bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
δ-Tocotrienol is the Most Potent Vitamin E Form in Inhibiting Prostate Cancer Cell Growth and Inhibits Prostate Carcinogenesis in Ptenp−/− Mice
Authors: Wang Hong , Yan William , Sun Yuhai , Yang Chung S.
Published: February 2022

Vitamin E compounds, consisting of α, β, γ, and δ forms of tocopherols and tocotrienols, display different cancer preventive activities in experimental models. Tocotrienols may have higher potential for clinical use due to their lower effective doses in laboratory studies. However, most studies on tocotrienols have been carried out using cancer cell lines. Strong data from animal studies may encourage the use of tocotrienols for human cancer prevention research. To examine the cancer inhibitory activity of different vitamin E forms, we first investigated their inhibitory activities of different vitamin E forms in prostate cancer cell lines. We found that δ-tocotrienol (δT3) was the most effective form in inhibiting cell growth at equivalent doses. Because of this in vitro potency, δT3 was further studied using prostate-specific Pten−/− (Ptenp−/−) mice. We found that 0.05% δT3 in diet reduced prostate adenocarcinoma multiplicity by 32.7%, featuring increased apoptosis and reduced cell proliferation. The inhibitory effect of 0.05% δT3 in diet was similar to that of 0.2% δ-tocopherol (δT) in diet reported previously. Our further study on the δT3-induced transcriptome changes indicated that δT3 inhibited genes in blood vessel development in the prostate of Ptenp−/− mice, which was confirmed by IHC. Together, our results demonstrate that δT3 effectively inhibits the development of prostate adenocarcinoma in Ptenp−/− mice, which involves inhibition of proliferation and angiogenesis and promotion of apoptosis.

Prevention Relevance:

We demonstrated that δ-tocotrienol is the most active vitamin E form in inhibiting the growth of several prostate cancer cell lines. In transgenic Ptenp−/− mice, δ-tocotrienol inhibited the formation of prostate cancer. This result would encourage and help design clinical studies for the application of δ-tocotrienol for prostate cancer prevention.
Serum Eosinophilic Cationic Protein Is a Reliable Biomarker for Childhood Asthma
Authors: Rydell Niclas , Nagao Mizuho , Movérare Robert , Ekoff Helena , Sjölander Anders , Borres Magnus P. , Fujisawa Takao
Published: February 2022

Background: Eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) is associated with airway inflammation and asthma. However, the clinical value of measuring ECP in childhood asthma is not fully known. We aimed to study the diagnostic performance of serum ECP and other common asthma biomarkers, individually and in combinations. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 5–16-year-old children with current asthma (CA) (n = 37), transient asthma (TA) (n = 43), (previous history of wheezing/asthma), and healthy children (HC) (n = 86) were investigated for ECP, blood eosinophil count (B-Eos), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and lung function, i.e., spirometry (forced expiratory volume during the first second [FEV1]/forced vital capacity [FVC] ratio). Results: Both ECP and B-Eos were higher in CA compared to TA (p < 0.01) and HC (p < 0.0001). ECP and B-Eos were also higher in TA compared to HC (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). FeNO was higher in CA (p < 0.0001) and TA (p < 0.01) compared to HC but similar between the asthma groups. The FEV1/FVC ratio was lower in CA compared to TA and HC (both p < 0.01) but similar between TA and HC. The best diagnostic performance regarding CA was found for ECP and B-Eos with receiver operating characteristics area under curve (AUC) of 0.801 and 0.810, respectively. The optimal cutoff for ECP (29 μg/L) yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 70.3% and 81.4%. The corresponding AUCs for FeNO and FEV1/FVC were 0.732 and 0.670, respectively. ECP and B-Eos showed the highest AUCs (0.669 and 0.673) for differentiation between CA and TA. Combining ECP with FeNO and FEV1/FVC increased the odds ratio (OR) for having CA from OR 3.97–10.3 for the single biomarkers to OR 20.2 (95% confidence interval: 5.76–68.6). Conclusion: Our results show that serum ECP is a reliable biomarker in the diagnosis of childhood asthma, with additional value in combination with FeNO and FEV1/FVC, and that ECP can be an alternative to B-Eos.
Safety attitudes, burnout and well-being among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: an Indo-Pacific regional cross-sectional study
Authors: Kanneganti Abhiram , Tan Benjamin Yong Qiang , Nik Ab Rahman Nik Hisamuddin , Leow Aloysius Sheng-Ting , Denning Max , Goh Ee Teng , Lim Lucas Jun Hao , Sia Ching-Hui , Chua Ying Xian , Kinross James , Tan Melanie , Tan Li Feng , Wan Yi Min , Sharma Arvind , Danuaji Rivan , Komal Kumar RN , Sheng Chew Keng , Kheng Cheah Phee , Abdul Karim Sarah Shaikh , Abdul Ghani Mohd Najib , Mahmud Suhaimi , Chan Yiong Huak , Sharma Vijay Kumar , Sim Kang , Ooi Shirley Beng Suat
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had an unprecedented impact in Asia and has placed significant burden on already stretched healthcare systems. We examined the impact of COVID-19 on the safety attitudes among healthcare workers (HCWs), as well as their associated demographic and occupational factors, and measures of burnout, depression and anxiety.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey study utilising snowball sampling was performed involving doctors, nurses and allied health professions from 23 hospitals in Singapore, Malaysia, India and Indonesia between 29 May 2020 and 13 July 2020. This survey collated demographic data and workplace conditions and included three validated questionnaires: the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ), Oldenburg Burnout Inventory and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. We performed multivariate mixed-model regression to assess independent associations with the SAQ total percentage agree rate (PAR).

Results:

We obtained 3,163 responses. The SAQ total PARs were found to be 35.7%, 15.0%, 51.0% and 3.3% among the respondents from Singapore, Malaysia, India and Indonesia, respectively. Burnout scores were highest among respondents from Indonesia and lowest among respondents from India (70.9%–85.4% vs. 56.3%–63.6%, respectively). Multivariate analyses revealed that meeting burnout and depression thresholds and shifts lasting ≥12 h were significantly associated with lower SAQ total PAR.

Conclusion:

Addressing the factors contributing to high burnout and depression and placing strict limits on work hours per shift may contribute significantly towards improving safety culture among HCWs and should remain priorities during the pandemic.
Frailty prevalence and its associations in a subacute geriatric ward in Singapore
Authors: Chen Christine Yuanxin , Chandran Thulasi , Barrera Vivian Cantiller , Tan-Pantanao Rachelle Tumbokon , Quicho Tanya Joy Zapata , Thant Zin Tun , Goh Kiat Sern
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

Our aim was to study the prevalence of frailty and its associated factors in a subacute geriatric ward.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study of 167 participants between June 2018 and June 2019. Baseline demographics and participants’ Mini Nutritional Assessment, Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini Mental State Examination, Charlson’s Comorbidity Index and LACE index scores were obtained. Functional measurements such as modified Barthel’s Index scores and hand grip strength (HGS) were taken. Frailty was assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and the FRAIL scale. Data on history of healthcare utilisation, medications, length of stay, selected blood investigations and presence of geriatric syndromes were also collected.

Results:

The prevalence of pre-frailty (CFS 4) and frailty (CFS ≥ 5) was 16.2% and 63.4%, respectively. There were significant associations between CFS and age (pre-frail vs. non-frail: odds ratio [OR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.25, P = 0.006; frail vs. non-frail: OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.15, P = 0.021), HGS at discharge (frail vs. non-frail: OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82–0.99, P = 0.025), serum albumin (frail vs. non-frail: OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82–0.99, P = 0.035) and the presence of urinary incontinence (frail vs. non-frail: OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.19–7.77, P = 0.021).

Conclusion:

Frailty is highly prevalent in the subacute geriatric setting and has many associated factors. In this study, independent factors associated with frailty were age, HGS at discharge, serum albumin and urinary incontinence. This has implications for future resource allocation for frail older inpatients and may help direct further research to study the effectiveness of frailty-targeted interventions.
A New Species of Diploderma (Reptilia: Squamata: Agamidae) from the upper Salween River in Eastern Tibet, China
Authors: WANG KAI , ZHANG YINPENG , LI XIANQI
Published: February 2022

A new species of Diploderma is described from the upper Salween River Valley in eastern Tibet, China based on morphological and genetic data. The new species is morphologically most similar and phylogenetically closely related to D. laeviventre, but it can be easily diagnosed by having distinct conical scales on the post rictal region of the head, distinctively keeled ventral head and body scales, and different coloration of gular spots and dorsolateral stripes in both sexes. The taxonomic discovery further highlights the underestimated diversity of the genus and the importance of habitat conservation of the neglected hot-dry valley ecosystems in the Hengduan Mountain Region of China.
Return to the Source: Cabral, Fanon, the Dialectic of Revolutionary Decolonization/Revolutionary Re-Africanization, and the African Renaissance
Authors: Rabaka Reiland
Published: February 2022

In the most general sense, the African Renaissance entails Africans combatting the racialization, colonization, and neo-colonization of Africa and committing to the decolonization, re-Africanization, and liberation of Africa. When Amilcar Cabral and Frantz Fanon’s radical theory and revolutionary praxis (i.e., Cabralism and Fanonism, respectively) are placed into critical dialog a groundbreaking dialectic of revolutionary decolonization and revolutionary re-Africanization emerges. This article argues that this dialectic is sorely needed to reanimate—perhaps even radicalize and, indeed, revolutionize—contemporary conceptions of the African Renaissance. To that end, first, this article will explore the conceptual connections between Cabral’s theory of “return to the source” and Fanon’s theory of “the wretched of the earth.” Next, it will investigate Cabral’s distinct discourse on revolutionary decolonization and its implications for the African Renaissance. Lastly, the discussion will examine the ways in which Fanon’s theory of radical political education is key to understanding his and Cabral’s conceptions of, and key contributions to, both revolutionary decolonization and revolutionary re-Africanization, as well as their reverberations within the discourse on the African Renaissance.
The Effects of Religiosity on Depression Trajectories After Widowhood
Authors: Hawes Frances M. , Tavares Jane L. , Ronneberg Corina R. , Miller Edward Alan
Published: February 2022

This longitudinal study analyzed data from the 2006–2016 waves of the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Trajectories of depression among older adults ≥ 50 years ( N = 1254) were examined over time to explore patterns of depression among those entering widowhood and the potential impact of religiosity on depressive symptoms during various stages of widowhood. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis was used to examine the association between widowhood and depression and the role of religiosity as a moderator of this association. Older adults experienced a statistically significant increase in depressive symptomology after the onset of widowhood, and depressive symptomology decreased post widowhood, but did not return to pre-widowhood levels. Additionally, high religious service attendance and higher intrinsic religiosity were both associated with lower depressive symptomology. High religious service attendance moderated the relationship between widowhood and depression among widowed older adults living alone.
Complex Fracture Closure Pressure Analysis During Shut-in: A Numerical Study
Authors: Wang Daobing , Ge Hongkui , Wang Xiaoqiong , Wang Yang , Sun Dongliang , Yu Bo
Published: February 2022

Conventional fracture closure models typically assume homogeneous formation. This assumption renders complex fracture closure pressure analysis during shut-in insufficient at present. In this paper, we use a cohesive zone method (CZM)-based finite element model to obtain the fracture closure pressure and minimum horizontal principal stress of the major fracture and the branch fracture based on pressure fall-off analysis. Key factors including leak-off rate, injection time, and stress anisotropy are discussed in detail. A quantitative relationship between fracture closure pressure and these factors is plotted to reduce or eliminate the errors caused by conventional fracture injection diagnostic models. The results show that leak-off rate, injection time, and stress anisotropy have a significant effect on the fracture closure process. Fracture closure in naturally fractured formations is a slow process, and the early closure pressure represents the closure of the branch fracture, which is much higher than the minimum horizontal stress. This investigation provides new insight into how to estimate the in-situ stress in naturally fractured reservoirs.
Bayesian Approaches for Detecting Differential Item Functioning Using the Generalized Graded Unfolding Model
Authors: Joo Seang-Hwane , Lee Philseok , Stark Stephen
Published: February 2022

Differential item functioning (DIF) analysis is one of the most important applications of item response theory (IRT) in psychological assessment. This study examined the performance of two Bayesian DIF methods, Bayes factor (BF) and deviance information criterion (DIC), with the generalized graded unfolding model (GGUM). The Type I error and power were investigated in a Monte Carlo simulation that manipulated sample size, DIF source, DIF size, DIF location, subpopulation trait distribution, and type of baseline model. We also examined the performance of two likelihood-based methods, the likelihood ratio (LR) test and Akaike information criterion (AIC), using marginal maximum likelihood (MML) estimation for comparison with past DIF research. The results indicated that the proposed BF and DIC methods provided well-controlled Type I error and high power using a free-baseline model implementation, their performance was superior to LR and AIC in terms of Type I error rates when the reference and focal group trait distributions differed. The implications and recommendations for applied research are discussed.
Considerations for Fitting Dynamic Bayesian Networks With Latent Variables: A Monte Carlo Study
Authors: Reichenberg Ray E. , Levy Roy , Clark Adam
Published: February 2022

Dynamic Bayesian networks (DBNs; Reye, 2004) are a promising tool for modeling student proficiency under rich measurement scenarios (Reichenberg, 2018). These scenarios often present assessment conditions far more complex than what is seen with more traditional assessments and require assessment arguments and psychometric models capable of integrating those complexities. Unfortunately, DBNs remain understudied and their psychometric properties relatively unknown. The current work aimed at exploring the properties of DBNs under a variety of realistic psychometric conditions. A Monte Carlo simulation study was conducted in order to evaluate parameter recovery for DBNs using maximum likelihood estimation. Manipulated factors included sample size, measurement quality, test length, the number of measurement occasions. Results suggested that measurement quality has the most prominent impact on estimation quality with more distinct performance categories yielding better estimation. From a practical perspective, parameter recovery appeared to be sufficient with samples as low as N = 400 as long as measurement quality was not poor and at least three items were present at each measurement occasion. Tests consisting of only a single item required exceptional measurement quality in order to adequately recover model parameters.
Shifting our Focus in Professional Development Programs from Changing Individuals to Building Community: Lessons from Namibia
Authors: Carter Katherine , Aulette Judy
Published: February 2022

This study investigated what academics in Namibia view as barriers to publishing and what supports they believe would facilitate their work. Data for exploring these issues were collected in reflection papers written by university teachers during a semester-long workshop. Their comments fell into two categories, one of which focused on individual weaknesses and individualistic solutions. The other category of comments made us aware of a factor to which we had not given sufficient consideration: the necessity of building community among scholars as a way of making research more productive and creative. We consider these findings within Bourdieu's (1989) framework noting the symbolic power of discourse on academic writing and the way in which challenges to that framework include not only “learning the unwritten rules” but creating social networks of support to allow and sustain that learning and to challenge the practices that isolate scholars as individual competitors. We argue that Ubuntu (human interconnectedness) is an essential factor in academic life, and it is a critical for challenging the power relations of dominant discourse.
Arteriovenous fistula between the left vertebral artery and the inferior thyroid vein: a case report
Authors: Yan Jingxin , Guo Yingxing , Lei Zhenwu , Yang Haiming , Ma Cunkai
Published: February 2022

Arteriovenous fistula between the left vertebral artery and the inferior thyroid vein is a rare entity. This condition can change the blood supply of the basilar artery system, and then lead to an abnormal blood supply of the vertebral body. Therefore, this rare condition may be misdiagnosed in the clinic. We report an arteriovenous fistula between the left vertebral artery, which was found during an interventional operation of a 49-year-old Asian man. He was non-diabetic and an ex-smoker, and presented with a 1-month history of pain in the neck, shoulder, waist, back, and right lower limb. Vascular angiography showed an arteriovenous fistula, and coils were placed in the fistula. In this setting, coil embolization was effective, and a 1-year follow-up suggested that a good long-term result was likely.
Clinical and Radiographic Differentiation of Pediatric Patellar Sleeve Fractures and Other Inferior Pole Pathologies
Authors: Devana Sai K. , Trivellas Andromahi , Bennett Abbie , Jackson Nicholas , Beck Jennifer J.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Inferior pole patellar sleeve fractures (PSFs) are rare injuries that occur in skeletally immature patients that may be missed or falsely diagnosed as an inferior pole fracture (IPF) or Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome (SLJS).

Purpose:

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare clinical and radiographic features of patients with PSF, IPF, and SLJS.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Retrospective review of skeletally immature patients diagnosed with PSF, IPF, and SLJS between 2011 and 2019 at a single urban academic center was performed. Chart and radiographic review was completed. Between-group differences were assessed using analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Fisher exact test, as appropriate to variable distributions.

Results:

In total, 125 patients (82% male) were included, with a mean (SD) age of 10.7 (2) years (16 PSF, 51 IPF, 58 SLJS). There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the 3 groups. One hundred percent of the patients with PSF ( P < .001) and IPF ( P < .001) had acute trauma, compared with 24% of patients with SLJS. Fewer patients with PSF had an intact straight leg raise (38%) compared with those with IPF (94%; P < .001) and SLJS (98%; P < .001). Fewer patients with SLJS had knee swelling (41%) compared with those with PSF (93%; P < .001) and IPF (94%; P < .001). More patients with PSF had knee effusion (81%) compared with those with IPF (37%; P = 0.011) and SLJS (3%; P < .001). More patients with SLJS were able to bear weight (88%) compared with those with IPF (12%; P < .001) and PSF (0; P < .001). Radiographically, compared with those with IPF and SLJS, patients with PSFs had increased mean prepatellar swelling (6.1 [ P < .001] and 6.5 [ P < .001] vs 12.9 mm), intra-articular effusion (6.1 [ P = .014] and 4.9 [ P = .001] vs 9.2 mm), maximum fragment size (26 [ P = .004] and 17.7 [ P < .001] vs 45.3 mm), and maximum fragment displacement (1.24 [ P = .002] and 1.45 [ P = .003] vs 13.30 mm), respectively. Compared with those with SLJS (1.10), patients with PSF (1.92; P < .001) and IPF (1.22; P < .001) had patella alta with higher mean Insall-Salvati ratios >1.2.

Conclusion:

Differences in clinical features such as ability to straight leg raise, knee swelling, knee effusion, ability to bear weight, and radiographic features, such as prepatellar swelling, intra-articular effusion, fragment displacement/size/shape/location, and patellar height, can all be helpful in recognizing rare pediatric inferior patellar pathology, thus increasing efficiency in indicating for higher-level imaging to reach a prompt diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment.
Initiation of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for cardiogenic shock during out of hours versus working hours is not associated with increased mortality
Authors: van der Wal PS , Kraaijeveld AO , van der Heijden JJ , van Laake LW , Platenkamp M , de Heer LM , Braithwaite SA , van Eijk MMJ , Hermens JAJ , Cremer OL , Donker DW , Meuwese CL
Published: February 2022

Background:

Initiation of veno-arterial (VA) Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator (ECMO) is associated with severe complications. It is unknown whether these adverse consequences occur more often after initiations during out of hours service compared to working hours.

Methods:

All patients receiving VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock between 2009 and 2020 were categorized into a working hours group (between 8 am and 5 pm on weekdays) and an out of hours service group (between 5 pm and 8 am, or between Friday 5 pm and Monday 8 am). Primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 30 days. Secondary outcomes included vascular complications (including limb ischemia and/or bleeding), bloodstream infections and length of ICU stay. Propensity scores were used to adjust for potential confounding effects.

Results:

Among 250 patients (median (IQR) age 56 (42–64) years) receiving VA-ECMO (median duration 3.5 (1.0–9.0) days), 160 (64%) runs were initiated between 5 pm and 8 am whereas the remainder (36%) started during working hours. Characteristic did not differ between the working hours- and out of hours-group. By day 30, 37 (41.1%), and 68 (42.5%) patients in either group had died, respectively ( p = 0.831). VA-ECMO support duration and length of stay on the ICU did not differ significantly in both crude and adjusted analyses. More complications occurred during out of hours service ( p = 0.039).

Conclusions:

Out of hours- versus working hours-initiation of VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock was not associated with higher mortality, longer VA-ECMO support duration, or longer length of stay on the intensive care. Vascular complications were more common in the out of hours group.
Irreversible electroporation in renal tumours: A systematic review of safety and early oncological outcomes
Authors: Hilton Aidan , Kourounis Georgios , Georgiades Fanourios
Published: February 2022

We review the safety and early oncological outcomes of irreversible electroporation (IRE), a novel non-thermal ablation technique, in small renal masses (SRMs). Following PROSPERO registration (CRD42020197943), a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and SCOPUS databases according to PRISMA guidelines was performed. Critical appraisal of the included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Of 224 articles screened, 10 met the inclusion criteria. In total, 83 patients were identified. Except for one cohort study ( n = 41), the remaining studies were case series of n < 10. Follow up was <12 months in 7/10 articles (range 3–34 months). About 10/10 articles reported safety outcomes. There were no 30-day mortalities. The most frequently reported adverse events were transient haematuria (11/83) and asymptomatic perirenal haematomas (7/83). About 62/63 patients with reported length of stay were discharged within 24 h. No significant long-term changes in renal function were reported. About 7/10 articles reported oncological outcomes. Only one article assessed histopathological outcomes, whilst the remaining studies used cross-sectional imaging modalities to assess efficacy, recurrence or disease progression. About 4/7 patients with histopathology outcomes, showed complete response (CR). About 43/55 patients with radiological outcomes showed CR. No mortalities were reported due to SRMs. These initial findings support IRE as safe and feasible in managing SRMs. However, results from larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to evaluate oncological outcomes and compare these with other ablation methods.
Reliability of an Ion-Selective Electrode as a Simple Diagnostic Tool for Mastitis
Authors: Furukawa Kazuna , Mizuno Katsumi , Azuma Minami , Yoshida Yurika , Den Hiroki , Iyoda Masayuki , Nagao Saeko , Tsujimori Yuta
Published: February 2022

Background:

Developing a simple quantitative tool for mastitis diagnosis is essential. The Ion-Selective Electrode for sodium has been reported to reliably measure sodium concentrations in human milk.

Research Aim:

To determine whether an Ion-Selective Electrode measurement of sodium:potassium ratios could serve as a diagnostic tool for mastitis and, if so, to determine the diagnostic cut-off value.

Methods:

A total of 107 milk samples, including 55 from milk bank donors and 52 from participants with mastitis, were studied. The sodium:potassium ratios were determined in 33 samples (without mastitis n = 15; with mastitis n = 18) by the Ion-Selective Electrode and ion chromatography. The remaining 74 samples (donor milk n = 40; participants with mastitis n = 34) were analyzed by Ion-Selective Electrode only. Values were averaged over three measurements for each method.

Results:

The median postpartum months of donors and participants with mastitis were 2 and 3 months, respectively. The mean ( SD) sodium:potassium ratios without and with mastitis were 0.5 (0.1) and 1.7 (1.2), respectively. A positive correlation existed between sodium:potassium ratios obtained from the two methods ( r = 0.98). Area under the curve values were 0.951 (95% CI [0.904, 0.986]) for the Ion-Selective Electrode ( N = 107) and 0.978 (95% CI [0.926, 1.000]) for the ion chromatography ( n = 33) methods. The optimal cut-off value for the Ion-Selective Electrode method was 0.60, with 86.5% sensitivity and 92.7% specificity.

Conclusions:

The Ion-Selective Electrode was sufficiently accurate for the diagnosis of mastitis. Cohort studies are needed to explore the relationship between sodium:potassium ratios and clinical outcomes.
“Dutch Racism is not Like Anywhere Else”: Refusing Color-Blind Myths in Black Feminist Otherwise Spaces
Authors: Rose Ariana
Published: February 2022

Despite myths of color-blindness in the Netherlands, Black women are marginalized by mainstream expectations of racial and cultural homogeneity. I use Amsterdam Black Women as a case study to illustrate the lived experiences of women affected by this exclusion. In this space, women freely critique Dutch society through mundane moments of truth-telling, venting, and joking, which enable individual problems to rise to a community level. I explore how subtle configurations of Black feminist organizing can be key sites of healing, experimentation, and political engagement. This research complicates how we understand experiences of misogynoir when race consciousness is blended in a transnational context and how Amsterdam Black Women has made possible the refusal of Dutch norms that require members to accept their oppression silently and support false narratives of progressiveness and color-blindness.
Asynchronous parallel disassembly sequence planning method of complex products using discrete multi-objective optimization
Authors: Qiu Lemiao , Dong Liangyu , Wang Zili , Zhang Shuyou , Xu Pengcheng
Published: February 2022

Disassembly is a necessary link to realize the integrity of product life cycle. Asynchronous Parallel Disassembly (APD) is an important way to achieve efficient disassembly. Due to the asynchronous start of disassembly tasks by operators in APD, the calculation complexity of disassembly sequence planning optimization increases more obviously with the increase of product complexity. Further, the disassembly sequence is a discrete numerical value, which is difficult to be efficiently realized by existing optimization algorithms. To overcome these difficulties, we introduced a complex products APD description. It helped to describe the APD problem with multiple disassembly resources. Based on the APD resources overall matrix, a three-objective, viz., the total disassembly time-consuming, the disassembly direction change times, and the disassembly tools replacement times, optimization model was constructed. To obtain the optimal disassembly planning sequence, the improved discrete NSGA-II (IDNSGA-II) was proposed, which introduced a novel population restart mechanism. The proposed method was verified in a bevel gearbox disassembly process from the EAS4633 rescue inspection equipment. The optimal results showed the APD sequence planning multi-objective optimized results obtained by the IDNSGA-II algorithm can be close to the single object optimized results. For the rest objects, the optimal solution obtained from the multi-objective genetic algorithm is obviously better.
Design optimization of functionally graded lattice infill total hip arthroplasty stem for stress shielding reduction
Authors: Nomura Jumpei , Takezawa Akihiro , Zhang Heng , Kitamura Mitsuru
Published: February 2022

Reducing stress shielding of stem-inserted femurs in total hip arthroplasty caused by the high stiffness of the stem is an emerging medical engineering issue. In this study, a numerical design optimization methodology lattice infill stem was developed to realize a stem, balancing the low stiffness and strength requirements. Two pairs of models and loading conditions were introduced for the stress shielding and strength criteria. The objective function was set as the weighted sum of the criteria. Its effective density distribution was optimized by handling the representative size of the lattice as a design variable, assuming that the so-called body-centered cubic lattice was the base shape of the lattice. In the optimization, the approximated model of the lattice was handled as a solid material with the effective physical properties of the lattice derived by the homogenization method. After optimization, the detailed lattice stem geometry was modeled based on the obtained optimal lattice distribution, and the actual performance was numerically evaluated. The developed stem increased the stress applied to the remaining femur by 32.4% compared with the conventional stem.
Recovery of renal function after early versus late switching of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in people living with HIV with renal insufficiency
Authors: Suppadungsuk Supawadee , Janepiriyaprayoon Purim , Sungkanuparph Somnuek
Published: February 2022

Background

Although many guidelines recommend switching tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) to other antiretroviral agents if there is a progressive decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) not explained by other causes, a definite cut-point of the eGFR for TDF switching is not known.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted among people living with HIV (PLHIV) who switched from TDF to other agents due to declined eGFR. Participants were categorized according to the eGFR at TDF switching: early-switch (eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and late-switch (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) groups. Binary logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with complete recovery of renal function.

Results

Of 141 participants, mean age was 54.2 ± 12.2 years and 74.5% were male. Median duration of TDF use was 5.2 years. Mean eGFR at the time of TDF switching was 72.4 ± 13.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the early-switch group and 47.0 ± 14.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the late-switch group. Six months after TDF switching, mean eGFR significantly increased to 84.2 ± 13.5 ( p = .001) and 58.5 ± 13.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 ( p < .001) in early-switch and late-switch groups, respectively. At 12 months after TDF switching, 44.4% of participants in early-switch group and 2.3% of participants in late-switch group had eGFR recovery to ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 ( p < .001). Multivariate analysis showed that only early switching (vs late switching) of TDF was associated with complete recovery of renal function at 12 months after TDF switching [OR, 7.542; 95% CI, 2.441–11.119; p = .028].

Conclusions

In PLHIV with TDF-associated renal insufficiency, eGFR significantly recovers after switching TDF to other agents. Early TDF switching has a higher chance of complete recovery of renal function.
Experimental validation of sonic speed theory for wet steam
Authors: Zhang Zhiwei , Wu Xiaoming , Li Liang , Yang Rui , Yang Jiandao
Published: February 2022

In order to obtain the sonic speed of the wet steam under different thermal conditions, and verify the accuracy and the precision of Petr’s wet steam sonic theory, experimental measurements were carried out. Also, the effects of acoustic frequency, pressure, wetness, and droplet size on the sonic speed of wet steam were studied based on Petr’s wet steam sonic theory. Results indicate that deviations between the experimental results and Petr’s wet steam sonic theory is in the range of −4%–4%, which is within the experimental measurement error of ±5%. The variation range of the ratio of the actual sonic speed a to the frozen speed af is 0.89–1. When the sonic speed ratio ( a/ af) is close to 1, it means that the sonic speed of wet steam is close to the frozen speed, and the faster the sound wave propagates in the wet steam. In the acoustic frequency range of 102–105 Hz, the sonic speed of wet steam increases with increase of acoustic frequency, pressure, and water droplet size, and decreases with increasing wetness.
Effect of Cerium oxide nanoparticles derived from biosynthesis of Azadirachta indica on stability and performance of a research CI engine powered by Diesel-Lemongrass oil blends
Authors: Ramalingam Sathiyamoorthi , Sankaranarayanan G , Senthil S , Rohith R.A , Santosh Kumar R
Published: February 2022

The effects of performance and emission parameters of a mono-cylinder CI engine have been studied using new alternate fuel: Lemongrass oil (LGO) with nano additive (Cerium Oxide). The study focuses on a novel biosynthesis method (Plant-mediated synthesis) of CeO2 nano-additives from the Azadirachta indica plant, which is less toxic and more compatible with other chemical methods. The biosynthesis method is a simple, high-yielding, environmentally friendly alternative to chemical methods. Recently, a green technique based on impulsively decreasing elements such as polysaccharides, microorganisms (bacteria and fungas), or plant extract has been developed. This is due to the fact that the process is a simpler, non-hazardous, and environmentally friendly alternative technique when compared to the intricate chemical techniques of synthesis of nano-additives. The engine tests were carried out by using three different volumetric percentages (LGO25, LGO25 + 50 ppm and LGO25 + 100 ppm) and related with base diesel. The test outcomes revealed that the BSFC decreased by 4.98% and 6.83% and BTE increased by 1.76% and 2.27% at LGO25 + CE 50 ppm and 100 ppm concentrations, correspondingly. The CO emission decreased by 18.18% and 24.2%, HC emission decreased by 3.03% and 9.1%, NOx emission decreased by 14.8% and 31%, Smoke emission decreased by 10.5% and 15.1% for LGO25 + CE 50 ppm and 100 ppm correspondingly.
A current efficiency model coupled with desiccant molecular weight for electrodialysis regeneration in liquid desiccant air-conditioning systems
Authors: Cheng Qing , Wang Han , Zhu Lin , Chen Yao
Published: February 2022

Liquid desiccant air-conditioning system is an energy-efficient choice for heat and moisture independent treatment in buildings, especially for the large dehumidification load. Electrodialysis regeneration is a novel and reliable regeneration method for liquid desiccants, which is suitable for hot and humid climates. In this paper, the performance of the electrodialysis regenerator for regenerating lithium chloride and lithium bromide solutions was studied experimentally, and the current efficiency of the electrodialysis regenerator for regenerating these two solutions was compared. Through analysis, the solute molecular weight was coupled into the current efficiency model, and a new current efficiency model of electrodialysis regenerator for regenerating these two solutions was established, which considers the solute molecular weight of liquid desiccant and can be extended to more liquid desiccants in the future. Furthermore, the performance of the liquid desiccant air-conditioning system using electrodialysis regeneration with these two solutions is compared based on this model. The results show that when lithium chloride solution is applied as liquid desiccant, the system performance coefficient (COP, ratio of cooling capacity to energy consumption) is between 1.16 and 4.49, while the performance coefficient of the system is between 2 and 8.3 when the system uses lithium bromide solution.
Dimitrios Zambakis’ Scientific Hypothesis on the Transmission of Leprosy
Authors: Chen Kyra , Talbot Christopher , Mammis Antonios
Published: February 2022

Dimitrios Zambakis was an acclaimed physician at his time, most recognized for his work on leprosy. He theorized that leprosy was a hereditary disease, receiving many awards for his work including the Cholera Medal of Honour (1854), Château-Villard Prize from the Faculty of Medicine in Paris (1898), The Montyon Prize, and the title of Pasha. However, his theory was routinely argued against and was later proven to be invalid. Leprosy is regarded as a contagious disease spread by contact and is not hereditary. The last name appears to be spelled in various ways (Zambakis, Zambaco). For this paper, “Dimitrios Zambakis” will be used.
Advance care planning in dementia care: Wants, beliefs, and insight
Authors: Tetrault Annika , Nyback Maj-Helen , Vaartio-Rajalin Heli , Fagerström Lisbeth
Published: February 2022

Background:

Advance care planning gives patients and their family members the possibility to consider and make decisions regarding future care and medical procedures.

Aim:

To explore the view of people in the early stage of dementia on planning for future care.

Research design:

The study is a qualitative interview study with a semistructured interview guide. The data were analyzed according to the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven.

Participants and research context:

Dementia nurses assisted in the recruiting of people with dementia for participation in the study. Study information was mailed to 95 people with early stage dementia. Ten people with dementia and eight caregiver spouses participated in the study.

Ethical considerations:

People with dementia belong to a vulnerable patient group, and care was taken in the areas of informed consent and accessible information.

Findings:

The views of people with dementia are characterized by a complex storyline involving tensions and movement within the themes of wants, beliefs, and levels of insight. Participants wanted to think about the future but also wanted to live in the here and now.

Discussion:

High demands are placed on the advance care planning process for people with dementia and their family caregivers. A dignity-enhancing approach in dementia care emphasizes the dignity of and respect for this vulnerable and care-dependent patient group.

Conclusion:

The process of advance care planning in dementia care needs to go beyond person-centered care to a relationship-centered process. The illness trajectory and the impact on autonomy need to be taken into consideration.
‘Blurred boundaries’: When nurses and midwives give anti-vaccination advice on Facebook
Authors: Green Janet , Petty Julia , Whiting Lisa , Orr Fiona , Smart Larissa , Brown Ann-Marie , Jones Linda
Published: February 2022

Background:

Nurses and midwives have a professional obligation to promote health and prevent disease, and therefore they have an essential role to play in vaccination. Despite this, some nurses and midwives have been found to take an anti-vaccination stance and promulgate misinformation about vaccines, often using Facebook as a platform to do so.

Research question:

This article reports on one component and dataset from a larger study – ‘the positives, perils and pitfalls of Facebook for nurses’. It explores the specific issue of nurses and midwives who take an anti-vaccination stance, deemed to be unprofessional by crossing professional boundaries and by providing medical information on Facebook that is not within their scope of practice.

Participants:

Data were collected via an online worldwide survey from nurse and midwife participants, distributed and ‘snowballed’ through relevant nursing and midwifery groups on Facebook. In total, 1644 Registered Nurses and Midwives, and Enrolled Nurses worldwide attempted the online survey. There were 1100 (66.9%) completed surveys and 54 partially (33.1%) completed surveys. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted online using Skype® with 17 participants in Australia.

Ethical considerations:

Ethical processes and procedures have been adhered to relating to privacy, confidentiality and anonymity of the participants.

Findings/results:

A mixed-methods approach was used, including descriptive and content analysis of the quantitative survey data and thematic analysis of the qualitative interview data. The main theme ‘blurred boundaries’ was generated, which comprised three sub-themes: ‘follow the science, ‘abuse of power and erosion of trust’ and ‘the moral and ethical responsibility to safeguard public health’. The results offer an important and unique understanding of how nurses and midwives interpret the conduct of fellow health professionals as unprofessional and crossing the professional boundary if they used Facebook to promulgate anti-vaccination messages and/or give medical advice online.

Conclusion:

There are many positives and negatives for nurses and midwives associated with using Facebook for personal and professional communication, which is in keeping with the results of the larger study from which this article is taken. Professional behaviour is a key theme in the larger research as is the ethical construct of ‘every act has a consequence’; however, in this article, the theme ‘blurred boundaries’ offers an overall understanding of how nurses and midwives interpret the behaviour of their colleagues who espouse anti-vaccination sentiment and/or give medical advice online that is outside their scope of practice and education.
Nurses' awareness and adherence with national ethical guidelines for research in North India
Authors: Sharma Suresh K
Published: February 2022

Background:

A large number of nurse researchers do not adhere to ethical standards while performing the research. Moreover, there is far less data on knowledge of existing national ethical guidelines. This study was, therefore, done to assess awareness and adherence to current national ethical guidelines among nursing students and faculty members.

Methods:

A cross-sectional descriptive study was done among nursing faculty members and theses carried out by postgraduate nursing students between 2012 and 2017. Using the convenience sampling technique, seven states of North India were selected. In each of the selected seven states, one government and one private nursing college was selected. Thus, a sample of 14 nursing colleges was selected. Then, using simple random sampling, a total of 140 nursing faculty members and 280 postgraduate nursing theses were selected from all the chosen institutes to be part of the study. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics.

Ethical considerations:

The study has been approved by the institutional ethical committee (ECR/737/Inst/UK/2018/RR-18). In addition, written permission from the head of each nursing institute was obtained before conducting the study. After participants read the Participation Information Sheet, they were asked for written informed consent before data collection. Confidentiality of the information and anonymity of the participants were maintained throughout the study.

Results:

The majority (81.8%) of the participants were females. It was found that compared to private nurses, government college nurses were more adhered to the research guidelines on research project approval (68.6% vs 22.1%), informed consent guidelines (74.3% vs 25%), providing patient information sheets (55.7% vs 10%), maintaining information confidentiality (82.9% vs 72.1%), maintaining anonymity (76.4% vs 22.9%) and obtaining custodian permission (97.8 vs 89.3%). It was also shown that nurses were more aware of the informed consent process domain (4.3 ± 0.3) followed by the general ethical principles domain (3.8 ± 0.8).

Conclusion:

Government college nurses adhered more to the research guidelines as compared to those employed in private settings. Most of the faculty members were not part of any clinical trials and had no research ethics training at all. Therefore, it is needed to provide an instructional programme to raise awareness of the research ethical standards.
The Role of Intellectual Property in Innovation and Economic Growth of Indian MSMEs
Authors: Sharma Rahul , M. Lavanya , Soni Patrika , Dubey Amit
Published: February 2022

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are backbone of India’s manufacturing industry and play an important role in India’s stable money supply growth. There are more than billions of SMEs in India, with an investment of more than 1 billion rupees. The sector has recorded strong growth during past fiscal years and contributes approx. 6.11 per cent to country’s manufacturing GDP and 24.63 per cent of the GDP from service activities as well as 33.4 per cent of India’s manufacturing output. Approximately 70 per cent of employment growth comes from Asian MSMEs, which account for 90 per cent of Indian industrial companies and 40 per cent of manufacturing value added. India is estimated to have more than 13 million SMEs with 42 million employees. For these reasons, it is very important for these companies to invest in their intellectual property (IP). By introducing unique brand and product names, each retailer can ensure the high replacement cost and market position of its products and/or services. IP and its worth are usually neglected. IP is a major aspect in daily business practices in an increasingly knowledge-based sector. New technologies, brands and innovative designs are introduced to the market nearly every single day, as a result of human continual innovation and creativity. As a result, the necessity of intellectual property rights to MSMEs in product development as well as some success stories is reviewed in this manuscript. This article also showed how IP has evolved into a business tool to counter the challenge that MSMEs confront in applying the IP system.