bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single Mothers as Bricoleurs: Crafting Embryos and Kin
Authors: Hertz Rosanna
Published: March 2020

Single mothers by choice who delay having a child without a partner can choose to conceive with donor sperm and eggs. When they do, however, they face twin paradoxes: (a) advances in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) make it easier to have a child but harder to make an unquestioned claim to being a mother in light of a conventional genetic narrative; and (b) children who come from the same batch of donor embryos have more in common with each other genetically than they do with their gestational mother. Those paradoxes pose fundamental questions about motherhood and kinship. For example, does gestational motherhood with two donors alter the motherhood narrative? What becomes of the role of egg donor? How do single mothers manage their extra embryos and what role do extra embryos play in kinship? In-depth interviews with 42 single women suggest that they respond to the paradoxical effects of ARTs by engaging in a new process of motherhood—maternal bricolage—first in crafting embryos and then in finding homes for the ones they do not use. As bricoleurs, they challenge extant definitions of motherhood and kinship.
Start-up nationalism: The rationalities of neoliberal Zionism
Authors: Getzoff Joseph F
Published: March 2020

This article examines current manifestations of Zionist political-economy by analyzing discourses that frame Israel as a “Start-Up Nation”—that is, a unique economic achievement that offers a successful business model for the world. By focusing on the 2009 book from the Council of Foreign Relations, Start-Up Nation, this article theorizes “neoliberal Zionism” as a manifestation of Zionism that valorizes specific kinds of neoliberal rationalities in order to garner support for the State of Israel. In particular, neoliberal Zionism produces an entrepreneurial Israeli citizen-subject whose unique cultural attributes derive from compulsory military service and a Zionist past sanitized of conflict with Palestinians. Further, these discourses position this neoliberal Zionist subject as economically out-competing Arabs and Palestinians. At stake is how neoliberalism and exclusionary nationalism potentially mobilize each other and operate as “management” models for other states to adopt.
Well-Being, Temporal Orientation, and the Dual Nature of Materialism
Authors: Watson David C.
Published: March 2020

The present research examined the dual nature of the materialistic personality in terms of temporal perspective, subjective well-being, and materialism. The dual-nature model hypothesizes an anxious “mouse” type and a more flamboyant “peacock” type of materialist. Previous research has found a relationship between materialism and past-negative and present fatalistic temporal orientation. This study extended this research by examining the future-negative perspective and its relationship to materialism and well-being. It was hypothesized that the two types of materialists would have different temporal profiles. In addition, it was predicted that a future-negative perspective would mediate the relationship between materialism and well-being as was previously found with past-negative temporal orientation. The results indicated higher dark-future, future-negative, and past-negative scores with the “mouse” type materialists and higher present hedonistic scores in the “peacock” type materialists. Mediation analysis showed an indirect effect of a future-negative perspective in the relationship between materialism and well-being.
All-Inside Repair of Bucket-Handle Meniscal Tears: Clinical Outcomes and Prognostic Factors
Authors: Ardizzone Carolyn A. , Houck Darby A. , McCartney Derek W. , Vidal Armando F. , Frank Rachel M.
Published: March 2020

Background:

There is no consensus on technique of choice for repair of bucket-handle meniscal tears (BHMTs).

Purpose:

To determine factors that affect patient outcomes and failure rates in patients undergoing all-inside repairs of BHMTs.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

A systematic review of 3 databases using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines was performed. All English-language literature from 1993 to 2019 describing clinical outcomes for patients undergoing all-inside BHMT repair with ≥12-month follow-up was reviewed by 2 independent reviewers. Patient characteristics (patient sex, age), intraoperative factors (laterality, concomitant procedures, surgical technique, implants utilized), and postoperative outcomes (failure rates) were analyzed. Study quality was evaluated with the Modified Coleman Methodology Score (MCMS).

Results:

Fifteen studies (1 level 1, 4 level 3, 10 level 4) with 763 total patients (64% male; average age, 26.4 years [range, 9-58 years]; average follow-up, 39.8 months [range, 12-120 months]) including 396 all-inside BHMT repairs were included. Six devices were used for repair including the Meniscal Repair System, FasT-Fix, Meniscus Arrow, Biofix Arrow, RapidLoc device, and PDS II suture, with failure rates of 13.5%, 22.4%, 27.1%, 42.9%, 45.2%, and 0%, respectively. The overall repair failure rate was 29.3% at an average of 13.0 months (range, 5.0-32.4 months), but 19.0% for devices still in use. The RapidLoc and Biofix Arrow had higher failure rates than other devices ( P = .0003). Women (31%) were less likely to experience a failure than were men (69%) ( P = .03). Longer follow-up duration resulted in higher failure rates (>30 months, 34.4%; <30 months, 23.4%; P = .016). In 4 studies reporting on both all-inside and inside-out repairs, no significant differences in failure rates were observed. No significant differences in failure rates were found between medial and lateral repairs nor repair with and without concurrent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction ( P > .05 for all). The overall average MCMS was 54.4 ± 12.

Conclusion:

The overall failure rate after all-inside repair of BHMTs is 29.3% at an average of 13.0 months, with no difference in failure rates between medial and lateral meniscal repairs. The variables shown to negatively affect the failure rates were the RapidLoc and Biofix Arrow, male sex, and longer follow-up duration.
The Effect of a Morphological Awareness Intervention on Early Writing Outcomes
Authors: Allen Abigail A. , Lembke Erica S.
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a morphological awareness intervention on the spelling and writing of second-grade ( n = 16) and third-grade ( n = 10) students at risk for learning disabilities. The intervention was provided for 25 min per session 4 to 5 times per week for 5 weeks. Students were randomly assigned to the intervention ( n = 13) or comparison ( n = 13) condition. Students were pre- and posttested using standardized tests of spelling and writing and were progress monitored twice weekly with a curriculum-based measure of writing. Intervention effects were measured using a univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) on each outcome. Growth on the progress monitoring task was measured using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM). Results indicated the intervention did not have a significant effect on outcomes but a moderate positive effect was detected on writing. Practical applications including intervention revisions and feasibility of use are discussed.
Recruiting Immigrant and Refugee Arab American Mother–Father–Infant Triads Resettling in the United States: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Khalil Dalia , Giurgescu Carmen , Misra Dawn P. , Templin Thomas , Javanbakht Arash
Published: March 2020

Background

Recent Iraqi and Syrian immigrant families are exposed to stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms due to civil war. Recruitment challenges specific to conducting research within this population include the lack of knowledge about research, stigma of mental illness, and mistrust.

Purposes

Among immigrant Iraqi and Syrian families: (1) evaluate the approach to recruitment and retention; and (2) evaluate the acceptability of the study procedures.

Methods

This feasibility study was conducted based on the work of Orsmond and Cohn. It is focused on the evaluation of recruitment capability and resulting sample characteristics and evaluation of acceptability and suitability of the study procedures. Mother–father–infant triads were recruited from a community center. Parents completed questionnaires about stress and depressive symptoms. Buccal swab samples were obtained from the triads to measure telomere length, and infant hair samples were obtained to measure cortisol level. Telomere length and hair cortisol were utilized as measures of chronic stress.

Results

Ten mother–father–infant triads were enrolled out of 11 approached. Challenges faced this study included inability to reach families by telephone and the effect of cultural norms where the husband’s permission was needed before proceeding, resulting in a slow pace of recruitment. The study strategy and procedures appeared to be feasible as all of the families who participated completed all study protocols.

Conclusion

This study provides feasibility data to inform the launching of a larger study to examine the associations of family stress with infant stress and development. These findings from Iraqi and Syrian families may be generalizable to studies seeking to recruit these and other immigrant and refugee population families.
Economic Development Incentives: What Can We Learn From Policy Regime Changes?
Authors: Wang Jia , Yuan Weici , Rogers Cynthia
Published: March 2020

The authors investigate state-level economic incentive policies in the United States using the Panel Database on Incentives and Taxes for economic development (PDIT). Although interest in evaluating the efficacy of tax and incentive programs is growing, data limitations are formidable: Tax policies and expenditures are difficult to track and administrators are not equipped to gather the data needed for rigorous evaluation. The PDIT covers 45 industries in 32 U.S. states, including the main cities in the 30 largest metropolitan areas. The PDIT simulates the value of an incentive in terms of value added of a hypothetical firm in a particular industry, state, and year from 1990 to 2015. The authors identify and exploit large, discrete changes in incentive policies (e.g., regime changes). Applying the difference-in-differences method, they investigate potential causal links between regime changes and medium-run economic outcomes, including employment, establishment counts, wages, and poverty rates.
Three-dimensional printing of truss-like structure for use in scaffold: Experimental, numerical, and analytical analyses
Authors: Shirzad Masoud , Fathi Alireza , Rabiee Sayed Mahmood , Ghaffari Somayeh , Zabihi-Neishabouri Ebrahim
Published: March 2020

Rapid prototyping is a promising technique for the fabrication of tissue engineering scaffolds. It has an inherent capacity to make predetermined forms and structures and also distinct pore architecture as well. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of gradient pore geometries on the elastic behavior of the poly (methyl methacrylate) scaffold under compressive loading. Two kinds of models comprise simple and gradient architecture fabricated by three-dimensional printing. The mechanical properties of scaffolds were investigated experimentally, numerically, and analytically. Moreover, the cell adhesion and proliferation of scaffold were studied under two conditions: chitosan-coated and noncoated. Results indicated that although simple architecture renders higher amounts of mechanical properties, gradient architecture can make elastic regions after each plastic deformation improving the elastic behavior of scaffold at the higher strain value. Additionally, the excellent correspondence between the results of experimental compressive tests, finite element analysis, and analytical method display that the proposed models can predict precisely the mechanical properties of the scaffold. Furthermore, chitosan coating improves remarkably the number of cell proliferation of the scaffold.
The sexual networks of female sex workers and potential HIV transmission risk: an entertainment venue-based study in Shaanxi, China
Authors: Liu Huijun , Zhao Min , Wang Ying , Feldman Marcus W , Xiao Qunying
Published: March 2020

People involved in commercial sex are thought to be at high risk for human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) transmission. To explore the characteristics of female sex workers’ (FSWs) sexual networks and how FSWs and their sex partners could serve as ‘bridges’ in HIV/AIDS transmission, egocentric sexual networks (where a subject is asked to identify his or her sexual contacts and their relationships) of 66 FSWs in Xi'an city, Shaanxi Province of China, were studied. Convenience sampling was used to collect FSWs’ socio-demographic and sexual behavior data, which we analyzed using social network and descriptive statistical methods. Results show that some egocentric sexual networks were connected by sex partners, and these were integrated into several components of a sexual network. According to centrality indicators, FSWs and their commercial sex partners (especially regular clients) served as key nodes within high-risk groups and as bridges between high-risk groups and the general population. The cluster of high-risk groups with cohesive sub-networks had larger network size (P < 0.001), more complex network structures, and more high-risk members (P < 0.05) than other isolated networks. The sexual network of FSWs was characterized by multiple sexual relations (680), unstable relationships (50.15%), and a high rate of inconsistent condom use with non-commercial sex partners (31.22%). By linking commercial and non-commercial sexual networks, the FSWs and their clients can become effective bridges for HIV/AIDS spread from high-risk groups to the general population.
Study on hydraulic characteristics of large vertical axial-flow pump used as constant frequency power generation
Authors: Zhou Ying , Zheng Yuan , Kan Kan , Zhang Yuquan , Wang Haolan , Tang Wei , Zhao Mengshang
Published: March 2020

In order to study the stability of power generation in reverse of a pumping station unit, the computational fluid dynamics simulation and finite element analysis of the whole passage has been carried out, to study the pressure pulsation and stress distribution law under the condition of power generation in reverse, and compared with them in pump mode. The simulation results showed that, under the condition of power generation in reverse, the pressure pulsation of each monitoring point in front and at back of the runner were higher than that under pump mode. The most amplitude of pressure pulsation was about twice as large as the pump mode, increased gradually from hub to rim. The flow was seriously affected by the rotating runner. The internal frequency of pressure pulsation was blade frequency. The results of fluid–solid coupling showed that the stress mainly concentrated on the root of the pressure side and the suction side of the blade, and the maximum equal stress appeared on the suction side of the blade. The maximum stress and strain value under the condition of power generation in reverse were 20% higher than that under pump mode, and the maximum stress was about twice.
Successful treatment of refractory lupus erythematosus profundus with the interleukin-6 antagonist tocilizumab: a case report
Authors: Elolemy Gehan , Al Rashidi Abdulrahman , Dehrab Ahmed , Almathkouri Ammar , Varghese Alex , Chikhly Mustafa , Alkhawaja Fatema
Published: March 2020

Lupus erythematosus profundus (LEP) is an unusual form of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) characterized by multiple subcutaneous induration and associated with considerable physical and psychological morbidity. The heterogeneity of CLE makes it difficult to understand its underlying pathogenesis and represents a therapeutic challenge. Recently, new insight into the pathogenesis of CLE has implicated various cytokines, opening doors to targeted biologic agents. We report a case of a 23-year-old female who presented with refractory LEP ulcers as an initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus. The lesions were resistant to multiple conventional therapies and remarkably responded to tocilizumab.
Endothelial Progenitor Cell-Derived Factors Exert Neuroprotection in Cultured Cortical Neuronal Progenitor Cells
Authors: Santo Stefano Di , Seiler Stefanie , Guzman Raphael , Widmer Hans Rudolf
Published: March 2020

There is substantial evidence that stem and progenitor cells secrete trophic factors that have potential for repairing injured tissues. We have previously reported that the conditioned medium (CM) obtained from endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) cultures protects striatal neurons against 3-nitropropionic acid-induced toxicity. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that EPC-CM may support cortical neuronal cell function and/or survival. EPC were isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy human donors and cultured in hypoxic conditions (1.5% O2) to stimulate the secretion of growth factors. The supernatant or conditioned medium (EPC-CM) was then collected and used for the various experiments. Primary cultures of cerebral cortex from fetal rat embryonic day 14 were treated with EPC-CM and challenged by glucose and serum deprivation. We observed that EPC-CM treatment significantly increased total cell number and cell viability in the cultures. Similarly, the number of lba1-expressing cells was significantly upregulated by EPC-CM, while western blot analyses for the astroglial marker glial fibrillary acidic protein did not show a marked difference. Importantly, the number of beta-lll-tubulin-positive neurons in the cultures was significantly augmented after EPC-CM treatment. Similarly, western blot analyses for beta-III-tubulin showed significant higher signal intensities. Furthermore, EPC-CM administration protected neurons against glucose- and serum deprivation-induced cell loss.

In sum, our findings identified EPC-CM as a means to promote viability and/or differentiation of cortical neurons and suggest that EPC-CM might be useful for neurorestorative approaches.
Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Moyamoya Disease: Current Situation and Controversial Issues
Authors: Yu Jin , Du Qian , Hu Miao , Zhang Jianjian , Chen Jincao
Published: March 2020

Due to the lack of animal models and difficulty in obtaining specimens, the study of pathogenesis of moyamoya disease (MMD) almost stagnated. In recent years, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have attracted more and more attention in vascular diseases due to their important role in neovascularization. With the aid of paradigms and methods in cardiovascular diseases research, people began to explore the role of EPCs in the processing of MMD. In the past decade, studies have shown that abnormalities in cell amounts and functions of EPCs were closely related to the vascular pathological changes in MMD. However, the lack of consistent criteria, such as isolation, cultivation, and identification standards, is also blocking the way forward. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the current situation and controversial issues relevant to studies about EPCs in the pathogenesis and etiology of MMD.
The Collaboration on Attachment Transmission Synthesis (CATS): A Move to the Level of Individual-Participant-Data Meta-Analysis
Authors: Verhage Marije L. , Schuengel Carlo , Duschinsky Robbie , van IJzendoorn Marinus H. , Fearon R. M. Pasco , Madigan Sheri , Roisman Glenn I. , Bakermans–Kranenburg Marian J. , Oosterman Mirjam ,   the Collaboration on Attachment Transmission Synthesis
Published: March 2020

Generations of researchers have tested and used attachment theory to understand children’s development. To bring coherence to the expansive set of findings from small-sample studies, the field early on adopted meta-analysis. Nevertheless, gaps in understanding intergenerational transmission of individual differences in attachment continue to exist. We discuss how attachment research has been addressing these challenges by collaborating in formulating questions and pooling data and resources for individual-participant-data meta-analyses. The collaborative model means that sharing hard-won and valuable data goes hand in hand with directly and intensively interacting with a large community of researchers in the initiation phase of research, deliberating on and critically reviewing new hypotheses, and providing access to a large, carefully curated pool of data for testing these hypotheses. Challenges in pooling data are also discussed.
Production of a bacterial cellulose/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) blend activated with clove essential oil for food packaging
Authors: Albuquerque Rodrigo MB , Meira Hugo M , Silva Ivo DL , Silva Cláudio José G , Almeida Fabíola Carolina G , Amorim Júlia DP , Vinhas Glória M , Costa Andréa Fernanda S , Sarubbo Leonie A
Published: March 2020

The aim of the present study was to produce a blend of bacterial cellulose (BC) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) from the combination of pure BC membranes and 30% PHB in acetic acid. Clove essential oil (CLO) was then added as an antimicrobial agent. BC membranes were produced from Gluconacetobacter hansenii in a modified Hestrin–Schramm medium containing corn steep liquor. The scanning electron microscopic analyses revealed a visible white lining on the BC surface due to the deposition of PHB. Other analyses such as oil permeability, flexibility, and water solubility, which showed no trace of oil permeation through the films, resistance to folding (more than 100 times), and hydrophobicity, respectively, demonstrated the improvement of the material due to the blend of the polymers. When compared with the pure PHB polymer membrane, the addition of the essential oil led to a substantial reduction of 65% in microbial growth and better mechanical and thermal properties, since the traction resistance value increased by 3.9 times while the maximum degradation rate was 10°C higher. The new material, composed of BC/PHB with the addition of CLO, has attractive properties for use as a biocompatible, biodegradable, active food packaging wrap.
Does video laryngoscopy or direct laryngoscopy affect first-pass success rates for intubation among attending and non-attending emergency physicians in the emergency department?
Authors: Paul Weng Wan , Zakaria Nur Diana Bte , Gek Ching Seow , Wong Evelyn
Published: March 2020

Background:

To our knowledge, there has been no study comparing intubation characteristics between attending and non-attending emergency physicians in Southeast Asia. We aim to identify whether the use of direct laryngoscopy compared to video laryngoscopy affects first-pass success rates between attending emergency physicians and non-attending emergency physicians.

Materials and methods:

Retrospective analysis of data from 2009 to 2016 in an existing airway registry managed by an academic Emergency Department in Singapore. Primary outcome was first-pass success intubation rate. Secondary outcome was first-pass success rate for difficult intubations. Difficult intubations were defined as LEMON (Look externally, Evaluate 3-3-2 rule, Mallampati score, Obstruction, Neck mobility) score of more than 1.

Results:

There were a total of 2909 intubations. Attending emergency physicians conducted 1748 intubations, while non-attending emergency physicians conducted 1161 intubations. The first-pass success rates for AEP were 84.2% and 67.4% for non-attending emergency physicians. Direct laryngoscopy was used in 86.2% of intubation by attending emergency physicians compared to 89.0% in the intubation by non-attending emergency physicians. Also, 7.6% of intubations by the attending emergency physicians were difficult compared to 8.8% by the non-attending emergency physicians (p = 0.25). Logistic regression of the effect of laryngoscopy device on first-pass success in all intubations showed a negative association with video laryngoscopy (odds ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.56–0.88). In the subgroup of difficult intubations, non-attending emergency physicians are 1.54 times (95% confidence interval, 0.53–4.42) as likely to have first-pass success with video laryngoscopy compared to that with direct laryngoscopy. On the contrary, in the subgroup of difficult intubations, attending emergency physicians are 0.90 times (95% confidence interval, 0.38–2.12) as likely to have first-pass success with video laryngoscopy compared to that with direct laryngoscopy.

Conclusion:

Our study showed that video laryngoscopy has a lower first-pass success rate for all intubations in general. Intubations performed by attending emergency physicians with direct laryngoscopy were associated with a higher first-pass success rate.
Chaplaincy Care in the MICU: Describing the Spiritual Care Provided to MICU Patients and Families at the End of Life
Authors: Labuschagne Dirk , Torke Alexia , Grossoehme Daniel , Rimer Katie , Rucker Martha , Schenk Kristen , Slaven James , Fitchett George
Published: March 2020

Background:

Gravely ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and their families experience acute spiritual and existential needs and often require complex decisions about their care. Little is known about what constitutes chaplaincy care for patients or families in ICUs. Chaplains report that participation in medical decision-making is part of their role.

Objective:

To describe the spiritual care provided to patients and their families in the ICU.

Methods:

This was a retrospective observational study of spiritual care for patients and families in the medical ICUs (MICUs) at 4 medical centers over a 3-month period. Inclusion criteria were death in the MICU or discharge to palliative care or hospice. Measures included medical, treatment, and spiritual care information (number of visits, length of visit, chaplain categories, and type of spiritual care provided).

Results:

Of the 254 patients, 197 (78%) received a total of 485 spiritual care visits. Seventy-seven percent of visits included provision of emotional/spiritual support; only 15% included decision-making support such as family meetings or goals-of-care conversations. The proportion receiving spiritual care increased as patients neared death or discharge. Staff chaplains were involved in goals-of-care conversations to a greater extent than student or part-time chaplains ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Spiritual care was provided to most patients and/or families at the end of life. Low chaplain involvement in decision-making in the MICU suggests opportunities to improve chaplains’ contributions to ICU care.
Fear, Anger, and Political Advertisement Engagement: A Computational Case Study of Russian-Linked Facebook and Instagram Content
Authors: Vargo Chris J. , Hopp Toby
Published: March 2020

This study examined political advertisements placed by the Russian-based Internet Research Agency on Facebook and Instagram. Advertisements were computationally analyzed for four rhetorical techniques presumed to elicit anger and fear: negative identity-based language, inflammatory language, obscene language, and threatening language. Congruent with extant research on arousing emotional responses, advertising clickthrough rates were positively associated with inflammatory, obscene, and threatening language. Surprisingly, however, a negative relationship between clickthrough rate and the use of negative identity-based language was observed. Additional analyses showed that the advertisements were engaged with at rates that exceed industry benchmarks, and that clickthrough rates increased over time.
Dynamic collapse of metal self-similar hierarchical corrugated sandwich plates subject to shear and compression coupled loading
Authors: Zhang Jianxun , Qin Qinghua , Li Hua
Published: March 2020

Analysis of dynamic collapse response of metal self-similar hierarchical triangular corrugated sandwich plates subject to the shear loading and the shear coupled with compression is conducted. The initial collapse modes of the triangular corrugated sandwich cores are identified, in which different shear or shear-compression coupled impact velocities and various slenderness ratios of the large and small struts are considered, i.e. Euler buckling of large struts, Euler buckling of small struts, the wrinkling of large struts, the mode of combined Euler buckling of small struts with the wrinkling of large struts, and the mode of combined Euler buckling of large struts with the wrinkling of large struts. The collapse mechanism maps are then figured out with the axes representing the slenderness ratios of the large and small struts for hierarchical corrugated sandwich cores under single shear loading and combined shear and compression. In particular, the theoretically predicted collapse mechanism maps are in good agreement with the numerical results at applied velocity V0 = 1 m/s under the single shear loading and the shear coupled with compression. It is demonstrated that the velocity has insignificant influence on the dominant deformation mode of self-similar hierarchical corrugated sandwich plates for the cases of velocities V0 = 1 m/s and 10 m/s under the single shear loading and the shear coupled with compression. The designed self-similar hierarchical corrugated sandwich core has better energy absorption than traditional corrugated sandwich core subject to the single shear loading.
When the ‘Messiah’ went to ‘Mecca’: Envisioning and reporting the digital future at the CeBIT tech fair (1986–2018)
Authors: Schwarzenegger Christian , Balbi Gabriele
Published: March 2020

At consumer and tech fairs, the future of digital technologies has always been imagined. In this study, we investigate how the annual CeBIT tech fair (held in Hanover, Germany, from 1986 to 2018) and a keynote speech given there by Bill Gates in 1995 have been constructed, framed, and substantiated through media coverage and in mediated memory. Thanks to a qualitative content analysis, based on more than 500 articles published in general interest media and technology magazines, the ways the future of digitization was, and partially still is, imagined and narrated at tech fairs emerge. It is a quasi-religious future, predicted in quasi-religious gatherings (the ‘Mecca’ of digital futures), where gurus (Messiahs) and new ideas emerged, are celebrated, criticized, or rejected. During fairs, there is also a political and strategic use of the future because the ways digitization is forecast can shape and drive its future through investments and obliged visions.
Robotic Pancreatoduodenectomy: Patient Selection, Volume Criteria, and Training Programs
Authors: Jones L. R. , Zwart M. J. W. , Molenaar I. Q. , Koerkamp B. Groot , Hogg M. E. , Hilal M. A. , Besselink M. G.
Published: March 2020

Introduction:

There has been a rapid development in minimally invasive pancreas surgery in recent years. The most recent innovation is robotic pancreatoduodenectomy. Several studies have suggested benefits as compared to the open or laparoscopic approach. This review provides an overview of studies concerning patient selection, volume criteria, and training programs for robotic pancreatoduodenectomy and identified knowledge gaps regarding barriers for safe implementation of robotic pancreatoduodenectomy.

Materials and methods:

A Pubmed search was conducted concerning patient selection, volume criteria, and training programs in robotic pancreatoduodenectomy.

Results:

A total of 20 studies were included. No contraindications were found in patient selection for robotic pancreatoduodenectomy. The consensus and the Miami guidelines advice is a minimum annual volume of 20 robotic pancreatoduodenectomy procedures per center, per year. One training program was identified which describes superior outcomes after the training program and shortening of the learning curve in robotic pancreatoduodenectomy.

Conclusion:

Robotic pancreatoduodenectomy is safe and feasable for all indications when performed by specifically trained surgeons working in centers who can maintain a minimum volume of 20 robotic pancreatoduodenectomy procedures per year. Large proficiency-based training program for robotic pancreatoduodenectomy seem essential to facilitate a safe implementation and future research on robotic pancreatoduodenectomy.
When Traumatic Memories Affect Your Health: A Clinical Case Study
Authors: Morrison Krystal I. , Beidel Deborah C. , Newins Amie R.
Published: March 2020

Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea (OSA) is the most common breathing-related sleep disorder and affects more than 20% of older individuals. Furthermore, risk of OSA increases in postmenopausal women. OSA is effectively treated using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). However, Mary, a 74-year-old White woman with OSA, severe, refused to obtain a CPAP machine because the sound of the machine elicited memories of her late husband’s suicide. Intervention focused on reducing Mary’s fear of CPAP sounds. Treatment involved imaginal exposure, in vivo exposure, sleep hygiene strategies, and relaxation strategies. Although evidence-based treatments for OSA and trauma separately exist, there are no treatment protocols designed to address the specific combination of the conditions. Treatment gains included a reduction in trauma-related symptoms and an increase in CPAP compliance. Quantity and quality of patient’s sleep did not improve despite sleep hygiene and CPAP use. At 3-week follow-up, treatment gains and CPAP compliance were maintained.
Effect of PM2.5 on MicroRNA Expression and Function in Nasal Mucosa of Rats With Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Huang Yu , Guo Zhi-Qiang , Zhang Ru-Xin , Zhao Ren-Wu , Dong Wei-Yang , Wang Hong , Deng Cong-Rui , Zhuang Guo-Shun
Published: March 2020

Background

Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) refers to particulate matter with aerodynamic equivalent diameter less than or equal to 2.5 µm, which is an important component of air pollution. PM2.5 aggravates allergic rhinitis (AR) and promotes AR nasal mucosa inflammation. Therefore, the influence of PM2.5 inhalation exposure on microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles and function in the nasal mucosa of AR rats was investigated.

Methods

Female Sprague Dawley rats were distributed randomly to 2 groups: AR model PM2.5 exposure group (ARE group) and AR model PM2.5-unexposed control group (ARC group). The rats of ARE group were made to inhale PM2.5 at a concentration of 200 µg/m3, 3 h/day, for 30 days. miRNA expression profiles of the nasal mucosa from both groups were determined using an miRNA gene chip and were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Gene function enrichment analysis was performed using bioinformatics analysis.

Results

The ARE group revealed 20 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs, including 4 upregulated and 16 downregulated miRNAs (fold change > 1.5 or < 0.66, P < .05). Of these, 9 selected miRNAs were verified by qRT-PCR, and the results of 8 miRNAs were in accordance with the miRNA gene chip results, with highly positive correlation ( r = .8583, P = .0031). Numerous target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were functionally enriched in high-affinity immunoglobulin E receptor signaling, ErbB signaling, mucin O-glycans biosynthesis, transforming growth factor β signaling, mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction, phosphatidylinositol signaling, mucopolysaccharide biosynthesis, mammalian target of rapamycin signaling, T cell receptor signaling, Wnt signaling, chemokine signal transduction, and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity pathways.

Conclusions

PM2.5 causes significant changes in miRNA expression in the nasal mucosa of AR rats. miRNA plays an important role in regulating PM2.5 effects in AR rat biological behavior and mucosal inflammation. This study provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of AR from the effects of environmental pollution on the gene regulation mechanism.
Accuracy of apparent diffusion coefficient values and magnetic resonance imaging in differentiating suprasellar germinomas from chiasmatic/hypothalamic gliomas
Authors: Panyaping Theeraphol , Taebunpakul Piyakarn , Tritanon Oranan
Published: March 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to differentiate suprasellar germinomas from chiasmatic/hypothalamic gliomas (CHGs) using apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 11 patients with suprasellar germinomas and 11 patients with CHGs who underwent pretreatment MRI. The ADC values (minimum and average ADC values) of the tumors were measured and the MRI characteristics were evaluated.

Results

The average and minimum ADC values of suprasellar germinomas were significantly lower than those of CHGs ( p = 0.016 and 0.004 respectively). The selection of 941.15 × 10−6 mm2/s as a cutoff value of the minimum ADC value was used to differentiate suprasellar germinomas and CHGs; the best results were obtained with area under the curve of 0.889, sensitivity of 87.5%, specificity of 77.8% and accuracy of 82.4%. MRI characteristics suggested the diagnosis of suprasellar germinomas were T2W hypointensity and involvement of pituitary gland and/or stalk. MRI characteristics suggested the diagnosis of CHGs was higher degree of contrast enhancement and presence of macrocysts.

Conclusion

ADC values have a role in differentiating suprasellar germinomas and CHGs, especially when imaging findings on conventional MRI are inconclusive. Furthermore, some MRI features are in favor of differentiation between these tumor entities including tumor location, cyst pattern, T2W hypointensity, degree of contrast enhancement, stalk and pituitary gland involvement.
Beyond algorithmic reformism: Forward engineering the designs of algorithmic systems
Authors: Polack Peter
Published: March 2020

This article develops a method for investigating the consequences of algorithmic systems according to the documents that specify their design constrains. As opposed to reverse engineering algorithms to identify how their logic operates, the article proposes to design or "forward engineer" algorithmic systems in order to theorize how their consequences are informed by design constraints: the specific problems, use cases, and presuppositions that they respond to. This demands a departure from algorithmic reformism, which responds to concerns about the consequences of algorithmic systems by proposing to make algorithms more transparent or less biased. Instead, by investigating algorithmic systems according to documents that specify their design constraints, we identify how the consequences of algorithms are presupposed by the problems that they propose to solve, the types of solutions that they enlist to solve these problems, and the systems of authority that these solutions depend on. To accomplish this, this article develops a methodological framework for researching the process of designing algorithmic systems. In doing so, it proposes to move beyond reforming the technical implementation details of algorithms in order to address the design problems and constraints that underlie them.
Policy Challenges for Organ Allocation in an Era of “Precision Medicine”
Authors: Caulfield Timothy , Murdoch Blake , Sapir-Pichhadze Ruth , Keown Paul
Published: March 2020

There is increasing interest in the use of precision medicine tools and evidence-based outcome measures for donor-recipient matching to optimize transplant outcomes. Although the shift toward greater precision can provide health and resource benefits, it may be perceived as conflicting with both established equity-focused organ allocation norms and the legal and ethical obligations of health care providers and related institutions. With increasing evidence that various forms of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch and/or prognostic biomarkers can affect outcomes, the tension between maximizing utility and ensuring equity seems likely to intensify. In Canada, health care providers are generally required by law to put the interests of their patient, such as access to an organ, above the needs of the health care system and other patients. In addition, transplantation right of access lawsuits, which have been successful in the past, could affect the implementation of precision approaches. These legal tensions could be further heightened by media representations, which have historically favored strong rights of access. When implementing new precision technologies in organ allocation, there will be a recurrent need for policymakers to revisit the balance of equity and utility and to assess how to craft rules that reflect our society’s conception of a fair allocation system.
A Histoarchitectural Approach to Skeletal Muscle Injury: Searching for a Common Nomenclature
Authors:   Study Group of the Muscle and Tendon System from the Spanish Society of Sports Traumatology, Balius Ramon , Blasi Marc , Pedret Carles , Alomar Xavier , Peña-Amaro José , Vega José A. , Pruna Ricard , Ardèvol Jordi , Álvarez Guillermo , de la Fuente Javier , Fernández-Jaén Tomás , Järvinen Tero A.H. , Rodas Gil
Published: March 2020

In recent years, different classifications for muscle injuries have been proposed based on the topographic location of the injury within the bone-tendon-muscle chain. We hereby propose that in addition to the topographic classification of muscle injuries, a histoarchitectonic (description of the damage to connective tissue structures) definition of the injury be included within the nomenclature. Thus, the nomenclature should focus not only on the macroscopic anatomy but also on the histoarchitectonic features of the injury.
Determinants of the Quality of Life Among Elderly: Comparison Between China and India
Authors: Ghosh Dona , Dinda Soumyananda
Published: March 2020

The article attempts to understand the role of various determinants of quality of life (QoL) in two different demographic and cultural contexts—India and China. Along with appropriate model identification, the study discusses the role of influential factors of the QoL of elderly individuals of the demographic giants. Findings confirm the multifactorial nature of QoL and suggest that all of the determinants do not identically influence QoL at different levels. It has been found that socio-economic factors have a stronger influence on QoL, in both the countries, than the physiological indicators. Perception regarding QoL of elderly people, in two cultural contexts, does not deviate substantially, except for gender, lower level of education, observed health measures and formal social cohesion. The analysis suggests important policy implications.
Diagnostic performance of individual characteristics and anthropometric measurements in detecting elevated serum alanine aminotransferase among children and adolescents
Authors: Ou Yu-Lan , Lai Yue-Rong , Jiang Chao-Nan , Zhang Jing , Ding Zan
Published: March 2020

Background

Screening for elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) can help identifying individuals at the risks of chronic and metabolic diseases, but blood collection is invasive and cannot be widely used for investigations. Considered as simple and inexpensive screening indices, individual characteristics and anthropometric measurements can be measured in a large crowd and may be important surrogate markers for ALAT levels. This study aimed to examine the diagnostic performance of individual characteristics and anthropometric parameters as predictive factors for discerning an elevated ALAT activity among Shenzhen children and adolescents.

Methods

A school-based screening study was performed from 9 high schools in Shenzhen during February 2017 and June 2018. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to examine the diagnostic performance of each variable for detecting elevated ALAT.

Results

Altogether 7271 students aged 9–17 years were involved. The proportion of elevated ALAT greatly increased with increasing classification of BMI-z. By the sex-specific cut-offs for elevated ALAT (30 U/L boys; 19 U/L girls), BMI showed the highest area under the curve of 0.789 (95% CI 0.765–0.812) and followed by weight (0.779 [0.755–0.802]), BMI-z (0.747 [0.722–0.772]), height (0.622 [0.597–0.647]), and age (0.608 [0.584–0.632]), while height-z was not capable. With the cut-off of 67.8 kg for weight and 22.6 kg/m2 for BMI, the accuracy to identify elevated ALAT was 87.1% for weight and 82.9% for BMI.

Conclusions

The presence of elevated ALAT was more common in overweight or obese children and adolescents. BMI and weight had the superiority of detecting elevated ALAT, followed by BMI-z, height, and age.
“My partner was not fond of using condoms and I was not on contraception”: understanding adolescent mothers’ perspectives of sexual risk behaviour in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Govender Desiree , Naidoo Saloshni , Taylor Myra
Published: March 2020

Background

Adolescent pregnancy has been a persistent area of interest and concern in the field of public health. The debate about adolescents’ sexual risk behaviour has also gained prominence due to findings that have demonstrated that adolescent girls between 15 and 19 years of age give birth to 16 million infants and account for 62% of new HIV infections in the Caribbean and African regions. Health compromising behaviours often develop in adolescence, yet the sexual and reproductive health of adolescent mothers is often marginalised in the healthcare field. The aim of this study was to explore adolescent mothers’ understanding of sexual risk behaviour.

Methods

The study employed a descriptive qualitative design. To collect the data, four focus group discussions were conducted with adolescent mothers aged 16–19 years. The eighteen adolescent mothers were recruited using purposive sampling technique from a hospital in the Ugu district in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The study revealed that decisions to engage in risky sexual behaviour is influenced by peer pressure, drugs and alcohol, sexual experimentation, myths about contraception, the media, poor parental supervision and power gender dynamics, poverty leading to transactional sex, the vulnerability of young girls, and the fear of partner rejection.

Conclusion

The findings of this study will contribute to a better understanding of adolescent mothers’ perspectives of sexual risk behaviour. In the subject matter of sexual and reproductive health, adolescents’ autonomy with respect to cultural and social recommendations should not be sidelined. Due to their vulnerability, adolescent women are exposed to transactional sex, and it is particularly due to poverty that adolescent women are driven into sexual relations with older men as a means of survival. Moreover, interventions to curb postpartum sexual risk behaviour are important to protect adolescent women and mothers against HIV/AIDS. The sexual and reproductive education of adolescent women should focus on resilience, negotiating skills, and protective decision making. Collaborative efforts to curb sexual risk taking by young women should be encouraged and should involve relevant agents from the educational, social and clinical fields.