bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunotherapeutic effects of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells on systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Liu Fang , Chen Hui , Chen Tao , Lau Chak-sing , Yu Fu-xun , Chen Kun , Chen Hou-ping , Pan Run-sang , Chan Godfrey Chi-Fung , Zhang Xiang-yan , Nie Ying-jie
Published: June 2020

Mesenchymal stem cells have been applied to treat graft versus host disease as they have immunosuppressive ability and can overcome the major histocompatibility complex–histocompatibility barrier. The potential of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was investigated in this study. MRL/lpr mice which can develop acquired SLE-like phenotypes were selected as an animal model. Mesenchymal stem cells obtained from green fluorescent protein-transgenic ICR mice were infused into MRL/lpr mice at either the early or late stage of disease. The dosage was 1 × 106/mice per infusion. Mice were stratified into six groups including negative controls and those receiving one, two, three, four or five doses at 2-weekly intervals. The phenotypes were monitored regularly. After treatment, the spleen CD3+CD4–CD8– T and CD19+ B cells of two-dose mesenchymal stem cell-treated mice were significantly lower than those of the phosphate-buffered saline control. In terms of reducing the severity of SLE such as hair loss, skin ulcers, proteinuria and anti-dsDNA level, mesenchymal stem cells given at the early stage responded better and mice receiving two doses of mesenchymal stem cells performed better than those receiving either a lower dose (one dose) or higher doses (three, four or five doses). In conclusion, early treatment and an optimal dose of mesenchymal stem cells can effectively suppress the murine SLE model.
Lupus nephritis: correlation of immunohistochemical expression of C4d, CD163-positive M2c-like macrophages and Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells with disease activity and chronicity
Authors: Allam Maram , Fathy Hanan , Allah Dina Abd , Salem Mona Abd Elkader
Published: June 2020

Background

C4d, which is a serum complement cleavage product of the activated complement component C4, was found to be an accurate indicator of lupus activity compared to complement levels. Recently, macrophages have been considered to be pivotal members in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (LN). M2c-like macrophages have anti-inflammatory functions and promote fibrosis. Multiple studies have detected that LN is associated with an imbalance between the regulatory T cell (Treg) population and the inflammatory T helper subtypes.

Methods

We evaluated and scored the immunohistochemical expression of C4d, CD163-positive M2C-macrophages and Foxp3-expressing Tregs in 53 renal biopsies of LN. Their expression was scored and correlated with clinical and histological disease activity and chronicity.

Results

Class IV was the most prevalent class (50.9%), followed by class III (17%). PTC-C4d intensity score, CD163% of positive M2c macrophages and FOXP3% of positive Tregs were significantly correlated with chronicity index ( rs = 0.292, p = 0.034; rs = 0.407, p = 0.003; and rs = 0.296, p = 0.031, respectively). Also, FOXP3% of positive Tregs was significantly correlated with LN class ( rs = 0.31, p = 0.024).

Conclusion

C4d-PTC, CD163-positive M2c macrophages and FOXP3-positive Tregs are markers that significantly correlated with chronicity in LN. Further studies are needed to evaluate their prognostic value.
Serological Survey of Humans Exposed to Burkholderia mallei–Infected Equids: A Public Health Approach
Authors: Singha Harisankar , Shanmugasundaram Karuppusamy , Saini Sheetal , Tripathi Bhupendra Nath
Published: June 2020

Glanders is a fatal bacterial infection of equids caused by Burkholderia mallei. The infection can be transmitted to humans through prolonged direct contact with glanderous equids. Recently, reemergence of equine glanders has been reported in many countries. To investigate zoonotic transmission of B mallei infection, sera were collected from 538 humans including equine handlers and veterinary professionals exposed to glanderous equids. Samples were tested by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and complement fixation test and found negative for B mallei–specific antibodies. Even though there was no incidence of human glanders during this survey period, occupational exposure will continue to remain a serious concern and a key risk factor. Therefore, we emphasize the need for intersectoral collaboration and coordination among veterinary, human, and public health authorities for continuous surveillance and monitoring of human glanders under one health concept.
How Do Colleges and Universities Respond to Covid-19: The Experience of Chengdu Sport University
Authors: Kan Mengquing , Zhou Jihe
Published: June 2020

Since the outbreak of Covid-19 infectious pneumonia in Wuhan, China, in January 2019, it has rapidly spread to 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) across the country within 3 months. Chengdu Sport University is the only physical education institution in Southwest China. During the epidemic period, the university actively responded to the call of the government and issued response measures as soon as possible to achieve the goal of zero infection among teachers and students. This article describes in detail how to deal with the new coronavirus in colleges and universities during the epidemic.
Distinct Expression of miR-378 in Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and/or Cleft Palate: A Cogitation of Skewed Sex Ratio in Prevalence
Authors: Xu Yuzi , Xie Binbin , Shi Jue , Li Jia , Zhou Chuan , Lu Wei , Xu Fengqin , He Fuming
Published: June 2020

Objective:

Nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or cleft palate (NSCL/P) is an isolated phenotype of orofacial clefts with skewed sex ratio in prevalence. This study aims to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and microRNAs (DEMs) of NSCL/P by integrated bioinformatics analysis, revealing mechanisms for sexual dimorphism in prevalence.

Materials and Methods:

First, we downloaded the expression profile data from Gene Expression Omnibus database to identify DEGs and DEMs. Second, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses performed DEGs’ functions. Then, clustered DEGs were identified through protein–protein interaction networks. Combining clustered DEGs with key genes searched in GeneCards enlarged NSCL/P-related genes. Moreover, the genes were linked by transcription factors (TFs). Subsequently, connected by the above TFs, DEMs and genes were used to establish the miRNA-TF-messenger RNA (mRNA) regulatory networks.

Results:

The DEGs in sex-ignored group, female-only group, and male-only group were obtained, respectively. Among the DEMs, miR-378 was downregulated in females but upregulated in males. In female-only group, the miRNA-TF-mRNA regulatory networks showed miR-378-SP1-POLE2/CDK6/EZR regulatory axis was found to be key candidates of NSCL/P.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that different expression of miR-378 is consistent with the skewed sex ratio in the prevalence of NSCL/P.
Association Between Genetic Variants in FADS1-FADS2 and ELOVL2 and Obesity, Lipid Traits, and Fatty Acids in Tunisian Population
Authors: Khamlaoui Wided , Mehri Sounira , Hammami Sonia , Hammouda Souha , Chraeif Imed , Elosua Roberto , Hammami Mohamed
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to determine whether genetic variants in FADS1/FADS2 and ELOVL2 are associated with overweight–obesity and body mass index (BMI) and to assess the association between these genetic variants and lipid profile and fatty acid levels. A total of 259 overweight–obese patients were compared to 369 healthy controls. FADS1, FADS2, and ELOVL2 genes were associated with BMI and overweight–obesity ( P ≤ .001). In an additive model, the C allele in each of these variants was associated with a lower BMI: −1.18, −0.90, and −1.23 units, respectively. Higher amounts of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total saturated fatty acids (lauric [12:0], myristic [C14:0], palmitic [C16:0], stearic [C18:0], arachidic [20:0], lignoceric [24:0]), monounsaturated fatty acids (myristoleic [C14:1], erucic [C22:1 n-9]), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (α-linolenic [ALA, 18:3 n-3], docosahexaenoic [DHA, C22:6 n-3], eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA, C20:5n-3], arachidonic acid [AA, 20:4n-6], and conjugated linolenic acids [CLA1 and CLA2]) were shown in patients. A significant increase in D6D activities presented by 20:4n-6/18:2n-6 and 18:3n-6/18:2n-6, Δ9 desaturase (D9D) activity, estimated by the ratio 18:1n-9/18:0 and elongase activities (AE), and estimated by the ratio of docosatetraenoic/AA and DPA/EPA in patients. The C minor allele of FADS1 had significantly lower DHA. A significant decrease in stearic acid, EPA, and AE activity (docosatetraenoic/AA) was revealed in patients with the minor allele carriers of FADS2. The C minor allele of ELOVL2 had significantly lower ALA, EPA, DPA, and D6D activity (C20:4 n-6/C18:2n-6). These data suggest that variations in FADS1, FADS2, and ELOVL2 affect the risk of overweight–obesity and the level of circulating fatty acids and could point to a key molecular pathway of metabolic syndrome and its related comorbidities.
Influence of grilling pretreatment and optimization of sous vide processing parameters on the physicochemical and microbiological quality of pirarucu fillet
Authors: Pino−Hernández Enrique , Almeida da Costa Wanessa , Furtado Araujo Eder A , Villa Pedro M , Henriques Lourenço Lúcia de F , de Carvalho Junior Raul
Published: June 2020

The demand for high-quality food products has promoted the study of techniques for its processing and conservation. The present research aimed to evaluate the influence of grilling pretreatment on the physical characteristics of pirarucu fillets and the heat transfer process by a computational modelling, and to optimize the sous vide process parameters. Before and after the sous vide process, the samples were analysed for microbiological, chemical and physical characteristics. There was no significant difference between the total experimental time of grilling and that obtained by computational modelling. Immersion in brine for 300 s in combination with grilling at 200 ℃/120 s was selected because of its water-holding capacity (%) 79.40 ± 0.31, texture (N) 1.91 ± 0.40 and value of L* 74.44 ± 0.38 in the fillets. Cooking at 60 ℃ for 568.8 s were the best sous vide parameters obtained, with highest water-holding capacity (%) 93.60, texture (N) 6.24, Δ E* 7.43, and with microbiological loads below 6 log CFU/g and 7 log MPN/g in the final product. Useful information obtained from this study highlighted the brine and grill pretreatment in combination with sous vide proved it is a potential solution for developing pirarucu products even at an industrial scale.
The effect of different ultraviolet-C light doses on microbial reduction and the components of camel milk
Authors: Dhahir Namariq , Feugang Jean , Witrick Katherine , Park Seongbin , White Shecoya , AbuGhazaleh Amer
Published: June 2020

As a result of increasing interest in non-thermal technologies as a possible alternative or complementary to milk pasteurization processing, the objectives of this study were to determine the effects of different ultraviolet-C light doses on the viability of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and chemical changes to camel milk components. Pasteurized and inoculated camel milk samples were ultraviolet-C treated in a continuous flow system. The viability of E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium was evaluated with both in vivo imaging system and traditional plate count agar method. Samples subjected to the 4.15, 8.30, and 12.45 mJ/cm2 of ultraviolet-C treatment resulted in 1.9, 3.3, and 3.9-log reductions in E. coli O157:H7 and 0.9, 3, and 3.9-log reductions in S. Typhimurium, respectively. The measurement of secondary lipid peroxidation products (or ThioBarbituric Acid Reactive Substance values) showed no significant (P > 0.05) differences between the raw and ultraviolet-C treated milk samples. Additionally, no changes (P > 0.05) in the protein profiles of αs1-casein, α-lactalbumin, and lactoferrin were observed between both samples. Compared to the untreated raw milk, c9 t11 conjugated linoleic acid decreased (P < 0.01) while t10 c12 conjugated linoleic acid increased (P < 0.01) in the ultraviolet-C treated milk. Furthermore, three new volatile compounds were identified in the ultraviolet-C treated milk compared to the control. In conclusion, milk treated with the ultraviolet-C light at a dose of 12.45 mJ/cm2 did not meet the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements for the 5-log pathogen reduction. The ultraviolet-C treatment, on the other hand, had minimal effects on camel milk components.
Comparison of Doppler ultrasonic and oscillometric devices (with or without proprietary optimisations) for non-invasive blood pressure measurement in conscious cats
Authors: Cerna Petra , Archontakis Panos E , Cheuk Hester OK , Gunn-Moore Danièlle A
Published: June 2020

Objectives

This study compared Doppler and oscillometric (PetMAP+) devices (with or without proprietary optimisations) for the non-invasive measurement of blood pressure in conscious cats.

Methods

Twenty-three cats were enrolled; however, five were excluded as fewer than five measurements were obtained for each assessment. All measurements were obtained according to American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine consensus guidelines. Oscillometric device modes A and B were operated according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Doppler and oscillometric devices were used alternately as the first device.

Results

Systolic arterial blood pressure (SAP) measurements were obtained by Doppler (SAPd) and oscillometry; the mean of each set of five values was used for statistical analysis. There was a significant difference between SAPd and SAP measurements in oscillometric modes A ( P <0.001) and B ( P <0.001). While both modes measured SAP higher than SAPd, B had a smaller bias (+15.72 mmHg) and narrower limits of agreement (LOA). There was also a significant difference between SAPd and mean arterial pressure (MAP) on oscillometric modes A ( P = 0.002) and B ( P <0.001). Both modes’ MAP readings were lower than SAPd and oscillometric A MAP was closer to SAPd (–14.94 mmHg), with a smaller bias and narrower LOA.

Conclusions and relevance

The findings support that Doppler and oscillometric devices cannot be used interchangeably, with or without proprietary optimisations. Methodology should always be taken into account and reference intervals (RIs) need to be defined for the different methodologies. Until methodology-specific RIs are published, definitive diagnosis of hypertension and sub-staging of patients with kidney disease according to the International Renal Interest Society guidelines remains challenging.
Contemporary Management of Clinically Non-functioning Pituitary Adenomas: A Clinical Review
Authors: AlMalki Mussa H , Ahmad Maswood M , Brema Imad , AlDahmani Khaled M , Pervez Nadeem , Al-Dandan Sadeq , AlObaid Abdullah , Beshyah Salem A
Published: June 2020

Non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) are benign pituitary tumours that constitute about one-third of all pituitary adenomas. They typically present with symptoms of mass effects resulting in hypopituitarism, visual symptoms, or headache. Most NFPAs are macroadenomas (>1 cm in diameter) at diagnosis that can occasionally grow quite large and invade the cavernous sinus causing acute nerve compression and some patients may develop acute haemorrhage due to pituitary apoplexy. The progression from benign to malignant pituitary tumours is not fully understood; however, genetic and epigenetic abnormalities may be involved. Non-functioning pituitary carcinoma is extremely rare accounting for only 0.1% to 0.5 % of all pituitary tumours and presents with cerebrospinal, meningeal, or distant metastasis along with the absence of features of hormonal hypersecretion. Pituitary surgery through trans-sphenoidal approach has been the treatment of choice for symptomatic NFPAs; however, total resection of large macroadenomas is not always possible. Recurrence of tumours is frequent and occurs in 51.5% during 10 years of follow-up and negatively affects the overall prognosis. Adjuvant radiotherapy can decrease and prevent tumour growth but at the cost of significant side effects. The presence of somatostatin receptor types 2 and 3 (SSTR3 and SSTR2) and D2-specific dopaminergic receptors (D2R) within NFPAs has opened a new perspective of medical treatment for such tumours. The effect of dopamine agonist from pooled results on patients with NFPAs has emerged as a very promising treatment modality as it has resulted in reduction of tumour size in 30% of patients and stabilization of the disease in about 58%. Despite the lack of long-term studies on the mortality, the available limited evidence indicates that patients with NFPA have higher standardized mortality ratios (SMR) than the general population, with women particularly having higher SMR than men. Older age at diagnosis and higher doses of glucocorticoid replacement therapy are the only known predictors for increased mortality.
The ‘bad’ and exceptionally ‘good’: constructing the African refugee
Authors: Davis Rohan Miller
Published: June 2020

An increase in refugees entering Australia from Africa, particularly Sudan, in recent times has inspired debate about the implications associated with immigration. Combining insights from the fields of discourse theory and metaphor analysis, this work explores the construction of the African refugee as presented in the Australian tabloid news media newspapers the Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph. Special attention is dedicated to how the ‘bad’ and ‘good’ African refugees have been constructed. While the constitution of the ‘good’ refugee appears to be a positive development, it is argued that the way in which this has been done does more harm than good as it reinforces the idea that it is unusual for African refugees to be non-violent and successful.
Fatal underhanded chronic enterovirus infection associated with anti-CD20 monotherapy for central nervous system demyelinating disease
Authors: Luciani Léa , Ninove Laetitia , Zandotti Christine , Chalvignac Virginie , Lagier David , Baume Julien , Mélade Julien , Piorkowski Géraldine , Coutard Bruno , Lepidi Hubert , Pelletier Jean , Audoin Bertrand , Rico-Lamy Audrey , Nougairède Antoine
Published: June 2020

We report a fatal case of coxsackievirus B4 chronic infection in a 30-year-old woman with a diagnosis of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disorder controlled by rituximab monotherapy for 3 years. Initially presenting as self-limited meningitis, the infection remained silent for 8 months before the sudden onset of fulminant myocarditis. Analysis of the complete genome showed that the same virus was responsible for both episodes.
A novel in-home digital treatment to improve processing speed in people with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study
Authors: Bove Riley , Rowles William , Zhao Chao , Anderson Annika , Friedman Samuel , Langdon Dawn , Alexander Amber , Sacco Simone , Henry Roland , Gazzaley Adam , Feinstein Anthony , Anguera Joaquin A
Published: June 2020

Objective:

To assess whether a videogame-like digital treatment is superior to a control in improving processing speed in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods:

Adults with MS and baseline Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) z-scores between −2 and 0 were enrolled in a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial. After completing a baseline in-clinic evaluation (Visit 1), they were randomized to complete an in-home, tablet-based videogame-like digital treatment (AKL-T03) or control word game (AKL-T09) for up to 25 minutes/day, 5 days/week, for 6 weeks. A repeat in-clinic evaluation occurred at 6 weeks (Visit 2), and again 8 weeks later to determine persistence of effects (Visit 3). The pre-specified primary outcome was change in SDMT score between Visits 1 and 2.

Results:

SDMT increased at Visit 2 for participants randomized to both AKL-T03 ( p < 0.001) and AKL-T09 ( p = 0.024). These respective mean improvements were +6.10 and +3.55 (comparison p = 0.21). At Visit 3, 70% of participants randomized to AKL-T03 maintained a clinically meaningful 4+-point increase in SDMT above their baseline, compared with 37% for AKL-T09 ( p = 0.038).

Conclusion:

This in-home digital intervention resulted in substantial and durable improvements in processing speed. A larger randomized controlled clinical trial is planned.

Trial Registration:

This trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under “NCT03569618,” https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03569618 .
Revisiting the expansion thesis: international society and the role of the Dutch East India company as a merchant empire
Authors: Blachford Kevin
Published: June 2020

This paper breaks new ground by looking at the role played by merchant empires, such as the Dutch East India Company (VOC), in shaping European interactions with the non-Western world. It offers a critique of the English School’s state-centric narrative of the expansion of international society by looking to how the VOC and its expansion in Asia influenced developments within Europe. As a non-state actor, the VOC developed networks of trade and power, which were intertwined with the Dutch struggle against Iberian hegemony. As this paper shows, the development of international law, sovereign equality and European international society needs to be understood as being constituted through these colonial encounters. Looking to the VOC as a merchant empire presents a more nuanced approach to the expansion narrative that recognises that states, empires and early modern companies developed in a co-evolutionary manner. This critical approach calls for the recognition of international society as an ongoing process formed by the contestation of hybrid cultures.
The oral academic discourse socialization of doctoral students at a Northern Cyprus University
Authors: Hadizadeh Abbas , Vefalı Gülşen M
Published: June 2020

This study explored oral academic discourse socialization experiences of doctoral students at an English-medium tertiary institution in Northern Cyprus. It was a qualitative study involving audio-recording of a graduate class oral academic discourse and conducting interviews with the graduate candidates. Analysis of the oral academic discourse data showed that through participation in academic discussions the students negotiated their knowledge, constructed identity and agency. Analysis of the interview data also suggested the graduate candidates’ identity and agency co-construction as well as the novelty of the graduate candidates’ challenging socialization experiences over their academic studies in the graduate context. Overall, the study seemed to indicate that the participants’ socialization experiences facilitated their academic learning and development of academic discourse competence. The results of the present study are discussed in relation to the pertinent research to date.
Coping with childhood maltreatment: Avoidance and eating disorder symptoms
Authors: Rosenbaum Diane L , White Kamila S , Artime Tiffany M
Published: June 2020

Childhood maltreatment is associated with eating disorder symptoms; however, the nature of this association is unclear. We found those who experienced childhood maltreatment had higher avoidant coping and eating disorder symptoms. We also found an additive effect for maltreatment, such that with more types of maltreatment experienced, avoidant coping and eating disorder symptoms were greater. We also found evidence of an indirect effect such that childhood maltreatment was related to eating disorder symptoms through avoidant coping. Future research is needed to better understand factors that may promote development of adaptive coping patterns and prevention of eating disorder symptoms.
A corpus study of child heritage speakers’ Spanish gender agreement
Authors: Goebel-Mahrle Thomas , Shin Naomi L.
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

This study investigates (a) whether child heritage speakers produce more gender mismatches in Spanish ( un piedra “a-masc. stone-fem.”) than monolingual children, (b) whether older child heritage speakers mismatch more than younger ones, and (c) linguistic contexts in which mismatches occur.

Methodology:

3893 agreement forms were extracted from corpora of Spanish spoken by six monolingual children, ages 5–6 years, and three groups of US child heritage speakers: ten 5–6-year-olds, fifteen 7–8-year-olds, and twenty-one 9–11-year-olds.

Data and analysis:

Logistic regressions measured the impact of agreement form type, noun gender, noncanonical noun ending, and noun frequency on gender matching. One regression included 5–6-year-olds only (monolingual and heritage); the second included child heritage speakers only (5–11-year-olds).

Findings:

There were no significant differences between monolingual and heritage 5–6-year-olds; for these children, adjectives, direct object clitics, noncanonical nouns, and feminine nouns increased the likelihood of mismatches. Among the 5–11-year-old heritage speakers, direct object clitics referring to feminine nouns and noncanonical nouns increased the likelihood of mismatches. The 9–11-year-olds produced more gender mismatches referring to feminine nouns than the younger child heritage speakers, especially with direct object clitics.

Originality:

This corpus study provides evidence for high rates of gender matching and clarifies the contexts that increase the likelihood that children will mismatch.

Implications:

Gender matching remains an intact part of child heritage speakers’ Spanish grammars. The distribution of mismatches found provides evidence of a strong article–noun association and a weaker noun–direct object clitic association. The oldest child heritage speakers’ use of masculine clitic lo to refer to feminine nouns may reflect an association between English “it” and Spanish lo. More generally, the finding that mismatches tend to involve masculine forms referring to feminine nouns supports the idea that masculine is the default, unmarked form in Spanish.
Long-term outcomes of major trauma with unstable open pelvic fractures: A population-based cohort study
Authors: Gabbe Belinda J , Stewart Ian , Veitch William , Beck Ben , Cameron Peter , Russ Matthias , Bucknill Andrew , Steiger Richard de , Esser Max
Published: June 2020

Aims

The aims of this study were to describe the profile and longer-term outcomes of major trauma patients with unstable open pelvic fractures.

Patients and methods

An observational study was performed using data from the population-based Victorian State Trauma Registry. Adult (≥16 years) major trauma patients who had sustained an unstable open pelvic fracture between 1 July 2010 and 30 June 2017 in Victoria (Australia) were included. Patient demographics, injury event, severity and management data were extracted. Patients were followed up at 6, 12 and 24 months post-injury to collect information about health status, function and return to work.

Results

There were 67 patients. The mean (SD) age was 41.4 (18.3) years, and 66% were male. Seventy-six per cent were road traffic injuries, 96% were managed at Level 1 trauma centres and all were multi-trauma patients. A third were Tile C fractures and 80% underwent surgical stabilisation of the pelvic injury. Eighty per cent were admitted to intensive care. The in-hospital mortality rate was 9%. Most (89%) survivors were discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation facility. The proportion classified as ‘severe disability’ on the Glasgow Outcome-Scale Extended declined from 38% at 6 months to 19% at 24 months. The overall three-level EuroQoL five-dimensional instrument score increased with time indicating better health status, and 50% of patients returned to work by 24 months.

Conclusions

Major trauma with unstable, open pelvic fracture is rare. Low in-hospital mortality was observed. Most survived to hospital discharge and outcomes improved with time post-injury, but 75% of patients experienced persistent pain and ongoing mobility and activity restrictions.
Digital labour in transnational mobility: Chinese international students’ online boundary work in daigou
Authors: Zhao Xinyu
Published: June 2020

Daigou, literally translated as buying on behalf of, is a Mandarin term that refers to a form of personalised transnational trading activity, which is generally characterised by practices of purchasing locally manufactured products overseas and reselling them to consumers in China via international courier services. This article examines Chinese international students’ digital labour invested in daigou and their use of social media, particularly WeChat, in running their personal enterprises. Through the analytical lens of ‘boundary’, the article reveals how daigou activities involve sustained crossing and reconstructing boundaries of privacy through selective self-disclosure of personal information. This study contributes to the empirical literature on international students’ everyday use of digital media by highlighting their work practices in the digital age. Conceptually, the case study of daigou suggests overlapping spaces between various forms of digital labour and the relevance of ‘unproductive’ labour which constitutes a necessary dimension of online work.
On the application of artificial neural networks for the prediction of NOx emissions from a high-speed direct injection diesel engine
Authors: Fang XiaoHang (Leo) , Papaioannou Nick , Leach Felix , Davy Martin H
Published: June 2020

This article considers the application and refinement of artificial neural network methods for the prediction of NO x emissions from a high-speed direct injection diesel engine over a wide range of engine operating conditions. The relative computational cost and performance of two backpropagation algorithms, Levenberg–Marquardt and Bayesian regularization, for this application are compared, with the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm demonstrating a significant cost advantage. This work also assesses the performance of two alternative filtering approaches, a p-value test and the Pearson correlation coefficient, for reducing the required number of input variables to the model. The p-value test identified 32 input parameters of significance, whereas the Pearson correlation test highlighted 14 significant parameters while additionally providing a ranking of their relative importance. Finally, the article compares the predictive performance of the models generated by the two filtering methods. Overall, both models show good agreement to the experimental data with the model created using the Pearson correlation test showing improved performance in the low-NO x region.
Efficacy and the Adverse Effects of Oral Versus Intravenous Arsenic for Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized-Controlled Studies
Authors: Sasijareonrat Natthaporn , Jahn Nikolaus , Ungprasert Patompong , Owattanapanich Weerapat
Published: June 2020

Acute promyelocytic leukemia, a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia, is highly curable. In subgroup of patients with non-high-risk acute promyelocytic leukemia, intravenous arsenic trioxide plus all-trans-retinoic acid is considered the preferred regimen for acute promyelocytic leukemia. Recently, there are interests in the use of the oral form of arsenic, named the Realgar-Indigo naturalis formula, but the data on its efficacy and safety are still relatively limited. The current study was conducted with the aims to identify and summarize the results of all available randomized-controlled studies. A systematic review was conducted in the 2 major databases, utilizing the terms for arsenic and acute promyelocytic leukemia. Eligible studies had to be randomized-controlled studies that compared efficacy and/or adverse effects of oral arsenic versus intravenous arsenic for treatment of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia. The Mantel-Haenszel method was used to pool the effect estimates and 95% confidence intervals of the included studies together. A total of 4 randomized controlled studies with 482 patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (258 in Realgar-Indigo naturalis formula group and 224 in intravenous arsenic trioxide group) were included in the meta-analysis. The chances of achieving complete remission were numerically higher in the Realgar-Indigo naturalis formula group but the difference was not statistically significant (pooled odds ratio: 4.59, 95% CI: 0.74-28.57, I 2 = 0%). Similarly, other efficacy outcomes, including 30-day mortality rate, overall survival, and event-free survival, also tended to favor the Realgar-Indigo naturalis formula group but the difference was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in the chance of developing differentiation syndrome, cardiac complications, grades 3 to 4 liver toxicity, grades 3 to 4 renal toxicity, and infection between the 2 groups. The results may suggest that all-trans-retinoic acid plus oral Realgar-Indigo naturalis formula regimen is, at minimum, not a worse alternative to the standard all-trans-retinoic acid plus intravenous intravenous arsenic trioxide regimen for treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia, especially for patients with low-to-intermediate risk.
Fetal bradyarrhythmia causing hydrops fetalis: A journey from fetal echo to autopsy
Authors: Agarwal Arjit , Agarwal Shubhra , Lalwani Astha , Najam Rehana , Kumar Ashutosh
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Non-immune hydrops fetalis is a condition with poor fetal prognosis. The incidence of this clinical condition is increasing as compared to its iso-immune variant. The diagnosis of hydrops fetalis is straightforward; however, delineating the primary cause of non-immune hydrops fetalis requires a holistic approach and background knowledge of the entity.

Case report

We present a case of non-immune hydrops fetalis due to a rare functional cardiac disorder demonstrated by features of cardiac failure in the form of clinically significant tricuspid regurgitation detected on echocardiography. Fetal autopsy supported the diagnosis by excluding any structural anomaly.

Discussion

Non-immune hydrops fetalis may be due to structural and non-structural cardiac anomalies. Meticulous work-up is required to establish the diagnosis in such cases.

Conclusion

The case also highlights the systematic approach as well as the series of investigations required for the early diagnosis and management of such cases.
Musical Relationships: Intersections of Race, Gender, Genre, and Listening Situation
Authors: Sonnett John
Published: June 2020

The ways that music creates bridges and boundaries between people has long been of interest in the sociology of music, and a core problem is understanding patterns in relationships between consumers and producers. Survey research details the comparative context of who likes or dislikes various musical genres, but has little to say about what those categories actually mean to listeners. Ethnographic and interview research offers insight into musicking in particular situations, but seldom compares listeners, artists, and genres in a larger musical field. This study uses a mixed methods approach to examine the bridging and bounding processes organizing relationships between listeners and artists. Based on a survey of students at the University of Mississippi, I examine how musical relationships are shaped by race, gender, genre, and listening situation using a combination of social network analysis and correspondence analysis. Results show an overall pattern of racial segregation in musical tastes that is intersected by multiple paths of racial crossover, from relatively private to public situations. Black musical styles are central to racial crossover in the musical field, creating ambivalent spaces of cultural integration in the context of social segregation. Music profiles of listeners illustrate how situational meanings and comparisons of artists within genres shape musical relationships and mark social distance. The conclusion draws implications for the study of musical practices, racialized musical fields, and mixed methods approaches in cultural sociology.
Antenatal screening
Authors: Jabeen Mah
Published: June 2020

Antenatal screening should be offered to all pregnant patients in the UK. Patients require information to understand and make decisions about antenatal screening tests. Women are choosing to have children later in their lives, which can lead to a greater risk of antenatal complications. Effective screening tests (such as non-invasive prenatal testing) have been developed with a reduced risk of miscarriage compared with invasive tests (chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis) for genetic conditions. Information about the purpose of testing should be given to patients in a manner that can be easily understood and allows the advantages and disadvantages of tests to be considered. GPs take a holistic approach that considers patients’ medical, psychological and social backgrounds. This is invaluable when working collaboratively with other health professionals and has become an essential part of antenatal care. This article gives an overview of antenatal screening for GPs and considers relevant haematological conditions, chromosomal disorders, structural anomalies, maternal clinical conditions and infections.
Expert opinion on the use of cladribine tablets in clinical practice
Authors: Sørensen Per Soelberg , Centonze Diego , Giovannoni Gavin , Montalban Xavier , Selchen Daniel , Vermersch Patrick , Wiendl Heinz , Yamout Bassem , Salloukh Hashem , Rieckmann Peter
Published: June 2020

Background:

Gaps in current product labels and a lack of detailed clinical guidelines leaves clinicians’ questions on the practical management of patients receiving cladribine tablets for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) unanswered. We describe a consensus-based programme led by international MS experts with the aim of providing recommendations to support the use of cladribine tablets in clinical practice.

Methods:

A steering committee (SC) of nine international MS experts led the programme and developed 11 clinical questions concerning the practical use of cladribine tablets. Statements to address each question were drafted using available evidence, expert experiences and perspectives from the SC and an extended faculty of 33 MS experts, representing 19 countries. Consensus on recommendations was achieved when ⩾75% of respondents expressed an agreement score of 7–9, on a 9-point scale.

Results:

Consensus was achieved on 46 out of 47 recommendations. Expert-agreed practical recommendations are provided on topics including: the definition of highly active disease; patterns of treatment response and suboptimal response with cladribine tablets; management of pregnancy planning and malignancy risk, infection risk and immune function, and switching to and from cladribine tablets.

Conclusion:

These expert recommendations provide up-to-date relevant guidance on the use of cladribine tablets in clinical practice.
Psychosocial empowerment-based interventions for smoking reduction: concepts, measures and outcomes. A systematic review
Authors: Coppo Alessandro , Gattino Silvia , Faggiano Fabrizio , Gilardi Luisella , Capra Paola , Tortone Claudio , Fedi Angela , De Piccoli Norma
Published: June 2020

Although empowerment is a widely used concept in health-related areas, its definition remains unclear. While there is evidence for the effectiveness of empowerment interventions in improving some psychosocial factors linked to health (e.g. patient self-care strategy, coping skills, access and effective use of health services) and some health outcomes like mental health and HIV/AIDS-related behaviour, other data appear to contradict this. Moreover, concepts, measures, and outcomes related to empowerment are operationalized in different ways. Using the case of tobacco control programmes, we wanted to explore: (a) how research on smoking reduction/prevention has conceptualized empowerment; (b) which measures and instruments have been used to assess behaviour outcomes and the empowerment process. We hypothesized that the transformative potential that characterizes empowerment is marginally considered.

A total of 18 studies reporting on the effect of prevention interventions on smoking and/or empowerment outcomes were reviewed. Two kinds of study were distinguished: (a) studies reporting behaviour outcomes without data about the impact on empowerment; (b) studies analysing the empowerment process. Among this latter type, some studies did not provide information about the specific behaviour (smoking), while others examined the impact of intervention on both smoking and empowerment. In about half of all studies, empowerment strategies were found to be effective in improving smoking outcomes, while no differences were found between intervention and control groups in the remaining studies. The present review suggests that pragmatic definitions of empowerment need to be developed in order to promote its transferability and evaluation.
Mechanical Thrombectomy for Sequential Bilateral Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusions in a Patient With Recurrent Cryptogenic Strokes: A Case Report
Authors: Kercher Matthew J. , Ramanathan Dinesh , Dahlin Brian C. , Yee Alan H. , Clouse Jared W. , Waldau Ben
Published: June 2020

Recurrent sequential mechanical thrombectomy for cryptogenic large vessel occlusion (LVO) can lead to excellent clinical outcome. A 68-year-old right-handed male presented with an acute proximal right middle cerebral artery (MCA) ischemic syndrome and underwent successful revascularization by mechanical thrombectomy with normal functional recovery. He was treated with dual antiplatelet therapy for 2 months following discharge, however later discontinued clopidogrel due to side effects. He then developed a recurrent, contralateral MCA occlusion 16 months later and once again received emergent endovascular reperfusion therapy with excellent neurological outcome. He has remained on off-label empiric oral anticoagulation since and has not had recurrent stroke nor evidence of cerebral ischemia. Favorable clinical outcomes can be achieved in patients despite recurrent LVO who underwent emergent mechanical thrombectomy. Optimal antithrombotic secondary stroke prevention strategies following embolic stroke of unknown source remains uncertain as recent evidence does not support rivaroxaban or dabigatran over aspirin. The benefit of apixaban over aspirin for the prevention of recurrent cerebral ischemia is under current investigation.
System Justification and Perceptions of Group-Based Discrimination: Investigating the Temporal Order of the Ideologically Motivated Minimization (or Exaggeration) of Discrimination Across Low- and High-Status Groups
Authors: Bahamondes Joaquín , Sibley Chris G. , Osborne Danny
Published: June 2020

Believing that social systems are fair confers palliative benefits via different mechanisms. Although the minimization of group-based discrimination plays a central role in this process, the direction of this association is contested. We address this debate by using eight waves of nationally representative longitudinal panel data to model the temporal ordering of system justification (SJ) and perceptions of group-based discrimination across ethnic minorities ( n = 7,159) and Whites ( n = 18,140). Consistent with SJ theory and the original status-legitimacy hypothesis, system-justifying beliefs precede (and reduce) perceptions of group-based discrimination among minorities, whereas the corresponding association is positive and bidirectional for members of the ethnic majority group. These results are the first to demonstrate important asymmetries in both the direction and temporal ordering of SJ and perceptions of group-based discrimination across ethnic minority and majority populations.
The Illusion of Absence in Magic Tricks
Authors: Svalebjørg Mats , Øhrn Heidi , Ekroll Vebjørn
Published: June 2020

Recently, a curious illusion of absence has been described, where the space behind an occluder is compellingly experienced as empty. This illusion is similar to illusions based on amodal completion in the sense that it refers to occluded portions of a visual scene and informal observations suggest that it may also be largely impervious to conscious knowledge. The aim of the present experiment was to test the hypothesis that the illusion of absence is cognitively impenetrable in the same way as amodal completion. Participants viewed magic tricks based on amodal completion, the illusion of absence, or attentional and reasoning misdirection and tried to infer the secret behind the tricks after one, two, or three presentations. The results show that the tricks based on the illusion of absence are very difficult to debunk, even after repeated presentations. In this regard, they are similar to tricks based on amodal completion but different from tricks based on attentional and reasoning misdirection. The participants also rated how magical they felt the tricks were. Surprisingly, the magic ratings tended to be quite high even in trials where the participants had already discovered the secret behind the trick. This unexpected finding may be taken to suggest that there may be two magical moments in the lifetime of a magic trick: In addition to the magical experience evoked by trick itself, discovering the secret behind the trick may also evoke an experience of impossibility.
3D culture technologies of cancer stem cells: promising ex vivo tumor models
Authors: Zhang Chengye , Yang Zhaoting , Dong Da-Long , Jang Tae-Su , Knowles Jonathan C. , Kim Hae-Won , Jin Guang-Zhen , Xuan Yanhua
Published: June 2020

Cancer stem cells have been shown to be important in tumorigenesis processes, such as tumor growth, metastasis, and recurrence. As such, many three-dimensional models have been developed to establish an ex vivo microenvironment that cancer stem cells experience under in vivo conditions. Cancer stem cells propagating in three-dimensional culture systems show physiologically related signaling pathway profiles, gene expression, cell–matrix and cell–cell interactions, and drug resistance that reflect at least some of the tumor properties seen in vivo. Herein, we discussed the presently available Cancer stem cell three-dimensional culture models that use biomaterials and engineering tools and the biological implications of these models compared to the conventional ones.
China’s SCI-Indexed Publications: Facts, Feelings, and Future Directions
Authors: Liu Weishu
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

In relation to the boom in China’s SCI-indexed publications, this opinion piece examines this phenomenon and looks at future possible directions for the reform of China’s research evaluation processes.

Design/Approach/Methods:

This opinion piece uses bibliographic data for the past decade (2010–2019) from the Science Citation Index Expanded in the Web of Science Core Collection to examine the rise in China’s SCI-indexed publications.

Findings:

China has surpassed the U.S. and been the largest contributor of SCI publications since 2018. However, while the impact of China’s SCI publications is rising, the scale of this impact still lags behind that of other major contributing countries. China’s SCI publications are also overrepresented in some journals.

Originality/Value:

Reporting the latest facts about China’s SCI-indexed publications, this article will benefit the reform of China’s research evaluation system.