bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bombay Fever/Spanish FLU: Public health and native press in Colonial Bombay, 1918–19
Authors: Singh Madhu
Published: October 2020

In view of the topicality of pandemics, this brief article discusses the responses of the vernacular press in Bombay during 1918 following the influenza pandemic of that year. With occasional inputs from English language dailies, such as The Times of India and The Hindu of the period, the aim is to understand how, as the epidemic receded, the government’s response to the epidemic was questioned and the influenza epidemic was constructed as a part of anticolonial rhetoric by the ‘native press’, closely monitored by the British.
Review: Bernard E. Harcourt, The Counterrevolution
Authors: Winter Rainer
Published: October 2020

Bernard Harcourt analyses the rise and institutionalization of strategies of counterinsurgency and its migration from the battlefields in Asia to the United States. They have produced a counterrevolution, without there ever having been a genuine insurgency or a revolution. For Harcourt the counterrevolution is the tyranny of our age.
Efficacy of psychological intervention for patients with psoriasis vulgaris: a prospective study
Authors: Li Xiaoli , Liu Liangliang , Zhang Yanfei , Li Li
Published: October 2020

Objective

The study aim was to examine the effect of a psychological intervention on patients with psoriasis vulgaris.

Methods

Participants in this prospective study were 205 patients with psoriasis vulgaris, 104 who received a psychological intervention (study group) and 101 who received routine nursing care (control group). An additional 291 healthy subjects formed a non-psoriasis group. The Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), Generic Quality of Life Inventory (GQOLI), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) were used to evaluate psychological status and quality of life.

Results

There were significant differences in SCL-90 and GQOLI scores between the study and non-psoriasis groups. After treatment, the study group showed significantly improved scores on the SCL-90 and GQOLI compared with the control group. Scores on the SDS (mean ± standard deviation: 31.99 ± 4.54 vs. 44.08 ± 4.52) and SAS (28.36 ± 4.52 vs. 40.14 ± 6.33) were improved in the study group. In addition, patients in the study group showed higher satisfaction rate and compliance rate than those in the control group.

Conclusion

Psychological intervention may be beneficial for improving quality of life and the therapeutic efficacy of drugs in patients with psoriasis.
Long-term response to second-line afatinib treatment for advanced squamous cell carcinoma non-small cell lung cancer: a rare case report
Authors: Sun Mengyao , Guo Ye , Wang Xu , Sun Chao , Shao Jiangbo , Xu Yinghui , Qiu Shi , Ma Kewei
Published: October 2020

The ErbB family is composed of four cell membrane receptors: ErbB-1 (epidermal growth factor receptor or human epidermal growth factor receptor [HER]1), ErbB-2 (HER2), ErbB-3 (HER3), and ErbB-4 (HER4). All members of the ErbB family play a critical role in regulating cell growth, proliferation and migration of tumours. Afatinib is an irreversible ErbB family inhibitor that is approved for second-line treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) that has progressed following platinum-based chemotherapy. Here we describe the case of a 56-year-old male Chinese patient with SqCC who had previously failed chemotherapy and radiotherapy and was subsequently enrolled in the LUX-Lung 8 study. The patient responded well to treatment with afatinib (40 mg/day). His disease stabilised after 8 weeks and a complete response was achieved after 12 weeks of treatment. Follow-up of this patient is ongoing; he is still alive and has not experienced disease progression in the 7 years since initiation of afatinib. The long-term response and prolonged survival in this patient provide additional evidence for second-line treatment with afatinib in patients with SqCC.
A rare anaesthetic challenge in a one-lung ventilated paediatric patient with right upper lobe tracheal bronchus
Authors: Zhang Yuangui , Qin Meiman , Wang Xiaoqian , Yan Quanzhang
Published: October 2020

A tracheal bronchus is a rare congenital anomaly, suggesting abnormal bronchial development. The prevalence of tracheal bronchus in children who undergo bronchoscopy is estimated to be between 0.2% and 3%. When associated with recurrent infection, lobes of the lung must be removed to avoid further lung injury. In such cases, perioperative one-lung ventilation and airway management remain a huge challenge for anaesthesiologists. The case of this rare airway anatomic abnormality in a paediatric patient with two bronchial openings into the right upper lobe, and with a history of recurrent pneumonia, is reported. In addition to a normal opening, a distinct opening in the upper lobe of the right lung was observed, that originated directly from the trachea, superior to the carina. The entire right lung was deflated by left-lung ventilation using a single lumen tracheal tube, and the patient underwent right upper lobe resection. No anaesthesia complications were observed during recovery. In this case, timely identification of the tracheal bronchus and successful collapse of the right lung were key points in the anaesthesia management of this patient.
Opioid-free anesthesia with a mixture of dexmedetomidine, ketamine, and lidocaine in one syringe for surgery in obese patients
Authors: Baek Seung Youp , Kim Jae Won , Kim Tae Woo , Han Woong , Lee Da Eun , Ryu Keon Hee , Park Sun Gyoo , Jeong Chang Young , Park Dong Ho
Published: October 2020

Recently, there has been a trend toward minimizing opioid use in obese patients to prevent opioid-related postoperative complications. Moreover, the use of opioid-free anesthesia has received growing interest. This case series reports the use of simple opioid-free anesthesia consisting of a mixture of dexmedetomidine, ketamine, and lidocaine in an obese male patient undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery and an obese pregnant woman undergoing cesarean section. These cases indicate that opioid-free anesthesia can be safely administered to obese patients and provides effective pain control without any postoperative adverse outcomes.
Investigating Travel Needs and Traffic Conditions in the TNC Era with Taxi Data
Authors: Dong Xiaoxia
Published: October 2020

This paper uses Philadelphia’s taxi data between January 2015 and December 2017 to analyze the spatial and temporal characteristics of taxi trip declines after the launch of transportation network company (TNC) services. Findings show declining number of taxi trips throughout the day and worsening congestion in downtown. Multilevel models indicate that wealthier neighborhoods correspond to bigger taxi trip losses, while neighborhoods with higher transit use correspond to smaller trip declines. Findings inform traffic management efforts and help identify residents’ potential travel needs. Other cities can apply methods outlined in this study to taxi and TNC data to investigate their traffic conditions and transport needs.
Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Is Associated with Psychosocial Health Problems Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men (GBMSM) in Nigeria, Africa
Authors: Ogunbajo Adedotun , Oginni Olakunle A. , Iwuagwu Stella , Williams Rashidi , Biello Katie , Mimiaga Matthew J.
Published: October 2020

Previous research has shown high rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Experiencing IPV may predispose GBMSM to psychosocial health problems. A vast majority of the research on IPV among GBMSM have been conducted in North America and Europe. To date, no published studies that we are aware of have investigated the prevalence and correlates of IPV among GBMSM in West Africa. To fill this gap in research, the present study investigated the prevalence of IPV and its’ association with psychosocial health problems in a large multicity sample of community-recruited GBMSM in Nigeria. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were utilized to examine associations between sociodemographic characteristics, psychosocial health problems, sexual risk, and experiences of IPV ( N = 389). The prevalence of experiencing emotional, physical, sexual, monitoring behaviors, and controlling behavior were 45%, 31%, 20%, 55%, and 22% respectively. Experiencing all types of IPV, except physical violence, was significantly associated with increased odds of having depressive symptoms (Adjusted OR [AOR] 1.79–2.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–4.60) and anxiety (AOR 1.63–2.63; 95% CI: 1.01–4.18). Experiencing emotional violence (standardized beta [ β] = 0.21; standard error [SE] SE = 0.44), physical violence ( β = 0.14; SE = 0.48), and controlling behaviors ( β = 0.11; SE = 0.54) was associated with increased odds of loneliness. Experiencing all types of IPV was associated with history of suicide thoughts (AOR 2.20–3.68; 95% CI: 1.28–6.32) and suicide attempt (AOR 2.36–3.42; 95% CI: 1.20–6.75). Additionally, we observed a dose–response relationship, whereby increasing number of IPV was associated with a higher likelihood of reporting psychosocial health problems. Lastly, after adjusting for other psychosocial health problems and demographic characteristics, there remained a significant association between experiencing IPV and reporting a history of suicide thoughts and suicide attempt. Consequently, it is imperative that health interventions aimed at improving psychosocial health of GBMSM explore experience and perpetration of IPV.
Combining Group-based Interventions for Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators With Comorbid Substance Use: An Australian Study of Cross-sector Practitioner Views
Authors: Meyer Silke , Burley Jessica , Fitz-Gibbon Kate
Published: October 2020

The connection between intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and problematic alcohol and/ or other drug (AOD) use has been well established in public health, social work and criminology research. Despite the overwhelming evidence of the correlation between these two problem behaviors, service systems addressing these issues have historically done so in siloed approaches to practice. AOD interventions have frequently been criticized for a lack of IPV focused assessment and practice. Similarly, specialist IPV interventions generally do not address clients’ underlying risk factors, including problematic AOD use, through holistic intervention approaches. Suggestions to combine IPV and AOD focused interventions for men who use violence are often met with skepticism, raising questions around which sector could deliver a combined intervention approach and how different ideological standpoints in client work can and should be integrated into a combined framework. In this article, we examine the views of key stakeholders ( n = 10) involved in the funding, development and/ or delivery of different service responses to men who use IPV in an Australian jurisdiction. Drawing on qualitative interview and focus group data, we explore their views around combined, group-based interventions, including the perceived need for such intervention models along with sector readiness and key considerations critical in informing the combining of IPV and AOD focused perpetrator interventions. Stakeholder findings identify the need for holistic responses to perpetrators of IPV with comorbid problematic AOD use. Further, findings provide guidance for funding bodies and community service providers considering combined, group-based interventions for perpetrators of IPV with comorbid problematic AOD use.
In Vitro Study of Peritoneal Fibrosis
Authors: Hung Kuan-Yu , Wu Kuan-Dun , Tsai Tun-Jun
Published: October 2020

Peritoneal fibrosis (PF) is an important issue in peritoneal dialysis (PD) because it remains one of the leading causes of patient drop-out from PD. In this review, we focus on in vitro approaches to the pathogenesis and therapeutic potential of PF and on associated clinical implications. Representative Asian studies, initiated since mid-1990s, that have investigated matrix accumulation in peritoneal tissue possibly leading to PF in the PD population will be highlighted as examples to learn how to apply this research tool. As compared with data from well-designed clinical trials, observations from in vitro models may be far from becoming solid evidence; however, they do cast new light on options for investigations into therapeutic pharmaceuticals.
Controlling Inflammation in Peritoneal Dialysis: The Role of PD-Related Factors as Potential Intervention Targets
Authors: Fortes Paulo C. , Versari Priscilla H. , Stinghen Andréa E.M. , Pecoits–Filho Roberto
Published: October 2020

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the main cause of death in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, but the mechanisms mediating the increased CV risk observed in this group of patients are still largely unknown, which limits the perspective on effective therapeutic strategies. Patients on PD are already exposed to a number of traditional risk factors from the start of their chronic kidney disease (CKD), because many of those risk factors are common to CV disease and CKD alike. As renal dysfunction progresses, CKD-related risk factors are introduced, changing the profile of both the CV disease and the markers of risk. In this phase, which usually starts when glomerular filtration rate falls below 60 mL/min, the list of risk factors is expanded to include disturbances of mineral metabolism, anemia, fluid overload, uremic toxicity, and increased signs of oxidative stress and inflammation. Although many of the risk factors linked to CV burden are not related to the dialytic procedure, additional harm is introduced after the initiation of PD—with, for example, the presence of chronic infections and factors related to PD fluids, particularly reabsorption of glucose. In the present article, we review the impact of the novel risk factors introduced with the initiation of PD therapy, and we propose potential therapeutic strategies (which remain to be tested) for reducing CV mortality in this group of patients.
Methodology of Assessment of Fluid Status and Ultrafiltration Problems
Authors: Woodrow Graham
Published: October 2020

Loss of sodium and water excretion with disruption of volume homeostasis is a crucial abnormality of end-stage renal failure. Fluid management is a fundamental function of dialysis therapy, but studies show frequent occult fluid overload, hypertension, and cardiac dysfunction in peritoneal dialysis. A rigorous approach to fluid management in PD can achieve excellent fluid, hypertension, and cardiovascular results in clinical practice. The present article explores the reasons for fluid overload and poor ultrafiltration in peritoneal dialysis patients and discusses optimal assessment and management of these problems.
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis is Better than Automated Peritoneal Dialysis as First-Line Treatment in Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Li Philip Kam-Tao , Chung Kwok Yi , Chow Kai Ming
Published: October 2020

This article examines the roles of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) versus automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) as first-line renal replacement therapy. To date, no high-quality large-scale randomized controlled studies have compared CAPD with APD as first-line therapy. However, a discussion on this issue is important so that nephrologists can decide and patients can have a choice of modality on which to start dialysis, especially in the context of health care economics. We review the literature and present Hong Kong as the model of a “CAPD first” policy, an appealing, cost-effective approach for any country.

An ideal renal replacement therapy should provide optimal survival, lowest possible risk for comorbidity, highest level of quality of life, and equally important, acceptable cost to society. When we consider this subject in the context that all patients should be started on one first-line modality, the data suggest that a “CAPD first” policy has all these advantages, with APD probably having the edge only with regard to patient preference. The present review highlights preservation of residual renal function, removal and balancing of sodium, incidence of peritonitis, peritoneal membrane transport status, patient rehabilitation, and financial issues in demonstrating that a “CAPD first” policy is the model that should be adopted.
What is the Optimal Fat Mass in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients?
Authors: Johnson David W.
Published: October 2020

The prevalence of obesity in peritoneal dialysis (PD) populations has risen dramatically since the mid-1980s. This epidemic has been driven by the increased prevalence of obesity in the general population, the increased risk of progression of chronic kidney disease to end-stage renal failure (ESRF) in obese subjects, the reduced probability of listing obese dialysis patients for renal transplantation, a paradoxical enhanced survival in at least some obese populations on dialysis as compared with non-obese ESRF patients, and a possible adipogenic effect of excessive peritoneal glucose absorption in PD. Although obesity has consistently been associated with improved outcomes in hemodialysis, conflicting results have been seen in PD. In general, an elevated body mass index (BMI) has been associated with a neutral or deleterious impact on PD outcomes, and the relationship appears to be explained predominantly by fat mass. Risk is also elevated in patients with a low BMI, such that the “optimal BMI” appears to lie between 20 kg/m2 and 25 kg/m2. The mechanisms underpinning the harmful effect of obesity appear to include increased peritonitis rate, proinflammatory effects, and a more rapid decline of residual renal function in obese patients. No proof exists that weight reduction engenders an improvement in outcome in PD patients, but the available studies suggest that cautious weight reduction is advisable. A few studies have demonstrated that clinically important and sustained weight reduction can be successfully achieved through a combination of individual meal plans, regular exercise, and substitution of icodextrin for dextrose in the once-daily long dwell.
Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis: Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Kawanishi Hideki , Moriishi Misaki
Published: October 2020

Since the first peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) were reported in 1980, EPS has been considered primarily a fatal complication. The incidence of EPS in PD patients has been reported to be 2.5%, with a negative effect of increasing PD duration (which also augments mortality). Because EPS occurs after withdrawal from PD in more than half of all cases, strict monitoring is necessary when a long-term PD patient is withdrawn from PD. Maintaining patients on standard PD with conventional solutions for more than 8 years is associated with a substantial risk of EPS development. Treatment appropriate to the disease stage is most important in EPS. Basic therapeutic strategies for EPS include the appropriate use of steroids. If bowel obstruction persists, laparotomy and enterolysis should be performed to achieve a complete cure. It is now recognized that EPS need not be a fatal complication of PD.
Latest Strategy in Renal Anemia Management in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Lo Wai Kei
Published: October 2020

The target of renal anemia correction with erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESAs) has been traditionally set at a hemoglobin (Hb) level of 11 – 12 g/dL. However, a trend has arisen of progressively increasing the Hb level to beyond 12 g/dL. Recent randomized control trials (RCTs) on correction of renal anemia in chronic kidney disease patients found that normalization of anemia to above 13 g/dL was associated with negative outcome parameters, echoing a previous RCT that showed increased death and myocardial infarction risk after normalization of hemoglobin level in hemodialysis patients. The latest consensus is to limit Hb to a level not exceeding 13 g/dL during renal anemia correction with ESAs.

Currently, there are three ESAs available commercially. The choice of ESA should consider safety of subcutaneous administration, cost-effectiveness, and dosing frequency, all of which may affect compliance with ESA administration. Early identification of, and an early search for the causes of hyporesponsiveness to, ESAs is needed to avoid unnecessary escalation in the dose of ESAs. These approaches will help to improve the cost-effectiveness of ESA therapy and permit early detection of hidden problems. The current definitions of hyporesponsiveness are far too stringent and should be reviewed.
Icodextrin and Intraperitoneal Inflammation
Authors: Moriishi Misaki , Kawanishi Hideki
Published: October 2020

⋄ Background

The peritoneum is impaired by exposure to biocompatible dialysis solutions. Because icodextrin peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF) is made from cornstarch, a possibility that it induces intraperitoneal inflammation has been reported. In the present study, patients on glucose PDF were switched to icodextrin PDF and then switched back to glucose PDF. Icodextrin PDF-induced intraperitoneal inflammation was investigated based on changes in peritoneal permeability and inflammatory reactions.

⋄ Patients and Methods

The subjects were 7 stable peritoneal dialysis patients (4 men, 3 women), with a mean age of 59.1 ± 3.8 years (range: 55.2 - 64.6 years). The mean duration of peritoneal dialysis was 58.3 ± 27.4 months (range: 34.3 - 97.7 months), and the cause of end-stage renal disease was chronic glomerulonephritis in all patients. For the overnight dwell, glucose PDF was changed to icodextrin PDF, and the patients returned to glucose PDF 30 months later. To evaluate peritoneal permeability, a peritoneal equilibrium test (PET) was performed, and dialysate-to-plasma (D/P) ratios of creatinine (Cr), β2-microglobulin (β2M), albumin, immunoglobulin G (IgG), and α2-macroglobulin (α2M) were measured in the overnight dialysate and serum. As markers of inflammation and fibrinolysis or coagulation, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and fibrinogen degradation products (FDPs) were measured in overnight effluent. The evaluations were made every 6 months for 36 months.

⋄ Results

A significant elevation in FDP levels was detected in overnight effluent 6 months after the switch to icodextrin PDF, and IL-6 levels tended to increase. The D/P ratios of Cr, β2M, and albumin were also significantly increased, and the D/P ratios of IgG and α2M tended to increase. The D/P ratio of Cr as measured by PET was slightly increased, but the elevation was not significant. In 5 patients, after icodextrin PDF was switched back to glucose PDF at 30 months, the D/P ratios of Cr, β2M, albumin, IgG, and α2M in overnight effluent were significantly reduced. The FDP levels decreased slightly in those patients. In the remaining 2 patients, the D/P ratios of Cr on PET and of Cr, β2M, albumin, IgG, and α2M in overnight effluent, and the FDP and IL-6 levels in overnight effluent were markedly elevated after the switching from glucose to icodextrin PDF, and they remained high after the switch back to glucose PDF. One of these 2 patients developed pre-EPS and was treated with prednisolone and concomitant hemodialysis. The other was switched from peritoneal dialysis to hemodialysis.

⋄ Conclusions

Icodextrin dialysis solution may induce an inflammatory reaction in the peritoneum. Further investigation is necessary for the long-term use of icodextrin PDF.
Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions Low in Glucose Degradation Products—evidence for Clinical Benefits
Authors: Tomo Tadashi
Published: October 2020

In Japan, two types of new peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF) are ordinarily used: two-chambered PDF, and icodextrin PDF. Two-chambered PDF has several biocompatible characteristics, one being low glucose degradation products (GDPs). Of the several GDPs in PDF, 3,4-dideoxyglucosone-3-ene (3,4-DGE) is thought to be strongly associated with the cytotoxicity of standard PDF. Using a PDF low in GDPs may reduce exposure of the peritoneum to 3,4-DGE, helping to preserve peritoneal function in PD patients. Additionally, use of a PDF low in GDPs may reduce plasma levels of advanced glycosylation end-products in PD patients, a change that may help to preserve vascular function in PD patients.

Peritoneal rest for 24 hours after exposure to a PDF with low GDPs improves the activity of human peritoneal mesothelial cells. As compared with the use of standard PDF, the use of low-GDP PDF in combination therapy (peritoneal dialysis plus hemodialysis) may more effectively preserve peritoneal function. The new PDF low in GDPs has bio-compatible characteristics relative to peritoneum and system that may help to preserve peritoneal function or reduce complications such as atherosclerosis or dialysis-related amyloidosis in dialysis patients.
Infectious Complications in Chronic Dialysis Patients
Authors: Foley Robert N.
Published: October 2020

Surprisingly little formal research has examined the issue of major bacterial infections in chronic dialysis patients. This is a surprising situation, because uremia is a classic state of immune hyporesponsiveness, and infection rates are believed to be several times higher in dialysis populations than in age-matched segments of the general population. The present paper focuses on the clinical epidemiology of major bacterial infections in dialysis patients, associations between bacterial infections and cardiovascular disease, and interventions aimed at averting these infections.
Recommendation of the Surgical Option for Treatment of Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis
Authors: Kawanishi Hideki , Moriishi Misaki , Ide Kentaro , Dohi Kiyohiko
Published: October 2020

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is an intestinal obstruction syndrome in which peritoneal deterioration and intraperitoneal inflammation result in intestinal adhesions, which are covered with a fibrin capsule and cause bowel obstruction. The widespread use of peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been associated with an increase in the number of patients with this life-threatening complication. For this reason, some negative comments have been made about PD therapy. However, recent clinical studies have elucidated the pathogenesis of EPS and proposed therapeutic strategies.

Currently, these facts are known: • EPS occurs in 2.5% of all patients (3.18/1000 patient-years). • A longer duration of PD is associated with a higher incidence of EPS and a poorer prognosis, indicating the involvement of peritoneal deterioration in the development of EPS. • Development of EPS involves some kind of infection. • Development of EPS frequently occurs after PD withdrawal and catheter removal. • Peritoneal lavage after PD withdrawal delays, but cannot prevent the development of EPS. • Timely administration of steroids is effective. • Surgical adhesiolysis is the optimal treatment to relieve bowel obstructions, but does not exclude the potential for re-adhesions, requiring various ingenious gastrointestinal surgical techniques.
Genital herpes – diagnosis, treatments, attitudes and response to disclosure amongst members of the UK Herpes Viruses Association
Authors: Nicholson Marian , O’Farrell Nigel
Published: October 2020

A diagnosis of genital herpes may result in psychological as well as physical morbidity. Many patients require on-going help and contact the Herpes Viruses Association (HVA), a UK patient support organisation. The HVA conducts occasional questionnaires relating to various issues surrounding herpes and this study reports on a survey conducted amongst members in 2015. The survey was done using SurveyMonkey and covered diagnosis/treatment, both allopathic and self-help, physical and psychological impact and disclosure to partners. Three hundred and fifty-eight women and 103 men completed the questionnaire. Male respondents were older than women (48.6 versus 42.9 years). The majority were first diagnosed in sexual health clinics. A high proportion had informed partners about the diagnosis and in 83% disclosure did not result in rejection. 57% were taking prophylaxis with more taking treatment episodically rather than continually; 11.3% sourced medications on-line. Alternative treatments were used commonly with Lomaherpan cream ( Melissa officinalis), lidocaine ointment and a diet with reduced arginine and increased lysine the most frequent choices. Other alternative treatments included olive leaf extract, Eleuthercoccus senticosus and vitamin supplements. Women reported being troubled psychologically more than men. Neuropathic pain was reported by 80.4% of the women and 64.1% of the men. Although antiviral treatment is cheap and well-tolerated it is still being refused by some healthcare providers. There still appears to be a considerable degree of stigma experienced by patients which can be mitigated by support from patients’ support groups such as the HVA.
Near infrared spectroscopy combined with chemometrics to detect and quantify adulteration of maca powder
Authors: Zeng Miao-Na , Zheng Shao-Yan
Published: October 2020

Maca ( Lepidium meyenii Walp.) is a cruciferous edible and medicinal plant rich in nutrients. As maca demand in the international market is gradually increasing, dishonest people have been using low-priced alternatives to either adulterate or falsify maca and increase their profit. Existing methods to identify and quantify adulterated maca are laborious, expensive, destructive, time-consuming, and environmentally unfriendly. Thus, it is imperative to develop a method to overcome these problems to effectively authenticate maca products. We combine near infrared spectroscopy with chemometrics to classify and quantify maca powder adulteration by turnip and radish powder. Different maca samples were adulterated with turnip and radish powder individually at different percentages (5–95%). Specifically, discriminant analysis based on a support vector machine provides a classification accuracy of 100%, allowing near infrared spectroscopy to be used to distinguish maca powder adulteration. Furthermore, to calibrate a regression model, we evaluated the partial least squares (PLS), interval PLS, and synergy interval PLS (siPLS). The siPLS models were determined as the best models for the quantification of maca powder adulterated with turnip and radish powder, in which the correlation coefficients were both 0.97 with root-mean-square error of prediction values of 5.79% and 5.85% for the two models, respectively. The combination of near infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics can provide a fast, simple, and environment-friendly analytical method for identifying and quantifying the properties of maca.
Relationship Building in a Black Space: Partnering in Solidarity
Authors: Jackson Davena
Published: October 2020

Given the persistence of anti-Blackness, the author demonstrates what can happen when Blackness takes precedence over anti-Blackness in an 11th-grade English classroom. This study uses critical autoethnography to explore a collaborative approach to teaching and learning that sustains Blackness. The author uses storying to amplify the significance of relationship building between a Black teacher and a Black teacher-researcher. This research further provides tools for transforming classrooms into sites of hope, healing, and resistance in a time when Black lives matter more than ever. In closing, the author offers the framework of justice-oriented solidarity (JOS) and highlights the power of cocollaboration to create an antiracist learning environment that sustains Blackness.
Association between alterations of corneal sub-basal nerve plexus analyzed with in vivo confocal microscopy and long-term glycemic variability
Authors: Pellegrini Marco , Sebastiani Stefano , Tucci Lorenzo , Giannaccare Giuseppe , Moscatiello Simona , Laffi Gilberto , Pagotto Uberto , Di Dalmazi Guido , Versura Piera
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

The effect of long-term glycemic variability upon corneal sub-basal nerve plexus (CSNP) morphology analyzed by in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) has been poorly investigated in the setting of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Our purpose was to analyze the association between morphometric parameters of CSNP and new markers of glycemic variability in a population of patients with T1DM.

Methods:

Forty patients with T1DM underwent: assessment of diabetic neuropathy (DN); analysis of subcutaneous advanced glycated end-products; IVCM scans of CSNP. The fully automated software ACCMetrics was employed to analyze IVCM images and calculate seven corneal nerve parameters. Data of diabetes duration, mean and standard deviation (SD) of either last-year and all-time glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) were retrieved.

Results:

Diabetes duration and all-time SD of HbA1C were independently associated with CNFD (R = –0.26, p = 0.01; R = –0.27, p = 0.047 respectively), CNFL (R = –0.12; p = 0.01; R = –0.17, p = 0.01 respectively) and CNFrD (R = –0.001, p = 0.009; R = –0.002, p = 0.007 respectively). The analysis of the association among IVCM parameters and specific subtypes of DN showed that altered cold sensitivity was independently associated with CNFD (B = –0.24, p = 0.01), CNFL (B = –0.46, p = 0.01) and CNFrD (B = –28.65, p = 0.03).

Conclusions:

All-time SD of HbA1C and disease duration were found to be independent predictors of damage to CSNP in patients with T1DM.
Comparative analysis of China’s Health Code, Australia’s COVIDSafe and New Zealand’s COVID Tracer Surveillance Apps: a new corona of public health governmentality?
Authors: Yang Fan , Heemsbergen Luke , Fordyce Robbie
Published: October 2020

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown of cities worldwide generated a dramatic increase in the use of public health trac(k)ing technologies. This article presents an empirical analysis of China’s Health Code on WeChat and Alipay, Australia’s COVIDSafe and New Zealand’s COVID Tracer. We ask: how does app-based public health monitoring differ from prior forms of state tracking and corporate surveillance, and interface with public and private ideals of health and citizenship? Based on a comparative analysis of the selected apps and the political economy that surrounds their code and implementation, we argue that there is a new corona of surveillance to address COVID-19 crises by intensifying the diffusion of national surveillance technologies and framing these into justifiable moral practice. In conclusion, we identify a new ‘corona’ of public health governmentality during COVID-19 pandemic through an intensification of top-down institutional data extraction from human bodies.
Playing with power: Kink, race, and desire
Authors: Liang Michelle
Published: October 2020

Although the separation between “real life” and “play” appears to reinscribe liberal notions of autonomy, BDSM practitioners actually mobilize this boundary to trouble liberal understandings of the liberal autonomous rational agent. Through understandings desires as inextricable from power, and fetishes as displacements of anxieties, BDSM practices recognize “irrational” desires and multiple, fractured selves. In examining kink practices of queer women of color in the Netherlands, this paper explores the transformative potentials of BDSM for queer people of color, especially in resisting colonial discourses that privilege liberal discourses of agency and conceptualize bodies of color as nonmodern, inferior, exotic, and irrational. In the face of discourses that pit Dutch freedom and sexual expression against ethnic minorities and sexual constraint, marginalized kinksters are forming communities that radically centralize marginalized kink experiences and reject pathologizing discourses, as they critically alter the implications of and possibilities for slippages between daily life and kink.
Performance evaluation of climate-adaptive natural ventilation design: A case study of semi-open public cultural building
Authors: Qi Jing , Wei Chunyu
Published: October 2020

Naturally ventilated buildings play a vital role in mitigating climate change since they produce lower CO2 emissions compared to mechanically ventilated alternatives. Also, occupants have better experiences in naturally ventilated buildings than in mechanically ventilated buildings. However, the application of natural ventilation design is often hindered by extreme weather conditions. To cope with such problems, this paper proposes climate adaptive natural ventilation designs which utilize and adapt to the local climate. The ventilation performance of this design is quantitatively evaluated using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach. The CFD simulation is first validated against experiments and then utilized to reproduce the wind flow inside the building for all four seasons. The evaluation parameters include air changes per hour (ACH), wind speed at the pedestrian level and wind flow patterns indoors. Results showed that this climate adaptive natural ventilation meets the requirements of the Chinese green building assessment standards (GB/T50378-2019) with the highest ACH value of up to 15.8 times per hour. Furthermore, the wind speed at pedestrian level varies from 0.08 m/s to 0.39 m/s. The practice and findings reported in this paper can be useful for future development of sustainable, climate-adaptive buildings.
Barriers to Post-CCST training in orthodontics: A survey of trainee perceptions
Authors: Quach Stacey , Mittal Tarun , Bell Gavin
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

In order to be eligible for consultant appointments within the NHS, orthodontists can undertake higher specialty training after their Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST). These training posts are known as Post-CCST positions and orthodontists must be eligible for inclusion on the General Dental Council’s (GDC) specialist list for orthodontics before applying. There has been a decline in the number of applicants and the number of filled Post-CCST positions in recent years, leading to concerns over a potential shortage of appropriately trained consultant orthodontists to provide a secondary care service in the near future. This survey was undertaken to identify barriers to applying for Post-CCST training and assess potential options for increasing trainee numbers.

Methods:

An online survey was distributed, by email, to current orthodontic trainees and those that had recently completed training in the last six months via the British Orthodontic Society Training Grades Group. Reminder emails were sent at two and four weeks. A total of 201 trainees were invited to complete the survey.

Results:

Eighty-nine trainees completed the survey (response rate of 44.3%). Regarding applying to Post-CCST training, 32.6% and 47.7% of respondents, respectively, either wanted to or were considering applying for Post-CCST training. The South East was the most preferred region for Post-CCST training (38.0%). Reasons for not wishing to complete Post-CCST training included salary (71.9%), lack of consultant posts in desired regions (64.1%) and inability/unwillingness to relocate (63.5%). Part-time training (91.0%) and a higher salary during training (86.0%) were most likely to incentivise application for Post-CCST training.

Conclusion:

Financial, family and geographical concerns appear to be the main reasons why trainees might not consider Post-CCST training. Part-time and run-through training options may encourage trainees to apply for Post-CCST training.
Working conditions and wellbeing in UK social workers
Authors: Ravalier Jermaine , Wainwright Elaine , Clabburn Oliver , Loon Mark , Smyth Nina
Published: October 2020

UK social workers are exposed to chronically poor working conditions and experience extremely high levels of sickness absence. The aim of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of working conditions and wellbeing of social workers. Seven UK social work employers sent a survey of working conditions, wellbeing, and turnover intentions to all child and family social workers, followed by a series of individual semi-structured interviews with respondents. Data were collected between January and May 2019. Six hundred and seventy-six (41% response rate) completed surveys were returned and 19 interviews undertaken.

Findings

Quantitative findings demonstrated that working conditions scored better than previous studies, with positive scores on autonomy, peer, and managerial support. However, the four remaining conditions (demands, relationships, role, and change) each scored worse than 75–90% of respondents in UK-wide benchmarks of individuals from various occupations. Regression outcomes demonstrated that demands, control, change, relationships, and peer support each significantly impacted employee wellbeing. Furthermore, over 20% of respondents suggested that they were frequently exposed to poor service user behaviour. Thematic analysis of interviews suggested that workload (demands), relationships with peers, management, and services users, and the way in which change was communicated were the main difficulties cited.

Applications

It is clear that work is needed to support social worker stress and wellbeing at work. Management should support individuals in terms of developing peer and managerial support, and adopting best practice in reflective supervision. Furthermore, a more robust system of caseload allocation would support and improve significant workload pressures.
Urological Aspects in Patients with Alkaptonuria: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Suoub Mohammed , Alsbou Mohammed , Sawaqed Fadi
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the urinary tract for dynamic function and stones and calcifications in patients with alkaptonuria. Thirty-eight patients were prospectively divided into two groups. Study group (A) involved 17 patients; the average age was 42 years. The control group (B) involved 21 patients; the average age was 37 years. All patients from the two groups underwent uroflowmetry assessment and ultrasonography for the kidneys and urinary bladder, and prostate in two phases (full bladder and empty bladder). Group A—Bladder volume ranged between 400 and 520 cc. The peak flow rate was between 7 and 23 mL/s, with an average of 18.6 mL/s. Flow rate curves shape were acceptable to the normal bell-shape curve in 11 patients. Seven patients (41%) had prostate calcification accounting for 5%–35% of prostate size. Group B—Bladder volume ranged between 290 and 510 cc. The peak flow rate was 8–27 ml/s, with an average of 20 mL/sec. Normal bell shape voiding curves were observed in 17 patients (80%). Four patients (19%) had prostate calcification accounting for 2%–12% of prostate size. Renal measurements on ultrasonography were the same in both groups. Patients with alkaptonuria developed prostate calcification at younger age; they have a slight but not statistically significant reduced peak urinary flow rate and post void residual urine.
Decreased prolyl hydroxylase 3 mRNA expression in oncocytomas compared with clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kampantais Spyridon , Kounatidis Ilias , Kotoula Vasiliki , Vakalopoulos Ioannis , Gkagkalidis Konstantinos , Dimitriadis Georgios
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Hypoxia inducible factors (HIF) and prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) enzymes play a central role in tumor progression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, there are currently no data regarding the behavior of this pathway (HIF/PHD) in a large number of benign renal tumors, the oncocytomas. The aim of the present study was to compare the expression levels of these factors between ccRCC and oncocytoma tumors.

Material and methods:

A total of 56 fresh frozen specimens from patients with ccRCC and 14 oncocytoma specimens were analyzed via reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction in order to assess the expression levels of HIF-1α, HIF-2α, PHD1, PHD2, and PHD3. The analysis involved both fresh frozen tumor samples as well as adjacent normal kidney tissues.

Results:

In ccRCC, HIF-1α and HIF-2α levels were upregulated in 65.5% and 71.4% of cases, respectively. PHD3 was downregulated only in 15.4% of the ccRCC cases, in contrast with oncocytoma cases, which exhibited low expression levels in the majority. The upregulation of PHD3 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in ccRCC when compared with oncocytoma was statistically significant ( P<0.001). No other comparisons (HIF-1α, HIF-2α, PHD1, and PHD2) were significantly different. HIF-2α and PHD3 mRNA expression levels were negatively correlated with Fuhrman Grade ( P=0.029 and P=0.026, respectively) in ccRCC.

Conclusion:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the HIF/PHD pathway was compared between ccRCC and a common benign tumor, identifying the upregulation of PHD3 as the possible underlying factor guiding the difference in the behavior of ccRCC.
Dark traits as a potential feature of leadership in the high-performance sports coach
Authors: Serpell Benjamin G , Harrison Darlene , Lyons Matt , Cook Christian J
Published: October 2020

High-performance sport coaches are leaders in their field; therefore, they sometimes operate under ‘regular’ workplace leadership role requirements. However, they are also subject to highly uncertain and pressured environments. Thus, most coaching/leadership positions in high-performance sport may be both ‘normal’ and ‘unique’ in leadership role requirement. Consequently, understanding what high-performance sport leaders ‘look like’, behaviorally, would be valuable. This study aimed to 1) describe personality traits of coaches in high-performance sport, and 2) describe differences between high-performance sport coaches and other leaders. Hogan’s personality profile data was collected from fulltime coaches working in high-performance sport. Experienced and developing high-performance sport coaches were compared, and high-performance sport coaches were compared to other sector leaders. No differences exist between coaching groups for any personality traits. However, while high-performance sport coaches shared similar ‘light’, or ‘socially desirable’, traits to leaders in ‘regular’ workplaces they differed for some ‘dark’/maladaptive traits. That is, as is the case for leaders in sectors including business, finance and healthcare high-performance coaches may be experienced as being balanced, stable, calm under pressure, approachable, friendly, accessible, planful, responsible, and mindful of details. However, unlike leaders in ‘regular’ workplace environments, high-performance coaches may also be experienced as moody, hard to please, creative but unusual, risk-taking, and limit-testing; which is more similar to scientists and artists. In conclusion, coach personality traits were both similar and unique to leaders from ‘regular’ workplaces. Thus, leadership is context specific both within sectors and between sectors.