bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imagining sustainable energy and mobility transitions: Valence, temporality, and radicalism in 38 visions of a low-carbon future
Authors: Sovacool Benjamin K , Bergman Noam , Hopkins Debbie , Jenkins Kirsten EH , Hielscher Sabine , Goldthau Andreas , Brossmann Brent
Published: May 2020

Based on an extensive synthesis of semi-structured interviews, media content analysis, and reviews, this article conducts a qualitative meta-analysis of more than 560 sources of evidence to identify 38 visions associated with seven different low-carbon innovations – automated mobility, electric vehicles, smart meters, nuclear power, shale gas, hydrogen, and the fossil fuel divestment movement – playing a key role in current deliberations about mobility or low-carbon energy supply and use. From this material, it analyzes such visions based on rhetorical features such as common problems and functions, storylines, discursive struggles, and rhetorical effectiveness. It also analyzes visions based on typologies or degrees of valence (utopian vs. dystopian), temporality (proximal vs. distant), and radicalism (incremental vs. transformative). The article is motivated by the premise that tackling climate change via low-carbon energy systems (and practices) is one of the most significant challenges of the twenty-first century, and that effective decarbonization will require not only new energy technologies, but also new ways of understanding language, visions, and discursive politics surrounding emerging innovations and transitions.
Engaging With Biology by Asking Questions: Investigating Students’ Interaction and Learning With an Artificial Intelligence-Enriched Textbook
Authors: Koć-Januchta Marta M. , Schönborn Konrad J. , Tibell Lena A. E. , Chaudhri Vinay K. , Heller H. Craig
Published: May 2020

Applying artificial intelligence (AI) to support science learning is a prominent aspect of the digital education revolution. This study investigates students’ interaction and learning with an AI book, which enables the inputting of questions and receiving of suggested questions to understand biology, in comparison with a traditional E-book. Students ( n = 16) in a tertiary biology course engaged with the topics of energy in cells and cell signaling. The AI book group ( n = 6) interacted with the AI book first followed by the E-book, while the E-book group ( n = 10) did so in reverse. Students responded to pre-/posttests and to cognitive load, motivation, and usability questionnaires; and three students were interviewed. All interactions with the books were automatically logged. Results revealed a learning gain and a similar pattern of feature use across both books. Nevertheless, asking questions with the AI book was associated with higher retention and correlated positively with viewing visual representations more often. Students with a higher intrinsic motivation to know and to experience stimulation perceived book usability more favorably. Interviews revealed that posing and receiving suggested questions was helpful, while ideas for future development included more personalized feedback. Future research shall explore how learning can be benefitted with the AI-enriched book.
Future-Oriented Repetitive Thought: Pessimistic View of Future in Patients With Alzheimer Disease
Authors: El Haj Mohamad , Boudoukha Abdel Halim , Moustafa Ahmed A.
Published: May 2020

Objective:

In this study, we, for the first time, evaluated future-oriented repetitive thought in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD), that is, how they think and worry about the future.

Methods:

We administered the Future-Oriented Repetitive Thought scale to 34 patients with AD and 37 control participants. This scale assessed 3 categories of future-oriented repetitive thought: (1) pessimistic repetitive future thinking (eg, “I think about the possibility of losing people or things that are important to me”), (2) repetitive thinking about future goals (eg, “I make specific plans for how to get things that I want in life”), and (3) positive indulging about the future (eg, “When I picture good things happening in my future, it is as if they were actually happening to me now”).

Results:

Analysis demonstrated more pessimistic repetitive future thinking, but less repetitive thinking about future goals and positive indulging about the future, in patients with AD than in control participants.

Conclusion:

Our findings demonstrate a pessimistic view of future in patients with AD, which is possibly attributed to hopelessness and depression.
Reduction of vibration and noise in rail transit steel bridges using elastomer mats: Numerical analysis and experimental validation
Authors: Zhang Xun , Cao Zhiyang , Ruan Linghui , Li Xi , Li Xiaozhen
Published: May 2020

The noise radiating from a steel bridge can be much greater than the pass-by noise levels of trains at-grade. This is attributed to a special phenomenon known as the steel bridge-borne noise, which occurs when shocks and vibrations due to moving train loads are transferred onto the bridge. To investigate the effectiveness of elastomer mats for reducing vibration and noise in rail transit steel bridges, a frequency domain prediction model is established and calibrated through a field experiment. In this model, the train and track interactions were investigated analytically, and the receptance technique was introduced to determine the force transmitted from a multi-layer track structure to the bridge deck. The local vibrations of the bridge components were solved numerically using a hybrid shell/beam finite element model based on a harmonic response analysis. The bridge vibrations were regarded as the source of noise radiation by considering each bridge component as a rectangular flat plate noise source. There was good agreement between the calculated and measured results in terms of both the magnitude and frequency dependence. The mechanisms of vibration transmission and noise radiation were investigated using numerical simulations. In addition, the vibration and noise reduction effects are discussed by numerically comparing a track system with and without an elastomer mat.
Matters of the Heart: Grief, Morbidity, and Mortality
Authors: Fagundes Christopher P. , Wu E. Lydia
Published: May 2020

Spousal bereavement is associated with elevated risk of morbidity and mortality. Several well-regarded multidisciplinary research teams have investigated the biopsychosocial processes underlying why widows and widowers are at elevated physical-health risk. Here, we review research from multiple investigators showing that, on average, widows and widowers exhibit maladaptive patterns of autonomic, neuroendocrine, and immune activity compared with matched comparison subjects. Widows and widowers also exhibit poorer health behaviors than they did before their spouse’s death, and the considerable variation in postloss psychological-adjustment trajectories among widows and widowers likely corresponds to physical-health risk trajectories. Yet there is little biobehavioral research on patterns of change in physical-health risk after the death of a spouse. We summarize recently published work demonstrating how attachment theory can characterize and predict individual differences in physical-health biomarkers, highlighting the need for a biopsychosocial approach to understanding and characterizing postloss trajectory patterns. We conclude by discussing the possibility that this line of inquiry could help researchers, and ultimately providers, identify adjustment trajectories earlier and thus deliver appropriate interventions when they are most needed.
From evidence to values-based decision making in African parliaments
Authors: Blaser Mapitsa Caitlin , Ali Aisha Jore , Khumalo Linda Sibonile
Published: May 2020

Monitoring and Evaluation discourse in Africa has evolved to focus on building systems at a national level. While this systemic approach has many advantages, its implementation often runs up against the uncomfortable reality that governments have complex incentives to use evidence, and this evidence can equally contribute to decision making that is neither development-focused nor democratic if values are not part of the conversation. Much of the literature on public-sector reform focuses on evidence-based policy making. While relevant, it does not reflect on values, and this article will argue that acknowledging the central role values play in interpreting evidence is critical to effective national evaluation system building. To make this argument, this article will present and discuss vignettes from the parliaments of Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe that illustrate the pivotal role values have played in interpreting and acting on evidence in a parliamentary context. Finally, it makes a case for the discourse about evidence-based policy making to consider values-based policy making as an appropriate lens for parliaments to acknowledge and engage with the complex landscape of the politics of evidence.
Supporting partners of mothers with severe mental illness through text – a feasibility study
Authors: Fletcher Richard , StGeorge Jennifer M , Rawlinson Cate , Baldwin Andrea , Lanning Paul , Hoehn Elisabeth
Published: May 2020

Objective:

During the perinatal period, partners of mothers with severe mental illness (SMI) play an important role in managing the new baby and supporting the mothers’ wellbeing. Providing information via mobile phone on infant care, partner support and self-care may assist partners in their support role.

Method:

Partners (n = 23) of mothers with SMI were enrolled in a partner-focused SMS service sending brief texts 14 times per month for a maximum of 10 months. Partners (n = 16) were interviewed on exit and their responses analysed for acceptability and perceived usefulness of the texts.

Results:

Partners remained with the programme and expressed high acceptability of the texts. Participants identified effects such as increased knowledge of and interaction with their baby; effective support for their partner; and reassurance that ‘things were normal’. Few partners sought support for their own mental health.

Conclusions:

Texts supplied to mobile phones of partners of new mothers with SMI may increase partners’ support. The texts in this study were acceptable to partners and were reported to enhance a partner’s focus on the mother’s needs, raise the partner’s awareness of the infant’s needs, and support the partner’s confidence and competence in infant care.
Continual Permutations of Misunderstanding: The Curious Incidents of the Grounded Theory Method
Authors: Bryant Antony
Published: May 2020

This article draws attention to the ways in which Grounded Theory Method (GTM) continues to be a target of criticism, misunderstanding, and ill-judgement more than 50 years after its first appearance. This disparagement originates in part from some key paradoxes in the method itself. Yet this is insignificant in contrast to the continuing antagonism emanating from outside the method, indicating critical limitations in the practices of the gatekeepers of the academic world. GTM seems to be the target of continual permutations of misunderstanding, and it is these that I wish to address, and I hope, dispel in what follows.
Fermentation of high-salt liquid–state soy sauce without any additives by inoculation of lactic acid bacteria and yeast
Authors: Liu Rui , Gao Guohuan , Bai Yuwei , Hou Lihua
Published: May 2020

Food additives are artificial or natural substances that are added to food to improve the color, aroma, taste, and other qualities, and to meet processing requirements. For the concern of food health and safety, brewed soy sauce without additives has attracted consumers’ attention. Here, only four necessary raw materials including soybean, wheat, salt, and water were added. High-salt soy sauce fermentation was conducted for six months by sequential inoculation of lactic acid bacteria and yeast under different brine content (18%, 20%, and 22%). By analyzing the physicochemical indicators during moromi, three soy sauces (No. 1: 18% salt, inoculated with Tetragenococcus halophilus and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, No. 5: 20% salt, inoculated with T. halophilus and Z. rouxii, No. 11: 22% salt, inoculated with T. halophilus and Candida versatilis) were selected and sterilized to produce finished products for further comparative investigation. Results showed that the flavor components of these three soy sauces were richer in variety than the commercial soy sauces and No. 11 soy sauce was detected to have the largest total amount of organic acids. Plate count agar analysis revealed that the free amino acid differences of soy sauces were distinct, among which the No. 11 soy sauce had the highest glutamate content of 19.64 g L−1. Besides, it was found that the shelf life of these three soy sauces could reach two years at 4 ℃. This study suggests that the high-salt soy sauce made by rational application of lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and effective sterilization can have high quality and long shelf life without adding any additives.
Characterising acetabular component orientation with pelvic motion during total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Killen Cameron J , Murphy Michael P , Ralles Steven J , Khayatzadeh Saeed , Brown Nicholas M , Patwardhan Avinash G , Havey Robert M , Wu Karen
Published: May 2020

Introduction:

Suboptimal acetabular component position can result in impingement, dislocation, and accelerated wear. Intraoperative pelvic motion has led to surgeon error and acetabular cup malposition. This study characterises the relationship between pelvic rotation and postoperative acetabular cup orientation.

Methods:

A device was constructed to allow cadaveric pelvis rotation along three axes about an acetabular cup in fixed orientation. The acetabular cup was fixed in space at 40° of radiographic inclination and 15° of anteversion relative to the anterior pelvic plane to represent consistent surgeon intraoperative placement. Active marker clusters were fixed to surgical equipment while the cadaveric pelvis was cemented with passive reflective markers, both identified with the Optotrak Certus motion capture system. The reamed cadaveric pelvis was rotated along three axes from –45° to 45° of roll, –30° to 30° of tilt, and –35° to 35° of pitch. The change in component inclination and anteversion was recorded at each 5° interval. Using computed tomography 3D reconstruction, the experimental setup was duplicated computationally to assess against a greater range of pelvis and implant sizes.

Results:

Radiographic anteversion and inclination showed a non-linear relationship dependent on pelvic roll, tilt, and pitch. Radiographic anteversion changed –0.59°, 0.76° and 0.01° while radiographic inclination changed 0.23°, 0.18° and 1.00° for every 1° of pelvic roll, tilt and pitch, respectively. Computationally, anteversion changed –0.61°, 0.75° and 0.00° while inclination changed 0.22°, 0.19° and 1.00° for every 1° of pelvic roll, tilt and pitch, respectively. These results were independent of cup and pelvis size.

Conclusions:

Intraoperative pelvic motion can significantly affect final cup position, and this should be accounted for when placing acetabular components during total hip arthroplasty. Based on this study, intraoperative adjustment of the acetabular component position based on pelvis motion may be implemented to improve postoperative component position.
Hedging the risk of travel and leisure stocks: The role of crude oil
Authors: Jalkh Naji , Bouri Elie , Vo Xuan Vinh , Dutta Anupam
Published: May 2020

Unlike previous studies, we examine which of the implied volatilities of US stock and crude oil markets are more suitable and effective hedge for the downside risk of US travel and leisure (T&L) stocks. Using the corrected dynamic conditional correlation process, the results show that the T&L stock index is more negatively and more consistently correlated with the implied volatility of crude oil prices, suggesting that the oil implied volatility is a more suitable hedging asset. Similar results are reported for France, the United Kingdom, and developed markets. They are robust to the frequency of the data and model specification. Furthermore, the hedge ratios vary over time, which requires a regular update of hedged positions. Importantly, the highest hedge effectiveness is associated with the oil implied volatility.
Compressive behavior of joint core confined with core steel tube for connection of polyvinyl chloride-carbon fiber reinforced polymer–confined concrete column and reinforced concrete beam
Authors: Yu Feng , Guan Yucong , Liu Qiqi , Wang Shilong , Fang Yuan
Published: May 2020

The axial compression behavior of a new type of joint wherein the core concrete is confined by a core steel tube while the external concrete is confined by a ring stirrup is investigated in this study. Such a joint core is intended to connect a polyvinyl chloride-carbon fiber reinforced polymer–confined reinforced concrete column and reinforced concrete beam. The failure process and the effects of structural parameters on the mechanical behavior of the joint core are analyzed. Results indicate that the crushing of concrete in the joint core is the predominant failure modes of all specimens. The crack development speed is related to the specimen height and the reinforcement ratio of the core steel tube. The stirrup ratio does not significantly affect the crack development speed but can dominate the crack growth path partially during the crushing of the specimen. In addition, the ultimate bearing capacity of the joint core increases with the decrease in the specimen height, whereas it decreases as the stirrup ratio or reinforcement ratio of core steel tube decreases. Furthermore, a formula for predicting the ultimate bearing capacity of a joint core confined by a core steel tube is proposed based on dimensional analysis associated with the numerical simulations. This study is expected to provide preliminary guideline to facilitate such connection joint cores for structural systems.
Solidarity through difference: Speculative participatory serious urban gaming (SPS-UG)
Authors: Beattie Hamish , Brown Daniel , Kindon Sara
Published: May 2020

This article discusses the methodology and results of the Maslow’s Palace workshops project, which engages with current debates surrounding the democratisation of digital urban design technology and stakeholder decision making, through the implementation of a speculative oriented approach to serious gaming. The research explores how serious games might be used to help marginalised communities consider past, future and present community experiences, reconcile dissimilar assumptions, generate social capital building and design responses and prime participants for further long-term design engagement processes through a new approach called Speculative Participatory Serious Urban Gaming. Empirical material for this research was gathered from a range of case study workshops prepared with three landfill-based communities and external partners throughout 2017. Results show the approach helped participants develop shared norms, values and collective understandings of sensitive topics and develop ideas for future action through ‘collective tinkering’.
Open Surgical Approach for Type II Endoleak in Subclavian Artery Pseudoaneurysm Presented With Neurological Symptoms After Endovascular Repair
Authors: Malekpour Fatemeh , Hebeler Katherine , Kirkwood Melissa L.
Published: May 2020

We present a rare case of a 10-cm right subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm, with slow growth over 4 years after a traumatic fracture of the right clavicle. The patient had multiple prior endovascular attempts of embolization and stenting at other hospitals; despite this the pseudoaneurysm continued to grow and caused mass effect and neurologic symptoms. We present our open approach for the repair and a review of literature.
Brain Activation Imaging in Emotional Decision Making and Mental Health: A Review—Part 1
Authors: Bonnstetter Ronald J. , Collura Thomas F.
Published: May 2020

In part 1 of this article, we describe an approach and methodology that bridges 2 worlds: the internal, subjective experience of emotions and thoughts, and the external world of brain electrical activity. Using a novel event-related brain activation imaging method, we demonstrate that within single trials, short-term mental processes, on the order of 100 ms, can be clearly related to observed brain activation in controlled experiments. We use an ipsative assessment validation process that combines self-report with real-time EEG recordings to provide a combined picture of both the mental and the brain activity, during short-term reactions, emotions, and decisions regarding controlled information. Part 2 provides a detailed description of the emerging emotional decision-making model.
Association of local anesthesia versus conscious sedation with functional outcome of acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing embolectomy
Authors: Marion Joseph T , Seyedsaadat Seyed Mohammad , Pasternak Jeffery J , Rabinstein Alejandro A , Kallmes David F , Brinjikji Waleed
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Compare functional outcomes of acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing embolectomy with either local anesthesia or conscious sedation. Secondarily, identify differences in hemodynamic parameters and complication rates between groups.

Materials and methods

Single institution, retrospective review of all acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing embolectomy between January 2014 and July 2018 ( n = 185). Patients receiving general anesthesia ( n = 27) were excluded. One-hundred and eleven of 158 (70.3%) composed the local anesthesia group, and 47 (29.7%) composed the conscious sedation group. Median age was 71 years (interquartile range 59–79). Seventy-eight (49.4%) were male. The median National Institute of Health stroke scale score was 17.5 (interquartile range 11–21). Hemodynamic, medication, complication, and functional outcome data were collected from the anesthesia protocol and medical records. Good functional outcome was defined as a three-month modified Rankin Scale < 2. A multivariate analysis was performed to estimate the association of anesthesia type on three-month modified Rankin Scale score.

Results

Three-month modified Rankin Scale score <2 was similar between groups ( p = 0.5). Patients receiving conscious sedation were on average younger than patients receiving local anesthesia ( p = 0.01). Conscious sedation patients were more likely to receive intravenous thrombolytic prior to embolectomy ( p = 0.025). The complication rate and hemodynamic parameters were similar between groups.

Conclusion

Functional outcome of acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing embolectomy appears to be similar for patients receiving local anesthesia and conscious sedation. This similarity may be beneficial to a future study comparing general anesthesia to local anesthesia and conscious sedation. The use of local anesthesia or conscious sedation does not significantly impact hemodynamic status.
RNA-sequencing analysis of differential gene expression associated with arterial stiffness
Authors: Logan Jeongok G , Yun Sijung , Bao Yongde , Farber Emily , Farber Charles R
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Arterial stiffness is recognized as an important predictor of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality, independent of traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors. Given that arterial tissue is not easily accessible, most gene expression studies on arterial stiffness have been conducted on animals or on patients who have undergone by-pass surgeries. In order to obtain a deeper understanding of early changes of arterial stiffness, this study compared transcriptome profiles between healthy adults with higher and lower arterial stiffness.

Methods

The sample included 20 healthy female adults without cardiovascular disease. Arterial stiffness was measured by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, the “gold-standard” measure of central arterial stiffness. Peripheral blood samples collected to PAXgene™ RNA tubes were used for RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The potential confounding effects of age, body mass index, and mean arterial pressure were controlled for in RNA-seq analysis. To validate RNA-seq results, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed for six selected genes.

Results

The findings demonstrated that genes including CAPN9, IL32, ERAP2, RAB6B, MYBPH, and miRNA626 were down-regulated, and that MOCS1 gene was up-regulated among the people with higher arterial stiffness. Real-time PCR showed that the changes of CAPN9, IL32, ERAP2, and RAB6B were in concordance with RNA-seq data, and confirmed the validity of the gene expression profiles obtained by RNA-seq analysis.

Conclusions

Previous studies have suggested the potential roles of CAPN9, IL32, and ERAP2 in structural changes of the arterial wall through up-regulation of metalloproteinases. However, the current study showed that CAPN9, IL32, and ERAP2 were down-regulated in the individuals with higher arterial stiffness, compared with those with lower arterial stiffness. The unexpected directions of expression of these genes may indicate an effort to maintain vascular homeostasis during increased arterial stiffness among healthy individuals. Further studies are guaranteed to investigate the roles of CAPN9, IL32, and ERAP2 in regulating arterial stiffness in people with and without cardiovascular disease.
Potential genes and pathways along with immune cells infiltration in the progression of atherosclerosis identified via microarray gene expression dataset re-analysis
Authors: Xu Jing , Yang Yuejin
Published: May 2020

Objective

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process characterized by the accumulation and formation of lipid-rich plaques within the layers of the arterial wall. Although numerous studies have reported the underlying pathogenesis, no data-based studies have been conducted to analyze the potential genes and immune cells infiltration in the different stages of atherosclerosis via bioinformatics analysis.

Methods

In this study, we downloaded GSE100927 and GSE28829 from NCBI-GEO database. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment were performed via the DAVID database. The protein interaction network was constructed via STRING. Enriched hub genes were analyzed by the Cytoscape software. The evaluation of the infiltrating immune cells in the dataset samples was performed by the CIBERSORT algorithm.

Results

We identified 114 common upregulated differentially expressed genes and 22 common downregulated differentially expressed genes. (adjust p value < 0.01 and log FC ≥ 1). A cluster of 10 genes including CYBA, SLC11A1, FCER1G, ITGAM, ITGB2, CD53, ITGAX, VAMP8, CLEC5A, and CD300A were found to be significant. Through the deconvolution algorithm CIBERSORT, we analyzed the significant alteration of immune cells infiltration in the progression of atherosclerosis with the threshold of the Wilcoxon test at p value <0.05.

Conclusions

These results may reveal the underlying correlations between genes and immune cells in atherosclerosis, which enable us to investigate the novel insights for the development of treatments and drugs.
In vitro quality evaluation of generic ciprofloxacin tablets available in community pharmacies of Dessie town, Northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Desta Haile K , Teklehaimanot Tekleab T
Published: May 2020

The introduction of generic drug products from multiple sources into the health care system of many developing countries may lead to spread of substandard medicines. Post marketing surveillance is very crucial to ensure product quality and eliminate substandard medicines and consequently, ensure better patient clinical outcome. Hence, the aim of the present work was to assess the quality of six generic ciprofloxacin hydrochloride 500 mg tablets available in Dessie town, Northeast Ethiopia using in vitro quality control tests. Weight variation test, disintegration test, dissolution test and assay for the content of active ingredients were done as per the United States pharmacopoeia. All generic ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets were evaluated for conformity with United States Pharmacopoeial standards.The results of weight variation test indicated that all samples were complied with United States Pharmacopoeial specifications.The percentage content of generic ciprofloxacin tablets was within the range of 90–110% and the disintegration time was found between 2.375 and 6.31 min. In addition, generic ciprofloxacin tablets released more than 80% of the drug in 30 min. Hence, all generic ciprofloxacin tablets met the quality control parameters as per the United States pharmacopoeial specifications.
Independent validation of a predictive nomogram for risk of reinfection in women with recurrent non-complicated urinary tract infections
Authors: Gonzales Favoreto Marcelo , Pereira Gregorio Emerson , Averbeck Marcio Augusto , Almeida Silvio Henrique Maia de
Published: May 2020

Aims:

Independent external validation of a predictive nomogram for risk of reinfection in women with a history of non-complicated recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI).

Methods:

A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted to validate the LUTIRE nomogram in a Brazilian female cohort. The nomogram was applied to 81 women presenting non-complicated recurring UTI screened at a urological clinic. External validation was performed using the nomogram variables in patients followed up from January 2014 to December 2016 at a urological clinic. Accuracy of the nomogram was obtained by analyzing the predictive capacity observed in the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to assess the ability of the nomogram variables to predict the recurrence of UTI over 12 months. The time to recurrence of infection was calculated using a Kaplan–Meier curve and the log-rank test with calculation of the hazard ratio.

Results:

The mean age of the study population was 42.8 years; 57 women (70.37%) had recurrence. The independent variables with statistical significance in the multivariate analysis were gram-negative bacteria [odds ratio (OR) 18.38; p = 0.03897] and number of UTIs in the past 12 months (OR 25.11; p = 0.00006). The accuracy of the nomogram for discriminating patients who had UTI recurrence was 82.6% (95% CI = 72.5–90.1).

Conclusion:

The LUTIRE nomogram showed good accuracy among Brazilian women with recurrent UTI.
Study on modification mechanism of workability and mechanical properties for graphene oxide-reinforced cement composite
Authors: Suo Yuxia , Guo Rongxin , Xia Haiting , Yang Yang , Yan Feng , Ma Qianmin
Published: May 2020

Graphene oxide/cement composite was prepared using a graphene oxide aqueous solution. The workability and mechanical properties of graphene oxide/cement composite with different concentrations for graphene oxide and the ratio of water to cement were investigated. The results observed were the fluidity of cement pastes decreased noticeably with the addition of graphene oxide and increased with the increase in the ratio of water to cement for all tested samples of different graphene oxide contents. It is indicated that a noticeable inverse correlation between the concentration of graphene oxide and fluidity was observed, and a positive linear relationship between the ratio of water to cement and fluidity was also obtained. The compressive strength of cement pastes significantly improved in the presence of an appropriate concentration of graphene oxide as compared to that of the cement paste without graphene oxide; this difference was due to the denser microstructure of graphene oxide/cement composite than that of the control specimens. With the combined analysis of X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometry, the results showed that graphene oxide could promote and regulate the formation and connection of calcium hydroxide and calcium silicate hydrate during the hydration reaction, forming numerous regular and extremely compact plate-shaped crystals, and the compact plate-shaped microstructures constituted of not only calcium hydroxide and calcium silicate hydrate but also wrapped ettringite. This investigation will provide a flexible way to preparation of graphene oxide/cement composite with wanted fluidity and optimized compressive strength that promote the industry application of graphene oxide/cement composite.
More Than “Peasants Without Land”: Individualisation and Identity Formation of Landless Peasants in the Process of China’s State-Led Rural Urbanisation
Authors: Heger Isabel
Published: May 2020

In the course of state-led rural urbanisation over the past few decades, millions of Chinese peasants have been expropriated and relocated. After establishing a definition of these “landless peasants” as a heterogeneous social group connected mainly by the fact that its members had to give up their land-use rights, this article sets out to examine subsequent processes of identity formation – a topic that has been largely neglected in existing research. Drawing on Beck’s individualisation thesis, I suggest that structural and institutional changes in the process of rural modernisation have initiated a further thrust of individualisation in people’s lives which manifests not only in the objective domain of life situations but also in the subjective domain of identity. This hypothesis is substantiated through an ethnographic case study based on seven months of fieldwork (2016–2018) in Huaming Model Town in the Dongli District of Tianjin. As a first step towards conceptualising what landless peasants are becoming, I will propose to start focusing on recombinant identities and class differentiations evolving among the people.
Justicidin B Inhibits PDGF-BB-Induced Proliferation and ECM Accumulation in Mesangial Cells via Nrf2/HO-1 and Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ai Zhong-zhu , Zhou Shan-shan , Wu Song-tao , Hong Zong-chao , Zhang Yu , Wang Meng-fan , Yang Yan-fang , Wu He-zhen
Published: May 2020

Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPGN) is characterized by mesangial cell proliferation, inflammation, and extracellular matrix deposition in the mesangial area, which develops into glomerulosclerosis and contributes to end-stage renal disease. Justicidin B is a bioactive compound isolated from Justicia procumbens L., a traditional herbal remedy that reduces proteinuria in nephritis. However, the mechanism of Justicidin B’s therapeutic effect on MsPGN remains unclear. This study was aimed to explore the positive effect of Justicidin B on MsPGN. The results showed that Justicidin B attenuated the proliferation induced by platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) in MCs and blocked cell cycle progression. Likewise, inflammatory factors, including monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), in MCs were decreased after treatment with Justicidin B. In addition, Justicidin B exhibited antioxidant activity in PDGF-BB-induced MCs, shown by the decreased production of malondialdehyde and T-AOC, and increased the expression of superoxide dismutase. Besides, Justicidin B suppressed extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition by reducing the protein levels of collagen IV and fibronectin. Furthermore, we found that Justicidin B significantly inhibited activation of the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in MCs induced by PDGF-BB, but enhanced the levels of proteins in the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) pathway. Taken together, Justicidin B prevented PDGF-BB-induced proliferation, inflammation, oxidative stress, and ECM accumulation via regulating the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
Computed Tomography Findings Can Help Identify Different Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyp Phenotypes
Authors: Roland Lauren T. , Marcus Sonya , Schertzer Joseph S. , Wise Sarah K. , Levy Joshua M. , DelGaudio John M.
Published: May 2020

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) has several phenotypes.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to evaluate computed tomography (CT) findings associated with each CRSwNP phenotype.

Methods

Patient charts between January 2015 and March 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient groups, including allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS), aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), central compartment atopic disease (CCAD) and CRSwNP not otherwise specified (CRSwNP NOS), were determined by standard criteria. The oldest CT scan available was reviewed for Lund–Mackay (LM) score, septal involvement of inflammatory disease, opacification of olfactory clefts, nasal cavity opacification, and oblique positioning of the middle turbinates. Nonparametric analyses of variance were performed with correction for multiple comparisons.

Results

A total of 356 patients had scans available for review; 80 (23%) patients were categorized into the AFRS group, 101 (28%) in the AERD group, 43 (12%) in the CCAD group, and 132 (37%) in the CRSwNP NOS group. Septal inflammatory involvement and oblique middle turbinate orientation on CT scans was higher in both AERD patients and CCAD patients as compared to AFRS and CRSwNP NOS patients ( P < .05). Olfactory cleft opacification was increased in the AERD group compared to all other diagnoses ( P < .05). The CCAD group showed lower LM scores compared to all other groups ( P < .05), and the AFRS group revealed the greatest differences between left and right LM grades, representing unilaterality of disease ( P < .05).

Conclusion

CRSwNP encompasses many subsets of disease, which have varying treatments and intraoperative findings. Preoperative CT findings can be used to differentiate between these groups to improve prediction of diagnoses and patient counseling.
Brazil’s war on COVID-19: Crisis, not conflict—Doctors, not generals
Authors: Pfrimer Matheus Hoffmann , Barbosa Ricardo
Published: May 2020

This commentary first documents the ways in which President Jair Bolsonaro’s administration has evoked securitized discursive strategies that frame Brazil’s national response to COVID-19 as a matter of defense instead of public health. We then ask: What does it mean to talk about the virus and the ways to address it through war-framings? We argue that the Bolsonaro administration has framed the COVID-19 pandemic as an extra-territorial threat in an effort to create internal stability while failing to handle the matter effectively. Such politically motivated spatial framings inhibit an effective response in Brazil and pose a severe threat to public health. Once COVID-19 becomes securitized, the response is framed by the military bureaucracy rather than public health authorities, resulting in dangerous consequences.
Linear porokeratosis presenting in adulthood: A diagnostic challenge: A case report
Authors: Nazarian Roya S , Hosseinipour Mojgan , Amin Bijal , Cohen Steven R
Published: May 2020

Linear porokeratosis is a rare variant of porokeratosis that most often presents in newborns and children; development of this porokeratosis variant in adulthood is far less common. We report the case of a 25-year-old female who presented with a progressive eruption on the proximal upper extremity of 6-year duration, which was ultimately diagnosed as adult-onset linear porokeratosis and safely treated with oral isotretinoin. We propose that a sporadic mutation resulting in mosaicism after birth may explain the development of linear porokeratosis in adulthood, although the exact trigger of such a somatic mutation is not known. This case also describes a unique clinical presentation, with linear porokeratosis lesions originating on the proximal extremity rather than on the more common distal extremity. This demonstrates a distinctive clinical presentation not seen in the pediatric forms of disease.
Achieving Better Educational Practices Through Research Evidence: A Critical Analysis and Case Illustration of Benefits and Challenges
Authors: Ross Steven M. , Morrison Jennifer R.
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

We examine considerations regarding the positive contributions of evidence accountability and challenges that frustrate educators in gaining access to the needed product information.

Design/Approach/Methods:

We review the research literature on the multiple characteristics of evidence relative to consumer (practitioner) interests. We then examine, through a “case illustration” of an initiative in a large school district, a second challenge for evidence usage—conducting viable studies and interpreting outcomes from comprehensive interventions in complex educational systems.

Findings:

Despite attention being given to rigorous evidence, consumers report preferring peer recommendations and local pilot studies as sources. In our case illustration, we found that the availability of evidence from comprehensive formative evaluation studies was viewed by stakeholders as positively contributing to program implementation quality and sustainability over time.

Originality/Value:

We use a real-world “case illustration” of a complex initiative in a large, diverse school district to illustrate how current policies and expectations regarding evidence support for educational programs is filtered through multiple agendas and personal needs of key stakeholders. Consequently, evaluators acquire nontraditional roles that go beyond routine execution of rigorous studies. Given these factors, we offer recommendations for fostering more meaningful and objective interpretations and usage of evidence by local stakeholders.
Identity and Recognition in the Case of ‘Dalits’
Authors: Venkataraman Prabhu
Published: May 2020

Recognition plays an important role in shaping up the personality of humans in social and political context. Recognition is the act of accepting or respecting other beings or group, a ‘vital human need’, an important means of valuing the other. In this paper, we focus on how language plays an important role in recognition and misrecognition. We address this issue with specific reference to ‘Dalits’. ‘Dalit’ as an identity is created by the subjects of recognition in retaliation against the misrecognition by others. We trace how the identity of ‘Dalits’ is formed and we argue that ‘Dalit’ identity can only be a temporary identity in realizing an egalitarian society.
Lipoma Arborescens of the Subdeltoid Bursa Associated With Rotator Cuff Tear: A Case Report
Authors: Kawashima Kenji , Terabayashi Nobuo , Asano Hiromi , Akiyama Haruhiko
Published: May 2020

Lipoma arborescens is a rare synovial lesion characterized by villous proliferation of the synovial membrane and replacement of subsynovial tissue with mature fat cells. The knee joint is the most frequently affected site, particularly in the suprapatellar pouch. However, there have been few reports regarding shoulder involvement, including the glenohumeral joint and subacromial subdeltoid bursa, associated with rotator cuff tear. This article reviews the case of a 67-year-old man who presented with lipoma arborescens of the left shoulder, associated with a rotator cuff tear. Sonography revealed a fluid collection with thickening of the synovial membrane with hyperechoic villous proliferation, located in the subdeltoid bursa. An arthroscopic synovectomy and rotator cuff repair were performed. Arthroscopic findings included yellow frond-like synovial proliferation of the synovium. Postoperatively, the patient was asymptomatic, and the lesion did not recur. Although magnetic resonance imaging is the first-line imaging modality for diagnosis of this lesion, sonography may be used initially for evaluation of chronic joint swelling. In addition, it can be useful for detection of recurrence after synovectomy. This case illustrates the typical sonographic features of lipoma arborescens.
Inhibition of platelet phagocytosis as an in vitro predictor for therapeutic potential of RBC antibodies in murine ITP
Authors: Khan Ramsha , Menard Melissa , Jen Chao-Ching , Chen Xi , Norris Peter A. A. , Lazarus Alan H.
Published: May 2020

Polyclonal anti-D is a first-line therapy for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Monoclonal antibodies are desirable alternatives, but none have yet proven successful despite their ability to opsonize erythrocytes (or red blood cells, RBCs) and cause anemia. Here, we examined 12 murine erythrocyte–specific antibodies of different specificity and subtypes and found that 8 of these antibodies could induce anemia in antigen-positive mice. Of these 8 antibodies, only 5 ameliorated ITP. All antibodies were examined for their in vitro ability to support macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of erythrocytes. Antibodies which supported erythrocyte phagocytosis in vitro successfully ameliorated ITP in vivo. To examine the ability of each antibody to inhibit phagocytosis of platelets, the antibodies were used to sensitize erythrocytes in vitro and these were added to a platelet phagocytosis assay. Antibodies that inhibited platelet phagocytosis in vitro also all ameliorated ITP in vivo. We conclude that inducing anemia is not a sufficient condition for amelioration of ITP but that the antibody’s ability to prevent platelet phagocytosis in vitro predicted its ability to ameliorate ITP. We suggest that inhibition of in vitro platelet phagocytosis may prove to be a valuable tool for determining which erythrocyte antibodies would likely be candidates for clinical use in ITP.
Cold agglutinin disease revisited: a multinational, observational study of 232 patients
Authors: Berentsen Sigbjørn , Barcellini Wilma , D’Sa Shirley , Randen Ulla , Tvedt Tor Henrik Anderson , Fattizzo Bruno , Haukås Einar , Kell Megan , Brudevold Robert , Dahm Anders E. A. , Dalgaard Jakob , Frøen Hege , Hallstensen Randi Fykse , Jæger Pernille H. , Hjorth-Hansen Henrik , Małecka Agnieszka , Oksman Markku , Rolke Jürgen , Sekhar Mallika , Sørbø Jon Hjalmar , Tjønnfjord Eirik , Tsykunova Galina , Tjønnfjord Geir E.
Published: May 2020

We retrospectively studied 232 patients with cold agglutinin disease (CAD) at 24 centers in 5 countries. In Norway and a northern region of Italy, the study was close to being population-based. For the first time, we demonstrate fourfold differences between cold and warmer climates regarding prevalence (20 vs 5 cases/million) and incidence (1.9 vs 0.48 cases/million per year). Mean baseline hemoglobin level was 9.3 g/dL, but 27% had hemoglobin <8 g/dL. Identification of typical features of CAD-associated lymphoproliferative disorder in the bone marrow was greatly increased by centralized biopsy assessment. CAD seems to be associated with a slightly increased risk of venous thrombosis. This work includes a follow-up study of therapies, focusing on the long-term outcomes of the rituximab plus bendamustine and rituximab plus fludarabine regimens. Rituximab plus bendamustine therapy resulted in responses in 35 (78%) of 45 patients; 24 (53%) achieved complete response. Interestingly, these rates were still higher than observed in the original (2017) prospective trial, and we also found a shift toward deeper responses with time. This is explained by the prolonged time to response seen in many patients, probably related to long-lived plasma cells. In patients responding to rituximab-bendamustine, median response duration was not reached after 88 months, and estimated 5-year sustained remission was 77%. The regimen appeared safe regarding late-occurring malignancies. Rituximab plus fludarabine therapy seems to carry a higher risk of long-term adverse effects.