bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns in Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolated from South African Pregnant Women
Authors: Oree Glynis , Naicker Meleshni , Maise Hopolang Clifford , Tinarwo Partson , Abbai Nathlee Samantha
Published: March 2021

Background. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a sexually transmitted infection, is associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Emerging resistance towards various antibiotics has been observed globally. However, there is a lack of data on antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in N. gonorrhoeae isolated from pregnant women in our setting. This study fills in this gap in the literature. Methods. The study population included pregnant women, recruited from the antenatal clinic of the King Edward VIII hospital (KEH) in Durban. Endocervical swabs were obtained from 307 women. The swab was placed in Amies Charcoal media for culture assessments. Pure isolates of N. gonorrhoeae were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the Etest™ method. The MIC values were assessed in accordance with the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST, 2019) breakpoints. Results. The prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae by culture was 1.9%. High MIC values to penicillin G (12-64 mg/L) indicating a resistant phenotype were observed for all isolates tested, with 50% of the isolates displaying complete resistance. Isolates with intermediate (1 mg/L) and resistance (1.9-32 mg/L) profiles to tetracycline were observed. Resistance to ciprofloxacin (1.16-3 mg/L) was also observed. Isolates displayed either dual or triple resistance to penicillin G, tetracycline, or ciprofloxacin. All isolates showed susceptibility to spectinomycin (>64 mg/L), azithromycin (1 mg/L), ceftriaxone (>0.125 mg/L), and cefixime (>0.125 mg/L). Conclusion. Despite lack of resistance to ceftriaxone and azithromycin, continuous surveillance for emerging patterns of resistance to these antibiotics is needed since they form part of the treatment guidelines.
Implications of Continuous Noninvasive Finger Cuff Arterial Pressure Device Use during Cesarean Delivery for Goal‐Directed Fluid Therapy Preload Optimization: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yang Shan-Han , Lin Yi-Shiuan , Lee Chien-Nan , Cheng Ya-Jung , Chen Ying-Hsi , Chiu Hsin-Chan , Wu Chun-Yu
Published: March 2021

Background. Although fixed‐volume conventional fluid preloading protocol fails to attenuate postspinal hypotension during cesarean delivery, the effect of goal‐directed fluid therapy (GDFT) remains less explored. Continuous noninvasive finger cuff arterial pressure monitoring using devices such as the ClearSight System can provide the noninvasive stroke volume value, enabling clinicians to perform GDFT before spinal anesthesia; however, the efficacy of GDFT requires further elucidation. Method. In total, 71 consecutive full‐term pregnant women were randomly divided into a control group (n = 34) and a GDFT group (n = 37). Before spinal anesthesia, the control group received a fixed dose (1000 mL) of crystalloid fluid, but the GDFT group received repeated 3 mL/kg body weight of crystalloid fluid challenges within 3 minutes with a 1‐minute interval between each fluid challenge based on the stroke volume incremental changes obtained using the ClearSight System (targeting a stroke volume increase of ≥5% after a fluid challenge). The primary outcome was the incidence of postspinal hypotension. The secondary outcomes were total fluid volume, vasopressor dosage, hemodynamic parameter changes, maternal adverse effects, and neonatal profiles. Result. Women in the GDFT group received more fluid than did those in the control group (1132 ± 108 vs. 1247 ± 202 mL; p = 0.0044), but the incidence of postspinal hypotension (79.4% vs. 73.0%,; p = 0.5864) and norepinephrine dose (12.5 ± 10.6 vs. 15.1 ± 12.8 mcg, respectively; p = 0.3512) was comparable between the two groups. Fewer women in the GDFT group experienced nausea (61.76% vs. 35.14%; p = 0.0332). Neonatal outcomes (Apgar score and umbilical blood analysis) were comparable and typical in both groups. Conclusion. ClearSight‐guided GDFT did not ameliorate postspinal hypotension but may reduce nausea. This trial is registered with NCT03013140.
Cardiovascular and Autonomic Responses after a Single Bout of Resistance Exercise in Men with Untreated Stage 2 Hypertension
Authors: Machado Marcus Vinicius , Barbosa Thais de Paola Chequer , Chrispino Thais Camasmine , Junqueira das Neves Fabricia , Rodrigues Gabriel Dias , Soares Pedro Paulo da Silva , Nóbrega Antonio Claudio Lucas da
Published: March 2021

The aim of this paper is to assess the integrated responses of ambulatory blood pressure (BP), cardiac autonomic modulation, spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and vascular reactivity after a single bout of resistance exercise (RE) in men with stage 2 hypertension who have never been treated before. Ten hypertensive men were subjected to a RE session of three sets of 20 repetitions and an intensity of 40% of the 1-repetition maximum (RM) test in seven different exercises. For the control (CTR) session, the volunteers were positioned on the exercise machines but did not perform any exercise. Forearm blood flow was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography. We also analyzed the heart rate variability (HRV), ambulatory BP, blood pressure variability (BPV), and BRS. All measurements were performed at different timepoints: baseline, 20 min, 80 min, and 24 h after both RE and CTR sessions. There were no differences in ambulatory BP over the 24 h between the RE and CTR sessions. However, the area under the curve of diastolic BP decreased after the RE session. Heart rate (HR) and cardiac output increased for up to 80 and 20 min after RE, respectively. Similarly, forearm blood flow, conductance, and vascular reactivity increased 20 min after RE (

p
<
0.05

). In contrast, HRV and BRS decreased immediately after exercise and remained lower for 20 min after RE. We conclude that a single bout of RE induced an increase in vascular reactivity and reduced the pressure load by attenuating AUC of DBP in hypertensive individuals who had never been treated with antihypertensive medications.
Antioxidant Effect of Polygonatum sibiricum Polysaccharides in D‐Galactose‐Induced Heart Aging Mice
Authors: Ma Wanjun , Wei Shanshan , Peng Weijun , Sun Taoli , Huang Jianhua , Yu Rong , Zhang Bikui , Li Wenqun
Published: March 2021

Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharides (PSP), the extract of Polygonatum sibiricum, are demonstrated to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities. A recent study reported that PSP alleviated the aging of the kidney and meninges. However, the effect of PSP on heart aging remains unclear. The present study is aimed at investigating the protection of PSP on D‐galactose‐ (D‐gal‐) induced heart aging. Results showed that irregularly arranged cardiac muscle fibers were observed in heart tissues of D‐gal‐treated mice, and the levels of cardiac troponin T (cTnT), creatine kinase (CK), p21, and p53 were increased after D‐gal treatment. D‐gal‐induced heart aging and injury can be attenuated by oral administration of PSP. Moreover, PSP also decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the hearts of D‐gal‐treated mice. DNA damages and lipid peroxidation induced by oxidative stress were also inhibited by PSP as indicated by reduced levels of 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) and 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (4‐HNE). Collectively, PSP attenuated D‐gal‐induced heart aging via inhibiting oxidative stress, suggesting that PSP might serve as a potential effective Chinese herbal active constituent for antiaging therapy.
Data‐Driven Technology in Event‐Based Vision
Authors: Sun Ruolin , Shi Dianxi , Zhang Yongjun , Li Ruihao , Li Ruoxiang
Published: March 2021

Event cameras which transmit per‐pixel intensity changes have emerged as a promising candidate in applications such as consumer electronics, industrial automation, and autonomous vehicles, owing to their efficiency and robustness. To maintain these inherent advantages, the trade‐off between efficiency and accuracy stands as a priority in event‐based algorithms. Thanks to the preponderance of deep learning techniques and the compatibility between bio‐inspired spiking neural networks and event‐based sensors, data‐driven approaches have become a hot spot, which along with the dedicated hardware and datasets constitute an emerging field named event‐based data‐driven technology. Focusing on data‐driven technology in event‐based vision, this paper first explicates the operating principle, advantages, and intrinsic nature of event cameras, as well as background knowledge in event‐based vision, presenting an overview of this research field. Then, we explain why event‐based data‐driven technology becomes a research focus, including reasons for the rise of event‐based vision and the superiority of data‐driven approaches over other event‐based algorithms. Current status and future trends of event‐based data‐driven technology are presented successively in terms of hardware, datasets, and algorithms, providing guidance for future research. Generally, this paper reveals the great prospects of event‐based data‐driven technology and presents a comprehensive overview of this field, aiming at a more efficient and bio‐inspired visual system to extract visual features from the external environment.
The CD36 Ligand‐Promoted Autophagy Protects Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells from Oxidative Stress
Authors: Dorion Marie-France , Mulumba Mukandila , Kasai Shuya , Itoh Ken , Lubell William D. , Ong Huy
Published: March 2021

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) performs many functions that maintain photoreceptor health. Oxidative damage to the RPE is a critical component in the pathogenesis of eye diseases such as age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Ligands of the cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) have previously preserved photoreceptor integrity in mouse models of AMD. The cytoprotective effect of the CD36 ligand MPE‐001 on RPE cells has now been elucidated employing a model of oxidative stress. Sodium iodate (NaIO3) induced formation of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis in human RPE cells, which were decreased by MPE‐001 without affecting antioxidant enzyme transcription. Immunoblotting and immunostaining assays showed a restorative effect of MPE‐001 on the autophagic flux disrupted by NaIO3, which was associated with an increase in syntaxin 17‐positive mature autophagosomes. The cytoprotective effect of MPE‐001 was completely abolished by the autophagy inhibitors wortmannin and bafilomycin A1. In conclusion, we report for the first time an autophagy‐dependent protection of RPE cells from oxidative stress by a CD36 ligand.
The Optimal Timing for Using Capsule Endoscopy for Patients with Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Chao Chao-Chin , Mo Lein-Ray , Hu Susan C.
Published: March 2021

Objectives. Capsule endoscopy (CE) is a useful diagnostic modality for patients with occult gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. However, most previous studies utilizing CE have focused on techniques, patient characteristics, safety and feasibility, and case analyses. Studies evaluating the optimal timing for utilizing CE, which is an essential factor for obtaining a better diagnostic yield, remain scarce in the literature. Considering that a CE examination is expensive, we, therefore, undertook this study to evaluate, analyze, and determine the optimal time for performing CE in patients with occult GI bleeding. Methods. Seventy‐five patients were initially recruited, but finally, sixty patients with significant GI bleeding with an unknown etiology after traditional endoscopic examinations were included in the study. All data were collected from a local hospital in Taiwan, encompassing the period from 2010 to 2018. The relationship between the timing of CE examination and the diagnostic correction rate (DCR) was then analyzed statistically. Results. More female (58.3%) and older adult (68.3%) patients were in our study. Based on the four analytical models used in the study, the results showed that the most optimal time to perform CE is within three days after GI bleeding occurs.
Selected E2F2 Polymorphisms in Oral and Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Gołąbek Karolina , Biernacki Krzysztof , Gaździcka Jadwiga , Strzelczyk Joanna K. , Miśkiewicz-Orczyk Katarzyna , Krakowczyk Łukasz , Zięba Natalia , Kiczmer Paweł , Ostrowska Zofia , Misiołek Maciej
Published: March 2021

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) are subgroups of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. E2F Transcription Factor 2 (E2F2) could contribute to cancer development, because it plays a critical role in many cellular processes, including the cell cycle, proliferation, differentiation, DNA damage response, and cell death. In the current study, we assessed the associations of five E2F2 polymorphisms (rs6667575, rs3218121, rs3218211, rs3218148, and rs3218203) with OSCC and OPSCC and influence on the TNM staging and grading. This is the first such survey to concern the European population. The study included 94 primary tumour samples following surgical resection from patients, whereas the control group consisted of 99 healthy individuals. We tried a matching of cases and controls for age and sample size. DNA samples were genotyped by employing the 5 ′ nuclease assay for allelic discrimination. Our results suggested that the most significant difference between the control group and the cancer group was the A/G heterozygote for rs3218121. Samples containing this genotype were mostly found in the control group. In our samples, rs6667575, rs3218121, rs3218211, and rs3218148 polymorphisms may affect the course of OSCC and OPSCC, while rs3218203 was not associated with OSCC and OPSCC. However, further studies are warranted to confirm our findings.
The Hydration and Compressive Strength of Cement Mortar Prepared by Calcium Acetate Solution
Authors: Cao Ke , Wang Liang , Xu Ying , Shen Wenfeng , Wang Hao
Published: March 2021

Calcium acetate is the major component of the waste solution produced in treating recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) with acetic acid. Thus, the current work aims to explore the influence of calcium acetate solution on the performance of ordinary Portland cement. For this purpose, cement pastes and mortars were prepared using different concentrations, namely, 1, 2, and 3%, of calcium acetate solution. The heat evolution results confirmed that the calcium acetate solution at a concentration of 2% could accelerate the hydration of the cement. The XRD/TGA results and SEM images also indicated that more ettringite and calcium hydroxide (CH) are produced in the mortars prepared by the 2% calcium acetate solution. Moreover, the mortar containing the 2% calcium acetate solution has a denser microstructure than the control group according to the MIP tests results, and mortars cured for 3 and 28 days have a respective compressive strength, 23.34 and 15.43%, higher than the control group. The finding of this research could also contribute to studying the effect of adding metal ions to weakly acidic solutions as mixing liquids on the performance of cementitious materials.
An Improved PageRank Algorithm Based on Text Similarity Approach for Critical Standards Identification in Complex Standard Citation Networks
Authors: Wei Yongchang , Yi Feiteng , Cui Xufeng , Chen Fangyu
Published: March 2021

A standard system, which is a powerful tool in maintaining the normal operations and development of a specific industry, is intrinsically a complex network composed of numerous standards which coordinate and interact with each other. In a networked standard system, the identification of critical standards is of great significance when drafting and revising standards. However, a majority of the existing literature has focused on the citation relationships between standards while ignoring the intrinsic interdependent relationships between the contents of standards. To overcome this limitation, we utilize the text similarity approach (TSA) to quantify the relationship intensity between each pair of standards, in order to generate a directed weighted network. The critical contribution of this study is that the similarity computed by the TSA is incorporated into the traditional PageRank algorithm for the identification of critical standards. The improved algorithm comprehensively considers the quantity and importance of neighboring standards and the citation intensity, as quantified by TSA. The algorithm is finally validated using the Chinese environmental health standards through comparison with the traditional PageRank algorithm and different classic measurements.
Postoperative Adjuvant Treatment Strategy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer after Neoadjuvant Treatment
Authors: Li Jia-yi , Huang Xuan-zhang , Gao Peng , Chen Xiao-wan , Song Yong-xi , Lv Xing-er , Fu Yv , Xiao Qiong , Wang Zhen-ning
Published: March 2021

Background. Neoadjuvant (chemo) radiotherapy is used as a standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), but there is no general consensus on either the efficacy of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with LARC after neoadjuvant treatment and surgery, or whether the addition of oxaliplatin to adjuvant chemotherapy provides survival benefits. Methods. We performed a meta‐analysis of data from the PubMed and Embase databases. We included patients with LARC who received neoadjuvant (chemo) radiotherapy and curative surgery. Overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), toxicity, and compliance were analyzed in the oxaliplatin/fluorouracil‐ (OX/FU‐) based group compared with the FU‐based group, and in the chemotherapy group compared with the observation group. Results. Twenty studies were included in the analysis. Our results indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy prolonged OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.78, 95%CI = 0.67–0.91) in patients with LARC treated with neoadjuvant (chemo) radiotherapy and surgery compared with those in the observation group. Subgroup analysis showed the same results in both the ypStage II and ypStage III groups. Compared with those in the observation group, patients in the chemotherapy group also showed an increase in DFS (HR = 0.75, 95%CI = 0.60–0.93). No significant increase was observed in OS (HR = 1.04, 95%CI = 0.87–1.24) or DFS (HR = 0.98, 95%CI = 0.76–1.27) when oxaliplatin was added to FU‐based adjuvant chemotherapy, as compared with the FU‐based treatment, and subgroup analysis also indicated no survival benefits in the clinical stage II, clinical stage III, ypStage II, and ypStage III groups. Conclusions. For patients with LARC who have already received neoadjuvant (chemo) radiotherapy and curative surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy improves OS over that in the observation group. Adding oxaliplatin to FU‐based adjuvant chemotherapy does not confer survival benefits beyond those from FU‐based adjuvant chemotherapy.
The Traffic Capacity Variation of Urban Road Network due to the Policy of Unblocking Community
Authors: Feng Xin , Zhang Yue , Qian Shuo , Sun Liming
Published: March 2021

At present, urban traffic congestion is a common problem of urban development in China. Therefore, China’s government issued the policy of opening the gated communities in 2016, hoping to alleviate traffic pressure to some extent. But, at present, the quantitative empirical research on the effect of the policy implementation is less and more idealistic. In order to complete the leap from research on local isolated traffic capacity of static gated communities to research on global coupling traffic capacity of dynamic multilayer network and, to a certain extent, reflect the innovation of the research model and method, we make a quantitative analysis of the effect of the policy more consistent with the actual situation, which provides a quantitative management basis for the implementation of the policy. Based on literature review, this paper carried out two stages of research. Stage one consists of constructing traffic capacity assessment model—Road Capacity Assessment (RCA) model based on BPR (Bureau of Public Roads) impedance function from a simple local static perspective. Considering the factors such as delay of signalized intersection and travel time, through modeling analysis and empirical test, it is found that about 12% of local traffic capacity can be improved after open community. Stage two consists of constructing a global capacity model based on multilayer complex network coupling from the perspective of complex global dynamics. Considering the various network nodes of pedestrians, nonmotor vehicles, and other factors, we construct a multilayer complex network and dynamic superposition coupling. The empirical data show that the overall traffic capacity of the open community is improved by at least 11.3%. Finally, it can be concluded that a significant increase in the global traffic capacity of complex urban road networks means that the losses caused by traffic congestion will be reduced. In some first‐tier cities, the direct monthly income of the open‐gated community is as high as 230 million yuan, not to mention its overall economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Concurrent Thoracic Spinal Intradural Extramedullary Epidermoid and Neurenteric Cyst in a Spinal Dysraphism Child
Authors: Sharma Rajeev , Mahajan Swati , Bhardwaj Minakshi , Gupta Laxmi Naraian , Gupta Deepak
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Intraspinal epidermoid cysts are congenital or acquired in origin; whereas intraspinal neurenteric cysts (NECs) are of congenital origin. Their individual association with spinal dysraphism and vertebral segmentation anomalies is very well known. Case presentation: We hereby report a case of concurrent intradural extramedullary epidermoid and NEC at adjacent vertebral levels in a spinal dysraphism child, not reported in English Literature till now. Conclusion: Multiple spinal lesions related to any/all of the 3 germ layers can coexist at same or adjacent vertebral levels in the same patient and surgical planning shown to be done accordingly.
The Setup and Application of Reference Material in Sequencing-Based Noninvasive Prenatal Testing
Authors: Qu Shoufang , Zhang Yanyan , Yang Xin , Tan Yueqiu , Li Ming , Yang Xuexi , Zhou Lijun , Chen Di , Chen Yangyi , Yan Miaoli , Wang Qiwei , Yu Ting , Sun Nan , Jiang Hui , Su Fengxia , Di Yufen , Lin Ge , Yuan Yuying , Chen Fang , Mu Feng , Huang Jie
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The sequencing-based noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has been successfully integrated into clinical practice and facilitated the early detection of fetal chromosomal anomalies. However, a comprehensive reference material to evaluate and quality control NIPT services from different NIPT providers remains unavailable. Methods: In this study, we established a set of NIPT reference material consisting of 192 simulated samples. Most of the potential factors influencing the accuracy of NIPT, such as fetal fraction, mosaicism, and interfering substances, were included in the reference material. We compared the performance of chromosomal abnormalities detection on 3 widely used sequencers (NextSeq 500, BGISEQ-500, and Ion Proton) based on the reference material. Results: All 3 sequencers provided highly accurate and reliable results to samples with ≥3.5% fetal fractions and high percentage of mosaicism. Conclusions: The established reference material can serve as a universal standard quality control for the current and new-coming NIPT providers based on various sequencers.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients Recovering from COVID-19
Authors: Zampogna Elisabetta , Paneroni Mara , Belli Stefano , Aliani Maria , Gandolfo Alessandra , Visca Dina , Bellanti Maria Teresa , Ambrosino Nicolino , Vitacca Michele
Published: March 2021

Background: In hospitalized patients recovering from the SARS-coronavirus-2 disease 19 (COVID-19), high prevalence of muscle weakness and physical performance impairment has been observed. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation in these subjects in a real-life setting. Methods: Retrospective data analysis of patients recovering from COVID-19, including those requiring assisted ventilation or oxygen therapy, consecutively admitted to an in-patient pulmonary rehabilitation program between April 1 and August 15, 2020. Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB: primary outcome), Barthel Index (BI), and six-min walking distance were assessed as outcome measures. Results: Data of 140 patients were analyzed. After rehabilitation, patients showed improvements in SPPB {from: (median [IQR]) 0.5 (0–7) to 7 (4–10), p < 0.001} and BI (from 55 [30–90] to 95 [65–100], p < 0.001), as well as in other assessed outcome measures. The proportion of patients unable at admission to stand, rise from a chair and walk was significantly reduced (p < 0.00). Conclusions: Pulmonary rehabilitation is possible and effective in patients recovering from COVID-19. Our findings may be useful to guide clinicians taking care of patients surviving COVID-19 infection.
Immunotherapy and Radiotherapy for Older Cancer Patients during the COVID-19 Era: Proposed Paradigm by the International Geriatric Radiotherapy Group
Authors: Nguyen Nam Phong , Baumert Brigitta G. , Oboite Eromosele , Motta Micaela , Appalanaido Gokula Kumar , Arenas Meritxell , Lara Pedro Carlos , Bonet Marta , Zamagni Alice , Vuong Te , Popescu Tiberiu , Karlsson Ulf , Trigo Lurdes , Sun Myint Arthur , Thariat Juliette , Vinh-Hung Vincent
Published: March 2021

Background: Older cancer patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease may benefit from chemotherapy alone or combined with radiotherapy. However, chemotherapy is often omitted either because of physician bias or because of its underlying comorbidity, thus compromising their survival. The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic is compounding this issue because of the fear of immunosuppression induced by chemotherapy on the elderly which makes them more vulnerable to the virus. Summary: Immunotherapy has less effect on the patient bone marrow compared to chemotherapy. The potential synergy between radiotherapy and immunotherapy may improve local control and survival for older patients with selected cancer. Preliminary data are encouraging because of better survival and local control in diseases which are traditionally resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy such as melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. Key Message: We propose a new paradigm combining immunotherapy at a reduced dose and/or extended dosing intervals and hypofractionated radiotherapy for older patients with selected cancer which needs to be tested in future clinical trials.
Dermal Penetration Analysis of Curcumin in an ex vivo Porcine Ear Model Using Epifluorescence Microscopy and Digital Image Processing
Authors: Pelikh Olga , Pinnapireddy Shashank R. , Keck Cornelia M.
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Curcumin is a promising drug candidate, but its use for dermal application is limited due to its poor aqueous solubility. Thus, formulations that increase the solubility of curcumin are needed to fully exploit the therapeutic potential of curcumin. Various previous studies address this issue, but a comparison of the efficacy between these formulations remains difficult. The reason for this is a missing standard formulation as benchmark control and an easy-to-use skin penetration model that allows for a fast discrimination between different formulations. Objective: Thus, the aims of this study were the development of a curcumin standard formulation and a screening tool that allows for a fast discrimination between the dermal penetration efficacies of curcumin from different formulations. Methods: Ethanolic curcumin solutions were selected as simple and easy to produce standard formulations, and the ex vivo porcine ear model, coupled with epifluorescence microscopy and subsequent digital image analysis, was utilized to determine the dermal penetration efficacy of curcumin from the different formulations. Results: Results show that the utilized skin penetration model is a suitable and versatile tool that enables not only a fast determination of the dermal penetration efficacy of curcumin from different formulations but also a detailed and mechanistic information on the fate of chemical compounds after dermal penetration. Ethanolic solutions containing 0.25% curcumin were found to be the most suitable standard formulation. Conclusions: Results of the study provide a new, effective screening tool for the development of dermal formulations for improved dermal delivery of curcumin.
Diagnosis and Management of Severe Asthma in Switzerland: Analysis of Survey Results Conducted with Specialists and General Practitioners
Authors: Jandus Peter , Duc Mélanie , Fay Bianca Christine
Published: March 2021

Background: Severe asthma commonly affects 5–10% of the asthmatic population and accounts for approximately 50% of the overall asthma costs. Objective: This analysis investigated how severe asthma is diagnosed, treated, and managed by specialists and general practitioners (GPs) in Switzerland. Methods: Two surveys, one each among specialists (N = 44) and GPs (N = 153), were conducted to understand their self-perception on diagnosis, treatment, and management of severe asthma. Results: Fifty-five percent of the specialists felt very confident and 43% confident in recognizing the symptoms of severe asthma and diagnosing severe asthma. In contrast, 9% of the GPs were very confident and 59% confident in diagnosing severe asthma. More specific diagnostic tests for severe asthma, like total and specific immunoglobulin E levels and measurement of the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide, were run by specialists (χ2 = 171.4; df = 15, p < 0.001). GPs and specialists were using different measurements to assess severe asthma (χ2 = 385.2; df = 13, p < 0.001) and their prescribing patterns differed significantly (χ2 = 189.8; df = 10, p < 0.001). GPs referred patients with severe asthma if the diagnosis was unclear (24%), if treatment failure occurred (26%), and if the patients were at high risk (41%). Conclusions: Oral corticosteroids (OCSs) are considered as background therapy for severe asthma by GPs and specialists. In order to reduce the OCS burden, there is a need to improve the awareness for other add-on therapies. A joint collaboration between GPs and specialists is the key to leverage therapeutic strategies together.
Isolated Nodal TBC Reactivation in a Patient with Post-Thrombocythemia Myelofibrosis Treated with Ruxolitinib: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Santoro Marco , Rotolo Cristina , Accurso Vincenzo , Morreale Ilaria , Mancuso Salvatrice , Siragusa Sergio
Published: March 2021

Ruxolitinib side effects include the most frequent hematological toxicity along with a more recently evidenced immunosuppressive activity, interfering both with the innate and adaptive immunity, and several cases of reactivation of latent infections by opportunistic agents in patients in treatment with ruxolitinib have been published in the last years. Several pathophysiological mechanisms may explain an association between ruxolitinib and opportunistic infections. From what we know, the only case of an isolated lymph node TBC reactivation in a ruxolitinib-treated myelofibrosis (MF) patient was reported by Patil et al. in 2016 [Int J Med Sci Public Health. 2017;6(3):1]. Other 10 cases describing TBC reactivations in MF patients assuming ruxolitinib and successfully treated with 4-drug anti-TBC therapy are available in the literature to date. The case we reported describes an isolated lymph nodal TBC reactivation in a patient with the diagnosis of post-essential thrombocythemia-MF during ruxolitinib treatment after a long course of interferon-a (IFN-α2b) assumed for the previous diagnosis of ET. The case we report teaches that lymphadenopathy with or without constitutional symptoms developing during ruxolitinib therapy should be considered as a possible manifestation of a TBC reactivation in patients with a previous positive TBC-exposure test. In these cases, Ziel-Nielsen testing on urine and sputum has to be performed to rule out infectiousness and eventually isolate the patient. Moreover, previous long-time exposition to IFN-α2b may be related with a higher risk for TBC reactivation in these subset of patients. We encourage reevaluation of the cohorts of patients treated with ruxolitinib in previous and current large prospective studies to study the possible correlation between previous exposition to IFN-α2b and TBC reactivation.
Longitudinal Associations of Fitness and Obesity in Young Adulthood With Right Ventricular Function and Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressure in Middle Age: The CARDIA Study
Authors: Patel Kershaw V. , Metzinger Mark , Park Bryan , Allen Norrina , Ayers Colby , Kawut Steven M. , Sidney Stephen , Goff David C. , Jacobs David R. , Zaky Ahmed F. , Carnethon Mercedes , Berry Jarett D. , Pandey Ambarish
Published: March 2021

Background

Low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and obesity are risk factors for heart failure but their associations with right ventricular (RV) systolic function and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) are not well understood.

Methods and Results

Participants in the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) study who underwent maximal treadmill testing at baseline and had a follow‐up echocardiographic examination at year 25 were included. A subset of participants had repeat CRF and body mass index (BMI) assessment at year 20. The associations of baseline and changes in CRF and BMI on follow‐up (baseline to year 20) with RV systolic function parameters (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, RV Doppler systolic velocity of the lateral tricuspid annulus), and PASP were assessed using multivariable‐adjusted linear regression models. The study included 3433 participants. In adjusted analysis, higher baseline BMI but not CRF was significantly associated with higher PASP. Among RV systolic function parameters, higher baseline CRF and BMI were significantly associated with higher tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and RV systolic velocity of the lateral tricuspid annulus. In the subgroup of participants with follow‐up assessment of CRF or BMI at year 20, less decline in CRF was associated with higher RV systolic velocity of the lateral tricuspid annulus and lower PASP, while greater increase in BMI was significantly associated with higher PASP in middle age.

Conclusions

Higher CRF in young adulthood and less decline in CRF over time are each significantly associated with better RV systolic function. Higher baseline BMI and greater age‐related increases in BMI are each significantly associated with higher PASP in middle age. These findings provide insights into possible mechanisms through which low fitness and obesity may contribute toward risk of heart failure.
Right Ventricular Pulmonary Artery Coupling and Mortality in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Jentzer Jacob C. , Anavekar Nandan S. , Reddy Yogesh N. V. , Murphree Dennis H. , Wiley Brandon M. , Oh Jae K. , Borlaug Barry A.
Published: March 2021

Background

Impaired right ventricular (RV) pulmonary artery coupling has been associated with higher mortality in patients with chronic heart disease, but few studies have examined this metric in critically ill patients. We sought to evaluate the association between RV pulmonary artery coupling, defined by the ratio of tricuspid annular peak systolic tissue Doppler velocity (TASV)/estimated RV systolic pressure (RVSP), and mortality in cardiac intensive care unit patients.

Methods and Results

Using a database of unique cardiac intensive care unit admissions from 2007 to 2018, we included patients with TASV/RVSP ratio measured within 1 day of hospitalization. Hospital mortality was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression, and 1‐year mortality was analyzed using multivariable Cox proportional‐hazards analysis. We included 4259 patients with a mean age of 69±15 years (40.1% women). Admission diagnoses included acute coronary syndrome in 56%, heart failure in 52%, respiratory failure in 24%, and cardiogenic shock in 12%. The mean TASV/RVSP ratio was 0.31±0.14, and in‐hospital mortality occurred in 7% of patients. Higher TASV/RVSP ratio was associated with lower in‐hospital mortality (adjusted unit odds ratio, 0.68 per each 0.1‐unit higher ratio; 95% CI, 0.58–0.79;
P
<0.001) and lower 1‐year mortality among hospital survivors (adjusted unit hazard ratio, 0.83 per each 0.1‐unit higher ratio; 95% CI, 0.77–0.90;
P
<0.001). Stepwise decreases in hospital and 1‐year mortality were observed in each higher TASV/RVSP quintile. The TASV/RVSP ratio remained associated with mortality after adjusting for left ventricular systolic and diastolic function.

Conclusions

A low TASV/RVSP ratio is associated with increased short‐term and long‐term mortality among cardiac intensive care unit patients, emphasizing importance of impaired RV pulmonary artery coupling as a determinant of poor prognosis. Further study is required to determine whether interventions to optimize RV pulmonary artery coupling can improve outcomes.
Rethinking African Futures after COVID-19
Authors: Müller-Mahn Detlef , Kioko Eric
Published: March 2021

This article focuses on the impact of COVID-19 in Africa, describes its effects for ongoing research, and asks how it may impact African studies. In Africa, as elsewhere in the world, the pandemic is changing the way people think about the future. The crisis gives rise to a feeling of uncertainty, while casting doubt on future orientations based on forecasts and planning. This scepticism does not concern the African continent alone, but it is here that the call to open a fresh perspective on the future is expressed most emphatically. COVID-19 reinvigorates the question of how African futures are imagined and shaped in relation to the world at large. Against this backdrop, this article suggests three areas where future-oriented African studies should be revised in response to the current crisis – namely, how to incorporate uncertainty, how to decolonise understandings of African futures, and how to translate these considerations into research practice.
Incredibly loud and extremely silent: Feminist foreign policy on Twitter
Authors: Jezierska Katarzyna
Published: March 2021

In 2014, Sweden’s Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP) was announced with a fanfare. This article critically interrogates how Sweden implements the FFP through digital diplomacy by investigating the extent of Sweden’s gender equality activities on Twitter since the introduction of the FFP and by tracing gendered online abuse in digital diplomacy. I focus on Swedish embassy tweets towards two countries where feminism is highly contested – Poland and Hungary. The theoretical inspiration comes from discursive approaches to the spoken and unspoken, enriched by feminist observations about the non-binary character of voice/silence. The method applied is gender-driven quantitative and qualitative content analysis. The findings demonstrate that the FFP has not set any significant mark on digital diplomacy in the analyzed cases. The launching of the FFP went completely unnoticed and posts related to gender equality have actually decreased since 2014. There are no traces of ambassadors being subjected to gendered online abuse, but heavily xenophobic and paternalistic language is directed at Sweden as a representative of liberal policies. The article contributes to the literature on digital diplomacy by highlighting the (lack of) links between foreign policy and digital diplomacy and it addresses a gap by focusing on gender in digital diplomacy.
The Black Effect: Reimagining Racial Threat Through a Black Absolute Status Lens
Authors: Henry Tri Keah S.
Published: March 2021

Sentencing scholars have established the importance of examining how contextual-level factors influence judicial decision-making. Several studies have tested whether the presence of, or change in, minority populations—indicators of racial threat—impact disparate treatment of racial/ethnic minorities. Relying on these conceptualizations, however, ignores other important nuances of racial threat. The current study addresses this methodological limitation by employing a newly established comprehensive conceptualization of racial threat. More specifically, data from the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing (FY2013-2015) are used to examine whether Black absolute status, a measure that taps into the sociopolitical position of Black citizens, influences the nature of racial disparities. Findings suggest that Black/White sentence disparities may be moderated by the extent of Black absolute status at the county level.
#ModernBaartmans: Black Women’s Reimagining of Saartjie Baartman
Authors: Ashley Rokeshia Renné
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study is to understand Black women’s recollection and representation of Saartjie Baartman in comparison to their own body image, while also aligning their interpretation of Baartman’s legacy through contemporary reflections of themselves and others. Interviews with 30 Black women in South Africa ( n = 15) and the United States ( n = 15) reveal that accurate knowledge and perceptions of Baartman’s experience varies; Baartman’s body is remembered as trope and ideal object to compare; however, Black women find resilience and positivity in Baartman’s story. These findings although some consistent with previous literature, some are inconsistent. Considering the Black women in this study did not thematically discuss experiencing dissatisfaction, self-objectification, or self-surveillance. It is important to recognize Black women’s perceptions of their bodies as resilient and positive rather than dissatisfied. This research provides important information for the furtherance of positive body image and Black women relative to the curvaceous ideal.
Multiclass CBCT Image Segmentation for Orthodontics with Deep Learning
Authors: Wang H. , Minnema J. , Batenburg K.J. , Forouzanfar T. , Hu F.J. , Wu G.
Published: March 2021

Accurate segmentation of the jaw (i.e., mandible and maxilla) and the teeth in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans is essential for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Although various (semi)automated methods have been proposed to segment the jaw or the teeth, there is still a lack of fully automated segmentation methods that can simultaneously segment both anatomic structures in CBCT scans (i.e., multiclass segmentation). In this study, we aimed to train and validate a mixed-scale dense (MS-D) convolutional neural network for multiclass segmentation of the jaw, the teeth, and the background in CBCT scans. Thirty CBCT scans were obtained from patients who had undergone orthodontic treatment. Gold standard segmentation labels were manually created by 4 dentists. As a benchmark, we also evaluated MS-D networks that segmented the jaw or the teeth (i.e., binary segmentation). All segmented CBCT scans were converted to virtual 3-dimensional (3D) models. The segmentation performance of all trained MS-D networks was assessed by the Dice similarity coefficient and surface deviation. The CBCT scans segmented by the MS-D network demonstrated a large overlap with the gold standard segmentations (Dice similarity coefficient: 0.934 ± 0.019, jaw; 0.945 ± 0.021, teeth). The MS-D network–based 3D models of the jaw and the teeth showed minor surface deviations when compared with the corresponding gold standard 3D models (0.390 ± 0.093 mm, jaw; 0.204 ± 0.061 mm, teeth). The MS-D network took approximately 25 s to segment 1 CBCT scan, whereas manual segmentation took about 5 h. This study showed that multiclass segmentation of jaw and teeth was accurate and its performance was comparable to binary segmentation. The MS-D network trained for multiclass segmentation would therefore make patient-specific orthodontic treatment more feasible by strongly reducing the time required to segment multiple anatomic structures in CBCT scans.
What Makes an Effective EFL Teacher From Saudi Preuniversity Students’ Perspective
Authors: Alzubi Ali Abbas Falah
Published: March 2021

The successful output of language learning process should ensure effective inputs by the key figures (teacher, student, stakeholder, and curricula) of education. This study aimed to examine preuniversity students’ perceptions on the attributes of an effective English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teacher in Saudi Arabia. Mixed-methods research design was applied to a sample of 231 students (135 males & 96 females) enrolled in the preparatory year program at a Saudi public university in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. The data were collected using two instruments: 5-point Likert-type scale and open-ended questions. The students’ responses on the closed questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive analysis and independent t test, whereas the data from the open-ended questions were analyzed by chi-square (cross tabulation) and MS Excel using thematic analysis. The findings indicated that 88% of Saudi preuniversity students agree on the high importance of the attributes of personality, methodology, and language knowledge that make an effective EFL teacher. Cultural awareness is of significance to the effectiveness of EFL teacher. However, gender was reported as an insignificant variable to the effectiveness of EFL teacher. In addition, fame, age, and country of EFL teachers did not reveal any connection to the teaching effectiveness of EFL teachers. Recommendations, implications, and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Incentives Increase Relative Positivity of Review Content and Enjoyment of Review Writing
Authors: Woolley Kaitlin , Sharif Marissa A.
Published: March 2021

A series of controlled experiments examine how the strategy of incentivizing reviews influences consumers’ expressions of positivity. Incentivized (vs. unincentivized) reviews contained a greater proportion of positive relative to negative emotion across a variety of product and service experiences (e.g., videos, service providers, consumer packaged goods companies). This effect occurred for both financial and nonfinancial incentives and when assessing review content across multiple natural language processing tools and human judgments. Incentives influence review content by modifying the experience of writing reviews. That is, when incentives are associated with review writing, they cause the positive affect that results from receiving an incentive to transfer to the review-writing experience, making review writing more enjoyable. In line with this process, the effect of an incentive on review positivity attenuates when incentives are weakly (vs. strongly) associated with review writing (i.e., incentive for “participating in an experiment” vs. “writing a review”) and when the incentive does not transfer positive affect (i.e., when an incentive is provided by a disliked company). By examining when incentives do (vs. do not) adjust the relative positivity of written reviews, this research offers theoretical insight into the literature on incentives, motivation, and word of mouth, with practical implications for managers.