bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated With Decreased Accuracy of Modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarct Scoring Among Neurointerventionalists During Thrombectomy
Authors: Pressman Elliot , Waqas Muhammad , Sands Victoria , Siddiqui Adnan , Snyder Kenneth , Davies Jason , Levy Elad , Ionita Ciprian , Guerrero Waldo , Ren Zeguang , Mokin Maxim
Published: September 2021

Background and Purpose:

The modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarct (mTICI) score is used to grade angiographic outcome after endovascular thrombectomy. We sought to identify factors that decrease the accuracy of intraprocedural mTICI.

Methods:

We performed a 2-center retrospective cohort study comparing operator (n=6) mTICI scores to consensus scores from blinded adjudicators. Groups were also assessed by dichotomizing mTICI scores to 0–2a versus 2b–3.

Results:

One hundred thirty endovascular thrombectomy procedures were included. Operators and adjudicators had a pairwise agreement in 96 cases (73.8%). Krippendorff α was 0.712. Multivariate analysis showed endovascular thrombectomy overnight (odds ratio [OR]=3.84 [95% CI, 1.22–12.1]), lacking frontal (OR, 5.66 [95 CI, 1.36–23.6]), or occipital (OR, 7.18 [95 CI, 2.12–24.3]) region reperfusion, and higher operator mTICI scores (OR, 2.16 [95 CI, 1.16–4.01]) were predictive of incorrectly scoring mTICI intraprocedurally. With dichotomized mTICI scores, increasing number of passes was associated with increased risk of operator error (OR, 1.93 [95 CI, 1.22–3.05]).

Conclusions:

In our study, mTICI disagreement between operator and adjudicators was observed in 26.2% of cases. Interventions that took place between 22:30 and 4:00, featured frontal or occipital region nonperfusion, higher operator mTICI scores, and increased number of passes had higher odds of intraprocedural mTICI inaccuracy.
Serum Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Levels Are Associated With Severity and Outcome in Patients With Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Schwedhelm Edzard , Schwieren Laura , Tiedt Steffen , von Lucadou Mirjam , Gloyer Nils-Ole , Böger Rainer , Magnus Tim , Daum Guenter , Thomalla Götz , Gerloff Christian , Choe Chi-un
Published: September 2021

Background and Purpose:

The aim of this study was to examine whether sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) levels in patients with acute stroke are associated with stroke severity and outcome.

Methods:

In a prospective stroke cohort (MARK-STROKE), 374 patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack were enrolled (mean age: 67.9±13.0 years, sex: 64.7% male), and serum-S1P at admission was analyzed with tandem mass spectrometry. In addition to cross-sectional analyses, 79 adverse events (death, stroke, myocardial infarction, rehospitalization) were recorded in 270 patients during follow-up. Regression analyses were adjusted for age, sex, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and vascular risk factors. Results were validated in an independent stroke cohort with 219 patients with acute ischemic stroke (CIRCULAS).

Results:

Low serum-S1P was associated with higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission and with anterior circulation nonlacunar infarcts determined by multivariate regression analyses. During a follow-up of 294±170 days, patients with S1P in the lowest tertile (<1.33 µmol/L) had more adverse events (Kaplan-Meier analysis,
P
=0.048 for trend). In adjusted Cox regression analysis, the lowest S1P tertile was associated with a worse outcome after stroke (hazard ratio, HR 0.51 [95% confidence interval 0.28–0.92]). Results were confirmed in an independent cohort, ie, low S1P levels were associated with higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, larger infarct volumes and worse outcome after 90 days (β-coefficient: –0.03,
P
=0.026; β-coefficient: −0.099,
P
=0.009 and odds ratio 0.52 [0.28–0.96], respectively).

Conclusions:

Our findings imply a detrimental role of low S1P levels in acute stroke and therefore underpin the therapeutic potential of S1P-mimics.
Salvia fimbriaticalyx, a new species of Salvia (Lamiaceae) from Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: FRAGOSO-MARTÍNEZ ITZI , MARTÍNEZ-GORDILLO MARTHA , SALAS SILVIA
Published: September 2021

In this study, we describe and illustrate Salvia fimbriaticalyx, a new species from Oaxaca, Mexico, which is morphologically similar to Salvia leptostachys, a species from section Angulatae. The new species differs from the latter by having persistent, lanceolate bracts with cuneate base; calyx lobes with a densely fimbriate margin; corolla tube longer (3–3.5 mm long), and the lower lip of the corolla shorter (3–3.5 mm long). Three molecular markers (ITS, trnL-trnF and trnH-psbA) were sequenced for the new species, and its phylogenetic position is discussed.
Cryptomonas indica sp. nov. (Cryptophyceae: Cryptomonadales), a new species described from the Western Ghats, India
Authors: GUSEV EVGENIY , KARTHICK BALASUBRAMANIAN , MARTYNENKO NIKITA , SHKURINA NATALIYA , KULIKOVSKIY MAXIM
Published: September 2021

A new species, Cryptomonas indica sp. nov., is described from Western Ghats, India, based on morphological and molecular data. Phylogenetic relationships inferred from nuclear small and large subunit ribosomal DNA, internal transcribed spacer 2, and plastid psbA sequences show that the new species forms a separate lineage on the phylogenetic tree of the genus Cryptomonas. This new species is included in the basal clade of Cryptomonas tree, which consists of undescribed taxa from Europe and South Korea. Cells of this species are up to 19 µm in length, elliptical to slightly asymmetrical in broad view, and have a plastid with four pyrenoids. Cryptomonas indica has been observed in one locality, the Northern region of the Western Ghats. Notably, this is the first Cryptomonas taxon described from the Indian subcontinent with both morphology and molecular information.
Three novel sooty moulds species of Trichomerium from Yunnan, China
Authors: YANG HUI , MAHARACHCHIKUMBURA SAJEEWA S.N. , DENG CHAO , LIU JIAN-KUI
Published: September 2021

Collection of three sexual morphic fungal species occurring on the leaf surface of three plant species (Dalbergia obtusifolia, Syzygium fluviatile and Ziziphus mauritiana) collected in Yunnan Province, China, have shown that they are morphologically distinct. Phylogenetic analyses of partial sequences of internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and large subunit rDNA (LSU) placed the three species in Trichomerium (Trichomeriaceae) but are sufficiently different from all known species. Therefore, three new species, Trichomerium multisetosum, T. xishuangbannaense and T. yunnanense are described with detailed, illustrated descriptions and notes.
Contribution to the knowledge of the immature stages of Palaearctic species of the genus Anthonomus Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: ZABALUEV ILYA A.
Published: September 2021

The mature larvae and pupae of Anthonomus (Anthonomidius) rubripes Gyllenhal, A. (s. str.) incurvus (Panzer), A. (s. str.) conspersus Desbrochers des Loges, and A. (s. str.) latior Pic, are described for the first time. The immature stages of A. (Anthomorphus) pinivorax Silfverberg, A. (s. str.) pedicularius (Linnaeus) (larva only), A. (s. str.) rubi (Herbst) are redescribed. The previous description of A. (s. str.) pomorum (Linnaeus) is checked and updated with new data. Keys for the identification of species of 9 larvae and 10 pupae of Palaearctic species are presented. Additional information on the biology of some species is provided. Crataegus pinnatifida is established as a host plant for the first time for A. (s. str.) latior.
Redescriptions of three species of freshwater crabs from Angola, southern Africa (Brachyura: Potamoidea: Potamonautidae)
Authors: CUMBERLIDGE NEIL , AHLES KATELYN M. , DANIELS SAVEL R.
Published: September 2021

The taxonomy of three species of freshwater crabs from Angola, Potamonautes adeleae Bott, 1968, P. macrobrachii Bott, 1953, and P. kensleyi Cumberlidge & Tavares, 2006, is revised based on examination of the paratypes and new material. Updated diagnoses, illustrations, and distribution maps are provided for these three species, and their conservation status is discussed.
One new and one newly recorded species of the genus Alneotidia Dlabola (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) from the Korean Peninsula with key to Korean species
Authors: OH SUMIN , KIM EUNJI , JUNG SUNGHOON
Published: September 2021

One new species of the genus Alnetoidia Dlabola, A. (Alnetoidia) flava sp. nov. and a newly recorded species, A. (Alnetoidia) satsumana (Matsumura, 1932) are reported from the Korean Peninsula, and a key to the Korean species is provided.
Mean flow and turbulence characteristics of a nocturnal downburst recorded on a 213 m tall meteorological tower
Authors: Romanic Djordje
Published: September 2021

This study presents rare measurements and analysis of a nocturnal thunderstorm downburst on the 213 m tall Cabauw tower in The Netherlands. The event occurred on 12 March 2008 between 02:00 and 03:00 UTC and was measured using four ultrasonic 10-Hz anemometers positioned at 3, 60, 100, and 180 m above ground level. 1-second gusts in the outflow exceeded 30 m s−1 at 60 m and above. This wind event was accompanied by an abrupt change of wind direction from southwest to west. While the shift in wind direction corresponded with the change of upwind surface roughness, the time series of turbulence intensity and other turbulence characteristics were not affected. The statistical properties of this event were compared against the largest European database of thunderstorm winds measured in the Mediterranean. The study also demonstrated that primary and secondary vortex structures—secondary vortex being rarely observed in actual downbursts—developed at the forward edge of the cold outflow. The estimated diameter of the downdraft was 1200 m at 70 m above ground. The measured velocity profiles and friction velocity were compared against theoretical predictions of the Monin-Obukhov Similarity Theory (MOST). MOST without stratification adjustment overestimated measured friction velocity twofold. Alternative values for surface roughness during the outflow were derived based on the measured friction velocity and MOST-based fit of measured velocity profiles. Ceilometer and radar measurements were supplementary data in this analysis.
Wave trains of 10–30-day meridional wind variations over the North Pacific during summer
Authors: Du Lei , Lu Riyu
Published: September 2021

The present study investigates the intraseasonal oscillations over the North Pacific during summer based on the ERA-Interim reanalysis dataset. It is shown that the main component of intraseasonal variations in meridional wind is dominated by 10–30-day variability. Zonally-oriented wave trains are identified over the North Pacific at this band, with a zonal wavenumber 6. The wave trains exhibit an equivalent-barotropic structure, with the maximum amplitude in the upper troposphere, and are manifested as quasi-stationary Rossby waves with the energy dispersing eastward. The wave trains do not show a phase-locking feature, that is, they have no preferred geographical locations in the zonal direction. Furthermore, energy analyses suggest that the intraseasonal waves gain energy through baroclinic energy conversion, while the barotropic energy conversion plays a negligible role. The present results have implications for better understanding and forecasting weather and climate in North America, since the intraseasonal waves over the North Pacific may act as precursory signals for extreme events occurring over North America.
Evaluation of Climate in CMIP6 Models over Two Third Pole Subregions with Contrasting Circulation Systems
Authors: Li Ying , Wang Chenghao , Su Fengge
Published: September 2021

Reliable simulations of historical and future climate are critical to assessing ecological and hydrological responses over the Third Pole (TP). In this study, we evaluate the historical and future temperature and precipitation simulations of 18 models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) in southeastern TP (SETP) and the upstream of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya (UAS) regions, two typical TP subregions dominated by the Indian summer monsoon system and westerlies, respectively. Comparison against station observations suggests that CMIP6 models generally capture the intra-annual variability and spatial pattern of historical climate over both subregions. However, the wetting and cold biases observed in CMIP5 still persist in CMIP6; annual temperature is underestimated by most models and annual precipitation is overestimated by all models. Multi-model average cold biases in SETP and UAS are 1.18°C and 0.32°C, respectively, and wet biases in SETP and UAS are 119% and 46%, respectively. We further analyze climate projections under SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5 scenarios. Both SETP and UAS subregions are projected to experience significant warming in 2015–2100, with warming trends 34%–42% and 40%–50% higher than the global trend, respectively. Model projections suggest that the warming trend will slow down under SSP1-2.6 and SSP2-4.5 but further intensify under SSP5-8.5 in 2050–2100. Monsoon-dominated SETP is projected to experience a significant wetting trend stronger than UAS over the entire future period, especially in summer (cf. winter in westerlies-dominated UAS). Concurrently, a significant drying trend in summer is found in UAS during 2050–2100 under SSP5-8.5, suggesting the intensified uneven distributions of seasonal precipitation based on projections.
Inner-Core Sea Surface Cooling Induced by a Tropical Cyclone
Authors: Lu Zhumin , Wang Guihua , Shang Xiaodong
Published: September 2021

As a key to modulate the negative feedback to tropical cyclone (TC) intensity, the TC-induced inner-core sea surface cooling (SSCIC) is poorly understood. Using a linear two-layer theory and OGCM experiments, this study illustrates that the pattern of the inner-core mixing can be well interpreted by the wind-driven currents in the mixed layer (ML). This interpretation is based on 1) the mixing is triggered by the ML bulk shear instability and 2) the lag of upwelling makes the inner-core bulk shear equivalent to the inner-core wind-driven currents. Overall, the patterns of the inner-core bulk shear and mixing resemble the crescent body of a sickle. As an accumulative result of mixing, the SSCIC is clearly weaker than the maximum cold wake because of the weaker mixing ahead of the inner core and nearly zero mixing in a part of the inner core. The SSCIC induced by a rectilinear-track TC is mainly dominated by the inner-core mixing. Only for a slow-moving case, upwelling and horizontal advection can make minor contributions to the SSCIC by incorporating them with mixing. The SSCIC strength is inversely proportional to the moving speed, suggesting the mixing time rather than the mixing strength dominates the SSCIC. Despite inability in treating the mixing strength, this study elucidates the fundamental dynamical mechanisms of SSCIC, especially emphasizing the different roles of mixing, upwelling, and horizontal advection for fast- and slow-moving TCs, and thus provides a good start point to understand SSCIC.
Diurnal Variation in Surface Latent Heat Flux and the Effect of Diurnal Variability on the Climatological Latent Heat Flux over the Tropical Oceans
Authors: Yan Yunwei , Zhang Lei , Song Xiangzhou , Wang Guihua , Chen Changlin
Published: September 2021

Diurnal variation in surface latent heat flux (LHF) and the effects of diurnal variations in LHF-related variables on the climatological LHF are examined using observations from the Global Tropical Moored Buoy Array. The estimated amplitude of the climatological diurnal LHF over the Indo-Pacific warm pool and the equatorial Pacific and Atlantic cold tongues is remarkable, with maximum values exceeding 20.0 W m−2. Diurnal variability of sea surface skin temperature (SSTskin) is the primary contributor to the diurnal LHF amplitude. Because the diurnal SSTskin amplitude has an inverse relationship with surface wind speed over the tropical oceans, an inverse spatial pattern between the diurnal LHF amplitude and surface wind speed results. Resolving diurnal variations in the SSTskin and wind improves the estimate of the climatological LHF by properly capturing the daytime SSTskin and daily mean wind speed, respectively. The diurnal SSTskin-associated contribution is large over the warm pool and equatorial cold tongues where low wind speeds tend to cause strong diurnal SSTskin warming, while the magnitude associated with the diurnal winds is large over the highly dynamic environment of the intertropical convergence zone. The total diurnal contribution is about 9.0 W m−2 on average over the buoy sites. There appears to be a power function (linear) relationship between the diurnal SSTskin-associated (wind-associated) contribution and surface mean wind speed (wind speed enhancement from diurnal variability). The total contribution from diurnal variability can be estimated accurately from high-frequency surface wind measurements using these relationships.
Skill, Predictability, and Cluster Analysis of Atlantic Tropical Storms and Hurricanes in the ECMWF Monthly Forecasts
Authors: Camargo Suzana J. , Vitart Frédéric , Lee Chia-Ying , Tippett Michael K.
Published: September 2021

In this paper we analyze Atlantic Ocean hurricane activity in the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) monthly hindcasts for the period 1998–2017. The main climatological characteristics of Atlantic tropical cyclone (TC) activity are considered at different lead times and across the entire ECMWF ensemble using three diagnostic variables: the number of tropical cyclones, the number of hurricanes, and the accumulated cyclone energy. The impacts of changing horizontal resolution and stochastic parameterization are clear in these diagnostic variables. The model skill scores for the number of tropical cyclones and accumulated cyclone energy by lead time are also computed. Using cluster analysis, we compare the characteristics of the forecast TC tracks with observations. Although four of the ECMWF clusters have similar characteristics to observed ones, one of the ECMWF clusters does not have a corresponding one in observations. We consider the predictability of each of these clusters, as well the modulation of their frequency by climate modes, such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation and the Madden–Julian oscillation, taking advantage of the very large sample size of TC datasets in these hindcasts.
Using the (3N)-Dimensional Generalized Lorenz Systems as a Testbed for Data Assimilation: The Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Moon Sungju , Baik Jong-Jin
Published: September 2021

The feasibility of using a (3N)-dimensional generalization of the Lorenz system in testing a traditional implementation of the ensemble Kalman filter is explored through numerical experiments. The generalization extends the Lorenz system, known as the Lorenz ’63 model, into a (3N)-dimensional nonlinear system for any positive integerN. Because the extension involves inclusion of additional wavenumber modes, raising the dimension allows the system to resolve smaller-scale motions, a unique characteristic of the present generalization that can be relevant to real modeling scenarios. Model imperfections are simulated by assuming a high-dimensional generalized Lorenz system as the true system and a generalized system of dimension less than or equal to the dimension of the true system as the model system. Different scenarios relevant to data assimilation practices are simulated by varying the dimensional differences between the model and true systems, ensemble size, and observation frequency and accuracy. It is suggested that the present generalization of the Lorenz system is an interesting and flexible tool for evaluating the effectiveness of data assimilation methods and a meaningful addition to the portfolio of testbed systems that includes the Lorenz ’63 and ’96 models, especially considering its relationship with the Lorenz ’63 model. The results presented in this study can serve as useful benchmarks for testing other data assimilation methods besides the ensemble Kalman filter.
How to deal with heat stress at an open-air event? Exploring visitors’ vulnerability, risk perception, and adaptive behavior with a multi-method approach
Authors: Heidenreich Anna , Buchner Martin , Walz Ariane , Thieken Annegret H.
Published: September 2021

Heat waves are increasingly common in many countries across the globe, and also in Germany, where this study is set. Heat poses severe health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children. This case study explores visitors’ behavior and perceptions during six weekends in the summer of 2018 at a six-month open-air horticultural show. Data from a face-to-face survey (n = 306) and behavioral observations (n = 2750) were analyzed via correlation analyses, ANOVA, and multiple regression analyses. Differences in weather perception, risk awareness, adaptive behavior, and activity level were observed between rainy days (maximum daily temperature < 25°C), warm summer days (25 - 30°C), and hot days (> 30°C). Respondents reported a high level of heat risk awareness, but most (90 %) were unaware of actual heat warnings. During hot days, more adaptive measures were reported and observed. Older respondents reported taking the highest number of adaptive measures. We observed the highest level of adaptation in children, but they also showed the highest activity level. Based on our results we discuss how to facilitate individual adaptation to heat stress at open-air events by taking the heterogeneity of visitors into account. In order to mitigate negative health outcomes for citizens in the future, we argue for tailored risk communication aimed at vulnerable groups.
Pulmonary Function Tests May Better Predict Dyspnea-Severity in Patients with Subglottic Stenosis Compared to Clinician-Reported Stenosis
Authors: Bhatt Neel K. , Huang Valerie P. , Bertelsen Caitlin , Gao William Z. , Reder Lindsay S. , Johns Michael M. , O’Dell Karla
Published: September 2021

Objective:

Patients with subglottic stenosis (SGS) present with varied degree of breathing complaints. The dyspnea index (DI) is a 10-question patient-reported outcome measure designed to measure the severity of upper airway obstruction. We set out to determine whether pulmonary function tests or clinician-reported degree of stenosis best predicted DI scores.

Methods:

Thirty patients with SGS were retrospectively reviewed over a 6-year period. One visit from each patient was included. Data including peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), body-mass index (BMI), clinician-reported degree of stenosis, and DI scores were reviewed. Multiple linear regression was performed to determine how degree of stenosis and PEFR % predicted the variation in DI score.

Results:

PEFR % better predicted DI scores compared to degree of stenosis (partial correlation −0.32 vs 0.17). After stepwise elimination, PEFR % remained in the regression and was significantly associated with DI scores ( F[1, 29] = 9.38, P = .005). BMI did not demonstrate a linear relationship with DI scores and was not included in the regression ( r = −.02). The PEFR % unstandardized coefficient was −0.25 (95% CI: −0.42 to −0.08, P = .005). The model predicts that a 4% increase in the PEFR % results in a 1-point decrease in the DI score (95% CI: −1.68 to −0.32).

Conclusion:

This study suggests that pulmonary function tests may be a better in-office measure to substantiate the severity of symptoms in patients with SGS.
Is Revision Surgery Necessary for Patients With High Risk of Recurrence After Parotidectomy? A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Roch Médarine , Mauvais Olivier , Vergez Sebastien , Brenet Esteban , Lindas Pierre , Toussaint Bruno , Nguyen Duc Trung , Gauchotte Guillaume , Rumeau Cécile , Gallet Patrice
Published: September 2021

Objectives:

Close margin is a frequent situation after parotidectomy. The need for systematic prophylactic revision surgery is a question that arises regularly for malignant tumors, as it exposes to a high risk of facial palsy, while oncological benefits are unclear.

Study Design:

retrospective study.

Setting:

Multicentric.

Subjects and Methods:

We included all patients operated for systematic revision surgery in case of close margins after parotidectomy for a malignant tumor and analyzed the rate of tumor residue and its risk factors.

Results:

A tumor residue was identified in 43.5% of 23 cases, but none in case of initial complete excision with supra-millimetric margins. Invaded lymph nodes were identified in 6 cases, but none in case of low-grade tumors.

Conclusions:

Systematic revision seems mandatory in case of infra-millimetric margins and high-grade tumors or positive lymph node; further studies are needed to confirm whether it can be spared for T1-T2/N0 low-grade tumors, with close margins but complete initial excision.
Indian psychiatrists in the Australian workforce – From brain drain to brain exchange
Authors: Pai Nagesh , Gupta Rahul , Lakra Vinay , Vella Shae-Leigh , Kalra Harish , Yadav Tarun , Chaturvedi Shailja , Gill Neeraj S
Published: September 2021

Worldwide doctors have been migrating from low- and middle-income countries to high-income countries for decades. This contributes to dearth of doctors, especially psychiatrists, in low- and middle-income countries – often referred to as ‘brain drain’. Australia has a fair share of psychiatrists of Indian origin in its workforce. This article endeavours to re-formulate the migration phenomenon as ‘brain exchange’ through the experiential insight of the authors along with published literature and discusses the contribution of substantial number of psychiatrists of Indian origin to the Australian society. Furthermore, the article highlights the potential for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists to be a leader in this area by facilitating globally responsible practice by giving back to countries from which psychiatrists originate. The key observations and recommendations are transferrable to other similar countries and equally to other medical specialities.
Sexual Reproductive Health Challenges and Health-Care-Seeking Behaviour Among Children Who Live on the Streets in Harare
Authors: Muparamoto Nelson , Chakanya Tsitsi Batsirai , Shamu Isabel
Published: September 2021

Drawing on interviews and focus group discussions with 26 participants aged between 10 and 17, the paper describes sexual reproductive health problems, health-seeking behaviour, access to and utilisation of sexual reproductive health services among children living on the street in Harare. An intersectionality approach showed how participants’ social location, age and gender created vulnerabilities leading to STIs, maternal complications and sexual violence among others. Additionally, these factors contributed to challenges in accessing sexual reproductive health services among children living on the street. Thus there is need for tailor-made interventions to influence better health outcomes among children living on the street.
Evaluation of eye melanoma treatments in rabbits: A systematic review
Authors: Guimarães Tarcísio Guerra , Marto Carlos Miguel , Cardoso Karla Menezes , Alexandre Nuno , Botelho Maria Filomena , Laranjo Mafalda
Published: September 2021

Melanomas are the most common cancer of the eye in canines, felines and humans. The treatment approaches vary, since no gold standard exists. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to compare the treatment modalities in ocular melanoma in rabbits. Medline/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase were searched for articles published until 21 April 2021 in English, Portuguese or Spanish, reporting animal studies evaluating photodynamic therapy (PDT), laser, radiotherapy or surgical excision. Twenty-seven articles were included for the qualitative synthesis, with publication dates from 1970 to 2018. Of the selected studies, 19 used PDT, six used radiotherapy and two used laser as treatment. No studies regarding surgical therapy that met the inclusion criteria were obtained. The tumour therapy results were evaluated in a heterogeneous manner for different periods and various methods, including microscopy, angiographic, histological examination, fundoscopy, ultrasound exam and electroretinogram. The treatment modalities analysed successfully treated the ocular melanoma, with tumour necrosis being commonly observed. Despite the therapeutic efficacy shown, side effects have been reported for all the therapies. The studies showed high heterogeneity, and therefore, in the future, new studies should be carried out to increase knowledge about ocular melanoma treatment. The analysed therapies can be used successfully in the treatment of ocular melanoma, with more conservative options such as PDT presenting great potential.
Transurethral catheterization of female domestic pigs with a Foley catheter
Authors: Žel Jurij , Brankovič Jana , Klančnik Rok , Stopar Pintarič Tatjana , Cvetko Erika , Seliškar Alenka
Published: September 2021

This report describes transurethral catheterization with a Foley catheter in 19 anaesthetized, laterally recumbent female pigs with a chest circumference of 72.1 ± 4.2 cm and weighing approximately 40 kg. Catheterization within five minutes was successful in 78.9% of the pigs. Catheterization depth, measured as the distance between the bladder neck and the mucocutaneous junction of the vulva, was 14.5 ± 1.3 cm and correlated with chest circumference but not body length. Measurement of catheterization depth aids in optimal positioning and may prevent inflation of the Foley catheter in the urethra.
The wettability and micro-equilibrium of different essence liquids to alkali-treated kapok fiber
Authors: Cao Liyao , Xu Yanfang , Xie Kaifang , Wang Fumei , Xu Guangbiao
Published: September 2021

Kapok fiber is a natural hollow fiber that has superior biocompatibility and biodegradability and is naturally antibacterial. Because of its unique properties, it has great potential in the application of postoperative repair dressings. The wettability and micro-equilibrium of kapok fibers play a critical role in dressing applications. In this study, the critical adhesion volume and adhesion energy of essence liquid to alkali-treated kapok fiber (AKF) were quantitatively calculated to explore the wettability and micro-equilibrium through the equilibrium wetting theory. Meanwhile, the three-phase contact line (TCL) structure was described. The results showed that the critical adhesion volumes of the three types of essence liquid for AKF were 3.45, 3.81, and 4.12 μL, respectively. Moreover, the critical volumes and low error rates derived from the equilibrium wetting theory were 3.41 μL and 1.16%, 3.99 μL and 4.51%, and 4.60 μL and 10.43%, respectively. Therefore, the critical volume of adhesion could be well calculated by the theoretical model. The average adhesive energies of essence liquid to the AKF were 0.38, 0.45, and 0.56 J, respectively, caused by the difference in liquids properties. The TCL showed a mechanical lock and bonding points at both ends because of the curvature difference and higher surface energy. These results are proposed to inspire the design of a liquid carrier of kapok fibers based on the fiber network structure.
Waterless sterilization and cleaning of sheep wool fiber using supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Allafi Faisal Aboelkasim , Hossain Md Sohrab , Shaah Marwan , Lalung Japarang , Ab Kadir Mohd Omar , Ahmad Mardiana Idayu
Published: September 2021

There is increasing concern regarding the existing sheep wool processing technology in the textile industry owing to the enormous volume of toxic effluents generated. The application of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) in sheep wool processing is cleaner and increases wool fiber production while avoiding toxic effluent generation. scCO2 is a novel clean technology that can be utilized in sheep processing for sterilization, cleaning, and drying sheep wool at the same time. In the present study, scCO2 was used to treat sheep wool with varying pressure, temperature, and treatment time. These parameters influence the scCO2 treatment of sheep wool fiber through the inactivation of microorganisms and improvement of the whiteness index. The identification of bacteria in sheep wool was carried out based on biochemical analysis by molecular means, using 16s rRNA sequencing. It was found that scCO2 completely inactivated the microorganisms present in sheep wool and potentially enhanced the percentage whiteness index at the highest pressure of 30 MPa, temperature of 80°C, and treatment time of 80 min. Several analytical methods were employed to assess the physicochemical, thermal, and morphological properties of untreated and scCO2 treated sheep wool fibers. The results show that scCO2 effectively removes the impurities and completely inactivates the microorganisms present in sheep wool. The findings of the present study reveal that scCO2 can be utilized as an alternative treatment technology for sheep wool processing in the textile industry.
Effect of the solvent evaporation rate of silver ink on the electrohydrodynamic-printing formability of textile-based printing electronics
Authors: Guo Wenjing , Hu Jiyong , Yan Xiong
Published: September 2021

The enabling electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing technology in a one-step forming, continuous, and controllable manner has gained wide attention in the field of flexible printed electronics. The evaporation characteristic of ink solvent during the EHD printing greatly affects the shape of the jet as well as the penetration and diffusion of inks on fabrics, which is crucial to the formation of high-quality printed electronics. However, few works have deeply investigated the control of ink solvent evaporation to adjust the formability of EHD printing electronics on rough and porous textiles. Here, conductive inks with different solvent evaporation rates are formulated. The effect of solvent evaporation on the motion of inks is evaluated by the contact angle over time. Furthermore, the morphology and electrical properties under different deformation of EHD-printed conductive lines are observed and measured. The results show that the morphology of conductive lines printed on fabric could be accurately controlled by the ratios of the solvent in inks, and the solvent evaporation rate has a significant inverse-parabolic effect on electrical resistance and its stability under deformation. Moreover, the serviceability of the optimal ink is demonstrated by the performance of an EHD-printed antenna for ultra-high frequency radio frequency identification tags, and its maximum reading range is 9.1 m under typical application examples. These findings will provide a guide for ink formulation and process control of EHD printing in flexible textile-based electronics.
Ontological security as temporal security? The role of ‘significant historical others’ in world politics
Authors: Bachleitner Kathrin
Published: September 2021

This article explores the link between collective memory and state behaviour in international relations. In that regard, it develops a new concept entitled ‘temporal security’. Building on the existing ontological security literature, it extends a temporal understanding to its underlying identity concept. Countries are now assumed to be temporal-security seekers vis-a-vis a ‘significant historical other’ from their past. Decision makers thus enter into a self-reflective conversation with their country’s ‘collective memory’ when choosing courses of action. Contrasted with existing physical-security and ontological security explanations for state behaviour, the explanatory potential of the temporal-security approach is in a second step illustrated by the empirical case of West Germany and Austria, two former Nazi perpetrator states, and their respective assignments of support during conflict in the Middle East. Through a comparative, qualitative discourse analysis of historical documents during the Six-Day War of 1967 and the Yom Kippur War and oil crisis of 1973, the empirical study finds that West Germany and Austria adopted different courses of action in their international politics, because they looked to Nazi Germany as their significant historical other.
A Good Servant But a Poor Master: The Side Effects of Numbers and Metrics
Authors: Asselineau Alexandre , Grolleau Gilles , Mzoughi Naoufel
Published: September 2021

A common practice in managerial and public service contexts is to quantity, calculate, and use numbers and metrics which provide a presumption of scientificity, a sense of measurability, objectivity, reliability, and precision upon which smarter decisions can be made. Besides providing a theoretical background, we analyze counter-productive effects of over-relying on numbers and metrics, notably in public administration. We discuss the following traps: preferring what is measurable over what is important, replacing the strategy by a measure and dehumanizing the decision making. We suggest some practical ways to facilitate a more parsimonious, smarter, and adequate use of numbers.
Real-World Skills in a Virtual World: An Innovative Activity for Teaching Developmental Psychopathology
Authors: Koch Mary Kate , Mendle Jane
Published: September 2021

Background

Incorporating professional development into undergraduate psychology coursework is an ongoing area of improvement for educators.

Objective

We present a novel activity encouraging students to explore various professional skills and roles for which their psychology major prepares them through application to real-world issues.

Method

Students participated in one of two virtual mental health summits and formed working groups to present from different perspectives (e.g., public health, epidemiology, etc.). Students collectively voted on resolutions at the end of each summit (e.g., budgetary recommendations for a county health department).

Results

We examined student perceptions of confidence in their professional skills and content knowledge before and after summits. Students indicated that they wanted more applied assignments like the mental health summit in other psychology classes and preferred the activity to exams or papers in a virtual course.

Teaching Implications

The mental health summit represented a real-world application activity that students indicated wanting in their courses. Recommendations for how to adapt the presented activity for non-clinical psychology courses are discussed.

Conclusion

The mental health summit activity supported the real-world application that students desire. Future iterations of the activity can build on the model we describe to support greater skill improvement.
Social Media Use Predicts Greater Liking in In-Person Initial Interactions
Authors: Heyman Jennifer L. , Kerr Lauren Gazzard , Human Lauren J.
Published: September 2021

Does how people generally engage with their online social networks relate to offline initial social interactions? Using a large-scale study of first impressions ( N = 806, Ndyad = 4,565), we examined how different indicators of social media use relate to the positivity of dyadic in-person first impressions, from the perspective of the participants and their interaction partners. Many forms of social media use (e.g., Instagram, Snapchat, passive) were associated with liking and being liked by others more, although some forms of use (e.g., Facebook, active) were not associated with liking others or being liked by others. Furthermore, most associations held controlling for extraversion and narcissism. Thus, while some social media use may be generally beneficial for offline social interactions, some may be unrelated, highlighting the idea that how, rather than how much, people use social media can play a role in their offline social interactions.
Action and Inaction in Moral Judgments and Decisions: Meta-Analysis of Omission Bias Omission-Commission Asymmetries
Authors: Yeung Siu Kit , Yay Tijen , Feldman Gilad
Published: September 2021

Omission bias is people’s tendency to evaluate harm done through omission as less morally wrong and less blameworthy than commission when there is harm. However, findings are inconsistent. We conducted a preregistered meta-analysis, with 21 samples (13 articles, 49 effects) on omission-commission asymmetries in judgments and decisions. We found an overall effect of g = 0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.14, 0.77], with stronger effects for morality and blame than for decisions. Publication bias tests produced mixed results with some indication for publication bias, though effects persisted even after most publication bias adjustments. The small sample of studies included limited our ability to draw definite conclusions regarding moderators, with inconclusive findings when applying different models. After compensating for low power, we found indication for moderation by role responsibility, perspective (self vs. others), outcome type, and study design. We hope this meta-analysis will inspire research on this phenomenon and applications to real-life, especially given the raging pandemic. Materials, data, and code are available on https://osf.io/9fcqm/ .
Differentiated integration in the EU: What does Croatia want?
Authors: Božina Beroš Marta , Grdović Gnip Ana
Published: September 2021

This article presents empirically substantiated answers on the salience of differentiated integration (DI) from the perspective of Croatian governments between 2004 and 2020. Considering DI’s relevance for the future of EU integration as well as the fact that DI was de facto adopted by the Croatian governments in order to maintain a healthy relationship with the EU, the main assumption is that DI – as a broad and multifaceted integration phenomenon – appears prominently in the domestic political discourse. By employing text mining and sentiment analysis on a corpus of 376 various governmental documents we answer, do governments talk about DI and specific DI mechanisms at a conceptual level? Which differentiated policy fields do they talk about most often? Our results show that DI has been – and remains – a low salience issue for Croatian governments over the last 15 years, which is surprising considering that over this period, Croatia consolidated its position in the EU in the shadow of the ‘polycrisis’, also thanks to DI.
Martial politics, MOVE and the racial violence of policing
Authors: Hall Katharine
Published: September 2021

Recent scholarship on war and policing has begun to theorize the two in more intimate relation with each other, especially through connections to racialized violence and governance. Drawing on this body of work, and the concept of martial politics specifically, I examine how logics of war operate within domestic spaces and reproduce racialized conceptualizations of threat. I focus on a confrontation between the MOVE organization and the city of Philadelphia in 1985, which led to police firing 10,000 rounds of ammunition into a house where MOVE members and their children were living, and to the extensive use of military-grade explosives, culminating in the police dropping a bomb from a helicopter onto the house. The bomb ignited a fire that killed six adult MOVE members and five children, and destroyed 61 houses. I examine the decision of the city to bomb MOVE and consider the role that conceptions of war and threat played in shaping the event. This case shows not just the migration of military techniques into domestic spheres (and a long history of this in the United States), but more significantly, it reveals how violence and war-making have always been a foundation of liberal governance.
Assessment of venous leg symptoms in patients with hemorrhoidal disease (VEIN-HEMORRHOID study)
Authors: Cuglan Bilal , Ozturk Selcuk , Ozcan Fulya , Atmaca Hasan , Ensaroğlu Fatih , Saçıkara Alparslan , Yetkin Ertan
Published: September 2021

Background

Coexistence of dilating venous diseases in different vascular territories has raised the idea that they have similar vascular wall abnormality in their evolutionary process. Accordingly, we aimed to evaluate venous leg symptoms in patients with hemorrhoidal disease (HD) by means of VEINES-Sym questionnaire.

Materials and methods

The study involved 249 consecutive patients who underwent colonoscopy and met the inclusion criteria. Presence and grading of HD were made according to Goligher’s classification. All patients were examined for the existing of varicose vein and classified in respect of CEAP classiﬁcation. All participants were requested to answer the VEINES-Sym questionnaire.

Results

There was not statistically significant differences between the patients without HD (grade 0 or I) and with HD (Grade II or III) in respect to clinical characteristics except female predominance in hemorrhoid group (p = 0.07). Scores of heavy legs, swelling, burning sensation, restless leg, throbbing, tingling, and total VEINES score were significantly lower (ie: worse) in hemorrhoid group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender and total VEINES score were independently associated with HD (OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.17-3.52, p = 0.01; OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92-0.99, p = 0.02, respectively). Among all venous leg symptoms, severity of heavy legs, night cramps, swelling and aching were significantly correlated with the grades of HD.

Conclusion

We have shown significant association between the HD and venous leg symptoms reflected by total VEINES score and significant correlation between the HD grade and venous leg symptoms severity including heavy legs, swelling, night cramps and aching legs.
Combined high-resolution 3D CUBE T1-weighted imaging and non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance venography for evaluation of vein stenosis in May–Thurner syndrome
Authors: Shen Shanshan , Shan Chunhui , Lan Yanqin , Chen Yingmin , Li Jikuan , Guo Xiaowan , Ji Hong , Li Min , Cong MengDi
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To explore the feasibility of high-resolution MRI 3-dimensional (3D) CUBE T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in combination with non-contrast-enhanced (NCE) magnetic resonance venography (MRV) for the assessment of lumen stenosis in May–Thurner syndrome.

Methods

Twenty-nine patients underwent computed tomography venography (CTV) and high-resolution MRI-CUBE T1, and NCE MRV acquisitions. ANOVA and LSD tests were used to compare the stenosis rate and narrowest and distal diameters of the vessel lumen.

Results

There were no significant differences in the estimated stenosis rate between CTV, CUBE T1, and NCE MRV (p = 0.768). However, there were significant differences in the measured stenosis diameters of the left common iliac vein (LCIV), with CTV giving the largest mean diameter and CUBE had the smallest mean diameter (p < 0.05). The measured normal LCIV diameters did not significantly differ between MRV and CUBE (p = 0.075) but were significantly larger on CTV than on MRV and CUBE (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Compared with CTV, a combination of CUBE and MRV could provide an improved assessment of the degree of lumen stenosis in May–Thurner syndrome and demonstrate acute thrombosis. MRI underestimates the diameter of the vessel in comparison with CTV. MRI can be a substitute tool for Duplex ultrasound and CTV.