bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can European human rights instruments limit the power of the national state to punish? A tale of two Europes
Authors: Cliquennois Gaëtan , Snacken Sonja , Van Zyl Smit Dirk
Published: December 2020

The power to punish is traditionally seen as an essential prerogative of the national state. Over the last three decades, judicial and standard-setting bodies of the Council of Europe (CoE) have sought increasingly, at a regional level, to monitor and control the power of European states to punish. In parallel, the European Union (EU) has become an increasingly important penal actor, fostering a common approach to transnational forms of criminality, as well as seeking judicial cooperation between EU member states in order to deal with a wider range of crimes. Little attention has been paid, however, to the interactions, coherence or discrepancies between the CoE’s and the EU’s bodies and policies. Therefore, we analyse the inter-relationship of the CoE and EU penal and prison policies. We focus on the instruments that can be used to limit European states’ powers to punish, but also, particularly in the case of the EU, on countervailing forces resulting from policies conducted in the field of terrorism and from countries hit by populism. Finally, we develop the concept of ‘two Europes’, which encapsulates not only the discrepancies between the approaches adopted by the CoE and the EU towards human rights moderation of European prison and penal policies but also wider penal policy differences between a modern, liberal democratic, humanistic Europe and a nationalistic Europe conducting harsh penal policies, increasing its margin of appreciation and using its sovereignty in order to avoid implementing such blurred policies.
Enhanced mechanical properties of radiation vulcanized natural rubber latex by using t-butyl hydroperoxide
Authors: Varghese Neethu , Varghese Siby , Shybi AA , Kurian Thomas
Published: December 2020

The mechanical properties of both radiation (RVNRL) and peroxide vulcanized natural rubber latex (PVNRL) are low when compared to sulphur prevulcanized natural rubber latex (SVNRL). This paper deals with the effect of peroxide on the mechanical properties of radiation vulcanized NR latex film. Here, n-butyl acrylate (n-BA) was used as sensitizer and t-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHPO) as co-vulcanizing agent during irradiation. It was found that the addition of t-BHPO is more practical method to reduce the vulcanization dose. Thermal ageing study showed that the best retention in tensile properties was shown by RIPV vulcanizates.
Accessibility and Mobilisation of Social Capital in First-Generation Students’ Social Networks—A Mixed-Methods Approach
Authors: Wittner Britta , Barthauer Luisa , Kauffeld Simone
Published: December 2020

Social support is a crucial factor for first-generation students’ (FGS) integration at university and their educational success. FGS are often assumed to lack social support and integration, but research shows mixed results. By means of a mixed-methods approach (combination of interviews and online survey), we aimed to shed light on the characteristics in FGS social networks that classify them as high-quality networks in order to obtain a deeper understanding of the structure and setup of the social contexts from which FGS receive support. Using these characteristics, we constructed types of socially supported students and related them to academic success. For that, we conducted N = 40 semi-structured interviews linked to Qualitative Social Network Analysis at an urban German University. Prior to the interviews, the interviewees filled out an online survey (1) consisting of demographic variables and psychological scales. During the interviews (2), we followed a problem-centred interview approach for the first part and then (3) asked about the FGS’s support networks during the beginning of their bachelor’s degrees. All the interviews were coded by applying content analysis. Network maps were analysed using qualitative structural analysis (QSA). Both maps and codes were used to build three types of support as received by the students. These types were in turn connected to the results of the support forms in content analysis and the psychometric scales to estimate how students perceive different structures in their networks as supportive. The results revealed three types: small and dense bijou networks, medium networks with emotionally close alters (close-knit networks), and large and diverse networks (have-it-all networks). The types show different results for university success and perceived support for their networks.
Comparison of Estimators for Multi-level Randomized Response Data: Evidence from a Case of Sexual Identity
Authors: Hsieh Shu-Hui , Wa Lukusa Martin Tshishimbi
Published: December 2020

In surveys, proportions of individuals self-reporting as bisexual and homosexual are likely to suffer from misreports or refusal to answer when directly questioned. For more reliable information, the randomized response technique is often used. Therefore, to reduce social desirability bias, a multi-level randomized response technique has been used in Taiwan to collect self-reported sexual identity. Using the Taiwan Social Change Survey as a case study, we estimate proportions of individuals aged 18–54 years self-reporting as bisexual and homosexual. Empirical results show individual determinants of truthful response differ across data collection modes and estimation methods. Moreover, estimated proportions of non-heterosexuals in small samples obtained by the maximum likelihood method are less meaningful and accurate than Bayes ones.
Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis of Key Methyltransferases and Demethylases for Histone Lysines in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Yang , Tang Lili , Chen Guojiang , Liu Ziling
Published: December 2020

Background & Aims:

Methylation of lysines on histones, controlled by various methyltransferases and demethylases, is an important component of epigenetic modifications, and abnormal regulation of such enzymes serves as common events in hepatocellular carcinoma. We determined to identify important methyltransferases and demethylases that might regulate the development of hepatocellular carcinoma by bioinformatics.

Methods:

The Oncomine and UALCAN databases were used to retrieve mRNA expression levels of histone lysine methyltransferases and demethylases in hepatocellular carcinoma. Data analyses of genetic alterations, mainly mutations and copy number alterations, were performed on the cBioportal platform. Protein-protein interactions were established in the STRING database.

Results:

mRNA expression of 8 genes correlated with clinical staging and grading, whereas 4 genes indicated a role in the prognosis, all co-expressed with SEDB1 and WHSC1. Genetically, 12 genes showing an alteration rate higher than 5% were identified, and only 3 were indicative of prognosis. Copy number gains in ASH1L, SETDB1, and KDM5B might partially contribute to the upregulation of their mRNA expression. The close relationship of mutations in MLL2/MLL3 with driver gene mutations in hepatocellular carcinoma provided a rationale for further investigation.

Conclusions:

We identified 11 methyltransferases and demethylases for major histone lysines that might be promising research targets in the pathogenesis, development, and prediction of prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma using bioinformatics.
Video-Assisted Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement Through Right Anterior Minithoracotomy for All Comers With Aortic Valve Disease
Authors: Bakhtiary Farhad , El-Sayed Ahmad Ali , Amer Mohamed , Salamate Saad , Sirat Sami , Borger Michael A.
Published: December 2020

Objective

Right anterior minithoracotomy is a promising technique for aortic valve replacement and has shown excellent results in terms of mortality and morbidity. Against this background, we analyzed our institutional experience in this technique during the last 3 years.

Methods

Between April 2017 and March 2019, 513 consecutive all comers with aortic valve disease underwent video-assisted minimally invasive aortic valve replacement through a 3-cm skin incision as right anterior minithoracotomy at our institution. A camera and automatic fastener technology were used for the valve implantation in all patients. Clinical data were prospectively entered into our institutional database.

Results

Cardiopulmonary bypass time accounted for 68 ± 24 min and the myocardial ischemic time 38 ± 12 minutes. Thirty-day mortality and overall mortality was 0.4% (2 patients) and 1.4% (7 patients), respectively. Postoperative cerebrovascular events were noted in 8 patients (1.5%). Intensive care stay and hospital stay were 2 ± 2 and 9 ± 7 days, respectively. Pacemaker implantation, injury of the right internal mammary artery, and conversion to full sternotomy were noted in 7 patients (1.4%), 3 patients (0.6%), and 1 patient (0.2%), respectively. Paravalvular leak need to intervention was noted in 2 patients (0.4%). Rethoracotomy rate was 2% (11 patients). Transient postoperative dialysis was necessary for 14 patients (3%).

Conclusions

Video-assisted minimally invasive aortic valve replacement through the right anterior minithoracotomy is a safe approach and yields excellent outcomes in high-volume centers. The use of a camera and automatic fastener technology facilitates this procedure.
Neonatal bilateral cerebral high flow fistulae leading to detection of a HHT-family carrier
Authors: Alvarez Hortensia , Niazi Muhammad H , Loewenstein Joshua , Quinsey Carolyn S
Published: December 2020

Cerebral and spinal cord high-flow arteriovenous fistulae (HFAVF) are part of the spectrum of lesions found in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT). HFAVF consist of communications between large arteries and veins without interposed nidi or capillary transitions. The association between HHT and cerebral or spinal HFAVF in children has been reported and suggested as a potential marker for HHT. We present a newborn with bilateral intracranial HFAVF tested positive for HHT1 and belonging to a family non known for carrying a HHT mutation. We also review reported cases of neonates and infants with cerebral and spinal HFAVF emphasizing their associations with genetic syndromes. Our aim is to add a new case to the pertinent literature and emphasize the need for molecular testing in children with spinal or brain HFAVF.
Preliminary experience with 088 large bore intracranial catheters during stroke thrombectomy
Authors: Nogueira Raul G , Mohammaden Mahmoud H , Al-Bayati Alhamza R , Frankel Michael R , Haussen Diogo C
Published: December 2020

Background and purpose

Thromboaspiration technology continues to evolve at an accelerated pace with increasing availability of larger and more navigable devices. Herein, we provide our initial experience with the intracranial navigation of a large-bore (.088" inner diameter) catheters during mechanical thrombectomy (MT).

Methods

Retrospective review of consecutive large vessel occlusion stroke patients in whom a TracStar™ or Zoom 88™ (Imperative Care, Campbell, CA) large-bore catheters were utilized in MT. The primary outcome was successful reperfusion (eTICI2b-3) at the end of the procedure. Safety measures included procedural complications and rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.

Results

Five patients (age,∼50–85 years; baseline NIHSS,17-23) were treated. The .088" catheters were used as the primary tool for contact aspiration in two patients (distal basilar artery and proximal MCA occlusions) with complete thrombus ingestion (eTICI3) during the first pass. In two patients, the .088" catheter was used for flow control where it was placed in the distal M1-segment of a patient with M2 occlusion treated with a combination of stent-retriever and .070" aspiration catheter and in the proximal M1 in a patient with distal M1 occlusion treated with .071" aspiration catheter resulting in eTICI3 reperfusion in both cases. In the fifth patient, the .088" catheter was navigated into the cavernous ICA to support .071" aspiration catheter treatment of an M2 occlusion resulting in eTCI2b67 reperfusion. Procedural duration ranged between 14 and 33 minutes. There were no adverse events.

Conclusion

Intracranial navigation of .088" large-bore catheters in MT appears technically feasible and safe. Larger prospective studies are warranted.
Influence of charge density and oxygen concentration on combustion paths, thermal efficiency and emissions in a heavy-duty diesel engine
Authors: Lu Yingying , Pei Yiqiang , Wu Binyang , Liu Yize
Published: December 2020

Experiments and simulations were conducted to study effects of charge density, temperature, and oxygen concentration on the mixing-controlled engine combustion pathway in heavy-duty diesel engines. Due to the inherent heterogeneity of diesel combustion in high-load operations, the rich and lean mixtures are simultaneous present. The mass and accompanying heat transfers were found to be decisive in determining the combustion path. The chemical transformation from a richer mixture to a leaner mixture is primarily driven by charge density, which activates the combustion process, and reduction in oxygen concentration, which stagnates the mass and heat transfer and chemical transformation, reduces the reactivity of the mixtures. The difference in mass and heat transfer processes causes differences in the mass fractions of mixtures with different equivalence ratio intervals. The different mixtures produce different mass fractions of intermediate combustion products (carbon dioxide, CO), different heat releases, and different mass temperature distributions. It is found that the accumulated CO correlates well with the gross indicated thermal efficiency and soot emission; the mass averaged temperature and the high temperature abidance scale (HTAS) correlate well with NOx emissions. A significant optimization of the overall engine performance could be achieved by simultaneously minimizing the HTAS and accumulated CO.
Interference analysis and simulation of abrasive belt grinding and polishing of blisk
Authors: Zhang Lei , Ding Chen , Fan Cheng , Yuan Qiang , Wang Qian , Wang Kejun
Published: December 2020

Blisk is a difficult processing part with complex structure. The polishing quality and accuracy of the blade surface will significantly affect its performance and life. A new abrasive belt system is developed to grind and polish the blade on the blisk. In view of the problem that the abrasive belt is easy to interfere with the adjacent blades in the grinding and polishing process, an algorithm for judging the critical interference state is proposed based on the structural characteristics of the abrasive belt tool system and the actual grinding and polishing process of the blades. On the basis of above, a new algorithm is developed to calculate the range of interference-free wrap angle of the abrasive belt tool system. This paper established a simulation model based on VERICUT software and simulated the process of the blisk polishing. The simulation and experiment results verifies the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Communication strategies of winning hearts and minds: The case of the Muslim Brotherhood’s political communication campaign post Morsi’s downfall
Authors: Koa Moeen
Published: December 2020

This article examines how social movements attempt to repair a tarnished image and win the hearts and minds of the public. It studies the Muslim Brotherhood’s political communication campaign post-July 2013. A content analysis of a census of the Brotherhood’s communiqués issued during a 5-year period was performed. Considering social movement theory, this case study reveals that strategic framing can be employed as a strategy to win the hearts and minds of the target audience and to repair tarnished images. It also argues that legitimacy is a critical moral resource that lies at the heart of Islamist movements’ communication campaigns.
Reparation policies in Colombia: Memory as a Repertoire
Authors: Arboleda-Ariza Juan Carlos , Piper-Shafir Isabel , Prosser Bravo Gabriel
Published: December 2020

Colombia is one of the countries that has opted for a model of restorative justice to repair the victims of the armed conflict. To accomplish this, it has created a series of reparation laws which involve building scenarios to foster a call for remembrance (duty of memory) and in which the truth can be cleared up. The objective of this study is to provide a discourse analysis of how the notion of memory is constructed within the official reparation policies in Colombia. A discourse analysis of Law 975, Law 1408, and Law 1448 was carried out, using the logic of interpretive repertoires. As a result, it was possible to identify four repertoires: Institutional, Archival, Commemorative, and Reparative. The increasing globalization of reparation policies and the use of memory for the purpose of institutionalization that hinders the possibility of interpreting the past in another way, is discussed.
Safety and efficacy of extended dosing intervals of denosumab in patients with solid cancers and bone metastases: a retrospective study
Authors: Abousaud Aseala I. , Barbee Meagan S. , Davis Christine C. , Caulfield Sarah E. , Wang Zeyuan , Boykin Alexa , Carthon Bradley C. , Gogineni Keerthi
Published: December 2020

Aim:

More than half of patients with breast, lung, or prostate cancer who have bone metastases have evidence of skeletal-related events (SREs). Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to and neutralizes receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) on osteoblasts and their precursors. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved dose of denosumab is 120 mg every 4 weeks; however, other schedules have been used in practice for patient convenience. Evidence for the safety and efficacy of alternative dosing intervals is lacking.

Patient & Methods:

Adult patients with solid cancers and bone metastases who received at least two doses of denosumab 120 mg were reviewed. Patients were grouped based on an average denosumab dosing interval of <5 weeks (short-interval) versus 5–11 weeks (medium-interval) versus ⩾12 weeks (long-interval). The primary outcome was the time to first SRE while on denosumab between the short- and medium-interval groups. The secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS), efficacy comparisons between the other groups, and safety events.

Results:

There was no significant difference in median time to first SRE between the short- and medium-interval denosumab groups [33.2 versus 28.4 months, hazard ratio (HR): 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.66–1.92, p = 0.91] or the medium- and long-interval dosing groups (28.4 versus 32.2 months, HR: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.66–2.01, p = 0.62). Median OS was not found to differ significantly between any of the groups. There were significantly more hospitalizations in the short-interval dosing group than the other groups (55.2% versus 33.8% versus 30.4%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Extending denosumab dosing intervals does not appear to negatively impact time to first SRE and is associated with fewer hospitalizations in real-world patients with solid cancers and bone metastases.
Diabetes and Reactive Balance: Quantifying Stepping Thresholds With a Simple Spring Scale to Measure Fall-Risk in Ambulatory Older Adults
Authors: Rosenblatt Noah J. , Young Jennifer , Andersen Ryley , Wu. Stephanie C. , Crews Ryan T.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Fall-risk assessments for patients with diabetes fail to consider reactive responses to balance loss. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of using a simple clinical tool to evaluate the impact of diabetes and fall history on reactive balance in older adults.

Methods:

We recruited 72 older adults with and without diabetes. Postural perturbations were applied by a waist-mounted spring scale. Stepping thresholds (STs) in the anterior and posterior directions were defined as the lowest spring-loads that induced a step. Balance was assessed via the National Institutes of Health Toolbox Standing Balance Test, and lower extremity sensation was assessed using vibratory perception threshold and Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. Fall history over the past year was self-reported. Cox regressions and analysis of variance were used to compare hazard rates for stepping and observed STs between groups.

Results:

Anterior STs were elicited in 42 subjects and posterior STs in 65 subjects. Hazard rates for posterior ST were significantly affected by diabetes, with greater hazards for fallers with diabetes versus control fallers and nonfallers, after accounting for balance and sensory loss. For those who stepped, ST was lower in the posterior direction for the diabetes group. Additionally, anterior but not posterior ST was lower in all fallers vs all nonfallers.

Conclusions:

The waist-mounted spring scale is a clinically implementable device that can assess ST in older adults with diabetes. Using the device, we demonstrated that ST was affected by diabetes and could potentially serve as a fall-risk factor independent of balance or sensory loss.
Epidemiology of Maxillo-Facial Trauma During COVID-19 Lockdown: Reports From the Hub Trauma Center in Milan
Authors: Canzi Gabriele , De Ponti Elena , Corradi Federica , Bini Roberto , Novelli Giorgio , Bozzetti Alberto , Sozzi Davide
Published: December 2020

Study Design:

Retrospective study.

Objective:

Following SARS-CoV-2 pandemic break-out a lockdown period for the population and a reorganization of the Health System were needed. Hub-function Centers for time-dependent diseases were identified and Niguarda Hospital (Milan) was selected as main Regional Trauma Center. The purpose of our study is to report the experience of Niguarda Maxillofacial Trauma Team during this period, pointing out epidemiological changes in the presentation of trauma in comparison to the previous 3 years.

Methods:

Two hundred and sixteen patients were admitted to the Emergency Department from 8th March 2020 to 8th May 2020. One hundred and eighty-one had a diagnosis of Major Trauma and 36 had also facial fractures; 35 patients had isolated facial fractures. Data were compared to the activity during the same period in 2017-2019 and statistical analysis was carried out concerning demographic and clinical characteristics, trauma dynamics and positivity to COVID-19.

Results:

Cumulative curves of patients admitted because of Major Trauma describe a superimposable linear trend in years 2017-2019, while 2020 shows an increase from April 16th. Average age and number of more severe patients were higher than previous years. Epidemiological changes concerned road accidents, accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists, interpersonal violence, suicide attempts and domestic accidents. The incidence of facial fractures was confirmed through years and, according to its measured severity, 75% of patients required management. COVID-19 positivity without systemic symptoms didn’t influence the type of treatment.

Conclusion:

The COVID-19 lockdown offers a unique opportunity to study the reversal epidemiological effects on trauma.
Time-averaged disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis associated with long-term bone mineral density changes
Authors: Hsu Chung-Yuan , Chen Jia-Feng , Su Yu-Jih , Chen Ying-Chou , Lai Han-Ming , Yu Shan-Fu , He Hsiao-Ru , Cheng Tien-Tsai
Published: December 2020

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with poor bone mineral density (BMD). We designed the current study owing to the lack of long-term prospective studies regarding whether a high disease activity leads to increased bone loss.

Methods:

We have continually enrolled patients with RA. According to the average disease activity score in 28 joints based on the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) during follow-up, the patients were classified into remission, low disease activity, and moderate or high disease activity groups. Patients were examined with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline and after 3 years of follow-up. BMD changes were compared among the groups.

Results:

We have studied 477 patients. Overall BMD was significantly reduced from baseline to the 3-year follow-up ( p < 0.05). After stratifying according to the time-averaged DAS28-ESR levels and use of anti-osteoporosis treatment (AOT), the BMD values of the femur and spine significantly increased in patients in the remission group with AOT. The BMD changes of different DAS28-ESR patients were further compared using the generalized estimation equation model. For the patients on AOT, the negative change in femoral BMD values of the moderate or high activity group was significant when compared with the remission group with positive BMD changes (regression coefficient, –0.038; 95% confidence interval, –0.055 to –0.021).

Conclusion:

For RA patients, if remission is achieved, AOT can better improve BMD, especially in the femur. In addition, moderate or high disease activity will lead to significant bone loss; therefore, disease activity must be actively controlled.
Evaluating Legislative Districts Using Measures of Partisan Bias and Simulations
Authors: Burden Barry , Smidt Corwin
Published: December 2020

A well-developed body of research offers ways to measure the partisan advantages that result from legislative districting. Although useful to researchers and legal practitioners, those studies also suffer from theoretical, empirical, and legal limitations. In this essay, we review measures of partisan bias and methods for both simulating election results under existing maps and simulating hypothetical maps. We start by describing the concept of partisan bias and how it has been measured. Then, we turn to new simulation methods that generate hypothetical election results or districts to judge the fairness of a map. While both kinds of evaluation are useful, we point to some unresolved questions and areas for future research.
The Personality Traits in the Defense Industry: The Mediating Role of Organizational Citizenship Behavior
Authors: Sabahattin Mete Edip
Published: December 2020

Employees display various behaviors which also include work-related behaviors such as Job Satisfaction, Organizational Citizenship Behavior, and Innovative Work Behavior. The exploration of the relationship among the Big Five Personality Traits, Job Satisfaction, Organizational Citizenship Behavior, and Innovative Work Behavior of the employees working in the companies providing services for the Turkish Defense Industry serves as the primary aim of this study. Hence, the study was conducted on the employees of defense companies through face-to-face interviews and questionnaire forms. The results of this study demonstrate that the Big Five Personality Traits directly affects the changes in Job Satisfaction and Organizational Citizenship Behavior. Besides, Organizational Citizenship Behavior has a mediating role in the relationship between Big Five personality Traits and Job Satisfaction, which directly affects the changes in Innovative Work Behavior. This study primarily targeted to provide evidence and create an understanding of how employees’ intrinsic characteristics shape the attitudes and behaviors in the workplace according to the scores of Big Five Inventory as well as statistical research techniques. This study contributes to the literature by investigating the defense employees’ personality traits and the results show that personality traits are a pivotal factor in achieving corporate’s strategic goals.
Georeferencing of Current Dental Service Locations to Population Census Data: Identification of Underserved Areas in Al Madina, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsharif Alla Talal
Published: December 2020

The accessibility of oral health care services is one of the determinants of oral health in Saudi Arabia, very little is known about the geographic distribution of dental health care services, or spatial dimensions related to dental service access (travel time, distance, etc.), especially within metropolitan areas. Therefore, this study used known community profile indicators to assess the geographic accessibility of existing dental services in the city of Al Madina, Saudi Arabia. Geographic coordinates were identified for 33 primary clinics and 48 private clinics. The Al Madina metropolitan area, containing 1,105,465 residents, was divided into 103 districts, in accordance with the 2010 population census. Clinic locations and the number of dentists at each clinic were integrated with the city’s population census data within each district, using a geographic information system. The city metropolitan area consisted of 103 neighborhoods with a total of 1,105,465 residents (715,980 Saudis and 389,485 non-Saudis). Thirty-three fixed public primary dental clinics and 48 private dental clinics were geocoded within the municipality. The city exhibited an overall practice-to-population ratio of one dental clinic per 13,647 residents. More clinics (55% public and 58% private) were located within 3 km of the city center. Notably, 8% of the population was located more than 10 km from the city center. A total of 37% of the city’s districts were identified as areas of relative need; these were primarily located in peripheral metropolitan areas. This study depicts a clear example of the inverse care law, where people living in outer metropolitan areas have less spatial access to dental care than those living in inner metropolitan areas.
Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship in Nigeria: Implication for Economic Diversification
Authors: Omeje Ambrose Nnaemeka , Jideofor Augustine , Ugwu Michael Okike
Published: December 2020

Nigerian government through its various agencies, World Bank, nongovernmental organizations, and even private philanthropists, has recently resorted to committing a lot of resources to training and empowering the youths in various entrepreneurships. This is done with the aim of enhancing creation of jobs, reduction of poverty, and generation of income both to individuals and government thereby bringing about economic diversification which will help reduce overdependence on government and oil revenue, hence leading to economic growth and development. While these initiatives are steps in the right direction, this study therefore empirically examined whether empowering the youths has significantly contributed to the growth of entrepreneurship thereby leading to economic diversification in Nigeria using the Nigeria Enterprise Survey Data (2014) and applying the multinomial logistic regression model. It was found among others that almost all the variables used to capture entrepreneurship growth and development in Nigeria were statistically significant except for tax rates, transportation cost, and land access (comparing micro and large enterprises with the small-scale enterprise) and tax rates, subsidy, and land access (comparing medium enterprise with small-scale enterprise). It was recommended among others that governments at all levels and its various agencies, World Bank, nongovernmental organizations, and even private philanthropists, need to do more on entrepreneurship training programs of youths. The training should be accompanied with sustained financial and nonfinancial support and monitoring the business activities of these entrepreneurs after empowering them.
Dynamic scapulohumeral rhythm: Comparison between healthy shoulders and those with large or massive rotator cuff tear
Authors: Kozono Naoya , Takeuchi Naohide , Okada Takamitsu , Hamai Satoshi , Higaki Hidehiko , Shimoto Takeshi , Ikebe Satoru , Gondo Hirotaka , Senju Takahiro , Nakashima Yasuharu
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

Assessment of scapular kinematics and the dynamics of the scapulohumeral rhythm (SHR) would be important for understanding pathologies of the shoulder and to inform treatment. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the SHR and scapular kinematics in patients with a rotator cuff tear (RCT), compared to a control group with healthy shoulders using image-matching techniques.

Materials and Methods:

The shoulder kinematics of large or massive RCT patients were evaluated and compared to a control group with healthy shoulders. Radiographic surveillance was performed throughout the full range of external rotation and scapular plane abduction. Computed tomography imaging of the shoulder complex was performed, with three-dimensional image reconstruction and matching to the radiographs to measure three-dimensional positions and orientations. SHR and angular values of the scapula were measured.

Results:

Scapular external rotation in the late phase of external rotation movement was greater in the RCT group than in the control group ( p < 0.05), but with no difference in the SHR. During scapular plane abduction, there were significant differences in SHR, scapular posterior tilt and scapular upward rotation between the RCT and control group ( p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Regarding clinical relevance, this study clarified the differences of SHR and angular values of the scapula between the RCT and control group. These results underline the importance of assessment the SHR and scapular kinematics in individuals with a RCT. RCT is associated with specific compensation in the kinematics of the scapula and SHR during external rotation and scapular plane abduction, which could inform treatment.
Family Resilience and Connection Is Associated with Dental Caries in US Children
Authors: Burgette J.M.
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

The impact of family resilience and connection on children’s oral health has not been well-documented in the published literature.

Objectives:

This study examined the association between family resilience and connection and the probability of a child having caregiver-reported dental caries using a nationally representative sample.

Methods:

A cross-sectional analysis of the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health was performed on US children ages 6 to 17 y. Family resilience and connection was assessed using a 6-point index and analyzed as a 3-level categorical variable. Caregivers reported whether their child had “decayed teeth or cavities” during the past 12 mo. Logistic regression was performed controlling for child (age, gender, race/ethnicity, insurance, preventive dental use) and family (education and federal poverty level) characteristics.

Results:

Among the 35,167 children in the sample, 10.4% children had caregiver-reported dental caries. The prevalence of dental caries decreased in a graded fashion with increasing levels of family resilience and connection (12.5%, 10.5%, and 8.8%, respectively; P < 0.001). As compared with children with the lowest level of family resilience and connection, those with the highest level had lower odds of caregiver-reported dental caries after adjusting for child and family covariates (adjusted odds ratio = 0.63; 95% confidence interval = 0.58, 0.69).

Conclusion:

Using a nationally representative sample, children living in families with higher levels of resilience and connection had a significantly lower odds of caregiver-reported dental caries. Policies and programs that increase family resilience and connection have the potential to decrease dental caries in school-aged children.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

This work suggests an association between family resilience/connection and dental caries in school-aged children. Further work is required to determine the degree to which addressing these constructs might impact child dental caries.
The pulmonary metatranscriptome prior to pediatric HCT identifies post-HCT lung injury
Authors: Zinter Matt S. , Lindemans Caroline A. , Versluys Birgitta A. , Mayday Madeline Y. , Sunshine Sara , Reyes Gustavo , Sirota Marina , Sapru Anil , Matthay Michael A. , Kharbanda Sandhya , Dvorak Christopher C. , Boelens Jaap J. , DeRisi Joseph L.
Published: December 2020

Lung injury after pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a common and disastrous complication that threatens long-term survival. To develop strategies to prevent lung injury, novel tools are needed to comprehensively assess lung health in HCT candidates. Therefore, this study analyzed biospecimens from 181 pediatric HCT candidates who underwent routine pre-HCT bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) at the University Medical Center Utrecht between 2005 and 2016. BAL fluid underwent metatranscriptomic sequencing of microbial and human RNA, and unsupervised clustering and generalized linear models were used to associate microbiome gene expression data with the development of post-HCT lung injury. Microbe-gene correlations were validated using a geographically distinct cohort of 18 pediatric HCT candidates. The cumulative incidence of post-HCT lung injury varied significantly according to 4 pre-HCT pulmonary metatranscriptome clusters, with the highest incidence observed in children with pre-HCT viral enrichment and innate immune activation, as well as in children with profound microbial depletion and concomitant natural killer/T-cell activation (P < .001). In contrast, children with pre-HCT pulmonary metatranscriptomes containing diverse oropharyngeal taxa and lacking inflammation rarely developed post-HCT lung injury. In addition, activation of epithelial-epidermal differentiation, mucus production, and cellular adhesion were associated with fatal post-HCT lung injury. In a separate validation cohort, associations among pulmonary respiratory viral load, oropharyngeal taxa, and pulmonary gene expression were recapitulated; the association with post-HCT lung injury needs to be validated in an independent cohort. This analysis suggests that assessment of the pre-HCT BAL fluid may identify high-risk pediatric HCT candidates who may benefit from pathobiology-targeted interventions.
Malaria and COVID-19: unmasking their ties
Authors: Hussein Mogahed Ismail Hassan , Albashir Ahmed Abdalazim Dafallah , Elawad Omer Ali Mohamed Ahmed , Homeida Anmar
Published: December 2020

The incidence and mortality of COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization reports, shows a noticeable difference between North America, Western Europe, and South Asia on one hand and most African countries on the other hand, especially the malaria-endemic countries. Although this observation could be attributed to limited testing capacity, mitigation tools adopted and cultural habits, many theories have been postulated to explain this difference in prevalence and mortality. Because death tends to occur more in elders, both the role of demography, and how the age structure of a population may contribute to the difference in mortality rate between countries were discussed. The variable distribution of the ACEI/D and the ACE2 (C1173T substitution) polymorphisms has been postulated to explain this variable prevalence. Up-to-date data regarding the role of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and chloroquine (CQ) in COVID-19 have been summarized. The article also sheds lights on how the similarity of malaria and COVID-19 symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis of one disease for the other or overlooking the possibility of co-infection. As the COVID-19 pandemic threatens the delivery of malaria services, such as the distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying, as well as malaria chemoprevention there is an urgent need for rapid and effective responses to avoid malaria outbreaks.
Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes as a prognostic and tamoxifen predictive marker in premenopausal breast cancer: data from a randomised trial with long-term follow-up
Authors: Lundgren Christine , Bendahl Pär-Ola , Ekholm Maria , Fernö Mårten , Forsare Carina , Krüger Ute , Nordenskjöld Bo , Stål Olle , Rydén Lisa
Published: December 2020

Background

Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are of important prognostic and predictive value in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer (BC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), but their clinical relevance in oestrogen receptor-positive/HER2-negative (ER+/HER2−) remains unknown. The primary study aim was to analyse the prognostic effect of TILs on the BC-free interval (BCFi) in premenopausal patients stratified by BC subtypes. The secondary aim was to investigate if TILs are predictive of tamoxifen (TAM) benefit.

Methods

Archival tissues from primary breast tumours were collected from patients from the SBII:2pre trial, in which 564 premenopausal women were randomised to 2 years of adjuvant TAM or no systemic treatment, regardless of hormone receptor status. TILs were scored on whole tissue sections from 447 patients with available ER status. Tumours were divided into ER+/HER2−, HER2+ and TNBC subtypes by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation. The prognostic value of TILs was analysed in systemically untreated patients (n = 221); the predictive information was investigated in the ER+ subgroup (n = 321) by cumulative incidence curves and Cox regression analyses. The median follow-up was 28 years.

Results

High (≥ 50%) infiltration of TILs was a favourable prognostic factor in terms of BCFi (univariable analysis: hazard ratioBCFi (HRBCFi) 0.40; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22–0.71; P = 0.002). Similar effects were observed across all BC subtypes. The effect of adjuvant TAM was stronger in patients with ER+ tumours and TILs < 50% (HRBCFi 0.63; 95% CI 0.47–0.84; P = 0.002) than in patients with high immune infiltration (≥ 50%) (HRBCFi 0.84; 95% CI (0.24–2.86); P = 0.77). However, evidence for differential effects of TAM in categories of TILs, i.e. interaction, was weak.

Conclusions

We demonstrate a long-term favourable prognostic value of high infiltration of TILs in a cohort of premenopausal BC patients and the positive prognostic effect was extended to the ER+/HER2− subgroup. A beneficial effect of TAM in ER+ patients was observed in patients with tumours of low TIL infiltration, but evidence for a treatment predictive effect was weak.

Trial registration

This trial is registered in the ISRCTN database, trial ID: ISRCTN12474687.
Immunity and the carotid body: implications for metabolic diseases
Authors: Conde Silvia V. , Sacramento Joana F. , Martins Fatima O.
Published: December 2020

Neuro-immune communication has gained enormous interest in recent years due to increasing knowledge of the way in which the brain coordinates functional alterations in inflammatory and autoimmune responses, and the mechanisms of neuron-immune cell interactions in the context of metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. In this review, we will explain how this relationship between the nervous and immune system impacts the pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways with specific reference to the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal gland axis and the vagal reflex and will explore the possible involvement of the carotid body (CB) in the neural control of inflammation. We will also highlight the mechanisms of vagal anti-inflammatory reflex control of immunity and metabolism, and the consequences of functional disarrangement of this reflex in settlement and development of metabolic diseases, with special attention to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the role of CB in the interplay between metabolism and immune responses will be discussed, with specific reference to the different stimuli that promote CB activation and the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic in this context. In doing so, we clarify the multivarious neuronal reflexes that coordinate tissue-specific responses (gut, pancreas, adipose tissue and liver) critical to metabolic control, and metabolic disease settlement and development. In the final section, we will summarize how electrical modulation of the carotid sinus nerve may be utilized to adjust these reflex responses and thus control inflammation and metabolic diseases, envisioning new therapeutics horizons.
Development of a fast-hardening retarding high-early-strength concrete with low-alkalinity sulphoaluminate cement and practical application
Authors: Sha Zhijun , Long Xiang , Feng Jiahui , Jiang Haibo , Wang Tianlong
Published: December 2020

To widen bridges, a usual method is to cast joint connections between new and old bridge decks without traffic interruption. The traffic vibrations have negative influence on the quality of joint connections. Shortening the construction time can alleviate the impact on the traffics, a fast-hardening retarding high-early-strength concrete (FRHC) for the connections is in need. In this study, low-alkalinity sulphoaluminate cement (LASC) concrete was modified to gain these characteristics. Based on FRHC concrete, four slab specimens including a monolithic concrete slab and three joint FRHC slabs were cast to investigate their flexural behaviors. With proper splicing details in joint connections, the joint FRHC specimens behaved approximately similar to the monolithic specimen. Combing the laboratory tests and engineering practice, the newly developed FRHC mixture succeeded in fast-hardening, retarding and high-early strength and the joint connections filled with FRHC have a good flexural performance.
Accuracy of dopaminergic imaging as a biomarker for mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies
Authors: Roberts Gemma , Donaghy Paul C. , Lloyd Jim , Durcan Rory , Petrides George , Colloby Sean J. , Lawley Sarah , Ciafone Joanna , Hamilton Calum A. , Firbank Michael , Allan Louise , Barnett Nicola , Barker Sally , Olsen Kirsty , Howe Kim , Ali Tamir , Taylor John-Paul , O'Brien John , Thomas Alan J.
Published: December 2020

Background

Dopaminergic imaging is an established biomarker for dementia with Lewy bodies, but its diagnostic accuracy at the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) stage remains uncertain.

Aims

To provide robust prospective evidence of the diagnostic accuracy of dopaminergic imaging at the MCI stage to either support or refute its inclusion as a biomarker for the diagnosis of MCI with Lewy bodies.

Method

We conducted a prospective diagnostic accuracy study of baseline dopaminergic imaging with [123I]N-ω-fluoropropyl-2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-iodophenyl)nortropane single-photon emission computerised tomography (123I-FP-CIT SPECT) in 144 patients with MCI. Images were rated as normal or abnormal by a panel of experts with access to striatal binding ratio results. Follow-up consensus diagnosis based on the presence of core features of Lewy body disease was used as the reference standard.

Results

At latest assessment (mean 2 years) 61 patients had probable MCI with Lewy bodies, 26 possible MCI with Lewy bodies and 57 MCI due to Alzheimer's disease. The sensitivity of baseline FP-CIT visual rating for probable MCI with Lewy bodies was 66% (95% CI 52–77%), specificity 88% (76–95%) and accuracy 76% (68–84%), with positive likelihood ratio 5.3.

Conclusions

It is over five times as likely for an abnormal scan to be found in probable MCI with Lewy bodies than MCI due to Alzheimer's disease. Dopaminergic imaging appears to be useful at the MCI stage in cases where Lewy body disease is suspected clinically.