bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outdoor Falls Prevention Strategy Use and Neighborhood Walkability Among Naturally Occurring Retirement Community Residents
Authors: Chippendale Tracy
Published: December 2020

Background

Outdoor falls present a significant challenge to the health and well-being of older adults. Safe strategy use is an important component of falls prevention, yet little is known regarding use of outdoor falls prevention strategies.

Aims

To examine outdoor falls prevention strategy use among naturally occurring retirement community residents at risk for falls, and to examine associations with neighborhood walkability.

Methods

Descriptive analyses of pretest data from an intervention study ( N = 97) were conducted to examine frequency of outdoor falls prevention strategy use. Walk Score® data were added to the dataset, and chi-square tests of independence were used to examine associations between walkability categories and outdoor falls prevention strategy use.

Results

Some strategies, such as visual scanning and holding rails on stairs, were used by 70% or more of participants while others, such as route planning, were infrequently or inconsistently used. With the exception of avoiding cell phone use while walking outdoors, no significant associations were found between walkability categories and outdoor falls prevention strategy use.

Conclusion

Study findings serve as a needs assessment for health education and behavioral training.
Evidence-based of conjunctival COVID-19 positivity: An Italian experience: Gemelli Against COVID Group
Authors: Savastano Maria Cristina , Gambini Gloria , Savastano Alfonso , Falsini Benedetto , De Vico Umberto , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Cattani Paola , Marchetti Simona , Larici Anna Rita , Franceschi Francesco , Santoliquido Angelo , Moroni Rossana , Cambieri Andrea , Bellantone Rocco , Landi Francesco , Scambia Giovanni , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: December 2020

Background:

The possible transmission of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by tears and conjunctiva is still debated.

Methods:

Main outcome was to investigate the agreement between nasopharyngeal swab (NPs) and conjunctival swabs (Cs) in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We divided patients into four groups: (1) NPs and Cs both negative (C−NF−), (2) NPs positive and Cs negative (NFs+Cs−), (3) NPs negative and Cs positive (NFs−Cs+), and (4) NPs and Cs both positive (NFs−Cs+). The secondary outcomes were to correlate Cs results with systemic clinical parameters such as: oxygen saturation (SpO2), dyspnea degree (DP), radiologic pulmonary impairment based on chest radiography (XR) or computed tomography (CT), blood chemistry as D-Dimer (D-Dimer), fibrinogen, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and C-reactive protein (C-RP).

Results:

A total of 100 conjunctival swabs in 50 patients with SARS-CoV-2 have been enrolled in this interventional clinical trials. Ocular signs (conjunctivitis) were present in five patients (10%). NPs and Cs highlighted a poor level of agreement (0.025; p = 0.404). Median SpO2 levels are the highest in the NF−C− group (98%) and the lowest (90%) in the group NF+C+ ( p = 0.001). Pulmonary impairment was statistically significantly different between NFs and Cs groups ( p = 0.019). Pulmonary impairment score increased from NFs−Cs− group (3.8 ± 3.9), to NFs+Cs+ group (6.7 ± 4.1). Intensive care unit patients showed higher COVID-19 Cs positivity in conjunctiva (12.5%) against hospitalized ones (5.8%).

Conclusions:

In patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 the virus can be detected in conjunctival swab. Intensive care unit patients may reveal a higher COVID-19 presence in the conjunctiva. The most severe pulmonary impairment can be observed in NFs and Cs positivity.

Trial registration:

Clinicaltrials.gov registration.

Ethical committee authorization:

ID number: 0013008/20
Adverse Health Impacts of Living Near an Oil Refinery in Jordan
Authors: Khatatbeh Moawiah , Alzoubi Karem , Khabour Omar , Al-Delaimy Wael
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

Air pollution can adversely affect the health of communities and manifest as a variety of symptoms.

Objective:

This study aimed at assessing health symptoms among populations living near an oil refinery in Jordan.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey study was conducted utilizing convenient random sampling at Al-Hashimeya town (where the refinery is located) and Bal’ma town (about 12 km further away from refinery). A total of 486 participants were recruited for the study. The data were checked, coded, and entered to excel sheet and exported to the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 20 for further analysis. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify associated factors. Variables having a P ⩽ 0.25 were fitted to multivariate logistic regression so as to assess the presence and strength of associations between socio-demographic characteristics and health symptoms and outcomes. A P value < 0.05 was considered for statistical significance.

Results:

In the cross tabulation analysis, there were significant differences in the reported respiratory health problems and history of abortions in the family between residents in the 2 towns ( P < 0.05). Only 4.7% of Al-Hashimeya residents were extremely enjoying their town compared to 32.9% among Bal’ma residents ( P < 0.001). In addition, residents of Al-Hashimeya were at several folds higher risk to have phlegm and about 3 times more likely to have skin problems compared to participants from Bal’ma ( P < 0.001). Furthermore, reporting asthma was substantially higher among Al-Hashimeya residents (odds ratio [OR] = 5.20; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.11-12.84), and they were more likely to perceive the neighboring oil refinery industry as the leading cause of their health problems than Bal’ma residents (OR = 86.40; 95%CI: 45.95-162.44).

Conclusion:

Residents living close to the oil refinery industry in Jordan report adverse impacts on their health, including respiratory problems, skin diseases, and perception of poor health.
Re-purposing evaluation to learn about social justice: Reconfiguring epistemological politics through the regulative ideal of ‘participatory parity’
Authors: Silver Daniel
Published: December 2020

The article aims to re-purpose evaluation to learn about social justice by anchoring evaluation in normative dimensions. This article demonstrates the ways in which evaluation with an establishment orientation can limit the scope for dialogue and neglect narratives that contest the status quo. It explains how a more participatory approach that engages with the standpoints of marginalised participants can enhance the potential to learn about social justice. An ethical commitment to social justice does not mean a rejection of rigour in evidence-based evaluation. Relating Fraser’s critical theory of participatory parity to the regulative ideal of evaluation creates a foundation to systematically foreground explanations about how an intervention has delivered social justice.
Victimhood: The affective politics of vulnerability
Authors: Chouliaraki Lilie
Published: December 2020

In this article, I enquire into the historical circumstances (past and present) under which vulnerability, an embodied and social condition of openness to violence, turns into victimhood, an act of affective communication that attaches the moral value accrued to the vulnerable to everyone who claims it. The 20th-century victimhood, I argue, emerged as a master-signifier of emotional capitalism through the two grand narratives of modernity, psychoanalysis and human rights, each of which tactically mobilizes affective claims to trauma or injury to bestow the moral value of the sufferer to any powerful claimant independent of the position of vulnerability they speak from. Turning to the 21st century, I place victimhood within the communicative context of post-recession and digital neoliberalism to show how the two amplify, accelerate and complicate the circulation of affective claims to suffering, rendering platformized pain a ‘new normal’ of our culture. In order to address the implications of this ‘new normal’ on the most vulnerable in society, I propose the distinction between ‘tactical’ and ‘systemic’ vulnerability as a heuristic frame that enables us to ask questions about who claims to be a victim, from which position and to which effects; and, in so doing, helps us to scrutinize the social contexts in which affective claims to victimhood are made and the power relations such claims reproduce or challenge.
Performing ‘us’ and ‘other’: Intersectional analyses of right-wing populist media
Authors: Norocel Ov Cristian , Saresma Tuija , Lähdesmäki Tuuli , Ruotsalainen Maria
Published: December 2020

Finland and Sweden share the ideal of a Nordic welfare state, with gender equality as a central tenet. In both countries, right-wing populist parties have gained prominence in mainstream politics. Despite similar political agendas at the moment, these parties have different political histories, and different modes of expressing their anti-immigration pleas. In this comparative study, we examine how the distinction between ‘us’ and the ‘other’ is performed intersectionally in terms of gender, social class, ethnicity and ‘race’, and sexuality. For this purpose, we examine empirical material collected from the party newspapers of the Finns Party and the Sweden Democrats, because their content most closely reflects the ideological tenets of these parties. The chosen timeline stretches from 2007 until 2014 and entails the qualitative close reading of 16 issues of each newspaper. We evidence the dynamic between the intersectional analysis that fleshes out the reproduction of categories of difference, and the comparative analysis with its interest in temporal change and the resulting convergence between the two parties’ ideologies. We conclude that, although the Finns Party previously had a more pronounced anti-elitist rhetoric and resorted to class-based antagonism as a means to garner electoral support, it subsequently moved closer to the anti-immigration agenda around issues of protecting national identity and the welfare state that has characterised the political platform of the Sweden Democrats over the past decade. This temporal awareness allowed us to document the Sweden Democrats’ ideological consistency over the examined timeframe, emphasising the party’s quest to rebuild the (Swedish) ‘people’s home’ and to exclude the racialised Muslim ‘other’.
Trump therapy: Personal identity, political trauma and the contradictions of therapeutic practice
Authors: Sointu Eeva , Hill David W
Published: December 2020

The election of Donald Trump as US President in 2016 has been felt by many as a political trauma. In response, this trauma has been worked through using therapeutic talk and practice. In this article, we examine the media representations of these responses across a wide range of news sources in order to understand the way that attitudes and values regarding the politicisation of therapy are captured, reinforced and shaped. It is shown that therapy provides a legitimate ground for self-management of feelings of political hurt; that this is seen as valuable for the formation of political communities of action and resistance; and that it then comes under attack from the right precisely because of this community-forming function. Criticism of therapeutic engagement emerges as a rhetorical means of disrupting solidarity and silencing political dissent. It is concluded that these representations need to be situated within the contradictory character of a therapeutic culture that heals and empowers individuals as it situates subjects within medicalised and neoliberalised structures of power.
Comparison of steel frames with RWS and WFP beam-to-column connections through seismic fragility analysis
Authors: Yu Haoran , Li Weibin
Published: December 2020

Reduced web section (RWS) connections and welded flange plate (WFP) connections can both effectively improve the seismic performance of a structure by moving plastic hinges to a predetermined location away from the column face. In this paper, two kinds of steel frames—with RWS connections and WFP connections—as well as different frames with welded unreinforced flange connections were studied through seismic fragility analysis. The numerical simulation was conducted by using multiscale FE modelling. Based on the incremental dynamic analysis and pushover analysis methods, probabilistic seismic demand analysis and seismic capability analysis were carried out, respectively. Finally, combined with the above analysis results, probabilistic seismic fragility analysis was conducted on the frame models. The results showed that the RWS connection and WFP connection (without double plates) have little influence on reducing the maximum inter-storey drift ratio under earthquake action. RWS connections slightly reduce the seismic capability in non-collapse stages and improve the seismic collapse resistance of a structure, which exhibits good structural ductility. WFP connections can comprehensively improve the seismic capability of a structure, but the seismic collapse resistance is worse than that of RWS connections when the structure has a large number of storeys. The frame with WFP connections has a lower failure probability at every seismic limit state, while the frame with RWS connections sacrifices some of its structural safety in non-collapse stages to reduce the collapse probability.
Assessment of seismic performance of an isolated structure equipped with a friction damper with coupling mechanism and an oil damper
Authors: Zou Shuang , Wenliuhan Heisha , Inoue Norio
Published: December 2020

In this study, a friction damper with a coupling mechanism (FDC) and an oil damper were added to the isolation layer of an isolated structure. Using the Kelvin collision analysis model, a time history analysis was performed by considering a possible impact in the isolation layer. Based on a comparative analysis of the seismic control effect, the following conclusions can be drawn. The combined isolation system proposed in this study gradually increases the attenuation performance of the isolation layer according to the magnitude of the earthquake by taking complete advantage of the FDC and oil damper and satisfies different performance requirements of the isolation layer of different magnitudes of earthquakes. In addition to the same control effect as the combined isolation system for seismic fortification intensity earthquakes, the best control effect can be achieved using a small control force for frequent earthquakes. Overall, the control effect on the acceleration of structural seismic response is pronounced. In the case of a rare earthquake, for not amplifying the seismic response acceleration of isolated structure, the maximum displacement of the isolation layer is controlled within the reserved safety range to avoid collision and damage between the isolation layer and surrounding maintenance structure.
Experimental study on seismic performance of new reinforced tenon joint precast shear walls
Authors: Su Hui , Chen Wei , Wu Dongyue , Wu Qing , Wang Shiling , Xu Wang
Published: December 2020

The seismic performance of the precast shear wall was improved by using a newly developed reinforced tenon to strengthen the precast joint, which is used to bear the shear force of the precast joint and reduce the effect of dowel action on the vertical connecting steel bars. The vertical connecting steel bars were only used to bear tensile and compressive stress and consume seismic energy. The seismic performance of reinforced tenon precast shear wall was investigated by quasi-static tests on one reinforced tenon precast shear wall specimen and one ordinary flat seam precast shear wall specimen. This study investigated the crack distribution and failure modes, precast joint slip of the two specimens, and the seismic performance parameters such as bearing capacity, stiffness degradation, ductility performance and energy dissipation capacity. The test results demonstrated that the reinforced tenon effectively reduced the slip of the joint surface and exhibited good ductility and energy dissipation capacity than that of the ordinary flat seam specimen, while the failure mode, bearing capacity, and stiffness were similar to that of the flat seam specimen.
Entrepreneurial strategies for MNCs: A typology
Authors: Houman Andersen Poul , Laursen Linda Nhu
Published: December 2020

This paper, responds to the recent calls in research, to address the theoretical underpinnings of entrepreneurial strategies in MNC’s. Today, a multiplicity of entrepreneurial approaches exists, cf. skunk work, bricolage, bootlegging. However, these exists in disparate literature, that provides limited oversight to managers in, that need to select between a manifold of different entrepreneurial strategies. Moreover, these approaches typically originate from a distinctively different organizational context, namely SMEs. Through a literature review we identify two important axiomatic assumptions concerning entrepreneurial strategies within the organizational conditions of MNCs. The first fundamental assumption concerns the organizational origin of such effort. The second theoretical assumption deals with how the entrepreneurial initiative can meet either organizational resistance or support. We synthesize these two dimensions into a two-by-two matrix, that provides an answer to our research question: what are the critical dimensions for entrepreneurial strategies in an MNC context? We then employ this typology to categorize predominant entrepreneurial strategies in current literature, to create a overview that can be used both for structuring the debate in the literature; as well as a basis to discuss important implicit assumptions, that should guide the selection of entrepreneurial strategy in a MNC context in practice.
Book sharing with young children: A study of book sharing in four Australian long day care centres
Authors: Adam Helen , Barratt-Pugh Caroline
Published: December 2020

Research has consistently established the positive impact of sharing books with young children. Evidence suggests several important factors when evaluating book sharing with young children, including the quality of educator practice = and the nature of groupings, as well as the frequency and duration of book sharing sessions and access to books.

Other evidence suggests book sharing may be particularly important for children from low ses backgrounds attending early learning settings.

This paper reports on a larger study which investigated the factors and relationships influencing the use of children’s literature to support principles of diversity in kindergarten rooms of long day care centres.

A mixed methods approach was adopted and a convergent design was employed to synthesise the qualitative and quantitative data and interpret significant relationships and their meanings. The quality of educator practice was measured through the Systematic Assessment of Book Reading (SABR) and Children’s engagement in book sharing was assessed using the Children’s Orientation to Book Reading Rating Scale. Detailed analysis of 148 video recorded book sharing sessions produced statistical representations of the frequency and duration of book sharing across the contexts and the nature of involvement of the children in the study. Twenty four educators and 110 children from four long day care centres in Western Australia participated. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, video-based observations, field notes, document analysis and a book audit.

The results showed that while the children in this study had a range of book sharing experiences, few of these were frequent or of high quality. Of great concern is the finding that the children in this study most likely to be considered at risk of educational disadvantage were those with the least exposure to book sharing in general, and, even less so, to high quality book sharing, raising concerns about equitable outcomes for them.
FENDRR Sponges miR-424-5p to Inhibit Cell Proliferation, Migration and Invasion in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Cheng Chuan , Li Huixia , Zheng Jiujian , Xu Jie , Gao Peng , Wang Jianping
Published: December 2020

Objective:

LncRNAs are non-coding RNAs exerting vital roles in the occurrence and development of various cancer types. This study tended to describe the expression pattern of FENDRR in colorectal cancer (CRC), and further investigate the role of FENDRR in CRC cell biological behaviors.

Methods:

Gene expression profile of colon cancer was accessed from the TCGA database, and then processed for differential analysis for identification of differentially expressed lncRNAs and miRNAs. Some in vitro experiments like qRT-PCR, MTT, colony formation assay, wound healing assay and Transwell assay were performed to assess the effect of FENDRR on cell biological behaviors. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to further validate the targeting relationship between FENDRR and miR-424-5p, and rescue experiments were carried out for determining the mechanism of FENDRR/miR-424-5p underlying the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells.

Results:

Bioinformatics analysis suggested that FENDRR was significantly down-regulated in CRC tissue, and low FENDRR was intimately correlated to poor prognosis. FENDRR overexpression could greatly inhibit cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Besides, there was a negative correlation between FENDRR and miR-424-5p. Dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR-424-5p was a direct target of FENDRR. Rescue experiments discovered that FENDRR exerted its role in cell proliferation, migration and invasion in CRC via targeting miR-424-5p.

Conclusion:

FENDRR is poorly expressed in CRC tissue and cells, and low FENDRR is responsible for the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC by means of targeting miR-424-5p.
Hsa_circ_0075960 Serves as a Sponge for miR-361-3p/SH2B1 in Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Bo , Ren Ailing , Tian Ying , Huang Ruizhen
Published: December 2020

Although the cases of endometrial carcinoma (EC) is gradually increasing across the world, its etiology and pathogenesis remain unknown. The present study is the first to define the role and biological function of circRNA hsa_circ_0075960 in the development and progression of EC. We first determined that hsa_circ_0075960 is aberrantly expressed in EC cells. Then, we uncovered that the downregulation of hsa_circ_0075960 suppressed cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis of EC cells, suggesting that hsa_circ_0075960 could inhibit the progression of EC in vitro. In addition, we identified that miR-361-3p was the direct target of hsa_circ_0075960. Further analysis revealed that hsa_circ_0075960 affected the development of EC via sponging miR-361-3p. Interestingly, we verified that the level of SH2B1 was controlled by the downregulation of hsa_circ_0075960 and that the negative effect caused by hsa_circ_0075960 could be reversed via miR-361-3p inhibition. Our cumulative results revealed that the novel tumor regulator hsa_circ_0075960 functioned as a sponge for miR-361-3p/SH2B1 in EC cells and regulated the progression of EC through the modulation of miR-361-3p.
A Prospective Outcomes Pilot Evaluation of Inspire Now: A Program for People with Lung Cancer
Authors: Conte Ellen , Legacy Mark , Psihogios Athanasios , Pitman Anne , Redway Andrea , Hamer-Wilson Jill , Seely Dugald
Published: December 2020

Background:

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in Canada, yet patients are often under-supported. A six-week program called Inspire Now, created to address unmet supportive care needs, was evaluated in this study. Feasibility and preliminary outcomes were assessed in order to inform future changes to the program.

Objectives:

(1) Assess the feasibility of the program and its evaluation; (2) pilot the collection of patient-reported outcomes; (3) identify outcomes that may be positively influenced; and (4) inform program modifications.

Methods:

Participants were recruited from the first session of Inspire Now for an observational pilot study. The primary outcome was feasibility. Secondary outcomes included within-person changes in Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Lung (FACT-L) and Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCaW), and program satisfaction and qualitative experiences of participants and facilitators through internally-developed questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Analysis was primarily descriptive, within person changes in FACT-L and MYCaW were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and qualitative data was assessed for common themes.

Results:

The program and its evaluation were feasible; 8 of 9 (89%) participants consented to the study, median attendance was 6 of 6 sessions (IQR 4.5-6), and questionnaire completion was 100% at baseline and 75% at follow-up. There were clinically meaningful improvements in MYCaW concern 1 (−1.2, 95% CI −2.0 to −0.4) and overall wellbeing (−0.9, 95% CI −2.1 to 0.4). Seven of eight FACT-L sub-sections trended toward improvement, with absolute changes ranging from −1.7 to 10.8%. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive; group support and social interactions were highly valued.

Conclusions:

The group intervention for people with lung cancer was feasible to both run and evaluate. Participants responded positively to the program. Findings will inform changes to future sessions and an analysis of multiple sessions is planned.
Delivering Interventions Via Telehealth: Functional Communication Training with a Child with Autism as a Case Example
Authors: O’Brien Matthew J. , Schieltz Kelly M. , Berg Wendy K. , McComas Jennifer J. , Wacker David P.
Published: December 2020

In this article, we provide a case example of how telehealth can be used by care providers in their homes to access empirically validated procedures such as functional communication training. As shown in the case example, complex assessment and intervention procedures were implemented successfully by care providers in their homes while receiving real-time coaching by behavior analysts who were located in a hospital in a different city. This case example is representative of the results we obtained thus far; substantial improvements in challenging and adaptive behavior occurred. Given these results obtained to date with telehealth, in terms of both outcomes of interventions and rated acceptability of the procedures by care providers, further and more widespread application of telehealth is warranted.
“I Wouldn’t Trust the Parents To ‘Do No Harm’ To a Queer Kid”: Rethinking Parental Permission Requirements for Youth Participation in Social Science Research
Authors: Sims Jennifer Patrice , Nolen Cassandra
Published: December 2020

Obtaining parental consent for youth to participate in research is a standard requirement in the United States. However, the assumption that involving parents is the best way to protect youth research participants is untenable for some populations. This study draws on interviews with 19 LGBTQ+ mixed-race participants to examine lay views of parental consent requirements for LGBTQ+ youth research participants. Qualitative data analysis found concerns about potentially outing LGBTQ+ youth to intolerant parents. Interviewees also asserted that adolescents aged 16 and older are competent enough and should have the autonomy to consent themselves. Finally, interviewees raised several methodological concerns regarding the biased research that may result from parental consent requirements. We agree with others that U.S. Institutional Review Boards should end uncritical requirements for parental consent for older adolescents and should routinize the use and study of alternative protective measures.
Computational simulation of the ballistic impact of fabrics using hybrid shell element
Authors: Qian Xiuyang , Zhou Yushan , Cai Liya , Pei Feng , Li Xu
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates on a computational simulation of Twaron® fabric against ballistic impact. It proposed a hybrid shell element model considering the strain-rate-sensitive failure criterion. This model innovatively provided a resolution of the yarn level to better capture the unique properties of the woven fabric, such as yarn crimp, sliding contact between yarns, stress transmission on yarns and yarn broken. The fabric is modeled using a hybrid shell element analysis approach aim of reducing the complexity and computational expense while ensuring accuracy. The response characteristics of fabric under high velocity ballistic impact are studied by applying a 3D finite element program DYNA3D in this paper and the experimental investigation had been taken by Shim et al. According to the computational and experimental results, transverse deflection distribution and stress transmission of fabrics are presented. The ballistic limit, energy absorption, remaining velocity are calculated by simulation models and compared with the experimental results. This approach is also validated by comparing it against a 2D uniform shell model and a 3D interlacing shell model. The results show that the hybrid model can accurately reflect the buckling and fluctuation behavior of fabrics and has a relatively few computational consumption at the same time.
Research of the layout optimization in robotic mobile fulfillment systems
Authors: Wu Shasha , Chi Cheng , Wang Wei , Wu Yaohua
Published: December 2020

To improve the order fulfillment throughput and space utilization in the robotic mobile fulfillment system (RMFS), the research developed two design aspects: the layout design and the warehouse structural parameter configuration. Based on the semiopen queue network theory, we built the queue network model to estimate the performance of RMFS. A scheme was proposed to move the picking stations inside the storage area, and seven layout scenes were designed according to the location arrangement of stations and storage area. The performance estimation and parameter configuration platform were developed to support the experiments on layout optimization and parameter configuration. The result shows that the station’s internal layout improves throughput when compared with the external scheme and increases space utilization without storage zones. Vertical zoning increases performance significantly. The performance is sensitive to the zoning strategy and storage area structural parameters.
Fecal calprotectin is an early predictor of endoscopic response and histologic remission after the start of vedolizumab in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Pauwels Renske W. M. , van der Woude Christien J. , Erler Nicole S. , de Vries Annemarie C.
Published: December 2020

Background and aims:

Early prediction of the effect of vedolizumab (VDZ) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is of paramount importance to guide clinical decisions. This study assessed whether early fecal calprotectin (FC) can predict endoscopic response and histologic remission after VDZ initiation.

Methods:

This was a prospective study. Inclusion criteria were endoscopic inflammation and FC >100 µg/g. FC was determined at baseline and weeks 2, 4, 8 and 16. At week 16, endoscopies with ileal and colonic biopsies were performed. FC changes were assessed with Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests. ROC statistics were used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of FC.

Results:

In total, 45 patients [27 Crohn’s disease (CD), 16/2 ulcerative colitis (UC)/IBD-unclassified] [40% males, median age 39 (28–51) years] were included. Week 16 endoscopic response and histologic remission rates were 58% and 33%. A median 37% decline in FC at week 2 was observed only in endoscopic responders, p = 0.025. FC <250 µg/g at week 8 predicted endoscopic response in both UC and CD (positive predictive value 100%), whereas absence of FC decline at week 8 corresponded with absence of endoscopic response in CD [negative predictive value (NPV) 82%] and absence of histologic remission in both UC and CD (NPV 90%).

Conclusion:

The onset of a decline in FC as early as week 2 is associated with endoscopic response to VDZ induction. FC <250 µg/g at week 8 is associated with endoscopic response, whereas absence of FC decline at week 8 is associated with absence of both endoscopic response and histologic remission. FC levels 8 weeks after the start of VDZ could be used to guide clinical decisions and might substitute for endoscopic response evaluation.
Next-generation androgen receptor inhibitors in non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Lavaud Pernelle , Dumont Clément , Thibault Constance , Albiges Laurence , Baciarello Giulia , Colomba Emeline , Flippot Ronan , Fuerea Alina , Loriot Yohann , Fizazi Karim
Published: December 2020

Until recently, continuing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and closely monitoring patients until evolution towards metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) were recommended in men with non-metastatic CRPC (nmCRPC). Because delaying the development of metastases and symptoms in these patients is a major issue, several trials have investigated next-generation androgen receptor (AR) axis inhibitors such as apalutamide, darolutamide, and enzalutamide in this setting. This review summarizes the recent advances in the management of nmCRPC, highlighting the favourable impact of next-generation AR inhibitors on metastases-free survival, overall survival and other clinically meaningful endpoints.
Proteomic Analysis and Cell Viability of Nine Amnion, Chorion, Umbilical Cord, and Amniotic Fluid–Derived Products
Authors: Becktell Liliya , Matuska Andrea M. , Hon Stephanie , Delco Michelle L. , Cole Brian J. , Begum Laila , Zhang Sheng , Fortier Lisa A.
Published: December 2020

Objective

Amnion products are used in various musculoskeletal surgeries and as injections for joint pain with conflicting reports of cell viability and protein contents. The objective of this study was to determine the full proteome and examine cell viability in 9 commercial amnion products using an unbiased bottom-up shotgun proteomics approach and confocal microscopy.

Design

Products were subjected to liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis and searched against a UniProt Homo sapiens database. Relative protein abundance was determined for each sample. Based on proteomics results, lumican was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis was performed for interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2). Cell viability was determined by calcein AM (live) and ethidium homodimer (dead) staining and confocal microscopy.

Results

Proteomic analysis revealed 919 proteins in the nine products. Proteins were primarily collagens, keratin, and albumin. Lumican, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) was found in all samples. Western blot analysis for IL-1Ra and TIMP-2 indicated presence of both proteins, with nonspecific antibody binding also present in all samples. No live cells were identified in any product.

Conclusions

Several novel proteins were identified through proteomics that might impart the beneficial effects of amnion products, including SLRPs, collagens, and regulators of fibroblast activity. IL-1Ra and TIMP-2 were identified, but concentrations measured by ELISA may be falsely increased due to nonspecific antibody binding. The concept that the amnion tissues provide live cells to aid in tissue regeneration cannot be supported by the findings of this study.
Thymoangiolipoma: A rare histologic variant of thymolipoma in a patient with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Anbardar Mohammad Hossein , Amirmoezi Fatemeh , Amirian Armin
Published: December 2020

Thymoangiolipoma is a rare, slow-growing, benign thymic neoplasm that arises from the anterior mediastinum. A 61-year-old man with the chief complaint of right eye ptosis and high serum acetylcholine receptor antibody level is presented here. The spiral computed tomography of the chest revealed a hypodense mass in the anterior mediastinum. Microscopic examination showed admixture of adipose tissue, thymic tissue and blood vessels with the diagnosis of thymoangiolipoma. Thymoangiolipoma is a rare histologic variant of thymolipoma which can be associated with myasthenia gravis and must be considered as a differential diagnosis in anterior mediastinal mass with fat density in radiologic evaluation.
Bilateral distal femoral endoprosthesis for trauma
Authors: Stevens Jarrad M , Clement Nick D , Beckingsale Tom , Patton James T
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we describe the outcome of bilateral distal femoral endoprosthesis for the management of acute severe trauma. We also review the literature to ascertain the published functional results of distal femoral endoprosthesis for acute trauma of native knees. In severely comminuted intra-articular fractures, such as those our patient sustained, reconstruction is not always possible, and predictable outcomes can rarely be assured with conviction. Endoprosthesis is an established treatment modality for replacement after resection in limb salvage surgery. In this regard, there is a limited but vital role that endoprosthesis can play in acute complex trauma. We demonstrate a good short-term outcome when bilateral endoprostheses are utilised for complex distal femur trauma.
Assessment of Neck Grasp as a Screening Tool for Identifying Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Del Brutto Oscar H. , Mera Robertino M. , Recalde Bettsy Y. , Castillo Pablo R.
Published: December 2020

Background

Inability to encircle the neck by hands (neck grasp) has been proposed as an indicator of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) that would be useful for recognition of candidates for polysomnography (PSG). We assessed the value of neck grasp for predicting OSA in community-dwelling older adults of Amerindian ancestry.

Methods

Neck grasp was evaluated in individuals aged ≥60 years undergoing PSG. The association between neck grasp and OSA was assessed by logistic regression models adjusted for relevant covariates. Mediation analysis was used to establish the proportion of the effect of the association between neck grasp and OSA, which is mediated by the neck circumference (a well-known OSA biomarker). Receiver operator characteristics curve analysis was used to estimate diagnostic accuracy of neck grasp for predicting OSA.

Results

Of 201 individuals undergoing PSG, 167 (83%) had the neck grasp test. The remaining 34 could not perform the test because of different factors. Neck grasp was positive in 127 (76%) cases, and 114 (68%) individuals had OSA (apnea-hypopnea index ≥5). Multivariate logistic regression models disclosed a significant association between neck grasp and OSA. The neck circumference was the single covariate remaining independently significant in these models. Neck grasp was not efficient at predicting OSA (sensitivity: 83.3%, specificity: 39.6%, positive predictive value: 0.75 and negative predictive value: 0.53). The area under the curve disclosed only a moderate predictive capability (61.5%) of neck grasp.

Conclusion

Results do not support the use of neck grasp as an independent predictor of OSA in the study population.
Association of Elevated Levels of Inflammatory Marker High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Hypertension
Authors: Bisaria Sharmila , Terrigno Vittorio , Hunter Krystal , Roy Satyajeet
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The correlation between inflammation and vascular disease is widely accepted. High levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) have been shown to play a role in the process of endothelial dysfunction. Hypertension is described as an inflammatory vascular disease, and is 1 of the most commonly encountered diseases in the outpatient setting. We studied the association between the elevated high sensitivity-CRP (hs-CRP) level and hypertension, as well as other comorbid conditions.

Methods

Electronic medical records of 169 adult patients in our internal medicine office were reviewed for hs-CRP levels, and divided into 2 groups: elevated hs-CRP (≥2 mg/L; n = 110) and normal hs-CRP (<2 mg/L; n = 59). Independent T-Test was used to compare the means of continuous variables between the groups if they were normally distributed. Mann Whitney U-Test was used to compare the continuous variables that were non-parametric. Logistic regression was used to compare the dependent and independent variables.

Results

Among subjects with elevated hs-CRP, 58.2% had hypertension while 47.5% of subjects with normal hs-CRP levels had hypertension ( P = .182). There were higher frequencies of association of coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular disease and hypothyroidism in elevated hs-CRP group but the differences were not statistically significant. Mean white blood cell count was statistically higher in elevated hs-CRP group ( P < .05), while alcohol use was significantly higher ( P < .05) and statin use was higher in the normal hs-CRP group. There was an inverse relationship between HDL-C and hs-CRP.

Conclusions

There was no statistically significant correlation between hs-CRP level and hypertension. Hs-CRP has statistically significant associations between alcohol use, dementia, white blood cell count, and HDL levels. Promising but not statistically significant correlations were observed between hs-CRP and statin therapy, hypothyroidism, coronary artery disease, and cerebrovascular disease.
Globalization and the Pandemic
Authors: Patnaik Prabhat
Published: December 2020

The conflict between the interests of the people and the dictates of finance, which underlies the entire phenomenon of globalization and characterizes the entire era of globalization, has come to a head with the current pandemic. The need to reach help to the working people during the pandemic, when they are without employment and income owing to the lockdown, is urgent; but the dictates of finance, which frowns on taxing the capitalists or resorting to an enlarged fiscal deficit, stand in the way of doing so. The contradiction between the dictates of finance and the interests of the people has thus become absolutely acute during the pandemic.
Book review: Brahma Prakash (2019). Cultural Labour: Conceptualizing the ‘Folk Performance’ in India
Authors: Poduval Satish
Published: December 2020

Brahma Prakash (2019). Cultural Labour: Conceptualizing the ‘Folk Performance’ in India, New Delhi: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-01-9-949081-3, 352 pp., Hardback, ₹1,195.
Coronavirus Crisis or a New Stage of the Global Crisis of Capitalism?
Authors: Guillén Arturo
Published: December 2020

The emergence and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic have triggered a major economic crisis. Its depth and complexity resemble the Great Depression of the 1930s. This article argues that the pandemic has brought to the surface a set of contradictions that were present in the world economy, such as the trend to secular stagnation, as well as deflation and deglobalization of economies. Before the virus emerged, capitalism maintained a situation of precarious and fragile economic growth, combined with unstoppable speculation in the financial and real estate markets. The economies were and are sustained by the ‘artificial lung’ of the central banks that inject liquidity into the system through programs of quantitative easing of cheap and easy money. The course of the current recession is still very uncertain, but there is no doubt that it will be very deep and that a V-shaped recovery is unrealistic.
Book review: Manoranjan Mohanty (2017). China’s Transformation: The Success Story and the Success Trap
Authors: Jha Praveen
Published: December 2020

Manoranjan Mohanty (2017). China’s Transformation: The Success Story and the Success Trap, New Delhi: SAGE Publications. ISBN: 9789386602848 (Hardback), xx + 278 pp., ₹1,100.
In Transition to Rural Vitalization: China’s Strategy amid the Global Crises
Authors: Wong Erebus , Tsui Sit , Chi Lau Kin , Tiejun Wen
Published: December 2020

This article examines how China deals with the global crises. China’s policies to counter the crises rely on maintaining investment-led growth, which, however, has incurred an overexpansion of credits and serious debts similar to those of the West entering the era of financial capitalism. The current challenge is whether China can deploy the strategy of rural vitalization to turn to ecological civilization.
The Influences of Open Communication by Senior Leaders and Legitimacy Judgments on Effective Open Innovation
Authors: Wang Chong , Cardon Peter W. , Li Ci-Rong , Li Chun-Xuan
Published: December 2020

Firms increasingly recognize open innovation as a key aspect of their innovation strategies. This study of 200 open innovation managers showed that open internal communication by senior leaders drives higher legitimacy judgments, which in turn drives open innovation success. Further, legitimacy judgments mediate the relationship between open internal communication and open innovation success. Open external communication by senior leaders moderates the indirect relationship between open internal communication and open innovation success, with more open external communication strengthening the influence on open innovation success. These results suggest firm-level open communication by senior leaders is essential for project-level open innovation success.
An integrated multiomic and quantitative label-free microscopy-based approach to study pro-fibrotic signalling inex vivohuman precision-cut lung slices
Authors: Khan Muzamil Majid , Poeckel Daniel , Halavatyi Aliaksandr , Zukowska-Kasprzyk Joanna , Stein Frank , Vappiani Johanna , Sevin Daniel C. , Tischer Christian , Zinn Nico , Eley Jessica D. , Gudmann Natasja Stæhr , Muley Thomas , Winter Hauke , Fisher Andrew J. , Nanthakumar Carmel B. , Bergamini Giovanna , Pepperkok Rainer
Published: December 2020

Fibrosis can affect any organ, resulting in the loss of tissue architecture and function with often life-threatening consequences. Pathologically, fibrosis is characterised by the expansion of connective tissue due to excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, including the fibrillar forms of collagen. A significant limitation for discovering cures for fibrosis is the availability of suitable human models and techniques to quantify mature fibrillar collagen deposition as close as possible to human physiological conditions.

Here we have extensively characterised anex vivocultured human lung tissue-derived, precision-cut lung slices (hPCLS) model using label-free second harmonic generation (SHG) light microscopy to quantify fibrillar collagen deposition and mass spectrometry-based techniques to obtain a proteomic and metabolomic fingerprint of hPCLS inex vivoculture.

We demonstrate that hPCLS are viable and metabolically active, with mesenchymal, epithelial, endothelial and immune cell types surviving for at least 2 weeks inex vivoculture. Analysis of hPCLS-conditioned supernatants showed a strong induction of pulmonary fibrosis-related ECM proteins upon transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) stimulation. This upregulation of ECM proteins was not translated into an increased deposition of fibrillar collagen. In support of this observation, we revealed the presence of a pro-ECM degradation activity in ourex vivocultures of hPCLS, inhibition of which by a metalloproteinase inhibitor resulted in increased collagen deposition in response to TGF-β1 stimulation.

Together the data show that an integrated approach of measuring soluble pro-fibrotic markers alongside quantitative SHG-based analysis of fibrillar collagen is a valuable tool for studying pro-fibrotic signalling and testing anti-fibrotic agents.