bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MANAGEMENT OF RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM TEAR DURING ANTI–VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR THERAPY
Authors: Mitchell Paul , Rodríguez Francisco J. , Joussen Antonia M. , Koh Adrian , Eter Nicole , Wong David T. , Korobelnik Jean-François , Okada Annabelle A.
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

This article aims to review current evidence on the development, diagnosis, and management of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tear during anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy.

Methods:

Literature searches were performed using MEDLINE/PubMed databases (cut-off date: August 2019).

Results:

Three key recommendations were made based on existing literature and clinical experience: 1) Multimodal imaging with color fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, near-infrared reflectance imaging, fundus autofluorescence imaging, optical coherence tomography-angiography, and/or fluorescein angiography are recommended to diagnose RPE tear and assess risk factors. Retinal pigment epithelium tears can be graded by size and foveal involvement. 2) Patients at high risk of developing RPE tear should be monitored after each anti-VEGF injection. If risk factors worsen, it is not yet definitively known whether anti-VEGF administration should be more frequent, or alternatively stopped in such patients. Prospective research into high-risk characteristics is needed. 3) After RPE tear develops, anti-VEGF treatment should be continued in patients with active disease (as indicated by presence of intraretinal or subretinal fluid), although cessation of therapy should be considered in eyes with multilobular tears.

Conclusion:

Although evidence to support the assumption that anti-VEGF treatment contributes to development of RPE tear is not definitive, some data suggest this link.
Quality cooperation and retail service supply chain model selection: based on the perspective of service quality concerns
Authors: Ouyang Mingke , Li Jianfei , Li Bei , Tang Kun , Huang Fuhua
Published: December 2020

Purpose

In the new retail era, the supply chain synergy produced by quality integration has become the new direction of service supply chain research. The purpose of this paper is to study how to promote the sustainable development of the retail service supply chain (RSSC) by comparing and analyzing the optimal quality behavior, optimal returns, and the combination of conditions and strategies of the participating members of the RSSC.

Design/methodology/approach

From the perspective of quality function development and service quality concern, this paper considers RSSC as a two-level supply chain structure composed of functional service provider and retail service integrator. In this paper, a dynamic optimization model of quality input-cooperation-coordination of RSSC is proposed under two quality cooperation modes of decentralization and integration. This paper adopts the differential game method to compare and analyze the optimal quality behavior, optimal income, forming conditions and strategic combination of the participating members of the RSSC in different situations.

Findings

(1) Compared with quality dispersion, quality integration has more significant Pareto improvement effect on quality behavior and optimal revenue of RSSC. (2) In the case of quality integration, the optimal revenue obtained by the service sharing model is generally better than that obtained by the retail alliance collaboration model. (3) Benefit distribution ratio and quality cost allocation determine the optimal quality behavior of participating members of the RSSC, and also become the key factors for participating members to choose the collaborative mode in the case of quality integration.

Originality/value

Based on the quality function development of RSSC, this paper introduces the concept of steady service quality, and discusses the relationship between the quality cooperation stability and the mode selection of RSSC. This provides a theoretical basis for how to build a RSSC with efficient operation and stable quality.
The diaspora phenomenon: scholarly assessment and implications for countries and firms
Authors: Panibratov Andrei , Rysakova Liana
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study is to identify the distinctive features of the diaspora phenomenon through the aggregation and systematization of the business and management literature and propose a framework to apply in the future studies.

Design/methodology/approach

The two-step research was based on a combination of bibliometric analysis and a manual in-depth study of academic articles. Overall, 421 academic papers in management and business journals until 2019 year were analyzed.

Findings

The authors provide a new holistic insight on the role of national diasporas for business outcomes via the analysis and systematization of the extant diaspora research. They revealed four definition approaches and five main clusters in the diaspora literature that have three main directions of research as international marketing with the tourism management focus, the IB research and diaspora entrepreneurship studies. The authors cover these main research streams and their contribution to the development of a topic.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed framework including definition approaches and suggestions on the further research can serve as a foundation for future studies to investigate the diaspora phenomenon. The findings also are of practical value for firms whose attention is paid to the effective management.

Originality/value

To bring more clarity to the existing and future development of diaspora research, this paper improves the structuring of the overall diaspora literature through clarification of the existing definitions of diaspora, provision of the criteria qualifying someone to be identified as a member of a diaspora, as well as an analysis and systematization of existing diaspora research streams and suggestions for future research directions.
Does Sukuk financing boost economic growth? Empirical evidence from Southeast Asia
Authors: Ledhem Mohammed Ayoub
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate empirically whether Sukuk financing is boosting the economic growth in Southeast Asia within the framework of the endogenous growth model.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applied dynamic panel one-step system generalized method of moments as an optimal estimation approach to investigate the impact of Sukuk financing on economic growth in Southeast Asia spanning from 2013Q4–2019Q3. Sukuk financing was proxied by the total issued Sukuk holdings, while economic growth was proxied by gross domestic product. The sample covered all full-fledged Islamic financial institutions in the most developed Sukuk financial markets countries in Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei).

Findings

The findings demonstrated that Sukuk financing is boosting economic growth in Southeast Asia, which reflects the significant role of the Islamic financial markets of Sukuk as a vital contributor to economic growth.

Practical implications

This paper would fill the literature by investigating the link between Sukuk financing and economic growth in Southeast Asia within the framework of the endogenous growth model, as the outcome of this paper serves as a guide for financial researchers, decision-makers and policymakers to improve the Sukuk market globally as an alternative financing source for the best contribution to economic growth.

Originality/value

This paper is the first that investigates empirically the link between Sukuk financing and economic growth in Southeast Asia with a new theoretical context of the endogenous growth model to gain robust information about this link.
Generic design of an anatomical heart model optimized for additive manufacturing with silicone
Authors: Riedle Hannah , Ghazy Ahmed , Seufert Anna , Seitz Vera , Dorweiler Bernhard , Franke Jörg
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is the generation of a thorough generic heart model optimized for direct 3D printing with silicone elastomers.

Design/methodology/approach

The base of the model design is segmentation of CT data, followed by a generic adaption and a constructive enhancement. The model is 3D printed with silicone. An evaluation of the physical model gives indications about its benefits and weaknesses.

Findings

The results show the feasibility of a generic design while maintaining anatomical correctness and the benefit of the generic approach to quickly derive a multiplicity of healthy and pathological versions from one single model. The material properties of the silicone model are sufficient for simulation, but the results of the evaluation indicate possible improvements, as for most anatomical features, the used silicone is too hard and too stretchable.

Originality/value

Previous developments mostly focus on patient-specific heart models. In contrast, this study sets out to explore the possibility and benefits of a generic approach. Standardized validated models would allow comparability in surgical simulation.
Assessing need for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest using Power BI for data visualisation
Authors: Ramanan Mahesh , Gill Denzil , Doan Tan , Bosley Emma , Rashford Stephen , Dennis Mark , Shekar Kiran
Published: December 2020

Objective

To estimate the number of patients in refractory out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) potentially suitable for transport to an extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR)‐capable hospital in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, based on outcome predictors for ECPR, ambulance geolocation and patient data.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed using data from all patients in OHCA attended by Queensland Ambulance Service between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018. The number of refractory arrest patients who could potentially be transferred to an ECPR‐capable centre within 45 min of the time of arrest was modelled using theoretical on‐scene treatment times.

Results

Of 25 518 ambulance‐attended OHCA in Queensland during the study period, 540 (2%) patients met criteria of refractory arrest for study inclusion. Further age and arrest rhythm criteria for transport to an ECPR‐capable hospital were met in 253 (47%) study patients, an average of 51 patients per year. In 2018, 72 patients met study criteria for transport to an ECPR‐capable centre. Based on theoretical on‐scene treatment times of 12 and 20 min, in 2018 only 14 (19%) and 11 (15%) patients respectively would potentially arrive at an ECPR‐capable hospital within accepted timeframes for ECPR.

Conclusions

Retrospective data collected from existing ambulance databases can be used to model patient suitability for ECPR. Relatively few patients with refractory OHCA in Queensland, Australia, could be attended and transported to an ECPR‐capable centre within clinically acceptable timeframes. Further studies of the transport logistics and economic implications of providing ECPR services for OHCA are required to better inform decisions around this intervention.
Sex difference in flux of 27‐hydroxycholesterol into the brain
Authors: Parrado‐Fernandez Cristina , Leoni Valerio , Saeed Ahmed , Rodriguez‐Rodriguez Patricia , Sandebring‐Matton Anna , Córdoba‐Beldad Carmen M. , Bueno Paula , Gali Chaitanya Chakravarthi , Panzenboeck Ute , Cedazo‐Minguez Angel , Björkhem Ingemar
Published: December 2020

Background and Purpose

The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/plasma albumin ratio (QAlb) is believed to reflect the integrity of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Recently, we reported that QAlb is lower in females. This may be important for uptake of neurotoxic 27‐hydroxycholesterol (27OH) by the brain in particular because plasma levels of 27OH are higher in males. We studied sex differences in the relation between CSF and plasma levels of 27OH and its major metabolite 7α‐hydroxy‐3‐oxo‐4‐cholestenoic acid (7HOCA) with QAlb. We tested the possibility of sex differences in the brain metabolism of 27OH and if its flux into the brain disrupted integrity of the BBB.

Experimental Approach

We have examined our earlier studies looking for sex differences in CSF levels of oxysterols and their relation to QAlb. We utilized an in vitro model for the BBB with primary cultured brain endothelial cells to test if 27OH has a disruptive effect on this barrier. We measured mRNA and protein levels of CYP7B1 in autopsy brain samples.

Key Results

The correlation between CSF levels of 27OH and QAlb was higher in males whereas, with 7HOCA, the correlation was higher in females. No significant sex difference in the expression of CYP7B1 mRNA in brain autopsy samples. A correlation was found between plasma levels of 27OH and QAlb. No support was obtained for the hypothesis that plasma levels of 27OH have a disruptive effect on the BBB.

Conclusions and Implications

The sex differences are discussed in relation to negative effects of 27OH on different brain functions.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Oxysterols, Lifelong Health and Therapeutics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.16/issuetoc
Oxaliplatin rechallenge in metastatic colorectal cancer patients with clinically significant oxaliplatin‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity
Authors: Argyriou Andreas A. , Kalofonou Foteini , Litsardopoulos Pantelis , Anastopoulou Garifallia G. , Kalofonos Haralabos P.
Published: December 2020

We investigated whether rechallenge with oxaliplatin (OXA) can worsen the pre‐existing oxaliplatin‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity (OXAIPN) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. Patients previously treated with OXA, having clinically significant grade 1 or 2 OXAIPN were assessed, after receiving rechallenge with OXA, using the clinical version of the Total Neuropathy Score (TNSc). Peripheral neuropathy was assessed at the end of first OXA exposure and at completion of OXA rechallenge. The first line OXA‐based chemotherapy was completed at least 9 months earlier (OXA‐free interval). We studied 25 mCRC patients, 14 males and 11 females, with a median age of 63 (35‐77) years. After their first exposure to OXA‐based chemotherapy, 9 (36%) patients developed grade 1 OXAIPN and 16 patients grade 2 (64%) neurotoxicity. OXA reintroduction with a median of 10 (8‐14) cycles led to grade 1 OXAIPN in two patients (8%), grade 2 in 19 patients (76%), and grade 3 neuropathy in 4 (16%) patients Worsening of pre‐existing OXAIPN was documented in seven (28%) patients and was significantly associated with higher OXA delivered cumulative dose (P < .001). Median TNSc scores following treatment (10; range 4‐18) were significantly increased (P < .001), when compared to the scores recorded at the end of first line treatment (8; range 2‐12). Rechallenging OXA appears to relatively worsen the severity of existing OXAIPN. However, the majority of rechallenged patients developed a clinically significant (grade 2) OXAIPN, rather than treatment‐emergent grade 3. As such, OXA rechallenge might be a feasible option in patients previously having OXAIPN.
Value Relevance of net income, other comprehensive income, and comprehensive income in Brazil
Authors: Bortoli Cassiana , Juaniha Alcido Manuel , Scarpin Jorge Eduardo , Krespi Musial Nayane Thais , Edwards Barros Claudio Marcelo
Published: December 2020

This paper uses the Ohlson Model to analyze whether Net Income (NI), Other Comprehensive Income (OCI), and Comprehensive Income (CI) are value relevant for market value and the return of shares of publicy-traded Brazilian companies. To maximize the robustness of the results, we inserted the following control variables for each model: equity per Share (EqPS), Size (S), Industry (I), EBITDA per Share (EbPS), Revenue per Share (RePS), Liquidity (L), and Gross Domestic Product Growth (GDPG). The control variables S, RePS, and GDPG were significant for the three models related to the value of the company. The control variables EqPS, EbPS, RePS, and L, on the other hand, were only significant for the three models related to stock returns. Our main variables (NI, OCI, and CI) were found to be statistically significant in five of the six regression models after data analysis in a fixed effect panel using robust standard errors. However, only the variables NI and CI were considered to be relevant in the expected direction, meaning that they offered a positive contribution in explaining the value of the company.
Experimental and Numerical Evaluation of the Effect of Particle Size on Slurry Erosion Prediction
Authors: Wang Qiuchen , Huang Qiyu , Sun Xu , Zhang Jun , Karimi Soroor , Shirazi Siamack A.
Published: December 2020

During petroleum production, sand particles can be entrained with the transported carrier fluid despite of any sand exclusion process and erode the inner walls of the pipelines. This erosion process may even cause pipe leakage and oil spill. Therefore, investigating the regularities of erosion damage changing with particle size and predicting erosion behavior for different particle sizes are important to pipeline safety. In this study, slurry erosion experiments are conducted using quartz particles with similar shapes and different sizes ranging from 25 μm to 600 μm to investigate the effect of particle size on erosion profiles and provide the database for evaluating available erosion models. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to simulate the fluid flow and track particles to obtain impact information. Erosion equations then connect the particles’ impact information with erosion rate. Finally, the available mechanistic and empirical equations erosion models are evaluated by comparing predicted erosion profile with experimental data. It was found that the local maximum erosion damage increases with particle size, although the total erosion ratio is not changing significantly. These changes of erosion profiles can be predicted with acceptable accuracy by available empirical erosion models when particle sizes are no less than 75 μm.
Optimal Instructions to Maximize Attack Efficiency in Beginners and Experienced Fencers
Authors: Milic Marko , Janicijevic Danica , Nedeljkovic Aleksandar , Cuk Ivan , Mudric Milos , García-Ramos Amador
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to determine the instruction that maximizes fencing attack performance and to explore the sensitivity of a novel efficiency index (EI) that considers reaction time, attack velocity, and absolute error to discriminate between beginners and experienced fencers. Instructions that directed attentional focus internally (react as fast as possible and perform the attack movement as fast as possible) or externally (be as accurate as possible) were provided prior to stimulus presentation. The EI did not differ between the instructions in any group (p > .05), the instructions “react as fast as possible” and “be as accurate as possible” promoted in beginners the highest and the lowest EI, and the EI was higher for fencers. Our findings suggest that the EI could be recommended as a general index of fencing attack efficiency.
The Chalkboard: Solid State Ionics
Authors: Wachsman Eric D.
Published: December 2020

Solid state ionics (the transport of ions in solids) is not only a major focus of the High Temperature Materials (HTM) Division but also plays a role in most other ECS Divisions.
UHTCs: Ultra-High Temperature Ceramic Materials for Extreme Environment Applications
Authors: Wuchina Eric , Opila Elizabeth , Opeka Mark , Fahrenholtz Bill , Talmy Inna
Published: December 2020

3000°C. That’s not just hot … it’s EXTREMELY hot. It is above the melting or decomposition temperatures for most of the materials known to man. But in the world of extreme environment engineering, it is just a baseline.
MOS Technology, 1963-1974: A Dozen Crucial Years
Authors: Bassett Ross Knox
Published: December 2020

A line can be drawn from the Frosch’s and Derick’s work on silicon dioxide to the MOS (metaloxide-semiconductor) transistor’s dominance of semiconductor technology, but it is neither short nor straight.
Fabrication, Structure, and Electrochemistry of Iodated Microporous Carbons of Low Mesoporosity
Authors: Barpanda Prabeer
Published: December 2020

The 2007 Colin Garfield Fink Summer Research Fellowship — Summary Report
Process Conditions for Low Interface State Density in Si-passivated Ge Devices with TmSiO Interfacial Layer
Authors: Žurauskaitė L. , Hellström P.-E. , Östling M.
Published: December 2020

In this work we study the epitaxial Si growth with Si2H6 for Ge surface passivation in CMOS devices. The Si-caps are grown on Ge in the hydrogen desorption limited regime at a nominal temperature of 400 °C. We evaluate the process window for the interface state density and show that there is an optimal Si-cap thickness between 8 and 9 monolayers for Dit < 5·1011 cm−2 eV−1. Moreover, we discuss the strong impact of the Si-cap growth time and temperature on the interface state density, which arises from the Si thickness dependence on these growth parameters. Furthermore, we successfully transfer a TmSiO/Tm2O3/HfO2 gate stack process from Si to Ge devices with optimized Si-cap, yielding interface state density of 3·1011 eV−1 cm−2 and a significant improvement in oxide trap density compared to GeOx passivation.
In Situ Transesterification of Spirulina Microalgae to Produce Biodiesel Using Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Koech Alex K. , Kumar Anil , Siagi Zachary O.
Published: December 2020

The present technology of transesterification of vegetable oils to produce biodiesel, which is suited to replace petrodiesel, has economic challenges, and therefore, alternative sources are being explored. Microalgae, a renewable, third-generation biofuel resource, have the potential to become a viable feedstock due to their high oil content and environmentally friendly nature. The present study investigates the effect of microwave irradiation on the simultaneous extraction and transesterification of algae lipids to produce fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), in a batch reaction system using sulphuric acid catalyst. In situ transesterification combines the two steps of lipid extraction and transesterification into a single step. The microwave synthesis unit comprised of a 3-neck round bottom flask inside a 1300-Watt microwave oven, fitted with a quick-fit condenser and having an external stirrer. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to analyse the influence of process variables, dry algae to methanol ratio

1
:
4
−
1
:
14
 
g
/
ml

,

algae biomass to catalyst ratio

1
:
0.0032
−
1
:
0.0368
 
wt
%

,

and reaction time

1
−
11
 
min

,

at

500

 rpm stirring rate for in situ reaction. FAME was analysed using gas chromatography (GC). The total lipid content of Arthrospira Spirulina platensis microalgae biomass was found to be

10.7

%

by weight. The algae biomass also contained proteins at

 
51.83
%

, moisture content at

7.8
%

, and ash content

14.30
%

by weight. RSM gave the optimum process conditions as dry algae biomass feed to methanol

wt
/
vol

ratio of 1 : 9, catalyst concentration of

2
 
wt
%
,

and reaction time of

 
7
 
minutes
 

for a maximum FAME yield of

83.43
 
wt
%
.

The major fatty acid composition of FAME was palmitic

43.83
%

, linoleic

 
38.83
%

, and linolenic

19.41
%

. FAME properties obtained according to European Standards (EN 14214) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM D 6751) standards were as follows: flash point

16

4

o

C

calorific value

32,911
 
kJ
/
kg
,

acid value

0.475
KOH
/
g
,

viscosity

4.45
 
m

m

2

/
s

, and specific gravity

 
0.868

. The study showed that Arthrospira Spirulina platensis microalgae lipid FAME met the biodiesel standards (EN 14214 and ASTM D 6751) and has the potential to replace petrodiesel. Microwave irradiation increased the reaction rate resulting in a reduced reaction time of 7 minutes (as compared to 8 hours for conventional heating) and therefore was found to be a superior heating mode as compared to conventional heating.
The Impact of College Outreach on High Schoolers’ College Choices: Results from Over One Thousand Natural Experiments
Authors: Smith Jonathan , Howell Jessica , Hurwitz Michael
Published: December 2020

We estimate the impact of one of the largest college-to-student outreach efforts in the nation, the College Board's Student Search Service. In an oversubscribed “order,” colleges receive contact information of a randomly chosen subset of PSAT and SAT exam takers who opt into the service and meet colleges’ search criteria from a larger set of students with identical backgrounds. We find that students who receive outreach enabled by Student Search Service (“licensed”) are 23 percent (0.1 percentage point) more likely to apply to the licensing college than students with similar backgrounds who did not receive outreach. Nearly 20 percent of students induced to apply to a college because of the Student Search Service also enroll, increasing the probability of enrolling in the college that licensed their contact information by 22 percent (0.02 percentage point). These impacts are twice as large for traditionally underserved students. Responsiveness to college outreach is larger for racial/ethnic minorities, first-generation students, and low- and moderate-income students. Despite the fact that one additional license changes the specific institution to which students send scores and enroll, we cannot detect changes to the broad types of colleges in which students ultimately enroll.
Post-treatment with glycyrrhizin can attenuate hepatic mitochondrial damage induced by acetaminophen in mice
Authors: Dang Xue-Liang , Yang Long-Fei , Shi Lei , Li Long-Fei , He Ping , Chen Jie , Zheng Bei-Jie , Yang Peng , Wen Ai-Dong
Published: December 2020

Overdose of acetaminophen (APAP) is responsible for the most cases of acute liver failure worldwide. Hepatic mitochondrial damage mediated by neuronal nitric oxide synthase- (nNOS) induced liver protein tyrosine nitration plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of APAP hepatotoxicity. It has been reported that pre-treatment or co-treatment with glycyrrhizin can protect against hepatotoxicity through prevention of hepatocellular apoptosis. However, the majority of APAP-induced acute liver failure cases are people intentionally taking the drug to commit suicide. Any preventive treatment is of little value in practice. In addition, the hepatocellular damage induced by APAP is considered to be oncotic necrosis rather than apoptosis. In the present study, our aim is to investigate if glycyrrhizin can be used therapeutically and the underlying mechanisms of APAP hepatotoxicity protection. Hepatic damage was induced by 300 mg/kg APAP in balb/c mice, followed with administration of 40, 80, or 160 mg/kg glycyrrhizin 90 min later. Mice were euthanized and harvested at 6 h post-APAP. Compared with model controls, glycyrrhizin post-treatment attenuated hepatic mitochondrial and hepatocellular damages, as indicated by decreased serum glutamate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase activities as well as ameliorated mitochondrial swollen, distortion, and hepatocellular necrosis. Notably, 80 mg/kg glycyrrhizin inhibited hepatic nNOS activity and its mRNA and protein expression levels by 16.9, 14.9, and 28.3%, respectively. These results were consistent with the decreased liver nitric oxide content and liver protein tyrosine nitration indicated by 3-nitrotyrosine staining. Moreover, glycyrrhizin did not affect the APAP metabolic activation, and the survival rate of ALF mice was increased by glycyrrhizin. The present study indicates that post-treatment with glycyrrhizin can dose-dependently attenuate hepatic mitochondrial damage and inhibit the up-regulation of hepatic nNOS induced by APAP. Glycyrrhizin shows promise as drug for the treatment of APAP hepatotoxicity.
More Than Numbers: Discourses of Health Care Quality in Finland
Authors: Peltola Tiina J. , Tiirinki Hanna
Published: December 2020

Finnish institute for health and welfare is developing national health care quality registers for the ongoing project in 2018–2020, which covers seven disease pilot registers. This article describes professionals’ and patient associations’ cultural health care quality conceptions at developing process, reflecting to Weick’s sensemaking theory and patient-centered care. Research data ( N = 13) were collected by individual thematic semi-structured interviews from pilot registers’ professionals and patient associations. Data were analyzed using the discursive approach. Six main discourses on the shared sociocultural meanings of health care quality were constructed: confidence and reliability, information and understanding, safety and medical effectiveness, support, benchmarking and utility, and requirement and justice. Health care quality is built-in culture and action to achieve patient-centered care and is complex to define. Patient–clinician interaction, understanding, and support are constructive elements to make sense of quality registers’ necessity and data collection. The importance of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) and Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) measures is recognized to strengthen the patient-centeredness, which reflects to all health care decision-making, processes, and care. The data publication should be designed clearly and visually versatile. The study can offer new aspects for selecting valid quality indicators to produce comprehensive information for health care quality registers.
Establishment of the monomeric yellow-green fluorescent protein mNeonGreen for life cell imaging in mycelial fungi
Authors: Werner Antonia , Otte Kolja L. , Stahlhut Gertrud , Pöggeler Stefanie
Published: December 2020

The engineered monomeric version of the lanceletBranchiostoma lanceolatumfluorescent protein, mNeonGreen (mNG), has several positive characteristics, such as a very bright fluorescence, high photostability and fast maturation. These features make it a good candidate for the utilization as fluorescent tool for cell biology and biochemical applications in filamentous fungi. We report the generation of plasmids for the expression of the heterologous mNG gene under the control of an inducible and a constitutive promoter in the filamentous ascomyceteSordaria macrosporaand display a stable expression of mNG in the cytoplasm. To demonstrate its usefulness for labeling of organelles, the peroxisomal targeting sequence serine-lysine-leucine (SKL) was fused to mNG. Expression of this tagged version led to protein import of mNG into peroxisomes and their bright fluorescence in life cell imaging.
Spine system changes in soldiers after load carriage training in a plateau environment: a prediction model research
Authors: Qu Hao , Yu Ling-Jia , Wu Ju-Tai , Liu Gang , Liu Sheng-Hui , Teng Peng , Ding Li , Zhao Yu
Published: December 2020

Background

Low back pain is the most common spinal disorder among soldiers, and load carriage training (LCT) is considered the main cause. We aimed to investigate changes in the spine system of soldiers after LCT at high altitudes and the change trend of the lumbar spine and surrounding soft tissues under different load conditions.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging scans of the lumbar spines of nine soldiers from plateau troops were collected and processed. We used ImageJ and Surgimap software to analyze changes in the lumbar paraspinal muscles, intervertebral discs (IVDs), intervertebral foramina, and curvature. Furthermore, the multiple linear regression equation for spine injury owing to LCT at high altitudes was established as the mathematical prediction model using SPSS Statistics version 23.0 software.

Results

In the paraspinal muscles, the cross-sectional area (CSA) increased significantly from 9126.4 ± 691.6 mm2 to 9862.7 ± 456.4 mm2, and the functional CSA (FCSA) increased significantly from 8089.6 ± 707.7 mm2 to 8747.9 ± 426.2 mm2 after LCT (P < 0.05); however, the FCSA/CSA was not significantly different. Regarding IVD, the total lumbar spine showed a decreasing trend after LCT with a significant difference (P < 0.05). Regarding the lumbar intervertebral foramen, the percentage of the effective intervertebral foraminal area of L3/4 significantly decreased from 91.6 ± 2.0 to 88.1% ± 2.9% (P < 0.05). For curvature, the lumbosacral angle after LCT (32.4° ± 6.8°) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that before LCT (26.6° ± 5.3°), while the lumbar lordosis angle increased significantly from 24.0° ± 7.1° to 30.6° ± 7.4° (P < 0.05). The linear regression equation of the change rate, △FCSA% = − 0.718 + 23.085 × load weight, was successfully established as a prediction model of spinal injury after LCT at high altitudes.

Conclusion

The spinal system encountered increased muscle volume, muscle congestion, tissue edema, IVD compression, decreased effective intervertebral foramen area, and increased lumbar curvature after LCT, which revealed important pathophysiological mechanisms of lumbar spinal disorders in soldiers following short-term and high-load weight training. The injury prediction model of the spinal system confirmed that a load weight < 60% of soldiers’ weight cannot cause acute pathological injury after short-term LCT, providing a reference supporting the formulation of the load weight standard for LCT.
Improving maternal health services through social accountability interventions in Nepal: an analytical review of existing literature
Authors: Nepal Adweeti , Dangol Santa Kumar , van der Kwaak Anke
Published: December 2020

Background

The persistent quality gap in maternal health services in Nepal has resulted in poor maternal health outcomes. Accordingly, the Government of Nepal (GoN) has placed emphasis on responsive and accountable maternal health services and initiated social accountability interventions as a strategical approach simultaneously. This review critically explores the social accountability interventions in maternal health services in Nepal and its outcomes by analyzing existing evidence to contribute to the informed policy formulation process.

Methods

A literature review and desk study undertaken between December 2018 and May 2019. An adapted framework of social accountability by Lodenstein et al. was used for critical analysis of the existing literature between January 2000 and May 2019 from Nepal and other low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) that have similar operational context to Nepal. The literature was searched and extracted from database such as PubMed and ScienceDirect, and web search engines such as Google Scholar using defined keywords.

Results

The study found various social accountability interventions that have been initiated by GoN and external development partners in maternal health services in Nepal. Evidence from Nepal and other LMICs showed that the social accountability interventions improved the quality of maternal health services by improving health system responsiveness, enhancing community ownership, addressing inequalities and enabling the community to influence the policy decision-making process. Strong gender norms, caste-hierarchy system, socio-political and economic context and weak enforceability mechanism in the health system are found to be the major contextual factors influencing community engagement in social accountability interventions in Nepal.

Conclusions

Social accountability interventions have potential to improve the quality of maternal health services in Nepal. The critical factor for successful outcomes in maternal health services is quality implementation of interventions. Similarly, continuous effort is needed from policymakers to strengthen monitoring and regulatory mechanism of the health system and decentralization process, to improve access to the information and to establish proper complaints and feedback system from the community to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the interventions. Furthermore, more study needs to be conducted to evaluate the impact of the existing social accountability interventions in improving maternal health services in Nepal.
Misinterpreting Paced Heart Rhythms: A Case Report
Authors: Luan-Erfe Betty M. , Sweitzer BobbieJean , Soghikian Max O. , Stecker Eric C. , Schulman Peter M.
Published: December 2020

We describe 2 cases in which failure to properly interpret paced heart rhythms in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) undergoing surgery resulted in adverse consequences including unnecessary invasive procedures, surgical delays, and patient dissatisfaction. Both cases occurred even though experienced clinicians were involved, and all perioperative recommendations were followed. Although it is sometimes argued that anesthesiologists are not directly responsible for CIED management, they are often held accountable when problems arise. These cases reinforce the need for anesthesiologists to not only adhere to all key practice recommendations but to also understand CIED functions and common pitfalls.
Bleach correction ImageJ plugin for compensating the photobleaching of time-lapse sequences
Authors: Miura Kota
Published: December 2020

During the capturing of the time-lapse sequence of fluorescently labeled samples, fluorescence intensity exhibits decays. This phenomenon is known as 'photobleaching' and is a widely known problem in imaging in life sciences. The photobleaching can be attenuated by tuning the imaging set-up, but when such adjustments only partially work, the image sequence can be corrected for the loss of intensity in order to precisely segment the target structure or to quantify true intensity dynamics. We implemented an ImageJ plugin that allows the user to compensate for the photobleaching to estimate the non-bleaching condition with choice of three different algorithms: simple ratio, exponential fitting, and histogram matching methods. The histogram matching method is a novel algorithm for photobleaching correction. This article presents details and characteristics of each algorithm based on application to actual image sequences.
КОММУНИКАТИВНЫЕ ИНФОРМАЦИОННЫЕ СТРАТЕГИИ ЦИФРОВОЙ ДИПЛОМАТИИ ВЕЛИКОБРИТАНИИ
Authors: Kaufova Inessa Betalovna , Kaufova Lola Aslanovna
Published: December 2020

Цель. Авторы ставят целью выявление коммуникативных информационных стратегий цифровой дипломатии, которыми пользуется известный современный британский политик Б. Джонсон в рамках международных социальных сетей.Метод и методология исследования. Основными методами исследования данной работы являются лингвистический, описательный и логико-семантический.Результаты. Цифровая дипломатия использует определенные коммуникативные стратегии, среди которых информационные являются ключевыми. Они реализуются преимущественно посредством отбора определенной информации, детального развития информации и замалчивания некоторых фактов. Использование социальных сетей допускает употребление специальных лексических средств, введенных в структуру текста с целью скрытой манипуляции.Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть применены в области политической лингвистики, культурологи и политической лингвистики.
КОНЦЕПТУАЛЬНЫЕ ПРИЗНАКИ ГИПЕРБОЛИЗАЦИИ ЮМОРА В АМЕРИКАНСКОМ ХУДОЖЕСТВЕННОМ ДИСКУРСЕ
Authors: Verzhinskaya Inna Vladimirovna
Published: December 2020

Цель. Статья посвящена описанию и исследованию концептуальных признаков комического преувеличения образа посредством объективации его эндогенных и экзогенных характеристик.Метод или методология проведения работы. Методика выявления комических концептуальных признаков обозначила корпус следующих методов исследования: методы синтеза и описания, систематизации и класcификации, а также лингвокультурологический и когнитивный анализ материала.Результаты. На основе проведенного анализа установлено, что концептуальные признаки гиперболизации американcкого юмора объективируются поcредством языковых единиц или cтилиcтических cредcтв актуализации гиперболы. Степень гиперболизации американского юмора выявляется в рамках cхемы, отражающей контраcт эндогенных и экзогенных характеристик комических образов. Комические концептуальные признаки, актуализируемые поcредством контекcтуальных экзогенных cтатуcов, объективируют такие концепты, как «сила», «способность», «еда», «статус», «смерть», «крик», «сумасшествие». Данные концепты также являются маркерами национального юмора.Область применения результатов. Результаты данного исследования могут применяться в теоретических курсах по лингвострановедению, общему языкознанию, когнитивной лингвистике, а также на практических занятиях по устному и письменному переводу, аналитическому чтению.
MODELING OF SPOKE STIFFNESS FOR EXTERNAL FIXATION DEVICES
Authors: Bushmanov Aleksandr , Mel'nichenko D
Published: December 2020

A nonlinear calculation of the stiffness of the spokes of external fixation devices in traumatology is proposed. Taking into account the geometric nonlinearity of the spoke, the finite element method is used in the calculations of stiffness and stresses arising in the spoke fasteners. Under the action of the transverse force and its preliminary tension, deflections of the spoke and stresses in the attachment points are determined.
How the COVID-19 pandemic has affected people with dementia
Authors: Nazarko Linda
Published: December 2020

Linda Nazarko explains how the pandemic is having a disproportionate impact on those with dementia
Interference at the single-photon level based on silica photonics robust against channel disturbance
Authors: Li Xiao , Ren Meizhen , Zhang Jiashun , Wang Liangliang , Chen Wei , Wang Yue , Yin Xiaojie , Wu Yuanda , An Junming
Published: December 2020

Quantum key distribution (QKD) provides a solution for communication of unconditional security. However, the quantum channel disturbance in the field severely increases the quantum bit-error rate, degrading the performance of a QKD system. Here we present a setup comprising silica planar light wave circuits (PLCs), which is robust against the channel polarization disturbance. Our PLCs are based on the asymmetric Mach–Zehnder interferometer (AMZI), integrated with a tunable power splitter and thermo-optic phase modulators. The polarization characteristics of the AMZI PLC are investigated by a novel pulse self-interfering method to determine the operation temperature of implementing polarization insensitivity. Over a 20 km fiber channel with 30 Hz polarization scrambling, our time-bin phase-encoding QKD setup is characterized with an interference fringe visibility of 98.72%. The extinction ratio for the phase states is kept between 18 and 21 dB for 6 h without active phase correction.
Interfacing photonic crystal fiber with a metallic nanoantenna for enhanced light nanofocusing
Authors: Minn Khant , Birmingham Blake , Ko Brian , Lee Ho Wai Howard , Zhang Zhenrong
Published: December 2020

The direct interfacing of photonic crystal fiber to a metallic nanoantenna has widespread application in nanoscale imaging, optical lithography, nanoscale lasers, quantum communication, in vivo sensing, and medical surgery. We report on the fabrication of a needle-shaped plasmonic nanoantenna on the end facet of a photonic crystal fiber using electron-beam-induced evaporation of platinum. We demonstrate the coupling of light from the fiber waveguide mode to the subwavelength nanoantenna plasmonic mode focusing down to the apex of the plasmonic needle using a polarization-resolved far-field side-scatter imaging technique. Our work provides an important step toward widespread application of optical fibers in nearfield spectroscopic techniques such as tip-enhanced Raman and fluorescence microscopy, single-photon excitation and quantum sensors, nanoscale optical lithography, and lab-on-fiber devices.
Bergenin protects pancreatic beta cells against cytokine-induced apoptosis in INS-1E cells
Authors: Rajput Sajid Ali , Mirza Munazza Raza , Choudhary M. Iqbal
Published: December 2020

Beta cell apoptosis induced by proinflammatory cytokines is one of the hallmarks of diabetes. Small molecules which can inhibit the cytokine-induced apoptosis could lead to new drug candidates that can be used in combination with existing therapeutic interventions against diabetes. The current study evaluated several effects of bergenin, an isocoumarin derivative, in beta cells in the presence of cytokines. These included (i) increase in beta cell viability (by measuring cellular ATP levels) (ii) suppression of beta cell apoptosis (by measuring caspase activity), (iii) improvement in beta cell function (by measuring glucose-stimulated insulin secretion), and (iv) improvement of beta cells mitochondrial physiological functions. The experiments were carried out using rat beta INS-1E cell line in the presence or absence of bergenin and a cocktail of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon- gamma) for 48 hr. Bergenin significantly inhibited beta cell apoptosis, as inferred from the reduction in the caspase-3 activity (IC50 = 7.29 ± 2.45 μM), and concurrently increased cellular ATP Levels (EC50 = 1.97 ± 0.47 μM). Bergenin also significantly enhanced insulin secretion (EC50 = 6.73 ± 2.15 μM) in INS-1E cells, presumably because of the decreased nitric oxide production (IC50 = 6.82 ± 2.83 μM). Bergenin restored mitochondrial membrane potential (EC50 = 2.27 ± 0.83 μM), decreased ROS production (IC50 = 14.63 ± 3.18 μM), and improved mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity (EC50 = 1.39 ± 0.62 μM). This study shows for the first time that bergenin protected beta cells from cytokine-induced apoptosis and restored insulin secretory function by virtue of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. To sum up, the above mentioned data highlight bergenin as a promising anti-apoptotic agent in the context of diabetes.
Recuento de los animales en la poesía de Rubén Darío, Ramón López Velarde y Rubén Bonifaz Nuño
Authors: Ballester Pardo Ignacio
Published: December 2020

Al leer a Rubén Darío, Ramón López Velarde y Rubén Bonifaz Nuño advertimos una presencia animal que es constante y variada en la fatal, suave y ardiente poética de los respectivos autores. Dicho recurso traza una alteridad fáunica o faunística que los asocia, yendo de pájaros y aves que no vuelan a perros e insectos. El bestiario se actualiza de lo divino a lo mundano, del cielo a la tierra, de los colores al gris, del interrogante a la exclamación, de lo mayúsculo al músculo, del cisne a las hormigas. Si en Darío prima la naturaleza, el color y el cantar melódico de cisnes, faisanes y alondras, en López Velarde el sonido lo va oscureciendo una mancha urbana que se extiende hasta Bonifaz Nuño. Recién cumplidos los cien años de la muerte del nicaragüense, el centenario también de la publicación de La sangre devota, del jerezano, y los sesenta años de Los demonios y los días, del jarocho, nos basamos en tres poetas fundamentales para la evolución de la poesía mexicana contemporánea; cuya simbología o desdoblamiento animal explica el crecimiento de las ciudades, la repetición de motivos anónimos que van empequeñeciéndose y, al cabo, acerca los límites entre lo humano y lo animal para plantear, desde el poema, un análisis de las formas de habitabilidad urbana.