bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of computed tomography on oxidative stress level and some antioxidant parameters
Authors: Gündüz Ali Mahir , Demir Halit , Toprak Nurşen , Akdeniz Hüseyin , Demir Canan , Arslan Ayşe , Göya Cemil
Published: May 2020

Background

X-rays are defined as ionizing radiation and hydrolyze the water, causing free radical formation. Oxidative stress is the damage that occurs in cells due to the lack of antioxidants, which detoxifies them, with the increased production of free radicals that occur during normal cellular metabolism.

Purpose

To examine the acute effects of computed tomography (CT), i.e. ionizing radiation, on oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Material and Methods

The study included a total of 53 patients that were selected among the patients that underwent non-contrast full-body CT. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were investigated in blood samples taken from patients.

Results

The post-scan levels of MDA increased significantly while the post-scan levels of GSH, SOD, and CAT decreased significantly compared to their pre-scan levels.

Conclusion

CT, which is a widely used X-ray imaging technique and has numerous known side effects, was found to increase the levels of MDA, which is an indicator of oxidative stress, and to decrease the levels of some antioxidants including GSH, SOD, and CAT.
Association of apparent diffusion coefficient with Ki-67 proliferation index, progesterone-receptor status and various histopathological parameters, and its utility in predicting the high grade in meningiomas
Authors: Bozdağ Mustafa , Er Ali , Ekmekçi Sümeyye
Published: May 2020

Background

Accurate preoperative determination of the histological grade and cellular proliferative potential of meningioma by non-invasive imaging is of paramount importance.

Purpose

To evaluate the utility of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in determining the histological grade of meningioma, and to investigate the correlation of ADC with Ki-67 proliferation index (PI), progesterone receptor (PR) status, and a number of other histopathological parameters.

Material and Methods

Histopathologically confirmed 94 meningioma patients (72 low-grade, 22 high-grade) who had undergone preoperative diffusion-weighted imaging were retrospectively evaluated. ADC values were obtained by manually drawing the regions of interest (ROIs) within the solid components of the tumor. The relationship between ADC and Ki-67 values, PR status, and multiple histopathological parameters were investigated, and the ADC values of high-grade and low-grade meningiomas were compared. Independent sample t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, receiver operating characteristic, Pearson correlation, and multiple logistic regression analysis were used for statistical assessment.

Results

All ADC and rADC values were significantly lower in high-grade meningiomas than in low-grade meningiomas (all P < 0.05). ADC values showed significantly negative correlations with Ki-67 and mitotic index ( P < 0.001 for each). Numerous ADC parameters were significantly lower in meningiomas demonstrating hypercellularity and necrosis features ( P < 0.05). ADC values did not show a significant correlation with PR score (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

ADC can be utilized as a reliable imaging biomarker for predicting the proliferative potential and histological grade in meningiomas.
Long noncoding RNA MALAT1 sponges miR-129-5p to regulate the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia by increasing the expression of HMGB1
Authors: Yangi Rongwe , Huang Huafei , Zhou Qingnv
Published: May 2020

Objective

To explore the function and mechanism of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) in bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Methods

Alveolar epithelial cell line BEAS-2B was used as the cell model. The role of MALAT1 and microRNA miR-129-5p in regulating cellular viability and migration were examined by using the CCK-8 and Transwell assays, respectively, in vitro. The luciferase reporter assay and real-time (RT)-PCR were performed to confirm that miR-129-5p was a target of MALAT1. ELISA was conducted to validate MALAT1 and show that miR-129-5p regulated the gene encoding high-mobility group protein 1 ( HMGB1).

Results

Overexpression of MALAT1 significantly promoted cellular viability, whereas miR-129-5p had the opposite effect. miR-129-5p was shown to be a target of MALAT1, and HMGB1 could be upregulated by MALAT1 overexpression or miR-129-5p inhibition.

Conclusion

MALAT1 reduced the expression of miR-129-5p, promoting the viability of cells and blocking the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. In addition, MALAT1 increased the expression of HMGB1, which contributed to inflammation as the disease progressed.
Analysis of hidden blood loss and its influential factors in myomectomy
Authors: Ye Miaomiao , Zhou Junhan , Chen Jingjing , Yan Linzhi , Zhu Xueqiong
Published: May 2020

Objective

This study was performed to quantify hidden blood loss (HBL) and explore its influential factors in myomectomy.

Methods

Two hundred nine patients who underwent myomectomy by laparotomy or laparoscopy from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2018 were analyzed. Each patient’s estimated blood volume and total blood loss (TBL) were calculated by the Nadler formula and Gross formula, respectively. The HBL was calculated by subtracting the visible blood loss (VBL) from the TBL. A multivariate linear stepwise analysis was applied to identify the influential factors of HBL in myomectomy.

Results

The mean perioperative VBL and estimated TBL during myomectomy were 137.81 ±104.43 and 492.24 ± 225.00 mL, respectively. The mean HBL was 354.39 ± 177.69 mL, which accounted for 71.52% ± 15.75% of the TBL and was two to three times higher than the VBL. The duration of surgery, number of removed leiomyomas, and location of removed leiomyomas were independent risk factors for HBL in myomectomy.

Conclusions

HBL accounted for a significant percentage of TBL in myomectomy. A full understanding of the HBL in perioperative blood management may improve patients’ postoperative rehabilitation.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome induced by tigecycline: a case report
Authors: Yang Jiahui , Wu Fangli , Luo Dan , Li Miaojing , Gou Xinming , Xi Jieying , Zhu Huachao
Published: May 2020

A 56-year-old man diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma underwent autologous bone marrow transplantation. He was subsequently admitted to the hospital with fever, and his symptoms were initially controlled by multiple antibiotics, including tigecycline. He then developed a generalized body rash that improved after treatment with anti-allergy drugs and steroids. Furthermore, tigecycline treatment for a second time resulted in a severe skin reaction with systemic symptoms, suggesting toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome (TEN). The patient was shown to have the slow-metabolizing cytochrome P450 2C19 allele, denoted CYP2C19*2. He was transferred to a laminar flow ward and given strict mucosal care, together with corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin. He recovered after 3 weeks of treatment. Tigecycline-induced Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS)/TEN has rarely been reported in the Chinese population. However, our experience suggests that Asians are more likely to have adverse reactions to drugs metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme. Early identification of drug reactions and immediate cessation of the suspected drug is essential. Additionally, a combined therapy scheme and a clean laminar flow environment may improve the cure rate of SJS/TEN.
The impact of Brexit on London’s entrepreneurial ecosystem: The case of the FinTech industry
Authors: Sohns Franziska , Wójcik Dariusz
Published: May 2020

This paper analyses how different entrepreneurial actors respond to political uncertainty and changing institutional settings. Moreover, it discusses the impact of those actor-level responses on the resilience of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs), focusing on how they affect the diversity of and the connectivity among its actors. To address these questions, the paper examines how the decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union has influenced the financial technology (FinTech) industry in London, applying data collected from in-depth interviews, covering different groups of stakeholders in London’s FinTech industry, such as angel investors, banks, legal advisers, lobby organizations and private companies. Our results show that political uncertainty and the prospect of institutional change can trigger actor-level responses, which have the potential to modify the diversity as well as the local and non-local connectivity of an EE. Moreover, we demonstrate that the nature of strategic responses of entrepreneurial actors varies significantly, depending on their firms’ characteristics, such as age, size, product specialization and the structure of their egocentric networks. With regard to the latter, our results show that anchor firms play an important role in other firms’ egocentric networks and have the power to shape their strategic responses.
The Role of Patient Characteristics in the Success of Nonoperative Treatment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
Authors: van der List Jelle P. , Hagemans Frans J.A. , Hofstee Dirk Jan , Jonkers Freerk J.
Published: May 2020

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears can either be treated nonoperatively with physical therapy and then treated operatively if persistent instability is present, or be directly treated operatively. Advantages of early ACL reconstruction surgery include shorter time from injury to surgery and potentially fewer meniscal injuries, but performing early ACL reconstruction in all patients results in surgery in patients who might not need ACL reconstruction. It is important to assess in which patients nonoperative treatment is successful and which patients will require ACL reconstruction and thus might be better treated surgically in an earlier phase.

Purpose:

To identify patient characteristics that predict the success of nonoperative treatment.

Study Design:

Cohort study (Prognosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

All patients with complete ACL injuries who were evaluated between 2014 and 2017 at our clinic were included. The minimum follow-up was 2 years. The initial treatment and ultimate ACL reconstruction were reviewed. Univariate analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U tests and chi-square tests and multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression.

Results:

A total of 448 patients were included with a median age of 26 years and median Tegner level of 7 and mean Tegner level of 6.4. At initial consultation, 210 patients (47%) were treated nonoperatively with physical therapy and 126 of these patients (60%) ultimately required ACL reconstruction. Nonoperative treatment failed in 88.9% of patients <25 years of age, 56.0% of patients 25 to 40 years, and 32.9% of patients >40 years ( P < .001); and 41.9% of patients with Tegner level 3 to 6, and 82.8% of patients with Tegner level 7 to 10. Age <25 years (odds ratio [OR], 7.4; P < .001) and higher Tegner levels (OR, 4.2; P < .001) were predictive of failing nonoperative treatment in multivariate analysis. Patients in the failed nonoperative group had longer time from diagnosis to surgery than the direct reconstruction group (6.2 vs 2.2 months; P < .001), and more frequently had new meniscal injuries (17.4% vs 3.1%; P < .001) at surgery.

Conclusion:

Nonoperative treatment of ACL injuries failed in 60% of patients and was highly correlated with age and activity level. In patients aged 25 years or younger or participating in higher-impact sports, early ACL reconstruction should be considered to prevent longer delay between injury and surgery, as well as new meniscal injuries.
InterRAI Acute Care Instrument for Seniors in Canadian Hospitals: Findings of an Inter-Rater Reliability Pilot Study
Authors: Boscart Veronique , Taucar Linda Sheiban , Heyer Michelle , Kellendonk Tabitha , Johnson Keia , Davey Meaghan , Peel Nancye , Heckman George , Hirdes John
Published: May 2020

Background

Older adults are the biggest users of emergency departments and hospitals. However, healthcare professionals are often ill equipped to conduct comprehensive geriatric assessments causing missed opportunities for preventing adverse outcomes.

Purpose

To evaluate the inter-rater reliability of the interRAI Acute Care (AC) instrument for hospitalized older adults in two acute care hospitals in Ontario, Canada.

Methods

This descriptive study focused on evaluating the interRAI AC instrument, which was designed to facilitate a comprehensive nursing assessment for hospitalized seniors. Sample characteristics were described, and Cohen’s Kappa was calculated to derive the inter-rater reliability. Assessment times to complete the instrument were collected as well.

Results

The Cohen’s Kappa score for the instrument was 0.96. Many older adults who were interviewed had several challenges, including multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and lack of home support. The average time required for nurses to complete the interRAI AC instrument was 22 min.

Conclusions

The interRAI AC instrument is reliable for use by trained nurses to conduct a comprehensive assessment. This instrument offers a standardized and efficient approach to assess for care and intervention priorities and could prevent adverse outcomes in hospitalized older adults.
Research on Research: Publication of Projects Presented at Medical Imaging Research Days Across Canada
Authors: Melendez Sarah , Leswick David A.
Published: May 2020

Objective:

Twenty-one previous studies have shown a mean presentation to publication conversion rates at radiology conferences of 26%. There have been no prior studies on publication of medical imaging residency research presentations. Our objective was to determine how many medical imaging resident research projects presented at internal program research days across Canada go on to publication.

Methods:

A list of unique medical imaging resident research presentations given at program research days during the 2012-2013 to 2016-2017 academic years was generated via e-mail contact of programs or review of publicly available data on program websites. Unique resident presentations were identified and publications associated with these presentations were sought via database and Internet searching. The number of publications, publishing journals, and time to publication was determined.

Results:

Data from 32 research days at 7 programs were assessed. A total of 287 resident presentations were identified. Of these 287 presentations, 99 had associated publications (34% presentation to publication conversation rate), with variation in presentation numbers and publication conversion rates between schools. These 99 presentations were associated with a total of 118 publications in a total of 57 different journals. Time from presentation to publication was calculable for 109 of the 118 articles. Fifteen (14%) were published before research day and 94 (86%) were published after research day with a mean time to publication of 12.3 ± 13.6 months for all articles.

Conclusions:

Thirty-four percent of resident research presentations at Canadian medical imaging program research days go on to publication.
A Qualitative Examination of How Somali Young Adults Think About and Understand Violence in Their Communities
Authors: Ellis B. Heidi , Decker Scott H. , Abdi Saida M. , Miller Alisa B. , Barrett Colleen , Lincoln Alisa K.
Published: May 2020

Violence prevention efforts must take into consideration the potentially stigmatizing labels associated with violence, and how youth perceive different types of violence in their communities. Somali communities and individuals in North America have at times been labeled as at-risk for violence, with two notable examples being gang violence and ideologically motivated violence, or violent radicalization. Little is known, however, about how the youth themselves think about and understand these types of violence in their communities. In this article, we seek to answer the following questions: How do Somali immigrants think about violence in their communities, and the stigma related to this violence? and What are the implications of these perceptions/beliefs for violence prevention? Data are drawn from two qualitative studies conducted as part of an ongoing community-based participatory research (CBPR) collaboration between academic partners and Somali communities in three cities in North America. Study 1 consists of nine focus groups ( n = 36, male only), and Study 2 consists of in-depth interviews ( n = 40, male and female). All participants are Somali young adults living in North America. Overall, radicalization to violence is seen as a remote and irrelevant issue in the Somali community. Participants distance themselves from the idea of radicalization to violence and from those who participate in radical acts or held such beliefs. In contrast, gang involvement is characterized as a major problem for Somali communities, and a product of the marginalization associated with being a refugee in Canada or the United States. Findings suggest that prevention efforts focused on gangs are more likely to be acceptable to communities than those focused on violent extremism.
Profiles of Teen Dating Violence and Association With Depression Among Chinese Teens
Authors: Cheng Shih-Ying , Shen April Chiung-Tao , Jonson-Reid Melissa
Published: May 2020

Teen dating violence (TDV) is a major global public health concern. Few studies, however, have examined profiles of TDV in Chinese societies and how these profiles might be associated with teens’ mental health. The current study analyzed a sample of 891 middle and high school students with dating experience in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Latent class analysis (LCA) and multinomial logit regression analysis were performed in an attempt to identify profiles of TDV and then investigate possible associations between class membership and self-reported depression. The results of LCA suggested that a four-class model was the best fit for the data: Severe/Multi-Type TDV (5.51%), Controlling Behavior (13.08%), Non/Low TDV (64.50%), and Physical Violence (16.91%). The best-fit model suggested bidirectionality, meaning among teen partners in an abusive relationship, both tended to participate in violent acts and controlling behaviors. The results of the multinomial regression showed that, compared with the Non/Low TDV class, teens in the Severe/Multi-Type TDV class or Controlling Behavior class had greater odds of screening positive for depression. There was no significant difference in the risk of depression between the Physical Violence class and the Non/Low TDV class. Implications for future research and practice are also discussed herein.
Childhood Emotional Abuse and Depression Among Adolescents: Roles of Deviant Peer Affiliation and Gender
Authors: Li Sen , Zhao Fengqing , Yu Guoliang
Published: May 2020

Adolescent depression is a significant concern around the world. There is a pressing need to explore risk factors for this disorder to develop better interventions. Based on an integration of attachment theory, Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, and relational theory, the current study aimed to examine (a) whether childhood emotional abuse (CEA) would be significantly and positively related to adolescents’ depression, (b) whether deviant peer affiliation would mediate the relation between CEA and depression, and (c) whether gender would moderate the direct and indirect relations between CEA and adolescent’s depression via deviant peer affiliation. Participants were 961 Chinese adolescents ( M age = 15.21 years, SD = 1.57). They completed questionnaires regarding demographics, CEA, other types of childhood maltreatment (i.e., physical abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect, and emotional neglect), deviant peer affiliation, and depression. Results showed that CEA was positively related to adolescent depression even after controlling for other types of childhood maltreatment, and this relation was mediated by deviant peer affiliation. Furthermore, moderated mediation analyses indicated that gender moderated the relation between CEA and deviant peer affiliation, with the relation being stronger for girls than for boys. However, gender did not moderate the relation between deviant peer affiliation and depression, as well as the direct relation between CEA and depression. Results highlight that interventions aimed at reducing CEA may protect adolescents, especially girls from the risks of deviant peer affiliation and depression.
Numerical study of the sound generated by two tandem arranged wings in forward flight
Authors: A Widdup Nathan , Wang Li , Tian Fang-Bao
Published: May 2020

The sound generated by two tandem arranged flexible wings in forward flight is numerically studied by using an immersed boundary method, at a Reynolds number of 100 and Mach number of 0.1. Three distinct cases are studied, encompassing a single wing and two tandem wings flapping in phase and out of phase. The sound generation of flapping wings is systematically studied by varying the wing flexibility (represented by the frequency ratio [Formula: see text]), structure-to-fluid mass ratio ([Formula: see text]), the phase difference (φ), and the gap ([Formula: see text]) between the two flapping wings. The results show that there is a direct correlation between the wing flexibility and sound generation for all cases considered. Specifically, for wings of low mass ratios ([Formula: see text]), an increase in flexibility resulted in a decrease in sound generation. For wings of high mass ratios ([Formula: see text]), an increase in flexibility resulted in higher sound output. The introduction of a second wing flapping in-phase resulted in an increase in aerodynamic features and sound generation, while the introduction of a second wing flapping out-of-phase experiences a decrease in sound output when compared to the in-phase case. In both cases, the effect of the wing flexibility on the sound production is similar to that of the single wing. An increase in flexibility is also found to have an impact on the plane of maximum sound pressure. For example, increasing flexibility resulted in a rotation of the plane of maximum sound pressure counter-clockwise relative to those at lower frequency ratios. Flexible wings with a structure-to-fluid mass ratio of unity and medium flexibility (i.e. [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) are found to generate lower sound with high aerodynamic performance conserved.
Coastal accretion and sea-level rise in the Cuban Archipelago obtained from sedimentary records
Authors: Díaz-Asencio Misael , Armenteros Maickel , Corcho-Alvarado José A. , Ruiz-Fernández Ana Carolina , Sanchez-Cabeza Joan-Albert , Martínez-Suárez Adrian , Röllin Stefan , Carnero-Bravo Vladislav
Published: May 2020

Sea-level rise (SLR) is one of the most pervasive consequences of global warming, and the Cuban Archipelago is threatened by current and future SLR. In order to support adaptation plans, it is essential to have reliable information about sea-level change during the last decades at the local scale, particularly in the most vulnerable regions. Here, we use sedimentary records to evaluate coastal accretion and to estimate the relative sea-level rise (RSLR) in two vulnerable coastal sites in central Cuba: Cayo Santa María (CSM) and Península de Ancón (PA). Both sites showed sediment sections with a continuous record of sediment accretion as a result of relative SLR and tropical storms. The sedimentary process was different between CSM and PA owing to differences in geomorphology and primary mineral composition. Sedimentary records also showed recent impacts of anthropogenic activities, likely increasing the vulnerability of the shoreline to SLR. The estimated RSLR values agreed with tidal gauge records, although they spanned a much longer time period (CSM: 0.5 ± 0.1 mm a−1, span of 38 years; PA: 1.5 ± 0.3 mm a−1, span of 92 years). Our results confirm that this methodology may be used to estimate the RSLR in places where data by instrumental records do not exist.
The lost paradise of snails: Transformation of the middle-Holocene forest ecosystems in Bohemia, Czech Republic, as revealed by declining land snail diversity
Authors: Juřičková Lucie , Šída Petr , Horáčková Jitka , Ložek Vojen , Pokorný Petr
Published: May 2020

We studied the transformation of a middle-to-late Holocene forested ecosystem using the highly indicative remains of land snails. The study areas were sandstone landscapes of northern Bohemia (Czech Republic) that provide extremely rich terrestrial fossil records. As far as we know, nowhere else in the world does such a type of sedimentary environment provide Holocene records of snail shells. Currently, these sandstone landscapes are covered by low productivity coniferous forests with very low species pools. In sharp contrast, in the middle Holocene, they were dominated by species-rich productive woodland communities. Such ecosystems were then supported by a favourable warm and wet climate and by nutrient-rich, calcareous substrata formed of late Pleistocene aeolian dust (loess). A radical transformation of this temporal ecological equilibrium began in the third millennium BC. Over the next millennia, the species-rich canopy forest mollusc assemblages almost completely disappeared, together with calciphilous rock dwellers. The main driving force of this transformation was gradual soil leaching that resulted in the loss of calcium carbonate and principal nutrients (like P and N) and subsequent ecosystem retrogression. Synergistically with this background trend, the unstable climatic regime of the late Holocene, along with long-term anthropogenic pressure that peaked for the first time during the late Bronze Age, accelerated the transformation.
Internal Control, Manager’s Competency, Management Accounting Information Systems and Good Corporate Governance: Evidence from Rural Banks in Indonesia
Authors: Napitupulu Ilham Hidayah
Published: May 2020

This research was inspired by the rules of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in Indonesia regarding the necessity for good corporate governance for rural banks (RB). So far, good corporate governance regulations have only been binding on commercial banks, but with the development and expansion of services and increased business volume of rural banks, the risk of rural banks has also increased, so this has encouraged the need for good corporate governance in rural banks. To achieve the application of good corporate governance, the quality of a management accounting information system (MAIS) is needed which is supported by the effectiveness of internal controls and manager’s competency. The method used is the explanatory survey method. The sample technique uses random sampling from the target population of the study—as many as 54 rural banks in the North Sumatra Province of Indonesia with a total sample of 45 rural banks. Respondents who are targeted are parties related to management accounting information systems, namely the board of directors or operational managers. Data obtained directly through research questionnaires were processed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) applications. This study found that the competencies of managers affect the quality of MAIS in rural banks, while the effectiveness of internal controls has no effect. This study also found that manager’s competency and the effectiveness of internal controls had an effect on the application of the principles of good corporate governance in rural banks if mediated by the quality of MAIS.
Perceived Organizational Support and Organizational Commitment: Moderating Role of Person–Organization Fit
Authors: Pattnaik Laxmiprada , Mishra Supriti , Tripathy Santosh Kumar
Published: May 2020

This article studies the relationship between perceived organizational support (POS), person–organization fit (P–O fit) and organizational commitment (OC). Primary data were collected from 430 corporate executives of Indian manufacturing companies through a questionnaire survey. Correlation and hierarchical regression analysis were performed to study the relationship among variables. Results show that POS significantly affects OC. Findings also establish a significant relationship between P–O fit and OC. Further, the moderating impact of P–O fit affecting the relationship between POS and OC has been established. This study highlights the importance of providing organizational support to employees in order to foster their commitment to the organization. Moreover, results provide evidence that if there is fit between the values of the employees with that of the organization, it enhances the commitment level of the employees. In addition to the establishment of a significantly positive relation between POS and OC, this study also determines P–O fit as a factor that can moderate the relationship between POS and OC.
Human Beings and Safety: The Role of Community Safety Structures in the Fight Against Crime, Msinga Local Municipality, Dundee, South Africa
Authors: Singh S. B. , Zondi L. M.
Published: May 2020

This article analyzes the significant role played by community safety structures in Msinga Local Municipality. The motivation behind this study was based on safety within the selected community, considering the increase in violent crimes there. It is rooted in the National Developmental Plan (NDP) of attempting to build safer communities by 2030, by building community participation in community safety. In ensuring that the aim of this study was achieved, a mixed method research design was used, which assisted the researcher to focus on both contesting the existence of community safety structures and exploring their significance in Msinga Local Municipality. Overall, the finding of this study revealed that community safety structures play a vital role in preventing crime within Msinga Local Municipality.
Gaps in Knowledge and Understanding of Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer in Mexico
Authors: Villarreal-Garza Cynthia , Mesa-Chavez Fernanda , Lopez-Martinez Edna Anakarenn , Fonseca Alan , Pineda Claudia , Rivera Fernanda , Garcia-Garcia Marisol , Rosa-Pacheco Sylvia de la , Mohar Alejandro , Ellsworth-Beaumont Corrine , Platas Alejandra
Published: May 2020

There is paucity of data regarding the knowledge and understanding of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) about their disease stage and treatment goals. This study assessed these patients’ awareness of MBC incurability, topics reviewed with their oncologist, perceptions of having enough knowledge to participate in treatment decision-making, most helpful information source, and satisfaction with the information they received. For this purpose, 185 patients with MBC who attended follow-up medical appointments at a Mexican referral cancer center completed a survey designed by the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance. Clinical data were obtained from medical records. Descriptive statistics were applied, and associations between qualitative and quantitative variables were assessed with χ2 and Mann-Whitney U tests, respectively. Half (52%) of the patients were aware that their disease was incurable, while 31% were not sure, and 17% thought it was curable. Forty percent found it difficult to talk about treatments because they did not understand the options that were available to them. The medical staff was the most helpful information source for 74% of participants, and 64% scored their satisfaction with information ≥9 of 10. A significant association was found between higher satisfaction and knowing that MBC is incurable, as well as being older than 40 years. These results illustrate the significant lack of understanding patients with MBC have regarding their cancer, even when reporting high satisfaction with the provided information, and identify a critical need for improved patient education to enhance their comprehension and promote their participation in decision-making processes, treatment adherence, and, ultimately, outcomes.
Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury induced by the association of rosuvastatin and abiraterone: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ould-Nana Ismail , Cillis Marine , Gizzi Marco , Gillion Valentine , Hantson Philippe , Gérard Ludovic
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Abiraterone acetate is an inhibitor of androgens biosynthesis, approved as first-line treatment in castration-resistant prostate cancer and metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer. Abiraterone has been rarely associated with severe rhabdomyolysis, but the mechanism of muscle toxicity is unknown.

Case report

We hereby present a case of severe rhabdomyolysis resulting in acute on chronic kidney injury following abiraterone initiation in a patient previously under rosuvastatin.

Management and outcome

Rhabdomyolysis was resolutive after rosuvastatin and abiraterone discontinuation, and kidney function recovered. There was no recurrence of muscle toxicity after re-initiation of abiraterone alone.

Discussion

Abiraterone selectively inhibits CYP17 as well as the hepatic transporter OATP1B1. OATP1B1 is an efflux transporter, whose function is to extract several drugs from the portal blood, allowing them to undergo hepatic metabolism. We hypothesize that abiraterone-induced inhibition of plasmatic uptake of rosuvastatin by OATP1B1 increased plasmatic concentration of rosuvastatin, leading to toxicity on muscle cells. We therefore suggest that the association between rosuvastatin and abiraterone should be avoided.
Reply to “A Replication of “Sorting through Global Corruption Determinants: Institutions and Education Matter— Not Culture” (World Development, 2018)”
Authors: Jetter Michael , Parmeter Christopher F.
Published: May 2020

In this reply, we comment on Goel and Saunoris’ (GS) replication of Jetter and Parmeter ( World Development, 2018, JP). We note that GS’ analysis is useful in extending the scope of studying corruption across countries. Our comment centers on two points: (i) the underlying databases used to measure corruption across countries and (ii) the countries that are omitted when studying alternative samples across these databases. It is likely that the qualitative differences that GS find are intimately connected with these discrepancies. Nevertheless, the combination of both (JP and GS) sets of results extends the understanding of what potentially contributes to corruption across countries.
Chromium, Cadmium, Lead, and Arsenic Concentrations in Water, Vegetables, and Seafood Consumed in a Coastal Area in Northern Vietnam
Authors: Ngoc Nguyen Thi Minh , Chuyen Nguyen Van , Thao Nguyen Thi Thu , Duc Nguyen Quang , Trang Nguyen Thi Thu , Binh Nguyen Thi Thanh , Sa Hoang Cao , Tran Nguyen Bao , Ba Nguyen Van , Khai Nguyen Van , Son Ho Anh , Han Pham Van , Wattenberg Elizabeth V , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Thuc Pham Van
Published: May 2020

Background:

Heavy metal contamination and related risks for the environment and human health are matters of increasing concern.

Methods:

The levels of 4 heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Pb, and As) were evaluated in 2 water types (surface and well), 4 types of seafood (tiger shrimp, stuffed snail, snake-head fish, and catfish), and 27 types of vegetables (12 leafy vegetables, 4 pea plants, 4 tuber vegetables, and 7 herbs) that are commonly consumed in northern coastal communes located in Vietnam. Atomic absorption spectrometry was employed for quantification.

Results:

The mean concentrations of heavy metals detected in water, seafood, and vegetable samples exceeded the national permitted standards and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation values by at least 2-fold, 2.5-fold, and 5-fold for surface water, vegetables, and well water, respectively. The concentrations of all 4 heavy metals detected in seafood samples were higher than the standards. The levels of heavy metals decreased with increasing distance between the sample collection point and the pollution source.

Conclusions:

This is the first report of heavy metal contamination of common sources of food and water in the northern coastal area of Vietnam. Significantly, the concentrations of heavy metals detected in study samples exceeded the regulatory limits. These results underscore the importance of continued monitoring and the development of intervention measures to ensure that the quality of food and water meets established standards and protects the health of the local population.
A comparison of approaches for investigating the impact of ambient light on road traffic collisions
Authors: Fotios S , Robbins CJ , Uttley J
Published: May 2020

A recent paper proposed a more precise approach for investigating the impact of ambient light (daylight versus after dark) on road traffic collisions. The present paper first repeated that analysis of road traffic collisions in the UK to test reproducibility; it then extended the analysis to determine whether the greater precision affected the outcome of road traffic collision analyses. Results of the previous analysis were reproduced in terms of the direction of the effect, but the repeated analysis found greater differences between daylight and darkness. The odds ratio determined using the new method led to higher odds ratios than the analyses used in some past studies, suggesting that past studies may have underestimated the detrimental effect of darkness on road traffic collision risk.
Imagining the European Union: Gender and Digital Diplomacy in European External Relations
Authors: Wright Katharine AM , Guerrina Roberta
Published: May 2020

The European Union has historically sought to project outwards its identity, values and raison d’être during times of uncertainty and crisis. One of the core values stated to be at the heart of the European Union’s identity is gender equality. Yet, while gender equality features more visibly in the European Union’s external discourse as it seeks to position itself as a global leader in equality and human rights, the internal challenge posed by crisis presents a real obstacle to future developments in this area. This article examines digital diplomacy, specifically Twitter presence, as a discursive site for constituting meaning. We thus take the digital space afforded by Twitter as a site where the European Union’s internal and external identity is constructed in a process of articulation and contestation. Digital diplomacy is now a salient part of public diplomacy, increasingly prioritised over ‘traditional’ approaches. Using data gathered from Twitter on the European Union’s 60th anniversary and International Women’s Day in 2017, this article provides the first in-depth study of the European Union’s approach to digital diplomacy. We find the marginalisation of gender issues from the European Union’s core narratives bringing into question the place of gender equality as a core value of the European Union.
A sensor-fusion-system for tracking sheep location and behaviour
Authors: Ren Keni , Karlsson Johannes , Liuska Markus , Hartikainen Markku , Hansen Inger , Jørgensen Grete HM
Published: May 2020

The growing interest in precision livestock farming is prompted by a desire to understand the basic behavioural needs of the animals and optimize the contribution of each animal. The aim of this study was to develop a system that automatically generated individual animal behaviour and localization data in sheep. A sensor-fusion-system tracking individual sheep position and detecting sheep standing/lying behaviour was proposed. The mean error and standard deviation of sheep position performed by the ultra-wideband location system was 0.357 ± 0.254 m, and the sensitivity of the sheep standing and lying detection performed by infrared radiation cameras and three-dimenional computer vision technology were 98.16% and 100%, respectively. The proposed system was able to generate individual animal activity reports and the real-time detection was achieved. The system can increase the convenience for animal behaviour studies and monitoring of animal welfare in the production environment.
Carotid artery stenting before surgery for carotid artery occlusion associated with acute type A aortic dissection: Two case reports
Authors: Funakoshi Yusuke , Imamura Hirotoshi , Tokunaga So , Murakami Yasutaka , Tani Shoichi , Adachi Hidemitsu , Ohara Nobuyuki , Kono Tomoyuki , Fukumitsu Ryu , Sunohara Tadashi , Omura Yoshihiro , Matsui Yuichi , Sasaki Natsuhi , Fujiwara Satoru , Fukuda Tatsumaru , Akiyama Ryo , Horiuchi Kazufumi , Yoshida Kazufumi , Kajiura Shinji , Shigeyasu Masashi , Koyama Tadaaki , Sakai Nobuyuki
Published: May 2020

Background

We experienced two cases of ischemic stroke resulting from carotid artery occlusion associated with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD), in which carotid artery stenting before the surgery for ATAAD resulted in good clinical outcomes. Case 1 description: A 63-year-old woman was hospitalized for conscious disturbance, right hemiparesis, and total aphasia. Computed tomography of the head showed no abnormal findings. Computed tomography angiography showed ATAAD and bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. Surgery was not indicated for ATAAD because of a poor prognosis of ischemic stroke. However, carotid artery stenting of the left common carotid artery occlusion was successfully performed, and her neurological findings improved. The patient underwent hemiarch replacement for ATAAD on the day after carotid artery stenting. Her final modified Rankin Scale was 1. Case 2 Description: A 57-year-old woman was hospitalized for mild left hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed right watershed infarction and right common carotid artery occlusion. Computed tomography angiography showed ATAAD. After hospitalization, conscious disturbance appeared and left hemiparesis worsened. Ischemic stroke indicated a poor prognosis for revascularization by surgery for ATAAD. Thus, carotid artery stenting of the right common carotid artery occlusion was performed. The patient’s neurological findings improved and she underwent hemiarch replacement for ATAAD at 19 days after carotid artery stenting. Her final modified Rankin Scale was 1.

Conclusions

In the present cases, although ischemic stroke was serious and precluded surgical indication for ATAAD, carotid artery stenting before surgery for ATAAD resulted in good clinical outcomes. Performing carotid artery stenting before surgery for ATAAD is challenging but achievable, and is a valid treatment option depending on the individual cases.
Object tracking algorithm for unmanned surface vehicle based on improved mean-shift method
Authors: Xiang Zuquan , Tao Tao , Song Lifei , Dong Zaopeng , Mao Yunsheng , Chu Shixin , Wang Hanfang
Published: May 2020

The unmanned surface vehicle has the characteristics of high maneuverability and flexibility. Object detection and tracking skills are required to improve the ability of unmanned surface vehicle to avoid collisions and detect targets on the surface of the water. Mean-shift algorithm is a classic target tracking algorithm, but it may fail when pixel interference and occlusion occur. This article proposes a tracking algorithm for unmanned surface vehicle based on an improved mean-shift optimization algorithm. The method uses the self-organizing feature map spatial topology to reduce the interference of the background pixels on the target object and predicts the center position of the object when the target is heavily occluded according to the extended Kalman filter. First, a self-organizing feature map model is built to classify pixels in a rectangular frame and the background pixels are extracted. Then, the method optimizes the extended Kalman filter solution process to complete the prediction and correction of the target center position and introduces a similarity function to determine the target occlusion. Finally, numerical analyses based on a ship model sailing experiment are performed with the help of OpenCV library. The experimental results validated that the proposed method significantly reduces the cumulative error in the tracking process and effectively predicts the position of the target between continuous frames when temporary occlusion occurs. The research can be used for target detection and autonomous navigation of unmanned surface vehicle.
The organization of ideological discourse in times of unexpected crisis: Explaining how COVID-19 is exploited by populist leaders
Authors: Prasad Ajnesh
Published: May 2020

Using the persecution of Muslims in India that is currently taking place against the backdrop of the COVID-19 global pandemic as an illustrative case, this essay identifies the dynamics of the organization of ideological discourse by populist leaders in times of unexpected crisis. The organization of ideological discourse represents strategic, discursive acts committed by populist leaders aimed at foregrounding social conditions that would function in the advancement of various political ends—whether those ends may be the consolidation of power, the undermining of institutional systems of checks and balances, the implementation of exclusionary or injurious policies against disenfranchised constituents, the suspension of civil liberties, or a combination thereof. It is engendered through a three-stage process. In the first stage, surface-level validation by legitimate institutional actors confirms preconceived ideas about a constructed enemy. In the second stage, inflammatory rhetoric is deployed by populist leaders, which scapegoat that constructed enemy. These two stages culminate to create widespread moral panic in society. With moral panic firmly established, in the third stage an environment of fear and paranoia becomes susceptible to the enactment of symbolic and physical violence against the constructed enemy. The essay concludes with some words on the pressing need to deconstruct ideologically motivated discourses related to COVID-19.
Retrograde intramedullary headless compression screws for treatment of extra-articular thumb metacarpal base fractures
Authors: Barrera-Ochoa Sergi , Alabau-Rodriguez Sergi , Campillo-Recio David , Esteban-Feliu Ignacio , Mir-Bullo Xavier , Soldado Francisco
Published: May 2020

The purpose of the study was to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes of extra-articular fractures involving the base of the thumb metacarpal treated with fixation using a retrograde intramedullary cannulated headless screw. A review of prospectively collected data was conducted on a consecutive series of 13 patients, treated with headless screw fixation for acute displaced fractures. All workers resumed full duties, while non-workers returned to unlimited leisure activities within a mean of 42 days. At 3 months follow-up, all range of motion measurements in the treated and untreated thumb were similar. Mean visual analogue pain score was 0.8 at rest and 1.4 during exercise and mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 5. All patients achieved radiographic union by 8 weeks. We conclude that the intramedullary headless screw fixation is safe and reliable for base of thumb metacarpal fractures, allowing for early postoperative motion and good functional recovery.

Level of evidence: IV