bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overview of Intelligent Transportation System Safety Countermeasures for Wrong-Way Driving
Authors: Hosseini Parisa , Jalayer Mohammad , Zhou Huaguo , Atiquzzaman Md
Published: October 2021

Wrong-way driving (WWD) crashes are rare but tend to cause severe injuries and fatalities. When they occur, WWD crashes are mostly head-on and tend to be more severe than any other crash type. Currently, most efforts to mitigate WWD crashes focus on the application of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) technologies. Since the mid-1960s, many agencies have proposed and tested a variety of countermeasures ranging from the conventional, including improvements in signage and pavement markings, to the more advanced, based mainly on ITS. The application of ITS in detecting and deterring WWD crashes involves a combination of several components, such as detection, warning, and action. The main objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of ITS technologies implemented by different transportation agencies in the mitigation and prevention of WWD crashes. This study proves the importance of ITS technologies that have seen widespread application in recent years. Moreover, according to the evaluation studies of different ITS-related countermeasures, it shows that the countermeasures deployed have been effective in detecting wrong-way drivers and reducing the rate of wrong-way incidents. The results will provide insights for policymakers, engineers, and researchers into the application of ITS for reducing the severity and frequency of WWD crashes and other incidents on highway facilities.
A Higher Initial Tensioning Force of an ACL Graft Results in a Higher Graft Force After Screw Fixation Irrespective of the Screw Diameter: A Biomechanical Study
Authors: Kayaalp M. Enes , Collette Robert , Kruppa Philipp , Flies Anne , Schaser Klaus-Dieter , Wulsten Dag , Duda Georg N. , Becker Roland , Kopf Sebastian
Published: October 2021

Background:

The intra-articular graft force (IAGF) in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction decreases quickly over the first hours after surgery. Nevertheless, little is known about whether the initial extra-articular tensioning force (EATF) and screw diameter affect the graft force after fixation.

Purpose:

To investigate the effects of different EATFs on the IAGF of a soft tissue graft fixated via a bioabsorbable interference screw over 100 minutes after fixation and to evaluate the effects of different screw diameters within 1 mm of the tunnel width during this process.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

In this biomechanical study, a porcine quadruple-strand soft tissue graft was inserted into the tibial anterior cruciate ligament tunnel. On the extra-articular side, 3 loads were applied during retrograde insertion of the bioabsorbable interference screw (6, 7, and 8 mm): 20 N, 80 N, and maximum manual EATF (Nmax). Nine study groups consisting of 10 tibiae each were created to test the effects of different EATFs and screw sizes. The IAGF was measured up to 100 minutes after the EATF was released.

Results:

An EATF ≥80 N resulted in a larger IAGF for all screw sizes at 100 minutes. There were no significant associations between the IAGF at 100 minutes and different screw diameters. Inserting the tibial screw significantly increased the IAGF in all groups, with the exception of Nmax applied in groups with 7- or 8-mm screws. When compared with the end of screw insertion, after the release of the EATF, the IAGF dropped by 55% to 77 % at 100 minutes.

Conclusion:

An initial EATF ≥80 N is associated with a significantly larger IAGF at 100 minutes in this cadaveric simulation. The IAGF in soft tissue grafts decreased substantially after the retrograde placement of an interference screw. A recommendation regarding screw diameter with respect to the IAGF cannot be given.

Clinical Relevance:

To obtain a higher residual graft force after bioabsorbable interference screw fixation, an initial EATF ≥80 N should be applied according to this model. The significant decrease in graft force after the release of the EATF indicates that the reconstructed knee cannot be mechanically stabilized after the surgery.
Relationships of Child-, Parents-, and Environment-Associated Determinants with Diet Quality, Physical Activity, and Smoking Habits Among Indonesian Urban Adolescents
Authors: Agustina Rina , Rianda Davrina , Setiawan Evania Astella
Published: October 2021

Background:

The trend of unhealthy lifestyles is increasing among adolescents and has been associated with the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). However, specific determinants of unhealthy lifestyles among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries remain limited.

Objective:

To investigate the relationships of child-, parents-, and environment-associated determinants with diet quality, physical activity, and smoking habits among low-socioeconomic urban adolescents.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study involving 238 adolescents aged 11 to 17 years was conducted in Jakarta, Indonesia. Adolescents and their parents were interviewed to assess the determinants of healthy lifestyles that included diet quality, physical activity, and smoking habits. Diet and physical activity were quantified using the Diet Quality Index for Adolescents (DQI-A) and Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C), respectively. Multiple regression was used to determine the β coefficients and odds ratios predictive of healthy lifestyles.

Results:

Mean scores of DQI-A and PAQ-C were considered low (33.5% ± 8.9% and 2.1 ± 0.5, respectively). Overall, 17.6% of adolescents were smokers, with 88% of these being males. Predictors of diet quality were child- (age, gender) and environment-associated (house size, access to a computer) determinants with β coefficients of −6.52 to 3.26. The PAQ-C score was associated with child- (female) and environment-associated (living area) determinants with β coefficients of −0.45 and 0.14, respectively. Younger adolescents and females were protective factors for smoking. Parents-associated determinants were not associated with any lifestyle indicators.

Conclusions:

Child- and environment-associated determinants were predictors of healthy lifestyles among adolescents. Thus, personal empowerment and environment transformation are needed to facilitate a healthy lifestyle and reduce the burden of NCDs among adolescents.
Prediction of statistical life time for unidirectional CFRTP under water absorption
Authors: Nakada Masayuki , Miyano Yasushi , Kageta Soshi , Nishida Hirofumi , Hayashi Yutaka , Uzawa Kiyoshi
Published: October 2021

Carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) with the matrix of thermoplastic resin called as carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTPs) has been widely used in the industrial fields. Recently, a thermoplastic epoxy resin (TP-EP resin) has been developed as the matrix of CFRTP and carbon fiber reinforced TP-EP strands (CF/TP strands) molded by pultrusion method began to be used as tension rods for infrastructure under water absorption. On the other hand, an accelerated testing methodology (ATM) for predicting statistically long-term creep and fatigue strengths of CFRP was established by the authors. This study examines the prediction of statistical life time for these developed CF/TP strands at creep and fatigue tension loadings under the wet condition of water absorption with comparison to similar prediction under a dry condition by using our developed ATM. First, the static, creep, and fatigue tensile strengths of CF/TP strands were measured statistically at various constant temperatures under wet and dry conditions. The statistical long-term creep and fatigue tensile strengths for CF/TP strands under wet and dry conditions are predicted by substituting the measured data into the formulations of these strengths on our developed ATM. Finally, the influences of water absorption on the statistical long-term creep and fatigue strengths of CF/TP strands are cleared. In particular, the degradation of relaxation modulus of matrix TP-EP resin with increasing of elapsed time is accelerated with the water absorption, and the degradation of creep strength of CF/TP strand with increasing of elapsed time is also accelerated with the water absorption in the similar manner of matrix resin. On the other hand, the fatigue strength of CF/TP strand decreases scarcely with water absorption although this fatigue strength depends remarkably on the number of cycles to failure.
The Relationship Between Symptom Severity and Caregiver Burden in Cancer Patients Under Palliative Care: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Celik Emir , Aslan Muhammed Samil , Sengul Samanci Nilay , Karadag Mehmet , Saglam Tarik , Cakan Celik Yasemin , Demirci Nebi Serkan , Demirelli Fuat Hulusi
Published: October 2021

Background

Hospitalization is a stressful experience both for primary caregivers (PCs) and cancer patients alike. Although there is significant evidence that PCs of cancer patients can experience significant caregiver burden (CB), less is known about the relationships between PCs and patient symptom severity that influence CB. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, measures of the symptom severity were obtained from cancer patients. The PCs were assessed for CB. Associations between patients' symptoms and demographic characteristics and CB were investigated using multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 98 participants (patient-caregiver dyads) filled the questionnaires. According to the Zarit Burden Interview results, 65.3% of PCs had a high CB. Pain, tiredness, nausea, depression, drowsiness, well-being, and dyspnea had significantly higher mean values in those with high CB (p < .05). Financial difficulties, first-degree relationships with the patient, higher anxiety levels, and more pronounced tiredness appear to be the variables most predictive with high CB. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study showed CB of PCs among a group of hospitalized incurable cancer patients. PCs of more symptomatic cancer patients had a higher CB, according to our findings. This emphasized the significance of palliative care. Appropriate guidance should be provided for the psychostress caused by the CB.
Hospitalization Burden and Incidence of Krabbe Disease
Authors: Ghabash Gabrielle , Wilkes Jacob , Barney Bradley J. , Bonkowsky Joshua L.
Published: October 2021

Objective:

The purpose of our study was to understand the healthcare burden and incidence of Krabbe disease (Krabbe).

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of Krabbe patients identified October 1, 2015 through December 31, 2020, ages birth through age 3, evaluated in two national databases. We estimated point prevalence and incidence from year 2016 data.

Results:

We identified 98 unique Krabbe patients with 736 visits including 260 were inpatient admissions. Total healthcare charges were $51.5 million dollars. We determined a point prevalence of 34 68 Krabbe patients in 2016 ages 0 3 years. This estimates a birth incidence of ~1 in 310,000 live births. Significance: Krabbe disease patients had over $51 million in health care charges and hundreds of hospitalizations. Estimated prevalence and birth incidence is similar to rates observed from newborn screening. Our findings show the tremendous health impacts of Krabbe disease, and provide guidance for efforts in screening and treatment planning.
A heparin-functionalized covered stent prepared by plasma technology
Authors: Zhu Qing , Ye Ping , Guo Fang , Zhu Yimen , Nan Wenbin , Chang Zhaohua
Published: October 2021

In this study, the surface of the covered stent was treated by plasma technology to introduce amino functional groups, and glutaraldehyde and heparin were successfully grafted to prepare a heparin-functionalized covered stent (HPLCS). The preparation parameters such as plasma treatment power, plasma treatment time, concentration of glutaraldehyde and heparin, and pH of heparin solution were studied in detail. The functionalized heparin covered stent can make the titer of heparin reach 1.23 ± 0.03 IU/cm2. In animal experiments, after implantation in pigs for 6 months, the titer of heparin can still reach 0.93 ± 0.05 IU/cm2. This work provides a good method for preparing heparin covered stent.
Retrieval analysis of neck fracture on uni-modular total hip arthroplasty stems: The contributions of material processing and stem design
Authors: Cubillos Patricia O , dos Santos Vinícius O , Fernandes Daniel A , Moré Ari DO , da Rosa Edison , Fancello Eduardo A , Roesler Carlos RM
Published: October 2021

Total hip arthroplasty stem fracture is an important contributor to morbidity rate and increases the cost of revision surgery. Failure is usually caused by issues related to overload, inadequate stem support, inappropriate stem design or dimensions and material processing. In this study, the role of the relationship between material characterization and biomechanical performance in the fracture of retrieved stems was explored. The stems were manufactured with forged stainless steel, had the same length, 12/14 trunnion, and 28-mm head. These stems were evaluated by macroscopic and microscopic examination to identify the causes of premature failure. Each stem was sectioned into four regions, and the cross-sections were used for the microhardness and grain size analysis. Finite element analysis (FEA) was carried out, considering the stem positioned at the femur, a musculoskeletal model, and biomechanical loading. All stems had fractured through a fatigue mechanism, mainly a unidirectional bending loading condition, with crack nucleation on the lateral side and propagation on the medial side. The numerical analysis revealed maximum mechanical stress on the lateral side of the stem neck, but this was below the yield stress calculated via the hardness. The use of a shorter head neck length could reduce the maximum mechanical stress at the neck. At a cross-section near the plane of the stem fracture, the hardness was lower than that normally reported by the ASM, and there were heterogonous and coarse grain sizes on the lateral side. The main cause of failure of the two stems analyzed was a combination of low hardness and coarse grain size, due to inappropriate materials processing, worsen by a high level of stress on the lateral side of the neck due to the large stem-head offset selected by the orthopedic surgeon.
Lipoxin A4 methyl ester protects PC12 cells from ketamine-induced neurotoxicity via the miR-22/BAG5 pathway
Authors: Wang Xue-song , Li Long-cheng , Zhang Xue , Gao Jin
Published: October 2021

Objective

Ketamine is an anesthetic that induces neurotoxicity when administered at high doses. In this work, we explored the protective effects of lipoxin A4 methyl ester (LXA4 ME) against ketamine-induced neurotoxicity and the underlying protective mechanism in pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells.

Methods

PC12 cells were treated with 50 μM of ketamine and different LXA4 ME concentrations of LXA4 ME (5–50 nM) for 24 h, and their viability, apoptosis, and oxidative status were assessed.

Results

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction experiments showed that ketamine downregulated miR-22 expression and upregulated Bcl-2-associated athanogene 5 (BAG5) in PC12 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. LXA4 ME induced the opposite effects, thus attenuating ketamine-induced neurotoxicity. Further in vitro assays showed that miR-22 directly targeted BAG5, thus promoting cell viability by suppressing cell apoptosis and oxidative stress. Under expression miR-22 or upregulation of BAG5 antagonized the effects of LXA4 ME.

Conclusion

LXA4 ME can protect PC12 cells from ketamine-induced neurotoxicity by activating the miR-22/BAG5 signaling pathway. Thus, LXA4 ME can be used as a protective drug against ketamine-induced neural damage.
Mapping the literature on anxiety associated with information related tasks: A scientometric analysis
Authors: Naveed Muhammad Asif , Anwar Mumtaz Ali
Published: October 2021

This research carried out a scientometric analysis of literature on anxiety associated with information-related tasks to determine its periodic growth, language dispersion, publication format, authorship patterns, and geographic origin. Four relevant databases (Web of Science, Scopus, LISTA, and LISA) were searched along with scanning of references of full-text papers to identify 381 related citations. The data set was analyzed using several bibliographic characteristics. The results showed that the volume of literature began to increase from the year 1986 and continued at a steady pace up to 2000. A phenomenal increase in the output was noticed in the 21st century with a per-year average of 16 publications till 2019. The majority of documents were for journal papers from the LIS field. English was the dominant language. More than half of the journal papers were published by only 27 journals. One-fourth of the journals produced a little less than two-thirds of the papers. A little less than half of the literature was the result of collaborative effort. A small core of authors produced more than one-third of the literature. UK and USA appeared as the leading contributors in the journal papers as well as all publications. The results are beneficial to scholars in several disciplines as they provides an interesting insight into the research trends by creating awareness about core authors, core journals, and core areas publishing this literature. These results also encourage researchers to initiate collaborative and inter-disciplinary research. This study makes a worthy contribution to this research area as no such a comprehensive study is available so far.
Assessing Trade Attractiveness Using International Marketing Environmental Factors and Fuzzy DEMATEL
Authors: Madhavan Meena , Sharafuddin Mohammed Ali , Wangtueai Sutee
Published: October 2021

International market entry of entities can be through exporting, licensing, franchising, partnering and strategic alliance, acquisition and Greenfield venture. However, small and medium enterprises (SMEs’) initial international market entries are limited to exporting. Hence, assessing the international marketing environment is essential for deciding the pre-export or initial export stages of going international. It also needs favourable policies to support the trade growth of SMEs between countries. Hence, this research study aims to develop a quantitative approach for assessing the international trade attractiveness between regions with physical, political, economic, sociocultural and technological (PPEST) variables and the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique. This research study is novel in its approach for identifying the prominence causal variables of trade attractiveness by applying the Fuzzy DEMATEL technique. The results revealed that ‘focusing on the development of new technologies’ and ‘Physical distribution and communication network’ were the core factors influencing the trade attractiveness between the regions. Furthermore, directions for policy implementation and research expansion in this domain were also presented.
Leptospiral meningoencephalitis in a raccoon dog
Authors: Yamashita Risako , Yoshida Toshinori , Kobayashi Mio , Uomoto Suzuka , Shimizu Saori , Takesue Keisuke , Maeda Natsuno , Hara Erika , Ohshima Kanami , Zeng Wen , Takahashi Yasunori , Ikeuchi Aoi , Okamoto Emi , Sugiyama Takutoshi , Nagakubo Hiroki , Ichikawa-Seki Madoka , Shibutani Makoto
Published: October 2021

Neuroleptospirosis is a rare disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira interrogans in humans; however, it has not been fully studied in animals. A young wild raccoon dog was found convulsing in the recumbent position and died the next day. Histologic examination revealed nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis in the cerebrum, cerebellum, midbrain, and medulla oblongata. The lesions consisted of mixed infiltrates of Iba1-positive macrophages and CD3-positive T cells, with a small number of CD79α-positive B cells and myeloperoxidase-positive neutrophils. In the frontal cortex, perivascular cuffs and adjacent microglial nodules were distributed diffusely, especially in the molecular layer. Glial nodules were comprised of Iba1- and myeloperoxidase-positive activated microglia. Immunohistochemistry revealed leptospires in mononuclear cell perivascular cuffs, but not in glial nodules. Neuroleptospirosis was accompanied by Leptospira-related nonsuppurative interstitial nephritis, pulmonary edema and hemorrhage, and coronary periarteritis, as well as Toxocara tanuki in the small intestine and nonspecific foreign-body granulomas in the lungs and stomach.
A Case Study for the Interrater Reliability of Journal Referees
Authors: Marson Stephen M. , Lillis J. Porter
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Current research indicates problems are emerging in our current system of anonymous journal reviews. We find a proliferation of predatory journals and difficulty in identifying them and explaining the dangers of publishing them to scholars. Predatory journals claim to offer anonymous reviews, but often they do not. Methods: We employ data from The International Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics as a model for transparency ( n = 246). Interrater reliability correlations and chi square was used to contrast data from our literature review. Results: Although the interrater correlations were deemed moderate, our results were better than those in the baseline found in the review of literature. This type of data addressing journals is not available to the scientific community but should be. Conclusion: Based on the synthesis of the review of literature and our case study, eight recommendations are offered to improve the anonymous review process for academic journals.
Speech Outcomes of a National Cohort of Children with Orofacial Cleft at 5 and 10 Years of age
Authors: Morrison Maeve M. , Mason Nicola T. , Forde Bryony L. , Stone Peter R. , Fowler Peter V. , Thompson John M. D.
Published: October 2021

Objective

To assess speech outcomes at five and ten years of age in a nationwide study of children with orofacial cleft.

Design

Prospective study.

Participants

Children born with orofacial cleft and having primary surgery in New Zealand. Speech samples were available for 151 five-year-old, and 163 ten-year-old children.

Main outcome measures

Intelligibility, Acceptability, Velopharyngeal function, Hypernasality, Hyponasality, severity of airflow evaluated by perceptual speech assessment (using the standardised Rhinocleft assessment), and overall assessment of requirement for clinical intervention.

Results

A large proportion of five-year-old children had speech that was considered to be not completely intelligible, was not acceptable, and had inadequate velopharyngeal function. The noted deficiencies led to a clinical judgement that further speech and/or surgical intervention was required in 85% with cleft lip and palate, 65% with cleft palate and 26% with cleft lip. The proportion of children with poor speech outcomes in the ten-year-old children was lower, though of clinical importance, further intervention required for 25% with CLP, 15% with CP and 3% with CL. The number of sound production errors in both age groups followed the same pattern with fewest in those with CL and most in those with CLP.

Conclusions

A significant proportion of children with orofacial cleft were found to have poor speech outcomes requiring further treatment. The outcomes are poor compared to centres reported in the UK and Scandinavia. New Zealand requires a review of the current services for individuals born with cleft to improve speech outcomes and interdisciplinary care.
Coping With COVID-19: The Impact of the Pandemic on Latina Immigrant Women’s Mental Health and Well-being
Authors: Ornelas India J. , Tornberg-Belanger Stephanie , Balkus Jennifer E. , Bravo Perla , Perez Solorio S. Adriana , Perez Georgina E. , Tran Anh N.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

We sought to describe how Latina immigrants living in King County coped with the pandemic, including their attitudes and behaviors related to COVID-19, and the impact of the pandemic on their mental health and wellbeing.

Method

We conducted surveys by phone with adult Spanish-speaking Latina immigrants ( n = 137) in the summer of 2020.

Results

Very few women had been infected with COVID-19, and 23% reported having been tested. Most frequent reasons for not being tested were not knowing where to go (14%), concerns over the cost (15%), and not wanting to know if they were infected (12%). Most participants had concerns about paying for housing (76%) and food (73%). Depression and anxiety symptoms were in the moderate range. Almost all participants were practicing recommended preventive behaviors.

Conclusion

Although few participants had COVID-19 infection, the pandemic had significant impacts on their mental health and ability to meet basic needs.
Identification of Conserved Pappalysin 1-Derived Circular RNA-Mediated Competing Endogenous RNA in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Ming Guang-Fu , Gao Bo-Hua , Chen Peng
Published: October 2021

The etiology of osteosarcoma (OS) is complex and not fully understood till now. This study aimed to identify the miRNAs, circRNAs, and genes (mRNAs) that are differentially expressed in OS cell lines to investigate the mechanism of circRNA-associated competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) in OS. Microarray datasets reporting mRNA (GSE70414), miRNA (GSE70367), and circRNA changes (GSE96964) in human OS cell lines were downloaded, differentially expressed (DE) RNAs were identified, and DEmRNAs were used for the annotation of Gene Ontology (GO) biological processes (BP), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. The mechanisms of DEcircRNA-mediated ceRNAs were identified in a step-by-step process. A total of 326 DEmRNAs, 45 DEmiRNAs, and 110 DEcircRNAs were identified from 3 datasets. The DEmRNAs were associated with GO BP terms, including cholesterol biosynthetic process, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix organization and KEGG pathways, including p53 signaling pathway and biosynthesis of antibiotics. The final ceRNA network consisted of 8 DEcircRNAs, including 5 pappalysin (PAPPA) 1-derived DEcircRNAs (hsa_circ_0005456, hsa_circ_0088209, hsa_circ_0002052, hsa_circ_0088214 and has_circ_0008792, all downregulated), 3 DEmiRNAs (hsa-miR-760, hsa-miR-4665-5p and hsa-miR-4539, all upregulated), and downregulated genes (including MMP13 and HMOX1). The ceRNA regulation network of OS was built, which played important roles in the pathogenesis of OS and might be of great importance in therapy.
Identification of Terpenoids From Abrus precatorius Against Parkinson’s Disease Proteins Using In Silico Approach
Authors: Omoboyowa Damilola Alex , Balogun Toheeb Adewale , Omomule Oluwaseun Motunrayo , Saibu Oluwatosin A
Published: October 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second major neuro-degenrative disorder that causes morbidity and mortality among older populations. Terpenoids were reported as potential neuro-protective agents. Therefore, this study seeks to unlock the inhibitory potential of terpenoids from Abrus precatorius seeds against proteins involve in PD pathogenesis. In this study, in silico molecular docking of 5 terpenoids derived from high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of A. precatorius seeds against α-synuclein, catechol-o-methyltransferase, and monoamine oxidase B which are markers of PD was performed using Autodock vina. The absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADME/Tox) of the hits were done using Swiss ADME predictor and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation of the hit-protein complex was performed using Desmond Schrodinger software. Five out of 6 compounds satisfied the ADME/Tox parameters and showed varying degrees of binding affinities with selected proteins. Drimenin-α-synuclein complex showed the lowest binding energy of −9.1 kcal/mol followed by interaction with key amino acid residues necessary for α-synuclein inhibition. The selection of this complex was justified by its stability in MD simulation conducted for 10 ns and exhibited stable interaction in terms of root mean square deviation (RMSD) and root mean square deviation error fluctuation (RMSF) values.
Thrombotic Microangiopathy in a Severe Pediatric Case of COVID-19
Authors: Dalkıran Tahir , Kandur Yaşar , Kara Emine Manolya , Dağoğlu Besra , Taner Sevgin , Öncü Doğan
Published: October 2021

In this case report, we report a pediatric patient with COVID-19 and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). A 3-year-old girl with fever and respiratory distress was admitted to the hospital. The patient tested positive for COVID-19 by a PCR test. As her respiratory distress increased and blood gas indicated deep respiratory acidosis on the third day of the pediatric intensive care unit follow-up, the patient was intubated and ventilated. Thorax computerized tomography (CT) showed bilateral effusion and atelectasis. During her follow-up, the pleural effusion resolved but there were marked consolidation areas and ground glass opacities compatible with COVID-19 on the follow-up CT. On the 10th day, she became anuric and developed progressive thrombocytopenia and persistent microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, which were suggestive of HUS given a high creatinine level (1.9 mg/dl), an undetectable haptoglobin level, reticulocytosis (8%), and an LDH level of 2540 U/l. Direct Coombs test returned negative. Examination of a peripheral blood smear revealed schistocytes. Disseminated intravascular coagulation was ruled out by normal INR and PTT. In the light of the available findings, we considered the patient to have thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) triggered by COVID-19. It was not a TTP-form of TMA but rather an aHUS type, based on an ADAMTS13 activity level >5%. Hence, plasmapheresis was performed with fresh frozen plasma (FFP). After 4 weeks, she became completely asymptomatic, and her hemodynamic parameters normalized. COVID-19 induced uncontrolled complement activation leading to the development of aHUS. Early diagnosis and treatment may reduce morbidity and mortality since its treatment options.
Anthropometric Criteria for Identifying Infants Under 6 Months of Age at Risk of Morbidity and Mortality: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hoehn Christoph , Lelijveld Natasha , Mwangome Martha , Berkley James A , McGrath Marie , Kerac Marko
Published: October 2021

Background:

There is increasing global focus on small and nutritionally at-risk infants aged <6 months (<6 m). Current WHO guidelines recommend weight-for-length z-score (WLZ) for enrolment to malnutrition treatment programmes but acknowledge a weak evidence-base. This review aims to inform future guidelines by examining which anthropometric criteria best identify infants <6 m at high risk of mortality/morbidity.

Methods:

We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Global Health, Cochrane Library and POPLINE for studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries and published between 1990 and October 2020. We included studies reporting anthropometric assessment of nutritional status in infants <6 m and assessed the association with subsequent morbidity or mortality.

Results:

A total of 19 studies were included in the final review, covering 20 countries, predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa. WLZ had poor reliability and poor prognostic ability to identify infants at risk of death. Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) were better at identifying infants at risk of mortality/morbidity. MUAC-for-age z-score did not perform better than using a single MUAC cut-off. Suggested MUAC cut-offs for this age group varied by context, ranging from 10.5 to 11.5 cm. The assessment for reliability showed that length was difficult to measure, making WLZ the least reliable indicator overall.

Conclusion:

Evidence from our review suggests that a change in current practice is necessary. To better identify small and nutritionally at-risk infants <6 m WAZ and/or MUAC rather than WLZ should be used. Future research should explore possible benefits for programme coverage, impact and cost-effectiveness. Research should also examine if context-specific MUAC thresholds are needed.
Contesting war memories: Parties and voters in contemporary Southeast Europe
Authors: Glaurdić Josip , Lesschaeve Christophe , Mochtak Michal
Published: October 2021

Over the past four decades, there has been a proliferation of interest in the causes, consequences, and dynamics of contestation over collective memories across a variety of fields. Unfortunately, collective memories—particularly those of traumatic experiences of violence such as wars and revolutions—have been largely absent from party politics research. Using data collected in an expert survey on the policy positions and ideological orientations of all relevant political parties, as well as an extensive survey of more than ten thousand voters in the six post-conflict countries of Southeast Europe, we demonstrate that collective memories of war are not only subjects of historiographical contestation but are also significant sources of ideological and policy differentiation among political parties, as well as one of the strongest determinants of voter choice. Our analysis shows that collective memories are politically contested and that party politics research would benefit from taking them seriously.
Intolerance of uncertainty and distress in women with delayed IVF treatment due to the COVID-19 pandemic: The mediating role of situation appraisal and coping strategies
Authors: Mitrović Milica , Kostić Jelena Opsenica , Ristić Milica
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused delays of numerous medical procedures, including IVF. This study investigates the relationship between Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU), situation appraisal—the perceived threat that COVID-19 poses for infertility treatment, coping strategies, and general distress among women with a delayed IVF procedure. SEM showed that situation appraisal is a partial mediator of the relationship between IU and avoidance, as well as the relationship between IU and general distress. The connection between situation appraisal and general distress is partially mediated by avoidance. In this challenging context for mental health, situation appraisal and coping strategies determine the level of distress, where IU, as a dispositional variable, represents the main determinant of the entire reaction.
Low prevalence of doravirine-associated resistance mutations among polish human immunodeficiency-1 (HIV-1)–infected patients
Authors: Scheibe Kaja , Urbańska Anna , Jakubowski Paweł , Hlebowicz Maria , Bociąga-Jasik Monika , Raczyńska Aleksandra , Szymczak Aleksandra , Szetela Bartosz , Łojewski Władysław , Parczewski Miłosz
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Doravirine (DOR) is a novel non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) that retains activity against common NNRTI resistance mutations. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of DOR resistance mutations compared with that of resistance mutations for other NNRTIs among HIV-1-infected treatment‐experienced and -naïve patients from Poland.

Methods

Resistance to DOR and other NNRTIs was assessed in two datasets: 1760 antiretroviral treatment-naïve HIV-1 patients and 200 treatment‐experienced patients. All 1960 sequences were derived from the patients using bulk sequencing. For resistance analyses, Stanford HIV drug resistance database scores were used.

Results

Overall, DOR resistance was present in 32 patients (1.62%), of whom 13 (0.74%) were naïve and 19 (9.50%) were treatment-experienced. The most common DOR resistance mutations observed among the naïve patients were A98G and K101E (0.2% each), and those among cART-experienced patients were L100I (2.0%), K101E, V108I, H221Y, and P225H (1.5% each). Furthermore, among the naïve patients, less common resistance to DOR (0.7%) compared with that to nevirapine (NVP) (2.1%; p = 0.0013) and rilpivirine (5.40%; p < 0.0001) was observed. For sequences obtained from treatment-experienced patients, the frequency of resistance to DOR (9.5%) was lower than that for efavirenz (25.5%; p < 0.0001) and NVP (26.0%; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The frequency of transmitted drug resistance to DOR is low, allowing for effective treatment of antiretroviral treatment-naïve patients and rapid treatment initiation. In cART-experienced patients, this agent remains an attractive NNRTI option with a higher genetic barrier to resistance.
Optical screening investigations of backfire in a large bore medium speed hydrogen engine
Authors: Eicheldinger Stefan , Karmann Stephan , Prager Maximilian , Wachtmeister Georg
Published: October 2021

Further improvement of hydrogen combustion in port fuel injection engines is limited by backfire. To overcome this drawback of hydrogen port fuel injection engines it is essential to locate and understand the reasons for the inflammation of a backfiring cycle. To contribute to this understanding a minimal invasive lateral optical access was developed for a medium speed large bore engine. The access uses a UV enhanced endoscope to investigate the OH radical’s natural chemiluminescence to locate the inflammation of a backfiring cycle in the combustion chamber. The investigations are carried out at high engine load. The optical investigations were based on a thermodynamic screening. This included the variation of the start of the hydrogen port fuel injection and the engine’s backpressure. These experiments prove the influence of exhaust backpressure and the start of injection on the probability of backfire. As higher backpressure leads to an increased probability of backfire, the SoI strategy has also a decisive influence. An optimum start of injection timing with less backfire under high backpressure was experimentally determined at 300°CA with respect to 720°CA as FTDC. The conducted optical investigations show that backfire starts by ignition by hot residual gasses during the first cycle located under the exhaust valves. Furthermore, the results show ongoing combustion in the intake manifold leading to serious damage of the engine if not prohibited.
The operation of différance in a student-produced digital video: insights into differing and deferring signifier operations and relations in multimodal discourse
Authors: Ranker Jason
Published: October 2021

In this article, the author presents a multimodal discourse analysis of a student-produced video, drawing upon Jacques Derrida’s theorization of différance. He analyzes the film as a signifying chain, drawing specifically upon the differing and deferring aspects of différance in order to conceptualize the movement of signification in the video. The focus of his analysis is on how différance, as a constitutive force, splits and divides attempts to discursively construct a present through coordination of signifiers from across multiple modes. His application of différance illustrates how the present, as constructed in the focal video, is ill-defined and always blurred since presently occurring, visible, and audible signifiers in the video do not signify in and of themselves, but rather refer to past signifiers and anticipate future signifiers for their constitution as they engage the dynamic and complex operations of différance. This analysis adds to approaches to multimodal discourse analysis of student-produced videos by accounting for the interaction of visual, actional, bodily, and spoken signifiers, as well as the pedagogical implications for understanding how discursive agencies act upon student video-composers.
A Systematic Review of Resilience Factors for Psychosocial Outcomes During the Transition to Adulthood Following Childhood Victimisation
Authors: Latham Rachel M. , Newbury Joanne B. , Fisher Helen L.
Published: October 2021

Exposure to childhood victimisation (i.e. abuse, neglect, domestic violence or bullying) can detrimentally impact later psychosocial adjustment. However, this is not the case for all victimised children; some do well despite their experiences and are considered to be resilient. Understanding the factors associated with such resilience is important to inform interventions to support better psychosocial outcomes among victimised children. This review provides an overview of the extant research examining resilience factors for psychosocial outcomes during the transition to adulthood following exposure to childhood victimisation. Studies were identified through a systematic literature search of Embase, PsychINFO and Ovid MEDLINE databases. The 26 included studies spanned a range of psychosocial outcomes between ages 18–25, including education and work, housing and independent living, criminal behaviour, victimisation, and social and psychological adjustment. For each outcome, a variety of putative resilience factors had been investigated including those related to the individual, their family and the wider community within which they lived. However, because few studies had comparable resilience factors and psychosocial outcomes, it is difficult to draw conclusions about which factors are consistently associated with resilience to a particular psychosocial outcome. Additionally, this review revealed that the included studies were of variable methodological quality – many were limited by cross-sectional designs with retrospective self-reports of childhood victimisation, and convenience or unrepresentative samples. In this review, we also highlight gaps in knowledge about the co-occurring impact of multiple resilience factors in combination and the need for studies conducted in non-Western and low- and middle-income countries.
Theoretical Considerations for Communication Campaigns to Address Vaccine Hesitancy
Authors: Kenzig Melissa J. , Mumford Nadine S.
Published: October 2021

Vaccine hesitancy, declared one of the top-10 public health threats in 2019, has become a high priority for public health professionals. Health communication campaigns have the potential to be an effective component of health behavior interventions, including those to promote vaccination. There is limited research examining the effects of theory-based health communications campaigns focused on vaccine hesitancy. Communication campaigns that use stage-matched theoretical constructs as the basis for messages are more likely to be successful in encouraging vaccine uptake by organizing behavioral intent to vaccinate along each stage and identifying which theoretical constructs are most relevant to where individuals are in the behavior change process. This article focuses on the underlying factors affecting adult decisions to get vaccinated and proposes a model through which to segment populations and determine appropriate theory-based communication campaigns to address vaccine hesitancy.
Development of sanitary napkins using corn husk fibres in absorbent layer – an exploratory study
Authors: Rastogi Deepali , Jain Archana , Chanana Bhawana
Published: October 2021

Corn husk is an agro waste which poses a problem of its disposal. Hence, fibres were extracted from corn husk to utilize it. The fibres extracted from corn husk were coarse with linear density of 86 deniers, had bundle strength of 1.3 g/d and elongation at break of 18.5%. Water retention of corn husk fibres was also found to be 200%, which makes them suitable as absorbent material. Therefore, the possibility of using corn husk fibres in the absorbent layer of sanitary napkins was explored. Corn husk fibres were mixed with wood pulp in different proportions for use in sanitary napkins. The developed sanitary napkins were evaluated for various physical and hygiene parameters like pH, water retention, absorbency and ability to withstand pressure, disposability, bacterial and fungal bio-burden, and presence of common skin pathogens and compared with other sanitary napkins for all the parameters. The water retention and absorbency of corn husk napkins were comparable to branded napkins, which had higher absorbancy probably due to the presence of SAP in their absorbent layer or difference in the quality of top sheet and technology used to manufacture the napkins. The bacterial and fungal bio-burden for the developed napkins was found to be lowest and within acceptable limits of 1000 c.f.u/ml. The common skin pathogen Staphylococcus aureus and uterine pathogen Candida albicans were found to be absent. Thus, use of corn husk fibres for developing various absorbent hygiene products could be sought as an opportunity for transforming waste to useful products.
Relationship between hyperglycemia, waist circumference, and the course of COVID-19: Mortality risk assessment
Authors: Khalangot Mykola , Sheichenko Nadiia , Gurianov Vitaly , Vlasenko Viola , Kurinna Yulia , Samson Oksana , Tronko Mykola
Published: October 2021

An observational study was conducted in Ukraine to determine the independent mortality risks among adult inpatients with COVID-19. The results of treatment of COVID-19 inpatients ( n = 367) are presented, and waist circumference (WC) was measured. Logistic regression analysis was applied to evaluate the effects of factors on the risk of mortality. Odds ratios and 95% CIs for the association were calculated. One hundred and three of 367 subjects had fasting plasma glucose level that met the diabetes mellitus criteria (≥7.0 mmol/L), in 53 patients, diabetes mellitus was previously known. Two hundred and eleven patients did not have diabetes or hyperglycemia. Diabetes mellitus/hyperglycemia odds ratio 2.5 (CI 1.0–6.1), p = 0.045 loses statistical significance after standardization by age, waist circumference or fasting plasma glucose. No effect on gender, body mass index-determined obesity, or hypertension was found. The fasting plasma glucose (>8.5 mmol/L), age (≥61 years), and waist circumference (>105 cm) categories were associated with ORs 6.34 (CI 2.60–15.4); 4.12 (CI 1.37–12.4); 8.93 (CI 3.26–24.5), respectively. The optimal model of mortality risk with AUC 0.86 (CI 0.81–0.91) included the diabetes/heperglycemia and age categories as well as waist circumference as a continued variable. Waist circumference is an independent risk factor for mortality of inpatients with COVID-19.
SR-5, the specific ratio of Korean multi-herbal formula: An evaluation of antiulcerogenic effects on experimentally induced gastric ulcers in mice
Authors: Kim Kyeong Jo , Kim Eun , Kang Wan Seok , Jeon Mijin , Choi Hakjoon , Lee Ki Hoon , Kim Mi-Hyeon , Kim Jin Seok , Na Chang-Su , Kim Sunoh
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Previously, we demonstrated that the specific ratio of Korean multi-herbal formula (SR-5) exhibits hepatoprotective properties against ethanol-induced hepatic damage in rats. Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption is a major etiological factor involved in gastric disease and ulcer development induced by the inflammatory response and oxidative stress.

Methods

The present study evaluated the gastroprotective effects of SR-5 (100, 150, and 200 mg/kg) against hydrochloride acid/ethanol (HCl/EtOH)-induced and indomethacin/hydrochloride acid (INDO/HCl)-induced gastritis in a mouse model and the mechanisms involved.

Results

All the tested doses of SR-5 significantly inhibited gastric lesions in the HCl/EtOH-induced ulcer model mice. Similarly, all the tested doses of SR-5 significantly inhibited gastric lesions in the INDO/HCl-induced ulcer model mice. Furthermore, mice pretreated with SR-5 had significantly increased gastric levels of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, namely, catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH), with concomitant reductions in malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels compared with those in the HCl/EtOH or INDO/HCl group. SR-5 suppressed the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/p65, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) to their normal values.

Conclusion

These findings are the first to demonstrate the powerful protective effect of SR-5 against gastric injury development and provide hope for clinical application.