bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Urban Environmental System of Systems for Weather Ready Cities in India
Authors: Kaginalkar Akshara , Ghude Sachin D. , Mohanty U. C. , Mujumdar Pradeep , Bhakare Sudheer , Darbari Hemant , Dwivedi Arun K. , Gavali Pallavi , Gavhale Srujan , Islam Sahidul , Kadam Gouri , Kedia Sumita , Khare Manoj , Kharkar Neelesh , Kulkarni Santosh H. , Meher Sri Sai , Nath A. K. , Niyaz Mohamed , Pokale Sagar , Valappil Vineeth Krishnan , Debnath Sreyashi , Jena Chinmay , Nadimpalli Raghu , Swain Madhusmita , Davis Saimy , Avinash Shubha , Kishtawal C. , Gargava Prashant , Attri S. D. , Niyogi Dev
Published: July 2021

Global urban population is projected to double by 2050. This rapid urbanization is the driver of economic growth but has environmental challenges. To that end, there is an urgent need to understand, simulate, and disseminate information about extreme events, routine city operations, and long-term planning decisions. This paper describes an effort underway in India involving an interdisciplinary community of meteorology, hydrology, air quality, and computer science from national and international institutes. The urban collaboratory is a system of systems for simulating weather, hydrology, air quality, health, energy, transport, and economy and its interactions. Study and prediction of urban events involve multiscale observations and cross-sector models, heterogeneous data management, and enormous computing power. The consortia program (NSM_Urban) is part of “weather ready cities,” under the aegis of India’s National Supercomputing Mission. The ecosystem “Urban Environment Science to Society” (UES2S) builds on the integrated cyberinfrastructure with a science gateway for community research and end-user service with modeling and interoperable data. The collaboratory has urban computing, stakeholder participation, and a coordinated means to scaffold projects and ideas into operational tools. It discusses the design and the utilization of high-performance computing (HPC) as a science cloud platform for bridging urban environment and data science, participatory stakeholder applications, and decision-making. The system currently integrates models for high-impact urban weather, flooding, air quality, and simulating street- and building-scale wind flow and dispersion. The program with the work underway is ripe for interfacing with regional and international partners, and this paper provides an avenue toward that end.
Interdecadal changes in the interannual variability of the summer temperature over Northeast Asia
Authors: Chen Ruidan , Wen Zhiping , Lu Riyu , Liu Wenjun
Published: July 2021

This study reveals the interdecadal changes in the interannual variability of the summer temperature over Northeast Asia (NEA), which presents an enhancement around the early 1990s and a reduction after the mid-2000s. The stronger NEA temperature variability after the early 1990s is favored by the enhanced influence of the Pacific–Japan (PJ) teleconnection, which is remotely modulated by the southeastern tropical Indian Ocean (SETIO). After the early 1990s, the mean state over the SETIO presents relatively warmer SST and ascending motion, favoring a good relationship between the local SST and convection. Therefore, the SETIO SST could prominently influence the local convection and subsequently modulate the convection over the western North Pacific (WNP) via a cross-equatorial overturning circulation. The abnormal convection over the WNP further triggers the PJ teleconnection to influence NEA. However, these ocean–atmosphere processes disappear before the early 1990s. In this period, the mean state over the SETIO features relatively colder SST and subsiding motion, accompanied by a poor relationship between the local SST and convection. Therefore, the variability of convection over the SETIO is weak, thus the atmospheric variability over the WNP is also weakened and the PJ teleconnection presents a different distribution that could not influence NEA. The reduced variability of NEA temperature after the mid-2000s is related to the feeble influence of the PJ teleconnection and the reduced variability of the SETIO SST, which is modulated by the SST over the tropical central–eastern Pacific during the preceding winter to spring.
Clarifying remotely-retrieved precipitation of shallow marine clouds from the NSF/NCAR Gulfstream V
Authors: Sarkar Mampi , Zuidema Paquita , Ghate Virendra
Published: July 2021

Precipitation is a key process within the shallow cloud lifecycle. The Cloud System Evolution in the Trades (CSET) campaign included the first deployment of a 94 GHz Doppler radar and 532 nm lidar. Despite a larger sampling volume, initial mean radar/lidar retrieved rain rates (Schwartz et al. 2019) based on the upward-pointing remote sensor datasets are systematically less than those measured byin-situprecipitation probes in the cumulus regime. Subsequent retrieval improvements produce rainrates that compare better toin-situvalues, but still underestimate. Retrieved shallow cumulus drop sizes can remain too small and too few, with an overestimated shape parameter narrowing the raindrop size distribution too much. Three potential causes for the discrepancy are explored: the gamma functional fit to the dropsize distribution, attenuation by rain and cloud water, and an underaccounting of Mie dampening of the reflectivity. A truncated exponential fit may represent the dropsizes below a showering cumulus cloud more realistically, although further work would be needed to fully evaluate the impact of a different dropsize representation upon the retrieval. The rain attenuation is within the measurement uncertainty of the radar. Mie dampening of the reflectivity is shown to be significant, in contrast to previous stratocumulus campaigns with lighter rain rates, and may be difficult to constrain well with the remote measurements. An alternative approach combines an aprioridetermination of the dropsize distribution width based on thein-situdata with the mean radar Doppler velocity and reflectivity. This can produce realistic retrievals, although a more comprehensive assessment is needed to better characterize the retrieval errors.
Environmental change perception and engagement of mountainous people in Western Himalayas, at Rajouri District, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Authors: Zeeshan Mohd , Zhang Huanyuan , Sha Liqing , Palingamoorthy Gnanamoorthy , Phyo Zayar , Chen Ziwei , Quadros Goldin , Azeez P A
Published: July 2021

Substantial temperature rise is reported in the Himalayas and the vulnerability of the region to climate change is well recognized. Apt adaptation strategy to cope with climate change calls for informed peoples’ participation, which was rarely investigated in Western Himalaya. Having been better informed, people in developed areas adopt better actions against climate change well guided by their perception. In contrast, Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir represents a relatively impoverished and climate change vulnerable region. We, therefore, gauge people’s perceptions and actions in this area based on a household survey from 717 randomly selected individuals. Further, consistency of perception was compared with meteorological records on temperature, humidity, wind speed, rainfall, and aboveground biomass from 1983 - 2013. The findings revealed that temperature increases significantly, while changes in rainfall, wind speed, and relative humidity were insignificant. Although people sensed a rise in temperature and deforestation right, most of them differ with respect to rainfall, wind speed, and humidity. They reported rising pollution and traffic, but no change in crop productivity or crop varieties. Of the respondents, 91% considered climate change as a risk, 86.8% reported reactive actions to it and 82.8% reported proactive actions. Locals from varied socio-economic backgrounds are not much informed about climate change; hence, the reasonability of their responses and positive adaptation actions needs further research. To engage people in climate adaptation actions, we suggest disseminating precise scientific information about local climate through awareness programs and by engaging them in climate change activities through suitable organizations.
Oral Manifestations in Patients with COVID-19: A 6-Month Update
Authors: Amorim dos Santos J. , Normando A.G.C. , Carvalho da Silva R.L. , Acevedo A.C. , De Luca Canto G. , Sugaya N. , Santos-Silva A.R. , Guerra E.N.S.
Published: July 2021

This is the first update of the previously published living systematic review that summarized evidence on the prevalence of oral signs and symptoms in patients with COVID-19. Hitherto, 183 studies were included, reporting data from 64,876 patients with COVID-19 worldwide. The overall prevalence of taste disorders was 38% (95% CI = 22% to 56%, I2 = 98%). Hypogeusia, dysgeusia, and ageusia were also evaluated by a meta-analysis, and the pooled prevalence was 34% for hypogeusia, 33% for dysgeusia, and 26% for ageusia. Taste disorders were associated with a positive COVID-19 test (odds ratio [OR] = 7.54, 95% CI = 5.24 to 10.86, I2 = 93%, P < 0.00001), showing high certainty of evidence. However, the association between taste disorders and mild/moderate severity of COVID-19 (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.33 to 1.99, I2 = 69%, P < 0.0001) and female patients with COVID-19 (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.26 to 2.48, I2 = 79%, P = 0.001) presented low certainty of evidence. Xerostomia was a new feature of this update, and the pooled data demonstrated a prevalence of 43% (95% CI = 36% to 50%, I2 = 71%) in patients with COVID-19. Regarding oral mucosal lesions, the most common clinical pattern was aphthous like, followed by herpes-like lesions, candidiasis, glossitis/depapillation/geographic tongue, parotitis, and angular cheilitis. Oral lesions were more frequent in the tongue, lips, and palate, presenting miscellaneous clinical aspects that are more likely to represent coinfections. Therefore, the reanalysis of current evidence suggests the triad xerostomia, taste dysfunction, and oral mucosal lesions as common manifestations in patients with COVID-19. However, these outcomes are under discussion, and more studies will be necessary to confirm their association with direct SARS-CoV-2 infection in the oral cavity.
Parental Death During Adolescence: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Farella Guzzo Maria , Gobbi Gabriella
Published: July 2021

While extensive research exists on parental loss in childhood and the related psychological interventions, little has been done in the adolescent population. Adolescence is a particular phase of life characterized by a singular psychological, emotional, neurological, and endocrinological development, paralleled by the process of self-affirmation and an opening toward social relationships. This complex neuropsychological phase should thus be understood independently from children and adults. The objective of this work was to review the literature studying the impacts of parental loss in adolescents. The current review identified a wide range of behavioral and emotional responses to parental death in adolescence, including depression, suicidal ideations, anxiety, insomnia, addiction and impaired function at school and home. The role of peers, school life, and family and social environment are important for the recovery from loss. More studies are required to better understand the different psychological trajectories in adolescence after parental death and tailor mental health interventions accordingly.
Analysis of the characteristics of outpatient and emergency diseases in the department of otolaryngology during the “COVID-19” pandemic
Authors: Jin Ling , Fan Kai , Tan Shiwang , Liu Shuangxi , Wang Yang , Yu Shaoqing
Published: July 2021

The pandemic of “Corona Virus Disease 2019” (COVID-19) has changed the lives of people. There have been changes in common outpatient and emergency cases in otolaryngology, so an analysis of data pertaining to this was completed. This study is to evaluate the impact of viral infection disease in otolaryngological common disease. This study uses the data of common diseases in the outpatient and emergency department during the “COVID-19” pandemic (from February to April 2020) and the same period in the past 3 years from the Department of Otolaryngology. During the “COVID-19” period compared with the same period last year, the ranking of cases by diseases has changed. Diseases such as chronic pharyngitis, allergic rhinitis, sudden deafness, and tinnitus increased, meanwhile acute pharyngitis and acute laryngopharyngitis decreased ( p < 0.05). The viral infection has impacted the mental behaviors of people, therefore mental-related disease cases of the department of Otolaryngology have increased indirectly. This study provides real data to illustrate mental-related diseases. It also provides experience and shows the importance of keeping and maintaining mental health.
A rare case of toxocariasis presenting with hypereosinophilic pericardial effusion and mycotic aneurysm
Authors: Sandal Sapna , Krishnan Gopal , Sharma Ashish , Ismail Javed , Yadav Jaivinder
Published: July 2021

Parasitic infections are the leading cause of hypereosinophilia in the paediatric population in tropical countries. We report an unusual case of Toxocara infection in an eight-year-old boy who presented with intermittent fever, hypereosinophilia complicated by massive pericardial effusion and a mycotic aneurysm. This child received treatment with four weeks of albendazole and steroids.
Social Support and Quality of Life Among People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Ghana
Authors: Birore Charles MS. , Wu Liyun , Abrefa-Gyan Tina , Lewis Marilyn W.
Published: July 2021

Utilization of antiretroviral therapies (ART) prolongs life and heightens ability to engage in productive activities among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This study implemented a 6-week long Social Care Intervention (SCI) Program in Ghana and identified protective factors associated with Quality of Life (QoL) among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). We discovered that SCI model in the form of social support associated positively with differences in the QoL among PLWHA. Logistic regression revealed that social support, especially affectionate support, was positively associated with a higher level of QoL. People who were older and healthier tended to have higher levels of QoL compared with their counterparts who were younger and sicker. These findings suggest that building social support system can serve as an empowerment approach to promote quality of life among PLWHA in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where resources are limited.
Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy device assisted TIPS recanalization: a feasibility study
Authors: Thurner Annette , Augustin Anne Marie , Götze Oliver , Bley Thorsten A , Kickuth Ralph
Published: July 2021

Background

Despite improved shunt patency, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) occlusion remains a serious complication, and effective debulking of the existing tract is needed to restore sufficient blood flow.

Purpose

To evaluate the technical and clinical success of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy in restoring patency of acutely and chronically thrombosed covered TIPS using the Aspirex®S and Rotarex®S system.

Material and Methods

We evaluated mechanical thrombectomy-assisted revisions in five patients between January 2012 and April 2021. Two patients had to be revised twice due to recurrent occlusion. We designated thrombosis within 10 days after shunt creation or revision as acute. Insidious deterioration of portal hypertension related symptoms for at least 6–8 weeks was recorded in chronic cases. We treated four acute and three chronic occlusions. After transjugular lesion crossing, we performed two mechanical thrombectomy device passages. If indicated, balloon dilatation, covered stent placement, or variceal embolization were added.

Results

The technical success rate was 100%. No procedure-related complications occurred. In one patient with acute decompensation of Budd–Chiari syndrome and acute-on-chronic liver failure, early re-thrombosis occurred twice with patency intervals of up to eight days. In contrast, stable patency was achieved in the other four patients with documented patency intervals of at least five months and improvement of portal hypertension-related symptoms, resulting in a patient based clinical success rate of 80%.

Conclusion

In five patients, percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy assisted TIPS recanalization of four acute and three chronic occlusions proved to be technically feasible and safe with a high clinical success rate.
The small molecule kobusone can stimulate islet β-cell replication in vivo
Authors: Choi Jin woo , Joo Jin-deok , In Jang hyeok , Kim Daewoo , Kim Yongshin , Choi Seung Tae , Kim Jung Han , Jung Hong Soo
Published: July 2021

Objective

To investigate the ability of kobusone to reduce high glucose levels and promote β-cell proliferation.

Methods

Four-week-old female db/db mice were assigned to the kobusone (25 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally twice a day) or control group (same volume of PBS). Glucose levels and body weight were measured twice a week. After 6 weeks, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests and immunohistochemical studies were performed, and insulin levels were determined. The expression of mRNAs involved in cell proliferation, such as PI3K, Akt, cyclin D3 and p57Kip 2 , was measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

Results

Kobusone reduced blood glucose levels after 3 weeks and more strongly increased serum insulin levels than the vehicle. Immunohistochemistry illustrated that kobusone increased 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine incorporation into islet β-cells, suggesting that it can stimulate islet β-cell replication in vivo. RT-qPCR indicated that kobusone upregulated the mRNA expression of PI3K, Akt, and cyclin D3 and downregulated that of p57Kip2.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that kobusone is a potent pancreatic islet β-cell inducer that has the potential to be developed as an anti-diabetic agent.
A three-dimensional model of transient bioheat transfer in the lower extremity during cryotherapy
Authors: Zare Parvaneh , Ghoraishian Mohammad , Faghih Khorasani Ahmadreza
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this research was to create a computational model of the human thigh undergoing cryotherapy. The tissue temperatures were measured for five cold pack temperatures of −8°C, −4°C, 0°C, 4°C, and 8°C in addition to six different time intervals of cold application and ice removal. The depth of cold penetration and duration of local tissue cooling were investigated at 10 points during 30 min of application and 7 h of post-application. The model was created in CATIA, using a mid-axial cut of the human thigh MRI without pathology. After validation by the available clinical data, this research applied the finite-volume discretization method to solve bioheat transfer equations. A 16°C decrease in the cold pack temperature reduced the tissue temperatures located 1 and 2 cm below the fat by almost 3.34°C and 1.4°C, respectively, after 30 min of cold application. It took the tissues 10–15 min to start cooling down, and the temperature reached its plateau after 100 min. Thirty minutes of cold application declined the superficial tissue and deep tissue temperatures near the bone by 22.59°C and 0.48°C, respectively. Intense cryotherapy led to an insignificant change in the deep tissue temperature at 2 cm and deeper below the fat tissue. After ice removal, tissues continued cooling down for about 8 min until 40 min, depending on the tissue depth. This study proposed a 100-min cold therapy with 10 min of ice removal to optimize tissue cooling.
The emergence of a New European Labour Policy regime: Continuity and change since the euro crisis
Authors: Syrovatka Felix
Published: July 2021

The architecture of European labour policy has changed in the past years of the euro crisis and its management. While in the pre-crisis phase EU labour policy still had a mainly symbolic character, the EU crisis management gave it a much more binding character. The article analyses the continuities and shifts in European labour policy against the background of austerity and crisis policy arguing that a new labour policy complex was able to emerge at the European level. While institutional shifts were considerable, the market-liberal orientation of labour policy remained in place. However, it was radicalized with the resilience approach. The article therefore provides an overview of the continuity and change of European labour policy in the euro crisis on the basis of institutional and discursive shifts.
Through Her Eyes: The Impact of War on Syrian Refugee Families
Authors: Al-Natour Ahlam , Morris Edith J. , Mohammad Al-Ostaz Samar
Published: July 2021

Background

The Syrian war conflict ended with devastating impact on Syrian refugee women and their children. A few studies have been done that explored the impact of the civil war and displacement of Syrian families from a cultural perspective. The purpose of this study was to highlight the experiences of the Syrian war–refugee families who have sought shelter in a host country.

Method

A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted using a semistructured interview approach among 16 Syrian refugee women who were approached from two Jordanian health care centers.

Results

The main themes discussed how the war ended with financial and social stress, family violence, and hazardous effects on women and children health.

Conclusion

This article introduced how culture and religion influence how family unit and members responded to war stressors. This study provided transcultural nursing knowledge, allowing nurses to be grounded in individualized culturally specific care.
Outcomes of radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula in octogenarians
Authors: Mauro Raffaella , Pini Alessia , Pini Rodolfo , Abualhin Mohammad , Mascoli Chiara , La Manna Gaetano , Chiocchini Anna Laura , Donati Gabriele , Faggioli Gianluca , Gargiulo Mauro
Published: July 2021

Background:

Current guidelines recommend radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (RCAVF) as a first choice access for hemodialysis, without specific indication for octogenarians .This study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of RCAVF in octogenarians compared with younger patients.

Material and methods:

All patients treated by RCAVF from January 2013 to December 2017 were included in a prospective database for a retrospective analysis. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and dialytic treatment data were collected prospectively and compared in patients <80 year-old and ⩾80 years-old. Clinical surveillance was performed during each dialysis session. The main endpoints were primary (PP) and assisted patency (AP).

Results:

Within the study period, a total of 294 RCAVF were analyzed: 245 (83.3%) RCAVF were performed in <80 year-old and 49 (16.7%) ⩾80 years old. The overall PP and AP at 2-year was 69% ± 2% and 73% ± 3%, respectively. Patients ⩾ 80 years-old had a significantly reduced 2-year PP, AP of RCAVF compared with the younger patients: 50% ± 8% and 62% ± 7% versus 73% ± 3% and 75% ± 3%, p = 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively. The analysis for possible risk factors for reduction of PP in patients ⩾80 years identified in the central venous catheter(CVC) a predictor of earlier RCAVF failure: HR 3.03(95% CI 1.29–7.13), p = 0.01.Kaplan–Meier curve confirms the reduction of PP in ⩾80 years old patients at 2-year follow-up with previous CVC compared patients without history of CVC: 59% ± 10% versus 24% ± 11%, p = 0.01. A comparison between the two groups was made in order to evaluate the impact of previous history of CVC .In absence of a history of CVC use older patients had a similar 2-year PP compared with younger patients: 59% ± 10% versus 72% ± 4%, p = 0.46. Otherwise, the history of a previous CVC reduced significantly the 2-year PP in ⩾80 years old patients compared the younger: 24% ± 12% versus 75% ± 5%, p = 0.0001.

Conclusions:

Despite lower overall primary and primary assisted patency, RCAVF are associated with satisfactory results also in octogenarians if performed in absence of history of CVC. Under these circumstances RCAVF can be considered a first choice treatment.
Pan-Cancer Survival Classification With Clinicopathological and Targeted Gene Expression Features
Authors: Zhao Daniel , Kim Daniel Y , Chen Peter , Yu Patrick , Ho Sophia , Cheng Stephanie W , Zhao Cindy , Guo Jimmy A , Li Yun R
Published: July 2021

Prognostication for patients with cancer is important for clinical planning and management, but remains challenging given the large number of factors that can influence outcomes. As such, there is a need to identify features that can robustly predict patient outcomes. We evaluated 8608 patient tumor samples across 16 cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas and generated distinct survival classifiers for each using clinical and histopathological data accessible to standard oncology workflows. For cancers that had poor model performance, we deployed a random-forest-embedded sequential forward selection approach that began with an initial subset of the 15 most predictive clinicopathological features before sequentially appending the next most informative gene as an additional feature. With classifiers derived from clinical and histopathological features alone, we observed cancer-type-dependent model performance and an area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) range of 0.65 to 0.91 across all 16 cancer types for 1- and 3-year survival prediction, with some classifiers consistently outperforming those for others. As such, for cancers that had poor model performance, we posited that the addition of more complex biomolecular features could enhance our ability to prognose patients where clinicopathological features were insufficient. With the inclusion of gene expression data, model performance for 3 select cancers (glioblastoma, stomach/gastric adenocarcinoma, ovarian serous carcinoma) markedly increased from initial AUROC scores of 0.66, 0.69, and 0.67 to 0.76, 0.77, and 0.77, respectively. As a whole, this study provides a thorough examination of the relative contributions of clinical, pathological, and gene expression data in predicting overall survival and reveals cancer types for which clinical features are already strong predictors and those where additional biomolecular information is needed.
A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Efficacy and Safety: Drug-Free Gel Containing Ultra-Deformable Phospholipid Vesicles (TDT 064) in Osteoarthritic Knees
Authors: Yuenyongviwat Varah , Iamthanaporn Khanin , Tuntarattanapong Pakjai , Hongnaparak Theerawit , Tangtrakulwanich Boonsin
Published: July 2021

Background:

There are a number of topical agents that are used for treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Drug-free gels, containing ultra-deformable phospholipid vesicles (TDT 064) are one such topical therapy, which have been stated to act as a bio lubricant. However, the evidence of TDT 064 in treatment of knee osteoarthritis is limited. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of pain control as a primary outcome and safety of TDT 064 compared with a topical placebo.

Methods:

Sixty-four patients with primary osteoarthritis, with radiographic showing Kellgren and Lawrence classification grade II to III, were randomized into 2 groups. In the first group of 32 patients TDT 064 was used as topical agent, whilst in the second group of 32 patients a placebo identical in appearance was used instead. The verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS) was used for recording pain levels, Self-reported Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS) as well as amounts of rescue medication were also recorded. The data were recorded at the start of the study, and then at follow-up appointments of 14 days, 6 weeks, and 3 months.

Results:

The mean VNRS for pain in both groups were significantly improved, when compared to the start of treatment ( P < .0001); however, there were no differences between groups at any follow up visit. KOOS in all subscales were not significantly different between both groups at baseline and at the end of treatment. However, the average amount of NSAIDs in the TDT 064 group was 26.39 ± 22.11 tabs, which was significantly lower than the control group; which used an average 37.03 ± 19.22 tabs in 3 months ( P = .047).

Conclusions:

There were no differences in the VNRS for pain and KOOS scores between the active and placebo groups. Although, TDT 064 could decrease usage of rescue medication the difference with use of a placebo was minimal. Further, larger trials would also be beneficial to demonstrate any differences between TDT 064 and a placebo.

Trial Registration:

TCTR, TCTR 20190302001. Registered 1 March, 2019: http://www.clinicaltrials.in.th
Theorising from global south literature for praxis: a transnational approach to chameleon feminism
Authors: Deb Basuli
Published: July 2021

This article challenges the historical directionality of women’s knowledge and experience from the global north to the global south. It situates Moroccan feminist literature by Leila Abouzeid and Malika Oufkir within a transnational comparative approach to argue that reversing such flows – northward instead of southward – enables defamiliarising feminist theory as we know it to refamiliarise it for feminist praxis. Drawing on Obioma Nnaemeka’s African feminist philosophy, the article engages in a literary analysis to articulate a theory of ‘chameleon feminism’ for illuminating how global south women’s stories connect rooms, arenas and fields for a praxis of resilience against authoritarianism.
Wake up, managers, times have changed! A plea for degrowth pedagogy in business schools
Authors: Bobulescu Roxana
Published: July 2021

The idea of endless economic growth is embedded in current economic teachings and in economic institutions. However, these teachings are being challenged by a corpus of studies which show that our economies are experiencing limits to growth. We must therefore work out how businesses can adapt to the post-growth era. This paper claims that there is an urgent need to introduce degrowth courses into the business curriculum to prepare future managers for the post-growth era. One way of doing this is to develop a specific degrowth pedagogy rooted in critical pedagogy. The author outlines the degrowth paradigm and introduces the current challenges of business education. Critical pedagogy provides the teacher with the necessary skills for questioning the relevance of the infinite growth paradigm on a finite planet. The paper reveals the transformational potential of degrowth pedagogy in business education.
Space surveillance architecture: issues and challenges – an integrated approach
Authors: Tompros Dionysios
Published: July 2021

The object of this study is space surveillance activity and the information systems involved for actors and national security organizations. Near and Deep Space Surveillance areas are presented, the former dealing with artificial objects and the latter the inner planetary system, including asteroids and its exploration and exploitation. (Near Space includes the upper layers of the atmosphere (thermosphere, exosphere) and the magnetosphere up to the limits of the magnetopause (6–15 RE). Deep Space refers to the space after the magnetopause and practically up to the limits of the Kuiper belt, about 50 A.U.) Due to the different matter of each area, the two sectors cannot have a common system for surveillance. The ever-increasing interest in natural resource extraction from the asteroid belt, the Moon, and Near-Earth Objects, combined with the explosive growth of the number of satellite commercial applications, makes the development and interconnection of the two distinct sector systems a necessity. This study describes the surveillance systems, the available technologies and methods, and develops a comprehensive oversight proposal.
Mixed Methods Research in Developing Country Contexts: Lessons From Field Research in Six Countries Across Africa and the Caribbean
Authors: Harris Jamelia
Published: July 2021

Mixed methods research in developing countries has been increasing since the turn of the century. Given this, there is need to consolidate insights for future researchers. This article contributes to the methodological literature by exploring how cultural factors and logistical challenges in developing contexts interplay with mixed methods research design and implementation. Insights are based on the author’s research experience of using mixed methods in six projects across three African and three Caribbean countries. Three lessons are provided to aid researchers using mixed methods working in developing countries. First, cultural factors call for more reflexivity. Second, adopting a pragmatic research paradigm is necessary. And third, the research process should be iterative and adaptive.
BEPU robustness analysis via perturbed law-based sensitivity indices
Authors: Iooss Bertrand , Vergès Vanessa , Larget Vincent
Published: July 2021

The “best-estimate plus uncertainty” (BEPU) methodology is the term used in the nuclear engineering community when dealing with uncertainty quantification issues in realistic numerical simulation models. One of the most critical hypothesis in these studies is the choice of the probability distributions of uncertain input variables which are propagated through the model. Bringing stringent justifications to the BEPU approach, especially in a safety study, requires quantifying the impact of potential uncertainty on the input variable distribution. To solve this problem, this paper deepens the robustness analysis based on the “Perturbed Law-based sensitivity Indices” (PLI). The PLI quantifies the impact of a perturbation of an input distribution on the quantity of interest (as a quantile of a model output or a safety margin) in the BEPU study. The mathematical formalism of the PLI is applied to two particular quantities of interest: the quantile and the superquantile. For both quantities, the PLI can be easily computed using a unique Monte-Carlo sample containing model inputs and output. Numerical tests are developed in order to define validity criteria of a PLI-based robustness analysis. The practical use of the method is illustrated on thermal-hydraulic computer experiments, simulating a cold leg Intermediate Break Loss Of Coolant Accident (IBLOCA) in a pressurized water nuclear reactor.
To Catch a Joke Thief, or Copyrighting Vaudeville Acts in the New York Clipper Registry
Authors: McMahan Matthew Joseph
Published: July 2021

In the early part of the twentieth century, the trade publication the New York Clipper created a way for vaudeville artists to claim priority over acts, songs, plays, jokes, and even concepts. The initiative tells us a great deal about the limited legal options facing vaudevillians at the time period as well as the dubious nature of codifying non-dramatic performance acts as clearly defined, own-able, and protectable intellectual property. Drawing on newspaper clippings from Billboard, Variety, and the New York Clipper, as well as rare documents from the American Comedy Archives, this paper offers a look at the American press’s attempt to intervene. It also provides an exploration of a number of rare jokes, gags, novelty acts over which vaudevillians claimed exclusive rights. Ultimately, if the newspapers could not actually protect the performers, they did manage to preserve acts that would otherwise be lost in history.
Assessment of quality of life in regions of Russia based on social media data
Authors: Shchekotin Evgeniy , Goiko Viacheslav , Myagkov Mikhail , Dunaeva Darya
Published: July 2021

The article offers a new method of quality of life assessment based on online activities of social networks users. The method has obvious advantages (quickness of research, low costs, large scale, and detailed character of the obtained information) and limitations (it covers only the “digital population,” whereas the rural population is not included). The article dwells on the potential of social networks as a data source to analyze the quality of life; it also presents the results of an empirical study of online activities of the users of VK, the most popular Russian social network. Using the obtained data, the authors have calculated the quality of life index for 83 regions of the Russian Federation based on 19 parameters of economic, social, and political aspects of life quality.
Effect of Digital-Tool-Supported Basal Insulin Titration Algorithm in Reaching Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Mexico
Authors: Tamez-Pérez Hector Eloy ,   Deceased Author, Cantú-Santos Oscar Manuel , Gutierrez-González Dalia , González-Facio Rosalinda , Romero-Ibarguengoitia Maria Elena
Published: July 2021

Background:

My Dose Coach (MDC) is a mobile application combined with a web portal that can suggest optimized basal insulin (BI) injection doses using Self-Measured Plasma Glucose (SMPG) and hypoglycemia data. This study aimed to evaluate its efficacy on patients reaching SMPG and Fasting blood glucose (FBG) target range 90-130 mg/dl (5-7.2 mmol/L) goals without severe hypoglycemic episodes. We also addressed the mean reduction in glycated hemoglobin (A1C), FBG, and SMPG and the improvement in the WHO’s Five Well Being Index (WBI).

Methods:

This prospective pilot study involved the use of MDC in outpatients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) from a Hospital in Northern Mexico. Patients on treatment with any BI were included in the study. The follow-up was of 16 weeks. Student t-tests or McNemar test were used for effect comparisons.

Results:

We included 158 patients (46.8% women), mean (SD) age 51 (10.3) years. We achieved SMPG target range in 58.9% [mean (95CI) reduction of 30.9 mg/dl (22.5-37.7; P < .001)] of the patients [66(28) days], with no severe hypoglycemia events. FBG goal was reached in 55.7% [mean (95CI) reduction of 63.4 mg/dl (49.6-77.2; P < .001)]. The mean (95CI) reduction of A1C was 1.78% (1.47-2, P < .01) with the last observation carried forward. There was a mean (95CI) increase of 2.23 (−3, −1.4, P < .01) points in WBI scale.

Conclusions:

MDC successfully helped to achieve FBG and SMPG goals, reduced A1C, and increased WBI with no severe hypoglycemia events.
Septic Arthritis in Paediatric Patients: A 10-year Experience at a Single Institution
Authors: Ng Stacy Wei Ling , Teo Nicole , Lee Nicole Kim Luan , Lim Kevin Boon Leong
Published: July 2021

Background

We evaluated the clinical presentation and microbiological profile of a cohort of paediatric patients with septic arthritis at a tertiary institution in Singapore.

Methods

After obtaining institutional board approval, records of all patients below 18 years presenting with septic arthritis between 2010 and 2019 were reviewed. Patient demographic and medical data were analysed.

Results

Of 24 patients with 26 infected joints with a mean age of 7.1 years, 50.0% had pre-existing atopic dermatitis. The most common site infected was the hip ( n = 11, 42.3%). The most common pathogen isolated from tissue cultures was methicillin-sensitive-Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) ( n = 9, 37.5%). Twenty-three (95.8%) of the patients underwent surgical drainage.

Conclusions

The skin of patients with atopic dermatitis has been shown to be more frequently colonised with Staphylococcus aureus compared to healthy individuals. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis in our cohort was higher compared to the reported national average of 20.8%. MSSA was the most commonly reported pathogen, and the hip joint most commonly affected. Less than half of the cohort had positive tissue or blood cultures. In paediatric patients with known atopic dermatitis who present with a fever, a painful joint and limited range of motion, septic arthritis should be considered and early drainage and antibiotics instituted.
Obesity is a risk factor for epidural lipomatosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Bi , Yuan Haifeng , Hu Lihong , Saad Muhammad
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to summarize the evidence of associations between obesity factors and spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) and to evaluate the strength and validity of these associations.

Methods:

Electronic databases such as Wiley Online Library, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library were searched and manual retrieval of references, the time limit was from the establishment of the database to May 2020. Methodological quality evaluations of the included studies were assessed using the bias risk assessment tool recommended by the Cochrane Guidelines. The RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis.

Results:

Finally, seven studies were included for meta-analysis, all of which were observational studies with mixed bias risk. These studies involved 807 patients, with an average age of 64 to 73.6 years, and 59.4 percent of the participants were male. The sample sizes for the included studies ranged from 28 to 288. The results of meta-analysis showed that high body mass index (BMI) was one of the factors affecting SEL ( P < 0.01, MD 1.37, 95% CI [0.81, 1.92]). All reviews had a high risk of bias, and the most common source of bias was that there was no strict unified case diagnosis standard between researches, and some studies (four items) did not clearly describe the confounders that they controlled.

Conclusions:

We suggest that physicians should consider high BMI as a factor leading to SEL, and to control body weight actively should be considered as the preferred treatment strategy before surgical intervention is conducted.
Emerging roles of long non-coding RNAs in spinal cord injury
Authors: Zhou Yiguang , Yu Feng
Published: July 2021

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is the most serious complication of spinal injury and often leads to severe dysfunction of the limb below the injured segment. SCI causes not only serious physical and psychological harm to the patients, but imposes an enormous economic burden on the whole society. Great efforts have been made to improve the functional outcomes of patients with SCI; however, therapeutic advances have far been limited. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is an important regulator of gene expression and has recently been characterized as a key regulator of central nervous system stabilization. Emerging evidence suggested that lncRNAs are significantly dysregulated and play a key role in the development of SCI. Our review summarizes current researches regarding the roles of deregulated lncRNAs in modulating apoptosis, inflammatory response, neuronal behavior in SCI. These studies suggest that specific regulation of lncRNA or its downstream targets may provide a new therapeutic approach for this desperate disease.
Short-Term Trends in Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery in Collegiate Baseball Players: An Analysis of 25,587 Player-Years
Authors: Rothermich Marcus A. , Fleisig Glenn S. , Conte Stan A. , Hart Karen M. , Cain E. Lyle , Dugas Jeffrey R.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Trends over time in the incidence of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) surgeries in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball players are currently unknown.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the trends in UCL surgeries over 3 years in Division I baseball programs. We hypothesized that surgical injuries would be consistently high over the course of the study.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Athletic trainers from Division I baseball programs were invited to participate in an electronic survey over 3 seasons. A total of 155 baseball programs agreed to participate in 2017, 294 programs participated in 2018, and 296 programs participated in 2019. After each of the 3 collegiate baseball seasons, the athletic trainer from each program entered anonymous, detailed descriptive data and surgical information on injured players into a secured database.

Results:

During the 3 years of this study, 100% of the enrolled programs successfully completed the survey (155/155 in year 1, 294/294 in year 2, and 296/296 in year 3). This registry of 745 completed surveys over 3 years represented 25,587 player-years from Division I collegiate baseball. The percentage of programs with at least 1 UCL surgery during this time was 57% in 2017, 51% in 2018, and 49% in 2019. The majority of these players were pitchers (84% overall from the 3 years). Seniors underwent a significantly lower percentage of the UCL surgeries (8% in 2017, 10% in 2018, and 13% in 2019) than did underclassmen. Surgeries were performed most often in-season and least often during the preseason. A slight majority of players undergoing surgery originated from warm-weather states, but the number of these players was never significantly higher than was the number of players from cold-weather states. Most surgeries performed each year were UCL reconstruction, but the percentage of UCL repair with ligament augmentation increased each year (10% UCL repairs in 2017, 20% in 2018, and 25% in 2019).

Conclusion:

UCL injuries requiring surgery were found to be a major source of morbidity in Division I collegiate baseball, supporting our hypothesis. This study can serve as a baseline for tracking long-term trends in UCL surgeries in collegiate baseball.
The Guiding Star: The Journey of an International Physician From Maternal Fetal Medicine to Fetal Neonatal Neurology
Authors: Agarwal Sonika
Published: July 2021

My path to the American dream took me from maternal fetal medicine in India to fetal and neonatal neurology in the United States, a journey spanning 2 continents, 3 countries, 3 healthcare systems, 4 rounds of the residency match process, 2 residency trainings and 4 fellowships. Through it all I had the good fortune to be guided by a wonderful support system of mentors, family, and friends. This is my story of how and why.
Trends in Medical and Surgical Admission Length of Stay by Race/Ethnicity and Socioeconomic Status: A Time Series Analysis
Authors: Ghosh Arnab K. , Unruh Mark A. , Soroka Orysya , Shapiro Martin
Published: July 2021

Background:

Length of stay (LOS), a metric of hospital efficiency, differs by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES) and longer LOS is associated with adverse health outcomes. Historically, projects to improve LOS efficiency have yielded LOS reductions by 0.3 to 0.7 days per admission.

Objective:

To assess differences in average adjusted length of stay (aALOS) over time by race/ethnicity, and SES stratified by discharge destination (home or non-home).

Method:

Data were obtained from 2009-2014 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Datasets for New York, New Jersey, and Florida. Multivariate generalized linear models were used to examine trends in aALOS differences by race/ethnicity, and by high vs low SES patients (defined first vs fourth quartile of median income by zip code) controlling for patient, disease and hospital characteristics.

Results:

For those discharged home, racial/ethnic and SES aALOS differences remained stable from 2009 to 2014. However, among those discharged to non-home destinations, Black vs White aALOS differences increased from 0.21 days in Q1 2009, (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.13 to 0.30) to 0.32 days in Q3 2013, (95% CI: 0.23 to 0.40), and for low vs high SES patients from 0.03 days in Q1 2009 (95% CI: -0.04 to 0.1) to 0.26 days, (95% CI: 0.19 to 0.34). Notably, for patients not discharged home, racial/ethnic and SES aALOS differences increased and persisted after Q3 2011, coinciding with the introduction of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Conclusion:

Further research to understand the ACA’s policy impact on hospital efficiencies, and relationship to racial/ethnic and SES differences in LOS is warranted.