bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gynecological Sarcomas: Molecular Characteristics, Behavior, and Histology-Driven Therapy
Authors: Libertini Michela , Hallin Magnus , Thway Khin , Noujaim Jonathan , Benson Charlotte , van der Graaf Winette , Jones Robin L.
Published: September 2020

Gynecological sarcomas represent 3% to 4% of all gynecological malignancies and 13% of all sarcomas. The uterus is the most frequent primary site (83%); less frequently sarcomas are diagnosed originating from the ovary (8%), vulva and vagina (5%), and other gynecologic organs (2%). As the classification of gynecologic sarcomas continues to diversify, so does the management. Accurate histopathologic diagnosis, utilizing appropriate ancillary immunohistochemical and molecular analysis, could lead to a more personalized approach. However, there are subtypes that require further definition, with regard to putative predictive markers and optimal management. The aim of this review is to highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and classification of gynecologic sarcoma subtypes by the surgical pathologist in order to provide more tailored systemic treatment, and to highlight the increasing importance of close collaboration between the pathologist and the oncologist.
The Effects of Sampling Frequency and Questionnaire Length on Perceived Burden, Compliance, and Careless Responding in Experience Sampling Data in a Student Population
Authors: Eisele Gudrun , Vachon Hugo , Lafit Ginette , Kuppens Peter , Houben Marlies , Myin-Germeys Inez , Viechtbauer Wolfgang
Published: September 2020

Currently, little is known about the association between assessment intensity, burden, data quantity, and data quality in experience sampling method (ESM) studies. Researchers therefore have insufficient information to make informed decisions about the design of their ESM study. Our aim was to investigate the effects of different sampling frequencies and questionnaire lengths on burden, compliance, and careless responding. Students ( n = 163) received either a 30- or 60-item questionnaire three, six, or nine times per day for 14 days. Preregistered multilevel regression analyses and analyses of variance were used to analyze the effect of design condition on momentary outcomes, changes in those outcomes over time, and retrospective outcomes. Our findings offer support for increased burden and compromised data quantity and quality with longer questionnaires, but not with increased sampling frequency. We therefore advise against the use of long ESM questionnaires, while high-sampling frequencies do not seem to be associated with negative consequences.
Passive optimal feedback control of an articulated flexible arm
Authors: Tebbikh Raja , Tebbikh Hicham , Kechida Sihem
Published: September 2020

This article deals with stabilization and optimal control of an articulated flexible arm by a passive approach. This approach is based on the boundary control of the Euler–Bernoulli beam by means of wave-absorbing feedback. Due to the specific propagative properties of the beam, such controls involve long-memory, non-rational convolution operators. Diffusive realizations of these operators are introduced and used for elaborating an original and efficient wave-absorbing feedback control. The globally passive nature of the closed-loop system gives it the unconditional robustness property, even with the parameters uncertainties of the system. This is not the case in active control, where the system is unstable, because the energy of high frequencies is practically uncontrollable. Our contribution comes in the achievement of optimal control by the diffusion equation. The proposed approach is original in considering a non-zero initial condition of the diffusion as an optimization variable. The optimal arm evolution, in a closed loop, is fixed in an open loop by optimizing a criterion whose variable is the initial diffusion condition. The obtained simulation results clearly illustrate the effectiveness and robustness of the optimal diffusive control.
Parameter sensitivity analysis and optimum model of the magnetorheological damper’s Bouc–Wen model
Authors: Jiang Min , Rui Xiaoting , Zhu Wei , Yang Fufeng , Zhu Hongtao , Jiang Rilang
Published: September 2020

To overcome the shortcomings of the Bouc–Wen model, such as too many parameters, complex identification process, and long time consuming, the sensitivity of parameters was analyzed. A Bouc–Wen optimum model with sensitive parameters to guarantee calculating accuracy was established. First, according to the results of the magnetorheological damper’s mechanical property test, the sensitivity of Bouc–Wen model’s parameters was analyzed by the one-at-a-time method. Optimization of the Bouc–Wen model was completed. Second, the parameters of the Bouc–Wen optimum model were identified under three harmonic excitations. Compared with the original Bouc–Wen model, the differences of calculation accuracy were 0.0055, 0.0007, and 0.0070 respectively. And the convergence rate of the fitness function for parameter identification increased by 67.89%, 49.94%, and 67.24%, respectively. And the iteration time of 1000 iterations was shortened by 36.52%, 25.95%, and 64.11%, respectively. It indicates that the Bouc–Wen optimum model had higher efficiency and certain accuracy in parameter identification process. Then, the calculation accuracy of Bouc–Wen optimum model with independent and coupled mean parameters were analyzed respectively. Finally, the parameters of the Bouc–Wen optimum model and current were fitted by the least square method. The results showed that the Bouc–Wen optimum model can accurately and efficiently simulate the dynamic characteristics of magnetorheological dampers.
Impact analysis of contact symmetrical caliper structure on brake squeal
Authors: Pan Gongyu , Zhang Xiaoman , Liu Peng , Chen Lin
Published: September 2020

The brake squeal of automobiles has become one of the most annoying issues for passengers. Hence, it is essential to suppress the noise from the design stage of the braking system. In this article, the method for reducing squeal noise is explored based on the finite element model of the brake system. Studies on this model show that the structural deficiency of the brake caliper may cause the instability of the braking system and then cause squeal noise. Thus, the brake caliper is optimized to achieve a symmetrical contact pressure distribution on the inner and outer sides of the disc surface. The effectiveness of this method is analyzed by ANSYS/workbench software and verified in bench tests and road tests. The results show that the symmetrical caliper structure can make the brake pressure distribution more reasonable and the brake system more stable. Finally, it has reduced the noise incidence from 19.27% to 3.63%, which provides an effective method of reducing brake squeal noise.
Two versions of the extended Hill’s lemma for non-Cauchy continua based on the couple stress theory
Authors: Gad A I , Gao X-L
Published: September 2020

Two versions of the extended Hill’s lemma for non-Cauchy continua satisfying the couple stress theory are proposed. Each version can be used to determine two effective elasticity (stiffness) tensors: one classical and the other higher order. The classical elasticity tensor relates the symmetric part of the force stress to the symmetric strain, whereas the higher-order elasticity tensor links the deviatoric part of the couple stress to the non-symmetric curvature. Four sets of boundary conditions (BCs) are identified using Version I, and three sets of BCs are obtained from Version II of the extended Hill’s lemma, which can all satisfy the Hill–Mandel condition. For each BC set selected, admissibility and average field requirements are checked. Furthermore, the equilibrium is examined for the cases with the kinetic BCs, and the compatibility is checked for the cases with the kinematic BCs. To illustrate the two newly proposed versions of the extended Hill’s lemma, a homogenization analysis is conducted for a two-phase composite using a meshfree radial point interpolation method. The effective elastic constants obtained in this analysis are compared with those predicted by the Voigt and Reuss bounds and computed through a finite element model constructed using COMSOL, which verifies and supports the current method.
Characterization of crude extract prepared from Indian curd and its potential as a biopreservative
Authors: Das Annada , Chauhan Geeta , Agrawal Ravi K , Das Arun K , Tomar Serlene , Uddin Siraj , Satyaprakash Kaushik , Pateiro Mirian , Lorenzo José M
Published: September 2020

The adverse effects of chemical preservatives used to prevent food spoilage have led to the search for various biopreservatives. Considering this, a study was undertaken to prepare crude extract (CE) from Indian curd (a fermented dairy product) and characterized it in terms of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities against some common food-borne bacteria. The CE exhibited well pronounced antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus and Salmonella typhimurium. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CE was recorded for 2-fold concentrated solution prepared from a 10-fold stock. The CE exhibited a significantly higher ( p < 0.05) antioxidant and antimicrobial activities compared to its fractions. The CE was found to be heat stable (up to 100 ℃ for 30 min) and exhibited a significant ( p < 0.05) increase in activity at pH 2–7 and in combination with 2% citric acid solution. Trypsin treatment suggested it to be of proteinaceous in nature. The antibacterial activity of CE remained intact at 4 ℃ for seven days, whereas non-significant ( p > 0.05) changes in its activity were noted during storage at −20 ℃ for 30 days. The curd sample used for preparation of CE, when tested for bacteriocin production and subsequent antimicrobial activity, did not show inhibition against S. typhimurium. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of CE and its fractions revealed multi-banding pattern. By virtue of its bioactivities observed, CE can be explored as a promising food biopreservative.
Exploring the Emergence of Self-Directed Home Care in Ontario: A Qualitative Case Study on Gotcare Services
Authors: Jamieson Margaret , Cooper Reed Anna , Amaral Emma , Cameron Jill I.
Published: September 2020

In Ontario, the number of older adults (≥65) is expected to increase from 2.4 million in 2017, to 4.6 million by 2046. This substantial increase necessitates a spectrum of care delivery options for older adults who wish to age in their homes. Self-directed care refers to a growing trend in healthcare that provides care recipients with more autonomy to determine what care they need, and how that care should be delivered. This research explores self-directed care in Ontario, Canada, examining an Ontario-based home care agency, Gotcare, as a case study. Semi-structured interviews were completed with eight of Gotcare’s care workers, three of their management team, and 11 home care experts from the healthcare sector. Analysis of these interviews generated four key themes: the circumstances under which self-directed care is an appropriate model for a care recipient; the experiences of home care workers offering self-directed care; the risks of self-directed care; and the opportunities of self-directed care. Findings suggest Gotcare’s model of self-directed home care is responding to a lack of home care options in Ontario, especially in rural and remote regions. The model should be seen as a viable option within the home care sector, but further research should be conducted to ensure that the highest standard of care is delivered to care recipients, and to inform evidence-based policy decisions.
Incorporation of the Transverse Thoracic Plane Block Into a Multimodal Early Extubation Protocol for Cardiac Surgical Patients
Authors: Cardinale Jeffrey P. , Latimer Ryan , Curtis Candace , Bukovskaya Yana , Kosarek Logan , Falterman Jason , Tatum Danielle M. , Trusheim Jay
Published: September 2020

Background

The aim for early extubation remains an important goal in cardiac surgical patients. Therefore, employment of a multimodal approach to pain management that includes a transverse thoracic plane block was retrospectively examined at a single-center tertiary care hospital on the effects of time to extubation, opioid consumption, and length of stay in patients undergoing cardiac surgery via median sternotomy.

Methods

Blocks were performed on all cardiac surgical patients except for those undergoing left ventricular assist device placement, thoracic transplant, emergent surgery, or redo sternotomy. Following additional exclusions for intra- and postoperative complications unrelated to anesthesia, final analysis was conducted on 75 patients per group. Multimodal pain management included intravenous analgesics and transverse thoracic plane block where patients received 15 mL 0.5% bupivacaine + epinephrine bilaterally under ultrasound guidance prior to incision.

Results

Following transverse thoracic plane block and multimodal analgesics, 50.6% of patients were extubated in the operation room versus 8.6% in the control group. Intraoperative opioids were decreased, and intensive care unit and total length of stay were reduced by 5 hours and 1 day, respectively, in block patients as compared with controls. Postoperative opioids were not significantly different. There were no reported complications directly attributed to the block.

Conclusions

The transverse thoracic plane block and multimodal regimen for patients undergoing median sternotomy resulted in a significant number of patients extubated in the operation room without an increase in postoperative re-intubations. Moreover, the block appears to be a quick and safe procedure to utilize on cardiac surgery patients.
Correlation between retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and IOP variation in glaucoma suspects and patients with primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Cronemberger Sebastião , Veloso Artur W , Veiga Christy , Scarpelli Gustavo , Sasso Yara C , Merola Rafael V
Published: September 2020

Purpose:

To analyze the relationship between retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) variation in glaucoma suspects (GS) and patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods:

Thirty-one GS and 34 POAG patients underwent ophthalmologic examination and 24-h IOP measurements. GS had IOPs ranging from 19 to 24 mmHg and/or suspicious appearance of the optic nerve. POAG patients had reproducible abnormal visual fields. We only included patients who presented with short-term IOP fluctuation >6 mm Hg (∆IOP). Only one eye per patient was included through a randomized process. Peripapillary RNFLT was assessed by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. We correlated RNFLT with IOP parameters.

Results:

Mean IOP was similar between GS and POAG groups (15.6 ± 3.47 vs 15.6 ± 2.83 mmHg, p = 0.90) as was IOP peak at 6 AM (21.7 ± 3.85 vs 21.3 ± 3.80 mmHg, p = 0.68). Statistically significant negative correlations were found in POAG group between IOP at 6 AM and RNFLT in global ( rs = −0.543; p < 0.001), inferior ( rs = −0.540; p < 0.001), superior ( rs = −0.405; p = 0.009), and nasal quadrants ( rs = −0.561; p < 0.001). Negative correlations were also found between ∆IOP and RNFLT in global ( rs = −0.591; p < 0.001), and all other sectors ( p < 0.05). In GS IOP at 6 AM correlated only with inferior quadrant ( rs = −0.307; p = 0.047).

Conclusion:

IOP at 6 AM and ∆IOP had negative correlations with RNFLT quadrants in POAG. In GS this correlation occurred between IOP at 6 AM and inferior quadrant. These findings may indicate potential risk factors for glaucoma progression.
Rescue intra-arterial chemotherapy in unilateral multirelapsed peripapillary retinoblastoma: Decision making and the role of MRI
Authors: De Francesco Sonia , Galluzzi Paolo , Bracco Sandra , Di Maggio Alessandro , Sgheri Arianna , Hadijstilianou Theodora
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

In this case report we report our experience with rescue intra-arterial chemotherapy in a case of multi-relapsed peripapillary Retinoblastoma (RB) and the importance of high resolution MRI in detecting possible optic disc infiltration.

Case report:

In 2007, a 14 month-old caucasian girl was referred to our ocular oncology unit for leukocoria. Only left eye was interested, with a single mass of the posterior pole. Patient underwent six cycles of systemic chemotherapy and focal laser consolidation. Several relapses occurred during follow-up. Selective intra-arterial chemotherapy (SIAC) with Melphalan was performed and type IV remission was achieved. A new relapse occurred next to the optic disc. MRI was performed and we decided to try to save the globe with a rescue cycle of SIAC.

Conclusion:

MRI has demonstrated to be useful in decision making in RB, giving us a last chance to save the globe.
A multicentre review of the histology of 1012 periocular basal cell carcinomas
Authors: Lin Zhiheng , Qidwai Umair , Igali Laszlo , Hemmant Bridget
Published: September 2020

Aims:

To evaluate primary periocular basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) in depth including comparing histological margins with subtype, location and surgical specialty after wide local excision.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed for all BCCs excised from three hospitals over 5 years, covering a population of just over 1 million. Tumours were classified according to histological subtype location. Incomplete excision rates and margins were analysed in detail and comparisons made.

Results:

The most common subtype found was nodular followed by infiltrative. Lesions were most commonly located at the lower lid. Infiltrative BCCs were associated with perineural invasion and incomplete excision despite the largest peripheral margins. Superficial BCCs had the smallest mean peripheral margin but the largest mean deep margin. 2 mm histological margins gave an 83.7% complete excision rate, 6.4% incomplete excision rate and 7.1% where the clearance margin was 0.3 mm or less.

Conclusion:

Distribution of eyelid BCCs based on subtype and periocular location mirrored the general consensus. Infiltrative BCCs should be excised with wider margins or referred for Mohs surgery, especially if the medial canthus is involved. Superficial BCCs should be excised with wider but shallower surgical margins. Ophthalmologists were more likely than dermatologists or plastic surgeons to incompletely excise a periocular BCC, which is reflective of their more difficult case mix.
Elevated HbA1c is not a risk factor for wound complications following total joint arthroplasty: a prospective study
Authors: Citak Mustafa , Toussaint Bastian , Abdelaziz Hussein , Klebig Felix , Dobinsky Alexandra , Gebauer Matthias , Gehrke Thorsten
Published: September 2020

Background:

Controversies exist regarding the association of elevated serum glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) or prosthetic joint infection (PJI) in the setting of total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA). The purpose of the current study was to determine the prevalence of unknown and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) in a consecutive series and to investigate the association between postoperative wound complications or SSI/PJI and elevated HbA1c in patients undergoing TJA.

Methods:

In this prospective single-centre study, HbA1c was determined for patients undergoing elective primary, aseptic or septic revision THA and TKA, between September 2017 and March 2018. Prevalence of DM, unknown and uncontrolled diabetes were reported. Occurrence of 90-day wound healing disorders (WHD) as well as SSI or PJI were observed. Considering the HbA1c threshold ⩾6.5%, a comparative analysis between patients with and without WHD and SSI or PJI for the whole study cohort, as well as for each arthroplasty group, was performed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were developed to quantify the predictive power of HbA1c with regard to WHD and infection complications. A total of 1488 patients were included for final analysis. There were 1127 primary THA and TKA (75.7%), 272 aseptic revisions (18.3%) and 89 septic revisions (6.0%). The known diabetic patients constituted 9.9% of the whole study cohort.

Results:

The majority had uncontrolled DM (67%). Prevalence of unknown DM was 11.1%. The results reveal the prevalence for the German population and might be different in other regions. A total of 57 patients (3.7%) experienced postoperative wound or infectious complications. PJI occurred in only 5 patients (0.03%). There was no significant difference between patients with HbA1c <6.5% and patients with HbA1c ⩾6.5% ( p = 0.092).

Conclusions:

We demonstrated that prevalence of unknown and uncontrolled DM in patients undergoing TJA is increasing, however; routine preoperative determination of the HbA1c value to prevent possible postoperative wound or infectious complications remains debatable. Larger studies investigating the optimal HbA1c level, as well as other predictors are required.
Outcome of repeated multi-stage arthroplasty with custom-made acetabular implants in patients with severe acetabular bone loss: a case series
Authors: Fröschen Frank S , Randau Thomas M , Hischebeth Gunnar T R , Gravius Nadine , Wirtz Dieter C , Gravius Sascha , Walter Sebastian G
Published: September 2020

Background:

Failed reconstruction in cases of severe acetabular bone loss, with or without pelvic discontinuity, in revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) remains a great challenge in orthopaedic surgery. The aim of this study was to describe the outcome of a “second” rTHA with “custom-made acetabular components (CMACs)” after a previously failed reconstruction with CMACs.

Methods:

4 patients with severe acetabular bone loss (Paprosky Type IIIB), who required a second rTHA after a previously failed reconstruction with CMAC, due to prosthetic joint infection (PJI), were included in our retrospective study. All prostheses had been constructed on the basis of thin-layer computed-tomography scans of the pelvis. The second rTHA was considered unsuccessful in the event of PJI or aseptic loosening (AL) with need for renewed CMAC explantation.

Results:

The treatment success rate after second rTHA with a CMAC was 50% (2 of 4). In the successful cases, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Harris Hip Score (HHS) after the second rTHA (VAS range 2–4; HHS range 45–58 points) did not differ from those after the first rTHA, before onset of symptoms (VAS: range 2–4; HHS: range 47–55 points). In the failed cases, the second CMACs needed to be explanted due to PJI, with renewed detection of previous pathogens. Patients with treatment failure of the second CMAC had required a higher number of revision surgeries after explantation of the first CMAC than patients with a successful outcome.

Conclusions:

In patients with severe acetabular bone loss and previously failed rTHA with CMACs, repeat rTHA with a CMAC may be a solid treatment option for patients with an “uncomplicated” multi-stage procedure, i.e., without persisting infection after explantation of the original CMAC. While the outcome in terms of clinical function does not appear negatively affected by such a “second attempt,” the complication rate and risk of reinfection, nonetheless, is high.
Interaction of Heavy Drinking Patterns and Depression Severity Predicts Efficacy of Quetiapine Fumarate XR in Lowering Alcohol Intake in Alcohol Use Disorder Patients
Authors: Vatsalya Vatsalya , Kong Maiying , Marsano Luis M , Kurlawala Zimple , Chandras Kan V , Schwandt Melanie L , Ramchandani Vijay A , McClain Craig J
Published: September 2020

Background:

Shared etiological pathways of dopamine and serotonin neurotransmission play a central role in heavy alcohol intake and exacerbation in the symptoms of depression. We investigated the treatment efficacy of Quetiapine fumarate extended release (XR) in lowering alcohol intake in alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients indicated by the shared alleviation of depression ratings and patterns of heavy drinking.

Methods:

Hundred and eight male and female heavy drinking AUD patients in the age range of 18 to 64 years. participated in a randomized clinical trial (RCT) to receive 12 weeks of quetiapine XR or placebo (N = 115). Participants were sub-grouped by the severity grading of depression using Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) (clinically relevant ⩾8 [CR], clinically non-relevant ⩽7 [CNR]) at baseline in both the groups. Drinking history and depression ratings were assessed at the patients’ visits.

Results:

Heavy drinking days (HDD) and total drinks (TD) were significantly fewer in CR patients at the treatment end. A true positive response in AUROC analysis supported the lowering of TD in CR patients. The number of drinking days (NDD) and average drinks per drinking day (AvgD) were lower in the CNR patients at treatment-end. Significant associations with increasing effect sizes were observed for all the heavy drinking measures (HDD, TD, NDD, and AvgD) and MADRS scores by the end of the treatment course.

Conclusions:

Baseline elevated depressive symptoms could likely predict the course of heavy alcohol drinking during the treatment, and efficacy outcome of a treatment. AUD patients with baseline clinically significant depression had a progressive lowering in heavy drinking markers significantly corresponding to the lowering of depression symptoms by the end of treatment with Quetiapine fumarate XR. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT#0049862 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00498628?term=litten&draw=2&rank=3 )
‘We will not be pacified’: From freedom fighters to feminists
Authors: Mama Amina
Published: September 2020

Whether hailed for transitioning to the ballot box, or condemned for failing to hold elections, Africa’s postcolonial states exhibit profound contradictions in the arena of gender politics. Where reforms have been achieved, implementation remains minimal, as undemocratic state structures and uncivil societies alike lack the political will to change. This article addresses the emergence of feminism as an intellectual and political force for freedom that radically challenges the ongoing exploitation and oppression of women in Africa. It focuses on the contribution of radical intellectuals to the theory and practice of women’s movements, arguing that the research, analysis, and activism they carry out defines them as a radical public intellectual cadre that continuously mobilizes with, by, and for women to pursue liberation for themselves as much as others.
Depression is associated with disconnection of neurotransmitter-related nuclei in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Martino Matteo , Magioncalda Paola , El Mendili Mohamed Mounir , Droby Amgad , Paduri Swetha , Schiavi Simona , Petracca Maria , Inglese Matilde
Published: September 2020

Background:

Depression is frequently associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the biological background underlying such association is poorly understood.

Objective:

Investigating the functional connections of neurotransmitter-related brainstem nuclei, along with their relationship with white matter (WM) microstructure, in MS patients with depressive symptomatology (MS-D) and without depressive symptomatology (MS-nD).

Methods:

Combined resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion-weighted MRI (dMRI) study on 50 MS patients, including 19 MS-D and 31 MS-nD patients, along with 37 healthy controls (HC). Main analyses performed are (1) comparison between groups of raphe nuclei (RN)-related functional connectivity (FC); (2) correlation between RN-related FC and whole brain dMRI-derived fractional anisotropy (FA) map; and (3) comparison between groups of FA in the RN-related WM area.

Results:

(1) RN-related FC was reduced in MS-D when compared to MS-nD and HC; (2) RN-related FC positively correlated with FA in a WM cluster mainly encompassing thalamic/basal ganglia regions, including the fornix; and (3) FA in such WM area was reduced in MS-D.

Conclusion:

Depressive symptomatology in MS is specifically associated to a functional disconnection of neurotransmitter-related nuclei, which in turn may be traced to a distinct spatial pattern of WM alterations mainly involving the limbic network.
COVID-19 associated with encephalomyeloradiculitis and positive anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies: Cause or coincidence?
Authors: Corrêa Diogo Goulart , de Souza Lima Fabiana Cavalcanti , da Cruz Bezerra Daniel , Coutinho Antônio Carlos , Hygino da Cruz Luiz Celso
Published: September 2020

Neurologic complications are being recognized as important outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Pathogenesis is varied and incompletely understood, and may include neuroinvasion, indirect post-infectious neuroinflammation, and cerebrovascular pathologies. We present a case of COVID-19-related encephalomyeloradiculitis with clinical and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders that was associated with anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies. Our case suggests post-infectious autoimmunity as a mechanism in at least a subset of patients with COVID-19-related neurologic disease.
Party preference representation
Authors: Blais André , Guntermann Eric , Arel-Bundock Vincent , Dassonneville Ruth , Laslier Jean-François , Péloquin-Skulski Gabrielle
Published: September 2020

Political parties are key actors in electoral democracies: they organize the legislature, form governments, and citizens choose their representatives by voting for them. How citizens evaluate political parties and how well the parties that citizens evaluate positively perform thus provide useful tools to estimate the quality of representation from the individual’s perspective. We propose a measure that can be used to assess party preference representation at both the individual and aggregate levels, both in government and in parliament. We calculate the measure for over 160,000 survey respondents following 111 legislative elections held in 38 countries. We find little evidence that the party preferences of different socio-economic groups are systematically over or underrepresented. However, we show that citizens on the right tend to have higher representation scores than their left-wing counterparts. We also find that whereas proportional systems do not produce higher levels of representation on average, they reduce variance in representation across citizens.
Intimate Lives in the Global Bioeconomy: Reproductive Biographies of Mexican Egg Donors
Authors: Perler Laura , Schurr Carolin
Published: September 2020

Research on cross-border reproductive care has shown how the geographical, historical, economic and political contexts in which egg donation takes place shape this transnational practice. As many women offer their oocytes due to their precarious conditions, they become seen as ‘bioavailable bodies’. The presence of these bioavailable bodies is key to the emergence of global egg donation hotspots. We argue that feminist research needs to go beyond the conceptualization of egg donors as bioavailable bodies. We suggest the analysis of ‘reproductive biographies’ as an innovative way to understand the entanglements of the global bioeconomy with intimate experiences of reproduction. We suggest advancing current feminist discussions around clinical labour by (1) studying the entanglements between the global bioeconomy, a neoliberalized healthcare system, systematic feminicide and women’s reproductive biographies, and by (2) revealing how women’s decision to donate results from gendered dependencies, obligations of care and coercive moments in egg donors’ reproductive biographies.
Development of a novel tuned liquid damper with floating base for converting deep tanks into effective vibration control devices
Authors: Konar Tanmoy , (Dey) Ghosh Aparna
Published: September 2020

Despite the proven effectiveness of tuned liquid dampers (TLDs), readily available liquid storage tanks are rarely utilized for vibration control of laterally-excited structures, as these are deep tanks with low inherent damping. Further, the fluctuation in liquid level in these tanks also causes variation in the fundamental sloshing frequency, leading to detuning. To overcome these problems, a novel TLD with floating base (TLD-FB) is proposed, in which a constant and shallow liquid level is maintained between the free liquid surface and the floating base. The liquid above the floating base acts as a conventional shallow TLD that always remains tuned to the structural frequency. The paper demonstrates how the TLD-FB can be incorporated into a water storage tank system on an example building without disturbing its functionality and achieves structural response reduction, despite water level fluctuations in the tanks.
Prediction of average debris launch velocity from a reinforced concrete structure based on SDOF system
Authors: Sung Seung-Hun , Ji Hun , Kim Surin , Chong Jinwung
Published: September 2020

This study presents a physics-based model for debris launch velocity prediction of a reinforced concrete (RC) structure subjected to a blast load. The model is basically derived from energy conservation equation. Especially, a resistance-deflection relationship for the structural single degree of freedom (SDOF) system is newly considered to evaluate the energy consumed by the damage and fragmentation of the RC structure. By applying the resistance-deflection relationship, the proposed model can consider the interactions between reinforcing bars and concrete. Moreover, since the resistance-deflection curve is evaluated considering various structural properties as well as boundary conditions, the proposed model can be flexibly utilized compared to conventional approaches. In order to confirm the performance of the proposed model, a comparative study was carried out against benchmark experiments on closed concrete box structures under an internal blast. From the comparative study, it was shown that the debris launch velocities estimated from the proposed model had a good agreement with the test results compared with the other models.
‘Standing together – at a distance’: Documenting changes in mental-health indicators in Denmark during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Clotworthy Amy , Dissing Agnete Skovlund , Nguyen Tri-Long , Jensen Andreas Kryger , Andersen Thea Otte , Bilsteen Josephine Funck , Elsenburg Leonie K. , Keller Amélie , Kusumastuti Sasmita , Mathisen Jimmi , Mehta Amar , Pinot de Moira Angela , Rod Morten Hulvej , Skovdal Morten , Strandberg-Larsen Katrine , Tapager Ingrid Willaing , Varga Tibor V. , Vinther Johan Lerbech , Xu Tianwei , Hoeyer Klaus , Hulvej Rod Naja
Published: September 2020

Aims: There is a need to document the mental-health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated societal lockdowns. We initiated a large mixed-methods data collection, focusing on crisis-specific worries and mental-health indicators during the lockdown in Denmark. Methods: The study incorporated five data sources, including quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The surveys included a time series of cross-sectional online questionnaires starting on 20 March 2020, in which 300 (3×100) Danish residents were drawn every three days from three population groups: the general population ( N=1046), families with children ( N=1032) and older people ( N=1059). These data were analysed by trend analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 people aged 24–83 throughout Denmark to provide context to the survey results and to gain insight into people’s experiences of the lockdown. Results: Absolute level of worries, quality of life and social isolation were relatively stable across all population groups during the lockdown, although there was a slight deterioration in older people’s overall mental health. Many respondents were worried about their loved ones’ health (74–76%) and the potential long-term economic consequences of the pandemic (61–66%). The qualitative interviews documented significant variation in people’s experiences, suggesting that the lockdown’s effect on everyday life had not been altogether negative. Conclusions: People in Denmark seem to have managed the lockdown without alarming changes in their mental health. However, it is important to continue investigating the effects of the pandemic and various public-health measures on mental health over time and across national contexts.
Heat stress and outdoor activities in open spaces of public housing estates in Hong Kong: A perspective of the elderly community
Authors: Huang Jianxiang , Chen Yang , Jones Phil , Hao Tongping
Published: September 2020

Open spaces in Hong Kong are in short supply and they are often underused due to the adverse climate, especially in hot and humid summer. This is a missed opportunity that can be otherwise realized to promote health and social interactions for local communities. The high density urban environment makes the condition worse by raising the urban heat island effect and leaving planners with fewer mitigation options. This study aims to test the hypotheses that an unfavourable thermal environment disrupts the use of outdoor open spaces; if yes, whether such disruptions differ by age groups. On-site measurement and computer simulations were conducted in three open spaces in public housing estates in Ngau Tau Kok, Hong Kong. Thermal conditions were assessed using the Universal Thermal Climate Index. Occupant activities were recorded, together with a questionnaire survey. Results showed that an open space purposefully designed for breeze and shading was 2.0°C cooler in Universal Thermal Climate Index compared with the other two. It attracted more optional/social activities, higher frequency of visits, and longer duration of stay. The elderly activities were more susceptible to disruptions from heat stress compared with younger groups. Elderly activities largely diminish when ambient thermal environment exceed 39°C in Universal Thermal Climate Index. Findings have implications to design and retrofitting of open spaces in order to maximize their use.
Digital omnivores? How digital media reinforce social inequalities in cultural consumption
Authors: Weingartner Sebastian
Published: September 2020

In cultural consumption, higher social status is primarily reflected in the consumption of cultural products from diverse levels of sophistication, denoted as cultural omnivorousness. The article asks whether digital media are capable of attenuating these inequalities. Since digital media potentially make cultural products from all levels available to wider audiences, the distinguishing effect of omnivorousness might shrink. However, based on a model of individual decision-making, the article discusses several reasons why this assessment might be too optimistic. Empirically, the article focuses on omnivorousness and media use in feature film consumption. Differentiating between four types of electronic media (television, DVD, video on demand, Internet) and two types of omnivorousness (“by volume,” “by composition”), results reveal that digital media rather reinforce social inequalities in cultural consumption. Television, in contrast, has the highest levels of omnivorousness and the lowest levels of social structuration. Hence, not digital media are a democratizing force, but television.
The depth of imprisonment
Authors: Crewe Ben
Published: September 2020

Based on a large, comparative study of prisoner experiences in England & Wales and Norway, this article explores the concept of the ‘depth of imprisonment’ – put most simply, the degree of control, isolation and difference from the outside world – in two stages. First, it sets out the various factors that contribute to ‘depth’ i.e. its core components. Second, it outlines the most frequent metaphors used to communicate depth, highlighting the ways in which these metaphors bring into focus a range of ways in which the basic fact of imprisonment – the deprivation of liberty, and the removal of the individual from the community – is experienced. In doing so, the article also makes a case for the adoption of conceptual metaphors as a means of describing prison systems and regimes, and thereby attending to the ways in which prisoners experience some of the most fundamental elements of incarceration.
The rationality of political experimentation
Authors: Robson Gregory
Published: September 2020

Theorists from John Stuart Mill to Robert Nozick have argued that citizens can gain insight into the demands of justice by experimenting with diverse forms of political life. I consider the rationality of such experimentation, arguing for three distinct but related claims. First, rational citizens will not be highly incentivized to conduct experiments in living. Here I develop an account of what I call the ‘prudential rationality constraint’ (PRC). The PRC implies that rational citizens will be undermotivated from the standpoint of social value to conduct experiments in living. Second, despite the success of various radical political experiments (e.g., democracy after 1648), citizens generally ought to engage in moderate rather than radical political experimentation. The latter will nearly always be prudentially irrational to conduct, hard to learn from, and quite possibly harmful to participants and third parties. Finally, there are important but overlooked ways, including through entrepreneurship, in which institutions can incentivize citizens to engage in socially valuable political experimentation.
Correlation between serum bilirubin levels and the severity as well as the prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Shi Shenyun , Liu Yin , Qiu Xiaohua , Cao Min , Xiao Yonglong , Yan Xin
Published: September 2020

Bilirubin exerts antioxidant activity that has been associated with respiratory diseases. However, the relationship between serum bilirubin levels and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is not clear. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the relationship between serum bilirubin levels and the severity as well as the prognosis of IPF. One hundred and forty-six patients with IPF and 69 healthy individuals as the control group were enrolled as a derivation cohort. Routine blood examination and pulmonary function tests were performed and serum bilirubin levels were measured. To validate the value of serum bilirubin levels to predict the survival of patients with IPF, 40 additional IPF patients were included as a validation cohort. IPF patients were followed-up. Patients with IPF had significantly lower levels of serum total bilirubin (TBIL) and direct bilirubin (DBIL) than those in the control group ( P < 0.05). Patients with acute exacerbation of IPF (AE-IPF) had significantly lower levels of serum TBIL and IBIL than those in patients with stable IPF ( P < 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of serum TBIL levels for the prediction of the incidence of AE-IPF was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.56–0.87, P = 0.0057). The best cutoff value of serum TBIL level to predict the survival of patients with IPF was 8.8 μmol/l (AUC = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.64–0.87, P = 0.022). The log-rank test showed a significant difference in survival between the two groups (TBIL ≤8.8 μmol/l and TBIL >8.8 μmol/l) in derivation and validation cohort. Cox multiple regression analysis indicated that serum TBIL levels were an independent prognostic factor for IPF prognosis (HR = 0.582, P = 0.026). Serum TBIL levels might be useful for reflecting the severity and predicting the survival of patients with IPF.
Explanatory Theories of Intimate Partner Homicide Perpetration: A Systematic Review
Authors: Graham Laurie M. , Macy Rebecca J. , Rizo Cynthia F. , Martin Sandra L.
Published: September 2020

Theories play an important role in guiding intimate partner homicide (IPH) prevention research and practice. This study is the first systematic review of theories employed to explain why someone might kill their intimate partner. This review used rigorous methods to locate and synthesize literature that described explanatory theories of IPH perpetration. Using set search terms, we systematically searched 15 databases and repositories for theory-focused documents (i.e., theory papers or analyses) published in English from 2003 to 2018. Eighteen documents met these inclusion criteria and identified 22 individual theories that seek to explain why people might kill their intimate partners. These theories fell within four broader theoretical perspectives: feminist, evolutionary, sociological/criminological, and combined. Key tenets and focal populations of these 22 theories were identified and organized into a compendium of explanatory theories of IPH perpetration. Potential strengths and limitations of each of the four perspectives were described. Review findings underscored the likely importance of addressing gender as well as risk and protective factors at all levels of the social ecological model in efforts to understand IPH perpetration. The review findings highlighted the need for both integrated theories and a broader conceptual organizing framework to guide work aimed at IPH perpetration prevention to leverage the strengths of disparate theoretical perspectives. With the goal of informing future research, a preliminary iteration of such a framework is presented.
Using Interval Likelihood Ratios in Gated Screening: A Direct Replication Study
Authors: Klingbeil David A. , Van Norman Ethan R. , Nelson Peter M.
Published: September 2020

This direct replication study compared the use of dichotomized likelihood ratios and interval likelihood ratios, derived using a prior sample of students, for predicting math risk in middle school. Data from the prior year state test and the Measures of Academic Progress were analyzed to evaluate differences in the efficiency and diagnostic accuracy of gated screening decisions. Post-test probabilities were interpreted using a threshold decision-making model to classify student risk during screening. Using interval likelihood ratios led to fewer students requiring additional testing after the first gate. But, when interval likelihood ratios were used, three tests were required to classify 6th- and 7th-grade students as at-risk or not at-risk. Only two tests were needed to classify students as at-risk or not at-risk when dichotomized likelihood ratios were used. Acceptable sensitivity and specificity estimates were obtained, regardless of the type of likelihood ratios used to estimate post-test probabilities. When predicting academic risk, interval likelihood ratios may be best reserved for situations where at least three successive tests are available to be used in a gated screening model.
Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy for Trauma-Related Nightmares With Psychiatric Inpatients: A Case Series
Authors: Reiter Helen , Humphreys Leanne
Published: September 2020

Research has shown that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly prevalent diagnosis for psychiatric patients, yet individualized care and treatment is limited in the inpatient acute care sector. Two case studies are presented which examine the use of Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy (ERRT) for chronic trauma-related nightmares, within a private acute care inpatient psychiatric hospital setting. ERRT is empirically supported with efficacy for veteran and civilian populations, however no research to date has been conducted with psychiatric inpatients. Two participants diagnosed with PTSD, suffering distressing trauma-related nightmares, completed ERRT over three sessions during their psychiatric hospital admission, with the aim of reducing the frequency and severity of nightmares and related psychological symptoms. PTSD, depression, sleep quality and quantity, and nightmare frequency and related distress, were measured pre-treatment, during treatment, and follow-up at one, 3 and 6 months. Only one participant reported ongoing nightmares by the third week of the intervention, with both participants reporting an absence of nightmares at the one and 3-month follow-ups, but mixed results by the 6-month follow-up. One participant also reported a reduction in PTSD symptoms and a mild improvement in depression. The results offer some preliminary support for the provision of ERRT for the treatment of trauma-related nightmares for psychiatric inpatients.
COVID-19 EEG Studies: The Other Coronavirus Spikes We Need to Worry About
Authors: Lee Jong Woo
Published: September 2020

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