bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the CJEU’S Decisions in Achmea and Opinion 1/17 in Light of the proposed Multilateral Investment Court – Winner of the Essay Competition 2020
Authors: Jamieson Crawford
Published: December 2020

This article argues that the CJEU’S recent jurisprudence on the principle of autonomy has been carefully crafted to lend support to the European Commission’s efforts to establish a Multilateral Investment Court. The CJEU has historically approached international courts and tribunals with caution. However, the Multilateral Investment Court is unlike other such bodies, because it is designed to supplant existing models of investment arbitration which the CJEU disdains. Moreover, certain features of the Multilateral Investment Court would be likely to make it especially attractive to the CJEU – namely its probable applicable law, judicial structure, and the control the CJEU could exert upon it. The surprising and sudden shift in tone between the CJEU’S recent decisions in Achmea and Opinion 1/17 becomes readily explicable when the two cases are viewed in light of the proposed Multilateral Investment Court. On analysis, the CJEU’S apparent support for the Multilateral Investment Court is best understood as the logical continuation of its longstanding jurisprudence on the principle of autonomy.
Investment Arbitration and EU (Competition) Law – Lessons Learned from the Micula Saga
Authors: Tsiabus Alesia , Croisant Guillaume
Published: December 2020

On 19 February 2020, in the latest episode to date of the long-running Micula saga, the United Kingdom (UK) Supreme Court gave its green light to the enforcement in the (UK) of the award obtained by the Micula brothers against Romania (Award) under the 2002 Sweden-Romania bilateral investment treaty (BIT), despite the fact that the question of whether this Award constitutes state aid prohibited under EU law was pending before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). The Supreme Court ruled that the UK enforcement obligations under the ICSID Convention could not be affected by the EU duty of sincere cooperation, as the UK’s ratification of the ICSID Convention preceded its accession to the EU. The UK Supreme Court judgment, and the prior main episodes of the Micula saga in the framework of the ICSID, EU state aid and enforcement proceedings, offer a great opportunity to explore the increasingly tumultuous relationship between investment arbitration and EU (competition) law, in particular the compatibility of intra- EU investment arbitrations under the ICSID Convention with EU law and the coexistence of selective protections under international investment law with EU state aid law.
ADR in Investment Disputes: The Role of Complementary Mechanisms — Keynote to the 5th EFILA Annual Conference 2020
Authors: Kinnear Meg
Published: December 2020

In a keynote speech to the 5th EFILA Annual Conference 2020, Meg Kinnear, Secretary-General of ICSID, discussed how alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms have evolved in order to serve States and investors in the resolution of international investment disputes. Moving to the present, Ms. Kinnear provided an overview of the process underway at ICSID to expand its ADR offerings as part of a broader amendment to the Centre’s procedural rules. ICSID’S goal is ensuring that parties have a range of modern dispute-settlement options available to them.
Effects of danshensu on the transforming growth factor-β1/smads signaling pathway in rats with lung injury
Authors: Qin Jing , Zhang Xiaoqiang , Wang Shengyan , Zhang Yongming
Published: December 2020

Observe the therapeutic effect of Danshensu on lung injury for rats, as well as explore the mechanism of Danshensu in TGF-β1/Smads signaling. Thirty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were intratracheally instilled with bleomycin to induce lung injury and interstitial fibrosis. Divided
Thirty rats into three groups. DA group (η = 10): Inject 15 mg/kg Danshensu into the abdominal cavity; DXM group (η = 10): Inject 1 mg/kg dexamethasone into the abdominal cavity; BLM group (η = 10): Inject 2 mL physiological saline into the abdominal cavity.
Then ten SD rats were intratracheally instilled with physiological saline as normal control group, NC group: Inject 2 mL physiological saline into the abdominal cavity. After a period of 28 days, the degree of pulmonary alveolitis was evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the
degree of lung fibrosis was evaluated using Masson?s trichrome (MT) staining. The immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of α-SMA. Magnetic nanoparticles+rtQ-PCR was used to determine the mRNA expressions for TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad7. The alveolitis
and pulmonary fibrosis in DA rats were obviously less than those in BLM rats and DXM rats. The expression of α-SMA in DA rats was obviously less than that of in BLM rats and DXM rats; the mRNA expression of TGF-β1 and Smad3 in DA rats were obviously reduced; the Smad7
mRNA expression was obviously up-regulated. DA can alleviate rat lung injury caused by bleomycin. Inhibiting the TGF-β1 and Smad3 mRNA expression, as well as boosting the Smad7 mRNA expression is one of the mechanisms by which Danshensu reduces lung injury.
Tribute to Judith Trent
Authors: Denton Robert E.
Published: December 2020

Since 1988, when I edited the first American Behavioral Scientist issue on the presidential campaign—for that issue, and for every presidential campaign cycle up to 2020, the first article of my American Behavioral Scientist issues has been Judi’s “Ideal Candidate,” based on the research she, you, and your colleagues collected surrounding the New Hampshire Primary. This year is different—there will be no article from Judi, given her health situation. As a tribute to Judi, I would like her colleagues to provide their recollections and stories about her leadership and impact on our discipline.
Politics, industry, and tourism: The conceptual construction of the blue highway
Authors: Bertilsson Fredrik
Published: December 2020

This article contributes to the research on the expansion of the Swedish post-war road network by illuminating the role of tourism in addition to political and industrial agendas. Specifically, it examines the “conceptual construction” of the Blue Highway, which currently stretches from the Atlantic Coast of Norway, traverses through Sweden and Finland, and enters into Russia. The focus is on Swedish governmental reports and national press between the 1950s and the 1970s. The article identifies three overlapping meanings attached to the Blue Highway: a political agenda of improving the relationships between the Nordic countries, industrial interests, and tourism. Political ambitions of Nordic community building were clearly pronounced at the onset of the project. Industrial actors depended on the road for the building of power plants and dams. The road became gradually more connected with the view of tourism as the motor of regional development.
Suicide among older adults: Interactions among key risk factors
Authors: Hernandez Silvia C , Overholser James C , Philips Kristie L , Lavacot James , Stockmeier Craig A
Published: December 2020

Objective

The present study aimed to understand how key risk factors of older adult suicide interact to ultimately lead to death by suicide using data collected post-mortem.

Method

A psychological autopsy was used to gather detailed information about psychiatric diagnosis, medical problems, social isolation, and negative attitudes expressed by the individual during the six months prior to their death. Interviews with next-of-kin, medical and psychiatric records, and the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics were used. Subjects included 32 older adults who died by suicide and 45 older adults who died by natural causes.

Results

Hopelessness, depression, and negative health attitudes were strongly correlated with suicide. Older age was associated with social isolation, suggesting an indirect relationship with suicide via hopelessness, depression, and negative health attitudes. Physical illness did not increase risk. Multivariate analyses suggested that hopelessness fully mediated the effects of social isolation, negative health attitudes, and depression on suicide.

Conclusions

Psychological factors played the largest role in suicide deaths compared to social isolation and physical illness. Suicide interventions aimed at older adults should ensure hopelessness, depression, and negative health attitudes are primary targets.
Comparing Student-Created to Teacher-Created Study Guides Within An Interteaching Framework
Authors: Contreras Bethany P. , Dovgan Kristen , Johnson Katherine , Kahng SungWoo
Published: December 2020

Background:

The role of the preparation or study guide in interteaching is relatively unexplored. One study demonstrated that having students create their own study guide was just as effective as completing a teacher-created study guide.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to replicate and extend the methods of previous research to compare the effects of student-created to teacher-created study guides on student learning.

Method:

We compared the effects of teacher-created to student-created study guides on student quiz scores within the context of an interteaching framework using multi-element designs. We counterbalanced the order of study guide implementation for a total of 24 quizzes across two classes of 25 students each.

Results:

Quiz scores were high overall, and the most effective study guide type varied across class sections; student-created was more effective for Class 1 and teacher-created was more effective for Class 2.

Conclusion:

Interteaching resulted in high quiz scores (above 80%) overall, regardless of study guide type. There may be an interaction between discussion length, instructor, and study guide type that warrants further investigation.

Teaching Implications:

The results of this study suggest that instructors using the interteaching format can save time in preparing for their class by having the students create their own study guides while still promoting quality learning.
A Three-Site Study of Alcohol Consumption among Adolescents from Indigenous Tribes in India
Authors: War Ryntihlin Jennifer , Gharat Vaibhav V , Chandramouleeshwaran Susmita , Nayak Sunil , Nimgaonkar Vishwajit L , Devi Shylaja
Published: December 2020

Background:

Alcohol use disorder is elevated among members of indigenous tribes in India, like native populations in several other countries. Despite constituting 8.6% of the Indian population, tribals are among the most geographically isolated, socioeconomically underdeveloped, and underserved communities in the country. Based on the experience from our centers (in Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya, and Gujarat), we are aware of escalating alcohol use among tribal communities. The aims of this study are (a) to estimate alcohol use and psychiatric morbidity among teenagers from indigenous tribes, and (b) pilot test a psychoeducational efficacy study.

Methods:

The biphasic study is being conducted in three states of India: Tamil Nadu in South, Meghalaya in Northeast, and Gujarat in West. Phase 1 is a cross-sectional study of tribal adolescents at each site. The MINI 6.0/MINI Kid 6.0 questionnaire was used to estimate extent of psychiatric morbidity and substance addiction. Phase 2 is an intervention trial of 40 participants at each site to assess the effectiveness of NIMHANS LSE module in protecting the tribal adolescents from alcohol use.

Conclusions:

The desired primary outcome will be forestalling the onset of alcohol use among this group. This paper focuses on the methodology and strategies to be used to achieve the objectives.
Book review: Abhinav Chandrachud, Republic of Religion: The Rise and Fall of Colonial Secularism in India
Authors: Sontakke Atharva
Published: December 2020

Abhinav Chandrachud, Republic of Religion: The Rise and Fall of Colonial Secularism in India (Gurgaon, Penguin Random House India, 2020), xxiv + 284 pp.
Book review: Biswamoy Pati and Mark Harrison (Eds), Society, Medicine and Politics in Colonial India
Authors: Rai Saurav Kumar
Published: December 2020

Biswamoy Pati and Mark Harrison (Eds), Society, Medicine and Politics in Colonial India (Routledge, New Delhi, 2018), xii + 325 pp.
Book review: Shuja Nawaz, The Battle for Pakistan: The Bitter US Friendship and a Tough Neighbourhood
Authors: Mehdi Syeda Sumaya
Published: December 2020

Shuja Nawaz, The Battle for Pakistan: The Bitter US Friendship and a Tough Neighbourhood (New Delhi, Penguin Random House India, 2019), xxxviii + 374 pp.
Outcomes of cardiac surgery in Jehovah’s Witness patients: A review
Authors: Chambault Aimee-Louise , Brown Louise J , Mellor Sophie , Harky Amer
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To review current literature evidence on outcomes of cardiac surgery in Jehovah’s Witness patients.

Methods:

A comprehensive electronic literature search was done from 2010 to 20th August 2020 identifying articles that discussed optimisation/outcomes of cardiac surgery in Jehovah’s Witness either as a solo cohort or as comparative to non-Jehovah’s Witnesses. No limit was placed on place of publication and the evidence has been summarised in a narrative manner within the manuscript.

Results:

The outcomes of cardiac surgery in Jehovah’s Witness patients has been described, and also compared, to non-Witness patients within a number of case reports, case series and comparative cohort studies. Many of these studies note no significant differences between outcomes of the two groups for a number of variables, including mortality. Pre-, intra and post-operative optimisation of the patients by a multidisciplinary team is important to achieve good outcomes.

Conclusion:

The use of a bloodless protocol for Jehovah’s Witnesses does not appear to significantly impact upon clinical outcomes when compared to non-Witness patients, and it has even been suggested that a bloodless approach could provide advantages to all patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Larger cohorts and research across multiple centres into the long term outcomes of these patients is required.
Extended cardiopulmonary resuscitation: from high fidelity simulation scenario to the first clinical applications in Poznan out-of-hospital cardiac arrest program
Authors: Sip Maciej , Puslecki Mateusz , Dabrowski Marek , Klosiewicz Tomasz , Zalewski Radoslaw , Ligowski Marcin , Goszczynska Ewa , Paprocki Christopher , Grygier Marek , Lesiak Maciej , Jemielity Marek , Perek Bartłomiej
Published: December 2020

Background:

The outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients are poor. In some OHCA cases, the reason is potentially reversible cardiac or aortic disease. It was suggested previously that high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) followed by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support may improve the grave prognosis of OHCA. However, extended CPR (ECPR) with ECMO application is an extremely invasive and cutting-edge procedure. The purpose of this article is to describe how high-fidelity medical simulation as a safe tool enabled implementation of the complex, multi-stage ECPR procedure.

Method:

A high fidelity simulation of OHCA in street conditions was prepared and carried out as part of a ECPR procedure implemented in an in-hospital area. The simulation tested communication and collaboration of several medical teams from the pre-hospital to in-hospital phases along with optimal use of equipment in management of a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) patient.

Results:

The critical and weak points of an earlier created scenario were collected into a simulation scenario checklist of ECPR algorithm architecture. A few days later, two ECPR procedures followed by cardiologic interventions for OHCA patients (one pulmonary artery embolectomy for acute pulmonary thrombosis and one percutaneous coronary artery angioplasty with drug eluting stent implantation for acute occlusion of the left anterior descending artery), were performed for the first time in Poland. The protocol was activated five times in the first 2 months of the POHCA Program.

Conclusion:

High fidelity medical simulation in real-life conditions was confirmed to be a safe, useful tool to test and then implement the novel and complex medical procedures. It enabled to find, analyze and solve the weakest points of the earlier developed theoretical protocol and eventually succeed in clinical application of complete ECPR procedure.
Predicting the clinically significant subscapularis tendon tear: malposition and tear of the long head of the biceps tendon on shoulder magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Kim Bo Ra , Lee Jaehyung , Ahn Joong Mo , Kang Yusuhn , Lee Eugene , Lee Joon Woo , Kang Heung Sik
Published: December 2020

Background

The diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is low for detecting a subscapularis tendon tear.

Purpose

To identify MRI findings that may predict the presence of a clinically significant subscapularis tendon tear requiring surgical repair.

Material and Methods

We reviewed shoulder MR images of patients who had undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at our institution between June 2018 and May 2019. Patients were divided into two groups: the study group (n = 51), with an intermediate- to high-grade partial thickness tear of the subscapularis tendon suspected on preoperative MRI and intermediate or higher grade of the tendon tear proven on arthroscopy; and the control group (n = 18), with an intermediate- to high-grade partial thickness tear of the subscapularis tendon suspected on preoperative MRI but no tear or low-grade partial thickness tear of the tendon shown on arthroscopy. Preoperative MR images were retrospectively evaluated by two readers for the size of the subscapularis tendon tear, bone reactions at the lesser tuberosity, and long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) pathology.

Results

The subscapularis tendon tear measured by reader 2 was larger in the study group than in the control group. The prevalence of a tear ( P = 0.006 for reader 1; P = 0.011 for reader 2) and malposition ( P < 0.001 for both readers) of the LHBT were significantly greater in the study group.

Conclusion

A tear and malposition of the LHBT on MR images may predict the presence of a clinically significant subscapularis tendon tear.
Synergistic effects of miR-708-5p and miR-708-3p accelerate the progression of osteoporosis
Authors: Wang Ruran , Feng Yanhua , Xu Huaying , Huang Haoran , Zhao Shan , Wang Yuhong , Li Hongyan , Cao Jian , Xu Guoying , Huang Shengnan
Published: December 2020

Background

Bone homeostasis is a tightly orchestrated process maintained by osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and a disruption of their steady-state equilibrium can lead to the occurrence of osteoporosis (OP).

Methods

We investigated the differential expression of micro (mi)RNAs in the bone tissues of a postmenopausal osteoporosis rat model induced by ovariectomy (OVX). Real-time PCR was used to verify the differentially expressed miRNAs in bone samples from OP patients and controls. The specific targets of two differentially expressed miRNAs in osteogenic or osteoclast differentiation were determined by bioinformatic prediction, and mRNA and protein detection.

Results

miR-708-5p and miR-708-3p were highly expressed in the bone tissue of OVX rats and OP patients. miR-708-5p negatively regulated osteoblast differentiation in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by targeting SMAD specific E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2, while miR-708-3p positively regulated osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow monocytes by targeting cerebellar degeneration associated protein 1 antisense RNA. miR-708-5p and miR-708-3p were shown to originate from the same precursor miRNA and to have a synergistic effect on the development of osteoporosis with different temporal and spatial patterns.

Conclusion

Our findings provide a referential theoretical basis and targets for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Postoperative complications after minimally invasive esophagectomy in the prone position: any anesthesia-related factor?
Authors: Deana Cristian , Vetrugno Luigi , Stefani Francesca , Basso Andrea , Matellon Carola , Barbariol Federico , Vecchiato Massimo , Ziccarelli Antonio , Valent Francesca , Bove Tiziana , Bassi Flavio , Petri Roberto , De Monte Amato
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the incidence of postoperative complications arising within 30 days of minimally invasive esophagectomy in the prone position with total lung ventilation and their relationship with 30-day and 1-year mortality. Secondary outcomes included possible anesthesia-related factors linked to the development of complications.

Methods:

The study is a retrospective single-center observational study at the Anesthesia and Surgical Department of a tertiary care center in the northeast of Italy. Patients underwent cancer resection through esophagectomy in the prone position without one-lung ventilation.

Results:

We included 110 patients from January 2010 to December 2017. A total of 54% of patients developed postoperative complications that increased mortality risk at 1 year of follow-up. Complications postponed first oral intake and delayed patient discharge to home. Positive intraoperative fluid balance was related to increased mortality and the risk to develop postoperative complications. C-reactive protein at third postoperative day may help detect complication onset.

Conclusions:

Complication onset has a great impact on mortality after esophagectomy. Some anesthesia-related factors, mainly fluid balance, may be associated with postoperative mortality and morbidity. These factors should be carefully taken into account to obtain better outcomes after esophagectomy in the prone position without one-lung ventilation.
Letter to editor: One case of congenital dorsal penile cutaneous fistula
Authors: Yu Xianqiang , Zhang Yong
Published: December 2020

Congenital cutaneous fistula in the pubic area in infants and young children is a very rare congenital dysplasia disease, mainly manifested by abnormal punctiform opening near the midline of the area. What we are going to describe is a case of a 2-month-old boy with a congenital dorsal penile cutaneous fistula. At first, the main manifestation was pus at the opening of the fistula. The child recovered well after surgery without obvious complications.
Flexible cystoscopy for ureteral stent removal without antimicrobial prophylaxis. A prospective observational study
Authors: Olivero Alberto , Riccardi Niccolò , Ndrevataj Drilona , Balzarini Federica , Cerasuolo Mattia , Bottino Paolo , Borghesi Marco , Dodi Ferdinando , Terrone Carlo
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Flexible cystoscopy for ureteral stent removal after ureteroscopy is widely performed. In this scenario, the real need for antimicrobial prophylaxis is still uncertain. Aim of this study is to determine the urinary tract infections rate after 4 weeks from outpatient flexible cystoscopies for ureteral stent removal without antimicrobial prophylaxis.

Patients and methods:

A prospective observational study was performed between November 2017 and August 2018 in a single, high-volume Institution. Risk factors for UTIs were recorded. Immediately before cystoscopy, each patient submitted a voided urine specimen. Antibiotics were not given before or after cystoscopy. About 7 and 28 days after cystoscopy all the patients underwent abdomen US, urine analysis and culture, and clinical evaluation to assess possible symptoms of UTI.

Results:

A total of 192 patients were enrolled in the study, 76 patients (39.2%) were female. Median age was 55 years [IQR 47- 68]. Median BMI was 24.2 [22.9-26.7]. Eighteen patients (9.4%) had asymptomatic bacteriuria before cystoscopy and 39 (20.3%) had positive culture at 7 days. About 21 patients (10.9%) were diagnosed with febrile UTI in the 28 days FU period. The 28.6 % of the Febrile patients had asymptomatic bacteriuria before the stent removal ( p < 0.001), this group was slightly older ( p = 0.085) and with higher BMI ( p = 0.036). Forty-eight patients had positive urine culture at 7 days, of whom 27 (14.1%) were asymptomatic and were classified as asymptomatic bacteriuria. Multivariate analysis shows that only high BMI and bacteriuria before the procedure were significantly associated with developing a febrile UTI, none of the other risk factors was significant.

Conclusion:

Our data show a high rate of UTI after flexible cystoscopies for ureteral stent removal without antimicrobial prophylaxis especially in patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria, in those with high BMI and in the elderly; in these subgroups, antimicrobial prophylaxis should be recommended.
Estimating From the Payer Perspective the Implementation Cost of Dating Matters®: A Comprehensive Teen Dating Violence Prevention Model
Authors: Luo Feijun , DeGue Sarah , Le Vi D.
Published: December 2020

“Dating Matters®” is a CDC-developed comprehensive, multi-component teen dating violence (TDV) prevention model, made available to the public in 2019. A longitudinal, multi-site demonstration project found that the model significantly reduced TDV during middle school relative to an evidence-based, single-program intervention (Safe Dates; Niolon et al., 2019 ), when implemented across 46 middle schools in four high-risk urban areas with predominantly Black (55%) and Hispanic (28%) youth participants. Research on the costs of implementing TDV prevention strategies is limited, despite recognition within the field of prevention science that such data are critical to widespread dissemination. The current study adds to the available literature on the cost of dating violence prevention by estimating the budgetary impact from the payer perspective of implementing the comprehensive Dating Matters model, compared to Safe Dates, at four sites over four school years to inform prevention planning in communities. Total costs of implementing Dating Matters were relatively stable within sites over time but varied greatly between sites ( M = $175,452 per year; range = $130,149 to $227,604). The mean per-student cost of Dating Matters was $145.40 but also ranged widely ($20.66 to $324.65) across sites and years. Variation was largely driven by staffing costs and number of students served. As expected, total and per-student costs were substantially lower at all sites for the Safe Dates program ( M = $12,148; range = $2,848 to $17,840; $44.81 per student) compared to Dating Matters. This study provides an estimate from the payer perspective to demonstrate the budgetary impact of Dating Matters. These estimates can help inform implementation decisions and planning by potential funders, communities, and organizations as they seek to support and implement effective TDV prevention strategies. It also adds substantially to understanding of the additional costs associated with a move from single-program interventions to community-wide initiatives.
Modeling of surface roughness in a novel magnetorheological gear profile finishing process
Authors: Yadav Ravi Datt , Singh Anant Kumar , Arora Kunal
Published: December 2020

Fine finishing of spur gears reduces the vibrations and noise and upsurges the service life of two mating gears. A new magnetorheological gear profile finishing (MRGPF) process is utilized for the fine finishing of spur gear teeth profile surfaces. In the present study, the development of a theoretical mathematical model for the prediction of change in surface roughness during the MRGPF process is done. The present MRGPF is a controllable process with the magnitude of the magnetic field, therefore, the effect of magnetic flux density (MFD) on the gear tooth profile has been analyzed using an analytical approach. Theoretically calculated MFD is validated experimentally and with the finite element analysis. To understand the finishing process mechanism, the different forces acting on the gear surface has been investigated. For the validation of the present roughness model, three sets of finishing cycle experimentations have been performed on the spur gear profile by the MRGPF process. The surface roughness of the spur gear tooth surface after experimentation was measured using Mitutoyo SJ-400 surftest and is equated with the values of theoretically calculated surface roughness. The results show the close agreement which ranges from −7.69% to 2.85% for the same number of finishing cycles. To study the surface characteristics of the finished spur gear tooth profile surface, scanning electron microscopy is used. The present developed theoretical model for surface roughness during the MRGPF process predicts the finishing performance with cycle time, improvement in the surface quality, and functional application of the gears.
Robust H∞-based control of ARAS-diamond: A vitrectomy eye surgery robot
Authors: Bataleblu Abbas , Khorrambakht Rohollah , Taghirad Hamid D
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we investigate the challenges of controlling the ARAS-Diamond robot for robotic-assisted eye surgery. To eliminate the system’s inherent uncertainty effects on its performance, a cascade architecture control structure is proposed in this paper. For the inner loop of this structure, two different robust controls, namely, [Formula: see text] and μ-synthesis, with stability and performance analysis, are synthesized. The outer loop of the structure, on the other hand, controls the orientation of the surgical instrument using a well-tuned PD controller. The stability of the system as a whole, considering both inner and outer loop controllers, is analyzed in detail. Furthermore, implementation results on the real robot are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control structure compared to that of conventional controller designs in the presence of inherent uncertainties of the system and external disturbances, and it is observed that using [Formula: see text] controller in the inner loop has superior robust performance.
The individual, interactive, and syndemic effect of substance use, depression, education, and ethnicity on retention in HIV care
Authors: Myers Kristopher , Li Tan , Baum Marianna , Ibanez Gladys , Fennie Kristopher
Published: December 2020

In this study, we sought to assess the individual, syndemic, and interactive associations between individual-level factors and retention in care. The sample was derived from the Miami Adult Studies on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) cohort from 2009 to 2014. The variables were entered into a multiple logistic regression with retention as the outcome. Backward regression, adjusting for all main effects, was conducted to determine which two-way interactions were associated with retention. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test which number of factors were associated with retention. Non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity was associated with improved retention (odds ratio [OR] = 2.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06–5.75, p ≤ 0.05) when compared to Non-Hispanic White persons. Black-Hispanic and Other racial/ethnic identities were associated with increased retention (OR = 4.84, 95%CI: 1.16–25.79, p ≤ 0.05 and OR = 7.24, 95%CI: 1.54–54.05, p ≤ 0.05, respectively) when compared to Non-Hispanic White persons. The interaction between depressive symptoms and Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT, a test that assesses alcohol use disorder) score was significantly and negatively associated with retention in HIV care (OR = 0.14, 95%CI: 0.01–1.11, p ≤ 0.10). The interaction between age and male gender was also negatively associated with retention (OR = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.88–1.01, p ≤ 0.10), and the interaction between male gender and depression was positively associated with retention (OR = 7.17, 95%CI: 0.84–98.49, p ≤ 0.10). In conclusion, multiple races/ethnicities, specifically Non-Hispanic Black, Black-Hispanic, and Other racial/ethnic identification, were associated with increased odds of retention. Multiple interactions, specifically depressive symptoms * alcohol use disorder and male gender * age, were negatively associated with retention. The male gender * depression interaction was positively associated with retention in HIV care.
Background review for the ‘2020 European guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhoea in adults’
Authors: Unemo M , Ross JDC , Serwin AB , Gomberg M , Cusini M , Jensen JS
Published: December 2020

Gonorrhoea is a major public health concern globally. Increasing incidence and sporadic ceftriaxone-resistant cases, including treatment failures, are growing concerns. The 2020 European gonorrhoea guideline provides up-to-date evidence-based guidance regarding the diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhoea. The updates and recommendations emphasize significantly increasing gonorrhoea incidence; broad indications for increased testing with validated and quality-assured nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and culture; dual antimicrobial therapy including high-dose ceftriaxone and azithromycin (ceftriaxone 1 g plus azithromycin 2 g) OR ceftriaxone 1 g monotherapy (ONLY in well-controlled settings, see guideline for details) for uncomplicated gonorrhoea when the antimicrobial susceptibility is unknown; recommendation of test of cure (TOC) in all gonorrhoea cases to ensure eradication of infection and identify resistance; and enhanced surveillance of treatment failures when recommended treatment regimens have been used. Improvements in access to appropriate testing, test performance, diagnostics, antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance and treatment, and follow-up of gonorrhoea patients are essential in controlling gonorrhoea and to mitigate the emergence and/or spread of ceftriaxone resistance and multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant gonorrhoea. This review provides the detailed background, evidence base and discussions, for the 2020 European guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhoea in adults (Unemo M, et al. Int J STD AIDS. 2020).
Joint involvement influences quality of life in systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Natalucci Francesco , Ceccarelli Fulvia , Cipriano Enrica , Perricone Carlo , Olivieri Giulio , Pirone Carmelo , Mettola Giuseppe , Truglia Simona , Spinelli Francesca Romana , Alessandri Cristiano , Conti Fabrizio
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Joint involvement represents the major determinant in quality of life (QoL)in Systemic Lupus Erhytematosus (SLE) patients. However, QoLhas been generally evaluated by non-specific questionnaires. We evaluated the relationship between SLE musculoskeletal manifestations and QoL, assessed by LupusQoL.

Methods

Patients with joint involvement (group A) were compared with those without this feature (group B). Disease activity was assessed by SLEDAI-2k in the whole population, while DAS28 and swollen to tender ratio were applied to assess joint activity. LupusQoL was administered to all the patients.

Results

Group A included 110 patients [M/F 8/102; median age 49 years (IQR 13), median disease duration 156 months (IQR 216)], group B 58 [M/F 11/47; median age 40 years (IQR 15), median disease duration 84 months (IQR 108)].We found significanlty lower values in all the LupusQoL domains except for one (burden to others) in group A in comparison with group B. A significant correlation between DAS28 values and all the LupusQoL domains in group A was found; only three domains correlated with SLEDAI-2k.

Conclusions

SLE-related joint involvement significantly influences disease-specific QoL. DAS28 better correlated with LupusQoL domains in comparison with SLEDAI-2k, confirming the need for specific musculoskeletal activity indices.
Serum uric acid as a predictor for nephritis in Egyptian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Hafez Eman Ahmed , Hassan Sameh Abd El-mottleb , Teama Mohammed Abdel Monem , Badr Fatma Mohammed
Published: December 2020

Objective

Lupus nephritis (LN) is closely associated with hyperuricemia, and uric acid is considered a risk factor for renal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to examine the association between serum uric acid (SUA) level and LN development and progression in SLE patients with normal renal function.

Methods

A total of 60 SLE patients with normal renal function from Ain Shams University Hospital were selected and assigned to group 1 (30 patients with LN) and group 2 (30 patients without LN). All patients were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, disease activity assessment based on SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and renal SLEDAI (SLEDAI-R) scores, and laboratory investigations, including as SUA, complete blood count, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, urine analysis, protein/creatinine ratio, 24-h urinary protein excretion, Antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-dsDNA antibody, and serum complement (C3, C4).

Results

Disease duration, SLEDAI score, and SUA level were higher in group 1 than in group 2 (p < 0.001). SUA level was positively correlated with SLEDAI and SLEDAI-R scores, proteinuria, urinary casts, renal biopsy class, disease activity and chronicity indices, BUN level, and serum creatinine level but was negatively correlated with creatinine clearance (p < 0.05). SUA was a predictor of LN development in SLE patients (sensitivity, 83.3%; specificity, 70%).

Conclusion

SUA is associated with the development of lupus nephritis in patients with normal kidney function also SUA in-dependently correlated with disease activity and chronicity in LN.
Perspectives of physicians on medical acupuncture in Lebanon: a preliminary study
Authors: Naji Fadila Bassem , Wahab Kamal , Hamadeh Ghassan , Hlais Sani
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

There are no regulations governing the practice of acupuncture in Lebanon as it is not yet registered as a profession. To our knowledge, no studies have ever been conducted in Lebanon regarding the practice of acupuncture. The purpose of this preliminary study was to explore the knowledge of Lebanese physicians about acupuncture, with the intent of conducting larger scale studies and developing strategies aimed at refining this knowledge in the future, and the ultimate goal of setting guidelines for acupuncture practice in Lebanon.

Methods:

An online survey looking into physicians’ knowledge of acupuncture, its mechanisms of action, effectiveness, indications and safety, and physicians’ understanding of its concepts, was circulated to 4651 physicians registered in the Lebanese orders of physicians.

Results:

One hundred forty-nine physicians (3.2%) completed the survey. Most study respondents stated that they were unaware of the difference between traditional Chinese acupuncture (TCA) and Western medical acupuncture (WMA). Overall, 30% of respondents had personally used and/or referred patients for acupuncture. Physicians who had personally tried acupuncture were more likely to refer patients for acupuncture (p < 0.001). Those who know the difference between WMA and TCA were more likely to have tried or referred for acupuncture (p = 0.004). 72% believed that acupuncture and other integrative medicine modules should be introduced in medical curricula in Lebanon.

Conclusion:

Interest in acupuncture among physicians in Lebanon appears to be limited, based on the low response rate. Among respondents, physicians who had tried or referred patients for acupuncture appeared to be more well informed about different acupuncture styles.
Therapeutic itinerary of transsexual people in light of human rights
Authors: Florêncio Larissa Luise Ferreira , de Souza Karla Romana , Oliveira Elizandra Cassia da Silva , Cabral Juliana da Rocha , Silva Felicialle Pereira da , Silva Raphael Alves da , Frazão Iracema da Silva , de Oliveira Regina Célia , Abrão Fátima Maria da Silva
Published: December 2020

Background:

The therapeutic itinerary is not limited to the identification and availability of health services offered, but relates to the different individual searches and sociocultural and economic possibilities of each patient. In this study, we discuss the therapeutic itinerary of transsexual people seeking healthcare, from the user’s perspective.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to discuss the therapeutic itinerary of transsexual people seeking healthcare, from the user’s perspective.

Design and participants:

Individual interviews were performed with 10 transsexuals at the Trans Space of a University Hospital of Pernambuco, using the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the theoretical reference and the Bardin’s thematic content analysis as the reference methodological framework.

Ethical considerations:

This study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee at the Federal University of Pernambuco under protocol no. 91284218.5.0000.5208.

Findings:

The comprehensive care for transsexual people was evidenced through four categories analyzed: low demand of transsexuals in health services; use of social name in health services; care permeated by prejudiced and discriminatory attitudes; and health system and professionals who are not able to meet transgender health issues.

Discussion:

Transsexual people are stigmatized and experience prejudice in their daily health, in a way they do not enjoy fundamental rights, as if they had fewer rights, or infringe the principle of universality of access to health. Thus, for effective and comprehensive care, the health team must keep up to date on the public policies existing in the healthcare of transsexual people and reconstruct what they understand by gender.

Conclusion:

Knowledge about the therapeutic itinerary of transgender people may support evaluation processes of health service networks to ensure the access to and reorganization of these services. Understanding this dynamic allows fostering discussions about the structure of health services at all care levels for the care of this population.
Cross-country Emission Tax Effect of Mergers
Authors: Fikru Mahelet G. , Gautier Luis
Published: December 2020

Recent studies show that mergers among polluting firms could affect the regulatory landscape of the industry and trigger a policy change. Using a two-country model, this study examines the effect of a merger size, as measured by the number of merging firms, on the optimal emission tax of another country. We show that, if pollution damages are not too large, a decline in the size of a merger reduces production and profits in that country, which affords a larger tax in the other country due to smaller profit-shifting concerns. On the other hand, if pollution damages are extremely large, a reduction in the size of a merger in one country reduces production in that country, but it also reduces production and emissions in the other country. Thus, the latter can induce a smaller emission tax. The change in the emission tax in both scenarios is consistent with cooperative outcomes.
Partial acquisition of stemness properties in tumorspheres obtained from interleukin-8-treated MCF-7 cells
Authors: Ospina-Muñoz Natalia , Vernot Jean-Paul
Published: December 2020

The interleukin-8 is an important regulator of the tumor microenvironment, promoting the epithelial–mesenchymal transition and the acquisition of stem-like cell properties in cancer cells. The tumorsphere-formation assay has been used for the identification of cancer stem cell. Interleukin-8 induces the formation of larger tumorspheres in Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cells, suggesting cancer stem cell enrichment. In this work, we aimed to study the phenotypic and functional characteristics of the cells present within the tumorspheres of MCF-7 cells previously treated with interleukin-8. MCF-7 cells treated for 5 days or not with this cytokine were further cultivated in ultralow attachment plates for another 5 days to allow tumorspheres formation. We showed that the enhanced sphere formation by MCF-7 cells was not a consequence of higher cell proliferation by interleukin-8 stimulation. Despite maintaining an epithelial–mesenchymal transition phenotype with the presence of epithelial and mesenchymal markers, basic stemness properties were impaired in tumorspheres and in those treated with interleukin-8, while others were increased. Self-renewal capacity was increased in interleukin-8-treated cells only in the first generation of tumorspheres but was not sustained in consecutive assays. Accordingly, self-renewal and reprogramming gene expression, differentiation capacity to adipocytes, and clonogenicity were also impaired. We showed also that tumorspheres were enriched in differentiated luminal cells (EpCAM+/CD49f−). Nevertheless, cells were more quiescent and maintain a partial epithelial–mesenchymal transition, consistent with their increased resistance to Paclitaxel and Doxorubicin. They also presented higher migration and interleukin-8-directed invasion. Therefore, the breast cancer cell line MCF-7, having a low stemness index, might partially acquire some stem-like cell attributes after interleukin-8 stimulation, increasing its aggressiveness.
Agro-information Service and Information-seeking Behaviour of Small-scale Farmers in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Taiabur , Ara Shifat , Khan Niaz Ahmed
Published: December 2020

Agriculture is the mainstay of Bangladesh’s economy, accounting for 15.89% of its GDP and 45.1% of its labour employment. Efficiency of economic activities in agriculture crucially depends on the flow of information relating to farming decisions, as well as on demand for such information by farmers. This study examines the information needs and information-seeking behaviour of small-scale farmers in rural Bangladesh. Opinions and feedback of farmers were collected through mini–focus group discussions (MFGD) and in-depth interviews (IDI) in seven districts across Bangladesh. The study finds that many farmers lack awareness of where and how to obtain agro-information. The priority areas on which farmers typically seek information include seeds, fertilisers, agriculture credit, irrigation, disease and pest management. The information-seeking behaviour of the farmers depends on two variables: the nature of the crisis and the reliability of the information available. Farmers rely on personal experience and informal networks when the nature of crisis is familiar or non-critical; they rely on multiple external sources when the nature of crisis is critical and personal knowledge proves inadequate. The use of information and communications technology (ICT) (such as Union Digital Centers and Agricultural Helplines) in this regard is minimal, and the potential of utilisation of the office of agriculture extension remains untapped. The major constraints faced by the farmers in seeking information using modern ICT include farmers’ prevailing norms and perceptions (e.g., resistance to change and adoption of new technology), relatively high costs of and low awareness regarding agro-information, poor infrastructure to be able to support ICT services, spatial inconvenience, in terms of location and availability of ICT facilities, and low literacy among the farmers.