bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of androgen deprivation therapy on cognitive functioning in men with prostate cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Andela Cornelie D , Matte Rafil , Jazet Ingrid M , Zonneveld Willemijn CG , Schoones Jan W , Meinders A Edo
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to review publications assessing cognitive functioning in patients with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy. We conducted a systematic review of the literature published in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO up to February 2020. A total of 31 studies were included. Half of the studies (n = 16) demonstrated that androgen deprivation therapy in patients with prostate carcinoma did not result in a negative effect on cognitive functioning, however, still a substantial proportion of the studies (n = 11) reported a negative effect on cognitive functioning. In four studies the results were inconclusive. In the three studies using additional functional magnetic resonance imaging, no significant effect on neuropsychological tests was found, but grey matter volume, brain activity, and brain connectivity were affected. Given the substantial number of studies showing a significant negative effect of androgen deprivation therapy on cognitive functioning, clinicians should be aware of this side effect. Furthermore, future research should focus on the further examination of brain characteristics using functional magnetic resonance imaging, since these techniques might be more sensitive in detecting brain abnormalities as a result of androgen deprivation therapy.
Immune control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is dependent on both soluble TNFRp55 and soluble TNFRp75
Authors: Keeton Roanne , du Toit Jan Pierre , Hsu Nai‐Jen , Dube Felix , Jacobs Muazzam
Published: June 2021

Tuberculosis presents a global health challenge, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) signalling is required for host immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). TNF receptor shedding, however, compromises effective immunity by reducing bioactive TNF through the formation of inactive complexes. In this study, we first compared the effect of total soluble TNF receptors using a transgenic p55ΔNS/p75−/− murine strain on host protection during a low‐dose aerosol Mtb H37Rv challenge. We report that the presence of membrane‐bound TNFRp55 alone in the absence of TNFRp75 results in superior control of a primary Mtb infection where p55ΔNS/p75−/− hyperactive dendritic cells displayed an increased capacity to induce a hyperactive Mtb‐specific CD4+ T‐cell response. p55ΔNS/p75−/− dendritic cells expressed a higher frequency of MHCII and increased MFIs for both CD86 and MHCII, while CD4+ T cells had higher expression of CD44 and IFN‐γ. Next, the relative contributions of soluble TNFRp55 and soluble TNFRp75 to host protection against either primary Mtb infection or during reactivation of latent tuberculosis were delineated by comparing the experimental outcomes of control C57BL/6 mice to transgenic p55ΔNS/p75−/−, p55ΔNS and p75−/− mouse strains. We found that soluble TNFRp55 is redundant for immune regulation during the chronic stages of a primary Mtb infection. However, TNFRp55 together with soluble TNFRp75 has a crucial role in immune regulation of reactivation of latent tuberculosis.
COVID‐19 economic vulnerability and resilience indexes: Global evidence
Authors: Diop Samba , Asongu Simplice A. , Nnanna Joseph
Published: June 2021

This study complements the extant literature by constructing COVID‐19 economic vulnerability and resilience indexes using a global sample of 150 countries categorised into four principal regions: Africa, Asia‐Pacific and the Middle East, America, and Europe. Seven variables are used for the vulnerability index and nine for the resilience index. Both regions and sampled countries are classified in terms of the two proposed and computed indexes. The classification of countries is also provided in terms of four scenarios pertaining to vulnerability and resilience characteristics: low vulnerability‐low resilience, high vulnerability‐low resilience, high vulnerability‐high resilience, and low vulnerability‐high resilience to illustrate sensitive, severe, asymptomatic, and best cases, respectively. The findings are relevant to policy makers, especially as they pertain to decision‐making in resource allocation in the fight against the global pandemic.
Broadband electromagnetic absorption of Ti3C2Tx MXene/WS2 composite via constructing two‐dimensional heterostructure
Authors: Ren Hengdong , Wang Sheng , Zhang Ximing , Liu Yin , Kong Lingbing , Li Chang , Lu Xiaoyong , Chen Yonghong
Published: June 2021

Ti3C2Tx MXene, an emerging two‐dimensional (2D) ceramic material, has rich interfaces and strong conductive networks. Herein, we have successfully built a heterostructure between Ti3C2Tx MXene and WS2 to improve electromagnetic absorption performance. X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to determine the successful synthesis of Ti3C2Tx/WS2 composite. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images show that WS2 nanosheets are evenly dispersed on the accordion‐like Ti3C2Tx MXene. Importantly, Ti3C2Tx MXene/WS2 composite has sufficiently high dielectric loss and impedance matching due to self‐adjusting conductivity and 2D heterostructure interfaces. As a result, the Ti3C2Tx/WS2 composite has a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −61.06 dB at 13.28 GHz. Besides, it has a broad effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 6.5 GHz, with EAB >5.0 GHz covering a wide range of thickness. Such impressive results may provide experience for the application of Ti3C2Tx ceramics and 2D materials.
The early course and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in very young children: diagnostic prevalence and predictors in hospital‐attending children and a randomized controlled proof‐of‐concept trial of trauma‐focused cognitive therapy, for 3‐ to 8‐year‐olds
Authors: Hitchcock Caitlin , Goodall Benjamin , Wright Isobel M. , Boyle Adrian , Johnston David , Dunning Darren , Gillard Julia , Griffiths Kirsty , Humphrey Ayla , McKinnon Anna , Panesar Inderpal K. , Werner‐Seidler Aliza , Watson Peter , Smith Patrick , Meiser‐Stedman Richard , Dalgleish Tim
Published: June 2021

Background

The introduction of developmentally adapted criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has improved the identification of ≤6‐year‐old children with clinical needs. Across two studies, we assess predictors of the development of PTSD in young children (PTSD‐YC), including the adult‐led acute stress disorder (ASD) diagnosis, and provide proof of principle for cognitive‐focused therapy for this age range, with the aim of increasing treatment options for children diagnosed with PTSD‐YC.

Method

Study 1 (N = 105) assessed ASD and PTSD‐YC diagnosis in 3‐ to 8‐year‐old children within one month and at around three months following attendance at an emergency room. Study 2 (N = 37) was a preregistered (www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN35018680) randomized controlled early‐phase trial comparing CBT‐3M, a cognitive‐focused intervention, to treatment‐as‐usual (TAU) delivered within the UK NHS to 3‐ to 8‐year‐olds diagnosed with PTSD‐YC.

Results

In Study 1, the ASD diagnosis failed to identify any young children. In contrast, prevalence of acute PTSD‐YC (minus the duration requirement) was 8.6% in the first month post‐trauma and 10.1% at 3 months. Length of hospital stay, but no other demographic or trauma‐related characteristics, predicted development of later PTSD‐YC. Early (within one month) diagnosis of acute PTSD‐YC had a positive predictive value of 50% for later PTSD‐YC. In Study 2, most children lost their PTSD‐YC diagnosis following completion of CBT‐3M (84.6%) relative to TAU (6.7%) and CBT‐3M was acceptable to recipient families. Effect sizes were also in favor of CBT‐3M for secondary outcome measures.

Conclusions

The ASD diagnosis is not fit for purpose in this age‐group. There was a strong and encouraging signal of putative efficacy for young children treated using a cognitive‐focused treatment for PTSD, and a larger trial of CBT‐3M is now warranted.
Nonsurgical reshaping of the nose, chin, and jawline: A retrospective analysis using experience‐based eligibility criteria
Authors: Calvisi Lucia , Palazzolo Dario , Triolo Antonio
Published: June 2021

Background

Nonsurgical reshaping of the nose, chin, and jawline with hyaluronic acid fillers is becoming increasingly popular. Appropriate patient selection is essential.

Objectives

To assess the safety and efficacy of nonsurgical treatment of these facial areas using experience‐based eligibility criteria and injection of the high G’ filler, VYC‐25L.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing aesthetic improvement of the nose, chin, and/or jawline with VYC‐25L, selected based on detailed criteria derived from extensive experience and imaging assessments. In a subgroup of subjects, high‐resolution 3D imaging was used to assess nasal angles, nasal hump height, and chin projection.

Results

A total of 135 patients were included (n = 106 females; mean age, 43.4 ± 14.3 years; n = 44 nose treatment only, n = 24 chin/jawline only, n = 67 both). Mean treatment volume was 3.3 ± 2.0 ml. In total, 111 individuals (82.2%) were injected in the nose (mean volume: 0.9 ± 0.2 ml) and 91 (67.4%) in the chin/jawline (mean volume: 3.8 ± 0.8 ml). Most complications were injection site‐related (bruising, n = 27 [20.0%]; pain, n = 1 [0.7%]). One patient (0.7%) experienced lip herpes, successfully managed with antiviral therapy. Thirty‐two individuals underwent 3D imaging, which showed substantial mean changes from baseline in nasofrontal angle (3.5 ± 1.6 degrees), nasofacial angle (2.2 ± 0.8 degrees), and nasolabial angle (3.9 ± 2.6 degrees); decreases in nasal hump height (1.7 ± 0.9 mm); and increased chin projection (2.7 ± 1.5 mm).

Conclusions

Nonsurgical reshaping of the nose, chin, and jawline was safe and effective using experience‐based eligibility criteria and VYC‐25L.
Analgesic efficacy of ultrasound‐guided transversus abdominis plane block after cesarean delivery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Peng , Chen Xu , Chang Ying , Wang Yanping , Cui Hongyan
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The meta‐analysis is aimed to further access the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound‐guided transversus abdominis plane (USG‐TAP) block after cesarean section (CS).

Methods

Electronic databases were searched for eligible studies. Primary objectives were pain‐related outcomes. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs), as well as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were used to calculate estimates. Subgroup analyses were done based on whether USG‐TAP blocks were performed with long‐acting intrathecal opioids (ITO).

Results

A total of 17 studies were included. When compared with control groups (placebo or no blocks), USG‐TAP block resulted in lower cumulative opioid consumption at 6 h (WMD: −8.32; 95% CI: −14.86, −1.79), 12 h (WMD: −10.75; 95% CI: −20.93, −0.57), and 24 h (WMD: −12.71, 95% CI: −21.28, −4.14). No significant differences were demonstrated among dynamic or resting pain scores. Patients in USG‐TAP groups needed longer time to request first analgesic (WMD: 3.56; 95% CI: 1.43, 5.68) and showed a lower requirement of opioid rescue analgesia for breakthrough severe pain during 24 h (RR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.86). Subgroup analyses showed USG‐TAP blocks did not afford additional benefit in the presence of intrathecal morphine. Also, reduced need for antiemetics after CS and higher maternal satisfaction were provided by USG‐TAP blocks.

Conclusion

USG‐TAP block can provide significantly effective analgesia for patients who underwent CS in the absence of long‐acting ITO and therefore are worth promoting in the setting of long‐acting ITO being unfeasible.
Twenty‐five years of biologicals in IBD: What´s all the hype about?
Authors: Herrlinger Klaus R. , Stange Eduard F.
Published: June 2021

Twenty‐five years ago the field was revolutionized by the introduction of infliximab as the first hybrid anti‐TNF‐antibody. Subsequently, other humanized anti‐TNFs were developed and marketed, followed by antibodies to new targets including integrins (vedolizumab) and interleukin 12/23 (ustekinumab). All these so‐called biologicals were shown in registrational trials to induce remission superior to placebo but consistently were effective in only a minority of patients. Even though in most trials only the responders were selected to continue on the respective medication for maintenance, many experienced a secondary loss of response and only a minority of usually <25% of the initial cohort achieved long‐term (1 year) remission. In 'real life studies', the outcome was somewhat better, probably due to proper selection of patients and open, mostly retrospective study designs. A clear benefit of biologicals is apparent in otherwise treatment refractory patients, in extraintestinal manifestations and in Crohn´s disease (CD) with fistulizing complications. Biologicals achieve mucosal healing (MH) more often than corticosteroids or thiopurines, and MH is associated with improved prognosis. However, this does not justify escalating treatment until MH is reached since controlled trials proving this point of 'treat to target' are lacking both in ulcerative colitis and CD. Surgical rates have decreased with increasing use of biologicals, but disease progression has not been proven to improve. With the exception of opportunistic infections, serious adverse events are rare. In conclusion, biologicals have changed the scene considerably and expanded our armamentarium, but there is also a marketing hype fostering expectations without evidence.
Dark side of laundry pods: Analysis of exposure to laundry detergent capsules in children
Authors: Rocka Agata , Piędel Faustyna , Madras Dominika , Krawiec Paulina , Pac‐Kożuchowska Elżbieta
Published: June 2021

Aim

We aimed to evaluate the epidemiological characteristic and clinical features of laundry detergent capsule (LDC) exposure in children.

Methods

Retrospective review of medical records of patients hospitalised due to the exposure to LDC at the Department of Paediatrics and Gastroenterology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland, from 2014 to 2019 was conducted.

Results

During the study period, 38 children including 19 (50%) boys and 19 (50%) girls were admitted to our department due to exposure to LDC. The age of patients ranged from 11 months to 9 years, with a mean 48.61 ± 28.85 months of age. About 66% of patients were younger than 5 years. The major route of exposure was ingestion (n = 37; 97%). Most patients (n = 27; 71%) exhibited symptoms of exposure to the LDC. The most common symptoms were vomiting (n = 23; 60%), cough (n = 7; 18%) and salivation (n = 5; 13%). Seven patients required gastroscopy. Abnormalities were subsequently identified in three children.

Conclusions

Accidental exposure to LDC usually occurs in children younger than 5 years. Although the majority of cases had mild or moderate clinical outcomes, ingestion of LDC may lead to some severe consequences. Improvements in parental education regarding the risks of LDC, and in the packaging of LDC may prevent serious injury.
The role of homeobox gene‐encoded transcription factors in regulation of phototransduction: Implementing the primary pinealocyte culture as a photoreceptor model
Authors: Hertz Henrik , Blancas‐Velazquez Aurea Susana , Rath Martin Fredensborg
Published: June 2021

Homeobox genes encode transcription factors controlling development; however, a number of homeobox genes are expressed postnatally specifically in melatonin‐producing pinealocytes of the pineal gland and photoreceptors of the retina along with transcripts devoted to melatonin synthesis and phototransduction. Homeobox genes regulate melatonin synthesis in pinealocytes, but some homeobox genes also seem to be involved in regulation of retinal phototransduction. Due to the lack of photoreceptor models, we here introduce the rat pinealocyte culture as an in vitro model for studying retinal phototransduction. Systematic qPCR analyses were performed on the rat retina and pineal gland in 24 hour in vivo series and on primary cultures of rat pinealocytes: All homeobox genes and melatonin synthesis components, as well as nine out of ten phototransduction genes, were readily detectable in all three experimental settings, confirming molecular similarity between cultured pinealocytes and in vivo retinal tissue. 24 hours circadian expression was mostly confined to transcripts in the pineal gland, including a novel rhythm in arrestin (Sag). Individual knockdown of the homeobox genes orthodenticle homeobox 2 (Otx2), cone‐rod homeobox (Crx) and LIM homeobox 4 (Lhx4) in pinealocyte culture using siRNA resulted in specific downregulation of transcripts representing all levels of phototransduction; thus, all phototransduction genes studied in culture were affected by one or several siRNA treatments. Histological colocalization of homeobox and phototransduction transcripts in the rat retinal photoreceptor was confirmed by RNAscope in situ hybridization, thus suggesting that homeobox gene‐encoded transcription factors control postnatal expression of phototransduction genes in the retinal photoreceptor.
Spatiotemporal variation in harbor porpoise distribution and foraging across a landscape of fear
Authors: Williamson Laura D. , Scott Beth E. , Laxton Megan R. , Bachl Fabian E. , Illian Janine B. , Brookes Kate L. , Thompson Paul M.
Published: June 2021

Understanding spatiotemporally varying animal distributions can inform ecological understanding of species' behavior (e.g., foraging and predator/prey interactions) and support development of management and conservation measures. Data from an array of echolocation‐click detectors (C‐PODs) were analyzed using Bayesian spatiotemporal modeling to investigate spatial and temporal variation in occurrence and foraging activity of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) and how this variation was influenced by daylight and presence of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). The probability of occurrence of porpoises was highest on an offshore sandbank, where the proportion of detections with foraging clicks was relatively low. The porpoises' overall distribution shifted throughout the summer and autumn, likely influenced by seasonal prey availability. Probability of porpoise occurrence was lowest in areas close to the coast, where dolphin detections were highest and declined prior to dolphin detection, leading potentially to avoidance of spatiotemporal overlap between porpoises and dolphins. Increased understanding of porpoises' seasonal distribution, key foraging areas, and their relationship with competitors can shed light on management options and potential interactions with offshore industries.
The future of microbial ecological niche theory and modeling
Authors: Kivlin Stephanie N. , Hawkes Christine V. , Papeş Monica , Treseder Kathleen K. , Averill Colin
Published: June 2021

This article is a Commentary on Davison et al. (2021), 231: 763–776.
Climate variability of the East Asian winter monsoon and associated extratropical–tropical interaction: a review
Authors: Ma Tianjiao , Chen Wen
Published: June 2021

The East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) is one of the most important climate systems during boreal winter. It has a large meridional extent and provides a vital bridge between the mid‐to‐high latitudes and the tropics. This paper reviews the latest research on the climate variability of the EAWM, with particular emphasis on the associated processes of extratropical–tropical interaction. Some new results have been achieved in understanding the variation of the EAWM on interdecadal, interannual, and intraseasonal time scales, such as the interdecadal strengthening in the early 21st century, the unstable impact of El Niño–South Oscillation (ENSO) on the EAWM, and the intraseasonal strong cold events in East Asia. In addition, understanding of the extratropical–tropical interactions related to the EAWM has improved in several aspects, including the impacts of the EAWM on ENSO‐related climate effects, and the variation of regional Hadley circulation over the western Pacific and its climate impacts in the Asia–Australia region. Moreover, recent work has systematically evaluated the capacity of climate models to simulate the EAWM, including its climatology, interannual to interdecadal variations, and its relationship with ENSO. Finally, some scientific issues regarding our understanding of the EAWM are proposed for future investigation.
Prognostic value and cost benefit of HPV testing for oropharyngeal cancer patients
Authors: Lu Xian Jun David , Liu Kelly Yi Ping , Prisman Eitan , Wu Jonn , Zhu Yuqi Sarah , Poh Catherine
Published: June 2021

Objectives

High‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) can cause oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OpSCC). The revised 8th edition of the AJCC Staging Manual now stages OpSCC by incorporating p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC), the surrogate marker for HPV status. This study assessed the prognostic values of p16 and HPV markers.

Methods

We identified 244 OpSCC patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2008 from the British Columbia Cancer Registry with enough tissue to conduct experiments. Formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue sections were stained for p16 IHC, RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) HPV 16 and 18, and DNA ISH HR‐HPV. Electronic charts were reviewed to collect clinical and outcome data. Combined positive RNA and/or DNA ISH was used to denote HPV status.

Results

Human papillomavirus was positive among 77.9% of samples. Using HPV as the benchmark, p16 IHC had high sensitivity (90.5%), but low specificity (68.5%). Distinct subgroups of patients were identified by sequential separation of p16 then HPV status. Among both p16‐positive and p16‐negative groups, HPV‐positive patients were younger, more males, and had better clinical outcomes, especially 5‐year overall survival. We further evaluated the technical costs associated with HPV testing.

Conclusion

Human papillomavirus is more prognostic than p16 for OpSCC. Clinical laboratories can adopt HPV RNA ISH for routine analysis.
CD25+ B cells produced IL‐35 and alleviated local inflammation during experimental periodontitis
Authors: Han Yakun , Yu Chengcheng , Yu Yan , Bi Liangjia
Published: June 2021

Background and objective

Host immunity is crucial during periodontal inflammations. B cells are considered to have a function of immunoregulation, and TLRs are considered to be crucial in this process. The present study illustrates the potential roles and rules of CD25+ B cells during periodontitis, especially its effect on regulating host IL‐35 level and Th1, Th17, and Treg differentiation.

Material and methods

The proportion of local and systemic CD25+ B cell subpopulations from periodontitis models were identified by flow cytometry. To illustrate further mechanism, B cells were cultured with a different type of TLR activators. Expression of IL‐10, IL‐35, and TGF‐β was detected by ELISA and real‐time PCR. We also set adoptive transfer models by using CD25+ B cells. Alveolar bone erosion, proportion of Th1, Th17, and Tregs, and levels of IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐17 were identified.

Result

Periodontitis induces more CD25+ B cell subpopulations and promotes their IL‐10, IL‐35, and TGF‐βproduction. TLR activators enhanced Breg proliferation and function. LPS+CpG obviously induced more CD25+ B cell differentiation and production of IL‐10, IL‐35, and TGF‐β. Adoptive transfer of CD25+ B cells reduces alveolar bone destruction and local Tregs, proportion, especially the local level of IFN‐γ and IL‐17. In addition, adoptive transfer of CD25+ B cells remedies the pathological change in the proportion of IL‐1β and Th1/Th17 in local lesions. We did not find any significant difference in peripheral blood, regardless of group and detected items.

Conclusion

Results of the present study clarify that CD25+ B cells enlarged and produced more IL‐10, IL‐35 and TGF‐β during periodontitis, activation of TLR4 and TLR9 played crucial roles in this process. Also, CD25+ B cells alleviated periodontal inflammation and alveolar bone resorption. Our findings further expanded the potential of B cells during periodontitis.
Probability in Wittgenstein's Tractatus
Authors: Hay Clare
Published: June 2021

Accounts of the Tractatus usually ignore probability, or regard it as peripheral, restricted to the 5.15s. It is argued that the logical theory of probability proposed by Wittgenstein, drawing on von Kries and Keynes, is more significant for Wittgenstein than has been recognised. Inference in the Tractatus is a limiting case of probability relations between propositions. Whereas inferential connections are static, it is argued that probability relations are dynamic, concerning the trajectory of the world over time, through logical space. Laws of nature can thus be treated as statistical regularities, in terms of the relative closeness of possible worlds.
Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Oxidation of DMSO for RAFT Polymerization†
Authors: Thum Matthew D. , Hong Donald , Zeppuhar Andrea N. , Falvey Daniel E.
Published: June 2021

The solvent is an important, yet often forgotten part of a reaction mechanism. Many photochemical polymerizations are carried out using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a way to promote the solubility of both the reactants and products, but its reactivity is rarely considered when initiation mechanisms are proposed. Herein, the oxidation of DMSO by an excited‐state quinone is used to form initiating radicals resulting in the polymerization of methacrylate monomers, and the polymerization can be controlled with the addition of a chain transfer agent. This process leads to the formation of polymers with narrow molecular weight distribution, and the polymerization is able to be carried out in the presence of oxygen. A visible light absorbing substituted anthraquinone is synthesized, and nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy is used to monitor the intermediates involved in the initiation mechanism. Photoproduct analysis indicates formation of methyl radicals as a result of DMSO oxidation. Furthermore, we show that the solvent outcompetes the chain transfer agent for interacting with the excited‐state anthraquinone. These observations have a broad impact on photoinduced polymerizations performed in DMSO as many photocatalysts are strong oxidants in the excited state and are capable of reacting with the solvent. Therefore, the role of the solvent needs to be more carefully considered when proposing mechanisms for photoinduced polymerizations in DMSO.
Pension reform and self‐employment in Latin America
Authors: Martinez Guzman Juan Pablo , St. Clair Travis
Published: June 2021

Public pension systems in Latin America have historically suffered from low coverage, with a relatively small percentage of the labor force eligible for benefits in retirement. In recent years, many governments have implemented reforms aimed at expanding the percentage of citizens who are eligible for benefits. In this paper we classify and evaluate pension reforms in four Latin American countries, focusing specifically on policies aimed at expanding coverage among the large share of Latin Americans who operate as self‐employed workers. The reforms that we examine range from those linked to simplified tax regimes to those that provide pension‐specific subsidies. With the exception of a 2006 reform in Costa Rica that subsidized pension contributions at progressive rates, we find no evidence that any of these reforms increased coverage. Our results highlight the opportunity costs to low‐income workers of paying into the system, which include forgoing eligibility for less generous, non‐contributory pensions.
A Bayesian Phase I/II Design for Cancer Clinical Trials Combining an Immunotherapeutic Agent with a Chemotherapeutic Agent
Authors: Guo Beibei , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Liu Suyu
Published: June 2021

Immunotherapy is an innovative treatment approach that harnesses a patient’s immune system to treat cancer. It has provided an alternative and complementary treatment modality to conventional chemotherapy. Combining immunotherapy with cytotoxic chemotherapy agent has become the leading trend and the most active research field in oncology. To accommodate this growing trend, we propose a Bayesian phase I/II dose-finding design to identify the optimal biological dose combination (OBDC), defined as the dose combination with the highest desirability in the risk-benefit trade-off. We propose new statistical models to describe the relationship between the doses and treatment outcomes, including immune response, toxicity and progression-free survival (PFS). During the trial, based on accrued data, we continuously update model estimates and adaptively assign patients to dose combinations with high desirability. The simulation study shows that our design has desirable operating characteristics.
Mentorship programs for nurse educators accompanying nursing students on international placements to low-middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Mak Justina , Jarvis Kimberly , Richter Solina , Kennedy Megan
Published: June 2021

Objective:

This scoping review will synthesize literature on mentorship programs for nurse educators who accompany nursing students on international placements to low-middle-income countries.

Introduction:

University nursing programs have been increasingly incorporating global health education into their curricula. Nurse educators play a significant role in the provision of international clinical experiences for nursing students by supporting and developing confidence and clinical competence. The contribution of nurse educators can affect a student's decision to remain in the profession, suggesting that providing quality professional development for nurse educators is a worthwhile investment. The challenges that come with this role require the development of a mentorship program for nurse educators who accompany nursing students on international placements to low-middle-income countries.

Inclusion criteria:

This scoping review will include studies that consider mentorship programs for nurse educators who accompany nursing students on clinical placements in low-middle-income countries. This scoping review will consider experimental and quasi-experimental studies, qualitative studies, text and opinion papers, dissertations, theses, conference reports, and gray literature. Studies published within the previous 40 years will be included as a systematic approach to global education started in the early 1980s.

Methods:

Databases to be searched include MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), PsycINFO (Ovid), Sociological Abstracts (ProQuest), and Global Health (Ovid). Following screening, all identified citations will be collated. Titles and abstracts will be screened by two independent reviewers. Potentially relevant studies will be retrieved in full and assessed for inclusion. Data will be extracted by two independent reviewers and presented in diagrammatic or tabular format and accompanied by a narrative summary.
Couette Resistance Due to a Sliding Plate Over a Plate With Stripes of Nonhomogeneous Slip
Authors: Wang C. Y.
Published: June 2021

Couette flow with nonhomogeneous partial-slip stripes on one plate is studied. Drag and flowrate are found by an efficient eigenfunction expansion and point match method. Longitudinal motion (parallel to the stripes) experiences lower drag than transverse motion. As the gap width between the two plates approaches zero, the drag increases to a finite value if the stripes have partial slip, as comparison to the infinite value for no slip. Analysis of the region near the junction of a perfect stick-slip boundary shows a weak stress singularity while there is no singularity for partial slip junctions.
Combination Resonances of Traveling Unidirectional Plates Partially Immersed in Fluid With Time-Dependent Axial Velocity and Axially Varying Tension
Authors: Li Hong Ying , Wang Xi Bo , Zhang Shu Meng , Li Jian
Published: June 2021

Nonlinear vibrations of axially moving plates partially immersed in fluid are investigated in this paper. The system has time dependency in velocity and tension in axial direction. The Galerkin method is used to solve the nonlinear vibration differential equation. The method of multiple scales and Runge–Kutta method are applied to solve the nonlinear vibration response of the system. Additionally, the stability conditions of trivial and nontrivial solutions are analyzed using the Routh–Hurwitz criterion. The effects of mean velocity, amplitude of pulsating velocity, mean tension, amplitude of pulsating tension, and pulsating frequency on the complex dynamics of the system are obtained. The study results reveal rich dynamic behaviors of fluid–structure coupling system.
Fundamental Issues and Technical Problems About Pulsating Heat Pipes
Authors: Kim Wookyoung , Kim Sung Jin
Published: June 2021

Since their introduction in the early 1990s, pulsating heat pipes (PHPs) have received a lot of attention due to their obvious advantages such as their geometrical simplicity, and their potential for high-heat flux applications even without power consumption. Although numerous investigators have studied PHPs over the last three decades, there still exist a few controversial issues on fundamental characteristics and several technical problems in practical applications. To put the finishing touches to the controversial issues and to shed light on the technical problems, recent advances in PHPs are critically reviewed in this paper. The results of this critical review are classified into two categories: (i) fundamental aspects of PHPs and (ii) practical aspects of PHPs. The first category focuses on reviewing the current state-of-the-art fundamental characteristics of PHPs. The second category summarizes the technical problems that are resolved for utilizing PHPs in practical applications. This review paper would help researchers or engineers who are working on or utilizing PHPs.
Effect of Hexagonal-Boron Nitride/Epoxy and BNNS/Epoxy Composite Materials on the Reliability of Flip Chip
Authors: Li Zhankun , Fan Zhekun , Dou Long , Jin Zhong , Liu Zhan , Li Junhui
Published: June 2021

Under the action of electrothermal–mechanical coupling, the failure and performance degradation of electronic devices are prone to occur, which has become a significant reliability problem in micro-electronic packaging. The improvement of flip chip reliability by using thermal interface materials was studied. First, a three-dimensional finite element model of the flip chip packaging system and the finite element simulation of electric-thermal-force multifield coupling were conducted. Then, the Joule heating, temperature distribution, thermal stress, and deformation of the flip chip under high current density were analyzed. At the same time, the influence of thermal interface material's thermal conductivity and operating current on flip chip reliability was studied. The result showed that when the thermal interface material (TIM) thermal conductivity increased from 0.2 W/m·K to 6 W/m·K, the maximum temperature and maximum equivalent stress in the flip chip were reduced by 6.35 °C and 14.6 MPa. Then, the reliability experiment of the flip chip connected to the radiator under high current density was performed, and the temperature change in the flip chip under different thermal interface materials was obtained. Finally, through the combination of experiment and simulation, the influence of thermal interface materials on flip chip reliability was analyzed. The result showed that when the thermal interface material's thermal conductivity was 0.2 W/m·K, 3 W/m·K, 6 W/m·K, the corresponding temperature in the flip chip system was 111.2 °C, 105.0 °C, 102.7 °C. It is further confirmed that electronic devices' reliability and service life were effectively improved using the high thermal conductivity boron nitride nanosheets/epoxy composite material prepared in this paper.
Head and Neck Injury Risk Criteria-Based Robust Design for Vehicular Crashworthiness
Authors: Balu Nellippallil Anand , Berthelson Parker R. , Peterson Luke , Prabhu Raj K.
Published: June 2021

Government agencies, globally, often strive to minimize the risk of human death and serious injury on road transport systems. Multi-national projects like Vision Zero have been developed with this objective in mind. Therefore, from an engineering design standpoint, the minimization of these road impact effects on occupants becomes a major design goal. This necessitates a need to quantify and manage injury risks on the human body in terms of different vehicular impact variables and their associated uncertainties for different crash scenarios.

In this paper, we present a decision-based robust design framework to quantify and manage the impact-based injury risks on occupants for different computational model-based car crash scenarios. The key functionality offered is the designer’s capability to carry out robust design studies with a focus on managing the selected impact variables and associated uncertainties, such that injury risks are controlled within acceptable levels. The efficacy of the framework is tested for near side impact scenarios with impact velocity and angle of impact as the critical variables of interest. Two injury criteria, namely, Head Injury Criterion (HIC) and Lateral Neck Injury Criteria (Lateral Nij) are selected to quantitatively measure the head and neck injury risks in crash simulations. Using the framework, a robust design problem is formulated to explore the combination of impact variables that best satisfice the injury goals defined. The framework and associated design constructs are generic and support the formulation and decision-based robust design of vehicle impact scenarios for managing injury risks.
Consonant voicing in the Buckeye corpus
Authors: Fulop Sean A. , Scott Hannah J. M.
Published: June 2021

Many claims about the prevalence of phonetic voicing in English obstruents have been made in the literature over the decades, particularly concerning the stops and affricate [b, d, ɡ, ʤ]. An examination of this literature reveals that many of these claims are based on a paucity of speech data and measurements. For the present study, voiced consonants in the Buckeye corpus of American English (39 speakers) have been measured to determine the percentage of their duration that shows vocal cord vibrations. The prevalence of voicing in the 53 690 voiced stop and affricate tokens has been examined in all contexts, including the initial, intervocalic, and final positions. The results generally contradict the common notion that the nominally “voiced” stops of English are phonetically unvoiced in all positions but intervocalic. Here, they are found to be mostly voiced in final position as well as intervocalically, but usually less than 50% voiced in initial position. A significant proportion of these stops, however, were found to be nearly 100% voiced in the initial position, and this could not be explained by interspeaker variation.
The effects of native prosodic system and segmental context on Cantonese tone perception by Mandarin and Japanese listeners
Authors: Zhu Min , Chen Xiaoxiang , Yang Yuxiao
Published: June 2021

This study explores the effects of native prosodic system and segmental context on the perception of Cantonese tones by Mandarin and Japanese listeners. In Experiment 1, 13 Mandarin and 13 Japanese subjects took part in a two-alternative forced-choice discrimination test of Cantonese tones in different segmental contexts (familiar vs unfamiliar). In Experiment 2, 20 Mandarin listeners participated in a perceptual assimilation task that examined the cross-language perceptual similarity between Mandarin and Cantonese tones. Results showed that Mandarin listeners were comparable to Japanese counterparts in discriminability, but the former attended more to pitch contour differences while the latter were more sensitive to pitch height. Moreover, the effect of segmental context was significant exclusively in the Mandarin group, whereas the Japanese group performed stably across syllables in discriminating Cantonese tones. It seemed that unfamiliar context rendered lower perceptual similarity, which further hindered corresponding discrimination by the Mandarin group. In addition, segmental effects were mainly observed in the assimilation patterns of category goodness or uncategorized-categorized. These findings suggested that non-native tone perception could be modulated by listeners' native prosodic structures in a finer way.
Exploring the Effects of a Golf Program on Psychological and Social Wellbeing for People With Dementia, Carers, and Staff
Authors: Hill Nathan , Fihosy Sonia , Camic Paul M.
Published: June 2021

There is a paucity of evidence regarding the effects of sport and physical activity on wellbeing in dementia. The present study is the first known study to involve golf with this population. People with dementia (n = 10) and carers (n = 5) participated in a 6-week golf program, facilitated by golf center staff (n = 3). Multiple avenues of data collection were utilized and were subject to thematic analysis. Five central themes were identified: emotion, respite, losing the “dementia” label, friendship/camaraderie, and improving relationships. Underlying subthemes were also identified, while potential links between themes were highlighted. Themes were also considered in terms of which participants (person with dementia, carer, and staff) provided evidence for each theme. This study presents preliminary support for the role of golf to enhance the psychological and social wellbeing of people with early stages of dementia, carers, and staff. Potential mechanisms and future research are discussed.
SARS-CoV-2 vaccines elicit durable immune responses in infant rhesus macaques
Authors: Garrido Carolina , Curtis Alan D. , Dennis Maria , Pathak Sachi H. , Gao Hongmei , Montefiori David , Tomai Mark , Fox Christopher B. , Kozlowski Pamela A. , Scobey Trevor , Munt Jennifer E. , Mallory Michael L. , Saha Pooja T. , Hudgens Michael G. , Lindesmith Lisa C. , Baric Ralph S. , Abiona Olubukola M. , Graham Barney S. , Corbett Kizzmekia S. , Edwards Darin , Carfi Andrea , Fouda Genevieve , Van Rompay Koen K. A. , De Paris Kristina , Permar Sallie R.
Published: June 2021

SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are well tolerated and highly immunogenic in infant rhesus macaques.
Genome-Wide Essentiality Analysis of
Mycobacterium abscessus
by Saturated Transposon Mutagenesis and Deep Sequencing
Authors: Rifat Dalin , Chen Liang , Kreiswirth Barry N. , Nuermberger Eric L.
Published: June 2021

Limited knowledge regarding
Mycobacterium abscessus
pathogenesis and intrinsic resistance to most classes of antibiotics is a major obstacle to developing more effective strategies to prevent and mitigate disease. Using optimized procedures for Himar1 transposon mutagenesis and deep sequencing, we performed a comprehensive analysis to identify
M. abscessus
genetic elements essential for
in vitro
growth and compare them to similar data sets for
M. tuberculosis
and
M. avium
subsp.
hominissuis
.
Mechanisms of Transforming DNA Uptake to the Periplasm of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Hahn Jeanette , DeSantis Micaela , Dubnau David
Published: June 2021

Transformation is a widely distributed mechanism of bacterial horizontal gene transfer that plays a role in the spread of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes and more generally in evolution. Although transformation was discovered nearly a century ago and most, if not all the proteins required have been identified in several bacterial species, much remains poorly understood about the molecular mechanism of DNA uptake.
Comparative Analysis of Pathobiochemical Changes in Major Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Stupin Konstantin N. , Zenko Mikhail Y. , Rybnikova Elena A.
Published: June 2021

Comparative analysis of available literature data on the pathogenetic neuroendocrine mechanisms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is provided in this review to identify their common features and differences. We discuss the multidirectional modifications of the activity of cortical and subcortical structures of the brain, levels of neurotransmitters and their receptors, and functions of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis in depression and PTSD. The analysis shows that these disorders are examples of opposite failures in the system of adaptive stress response of the body to stressful psychotraumatic events. On this basis, it is concluded that the currently widespread use of similar approaches to treat these disorders is not justified, despite the significant similarity of their anxiety-depressive symptoms; development of differential therapeutic strategies is required.
Monoamine Oxidase as a Potential Biomarker of the Efficacy of Treatment of Mental Disorders
Authors: Uzbekov Marat G.
Published: June 2021

The review summarizes the results of our own studies and published data on the biological markers of psychiatric disorders, with special emphasis on the activity of platelet monoamine oxidase. Pharmacotherapy studies in patients with the mixed anxiety-depressive disorder and first episode of schizophrenia have shown that the activity of platelet monoamine oxidase could serve as a potential biomarker of the efficacy of therapeutic interventions in these diseases.
Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis: from diagnosis to pulmonary rehabilitation
Authors: Candemir Ipek , Ergun Pinar , Demir Nese
Published: June 2021

Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is an uncommon disease of which diagnosis should be established multidisciplinary fashion and has no effective medical therapy. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) can be applied, but lung transplantation is the only therapeutic option. There have been few reported cases or studies showing the efficacy of PR in patients with PPFE in the literature. We present our multidisciplinary PR programme including confirmation of the diagnosis and a structured follow-up programme in two PPFE patients. In both cases, after multidisciplinary PR the diagnoses were confirmed and body composition, quality of life, exercise capacity and psychological status improved and some improvements preserved for 6–12 months. They underwent lung transplantation about 2 years after PR. Patients with PPFE should be directed and encouraged to participate in comprehensive multidisciplinary PR programmes. Long-term structured follow-up programmes could preserve the improvements, increase adherence and save time while waiting on the transplant list.
Isolated internal iliac artery infected pseudoaneurysm occlusion using endovascular coil embolisation
Authors: Rohith Gorrepati , Rajesh Bachavarahalli Sriramareddy , Abdulbasith KM , Sureshkumar Sathasivam
Published: June 2021

A 34-year-old man presented with painful swelling in the right gluteal region. The MRI showed right sacroiliitis and adjacent intramuscular abscess. The abscess was drained by a pigtail insertion followed by incision and drainage. The patient developed persistent bleeding from the drainage site. CT angiogram revealed a large pear-shaped pseudoaneurysm arising from the anterior branch of the right internal iliac artery. The patient had Abrus precatorius poisoning previously resulting in methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureussepticaemia, which incited above events. Digital subtraction angiography with coil embolisation of the right internal iliac artery was done under the cover of culture-specific antibiotics along with thorough wound debridement following which the patient’s condition improved. Isolated infected pseudoaneurysms of internal iliac arteries, although rare, should be considered in cases of complicated sacroiliitis. Under antibiotic cover, endovascular coil embolisation can be considered as a treatment strategy to treat complicated infected pseudoaneurysms located in difficult anatomical locations.