bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progress toward Developing Sensitive Non-Sputum-Based Tuberculosis Diagnostic Tests: the Promise of Urine Cell-Free DNA
Authors: MacLean Emily , Nathavitharana Ruvandhi R.
Published: May 2021

A highly accurate, non-sputum-based test for tuberculosis (TB) detection is a key priority for the field of TB diagnostics. A recent study in the
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
by Oreskovic and colleagues (J Clin Microbiol 59:e00074-21, 2021,
https://doi.org/10.1128/JCM.00074-21
) reports the performance of an optimized urine cell-free DNA (cfDNA) test using sequence-specific purification combined with short-target PCR to improve the accuracy of TB detection.
Draft Genome Sequences of 29 Helicobacter pylori Strains Isolated from Colombia
Authors: Muñoz Angela B. , Stepanian Johanna , Acosta Carmen , Solano-Gutierrez Juan S. , Vale Filipa F. , Trespalacios-Rangel Alba A.
Published: May 2021

Here, we present the draft genome sequences of 29 ColombianHelicobacter pyloristrains. These strains were isolated in Bogotá, Colombia, from patients diagnosed with chronic gastritis. The genomic characterization of these strains will provide more information on the genetic composition ofH. pyloristrains from Colombia.
mSphere of Influence: Surface Sensing in Biofilm Formation
Authors: De Leόn Kara B.
Published: May 2021

Kara B. De Leόn works in the field of microbial ecology, environmental biofilms, and microbial genetics.
Supplemental Material: Labyrinth patterns in Magadi (Kenya) cherts: Evidence for early formation from siliceous gels
Authors: Leet Kennie , al. et
Published: May 2021

Supplemental information on Hele-Shaw experiments.
Facilitators and barriers to the delivery of palliative care to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions: a qualitative study of the experiences and perceptions of healthcare professionals
Authors: Mitchell Sarah , Slowther Anne-Marie , Coad Jane , Bertaud Sophie , Dale Jeremy
Published: May 2021

Objective

To understand healthcare system facilitators and barriers to the delivery of palliative care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their family members.

Design

Focus groups with children’s palliative care professionals. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Setting

Four regions of England (West Midlands, South West, Yorkshire and Humber, and London) from December 2017 to June 2018.

Participants

Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses and allied healthcare professionals) working in children’s palliative care services.

Findings

A total of 71 healthcare professionals participated in the focus groups. Three overarching themes were identified which influenced whether and when children were referred to and started to receive palliative care: (1) the unspoken background of clinical uncertainty which often delayed palliative care; (2) the cultural ‘collusion of immortality’, where conversations about the possibility of dying can be avoided or deferred; and (3) the role of paediatric palliative care teams in ‘illuminating the blind spot’ of palliative care as well as providing hands-on care.

Conclusions

Palliative care is a holistic approach to care that focuses on quality of life for people living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions that can be delivered alongside active treatment. There is a need to prioritise and integrate this into healthcare services for children more effectively if improvements in care are to be realised. While more specialist paediatric palliative care services are needed, the unspoken background of clinical uncertainty needs to be addressed together with the collusion of immortality within healthcare culture and organisations.
Development and validation of a new clinical decision support tool to optimize screening for retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Pivodic Aldina , Johansson Helena , Smith Lois E H , Hård Anna-Lena , Löfqvist Chatarina , Yoder Bradley A , Hartnett M Elizabeth , Wu Carolyn , Bründer Marie-Christine , Lagrèze Wolf A , Stahl Andreas , Al-Hawasi Abbas , Larsson Eva , Lundgren Pia , Gränse Lotta , Sunnqvist Birgitta , Tornqvist Kristina , Wallin Agneta , Holmström Gerd , Albertsson-Wikland Kerstin , Nilsson Staffan , Hellström Ann
Published: May 2021

Background/Aims

Prematurely born infants undergo costly, stressful eye examinations to uncover the small fraction with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) that needs treatment to prevent blindness. The aim was to develop a prediction tool (DIGIROP-Screen) with 100% sensitivity and high specificity to safely reduce screening of those infants not needing treatment. DIGIROP-Screen was compared with four other ROP models based on longitudinal weights.

Methods

Data, including infants born at 24–30 weeks of gestational age (GA), for DIGIROP-Screen development (DevGroup, N=6991) originate from the Swedish National Registry for ROP. Three international cohorts comprised the external validation groups (ValGroups, N=1241). Multivariable logistic regressions, over postnatal ages (PNAs) 6–14 weeks, were validated. Predictors were birth characteristics, status and age at first diagnosed ROP and essential interactions.

Results

ROP treatment was required in 287 (4.1%)/6991 infants in DevGroup and 49 (3.9%)/1241 in ValGroups. To allow 100% sensitivity in DevGroup, specificity at birth was 53.1% and cumulatively 60.5% at PNA 8 weeks. Applying the same cut-offs in ValGroups, specificities were similar (46.3% and 53.5%). One infant with severe malformations in ValGroups was incorrectly classified as not needing screening. For all other infants, at PNA 6–14 weeks, sensitivity was 100%. In other published models, sensitivity ranged from 88.5% to 100% and specificity ranged from 9.6% to 45.2%.

Conclusions

DIGIROP-Screen, a clinical decision support tool using readily available birth and ROP screening data for infants born GA 24–30 weeks, in the European and North American populations tested can safely identify infants not needing ROP screening. DIGIROP-Screen had equal or higher sensitivity and specificity compared with other models. DIGIROP-Screen should be tested in any new cohort for validation and if not validated it can be modified using the same statistical approaches applied to a specific clinical setting.
Interactive Search vs. Automatic Search
Authors: Nguyen Phuong-Anh , Ngo Chong-Wah
Published: May 2021

This article conducts user evaluation to study the performance difference between interactive and automatic search. Particularly, the study aims to provide empirical insights of how the performance landscape of video search changes, with tens of thousands of concept detectors freely available to exploit for query formulation. We compare three types of search modes: free-to-play (i.e., search from scratch), non-free-to-play (i.e., search by inspecting results provided by automatic search), and automatic search including concept-free and concept-based retrieval paradigms. The study involves a total of 40 participants; each performs interactive search over 15 queries of various difficulty levels using two search modes on the IACC.3 dataset provided by TRECVid organizers. The study suggests that the performance of automatic search is still far behind interactive search. Furthermore, providing users with the result of automatic search for exploration does not show obvious advantage over asking users to search from scratch. The study also analyzes user behavior to reveal insights of how users compose queries, browse results, and discover new query terms for search, which can serve as guideline for future research of both interactive and automatic search.
New Directions in the Study of Institutional Logics: From Tools to Phenomena
Authors: Lounsbury Michael , Steele Christopher W.J. , Wang Milo Shaoqing , Toubiana Madeline
Published: May 2021

In this article, we take stock of the institutional logics perspective and highlight opportunities for new scholarship. While we celebrate the growth and generativity of the literature on institutional logics, we also note that there has been a troubling tendency in recent work to use logics as analytical tools, feeding disquiet about reification and reductionism. Seeding a broader scholarly agenda that addresses such weaknesses in the literature, we highlight nascent efforts that aim to more systematically understand institutional logics as complex, dynamic phenomena in their own right. In doing so, we argue for more research that probes how logics cohere and endure by unpacking the role of values, the centrality of practice, and the governance dynamics of institutional logics and their orders. Furthermore, we encourage bridging the study of institutional logics with various literatures, including ethnomethodology, phenomenology, professions, elites, world society, and the old institutionalism, to enhance progress in these directions.
The oxygen dissociation curve of blood in COVID-19
Authors: Böning Dieter , Kuebler Wolfgang M. , Bloch Wilhelm
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 hinders oxygen transport to the consuming tissues by at least two mechanisms: In the injured lung, saturation of hemoglobin is compromised, and in the tissues, an associated anemia reduces the volume of delivered oxygen. For the first problem, increased hemoglobin oxygen affinity [left shift of the oxygen dissociation curve (ODC)] is of advantage, for the second, however, the contrary is the case. Indeed a right shift of the ODC has been found in former studies for anemia caused by reduced cell production or hemolysis. This resulted from increased 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG) concentration. In three investigations in COVID-19, however, no change of hemoglobin affinity was detected in spite of probably high [2,3-BPG]. The most plausible cause for this finding is formation of methemoglobin (MetHb), which increases the oxygen affinity and thus apparently compensates for the 2,3-BPG effect. However, this “useful effect” is cancelled by the concomitant reduction of functional hemoglobin. In the largest study on COVID-19, even a clear left shift of the ODC was detected when calculated from measurements in fresh blood rather than after equilibration with gases outside the body. This additional “in vivo” left shift possibly results from various factors, e.g., concentration changes of Cl−, 2,3-BPG, ATP, lactate, nitrocompounds, glutathione, glutamate, because of time delay between blood sampling and end of equilibration, or enlarged distribution space including interstitial fluid and is useful for O2 uptake in the lungs. Under discussion for therapy are the affinity-increasing 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (5-HMF), erythropoiesis-stimulating substances like erythropoietin, and methylene blue against MetHb formation.
Fat Embolism Syndrome Mimicking a COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Alexa Alexandru Leonard , Onutu Adela Hilda
Published: May 2021

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a multiple organ disorder that can appear after pelvic and long bone fractures. The most common clinical finding is hypoxia, accompanied by diffuse petechiae, alveolar infiltrates, altered mental status, fever, polypnea, and tachycardia. We present a mild FES case on a 32-year-old man with no medical history admitted for an orthopedic procedure, following both tibia and fibulae fractures. Thirty hours postoperatively, he developed respiratory failure with altered mental status and needed admission in the intensive care unit. The chest radiography and later chest tomography raised the suspicion of a COVID-19 disease, even if our first suspicion was FES. After being carefully investigated in a dedicated COVID-19 ward and three negative RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 tests, he returned to continue supportive treatment in the orthopedic intensive care ward. His evolution was favorable with discharge at ten days, without sequelae. In the context of the SARS CoV-2 pandemic, differential diagnosis has become an increasingly challenging process. Added to the variety of preexisting respiratory diseases and disorders, the COVID-19 infection, with its symptomatology so similar to multiple other pulmonary diseases, must not cloud our clinical judgement.
Bone Metastasis in Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients: Risk and Prognostic Factors and Nomograms
Authors: Fan Zhiyi , Huang Zhangheng , Huang Xiaohui
Published: May 2021

Background. Bone metastasis (BM) is one of the common sites of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and patients with BM have a poorer prognosis. We aimed to develop two nomograms to quantify the risk of BM and predict the prognosis of RCC patients with BM. Methods. We reviewed patients with diagnosed RCC with BM in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2010 to 2015. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent factors to predict BM in RCC patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to determine independent prognostic factors for BM in RCC patients. Two nomograms were established and evaluated by calibration curve, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results. The study included 37,554 patients diagnosed with RCC in the SEER database, 537 of whom were BM patients. BM’s risk factors included sex, tumor size, liver metastasis, lung metastasis, brain metastasis, N stage, T stage, histologic type, and grade in RCC patients. Currently, independent prognostic factors for RCC with BM included grade, histologic type, N stage, surgery, brain metastasis, and lung metastasis. The calibration curve, ROC curve, and DCA showed good performance for diagnostic and prognostic nomograms. Conclusions. Nomograms were established to predict the risk of BM in RCC and the prognosis of RCC with BM, separately. These nomograms strengthen each patient’s prognosis-based decision making, which is critical in improving the prognosis of patients.
Study on Engineering Performance of Green Porous Sponge Ecological Concrete
Authors: Sun Xiao
Published: May 2021

To meet the needs of sponge city construction, based on the design method of mix proportion of green porous sponge ecological concrete, the engineering performance of green porous sponge ecological concrete was studied with orthogonal experimental. The results show that the compressive strength of the specimens peaked at the 0.9% admixture of sponge; based on the optimal admixture of sponge, the compressive strength of the specimens peaked at the 12% admixture of mineral powder; compared with the ordinary concrete, the water‐retaining property of green porous sponge ecological concrete is twice than ordinary, and green porous sponge ecological concrete has high permeability and low evaporation; under the same external temperature, the maximum temperature of concrete surface is lower than ordinary; and under three work conditions, the volumes of water going through the green porous sponge ecological concrete, respectively, are 1.78 kg/(s·m2), 1.47 kg/(s·m2), and 1.62 kg/(s·m2), and the value of second totally dry condition is minimum because of water blocking affection of the internal sponge. The research results will provide help for the infrastructure construction of sponge city and play an important guiding significance to promote the construction of resource‐saving and environment‐friendly cities.
Surgery for Perforated Peptic Ulcer: Is Laparoscopy a New Paradigm?
Authors: Pereira André , Santos Sousa Hugo , Gonçalves Diana , Lima da Costa Eduardo , Costa Pinho André , Barbosa Elisabete , Barbosa José
Published: May 2021

Introduction. Laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) remains controversial mainly due to its safety and applicability in critically ill patients. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of laparoscopy versus laparotomy in the treatment of PPU. Methods. Single-institutional, retrospective study of all patients submitted to surgical repair of PPU between 2012 and 2019. Results. During the study period, 169 patients underwent emergent surgery for PPU. A laparoscopic approach was tried in 60 patients and completely performed in 49 of them (conversion rate 18.3%). The open group was composed of 120 patients (included 11 conversions). Comparing the laparoscopic with the open group, there were significant differences in gender (male/female ratio 7.2/1 versus 2.2/1, respectively;

p
=
0.009

) and in the presence of sepsis criteria (12.2% versus 38.3%, respectively;

p
=
0.001

), while the Boey score showed no differences between the two groups. The operative time was longer in the laparoscopic group (median 100’ versus 80’,

p
=
0.01

). Laparoscopy was associated with few early postoperative complications (18.4% versus 41.7%,

p
=
0.004

), mortality (2.0% versus 14.2%;

p
=
0.02

), shorter hospital stay (median 6 versus 7 days,

p
=
0.001

), and earlier oral intake (median 3 versus 4 days,

p
=
0.021

). Conclusion. Laparoscopic repair of PPU may be considered the procedure of choice in patients without sepsis criteria if expertise and resources are available. This kind of approach is associated with a shorter length of hospital stay and earlier oral intake. In patients with sepsis criteria, more data are required to access the safety of laparoscopy in the treatment of PPU.
A Case of Severe and Refractory Membranous Nephropathy Associated to Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid
Authors: Mereniuk Eric , Sabbah Laura , Makhzoum Jean-Paul
Published: May 2021

Primary membranous nephropathy (MN) and mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) are two autoimmune conditions with well-defined diagnostic and treatment guidelines. MN has been linked to bullous pemphigoid (BP) in certain case reports, though little is known regarding the association of MN and other bullous diseases. The association of MN and MMP has rarely been described, and very little data exist regarding the treatment of this association. We report a case of severe refractory membranous nephropathy secondary to mucous membrane pemphigoid successfully treated with rituximab. A 35-year-old woman with known MMP was referred to our clinic for new-onset generalized edema and proteinuria. MN was confirmed on renal biopsy. Despite therapy with high-dose systemic glucocorticoids, combined with mycophenolate mofetil, and later azathioprine, nephrotic-range proteinuria persisted even at a daily dose of prednisone of 40 mg. The patient was then started on rituximab infusions, which induced remission of both mucous membrane pemphigoid and membranous glomerulonephritis. This suggests that MN can be secondary to MMP, and rituximab may be useful induce remission in cases that are refractory to standard therapy.
Optimization of CNC Milling Parameters for Complex 3D Surfaces of SIMOLD 2083 Alloy Mold Core Utilizing Multiobjective Water Cycle Algorithm
Authors: Tran Chi Thien , Dang Minh Phung , Le Hieu Giang , Le Chau Ngoc , Dao Thanh-Phong
Published: May 2021

In this article, an effective multiobjective optimization approach is exploited to search for the best milling parameters for CNC for complex 3d surfaces of SIMOLD 2083 alloy mold core. To improve the quality responses, the cutting factors are optimized by a combination of Taguchi method (TM), response surface method (RSM), and multiobjective water cycle algorithm (MWCA). Firstly, the design for initial series experiments of the cutting factors was generated via the TM. Thereafter, the regression models between the cutting factors and the surface roughness of the machined workpiece surface as well as milling time are formed via applying the RSM. Moreover, analysis of variance and sensitivity analysis are also executed to define the influences and crucial contributions of cutting parameters on the surface roughness and milling time. The results of analysis of variance showed that the factors which have main effects on surface roughness were spindle speed (42.42%), feed rate (29.40%), and cutting depth (6.59%), respectively. Meanwhile, the feed rate with the influence of 92.6% was the most significant factor in controlling the milling time. Ultimately, based on mathematical models, the MWCA is performed to define the optimal factors. The optimal results indicated that the optimized surface roughness was about 0.260 μm and the milling time was roughly 1012.767 (s). In addition, the errors between forecasted results and experimental verifications for the surface roughness and milling time are 2.04% and 5.39%, respectively. Therefore, the results of experimental verifications are suitable with the forecasted results from the proposed optimization method. These results depicted that the proposed integration approach can define effectively the optimal cutting factors for CNC milling and expand to apply for complex multiobjective optimization problems.
Orientação educacional com psicanálise: um lugar de escuta em tempos de escola remota
Authors: Ferraz Iris Ramos Lacava
Published: May 2021

O presente artigo traz, a partir da análise das falas dos atendimentos realizados pela orientação educacional no período de ensino remoto, efeitos e reflexões que um espaço de escuta pode produzir durante a pandemia de COVID-19. De modo virtual, a busca pelo Serviço de Orientação Educacional seguiu acontecendo, e trouxe pontos que nos são caros para pensar a parentalidade na atualidade. À luz da psicanálise, discute-se dois apontamentos a partir dos atendimentos realizados: o primeiro localiza-se justamente na demanda que é levada à escola, sinalizando um apelo ao saber sobre a criança à quem supõe-se saber sobre toda criança. O segundo diz respeito ao discurso dos pais sobre o filho - que revela algo para além daquilo que se apresenta.
“Esse fantasma lisonjeiro e pernicioso eu (Tà)": uma análise de escritos de Ippolito Desideri sobre o budismo tibetano (1717-1721)
Authors: Cruz Bruna Dutra de Oliveira Soalheiro
Published: May 2021

Entre 1717 e 1721, o jesuíta Ippolito Desideri esteve entre monges no Tibete. Lá, entrou em contato com importantes obras que compõem a escola budista Madhyamaka, como os escritos de Nagarjuna e suas ideias sobre vacuidade ou existência interdependente. Com o propósito de refutar as premissas metafísicas do budismo e converter os lamas, Desideri produziu uma série de escritos, dos quais dois serão aqui analisados: A origem dos seres viventes e de todas as coisas e A Notícia Histórica do Tibete. Objetiva-se, a partir de tais textos e do renovado olhar filosófico e historiográfico que os trabalhos de Desideri vêm recebendo, historicizar a concepção ocidental da existência enquanto experiência de uma consciência singularizada associada a uma determinada noção de “eu”. Do ponto de vista teórico-conceitual, parte-se das ideias do antropólogo e historiador Ernesto de Martino (1908-1965).
Cartas para um antigo governador: Correspondência da Câmara de São Luís do Maranhão para Gomes Freire de Andrade (1691-1700)
Authors: Chambouleyron Rafael Ivan , Vilaça dos Santos Fabiano
Published: May 2021

Neste artigo, apresentamos cinco cartas escritas pela Câmara de São Luís do Maranhão ao antigo governador do Estado do Maranhão e Grão-Pará, em finais do século XVII. Por meio dessa correspondência, os camaristas buscavam obter o favor do antigo governador, Gomes Freire de Andrade, junto à Coroa, sobre assuntos atinentes ao governo local, como a questão da mão de obra e problemas fiscais. As cartas revelam a importância da comunicação política e das relações construídas entre autoridades locais e indivíduos de prestígio na Corte para negociar com o poder real.
Semi-Supervised Noisy Label Learning for Chinese Clinical Named
Entity Recognition
Authors: Li Zhucong , Gan Zhen , Zhang Baoli , Chen Yubo , Wan Jing , Liu Kang , Zhao Jun , Liu Shengping
Published: May 2021

This paper describes our approach for the Chinese clinical named entity recognition (CNER) task organized by the 2020 China Conference on Knowledge Graph and Semantic Computing (CCKS) competition. In this task, we need to identify the entity boundary and category labels of six entities from Chinese electronic medical record (EMR). We constructed a hybrid system composed of a semi-supervised noisy label learning model based on adversarial training and a rule post-processing module. The core idea of the hybrid system is to reduce the impact of data noise by optimizing the model results. Besides, we used post-processing rules to correct three cases of redundant labeling, missing labeling, and wrong labeling in the model prediction results. Our method proposed in this paper achieved strict criteria of 0.9156 and relax criteria of 0.9660 on the final test set, ranking first.
Reflections on John the Baptist in History and Theology by Joel Marcus
Authors: Wassén Cecilia
Published: May 2021

In this article, I engage with Joel Marcus’s recent book on John the Baptist, focusing on the relationship between John and the Dead Sea Scrolls. While I appreciate many parts of his detailed study, I question the claim that John was a former member of the Essenes. Although there are intriguing similarities, the question is how far reaching conclusions we may draw concerning such a relationship. I problematize some aspects of the comparison between the sources. Like many scholars, Marcus refers in particular to 1QS and the site of Khirbet Qumran for reconstructing the Essenes and hence John’s background. In response, I highlight the uncertainty about the Sitz im leben of 1QS in relation to Khirbet Qumran and ask why this particular manuscript should be privileged over others. Not least when it comes to purity halakhah there are many other documents than 1QS from Qumran that are highly relevant to the issue. Finally, I critically evaluate Marcus’s view that John the Baptist had a favorable attitude towards Gentiles, which according Marcus differed from the views of the Essenes.
CircABCC4 Regulates the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Colorectal Cancer SW620 Cells by Targeting Micro RNA-216a-3p
Authors: Li Yiqian , Yuan Haofeng , Chen Yibin , Xu Baoqi , Zhang Yanhong
Published: May 2021

This work investigates the effect of circABCC4 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of colorectal cancer SW620 cells; circABCC4’s regulation of miR-216a-3p is also studied. qRT-PCR was used to measure the levels of circABCC4 and miR-216a-3p in colorectal cancer and adjacent
tissues. The human colorectal cancer SW620 cells were transfected with different constructs of circABCC4 or miR-216a-3p or both to study their interactions and combined effects on cell behavior. A dual-luciferase reporter experiment tested the targeted relationship between circABCC4 to miR-216a-3p.
Furthermore, the behaviors of SW620 cells, such as cell viability, migration, and invasion, were investigated. Also, the proteins related to cell behaviors were investigated with western blotting. Our results showed that colorectal cancer tissues had a higher level of circABCC4 but a lower
level miR-216a-3p. The increased level of circABCC4 and the reduced level of miR-216a-3p had analogous influences on the behaviors of SW620 cells, resulting in reduced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; the levels of related protein were also decreased. Moreover, we found that disrupting
miR-548c-3p could reverse the influence of inhibiting circABCC4 on SW620 cells. In addition, the dual-luciferase reporter assay results confirmed the targeting of miR-216a-3p by circABCC4. These data demonstrate that the silencing of circABCC4 may inhibit the proliferation, migration, and
invasion of colorectal cancer cells by upregulating miR-548c-3p.
Does Prematurity Play a Role in Newborn Microtia-Anotia?
Authors: Shehan Jennifer N. , Danis David O’Neil , Bains Ashank , Scott Andrew R. , Levi Jessica R.
Published: May 2021

Objective:

Microtia-anotia (MA) describes a range of external ear anomalies which is commonly associated with various syndromes and malformations of the head and neck. Previous studies have suggested a strong association between MA and male sex, maternal diabetes, and Hispanic race/ethnicity. This study seeks to evaluate the associations between MA and preterm newborns in the United States.

Methods:

Population-based inpatient registry analysis was conducted. Kids’ Inpatient Database (2016) was used to identify weighted in-hospital births with diagnosis of prematurity or MA. Demographic information was obtained, and odds ratios (ORs) were used to determine associations between prematurity and MA.

Results:

Among patients included in our dataset, 8.655% (326 285) were preterm and 0.016% (523) had MA. 0.003% (109) of patients were preterm and had MA. Preterm infants had 2.19 times the odds (95% C.I. = 1.78-2.69) of having MA when compared to the full-term population. The binary logistic regression model accounting for possible confounding variables produced an aOR of 1.48 (95% C.I. = 1.17-1.87) for the association between prematurity and MA.

Conclusion:

Infants who are born preterm are more likely to have MA than full term infants. The current results will allow for improved risk stratification, maternal counseling, and interventions in the case of prematurity.
Thermo-mechanical characterization of discontinuous recycled/repurposed carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic organosheet composites
Authors: Barnett Philip R , Young Stephen A , Chawla Vivek , Foster Darren M , Penumadu Dayakar
Published: May 2021

The integration of repurposed and recycled carbon fibers into high-performance composites is essential to the adoption of composites for automotive structures due to their low-cost, high formability, and reduced environmental impact. When high areal density nonwovens of these fibers are infused with a semi-crystalline thermoplastic resin, organosheets offering competitive mechanical properties can be produced. This study examined the optimization of such composites through multiscale material characterization and post-process annealing. Single fiber tensile tests were used to characterize repurposed and recycled fiber formats. The thermomechanical properties of the polyphenylene sulfide matrix and resulting composites subjected to different post-process annealing conditions were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and nano-indentation. Single fiber push-in testing was conducted to evaluate the fiber–matrix interface as a function of annealing. It was shown that statistical methods based on the bootstrap principle successfully identify the effects of post-process annealing, which are otherwise masked by material inhomogeneity. Post-process annealing was shown to be an effective method of improving the resulting mechanical properties of repurposed and recycled carbon fiber organosheet composites, thereby optimizing their properties for use as a high-performance automotive structural material.
Teledentistry and COVID-19: Be Mindful of Bogus “Good” Ideas!
Authors: Giraudeau Nicolas
Published: May 2021

The current health crisis has led to the emergence of new practices, new tools, and an increased use of digital health. Unfortunately, these are too often developed in a way that defies all logic or which has nothing to do with public health. Oral health professionals have been particularly affected during this crisis, and the use of digital health, and especially teledentistry, has been considered in many countries. However, the development of teledentistry is not free of bogus “good” ideas. It is time that teledentistry be adequately considered, while ensuring the quality of the medical procedure and with the aim of reducing inequalities in terms of access to oral healthcare and public health problems.
Filariasis presenting with bicytopenia, progressive splenomegaly and acute renal failure: An unusual case report
Authors: Agarwal Kiran , Gaur Kavita , Khasim Nazma
Published: May 2021

Extra-lymphatic manifestation of filariasis, especially as acute renal failure, is uncommon and may be clinically unsuspected. We document the case of a 60 year old elderly male who presented with bilateral pedal oedema, fatigue and abdominal distension. Investigations revealed severe anaemia, splenomegaly and acute renal failure. Bone marrow aspiration was performed to evaluate the clinical suspicion of malignancy. Out of eight smears examined, microfilaria ( Brugia malayi) were identified in two. This presentation was devoid of peripheral eosinophilia. The patient was commenced on a regimen of diethylcarbamazine, on which he made a good recovery. The incidence of extra-lymphatic filariasis is largely unknown and sparsely reported. Such a presentation should be kept in mind by both clinicians and pathologists as it is potentially treatable.
Governing Occupational Exposure Using Thresholds: A Policy Biased Toward Industry
Authors: Henry Emmanuel
Published: May 2021

Strongly grounded in scientific knowledge, the instrument known as occupational exposure limits or threshold limit values has changed government modalities of exposure to hazardous chemicals in workplaces, transforming both the substance of the problem at hand and the power dynamics between the actors involved. Some of the characteristics of this instrument favor the interests of industries at the expense of employees, their representatives, and the authorities in charge of regulating these risks. First, this instrument can be analyzed as a boundary object that has very different uses in space and time. In particular, it is increasingly masking its industrial origins to appear as an instrument that is almost exclusively based on scientific rationale. In the case of asbestos and its substitutes, the use of an instrument relying on scientific expertise generates a specific temporality of implementation that allows manufacturers to take advantage of periods during which regulations are either nonexistent or very loose. Finally, the choice of a technoscientific definition of the issues contributes to shifting the negotiations to a field where companies are in a position of strength and their opponents are weakened.
The Role of Race in Relations of Social Support to Hippocampal Volumes Among Older Adults
Authors: Bygrave Desirée C. , Gerassimakis Constance S. , Mwendwa Denée T. , Erus Guray , Davatzikos Christos , Wright Regina S.
Published: May 2021

Evidence suggests social support may buffer brain pathology. However, neither its association with hippocampal volume, a marker of Alzheimer’s disease risk, nor the role of race in this association has been fully investigated. Multiple regression analyses examined relations of total social support to magnetic resonance imaging-assessed gray matter (GM) hippocampal volumes in the total sample ( n = 165; mean age = 68.48 year), and in race-stratified models of African American and White older adults, adjusting for select covariates. Results showed greater social support was associated with greater GM hippocampal volumes among African American older adults only ( p < .01). Our findings suggest greater total social support may play a role in supporting the hippocampus, particularly among African American older adults, who had lower hippocampal volumes than their White counterparts. Further research is needed to test these questions longitudinally and examine which aspects of social support may promote hippocampal integrity, specifically.
Communicating knowledge-focus through websites of higher education institutions
Authors: Miklosik Andrej , Evans Nina , Hlavaty Ivan
Published: May 2021

Although higher education institutions (HEIs) are expected to be the leaders in knowledge generation and dissemination, it is often not clear whether they are knowledge-aware, that is, have a knowledge focus. In this article, the communication with stakeholders through HEI websites is examined to determine to what extent these institutions communicate about their knowledge initiatives and projects. This is done through an investigative study involving all HEIs and their faculties in Slovakia. Using content analysis, the study examines whether the publicly available resources on HEIs’ websites contain knowledge-related keywords, indicating the existence of a knowledge-focus. The results reveal that the websites of some HEIs contain hundreds of these resources, whereas others have none. Statistical evidence confirms that the intensity of communication about knowledge terms increases with the age and size of the HEI and is also dependent on the type of HEI (public, private state, foreign). Other dependencies between the examined factors have also been revealed, for example, HEIs that rank higher in Webometrics indicators are more intensive in their knowledge communications.
Plastic eschatology: On the foundations of Marcuse’s philosophical anthropology
Authors: Grimwade Robert
Published: May 2021

This article explores the complexities of Marcuse’s philosophical anthropology in light of Foucault’s criticisms of Marcuse and the Frankfurt School. While Marcuse’s theory of human nature is grounded upon a dialectical conception of essential human potentialities striving for realization, it secretes a radically plastic conception of life that undermines all anthropological essentialism. This fundamental tension between essentialist and plastic conceptions of human nature has significant implications for rethinking Marcuse’s project and legacy.
Relations between HEXACO personality and ideology variables are mostly genetic in nature
Authors: de Vries Reinout E. , Wesseldijk Laura W. , Karinen Annika K. , Jern Patrick , Tybur Joshua M.
Published: May 2021

Existing work indicates that socio-political attitudes (or: ideology) are associated with personality, with Social Dominance Orientation and Right-Wing Authoritarianism relating most strongly to honesty-humility and openness to experience, the two value-related domains of the HEXACO framework. Using a sample of 7067 twins and siblings of twins (including 1376 complete twin pairs), we examined the degree to which these relations arise from common genetic and environmental sources. Heritability estimates for the HEXACO personality and ideology variables ranged from .34 to .58. Environmental factors shared by twins reared together showed negligible effects on individual differences in personality and ideology. At the phenotypic level, Social Dominance Orientation and Right-Wing Authoritarianism dimensions related most strongly to honesty-humility and openness to experience. These associations were mostly explained by genetic factors (48%–93%). Genetic correlations between openness to experience and the ideology scales ranged from –.29 to –.53; those between honesty-humility and the ideology scales ranged from –.31 to –.43. None of the environmental correlations exceeded | r| = .18. These results suggest that the relations between the two value-related domains of the HEXACO personality model and ideology are mostly genetic in nature, and that there is substantial overlap in the heritable components of personality and ideology.
The Hegemony Crisis, the Neoliberal Model, and the United States Power Structure
Authors: Fernández Dídimo Castillo
Published: May 2021

The U.S. hegemony crisis is partly economic and social, derived from the failure of neoliberalism as an alternative to the accumulation crisis and its social consequences; but it is, above all, the result of changes brought about in power structures. This hegemony crisis could be understood as the loss or depletion of the economic structure, the political organization, and the ideological orientation instruments created after World War II, which are necessary to maintain a stable world order. Marco Gandásegui, founding leader of the CLACSO “United States Studies” Working Group (WG), assumed this crisis as a result of a “global” phenomenon. However, in his internal determinations related to the American power structure, he stressed its changes in the context of “neoliberal globalization.” He interrogated the ability, or lack thereof, of the American capitalist class or internal bourgeoisie to tackle the crisis, in a context of disarticulation and weakening of the working class.
Brokerage from within: A conceptual framework
Authors: Bräuchler Birgit , Knodel Kathrin , Röschenthaler Ute
Published: May 2021

Situated between various social worlds, brokers are highly mobile figures, in a physical and an ideational sense; they channel scarce information and resources, translate different languages and jargons, and mediate and facilitate between individuals and/or organisations, the local and the global, in a wide range of settings. Taking an in-depth ethnographic look at the actual work of brokers and their particular life stories, contributions to this special issue examine brokers’ successes and failures, their vulnerabilities and limitations, (changing) interests and motivations within the cultural contexts that these brokers are part of. By adopting a comparative perspective in a thematic and a geographic sense, this special issue discusses the role of brokerage in diverse settings such as the transnational world of trade and development, peacebuilding and activism, refugee care and health care, government services and colonialism. In preparing the ground for our individual contributions, this introductory article identifies gaps in the existing brokerage literature and develops the conceptual framework for the special issue.
“This Mystical Blessing”: The Patristic Roots of John Calvin’s Eucharistic Theology
Authors: Butler Geoffrey
Published: May 2021

Though committed to the final authority of Scripture in all matters, John Calvin’s Institutes and biblical commentaries show him to be a remarkable student of patristics. His doctrine of the Lord’s Supper was no exception, as Calvin calls upon the likes of Augustine, Chrysostom, Tertullian and others to support his position. This article, therefore, contends that Calvin’s engagement with the Fathers – though imperfect – demonstrates that his view, in essence, may be clearly traced to the patristic period. It also suggests that his reverence for tradition, which he considered consistent with his commitment to sola scriptura, makes Calvin a prime example for contemporary evangelicals as they reflect on their own doctrine of the Supper. Not only would paying close attention to the Fathers enrich their own understanding, but given that such figures are esteemed by the wider church, it may well contribute to a more robust ecumenical conversation around the sacraments.
Attention and Motor Learning in Adult Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Castricum Jesminne , Tulen Joke H. M. , Taal Walter , Rietman André B. , Elgersma Ype
Published: May 2021

Objective:

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder that is associated with cognitive disabilities, including attention and motor learning problems. These disabilities have been extensively studied in children with NF1 but limited studies have been performed in adults.

Method:

Attention, motor learning and intellectual performance were studied with neuropsychological tasks in 32 adults with NF1 and 32 controls.

Results:

The NF1 and control group performed similarly on attention and motor learning tasks, although controls had shorter reaction times than adults with NF1 during the motor learning task ( t[60] = −2.20, p = .03). Measures of attention or motor learning were not significantly associated with reduced intellectual performance in NF1.

Conclusion:

In contrast to many studies in children with NF1, our findings did not provide evidence for presence of attention or motor learning problems in adults with NF1 in neuropsychological tasks. Our observations may be of clinical importance to determine treatment focus in adults with NF1.
What’s Next for a National Infrastructure Policy: An Encore or a Requiem?
Authors: Little Richard G.
Published: May 2021

In an essay almost 30 years ago, Professor Dick Netzer of NYU asked the question “Do We Really Need a National Infrastructure Policy?” and came to the conclusion that we did not. As the Biden Administration prepares to roll out a multi-trillion dollar infrastructure package, the nation is faced with numerous questions regarding the infrastructure systems necessary to support continued economic growth and environmental sustainability. The purpose of this essay is to look to recent history for guidance for how to proceed by revisiting the underlying premises of the Netzer essay and reconsider whether a National Infrastructure Policy is needed. Because linking infrastructure to broader public policy objectives could both unite the nation and position it to address the many challenges that the 21st century will present, I believe the idea of a National Infrastructure Policy definitely deserves a second look.
Acute effects of sedentary breaks on vascular health in adults at risk for type 2 diabetes: A systematic review
Authors: Whipple Mary O , Masters Kevin S , Huebschmann Amy G , Scalzo Rebecca L , Reusch Jane EB , Bergouignan Audrey , Regensteiner Judith G
Published: May 2021

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the available evidence regarding the acute effects of interrupting/breaking up prolonged sedentary behavior (SB) on vascular health among individuals at elevated risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Searches of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were conducted on April 7, 2020. Included studies: (1) examined the effect of breaking up prolonged SB in adults with or at elevated risk for T2D and (2) assessed a vascular health outcome, such as blood pressure (BP), flow-mediated dilation (FMD), pulse-wave velocity, or endothelin-1. A total of 20 articles (17 unique studies) were included. Only three studies reported adequate statistical power for the specified vascular outcome. The available evidence suggests that light and moderate intensity activity breaks are effective in acutely lowering BP when compared to prolonged sitting. The small number of studies that included FMD or other vascular outcomes prohibits conclusions regarding the impact of SB breaks on these outcomes. Few studies evaluating the impact of breaking up SB among adults at risk for T2D have included and been adequately powered to examine vascular outcomes, but our preliminary finding, that certain SB breaks improve BP, provides proof-of-concept for this line of inquiry. Future studies should examine both the acute and chronic vascular effects of breaking up SB among individuals most vulnerable to the effects of SB (e.g. older adults, those with T2D), as these individuals are both highly sedentary and at greatest risk of poor health outcomes. PROSPERO ID: CRD42020183423.
An Examination of Social Capital in Outdoor Orientation Programs
Authors: deBrun Guy , Gerbers Kellie , Bell Brent
Published: May 2021

Social capital offers campus recreation professionals a framework to conceptualize the impacts of outdoor orientation programming (OOPs). Using data from The Outdoor Orientation Benchmarking Survey (TOOBS), researchers explored results of participants’ ( n = 1,154) responses to two constructs conceptually related to social capital: group trust and network closure. Researchers used factor analysis to examine the psychometric properties of TOOBS, finding group trust and network closure represented different aspects of social capital. Results of the study confirms trust and network closure are related, yet unique aspects of the social capital construct. The results provide an empirically-supported measure for evaluating social capital in outdoor orientation programs.
A Unique Case of Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum in a Patient With COVID-19 and Influenza Coinfection
Authors: Ramalingam Sathishkumar , Arora Harkesh , Gunasekaran Kulothungan , Muruganandam Maheswari , Nagaraju Sivakumar
Published: May 2021

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is reported in patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and influenza infection independently, usually associated with noninvasive and mechanical ventilation. We report a case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum in a patient with COVID-19 and influenza coinfection. A 58-year-old male admitted with shortness of breath, diagnosed with COVID-19 and influenza infection. A computed tomography angiogram showed pneumomediastinum. He was treated conservatively with 15 L of oxygen, remdesivir, convalescent plasma, and oseltamivir. The case is being reported for its uniqueness since this is the first documented case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum in COVID-19 and influenza coinfection.