bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapamycin Treatment Reduces Acute Myocarditis Induced by Trypanosoma cruzi Infection
Authors: Duque Thabata L.A. , Cascabulho Cynthia M. , Oliveira Gabriel M. , Henriques-Pons Andrea , Menna-Barreto Rubem F.S.
Published: December 2019

Chagas disease affects millions of people mainly in Latin America and is a protozoan illness caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Chagasic cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of mortality of infected patients, due to compromised electrical and mechanical cardiac function induced by tissue remodeling, especially fibrosis, and lymphocytic infiltration. Some cellular biochemical pathways can be protective to the heart, and we tested if the in vivo activation of the autophagic machinery by rapamycin could reduce parasite-induced myocarditis. Regarding the expression of LC3, an autophagy marker, we observed its upregulation in the cardiac tissue of infected untreated mice. However, after rapamycin treatment, an autophagy inducer, infected mice showed reduced electrical cardiac dysfunctions, myocarditis, cardiac damage, and reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by the heart. On the other hand, the parasite’s life cycle was not affected, and we observed no modulations in cardiac tissue or blood parasitemia. Our data indicate that, at least partially, autophagy induction controls inflammation in the heart¸ illustrating the complexity of the pathways that concur to the development of the infection.
Computer-Aided Diagnosis Systems in Diagnosing Malignant Thyroid Nodules on Ultrasonography: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Lei , Gao Junling , Wang Quan , Yin Jichao , Yu Pengfei , Bai Bin , Pei Ruixia , Chen Dingzhang , Yang Guochun , Wang Shiqi , Wan Mingxi
Published: December 2019

Background: Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems are being applied to the ultrasonographic diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules, but it remains controversial whether the systems add any accuracy for radiologists. Objective: To determine the accuracy of CAD systems in diagnosing malignant thyroid nodules. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies on the diagnostic performance of CAD systems. The diagnostic performance was assessed by pooled sensitivity and specificity, and their accuracy was compared with that of radiologists. The present systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019134460). Results: Nineteen studies with 4,781 thyroid nodules were included. Both the classic machine learning- and the deep learning-based CAD system had good performance in diagnosing malignant thyroid nodules (classic machine learning: sensitivity 0.86 [95% CI 0.79–0.92], specificity 0.85 [95% CI 0.77–0.91], diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) 37.41 [95% CI 24.91–56.20]; deep learning: sensitivity 0.89 [95% CI 0.81–0.93], specificity 0.84 [95% CI 0.75–0.90], DOR 40.87 [95% CI 18.13–92.13]). The diagnostic performance of the deep learning-based CAD system was comparable to that of the radiologists (sensitivity 0.87 [95% CI 0.78–0.93] vs. 0.87 [95% CI 0.85–0.89], specificity 0.85 [95% CI 0.76–0.91] vs. 0.87 [95% CI 0.81–0.91], DOR 40.12 [95% CI 15.58–103.33] vs. DOR 44.88 [95% CI 30.71–65.57]). Conclusions: The CAD systems demonstrated good performance in diagnosing malignant thyroid nodules. However, experienced radiologists may still have an advantage over CAD systems during real-time diagnosis.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Associated with Cosmetic Use of Bleaching Agents: About a Case in Ivory Coast
Authors: Gbandama Koffi Kouamé Pacôme , Diabaté Almamy , Kouassi Kouamé Alexandre , Kouassi Yao Isidore , Allou Ange-Sylvain , Kaloga Mamadou
Published: December 2019

Voluntary skin depigmentation is defined as a set of procedures for obtaining skin clarification for cosmetic purposes. Skin cancers are possible complications, but rarely reported. We describe a case observed in Ivory Coast. A 52-year-old Ivorian woman consulted the Dermatology Department of the University Hospital of Treichville, Abidjan for an ulceration of the middle third of the right clavicle evolving for 10 months. A diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was confirmed by histological examination of the tumour biopsy. Retroviral serology (HIV) was negative. An excision of the tumour was performed. The postoperative consequences were simple. We report a case of SCC following long-term use of depigmenting cosmetic products in a female phototype VI. SCC is the most common skin cancer among black Africans. It is secondary to precancerous lesions or takes place on a damaged skin. Concerning our patient, the onset of this carcinoma could be associated with the carcinogenic effect of hydroquinone and topical corticoids used for a long time. In addition, no precancerous lesion or preexisting condition were found. The chronic evolution without healing was in favour of a neoplastic origin achieved through the analysis of the biopsy sample.
El universo emocional en las interacciones parentofiliales: un acercamiento al estado del arte
Authors: Aya-Angarita Sandra Liliana , García-Suárez Carlos Iván
Published: December 2019

En el presente artículo de revisión, los autores se proponen develar las maneras en que diversos desarrollos teóricos e investigativos han comprendido el engranaje emocional en las relaciones parentofiliales. Para tal fin, a través de un ejercicio hermenéutico, se analizaron de manera exhaustiva 69 textos publicados en Iberoamérica y el Caribe y algunos países europeos en los últimos 13 años. Tal desarrollo permitió identificar que las emociones en las interacciones parentofiliales se comprenden como mecanismos de control, como hilos entretejidos a lo largo de la vida y como constructos sociohistóricos y culturales. Los hallazgos sugieren además que, pese a que los investigadores del tema reconocen variados métodos e integran diversas perspectivas, no hay claridad sobre las complejas interconexiones de los diversos procesos presentes en la configuración afectiva.
El diálogo imaginario de las madres con sus bebés prematuros
Authors: Mesa Ana María , Gómez Ana Cristina
Published: December 2019

Se analizan los diálogos imaginarios de las madres con sus bebés prematuros en una unidad de cuidado intensivo neonatal, para identificar la representación de la interacción y los contenidos temáticos. La investigación es cualitativa, por medio de estudio de caso múltiple. Se trabajó con seis madres escogidas por conveniencia, que no padecían alteraciones psicopatológicas, con hijos de bajo riesgo. Se utilizó el video feedback y el análisis de contenido temático. Se encontró que en tres de ellas, las representaciones de la interacción eran balanceadas; en dos, no balanceadas distorsionadas, y en una,
no balanceada desprendida. En los diálogos predominó el contenido temático físico y el menos frecuente fue el cognitivo. Se exponen los resultados teniendo en cuenta el bajo riesgo de los bebés, los contenidos temáticos y las implicaciones para la prevención en materia de su salud mental.
Geographic Analysis of Mobile Stroke Unit Treatment in a Dense Urban Area: The New York City METRONOME Registry
Authors: Kummer Benjamin R. , Lerario Mackenzie P. , Hunter Madeleine D. , Wu Xian , Efraim Elizabeth S. , Salehi Omran Setareh , Chen Monica L. , Diaz Ivan L. , Sacchetti Daniel , Lekic Tim , Kulick Erin R. , Pishanidar Sammy , Mir Saad A. , Zhang Yi , Asaeda Glenn , Navi Babak B. , Marshall Randolph S. , Fink Matthew E.
Published: December 2019

Background

Mobile stroke units (
MSU
s) reduce time to intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke. Whether this advantage exists in densely populated urban areas with many proximate hospitals is unclear.

Methods and Results

We evaluated patients from the METRONOME (Metropolitan New York Mobile Stroke) registry with suspected acute ischemic stroke who were transported by a bi‐institutional
MSU
operating in Manhattan, New York, from October 2016 to September 2017. The comparison group included patients transported to our hospitals via conventional ambulance for acute ischemic stroke during the same hours of
MSU
operation (Monday to Friday, 9 
am
to 5 
pm)
. Our exposure was
MSU
care, and our primary outcome was dispatch‐to‐thrombolysis time. We estimated mean differences in the primary outcome between both groups, adjusting for clinical, demographic, and geographic factors, including numbers of nearby designated stroke centers and population density. We identified 66 patients treated or transported by
MSU
and 19 patients transported by conventional ambulance. Patients receiving
MSU
care had significantly shorter dispatch‐to‐thrombolysis time than patients receiving conventional care (mean: 61.2 versus 91.6 minutes;
P
=0.001). Compared with patients receiving conventional care, patients receiving
MSU
care were significantly more likely to be picked up closer to a higher mean number of designated stroke centers in a 2.0‐mile radius (4.8 versus 2.7,
P
=0.002). In multivariable analysis,
MSU
care was associated with a mean decrease in dispatch‐to‐thrombolysis time of 29.7 minutes (95%
CI
, 6.9–52.5) compared with conventional care.

Conclusions

In a densely populated urban area with a high number of intermediary stroke centers,
MSU
care was associated with substantially quicker time to thrombolysis compared with conventional ambulance care.
Evidence‐Practice Gaps in Postdischarge Initiation With Oral Anticoagulants in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Schaffer Andrea L. , Falster Michael O. , Brieger David , Jorm Louisa R. , Wilson Andrew , Hay Melanie , Leeb Kira , Pearson Sallie , Nasis Arthur
Published: December 2019

Background

Oral anticoagulant (
OAC
) therapy reduces the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation (
AF
), and is considered best practice; however, there is little Australian evidence around the uptake of
OAC
s in this population.

Methods and Results

We used linked hospital admissions, pharmaceutical dispensing claims, medical services, and mortality data for people in Australia's 2 most populous states (July 2010 to June 2015). Among
OAC
‐naïve people hospitalized with
AF
, we estimated initiation of
OAC
therapy within 30 days of discharge, and persistence with therapy in the first year. We analyzed both outcomes using multivariable Cox regression. In 71 184 people with
AF
(median age 78 years, 49% female), 22.7% initiated
OAC
therapy. Initiation was lowest in July to December 2011 (17.0%) and highest in July to December 2014 (30.1%) after subsidy of the direct
OAC
s. In adjusted analyses, initiation was most likely in people with a
CHA
2
DS
2
‐
VA
score ≥7 (versus 0) (hazard ratio=6.25, 95% CI 5.08–7.69), and a history of venous thromboembolism (hazard ratio=2.65, 95% CI 2.49–2.83). Of the people who initiated
OAC
therapy, 39.9% discontinued within 1 year; a lower risk of discontinuation was associated with a
CHA
2
DS
2
‐
VA
score ≥7 (versus 0) (hazard ratio=0.22, 95% CI 0.14–0.35), or initiation on a direct
OAC
(versus warfarin) (hazard ratio=0.55, 95% CI 0.50–0.60).

Conclusions

We found that
OAC
therapy was severely underutilized in people hospitalized with
AF
, even among high‐risk individuals. Reasons for this underuse, whether patient, prescriber, or hospital related, should be identified and addressed to reduce stroke‐related morbidity and mortality in people with
AF
.
RNA-Sequencing Highlights Inflammation and Impaired Integrity of the Vascular Wall in Brain Arteriovenous Malformations
Authors: Hauer Allard J. , Kleinloog Rachel , Giuliani Fabrizio , Rinkel Gabriël J.E. , de Kort Gerard A. , Berkelbach van der Sprenkel Jan Willem , van der Zwan Albert , Gosselaar Peter H. , van Rijen Peter C. , de Boer-Bergsma Jelkje J. , Deelen Patrick , Swertz Morris A. , De Muynck Louis , Van Damme Philip , Veldink Jan H. , Ruigrok Ynte M. , Klijn Catharina J.M.
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose—

Interventional treatment of unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) has become increasingly controversial. Because medical therapy is still lacking, we aimed to obtain insight into the disease mechanisms implicated in BAVMs and to identify potential targets for medical treatment to prevent rupture of a BAVM.

Methods—

We used next-generation RNA sequencing to identify differential expression on a transcriptome-wide level comparing tissue samples of 12 BAVMs to 16 intracranial control arteries. We identified differentially expressed genes by negative binominal generalized log-linear regression (false discovery rate corrected
P
<0.05). We selected 10 genes for validation using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction. We performed functional pathway analysis accounting for potential gene-length bias, to establish enhancement of biological pathways involved in BAVMs. We further assessed which Gene Ontology terms were enriched.

Results—

We found 736 upregulated genes in BAVMs including genes implicated in the cytoskeletal machinery and cell-migration and genes encoding for inflammatory cytokines and secretory products of neutrophils and macrophages. Furthermore, we found 498 genes downregulated including genes implicated in extracellular matrix composition, the binary angiopoietin-TIE system, and TGF (transforming growth factor)-β signaling. We confirmed the differential expression of top 10 ranked genes. Functional pathway analysis showed enrichment of the protein digestion and absorption pathway (false discovery rate-adjusted
P
=1.70×10
−2
). We identified 47 enriched Gene Ontology terms (false discovery rate-adjusted
P
<0.05) implicated in cytoskeleton network, cell-migration, endoplasmic reticulum, transmembrane transport, and extracellular matrix composition.

Conclusions—

Our genome-wide RNA-sequencing study points to involvement of inflammatory mediators, loss of cerebrovascular quiescence, and impaired integrity of the vascular wall in the pathophysiology of BAVMs. Our study may lend support to potential receptivity of BAVMs to medical therapeutics, including those promoting vessel maturation, and anti-inflammatory and immune-modifying drugs.
Predictors of Early Neurologic Deterioration in Acute Pontine Infarction
Authors: Li Haiyan , Dai Yongqiang , Wu Haotian , Luo Lingyun , Wei Lei , Zhou Li , Lin Yinyao , Wang Qiujing , Lu Zhengqi
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose—

The relationship between infarct dimensions and neurological progression in patients with acute pontine infarctions remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the morphometric predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging for early neurological deterioration (END) in acute pontine infarction.

Methods—

We included all patients admitted to our department having an acute ischemic stroke in the pons. The ventrodorsal length multiplied by thickness was measured as parameters of infarct size. END was defined as an incremental increase in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score by ≥1 point in motor power, or ≥2 points in the total score within the first week after admission.

Results—

We enrolled 407 patients, and 114 (28.0%) patients were diagnosed with END. Adjusted logistic regression analyses showed the maximum length multiplied by thickness was independently associated with END (odds ratio, 4.580 [95% CI, 2.909–7.210]). The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve were 77.2%, 79.2%, and 0.843, respectively, in the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of maximum length multiplied by thickness for predicting END.

Conclusions—

These results suggest that the maximum length multiplied by thickness may be a possible predictor in the evaluation of progression with isolated acute pontine infarction. The extent of the pontine infarction along the conduction tract may contribute to deterioration.
Consciousness, Being and Life: Phenomenological Approaches to Mindfulness
Authors: Bitbol Michel
Published: December 2019

A phenomenological view of contemplative disciplines is presented. However, studying mindfulness by phenomenology is at odds with both neurobiological and anthropological approaches. It involves the first-person standpoint, the openness of being-in-the-world, the umwelt of the meditator, instead of assessing her neural processes and behaviors from a neutral, distanced, third-person standpoint. It then turns out that phenomenology cannot produce a discourse about mindfulness. Phenomenology rather induces a cross-fertilization between the state of mindfulness and its own methods of mental cultivation. A comparison between the epochè, the phenomenological reduction, and the practice of mindfulness, is then undertaken.
The Nature and Limits of the Duty of Rescue
Authors: Miller David
Published: December 2019

Virtually everyone believes that we have a duty to rescue fellow human-beings from serious danger when we can do so at small cost to ourselves – and this often forms the starting point for arguments in moral and political philosophy on topics such as global poverty, state legitimacy, refugees, and the donation of body parts. But how are we to explain this duty, and within what limits does it apply? It cannot be subsumed under a wider consequentialist requirement to prevent harm. Nor can it be understood as a duty of social justice that citizens owe to one another under a social contract for mutual protection. Instead it is a sui generis duty of justice that arises from the direct physical encounter between rescuer and victim, and is accordingly limited in scope. However the simplicity of the duty evaporates when multiple potential rescuers are present. Here responsibility lies with the collective as a whole until it is assigned by a fair procedure to individual members. Each individual is required as a matter of justice to discharge that share, but not more, though in the case that others do not comply, he will have a reason, and sometimes a humanitarian duty, to take up the slack.
The Principles of Honor, Virtue, Leadership, and Ethics: Medieval Epics Speak Out against the Political Malaise in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Classen Albrecht
Published: December 2019

One of our central challenges as medievalists consists of how to respond to the question regarding the relevance of medieval literature and other documents. This article suggests that we can easily draw from medieval heroic literature where ideal and also negative examples of successful/failed leadership are provided. The MHG Nibelungenlied, at least in the first part, illustrates dramatically the consequences of a weak, indecisive, impulsive, and manipulable ruler, whose actions ultimately trigger a whole sequence of hatred, violence, and slaughter. The Old Spanish El Poema de Mío Cid sets out almost at the same point, with the protagonist being exiled because of malignment, but in the course of events, he demonstrates convincingly what makes a true, honorable, admirable, and worthy leader. These two epic poems can serve powerfully as illustrations of failed and successful leadership, and can thus offer significant instructions for modern concerns in politics, business, administration, the church, schools, and universities.
Non-State Courts: Illegal or Conditional?
Authors: Askary Pouria , Hosseinnejad Katayoun
Published: December 2019

The Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (Da’esh) has put in place a governance system encompassing judicial structures to justify its grotesque violence. This paper seeks to evaluate the legitimacy of these courts under two complementary perspectives. Whereas establishing courts by an insurgent group during armed conflict should meet the requirements of international humanitarian law (ihl), because Da’esh claims to ground its laws on Islam, these courts should also follow the requirements of Islam as its constituting law. The paper starts with analysing whether international law entitles armed groups to establish their courts. It argues that although such courts are not prohibited at first glance under international law, they should meet the requirements of being regularly constituted while respecting minimum judicial guarantees. Since Da’esh has sought to found its legitimacy on Islam, the paper argues that Da’esh’s interpretation of Islam is not compatible with any major schools of Islamic thought.
From Knives to Kites: Developments and Dilemmas around the Use of Force in the Israeli–Palestinian Conflict since ‘Protective Edge’
Authors: Khen Hilly Moodrick-Even
Published: December 2019

This article analyses the legal regulation of the use of force in international law in the context of three emerging Palestinian forms of struggle against Israeli occupation: the Knife Intifada, the disturbances at the border, and the launching of incendiary kites. It discusses what legal paradigms or concepts should regulate the type and level of force used in each situation – a question that is complicated by various dilemmas – and finally, appraises the Israel Defence Forces policies tailored in response. The article evaluates the applicability of two legal paradigms regulating the use of force in military operations – (i) the conduct of hostilities and (ii) law enforcement – as well as the concept of personal self-defence in international law and the escalation of force procedure. While the Knife Intifada clearly falls under the law enforcement paradigm, the disturbances at the border and the launching of incendiary kites raise more difficult legal questions. Categorising them under a paradigm of law enforcement is less straightforward, and may have undesirable ramifications for safeguarding humanitarian interests. The article argues that the use of force in the disturbances at the border and the incendiary kites cases should be regulated by the concept of self-defence and escalation of force procedure, and that the application of the self-defence concept should be adapted, mutatis mutandis, to situations of law enforcement and to situations of hostilities.
Identification of the Mexican species of Lycianthes series Piliferae (Capsiceae, Solanaceae) and the rediscovery of Lycianthes caeciliae

Authors: DEAN ELLEN , MCNAIR DANIEL M. , CASTILLO-CAMPOS GONZALO , STARBUCK THOMAS , ANGUIANO-CONSTANTE MARCO ANTONIO , MAWDSLEY KATHERINE , VÉLIZ PÉREZ MARIO , ARCHILA FREDY
Published: December 2019

Solanum piliferum was first described by Bentham in 1840, based on material collected in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. In 1919, the species was transferred to the genus Lycianthes by Friedrich August Georg Bitter and became the type species of his series Piliferae. This article provides a key to separate the Mexican species included by Bitter in series Piliferae, with updated species descriptions, synonymy, typification, distribution, and images of characteristics (trichomes, flowers, fruits, seeds). We address the misplacement of L. stephanocalyx and L. coffeifolia in this series and suggest limiting the series to just the species L. caeciliae, L. pilifera and L. quichensis based on habitat preferences, floral morphology, and seed characters. However, the series is not recircumscribed at this time.
A new genus and species of the cod fish family Moridae (Order Gadiiformes) from southwestern Taiwan
Authors: HO HSUAN-CHING
Published: December 2019

Pterophycis spatium gen. nov. et sp. nov. is described on the basis of two specimens collected from shallow waters of southwestern Taiwan. The new genus can be distinguished from other genera in the family in having genital papilla separated from anus by several small scales, all rays on pelvic fin elongate, and the following combination of characters: light organ present; snout broad and rounded, without shelf-like plate; teeth absent from palatines and vomer; swimbladder with anterior elongate projections that attached to openings at rear of the skull; pelvic fin with 7 rays; first dorsal fin short-based, with 8 rays; and second dorsal and anal fins long-based, their margins not indented.
A new species of Muraenichthys (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae) from Taiwan, with redescription of Muraenichthys thompsoni Jordan & Richardson, 1908
Authors: HIBINO YUSUKE , HO HSUAN-CHING , MCCOSKER JOHN E.
Published: December 2019

Muraenichthys longirostris sp. nov. is described based on a single specimen 206 mm total length (TL) collected from off Dong-gang, southwestern Taiwan. The species is characterized by a long and slender snout (18% of head length), unique within the genus. It is also characterized by its position of the dorsal-fin origin (positioned at 2/5 of trunk; horizontal distance from the origin to a vertical through mid-anus 113% of head length), long tail (67% TL), and vertebrae 23-41-131. In addition, Muraenichthys thompsoni Jordan & Richardson, 1908 is redescribed based on the holotype and 63 specimens from Fiji to Madagascar, north to Japan. Muraenichthys malabonensis Herre, 1923 is recognized as a junior synonym of M. thompsoni.
The Forced Response of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation–Indian Monsoon Teleconnection in Ensembles of Earth System Models
Authors: Bódai Tamás , Drótos Gábor , Herein Mátyás , Lunkeit Frank , Lucarini Valerio
Published: December 2019

We study the teleconnection between El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian summer monsoon (IM) in large ensemble simulations, the Max Planck Institute Earth System Model (MPI-ESM), and the Community Earth System Model (CESM1). We characterize ENSO by the June–August Niño-3 box-average SST and the IM by the June–September average precipitation over India, and define their teleconnection in a changing climate as an ensemble-wise correlation. To test robustness, we also consider somewhat different variables that can characterize ENSO and the IM. We utilize ensembles converged to the system’s snapshot attractor for analyzing possible changes in the teleconnection. Our main finding is that the teleconnection strength is typically increasing on the long term in view of appropriately revised ensemble-wise indices. Indices involving a more western part of the Pacific reveal, furthermore, a short-term but rather strong increase in strength followed by some decrease at the turn of the century. Using the station-based Southern Oscillation index (SOI) as opposed to area-based indices leads to the identification of somewhat more erratic trends, but the turn-of-the-century “bump” is well detectable with it. All this is in contrast, if not in contradiction, to the discussion in the literature of a weakening teleconnection in the late twentieth century. We show here that this discrepancy can be due to any of three reasons: 1) ensemble-wise and temporal correlation coefficients used in the literature are different quantities; 2) the temporal moving correlation has a high statistical variability but possibly also persistence; or 3) MPI-ESM does not represent the Earth system faithfully.
Synthesis of new thiazole dyes for the creation of antibacterial polyester fabrics
Authors: Abdallah Abomelha HM
Published: December 2019

The present study aims to synthesize some new bis-thiazolylazo derivatives for the creation of antimicrobial dyes and their application on polyester fabrics. The new bis-thiazolylazo dyes were synthesized by the addition of isothiocyanatobenzene to 2-amino-5-arylazothaizole derivatives followed by cyclization via chloroethanoyl chloride, and coupled with sulphathiazole diazonium salt. The synthesized analogs were proven through spectroscopic tools (FTIR and 1H NMR). The prepared dyestuffs were applied on polyester fabrics after investigation of the optimal conditions for colorfastness. The application of enhanced dyes with the optimal conditions revealed good colorfastness outcomes and respectable antibacterial efficacies toward both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria for the dyed fabrics.
The “Caring Giver”: Emotional Caregiving in the Setting of Essential Tremor
Authors: Hickman Ruby , Zdrodowska Maria Anna , Kellner Sarah , Cersonsky Tess E. K. , Trujillo Diaz Daniel , Louis Elan D. , Monin Joan K.
Published: December 2019

Introduction:

Essential tremor (ET) is a common neurological disorder associated with functional impairment. Emerging evidence shows that some ET caregivers experience burden, but the unique interpersonal aspects of caregiving in the context of ET have not been fully examined.

Research design:

Open-ended questions were administered to 98 ET care-recipient–caregiver dyads. Responses were analyzed using conventional content analysis.

Results:

The unique visibility of disability and feelings of embarrassment that occur with ET prompts caregivers to be highly attuned to care-recipient emotions. Providing companionship, promoting independence, and reducing embarrassment are three themes we found that describe the ET caregiving experience.

Discussion:

Caregiving in ET often goes beyond aiding with activities of daily living; it has a significant emotional component especially in relation to independence and embarrassment. Future studies on caregiving in ET and conditions in which disability is visible should consider using a definition of caregiving that includes emotional caregiving.
Assessing metacognitive and help-seeking strategies in schizophrenia: design and psychometric validation of the Versailles Metacognitive Strategies Evaluation Questionnaire
Authors: Brunet-Gouet Eric , Urbach Mathieu , Ramos Veronica , Ehrminger Mickael , Aouizerate Bruno , Brunel Lore , Capdevielle Delphine , Chereau Isabelle , Dubertret Caroline , Dubreucq Julien , Fond Guillaume , Lançon Christophe , Leignier Sylvain , Mallet Jasmina , Misdrahi David , Pires Sylvie , Schneider Priscille , Schürhoff Franck , Yazbek Hanan , Zinetti-Bertschy Anna , Bazin Nadine , Passerieux Christine , Roux Paul
Published: December 2019

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to design a questionnaire, the Versailles Metacognitive Strategies Evaluation Questionnaire, for assessing the use of metacognitive and help-seeking strategies in three key-domains of impaired daily functioning in schizophrenia. To evaluate its psychometric properties (internal consistency, factor structure, convergent and divergent validity, and stability).

Design:

Development of a questionnaire and psychometric validation procedure in patients with schizophrenia compared with healthy controls. Stability over one year was assessed in the patient group.

Setting:

Schizophrenia Centers of Expertise (French FondaMental Network).

Subjects:

A total of 141 patients with schizophrenia, among whom 77 participated in the second evaluation; 97 healthy subjects.

Main measures:

The Versailles Metacognitive Strategies Evaluation Questionnaire, Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale, Personal and Social Performance Scale, Evaluation of Cognitive Processes involved in Disability in Schizophrenia Scale, Schizophrenia Quality of Life Questionnaire, and Stages of Recovery Instrument.

Results:

From the 36-items version, stepwise exploratory factor analysis (oblimin) produced a 25-items scale which had a 3-factors structure (hygiene concern, social relationships, and hygiene help-seeking). Cronbach’s were respectively equal to 0.91, 0.82, and 0.78. One-year stability was good (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.7). The three factors showed good convergent validity with measures of quality of life (rho = 0.34, P ⩽ 0.001). The first two factors correlated with recovery ( N = 34, rho = 0.53, P ⩽ 0.001). On the contrary, the factors exhibited divergent validity, with no significant correlation, with symptoms and cognitive and psychosocial functioning ( P > 0.05). Factor structure in healthy controls did not match with that of patients, all items but one were found significantly different among groups.

Conclusion:

The Versailles Metacognitive Strategies Evaluation Questionnaire provides a simple and valid means to assess metacognitive strategies in individuals with schizophrenia.
Does Animation Improve Comprehension of Risk Information in Patients with Low Health Literacy? A Randomized Trial
Authors: Housten Ashley J. , Kamath Geetanjali R. , Bevers Therese B. , Cantor Scott B. , Dixon Nickell , Hite Andre , Kallen Michael A. , Leal Viola B. , Li Liang , Volk Robert J.
Published: December 2019

Introduction. Enhanced visual effects, like animation, have the potential to improve comprehension of probabilistic risk information, particularly for those with lower health literacy. We tested the effect of presentation format on comprehension of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening probabilities to identify optimal risk communication strategies. Methods. Participants from a community foodbank and a cancer prevention center were randomized to 1 of 3 CRC screening risk presentations. The presentations used identical content but varied in format: 1) video with animated pictographs, 2) video with static pictographs, and 3) audiobooklet with static pictographs. Participants completed pre- and postpresentation surveys. The primary outcome was knowledge of probability/risk information regarding CRC screening, calculated as total, verbatim, and gist scores. Results. In total, 187 participants completed the study and were included in this analysis. Median age was 58 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 14 years), most participants were women (63%), and almost half had a high school education or less (46%). Approximately one-quarter had inadequate health literacy (Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults marginal/inadequate: 28%; Brief Health Literacy Screener low: 18%), and about half had low numeracy (Subjective Numeracy Scale low: 54%; Graphical Literacy Measure low: 50%). We found no significant differences in total, verbatim, or gist knowledge across presentation formats (all P > 0.05). Discussion. Use of an animated pictograph to communicate risk does not appear to augment or impede knowledge of risk information. Regardless of health literacy level, difficulty understanding pictographs presenting numerical information persists. There may be a benefit to teaching or priming individuals on how to interpret numerical information presented in pictographs before communicating risk using visual methods. Trial Registry: NCT02151032
H.T.U. Smith (1965) dune morphology and chronology in central and western Nebraska. The Journal of Geology 73(4): 557–578
Authors: Anzah Faisal , Hodge Joshua Brian , Dixon Richard W
Published: December 2019

Climatic geomorphologists, and eolian geomorphologists in particular, have always been interested in studying dunes to understand and construct past climatic conditions. Smith’s 1965 paper presents an excellent example of a reconnaissance piece of scientific work that set the foundation for (1) using aerial photo-interpretation to provide chronological information about dune fields; (2) the use of eolian processes and landforms as climate change indicators; and (3) extraterrestrial or planetary geomorphology. This article briefly describes Smith’s background, background on Nebraska Sand Hills, and the impact and legacy of Smith’s classic paper.
Neighborhood Context and the Pretrial Process: Do Defendants Face Adverse Outcomes Due to Their Home Address?
Authors: St. Louis Stacie
Published: December 2019

When extralegal factors correlate with differences in bond amount and pretrial detention, justice may be compromised. Prior research has identified disparity related to defendant characteristics, such as income and race. This article offers insight into a less explored source of disparity, neighborhood context, and a particularly disadvantaged population, defendants, or pretrial detainees, unable to afford their bail in court and booked into a county jail. Considering the desire for community safety, the difficulty of predicting dangerousness and court attendance, and the impact of ecological factors on other court outcomes, it is hypothesized that neighborhood context heightens disparity in the pretrial process. Findings support this argument. Offense elements best predict bond amount; however, there exists disparity based on neighborhood characteristics. When assessing the same factors in relation to detention length, bond amount is not significant, but rather individual- and neighborhood-level characteristics. Implications are discussed in light of current bail reform efforts.
Nursing Theory Informs Dressage
Authors: Clarke Pamela N.
Published: December 2019

Application of nursing theory in daily life by applying elements of Parse’s paradigm allowed for a more expansive view of the dressage experience by focusing on the paradox of visible-invisible in the unique rhythmic-patterns of the horse-rider team. The study of classical nursing theory has diminished in a similar pattern as classical dressage. The importance of studying the classics in any field is emphasized along with concerns about the future of nursing and healthcare.
Barriers to Physical Assessment: Registered Nurses in Mainland China
Authors: Shi Guang , He Guan-Fei , Zhang Li-Li , Morrow Mary R. , Zhao Yang
Published: December 2019

The authors focus on discussing the barriers in the use of physical assessment skills by RNs (Registered Nurses) in mainland China. This study was a multicenter, cross-sectional survey conducted in 6 cities with 1,115 RNs in mainland China. The results indicated that 15.36% of the skills were used regularly, where general and skin condition assessment skills are used most frequently. Lack of training and a unified documentation form were the top two barriers RNs faced. In conclusion, RNs are not performing assessment skills with required proficiency in mainland China and still need managerial attention in continuing education.
Self-Care and Quality of Life in Elderly Chinese Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Tong Yongcheng , Xie Keji , Li Shuxia
Published: December 2019

The authors in this study explored the relationship between self-care agency and quality of life in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. A convenience sample of 157 patients was interviewed. The levels of both self-care agency and quality of life were close to the mean. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated that quality of life was positively correlated with self-care agency and the self-care subgroups of abilities, responsibility, esteem, and evaluation. Improved self-care agency and the four subscale items could enhance quality of life. Intervention programs for benign prostatic hyperplasia patients must emphasize self-care agency so as to improve their health behavior and quality of life.
Enhancement of heat transfer using turbulent wall jet
Authors: Singh Tej Pratap , Kumar Amitesh , Satapathy Ashok Kumar
Published: December 2019

Enhancement of heat transfer is very important in many engineering applications. The present study explores one of such possibilities by increasing the surface area of a plane wall. The effect of wavy wall on thermal and flow characteristics of a turbulent wall jet is studied in detail. The amplitude of the wavy surface is varied between 0.1 and 0.7 with an interval of 0.1. The Reynolds number is set to 15,000. The Reynolds averaged Navier Stokes equations are solved using the finite volume approach. The semi-implicit pressure linked equation algorithm is used to couple the pressure and velocity. A new scale, other than the traditional outer scaling, is defined for carrying out the self-similar behavior of the flow. Unlike the plane wall case, the self-similar characteristic is obtained at the respective crests and the troughs. However, it is also noticed that the two characteristics differ significantly with each other. Even, these characteristics are found to differ with each other for different amplitudes. The minimum pressure near the nozzle decreases as the amplitude increases and it is noted to be equal to −0.541 for the highest amplitude, i.e. A = 0.7. It is observed that the strength of convection near the exit of the jet is very high, and it decreases in the downstream direction. This increase in convection augments heat transfer by almost 10% as compared to the plane wall case. Based on the results, a quartic curve is fit for the average Nusselt number with a 99.75% goodness of fit. It is expected that the present study opens a new line in designing a proper cooling system.
Protective role of diosmin against testosterone propionate-induced prostatic hyperplasia in Wistar rats: Plausible role of oxidative stress and inflammation
Authors: Vafa A , Afzal SM , Barnwal P , Rashid S , Shahid A , Alpashree  , Islam J , Sultana S
Published: December 2019

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an important key health concern for aging men. Polyphenolic compounds have been found to possess important roles in the inhibition of numerous ailments that involve reactive oxygen species and inflammation. Diosmin is a citrus flavone that possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and anticancer activities, so based on these properties of diosmin, we decided to evaluate its effect on testosterone propionate (TP)-induced BPH. A total of 30 Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups having six animals in each. This study was of 28 days in which TP (5 mg kg−1) was administered to induce BPH in the last 10 days of the study. It was found that diosmin at the doses of 20 and 40 mg kg−1 significantly reduced malondialdehyde and xanthine oxidase formation in a dose-dependent manner; however, it replenished catalase, glutathione (GSH), and GSH-dependent enzymes, that is, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione- S-transferase significantly against TP-induced BPH. Further, immunohistochemical study showed that diosmin alleviated inflammatory markers (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, cyclooxygenase-2, and interleukin-6). It was also found that diosmin downregulated the expression of androgen receptor and decreased the prostate-specific antigen concentration dose-dependently, significantly against TP-induced BPH. Diosmin also restored histoarchitecture of the prostate in a dose-dependent manner. Findings from the present study revealed the protective role of diosmin against TP-induced BPH in Wistar rats.
Chitinase-like protein YKL-40 regulates human bronchial epithelial cells proliferation, apoptosis, and migration through TGF-β1/Smads pathway
Authors: Guan R , Lin R , Jin R , Lu L , Liu X , Hu S , Sun L
Published: December 2019

In order to study the effects of chitinase-like protein YKL-40 on proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B), and the underlying mechanisms, we cultured BEAS-2B alone or with different concentrations of YKL-40. thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to examine the cell proliferation. Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate isomer (FITC)/propidium iodide staining and scratch assay were performed to test the cell apoptosis and migration. The concentrations of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), Smad3, Smad7, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-6, and IL-8 in the cell culture supernatant were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The messenger RNA and protein levels of YKL-40, TGF-β1, Smad3, Smad7, and α-SMA were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. BEAS-2B cells cultured with different concentrations of YKL-40 showed significantly higher cell proliferation and migration and inflammatory cytokines compared with that of control group, while the cell apoptosis was significantly lower than that of control group ( p < 0.05). In addition, BEAS-2B cells cultured with YKL-40 had increased TGF-β1, Smad3, Smad7, and α-SMA levels in the supernatant, compared with that of BEAS-2B cells cultured alone ( p < 0.05). Furthermore, LY364947, as TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway inhibitor, decreased cell proliferation and migration ability and enhanced cell apoptosis of BEAS-2B cells compared with control group ( p < 0.05). However, YKL-40 administration reversed the effect of LY364947 on the biological behavior of BEAS-2B cells. YKL-40 could affect the biological behaviors of BEAS-2B cells, which might be related to the TGF-β1/Smads pathway.
Speech-bundles in the 19th-century English novel
Authors: Mahlberg Michaela , Wiegand Viola , Stockwell Peter , Hennessey Anthony
Published: December 2019

We propose a lexico-grammatical approach to speech in fiction based on the centrality of ‘fictional speech-bundles’ as the key element of fictional talk. To identify fictional speech-bundles, we use three corpora of 19th-century fiction that are available through the corpus stylistic web application CLiC (Corpus Linguistics in Context). We focus on the ‘quotes’ subsets of the corpora, i.e. text within quotation marks, which is mostly equivalent to direct speech. These quotes subsets are compared across the fiction corpora and with the spoken component of the British National Corpus 1994. The comparisons illustrate how fictional speech-bundles can be described on a continuum from lexical bundles in real spoken language to repeated sequences of words that are specific to individual fictional characters. Typical functions of fictional speech-bundles are the description of interactions and interpersonal relationships of fictional characters. While our approach crucially depends on an innovative corpus linguistic methodology, it also draws on theoretical insights into spoken grammar and characterisation in fiction in order to question traditional notions of realism and authenticity in fictional speech.
Standard Critical Path and Selection of Most Economic and Quality Contractors for Construction of Thermal Power Plant: A Case Study in NTPC
Authors: Choudhury D. K.
Published: December 2019

In India, most of the thermal power plants were built by National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd and different state electricity boards. The thumb rule indicates that out of the total project construction cost, 70 per cent goes to the cost of project materials, while 30 per cent goes to the cost construction work which leads us to select the most competitive material suppliers and construction contractors. The objectives of this research work are (a) to select a contractor based on cost economy, (b) to find out the standard critical path for constructing a thermal power plant, and (c) to identify the critical activities in constructing a 500 MW thermal power plant. Through literature review, six important factors were identified to judge the quality of the contractor before awarding the contract. In project management, the selection of contractor on the basis of probability of their performance comes within the purview of decision under risk, and hence decision tree has been used as a methodology for the selection of contractor. For computing the critical path, the project network for the construction of the thermal power plant was constructed. The five thermal power projects of NTPC—NTPC Korba, NTPC Talcher, NTPC Rihand, NTPC Sipat, and NTPC Simhadri—were considered, and the construction data of these five projects were used to compute the critical path. Since the completion data of different activities of five projects at different geographical locations with different climates, different site conditions, and different conglomerate of workers were used, so the critical path estimated was accepted as the standard critical path.