bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidative Stress-Related Endothelial Damage in Vascular Depression and Vascular Cognitive Impairment: Beneficial Effects of Aerobic Physical Exercise
Authors: Luca Maria , Luca Antonina
Published: December 2019

Oxidative stress- (OS-) related endothelial damage is involved in the occurrence and progression of several disorders, such as vascular depression and dementia. It has been reported that moderate, aerobic, physical exercise could reduce OS and inflammation, thus limiting the cardiovascular risk factors while improving endothelial homeostasis, mood, and cognition. In this review, we will discuss about the role of OS and OS-related endothelial damage in vascular depression and vascular cognitive impairment. Then, we will comment on the effects of physical exercise on both disorders.
Analytical Solutions for Bending of Nanoscaled Bars Based on Eringen’s Nonlocal Differential Law
Authors: Li C. , Zhang N. , Li S. , Yao L. Q. , Yan J. W.
Published: December 2019

The one-dimensional nanoscaled bar is commonly seen in current nanodevices, and it plays a significant role in nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) and related nanotechnology. Motivated by this, the paper is concerned with the bending and stability of a nanoscaled bar especially a flexible bar subjected to vertical concentrated, vertical linearly distributed, and horizontal concentrated forces simultaneously. The theoretical model is developed by employing Eringen’s nonlocal differential law. Hence, the nonlocal differential constitutions in terms of stress and bending moment at a nanoscale are applied to the classical equilibrium formulation in order to construct the nonlocal constitutive model and then determine the analytical solutions for bending of such a nanoscale bar. Subsequently, the effect of a nonlocal scale on the midpoint deflections and internal forces is shown numerically, and the internal and external characteristic length scales are also examined. It is revealed that the capacity of resisting compression decreases with increasing the nonlocal effect since the internal characteristic scale cannot be neglected by comparing with the external characteristic scale. There exists a threshold value for bending stiffness. Both the midpoint deflection and bending moment vary monotonously when the material bending stiffness exceeds the threshold value, while the mechanical quantities fluctuate when the bending stiffness is less than its threshold value, namely, for a flexible nanoscaled bar. Accordingly, two different kinds of nonlocal predictions and the related disputes are resolved in the context of Eringen’s nonlocal differential law. The work is expected to be useful for the design, application, and optimization of nanoscaled bars sustaining bending with linear vertical and horizontal forces.
Unusual Course of Scimitar Syndrome Preceded by Lung Hypoplasia
Authors: Hoshino Yusuke , Arai Junichi
Published: December 2019

In patients with Scimitar syndrome, right pulmonary artery hypoplasia is considered to lead to right lung hypoplasia because of decrease in blood flow. However, there are no reports wherein the change was actually detected. Thus, the exact developmental mechanism of right pulmonary artery hypoplasia and right lung hypoplasia in patients with Scimitar syndrome is unclear. We experienced a case of Scimitar syndrome preceding right lung hypoplasia, and right pulmonary artery hypoplasia gradually revealed with time. We hypothesized that, in our patient, the lung hypoplasia led to pulmonary artery hypoplasia due to decrease in blood flow. If there are no differences in the diameter of the left and right pulmonary artery in patients with Scimitar syndrome at birth, we propose the necessity of careful observation due to the possibility that pulmonary artery hypoplasia may develop in the future.
Endoscopic Perspective in Cholangiocarcinoma Diagnostic Process
Authors: Urban O. , Vanek P. , Zoundjiekpon V. , Falt P.
Published: December 2019

Cholangiocarcinoma is a malignancy arising from the epithelial lining of the intrahepatic or extrahepatic biliary tract. Timely diagnosis is challenging due to its silent clinical course. As reliable laboratory markers are lacking, diagnostic imaging plays a pivotal role. While cross-sectional imaging studies are usually conclusive for intrahepatic lesions, endoscopy plays an essential role in cases of extrahepatic tumors. Rational utilization of different diagnostic methods based on available evidence is needed. This article focuses on the diagnostic role of advanced biliary endoscopy, including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, cholangioscopy, endoscopic ultrasonography, and intraductal sonography.
Presence of Mother Reduces Early-Life Social Stress: Linking the Alteration in Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis and Serotonergic System
Authors: Rajan Koilmani Emmanuvel , Soundarya Suba , Karen Christopher , Shanmugapriya Vasudevan , Radhakrishnan Karuppasamy
Published: December 2019

In this study, we examined whether the presence of mother suppresses early-life stressful social experience (SSE)-induced anxiety-like behavior and impairment of short-term memory later in life. On postnatal day (PND)-5, mothers with pups were grouped as follows: (i) control; (ii) maternal separation (MS); (iii) pups with mother experience the presence of a stranger (M+P-ST); and (iv) maternal separated pups experience the presence of a stranger (MSP-ST). Individuals were subjected to light-dark box and spontaneous alternation from PND-29 to 32. We observed that the MSP-ST group exhibits anxiety-like behavior and impairment in short-term memory. Further, SSE significantly elevated the adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticosterone and expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in MSP-ST pups. Similarly, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT), dopamine, noradrenaline and expression of serotonin transporter levels were significantly elevated in MSP-ST pups. These observations suggest that during early postnatal days, the pups may recognize strangers by the sense of smell, and the presence of mother reduces the SSE-induced stress.
Long-Term Prognosis of Japanese Patients with Crohn’s Disease Treated by Switching Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Antibodies
Authors: Moroi Rintaro , Shiga Hisashi , Endo Katsuya , Yamamoto Katsutoshi , Kuroha Masatake , Kanazawa Yoshitake , Kakuta Yoichi , Kinouchi Yoshitaka , Masamune Atsushi
Published: December 2019

Introduction: The long-term prognosis of Japanese patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) treated by switching anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNFα) antibodies remains unclear. Objective: This study aimed to clarify the long-term prognosis and clinical factors that affect the long-term prognosis and outcomes of such patients. Methods: This retrospective, observational, single-center cohort study analyzed Japanese patients with CD treated by switching between infliximab and adalimumab in the Tohoku University Hospital between March 2003 and December 2017. Cumulative relapse-free survival and cumulative surgery-free survival rates were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Clinical factors that affected the long-term outcomes were identified using both a log-rank test and the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The cumulative relapse-free survival rates were 68.6, 33.7, and 22.9% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The surgery-free survival rates were 91.7, 75.7, and 57.4% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The cumulative relapse-free survival rate was significantly higher in the group with ileal lesions (HR = 0.12; 95% CI 0.0066–0.64, p = 0.0086), stricture (HR = 0.24; 95% CI 0.0094–0.59, p = 0.0021), and a penetrating type (HR = 0.34; 95% CI 0.14–0.84, p = 0.020). Intolerance (HR = 0.29; 95% CI 0.12–0.63, p = 0.0013) and switching after surgery (HR = 0.41; 95% CI 0.17–0.87, p = 0.019) were clinical factors that reduced the risk of recurrence. The cumulative surgery-free survival rate was significantly higher in the group that switched after surgery (HR = 0.28; 95% CI 0.074–0.91, p = 0.034) and used concomitant thiopurine (HR = 0.32; 95% CI 0.10–0.90, p = 0.030). Conclusion: We should clarify the reason for switching anti-TNFα antibodies and investigate bowel complications before switching. Surgical reset of bowel complications including stricture and fistula could reduce the risk of recurrence after switching anti-TNFα antibodies. Concomitant thiopurine administration might reduce the risk of bowel surgery after switching anti-TNFα antibodies.
Usability of a Wrist-Worn Smartwatch in a Direct-to-Participant Randomized Pragmatic Clinical Trial
Authors: Galarnyk Michael , Quer Giorgio , McLaughlin Kathryn , Ariniello Lauren , Steinhubl Steven R.
Published: December 2019

Background: The availability of a wide range of innovative wearable sensor technologies today allows for the ability to capture and collect potentially important health-related data in ways not previously possible. These sensors can be adopted in digitalized clinical trials, i.e., clinical trials conducted outside the clinic to capture data about study participants in their day-to-day life. However, having participants activate, charge, and wear the digital sensors for long hours may prove to be a significant obstacle to the success of these trials. Objective: This study explores a broad question of wrist-wearable sensor effectiveness in terms of data collection as well as data that are analyzable per individual. The individuals who had already consented to be part of an asymptomatic atrial fibrillation screening trial were directly sent a wrist-wearable activity and heart rate tracker device to be activated and used in a home-based setting. Methods: A total of 230 participants with a median age of 71 years were asked to wear the wristband as frequently as possible, night and day, for at least a 4-month monitoring period, especially to track heart rhythm during sleep. Results: Of the individuals who received the device, 43% never transmitted any data. Those who used the device wore it a median of ∼15 weeks (IQR 2–24) and for 5.3 days (IQR 3.2–6.5) per week. For rhythm detection purposes, only 5.6% of all recorded data from individuals were analyzable (with beat-to-beat intervals reported). Conclusions: This study provides some important learnings. It showed that in an older population, despite initial enthusiasm to receive a consumer-quality wrist-based fitness device, a large proportion of individuals never activated the device. However, it also found that for a majority of participants it was possible to successfully collect wearable sensor data without clinical oversight inside a home environment, and that once used, ongoing wear time was high. This suggests that a critical barrier to overcome when incorporating a wearable device into clinical research is making its initiation of use as easy as possible for the participant.
Trajetórias teórico-metodológicas nos estudos do discurso
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas, Gonçalves-Segundo Paulo Roberto , Pedro Adriana Moreira ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas, Oliveira Agildo Santos Silva de ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas, Silva Alexandre Marques ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas, Isola-Lanzoni Gabriel ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas, Kobayashi Sergio Mikio ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas, Weiss Winola ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas
Published: December 2019

O livro Trajetórias teórico-metodológicas nos estudos do discurso reúne vinte e cinco artigos – aprovados em avaliação cega por pares e produzidos por docentes e por pesquisadores de todos os níveis acadêmicos (Iniciação Científica, Mestrado, Doutorado e Pós-Doutorado), da USP e de outras universidades brasileiras – que ilustram a diversidade de fundamentações teóricas e de procedimentos metodológicos no campo dos Estudos Discursivos e de suas áreas afins, para o exame de diferentes práticas de produção, distribuição, consumo e interpretação de textos, dentre as quais se destacam a escolar, a artística e a midiática (tradicional ou digital). As principais perspectivas que ancoram os estudos reunidos nesta coletânea consistem na Análise do Discurso de linha francesa, na Análise Crítica do Discurso, na Análise Dialógica do Discurso, na Teoria da Argumentação, na Semiótica, na Sociolinguística Interacional, na Linguística Funcional, na Linguística Cognitiva, na Linguística Aplicada, na Lexicologia e na Teoria Literária.
Collating The Signs of Benevolent Deeds: Muḥammad Mahdī al-Fāsī’s Commentary on Muḥammad al-Jazūlī’s Dalā’il al-Khayrāt and Its Ottoman Readers
Authors: Burak Guy
Published: December 2019

The article examines the efforts of Muḥammad al-Mahdī al-Fāsī (d. 1605) and his readers in the Ottoman domains to reconstruct an authoritative version of Muḥammad b. Sulaymān b. Abī Bakr al-Jazūlī’s (d. 1465) Dalā’il al-khayrāt. In his commentary on the Dalā’il, al-Fāsī recorded his collation of multiple versions of al-Jazūlī’s work. The commentary and its contribution to a notion of an authoritative and authorial version of Dalā’il al-khayrāt accompanied al-Jazūlī’s text in its journey to the eastern parts of the Islamic world and helped readers there bridge a two-century gap in the transmission of the work. The article studies the manners in which Ottoman readers/reciters of Dalā’il used al-Fāsī’s commentary to create a channel to al-Jazūlī and the divine. In so doing, the article seeks to draw attention to additional functions of the genre of the commentary in the Islamic tradition. Moreover, by focusing on the textual practices of al-Fāsī and his Ottoman readers, the essay argues that the act of collation of the multiple versions of Dalā’il al-khayrāt was in and of itself an ethical act of devotion that manifested the readers’/reciters’ quest for proximity to al-Jazūlī.
A New Approach for Modeling Dissipation due to Breaking in Wind Wave Spectra
Authors: Ardag Dorukhan , Resio Donald T.
Published: December 2019

A robust spectral dissipation term for wind waves has long been a goal of detailed-balance spectral modeling and is represented by many different approximations in spectral models of random wave fields. A Monte Carlo approach is employed here to create a random-phase sea surface that is used to simulate the distribution of horizontal surface velocities at the sea surface and to relate these velocities to deep-water wind wave breaking. Results are consistent with many recent studies that show a kinematic-based breaking criterion can provide a consistent depiction of the onset of wave breaking. This criterion is combined with the calculated nonlinear flux rates to estimate a transition point within a spectrum at which a spectrum changes from an f−4 equilibrium-range form to an f−5 region dominated by dissipation, potentially an important factor within several air–sea interaction mechanisms, turbulence at the sea surface, and remote sensing applications. It also has the potential to improve operational modeling capabilities.
The influence of a cooked-fish meal on estimated glomerular filtration rate
Authors: Shah Kezah F , Stevens Paul E , Lamb Edmund J
Published: December 2019

Background

Ingestion of cooked meat increases circulating blood creatinine concentration due to conversion of creatine during cooking. This may cause falsely low estimated glomerular filtration rate. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence chronic kidney disease guidelines recommend meat avoidance prior to blood testing for estimated glomerular filtration rate. Fish muscle also contains creatine, but the influence of fish consumption on blood creatinine concentration has not been studied.

Method

Four blood samples were collected from each of 20 healthy volunteers: one before and three (at 2, 4 and 20 h) after consuming cooked fish (200 g/person cod, approximately 35 g/person protein). Apart from this meal, for the study duration, subjects were asked to avoid eating meat or fish. Creatinine and cystatin C were measured and estimated glomerular filtration rate (CKD-EPI equations) was calculated.

Results

Serum creatinine concentration (mean) was increased relative to the preprandial concentration (71.8 μmol/L) in all subjects at 2 h (77.3 μmol/L) and in 17/20 subjects at 4 h (75.5 μmol/L) ( P < 0.0001) but was not significantly different from baseline after 20 h (73.6 μmol/L P = 0.1170). Mean cystatin C concentration remained unchanged throughout the study ( P > 0.05). Estimated glomerular filtration rate calculated using the CKD-EPI (creatinine) and CKD-EPI (creatinine and cystatin C) equations demonstrated significant declines at 2 and 4 h ( P < 0.0005), while the CKD-EPI (cystatin C) equation remained unchanged ( P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Cooked fish consumption transiently increases blood creatinine concentration and consequently lowers the estimates of glomerular filtration rate derived from creatinine-based equations. Consideration should be given to avoidance of cooked fish consumption before glomerular filtration rate estimation.
Academic policy advice in consensus-seeking countries: the cases of Belgium and Germany
Authors: Pattyn Valérie , Blum Sonja , Fobé Ellen , Pekar-Milicevic Mirjam , Brans Marleen
Published: December 2019

Research on policy-advisory systems worldwide has shown that historically dominant sources of advice traditionally located in-house to the government have been increasingly supplemented by other actors and outside knowledge. However, the vast majority of research has concentrated on the anglophone context. Yet, countries with a consensus-seeking, neo-corporatist tradition provide a special case in terms of policy advice and merit more scholarly attention. What counts as evidence in these countries is the expert rationality of institutional representatives. The position and role of academic research in consensus-based systems is unclear, and is the focus of this article. Can we observe commonalities across consensus-style countries, or do differences prevail? We investigate two typical consensus-seeking countries: Belgium and Germany. To examine the supply side of policy advice, the article reviews current evidence regarding their policy-advisory systems. For the demand side, we present insights from a survey among federal ministerial officials. We find common trends between the two cases but their nature and extent are idiosyncratic. In Belgium, the supply of and demand for academic policy advice is comparatively lower, while the German case exhibits more change in the advisory landscape and institutionalisation of the supply of and demand for academic research.

Points for practitioners

  • Countries with a consensus-seeking, neo-corporatist tradition provide a special case in terms of policy advice.   • The findings suggest that there are common trends but their nature and extent are idiosyncratic.   • In Belgium, the supply of and demand for academic advice is comparatively lower.   • Germany’s policy-advisory landscape exhibits more change and institutionalisation of the supply of and demand for academic research.
Non-whiplash soft tissue injuries following low-velocity impact collisions: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Morris Holly , Ensor David , Uzoigwe Chika , Shabani Farzad , Kurup Harish
Published: December 2019

Whiplash is the most common injury reported in low-velocity impact road traffic accidents, but claimants report a range of other soft tissue injuries and we looked at the prevalence of these and any patterns. We retrospectively reviewed reports from the medico-legal practice of an orthopaedic surgeon. We collected data on 609 claimants. Sixty-two per cent were women (p < 0.0001). Majority (90.3%) reported an injury to at least one other area than neck, and 48% of claimants reported shoulder pain. Hand/wrist injuries were almost exclusive to drivers (p = 0.0013). Those with knee injuries were older than those without (p = 0.001). There was a significant difference in the age of patients with different spinal injury patterns (p < 0.0001). Occupational status did not appear to influence the pattern of injuries (p = 0.06). Psychological symptoms were associated with a greater number of body parts injured (p < 0.01). Our data confirm a strong association between these soft tissue injuries and psychological symptoms.
Employers’ Intent to Hire People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired: A Test of the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: McDonnall Michele C. , Lund Emily M.
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in explaining employers’ hiring intentions of people who are blind or visually impaired (B/VI). Participants were 388 hiring managers who completed an online survey that included the four TPB construct measures (attitudes, subjective norms, behavioral control, and intent to hire). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to determine the suitability of the measurement model, and structural equation modeling was used to test the structural model. The proposed TPB structural model provided good data fit; attitudes about productivity, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control accounted for more than 61% of the variance in intent to hire people who are blind. Attitudes about productivity of a blind employee had the strongest relationship with intent to hire, followed by subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. Rehabilitation professionals who work with B/VI individuals should educate employers about how this population can perform the employers’ jobs to improve attitudes about productivity. They should consider employers’ subjective norms and perceived behavioral control, which could be influenced by providing disability awareness presentations to company employees and maintaining a relationship with employers, thus enabling employers to have access to qualified applicants.
Book review: Inshah Malik, Muslim Women, Agency and Resistance Politics: The Case of Kashmir
Authors: Mehdi Syed Eesar
Published: December 2019

Inshah Malik, Muslim Women, Agency and Resistance Politics: The Case of Kashmir. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan, 2018, 130 pp., ₹5,456, ISBN 9783319953298.
Book review: Naisargi N. Dave, Queer Activism in India: A Story in the Anthropology of Ethics
Authors: Jain Dipika
Published: December 2019

Naisargi N. Dave, Queer Activism in India: A Story in the Anthropology of Ethics. Zubaan Publications, New Delhi, 2016, 266 pp., ₹695, ISBN 9789384757816 (Hardback).
Book review: Vidya Bhushan Rawat, Contesting Marginalisations: Conversations on Ambedkarism and Social Justice, Volume I
Authors: Alha Akhil
Published: December 2019

Vidya Bhushan Rawat, Contesting Marginalisations: Conversations on Ambedkarism and Social Justice, Volume I. People Literature Publication, 2017, 317 pp., ₹749, ISBN 139788193252598 (Paperback).
Lived Experience: Characteristics of Workers in Alcohol and Other Drug Nongovernment Organizations
Authors: Chapman Janine , Roche Ann M. , Kostadinov Victoria , Duraisingam Vinita , Hodge Sianne
Published: December 2019

Background:

Workers with lived experience of problematic alcohol and other drug (AOD) use are increasingly recognized as integral to the AOD field. However, little is known about the prevalence or characteristics of AOD workers with lived experience across the general AOD workforce, in Australia or internationally. This study aimed to (1) investigate the prevalence of lived experience in AOD workers, (2) build an initial profile of workers with lived experience, (3) identify areas where appropriate support mechanisms may be warranted, and (4) generate recommendations for future work.

Method:

Nongovernment organization AOD workers from New South Wales, Australia, were invited to participate in a purpose-designed, online survey. Measures included demographic and workforce characteristics, work-related psychosocial factors, and health, quality of life, and AOD use. Descriptive analyses compared responses from workers with and without lived experience on key variables.

Results:

Two hundred and sixty-eight workers responded. Workers with lived experience comprised 43% of the sample; were more likely to be older; male; identify as lesbian, gay, homosexual, or queer; have lower salary; report discrimination in the workplace; abstain from alcohol; report opioid use; and experience less support outside work.

Conclusion:

This is the first Australian study to examine the profile of AOD workers with lived experience. Workers with lived experience constituted a substantial proportion of the AOD workforce. Analogous to other countries, comprehensive, appropriately tailored workforce development and support policies are required. Future research should build on these findings by extending to a broader population base, including government workers.
A method for vehicle speed tracking by controlling driving robot
Authors: Wang Herong , Chen Gang , Zhang Weigong
Published: December 2019

Using a driving robot instead of a human driver to carry out a vehicle emission durability test can effectively improve the accuracy of test. In order to accurately control the speed tracking of driving robot under different working conditions, a speed tracking method of driving robot based on dynamic fuzzy neural network (DFNN) direct inverse control is proposed, which considers the self-learning of vehicle longitudinal performance. Firstly, the kinematics and dynamics models of the driving robot’s mechanical legs are established. Moreover, in order to coordinately control the multi-legs of the driving robot to track the vehicle speed, the longitudinal performance model of the controlled vehicle is established by using performance self-learning data and neural network algorithm. Then, to accurately control the movement of the mechanical leg, a direct inverse controller based on DFNN is designed. The output of direct inverse controller is dynamically compensated by closed-loop control of braking force and throttle opening. Finally, the speed tracking experiments and simulations are carried out by human driver, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control, fuzzy control and the proposed method under different working conditions. The results show that the proposed method does not have the same large prediction error as human driver. At the same time, it can track the speed quickly in different switching conditions. The fluctuation of the tracking speed is small, and the tracking error remains within ±1km/h. The proposed method avoids the design of complex control law based on model and can coordinately control the multi-legs to complete the tracking of the target speed.
Some Media Matter More Than Others: Investigating Media Effects on Attitudes toward and Perceptions of Immigration in Sweden
Authors: Theorin Nora , Strömbäck Jesper
Published: December 2019

Over the last decade, issues related to immigration have become increasingly salient across Western democracies. This increasing salience has made it more important to understand people’s attitudes toward immigration, including the effects of media use on those attitudes. Differentiating between attitudes toward different types of immigration, attitudes toward immigration from different parts of the world, and perceptions of immigration’s impact, this article investigates the effects of media use on attitudes toward and perceptions of immigration in Sweden. Based on a three-year, three-wave panel study, it investigates the effects of media use on the individual level. Among other things, results show that there are limited effects of using traditional news media but more substantial effects on people’s immigration attitudes of using anti-immigration, right-wing alternative media and pro-immigration, left-wing alternative media. These findings imply that it is highly relevant to account for media use, especially alternative media use, when studying public attitudes toward immigration. Further, we find that variations in people’s immigration attitudes, to a high degree, depend on the type of immigration and on where migrants are coming from. This finding underlines the importance of measuring both of these aspects when the aim is understanding general attitudes toward immigration and/or key predictors behind immigration attitudes.
‘Defend the Ten’: Everyday dissensus against the slow spoiling of Lambeth’s libraries
Authors: Penny Joe
Published: December 2019

In April 2016, 200 people in the London Borough of Lambeth occupied Carnegie Library, forcibly preventing its closure by a local council rolling-out deep austerity measures. The nine-day occupation was a high-point of 15 months of struggle to ‘Defend the Ten’ libraries in Lambeth against an austerity agenda the council sought to smoothly administer. Through an in-depth account of the struggle, this paper tells a story of the occupation foregrounding the protracted process and persistent interventions that led up to it. In doing so, it makes two contributions to critical geographical literatures on post-crisis austerity, responding to calls for rich, processual, and multi-scalar accounts of how austerity measures are downloaded and rolled-out, as well as experienced and resisted in everyday and undecided ways. First, going beyond an account of austerity as a fiscal policy imposed on cities from above, the paper makes visible the everyday spatial violence of austerity that is rolled-out, experienced, and resisted as a slow spoiling of social infrastructure. Second, it makes sense of the ambivalent (post)politics of austerity, developing an account of everyday dissensus to reveal mundane non-evental ruptures and the emergence of demands for real democracy in a context of closure shaped by forces of dispossession.
Does trunk muscle training with an oscillating rod improve urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy? A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Heydenreich Marc , Puta Christian , Gabriel Holger HW , Dietze Andre , Wright Peter , Zermann Dirk-Henrik
Published: December 2019

Objective:

To investigate the effect of a new therapeutic approach, using an oscillating rod to strength the pelvic floor and deep abdominal musculature and to speed up recovery of continence after radical prostatectomy.

Design:

Prospective randomized controlled clinical trial.

Setting:

Inpatient uro-oncology rehabilitation clinic.

Subjects:

Ninety-three (intervention group (IG)) and ninety-one patients (control group (CG)) with urinary incontinence after prostatectomy were examined.

Intervention:

All patients were randomly allocated to either standard pelvic floor muscle exercises and oscillating rod therapy (IG) or standard pelvic floor muscle exercises and relaxation therapy (CG).

Main outcome measures:

Urinary incontinence (1- and 24-hour pad test) was assessed, and health-related quality of life (HRQL; Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P) questionnaire) was measured for all patients before and after three weeks of treatment.

Results:

One hundred and eighty-four patients (mean (SD) age: 64.1 (6.94) years) completed the study. The IG showed a significant reduction in urinary incontinence (1-hour pad test: P = 0.008, 24-hour pad test: P = 0.012) and a significant improvement of HRQL ( P = 0.017) compared with CG. Continence was significantly improved in both groups (1-hour pad test: 22.6–8.5 g (IG) vs. 23.0–18.1 g (CG)/24-hour pad test: 242.9–126.7 g (IG) vs. 237.6–180.9 g (CG)).

Conclusion:

The study demonstrated that a combination of conventional continence exercises and the new oscillation rod training increased abdominal and pelvic floor musculature and speeded up recovery of continence after radical prostatectomy.
Reduced cerebral blood flow in an α-synuclein transgenic mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Biju KC , Shen Qiang , Hernandez Enrique Torres , Mader Michael J , Clark Robert A
Published: December 2019

There is increasing evidence that widespread cortical cerebral blood flow deficits occur early in the course of Parkinson’s disease. Although cerebral blood flow measurement has been suggested as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, as well as a means for tracking response to treatment, the relationship of cerebral blood flow to α-synucleinopathy, a major pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease, remains unclear. Therefore, we performed arterial spin-labeling magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging on transgenic mice overexpressing human wild-type α-synuclein and age-matched controls to measure cerebral blood flow and degenerative changes. As reported for early-stage Parkinson’s disease, α-synuclein mice exhibited a significant reduction in cortical cerebral blood flow, which was accompanied by motor coordination deficits and olfactory dysfunction. Although no overt degenerative changes were apparent in diffusion tensor imaging images, magnetic resonance imaging volumetric analysis revealed a significant reduction in olfactory bulb volume, similar to that seen in Parkinson’s disease patients. Our data, representing the first report of cerebral blood flow deficit in an animal model of Parkinson’s disease, suggest a causative role for α-synucleinopathy in cerebral blood flow deficits in Parkinson’s disease. Thus, α-synuclein transgenic mice comprise a promising model to study Parkinson’s disease-related mechanisms of cerebral blood flow deficits and to investigate further its utility as a potential biomarker for Parkinson’s disease.
Virtual non-contrast for evaluation of liver parenchyma and vessels: results from 25 patients using multi-phase spectral-detector CT
Authors: Laukamp Kai Roman , Ho Vivian , Obmann Verena Carola , Herrmann Karin , Gupta Amit , Borggrefe Jan , Lennartz Simon , Große Hokamp Nils , Ramaiya Nikhil
Published: December 2019

Background

In abdominal imaging, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) examinations are most commonly applied; however, unenhanced examinations are still needed for several clinical questions but require additional scanning and radiation exposure.

Purpose

To evaluate accuracy of virtual non-contrast (VNC) from arterial and venous phase spectral-detector CT (SDCT) scans compared to true-unenhanced (TNC) images for the evaluation of liver parenchyma and vessels.

Material and Methods

A total of 25 patients undergoing triphasic SDCT examinations were included. VNC was reconstructed from arterial and venous phases and compared to TNC images. Quantitative image analysis was performed by region of interest (ROI)-based assessment of mean and SD of attenuation (HU) in each liver segment, spleen, portal vein, common hepatic artery, and abdominal aorta. Subjectively, iodine subtraction and diagnostic assessment were rated on 5-point Likert scales.

Results

Attenuation and image noise measured in the liver from VNC were not significantly different from TNC (TNC: 54.6 ± 10.8 HU, VNC arterial phase: 55.7 ± 10.8 HU; VNC venous phase: 58.3 ± 10.0 HU; P > 0.05). VNC also showed accurate results regarding attenuation and image noise for spleen, portal vein, and abdominal aorta. Only iodine subtraction in the common hepatic artery in the arterial phase was insufficient which was confirmed by the subjective reading. Apart from that, subjective reading showed accurate iodine subtraction and comparable diagnostic assessment.

Conclusion

VNC from the arterial and venous phases were very similar to TNC yielding mostly negligible differences in attenuation, image noise, and diagnostic utility. Inadequate iodine subtraction occurred in hepatic arteries in the arterial phase.
Functional characteristics of autophagy in pancreatic cancer induced by glutamate metabolism in pancreatic stellate cells
Authors: Wang Lei , Bi RongRong , Li Lei , Zhou Kun , Liu HaiLin
Published: December 2019

Objective

To observe the effects of glutaminase (GLS) inhibitors on autophagy and proliferation of pancreatic stellate cells, and to explore their functions in pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Pancreatic cancer cells were divided into two groups. Group A was the control untreated group, and group B cells were treated with GLS inhibitors. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of Atg5, Bcl-2, Bax, and Bid proteins. The bromodeoxyuridine assay and scratch test were employed to investigate cell proliferation and invasion, respectively. The expression of E-cadherin, vimentin, cell adhesion molecule 2 (CADM2), and Snail protein was investigated by immunofluorescence.

Results

The expression of Atg5, Bax, and Bid was higher in group A than in group B, while Bcl-2 expression was lower in group A than in group B. Group A cells demonstrated greater proliferation and invasion than group B cells. The expression of E-cadherin was lower in group A cells than group B cells, while vimentin, CADM2, and Snail were expressed at higher levels in group A than group B cells.

Conclusion

The inhibition of glutamine isozymes reduces autophagy and apoptosis in astrocytes, and inhibits pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and metastasis, while reducing their invasiveness.
Assessment of extravasation on ruptured uterine artery pseudoaneurysm using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography during uterine balloon tamponade
Authors: Takeda Jun , Makino Shintaro , Hirai Chihiro , Shimanuki Yota , Inagaki Tetsunori , Itakura Atsuo , Takeda Satoru
Published: December 2019

Objective

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEU) has been used in critical trauma situations to visualize extravasation; however, its use is limited in the field of obstetrics. Cases of ruptured uterine artery pseudoaneurysm (UAP) were analyzed to clarify the efficacy to CEU during uterine balloon tamponade.

Methods

Cases of ruptured UAP diagnosed at a teaching university hospital from January 2015 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. UAP was diagnosed using color Doppler ultrasonography. Extravasation was identified using computed tomography and double checked using CEU with an intravenously administered contrast agent (Sonazoid; Daiichi Sankyo Company, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) and an ultrasound instrument (HI VISION Preirus; Hitachi Aloka Medical, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). A balloon was then inserted into the uterine cavity and inflated at the point of bleeding until extravasation ceased.

Results

Three patients exhibited ruptured UAP during the study period. Bleeding points were successfully identified using CEU in all cases, and hemostasis was achieved using uterine balloon tamponade. Obliteration of UAP was confirmed using magnetic resonance imaging, and no patients developed recurrent UAP or any complications.

Conclusion

CEU can be used at the bedside to promptly diagnose ruptured UAP. Moreover, it precisely facilitates balloon compression at the point of bleeding.
[De]constructing the plain: The scope of Rashi’s peshat and the rise of literate mentality
Authors: Hong Koog P
Published: December 2019

Rashi is well recognized for his exegetical innovation of the peshat approach. He appears to claim to focus on peshat, but his reliance on the midrash is undeniable. In an attempt to better understand this problem, rather than focus simply on his definition of peshat, I suggest directing attention to the readerly involvement in constructing what is plain. Among the elements that are commonly thought to construct plain sense, I stress the variables inherent in the notion of context. To set the scope of a text constitutes a basis for what feels plain. If so, the disparity between Rashi’s peshat and the modern plain sense may be put in terms of the divergent scope of text set in action. I also suggest the gradual development of peshat can be situated in the broader cultural movement in 11th- and 12th-century Europe in which literate culture began to emerge.
Numerical analysis of the dynamic frequency responses of damaged micro-lattice core sandwich plates
Authors: Braun Matías , Ivañez Inés , Aranda-Ruiz Josué
Published: December 2019

In this work, a numerical analysis of the dynamic frequency responses of sandwich plates with micro-lattice core is presented. The finite element analysis is implemented in the commercial software Abaqus/Standard, calculating the natural frequencies and eigenmodes of sandwich plates containing defects on the micro-lattice structure. In order to include the presence of defects, an aleatory algorithm is developed in MATLAB. The effect of the damage percentage, cell type, cell size and material on the frequency and modal responses of the sandwich plates is highlighted. Results show that the dynamic frequency response may be useful for analysing practical issues related to non-destructive damage identification of imperfections in the micro-lattice core of sandwich structures.
A Catalog of GAL4 Drivers for Labeling and Manipulating Circadian Clock Neurons in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Sekiguchi Manabu , Inoue Kotaro , Yang Tian , Luo Dong-Gen , Yoshii Taishi
Published: December 2019

Daily rhythms of physiology, metabolism, and behavior are orchestrated by a central circadian clock. In mice, this clock is coordinated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which consists of 20,000 neurons, making it challenging to characterize individual neurons. In Drosophila, the clock is controlled by only 150 clock neurons that distribute across the fly’s brain. Here, we describe a comprehensive set of genetic drivers to facilitate individual characterization of Drosophila clock neurons. We screened GAL4 lines that were obtained from Drosophila stock centers and identified 63 lines that exhibit expression in subsets of central clock neurons. Furthermore, we generated split-GAL4 lines that exhibit specific expression in subsets of clock neurons such as the 2 DN2 neurons and the 6 LPN neurons. Together with existing driver lines, these newly identified ones are versatile tools that will facilitate a better understanding of the Drosophila central circadian clock.
Implementation of a closed-loop medication reconciliation process for ambulatory oncology patients at Winchester District Memorial Hospital
Authors: Mulligan Emily , Tuff LCdr Randy , Leclair Joanne , Mcmillan Jacqueline , Devin Brian , Elbeddini Ali , Gazarin Mohamed
Published: December 2019

Medication Reconciliation (MedRec) is a proven method of optimizing pharmacotherapy and decreasing incidence of Adverse Drug Events (ADEs); however, consistent and correct execution is often a challenge in the setting of outpatient oncology. Ambulatory chemotherapy patients are particularly susceptible to polypharmacy and ADEs and their medication management is often complicated due to gaps in communication between an increased volume of non-co-located, multidisciplinary, healthcare providers. Acknowledging these challenges, Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) led an initiative to create an ambulatory chemotherapy MedRec process using behavioural change approaches. Prior to the intervention, ambulatory chemotherapy MedRec at WDMH was conducted informally via an “open-loop” process. Through an iterative quality improvement process which involved understanding and communicating failure points in the transmission of patients’ medication information directly with the frontline medical staff, a practical and sustainable “closed-loop” system evolved, which improved rates to 97.8% overall completion post-intervention.
Maternal Prenatal Anxiety and Children’s Externalizing and Internalizing Behavioral Problems: The Moderating Roles of Maternal-Child Attachment Security and Child Sex
Authors: Ali Elena , Letourneau Nicole , Benzies Karen , Ntanda Henry , Dewey Deborah , Campbell Tavis , Giesbrecht Gerry
Published: December 2019

Background

Prenatal anxiety is associated with child behavioral problems. Prenatal anxiety is predictive of postnatal anxiety which can interfere with the security of maternal-child attachment and further raise the risk of child behavior problems. Secure maternal-child attachment is essential for optimal emotional health. Sex influences the type of behavior problem experienced. There is a gap in understanding whether attachment security and the sex of the child can moderate association between prenatal anxiety and children’s behavioral problems.

Purpose

To examine the association between prenatal anxiety and child behavioral problems and to test the moderating effects of attachment security and child sex on the association between prenatal anxiety and child behavioral problems.

Methods

Secondary analysis of data from 182 mothers and their children, enrolled in the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition Study using Hayes' (2013) conditional process modeling.

Results

Prenatal anxiety was associated with both externalizing ( b = −0.53; standard error ( SE) = 0.20; p = 0.009) and internalizing ( b = −0.32; SE = 0.13; p = 0.01) behaviors only in children with an insecure style of attachment. Child sex did not moderate the association between prenatal anxiety and children's behavioral problems.

Conclusions

Attachment security moderated the association between prenatal anxiety and children’s externalizing and internalizing behavioral problems.
Physical Activity Support Predicts Safety-Net Patients’ Digital Health-Care Engagement: Implications for Patient Care Delivery
Authors: Laing Sharon S. , Sterling Ryan , Ocampo Carlota
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

Assess relationship among health services received and patients’ digital health-care engagement.

Design:

Quantitative cross-sectional survey study.

Setting:

Community health centers in Washington state and DC.

Sample:

N = 164 adult safety-net patients.

Intervention:

Not applicable

Measures:

Outcomes were knowledge and use of health apps. Predictors were health service access (access to specialists and health information); health service delivery (healthy eating and physical activity counsel); health service satisfaction; and perceived service value.

Analysis:

Descriptive and multivariate regression analyses. Odds ratios (OR) reported for 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results:

Response rate was 35%. Of all, 71% were knowledgeable of smartphone use for wellness and 48% used health apps. Physical activity (PA) counseling predicted knowledge and health apps use. Respondents receiving PA counseling were 2.61 times more likely to be knowledgeable about using smartphones for health promotion (OR = 2.61; P = .047; 95% CI: 1.01-6.73). Respondents receiving PA counseling were 2.89 times more likely to use health apps (OR = 2.89; P = .022; 95% CI: 1.17-7.17). Health information access predicted health apps use; respondents with easy access to general health information were 0.29 times as likely to use health apps (OR = 0.29; P = .043; 95% CI: 0.09-0.96).

Conclusion:

Targeted preventive care support encourages digital health-care engagement. mHealth may supplement health-care needs outside clinics.
Critical Literature Review on the Definition Clarity of the Concept of Faith, Religion, and Spirituality
Authors: Paul Victor Chitra G. , Treschuk Judith V.
Published: December 2019

The critical review of the literature describes the definition clarity of spirituality, religion, and faith. These three terms are interchangeably used in the literature. However, each of these terms has its own definitions. For example, the term spirituality has more than 13 conceptual components. It is abstract and subjective and is different from religion and faith. Spirituality can be a connection to God, nature, others, and surrounding. Spirituality is associated with quality and meaning in life. Conversely, religion is attributed to traditional values and practices related to a certain group of people or faith. Religion is guided by tradition, rules, and culture. Religion is defined as a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices. Religion is the service or worship of God or the supernatural. Faith is often associated with religion and spirituality. Faith is more personal, subjective, and deeper than organized religion and relates to the relationship with God. The concept of spirituality lacks a professional understanding. It is imperative that the holistic view of nursing must strive to understand the definition of spirituality.