bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Joint Character-Level Convolutional and Generative Adversarial Networks for Text Classification
Authors: Wang Tianshi , Liu Li , Zhang Huaxiang , Zhang Long , Chen Xiuxiu
Published: April 2020

With the continuous renewal of text classification rules, text classifiers need more powerful generalization ability to process the datasets with new text categories or small training samples. In this paper, we propose a text classification framework under insufficient training sample conditions. In the framework, we first quantify the texts by a character-level convolutional neural network and input the textual features into an adversarial network and a classifier, respectively. Then, we use the real textual features to train a generator and a discriminator so as to make the distribution of generated data consistent with that of real data. Finally, the classifier is cooperatively trained by real data and generated data. Extensive experimental validation on four public datasets demonstrates that our method significantly performs better than the comparative methods.
Conventional Therapy for Amyloid Light-Chain Amyloidosis
Authors: Milani Paolo , Palladini Giovanni
Published: April 2020

The vast majority of patients with light-chain (AL) amyloidosis are not eligible for stem cell transplant and are treated with conventional chemotherapy. Conventional regimens are based on various combinations of dexamethasone, alkylating agents, proteasome inhibitors, and immunomodulatory drugs. The choice of these regimens requires a careful risk stratification, based on the extent of amyloid organ involvement, comorbidities, and the characteristics of the amyloidogenic plasma cell clone. Most patients are treated upfront with bortezomib and dexamethasone combined with cyclophosphamide or melphalan. Cyclophosphamide does not compromise stem cell mobilization and harvest and is more manageable in renal failure. Melphalan can overcome the effect of t(11;14), which is associated with lower response rates and shorter survival in subjects treated with bortezomib and dexamethasone, or in combination with cyclophosphamide. Lenalidomide and pomalidomide are the mainstay of rescue treatment. They are effective in patients exposed to bortezomib, dexamethasone, and alkylators, but deep hematologic responses are rare. Ixazomib, alone or in combination with lenalidomide, increases the rate of complete responses in relapsed/refractory patients. Conventional chemotherapy regimens will represent the backbone for future combinations, particularly with anti-plasma-cell immunotherapy, that will further improve response rates and outcomes.
Qualidade das prescrições de profilaxia para lesão aguda de mucosa gástrica em um hospital universitário no Brasil
Authors: Fioramonte Guilherme Da Silva , Brito Giovanna Daneluz de , Marques Gustavo Lenci
Published: April 2020

Objetivos: Ainda que preconizada para pacientes de alto risco de sangramento gastrointestinal alto, a profilaxia para lesão aguda de mucosa gástrica (úlcera de estresse) nem sempre é prescrita corretamente na maioria nos serviços hospitalares. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a adequação das prescrições dessa profilaxia em um hospital universitário brasileiro. Métodos: Realizada uma análise transversal de prescrições para pacientes internados em unidades clínicas, cirúrgicas e críticas de um hospital universitário durante 30 dias. Foram excluídas as prescrições de pacientes em uso de protetores gástricos com finalidade diferente da profilática. Os critérios de avaliação da profilaxia para úlcera de estresse foram baseados nas recomendações da base online de dados UpToDate®. Resultados: 358 prescrições foram analisadas e, dessas, 17 foram excluídas. Das 341 prescrições incluídas, 205 (60,1%) estavam inadequadas. A principal razão de inadequação foi a sobreprescrição, encontrada em 175 casos (85,4%). As inadequações foram maiores em unidades cirúrgicas (80%) quando comparadas às unidades clínicas (54,1%) e críticas (52,5%) (p < 0,001). Conclusões: Foram registradas expressivas taxas de inadequação para a profilaxia de lesão aguda de mucosa gástrica, principalmente devido ao excesso de prescrições. As unidades cirúrgicas foram responsáveis pelas maiores taxas de inadequação. Esse cenário evidencia a escassez de diretrizes científicas, protocolos locais eficientes e conhecimento ou aceitação dos profissionais acerca da profilaxia para leão aguda de mucosa gástrica.
Perfusão tecidual pode ser utilizada para predição de mortalidade em unidade de terapia intensiva?
Authors: Kock Kelser De Souza , Carvalho Carlos Eduardo Pereira de , Marques Jefferson Luiz Brum
Published: April 2020

Objetivo: Comparar a acurácia para predição de mortalidade dos indicadores de perfusão tecidual e APACHE II nas primeiras 24 horas de internação em uma unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) do sul do Brasil. Métodos: coorte prospectiva. Foram avaliados o diagnóstico de internação, idade, sexo, casos cirúrgicos ou não-cirúrgicos, APACHE II, índice de perfusão tecidual (IP), lactato sérico, saturação venosa central de oxigênio (SvcO2) e a diferença venosa-arterial de dióxido de carbono (ΔPCO2) nas primeiras 24 horas de internação. Os participantes foram acompanhados até o desfecho na UTI: alta ou óbito. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 126 indivíduos com média de idade de 62,2±16,8 anos e principal causa de internação cardiovascular (37,3%). As variáveis que estiverem relacionadas ao óbito foram apenas a maior idade (p=0,015), casos não-cirúrgicos (p=0,001), maior pontuação no APACHE II (p=0,001) e maior tempo de internação (p=0,004). O estudo elaborou um modelo de avaliação prognóstica utilizando os casos não-cirúrgicos e a SvcO2<65% que, quando comparado com o APACHE II, se mostrou mais acurado para previsão de mortalidade em UTI (área sob a curva ROC 0,727 (IC 95% 0,616 – 0,838 versus 0,802 (IC 95% 0,701 – 0,904). Conclusão: Os indicadores de perfusão tecidual analisados não apresentaram relevância estatística como preditores de mortalidade nas primeiras 24 horas quando analisados de forma independente no estudo. O escore APACHE II apresentou-se como uma boa forma de avaliação prognostica para os pacientes, assim como o modelo proposto no presente estudo para previsão de mortalidade, que quando comparado ao escore APACHE II, apresentou um índice de confiabilidade e uma área sob a curva ROC mais elevada.
Atualização em epilepsia
Authors: Costa Lílian Lúcia de Oliveira , Brandão Erlayne Camapum , Marinho Segundo Luiz Márcio De Brito
Published: April 2020

Objetivos: A epilepsia é uma das doenças neurológicas que ocorre com maior frequência. Devido à alta incidência e prejuízos advindos da falta de controle das crises faz-se necessário o conhecimento das peculiaridades da epilepsia a fim de promover ao paciente a intervenção adequada. O presente estudo visou descrever a atualização sobre definições, tipos de epilepsia, classificações etiológicas, diagnóstico, principais tratamentos farmacológicos e alternativos. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura com caráter descritivo. Realizou-se uma busca nas bases de dados como SciELO, LILACS, MEDLINE e pesquisa complementar em livros sobre epilepsia e drogas antiepiléticas. Resultados: Foram selecionados 48 artigos e 6 livros na pesquisa que correspondiam ao objetivo proposto. Os artigos analisados equivalem aos anos de 2001 a 2017. Conclusão: Por meio da definição do tipo de crise epilética e a identificação da causa é possível delinear o tratamento apropriado, conduzido de acordo com a singularidade e a resposta de cada paciente, promovendo dessa forma, uma escolha terapêutica satisfatória e melhoria da qualidade de vida, minimizando ou mesmo excluindo danos.
Estado nutricional de crianças e adolescentes residentes na região nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Nascimento Marcelo De Maio , Rodrigues Mateus De Sousa
Published: April 2020

A prevalência do excesso de peso e da obesidade entre crianças e adolescentes tem aumentando nas últimas décadas, configurando-se como um problema de saúde pública global. No caso da desnutrição, suas taxas têm diminuído consideravelmente, contudo, ela ainda não foi totalmente superada, em especial, nos Estados da região Nordeste do Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar estudos sobre o estado nutricional de crianças e adolescentes, residentes na região Nordeste do Brasil. Para isso, foi realizada uma revisão da bibliografia publicada nas plataformas BIREME e Google Acadêmico, em português e inglês, no período de 2009-2018, com uso dos descritores: obesidade e infância, sobrepeso e infância, desnutrição e infância. Ao final 22 estudos contendo informações de 50.778 crianças e adolescentes (0-14 anos) preencheram os critérios de elegibilidade. Verificou-se média de desnutrição, sobrepeso e obesidade de 1,9%, 12,5% e 7,4%, respectivamente. Conforme os estudos analisados, o panorama do estado nutricional de crianças e adolescentes da região Nordeste corroborou com a tendência nacional, que vem apontando, desde décadas passadas, a diminuição da taxa de desnutrição, seguida pelo aumento do sobrepeso.
The Role of Nonglycolytic Glucose Metabolism in Myocardial Recovery Upon Mechanical Unloading and Circulatory Support in Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Badolia Rachit , Ramadurai Dinesh K.A. , Abel E. Dale , Ferrin Peter , Taleb Iosif , Shankar Thirupura S. , Krokidi Aspasia Thodou , Navankasattusas Sutip , McKellar Stephen H. , Yin Michael , Kfoury Abdallah G. , Wever-Pinzon Omar , Fang James C. , Selzman Craig H. , Chaudhuri Dipayan , Rutter Jared , Drakos Stavros G.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Significant improvements in myocardial structure and function have been reported in some patients with advanced heart failure (termed responders [R]) following left ventricular assist device (LVAD)–induced mechanical unloading. This therapeutic strategy may alter myocardial energy metabolism in a manner that reverses the deleterious metabolic adaptations of the failing heart. Specifically, our previous work demonstrated a post-LVAD dissociation of glycolysis and oxidative-phosphorylation characterized by induction of glycolysis without subsequent increase in pyruvate oxidation through the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The underlying mechanisms responsible for this dissociation are not well understood. We hypothesized that the accumulated glycolytic intermediates are channeled into cardioprotective and repair pathways, such as the pentose-phosphate pathway and 1-carbon metabolism, which may mediate myocardial recovery in R.

Methods:

We prospectively obtained paired left ventricular apical myocardial tissue from nonfailing donor hearts as well as R and nonresponders at LVAD implantation (pre-LVAD) and transplantation (post-LVAD). We conducted protein expression and metabolite profiling and evaluated mitochondrial structure using electron microscopy.

Results:

Western blot analysis shows significant increase in rate-limiting enzymes of pentose-phosphate pathway and 1-carbon metabolism in post-LVAD R (post-R) as compared with post-LVAD nonresponders (post-NR). The metabolite levels of these enzyme substrates, such as sedoheptulose-6-phosphate (pentose phosphate pathway) and serine and glycine (1-carbon metabolism) were also decreased in Post-R. Furthermore, post-R had significantly higher reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate levels, reduced reactive oxygen species levels, improved mitochondrial density, and enhanced glycosylation of the extracellular matrix protein, α-dystroglycan, all consistent with enhanced pentose-phosphate pathway and 1-carbon metabolism that correlated with the observed myocardial recovery.

Conclusions:

The recovering heart appears to direct glycolytic metabolites into pentose-phosphate pathway and 1-carbon metabolism, which could contribute to cardioprotection by generating reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate to enhance biosynthesis and by reducing oxidative stress. These findings provide further insights into mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effect of glycolysis induction during the recovery of failing human hearts after mechanical unloading.
Comparison of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in European Population Cohorts for Predicting Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure, Their Subsequent Onset, and Death
Authors: Schrage Benedikt , Geelhoed Bastiaan , Niiranen Teemu J. , Gianfagna Francesco , Vishram‐Nielsen Julie K. K. , Costanzo Simona , Söderberg Stefan , Ojeda Francisco M. , Vartiainen Erkki , Donati Maria Benedetta , Magnussen Christina , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Camen Stephan , Kontto Jukka , Koenig Wolfgang , Blankenberg Stefan , de Gaetano Giovanni , Linneberg Allan , Jørgensen Torben , Zeller Tanja , Kuulasmaa Kari , Tunstall‐Pedoe Hugh , Hughes Maria , Iacoviello Licia , Salomaa Veikko , Schnabel Renate B.
Published: April 2020

Background

Differences in risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are incompletely understood. Aim of this study was to understand whether risk factors and biomarkers show different associations with incident AF and HF and to investigate predictors of subsequent onset and mortality.

Methods and Results

In N=58 693 individuals free of AF/HF from 5 population‐based European cohorts, Cox regressions were used to find predictors for AF, HF, subsequent onset, and mortality. Differences between associations were estimated using bootstrapping. Median follow‐up time was 13.8 years, with a mortality of 15.7%. AF and HF occurred in 5.0% and 5.4% of the participants, respectively, with 1.8% showing subsequent onset. Age, male sex, myocardial infarction, body mass index, and NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide) showed similar associations with both diseases. Antihypertensive medication and smoking were stronger predictors of HF than AF. Cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, and hsCRP (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein) were associated with HF, but not with AF. No variable was exclusively associated with AF. Population‐attributable risks were higher for HF (75.6%) than for AF (30.9%). Age, male sex, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, and NT‐proBNP were associated with subsequent onset, which was associated with the highest all‐cause mortality risk.

Conclusions

Common risk factors and biomarkers showed different associations with AF and HF, and explained a higher proportion of HF than AF risk. As the subsequent onset of both diseases was strongly associated with mortality, prevention needs to be rigorously addressed and remains challenging, as conventional risk factors explained only 31% of AF risk.
The Search for a Final Language: Comenius’s Linguistic Eschatology
Authors: Pavlas Petr
Published: April 2020

This paper seeks to analyse and clarify a linguistic-eschatological aspect of Comenius’s language project. First, it investigates hypotheses concerning the origin of language in the works of key figures in the language planning movement: Bacon, Mersenne, Comenius, Dalgarno and Wilkins. Second, it inquiries into their theological justifications for language planning and into the problem of cessationism. Third, it examines the dignity and role of the existing languages according to Comenius and focuses on the notion and goal of the new, perfect, ultimate language as imagined by him. Fourth, it elucidates Comenius’s idea of the final language through the prism of his biblical exegesis and his understanding of sacred history.
“In-Ger” and “Outer” Diplomacy – Ilkhanid Contacts with the Mongols and the Outside World, 1260-1282
Authors: Arom Na’ama O.
Published: April 2020

By arrows and words, a Mongol Khanate was formed in the Middle East – the Il-Khanate, or Hülegü Ulus. Its continuous efforts of further conquests were accompanied by a bitter struggle against the Mongol sister khanate to the north-west – the Golden Horde, or Jochi Ulus. This article analyses the diplomatic activity of the early Il-Khans – Hülegü (1256-65) and Abaqa (1265-82), on two Jochid fronts: the Golden Horde, headed by Berke (1257-67) and his successors, and the Negüdäri forces, also named Qarāʾūnas, who roamed eastern Afghanistan. A further discussion is dedicated to the early Il-Khanid contacts with the western powers – the Mamluk Sultanate and Latin Europe, including an in depth study of Abaqa’s letter of Pope Clemens IV, written in 1268. This analysis outlines two patterns of diplomacy: one “outer”, aimed at the non-Mongol powers, and one “in-ger”, directed towards the Mongol adversaries. Tracking these patterns, the article’s conclusion attempts to define possible ethical “red lines” in the diplomacy of the early Il-Khans.
Mongol Diplomacy of the Alamut Period
Authors: Dashdondog Bayarsaikhan
Published: April 2020

The subject that I would like to discuss relates to the Ismāʿīlī history of the period of the Mongol incursions in 1256. This article deals with three topics: the Mongols and their invasions of Alamut; Mongol-Ismāʿīlī relations before and after the invasions; and issues relating to the death of the Ismāʿīlī leader allegedly at the hands of the Mongols. The Mongol conquest of the Nizārī Ismāʿīlīs’ strongholds has been described as “the single-most disastrous event in their history”, putting an end to the political aspirations and prominence of the Ismāʿīlīs in the region; however, my argument lies in the pragmatic attitudes of the Ismāʿīlīs, who were allies of the Mongols at the beginning of their relationship. This paper also discusses issues relating to the death of Ismāʿīlī Imam Rukn al-Dīn, disputing the commonly accepted view of his murder.
A new genus and subfamily of fossil Bibionidae (Diptera) from the Lower Cretaceous, with new classification of the Bibionidae

Authors: SKARTVEIT JOHN , ANSORGE JÖRG
Published: April 2020

We describe Cretobibio montsecensis, gen. et sp. nov. based on two female specimens from the Lower Cretaceous of Montsec, Spain. The new genus would key to the subfamily Pleciinae based on the presence of a short vein R2+3 and slender legs. However, some characters suggest an affinity with Bibioninae, notably the weakening of R2+3, the oblique crossvein R-M, crossvein M-Cu connected to M2 rather than the stem of M, and the shortened fore legs. We suggest this species is best considered as representing a new subfamily, Cretobibioninae subfam. nov., as sister group of Bibioninae.
Multihour Stratospheric Flights with the Heliotrope Solar Hot-Air Balloon
Authors: Bowman Daniel C. , Norman Paul E. , Pauken Michael T. , Albert Sarah A. , Dexheimer Darielle , Yang Xiao , Krishnamoorthy Siddharth , Komjathy Attila , Cutts James A.
Published: April 2020

Standard meteorological balloons can deliver small scientific payloads to the stratosphere for a few tens of minutes, but achieving multihour level flight in this region is more difficult. We have developed a solar-powered hot-air balloon named the heliotrope that can maintain a nearly constant altitude in the upper troposphere–lower stratosphere as long as the sun is above the horizon. It can accommodate scientific payloads ranging from hundreds of grams to several kilograms. The balloon can achieve float altitudes exceeding 24 km and fly for days in the Arctic summer, although sunset provides a convenient flight termination mechanism at lower latitudes. Two people can build an envelope in about 3.5 h, and the materials cost about $30. The low cost and simplicity of the heliotrope enables a class of missions that is generally out of reach of institutions lacking specialized balloon expertise. Here, we discuss the design history, construction techniques, trajectory characteristics, and flight prediction of the heliotrope balloon. We conclude with a discussion of the physics of solar hot-air balloon flight.
Exploring the Agency-Structure Dynamics in State–Society Relations in Contemporary China: The Case of Securitisation of the Environmental Sector
Authors: Joseph Justin
Published: April 2020

Based on the data from the 13-month field visit spread over two trips (September 2016 to December 2016 and September 2017 to July 2018), this study highlights how securitisation efforts from the central government interact with environmental non-governmental organisation (ENGO) activism and advocacy in China, producing diverse outcomes across temporal and spatial dimensions. The trajectory of state–society relations in the context of environmental governance depends on (a) the ability of party-state to control ‘new media’ activism and manage ENGO advocacy to ‘maintain stability/rule by law’ and (b) ability of the assemblage of media activism and ENGO advocacy, along with other agents, to support the transition from ‘rule by law’ to ‘rule of law’. The overall findings are discussed in the context of the ‘Copenhagen School’ framework in International Relations Theory to examine the process of securitisation in the environmental sector in China. The securitising actor (the one who leads the process of securitisation such as States), referent object (the object under existential threat, i.e. human nature harmony) and functional actors (those who support or oppose the process of securitisation, i.e. ENGOs) are the major players involved.
Dressed Up and On the Go: Women Cyclists in Modern Japan
Authors: Maini Nidhi
Published: April 2020

Ranking alongside the top bicycling nations of the world, Japan today boasts of a deeply engrained cycling culture. While the technological prowess of Japan’s bicycle industry is well known, there exists no scholarly study investigating the socio-cultural impact of cycling in Japan, specifically its role in emancipation of women. How the modern women of Japan scaled barriers to mobility riding their way to modernity in an oppressive male-dominated society is not yet known. The objective of this paper is to examine women cyclists in Japan in the context of modernisation. On the one hand, viewing bicycles helps examine the Japanese economy from the perspective of ordinary women as active consumers (as against their passive image) whose demand for bicycles was certainly an essential ingredient for the growth of bicycle industry. On the other hand, it serves to question the predominant view of consumption stagnation in interwar Japan. Most importantly, as countries around the world continue to make laudable efforts to encourage women cyclists, a leaf can be drawn by policymakers from the history of forgotten cycling heroines of Japan to accelerate women’s socio-economic empowerment.
Social action as ‘a total social phenomenon’: Comparing leadership challenges facing community-based labour organizations in China and Japan
Authors: Fu Huiyan
Published: April 2020

This article seeks to address an empirical puzzle: ‘why do community-based labour organizations (CLOs) in China and Japan play a similarly marginal role in facilitating social change, despite drastic differences in national circumstances?’ Theoretically, special importance is given to a cross-disciplinary approach that combines anthropology and business and management perspectives. Methodologically, the comparative study draws on ethnographic fieldwork and interviews to explore how leadership activism is embedded in and shaped by an intricately interwoven web of political, economic and cultural forces, what anthropologists refer to as ‘a total social phenomenon’. The findings highlight a series of agential and structural challenges, especially those arising from the tension between culture and social institutions. More generally, the work contributes to an alternative, critical understanding of leadership.
Indian Agriculture under Open Economic Regime: Implication for Livelihood and Food Security
Authors: Singh Paramjit
Published: April 2020

Despite impressive performance in terms of GDP growth after the introduction of neoliberal reforms, India continues to be the home of the largest number of hungry people in the world. The present paper is an attempt to understand two interrelated issues in this context: the impact of neoliberal reforms on agricultural development and the implication of an open economic regime on food security in India. The study reveals that the austerity measures introduced by the state in the form of decline in capital formation and public sector expenditure in agriculture have undermined the livelihood of the majority of the population in India. The implementation of the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Agriculture along with the retreat of the state in the name of fiscal discipline has significantly reduced the bargaining power of the peasants in general and the food security of the majority of the population in particular.
Waiting Time as an Indicator for Health Services Under Strain: A Narrative Review
Authors: McIntyre Daniel , Chow Clara K.
Published: April 2020

As pressure increases on public health systems globally, a potential consequence is that this is transferred to patients in the form of longer waiting times to receive care. In this review, we overview what waiting for health care encompasses, its measurement, and the data available in terms of trends and comparability. We also discuss whether waiting time is equally distributed according to socioeconomic status. Finally, we discuss the policy implications and potential approaches to addressing the burden of waiting time. Waiting time for elective surgery and emergency department care is the best described type of waiting time, and it either increases or remains unchanged across multiple developed countries. There are many challenges in drawing direct comparisons internationally, as definitions for these types of waiting times vary. There are less data on waiting time from other settings, but existing data suggest waiting time presents a significant barrier to health care access for a range of health services. There is also evidence that waiting time is unequally distributed to those of lower socioeconomic status, although this may be improving in some countries. Further work to better clarify definitions, identify driving factors, and understand hidden waiting times and identify opportunities for reducing waiting time or better using waiting time could improve health outcomes of our health services.
Transvaginal laparoscopic appendectomy using innovative submucosal tunnels: a conducive modification for improving hybrid NOTES access and its critical appraisal
Authors: Jategaonkar Priyadarshan A , Yadav Sudeep P , Gupta Dilip
Published: April 2020

Currently, transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), the most minimally invasive option for laparoscopic surgery, suffers various technological restraints limiting its implementation. We discuss a simple modification for vaginal access to improve the existing hybrid NOTES technique. We retrospectively studied 18 women at our rural hospital in central India, who, under defined criteria, underwent transvaginal appendicectomy using innovative strategically designed submucosal tunnels. The procedure was successfully completed in all but the first three cases. None required additional abdominal trocar or analgesia beyond the first 6 h. The mean operative and hospitalisation times were 27.5 min and 18.5 h, respectively. We had no intraoperative complications and only one patient experienced postoperative self-limiting vaginal spotting. All patients were very pleased with the cosmetic results and sexual life as assessed by locally devised scales. On regular follow-up, all were progressing well. We recommend the method presented, as it is not only feasible and safe but has the potential to improve overall results. Clearly, a larger volume randomised trial would be optimal to confirm our conclusion.
The History of STP’s Excellence in Teaching Awards
Authors: Pusateri Thomas P.
Published: April 2020

The Society for the Teaching of Psychology (STP, Division 2 of the American Psychological Association) established its Excellence in Teaching Awards program in 1979.This article explores the history of STP’s teaching awards program: the establishment of the first four awards categories, the Committee on Teaching Awards, the awards’ endowment fund, expansion and refinement of awards criteria, changes in the venues for publicly honoring awardees, and the recent establishment of STP awards programs that honor achievements beyond teaching.
Misoprostol: The Social Life of a Life-saving Drug in Global Maternal Health
Authors: MacDonald Margaret E.
Published: April 2020

This paper is about a drug called misoprostol and its controversial clinical and social lives. Although originally developed as a prevention for gastric ulcers, in the 1980s, it developed an off-label reputation as an abortifacient. The drug’s association with clandestine abortion has profoundly shaped its social life as a marginal and suspect character in the realm of global maternal and reproductive health where it has the potential to prevent two major causes of maternal death––postpartum hemorrhage and unsafe abortion. The social life of misoprostol has also been shaped by the question of authoritative practice, that is, the question of who can deliver medicine. Both issues are about the specters of misuse of misoprostol: off-label, illegal, immoral, or by unlicensed providers. In this paper, I focus ethnographically on two women’s health nongovernmental organizations that have been conducting clinical testing and advocacy for the use of misoprostol for reproductive indications in global maternal health settings. Drawing on the notions of pharmaceutical activism and protocol feminism, I describe and analyze how the tools of evidence and authoritative practice have been reassembled in new networks of expertise toward the social justice goals of life, access, and dignity for women.
Effects of Kinesio Taping and compression stockings on pain, edema, functional capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic venous disease: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Naci Baha , Ozyilmaz Semiramis , Aygutalp Nadir , Demir Rengin , Baltaci Gul , Yigit Zerrin
Published: April 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Kinesio Taping and compression stockings on pain, edema, functional capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic venous disease (CVD).

Design:

This is a prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial.

Setting:

The study was conducted in a physiotherapy and rehabilitation unit of a university hospital.

Subjects:

A total of 62 patients with early-stage CVD were allocated to either an experimental group or a control group.

Interventions:

Experimental group ( n = 29) received Kinesio Taping intervention once a week for four weeks, while control group ( n = 29) received compression stockings for four weeks. All patients additionally undertook an exercise training programme including calf muscle pump exercises, flexibility exercises and diaphragmatic breathing.

Main measures:

Visual analogue scale, lower limb circumference measurements, 6-minute walk test and Short Form 36 questionnaire were applied before and after four weeks of treatment.

Results:

Control group showed statistically significant improvements in pain ( P < 0.001), ankle circumferences (right, P = 0.002; left, P = 0.037), calf circumferences (right, P = 0.020; left, P = 0.022), knee circumference (left, P = 0.039) and thigh circumferences (right, P = 0.029; left, P = 0.002) compared with experimental group. There were no significant differences between groups with respect to functional capacity and quality of life ( P > 0.05). Both groups significantly improved 6-minute walk distance ( P < 0.001) and Short Form 36 physical component summary (experimental group, P = 0.002; control group, P = 0.006).

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that Kinesio Taping and compression stockings revealed similar improvements of functional capacity and quality of life in patients with CVD. The symptoms of pain and edema caused by CVD can be decreased more efficiently with compression stockings than Kinesio Taping intervention.
Effects of a core stabilization training program on balance ability in persons with Parkinson’s disease: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cabrera-Martos Irene , Jiménez-Martín Ana Teresa , López-López Laura , Rodríguez-Torres Janet , Ortiz-Rubio Araceli , Valenza Marie Carmen
Published: April 2020

Objective:

To explore the effects of an eight-week core stability program on balance ability in persons with Parkinson’s disease.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

A local Parkinson’s association.

Subjects:

A total of 44 participants with a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease were randomly assigned to an experimental ( n = 22) or control group ( n = 22).

Intervention:

The experimental group received 24 sessions of core training, while the control group received an intervention including active joint mobilization, muscle stretching, and motor coordination exercises.

Main measures:

The primary outcome measure was dynamic balance evaluated using the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test. Secondary outcomes included the balance confidence assessed with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale and standing balance assessed by the maximal excursion of center of pressure during the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance and the Limits of Stability test.

Results:

After treatment, a significant between-group improvement in dynamic balance was observed in the experimental group compared to the control group (change, 2.75 ± 1.80 vs 0.38 ± 2.15, P = 0.002). The experimental group also showed a significant improvement in confidence (change, 16.48 ± 16.21 vs 3.05 ± 13.53, P = 0.047) and maximal excursion of center of pressure in forward (change, 0.86 ± 1.89 cm vs 0.17 ± 0.26 cm, P = 0.048), left (change, 0.88 ± 2.63 cm vs 0.07 ± 0.48 cm, P = 0.010), and right (change, 1.63 ± 2.82 cm vs 0.05 ± 0.17 cm, P = 0.046) directions of limits of stability compared to the control group.

Conclusion:

A program based on core stability in comparison with non-specific exercise benefits dynamic balance and confidence and increases center of mass excursion in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Association of interleukin 10 rs1800896 polymorphism with susceptibility to breast cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu ZiYin , Liu Ji-Bin , Liu Xi , Qian LinXue
Published: April 2020

Objective

To evaluate the correlation between interleukin 10 (IL-10) −1082A/G polymorphism (rs1800896) and breast cancers by performing a meta-analysis.

Methods

The Embase and Medline databases were searched through 1 September 2018 to identify qualified articles. Odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to evaluate associations.

Results

In total, 14 case-control studies, including 5320 cases and 5727 controls, were analyzed. We detected significant associations between the IL10 −1082 G/G genotype and risk of breast cancer (AA + AG vs. GG: OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.80–0.97). Subgroup analyses confirmed a significant association in Caucasian populations (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.80–0.99), in population-based case-control studies (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.78–0.96), and in studies with ≥500 subjects (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.79–0.99) under the recessive model (AA + AG vs. GG). No associations were found in Asian populations.

Conclusions

The IL10 −1082A/G polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The association between IL10 −1082 G/G genotype and increased risk of breast cancer is more significant in Caucasians, in population-based studies, and in larger studies.
Clinical nurses’ nasogastric feeding practices in adults: a multicenter cross-sectional survey in China
Authors: Xu Li-chun , Huang Xiao-jin , Lin Bi-xia , Zheng Jun-yi , Zhu Hai-hua
Published: April 2020

Objective

We aimed to investigate practices of nasogastric tube (NGT) intubation and feeding for adults by clinical nurses in China.

Methods

A self-designed and validated questionnaire comprising 30 questions was distributed to 560 clinical nurses in three comprehensive hospitals of Xiamen, China. The questionnaire covered participants’ demographic characteristics, NGT placement, administration of enteral nutrition (EN), and monitoring or management of feeding intolerance.

Results

A total 464 (82.9%) questionnaires were completed; 36.2% of nurses used nose–ear–xiphoid and 79.5% forehead–xiphoid measurement to define the internal length of the NGT. Many participants still used traditional methods to confirm NGT placement (auscultation of injected air 50.2%, bubble test 34.7% and observing feeding tube aspirate 34.3%). Bolus feeding was the most commonly used technique to administer EN. A total 97.0% of all nurses used syringes to measure gastric residual volume (GRV), and 62.7% measured GRV every 4–8 hours. The most frequently used GRV threshold values were 200 mL (44.6%) and 150 mL (25.2%). Most nurses stopped feeding immediately when encountering high GRV (84.3%) or diarrhea (45.0%). The nasogastric feeding practices of many clinical nurses were not consistent with international guidelines.

Conclusions

Our study can provide an impetus for nursing administrators to revise their nasogastric feeding procedures, to promote compliance with evidence-based guidelines.
Pelvic floor biometry in asymptomatic primiparous women compared with nulliparous women: a single-center study in Southern China
Authors: Mao Yong-jiang , Zheng Zhi-juan , Xu Jie-hua , Xu Jing , Zhang Xin-ling
Published: April 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate pelvic floor biometry of asymptomatic primiparous women compared with nulliparous women by using four-dimensional transperineal ultrasound (4D TPUS).

Methods

From July 2015 to February 2017, 722 women were enrolled and divided into the nulliparous group (n = 292), the vaginal delivery group (n = 272), and the elective cesarean section group (n = 158). The ultrasound parameters of 4D TPUS were compared among the groups.

Results

The vaginal delivery group had a significantly greater bladder neck descent (η2 = 0.04), retrovesical angles on Valsalva maneuver (η2 = 0.01), urethral rotation (η2 = 0.01), levator hiatus area on Valsalva maneuver (η2 = 0.02), urethral inclination angle (η2 = 0.02), and funneling of the proximal urethra (η2 = 0.11) than the other two groups. Comparison of the two modes of delivery (vaginal delivery and cesarean section) also showed significant differences in the above-mentioned ultrasound parameters.

Conclusion

There are significant differences in pelvic floor biometry between asymptomatic primiparous women and nulliparous women, as well as between women with vaginal delivery and those with elective cesarean section.
Expression and Prognostic Significance of Neurotrophins and Their Receptors in Canine Mammary Tumors
Authors: Rogez Bernadette , Pascal Quentin , Bobillier Audrey , Machuron François , Toillon Robert-Alain , Tierny Dominique , Chopin Valérie , Le Bourhis Xuefen
Published: April 2020

Accumulating data highlight the role of neurotrophins and their receptors in human breast cancer. This family includes nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), both synthetized as proneurotrophins (proNGF and proBDNF). (pro)NGF and (pro)BDNF initiate their biological effects by binding to both their specific receptors TrkA and TrkB, respectively, and the common receptor p75NTR. Currently, no data are available about their expression and potential role in canine mammary tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate expression of proNGF and BDNF as well as their receptors TrkA, TrkB, and p75NTR in canine mammary carcinomas, and to correlate them with clinicopathological parameters (grade, histological type, lymph node status, recurrence, and distant metastasis) and survival. Immunohistochemistry was performed on serial sections of 96 canine mammary carcinomas with antibodies against proNGF, BDNF, TrkA, TrkB, and p75NTR. Of the 96 carcinomas, proNGF expression was detected in 71 (74%), BDNF in 79 (82%), TrkA in 94 (98%), TrkB in 35 (37%), and p75NTR in 44 (46%). No association was observed between proNGF, BDNF, or TrkA expression and either clinicopathological parameters or survival. TrkB and p75NTR expression were associated with favorable clinicopathological parameters as well as better overall survival.
Multi-response optimization of electrochemical machining parameters in the micro-drilling of AA6061-TiB2in situ composites using the Entropy–VIKOR method
Authors: Chandrasekhar S , Prasad NBV
Published: April 2020

This article describes the multi-response optimization of electrochemical machining operating parameters such as voltage, concentration of the electrolyte, and current to maximize the rate of material removal in addition to minimize the over cut and delamination at the same time in micro-drilling of AA6061-TiB2 in situ composite. A novel Entropy–VIKOR method is applied to handle such mutually conflicting responses. The weight of each response is computed from the entropy method, and VIKOR method is used to rank the various levels of parameters. This method yields the combination of 2 mol of electrolyte concentration, 16 V of applied voltage, and 4 A of current as optimal parameters to minimize the over cut and delamination in addition to maximize the rate of material removal at the same time. This optimal process-governing parameters satisfied the conditions for compromising solution such as acceptable advantage and acceptable stability condition. The response graph illustrates that, of the parameters investigated, electrolyte concentration has the greatest effect on the VIKOR index, followed by applied voltage and current. Scanning electron microscopic analysis illustrates that the radius of the hole is equal throughout the periphery, except for one instance of micro-delamination.
Prophylactic low-molecular-weight heparin administration protected against severe acute pancreatitis partially by VEGF/Flt-1 signaling in a rat model
Authors: Li S , Zhang S , Li R , Chen S , Chang S , Chen X , Li Y , Su X , Wu T , Xu M
Published: April 2020

Background:

The present study was aimed to explore the effects and the underlying mechanism of prophylactic low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) treatment on taurocholate-induced severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in a rat model.

Methods:

Rat SAP model was induced by injection of 4% sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. LMWH was applied half an hour before the induction of pancreatitis at the dose of 200 IU/kg subcutaneous injection. The rats were euthanized at 1 h, 6 h, and 12 h after taurocholate-induced SAP. The inflammatory and oxidative response markers were assessed. And the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Fms-related tyrosine kinase 1 (Flt-1) expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot methods.

Results:

The expression of inflammatory and oxidative response markers increased after induction of SAP. IHC and western blot results showed the VEGF and Flt-1 expression were increased in SAP group. Prophylactic LMWH administration reduced the inflammatory and oxidative response markers expression and decreased the expression of VEGF and Flt-1.

Conclusions:

This study suggested that prophylactic LMWH treatment mitigated the severity of pancreatitis in rat SAP model by anti-inflammation and oxidative response. The underlying mechanism may result from downregulating VEGF/Flt-1 signaling of LMWH in SAP rat model.
Governance and Accountable Citizenship Through Identification Infrastructures: Database Politics of Copernicus (France) and National Register of Citizens (India)
Authors: Dagiral Éric , Singh Khetrimayum Monish
Published: April 2020

Several governments around the world have developed new ways of registering citizens when it comes to their relations with the state administration. Contemporary practices of identification through databases open up new ways of institutional and governmental practices across various sectors. In France, the tax administration had become the flagship of the whole French e-government project. The first case study focuses on the Copernicus project, which rapidly raised concerns about the implications of identification practices for taxpayers/citizens/households/individuals through unique identifiers. The Indian case study focuses on the National Register of Citizens as a citizen identification infrastructure, the processes of trying to categorise a diverse demography into citizens and non-citizens, and the subsequent issues that arise around different claims to citizenship. Taking these two case studies, this article discusses two national databases in France (tax administration) and India (citizenship), respectively, as examples of contemporary state practices around digital identification infrastructures as a form of database politics to enforce accountable forms of citizen practices through which different forms of data driven institutional and sociotechnical processes are marking new changes in the state–citizen relationship, both in France and in India.
The Flipkart Story in India: From the Start to Walmart
Authors: Rajan Thomason
Published: April 2020

Flipkart was launched in 2007 as an online platform for selling books by Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal. Ten years later, the e-commerce company had 54 million active users and 100,000 plus sellers and had sold 261 million units. The founders had taken several steps to garner this growth, by making investments in technology, undertaking high-decibel advertising campaigns and promoting attractive offers on products sold on the platform.

Despite the growth, the company was not making profits, and investors like Tiger Global were unhappy. Tiger Global Management brought in Kalyan Krishnamurthy to Flipkart in 2016, and a year later, Kalyan became the chief executive officer (CEO), replacing co-founder Binny who got promoted as group CEO. In May 2018, American retailer Walmart paid USD 16 billion to buy out Flipkart and in the same month, Sachin exited the venture by selling his shares for USD 1 billion. Seven months later, Binny was forced to resign on charges of personal misconduct.

As these events unfolded, Flipkart was no longer the company founded by the Bansals.

The case highlights critical issues in the Flipkart growth story and helps readers understand the nuances in managing stakeholders, including customers and investors.
Modernity Lacks Care: Community-based Development and the Moral Economy of Households in Eastern Nagaland
Authors: Das Debojyoti
Published: April 2020

The article examines two aspects of development presented through an ethnographic study of the project ‘Nagaland Empowerment of People through Economic Development’. First is the discursive construction of project beneficiaries as poor, underdeveloped and backward in modernist literature. Second, the article captures inter-household negotiations around developmental resources in the context of microcredit. Drawing on participant observations, oral histories and household interviews, I explore the micro-politics of everyday life to reflect on the contesting representations of ‘beneficiary community’ and ‘project experts’. In addition, I analyse the struggle within the community for resources made available by the project. This illuminates the actors, networks and institutions involved in community development programmes and problematizes ideal conceptualization of communities as a site for collective participation. The article highlights practices of objectification and the creation of a populist discourse on participation that overlooks multiple layers of patronage, public and self-interest exercised by project beneficiaries in community development programmes. Additionally, the article investigates how the lack of ‘care’ in modernist participatory agricultural development discourse undermines the community’s aspirations for development and establishes a rupture between policy and practice.