bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The coronavirus response: Boxed in by models
Authors: Pawson Ray
Published: November 2020

Science has a mixed record when it comes to predicting the future. Engineers build bridges based on foreknowledge of the forces that they are likely to encounter – and their constructions tend to withstand the test of time. Predicting the future course of epidemics and building intervention to contain them are much more precarious. And yet simulation models produced in prestigious centres for mathematical biology have played a significant role informing coronavirus policy in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. The predictive uncertainties include the inherent variability of the pathogen, considerable variation in host population immunity as well as the concern of this article, namely, the constantly adapting human judgements of those designing, implementing and experiencing the national response to an outbreak. Assumptions about how interventions are implemented and how people will react are, of course, built into modelling scenarios – but these estimates depict behavioural change in fixed, stimulus-response terms. Real reactions to the complex restrictions introduced to combat the virus unfold in scores of different pathways – people comply, they resist, they learn, they grow weary, they change their minds, they seek exceptions and so on. Model building is intrinsically speculative, and it is important that crisis management is not boxed in by its latent simplifications. A more pluralistic evidence base needs to be drawn on, to understand how complex interventions operate within complex societies.
Using informant discrepancies in report of parent–adolescent conflict to predict hopelessness in adolescent depression
Authors: Rognli Erling W , Aalberg Marianne , Czajkowski Nikolai Olavi
Published: November 2020

Hopelessness is an important symptom of adolescent depression, being associated with both risk of suicide and poor treatment response, but predictors of hopelessness are understudied. Conflict with parents is common in adolescent depression, but parents and adolescents often disagree when reporting conflict severity. Discrepancy in reporting may be an indicator of the parent–adolescent dyad lacking a shared representation of the state of their relationship. This could make conflicts seem unresolvable to the adolescent, leading to expectations of persistent stress and lack of support, increasing hopelessness. This study employed latent difference scores, ordinal regression and cross-validation to evaluate the hypothesis that discrepancy in report of parent–adolescent conflict would predict hopelessness among depressed adolescents. Parents reporting less conflict than the adolescent was associated with increased adolescent hopelessness, giving preliminary support to the hypothesis.
Family support as a protective factor for attitudes toward social distancing and in preserving positive mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Li Shifeng , Xu Qingying
Published: November 2020

We examined the role of family support in influencing attitudes about social distancing and positive mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic among 1547 Chinese people. The results showed that after the effects of demographic variables were controlled, perceived support from family members made unique contributions to their attitudes about social distancing and positive mental health both directly and indirectly (via buffering loneliness). These results suggest that strong support from family plays an important role in improving individuals’ attitudes about social distancing and maintaining positive mental health during the epidemic.
A review of psychological symptoms and post-traumatic growth among adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Berkman Amy M , Robert Rhonda S , Roth Michael , Askins Martha A
Published: November 2020

The majority of childhood cancer patients survive well into adulthood, but remain at risk for psychological late effects that can impact overall health and quality of life. The current narrative review summarizes the literature on psychological late effects, including anxiety, depression, psychological distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidality, psychoactive medication use, and post-traumatic growth in survivors of childhood cancers. While results were mixed, many studies demonstrated that psychological symptoms occurred at levels higher than would be expected in the general population. Treatment, environmental, and behavioral risk factors, as well as symptom onset and trajectory merit further investigation.
The Korean Wave as a source of implicit cultural policy: Making of a neoliberal subjectivity in a Korean style
Authors: Lee Hye-Kyung , Zhang Xiyu
Published: November 2020

The Korean Wave provides an effective vehicle for implicit cultural policies concerning the formation of a neoliberal subjectivity of young-generation South Koreans. By looking at two web dramas casting K-pop idols (commissioned by the Financial Services Commission and by Samsung) and a pop idol audition programme, we offer a detailed understanding of the prevailing discourse of youth in contemporary Korea and how this is naturalised across the boundaries of policy, business, media and fandom. The implicit cultural policy formulates a desirable self in a ‘Korean style’ by highlighting some of the psychological qualities of post-industrial creative workers and exploring Korean society’s existing inventory of the productive ethic and Confucian ideals. The juxtaposition of post-industrial and industrial ethics, and the tension between entrepreneurial self and collective self, impose a double burden on youth, leaving them little scope to contest the pervasive ‘desirable selfhood’.
Perceived group discrimination based on one’s gender and the gender gap in depression in Europe
Authors: Van de Velde Sarah , Delaruelle Katrijn , Van Eekert Nina , Bracke Piet
Published: November 2020

Background:

Gender discrimination is one of the most significant psychosocial stressors. This study examined whether the relationship between perceived group discrimination against one’s gender (PGD) and the gender gap depression varied by societal levels of gender inequality.

Methods:

The current study used data from three waves (2006, 2012 and 2014) of the European Social Survey and applied multilevel linear regression methods. We assessed depressive feelings through the eight-item version of the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. The sample contained 71,419 respondents living in 22 countries.

Results:

While only a small percentage of people were confronted with PGD, this group consistently reported more depressive feelings. PGD had a similar effect on the mental health of men and women, except for men in more gender-egalitarian societies. When confronted with PGD, the latter group reported more depressive feelings in comparison to men in more gender unequal societies.

Conclusions:

Our research found a strong association between PGD and depression. In addition, this relationship varied by societal levels of gender equality. More pronounced gender equality strengthened this relationship in men. Research that ignores this social context might, therefore, be limited in terms of generalization.
Being an older family caregiver does not impact healthcare and mortality: Data from the study ‘Good Aging in Skåne’
Authors: Elmståhl Sölve , Lundholm-Auoja Nathalie , Ekström Henrik , Sandin Wranker Lena
Published: November 2020

Background:

Will being a caregiver further impact the health of a group already at risk of adverse health due to old age? This study aimed to answer the questions whether short- and long-term healthcare consumption and mortality differ between informal caregivers and non-caregivers and between high-burden and low-burden informal caregivers.

Method:

The study population consisted of 423 caregivers and 3444 controls from the Swedish national general population study ‘Good Aging in Skåne’. Caregivers were divided into those reporting high and low caregiver burden and information on caregiver status was collected from questionnaires. Data for mortality and healthcare consumption (inpatient and outpatient visits) were obtained from The National Board of Health and Welfare. Mortality was tested with Cox regression models and healthcare consumption with logistic regression models, adjusted for sociodemographic covariates, Activities of daily living (ADL) and number of chronic diseases.

Results:

Caregivers were younger than non-caregivers, had higher educational background, more independent in ADL and more often men. Of 423 caregivers, 73 (17.3%) reported experiencing high caregiver burden. High-burden caregivers were older, more dependent in personal ADL and gave more hours of care than those reporting low burden. In adjusted regression models, we found no differences in either consumption of healthcare nor mortality between caregivers and non-caregivers and high-burden v. low-burden caregivers looking at short-term (1 and 3 years) and long-term (10 and 15 years) follow-up periods.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that the characteristic of being a family caregiver does not have an impact on mortality or physical health measured as inpatient admissions or instances of primary care.
Manual occupations with high all-cause mortality: The contribution of socioeconomic and occupational characteristics
Authors: Rinne Hanna , Laaksonen Mikko
Published: November 2020

Aims:

Most high mortality-risk occupations are manual occupations. We examined to what extent high mortality of such occupations could be explained by education, income, unemployment or industry and whether there were differences in these effects among different manual occupations.

Methods:

We used longitudinal individual-level register-based data, the study population consisting of employees aged 30–64 at the end of the year 2000 with the follow-up period 2001–2015. We used Cox proportional hazard regression models in 31 male and 11 female occupations with high mortality.

Results:

There were considerable differences between manual occupations in how much adjusting for education, income, unemployment and industry explained the excess mortality. The variation was especially large among men: controlling for these variables explained over 50% of the excess mortality in 23 occupations. However, in some occupations the excess mortality even increased in relation to unadjusted mortality. Among women, these variables explained a varying proportion of the excess mortality in every occupation. After adjustment of all variables, mortality was no more statistically significantly higher than average in 14 occupations among men and 2 occupations among women.

Conclusions:

The high mortality in manual occupations was mainly explained by education, income, unemployment and industry. However, the degree of explanation varied widely between occupations, and considerable variation in mortality existed between manual occupations after controlling for these variables. More research is needed on other determinants of mortality in specific high-risk occupations.
Changing paradigms of management of isolated blunt renal trauma
Authors: Choudhury Sunirmal , Ray Pinaki , Pal Dilip Kumar
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The last thirty years has seen a change in management of renal trauma with progression more towards nonoperative management; however there is lack of guidelines of many practical aspects for conservative management of renal trauma. Here we are sharing our experience of managing isolated renal trauma over a period of five years.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted in a tertiary care centre of eastern part of India from April 2015–March 2020. It was a retro-prospective study and included cases of isolated blunt renal trauma managed in our hospital.

Results

A total of 61 cases of isolated blunt renal trauma were treated in the mentioned time period. Seventeen (28%) cases were of AAST Grade IV and five (8%) Grade V injury. Blood transfusion was required in eighteen (29%) cases during management. In eight (47%) cases of Grade IV injury and two (40%) cases of Grade V injury angioembolization was done. In two (11.7%) cases of Grade IV injury ureteral stenting was performed. Delayed surgical exploration and nephrectomy was required in one case of Grade V injury because of failed angioembolization and one Grade IV injury due to sepsis. One death was encountered in Grade V injury who had delayed presentation with haemorrhagic shock and underwent immediate surgical exploration. On follow up four patients (23%) of Grade IV injury and one patient of Grade III injury and two patients (40%) of Grade IV injury developed hypertension. The remaining patients were found to be normal.

Conclusion

Conservative management of renal trauma is the norm nowadays. Angioembolisation was found to be one of the strongest armamentarium when patient needs intervention. Surgery is rarely contemplated, mostly in hemodynamically unstable high grade trauma patients.
Stories of the “good father”: The role of fatherhood among incarcerated men in Mexico
Authors: Sandberg Sveinung , Agoff Carolina , Fondevila Gustavo
Published: November 2020

This study examines the role of fatherhood for incarcerated men in Mexico, based on repeated life-story interviews with twelve men. We distinguish between their descriptions of fatherhood in the past and present and how they imagine the future, and explore how fathers describe their relationship with their children. The incarcerated men idealize the past with their children or tell stories of how they have changed from being “bad” to “good” fathers. They emphasize how they are still able to protect and educate their children from prison, reflecting widespread values of fatherhood. They admit that fathering while incarcerated is difficult and hope that things will be better in the future. In line with previous research on fathers in prison, we argue that storytelling of being “good fathers” is a way of projecting “normalcy”, using one of the few gendered resources available, and is an escape from the harsh realities of prison life. Following insights from narrative criminology and desistance studies, we further argue that their stories of fatherhood can be a resource for reintegration into society. Finally, we suggest that inmates’ emphasis on involved fatherhood might reflect diffusing narratives, ideals, and norms of parenting.
A study on the high pressure EGR transport and application to the dispersion among cylinders in automotive engines
Authors: Galindo José , Climent Héctor , Navarro Roberto , Miguel-García Julián , Chalet David , Pretot Pierre-Emmanuel
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study is to explore the limits of a one-dimensional model to predict the movement and mixing of the air and exhaust gases recirculation (EGR) flows in compact intake manifolds of recent automotive engines. In particular, the high pressure EGR loop configuration is evaluated in this study from the perspective of the EGR dispersion among cylinders.

The experimental work includes the use of a fast CO2 tracking system that provides crank-angle resolved results in six locations of the intake manifold together with the acquisition of the time-averaged CO2 concentration in all the intake pipes (eight locations) to evaluate the EGR dispersion empirically. A specific system was developed to inject the EGR in three locations of the intake manifold in a flexible way to modify the dispersion. Up to 29 engine running conditions defined by engine speed, engine torque and EGR rate, spanning the entire engine map, including full load operation, were evaluated. A one-dimensional engine model was built to detect the limits in reproducing the EGR transport in the intake manifold and quantify the accuracy when predicting the dispersion among cylinders. The study concludes that the predicted EGR rate in the cylinders may differ up to 75% from the experimental measurement at low engine averaged EGR rate. The model prediction improves to differences lower than 40% in EGR rate per cylinder if the engine operating points with an EGR rate lower than 10% are excluded. In this situation, 80% of the predicted in-cylinder EGR rates have differences lower than 25% when compared to experiments.
Gas-phase basicity and proton affinity measurements of Alzheimer's disease drugs by the extended kinetic method and a theoretical investigation
Authors: Nagaveni Voleti , Karthikraj Rajendiran , Chitumalla Ramesh Kumar , Bhanuprakash Kotamarthi , Vairamani Mariappandar , Prabhakar Sripadi
Published: November 2020

This study has been carried out to obtain the thermochemical parameters of drugs used for Alzheimer’s disease. The measurement of gas-phase basicity (GB) and proton affinity (PA) values of four important and commercially available drugs for Alzheimer's disease namely, rivastigmine, galantamine, memantine, and tacrine, is attempted for the first time. This study also includes the measurement of GB and PA values for the proposed drug curcumin, a natural product. We calculated the GB and PA values for all these drugs by applying electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) with the extended kinetic method. Since, all these drugs possessing amino groups (basic nature), the PA values for all these drugs are high i.e., the PA values range from 923.6 to 979.7 kJ/mol and the GB values range from 886.2 to 943.3 kJ/mol. The GB and PA values obtained from the mass spectrometric experiments are well supported with the theoretical calculations. A high-level theoretical B3LYP/6-311 + G(d,p) method is used for the PA and GB calculation and the deviations are in the acceptable range.
Identification and characterization of degradation products of indacaterol using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Yerra Naga Veera , Dadinaboyina S Babu , Vigjna Abbaraju LSSN , Kumar Talluri MVN , Reddy Thota Jagadeshwar
Published: November 2020

Indacaterol (IND), 5-[2-[(5,6-Diethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl)amino]-1-hydroxyethyl]-8-hydroxyquinolin-2(1H)-one, is an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) which is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We followed the International Council for Harmonization (ICH) guide lines to study the degradation behavior of IND under various stress conditions. Stressed degradation of the drug was performed under hydrolytic (alkaline, acidic and neutral), photolytic, oxidative and thermal conditions. Identification and characterization of IND and its forced degradation products (DPs) were demonstrated by using LC-HRMS and MS/MS method. A total of three DPs (DP1-DP3) were identified and characterized. The IND was found to be stable under photolytic, oxidative and thermal conditions, whereas it produced three DPs in acidic, basic and neutral hydrolytic stress conditions.
The New Economy and Youth Justice
Authors: Cox Alexandra
Published: November 2020

This article focuses on the shape of the contemporary political economy and its effects on the young people and adults who are involved in the ‘deep end’ of the youth justice system – youth prisons. This ‘deep end’ arguably represents the end of the road for young people and adults who have found themselves adrift in the context of the contemporary capitalist model, and who have passed through existing social systems intended to offer them a safety net. After examining the consequences of the economy for these individuals, the article looks to new economic models and processes and their possible implications for a research and reform agenda.
COVID-19 and consent for research: Navigating during a global pandemic
Authors: Goldman Ran D , Gelinas Luke
Published: November 2020

The modern ethical framework demands informed consent for research participation that includes disclosure of material information, as well as alternatives. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic (COVID-19) results in illness that often involves rapid deterioration. Despite the urgent need to find therapy, obtaining informed consent for COVID-19 research is needed. The current pandemic presents three types of challenges for investigators faced with obtaining informed consent for research participation: (1) uncertainty over key information to informed consent, (2) time and pressure constraints, and (3) obligations regarding disclosure of new alternative therapies and re-consent. To mitigate consenting challenges, primary investigators need to work together to jointly promote urgent care and research into COVID-19. Actions they can take include (1) prior plan addressing ways to incorporate clinical research into clinical practice in emergency, (2) consider patients vulnerable with early deliberation on the consent process, (3) seek Legally Authorized Representatives (LARs), (4) create a collaborative research teams, (5) aim to consent once, despite evolving information during the pandemic, and (6) aim to match patients to a trial that will most benefit them. The COVID-19 pandemic both exacerbates existing challenges and raises unique obstacles for consent that require forethought and mindfulness to overcome. While research teams and clinician-investigators will need to be sensitive to their own contexts and adapt solutions accordingly, they can meet the challenge of obtaining genuinely informed consent during the current pandemic.
Mentoring gone wrong: What is happening to mentorship in academia?
Authors: Marino Francesco E
Published: November 2020

Mentorship is one of the most important founding elements of academia. In fact, it can be easily argued that mentorship was born with academia. An effective mentorship in training and teaching programs results in the recruitment and retention of qualified students and early-career researchers. However, what are the current best practices of mentoring? And is mentorship currently a priority in academic and research institutions? The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief overview of the current model of mentorship in academia and highlight some of the key qualities of an academic mentor.
Student Retention: Fostering Peer Relationships Through a Brief Experimental Intervention
Authors: Rasco Danney , Day Shelby L. , Denton Kenneth J.
Published: November 2020

Social integration (i.e., feeling a sense of belonging, involvement, support, or connectedness) is an important factor in university student retention, especially among students of color from underrepresented groups. Despite theoretical models and correlational evidence pointing to the relevance of these social experiences, few studies have attempted to experimentally increase social integration and, subsequently, retention. In this randomized experimental study, we used a brief, structured closeness-induction task to promote peer connections among undergraduate students and found that the closeness-induction task, compared to a small-talk task, was effective in boosting retention, especially among students of color. This research suggests that structured interactions could be an effective strategy for universities to encourage retention of students from underrepresented groups.
Get Up, Stand Up? Theorizing Mobilization in Creative Work
Authors: Percival Neil , Lee David
Published: November 2020

This article concerns individualism, collective awareness and organized resistance in the creative industries. It applies the lens of John Kelly’s mobilization theory (1998), usually used in a trade union context, to “TV WRAP,” a successful non-unionized campaign facilitated through an online community in the UK television (TV) industry in 2005, and finds that Kelly’s prerequisites to mobilization were all present. It explores previously unpublished questionnaire data from a 2011 survey of over 1,000 UK film and TV workers, which suggests that such prerequisites to mobilization are still present in the TV workforce. Finally it examines recent and ongoing mobilization by video game workers as a modern comparison, updating the relevance of Kelly’s theory to explore and consider potential models for a new politics of resistance in the digital age.
Circular RNA circ_0032462 Enhances Osteosarcoma Cell Progression by Promoting KIF3B Expression
Authors: Gu Rui , Li Xiaodong , Yan Xiaowei , Feng Zhen , Hu Aixin
Published: November 2020

Circular RNAs are a recently discovered subclass of endogenous noncoding RNAs that have been confirmed to play an important role in various pathophysiological processes. However, the underlying function of circular RNAs in osteosarcoma still remains unclear. We aimed to comprehend the function of circ_0032462 in osteosarcoma, as it has been predicted to be highly expressed in osteosarcoma cells. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction, we verified the elevated expression of circ_0032462 in osteosarcoma cells than normal cells. Functional validation experiments revealed that circ_0032462 overexpression promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion in osteosarcoma cells, whereas circ_0032462 silencing was observed to inhibit cancer cell progression (proliferation, migration, and invasion). Furthermore, we found that circ_0032462 upregulated the messenger RNA and protein expression level of kinesin family member 3B. In addition, kinesin family member 3B inhibition was found to inhibit circ_0032462-induced enhanced osteosarcoma cell progression. circ_0032462 overexpression was observed to reverse circ_0032462 silencing-induced inhibitory effect on osteosarcoma cell progression. Overall, our research revealed the function of circ_0032462 in osteosarcoma progression, which might serve as a novel chemotherapeutic target for osteosarcoma.
High Expression of Pd-1 in Circulating Cells of Patients With Advanced Colorectal Cancer Receiving Adjuvant Therapy
Authors: Bakhrebah Muhammed A. , Nasrullah Mohammad , Abdulaal Wesam H. , Hassan Mohammed A. , Siddiqui Halima , Doghaither Huda A. Al , Omar Ulfat M. , Helmi Nawal , Fallatah Mohannad M. , Al-Ghafari Ayat B. , Khan Mohammad Imran , Choudhry Hani
Published: November 2020

Among all cancer types, colorectal cancer is the third most common in men and the second most common in women globally. Generally, the risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, and colorectal cancer is modulated by various genetic alterations. Alterations in the immune response serve a significant role in the development of colorectal cancer. In primary cancer types, immune cells express a variety of inhibitory molecules that dampen the immune response against tumor cells. Additionally, few reports have demonstrated that classical chemotherapy promotes the immunosuppressive microenvironment in both tissues and immune cells. This study assessed the expression levels of genes using RT-qPCR associated with the immune system, including interferon-γ, programmed death-1, β2-microglobulin, human leukocyte antigen-A, CD3e, CD28 and intracellular adhesion molecule 1, in patients with colorectal cancer, as these genes are known to serve important roles in immune regulation during cancer incidence. Gene expression analysis was performed with the whole blood cells of patients with colorectal cancer and healthy volunteers. Compared with the normal controls, programmed death-1was highly expressed in patients with advanced-stage colorectal cancer. Furthermore, the expression of programmed death-1 was higher in patients receiving adjuvant therapy, which suggests the therapy dampened the immune response against tumor cells. The results of the present study indicate that classical adjuvant therapies, which are currently used for patients with colorectal cancer, should be modulated, and a combination of classical therapy with anti-programmed death-1 antibody should be conducted for improved management of patients with colorectal cancer.
Detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and influenza viruses based on CRISPR-Cas12a
Authors: Mayuramart Oraphan , Nimsamer Pattaraporn , Rattanaburi Somruthai , Chantaravisoot Naphat , Khongnomnan Kritsada , Chansaenroj Jira , Puenpa Jiratchaya , Suntronwong Nungruthai , Vichaiwattana Preeyaporn , Poovorawan Yong , Payungporn Sunchai
Published: November 2020

Due to the common symptoms of COVID-19, patients are similar to influenza-like illness. Therefore, the detection method would be crucial to discriminate between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus-infected patients. In this study, CRISPR-Cas12a-based detection was applied for detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza A virus, and influenza B virus which would be a practical and attractive application for screening of patients with COVID-19 and influenza in areas with limited resources. The limit of detection for SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, and influenza B detection was 10, 103, and 103 copies/reaction, respectively. Moreover, the assays yielded no cross-reactivity against other respiratory viruses. The results revealed that the detection of influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 by using RT-RPA and CRISPR-Cas12a technology reaches 96.23% sensitivity and 100% specificity for SARS-CoV-2 detection. The sensitivity for influenza virus A and B detections was 85.07% and 94.87%, respectively. In addition, the specificity for influenza virus A and B detections was approximately 96%. In conclusion, the RT-RPA with CRISPR-Cas12a assay was an effective method for the screening of influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2 which could be applied to detect other infectious diseases in the future.
Executive Control of Walking in People With Parkinson’s Disease With Freezing of Gait
Authors: Vitorio Rodrigo , Stuart Samuel , Mancini Martina
Published: November 2020

Background

Walking abnormalities in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are characterized by a shift in locomotor control from healthy automaticity to compensatory prefrontal executive control. Indirect measures of automaticity of walking (eg, step-to-step variability and dual-task cost) suggest that freezing of gait (FoG) may be associated with reduced automaticity of walking. However, the influence of FoG status on actual prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity during walking remains unclear.

Objective

To investigate the influence of FoG status on automaticity of walking in people with PD.

Methods

Forty-seven people with PD were distributed into 2 groups based on FoG status, which was assessed by the New Freezing of Gait Questionnaire: PD−FoG (n = 23; UPDRS-III = 35) and PD+FoG (n = 24; UPDRS-III = 43.1). Participants walked over a 9-m straight path (with a 180° turn at each end) for 80 seconds. Two conditions were tested off medication: single- and dual-task walking (ie, with a concomitant cognitive task). A portable functional near-infrared spectroscopy system recorded PFC activity while walking (including turns). Wearable inertial sensors were used to calculate spatiotemporal gait parameters.

Results

PD+FoG had greater PFC activation during both single and dual-task walking than PD−FoG ( P = .031). There were no differences in gait between PD−FoG and PD+FoG. Both groups decreased gait speed ( P = .029) and stride length ( P < .001) during dual-task walking compared with single-task walking.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that PD+FoG have reduced automaticity of walking, even in absence of FoG episodes. PFC activity while walking seems to be more sensitive than gait measures in identifying reduction in automaticity of walking in PD+FoG.
People With Parkinson’s Disease Exhibit Reduced Cognitive and Motor Cortical Activity When Undertaking Complex Stepping Tasks Requiring Inhibitory Control
Authors: Pelicioni Paulo H. S. , Lord Stephen R. , Okubo Yoshiro , Sturnieks Daina L. , Menant Jasmine C.
Published: November 2020

Background

People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have difficulties generating quick and accurate steps in anticipation of and/or in response to environmental hazards. However, neural mechanisms underlying performance in cognitively demanding stepping tasks are unclear.

Objective

This study compared activation patterns in cognitive and motor cortical regions using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) between people with PD and age-matched healthy older adults (HOA) during stepping tasks.

Methods

Fifty-two people with PD and 95 HOA performed a simple choice stepping reaction time test (CSRT) and 2 cognitively demanding stepping tests (inhibitory CSRT [iCSRT] and Stroop stepping test [SST]) on a computerized step mat. Cortical activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), Broca’s area, supplementary motor area (SMA), and premotor cortex (PMC) were recorded using fNIRS. Stepping performance and cortical activity were contrasted between groups and between the CSRT and the iCSRT and SST.

Results

The PD group performed worse than the HOA in all 3 stepping tests. A consistent pattern of interactions indicated differential hemodynamic responses between the groups. Compared with the CSRT, the PD group exhibited reduced DLPFC activity in the iCSRT and reduced SMA and PMC activity in the SST. The HOA exhibited increased DLPFC, SMA, and PMC activity when performing the SST in comparison with the CSRT task.

Conclusions

In contrast to the HOA, the PD group demonstrated reduced cortical activity in the DLPFC, SMA, and PMC during the more complex stepping tasks requiring inhibitory control. This may reflect subcortical and/or multiple pathway damage with subsequent deficient use of cognitive and motor resources.
An Ancillary Central Catheter Emergency Support Service Team Staffed by Surgical Personnel Improves Workflow During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Crisis
Authors: Schulberg Steven P. , Jaikaran Omkaar , Lim Derek , Robalino Ryan P. , Patel Ronak , Sirsi Sandeep , Timoney Michael , Sinha Prashant
Published: November 2020

Background. The SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed significant challenges to urban health centers across the United States. Many hospitals are reallocating resources to best handle the influx of critical patients. Methods. At our New York City hospital, we developed the ancillary central catheter emergency support service (ACCESS), a team for dedicated central access staffed by surgical residents to assist in the care of critical COVID-19 patients. We conducted a retrospective review of all patients for whom the team was activated. Furthermore, we distributed a survey to the critical care department to assess their perceived time saved per patient. Results. The ACCESS team placed 104 invasive catheters over 10 days with a low complication rate of .96%. All critical care providers surveyed found the service useful and felt it saved at least 30 minutes of procedural time per patient, as patient to critical care provider ratios were increased from 12 patients to one provider to 44 patients to one provider. Conclusions. The ACCESS team has helped to effectively redistribute surgical staff, provide a learning experience for residents, and improve efficiency for the critical care team during this pandemic.
Sleeve Technique Combined With Aortic Valve Replacement: A Simpler Alternative to the Bentall Procedure
Authors: De Cicco Giuseppe , Tagliari Ana Paula , Di Matteo Gerardo , Trinca Francesco , Rosati Fabrizio , Benussi Stefano
Published: November 2020

Aortic root disease can be treated with different surgical techniques. The surgical approach of choice depends on patients’ comorbidities and aortic valve conditions. We describe an operation combining a Sleeve aortic rootplasty with an aortic valve replacement, as an alternative to the classical Bentall procedure. The patient, a 63-year-old man, was admitted to our institution in April 2019 with severe aortic regurgitation, left ventricle dysfunction (ejection fraction = 44%), and aortic root ectasia (476 mm). Since a sparing aortic valve procedure was judged not feasible because of the thickness and retraction of the leaflets, we decided to perform a procedure through a sleeve operation to treat the aortic ectasia and a standard bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement to treat the aortic regurgitation. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged on the sixth postoperative day with aspirin as sole antiplatelet treatment. This procedure may be considered an alternative to the Bentall operation. In fact, it may also offer complete treatment for the aortic root disease, avoiding coronary complications due to coronary ostia manipulation and reimplantation.
Comparative Effects of Single-Dose Cardioplegic Solutions Especially in Repeated Doses During Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery
Authors: Gunaydin Serdar , Akbay Esin , Gunertem Orhan Eren , McCusker Kevin , Kunt Atike Tekeli , Onur Mehmet Ali , Ozisik Kanat
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study aims to compare del Nido cardioplegia (DNC) and histidine–tryptophan–ketoglutarate (HTK) cardioplegic solutions in minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (mini-AVR) surgery to discuss the safety level of myocardial protection and rationale for redosing intervals.

Methods

During the period from January 2017 to June 2019, 200 patients undergoing mini-AVR (solely or with concomitant procedures) were prospectively randomized to DNC ( n = 100) and HTK ( n = 100), both up to 90 minutes ischemic time. Patients with ischemic time over 90 minutes, needing a redosing, were further analyzed in 2 subgroups with DNC-R ( n = 30) and HTK-R ( n = 36). Sensitive biomarkers, in addition to routine biochemistry, were also documented at baseline (T1), after cessation of cardiopulmonary bypass (T2), and on the first postoperative day (T3). Transmural myocardial biopsies were sampled for staining.

Results

No statistical differences could be demonstrated in DNC and HTK groups with up to 90 minutes cross-clamp times in routine biochemical measurements and basic perioperative clinical outcomes. DNC-R showed significantly more arrhythmia/AV block incidence resulting in more extended intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Interleukin-6 and syndecan-1 in DNC and DNC-R groups were substantially higher at T2. Aquaporin-4 levels were significantly lower in the DNC-R group, demonstrating unsatisfactory response of cells to an excessive volume at T2.

Conclusions

DNC and HTK provided acceptable myocardial protection as single-dose applications. DNC-R had significantly unbalanced levels of biomarkers, and more arrhythmia/AV block incidence resulting in more extended ICU stay. For patients who may need redosing HTK may be preferable to DNC.
A brief review on the mechanical behavior of nonwoven fabrics
Authors: Yilmaz Korhan Babacan , Sabuncuoglu Baris , Yildirim Bora , Silberschmidt Vadim V
Published: November 2020

Although nonwovens used in many areas from civil and mechanical engineering to consumer products, research on their mechanical behavior are rather limited in the literature. In this study, a brief overview is presented on the previous research performed to understand the relation between the microstructure and the mechanical behavior of these materials. The research studies are categorized into five sections declining with tensile, creep, bending, dynamic and damage behavior. For each type of behavior, previous research is discussed briefly following by that of the last few years. The review demonstrates that the tensile behavior is understood well whereas there is a limited number of studies in bending and dynamic behavior of nonwoven materials. Future research is expected to be more related on the in-service behavior.
Population health impact of extended window thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Zhou Minerva H , Kansagra Akash P
Published: November 2020

Background

Recent trials support endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in select patients beyond the conventional 6-hour window.

Objective

In this work, we estimate the impact of extended window EVT on procedural volumes and population-level clinical outcomes using Monte Carlo simulation.

Methods

We simulated extending EVT eligibility in a system comprising an EVT-incapable primary stroke center (PSC) and EVT-capable comprehensive stroke center (CSC) using routing paradigms that initially direct patients to (1) the nearest center, (2) the CSC, or (3) either CSC or nearest center based on stroke severity. EVT eligibility and outcomes are based on HERMES, DEFUSE-3, and DAWN studies in the 0-6, 6-16, and 16-24 hour windows, respectively. Probability of good clinical outcome is determined by type and timing of treatment using clinical trial data.

Results

Relative increase in EVT volume in the three tested routing paradigms was 15.7-15.8%. The absolute increase in the rate of good clinical outcome 0.4% in all routing paradigms. NNT for extended window EVT was 239.9-246.4 among the entire stroke population.

Conclusion

Extended window EVT with DEFUSE-3 and DAWN criteria increases EVT volume and modestly improves population-level clinical outcomes.
Application of PLC and HMI in the measurement and control platform of single-tube heat transfer experiment rig
Authors: Chang Wanying , Xie Jing , Wang Jinfeng , Teng Wenqiang , Sun Yuyao , Zheng Mingtao
Published: November 2020

The single-tube heat transfer experiment rig is composed of various equipment and devices connected through pipelines. This paper adopts Siemens PLC as the main controller and cooperates with WEINVIEW HMI MT6000 series HMI to design the experimental measurement and control platform of a single-tube heat transfer experiment rig. In the single-tube heat transfer experiment measurement and control platform, the PLC communicates with the HMI through an RS-485 cable, and the HMI can display the experimental data changes in real-time and has a separate control interface. The-single tube heat transfer experiment measurement and control platform is safe and reliable, with functions such as real-time monitoring and acquisition, real-time fault alarm, parameter change, and remote control, which simplifies the steps of data acquisition, reduces the difficulty of equipment control, and realizes the automatic acquisition and control.
Structural nonlinear damage identification using penalty conversion index of GARCH model
Authors: Guo Hui-Yong , Zuo Heng
Published: November 2020

In the service period, some engineering structures may have cracks or other nonlinear damages. The nonlinear damages are the major influence to the safety of engineering structures, which should be detected as early as possible. Currently, the effective nonlinear damage detection method is still lacking. Therefore, a penalty conversion index based on generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model is presented to identify the nonlinear damage. First, an exact expression of GARCH model is described, the bilinear stiffness characteristic of nonlinear damage is given, and acceleration responses are used to establish the GARCH model. Then, through the GARCH model analysis of nonlinear damages responses, it can be found that the variance of conditional variance are sensitive to the nonlinear damage information of acceleration responses, so a basic conversion index based on the variance of conditional variance is proposed. Finally, a penalty conversion index based on GARCH model is presented, which can reduce the interference induced by the adjacent unrelated factors. Numerical and experimental examples show that the identification results of the proposed penalty conversion index based on GARCH model are superior to those of the basic conversion index and the cepstral metric (CM) index.
Meshing principle and transmission analysis of a beveloid non-circular gear
Authors: Han Jiang , Li Dazhu , Tian Xiaoqing , Xia Lian
Published: November 2020

To improve the stability and accuracy of non-circular gear transmission, a beveloid non-circular gear transmission scheme was developed to reduce the meshing impact and achieve backlash adjustment. When using the beveloid rack as the medium, the instantaneous contact line of the beveloid non-circular gear pair was shown to be a straight line, and the tooth surface was shown to be a ruled surface based on the transmission relationship between the rack centerline and the non-circular pitch curve. The zero-modification method was employed to develop the beveloid non-circular gear. Further, the generation method for the tooth profile of the modified non-circular gear was reviewed, and a digital solid model was developed for the beveloid non-circular gear. The physical contact simulation method was used to analyze the meshing backlash, and the influence of the axial displacement adjustment on the meshing backlash of the gear pair was obtained. By considering a pair of beveloid elliptic gears as an example, machining and transmission experiments were conducted, with results showing smooth gear-pair meshing and the anticipated backlash adjustment effect.
Efficacy and safety of apixaban in patients with active malignancy and acute deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Mokadem Mostafa El , Hassan Ahmed , Algaby Abdulaziz Z
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has been approved for treatment of deep venous thrombosis and venous thromboembolism which are associated with cancer. The efficacy and safety of apixaban in management of acute deep venous thrombosis associated with active malignancy is still an unresolved issue. The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of apixaban in patients with acute deep venous thrombosis and active malignancy compared with weight adjusted subcutaneous LMWH.

Methods

Of 138 randomized patients, 100 patients with active malignancy presenting with acute deep venous thrombosis and still treated with chemotherapy were assigned to either oral apixaban therapy or subcutaneous low-molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin) through randomized clinical study in 1:1 ratio. All patients were followed up to six months. The primary end point was major bleeding, while secondary end points were recurrent deep venous thrombosis or venous thromboembolism, minor or non-fatal bleeding and mortality related to massive pulmonary embolism.

Results

Both groups were matched regarding their baseline demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics. We had 84 patients with metastatic cancer (stage 4). The most prevalent type of malignancy was cancer colon (42% of cases). There was no significant difference between both groups regarding the incidence of primary and secondary end points. There were no reported mortality cases related to massive pulmonary embolism in both groups.

Conclusion

In this limited study, there was no difference in the major bleeding, recurrent deep venous thrombosis or minor bleeding in patients with active malignancy when treated with either apixaban or LMWH. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04462003). Registered 7 July 2020 – Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04462003