bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calmodulin Regulates Ciliary Beats in the Human Nasal Mucosa Through Adenylate/Guanylate Cyclases and Protein Kinases A/G
Authors: Nguyen Thi Nga , Suzuki Hideaki , Ohkubo Jun-ichi , Wakasugi Tetsuro , Kitamura Takuro
Published: April 2021

Background: The ciliary beat of the airway epithelium, including the sinonasal epithelium, has a significant role in frontline defense and is thought to be controlled by the level of intracellular Ca2+. Involvement of calmodulin and adenylate/guanylate cyclases in the regulation of ciliary beats has been reported, and here we investigated the interrelation between these components of the ciliary beat regulatory pathway. Methods: The inferior turbinates were collected from 29 patients with chronic hypertrophic rhinitis/rhinosinusitis during endoscopic sinonasal surgery. The turbinate mucosa was cut into thin strips, and mucociliary movement was observed under a phase-contrast light microscope equipped with a high-speed digital video camera. Results: The ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was significantly increased by stimulation with 100 μM CALP3 (calmodulin agonist), which was completely suppressed by adding 100 µM SQ22536 (adenylate cyclase inhibitor) and 10 µM ODQ (guanylate cyclase inhibitor) together and by adding 1 µM KT5720 (protein kinase A inhibitor) and 1 µM KT5823 (protein kinase G inhibitor) together. The CBF was significantly increased by stimulation with 10 µM forskolin (adenylate cyclase activator) and 10 µM BAY41-2272 (guanylate cyclase activator) and by stimulation with 100 µM 8-bromo-cAMP (cAMP analog) and 100 µM 8-bromo-cGMP (cGMP analog), which was not changed by adding 1 µM calmidazolium (calmodulin antagonist). Conclusions: These results confirmed that the regulatory pathway of ciliary beats in the human nasal mucosa involves calmodulin, adenylate/guanylate cyclases, and protein kinases A/G and indicate that adenylate/guanylate cyclases and protein kinases A/G act downstream of calmodulin, but not vice versa, and that these cyclases relay calmodulin signaling.
Salvage Radiosurgery for Recurrent Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors: A Single Institutional Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Renfrow Jaclyn J. , Brown Desmond A. , Link Michael J. , Laack Nadia N. , Routman David M. , Pollock Bruce E. , Parney Ian F.
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor is a rare, aggressive intrinsic brain tumor with limited treatment options for recurrent disease. SRS as a treatment modality in the recurrent setting was investigated. Methods: A retrospective review of 8 patients treated with SRS for local or distant recurrence of supratentorial PNET from 1999 to 2014 was conducted. Results: Thirty-six tumors were treated in 15 sessions in 8 patients. The median patient age was 22.5 (interquartile range [IQR], 14.75–43.5 years) with a median 21-month period from diagnosis until SRS (IQR, 16–23.75 months). The median prescription isodose volume was 1.85 cm3 (IQR, 1.85–7.02 cm3); median tumor margin dose was 18 Gy (IQR 14–20 Gy); and median isocenters was 2 (range 1–13). No patients experienced adverse radiation effects. All but 1 patient died, and the median overall survival was 32 months (IQR, 26.75–53.5 months) with median overall survival following SRS of 9.5 months (IQR, 5.25–30 months). Univariate analysis failed to demonstrate a statistically significant association between age, number of gamma knife treatments, interval to gamma knife, and margin radiation dose with overall survival. Discussion/Conclusion: This series supports the use of SRS in patients with recurrent supratentorial PNET following multimodal therapy.
Atopic Dermatitis and Infertility: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Horev Amir , Shalom Guy , Weintraub Adi Y. , Freud Tamar , Cohen Arnon D.
Published: April 2021

Background: Given that common pathophysiological factors play a role in atopic dermatitis (AD) and infertility, we assumed that the 2 conditions might demonstrate an epidemiological association. Large-scale epidemiological data on this topic are lacking. Objectives: The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential association between AD and infertility in a broad community-based population. Methods: A nationwide retrospective cohort study was conducted, analyzing the association between AD and infertility. We compared AD patients diagnosed by a dermatologist between 2002 and 2018 and a matched control group. The study population was subdivided according to age into adults (age ≥18 years) and children (age <18 years), and was further subdivided according to AD severity, classified as either mild or moderate-to-severe according to AD-related drug use and healthcare services utilization. Results: The study included 127,150 patients with AD and 127,071 comparison enrollees. AD was associated with a higher prevalence of infertility than that of the control group (1.4 and 1.1%, respectively). The prevalence of infertility, per 1,000 patient-years, was increased in patients with AD compared to that of the control group (2.17 and 1.7, respectively). Multivariate analysis for infertility demonstrated that AD was a key risk factor for infertility in both males and females with mild AD and moderate-to-severe AD. Conclusion: A significant association between AD and infertility was observed. This association suggests that infertility may be an additional manifestation of AD. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the impact of AD management in the setting of infertility and vice versa.
Hypocaloric Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition Administered in Intestinal Reconnection Postoperative Patients with 3–5 Days Oral Fasting Indicated: A Case Report
Authors: De Aldecoa-Castillo Jesus Manuel , Frydman Tamara Daniela , Rubio-Mendoza Daniela , Alvarado-Vargas Carlos , Alpízar-Salazar Melchor
Published: April 2021

Postoperative patients of intestinal reconnection in Morelia, Mexico, are usually in for 3–5 days of oral fast, which increases protein catabolism in the patient, thus lengthening their hospital stay and increasing the risk of developing metabolic comorbidities. Hypocaloric peripheral parenteral nutrition (HPPN) reduces proteolysis and improves inflammatory markers in these patients. The aim of this case report is to determine whether or not peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) improves inflammation, lessening the postoperative risk. A 62-year-old female patient and her cancer diagnosis and intestinal reconnection surgery are discussed. PPN is not commonly used in this type of patients due to the short duration of the fast, although its use is common before surgery. However, postoperative use can be beneficial as well, and given the delicate postoperative state these patients are in, it is worth it (at least in these cases) to give them all the strength and tools available for a better recovery. PPN in the case discussed herein improved the patient’s inflammatory marker levels in a shorter period.
Epidemiology of Heart Failure Stages in Middle‐Aged Black People in the Community: Prevalence and Prognosis in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Vasan Ramachandran S. , Musani Solomon K. , Matsushita Kunihiro , Beard Walter , Obafemi Olushola B. , Butler Kenneth R. , Chang Patricia P. , Mosley Thomas H. , Fox Ervin
Published: April 2021

Background

Black individuals have a higher burden of risk factors for heart failure (HF) and subclinical left ventricular remodeling.

Methods and Results

We evaluated 1871 Black participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study cohort who attended a routine examination (1993–1996, median age 58 years) when they underwent echocardiography. We estimated the prevalences of 4 HF stages: (1)
Stage 0
: no risk factors; (2)
Stage A
: presence of HF risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, smoking, dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease without clinical myocardial infarction), no cardiac structural/functional abnormality; (3)
Stage B
: presence of prior myocardial infarction, systolic dysfunction, left ventricular hypertrophy, regional wall motion abnormality, or left ventricular enlargement; and (4)
Stage C/D
: prevalent HF. We assessed the incidence of clinical HF, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events, and all‐cause mortality on follow‐up according to HF stage. The prevalence of HF Stages 0, A, B, and C/D were 3.8%, 20.6%, 67.0%, and 8.6%, respectively, at baseline. On follow‐up (median 19.0 years), 309 participants developed overt HF, 390 incurred new‐onset cardiovascular disease events, and 651 individuals died. Incidence rates per 1000 person‐years for overt HF, cardiovascular disease events, and death, respectively, were Stage 0, 2.4, 0.8, and 7.6; Stage A, 7.4, 9.7, and 13.5; Stage B 13.6, 15.9, and 22.0. Stage B HF was associated with a 1.5‐ to 2‐fold increased adjusted risk of HF, cardiovascular disease events and death compared with Stages 0/A.

Conclusions

In our large community‐based sample of Black individuals, we observed a strikingly high prevalence of Stage B HF in middle age that was a marker of high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
On the Relationships Between the Grammatical Genders of Inanimate Nouns and Their Co-Occurring Adjectives and Verbs
Authors: Williams Adina , Cotterell Ryan , Wolf-Sonkin Lawrence , Blasi Damián , Wallach Hanna
Published: April 2021

We use large-scale corpora in six different gendered languages, along with tools from NLP and information theory, to test whether there is a relationship between the grammatical genders of inanimate nouns and the adjectives used to describe those nouns. For all six languages, we find that there is a statistically significant relationship. We also find that there are statistically significant relationships between the grammatical genders of inanimate nouns and the verbs that take those nouns as direct objects, as indirect objects, and as subjects. We defer deeper investigation of these relationships for future work.
Restructuring Marriage and Family in Industrial Kazakhstan: Axes of Inequality and Conjugality in a Former Soviet Steel Plant
Authors: Trevisani Tommaso
Published: April 2021

This paper addresses how changing patterns of conjugality, family and labour play out in a gender-mixed, multi-ethnic industrial setting built in Soviet times and nowadays owned by foreign corporate capital. Matrimonial relationships among Kazakhstani steel workers have come under sustained pressure as a consequence of privatization and labour restructuring. As a result, workers must accommodate their family lives and partnership prospects to their own precarious situation in an increasingly adverse world of industrial labour. Kazakh, Russian, male, female, precarious and regular workers are differently affected and adopt different strategies. Mirroring workplace related inequalities, marriage and family patterns rooted in distinctive traditions in multi-ethnic Kazakhstan are currently being reshaped. At the same time, marriage and family have become more important in determining workers’ wellbeing at work and beyond.
Mazzaella canaliculata comb. nov. based on Chondrus canaliculatus (Gigartinaceae, Rhodophyta) from Peru and Chile

Authors: ARAKAKI NATALIA , RAMIREZ MARIA ELIANA
Published: April 2021

Chondrus canaliculatus is a red seaweed endemic to Peru and Chile. The name currently represents the only species classified in Chondrus from the southern hemisphere. Based on previous phylogenetic analyses, C. canaliculatus is polyphyletic with respect to Chondrus and possesses unique morpho-anatomical features that distinguish it from other genera in the Gigartinaceae. In this study, expanded phylogenetic analyses using rbcL and COI sequences, a combined data set, and morphological details were further examined to address the taxonomy and evolutionary systematics of C. canaliculatus. Genetic analyses placed C. canaliculatus well within the genus Mazzaella and therefore Mazzaella canaliculata comb. nov. is proposed. Mazzaella canaliculata is distinguished from the other Mazzaella from the southern hemisphere by its dichotomous branching, secondary filaments that persist and leave a well-defined involucre, the absence of terminal tubular cells, and tetrasporangia that are borne from secondary filaments from inner cortical and outer medullary cells. The distributional range of M. canaliculata is extended from the central coast of Peru, Bahía de Pucusana, Lima (12° S) to Chiloé, Chile (41° S). This study contributes to the systematics of the Gigartinaceae and formally validates a problematic species based on a combined analysis of molecular, morphological and anatomical data using recently field collected specimens.
Taxonomic revision of the praying mantis subfamily Hierodulinae of China (Mantodea: Mantidae)
Authors: LIU QIN-PENG , LIU ZI-JUN , WANG GUO-LI , YIN ZI-XU
Published: April 2021

Species known from China in the praying mantis subfamily Hierodulinae are revised. A new species, Titanodula menglaensis sp. nov. is described. Hierodula tenuidentata Saussure, 1869 and Dracomantis mirofraternus Shcherbakov & Vermeersch, 2020 are newly recorded from China. Two new synonyms are proposed: Titanodula formosana (Giglio-Tos, 1912) = Titanodula fruhstorferi (Werner, 1916), syn. nov. and Hierodula macrodentata Wang, Zhou & Zhang, 2020 = Hierodula latipennis Brunner de Wattenwyl, 1893. Ootheca and male genitalia of the Chinese species are described and photographed. An identification key to genera and species of Hierodulinae from China is also provided. The current Chinese checklist contains 21 species.
Extinct insular oryzomyine rice rats (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) from the Grenada Bank, southern Caribbean
Authors: MISTRETTA BRITTANY A. , GIOVAS CHRISTINA M. , WEKSLER MARCELO , TURVEY SAMUEL T.
Published: April 2021

The Lesser Antillean island chain in the eastern Caribbean formerly supported a diverse rodent fauna including multiple endemic genera of oryzomyine rice rats. The Caribbean rice rats are now all extinct, with most island populations known only from Holocene palaeontological and zooarchaeological material and with many remaining taxonomically undescribed. Rice rat material is reported from several pre-Columbian Ceramic Age (late Holocene) archaeological sites on the Grenada Bank, including sites on Grenada and Carriacou, but the taxonomic identity and diversity of the Grenada Bank rice rats has remained uncertain. We provide a morphology-based description of rice rats from Grenada and Carriacou, and analyze their phylogenetic and biogeographical affinities to other Caribbean and mainland Neotropical oryzomyines. We recognize two taxa from the Grenada Bank: we describe the new species Megalomys camerhogne from Pearls (Grenada), representing the largest-bodied member of the extinct endemic Caribbean genus Megalomys, and we refer smaller-bodied oryzomyine material from Pearls and Sabazan (Carriacou) to the widespread extant Neotropical species Zygodontomys brevicauda. Body size variation within Megalomys correlates with island bank area and might thus reflect historical rather than modern biogeography. Zygodontomys specimens from the Grenada Bank fall within the upper end of size variation in extant populations and may constitute an example of ‘island gigantism’, but it is possible that occurrence of this widespread species on the Grenada Bank might reflect prehistoric human-mediated translocation. We predict further endemic Caribbean rice rat taxa remain to be discovered, including a possible species of Megalomys on the neighbouring island of St. Vincent.
Notes on batoid fishes of the Socotra Archipelago (north-western Indian Ocean), with four new records
Authors: BOGORODSKY SERGEY V. , ZAJONZ UWE , SAEED FOUAD N. , WEIGMANN SIMON
Published: April 2021

The species composition of batoid fishes from coastal waters of the Socotra Archipelago is reviewed, with confirmed records of the wedgefish Rhynchobatus djiddensis (Forsskål, 1775) and four new records of sharkrays, wedgefishes, and guitarfishes based on collected specimens, including one species from Abd al-Kuri Island, Rhina ancylostoma Bloch & Schneider, 1801 (Rhinidae), and three species from the main island Socotra, Acroteriobatus salalah (Randall & Compagno, 1995) and Rhinobatos punctifer Compagno & Randall, 1987 (Rhinobatidae), and Rhynchobatus australiae Whitley, 1939 (Rhinidae). Among the new records for the Socotra Archipelago, R. australiae represents the first verified record for the Arabian region. In addition, records of four stingray species (Dasyatidae) are verified based on underwater observations accompanied with photographs. All recorded batoid fishes are commercial species caught in the local small-scale fishery. Information on the identification and distribution of each species is provided.
An integrative description of Diploechiniscus oihonnae (Richters, 1903) population from near the original type locality in Merok (Norway)
Authors: KACZMAREK ŁUKASZ , KAYASTHA PUSHPALATA , GAWLAK MAGDALENA , MIODUCHOWSKA MONIKA , ROSZKOWSKA MILENA
Published: April 2021

In the present study, we used integrative taxonomy to describe a population of Diploechiniscus oihonnae (Richters, 1903) from the neotype locality in Merok (Norway). We found no differences in the chaetotaxy formula between the life stages and sex of Dpl. oihonnae. The presence of filaments at Bd in some specimens of Dpl. oihonnae appears to be random and most likely represents the morphological variability of this species. We also obtained DNA sequences of 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS-2, and COI of Dpl. oihonnae from the neotype locality for comparison with the sequences available in GenBank, which showed low genetic differences between the neotypic population and specimens from other localities. Therefore, we decided to establish our specimens from Merok as neotype and neoparatypes of Dpl. oihonnae. Additionally, based on morphological characters, Dpl. horningi (Schuster & Grigarick, 1971) was synonymised with Dpl. oihonnae.
­­Review of the genus Diplazon Nees, 1819 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Diplazontinae) from Japan
Authors: MORISHITA SHUNSUKE , WATANABE KYOHEI
Published: April 2021

Japanese species of the genus Diplazon Nees, 1819 are reviewed. Nine species are identified from Japan and one of them, D. pallicoxa Manukyan, 1987 is newly recorded. The distribution records of D. orientalis (Cameron, 1905) and D. tibiatorius (Thunberg 1822) are removed from the Japanese fauna. A key to Japanese species of this genus is provided.
A new species of Neoperla (Plecoptera: Perlidae) from Motuo County of Tibet, China and redescription of Neoperla perspicillata Zwick, 1980
Authors: LI WENLIANG , WANG YINGYING , LI WEIHAI
Published: April 2021

A new species of the stonefly genus Neoperla, N. bimaculata sp. nov. is described from Motuo County of Tibet of southwest China. The new species compared with related congeners. Based on strongly pigmented specimens, we redescribe the male adult of Neoperla perspicillata Zwick, 1980.
A Resident-Driven Mobile Evaluation System Can Be Used to Augment Traditional Surgery Rotation Evaluations
Authors: Oberoi Kurun Partap S. , Caine Akia D. , Schwartzman Jacob , Rab Sayeeda , Turner Amber L. , Merchant Aziz M. , Kunac Anastasia
Published: April 2021

Background

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requires residents to receive milestone-based evaluations in key areas. Shortcomings of the traditional evaluation system (TES) are a low completion rate and delay in completion. We hypothesized that adoption of a mobile evaluation system (MES) would increase the number of evaluations completed and improve their timeliness.

Methods

Traditional evaluations for a general surgery residency program were converted into a web-based form via a widely available, free, and secure application and implemented in August 2017. After 8 months, MES data were analyzed and compared to that of our TES.

Results

122 mobile evaluations were completed; 20% were solicited by residents. Introduction of the MES resulted in an increased number of evaluations per resident ( P = .0028) and proportion of faculty completing evaluations ( P = .0220). Timeliness also improved, with 71% of evaluations being completed during one’s clinical rotation.

Conclusions

A resident-driven MES is an inexpensive and effective method to augment traditional end-of-rotation evaluations.
The Association of a PRECISE-DAPT Score With No-Reflow in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Selçuk Murat , Çınar Tufan , Şaylık Faysal , Demiroz Önder , Yıldırım Ersin
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the association of admission PREdicting bleeding Complications In patients undergoing Stent implantation and subsEquent Dual Anti Platelet Therapy (PRECISE-DAPT) score with the development of no-reflow (NR) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this observational, retrospective study, 335 consecutive STEMI patients who were treated with primary PCI were included. We classified the study population into 2 groups: patients with a PRECISE-DAPT score <25 and those with a PRECISE-DAPT score ≥25. Overall, 30 (8.9%) patients developed NR. The mean PRECISE-DAPT score (20.03 ± 15.32 vs 11.33 ± 12.18; P = .005) was significantly higher in cases who developed NR. Moreover, arrhythmic complications, in-hospital shock, and in-hospital mortality rates were significantly higher in patients with a PRECISE-DAPT score ≥25 compared to those with a PRECISE-DAPT score <25. According to a multivariable analysis, the PRECISE-DAPT score was found to be independently linked with NR (odds ratio: 2.87, with P = .015). To our knowledge, these data are the first in major medical science databases to determine the relationship between the PRECISE-DAPT score and the NR phenomenon in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI.
Critical Inhaler Administration Errors of Patients on Pressurized Meter Dose Inhaler (pMDI): A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Malaysia
Authors: Rajah Retha , Tang Yi Woei , Ho Shien Chee , Tan Jo Lyn , Mat Said Muhamad Shuhaimi , Ooi Lee Hwang
Published: April 2021

Background: Inhaler technique errors can affect the disease outcome through reduced deposition of medication in the lungs with certain errors were more likely to deter the optimum drug from reaching the lung. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) critical technique errors among asthma and COPD patients, and to investigate the predictors of those errors. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational, and multi-centered study conducted in 3 major hospitals in the state of Penang, Malaysia. Asthma and COPD patients aged 18 years or older consented to the study were consecutively recruited if they were at least on 1 pMDI without mouthpiece spacer or facemask space. Direct observation of the patient’s technique was recorded using a standard checklist and certain steps in the checklist were pre-determined as critical steps. The number of patients missed or incorrectly performed the steps including the critical steps were documented. Using logistic regression, the factors associated with the critical errors were determined, and the correlation was evaluated between age and pMDI knowledge score with critical inhalation steps score. Results: Of 209 patients observed, only less than half (40.7%) could perform all the critical pMDI steps correctly. Low education level was the only factor associated with critical inhaler errors. The increased knowledge of their inhaled medication was found to positively correlate with the correct critical inhalation steps. The critical errors also increase with the increased age of patients. Conclusion: The majority of the study population make inhalation error particularly in critical steps. Training and education intervention programs may help patients with lower education level, as well as those of advanced age and lack of knowledge of their inhaled medication because those populations are at a greater risk of committing critical errors in their use of pMDI.
A Betrayal of Trust? Back to the Drawing Board for Medical Manslaughter
Authors: Lilleker Jonathan
Published: April 2021

In seeking to provide a solution to the issues raised by medical manslaughter, Wheeler and Wheeler have recently proposed reform by way of a reconceptualised offence based on a breach of a fiduciary duty amounting to a betrayal of trust. This article provides an examination of gross negligence manslaughter, before undertaking a review of the proposals advocated by the authors. Applying the proposed offence to more contemporary cases than initially examined by Wheeler and Wheeler, namely, Misra and Srivastava, Kovvali, Rudling, Rose and Sellu, it is argued that despite the initial appeal of a betrayal of trust test, the proposals advocated by the authors do little to remedy the flaws within the current law.
Are We Getting Less Sexist? A Ten-Year Gap Comparison Analysis of Sexism in a Portuguese Sample
Authors: Gomes Alexandra , Gonçalves Gabriela , Sousa Cátia , Santos Joana , Giger Jean-Christophe
Published: April 2021

Widely and slowly, discrimination against women based upon gender has become socially unacceptable. However, less is known about how sexist beliefs have progressed in the last years and if we are responding to this social antagonizing of a sexist discourse. Our goal was to verify the existence of differences in ambivalent sexism and neosexism over a ten-year gap in a Portuguese adult sample and to assess possible modifications in the relationship between the variables. A cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted using two independent groups, with measures taken in 2009 and then in 2019. Both groups were invariant in terms of average age and proportion of sexes. Our results show a decrease in hostile and benevolent forms of sexism, while neosexism remains constant. The relationships between variables suggest that sexist beliefs are changing to accommodate subtler and modernized forms of sexism, like neosexism, that deny the existence of discrimination against women, resent discrimination complaints, and maintain a paternalistic view of women. Neosexism also seems to have a stronger correlation with hostile sexism than with benevolent forms of sexism in the male subsample. This relationship is stronger for the 2019 sample. These relationships suggest that sexism is more deeply rooted than we would like to admit and adapts to social discourse. Despite our best efforts, it is yet to be overcome.
Family Poverty in Black and White: Results From a New Poverty Measure
Authors: Sullivan Dennis H. , Ziegert Andrea L.
Published: April 2021

Advances in poverty measurement have opened new opportunities for investigating differences in poverty among racial and ethnic groups. Some researchers have attributed differences in poverty to differences in group characteristics, such as marital status or educational attainment, whereas others have focused on labor market differences or to differential benefits from taxes and transfer payments. This paper brings together all of these approaches to investigate the history of Black–White poverty differentials for families with children from 1980 to 2014. We break the history of the Black–White poverty differential into three “eras”: 1980 to 1992, when the racial differential was largely driven by the business cycle; 1992 to 2002, when the racial differential was reduced substantially; and 2002 to 2014, when the differential could have been strongly influenced by the Great Recession, but was not. For each era, we examine the extent to which the changes in the poverty differential were influenced by changes in tax and transfer payment policy and by changes in family demographic and labor market characteristics. We find that labor market changes and changes in tax credits and transfer payments have strongly influenced the differential, though racial differences in marital structure, family work effort, and heads’ educational attainment also continue to play a role.
Status, imitation, and affective dissonance in international relations
Authors: Wood Steve , Cox Lloyd
Published: April 2021

This article explores the interplay of status, imitation and affective dissonance in international relations. Some states and nations selectively imitate others to correct perceived status deficits. Over time imitation can diminish ideals of group distinctiveness and independence from models and norm-setters, stimulating a condition we term affective dissonance. This complex of processes underlies some tensions in contemporary world politics. We apply the propositions to case studies of Russia and China whose leaders assert themselves as the principal loci and prescribers of national authenticity.
Probing the Fiscal Implications of Multipurpose Development Districts: An Institutional Analysis of Florida Community Development Districts
Authors: Deslatte Aaron , Scott Tyler A. , Carter David P.
Published: April 2021

Across the U.S., private land developers are forgoing traditional financing of new suburban infrastructure in favor of an institutional innovation in special government—multipurpose development districts. This article presents an exploratory analysis of the fiscal characteristics of this relatively novel financing and governing mechanism. Focusing on residential developments financed through the creation of Florida multipurpose development districts, or community development districts (CDDs), we ask: What is the general profile of CDD borrowing and spending? What functional trends are reflected in CDD borrowing and spending and how do they compare to those of their general-purpose counterparts? How does CDD borrowing and spending change over time as residents, not developers, take over responsibility for district administration? We consider two institutional design principles important for self-governance of such developments—accountability and representation. The discussion raises self-governance implications, particularly whether multipurpose development district financing creates incentives for developers to “oversupply” infrastructure to maximize profits.
COVID-19 and the New Normal in Developing Societies: An Appraisal of Nigerians’ Adaptation to Digital Life in Public and Private Spheres
Authors: Maikomo John Moses , Targema Tordue Simon , Obun-Andy Maria Kisugu
Published: April 2021

COVID-19 significantly altered individual patterns of interaction across the globe. The impediment on physical contact and emphasis on social distancing as measures of curbing its spread gave rise to new forms of interactions among individuals. In the ensuing new normal, digital life took the center stage, anchoring engaging and meaningful interactions of individuals in both public and private spheres. This study appraises the adoption of digital life in Nigeria during this period. Hinged on the technological determinism theory, the study examines the sudden digital migration in Nigeria and identifies the factors that facilitated the process, on the one hand, and the obstacles that inhibited it, on the other. Using secondary data derived from books, official websites, and media reports, the study has established that although the Nigerian society adopted digital life as alternative to face-to-face interactions out of expedience, a combination of systemic, structural, socioeconomic, and environmental factors constrained the process with grave implications on the overall (expected) impact to both individual and national developments. The study concludes that effective digitization in Nigeria requires a holistic approach toward addressing germane issues that retard socioeconomic development in the country—such as endemic poverty, structural inequality and class differences, uneven development between urban and rural communities, low computer literacy and information and communications technology (ICTs) access, poor electricity supply, poor global system for mobile communication (GSM) and Internet access, gender factor and vulnerable groups, and digital frauds—in order to create the enabling environment for productive digitization to thrive.
Family Dynamics at the Intersection of Languages, Cultures, and Aspirations: Reflections of Young Adults from Immigrant Families
Authors: Nesteruk Olena
Published: April 2021

This study examined family dynamics and parent–child relations that stem from the intersection of languages, cultures, and aspirations of first-generation parents and their U.S.-raised children. Based on 50 in-depth interviews with young adults from ethnically diverse immigrant families, this study explored reflections and distinctive themes characteristic of the participants’ immigrant childhoods and relationships with parents. From a more mature perspective of young adulthood, participants’ narratives demonstrated acceptance of the unique features of their family dynamics and appreciation of their immigrant parents’ idiosyncrasies and sacrifices. Despite some struggles to bridge generational and cultural gaps through language and cultural brokering, these young adults were highly motivated by their parents’ aspirations and work ethic to uphold their end of the immigrant bargain and achieve success. The study has important implications for educators, counselors, and other practitioners working with immigrant parents and their children.
Important relationships in a multilevel world: The role of network structure in explaining closeness of relationships and access to resources in later life
Authors: Raissi Mahin , Ackland Robert
Published: April 2021

We examine why some relationships are more important than others, using a multilevel statistical model and data on personal networks of Australians 50 years and older, collected via a purpose-built Facebook application. While the network data were collected automatically, participants in our study provided data on the importance of their relationships, measured by perceived closeness and access to resources. We find that the information on how network members are connected with each other (network structure) provides powerful insights into what makes a relationship important. When importance is measured by closeness of relationship, important alters are kin, and are alters who are highly connected with others or act as bridges between different groups. When importance is measured by access to resources, important alters are those who act as bridges and are in more densely-knit networks. We discuss our findings in a broader context of research into important relationships in later life, and collecting personal network data via online social networks.
Japanese labor studies: Women and non-standard workers
Authors: Nagamatsu Namie
Published: April 2021

This article provides an overview of Japanese labor studies conducted since the 2000s; it particularly focuses on studies dealing with women’s work and non-standard employment. By reviewing these studies, the article aims to show how the Japanese employment system creates and maintains economic disparities between men and women and between different employment statuses. First, a review of the literature on women’s labor indicates that the Japanese employment system is discriminatory toward women. Specifically, the article finds that Japan’s long-term employment and seniority-based systems are preventing women from developing their careers. Next, the article reviews research on non-standard employment with a focus on disparities between standard and non-standard workers and explains how differences in human resource development policies have created and maintained large discrepancies between employment statuses. Therefore, the study concludes that the established Japanese employment system causes large disparities between men and women, and in employment statuses.
Anesthesia and airway management in a patient with acromegaly and tracheal compression caused by a giant retrosternal goiter: a case report
Authors: Sun Xiaohui , Chen Chan , Zhou Ruihao , Chen Guo , Jiang Chunling , Zhu Tao
Published: April 2021

A giant retrosternal goiter can lead to compression of vital organs in the mediastinum with high risk of acute cardiorespiratory decompensation. Additionally, patients with acromegaly are prone to developing severe airway obstruction and ventilation difficulties during anesthetic induction, leading to hypoxia and an increased partial pressure of carbon dioxide. Therefore, more comprehensive airway management strategies are needed. We herein describe a 57-year-old man with acromegaly and severe tracheal obstruction caused by a giant retrosternal goiter. He presented with a 1-week history of progressive dyspnea and was scheduled to undergo right lobe thyroidectomy and retrosternal goiter thyroidectomy. We created a comprehensive emergency plan for a difficult airway, including regional and topical anesthesia for awake endotracheal intubation, sevoflurane inhalation, small doses of midazolam and sufentanil to increase tolerance, self-made extended-length tracheostomy, video laryngoscope-assisted fiber-optic bronchoscopy, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and surgical tracheostomy. Importantly, tetracaine was inhaled through an atomizer, and a laryngotracheal topical anesthesia applicator was used to spray the larynx with 1% tetracaine to reduce stimulation during intubation. The giant goiter was successfully removed through the cervical approach. A carefully designed airway management strategy and close communication among a multidisciplinary operation team are the basis of perioperative anesthetic management for these patients.
Photosensitization Induced by Heterophyllaea pustulata in Goats: Sequential Development of Skin Lesions
Authors: Micheloud Juan F. , Luján Lluís , Colque-Caro Luis A. , Núñez-Montoya Susana C. , Barbeito Claudio G. , Portiansky Enrique L. , Gimeno Eduardo J.
Published: April 2021

Five adult Saanen goats received a single oral dose of Heterophyllaea pustulata containing 42.25 μg/kg rubiadin (anthraquinone) and 3 adult goats were untreated controls. All goats were exposed to sunlight and sequential ear skin biopsies were collected before treatment and at 32 hours, 3 days, 8 days, and 15 days after treatment. Changes at 32 hours after dosing included epidermal spongiosis, single cell death and acantholysis, an increased BAX/BCL-2 protein ratio, and dermal edema. Lesions at day 3 included epidermal and adnexal necrosis, crust formation, and acanthosis. Acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, and dermal fibrosis and neovascularization were present at day 15. The pro-apoptotic (BAX)/anti-apoptotic (BCL-2) protein ratio increased at 32 hours, whereas epidermal and dermal PCNA immunolabeling increased between days 8 and 15 after treatment. The cutaneous lesions were consistent with sunlight-induced damage, and the occurrence in treated but not control goats indicates photosensitization.
The interplay of personal values and uses of music in explaining music listener preferences
Authors: Manolika Maria , Baltzis Alexandros
Published: April 2021

Ample evidence suggests that people prefer types of music that allow them to portray an image to others, yet less is known about the process through which listeners’ characteristics influence musical preferences. This study, therefore, examined the association between values and musical preferences, and whether uses of music mediate, at least in part, this association in a sample of 364 participants. Multiple regressions revealed that values contributed differentially to the prediction of musical preferences. We also found that cognitive use of music partially mediated the association between openness to change values and preferences for music emphasizing both complexity and rebelliousness. Moreover, the association between conservation values, as well as self-transcendence values, and a preference for music emphasizing positive emotions was partially mediated by emotional use of music. These findings underscore the importance of accounting for specific uses of music when examining how musical preferences express the values of its listeners.
Modal analysis of an iced offshore composite wind turbine blade
Authors: Lagdani Oumnia , Tarfaoui Mostapha , Nachtane Mourad , Trihi Mourad , Laaouidi Houda
Published: April 2021

In the far north, low temperatures and atmospheric icing are a major danger for the safe operation of wind turbines. It can cause several problems in fatigue loads, the balance of the rotor and aerodynamics. With the aim of improving the rigidity of the wind turbine blade, composite materials are currently being used. A numerical work aims to evaluate the effect of ice on composite blades and to determine the most adequate material under icing conditions. Different ice thicknesses are considered in the lower part of the blade. In this paper, modal analysis is performed to obtain the natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes of the structure. This analysis is elaborated using the finite element method (FEM) computer program through ABAQUS software. The results have laid that the natural frequencies of the blade varied according to the material and thickness of ice and that there is no resonance phenomenon.
Ramp Lesion Subtypes: Prevalence, Imaging, and Arthroscopic Findings in 2156 Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions
Authors: Thaunat Mathieu , Ingale Pramod , Penet Alexandre , Kacem Samih , Haidar Ibrahim , Bauwens Paul-Henri , Fayard Jean-Marie
Published: April 2021

Background:

Ramp lesions are defined as a particular type of injury within the posterior horn of the medial meniscus and its meniscocapsular attachments. Five subtypes have been described: type 1, meniscocapsular lesion; type 2, partial superior lesion; type 3, partial inferior lesion or hidden type; type 4, complete tear in the red zone; and type 5, complete double tear.

Purpose:

(1) To determine the prevalence of different subtypes of ramp lesions in patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). (2) To describe the characteristics of ramp lesions based on imaging and diagnostic arthroscopy.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

All patients who underwent arthroscopic ACLRs between November 2015 and November 2018 by 2 senior surgeons at 1 institution were evaluated retrospectively (1) to describe the subtypes of ramp lesions diagnosed intraoperatively using transnotch arthroscopic exploration of the posteromedial compartment and (2) to look for any factors significantly associated with these subtypes. The following parameters were studied: demographics; history and clinical findings including time between injury and surgery, side-to-side laxity, and pivot shift; lesions missed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and medial proximal tibial bone contusion visible on MRI scans; and arthroscopic confirmation of ramp lesion (ie, prevalence), associated lateral meniscal tear, or medial chondral tear.

Results:

Out of 2156 primary or revision arthroscopic reconstructions, 334 ramp lesions were confirmed, giving a prevalence of 15.5%. The subtype distribution was as follows: type 1, 47.9%; type 2, 4.8%; type 3, 11.4%; type 4, 28.7%; type 5, 7.2%. Multivariate analysis showed that gross pivot shift was significantly associated with complete ramp tears (odds ratio, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.7-17.2). Hidden lesions (type 3, inferior partial tear in the red zone) were the most likely to be missed on preoperative MRI (45.9%).

Conclusion:

In a population undergoing ACLR, the prevalence of ramp lesions was 15.5%. Among the subtypes of ramp lesion, the most common was a meniscocapsular junction tear (type 1). Partial inferior tears (type 3) were the most likely to be missed on preoperative MRI scans. Gross pivot shift was significantly associated with complete ramp tears (types 1, 4, and 5).
Report of a Pilot Program Using a Milk-Free Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food Made From Soya, Maize, and Sorghum to Treat Severe Acute Malnutrition
Authors: Banda Theresa , Chawanda Khataza , Tsuchida Wakako , Kathumba Slyvester
Published: April 2021

Background:

Globally, ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) with peanut and milk as the primary source of protein is used to treat children having severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Valid Nutrition in collaboration with Ajinomoto Co., Inc has developed a nonmilk RUTF from soybean, maize, and sorghum (SMS-RUTF) and demonstrated its efficacy.

Objective:

To pilot SMS-RUTF in treatment of SAM within Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) program in Malawi, Africa.

Methods and Findings:

This was implemented from January to July 2018 and its performance was based on the SPHERE criteria and Ministry of Health CMAM guidelines. A total of 742 children were treated with SMS-RUTF. Of these, 94.5% (95% CI: 92.6-96.0) were successfully discharged to supplementary feeding program (SFP) with middle upper arm circumference (MUAC) ≥115 mm or directly to their homes with MUAC ≥125 mm; 3.6% (95% CI: 2.4-5.3) defaulted, 1.9 % (95% CI: 1.0-2.1) died, and 0.0% nonresponders. Analysis of 222 children who were discharged home with MUAC ≥125 mm gave a recovery rate of 88.3% (95% CI: 88.3-92.2), a defaulter rate of 6.8 % (95% CI: 3.8-10.9), a mortality rate of 1.3% (95% CI: 0.3-3.9), and a nonresponders rate of 1.8% (95% CI: 0.5-4.5). These outcomes exceed SPHERE minimum performance standards. The mean (standard deviation) length of stay of children discharged to SFP and discharged directly home were 42.0 (20.9) and 46.1 (21.1) days, respectively. These outcomes are within the recommended average duration of <60 days.

Conclusion:

The pilot CMAM program using SMS-RUTF recipe that contains no milk or peanuts achieved SPHERE minimum standards. Based on this evidence, SMS-RUTF should be encouraged for treatment of SAM in children between 6 and 59 months in routine CMAM programs in Malawi and globally.
Review of the Micronutrient Situation in Rwanda
Authors: Arsenault Joanne E. , Olney Deanna K.
Published: April 2021

Background:

Rwanda’s commitment to reducing malnutrition is evident in their multisectoral nutrition policy and wide array of nutrition partners. However, the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies and the suitability of current strategies to address existing deficiencies is unclear.

Objective:

To review the available evidence related to the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies across the life cycle and strategies in place to address them.

Methods:

We reviewed scientific and grey literature on nutritional problems in Rwanda, emphasizing micronutrient deficiencies and anemia, and current strategies to address micronutrient malnutrition.

Results:

Overall, there is scant evidence related to the types and prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies among populations across the life cycle in Rwanda. Existing evidence is primarily limited to outdated or small regional surveys focusing on iron or vitamin A among women and young children. Surveys have assessed the prevalence of anemia and indicate that anemia is very high among young children and moderately high among other age-groups. However, there are limited data on the context-specific causes of anemia in Rwanda across population groups. Current nutrition strategies mainly target women and young children and are primarily designed to reduce vitamin A deficiency and/or anemia caused by micronutrient deficiencies.

Conclusions:

Rwanda has many nutrition programs in place that address micronutrient deficiencies in young children and a few for women of reproductive age. However, gaps exist in knowledge of the extent of different types of micronutrient deficiencies among all populations across the life cycle and whether the delivery of nutrients through current programs is meeting actual needs.