bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CTRP3 protects hippocampal neurons from oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced injury through the AMPK/Nrf2/ARE pathway
Authors: Ding H , Wang Z , Song W
Published: January 2021

Objective:

C1q/TNF-related protein 3 (CTRP3), a member of CTRP family, has been found to have neuroprotective effect. In the current study, we investigated the protective role of CTRP3 in hippocampal neurons exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R).

Materials and methods:

The mRNA and protein levels of CTRP3 in OGD/R-stimulated hippocampal neurons were measured using qRT-PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. CCK-8 assay was performed to assess cell viability. ROS production was measured using the fluorescence probe 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA). The activities of SOD and GPx were determined using ELISA. Cell apoptosis was assessed. Luciferase reporter assay was carried out to assess the activation of ARE). The levels of p-AMPK and Nrf2 were measured using western blot.

Results:

Our results showed that the expression of CTRP3 was significantly downregulated in hippocampal neuronal cells exposed to OGD/R. Overexpression of CTRP3 improved cell viability of OGD/R-induced hippocampal neurons. In addition, overexpression of CTRP3 attenuated the OGD/R-caused oxidative stress with decreased ROS production and increased activities of SOD and GPx. Moreover, CTRP3 caused a significant increase in bcl-2 expression and decreases in bax expression and caspase-3 activity. Furthermore, CTRP3 overexpression significantly upregulated the levels of p-AMPK and Nrf2, as well induced the activation of ARE in OGD-R-induced hippocampal neurons. CTRP3 upregulated the mRNA expression levels of HO-1, NQO-1 and GPx-3. Additionally, treatment with the inhibitor of AMPK partially reversed the neuroprotective effect of CTRP3 in OGD/R-exposed neurons.

Conclusion:

CTRP3 exerted protective effect on OGD/R-induced cerebral injury, which was regulated by AMPK/Nrf2/ARE pathway.
Bridging across patient subgroups in phase I oncology trials that incorporate animal data
Authors: Zheng Haiyan , Hampson Lisa V , Jaki Thomas
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we develop a general Bayesian hierarchical model for bridging across patient subgroups in phase I oncology trials, for which preliminary information about the dose–toxicity relationship can be drawn from animal studies. Parameters that re-scale the doses to adjust for intrinsic differences in toxicity, either between animals and humans or between human subgroups, are introduced to each dose–toxicity model. Appropriate priors are specified for these scaling parameters, which capture the magnitude of uncertainty surrounding the animal-to-human translation and bridging assumption. After mapping data onto a common, ‘average’ human dosing scale, human dose–toxicity parameters are assumed to be exchangeable either with the standardised, animal study-specific parameters, or between themselves across human subgroups. Random-effects distributions are distinguished by different covariance matrices that reflect the between-study heterogeneity in animals and humans. Possibility of non-exchangeability is allowed to avoid inferences for extreme subgroups being overly influenced by their complementary data. We illustrate the proposed approach with hypothetical examples, and use simulation to compare the operating characteristics of trials analysed using our Bayesian model with several alternatives. Numerical results show that the proposed approach yields robust inferences, even when data from multiple sources are inconsistent and/or the bridging assumptions are incorrect.
Development of a novel piezoelectric-actuated inertial pump using bionic valve
Authors: Ding Ji , Cao Yi , Chen Quanqu , Dong Jingshi , Xu Zhi , Tian Dayue , Liu Chang , Zhang Bowen , Zeng Ping , Wu Yue , Yang Zhigang
Published: January 2021

Sampling fluids from the small-diameter deep pipeline is a challenging problem. In this paper, a very simple, piezoelectric-actuated inertial pump (PIP) is developed using a bionic valve to solve these problems. The PIP consists of simple components, including a cantilever beam piezoelectric actuator, a hard tube, and a bionic valve made of silicone. The fluid is driven by the inertial force generated in the vibration process of the tube. A new bionic valve inspired by a heart valve has been designed which has the advantages of small flow resistance and large flow area. The authors described the working principle of PIP in detail, established the flow characteristics model of the bionic valve, and used COMSOL Multiphysics to analyze the characteristics of the bionic valve. By comparing the response characteristics of the bionic valve with different tilt angles, the optimal Angle was obtained. Finally, the experimental and simulation results were compared, and the basic performance of PIP was tested. The experimental results showed that: When the tilting angle was 45° and the valve hole diameter was 6 mm, when the voltage was 98 V and the frequency was 24.5 Hz, the maximum output flow of the piezoelectric pump was 170.25 ml/min.
Stochastic recruitment limited control of shape memory alloy based on Markov chain model
Authors: Cui Jianjiang , Liu Cheng’en , Zhang Chen
Published: January 2021

A new control method of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuators based on stochastic recruitment is proposed. From the perspective of bionic control, the physiological basis of stochastic recruitment limited feedback control of artificial muscle is explained. The limited feedback control system of two-state cells and multi-state cells are established, and the limited feedback control law is deduced for these two kinds of systems. In the Simulink environment, two kinds of limited feedback control algorithms are simulated and compared, which verifies the feasibility of the algorithm. Aiming at the key problem of scaling coefficient in the system, the longitudinal and transverse comparative experiments are carried out to analyze the influence of the scaling coefficient on the system.
The Effect of Person-Team Conscientiousness Fit on Knowledge Sharing: The Moderating Role of Internal Team Environment
Authors: Zhao Guozhen , Chiu Holly H. , Jiao Hao , Cheng Meng Yu , Chen Ying
Published: January 2021

Drawing on studies of person-team fit and theory of team-member exchange, we examined the effect of fit versus misfit between a team member’s conscientiousness and his/her team’s composition of conscientiousness on the member’s knowledge sharing. We hypothesized that person-team conscientiousness fit would lead to more knowledge sharing because a member who fits his/her team with respect to conscientiousness tends to have similar achievement striving with the team and low exchange cost. Using the method of polynomial regression in two studies in different regions and research settings, we obtained consistent results that person-team conscientiousness fit is positively associated with a team member’s knowledge sharing. We further found that internal team environment moderates the relationship between person-team conscientiousness fit and knowledge sharing such that it makes the relationship weaker. Our study demonstrated that to better understand the effect of personality on knowledge sharing in teams, it is beneficial to simultaneously consider the interplay among member personality, team personality, and team contexts.
The effect of freedom of relevant choice on the 7-m throw in university students practicing handball
Authors: Barros Julia Dias , Marques Priscila Garcia , Borges Paulo H , Teixeira Dourivaldo , Corrêa Umberto Cesar
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of freedom of relevant choice, that is, associated with performance success, on the motor learning. Forty players of both sexes (21.2 ± 2.4 years) participated in the study and were divided into four experimental groups: alternated, random, choice, and yoked. The task was the Handball 7-m throw, in specific right and left side throw. Participants performed five blocks of six throws in the practice phase and, after 30 min, another six throws in the retention test. A mixed model analyses of variance (ANOVA) were run with data from the performance success and consistency rates considering first and last blocks of acquisition and retention block as repeated measures. Groups were analyzed as independent variables by considering their interaction with sex (4 × 2 × 3 (groups × sex × blocks)) and time of practice (4 × 4 × 3 (groups × time of practice × blocks)). Results showed that the alternated and choice groups presented superior rates of performance success to the random and yoked groups. The findings of this study allowed us to conclude that learning was benefited by the alternated and choice conditions compared to the random and yoked conditions.
Tracking Thought Squirrels: A Relational Cultural Theoretical Approach to Counseling Couples
Authors: Lértora Ian M. , Starkey Jesse
Published: January 2021

Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) describes the process of connection and disconnection that is inevitable in relationship. Understanding how we can navigate and recover from connection and disconnection in our relationships with loved ones serves to develop relational resilience. In this article, the author will share an approach to couples communication, grounded in RCT, which may help increase the ability for couples to communicate their moments of connection and disconnection to one another to foster relational resilience. Two case examples are shared that exemplify the step by step process of incorporating this relational cultural approach in practice.
Role of Social Comparison and Interpersonal Skills in Positive Parenting and Self-Esteem in Pakistani Adolescents: A Serial Mediation Analysis
Authors: Zahra Sayyeda Taskeen , Saleem Sadia , Subhan Sara , Mahmood Zahid
Published: January 2021

The current research explored the serial mediating role of social comparison and interpersonal skills in the association between positive parenting and self-esteem in adolescents. The participants for this study comprised 674 (boys = 47%, girls = 53%) adolescents recruited from the mainstream government school of Lahore, an urbanized city of Pakistan, by using a multistage sampling technique. Participants for this research have an age range of 12–19 years ( M = 14.88, SD = 1.33). Parenting Style Scale for Adolescents, Self-Esteem Scale for Children, Social Comparison Scale, and Interpersonal Skills Scale were used to measure the positive parenting, self-esteem, social comparison, and interpersonal skills, respectively. Based on the study results, it was concluded that social comparison and interpersonal skills partially mediate the relationship between positive parenting and self-esteem. The results of the research are discussed in the light of pertinent literature, and some recommendations were given for upcoming studies.
Intermediate-term Patient-Reported Outcomes and Radiographic Evaluation Following Intramedullary- vs Extramedullary-Referenced Total Ankle Replacement
Authors: Akoh Craig C. , Kadakia Rishin , Fletcher Amanda , Park Young Uk , Kim Hyongnyun , Nunley James A. , Easley Mark E.
Published: January 2021

Background:

The purpose of this study was to report on the radiographic outcomes, clinical outcomes, and implant survivorship following extramedullary-referenced (EMr) vs intramedullary-referenced (IMr) total ankle replacement (TAR).

Methods:

From May 2007 to February 2018, a consecutive series of patients with end-stage tibiotalar osteoarthritis undergoing TAR was enrolled in this study. Analyses were performed comparing IMr vs EMr components for patient-reported outcomes data, pre- and postoperative radiographic ankle alignment, concomitant procedures, and complications. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analyses served to determine implant reoperation and revision surgery. A total of 340 TARs were included with 105 IMr TAR and 235 EMr TAR. The mean follow-up was 5.3 years (±2.5, range 2-12).

Results:

The absolute value for preoperative coronal alignment was significantly greater for IMr compared to EMr TAR (13.0 vs 6.4 degrees; P < .0001), but both groups achieved near neutral alignment postoperatively (1.4 vs 1.5 degrees; P = .6655). The odds of having a concomitant procedure was 2.7 times higher in patients with an IMr TAR (OR 2.7, CI 1.7-4.4; P < .0001). There were similar improvements in patient-reported outcome scores at 1 year and final follow-up (all P > .05). The 5-year implant survivorship was 98.6% for IMr vs 97.5% for EMr at final follow-up.

Conclusion:

The IMr and EMr TAR components had comparable postoperative alignment, patient-reported outcome scores, and complications. The 5-year implant survivorship was similar between the IMr and EMr groups.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Outcomes and Surgical Strategies of Minimally Invasive Chevron/Akin Procedures
Authors: Neufeld Steven K. , Dean Daniel , Hussaini Syed
Published: January 2021

Background:

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is increasingly being used for bunion correction, but limited patient outcome data have been reported for third-generation minimally invasive chevron/Akin (MICA) techniques. The aim of this study was to report on radiographic outcomes, pain control, satisfaction, learning curve, and complication rates in a consecutive series of 94 patients undergoing MICA procedures for hallux valgus. It also describes strategies for avoiding perioperative complications that may arise with MIS bunionectomies.

Methods:

The treating surgeon’s first 94 MICA procedures were included in the study. Radiographs were reviewed to measure pre- and postoperative intermetatarsal angles (IMAs), hallux valgus angles (HVAs), and soft tissue/bony foot width. Outcome measures, including visual analog scale (VAS) scores and Coughlin satisfaction scores, were obtained. Complication rates were retrospectively assessed though chart review. Statistical analysis was performed using Student t test for continuous variables and χ2 test for categorical variables. Average patient follow-up was 11.2 months.

Results:

VAS scores dropped 1 week postoperatively, from 5.2 preoperatively to 2.4 ( P < .001). IMA improved from 12.6 degrees to 5.7 degrees at final follow-up ( P < .001), while HVA improved from 26.8 degrees to 10.3 degrees ( P < .001). Bony foot width improved from 92.4 mm to 87.2 mm ( P < .001), and soft tissue foot width improved from 104.1 mm to 100.1 mm ( P < .001). The reoperation rate was 5%, including 3 hardware removals, 1 irrigation and debridement, and 1 neurolysis. Ninety-four percent of patients reported good or excellent satisfaction with the procedure. Complication rates and patient satisfaction scores were similar between the first and second half of patients ( P > .05), suggesting the learning curve was not a factor.

Conclusion:

In our experience, the MICA osteotomy was a safe and reproducible technique, associated with rapid improvement in pain scores, early weightbearing, significant deformity correction, high patient satisfaction, and low frequency of complications. In addition, the learning curve for the procedure was not as steep as previously reported.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative series.
Calculating the response of waveguides to base excitation using the wave and finite element method
Authors: Renno Jamil , Sassi Sadok , Alnahhal Wael I
Published: January 2021

The prediction of the response of waveguides to time-harmonic base excitations has many applications in mechanical, aerospace and civil engineering. The response to base excitations can be obtained analytically for simple waveguides only. For general waveguides, the response to time-harmonic base excitations can be obtained using the finite element method. In this study, we present a wave and finite element approach to calculate the response of waveguides to time-harmonic base excitations. The wave and finite element method is used to model free wave propagation in the waveguide, and these characteristics are then used to find the amplitude of excited waves in the waveguide. Reflection matrices at the boundaries of the waveguide are then used to find the amplitude of the travelling waves in the waveguide and subsequently the response of the waveguide. This includes the displacement and stress frequency response transfer functions. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the approach and to discuss the numerical efficiency of the proposed method.
Analytical and experimental nonzero-sum differential game-based control of a 7-DOF robotic manipulator
Authors: Bagheri Mostafa , Naseradinmousavi Peiman
Published: January 2021

We formulate a Nash-based feedback control law for an Euler–Lagrange system to yield a solution to noncooperative differential game. The robot manipulators are broadly used in industrial units on the account of their reliable, fast, and precise motions, while consuming a significant lumped amount of energy. Therefore, an optimal control strategy needs to be implemented in addressing efficiency issues, while delivering accuracy obligation. As a case study, we here focus on a 7-DOF robot manipulator through formulating a two-player feedback nonzero-sum differential game. First, coupled Euler–Lagrangian dynamic equations of the manipulator are briefly presented. Then, we formulate the feedback Nash equilibrium solution to achieve perfect trajectory tracking. Finally, the performance of the Nash-based feedback controller is analytically and experimentally examined. Simulation and experimental results reveal that the control law yields almost perfect tracking and achieves closed-loop stability.
Integrating Animal-Assisted Therapy Into TF-CBT for Abused Youth With PTSD: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial
Authors: Allen Brian , Shenk Chad E. , Dreschel Nancy E. , Wang Ming , Bucher Ashley M. , Desir Michelle P. , Chen Michelle J. , Grabowski Simonie R.
Published: January 2021

This clinical trial examined animal-assisted therapy (AAT) as an adjunct to Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for abused youth with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Youth between the ages of 6 and 17 ( M = 11.79, SD = 3.08) were randomized to receive standard TF-CBT or TF-CBT with adjunctive AAT (TF-CBT+AAT) employing retired service dogs. Feasibility metrics evaluating the addition of AAT were collected in addition to common clinical outcomes evaluated in TF-CBT trials. The inclusion of AAT increased the number of potential participants who declined participation and there were no noted benefits for treatment retention or satisfaction with services. Analyses showed that the inclusion of AAT did not enhance improvement of PTSD symptom severity (β = .90, t = .94, p = .351) or a number of other outcomes. On the contrary, there were indications from analyses and clinician feedback that AAT may have attenuated improvement in many cases. This study identified a number of important feasibility considerations in the design of studies testing AAT. However, the results examining clinical outcomes suggest that the inclusion of AAT with TF-CBT in the treatment of maltreated youth with PTSD is not warranted at this time.
Minimal renal pelvis dilation in cats diagnosed with benign ureteral obstruction by antegrade pyelography: a retrospective study of 82 cases (2012–2018)
Authors: Lemieux Charles , Vachon Catherine , Beauchamp Guy , Dunn Marilyn E
Published: January 2021

Objectives

The aim of the study was to describe renal pelvis (RP) and ureteral ultrasonographic measurements in a population of cats with confirmed benign ureteral obstruction (UO) by antegrade pyelography. The secondary objective was to further describe clinical findings associated with minimally dilated obstructed kidneys in an attempt to better understand its occurrence.

Methods

Retrospective case series of cats diagnosed with benign UO were confirmed by antegrade pyelography. Medical records were reviewed and signalment, diagnostic imaging results, serum creatinine (SCr) concentration and urine culture results were recorded. Each obstructed kidney was categorized into two groups: group 1 included all RP measurements ⩽4 mm and group 2 included all RP measurements >4 mm.

Results

A total of 82 cats with 114 obstructed ureters met the inclusion criteria. Fifty (61%) cats had a unilateral UO and 32 (39%) had a bilateral UO. Thirty (26%) kidneys were included in group 1 while 84 (74%) were included in group 2. Nine (8%) kidneys had an RP dilation ⩽2 mm. Median RP and ureteral diameters were 6.6 mm (range 1.1–37.0 mm) and 3.2 mm (range 0.0–11.0 mm), respectively. RP size correlated positively with ureteral diameter in the study population ( P <0.0001), but not in group 1 when analyzed separately ( P = 0.47). UO was secondary to stones in 80 (70%) ureters. Seventeen (21%) cats had a positive urine culture. At admission, 79 (96%) cats were azotemic with a median preoperative SCr concentration of 444 µmol/l (range 108–1326 μmol/l). The mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) preoperative SCr concentration was significantly higher in group 1 (762 µmol/l [498–1165 μmol/l]) than in group 2 (409 µmol/l [333–502 μmol/l]). RP size in the two groups correlated negatively with preoperative SCr concentration ( P = 0.0002).

Conclusions and relevance

Feline UO may be associated with minimal RP dilation and the severity of RP and ureteral dilation can be highly variable. Absence of significant RP dilation does not rule out UO in cats.
Comparison between Latanoprost, Travoprost, and Tafluprost in reducing intraocular pressure fluctuations in patients with glaucoma
Authors: Faseeh Ahmed Essam , Allam Riham SHM , Shalash Ahmed B , Abd Elmohsen Mai Nasser
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

To compare the efficacies of latanoprost 0.005%, travoprost 0.004%, and tafluprost 0.0015% in reducing diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations in patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods:

In this prospective randomized clinical trial, 60 patients who were newly diagnosed with POAG were divided into three equal groups. Patients were examined at presentation and at second and sixth weeks. Diurnal phasing of IOP was conducted using a calibrated Goldmann applanation tonometer. IOP measurements were recorded from 8:00 am to 9:00 am, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Results:

The study groups were distributed similarly in terms of age and gender ( p-values: 0.76) and the participants had a mean age of 52.98 ± 13.43 years. The IOP at the day of inclusion was not statistically significant among the three groups ( p-values 0.27, 0.51, and 0.64 at 8 am, 2 pm, and 8 pm, respectively). Similar nonsignificant differences were noticed on the follow-up visits. However, the tafluprost group showed a significant reduction in IOP on the follow-up visit at the second week at 8 pm (30.5% reduction, p-value: 0.03). All three drugs showed a comparable and significant reduction in IOP and IOP fluctuations. The pattern of side effects was similar in all the groups.

Conclusion:

Latanoprost, travoprost, and tafluprost show a similar effectiveness in reducing the mean IOP and the diurnal IOP fluctuation in POAG. Importantly, the three drugs have comparable tolerability with insignificant differences regarding the pattern of their side effects.
Post audio-visual biofeedback training visual functions and quality of life in paediatric idiopathic infantile nystagmus: A pilot study
Authors: Daibert-Nido Monica , Pyatova Yulia , Markowitz Michelle , Taheri-Shirazi Maryam , Markowitz Samuel N
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

Biofeedback training (BT) was adapted to idiopathic infantile nystagmus syndrome (IINS) cases to enhance visual functions and quality of life (QoL).

Methods:

10 patients (age 9 ± 3.2 years) treated with the audio-visual BT module of the MAIA microperimeter (Centervue, Padova, Italy) were assessed in two baseline visits and 1week post-BT (BT 80 min in total). The outcomes were distance and near binocular best corrected visual acuity (BBCVA), fixation stability, reading speed, contrast sensitivity, stereopsis and Children’s Visual Function Questionnaire. One-way repeated measured ANOVA and paired t-tests were used.

Results:

Distance BBCVA improved from 0.46 ± 0.21 and 0.43 ± 0.18 pre-BT to 0.33 ± 0.2 logMAR post-BT ( F (2,27) = 13.75, p = 0.0002). Post-BT was better than baseline ( p = 0.0001) and pre-BT ( p = 0.001). Near BBCVA improved from 0.23 ± 0.09 and 0.21 ± 0.14 pre-BT to 0.04 ± 0.08 post-BT (F (2,27) = 22.12, p = 0.000014), post-BT was better than baseline ( p = 0.0001) and pre-BT ( p = 0.0006). Stereopsis improved from 283 ± 338″ to 39 ± 32.2″ ( p = 0.04), contrast sensitivity from 0.26 ± 0.17 to 0.08 ± 0.12 log units ( p = 0.01), and reading speed improved from 74.7 ± 51.2 wpm to 104.7 ± 53.6 wpm ( p = 0.0006). Fixation stability improved from 33.6 ± 28.1 to 14.3 ± 10.1 sq. QoL increased from 23.8 ± 2.2 to 26.3 ± 2.3 units ( p = 0.001).

Conclusion:

BT benefited all visual functions and QoL in this pilot study, heralding a new possibility for Low Vision Rehabilitation in IINS.
Covid-19 and acute conjunctivitis: Controversial data from a tertiary refferral Italian center
Authors: D’Amico Ricci Giuseppe , Del Turco Claudia , Belcastro Elena , Palisi Marco , Romano Mario R , Pinna Antonio , Panico Claudio , La Spina Carlo
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

Although acute conjunctivitis has been listed from the beginning as a possible sign of COVID-19, the likelihood of this association remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 and conjunctivitis.

Methods:

In this retrospective, observational study, we recruited all patients with signs and symptoms of acute conjunctivitis seen at the Eye Emergency Department (ED), Turin Eye Hospital, between 01/01/2020 and 12/05/2020 and cross-checked our data with the Piedmont Region online COVID-19 registry in the same period.

Results:

Among 10,065 patients seen at our ED during the timespan considered, 88 underwent a nasopharyngeal swab (NS) for SARS-CoV-2 detection within 4 weeks before/after our examination. On average, NS was performed −0.72 ± 1.8 weeks before/after eye examination. Of the 77 patients with a negative NS, 26 (33.8%) had a diagnosis of acute conjunctivitis, whereas the remaining 51 (66.2%) had other eye disorders. Among the 11 patients with COVID-19, 7 (63,6%) had a diagnosis of acute conjunctivitis. We found a non-statistically significant increase in NS positivity rate (21.2%) among cases examined at our ED for acute conjunctivitis, compared to the NS positivity rate (7.3%) in patients examined for all other eye conditions ( p = 0.092). The Odds Ratio of having a positive NS in patients with acute conjunctivitis was 3.43 (95% I.C. = 0.9–12.8, p = 0.06). Considering online-registry data of Turin population during the same time-span, among 2441 positive NS cases only 27 (1.1%) presented with acute conjunctivitis.

Conclusion:

Our results do not reveal a statistically significant correlation between COVID-19 and acute conjunctivitis.

Synopsis

The present study analyzes retrospectively data from a tertiary eye referral center to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 infection and conjunctivitis.
The epidemiology of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection in our renal units is changing
Authors: Mandolfo Salvatore , Anesi Adriano , Rognoni Vanina
Published: January 2021

Recent reports have shown an increase in the rate of Gram-negative bacteremia in several settings, including catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI). To analyze if the epidemiology of CRBSI is also changing in hemodialysis patients, we revisited the etiology of CRBSIs in our renal unit over 8 years. During the observed periods, 149 episodes of CRBSIs were reported and the CRBSI incidence rate, ranged between 0.67 and 0.82 episodes/1000 tCVC days. Of these 149 episodes, 84 (56.3%) were due to Gram-positive bacteria, 62 (41.6%) to Gram-negative bacteria, and 3 (2.1%) to polymicrobial flora, no episodes of fungi were found. There was a trend, but not statistically significative, increase over time in the number of Gram-negative CRBSIs among the total CRBSIs, rising from 37.8% in the first period to 41.2% in the second period and to 44.3% in the last period, with a parallel decrease in the percentage of Gram-positive CRBSIs (from 59.5% to 56.9% and subsequently to 54.1%). Between Gram-negative, we reported an intensification of CRBSI due to Enterobacterales, particularly Escherichia coli. Among the Gram-negative, we have isolated germs rarely reported in the literature, such as Burkholderia cepacia, Pantoea agglomerans, and Rhizobium radiobacter. Regarding Gram-positive bacteria, a triplicate incidence of Staphylococcus aureus was reported with MRSA accounting for 42% in the third period. Among the Gram-positive bacteria, we reported two episodes of Kocuria kristinae and two of Bacillus spp.

Our data demonstrated that the epidemiology of CRBSI in the same center, will change over time and Gram-negative strains are an increasing cause of CRBSI. The limitation of the present report is that statistical significance has not been reached, probably due to the limited number of CRBSI. New bacteria, both Gram-negative and Gram-positive, are emerging. Collaboration with the Microbiology Department appears essential to an appropriate diagnosis.
Temperature and Latitude Correlate with SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiological Variables but not with Genomic Change Worldwide
Authors: Burra Prakruthi , Soto-Díaz Katiria , Chalen Izan , Gonzalez-Ricon Rafael Jaime , Istanto Dave , Caetano-Anollés Gustavo
Published: January 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the COVID-19 disease has spread quickly and massively around the entire globe, causing millions of confirmed cases and deaths worldwide. The disease poses a serious ongoing threat to public health. This study aims to understand the disease potential of the virus in different regions by studying how average spring temperature and its strong predictor, latitude, affect epidemiological variables such as disease incidence, mortality, recovery cases, active cases, testing rate, and hospitalization. We also seek to understand the association of temperature and geographic coordinates with viral genomics. Epidemiological data along with temperature, latitude, longitude, and preparedness index were collected for different countries and US states during the early stages of the pandemic. Our worldwide epidemiological analysis showed a significant correlation between temperature and incidence, mortality, recovery cases and active cases. The same tendency was found with latitude, but not with longitude. In the US, we observed no correlation between temperature or latitude and epidemiological variables. Interestingly, longitude was correlated with incidence, mortality, active cases, and hospitalization. An analysis of mutational change and mutational change per time in 55 453 aligned SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences revealed these parameters were uncorrelated with temperature and geographic coordinates. The epidemiological trends we observed worldwide suggest a seasonal effect for the disease that is not directly controlled by the genomic makeup of the virus. Future studies will need to determine if correlations are more likely the result of effects associated with the environment or the innate immunity of the host.
Celebrity influence on body image and eating disorders: A review
Authors: Brown Zoe , Tiggemann Marika
Published: January 2021

Celebrities are well-known individuals who receive extensive public and media attention. There is an increasing body of research on the effect of celebrities on body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Yet, there has been no synthesis of the research findings. A systematic search for research articles on celebrities and body image or eating disorders resulted in 36 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Overall, the qualitative, correlational, big data, and experimental methodologies used in these studies demonstrated that exposure to celebrity images, appearance comparison, and celebrity worship are associated with maladaptive consequences for individuals’ body image.
Excuse and justification: What’s explanation and understanding got to do with it?
Authors: Pleasants Nigel
Published: January 2021

A well-worn French proverb pronounces ‘ tout comprendre c’est tout pardonner’ (‘to understand all is to forgive all’). Is forgiveness the inevitable consequence of social scientific understanding of the actions and lives of perpetrators of serious wrongdoing? Do social scientific explanations provide excuses or justifications for the perpetrators of the actions that the explanations purport to explain? In this essay, I seek clarification of these intertwined explanatory and moral questions.
Effects of root radius and pitch difference on fatigue strength and anti-loosening performance for high strength bolt–nut connections
Authors: Noda Nao-Aki , Wang Biao , Oda Kazuhiro , Sano Yoshikazu , Liu Xi , Inui Yuto , Yakushiji Terutoshi
Published: January 2021

The fatigue strength improvement and anti-loosening performance are studied experimentally and analytically for JIS M16 bolt–nut connections. Three different root radii are considered coupled with three different pitch differences. The enlarging the bolt root radius improves the fatigue limit of the bolt by more than 30% because both stress amplitude and mean stress can be reduced. Furthermore, suitable pitch difference improves the fatigue limit by more than 25%. This is because under no pitch difference the crack initiation always occurs at No.1 or No.2 threads close to the bolt head causing the final failure; however, under a suitable pitch difference the crack initiation occurs at No.6 or No.7 threads far away from the bolt head. Good anti-loosening performance can be expected for the bolt–nut connections having enlarged root radius because the prevailing torque [Formula: see text] = 19 Nm and the residual prevailing torque [Formula: see text] are not smaller compared to other special bolt–nut connections.
Dimensionalizing esports consumption: Alternative journeys to professional play
Authors: Huston Clarice , Gracia B Cruz Angela , Zoppos Eloise
Published: January 2021

Much of the extant literature on esports consumption has characterized esports consumers as striving for mastery of their gaming skills, with a focus on professional esports players. Through a hermeneutic analysis of the esports literature, insider immersion, and in-depth interviews, this study applies a qualitative research design to illustrate the various journeys that non-professional esports consumers embark upon that incorporate multiple consumption practices. We advance the axes of ‘skills versus culture’ and ‘serious versus casual’ as ways to dimensionalize different consumer journeys. We also demonstrate that consumer journeys in the esports field are fluid, with consumers moving across the different dimensions according to their broader life context.
Epistemic Vigilance in Early Ontogeny: Children’s Use of Nonverbal Behavior to Detect Deception
Authors: Ghossainy Maliki E. , Al-Shawaf Laith , Woolley Jacqueline D.
Published: January 2021

This study examines the development of children’s ability to modulate their trust in verbal testimony as a function of nonverbal behavior. Participants included 83 children (26 four-year-olds, 29 five-year-olds, and 28 six-year-olds) that were tasked with locating a toy hidden in one of two boxes. Before deciding the location, participants watched a video of an adult providing verbal and nonverbal cues about the location of the toy. We hypothesized that older children would display epistemic vigilance, trusting nonverbal information over verbal information when the two conflict. Consistent with our expectations, when sources were consistent, all children trusted the verbal testimony. By contrast, and as predicted, when they were inconsistent, only 6-year-olds distrusted verbal testimony and favored nonverbal cues; 4- and 5-year-olds continued to trust verbal testimony. Thus, 6-year-old children demonstrate an ability to modulate their trust in verbal testimony as a function of nonverbal information. Younger children's inability to do this is not due to their being unaware of non-verbal behavior; indeed, when nonverbal information was offered exclusively, children of all ages used it to find the object.
Citizenship-as-competence, what else? Why European citizenship education policy threatens to fall short of its aims
Authors: Joris Margot , Simons Maarten , Agirdag Orhan
Published: January 2021

The topic of citizenship education and the promotion of democratic citizenship in schools has risen to the top of educational policy agendas in Europe over the past three decades. This rise in attention, however, appears to be accompanied by an apparent lack of attention to the specific manner in which citizenship, education and the assumed relationship between both are currently conceptualised and understood in this policy context. The currently dominant notions of citizenship education centre around a concept of citizenship-as-competence, illustrating a certain assumption of equivalence between citizenship and formal education in schools, without further elaborating on this assumption. By means of a critical re-reading of key European educational policy texts referring to citizenship education, and their use of the key concepts of citizenship and education, our analysis shows how the competence-based approach to citizenship education in European educational policymaking entails tensions with its own assumptions, therefore falling short of its own proclaimed purpose of emancipating young people in Europe to become autonomous, engaged and critical democratic citizens.
‘First and foremost, we are teachers, not refugees’: Requalification measures for internationally trained teachers affected by forced migration
Authors: Proyer Michelle , Pellech Camilla , Obermayr Tina , Kremsner Gertraud , Schmölz Alexander
Published: January 2021

This article looks deeper into the educational careers and barriers faced by internationally trained teachers with refugee backgrounds. Highly skilled teachers experience among others formal barriers due to the two-subject regime in Austria. This study analyses the barriers and measures that disable or enable the re-qualification of internationally trained teachers who wish to continue their profession in Austria. Guided by a participatory approach laid out by Von Unger in 2014, this study taps into the needs of teaching professionals with refugee backgrounds and led to the development and implementation of a course. The course was compiled to provide educational knowledge as well as pedagogical training. Even though the completed subject of internationally trained teachers was recognised (apart from courses concerning didactics), the fulfilment of regular teacher training in Austria is seen as a conditio sine qua non. Hence, teachers with a different formal-educational background, irrespective of professional expertise, are seen as lacking education and/or skills. Considering that there is no worldwide consensus regarding the content and structure of teacher education, the implication of a lack of skills as well as the need for bridging programmes will be critically discussed from the participants’ perspectives. This article offers insight into the transcultural implications of professionalism.
An abstract approach toward the structural digital twin of ship hulls: A numerical study applied to a box girder geometry
Authors: Anyfantis Konstantinos N.
Published: January 2021

Condition monitoring (CM) of ship hull structures is a promising field that has recently attracted the interested of researches. The main challenge behind CM is to develop a system that gets as input sensor readings from the structure and provide the damage locus as an output. In this regard, the current study proposes two alternative CM digital twin schemes for solving this inverse engineering problem. The first one is based on a Finite Element (FE) – Optimization cooperative framework that solves several times the model until the predicted strains match the measured ones and as such the damage location has been found. The other scheme is based on a cooperative framework of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) used for classification and fitting, that may be regarded as surrogated models which provide solutions instantaneously. The ANNs are trained through the numerical solutions provided by the FE model. A thin-walled hollow cantilever beam, that resembles a hull-girder subjected to principal stresses under vertical bending, has been adopted. The performed work has allowed for the selection and evaluation of the locations for sensor placement and the estimation of the damage sensitive area for monitoring. Both CM digital twin schemes have proven to be promising for the theoretical simplified examined case.
Evaluating environmental impacts of an oil tanker using life cycle assessment method
Authors: Quang Pham Ky , Dong Duc Tuan , Hai Pham Thi Thanh
Published: January 2021

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is considered a holistic approach in evaluating the environmental impacts of a product in its life cycle. Recently, LCA method has been applied in the shipping and shipbuilding sectors. In order to provide a comprehensive LCA research in the field of naval architecture, this study uses LCA method to assess the environmental performance of a Panamax oil tanker in its whole life cycle. The ship’s life cycle including transportation activities is divided into five phases: raw material extraction & production, shipbuilding, operation, maintenance, and ship’s end of life. CML 2001 is chosen as the life cycle impact assessment methodology. GaBi software is used to obtain the life cycle emission inventory and environmental impacts. The results show the contributions of each life cycle phase to the total life cycle. Detailed emissions and environmental impacts of the ship are also analyzed. Due to huge amount of fuel consumed in ship operation, this phase dominates the emissions and environmental impact, compared with other phases. This study gives to the LCA practitioners a cradle-to-grave LCA example that could be useful for future researches in the field of shipping and shipbuilding sectors.
Lighting energy performance determination in office environments through implementation of EN 15193-1 for Turkey
Authors: Yilmaz FŞ
Published: January 2021

Office buildings are building typologies where efficient and optimal use of lighting energy is crucial while providing comfortable visual environments. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of diverse architectural design alternatives on lighting energy requirements and lighting energy saving possibilities through a case study. In this study, a total of 3888 design alternatives are investigated in a comparative way in terms of daylighting system design alternatives, artificial lighting system design scenarios, artificial lighting system control types and shading system control options. Introducing the adaptation process of the EN 15193-1:2017 standard for Turkey’s specific climatic and geographical conditions and considering diverse lighting design scenarios, results of this parametric study aim to underline the significance of architectural design strategies in office buildings for the reduction of lighting energy requirements.
Promoting wellbeing through positive education: A critical review and proposed social ecological approach
Authors: Coulombe Simon , Hardy Kendra , Goldfarb Rachel
Published: January 2021

Youth wellbeing is a pressing international problem, and it is a key concern of educational institutions, considering the substantial amount of time that youth spend in school. Educators require empirically validated and theoretically sound methods to support students’ wellbeing. This article critically examines the literature on youth wellbeing and interventions in positive education and proposes an innovative, social ecological approach to promoting wellbeing in education. Personal Projects Analysis is a complementary approach addressing several gaps identified in existing interventions (e.g. lack of consideration of ecological and cultural contexts, need for a person-centred approach to support unique goals of diverse students). Implications and applications are discussed to demonstrate how school leadership and educators can apply Personal Projects Analysis to promote the wellbeing of all students.
Wilding educational policy: The case of Botswana
Authors: Ketlhoilwe Mphemelang Joseph , Velempini Kgosietsile
Published: January 2021

Teaching and learning must be transformed in order to prepare learners to respond to escalating social, economic and environmental challenges. The primary purpose of this paper is to contribute to the process of wilding pedagogy. The lessons learned in this paper emerge mainly from a desktop study and educational excursions to a natural resources management centre in a rural village and an educational reserve. The excursions provide practical illustrations of learning in the wild by students. Responding to social, economic and environmental challenges can be facilitated through pedagogical policy interventions. In Botswana, educational policy seeks to promote learner-centred approaches to education. However, in practice, there are limited opportunities for a wilding of pedagogies. Most schools are constrained by a number of factors when trying to facilitate wildness in teaching and learning, yet the natural environment provides seemingly unlimited opportunities for active teaching and authentic learning. Though not explicitly stated, it is taken for granted that learning institutions are limited in their abilities to practise wild pedagogies due to budgetary constraints and a congested curriculum. This paper suggests that educational policy interventions can be implemented to enable transformative change that also promotes students’ engagement, discovery and autonomy while also learning in outdoor settings that support the aims of wild pedagogies.
Key Genes and Prognostic Analysis in HER2+ Breast Cancer
Authors: Weng Yujie , Liang Wei , Ji Yucheng , Li Zhongxian , Jia Rong , Liang Ying , Ning Pengfei , Xu Yingqi
Published: January 2021

Human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2)+ breast cancer is considered the most dangerous type of breast cancers. Herein, we used bioinformatics methods to identify potential key genes in HER2+ breast cancer to enable its diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis prediction. Datasets of HER2+ breast cancer and normal tissue samples retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases were subjected to analysis for differentially expressed genes using R software. The identified differentially expressed genes were subjected to gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses followed by construction of protein-protein interaction networks using the STRING database to identify key genes. The genes were further validated via survival and differential gene expression analyses. We identified 97 upregulated and 106 downregulated genes that were primarily associated with processes such as mitosis, protein kinase activity, cell cycle, and the p53 signaling pathway. Visualization of the protein-protein interaction network identified 10 key genes ( CCNA2, CDK1, CDC20, CCNB1, DLGAP5, AURKA, BUB1B, RRM2, TPX2, and MAD2L1), all of which were upregulated. Survival analysis using PROGgeneV2 showed that CDC20, CCNA2, DLGAP5, RRM2, and TPX2 are prognosis-related key genes in HER2+ breast cancer. A nomogram showed that high expression of RRM2, DLGAP5, and TPX2 was positively associated with the risk of death. TPX2, which has not previously been reported in HER2+ breast cancer, was associated with breast cancer development, progression, and prognosis and is therefore a potential key gene. It is hoped that this study can provide a new method for the diagnosis and treatment of HER2 + breast cancer.