bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of COVID‐19 pandemic in dermatology outpatient clinics in Turkey: A survey study
Authors: Ustaoglu Eda
Published: June 2021

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has substantially affected the healthcare systems around the world. It has also induced some changes in working habits at dermatology clinics. The majority of dermatology clinics limited the number of patients at outpatient clinics and postponed the elective procedures.

Aims and Objectives

To evaluate the working conditions and habits of dermatologists in Turkey during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

This is a survey study with seventeen questions in which two hundred fifteen dermatologists working in Turkey participated.

Results

Our results revealed that 53.5% of the participants worked in the areas related to COVID‐19 during the pandemic. The average number of dermatology outpatient days in a week was five among the 48.8% of dermatologists, 21.4% of those had three working days, and 18.1% of those had four days. During the pandemic, the most common reasons for referral to outpatient clinics were acne and acneiform eruptions (88.8%), dermatitis (73.5%), and hair loss (71.2%). Participants hesitated to use the following treatments: long‐term systemic steroid (77.7%), cyclosporine (69.8%), and methotrexate (60%).

Conclusion

It is observed that the COVID‐19 pandemic had affected the working habits and conditions of the dermatologists, which might be considered for the designing of new working approaches.
Glycaemic control mediates the relationships of employment status and self‐stigma with self‐care behaviours in young adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lin May‐Hung , Ou Horng‐Yih , Wang Ruey‐Hsia , Lin Ching‐Han , Liao Hsiu‐Yun , Chen Hsing‐Mei
Published: June 2021

Aims and objectives

To investigate the relationships of sociodemographic factors, self‐stigma, glycaemic control (measured by glycated haemoglobin (A1C)) and self‐care behaviours in young adults with type 2 diabetes.

Background

Young adults aged 25–44 years are in their most productive period. Once diagnosed with diabetes, this population tends to experience poor glycaemic control and perform poorly in self‐care activities. Such patterns may raise perceptions of self‐stigma and further decrease motivations to engage in self‐care behaviours in patients with diabetes.

Design

A cross‐sectional, correlational research design.

Methods

The STROBE guidelines for cross‐sectional studies were followed. A convenience sample of 115 participants was recruited from a medical centre in southern Taiwan. Instruments included the Self‐Stigma Scale–Chinese version and the Diabetes Self‐Care Behaviours Scale. Data were analysed using a three‐step hierarchical regression analysis and the Sobel test.

Results

The average age of the participants was 36.7 years. Marital status, employment status, self‐stigma and A1C were significantly associated with self‐care behaviours, and these four variables explained 43.6% of the variance in self‐care behaviours. However, A1C (β = −.58, p < .001) was found to be the only determinant of self‐care behaviours in the last regression model. The Sobel test showed that A1C had mediating effects on self‐stigma and self‐care behaviours as well as employment status and self‐care behaviours.

Conclusion

This study supports the interactive relationship among self‐stigma, employment status, glycaemic control and self‐care behaviours in young adults with type 2 diabetes. Strategies aimed at optimising glycaemic control can help reduce the effects of self‐stigma perceptions and employment status on the self‐care behaviours of such patients.

Relevance to clinical practice

More effective educational programmes should be designed to improve glycaemic control, lower the effects of employment and decrease perceptions of self‐stigma to further motivate young adults to engage in better diabetes self‐care behaviours.
Identifying the Central Components of Perceived Costs and Benefits of Helping Peers with Depression: A Psychological Network Analysis Using Japanese Undergraduate Samples1,2
Authors: Kashihara Jun , Sakamoto Shinji
Published: June 2021

Several training programs and forums for mental health peer support have been developed, and perceptions of costs and benefits affecting peer supporters' helping behaviors have been investigated. To investigate the most efficient ways to motivate people to provide mental health peer support, we conducted a series of cross‐sectional network analyses that (a) visualized the network structures of the perceived costs and benefits of helping or not helping peers with depression; and (b) identified the most central component in each network. Participants were 297 Japanese undergraduates (mean age = 19.27 years) who rated how much they cared about items related to the costs/benefits of helping/not helping using a Likert scale. A series of psychological networks consisting of nodes (components) connected by edges (regularized partial correlations) were estimated, and the most central component judged on the basis of high scores for strength, closeness, and betweenness indexes was identified in each network (e.g., “loss of energy” in the Costs of Helping network). Discussion focuses on these identified central components as targets for intervention within the larger networks of perceived costs and benefits.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs under primary veterinary care in theUK: an epidemiological study
Authors: O'Neill D. G. , Brodbelt D. C. , Keddy A. , Church D. B. , Sanchez R. F.
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To estimate the frequency and breed‐related risk factors for keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in dogs under UK primary veterinary care.

Methods

Analysis of cohort electronic patient record data through the VetCompass Programme. Risk factor analysis used multivariable logistic regression.

Results

There were 1456 KCS cases overall from 363,898 dogs [prevalence 0.40%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38–0.42] and 430 incident cases during 2013 (1‐year incidence risk 0.12%, 95% CI 0.11–0.13). Compared with crossbreds, breeds with the highest odds ratio (aOR) for KCS included American cocker spaniel (aOR 52.33: 95% CI 30.65–89.37), English bulldog (aOR 37.95: 95% CI 26.54–54.28), pug (aOR 22.09: 95% CI 15.15–32.2) and Lhasa apso (aOR 21.58: 95% CI 16.29–28.57). Conversely, Labrador retrievers (aOR 0.23: 95% CI 0.1–0.52) and border collie (aOR 0.30: 95% CI 0.11–0.82) had reduced odds. Brachycephalic dogs had 3.63 (95% CI 3.24–4.07) times odds compared to mesocephalics. Spaniels had 3.03 (95% CI 2.69–3.40) times odds compared to non‐spaniels. Dogs weighing at or above the mean bodyweight for breed/sex had 1.25 (95% CI 1.12–1.39) times odds compared to body weights below. Advancing age was strongly associated with increased odds.

Clinical significance

Quantitative tear tests are recommended within yearly health examinations for breeds with evidence of predisposition to KCS and might also be considered in the future within eye testing for breeding in predisposed breeds. Breed predisposition to KCS suggests that breeding strategies could aim to reduce extremes of facial conformation.
Impaired alpha rhythm in bad sleeper during nap: A high‐density electroencephalogram study
Authors: Zhao Xiangyue , Chen Xinyuan , Duan Wei , Zhao Wenrui , Lei Xu
Published: June 2021

As the pace of life accelerates, poor sleep quality has become a common health problem. A wealth of sleep studies based on electroencephalogram (EEG) have found that poor sleep quality has decreased alpha rhythm during night‐time sleep. However, whether the EEG rhythm during an afternoon nap has a similar impairment has seldom been investigated. By recruiting 35 subjects for a 90‐min nap, we explored the relationship between sleep quality and the alpha rhythm, and the contribution of naps to subjective sleep experience. We found that the power of alpha rhythm in the occipital lobe negatively correlated with sleep quality. However, there was no correlation between the sleep quality at night and the sleep duration of the nap, nor the sleep quality and the proportion of each sleep period of a nap. Our present results indicated that the quality of night‐time sleep did not affect the macrostructure of the nap. Interestingly, the negative correlation between the alpha rhythm of a nap and sleep quality at night continuously existed in Wake, N1 sleep, and N2 sleep, and had the most substantial value during N2 sleep of a nap. This implies that an impaired occipital lobe alpha rhythm is a robust biomarker for poor sleep. The research is of particular significance for developing electrical neural stimulation therapy to improve sleep quality, especially for the stimuli regions for selection and the time windows for implementation.
Early social deprivation shapes neuronal programming of the social decision‐making network in a cooperatively breeding fish
Authors: Antunes Diogo F. , Teles Magda C. , Zuelling Matthew , Friesen Caitlin N. , Oliveira Rui F. , Aubin‐Horth Nadia , Taborsky Barbara
Published: June 2021

The early social environment an animal experiences may have pervasive effects on its behaviour. The social decision‐making network (SDMN), consisting of interconnected brain nuclei from the forebrain and midbrain, is involved in the regulation of behaviours during social interactions. In species with advanced sociality such as cooperative breeders, offspring are exposed to a large number and a great diversity of social interactions every day of their early life. This diverse social environment may have life‐long consequences on the development of several neurophysiological systems within the SDMN, although these effects are largely unknown. We studied these life‐long effects in a cooperatively breeding fish, Neolamprologus pulcher, focusing on the expression of genes involved in the monoaminergic and stress response systems in the SDMN. N. pulcher fry were raised until an age of 2 months either with their parents, subordinate helpers and same‐clutch siblings (+F), or with same‐clutch siblings only (−F). Analysis of the expression of glucocorticoid receptor, mineralocorticoid receptor, corticotropin releasing factor, dopamine receptors 1 and 2, serotonin transporter and DNA methyltransferase 1 genes showed that early social experiences altered the neurogenomic profile of the preoptic area. Moreover, the dopamine receptor 1 gene was up‐regulated in the preoptic area of −F fish compared to +F fish. −F fish also showed up‐regulation of GR1 expression in the dorsal medial telencephalon (functional equivalent to the basolateral amygdala), and in the dorsolateral telencephalon (functional equivalent to the hippocampus). Our results suggest that early social environment has life‐long effects on the development of several neurophysiological systems within the SDMN.
Impact of delayed device re‐implantation on outcomes of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic device related infective endocarditis
Authors: Arshad Verda , Baddour Larry M. , Lahr Brian D. , Khalil Sarwat , Tariq Wajeeha , Talha Khawaja Muhammad , Cha Yong‐Mei , DeSimone Daniel C. , Sohail M. Rizwan
Published: June 2021

Background

Optimal timing of cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) re‐implantation following device removal due to infection is undefined. Multinational guidelines reflect this and include no specific recommendation for this timing, while others have recommended waiting at least 14 days in cases of CIED related infective endocarditis (CIED‐IE). The current work seeks to clarify this issue.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed institutional data at Mayo Clinic, Minnesota of patients aged ≥ 18 years who developed CIED‐IE from January 1, 1991 to February 1, 2016. CIED‐IE was defined as echocardiogram reported device lead or valvular vegetation. Regression analyses were used to relate the risk of clinical outcomes to the interval between CIED removal and re‐implantation and the location of vegetations.

Results

A total of 109 patients met study inclusion criteria. A majority (68.8%) of patients were men and the median age was 68.0 years. Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) was performed in 95.4% of patients, with valve vegetations detected in 33.9% (n = 37). Survival analysis comparing patients in whom device re‐implantation was < 14 days vs. ≥14 days, and further categorized by those with and without valve vegetation, showed a significant difference (P = 0.028); patients with valve vegetation and reimplantation interval < 14 days had the lowest (58.7%) 12‐month survival. When adjusted for valve vegetation, longer time interval for reimplantation trended toward increased hospital length of stay (P = 0.079).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the recommended 14‐day delay between CIED extraction and re‐implantation in CIED‐IE patients is associated with a survival benefit, but longer length of hospital stay following re‐implantation.
Impact of magnetic resonance imaging on functional integrity of non‐conditional cardiovascular implantable electronic devices
Authors: Dahiya Garima , Wetzel Adam , Kyvernitakis Andreas , Gevenosky Loretta , Williams Ronald , Shah Moneal , Farah Victor , Doyle Mark , Biederman Robert WW
Published: June 2021

Background

Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) have historically restricted the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to the potential clinical and configurational risks associated with electromagnetic interference. In this study, the authors investigated the impact of MRI on the functional integrity of non‐conditional CIEDs and their clinical correlates.

Methods

In this prospective, observational single‐center study, we enrolled patients undergoing MRI over a 5‐year period. Prior to assessing the impact of MRI on CIEDs, we performed interrogations in sequential duplication to assess the intrinsic variability of devices. Subsequently, we performed interrogations immediately after MRI, and monitored changes in device parameters and clinical events.

Results

We completed 492 MRI studies, 58% in patients with permanent pacemakers (PPMs) and 42% with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Subsequent MRI exposures occurred in 15% encounters. Accounting for intrinsic variability in CIED leads, there were no significant changes in RA, RV, or LV parameters after MRI, regardless of the region imaged (thoracic vs. non‐thoracic), type of CIED (PPMs vs. ICDs) and among those with serial MRIs. When ranked for % change pre‐ to post‐MRI, the majority of RA, RV, and LV metrics for thresholds, sensing, and impedance conformed to ≤20% change from baseline. No significant clinical adverse cardiac events or effect on device microcircuitry occurred during the study.

Conclusion

Incorporating a novel reproducibility tactic, there were neither clinically meaningful device parameter changes nor adverse clinical events during or following MRIs, suggesting the effects of MRI on non‐conditional CIED integrity are far less than previously perceived.
Caregiver‐reported outcomes of pediatric transplantation: Changes and predictors at 6 months post‐transplant
Authors: Cushman Grace , Gutierrez‐Colina Ana M. , Lee Jennifer L. , Rich Kristin Loiselle , Mee Laura L. , Rea Kelly , Blount Ronald L. , Eaton Cyd K.
Published: June 2021

Background

It is widely assumed that pediatric solid organ transplantation results in better caregiver‐reported outcomes, including reduced caregiver psychological distress and increased child health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), yet little empirical evidence of this expectation exists. The current investigation aims to fill this gap and identify key clinical course factors predictive of caregiver‐reported outcomes.

Methods

Forty‐nine caregivers of children (Mage = 10.30 years, SD = 5.43) presenting for kidney, liver, or heart transplant evaluation reported on their psychological distress levels (anxiety, depression, somatization, and global psychological stress) and their children's HRQOL at children's pretransplant evaluations and 6 months post‐transplant. Clinical course factors were abstracted via medical chart review.

Results

Caregivers did not report significant changes in their psychological distress from pre‐ to post‐transplant but reported significantly improved child HRQOL across most domains (ds = −.45 to −.54). Higher post‐transplant caregiver global psychological distress was predicted by older child age, shorter time since diagnosis, and lower pretransplant caregiver‐reported child HRQOL even after controlling for pretransplant caregiver psychological distress. Lower post‐transplant child total HRQOL was predicted by more post‐transplant hospitalizations even after controlling for pretransplant child total HRQOL.

Conclusions

These preliminary results indicate pediatric solid organ transplantation was associated with some improved caregiver‐reported outcomes, specifically children's HRQOL, but not caregivers’ psychological distress. Linear regression models identify several clinical course and pretransplant factors associated with transplantation outcomes. Characterizing how caregivers view their psychological distress levels and children's HRQOL across the transplantation process could inform family‐centered holistic care and support caregiver adaptation to transplantation.
Association between interpregnancy interval and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: Effect modification by maternal age
Authors: Gebremedhin Amanuel T. , Tessema Gizachew A. , Regan Annette K. , Pereira Gavin
Published: June 2021

Background

Short and long interpregnancy intervals (IPI) are associated with increased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, yet whether this association is modified by maternal age remains unclear.

Objectives

To examine if the association between IPI and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy varies by maternal age at birth prior to IPI.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based cohort study of all mothers who had their first two (n = 169 896) consecutive births in Western Australia (WA) between 1980 and 2015. We estimated the risk of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension for 6 to 60 months of IPI according to maternal age at birth prior to IPI (<20 years, 20‐24, 25‐29, 30‐34 and ≥35 years). We modelled IPI using restricted cubic splines and reported adjusted relative risk (RRs) with 95% CI at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months, with 18 months as reference.

Results

The risk of preeclampsia was increased at longer IPIs (60 months) compared to 18 months for mothers 35 years or older (RR 2.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14, 4.18) and to a lesser extent for mothers 30‐ to 34 years old (RR 1.43, 95% CI 1.10, 1.84). Compared to 18 months, the risk of preeclampsia was lower at 12 months of IPI for mothers younger than 20 years (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.57, 0.96), but not for mothers 35 years or older (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.36, 1.07). There was insufficient evidence for increased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at shorter IPIs of <18 months for mothers of all ages.

Conclusions

Our findings challenge the “one size fits all” recommendation for an optimal IPI, and a more tailored approach to family planning counselling may be required to improve health.
Results of drug‐eluting stent in significant restenosis of the hemodialysis access: An initial study
Authors: Hongsakul Keerati , Akkakrisee Surasit , Bannangkoon Kittipitch , Boonsrirat Ussanee , Premprabha Dhanakom , Juntarapatin Pong
Published: June 2021

Background

This study aimed to report the 12‐month results of drug‐eluting stent (DES) for the treatment of significant restenosis of the hemodialysis access.

Materials and methods

A total of 14 patients (seven men and seven women; median age 70 years; range of 50–83 years) with significant restenosis of hemodialysis accesses were enrolled from January 2017 to December 2018. A total of 10 arteriovenous graft (AVG) and four arteriovenous fistulae were treated with DES. Study outcomes included primary patency of the target lesion and circuit.

Results

Venous anastomosis of the AVG was the most common target lesion for DES insertion (nine hemodialysis accesses). The range of follow‐up time was 12–36 months. Primary patency rates of target lesion before DES (patency for last conventional balloon angioplasty [CBA]) versus target lesion after DES at 6 and 12 months were 29% versus 100% and 7% versus 86% (p < 0.001). Primary patency rates of pre‐DES circuit (patency for last CBA) versus post‐DES circuit at 6 and 12 months were 29% versus 64% and 7% versus 29%, respectively (p = 0.058).

Conclusion

DES might improve the patency rate of target lesion in patients with significant restenosis of the hemodialysis access.
Toward a Resolute Reading ofBeing and Time: Heidegger, Wittgenstein, and the Dilemma between Inconsistency and Ineffability
Authors: Nir Gilad
Published: June 2021

Both Heidegger and Wittgenstein consider the possibility of a philosophical inquiry of an absolutely universal scope—an inquiry into the being of all beings, in Heidegger’s case, and into the logical form of everything that can be meaningfully said, in Wittgenstein’s. Moreover, they both raise the worry that the theoretical language by means of which we speak of particular beings and assert particular facts is not suitable for this task. And yet their own philosophical work seems to include many assertions of ordinary, theoretical language. Are they being inconsistent? Or are they hoping to use theoretical language in a way that conveys what cannot be said in that language? Much of the scholarship on each of these thinkers takes the form of one of the two horns of this dilemma. In the context of Wittgenstein scholarship, however, a third alternative has been proposed: the “resolute” reading of theTractatus. My aim is to establish the availability of a similar solution to Heidegger’s predicament. It will emerge that Heidegger rejects the possibility of a theoretical account of being and pursues a project of a radically different sort, the goal of which is to bring about a transformation of our fundamental relation to being.
Utility of the Sonoclot analyzer to assess hyperfibrinolysis in dogs
Authors: Buriko Yekaterina , Hess Rebecka S. , Pfeifer Julie M. , Silverstein Deborah C.
Published: June 2021

Background

Coagulation abnormalities, including hyperfibrinolysis, have been documented in sick veterinary patients. Viscoelastic tests, including the Sonoclot Coagulation and Platelet Function Analyzer, are useful in detecting hyperfibrinolysis. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) assays have been used to quantify fibrinolysis using thromboelastography.

Objectives

We aimed to document and evaluate changes in the whole blood of healthy dogs exposed to in vitro tPA at varying concentrations using the Sonoclot analyzer.

Methods

Ten milliliters of blood was collected from healthy adult dogs. Sonoclot tests were run in duplicate and included a control sample and five tPA concentrations: 50, 75, 100, 150, and 200 IU/mL of blood.

Results

Eleven dogs were enrolled in the study. Based on standard Sonoclot Signature changes, a numeric value fibrinolysis time (FTi) was derived to aid in the quantification of hyperfibrinolysis. Activated clotting time and clot rate Sonoclot values were not significantly affected by any tPA concentration. There was a significant decrease in platelet function (PF) at tPA concentrations equal to and above 75 IU/mL on channel 1 and tPA concentrations of 150 IU/mL and higher on channel 2. There was a progressive decrease in FTi at increasing tPA concentrations.

Conclusions

The Sonoclot analyzer can be used to evaluate hyperfibrinolysis. Predictable changes were seen in the Sonoclot Signature and a decrease in PF and FTi was found with increasing tPA concentrations. The Sonoclot assay with a tPA concentration of 100 IU/mL is suggested a baseline measure of hyperfibrinolysis and has a resultant median FTi of 42 minutes, which is a practical time for clinical applications.
Stress Distributions Around Hydrostatically Loaded Circular Holes in the Neighborhood of Corners
Authors: Durelli A. J. , Kobayashi A. S.
Published: June 2021

The stress distributions around hydrostatically loaded circular holes in the neighborhood of corners was determined by using photoelasticity and brittle coatings. Photoelasticity (by means of a diffused-light polariscope) was used to determine the maximum shear lines (isochromatics), and brittle coatings were used to determine the directions of the principal stresses (isostatics). Tests were conducted for six plates with different ratios of hole radius to hole distance to the exterior boundary of plate (R/L). The results of these tests are presented in the form of curves. These curves show the distribution of the maximum shear stress along the diagonal of the plate, the maximum principal stress along the edges of the plate and of the hole, and the maximum shear stress along a perpendicular line to the exterior boundary drawn from the center of the hole. All these values are given as a function of R/L. Curves also are presented which compare the stresses on the diagonal of the plate at the boundary of the hole with the stresses computed using Lamé’s equation for a thick-walled cylinder. Comparisons also are made with the results obtained by Jeffery for a semi-infinite plate with a circular hole subjected to a hydrostatic pressure. All results are given in dimensionless form with the applied pressure as reference. The results published in this paper are new, but the techniques used have been described previously in papers by researchers from the Armour Research Foundation.
The Calculation of Optimum Concentrated Damping for Continuous Systems
Authors: Plunkett R.
Published: June 2021

A method is presented for calculating the optimum concentrated damping for the vibration of continuous systems. It is applied to (a) a string damped near one end, (b) a cantilever beam driven at the center and damped at the free end, (c) a uniform blade with dovetail damping, and (d) the damped dynamic absorber. Aside from the specific results which are shown in the examples, there are some general conclusions. The vibration velocity and vibratory force are not necessarily in phase at maximum amplitude for optimum damping. The decay rate at optimum damping is not necessarily related to amplification at resonance, i.e. δ ≠ π / Q
A Compressible Elastic, Perfectly Plastic Wedge
Authors: Bland D. R. , Naghdi P. M.
Published: June 2021

This paper is concerned with a compressible elastic-plastic wedge of an included angle β < π/2 in the state of plane strain. The solution, deduced for an isotropic nonwork-hardening material, employs Tresca’s yield criterion and the associated flow rules. By means of a numerical example the solution is compared with that of an incompressible elastic-plastic wedge in one case (β = π/4) for various positions of the elastic-plastic boundary.
On the Sloshing of Liquid in a Flexible Tank
Authors: Miles J. W.
Published: June 2021

The kinetic and potential energies of an incompressible fluid having a free surface in a cylindrical tank subjected to translation, rotation, and simple bending are derived in the forms 1 2 ∑ i ∑ j m i j q . i q . j and 1 2 ∑ i ∑ j k i j q i q j where the qi (t) are generalized co-ordinates. The results are illustrated by a calculation of the frequency equation for coupled bending and free-surface motions. It is found that if the mass of the empty tank is small compared with that of the liquid and the depth of the liquid is equal to the tank diameter the presence of the free surface increases the bending frequency (relative to that calculated with a plane cap that coincides with the liquid surface and is normal to the axis of the cylinder) by about 5 per cent for cantilever bending oscillations and 27 per cent for free-free bending oscillations.
Co-Ordinates Which Uncouple the Equations of Motion of Damped Linear Dynamic Systems
Authors: Foss K. A.
Published: June 2021

Orthogonality relations between the eigenvectors of damped linear dynamic systems with lumped parameters are derived; and from these relations co-ordinates are found in terms of which uncoupled equations of motion can be written. Methods are developed for determining transient stresses in terms of these co-ordinates. The present treatment is extended to systems involving transient damping and to continuous systems.
Ductile Fracture Instability in Shear
Authors: McClintock F. A.
Published: June 2021

It is postulated that fracture occurs in an elastic-plastic, nonwork-hardening material subject to pure shear when a critical shear strain is attained throughout a critical volume of material. This postulate is combined with the classical equations of plasticity to predict when cracking will initiate from a notch at nominal shear stresses below the yield stress, when the crack will become unstable on increase of stress, and when unstable cracking will occur if a notch is cut while a constant nominal stress is maintained. Tests on aluminum foil under biaxial tensile stress show results similar to those predicted by the theory.
The mechanical potential of ultrasound on nervous tissue
Authors: O'Reilly Meaghan A. , Hynynen Kullervo
Published: June 2021

The Reflections series takes a look back on historical articles from The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America that have had a significant impact on the science and practice of acoustics.
Acoustophoresis in polymer-based microfluidic devices: Modeling and experimental validation
Authors: Lickert Fabian , Ohlin Mathias , Bruus Henrik , Ohlsson Pelle
Published: June 2021

A finite-element model is presented for numerical simulation in three dimensions of acoustophoresis of suspended microparticles in a microchannel embedded in a polymer chip and driven by an attached piezoelectric transducer at MHz frequencies. In accordance with the recently introduced principle of whole-system ultrasound resonances, an optimal resonance mode is identified that is related to an acoustic resonance of the combined transducer-chip-channel system and not to the conventional pressure half-wave resonance of the microchannel. The acoustophoretic action in the microchannel is of comparable quality and strength to conventional silicon-glass or pure glass devices. The numerical predictions are validated by acoustic focusing experiments on 5-μm-diameter polystyrene particles suspended inside a microchannel, which was milled into a polymethylmethacrylate chip. The system was driven anti-symmetrically by a piezoelectric transducer, driven by a 30-V peak-to-peak alternating voltage in the range from 0.5 to 2.5 MHz, leading to acoustic energy densities of 13 J/m3 and particle focusing times of 6.6 s.
Toward the use of neural networks for influenza prediction at multiple spatial resolutions
Authors: Aiken Emily L. , Nguyen Andre T. , Viboud Cecile , Santillana Mauricio
Published: June 2021

Machine learning methods and digital data sources improve influenza forecasting at the city and state levels in the United States.
Cluster-based network modeling—From snapshots to complex dynamical systems
Authors: Fernex Daniel , Noack Bernd R. , Semaan Richard
Published: June 2021

A generally applicable robust data-driven network modeling strategy offers rapid means to predict and control complex systems.
Diving beetle–like miniaturized plungers with reversible, rapid biofluid capturing for machine learning–based care of skin disease
Authors: Baik Sangyul , Lee Jihyun , Jeon Eun Je , Park Bo-yong , Kim Da Wan , Song Jin Ho , Lee Heon Joon , Han Seung Yeop , Cho Seung-Woo , Pang Changhyun
Published: June 2021

An all-in-one device composed of microplungers can capture biofluids and adhere to skin for intelligent care of skin disease.
Monopolar and dipolar relaxation in spin ice Ho
2
Ti
2
O
7
Authors: Wang Yishu , Reeder T. , Karaki Y. , Kindervater J. , Halloran T. , Maliszewskyj N. , Qiu Yiming , Rodriguez J. A. , Gladchenko S. , Koohpayeh S. M. , Nakatsuji S. , Broholm C.
Published: June 2021

The fractionalization of magnetic dipoles into monopoles is revealed through a crossover in the relaxation dynamics of spin ice.
Alterations in hormonal signals spatially coordinate distinct responses to DNA double-strand breaks inArabidopsisroots
Authors: Takahashi Naoki , Inagaki Soichi , Nishimura Kohei , Sakakibara Hitoshi , Antoniadi Ioanna , Karady Michal , Ljung Karin , Umeda Masaaki
Published: June 2021

Plant hormones cytokinin and auxin orchestrate differential DNA damage responses inArabidopsisroots.
Nonvolatile programmable silicon photonics using an ultralow-loss Sb
2
Se
3
phase change material
Authors: Delaney Matthew , Zeimpekis Ioannis , Du Han , Yan Xingzhao , Banakar Mehdi , Thomson David J. , Hewak Daniel W. , Muskens Otto L.
Published: June 2021

An ultralow-loss optical phase change material enables reversible programming of the flow of light in silicon photonics.
Abrupt Heinrich Stadial 1 cooling missing in Greenland oxygen isotopes
Authors: He Chengfei , Liu Zhengyu , Otto-Bliesner Bette L. , Brady Esther C. , Zhu Chenyu , Tomas Robert , Buizert Christo , Severinghaus Jeffrey P.
Published: June 2021

Glacial wintertime sea ice mutes abrupt Heinrich Stadial 1 cooling in Greenland oxygen isotope records.
Controlling subterranean forces enables a fast, steerable, burrowing soft robot
Authors: Naclerio Nicholas D. , Karsai Andras , Murray-Cooper Mason , Ozkan-Aydin Yasemin , Aydin Enes , Goldman Daniel I. , Hawkes Elliot W.
Published: June 2021

Understanding in granular physics on control of subterranean forces enables fast, steerable, soft robotic burrowing.
A randomized controlled trial to isolate the effects of fasting and energy restriction on weight loss and metabolic health in lean adults
Authors: Templeman Iain , Smith Harry Alex , Chowdhury Enhad , Chen Yung-Chih , Carroll Harriet , Johnson-Bonson Drusus , Hengist Aaron , Smith Rowan , Creighton Jade , Clayton David , Varley Ian , Karagounis Leonidas Georgios , Wilhelmsen Andrew , Tsintzas Kostas , Reeves Sue , Walhin Jean-Philippe , Gonzalez Javier Thomas , Thompson Dylan , Betts James Alexander
Published: June 2021

Daily energy restriction more effectively reduces body fat content than alternate-day fasting, with no evidence of fasting-specific health benefits.
Increased Accumulation of Squalene in Engineered Yarrowia lipolytica through Deletion of
PEX10
and
URE2
Authors: Wei Liu-Jing , Cao Xuan , Liu Jing-Jing , Kwak Suryang , Jin Yong-Su , Wang Wei , Hua Qiang
Published: June 2021

This study demonstrated a novel strategy for increasing squalene production in
Y. lipolytica
. URE2, a bifunctional protein that is involved in both nitrogen catabolite repression and oxidative stress response, was identified and demonstrated correlation to squalene production.
The Oligosaccharyltransferase AglB Supports Surface-Associated Growth and Iron Oxidation in Methanococcus maripaludis
Authors: Holten Matthew P. , Fonseca Dallas R. , Costa Kyle C.
Published: June 2021

Methanogenic archaea are responsible for producing the majority of methane on Earth and catalyze the terminal reactions in the degradation of organic matter in anoxic environments. Methanogens often grow as biofilms associated with surfaces or partner organisms; however, the molecular details of surface-associated growth remain uncharacterized.
The Usefulness of Two CXCL13 Assays on Cerebrospinal Fluid for the Diagnosis of Lyme Neuroborreliosis: a Retrospective Study in a Routine Clinical Setting
Authors: van Gorkom Tamara , van Arkel Gijs H. J. , Heron Michiel , Voet Willem , Thijsen Steven F. T. , Kremer Kristin
Published: June 2021

Recent studies have shown elevated levels of the B-cell chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 13 (CXCL13) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with early Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB). In this retrospective study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of the Quantikine CXCL13 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (R&D Systems, Inc., MN, USA) and the
recom
Bead CXCL13 assay (Mikrogen, Neuried, Germany) for the detection of CXCL13 in CSF.
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing
Authors: Idelevich Evgeny A. , Becker Karsten
Published: June 2021

The advent of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in clinical microbiology has dramatically improved the accuracy and speed of diagnostics. However, this progress has mainly been limited to the identification of microorganisms, whereas the practical improvement of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) still lags behind.
Diagnosing Fracture-Related Infections: Where Are We Now?
Authors: Stevenson Madeleine C. , Slater Julia C. , Sagi H. Claude , Palacio Bedoya Federico , Powers-Fletcher Margaret V.
Published: June 2021

Accurate diagnosis of fracture-related infection (FRI) is critical for preventing poor outcomes such as loss of function or amputation. Due to the multiple variables associated with FRI, however, accurate diagnosis is challenging and complicated by a lack of standardized diagnostic criteria.
Fatty Acid Synthase Is Involved in Classical Swine Fever Virus Replication by Interaction with NS4B
Authors: Liu Ya-Yun , Liang Xiao-Dong , Liu Chun-Chun , Cheng Yan , Chen Huan , Baloch Abdul Sattar , Zhang Jin , Go Yun Young , Zhou Bin
Published: June 2021

Classical swine fever, caused by classical swine fever virus (CSFV), is one of the notifiable diseases by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and causes significant financial losses to the pig industry globally. CSFV, like other (+)-strand RNA viruses, requires lipid and sterol biosynthesis for efficient replication.
TLR1/2 Agonist Enhances Reversal of HIV-1 Latency and Promotes NK Cell-Induced Suppression of HIV-1-Infected Autologous CD4+T Cells
Authors: Duan Siqin , Xu Xinfeng , Wang Jinshen , Huang Liwen , Peng Jie , Yu Tao , Zhou Yang , Cheng Kui , Liu Shuwen
Published: June 2021

Multiplein vivostudies showed that many LRAs used in the shock-and-kill approach could activate viral transcription but could not induce killing effectively. Therefore, a dual-function LRA is needed for elimination of HIV-1 reservoirs.
Liquid Chalk Is an Antiseptic against SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A Respiratory Viruses
Authors: McAuley Julie L. , Deerain Joshua M. , Hammersla William , Aktepe Turgut E. , Purcell Damian F. J. , Mackenzie Jason M.
Published: June 2021

To restrict the potential transmission and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2, the use of liquid chalk has been a requirement in an active gym setting. However, its effectiveness has not been scientifically proven.
Mitochondrial Contact Site and Cristae Organization System and F
1
F
O
-ATP Synthase Crosstalk Is a Fundamental Property of Mitochondrial Cristae
Authors: Cadena Lawrence Rudy , Gahura Ondřej , Panicucci Brian , Zíková Alena , Hashimi Hassan
Published: June 2021

Mitochondria have undergone profound diversification in separate lineages that have radiated since the last common ancestor of eukaryotes some eons ago. Most eukaryotes are unicellular protists, including etiological agents of infectious diseases, like
Trypanosoma brucei
.
SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 Infection of Syrian Hamster Does Not Cause More Severe Disease, and Naturally Acquired Immunity Confers Protection
Authors: Nuñez Ivette A. , Lien Christopher Z. , Selvaraj Prabhuanand , Stauft Charles B. , Liu Shufeng , Starost Matthew F. , Wang Tony T.
Published: June 2021

The rapid emergence of several variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2 calls for evaluations of viral fitness and pathogenicity in animal models in order to understand the mechanism of enhanced transmission and the possible increases in morbidity and mortality rates. Here, we demonstrated that immunity naturally acquired through a prior infection with the first-wave variant does confer nearly complete protection against the B.1.1.7 variant in Syrian hamsters upon reexposure.
Unusual presentation of infective endocarditis in ICU
Authors: Lincoln Marc , Holmes Zachary , Robinson Alexander , De Keulenaer Bart
Published: June 2021

Bacterial endocarditis remains a challenging condition to manage owing to its variety of different presentations. This report describes a 55-year-old woman with endocarditis who presented confused with shoulder and back pain. Initial diagnosis was made difficult by a negative echocardiogram but aided by striking peripheral stigmata. She was treated for infective endocarditis as she met all five Duke’s minor criteria for infective endocarditis. Gallium scan was a useful investigation in identifying lumbar spine and acromioclavicular joint septic foci. This case highlights the challenges of diagnosing endocarditis. It also describes how gallium scans can be useful in identifying occult septic emboli in these patients.
Neuropsychiatric lupus with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: a rare presentation
Authors: Islam Ramiz , Das Sayonee , Chattopadhyay Sidhartha , Basu Sagar
Published: June 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus presenting with neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSLE) along with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is rare. A young woman of 29 years presented with various neuropsychiatric symptoms along with low-grade fever, occasional headache, skin rash, arthralgias and gradually became non-ambulatory over last 6 months. After admission, she had an episode of generalised tonic-clonic seizure, followed by drowsiness. She was normotensive. Investigations revealed no evidence of any underlying infection, normal renal functions and electrolytes; but other parameters were supportive to a diagnosis of NPSLE. MRI brain showed vasogenic oedema characterised by symmetrical hyperintensities over posterior brain regions in T2 and fluid attenuated inversion recovery images with no restricted diffusion in diffusion weighted image suggestive of PRES. A diagnosis of NPSLE presenting with PRES, particularly in the absence of hypertension and abnormal renal functions was made, which is a rare presentation. She responded well to immunomodulatory therapy with methylprednisolone and monthly cyclophosphamide.
ChAdOx1 nCOV-19 vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST)
Authors: Suresh Preethi , Petchey William
Published: June 2021

A 27-year-old fit and well man presented with intermittent headaches associated with eye floaters and vomiting. His symptoms started 48 hours after having the first dose of ChADOx1 nCOV-19 vaccine (Vaxzevria, previously AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine; AstraZeneca) and bloods showed raised D-dimer, low platelets and fibrinogen. CT venogram demonstrated significant cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. He was immediately started on intravenous immunoglobulins and dabigatran after liasing with haematologist. The next day, he complained of worsening headache and new homonymous hemianopia. Repeat CT of the head showed an acute parenchymal bleed with subdural extension and was given idarucizumab and high-dose steroids. He had an emergency decompressive craniotomy and external ventricular drain as his intracranial pressures were difficult to control. Despite full medical and surgical management, his intracranial pressures continued to rise and his brain injury was felt to be too devastating and was deemed unsurvivable.
Premature adult mortality in India: what is the size of the matter?
Authors: Rao Chalapati , Gupta Aashish , Gupta Mamta , Yadav Ajit Kumar
Published: June 2021

Background

Reducing adult mortality by 2030 is a key component of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Monitoring progress towards these goals requires timely and reliable information on deaths by age, sex and cause. To estimate baseline measures for UNSDGs, this study aimed to use several different data sources to estimate subnational measures of premature adult mortality (between 30 and 70 years) for India in 2017.

Methods

Age-specific population and mortality data were accessed for India and its 21 larger states from the Civil Registration System and Sample Registration System for 2017, and the most recent National Family and Health Survey. Similar data on population and deaths were also procured from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 and the National Burden of Disease Estimates Study for 2017. Life table methods were used to estimate life expectancy and age-specific mortality at national and state level from each source. An additional set of life tables were estimated using an international two-parameter model life table system. Three indicators of premature adult mortality were derived by sex for each location and from each data source, for comparative analysis

Results

Marked variations in mortality estimates from different sources were noted for each state. Assuming the highest mortality level from all sources as the potentially true value, premature adult mortality was estimated to cause a national total of 2.6 million male and 1.8 million female deaths in 2017, with Bihar, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal accounting for half of these deaths. There was marked heterogeneity in risk of premature adult mortality, ranging from 351 per 1000 in Kerala to 558 per 1000 in Chhattisgarh among men, and from 198 per 1000 in Himachal Pradesh to 409 per 1000 in Assam among women.

Conclusions

Available data and estimates for mortality measurement in India are riddled with uncertainty. While the findings from this analysis may be useful for initial subnational health policy to address UNSDGs, more reliable empirical data is required for monitoring and evaluation. For this, strengthening death registration, improving methods for cause of death ascertainment and establishment of robust mortality statistics programs are a priority.
Societal preferences for the treatment of impulsive-violent offenders: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Settumba Stella , Butler Tony , Schofield Peter , Chambers Georgina M , Shanahan Marian
Published: June 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study is to quantify societal preferences for, and assess trade-offs between characteristics of treatment programmes for impulsive-violent offenders.

Setting

The study was conducted in New South Wales, Australia’s largest state.

Participants

The study participants were income tax payers, aged over 18 and who were able to provide informed consent.

Methods

A discrete choice experiment was used to assess the preferences for treatment programmes for impulsive violent offenders. The survey presented participants with six choice sets in which they chose between two unlabelled treatment scenarios and a ‘no treatment’ choice. A random parameters logistic (RPL) model and a latent class (LC) model were used to analyse the societal preferences for treatment and estimate willingness to pay values based on marginal rates of substitution. Respondents were asked to self-identify if they ever had experiences with violence and subgroup analysis was done.

Results

The survey was completed by 1021 highly engaged participants. The RPL model showed that society had a preference for more effective programmes, programmes that provided full as opposed to partial treatment of all co-occurring health conditions, compulsory over voluntary programmes, those with flexibility in appointments and programmes that are provided with continuity of care postprison. Respondents were willing to pay an additional annual tax contribution for all significant attributes, particularly compulsory programmes, continuity of treatment and effectiveness.

The LC model identified two classes of respondents with some differences in preferences which could be largely identified by whether they had experiences with violence or not.

Conclusion

The results are important for future programme design and implementation. Programmes for impulsive violent offenders that are designed to encompass societal preferences are likely to be supported by public and tax payers.