bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
[Retracted] Long Noncoding RNA SNHG12 Promotes Prostate Tumor Occurrence and Progression via AKT Regulation
Authors: Chen Zheng , Qi Tao , Qin Xiao-ping , Wang Jue , Huang Zhang-sen , Hu Xiao-yong , Chen Guo , Qu Li-jun , Zhuo Yu-min
Published: December 2020

The small nucleolar RNA host gene 12 (SNHG12) has been reported to play an important role in the tumorigenesis and progression of PCa, but the functional underlying mechanism has not been studied clearly. We detected the expression level of SNHG12 in PCa tissues and matched adjacent normal tissues that were collected from 85 patients. Then, colony formation assays, MTT experiments, and flow cytometry were used to examine the effect of SNHG12 on proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis of DU145 cells. Further, Transwell invasion assay was utilized to assess whether SNHG12 participates in PCa cell invasion and affects the secretion of VEGF secretion in DU145 cells. Finally, we investigated the effect of SNHG12 on tumor growth in vivo. We found that SNHG12 promoted cell proliferation and suppressed apoptosis in PCa cells, which suggests that SNHG12 is probably a novel PCa biomarker and therapy target of PCa.
N-Acetylcysteine Attenuates the Anxiety-Like Behavior and Spatial Cognition Impairment Induced by Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide Combination Treatment in Rats
Authors: Kitamura Yoshihisa , Ushio Soichiro , Sumiyoshi Yusuke , Wada Yudai , Miyazaki Ikuko , Asanuma Masato , Sendo Toshiaki
Published: December 2020

Background: Cancer patients can suffer from psychological and cognitive disorders after chemotherapy, which influence quality of life. Objective: Oxidative stress may contribute to the psychological and cognitive disorders induced in rats by chemotherapy. In the present study, we examined the effects of N-acetylcysteine, an anti-oxidant, on anxiety-like behavior and cognitive impairment in rats treated with a combination of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. Methods: Rats were intraperitoneally injected with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide once a week for 2 weeks. The light-dark test and the novel location recognition test were used to assess anxiety-like behavior and spatial cognition, respectively. The rats’ hippocampal levels of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) were measured using a GSSG/GSH quantification kit. Results: Combined treatment with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide produced anxiety-like behavior and cognitive impairment in rats. N-acetylcysteine reversed the anxiety-like behavior and inhibition of novel location recognition induced by the combination treatment. Furthermore, the combination of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide significantly reduced the rats’ hippocampal GSH/GSSG ratios. N-acetylcysteine reversed the reduction in the GSH/GSSG ratio seen in the doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide-treated rats. Conclusion: These results suggest that N-acetylcysteine inhibits doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide-induced anxiety-like behavior and cognitive impairment by reducing oxidative stress in the hippocampus.
Enhanced Mesenchymal Stromal Cells or Erythropoietin Provide Long-Term Functional Benefit After Neonatal Stroke
Authors: Larpthaveesarp Amara , Pathipati Praneeti , Ostrin Samuel , Rajah Anthony , Ferriero Donna , Gonzalez Fernando F.
Published: December 2020

Background and Purpose:

Perinatal stroke is a common cause of life-long neurobehavioral compromise. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and EPO (erythropoietin) have each demonstrated short-term benefit with delayed administration after stroke, and combination therapy may provide the most benefit. The purpose of this study is to determine the long-term histological and functional efficacy of enhanced, intranasal stem cell therapy (MSC preexposed to EPO) compared with standard MSC or multidose systemic EPO.

Methods:

Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion or sham surgery was performed in postnatal day (P) 10 Sprague-Dawley rats, who were treated with single-dose intranasal MSC, MSC preexposed to EPO (MSC/EPO), multidose systemic EPO (EPO3; 1000 u/kg per dose×3 every 72 hours), or cell-conditioned media on P13 (day 3 [P13–P19] for EPO), or on P17 (day 7 [P17–P23] for EPO). At 2 months of age, animals underwent novel object recognition, cylinder rearing, and open field testing to assess recognition memory, sensorimotor function, and anxiety in adulthood.

Results:

MSC, MSC/EPO, and EPO3 improved brain volume when administered at 3 or 7 days after middle cerebral artery occlusion. MSC/EPO also enhanced long-term recognition memory with either day 3 or day 7 treatment, but EPO3 had the most long-term benefit, improving recognition memory and exploratory behavior and reducing anxiety.

Conclusions:

These data suggest that single-dose MSC/EPO and multidose systemic EPO improve long-term neurobehavioral outcomes even when administration is delayed, although EPO was the most effective treatment overall. It is possible that EPO represents a final common pathway for improved long-term repair, although the specific mechanisms remain to be determined.
The Principle of Exclusive Flag State Jurisdiction
Authors: Whomersley Chris
Published: December 2020

The principle that a ship is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the flag State on the high seas is firmly established. But given the prevalence of open registries and the multiple challenges in the maritime sphere, such as maritime safety, the popularity of cruise holidays, the promotion of human rights for those working at sea, and the need to combat iuu fishing, is it any longer tenable to slavishly follow the principle? International instruments and judicial decisions have emphasised the responsibilities of flag States. But States have also increasingly turned to other mechanisms, especially port State control, to deal with the various problems.
Human security of urban migrant populations affected by length of residence and environmental hazards
Authors: Adger W Neil , de Campos Ricardo Safra , Siddiqui Tasneem , Gavonel Maria Franco , Szaboova Lucy , Rocky Mahmudol Hassan , Bhuiyan Mohammad Rashed Alam , Billah Tamim
Published: December 2020

It is widely suggested that migration is a key mechanism linking climate change to violent conflict, particularly through migration increasing the risks of conflict in urban destinations. Yet climate change also creates new forms of insecurity through distress migration, immobility and vulnerability that are prevalent in urban destination locations. Here we examine the extent and nature of human security in migration destinations and test whether insecurity is affected by length of residence and environmental hazards. The study develops an index measure of human security at the individual level to include environmental and climate-related hazards as well as sources of well-being, fear of crime and violence, and mental health outcomes. It examines the elements of human security that explain the prevalence of insecurity among recent and established migrants in low-income urban neighbourhoods. The study reports on data collected in Chattogram in Bangladesh through a survey of migrants (N = 447) and from qualitative data derived using photo elicitation techniques with cohorts of city planners and migrants. The results show that environmental hazards represent an increasing source of perceived insecurity to migrant populations over time, with longer-term migrants perceiving greater insecurity than more recent arrivals, suggesting lack of upward social mobility in low-income slums. Ill-health, fear of eviction, and harassment and violence are key elements of how insecurity is experienced, and these are exacerbated by environmental hazards such as flooding. The study expands the concept of security to encompass central elements of personal risk and well-being and outlines the implications for climate change.
The use of therapeutic plasma exchange for pediatric patients supported on extracorporeal membranous oxygenator therapy: A narrative review
Authors: Kassif Lerner Reut , Pollak Uri
Published: December 2020

Therapeutic plasma exchange in children is increasingly recognized as a life-saving treatment and is challenged by some technical considerations. As extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been used for nearly half a century for refractory reversible respiratory and/or cardiac failure in both pediatric and adult populations, it may serve as an extracorporeal platform for therapeutic plasma exchange. It is most commonly described in patients with sepsis with multiple organ failure or thrombocytopenia associated multi organ failure. Additional pathophysiological processes of inflammatory and immunological storms might benefit from the combination of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and plasma exchange. This is a nonmethodological review of English-language reports of therapeutic plasma exchange performed in patients supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, both pediatric and adult, searching six databases, MEDLINE, Clinical Key, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, CINAHL, Cochrane library, and EMBASE.
Does College Matter? Exploring College-Level Factors Related to Victimization Risk for U.S. and Canadian College Students
Authors: Daigle Leah E. , Johnson Lee M. , Azimi Andia M. , Hancock Katelyn P.
Published: December 2020

Research shows that U.S. college students are at risk for a variety of victimization types. College students in Canada also experience similar types of victimization compared to U.S students, yet recent research shows that Canadian students are at a greater risk than U.S. college students of being victimized. Little is known, however, as to whether college-level factors influence victimization risk and how these risks may be different for U.S. and Canadian college students. Using the American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment data (ACHA-NCHA II), the current study builds upon past research by exploring the role of both individual and school characteristics and whether they are similarly related to risk of victimization in the two populations. The findings show that Canadian students are at higher risk for victimization and that some school-level factors play a role in predicting this risk for all students, with some variation in ones that matter for each country.
Indicators of Secretory Activation in Mothers of Preterm Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Parker Leslie A. , Sullivan Sandra , Cacho Nicole , Engelmann Clara , Krueger Charlene , Mueller Martina
Published: December 2020

Background

Inconsistent information exists regarding indicators of secretory activation in mothers delivering very low birth weight infants.

Research aims

To compare time to the onset of secretory activation using three separate indicators. A secondary aim examined the association between indicators of secretory activation and milk production.

Methods

Indicators of secretory activation included maternal perception, volume attainment (production of ≥ 20 mL in two consecutive expression sessions) and biomarkers (sodium and lactose) obtained at volume attainment. Milk production was measured on Days 1–7 and then weekly for 6 weeks.

Results

In 69 mothers of infants born ≤ 32 weeks’ gestation and < 1500 g, we found no correlation in time to secretory activation between indicators. Earlier volume attainment was associated with increased milk production on Days 1–7, 14, 21, and 28 (all p < .007). Participants who exhibited both normal lactose and sodium levels produced more milk on Days 28 and 42 ( p = .028 and .011), those with only normal lactose levels produced more on Day 42 ( p = .026) and those with only normal sodium levels on Day 28 ( p = .036). Earlier secretory activation by volume attainment was associated with increased expression frequency during Days 2–5 (all p < .014) and participants with normal biomarkers expressed more frequently during Days 2–5 (all p < .020).

Conclusion

Mothers of very low birth weight infants are at risk for delayed secretory activation, which may decrease their milk production. Frequent expression during the first 5 days postpartum may promote earlier secretory activation. Valid methods of determining secretory activation are necessary to develop interventions promoting earlier secretory activation.
Vulnerability
Authors: Florczak Kristine L.
Published: December 2020

A brief consideration of the concepts of vulnerability and resilience are presented in this column. It will serve as an introduction to the main article that considers conducting qualitative research on vulnerable populations during the time of COVID-19.
Optimization for speed regulation strategy of compound coupled hydro-mechanical transmission
Authors: Yu Jin , Shen Pengfei , Wang Zhao , Song Yurun , Dong Xiaohan
Published: December 2020

Heavy duty vehicles, especially special vehicles, including wheel loaders and sprinklers, generally work with drastic changes in load. With the usage of a conventional hydraulic mechanical transmission, they face with these problems such as low efficiency, high fuel consumption and so forth. Some scholars focus on the research to solve these issues. However, few of them take into optimal strategies the fluctuation of speed ratio change, which can also cause a lot of problems. In this study, a novel speed regulation is proposed which cannot only solve problems above but also overcome impact caused by speed ratio change. Initially, based on the former research of the Compound Coupled Hydro-mechanical Transmission (CCHMT), the basic characteristics of CCHMT are analyzed. Besides, to solve these problems, dynamic programming algorithm is utilized to formulate basic speed regulation strategy under specific operating condition. In order to reduce the problem caused by speed ratio change, a new optimization is applied. The results indicate that the proposed DP optimal speed regulation strategy has better performance on reducing fuel consumption by up to 1.16% and 6.66% in driving cycle JN1015 and in ECE R15 working condition individually, as well as smoothing the fluctuation of speed ratio by up to 12.65% and 19.01% in those two driving cycles respectively. The processes determining the speed regulation strategy can provide a new method to formulate the control strategies of CCHMT under different operating conditions particularlly under real-world conditions.
The Social Ecology of Power in Participatory Health Research
Authors: Roura Maria
Published: December 2020

As increasing value is placed on community engagement, co-creation, and transdisciplinarity as essential ingredients to improve policies; participatory health research has gained popularity as a promising avenue for stakeholders to collaborate and solve problems in innovative ways. Participatory research has a history of success but important caveats caution against romanticizing the approach. The assumption that participation will empower participants overlooks potential feelings of disappointment or exploitation amid power imbalances, vested interest, and representativeness issues. This article outlines a multilevel conceptual framework that explicitly situates power dynamics within a wider system of bidirectional interconnections operating at the individual, interpersonal, and structural levels. It then provides a practical tool to examine and address these dynamics in a comprehensive and systematic way. This can be helpful for researchers and community practitioners working in contexts where democratic principles are not broadly endorsed and where power dynamics operate in subtle ways.
Exploring Participation and Interaction in a Bottom-Up Health Promotion Program for Migrant Women in Norway
Authors: Zhao Yan , Gjernes Trude , Hedlund Marianne
Published: December 2020

In this article, we examine the participation and interactions of migrant women and experts who attended health parties. Based on data from participation observations and semi-structured interviews from participants of health parties, we examine how health parties may be considered an innovative bottom-up community program that could influence how migrant women focus, learn, and discuss health issues as well as interact with health care. Through a qualitative analysis, the article demonstrates two ways of organizing health parties and different approaches to the health expert role, and how this impacts the social setting and interactions of a health party. In the Norwegian setting, migrant women are considered by health authorities to be the most difficult group to reach due to cultural and language barriers. Health parties may represent an alternative for bridging these barriers and may create a useful context for active participation and learning about health for migrant women.
Automation Confusion: Mental Models for Safe Vehicle Adoption
Authors: Biondi Francesco N.
Published: December 2020

An accurate and complete understanding of automated systems is necessary for their safe and effective use. In this article, I discuss the importance that driver’s mental models play in advanced driver assistance systems adoption. After discussing the contribution that the wider human factors literature made to the investigation on mental models, I discuss the safety risks associated with motorists’ incomplete or faulty mental models of assistance systems. Furthermore, I examine three solutions to educate motorists on how to operate assistance systems, and how a correct, complete understanding of these systems makes their adoption safer.
Long term follow-up and effect of immunosuppression in acute zonal occult outer retinopathy
Authors: Guijarro Andrea , Muñoz Nelida , Alejandre Nicolas , Recuero Sheila , Sanchez-Pernaute Olga , Carreño Ester
Published: December 2020

Acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR) is a rare syndrome characterized by sudden onset of photopsia, scotomas, and abnormal electrophysiological tests, predominantly affecting young women. Although its pathogenesis remains unknown, auto-reactivity to retinal components is thought to mediate tissue damage. A 42-year-old woman presented with symptoms and examination consistent with the diagnosis of AZOOR. She was treated with azathioprine for 5 years. In spite of the immunosuppressive treatment, clear progression in the visual field, autofluorescence, electrophysiological tests and optical coherence tomography was observed. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) and subcutaneous Abatacept was subsequently started with little efficacy. Hereby, we present a case of progressive AZOOR despite aggressive immunosuppression with 10-year follow up. Currently, there is no consensus regarding management of AZOOR, and the convenience of administering aggressive immunosuppression remains uncertain.
Nostalgic for the unfamiliar: Korean Americans’ ‘imagined affective connection’ to the ancestral homeland
Authors: Suh Stephen Cho
Published: December 2020

This article addresses and attempts to reconcile the epistemological divide in recent return migration scholarship (e.g. diasporic return vs. ancestral homeland migration). Relying on interviews conducted with 1.5/2nd-generation Korean American returnees’, this study finds that an orientation toward the Korean peninsula and an abstracted Korean-ness serves as one of the central motivations for their migration to South Korea. I argue that this orientation and cultural affinity toward the Korean peninsula is not proof of a diasporic ontology but rather of a discursive reality promulgated by popular and legal discourses both in South Korea and the United States. Within these discourses, culture and ethnicity are interpreted not as being socially constructed and located but as essential and natural. Whether or not these perspectives hold ontological merit is thus superfluous—the Korean American returnees’ interviewed believe them to be valid and articulate their salience within their own migration narratives. However, this article also finds that possessing an orientation toward a Korean ethnicity and peninsula does not preclude these individuals from eventually negotiating their migratory identities within and against an authentic’ Korean diasporic subjectivity. These findings showcase how Korean American returnees’ both adopt and challenge dominant discourses about ethnicity, nationality, and diaspora through their transnationalism.
Multi-objective optimization of trimaran sidehull arrangement via surrogate-based approach for reducing resistance and improving the seakeeping performance
Authors: Nazemian Amin , Ghadimi Parviz
Published: December 2020

Trimaran hull forms have been very attractive in the past decade. Hydrodynamic performance of trimaran ships is influenced by sidehull arrangement. The present study was intended to construct a surrogate model for better understanding of the hydrodynamic performance of a trimaran ship. Accordingly, seakeeping and resistance of an inverted-bow trimaran were considered as objectives of a simulation-based design (SBD) optimization framework. Different longitudinal, transversal, and vertical position of trimaran’s sidehull were investigated based on an advanced free-surface steady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) solver within StarCCM+ for resistance calculation and 3D panel method in Ansys-AQWA for seakeeping analyses. Quality and applicability of metamodeling optimization and its computational time were examined for future trimaran hull design projects. Total resistance for drag reduction, pitch and heave motion, and vertical acceleration at fore perpendicular for seakeeping performance were objectives of the study. The optimization results indicated a 6.9% drag reduction and 4.7% improvement in seakeeping performance, which yield lower longitudinal and large transversal distances of the sidehull. Furthermore, the conducted investigations demonstrated the effectiveness and capability of the proposed optimization platform for other marine industrial projects.
Long Non-Coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 Promotes Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by miR-148a-3p/IGF1R Axis
Authors: Xu Guoping , Zhu Yungang , Liu Huijia , Liu Yingying , Zhang Xuening
Published: December 2020

Accumulating evidence have suggested that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as a critical regulator in tumorgenesis. LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 (KCNQ1OT1) has been recently shown to be dysregulated in many cancers. This study was aimed to explore the biological role of KCNQ1OT1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In our study, we first observed the expression level of KCNQ1OT1 was distinctly up-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines compared with adjacent non-cancer tissues and normal liver cell line. And clinical results indicated that higher expression of KCNQ1OT1 was correlated with poor prognosis of patients with HCC. Next, functional studies revealed that knockdown of KCNQ1OT1 induced apoptosis and repressed proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells. In addition, knockdown of KCNQ1OT1 suppressed xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Mechanically, we found that KCNQ1OT1 can promote the expression of IGF1R by functioning as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-148a-3p. In conclusion, our results shown the oncogenic role of KCNQ1OT1 in HCC by regulating the miR-148a-3p/IGF1R axis and may provide a new insight and a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
merlin—A unified modeling framework for data analysis and methods development in Stata
Authors: Crowther Michael J.
Published: December 2020

The challenges in statistics and data science are rapidly growing because access to a multitude of data types continues to increase, as well as the sheer quantity of data. Analysts are now presented with multivariate data, sometimes measured repeatedly, and often requiring the ability to model nonlinear relationships and hierarchical structures. In this article, I present the merlin command, which attempts to provide an extremely general framework for data analysis. From simple settings such as fitting a linear regression model or a Weibull survival model to more complex settings such as fitting a three-level logistic mixed-effects model or a multivariate joint model of multiple longitudinal outcomes (of different types) and a recurrent event and survival with nonlinear effects, merlin can fit them all. I will take a single dataset and attempt to show you the full range of capabilities of merlin and discuss some future directions for the implementation in Stata.
Fast leave-one-out methods for inference, model selection, and diagnostic checking
Authors: Belotti Federico , Peracchi Franco
Published: December 2020

In this article, we describe jackknife2, a new prefix command for jackknifing linear estimators. It takes full advantage of the available leave-one-out formula, thereby allowing for substantial reduction in computing time. Of special note is that jackknife2 allows the user to compute cross-validation and diagnostic measures that are currently not available after ivregress 2sls, xtreg, and xtivregress.
Using information from singletons in fixed-effects estimation: xtfesing
Authors: Magazzini Laura , Bruno Randolph Luca , Stampini Marco
Published: December 2020

In this article, we describe the xtfesing command. The command implements a generalized method of moments estimator that allows exploiting singleton information in fixed-effects panel-data regression as in Bruno, Magazzini, and Stampini (2020, Economics Letters 186: Article 108519).
New findings associated with presumptive systemic lupus erythematosus in a kitten
Authors: Huvé Romain , Fontaine Pascal , Blais Marie-Claude , Conversy Bérénice
Published: December 2020

Case summary

An 8-month-old neutered male domestic shorthair kitten was examined for anorexia, lethargy and palatine ulcers. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was suspected based on a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer and six manifestations of autoimmunity: fever, paronychia, oral ulcers, proteinuria, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. Mastocytemia was observed on the blood smear. Although the clinical presentation of this case meets the classification criteria for SLE in humans, tick-borne disease and histopathology evaluation of the oral and cutaneous lesions would have been necessary to support a definite diagnosis of SLE. Baseline ANA titration was performed in two laboratories with conflicting results, which may reflect substrate differences used for the titration, but a false-positive result cannot be excluded. The cat received prednisolone and all clinical and laboratory abnormalities resolved after two months of treatment. Subsequent ANA titers remained positive and were not correlated to the patient’s clinical progression.

Relevance and novel information

This report describes new findings associated with a presumptive diagnosis of SLE in a kitten, highlighting that SLE may not be ruled out even in young cats and may be associated with mastocytemia. ANA titration is part of the initial diagnostic work-up of SLE but is a non-specific test and discrepancies can be observed between laboratories. The titration of more specific antibodies such as those used in humans would be helpful to diagnose SLE. ANA titration may not correlate with clinical activity of SLE; hence, the interest of an ANA titer follow-up to establish disease control warrants further investigation.
Analysis of Annual Costs of Mobile Clinics in the Southern United States
Authors: Attipoe-Dorcoo Sharon , Delgado Rigoberto , Lai Dejian , Gupta Aditi , Linder Stephen
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Mobile clinics provide an efficient manner for delivering healthcare services to at-risk populations, and there is a need to understand their economics. This study analyzes the costs of operating selected mobile clinic programs representing service categories in dental, dental/preventive, preventive care, primary care/preventive, and mammography/primary care/preventive.

Methods

The methodology included a self-reported survey of 96 mobile clinic programs operating in Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida; these states did not expand Medicaid and have a large proportion of uninsured individuals. Data were collected over an 8-month period from November 2016 to July 2017. The cost analyses were conducted in 2018, and were analyzed from the provider perspective. The average annual estimated costs; as well the costs per patient in each mobile clinic program within different service delivery types were assessed. Costs reported in the study survey were classified into recurrent direct costs and capital costs.

Results

Results indicate that mean operating costs range from about $300 000 to $2.5 million with costs increasing from mammography/primary care/preventive delivery to dental/preventive. The majority of mobile clinics provided dental care followed by dental/preventive. The cost per patient visit for all mobile clinic service types ranged from $65 to $529, and appears to be considerably less than those reported in the literature for fixed clinic services.

Conclusion

The overall costs of all delivery types in mobile clinics were lower than the costs of providing care to Medicare beneficiaries in federally funded health centers, making mobile clinics a sound economic complement to stationary healthcare facilities.
Rapidly Progressive Paraplegia in an 11-Year-Old Girl: A Case of Spinal Cord Infarction and Expected Imaging Findings
Authors: Neth Bryan J. , Hewitt Angela L. , Edlund Wendy S. , Guerin Julie B. , Patterson Marc C. , Keating Gesina F.
Published: December 2020

Rapidly progressive non-traumatic paraplegia in a child is uncommonly encountered in clinical practice, but is an important presentation to consider given the potential for significant morbidity. We present the case of an 11-year-old girl who was found to have hyperacute paraplegia due to spinal cord infarction. We discuss the appropriate workup, differential diagnosis in children and how this relates to adults; and describe the prognosis and current state of management options for spinal cord infarction.
Low Dose Ketamine Infusion for Comorbid Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Chronic Pain: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Dadabayev Alisher R. , Joshi Sonalee A. , Reda Mariam H. , Lake Tamar , Hausman Mark S. , Domino Edward , Liberzon Israel
Published: December 2020

Objective

To date, treatment options (i.e. psychotherapy, antidepressant medications) for patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are relatively few, and considering their limited efficacy, novel therapies have gained interest among researchers and treatment providers alike. Among patients with chronic pain (CP) about one third experience comorbid PTSD, which further complicates their already challenging pharmacological regimens. Low dose ketamine infusion has shown promise in PTSD, and in treatment of CP, however they have not been studied in comorbid population and under rigorous control conditions.

Methods

We compared the effects of a single dose of either ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) or ketorolac (15 mg) over a 40-minute of IV infusion in CP patients with and without PTSD, in double blind, randomized study. Measures were collected before, during, one day and seven days after the infusion. A planned sample size of 40 patients randomly assigned to treatment order was estimated to provide 80% power to detect a hypothesized treatment difference after the infusion. Main Outcome and Measures: The primary outcome measures were change in PTSD symptom severity assessed with the Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain administered by a study clinician 24 hours post infusion. Secondary outcome measures included Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R), VAS and Brief Pain Inventory (Short Form) for pain 1 week after the infusion.

Results

Both treatments offered comparable improvement of PTSD and CP symptoms that persisted for 7 days after the infusion. Patients with comorbid PTSD and CP experienced less dissociative side effects compared to the CP group. Surprisingly, ketorolac infusion resulted in dissociative symptoms in CP patients only.

Conclusions

This first prospective study comparing effects of subanesthetic ketamine versus ketorolac infusions for comorbid PTSD and CP, suggests that both ketamine and ketorolac might offer meaningful and durable response for both PTSD and CP symptoms.
Mission Thrombectomy 2020 (MT2020)—India’s Biggest Healthcare Challenge Yet
Authors: Sundar Kaushik , Panwar Ajay , Yagaval Dileep R. , Huded Vikram , Sylaja P.N.
Published: December 2020

Large vessel occlusion has a disproportionately large contribution to overall mortality and morbidity from stroke. The Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology in the year 2016 announced the launch of Mission Thrombectomy 2020 (MT2020), with the aim of increasing access to stroke thrombectomy globally. Despite 4 years since the start of MT2020, India is falling short in acute stroke therapy including thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Access to timely MT leads to substantial mitigation of adverse stroke outcomes. This in turn leads to an enormous health benefit in that population. MT as a treatment is unevenly and unfairly distributed and increasing access to it is in need of strategies targeting political, economic, and environmental factors. Such strategies are slowly being adopted. In this article, we attempt to look at the major hurdles we face in improving acute stroke care in our country and we also explore options to address them.
Poly(acrylic acid) nanocomposites: Design of advanced materials
Authors: Kausar Ayesha
Published: December 2020

Poly(acrylic acid) is a synthetic polymer that is polymerized from acrylic acid monomers. Poly (acrylic acid) is a high molecular weight polymer having good water solubility. Poly(acrylic acid) also exists in the cross-linked forms. Poly(acrylic acid) is an important polymer for making polymeric blends and nanocomposites. This state-of-the-art review is an endeavour to define the unique capabilities of poly (acrylic acid) to form high performance nanocomposites. The nanofiller nanomaterials including carbon nanotube, graphene, nanodiamond, and inorganic nanoparticles are promising nanofillers for a poly(acrylic acid) matrix. Consequently, the article discusses the following categories: poly(acrylic acid)/carbon nanotube, poly(acrylic acid)/graphene, poly(acrylic acid)/nanodiamond, and poly(acrylic acid)/inorganic nanoparticle nanocomposites. The nanocomposite characteristics are significantly enhanced with the added nanoparticles. Especially, the nanoparticles influenced the electrical conductivity, thermal stability, strength, biocompatibility, adsorption, and anti-bacterial features of the poly(acrylic acid) nanocomposites. Their high performance was related to the interface interactions between the matrix and the nanofillers. The poly (acrylic acid) derived nanocomposites have been used to form advanced hybrid materials for batteries, sensors, antibacterial, and water filters.
Mathematical modeling and computer simulation of needle insertion into soft tissue
Authors: Wittek Adam , Bourantas George , Zwick Benjamin F. , Joldes Grand , Esteban Lionel , Miller Karol
Published: December 2020

In this study we present a kinematic approach for modeling needle insertion into soft tissues. The kinematic approach allows the presentation of the problem as Dirichlet-type (i.e. driven by enforced motion of boundaries) and therefore weakly sensitive to unknown properties of the tissues and needle-tissue interaction. The parameters used in the kinematic approach are straightforward to determine from images. Our method uses Meshless Total Lagrangian Explicit Dynamics (MTLED) method to compute soft tissue deformations. The proposed scheme was validated against experiments of needle insertion into silicone gel samples. We also present a simulation of needle insertion into the brain demonstrating the method’s insensitivity to assumed mechanical properties of tissue.
How to adapt caring services to migration-driven diversity? A qualitative study exploring challenges and possible adjustments in the care of people living with dementia
Authors: Sagbakken Mette , Ingebretsen Reidun , Spilker Ragnhild Storstein
Published: December 2020

Background

Research on how services can be adapted to meet the needs of people with dementia with an immigrant or minority ethnic background is scarce. Several approaches have been discussed: offering services adapted to language and culture, adding bilingual staff to mainstream services, and providing cultural awareness and sensitivity training to health personnel in mainstream services. This study seeks to develop more knowledge of challenges and possible adjustments related to receive and provide public care for people living with dementia with an immigrant or minority ethnic background.

Methods and materials

Through a qualitative design, including 19 single interviews, 3 dyad interviews and 16 focus groups with older immigrants, relatives of immigrants with dementia, and health personnel, we explored experiences and perceptions related to receive and provide care for people with immigrant backgrounds living with dementia in Norway. The analysis were conducted inspired by Kvale and Brinkmann’s three contexts of interpretations.

Results

Challenges related to language and communication were emphasized as the most fundamental barrier to provide adjusted care; exemplified through cases of isolation and agitation among patients not able to communicate. Care services framed by the majority culture creates feelings of alienation and exclusion. Not having access to specific types of food and the possibility to listen to songs, music, literature or TV programs representing a familiar and homely context may prevent use of public dementia care. Findings also point to differences in moral views regarding life-prolonging treatment in advanced stages of dementia.

Conclusion

This study argues that to be able to address challenges related to migration-driven diversity one needs holistic care services that addresses individual as well as socio-cultural needs. A linguistically and culturally diverse workforce may represent an important resource, potentially reducing some of the problems related to communication. On a structural level, it seems necessary to allocate more time and resources, including the use of interpreters, when assessing and getting to know persons with dementia with another linguistic and cultural background. However, shared language does not guarantee understanding. Rather, one needs to become familiar with each person’s way of being ill, on a cultural and individual level, including changes occurring living with progressive dementia. Getting to know a person and his/her family will also facilitate the possibility to ensure a more familiar and homely context. Thus, continuity in relation to language and culture is important, but continuity in relations may be equally important ensuring that people with dementia receive equitable care.
Finding the Local in Islamicate History Writing in India (1200–1400 CE)
Authors: Auer Blain
Published: December 2020

This paper discusses the idea of the “local” as it applies to Persian history writing across the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries and produced in South Asia. Geographers ordered land and space with the concepts of climes (s. iqlīm) and regions (kishvar) which reflected different peoples and climates. Historians more generally related geography to power, and kingdoms (s. mamlakat) served as the primary geographical framework. How did imperial ideologies formulated in thirteenth and fourteenth-century Islamic courts define India through geographical and historical concepts? Does the idea of the “local” exist as a conceptual idea in history writing? This paper is concerned to understand how historical knowledge was used in this political context to define the localities and regions of India in relation to Delhi and other Islamic courts of India.
Development of Smartphone-Controlled Hand and Arm Exoskeleton for Persons with Disability
Authors: Diego J-R. R. , Martinez Dan William C. , Robles Gerald S. , Dizon John Ryan C.
Published: December 2020

This study addresses the need for assistive technology of people who lost control of their upper limbs as well as people who are undergoing rehabilitation. Loss of upper limb control causes lack of functionality and social acceptability especially for many people in developing countries with fewer available technology. The study develops a modern but low-cost prosthetic device that can be controlled by users using a smartphone and can be rapidly manufactured using three-dimensional printing (3D printing) of plastic materials. The development of the prosthetic device includes designing the mechanical and electronic parts, programming the Arduino board and Android application for control, simulation and analysis of 3D printed parts most subjected to stress, and 3D printing the parts under different settings. The device was tested in terms of time spent and capacity of lifting varying loads when not worn and when worn by users. The device can effectively lift 500 grams of load in one second for a person weighing between 50 to 60 kilograms.
Evaluation of audio-voice guided application for neonatal resuscitation: a prospective, randomized, pilot study
Authors: Dinur Gil , Borenstein-Levin Liron , Vider Shachar , Hochwald Ori , Jubran Huda , Littner Yoav , Fleischer-Sheffer Vered , Kugelman Amir
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To examine whether audio-voice guidance application improves adherence to resuscitation sequence and recommended time frames during neonatal resuscitation.

Methods

A prospective, randomized, pilot study examining the use of an audio-voice application for guiding resuscitation on newborn mannequins, based on the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) algorithm. Two different scenarios, with and without voice guidance, were presented to 20 medical personnel (2 midwives, 8 nurses, and 10 physicians) in random order, and their performance videotaped.

Results

Audio-voice guided resuscitation compared with non-guided resuscitation, resulted in significantly better compliance with NRP order sequence (p<0.01), correct use of oxygen supplementation (p<0.01) and performance of MR SOPA (Mask, reposition, suction, open mouth, pressure, airway) (p<0.01), and shortened the time to “positive pressure ventilation” (p<0.01).

Conclusions

In this pilot study, audio-voice guidance application for newborn resuscitation simulation on mannequins, based on the NRP algorithm, improved adherence and performance of NRP guidelines.
THz spintronic emitters: a review on achievements and future challenges
Authors: Papaioannou Evangelos Th. , Beigang René
Published: December 2020

The field of THz spintronics is a novel direction in the research field of nanomagnetism and spintronics that combines magnetism with optical physics and ultrafast photonics. The experimental scheme of the field involves the use of femtosecond laser pulses to trigger ultrafast spin and charge dynamics in thin films composed of ferromagnetic and nonmagnetic thin layers, where the nonmagnetic layer features a strong spin–orbit coupling. The technological and scientific key challenges of THz spintronic emitters are to increase their intensity and to shape the frequency bandwidth. To achieve the control of the source of the radiation, namely the transport of the ultrafast spin current is required. In this review, we address the generation, detection, efficiency and the future perspectives of THz emitters. We present the state-of-the-art of efficient emission in terms of materials, geometrical stack, interface quality and patterning. The impressive so far results hold the promise for new generation of THz physics based on spintronic emitters.
Structure, morphology, size and application of iron phosphate
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxing , Zhang Li , Liu Hui , Cao Binxia , Liu Libo , Gong Weimin
Published: December 2020

Iron phosphates have rich chemical structures with various morphologies and sizes. Since they are environment friendly with good biocompatibility, they have good performances in the fields of catalysis and battery electrode material rising in recent years, as well as in the traditional fields like agriculture and steel. They also have important applications in adsorption, separation and concentration due to their unique structural characteristics. In this paper, iron phosphates are classified based on their common characteristics such as structure, morphology and size, and their application in the past two decades is reviewed, with emphasis on their application in adsorption, separation and concentration of different species. Further, their application in adsorption, separation and concentration of heavy metals is prospected.
Tenure Status, Housing Conditions and Residential Satisfaction of Adolescents
Authors: Matel Anna
Published: December 2020

The paper aims to investigate factors connected with the residential satisfaction of the adolescents and to compare them with the factors influencing residential satisfaction among adults. The primary research was conducted in secondary schools in the Bialystok Functional Area. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and a multinomial logistic regression model. The results show that living standards are a crucial issue in residential satisfaction. Living in an owner-occupied dwelling and having one’s own room reduced the likelihood of being dissatisfied with housing.
Pesticide applicators and cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Varghese Jean V. , Sebastian Elveena M. , Iqbal Thamanna , Tom Antriya A.
Published: December 2020

The objective of the study was to identify and analyse the research done on the occurrence of cancer among pesticide applicators by conducting a systematic review of the scientific literature. PRISMA Guidelines was followed to conduct the study. Search was done in Scopus, PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases with search terms “PESTICIDE APPLICATORS”, “CANCER” using Boolean operator “AND”. Meta-analysis and review articles were excluded from the study. A total of 32 studies were identified among which the average sample size was found to be 60,521. Increased RRs/ORs and positive exposure–response relationships were observed for 31 pesticides. Organophosphate and organochlorine classes of pesticides were the most to be associated with cancer. Lung cancer was observed the most followed by prostate, multiple myeloma and colon cancers among pesticide applicators. It was concluded that there is an increased risk of cancer among the pesticide applicators, whereby which bringing into focus the need to educate and train the workers on following adequate safety measures and making them aware of the hazardous chemicals. Further evaluation on the carcinogenicity of pesticides is also required.