bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does social capital buffer or exacerbate mental health inequality? Evidence from the China Family Panel Study (CFPS)
Authors: Cao Dan , Zhou Zhongliang , Liu Guanping , Shen Chi , Ren Yangling , Zhao Dantong , Zhao Yaxin , Deng Qiwei , Zhai Xiaohui
Published: May 2022

Background

Health inequality, including physical and mental health inequality, is an important issue. What role social capital plays in mental health inequality is still ambiguous, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between social capital and mental health inequality in China.

Method

Both family-level and community-/village-level social capitals are included in our analysis. Data is mainly extracted from the China Family Panel Studies in 2018, and lagged term of social capital in CFPS 2016 was used to link with other variables in 2018. Depressive symptoms and subjective well-being are set as indicators of mental health. A series of OLS regression models were conducted to estimate the effects of social capital on mental health and mental health inequality.

Results

Higher levels of social capital and income are related to a lower level of depressive symptoms and a higher level of subjective well-being. The positive coefficient of interaction term of family-level social capital and income level in the urban area indicates that the inhibiting effect of social capital on depressive symptoms is pro-poor. The negative coefficient of interaction term of village-level social capital and income level in the rural area suggests that the promoting effect of social capital on subjective well-being is pro-poor, too.

Conclusion

The results show that severe mental health inequality exists in China; family-level social capital can buffer depressive symptom inequality, and village-level social capital can buffer SWB inequality. Although the amount of social capital of the poor is less than the rich, the poor can better use social capital to improve their mental health. Our study advocates enhancing social participation and communication for the poor to reduce mental health inequality.
Efficacy of thoracotomy and thoracoscopic-assisted esophageal surgery in conversion and salvage surgeries: a retrospective study
Authors: Hoshino Isamu , Gunji Hisashi , Kuwayama Naoki , Kurosaki Takeshi , Tonooka Toru , Soda Hiroaki , Takiguchi Nobuhiro , Nabeya Yoshihiro , Takayama Wataru
Published: May 2022

Background

The esophagus has no serosa; therefore, esophageal cancer may quickly invade its adjacent organs. In recent years, reports of conversion surgery (CS) and salvage surgery (SS) have described resection of esophageal cancer previously considered unresectable, with the addition of intensive preoperative chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Currently, there is no established method for determining whether tumor excision is possible. Additionally, differences in surgical approaches between facilities may influence outcome after resection. However, the option for resection is considered a significant factor in determining a patient’s prognosis.

Methods

Patients who were diagnosed with advanced-stage (T3 or higher) squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus and subsequently underwent resection with CS or SS were included in the study. Resection was performed through a small thoracotomy using a thoracoscope. Clinicopathologic factors, such as complete resection rate (R0) and prognosis, were investigated.

Results

A total of 49 surgeries were conducted: 39 CS and 10 SS cases. The male-to-female ratio was 37:12. R0:R1:R2 equals 42:3:4, and the R0 resection rate was 85.7%. The 5-year survival rates for CS and SS cases were 69.2% and 32.1%, respectively. The 5-year survival rates for R0, R1, and R2 resections were 63.4%, 0.0%, and 25.0%, and those for R0 and R1 + 2 resections were 63.4% and 14.3%, respectively, indicating that the prognosis for R0 resection cases was significantly better (P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). Regarding chemotherapy for CS, 29 patients received 5-FU and cisplatin therapy, whereas 10 patients received 5-FU, cisplatin, and docetaxel (DCF) therapy. After 2015, the ratio of DCF was significantly high, and the R0 resection rate was 100% in patients who received DCF therapy.

Conclusions

In this study, a satisfactory R0 rate was achieved using the magnifying effect of the thoracoscope while ensuring safety during thoracotomy.

Trial registration

This was a single-center cohort study wherein clinical data were retrospectively registered. This study was approved by the Chiba Cancer Center review board (H29-262). All procedures adhered to the ethical standards of the responsible committee on human experimentation and the Helsinki Declaration of 1964 and its later amendments.
Advances in clinical applications of kisspeptin-GnRH pathway in female reproduction
Authors: Hu Kai-Lun , Chen Zimiao , Li Xiaoxue , Cai Enci , Yang Haiyan , Chen Yi , Wang Congying , Ju Liping , Deng Wenhai , Mu Liangshan
Published: May 2022

Background

Kisspeptin is the leading upstream regulator of pulsatile and surge Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone secretion (GnRH) in the hypothalamus, which acts as the key governor of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis.

Main text

Exogenous kisspeptin or its receptor agonist can stimulate GnRH release and subsequent physiological gonadotropin secretion in humans. Based on the role of kisspeptin in the hypothalamus, a broad application of kisspeptin and its receptor agonist has been recently uncovered in humans, including central control of ovulation, oocyte maturation (particularly in women at a high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome), test for GnRH neuronal function, and gatekeepers of puberty onset. In addition, the kisspeptin analogs, such as TAK-448, showed promising agonistic activity in healthy women as well as in women with hypothalamic amenorrhoea or polycystic ovary syndrome.

Conclusion

More clinical trials should focus on the therapeutic effect of kisspeptin, its receptor agonist and antagonist in women with reproductive disorders, such as hypothalamic amenorrhoea, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis.
White matter changes should not exclude patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus from shunt surgery
Authors: Snöbohm Carl , Malmberg Filip , Freyhult Eva , Kultima Kim , Fällmar David , Virhammar Johan
Published: May 2022

Introduction

White matter changes (WMC) on brain imaging can be classified as deep white matter hyperintensities (DWMH) or periventricular hyperintensities (PVH) and are frequently seen in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). Contradictory results have been reported on whether preoperative WMC are associated with outcome after shunt surgery in iNPH patients. The aim of this study was to investigate any association between DWMH and PVH and shunt outcome in patients with iNPH, using magnetic resonance volumetry.

Methods

A total of 253 iNPH patients operated with shunt surgery and clinically assessed before and 12 months after surgery were included. All patients were investigated preoperatively with magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. The volumes of DWMH and PVH were quantified on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images using an in-house semi-automatic volumetric segmentation software (SmartPaint). Shunt outcome was defined as the difference in symptom score between post- and preoperative investigations, measured on the iNPH scale, and shunt response was defined as improvement with ≥ 5 points.

Results

One year after shunt surgery, 51% of the patients were improved on the iNPH scale. When defining improvement as ≥ 5 points on the iNPH scale, there was no significant difference in preoperative volume of WMC between shunt responders and non-responders. If outcome was determined by a continuous variable, a larger volume of PVH was negatively associated with postoperative change in the total iNPH scale (p < 0.05) and negatively associated with improvement in gait (p < 0.01) after adjusting for age, sex, waiting time for surgery, preoperative level of symptoms, Evans’ index, and disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid space hydrocephalus. The volume of DWMH was not associated with shunt outcome.

Conclusions

An association between outcome after shunt surgery and volume of PVH was seen, but there was no difference between shunt responders and non-responders in the volumes of DWMH and PVH. We conclude that preoperative assessment of WMC should not be used to exclude patients with iNPH from shunt surgery.
Single center first year experience and outcomes with Impella 5.5 left ventricular assist device
Authors: Rock Joanna R. , Kos Cynthia A. , Lemaire Anthony , Ikegami Hirohisa , Russo Mark J. , Moin Danyaal , Dulnuan Kenneth , Iyer Deepa
Published: May 2022

Background

The Impella 5.5® was approved by the FDA for use for mechanical circulatory support up to 14 days in late 2019 at limited centers in the United States. Our single center’s experience with Impella 5.5® can expand the overall understanding for achieving successful patient outcomes as well as provide support for the expansion of its FDA-approved use.

Methods

This study is an IRB-approved single-center retrospective cohort analysis of hospitalized adult patient characteristics and outcomes in cases where the Impella 5.5® was utilized for mechanical circulatory support.

Results

A total of 26 implanted Impella 5.5® devices were identified in 24 hospitalized patients at our institution from January 2020 to January 2021. The overall survival rate during index hospitalization was 75%. Eleven Impella 5.5® devices were identified in 10 patients with an average device implantation greater than 14 days. Average device implantation for this subgroup was 27 days with a range of 15–80 days. Survival rate for Impella 5.5® use greater than 14 days was 67%. In the entire cohort and subgroup of device implantation > 14 days, evidence of end organ damage improved with Impella 5.5® use. Complications in our cohort and subgroup of device implantation > 14 days were similar to previously reported complication incidence of axillary inserted LVAD devices.

Conclusions

Our institution’s experience with the Impella 5.5® has been strongly positive with favorable outcomes and helps to establish the Impella 5.5® as a viable option for mechanical circulatory support beyond 14 days.
Long-term ketamine infusion-induced cholestatic liver injury in COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Wendel-Garcia Pedro David , Erlebach Rolf , Hofmaenner Daniel Andrea , Camen Giovanni , Schuepbach Reto Andreas , Jüngst Christoph , Müllhaupt Beat , Bartussek Jan , Buehler Philipp Karl , Andermatt Rea , David Sascha
Published: May 2022

Background

A higher-than-usual resistance to standard sedation regimens in COVID-19 patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has led to the frequent use of the second-line anaesthetic agent ketamine. Simultaneously, an increased incidence of cholangiopathies in mechanically ventilated patients receiving prolonged infusion of high-dose ketamine has been noted. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate a potential dose–response relationship between ketamine and bilirubin levels.

Methods

Post hoc analysis of a prospective observational cohort of patients suffering from COVID-19-associated ARDS between March 2020 and August 2021. A time-varying, multivariable adjusted, cumulative weighted exposure mixed-effects model was employed to analyse the exposure–effect relationship between ketamine infusion and total bilirubin levels.

Results

Two-hundred forty-three critically ill patients were included into the analysis. Ketamine was infused to 170 (70%) patients at a rate of 1.4 [0.9–2.0] mg/kg/h for 9 [4–18] days. The mixed-effects model revealed a positively correlated infusion duration–effect as well as dose–effect relationship between ketamine infusion and rising bilirubin levels (p < 0.0001). In comparison, long-term infusion of propofol and sufentanil, even at high doses, was not associated with increasing bilirubin levels (p = 0.421, p = 0.258). Patients having received ketamine infusion had a multivariable adjusted competing risk hazard of developing a cholestatic liver injury during their ICU stay of 3.2 [95% confidence interval, 1.3–7.8] (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

A causally plausible, dose–effect relationship between long-term infusion of ketamine and rising total bilirubin levels, as well as an augmented, ketamine-associated, hazard of cholestatic liver injury in critically ill COVID-19 patients could be shown. High-dose ketamine should be refrained from whenever possible for the long-term analgosedation of mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients.
Cost-effectiveness of a smartphone Application for Tinnitus Treatment (the CATT trial): a study protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Demoen Sara , Jacquemin Laure , Timmermans Annick , Van Rompaey Vincent , Vanderveken Olivier , Vermeersch Hanne , Joossen Iris , Van Eetvelde Julie , Schlee Winfried , Marneffe Wim , Luyten Janis , Gilles Annick , Michiels Sarah
Published: May 2022

Background

Tinnitus is a highly prevalent symptom, affecting 10–15% of the adult population. Tinnitus influenced by alterations in somatosensory afference from the neck or jaw is referred to as somatic tinnitus (ST). ST is known to respond positively to physiotherapy treatment; however, it is challenging to motivate patients to systematically perform home exercises correctly, and the necessary tinnitus counselling is often lacking.

The aim of this study is twofold, namely to investigate both the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a blended physiotherapy program for ST, including a smartphone application designed to increase exercise therapy compliance and provide tinnitus counselling.

Methods

This study is designed as a single-blind two-arm 1:1 randomised controlled trial (RCT). Adult patients diagnosed with ST, without psychiatric comorbidities and with experience in using a smartphone, will be recruited at the Ear Nose Throat (ENT) department of the Antwerp University Hospital (UZA). Patients will be randomised into two groups. The experimental group will receive the blended physiotherapy program comprising six in-clinic physiotherapy sessions over a period of 12 weeks (1x/2 weeks) and an exercise and counselling program provided by the smartphone application. The control group will receive the standard care program comprising twelve weekly in-clinic physiotherapy sessions. Each physiotherapy session has a duration of 30 min. The primary outcome measure is the change in Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) score. Additionally, a cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed from a societal perspective considering both direct and indirect costs. There will be follow-up assessments at one and 3 months after the final treatment session.

Discussion

Our study is the first to combine both tinnitus counselling and neck/jaw treatment provided by a digital application in a blended physiotherapy program. This, in order to empower ST patients to improve and better manage their own health and, possibly, reduce economic costs by alleviating the tinnitus burden that ST patients experience. The strengths of the planned RCT are the high-quality methodological design, the large sample size and the expertise of the involved multidisciplinary research team.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05245318. Registered on 26 January 2022.
Medium optimization to analyze the protein composition of Bacillus pumilus HR10 antagonizing Sphaeropsis sapinea
Authors: Dai Yun , Wang Ya-Hui , Li Min , Zhu Mei-Ling , Wen Tong-Yue , Wu Xiao-Qin
Published: May 2022

A previous study found that a biocontrol bacterium, Bacillus pumilus HR10, inhibited the Sphaeropsis shoot blight disease of pine, and the fermentation broth of HR10 strain contained protein antifungal substances. The optimal formulation of the fermentation medium for the antagonistic substance of B. pumilus HR10 was finally obtained by single-factor test, Packett-Burman test, steepest ascent test and Box-Behnken Design (BBD) response surface test, and the best formulation of the fermentation medium for the antagonistic substance of B. pumilus HR10 was 12 g/L corn meal, 15 g/L beef extract and 13 g/L magnesium sulfate, with a predicted bacterial inhibition rate of 89%. The fermentation filtrate of B. pumilus HR10 cultured with the optimized medium formulation was verified to have an inhibition rate of (87.04 ± 3.2) % on the growth of Sphaeropsis sapinea by three replicate tests. The antagonistic crude protein of B. pumilus HR10 were further isolated and identified using HiTrap Capto Q strong Ion-Exchange Chromatography and LC–MS-MS, and it was speculated that glycoside hydrolase (Ghy), beta-glucanase (Beta), arabinogalactan endonuclease β-1,4-galactanase (Arab), and immunosuppressant A (ImA) are proteins with antagonistic activity against S. sapinea in the B. pumilus HR10.
Promising antimicrobials from Phoma spp.: progress and prospects
Authors: Rai Mahendra , Zimowska Beata , Gade Aniket , Ingle Pramod
Published: May 2022

The increasing multidrug-resistance in pathogenic microbes and the emergence of new microbial pathogens like coronaviruses have necessitated the discovery of new antimicrobials to treat these pathogens. The use of antibiotics began after the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming from Penicillium chrysogenum. This has attracted the scientific community to delve deep into the antimicrobial capabilities of various fungi in general and Phoma spp. in particular. Phoma spp. such as Phoma arachidicola, P. sorghina, P. exigua var. exigua, P. herbarum, P. multirostrata, P. betae, P. fimeti, P. tropica, among others are known to produce different bioactive metabolites including polyketides, macrosporin, terpenes and terpenoids, thiodiketopiperazines, cytochalasin derivatives, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids. These bioactive metabolites have already demonstrated their antimicrobial potential (antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral) against various pathogens. In the present review, we have discussed the antimicrobial potential of secondary metabolites produced by different Phoma species. We have also deliberated the biogenic synthesis of eco-friendly antimicrobial silver nanoparticles from Phoma and their role as potential antimicrobial agents.
Recent highlights in the immunomodulatory aspects of Treg cell-derived extracellular vesicles: special emphasis on autoimmune diseases and transplantation
Authors: Asemani Yahya , Najafi Sajad , Ezzatifar Fatemeh , Zolbanin Naime Majidi , Jafari Reza
Published: May 2022

In order to maintain immunological tolerance to self and non-self antigens, one’s T regulatory (Treg) cells play a critical role in the regulation of detrimental inflammation. Treg cells inhibit the immune system in a variety of ways, some of which are contact-dependent and the others are soluble factors. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are mainly secretory membrane structures that play a pivotal role in intercellular communication in both the local and systemic environments, enabling the transport of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids between immune and non-immune cells. A number of studies have shown that Treg-derived EVs are specially formulated intercellular exchanging devices capable of regulating immunological responses by producing a cell-free tolerogenic milieu. Some of the processes suggested include miRNA-induced gene shutdown and upmodulation, surface protein activity, and enzyme transfer. Instead of being influenced by external circumstances like Tregs, exosomes’ cohesive structure allows them to transmit their charge intact across the blood–brain barrier and deliver it to the target cell with particular receptors. These properties have resulted in the use of Treg-derived EVs' immunomodulatory effects moving beyond laboratory research and into preclinical applications in animal models of a variety of inflammatory, autoimmune, and transplant rejection disorders. However, insufficient evidence has been produced to permit enrollment in human clinical studies. As such, we begin our research by introducing the most potent immunosuppressive elements discovered in Treg-derived EVs elucidating likely mechanisms of action in inhibiting immunological responses. Following that, we address recent research on the potential of suppressive EVs to regulate autoimmune inflammatory responses and improve tissue transplant survival.
Does the cytokine adsorber CytoSorb® reduce vancomycin exposure in critically ill patients with sepsis or septic shock? a prospective observational study
Authors: Scharf Christina , Weinelt Ferdinand , Schroeder Ines , Paal Michael , Weigand Michael , Zoller Michael , Irlbeck Michael , Kloft Charlotte , Briegel Josef , Liebchen Uwe
Published: May 2022

Background

Hemadsorption of cytokines is used in critically ill patients with sepsis or septic shock. Concerns have been raised that the cytokine adsorber CytoSorb® unintentionally adsorbs vancomycin. This study aimed to quantify vancomycin elimination by CytoSorb®.

Methods

Critically ill patients with sepsis or septic shock receiving continuous renal replacement therapy and CytoSorb® treatment during a prospective observational study were included in the analysis. Vancomycin pharmacokinetics was characterized using population pharmacokinetic modeling. Adsorption of vancomycin by the CytoSorb® was investigated as linear or saturable process. The final model was used to derive dosing recommendations based on stochastic simulations.

Results

20 CytoSorb® treatments in 7 patients (160 serum samples/24 during CytoSorb®-treatment, all continuous infusion) were included in the study. A classical one-compartment model, including effluent flow rate of the continuous hemodialysis as linear covariate on clearance, best described the measured concentrations (without CytoSorb®). Significant adsorption with a linear decrease during CytoSorb® treatment was identified (p < 0.0001) and revealed a maximum increase in vancomycin clearance of 291% (initially after CytoSorb® installation) and a maximum adsorption capacity of 572 mg. For a representative patient of our cohort a reduction of the area under the curve (AUC) by 93 mg/L*24 h during CytoSorb® treatment was observed. The additional administration of 500 mg vancomycin over 2 h during CytoSorb® attenuated the effect and revealed a negligible reduction of the AUC by 4 mg/L*24 h.

Conclusion

We recommend the infusion of 500 mg vancomycin over 2 h during CytoSorb® treatment to avoid subtherapeutic concentrations.

Trial registration NCT03985605. Registered 14 June 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03985605
Assessing volcanic hazard and exposure to lava flows at remote volcanic fields: a case study from the Bolaven Volcanic Field, Laos
Authors: Verolino Andrea , Jenkins Susanna F. , Sieh Kerry , Herrin Jason S. , Schonwalder-Angel Dayana , Sihavong Vanpheng , Oh Jee Hon
Published: May 2022

Southeast Asia is home to a large number of active and well-studied volcanoes, the majority of which are located in Indonesia and the Philippines. Northern Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam) also hosts volcanoes that for several reasons (post-World War II conflicts, poor accessibility due to dense vegetation, no known historical activity) have been poorly studied. Systematic assessments of the threat these volcanoes pose to resident populations do not exist, despite evidence of numerous eruptions through the late Pleistocene and likely even during the Holocene. A recent study inferred the location of the Australasian meteorite impact to be beneath the Bolaven Volcanic Field in southern Laos; this study provided a wealth of data for the field: in particular, mapping of vents and flows, and their relative or absolute ages. The Bolaven Volcanic Field (16 Ma—< 40 ka) has a surface area of about 5000 km2, contains nearly 100 scoria cones and more than 100 individual lava flows. Some lava flow systems are as long as 50 km, with thickness ranging from a few meters at the flow edges, up to > 50 m in some locations. Building upon this foundation, we used the Bolaven Volcanic Field as a case study for assessing the potential exposure of populations and infrastructure to lava flows during future effusive eruptions. Our study uses remote sensing to map past flows and vents (i.e. scoria cones), lava-flow simulations from new simulated vents, and open-access exposure data, to assess hazards and exposure. Our results show that future vents are most likely to occur in a N-S band atop the Bolaven plateau, with some flows channelling into canyons and spilling down the plateau flanks onto lower plains that support more populated areas such as the provincial centre, Pakse. Our exposure assessment suggests that around 300,000 people could experience socio-economic impacts from future lava flow inundations. The largest impacts would be on two of the main economic sectors in the region, agriculture and hydropower. The potential also exists for life-threatening explosions from interactions between magma and surface waters, which are abundant in the region. We estimate an average recurrence interval of approximately 10,400 years, based on information from lava flows and scoria cones.
Analytical offloading design for mobile edge computing-based smart internet of vehicle
Authors: Lu Jinrong , Chen Lunyuan , Xia Junjuan , Zhu Fusheng , Tang Maobin , Fan Chengyuan , Ou Jiangtao
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we investigate how to analytically design an analytical offloading strategy for a multiuser mobile edge computing (MEC)-based smart internet of vehicle (IoV), where there are multiple computational access points (CAPs) which can help compute tasks from the vehicular users. As it is difficult to derive an analytical offloading ratio for a general MEC-based IoV network, we turn to provide an analytical offloading scheme for some special MEC networks including one-to-one, one-to-two and two-to-one cases. For each case, we study the system performance by using the linear combination of latency and energy consumption, and derive the analytical offloading ratio through minimizing the system cost. Simulation results are finally presented to verify the proposed studies. In particular, the proposed analytical offloading scheme can achieve the optimal performance of the brute force (BF) scheme. The analytical results in this paper can serve as an important reference for the analytical offloading design for a general MEC-based IoV.
Optimal time-decay rates of the Keller–Segel system coupled to compressible Navier–Stokes equation in three dimensions
Authors: Guo Yuting , Sun Rui , Wang Weiwei
Published: May 2022

Recently, Hattori–Lagha established the global existence and asymptotic behavior of the solutions for a three-dimensional compressible chemotaxis system with chemoattractant and repellent (Hattori and Lagha in Discrete Contin. Dyn. Syst. 41(11):5141–5164, 2021). Motivated by Hattori–Lagha’s work, we further investigated the optimal time-decay rates of strong solutions with small perturbation to the three-dimensional Keller–Segel system coupled to the compressible Navier–Stokes equations, which models for the motion of swimming bacteria in a compressible viscous fluid. First, we reformulate the system into a perturbation form. Then we establish a prior estimates of solutions and prove the existence of the global-in-time solutions based on the local existence of unique solutions. Finally, we will establish the optimal time-decay rates of the nonhomogeneous system by the decomposition technique of both low and high frequencies of solutions as in (Wang and Wen in Sci. China Math., 2020, 10.1007/s11425-020-1779-7). Moreover, the decay rate is optimal since it agrees with the solutions of the linearized system.
Modern estates and the production of Lisbon’s suburbs: from the planned to the lived neighbourhood
Authors: Pereira Sandra Marques , Corte-Real Madalena
Published: May 2022

Alto da Barra and Portela are two modern estates designed by the same architect and located on two sides of the periphery of Lisbon: the west side, Costa do Sol, where the river meets the Atlantic and the east, with no label, which is upstream. The estates were planned and built in the same period (1960s to 1970s), the height of Lisbon’s urban development. This article presents a comparative analysis of these estates: their plans, implementation, social appropriation and resilience, by exploring the sociological profile and place-attachment perceptions of their inhabitants. The analysis also contextualises the development of the estates within the consolidation of these two quite different Lisbon peripheries: the west side traditionally highly valued in relation to the east. An intensive methodology was developed—case studies of the two estates—combining quantitative (survey, inter-census analysis) and qualitative (interviews and documentary analysis) methods. In addition to the differences between the two estates, which were largely due to their specificities in terms of geographic location and status, both reveal significant feelings of place-attachment and a rejection of the suburbia label.
The use of infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics to investigate deterioration in vegetable tanned leather: potential applications in heritage science
Authors: Dickinson Elizabeth , High Kirsty E.
Published: May 2022

Vegetable tanned leather presents a unique challenge to conservators and curators of heritage collections, as little is known about how its physical and chemical properties change upon deterioration. Developing a better understanding of deterioration processes would be incredibly valuable in informing the conservation, storage, and restoration of leather objects. Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) used with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) is increasingly applied in the heritage sector due to its relative ease of application and potential to be non-destructive. However, whilst FTIR has been applied successfully to the understanding of deterioration in other protein-based materials such as parchment, its application to the analysis of leather has been limited, largely due to the highly complex spectra obtained. Here, we have developed multivariate statistical methods for the analysis of FTIR data obtained from a time-series of leather samples artificially degraded at different pH values. Principal component analysis (PCA), Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) and k-means clustering, when used together, are demonstrated as powerful tools in identifying early subtle differences in the FTIR spectra as leather degrades, identifying differences occurring over time and between different environmental conditions. We show that k-means clustering of time series data was able to highlight some areas of the spectrum that might be indicative of degradation, which more common chemometric techniques could not. The methods we describe here have the potential to widen the application of FTIR as a fast, non-destructive and reliable tool for assessing the condition of archaeological and historical leather objects, ultimately leading to better informed conservation, storage and restoration of these objects.
Back to race, not beyond race: multiraciality and racial identity in the United States and Brazil
Authors: Mitchell Jasmine
Published: May 2022

In contrast to discourses of multiraciality as leading to a future beyond race, this commentary looks at how multiracial discourses and symbols underline race. Taking an overview of multiracial discourses and identities in relation to Blackness in the United States and Brazil, this commentary examines the deployment of multiraciality to maintain white supremacy. Under global capitalism, United States multicultural discourses, and Latin American foundational narratives, multiracial peoples are often propped up as a solution to racism, the eradication of race, or reduced to racial binaries centering whiteness. The section ends with considerations of how fears of racial passing and fraud coincide with multiracial identities. Questions for further consideration on the nexus of political identities and racial identities are proposed in relation to multiraciality.
A SNP in the 5’ flanking region of the SAA1 gene is associated with serum levels of serum amyloid A and cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Ahlin Sofie , Löfgren Maja , Taube Magdalena , Andersson-Assarsson Johanna C. , Peltonen Markku , Svensson Per-Arne , Jacobson Peter , Carlsson Lena MS , Sjöholm Kajsa
Published: May 2022

Background

Elevated serum levels of serum amyloid A (SAA) are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In this study, we examine associations between allelic variation in the rs11024595 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 5’ flanking region of the SAA1 gene and adipose tissue gene expression, serum levels of SAA and cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods

DNA samples from 729 participants in the SibPair study, comprising weight discordant siblings and their biological parents, and 3542 participants (1783 patients treated with bariatric surgery and 1759 controls) from the Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study were used. The rs11024595 SNP was genotyped in both cohorts using Pyrosequencing or the Sequenom MassARRAY platform, respectively. Blood chemistry and anthropometry were assessed at study start. Adipose tissue SAA1 gene expression and serum levels of SAA in the SibPair study were analyzed with DNA microarray or immunoassay, respectively.

Results

In the SibPair study, the rs11024595 SNP was associated with serum levels of SAA (P = 0.0050) where T allele carriers displayed lower levels of SAA (P = 0.0025) but no association between genotype and adipose tissue SAA1 gene expression was found. In the SOS study, the rs11024595 SNP was associated with serum levels of HDL cholesterol (P = 0.0045), triglycerides (P = 0.025) and apolipoprotein E (P = 0.026). Moreover, T allele carriers had lower levels of HDL cholesterol (P = 0.0148), but higher levels of triglycerides (P = 0.0418) and apolipoprotein E (P = 0.028) compared to C allele homozygotes. The rs11024595 SNP was also associated with plasma glucose (P = 0.044).

Conclusions

The rs11024595 SNP in the 5’ flanking region of the SAA1 gene is associated with both serum levels of SAA and other cardiovascular risk factors. Future studies are required to elucidate whether the rs11024595 SNP can affect the risk of cardiovascular events.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01479452 Registered 24 November 2011 - retrospectively registered.
Prevalence of school bullying and its relationship with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ahmed Gellan K. , Metwaly Nabil A. , Elbeh Khaled , Galal Marwa Salah , Shaaban Islam
Published: May 2022

Background

School bullying is the most widespread form of violence among adolescents. It has been identified as a critical problem for students and has evolved into a public health issue and global crisis. The study aims to assess the prevalence of school bullying among primary school students and its relationship with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorders. Among the 280 primary school students those aged 10–12 years were recruited. All participants were assessed by parent interview, the Arabic version of the bullying behavior scale for children and adolescents and the Arabic version of the Conners’ Teacher Rating Scale-28.

Results

We found that the prevalence rate of bullying behavior was 12.5% among students. In bullying students’ group, males were higher percentage (15.8%) than females (9%). Also, they had the highest mean scores regarding verbal bullying and social bullying, followed by psychological and physical bullying. Regarding Conners’, the higher mean scores of conduct problem, passive-inattentive, and hyperactivity index were associated with bullying students in compared to students without bullying.

Conclusions

The prevalence of school bullying among primary school students was 12.5%. Also, there was significant association between bullying students and having attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and/or conduct disorder.
Post Hoc Analysis of Lorlatinib Intracranial Efficacy and Safety in Patients With ALK-Positive Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer From the Phase III CROWN Study
Authors: Solomon Benjamin J. , Bauer Todd M. , Ignatius Ou Sai-Hong , Liu Geoffrey , Hayashi Hidetoshi , Bearz Alessandra , Penkov Konstantin , Wu Yi-Long , Arrieta Oscar , Jassem Jacek , Calella Anna M. , Peltz Gerson , Polli Anna , Thurm Holger , Mok Tony
Published: May 2022

PURPOSE

Lorlatinib significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) versus crizotinib and showed robust intracranial activity in patients with previously untreated advanced ALK-positive non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the phase III CROWN trial. Here, we report post hoc efficacy outcomes in patients with and without brain metastases at baseline, and present data on the incidence and management of CNS adverse events (AEs) in CROWN.

METHODS

Eligible patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to first-line lorlatinib (100 mg once daily) or crizotinib (250 mg twice a day); no crossover between treatment arms was permitted. Tumor assessments, including CNS magnetic resonance imaging, were performed at screening and then at 8-week intervals. Regular assessments of patient-reported outcomes were conducted.

RESULTS

PFS by blinded independent central review was improved with lorlatinib versus crizotinib in patients with and without brain metastases at baseline (12-month PFS rates: 78% v 22% and 78% v 45%, respectively). Lorlatinib was associated with lower 12-month cumulative incidence of CNS progression versus crizotinib in patients with (7% v 72%) and without (1% v 18%) brain metastases at baseline. In total, 35% of patients had CNS AEs with lorlatinib, most of grade 1 severity. Occurrence of CNS AEs did not result in a clinically meaningful difference in patient-reported quality of life. At analysis, 56% of CNS AEs had resolved (33% without intervention; 17% with lorlatinib dose modification), and 38% were unresolved; most required no intervention. Lorlatinib dose modification did not notably influence PFS.

CONCLUSION

First-line lorlatinib improved PFS outcomes and reduced CNS progression versus crizotinib in patients with advanced ALK-positive non–small-cell lung cancer with or without brain metastases at baseline. Half of all CNS AEs resolved without intervention or with lorlatinib dose modification.
Resonance behavior of fractional harmonic oscillator driven by exponentially correlated dichotomous noises
Authors: Tu Zhe , Zhong Yangfan , Yu Tao
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates the resonance behaviors of a fractional-order harmonic oscillator driven by two exponentially correlated dichotomous noises, where the Caputo fractional derivative operator is applied to describe the power-law memory of the system. By using the stochastic averaging method and the Shapiro-Loginov formula, we derive the analytical expression of the output amplitude gain of the system, from which the existence and the correlation of noises are found to be keys for the occurrence of resonance. When either of the noises is absent or they are uncorrelated, the output amplitude gain is zero, indicating that the system is dissipative in this case. The numerical simulation shows that the system has rich resonance behaviors when noises are exponentially correlated. Three types of resonance, that is, the bona fide resonance, the classic stochastic resonance and the generalized stochastic resonance, are observed. And the effects of system parameters on these resonance behaviors are well discussed. Specifically, double-peak resonance and damping-coefficient–induced resonance are observed only in the fractional-order system rather than integer-order system.
Anesthetic Management for Combined Anterior Cervical Spinal Decompression and Fusion and Cesarean Delivery: A Case Report
Authors: Keil Dayley S. , Murphy Bryant A. , Cobb Benjamin G.
Published: May 2022

A 31-year-old G2P1 (gravida 2 para 1) woman at 34 weeks of gestation presented after a motor vehicle collision with an incomplete cervical spinal cord injury. The patient underwent emergent anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF), immediately followed by cesarean delivery. We discuss the clinical decision making to perform ACDF first, weighing risks and benefits to both mother and baby. We also address important anesthetic considerations for this pregnant patient having emergent spine surgery, including positioning with left uterine displacement, rapid sequence intubation to minimize aspiration risk, choice of vasopressor, implications of total intravenous maintenance anesthetic, and the medical teams involved in this care.
Electrocommunication signals and aggressive behavior vary among male morphs in an apteronotid fish,Compsaraia samueli
Authors: Freiler Megan K. , Proffitt Melissa R. , Smith G. Troy
Published: May 2022

Within-species variation in male morphology is common among vertebrates and is often characterized by dramatic differences in behavior and hormonal profiles. Males with divergent morphs also often use communication signals in a status-dependent way. Weakly electric knifefish are an excellent system for studying variation in male morphology and communication and its hormonal control. Knifefish transiently modulate the frequency of their electric organ discharge (EOD) during social encounters to produce chirps and rises. In the knifefish Compsaraia samueli, males vary extensively in jaw length. EODs and their modulations (chirps and rises) have never been investigated in this species, so it is unclear whether jaw length is related to the function of these signals. We used three behavioral assays to analyze EOD modulations in male C. samueli: (1) artificial playbacks, (2) relatively brief, live agonistic dyadic encounters, and (3) long-term overnight recordings. We also measured circulating levels of two androgens, 11-ketotestosterone and testosterone. Chirp structure varied within and across individuals in response to artificial playback, but was unrelated to jaw length. Males with longer jaws were more often dominant in dyadic interactions. Chirps and rises were correlated with and preceded attacks regardless of status, suggesting these signals function in aggression. In longer-term interactions, chirp rate declined after 1 week of pairing, but was unrelated to male morphology. Levels of circulating androgens were low and not predictive of jaw length or EOD signal parameters. These results suggest that communication signals and variation in male morphology are linked to outcomes of non-breeding agonistic contests.
MR imaging of acute abdominal pain in pregnancy
Authors: Dempsey Philip J. , Delaney Francis T , Geoghegan Tony , Lawler Leo , Bolster Ferdia
Published: May 2022

Abdominal pain in pregnancy is a diagnostic challenge with many potential aetiologies. Diagnostic imaging is a valuable tool in the assessment of these patients, with ultrasound commonly employed first line. MRI is an excellent problem-solving adjunct to ultrasound and has many advantages in terms of improved spatial resolution and soft tissue characterisation. This pictorial review aims to outline the role of MRI in the work up of acute abdominal pain in pregnancy and provide imaging examples of pathologies which may be encountered.
Μελέτη για τη σωστή ενημέρωση των παραγόντων κινδύνου του καρκίνου του μαστού σε γυναίκες που ακολουθούν πρόγραμμα προληπτικού ελέγχου
Authors: Μπακόλα Μαγδαλινή
Published: May 2022

Μελέτη για τη σωστή ενημέρωση των παραγόντων κινδύνου του καρκίνου του μαστού σε γυναίκες που ακολουθούν πρόγραμμα προληπτικού ελέγχου.Εισαγωγή: Μελέτες έχουν δείξει ότι η έλλειψη στατιστικής αριθμητικότητας του πληθυσμού μπορεί να οδηγήσει σε εσφαλμένες για την υγεία αποφάσεις. Παρόλα αυτά δεν υπάρχει ένα εργαλείο εκτίμησης της στατιστικής αριθμητικότητας και ειδικά σε γυναίκες που ακολουθούν προγράμματα προληπτικού ελέγχου.Σκοπός: Η εκτίμηση της στατιστικής αριθμητικότητας γυναικών που ακολουθούν προγράμματα προληπτικού ελέγχου του καρκίνου του μαστού καθώς επίσης και των ιατρών που τις παρακολουθούν δια μέσου δύο νέων ερωτηματολογίων που δημιουργήθηκαν για αυτόν τον λόγο.Μέθοδος: Η μελέτη ξεκίνησε τον Σεπτέμβριο του 2017 και ολοκληρώθηκε τον Ιανουάριο του 2020. Πραγματοποιήθηκε διατμηματική μελέτη γυναικών που ακολουθούν προγράμματα προληπτικού ελέγχου στο Πανεπιστημιακό Νοσοκομείο Ιωαννίνων και των αντίστοιχων υπεύθυνων ιατρών που εργάζονται σε δομές της ευρύτερης περιοχής. Δημιουργήσαμε δύο νέα ερωτηματολόγια τα οποία περιλαμβάνουν όλες τις βασικές στατιστικές έννοιες που απαντώνται στα προγράμματα προληπτικού ελέγχου. Πραγματοποιήθηκαν έλεγχοι εγκυρότητας και αξιοπιστίας και για τα δύο εργαλεία. Συμμετείχαν 503 γυναίκες και 47 ιατροί. Η συμπλήρωση του ερωτηματολογίου είχε την μορφή ατομικής συνέντευξης για τις γυναίκες και ατομικής συμπλήρωσης για τους ιατρούς. Αποτελέσματα: Παρατηρήθηκε έλλειψη στατιστικής αριθμητικότητας, καθώς τα ποσοστά των σωστών απαντήσεων για την πλειονότητα των 11 εννοιών κυμαίνονταν από 6,9% έως 53% για τις γυναίκες ενώ για τους ιατρούς από 33.3% έως 76%. Η έννοια των ποσοστών φαίνεται να είναι η έννοια που γίνεται πιο κατανοητή με σωστές απαντήσεις ίσες με 53%. Η οπτική παρουσίαση των ιατρικών πληροφοριών έδειξε σημαντική βελτίωση στην κατανόηση των γυναικών, καθώς το 89,4% από αυτές έδωσε μια σωστή απάντηση.Συμπεράσματα: Οι γυναίκες που παρακολουθούν προγράμματα διαλογής καρκίνου του μαστού αντιμετωπίζουν μεγάλη δυσκολία στην κατανόηση βασικών ιατρικών στατιστικών αριθμητικών εννοιών όπως επίσης και οι ιατροί που τις παρακολουθούν. Η συντριπτική πλειονότητα των γυναικών μπορεί να λάβει λανθασμένες αποφάσεις σχετικά με τον έλεγχο προγραμμάτων λόγω της εσφαλμένης αντίληψης των ιατρικών πληροφοριών και της λανθασμένης μετάφρασης τους από τους ιατρούς. Η οπτική παρουσίαση των ιατρικών πληροφοριών θα μπορούσε να βελτιώσει το πρόβλημα της παρανόησης.
Perceived stress levels in older adults with financial strain are diminished after theater practice
Authors: Matsudaira Izumi , Taki Yasuyuki
Published: May 2022

Background: Participating in theater has been shown to be useful for reducing cognitive decline in older adults. This study focused on the social inclusion aspect of the performing arts and aimed to examine whether participation in the theater could help prevent dementia in older adults who are vulnerable to social exclusion.

Methods: Our participants were 371 community-dwelling older adults who belonged to the Gold Arts Club organized by the Saitama Arts Theatre. The change in perceived stress levels after a month and a half of theater practice were compared between older adults with and without financial strain.

Results: It was revealed that older adults with financial strain had a significantly greater reduction in perceived stress levels than those without financial strain after a month and a half of theater practice.

Conclusions: Since stress is one of the risk factors for cognitive decline, the results of this study suggest that participation in theater may be an effective way of reducing cognitive decline associated with dementia in the older people who feel strained financially.