bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-exposure to deltamethrin and thiacloprid induces cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in human lung cells
Authors: Şekeroğlu Vedat , Karabıyık Alperen , Şekeroğlu Zülal Atlı
Published: October 2020

Deltamethrin (DEL) and thiacloprid (THIA) are commonly used synthetic insecticides in agriculture either separately or in combination. There is limited information in human cells for the effects of the mixture of DEL + THIA on oxidative stress. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine the effects of the mixture on cell proliferation and oxidative stress in human lung fibroblast cells. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT)-expressing human lung fibroblasts, WTHBF-6 cells, were treated with 2.5 + 37.5, 5 + 75, 12.5 + 187.5, and 25 +375 µM concentrations of DEL + THIA for the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and 5 + 75, 12.5 + 187.5, and 25 + 375 µM for lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione (GSH) assays for 24, 48, and 72 h in the absence and presence of metabolizing fractions of the mammalian liver (S9 mixture). Both the mixture of DEL + THIA and their metabolites significantly reduced cell viability and induced cytotoxicity in WTHBF-6 cells, especially at higher concentrations. The mixture of DEL + THIA significantly decreased GSH levels at the highest concentration for all treatment times and at the highest two concentrations (12.5 + 187.5 and 25 + 375 µM) for 72 h in the presence of S9 mixture. The highest concentration of DEL + THIA mixture caused a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level at 72 h in the absence of S9 mixture. There were also significant increases in MDA levels at the highest concentration for 48-h and all concentrations of DEL + THIA for 72-h treatment in WTHBF-6 cell cultures with S9. These data showed that the mixture of DEL + THIA and their metabolites can induce cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in human lung fibroblasts.
Tooth desensitizing calcium phosphate composite gelatin-based gel
Authors: Waiyawat Jutharat , Kanjana Pimchanok , Kongsema Mesayamas , Akkarachaneeyakorn Khrongkhwan
Published: October 2020

Dentine sensitivity is a dental problem common in individuals aged between 20 and 50 years. The most effective treatment method involves occluding the exposed dental tubules. This study focused on the synthesis of calcium phosphate nanoparticles in the form of gel to use as a proof of concept for home-treatment of sensitive teeth. In this study, calcium phosphate nanoparticles were prepared using emulsion method, in which oleic fatty acid was employed as an external phase, and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) was used as a surfactant to form water-in-oil nanodroplets. Finally, in order to facilitate gel formation, the gelatin solution was introduced at the final step. The amount of gelatin varied from 5 to 15 percent by weight, which was found to have an effect on the gels’ properties and the size of calcium phosphate nanoparticles embedded in gel. Based on the characterization, the calcium phosphate nanoparticles were spherical in shape, though the size decreased as the amount of gelatin increased. The gel embedding smallest nanoparticle, that is, gel-15%G, was successfully proven to be non-toxic and able to fully occlude the dentine tubules only after overnight application. According to acid challenge, the occluded materials can resist to acid solution via redissolvation and reprecipitaion process.
Trajectory of Quality of Life Before and After Entering a Nursing Home: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Villeneuve Roxane , Meillon Céline , Dartigues Jean-François , Amieva Helene
Published: October 2020

Objectives:

The objective of this longitudinal study was to compare the trajectory of subjective quality of life in 2 groups of older adults: those who entered a nursing home and those who remained living in the community with similar clinical conditions.

Method:

PAQUID is a prospective population-based study. It included, at baseline, 3777 community-dwelling participants aged 65 years and over. Participants were followed-up for up to 27 years. Among people living at home at baseline, 2 groups were compared: participants who entered a nursing home over a 20-year follow-up (n = 528) and those who remained community dwellers (n = 2273). We used latent process mixed models to estimate the relationship between mean trajectory of subjective quality of life and admission into a nursing home. We computed univariate and multivariate models taking into account potential confounders (age, gender, education, income, comorbidities, dementia, disability and depression).

Results:

Nursing home placement was significantly associated with a drop in quality of life between the last visit before and after institutionalization. Nevertheless, we found no difference in quality of life trajectory after this initial drop.

Conclusion:

Older adults exhibit an acute drop in quality of life after nursing home admission, probably reflecting the associated psychological distress. Even though their quality of life does not go back to pre-admission levels, the residents do not show a steeper decline when compared to the “natural” evolution of quality of life in older adults living in the community, which suggests a relative adaptation to their new living conditions.
Visual Arts in Nursing Education: An Inventive Interprofessional Initiative to Cultivate Metacognitive Awareness in Beginning Nursing Students
Authors: Lovell Carley , Elswick R. K. , McKay Sara Wilson , Robins Jo , Salyer Jeanne
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To test an interdisciplinary art-based educational program for beginning baccalaureate traditional and accelerated nursing students.

Design

Longitudinal study (Pretest–Posttest) of nursing students’ metacognitive awareness.

Method

As part of a first-semester foundations nursing course, all students participated in the Art of Nursing program consisting of three 90-minute sessions led by graduate Art Education students in a local fine arts museum. Before and after the program, subcomponents of critical thinking were assessed using the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory (MAI).

Findings

A total of 218 students (56 traditional, 162 accelerated) participated. Statistically significant improvement was observed on seven components of the MAI. Although significant increases were observed for Declarative ( p < .0001), Planning ( p < .0001), and Comprehension Monitoring ( p < .0001), the differences pre to post were of different magnitudes between the student groups, characterizing a large change in the traditional versus accelerated group.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that (1) nursing students’ metacognitive awareness benefits from the museum-based experience despite demographic and educational differences and (2) overall the accelerated student group has exhibited higher metacognitive awareness at baseline as compared with the traditional student group; however, both groups demonstrate significant growth in this area after experiencing an art-based program.
Numerical modelling and experimental validation of crater formation in WEDM hybrid turning of Ti-6Al-4V alloy
Authors: Vignesh M , Ramanujam R
Published: October 2020

Wire electrical discharge hybrid turning (WEDHT) is one of the unconventional machining process following thermo-electric material removal principle to machine cylindrical components at meso and micro scale with very high accuracy and precision. Thermal simulation and validation of Ti6Al4V alloy on temperature profile, crater formation, rate of material removal during WEDHT process was reported less by previous researchers and this creates path for framing the objective. The objective of the present study is to, numerically simulate and validate the material removal through crater formation and temperature generation in WEDHT process using COMSOL Multiphysics 5.2. The time-dependent and heat transfer in solid module is chosen with current, voltage and discharge ON time (TON) of 106, 109, 112 µs as the input parameters for modelling. With the same varying TON, varying wire feed rate of 3, 4, 5 m/min and varying servo feed of 5, 7, 9 mm/min, the validation experiments are performed to validate the crater formed. Based on the comparison plot, the numerically predicted and experimentally obtained data resulted in the error percentage of 41.6%, 21.2%, 15% for 106, 109 and 112 µs discharge ON time, respectively. The images of the crater formed on the work material are captured using scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscopy images. The results of the numerical and experimental study, proved that, high the TON, more would be material removal.
Forecasting short-term solar energy generation in Asia Pacific using a nonlinear grey Bernoulli model with time power term
Authors: Wu Wenqing , Ma Xin , Zeng Bo , Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Wanpeng
Published: October 2020

Solar energy as one type of renewable energy is the cleanest and most abundant energy source available. It is mainly used for photovoltaics, solar heating and cooling, and solar power generation. With the crisis of energy and environment, the solar energy generation is becoming a research hotspot in clean energy production. In this paper, the solar energy generation in Asia Pacific including Australia, South Korea, China, Japan and India are studied by a new nonlinear univariate grey Bernoulli model with time power term. Analytical solution of the model is derived by the grey technique, the theory of ordinary differential equations and the two-point Gauss quadrature rule of integration. And the nonlinear parameters are determined by the grey wolf optimizer and the linearized form of the new model. According to historical data from 2011 to 2018 stated by British Petroleum, forecasting models are built to calculate the solar energy generation of the five countries from 2019 to 2023.
Validation of the adjusted global antiphospholipid syndrome score in systemic lupus erythematosus patients in Argentina
Authors: Garcia Lucila , Velloso Maria S , Martire Maria V , Savy Florencia , Arizpe Fernando , Garcia Nadia , Testi Adriana , Pena Claudia , Costi Ana C , Isnardi Carolina , Capelusnik Dafne , Mazza Susana , Curi Yessika Soria , Collado Victoria , Rodriguez Maria F , Scarafia Santiago , Pisoni Cecilia , de la Torre Maria , Seewald Adriana , Riva Maria E , Garcia Mercedes
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Assessment of risk both for pregnancy morbidity and thrombosis in the presence of anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL) is still a challenge in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients. The Global Antiphospholipid Syndrome Score (GAPSS) takes into account the aPL profile (criteria and non-criteria aPL), the conventional cardiovascular risk factors and the autoimmune antibody profile. An adjusted model of the score (aGAPSS) excluding anti-phosphatidylserine/Prothrombin (aPS/PT), suggests that the score is able to stratify patients for their rate of events making it widely applicable in daily clinical practice.

Objective

To validate the aGAPSS in a multicentric cohort of SLE patients in Argentina.

Patients and methods

consecutive SLE patients with and with andwithout thrombotic events from seven Rheumatologist centers were included. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors, aPL antibodies and medications received (aspirin, hydroxychloroquine and anticoagulation) were collected. The score aGAPSS was calculated for each patient at the last visit by adding together the points corresponding to the risk factors: 1 for hypertension, 3 for dyslipidemia, 4 for LA and B2GPI (IgM or IgG) antibodies and 5 for aCL (IgM or IgG) antibodies. The discriminative ability of the aGAPSS was calculated by measuring the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the impact of multiple cardiovascular risk factors and laboratory parameters on the occurrence of thrombosis.

Results

Two hundred and ninety-six SLE patients were included. One-hundred and twenty-one patients (40.9%) presented thrombotic and/or pregnancy complications. Median aGAPSS was significantly higher in patients who experienced an event (thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity) compared with those without [4 (IQR 1–9) versus 1 (IQR 0–5); p < 0.001]. The best cut off point for the diagnosis of thrombosis and/or pregnancy complications was aGAPSS ≥4. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that aCL antibodies [OR 2.1 (95% CI 1.16–3.90); p = 0.015] were an independent risk factors for thrombotic events.

Conclusions

This score is a simple tool, easy to apply to SLE patients in daily practice. The use of the aGAPSS could change the non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment in higher risk patients to improve their survival.
The Association Between Parkinson’s Disease and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Fan Hueng-Chuen , Chang Yu-Kang , Tsai Jeng-Dau , Chiang Kuo-Liang , Shih Jui-Hu , Yeh Kuan-Yi , Ma Kuo-Hsing , Li I-Hsun
Published: October 2020

While Parkinson’s disease (PD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two distinct conditions, it has been hypothesized that they share several overlapping anatomical and neurochemical changes. In order to investigate that hypothesis, this study used claims data from Taiwan’s Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 to provide the significant nationwide population-based evidence of an increased risk of PD among ADHD patients, and the connection between the two conditions was not the result of other comorbidities. Moreover, this study showed that the patients with PD were 2.8 times more likely to have a prior ADHD diagnosis compared with those without a prior history of ADHD. Furthermore, an animal model of ADHD was generated by neonatally injecting rats with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). These rats were subjected to behavior tests and the 99mTc-TRODAT-1 brain imaging at the juvenile stage. Compared to control group rats, the 6-OHDA rats showed a significantly reduced specific uptake ratio in the striatum, indicating an underlying PD-linked pathology in the brains of these ADHD phenotype-expressing rats. Overall, these results support that ADHD shares a number of anatomical and neurochemical changes with PD. As such, improved knowledge of the neurochemical mechanisms underlying ADHD could result in improved treatments for various debilitating neurological disorders, including PD.
Long Noncoding RNA KCNMB2-AS1 Stabilized by N6-Methyladenosine Modification Promotes Cervical Cancer Growth Through Acting as a Competing Endogenous RNA
Authors: Zhang Yao , Wang Dian , Wu Dan , Zhang Donghong , Sun Ming
Published: October 2020

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is emerging as an essential regulator in the development and progression of cancer, including cervical cancer (CC). In this study, we found a CC-related lncRNA, KCNMB2-AS1, which was significantly overexpressed in CC and linked to poor outcomes. Depletion of KCNMB2-AS1 remarkably inhibited CC cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. In vivo xenograft models revealed that knockdown of KCNMB2-AS1 evidently delayed tumor growth. Mechanistically, KCNMB2-AS1 was predominantly located in the cytoplasm and served as a competing endogenous RNA to abundantly sponge miR-130b-5p and miR-4294, resulting in the upregulation of IGF2BP3, a well-documented oncogene in CC. Moreover, IGF2BP3 was able to bind KCNMB2-AS1 by three N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification sites on KCNMB2-AS1, in which IGF2BP3 acted as an m6A “reader” and stabilized KCNMB2-AS1. Thus, KCNMB2-AS1 and IGF2BP3 formed a positive regulatory circuit that enlarged the tumorigenic effect of KCNMB2-AS1 in CC. Together, our data clearly suggest that KCNMB2-AS1 is a novel oncogenic m6A-modified lncRNA in CC, targeting KCNMB2-AS1 and its related molecules implicate the therapeutic possibility for CC patients.
LncRNA GASAL1 Interacts with SRSF1 to Regulate Trophoblast Cell Proliferation, Invasion, and Apoptosis Via the mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Jia , Zhang Qing , Ma Nan
Published: October 2020

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial regulatory molecules involved in diverse biological processes and human diseases, including preeclampsia (PE). The lncRNA growth arrest associated lncRNA 1 (GASAL1) has been implicated in multiple malignant solid tumors and other diseases, while it is poorly known as the potential molecular mechanism of GASAL1 in PE. In this study, GASAL1 was significantly downregulated in the placentas’ of tissues from primipara with PE and trophoblast cell lines. Then, the upregulation of GASAL1 dramatically decreased proliferation and invasion and enhanced apoptosis in HTR-8/SVneo and JAR cells. Bioinformatics tool predicated that there is a potential interaction between GASAL1 and serine/arginine splicing factor 1 (SRSF1). RNA pull-down assays showed that GASAL1 directly binds with SRSF1 that could promote cell proliferation and invasion and suppress cell apoptosis. Further research showed that promoting effects of trophoblasts proliferation and invasion caused by co-transfecting GASAL1 and SRSF1 into HTR-8/SVneo and JAR cells were impaired by SRSF1 knockdown. Moreover, inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity by rapamycin influenced the effects of GASAL1 on cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis. Taken together, these findings suggest that lncRNA GASAL1 interacts with SRSF1 to regulate the proliferative, invasive, and apoptotic abilities of trophoblast cells via the mTOR signaling pathway.
An Exploration of the Communicative Efficacy of HIV/AIDS IEC Materials Among Secondary School Teenagers in Harare
Authors: Mukenge Clemenciana
Published: October 2020

The aim of this contribution is to determine the communicative efficacy of selected print-based HIV and AIDS information education and communication (IEC) materials (posters, leaflets and brochures) among secondary school teenagers (13–19 years) in Harare. Data were collected over a period of 2 months from six schools, selected using multistage cluster sampling. It incorporated use of a self-administered questionnaire involving a sample of 750 teenagers, and 6 focus group discussions (FGDs), each comprised of 10 purposefully sampled participants. The survey investigated a number of indicators of communicative efficacy, wherein the IEC materials were found to be clear by 38.4 per cent ( n = 288), informative by 45.2 per cent ( n = 339), credible by 80.5 per cent ( n = 604), appealing by 64.7 per cent ( n = 485), important by 69.5 per cent ( n = 521) and acceptable by 54 per cent ( n = 405) of the respondents. The outcomes of the FGDs showed that, although HIV and AIDS IECs were generally believed to be appealing and to significantly increase awareness among teenagers, these were also considered somewhat unclear and inaccessible. Moreover, perceptions were strongly inclined towards use of Shona language, social media and elimination of fear appeals in HIV information. Thus, in addition to adopting young people-centred communication modes, finding an appropriate balance between complex language and efficacy of HIV prevention messages is imperative.
Determinants of Bank Lending in Nigeria
Authors: Oyebowale Adeola Y.
Published: October 2020

The willingness of commercial banks to provide loans is determined by various factors. In this regard, this paper provides empirical evidence on determinants of bank lending in Nigeria. The parsimonious model of this study investigates the impact of growth in loan-to-deposit ratio, growth in inflation, growth in broad money, and growth in bank capital on growth in bank lending using annual data from 1961 to 2016. This study adopts the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach and Granger causality tests to investigate the relationship and direction of causality among the variables, respectively. The Granger causality tests show that growth in broad money Granger-causes growth in bank lending, while there is no causality from other explanatory variables to bank lending in Nigeria. Also, this study shows that growth in bank lending Granger-causes growth in loan-to-deposit ratio and growth in inflation in Nigeria. Thus, this paper argues that commercial banks in Nigeria exhibit stern concern for their liquidity and capital adequacy positions while acting as financial intermediaries. Additionally, this paper argues that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) possesses “paper-based” independence.
An Age-Period-Cohort Analysis of Prevalence and Consultation Rate for Dyslipidemia in Japan
Authors: Okui Tasuku
Published: October 2020

This study involved an age-period-cohort analysis of the consultation rate and prevalence of dyslipidemia in Japan, based on Patient Survey data from 1999 to 2017 and open data of national database of health insurance claims and specific health checkups in Japan from 2013 to 2016. Our results showed that the consultation rates were lower than the prevalence, regardless of age, year, and sex, and particularly among middle-aged and male respondents. Additionally, both the consultation rate and prevalence increased with increasing age to a greater extent among women than men, and the degree of increase in the consultation rate was larger than that in prevalence among women. Furthermore, although the cohort effect on prevalence began to decrease among men in cohorts born in approximately 1960, the effect decreased among women in cohorts born between the 1930s and 1960s and exhibited an increasing trend thereafter.
A fluorescence polarization immunoassay for the rapid detection of antibody against influenza A virus in chicken and goat sera
Authors: Takeda Yohei , Yonezawa Yutaka , Asake Satoshi , Ogawa Haruko , Imai Kunitoshi
Published: October 2020

Highly pathogenic influenza A viruses (IAVs) cause substantial damage to the poultry industry. A simple and quick testing method is required for strict control of this infectious agent. The fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) is a rapid test based on antigen–antibody binding, which can detect antigen-specific antibody in the infected animal samples within a few minutes. FPIA is a one-step reaction assay that does not require a secondary antibody and complicated steps. We evaluated the usefulness of FPIA for the detection of anti-IAV antibodies, including those against internal proteins and H5 subtype HA, in sera. In the FPIA using fluorescent peptides of internal NP and M1 proteins, millipolarization units (MPUs), which increase depending on the amount of antibody, were higher in antibody-positive sera than in antibody-negative sera. Moreover, in FPIA using fluorescent recombinant H5 subtype HA proteins, anti-H5 serum gave the highest MPUs among the antisera raised in goats against individual H1–H15 subtype IAVs. Our results support the utility of FPIA for the detection of anti-IAV antibodies, especially the anti-H5 antibody.
An embeddable spherical smart aggregate for monitoring concrete hydration in very early age based on electromechanical impedance method
Authors: Fan Shuli , Zhao Shaoyu , Kong Qingzhao , Song Gangbing
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a new embeddable spherical smart aggregate (SSA) was utilized to monitor concrete curing in very early age. Overcoming the limitation of the existing PZT-patch-based transducers, the SSA provides vital changing information in all directions of host structure. To verify the advantage of SSA in structural health monitoring (SHM), the sensitivities of SSA and smart aggregate (SA) in monitoring concrete cube deformation and stiffness variation were analyzed and compared by numerical simulation. The feasibility of SSA in monitoring the concrete hydration process was studied by experiments utilizing electromechanical impedance (EMI) technique. At last, four SSAs were embedded in a concrete column to study the practicality of SSA in monitoring the concrete curing process in very early age. The EMI signatures and the root mean square deviation (RMSD) values of the collected information from SSAs were analyzed. The results illustrate that the SSA is more sensitive than SA in monitoring the concrete deformation and stiffness variation. The data measured by SSA in monitoring the concrete hydration process fluctuates more obviously than the data recorded by SA. The new spherical transducer can effectively and reliably monitor the concrete hydration process.
“I Didn't Choose This. It Chose Me.” Community-Based Environmental Justice Leaders
Authors: Mohai Paul , Bryant Bunyan , Slatin Craig
Published: October 2020

On 13 February 2020, the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability held the Michigan Environmental Justice Summit 2020: Commemorating the Thirtieth Anniversary of Michigan’s 1990 Conference on Race and the Environment and Looking Toward the Future. The Summit hosted a dynamic panel of community environmental justice leaders throughout the region who have “boots on the ground” in the progress and pursuit of environmental justice. The panelists included Donele Wilkins, the President/CEO of the Green Door Initiative in Detroit, MI; Andrea Pierce, Chair and Founder of the Anishinaabek Caucus, Idle No More Michigan, MI; and Theresa Landrum, co-founder of the 48217 Community and Environmental Health Organization, Detroit, MI. This article includes an edited transcript of the panel discussion. The panelists detail multiple grassroots efforts to remedy environmental injustice in Michigan.
Improving Access to Palliative Care at a VHA Hospital
Authors: Cromwell Carrie A. , Edwards Beatrice , March Alice L.
Published: October 2020

Objective:

Explore veteran-specific factors impacting the acceptance of palliative care services at a Veterans Health Administration hospital.

Methods:

Prospective, focused one-on-one interviews were conducted with 18 inpatient veterans with an initial consult to receive palliative care services. Domains impacting reception of outpatient palliative care management were evaluated including knowledge deficit, emotional barriers, physical barriers, psychosocial barriers, and physical support. Themes and trends from interview responses were analyzed using a qualitative directed content analysis approach.

Results:

The following themes were discovered to influence veteran participation in outpatient palliative care: Knowledge Deficit, Environmental Factors, Positive Patient Satisfaction, Openness to Technology, and Resiliency. Characteristics of veterans interviewed included an average age of 71 with an average distance from the hospital of 59 miles.

Conclusion:

The identification of factors impacting veteran access to palliative care will be used to guide interventions and improve receipt of services. Care of seriously ill veterans may be substantially improved by facilitating access to palliative care.
Outcomes of Organizational and Community Embeddedness: A Conservation of Resources Perspective
Authors: Singh Barjinder , Shaffer Margaret , Selvarajan Thirumalai Thattai Rajan
Published: October 2020

Drawing on Conservation of Resources and spillover theories, we empirically examine work and community outcomes of both organizational and community embeddedness and the underlying mechanism whereby the two forms of embeddedness influence both domain-specific and cross-domain outcomes. With data from 165 matched pairs of employees and their colleagues from a Midwestern US organization, we found that organizational and community embeddedness influence specific individual behaviors both within and across their respective domains. Additionally, we found support for the mediating role of psychological flourishing in the relationships between embeddedness and various organizational and community outcomes. We discuss the theoretical contributions and practical implications of our findings, as well as suggestions for future research.
Biomechanical Comparison of All-Soft Suture Anchor Single-Row vs Double-Row Bridging Construct for Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy
Authors: Lakey Eric , Kumparatana Pam , Moon Daniel K. , Morales Joseph , Anderson Sophia Elizabeth , Baldini Todd , Pereira Hélder , Hunt Kenneth J.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Two common operative fixation techniques for insertional Achilles tendinopathy are the use of all-soft suture anchors vs synthetic anchors with a suture bridge. Despite increasing emphasis on early postoperative mobilization, the biomechanical profile of these repairs is not currently known. We hypothesized that the biomechanical profiles of single-row all-soft suture anchor repairs would differ when compared to double-row suture bridge repairs.

Methods:

Achilles tendons were detached from their calcaneal insertions on 6 matched-pair, fresh-frozen cadaver through-knee amputation specimens. Group 1 underwent a single-row repair with all-soft suture anchors. Group 2 was repaired with a double-row bridging suture bridge construct. Achilles-calcaneal displacement was tracked while specimens were cyclically loaded from 10 to 100 N for 2000 cycles and then loaded to failure. Linear mixed models were used to analyze the independent effects of age, body mass index, tendon morphology, repair construct, and footprint size on clinical and ultimate failure loads, Achilles-calcaneal displacement, and mode of failure.

Results:

The suture bridge group was independently associated with an approximately 50-N increase in the load to clinical failure (defined as more than 5 mm tendon displacement). There was no difference in ultimate load to failure or tendon/anchor displacement between the 2 groups.

Conclusion:

This cadaveric study found that a double-row synthetic bridge construct had less displacement during cyclic loading but was not able to carry more load before clinical failure when compared to a single-row suture anchor construct for the operative repair of insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

Clinical Relevance:

Our data suggest that double-row suture bridge constructs increase the load to clinical failure for operative repairs of insertional Achilles tendinopathy. It must be noted that these loads are well below what occurs during gait and the repair must be protected postoperatively without early mobilization. This study also identified several clinical factors that may help predict repair strength and inform further research.
Harnessing COVID-Driven Technical Innovations for Improved Multi-Disciplinary Cancer Care in the Post-COVID Era: The Virtual Patient Room
Authors: Sim Austin J. , Redler Gage , Peacock Jeffrey , Naso Cristina , Wasserman Stuart , McNitt Khadija B. , Hoffe Sarah E. , Johnstone Peter A. S. , Harrison Louis B. , Rosenberg Stephen A.
Published: October 2020

Emergence of the COVID-19 crisis has catalyzed rapid paradigm shifts throughout medicine. Even after the initial wave of the virus subsides, a wholesale return to the prior status quo is not prudent. As a specialty that values the proper application of new technology, radiation oncology should strive to be at the forefront of harnessing telehealth as an important tool to further optimize patient care. We remain cognizant that telehealth cannot and should not be a comprehensive replacement for in-person patient visits because it is not a one for one replacement, dependent on the intention of the visit and patient preference. However, we envision the opportunity for the virtual patient “room” where multidisciplinary care may take place from every specialty. How we adapt is not an inevitability, but instead, an opportunity to shape the ideal image of our new normal through the choices that we make. We have made great strides toward genuine multidisciplinary patient-centered care, but the continued use of telehealth and virtual visits can bring us closer to optimally arranging the spokes of the provider team members around the central hub of the patient as we progress down the road through treatment.
Prospective Evaluation of the Pre-, Intra-, and Postoperative Kinetics of ADAMTS-13, von Willebrand Factor, and Interleukin-6 in Vascular Surgery
Authors: Häußler Katja Susanne , Keese Michael , Weber Christian Friedrich , Geisen Christof , Miesbach Wolfgang
Published: October 2020

Postoperative thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) shows clinical presentation similar to classical TTP, whereas exact pathophysiological contexts remain unexplained. In this study, we investigated intraoperative and postoperative changes in ADAMTS-13 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motifs, member 13), von Willebrand factor (VWF), large VWF multimers, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in vascular surgery patients. The objective was to compare the impact of endovascular, peripheral, and aortic surgery on target parameters which are supposed to play a role in surgery-associated TTP. A total of 93 vascular surgery patients were included and divided into 4 groups according to the specific type of intervention they underwent. Blood samples were taken preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively on days 2 and 4. The ADAMTS-13 activity decreased significantly in 3 of the 4 groups during surgery (from median 81% to 49%, P < .001, in the group undergoing aortoiliacal interventions), whereas the percentage of large VWF multimers increased in all groups of patients. von Willebrand factor antigen increased significantly in all groups on postoperative day 2 and IL-6 increased significantly in the intraoperative and early postoperative period. There was no significant correlation between the intraoperative decrease in ADAMTS-13 and the increase in VWF or IL-6. No patient in this study showed clinical picture of TTP; the precise cause and clinical significance of moderately reduced ADAMTS-13 activity in the perioperative setting have not yet been definitely determined.
Comparative Anticoagulant and Thrombin Generation Inhibitory Profile of Heparin, Sulodexide and Its Components
Authors: Siddiqui Fakiha , Hoppensteadt Debra , Bontekoe Emily , Farooqui Ambar , Jeske Walter , Fareed Jawed
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Sulodexide represents a mixture of fast-moving heparin (FMH) and dermatan sulfate (DS) and has been used for the management of venous diseases such as DVT and related disorders. The purpose of this study is to compare sulodexide and its components with unfractionated heparin (UFH) to determine its suitability for the indications in which UFH is used.

Materials and Method:

Active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) versions of sulodexide, FMH and DS were obtained from Alfasigma. API versions of UFH were obtained from Medefil Inc. Normal human citrated plasma was obtained from blood bank of the Loyola University Medical Center. Each of the individual agents were supplemented in plasma at a graded concentration of 0.0-10 µg/mL. Clotting assays (PiCT, aPTT, PT and TT), anti-Xa and anti-IIa and thrombin generation studies were carried out. Results were compiled as mean ± SD of 3 individual determination.

Result:

In the clot based (PiCT, aPTT and TT), anti-Xa and IIa assays, both the UFH and FMH produced stronger activities in these assays followed by sulodexide. DS did not show any anticoagulant activity. In the thrombin generation assay, FMH and UFH produced comparable inhibition of thrombin generation as measured by various parameters. Sulodexide was slightly weaker in this assay, whereas DS produced relatively weaker effects.

Conclusion:

In comparison to sulodexide, both UFH and FMH exhibit comparable anticoagulant activity despite differences in their molecular weight. These results suggest that sulodexide can be developed as a parenteral anticoagulant for indications in which UFH is used.
Effects of ultrasonic vacuum drying on the drying kinetics, dynamic moisture distribution, and microstructure of honey drying process
Authors: Jiang Mengmeng , Sun Jun , Obadi Mohammed , Bai Xiting , Zhu Wenxue
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study was to study the strengthening effect of ultrasonic vacuum technique on the drying kinetics, moisture distribution, and microstructure of honey using low-field nuclear magnetic resonance and scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that ultrasonic vacuum drying technique could substantially shorten the drying time from 600 to 60 min, compared with vacuum drying. The sonochemical effects of ultrasonic vacuum drying were enhanced with the increased ultrasonic power and were more obvious in the initial stage of drying. This finding is consistent with the effective water diffusion coefficient results. The non-linear fitting analysis of experimental data on seven kinds of thin-layer drying mathematical models showed that logarithmic model is more suitable for describing the law of moisture change in honey during ultrasonic vacuum drying than the other models because of its higher regression coefficient value (≥0.99) and smaller reduced chi-square and root mean square error values (≤0.01). In addition, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance results showed that the increase in ultrasonic power accelerated the migration of bound water to immobilized water in honey samples. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that the porous structure formed by increasing the ultrasonic power is also conducive to the rapid migration and drying of moisture. In conclusion, ultrasonic vacuum drying technique is an effective and safe way for drying viscous materials compared with vacuum drying technique.
Discounting Environmental Benefits for Future Generations
Authors: Liu Liqun , Rettenmaier Andrew J. , Saving Thomas R.
Published: October 2020

The standard approach to evaluating a long-term project is to use the social rate of time preference to discount the benefits and costs of future generations. A difficulty with this approach is that there is no consensus on the values of the required parameters that reflect intergenerational equity concerns. Assuming the existence of a coordinating debt policy, this article establishes a project evaluation rule that identifies Pareto-improving projects and is therefore free of value judgment. This article goes beyond the existing analysis of intergenerational discounting by exploring the implications of tax distortions in the capital market that drive a wedge between the gross (before-tax) and the net (after-tax) rates of return. Our project evaluation criterion is stricter than that recommended in government guidelines, causing fewer environmental projects to be accepted.
Numerical research of the infinitely wide wedge flow based on the lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Jiao Chunxiao , Leng Zijun , Zou Donglin , Ta Na , Rao Zhushi
Published: October 2020

A new computational fluid dynamics method, the incompressible lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is utilized to simulate fluid flow of the infinitely wide wedge in this paper. Compared with the traditional method, LBM is a mesoscopic scale method and some characteristics can be described more clearly with LBM. In this article, three kinds of model .i.e. linear type, parabolic type and harmonic type wedge models are built. The streamline and velocity contour in the fluid field are described. The pressure distribution of different types wedge is studied in LBM. The results manifest that, for the same bottom boundary velocity, the parabolic type and harmonic type wedges are easy to form a vortex, and the load capacity in the harmonic type wedge model is the largest. This paper is ready to investigate the microscopic lubrication mechanism of journal bearing in the future.
The rise of a lingua franca: The case of Russian in Dagestan
Authors: Dobrushina Nina , Kultepina Olga
Published: October 2020

Aims and objectives:

In Dagestan, Russian is the language of education, urban way of life, and upward social mobility, and the means of communication between speakers of different languages. This is a result of a quick and drastic change. At the end of the 19th century, Russian was spoken by less than 1% of the population. The aim of this paper is to understand how such rapid spread of Russian as an L2 became possible.

Approach:

The study uses quantitative data on Dagestanians’ language repertoires. We relate the command of Russian to certain facts from people’s biographies, such as the level of education, migration, warfare and military service, and other professional experience, and run regression analysis.

Data and analysis:

The data were collected by the method of retrospective family interviews during numerous field trips to highland Dagestan. We use information on 3519 individuals collected in 27 villages.

Findings/conclusions:

We conclude that the compulsory school education introduced in Dagestan in the 1930s is the social mechanism that resulted in the spread of Russian and its later development into a lingua franca. Russian was imposed from above and supported by the ideology that associated it with future and progress.

Originality:

This is the first attempt to apply quantitative methods to a large collection of field data to reveal social mechanisms underlying the spread of a single L2 instead of local bilingualism.

Significance/implications:

The spread of one lingua franca across a large territory is attested in many areas. We suppose that lingua francas of different origin result from different constellations of social factors and show that in Dagestan lingua franca was imposed by the authorities via a systematic educational campaign. We also suggest it was the extreme linguistic diversity of Dagestan that brought Russian from a widely known L2 to a lingua franca.
Women’s voices in a deliberative assembly: An analysis of gender rates of participation in Ireland’s Convention on the Constitution 2012–2014
Authors: Harris Clodagh , Farrell David M , Suiter Jane , Brennan Mary
Published: October 2020

Ireland’s Convention on the Constitution (2012–2014) was a world-first process in mixing randomly selected private citizens and political representatives in a deliberative mini-public that made recommendations on a wide range of constitutional issues. Acknowledging the gender gap identified in studies of deliberative forums, the Convention made specific design choices in an effort to achieve gender inclusion. Using data collected during the course of the Convention, we explore the effects of contextual (institutional rules, procedures and topics discussed) and actor-related characteristics (gender, type of membership) on inclusion. We find that contextual issues such as the topic discussed and the gender composition of the small roundtable deliberations did not influence gender rates of participation. However, the forum of participation did, with women participating more than men in the facilitated small group sessions.
Experiences of and responses to disempowerment, violence, and injustice within the relational lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people
Authors: Gahan Luke , Almack Kathryn
Published: October 2020

This article introduces a special edition of the Journal of Sociology that aims to interrogate the ongoing entrenchment of hetero- and cis-normative borders, and the consequential manifestations of power, violence and in/justice experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people in their relationships and family lives. The articles in this issue all explore different forms of violence, injustice, and persecution that continue to exist despite the success of many social justice campaigns in recent years for LGBTQ people. This article provides a synopsis of the research in this collection – research which demonstrates and expands our understandings of the complexities of LGBTQ lives around the globe negotiating empowerment, safety, and justice. We highlight the ongoing importance of this work as LGBTQ people around the world are experiencing the disproportionate impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A survey of the experience of living with dementia in a dementia-friendly community
Authors: Darlington Nicole , Arthur Antony , Woodward Michael , Buckner Stefanie , Killett Anne , Lafortune Louise , Mathie Elspeth , Mayrhofer Andrea , Thurman John , Goodman Claire
Published: October 2020

Dementia-friendly communities (DFCs) are one way in which people living with dementia can be supported to be active, engaged and valued citizens. Quantitative evaluations of the experiences of those with dementia living within these communities are scarce. This article reports findings from a survey of people living with dementia on their experience of living in a DFC. Two-hundred and forty people living with dementia completed a cross-sectional survey in six DFCs across England. Around half of respondents reported they were aware they were living in a DFC. Being aware of living in a DFC was associated with taking part in leisure activities ( p = 0.042), community centre attendance ( p = 0.009), being involved in organised activities or groups ( p < 0.001), feeling understood ( p = 0.008), and feeling valued for their own contributions to the community ( p = 0.002). This study illustrates the contribution that surveys can make in facilitating the expression of views and experiences of people living with dementia. Awareness of living within a DFC is associated with greater involvement in, and belonging to, the wider community.
The influence of obliquely perforated dual-baffles on sway induced tank sloshing dynamics
Authors: Saghi Hassan , Mikkola Tommi , Hirdaris Spyros
Published: October 2020

This paper examines the influence of oblique perforated baffles on the sloshing dynamics of rectangular liquid storage tanks. The analysis presented accounts for sway induced hydrodynamic forces and entropy generation. Internal liquid free surface oscillation is modelled by the volume of fluid method. The effect of baffle geometric parameters, orientation and porosity on loads is examined and numerical results are compared against a set of experiments. Consequently, an engineering method suggesting the optimum size, angle of inclination and topology of baffles for the case of a rectangular tank is presented. It is shown that implementation of optimized oblique porous dual baffles may reduce sloshing loads by up to 15%.
No longer a ‘collateral consequence’: Imprisonment and the reframing of citizenship
Authors: Behan Cormac
Published: October 2020

This article examines the impact of imprisonment on citizenship. It identifies how civil, political and social rights are circumscribed with a sentence of imprisonment, and scrutinizes to what extent citizenship is limited for prisoners. Drawing on recent developments in England and Wales, it contends that citizenship has been eroded, not as a ‘collateral consequence’ of imprisonment, but rather as a determined penal policy. The boundaries of punishment have become blurred, moving from criminal justice institutions, and extending towards what is termed civil and political penality. Finally, it argues that, because citizenship in prison is inevitably framed around the differences between freedom and captivity, prisoners respond to the constraints of imprisonment through alternative ways of expressing their citizenship.
The Relationship Between Attachment Orientations and University Adjustment Among Freshmen: Mediating Role of Perceived Stress
Authors: Kural Ayşe I. , Özyurt Berrin
Published: October 2020

In the current study, we examine the novel hypothesis that perceived stress is a mechanism through which the relationship between attachment orientations and university adjustment can be explained. Present study explored both attachment orientations and perceived stress regarding adjustment; and perceived stress as mediator for the relationship between attachment orientations and adjustment among in 277 university freshmen. Attachment anxiety and avoidance positively correlated with perceived stress whereas resulted in poor university adjustment. Perceived stress partially mediated the relationship between attachment anxiety and poor university adjustment. The findings suggest that enhancing attachment security and stress management skills among insecurely attached students may lead to greater university adjustment.