bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IDENTIFYING START-UP PARTNERS: WHICH SEARCH PRACTICES AND COMBINATION STRATEGIES ARE EFFECTIVE?
Authors: SIMON FRANZ , RESE ALEXANDRA , HOMFELDT FELIX , SCHIELE HOLGER , HARMS RAINER , DELKE VINCENT
Published: August 2021

Start-ups are an important source of novel knowledge and product ideas for incumbents. We investigate which search strategies are positively related to the successful search for start-ups. We identify search instruments and their various uses: intensive or broad; stand-alone or combinatory. Finding 11 search practices in the literature, we evaluate how these practices were used by 97 respondents from a cross-industry and cross-national sample. Our results show that searching broadly and intensively is positively related to a successful search for start-ups and to firms’ radical innovation capability. Specific tools that are positively related to search success are online contacts, desk research, external scouting partners, and start-up pitch events. Decision tree analysis provides effective combinations of search practices that innovation managers and purchasing managers can use. Employing these search practice combinations, we make incumbents aware of the routines used in distant knowledge search. These practices are dynamic capabilities that help them to remain successful in high-velocity markets. In identifying these search practices, we contribute to the literature on innovation routines and dynamic capability research.
Influence of Material Uncertainty on Vibration Characteristics of Higher-Order Cracked Functionally Gradient Plates Using XFEM
Authors: Raza Ahmed , Talha Mohammad , Pathak Himanshu
Published: August 2021

In this study, the influence of material uncertainty on the vibration characteristics of the cracked functionally graded materials (FGM) plates is investigated. Extended stochastic finite element formulation is implemented to model the cracked FGM plate with material uncertainty using higher-order shear deformation theory (HSDT). The level set function is employed to track the crack in the FGM domain. The concept of partition of unity technique is implemented to enrich the primary variable with additional functions. The gradation of the material properties along the thickness direction is done using the power-law distribution. The first-order perturbation technique (FOPT) is incorporated in the methodology for stochastic vibration analysis. The convergence and validation study has been performed to verify the efficacy and accuracy of the formulation. Numerical results are obtained to show the effects of various influential parameters like crack length, gradient index, thickness ratio, and boundary condition on the covariance of the square of natural frequencies. The presented computational approach is accurate, efficient, and robust enough to investigate the vibration response of cracked FGM plates with material randomness.
Electrochemically Active Biofilms as an Indicator of Soil Health
Authors: Mohamed Abdelrhman , Sanchez Eduardo , Sanchez Natalie , Friesen Maren L. , Beyenal Haluk
Published: August 2021

Soil health is a complex phenomenon that reflects the ability of soil to support both plant growth and other ecosystem functions. To our knowledge, research on extracellular electron transfer processes in soil environments is limited and could provide novel knowledge and new ways of monitoring soil health. Electrochemical activities in the soil can be studied by inserting inert electrodes. Once the electrode is polarized to a favorable potential, nearby microorganisms attach to the electrodes and grow as biofilms. Biofilms are a major part of the soil and play critical roles in microbial activity and community dynamics. Our work aims to investigate the electrochemical behavior of healthy and unhealthy soils using chronoamperometry and cyclic voltammetry. We developed a bioelectrochemical soil reactor for electrochemical measurements using healthy and unhealthy soils taken from the Cook Agronomy Farm Long-Term Agroecological Research site; the soils showed similar physical and chemical characteristics, but there was higher plant growth where the healthy soil was taken. Using carbon cloth electrodes installed in these soil reactors, we explored the electrochemical signals in these two soils. First, we measured redox variations by depth and found that reducing conditions were prevalent in healthy soils. Current measurements showed distinct differences between healthy and unhealthy soils. Scanning electron microscopy images showed the presence of microbes attached to the electrode for healthy soil but not for unhealthy soil. Glucose addition stimulated current in both soil types and caused differences in cyclic voltammograms between the two soil types to converge. Our work demonstrates that we can use current as a proxy for microbial metabolic activity to distinguish healthy and unhealthy soil.
Kursi Wufarikun Ziyabit Improves the Physiological Changes by Regulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in the Type 2 Diabetes db/db Mice
Authors: Edirs Salamet , Jiang Lan , Xin XueLei , Aisa Haji Akber
Published: August 2021

Kursi Wufarikun Ziyabit (KWZ) is a classic traditional medicine used for the prevention treatment of diabetes in China. It was widely used as healthcare tea in folk and can prevent and treat type 2 diabetes. However, the underlying mechanism of KWZ in type 2 diabetes has not been investigated extensively. Here, the weekly body weight and blood glucose level of KWZ in type 2 diabetes db/db male mice were observed. After 4 weeks of treatment, the physiological changes and pharmacological effects of KWZ were investigated. The results showed that KWZ can significantly decrease fasting blood glucose and improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in db/db mice. The serum/liver lipid profiles such as LDL-C, TC, TG, and serum-free fatty acid/Fructosamine levels were decreased, and the serum/liver HDL-C levels were increased. In addition, significant improvement in glucose metabolism enzymes and antioxidant enzymes in experimental mice’s livers was observed. Moreover, the expression of GRP78, p-IRE1α/IRE1α, p-eIF2α/eIF2α, and XBP1s was decreased. The expression of p-PERK/PERK, p-Akt/Akt, and p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β was markedly increased. These results suggested that KWZ is effective for type 2 diabetes by improving endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the liver of db/db mice, and it might prevent the damage of insulin Beta cells and alleviate insulin resistance.
Effect of Amalgam Restorations and Operation Parameters on Diagnostic Accuracy of Caries Detection Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Mehanny Mohamed , AlMohareb Rahaf A. , Noujeim Marcel
Published: August 2021

This study was aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in detecting noncavitated approximal caries at different exposure parameters and to assess the impact of artifacts generated by amalgam restorations in an in vitro study. Seventy-eight approximal surfaces of extracted teeth were prepared with intentionally created noncavitated approximal caries of different depths; then, thirteen teeth with class 2 amalgam restorations were replaced with one tooth with normal surfaces in each block. CBCT volumes for all teeth were acquired using a Planmeca Promax 3D Mid imaging unit before and after placement of amalgam teeth, with different exposure parameters at low and high definition, both applying and omitting the Metal Artifact Reduction algorithm. The lesions were classified into four groups with regard to lesion extension. All teeth underwent histological analysis as gold standard. The histological examination showed that the distribution of lesions was as follows: 39.8% sound, enamel lesions of less and more than half the enamel thickness each 17.8%, and 24.6% dentin lesions. The detection sensitivity was found to be 0.972%, and specificity was found to be 0.937% for the detection of noncavitated approximal initial enamel and dentin caries. The highest diagnostic accuracy was found when using operating parameters of 90 kVp, 8 mA, and high resolution (75 μm) with nonamalgam teeth; all modes showed statistically significant higher AUCs than mode 2 (80 kVp, 7 mA, and 75 μm). However, for teeth with amalgam restorations, the highest accuracy was obtained at low resolution (200 μm) with the other parameters kept the same. It could be concluded that increasing the peak voltage and current improves diagnostic accuracy for the detection of noncavitated approximal caries. Moreover, diagnostic accuracy was found to be higher upon using high spatial resolution when diagnosing caries without adjacent amalgam restorations. There is a statistically significant difference with and without amalgam with respect to all modes.
A Probabilistic Assessment Model for Train‐Bridge Systems: Special Attention on Track Irregularities
Authors: Liu Dejun , Xin Lifeng , Li Xiaozhen , Zhang Jiaxin
Published: August 2021

In this paper, a probabilistic model devoted to investigating the dynamic behaviors of train‐bridge systems subjected to random track irregularities is presented, in which a train‐ballasted track‐bridge coupled model with nonlinear wheel‐rail contacts is introduced, and then a new approach for simulating a random field of track irregularities is developed; moreover, the probability density evolution method is used to describe the probability transmission from excitation inputs to response outputs; finally, extended analysis from three aspects, that is, stochastic analysis, reliability analysis, and correlation analysis, are conducted on the evaluation and application of the proposed model. Besides, compared to the Monte Carlo method, the high efficiency and the accuracy of this proposed model are validated. Numerical studies show that the ergodic properties of track irregularities on spectra, amplitudes, wavelengths, and phases should be taken into account in stochastic analysis of train‐bridge interactions. Since the main contributive factors concerning different dynamic indices are rather different, different failure modes possess no obvious or only weak correlations from the probabilistic perspective, and the first‐order reliability theory is suitable in achieving the system reliability.
Teaching Mode of Sports Swimming Video in Colleges and Universities Based on Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Ma Jun
Published: August 2021

After mankind entered the 20th century, a young science with a history of only 60 years, artificial intelligence technology, is affecting the world in its own unique way. Artificial intelligence technology is known as one of the three major scientific and technological achievements of this century. The applications of artificial intelligence technology include machine learning, expert systems, pattern recognition, natural language processing, artificial neural networks, and robots. Two classes (n = 42) were randomly selected in the experiment, namely, the experimental group and the control group. The control group adopts traditional methods of teacher explanation, demonstration, and practice. The experimental group uses a combination of feedback and traditional teaching methods to teach. The students in the experimental group and the control group are compared in the early and late stages of the swimming skills video. Finally, the characteristic parameters of swimming techniques are compared and analyzed. Experimental data showed that the average score of students in the experimental group was 32.38, and the average score of the control group was 28.43. The average technical evaluation score of the experimental group was 77.19, and the average technical evaluation score of the control group was 72.43. The experimental results show that the video feedback teaching method does play a certain role in improving students’ technical movements and proficiency and improves the quality of teaching.
Information Acquisition Incentive Mechanism Based on Evolutionary Game Theory
Authors: Dong Lihong , Wang Xirong , Liu Beizhan , Zheng Tianwei , Wang Zheng
Published: August 2021

Based on evolutionary game theory, this paper proposes a new information acquisition mechanism for intelligent mine construction, which solves the problem of incomplete information acquisition in the construction of new intelligent mining area and reduces the difficulty of information acquisition, which solves the problem of the imperfect mine information acquisition in the construction of a new smart mine regions and decreases the difficulty of a mine information acquisition. Based on the evolutionary game model, the perceptual incentive model based on group is established. The reliability of information collection is ensured by sharing and modifying the information collector. Through the analysis of the simulation results, it is found that the regional coverage model based on the cooperation in game theory and evolutionary game theory has a good effect on solving the bottleneck problem of the current intelligent mining area. This paper has an enlightening effect on the optimization of the mine information acquisition system. Through the improvement of the mine information acquisition system, the working efficiency of the information acquisition terminal can be effectively increased by 6%.
Waiting Times for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis in a Nigerian Population
Authors: Omisanjo Olufunmilade A. , Ogunremi Olawale O. , Akinola Olufemi O. , Adebayo Olaolu O. , Ojewuyi Olufemi , Omorinde Mofeyisayo O. , Abolarinwa Abimbola A. , Ikuerowo Stephen O. , Balogun Fatai A.
Published: August 2021

Background. Prostate biopsy remains an important surgical procedure in the diagnostic pathway for prostate cancer, but access to prostate biopsy service is poorly studied in the Nigerian population. While there has been a well-documented delay in patient presentation with prostate cancer in Nigeria, little is however known about how long patients wait to have a histological diagnosis of prostate cancer and start treatment after presenting at Nigerian hospitals. Method. This was a descriptive retrospective study to document the specific duration of the various timelines in getting a diagnosis of prostate cancer at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Nigeria. Results. There were 270 patients. The mean age was

69.50
±
8.03
 
years

(range 45-90). The mean PSA at presentation was

563.2
±
1879.2
 
ng
/
ml

(range 2.05-15400), and the median PSA was 49.3 ng/ml. The median waiting times were (i) 10 days from referral to presentation; (ii) 30 days from presentation to biopsy; (iii) 24 days from biopsy to review of histology; (iv) 1 day from histology review to discussion/planning of treatment. The median overall waiting time from referral to treatment was 103 days. The mean time from presentation to biopsy was significantly shorter for patients with PSA of ≥50 ng/ml compared to those with

PSA
<
50
 
ng
/
ml

.

p
=
0.048

. Overall, the median time from biopsy to histology was significantly shorter for patients whose specimens were processed in private laboratories (17 days) compared to those whose specimens were processed at the teaching hospital laboratory (30 days),

p
≤
0.001

. Conclusion. There is a significant delay within the health care system in getting a prostate cancer diagnosis in the Nigerian population studied. The major points of the identified delay were the waiting time from patient presentation to having a biopsy done and the histology report waiting time.
The Role of Digital X-Ray in Curative Effect and Nursing Evaluation of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy
Authors: Chen Xue , Xue Pan , Shi Yuanyuan , Chen Si
Published: August 2021

The present study attempted to analyze the features of atlanto-occipital radiograph in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy or vertebral artery type. In order to reduce the interference of human factors and the measurement error as much as possible, this experiment adopts the blind design and analyzes the digital format X-ray films by using the computer software ImageJ. Because the tangent line between the outer plates of the anterior and posterior margin of the foramen magnum was not accurately located on the X-ray film, the angle formed by the line between the saddle dorsal slope and the center point of the anterior and posterior nodule with a clear display was selected as the measurement method of the angle between the atlanto-occipital joints. The results showed that the lateral cervical curvature of the VCS group was 0.43 ± 0.51, and the lateral cervical curvature of the CSR group was 0.46 ± 0.49, both of which were significantly lower than the normal value (1.2 ± 0.5 cm). Patients in both groups had the characteristic of cervical curvature straightening. The changes of cervical curvature in overflexion and overextension positions can indirectly reflect the state of cervical motion. The anterior flexion neck curve of the VCS group was less than that of the CSR group (

P
<
0.05

). Compared with the CSR group, VCS showed limited cervical anterior flexion movement. In this study, X-ray films of both CSR and VCS showed occipitocervical flexion and extension disorders, cervical curvature straightening, and lower cervical instability. In VCS, occipitocervical flexion and extension disorders were mainly manifested in atlantoaxial flexion disorders, while in CSR, atlanto-occipitocervical flexion and extension disorders were mainly manifested in atlantoaxial flexion disorders.
Biomechanical Stress in Obturator Prostheses: A Systematic Review of Finite Element Studies
Authors: Mousa Mohammed A. , Abdullah Johari Yap , Jamayet Nafij B. , Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Husein Adam
Published: August 2021

Aim. This systematic review is aimed at investigating the biomechanical stress that develops in the maxillofacial prostheses (MFP) and supporting structures and methods to optimize it. Design and Methods. A literature survey was conducted for full‐text English articles which used FEA to examine the stress developed in conventional and implant‐assisted MFPs from January 2010 to December 2020. Results. 87 articles were screened to get an update on the desired information. 74 were excluded based on a complete screening, and finally, 13 articles were recruited for complete reviewing. Discussion. The MFP is subjected to stress, which is reflected in the form of compressive and tensile strengths. The stress is mainly concentrated the resection line and around the apices of roots of teeth next to the defect. Diversity of designs and techniques were introduced to optimize the stress distribution, such as modification of the clasp design, using materials with different mechanical properties for dentures base and retainer, use of dental (DI) and/or zygomatic implants (ZI), and free flap reconstruction before prosthetic rehabilitation. Conclusion. Using ZI in the defective side of the dentulous maxillary defect and defective and nondefective side of the edentulous maxillary defect was found more advantageous, in terms of compression and tensile stress and retention, when compared with DI and free flap reconstruction.
User Privacy Protection Scheme Based on Verifiable Outsourcing Attribute-Based Encryption
Authors: Sheng Luo
Published: August 2021

Given the rapid development of cloud computing and cloud storage technology, a growing number of enterprises and individuals use cloud storage services to save data or back up data. In the cloud storage services, although attribute-based encryption can protect users’ data security, the computational cost of key generation, data encryption, and data decryption linearly increases with the complexity of access strategies, which becomes more critical for resource-constrained users. Therefore, this paper proposes a verifiable attribute-based encryption scheme for a fully outsourced ciphertext policy. The scheme can simultaneously realize the functions of key generation, data encryption, and data decryption outsourcing and verify the correctness of the outsourcing calculation results. This scheme can effectively reduce the computational burden of a cloud storage system. The security and verifiability of the scheme are indicated and proved with the random oracle model. The experimental results show that the scheme has the advantages of function and efficiency compared with other schemes. The research results have theoretical and practical significance.
Use of Liposomal Bupivacaine in Pediatric Peripheral Nerve Blocks after Traumatic Amputation
Authors: Halenda Gregory M. , Voulgarelis Stylianos
Published: August 2021

Liposomal bupivacaine has been explored for indications in regional anesthesia, but little has been reported about its use in pediatric patients. In March 2021, the FDA approved an indication for liposomal bupivacaine as an infiltrated local anesthetic in children older than the age of six. Despite this recently expanded indication, the literature lacks reports of use for peripheral nerve blockade in children. We describe a case where liposomal bupivacaine was used for femoral and sciatic nerve blocks in a 5-year-old child with traumatic amputation of his lower leg. Pain control was excellent, with no pain or opioid use reported during the first 62 hours. After the regional anesthesia subsided, the patient required in total 4 oral doses of oxycodone 0.1 mg/kg prior to discharge. The patient did not develop chronic pain or phantom limb syndrome. While liposomal bupivacaine is not currently FDA-approved for peripheral nerve blockade in children, this case highlights a potentially effective use of this drug and possible area for further investigation.
Depression in the Iranian Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jafari Hedayat , Ghasemi-Semeskandeh Dariush , Goudarzian Amir Hossein , Heidari Tahereh , Jafari-Koulaee Azar
Published: August 2021

Depression can lead to increased medical costs, impaired individual and social functioning, nonadherence to therapeutic proceeding, and even suicide and ultimately affect quality of life. It is important to know the extent of its prevalence for successful planning in this regard. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of depression in the Iranian elderly. This systematic review and meta-analysis study was done through Medline via PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, ProQuest, SID, Embase, and Magiran with determined keywords. Screening was done on the basis of relevance to the purpose of the study, titles, abstracts, full text, and inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of the articles was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa standard scale. After primary and secondary screening, 30 articles were finally included in the study. According to the 30 articles reviewed, the prevalence of depression in the Iranian elderly was 52 percent based on the random-effects model (CI 95%: 46–58). According to the results of the present study, depression in the Iranian elderly was moderate to high. Therefore, more exact assessment in terms of depression screening in elderly people seems necessary. Coherent and systematic programs, including psychosocial empowerment counselling for the elderly and workshops for their families, are also needed. Researchers can also use the results of this study for future research.
Health‐Related Quality of Life in People Living with HIV in Southwest Iran in 2018: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Joulaei Hassan , Mousavi Seyed Ghaleb , Foroozanfar Zohre , Rakhshani Tayebeh
Published: August 2021

Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is one of the most important indicators in assessing the health and well‐being of HIV‐positive patients. The present study investigated the HRQoL of HIV patients referred to Abadan’s Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) center in 2019. In this cross‐sectional study, a total of 134 HIV+ patients referred to Abadan’s VCT center were selected through convenience sampling. Demographic information was collected through a researcher‐made checklist; the patients’ status and health information were collected through electronic medical records of HIV+ patients and their records at the VCT center. The HRQoL index was assessed using the World Health Organization (WHOQOL‐BREF) questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using simple and multiple linear regression as well as a t‐test in SPSS software. A P value < 0.05 was considered as the significance level in all tests. The mean of the HRQoL in all the participating patients was 56.42 ± 22.66. The highest and lowest mean scores of HRQoL domains were related to social relationships (57.53 ± 24.73) and environmental health (53.68 ± 19.07). There was a positive significant relationship between the marital status, residency, years of education, duration of infection, transmission route, and antiretroviral (ARV) therapy with the score of the HRQoL. The results showed a moderate score for the mean HRQoL and its domains. The present study revealed the necessity of improving HIV+ patients’ living conditions, employment status, health education, and mental health care.
Protective Effects and Mechanisms of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. Alkaloids on PC12 Cell Damage Induced by Aβ25-35
Authors: Liu Yuan , Pi Tingting , Yang Xiaohui , Shi Jingshan
Published: August 2021

Background. Aβ deposition abnormally in the mitochondria can damage the mitochondrial respiratory chain and activate the mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis pathway, resulting in AD-like symptoms. Objective. To observe the protective effects of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. alkaloids (DNLA) on Aβ25-35-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in PC12 cells explore its possible protective mechanisms. Methods. PC12 cells were treated with DNLA with different concentrations (0.035 mg/L, 0.3 mg/L, and 3.5 mg/L) for 6 h, followed by administration with Aβ25-35 (10 μM) for 24 h. MTT assay and flow cytometer observe the effect of DNLA on Aβ25-35-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis of PC12 cell. Based on the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway to study the antiapoptotic effect of DNLA on this model and its relationship with oxidative stress, flow cytometer detected the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and ELISA kits were used to detect superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) content in cells. The JC-1 fluorescent staining observed the effect of DNLA on the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) with inverted immunofluorescence microscopy. Western blot was used to detect the levels of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway-related protein and its major downstream proteins Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved-caspase-9, and cleaved-caspase-3. Results. DNLA can significantly improve the viability and apoptosis rate of PC12 cell damage induced by Aβ25-35. It also can restore the reduced intracellular ROS content and MMP, while SOD activity and GSH content increase significantly. The expression of apoptosis-related protein Bax, cleaved-caspase-9, and cleaved-caspase-3 decreased when the Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly increased. Conclusion. These findings suggest that it can significantly inhibit the apoptosis of PC12 cell damage induced by Aβ25-35. The mechanism may reduce the level of cellular oxidative stress and thus inhibit the mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis pathway.
Superstring Backgrounds in String Geometry
Authors: Honda Masaki , Sato Matsuo , Tohshima Taiki
Published: August 2021

String geometry theory is a candidate of the nonperturbative formulation of string theory. In order to determine the string vacuum, we need to clarify how superstring backgrounds are described in string geometry theory. In this paper, we show that all the type IIA, IIB, SO(32) type I, and SO(32) and

E

8

×

E

8

heterotic superstring backgrounds are embedded in configurations of the fields of a single string geometry model. In particular, we show that the configurations satisfy the equations of motion of the string geometry model in

α

′

⟶
0

if and only if the embedded string backgrounds satisfy the equations of motion of the supergravities, respectively. This means that classical dynamics of the string backgrounds are described as a part of classical dynamics in string geometry theory. Furthermore, we define an energy of the configurations in the string geometry model because they do not depend on the string geometry time. A string background can be determined by minimizing the energy.
The Saudi Experience of Health-Related Social Media Use: A Scoping Review
Authors: El Kheir Dalia Yahia M. , Boumarah Dhuha Nahar , Bukhamseen Fatimah Mousa , Masoudi Jumana Husain , Boubshait Leila A.
Published: August 2021

Objectives: Social media (SM) are evolving and dynamic applications which can be used in health-care settings to enhance professional networking and education; patient communication, care, and education; public health programs; organizational promotion; and research. This review aims to analyze, summarize, and describe the current Saudi experience of SM use for health. Methods: A MEDLINE/PubMed electronic database search was performed in July 2020 utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. The initial search has yielded a total of 263 articles, of which 25 met our inclusion criteria. Results: In Saudi Arabia, the literature reports a high interest in using SM for health-related purposes among the public, with a prevalence of >51%. The Saudi population has been found to highly favor the use of WhatsApp and Twitter for gaining and exchanging knowledge. Multiple facilitators and barriers have been identified and further categorized based on the users’ population, such as general public, health-care practitioners, and patients with specific conditions. Overall, the common facilitator and barrier between all users’ population categories were found to be younger age and lack of time, respectively. Conclusion: SM use for health-care activities is increasing in Saudi Arabia. Thus, it is important for SM-based health education programs to target specific population and patients’ demographics with programs tailored to their particular interests and needs. This is particularly evident in the current achievements and future plans of the Saudi Ministry of Health.
Impact of Pregnancy on Hidradenitis Suppurativa Disease Course: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Seivright Justine R. , Villa Natalie M. , Grogan Tristan , Parvataneni Ram K. , Thompson Alyssa M. , Shi Vivian Y. , Hsiao Jennifer L.
Published: August 2021

Background: Hormones are thought to play a role in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). However, data on the HS disease course during pregnancy and the postpartum period has not been well established. The objective of this study is to analyze the available literature to determine HS disease activity during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Methods: The PubMed and Embase databases were systematically searched for relevant articles from database inception until November 22, 2020. The inclusion criteria were a study population with the diagnosis of HS and discussion of pregnancy impact on the HS disease course or postpartum flare. Study characteristics, patient demographics, HS severity, and HS disease course during pregnancy and the postpartum period were extracted by 2 independent reviewers. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q statistic and I2 index. The random-effects meta-analytical model was used. The primary study outcome was the pooled odds ratio of improvement or of worsening of HS disease activity during pregnancy. Results: The systematic search identified 8 studies for analysis. There was a total of 672 cases for which data on the patient-reported HS disease course during pregnancy were available, and 164 cases for which data on patient-reported postpartum flare were available. In the meta-analyses, the rate of HS disease improvement was 24% (95% CI 0.13–0.40) and the rate of HS disease worsening was 20% (95% CI 0.11–0.34). Sixty percent (99/164) of patients experienced a postpartum flare. Conclusion: While about a quarter of women will experience an improvement in HS during pregnancy, the majority will have a stable or worsened disease course, and over half of patients will experience a postpartum flare. Close monitoring of HS patients is needed during pregnancy and postpartum periods, as patients may need continued, or even escalated, disease management.
What Total Body Water Measurement Should Be Used for Prescribing the Dialysis Dose in Low-Flow Home Daily Dialysis?
Authors: Gautier Nicolas , Sampol Jerome , Zagdoun Elie , Duquennoy Simon , Dione Diomaye Jean Pierre , Edet Stéphane , Lobbedez Thierry , Ficheux Maxence
Published: August 2021

Introduction: In low-flow home daily dialysis (HDD), the dialysis dose is evaluated from the total body water (TBW). TBW can be estimated by anthropometric methods or bioimpedance spectroscopy. Methods: A multicentric cross-sectional study of patients in HDD for >3 months was conducted to assess the correlation and the difference between the anthropometric estimate of TBW (Watson-TBW) and the bioimpedance estimate (BIS-TBW) and to analyse the impact on the dialysate volume prescribed. Results: Forty patients from 10 centres were included. The median BIS-TBW and Watson-TBW were 35.1 (29.1–41.4 L) and 36.9 (32–42.4 L), respectively. The 2 methods had a good correlation (r = 0.87, p < 0.05). However, Bland-Altman analysis showed an overestimation of TBW with Watson’s formula, with a bias of 2.77 L. For 4, 5, or 6 sessions per week, the use of Watson-TBW increases the dialysate prescription per week by 100 L, 45 L, or 10 L, respectively, over our entire cohort. There is no increase in the volume of dialysate prescribed with the 7 sessions per week schedule. Conclusion: BIS-TBW and Watson-TBW estimation have a good correlation; however, Watson’s equation overestimates TBW. This overestimation is negligible for a prescription frequency of >5 sessions per week.
Development of Virtual Surveys for the COVID-19 Wave of the AGELESS Longitudinal Study in Malaysia
Authors: Aravindhan Kiirtaara , Mat Sumaiyah , Hamid Tengku Aizan , Shahar Suzana , Abdul Majeed Abu Bakar , Teh Pei-Lee , Ramasamy Kalavathy , Singh Devinder Kaur Ajit , Tan Maw Pin
Published: August 2021

Background: Rapid population aging occurring in developing nations necessitates innovation to ensure we continue to gain ground on aging research despite pandemic threats. While developed nations have resorted to virtual communications, this is challenging in developing nations due to poor internet connectivity and digital literacy. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of virtual data collection for a longitudinal study of aging assessing cognitive frailty in a middle-income Southeast Asian country. Methods: The Transforming Cognitive Frailty into Later-Life Self-Sufficiency (AGELESS) longitudinal study of aging involved community-dwelling participants aged 60 years and above. A semi-structured focus group discussion was conducted via videoconferencing with selected representatives from existing participants. The survey instrument was compiled during a hybrid meeting and refined using a virtual Delphi process involving 51 AGELESS investigators. The final draft survey and recruitment strategy were then piloted among selected participants. Results: Twelve individuals participated in the virtual focus group interview. Smartphone, tablet computer, laptops, and desktop personal computers were used for information gathering, communication, banking, shopping, leisure, religion, and education, within this group. The survey instrument was redacted from 362 items in 18 sections to 141 items in 12 sections through 3 virtual Delphi rounds facilitated by email, social media messaging, and videoconferencing which attracted 213 comments. Of 45 participants selected for the pilot survey, 30 were successfully contacted after one attempt and 18 completed the survey. Cognitive frailty was present in 13%, cognitive impairment in 20%, frailty in 20%, and 47% were robust. Conclusion: A virtual survey instrument was developed for the AGELESS longitudinal survey of aging which was vital for determining the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our older population as well as sustaining research into aging despite barriers posed by the pandemic.
Usefulness of Magnifying Endoscopy with Narrow-Band Imaging for Diagnosing Mixed Poorly Differentiated Gastric Cancers
Authors: Inuyama Mitsuko , Horiuchi Yusuke , Yamamoto Noriko , Yoshimizu Shoichi , Ishiyama Akiyoshi , Yoshio Toshiyuki , Hirasawa Toshiaki , Tsuchida Tomohiro , Igarashi Yoshinori , Fujisaki Junko
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Curative rates of endoscopic treatment for undifferentiated-type early gastric cancer (EGC), particularly mixed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (MIXED-POR), are lower than those of endoscopic treatment for the differentiated type. Magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (ME-NBI) is useful for diagnoses of the histological type. This study aimed to investigate the detection rates of MIXED-POR among undifferentiated-type EGCs using biopsy and ME-NBI in order to improve curative rates through endoscopic treatment. Methods: We analyzed 267 lesions initially subjected to endoscopic submucosal resection (ESD) and histologically diagnosed as undifferentiated-type EGCs between July 2005 and December 2016 at our hospital. We obtained written informed consent from all participants. Biopsy and ME-NBI findings were compared to distinguish pure signet ring cell carcinoma (PURE-SIG) and MIXED-POR. ME-NBI findings were divided into 2 categories depending on the presence of irregular vessels. Results of biopsy and ME-NBI (combination method) were also analyzed, and detection rates of MIXED-POR and PURE-SIG were evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Results: Overall, 114 lesions were analyzed. Fifty-eight lesions (50.9%) were identified as MIXED-POR. With biopsy, the detection rate of MIXED-POR was significantly lower than that of PURE-SIG (p < 0.0001). ME-NBI detected significantly more MIXED-POR with irregular vessels than PURE-SIG (p < 0.0001). The combination method could detect significantly more MIXED-POR than PURE-SIG (p < 0.0001). The sensitivity and accuracy for MIXED-POR diagnosis were significantly higher with the combination method than with biopsy alone (p < 0.0001). Discussion/Conclusion: Combining biopsy and ME-NBI improved the accuracy of pretreatment diagnosis before ESD in undifferentiated-type cancer.
Cytochemical Characterization of Cerebrospinal Fluid Macrophage Inclusions in Pediatric Patients Receiving Intrathecal Nusinersen (SPINRAZA®) for Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Schafernak Kristian T. , Jacobsen Jeffrey R. , Hernandez Dulce , Kaye Robin D. , Perez Sylvia E.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a debilitating neuromuscular disorder caused by biallelic deletion of the SMN1 gene. Nusinersen, an antisense oligonucleotide delivered intrathecally, binds to the pre-mRNA of SMN1’s pseudogene, SMN2, to prevent exon skipping and produce functional SMN protein to compensate for the deficiency caused by SMN1 deletion. Case Presentation: We reviewed 15 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology specimens from 8 patients receiving nusinersen for SMA. Macrophages with peculiar inclusions (“nusinophages”) were seen in 8 specimens from 4 of the patients: 1 infant and 3 children with SMA type 1. This finding has only previously been reported in adults with SMA types 2 and 3 and in 2 infants with SMA type 1. Discussion/Conclusion: Specimens containing nusinophages had a significantly higher proportion of macrophages and lower proportion of lymphocytes than those in which nusinophages were not detected. The macrophage inclusions do not represent iron or microorganisms and instead are composed, at least in part, of glycosaminoglycans. Because CSF is a common specimen type, cytotechnologists and cytopathologists need to be aware of these inclusions, so they do not interpret them erroneously as evidence of infection or hemorrhage, especially in light of the fact that oligonucleotide therapy has been approved for a variety of conditions and is currently under investigation for intrathecal delivery in several other neurodegenerative disorders.
Ophthalmic Manifestations of Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Review
Authors: Valenzuela Juan , Echegaray Jose J. , Dodds Emilio , Kurup Shree K. , Lowder Careen , Ondrejka Sarah L. , Singh Arun D.
Published: August 2021

Background: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a hematopoietic neoplasm characterized by cancerous Reed-Sternberg cells. In contrast to ophthalmic manifestations by non-HL that are well recognized, there is paucity of the literature as it relates to ophthalmic manifestation by HL. We performed a comprehensive review of published studies (case reports and small case series) to characterize the ophthalmic manifestations of HL. Summary: Thirty patients were identified with ophthalmic manifestation of HL. Thirteen (43%) were male, and 14 (46%) were female (in 3 cases, sex was not specified). The median age at ophthalmic presentation was 27 years. Diagnosis of HL was made after ophthalmic manifestation in 10 (33%) cases, whereas 11 (36%) cases had a prior diagnosis of HL. Ophthalmic manifestations can be classified into 3 main groups; direct infiltration, inflammatory reaction, and paraneoplastic process. Seven cases had infiltration of the optic nerve. Uveal inflammatory reaction was reported in 21 cases. The presence of intraocular Reed-Sternberg cells had been confirmed in 1 case with granulomatous uveitis. Conjunctival and corneal reaction was seen in 3 cases. HL was in stage 2 or higher, with only 1 case with stage 1A (12 cases HL stage not specified). Seven cases (22%) died of HD, all were diagnosed with advanced lymphoma, and none was treated with chemotherapy. Key Message: Ocular involvement in HL is extremely rare. A few cases of histopathologically confirmed optic nerve/tract infiltration are within the spectrum of CNS involvement by HL. Inflammatory uveitis is the most common ophthalmic association of HL. In the presence of prior known diagnosis of HL, restaging should be considered to exclude recurrence. Toxicity or adverse reaction to drugs used to treat HL may also contribute to ophthalmic involvement.
Valores-notícia da Igreja Católica no Brasil: análise do conteúdo de 44 notícias institucionais publicadas no site da CNBB
Authors: Cardoso Gláucia da Rocha , Lacerda Eliane Muniz , Dias Robson
Published: August 2021

O artigo analisa os valores-notícia de conteúdo jornalístico no site da Conferência Nacional dos Bispos do Brasil - CNBB. Os valores-notícia são essenciais na produção do conteúdo jornalístico dos veículos e também na produção de conteúdos institucionais das entidades. Os valores-notícia são utilizados para designar as qualidades dos fatos, isto é, as características que os tornam noticiáveis para dada organização. E acabam revelando o perfil e discurso das organizações com a mídia e com seus públicos. Em busca desse perfil noticioso, foram analisadas, por meio da Semana Artificial (HERSCOVITZ, 2007, P. 131) e da Análise de Conteúdo (BARDIN, 1977) o corpus de 44 matérias disponíveis no site da instituição. O período de análise abrange três meses de publicações de notícias no site da Conferência, de março a maio de 2017, visto que dois grandes eventos organizacionais ligados à Igreja Católica aconteceram em meados da data escolhida: a Campanha da Fraternidade e a Assembleia Geral da CNBB. É um período que reúne todo o episcopado brasileiro, com o objetivo de discutir questões importantes para a Igreja. Os resultados mostram que um perfil noticioso sobre o que é pauta institucional na maior organização católica do Brasil.
Jornalismo das Periferias: um fenômeno em ebulição
Authors: Bezerra Juliana Freire
Published: August 2021

Jornalismo das Periferias: o diálogo social solidário nas bordas urbanas resulta de pesquisa de campo realizada entre 2018 e 2019 nas periferias da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo. Escrita pela pesquisadora e professora Mara Rovida, a obra origina-se da inquietação epistemológica diante de um fenômeno comunicacional recente no Brasil: o jornalismo profissional feito sobre, para e a partir das periferias. O objetivo principal da jornada de pesquisa relatada no livro foi compreender como os profissionais do Jornalismo das Periferias atuam para produzir narrativas polissêmicas e polifônicas sobre as localidades onde moram em sua relação com a cidade. Inspirada na abordagem etnográfica de Clifford Geertz, a autora parte dos sentidos atribuídos pelos sujeitos de pesquisa para interpretar o fenômeno estudado e sistematizar suas características.
Digital Oceans and Algorithmic Castaways
Authors: Farber Liliana
Published: August 2021

As a result of the digital revolution, legal complexities have increased for Internet users. With an opaque and dispersed world network, users are often bound to sovereignties and laws they are unaware of. The author explores how Internet corporations are redefining geopolitics. Through two artworks, this statement reframes the novel Robinson Crusoe within the context of current technologies. The author proposes the castaway as a framework for users’ political position in relation to Internet infrastructure.
Settlements and Resolutions: Consequences of Negotiation Processes in the Laboratory and in the Field
Authors: Druckman Daniel
Published: August 2021

In their 1994 study of divorce mediation, Kressel and his colleagues distinguished between a problem-solving and a settlement-oriented style of mediation. The former led to more integrative agreements and better long-term relationships between the parties than the latter. This distinction has been a basis for a multi-method research program on negotiation and mediation processes in international relations. We have been exploring the consequences of a variety of indicators for outcomes and post-agreement relations among parties. In the laboratory, we have identified the way that sources of conflict (values and interests) lead to processes with different implications for long-term relationships. In case studies, we have identified the political conditions that produce short-term settlements, or stalemates followed by further escalation. In small-N comparative case studies, we have shown how negotiation process and context operate together to influence post-settlement relations and system change. We used a comparison of the conflicts in Karabakh and Mozambique and three cases of base-rights talks as examples. In large-N aggregate case comparisons, we developed empirical profiles of types of negotiation (e.g., innovation vs. re-distribution) with implications for outcomes and relationships as well as the role played by turning points in projecting a process toward agreement and changing escalatory into de-escalatory processes. The variables identified by these studies are organized in terms of a framework that connects issues and objectives, background factors, and conditions with processes, outcomes, and implementation. The framework shows how these variables can lead to integrative agreements.
Treaties and Conflict Management in Enduring Rivalries
Authors: Goertz Gary , Diehl Paul F.
Published: August 2021

Simply equating treaties with conflict management success distorts a more complex relationship. The relationship of treaties to conflict management depends fundamentally on the kinds of treaties involved and where they occur in the life cycle of rivalries. This paper explores these issues and analyzes how treaties might be understood in the conflict-management process of enduring rivalries. In our conception, two basic categories of treaties play roles relevant to the conflict management of rivalries: security treaties and functional treaties. Security treaties are agreements between rivals that address specifically the issues at stake in the rivalry, or are military-related agreements involving arms control and the like. Functional treaties deal with non-security issues such as trade, the environment, and other matters. We propose that these two kinds of treaties play different roles in the conflict-management process, functioning as independent or dependent variables in the analyses of conflict-management success depending on their type and the life cycle of the rivalry. Our analysis of treaties flows from our punctuated equilibrium model of rivalries and decision-making.