bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer Stem Cell Markers in Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Salivary Glands
Authors: Bertlich Mattis , Kitz Julia , Kruizenga Marie , Spiegel Jennifer Lee , Canis Martin , Ihler Friedrich , Haubner Frank , Weiss Bernhard G. , Jakob Mark
Published: May 2021

Background: Cancer stem cells (CSC) are cells that exhibit stem cell properties and are pivotal in tumor biology. CSC markers have been described for many tumorous entities. However, to this date, there is no data on CSC markers in respect to squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the salivary glands. Methods: Histologic samples from patients with salivary gland SCCs were stained for CSC markers (ALDH-1/BMI-1/SOX-2/CD-44/vimentin) and divided into high and low expression subgroups. These were then correlated with tumor and patient characteristics as well as overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival, recurrence-free survival and local control rates (LCR) after 3 and 5 years. Results: Overall, 31 samples were included. CD-44 and ALDH-1 expression were associated with tumor origin (metastatic/primary disease, p = 0.048 and p = 0.011, respectively). Strong BMI-1 expression was associated with poorer OS (62.9 vs. 27.3%, p = 0.029), strong SOX-2 expression was associated with poorer LCR (62.5 vs. 21.9%, p = 0.007). Conclusion: CD-44 and ALDH-1 may be useful in differentiating between primary SCCs and metastatic disease. BMI-1 and SOX-2 are correlated with poorer prognosis.
Neurological Symptoms, Comorbidities, and Complications of COVID-19: A Literature Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Vakili Kimia , Fathi Mobina , Hajiesmaeili Mohammadreza , Salari Melika , Saluja Diksha , Tafakhori Abbas , Sayehmiri Fatemeh , Rezaei-Tavirani Mostafa
Published: May 2021

Background: Recently, it has been shown that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has caused a pandemic since December 2019, can be accompanied by some neurological disorders. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of the most common neurological symptoms and comorbidities and systematically review the literature regarding the most prevalent neurological complications of COVID-19 infection. Methods: All relevant studies had been collected from PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases. All extracted data were analyzed using Stata version 11.2. The I2 index was applied, and a random-effects model or a fixed-effects model was used for pooled estimation to assess the heterogeneity of studies. Furthermore, Egger and Beeg’s tests were used to evaluate the publication bias. Results: Fifty-seven studies (26 observational and 31 case reports) were included (including 6,597 COVID-19 patients). The most prevalent general symptoms were fever, cough, and dyspnea with 84.6% (95% CI: 75.3–92.1; I2 = 98.7%), 61.3% (95% CI: 55.3–67.0; I2 = 94.6%), and 34.2% (95% CI: 25.6–43.4; I2 = 97.7%), respectively. Neurological symptoms observed among COVID-19 patients were fatigue, gustatory dysfunction, anorexia, olfactory dysfunction, headache, dizziness, and nausea with 42.9% (95% CI: 36.7–49.3; I2 = 92.8%), 35.4% (95% CI: 11.2–64.4; I2 = 99.2%), 28.9% (95% CI: 19.9–38.8; I2 = 96.3%), 25.3% (95% CI: 1.6–63.4; I2 = 99.6%), 10.1% (95% CI: 2.7–21.0; I2 = 99.1%), 6.7% (95% CI: 3.7–10.5; I2 = 87.5%), and 5.9% (95% CI: 3.1–9.5; I2 = 94.5%). The most prevalent neurological comorbidity in COVID-19 was cerebrovascular disease with 4.3% (95% CI: 2.7–6.3; I2 = 78.7%). Conclusion: The most prevalent neurological manifestations of COVID-19 include fatigue, gustatory dysfunction, anorexia, olfactory dysfunction, headache, dizziness, and nausea. Cerebrovascular disorders can either act as a risk factor for poorer prognosis in COVID-19 patients or occur as a critical complication in these patients. Guillain-Barre syndrome, encephalitis, and meningitis have also been reported as complications of COVID-19.
Relative Sparing of the Left Upper Zone on Chest Radiography in Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia
Authors: Buckley Alexandra M. , Griffith-Richards Stephanie , Davids Razaan , Irusen Elvis M. , Nyasulu Peter S. , Lalla Usha , Allwood Brian W. , Louw Elizabeth H. , Nortje Andre , Pitcher Richard D. , Koegelenberg Coenraad F.N.
Published: May 2021

The radiological findings of COVID-19 are well-described, including its evolution. In an earlier report of admission chest radiographs of patients with COVID-19, we anecdotally noted relative sparing of the left upper zone (LUZ). We subsequently aimed to describe the main chest radiograph findings in another cohort, focusing on zonal predominance. The admission chest radiographs of 111 patients with CO­VID-19 pneumonia requiring intensive care admission were reviewed by 2 thoracic radiologists and categorized according to the predominant pattern into either ground-glass opacities (GGOs), alveolar infiltrates and/or consolidation, or reticular and/or nodular infiltrates or an equal combination of both, and the extent of disease involvement of each of the zones using a modified Radiologic Assessment of Lung Edema (RALE) score. Parenchymal changes were detected in all. In total, 106 radiographs showed GGOs, alveolar infiltrates, and/or consolidation, and 5 had a combination of reticular/nodular infiltrates as well as GGOs, alveolar infiltrates, and/or consolidation. The LUZ had a significant lower grading score than the right upper zone: 1 versus 2 (p < 0.001). Likewise, the upper zones had a significant lower score than the mid and lower zones (p < 0.001). Our findings confirmed the relative sparing of the LUZ in severe COVID-19 pneumonia.
Associação entre a classificação da deambulação funcional com a velocidade da marcha após acidente vascular cerebral
Authors: Júlio Cíntia Elord , Cardoso Ariadne , Pereira Gabriela Santos , Corrêa João Carlos Ferrari , Silva Soraia Micaela
Published: May 2021

The choice of the appropriate instrument is decisive for the success of functional assessment and rehabilitation. In view of this, it is necessary that the professional has extensive knowledge of the instruments available so that he can choose the most effective, least costly and quickest assessment. Objective: To analyze whether the classification of ambulation obtained by the Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC) is associated with the performance obtained in the 10-meter walk test (TC10m). Methods: Cross-sectional study in which 61 individuals affected by stroke were evaluated. TC10m and FAC were used. To verify the normality of the data, a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used. One-way ANOVA was used to check whether there was a difference between dependent and independent walkers according to FAC with gait speed using the TC10m. A post hoc test and the Scheffe method were performed, considering p≤0.05. To analyze the association between the categorization of walking and gait speed, the chi-square test of independence was used. Results: There was a significant difference at each FAC level in relation  to gait speed. There was an association between the classifications obtained by the FAC and by the TC10m [x2(9) = 145.335; p= 0.001]; and in 48% the variables are correctly associated. Conclusion: The findings indicated that the FAC levels were associated with walking speed. This finding expands the knowledge about gait assessment measures and helps clinical practice, considering that it facilitates the choice of the best instrument to assess gait after stroke.
Association between walking and strength of lower limbs after chronic stroke
Authors: Silva Brenno Belchior Cordeiro , Faria-Fortini Iza de , Costa Pollyana Helena Vieira , Torriani-Pasin Camila , Polese Janaine Cunha
Published: May 2021

Certain muscle groups strength directly influence walking speed (WS), and the lower strength of the paretic side is significantly associated with lower WS of individuals after stroke. Studies that have investigated the association between the average of lower limb strength and the WS in individuals are scarce. Therefore, it is important to determine whether the strength could explain walking performance due to some muscle weakness could be compensated by the strength of others, mainly because all muscles act in group, not isolated. Objective: To investigate the association between WS and lower limbs muscle strength, and to identify whether an individual muscle group or the average strength of lower limb would best predict WS and walking speed reserve (WSR) in individuals with stroke. Methods: Sixty-four community-dwelling individuals with chronic stroke have their maximum isometric strength (hip flexors/extensors/abductors, knee flexors/extensors, and ankle dorsiflexors/plantarflexors) and self-selected and fast WS (10m walk test) measured. WSR was considered as the difference between the fast and self-selected speed. Results: Average strength of the paretic limb accounted for 19% and 20% of the variance in self-selected and fast WS, respectively. Plantarflexor strength of the paretic, knee and hip flexors of the non-paretic side explained alone 27% of the WSR scores and plantarflexor strength of the paretic side alone explained 15%.Conclusion: Average muscle strength of the paretic side contributed to self-selected and fast WS. Plantarflexor strength of the paretic side, knee and hip flexors of the non-paretic side contributed with the WSR of chronic stroke individuals.
Perﬁl da força muscular isométrica em atletas de rugby em cadeira de rodas
Authors: Souza João Paulo Casteleti de , Souza Nayara Christine , Buratti Jéssica Reis , Sampaio Ricardo Aurélio Carvalho , Tanhoffer Ricardo Antônio , Uchida Marco Carlos , Gorla José Irineu
Published: May 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze muscle strength levels in wheelchair rugby athletes. Methods: The sample was 10 athletes (men) with spinal cord injury at cervical level (tetraplegia) with mean age of 31.1 ± 5.06 years. The athletes were recruited in the rugby team in wheelchair of the Motor Activity and Adapted Sport Project of the University of Campinas (ADEACAMP/UNICAMP). Results: In order to analyze the isometric muscular strength levels (flexion/extension of the shoulders and elbows), dynamometer was used, while muscle thickness was verified by ultrasound (flexors and extensors of the elbow, both sides), using 7.3 MHz of the linear-array probe. Point bi-serial correlation was applied to verify associations of game position and strength; while Spearman’s correlation verified associations of strength and dominant and nondominant sides, and the relationship of agonist versus antagonist muscles. Moreover, the Mann Whitney U test was used to compare first to second-string players regarding strength and muscle thickness. Conclusion: We concluded that the higher the functional classification, higher the values of maximum isometric voluntary strength; and that the isometric strength correlates with their rugby performances.
Relationship Between Residual Mitral Regurgitation and Clinical and Quality-of-Life Outcomes After Transcatheter and Medical Treatments in Heart Failure
Authors: Kar Saibal , Mack Michael J. , Lindenfeld JoAnn , Abraham William T. , Asch Federico M. , Weissman Neil J. , Enriquez-Sarano Maurice , Lim D. Scott , Mishell Jacob M. , Whisenant Brian K. , Rogers Jason H. , Arnold Suzanne V. , Cohen David J. , Grayburn Paul A. , Stone Gregg W.
Published: May 2021

Background:

In the randomized COAPT trial (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation), among 614 patients with heart failure with 3+ or 4+ secondary mitral regurgitation (MR), transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) with the MitraClip reduced MR, heart failure hospitalizations, and mortality and improved quality of life compared with guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) alone. We aimed to examine the prognostic relationship between MR reduction and outcomes after TMVr and GDMT alone.

Methods:

Outcomes in COAPT between 30 days and 2 years were examined on the basis of the severity of residual MR at 30 days.

Results:

TMVr-treated patients had less severe residual MR at 30 days than GDMT-treated patients (0/1+, 2+, and 3+/4+: 72.9%, 19.9%, and 7.2% versus 8.2%, 26.1%, and 65.8%, respectively [
P
<0.0001]). The rate of composite death or heart failure hospitalizations between 30 days and 2 years was lower in patients with 30-day residual MR of 0/1+ and 2+ compared with patients with 30-day residual MR of 3+/4+ (37.7% versus 49.5% versus 72.2%, respectively [
P
<0.0001]). This relationship was consistent in the TMVr and GDMT arms (
P
interaction
=0.92). The improvement in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score from baseline to 30 days was maintained between 30 days and 2 years in patients with 30-day MR ≤2+ but deteriorated in those with 30-day MR 3+/4+ (–0.3±1.7 versus –9.4±4.6 [
P
=0.0008]) consistently in both groups (
P
interaction
=0.95).

Conclusions:

In the COAPT trial, reduced MR at 30 days was associated with greater freedom from death or heart failure hospitalizations and improved quality of life through 2-year follow-up whether the MR reduction was achieved by TMVr or GDMT.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01626079.
Complications Associated With Catheter Ablation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Report From the JROAD‐DPC Study
Authors: Yokoyama Yasuhiro , Miyamoto Koji , Nakai Michikazu , Sumita Yoko , Ueda Nobuhiko , Nakajima Kenzaburo , Kamakura Tsukasa , Wada Mitsuru , Yamagata Kenichiro , Ishibashi Kohei , Inoue Yuko , Nagase Satoshi , Noda Takashi , Aiba Takeshi , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Yasuda Satoshi , Kusano Kengo
Published: May 2021

Background

Aging is one of the major concerns and determinants of the indications for catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation. This study aimed to assess the safety of CA in older patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing CA.

Methods and Results

The JROAD‐DPC (Japanese Registry of All Cardiac and Vascular Diseases‐Diagnosis Procedure Combination) is a nationwide claims database using data from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination/Per Diem Payment System. Among 6 632 484 records found between April 2012 and March 2018 from 1058 hospitals, 135 299 patients with atrial fibrillation (aged 65±10 years, 38 952 women) who underwent CA in 456 hospitals were studied and divided into the following age groups: <60, 60 to 64, 65 to 69, 70 to 74, 75 to 79, 80 to 84, and ≥85 years. The overall in‐hospital complication rate was 3.4% (cardiac tamponade 1.2%), and in‐hospital mortality was 0.04%. Older patients had a higher prevalence of women, lower body mass index, and a higher burden of comorbidities such as hypertension, and all of those characteristics were predictors for complications in multivariate analysis. A multivariate adjusted odds ratio revealed that increased age was independently and significantly associated with overall complications (60–64 years, 1.19; 65–69 years, 1.29; 70–74 years, 1.57; 75–79 years, 1.63; 80–84 years, 1.90; and ≥85 years, 2.86; the reference was <60 years).

Conclusions

The nationwide JROAD‐DPC database demonstrated that the frequency of complications following CA in patients with atrial fibrillation increased according to age.
Association Between Omega‐3 Fatty Acid Levels and Risk for Incident Major Bleeding Events and Atrial Fibrillation: MESA
Authors: Kapoor Karan , Alfaddagh Abdulhamied , Al Rifai Mahmoud , Bhatt Deepak L. , Budoff Matthew J. , Nasir Khurram , Miller Michael , Welty Francine K. , McEvoy J. William , Dardari Zeina , Shapiro Michael D. , Blumenthal Roger S. , Tsai Michael Y. , Blaha Michael J.
Published: May 2021

Background

Randomized trials of pharmacologic strength omega‐3 fatty acid (n3‐FA)–based therapies suggest a dose‐dependent cardiovascular benefit. Whether blood n3‐FA levels also mediate safety signals observed in these trials, such as increased bleeding and atrial fibrillation (AF), remains uncertain. We hypothesized that higher baseline n3‐FA levels would be associated with incident bleeding and AF events in MESA (Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), which included a population free of clinical cardiovascular disease at baseline.

Methods and Results

We examined the association between baseline plasma n3‐FA levels (expressed as percent mass of total fatty acid) with incident bleeding and AF in MESA, an ongoing prospective cohort study. Bleeding events were identified from review of hospitalization
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision
(
ICD‐9
), and
International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision
(
ICD‐10
), codes, and AF from participant report, discharge diagnoses, Medicare claims data, and study ECGs performed at MESA visit 5. Separate multivariable Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to estimate hazard ratios of the association of continuous n3‐FA (log eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], log docosahexaenoic acid [DHA], log [EPA+DHA]) and incident hospitalized bleeding events and AF. Among 6546 participants, the mean age was 62.1 years and 53% were women. For incident bleeding, consistent statistically significant associations with lower rates were seen with increasing levels of EPA and EPA+DHA in unadjusted and adjusted models including medications that modulate bleeding risk (aspirin, NSAIDS, corticosteroids, and proton pump inhibitors). For incident AF, a significant association with lower rates was seen with increasing levels of DHA, but not for EPA or EPA+DHA.

Conclusions

In MESA, higher plasma levels of n3‐FA (EPA and EPA+DHA, but not DHA) were associated with significantly fewer hospitalized bleeding events, and higher DHA levels (but not EPA or EPA+DHA) with fewer incident AF events.
Alarm calls of house wrens (Troglodytes aedon bonariae) elicit responses of conspecific and heterospecific species
Authors: Carro Mariana E. , Fernández Gustavo J.
Published: May 2021

Nesting house wrens (Troglodytes aedon bonariae) use two basic alarm calls (Type I and Type II) when detect a threat near the nest. We experimentally analysed if calls distract predators or serve to recruit other birds to create a mobbing flock to deter predators. The results show that individuals preferentially position themselves in front of the threat, disclosing the location of the nest. Also, using playbacks of house wren alarm calls we found that these calls recruited both conspecific and heterospecific individuals to create a mobbing response. The alarm calls of house wrens seem to fulfil multiple functions, not only conveying information about the threat to their mates and nestling as revealed in previous studies, but also as a signal that attracts the attention of other conspecific and heterospecific individuals and can trigger a mobbing response to deter the predator.
Struggles of Delivery Workers in Brazil: Working Conditions and Collective Organization during the Pandemic
Authors: Abilio Ludmila Costhek , Grohmann Rafael , Weiss Henrique Chevrand
Published: May 2021

This article aims to analyze food delivery workers’ working conditions and ongoing collective organization during the pandemic in Brazil. The discussion involves historical analysis, based on empirical research carried out with delivery couriers over the past eight years in Brazil and on analysis of the delivery workers’ strikes in July of 2020. Our view is that their work is subsumed to a new type of work organization, management and control, defined here as uberization. Recent investigation shows that their working conditions are worsening during the Covid-19 pandemic in terms of reduced working hour value alongside unchangingly long workdays. These conditions have been met by platform workers’ collective organizations demanding better working conditions. Our findings indicate an ongoing political struggle involving different institutions, and the central role of communication between workers through digital platforms as the first form of organization. From the class composition framework, we understand that there is a germ for political composition involving Brazilian riders, in line with the circulation of workers’ struggles around the world, especially in Latin America.
Erratum: Maurya, S., Datar, M.N. & Choudhary, R.K. (2021) Lectotypification of four names in the genus Capparis (Capparaceae). Phytotaxa 500 (2): 125–132.
Authors: MAURYA SATISH , DATAR MANDAR N. , CHOUDHARY RITESH KUMAR
Published: May 2021

N/A
New taxa of Hieracium (Asteraceae) from Mount Lesima and adjacent regions (Northern Apennine, Italy)
Authors: GOTTSCHLICH GÜNTER , ORSENIGO SIMONE
Published: May 2021

Four species of Hieracium (H. lesimanum, H. scopolii, H. scopolioides and H. umbrophilum) and two subspecies of this genus (H. lachenalii subsp. zerbanum, H. prenanthoides subsp. penicense) from the Ligurian Apennines are described and illustrated.
Benchmarking performance changes in the simulation of extratropical modes of variability across CMIP generations
Authors: Lee Jiwoo , Sperber Kenneth R. , Gleckler Peter J. , Taylor Karl E. , Bonfils Céline J. W.
Published: May 2021

We evaluate extratropical modes of variability in the three most recent phases of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3, 5, and 6) to gauge improvement of climate models over time. A suite of high-level metrics is employed to objectively evaluate how well climate models simulate the qobserved Northern Annular Mode (NAM), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), Pacific North America pattern (PNA), Southern Annular Mode (SAM), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), North Pacific Oscillation (NPO), and North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO). We apply a Common Basis Function (CBF) approach that projects model anomalies onto observed empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs), together with the traditional EOF approach, to CMIP Historical and AMIP models. We find simulated spatial patterns of those modes have been significantly improved in the newer models, although the skill improvement is sensitive to the mode and season considered. We identify some potential contributions to the pattern improvement of certain modes (e.g., the Southern Hemisphere jet and High-top vertical coordinate), however the performance changes are likely attributed to gradual improvement of the base climate and multiple relevant processes. Less performance improvement is evident in the mode amplitude of these modes and systematic overestimation of the mode amplitude in spring remains in the newer climate models. We find that the post-dominant season amplitude errors in atmospheric modes are not limited to coupled runs but are often already evident in AMIP simulations. This suggests that rectifying the egregious post-dominant season amplitude errors found in many models can be addressed in an atmospheric-only framework making it more tractable to address in the model development process.
The Effects of Stress on Tourniquet Application and CPR Performance in Layperson and Professional Civilian Populations
Authors: Friberg Marc , Jonson Carl-Oscar , Jaeger Victor , Prytz Erik
Published: May 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare laypeople’s and professional first responders’ ability to perform tourniquet application and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during calm and stressful circumstances.

Background

Life-threatening bleeding is a major cause of death that could be prevented by fast and appropriate first aid interventions. Therefore, laypeople are now being trained in bleeding control skills, transforming them from bystanders to immediate responders. However, critics have questioned whether laypeople are able to perform during more stressful conditions.

Method

Twenty-four laypersons and 31 professional first responders were tested in two conditions: a calm classroom scenario and a stressful scenario consisting of paintball fire and physical exertion. Stress and workload were assessed along with task performance.

Results

The experimental manipulation was successful in terms of eliciting stress reactions. Tourniquet application performance did not decline in the stressful condition, but some aspects of CPR performance did for both groups. First responders experienced higher task engagement and lower distress, worry and workload than the laypeople in both the calm and stressful conditions.

Conclusion

Stress did not affect first responders and laypeople differently in terms of performance effects. Stress should therefore not be considered a major obstacle for teaching bleeding control skills to laypeople.

Application

Tourniquet application can be taught to laypeople in a short amount of time, and they can perform this skill during stress in controlled settings. Concerns about laypeople’s ability to perform under stress should not exclude bleeding control skills from first aid courses for civilian laypeople.
There and Back Again? Exploring the Real-Time Cognitive Journey of Narrative Transportation
Authors: Tchernev John M. , Collier James , Wang Zheng
Published: May 2021

Prior research has produced seemingly conflicting indications of whether or not audience members who are transported into a narrative leave themselves and the real world behind. This study proposes that a dynamic perspective can help resolve that conflict. Both traditional static post-exposure and real-time dynamic measures were used to examine four cognitive processes: attention, presence, self-referencing, and real world-referencing. Participants ( N = 118) were randomly assigned to view one of two television dramas. They provided continuous rating responses during viewing, as well as post-exposure measures of the overall viewing experience. Post-exposure measures indicated that self and real world-referencing were strongly positively correlated with transportation. The dynamic approach to understanding narrative processing, while exploratory in nature, likewise indicated links between the self, the real world, and the narrative world. Presence in the narrative predicted real world-referencing, and self-referencing predicted attention to the narrative, suggesting that when audience members link story content to their own lives, transportation may be enhanced rather than diminished. Strengths, limitations and future directions are discussed.
Bilateral Longus Colli Abscesses as a Complication of Advanced Bacterial Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Lee Jaclyn , Esianor Brandon , Tittman Sarah M. , Chandra Rakesh , Bauer Ashley M.
Published: May 2021

Known complications of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis include retropharyngeal abscess, cavernous sinus thrombosis, intracranial abscess, and associated sequelae. We describe the case of a patient with longus colli abscess formation resulting from acute pansinusitis, complicated by bilateral cavernous sinus thrombosis in the setting of concurrent viral pneumonitis, severe sepsis, and a large area cerebral infarction. The bilateral longus colli abscesses were drained via stereotactic image-guided endonasal sinus surgery, yielding Staphylococcus hominis in culture. The described disease progressed rapidly over a 2-week course amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Determinants of Attitudes Toward the Scientific Community: Confidence in the Press as a Mediator of Political Party Affiliation
Authors: Denham Bryan E.
Published: May 2021

Drawing on 10 sets of data gathered in the General Social Survey between 2000 and 2018, this study examined whether confidence in the press mediated political party affiliation as a determinant of attitudes toward the scientific community. The study observed full mediation effects in three of five instances in which Republicans occupied the White House, with partial or no mediation observed at other points. Overall findings showed that males, White respondents, and those who had completed more years of school, as well as Democrats and those who indicated higher levels of confidence in the press, tended to report greater levels of confidence in the scientific community. The study discusses quantitative results in light of increased partisanship and derisive attacks on news media.
Serum CA125 a potential marker of volume status for peritoneal dialysis patients?
Authors: Wijayaratne Dilushi , Muthuppalaniappan Vasantha Muthu , Davenport Andrew
Published: May 2021

Introduction:

Serum cancer antigen 125(SeCA125) has been reported to be increased in patients with heart failure and correlate with both extracellular water (ECW) overload and poor prognosis. Ultrafiltration failure and ECW overload are a major cause of peritoneal dialysis (PD) technique failure. We wished to determine whether SeCA125 could also be a marker of volume status in PD patients.

Methods:

We contemporaneously measured SeCA125, serum N terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) and ECW by bioimpedance in adult PD patients attending for outpatient assessment of peritoneal membrane function.

Results:

The median SeCA125 was 19 (12–33) U/mL in 489 PD patients, 61.3% male, median age 61.5 (interquartile range 50–75) years. SeCA125 was positively associated with the ratio of ECW/total body water (TBW) ( r = 0.29, p < 0.001), 4-h peritoneal dialysate to serum creatinine ratio ( r = 0.23, p < 0.001), NTproBNP) ( r = 0.18, p < 0.001), and age ( r = 00.17, p = 0.001) and negatively with 24-h PD ultrafiltration volume ( r = −0.28, p < 0.001) serum albumin ( r = −0.22, p < 0.001), and echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction ( r = −0.20, p < 0.001), but not with residual renal function or C-reactive protein. Patients with above the median SeCA125, had greater median ECW/TBW 0.403(IQR 0.394–0.410) vs 0.395(0.387–0.404), p < 0.001 and NTproBNP (6870 (IQR 1936–20096) vs 4069 (1345–12291) vs) pg/mL, p = 0.03.

Conclusion:

Heart failure studies have reported SeCA125 is a marker of ECW overload. Our retrospective analysis suggests that SeCA125 is also associated with ECW volume in PD patients. Further studies are required to determine whether serial measurements of SeCA125 trend with changes in ECW status in PD patients and can be used to aid volume assessments.
Classroom Placement and Twins’ Social Behaviors in Elementary School: Providing Empirical Evidence to Inform Educational Policy
Authors: Garon-Carrier Gabrielle , Bégin Vincent , Brendgen Mara , Vitaro Frank , Ouellet-Morin Isabelle , Dionne Ginette , Boivin Michel
Published: May 2021

Classroom placement of twins is an ongoing issue for educational policy. Many educational jurisdictions have standard policy most commonly founded in the belief that separation supports individual identity, personal development and academic opportunity. This study examined the effects of classroom placement in a sample of 560 twin pairs whose behaviors were assessed from ages 5 to 12 years. We found no detrimental effect of classroom sharing on twins’ social development. In contrast, this study provides evidence that educating twins together is associated with modest positive twins’ behaviors and social functioning at school. Implications for educational policies are further discussed.
Implementation stages in practice: A review of behavioral health innovation within hospitals
Authors: Domlyn Ariel M.
Published: May 2021

Behavioral health influences patient health outcomes and healthcare utilization rates. Hospitals are promising settings for appropriate identification, treatment, and referral of behavioral health issues and may affect hospital admission rates and healthcare costs. Implementation frameworks are designed to aid successful adoption and scaling of health innovations. One type – process models – present staged frameworks for rolling out an innovation into routine practice. Process models are appealing for their pragmatism but are criticized for oversimplifying the complexity of implementation. This review investigates the empirical evidence for process models’ utility in hospitals, chosen for their uniquely complex structures, by determining whether their use impacts implementation outcomes. Using systematic search and selection criteria across six databases, ten peer-reviewed studies were identified. Each applied a process model for implementing behavioral health innovations within hospital systems. Studies were coded by type of stage framework and reported implementation outcomes. Studies reported mostly favorable or mixed outcomes. No one framework prevailed in use nor evidence. Due to the paucity of published literature and reported data, there is limited evidence that process model application propels implementation outcomes in hospital settings. Furthering the science requires creating and utilizing systematic guidelines to employ process models, measure and report implementation stage transition, and measure and report implementation outcomes. Management and practitioners can include such data collection in standard process evaluations of hospital implementation and scale-up activities, or adopt complexity-informed approaches that lack the simplicity of process models but may be more realistic for complex settings.
Evaluation of 2 ELISAs to determine Borrelia burgdorferi seropositivity in horses over a 12-month period
Authors: Neely Megan , Arroyo Luis , Jardine Claire , Clow Katie , Moore Alison , Hazlett Murray , Weese J. Scott
Published: May 2021

The blacklegged tick ( Ixodes scapularis), which transmits Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, has undergone rapid range expansion in Ontario. In horses, Lyme disease remains an enigmatic disease, with limited understanding of the pathogenesis and many issues pertaining to selection and interpretation of laboratory tests. We evaluated B. burgdorferi seropositivity in naturally exposed horses over a 12-mo period and compared paired samples with 2 common serologic tests. Serum samples were collected in 2017, ~1 y after initial testing, from a cohort of 22 horses that were seropositive in a 2016 seroprevalence study. Samples were tested using a C6 ELISA and a multiplex ELISA targeting outer surface proteins A, C, and F. 1 y after initial testing, 14 of 22 (64%) horses remained seropositive; 7 (32%) were positive on the multiplex ELISA, 2 (9%) on C6 ELISA, and 5 (23%) on both tests. Repeatability was 100% for the C6 ELISA, and 95% for the multiplex ELISA, with no significant difference between paired sample multiplex titer values. Our results indicate strong intra-test reliability, although further investigation is required to determine the clinical significance of serologic testing.
Human Readiness Levels Explained
Authors: See Judi E.
Published: May 2021

The Human Readiness Level scale complements and supplements the existing technology readiness level scale to support comprehensive and systematic evaluation of human system aspects throughout a system’s life cycle. The objective is to ensure humans can use a fielded technology or system as intended to support mission operations safely and effectively. This article defines the nine human readiness levels in the scale, explains their meaning, and illustrates their application using a helmet-mounted display example.
The effect of red and violet light emitting diode (LED) treatments on the postharvest quality and biodiversity of fresh-cut pakchoi (Brassica rapa L. Chinensis)
Authors: Zhang Yuchen , Xie Jing
Published: May 2021

The effects of red and violet Light Emitting Diode (LED) irradiation on the quality changes of fresh cut pakchoi ( Brassica rapa L.Chinensis), such as water migration, soluble solids, chlorophyll, ASA, shelf life, antioxidant enzyme activity and changes of biodiversity were evaluated in this study using physicochemical and high-throughput sequencing analys. The results showed that red and violet LED irradiation (15 μ mol/(m2 · s)) (1) are significantly inhibited the changes of sensory evaluation, (2) increased the content of chlorophyll, ASA and antioxidant enzymes, and (3) prolonged the shelf life of pakchoi at 4 °C. Furthermore, through the using of high-throughput sequencing, aerobic plate count and the count of Pseudomonas spp ., it was found that (4) red and violet LED changed the microbial community structure among samples, and inhibited the reproduction of specific spoilage organism (SSO) in fresh cut pakchoi. At the same time, compared with the traditional sterilization method, the results showed that visible light sterilization was also effective. In general, the results showed that LED treatment was an effective way to delay the senescence and maintain the quality of the pakchoi by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and regulating chlorophyll and ASA metabolism, inhibited the reproduction of SSO.
Where’s your sense of humor? Political identity moderates evaluations of disparagement humor
Authors: Buie Hannah S. , Ford Thomas E. , Olah Andrew R. , Argüello Catalina , Mendiburo-Seguel Andrés
Published: May 2021

Two experiments ( N = 449; 246 men, 198 women) examined how political identity moderates appreciation of disparagement humor that violates different moral foundations described in moral foundations theory. In Experiment 1, liberals evaluated memes violating the individualizing moral foundations as more offensive and less funny than conservatives, whereas conservatives rated memes violating the binding moral foundations as more offensive and less funny than liberals. Moreover, conservatives judged the memes across all experimental conditions more favorably than liberals because they more strongly endorse cavalier humor beliefs. Experiment 2 examined the mediating role of perceived personal moral violations. Specifically, liberals evaluate humor violating the individualizing foundations as more offensive than conservatives because they see it as a greater personal moral violation. Similarly, conservatives judged humor violating the binding foundations as more offensive compared to liberals because they see it as a greater personal moral violation.
Situating Arab women’s writing in a feminist ‘global gothic’: madness, mothers and ghosts
Authors: Douglas Roxanne
Published: May 2021

This article sketches a new way of approaching some contemporary Levantine (Egyptian and Lebanese) feminist texts. Extending Glennis Byron’s notion of the ‘global gothic’, I examine Hanan Al-Shaykh’s The Story of Zahra (1986), Mansoura Ez Eldin’s Maryam’s Maze (2007) and Joumana Haddad’s The Seamstress’ Daughter (2019) as examples of an Arab feminist Gothic approach, which serves as a framework to theorise difficult and pressing questions that feminism poses regarding women’s rights. Arab feminist Gothic writers use the jahiliyyah period, or the ‘time of ignorance’, as a folkloric referential backdrop for texts which theorise the female condition under contemporary patriarchal society. The presence of ghosts, madness, doubles in the form of the folkloric qarina spirit-doubles and dreams can be read as part of a local Gothic feminist mode. This as-yet unacknowledged Arab feminist Gothic tradition, while emerging from debates over statehood and postcolonial subjectivities, delves into the intensity of personal traumas through the lens of women’s relationships to other women, especially mothers and daughters. Taking Arab feminist fiction as its focus, this article models how feminist scholarship can use genre, particularly the Gothic, to trace artistic feminist theorising in non-western contexts.
The broadening boundaries of materialism
Authors: Atanasova Aleksandrina , Eckhardt Giana M.
Published: May 2021

The implications of waning desire for ownership on materialism are not well understood. This study examines the interface between materialism and consumption and asks, is materialism manifest in the absence of ownership centrality, and if so, how? Drawing from an interpretive investigation of digital nomads, it is suggested that materialism has broadened to adapt to non-ownership centrality, and we define it as a logic of consumption, which manifests as a preoccupation with the consumption of objects, access or experiences as a way to signal status, build image, pursue happiness, and attain a sense of self-worth. Three discrete but complementary ways through which materialism emerges in the absence of ownership centrality are identified: (1) preoccupation with strategic curation rather than accumulation, (2) intentional prioritization of experiential consumption over ownership as a means to fulfill materialistic aims, and (3) adoption of bricolages across spectrums of consumption (solid/liquid, budget/luxury, access/ownership).
Preliminary Results of a New Illuminated Radiofrequency Ablation Catheter for the Treatment of Great Saphenous Vein Reflux Disease
Authors: Beyaz Metin Onur , Oztas Didem Melis , Ulukan Mustafa Ozer , Arslan Hasan Murat , Unal Orcun , Ugurlucan Murat
Published: May 2021

Introduction: In the current study, we present single surgeon experience of a new radiofrequency ablation system, the catheter, and the device. Patients and Methods: The new system, which comprises a generator and an intervally illuminated radiofrequency ablation catheter, was used for the treatment of 272 consecutive patients with chronic venous insufficiency of the great saphenous vein between November 2017 and October 2018. Mean age of the patients was 53.40 ± 11.91 years. Mean saphenous vein diameter was 8.51 ± 2.45 mm. Bilateral great saphenous vein reflux disease was present in 19% (51 cases) of the patients. At the end of the procedure, the closure of the great saphenous vein was confirmed with Doppler ultrasonography. Results: Procedures could be successfully performed in all, except 1 obese (BMI> 30 kg/m2) male patient. At the 3rd month, outpatient clinic follow-up control Doppler USG revealed successful ablation of the treated great saphenous vein in 260 patients (96%), whereas in 12 cases (4%), there was continuing reflux. The diameters of the saphenous veins in these patients ranged between 6.9 mm and 19.5 (mean: 10.68 ± 3.41) mm. Ten patients could be treated successfully with ablation with the same device controlled both at the interventional section as well as on the 3rd month outpatient clinic follow-up. The remaining patients underwent high ligation of the great saphenous vein. Paresthesia occurred in 1 patient and had been permanent. Hematoma occurred in a male patient and resolved spontaneously. Conclusion: Preliminary results of our new radiofrequency ablation device with illumination guidance for the treatment of great saphenous vein reflux disease indicated successful results with enhanced physician utilization, comfort, and reliability.
The Mixed Methods Practical Sustainability Research Framework: An Illustration From Research on the Creeping Problem of Coastal Complexity and Mangrove Management
Authors: Dencer-Brown A. M. , Jarvis R. M. , Alfaro A. C. , Milne S.
Published: May 2021

With a rising world population and pressure on ecosystems due to development, researchers need sophisticated and integrated approaches for conducting sustainability research. We outline a mixed methods practical sustainability research framework, defined as an equal-priority social–ecological methodology, whereby both community engagement and integrated biodiversity assessments are constructed to identify sustainability trade-offs. We illustrate the framework’s use for investigating the social–ecological trade-offs between preserving and removing temperate mangroves in New Zealand. We used a multistage mixed methods design with three stages to generate knowledge and identify social–ecological trade-offs. Our case study illustrates an operational approach for local mangrove management and regional coastal sustainability. Working with communities affected by ecosystem change through participatory research proved key to knowledge exchange and colearning.
The impact of transverse components on resistance and ultimate strength of 6-strand tendon repairs
Authors: Wu Ya Fang , Tang Jin Bo
Published: May 2021

We assessed the effects of tendon core sutures' transverse components on the tensile resistance of two commonly used 6-strand tendon repairs. Tang and Yoshizu #1 repairs (6-strand) were tested and compared with 4-strand rectangular and double Kessler sutures (4-strand). A total of 40 pig flexor tendons were tested under cyclic loading. We recorded the number of tendons that formed a 2-mm gap between two tendon ends during 20 cycles of cyclic loading test, stiffness at the 1st and 20th loading cycle, and gap distance at the repair site and the ultimate repair strength at the 20th cycles. We found that the Yoshizu #1 repairs were more prone to form gaps and their ultimate strength was significantly lower than that of the Tang repair. The transverse components in a 6-strand repair affect gap formation and failure strength.
Achilles tendon rupture: A diagnosis not to be missed
Authors: Rooney Dáire , Heron Neil
Published: May 2021

The Achilles tendon (AT) is the largest tendon in the human body, connecting the gastrocnemius, soleus and plantaris muscles to the calcaneus. Together with these muscles, the AT causes plantarflexion of the foot at the ankle joint and flexion at the knee, which are vital functions within the gait cycle. The AT also prevents excessive dorsiflexion of the foot. Whilst AT ruptures present more commonly in the emergency department, it is still a common presentation in general practice. In the general practice setting, delayed presentations and missed diagnoses are common. An increase in presentations following the recent COVID – 19 pandemic is anticipated, as people return to sport following a lengthy lay-off. Despite an awareness of the seriousness of this injury, many clinicians are unaware of how best to manage patients. This article will focus on the aetiology of AT ruptures, presentation in general practice and how best to diagnose and manage an AT rupture.
Neck pain
Authors: Southall William
Published: May 2021

Neck pain, also known as cervicalgia, is a common presentation in primary care and represents a substantial cost to the UK’s economy. The incidence of neck pain is likely to increase in the future, due to an ageing population. Understanding the anatomy of the spine helps to explain how dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system affects the central and peripheral nervous system. This article considers the management of common causes of neck pain in primary care and when referral to a specialist or the emergency department is indicated.
The effects of ring-shaped porous inert media on equivalence ratio oscillations in a self-excited thermoacoustic instability
Authors: Dowd Cody , Meadows Joseph
Published: May 2021

Gas turbine operation increasingly relies on lean premixed (LPM) combustion to reduce harmful emissions, which is susceptible to thermoacoustic instabilities. Most combustion systems are technically premixed and exhibit a degree of equivalence ratio inhomogeneity. Thermoacoustic pressure oscillations can couple with the heat release oscillations through the generation of equivalence ratio fluctuations at fuel injection sites, which are then convected to the flame front. Previous experimental studies have shown that porous inert media (PIM) can passively mitigate these instabilities by adding acoustic damping and by reducing the thermoacoustic feedback mechanism. To understand the role of PIM on these equivalence ratio oscillations, spatially resolved, phased averaged equivalence ratio fluctuations are measured using the ratio of OH*/CH* chemiluminescence. Spatial imaging of OH* or CH* radicals produce integrated line of sight intensity values and an Abel transformation is used to obtain spatially resolved values. Phase averaged images are synced with dynamic pressure measurements, and an axisymmetric atmospheric burner is used to study the effects of ring-shaped PIM on the spatially resolved equivalence ratio field with self-excited thermoacoustic instabilities. The results show that PIM significantly reduces these fluctuations, and the effects on the stability of the system are discussed.