bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pseudococcidae (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) in Uruguay: morphological identification and molecular characterization, with descriptions of two new species
Authors: DA SILVA VITOR C. PACHECO , KAYDAN MEHMET BORA , BASSO CESAR
Published: December 2020

Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) are important pests in fruit production in Uruguay; however, very little is known about the species involved. A survey of mealybugs associated especially with fruit crops (apple, citrus, figs, grapes, pears, quince and strawberry), and other crops like vegetables and sugar cane, ornamentals and weeds was performed between 2017 and 2019 in Uruguay, using integrated taxonomy (morphology and DNA analyses) for their identification. A total of 19 mealybug species were identified. The most common species were Planococcus ficus (Signoret), Pseudococcus scatoterrae Granara de Willink and Pseudococcus viburni (Signoret) on fruits, and Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, Phenacoccus peruvianus Granara de Willink and Planococcus citri (Risso) on ornamental plants, all of them causing damage to their hosts. This study presents nine new species records for Uruguay, besides the description of two new species. An identification key to the mealybugs in Uruguay is provided.
MicroRNA-34a Promotes Apoptosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis Fbroblast-Like Synoviocyte via AMPK/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ni Juan , Hao Zhe
Published: December 2020

Background and Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune arthropathy characterised by chronic synovitis, joint cartilage breakdown and bone erosions. The life quality of RA patients has been substantially effected by the disease and it is of great significance to search
for more efficacious and novel therapeutic agents. Methods: In this study, mRNA levels of miR-34a in HFLS and RA-FLS were examined by RT-PCR. CCK8 assay was applied to detect the viability of RA-FLS transfected with miR-34a mimic or inhibitor. Furthermore, TUNEL assay and Hoechest-33342 assay
was applied to detect the apoptosis of RA-FLS transfected with miR-34a mimic or inhibitor. The expressions of proteins related to AMPK/Akt/mTOR and autophagy were also detected by western blot. Results: The RT-PCR result showed that miR-34a mRNA levels was markedly downregulated in RA-FLS
compared to HFLS. CCK8 assay results demonstrated that miR-34a overexpression significantly suppressed RA-FLS proliferation and miR-34a interference had the opposite effect. TUNEL assay and Hoechest-33342 assay demonstrated that miR-34a overexpression significantly promoted RA-FLS apoptosis
and miR-34a interference had the opposite effect. The western blot results revealed that miR-34a can affect autophagy via AMPK/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Conclusion: This study suggested that miR-34a can regulate proliferation and apoptosis in RA-FLS by affecting autophagy through AMPK/Akt/mTOR
signaling pathway.
Protective Effect of Isoflurane on Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats Through P38MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Zheng , Zhang Mingming , Wang Mangyuan , Zhu Tao , Huo Qiang
Published: December 2020

Objective: Abnormal p38 MAPK activation involves in ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Isoflurane (ISO) is a clinically used inhaled anesthetic and protects myocardial I-R injury. Our study assessed whether ISO exerts a protective role in myocardial I-R injury. Methods: Rat myocardial
I-R injury model was set followed by analysis of p-p38 MAPK expression in myocardial tissue by western blot, caspase-3 activity, as well as MDA and SOD content. Rats were assigned into Sham group, IR group, I-R + ISO group, followed by measuring p-p38 MAPK expression, caspase-3 activity, MDA
and SOD, cell apoptosis and ROS content. Results: Compared with Sham group, MDA content, caspase-3 activity and p-p38 MAPK protein expression as well as ROS content and apoptosis rate in I-R model rats were significantly increased and SOD activity was significantly decreased. ISO pretreatment
significantly reduced MDA content, caspase-3 activity, ROS content and apoptosis rate in I-R model rats, increased SOD activity and reduced p-p38 MAPK expression. Conclusion: Activation of p38MAPK signaling plays a role in mediating myocardial IR injury and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. ISO pretreatment
inhibits oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis and protects myocardial IR injury via inhibiting p38MAPK signaling.
miR-449b-5p Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Migration of Breast Cancer via Targeting Flotillin-2
Authors: Wu Delin , Ma Xiaopeng
Published: December 2020

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as a critical role in cancer pathogenesis, while the potential of miR-449b-5p in breast carcinoma remains to be fully inquired. Therefore, we purposed to probe the mechanism governing miR-449b-5p in breast cancer. Methods: Reverse transcription-PCR
(RTPCR) was adopted to examine miR-449b-5p expression level in breast carcinoma. The functional experiments were implemented to estimate the role of miR-449b-5p in cell growth and migration. The interplay of miR-449b-5p with FLOT2 was validated with luciferase reporter assay. Results: miR-449b-5p
level was markedly lessened in the tissue samples and cell lines of breast carcinoma. Overexpression of miR-449b-5p contributed to suppression of cell growth and migration whereas induced apoptosis in SKBr-3 and MCF-7 cells. Moreover, luciferase reporter experiment suggested that FLOT2 had
a negative correlation with miR-449b-5p expression. Functionally, ectopic expression of FLOT2 reversed repressive effects of miR-449b-5p mimic on malignant behaviors of breast carcinoma cells. Conclusion: miR-449b-5p hindered cell proliferation, migration and facilitated cell apoptosis of
breast carcinoma through targeting FLOT2. Our findings may offer a potent target for the therapy of breast carcinoma.
Automated Quantitative Technique of 3D Cardiac Anatomical Model for Evaluating Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Patients with Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Xing Yuanyuan , Xue Hongyuan , Ye Yuquan
Published: December 2020

This study intends to use 3D cardiac anatomical model automatic quantitative technique Heart Model (HM) to assess left ventricular systolic function in patients with myocardial infarction. Thirty patients with myocardial infarction (case group) and 32 healthy individuals (control group)
were enrolled in this study.M-mode echocardiography (MME), two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE), 3D cardiac anatomical model (HM) and real-time 3D echocardiography (3DE) were used to collect echocardiographic images. Left ventricular systolic function parameters (LVEDV), left ventricular
end-systolic volume (LVESV), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were obtained from two post-surgical analysis of more than 5 years of experience. Compared to control group, MME, 2DE, HM, and 3DE were significantly higher in the LVEDV and LVESV cases and lower in the LVEF (P <
0 05). MME, 2DE, HM and 3DE were correlated and best correlation as found between HM and 3DE (P < 0 05). For the consistency of MME, 2DE, HM and 3DE, the best consistency was observed in the LVEF of HM and 3DE, and case group was lower than control (P < 0 05). In terms of repeatability
of MME, 2DE, HM and 3DE, HM showed the best repeatability followed by MME. In comparison of the time of MME, 2DE, HM and 3DE, HM had shortest time (< 0 05). HM automatic quantitative technique can evaluate left ventricular systolic function in myocardial infarction patients, and it is simple,
rapid and reproducible.
Observed Soil Moisture Impact on Strong Convection over Mountainous Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Barton E. J. , Taylor C. M. , Klein C. , Harris P. P. , Meng X.
Published: December 2020

Convection over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) has been linked to heavy rain and flooding in downstream parts of China. Understanding processes which influence the development of convection on the TP could contribute to better forecasting of these extreme events. TP scale (~1000 km) soil moisture gradients have been shown to influence formation of convective systems over the eastern TP. The importance of smaller-scale (~10 km) variability has been identified in other regions (including the Sahel and Mongolia) but has yet to be investigated for the TP. In addition, compared to studies over flat terrain, much less is known about soil moisture–convection feedbacks above complex topography. In this study we use satellite observations of cold cloud, land surface temperature, and soil moisture to analyze the effect of mesoscale soil moisture heterogeneity on the initiation of strong convection in the complex TP environment. We find that strong convection is favored over negative (positive) land surface temperature (soil moisture) gradients. The signal is strongest for less vegetation and low topographic complexity, though still significant up to a local standard deviation of 300 m in elevation, accounting for 65% of cases. In addition, the signal is dependent on background wind. Strong convective initiation is only sensitive to local (tens of kilometers) soil moisture heterogeneity for light wind speeds, though large-scale (hundreds of kilometers) gradients may still be important for strong wind speeds. Our results demonstrate that, even in the presence of complex topography, local soil moisture variability plays an important role in storm development.
Groundwater Recharge Estimated by Land Surface Models: An Evaluation in the Conterminous United States
Authors: Li Bailing , Rodell Matthew , Peters-Lidard Christa , Erlingis Jessica , Kumar Sujay , Mocko David
Published: December 2020

Estimating diffuse recharge of precipitation is fundamental to assessing groundwater sustainability. Diffuse recharge is also the process through which climate and climate change directly affect groundwater. In this study, we evaluated diffuse recharge over the conterminous United States simulated by a suite of land surface models (LSMs) that were forced using a common set of meteorological input data. Simulated annual recharge exhibited spatial patterns that were similar among the LSMs, with the highest values in the eastern United States and Pacific Northwest. However, the magnitudes of annual recharge varied significantly among the models and were associated with differences in simulated ET, runoff, and snow. Evaluation against two independent datasets did not answer the question of whether the ensemble mean performs the best, due to inconsistency between those datasets. The amplitude and timing of seasonal maximum recharge differed among the models, influenced strongly by model physics governing deep soil moisture drainage rates and, in cold regions, snowmelt. Evaluation using in situ soil moisture observations suggested that true recharge peaks 1–3 months later than simulated recharge, indicating systematic biases in simulating deep soil moisture. However, recharge from lateral flows and through preferential flows cannot be inferred from soil moisture data, and the seasonal cycle of simulated groundwater storage actually compared well with in situ groundwater observations. Long-term trends in recharge were not consistently correlated with either precipitation trends or temperature trends. This study highlights the need to employ dynamic flow models in LSMs, among other improvements, to enable more accurate simulation of recharge.
Accurate pH and O2 Measurements from Spray Underwater Gliders
Authors: Takeshita Yuichiro , Jones Brent D. , Johnson Kenneth S. , Chavez Francisco P. , Rudnick Daniel L. , Blum Marguerite , Conner Kyle , Jensen Scott , Long Jacqueline S. , Maughan Thom , Mertz Keaton L. , Sherman Jeffrey T. , Warren Joseph K.
Published: December 2020

The California Current System is thought to be particularly vulnerable to ocean acidification, yet pH remains chronically undersampled along this coast, limiting our ability to assess the impacts of ocean acidification. To address this observational gap, we integrated the Deep-Sea-DuraFET, a solid-state pH sensor, onto a Spray underwater glider. Over the course of a year starting in April 2019, we conducted seven missions in central California that spanned 161 glider days and >1600 dives to a maximum depth of 1000 m. The sensor accuracy was estimated to be ± 0.01 based on comparisons to discrete samples taken alongside the glider (n = 105), and the precision was ±0.0016. CO2 partial pressure, dissolved inorganic carbon, and aragonite saturation state could be estimated from the pH data with uncertainty better than ± 2.5%, ± 8 μmol kg−1, and ± 2%, respectively. The sensor was stable to ±0.01 for the first 9 months but exhibited a drift of 0.015 during the last mission. The drift was correctable using a piecewise linear regression based on a reference pH field at 450 m estimated from published global empirical algorithms. These algorithms require accurate O2 as inputs; thus, protocols for a simple predeployment air calibration that achieved accuracy of better than 1% were implemented. The glider observations revealed upwelling of undersaturated waters with respect to aragonite to within 5 m below the surface near Monterey Bay. These observations highlight the importance of persistent observations through autonomous platforms in highly dynamic coastal environments.
Understanding Visual Risk Communication Messages: An Analysis of Visual Attention Allocation and Think-Aloud Responses to Tornado Graphics
Authors: Sutton Jeannette , Fischer Laura M.
Published: December 2020

Online channels for communicating risk frequently include features and technological capabilities to support sharing images of risk. In particular, the affordances found in social media, such as Twitter, include the ability to attach maps, photographs, videos, and other graphical information. The inclusion of visual cues such as colors and shapes and their different sizes are important for making sense of approaching threats, populations at risk, the potential impacts, and ranges of associated uncertainty. The reception of and attention to these visual cues in messages about a potential threat is the necessary first stage to making a decision about protective actions. Understanding what visual features capture individual attention and how attention is directed to visual images of risk on social media has the potential to affect the design of risk communication messages and the protective actions that follow. In this paper we use eye-tracking methods to identify where people allocate attention to a series of tweets and qualitative “think alouds” to determine what features of the tweets people attend to in their visual field are salient to message receivers. We investigate visual attention to a series of tweets that depict an emerging tornado threat to identify areas of visual interest and the properties of those visual cues that elicit attention. We find the use of color, properties of text presentation, and contents of messages affect attention allocation. These findings could help practitioners as they design and disseminate their weather messages to inform the public of emerging threats.
Plasma miR-193a-3p can be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Hong Yan , Wang Jidong , Zhang Lai , Sun Wenjuan , Xu Xuefang , Zhang Kaiyue
Published: December 2020

Background

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most common microvascular complications in patients with diabetes. MicroRNA (miRNA, miR) is closely related to the formation, development and pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy. We aimed to investigate whether miR-193a-3p could be used as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy.

Methods

Plasma samples were collected from all the participants. TaqMan Low Density Array analysis was employed to obtain the miRNA profiles of plasma samples, and qRT-PCR was used to confirm the result. Receiver operating characteristic curves were employed to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of miR-193a-3p for predicting diabetic nephropathy.

Results

The expression of miR-193a-3p and miR-320c was elevated and miR-27a-3p was decreased in diabetic nephropathy patients compared to patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy controls. We found that, in diabetic nephropathy patients, the elevated miR-193a-3p expression had a negative correlation with the level of evaluate glomerular filtration rate, while a positive correlation with the level of proteinuria. We further demonstrated that miR-193a-3p could be employed to distinguish patients with diabetic nephropathy. The Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the high expression of miR-193a-3p significantly shortened the dialysis-free survival of diabetic nephropathy patients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, miR-193a-3p is involved in diabetic nephropathy pathogenesis and may serve as a potentially novel diagnostic biomarker for diabetic nephropathy.
Electronic Health Record Reminders for Chlamydia Screening in an American Indian Population
Authors: Hughes Michael Sang , Apostolou Andria , Reilley Brigg , Leston Jessica , McCollum Jeffrey , Iralu Jonathan
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Indian Health Service (IHS) screening rates for Chlamydia trachomatis are lower than national rates of chlamydia screening in the Southwest. We describe and evaluate the effect of a public health intervention consisting of electronic health record (EHR) reminders to alert health care providers to screen for chlamydia at an IHS facility. We also conducted an awareness presentation among health care providers on chlamydia screening.

Methods

We conducted our intervention from November 1, 2013, through October 31, 2015, at an IHS facility in the Southwest. We implemented algorithms that queried database values to assess chlamydia screening performance in 6 clinical departments. We presented data on the screening performance of clinical departments and health care providers (de-identified) in the awareness presentations. We re-queried database values 1 and 2 years after implementation of the EHR reminder intervention to evaluate before-and-after screening rates, comparing data among all patients and among female patients only.

Results

We found small, sustained relative increases in chlamydia screening rates during the 2012-2015 evaluation period: 20.8% pre-intervention to 24.9% and 24.2% one and two years postintervention, respectively, across all patients; 32.3% preintervention to 36.6% and 35.6% one and two years postintervention, respectively, among female patients. Increases in clinical department–specific screening rates varied and were most prominent in internal medicine (35.8% preintervention to peak 65.8% postintervention). The 1 clinic (obstetrics–gynecology) that did not receive an awareness presentation showed a consistent downward trend in screening rates, although absolute rates were consistently higher in that clinic than in other clinics.

Conclusions

Awareness presentations that offer feedback to health care providers on screening performance, heighten provider awareness of the importance of chlamydia screening, and promote development of novel provider-initiated screening protocols may help to increase screening rates when combined with EHR reminders.
Aortic valve replacement after iatrogenic injury related to an Impella device
Authors: Saitoh Daiki , Kin Hajime
Published: December 2020

The Impella device is used routinely during coronary interventions, and device-related iatrogenic injury requiring surgical repair is rarely reported. We report a case of iatrogenic aortic valve injury due to Impella device insertion, necessitating aortic valve replacement surgery. A 55-year-old woman with acute anteroseptal myocardial infarction underwent a successful percutaneous coronary intervention and Impella insertion for hemodynamic support. Four months later, she experienced congestive heart failure; transthoracic echocardiography revealed new-onset severe aortic insufficiency. Aortic valve replacement was performed without complications. Follow-up transthoracic echocardiography should be performed after Impella removal to avoid delay in treating residual aortic insufficiency.
Real-world ethics in palliative care: A systematic review of the ethical challenges reported by specialist palliative care practitioners in their clinical practice
Authors: Schofield Guy , Dittborn Mariana , Huxtable Richard , Brangan Emer , Selman Lucy Ellen
Published: December 2020

Background:

Ethical issues arise daily in the delivery of palliative care. Despite much (largely theoretical) literature, evidence from specialist palliative care practitioners about day-to-day ethical challenges has not previously been synthesised. This evidence is crucial to inform education and adequately support staff.

Aim:

To synthesise the evidence regarding the ethical challenges which specialist palliative care practitioners encounter during clinical practice.

Design:

Systematic review with narrative synthesis (PROSPERO registration CRD42018105365). Quality was dual-assessed using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool. Tabulation, textural description, concept mapping and thematic synthesis were used to develop and present the narrative.

Data sources:

Seven databases (MEDLINE, Philosopher’s Index, EMBASE, PsycINFO, LILACS, Web of Science and CINAHL) were searched from inception to December 2019 without language limits. Eligible papers reported original research using inductive methods to describe practitioner-reported ethical challenges.

Results:

A total of 8074 records were screened. Thirteen studies from nine countries were included. Challenges were organised into six themes: application of ethical principles; delivering clinical care; working with families; engaging with institutional structures and values; navigating societal values and expectations; philosophy of palliative care. Challenges related to specific scenarios/contexts rather than the application of general ethical principles, and occurred at all levels (bedside, institution, society, policy).

Conclusion:

Palliative care practitioners encounter a broad range of contextual ethical challenges, many of which are not represented in palliative care ethics training resources, for example, navigating institutional policies, resource allocation and inter-professional conflict. Findings have implications for supporting ethical practice and training practitioners. The lack of low- and middle- income country data needs addressing.
Disruptive Events and Associated Discontinuities: A Macromarketing Prescription
Authors: Hyman Michael R. , Kostyk Alena , Shabbir Haseeb A.
Published: December 2020

This essay discusses social disruptions, social discontinuities, and associated interventions by social marketers and public policymakers. Prescriptive touchpoints for such interventions are (1) mitigating social disruptions via phronetic marketing, (2) foreseeing and anticipating social disruptions and discontinuities via marketing futurology.
A Review of Proliferative Vascular Disorders of the Central Nervous System of Animals
Authors: Marr Jacqueline , Miranda Ileana C. , Miller Andrew D. , Summers Brian A.
Published: December 2020

In disease, blood vessel proliferation has many salient roles including in inflammation, when granulation tissue fills superficial defects, or in the recanalization of an occluded blood vessel. Sometimes angiogenesis goes awry—granulation can be exuberant, and plexiform proliferation of vascular components can contribute to pulmonary hypertension. This review focuses on the diverse manifestations of pathologic vascular overgrowth that occur in the brain, spinal cord, and meninges of animals from birth until old age. Entities discussed include systemic reactive angioendotheliomatosis in which glomeruloid vascular proliferations are encountered in various organs including the central nervous system (CNS). The triad of CNS vascular malformations, hamartomas, and benign vascular proliferations are an especially fraught category in which terminology overlap and the microscopic similarity of various disorders makes diagnostic classification incredibly challenging. Pathologists commonly take refuge in “CNS vascular hamartoma” despite the lack of any unique histopathologic features and we recommend that this diagnostic category be abandoned. Malformative lesions that are often confusing and have similar features; the conditions include arteriovenous malformation, cavernous angioma, venous angioma, and capillary telangiectases. Meningioangiomatosis, a benign meningovascular proliferation with dual components, is a unique entity seen most commonly in young dogs. Last, accepted neoplastic conditions range from lower-grade locally acquired growths like hemangioblastoma (a tumor of mysterious interstitial stromal cells encountered in the setting of abundant capillary vasculature proliferation), the rare hemangioendothelioma, and the highly malignant and invariably multifocal metastatic hemangiosarcoma. Additionally, this review draws on the comparative medical literature for further insights into this problematic topic in pathology.
Analysing Texture in Portraits
Authors: Hayes Susan
Published: December 2020

This case study is an initial exploration as to whether the depiction of texture in a set of portraits, all portraying the same Sitter, is related to the familiar likeness assessments reported in a companion paper containing a principal component analysis (PCA) of the portraits’ depiction of shape. Somewhat unexpectedly, a texture PCA failed to discriminate the high from low likeness portraits, despite experimentation with different pre-processing methods to reduce the portraits’ high level of uninformative, image-level texture variability. There were some findings arising from these analyses, and while only indicative at this stage, include that linear histogram matching is effective in reducing variability in portrait brightness; that depicting, and perhaps exaggerating, shading relating to lighting direction may enhance portrait likeness; and, that whether minimised or exaggerated, lighting direction can be portrayed somewhat anomalously. Furthermore, and in agreement with findings from photographs, shape and texture were not found to be independent variables, and shape-free image registration, while very usefully enabling a comparison of closely corresponding pixel coordinate values, could itself be a confounding factor for undertaking a texture PCA with portraits produced under relatively ambient conditions.
Study of the Human Stickiness Perception of Wet Fabric on the Volar Forearm via Two Contact Modes: Friction and Adhesion-Separation
Authors: Jiang Rongfan , Wang Yunyi
Published: December 2020

Wet fabric clinging to human skin may cause stickiness perception and facilitate wearing discomfort. This study aims to investigate the stickiness perception of wet fabrics via two contact modes (friction and adhesion-separation) as well as the influences of fabric properties and contact features on stickiness perception. A set of dynamic contact devices was developed to drive the samples to move horizontally or vertically on volar forearms. According to the magnitude estimation approach, 12 subjects were asked to assess the stickiness perceptions caused by 64 types of contact stimuli. The results showed that the water absorption capacity had a significant and negative correlation with stickiness perception under the two contact modes. However, the surface roughness was neither related to stickiness perception under the friction mode nor to stickiness perception under the adhesion-separation mode. There was an interaction between contact pressure and sliding velocity. The sliding velocity at medium or high pressure had a significant effect on stickiness perception, but the separating velocity had no significant effect. Stickiness perception under the friction mode is higher than that under the adhesion-separation mode in most cases. Consequently, the friction mode was considered the main contact mode that evokes stickiness perception.
A Comparison of Surface Characteristics, Coating Stability and Friction Coefficients of Esthetic Archwires: A Comparative Study
Authors: Jejurikar Harshal , Contractor Taabish , Nene Salil , Kalia Ajit , Patil Wasu , Khan Najneen
Published: December 2020

Aim:

The aim of this article is to evaluate coated orthodontic aligning archwires for surface characteristics, coating stability, and associated dynamic frictional resistance and to compare and relate these results to each other. Materials and Methods: The archwire investigated were (1) group 1: American orthodontics (0.016 NiTi) (AO); (2) group 2: G and H Wire Company, USA (0.016) (G and H); (3) group 3: Orthosystems (0.016) (OS); and (4) group 4: Forestadent, Bio Cosmetic (0.017) (BC) Surface roughness (ESEM), coating stability, and frictional resistance were tested. Analysis of variance and Bonferroni test were used for analysis.

Results:

Frictional resistance from low to high—BC, AO, OS, G, and H. Coating stability from low to high—BC, AO, G and H, and OS. Surface characteristics from low to high—BC, OS, AO, G, and H.

Conclusions:

The study showed that BC has least friction coefficient, best coating stability, and less surface irregularities. Surface characteristics, friction coefficient, and coating stability may have correlation but are not statistically significant because of multifactorial conditions in the oral environment.
The new luxury freeports: Offshore storage, tax avoidance, and ‘invisible’ art
Authors: Helgadóttir Oddný
Published: December 2020

This paper introduces the concept of a Luxury Freeport to describe a novel form of offshore where art and other high-end goods can be stored indefinitely without tax and duty-payments being made. The paper makes three key contributions to our understanding of these new actors in the global political economy. First, it conceptualizes Luxury Freeports as part of what has been called the ‘offshore world’, showing that over the course of the last decade these previously understudied sites have become part of an evolving global ecosystem of tax avoidance. Second, the paper attributes the rise of this new form of offshore to meso-level spillover effects within the offshore world itself: this new model of offshore was born from a combination of the competitive ‘push’ of the rapid spread of Open Customs Warehouses at the turn of the century and the investment ‘pull’ of large pools of money needing new investment outlets in the wake of the recent multilateral effort to clamp down on banking secrecy. Third, it examines how the development and diffusion of the Luxury Freeport model has been shaped and constrained by this clampdown. Navigating the regulatory push against offshore and in an effort to mainstream and legitimize their activities, newer Luxury Freeports have aligned themselves both with the exclusive and high cultural capital environment of the art world and the ecosystem of specialized services offered by the wealth management industry.
Rhabdomyolysis and hepatotoxicity following accidental monensin ingestion: A report of two cases
Authors: Zhang Zhiqiang , Cui Shuqing , Zhang Jinying
Published: December 2020

Background:

Monensin is a commonly used veterinary antibiotic with a narrow safety range. Overdose of monensin can cause animal poisoning or even death. Monensin poisoning is rare in humans, and there is no effective detoxification protocol in clinical treatment.

Objective:

We report here two cases of monensin-induced rhabdomyolysis and hepatotoxicity by oral ingestion. The two patients were a couple and both were admitted to the hospital due to oral ingestion of monensin 5 days prior. Patient 1, with a past history of chronic bronchitis and hypertension, presented with severe rhabdomyolysis, hepatotoxicity, and hypoxemia. After treatment with fluid replacement and alkalinization of urine, his condition deteriorated the next day and irreversible cardiopulmonary arrest occurred. Patient 2 was diabetic and using oral hypoglycemic drugs and had obvious rhabdomyolysis from the fifth day of admission. After treatment with fluid replacement, urine alkalization, and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), the patient recovered and was discharged 1 month later.

Discussion:

The ingestion of monensin can lead to life-threatening toxicity, with rhabdomyolysis and hepatotoxicity as the main manifestations. Comprehensive treatment including CRRT in the early stage of rhabdomyolysis may improve the condition and prognosis.
Alteration of thiol disulfide homeostasis and ischemia-modified albumin levels as indicators of oxidative status in patients with silicosis
Authors: Karataş Mevlüt , Büyükşekerci Murat , Gündüzöz Meşide , Özakıncı Gökhan , Öziş Türkan Nadir , Gök Gamze , Neşelioğlu Salim , Erel Özcan
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidative status in patients with silicosis by detecting dynamic thiol disulfide homeostasis (TDH), ischemia-modified albumin level (IMA) catalase (CAT) activity, and the correlation of these markers with pulmonary function tests. Male ceramic workers with silicosis ( n = 91) and healthy individuals ( n = 47) were recruited for the study. Radiographic abnormalities of pneumoconiosis were classified into three profusion categories (categories 1, 2, and 3), and patients with silicosis, those with category 1, were defined as group 1 and those with category 2 or 3 were defined as group 2. Plasma levels of native thiol (NT), total thiol (TT), disulfide (Ds), IMA, and CAT activities were determined. Pulmonary function tests of groups were compared. NT, TT, and NT/TT ratios were significantly lower in groups 1 and 2 than the control group ( p < 0.05). These did not differ between patients with silicosis (groups 1 and 2) and control group ( p = 0.421). Ds/NT and Ds/TT ratios were significantly higher in group 2 than the control group ( p < 0.05). NT, TT, and Ds did not differ significantly between groups 1 and 2. The oxidant biomarker IMA was higher ( p < 0.001), and the antioxidant parameters albumin and CAT were lower in groups 1 and 2 ( p < 0.001) compared with the control group. The mean FEV1act, FVCact, forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (%), and value of 25–75 percent maximum expiratory flow were significantly lower in groups 1 and 2 than control group. We have used a novel colorimetric method to assess TDH in patients with silicosis. Alteration of plasma thiol/disulfide homeostasis and IMA levels might be novel indicators of oxidative stress in silicosis.
Evaluation of First-Dose, Intravenous Push Penicillins and Carbapenems in the Emergency Department
Authors: Academia Emmeline C. , Jenrette Jordan E. , Mueller Scott W. , McLaughlin Julie M.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Early appropriate antibiotic administration is associated with improved outcomes in infectious illnesses. During drug shortages in 2017, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists recommended intravenous push (IVP) administration of medications when possible to conserve small-volume parenteral solutions. Data supporting IVP penicillins and carbapenems was limited.

Objective:

The primary objective of this study compared time from patient emergency department (ED) arrival to antibiotic administration between IVP and intravenous piggy-back (IVPB) administration.

Methods:

This single-center pre-post protocol study assessed changes in administration timing and safety of ampicillin/sulbactam, piperacillin/tazobactam, and ertapenem from 2015-2018. Medication administration by IVPB (pre) or IVP (post), ED arrival, antibiotic order and administration times, potential effectors of administration time, and safety events were assessed. Acquisition costs were estimated.

Results:

A total of 696 administrations were included, with 351 and 345 subjects in the IVPB and IVP cohorts, respectively. The median time from ED arrival to initiation of antibiotic administration was 140 (IQR 87-221) minutes and 110 (IQR 68-181) minutes in the IVPB and IVP cohorts, respectively, (P < 0.01). IVP administration increased the proportion of indexed antibiotics administered within 60 minutes of ED arrival compared to IVPB (20% vs. 12%, respectively, P < 0.01). There was no difference in adverse events between both cohorts. Supply acquisition cost savings totaled an more than $5,000 with the IVP protocol.

Conclusion:

IVP administration of ampicillin/sulbactam, piperacillin/tazobactam, and ertapenem improved times to initiation of empiric, first-dose antibiotics in the ED without an increase in adverse events, saving over $5,000 annually.
José Gregorio Hernández: At the crossroads of medicine and religion in Venezuela
Authors: Andrade Gabriel E
Published: December 2020

After being ravished by a bloody civil war in the 1860 s, Venezuela’s healthcare system was very precarious. In this context, one particularly bright medical student stood out, José Gregorio Hernández. As part of a program to modernize medicine in Venezuela, José Gregorio was sent on a scholarship to pursue medical studies in Europe. He brought back to Venezuela equipment and medical knowledge in bacteriology and pathophysiology. This was instrumental in laying the foundations for major healthcare modernization in Venezuela. Throughout his life, José Gregorio negotiated his intense Catholic faith, with his scientific leanings as a physician. His untimely tragic death in 1919 elevated him to a saintly status amongst Venezuelans. Consequently, his image became a powerful symbol for practitioners of prescientific medicine.
Oronasal Fistula Incidence Associated With Vomer Flap Repair of Cleft Palate: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Vandenberg Katherine , Castle Michael , Qeadan Fares , Kraai Tania
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

To determine the incidence of oronasal fistulas (ONF) associated with primary repair of the anterior palate using a single-layered, superiorly based, vomer mucoperiosteal flap.

Design:

A systematic review of MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases using the keywords: “vomer flap” and “cleft palate repair” were carried out. A meta-analysis was performed using random effect modeling with stratified analysis by syndromic diagnosis, number of surgeons, and mean age.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Incidence of ONFs.

Results:

The meta-analysis included 9 studies with a total of 464 children who met inclusion criteria. The overall ONF rate was 3.0% (95% CI: 1.0-9.0). Fistula rates were not significantly different in studies that included syndromic patients compared to studies that did not, 5.0% (95% CI: 1.0-24.0) versus 3.0% (95% CI: 1.0-6.0), respectively. There was no significant difference between studies in which there was a single surgeon versus multiple surgeons, 3.0% (95% CI: 1.0-13.0) versus 4.0% (95% CI: 1.0-8.0), respectively. Age at the time of cleft repair showed no statistically significant difference in fistula rate when comparing children with a mean age less than 12 months to those greater than 12 months, 3.0% (95% CI: 1.0-5.0) versus 5.0% (95% CI: 1.0-28.0), respectively.

Conclusions:

The vomer flap technique in cleft palate repair appears to be associated with a low ONF rate unaffected by syndromic diagnosis, number of surgeons, or patient age at time of repair.
Who Wants to Raise Taxes?
Authors: Donovan Todd , Bowler Shaun
Published: December 2020

We test hypotheses about individual-level (partisanship and self-interest) and state-level (tax policy) factors that may shape public attitudes about raising taxes. Respondents were given a scenario where a state budget needed to be balanced with spending cuts or tax increases, and a scenario where either state sales or state income taxes would be increased. We find partisanship, ideology, and self-interest had substantial relationships with how people responded. Democrats, liberals, and those with fewer resources preferred tax increases over spending cuts, and preferred income tax increases over sales tax increases. Republicans (particularly wealthy Republicans), conservatives, and those with more resources preferred spending cuts to tax increases, and preferred sales tax increases over income tax increases. We also find income tax increases and higher tax burdens may correspond with preferences for cutting spending rather than raising taxes, but variation in the rates of a particular tax was not associated with attitudes about raising that tax. Our results suggest an electorate that may be somewhat more sophisticated about fiscal policy than what has been portrayed in several influential studies.
Impact of clinical pharmacy in oncology and hematology centers: A systematic review
Authors: Oliveira Cynara S , Silva Mauriele P , Miranda Íngara K S P B , Calumby Rodrigo T , de Araújo-Calumby Renata F
Published: December 2020

Background

Oncology and hematology is a complex and specific area that requires monitoring by a multidisciplinary team capable of personalizing the treatment of each patient. Clinical pharmacy services have the potential to contribute significantly to the effective and economical care of cancer patients.

Objective

To evaluate, synthesize and critically present the available evidence on the impact of the Clinical Pharmacy in the treatment of patients with hematological cancer.

Method

A review was carried out on the bases PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS and Google Scholar. The included studies were: studies that evaluated the effects of pharmaceutical interventions in clinical in oncology and hematology services and having as a population patient with hematological cancer.

Results

17 studies were selected among 745 identified. 4.771 patients were included, with an average follow-up time of 15.3 months. Patients affected by some type of hematological cancer, undergoing chemotherapy treatment, showed better adherence and continuity when accompanied by a clinical pharmacist, added to this professional in carrying out interventions, provides control of symptoms such as cancer pain, nausea and constipation and, thus, contributes to decrease the length of hospital stay.

Conclusion

The implementation of a Clinical Pharmacy service in oncology and hematology centers contributes significantly to the effectiveness of pharmacotherapeutic treatment, treatment costs reduction, safety increase in the use of medications and the patient’s quality of life.
Stakeholder Causal Scope Analysis–Centered Big Data Management for Sustainable Tourism
Authors: Shams S. M. Riad , Vrontis Demetris , Christofi Michael
Published: December 2020

Sustainability concerns in the tourism industry are underresearched, although both stakeholder relationship management and data analytics knowledge streams have implications to underpin sustainability research and practice. Scholars argue that we have limited knowledge of the potential for analyzing diverse stakeholder relationship management issues from different tourism-related socioeconomic and ecological settings to fully exploit stakeholders’ contribution to tourism sustainability. Big data, as a research field, could offer varied cross-disciplinary implications for sustainable development. However, data analytics research is concerned with simplifying the overall management structure of data. In this context, at the intersection of these three research streams (tourism, stakeholder relationship management, and big data), this research note offers insights into how analyzing stakeholder causal scopes would be instrumental in simplifying tourism data management structure to support sustainability research and practice in the tourism industry.
Corporate social responsibility and COVID-19: Research implications
Authors: Lee Seoki
Published: December 2020

Considering the unprecedented event of COVID-19 as both global public health and economic crisis, its impacts on society including businesses are almost unimaginable. In particular, since the tourism and hospitality industries are among the hardest hit, tourism and hospitality researchers should examine how to understand its implications for these industries. This article takes a view from the corporate social responsibility (CSR) standpoint in relation to the current pandemic and attempts to provide some research implications, especially from the financial economics and strategic management perspectives. Potential research topics discussed in the article include emerging CSR initiatives throughout the pandemic, a comparison between pre- and post-pandemic financial implications of CSR, a moderating role of CSR strategy, various performance measures including risk measures, and culture and industry as boundary conditions.
Converging experiences, converging audiences: An analysis of doctor who on Twitch
Authors: Jacobs Naomi , Booth Paul
Published: December 2020

While primarily considered to be a platform for live streaming of video games, Twitch has recently diversified into streaming archival television content. In 2018 and 2019, episodes of the television show Doctor Who, originally aired between 1963 and 1989, were shown on the service, which also provides a synchronous chat function for viewers to communicate with each other as they watch. This article examines this phenomenon through conducting qualitative and quantitative surveys with a segment of the viewership of these streams in order to uncover a diversity of age and experience with the content that exposes a convergence of viewership. Results indicate that the convergence of audiences and novel affordances of the service provide opportunities for new experiences and forms of interaction, both with the media content and with other viewers. The live, synchronous nature of the broadcast is a key feature, and while some viewers found having less control over their viewing experience disconcerting, it resulted in different watching and production practices. This included the creation of memetic content which was shared with the wider community of fans beyond those watching the stream. We argue that new forms of communal watching are enabled by digital convergence and emerging technology platforms and services. These lead to new shared media experiences and outcomes.
Getting to know movement differently: Nurturing communicative, relational, and collective movement pedagogies with toddlers
Authors: Land Nicole , Todorovic Sanja
Published: December 2020

We share moments from ongoing pedagogical inquiry work with toddler-aged children, where we explore together how we might tentatively create conditions for movement to happen outside of the familiar, dominant, status-quo referents of individualism and motor skill development that anchor much physical activity curricula. Sharing pedagogical documentation images and stories, we present three provocations that we moved through with children. We describe how through engaging these provocations together, we came to know movement as communicative, relational, and collective. We conclude by recounting a provocation we hoped would spur conditions for moving differently beyond our habitual taken-for-granted methods of moving together. As we spend time with three provocation stories, we work hard to raise questions and uncertainties and to share our intentions and responses, rather than presenting our activities as universalizable or easily implementable practices. Throughout the article, we engage with movement conditions and pedagogies as ethical and political concerns.