bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organizational Ethnographic Case Studies: Toward a New Generative In-Depth Qualitative Methodology for Health Care Research?
Authors: Côté-Boileau Élizabeth , Gaboury Isabelle , Breton Mylaine , Denis Jean-Louis
Published: June 2020

A growing body of literature suggests combining organizational ethnography and case study design as a new methodology for investigating complex organizational phenomena in health care contexts. However, the arguments supporting the potential of organizational ethnographic case studies to improve the process and increase the impact of qualitative research in health care is currently underdeveloped. In this article, we aim to explore the methodological potentialities and limitations of combining organizational ethnography and case study to conduct in-depth empirical health care research. We conducted a scoping review, systematically investigating seven bibliographic databases to search, screen, and select empirical articles that employed organizational ethnographic case study to explore organizational phenomena in health care contexts. We screened 573 papers, then completed full-text review of 74 papers identified as relevant based on title and abstract. A total of 18 papers were retained for analysis. Data were extracted and synthesized using a two-phase descriptive and inductive thematic analysis. We then developed a methodological matrix that positions how the impact, contextualization, credibility, and depth of this combined methodology interact to increase the generative power of in-depth qualitative empirical research in health care. Our review reveals that organizational ethnographic case studies have their own distinct methodological identity in the wider domain of qualitative health care research. We argue that by accelerating the research process, enabling various sources of reflexivity, and spreading the depth and contextualization possibilities of empirical investigation of complex organizational phenomena, this combined methodology may stimulate greater academic dynamism and increase the impact of research. Organizational ethnographic case studies appear as a new in-depth qualitative methodology that both challenges and improves the conventional ways we study the lives of organizations and the experiences of actors within the interconnected realms of health care.
Pinochet in Prague: Authoritarian visions of economic reforms and the State in Eastern Europe, 1980-2000
Authors: Rupprecht Tobias
Published: June 2020

The ‘1989’-inspired liberal enthusiasm about Eastern Europe’s democratisation has led to an overestimation of the efficacy of liberal ideas, and to a blotting-out of decidedly illiberal strands of political thought, in the region both during and after the end of Communist rule. One such strand was a remarkable interest in different aspects of the Chilean transformation from socialism to liberal democracy via authoritarianism across (post-)socialist Europe in the 1980s and 1990s. Based on reform debates from Poland, Russia, and Czechoslovakia, this article argues that this fascination with the military dictator Augusto Pinochet is an indicator for widespread authoritarian visions among various political and intellectual elites during the transition period. For them, Pinochet served as a code and source of inspiration for a non-democratic path to an efficient economy. Before 1989, this path was laid out under the tutelage of a de-ideologised authoritarian Communist Party. After the end of planned economies and through the 1990s, the ‘Chilean model’ was used by anti-communists and liberal economists across the region as a source of legitimacy in their internal struggle against opponents of their reform ideas.
Synchronization of a dual-exciter coupling with a torsion spring in far-resonance system
Authors: Hou Duyu , Fang Pan , Peng Huan , Zou Min , Hou Yongjun , Chai Guodong
Published: June 2020

In-phase self-synchronization of two eccentric rotors with common rotational axis is hardly implemented in far-resonance system. In this article, a dual motor coaxially coupling with a torsion spring is proposed to obtain in-phase synchronization between the eccentric rotors. To explore the dynamic and synchronous characteristics of the proposed system, the mechanical model is first established with Lagrangian formulation. Second, the steady response of the system is calculated based on differential motion equations. Subsequently, the synchronous mechanism between the eccentric rotors is discussed by averaged small parameter method. Finally, some numerical computations are further implemented to verify correctness of theoretical analysis. The result shows that the synchronous state is determined by stiffness of torsion spring, masses of eccentric rotors, and distance between the motors. When axial distance between the motor is smaller, “critical stiffness of in-phase synchronization” is gradually enlarged as the masses of the eccentric rotors are increased and approached to equality, but in-phase synchronization is permanently maintained when the axial distance of the motor is far; in this situation, the synchronous state is hardly affected by variation of stiffness of torsion spring and masses of eccentric rotors. When the stiffness of the torsion spring is smaller, “critical distance [Formula: see text] of in-phase synchronization” is also enlarged as the masses of the eccentric rotors are increased and approached to equality; otherwise, the synchronous state is always locked in in-phase synchronization. When the stiffness of the torsion spring is smaller, “critical distance [Formula: see text] of anti-phase synchronization” is decreased as the masses of eccentric rotors are increased and approached to equality; otherwise, the synchronous state is always locked in in-phase synchronization.
Null-space impedance control of 7-degree-of-freedom redundant manipulators based on the arm angles
Authors: Xiong Genliang , Zhou Yang , Yao Jiankang
Published: June 2020

An impedance control method in null-space for 7-degree-of-freedom redundant manipulators is presented in this article. The null-space impedance motion of the redundant manipulator was described in the angle domain and a null-space impedance equation was established. To successfully obtain joint angular velocity, a high-gain observer is designed. The stability of the proposed control method was proved based on passive theory. The proposed null-space impedance control method not only preserved the Cartesian space impedance characteristics of the redundant manipulator but also achieved null-space impedance control. When the manipulator interacted with the outside world, the position error of the end effector asymptotically converged due to the self-motion of the manipulator. Simulations and experiments of the general impedance control method and the proposed impedance control method verified the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Residual correction for robotic articulated arm coordinate measuring machine with radial basis function neural network
Authors: Gao Guanbin , Wang Sen , Na Jing , Liu Fei
Published: June 2020

The robotic articulated arm coordinate measuring machine (RAACMM) is a special robotic structural measuring instrument used to perform industrial field inspection. The accuracy of a RAACMM in different poses presents certain characteristics due to the influence of various dynamic factors. However, the existing error compensation model of the RAACMM cannot include dynamic factors, which imposes certain limits on improving the accuracy of the RAACMM. In this article, a residual correction method for the RAACMM based on a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) is proposed to compensate the dynamic factors and improve the accuracy of the RAACMM. Firstly, the influence of the pose configuration of the RAACMM on the residual error of the probe is analyzed. The periodic characteristics of the residual error are obtained based on the analysis results. Secondly, a relationship model between the residual errors and the structural parameters is established in the cylindrical coordinate system. Then, a residual correction model based on the single point repeatability and RBFNN is proposed to further enhance the accuracy of the RAACMM. The probe of the RAACMM is constrained with a cone-hole gauge to acquire the single point repeatability data. The residual correction model is trained with the data of single point repeatability, and residual errors are calculated via the residual correction model. Experimental results show that the repeatability and measurement accuracy of the RAACMM are all improved after the residual correction, which validates the effectiveness of the residual correction method.
A light cable-driven manipulator developed for aerial robots: Structure design and control research
Authors: Wang Yaoyao , Zhang Rui , Ju Feng , Zhao Jinbo , Chen Bai , Wu Hongtao
Published: June 2020

To effectively reduce the mass and simplify the structure of traditional aerial manipulators, we propose novel light cable-driven manipulator for the aerial robots in this article. The drive motors and corresponding reducers are removed from the joints to the base; meanwhile, force and motion are transmitted remotely through cables. Thanks to this design, the moving mass has been greatly reduced. In the meantime, the application of cable-driven technology also brings about extra difficulties for high-precise control of cable-driven manipulators. Hence, we design a nonsingular terminal sliding mode controller using time-delay estimation. The time-delay estimation is applied to obtain lumped system dynamics and found an attractive model-free scheme, while the nonsingular terminal sliding mode controller is utilized to enhance the control performance. Stability is analyzed based on Lyapunov theory. Finally, the designed light cable-driven manipulator and presented time-delay estimation-based nonsingular terminal sliding mode controller are analyzed. Corresponding results show that (1) our proposed cable-driven manipulator has high load to mass ratio of 0.8 if we only consider the moving mass and (2) our proposed time-delay estimation-based nonsingular terminal sliding mode is model-free and can provide higher accuracy than the widely used time-delay estimation-based proportional–derivative (PD) controller.
The apparent action causation: Using a magician forcing technique to investigate our illusory sense of agency over the outcome of our choices
Authors: Pailhès Alice , Kuhn Gustav
Published: June 2020

We often fall victim of an illusory sense of control and agency over our thoughts and actions. Magicians are masters at exploiting these illusions, and forcing techniques provide a powerful way to study apparent action causation—the illusion that our action caused the outcome we get. In this article, we used the Criss-Cross force to study whether people can tell the difference between an action which had an impact on the outcome they get and one which has no impact. In the Criss-Cross force, participants are asked to cut to a card, and while they are genuinely free to cut the cards at any position, the cut does not affect the card they are given (i.e., they always get the top card). We investigate the psychological processes that underpin the success of this force. Experiment 1 ( N = 60) showed that participants cannot tell the difference between a forced and a controlled outcome. Experiment 2 ( N = 90) showed that contrary to common magicians’ knowledge, misdirection does not play a role in the success of the force. Finally, Experiment 3 ( N = 60) suggests that rather than misdirection, an attribute substitution error explains why people fail to understand that their action does not have an impact on the outcome they get. Debriefing also shows the importance of participants’ expectations in the perception of the trick, as well as the role of prediction of the outcome in participants’ sense of agency over the events.
o-Phenylenediamine as a reaction-based probe for the fluorescent detection of Ce(IV) ions
Authors: Lai Xiaojing , Ye Qiuxiang , Wang Ruixiang , Wang Peng , Liu Jin-Biao
Published: June 2020

o-Phenylenediamine as a new fluorescent probe is designed for detecting Ce(IV) ions. The mechanism of detection relies on the oxidative activity of Ce(IV) ions, which can promote the oxidative cyclization of o-Phenylenediamine leading to the formation of fluorescent 2,3-diaminophenazine and giving a more than 150-fold fluorescence enhancement. Furthermore, the o-Phenylenediamine fluorescent probe was effectively used for the detection of Ce(IV) ions in river water, tap water, rainwater, and lateritic soil from Ganzhou.
Analysing EHR navigation patterns and digital workflows among physicians during ICU pre-rounds
Authors: Coleman Cameron , Gotz David , Eaker Samantha , James Elaine , Bice Thomas , Carson Shannon , Khairat Saif
Published: June 2020

Background:

Some physicians in intensive care units (ICUs) report that electronic health records (EHRs) can be cumbersome and disruptive to workflow. There are significant gaps in our understanding of the physician–EHR interaction.

Objective:

To better understand how clinicians use the EHR for chart review during ICU pre-rounds through the characterisation and description of screen navigation pathways and workflow patterns.

Method:

We conducted a live, direct observational study of six physician trainees performing electronic chart review during daily pre-rounds in the 30-bed medical ICU at a large academic medical centre in the Southeastern United States. A tailored checklist was used by observers for data collection.

Results:

We observed 52 distinct live patient chart review encounters, capturing a total of 2.7 hours of pre-rounding chart review activity by six individual physicians. Physicians reviewed an average of 8.7 patients (range = 5–12), spending a mean of 3:05 minutes per patient (range = 1:34–5:18). On average, physicians visited 6.3 (±3.1) total EHR screens per patient (range = 1–16). Four unique screens were viewed most commonly, accounting for over half (52.7%) of all screen visits: results review (17.9%), summary/overview (13.0%), flowsheet (12.7%), and the chart review tab (9.1%). Navigation pathways were highly variable, but several common screen transition patterns emerged across users. Average interrater reliability for the paired EHR observation was 80.0%.

Conclusion:

We observed the physician–EHR interaction during ICU pre-rounds to be brief and highly focused. Although we observed a high degree of “information sprawl” in physicians’ digital navigation, we also identified common launch points for electronic chart review, key high-traffic screens and common screen transition patterns.

Implications:

From the study findings, we suggest recommendations towards improved EHR design.
Estimating Increased EGP During Stress Response in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Ormsbee Jennifer J. , Knopp Jennifer L. , Chase J. Geoffrey
Published: June 2020

Background:

Stress-induced hyperglycemia is frequently experienced by critically ill patients and the use of glycemic control (GC) has been shown to improve patient outcomes. For model-based approaches to GC, it is important to understand and quantify model parameter assumptions. This study explores endogenous glucose production (EGP) and the use of a population-based parameter value in the intensive care unit context.

Method:

Hourly insulin sensitivity (SI) was fit to clinical data from 145 patients on the Specialized Relative Insulin and Nutrition Titration GC protocol for at least 24 hours. Constraint of SI at a lower bound was used to explore likely EGP variability due to stress response. Minimum EGP was estimated during times when the model SI was constrained, and time and duration of events were examined.

Results:

Constrained events occur for 1.6% of patient hours. About 70% of constrained events occur in the first 12 hours and most events (~80%) occur when there is no exogenous nutrition given. Enhanced EGP values ranged from 1.16 mmol/min (current population value) to 2.75 mmol/min, with most being below 1.5 mmol/min (21% increase).

Conclusion:

The frequency of constrained events is low and the current population value of 1.16 mmol/min is sufficient for more than 98% of patient hours, however, some patients experience significantly raised EGP probably due to an extreme stress response early in patient stay.
Exercise in the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) era: A Question and Answer session with the experts Endorsed by the section of Sports Cardiology & Exercise of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC)
Authors: Bhatia Raghav T , Marwaha Sarandeep , Malhotra Aneil , Iqbal Zafar , Hughes Christopher , Börjesson Mats , Niebauer Josef , Pelliccia Antonio , Schmied Christian , Serratosa Luis , Papadakis Michael , Sharma Sanjay
Published: June 2020

Regular exercise has multiple benefits for physical and mental health, including the body’s ability to combat infections. The current COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing measures employed to curtail the impact of the infection are likely to reduce the amount of usual physical activity being performed by most individuals, including habitual exercisers. The uncertainties relating to the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the heart may cause increased anxiety, particularly in athletes who need to sustain a vigorous exercise regime in order to maintain their skills and fitness in preparation for return to competition after a short re-training period. The aim of this document is to provide practical answers to pertinent questions being posed by the sporting community, in an attempt to offer reassurance, promote safe participation in exercise during as well as after the COVID-19 pandemic and provide a framework of management for physicians caring for athletes.
Using Atlanta Heart Failure Questionnaire in ambulatory heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction HFPEF
Authors: Alghalayini Kamal W
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The present study uses the Atlanta Heart Failure Questionnaire as a tool to evaluate and design a tailored education material for ambulatory heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction, highlighting the strengths and weakness toward the planning of education programs.

Methods

A total of 450 patients were screened; 112 patients were recruited, and 27-item was used to evaluate the usefulness of this questionnaire. All patients received education by a dedicated medical education about the nature of the disease, risk factors and management including prevention of complications. Descriptive statistics were used for assessing the sample characteristics.

Results

In the assessment of patient disease knowledge, in a 7-item questionnaire, the most well-understood item was correctly identified in 95% patients, whereas the least-understood item was identified in 1.8% of patients. In the assessment of patient management knowledge, in a 6-item questionnaire, the most well-understood item was correctly identified in 50% of patients and the least-understood item was identified in 10% of patients. In the assessment of patient medication intake knowledge, in a 3-item questionnaire, the most well-understood item was correctly identified in 97.3% of patients and the least-understood item was identified in 26.6% of patients.

Conclusion

For a disease not fully understood, the study has concluded the usefulness of Atlanta Heart Failure Questionnaire for filling the gaps, setting a base line and follow-up in the process of educating ambulatory heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction HFPF.
Involvement of cervical disability in migraine: a literature review
Authors: Aoyama Naoki
Published: June 2020

Background:

The trigeminal nerve theory has been proposed as a pathophysiological mechanism of migraine; however, its association with the triggers of migraine remains unclear. Cervical disability such as neck pain and restricted cervical rotation, have been associated with not only cervicogenic headaches but also migraine. The presence of cervical disability could worsen of the migraine, and also the response to pharmacologic treatment may be reduced. The aim in this review is to highlight the involvement of cervical disability in migraine, considering contributing factors.

Findings:

In recent years, evidence of neck pain complaints in migraine has been increasing. In addition, there is some recent evidence of cervical musculoskeletal impairments in migraine, as detected by physical assessment. However, the main question of whether neck pain or an associated cervical disability can act as an initial factor leading to migraine attacks still remains. Daily life imposes heavy loads on cervical structures (i.e. muscles, joints and ligaments), for instance, in the forward head position. The repetitive nociceptive stimulation initiating those cervical skeletal muscle positions may amplify the susceptibility to central migraine and contribute to chronicity via the trigeminal cervical complex.

Conclusion:

Further studies are needed to explain the association between cervical disability as a source of pain and the development of migraine. However, evidence suggests that cervical disability needs to be considered in the prevention and treatment of migraine.
Association Between Pulsatile Components of Blood Pressure and Severe Tooth Loss in Rural Ecuador: The Three Villages Study
Authors: Del Brutto Oscar H. , Mera Robertino M. , Recalde Bettsy Y. , Torpey Andrew P. , Hill John P. , Generale Laura M. , Peralta Leslie D. , Sedler Mark J.
Published: June 2020

Background: Arterial hypertension has been associated with severe tooth loss, but differential associations with individual components of blood pressure (BP) have scarcely been investigated. We assessed the independent associations between pulsatile/steady components of BP and severe tooth loss in community-dwelling adults residing in 3 rural Ecuadorian villages. Methods: Individuals aged ≥40 years living in Atahualpa, El Tambo, and Prosperidad were identified during door-to-door surveys. Data collection focused on the number of remaining teeth and measurements of pulsatile/steady components of BP. Multivariate models were fitted to assess independent associations between pulsatile/steady BP components and severe tooth loss, after adjusting for relevant covariates. Results: A total of 1543 individuals were included. Oral exams identified 426 (28%) individuals with severe tooth loss. BP levels ≥140/90 mm Hg were determined in 481 (31%) individuals. The mean pulse pressure (PP) level was 55.3 ± 19 mm Hg. For systolic BP (SBP), the mean level was 133.1 ± 23.5 mm Hg, and for diastolic BP (DBP) it was 77.8 ± 11.5 mm Hg. Univariate models showed significant associations between severe tooth loss and SBP and PP, but not with DBP. However, the significance was taken away in fully adjusted generalized linear models. Age remained as an independent significant covariate in models using SBP and PP. Causal mediation analyses disclosed that percentages of the effect of severe tooth loss mediated by age were 99.5% for SBP and 98.9% for PP. Conclusion: This study shows that age captures most of the effect of the association between pulsatile components of BP and severe tooth loss.
Workplace Safety: A Strategy for Enterprise Risk Management
Authors: Jule Janet G.
Published: June 2020

Background: Injury and illness incidence rates continue to be higher in healthcare facilities than in the manufacturing environment despite improvement efforts implemented by various organizations. The prevention of workplace injury and illness is a challenge for facilities due to reasons including exposure to body fluids, infectious diseases, and patient handling activities. The purpose of this project was to reduce workplace safety-related incidents and prevent employee injuries through leadership involvement in employment of preventive, directive, and corrective controls. Methods: A tertiary medical center in California experienced 114 accepted injury claims in 1 year. As a response to the problem, the medical center developed a safety management system consisting of a process for engagement between leadership and staff members/employees to increase accountability and reduce injury risks. Findings: The medical center achieved a 59% reduction from 114 to 67 injury claims over a period of 2 years and a two-point increase in engagement scores from both leaders and staff members. Conclusion/Application to Practice: The development of a safety culture starts with leadership behavior, establishment of clear safety processes, and hazard mitigation activities. Workplace safety is a shared responsibility between frontline staff managers and leadership within an organization. Senior leaders must serve as role models to promote a speak-up culture to support safe work practices.
Is Parental Burnout Distinct From Job Burnout and Depressive Symptoms?
Authors: Mikolajczak Moïra , Gross James J. , Stinglhamber Florence , Lindahl Norberg Annika , Roskam Isabelle
Published: June 2020

Parenting can be difficult, and when difficulties are experienced as being chronic or overwhelming, parental burnout may occur. It is not yet clear, however, to what extent parental burnout can be distinguished from job burnout (which shares core definitional features) or depressive symptoms (which often co-occur with parental burnout). Here we present two studies ( N = 3,482) that suggest the distinctiveness of parental burnout. First, items aimed at measuring parental burnout, job burnout, and depressive symptoms loaded on different factors. Second, although job burnout, parental burnout, and depressive symptoms had some common consequences (e.g., problematic alcohol use, disordered sleep, somatic complaints), parental and job burnout also each had specific consequences (e.g., parental neglect and parental violence for parental burnout; intent to leave the company for job burnout) that are not explained by depressive symptoms. These results support the distinctiveness of parental burnout and the added value of this construct.
Helping or Harming? The Effect of Trigger Warnings on Individuals With Trauma Histories
Authors: Jones Payton J. , Bellet Benjamin W. , McNally Richard J.
Published: June 2020

Trigger warnings alert trauma survivors about potentially disturbing forthcoming content. However, empirical studies on trigger warnings suggest that they are functionally inert or cause small adverse side effects. We conducted a preregistered replication and extension of a previous experiment. Trauma survivors ( N = 451) were randomly assigned to either receive or not to receive trigger warnings before reading passages from world literature. We found no evidence that trigger warnings were helpful for trauma survivors, for participants who self-reported a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis, or for participants who qualified for probable PTSD, even when survivors’ trauma matched the passages’ content. We found substantial evidence that trigger warnings countertherapeutically reinforce survivors’ view of their trauma as central to their identity. Regarding replication hypotheses, the evidence was either ambiguous or substantially favored the hypothesis that trigger warnings have no effect. In summary, we found that trigger warnings are not helpful for trauma survivors.
Think Love, Think Peace, Think Harmony: Rethinking on Industrial Tranquility
Authors: Chakraborty Debarun , Biswas Wendrila
Published: June 2020

In this fragmented industrial world, where there are large capital movements, the varied pattern of global trade, fierce challenges and considerable innovations, the holistic approach in workplaces has become a dream! The subtle aspect of the understanding, initiative, cooperation that flows to industrial harmony is essential in organizations to reduce the risk of relapsing into conflicts and strengthens the foundation of its sustainability. The paper probes into the factors that would create and allow industrial harmony and peace to hold and flourish. This would help employees reinforce each other, obtain mental serenity, create a base for realization of their creative potential and stand firm amidst a myriad of challenges and strained situations. Descriptive research with a cross-sectional survey has been conducted on the employees of the selected manufacturing units of West Bengal. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis has been performed with structural equation modeling on the proposed research model. The prime findings of the study reveal that organizational trust and infusing a tolerant attitude toward conflict in a firm has been instrumental in instilling a sense of harmony and peace in one’s mind and spirit. Such an ambience would generate a sense of participation, cooperation and would mutually reinforce social exchange.
Social Movement Framing Tasks and Contemporary Racisms: Diagnostic and Prognostic Forms
Authors: Smith Wade P.
Published: June 2020

Increasingly, race scholars define racism as a structural and systemic phenomenon, rather than a matter of personal prejudice alone. Various theories of racism have been developed by asking “What causes racial inequality?” and defining as racist those mechanisms that reproduce it. In this essay, I ask a different question to expand the toolkit from which scholars can identify the racisms that characterize the contemporary era. Acknowledging that dramatic changes to systems of racial oppression are historically brought about by social movements, I ask, “What causes anti-racist movements to fail?” and define as racist those factors that prevent anti-racist movements from mobilizing supporters in the pursuit of change. I thus propose, define, and describe two forms of racism that connect theories of race and racism to theories of social movements. To enable success, social movements engage in (among other tasks) diagnostic and prognostic framing—that is, they identify conditions as problems and propose solutions. I thus propose the following forms of racism that manifest as sentiments that prevent anti-racist movements from successfully carrying out these tasks: diagnostic racism and prognostic racism. In conclusion, I explain how this conceptualization of racism complements and extends prevailing theories of race and racism and underscores the utility of bridging theories of race and racism and social movement theories in studies of race relations.
A Genealogy of Critical Race and Digital Studies: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Hamilton Amber M.
Published: June 2020

The interplay between race and technology has captured the attention of scholars in sociology, communication, media studies, and beyond. Previous research has focused on a range of topics including the centrality of race to the structure and function of the Internet, critiques of digital divide studies, and the phenomenon of Black Twitter. Although a robust history of critical race and digital studies exists, there has yet to be a definitive overview that traces the development of this important field. In this review, I fill this gap by delineating a genealogy of critical race and digital studies by mapping the intellectual terrain of the field. To do this, I begin with a broad overview of the history of Internet studies before reviewing key areas in the field of critical race and digital studies, including colorblind studies of the web, digital divide studies, and Black Twitter. I conclude with a focus on the ways that this body of literature can be brought forth to critically understand the implications of emerging areas of academic debate on studies of race and technology.
Mortality and morbidity in scleroderma renal crisis: A systematic literature review
Authors: Kim Hyein , Lefebvre Frédéric , Hoa Sabrina , Hudson Marie
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to systematically review the mortality and morbidity associated with scleroderma renal crisis and to determine temporal trends.

Methods:

We searched MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from database inception to 10 February 2020. Bibliographies of selected articles were hand-searched for additional references. Data were extracted using a standardized extraction form. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Results were analysed qualitatively.

Results:

Twenty studies with 14,059 systemic sclerosis subjects, of which 854 had scleroderma renal crisis and 4095 had systemic sclerosis–associated end-stage renal disease, met inclusion criteria. Study quality was generally moderate. Cumulative mortality in the post-angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor era was approximately 20% at 6 months, 30%–36% at 1 year, 19%–40% at 3 years and almost 50% at 10 years from scleroderma renal crisis onset. Although the introduction of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in the early 1970s resulted in a 50% improvement in scleroderma renal crisis mortality, there was no further improvement thereafter. Scleroderma renal crisis mortality rates were proportionally higher than mortality rates associated with other systemic sclerosis organ involvement. The rate of permanent dialysis after scleroderma renal crisis in the post-angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor era ranged from 19%–40%. Three to 17% of systemic sclerosis patients underwent renal transplant. Survival was better in patients post-renal transplant (54%–91%) compared to those on dialysis (31%–56%). Graft survival improved over time and appeared similar to that of patients with other types of end-stage renal disease.

Conclusion:

While there has been considerable improvement in scleroderma renal crisis–related outcomes since the introduction of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, morbidity and mortality remain high for affected patients without convincing evidence of further improvement in the post-angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor era. Novel treatments are required to improve outcomes of scleroderma renal crisis.
Mn porphyrins as a novel treatment targeting sickle cell NOXs to reverse and prevent acute vaso-occlusion in vivo
Authors: Thamilarasan Madhan , Estupinan Rodolfo , Batinic-Haberle Ines , Zennadi Rahima
Published: June 2020

In sickle cell disease (SCD), adhesion of sickle red blood cells (SSRBCs) and activated leukocytes in inflamed venules affects blood rheology, causing vaso-occlusive manifestations and vital reduction in microvascular blood flow. Recently, we found that NADPH oxidases (NOXs) create a vicious feedback loop within SSRBCs. This positive feedback loop mediates SSRBC adhesion to the endothelium. We show for the first time the therapeutic effectiveness of the redox-active manganese (Mn) porphyrins MnTnBuOE-2-PyP5+ (MnBuOE; BMX-001) and MnTE-2-PyP5+ (MnE; BMX-010, AEOL10113) to treat established vaso-occlusion in a humanized sickle mouse model of an acute vaso-occlusive crisis using intravital microscopy. These Mn porphyrins can suppress SSRBC NOX activity. Subcutaneous administration of only 1 dose of MnBuOE or MnE at 0.1 to 2 mg/kg after the inflammatory trigger of vaso-occlusion, or simultaneously, reversed and reduced leukocyte and SSRBC adhesion, diminished leukocyte rolling, restored blood flow, and increased survival rate. Furthermore, MnBuOE and MnE administered to sickle mice subcutaneously at 0.1 to 1 mg/kg for 28 days (except on weekends) did not exacerbate anemia, which seemed to be due to downregulation of both SSRBC reactive oxygen species production and exposure of the eryptotic marker phosphatidylserine. In addition, Mn porphyrins ameliorated leukocytosis, venous blood gases, endothelial activation, and organ oxidative damage. Our data suggest that Mn porphyrins, likely by repressing NOX-mediated adhesive function of SSRBCs and activated leukocytes, could represent a novel, safe therapeutic intervention to treat or prevent the establishment of acute pain crises. These NOX-targeted antioxidants merit further assessment in SCD clinical trials.
Genistein and exercise modulated lipid peroxidation and improved steatohepatitis in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Witayavanitkul Namthip , Werawatganon Duangporn , Chayanupatkul Maneerat , Klaikeaw Naruemon , Sanguanrungsirikul Sompol , Siriviriyakul Prasong
Published: June 2020

Background

The prevalence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in menopausal women is increasing, but current treatments have not been proven effective. The objective of this study was to investigate the treatment effects of genistein and running exercise in ovariectomized (OVX) rats with NASH.

Methods

Thirty-six female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups, control; OVX with standard diet; OVX with high fat and high fructose (HFHF) diet for 4 weeks; OVX with HFHF and genistein treatment (16 mg/kg BW/day) for 5 weeks (OVX + HFHF+GEN); OVX with HFHF and moderate intensity exercise for 5 weeks (OVX + HFHF+EX); OVX with HFHF and combined treatments (OVX + HFHF+GEN + EX). Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, hepatic free fatty acid (FFA), hepatic glutathione (GSH), and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. Liver histology was examined to determine NASH severity.

Results

OVX + HFHF group had the highest levels of hepatic FFA compared with OVX and control groups (5.92 ± 0.84 vs. 0.37 ± 0.01 vs. 0.42 ± 0.04 nmol/mg protein, respectively, p < 0.01). Serum IL-6 levels were significantly elevated in both OVX and OVX + HFHF groups as compared with controls (112.13 ± 6.50 vs. 121.47 ± 3.96 vs. 86.13 ± 2.40 pg/mL, respectively, p < 0.01). In OVX + HFHF group, hepatic MDA levels were higher, while GSH levels were lower than in OVX and control groups (MDA; 0.98 ± 0.04 vs. 0.82 ± 0.02 vs. 0.78 ± 0.03 nmol/mg protein, and GSH; 46.01 ± 0.91 vs. 55.21 ± 1.40 vs. 57.94 ± 0.32, respectively; p < 0.01 for both). Comparing with OVX + HFHF group, rats that received genistein, exercise and combined treatments demonstrated an improvement in liver histopathology, decreased levels of hepatic FFA (1.44 ± 0.21 vs. 0.45 ± 0.04 vs. 0.49 ± 0.05 nmol/mg protein, respectively, p < 0.01), serum IL-6 (82.80 ± 2.07 vs. 83.47 ± 2.81 vs. 94.13 ± 1.61 pg/mL, respectively, p < 0.01), and hepatic MDA (0.80 ± 0.03 vs. 0.76 ± 0.02 vs. 0.76 ± 0.03 nmol/mg protein, respectively, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Genistein and moderate intensity exercise were effective in reducing the severity of NASH in OVX rats through the reduction in liver inflammation, oxidative stress and liver fat contents.
Depressive symptoms and use of health services among older adults in Israel
Authors: Bentur Netta , Heymann Anthony David
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Depressive symptoms are often undetected, particularly among older adults. The purpose of this study is to provide information on the prevalence, characteristics, and patterns of depressive symptoms among older adults residing in the community in Israel, and their health-care utilization.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a random sample of 2502 members of one HMO in Israel, aged 65+. They were interviewed by telephone with the GDS-15 scale, which serves as the gold standard for depressive symptoms. Data from the computerized medical records of the HMO were added to the interview file, including the diagnosis of depression, purchase of antidepressant medication and use of services.

Results

The average age of respondents was 73; 54% were women. They tended to be older, living alone, suffering from falls and from sleep disorders, and to have poor subjective health status. 24% scored 6+ on the GDS scale. A significant association was found between a GDS score of 6+ and increased hospitalizations, visits to the emergency room and/or to family physicians and specialists.

Conclusion

We found a high prevalence of depression. Its negative effects on the individual and increased costs to the health system, supports the screening and treatment of the disease in the older population. This problem should be a national priority, with screening and treatment becoming part of the national quality of care indicators which would then be implemented by the HMOs as part of an integrated disease management program for the elderly.
Mitochondria as a target for neuroprotection: role of methylene blue and photobiomodulation
Authors: Yang Luodan , Youngblood Hannah , Wu Chongyun , Zhang Quanguang
Published: June 2020

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a central role in the formation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which are important factors contributing to the development of brain disease. Ample evidence suggests mitochondria are a promising target for neuroprotection. Recently, methods targeting mitochondria have been considered as potential approaches for treatment of brain disease through the inhibition of inflammation and oxidative injury. This review will discuss two widely studied approaches for the improvement of brain mitochondrial respiration, methylene blue (MB) and photobiomodulation (PBM). MB is a widely studied drug with potential beneficial effects in animal models of brain disease, as well as limited human studies. Similarly, PBM is a non-invasive treatment that promotes energy production and reduces both oxidative stress and inflammation, and has garnered increasing attention in recent years. MB and PBM have similar beneficial effects on mitochondrial function, oxidative damage, inflammation, and subsequent behavioral symptoms. However, the mechanisms underlying the energy enhancing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of MB and PBM differ. This review will focus on mitochondrial dysfunction in several different brain diseases and the pathological improvements following MB and PBM treatment.
Cultivation-independent and cultivation-dependent metagenomes reveal genetic and enzymatic potential of microbial community involved in the degradation of a complex microbial polymer
Authors: Costa Ohana Y. A. , de Hollander Mattias , Pijl Agata , Liu Binbin , Kuramae Eiko E.
Published: June 2020

Background

Cultivation-independent methods, including metagenomics, are tools for the exploration and discovery of biotechnological compounds produced by microbes in natural environments. Glycoside hydrolases (GHs) enzymes are extremely desired and important in the industry of production for goods and biofuel and removal of problematic biofilms and exopolysaccharide (EPS). Biofilms and EPS are complex, requiring a wide range of enzymes for a complete degradation. The aim of this study was to identify potential GH microbial producers and GH genes with biotechnological potential, using EPS-complex structure (WH15EPS) of Acidobacteria Granulicella sp. strain WH15 as an enrichment factor, in cultivation-independent and cultivation-dependent methods. We performed stable isotope probing (SIP) combined with metagenomics on topsoil litter amended with WH15EPS and coupled solid culture-EPS amended medium with metagenomics.

Results

SIP metagenome analysis of the soil litter demonstrated that phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Planctomycetes were the most abundant in WH15EPS amended and unamended treatments. The enrichment cultures in solid culture medium coupled to metagenomics demonstrated an enrichment in Proteobacteria, and the metagenome assembly of this enrichment cultures resulted in 4 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of microbes with low identity (42–86%) to known microorganisms. Among all carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) retrieved genes, glycoside transferase (GT) was the most abundant family, either in culture-independent or culture-based metagenome datasets. Within the glycoside hydrolases (GHs), GH13 was the most abundant family in both metagenome datasets. In the “heavy” fraction of the culture-independent metagenome SIP dataset, GH109 (α-N-acetylgalactosaminidases), GH117 (agarases), GH50 (agarases), GH32 (invertases and inulinases), GH17 (endoglucanases), and GH71 (mutanases) families were more abundant in comparison with the controls. Those GH families are affiliated to microorganism that are probably capable to degrade WH15EPS and potentially applicable for biofilm deconstruction. Subsequent in culture-based metagenome, the assembled 4 MAGs (unclassified Proteobacteria) also contained GH families of interest, involving mannosidases, lysozymes, galactosidases, and chitinases.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that functional diversity induced by the presence of WH15EPS in both culture-independent and culture-dependent approaches was enriched in GHs, such as amylases and endoglucanases that could be applied in chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industrial sectors. Furthermore, WH15EPS may be used for the investigation and isolation of yet unknown taxa, such as unclassified Proteobacteria and Planctomycetes, increasing the number of current cultured bacterial representatives with potential biotechnological traits.
Freshwater viral metagenome reveals novel and functional phage-borne antibiotic resistance genes
Authors: Moon Kira , Jeon Jeong Ho , Kang Ilnam , Park Kwang Seung , Lee Kihyun , Cha Chang-Jun , Lee Sang Hee , Cho Jang-Cheon
Published: June 2020

Background

Antibiotic resistance developed by bacteria is a significant threat to global health. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) spread across different bacterial populations through multiple dissemination routes, including horizontal gene transfer mediated by bacteriophages. ARGs carried by bacteriophages are considered especially threatening due to their prolonged persistence in the environment, fast replication rates, and ability to infect diverse bacterial hosts. Several studies employing qPCR and viral metagenomics have shown that viral fraction and viral sequence reads in clinical and environmental samples carry many ARGs. However, only a few ARGs have been found in viral contigs assembled from metagenome reads, with most of these genes lacking effective antibiotic resistance phenotypes. Owing to the wide application of viral metagenomics, nevertheless, different classes of ARGs are being continuously found in viral metagenomes acquired from diverse environments. As such, the presence and functionality of ARGs encoded by bacteriophages remain up for debate.

Results

We evaluated ARGs excavated from viral contigs recovered from urban surface water viral metagenome data. In virome reads and contigs, diverse ARGs, including polymyxin resistance genes, multidrug efflux proteins, and β-lactamases, were identified. In particular, when a lenient threshold of e value of ≤ 1 × e−5 and query coverage of ≥ 60% were employed in the Resfams database, the novel β-lactamases blaHRV-1 and blaHRVM-1 were found. These genes had unique sequences, forming distinct clades of class A and subclass B3 β-lactamases, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentration analyses for E. coli strains harboring blaHRV-1 and blaHRVM-1 and catalytic kinetics of purified HRV-1 and HRVM-1 showed reduced susceptibility to penicillin, narrow- and extended-spectrum cephalosporins, and carbapenems. These genes were also found in bacterial metagenomes, indicating that they were harbored by actively infecting phages.

Conclusion

Our results showed that viruses in the environment carry as-yet-unreported functional ARGs, albeit in small quantities. We thereby suggest that environmental bacteriophages could be reservoirs of widely variable, unknown ARGs that could be disseminated via virus-host interactions.
Correction to: Structure and function of the Arctic and Antarctic marine microbiota as revealed by metagenomics
Authors: Cao Shunan , Zhang Weipeng , Ding Wei , Wang Meng , Fan Shen , Yang Bo , Mcminn Andrew , Wang Min , Xie Bin-bin , Qin Qi-Long , Chen Xiu-Lan , He Jianfeng , Zhang Yu-Zhong
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.