bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of synovial fluid lubricants and inflammatory cytokines in the horse: a comparison of recombinant equine interleukin 1 beta-induced synovitis and joint lavage models
Authors: Watkins Amanda , Fasanello Diana , Stefanovski Darko , Schurer Sydney , Caracappa Katherine , D’Agostino Albert , Costello Emily , Freer Heather , Rollins Alicia , Read Claire , Su Jin , Colville Marshall , Paszek Matthew , Wagner Bettina , Reesink Heidi
Published: May 2021

Background

Lameness is a debilitating condition in equine athletes that leads to more performance limitation and loss of use than any other medical condition. There are a limited number of non-terminal experimental models that can be used to study early inflammatory and synovial fluid biophysical changes that occur in the equine joint. Here, we compare the well-established carpal IL-1β-induced synovitis model to a tarsal intra-articular lavage model, focusing on serial changes in synovial fluid inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and the synovial fluid lubricating molecules lubricin/proteoglycan 4 and hyaluronic acid. The objectives of this study were to evaluate clinical signs; synovial membrane and synovial fluid inflammation; and synovial fluid lubricants and biophysical properties in response to carpal IL-1β synovitis and tarsal intra-articular lavage.

Results

Hyaluronic acid (HA) concentrations, especially high molecular weight HA, and synovial fluid viscosity decreased after both synovitis and lavage interventions. Synovial fluid lubricin concentrations increased 17–20-fold for both synovitis and lavage models, with similar changes in both affected and contralateral joints, suggesting that repeated arthrocentesis alone resulted in elevated synovial fluid lubricin concentrations. Synovitis resulted in a more severe inflammatory response based on clinical signs (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, lameness and joint effusion) and clinicopathological and biochemical parameters (white blood cell count, total protein, prostaglandin E2, sulfated glycosaminoglycans, tumor necrosis factor-α and CC chemokine ligands − 2, − 3, − 5 and − 11) as compared to lavage.

Conclusions

Synovial fluid lubricin increased in response to IL-1β synovitis and joint lavage but also as a result of repeated arthrocentesis. Frequent repeated arthrocentesis is associated with inflammatory changes, including increased sulfated glycosaminoglycan concentrations and decreased hyaluronic acid concentrations. Synovitis results in more significant inflammatory changes than joint lavage. Our data suggests that synovial fluid lubricin, TNF-α, CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL11 and sGAG may be useful biomarkers for synovitis and post-lavage joint inflammation. Caution should be exercised when performing repeated arthrocentesis clinically or in experimental studies due to the inflammatory response and loss of HA and synovial fluid viscosity.
The role of correlated factors based on Pender health promotion model in brushing behavior in the 13–16 years old students of Guilan, Iran
Authors: Haghi Robabeh , Ashouri Asieh , Karimy Mahmood , Rouhani-Tonekaboni Nooshin , Kasmaei Parisa , Pakdaman Farahnaz , Zareban Iraj
Published: May 2021

Background

Tooth decay is one of the diseases that is closely related to people’s behaviors and it can have adverse effects on their performance and their success in the future. Brushing twice a day is the simplest and most effective way to reduce tooth decay. The study aim was to determining the roles of correlational factors based on the Pender’s health promotion model in brushing behavior of ninth grade students at urban public schools of Guilan province during the academic year 2019.

Methods

The present study was cross-sectional and had a descriptive-analytical type. We performed the multi-stage random sampling on 761 ninth-grade students (374 girls and 387 boys) at urban public schools of six counties (ten cities) of Guilan province in 2019. The primary tool was a questionnaire on oral health behaviors focusing on brushing behavior. In the present study, which was conducted only on brushing behavior, we revised and changed the initial questionnaire during the sessions of the research team, and then confirmed its validity and reliability. The questionnaire consisted of three parts, demographic characteristics, constructs of health promotion model, and brushing behavior. We analyzed data in SPSS 21 using regression models.

Results

20.1% of students brushed their teeth at least twice a day. Optimal behavior had a statistically significant relationship with parents’ education level, and gender. Based on the regression model, the health promotion model constructs described 58% of the variance of the commitment to plan of action. Perceived self-efficacy, situational influences, and perceived barriers of action had significantly stronger relationships with commitment to plan of action respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that one-unit increase in scores of commitment to plan of action and self-efficacy increased the chance of desired behavior by 12 and 14% respectively.

Conclusion

Due to the low rate of brushing behavior in the students and the predictive power of the health promotion model in brushing behavior, we suggest planning and implementation of educational interventions for this group with an emphasis on influencing the commitment to plan of action, self-efficacy, and also the level of knowledge.
Analysis of the consumption of sports supplements in elite fencers according to sex and competitive level
Authors: Mata Fernando , Domínguez Raúl , López-Samanes Álvaro , Sánchez-Gómez Ángela , Jodra Pablo , Sánchez-Oliver Antonio J.
Published: May 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze the consumption of sports supplements (SS) in competitive level fencers and compare differences based on sex and competitive level (international and national).

Methods

A total of 49 fencers (18 men and 31 women) of national (n = 16) and international (n = 33) level completed a questionnaire with questions about SS consumption and the possible repercussions on health and / or sports performance. The results were analyzed based on the different categorizations established by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), as well as by sex and level of competence to which the participants belonged to.

Results

46.9% of fencers have consumed SS with the main motivation being performance improvement (34.2%). Medical doctors were the individuals who were more likely to advise men to consume SS (50.0% vs 5.6%; OR = 3.29 [1.50–7.20]). Friends were most likely to advise women (38.9% vs 8.3%; OR = 1.75 [1.05–2.93]). The most consumed SS were sport drinks (44.9%), vitamin C (43.4%), sport bars (38.8%), and caffeine (28.6%). In regards to the SS categories, it was observed differences in the interaction level·sex in medical supplements (p = 0.017). In addition, there was a higher prevalence of whey protein consumption in women (25.8% vs 0%; p = 0.020) and iron consumption in men (33% vs 6.5%; p = 0.039).

Conclusions

The prevalence of SS use in fencers is within the values previously reported in athletes of the same competitive level. There were no differences by sex and competitive level in the total consumption of SS, nor in each of the groups of level of evidence, being sport drinks, bars and caffeine the most consumed SS.
Ultralow amounts of DNA from long-term archived serum samples produce high-quality methylomes
Authors: Wojewodzic Marcin W. , Leithaug Magnus , Lauritzen Marianne , Lyle Robert , Haglund Sofia , Rubin Carl-Johan , Ewels Philip A. , Grotmol Tom , Rounge Trine B.
Published: May 2021

Background

Long-term stored serum is considered challenging for epigenomic analyses: as there are no cells, circulating DNA is scarce, and amplification removes epigenetic signals. Additionally, pre-analytical treatments and storage might introduce biases and fragmentation to the DNA. In particular, starting with low-input DNA can result in low-diversity libraries. However, successful whole-genome bisulphite sequencing (WGBS) of such serum samples has the potential to open biobanks for epigenetic analyses and deliver novel prediagnostic biomarkers. Here, we perform WGBS using the Accel-NGS library preparation kit on ultralow amounts of DNA from long-term archived samples with diverse pretreatments from the Janus Serum Bank.

Results

Ninety-four of the 96 samples produced satisfactory methylation calls; an average of 578 M reads per sample generated a mean coverage of 17× and mean duplication level of 35%. Failed samples were related to poor bisulphite conversion rather than to sequencing or library preparation. We demonstrate the feasibility of WGBS on ultralow DNA yields from serum samples stored up to 48 years.

Conclusions

Our results show the potential of large serum biobank collections for future epigenomic studies and biomarker discovery.
User selection and dynamic power allocation in the SWIPT-NOMA relay system
Authors: Xie Xianzhong , Li Min , Shi Zhaoyuan , Tang Hong , Huang Qian
Published: May 2021

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) technology provides an effective solution to massive access with a high data rate demand in new-generation mobile networks. The paper combinations with NOMA and simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) relay to maximize the sum rate in the downlink system. To that end, it is critical how to select effectively users access system and power allocation for the access user. This paper proposes a user selection and dynamic power allocation (USDPA) scheme in the NOMA-SWIPT relay system based on neural network because traditional optimization methods have difficulty solving nonlinear and non-convex problems. We establish a user selection network utilizing a deep neural network (DNN) and propose a power allocation network using deep reinforcement learning. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme achieves better performance than other related schemes, especially for high quality of service requirements.
A novel spectral entropy-based index for assessing the depth of anaesthesia
Authors: Ra Jee Sook , Li Tianning , Li Yan
Published: May 2021

Anaesthesia is a state of temporary controlled loss of awareness induced for medical operations. An accurate assessment of the depth of anaesthesia (DoA) helps anesthesiologists to avoid awareness during surgery and keep the recovery period short. However, the existing DoA algorithms have limitations, such as not robust enough for different patients and having time delay in assessment. In this study, to develop a reliable DoA measurement method, pre-denoised electroencephalograph (EEG) signals are divided into ten frequency bands (α, β1, β2, β3, β4, β, βγ, γ, δ and θ), and the features are extracted from different frequency bands using spectral entropy (SE) methods. SE from the beta-gamma frequency band (21.5–38.5 Hz) and SE from the beta frequency band show the highest correlation (R-squared value: 0.8458 and 0.7312, respectively) with the most popular DoA index, bispectral index (BIS). In this research, a new DoA index is developed based on these two SE features for monitoring the DoA. The highest Pearson correlation coefficient by comparing the BIS index for testing data is 0.918, and the average is 0.80. In addition, the proposed index shows an earlier reaction than the BIS index when the patient goes from deep anaesthesia to moderate anaesthesia, which means it is more suitable for the real-time DoA assessment. In the case of poor signal quality (SQ), while the BIS index exhibits inflexibility with cases of poor SQ, the new proposed index shows reliable assessment results that reflect the clinical observations.
Efficacy of the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) on Mecorhis ungarica (Herbst, 1784) (Coleoptera: Rhynchitidae)
Authors: Uzun Asiye , Özdemir Fatma Gül Göze , Demirözer Ozan
Published: May 2021

Background

In this study, the virulances of 4 different concentrations of the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) on adults of the rose weevil, Mecorhis ungarica (Herbst, 1784) (Coleoptera: Rhynchitidae) were tested under laboratory conditions.

Results

Ten replications for each concentration where 5 adults for each replicate were used. Suspensions prepared from each concentration, containing 3rd instar juveniles (infective juveniles) of S. feltiae, were sprayed on the pest adults for 20 s at 1 atm pressure. Deltamethrin was applied, at the recommended concentration (30 ml/ha), as a positive control, while pure water was used as negative control. Observations started 72 h after the applications and continued until the 15th day. The White Trap Method used for the re-isolation of nematodes from dead individuals obtained in observation days. As a result of the study, obtained mortality rates in concentration of S. feltiae (100, 150, 200, 250 million IJs/100 l water) were not different from each other but were found significant than control (P < 0.05). Additionally, among the number of re-isolated 3rd juveniles, the highest mean number was found on 200 million IJs concentration and the lowest mean was determined on 150 million IJs concentration. Tested concentrations of S. feltiae caused 80, 86, 82, and 92% death on adult individuals on the 15th day. Mortality rates caused by each concentration depending on the time were not significant between each other (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

In this study, it was determined that different concentrations of S. feltiae were effective on adults of rose weevil. It is thought that entomopathogenic nematodes may be an alternative and promising biological control strategy to reduce the risk of pesticide residues in oil-bearing rose production areas.
Surgical treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rodrigues Luiz Claudio Lacerda , Natour Jamil
Published: May 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of surgery for the management of patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis.

Methods

Sixty-three patients with lumbar canal stenosis were randomized into two groups: the intervention group (IG) and control group (CG). IG patients underwent surgery and both groups participated in the same physical therapy program twice a week for a period of 12 weeks and were followed up at 1 year. The primary endpoint was visual analogue scale for pain, and the secondary endpoints were function (6-min walk test, Roland Morris and Oswestry questionnaires), quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) and satisfaction with treatment (Likert scale).

Results

No significant difference between groups was observed for pain over time (p = 0.145). Significant differences between groups, in favor of the IG, were observed for the Oswestry score (p = 0.006) and vitality domain score of the SF-36 (p = 0.047). Function in the Roland Morris and 6-min walk test and the role of the physical domain of SF-36 also showed significant differences between the groups; however, these differences occurred due to a worsening of the IG in the short term, and the medium-term. The Likert scale demonstrated greater satisfaction with the IG treatment compared to control group.

Conclusions

Lumbar stenosis surgery did not improve pain in short and medium terms. Function and vitality were better in the group that underwent surgery in the medium term, and patients were more satisfied with the surgical treatment.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02879461).
Role of renal Duplex ultrasonography in evaluation of hepatorenal syndrome
Authors: Mogawer Mohamad Sherif , Nassef Sahar Abdel Rahman , Elhamid Samah Mohamad Abd , Elkholy Shaimaa , El Aziz Nahla Emad Abd , Al-Jarhi Ula Mabid , Abdellatif Abeer Awad
Published: May 2021

Background

Hepatorenal syndrome is a potentially fatal complication of advanced liver disease. Markers for early diagnosis and identification of high-risk patients are lacking. Our aim was to evaluate the role of renal Duplex ultrasonography in the diagnosis and early prediction of hepatorenal syndrome. This study included 50 patients. Clinical assessment, liver function tests, hepatitis C virus antibody, kidney function tests, and abdominal and renal color Duplex ultrasound were done to all subjects.

Results

Univariate regression analysis for hepatorenal syndrome showed a statistically significant positive correlation with the Model For End-Stage Liver Disease score (p-value <0.0001) and renal artery hilum resistivity index (p-value = 0.0017). Logistic multivariable regression analysis proved that the renal artery hilum resistivity index was an independent predictor of hepatorenal syndrome. Renal artery hilum resistivity index can be used as a predictor of hepatorenal syndrome with 100% sensitivity and 66.7% specificity with a cut-off value > 0.77.

Conclusion

The renal resistive index could be a good predictor of hepatorenal syndrome.
Renal functional improvement after pediatric pyeloplasty in kidneys with split renal function less than 20%: a single institute experience
Authors: Salih Elsayed , Abdelmaksoud Ibrahim , Elfeky Mohamed , Selmy Gamal , Galal Hussein , Zekry Mohsen
Published: May 2021

Background

Pediatric pyeloplasty in ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is indicated in renal impaired drainage or renal function deterioration. The improvement of renal function after pediatric pyeloplasty is still controversial in poorly functioning kidneys. Past studies on poorly functioning kidneys had a variable SRF specification, and these studies often had a limited number of patients so that they did not achieve statistical significance. The study aims to detect the renal functional improvement after pediatric Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty (AHP) with split renal function (SRF) less than 20% (poor renal function).

Results

A retrospective study included 46 pediatric patients with unilateral UPJO who underwent open AHP with SRF < 20% on a renal isotope scan from August 2012 to October 2018. Success was defined based on either improvement in symptoms, improvement in drainage on postoperative renography, and/or improvement or stability in SRF on the renal scan done 6 months postoperatively and yearly thereafter. Deterioration of SRF by more than 5% was deemed to be deterioration. An increase in SRF of more than 5% was deemed to be an improvement.

A total of 46 patients with a mean age of 32 months with poor renal function on isotope renogram (SRF < 20%) were included. All patients had an obstructive pattern on the preoperative radionuclide scans. The median preoperative SRF was 9.26%. The mean (range) follow-up was 30 months. The success rate was 91.3%. Three patients underwent redo pyeloplasty, whereas a secondary nephrectomy was necessary for one. The remaining (42) patients showed stability or improvement of SRF with no further symptoms. Renal scintigraphy at 6 and 12 months after surgery revealed significantly increased SRF compared to preoperative one.

Conclusion

Poorly functioning renal unit with SRF < 20% can show functional improvement and recoverability after pediatric pyeloplasty.
Perspectives: involving persons with lived experience of mental health conditions in service delivery, development and leadership
Authors: Sunkel Charlene , Sartor Claudia
Published: May 2021

Globally, there has been an emphasis on the importance and value of involving people with lived experience of mental health conditions in service delivery, development and leadership. Such individuals have taken on various roles, from peer support specialists and other specialised professions to leadership in mainstream industries. There are, however, still obstacles to overcome before it is possible to fully include people with lived experience at all levels in the mental health and related sectors. This article discusses the benefits, both to the individual and to the public, of involving persons with lived experience in service delivery, development and leadership.
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental healthcare and services: results of a UK survey of front-line staff working with people with intellectual disability and/or autism
Authors: Sheehan Rory , Dalton-Locke Christian , Ali Afia , Vera San Juan Norha , Totsika Vaso , Hassiotis Angela
Published: May 2021

Aims and method

Mental health services have changed the way they operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated the challenges and innovations reported by staff working in services for people with intellectual disability and/or autism in National Health Service (NHS) and non-NHS sectors, and in in-patient and community settings.

Results

Data were drawn from 648 staff who participated in a UK-wide online survey. Issues around infection risk and mitigation were more important to those working in the NHS and in-patient settings. Community staff were more likely to express concern about the practicalities of a rapid shift to remote working and engaging patients remotely. Qualitative data revealed support for maintaining remote staff working and remote service provision post-pandemic.

Clinical implications

Given the current emphasis on community support for people with intellectual disability and/or autism, the focus of research and clinical practice should be the development of accessible and effective models of remote service provision.
Lifileucel, a Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte Therapy, in Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Sarnaik Amod A. , Hamid Omid , Khushalani Nikhil I. , Lewis Karl D. , Medina Theresa , Kluger Harriet M. , Thomas Sajeve S. , Domingo-Musibay Evidio , Pavlick Anna C. , Whitman Eric D. , Martin-Algarra Salvador , Corrie Pippa , Curti Brendan D. , Oláh Judit , Lutzky Jose , Weber Jeffrey S. , Larkin James M. G. , Shi Wen , Takamura Toshimi , Jagasia Madan , Qin Harry , Wu Xiao , Chartier Cecile , Graf Finckenstein Friedrich , Fardis Maria , Kirkwood John M. , Chesney Jason A.
Published: May 2021

PURPOSE

Effective treatment options are limited for patients with advanced (metastatic or unresectable) melanoma who progress after immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies. Adoptive cell therapy using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes has demonstrated efficacy in advanced melanoma. Lifileucel is an autologous, centrally manufactured tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte product.

METHODS

We conducted a phase II open-label, single-arm, multicenter study in patients with advanced melanoma who had been previously treated with checkpoint inhibitor(s) and BRAF ± MEK targeted agents. Lifileucel was produced from harvested tumor specimens in central Good Manufacturing Practice facilities using a streamlined 22-day process. Patients received a nonmyeloablative lymphodepletion regimen, a single infusion of lifileucel, and up to six doses of high-dose interleukin-2. The primary end point was investigator-assessed objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST, version 1.1.

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients received a mean of 3.3 prior therapies (anti–programmed death 1 [PD-1] or programmed death ligand 1 [PD-L1]: 100%; anticytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4: 80%; BRAF ± MEK inhibitor: 23%). The ORR was 36% (95% CI, 25 to 49), with two complete responses and 22 partial responses. Disease control rate was 80% (95% CI, 69 to 89). Median duration of response was not reached after 18.7-month median study follow-up (range, 0.2-34.1 months). In the primary refractory to anti–PD-1 or PD-L1 therapy subset, the ORR and disease control rate were 41% (95% CI, 26 to 57) and 81% (95% CI, 66 to 91), respectively. Safety profile was consistent with known adverse events associated with nonmyeloablative lymphodepletion and interleukin-2.

CONCLUSION

Lifileucel demonstrated durable responses and addresses a major unmet need in patients with metastatic melanoma with limited treatment options after approved therapy, including the primary refractory to anti–PD-1 or PD-L1 therapy subset.
Cycles of Fire? Politics and Forest Burning in Indonesia
Authors: Balboni Clare , Burgess Robin , Heil Anton , Old Jonathan , Olken Benjamin A.
Published: May 2021

This paper examines the link between electoral incentives and environmental degradation by exploiting a satellite dataset on 107,000 forest fires and 879 asynchronous district elections in Indonesia. Fires represent a cheap but illegal means of converting forested land to other uses, but they risk burning out of control and creating substantial negative environmental externalities. We find a significant electoral cycle in forest fires. Ignitions and area burned decline during election years but steeply increase in the year after. The results suggest that politicians may suppress this activity at times when it might particularly dent their electoral chances.
COVID-19 Disruptions Disproportionately Affect Female Academics
Authors: Deryugina Tatyana , Shurchkov Olga , Stearns Jenna
Published: May 2021

The rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent countermeasures disrupted economic activity around the world. We investigate the effects of COVID-19 disruptions on the gender gap in academia. We administer a global survey of academics to collect nuanced data on the respondents' circumstances, such as the number and ages of children and time use. All academics report substantial increases in childcare and housework burdens, but women experienced significantly larger increases than men. Female academics with children report a disproportionate reduction in research time, both relative to childless men and women and to male academics with children.
Adversarial Inference Is Efficient
Authors: Kaji Tetsuya , Manresa Elena , Pouliot Guillaume A.
Published: May 2021

We study properties of the adversarial framework, introduced in Kaji, Manresa and Pouliot (2020). We show that the adversarial inference with an oracle classifier is statistically efficient. In addition, we study the finite sample properties of the adversarial estimation framework for the autoregressive parameter of a linear dynamic fixed effects panel data model with Gaussian errors. Unlike maximum likelihood, but similarly as other minimum distance estimators, the adversarial estimators do not suffer from the incidental parameter bias. In our simulations, using a one-hidden-layer neural network as discriminator delivers the estimates with smallest root mean squared error.
Microcommitments: The Effect of Small Commitments on Student Success
Authors: Felkey Amanda J. , Dziadula Eva , Chiang Eric P. , Vazquez Jose
Published: May 2021

We conducted a randomized control trial with nearly 1,000 students to test whether using a text-message-based tool that provides small commitments with social accountability helps students procrastinate less and maintain engagement with course material, yielding improved academic performance. All students received identical content via text message, but the treatment group engaged with an online platform encouraging commitments and featuring a social feed with rankings. The analysis reveals that microcommitments with social accountability improved academic performance relative to students who received simple nudges. The increase is equivalent to 3 percentage points on an exam, driven by online and hybrid classes.
Can Automatic Retention Improve Health Insurance Market Outcomes?
Authors: McIntyre Adrianna , Shepard Mark , Wagner Myles
Published: May 2021

There is growing interest in market design using default rules and other “choice architecture” principles to steer consumers toward desirable outcomes. Using data from Massachusetts's health insurance exchange, we study an “automatic retention” policy intended to prevent coverage interruptions among low-income enrollees. Rather than disenroll people who lapse in paying premiums, the policy automatically switches them to an available free plan until they actively cancel or lose eligibility. We find that automatic retention has a sizable impact, switching 14 percent of consumers annually and differentially retaining healthy, low-cost individuals. The results illustrate the power of defaults to shape insurance coverage outcomes.
Secured Transactions Laws and Economic Development on American Indian Reservations
Authors: Dippel Christian , Feir Donna , Leonard Bryan , Roark Marc
Published: May 2021

Harmonized commercial laws are considered an essential ingredient to commerce and trade and have been called the backbone of American commerce. Key components of these laws are those governing secured transactions. In recent years, Native American tribal governments have moved to adopt commercial codes to increase economic development on their reservations, but many have modified these codes to address challenges to tribal sovereignty and culture. This paper compares reservations that adopted modified secured transaction acts to reservations that adopted uniform laws. We demonstrate that reservations can potentially experience substantial economic gains from either form of adoption.
Civil Rights Enforcement and the Racial Wage Gap
Authors: Cunningham Jamein P. , Lopez Jose Joaquin
Published: May 2021

We present new evidence on three measures of civil rights enforcement--litigation, judge dismissal, and plaintiff win rates--across US district courts from 1979 to 2016. Across courts, higher shares of Republican judges are associated with higher dismissal rates regardless of court composition in terms of gender and race. Further, we find that states with higher litigation rates also exhibit higher racial wage gaps, whereas states with higher judge dismissal (plaintiff win) rates experience higher (lower) racial wage gaps. Our results highlight the importance of legal institutions on the persistence of racial inequality.
Can Women Teach Math (and Be Promoted)? A Meta-analysis of Gender Differences across Student Evaluations of Teaching
Authors: Felkey Amanda J. , Batz-Barbarich Cassondra
Published: May 2021

Academic women in economics have different experiences and outcomes than men and women in other social science fields do, including bias within their performance evaluation instruments, student teaching evaluations (STEs). Despite research citing biases in STEs, no study summarized the magnitude of these biases. A systematic review and meta-analysis addresses this by combining data from all prior research on the subject. Our meta-analysis examines gender bias in STEs, finding significant gender differences in economics favoring men but no evidence for gender differences in the remaining social sciences. Implications are discussed, and recommendations are made.
Epidemiological, humanistic and economic burden of dog-mediated rabies in India: a systematic review protocol
Authors: John Denny , Royal Abhishek , Bharti Omesh
Published: May 2021

Background: Rabies is a neglected zoonotic disease. It is transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal and dog bites are responsible for around 95% of human cases. The disease is almost always fatal after the onset of symptoms. It is an endemic and major public health problem in India with one-third of the global deaths reported from this country.

Protocol: This systematic review aims to estimate the epidemiological, humanistic and economic burden of dog-mediated rabies in India. Initially the existence of controlled descriptors in MeSH terms (such as 'Epidemiology', 'Rabies', 'Cost', 'Dog bite', 'Quality of Life', 'India' etc), and their synonyms (key words) was identified in MEDLINE, and were later combined with Boolean operators 'AND' and 'OR' to develop a detailed search strategy. Two independent reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts and select the studies as per the inclusion criteria. The selected studies will be assessed for their quality and risk of bias. Data will be extracted using standardized data extraction tools and will be synthesized for analysis. Disagreements that arise between the reviewers will be resolved through discussion, or with a third reviewer.

Discussion: This systematic review will be performed to critically examine relevant literature and report the epidemiological, humanistic and economic burden of dog-mediated rabies in Indian context. The findings will help in estimation of burden of the disease in India and expected to contribute in policy making and planning of the program and interventions in the country.

Protocol registration: PROSPERO ID: CRD4202021326
Photophysical study and in vitro approach against Leishmania panamensis of dicloro-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-bromophenyl)porphyrinato Sn(IV)
Authors: Espitia-Almeida Fabián , Diaz-Uribe Carlos , Vallejo William , Gómez-Camargo Doris , Romero Bohórquez Arnold R. , Linares-Flores Cristian
Published: May 2021

Background:Photodynamic therapy activity against different biological systems has been reported for porphyrins. Porphyrin modifications through peripheral groups and/or by metal insertion inside the ring are main alternatives for the improvement of its photo-physical properties. In this study, we synthesized and characterized 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-bromophenyl)porphyrin and the dicloro-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-bromophenyl)porphyrinato Sn(IV).

Methods:Metal-free porphyrin was synthesized using the Alder method, while the Sn(IV)-porphyrin complex was prepared by combining metal-free porphyrin with stannous chloride in DMF; the reaction yields were 47% and 64% respectively. Metal-free porphyrin was characterized by UV-Vis, FT-IR, ESI-mass spectrometry and13C-NMR. Additionally, the Sn(IV) -porphyrin complex was characterized using UV-Vis and FT-IR. Cyclic voltammetry tests in four different solvents. The fluorescence quantum yield (Φf) was measured using fluorescein as a standard, the singlet oxygen quantum yield (ΦD) was estimated using the standard 5,10,15,20-(tetraphenyl)porphyrin (H2TPP) and the quencher of singlet oxygen 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF).

Results:UV-Vis assay showed typical Q and Soret bands for porphyrin and its metallo-porphyrin complex. Compounds showed photoluminescence at the visible range of electromagnetic spectrum. The inclusion of the metal in the porphyrin core changed the Φffrom 0.15 to 0.05 and the ΦDincreased from 0.55 to 0.59. Finally, the effect of the compounds on the viability ofL. panamensiswas evaluated by means of the MTT test. The results showed that both compounds decreased the viability of the parasite; this inhibitory activity was greater under light irradiation; the porphyrin compound had IC50of 16.5 μM and the Sn(IV)-porphyrin complex had IC50of 19.2 μM.

Conclusion:The compounds were synthesized efficiently, their characterization was carried out by different spectroscopy techniques and their own signals were evidenced for both structures, both compounds decreased the cell viability ofL. panamensis.
A mixed methods protocol to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of COVID-19 Community Assessment Hubs
Authors: Mulcahy Symmons Sophie , Fox Robert , Mannion Marese , Joyce David , De Brún Aoife , Glynn Liam , Ryan Damien , Keane Niamh , McAuliffe Eilish
Published: May 2021

Background: Ireland’s health system has been under significant strain due to staff shortages and inadequate capacity. Critical care bed capacity per capita in Ireland is among the lowest in Europe, thus, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has put additional strain on an over-stretched system. COVID-19 Community Assessment Hubs (CAHs) were established to mitigate unnecessary admission to acute hospitals, and reduce infection spread by supporting COVID-19 positive or suspected positive patients to isolate at home, or in isolation facilities. There is some evidence that similar assessment centres may be a successful triage strategy to reduce burden on hospital and acute care.

Aim : The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 Community Assessment Hubs on service delivery in two regions in Ireland during the pandemic.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach will be used, incorporating co-design to engage stakeholders and ensure informed data capture and analysis. Online surveys will assess CAH patients’ experiences of access to and quality of care. Clinical patient data from CAHs will be collected and analysed using multinomial logistic regression to check for association with patient demographics and COVID-19 symptoms, and CAH early warning scores and outcomes (Transfer to Emergency Department, Transfer to isolation unit, Sent home with care plan). Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with: patients to elicit an in-depth understanding of experiences and acceptability of attending CAHs; and staff to understand challenges, benefits, and effectiveness of CAHs. Interview data will be analysed using thematic analysis.

Discussion: This study will provide valuable insights from both patient and staff perspectives on the operation of CAHs. We will evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of CAHs and propose areas for improvement of the service. This will contribute to international literature on the use of community assessment centres during infectious disease pandemics.
Direct oligonucleotide sequencing with nanopores
Authors: Chalapati Sachin , Crosbie Conor A , Limbachiya Dixita , Pinnamaneni Nimesh
Published: May 2021

Third-generation DNA sequencing has enabled sequencing of long, unamplified DNA fragments with minimal steps. Direct sequencing of ssDNA or RNA gives valuable insights like base-level modifications, phosphoramidite synthesis yield estimates and strand quality analysis, without the need to add the complimentary strand. Direct sequencing of single-stranded nucleic acid species is challenging as they are non-compatible to the double-stranded sequencing adapters used by manufacturers. The MinION platform from Oxford Nanopore Technologies performs sequencing by passing single-strands of DNA through a layer of biological nanopore sensors; although sequencing is performed on single-strands, the recommended template by the manufacturer is double-stranded. We have identified that the MinION platform can perform sequencing of short, single-strand oligonucleotides directly without amplification or second-strand synthesis by performing a single annealing step before library preparation. Short 5’ phosphorylated oligos when annealed to an adapter sequence can be directly sequenced in the 5' to 3' direction via nanopores. Adapter sequences were designed to bind to the 5’ end of the oligos and to leave a 3’ adenosine overhang after binding to their target. The 3’ adenosine overhang of the adapter and the terminal phosphate makes the 5’ end of the oligo analogous to an end-prepared dsDNA, rendering it compatible with ligation-based library preparation for sequencing. An oligo-pool containing 42,000, 120 nt orthogonal sequences was phosphorylated and sequenced using this method and ~90% of these sequences were recovered with high accuracy using BLAST. In the nanopore raw data, we have identified that empty signals can be wrongly identified as a valid read by the MinION platform and sometimes multiple signals containing several strands can be fused into a single raw sequence file due to segmentation faults in the software. This direct oligonucleotide sequencing method enables novel applications in DNA data storage systems where short oligonucleotides are the primary information carriers.
The perils of dressings: a cautionary tale of ischaemia
Authors: Khoury Alexandra , Taylor Kirsten , Cubison Tania
Published: May 2021

A cohort of patients presented to Queen Victoria Hospital, UK, with iatrogenic toe ischaemia following application of a different, newly available post-procedure dressing with different properties to those usually used. This resulted in ischaemia with extensive skin and soft tissue damage, requiring debridement surgery and, in some cases, skin grafting. We aim to highlight the risk of morbidity from dressing application to the digits. This is a key learning skill for anyone who may either perform dressings or evaluate dressings on digits in the community and across multiple specialties in hospital. This article follows a thorough root cause analysis and addresses other possible causes of an acutely painful erythematous toe post-Zadek's procedure.
Topical oxygen therapy in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: a multicentre, open, randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Serena Thomas E , Bullock Neal M , Cole Windy , Lantis John , Li Lam , Moore Sarah , Patel Keyur , Sabo Matthew , Wahab Naz , Price Patricia
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

Perfusion and blood oxygen levels are frequently insufficient in patients with hard-to-heal wounds due to poor circulation, vascular disruption and vasoconstriction, reducing the wound's capacity to heal. This study aimed to investigate the effect of topical oxygen on healing rates in patients with hard-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) (i.e., non-responsive over four weeks).

Method:

This multicentre, open-label, community-based randomised clinical trial compared standard care (SOC) with or without continuous topical oxygen therapy (TOT) for 12 weeks in patients with DFUs or minor amputation wounds. SOC included debridement, offloading with total contact casting (TCC) and appropriate moisture balance. Primary endpoints were the number of patients to achieve complete wound closure and percentage change in ulcer size. Secondary endpoints were pain levels and adverse events.

Results:

For the study, 145 patients were randomised with index ulcers graded Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) 1 or 2, or Wagner 1 or 2. In the intention-to-treat analysis, 18/64 (28.1%) patients healed in the SOC group at 12 weeks compared with 36/81 (44.4%) in the SOC plus TOT group (p=0.044). There was a statistically significant reduction in wound area between the groups: SOC group mean reduction: 40% (standard deviation (SD) 72.1); SOC plus TOT group mean reduction: 70% (SD 45.5); per protocol p=0.005). There were no significant differences in changes to pain levels or adverse events.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that the addition of TOT to SOC facilitates wound closure in patients with hard-to-heal DFUs.
A new approach for the prediction of brittleness index based on chemical properties of basaltic rocks
Authors: Bilen Candan
Published: May 2021

Rock brittleness is one of the most important issues in rock mechanics. There is not yet an available method for defining or measuring directly the rock brittleness. The aim of this study is to suggest a new chemical index parameter for the prediction of basaltic rocks’ brittleness. In the order of that abovementioned purpose, a total of 23 basaltic rock samples were collected from different region of Turkey. Samples were initially tested to determine their chemical properties. Then, mechanical tests were carried out to define the brittleness indices (B1, B2, and B3) for each corresponding sample. Finally, relations between parameters obtained from test results and brittleness indices were examined with regression analysis. According to the results obtained, a new chemical parameter (CP) was proposed for predicting brittleness via major oxide element components of basaltic rocks. It was found out that, B1 and B2 are not reliable parameters for predicting the different properties, however; B3 and CP can be employed as good criteria for predicting the different properties of basaltic rocks (especially in terms of chemical and mechanical properties).
Ejes para pensar la virtualidad en la enseñanza del Derecho en Latinoamérica
Authors: Karina Cicero Nidia
Published: May 2021

La obligada virtualización de la enseñanza universitaria de disciplinas jurídicas debido a la pandemia del COVID-19 constituye una experiencia inédita que invita a reflexionar acerca de cuál es el grado de penetración real de los entornos virtuales en la enseñanza jurídica en Latinoamérica y qué propósitos se han perseguido con su implementación. En este estudio se plantean un conjunto de ideas vinculadas con las condiciones que deben atenderse para que el desembarco de la virtualidad en la enseñanza del Derecho se haga con un sentido verdaderamente innovador y para que resulte una oportunidad para mejorar las prácticas formativas de los aprendizajes jurídicos.
Disturbance compensation of a multiaperture imaging system based on a coupling rotating prism using an improved model compensation control
Authors: Ma Rongqi , Wang Qiang , Xia Yunxia , Wen Piao , Yuan Liangzhu , Shi Jianliang , Li Jingyin , Lei Jiaming , Tao Tang , Mao Yao , Huang Yongmei , Ren Ge
Published: May 2021

In this paper, a cascade double-loop control (DLC) combined with modeling compensation methods is proposed to improve the tracking precision of the multiaperture imaging system (MAIS). The application of the flexible thin-wall ring mechanism in the coupling rotating prism (CRP) system causes a series of tracking and pointing challenges. Disturbances such as friction, shaft deformation, and model perturbation significantly deteriorate the tracking and pointing accuracy of the CRP. Two different modeling compensation methods that are interfaced with classical DLC are proposed to guarantee the tracking precision of the MAIS. Moreover, the disturbance observation and compensation performance of two different modeling compensation methods are analyzed and compared. Finally, simulation and experiment results indicate that the proposed control methods, especially model compensation based on speed close-loop control, obtain the best performance for disturbance rejection in the MAIS.
Procedural and 1-year outcomes following large vessel coronary artery perforation treated by covered stents implantation: Multicentre CRACK registry
Authors: Wańha Wojciech , Januszek Rafał , Kołodziejczak Michalina , Kuźma Łukasz , Tajstra Mateusz , Figatowski Tomasz , Smolarek-Nicpoń Malwina , Gruz-Kwapisz Monika , Tomasiewicz Brunon , Bartuś Jerzy , Łoś Andrzej , Jagielak Dariusz , Roleder Tomasz , Włodarczak Adrian , Kulczycki Jan , Kowalewski Mariusz , Hudziak Damian , Stachowiak Paweł , Gorący Jarosław , Sierakowska Katarzyna , Reczuch Krzysztof , Jaguszewski Miłosz , Dobrzycki Sławomir , Smolka Grzegorz , Bartuś Stanisław , Ochała Andrzej , Gąsior Mariusz , Wojakowski Wojciech
Published: May 2021

Background

Data regarding the clinical outcomes of covered stents (CSs) used to seal coronary artery perforations (CAPs) in the all-comer population are scarce. The aim of the CRACK Registry was to evaluate the procedural, 30-days and 1-year outcomes after CAP treated by CS implantation.

Methods

This multicenter all-comer registry included data of consecutive patients with CAP treated by CS implantation. The primary endpoint was the composite of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), defined as cardiac death, target lesion revascularization (TLR), and myocardial infarction (MI).

Results

The registry included 119 patients (mean age: 68.9 ± 9.7 years, 55.5% men). Acute coronary syndrome, including: unstable angina 21 (17.6%), NSTEMI 26 (21.8%), and STEMI 26 (21.8%), was the presenting diagnosis in 61.3%, and chronic coronary syndromes in 38.7% of patients. The most common lesion type, according to ACC/AHA classification, was type C lesion in 47 (39.5%) of cases. A total of 52 patients (43.7%) had type 3 Ellis classification, 28 patients (23.5%) had type 2 followed by 39 patients (32.8%) with type 1 perforation. Complex PCI was performed in 73 (61.3%) of patients. Periprocedural death occurred in eight patients (6.7%), of which two patients had emergency cardiac surgery. Those patients were excluded from the one-year analysis. Successful sealing of the perforation was achieved in 99 (83.2%) patients. During the follow-up, 26 (26.2%) patients experienced MACE [7 (7.1%) cardiac deaths, 13 (13.1%) TLR, 11 (11.0%) MIs]. Stent thrombosis (ST) occurred in 6 (6.1%) patients [4(4.0%) acute ST, 1(1.0%) subacute ST and 1(1.0%) late ST].

Conclusions

The use of covered stents is an effective treatment of CAP. The procedural and 1-year outcomes of CAP treated by CS implantation showed that such patients should remain under follow-up due to relatively high risk of MACE.