bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, structure, fluorescence, electrochemical, and antioxidant studies of a new silver(I) complex with 2,6-bis(N-methylbenzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine
Authors: Xia Lixian , Xia Xinzhao , Zhang Geng , Wu Yancong , Wu Huilu , Xu Jianhua
Published: December 2020

A new silver(I) complex of the type [Ag2(mbbp)2](pic)2·DMF·CH3OH [mbbp = 2,6-bis( N-methylbenzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine] is synthesized and analyzed using a range of spectroscopic and crystallographic techniques. This compound contains cationic Ag2(mbbp)2 dimers, in which the crossed eight-shaped structure is formed by two mbbp ligands bridging two silver(I) centers and Ag–Ag bonds. Two-dimensional supramolecular networks of the silver(I) complex are connected by π···π interactions and hydrogen bonds. Hirshfeld analyses are performed to support the aforementioned intermolecular interactions. The effect of π···π stacking interactions on the fluorescence properties of the complex is investigated. Cyclic voltammetry indicates two irreversible redox processes. In addition, an antioxidant assay in vitro demonstrates that the silver(I) complex displays excellent scavenging activity toward hydroxyl radicals.
Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of an eGlycemic Management System in a Community Hospital Setting
Authors: Bouldin Mary Grace , Hong Beatrice , Setji Tracy , Greenlee James , Cooper April , Thompson Julie , Capes Kellie
Published: December 2020

Background:

Glucommander is an eGlycemic management system (eGMS) for intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SQ) insulin therapy in hospitalized patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Glucommander compared to previously utilized nomograms in the community hospital setting.

Methods:

This study was a retrospective, single-center cohort study comparing measures of efficacy and safety of IV and SQ insulin therapy via eGMS versus nomogram-driven IV insulin therapy followed by provider-ordered basal-bolus SQ insulin. The primary efficacy endpoint was percent of blood glucose (BG) readings per patient in target glycemic range. Safety objectives were percent of hyperglycemic events, hypoglycemic events, and severe hypoglycemic events after achieving target blood glucose range, and mean number of each event per patient.

Results:

The percentage of BG readings in range was significantly higher for eGMS patients ( n = 110) than comparison cohort patients ( n = 108, 84.6% vs 76.8%, P < .001). Hyperglycemic events occurred for significantly fewer patients in the eGMS cohort relative to the comparison cohort (81.8% vs 92.6%, P = .03). Overall, there was no significant difference between cohorts in rate of hypoglycemic events, but hypoglycemic events while on IV insulin occurred in a significantly higher percentage of eGMS cohort patients than comparison cohort patients (30.9% vs 15.7%, P < .01). There were no significant differences in incidence of severe hypoglycemic events.

Conclusions:

Our study found that Glucommander maintained a higher percentage of BG readings in target BG range per patient compared to previously utilized nomograms. This result was driven by an improvement in hyperglycemia, but not hypoglycemia.
Brainstem hyperintensity in patients with vestibular schwannoma is associated with labyrinth signal on magnetic resonance imaging but not vestibulocochlear tests
Authors: Teixeira Bernardo Corrêa de Almeida , Constanzo Felipe , Sens Patricia , Ramina Ricardo , Escuissato Dante Luiz
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Focal hyperintensity in the dorsal brainstem (HDB) has been described in large cerebellopontine angle tumours and is thought to represent vestibular nuclei degeneration, but its functional significance has not been thoroughly investigated. Our aim was to analyse its relationship to imaging characteristics of the tumour and inner-ear structures and to vestibulocochlear functional tests.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 54 patients with a histological diagnosis of vestibular schwannoma (VS). Magnetic resonance imaging tumour characteristics (size, cystic composition and distance from the cochlear aperture), signal intensity ratio of the cochlea and vestibule in fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (FIESTA)/fast spin-echo imaging with variable flip angles (CUBE) and vestibulocochlear function tests (audiometry, auditory brainstem response (ABR) and video head impulse testing (vHIT)) were obtained. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate their relation to focal HDB.

Results

Focal HDB was found in 22% of VS. It was significantly associated with large ( p < 0.001) and cystic ( p = 0.004) tumours and also with tumours located further from the cochlear aperture ( p = 0.039). The signal intensity ratio of the cochlea on FLAIR was higher in patients with HDB ( p < 0.014), but this difference was not observed in FIESTA/CUBE ( p = 0.981). Audiometry, ABR and vHIT results did not significantly differ in patients with HDB, but ABR results were worse in patients with higher cochlear signal intensity on FLAIR sequences ( p = 0.026).

Conclusions

Focal HDB in patients with VS was associated with increased signal intensity ratio of the cochlea on FLAIR in patients with VS but not directly to the results of vestibulocochlear function tests.
Capturing group alignments: Introducing the Government and Armed Actors Relations Dataset (GAARD)
Authors: Otto Sabine , Scharpf Adam , Gohdes Anita R.
Published: December 2020

Recent research has generated important new insights into the existence, behavior, and violent consequences of armed actors in civil wars. However, the lack of suitable information on actor relationships with the state means that studies have been forced to assume that armed groups are either pro-government or anti-government and remain that way for the duration of their existence. Both assumptions severely limit our understanding of the armed actors themselves, as well as the violent dynamics they produce. This article introduces the Government and Armed Actors Relations Dataset (GAARD), which provides detailed information on all major armed groups and their fluctuating alignment with the state between 1989 and 2007. GAARD identifies when armed groups fight with or against the government, and when they lack relationships with the government altogether. It further provides information on all changes in group alignments and documents when and how these occurred. We demonstrate that more than 25% of armed groups changed their alignments and showcase how this allows researchers to pursue original research on the drivers, dynamics, and outcomes of civil conflicts.
Which Factors Influence Clinical Outcomes After Superior Capsular Reconstruction Surgery?
Authors: Lee Seung-Jun , Kang Suk-Woong , Chung Ilkwon , Jang Hyungseo
Published: December 2020

Background:

Arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR) has recently been introduced as an alternative treatment for patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. However, the results of ASCR are still limited, and little information about retear after ASCR or subsequent treatment has been reported.

Purpose:

To investigate the retear rate of patients who underwent ASCR and to analyze the clinical outcomes of treatments performed for a retear.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 42 patients (46 shoulders) who underwent ASCR between March 2015 and April 2018. All patients were divided into 2 groups: those with no retear (30 shoulders) and those with retear (16 shoulders). Pre- and postoperative clinical and radiological results were compared between the 2 groups. The retear pattern and treatment outcomes of the retear group were analyzed.

Results:

The overall incidence of retear was 35% (16/46). No difference was found in preoperative demographic or clinical data between the 2 groups. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging data showed a significant between-group difference in the preoperative Goutallier grade of the subscapularis (1.5 ± 1.1 in the no-retear group vs 2.5 ± 1.3 in the retear group; P = .016). In the retear group, there were 10 cases of lateral side tears, 3 cases of midsubstance tears, 2 cases of medial side tears, and 1 case of medial and lateral tears. Reoperation was performed in 8 patients who had lateral insertion tear.

Conclusion:

Overall, clinical scores improved after ASCR in patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. However, 35% (16/46) of the patients showed retear, and lateral side retear occurred in 68% (11/16). The clinical outcome of the patients with preoperative subscapularis atrophy or postoperative lateral side retears was worse, and reoperation was often required. Therefore, it is important that the lateral side be firmly fixed during the ASCR procedure.
Rotator Cuff Repair Improves Clinical Function and Stability in Patients Older Than 50 Years With Anterior Shoulder Dislocations and Massive Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Ji Xiaoxi , Ye Lingchao , Hua Yinghui , Zhou Xiaobo
Published: December 2020

Background:

Older patients with shoulder instability have a higher prevalence of rotator cuff tears and anterior capsular lesions. Simultaneous rotator cuff repair and labral repair are commonly performed to improve shoulder stability and function.

Purpose:

To investigate the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for older patients with shoulder dislocations combined with massive rotator cuff tears and intact labral tissue.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A cohort consisting of 11 patients older than 50 years with shoulder dislocations and massive rotator cuff tears undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was identified between December 2015 and January 2018. Rotator cuff repair was performed after Bankart, superior labral anterior-posterior, and humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament lesions were excluded during arthroscopic surgery. Preoperative and 12-month postoperative outcomes including modified University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), and visual analog scale for pain scores as well as range of motion (ROM) were recorded.

Results:

The supraspinatus tendon was torn in all patients. Also, 36.4% of the patients had 3 rotator cuff tendons torn. For shoulder function, the preoperative UCLA score (12.1 ± 2.5 [range, 9-16]) and ASES score (35.4 ± 12.7 [range, 24-44]) significantly improved to 29.4 ± 4.3 (range, 24-35; P < .001) and 79.4 ± 16.0 (range, 45-95; P < .001), respectively, at 12 months postoperatively. None of the patients experienced shoulder redislocations at 12 months after surgery. For shoulder stability, the postoperative WOSI score (156.8 ± 121.0 [range, 45-365]) was significantly better than was the preoperative score (713.0 ± 238.6 [range, 395-1090]) ( P < .001). For comparisons between preoperative and postoperative ROM, forward flexion, abduction, and external and internal rotation at the side significantly improved.

Conclusion:

For patients older than 50 years with shoulder dislocations combined with massive rotator cuff tears and an intact labrum, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair alone achieved satisfactory functional outcomes and ROM without the recurrence of dislocations.
Latina Educators in Sociology: Combating Trumpism with Critical Pedagogy
Authors: Santellano Karina , Higuera Kimberly , Arriaga Felicia
Published: December 2020

In this article, three Latina sociologists discuss how they engage in teaching in a predominantly white discipline during a sociopolitical context of overt xenophobia and racism. Under the Trump administration, the United States has witnessed increased rates in harassment, hate crimes, and mass shootings against people of color. Despite the 2020 Presidential Democratic win, the racist ideology that led to Trump’s sway over voters demands that we continue to contend with its remnants or what some refer to as “Trumpism.” We find it critical to engage with pedagogy today more than ever as our contemporary gendered racialization and past experiences inform our teaching pedagogy. Drawing on the outsider within paradigm and critical race theory, we advocate that educators should embrace their own identities and those of students in the teaching of class and research concepts. We offer an important focus on Latina voices in the teaching of race and ethnicity at two private research universities on the West Coast and one public university in the South. We also note that to be fully able to do this type of work, we need our colleges and universities to protect Latina scholars and other faculty of color from potential backlash from students, colleagues, and community members, who may not approve of a critical pedagogy.
A Vague Gluteal Swelling in a Neonate: Challenges in Its Diagnosis and Management. Short Title-Sacroccoygeal Teratoma
Authors: Aihole Jayalaxmi Shripati.
Published: December 2020

Sacro coccygeal teratoma (SCT) is the most common extra gonadal neoplasm in the pre sacral area occurring in neonatal period. They mostly occur in the midline with a female preponderance. They are usually attached to coccyx, They are believed to be arising from totipotent cells that originate from primitive knot (Hensen’s node), hence are usually attached to coccyx. Infection in a sacrococcygeal teratoma has been rarely reported. Here is a report of a case of vague gluteal mass in a neonate and challenges in its diagnosis and management.
IL-6 levels are dramatically high in the sputum from children with sickle cell disease during acute chest syndrome
Authors: Allali Slimane , de Montalembert Mariane , Rignault-Bricard Rachel , Taylor Melissa , Brice Joséphine , Brousse Valentine , Talbot Jean-Marc , Moulin Florence , Heilbronner Claire , Hermine Olivier , Maciel Thiago Trovati
Published: December 2020

Key Points

Sputum interleukin-6 (IL-6) level is high during acute chest syndrome (ACS) in pediatric sickle cell disease, supporting anti–IL-6 trials. Sputum IL-8, CCL2, and CCL3 levels are also high during ACS, possibly contributing to recruitment of inflammatory cells in the lungs.
Indoor monitoring of heavy metals and NO2 using active monitoring by moss and Palmes diffusion tubes
Authors: Zechmeister Harald G. , Rivera Marcela , Köllensperger Gunda , Marrugat Jaume , Künzli Nino
Published: December 2020

Background

Indoor pollution is a real threat to human health all over the world. Indoor pollution derives from indoor sources (e.g. smoking, gas stoves, coated furniture) as well as from outdoor sources (e.g. industries, vehicles). Long-term monitoring measurements in indoor environments are missing to a large extent due to a lack of simple to operate measuring devices. Mosses proved well as biomonitors in hundreds of studies. Nevertheless, indoor use has been extremely scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to determine indoor and outdoor pollution by active biomonitoring using moss as well as NO2 samplers to analyse outdoor and indoor levels of pollution. We exposed moss (Pleurozium schreberi) for 8 weeks indoors and outdoors in 20 households in the city of Girona, Spain. Al, Cr, Cu, Zn, Sn, Cd, Pb, Mo, and Sb were analysed by moss-samplers. Additionally, NO2 was measured with Palmes diffusion tubes.

Results

Compared to the pre-exposure analysis, concentrations of almost all elements both on indoor and outdoor mosses increased. Except for Cd, all metals and NO2 had, on average, higher concentrations in outdoor mosses than at corresponding indoor sites. However, some 20% of the samples showed inverse patterns, thus, indicating both indoor and outdoor sources. Indoor/outdoor correlations of elements were not significant, but highest for markers of traffic-related pollution, such as Sn, Sb, and NO2. The wide range of indoor–outdoor ratios of NO2 exemplified the relevance of indoor sources such as smoking or gas cooking. Though mostly excluded in this study, a few sites had these sources present.

Conclusions

The study at hand showed that moss exposed at indoor sites could be a promising tool for long-time biomonitoring. However, it had also identified some drawbacks that should be considered in future indoor studies. Increments of pollutants were sometimes really low compared to the initial concentration and therefore not detectable. This fact hampers the investigation of elements with low basic element levels as, e.g. Pt. Therefore, moss with real low basic levels is needed for active monitoring, especially for future studies in indoor monitoring. Cloned material could be a proper material for indoor monitoring yet never was tested for this purpose.
LncRNA GAS5 is upregulated in polycystic ovary syndrome and regulates cell apoptosis and the expression of IL-6
Authors: Wang Chunxia , Yue Shishi , Jiang Yaru , Mao Yanjia , Zhao Zhijing , Liu Xinwei , Zhang Xiaoqian , Pei Dongxu , Li Yongwei
Published: December 2020

Background

GAS5 contains a hormone response element that can induce cell apoptosis in breast cancer. It is known that cell apoptosis and hormone response play crucial roles in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), indicating the potential involvement of GAS5 in PCOS. This study was performed to investigate the potential involvement of GAS5 and IL-6 (a critical player in PCOS) in PCOS.

Methods

Research subjects of this study included 60 PCOS patients and 60 healthy controls. The expression levels of GAS5 and IL-6 in plasma of both patients and controls were measured by qPCR and ELISA, respectively. Cell transfections were performed to analyze the interaction between GAS5 and IL-6. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by cell apoptosis assay.

Results

GAS5 was upregulated in plasma of PCOS patients. The expression levels of GAS5 were positively correlated with the expression levels of IL-6. Altered expression levels of GAS5 and IL-6 distinguished PCOS patients from healthy controls. In cells of a granulosa-like tumor cell line (KGN), overexpression of GAS5 led to upregulated IL-6, while silencing of GAS5 played an opposite role. Cell apoptosis analysis showed that overexpression of GAS5 significantly decreased apoptosis rate of KGN cells. Silencing of GAS5 increased the rate of KGN cell apoptosis.

Conclusions

GAS5 is upregulated in PCOS and regulates cell apoptosis and the expression of IL-6.
Solid component ratio influences prognosis of GGO-featured IA stage invasive lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sun Fenghao , Huang Yiwei , Yang Xiaodong , Zhan Cheng , Xi Junjie , Lin Zongwu , Shi Yu , Jiang Wei , Wang Qun
Published: December 2020

Background

The computed tomography (CT) characteristic of ground glass opacity (GGO) were shown to be associated with clinical significance in lung adenocarcinoma. We evaluated the prognostic value of the solid component ratio of GGO IA invasive lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the records of GGO IA patients who received surgical resection from April 2012 to December 2015. The solid component ratio was calculated based on thin-slice CT scans. Baseline features were compared stratified by the ratio. Cox proportional hazard models and survival analyses were adopted to explore potential prognostic value regarding overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).

Results

Four hundred fifteen patients were included. The higher ratio was significantly associated with larger tumor diameter, pathological subtypes and choice of surgical type. There was a significantly worse DFS with a > 50% ratio. The subgroups of 0% and ≤ 50% ratio showed close survival curves of DFS. Similar trends were observed in OS. Multivariate analyses revealed that the ratio was a significant predictor for DFS, but not for OS. No significant prognostic difference was observed between lobectomy and limited resections.

Conclusion

A higher solid component ratio may help to predict a significantly worse prognosis of GGO IA lung adenocarcinoma.
Effectiveness of the bone ring technique and simultaneous implant placement for vertical ridge augmentation: a systematic review
Authors: Sáez-Alcaide Luis Miguel , Brinkmann Jorge Cortés-Bretón , Sánchez-Labrador Luis , Pérez-González Fabián , Molinero-Mourelle Pedro , López-Quiles Juan
Published: December 2020

Background

Dimensional changes after dental extraction frequently lead to situations in which bone augmentation procedures are required prior to dental implant placement. Bone ring technique (BRT) has been described as a one-stage approach to restore vertical alveolar ridge defects, in which an autogenous or allogeneic cortico-cancellous bone block graft is stabilized with a dental implant inserted simultaneously. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the clinical performance of BRT.

Materials and methods

This review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. An electronic search was conducted in four databases: (1) The National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE/PubMed) via Ovid; (2) Web of Science (WOS); (3) SCOPUS; and (4) Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale and The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool were used to assess the quality of evidence in the studies reviewed.

Results

Sixteen studies with a total of 186 patients treated with 219 bone rings bocks were included in the review. The studies showed a mean bone gain of 4.94 mm, mean bone resorption of 0.83 mm, and mean marginal bone loss of 0.57 mm after a mean follow-up period of 13.35 months. A mean bone ring survival rate of 97.26% and implant survival rate of 94.97% were recorded.

Conclusions

BRT would appear to be an adequate alternative technique for restoring single vertical alveolar ridge defects with simultaneous dental implant placement. However, further studies comparing this technique with other vertical ridge augmentation procedures in different clinical scenarios are needed to confirm the present results.
Spillover and quantile linkage between oil price shocks and stock returns: new evidence from G7 countries
Authors: Jiang Yonghong , Tian Gengyu , Mo Bin
Published: December 2020

The link between crude oil price and stock returns of the Group of Seven (G7) countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States) was analyzed in this study using monthly data from January 1999 to March 2020. We adopt a similar approach to Kilian (Am Econ Rev 99(3):1053–1069, 2009) and construct a structural vector autoregression framework to decompose crude oil price shocks into oil supply shock, oil aggregate demand shock, and oil-specific demand shock. We then explore the distinct effects of different kinds of oil price shocks from various sources. Based on the decomposed oil price shocks, we apply the connectedness approach and QQ regression to find time-varying co-movements and tail dependence between oil price shocks and G7 stock returns. There is no general correlation between the decomposed oil prices and stock returns in these countries. The effects of oil price shocks on stock returns across different stock market conditions appear to be heterogeneous. Oil supply shock appears to be a net transmitter of spillover effects for all G7 countries within the sample period.
PAH-CHD: transition to adulthood
Authors: Constantine Andrew , Tulloh Robert M. R. , Turquet Rebecca , Dimopoulos Konstantinos , Moledina Shahin
Published: December 2020

Background

A structured transition provides a framework of care that bridges the gap between paediatric and adult medicine. It is essential for achieving continuity of care and providing support and education around the challenging period of adolescence for young people with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD).

Presentation

In this review of transition care in PAH-CHD, we evaluate the evidence supporting a structured programme of transition care and review the current principles and ‘best practice’ standards for transition in the UK. In the second part of the review, we highlight some important areas of education that are relevant to adolescents with PAH-CHD, including health education, exercise and participation in sports, pregnancy and contraception, employment, and driving.

Conclusions

As the number of young people embarking on transition continues to increase, the challenge is set to continue to improve the quality of care for our patients within the framework of available resources.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease after defect repair: the effect of pregnancy
Authors: Brida Margarita , Favoccia Carla , Constantine Andrew , Dimopoulos Konstantinos
Published: December 2020

Background

An increasing number of patients with previously repaired congenital heart disease (CHD) present with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This can occur immediately after repair (residual PAH) or years later.

Case presentation

We present the case of a young woman who underwent repair of a ventricular septal defect in later childhood. Three years after repair, she was found to have significant residual PAH. She remained stable on PAH therapies, but a decade later decided to become pregnant against medical advice. She deteriorated during pregnancy and required escalation of PAH therapies and eventual admission to the intensive care unit, with an uneventful delivery at 32 weeks. Despite successful delivery, she remained symptomatic post-partum, with evidence of disease progression at right heart catheterisation.

Conclusions

All patients with repaired CHD should undergo routine screening for PAH. Early diagnosis and expert management, including the use of PAH therapies, is recommended to optimise outcome. Pregnancy is contraindicated in PAH patients, including patients with CHD, and requires an expert multidisciplinary approach to reduce morbidity and mortality when patients opt to proceed.
Advanced therapies in Eisenmenger syndrome
Authors: Nashat Heba , Constantine Andrew , Dimopoulos Konstantinos
Published: December 2020

Background

This is a case report of a patient diagnosed with Eisenmenger syndrome in adult life.

Case presentation

The patient had a large secundum atrial septal defect diagnosed incidentally in her twenties, with established pulmonary vascular disease and thus the defect was not closed. Over several years the patient showed signs of progressive disease with premature right ventricular dysfunction, preceding any significant symptomatic decline. Her medical therapy was escalated with the addition of intravenous epoprostenol, resulting in both objective and symptomatic improvement.

Conclusions

Early medical intervention and treatment can positively impact on the outcome of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease.
Advanced therapies in complex congenital heart disease
Authors: Rashid Zoya , Tulloh Robert
Published: December 2020

Background

Although there are some data on how to manage and treat patients with Eisenmenger syndrome due to simple cardiac defects, little evidence exists to guide best management of pulmonary vascular disease in cases with more complex anatomy such as common arterial supply to both the systemic and pulmonary circulations or univentricular physiology. Beyond the uncertainty on how to best assess and manage such patients, there are added concerns with regards to the potential effects of treatment on the risk of cardiac arrhythmia, valve regurgitation and excessive load to the ventricle with increased pulmonary blood flow.

Case presentation

We present a case of a patient with double inlet left ventricle and evidence of pulmonary hypertension and describe his outcome on the therapies prescribed.

Conclusions

We review the literature and describe our approach to the patient’s management in light of the available evidence and published literature.
Late-onset multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency with breast cancer
Authors: Pavithran Keechilat , Pachat Divya , Vijaykumar Dehannathparambil Kottarathil
Published: December 2020

Background

Multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MAAD) is a rare metabolic disorder resulting from an abnormality in fatty acid oxidation. There are three types of presentations: neonatal onset with or without congenital anomalies and the late-onset type. There is much clinical heterogeneity in the presentation of late-onset variants; hence, the diagnosis is often delayed or missed.

Case presentation

Here, we report the successful management of a 41-year-old female with late-onset MAAD due to mutation in the ETFDH gene who presented with carcinoma of the breast. Chemotherapy was challenging because there were no previous reports regarding the treatment of such cases.

Conclusion

The diagnosis was made based on metabolic workup and gene mutation analysis. Unplanned surgery and chemotherapy can be fatal in these patients due to metabolic complications. With proper precautions and monitoring, the patient tolerated surgery and chemotherapy without any complications.
Perspective on attractive-repulsive interactions in dynamical networks: Progress and future
Authors: Majhi Soumen , Chowdhury Sayantan Nag , Ghosh Dibakar
Published: December 2020

Emerging collective behavior in complex dynamical networks depends on both coupling function and underlying coupling topology. Through this Perspective, we provide a brief yet profound excerpt of recent research efforts that explore how the synergy of attractive and repulsive interactions influence the destiny of ensembles of interacting dynamical systems. We review the incarnation of collective states ranging from chimera or solitary states to extreme events and oscillation quenching arising as a result of different network arrangements. Though the existing literature demonstrates that many of the crucial developments have been made, nonetheless, we come up with significant routes of further research in this field of study.
Insecticide resistance selection and reversal in two strains of Aedes aegypti
Authors: Thornton Jonathan , Gomes Bruno , Ayres Constância , Reimer Lisa
Published: December 2020

Background: Laboratory reared mosquito colonies are essential tools to understand insecticide action. However, they differ considerably from wild populations and from each other depending on their origin and rearing conditions, which makes studying the effects of specific resistance mechanisms difficult. This paper describes our methods for establishing multiple resistant strains of Aedes aegypti from two colonies as a new resource for further research on metabolic and target site resistance.

Methods: Two resistant colonies of Ae. aegypti, from Cayman and Recife, were selected through 10 generations of exposure to insecticides including permethrin, malathion and temephos, to yield eight strains with different profiles of resistance due to either target site or metabolic resistance. Resistance ratios for each insecticide were calculated for the selected and unselected strains. The frequency of kdr alleles (F1534C and V1016I) in the Cayman strains was determined using TaqMan assays. A comparative gene expression analysis among Recife strains was conducted using qPCR in larvae (CCae3A, CYP6N12, CYP6F3, CYP9M9) and adults (CCae3A, CYP6N12, CYP6BB2, CYP9J28a).

Results: In the selected strain of Cayman, mortality against permethrin reduced almost to 0% and kdr became fixated by 5 generations. A similar phenotype was seen in the unselected homozygous resistant colony, whilst mortality in the susceptible homozygous colony rose to 82.9%. The Recife strains showed different responses between exposure to adulticide and larvicide, with detoxification genes in the temephos selected strain staying similar to the baseline, but a reduction in detoxification genes displayed in the other strains.

Conclusions: These selected strains, with a range of insecticide resistance phenotypes and genotypes, will support further research on the effects of target-site and/or metabolic resistance mechanisms on various life-history traits, behaviours and vector competence of this important arbovirus vector.
Methodological Support of the Work of Primary Schoolchildren with Information Presented in the Form of Diagrams
Authors: Pichugin S.
Published: December 2020

The article outlines a range of methodological problems that arise when teaching younger schoolchildren, the ability to use information presented

in the form of diagrams. Modern textbooks of mathematics for elementary school and methodological recommendations to them related to the

topic “Diagrams” of the section “Working with information” are analyzed. Since the development in younger schoolchildren of the skills of

working with visual sign-symbolic means of graphical presentation of information is one of the requirements of the Federal State Educational

Standard of Primary General Education for meta-subject learning outcomes, the author proposes methodological techniques and a system of

assignments that allow to eliminate the current and potential difficulties of primary school students when mastering charts.
On the Approximate Program of Education of the Younger Generation in the Russian Federation
Authors: Vinogradova Natalya
Published: December 2020

The article offers readers a brief description of the content of the Model Education Program in Russian educational institutions, developed on

the basis of state documents: “Strategy for the development of education in the Russian Federation for the period up to 2025”; “Concept for

the development of additional education for children”; “Concept of state family policy in the Russian Federation for the period up to 2025”.

The program is designed to provide support in the creation of in-school education programs aimed at the successful socialization of the student, the establishment of harmonious relations with the people around him, self-identification as a citizen of his country. The publication describes the sections of the Program, which include the organization of the educational process at school, the definition of the goals and objectives of education, its types and forms, as well as the direction of the reflexive activity of the entire school teaching staff and each teacher individually for the analysis and assessment of the educational work carried out by him.
The cardiovascular effects of exposure to particulate matter from bushfire smoke in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease
Authors: Efraemson Deana , Colgan Jacqueline , Greenwood Melanie
Published: December 2020

Particulate matter in bushfire smoke is linked to increased cardiovascular events, among other effects. It has been postulated that fine particulates may translocate into the bloodstream, causing inflammatory responses. Smoke particles can carry long distances and are linked to increased mortality and long-term health impacts. Given these risks, nurses caring for cardiovascular patients should be aware of the relationship between poor air quality and the increase in cardiac events in patients with existing cardiovascular disease. The seasons in which fires occur across the world are starting earlier, finishing later and are of increasing intensity, thus cardiac nurses need to understand and prepare for the subclinical effects. Adapted, preventative strategies, including health education and awareness of risk to vulnerable populations, will optimise cardiovascular nursing care outcomes for patients with cardiovascular and other chronic health problems.
Reflection and you
Authors: Stonehouse David
Published: December 2020

This article explores the important activity of reflection and reflective practice. Support workers and nursing associates, as well as all healthcare professionals, have a responsibility to reflect upon their own practice, identifying not only areas of good practice but also where improvements can be made. The article starts by defining what reflection and reflective practice are.

The requirement to reflect is clearly laid down within the recently amended Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) code for nursing associates ( NMC, 2018 ) and is implied within the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers in England ( Skills for Care and Skills for Health, 2013 ). Relevant sections of these two codes will be highlighted.

The article will then move on to highlight two reflective models, the Gibbs (1988) Reflective Cycle, and Driscoll's (2007) Model of Structured Reflection, both of which are commonly used today. Clinical supervision will be discussed and the importance of recording reflections will be emphasised.
FLUCONAZOLE
Authors: Rees Sharon
Published: December 2020

In this column, Sharon Rees aims to refresh knowledge and interest in some of the commonly used drugs in a series of tweets. This month she is talking about #fluconazole
Prescribing within clinical toxicology
Authors: MacVicar Sonya , Osinski Karen
Published: December 2020

In 2020, the first clinical toxicology advanced nurse practitioner and independent prescriber post was introduced in the United Kingdom. This article discusses the remit of clinical toxicology and the integration of nurse prescribing into this service by following a patient journey from admission to discharge. The case study describes an acute paracetamol poisoning presentation following intentional self-harm. Paracetamol is widely available and safe in therapeutic dosages; however, it is the drug most commonly taken in intentional overdose and the toxic effect can result in hepatic failure and fatality. The nurse prescriber conducted a holistic consultation, assessed pharmacological management and instigated timely treatment. Current research on the benefits and disadvantages of paracetamol antidote regimes are discussed. Long-term physical and mental wellbeing following intentional overdose require interprofessional liaison with access to psychological support, arranged prior to patient discharge.
Determination of size and complex index of refraction of single particles with elastic light scattering
Authors: Waez Mir Seliman , Eckels Steven J. , Sorensen Christopher M.
Published: December 2020

We show that for spherical particles greater than ca. 5 µm, the differential scattering cross section is only weakly dependent on the real and imaginary parts of the refractive index (

m

=

n

+

i

κ

) when integrated over angle ranges near

37

±

5

∘

and

115

±

5

∘

, respectively. With this knowledge, we set up an arrangement that collects scattered light in the ranges

37

±

5

∘

,

115

±

5

∘

, and

80

±

5

∘

. The weak functionality on refractive index for the first two angle ranges simplifies the inversion of scattering to the particle properties of diameter and the real and imaginary refractive indices. Our setup also uses a diamond-shaped incident beam profile that allows us to determine when a particle went through the exact center of the beam. Application of our setup to droplets of an absorbing liquid successfully determined the diameter and complex refractive index to accuracies ranging from a few to ten percent. Comparisons to simulated data derived from the Mie equations yielded similar results.
Design and optimization of integrated flexure mounts for unloading lateral gravity of a lightweight mirror for space application
Authors: Zhang Liu , Wang Tailei , Zhang Fan , Zhao Huanyu , Zhao Yu , Zheng Xiaoyi
Published: December 2020

This paper presents an integrated flexure mount (IFM) to unload the lateral gravity of a lightweight mirror. The significance of the position relationship between the plane of mirror centroid and the center of flexure pivot is analyzed using the coupling kinematic stiffness model of the flexure mounts derived in this paper. Based on the analysis, an IFM with S-type flexure hinges was designed, and the structure and assembly are described. Then, the optimal position and size parameters of an S-type flexure hinge were obtained by optimization. The optimization results attained by finite element analysis (FEA) indicate that the optimization objectives and constraints were satisfied. Moreover, the degradation of the mirror’s optical performance caused by lateral gravity was minimized, and the effects of temperature variation and assembly tolerance were reduced. The IFMs were fabricated based on the optimization results and assembled with a mirror prototype for a pointing precision test and sine-frequency sweep test. A FEA and test results for the IFMs confirm the validity and feasibility of the flexure mounts model and structure design, and we believe the IFM meets the requirements of a lightweight mirror for space application.
Indium selenide saturable absorber for high-energy nanosecond Q-switched pulse generation
Authors: Li Lu , Wang Yao , Jin Wei , Zhao Qiyi , Su Yulong
Published: December 2020

As a kind of III/VI group compound 2D layered material, indium selenide (

I
n

2

S
e

3

) has attracted tremendous interest because of its favorable optoelectronic characteristics. Here, magnetron sputtering deposition (MSD) technology was employed to prepare an

I
n

2

S
e

3

-based saturable absorber (SA). The nonlinear optical properties of this SA, whose modulation depth (

Δ

T

) is 6.18%, were studied. With the aid of its saturable absorption, a stable two-wavelength

Q

-switching Er-doped fiber (EDF) laser was established. When pump power was adjusted to 900 mW, the output power was increased to 63.84 mW. The shortest pulse duration and maximum pulse energy were estimated to be 556 ns and 376 nJ, respectively. The signal-to-noise ratio of 70 dB proves this fiber laser has high stability. In comparison with previous works, the laser performance in this study is improved significantly. These results indicate that the

I
n

2

S
e

3

holds promise as an outstanding candidate for high-energy pulse generation and will advance the development of

I
n

2

S
e

3

-based nonlinear photonics devices.
Continuous-wave operation of an electrically pumped single microribbon based Fabry-Perot microlaser
Authors: Tang Kai , Jiang Mingming , Wan Peng , Kan Caixia
Published: December 2020

Fabry-Perot (FP) mode microlasers have been popularized and applied widely in on-chip coherent light sources because of the unique advantages of directional output emission. In this work, a heterojunction light-emitting diode (LED) made of a Ga-doped ZnO (ZnO:Ga) microribbon and p-GaAs template is fabricated. And its electroluminescence characteristics of strong coupling of exciton–photon and polariton lasing, in the blue-violet spectrum, were demonstrated under continuous-wave operation of an electrical injection. In the device structure, a single microribbon with a rectangular-shaped cross section can achieve the FP-mode lasing action by the optical oscillation between the two lateral sides of the microcrystals in the ultraviolet spectrum. As the reverse-current is below the threshold value, the device can have radiative polaritonic lighting directly from bilateral sides of the microribbon, yielding strong coupling between excitons and FP-mode microresonator. And the exciton-polariton coupling strengths characterized by a Rabi splitting energy were extracted to be 500 meV. Further, when the input current increased more than a certain value, strong laser illuminating developed as two sharp peaks at the lower energy shoulder of the spontaneous emission peak, and these oscillating modes can dominate the waveguide EL spectra. The experimental results can provide us with further unambiguous evidence that the lasing is originated from the polariton resonances for the microribbon with strong exciton-polariton coupling. Since single microribbon based optical FP-mode microresonators do not require additional feedback mirrors, their compact size and resulting low thresholds make them a powerful candidate to construct on-chip coherent light sources for future integrated nanophotonic and optoelectronic circuitry.
Does training method matter? Evidence for the negative impact of aversive-based methods on companion dog welfare
Authors: Vieira de Castro Ana Catarina , Fuchs Danielle , Morello Gabriela Munhoz , Pastur Stefania , de Sousa Liliana , Olsson I. Anna S.
Published: December 2020

Dog training methods range broadly from those using mostly positive punishment and negative reinforcement (aversive-based) to those using primarily positive reinforcement (reward-based). Although aversive-based training has been strongly criticized for negatively affecting dog welfare, there is no comprehensive research focusing on companion dogs and mainstream techniques, and most studies rely on owner-reported assessment of training methods and dog behavior. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of aversive- and reward-based training methods on companion dog welfare within and outside the training context. Ninety-two companion dogs were recruited from three reward-based schools (Group Reward, n = 42), and from four aversive-based schools, two using low proportions of aversive-based methods (Group Mixed, n = 22) and two using high proportions of aversive-based methods (Group Aversive, n = 28). For evaluating welfare during training, dogs were video recorded for three sessions and six saliva samples were collected, three at home (baseline levels) and three after training (post-training levels). Video recordings were used to examine the frequency of stress-related behaviors (e.g., lip lick, yawn) and the overall behavioral state of the dog (e.g., tense, relaxed), and saliva samples were analyzed for cortisol concentration. For evaluating welfare outside the training context, dogs participated in a cognitive bias task. Results showed that dogs from Group Aversive displayed more stress-related behaviors, were more frequently in tense and low behavioral states and panted more during training, and exhibited higher post-training increases in cortisol levels than dogs from Group Reward. Additionally, dogs from Group Aversive were more ‘pessimistic’ in the cognitive bias task than dogs from Group Reward. Dogs from Group Mixed displayed more stress-related behaviors, were more frequently in tense states and panted more during training than dogs from Group Reward. Finally, although Groups Mixed and Aversive did not differ in their performance in the cognitive bias task nor in cortisol levels, the former displayed more stress-related behaviors and was more frequently in tense and low behavioral states. These findings indicate that aversive-based training methods, especially if used in high proportions, compromise the welfare of companion dogs both within and outside the training context.
Protective activities of distinct omega-3 enriched oils are linked to their ability to upregulate specialized pro-resolving mediators
Authors: Sobrino Agua , Walker Mary E. , Colas Romain A. , Dalli Jesmond
Published: December 2020

Clinical studies using a range of omega-3 supplements have yielded conflicting results on their efficacy to control inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids are substrate for the formation of potent immune-protective mediators, termed as specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM). Herein, we investigated whether observed differences in the potencies of distinct omega-3 supplements were linked with their ability to upregulate SPM formation. Using lipid mediator profiling we found that four commercially available supplements conferred a unique SPM signature profile to human macrophages, with the overall increases in SPM concentrations being different between the four supplements. These increases in SPM concentrations were linked with an upregulation of macrophage phagocytosis and a decreased uptake of oxidized low-density lipoproteins. Pharmacological inhibition of two key SPM biosynthetic enzymes 5-Lipoxygenase or 15-Lipoxygenase reversed the macrophage-directed actions of each of the omega-3 supplements. Furthermore, administration of the two supplements that most potently upregulated macrophage SPM formation and reprogrammed their responses in vitro, to APOE-/- mice fed a western diet, increased plasma SPM concentrations and reduced vascular inflammation. Together these findings support the utility of SPM as potential prognostic markers in determining the utility of a given supplement to regulate macrophage responses and inflammation.