one color’ (p. 212), and in the context of this article, in one psychology.
Prevalence and socioeconomic factors in the prescription of concurrent amphetamine and alprazolam
Authors: Zarkowski Paul A , Van-Den-Ende Alex R , Groen Jacob A
Published: September 2020

Objective

Goals were to determine the prevalence of concurrent prescription of amphetamine and alprazolam, and examine variation by socioeconomic factors.

Methods

Washington State’s Prescription Monitoring Program was reviewed for calendar years 2013 through 2017. Individuals receiving more than 180 days of amphetamine, alprazolam or both were tabulated for each zip code. Prescription rates were compared between zip codes with variation in rural/urban setting and fraction of low and high income households using a multiple regression.

Results

One in 3920 individuals in the general population of Washington State were taking a combination of alprazolam and amphetamine. The statewide prevalence of this combination increased 40.2% between 2013 and 2017. The prevalence of the combination in each zip code is significantly positively correlated with the fraction of high income households, p < 0.001, and urban area, p < 0.05. In contrast, the prevalence of amphetamine increased with both the fraction of high income, p < 0.001, and low income households, p < 0.01, with an incremental increase over twice as large with fraction of high income (b = 232 (25)) than low income households (b = 102 (38)). In contrast, alprazolam decreased in prevalence with the fraction of high income households, p < 0.05.

Conclusions

The prevalence of concurrent prescription of alprazolam and amphetamine correlates with local socioeconomic factors, including greater household income, instead of the prevalence of FDA indications, including anxiety disorders or ADHD. More clinical studies are required to establish efficacy and guidelines for safe use to mitigate the increased risk of accidents in patients taking concurrent amphetamine and alprazolam.
Analysis of the impact of a novel cool roof on cooling performance for a low-rise prefabricated building in China
Authors: Ma Mingquan , Zhang Kai , Chen Lufang , Tang Saihong
Published: September 2020

The recently proposed scalable-manufactured randomized glass-polymer hybrid metamaterial (i.e. metamaterial film) exhibits good energy-saving potential for building applications. The most convenient way to employ this metamaterial film-based radiative cooling is to integrate it with buildings as cool roofs. However, metamaterial film-based radiative cooling is more suitable for buildings with higher roof area to floor area ratios, as this accounts for its relative lower cooling power of 110 W/m2 on a daily average. The prefabricated buildings in China are commonly less than two floors, which are preferable for the application of this metamaterial film-based radiative cooling. To clearly reveal the cooling performance of the metamaterial film-based cool roof (MFCR), a single-floor prefabricated building is modelled in this study, and the energy-saving potential and economic feasibility of the application of the MFCR on the prefabricated building are discussed in detail. When comparing the model in this study with buildings that have the more commonly used shingle roofs or typical white roofs, the annual cooling electricity consumption is reduced by 28.9%–43.0% and 7.8%–12.9%, respectively, for buildings with MFCRs located in five cities in China, each in a different climate zone. Furthermore, the simple payback period for the buildings with MFCRs located in all five climate zones is less than three years compared to the buildings with shingle roofs.

Practical application: A recently proposed metamaterial film exhibits good energy-saving potential for building applications. This paper explores the application of this metamaterial film as a cool roof on a low-rise prefabricated building. The analysis of the cooling performance and economic value of this low-rise prefabricated building located in all five climate zones in China provides guiding significance for the application of MFCR.
Efficacy of Povidone-Iodine Nasal and Oral Antiseptic Preparations Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Authors: Pelletier Jesse S. , Tessema Belachew , Frank Samantha , Westover Jonna B. , Brown Seth M. , Capriotti Joseph A.
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the pathogen responsible for the global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). From the first reported cases in December 2019, the virus has spread to over 4 million people worldwide. Human-to-human transmission occurs mainly through the aerosolization of respiratory droplets. Transmission also occurs through contact with contaminated surfaces and other fomites. Improved antisepsis of human and nonhuman surfaces has been identified as a key feature of transmission reduction. There are no previous studies of povidone iodine (PVP-I) against SARS-CoV-2. This study evaluated nasal and oral antiseptic formulations of PVP-I for virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2. This is the first report on the efficacy of PVP-I against the virus that causes COVID-19.

Methods:

Povidone iodine nasal antiseptic formulations and PVP-I oral rinse antiseptic formulations from 1% to 5% concentrations as well as controls were studied for virucidal efficacy against the SARS-CoV-2. Test compounds were evaluated for ability to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 as measured in a virucidal assay. SARS-CoV-2 was exposed directly to the test compound for 60 seconds, compounds were then neutralized, and surviving virus was quantified.

Results:

All concentrations of nasal antiseptics and oral rinse antiseptics evaluated completely inactivated the SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusions:

Nasal and oral PVP-I antiseptic solutions are effective at inactivating the SARS-CoV-2 at a variety of concentrations after 60-second exposure times. The formulations tested may help to reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 if used for nasal decontamination, oral decontamination, or surface decontamination in known or suspected cases of COVID-19.
Leiomyosarcoma of the Nasal Cavity
Authors: Saadoun Rakan , Obermueller Theresa , Franke Mareike , Schell Angela , Mückner Kersten , Riemann Randolf
Published: September 2020

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) in the sinonasal tract (SNT) is a rarity that has been firstly described in 1958. Since then, there have been only a few articles about this entity. Most of the data available about LMS in the SNT is derived from case reports. We believe that our case will support the data set and help guiding the management of this rare condition. A 84-year-old female presented with nasal airway obstruction on the left side. She experienced several episodes of epistaxis from her left nostril, what made her to seek medical care. A rhinoscopy revealed an obstructing mass in the left nasal cavity. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the paranasal sinuses revealed a homogenous mass occupying the left nasal cavity, bone destruction of the left middle, and inferior nasal turbinates. An infiltration of the left nasolacrimal duct was also present. The patient refused to undergo open surgery and the mass was removed during an endoscopic approach. The histopathological analysis combined with immunohistochemistry was consistent with LMS. The resection margins were positive for tumor cells. A staging with CT-neck-thorax, abdomen ultrasound, and MRI of the head ruled out metastases. She underwent a second endoscopic tumor resection surgery with positive resection margins and obtained adjuvant radiotherapy. On 9 months of follow-up, there was no recurrence or metastases.
Developments in Clinical management of Sialadenitis in Africa
Authors: Maharaj Shivesh , Kana Nadir , Cassim Zarreen
Published: September 2020

Sialendoscopy is a relatively new technique that offers the potential to be both diagnostic and therapeutic. It follows the principle of gland sparing therapy to manage conditions such as ductal stenoses and sialolithiasis. The procedure is relatively easy to learn and more affordable than the traditional methods of intervention. It is well suited to the African continent in that the equipment is relatively portable and may be taken to peripheral and rural areas, while still providing world-class care and minimal disruption to the patients. We hereby present the evolution of sialendoscopy.
Intermediate bronchial kinking after right upper lobectomy for lung cancer
Authors: Arai Hiromasa , Tajiri Michihiko , Masuda Haruhiko , Sekine Akimasa , Okudela Koji , Komatsu Shigeru , Iwasawa Tae , Masuda Munetaka
Published: September 2020

Background

Bronchial kinking after lung lobectomy is likely, whereas that of the intermediate bronchus after right upper lobectomy is often not recognized. The aim of this study was to examine the clinical implications of this condition.

Methods

One-hundred cases of right upper lobectomy for primary lung cancer were reviewed. The cases were divided into groups with intermediate (group A) and non-intermediate (group B) bronchial kinking, and the patient characteristics and postoperative outcomes were compared. The remaining lower lobe deformation was also evaluated using the angle formed by the intrathoracic tracheal line and posterior fissure on reconstructed sagittal computed tomography.

Results

There were 23 cases in group A which had a higher rate of bronchial calcification, older age, and female sex, whereas and smoking and pulmonary emphysema were less frequent. Three cases in group A had respiratory symptoms such as wheezing and respiratory noise, while only one case of middle lobe atelectasis was found in group B. In multivariate analysis, upper mediastinal lymph node dissection was an independent factor for non-intermediate bronchial kinking. The lower lobe was significantly more expanded in group A than in group B.

Conclusions

Intermediate bronchial kinking correlates with postoperative respiratory symptoms and was less likely after upper mediastinal lymph node dissection.
Hostile hospitality and the criminalization of civil society actors aiding border crossers in Greece
Authors: Schack Laura , Witcher Ashley
Published: September 2020

Civil society actors aiding border crossers in Europe have been subject to systematic criminalization through prosecutions and attempted prosecutions, extensive police harassment, public scapegoating, and the imposition of bureaucratic barriers. We seek to explain why this is occurring through the analysis of field research data, collected in Greece between 2017 and 2019, through the lens of Derrida’s concept of “hostile hospitality”. We develop a theoretical framework with three key features: first, the demarcation between insider and outsider which lies at the core of notions of hospitality; second, the constitutive relationship between hostility and hospitality which is closely related to notions of sovereignty; and third, the primacy of state definitions of hospitality, which subordinate private and collective hospitality practices. This explanatory framework guides the analysis of two case studies from our fieldwork: the criminalization of solidarity initiatives providing accommodation in squats in Athens and Pikpa camp on Lesvos, and the criminalization of boat-spotting and search and rescue activities on Lesvos. We conclude that civil society actors aiding border crossers in Greece are criminalized because they challenge and interfere with state policies and practices of hostile hospitality.
Life satisfaction of 511 elderly Chinese stroke survivors: moderating roles of social functioning and depression in a quality of life model
Authors: Chan Sunny HW , Pan Yao , Xu Yuebin , Yeung Ka Ching
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Using a published quality of life model, to investigate the moderating roles played by social functioning and post-stroke depression in buffering the relationship between physical functioning and life satisfaction among elderly Chinese stroke survivors.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey through face-to-face interviews.

Setting:

Fangshan district of the Beijing Municipality in China.

Participants:

A representative random sample of 511 community-dwelling elderly Chinese stroke survivors aged 60 years or above. In total, 127 participants were categorized as stroke survivors with clinical depression and 384 without.

Measures:

Satisfaction With Life Scale, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, International Residential Assessment Instrument Activities of Daily Living Hierarchy scale, International Residential Assessment Instrument Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Performance scale, De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, and Lubben Social Network Scale.

Results:

Analyses revealed that the unique variance shown by social functioning (16%) is more important than physical functioning (5%) or depressive symptoms (12%) in promoting life satisfaction among all elderly stroke survivors. The moderation model denotes the interaction effect between depressed mood and physical functioning (β = .152 to .176, p < .001) for all stroke survivors. For stroke survivors without clinical depression, loneliness (β = .264 to .287, p < .001) and social support (β = .115 to .151, p < .05) buffered the relationship between physical functioning and life satisfaction; whereas for those with clinical depression, only loneliness (β = -.264 to .236, p < .05) moderated the corresponding relationship.

Conclusions:

Social functioning and post-stroke depression buffered the relationship between physical dependence and life satisfaction among elderly Chinese stroke survivors.
Meckel’s diverticulum with polypoid hyperplasia of ectopic gastric mucosa diagnosed by double-balloon enteroscopy and single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography
Authors: Yang Jun , Tian Dan , Wu Lihua , Dong Mengjie , Zhong Jijun
Published: September 2020

Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is a relatively common true congenital diverticulum on the ileum. Bleeding caused by polypoid hyperplasia of ectopic gastric mucosa in MD is rare. A 14-year-old Chinese boy presented with intermittent melena and haematochezia for 1 month. Laboratory data showed normocytic anaemia. Gastroscopic findings were normal. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy without bowel preparation on day 2 because of sudden haematochezia and decreased haemoglobin. Intraoperative colonoscopy revealed inflammatory changes in the terminal ileal mucosa with diffuse haemorrhage. Melena with decreased haemoglobin recurred 20 days after the first operation. Computed tomography (CT) and angiography revealed a tubular lesion that was localised in the right lower abdominal quadrant. Single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) fusion imaging with 99m-technetium pertechnetate confirmed moderately increased uptake in the distal ileum. Retrograde double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) showed a diverticulum with prominent mucosal polypoid hyperplasia at an insertion depth of 100 cm from the anastomotic stoma. Diverticulectomy and end-to-end anastomosis were performed, and MD was confirmed by a histopathological examination. The patient’s postoperative recovery was uneventful during the 2-month follow-up. MD with polypoid hyperplasia of ectopic gastric mucosa is rare. Complementary use of DBE and SPECT/CT can accurately diagnose MD by providing anatomical and functional information.
Coronary flow reserve and microcirculatory resistance in patients with coronary tortuosity and without atherosclerosis
Authors: Li Yang , Zhang Xiaoguo , Dai Qiming , Ma Genshan
Published: September 2020

Objective

Coronary tortuosity may affect epicardial coronary arterial blood flow. This study aimed to investigate the effect of coronary tortuosity on coronary flow reserve and the coronary microcirculation in patients without apparent coronary atherosclerosis.

Methods

Prospective patients (n = 8, 3 men, mean age: 58 ± 6.0 years) with coronary tortuosity and without apparent coronary atherosclerosis were enrolled. Coronary tortuosity was defined by the finding of ≥three bends (defined as a ≥45° change in vessel direction) along the main trunk of the left anterior descending artery or left circumflex artery. Coronary flow reserve and the index of microcirculatory resistance were measured by the thermodilution technique.

Results

A total of eight coronary arteries with coronary tortuosity were analyzed. The mean fractional flow reserve was 0.98 ± 0.007. The mean coronary flow reserve was 1.5 ± 0.3, which is much lower than that in the normal coronary artery as reported in the literature. The mean index of microcirculatory resistance was 26.7 ± 2.3, which is much higher than that in the normal coronary artery.

Conclusions

Coronary tortuosity is associated with decreased coronary flow reserve and an increased index of microcirculatory resistance. Trial registration: This study is registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, NCT No: ChiCTR2000033671
Risk management committees and firm performance
Authors: Jia Jing , Bradbury Michael E
Published: September 2020

Risk management committees (RMCs) are recognised as a key corporate governance mechanism for controlling corporate risk. We examine the performance of RMCs in Australia over the period 2007–2014. We identify three performance measures related to the function of the RMC: the probability of financial distress, growth options (market to book) and return on assets. We find that firms with an RMC perform better than other firms. We also find that firms with a separately constituted RMC perform better, relative to firms where the risk management activities are absorbed into an existing committee.

JEL classification: G32, G33, G34, G38
A Case Study in Adult Discipleship: Stories of Apprenticeship to Jesus at an Urban Anglican (Episcopal) Church
Authors: Siew Yau Man
Published: September 2020

Anglican (Episcopal) churches around the world face a serious problem in discipleship and has called for a season of “intentional discipleship and disciple-making.” The Anglican Church of Canada renewed its emphasis on discipleship, providing some helpful resources, but there are no studies of how discipleship may be experienced at a congregational level. This study focuses on an Anglican church, identified as a leader in discipleship ministry. Through in-depth interviews and observations of formative events, I sought to discover how this congregation understood discipleship, engaged its Anglican tradition, lived and nurtured its reality in their context.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Discharged Directly Home From a Medical Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Patel Preeyal M. , Fiorella Michele A. , Zheng Ann , McDonnell Lauren , Yasuoka Mina , Yoo Erika J.
Published: September 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the safety of directly discharging patients home from the medical intensive care unit (MICU).

Materials and Methods:

Single-center retrospective observational study of consecutive MICU direct discharges to home from an urban university hospital between June, 1, 2017, and June 30, 2019.

Results:

Of 1061 MICU discharges, 331 (31.2%) patients were eligible for analysis. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on duration of wait-time (< or ≥24 hours) between ward transfer order and ultimate hospital discharge. Most patients (68.2%) were discharged in <24 hours. Patients who waited for a floor bed for ≥24 hours prior to discharge had longer hospital length-of-stay (LOS, median 3.83 versus 2.00 days) and ICU LOS (median 3.51 versus 1.74 days). Overall, 44 (13.3%) direct MICU discharges were readmitted to the hospital within 30-days, but there was no difference in this outcome or in 30-day mortality when comparing the 2 wait-time groups.

Conclusions:

The practice of directly discharging MICU patients home does not negatively influence patient outcomes. Patients who overstay in the ICU after being deemed transfer-ready are unlikely to be benefiting from critical care, but impact hospital throughput and resource utilization. Prospective investigation into this practice may provide further confirmation of its feasibility and safety.
Comparative Study on the Effect of Cidofovir Treatment for Severe Adenovirus Pneumonia
Authors: Moon Seong Mi , Choe Junsu , Na Soo Jin , Chung Chi Ryang , Suh Gee Young , Jeon Kyeongman
Published: September 2020

Background:

Adenovirus infection can cause severe pneumonia even in immunocompetent adults. However, there is limited data on the benefits of cidofovir treatment in severe adenovirus pneumonia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of cidofovir treatment with clinical improvement in immunocompetent adult patients with severe adenovirus pneumonia.

Methods:

We evaluated 22 male patients who admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) with severe adenovirus pneumonia between January 2014 and December 2019. The patients were divided into 2 groups, patients treated with cidofovir or not. Clinical outcomes including time to defervescence and stopping of oxygen supplement, length of stay in ICU and hospital, and the need for mechanical ventilation (MV) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) were compared between the 2 groups.

Results:

Among 22 patients, 13 patients (59%) were treated with cidofovir and 9 (41%) were not. The difference in mean time (95% confidence interval [CI]) to defervescence and stopping of oxygen supplement between cidofovir group and no cidofovir group was 2.1 (−5.7 to 10.0) and 1.0 (−14.9 to 16.8) days, respectively. The difference in mean length of stay (95% CI) in ICU and hospital between the 2 groups was 0.2 (−7.1 to 7.5) and −0.4 (−18.3 to 17.5) days, respectively. The differences in proportion of patients requiring MV and ECMO between the 2 groups was 28.2 (−17.4 to 73.8) % and −10.3 (−52.2 to 31.7) %, respectively.

Conclusions:

The treatment with cidofovir for severe adenovirus pneumonia in immunocompetent patients did not improve clinical outcomes. Further studies with larger samples with prospective design are warranted.
In vitro study of antibacterial and osteogenic activity of titanium metal releasing strontium and silver ions
Authors: Okuzu Yaichiro , Fujibayashi Shunsuke , Yamaguchi Seiji , Masamoto Kazutaka , Otsuki Bungo , Goto Koji , Kawai Toshiyuki , Shimizu Takayoshi , Morizane Kazuaki , Kawata Tomotoshi , Shimizu Yu , Hayashi Makoto , Matsuda Shuichi
Published: September 2020

Peri-prosthetic infection and loosening of implants are major problems in orthopaedic and dental surgery. To address these issues, surface treatment methods for titanium implants have been improved by modifying the alkali and heat treatment. We have previously fabricated calcium-treated Ti metal that releases Sr ions (CaSr-Ti), which resulted in a higher in vitro osteogenic response and early in vivo bone bonding.

Further, we developed a Ti metal that released both Sr and Ag ions (CaSrAg-Ti). In this study, we evaluated the antibacterial ability and osteogenic cellular response of CaSrAg-Ti and CaSr-Ti in vitro using rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) cultured on implant samples and extract mediums (EMs) made by immersing the implant samples in the medium. CaSrAg-Ti did not show cytotoxicity and was associated with a slightly higher osteogenic response when compared to CaSr-Ti, without inhibiting the effect of Sr. The osteogenic response was also observed in the cells cultured with the CaSrAg-Ti EM; however, the response was not as high as that of the cells on the CaSrAg-Ti implant sample. Significantly higher antibacterial activity was observed along with an antibacterial efficacy of more than 95% against methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The main advantages of our surface treatment are its simplicity and low cost. Therefore, our treatment is promising for clinical applications in orthopaedic or dental Ti-based implants with antibacterial and early bone-bonding abilities.
Violence and the Academic Lives of College Students at the Intersection of Race/Ethnicity and Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
Authors: Carmody Mary D. , Cruz Theresa H. , Soto Mas Francisco , Qeadan Fares , Handal Alexis J.
Published: September 2020

To ascertain whether sexual and/or gender minority (SGM) students at a Hispanic-serving institution who experience violence are more likely to experience interference with their academic lives when compared to heterosexual, cisgender students, and how this relationship differs by race/ethnicity. Data came from 736 undergraduate students at a university in the Southwestern United States responding to a 2017 Campus Climate Survey. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted on self-identified SGM students and reported interference with their academic lives. The model was also tested for effect modification by race/ethnicity. Two-thirds (67.65%) of SGM students reported four or more incidences of violence. Nearly one-fifth (18.83%) of SGM students reported being harassed, insulted, threatened, or intimidated, and 2.63% reported being physically hurt (including forced sex), because the perpetrator thought the individual might have been gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. SGM students had 2.44 (95% CI: 1.29, 4.61) increased odds of interference with academic life as a result of violence victimization compared with non-SGM students. When the model was evaluated for effect modification by race/ethnicity, large effect sizes were observed, although the results were not significant. SGM undergraduate students are at significantly increased risk of violence and interference with their academic lives. This research emphasizes the need for institutions of higher education to ensure that their policies and practices support equal access to education by SGM students. Additionally, this study contributes insights into a potential protective effect of Hispanic ethnicity that warrants further research.
Evaluation of RISE: A Sexual Violence Prevention Program for Female College Students in India
Authors: Nieder Christina , Bosch Johannes Florenz , Nockemann Anna Panaiota , Kärtner Joscha
Published: September 2020

RISE, a sexual violence prevention program for female college students in India, covers topics on gender, healthy relationships, sexual violence, and bystander education, and focuses on the teaching of knowledge, the promotion of positive attitudes as well as the support of effective behaviors to prevent sexual violence against women in India. However, it is yet unclear what impact this program has in preventing sexual violence. In this evaluation study, a total of N = 245 female college students based in New Delhi and aged 17 to 22 years were assigned to a training ( N = 128) or a waitlist control group ( N = 117). The prevention program was conducted by two Indian professionals of a non-governmental organization (NGO) in New Delhi within five sessions. Results indicated that students in the training group showed significant increases in awareness of gender stereotypes, the importance of communication in relationships, bystander efficacy as well as intentions to intervene as a bystander in situations of violence when compared to students in the control group right after the program (posttest) and six months later (follow-up). Additionally, the training group displayed a significant increase of knowledge in all four program areas (gender, healthy relationships, sexual violence, and bystander education). Our findings implicate that future sexual violence prevention programs in India need to address women as well as men to effectively tackle sexual violence. In this context, bystander education seems to be one of the most promising approaches by targeting whole communities and creating new social norms regarding helping behavior and the prevention of sexual violence.
Longitudinal Transitions in Intimate Partner Violence among Female Assigned at Birth Sexual and Gender Minority Youth
Authors: Swann Gregory , Dyar Christina , Newcomb Michael E. , Whitton Sarah W.
Published: September 2020

Female-assigned at birth sexual and gender minorities (FAB SGM) are at elevated risk of experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV), yet little longitudinal research has been conducted with this population. In the current study, we attempted to understand how patterns of IPV victimization and perpetration, measured across a wide range of IPV behaviors (psychological, physical, sexual, cyber, and SGM-specific), changed over time for FAB SGM youth. Participants came from a longitudinal cohort study of FAB SGM late adolescents and young adults (FAB400; N = 488) and included anyone who reported a romantic partner at one of the first three waves (six months apart; N = 433). Latent class analysis (LCA) was run at each wave to determine the best-fitting class structure across IPV experiences. These were followed up with latent transition analyses (LTAs) to determine patterns of movement between classes over the course of the three waves. Lastly, we looked at the effects of staying with the same romantic partner on transitions. We found that the same three-class structure replicated across all three waves of the study. That class structure identified no/low, psychological, and high IPV classes at each wave. In the LTA, when transitions occurred for FAB SGM, they were much more likely to transition to a class defined by lower likelihoods of experiencing IPV (i.e., psychological to no/low) than they were to a class defined by higher likelihoods of IPV (i.e., psychological to high). However, we found that FAB SGM youth were less likely to transition to a less severe IPV class if they maintained the same serious romantic partner across waves. This finding, in particular, suggests that IPV is often relationship specific for FAB SGM and that efforts to reduce IPV in SGM communities must consider intervening at the relationship level to effect meaningful change.
Hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia in a person living with HIV
Authors: Chiappe Gonzalez Alfredo Juan , Montenegro-Idrogo Juan Jose , Vargas Vadillo Ademir Roberto , Slee Torres Milagros , Vargas Matos Ivan , Resurrección Delgado Cristhian Pedro
Published: September 2020

We report the case of a 38 year-old man living with well-controlled HIV on antiretroviral therapy who developed cerebellar symptoms and was admitted to hospital for management of an intraventricular cryptococcoma. During his hospital stay he contracted SARS CoV-2 infection within the hospital setting with a fatal outcome.
Non-linear active disturbance rejection control for upper limb rehabilitation exoskeleton
Authors: Aole Sumit , Elamvazuthi Irraivan , Waghmare Laxman , Patre Balasaheb , Meriaudeau Fabrice
Published: September 2020

Trajectory tracking in upper limb rehabilitation exercises is utilized for repeatability of joint movement to improve the patient’s recovery in the early stages of rehabilitation. In this article, non-linear active disturbance rejection control as a combination of non-linear extended-state observer and non-linear state error feedback is used for the sinusoidal trajectory tracking control of the two-link model of an upper limb rehabilitation exoskeleton. The two links represent movements like flexion/extension for both the shoulder joint and the elbow joint in the sagittal plane. The Euler–Lagrange method was employed to acquire a dynamic model of an upper limb rehabilitation exoskeleton. To examine the efficacy and robustness of the proposed method, four disturbances cases in simulation studies with 20% parameter variation were applied. It was found that the non-linear active disturbance rejection control is robust against disturbances and achieves better tracking as compared to proportional–integral–derivative and existing conventional active disturbance rejection control method.
A convolutional neural network accelerator for real-time underwater image recognition of autonomous underwater vehicle
Authors: Zhao Wanting , Qi Hong , Jiang Yu , Wang Chong , Wei Fenglin
Published: September 2020

In the field of underwater image recognition, a chip with smaller footprint and lower energy consumption is required to be implanted into autonomous intelligent underwater vehicle to make real-time response to the surrounding objects. Therefore, a promising accelerator with high performance and low energy consumption is designed, which optimizes the features possessed by convolutional neural network. The sharing of weights between neurons reduces the memory requirement. With all convolutional neural network data stored within on-chip static random-access memory, the need for memory access is drastically decreased. Besides, several small processing elements are used to form neural functional unit, which considerably reduces the bandwidth requirement through inter-processing element data transmission. By sending control signals to autonomous underwater vehicle, this accelerator enables it to avoid dangerous areas such as rocks and algae in time. The result suggests the proposed accelerator successfully achieves a higher processing speed than that of CPU and GPU with a footprint of 6.09 mm2 only and the energy consumption of 327.3 mW at 1 GHz.
Circ_0000079 Decoys the RNA-Binding Protein FXR1 to Interrupt Formation of the FXR1/PRCKI Complex and Decline Their Mediated Cell Invasion and Drug Resistance in NSCLC
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhang Min , Zhang Yan
Published: September 2020

Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has gradually become one of the deadliest threats to human health and life worldwide. Although reports have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are associated with progression and metastasis of NSCLC, the biological functions of circRNAs during these processes remain largely unknown. Our study showed that circ_0000079 (CiR79) levels were significantly downregulated in NSCLC patients, especially in cisplatin (DDP)-resistant NSCLC patients, and low circ_0000079 levels were significantly associated with poor overall survival of NSCLC patients. Then, results from Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) cell viability assay and transwell cell invasion assay in A549/DDP and H460/DDP cells transfected with pCDH-CiR79 expression vector showed that circ_0000079 overexpression significantly inhibited cell proliferation and invasion of these DDP-resistant NSCLC cells. The online bioinformatic program StarBase and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation predicted and demonstrated that circ_0000079 could bind with the Fragile X-Related 1 (FXR1) protein rather than with protein kinase C, iota (PRKCI), which was shown to form a complex with FXR1 to promote invasion and growth of NSCLC cells. Co-immunoprecipitation combined with Western blot assays indicated that FXR1 levels were remarkably decreased, but PRKCI levels remained unchanged in pCDH-ciR79 transfected NSCLC cells. Moreover, circ_0000079 negatively regulated FXR1/PRKCI-mediated phosphorylation of glycogen synthesis kinase 3β and activator protein 1, thus suppressing the protein level of the Snail gene, an important promoter gene regulating cancer cell growth and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, DDP resistance of A549/DDP and H460/DDP cells was inhibited by circ_0000079 overexpression but was restored by FXR1. Hence, our findings demonstrated that circ_0000079 might inhibit cell invasion and drug resistance in NSCLC by interrupting the formation of the FXR1/PRCKI complex by interacting with FXR1, and circ_0000079 could act as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC.
Herbert French (1875–1951) and his differential diagnosis a “work of reference unique in medical literature”
Authors: Pearn John
Published: September 2020

In 1912, the Guy’s Hospital Assistant Physician, Dr Herbert French FRCP, published a magnum opus, An Index of Differential Diagnosis of Main Symptoms by Various Authors. This pioneering work was to formalise the paradigm of a six-chain sequence which underpins best-practice clinical medicine today. That chain comprises: taking a history, examination, compiling a differential diagnosis, tests and investigations, and formulating a diagnosis. Herbert French coined the term “differential diagnosis”; and formalised the earlier developments of Thomas Sydenham (1624 – 1689), Hermann Boerhaave (1668 – 1738) and later(1892), those of Sir William Osler in his The Principles and Practice of Medicine. French placed differential diagnosis formally as the pivot of the sequence of Oslerian medicine which distinguishes modern Western medicine from other healthcare systems. Herbert French was the Goulstonian Lecturer of the Royal College of Physicians (1907), a doctor-soldier in World War I and one of the Royal Physicians to H. M. Household. A prolific writer in the medical press, French updated and personally edited the first six editions of his Differential Diagnosis. The thirteenth edition (1996) was described as a work which “had no parallel” .This work, today in its sixteenth edition, remains “a reference unique in medical literature”.
Perceived Human Resource Management Practices and Intention to Stay in Private Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia: The Role of Organizational Citizenship Behaviour
Authors: Halid Hafinas , Kee Daisy Mui Hung , Rahim Noor Fareen Abdul
Published: September 2020

Addressing the problem of lecturer turnover in Malaysia, this study investigated the motivations behind the intention of employees to stay in private higher education institutions (PHEIs) in Malaysia, with a focus on the relationship between the perceived practices of human resource management (HRM) and the intention to remain at Malaysia’s PHEIs. Based on the social exchange theory (SET), this article proposed that the perceived HRM practices at those institutions are uniquely positioned to support employee intention to stay, particularly with the intervention of organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB). Data from 323 lecturers working at PHEIs in Malaysia confirm this model. Based on the analysis, this study revealed that recruitment and selection; training and development; and rewards and recognition all had a meaningful relationship with the intention to stay. In contrast, notably, performance appraisal did not have any significant relationship with the intention to stay.
Comparison of cardiopulmonary resuscitation that applied synchronous 30 compressions–2 ventilations with that applied asynchronous 110/min compression–10/min ventilation: A mannequin study
Authors: Küçükceran Kadir , Ayrancı Mustafa Kürşat , Dündar Zerrin Defne
Published: September 2020

Background:

CPR model of a resuscitation to be ventilated with a bag valve mask constitutes a discussion when evaluated with the current guidance.

Objective:

This study aims to compare the synchronous (30–2) ventilation–compression method with asynchronous 110/min compression–10/min ventilation in cardiac arrests where an advanced airway management is not applied and where ventilation is provided by a bag valve mask on a mannequin.

Methods:

This simulation trial was performed using two clinical cardiopulmonary resuscitation scenarios: an asynchronous scenario with 10 ventilations per minute asynchronously when compression is applied as 110 compression per minute and a synchronous scenario in which 30 compressions:2 ventilations were performed synchronously. A total of 100 people in 50 groups applied these two scenarios on mannequin. Ventilation and compression data of both scenarios were recorded.

Results:

Evaluating the compression criteria in both the scenarios performed by 50 groups in total, in terms of all criteria except compression fraction, there was no statistically difference between the two scenarios (p > 0.05). Compression fraction values in the asynchronous scenario were found to be statistically significantly higher than the synchronous scenario (96.02 ± 2.35, 81.34 ± 4.42, p < 0.001). Evaluating the ventilation criteria in both the scenarios performed by 50 groups in total; there was a statistically significant difference in all criteria. Mean ventilation rate of the asynchronous scenario was statistically higher than the synchronous scenario (7.22 ± 2.42, 5.08 ± 0.75, p < 0.001). Mean ventilation volume of the synchronous scenario was statistically higher than the asynchronous scenario (353.24 ± 45.46, 527.40 ± 96.60, p < 0.001). Ventilation ratio in sufficient volume of the synchronous scenario was statistically higher than the asynchronous scenario (36.84 ± 14.47, 75.00 ± 21.24, p < 0.001). Ventilation ratio below the minimum volume limit of the asynchronous scenario was statistically higher than the synchronous scenario (62.48 ± 14.72, 17.86 ± 19.50, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

In our study, we concluded that the cardiopulmonary resuscitation applied by the synchronous method reached better ventilation volumes. Evaluating together with any interruption in compression, comprehensive studies are needed to reveal which patients would benefit from this result.
Mitigation Interventions in the United States: An Exploratory Investigation of Determinants and Impacts
Authors: Guo Shenyang , An Ruopeng , McBride Timothy D. , Yu Danlin , Fu Linyun , Yang Yuanyuan
Published: September 2020

Purpose:

To examine the determinants and impacts of implementing the mitigation interventions to combat the COVID-19 disease in the United States during the first 5 weeks of the pandemic.

Method:

A content analysis identified nine types of mitigation interventions and the timing at which states enacted these strategies. A proportional hazard model, a multiple-event survival model, and a random-effect spatial error panel model in conjunction with a robust method analyzing zero-inflated and skewed outcomes were employed in the data analysis.

Findings:

Contradictory to the study hypothesis, states initially with a high COVID-19 prevalence rate enacted mitigation strategies slowly. Three mitigation strategies (nonessential business closure, large-gathering bans, and restaurant/bar limitations) showed positive impacts on reducing cumulative cases, new cases, and death rates across states.

Conclusion:

Some states may have missed optimal timing to implement mitigations. Swift implementation of mitigations is crucial. Reopening economy by fully lifting mitigation interventions is risky.
A case of successful acyclovir desensitization in a bone marrow transplant patient
Authors: Andrade Diana C , Fatakhova Mariya , Fatteh Shahnaz , Rubio-Gomez Heysu
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The incidence of acyclovir-induced hypersensitivity is rare. To our knowledge, there are four published case reports of oral acyclovir desensitization in adults. Evidence-based guidelines prompt the use of acyclovir for herpes simplex virus (HSV) prophylaxis and treatment. Literature on the cross-reactivity of structurally similar antiviral agents is conflicting, presenting a clinical challenge when choosing an alternative agent. This is a case of successful acyclovir desensitization in an allogeneic stem cell transplant patient.

Case Report

A 69-year-old female patient, diagnosed with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm, presented to the hospital for donor mismatch allogeneic bone marrow transplant. The patient reported acyclovir-induced angioedema while receiving treatment for non-complicated herpes zoster (shingles) infection. Management & Outcome: After the acyclovir oral desensitization was conducted in an ICU setting with 1:1 patient-nurse ratio, the patient was successfully started on acyclovir therapy, 800mg by mouth twice daily for HSV prophylaxis with no further complications. Discussion: Oral acyclovir desensitization can provide an option for HSV therapy in patients reporting severe allergy.
Effects of ultraviolet-C light-emitting diodes at 275 nm on inactivation of Alicyclobacillusacidoterrestris vegetative cells and its spores as well as the quality attributes of orange juice
Authors: Zhai Yafei , Tian Jiali , Ping Ruonan , Xiu Hongxia , Xiang Qisen , Shen Ruiling , Wang Zhangcun
Published: September 2020

Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris is a thermoacidophilic, spore-forming bacillus. A. acidoterrestris and its spores can survive in pasteurized juices and cause microbial spoilage. In this work, the effects of ultraviolet-C light-emitting diodes at 275 nm on the inactivation of A. acidoterrestris vegetative cells and its spores in commercial pasteurized orange juice were studied. Meanwhile, the effects of ultraviolet-C light-emitting diodes on the quality attributes of the orange juice were also investigated. The quantities of A. acidoterrestris vegetative cells and its spores inoculated in orange juice were reduced by 6.04 and 2.49 log10 CFU/mL after ultraviolet-C light-emitting diode treatment at 220 mJ/cm2, respectively. The Weibull and Weibull plus tail models were satisfactorily fitted to estimate the reductions of A. acidoterrestris vegetative cells and its spores in orange juice, respectively. Physicochemical properties (pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, and clarity) of orange juice did not change significantly after exposure to ultraviolet-C light-emitting diodes. However, the total phenolic content of orange juice decreased with increasing fluence. In addition, ultraviolet-C light-emitting diode treatment at a higher fluence led to a noticeable color difference. These results indicate that ultraviolet-C light-emitting diode treatment has a potential application in the juice processing industry.
Postoperative Serotonin Syndrome Following Methylene Blue Administration for Vasoplegia After Cardiac Surgery: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Basta Mafdy N.
Published: September 2020

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition associated with increased serotonergic activity in the central nervous system. The increasing incidence of this condition is thought to parallel the increasing use of serotonergic agents in medical practice. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are perhaps the most commonly implicated group of medications associated with serotonin syndrome. This case report describes the occurrence of postoperative serotonin syndrome in a patient on long-term sertraline who underwent coronary artery bypass graft and was treated with methylene blue for perioperative vasoplegia. It delineates the various clinical features commonly encountered and illustrates the recommended management modalities, including prevention, for this potentially lethal medical emergency. With prompt diagnosis and expeditious treatment, the patient has had full recovery.