bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review and meta-analysis on endovascular treatment as an attractive alternative for acute superior mesenteric venous thrombosis
Authors: Wang Lixin , Wang Enci , Liu Fei , Zhang Wei , Shu Xiaolong , Guo Daqiao , Fu Weiguo
Published: May 2021

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the published data on the efficacy and safety of therapies for superior mesenteric venous thrombosis (SMVT), aiming to provide a reference and set of recommendations for clinical treatment.

Methods

Relevant databases were searched for studies published from 2000 to June 2020 on SMVT treated with conservative treatment, surgical treatment, or endovascular approach. Different treatment types were grouped for analysis and comparison, and odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated. The outcomes were pooled using meta-analytic methods and presented by forest plots.

Results

Eighteen articles, including eight on SMVT patients treated with endovascular therapies, were enrolled. The treatment effectiveness was compared between different groups according to the change of symptoms, the occurrence of complications, and mortality as well. The conservative treatment group had better efficacy compared to the surgery group (89.0% vs. 78.6%, P <0.05), and the one-year survival rate was also higher (94.4% vs. 80.0%, P >0.05), but without statistical significance. As for endovascular treatment, the effectiveness was significantly higher than the surgery group (94.8% vs. 75.2%, P <0.05), and the conservative treatment group as well (93.3% vs. 86.3%, P >0.05), which still requires further research for the lack of statistical significance.

Conclusions

Present findings indicate that anticoagulation, as conservative treatment should be the preferred clinical option in the clinic for SMVT, due to its better curative effect compared to other treatment options, including lower mortality, fewer complications, and better prognosis. Moreover, endovascular treatment is a feasible and promising approach that is worth in-depth research, for it is less invasive than surgery and has relatively better effectiveness, thus can provide an alternative option for SMVT treatment and may be considered as a reliable method in clinical.
Development of robotic polishing/fettling system on ceramic pots
Authors: Yu Zhangguo , Lin Hsien-I
Published: May 2021

Current robot polishing techniques are available for objects with computer-aided design geometric models but not for objects without geometric models such as ceramic or clay pots. In this study, we developed a robotic polishing/fettling system to polish the molding defects of ceramic objects. The polishing force on the object surfaces is required to be constant to obtain better results. Thus, the proposed robotic polishing system was designed with a stepper motor, ball screw, and force sensor. The proposed system acquired a rough robot polishing/fettling trajectory and adopted a fuzzy proportional–integral–derivative controller to regulate the trajectory to maintain the desired contact force response from a ceramic object. We developed the temporary desired value technique to make the polishing force response close to the desired one. We validated the system on a six-degrees-of-freedom Staubli TX 40L robotic arm. Experiments were performed to test the effectiveness of the system. The robot trajectory responses showed that the proposed system performed well in tracking the desired force in the polishing/fettling process. We used a 3D microscope to verify that the molding defect of the ceramic pot was significantly removed to evaluate the polishing/fettling quality.
US trade policy is putting at risk the sustainability of the generic/biosimilar industry and the drug supply chain
Authors: Jorge María Fabiana
Published: May 2021

With the outbreak of the Coronavirus there is a new realization of the vulnerabilities of the U.S. drug supply chain. However, while such concerns may have been amplified by the pandemic, they preceded Covid-19 and were well documented before 2020. Indeed, in past years the U.S. Congress held several hearings addressing potential vulnerabilities in the U.S. drug supply chain, in part due to the increasing dependency on China as a dominant supplier of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and some finished pharmaceutical products. These vulnerabilities go well beyond health policy and constitute a national security concern. The article addresses how U.S. trade policy plays a significant role in shaping the pharmaceutical industry at home and abroad and is in part responsible for some of the current vulnerabilities of the U.S. drug supply chain.
The fallacy of discrete authentic leader behaviours: Locating authentic leadership in interaction
Authors: Larsson Magnus , Clifton Jonathan , Schnurr Stephanie
Published: May 2021

The concept of authentic leadership is increasingly the focus of much leadership scholarship, and many have called for a review of the basic assumptions that underpin it. Taking an interactional approach to authentic leadership (AL) and using naturally occurring workplace interaction as data, we seek to question two basic assumptions of AL scholarship, namely (1) that authentic leadership emanates from the atomized leader and (2) that there is a causal logic to it so that authentic leadership behaviours are the cause of follower outcomes. Addressing the research questions – what is the nature of the empirical phenomenon that is called AL and where can this be ontologically located? – our findings indicate that these two fundamental assumptions that underpin current AL research are not justified. Rather, what is taken to be AL is better understood as a collective and collaborative achievement, which can neither simply be attributed to the leader nor can the leader’s actions alone lead to follower outcomes.
Amplified inversion effects for moving biological stimuli remain largest for faces and bodies
Authors: Piepers Daniel W , Stevens Catherine J , Burke Darren , Robbins Rachel A
Published: May 2021

Turning an object upside-down disrupts our ability to perceive it accurately, and this inversion effect is disproportionately larger for faces and whole bodies than most other objects. This disproportionate inversion effect is taken as an indicator of holistic processing for these stimuli. Large inversion effects are also found when viewing motion-only information from faces and bodies; however, these have not been compared to other moving objects in an identity task so it is unclear whether inversion effects remain disproportionately larger for faces and bodies when they are engaged in motion. The current study investigated the effect of inversion on static and moving unfamiliar faces, human bodies, and German Shepherd dogs in an old-new recognition memory task. Sensitivity and baseline corrected reaction time (RT) results revealed that inversion effects for faces and whole-bodies remained disproportionately larger than those for German Shepherd dogs, regardless of presentation type, suggesting that both static and moving faces and bodies are processed holistically.
Telehealth coaching to improve self-management for secondary prevention after stroke: A randomized controlled trial of Stroke Coach
Authors: Sakakibara Brodie M , Lear Scott A , Barr Susan I , Goldsmith Charlie H , Schneeberg Amy , Silverberg Noah D , Yao Jennifer , Eng Janice J
Published: May 2021

Background

Stroke Coach is a lifestyle coaching telehealth program to improve self-management of stroke risk factors.

Aims

To examine the efficacy of Stroke Coach on lifestyle behavior and risk factor control among community-living stroke survivors within one-year post stroke.

Methods

Participants were randomized to Stroke Coach or an attention control Memory Training group. Lifestyle behavior was measured using the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. Secondary outcomes included specific behavioral and cardiometabolic risk factors, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), cognitive status, and depressive symptoms. Measurements were taken at baseline, post-intervention (6 months), and retention (12 month). Linear mixed-effects models were used to test the study hypotheses (p < 0.05). All analyses were intention-to-treat.

Results

The mean age of the Stroke Coach (n = 64) and Memory Training (n = 62) groups was 67.2 and 69.1 years, respectively. The majority of participants (n = 100) had mild stroke (modified Rankin Scale = 1 or 2), were active, with controlled blood pressure (mean = 129/79 mmHg) at baseline. At post-intervention, there were no significant differences in lifestyle (b = −2.87; 95%CI − 8.03 to 2.29; p = 0.28). Glucose control, as measured by HbA1c (b = 0.17; 95%CI 0.17 to 0.32; p = 0.03), and HRQoL, measured using SF-36 Physical Component Summary (b = −3.05; 95%CI −5.88 to −0.21; p = 0.04), were significantly improved in Stroke Coach compared to Memory Training, and the improvements were maintained at retention.

Conclusion

Stroke Coach did not improve lifestyle behavior; however, there were improvements to HbA1c and HRQoL among community-living stroke survivors with mild stroke-related disability. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02207023)
Catapult start likely improves sprint start performance
Authors: Nagahara Ryu , Gleadhill Sam
Published: May 2021

Sprint technical training, named the catapult start, is defined as partner assisted pulling of the hip backward at the set position and during block clearance, released by the forward motion of the athlete. This study investigated the characteristics of the catapult start and its influence on the following sprint start performance. Fourteen male sprinters performed a single 15-m control, catapult, and post-catapult sprint starts, during which ground reaction forces (GRFs) were measured using force platforms. All measured GRF variables during the block clearance, except for the impulses and mean forces on the front block and ratio of force for the rear block, were greater in the catapult start than the control (effect size [ES]=0.52–2.09). Waveform analyses revealed that the rear block anteroposterior GRF was greater for the catapult start than the control during the initial, middle and final phases (0 to 20%, 40 to 61% and 95 to 100%) of block clearance, while the rear block ratio of force was greater for the catapult start until 13% of block clearance. The catapult start resulted in greater rear block ratio of force (ES = 0.28), faster 10-m sprint time (ES = 0.31) and greater average horizontal external power during the initial 10-m (ES = 0.25) at the post-catapult trial. The results suggest that the catapult start can be accompanied with greater force production mainly for the rear block regardless of direction during the block clearance, and it can improve post-catapult sprint start performance in terms of the rear block ratio of force and 10-m sprint time.
The convergence of a numerical method for total variation flow
Authors: Hong Qianying , Lai Ming-jun , Wang Jingyue
Published: May 2021

We present a convergence analysis for a finite difference scheme for the time dependent partial different equation called gradient flow associated with the Rudin-Osher-Fetami model. We devise an iterative algorithm to compute the solution of the finite difference scheme and prove the convergence of the iterative algorithm. Finally computational experiments are shown to demonstrate the convergence of the finite difference scheme.
Looking my enemy (?) in the eyes: An eye-tracking study of simulated virtual intergroup contact
Authors: Steinfeld Nili , Shaked Ohad
Published: May 2021

This study addresses questions of access and agency as they come into play in intergroup contact. In such a context, access to information about the outgroup and conflict, as well as active agency in the form of engagement in intergroup discussions about the conflict, group identity, goals and compromises, are often a function of the intensity and effect of the contact. Although intergroup contact has been proven to be efficient in reducing stereotypes and advancing mutual understanding, these effects are inconsistent. The authors introduce eye tracking as a method for assessing participant engagement and attention as predictors of the contact effect on participants. They examine this approach through the use of simulated virtual contact, an innovative method which allows citizens direct access to information about and from the outgroup, and emphasizes participant agency by increasing participant control over the session. Israeli students participated in a simulated virtual contact with a Palestinian while their ocular behaviour was recorded. Anger and hatred toward Palestinians decreased after the session. Perception of Palestinian trustworthiness and ability to change increased. Desire to access information about Palestinians, changes in the belief of Palestinian ability to change, acknowledgment of a shared identity and support for compromises all correlated with visual attention to the speaker, leading to reflections on the relationship between attention and contact intensity and effect. Practical recommendations for promoting participant attention and possibly increasing contact effect are discussed, and the article concludes with a general theoretical discussion on the use of eye tracking for measuring contact intensity and designing better contact experiences.
Three-dimensional analysis of thumb motion recovery after carpal tunnel release
Authors: Kodama Akira , Kurumadani Hiroshi , Tanaka Teruyasu , Shinomiya Rikuo , Sunagawa Toru , Adachi Nobuo
Published: May 2021

This study quantified recovery of thumb motion in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome after carpal tunnel release using three-dimensional motion analysis with a retroreflective surface-based marker method. Eighteen hands from 14 patients who underwent carpal tunnel release for idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome were included. The angular movements of the three joints of the thumb, the path length of the thumb tip and the area enclosed by the perimeter path of the thumb tip were measured during circumduction. The range of joint movement, including abduction/adduction of the trapeziometacarpal joint, and flexion/extension of the interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints and the path length of the thumb tips, improved significantly 1 year after surgery. The quantification of thumb kinematics helps to better understand motor dysfunction in carpal tunnel syndrome, assess the severity of the condition and decide on treatment.

Level of evidence: IV
Inflammatory bowel disease in pregnancy: Developing a multidisciplinary care pathway in East London
Authors: Kaler Mandeep K , Malina Madeleine , Kok Klaartje , Khan Rehan
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Evaluate the management of pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease.

Method

We collected data from maternity records for women with IBD who gave birth at The Royal London Hospital between January 2018 and February 2019.

Results

Twenty-three pregnancies were identified where 8/23 (35%) women had a peri-conception flare and 7/23 (30%) had a flare during pregnancy. Two women received pre-conception counselling. The obstetric medicine team reviewed a patient on average three times and the gastroenterologists twice, during pregnancy. Nine women (39%) gave birth pre-term. Mean birthweight was lower in the group with active disease at conception compared with those in remission (2173 g vs. 2807 g, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Women with IBD should all receive pre-conception counselling to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications. By developing a multidisciplinary care pathway for pregnant women with IBD (which includes a joint obstetric/gastroenterology clinic), this will ensure care is standardised throughout the pregnancy and puerperium.
Tracking rower motion without on-body sensors using an instrumented machine and an artificial neural network
Authors: BenSiSaid Karim , Ababou Noureddine , Ababou Amina , Roth Daniel , von Mammen Sebastian
Published: May 2021

Human motion tracking is an active field of research driven by its diverse applications in areas such as health care, daily activity recognition, sports, etc. In sports applications, tracking rowing motion is performed to meet several goals, including prevention of injuries, improvement of performance or provision of virtual coaching. Different established approaches rely on on-body sensors to capture rowing motion. While on-body sensors are effective and straight forward to implement, they can disturb the athlete and negatively impact the training. In this paper, an approach is presented to track rowing motion without body-worn sensors or cameras. Instead, sensors were attached to an indoor rowing machine that tracked the motion of its sliding seat, lever handle and the force exercised on the seat. In particular, the motion was tracked by means of linear and angular displacement sensors, as well as force sensors placed underneath the seat. The respective variables were fed into an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to predict the coordinates of the rower’s shoulder, which in turn, were used to geometrically infer the angles of the shoulder, elbow, hip and thoracolumbar flexion-extension. A successful ANN architecture was iteratively designed by using the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm and varying the number of hidden neurons in one hidden layer. A comparison between ANN-predicted and experimentally obtained shoulder coordinates from an optical motion capture system showed a mean error of less than 4 cm, which led to an angle mean error value as low as 2.01°. A rigged avatar was used to visually verify the reproduced motion. The avatar animation was well-received by experts, especially considering the shoulder adduction-abduction in the frontal plane.
Minimising the impact of arrow mass and stiffness variations on an archer’s score
Authors: Park James
Published: May 2021

A Monte Carlo technique was used to study the arrow mass and stiffness tolerances necessary to minimise the degradation of an archer’s likely score at normal competition distances. The archer’s arrow groups on the target were modelled using a half-normal distribution, where the standard deviation of the arrow’s distance from the centre depends upon the archer’s skill level and target distance. Equipment tolerances were modelled by varying the arrow positions on the target in either or both the vertical and lateral axes. This study showed that score loss due to arrow tolerance can be reduced well below score losses resulting from other sources by matching arrow mass to ±0.5 grains and arrow stiffness to ±1%.
The diagnosis and management of metastatic bone disease in general practice
Authors: Cheyne Natalie , Nichols David , Kumar Amit
Published: May 2021

As cancer treatment improves and survival rates continue to increase, clinicians are seeing increasing numbers of patients with metastatic bone disease (MBD). This term describes cancer that has originated in another organ and subsequently spread to the bone. It is a condition that can severely impact the quality of life for an individual and the treatment is often not curative. This article aims to cover the management of MBD, from early recognition to secondary care interventions. The care of individuals with MBD is evolving in the UK, with the development of specialist regional referral pathways to facilitate prompt and timely management.
Familial bowel cancer
Authors: Stewart Lara
Published: May 2021

Health Education England recognises the increasing relevance of genomics in medicine, and therefore, the importance for all specialists of applying knowledge and understanding of genomics to their work. This article looks specifically at familial colorectal cancer and the role of primary care clinicians in diagnosis and management.
Colorectal cancer screening programme: is the French faecal immunological test (FIT) threshold optimal?
Authors: Pellat Anna , Deyra Jacques , Husson Marie , Benamouzig Robert , Coriat Romain , Chaussade Stanislas
Published: May 2021

Background:

In France, the colorectal cancer organised screening programme uses the faecal immunological test. A positive test ⩾30 μg Hb/g of stool leads to a colonoscopy for identification of potential colorectal lesions. Cut-off values vary from 20 to 47 μg Hb/g of stool in Western countries. We herein question this threshold’s relevance in a French population and perform a retrospective observational study using the Parisian database between 1 April 2015 and 31 December 2018.

Methods:

Rates of participation, numbers of positive faecal immunological test (FIT), detection rates and positive predictive values for advanced adenomas and/or colorectal cancer were determined. Mean positivity values for colorectal lesions were calculated.

Results:

In our population, there were 4.1% positive tests and 67.6% colonoscopy results available with final reports. Positive predictive value for advanced adenomas and colorectal cancer were 30% [95% confidence interval (CI) 29.8–30.3] and 7.4% (95% CI 7.35–7.52), respectively. The mean positivity value for all positive tests in our population was 101.7 µg Hb/g of stool (95% CI 85–118.3). There were 1136 normal colonoscopies (21.4%) with a mean positivity value of 88.6 μg Hb/g of stool. Following a negative test in a first screening campaign, 40.8% of patients in our population performed a second test with a positivity rate of 1.3% and with the encounter of 81 colorectal cancers. The risk of having a positive test during the second screening campaign and finding advanced colorectal lesions significantly increased (all p < 0.001) when comparing negative FIT results ranging between 15 and 29 μg Hb/g of stool to 0 and 14 μg Hb/g of stool from the previous campaign.

Conclusion:

Using the current positivity threshold, some patients were considered negative with a delay in colorectal cancer diagnosis, suggesting the threshold could be lowered. Also, the mean positivity value for normal colonoscopies was high, raising the question of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Immune response against Clostridioides difficile and translation to therapy
Authors: Sehgal Kanika , Khanna Sahil
Published: May 2021

The pathogenesis of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) has largely been attributed to the action of two major toxins – A and B. An enhanced systemic humoral immune response against these toxins has been shown to be protective against recurrent CDI. Over the years, fully human monoclonal antibodies against both of these toxins have been developed in an attempt to counter the increasing incidence of recurrent CDI. Clinical trials conducted to evaluate the efficacy of anti-toxin A monoclonal antibody, actoxumab, and anti-toxin B monoclonal antibody, bezlotoxumab, demonstrated that bezlotoxumab substantially lowered the rate of recurrent infection, while actoxumab did not. A significant therapeutic benefit was appreciated in patients with at least one high-risk factor for recurrence, including, age ⩾65 years, immunocompromised state, prior CDI and severe CDI. In light of toxins A and B being immunogenic, vaccine trials are underway with the aim to prevent primary infection.
Receptor conversion impacts outcomes of different molecular subtypes of primary breast cancer
Authors: Zhao Weipeng , Sun Linlin , Dong Guolei , Wang Xiaorui , Jia Yan , Tong Zhongsheng
Published: May 2021

Background:

Although the conversion of clinically used breast cancer biomarkers such as estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) between primary tumors and metastatic lesions is well recognized, data on whether receptor conversion has an effect on therapy management and survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer is limited. This study aimed to investigate the clinical implications of receptor conversion throughout tumor progression.

Methods:

In total, 2450 patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital were analyzed and 426 female patients with available biopsy results from both primary and metastatic sites were included in this study. We investigated the alteration of ER, PR and HER2 during breast cancer progression and evaluated the therapy management and prognostic value of receptor conversion.

Results:

The conversion rates of ER, PR, and HER2 between primary tumors and metastasis were 21.1% (McNemar’s test p < 0.001), 33.2% ( p < 0.001), and 11.6% ( p = 0.868), respectively. Evaluation of ER, PR, and HER2 status in multiple consecutive metastases revealed a change in 19.1% ( p > 0.05), 23.5% ( p = 0.021), and 9.8% ( p > 0.05) of patients, respectively. Adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy/endocrine therapy) was related to hormone receptor conversion ( p < 0.05). A statistically significant differential survival associated with hormone receptor (ER/PR) conversion (log-rank p < 0.05) was observed. In the multivariate analysis, ER conversion was an independent influence factor of survival ( p < 0.05). Molecular typing conversion in primary and metastatic lesions also had a significant effect on survival ( p < 0.05). We found that changing treatment based on the receptor conversion could affect clinical outcomes ( p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Our findings indicated that receptor conversion during breast tumor progression had a significant effect on survival. Most importantly, our findings proved that patients with receptor conversion benefited from a change in therapy.
Recent advances in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor 2-positive advanced breast cancer
Authors: Lv Huimin , Yan Min , Jiang Zefei
Published: May 2021

Hormone receptor (HR)-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive (HR+/HER2+) advanced breast cancer is a special subtype of cancer with unique features. Major guidelines recommend that combination therapy containing anti-HER2 therapy (e.g., trastuzumab and pertuzumab) should be applied as the first-line treatment for HER2+ advanced breast cancer, regardless of HR status. Endocrine therapy could be relegated to patients who cannot tolerate chemotherapy or as a post-chemotherapy empirical maintenance strategy. Previous studies have shown that the HR pathway interacts with the HER2 pathway, and the HR and HER2 pathways of endocrine therapy combined with targeted therapy can effectively avoid tumor resistance. Therefore, the combination of endocrine and targeted therapies is the preferred treatment plan for HR+/HER2+ patients to replace chemotherapy. In this review, we will discuss research progress regarding endocrine therapy combined with anti-HER2 therapy in patients with advanced breast cancer, to provide more evidence for clinical practice and broader perspectives for related research. In the future, we hope there will be more studies on HR+/HER2+ advanced breast cancer to elucidate the optimal and appropriate treatment for these patients.
Apatinib in patients with recurrent or metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck: a single-arm, phase II prospective study
Authors: Zhu Guopei , Zhang Lin , Dou Shengjin , Li Rongrong , Li Jiang , Ye Lulu , Jiang Wen , Dong Minjun , Ruan Min , Yang Wenjun , Zhang Chenping
Published: May 2021

Background:

Apatinib, a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) blocker, has demonstrated encouraging antitumor activities and tolerable toxicities in various cancer types. Recurrent or metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck (R/MACCHN) carries a poor prognosis, and treatment options are currently limited. This study was conducted to explore the antitumor activity and safety of apatinib in patients with R/MACCHN.

Methods:

In this phase II single-arm, prospective study, patients aged 15–75 years with incurable R/MACCHN received apatinib at a 500 mg dose once daily until intolerance or progression occurred. The primary endpoint was the 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate based on RECIST version 1.1. The secondary endpoints included response rate, overall survival (OS), and safety. Efficacy was assessed in all dosed patients with at least one post-baseline tumor assessment.

Results:

Among 68 patients treated with apatinib, 65 were evaluable for efficacy analysis, with a median follow-up time of 25.8 months. The 6-month, 12-month, and 24-month PFS rates were 92.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 83–97.5%], 75.2% (95% CI: 61.5–84.0%) and 44.7% (95% CI: 32.3–57.5%), respectively. The objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR), as assessed by investigators, were 46.2% (95% CI: 33.7–59.0%) and 98.5% (95% CI: 91.7–100.0%), respectively. The median duration of response was 17.7 months [interquartile range (IQR) 14.0–20.9]. The 12-month and 24-month OS rates were 92.3% (95% CI: 83.0–97.5%) and 82.3% (95% CI: 70–90.4%), respectively. The most common adverse events of grades 3–4 were hypertension (5.9%), proteinuria (9.2%), and hemorrhage (5.9%). One patient developed a fatal hemorrhage.

Conclusion:

An encouraging PFS, a high ORR, and a manageable safety profile were observed in this study. It seems that the administration of apatinib in R/MACCHN is likely to have a clinically meaningful therapeutic benefit and warrants further investigation. This study was prospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02775370; date of registration: 17 May 2016; date of first patient enrollment: 25 May 2016)
Biomarkers predictive of treatment response in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: a systematic review
Authors: Magee Conor , Jethwa Hannah , FitzGerald Oliver M. , Jadon Deepak R.
Published: May 2021

Aims:

The ability to predict response to treatment remains a key unmet need in psoriatic disease. We conducted a systematic review of studies relating to biomarkers associated with response to treatment in either psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods:

A search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane library from their inception to 2 September 2020, and conference proceedings from four major rheumatology conferences. Original research articles studying pre-treatment biomarker levels associated with subsequent response to pharmacologic treatment in either PsV or PsA were included.

Results:

A total of 765 articles were retrieved and after review, 44 articles (22 relating to PsV and 22 to PsA) met the systematic review’s eligibility criteria. One study examined the response to methotrexate, one the response to tofacitinib and all the other studies to biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Whilst several studies examined the HLA-C*06 allele in PsV, the results were conflicting. Interleukin (IL)-12 serum levels and polymorphisms in the IL-12B gene show promise as biomarkers of treatment response in PsV. Most, but not all, studies found that higher baseline levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were associated with a better clinical response to treatment in patients with PsA.

Conclusion:

Several studies have identified biomarkers associated with subsequent response to treatment in psoriatic disease. However, due to the different types of biomarkers, treatments and outcome measures used, firm conclusions cannot be drawn. Further validation is needed before any of these biomarkers translate to clinical practice.
Considering Form and Function: A Commentary on the Review of the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia
Authors: Cohrssen Caroline
Published: May 2021

An important milestone in early childhood education and care is reached in 2021 as Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia is reviewed. The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) was groundbreaking. It has been influential in providing national guidelines around pedagogical principles, practice and learning outcomes for children. This commentary is intended to contribute to the wider conversation that is taking place this year. It proposes that a refined EYLF retains the focus on child-centredness and playful learning, and advocates for the structure of the revised document to include continua of learning and development. The provision of learning trajectories would assist early childhood educators to enact the planning cycle, meet National Quality Standard Quality Area 1, and thus potentially increase the learning outcomes for all children.
Does Innovation Capacity Building Help Regional Development? Policy Expert Narrations on Development in China’s “West”
Authors: Heindl Anna-Barbara
Published: May 2021

To avoid the middle-income trap, China’s leaders call for innovation to accelerate development in China. However, since it is not clear how innovation and (regional) development reinforce each other, there is no blueprint strategy for successful innovation capacity building throughout China. Due to resource scarcity in its “Western” regions, it is thus far from certain that innovation capacity building will support regional development. Departing from sociology of knowledge, narrations are constitutive of policy practice. This article analyses narrative patterns of policy experts to understand how innovation capacity building and regional development are negotiated in China’s lagging “West.” The comparison of Yunnan and Chongqing cases demonstrates that innovation capacity building is primarily infused with theoretical expectations: resource scarcity does not allow for grounding innovation as a strategy of regional development in the local context. This leads to narrations of “local” alternatives to innovation capacity building in centralist China.
Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo: Enhancing Indonesia’s Multilateral Defence Diplomacy?
Authors: Wenas Inkiriwang Frega
Published: May 2021

Defence diplomacy has gained attention in the past decades. Hence, Indonesia has also developed its defence diplomacy for achieving its strategic interests. In Indonesia’s defence diplomacy, bilateral forms have dominated the practice of joint exercises with its defence partners. However, under the Yudhoyono administration in 2014, Indonesia hosted its first multilateral joint exercise, the Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK), which aimed at facilitating multilateral engagement with greater international partners. This exercise was continued by the Widodo administration as a biannual event in the following years. Since this multilateral exercise has rarely been studied, this article attempts to qualitatively examine how this exercise has developed and contributed to Indonesia’s multilateral defence diplomacy. To support the analysis, this article relies on a combination of documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews, including with numerous participants of past MNEK exercises in 2014, 2016, and 2018.
Algorithms for Automated Insulin Delivery: An Overview
Authors: Thomas Andreas , Heinemann Lutz
Published: May 2021

The technology needed to “close the loop,” that is, a system for continuous glucose monitoring and a pump that infuses insulin, are only 2 of the 3 components needed for each system for automated insulin delivery (AID), the other is a “translation” of the glucose information into the appropriate amount of insulin to be applied at a given point in time to keep glucose levels in the body in the target range. It might look straightforward to calculate the required insulin dose and control the pump to apply this immediately; however, once a given amount of insulin is in the body, it will be absorbed and become metabolically active. To avoid lowering glucose levels toward too low levels, the algorithms used to calculate the insulin dose have to take a number of other factors into account. This is needed to make sure that AID systems are not only efficient but also safe, that is, not only Time-in-Range should be maximal, also Time-below-Range should be minimal. The review characterizes the different types of AID algorithms that were developed in the last decades. Using a structured approach, the different algorithms are classified. A systematic evaluation of the performance of the different algorithms is missing, not only during the clinical development of AID systems, but also in daily practice. However, it might very well be that other factors determine which AID algorithms will be used in practice.
Perceptions and Understanding of Diabetes Mellitus Technology in Adults with Type 1 or Type 2 DM: A Pilot Survey from Pakistan
Authors: Nadeem Sarah , Siddiqi Uswah , Martins Russell Seth , Badini Kaleemullah
Published: May 2021

Introduction:

Diabetes mellitus technology (DMT) is increasingly used for routine management in developed countries, yet its uptake in developing countries is not as consistent. Multiple factors may influence this, including country specific patient perception regarding DMT. We conducted a pilot study in Pakistan to understand this important question which has not been studied yet.

Methods:

A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in Pakistan. An anonymous survey exploring perceptions of diabetes technology was circulated on social media platforms, collecting responses over 2 weeks. Target population included adults (≥18 years) living in Pakistan, with DM1 or 2.

Results:

A total of 40 responses were received. The majority (36/40) reported using conventional glucometers. Nine used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Thirty-two of 40 patients believed DMT improved diabetes care, 22 felt it helped decreased risk of Diabetes-related complications. 15/40 stated that DMT results in increased cost of care. Sixteen reported their diabetes care teams had never discussed wearable DMT options whereas 11 disliked them because they did not want a device on their self.

Conclusion:

In our pilot study we have identified broad themes of opportunity and challenges to DMT use in Pakistan. Patients’ perceptions regarding DMT were generally positive but significant barriers to its acceptance included high cost, lack of discussion between doctor and patient about available technology and personal hesitation. Limitations of our study include sampling bias (online survey) and small sample size, but this data can help inform larger studies, to look at this important topic in greater detail.
Impact of Betaine Under Salinity on Accumulation of Phenolic Compounds in Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Sprouts
Authors: Kim Nam Su , Kim Jae Kwang , Sathasivam Ramaraj , Park Hong Woo , Nguyen Bao Van , Kim Min Cheol , Cuong Do Manh , Chung Yong Suk , Park Sang Un
Published: May 2021

It has been assumed that abiotic stresses often lead to osmotic and ionic stress in plants either inducing or reducing secondary plant metabolites. Therefore, the influence of NaCl, glycinebetaine (betaine), and NaCl with betaine on the growth and variation in the accumulation of phenolic compounds was investigated in safflower ( Carthamus tinctorius L.). The growth pattern of safflower sprouts was significantly influenced by these treatments. It was found that with increases in the concentration of NaCl, all growth parameters steadily decreased, but growth was markedly increased by adding different concentrations of betaine, especially at 0.5 mM, which produced the highest growth in terms of different growth parameters. High-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis revealed changes in 7 different phenolic compounds in response to different treatments. After treatment with up to 200 mM NaCl, the levels of catechin, ferulic acid, benzoic acid, and kaempferol increased, whereas the levels of the remaining phenolic compounds, especially chlorogenic acid, and p-coumaric acid were reduced. Our results suggest that the growth suppression due to salinity stress is decreased in the sprouts of safflower by adding betaine.
Evaluation of Nosocomial Infection Control Measures to Minimize the Risk of Aspergillus Dispersion During Major Demolition Work: A Case Study of a Japanese University Hospital
Authors: Nakanishi Yasuhiro , Kasahara Kei , Koizumi Akira , Tokutani Junko , Yoshihara Shingo , Mikasa Keiichi , Imamura Tomoaki
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

To verify the effectiveness of our infection control measures based on the infection control risk assessment (ICRA) to minimize the risk of Aspergillus dispersion before, during, and after demolition work in a university hospital.

Background:

It is widely accepted that invasive aspergillosis is associated with construction, renovation, and demolition activities within or close to hospital sites. However, the risk is underestimated, and only limited preventive measures are taken in Japanese hospitals.

Method:

The demolition process, carried out in July 2014, was supervised by our facility management in collaboration with the infection prevention team and followed an adapted ICRA tool. Dust containment measures were implemented to reduce the risk of airborne Aspergillus contamination. Air sampling was performed at four wards in the adjacent hospital buildings to assess the containment measures’ effectiveness.

Results:

A high, undetermined number of colonies of bacteria and molds were detected on all outside balconies before demolition. During demolition, Aspergillus spp. was detected only in the ward closest to the demolition site. However, no case of aspergillosis was reported. The difference-in-difference analysis revealed that the interaction between the demolition activity, height of the ward, and distance of the air intake to the demolition activities resulted in a significant increase in the numbers of Aspergillus spp.

Conclusions:

When large-scale demolition work occurs in hospital premises, Aspergillus spp. may increase in the ward where the vertical and horizontal distance of air intake from the demolition site is close, even though infection control measures based on the ICRA are implemented.
Migrants, Caravans, and the Impact of News Photos on Immigration Attitudes
Authors: Madrigal Guadalupe , Soroka Stuart
Published: May 2021

The migrant caravan is comprised of thousands of people traveling from Central America to the Mexico–U.S. border seeking refuge from their home countries. In news coverage, images of the caravan regularly portray large groups of immigrants walking toward the border. What are the consequences of this depiction on attitudes toward immigration? We suggest that images of groups of immigrants, in contrast with images of individual immigrants, will tend to decrease support for immigration. In 2019, we preregistered and ran a web-based survey experiment in the United States in which respondents read a news story with either an image of immigrants in a crowd setting, an image of an individual immigrant, or a control condition. The group treatment produces no systematic increase in anti-immigrant sentiment relative to the control. However, we do find differences in the group and individual treatments for respondents who are high in threat sensitivity. Findings are discussed as they relate to recent work on the roles of both fear and person positivity in attitudes about immigration, as well as the potential importance of editorial choices in the portrayal of immigration to the United States.
Mapping Emerging and Legacy Outlets Online by Their Democratic Functions—Agonistic, Deliberative, or Corrosive?
Authors: Freudenthaler Rainer , Wessler Hartmut
Published: May 2021

In this study, we offer a novel approach to research on migration reporting by focusing on the argumentative substance prevalent in different online outlets. Taking German refugee policy as our case in point we map the role that moral, ethical–cultural, legal, and pragmatic argumentations play within journalistic, partisan, and activist outlets; and how these coincide with incivility and impoliteness. Using dictionary-based content analysis on a data set of 34,819 articles from thirty online news outlets published between April 10, 2017, and April 10, 2018, we find that legacy mainstream media, partisan media, and activist media perform vastly different functions for the larger public sphere. We observe that human rights activist media perform an advocatory function by making the moral case for refugees, whereas corrosive partisan media at the fringe—particularly within the contra-refugee camp—often present opponents as inherently illegitimate enemies. Implications for public sphere theory and directions for future research on emerging and legacy media are discussed.
The double return of Friedrich Engels: Towards a dialectics of the trace
Authors: Rainey Mark Justin , Hanson Steve
Published: May 2021

Two sculptures of Friedrich Engels have recently been installed in Greater Manchester, the city where the social philosopher spent most of his working life and was the focus of his proto-ethnographic account of the early industrial city. The first sculpture is a fibreglass ‘fabricated ruin’ set within a newly rebuilt section of the University of Salford campus. The second is a former Soviet monument that was transported from eastern Ukraine to Tony Wilson Place, a new arts, business and entertainment space in central Manchester. While the appropriation of the city’s radical figures and movements is very much part of Manchester’s narrative of post-industrial regeneration, the ‘homecoming’ of Engels in the decade following the 2008 financial crash and amid the unfolding Brexit crisis raises certain methodological concerns for us. Engels is a figure who has returned and can be returned to. Here, his ‘double return’ can be read in very particular ways. In this paper, we bring Engels back to Manchester as a figure who will immediately re-signify against the contemporary political, economic and cultural landscape. In doing so, we advocate a dialectics of geographical traces that can grasp the social contradictions and fractures of the present in a way that works both within and beyond the writing and practice of Engels. As we move on from the 2019 UK General Election in which the Conservative party formed a substantial majority government into the fractured British landscapes of 2021 and beyond, this practice becomes increasingly necessary.
The Effect of COVID on Nasal Fracture Management in ENT Emergency Clinics
Authors: Gupta Keshav Kumar , Gupta Vinay Kumar , Sanghera Ranjodh Singh , Jolly Karan , McClleland Lisha
Published: May 2021

Study design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

Management of nasal fractures is usually in ENT emergency clinics, with our center aiming to assess patients within 10-days. During 2020, there have been numerous lockdowns and social distancing measures implemented in the UK as a result of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID). This study aimed to assess the effect of COVID on nasal fracture management in ENT emergency clinics in terms of number of patients seen, time to follow up and their management strategies.

Methods:

All patients with suspected or confirmed nasal bone fractures presenting to the emergency department (ED) between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2020 at our major trauma center were analyzed in 2 groups depending on the year they were seen (2019 vs. 2020).

Results:

There was a total of 104 patients analyzed, with 51.4% decrease in the number of patients seen in 2020 versus 2019. The mean days to follow up in 2019 was 8.09 days and 7.65 days in 2020 ( P = .37). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of patients seen within the 10-day target between years (2019 = 65.7% vs. 2020 = 76.5%, P = .35). The majority of patients were managed with manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) in 2019 (n = 32, 45.7%) vs. discharge from clinic in 2020 (n = 21, 61.8%).

Conclusions:

Our study shows a drastic reduction in the number of patients seen in ENT emergency clinic from 2019 to 2020. This is in-keeping with other studies that have shown a reduction in ED attendances, trauma admissions and admissions across other specialties all around the world.