bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a multiplex assay to determine the expression of mitochondrial genes in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Aird Tom P. , Farquharson Andrew J. , Drew Janice E. , Carson Brian P.
Published: May 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Can a custom‐designed multiplex gene expression assay be used to quantify expression levels of a targeted group of mitochondrial genes in human skeletal muscle?

What is the main finding and its importance?

A custom‐designed GeXP multiplex assay was developed, and the ability to accurately quantify expression of a targeted set of mitochondrial genes in human skeletal muscle was demonstrated. It holds distinct methodological and practical advantages over other commonly used quantification methods.

Skeletal muscle is an important endocrine tissue demonstrating plasticity in response to external stimuli, including exercise and nutrition. Mitochondrial biogenesis is a common hallmark of adaptations to aerobic exercise training. Furthermore, altered expression of several genes implicated in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, substrate oxidation and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) biosynthesis following acute exercise underpins longer‐term muscle metabolic adaptations. Gene expression is typically measured using real‐time quantitative PCR platforms. However, interest has developed in the design of multiplex gene expression assays (GeXP) using the GenomeLab GeXP™ genetic analysis system, which can simultaneously quantify gene expression of multiple targets, holding distinct advantages in terms of throughput, limiting technical error, cost effectiveness, and quantifying gene co‐expression. This study describes the development of a custom‐designed GeXP assay incorporating the measurement of proposed regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis, substrate oxidation, and NAD+ biosynthetic capacity in human skeletal muscle and characterises the resting gene expression (overnight fasted and non‐exercised) signature within a group of young, healthy, recreationally active males. The design of GeXP‐based assays provides the capacity to more accurately characterise the regulation of a targeted group of genes with specific regulatory functions, a potentially advantageous development for future investigations of the regulation of muscle metabolism by exercise and/or nutrition.
The molecular mechanism of CFTR‐ and secretin‐dependent renal bicarbonate excretion
Authors: Berg Peder , Svendsen Samuel L. , Sorensen Mads Vaarby , Schreiber Rainer , Kunzelmann Karl , Leipziger Jens
Published: May 2021

This review summarizes the newly discovered molecular mechanism of secretin‐stimulated urine HCO3– excretion and the role of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in renal HCO3– excretion. The secretin receptor is functionally expressed in the basolateral membrane of the HCO3–‐secreting β‐intercalated cells of the collecting duct. Here it activates a fast and efficient secretion of HCO3– into the urine serving to normalize metabolic alkalosis. The ability to acutely increase renal base excretion is entirely dependent on functional pendrin (SLC26A4) and CFTR, and both proteins localize to the apical membrane of the β‐intercalated cells. In cystic fibrosis mice and patients, this function is absent or markedly reduced. We discuss that the alkaline tide, namely the transient urine alkalinity after a meal, has now received a clear physiological explanation.

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Guidance for analytical methods to cumulative effects assessment for terrestrial species
Authors: Mahon C. Lisa , Pelech Shawna
Published: May 2021

Landscapes in Canada are undergoing change due to resource and land use stressors and climate stressors. Understanding the cumulative effects of these stressors is challenging because of the complexity of ecosystems, the variability of stressors, and species response to individual or multiple stressors. A key challenge within the field of cumulative effects assessment (CEA) is guidance that describes and evaluates analytical methods. In this review we discuss four broad categories of methods with current or potential use for project-based and effects-based CEA for species in terrestrial systems: (i) qualitative review, (ii) habitat supply models, (iii) empirical species–stressor models, and (iv) decision support models. We describe each method and provide examples, highlight advantages and limitations, identify how methods address key science-based CEA questions, and provide direction on when and why to use specific CEA methods. Empirical species–stressor models and decision support models are the only analytical approaches that provide answers to many science-based CEA questions including how multiple stressors combine to affect an individual species and the certainty of multiple stressor effects. We provide recommendations for using one or more methods as complementary building blocks to fill data gaps, improve understanding and communication, engage diverse partner groups, and increase the quality and credibility of the CEA. Our review supports a move toward regional scale, effects-based CEA where partner collaboration to design, implement, and analyze comprehensive assessments of multiple stressors will (i) expand our knowledge of terrestrial species response to stressors and (ii) inform best management practices for resource industries and conservation and management actions for land managers.
Identification of Hydraulic Connection Points between Different Confined Aquifers in the Liyazhuang Coal Mine
Authors: Liu Zhenghe , Zhao Peiyun , Yang Lusheng , Zhao Jingui , Ye Hailong , Yang Jun , Mo Rujun
Published: May 2021

Water inrush from coal seam floors is one major geological obstacle hindering safe and efficient production activities in mines. Determining the source of water inrush can facilitate its prediction and guide decisions regarding measures for prevention and control. The process of identifying the location of hidden hydraulic contact points in different confined aquifers forms the basis of hydrogeological explorations. It is also the basis for categorizing mine areas prone to water inrush and making qualitative decisions regarding the prevention and control of water inrush. In this study, the positions of hidden hydraulic contact points between the Ordovician Fengfeng and Shangmajiagou formations in the basement of the Liyazhuang coal mine were determined using numerical simulations of the flow fields. First, each node of the finite element grid was considered as a water inrush point to determine the water level at other nodes. Subsequently, the error between measured and simulated water levels, determined based on the flow fields, was determined using the least squares method. The node with the minimum error was then considered as the hidden hydraulic contact point. The simulation results for the flow field indicate a distance of 5000 m between the hydraulic connection and the water inrush points located between the peak formation and the Majiagou aquifer in the Liyazhuang coal mine. Furthermore, the hydraulic relationship between them is poor. Observational data of water inrush from the floor of the No. 2 coal seam and the water level of the confined aquifer in the Liyazhuang coal mine, including the water quality test data of different Ordovician ash aquifers, show that the source of water inrush from the floor of the No. 2 coal seam is the aquifer of the Fengfeng Formation. This finding is consistent with the results of the numerical simulations of the flow field. The results demonstrate that, in mining areas subjected to high pressures, numerical simulations of the flow field can serve as an effective tool for determining the location of hidden hydraulic contact points.
Communication Medium Used by Clients and Health Professionals in Accessing and Providing Healthcare in Low Resource Setting: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dongyele Mathias , Ansong Daniel , Osei Francis Adjei , Amuzu Evans Xorse , Mensah Nicholas Karikari , Kwame Owusu Alfred , Atta Dankwa Bright , Frimpong Odoom Samuel , Bonney Joseph , Adjei Duncan , Amusu Anne , Kofi Akowuah Emmanuel , Lartey Kelvin , Appiah Seth Christopher Yaw , Newton Sam
Published: May 2021

Background. There exist continuing challenges with communication medium used during health service provision. These challenges relate to clients and health institution, intra- and interhealth institution communications. This study reviewed the existing healthcare communication medium from the perspectives of clients and health professionals at a tertiary hospital in Ghana. Methods. Cross-sectional design was employed with a multilevel sampling method to select a total of 650 participants consisting of 303 clients, 303 health workers, and 44 hospital directorate managers for the study. A structured survey questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents. Results. Close to ninety percent (89.8%) of staff resort to direct means (face-to-face medium) to communicate among each other. Majority (64.4%) of them also communicated with management through meetings sections. Nearly all healthcare providers (97.4%) communicated with clients through direct means (face-to-face medium). Almost all forms of communication between the hospital management members and the general public were done through letters and official memos. Conclusions. The study revealed blended forms of communication media used by health providers and health service consumers. These differences in medium of communication could amount to possible difficulties such as lack of information and truncation of information flow. Developing a systematic way of information flow using a common information platform will improve access to health services.
Abstract 12527: Serum Amyloid A, Inflammasome Activation and Stroke
Authors: Kindy Mark S
Published: May 2021

Serum amyloid A (SAA) proteins are critical to the regulation of inflammation in systemic as well as neurological diseases. Studies have shown that during an acute phase response (APR), SAA levels increase 1000-fold and can stimulate the inflammasome, trigger the recruitment of immune cells to inflammatory sites, and elicit the induction of enzymes that degrade extracellular matrix. Our long-term goal is to dissect the mechanisms regulating SAA function, particularly the contribution to stroke related damage. Recent studies have demonstrated that activation of the inflammasome is a critical event in stroke progression in mice. The central hypothesis is that SAA activates the NLRP3 inflammasome, and amplifying the local inflammatory responses that enhance neuronal cell death and stroke progression. We show that activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by SAA exacerbates stroke in mice. Using mice deficient in SAA, RAGE and various inflammasome components (cathepsin B, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 and IL-1beta) or IL-1R mice, we demonstrated that SAA-mediated stroke outcomes are dependent on the NLRP3 inflammasome. In addition, using microglial cell cultures, we determined the impact of SAA on RAGE mediated pathologies (ROS generation, etc.) as well as the influence of SAA-HDL on SAA-mediated NLRP3 activation. We tested the hypothesis that systemic SAA exacerbates the progression of neuronal cell death and inflammation in stroke. We showed that SAA deficient mice determined the impact on stroke infarct volume and outcomes. In addition, using viral vectors to express SAA as well as an inducible transgene help us determine the role of SAA with specific expression of SAA. The impact of SAA on inflammation, neuronal cell death, matrix remodeling, etc. was attenuated in SAA deficient mice. In addition, we demonstrated the role of SAA and the inflammasome in human stroke, and the relationship between plasma SAA, IL-1beta and the impact on stroke outcomes.
Matters Not That Trivial: Damage to the “Safety-Valve” Mechanism in Civil Justice and the Rise of the Boxer Movement in the Late Qing Period
Authors: Qu (渠桂萍) Guiping
Published: May 2021

Litigation in rural China under the Qing involved “trivial matters” 细事 over marriage, land transactions, debt, theft, and so on. “Going to court” 打官司, as a regular means of resolving such disputes, functioned as a “safety valve” in maintaining social order, while the mishandling of civil disputes by local magistrates and prefects often had severe consequences. After 1860, Western missionaries became increasingly active in rural North China under the system of unequal treaties. Their arrogance and interference with lawsuits by providing local converts with judicial protection caused damage to the safety valve and disgruntlement among the victims of their abuses. It was the growing enmity toward the missionaries that led to rampant violence by the Boxers around 1900.
Resource Endowment, Rural Governance, and the Development of the “New Agriculture” in China
Authors: Cheng (程瑶瑶) Yaoyao , Han (韩沛锟) Peikun
Published: May 2021

China’s “new agriculture,” characterized by a “capital-labor dual intensifying” pattern of production, is an effective way of linking small peasants with modern agriculture. Based on a field survey of several neighboring villages in Nijingzhen, Hebei, this article describes and compares each village’s level of agricultural development, and how the new agriculture differs within them. The analysis reveals that both soil texture and land layout affect the ability of villages to adopt new agricultural technologies that characterize the new agriculture. The current land layout is determined by the land division rules that are collectively made by villagers under village self-governance and deeply influenced by the effectiveness of rural governance. “Capable rural people,” family surname and clan structures, and the structure of peasant households, in addition to the choice to remain in the villages, interact with each other and affect the effectiveness of village governing authorities. In turn, the development of the new agriculture impacts the inflow and outflow of the rural labor force, and whether villagers remain in the village, which in turn affects rural governance and social stratification.
Reform of Residential Plot Rights and the Current Omission and Future Development of the “Separation of Three Rights” in the Civil Code
Authors: Dong (董新辉) Xinhui
Published: May 2021

The Civil Code has not yet articulated fully what the “separation of the three property rights” with respect to residential plot rights should mean. This is due to the inadequate development of the theoretical basis of the reform of residential property rights in the Civil Code. Future stipulation on residential plot rights in the Civil Code should aim to define both the eligibility requirements and rights, and the use rights for residential plots. Both of those are derivative of collective ownership rights. For use rights, the new definitions should apply: use rights with respect to residential plots should become transferrable and complete. The new eligibility rights should be clarified as a membership right, a major component of the rights of being a member of the collective. It should include the right of usage and the right to benefits therefrom, while excluding the rights to request distribution of or transfer of the land.
To Be Free of Poverty: The Lessons and Prospects of Poverty Alleviation in Rural China from the Perspective of Societal Governance
Authors: Zhang (张洪新) Hongxin
Published: May 2021

While the deprivation of rights is among the roots of poverty, an analysis of issues pertaining to rights alone is insufficient for a proper understanding of and solution to the complex problem of poverty. Combatting poverty is essentially an issue of governance. China has made enormous advances in poverty alleviation in the past seven decades, thanks to the formation, perfection, and development of a unique model that allowed the state to identify the particularities of the problem of poverty during different periods and implement suitable measures accurately and efficiently. China’s success in combatting poverty has relied on the state’s strategic promotion, the CCP’s mobilization and organization, and the policies of prioritizing villagers’ interests and paying equal attention to both poverty alleviation and economic growth.
Racial, Gender, and Age Dynamics in Michigan’s Urban and Rural Farmers Markets: Reducing Food Insecurity, and the Impacts of a Pandemic
Authors: Taylor Dorceta E. , Lusuegro Alliyah , Loong Victoria , Cambridge Alexis , Nichols Claire , Goode Maeghen , McCoy Ember , Daupan Socorro M. , Bartlett M’Lis , Noel Erin , Pollvogt Brayden
Published: May 2021

In recent decades, the number of farmers markets has increased dramatically across the country. Though farmers markets have been described as White spaces, they can play important roles in reducing food insecurity. It is particularly true in Michigan, where farmers markets were crucial collaborators in pioneering programs such as Double-Up Food Bucks that help low-income residents and people of color gain access to fresh, healthy, locally grown food. This article examines the questions: (1) What are the demographic characteristics of farmers market managers, vendors, and customers? (2) How do these influence market activities? (3) To what extent do farmers markets participate in programs to reduce food insecurity? (4) To what extent do farmers markets serve low-income residents and people of color? And (5) How has the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) affected farmers’ markets? This article discusses the findings of a 2020 study that examined the extent to which Michigan’s farmers markets served low-income customers and people of color, and participated in food assistance programs. The study examined 79 farmers markets and found that 87.3% of the farmers market managers are White. On average, roughly 79% of the markets’ vendors are White, and almost 18% are people of color. Most of the vendors in the markets participate in nutrition assistance programs. Market managers estimate that about 76% of their customers are White, and about 23% are people of color. Farmers markets operated by people of color attract more customers and vendors of color than those administered by White market managers. Almost half of the farmers markets started operations later than usual in 2020 because of the pandemic. More than a third of the markets reported that their funding declined during the pandemic. Moreover, the number of vendors fell at two-thirds of the markets; customers dipped by more than 40%. On the other hand, the number of people requesting food assistance during the pandemic increased in more than half of the markets.
Surviving a Shut-Off: U.S. Households at Greatest Risk of Utility Disconnections and How They Cope
Authors: Hernández Diana , Laird Jennifer
Published: May 2021

This article reports on the first known study to estimate household characteristics and coping behaviors associated with utility disconnections in the United States. We capitalize on a measure of disconnections available in the Residential Energy Consumption Survey that the U.S. Energy Information Administration administers. Using the 2015 panel, we analyzed the prevalence of disconnection notices, disconnection of services, and related coping strategies, including forgoing necessities, maintaining an unhealthy home temperature, and receiving energy assistance. Findings indicate that nearly 15% of U.S. households received a disconnection notice and 3%—more than three million households—experienced a service disconnection in 2015. Our results further demonstrate that more households forgo necessities than maintaining an unhealthy temperature or receiving energy assistance. However, many families used a combination of strategies to prevent or respond to the threat of being disconnected. We discuss implications for future research on material hardships, survival strategies, and the health impacts of poverty.
Impact of Lymphocyte-Related Blood Parameters on Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair
Authors: Yang Fan , Liu Jitao , Chen Lyufan , Fan Ruixin , Zeng Hongke , Geng Qingshan , Luo Jianfang
Published: May 2021

Lymphocyte-related blood parameters (LRBP), including neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio, and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio, could reflect a patient’s overall inflammatory status. We aimed to clarify the association between preoperative LRBP and outcomes of type B aortic dissection (TBAD) patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). A total of 841 patients were enrolled from 2010 to 2017. Twenty-six (3.1%) patients died during hospitalization and 71 (8.7%) patients died after a median follow-up of 47.3 months. Multivariate analyses showed that the NLR was the only independent predictor for in-hospital death (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.22; P < .001); 4.1 was identified as the optimum threshold for NLR after applying the X-tile program. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to diminish bias and yielded 174 matched pairs. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio >4.1 was demonstrated to be independently associated with follow-up mortality before (hazard ratio [HR], 2.53; 95% CI, 1.44-4.43; P = .001) and after PSM (HR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.35-7.15; P = .008). The relationship between LRBP and follow-up reintervention or stroke were not significant ( P > .05 for both). Elevated NLR was an independent indicator for in-hospital and follow-up mortality in patients with TBAD undergoing TEVAR; this might provide additional risk stratification.
Intracoronary Imaging Versus Coronary Angiography to Guide Drug-Coated Balloon Intervention in Coronary Artery Disease: A Propensity-Matched Pilot Study Analysis
Authors: Lv Sai , Ma Xiaoteng , Zhou Yujie , Zhao Yingxin , Liu Xiaoli , Liu Yuyang , Shi Dongmei
Published: May 2021

Limited data exist about the effect of intracoronary imaging (ICI)-guided drug-coated balloon (DCB) intervention on clinical end points. In all, 1157 patients with coronary artery disease treated with DCB between December 2014 and December 2017 at Beijing Anzhen Hospital were included in the final analysis in this cohort study. The primary end point was the incidence of target lesion failure (TLF), a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (MI), and target lesion revascularization, and the key secondary end point was the incidence of cardiac death or target vessel MI. The median follow-up for clinical events was 32.0 months (IQR 25.0-40.0). Intracoronary imaging was used in 90 (7.8%) patients. There was no statistically significant difference in TLF (12.2% vs 12.5%, P = .80) between ICI-guided and angiography-guided group. Cardiac death or target vessel MI rates (1.1% vs 3.7%, P = .17) were numerically lower for the ICI-guided cohort. In the propensity score–based analysis, TLF (10.5% vs 16.2%, P = .19) and cardiac death or target vessel MI rates (1.2% vs 2.3%, P = .51) tended to be lower for the ICI-guided cohort. In this observational study, TLF rate tended to decrease in the ICI-guided DCB treatment group compared with angiography-guided procedures. Larger studies are needed.
Relationship Between Fasting Glucose, HbA1c Levels, and the SYNTAX Score 2 in Patients With Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kilic Alparslan , Baydar Onur
Published: May 2021

We evaluated if admission glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting glucose levels are correlated with the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), nondiabetic, patients. Coronary artery disease severity, according to the anatomical synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with taxus and cardiac surgery (SYNTAX) score 2 (SSII), was retrospectively evaluated in 359 nondiabetic patients hospitalized with NSTEMI who underwent coronary angiography. Glucose intolerance was assessed by serum fasting glucose and HbA1c levels. We stratified patients according to tertiles of SSII (≤21.5, 21.5-30.6, and ≥30.6). These score ranges were defined as SSII low, SSII mid, and SSII high, respectively. The average age of the patients was 57.1 ± 10.9 years; 189 (52.1%) patients were males. The average fasting glucose was 114 ± 52 mg/dL, HbA1c was 5.8% ± 0.9%, and SSII was 18.9 ± 10.3. A stronger correlation was found between HbA1c and SSII than fasting glucose and SSII (r1 = 0.901, P < .001, r2 = 0.378, P < .001, respectively), and HbA1c level and hypertension were independent risk factors for SSII high (odds ratio [OR]: 2.2 (95% CI: 0.5-9.0, P < .001; OR: 1.1 (1.0-1.3), P = .007, respectively). In conclusion, in nondiabetic patients with NSTEMI, HbA1c levels correlated with CAD severity as measured by the SSII.
Joseph: lessons on scarcity for the pending climate change
Authors: Harris Darriel B.
Published: May 2021

The biblical story of Joseph is a narrative that offers several notable ethics. Of interest in this essay is Joseph’s response to the scarcity created by a regional famine consuming Egypt and Canaan in which Joseph makes slaves of the Egyptians while enriching himself and Pharaoh. The narrative underscores an uncomfortable truth: in the presence of scarcity, horrific acts are likely even among godly characters. The essay offers lessons on how we, as individuals, governments, and religious bodies, can respond to the scarcity that will likely accompany climate change while avoiding actions that either oppress or sanction the oppression of the masses. In addition, the essay delves into how democracy can be an asset in combating scarcity and oppression, insomuch as democracy is a vehicle for a population that is resourced and informed by truth.
Listening to the land: eco-rooted activism at the Charis community in Charlottesville, Virginia
Authors: Aheron Grace
Published: May 2021

The Charis Community is an intentional community on Episcopal Church property founded in 2014 in Charlottesville, Virginia. What began as a modest agrarian ministry on six acres of land grew into a powerful ministry of antiracist and antifascist community organizing through the white supremacist Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville in 2017. Through telling the story of Charis, I argue that our land-based ministry necessarily drew us into fighting many forms of systemic oppression. As we grew closer to the land and grew in our understanding of our stewardship of the land, the stories the land held—stories of oppression and resilience—shaped our vocation of fighting for justice.
Beyond acedia and wrath: life during the climate apocalypse
Authors: Hirschfeld A. Robert , Blackmer Stephen
Published: May 2021

In a time when climate change and other ecological disturbances wreak havoc upon both human and natural “households,” how can the people of God respond beyond anger and acedia, or sloth? Easy as it is to be paralyzed by the magnitude of the problems, and tempting as it is to resort to anger and blame, could we follow the prodigal son in “returning to ourselves” and being restored to our rightful place in the household of God? The authors’ experiences with the River of Life Pilgrimage and Church of the Woods provide concrete examples of how the human members of the Body of Christ can be restored to kinship with our non-human sisters and brothers in Christ through immersion, song, praise, and sharing of bread and wine.
Surgery with Post-Operative Endoscopy Improves Recurrence Detection in Sinonasal Malignancies
Authors: Nyquist Gurston Gordon , Patel Prachi N. , Vimawala Swar , Chitguppi Chandala , Khoury Tawfiq , Curry Joseph M. , Luginbuhl Adam , Rabinowitz Mindy R. , Rosen Marc R.
Published: May 2021

Objective:

The mainstay of treatment in sinonasal malignancy (SNM) is surgery, and when combined with chemoradiation therapy, often leads to the best overall prognosis. Nasal endoscopy is essential for post-treatment surveillance along with physical exam and radiologic evaluation. The ability to directly visualize the sinus cavities after surgery may also improve early detection of tumor recurrence and is another reason to potentially advocate for surgery in these patients.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of medical records of patients with pathologically proven SNM was conducted from 2005 to 2019.

Results:

The nasal cavity and maxillary sinus were the most common primary tumor sub-sites. The most common pathology was squamous cell carcinoma (42%). The median time to recurrence was 9.8 months. Recurrence was initially detected endoscopically in 34.3% patients, by imaging in 62.7% patients, and by physical exam in 3.0% patients. 67 (29%) total recurrences were detected on follow-up, of which 46 (68.7%) were local. Twenty-three of the local recurrences were identified via nasal endoscopy. Thirteen recurrences were identified via endoscopic surveillance within the surgically patent paranasal sinuses while 13 were identified within the nasal cavity; 5 patients had multiple sites of recurrence.

Conclusion:

Local recurrence of SNM is the most common site for recurrent disease and nasal endoscopy identified half of these cases. 50% of these recurrences were within the paranasal sinuses and would not have been easily identified if the sinuses were not open for inspection. Thus, open sinus cavities aid in the detection of tumor recurrence and is another advantage of surgery in the management of SNM.
Educational Value of Endoscopic Versus Microscopic Ear Surgery
Authors: Chern Alexander , Sharma Rahul K. , Maurrasse Sarah E. , Drusin Madeleine A. , Ciarleglio Adam J. , Golub Justin S.
Published: May 2021

Objective:

To compare the educational value of endoscopic ear surgery versus microscopic ear surgery among medical students.

Methods:

Medical students anonymously completed a cross-sectional survey immediately after observing endoscopic or microscopic ear surgery. A Likert scale (1 = worst, 5 = best) was used to analyze variables across 3 domains including: (1) area of interest visibility, (2) optical quality, (3) education and understanding. The Mann–Whitney U-test and multivariable linear regression were used to compare mean scores of individual items and domain means between endoscopic and microscopic groups.

Results:

Forty-four surveys were analyzed (20 endoscopic and 24 microscopic ear surgeries). Across domains, the endoscope was superior to the microscope (adjusted P < .05) for visibility of the area of interest (mean ± SD: 4.74 ± 0.26 vs 4.28 ± 0.50), optical quality (4.78 ± 0.38 vs 4.28 ± 0.64), and education and understanding (4.70 ± 0.47 vs 4.13 ± 0.61). In multivariable linear regression, the mean domain score for visibility of the area of interest was 1.23 (95% CI = 0.56, 1.90; adjusted P < .01) points higher for the endoscopic group, compared to the microscopic group, adjusting for surgeon, procedure, and student type. The mean domain score for education and understanding was 1.19 (95% CI = 0.49. 1.90; adjusted P < 0.01) points higher for the endoscopic group, compared to the microscopic group, adjusting for the same confounders.

Conclusions:

Among medical students, endoscopic ear surgery was superior to microscopic ear surgery for several visual quality indicators and perceived educational benefit. These findings have implications for medical student education and surgical training.
Monitoring of metabolic side-effects in children and adolescents prescribed antipsychotic medication: A systematic review
Authors: Mead Laura , Ayres Alice , Blake Julie A , Scott James G
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

Prescribing antipsychotic medications to children and adolescents with severe mental and developmental disorders is common; however, there is a lack of consensus on appropriate metabolic monitoring for this population. This review systematically evaluates studies examining metabolic monitoring of children and adolescents prescribed antipsychotic medication to understand the clinical practice of metabolic monitoring and identify opportunities to improve the safety of antipsychotic prescribing in this population.

Methods:

A systematic search for original research on metabolic monitoring in children and adolescents prescribed antipsychotics was conducted in six databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library [Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CENTRAL], Cochrane Methodology Register and Web of Science [Science and Social Science Citation Index]) from inception to February 2020 following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were assessed for quality and findings summarised using narrative synthesis.

Results:

Fifteen papers were identified. Studies agreed on the need for metabolic monitoring; however, there was a gap between guideline-recommended practice and clinical practice. Variable rates of baseline and subsequent monitoring were reported for both physical and biochemical parameters, with particularly low rates for monitoring requiring venesection. Younger age was also associated with lower monitoring rates. Implementation of quality improvement activities (new guidelines, staff education and checklists) improved monitoring rates although the measurement of biochemical parameters still occurred in only a minority of children.

Conclusion:

Despite widespread awareness and concern regarding metabolic side-effects, monitoring occurred inconsistently and infrequently, particularly for biochemical parameters requiring venesection. Monitoring of anthropometric measures (weight, body mass index and waist circumference) with escalation to more laboratory testing where metabolic concerns are identified may improve monitoring. Minimising iatrogenic harm, through reduced antipsychotic prescription where possible, is a clinical priority in this population.
Distinct clinical manifestations of obsessive-compulsive disorder are associated with cortical thickness alteration
Authors: Shan Hai-di , Liu Ya-fei , Zhao Qing , Wang Yi , Wang Yong-ming , Cheung Eric F , Chan Raymond C , Wang Zhen
Published: May 2021

Background:

Although brain structural changes have been reported in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), results from previous studies have been inconsistent. A growing number of studies have focused on obsessive beliefs and impulsivity which could be involved in the occurrence and maintenance of OCD symptoms. The present study aimed to examine whether there are distinct brain structural changes in patients with different OCD subgroups.

Methods:

Eighty-nine patients with OCD and 42 healthy controls were recruited to undergo structural magnetic resonance imaging brain scan. OCD patients were classified into subgroups according to scores of the Obsessive Belief Questionnaire (OBQ-44) and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) using cluster analysis. Group comparisons in cortical thickness and subcortical volumes between all OCD patients and healthy controls, as well as between subgroups of OCD patients and healthy controls, were carried out.

Results:

OCD patients with more obsessive beliefs and attentional impulsivity (OCD_OB_AT) had reduced cortical thickness at the inferior parietal gyrus, the superior and middle temporal gyrus and the insula compared with OCD patients with higher score on the non-planning impulsivity (OCD_NP, corrected p < 0.05). The whole group of OCD patients and both subgroups showed reduced cortical thickness at the superior parietal gyrus compared with controls (uncorrected p < 0.01, number of vertices > 100).

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that apart from distinct phenomenology, there are distinct neural correlates of different OCD subgroups based on obsessive beliefs and impulsivity. These neural correlates may have clinical significance and should be considered in future research.
Le théâtre hindi – l’identité culturelle et l’imaginaire hindou
Authors: Dimitrova Diana
Published: May 2021

Cet article s’intéresse à la notion d’identité culturelle ainsi qu’à l’imaginaire hindou et à son influence sur la création du canon du théâtre hindi moderne. Pour ce faire, nous examinerons les segments culturels qui ont influencé le développement du genre dramatique en langue hindie. Les implications idéologiques de la construction de la tradition du théâtre hindi en tant que forme néo-sanskritique, niant les influences occidentales et islamiques, seront également discutées. Bien que la « redécouverte », après les années 1960, des traditions théâtrales folkloriques/indigènes/ deśī ait été fort importante, nous avançons qu’elle n’a pas été suffisante pour relancer et arrêter la disparition du théâtre hindi moderne puisque ces traditions n’ont pu représenter l’identité culturelle indienne. Nous proposons de comprendre l’identité culturelle indienne comme une catégorie pluraliste, qui est informée par de multiples segments culturels, comme les traditions occidentale et brahmanique, les traditions littéraires islamiques et indigènes. Par conséquent, il s’ensuit que toutes les écoles du théâtre hindi – néosanskritique, naturaliste et nativiste – représentent l’identité culturelle indienne et devraient faire partie du canon littéraire hindi.
The Impact of Detention on Youth Outcomes: A Rapid Evidence Review
Authors: Gilman Amanda B. , Walker Sarah Cusworth , Vick Kristin , Sanford Rachael
Published: May 2021

While there is ample research examining the short- and long-term effects of juvenile incarceration (broadly defined), less is known about the specific consequences of the most common form of youth incarceration, juvenile detention. We conducted a Rapid Evidence Review (RER), limiting our search to the past 10 years to include studies that captured modern juvenile justice practices, to assess the body of literature evaluating the effects of juvenile detention on youth outcomes. Our initial search yielded over 1,800 articles, but only three ultimately met criteria for inclusion in our review. We conclude that there is a profound lack of research regarding the consequences of juvenile detention, an issue that affects a large number of youth in the United States.
Urban-Rural Differences under the Context of China’s Political Textbook System: Student Perspectives
Authors: Jingru Qu
Published: May 2021

The term “life-related,” a significant characteristic of new political textbook(s) in China’s new curriculum reform at senior high school level, means that the textbook(s) should be based on the learners’ life experiences and designed to enhance learning in daily life. There has been little relevant research about student perspectives on how “life-related” a textbook is, especially on comparing students from urban and rural areas. This paper has two aims: Firstly, to compare the perspectives of the urban and rural students about how “life-related” a textbook is; and secondly, to concentrate on identifying the effecting factors on the student perspectives. In this study, the results of questionnaire survey ( N = 569), with 285 students from a urban school and 284 students from a rural school, indicated that the political textbook (Politics and Life, in short P&L) is more related to urban students’ daily life. Findings from semi-structured interviews and content analysis of the textbook suggested that public resource, family background, and the urban-oriented textbook content may explain the urban-rural difference of students’ perceptions on political textbook.
Writing Scientific Explanations: Effects of a Cognitive Apprenticeship for Students With LD and English Learners
Authors: Lee Yewon , Paz Susan De La
Published: May 2021

In the current study, we examined the effect of cognitive apprenticeship with contextualized language instruction on students with LD (SWLDs) and English learners’ (ELs) ability to compose scientific explanations using a multiple-probe, multiple-baseline single-case design. Six middle school students (three in each subgroup) participated in ten 30-min sessions in an after-school program. The intervention was implemented with high fidelity, and all participants believed they benefited from the writing instruction. After instruction, SWLDs and ELs had similar gains. They wrote better explanations, as demonstrated by substantial improvements in the quality of their causal and mechanistic reasoning ( τ = 1), grammatical and lexical sophistication ( τ = 1), and holistic writing ( τ = 0.95–0.96). Changes in writing performance were maintained for 4 or more weeks. We discuss implications of these findings for science classrooms and suggest areas for future writing research.
National Cadet Corps (NCC): Its Role in Integrating North Eastern Region (NER) with Mainstream India
Authors: Jain Rita , Kumar Sanjay
Published: May 2021

To the North Eastern Region (NER) of India, lie the unexplored states of the Indian Union. This region holds a unique place in the federal structure of India. This article attempts to scrutinise the diversity of NER, along with the potential of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) as a medium to change, uplift and assimilate it with pan India. The article aims to comprehend how NER can accommodate the regional identities and cultural affinities with Indian mainstream identity through the intervention of NCC at college and university level. The methodology of this article is based on secondary resources such as published books, journals, web pages, reports, newspapers and online sources. The article is analytical and descriptive in nature based on thematic approach.
Focus on Quality in Higher Education in India
Authors: Gupta Asha
Published: May 2021

These days we find a lot more focus on ‘quality’ in the field of higher education than ever before. In fact, it is the concept of quality that makes higher education ‘higher’. Earlier, the pursuit of higher education was elitist. The focus used to be on ‘knowledge for the sake of knowledge’. However, with the massification of higher education in the wake of knowledge-based and technology-driven modern economies worldwide, we find the focus shifting to employability of the students in rapidly changing world of work. The quality education implies not only equipping the students with requisite knowledge and skills for their chosen career field but also to prepare them for lifelong learning. It is expected to train the students to think and act critically beyond university in the interest of society and humankind. The present article focuses on the changing perspectives of the quality in higher education in India. The methodology adopted is analytical, comparative and empirical.
Postgraduate level analog microelectronics course based on cadence IC software and AMS 0.35 µm technology
Authors: Reig Càndid , Calpe-Maravilla Javier , Hoofman Romano , Basso Omar
Published: May 2021

An analog microelectronics design course at the post-graduate level is described in this paper. In 30 h, students with different engineering background receive a basic but solid formation by implementing a complete microelectronics design flow, following current industry standards. The course deals with fundamental design blocks as well as specific computer aided design tools. This course can be taught, as it is, as a fundamental module in general electronics/communications masters, but it can be also tuned to match specific curriculum constraints, if required. It has been successfully taught for two years, with minor adjustments, within the Telecommunications Engineering Master, at the University of Valencia, Spain. The assessments from the students highlight the acceptance of the course.
African American men who become mental health advocates
Authors: Yaklin Sandra , Kim Miyong , Hecht Jacklyn
Published: May 2021

Using a narrative approach, this study explored how African American men became mental health advocates. This ancillary study is part of a formative within an ongoing community based intervention program that was designed to promote mental health of African Americans (AMEN) project within an ongoing community based intervention program that was designed to promote mental health of African Americans (AMEN) project. Narrative research techniques were used to analyze and synthesize the data. Analysis generated one major theme (interdependence) with four supporting sub-themes (credibility, social depression, stigma, and calling). These findings and insights through this qualitative study guided the AMEN project team to formulate effective communication strategies in establishing working relationships with community partners and wider stakeholders as well as crafting culturally tailored messages for African American participants.
Solid-state foaming of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene through microcellular 3D printing process
Authors: Dugad Rupesh , Radhakrishna G , Gandhi Abhishek
Published: May 2021

The lightweight products with superior specific strength are in great demand in numerous applications such as automotive, aerospace, biomedical, sports, etc. This work focussed on the manufacturing of lightweight products using the cellular three dimensional (3D) printing process. In this work, the continuous microcellular morphology has been developed in a single foamed filament using 3 D printing of carbon-di-oxide (CO2) saturated acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filaments. The microcellular structures with average cell size in the range of 6–1040 µm were developed. The influence of printing parameters; nozzle temperature, feed rate, and flow rate on the foam characteristics and cell morphology at different levels were investigated. The different kinds of observed foamed extrudate irregularities were discussed.
A CLT based constitutive model to predict distortions and residual stresses in semi-crystalline thermoplastic composites
Authors: Krivtzoff De’ Grandis Dante , Donadon Maurício Vicente , Faria Alfredo Rocha de , Sales-Contini Rita de Cássia Mendonça
Published: May 2021

This paper describes a classical laminate theory-based constitutive model for portraying thermoplastic composites’ mechanical properties and the development of residual stresses during consolidation. The extended Hillier model is applied to describe the material’s crystallisation and as such is able to provide final part quality as a function of the process cooling history while taking into account the first and second crystallisation mechanisms occurring concurrently. With the developed model, a parametric study was performed taking into account layups that are commonly used in the aerospace industry, where general design guidelines are suggested. Some of the advantages of using cross-ply and quasi-isotropic laminates became clear as no shear residual stresses were predicted for those laminates. However, highly anysotropic laminates may also offer structural advantages. Numerical simulations indicate that the crystallisation residual strains can be, although smaller than thermal residual strains, relevant to final part quality. The combination of both effects may result in high residual stresses at ply level which in turn can compromise the ultimate strength of the laminates and make it difficult to attain the desired part’s geometrical tolerances.
Policing and Political Violence
Authors: Eck Kristine , Conrad Courtenay R. , Crabtree Charles
Published: May 2021

The police are often key actors in conflict processes, yet there is little research on their role in the production of political violence. Previous research provides us with a limited understanding of the part the police play in preventing or mitigating the onset or escalation of conflict, in patterns of repression and resistance during conflict, and in the durability of peace after conflicts are resolved. By unpacking the role of state security actors and asking how the state assigns tasks among them—as well as the consequences of these decisions—we generate new research paths for scholars of conflict and policing. We review existing research in the field, highlighting recent findings, including those from the articles in this special issue. We conclude by arguing that the fields of policing and conflict research have much to gain from each other and by discussing future directions for policing research in conflict studies.