bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Politics of Vigilantism
Authors: Bateson Regina
Published: September 2020

Vigilantism is theoretically and empirically important for political science, because it is closely related to core concepts like power, order, state-building, and collective action. Yet although political scientists are increasingly interested in vigilantism, our discipline has never developed a sustained, cumulative research agenda on vigilantism. I argue this is largely because existing definitions of vigilantism are contradictory, tautological, and not easily operationalized. This article cuts through the conceptual muddle, equipping and motivating political scientists to study vigilantism. First, I define vigilantism as the extralegal prevention, investigation, or punishment of offenses. Next, I provide a crisp conceptualization of vigilantism, and I situate vigilantism in relation to other concepts in political science. I conclude by addressing methodological and ethical issues in the study of vigilantism.
Know Your Cognitive Environment! Mental Models as Crucial Determinant of Offloading Preferences
Authors: Weis Patrick P. , Wiese Eva
Published: September 2020

Objective

Human problem solvers possess the ability to outsource parts of their mental processing onto cognitive “helpers” ( cognitive offloading). However, suboptimal decisions regarding which helper to recruit for which task occur frequently. Here, we investigate if understanding and adjusting a specific subcomponent of mental models—beliefs about task-specific expertise—regarding these helpers could provide a comparatively easy way to improve offloading decisions.

Background

Mental models afford the storage of beliefs about a helper that can be retrieved when needed.

Methods

Arithmetic and social problems were solved by 192 participants. Participants could, in addition to solving a task on their own, offload cognitive processing onto a human, a robot, or one of two smartphone apps. These helpers were introduced with either task-specific (e.g., stating that an app would use machine learning to “recognize faces” and “read emotions”) or task-unspecific (e.g., stating that an app was built for solving “complex cognitive tasks”) descriptions of their expertise.

Results

Providing task-specific expertise information heavily altered offloading behavior for apps but much less so for humans or robots. This suggests (1) strong preexisting mental models of human and robot helpers and (2) a strong impact of mental model adjustment for novel helpers like unfamiliar smartphone apps.

Conclusion

Creating and refining mental models is an easy approach to adjust offloading preferences and thus improve interactions with cognitive environments.

Application

To efficiently work in environments in which problem-solving includes consulting other people or cognitive tools (“helpers”), accurate mental models—especially regarding task-relevant expertise—are a crucial prerequisite.
Canada’s evolving feminist foreign policy: Lessons learned from 2017 to 2020
Authors: Tiessen Rebecca , Smith Heather , Swiss Liam
Published: September 2020

This essay introduces a collection of articles on the lessons that can be drawn from Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) as Canada moves toward a more concrete and deliberate approach to feminist foreign policy. The articles in this collection provide insights into the challenges to be addressed, gaps to be filled, and the critical analyses necessary for expanding and enhancing Canada’s feminist foreign policy. The aim of the collection is to show that lessons learned from the FIAP can inform the design of Canada’s next steps in forging a formalized, comprehensive, and coherent feminist foreign policy. This introductory essay summarizes the five articles in this special section of International Journal on the FIAP and Canada’s feminist foreign policy and highlights their key findings.
Undoing the Hottentoting of “the Queen of Punt” A Jamaican Afronography on the Kemetiu Depiction of Ati of Punt
Authors: Samuels Tristan
Published: September 2020

The physical appearance of Ati, the co-ruling woman of Punt, often referred to as “the Queen of Punt,” as depicted in the pharaoh Hatshepsut’s “Voyage to Punt” has been subject to scholarly attention in the European academy. However, in this scholarship her appearance is disparaged as humorous or pathological which is reminiscent of the racist characterizations of Ssehura of the Khoi-Khoi people as the “Hottentot Venus.” This problem is termed as the “European Hottentot Complex” in this study. Recovering Ati from the European Hottentot Complex, this study provides an Afronography on the Kemetiu (ancient Egyptian) aesthetic perspective by examining the primary sources from a Jamaican cultural perspective through language. Subsequently, this study shows the transgenerational dimension of the Afrikan aesthetic norm that is expressed in the Jamaican notion of tiknis. Ultimately, this study locates the Kemetiu perspective on Ati of Punt within the context of tiknis.
Revaluation of Australian palm residues in polypropylene composites: Statistical influence of fiber treatment
Authors: Zanini Noelle C , Barbosa Rennan FS , de Souza Alana G , Rosa Derval S , Mulinari Daniella R
Published: September 2020

Australian palm residues are generated by palm heart industry in large quantities and are considered an underused material with a composition rich in lignocellulosic structures. This residue is generally utilized as briquettes for energy or sheep feed; however, few works investigate this residue as composite fillers. This work aimed to revalue Australian palm residues (PR) by preparing polypropylene composites through melt mixing, using different fiber contents (0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 wt%), and evaluate the statistical influence of fibers (residues) alkali treatment (MPR) in composites mechanical properties. PR and MPR were evaluated by FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, and composites were assessed using thermal and mechanical analysis, in which ANOVA statistical analysis was applied. The residues addition increased the mechanical properties and their treatment enhanced the stiffness of the composites compared to pristine PP. However, ANOVA demonstrated that at low residues contents, surface treatment does not increase fiber-matrix interactions effectively, then tensile properties were statistically similar to PP. Considering tensile properties, 20% MPR showed statistically distinct properties, with significative enhancements; no filler contents dependence was verified. Flexural properties were more sensitive to residue loading, and composites with 30% PR and MPR presented superior mechanical performance. This difference is associated with a higher sensitivity of tensile stress towards fiber-matrix interactions, which was improved with fiber treatment. Also, the residues content and treatment influenced the composites' thermal stability, with better results for PP-MPR. Results indicate that palm residue is an excellent filler for improving composites' thermal and mechanical properties, with a greener character.
Peer Delinquency among Digital Natives: The Cyber Context as a Source of Peer Influence
Authors: McCuddy Timothy
Published: September 2020

Objectives:

This study examines the influence of online peers who are not regularly seen in person by considering if online, pro-delinquent support is associated with self-reported delinquency independently of delinquent peers.

Methods:

Data come from a longitudinal, panel survey of two cohorts of middle and high school students located within six school districts (N = 1,177). Analyses first examine the overlap between online peer support for delinquency and perceived peer delinquency. Next, models consider how measures of online peer support for delinquency are associated with the prevalence (logit), variety (negative binomial), and changes (first difference) in self-reported delinquency.

Results:

Online peers generally do not enable exposure to new messages supportive of delinquency; rather, they supplement influences derived from delinquent peers. Little evidence was found that online peer support was associated with general delinquency and violence, although changes in online peer support were associated with changes in these outcomes. Partial evidence was found that online peers are associated with the prevalence, variety, and changes in self-reported theft and substance use.

Conclusions:

The influence from unique online peers is largely secondary to offline peers, although this depends upon the crime type under investigation.
The Nature and Role of Morality in Offending: A Moral Foundations Approach
Authors: Silver Jason R. , Silver Eric
Published: September 2020

Objectives:

Criminologists have long viewed morality as a critical element in offending. However, two factors limit the theoretical impact of prior work. First, no overarching framework for describing the nature and role of morality has been developed. Second, morality has been measured in a narrow manner as the extent to which individuals disapprove of particular acts of offending. To address these limitations, we examine the utility of a moral psychological framework—Moral Foundations Theory (MFT)—that fits remarkably well with the conceptions of morality found in criminological theorizing (i.e., that morality inhibits offending, has intuitive and pluralistic dimensions, and under certain circumstances may motivate offending).

Methods:

We use negative binomial regression to model self-reported counts of violence, group violence, theft, property damage, marijuana use, and illegal phone use while driving, in a large national sample of Icelandic youths (n = 10,710).

Results:

We find that individualizing moral intuitions centered on rights and autonomy and binding moral intuitions centered on social order and cohesion are uniquely associated with different types of offending and exhibit inhibiting or motivating effects depending on the outcome.

Conclusion:

MFT holds considerable promise as a framework for conducting criminological research on the relationship between morality and offending.
A Portrait of Self-Reported Health and Distress in Parents Whose Child Died of Cancer
Authors: Dumont Émilie , Bourque Claude Julie , Duval Michel , Payot Antoine , Sultan Serge ,   the Butterflies/Papillons Research Team
Published: September 2020

Grieving a child following cancer is a substantially difficult task. The objectives of this research were: 1) to describe current quality of life (QoL), psychological distress and symptoms of grief of bereaved parents, and 2) to explore the role of possible contributors of QoL and psychological distress. Forty-six parents (32 mothers) of children who died of cancer were surveyed on their QoL, distress, and complicated grief. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Parents had a high frequency of grieving symptoms (58%). Mothers reported more retrospective grief symptoms than fathers when describing the year after child death. Current lower mental well-being was associated with experiencing higher retrospective grief symptoms, a shorter period since child death, and being a father. Hence, parents experienced disturbances even long after child death. Mothers and fathers may present specificities that should be considered when developing supportive activities for this vulnerable population.
Numerical study for removing wax deposition by thermal washing for the waxy crude oil gathering pipeline
Authors: Jiang Hui , Liu Xiaoyan , Zhao Haiqian , Liu Yang , Ma Chuan , Li Xiaoqing
Published: September 2020

Exploring the wax removal process by numerical simulation is beneficial for guiding field operations. In this paper, enthalpy-porosity and volume of fluid (VOF) methods were adopted to simulate the melting process of wax in the crude oil gathering pipeline. The melting patterns and liquid fraction of the wax were used to validate the mathematical model. The results show that the wax melts quickly before the liquid fraction reaches 80%, while the remaining 20% melts very slowly. Since the water with higher density sinks to the lower part of the pipeline, the wax in the lower part of the pipeline melts first, while the wax in the upper part of the pipeline melts slowly. The water temperature and flow rate disproportionately affect the melting process. Increasing the water temperature and flow rate can accelerate the melting process, but the effects on shortening the melting time of wax gradually decrease. Increasing the flow rate, the heat transfer rate and the melting rate are increasing progressively, the change of flow rate also affects the outlet temperature of the pipeline.
Black cohosh associated mania in a patient with unipolar depression
Authors: Yalçın Murat , Oğuz Ayşenur , Beştepe Engin Emrem , Sağlam Nazife Gamze Usta , Ergelen Mine
Published: September 2020

Black cohosh ( actaea racemosa, cimicifuga racemosa) a popular complementary medicine, is commonly prescribed as an alternative drug to hormone replacement therapy for the treatment of menopause symptoms and menstrual pain. Studies on the black cohosh’s psychological effects are generally focused on the perimenopausal depression and anxiety; and, its effects have been considered to be affiliated with its serotonergic and dopaminergic activities. We report a patient presenting with acute onset mania associated with black cohosh use, probably due to its psychopharmacological activities on serotonergic and dopaminergic receptors. We suggest that black cohosh must be used cautiously in the patients with history of unipolar depression or bipolar disorder.
Abducens Nerve Schwannoma: First Case to Be Treated With an Expanded Endonasal Approach
Authors: Imran Zaidi Syed Mohammad , Naik Paresh , Ahmed Shahzada K.
Published: September 2020

Abducens nerve schwannomas are incredibly rare, with very few cases being reported previously. Our patient is the first to have been treated through use of an endoscopic endonasal approach. A 61-year-old woman presented with diplopia over a 1-year period. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a 2.8-cm lesion expanding into her right sphenoid sinus. She underwent an endoscopic endonasal approach for histological diagnosis and clearance of the lesion. Intraoperative exploration found the lesion to be originating from Dorello canal. Histological analysis confirmed a benign schwannoma. Following a multidisciplinary case review, we have followed a conservative approach and she remains well on radiological surveillance. In patients presenting with a sixth nerve palsy/paresis and a concomitant sphenoid lesion, clinicians should consider an abducens schwannoma as a possible diagnosis.
Prediction of online topics’ popularity patterns
Authors: Zhu Hengmin , Mei Yanshuang , Wei Jing , Shen Chao
Published: September 2020

Popularity prediction of online contents is always a tool of emergency management, business decision-making, and public opinion monitoring. Most previous work has made efforts to predict the volumes or levels of popularity, but patterns of popularity evolution are remaining largely unexplored. Actually, topic popularity patterns can offer more detailed information for event detection and early warning. In this article, we proposed an effective method to discover and predict the popularity patterns of topics on the Internet which combined clustering and classification models. This method does not rely on the early time data of topic propagation, so it can predict the future popularity pattern at the initial stage of topic releasing. First, we chose a time series clustering algorithm K-SC to obtain basic types of topic popularity patterns. Then, through acquiring and evaluating multiple features related to the topics including publisher features, outward characteristics of content and textual ones, we built the prediction model of topic popularity patterns based on machine learning methods. The experimental results show that it is suitable to cluster four basic patterns of topic popularity from the experimental data. What’s more, making use of certain initial characteristics, Decision Tree model can effectively predict the popularity pattern of a newly released topic, with an accuracy of 89.4%.
A semi-hierarchical clustering method for constructing knowledge trees from stackoverflow
Authors: Tseng Chun-Hsiung , Lin Jia-Rou
Published: September 2020

To help students learn how to programme, we have to give them a clear knowledge map and sufficient materials. Question-based websites, such as stackoverflow, are excellent information sources for this goal. However, for beginners, the process can be a little tricky since they may not know how to ask correct questions if they do not have sufficient background knowledge, and a knowledge tree is usually considered more helpful in such a scenario. In this research, a method to infer a knowledge tree automatically from the type of websites and to group documents based on the resulting knowledge tree is proposed. The proposed method mainly addresses two issues: first, the quality of tags cannot be guaranteed, and second, clustering-based methods usually generate the flat schema. The occurrence count and the co-occurrence ratio were used together to identify important tags. Then, an algorithm was developed to infer the hierarchical relationship between tags. Using these tags as centres, the clustering performance is better than applying k-means alone.
Securing the subterranean volumes: Geometrics, land subsidence and the materialities of things
Authors: Wang Chi-Mao
Published: September 2020

In 2011, thousands of Taiwanese farmers gathered in Yunlin County to protest against a government environmental management programme which attempted to address the land subsidence that has threatened Taiwan’s High-Speed Rail infrastructure. New environmental monitoring technologies have been developed to deal with the land subsidence but these have, simultaneously, provoked contestation. The dispute indicates that the horizontalism inherent in traditional studies of geopolitics fails to account for the politics of verticality. Indeed, recent work on volumetric politics opens up new horizons for thinking about the exercise of power through three dimensions; the geopolitics of the underground have remained untheorised. Moreover, the existing literature on volume also fails to account for the chaotic state of the material world. From the perspective of assemblage thinking, I outline three characteristics which shape the ‘geopolitics of land subsidence’. From this standpoint, this paper argues for a geographical approach to subterranean politics which puts more emphasis on volume, emergence and matter. With reference to ethnographical fieldwork conducted in scientific laboratories and in Yunlin County, I demonstrate how subterranean materials continuously frustrate the state’s volumetric practices. By problematising the geopolitics of land subsidence, this paper also advances the understanding of political geology, which is seeking to ‘decolonise’ and ‘pluralise geological thought’.
A dangerous liaison? Harnessing Weber to illuminate the relationship of democracy and charisma in the Philippines and India
Authors: Bello Walden Flores
Published: September 2020

Democratic elections in the Philippines and India in 2019 yielded a paradoxical result: the strengthening of the political hegemony of personalities partial to authoritarian rule. An examination of economic, social, and political conditions prior to the elections shows that the usual paradigms used to explain voters’ choices – class theory, rational choice theory, and patron–client theory – fail to account for the sweeping victories of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A more useful framework is that of charismatic authority derived from Max Weber. Employing this paradigm, the article discusses the origins of charismatic authority in the two polities, the differences in charismatic appeal, the social construction of charisma, charisma and the creation of the Other, and the democratic dialectic at the heart of charismatic authoritarianism.
Tai Chi exercise can ameliorate physical and mental health of patients with knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hu Lidong , Wang Yiwen , Liu Xingkang , Ji Xiaojian , Ma Yingpei , Man Siliang , Hu Zhengyuan , Cheng Jidong , Huang Feng
Published: September 2020

Objective:

To systematically review the effects of Tai Chi exercise as a nonpharmacological therapeutic strategy on the physical and mental health in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Data sources:

A systematic literature retrieval has been conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EMbase, CENTRAL, OVID, CINAHL, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Chinese Biomedical Database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure up to June 2020 to identify the relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods:

Two authors assessed independently the risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. Standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% CI were calculated and data were combined using the fixed or random-effect model. The strength of evidence was rated with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

Results:

A total of 16 RCTs involving 986 patients with knee osteoarthritis met the established inclusion criteria. The strength of evidence for the main outcomes was low or moderate. The systematic review illustrated the efficacy of Tai Chi exercise in treating and managing knee osteoarthritis. Patients’ outcomes practising Tai Chi exercise were improved significantly, including pain (SMD = ‒0.69, 95%CI: ‒0.95 to ‒0.44, P < 0.001), stiffness (SMD = ‒0.59, 95%CI: ‒0.91 to ‒0.27, P < 0.001), physical function (SMD = ‒0.92, 95%CI: –1.16 to ‒0.69, P < 0.001), dynamic balance (SMD = 0.69, 95%CI: 0.38 to 0.99, P < 0.001), physiological and psychological health (SF-36 PCS: SMD = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.28 to 0.68, P < 0.001; SF-36 MCS: SMD = 0.26, 95%CI: 0.06 to 0.45, P = 0.01). No adverse events associated with Tai Chi exercise were reported.

Conclusion:

Tai Chi exercise was beneficial for ameliorating physical and mental health of patients with knee osteoarthritis and should be available as an alternative non-pharmacological therapy in rehabilitation programmes.
Effects of Antidepressant Treatment on Sleep EEG in Depression
Authors: Armitage Roseanne
Published: September 2020

Sleep abnormalities associated with major depressive disorders include an early onset of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, increased awakenings, reduced slow-wave sleep and increased light, non-restorative sleep. This paper presents a review of the effects of antidepressants on sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) in depression, including tricyclics (TCAs), and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Studies of the effects of nefazodone, a phenylpiperazine agent that has dual action on serotonin (5-HT1A re-uptake inhibition and 5-HT2 antagonism), are also included. In contrast to TCAs and SSRIs, nefazodone is a non-sedating antidepressant that improves sleep consolidation. Nefazodone also has little effect on REM latency or on total REM time, as reported for trimipramine, iprindole, moclobemide and bupropion. These findings suggest that antidepressant efficacy is not solely tied to REM sleep suppression.
Brain amyloid and vascular risk are related to distinct white matter hyperintensity patterns
Authors: Pålhaugen Lene , Sudre Carole H , Tecelao Sandra , Nakling Arne , Almdahl Ina S , Kalheim Lisa F , Cardoso M Jorge , Johnsen Stein H , Rongve Arvid , Aarsland Dag , Bjørnerud Atle , Selnes Per , Fladby Tormod
Published: September 2020

White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are associated with vascular risk and Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, we examined relations between WMH load and distribution, amyloid pathology and vascular risk in 339 controls and cases with either subjective (SCD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Regional deep (DWMH) and periventricular (PWMH) WMH loads were determined using an automated algorithm. We stratified on Aβ1-42 pathology (Aβ+/−) and analyzed group differences, as well as associations with Framingham Risk Score for cardiovascular disease (FRS-CVD) and age. Occipital PWMH ( p = 0.001) and occipital DWMH ( p = 0.003) loads were increased in SCD-Aβ+ compared with Aβ− controls. In MCI-Aβ+ compared with Aβ− controls, there were differences in global WMH ( p = 0.003), as well as occipital DWMH ( p = 0.001) and temporal DWMH ( p = 0.002) loads. FRS-CVD was associated with frontal PWMHs ( p = 0.003) and frontal DWMHs ( p = 0.005), after adjusting for age. There were associations between global and all regional WMH loads and age. In summary, posterior WMH loads were increased in SCD-Aβ+ and MCI-Aβ+ cases, whereas frontal WMHs were associated with vascular risk. The differences in WMH topography support the use of regional WMH load as an early-stage marker of etiology.
Benefits of exercise training on cerebrovascular and cognitive function in ageing
Authors: Bliss Edward S , Wong Rachel HX , Howe Peter RC , Mills Dean E
Published: September 2020

Derangements in cerebrovascular structure and function can impair cognitive performance throughout ageing and in cardiometabolic disease states, thus increasing dementia risk. Modifiable lifestyle factors that cause a decline in cardiometabolic health, such as physical inactivity, exacerbate these changes beyond those that are associated with normal ageing. The purpose of this review was to examine cerebrovascular, cognitive and neuroanatomical adaptations to ageing and the potential benefits of exercise training on these outcomes in adults 50 years or older. We systematically searched for cross-sectional or intervention studies that included exercise (aerobic, resistance or multimodal) and its effect on cerebrovascular function, cognition and neuroanatomical adaptations in this age demographic. The included studies were tabulated and described narratively. Aerobic exercise training was the predominant focus of the studies identified; there were limited studies exploring the effects of resistance exercise training and multimodal training on cerebrovascular function and cognition. Collectively, the evidence indicated that exercise can improve cerebrovascular function, cognition and neuroplasticity through areas of the brain associated with executive function and memory in adults 50 years or older, irrespective of their health status. However, more research is required to ascertain the mechanisms of action.
Simplified quantification of [18F]FE-PE2I PET in Parkinson’s disease: Discriminative power, test–retest reliability and longitudinal validity during early peak and late pseudo-equilibrium
Authors: Brumberg Joachim , Kerstens Vera , Cselényi Zsolt , Svenningsson Per , Sundgren Mathias , Fazio Patrik , Varrone Andrea
Published: September 2020

Quantification of dopamine transporter (DAT) availability with [18F]FE-PE2I PET enables the detection of presynaptic dopamine deficiency and provides a potential progression marker for Parkinson`s disease (PD). Simplified quantification is feasible, but the time window of short acquisition protocols may have a substantial impact on the reliability of striatal binding estimates. Dynamic [18F]FE-PE2I PET data of cross-sectional (33 PD patients, 24 controls), test–retest (9 patients), and longitudinal (12 patients) cohorts were used to assess the variability and reliability of specific binding ratios (SBR) measured during early peak and late pseudo-equilibrium. Receiver operating characteristics area under the curve (PD vs. controls) was high for early (0.996) and late (0.991) SBR. Early SBR provided more favourable effect size, absolute variability, and standard error of measurement than late SBR (caudate: 1.29 vs. 1.23; 6.9% vs. 9.8%; 0.09 vs. 0.20; putamen: 1.75 vs. 1.67; 7.7% vs. 14.0%; 0.08 vs. 0.17). The annual percentage change was comparable for both time windows (−7.2%–8.5%), but decline was significant only for early SBR. Whereas early and late [18F]FE-PE2I PET acquisitions have similar discriminative power to separate PD patients and controls, the early peak equilibrium acquisition can be recommended if [18F]FE-PE2I is used to measure longitudinal changes of DAT availability.
Understanding the Brazilian Consumerism Movement from a Decolonial Perspective: The Case of Proteste
Authors: Hemais Marcus Wilcox , dos Santos Rafaela Barbosa Ferreira
Published: September 2020

From a decolonial perspective, the present study analyzes how and why Eurocentric consumerism was adopted by Proteste, a Brazilian consumerist organization that is associated with Euroconsumers, a European consumer defense organization. Marketing literature scarcely discusses decolonial issues related to consumerism, resulting in a limited understanding of how Eurocentric consumerist organizations influence consumerism in the Global South, and in Brazil. Based on interviews with current and former Proteste employees and on secondary data, the analysis shows how Proteste deals with the hierarchy created inside Euroconsumers, positioning it at the lower part of this structure, as well as how it adopts Eurocentric universalist consumerist knowledge, which does not necessarily contribute to solving Proteste’s consumer problems. By ignoring such decolonial issues, marketing perpetuates a partial view of consumerism, which accentuates the asymmetry of power between the Eurocentric world and the rest of the world, rather than foster relations between companies and consumers.
Efficacy and safety of human urinary kallidinogenase for acute ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Yuanxiang , Wang Binglei , Zhang Yue , Wang Peize , Zhang Xiangjian
Published: September 2020

Objective

Human urinary kallidinogenase (HUK) is a glycoprotein extracted from human urine that is used to treat stroke by triggering positive regulation of the kallikrein–kinin system. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HUK treatment for acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

We searched the online databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) for papers published between January 2015 and December 2019. The quality of each trial was assessed using the Cochrane Reviewers’ Handbook. Randomized controlled trials of HUK in patients with acute ischemic stroke were included.

Results

Sixteen trials with 1326 participants were included. The HUK injection groups had more neurological improvement than the control groups in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores (mean difference, –1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], –2.12 to –1.71) and clinical efficacy (1.30; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.41). Subgroup analysis indicated that age may influence heterogeneity. Eleven trials reported adverse effects and there were no significant differences between the control and HUK groups (risk difference, 0.01; 95% CI, –0.02 to 0.04).

Conclusions

HUK ameliorates neurological symptoms in stroke patients with few adverse effects. Further high-quality, large-scale randomized trials are needed to confirm these results.
Temporal lung changes in high-resolution chest computed tomography for coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Chen Chengyang , Wang Xing , Dong Jia , Nie Dianer , Chen Qianlan , Yang Feng , Chen Weiwei , Hu Qiongjie
Published: September 2020

Objective

To evaluate temporal lung changes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and to determine the appropriate computed tomographic (CT) follow-up time.

Methods

Eighty-six patients with two or more HRCT scans who were diagnosed with COVID-19 were included. The CT score and major CT findings were evaluated.

Results

Eighty-two (95.3%) patients had lesions on the initial HRCT scans. Most scans showed bilateral, multifocal lung lesions, with multiple lobes involved and diffuse distribution. For fifty-seven patients with type I (progress compared with the initial CT score), the CT score reached a peak at 12 days and the nadir at 36 days. For twenty-nine patients with type II (no progress compared with the initial CT score), the lowest CT score was reached at 23 days. On the final HRCT scans (>21 days), patients with a reticular pattern were older than those without a reticular pattern.

Conclusion

The appropriate follow-up time of CT scans is during the second week (approximately 12 days) and the fourth to fifth weeks (approximately 23–36 days) from the onset of illness. These times could help reduce the CT radiation dose and show timely changes in the course of the disease by CT.
Ramsay Hunt syndrome affecting the vagus nerve with epiglottic ulcers as the first manifestation: a case report
Authors: Zhang Jie , Wei Xuemei
Published: September 2020

Ramsay Hunt syndrome involving the vagus nerve is very rare. We herein describe a 53-year-old man who developed severe pharyngeal pain after alcohol intoxication. Antibiotic treatment was ineffective. Laryngoscopy showed an ulcer on the right side of the epiglottis. As the condition progressed, the patient developed hoarseness. He then gradually developed multiple herpes lesions on the right side of the head, face, and neck along with right peripheral facial paralysis. Corticosteroid, analgesic, antiviral, and nutritional nerve therapy resulted in disappearance of the herpes lesions, epiglottis ulcer, pharyngeal pain, and right head and face pain. The facial paralysis slightly improved, but the hoarseness did not improve. The patient was discharged with an unsatisfactory outcome, and he attempted treatment with acupuncture. After 6 months, the right facial paralysis and hoarseness disappeared. Our case emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of atypical Ramsay Hunt syndrome as well as timely communication, enhancement of trust, and reduction of disputes between doctors and patients.
Congenital short bowel syndrome: a rare cause of neonatal intestinal obstruction
Authors: Zain Mostafa , Abdelkader Mansour , Azab Ahmed , Kotb Mostafa
Published: September 2020

Congenital short bowel syndrome (CSBS) is an uncommon gastrointestinal disorder in which an unclear aetiology causes considerable intrauterine reduction in small bowel length. As a result of reduced absorptive intestinal length, chronic diarrhoea, vomiting, and consequently, failure to thrive are likely. We report a case of CSBS in a 26-day-old girl who had malrotation and a short bowel with a length of bowel from the pylorus to the ileocecal junction of approximately 40 cm. The patient underwent Ladd’s procedure, but she is still dependent on parenteral nutrition.
Experimental and finite element analysis of the effect of geometrical parameters on the mechanical behavior of auxetic cellular structure under static load
Authors: Khoshgoftar MJ , Abbaszadeh H
Published: September 2020

The auxetic structures are structures with negative Poisson ratio that behave under tension or compression as opposed to ordinary materials. Due to the unique mechanical properties, such as increasing the resistance against collision and different formation capability, extensive research is ongoing. In this research, using finite element modeling, simulation of various geometrical parameters of auxetic cell structures have been studied. Verification of the results is done by experimental tests of the model made by 3D printing technology. By introducing different measurement methods such as image processing, the modeling results are compared with experimental tests that show high accuracy results. In this analysis, the effect of the angle between the cell components, unit cell dimensions, thickness, and density of cells are investigated. In addition, new designs to improve the performance of the auxetic structure such as the use of different thicknesses are studied. Auxetic structures are part of advanced structures such as composites and biomaterials with diverse properties and applications in various fields such as military, medical, textile, and aerospace industries. Auxetic applications are excellent in absorbing impact force as bulletproof vests and similar equipment, high strength to weight in lightweight sandwich panels, and in tissue engineering like stent application.
Visually guided associative learning in pediatric and adult migraine without aura
Authors: Giricz Zsófia , Pertich Ákos , Őze Attila , Puszta András , Fehér Ágnes , Eördegh Gabriella , Kóbor Jenő , Bihari Katalin , Pálinkás Éva , Braunitzer Gábor , Nagy Attila
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The Rutgers Acquired Equivalence Test is a visually guided equivalence learning paradigm that involves rule acquisition and generalization. Earlier we found impaired performance in this paradigm among adult migraine patients without aura. The aim of the study was to investigate if similar impairments can be found already in the pediatric form of the disease and to compare the performance of the pediatric study population with that of an adult study population. We hypothesized that the deficits observed in adults would be observable already in the pediatric population.

Methods

Twenty-seven children and adolescents newly diagnosed with migraine without aura and 27 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were tested with the Rutgers Acquired Equivalence Test. Their performance data were compared to each other and those of an earlier adult study population involving 22 patients and 22 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Four parameters characterizing performance in the two main phases of the paradigm were calculated for each of the four groups. Performance parameters were compared with Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

In contrast to the decreased performance of the adult patients in the Rutgers Acquired Equivalence Test, no significant difference was found between pediatric patients and controls in any phase of the paradigm.

Conclusion

Children living with migraine without aura do not exhibit the same cognitive deficits in the Rutgers Acquired Equivalence Test as their adult counterparts. It can be hypothesized that the deficit of equivalence learning is not an inherent feature of the migrainous cognitive profile, rather the result of the interference of the disease with normal development.
A new strategy of reusing abandoned carbon fiber reinforced plastic: Microstructures and properties of C/C composites based on recycled carbon fiber
Authors: Guo Wenjian , Bai Shuxin , Ye Yicong
Published: September 2020

A new strategy of recycling and reusing abandoned carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) is proposed: CFRPs are first fully carbonized to CF reinforced carbon (C/C) preforms, and then are manufactured into high value-added C/C composites. The results showed that the carbon residue rate of epoxy-resin (EP) matrix was fully recovered as the decomposition route of EP matrix was changed by charring agent. The recycled CF (rCF) was not markedly oxidized or thermally damaged, and possessed comparable properties with those of the virgin CF (vCF) after pyrolysis. The pyrolytic char had no obvious negative effect on the densification efficiency of the rCF reinforced carbon (rCF/C) composites. Both of the rCF/C and vCF reinforced carbon (vCF/C) composite bodies were quite dense, and exhibited almost no difference in their microstructures. The rCF/C and vCF/C composites therefore had quite close interface bonding strength (12.6 MPa and 13.0 MPa, respectively), and bending strength (106.4 MPa and 111.5 MPa, respectively). Furthermore, the rCF/C composites possessed comparable ablative rate with that of the vCF/C composites. The rCF/C composites derived from abandoned CF/EP composites present a great potential to be used as substitutes for vCF/C composites owing to their indistinguishable properties.
Sexual Assault Victimization and Eating Disorders Among College-enrolled Men
Authors: Ganson Kyle T. , Rodgers Rachel F. , Lipson Sarah K. , Cadet Tamara J. , Putnam Michelle
Published: September 2020

Sexual assault victimization and eating disorder rates are high among college populations and have significant psychological, physiological, and social outcomes. Previous research has found a positive relationship between experiences of sexual assault and eating disorder symptoms; however, these analyses have primarily focused on female students. Using data from the 2017-2018 Healthy Minds Study, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between experiencing a sexual assault within the previous 12 months and screening positive for an eating disorder among cisgender college-enrolled men. It was hypothesized that college-enrolled men who report experiencing a sexual assault within the previous 12 months would be more likely to screen positive for an eating disorder. Analyses were conducted using a sample of 14,964 cisgender college-enrolled men. Among the sample, nearly 4% reported a sexual assault within the previous 12 months and nearly 16% screened positive for an eating disorder. Results from logistic regression analyses indicated that college-enrolled men who reported experiencing a sexual assault in the previous 12 months, compared to those who did not, had significantly greater odds of screening positive for an eating disorder (OR = 1.40, p < .01). Analyses also indicated that college-enrolled men who identified as gay, queer, questioning, or other sexual orientation and reported experiencing a sexual assault in the previous 12 months had greater odds of screening positive for an eating disorder (OR = 2.50, p < .001) compared to their heterosexual peers who did not experience a sexual assault in the previous 12 months. These results indicate that eating disorders may be a negative outcome among college-enrolled men who have experienced a sexual assault, particularly among sexual minority men. Thus, mental health professionals need to be adequately prepared to treat the underserved population of men who experience an eating disorder and who have experienced sexual assault.
A Latent Transition Analysis of Youth Bullying Victimization Patterns over Time and Their Relations to Delinquency
Authors: Zhang Saijun , Hong Jun Sung , Hao Ying , Lee Na Youn , Piquero Alex R.
Published: September 2020

Peer victimization patterns from elementary school transitioning into late middle school have not been assessed in detail. Even less work has considered how these patterns differ across family context and then are linked to delinquency in adolescence. This study used longitudinal data ( n = 2,892) from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study to examine peer victimization classification and change over six years while distinguishing across sex and family contexts. Latent transition analysis (LTA) shows that youth can be classified into minor victimization, mainly verbal victimization, and all-type victimization subgroups over time with some sex differences, regardless of whether they were in two-parent families. The majority of the youth were in either the mainly verbal victimization (53% for boys; 42% for girls) or all-type victimization (12% for boys; 21% for girls) statuses when they were about 9 years old, but substantial transition positioned most boys (84%) and girls (82%) in the minor victimization status instead when they were about 15 years old. Youth who were Hispanic, in two-parent families, and more open to parents had a reduced risk of peer victimization, but youth who were in a poor family had an increased risk of peer victimization. Peer victimization statuses were significantly associated with youth delinquency, and there were sex and time differences in the association. In year 9, 45% to 94% of boys and 24% to 75% of girls were involved in delinquency based on their victimization statuses, but the difference was 48% to 67% for boys and 39% to 59% for girls in year 15. The findings suggest developing and implementing peer victimization prevention starting from early elementary school, concurrently addressing peer victimization and delinquency, and paying close attention to sex and family context differences.
Trauma Exposure, Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms, and Indices of Parenting
Authors: Wamser-Nanney Rachel , Sager Julia C.
Published: September 2020

Previous studies have reported that trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) may increase the risk for parenting difficulties, yet it is not clear whether trauma exposure and PTSS independently contribute to parenting-related indices or whether there is an indirect effect of trauma exposure on parenting-related outcomes through PTSS. Further, the associations between PTSS and parenting outcomes utilizing the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual ( DSM-5) post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) criteria are unknown. The aims of the current study were to determine: (a) whether trauma exposure and PTSS are related to parenting indices; (b) if trauma exposure is associated with parenting factors indirectly through PTSS; and (c) whether the DSM-5 PTSD symptom clusters are each linked with parenting outcomes. Participants were 225 trauma-exposed parents ( Mage = 36.81; SD = 8.32) from a Midwestern University or Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk). Cumulative trauma had an indirect effect on parental satisfaction, support, involvement, limit-setting, and autonomy via PTSS. The specific PTSD symptom clusters also demonstrated distinct ties to parenting outcomes. Higher levels of alterations in reactivity and arousal symptoms were associated with lower parental support and satisfaction, as expected. Avoidance symptoms were also inversely related to parental autonomy. However, a positive relationship was noted between intrusion symptoms and support, and changes in cognitions and mood were unrelated to parenting indices. PTSS may better explain decrements in aspects of parenting than trauma exposure. Certain types of PTSD symptoms, particularly trauma-related changes in reactivity and arousal, may be relevant in understanding and improving parenting outcomes among trauma-exposed parents.
What Differentiates Batterer Men with and without Histories of Childhood Family Violence?
Authors: Fernández-Montalvo Javier , Echauri José A. , Azcárate Juana M. , Martínez María , Siria Sandra , López-Goñi José J.
Published: September 2020

The goals of this study were to explore the prevalence of childhood family violence (CFV) (both suffered and witnessed) among male batterers in treatment, and to analyze the specific psychological profile of those perpetrators with CFV. A sample of 1,421 men recruited from a specialized batterer treatment program was assessed. A description of the sociodemographic, violence, and psychopathological characteristics of the sample was carried out. Moreover, a comparison of all the variables studied between batterer men with and those without CFV was conducted. The results showed that 35.2% ( n = 500) of the sample reported having been victims of CFV (67.2% of them directly suffered abuse, and 32.8% witnessed violence between their parents, mainly from father to mother). Batterers with CFV presented with more irrational beliefs both about women and about violence as a strategy to cope with everyday difficulties. Moreover, they had significantly higher scores than batterers without CFV on all psychopathological symptoms as assessed by the SCL-90-R, as well as on most of the STAXI-2 subscales. In the logistic regression analysis, the main variables related to having a history of CFV were low education level, voluntary access to the program, having a previous psychiatric history, being an immigrant, having children, and presenting a greater number of psychopathological symptoms. According to these results, batterers with CFV showed a higher severity in most of the variables studied than those without CFV. Consequently, these findings highlight the importance of tailoring batterer treatment programs to their specific characteristics, particularly those regarding childhood victimization.