bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey of Nursing Staff’s Training on Early Warning Ability for Inpatients with “Three Infarcts and One Hemorrhage”
Authors: Shen Zhoumin , Tang Chanjuan , Hu Yanjun , Cai Yimin , Chen Huali , Chen Hongjiao , Liu Yuyu , Xie Nian
Published: August 2021

Background and Objective. Nursing staff’s cognition and training willingness on early warning ability of inpatients is an important measure to reduce the occurrence of adverse events and severe disease. In this article, we aim to understand the cognition and training needs of nursing staff in a tertiary referral center in Changsha City, Hunan Province, on the early warning ability of inpatients with myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, cerebral infarction, and dangerous hemorrhage (referred to as “three infarcts and one hemorrhage”). Methods. A total of 787 nursing staff in a tertiary referral center in Changsha City, Hunan Province, were selected using a convenient sampling method. We used an online questionnaire designed by ourselves to survey them. The content of the questionnaire primary included basic information, related knowledge of the nursing staff on the potential risk prediction and precontrol of inpatients with “three infarcts and one hemorrhage,” relevant information on improving early warning scores, management of clinical early warning, training needs, and training methods. Results. Over 50% of the nursing staff had little understanding about the risk warning knowledge of inpatients with “three infracts and one hemorrhage,” and the degree of understanding was related to education, job title, and working years. The nursing staff with higher education level or professional title or longer working experience have a better understanding of the risk warning knowledge of inpatients with “three infracts and one hemorrhage.” Conclusion. The cognitive competence of nursing staff in a tertiary referral center in Changsha City, Hunan Province, on the early warning ability of inpatients with “three infarcts and one hemorrhage” needs to be improved. Medical institutions should actively train nursing staff on early warning ability for inpatients with “three infarcts and one hemorrhage” to improve the nursing staff’s awareness and patients’ safety and efficiency.
Evaluation of the Tyrosine and Dopamine Serum Levels in Experimental Infected BALB/c Mice with Chronic Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Mirzaeipour Mehdi , Mikaeili Fattaneh , Asgari Qasem , Nohtani Mohammad , Rashidi Sajad , Bahreini Mohammad Saleh
Published: August 2021

Background. Toxoplasma parasite alters the transduction of neurotransmitter signals and leads to changes in the level of brain neurotransmitters including tyrosine and dopamine, so behavior changes can occur in infected hosts. Based on this concept, this study was conducted for evaluation of the tyrosine and dopamine serum levels in infected mice with chronic toxoplasmosis. Materials and Methods. Toxoplasma gondii (Prugniaud strain II) was injected intraperitoneally into BALB/c mice to induce chronic toxoplasmosis. Modified agglutination test (MAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and microscopic methods were conducted to confirm the induction of chronic toxoplasmosis. The infected mouse sera were separated at days 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 for evaluation of tyrosine and dopamine serum levels using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results. Microscopic methods confirmed the formation of the Toxoplasma cysts in mouse tissues. Inducing chronic toxoplasmosis is also confirmed by MAT, PCR, and histological methods. HPLC results indicated a decrease in serum tyrosine level at day 40 in infected mice in comparison to control, and the levels were too low to be measured at other times. However, a significantly high serum dopamine level was observed that gradually increased after parasite inoculation. Conclusions. No detection of tyrosine level in most of the sample groups is probably related to the very low concentration of tyrosine in sera. However, low concentration of tyrosine at day 40 and increase of dopamine in most of the sample groups suggest the production of dopamine from tyrosine due to the presence of Toxoplasma in infected mice.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Korean Version of the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM)
Authors: Kim Hyunho , Jeon Pyeongjin , Kim Seungju , Hong Jiseong , Kang Yeonseok
Published: August 2021

Internationally, Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) is being used to evaluate and compare students’ awareness regarding medical education environment. This study aimed to adapt DREEM into Korean, to evaluate the reliability and validity, and to compare its structure to the original DREEM structure. The DREEM was translated using 6 steps which were suggested in cross-cultural adaptation protocols: translation, synthesis, back translation, expert committee review, pilot test, and psychometric study (N = 451). We performed confirmatory factor analysis including basic analysis. For evaluating the original model’s goodness of fit with the acquired dataset, model fit indices and construct validity were discussed. The Korean version was completed upon through cross-cultural adaptation protocols. Statistical analysis with 451 data sets showed that the root mean square error of approximation = 0.06, goodness-of-fit index = 0.75, and Tucker–Lewis index = 0.73. Almost construct reliabilities were all over 0.707. Except for just one pair, all squares of correlation coefficients were greater than the corresponding average variance extracted. In conclusion, we developed the Korean version of DREEM. Although the original 5-factor structure was acceptable, low convergent and discriminant validity indices suggested that further studies for the Korean environment are necessary for the respecified or modified factor structures.
Investigation of Pseudo-Ricci Symmetric Spacetimes in Gray’s Subspaces
Authors: Shenawy Sameh , Chand De Uday , Bin Turki Nasser , Alsaeed Suliman , Abdelhameed Syied Abdallah
Published: August 2021

In the present paper, we focused our attention to study pseudo-Ricci symmetric spacetimes in Gray’s decomposition subspaces. It is proved that

PRS

n

spacetimes are Ricci flat in trivial,

A

, and

B

subspaces, whereas perfect fluid in subspaces

I

,

I
⊕
A

, and

I
⊕
B

, and have zero scalar curvature in subspace

A

⊕

B

. Finally, it is proved that pseudo-Ricci symmetric GRW spacetimes are vacuum, and as a consequence of this result, we address several corollaries.
Experimental Study on Flow Velocity Structure and Turbulence Characteristics in Open Channel with Biomimetic Grass
Authors: Fu Changjing , Wang Jinguo , Zhao Tianlong , Xu Yangming , Lv Yi
Published: August 2021

The problem of suspension treatment of oil and gas pipelines has been highly concerned by engineering construction units and researchers. Research shows that the bionic grass can effectively reduce the flow rate, promote sediment deposition, and control the development of the pipeline suspension area. The velocity distribution of open channel flow with bionic grass is very complex. The height and spacing of bionic grass will affect the flow velocity distribution. At present, the flow velocity in open channels containing bionic grass is mainly studied by measuring the velocity variation in the front, middle, and back of bionic grass, but few effective measurements are made for the full velocity field. This paper describes the use of modern means of an advanced test, using standard particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements with bionic grass along the water channel to the vertical plane of the distribution of the velocity field. The probability density distribution, spatial correlation of pulsating velocity, turbulence intensity, Reynolds stress, and turbulent kinetic energy in the open channel after the protection section of bionic grass were further analyzed.
Integration of Multiple-Omics Data to Analyze the Population-Specific Differences for Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Hu Yang , Qiu Shizheng , Cheng Liang
Published: August 2021

Significant differences may exist among different descents, but the current studies are mainly based on European populations. In the present study, we analyzed the population-specific differences of coronary artery disease (CAD) between European and East Asian descents. In stage 1, we identified CAD susceptibility genes by gene-based tests in European and East Asian populations. We identified two novel susceptibility genes for CAD, namely, CUX2 and OAS3. In stage 2, we carried out meta-analyses for the population-specific variants. rs599839 (PSRC1) represented a protective variant for CAD in East Asian populations (

OR

ASN

=
0.72

. 95% CI: 0.63-0.81) but a risk factor in European populations (

OR

EUR

=
1.13

, 95% CI: 0.93-1.36). In stage 3, we enriched the risk genes and explored the population-specific differences in Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), regulatory element, tissues, and cell types. In stage 4, in order to predict genes that showed pleiotropic/potentially causal association with CAD, we integrated summary-level data from independent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) by using summary data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR). The results showed that NBEAL1 and FGD6 were population-specific pleiotropic/causal genes. Although some potential mutations and risk genes of CAD are shared, it is still of great significance to elucidate the genetic differences among different populations. Our analysis provides a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for CAD.
Improved Wettability and Dimensional Stability of Bamboo Timber by Coating Graphene/Silica Composites
Authors: Wang Jin , Zhou Ye , Li Jingpeng , Feng Yongshun , Zhang Jian , Yu Haixia , Zhuang Xiaowei
Published: August 2021

Bamboo timber (BT) is a kind of natural porous material, and usually bamboo cracking and deformation are caused by the change of humidity in the environment. Inspired by the natural structure of the shell, a multilayer structure was designed to fabricate a kind of graphene/silica composite coating on the BT surface. The multilayer bamboo composite (FAS-RGO@SiO2BT) was prepared by using the self-assembly process of nanospherical silica on graphene followed by hydrophobic modification. A possible formation mechanism of FAS-RGO@SiO2BT was discussed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The FAS-RGO@SiO2BT has excellent hydrophobic properties for tea, orange juice, milk, coffee, blue ink, red wine, and green juice. Also, the FAS-RGO@ SiO2BT has an obvious hydrophobic effect on any of the various solutions with a pH of 1 to 14. In addition, after a 90-day immersion test, the water absorption rate of FAS-RGO@ SiO2BT is 9.7% and the thickness swelling rate is 0.5%. The wettability and dimensional stability of the FAS-RGO@SiO2BT are significantly improved compared to those of BT.
[Retracted] Flexural Behaviour of Chicken Mesh Ferrocement Laminates with Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregate by Steel Slag
Authors: Jayaprakash Sridhar , Dhanapal Jegatheeswaran , Deivasigamani Vivek , G Elias
Published: August 2021

Bending tests were conducted on ferrocement laminates containing chicken mesh and steel slag. The fundamental goal of the examination was to investigate the effects of partial substitution of fine aggregate by steel slag in cement mortar combining chicken mesh of different volume fractions as reinforcement in thin ferrocement laminates. The following variables were investigated: (a) volume fraction of chicken mesh as 0.94%, 1.88%, 2.82%, and 3.77% and (b) level of steel slag substitution from 0% to 50% by weight fine aggregate. Results show that ferrocement laminates with chicken mesh of volume fractions of 3.77% and 30% substitution of fine aggregate with steel slag display better performance in terms of load deflection behaviour, first crack load, ultimate load, energy absorption, and ductility ratio when related with other specimens. An analytical model has been proposed to predict the ultimate moment carrying capacity of ferrocement laminates under flexure to validate the experimental results.
Hierarchical Hybrid Trust Management Scheme in SDN-Enabled VANETs
Authors: Mao Ming , Yi Peng , Hu Tao , Zhang Zhen , Lu Xiangyu , Lei Jingwei
Published: August 2021

One of the principal missions of security in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) is to establish credible social relationships. The trust management system has been proved to be an effective security solution in a connected vehicle environment. The use of trust management can play a significant role in achieving reliable data collection and dissemination and enhanced user security in the Internet of Vehicles. However, due to a large number of vehicles, the limited computing power of individuals, and the highly dynamic nature of the network, a universal and flexible architecture is required to realize the trust of vehicles in a dynamic environment. The existing solutions for trust management cannot be directly applied to the Internet of Vehicles. To ensure the safe transmission of data between vehicles and overcome the problems of high communication delay and low recognition rate of malicious nodes in the current trust management scheme, an efficient flow forwarding mechanism of the RSU close to the controller in the Software-Defined Vehicular Network is used to establish a hierarchical hybrid trust management architecture. This method evaluates the dynamic trust change of vehicle behavior based on the trust between vehicles and the auxiliary trust management of the infrastructure to the vehicle, combined with static and dynamic information and other indicators. The proposed trust management scheme is superior to the comparative schemes in resisting simple attacks, selective misbehavior attacks, and time-dependent attacks under the condition of ensuring superior real-time performance. Its overall accuracy is higher than that of the baseline scheme.
Deformation Characteristics of Existing Twin Tunnels Induced by Double Shield Undercrossing with Prereinforcement: A Case Study in Hangzhou
Authors: Wei Xinjiang , Zhang Mobao , Ma Shaojun , Xia Chang , Liu Xingwang , Ding Zhi
Published: August 2021

This paper is based on the case of the earth pressure balance (EPB) shield tunnelling project of the new Metro Line 2 undercrossing the existing Metro Line 1 in the soft soil urban area of Hangzhou. Because the EPB shield must break through a plain concrete wall before undercrossing the existing tunnels, the pipe roof prereinforcement was adopted to stabilize the soil between the existing tunnels and the new shield tunnel. The deformation characteristics of the existing tunnels in the process of double shield undercrossing were discussed. According to the variation of shield position, the settlement development could be divided into three stages: shield approaching subsidence, shield crossing heave, and shield leaving subsidence. The horizontal displacement shows a back and forth variation characteristic consistent with the direction of shield tunnelling. At the junction of tunnel and station, the shield undercrossing caused considerable differential settlement between the existing tunnel and the station. The construction of pipe roof prereinforcement will lead to the presettlement of the existing tunnels. The settlement of the existing tunnels caused by the attitude deviation of pipe roof and grouting disturbance should be reduced in reasonable ranges. In addition, the maximum longitudinal settlement of the existing tunnel during the shield second undercrossing was also discussed. It was considered that the influence of wall breaking is greater than the sequence of shield undercrossing. The driving parameters of shield tunnelling should be optimized before the second crossing.
Evaluation of Several Machine Learning Models for Field Canal Improvement Project Cost Prediction
Authors: Shartooh Sharqi Saadi , Bhattarai Aayush
Published: August 2021

Project cost prediction is one of the key elements in the civil engineering activities development. Project cost is a highly sensitive component to diverse parameters and hence it is associated with complex trends that make it difficult to be predicted and fully understood. Due to the massive advancement of soft computing (SC) and Internet of things (IoT), the main research objective of the current study was initiative. Several machine learning (ML) models including extreme learning machine (ELM), multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS), and partial least square regression (PLS) were adopted to predict field canal cost. Several essential predictors were used to develop the prediction network “the learning process” including the total length of the PVC pipeline, served area, geographical zone, construction year, and cost and duration of field canal improvement projects (FCIP) construction. Data were collected from the open source published literature. The modeling results evidenced the potential of the applied SC models in predicting the FCIP cost. In numerical magnitude evaluation, MARS model indicated the least value for the root mean square error (RMSE = 27422.7), mean absolute error (MAE = 19761.8), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE = 0.05454) with Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE = 0.94), agreement index (MD = 0.89), and coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.94), with best precision of prediction using all predictors, except geographical zone parameter in which less influence on the cost construction is presented. In general, the research outcome gave an informative primary cost initiative for cost civil engineering project.
Muskmelon Maturity Stage Classification Model Based on CNN
Authors: Zhao Huamin , Xu Defang , Lawal Olarewaju , Zhang Shujuan
Published: August 2021

How to quickly and accurately judge the maturity of muskmelon is very important to consumers and muskmelon sorting staff. This paper presents a novel approach to solve the difficulty of muskmelon maturity stage classification in greenhouse and other complex environments. The color characteristics of muskmelon were used as the main feature of maturity discrimination. A modified 29-layer ResNet was applied with the proposed two-way data augmentation methods for the maturity stages of muskmelon classification using indoor and outdoor datasets to create a robust classification model that can generalize better. The results showed that code data augmentation which is the first way caused more performance degradation than input image augmentation—the second way. This established the effectiveness of the code data augmentation compared to image augmentation. Nevertheless, the two-way data augmentations including the combination of outdoor and indoor datasets to create a classification model revealed an excellent performance of F1 score ∼99%, and hence the model is applicable to computer-based platform for quick muskmelon stages of maturity classification.
Impact of Production Inputs and Timing on Crackness of Rice in Northern Ghana
Authors: Odoom Daniel Asomning , Kugbe Joseph Xorse , Dzomeku Israel Kwame , Berdjour Albert , Boateng Dennis Owusu , Yaro Richard Naabe , Wireko Prince , Sam Ebenezer Kofi , Ghanney Philip
Published: August 2021

Under rain-fed conditions, perfumed rice production in Northern Ghana is associated with high paddy cracking during milling. In this study, 4 perfumed rice varieties, 6 staggered planting times, 6 staggered harvesting cycles, and staggered storage duration from harvest to six months of storage were used in a randomized complete block design to identify the best combination of factors that are associated with low cracking in rice production. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three geographically distinct locations serving as replicates. Grain moisture and paddy crackness were determined. The results indicated a mixed factorial interaction for all measured variables. Early planting, early harvesting, and short storage duration reduced paddy cracking compared to late treatments (

P
<
0.05

). For all treatment combinations, milling within two weeks after harvesting was associated with lower cracking as long as the harvesting cycle did not exceed the fourth cycle. After the second month of storage, percentage cracking was high, approaching 90% in most cases.
Effect of Aging on the Rheological and Molecular Weight Distribution of Asphalt Binder Treated with Polyphosphoric Acid
Authors: Ma Tao , Yang Kai , Li Rui , Shen Jiujian
Published: August 2021

Asphalt binder behaves as a viscoelastic material and its inherit performance is dominated by rheological and chemical properties. Aging of asphalt binder is a prominent distress for long‐term in‐service asphalt pavement. In this work, the effect of aging on base asphalt modified by polyphosphoric acid (PPA) has been investigated. For the objective, virgin asphalt binder was modified by various dosages of PPA, styrene‐butadiene‐styrene (SBS), and PPA/SBS compound modification. The short‐ and long‐term aging processes were simulated by Rolling Thin‐Film Oven Test (RTFOT) and Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) procedure. Rheological property of five aged modified binders was evaluated by the Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR). Meanwhile, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was conducted to measure the molecular weight distribution and dispersion coefficient during the aging process. The high‐temperature stiffness of PPA polymer binders is slightly higher than that of SBS and PPA/SBS compound modified asphalts. The aging ratio and molecular weight analysis verify the lower thermal‐oxidative susceptibility of PPA/SBS compound modified asphalts. This study offers an understanding for the promotion and application of PPA modifier.
Updated Methodology for Projecting U.S.- and State-Level Cancer Counts for the Current Calendar Year: Part II: Evaluation of Incidence and Mortality Projection Methods
Authors: Miller Kimberly D. , Siegel Rebecca L. , Liu Benmei , Zhu Li , Zou Joe , Jemal Ahmedin , Feuer Eric J. , Chen Huann-Sheng
Published: August 2021

Background:

The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the NCI collaborate every 5 to 8 years to update the methods for estimating the numbers of new cancer cases and deaths in the current year for the U.S. and individual states. Herein, we compare our current projection methodology with the next generation of statistical models.

Methods:

A validation study was conducted comparing current projection methods (vector autoregression for incidence; Joinpoint regression for mortality) with the Bayes state-space method and novel Joinpoint algorithms. Incidence data from 1996–2010 were projected to 2014 using two inputs: modeled data and observed data with modeled where observed were missing. For mortality, observed data from 1995 to 2009, 1996 to 2010, 1997 to 2011, and 1998 to 2012, each projected 3 years forward to 2012 to 2015. Projection methods were evaluated using the average absolute relative deviation (AARD) between observed counts (2014 for incidence, 2012–2015 for mortality) and estimates for 47 cancer sites nationally and 21 sites by state.

Results:

A novel Joinpoint model provided a good fit for both incidence and mortality, particularly for the most common cancers in the U.S. Notably, the AARD for cancers with cases in 2014 exceeding 49,000 for this model was 3.4%, nearly half that of the current method (6.3%).

Conclusions:

A data-driven Joinpoint algorithm had versatile performance at the national and state levels and will replace the ACS's current methods.

Impact:

This methodology provides estimates of cancer data that are not available for the current year, thus continuing to fill an important gap for advocacy, research, and public health planning.
Characterizing Trends in Cancer Patients' Survival Using the JPSurv Software
Authors: Mariotto Angela B. , Zhang Fanni , Buckman Dennis W. , Miller Daniel , Cho Hyunsoon , Feuer Eric J.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Improvements in cancer survival are usually assessed by comparing survival in grouped years of diagnosis. To enhance analyses of survival trends, we present the joinpoint survival model webtool (JPSurv) that analyzes survival data by single year of diagnosis and estimates changes in survival trends and year-over-year trend measures.

Methods:

We apply JPSurv to relative survival data for individuals diagnosed with female breast cancer, melanoma cancer, non–Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) between 1975 and 2015 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. We estimate the number and location of joinpoints and the trend measures and provide interpretation.

Results:

In general, relative survival has substantially improved at least since the mid-1990s for all cancer sites. The largest improvements in 5-year relative survival were observed for distant-stage melanoma after 2009, which increased by almost 3 survival percentage points for each subsequent year of diagnosis, followed by CML in 1995–2010, and NHL in 1995–2003. The modeling also showed that for patients diagnosed with CML after 1995 (compared with before), there was a greater decrease in the probability of dying of the disease in the 4th and 5th years after diagnosis compared with the initial years since diagnosis.

Conclusions:

The greatest increases in trends for distant melanoma, NHL, and CML coincided with the introduction of novel treatments, demonstrating the value of JPSurv for estimating and interpreting cancer survival trends.

Impact:

The JPSurv webtool provides a suite of estimates for analyzing trends in cancer survival that complement traditional descriptive survival analyses.
Ovarian Cancer Risk in Relation to Blood Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Authors: Trabert Britton , Hathaway Cassandra A. , Rice Megan S. , Rimm Eric B. , Sluss Patrick M. , Terry Kathryn L. , Zeleznik Oana A. , Tworoger Shelley S.
Published: August 2021

Background:

The association between circulating cholesterol and triglyceride levels and ovarian cancer risk remains unclear.

Methods:

We prospectively evaluated the association between cholesterol [total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C)] and triglycerides and ovarian cancer incidence in a case–control study nested in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and NHSII cohorts and a longitudinal analysis in the UK Biobank.

Results:

A total of 290 epithelial ovarian cancer cases in the NHS/NHSII and 551 cases in UK Biobank were diagnosed after blood collection. We observed a reduced ovarian cancer risk comparing the top to bottom quartile of total cholesterol [meta-analysis relative risk (95% confidence interval): 0.81 (0.65–1.01), Ptrend 0.06], with no heterogeneity across studies (Pheterogeneity = 0.74). Overall, no clear patterns were observed for HDL-C, LDL-C, or triglycerides and ovarian cancer risk. Comparing triglyceride levels at clinically relevant cut-off points (>200 vs. ≤200 mg/dL) for cases diagnosed more than 2 years after blood draw saw a positive relationship with risk [1.57 (1.03–2.42); Pheterogeneity = 0.003]. Results were similar by serous/non-serous histotype, menopausal status/hormone use, and body mass index.

Conclusions:

Data from two large cohorts in the United States and United Kingdom suggest that total cholesterol levels may be inversely associated with ovarian cancer risk, while triglycerides may be positively associated with risk when assessed at least 2 years before diagnosis, albeit both associations were modest.

Impact:

This analysis of two large prospective studies suggests that circulating lipid levels are not strongly associated with ovarian cancer risk. The positive triglyceride–ovarian cancer association warrants further evaluation.
Associations between Certain Polymorphisms in Proinflammatory Cytokines and Predisposition of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Qin , Yang KongBin , Zhang ZhongLing , Zhang RuiHua
Published: August 2021

Background: Functional gene polymorphisms of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) may contribute to the onset and development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but the relationships between these polymorphisms and predisposition of AD remain controversial. Objectives: This meta-analysis was conducted to more robustly assess relationships between TNF-α/IL-6/IL-8/IL-18 polymorphisms and predisposition of AD by pooling the findings of relevant studies. Methods: A comprehensive literature searching was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Wanfang, and CNKI databases, and 63 studies were found to be eligible for quantitative analyses. Results: The pooled meta-analysis results showed that genotypic frequencies of TNF-α rs1800629, IL-6 rs1800795, IL-8 rs4073, and IL-18 rs187238 polymorphisms among AD cases and controls of Asian ethnicity differed significantly. But, we did not observe such genotypic frequencies differences in Caucasians. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that TNF-α rs1800629, IL-6 rs1800795, IL-8 rs4073, and IL-18 rs187238 polymorphisms may affect predisposition of AD in Asians, but not in Caucasians.
A Novel Homozygous Frameshift Mutation in ITGB3 Causes Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia
Authors: Li XueHong , Xu Jing , Li ZhenJiang , Song Yuan , Fei Yan , Yang GuiLin , Tang AiPing
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study was to elucidate the molecular characteristics of a Chinese family with Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia (GT). The proband was diagnosed with GT based on clinical manifestations, platelet aggregation, and the expression of CD41 and CD61 in platelets. Whole-exome and Sanger sequencing were used to detect genetic defects related to GT in the proband and the family of the pedigree. Whole-exome sequencing showed a c.1784–1802delinsGTCACA, p. S595Cfs*70 homozygous mutation in exon 11 of the ITGB3 gene in the proband. Heterozygous mutations were found in the proband’s parents, grandmother, uncle, aunt, and younger brother. This novel p. S595Cfs*70 ITGB3 gene mutation is not present in the 1000 Genomes and ExAC databases.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis against Surgical Site Infection after Open Hernia Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Al Riyees Lolwah , Al Madani Wedad , Firwana Nistren , Balkhy Hanan H. , Ferwana Mazen , Alkhudhayri Abdullah
Published: August 2021

Objective: The role of antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) in the prevention of surgical site infection (SSI) after hernia repair is debated. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the evidence on the value of prophylactic antibiotics in reducing the risks of SSI after open hernia surgery. Methods: We ran an online and manual search to identify relevant randomized controlled trials that compared prophylactic antibiotics to nonantibiotic controls in patients undergoing open surgical hernia repair. Data on SSI risk were extracted and pooled as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), using RevMan software. We further used the Cochrane risk of bias tool and GRADE assessment to evaluate the quality of generated evidence. Results: Twenty-nine studies (N = 8,616 patients) were included in the current analysis. Antibiotic prophylaxis reduced the risk of SSI in open hernia repair patients (RR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.53, 0.79). Subgroup analysis showed a significant benefit for antibiotics in mesh repair patients (RR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.48, 0.76) yet no significant difference in SSI risk after herniorrhaphy (RR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.54, 1.36). In addition, AP was associated with a significant reduction in superficial SSI risk (RR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.43, 0.72) but not deep SSI (RR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.30, 1.62). Further analysis showed a significant reduction in SSI risk with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cefazolin but not with cefuroxime. Conclusion: The present meta-analysis suggests that AP is beneficial prior to open mesh hernia repair. However, the quality of evidence was low, and further well-designed trials are needed.
Nail Manifestations in COVID-19: Insight into a Systemic Viral Disease
Authors: Preda-Naumescu Ana , Penney Kayla , Pearlman Ross L. , Brodell Robert T. , Daniel Carlton Ralph , Nahar Vinayak K.
Published: August 2021

Nail manifestations are 1 of the several extrapulmonary findings associated with COVID-19 caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Nail changes, however, have been largely ignored and not yet summarized. This article is intended to increase awareness of nail manifestations of SARS-CoV-2, which occur weeks to months after acute infection and the periungual pernio-like changes may occur concomitantly with infection. An electronic search was carried out in PubMed (Medline), Science Direct, and Scopus databases. The following keywords and all of their possible combinations were used to identify studies: “SARS-CoV-2,” “COVID-19,” “Coronavirus,” “2019-ncov,” “nail,” and “nails.” Six case reports were included in this study. Manifestations identified included red half-moon sign, transverse orange nail lesions, Mees’ lines, and Beau’s lines. Though largely nonspecific, these findings can be recognized with the onset of symptom onset or as late as 16 weeks following the disease. Some of these findings are shared with other conditions associated with a proinflammatory state. Nail changes offer unique insight into the pathophysiologic basis for SARS-CoV-2 and they may serve as diagnostic clues.
Using a Robotic-Assisted Approach for Stereotactic Laser Ablation Corpus Callosotomy: A Technical Report
Authors: Ung Timothy H. , Kahn Lora , Hirt Lisa , Chatain Gregoire , Humes Elizabeth , David-Gerecht Pamela , Drees Cornelia , Thompson John A. , Ojemann Steven , Abosch Aviva
Published: August 2021

Background: Corpus callosotomy for medically intractable epilepsy is an effective ablative procedure traditionally achieved using either standard open craniotomy or with less-invasive approaches. Advances in robotic-assisted stereotactic guidance for neurosurgery can be applied for LITT for corpus callosotomy. Clinical Presentations: Two patients were included in this study. One was a 25-year-old female patient with extensive bi-hemispheric malformations of cortical development and medically refractory epilepsy, and the other was an 18-year-old male with medically refractory epilepsy and atonic seizures, who underwent a complete corpus callosotomy using robotic-assisted stereotactic guidance for LITT. Results: Both patients underwent successful intended corpus callosotomy with volumetric analysis demonstrating a length disconnection of 74% and a volume disconnection of 55% for patient 1 and a length disconnection of 83% and a volume disconnection of 33% for patient 2. Postoperatively, both patients had clinical reductions in seizure. Conclusion: Our experience demonstrates that robotic guidance systems can safely and effectively be adapted for minimally invasive LITT corpus callosotomy.
Book-Oriented Environment in Childhood and Current Cognitive Performance among Old-Aged Europeans
Authors: Weinstein Galit , Cohn-Schwartz Ella , Damri Noam
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Identifying early-life factors that protect against compromised late-life cognition is of great public health interest. We aimed to explore the associations between book-oriented environment in childhood and late-life cognitive performance in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Methods: The sample included 8,239 individuals aged ≥65 years (N = 8,239) free of stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or Alzheimer’s disease, who participated in both waves 4 (2011) and 5 (2013) of SHARE. Book-oriented environment was assessed by the self-reported home library size during childhood. Cognitive performance was assessed using tests of memory and verbal fluency. Covariates included education and measures of current health, lifestyle, and financial status. Additionally, interactions with age and education were assessed. Results: After controlling for potential confounders, having large home libraries was related to better performance on the immediate and delayed memory (β = 0.11 ± 0.02, p < 0.001; β = 0.13 ± 0.02, p < 0.001) and the verbal fluency tests (β = 0.14 ± 0.06, p < 0.001) and to a lesser decline in these domains (β = 0.08 ± 0.01, p < 0.001; β = 0.09 ± 0.02, p < 0.001; and β = 0.09 ± 0.06, p < 0.001, respectively). Significant interactions were observed between library size and age such that larger home library was more strongly associated with improved immediate memory (p = 0.016), delayed memory (p < 0.001), and verbal fluency (p = 0.003) and with less cognitive decline (p = 0.013, p < 0.001, and p = 0.095, respectively) among the younger-old (<80 years) compared to the oldest-old (≥80 years) participants. No effect modification by education was observed. Conclusions: These findings suggest that early-life book-oriented environment may be important in shaping cognitive aging.
Neuroimmune Circuits Activated by Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Authors: Kuwabara Shuhei , Goggins Eibhlin , Tanaka Shinji
Published: August 2021

The interaction between the nervous system and the immune system has recently been well-recognized. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) presents potential as an anti-inflammatory therapy through activation of neuroimmune pathways. Detailed understanding of the neuroimmune pathways VNS evokes is critical in order to successfully use it in the clinic for the treatment of acute kidney injury, in which inflammation plays an important role. In this review, we describe recent findings regarding VNS-induced neuroimmune pathways responsible for anti-inflammation and tissue protection.
Treatment Outcomes of Head and Neck Cancer Patients in the Elderly Receiving Different Chemoradiation Combinations: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Karivedu Vidhya , Bonomi Marcelo , Issa Majd , Blakaj Adriana , Klamer Brett G. , Pan Xueliang , Old Matthew , Bhateja Priyanka , Kang Stephen , Seim Nolan , Ozer Enver , Agrawal Amit , Mitchell Darrion , Gamez Mauricio E. , Grecula John , Jhawar Sachin R. , Baliga Sujith , Carrau Ricardo L. , Rocco James , Blakaj Dukagjin
Published: August 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effect of definitive or adjuvant concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) among elderly patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA HNSCC). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 150 elderly LA HNSCC patients (age ≥70) at a single institution. Demographics, disease control outcomes, and toxicities with different chemotherapy regimens were reviewed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) estimates. Results: Median age at diagnosis was 74 years (range 70–88). Of the cohort, 98 (65.3%) patients received definitive and 52 (34.7%) received adjuvant CRT; 44 (29.3%) patients received weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel, 43 (28.7%) weekly cetuximab, 33 (22%) weekly carboplatin, and 30 (20%) weekly cisplatin. The OS at 2 years was 70% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 63–79%), and PFS at 2 years was 61% (95% CI: 53–70%). There was no significant difference in OS or PFS between definitive and adjuvant CRT (p = 0.867 and p = 0.475, respectively). Type of chemotherapy regimen (single-agent carboplatin vs. others) (95% CI: 1.1–3.9; p = 0.009) was a key prognostic factor in predicting OS in multivariable analysis. Concurrent use of cetuximab was associated with increased risk of PEG tube dependence at 6 months (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Management of LA HNSCC in the elderly is a challenging scenario. Our study shows that CRT is a feasible treatment modality for elderly patients with LA HNSCC. We recommend CRT with weekly cisplatin or weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel. A chemotherapy regimen should be carefully selected in this difficult to treat population.
In vivo Skin Penetration, Radical Protection, and Structural Changes after Topical Application of a Herbal Oil Cream Compared to Topical Calcipotriol in Mild to Moderate Psoriasis
Authors: Lademann Juergen , Mansouri Parvin , Nahavandi Ali , Ahlers Axel , Zibakalam-Mofrad Fatemeh , Brower Barbara , Nahavandi Maryam , Feddern Frank , Darvin Maxim E. , Schanzer Sabine , Richter Heike , Meinke Martina C. , Rezaii Seyed Ahmad , Rohaninasab Masoumeh , Farshi Susan , Iacobelli Massimo , Jung Sora
Published: August 2021

Background: The chronicity of psoriasis often requires continuous topical treatment. Materials and Methods: Here, the radical protection of a cream containing various herbal oils was evaluated in vivo by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and its skin penetration by Raman microscopy in intact and barrier-disturbed skin. Changes in skin barrier properties were evaluated after 4 weeks of daily topical application using in vivo laser scanning microscopy (LSM) and transepidermal water loss in 26 healthy volunteers. A randomized, controlled, double-blind, three-arm parallel clinical study evaluated the efficacy of the herbal oil cream compared to a 0.05% calcipotriol-containing cream and to a vehicle cream, in 135 patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis with the change in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) from baseline to week 12 as the primary endpoint. Results: EPR spectroscopy disclosed a significantly higher radical formation in untreated than skin treated with the herbal oil cream (p ≤ 0.05). LSM measurements indicated a protective skin barrier effect in treated compared to untreated skin. In the clinical trial, the topical application of herbal oils showed a significant reduction of the PASI score compared to topical calcipotriol at week 12 (p = 0.016). The mean reduction in PASI was 49% for the herbal oil cream, 38% for calcipotriol, and 55% for the vehicle cream. The percentage of patients, who reached PASI 50 and 75 at any time point, was 55.9% and 29.4% for the herbal oil cream, 47.4% and 15.8% for calcipotriol, and 23 (60.5%) and 13 (34.2%) for the vehicle, respectively (p > 0.05). The vehicle, originally designed as a placebo, contained a main ingredient of the herbal oil cream and therefore showed corresponding results. Conclusion: The herbal oil cream demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.
O poder espetacular no Brasil atual: uma transição para o fascismo?
Authors: Coan Emerson Ike
Published: August 2021

O artigo busca compreender o atual estágio do poder espetacular integrado na sociedade brasileira diante de uma aparente transição ao fascismo, conforme a exacerbação do elemento autoritário estatal e a elevação do discurso radical de direita desde o golpe de 2016. Aplicar-se-ão os conceitos, todos repensados na contemporaneidade, de Guy Debord sobre o poder espetacular na formação socioeconômica brasileira e de Florestan Fernandes e Theotonio dos Santos sobre o elemento fascista na ditadura militar de 1964-1985, a qual é exaltada pelo governo presente. Emprega-se o método dialético da teoria crítica da sociedade, pois se pesquisa o objeto em momentos históricos específicos.
Hereditary Cerebral Small Vessel Diseases and Stroke: A Guide for Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Guey Stéphanie , Lesnik Oberstein Saskia A.J. , Tournier-Lasserve Elisabeth , Chabriat Hugues
Published: August 2021

Cerebral small vessel diseases represent a frequent cause of stroke and cognitive or motor disability in adults. A small proportion of cerebral small vessel diseases is attributable to monogenic conditions. Since the characterization in the late 1990s of cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy, several other monogenic conditions leading to adult-onset ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke have been described. In this practical guide, we summarize the key features that should elicit the differential diagnosis of a hereditary cerebral small vessel diseases in adult stroke patients, describe the main clinical and imaging characteristics of the major hereditary cerebral small vessel diseases that can manifest as stroke, and provide general recommendations for the clinical management of affected patients and their relatives.
Patterns of Negotiation in Non-War Disputes
Authors: Frazier Derrick , Goertz Gary
Published: August 2021

Studies of militarized interstate dispute (MID) outcome variables have focused particularly on whether or not these disputes have resulted in war. With a few exceptions, this simple dichotomous dependent variable categorization largely ignores numerous militarized disputes with outcomes that fall short of war along with their respective settlement method. We propose that theories and findings on war might not apply to non-war disputes. This is especially true when considering approaches to conflict management. We find that: (I) the outcome of war almost always results in one side prevailing. Negotiated settlement and compromise are more likely outcomes of non-war disputes. (2) Power relations play a key role in outcomes of war but have a much-reduced impact on non-war outcomes. (3) Territorial issues are associated with dispute occurrence and war. Territorial issues, at the same time, seem to lend themselves to negotiated and compromise outcomes. (4) Ripeness occurs at the mid-severity range as opposed to lower or higher levels.
“Crusaders” and the Islamic State Apocalypse
Authors: Roche Jason T.
Published: August 2021

Islamic State propaganda manipulated and combined a culturally embedded sense of Islamic history with a heady, potent mixture of classical and radical apocalyptic, and real and supposed Islamic authority, both sacred and profane. Tapping into a widespread belief in the approach of the Last Hour, the group attempted to change an established “crusader master narrative” by giving “crusaders” and their “crusade” integral roles in Islamic sacred history and an impending Islamic State apocalypse.
Artemisia flaccida (Asteraceae, Anthemideae) is merged with A. fulgens, with transfer of A. flaccida var. meiguensis to A. fulgens
Authors: GUO XIN-QIANG , WANG LONG , YANG QIN-ER
Published: August 2021

Based on observations on herbarium specimens (including type material) and living plants in the wild, we demonstrate that Artemisia flaccida (Asteraceae, Anthemideae) is conspecific with A. fulgens and that A. flaccida var. meiguensis deserves a varietal status under A. fulgens. We therefore place A. flaccida in synonymy with A. fulgens and transfer A. flaccida var. meiguensis to A. fulgens as A. fulgens var. meiguensis. Lectotypification is proposed for A. fulgens and A. flaccida. The geographical distribution of the two varieties of A. fulgens, var. fulgens and var. meiguensis, is also clarified.
Questing for meaningfulness through narrative identity work: The helpers, the heroes and the hurt
Authors: Weller Sarah-Louise , Brown Andrew D , Clarke Caroline A
Published: August 2021

What identity narratives do those engaged in dangerous volunteering fabricate and how do they help satisfy their quest for meaningful lives? Based on a three-year ethnographic study of QuakeRescue, a UK-based voluntary, search and rescue charity, we show that volunteers worked on identity narratives as helpers, heroes and hurt. The primary contribution we make is to analyse how meaningfulness (the sense of personal purpose and fulfilment) that people attribute to their lives is both developed through and a resource for individuals’ narrative identity work. We show how organizationally-based actors attribute significance to their lives through authorship of desired identities that are sanctioned and supplied by societal (master) narratives embedded in and constitutive of local communities. In our case, the helper and hero identities dangerous volunteering offered members were seductive. However, their pursuit had ambiguous and sometimes, arguably, negative consequences for volunteers who had seen action overseas, and our study adds to understanding of how organizational members’ quest for meaningful identities may falter and sometimes fail.