bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The haunting specter of retro consumption
Authors: Ahlberg Oscar , Hietanen Joel , Soila Tuomas
Published: October 2020

We propose to intensify theorizing on retromarketing and nostalgic consumption by further developing “hauntology” as a conceptual lens for assessing the retro aesthetic as a commodified affective excess of meaning. This allows us to explore the consumption of marketized retrospective signs not from the perspective of personal experiences or creative meaning-makings but rather as affective encounters that desire in consumption desperately latches onto. In our view, it is thus not an aesthetic satisfaction, nostalgic comfort, or playful emancipations that are offered to us by retro consumption. Following a darker development of hauntology, we find ourselves instead thrust into spectral presences that we can never quite articulate, a haunting within us in an atmosphere of late capitalism where temporal belief in the future has been “cancelled.”
Multiple imputation and selection of ordinal level 2 predictors in multilevel models: An analysis of the relationship between student ratings and teacher practices and attitudes
Authors: Grilli Leonardo , Francesca Marino Maria , Paccagnella Omar , Rampichini Carla
Published: October 2020

The article is motivated by the analysis of the relationship between university student ratings and teacher practices and attitudes, which are measured via a set of binary and ordinal items collected by an innovative survey. The analysis is conducted through a two-level random intercept model, where student ratings are nested within teachers. The analysis must face two issues about the items measuring teacher practices and attitudes, which are level 2 predictors: (a) the items are severely affected by missingness due to teacher non-response and (b) there is redundancy in both the number of items and the number of categories of their measurement scale. We tackle the missing data issue by considering a multiple imputation strategy exploiting information at both student and teacher levels. For the redundancy issue, we rely on regularization techniques for ordinal predictors, also accounting for the multilevel data structure. The proposed solution addresses the problem at hand in an original way, and it can be applied whenever it is required to select level 2 predictors affected by missing values. The results obtained with the final model indicate that ratings on teacher ability to motivate students are related to certain teacher practices and attitudes.
A hybrid learning strategy for structural damage detection
Authors: Andrade Nunes Lorena , Piazzaroli Finotti Amaral Rafaelle , Souza Barbosa Flávio de , Abrahão Cury Alexandre
Published: October 2020

Over the past decades, several methods for structural health monitoring have been developed and employed in various practical applications. Some of these techniques aimed to use raw dynamic measurements to detect damage or structural changes. Desirably, structural health monitoring systems should rely on computational tools capable of evaluating the information acquired from the structure continuously, in real time. However, most damage detection techniques fail to identify novelties automatically (e.g. damage, abnormal behaviors, and among others), rendering human decisions necessary. Recent studies have shown that the use of statistical parameters extracted directly from raw time domain data, such as acceleration measurements, could provide more sensitive responses to damage with less computational effort. In addition, machine learning techniques have never been more in trend than nowadays. In this context, this article proposes an original approach based on the combination of statistical indicators—to characterize acceleration measurements in the time domain—and computational intelligence techniques to detect damage. The methodology consists in the combined use of supervised (artificial neural networks) and unsupervised ( k-means clustering) learning classification methods for the construction of a hybrid classifier. The objective is to detect not only structural states already known but also dynamic behaviors that have not been identified yet, that is, novelties. The main purpose is to allow a real-time structural integrity monitoring, providing responses in an automatic and continuous way while the structure is under operation. The robustness of the proposed approach is evaluated using data obtained from numerical simulations and experimental tests performed in laboratory and in situ. Results achieved so far attest a promising performance of the hybrid classifier.
Effectiveness of Digital Health Interventions on Unintentional Injury, Violence, and Suicide: Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Mengtong , Chan Ko Ling
Published: October 2020

Digital technologies are increasingly used in health-care delivery and are being introduced into work to prevent unintentional injury, violence, and suicide to reduce mortality. To understand the potential of digital health interventions (DHIs) to prevent and reduce these problems, we conduct a meta-analysis and provide an overview of their effectiveness and characteristics related to the effects. We searched electronic databases and reference lists of relevant reviews to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in or before March 2020 evaluating DHIs on injury, violence, or suicide reduction. Based on the 34 RCT studies included in the meta-analysis, the overall random effect size was 0.21, and the effect sizes for reducing suicidal ideation, interpersonal violence, and unintentional injury were 0.17, 0.24, and 0.31, respectively, which can be regarded as comparable to the effect sizes of traditional face-to-face interventions. However, there was considerable heterogeneity between the studies. In conclusion, DHIs have great potential to reduce unintentional injury, violence, and suicide. Future research should explore DHIs’ successful components to facilitate future implementation and wider access.
Deletion of NKX3.1 via CRISPR/Cas9 Induces Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Park Jin Ju , Kim Ji Eun , Jeon Yoon , Lee Mi Rim , Choi Jun Young , Song Bo Ram , Park Ji Won , Kang Mi Ju , Choi Hyeon Jun , Bae Su Ji , Lee Ho , Kang Byeong Cheol , Hwang Dae Youn
Published: October 2020

Several techniques have been employed for deletion of the NKX3.1 gene, resulting in developmental defects of the prostate, including alterations in ductal branching morphogenesis and prostatic secretions as well as epithelial hyperplasia and dysplasia. To investigate whether the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated technique can be applied to study prostate carcinogenesis through exon I deletion of NKX3.1 gene, alterations in the prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and their regulatory mechanism were observed in the prostate of NKX3.1 knockout (KO) mice produced by the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated NKX3.1 mutant gene, at the ages of 16 and 24 weeks. The weight of dorsal-lateral prostate (DLP) and anterior prostate (AP) were observed to be increased in only the 24 weeks KO mice, although morphogenesis was constant in all groups. Obvious PIN 1 and 2 lesions were frequently detected in prostate of the 24 weeks KO mice, as compared with the same age wild type (WT) mice. Ki67, a key indicator for PIN, was densely stained in the epithelium of prostate in the 24 weeks KO mice, while the expression of p53 protein was suppressed in the same group. Also, both the 16 and 24 weeks KO mice reveal inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in the prostate. However, prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels and Bax/Bcl-2 expressions were decreased in the prostate of 16 weeks KO mice, and were increased in only the 24 weeks KO mice. Taken together, the results of the present study provide additional evidence that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated exon 1 deletion of the NKX3.1 gene successfully induces PIN lesions, along with significant alterations of Ki67 expression, EGFR signaling pathway, and cancer-regulated proteins.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Undergoing Peripheral Vascular Intervention for Infrainguinal Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Weissler E. Hope , Narcisse Dennis I. , Rymer Jennifer A. , Armstrong Ehrin J. , Secemsky Eric , Gray William A. , Mustapha Jihad A. , Adams George L. , Ansel Gary M. , Patel Manesh R. , Jones W. Schuyler
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are known to be at higher risk for peripheral artery disease (PAD), amputations, and major adverse cardiovascular events, though it is unclear whether they are at any higher risk for repeat intervention. LIBERTY 360 offered an opportunity to study a real-world cohort of patients who underwent distal superficial femoral artery endovascular revascularizations. We aimed to describe patients with DM, their outcomes following peripheral vascular intervention, and the effect of DM on outcomes in the LIBERTY 360 cohort.

Methods:

LIBERTY 360 is a prospective, multi-center, non-randomized, mono-industry funded observational study of patients undergoing endovascular revascularization. Outcomes included 30-day and 1-year all-cause mortality, major amputation, target vessel/lesion revascularization, and a composite of those events. A multivariable regression model including DM was constructed to examine the effect of DM on outcomes. Multivariable survival estimates were made using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results:

A total of 1,204 patients were enrolled, of whom 727 had DM (60.4%). Patients with DM had significantly more comorbidities and a third required insulin for DM management. Patients with DM had more severe disease based on Rutherford classification at baseline. After adjusting for comorbidities and disease severity, DM patients had more frequent major amputations at 1 year (5.2% versus 1.2%; HR 2.71, 95%CI 1.05-6.98, p = 0.040). The 1-year rates of all-cause mortality and target vessel/lesion revascularization were not significantly higher for patients with DM.

Conclusions:

Diabetes mellitus was associated with increased major amputations at 1 year following endovascular revascularization after accounting for demographics, comorbidities, and PAD-related characteristics. Further research is needed to determine which aspects of PAD and DM are most strongly associated with poor outcomes following lower extremity revascularization.
Analysis of nonlinear stratified convective flow of Powell-Eyring fluid: Application of modern diffusion
Authors: Jabeen Iffat , Farooq Muhammad , Rizwan Muhammad , Ullah Roman , Ahmad Shakeel
Published: October 2020

The stratification phenomena have great importance in fishery management, insufficiency of dissolved oxygen in the lower parts of lakes, rivers and ponds, and phytoplankton populations. Thus the present article examines vital role of stratification phenomena in Powell-Eyring fluid flow due to inclined sheet which is stretched in a linear way. Collaboration of Cattaneo-Christov heat and mass flux model instead of Fourier Law of heat conduction is also accounted. Interpretation of heat transport is carried out with heat generation/absorption. Thermal stratification supports heat transport. Chemical reaction and solutal stratification also helped out mass transport. Non-linear governing equations with partial derivatives are converted into ordinary differential equation with the help of similarity transformations. Homotopic method is applied to solve arising dimensionless governing equations. Pertinent parameters and their physical behavior are displayed graphically. Drag force coefficient is also examined graphically. In culmination, substantial parameters of radiation and heat generation/absorption raised the temperature field while thermal relaxation time and solutal relaxation time parameters lower the temperature and concentration fields, respectively.
A novel fusion approach of deep convolution neural network with auto-encoder and its application in planetary gearbox fault diagnosis
Authors: Chen Fafa , Liu Lili , Tang Baoping , Chen Baojia , Xiao Wenrong , Zhang Fajun
Published: October 2020

The fault features of gearbox are often influenced and interwoven with each other under the non-stationary condition. The traditional shallow intelligent diagnosis models are difficult to detect and identify gearbox faults with selected features according to prior knowledge. To solve this problem, a novel deep convolutional auto-encoding neural network is designed based on the fusion of the convolutional neural network with the automatic encoder in this research. The vibration signals of gearbox are transformed into Hilbert envelope spectrum by using Hilbert transform and Fourier transform, and the different characteristics of spectral spatial data are automatically learned by convolutional auto-encoding neural network with multiple convolution kernels. The parameters of the convolutional neural network are fine-tuned through a fully connected neural network with a small number of labeled samples. Through the analysis for gearbox fault experiments, the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method in equipment fault diagnosis are verified. The deep convolutional neural network embedded in the auto-encoder has stronger learning ability, and the diagnosis performance is more stable and reliable in practical engineering application.
Non-operative treatment versus suture refixation of the nail plate in paediatric fingernail avulsion injuries
Authors: Seiler Michelle , Gerstenberg Anja , Kalisch Markus , Kennedy Uchenna , Scheer Helene S. , Weber Daniel M.
Published: October 2020

The study compared a non-operative treatment, consisting of ointment dressing only, with the standard surgical nail plate refixation for simple fingernail avulsion injuries in children. A non-inferiority hypothesis was tested in a single-centre, prospective cohort study. The quality of the new nail was the primary outcome and was assessed with the Nail Appearance Score. The secondary outcome was patient and parental satisfaction, which was assessed with the Patients’ and Parental Nail Satisfaction Score. Fifty-one patients were enrolled; 39 (76%) chose the non-operative treatment and 12 (24%) the standard operative therapy. Comparison of the two groups confirmed the non-inferiority hypothesis with a risk difference for the new nail of −0.02 with a 95% confidence interval of (–0.05, 0.01). The outcome was excellent in all fingers with no significant differences regarding either the primary or secondary outcome. In view of associated risks and costs for surgery, we recommend ointment dressings for such injuries.

Level of evidence: II
Day case locked anterior plating for distal radial fractures is safe with uninterrupted antithrombotic therapy
Authors: Morris James A. , Little Max , Ashdown Thomas , Clough Oliver T. , Packer Timothy , Anakwe Raymond E.
Published: October 2020

We undertook a matched prospective cohort study over a 4-year period to examine the safety of continuing the administration of regular antithrombotic treatment with warfarin, clopidogrel or aspirin during day case surgical fixation of distal radial fractures. One hundred and one patients were identified and consented to participate in this study. There was only one reported complication: a superficial wound infection treated with antibiotics. No episodes of excessive bleeding were noted intraoperatively. All patients were discharged home on the day of surgery and there were no episodes of readmission, significant bleeding, haematoma requiring intervention, compartment syndrome or wound dehiscence. Complication rates were comparable with those of the matched cohort of patients undergoing the same procedure but who were not taking antithrombotic medications.

Level of evidence: IV
Berberine for diarrhea in children and adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Mingkun , Jin Xuejing , Liang Changhao , Bu Fanlong , Pan Deng , He Qian , Ming Yang , Little Paul , Du Hongbo , Liang Shibing , Hu Ruixue , Li Chengze , Hu Yanhong Jessika , Cao Huijuan , Liu Jianping , Fei Yutong
Published: October 2020

Background:

Diarrhea is a ubiquitous digestive system disease, leading to loss of fluid and electrolytes, and may be life-threatening, especially in children and adults who are immunosuppressed or malnourished. Berberine has a broad-spectrum antibiotic activity and is very widely used to treat diarrhea in China. No systematic review has been carried out to evaluate the evidence presented in clinical trials. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of berberine in diarrhea treatment among children and adults.

Methods:

Seven databases and two clinical trial registries were searched on 1 September 2019. Randomized controlled trials were included, where participants were diagnosed (first diagnosed) as having diarrhea according to clear diagnostic criteria. Berberine alone or in combination with Western medication as intervention were included. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on children or adults, acute or persistent diarrhea, infectious or noninfectious and treatment courses. Primary outcomes were clinical cure rate and duration of diarrhea. The GRADE tool was used to assess the quality of evidence.

Results:

A total of 38 randomized controlled trials were included involving 3948 participants (including 27 trials on 2702 children) were included. Compared with antibiotics, berberine plus antibiotics showed better results in both adults and in children in general, especially when given for 7 days or 3 days in acute infectious diarrhea of children. Compared with the control groups, using berberine alone or in combination with montmorillonite, probiotics, and vitamin B increased the clinical cure rate of diarrhea. The use of berberine alone or berberine combined with montmorillonite reduced the duration of hospitalization. Using berberine had significantly better laboratory indicators (isoenzyme, inflammatory factors, myocardial enzyme, and fecal trait) and fewer systemic symptoms than the no berberine groups. Overall, 22 of 27 trials on children used berberine as an enema. No deaths and serious adverse events were reported. The quality of evidence of included trials was moderate to low or very low. The impact of different dosages, frequencies and treatment durations on the outcomes was not evaluated due to insufficient number of trials.

Conclusion:

This review demonstrated that berberine was generally effective in improving clinical cure rates and shortening the duration of diarrhea compared with control groups. No severe adverse event was reported. However, there is still a lack of high-quality evidence for evaluating the efficacy and safety of berberine.

Trial registration:

PROSPERO CRD42020151001 (available from http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ ).
Diabetes Status is Associated With Plantar Soft Tissue Stiffness Measured Using Ultrasound Reverberant Shear Wave Elastography Approach
Authors: Naemi Roozbeh , Romero Gutierrez Stefano E. , Allan David , Flores Gilmer , Ormaechea Juvenal , Gutierrez Evelyn , Casado-Pena Jessica , Anyosa-Zavaleta Sharon , Juarez Mauricio , Casado Fanny , Castaneda Aphan Benjamin
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the mechanical properties of plantar soft tissue and diabetes status.

Method:

51 (M/F: 21/30) participants with prediabetes onset (fasting blood sugar [FBS] level > 100 mg/dL), age >18 years, and no lower limb amputation were recruited after ethical approval was granted from Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru ethical review board. Ultrasound reverberant shear wave elastography was used to assess the soft tissue stiffness at the 1st metatarsal head (MTH), 3rd MTH, and the heel at both feet.

Results:

Spearman’s rank-order correlation (rho) test indicated a significant ( P < .05) positive correlations between FBS level and the plantar soft tissue shear wave speed at the 1st MTH: rho = 0.402 (@400 Hz), rho = 0.373 (@450 Hz), rho = 0.474 (@500 Hz), rho= 0.395 (@550 Hz), and rho = 0.326 (@600 Hz) in the left foot and rho = 0.364 (@450 Hz) in the right foot. Mann-Whitney U test indicated a significantly ( P < .05) higher shear wave speed in the plantar soft tissue with the following effect sizes (r) at the 1st MTH of the left foot at all tested frequencies: r = 0.297 (@450 Hz), r = 0.345 (@500 Hz), r = 0.322 (@550 Hz), and r = 0.275 (@600 Hz), and at the 1st MTH of right foot r = 0.286 (@400 Hz) in diabetes as compared with the age and body mass index matched prediabetes group.

Conclusion:

An association between fasting blood sugar level and the stiffness of the plantar soft tissue with higher values of shear wave speed in diabetes versus prediabetes group was observed. This indicated that the proposed approach can improve the assessment of the severity of diabetic foot complications with potential implications in patient stratification.
Midterm Outcomes of Autologous Osteochondral Graft Transplantation Only in the Femoral Condyle without Treating the Tibial Plateau with Subchondral Bone Exposed
Authors: Nakagawa Yasuaki , Mukai Shogo , Maeda Takahiro , Akamatsu Shota , Satomi Kentaro , Nakamura Ryota
Published: October 2020

Objective

This study aimed to examine the midterm clinical outcomes of autologous osteochondral grafts (AOG) that were performed in the femoral condyle without treating the tibial plateau with subchondral bone exposed, and to compare these outcomes with those of AOG used in patients with osteoarthritis (lateral type or medial type) or osteonecrosis.

Design

The study included 6 men and 16 women and 11 right knees and 11 left knees. The mean operative age was 56.0 years (range, 21-76 years), and the mean follow-up period was 98.4 months (range, 60-164 months). Six patients had lateral type osteoarthritis (OAL), 7 had medial type osteoarthritis (OAM), and 9 had osteonecrosis (ON). The patients’ knee symptoms as their clinical outcome were evaluated using the knee scoring system of the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA), and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score.

Results

The postoperative clinical outcomes of the OAL and ON group were significantly better than their preoperative clinical scores and remained the same until the final follow-up. However, the clinical outcomes of OAM improved 2 years after AOG, but eventually decreased thereafter. The number of worse cases in the OAM group was significantly larger than those in the OAL and ON groups.

Conclusion

In these procedures, the postoperative clinical outcomes of the OAL and ON groups were significantly better than their preoperative clinical scores and were maintained for about 8 years. However, the clinical outcomes of OAM improved until 2 years after AOG, but eventually decreased thereafter.
Ultrasonographic Assessment of Knee Cartilage Thickness in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: Decreased Femoral Cartilage Thickness May Be an Indicator of Extraintestinal Manifestation in Patients with Mild Activity Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Duzenli Tolga , Ata Emre , Kosem Murat
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Ulcerative colitis is a systemic inflammatory disease which primarily involves the gut but presented by numerous extraintestinal manifestations. The effect of ulcerative colitis on knee cartilage has not been evaluated up to the present. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the possible relationship between the presence of ulcerative colitis and femoral cartilage thickness.

Design

Sixty-two patients with confirmed diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and 70 healthy controls aged 18 to 50 years referred to the gastroenterology outpatient department between January 2018 and January 2019 participated in this cross-sectional study. The measurements were made by ultrasonography with the patient in a supine position and the knees in complete flexion. Demographic, clinical, endoscopic and laboratory data were collected for all the subjects.

Results

The groups of ulcerative colitis and control group were similar with regard to sex, mean age, weight, height, body mass index, extremity dominancy, and existence of knee pain ( P > 0.05). Medial femoral condyles, intercondylar areas, and lateral femoral condyles of both right and left knees had thinner cartilage thickness in ulcerative colitis group than control group ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Knee cartilage was thinner in subjects with mild activity ulcerative colitis than in healthy controls. Decreased knee cartilage thickness may be an indicator of extraintestinal manifestation in patients with mild activity ulcerative colitis. This association between ulcerative colitis and knee cartilage degeneration may be effective in early detection of possible risk factors and potential treatment strategies for both ulcerative colitis and specific subtypes of knee osteoarthritis.
The combination of multi-functional ingredients-loaded hydrogels and three-dimensional printed porous titanium alloys for infective bone defect treatment
Authors: Qiao Shichong , Wu Dongle , Li Zuhao , Zhu Yu , Zhan Fei , Lai Hongchang , Gu Yingxin
Published: October 2020

Biomaterial with the dual-functions of bone regeneration and antibacterial is a novel therapy for infective bone defects. Three-dimensional (3D)-printed porous titanium (pTi) benefits bone ingrowth, but its microporous structure conducive to bacteria reproduction. Herein, a multifunctional hydrogel was prepared from dynamic supramolecular assembly of sodium tetraborate (Na2B4O7), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), and composited with pTi as an implant system. The pTi scaffolds have ideal pore size and porosity matching with bone, while the supramolecular hydrogel endows pTi scaffolds with antibacterial and biological activity. In vitro assessments indicated the 3D composite implant was biocompatible, promoted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) proliferation and osteogenic differentiation, and inhibited bacteria, simultaneously. In vivo experiments further demonstrated that the implant showed effective antibacterial ability while promoting bone regeneration. Besides distal femur defect, the innovative scaffolds may also serve as an ideal biomaterial (e.g. dental implants) for other contaminated defects.
Efficacy of bilateral erector spinae block for post-operative analgesia in liver hydatid surgery
Authors: Daghmouri Mohamed Aziz , Mesbahi Meryam , Akremi Soumaya , Amouri Nouha , Sammary Melinda , Khedhiri Nizar , Jaoua Hazem , Ben Maamer Anis , Ben Fadhel Kamel
Published: October 2020

Background:

Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a recently described interfacial block, and since 2016, studies have shown that it is a safe technique related to the lower risk of neurovascular and pleural injury comparing to epidural or paravertebral blockade. The application of ESP block in abdominal surgery is relatively limited to case reports and small population studies, which is why we believe every new case of its application should be a valuable contribution.

Case presentation:

With this present case, we explored the efficacy of bilateral ESP block as a post-operative analgesia technique for liver hydatid surgery on a 56-year-old patient. Ultrasound-guided bilateral ESP block was applied at T7 level, while the patient was awake before general anaesthesia induction. The local anaesthetic used was 20 mL ropivacaine (0.375%) and 2 mg dexamethasone on each side. After recovery from anaesthesia, she reported mild pain (visual analogue score of 5 on effort). After 12 hours post-operatively, she received only one dose of paracetamol 1 g considered as rescue analgesic. She did not experience nausea and vomiting episodes. We noted a sensory block extending from T4 to T10.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, it may be the first adult bilateral single-shot case report for this specific procedure. This technique appears to be safe and effective on post-operative analgesia for this type of surgery; however, prospective studies comparing ESP block to other techniques are needed.
Towards a unified anti-Europe narrative on the right and left? The challenge of Euroscepticism in the 2019 European elections
Authors: Brack Nathalie
Published: October 2020

In the aftermath of a decade of crisis, the 2019 European Parliament elections confirmed the results of the 2014 elections as voters turned away from the traditional political families to vote for parties with a strong message on Europe, including Eurosceptic parties. It further evidenced the normalization of Euroscepticism, which has become a stable component of European politics. But should one talk of Euroscepticism or rather of Euroscepticisms? This contribution focuses on 19 radical right and radical left parties, more specifically the parties from Western Europe belonging to the European United Left/Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL) and the Identity and Democracy (I/D) groups. Through an analysis of the electoral manifestos, it analyses how the European Union has been framed by the parties and whether we can speak of a ‘unified Eurosceptic narrative’. More specifically, this article concentrates on three issues that have been at the heart of the recent crises: the European Union’s reform and how the regime itself is framed in a post-crisis context, the Economic and Monetary Union well as migration and free movement.
Early career choices for emergency medicine and later career destinations: national surveys of UK medical graduates
Authors: Lambert Trevor W , Smith Fay , Goldacre Michael J
Published: October 2020

Objective

To report doctors’ early career preferences for emergency medicine, their eventual career destinations and factors influencing their career pathways.

Design

Self-administered questionnaire surveys.

Setting

United Kingdom.

Participants

All graduates from all UK medical schools in selected graduation years between 1993 and 2015.

Main outcome measures

Choices for preferred eventual specialty; eventual career destinations; certainty about choice of specialty; correspondence between early specialty choice for emergency medicine and eventually working in emergency medicine.

Results

Emergency medicine was chosen by 5.6% of graduates of 2015 when surveyed in 2016, and 7.1% of graduates of 2012 surveyed in 2015. These figures represent a modest increase compared with other recent cohorts, but there is no evidence of a sustained long-term trend of an increase. More men than women specified emergency medicine – in 2016 6.6% vs. 5.0%, and in 2015 7.9% vs. 6.5%. Doctors choosing emergency medicine were less certain about their choice than doctors choosing other specialties. Of graduates of 2005 who chose emergency medicine in year 1, only 18% were working in emergency medicine in year 10. Looking backwards, from destinations to early choices, 46% of 2005 graduates working in emergency medicine in 2015 had specified emergency medicine as their choice of eventual specialty in year 1.

Conclusions

There was no substantial increase across the cohorts in choices for emergency medicine. Policy should address how to encourage more doctors to choose the specialty, and to create a future UK health service environment in which those who choose emergency medicine early on do not later change their minds in large numbers.
Patterns of behavioral risk factors for non-communicable diseases in Vietnam: A narrative scoping review
Authors: Thuy Duyen Nguyen , Van Minh Hoang , Van Huy Nguyen , Bao Giang Kim , Thu Ngan Tran , Xuan Long Nguyen , Kim Khanh Ly Dang , Thu Trang Vu , Dung Vu
Published: October 2020

This review describes both magnitude and patterns of major behavioral risk factors for NCDs. Positive changes in tobacco use were identified, though this is far to meet the established expectation. Harmful alcohol consumption was reported, especially for males. Only small proportion of the population consumed an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables daily. Average salt intake was approximately doubled, in comparison to WHO’s recommendations. Physical activity has shifted gradually negatively, but future trends are unpredictable. An organized surveillance system should be developed initially with adequate tools and public resources to maintain and ensure sustainability over time.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Reminiscence Bumps for Music-Related Memories in Adulthood
Authors: Jakubowski Kelly , Eerola Tuomas , Tillmann Barbara , Perrin Fabien , Heine Lizette
Published: October 2020

Music is often intimately linked to identity, as evidenced by the high value many people place on musical activities and the way in which music can become seemingly effortlessly coupled to important memories from throughout one’s lifespan. Previous research has revealed a consistent reminiscence bump in autobiographical memory—the disproportionate recall of memories from between ages 10 to 30 years in comparison with other lifetime periods—which also appears to extend to music-related memories. The present study represents one of the largest explorations of the musical reminiscence bump across adulthood to date. Participants ( N = 470; ages 18 to 82 years) were shown the titles and artists of 111 popular songs that had featured in the charts between 1950 and 2015 and rated the degree to which they had autobiographical memories associated with each song, as well as the degree to which they were familiar with and liked the song. We found a reminiscence bump in adolescence (peaking around age 14) for both ratings of the autobiographical salience of songs featured in the charts during that period and the familiarity of these songs. Liking ratings showed more divergent results depending on a participant’s current age, including evidence for a cascading reminiscence bump, in which liking ratings from young adults increased for music from their parents’ adolescent years. We also revealed new evidence that music-related autobiographical memories appear to invoke similar retrieval processes to the common methodology of eliciting autobiographical memories via word cues. We contextualize these results in relation to general theoretical accounts of the reminiscence bump, and age-related differences in the bump are discussed in relation to various sociocultural and technological changes in music listening habits.
Neuroscientific Insights for Improved Outcomes in Music-based Interventions
Authors: Loui Psyche
Published: October 2020

Music therapy is an evidence-based practice, but the needs and constraints of various stakeholders pose challenges towards providing the highest standards of evidence for each clinical application. First, what is the best path from clinical need to multi-site, widely adopted intervention for a given disease or disorder? Secondly, how can we inform policy makers that what we do matters for public health––what evidence do we have, and what evidence do we need? This article will review the multiple forms of evidence for music-based interventions in the context of neurological disorders, from large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCT) to smaller-scale experimental studies, and make the case that evidence at multiple levels continues to be necessary for informing the selection of active ingredients of interest in effective musical interventions. The current article reviews some of the existing literature on music-based interventions for neurodegenerative disorders, with particular focus on neural structures and networks that are targeted by specific therapies for disorders including Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and aphasia. This is followed by a focused discussion of principles that are gleaned from studies in cognitive and clinical neuroscience, which may inform the active ingredients of music-based interventions. Therapies that are driven by a deeper understanding of the musical elements that target specific disease mechanisms are more likely to succeed, and to increase the chances of widespread adoption. The article closes with some recommendations for future research.
Social Concern, Government Regulation, and Industry Self-Regulation: A Comparison of Media Violence in Boonie Bears TV and Cinematic Creations
Authors: Chen Shaopeng
Published: October 2020

This article compares the TV and cinematic versions of the Chinese 3D animation Boonie Bears in terms of their representations of media violence within the context of social concern, government regulation, and industry self-regulation. These works are particularly significant among domestically produced animation with respect to their effects on children of exposure to violent programming. The first part of this article examines physical violence and verbal abuse in Boonie Bears and Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf, the two most influential and widely watched animated TV series in China. The second part reviews the corresponding public criticism the above two works have received and the reasons behind it. The third part of this article analyzes how and to what extent the production company has reduced the degree of children’s exposure to media violence in cinematic Boonie Bears productions (especially the first two films), which have been deemed acceptable by the majority of potential audience members.
Economic Growth by Means of Fiscal Decentralization: An Empirical Study for Federal Developing Countries
Authors: Hanif Imran , Wallace Sally , Gago-de-Santos Pilar
Published: October 2020

The impact of fiscal federalism on economic performance has largely been studied in the developed world since the seminal work of Oates. In this article, we focus on a particular set of developing countries considered to be federal (Forum of Federations), to examine how fiscal decentralization has impacted their economic growth. In this context, we study the impact of tax revenue and expenditure decentralization on economic growth in developing federations. For this purpose, a panel data of 15 developing federations from 2000 to 2015 are analyzed by using a two-step system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation method. The results show that in federal developing countries, both tax revenue and expenditure decentralization have a significant, positive impact on economic growth. What is more, our findings show that the impact of fiscal decentralization on economic growth depends upon the level of perceived corruption and on the quality of the country’s institutions. Thus, empirical evidence depicts that the positive effect of fiscal decentralization on economic growth is tempered if the country is plagued with corruption, if it has weak institutions, and/or if it suffers from political instability. By contrast, a relatively corruption-free country featuring healthy institutions and a stable political environment could take fuller advantage of the effects of fiscal decentralization to improve economic growth.
Development and Evaluation of an Elder Abuse Forensic Nurse Examiner e-Learning Curriculum
Authors: Kosa Sarah Daisy , Du Mont Janice , Macdonald Sheila
Published: October 2020

In Ontario, Canada, there is a need for an easily accessible training for forensic nurse examiners on the provision of care for abused older adults. In this study, our objective was to develop and evaluate a novel elder abuse nurse examiner e-learning curriculum focused on improving the care provided to older adults. The curriculum was launched on an online learning management system to forensic nurses working across Ontario’s hospital-based violence treatment centers in June 2019 and evaluated using pre- and post-training questionnaires that measured self-assessed changes in knowledge and skills-based competence related to providing elder abuse care. There were significant improvements pre- to post-training in self-reported knowledge and competence across all core content domains: Older Adults and Abuse; Documentation, Legal, and Legislative Issues; Interview with Older Adult, Caregiver, and Other Relevant Contacts; Initial Assessment; Medical and Forensic Examination; and Case Summary, Discharge Plan, and Follow-Up Care. As the curriculum enhanced the knowledge and skills associated with caring for abused older adults, it may have implications for training forensic nurse examiners and associated staff working in more than 25 countries internationally.
Making music in exile and fighting border violence
Authors: Da Lage Émilie , Hassan Beshwar
Published: October 2020

This article has been written in collaboration with Beshwar Hassan, a Kurdish musician who spent a few months in the camp of Grande-Synthe, near Dunkirk (France). Music was highly important in the leadership role he played in the camp. It especially gave him the ability to entertain the community and draw the attention and sympathy of humanitarian workers and volunteers who supported his position. During his time in the camp, he “became” a musician through the recognition of both his musical skills and his leadership. This study analyzes how he constructed his online presence through his relationship with music, using Facebook both as a social medium and as a technical tool, that is, a space where music is “mediated” through the technical capabilities of the platform and used to share narratives of exile with an audience made up of Facebook friends. This research began while Beshwar Hassan and his family were living in the Grande-Synthe camp and ended 1 year later when they were granted asylum in the United Kingdom.
Association of ABO blood group with bleeding severity in patients with bleeding of unknown cause
Authors: Mehic Dino , Hofer Stefanie , Jungbauer Christof , Kaider Alexandra , Haslacher Helmuth , Eigenbauer Ernst , Rejtő Judit , Schwartz Dieter , Jilma Bernd , Ay Cihan , Pabinger Ingrid , Gebhart Johanna
Published: October 2020

Blood group O has been associated with an increased bleeding tendency due to lower von Willebrand factor (VWF) and factor VIII (FVIII) levels. We explored whether blood group O is independently associated with bleeding severity in patients with mild-to-moderate bleeding of unknown cause (BUC) in the Vienna Bleeding Biobank cohort. Bleeding severity was recorded with the Vicenza bleeding score (BS). Blood group O was overrepresented in 422 patients with BUC compared with its presence in 23 145 healthy blood donors (47.2% vs 37.6%; odds ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22-1.79). The BS and the number of bleeding symptoms were significantly higher in patients with blood group O than in patients with non-O after adjustment for VWF and FVIII levels and sex (least-square [LS] means of BSs: 6.2; 95% CI, 5.8-6.6 vs 5.3; 4.9-5.7; and of number of symptoms: LS, 3.5; 95% CI, 3.2-3.7 vs 3.0; 2.8-3.2, respectively). Oral mucosal bleeding was more frequent in those with blood group O than in those with other blood types (group non-O; 26.1% vs 14.3%), independent of sex and VWF and FVIII levels, whereas other bleeding symptoms did not differ. Patients with blood group O had increased clot density in comparison with those with blood group non-O, as determined by rotational thromboelastometry and turbidimetric measurement of plasma clot formation. There were no differences in thrombin generation, clot lysis, or platelet function. Our data indicate that blood group O is a risk factor for increased bleeding and bleeding severity in patients with BUC, independent of VWF and FVIII levels.
NK cell-derived exosomes improved lung injury in mouse model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection
Authors: Jia Ruiqi , Cui Kuili , Li Zhenkui , Gao Yuan , Zhang Bianfang , Wang Zhixia , Cui Junwei
Published: October 2020

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is one of the most common bacteria that causes lung infection in hospital. The aim of our study is to explore the role and action mechanism of NK cells in lung PA infection.

Methods

In this present study, 2.5 × 108 CFU/mouse PA was injected into murine trachea to make lung PA infection mouse model. Anti-asialo GM1 was used to inhibit NK cell. The percentage of NK cells was ensured by flow cytometry, and the M1- and M2-polarized macrophages were determined by flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, and ELISA assay. Besides, H&E staining was performed to ensure the pathological changes in lung tissues. Transmission electron microscopy and western blot were carried out to identify the exosome.

Results

Here, in the mouse model of PA lung infection, NK cell depletion caused M2 polarization of lung macrophage, and exacerbated PA-induced lung injury. Next, our data shown that M2 macrophage polarization was enhanced when the generation of NK cell-derived exosome was blocked in the co-culture system of NK cells and macrophages. Subsequently, we demonstrated that NK cells promoted M1 macrophage polarization both in PA-infected macrophage and the mouse model of PA lung infection, and attenuated lung injury through exosome.

Conclusion

Overall, our data proved that NK cell may improve PA-induced lung injury through promoting M1 lung macrophage polarization by secreting exosome. Our results provide a new idea for the treatment of PA lung infection.
Fingerfoods: a feasibility study to enhance fruit and vegetable consumption in Dutch patients with dementia in a nursing home
Authors: Visscher Annemijn , Battjes-Fries Marieke C. E. , van de Rest Ondine , Patijn Olga N. , van der Lee Mascha , Wijma-Idsinga Nienke , Pot Gerda K. , Voshol Peter
Published: October 2020

Background

Eating problems are highly prevalent in older patients with dementia and as a consequence, these patients are at greater risk of becoming malnourished. Fingerfoods, snacks that can be picked with thumb and forefinger, could be used to counteract malnutrition in patients with dementia. The aim of this feasibility study was to evaluate whether providing fruit and vegetable rich fingerfoods in the form of recognizable and familiar snacks on top of the normal intake was feasible for both patients with dementia and caregivers as a means to increase patients’ nutritional status.

Methods

Institutionalised patients with dementia (N = 15, 93% female, mean age = 85 years) were included in this feasibility study in the Netherlands. The residents received their regular diet supplemented with fingerfoods, comprising quiches and cakes rich in fruit or vegetables, for 6 weeks. Daily fingerfood consumption together with compensation behaviour at dinner of residents was administered with a checklist and food diaries at the start and end of the intervention as dose delivered. Furthermore, caregivers were asked to fill out a feedback form at the end of the intervention to measure fidelity and appreciation of the intervention.

Results

Patients consumed on average 1.4 pieces (70 g) of fingerfoods daily, containing 41 g of fruit and/or vegetables. Fruit and vegetable consumption increased during the provision of the fingerfoods and the residents seemed not to compensate this intake during the rest of the day. The intervention was generally positively received by the majority of caregivers, depending on the type of fingerfood and state of the resident.

Conclusion

This feasibility study showed that providing recognizable fruit and vegetable rich fingerfoods to patients with dementia seems feasible for both patients and caregivers and could provide a pragmatic approach to enhance fruit and vegetable consumption and total food intake in institutionalized elderly. In an up-scaled study, effects of fingerfoods on nutritional status and quality of life should be investigated.