bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prior Beta-Blocker Therapy for Hypertension and Sex-Based Differences in Heart Failure Among Patients With Incident Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Bugiardini Raffaele , Yoon Jinsung , Kedev Sasko , Stankovic Goran , Vasiljevic Zorana , Miličić Davor , Manfrini Olivia , van der Schaar Mihaela , Gale Chris P. , Badimon Lina , Cenko Edina
Published: July 2020

The usefulness of β-blockers has been questioned for patients who have hypertension without a prior manifestation of coronary heart disease or heart failure. In addition, sex-based differences in the efficacy of β-blockers for prevention of heart failure during acute myocardial ischemia have never been evaluated. We explored whether the effect of β-blocker therapy varied according to the sex among patients with hypertension who have no prior history of cardiovascular disease. Data were drawn from the ISACS (International Survey of Acute Coronary Syndromes)-Archives. The study population consisted of 13 764 patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes. There were 2590 patients in whom hypertension was treated previously with β-blocker (954 women and 1636 men). Primary outcome measure was the incidence of heart failure according to Killip class classification. Subsidiary analyses were conducted to estimate the association between heart failure and all-cause mortality at 30 days. Outcome rates were assessed using the inverse probability of treatment weighting and logistic regression models. Estimates were compared by test of interaction on the log scale. Among patients taking β-blockers before admission, there was an absolute difference of 4.6% between women and men in the rate of heart failure (Killip ≥2) at hospital presentation (21.3% versus 16.7%; relative risk ratio, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.10–1.65]). On the opposite, the rate of heart failure was approximately similar among women and men who did not receive β-blockers (17.2% versus 16.1%; relative risk ratio, 1.09 [95% CI, 0.97–1.21]). The test of interaction identified a significant (
P
=0.034) association between sex and β-blocker therapy. Heart failure was predictive of mortality at 30-day either in women (odds ratio, 7.54 [95% CI, 5.78–9.83]) or men (odds ratio, 9.62 [95% CI, 7.67–12.07]). In conclusion, β-blockers use may be an acute precipitant of heart failure in new-onset coronary heart disease among women, but not men. Heart failure increases the risk of death.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT04008173.
Effect of MiR-16 on Acute Lung Injury in Neonatal Rats Through Regulating NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Xing Yan , Liang Yuan , Shi Changsong , Miao Yudong , Gu Jianqin , Cheng Dongliang
Published: July 2020

Acute lung injury represents a widespread, variable type of lung injury characterized by a low oxygen level in the blood, non cardiogenic pulmonary edema, low lung compliance and extensive capillary leakage. In our study, the Wistar rat mode of ALI was established using lipopolysaccharide
(LPS). The rats were randomly divided into normal control (NC) group (n = 12) and miR-16 overex-pression group (n = 12), and they were transfected with empty vector and miR-16 overexpression virus, respectively. The lung tissues were extracted in both groups, and then the expression
levels of miR-16 and NF-κB were detected via fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and the association between their expressions was analyzed via Pearson correlation analysis. Moreover, the morphological changes in lung tissues were
detected via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the differences in the wet/dry weight (W/D) ratio and the pathomorphological score of lung tissues were compared between the two groups. The expression level of NF-κB was detected via immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting.
Our results showed that, there were different degrees of lung injury in lung tissues in both groups. In miR-16 overexpression group, the W/D ratio was significantly higher than that in NC group (P < 0.05), and the pathomorphological score was also significantly higher than that in
NC group (P < 0.05). The results of RT-PCR revealed that the mRNA levels of miR-16 and NF-κB in miR-16 overexpression group were 2.5 and 3.7 times higher than those in NC group. The results of Western blotting and IHC also showed that the activity of NF-κB
in lung tissues was evidently enhanced in miR-16 overexpression group compared with that in NC group. According to the Pearson correlation analysis, there was a significant positive correlation between the mRNA levels of miR-16 and NF-κB in lung tissues (r = 0.705, P
= 0.012). In conclusion, miR-16 activates the NF-κB pathway to initiate a series of inflammatory responses, thereby contributing to the occurrence of ALI in rats.
Changes in Expressions of Bcl-2, Inflammatory Factors IL-1, IL-6 and IL-8 and Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 in Inflammatory Dental Pulp
Authors: Zhang Xiaomin , Hu Xian , Fur Lan
Published: July 2020

Background: To investigate the expressional changes of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) and inflammatory factors [interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6 and IL-8] in the inflammatory dental pulp. Methods: 70 patients from June 2017 to
May 2018 were selected as the research objects. The levels of ICAM-1, Bcl-2, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 and in the third molars were detected and compared between healthy people and patients with acute and chronic pulpitis. Results: We found weak positive result regarding Bcl-2 and ICAM-1 expressions
in normal dental pulp, while positive signal was enhanced in chronic pulpitis, and strongly positive was found in acute pulpitis. The expressions of inflammatory factors IL-1, -6, -8 in normal dental pulp were significantly lower than those in dental pulp with acute and chronic inflammations
(p < 0.05). The inflammatory factors levels in dental pulp with chronic inflammation were significantly decreased compared with those in dental pulp with acute inflammation (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Bcl-2 and ICAM-1 cause the occurrence of inflammatory dental pulp,
along with the abnormal increase of IL-1, IL-6 and IL-8.
Evaluation of ECMWF Radiation Scheme Using Aircraft Observations of Spectral Irradiance above Clouds
Authors: Wolf Kevin , Ehrlich André , Mech Mario , Hogan Robin J. , Wendisch Manfred
Published: July 2020

A novel approach to compare airborne observations of solar spectral irradiances measured above clouds with along-track radiative transfer simulations (RTS) is presented. The irradiance measurements were obtained with the Spectral Modular Airborne Radiation Measurement System (SMART) installed on the High Altitude and Long Range Research Aircraft (HALO). The RTS were conducted using the operational ecRad radiation scheme of the Integrated Forecast System (IFS), operated by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), and a stand-alone radiative transfer solver, the library for Radiative transfer (libRadtran). Profiles of observed and simulated radar reflectivity were provided by the HALO Microwave Package (HAMP) and the Passive and Active Microwave Transfer Model (PAMTRA), respectively. The comparison aims to investigate the capability of the two models to reproduce the observed radiation field. By analyzing spectral irradiances above clouds, different ice cloud optical parameterizations in the models were evaluated. Simulated and observed radar reflectivity fields allowed the vertical representation of the clouds modeled by the IFS to be evaluated, and enabled errors in the IFS analysis data (IFS AD) and the observations to be separated. The investigation of a North Atlantic low pressure system showed that the RTS, in combination with the IFS AD, generally reproduced the observed radiation field. For heterogeneously distributed liquid water clouds, an underestimation of upward irradiance by up to 27% was found. Simulations of ice-topped clouds, using a specific ice optics parameterization, indicated a systematic underestimation of broadband cloud-top albedo, suggesting major deficiencies in the ice optics parameterization between 1242 and 1941 nm wavelength.
Just as Good as the Real Thing? The Effects of Prison Video Visitation on Recidivism
Authors: Duwe Grant , McNeeley Susan
Published: July 2020

While research has consistently shown that in-person prison visitation is associated with reduced recidivism, much less is known about the effects of video visits. This study compares recidivism outcomes between 885 inmates who had at least one video visit and a matched comparison group of 885 who did not receive a virtual visit. Video visits reduced two measures of recidivism (general and felony reconvictions) but did not have a significant effect on the other two measures (violent reconviction and technical violation revocations). As the number of video visits increased, so did the size of the recidivism reduction, at least for general and felony reoffending. Despite the generally favorable impact on recidivism, video visitation was used sparingly by Minnesota’s prison population.
Meet Them Where They Are: The Importance of Contextual Relevance in Prison-Based Parenting Programs
Authors: Henson Abigail
Published: July 2020

Parenting from prison is dramatically different than parenting in the community. The removal from home and redefinition of self that occurs within the carceral setting often leads incarcerated parents to feel anxious and inadequate in their parental role. While some prison-based parenting programs (PBPPs) can assuage these issues, they often lack contextual relevance, which can make participants frustrated and dissatisfied. Using an example of a prison-based fatherhood program, this article argues that in order for PBPPs to have sustained positive outcomes, they must also address the issues enmeshed in parenting from prison.
Am I a Science Person? A Strong Science Identity Bolsters Minority Students’ Sense of Belonging and Performance in College
Authors: Chen Susie , Binning Kevin R. , Manke Kody J. , Brady Shannon T. , McGreevy Erica M. , Betancur Laura , Limeri Lisa B. , Kaufmann Nancy
Published: July 2020

Identifying as a “science person” is predictive of science success, but the mechanisms involved are not well-understood. We hypothesized that science identity predicts success because it fosters a sense of belonging in science classrooms. Thus, science identity should be particularly important for first-generation and racial-minority students, who may harbor doubts about belonging in science. Two field studies in college Introductory Biology classes ( Ns = 368, 639) supported these hypotheses. A strong science identity predicted higher grades, particularly for minority students. Also consistent with hypotheses, Study 2 found that self-reported belonging in college mediated the relationship between science identity and performance. Furthermore, a social belonging manipulation eliminated the relationship between science identity and performance among minority students. These results support the idea that a strong science identity is particularly beneficial for minority students because it bolsters belonging in science courses. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed.
Giant presternal subcutaneous bronchogenic cyst: a rare but possible occurrence
Authors: Mangiameli Giuseppe , Arame Alex , Le Pimpec-Barthes Françoise
Published: July 2020

Bronchogenic cysts are generally detected in the mediastinum, along the tracheobronchial tree, or in the lung parenchyma. Subcutaneous presternal bronchogenic cysts have been rarely described, and they are usually of small size (<3 cm) and reported in children. We report a case of giant presternal subcutaneous bronchogenic cyst in a 20-year-old man. Presternal subcutaneous bronchogenic cysts, despite their rarity, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all subcutaneous cystic masses, independent of their size and the patient’s age.
Comparison of Methods for Estimating Therapy Effects by Indirect Comparisons: A Simulation Study
Authors: Weber Dorothea , Jensen Katrin , Kieser Meinhard
Published: July 2020

Objective. In evidence synthesis, therapeutic options have to be compared despite the lack of head-to-head trials. Indirect comparisons are then widely used, although little is known about their performance in situations where cross-trial differences or effect modification are present. Methods. We contrast the matching adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC), simulated treatment comparison (STC), and the method of Bucher using a simulation study. The different methods are evaluated according to their power and type I error rate as well as with respect to the coverage, bias, and the root mean squared error (RMSE) of the effect estimate for practically relevant scenarios using binary and time-to-event endpoints. In addition, we investigate how the power planned for the head-to-head trials influences the actual power of the indirect comparison. Results. Indirect comparisons are considerably underpowered. None of the methods had substantially superior performance. In situations without cross-trial differences and effect modification, MAIC and Bucher led to similar results, while Bucher has the advantage of preserving the within-study randomization. MAIC and STC could enhance power in some scenarios but at the cost of a potential type I error inflation. Adjusting MAIC and STC for confounders that did not modify the effect led to higher bias and RMSE. Conclusion. The choice of effect modifiers in MAIC and STC influences the precision of the indirect comparison. Therefore, a careful selection of effect modifiers is warranted. In addition, missed differences between trials may lead to low power and partly high bias for all considered methods, and thus, results of indirect comparisons should be interpreted with caution.
Machine Learning Approach to Forecast Work Zone Mobility using Probe Vehicle Data
Authors: Kamyab Mohsen , Remias Stephen , Najmi Erfan , Rabinia Sanaz , Waddell Jonathan M.
Published: July 2020

The aim of deploying intelligent transportation systems (ITS) is often to help engineers and operators identify traffic congestion. The future of ITS-based traffic management is the prediction of traffic conditions using ubiquitous data sources. There are currently well-developed prediction models for recurrent traffic congestion such as during peak hour. However, there is a need to predict traffic congestion resulting from non-recurring events such as highway lane closures. As agencies begin to understand the value of collecting work zone data, rich data sets will emerge consisting of historical work zone information. In the era of big data, rich mobility data sources are becoming available that enable the application of machine learning to predict mobility for work zones. The purpose of this study is to utilize historical lane closure information with supervised machine learning algorithms to forecast spatio-temporal mobility for future lane closures. Various traffic data sources were collected from 1,160 work zones on Michigan interstates between 2014 and 2017. This study uses probe vehicle data to retrieve a mobility profile for these historical observations, and uses these profiles to apply random forest, XGBoost, and artificial neural network (ANN) classification algorithms. The mobility prediction results showed that the ANN model outperformed the other models by reaching up to 85% accuracy. The objective of this research was to show that machine learning algorithms can be used to capture patterns for non-recurrent traffic congestion even when hourly traffic volume is not available.
Impact of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles on Highway Trust Fund in Alabama
Authors: Xu Dan , Zhou Huaguo , Xue Chennan , LaMondia Jeffrey
Published: July 2020

The objective of this paper is to help state agencies better understand the impact of electric and hybrid vehicles on the Highway Trust Fund and to develop a method for estimating proper annual registration fees for electric vehicles (EVs). In this study, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to summarize the background on electric and hybrid vehicles, current national and state policies and incentives, the trend of EV market in the U.S., and registration fees on electric and hybrid vehicles. As electric and hybrid vehicles do not contribute to fuel excise tax revenue, to compensate the lost tax revenues, some states charge additional annual registration fees to EV owners. To help the legislators determine the proper annual fees, a method was developed to assess the additional registration fees for EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in Alabama. The collected data include number of registered electric and hybrid vehicles, fuel tax per gallon, and annual average mileage traveled by electric and hybrid vehicles in Alabama. The results of this study served as a key reference in the Rebuild Alabama Act that proposed an annual registration fee of $200 and $100 for EVs and PHEVs, respectively, which is effective since January 2020. The method in this study can be applied to other states for developing policies on registration fees for EVs and PHEVs to offset the fuel excise tax revenue loss.
Complexities of the Police Response to Intimate Partner Violence: Police Officers’ Perspectives on the Challenges of Keeping Families Safe
Authors: Saxton Michael D. , Jaffe Peter G. , Dawson Myrna , Straatman Anna-Lee , Olszowy Laura
Published: July 2020

Through interviews with police officers ( n = 15), the present study examined police perspectives toward their response to intimate partner violence (IPV). Qualitative analyses indicated several challenges police officers face in responding to IPV, including barriers at the systemic, organizational, and individual levels. Police officers in the current study also identified recommendations toward overcoming barriers. Overall, results continue to underscore a lack of police consistency toward addressing IPV, including inconsistent approaches to assessing and managing risk posed to families. Conversely, qualitative results point to several recommendations that heavily involve collaboration between community and justice partners. Implications for future research and practice include further examination of the identified recommendations, a continued focus on developing training that addresses the risk posed to high-risk families, and further development of collaborative approaches toward the prevention and intervention of IPV.
Gender Differences in the Motivations for the Use of Sanctions in Conflicts Within Muslim and Jewish Couples
Authors: Sowan-Basheer Wafaa , Winstok Zeev
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to examine differences between men and women and between Muslims, secular Jews, and religious Jews in their motivations for using sanctions within their intimate relationships. This work involved heterosexual couples from the general population. The sample included 95 Muslim, 68 secular Jewish, and 70 ultra-orthodox Jewish couples (466 participants). The findings of the study show that sanction use during times of conflict is prevalent among the vast majority of couples. Motivations for the use of sanctions are stronger among women than men. In addition, the strongest motivation expressed by both genders was a motivation for conflict resolution. This is the first time that sanctions, as a tactic to cope with conflict, have been addressed in a scholarly manner. This study provides a preliminary estimate of how commonly these types of behaviors are used in intimate relationships. Theoretical and empirical implications of the theoretical framework and the findings are discussed, including the role of the use of sanction in the escalation of intimate partner conflicts.
Intimate Partner Violence Dynamics and Help Seeking Among Mexican Women: Results From a 2016 National Household Survey
Authors: Frías Sonia M.
Published: July 2020

Using the recent 2016 National Survey on Household Dynamics ( N = 98,768 heterosexual Mexican women currently married, cohabiting, separated, divorced, or dating with a noncohabiting partner), this study has three objectives: first, to assess the prevalence of different intimate partner violence (IPV) dynamics, including situational couple’s violence (SCV), intimate terrorism (IT), and violent resistance (VR); second, to empirically operationalize VR; and, third, to study women’s help-seeking behaviors in public institutions, whether these are associated with violent dynamics and the type of responses offered by public institutions. Descriptive and multivariate logistic analyses show that, in the year prior to the survey, 5.8% of women experienced SCV, 1.2% IT and 0.6% VR. SCV is the most prevalent, but separated and divorced women are involved in IT and VR to a greater extent. Only 8.3% of females involved in IPV sought formal help from public institutions. Help seeking from public institutions is contingent upon violent dynamics and sociodemographic characteristics. Law enforcement and public security institutions fail to accept all IPV complaints and investigate them (especially in the case of VR), perhaps because women who seek help do not meet the social representation of battered women. The need to educate civil servants and service providers on the different dynamics of IPV, and recommendations for guaranteeing women greater access to public institutions that might be instrumental in putting an end to the violence are discussed in the Mexican context.
Bridging and Bonding: Disentangling Two Mechanisms Underlying the Diversity–Performance Relationship
Authors: Fulton Brad R.
Published: July 2020

Although extensive research has examined whether diversity hinders or improves organizational performance, the aggregate results remain inconclusive. Social bridging theories argue that diverse organizations perform better than homogeneous organizations, while social bonding theories argue that diverse organizations perform worse. When scholars test these competing theories, they often specify bridging and bonding as the inverse of one another. This study instead specifies them as distinct mechanisms and measures them independently using data from a national study of organizations containing information on the race, class, gender, and religion of each organization’s leadership team and the frequency, type, and content of their interactions. The analysis indicates that both bridging and bonding are positively associated with an organization’s performance; however, their respective performance benefits depend on the type of task being performed. The results suggest that social diversity facilitates performance related to accessing external resources and social interaction facilitates performance related to internal coordination.
Process analysis and regression modelling of resistance spot welded joints of austenitic stainless steel 304L and low carbon steel sheets by using surface response methodology
Authors: Boriwal Lokesh , Sarviya RM , Mahapatra MM
Published: July 2020

Evaluating the strength performance of spot-welded joints of dissimilar material is critical for their continued integration into the automobile and aerospace industries. The effect of weld joint strength is an important consideration in the design of weld structures. The objective of the present work undertaken to investigate the effect of the input process parameters on the strength of the welded joint of dissimilar material. Full factorial design (FFD) has used for designing the experiment matrix. Further, experimental results have used to develop a mathematical model to predict the strength of the spot weld joint. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) has been applied to establish the correlation between the process parameters and their interaction on the output. The confirmation test case experiments have conducted for validating the developed mathematical model and observed that the developed model is capable of evaluating weld joint strength within the process parameters.
Hereditary C1 inhibitor deficiency associated with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Shukla Anuj , Gaur Priyanka
Published: July 2020

Here, we report a family with two children (the elder son and younger daughter) diagnosed with juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the father diagnosed with hereditary angioedema. Serum C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) levels were low, and clinical exome next-generation sequencing detected a frameshift mutation in the SERPING-1 gene in all three patients. The mother had neither of the clinical phenotypes. The son had cutaneous symptoms, fever and polyarthralgia, along with lupus nephritis, and thus required rituximab therapy as well as mycophenolate mofetil and low-dose steroids to control disease activity. The daughter had a milder disease, with cutaneous manifestation, fever and polyarthralgia, and which was controlled with mycophenolate mofetil, hydroxychloroquine and low-dose steroids. Both children had never experienced angioedema. The father had a long history of self-limiting, non-life-threatening irregular episodes of subcutaneous angioedema and abdomen pain. He was not on any regular medication for these symptoms. We searched the literature for evidence of hereditary C1-INH deficiency associated with monogenic SLE or SLE-like-phenotype.
The Inhibitory Effect of Carboplatin Injection on Human Neuroblastoma SK-N-SH
Authors: Xu Jianfeng , Liu Zhiyong , Liu Yang , Wu Guiqiang , Zeng Lingyong , Xu Jianguo
Published: July 2020

The purpose of our study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of carboplatin injection on human neuroblastoma human neuroblastoma cell (SK-N-SH) cells and to clarify its action mechanism. In this study, human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells were divided into two groups. The treatment group was intervened by carboplatin injection (25 μM), while the control group was intervened by drug solvent. After treating separately for 24 and 72 h, the cells were collected, and western blot (WB) and real-time PCR were used to detect the expression of the proliferation marker protein (Ki67); cells grown on cover slips were prepared and immunocytochemistry (ICC) and hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining were adopted to observe the protein expression of Ki67 and the morphological changes of the cells; clone formation assay was used to detect the clonality of each cell group. The cytotoxicity of carboplatin on SK-N-SH cell was checked by AlamarBlue viability test. Both WB and PCR results showed that after cells were injected with carboplatin for 24 and 72 h, the expression levels of both Ki67 gene and protein were decreased, and they had a significant difference from those of the control group. Carboplatin injection inhibited the expression of Ki67, and the inhibitory effect was particularly significant as the action time prolonged. ICC results showed that the protein expression of Ki67 in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group, and there was a significant difference in expression between them. As shown by HE results, the number of cell necrosis and apoptosis in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group, while the results of clone formation assay showed that in the treatment group, after being injected with carboplatin, the proliferation ability of cells was inhibited, so the number of cells was significantly reduced compared with that of the control group. Carboplatin at the tested concentration displayed no cytotoxicity on SK-N-SH cell. The conclusions are that carboplatin injection can inhibit human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells, and the longer it acts on SK-N-SH cells, the more obvious the inhibitory effect would be.
Effect of Tranexamic Acid on Wound Complications and Blood Loss in Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Steinmetz R. Garrett , Luick Laura , Tkach Shaun , Falcon Spencer , Stoner Julie , Hollabaugh Kimberly , Ringus Vytautas , Haleem Amgad M.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a medication that has been shown to decrease blood loss and risk of blood transfusion in total knee and total hip arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of TXA in patients undergoing total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). We hypothesized there would be less blood loss and wound complications in patients receiving TXA.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 2 patient cohorts operated on by 2 surgeons was performed from 2010 to 2018. We compared a group of TAA patients that did not receive TXA vs a subsequent group that received TXA. Patients received 1g intravenous TXA before the tourniquet was inflated followed by another 1 g after release of the tourniquet. Intraoperative blood loss was recorded and preoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were compared to postoperative levels. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were compared between the 2 groups. A total of 119 patients were included in the study, of whom 55 received TXA. No significant difference existed between the 2 groups in gender, age, body mass index, or Charlson comorbidity index.

Results:

There was no difference in estimated blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin/hematocrit values or preoperative to postoperative change in hemoglobin/hematocrit values. Additionally, there was no difference in wound complications or overall complication rate between the groups.

Conclusion:

TXA has been shown to be effective in total knee and total hip arthroplasty in decreasing blood loss and transfusion risk. We did not find it to be effective in reducing intraoperative blood loss, perioperative blood loss, or wound complications in TAA.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, comparative study.
Between Applauses and Loneliness, Heroes/Warriors and Fear: Thoughts of a Medical Professor During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Raimondi Gustavo A.
Published: July 2020

In this performance autoethnography poetry, I report a poem which aims to question the socially constructed concepts and health care practices in times of COVID-19 pandemic. Through my thoughts, questions, answers, and demarcations embodied in my existence as a medical educator/professor/researcher and former (?) physician, I try to enlarge the views of this COVID-19 pandemic, in a context such as the one we are living in Brazil, between the deaths and the denial of the pandemic, in the search to “save the economy.” By playing with my personal/political stories, inviting the readers to think with me about health care, medical education/research, applauses and loneliness, heroes/warriors and fear, and possibilities embodied in our texts, in our lives.
Storage stability of anthocyanins in freeze-dried elderberry pulp using low proportions of encapsulating agents
Authors: Baeza Rosa , Sánchez Virginia , Salierno Gabriel , Molinari Fabricio , López Paula , Chirife Jorge
Published: July 2020

Berry fruits are well recognized for health-promoting constituents due to their properties of free radical scavengers which confer antioxidant activity against cellular oxidation reactions. Elderberry fruit contains one of the highest levels of anthocyanins. The objective of this work was to evaluate the storage stability of total monomeric anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-glucoside (one of two major anthocyanins in elderberry), and color parameters in freeze-dried elderberry encapsulated with a low proportion of different carriers (Maltodextrin, Capsul™, Promitor ™, and κ-carrageenan). Encapsulated samples were stored at two different water activities (aw) 0.10–0.20 and 0.43 at 38 ℃ for 90 days and evaluated for the content of monomeric anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-glucoside, color parameters, and physical characteristics. Freeze-dried powders remained free-flowing during storage at 38 ℃ with aw 0.12–0.20, but agglomeration occurred at aw = 0.43. Total anthocyanins and color parameter a* (redness) remained unchanged during storage at the lower aw. Glass transition temperatures (Tg) were determined and mostly correlated with observed physical phenomena. The powders had a very high total monomeric anthocyanin contents as high as 13 mg/g (cyanidin-3-glucoside). The addition of encapsulants in low proportions allowed the researchers to obtain elderberry powders with a very high concentration of total monomeric anthocyanins. aw plays a key role in all stability parameters studied.
Experimental investigation of impact of long rod eroding projectiles against rolled homogeneous armour
Authors: Zaki Sana , Uddin Emad , Mubashar Aamir
Published: July 2020

Long rod eroding penetrators exhibit hydrodynamic behaviour upon impact against the target plates. An experimental study was carried out to investigate the factors affecting the penetration of tungsten alloy rods against rolled homogenous armour at ordnance velocities. Experiments were carried out for range of projectile length to diameter ratios to determine the penetration efficiency of the projectile, where the projectile penetration efficiency is the penetration depth per unit projectile length. Analytical Alekseevski–Tate model was implemented to predict the penetration depth across the length to diameter range and the results were compared with the experimental data. The tungsten percentage of the projectile material was also varied to change its mechanical properties and thus observe the effect of the same on the penetration depth. The experimental results showed a linear relationship between the penetration efficiency and the length to diameter ratio across the considered range of length to diameter ratios. The Alekseevski–Tate model predictions were not consistent across as the model does not consider the effect of length to diameter ratio. The projectiles with high impact energy were able to perforate the target plate.
The mixed race Irish family and everyday negotiations of citizenship
Authors: O’Malley Patti
Published: July 2020

In recent years, the mixed race family constellation has emerged as a persistent feature of Irish societal life. An increase in interracial partnering invariably leads to the presence of white women who are parenting children who are ascribed to another race. Yet, nationalist discourses and the incorporation of jus sanguinis principles in constitutional law have constructed a version of Irishness that ‘others’ and excludes the mixed race person. This paper focuses on the white Irish mother and her mixed race (i.e. black African/white Irish) child (ren), as the majority of mixed race families in the State. In fact, this article sets out to provide a novel perspective vis-à-vis the location of the mixed race family in the context of the exclusionary politics of Irish citizenship and how, through their mothering practices, these white women negotiate and challenge dominant ideologies of belonging on behalf of their children. More specifically, this paper examines the mothers’ attempts to establish their children as equal claimants of rights in the Irish public sphere. By drawing on in-depth interviews with twelve white Irish mothers, this paper reveals that the women’s efforts to publicly articulate their mixed race children as legitimate Irish citizens have been largely denied or even, de-politicized. Rather, at the level of citizenship, the racialized insider-outsider dynamic gets reproduced as the political autonomy of such citizens is constrained by notions of phenotype (and bloodline criteria). I further draw attention to the governmental production of these mixed race subjects as ‘failed’ citizens, who must live out their difference silently in the interstitial spaces of the national framework.
Breathe Well, Live Well: Implementing an Adult Asthma Self-Management Education Program
Authors: Gardner Emily A. , Kaplan Barbara M. , Collins Pamela , Zahran Hatice
Published: July 2020

Asthma remains a significant health problem in the United States. Adults with poorly controlled asthma can affect their community in a number of ways, from lost productivity in the workplace to health care costs to premature death. Asthma self-management education helps individuals achieve better control of their asthma and is critical for the overall health and well-being of individuals with asthma. While there are numerous programs and initiatives targeting children with asthma, there is a lack of comparable focus on the needs of adults with asthma. The American Lung Association developed Breathe Well, Live Well, an adult asthma self-management education program, and launched it nationwide in 2007. The program for adults has a flexible delivery format for community-based implementation. This article describes the development, dissemination, and transformation of the program. Each stage of implementation showed positive changes in asthma self-management practices that contribute to better asthma control, and one local implementation additionally showed decreased reports of missed work and unscheduled health care visits among participants. The findings from the three evaluations support the use of Breathe Well, Live Well for broad community-based implementation to improve asthma self-management efficacy and behaviors.
Researching “British [Muslim] Values”: Vernacular Politics, Digital Storytelling, and Participant Researchers
Authors: Atakav Eylem , Jarvis Lee , Marsden Lee
Published: July 2020

This article reflects on methodological decisions, strategies, and challenges from a recent interdisciplinary project on the relationship between “British values” and Islam. The project employed digital storytelling to access “everyday” conceptions and constructions of this contentious relationship. The research was undertaken by participant researchers recruited from Muslim communities in the UK’s East Anglia region, working with academics from media studies and political science. In this article, we offer a detailed account of key moments relating especially to recruitment, retention, and the production of digital content. It offers two contributions. First, methodological guidance for researchers interested in combining participatory research with digital storytelling. And second, rationale for so doing given the methodology’s scope for producing rich visual content with capacity (i) to deepen and disrupt established knowledge and (ii) to change the views, ideas, and aspirations of those involved in the content’s creation.
The creation of goal scoring opportunities at the 2015 women’s world cup
Authors: Scanlan Mark , Harms Craig , Cochrane Wilkie Jodie , Ma’ayah Fadi
Published: July 2020

Women’s international football is growing in terms of popularity, but to date there is limited published research in women’s football and even less that describes effective attacking strategies and the creation of goal scoring opportunities (GSO). The purpose of this research was to investigate and assess the factors related to the creation of GSO that led to a Top 4 position Canada Women’s World Cup 2015. Video footage of each match (n = 52) from the Women’s World Cup (Canada 2015) was analysed using SportsCode Software. The results revealed that the middle third of the pitch was the most effective area for gaining possession and creating GSO. The average time taken to create a GSO was under twelve seconds. The findings of the study can be used by coaches to design training sessions and interventions to successfully create GSO in women’s football. The data from the research may influence the tactical set up of women’s international football teams and help to evolve the game in the same way that research into the men’s game has.
Museums as Classrooms: The Academic and Behavioral Impacts of “School in the Park”
Authors: Lacoe Johanna , Painter Gary D. , Williams Danielle
Published: July 2020

Access to community cultural institutions such as museums, zoos, and theaters has the potential to improve students’ educational experiences. This article estimates the impact of School in the Park, a museum-based educational program for low-income students that takes place within the cultural institutions and museums of San Diego’s Balboa Park. We identify the impact of participation in the program on short- and long-term academic and behavioral outcomes using longitudinal, student-level data since 1996; natural variation in the timing of program implementation at two elementary schools; and control groups of students from schools that did not receive the program. Findings indicate that participation in the program has positive short-term impacts, but program impacts were insignificant in the long run.
Roles of Pharmacy Technicians in Preventing Prescription Drug Abuse
Authors: Geise Regann , Powers Mary F.
Published: July 2020

Objective: To provide and identify potential roles and strategies for pharmacy technicians to identify and prevent drug abuse within the pharmacy. Data Sources: Related materials were searched via PubMed and Google Scholar from 2000 to present using search terms: “pharmacy,” “technicians,” “prescription,” “drug,” and “abuse.” Articles describing statistics, warning signs, and prevention strategies for pharmacies were identified through databases and organizations’ sites. Portions of the Ohio Administrative Code on OARRS (Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System), and Pennsylvania prescription drug monitoring program information were also identified. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Relevant sections of the Ohio Administrative Code and OARRS were identified through the Ohio Board of Pharmacy website. Information regarding the Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Monitoring was identified via Pennsylvania’s Department of Health website. Sections of the Combat Methamphetamine Act of 2005 were identified through the Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion website. Resources on drug abuse and prevention statistics were obtained from Drug Abuse.gov and American Society of Health System Pharmacists. Information regarding warning signs were identified from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Data Synthesis: The data provided for identification of potential roles for technicians within efforts to prevent prescription drug abuse, including evaluation of warning signs, involvement in the use of prescription monitoring programs, and in efforts to prevent methamphetamine abuse and diversion. Conclusions: After identifying potential roles for pharmacy technician involvement in the prevention of prescription drug abuse, it is evident that there is a need for further education and training on the subject specific to pharmacy technicians.
D-dimer as an indicator of prognosis in SARS-CoV-2 infection: a systematic review
Authors: Vidali Sofia , Morosetti Daniele , Cossu Elsa , Luisi Maria Luisa Eliana , Pancani Silvia , Semeraro Vittorio , Consales Guglielmo
Published: July 2020

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) stimulates pro-thrombotic changes. This, combined with its tropism for endothelium and lung structures, may explain its association with thrombotic events, reduction of pulmonary gas exchange, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and a composite end-point (intensive care unit, invasive ventilation, death). This study aims to highlight the correlation between elevated D-dimer (an indirect thrombosis marker) and the increased rate of poor prognosis-associated conditions, and to introduce D-dimer-labelled anticoagulant administration as a potentially useful tool to prevent complications and positively influence coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) course.

Methods

An online database search (PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane) was performed between 13 March and 10 April 2020. The most relevant keywords were “D-dimer”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “COVID-19”, “thrombosis” and “ARDS”. Selection was independently conducted by three reviewers. References and previews of accepted articles were evaluated. Data inclusion/extraction inaccuracy was limited by the work of three reviewers. Selection bias reduction was addressed by thoughtfully designing the search protocol. Quality assessment was performed with the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The systematic review protocol was not registered because we anticipated the very limited available evidence on the topic and due to the urgency of the study.

Results

16 studies were evaluated. Good-quality criteria were reached in 13 out of 16 studies. D-dimer was increased and significantly higher in COVID-19 patients compared with healthy controls, in COVID-19 patients with severe disease or a composite end-point compared with non-severe disease, in ARDS compared with non-ARDS patients and in deceased ARDS patients compared with ARDS patients who survived (all p<0.001). COVID-19 patients treated with anticoagulants demonstrated lower mortality compared with those not treated (p=0.017).

Conclusions

Correlations exist between COVID-19 infection, severe elevation of D-dimer levels, and increase in the rate of complications and composite end-point. The appropriateness of early and continuous D-dimer monitoring and labelled anticoagulation as management tools for COVID-19 disease deserves accurate investigation, to prevent complications and reduce interventions.
A Comparative Study of Fractional Order Models on State of Charge Estimation for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Tian Jinpeng , Xiong Rui , Shen Weixiang , Wang Ju
Published: July 2020

State of charge (SOC) estimation for lithium ion batteries plays a critical role in battery management systems for electric vehicles. Battery fractional order models (FOMs) which come from frequency-domain modelling have provided a distinct insight into SOC estimation. In this article, we compare five state-of-the-art FOMs in terms of SOC estimation. To this end, firstly, characterisation tests on lithium ion batteries are conducted, and the experimental results are used to identify FOM parameters. Parameter identification results show that increasing the complexity of FOMs cannot always improve accuracy. The model R(RQ)W shows superior identification accuracy than the other four FOMs. Secondly, the SOC estimation based on a fractional order unscented Kalman filter is conducted to compare model accuracy and computational burden under different profiles, memory lengths, ambient temperatures, cells and voltage/current drifts. The evaluation results reveal that the SOC estimation accuracy does not necessarily positively correlate to the complexity of FOMs. Although more complex models can have better robustness against temperature variation, R(RQ), the simplest FOM, can overall provide satisfactory accuracy. Validation results on different cells demonstrate the generalisation ability of FOMs, and R(RQ) outperforms other models. Moreover, R(RQ) shows better robustness against truncation error and can maintain high accuracy even under the occurrence of current or voltage sensor drift.
Binder-Free Electrode based on Electrospun-Fiber for Li Ion Batteries via a Simple Rolling Formation
Authors: Kang Yuqiong , Deng Changjian , Liu Xinyi , Liang Zheng , Li Tao , Hu Quan , Zhao Yun
Published: July 2020

With the demand for higher energy density and smaller size lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the development of high specific capacity active materials and the reduction of the usage of inactive materials are the main directions. Herein, a universal method is developed for binder-free electrodes for excellent stable LIBs by rolling the electrospun membrane directly onto the commercial current collector. The rolling process only makes the fiber web denser without changing the fiber structure, and the fiber web still maintains a porous structure. This strategy significantly improves the structural stability of the membrane compared to the direct carbonized electrospun membrane. Moreover, this method is suitable for a variety of polymerizable adhesive polymers, and each polymer can be composited with different polymers, inorganic salts, etc. The electrode prepared by this method can be stably cycled for more than 2000 cycles at a current density of 2500 mA g−1. This study provides a cost-effective and versatile strategy to design the LIB electrode with high energy density and stability for experimental research and practical application.