bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of spectrum of fungal isolates in the sputum of newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients
Authors: Wani Abdul Raouf , Kumar Lokender , Singhal Ritu , Chakraborti Amartya , Khot Sagar Mohanrao
Published: November 2021

Tuberculosis is a state of immunosupression which exposes the patients to further opportunistic pathogens like fungus. Methods: 102 newly diagnosed sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis cases were enrolled. Significant fungal isolates were seen in 31/102 (30.4%) patients. Aspergillus spp. were isolated in 13/31(41.9%) of the positive fungal cultures while Candida spp. were isolated in 15/31 (48.4%). Low body mass index, duration of symptoms, haemoptysis, severity of radiological features and IgG Aspergillus antibodies were independent risk factors for positive fungal culture. Significant proportion of patients with PTB have fungal colonisation of their airways which can lead to poor clinical outcomes. Few easily ascertained clinical parameters can help the clinician to determine patients who are at a higher risk of fungal colonisation.
Comparison of auricle reconstruction with expanded flaps and auricle reconstruction with non-expanded flaps in patients with microtia: A meta-analysis
Authors: Sun Pengfei , Wang Changchen , Luan Fang , Pan Bo
Published: November 2021

Objective

We conducted this meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of these two surgical methods by comparing the incidence of major evaluation indicators.

Methods

The databases such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP information databases were searched.

Results

The satisfaction rate of patients with auricle reconstruction using expanded flaps was 86.5%, and the satisfaction rate of patients with auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps was 87.9%. The incidence of postoperative hematoma was 3.2% in patients with auricle reconstruction using expanded flaps and 18.9% in patients with auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps. The incidence of postoperative skin necrosis was 2.2% in patients with auricle reconstruction using expanded flaps and 4.1% in patients with auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps. The incidence of postoperative incision infection was 3.1% in patients with auricle reconstruction using expanded flaps and 0.9% in patients with auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps. The incidence of cartilage framework exposure was 2.2% in patients with auricle reconstruction using expanded flaps and 1.9% in patients with auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps. The incidence of postoperative scar hyperplasia was 3.8% in patients with auricle reconstruction using expanded flaps and 3% in patients with auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps. The publication bias of included literature was evaluated by Egger test. There was no publication bias in this Meta-analysis ( P > .05).

Conclusion

The auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps is dominant in four of the six evaluation indexes. Therefore, we believe that the auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps has better therapeutic effect in patients with microtia. Due to the limitations of this meta-analysis, the conclusions of this meta-analysis still need to be further verified.
Survival and swallowing function outcome impact factors analysis of surgery-oriented comprehensive treatment for hypopharyngeal cancer in a series of 122 patients
Authors: Li Wan-Xin , Dong Yan-Bo , Lu Cheng , Bradley Patrick J. , Liu Liang-Fa
Published: November 2021

Objective

Under current standards of treating highly aggressive hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC), oncological control and functional outcome are still unsatisfactory worldwide. This study explored the surgery-oriented comprehensive treatment approach based on 15 years of practice.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of HPC patients treated by the senior author at Chinese PLA General Hospital between Nov 2005 and Aug 2012 and Capital Medical University Beijing Friendship Hospital between May 2014 and Nov 2019 was studied. Oncological control, swallowing function, and quality of life (QoL) were assessed.

Results

In total, 122 patients were included in this study, with 11 (9.0%) cases in the early stage and 111 (91.0%) cases in the advanced stage. Five-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 40.0% and 36.1%, respectively. The swallowing outcome was satisfactory in 90 (73.8%) patients. Tracheostomy-free survival was achieved in 55 (45.1%) patients. Multivariate cox regression analysis showed that the size of the surgical defect, local-regional recurrence, and distant metastasis were independent impact factors for OS and DFS ( P < .05). Multivariate analysis showed that the logistic regression coefficients (standard error) of pharyngo-cutaneous fistula and local-regional recurrence on swallowing function were 1.274 (.532) and 1.283 (.496), respectively ( P < .05). In addition, the logistic regression coefficients (standard error) of the clinical stage, local-regional recurrence, decannulation, and feeding tube on QoL were −7.803 (3.593), −7.699 (3.151), 13.853 (3.494), and −20.243 (3.696), respectively ( P < .05).

Conclusions

Surgery-oriented comprehensive treatment can give rise to good swallowing function without jeopardizing oncological control. The size of the surgical defect, local-regional recurrence, and distant metastasis were independent factors impacting OS and DFS. Pharyngo-cutaneous fistula and local-regional recurrence were independent factors impacting swallowing function. Clinical stage, local-regional recurrence, decannulation, and feeding tube were independent factors impacting QoL.
Is Genericness Still Adequately Defined? Internet Search Firms and the Economic Rationale for Trademarks
Authors: Shackell Cameron
Published: November 2021

Landes and Posner’s highly cited economics of trademark law based on search cost reduction has influenced economists, legislators, and courts for decades. Their account, however, predates consumer use of the Internet for search and did not anticipate the rise of firms such as Google to economy-wide power in search. Consequently, trademark law intended to help consumers find a preferred brand now also protects the means they typically use. An outdated view of trademarks as a natural and equitable right––very scrutable to STS––has led to Internet search firms owning reflexive “marks for finding other marks,” a structural advantage they have exploited through new dynamic and microtargeted forms of advertising into technoscientific rentiership. This paper revises Landes and Posner’s model to fit the case of an economy containing dominant firms with significant economy-wide search cost reduction power, adding (1) differentiation of technological elements of the original formal model and (2) analysis of the distribution and function of marks such as GOOGLE in consumer decision-making. The updated theory shows that marks granted to search firms are equivalent to generic marks in economic effect and constitute a new but unrecognized class that are functionally “super-generic.”
Title: New Parents’ Idealistic Expectations of Parenthood: The Impact of Preconceived Ideas
Authors: Sanders Rachael E. , Lehmann Jennifer , Gardner Fiona
Published: November 2021

Parenthood is a significant life transition with considerable impacts on parent, child and family wellbeing. While life-enhancing, it is also stressful. New parents’ often hold unrealistic expectations and do not prepare adequately for the new role. Applying a critical exploratory Grounded Theory approach, this study explores the reasons for expectant parents’ unrealistic expectations. Thirty parents were interviewed about their preconceptions of parenthood, how they impacted on early parenting experiences and what, if anything, might help better prepare parents for this role. Participants reported unrealistic expectations, a lack of preparation, and recommended that parenting information be provided by professionals prenatally to help prevent adverse effects. In addition, we advocate promoting critical thinking to help parents identify and grapple with facets of social life that support and impede the way they experience and cope with parenthood, leading to the capacity to challenge cultural pressures that may make parenting even more difficult.
The German version of the Stroke Upper Limb Capacity Scale: Translation, cross-cultural adaption and evaluation of its psychometric properties
Authors: Egger Marion , Steinböck Martina , Müller Friedemann , Bergmann Jeannine
Published: November 2021

Objective:

To investigate the psychometric properties of a newly developed German version of the Stroke Upper Limb Capacity Scale (SULCS).

Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Setting:

Neurorehabilitation clinic.

Subjects:

Patients after stroke ( n = 50) with moderate to severe upper limb hemiparesis undergoing inpatient rehabilitation.

Intervention:

Not applicable.

Main measures:

The SULCS was administered twice by two different raters on the first day of assessments and another time the day after. Additionally the Fugl-Meyer-Assessment, Action Research Arm Test and the Box and Block Test were conducted. Three and six weeks later, the SULCS, Fugl-Meyer-Assessment and Box and Block Test were repeated. Floor and ceiling effects were analyzed.

Results:

Reliability was demonstrated to be excellent as displayed by weighted kappa of 0.960 (95%-confidence interval: CIκw = 0.808–1.112) for the intra-rater reliability and 0.936 (CIκw = 0.749–1.123) for the inter-rater reliability. High correlations of the SULCS with the Fugl-Meyer-Assessment (ρ = 0.889), Action Research Arm Test (ρ = 0.872), and Box and Block Test (ρ = 0.845; all P < 0.001) confirmed a high convergent validity. The longitudinal validity was determined by a moderate to high correlation of the SULCS and Box and Block Test changes (ρ ⩾ 0.695, P ⩽ 0.001). Although floor effects were observed for the SULCS (16%), they were more substantial for the Action Research Arm Test and the Box and Block Test (>38%).

Conclusion:

Due to the good to excellent psychometric properties and the low level of floor effects of the German version of the SULCS, the usage for clinical and scientific purposes can be recommended.
The effect of giving verbal feedback during neck stabilisation exercise as an addition to physical therapy in patients with chronic neck pain: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lin Yi-Jia , Hsu Wei-Chun , Hsieh Lin-Fen , Chang Kae-Chwen , Kuo Ying-Chen , Hsieh Tien-Lee
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To study the addition of feedback-guided neck strength home exercise to physical therapy as an enhanced rehabilitation programme in the treatment of patients with chronic neck pain.

Design

A prospective randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Rehabilitation department of an academic hospital.

Subjects

Patients with chronic neck pain.

Interventions

The patients in both groups received supervised physical therapy sessions 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Patients in Group A ( N = 38) used the neck strengthening exerciser device for 20 min daily at home for 6 weeks and patients in Group B ( N = 20) performed 20 min of daily regular neck exercise at home for 6 weeks.

Outcome measures

Neck disability index, pain visual analogue scale, active range of motion of the neck, Patient Global Assessment and patient evaluation of treatment effect. All subjects were assessed at baseline as well as at 6- and 12-week follow-ups.

Results

At the 6-week follow-up, Group A exhibited significantly greater improvements ( P < 0.05) in pain Visual Analogue Scale (Group A: 2.97 ± 1.57; Group B: 4.20 ± 1.82), neck disability index (Group A: 13.95 ± 8.07; Group B: 20.07 ± 9.14) and active cervical extension (Group A: 65.26 ± 12.76; Group B: 51.45 ± 11.78). At 12-week follow-up, Group A also exhibited significantly greater active cervical extension (Group A: 67.74 ± 11.94; Group B: 53.85 ± 14.09; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Adding neck strengthening exerciser home training to physical therapy was demonstrated to be more effective than physical therapy alone for patients with chronic neck pain.
Making others (un)equal: The social ethics of Scandinavian enclaving in Maputo, Mozambique
Authors: Botelho Flora
Published: November 2021

This article explores practices and ideologies of equality as the central mechanisms through which cosmopolitan Scandinavians in the capital of Mozambique simultaneously build themselves as a community and sever relationships with locals, thereby constructing a socioeconomic, cultural and moral enclave within the city. Scandinavian sociality is predicated upon the absence of overt signs of social differentiation and these practices are reproduced in their interactions in Maputo. Egalitarian values, paradoxically, allow Scandinavians to mask the structures of inequality inherent to local society and engage in structurally unequal relations in which they act as if all interactions were between autonomous equals, possessed of equivalent social and economic capital. Specifically, the article explores the ways through which Scandinavian expatriates justify the use of domestic labour while refusing to recognise the implication of this structurally unequal employment in the local context. By insisting on equality and autonomy as the basis for social interactions, Scandinavians reject local forms of constructing relationships that are predicated upon the recognition of unequal positions and an obligation of responsibility towards dependents. They thereby refuse to engage with local expectations and understandings of labour relations and fail to recognise the implications of their position within the Mozambican social hierarchy.
The shape of neighborhoods to come: Examining patterns of gentrification and holistic neighborhood change in Los Angeles County, 1980–2010
Authors: Williams Seth A. , Hipp John R.
Published: November 2021

The present study examines holistic neighborhood change in Los Angeles County across three decades between 1980 and 2010. Using Census tract data, we conduct a latent class analysis to identify classes of neighborhood change for each decade according to housing dynamics, age structure, racial-ethnic composition and churning, and socioeconomic characteristics, and describe latent classes indicative of gentrification. Further, we assess the degree to which tracts experience sustained or repeated gentrification over the 30 year period. In line with more recent conceptualizations of gentrification as a broad urban process, we find that gentrification occurs in a wide range of neighborhoods, and manifests itself differently according to shifts in population characteristics, with many tracts experiencing more than one successive period of gentrification over the 30 year period.
Internal Instability in Soils: A Critical Review of the Fundamentals and Ramifications
Authors: Dassanayake Sandun M. , Mousa Ahmad A , Ilankoon Saman , Fowmes Gary J
Published: November 2021

Seepage-induced fine-particle migration that leads to a change in the conductivity of a soil matrix is referred to as internal instability. This could jeopardize the structural integrity of the soil matrix by initiating suffusion (or suffosion), a form of internal erosion. Susceptibility to suffusion has been studied mostly under extreme laboratory conditions to develop empirical design criteria, which are typically based on the particle size distribution. The physics governing the process have not been comprehensively uncovered in the classical studies because of experimental limitations. Mainstream evaluation methods often over-idealize the suffusion process, holding a probabilistic perspective for estimating constriction sizes and fines migration. Prospective studies on constitutive modeling techniques and modern computational techniques have allowed a more representative evaluation and deeper insight into the problem. Recent advances in sensing technologies, visualization, and tracking techniques have equally enriched the quality of the data on suffusion. This paper sets out to present the long-standing knowledge on the internal instability phenomenon in soils. An attempt is made to pinpoint ambiguities and underscore research gaps. The classical empirical studies and modern visualizing techniques are integrated with particle-based numerical simulations to strengthen the theoretical understanding of the phenomenon.
Study of Structural Characteristics of Asphalt Overlays on Airport Pavement with Damaged Load Transfer Efficiency of Joints
Authors: Wang Kaifeng , Wang Kai , Zhu Yunsheng , Bao Yunhan , Fang Zhou
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the real joint load transfer efficiency of airport pavement is calculated by combining the results of airport pavement deflection detection and ground-penetrating radar detection. Spring elements are used to simulate the actual load transfer efficiency of joints in ABAQUS. The impact of different asphalt overlays on the stress state of the critical point in the pavement is analyzed by the airport cement concrete pavement model. The result shows that adding a thin stress-absorbing layer with fine-graded and low modulus can effectively disperse the load transferred from the asphalt pavement to the cement pavement and the stress concentration at the joint under the asphalt overlay. Compared with airport pavement without a stress-absorbing layer, the tensile stress and shear stress at the critical point in the airport pavement asphalt overlay decreased by 24.62% and 22.49%, respectively. Therefore, the combination of the high-modulus upper layer and low-modulus lower layer can effectively reduce the tensile stress and shear stress at the critical point. In addition, increases in the thickness of the asphalt overlay can effectively improve the stress state at the critical point. When the thickness of the asphalt overlay changed from 13 cm to 21 cm, the maximum tensile and shear stress decreased by 8.82% and 8.92%, respectively. Finally, based on the analysis of the numerical simulation and field test verification, the optimal airport pavement asphalt overlay scheme is proposed.
Rurality as a Risk Factor for Attempted Suicide and Death by Suicide in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Barry Rebecca , Rehm Jürgen , de Oliveira Claire , Gozdyra Peter , Chen Simon , Kurdyak Paul
Published: November 2021

Objective

This study aims to examine rural and urban differences in attempted suicide and death by suicide in Ontario, Canada.

Method

This is a population-based nested case-control study. Data were obtained from administrative databases held at ICES, which capture all hospital and emergency department visits across Ontario between 2007 and 2017. All adults living in Ontario who attempted suicide or died by suicide are included in the study, and controls were matched by sex and age. Suicides were captured using vital statistics. Suicide attempts were determined using emergency department service codes.

Results

Rurality is a risk factor for attempted suicide and death by suicide. Rural males are more likely to die by suicide compared with urban males (adjusted odds ratio(AOR) = 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.49 to 1.95), and the odds of death by suicide increase with increasing levels of rurality. Rural males and females have an increased risk of attempted suicide compared with their urban counterparts (males: AOR = 1.37, 95% CI, 1.24 to 1.50) (females: AOR = 1.26, 95% CI,  1.14 to 1.39), with a pattern of increasing risk of suicide attempts with increasing rurality. Rural females are not at increased risk of suicide compared with urban females (AOR = 1.08, 95% CI, 0.80 to 1.45). Sensitivity analyses corroborated the results.

Conclusions

Rural males are almost two times more likely to die by suicide compared with urban males, and both rural males and females have an elevated risk of suicide attempts compared with urban residents. Future research should examine potential mediators of the relationship between rurality and suicide.
Diagnosed Incidence of Non-Affective Psychotic Disorders Amongst Adolescents in British Columbia and Sociodemographic Risk Factors: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Magee Carly , Guhn Martin , Puyat Joseph H. , Gadermann Anne , Oberle Eva
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To estimate the diagnosed incidence of non-affective psychotic disorder between the ages of 13 and 19 years in South-Western British Columbia (BC) and to examine variation in risk by sex, family and neighbourhood income, family migration background, parent mental health contact and birth year.

Methods

Linked individual-level administrative data were used to construct a cohort of individuals born in 1990–1998 and residing in South-Western BC ( n = 193,400). Cases were identified by either one hospitalization or two outpatient physician visits within 2 years with a primary diagnosis of a non-affective psychotic disorder (ICD-10: F20–29, ICD-9: 295, 297, 298). We estimated cumulative incidence, annual cumulative incidence and incidence rate between the ages of 13 and 19 years, and conducted Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate associations between sociodemographic factors and risk over the study period.

Results

We found that 0.64% of females and 0.88% of males were diagnosed with a non-affective psychotic disorder between the ages of 13 and 19 years, with increasing risk observed over the age range, especially amongst males. Incidence rate over the entire study period was 106 per 100,000 person-years for females and 145 per 100,000 person-years for males. Risk of diagnosis was elevated amongst those in low-income families and neighbourhoods, those with a parent who had a health service contact for a mental disorder, and more recent birth cohorts. Risk was reduced amongst children of immigrants compared to children of non-migrants.

Conclusions

Findings from this study provide important information for health service planning in South-Western BC. Future work should examine whether variations in diagnosed incidence is driven by differences in health service engagement or reflect genuine differences in risk.
Blind Spots in Post-1989 Czech Historiography of State Socialism: Gender as a Category of Analysis
Authors: Oates-Indruchová Libora
Published: November 2021

Gender is rarely considered in the works on state socialism in Czech history writing. Given the prominence of the equality of the sexes in communist rhetoric and the heated anti- and pro-feminism media and intellectual debates of the 1990s, the omission stands out as a remarkable loss of opportunity in historical research. It also defies logic. For if “emancipation” and “equality” were so strongly present in pre-1989 discourse and women constituted half the population, does it not follow that the plain demographic fact should drive the interest of researchers to inquire where this population was, what it did, and what it had to say? The question has so far attracted primarily sociologists, but how does it fare in historiography? What are the losses of the absence and the gains of the inclusion of a gender perspective on the history and memory-making of state socialism? This article will first consider the status quo of gender blindness in Czech historiography and its possible reasons in the context of the legacy that state socialism left to social sciences and humanities: the legacy of expertise, disciplinary legitimation and epistemological legacy. A discussion of the consequences of the near absence of gender history and analysis from post-1989 interpretations of state socialism in historiography follows: blind spots and loss of knowledge, lack of precision and a gender bias of historical accounts, and perpetuation of false legacy. Finally, the article discusses the gains to Czech historiography, memory-making and international discussion, if scholars do consider gender.
On polyvinyl chloride-polypropylene composite matrix for 4D applications: Flowability, mechanical, thermal and morphological characterizations
Authors: Ranjan Nishant , Kumar Ranvijay , Singh Rupinder , Kumar Vinay
Published: November 2021

Thermoplastics such as; polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene (PP) have applications in different sectors such as; automobile, aerospace, biomedical, textile, etc. due to cost-effectiveness, biodegradability, high mouldability, easy availability and good mechanical properties. The shape memory performances of these thermoplastics are crucial for extending the four-dimensional (4D) printing applications. But hitherto little has been reported on flowability, mechanical, thermal, morphological and shape memory properties of PVC-PP composite. In this study, twin-screw compounding has been employed on PVC and PP thermoplastics (in single and blended form) to prepare feedstock filaments for fused filament fabrication (FFF). The investigations have been made for flowability (melt flow index (MFI), mechanical (tensile strength and elongation), thermal (melting point) morphological, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and shape memory effect on different feedstock filaments (prepared with neat PVC, 75%PVC-25%PP, 50%PVC-50%PP, 25%PVC-75%PP and neat PP). The results have been supported by fracture analysis of photomicrographs obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results of the study suggested that tensile strength was maximum for 50%PVC-50%PP (23.57 MPa) and minimum for neat PP (8.89 MPa). Further percentage shape recovery was observed maximum for neat PVC and minimum for neat PP.
Effects of larazotide acetate, a tight junction regulator, on the liver and intestinal damage in acute liver failure in rats
Authors: Caliskan Ali Riza , Gul Mehmet , Yılmaz Ismet , Otlu Baris , Uremis Nuray , Uremis Muhammed Mehdi , Kilicaslan Ilkay , Gul Semir , Tikici Deniz , Saglam Osman , Yalcin Muhammed , Demirel Ulvi , Harputluoglu Murat
Published: November 2021

Background and Aim

The epithelial cells are the strongest determinants of the physical intestinal barrier. Tight junctions (TJs) hold the epithelial cells together and allow for selective paracellular permeability. Larazotide acetate (LA) is a synthetic octapeptide that reduces TJ permeability by blocking zonulin receptors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of LA, a TJ regulator, on the liver and intestinal histology in the model of acute liver failure (ALF) in rats.

Materials and Methods

The thioacetamide (TAA) group received intraperitoneal (ip) injections of 300 mg/kg TAA for 3 days. The TAA+LA(dw) (drinking water) group received prophylactic 0.01 mg/mL LA orally for 7 days before the first dose of TAA. The LA(dw) group received 0.01 mg/mL LA orally. The TAA + LA(g) (gavage) group received prophylactic 0.01 mg/mL LA via oral gavage for 7 days before the first dose of TAA. The LA(g) group received 0.01 mg/mL LA via oral gavage. While liver tissue was evaluated only with light microscopy, intestinal samples were examined with light and electron microscopy.

Results

Serum ammonia, AST, and ALT levels in the TAA group were significantly higher than in control groups (all p < 0.01). Serum ALT levels in the TAA + LA(dw) group were significantly lower than in the TAA group ( p < 0.05). However, serum ammonia and ALT levels did not differ between the TAA and other groups. Serious liver damage in the TAA group was accompanied by marked intestinal damage. There was no significant difference between the TAA and TAA + LA(dw) groups and TAA and TAA + LA(g) groups for liver damage scores. However, intestinal damage scores significantly decreased in the TAA + LA(dw) group compared to the TAA group. In the TAA + LA(dw) group, fusion occurred between the surface epithelial cells of neighboring villi and connecting regions formed as epithelial bridges between the villi.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that LA reduced intestinal damage by acting on TJs in the TAA-induced ALF model in rats.
Tanshinone IIA improves degranulation of mast cells and allergic rhinitis induced by ovalbumin by inhibiting the PLCγ1/PKC/IP3R pathway
Authors: Li Shouye , Li Zheming , Tan Tao , Dai Shijie , Wu Yangsheng , Xu Faying
Published: November 2021

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common allergic inflammatory and chronic reactive disease caused by allergen-induced immunoglobulin E (IgE). Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is one of the active ingredients in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen) and plays a vital role in inhibiting inflammation. Thus, we hypothesized that Tan IIA has anti-allergic effects and studied the function of Tan IIA in mast cells and an AR animal model. We induced RBL-2H3 cell sensitization with monoclonal anti-2,4,6-dinitrophenyl-immunoglobulin (Ig) E/human serum albumin (DNP-IgE/HSA) and constructed an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR model in mice. The role of Tan IIA in AR progression was studied using the MTT assay, ELISA, western blot, toluidine blue staining, HE staining, and Alcian blue and safranin O (A&S) staining. Tan IIA treatment significantly increased IgE/HSA-induced cell viability. However, Tan IIA treatment markedly downregulated the expression levels of β-hexosaminidase, histamine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-4, and IL-5 in IgE/HSA-induced cells. Furthermore, Tan IIA improved typical symptoms in the OVA-induced AR model mice by inhibiting the phospholipase Cγ1 (PLCγ1)/protein kinase C (PKC)/IP3R pathway. Additionally, Tan IIA effectively improved the degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells and OVA-induced AR in mice. Together, these results suggest that Tan IIA may be a potential drug for the treatment of AR in the future.
The Golden Rule as a Paradigm for Fostering Prosocial Behavior With Virtual Reality
Authors: Slater Mel , Banakou Domna
Published: November 2021

The Golden Rule of ethics in its negative form states that you should not do to others what you would not want others to do to you, and in its positive form states that you should do to others as you would want them to do to you. The Golden Rule is an ethical principle, but in virtual reality (VR), it can also be thought of as a paradigm for the promotion of prosocial behavior. This is because in VR, you can directly experience harm that you inflicted or were complicit in inflicting from the embodied perspective of the victim. This use of what we refer to as the Golden Rule Embodiment Paradigm (GREP) relies on participants in VR having the illusion of body ownership over a virtual body. In this article, we introduce virtual embodiment and the consequent illusion of ownership over the virtual body, and describe how this phenomenon has been utilized to influence implicit attitudes. We then introduce the GREP and give examples of studies in which it enhanced helping behavior.
Sentiment Analysis of Users’ Comments on Indian Hindi News Channels Using Mozdeh: An Evaluation Based on YouTube Videos
Authors: Deori Maya , Verma Manoj Kumar , Kumar Vinit
Published: November 2021

Sentiment analysis is the channel to pick out the text from the social media dataset to inquire about the positive and negative opinions of the statement and its subjective and objectiveness. The purpose of the study is to manifest the sentiment of the text posted in five Hindi news channels, that is, AajTak, ABP News, India TV, NDTV India and Republic Bharat on YouTube are investigated by adopting the Mozdeh software to highlight the sequential temperament of the viewers by evaluating the positive and negative sentiments. The present study is subsequently limited to the data being extracted and evaluated by the software Mozdeh. The sentiments of each Hindi news channel are analysed along with the top word frequencies and displaying the time-series graph. The investigation presents that the channel with maximum average positive average negative sentiment belongs to India TV and the female category was in the peak compared to male altogether but the unidentified gender was the highest. During the time series analysis, the year 2020 was seen to be the most productive year since all the spikes were precisely detected. The audience of these channels turns out to be more attentive towards the political and entertainment news world. The study also highlights the tendency and interest of the common audiences to watch the news which dedicates that people are usually unsatisfied with the content being displayed in the videos and the common concentration is mostly based on the political news.
Clinicopathological Variables and Outcome in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Associated With BCR-ABL1 Transcript Type and Body Weight: An Outcome of European LeukemiaNet Project
Authors: Abdulla Mohammad A. J. , Chandra Prem , Akiki Susanna El , Aldapt Mahmood B. , Sardar Sundus , Chapra Ammar , Nashwan Abdulqadir J. , Sorio Claudio , Tomasello Luisa , Boni Christian , Yassin Mohamed A.
Published: November 2021

Objective

It is debatable whether BCR-ABL1 transcript type has an impact on outcome of treatment of patients with CML, and it is not widely studied whether body weight influences response to treatment. In this study, we tried to find out if any of these factors has an impact on response to treatment and outcome.

Methodology

We conducted a retrospective analysis of the files of 79 patients being treated in our center for CML with known BCR-ABL1 breakpoints, and patients’ management and response assessment was done based on ELN 2013 guidelines. The analysis was performed based on two main groups, obese vs. normal BMI, and then based on BCR-ABL1 transcripts: e13a2 vs. e14a2. Cumulative incidence of MMR, CCyR, and DMR were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier survival curve method, and comparisons between groups were performed by the Log-rank/Gray test methods.

Results/conclusion

In the patient-cohort studied, there was no statistically significant difference in molecular response between patients with CML based on body weight or transcript type although patients in the obesity group achieved higher and faster MMR with no statistical significance.
Accretion and ablation in deformable solids with an Eulerian description: examples using the method of characteristics
Authors: Naghibzadeh S Kiana , Walkington Noel , Dayal Kaushik
Published: November 2021

Accretion and ablation, i.e., the addition and removal of mass at the surface, are important in a wide range of physical processes, including solidification, growth of biological tissues, environmental processes, and additive manufacturing. The description of accretion requires the addition of new continuum particles to the body, and is therefore challenging for standard continuum formulations for solids that require a reference configuration. Recent work has proposed an Eulerian approach to this problem, enabling side-stepping of the issue of constructing the reference configuration. However, this raises the complementary challenge of determining the stress response of the solid, which typically requires the deformation gradient that is not immediately available in the Eulerian formulation. To resolve this, the approach introduced the elastic deformation as an additional kinematic descriptor of the added material, and its evolution has been shown to be governed by a transport equation. In this work, the method of characteristics is applied to solve concrete simplified problems motivated by biomechanics and manufacturing. Specifically, (1) for a problem with both ablation and accretion in a fixed domain and (2) for a problem with a time-varying domain, the closed-form solution is obtained in the Eulerian framework using the method of characteristics without explicit construction of the reference configuration.
Brachio-azygos transthoracic arteriovenous grafts for hemodialysis patients with bilateral central venous obstruction: A small case series
Authors: Song Dan , Park Young Woo
Published: November 2021

Background:

It is difficult to find a reliable outflow vein for vascular access in hemodialysis patients with bilateral central venous obstruction. The lower extremity veins are currently used as the most common alternative veins to make a new vascular access. However, in patients not amenable to make lower extremity access, intrathoracic vein should be considered as an outflow vein, but there are limitations in its use due to postoperative complications.

Methods:

We introduce a series of cases that underwent arteriovenous graft operation using an intrathoracic vein, the azygos arch, as an outflow vein. Brachio-azygos transthoracic arteriovenous graft is a surgical procedure that anastomoses the azygos arch and the brachial artery with 7 mm ringed polytetrafluoroethylene graft via lateral thoracotomy without median sternotomy.

Results:

The chest tubes of the patients were removed on the third postoperative day and they discharged within a week. About 1 month later, hemodialysis was initiated through the BATAVG, and it has been used without access dysfunction.

Conclusion:

Brachio-azygos transthoracic arteriovenous grafts were performed using the azygos arches without major complications. The azygos arch can be a good alternative outflow vein to make a new vascular access for hemodialysis patients with bilateral central venous obstruction.
What characteristics of recasts facilitate accurate perception when overheard by true beginners?
Authors: Kamiya Nobuhiro
Published: November 2021

In this study, 118 native speakers of Japanese watched 48 separate video clips in which a teacher provided recasts on phonological or lexical errors to students in Portuguese, a language with which the participants were unfamiliar. In the video clips, six recast characteristics were manipulated: length, segmentation (segmented/whole), prosodic emphasis (stressed/non-stressed), intonation (declarative/interrogative), head movements (nodding/shaking), and gestures (beat/deictic/metaphoric). Participants judged whether or not the teacher had corrected errors and stated the reasons for their decisions. Multiple regressions extracted segmentation and gestures as being significant variables for both phonological and lexical errors. Precisely speaking, recasts were more likely to be accurately perceived as correction when they were provided in sentence-length discourse along with deictic gestures. Additionally, head-shaking and beat also contributed to improved accuracy of phonological errors. The analysis of their reasoning indicates that the participants actively compared errors with recasts when judging the presence of a recast. The overall results indicate that contrary to the common belief suggesting that shorter recasts are better than longer ones, when true beginners overhear recasts, they may find it easier to notice the corrections when they are provided in sentence-length discourse; as such recasts facilitate more accurate perceptions.
Exploring teacher written feedback in EFL writing classrooms: Beliefs and practices in interaction
Authors: Cheng Xiaolong , Zhang Lawrence Jun , Yan Qiaozhen
Published: November 2021

As an important instructional affordance, teacher written feedback is widely used in second language (L2) writing contexts. While copious evidence has shown that such a pedagogical practice can facilitate L2 learners’ writing performance, especially their writing accuracy, little is known about how novice writing teachers conceptualize and enact written feedback in contexts of English as a foreign language (EFL). To fill this gap, we examined four novice writing teachers’ espoused written feedback beliefs and their actual practices in Chinese tertiary EFL writing classrooms. Based on data from semi-structured interviews and students’ writing samples, we found that they adopted a comprehensive approach to feedback provision, and were most concerned with errors in language, particularly grammar when providing feedback. These teachers almost reached a consensus in their beliefs about feedback scope and feedback focus, but they held varying beliefs about feedback strategies. Additionally, this study revealed the complexity of belief-practice relationships, in terms of the coexistence of consistencies and inconsistencies. Specifically, these teachers’ beliefs paralleled their practices in feedback scope, but their beliefs and practices mismatched with regard to feedback focus and feedback strategies. This article concludes with a discussion of the important pedagogical implications.
From individuals to emotional drones: Technology-driven change in the collective conditioning of intimacy
Authors: Wimark Thomas , Hedlund Daniel
Published: November 2021

Spatial media has received impetus in recent studies, arguing that its function as a mediator of meaning and enabler of intimacy are critical in late modernity. We suggest that spatial media not only liquefies key institutions of modernity but also replaces them. We conducted interviews with men who use spatial media to realize intimacy. In our analysis, we reference the fictional Star Trek universe to illustrate how spatial media may function as an institution. In the figure of the Borg, human-tech borders are eliminated, control is exerted through collective decisions, and bodies are assimilated into an expanding beehive-like community. Similarly, spatial media enables the liquefaction of human-tech borders, the creation of new sets of rules and hierarchies, and the assimilation of intimacy practices. We thereby conclude that digital media not only drive a process of liquefaction but also the forging of new institutional structures that condition the realization of intimacy.
Fundamental investigation using active plasma control to reduce blade–vortex interaction noise
Authors: Patel Trushant K , Lilley Alexander J , Shen Weiqi , Porrello Christian , Schindler-Tyka Alexander , Roy Subrata , Lear William E , Miller Steven AE
Published: November 2021

Blade vortex interaction noise is a problematic and dominant component of rotor noise. Plasma actuators strategically placed at the tip of the rotor blades can reduce the strength of the tip vortices. This reduction has the potential to significantly reduce blade vortex interaction noise. A combined experimental, numerical, and theoretical program shows supporting evidence that low power plasma actuators can effectively lower coherence of the blade tip vortex and reduce blade vortex interaction noise over-pressure by up to 80%. For a nominal small five-bladed unmanned aerial vehicle, we predict an approximate 8.88 maximum ΔdB reduction for a 150 m/s tip speed. Experimental, computational, and acoustic modeling support these predictions. This study represents a fundamental investigation in the fixed-frame, which provides evidence for higher level research and testing in a rotating framework.
Early detection of diabetic nephropathy in patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A review of the literature
Authors: Thipsawat Sopida
Published: November 2021

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a pathology of heterogeneous etiology characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from lack of insulin action, insulin secretion, or both, and the population with diabetes mellitus is predicted to be about 439 million worldwide by 2030. Prolong diabetes has been related with microvascular complications especially diabetic nephropathy. DN is the most common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and it is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. It is crucial to diagnose patients who are more sensible to develop DN for better control of the process of disease. Several factors and mechanisms contribute to the development and outcome of diabetic nephropathy. Microalbuminuria is an early marker of DN and use it as a routine for screening, but the renal damages may be happening even without microalbuminuria. There are several significant kidney damage and disease biomarkers which helps in early detection of DN. An early biomarker may allow earlier diagnosis, treatment reduces DN prevalence and slows DN progression. Therefore, this review focuses on laboratory biomarkers that are earlier, more validation of an early and specific biomarker could potentially make it possible for early diagnosis, treatment, and retardation of progression of diabetic nephropathy.
Evaluation of Clinical and Venous Blood Parameters as Surrogate Indicators in Assessing the Need for Fasciotomy in Lower Limb Compartment Syndrome
Authors: Dasgupta Rituparna , Ekka Nishith M. Paul , Das Arghya , Kumar Vinod
Published: November 2021

Acute compartment syndrome in the lower limb, a surgical emergency, may cause ischemic damage to muscles and neurological deficits leading to loss of function of the limb which may even require amputation, thus drastically affecting the quality of life of a patient. Fasciotomy for decompression is suggested when the differential pressure in the compartment of the leg is ≤30 mm Hg. However, compartment pressure measurement is not always feasible. Surgeons often find themselves in a dilemma in deciding the right treatment option for the patient: fasciotomy or conservative management. Since there is no universally accepted reference standard for the diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome at present, there is a need for definitive diagnostic variables so as to not delay fasciotomy in patients who need it, as well as to avoid unnecessary fasciotomies, especially when compartment pressures cannot be measured. In this observational study including 71 patients, based on the compartment pressures of the affected limb, treatment was done either with fasciotomy or conservative approach, and various clinical and biochemical parameters were evaluated in between these two groups. Statistically significant difference was found in the venous blood gas parameters between patients managed conservatively and with fasciotomy (MANOVA, P = .001). The results revealed the association of lower venous blood bicarbonate levels (independent sample t test, P = .021) and the presence of paresthesia (Fisher exact test, P = .0016) with the fasciotomy group. Also, pain on passive stretching of the affected limb was found to be significantly associated with a delta pressure of ≤30 mm Hg in any compartment (Fisher exact test, P = .002). These variables may thus be used as an alternative to the measurement of compartment pressure to assess the requirement of fasciotomy.
Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma of a Chronic Burn Scar of the Knee With Lymph Node Metastasis
Authors: Choi Jong Yun , Cha Won Jin , Kim Jeeyoon , Jung Ee Room , Jung Sung No , Seo Bommie Florence
Published: November 2021

Malignant transformation of chronic burn scars are usually toward cutaneous lineages, including squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Sarcomas are less common. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma(UPS) is a subtype of soft tissue sarcoma with storiform-pleomorphic cells of uncertain origin, and has sparingly been reported to arise from burn scars. The majority are localized lesions probably due to the spatial distance of mesenchymal cells from the epithelium. The authors describe a rare case of UPS of the chronic burn scar of his knee with ipsilateral femoral and external iliac lymph node metastasis.
Exercise Training as an Adjunctive Therapy for Chronic Venous Insufficiency Patients: Evidence from Research to Practice
Authors: Nantakool Sothida , Chuatrakoon Busaba , Veen Maurits van der , Rerkasem Amaraporn , Rerkasem Kittipan
Published: November 2021

Chronic venous insufficiency, which is defined as a condition relevant to persistent ambulatory venous hypertension, is a common cause of venous leg ulcers. Compression therapy is commonly used to relieve ambulatory venous hypertension and heal leg ulcers. Exercise is considered as adjunctive therapy, targeting calf muscle pump function, to additionally favor the compression treatment for facilitating the healing process. Different exercise training regimens for promoting wound healing and its relevant outcomes are reviewed and discussed in this study.