bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Submesoscale Fronts and Their Dynamical Processes Associated with Symmetric Instability in the Northwest Pacific Subtropical Ocean
Authors: Jing Zhiyou , Fox-Kemper Baylor , Cao Haijin , Zheng Ruixi , Du Yan
Published: November 2020

Submesoscale density fronts and the associated processes of frontogenesis and symmetric instability (SI) are investigated in the northwest Pacific subtropical countercurrent (STCC) system by a high-resolution simulation and diagnostic analysis. Both satellite observations and realistic simulation show active surface fronts with a horizontal scale of ~20 km in the STCC upper ocean. Frontogenesis-induced buoyancy advection is detected to rapidly sharpen these density fronts. The direct straining effect of larger-scale geostrophic flows is a primary influence on the buoyancy-gradient frontogenetic tendency and frontal baroclinic potential vorticity (PV) enhancement. The enhanced lateral buoyancy gradients in conjunction with atmospheric forced surface buoyancy loss can produce a negative Ertel PV and trigger frontal SI in the STCC region. Up to 30% of the mixed layer (ML) inside a typical eddy has negative PV in the high-resolution simulation. As a result, the cross-front ageostrophic secondary circulations tend to restratify the surface boundary layer and induce a large vertical velocity reaching ~100 m day−1, substantially facilitating the vertical communication of the STCC system. At the same time, the SI is identified to be responsible for a forward cascade of geostrophic kinetic energy in the STCC region, despite the coexistence of ML eddies and SI in the deep winter ML. Therefore, these active density fronts and their SI-associated submesoscale processes play important roles in the enhanced vertical exchanges (e.g., heat, nutrients, and carbon) and energy transfer to smaller scales in the eddy-active STCC upper ocean, as well as triggering phytoplankton blooms at the periphery of eddies.
Cognitive Authority and the Constraint of Attitude Change in Groups
Authors: Rawlings Craig M.
Published: November 2020

Are individuals’ attitudes constrained such that it is difficult to change one attitude without also changing other attitudes? Given a lack of longitudinal studies in real-world settings, it remains unclear if individuals have coherent attitude systems at all—and, if they do, what produces attitude constraint. I argue and show that groups can endogenously produce attitude constraint via cognitive authorities. Within groups, cognitive authorities explicitly link attitudes and generate feelings of connectedness among members, thereby facilitating the interpersonal processing of attitudes. Using data on interpersonal sentiment relations and attitude changes among members of intentional communities, I find cognitive authorities constrain attitudes via two mechanisms: (1) interpersonal tensions when attitudes and sentiment relations are misaligned (i.e., balance dynamics), and (2) social influence processes leading to attitude changes that are concordant with the group’s attitude system (i.e., constraint satisfaction). These findings imply that attitude change models based exclusively on interpersonal contagion or individual drives for cognitive consistency overlook important ways group structures affect how individuals feel and think.
Integrating Technology into ESL/EFL Writing through Grammarly
Authors: Barrot Jessie Saraza
Published: November 2020

Given the recent technological advancements and the critical role that grammar plays in students’ writing development, several digital tools that provide computer-mediated corrective feedback have emerged. One such tool is Grammarly, which identifies duplicate content and errors in grammar, vocabulary, mechanics, and language style. This tech review, therefore, provides an overview of its affordances and how they can be used in English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) writing. While Grammarly can be a powerful tool that teachers and students can explore in their writing classrooms, it has some limitations that require further enhancements.
Exploring Her Roots: Black Caribbean Hair Identity and Going Natural Using Social Media Networks
Authors: Maynard Donna-Maria B. , Jules Mia A.
Published: November 2020

In spite of the recent popularity of “going natural” among Black Caribbean women of African descent, the wearing of natural hair by these women continues to be a contentious issue in the English-speaking Caribbean. As such, social networking sites (SNS) may provide supportive environments within which some Black Caribbean female emerging adults can explore their hair identity narratives as they embark on their “natural hair journey.” By employing a qualitative case study research design, we found that among the 12 participants of the study, SNS provide an informative and supportive environment for exploration of Black-hair identity for these women. Findings revealed a number of themes that emerged from the narratives of the participants. Most important, that hair provided a means for hair identity self-expression and individual self-classification for Black Caribbean women. SNS also facilitated an online sisterhood, opportunities for personal exploration, and exposure to online models who embraced their natural hair. Study implications, limitations, and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Pilgrims, Protest Tourists, and Palestinians: Abu Dis, Bethlehem, Dheisheh Camp
Authors: Hopper Philip
Published: November 2020

The central idea of this essay is that nonindigenous vernacular image-making by protest tourists on the Palestinian side of the Israeli separation barrier and elsewhere holds little meaning for the permanent residents beyond a relatively minor revenue stream. Prior to making this argument, I provide a short historical background about the use of vernacular messages in the occupied Palestinian territory known as the West Bank. I then focus on images of martyrs or shaheed and then on separation barrier images by protest tourists mostly in Bethlehem. The final sections are about two artists from the Dheisheh Palestinian Refugee Camp and the images they create within the camp. A coda of sorts discusses a mural within the camp that is venerated by the residents as opposed to the overpainting and defacement that takes place on the separation barrier. Within this final section and elsewhere within this essay, the meaning of sumood is explicated. As a note, protest tourists are defined here not as anti-tourism protesters but rather as tourists whose intent is protest Israeli policies regarding Palestinians.
MicroRNA-340 is involved in ultraviolet B-induced pigmentation by regulating the MITF/TYRP1 axis
Authors: Yang Yi , Wei Xuanjin , Bai Jia , Huang Min , Hao Tian , Hao Yonghong , Wang Yilin , Li Chengxin
Published: November 2020

Objective

There is growing evidence that ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation can change the expression profile of microRNAs (miRNAs) in immortalized human epidermal melanocytes (Pig-1). We aimed to investigate the effect of miR-340 on regulating UVB-induced pigmentation.

Methods

Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to evaluate the expression of miR-340 in Pig-1 cells. Immunoblotting analysis, qRT-PCR, and luciferase reporter assays were used to detect the potential target of miR-340. The sodium hydroxide dissolution assay was used to assess the effect of miR-340 on changes in melanin content.

Results

Expression of miR-340 was reduced in human Pig-1 cells after UVB irradiation. We found a negative correlation between miR-340 and melanocyte inducing transcription factor (MITF) in Pig-1 cells after UVB irradiation. Knockdown and overexpression of MITF in Pig-1 cells down- and upregulated melanogenesis, respectively. Overexpression of miR-340 inhibited MITF expression, reduced the amount of melanin, and suppressed expression of multiple key molecules involved in the pigment synthesis pathway, whereas knockdown of miR-340 showed the opposite results.

Conclusions

Our results showed that miR-340 inhibited melanogenesis by regulating the downstream molecules of MITF and its signaling pathways, suggested that miRNA-340 may be a new target for the clinical treatment of UVB-induced pigmentation.
Unexpected detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the prepandemic period in Italy
Authors: Apolone Giovanni , Montomoli Emanuele , Manenti Alessandro , Boeri Mattia , Sabia Federica , Hyseni Inesa , Mazzini Livia , Martinuzzi Donata , Cantone Laura , Milanese Gianluca , Sestini Stefano , Suatoni Paola , Marchianò Alfonso , Bollati Valentina , Sozzi Gabriella , Pastorino Ugo
Published: November 2020

There are no robust data on the real onset of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and spread in the prepandemic period worldwide. We investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD)–specific antibodies in blood samples of 959 asymptomatic individuals enrolled in a prospective lung cancer screening trial between September 2019 and March 2020 to track the date of onset, frequency, and temporal and geographic variations across the Italian regions. SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific antibodies were detected in 111 of 959 (11.6%) individuals, starting from September 2019 (14%), with a cluster of positive cases (>30%) in the second week of February 2020 and the highest number (53.2%) in Lombardy. This study shows an unexpected very early circulation of SARS-CoV-2 among asymptomatic individuals in Italy several months before the first patient was identified, and clarifies the onset and spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Finding SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in asymptomatic people before the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy may reshape the history of pandemic.
Key considerations for finite element modelling of the residuum–prosthetic socket interface
Authors: Steer Joshua W , Worsley Peter R , Browne Martin , Dickinson Alex
Published: November 2020

Background:

Finite element modelling has long been proposed to support prosthetic socket design. However, there is minimal detail in the literature to inform practice in developing and interpreting these complex, highly nonlinear models.

Objectives:

To identify best practice recommendations for finite element modelling of lower limb prosthetics, considering key modelling approaches and inputs.

Study design:

Computational modelling.

Methods:

This study developed a parametric finite element model using magnetic resonance imaging data from a person with transtibial amputation. Comparative analyses were performed considering socket loading methods, socket–residuum interface parameters and soft tissue material models from the literature, to quantify their effect on the residuum’s biomechanical response to a range of parameterised socket designs.

Results:

These variables had a marked impact on the finite element model’s predictions for limb–socket interface pressure and soft tissue shear distribution.

Conclusions:

All modelling decisions should be justified biomechanically and clinically. In order to represent the prosthetic loading scenario in silico, researchers should (1) consider the effects of donning and interface friction to capture the generated soft tissue shear stresses, (2) use representative stiffness hyperelastic material models for soft tissues when using strain to predict injury and (3) interrogate models comparatively, against a clinically-used control.
Process Safety Approach to Identify Opportunities for Enhancing Rail Transport Safety in Canada
Authors: Sattari Fereshteh , Macciotta Renato , Lefsrud Lianne
Published: November 2020

The amount of dangerous goods (DG) transported by rail within Canada has increased by an average of approximately 25% since 2004, with a 42.5% increase in transported fuels and chemicals between 2011 and 2017. Further, movement of DG by rail is forecasted to continue increasing. Sustainable growth in the transport of dangerous goods (TDG) by rail will require acceptable safety levels. This study provides insight into key occurrence types for TDG and their causes, to better focus on risk control strategies, including measurement and control of leading and lagging safety indicators. This work also reviews current safety performance and Canadian railway incident occurrence databases. The results of the analyses suggested that the performance against lagging indicators currently being reported is adequate, including derailments and collisions (main and nonmain track), serious injuries (including fatalities), DG leakers, and releases. Furthermore, a list of the rail accidents with the greatest number of fatalities was used to calculate a crude estimate of societal risk associated with rail transportation. According to UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommendations, this analysis indicated that the estimated rail transport risks would be considered acceptable when assessed at a milepost scale. However, there are opportunities for further enhancing safety reporting, management, and performance.
Effect of Moisture Content on the Shakedown Limits of Base Course Materials
Authors: Nazzal Munir D. , Mohammad Louay N. , Austin Aaron , Al Hosainat Ahmad
Published: November 2020

This paper summarizes the results of a laboratory testing program that was conducted to determine the effects of moisture content on the shakedown limits of unbound granular base materials. Two different types of granular base materials were investigated in this study, namely limestone and sandstone. Multi-stage repeated load triaxial tests were performed on these materials. The results of the tests were analyzed within the framework of the shakedown theory. The results indicate that the moisture content had an influence on the slope of the elastic and plastic shakedown limits lines. The effect of the moisture content was more pronounced on the slope of the elastic shakedown limit line, however. The moisture content affected the intercept of the elastic and plastic shakedown limits lines more significantly than the slope of these lines. The limestone material exhibited greater decrease in the intercept of the elastic and plastic shakedown limits with increase in moisture content compared with the sandstone material. This was explained by the limestone’s finer gradation.
Effects of Shape and Bond Strength on Adhesive Failure of Joint Sealants
Authors: Kim Jinho , Zollinger Dan
Published: November 2020

Currently, joint sealant is designed without consideration of the bond strength between the concrete and the sealant and the effect of shape on stress concentration. This often leads to adhesive failures within 1.5 years, earlier than the expected service life of the joint sealant, which is 20 years. In adhesive failure, the strength of the bond and the stress of the interface between the sealant and the face of the joint reservoir play a very important role. To examine the nature of the bond along the sealant/joint well interface, experimental bond tests were conducted. In addition, the stress distribution on the interface was also investigated according to geometry (Shape Factor [SF] and degree of curvature [DoC]). Re-evaluation of the SF was conducted, and a new design factor, DoC, was introduced and investigated through the finite element method of analysis. With these factors, the reduction of bond strength and increase in the stress at the interface can be limited reducing the potential for early adhesive failure. Based on this study, the effect of joint preparation (dirt and moisture) on joint strength and shape (SF and DoC) of joint sealant should be considered when designing and installing sealants.
Qualitative Study on Factors Influencing Aging Population’s Online Grocery Shopping and Mode Choice When Grocery Shopping in Person
Authors: Bezirgani Ana , Lachapelle Ugo
Published: November 2020

Given that older adults are prone to car cessation, they may also be at risk of food insecurity. Online shopping has the potential to become a key solution to this growing social issue. The objective of this study was to understand how mode use relates to food shopping patterns, and what specifically motivates older adults to choose certain travel modes for grocery shopping or to shop online. Sixty-one retired individuals were interviewed in Montreal, Canada. Participants were first asked to discuss their food shopping habits and the modes they used to purchase food. Then, participants were asked open-ended questions about beliefs from the theory of planned behavior. Participants listed advantages/disadvantages, people who approve/disapprove, and facilitating factors/barriers related to travel modes and online grocery shopping. Most participants never used online grocery shopping. Results revealed similarities in shopping styles between car drivers and online shoppers. Both were organized (prepared lists), shopped in bulk, and went on regularly timed shopping trips. Public transit (PT) and active mode users were spontaneous and irregular shoppers who viewed in-person shopping as physical and social activity opportunities. Grocery shopping using these modes could be made easier for some participants if shops offered home delivery after in-store purchases. Car drivers were more likely to adopt online services than PT or active mode users who preferred delivery after in-person shopping to reduce obstacles linked to these modes. In order for online grocery shopping to be integrated as part of one’s established habits, both travel habits and grocery shopping habits must be observed jointly.
Modeling of braking thermal effect for wheel-rail contact parameters
Authors: Derbew Molla , Rao DK Nageswara , Zeleke Ephrem
Published: November 2020

The Hertzian contact parameters are evaluated by taking into account the increase in temperature of the wheel due to braking under a steady mechanical loading. An equivalent mechanical load is evolved by Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to produce the same effect of the mechanical and thermal loading. The values obtained by FEA and Hertz theory for steady mechanical loading as well as for equivalent mechanical loading are matching. The contact parameters are found to vary linearly with temperature and equations are developed to obtain these parameters under thermal and mechanical loading. For 146.3 °C temperature of wheel due to braking, the contact pressure is 941.3 MPa, shear stress is 378 MPa and for solo mechanical loading, they are 519.8 MPa and 191 MPa correspondingly. The area of contact patch has increased from 0.0652 m2 to 0.142 m2 by 2.2 times due to thermal effect.
Experimental investigation into the lateral resistance of Y-shape steel sleepers on ballasted tracks
Authors: Zakeri Jabbar Ali , Bahari Yaser , Yousefian Kaveh
Published: November 2020

Track lateral resistance ensures the track stability under operation and during its service life in lateral and longitudinal directions. Numerous methods and techniques have been considered to enhance track lateral resistance. Since sleeper, as one of the railway track superstructure components, has a significant contribution in providing the lateral resistance, using different types of sleepers, like Y-shape one, would alter the track lateral resistance. The utilization of Y-shape steel sleepers in railway tracks needs further investigation to comprehend the structural behavior. Hence, in this paper, the lateral resistance of the Y-shape steel sleeper was experimentally investigated by performing the lateral track panel loading test (LTPT) and single tie push test (STPT). The longitudinal resistance force (LRF) in STPT depends on the loading direction. The LRF was specified as 16 kN in Y-top direction and 13 kN in Y-bottom direction for a single sleeper. The LRF in STPT was enhanced by 90% on average compared to the conventional concrete sleeper. The LRF in LTPT was also obtained as 18 kN, and its increasing percentage was measured as 12.5%.
Damage index for antiphospholipid syndrome during long term follow-up: Correlation between organ damage accrual and quality of life
Authors: Medina Gabriela , Cimé Aké Erik Antonio , Vera-Lastra Olga , Saavedra Miguel Ángel , Cruz-Domínguez María del Pilar , Amigo Mary-Carmen , Jara Luis J
Published: November 2020

Background

Consequences of organ damage in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) are diverse, our aim was to determine organ damage over time and the correlation of organ damage accrual with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in PAPS.

Methods

First phase: retrospective cohort applying Damage Index for Antiphospholipid Syndrome (DIAPS) at 1, 5, 10, 20 years, or longer since diagnosis. Second phase: cross-sectional study, assessing HRQoL by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36), and organ damage accrual. Descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation coefficient were used.

Results

Sixty-seven patients were included, mean follow-up:15 years. Deep vein thrombosis prevailed (71.6%), pulmonary embolism (35.8%) and stroke (32.8%). Organ damage was found in 98.5%, with a cumulative DIAPS value of 3, with greater involvement in the neuropsychiatric and peripheral vascular domains. Regarding HRQoL, deterioration in the physical component summary (PCS) was found in 89.6%. Organ damage accrual correlated inversely and significantly with all the SF-36 domains, mainly with the total score and PCS. Body pain and PCS correlated the most (rho = −0.503, rho = −0.475).

Conclusions

Organ damage accrual impaired HRQoL in PAPS. Secondary thromboprophylxis through adequate systemic management and control of cardiovascular risk factors are necessary to prevent further impairment.
Development and validation of lupus nephritis case definitions using United States veterans affairs electronic health records
Authors: Li Tingting , Lee Iris , Jayakumar Divya , Huang Xinliang , Xie Yan , Eisen Seth , Ranganathan Prabha
Published: November 2020

Objective

International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes are commonly used to identify patients with rare diseases in electronic health records (EHRs). However, misclassification is common, impacting the validity of study results. In this study, we compared the accuracies of several ICD-based case definitions of lupus nephritis (LN) in identifying United States veterans with LN.

Methods

Using the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) EHR, we identified all veterans with ≥1 ICD-9 or 10 diagnostic codes for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) between October 1, 1999 and September 30, 2017. A cohort was randomly selected for diagnostic validation and 9 ICD-based LN case definitions were applied to this cohort. The diagnostic accuracy of each definition was assessed against gold standard criterion of biopsy-proven LN.

Results

18,420 veterans had ≥1 ICD-9 or 10 diagnostic codes for SLE; 981 were randomly selected for diagnostic validation. 95 veterans (9.7%) had biopsy-proven LN. The case definitions had high specificity and NPV but variable sensitivity and PPV. The definition containing ≥2 ICD -9 codes for SLE and ≥2 nephritis indicators had the highest combination of sensitivity and specificity (87.4% and 94.6% respectively). ICD-10 code for LN had high specificity (99.8%) and PPV (93.9%).

Conclusion

ICD-based case definitions of LN in the VA population have high specificity and NPV but variable sensitivity and PPV. Our results may help guide the design of future LN studies in VA cohorts. The choice of specific case definitions depends on the relative importance of different accuracy measures to individual studies.
Freedom of the Press and Equity Returns: Empirical Investigation in Emerging Markets
Authors: Le Tuan Viet
Published: November 2020

This article studies the relationship between freedom of press and equity returns in emerging markets. While research has shown that asymmetric information is one reason for high volatility and one type of risk in financial markets, the role of press in reducing that risk has not yet been studied thoroughly. The article attempts to bridge that gap and investigates how a free and unbiased press affects excess returns in stock market. Using the International Capital Asset Pricing Model (ICAPM), Fama-MacBeth’s methodology, and dataset from16 emerging economies from 1986 to 2000, this research is able to show that cross-country excess returns are significantly related to the degree of press freedom.
The time course of psychotic symptom side effects of ketamine in the treatment of depressive disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tashakkori Maryam , Ford Andrew , Dragovic Milan , Gabriel Laura , Waters Flavie
Published: November 2020

Objective:

Ketamine is a potential rapid-acting treatment for depression. Studies have suggested that the side effects are minimal and temporary, but the psychotic symptom side effects have yet to be fully examined. This study investigated whether ketamine infusion in the treatment of mood disorders is associated with increases in positive symptoms and whether these symptom effects endure over time.

Methods:

A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of ketamine in the treatment of depression. Embase and Medline databases were searched for studies including (a) participants with major affective disorders, (b) 0.4 or 0.5 mg intravenously administered ketamine, (c) measurement of positive symptoms using BPRS+, and (d) a within-subject repeated-measures design with participants serving as their own baseline.

Results:

Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 458 participants. The meta-analyses examined symptom change occurring within the first 4 h, after 1 day, and after 3 days. Results showed significant BPRS+ increases within the first 30–60 min in 72% of studies, followed by a return to baseline levels.

Conclusion:

Peak symptom change occurred within the first hour post infusion. There are limited data to determine if ketamine is safe in the longer term, but there were no indications that psychotic symptoms re-occurred after the first hour and in the days following administration.
Infectious disease surveillance of apparently healthy horses at a multi-day show using a novel nanoscale real-time PCR panel
Authors: Stout Alison E. , Hofmar-Glennon Hayley G. , André Nicole M. , Goodman Laura B. , Anderson Renee R. , Mitchell Patrick K. , Thompson Belinda S. , Lejeune Manigandan , Whittaker Gary R. , Goodrich Erin L.
Published: November 2020

In the United States, horses are used for a variety of purposes including recreation, exhibition, and racing. As farm, performance, and companion animals, horses are a unique species from a zoonotic disease risk perspective, and the risks of subclinical infections spreading among horses can pose challenges. Using a nanoscale real-time PCR platform, we investigated the prevalence of 14 enteric pathogens, 11 Escherichia coli genes, and 9 respiratory pathogens in fecal samples from 97 apparently healthy horses at a multi-day horse event. In addition, sugar flotation test was performed for fecal parasites. E. coli f17 was commonly detected, prevalent in 59% of horses, followed closely by Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (55%). Additional pathogens recognized included betacoronavirus, Campylobacter jejuni, Cryptosporidium sp., E. coli O157, equine adenovirus 1, equine rhinitis B virus, and others. The use of PCR data may overestimate the true prevalence of these pathogens but provides a sensitive overview of common pathogens present in healthy horses. Our results prompt the continued need for practical biosecurity measures at horse shows, both to protect individuals interacting with these horses and to minimize transmission among horses.
Sick of the Sick Role: Narratives of What “Recovery” Means to People With CFS/ME
Authors: Cheshire Anna , Ridge Damien , Clark Lucy V. , White Peter D.
Published: November 2020

Little is known about what recovery means to those with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis, a poorly understood, disabling chronic health condition. To explore this issue, semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients reporting improvement ( n = 9) and deterioration ( n = 10) after a guided self-help intervention, and analyzed via “constant comparison.” The meaning of recovery differed between participants—expectations for improvement and deployment of the sick role (and associated stigma) were key influences. While some saw recovery as complete freedom from symptoms, many defined it as freedom from the “sick role,” with functionality prioritized. Others redefined recovery, reluctant to return to the lifestyle that may have contributed to their illness, or rejected the concept as unhelpful. Recovery is not always about eliminating all symptoms. Rather, it is a nexus between the reality of limited opportunities for full recovery, yet a strong desire to leave the illness behind and regain a sense of “normality.”
Graded superior oblique tendon suture lengthening: A novel procedure
Authors: Xia Weiyi , Wu Lianqun , Yao Jing , Wen Wen , Wang Xiying , Jiang Chao , Li Lei , Zhao Chen
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

Literature regarding different superior oblique (SO) weakening procedures showed variable results. Here, we aim to evaluate the effect of a novel superior oblique tendon suture lengthening (SOSL) procedure on weakening of SO in patients with A-pattern exotropia associated with dissociated vertical deviation and SO overaction (triad exotropia).

Methods:

The medical records of triad exotropia patients who underwent SOSL or SO tenotomy were reviewed. Surgical results of SOSL procedure mainly regarding the correction of A pattern, SO overaction, and fundus intorsion were analyzed and compared with those of SO tenotomy procedure.

Results:

SOSL demonstrated comparable efficacy in correction of A pattern (20.2△ ± 10.7△ vs 29.2△ ± 16.1△, p = 0.172), normalization of SO overaction (1.9 ± 0.9 vs 2.4 ± 1.5, p = 0.349), and conversion of fundus intorsion (11.1° ± 7.0° vs 11.3° ± 4.4°, p = 0.691) as SO tenotomy. Moreover, the success rate of A pattern collapse was significantly higher in the SOSL group than in the SO tenotomy group (86% vs 40%, p = 0.028). None of the patients in the SOSL group, but two in the SO tenotomy group, presented SO palsy postoperatively. In the SOSL group, the corrected magnitude of SO overaction strongly correlated with the dosage of suture lengthening ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

SOSL procedure could effectively eliminate the clinical manifestations associated with SO overaction. The graded dosage of SOSL leads to more controllable and predictable results compared to SO tenotomy, which makes SOSL a good alternative choice for SO weakening.
Gliptin-Induced Bullous Pemphigoid: Canadian Case Series of 10 Patients
Authors: Armanious Miriam , AbuHilal Mohn’d
Published: November 2020

Background

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a chronic immune-mediated vesiculobullous disorder. Recently, several reports have described dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, also known as gliptins, as causative agents for drug-induced BP.

Objective

To report and describe clinical and histologic characteristics of 10 cases of gliptin-induced BP.

Results

We identified 10 patients with gliptin-induced BP. Nine were secondary to linagliptin, and 1 case was attributed to sitagliptin. All patients showed significant improvement after withdrawal of gliptin medications and proper medical treatment. There has been no evidence of relapse after 4 months of follow-up.

Conclusion

This report supports the proposed association between gliptins and BP. Physicians should be aware of this potential adverse effect, as gliptin-induced BP can be reversible once identified and the responsible medication is stopped. Early withdrawal of the offending drug and proper treatment can lead to rapid improvement and reduced morbidity.
Turning around coast-based schools: An interpretive narrative analysis of a report on school reform in English coastal communities
Authors: Parfitt Anne
Published: November 2020

An interpretive narrative inquiry approach is adopted to shed light on the improvement agendas applied in a specific set of coastal schools. The unifying thread between the focal cases is that they had been designated as failures and made notorious through association with their communities’ tainted reputations. These schools feature in a report published by the Future Leaders Trust, which is used as the resource for this paper. The taken for granted deficit discourses implicit in the accounts of how these schools were reformed are relied upon by the school leaders and other stakeholders to justify why they needed to be turned around. These assumptions that come to the fore through analysis, demonstrate that the socioeconomic contexts found in the jaded English coastal communities are not engaged with. Importing approaches that draw on communities’ resistance to relegation could, potentially, build positive discourses that lead to communities reclaiming educational opportunities in such schools, one clear example being that of Countesthorpe in Leicestershire, UK, in the 1970s.
Greenland’s emerging social conscience – Voluntary food delivery to people experiencing homelessness in Nuuk
Authors: Arnfjord Steven
Published: November 2020

Greenland experienced a 5-week lockdown during the COVID-19 crisis. The lockdown effectively took out all public social support and food supply for people experiencing homelessness in the capital Nuuk. This woke up Greenland’s social conscience in the form of a local NGO’s mobilization of voluntary social helpers. Luckily nobody in the homeless environment got infected and suffered needlessly. From a social policy perspective, we can take three experiences away from the pandemic. Firstly, a clear learning experience from this crisis was the need to redefine the broad societal understanding of Greenland a country with a universal welfare system. The second experience was that social work comes in many shapes and forms. Finally, the experience illustrated what could take place when the political and administrative system are too slow to react in times of crisis. It kickstarted the civil society step up and help fellow citizens. In the end NGO’s need to reports back and inform the public system to ensure better social emergency response in the future.
COVID-19: Where are the Nigerian social workers?
Authors: Isangha Stanley Oloji , Choi Wai Man Anna , Chiu Marcus Yu Lung
Published: November 2020

The emergence of COVID-19 pandemic has brought untold hardship across the globe. Developed nations have taken relatively commendable actions to quell its impact on livelihood and most have also included social workers in the frontline due to their expertise in working with vulnerable populations. Same cannot be said of developing nations particularly Nigeria who hurriedly copied the measures adopted by the developed nations without carefully considering her peculiarities. Given Nigeria’s high poverty rate prior to and even higher during the pandemic as well as the few available resources, it is important that Nigerian social workers should be called upon as frontline workers with regards to the welfare of the vulnerable and the psychosocial well-being of infected persons and their families. Instead, Nigeria has totally ignored the importance of social workers and palliatives have been stolen by those tasked with distribution while the psychosocial well-being of affected persons has been left to fate.
Dark, loud, and compact sounds induce frisson
Authors: Koumura Takuya , Nakatani Masashi , Liao Hsin-I , Kondo Hirohito M
Published: November 2020

Frisson is characterised by tingling and tickling sensations with positive or negative feelings. However, it is still unknown what factors affect the intensity of frisson. We conducted experiments on the stimulus characteristics and individual’s mood states and personality traits. Participants filled out self-reported questionnaires, including the Profile of Mood States, Beck Depression Inventory, and Big Five Inventory. They continuously indicated the subjective intensity of frisson throughout a 17-min experiment while listening to binaural brushing and tapping sounds through headphones. In the interviews after the experiments, participants reported that tingling and tickling sensations mainly originated on their ears, neck, shoulders, and back. Cross-correlation results showed that the intensity of frisson was closely linked to the acoustic features of auditory stimuli, including their amplitude, spectral centroid, and spectral bandwidth. This suggests that proximal sounds with dark and compact timbre trigger frisson. The peak of correlation between frisson and the acoustic feature was observed 2 s after the acoustic feature changed, suggesting that bottom-up auditory inputs modulate skin-related modalities. We also found that participants with anxiety were sensitive to frisson. Our results provide important clues to understanding the mechanisms of auditory–somatosensory interactions.
Effects of Three Different Planting Techniques on Soil Water Content, Survival, and Growth of Senegalia Seedlings on Semi-Arid Degraded Lands in Burkina Faso
Authors: Bayen Philippe , Lykke Anne Mette , Moussa Boubacar M. , Bognounou Fidèle , Thiombiano Adjima
Published: November 2020

Land degradation exacerbates poverty and food shortages in Sub-Saharan Africa. Tree planting is traditionally used to restore degraded lands, but the tree species used are often poorly adapted to the local climate conditions. We evaluated the suitability and efficiency of three planting techniques (half-moon, standard plantation and zaï) in a semi-arid climate using seedlings from two native Senegalia species: Senegalia gourmaensis and Senegalia dudgeonii. A total of 116 nursery-grown seedlings were planted on degraded lands using these three planting techniques. Data on soil water content, seedling survival and growth rates were measured over 1.5 years. The effects of the planting techniques on these variables were significantly different ( p < 0.001). The lowest water content was measured in the topsoil horizon (0–10 cm) and the highest in the deeper horizons (∼50 cm). At the end of the experiment, the survival rate of S. gourmaensis was 72.2% - 62.5% and 57.5% in half-moon, standard plantation and zaï, respectively. For S. dudgeonii, it was 50%, 62.5% and 47.5% in half-moon, standard plantation and zaï, respectively. There was a significant difference in height and collar diameter between S. gourmaensis and S. dudgeonii using the three planting techniques ( p < 0.001). Based on our results, we recommend using the half-moon or standard plantation for Senegalia species. Senegalia species are suitable for planting in degraded land in semi-arid areas when using the appropriate planting technique.
European Registry on Helicobacter pylori management: Single‐capsule bismuth quadruple therapy is effective in real‐world clinical practice
Authors: Nyssen Olga P. , Perez‐Aisa Angeles , Castro‐Fernandez Manuel , Pellicano Rinaldo , Huguet Jose M. , Rodrigo Luis , Ortuñ Juan , o  , Gomez‐Rodriguez Blas J. , Pinto Ricardo M. , Areia Miguel , Perona Monica , Nuñez Oscar , Romano Marco , Gravina Antonietta G. , Pozzati Liliana , Fernandez‐Bermejo Miguel , Venerito Marino , Malfertheiner Peter , Fernanadez‐Salazar Luis , Gasbarrini Antonio , Vaira Dino , Puig Ignasi , Megraud Francis , O'Morain Colm , Gisbert Javier P. ,   The Hp‐EuReg investigators
Published: November 2020

Background

There has been resurgence in the use of bismuth quadruple therapy (proton pump inhibitor, bismuth, tetracycline and metronidazole) for treating Helicobacter pylori infection thanks to a three‐in‐one single‐capsule formulation.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the single‐capsule bismuth quadruple therapy.

Methods

Data were collected in a multicentre, prospective registry of the clinical practice of gastroenterologists on the management of H. pylori infection, where patients were registered at the Asociación Española de Gastroenterologia REDCap database on an electronic case report form until January 2020. Effectiveness by modified intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol as well as multivariable analysis were performed. Independent factors evaluated were: age, gender, indication, compliance, proton pump inhibitor dose and treatment line.

Results

Finally, 2100 patients were prescribed single‐capsule bismuth quadruple therapy following the technical sheet (i.e., three capsules every 6 h for 10 days). The majority of these patients were naive (64%), with an average age of 50 years, 64% women and 16% with peptic ulcer. An overall modified intention‐to‐treat effectiveness of 92% was achieved. Eradication was over 90% in first‐line treatment (95% modified intention‐to‐treat, n = 1166), and this was maintained as a rescue therapy, both in second (89% modified intention‐to‐treat, n = 375) and subsequent lines of therapy (third to sixth line: 92% modified intention‐to‐treat, n = 236). Compliance was the factor most closely associated with treatment effectiveness. Adverse events were generally mild to moderate, and 3% of patients reported a severe adverse event, leading to discontinuation of treatment in 1.7% of cases.

Conclusions

Single‐capsule bismuth quadruple therapy achieved H. pylori eradication in approximately 90% of patients in real‐world clinical practice, both as a first‐line and rescue treatment, with good compliance and a favourable safety profile.
Sciatic endometriosis: A narrative review of an unusual neurogynecologic condition
Authors: Gandhi Jason , Wilson Anthony L , Liang Raymond , Weissbart Steven J , Khan Sardar Ali
Published: November 2020

Endometriosis is a condition in which there is an ectopic growth of endometrial tissue. Sciatic endometriosis, otherwise known as catamenial sciatica, is a rare but exceedingly significant presentation of endometriosis. Symptoms include cyclic sciatic pain that peaks during the menstrual period; additionally, paresthesia, paresis, and areflexia may occur with this condition. Sciatic endometriosis can be presumptively diagnosed in response to empiric treatment (e.g. gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs) or imaging studies, but a definitive diagnosis of sciatic endometriosis may occur from examining tissue obtained during surgery. Surgical removal of endometriosis from the sciatic nerve root can potentially eliminate symptoms while maintaining normal reproductive function, though poses particular surgical risks. Familiarity with this rare condition is paramount to making this diagnosis and the initiation of earlier treatment.
IL-18 mediates sickle cell cardiomyopathy and ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Gupta Akash , Fei Yu-Dong , Kim Tae Yun , Xie An , Batai Ken , Greener Ian , Tang Haiyang , Ciftci-Yilmaz Sultan , Juneman Elizabeth , Indik Julia H. , Shi Guanbin , Christensen Jared , Gupta Geetanjali , Hillery Cheryl , Kansal Mayank M. , Parikh Devang S. , Zhou Tong , Yuan Jason X.-J. , Kanthi Yogendra , Bronk Peter , Koren Gideon , Kittles Rick , Duarte Julio D. , Garcia Joe G. N. , Machado Roberto F. , Dudley Samuel C. , Choi Bum-Rak , Desai Ankit A.
Published: November 2020

Previous reports indicate that IL18 is a novel candidate gene for diastolic dysfunction in sickle cell disease (SCD)–related cardiomyopathy. We hypothesize that interleukin-18 (IL-18) mediates the development of cardiomyopathy and ventricular tachycardia (VT) in SCD. Compared with control mice, a humanized mouse model of SCD exhibited increased cardiac fibrosis, prolonged duration of action potential, higher VT inducibility in vivo, higher cardiac NF-κB phosphorylation, and higher circulating IL-18 levels, as well as reduced voltage-gated potassium channel expression, which translates to reduced transient outward potassium current (Ito) in isolated cardiomyocytes. Administering IL-18 to isolated mouse hearts resulted in VT originating from the right ventricle and further reduced Ito in SCD mouse cardiomyocytes. Sustained IL-18 inhibition via IL-18–binding protein resulted in decreased cardiac fibrosis and NF-κB phosphorylation, improved diastolic function, normalized electrical remodeling, and attenuated IL-18–mediated VT in SCD mice. Patients with SCD and either myocardial fibrosis or increased QTc displayed greater IL18 gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and QTc was strongly correlated with plasma IL-18 levels. PBMC-derived IL18 gene expression was increased in patients who did not survive compared with those who did. IL-18 is a mediator of sickle cell cardiomyopathy and VT in mice and a novel therapeutic target in patients at risk for sudden death.
Avian Immunome DB: an example of a user-friendly interface for extracting genetic information
Authors: Mueller Ralf C. , Mallig Nicolai , Smith Jacqueline , Eöry Lél , Kuo Richard I. , Kraus Robert H. S.
Published: November 2020

Background

Genomic and genetic studies often require a target list of genes before conducting any hypothesis testing or experimental verification. With the ever-growing number of sequenced genomes and a variety of different annotation strategies, comes the potential for ambiguous gene symbols, making it cumbersome to capture the “correct” set of genes. In this article, we present and describe the Avian Immunome DB (Avimm) for easy gene property extraction as exemplified by avian immune genes. The avian immune system is characterised by a cascade of complex biological processes underlaid by more than 1000 different genes. It is a vital trait to study particularly in birds considering that they are a significant driver in spreading zoonotic diseases. With the completion of phase II of the B10K (“Bird 10,000 Genomes”) consortium’s whole-genome sequencing effort, we have included 363 annotated bird genomes in addition to other publicly available bird genome data which serve as a valuable foundation for Avimm.

Construction and content

A relational database with avian immune gene evidence from Gene Ontology, Ensembl, UniProt and the B10K consortium has been designed and set up. The foundation stone or the “seed” for the initial set of avian immune genes is based on the well-studied model organism chicken (Gallus gallus). Gene annotations, different transcript isoforms, nucleotide sequences and protein information, including amino acid sequences, are included. Ambiguous gene names (symbols) are resolved within the database and linked to their canonical gene symbol. Avimm is supplemented by a command-line interface and a web front-end to query the database.

Utility and discussion

The internal mapping of unique gene symbol identifiers to canonical gene symbols allows for an ambiguous gene property search. The database is organised within core and feature tables, which makes it straightforward to extend for future purposes. The database design is ready to be applied to other taxa or biological processes. Currently, the database contains 1170 distinct avian immune genes with canonical gene symbols and 612 synonyms across 363 bird species. While the command-line interface readily integrates into bioinformatics pipelines, the intuitive web front-end with download functionality offers sophisticated search functionalities and tracks the origin for each record. Avimm is publicly accessible at https://avimm.ab.mpg.de.