bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reablement through time and space: a scoping review of how the concept of ‘reablement’ for older people has been defined and operationalised
Authors: Clotworthy Amy , Kusumastuti Sasmita , Westendorp Rudi G. J.
Published: January 2021

Background

While the field of rehabilitation has determined a common definition of professional practice, legislators and healthcare professionals in various Western countries have struggled to reach consensus about how the newer offer of ‘reablement’ should be organised, operationalised, and understood as a health service for older adults. International research indicates that there is confusion, ambiguity, and disagreement about the terminology and the structure of these programmes, and they may not be adequately supporting older people’s self-identified goals. Could an analysis of the concept’s genealogy illuminate how reablement can be more effective and beneficial in theory and in practice?

Methods

We conducted a qualitative and quantitative scoping review to determine how reablement has developed through time and space. Eligible articles (N=86) had to focus on any of the defined features of current reablement programmes; there were no restrictions on study designs or publication dates. In articles published from 1947 to 2019, we identified themes and patterns, commonalities, and differences in how various countries described and defined reablement. We also performed an analysis using computer software to construct and visualise term maps based on significant words extracted from the article abstracts.

Results

The fundamental principles of reablement have a long history. However, these programmes have undergone a widespread expansion since the mid-2000s with an intention to reduce costs related to providing long-term care services and in-home assistance to growing older populations. Despite theoretical aspirations to offer person-centred and goal-directed reablement, few countries have been able to implement programmes that adequately promote older people’s goals, social involvement, or participation in their local community in a safe, culturally sensitive and adaptable way.

Conclusions

Reablement is meant to support older people in attaining their self-defined goals to be both more physically independent at home and socially involved in their communities. However, until legislators, health professionals, and older people can collectively reach consensus about how person-centred reablement can be more effectively implemented and supported in professional home-care practice, it will be difficult to determine a conceptual description of reablement as a service that is unique, separate, and distinct from standard rehabilitation.
Tumor vasculature-targeted 10B delivery by an Annexin A1-binding peptide boosts effects of boron neutron capture therapy
Authors: Yoneyama Tohru , Hatakeyama Shingo , Sutoh Yoneyama Mihoko , Yoshiya Taku , Uemura Tsuyoshi , Ishizu Takehiro , Suzuki Minoru , Hachinohe Shingo , Ishiyama Shintaro , Nonaka Motohiro , Fukuda Michiko N. , Ohyama Chikara
Published: January 2021

Background

p-Boronophenylalanine (10BPA) is a powerful10B drug used in current clinical trials of BNCT. For BNCT to be successful, a high (500 mg/kg) dose of10BPA must be administered over a few hours. Here, we report BNCT efficacy after rapid, ultralow-dose administration of either tumor vasculature-specific annexin A1-targeting IFLLWQR (IF7)-conjugated10BPA or borocaptate sodium (10BSH).

Methods

(1) IF7 conjugates of either10B drugs intravenously injected into MBT2 bladder tumor-bearing mice and biodistribution of10B in tumors and normal organs analyzed by prompt gamma-ray analysis. (2) Therapeutic effect of IF7-10B drug-mediated BNCT was assessed by either MBT2 bladder tumor bearing C3H/He mice and YTS-1 tumor bearing nude mice.

Results

Intravenous injection of IF7C conjugates of either10B drugs into MBT2 bladder tumor-bearing mice promoted rapid10B accumulation in tumor and suppressed tumor growth. Moreover, multiple treatments at ultralow (10–20 mg/kg) doses of IF7-10B drug-mediated BNCT significantly suppressed tumor growth in a mouse model of human YTS-1 bladder cancer, with increased Anxa1 expression in tumors and infiltration by CD8-positive lymphocytes.

Conclusions

We conclude that IF7 serves as an efficient10B delivery vehicle by targeting tumor tissues via the tumor vasculature and could serve as a relevant vehicle for BNCT drugs.
Beyond the guidelines management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a case report of a girl with polyarticular disease refractory to multiple treatment options and Leri Weill syndrome
Authors: Vukić Vana , Smajo Ana , Vidović Mandica , Vukojević Rudolf , Harjaček Miroslav , Lamot Lovro
Published: January 2021

Background

The last two decades brought new treatment options and high quality guidelines into the paediatric rheumatologic practice. Nevertheless, a number of patients still present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to combination of vague symptoms and unresponsiveness to available treatment modalities.

Case presentation

We report a case of sixteen years old girl suffering from polyarticular type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis refractory to multiple treatment options. She first presented at the age of 4 with swelling and contractures of both knees. Her symptoms were initially unresponsive to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and progressed despite treatment with intraarticular and systemic glucocorticoids and methotrexate. Throughout the years, she received several biologics together with continuous administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs as well as intraarticular and systemic glucocorticoids in disease flares. However, none of this options  provided a permanent remission, so various other modalities, as well as other possible diagnoses were constantly being considered. Eventually she became dependent on a daily dose of systemic glucocorticoids. In 2018, the treatment with Janus kinase inhibitor tofacitinib was initiated, which led to gradual amelioration of musculoskeletal symptoms, improvement of inflammatory markers and overall well-being, as well as to the weaning of systemic glucocorticoids. As the swelling of the wrists subsided for the first time in many years, Madelung’s deformity was noticed, first clinically, and later radiographically as well. Genetic analysis revealed short-stature homeobox gene deficiency and confirmed the diagnosis of Leri Weill syndrome.

Conclusions

This case report emphasizes the need for reporting refractory, complicated cases from everyday clinical practice in order to build-up the overall knowledge and share experience which is complementary to available guidelines. Individual reports of difficult to treat cases, especially when additional diagnoses are involved, can be helpful for physicians treating patients with common rheumatological diseases such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Correction to: Violence rate dropped during a shift to individualized patient-oriented care in a high security forensic psychiatric ward
Authors: Urheim Ragnar , Palmstierna Tom , Rypdal Knut , Gjestad Rolf , Senneseth Mette , Mykletun Arnstein
Published: January 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Detecting acute kidney injury in horses by measuring the concentration of symmetric dimethylarginine in serum
Authors: Siwinska Natalia , Zak Agnieszka , Paslawska Urszula
Published: January 2021

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in horses may develop as a complication of a primary disease or following the administration of nephrotoxic drugs, and may pose a diagnostic challenge. Hence, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the concentrations and diagnostic significance of serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and conventional renal dysfunction biomarkers in healthy horses, horses at risk of developing AKI, and horses with clinically evident AKI. A second aim was to assess how gastrointestinal disease and exposure to potentially nephrotoxic drugs affected SDMA levels. Thirty healthy horses, 30 horses with gastrointestinal disease and/or receiving phenylbutazone or gentamicin (risk group) and 11 horses with AKI were included in the study. Serum SDMA levels were measured using commercially available enzyme immunoassay tests.

Results

SDMA levels in healthy horses, horses at risk of AKI and horses with AKI were 12 µg/dL (11–14), 12 µg/dL (11–13) and 20 µg/dL (20–37), respectively (all results presented as a median (quartile 1–quartile 3)). There was a significant difference in SDMA concentration between the healthy horses and those with AKI, whereas the SDMA levels in healthy horses and those at risk of AKI were comparable. A SDMA cut-off value of 19 µg/dL was established. Horses from the risk group had higher urine protein concentration and urine protein to creatinine ratio compared with healthy horses. Furthermore, horses with colic from the risk group presented with elevated urine γ-glutamyl transpeptidase to creatinine ratio.

Conclusion

The SDMA cut-off value established in healthy horses was higher than previously reported. The SDMA level correlated with the azotaemia levels. Horses from the AKI risk group had normal SDMA levels but single urine parameters was abnormal indicating their higher sensitivity in assessing subclinical kidney dysfunction.
Recurrent XPO1 mutations alter pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Walker Janek S. , Hing Zachary A. , Harrington Bonnie , Baumhardt Jordan , Ozer Hatice Gulcin , Lehman Amy , Giacopelli Brian , Beaver Larry , Williams Katie , Skinner Jordan N. , Cempre Casey B. , Sun Qingxiang , Shacham Sharon , Stromberg Benjamin R. , Summers Matthew K. , Abruzzo Lynne V. , Rassenti Laura , Kipps Thomas J. , Parikh Sameer , Kay Neil E. , Rogers Kerry A. , Woyach Jennifer A. , Coppola Vincenzo , Chook Yuh Min , Oakes Christopher , Byrd John C. , Lapalombella Rosa
Published: January 2021

Background

Exportin 1 (XPO1/CRM1) is a key mediator of nuclear export with relevance to multiple cancers, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Whole exome sequencing has identified hot-spot somaticXPO1point mutations which we found to disrupt highly conserved biophysical interactions in the NES-binding groove, conferring novel cargo-binding abilities and forcing cellular mis-localization of critical regulators. However, the pathogenic role played by change-in-functionXPO1mutations in CLL is not fully understood.

Methods

We performed a large, multi-center retrospective analysis of CLL cases (N = 1286) to correlate nonsynonymous mutations inXPO1(predominantly E571K or E571G;n = 72) with genetic and epigenetic features contributing to the overall outcomes in these patients. We then established a mouse model with over-expression of wildtype (wt) or mutant (E571K or E571G)XPO1restricted to the B cell compartment (Eµ-XPO1). Eµ-XPO1 mice were then crossed with the Eµ-TCL1 CLL mouse model. Lastly, we determined crystal structures of XPO1 (wt or E571K) bound to several selective inhibitors of nuclear export (SINE) molecules (KPT-185, KPT-330/Selinexor, and KPT-8602/Eltanexor).

Results

We report that nonsynonymous mutations in XPO1 associate with high risk genetic and epigenetic features and accelerated CLL progression. Using the newly-generated Eµ-XPO1 mouse model, we found that constitutive B-cell over-expression of wt or mutantXPO1could affect development of a CLL-like disease in aged mice. Furthermore, concurrent B-cell expression ofXPO1with E571K or E571G mutations andTCL1accelerated the rate of leukemogenesis relative to that of Eµ-TCL1 mice. Lastly, crystal structures of E571 or E571K-XPO1 bound to SINEs, including Selinexor, are highly similar, suggesting that the activity of this class of compounds will not be affected byXPO1mutations at E571 in patients with CLL.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that mutations inXPO1at E571 can drive leukemogenesis by priming the pre-neoplastic lymphocytes for acquisition of additional genetic and epigenetic abnormalities that collectively result in neoplastic transformation.
The risks of physicians’ conformism: reflections from the opioid overflow
Authors: Cortellazzo Wiel Luisa , Cozzi Giorgio , Barbi Egidio
Published: January 2021

Opioid-related mortality in adolescents is spreading in the US, with prescription opioids playing a crucial role in the development of addiction. We traced back to the process leading to the so called “opioid overflow”, trying to identify any modifiable attitude.

Since the late 1990s, pain was labelled as the “fifth vital sign” and its proper management was prompted, encouraging the use of opioids for any pain scored at a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) of 7 or higher. This assumption has some remarkable limitations. NRS is a proxy of pain severity in children, and pain measurement should be strengthened by a more comprehensive pain evaluation. Moreover, while remaining a fundamental therapeutic right of patients suffering postoperative or chronic severe pain, opioids show no evidence of superiority respect to non-opioid regimens in the management of pain from several acute conditions.

Italy, as other European countries, is often reluctant to the use of opioids, even when highly recommendable, missing the opportunity of properly treating those selected patients with severe pain. Both attitudes can be viewed as the result of an extreme simplification of the complex process of pain evaluation and treatment, by means of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.

This highlights the need for a systematic and patient-tailored attitude to children in pain, avoiding applying guidelines without question. Good clinical practice must rely on guidelines, which, however, as often based on partial and insufficient data, can be questioned by emerging new evidence, and should not substitute our rational thinking, and capability to understand each patient, avoiding excessive conformism.
A phase Ib/II study of xentuzumab, an IGF-neutralising antibody, combined with exemestane and everolimus in hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative locally advanced/metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Schmid Peter , Sablin Marie-Paule , Bergh Jonas , Im Seock-Ah , Lu Yen-Shen , Martínez Noelia , Neven Patrick , Lee Keun Seok , Morales Serafín , Pérez-Fidalgo J. Alejandro , Adamson Douglas , Gonçalves Anthony , Prat Aleix , Jerusalem Guy , Schlieker Laura , Espadero Rosa-Maria , Bogenrieder Thomas , Huang Dennis Chin-Lun , Crown John , Cortés Javier
Published: January 2021

Background

Xentuzumab—a humanised IgG1 monoclonal antibody—binds IGF-1 and IGF-2, inhibiting their growth-promoting signalling and suppressing AKT activation by everolimus. This phase Ib/II exploratory trial evaluated xentuzumab plus everolimus and exemestane in hormone receptor-positive, locally advanced and/or metastatic breast cancer (LA/MBC).

Methods

Patients with hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative LA/MBC resistant to non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors were enrolled. Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of xentuzumab/everolimus/exemestane were determined in phase I (single-arm, dose-escalation). In phase II (open-label), patients were randomised 1:1 to the RP2D of xentuzumab/everolimus/exemestane or everolimus/exemestane alone. Randomisation was stratified by the presence of visceral metastases. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

MTD was determined as xentuzumab 1000 mg weekly plus everolimus 10 mg/day and exemestane 25 mg/day. A total of 140 patients were enrolled in phase II (70 to each arm). Further recruitment was stopped following an unfavourable benefit-risk assessment by the internal Data Monitoring Committee appointed by the sponsor. Xentuzumab was discontinued; patients could receive everolimus/exemestane if clinically indicated. Median PFS was 7.3 months (95% CI 3.3–not calculable) in the xentuzumab/everolimus/exemestane group and 5.6 months (3.7–9.1) in the everolimus/exemestane group (hazard ratio 0.97, 95% CI 0.57–1.65; P = 0.9057). In a pre-specified subgroup of patients without visceral metastases at screening, xentuzumab/everolimus/exemestane showed evidence of PFS benefit versus everolimus/exemestane (hazard ratio 0.21 [0.05–0.98]; P = 0.0293). Most common any-cause adverse events in phase II were diarrhoea (29 [41.4%] in the xentuzumab/everolimus/exemestane group versus 20 [29.0%] in the everolimus/exemestane group), mucosal inflammation (27 [38.6%] versus 21 [30.4%]), stomatitis (24 [34.3%] versus 24 [34.8%]), and asthenia (21 [30.0%] versus 24 [34.8%]).

Conclusions

Addition of xentuzumab to everolimus/exemestane did not improve PFS in the overall population, leading to early discontinuation of the trial. Evidence of PFS benefit was observed in patients without visceral metastases when treated with xentuzumab/everolimus/exemestane, leading to initiation of the phase II XENERA™-1 trial (NCT03659136).

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02123823. Prospectively registered, 8 March 2013.
Using inquiry-based writing instruction to develop students’ academic writing skills
Authors: Wale Bantalem Derseh , Bogale Yenus Nurie
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of using inquiry-based writing instruction on students’ academic writing skills. A pretest-posttest two groups quasi-experimental design was employed. Data were obtained through test, focus group discussion, and reflective journal from 62 first-year pharmacy students who were selected using comprehensive sampling. While the experimental group received the inquiry-based writing instruction, the control group learned using the conventional learning method. The quantitative data were analyzed using independent samples T-test and descriptive statistics when the qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that there was a statistical difference between the control and experimental groups in their academic writing performance. Hence, students who participated in the inquiry-based writing instruction improved their academic writing skills. Mainly, students who learned through inquiry-based writing instruction were able to produce essays that addressed task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy. Thus, this study recommends researchers, teachers, and students to pay due attention to inquiry-based writing instruction in their academic journey.
Multifocal glioblastoma—two case reports and literature review
Authors: Zhang Zuo-Xin , Chen Ju-Xiang , Shi Bao-Zhong , Li Guang-Hui , Li Yao , Xiang Yan , Qin Xun , Yang Lin , Lv Sheng-Qing
Published: January 2021

Background

Multifocal glioblastoma is a rare type of glioblastoma with worse prognosis. In this article, we aimed to report two cases of classical multifocal glioblastoma.

Case presentation

In case 1, a 47-year-old male presented with dizziness, and once had a sudden loss of consciousness accompanied by convulsion of limbs. Contrast-enhanced MRI showed multiple lesions with heterogeneously ring-enhanced characters in the left hemisphere, diagnosed as multifocal glioblastoma. He underwent a craniotomy of all lesions, concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy as well as additional chemotherapy of temozolomide. After 2 cycles, repeat MRI showed that the new lesions already occurred and progressed. Eventually, he abandoned the chemotherapy after the 2 cycles and died 1 year later. In case 2, a 71-year-old male presented with a history of headache, left limb weakness, and numbness. Discontinuous convulsion of limbs once occurred. Contrast-enhanced MRI showed multiple lesions located in the right hemisphere, diagnosed as multifocal glioblastoma. He underwent a right frontoparietal craniotomy of the main lesion. Hemorrhage of the residual tumor and pulmonary artery embolism occurred synchronously. Eventually, his family decided not to pursue any further treatment and opted for hospice care and he passed away within 11 days of surgery.

Conclusions

We reported two cases of typical multifocal glioblastoma. Valid diagnosis is crucial; then, resection of multiple lesions and canonical radio-chemotherapy probably bring survival benefits.
Predictors of Survival Outcomes After Primary Treatment of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Okunade Kehinde Sharafadeen , Adejimi Adebola A. , Ohazurike Ephraim O. , Salako Omolola , Osunwusi Benedetto , Adenekan Muisi A. , Ugwu Aloy O. , Soibi-Harry Adaiah , Dawodu Olayemi , Okunowo Adeyemi A. , Anorlu Rose I. , Berek Jonathan S.
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE

This study was designed to investigate the clinicopathologic predictors of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) following primary treatment in Lagos, Nigeria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using data from a retrospective cohort of 126 patients who received treatment for EOC between 2010 and 2018, we identified 83 patients with a complete clinical record for subsequent data analysis. Patients' demographics and updated 2-year follow-up status were abstracted from medical records. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were compared using the log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazard models were used for multivariate analysis to identify independent predictors of survivals following treatment in EOC patients.

RESULTS

The median PFS and OS were 12 and 24 months, respectively. After adjusting for covariates in the multivariate analysis, younger age ≤ 55 years (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.74; P = .01) and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I/II (HR = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.08; P = .01) were independent predictors of improved PFS, whereas being premenopausal (HR = 2.34; 95% CI, 1.16 to 4.75; P = .02) was an independent predictor of reduced OS after 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

PFS could be predicted by the age and FIGO stage of the disease, whereas menopausal status was predictive of OS in patients with EOC. This knowledge should form the basis for counseling patients with ovarian cancer during their primary treatment and lend support to the importance of aggressive follow-up and monitoring for the older, premenopausal patients and those with an advanced stage of epithelial ovarian cancer. However, robust longitudinal research should be carried out to provide additional reliable insight to this information.
A description of a laboratory system for measuring and certifying UV radiation sources is given: UV panels on LEDs and gas-discharge UV lamps.
Authors: Riess Nathanael , Link Rainer , Ivankov Andrey
Published: January 2021

A description of a laboratory system for measuring and certifying UV radiation sources is given: UV panels on LEDs and gas-discharge UV lamps.
New NDT Documents in the Field of Nuclear Energy. Radiographic Inspection
Authors: Makarov Alexey
Published: January 2021

The article discusses some inconsistencies in the regulatory documentation for radiographic inspection in the field of atomic energy use. Attention is drawn to differences in permissible values of the heat-affected zone for fillet welds in two regulatory documents NP-105-18 and GOST R 05.05.07-2018, intended for nuclear energy. The pros and cons of selective inspection of joints along the length or quantity are discussed. Possible ways to correct the situation are proposed. It is noted that in GOST R 05.05.07-2018 the approach to calculating images on fittings and nozzles for the first time is explained in a similar way to the calculation when monitoring pipelines through one wall. This is a useful working tool for calculating the number of images, very popular in the practice of inspection
Technology of Accumulating Sampling at Mass Spectrometric Method of Tightness Inspection
Authors: Voronov Aleksandr , Kozlov Ilya , Lukashevsky Maksim
Published: January 2021

The method of mass spectrometric method for total inspection of product tightness at atmospheric pressure is shown.

This method can be applied to products of any size and configuration with a given inspection sensitivity.

The method does not require vacuumizing of the monitoring objects.
Las revistas satíricas sevillanas en el primer tercio del siglo XX y sus dibujantes.
Authors: Méndez Paguillo Jesús Carlos
Published: January 2021

In this work we intend to make a compilation of the names of the satirical magazines that appeared in the city of Seville from 1900 until the last years of the Second Republic, together with their cartoonists, providing new headlines as a basis for the bibliography of the press already existing in Seville. It would also be a continuation of the search for local satirical magazines of the 19th century and the cartoonists of the same that we already started in previous years. In addition, we develop some of them, giving information on their physical location and highlighting some notes about their staff, motivation and informative content, highlighting their way of seeing some day-to-day events in the city and others related to the history of Seville itself and that of its characters. Another aspect that we consider of great value are those related to freedom of expression, such as the crimes of defamation and against honor, such as those that occurred with the Don Próspero magazines in 1902 and with the publication of en 1930, junto a unas notas sobre el secuestro de la edición Sevilla en Broma del columnista y periodista de sucesos Galerín en 1926.
Nuevos relatos híbridos en el cine de ficción español. El caso de Entre dos aguas de Isaki Lacuesta.
Authors: Blanco Pérez Manuel
Published: January 2021

At the 2018 San Sebastian Festival the winning film was Entre dos aguas (Isaki Lacuesta, 2018). The Catalan filmmaker constructs a fiction film that, however, is also very much self-referential and biographical and therefore journalistic (all the actors are amateurs who play themselves in the film), and uses a good part of a certain journalistic documentary visual aesthetic. These actors, in turn, had already been protagonists for 12 years before another film by the filmmaker, La leyenda del tiempo (2006). However, the value of Lacuesta’s contribution lies in the fact that these characters play a life they did not live, but could easily have. In his proposal, reality is mixed with fiction in a film where both are equally plausible. The analysis of this footnote will also allow us to identify many of the characteristics of the new contemporary hybrid cinema, such as the cohabitation with objectivity, the deontology of the creator, the breaking of the frontiers between fiction and non-fiction, or the use of a certain ucrony within the script that inserts his characters (with varying degrees of luck) into their natural environment. We intend to analyze how this new hybrid film language allows a different knowledge of the environment, with all the implications that this implies.
La incidencia de las nuevas tecnologías en el debido proceso.
Authors: de Asis Pulido Miguel
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this paper is to study the incidence of new technologies in the judicial process from the perspective of due process. To achieve its objectives, it is important to analyze how the new tools in ICTs and Artificial Intelligence are influencing the rights that must be respected in the judicial and extrajudicial processes, such as the right of access to justice, the right to legal assistance or the right to an independent and impartial tribunal. To do this, the new technological developments are classified in six legal levels of intervention.
Basic Geometric Dispersion Theory of Decision Making Under Risk: Asymmetric Risk Relativity, New Predictions of Empirical Behaviors, and Risk Triad
Authors: Malakooti Behnam , Komaki Mohamed , Al-Najjar Camelia
Published: January 2021

Many studies have spotlighted significant applications of expected utility theory (EUT), cumulative prospect theory (CPT), and mean-variance in assessing risks. We illustrate that these models and their extensions are unable to predict risk behaviors accurately in out-of-sample empirical studies. EUT uses a nonlinear value (utility) function of consequences but is linear in probabilities, which has been criticized as its primary weakness. Although mean-variance is nonlinear in probabilities, it is symmetric, contradicts first-order stochastic dominance, and uses the same standard deviation for both risk aversion and risk proneness. In this paper, we explore a special case of geometric dispersion theory (GDT) that is simultaneously nonlinear in both consequences and probabilities. It complies with first-order stochastic dominance and is asymmetric to represent the mixed risk-averse and risk-prone behaviors of the decision makers. GDT is a triad model that uses expected value, risk-averse dispersion, and risk-prone dispersion. GDT uses only two parameters, z and zX; these constants remain the same regardless of the scale of risk problem. We compare GDT to several other risk dispersion models that are based on EUT and/or mean-variance, and identify verified risk paradoxes that contradict EUT, CPT, and mean-variance but are easily explainable by GDT. We demonstrate that GDT predicts out-of-sample empirical risk behaviors far more accurately than EUT, CPT, mean-variance, and other risk dispersion models. We also discuss the underlying assumptions, meanings, and perspectives of GDT and how it reflects risk relativity and risk triad. This paper covers basic GDT, which is a special case of general GDT of Malakooti [Malakooti (2020) Geometric dispersion theory of decision making under risk: Generalizing EUT, RDEU, & CPT with out-of-sample empirical studies. Working paper, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland.].
Unlocking the biogeochemical role of beaver in state-transition of landscapes in Yellowstone's northern range
Authors: Brooks Marjorie L.
Published: January 2021

Extirpation of wolves from the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in the 1920s hypothetically triggered a trophic cascade in which browsers, released from wolf (Canis lupus) predation, over-browsed riparian zones. Eventually, vast meadow-wetland complexes transitioned to grass-lodgepole systems. By 1954, beaver (Castor canadensis) virtually abandoned the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. In 2000, Colorado State University established experimental dams with browsing exclosures for Long Term Environmental Research in Biology (LTREB) on three streams in Lamar Valley to compare hydrologic effects of pseudo-beaver dams and browsing on willow (Salix spp.) productivity and state transitions. In 2015, beaver began recolonizing the region. I investigated how the biogeochemical role of beaver versus their hydrologic influence affects the underlying mechanisms of state transition: nutrient cycling, productivity, and stream respiration. Analyses of the 2017 field samples show that beaver streams trend toward higher nutrient levels and higher variances than the LTREB sites. The data tentatively support the role of beaver as keystone species in state transitions, although more data are needed. The unexpected and late May notice from the NPS to obtain an independent research permit—approved late August—curtailed my 2018 research to a brief field bout in September. Analysis of 2018 samples is underway.

 

Featured photo from Figure 1 in report.
Fibrinolysis as a target to enhance osteoporotic fracture healing by vibration therapy in a metaphyseal fracture model
Authors: Wong Ronald Man Yeung , Choy Victoria Man Huen , Li Jie , Li Tsz Kiu , Chim Yu Ning , Li Meng Chen Michelle , Cheng Jack Chun Yiu , Leung Kwok-Sui , Chow Simon Kwoon-Ho , Cheung Wing Hoi
Published: January 2021

Aims

Fibrinolysis plays a key transition step from haematoma formation to angiogenesis and fracture healing. Low-magnitude high-frequency vibration (LMHFV) is a non-invasive biophysical modality proven to enhance fibrinolytic factors. This study investigates the effect of LMHFV on fibrinolysis in a clinically relevant animal model to accelerate osteoporotic fracture healing.

Methods

A total of 144 rats were randomized to four groups: sham control; sham and LMHFV; ovariectomized (OVX); and ovariectomized and LMHFV (OVX-VT). Fibrinolytic potential was evaluated by quantifying fibrin, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) along with healing outcomes at three days, one week, two weeks, and six weeks post-fracture.

Results

All rats achieved healing, and x-ray relative radiopacity for OVX-VT was significantly higher compared to OVX at week 2. Martius Scarlet Blue (MSB) staining revealed a significant decrease of fibrin content in the callus in OVX-VT compared with OVX on day 3 (p = 0.020). Mean tPA from muscle was significantly higher for OVX-VT compared to OVX (p = 0.020) on day 3. Mechanical testing revealed the mean energy to failure was significantly higher for OVX-VT at 37.6 N mm (SD 8.4) and 71.9 N mm (SD 30.7) compared with OVX at 5.76 N mm (SD 7.1) (p = 0.010) and 17.7 N mm (SD 11.5) (p = 0.030) at week 2 and week 6, respectively.

Conclusion

Metaphyseal fracture healing is enhanced by LMHFV, and one of the important molecular pathways it acts on is fibrinolysis. LMHFV is a promising intervention for osteoporotic metaphyseal fracture healing. The improved mechanical properties, acceleration of fracture healing, and safety justify its role into translation to future clinical studies. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(1):41–50.
The role of gut microbiota in bone homeostasis
Authors: Li Jie , Ho Wing Tung Percy , Liu Chaoran , Chow Simon Kwoon-Ho , Ip Margaret , Yu Jun , Wong Hei Sunny , Cheung Wing-Hoi , Sung Joseph Jao Yiu , Wong Ronald Man Yeung
Published: January 2021

Aims

The effect of the gut microbiota (GM) and its metabolite on bone health is termed the gut-bone axis. Multiple studies have elucidated the mechanisms but findings vary greatly. A systematic review was performed to analyze current animal models and explore the effect of GM on bone.

Methods

Literature search was performed on PubMed and Embase databases. Information on the types and strains of animals, induction of osteoporosis, intervention strategies, determination of GM, assessment on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone quality, and key findings were extracted.

Results

A total of 30 studies were included, of which six studies used rats and 24 studies used mice. Osteoporosis or bone loss was induced in 14 studies. Interventions included ten with probiotics, three with prebiotics, nine with antibiotics, two with short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), six with vitamins and proteins, two with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and one with neuropeptide Y1R antagonist. In general, probiotics, prebiotics, nutritional interventions, and TCM were found to reverse the GM dysbiosis and rescue bone loss.

Conclusion

Despite the positive therapeutic effect of probiotics, prebiotics, and nutritional or pharmaceutical interventions on osteoporosis, there is still a critical knowledge gap regarding the role of GM in rescuing bone loss and its related pathways. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(1):51–59.
The impact of demonstration plots on improved agricultural input purchase in Tanzania: Implications for policy and practice
Authors: Sseguya Haroon , Robinson Daniel S. , Mwango Hamisi R. , Flock James A. , Manda Julius , Abed Rodrigo , Mruma Silvanus O.
Published: January 2021

In this paper, the authors use survey data from over 800 households to examine the impact of demonstration plots and associated activities (distribution of small packs of agricultural inputs) on smallholder farmers’ decisions to buy agricultural inputs in Tanzania. Using propensity score matching and inverse probability-weighted adjustment models, the authors estimated the effect of access to demonstration plots alone and demonstration plots combined with small packs of agricultural inputs on a household’s decision to purchase improved inputs. The results indicate that access to demonstration plots and demonstration plots with small packs increased the probability of purchasing improved inputs by 13–17 percentage points. This paper suggests that demonstration plots and demonstration plots with small packs are an effective model for enhancing improved technology adoption and are further increased when those inputs are available within a 5km radius. The results point to the importance of strengthening farmers’ organizations and last-mile agricultural input suppliers in order to enhance and facilitate access to information, appropriate production techniques, and improved inputs. The results also indicate the importance of investing in infrastructure to reduce transportation costs that limit market efficiency for appropriate technologies.
Trademark potential increase and entrepreneurship rural development: A case study of Southern Transylvania, Romania
Authors: Stefan Daniel , Vasile Valentina , Popa Maria-Alexandra , Cristea Anca , Bunduchi Elena , Sigmirean Cezar , Stefan Anamari-Beatrice , Comes Calin-Adrian , Ciucan-Rusu Liviu
Published: January 2021

Cultural heritage capitalization in rural areas redefines the local development model. Thus, heritage tourism has become the engine of economic activities diversification. This study aims to identify a decision-making-model substantiating algorithm in order to support the local heritage capitalization (lesser known on the international cultural consumption market), based on three types of qualitative researches, and the improved Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. In case of lesser known heritage, trademark potential and international cultural tourism route for heritage capitalization are smart choices for the innovative local hub development. The developed AHP version allows for a broader investigation of the characteristics that can lead to a trademark associated development based on integrated and innovative tourism products. To substantiate our approach and validate the model, we conducted a pilot study on a geographic area (Southern Transylvania, Romania), slightly exploited from the perspective of heritage potential, and characterized by a combination of heritage assets. The study’s results can be used by local authorities as a foundation for sound and strategic development of the area with economic potential from tangible and intangible heritage (re)interpretation.
Optical pattern generator for efficient bio-data encoding in a photonic sequence comparison architecture
Authors: Akbari Rokn Abadi Saeedeh , Hashemi Dijujin Negin , Koohi Somayyeh
Published: January 2021

In this study, optical technology is considered as SA issues' solution with the potential ability to increase the speed, overcome memory-limitation, reduce power consumption, and increase output accuracy. So we examine the effect of bio-data encoding and the creation of input images on the pattern-recognition error-rate at the output of optical Vander-lugt correlator. Moreover, we present a genetic algorithm-based coding approach, named as GAC, to minimize output noises of cross-correlating data. As a case study, we adopt the proposed coding approach within a correlation-based optical architecture for counting k-mers in a DNA string. As verified by the simulations on Salmonella whole-genome, we can improve sensitivity and speed more than 86% and 81%, respectively, compared to BLAST by using coding set generated by GAC method fed to the proposed optical correlator system. Moreover, we present a comprehensive report on the impact of 1D and 2D cross-correlation approaches, as-well-as various coding parameters on the output noise, which motivate the system designers to customize the coding sets within the optical setup.
A Markov model of urban evolution: Neighbourhood change as a complex process
Authors: Silver Daniel , Silva Thiago H.
Published: January 2021

This paper seeks to advance neighbourhood change research and complexity theories of cities by developing and exploring a Markov model of socio-spatial neighbourhood evolution in Toronto, Canada. First, we classify Toronto neighbourhoods into distinct groups using established geodemographic segmentation techniques, a relatively novel application in this geographic setting. Extending previous studies, we pursue a hierarchical approach to classifying neighbourhoods that situates many neighbourhood types within the city’s broader structure. Our hierarchical approach is able to incorporate a richer set of types than most past research and allows us to study how neighbourhoods’ positions within this hierarchy shape their trajectories of change. Second, we use Markov models to identify generative processes that produce patterns of change in the city’s distribution of neighbourhood types. Moreover, we add a spatial component to the Markov process to uncover the extent to which change in one type of neighbourhood depends on the character of nearby neighbourhoods. In contrast to the few studies that have explored Markov models in this research tradition, we validate the model’s predictive power. Third, we demonstrate how to use such models in theoretical scenarios considering the impact on the city’s predicted evolutionary trajectory when existing probabilities of neighbourhood transitions or distributions of neighbourhood types would hypothetically change. Markov models of transition patterns prove to be highly accurate in predicting the final distribution of neighbourhood types. Counterfactual scenarios empirically demonstrate urban complexity: small initial changes reverberate throughout the system, and unfold differently depending on their initial geographic distribution. These scenarios show the value of complexity as a framework for interpreting data and guiding scenario-based planning exercises.
Comparing the Voets equation and the Adrogue-Madias equation for predicting the plasma sodium response to intravenous fluid therapy in SIADH patients
Authors: Voets Philip J. G. M. , Vogtländer Nils P. J. , Kaasjager Karin A. H.
Published: January 2021

Background

The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is one of the most common causes of hypotonic hyponatremia. In our previous work, we have derived a novel model (Voets equation) that can be used by clinicians to predict the effect of crystalloid intravenous fluid therapy on the plasma sodium concentration in SIADH.

Methods

In this retrospective chart review, the predictive accuracy of the Voets equation and the Adrogue-Madias equation for the plasma sodium response to crystalloid infusate was compared for fifteen plasma sodium response measurements (n = 15) in twelve SIADH patients. The medical records of these patients were accessed anonymously and none of the authors were their treating physicians. The Pearson correlation coefficient r and corresponding p-value were calculated for the predictions by the Voets model compared to the measured plasma sodium response and for the predictions by the Adrogue-Madias model compared to the measured plasma sodium response.

Results and conclusion

The presented results show that the Voets model (r = 0.94, p < 0.001) predicted the aforementioned plasma sodium response significantly more accurately than the Adrogue-Madias model (r = 0.49, p = 0.07) in SIADH patients and could therefore be a clinically useful addition to the existing prediction models.
Tendon release reduced joint stiffness with unaltered leg stiffness during gait in spastic diplegic cerebral palsy
Authors: Kuo Chien-Chung , Huang Hsing-Po , Wang Ting-Ming , Hong Shih-Wun , Hung Li-Wei , Kuo Ken N. , Lu Tung-Wu
Published: January 2021

Biomechanical deviations at individual joints are often identified by gait analysis of patients with cerebral palsy (CP). Analysis of the control of joint and leg stiffness of the locomotor system during gait in children with spastic diplegic CP has been used to reveal their control strategy, but the differences between before and after surgery remain unknown. The current study aimed to bridge the gap by comparing the leg stiffness—both skeletal and muscular components—and associated joint stiffness during gait in 12 healthy controls and 12 children with spastic diplegic CP before and after tendon release surgery (TRS). Each subject walked at a self-selected pace on a 10-meter walkway while their kinematic and forceplate data were measured to calculate the stiffness-related variables during loading response, mid-stance, terminal stance, and pre-swing. The CP group altered the stiffness of the lower limb joints and decreased the demand on the muscular components while maintaining an unaltered leg stiffness during stance phase after the TRS. The TRS surgery improved the joint and leg stiffness control during gait, although residual deficits and associated deviations still remained. It is suggested that the stiffness-related variables be included in future clinical gait analysis for a more complete assessment of gait in children with CP.
Reforma de mercado, (des)alineamiento programático y estabilidad del sistema de partidos en América Latina
Authors: Roberts Kenneth M.
Published: January 2021

Aunque los regímenes democráticos en América Latina desde la década de 1980 han sido estables, los sistemas de partidos en la región continúan experimentando altos niveles de inestabilidad electoral. Un enfoque de las coyunturas críticas sobre el cambio institucional sugiere que la variación en la estabilidad de los sistemas de partidos está relacionada con el impacto de la liberalización del mercado en el alineamiento o (des)alineamiento programático de la competencia partidaria en las décadas de 1980 y de 1990. Las reformas de mercado adoptadas por los líderes conservadores, y a las cuales se opusieron un importante número de partidos de izquierda, alinearon a los sistemas de partidos de manera programática, permitiendo que la oposición social se canalizara mediante formas institucionalizadas de la competencia que eran altamente estables durante la era postajuste. Contrariamente, las reformas de «seducir y abandonar» adoptadas por los líderes populistas y de izquierda provocaron un (des)alineamiento programático de los sistemas de partidos, dejándolos vulnerables a secuencias reactivas desestabilizadoras en el período posterior a la reforma –incluyendo protestas sociales masivas, la desaparición de los partidos conservadores históricos y el reemplazo de los partidos populistas tradicionales o de izquierda por otros outsiders más radicales y antineoliberales–. Así, la dinámica política de los ajustes económicos y de mercado condicionaron severamente la manera en que los sistemas de partidos pudieron procesar el revivir de las alternativas populistas y de izquierda de la región durante el período postajuste.
Cuba y la transición política: tan cerca y... tan lejos. Reflexiones 2009 sobre el futuro político en Cuba
Authors: Rodríguez Arechavaleta Carlos Manuel
Published: January 2021

Partiendo de una revisión teórica de autores fundamentales sobre democratizaciones en la tercera ola, el artículo intenta analizar los escenarios del poder actual en Cuba, tanto formales como informales, la singularidad institucional y los posibles reacomodos en la nueva élite política cubana. Asumimos la premisa de que la sociedad civil y la presión exterior no han logrado impactos relevantes en estos años; por tanto, nuestra unidad de observación será la composición de la élite política a partir de la estructura del régimen, las reglas electorales y el diseño institucional, y la definición de actores cuyas decisiones e interacciones puedan afectar los resultados políticos futuros; por tanto, intentamos formalizar las interacciones estratégicas de Raúl y la oposición moderada para valorar el potencial de negociación de una transición política en Cuba. Entonces, ¿es posible una alianza entre reformistas moderados en el gobierno y una oposición moderada en Cuba que permita una transición política?