bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Impact of Dyslipidemia on Chronic Kidney Disease between Men and Women
Authors: Dalal Jay
Published: June 2022

Dyslipidemia (DLD), defined as an imbalance of lipids in the blood, is proven to have a strong association with chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is more frequent in women than men, although men are more likely to progress to severe stages. Whether sex differences drive the effect of DLD on CKD severity remains unclear. In this study, the relationship between biological sex and CKD severity was investigated by parsing the public electronic health records of 491 CKD patients in Abu Dhabi. Sex-specific relative risks (RRs) were calculated using a history of DLD as a risk factor for severe CKD (stages 3 - 5). The RR was 2.98 (95% CI: 1.78 - 4.18) in women and 2.86 (95 CI%: 2.02 - 3.70) in men. Smoking was identified as a confounding variable because it has a higher incidence in men and a known negative impact on CKD. Thus, we validated the findings in a subsetted group excluding any patient with a history of smoking: the RR was 2.96 (95% CI: 1.76 - 4.16) in women and 2.61 (95% CI: 1.57 - 3.65) in men. These results indicate that, among CKD patients, women with DLD are more likely to progress to severe stages of CKD than men with DLD. The excess risk may be explained by notably higher rates of obesity in women and the idea that women have poorer adherence to DLD medications, although this is newly discovered evidence. Future studies are needed to investigate mechanisms behind this observed disparity.
The Impact of Self-Management-Based Care Interventions on Quality of Life in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Philosophical Perspective
Authors: Fadli
Published: June 2022

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is caused by the disruption of insulin secretion and resistance. One aspect that plays an important role in this disease is self-management education. Good self-care behavior facilitates controlled diabetes management and prevents complications as well as ensures a better life quality. This literature aims to study the philosophy of diabetes self-management based care interventions to improve the quality of life viewed from philosophical perspectives. A literature search was performed on Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, and Science Direct using keywords including type 2 diabetes mellitus, diabetes self-management and quality of life. The inclusion criteria are peer-reviewed articles in English that discuss diabetes self-management and quality of life. Articles published within the last five years (2017-2021). Research such as a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and full text method. Based on the philosophy study self care interventions, eight articles showed that self-management interventions provide significant effectiveness for lifestyle changes and self-care for type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Eight articles were selected based on an axiological philosophical study approach, six of which discussed self-management interventions’ effect on self-care behavior, and two measured the quality of life of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Almost all the articles stated an increase in self-care behaviors and quality of life after receiving self-management interventions. Successful diabetes self-management depends on individual self-care activities to control symptoms presented. Furthermore, regular self-management activities prevent complications from arising. Therefore, patients’ compliance with diabetes self-management is needed to improve their life quality.
Investigating the mechanistic role of painful self-experience in emotional contagion: an effect of auto-conditioning?
Authors: Packheiser Julian , Soyman Efe , Paradiso Enrica , Ramaaker Eline , Sahin Neslihan , Muralidharan Sharmistha , Wöhr Markus , Gazzola Valeria , Keysers Christian
Published: June 2022

Emotional contagion refers to the transmission of emotions from one conspecific to another. Previous research in rodents has demonstrated that the self-experience of footshocks enhances how much an observer is affected by the emotional state of a conspecific in pain or distress. We hypothesized auditory auto-conditioning to contribute to this enhancement: during the observer’s own experience of shocks, the animal associates its own audible nocifensive responses, i.e. its pain squeaks, with the negative affective state induced by the shock. When the animal later witnesses a cage mate receive shocks and hears it squeak, the previously strengthened connection between fear and squeaks could be a mechanism eliciting the enhanced fearful response in the observer. As hypothesized, in a first study, we found pre-exposure to shocks to increase freezing and 22 kHz vocalizations associated with distress upon the playback of pain squeaks. Freezing was also increased during the playbacks of phase-scrambled squeaks, but 22 kHz calls were more frequent during the playback of regular squeaks. Core to the notion of auto-conditioning is that the effect of pre-exposure is due to the pairing of a pain-state with hearing one’s own pain squeaks. In a second study, we therefore compared the response to squeak playbacks after animals had been pre-exposed to pairings of a CO2 laser with a squeak playback against three control groups that were pre-exposed to the CO2 laser alone, to squeak playbacks alone or to neither of these conditions. We however could not find any differences in freezing or 22 kHz calls among all experimental groups. In summary, we demonstrate the sufficiency of pain squeaks to trigger fear in a way that critically depends on the nature of an animal’s prior experience and discuss why the pairing of a CO2 laser with pain squeaks cannot substitute footshock pre-exposure.
Unraveling the mystery behind the short-day-specific flowering of tobacco cultivar Maryland Mammoth
Authors: Grundmann Lena , Zimmermann Marius M. , Kaenel Andrea , Schwarze Axel , Wiedmann David R. , Muth Jost , Twymann Richard M. , Pruefer Dirk , Noll Gundula A.
Published: June 2022

Flowering in day-neutral tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants requires the photoperiod-dependent expression of members of the FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) like clade of phosphatidylethanolamine-binding proteins. FT-like floral activators and inhibitors compete for interaction with FD proteins to shift from vegetative to reproductive growth. In the short-day (SD) cultivar Maryland Mammoth (MM), vegetative growth persists under long-day (LD) conditions, generating unusually tall plants. We found that the major floral inducer under long-days (NtFT5) was expressed in MM and thatNtFT5overexpression induced flowering in MM plants under LD conditions. However, sequence analysis revealed a 2-bp deletion near the 3′ end ofNtFT5in MM plants resulting in a truncated C-terminus with an altered amino acid sequence. We found that the truncated NtFT5MMprotein was still able to interact with tobacco FD proteins. However, constitutive overexpression under LD conditions in SD-specific flowering tobacco plants showed that NtFT5MMis a weaker floral inducer than NtFT5. Our data indicate that the truncation does not impair the stability of the NtFT5MMprotein but affects its binding affinity for NtFD1, probably resulting in the weaker expression of target genes. Our results therefore provide a potential explanation for the MM gigantism phenotype first observed more than 100 years ago.
Detection of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Long-Term Care Homes Using Built Environment Testing for SARS-CoV-2: A Multicentre Prospective Study
Authors: Fralick Michael , Nott Caroline , Moggridge Jason , Castellani Lucas , Raudanskis Ashley , Guttman David S. , Hinz Aaron , Thampi Nisha , Wong Alex , Manuel Doug , McGeer Allison , Doukhanine Evgueni , Mejbel Hebah , Zanichelli Veronica , Burella Madison , Donaldson Sylva , Wang Pauline W. , Kassen Rees , MacFadden Derek
Published: June 2022

Background

Environmental surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 via wastewater has become an invaluable tool for population-level surveillance of COVID-19. Built environment sampling may provide a more spatially refined approach for surveillance of COVID-19 in congregate living settings and other high risk settings (e.g., schools, daycares).

Methods

We conducted a prospective study in 10 long-term care homes (LTCHs) across three cities in Ontario, Canada between September 2021 and May 2022. Floor surfaces were sampled weekly at multiple locations (range 10 to 24 swabs per building) within each building and analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 using RT-qPCR. The exposure variable was detection of SARS-CoV-2 on floors. The primary outcome was the presence of a COVID-19 outbreak in the week that floor sampling was performed.

Results

Over the 9-month study period, we collected 3848 swabs at 10 long-term care homes. During the study period, 19 COVID-19 outbreaks occurred with 103 cumulative weeks under outbreak. During outbreak periods, the proportion of floor swabs positive for SARS-CoV-2 was 50% (95% CI: 47-53) with a median quantification cycle of 37.3 (IQR 35.2-38.7). During non-outbreak periods the proportion of floor swabs positive was 18% (95% CI:17-20) with a median quantification cycle of 38.0 (IQR 36.4-39.1). Using the proportion of positive floor swabs for SARS-CoV-2 to predict COVID-19 outbreak status in a given week, the area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.78-0.92). Using thresholds of ≥10%, ≥30%, and ≥50% of floor swabs positive for SARS-CoV-2 yielded positive predictive values for outbreak of 0.57 (0.49-0.66), 0.73 (0.63-0.81), and 0.73 (0.6-0.83) respectively and negative predictive values of 0.94 (0.87-0.97), 0.85 (0.78-0.9), and 0.75 (0.68-0.81) respectively. Among 8 LTCHs with an outbreak and swabs performed in the antecedent week, 5 had positive floor swabs exceeding 10% at least five days prior to outbreak identification. For 3 of these 5 LTCHs, positivity of floor swabs exceeded 10% more than 10 days before the outbreak being identified.

Conclusions

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 on floors is strongly associated with COVID-19 outbreaks in LTCHs. These data suggest a potential role for floor sampling in improving early outbreak identification.
Microbial Profile in Bile from Cholecystectomised Patients by Culture and Multiplex PCR
Authors: Farhana Nasreen , Fardows Jannatul , Khan Mohammad Ashraf Uddin , Shamsuzzaman SM
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Bile in the biliary tract is normally sterile but presence of gallstones, ascending infection from duodenum or bacterial translocation from portal vein leads to microfloral colonization. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the microbiological profile of bile for determination of the appropriate antimicrobials in cholecystectomised patients.

Design

This was a descriptive type of cross sectional study from July, 2013 to December, 2014

Setting

In a tertiary medical college hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Participants

This study included 246 patients irrespective of age and sex who underwent laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy for various indications in a tertiary hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Similar secondary outcome as in protocol

Methods

The intraoperative bile samples were collected and cultured in Blood agar and MacConkey’s agar media aerobically in the laboratory of Microbiology Department, Dhaka Medical College. The isolates were then tested for antibiotic sensitivity pattern. To detect anaerobic bacteria (Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium perfringensandFusobacterium nucleatum), multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used with specific primers.

Results

Out of 246 bile samples, organisms were identified in 69.51% cases where 48.37% were aerobic bacteria identified by culture and 21.14% were anaerobic bacteria identified by multiplex PCR.Escherichia coli(26.61%) were found predominantly followed byStaphylococcus aureus(19.35%),Citrobacter freundii(14.52%),Clostridium perfringens(13.82%),Pseudomonasspp. (11.29%),Salmonella enterica serovarTyphi 8 (3.45%), andAcinetobacterspp. (3.23%). Gram negative bacteria showed resistance to amoxiclav, ceftriaxone and ceftazidime while meropenem, piperacillin-tazobactam and colistin were found more effective antimicrobials.

Conclusions

A great proportion of aerobic and anaerobic bacterial infection associated with gallstones or biliary tract obstruction may warrants serious health risk to cholecystectomised patients in this region. Regular surveillance of bile culture from gallbladder should be done after cholecystectomy.

Strength

The antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of aerobic bacteria was assessed to find out multidrug resistant bacteria

Multiplex PCR was done to detect important biliary anaerobic bacteria

Limitations

Isolation by culture and the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of anaerobic bacteria was not assessed

Due to lack of primers, PCR could not be done for other biliary anaerobic bacteria, virulence genes and drug resistance genes

Source(s) of funding for work

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Competing interests

None

Conflict of interests

None
Syntheses, crystal structures and properties of tetrakis(3-methylpyridine-κN)bis(isothiocyanato-κN)manganese(II) and tetrakis(3-methylpyridine-κN)bis(isothiocyanato-κN)iron(II)
Authors: Ceglarska Magdalena , Krebs Christoph , Näther Christian
Published: June 2022

The reaction of Mn(NCS)2 or Fe(NCS)2 with 3-methylpyridine (C6H7N) leads to the formation of two isostructural compounds with compositions [Mn(NCS)2(C6H7N)4] (1) and [Fe(NCS)2(C6H7N)4] (2). IR spectroscopic investigations indicate that only terminally coordinated thiocyanate anions are present. This is confirmed by single-crystal structure analysis, which shows that their crystal structures consist of discrete centrosymmetric complexes, in which the metal cations are octahedrally coordinated by two N-bonded thiocyanate anions and four 3-methylpyridine ligands. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) proves that pure samples have been obtained. Thermogravimetric measurements show that decomposition starts at about 90°C and that the two coligands are removed in one step for 1 whereas for 2 no clearly resolved steps are visible. XRPD measurements of the residue obtained after the first mass loss of 1 show that a new and unknown crystalline compound has been formed.
The best-fitting model(s) of equal risk contribution: evidence from environmental-friendly portfolio
Authors: Nugroho Bayu Adi
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This research aims to select the best-fitting model(s) of equal risk contribution portfolios (ERC). ERC is a robust estimation in the absence of reasonable expectations about future returns.

Design/methodology/approach

The portfolio consists of five environmental-friendly exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It applies equal risk optimization, beneficial when the assets are firmly linked, such as the ETFs. This paper operationalizes 20 covariance models in portfolio construction, and a portfolio with classic covariance is the benchmark to beat. To select the best-fitting model(s), the paper applies statistical inferences of the model confidence set. This research also constructs the newly-developed minimum connectedness optimization method and utilizes maximum drawdown as the primary evaluation tool.

Findings

The outbreak of COVID-19 hugely impacts the portfolio drawdown. The results also show that the classic covariance is hard to beat, partly explained by estimation error and model misspecification. This paper suggests that equal risk contribution can benefit from copula-based covariance. It consistently and significantly outperforms the other models in various robustness tests.

Practical implications

In the absence of substantial predictions about future returns and the existence of strongly linked assets, selecting appropriate portfolio components by risk contribution is a sound choice.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to select the best-fitting model(s) of ERC portfolio during the COVID-19.
How the COVID-19 pandemic may accelerate millennials’ adoption of augmented reality
Authors: Caboni Federica , Pizzichini Lucia
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Augmented reality (AR) technology currently plays a central role in the retail sector, rapidly changing consumers’ behaviours and retailers’ strategies. The purpose of this paper is to identify the behavioural changes that have occurred due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the retail sector, and how AR technology can be used as a valid and useful response to these new consumer habits.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory research was conducted to determine how AR has helped people shop differently than they did before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic by evaluating two retail-sector AR applications (apps). In-depth interviews were conducted and assessed using thematic analysis.

Findings

This paper identifies a new paradigm involving COVID-19 and AR by identifying several factors that are related to the rapid spread of COVID-19 and have modified consumers’ shopping habits. Additionally, it shows how interactive technologies, such as AR, are useful tools that can be employed to overcome retailing crises driven by external environmental factors, such as COVID-19, and enhance shopping experiences.

Originality/value

This research reveals the role of AR technologies in transformed economic and social contexts. By investigating the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated consequences, i.e. isolation, quarantines and lockdowns; the fear of contracting the virus and the new needs of people to shop while social distancing, this study enriches AR research with a fourth characteristic, augmented social distance.
The De Winter‐like electrocardiogram pattern associated with multi‐vessel disease
Authors: Wang Chunfang , Yan Hongli , Wang Jian
Published: June 2022

Background

The de Winter ECG pattern was described by upsloping ST‐segment depression in leads V1‐V6, tall and symmetrical T waves in precordial leads. The ECG pattern is regarded to be associated with occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery.

Methods

One patient with de Winter ECG pattern was included. The 12‐lead ECG of patients with chest pain showed upsloping ST‐segment depression up to 3 mm at the J point in leads V2‐V6; tall symmetrical T waves in leads V2‐V4; 1mm J point elevation in lead aVR; ST‐segment depression 1mm in I, aVL leads and inverted T waves in the inferior leads. The ECG was showed the de Winter pattern.

Results

The ECG was showed the de Winter pattern. CAG was performed, which showed the normal left main; 60%‐80% LAD stenosis; 50%‐60% ostial right coronary artery(RCA) stenosis; and 90% stenosis of the vessel at middle segment. Both proximal and middle RCA vascular lesions were dilated and successfully inserted with drug‐eluting stents, respectively.

Conclusion

Our case the ECG was showed horizontal ST depression with tall T waves in leads V2‐V4 (maximal ST depression in lead V4) while only ST depression in leads V5‐V6, which may result from multivessel disease.
Prescribing direct‐acting oral anticoagulants – Mind the evidence gap
Authors: Adeyeye Elizabeth , Maniero Carmela , Magavern Emma F. , Ferner Robin E. , McGettigan Patricia
Published: June 2022

Direct‐acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are licensed for the prevention of thromboembolism in non‐valvular atrial fibrillation, amongst other indications. Prescribers use information derived from the summary of product characteristics which is based on the key trials supporting the DOAC's market authorisation. However, prescribers may not be aware of the limitations within these trials regarding underrepresentation of patient populations commonly encountered in clinical practice and how this may adversely impact them. This review highlights the gaps in the licensing evidence using four clinical vignettes that explore prescribing challenges in older adults, female patients, patients with obesity and patients from non‐Europid ethnic backgrounds.
Beta‐thalassaemia major: Prevalence, risk factors and clinical consequences of hypercalciuria
Authors: Aliberti Ludovica , Gagliardi Irene , Gamberini Maria Rita , Ziggiotto Andrea , Verrienti Martina , Carnevale Aldo , Bondanelli Marta , Zatelli Maria Chiara , Ambrosio Maria Rosaria
Published: June 2022

Regular transfusion and chelation therapy produces increased life expectancy in thalassaemic patients who may develop new complications. Since few data are available regarding hypercalciuria in β‐thalassaemia major (TM), the aim of our study was to evaluate its prevalence, risk factors and clinical consequences. We enrolled 176 adult TM patients followed at the Center of Thalassemia of Ferrara. Hypercalciuria was defined by a calciuria of 4 mg/kg/day or more in a 24‐h urine sample. Anamnestic, biochemical and radiological data were collected. Hypercalciuria prevalence was reported in 69.3% of patients (females 52.5%). Hypercalciuric (HC) patients used deferasirox (DFX) more often than normocalciuric (NC) patients (47.5% vs 29.6%; p < 0.05). In HC subjects plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) (24.1 ± 10.4 vs 30.1 ± 13.2 pg/ml) and phosphate levels (3.6 ± 0.5 vs 3.8 ± 0.7 mg/dl) were lower, whereas serum calcium (9.6 ± 0.4 vs 9.4 ± 0.4 mg/dl) and urinary 24‐h phosphaturia (0.9 ± 0.4 vs 0.6 ± 0.3 g/day) were higher as compared to NC patients (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Supplementation with oral calcium and cholecalciferol was similar between the groups. A higher rate of kidney stones was present in HC (14.8%) versus NC patients (3.7%) (p < 0.05). Hypercalciuria is a frequent complication in adequately treated adult TM patients. Hypercalciuria prevalence is increased in DFX users whereas haemoglobin level or calcium supplements play no role. A significant proportion of HC patients developed kidney stones.
Peripubertal requirement of Tsg101 in maintaining the integrity of membranous structures in mouse oocytes
Authors: Shin Hyejin , Park Dayoung , Kim Jiyeon , Nam Min‐Yeong , Kwon Sojung , Um Da‐Eun , Oh Ji‐Eun , Youn Esther , Shim Yhong‐Hee , Wagner Kay‐Uwe , Jun Jin Hyun , Kim Hye‐Ryun , Song Haengseok , Lim Hyunjung Jade
Published: June 2022

Objective

As a component of Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT) complex I, the tumor susceptibility gene 101 (Tsg101) carries out multiple functions. In this work, we report that oocyte‐specific deletion of tumor susceptibility gene 101 (Tsg101) leads to age‐dependent oocyte demise in mice.

Materials and Method

Tsg101 floxed mice (Tsg101f/f) were bred with Zp3cre transgenic mice to examine oocyte‐specific roles of Tsg101. Multiple cellular and molecular biological approaches were taken to examine what leads to oocyte demise in the absence of Tsg101.

Results

The death of oocytes from Zp3cre/Tsg101f/f (Tsg101d/d thereafter) mice showed a strong correlation with sexual maturation, as gonadotropin‐releasing hormone antagonist injections improved the survival rate of oocytes from 5‐week‐old Tsg101d/d mice. Maturation of oocytes from prepubertal Tsg101d/d mice proceeded normally, but was largely abnormal in oocytes from peripubertal Tsg101d/d mice, showing shrinkage or rupture. Endolysosomal structures in oocytes from peripubertal Tsg101d/d mice showed abnormalities, with aberrant patterns of early and late endosomal markers and a high accumulation of lysosomes. Dying oocytes showed plasma membrane blebs and leakage. Blockage of endocytosis in oocytes at 4°C prevented cytoplasmic shrinkage of oocytes from Tsg101d/d mice until 9 h. The depletion of tsg‐101 in Caenorhabditis elegans increased the permeability of oocytes and embryos, suggesting a conserved role of Tsg101 in maintaining membrane integrity.

Conclusions

Collectively, Tsg101 plays a dual role in maintaining the integrity of membranous structures, which is influenced by age in mouse oocytes.
Incidentally identified left ventricular apical aneurysm in a patient with Fabry disease
Authors: Yim Jeffrey , Gin Kenneth , Tsang Teresa S. M. , Luong Christina , Lehman Anna , Ong Kevin , Tsang Michael Y. C. , Jue John , Nair Parvathy , Nasmith Trudy , Yeung Darwin F.
Published: June 2022

Fabry disease is a rare X‐linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency in the lysosomal enzyme, galactosidase A, that can result in a progressive increase in the left ventricle (LV) wall thickness from glycosphingolipid deposition leading to myocardial fibrosis, conduction abnormalities, arrhythmias, and heart failure. We present a case of a patient with advanced Fabry cardiomyopathy, in whom a small LV apical aneurysm was incidentally discovered on abdominal imaging, which could have easily evaded detection on standard transthoracic echocardiography. The LV apex should be thoroughly interrogated in patients with Fabry cardiomyopathy, as the finding of LV aneurysm could have important management implications with respect to the prevention of stroke and sudden cardiac death.
Insights on selection of undergraduate dental students
Authors: Cunningham Claudia , Kiezebrink Kirsty
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The goal of selection to dental education was to find those with the greatest aptitude for dentistry. Recently, schools have introduced a variety of tools; however, these have often been adopted without appropriate evaluation regarding existing evidence for fairness, reliability or validity.

We explore dental admissions staff beliefs about the quality of different selection tools, with the objective of exploring their decision‐making in implementing selection practices.

Methods

This qualitative study is underpinned by a social constructionist epistemology, in which our principal concern is “explicating the processes by which people come to describe, explain or otherwise account for the world (including themselves) in which they live.” We conducted individual interviews with 15 of the 16 UK dental admission leads to elicit their views around admissions processes and aims. Data coding and analysis were initially inductive, using thematic analysis. After the themes emerged, we applied a deductive framework of affordances to group themes and then examined these for heuristics.

Results and Discussion

We identified three main themes; “Selection Tool Use,” “Widening Participation Practices,” and “Professionalising the Admission Lead Role.” Admission leads spoke favourably of tools that allowed a “holistic” view of the applicants “potential”. Selection tools were favoured if they enabled “Gut feeling”. Leads spoke of evaluating candidates, making sure they were “rounded”, and “know what dentistry is all about.” In justifying the use of elements of their procedure, the use of heuristics was prominent.

Conclusion

In order to minimise the potential consequences of poor selection decisions, it is important to acknowledge that dental admission leads are at risk of depending on sub‐optimal heuristics to make judgements about effective selection (shaped by previous practices) rather than using more rational decision‐making processes based on the extant evidence (regarding the quality of different selection tools). Future research may be usefully informed by the knowledge translation literature to offer solutions for improving selection practices in dental education.
Dreams as Deep Play: Toward a Cultural Understanding of Dreaming
Authors: Mageo Jeannette
Published: June 2022

This article develops a cultural theory of those dreams with rich imagery and developed plots that are likely to be dreamt in rapid‐eye‐movement sleep. Such dreams, it argues, are an instance of what the anthropologist Clifford Geertz calls “deep play.” For Geertz, deep play is play with “an image … a model, a metaphor” that makes visible fundamental cultural structures. Image metaphors for cultural models often appear in dreams. Deep play in dreams, I argue, subjects cultural models to destabilizing play in order to adapt them to the dreamer's experience and to confront threats to the dreamer's identity that models for being a person can pose. Dreamers destabilize models by ambiguating images that represent them in seven ways outlined in the article. Ambiguity stops the mind from settling on a single meaning. This inability triggers hyper‐associations that challenge and subvert a model's given meanings. Two dreams from an undergraduate who participated in a study of dreaming at a major Northwestern university illustrate these ideas.
Consumers' emotional responses evoked by fermented rice noodles containing crickets and/or mango peel: impact of product information and prior insect consumption
Authors: Maw Win Win , Sae‐Eaw Amporn , Wongthahan Peerapong , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon
Published: June 2022

Expected sensory liking and emotional profiles of three fermented rice noodles containing cricket (P‐cp), mango peel (P‐mp) and a combination of cricket and mango peel (P‐cp*mp) were virtually evaluated using an online survey (n = 727 consumers). Data were grouped by consumers as follows: consumers, who had consumed cricket, participating in the online survey before (C‐eb) or after (C‐ea) receiving product information; and consumers, who had never consumed cricket, participating in the online survey before (C‐nb) or after (C‐na) receiving product information. Expected overall sensory liking and emotional profiles were analysed using ANOVA and Correspondence Analysis, respectively. C‐ea rated all products with the highest expected sensory liking scores. P‐cp and P‐cp*mp evoked more negative emotions than did P‐mp. Consumers who did not receive information and/or those who never consumed crickets mainly expressed negative emotions. More specifically, C‐ea mostly exhibited positive emotions, whereas C‐na elicited more negative emotions for all products. This study concluded that consumers' expected sensory liking and emotional profiles of fermented rice noodles containing cricket (P‐cp) were influenced by additional product information and prior cricket consumption experience. This finding would be useful for introduction of products containing cricket.
Management of hydronephrosis after radical cystectomy and urinary diversion for bladder cancer: A single tertiary center experience
Authors: Tanaka Toshiaki , Shindo Tetsuya , Hashimoto Kohei , Kobayashi Ko , Masumori Naoya
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To clarify the incidence of postoperative hydronephrosis and verify the validity of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for hydronephrosis after cystectomy and urinary diversion for bladder cancer.

Methods

Totally, 290 patients receiving urinary diversion from 2005 through 2017 with complete data were enrolled, including 258 (89.0%) with an ileal conduit and 32 (11.0%) with an ileal neobladder. Postoperative radiographic images were reviewed. In patients with postoperative hydronephrosis, antegrade pyelography and ureteroscopy were performed to exclude malignant etiology. Balloon dilation and open surgical revision were performed according to the conditions.

Results

Forty‐six patients (58 renal units) developed postoperative hydronephrosis. The cumulative incidence was 11.4% by a median follow‐up of 59.5 months. Ureteral recurrence was detected by antegrade examinations in two patients, whereas malignant strictures were subsequently revealed in three patients. Thus, malignant etiology was found in hydronephrosis in five renal units (12.8%) of five patients (16.1%). The median times to diagnosis of hydronephrosis were 0 (interquartile range [IQR] 0–4) and 14 months (IQR 9–12) for benign and malignant strictures, respectively (p = 0.003). Of them, 31 patients (39 renal units) received interventions. Balloon dilation was performed in 13 renal units with benign strictures, and was successful in two (15.4%). Open surgical revision was performed in eight patients (11 renal units), including two with failed balloon dilation, all of which was successful.

Conclusions

Postoperative hydronephrosis is potentially associated with recurrent disease. Accurate differential diagnosis is challenging although antegrade procedures may be helpful in some cases. Open surgical revision is highly effective to treat benign strictures.
Comparative study of the efficacy of fractional Er: YAG 2940 nm laser and Q‐switched Nd: YAG 1064 nm laser in keratosis pilaris
Authors: Bayazit Samet , Aşkın Özge , Kutlubay Zekayi
Published: June 2022

Background

Keratosis pilaris is a common keratinization disorder of the extensor surfaces of the proximal extremities. Various treatment modalities reduce symptoms, but their efficacy is limited.

Aims

The aim of this study is to compare the efficiency of Q‐Switched Nd: YAG laser and fractional Er: YAG laser.

Material/Method

The lesions in both arms were randomly divided into areas A and B. Fractional Er: YAG 2940 nm laser performed to area A 1.5 J/cm2, spot size 7 mm, frequency 3 Hz and three passes and Q‐Switched Nd: YAG 1064 nm laser performed to Area B, 4–6 J/cm2 spot size 4 mm, 8 Hz frequency, and as a single pass. Both lasers were performed in 4 sessions at 3‐week intervals. The global improvement scale evaluated treatment responses in dyspigmentation and skin texture.

Results

Twenty patients completed the study, and the mean age of a total of 20 patients was 22.9. There was no significant difference in dyspigmentation and skin texture with global improvement scale between Area A and Area B, respectively (p = 0.078, p = 0.638). In addition, there was no significant difference between patient satisfaction levels after treatment in Area A and Area B (p = 0.868).

Conclusion

The efficiency of the fractional Er: YAG 2940 nm laser was found equal to the Q‐switched Nd: YAG 1064 nm laser. Fractional Er: YAG 2940 nm laser may be a new treatment option in the treatment of keratosis pilaris.
Surgical repair for deformities of the nail unit
Authors: Li Fang , Wang Xiao‐Qing , Liu Meng‐Xi , Wong Hoi‐Shiwn , Liu Zhen‐Ru , Zhou Yuan , Wang Da‐Guang
Published: June 2022

The nail apparatus is the largest and most complex skin appendage. Defects in this unit can result in significant functional insufficiency and cosmetic disfigurement. Common nail deformities include split nail, short nail, onycholysis, nail malalignment, hooked nail, and absent nail. Currently, surgical repair is the primary treatment for such deformities. Based on the etiological and anatomical classifications, one or more appropriate operations can be selected to repair nail unit deformities. These include autologous fat grafting, longitudinal cicatrectomy, Z‐plasties, nail bed elongation, split‐thickness sterile matrix grafting, volar V‐Y advanced flap reconstruction, sterile matrix particle grafting, germinal matrix flaps, and germinal matrix grafting. This review discusses the fundamental classification of nail unit deformities, common reconstructive surgical techniques, and their features.
Investigating Structure and Agency in Chinese Indonesians' Identity Work
Authors: Birnie‐Smith Jessica
Published: June 2022

Research shows that structure and agency are components of both micro and macro articulations of identity (Bucholtz and Hall, 2005). However, some scholars (e.g., Block 2013, 2015; Sealey and Carter 2004; Gao 2017) argue that structure and agency often receive unequal attention, with many studies focusing more on agency when examining identity work. This paper attempts to rectify this imbalance by adopting a chronotopic approach to examine quantitative variation in Chinese Indonesian college students' (non)‐use of the Chinese discourse particleato construct interactional positions. The resulting analysis highlights how speakers' interactional positions align with established macro structures of Chineseness and Indonesianness, and also present new local structures. Patterns in different speakers' invocation of structures in interaction correlates with their socialization histories, involving exposure to particular social categories and ideologies. Ultimately, this approach better represents structure and agency as mutually constituted factors in identity work.
Effect of three schemes of ovum pick‐up on the follicular dynamics, gene expression, and in‐vitro developmental competence of oocytes in Sahiwal cattle
Authors: Saleem Muhammad , Yousuf Muhammad Rizwan , Ghafoor Aamir , Riaz Amjad
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to compare the effect of three schemes of ovum pick‐up (OPU) on follicular dynamics, oocytes recovery, oocytes quality, gene expression, nuclear maturation and in‐vitro developmental competence of oocytes in Sahiwal cattle. Considering the follicle population, all the cows were divided equally in a 3 × 3 cross over design, and each cow received one of the three treatments: (a) twice weekly (TW; n = 6), (b) once weekly (OW; n = 6) and (c) bi‐weekly OPU (BW; n = 6) in three periods, with the first OPU conducted on 4, 7 and 14 days after second dominant follicle puncture (DFP) in the TW, OW and BW OPU interval groups, respectively. The collected cumulus oocytes complexes (COCs) were graded into A, B, C and D grades depending on the number of layers of cumulus cells and homogeneous nature of cytoplasm. Nuclear maturation was assessed by staining the oocytes with Hoechst 33342. The growth rate (mm/day) of dominant follicle (DF) (F1) (0.49 ± 0.21 vs. 0.71 ± 0.26 vs. 1.30 ± 0.27) and first subordinate follicle (F2) (0.85 ± 0.27 vs. 0.71 ± 0.25 vs. 1.06 ± 0.29) did not differ (p > .05) among all the three groups. The proportion of animals bearing a corpus luteum (CL) in the BW OPU interval group (53.3%) was significantly higher (p < .05) as compared to TW (13.3%) and OW (18.3%) OPU interval groups. The number of medium‐sized follicles and oocyte with grade A and B were significantly higher (p < .05) in the TW (1.16 ± 0.21 and 33.88 ± 0.03) OPU interval group as compared to the OW (0.88 ± 0.22 and 21.54 ± 0.03) and BW (0.55 ± 0.21 and 21.89 ± 0.02) OPU interval groups. However, the number of degenerated oocytes in BW (0.85 ± 0.16) OPU interval group was significantly higher (p < .05) as compared to the TW (0.16 ± 0.15) and OW (0.44 ± 0.16) OPU interval groups. Expression level of growth differentiation factor 9 in TW OPU interval group was significantly higher (p < .05) as compared to the OW and BW OPU interval groups. Likewise, expression level of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) in the TW and BW OPU interval groups was significantly higher (p < .05) as compared to the OW OPU interval group. The nuclear maturation rate was significantly higher in the TW (63.64 ± 0.07) and BW (59.26 ± 0.08) OPU groups as compared to OW (51.43 ± 0.06) OPU interval group. However, the cleavage rate (59.30 ± 0.06 vs. 44.29 ± 0.06 vs. 56.67 ± 0.06) did not differ (p > .05) among the three groups. Whereas, the blastocyst rate tended to be higher (p = .06) in the TW (29.07 ± 0.05) and BW (28.33 ± 0.04) OPU interval groups as compared to OW (18.57 ± 0.05) OPU interval group. Taken together, it can be concluded that TW OPU interval scheme enhances the medium‐sized follicles resulting in good quality oocytes, regulates the oocyte‐derived paracrine factors, leading to higher nuclear maturation rates and improved embryonic development in‐vitro.
‘Nearly gave up on it to be honest’: Utilisation of individualised budgets by people with psychosocial disability within Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme
Authors: Devine Alexandra , Dickinson Helen , Rangi Mediya , Huska Marie , Disney George , Yang Yi , Barney Jody , Kavanagh Anne , Bonyhady Bruce , Deane Kirsten , McAllister Ashley
Published: June 2022

Utilisation of budgets provides important insights into the effectiveness of individualised funding schemes. Significant under‐utilisation by certain cohorts may indicate schemes are not working as intended. People with psychosocial disability have been identified as one such cohort experiencing barriers to effective budget utilisation within Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme. Our mixed‐methods research confirms that while this cohort receive sufficient budgets, their spending is lower in comparison to other participants. Addressing under‐utilisation drivers arising from complex interactions between individual, systems, and contextual‐level factors, requires intervention within individualised funding schemes and the broader policy environment.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐B allele, HLA‐B*39:01:32
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Chen , Zhang Wei , He Ji , Zhu Faming
Published: June 2022

HLA‐B*39:01:32 differs from HLA‐B*39:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at 1050 C>T in exon 7.
A Place Within a Place: Location Choice by Intentional Communities
Authors: Zacharya Heli , Meir Avinoam , Alfasi Nurit
Published: June 2022

The classic geographical question of choosing a location has received little attention in studies on urban intentional communities (ICs), despite ICs being, as we suggest, geographical entities. As a group of people organised under shared norms and goals, who reside together in a particular geographical space and are involved in frequent, intensive relationships, an IC requires a location (city or neighbourhood) that is commensurate with its goals. We look upon it as a multi‐stage process of selecting a location that also involves the ex post‐facto evaluation of ICs' sense of place and place‐making needed for the chosen location to be successful. Three Israeli ICs are analysed through interviews with insights drawn regarding this process. We propose using these insights as a foundation towards a broader global discussion on locational choice by ICs.
Survey of ocular abnormalities in draft horses
Authors: Sheridan Colleen K. , Myrna Kathern E. , Nunnery Catherine M. , Czerwinski Sarah L.
Published: June 2022

Objective

To determine the prevalence of ocular disease in draft horses in the United States.

Animals

Draft horses of various breeds and ages.

Procedure

Nondilated ophthalmic examination was performed using slit lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Intraocular pressures were measured when possible.

Results

One hundred sixty‐five draft horses were examined. Age range: 10 days to 33 years (mean 10.8 years, median 10 years); 87 geldings (52.7%), 71 mares (43.0%), 7 stallions (4.2%); 64 Percherons (38.8%), 51 Belgians (30.9%), 29 Clydesdales (17.6%), 15 Shires (9%), and 6 other draft breed (3.6%). Intraocular pressure: mean 24.7 mmHg OD, range 13‐37 mmHg; mean 25.0 mmHg OS, range 11‐37 mmHg. Vision‐threatening disease was present in 9 horses (5.5%): complete cataracts 1, post‐traumatic optic nerve atrophy 1, uveitis and secondary glaucoma 1, retinal detachment 1, large chorioretinal scar 3, phthisis bulbi 2. Non‐vision‐threatening ocular disease was present in 56 horses (33.9%) involving one or more ocular structures: eyelid trauma/notch defect 14 (8.5%), SCC‐type adnexal lesions 12 (7.3%), corneal scars 16 (9.7%), keratitis 6 (3.6%), corpora nigra cyst 15 (9.1%), incipient/punctate cataract 50 (30.3%), vitreous degeneration 10 (6.1%), asteroid hyalosis 1, “bullethole” chorioretinal scars 3, RPE coloboma 1. Linear keratopathy was present in 28 horses (17%) with 2/28 having concurrent vision threatening ocular disease.

Conclusions

Ocular abnormalities, in particular minor cataracts, were relatively common in this population, but not typically vision‐threatening. Additionally, this survey demonstrated a greater prevalence of linear keratopathy in draft horses compared with reports in other breeds; however, it does not appear to be associated with concurrent ocular disease.
A Preform Design Approach for Uniform Strain Distribution in Forging Processes Based on Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Lee Seungro , Kim Kyungmin , Kim Naksoo
Published: June 2022

This study provides a preform design approach for uniform strain distribution in forging products based on a convolutional neural network (CNN). The appropriate preform design prevents underfill problems by improving the material flow inside forging dies and achieving a uniform strain distribution in forging products. The forging deformation process and mechanical properties are improved with a uniform strain distribution. The forging and strain distribution results are analyzed through rigid–plastic finite element forging simulations with different initial geometries. The simulation data are fed into the CNN model as an input array, from which the geometric characteristics are extracted by convolution operations with filters (weight array). The extracted features are linked to the considered initial shapes, which are input into the CNN model as an output array. The presented model derives the preform shape for a target forging with uniform strain distributions using the training weights. According to the training database, the proposed design method can be applied to different forging geometries without any iterations. By creating a number of low-level CNN (LC) models based on the training data, the efficiency of the preform design can be improved. The best preform among the derived preform candidates is chosen by comparing the forging results. Compared with previous studies using the same design criteria, the proposed model predicted the preform with a strain distribution improved by 16.3–38.4%.
Numerical Study of Heat Transfer During Oblique Impact of a Cold Drop on a Heated Liquid Film
Authors: Singh Swati , Saha Arun K.
Published: June 2022

A three-dimensional study of a cold droplet impacting obliquely on a heated solid flat surface covered with a hot liquid layer has been performed. The drop Weber number, liquid film thickness, and drop impact angle are set to a range from 100 to 800, 0.1 to 0.4, and 0 deg to 60 deg, respectively. The interface evolution and thermal behavior of the drop impingement is well captured using coupled level set and volume of the fluid method (CLSVOF). The code is validated against previously published results both qualitatively and quantitatively. The results show that in the case of oblique drop impact, the crown dynamics and wall heat flux distribution exhibit an asymmetric pattern, with secondary droplets generated solely on the downstream side, as opposed to normal drop impact in which the secondary drops generated around the circumference of the crown. Based on heat flux values, two distinct region within the liquid film exist: (i) impact region around the impact point and (ii) undisturbed region far from the impact region characterized by the impact dynamics. A parametric analysis further reveals that for a moderate Weber number, asymmetric behavior increases as the drop impact angle increases, resulting in a reduction in heat transfer from the solid surface. However, for a drop impacting at an angle of 28 deg, increased asymmetry due to a increase in the Weber number results in significant cooling of the impact region. Furthermore, it is also found that a thinner liquid film promotes higher heat transfer from the solid surface, resulting in a higher wall heat flux.