bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hormonal response after masturbation in young healthy men – a randomized controlled cross-over pilot study
Authors: Isenmann Eduard , Schumann Moritz , Notbohm Hannah L. , Flenker Ulrich , Zimmer Philipp
Published: December 2021

Background

Hormones like testosterone play a crucial role in performance enhancement and muscle growth. Therefore, various attempts to increase testosterone release and testosterone concentration have been made, especially in the context of resistance training. Among practitioners, sexual activity (coitus and masturbation) a few hours before training is often discussed to result in increases of testosterone concentration and thus promote muscle growth. However, there is no evidence to support this assumption and the kinetics of the testosterone and cortisol response after sexual activity have not been adequately investigated. Therefore, the aim of this pilot-study was to examine the kinetics of hormone concentrations of total testosterone, free testosterone and cortisol and their ratios after masturbation. In a three-arm single blinded cross-over study, the effects of masturbation with visual stimulus were compared to a visual stimulus without masturbation and the natural kinetics in healthy young men.

Results

The results showed a significant between-condition difference in free testosterone concentrations. Masturbation (p < 0.01) and a visual stimulus (p < 0.05) may seem to counteract the circadian drop of free testosterone concentrations over the day. However, no statistical change was observed in the ratios between total testosterone, free testosterone and cortisol.

Conclusions

It can be assumed that masturbation may have a potential effect on free testosterone concentrations but not on hormonal ratios. However, additional studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate these findings.
Use of muscular flaps for the treatment of hip prosthetic joint infection: a systematic review
Authors: Rovere Giuseppe , De Mauro Domenico , D’Orio Marco , Fulchignoni Camillo , Matrangolo Maria Rosaria , Perisano Carlo , Ziranu Antonio , Pataia Elisabetta
Published: December 2021

Background

Deep periprosthetic infection after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a serious and challenging complication for the orthopedic surgeon. Muscular flaps may represent a valid management option for the treatment of this condition. We present a systematic literature review about the use of muscular flaps for the treatment of hip prosthetic joint infection.

Methods

The review is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Seventy-seven articles, out of 279 titles, were considered eligible for the full-text analysis. Finally 15 studies that met inclusion criteria were included in this review.

Results

Overall, 210 patients (49% males, 48.6% females and 2.4% not reported) suffering from THA infection treated with muscular flaps were collected. The mean age was 69.6 years. Mean follow-up, reported in all studies, was 3.3 years.

The results presented by the different authors, highlight the effectiveness of muscular flaps for the treatment of periprosthetic infection, in terms of function, limb salvage, prevention of the recurrences, cost-effectiveness, and quality of life postoperatively.

Conclusions

Muscle flaps provide an excellent management option for patients with persistent infection after total hip arthroplasty.
Clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) detection with various prostate sampling schemes based on different csPCa definitions
Authors: Wang Fei , Chen Tong , Wang Meng , Chen Hanbing , Wang Caishan , Liu Peiqing , Liu Songtao , Luo Jing , Ma Qi , Xu Lijun
Published: December 2021

Background

Combining targeted biopsy (TB) with systematic biopsy (SB) is currently recommended as the first-line biopsy method by the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) with an abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The combined SB and TB indeed detected an additional number of patients with clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa); however, it did so at the expense of a concomitant increase in biopsy cores. Our study aimed to evaluate if ipsilateral SB (ipsi-SB) + TB or contralateral SB (contra-SB) + TB could achieve almost equal csPCa detection rates as SB + TB using fewer cores based on a different csPCa definition.

Methods

Patients with at least one positive prostate lesion were prospectively diagnosed by MRI. The combination of TB and SB was conducted in all patients. We compared the csPCa detection rates of the following four hypothetical biopsy sampling schemes with those of SB + TB: SB, TB, ipsi-SB + TB, and contra-SB + TB.

Results

The study enrolled 279 men. The median core of SB, TB, ipsi-SB + TB, and contra-SB + TB was 10, 2, 7 and 7, respectively (P < 0.001). ipsi-SB + TB detected significantly more patients with csPCa than contra-SB + TB based on the EAU guidelines (P = 0.042). They were almost equal on the basis of the Epstein criteria (P = 1.000). Compared with SB + TB, each remaining method detected significantly fewer patients with csPCa regardless of the definition (P < 0.001) except ipsi-SB + TB on the grounds of D1 (P = 0.066). Ten additional subjects were identified with a higher Gleason score (GS) on contra-SB + TB, and only one was considered as significantly upgraded (GS = 6 on ipsi-SB + TB to a GS of 8 on contra-SB + TB).

Conclusions

Ipsi-SB + TB could acquire an almost equivalent csPCa detection value to SB + TB using significantly fewer cores when csPCa was defined according to the EAU guidelines. Given that there was only one significantly upgrading patient on contra-SB, our results suggested that contra-SB could be avoided.
Effect of combined G6PD deficiency and diabetes on protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation
Authors: Karadsheh Naif S. , Quttaineh Nisreen A. , Karadsheh Salem N. , El-Khateeb Mohammad
Published: December 2021

Background

Oxidative Stress, an imbalance in the pro-oxidant/antioxidant homeostasis, occurs in many physiological and non-physiological processes and several human diseases, including diabetes mellitus (DM) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Since the incidence of G6PD deficiency in Jordan and many parts of the world is high, this study aimed to measure the effect of G6PD deficiency on the oxidative markers and the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.

Methods

Whole blood G6PD deficiency was screened by the fluorescent spot method, and erythrocyte G6PD activity was determined using a quantitative assay. Since protein carbonyl (PC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) are the most widely measured markers for protein and lipid oxidation, respectively, plasma PC and MDA, in addition to blood GSH were determined by spectrophotometric assays, as biomarkers of oxidative stress.

Results

The incidence of G6PD deficiency among the diabetic subjects was 15%. PC level in patients with diabetes and in G6PD-deficient subjects was 5.5 to 6-fold higher than in non-diabetic subjects with sufficient G6PD levels (p<0.001). This fold increase was doubled in diabetic patients with G6PD deficiency (p<0.001). Furthermore, the MDA level was significantly increased by 28-41% in G6PD-deficient, diabetics with sufficient G6PD, and diabetics with G6PD deficiency compared to MDA level in non-diabetic with sufficient G6PD. On the other hand, GSH was significantly reduced to half in G6PD-deficient subjects and in diabetics with G6PD-deficiency.

Conclusions

The results showed that diabetes and G6PD deficiency increased protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation. However, the combination of both disorders has an additive effect only on protein oxidation. On the other hand, GSH level is only reduced in G6PD deficiency. In addition, diabetes and G6PD deficiency appear to be genetically linked since the incidence of G6PD deficiency among people with diabetes is more than the general population.
Near-infrared light-triggered nano-prodrug for cancer gas therapy
Authors: Liu Runcong , Peng Yongjun , Lu Ligong , Peng Shaojun , Chen Tianfeng , Zhan Meixiao
Published: December 2021

Gas therapy (GT) has attracted increasing attention in recent years as a new cancer treatment method with favorable therapeutic efficacy and reduced side effects. Several gas molecules, such as nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), have been employed to treat cancers by directly killing tumor cells, enhancing drug accumulation in tumors or sensitizing tumor cells to chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy or radiotherapy. Despite the great progress of gas therapy, most gas molecules are prone to nonspecific distribution when administered systemically, resulting in strong toxicity to normal tissues. Therefore, how to deliver and release gas molecules to targeted tissues on demand is the main issue to be considered before clinical applications of gas therapy. As a specific and noninvasive stimulus with deep penetration, near-infrared (NIR) light has been widely used to trigger the cleavage and release of gas from nano-prodrugs via photothermal or photodynamic effects, achieving the on-demand release of gas molecules with high controllability. In this review, we will summarize the recent progress in cancer gas therapy triggered by NIR light. Furthermore, the prospects and challenges in this field are presented, with the hope for ongoing development.
The Home Environment Interview and associations with energy balance behaviours and body weight in school-aged children – a feasibility, reliability, and validity study
Authors: Kininmonth Alice R. , Schrempft Stephanie , Smith Andrea , Dye Louise , Lawton Clare , Fisher Abigail , Llewellyn Clare , Fildes Alison
Published: December 2021

Background

The home environment is thought to influence children’s weight trajectories. However, few studies utilise composite measures of the home environment to examine associations with energy balance behaviours and weight. The present study aimed to adapt and update a comprehensive measure of the obesogenic home environment previously developed for pre-schoolers, and explore associations with school-aged children’s energy balance behaviours and weight.

Methods

Families from the Gemini cohort (n = 149) completed the Home Environment Interview (HEI) via telephone when their children were 12 years old. The HEI comprises four composite scores: one for each domain (food, activity and media) of the environment, as well as a score for the overall obesogenic home environment. The primary caregiver also reported each child’s height and weight (using standard scales and height charts), diet, physical activity and sedentary screen-based behaviours. A test-retest sample (n = 20) of caregivers completed the HEI a second time, 7–14 days after the initial interview, to establish test-retest reliability.

Results

Children (n = 298) living in ‘higher-risk’ home environments (a 1 unit increase in the HEI obesogenic risk score) were less likely to consume fruits (OR; 95% CI = 0.40; 0.26–0.61, p < 0.001), and vegetables (0.30; 0.18–0.52, p < 0.001), and more likely to consume energy-dense snack foods (1.71; 1.08–2.69, p = 0.022), convenience foods (2.58; 1.64–4.05, p < 0.001), and fast foods (3.09; 1.90–5.04, p < 0.001). Children living in more obesogenic home environments also engaged in more screen-time (β (SE) = 4.55 (0.78), p < 0.001), spent more time playing video games (β (SE) = 1.56 (0.43), p < 0.001), and were less physically active (OR; 95% CI = 0.57; 0.40–0.80, p < 0.01). Additionally, there was a positive association between higher-risk overall home environment composite score and higher BMI-SDS (β (SE) = 0.23 (0.09), p < 0.01). This finding was mirrored for the home media composite (β (SE) = 0.12 (0.03), p < 0.001). The individual home food and activity composite scores were not associated with BMI-SDS.

Conclusion

Findings reveal associations between the overall obesogenic home environment and dietary intake, activity levels and screen-based sedentary behaviours, as well as BMI in 12 year olds. These findings suggest that the home environment, and in particular the home media environment, may be an important target for obesity prevention strategies.
Microglia and astrocyte involvement in neurodegeneration and brain cancer
Authors: Vandenbark Arthur A. , Offner Halina , Matejuk Szymon , Matejuk Agata
Published: December 2021

The brain is unique and the most complex organ of the body, containing neurons and several types of glial cells of different origins and properties that protect and ensure normal brain structure and function. Neurological disorders are the result of a failure of the nervous system multifaceted cellular networks. Although great progress has been made in the understanding of glia involvement in neuropathology, therapeutic outcomes are still not satisfactory. Here, we discuss recent perspectives on the role of microglia and astrocytes in neurological disorders, including the two most common neurodegenerative conditions, Alzheimer disease and progranulin-related frontotemporal lobar dementia, as well as astrocytoma brain tumors. We emphasize key factors of microglia and astrocytic biology such as the highly heterogeneic glial nature strongly dependent on the environment, genetic factors that predispose to certain pathologies and glia senescence that inevitably changes the CNS landscape. Our understanding of diverse glial contributions to neurological diseases can lead advances in glial biology and their functional recovery after CNS malfunction.
European consensus on patient contact shielding
Authors: Hiles Peter , Gilligan Patrick , Damilakis John , Briers Eric , Candela-Juan Cristian , Faj Dario , Foley Shane , Frija Guy , Granata Claudio , de las Heras Gala Hugo , Pauwels Ruben , Sans Merce Marta , Simantirakis Georgios , Vano Eliseo
Published: December 2021

Patient contact shielding has been in use for many years in radiology departments in order to reduce the effects and risks of ionising radiation on certain organs. New technologies in projection imaging and CT scanning such as digital receptors and automatic exposure control systems have reduced doses and improved image consistency. These changes and a greater understanding of both the benefits and the risks from the use of shielding have led to a review of shielding use in radiology. A number of professional bodies have already issued guidance in this regard. This paper represents the current consensus view of the main bodies involved in radiation safety and imaging in Europe: European Federation of Organisations for Medical Physics, European Federation of Radiographer Societies, European Society of Radiology, European Society of Paediatric Radiology, EuroSafe Imaging, European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS), and European Academy of DentoMaxilloFacial Radiology (EADMFR). It is based on the expert recommendations of the Gonad and Patient Shielding (GAPS) Group formed with the purpose of developing consensus in this area. The recommendations are intended to be clear and easy to use. They are intended as guidance, and they are developed using a multidisciplinary team approach. It is recognised that regulations, custom and practice vary widely on the use of patient shielding in Europe and it is hoped that these recommendations will inform a change management program that will benefit patients and staff.
Ranchers or pastoralists? Farm size, specialisation and production strategy amongst cattle farmers in south-eastern Kazakhstan
Authors: Robinson Sarah , Bozayeva Zhanyl , Mukhamedova Nozilakhon , Djanibekov Nodir , Petrick Martin
Published: December 2021

Against the global trend towards sedentary, specialised and feed-intensive cattle farming, we explore current patterns of production in Kazakhstan’s traditionally nomadic livestock sector. Experts see considerable potential for output expansion, and the government hopes to promote the sector as an alternative to revenues from hydrocarbons. Which production systems emerge will determine the use of the country’s vast pastoral resources, patterns of economic contribution from livestock and future greenhouse gas emissions. We focus on the beef sector, using original survey data and interviews from south-eastern Kazakhstan to compare rural households and farms by production strategy, generated using cluster analysis from data on livestock holdings, fodder provision and grazing. We examine in particular the relationships between farm size and the characteristics identified. We find that, rather than being specialised and intensive, larger farms tend to be highly diversified in terms of stock species, are more mobile and provide fewer supplements per head than smaller farms. Winter pastures appear to be a key resource associated with larger operations. Many large farms provide fodder mainly as low-quality roughage, although a subset with better access to cropland provide higher quality rations and fatten cattle before sale. Medium-sized farms lack either winter pasture bases or cropland for growing supplements, but proximity to markets enables some to compensate through fodder purchases. Inability to access government support, available only to large farms, hampers their expansion. Farmers’ professional background, distance from markets and environmental conditions are all associated with the production systems observed. In terms of policy, high transaction costs associated with leaseholds and lack of transferability between farmers impede access to land. Current pasture access mechanisms and institutions almost entirely exclude small farms and households. Changes in these systems, combined with infrastructure development, may bring economic, social and environmental benefits for the livestock sector and rural communities.
Comparison of metabolic syndrome prevalence using four different definitions – a population-based study in Finland
Authors: Haverinen Elsi , Paalanen Laura , Palmieri Luigi , Padron-Monedero Alicia , Noguer-Zambrano Isabel , Sarmiento Suárez Rodrigo , Tolonen Hanna ,   for the Joint Action on Health Information (InfAct)
Published: December 2021

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a public health problem in Europe, affecting all age groups. Several MetS definitions are available. The aim of this study was to compare four different MetS definitions in the Finnish adult population, to assess their agreement and to evaluate the impact of the choice of the definition on the prevalence of MetS.

Methods

Data from FinHealth 2017, a cross-sectional national population health survey, focusing on adults aged 25 years or older were used in the analysis (n=5687). Measured data on anthropometrics, blood pressure and biomarkers together with questionnaire data were used to classify the participants into the MetS categories according to the four definitions. The definitions chosen for the comparison were those by the World Health Organization (WHO) (1998), National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) (2004), International Diabetes Federation (IDF) (2005), and Joint Interim Statement (JIS) (2009).

Results

The four MetS definitions resulted in substantially different MetS prevalence: 17.7% by WHO, 33.3% by NCEP-ATP III, 41.5% by IDF, and 43.0% by JIS. Regardless of the definition used, the prevalence of MetS increased with age. The prevalence of the different components varied between the definitions, depending on the different cut-off points adopted. Out of all participants, only 13.6% were identified to have MetS according to all four definitions. Agreement between participants recognised by different MetS definitions, estimated through kappa coefficients, was almost perfect for IDF vs. JIS (0.97), strong for JIS vs. NCEP-ATP III (0.80), moderate for IDF vs. NCEP-ATP III (0.76) and weak for WHO vs. NCEP-ATP III (0.42), WHO vs. IDF (0.41) and WHO vs. JIS (0.40).

Conclusions

Differences between observed prevalence of MetS in Finnish men and women using different MetS definitions were large. For cross-country comparisons, as well as for trend analyses within a country, it is essential to use the same MetS definition to avoid discrepancies in classification due to differences in used definitions.
A new innovative real-time tracking method for flying insects applicable under natural conditions
Authors: Walter Thomas , Degen Jacqueline , Pfeiffer Keram , Stöckl Anna , Montenegro Sergio , Degen Tobias
Published: December 2021

Background

Sixty percent of all species are insects, yet despite global efforts to monitor animal movement patterns, insects are continuously underrepresented. This striking difference between species richness and the number of species monitored is not due to a lack of interest but rather to the lack of technical solutions. Often the accuracy and speed of established tracking methods is not high enough to record behavior and react to it experimentally in real-time, which applies in particular to small flying animals.

Results

Our new method of real-time tracking relates to frequencies of solar radiation which are almost completely absorbed by traveling through the atmosphere. For tracking, photoluminescent tags with a peak emission (1400 nm), which lays in such a region of strong absorption through the atmosphere, were attached to the animals. The photoluminescent properties of passivated lead sulphide quantum dots were responsible for the emission of light by the tags and provide a superb signal-to noise ratio. We developed prototype markers with a weight of 12.5 mg and a diameter of 5 mm. Furthermore, we developed a short wave infrared detection system which can record and determine the position of an animal in a heterogeneous environment with a delay smaller than 10 ms. With this method we were able to track tagged bumblebees as well as hawk moths in a flight arena that was placed outside on a natural meadow.

Conclusion

Our new method eliminates the necessity of a constant or predictable environment for many experimental setups. Furthermore, we postulate that the developed matrix-detector mounted to a multicopter will enable tracking of small flying insects, over medium range distances (>1000 m) in the near future because: a) the matrix-detector equipped with an 70 mm interchangeable lens weighs less than 380 g, b) it evaluates the position of an animal in real-time and c) it can directly control and communicate with electronic devices.
Relating aspects of adolescents’ critical nutrition literacy at the personal level
Authors: Naigaga Desire Alice , Pettersen Kjell Sverre , Henjum Sigrun , Guttersrud Øystein
Published: December 2021

Efforts targeting adolescents’ dietary behaviour have often focused on improving their access to nutrition information; however, adolescents report finding nutrition information difficult to understand. Exploring adolescents’ critical nutrition literacy might provide insight into how best to improve their use of available nutrition information.

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore how the two aspects of the critical nutrition literacy - critical evaluation of nutrition information’ and ‘engagement in dietary behaviour’ are linked at personal level. Additionally, the study sought to establish the association between critical nutrition literacy and self-efficacy in nutrition related subjects.

Methods

Applying a cross-sectional study design, the study sampled 1622 adolescents aged 15-16years, enrolled in 58 secondary schools in Norway. The adolescents responded to scales measuring self-efficacy and CNL. Using Lisrel 9.30, the study evaluated a structural equation model linking CNL and SEBH.

Results

The study yielded a simple yet theoretically sound model depicting the link between CNL and self-efficacy.

Conclusion

Efforts promoting adolescents’ nutrition literacy might benefit from increasing their self-efficacy in nutrition-related subjects.
Factors influencing utilization of municipal solid waste compost among urban farmers in western Uganda
Authors: Kabasiita Juliet Kiiza , Malinga Geoffrey Maxwell , Odongo Julius C. W. , Opolot Emmanuel
Published: December 2021

Background

Effective management of solid waste is one of the most serious environmental problems confronting urban governments in developing countries due to insufficient financial resources and institutional capacity to provide basic solid waste management infrastructure, impoverished urban populations, low rates and coverage of collection, and rising food consumption rates. Composting has been touted as the most economical solution for reducing organic fraction of urban waste volumes while releasing vital nutrients for the soils. However, there is a paucity of information on utilization and associated factors of urban wastes in Uganda. This study aims to assess the level of utilization of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) compost produced from Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) plants and associated factors among farmers in Fort Portal and Mbarara Municipalities, western Uganda.

Methods

Data was collected using a cross-sectional survey from 359 and 361 randomly selected farmers in Mbarara and Fort Portal, respectively. A semi-structured questionnaire was employed to collect quantitative data and analyzed statistically using SPSS and STATA statistical programs. Probit model was used to determine factors that influence farmers’ decisions to utilize MSW compost as a soil conditioner.

Results

The findings revealed a very low level of utilization in both municipalities, 1.7% in Fort Portal and 2.2% in Mbarara. The results indicated that annual farm income, access to other soil conditioners, experience with the use of fertilizers, membership to a farmers’ group and the cost of MSW compost significantly influenced farmers’ decision to use MSW compost.

Conclusions

The findings call for government investment in policies aimed at increasing the level of utilization of the MSW compost by improving accessibility to soil conditioners, creating opportunities for maximizing household incomes, farmer-to-farmer experience sharing, dissemination of information through extension programmes and other innovative communication approaches, operationalization of farmers’ groups and introduction of subsidy schemes on the price of compost through operational tax waivers in urban areas of Uganda. Finally, to guarantee quality and to improve the adoption of compost generated at the CDM plants, there is a need for research to assess the quality of MSW compost, undertake a supply chain analysis and cost–benefit study and set a price commensurate with the quality, and develop guidelines and rates of application of the MSW compost.
TIPE polarity proteins are required for mucosal deployment of T lymphocytes and mucosal defense against bacterial infection
Authors: Li Mingyue , Bou-Dargham Mayassa J. , Yu Jiyeon , Etwebi Zienab , Sun Honghong , Chen Youhai H.
Published: December 2021

Mucosal surfaces are continuously exposed to, and challenged by, numerous commensal and pathogenic organisms. To guard against infections, a majority of the thymus-derived T lymphocytes are deployed at the mucosa. Although chemokines are known to be involved in the mucosal lymphocyte deployment, it is not clear whether lymphocytes enter the mucosa through directed migration or enhanced random migration. Here we report that TIPE (tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein 8 (TNFAIP8)-like) proteins mediate directed migration of T lymphocytes into lung mucosa, and they are crucial for mucosal immune defense against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. Knockout of both Tnfaip8 and Tipe2, which encode polarity proteins that control the directionality of lymphocyte migration, significantly reduced the numbers of T lymphocytes in the lung of mice. Compared with wild-type mice, Tnfaip8−/−Tipe2−/− mice also developed more severe infection with more pathogens entering blood circulation upon nasal Streptococcus pneumoniae challenge. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that TIPE proteins selectively affected mucosal homing of a unique subpopulation of T cells, called “T cells-2”, which expressed high levels of Ccr9, Tcf7, and Rag1/2 genes. TNFAIP8 and TIPE2 appeared to have overlapping functions since deficiency in both yielded the strongest phenotype. These data demonstrate that TIPE family of proteins are crucial for lung mucosal immunity. Strategies targeting TIPE proteins may help develop mucosal vaccines or treat inflammatory diseases of the lung.
Using the Intended–Enacted–Experienced Curriculum Model to Map theVision and ChangeCore Competencies in Undergraduate Biology Programs and Courses
Authors: Clemmons Alexa W. , Donovan Deborah A. , Theobald Elli J. , Crowe Alison J.
Published: December 2021

This study applies the intended-enacted-experienced curriculum model to map the Vision and Change core competencies across undergraduate biology courses. A five-department pilot of a curriculum mapping survey is followed by a deep dive of 10 courses to provide a rich snapshot of current core competency teaching and assessment practices.
The virtual Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competence: the impact and challenges of a digitised final examination
Authors: Chu Kenny , Sathanandan Shivanthi
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected how clinical examinations are conducted, resulting in the Royal College of Psychiatrists delivering the Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competence virtually. Although this pragmatic step has allowed for progression of training, it has come at the cost of a significantly altered examination experience. This article aims to explore the fairness of such an examination, the difference in trainee experience, and the use of telemedicine to consider what might be lost as well as gained at a time when medical education and delivery of healthcare are moving toward the digitised frontier.
Sleep: the neglected life factor in adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Korb Laura , O'Regan David , Conley Jane , Dillon Emma , Briggs Rachel , Courtenay Ken , Perera Bhathika
Published: December 2021

Sleep is vital for our physical and mental health. Studies have shown that there is a high prevalence of sleep disorders and sleep difficulties amongst adults with intellectual disabilities. Despite this, sleep is often overlooked or its disorders are considered to be difficult to treat in adults with intellectual disabilities. There is a significant amount of research and guidance on management of sleep disorders in the general population. However, the evidence base for sleep disorders in adults with intellectual disabilities is limited. In this review paper, we look at the current evidence base for sleep disorders in adults with an intellectual disability, discuss collaborative working between intellectual disabilities psychiatrists and sleep medicine specialists to manage sleep disorders, and provide recommendations for future directions.
Controlled transitions between phyllotactic states of repulsive particles confined on the surface of a cylinder
Authors: Tomlinson A. A. , Wilkin N. K.
Published: December 2021

Phyllotaxis is a botanical classification scheme that can describe regular lattice-like structures on cylinders, often as a set of helical chains. In this letter, we study the general properties of repulsive particles on cylindrical geometries and demonstrate that this leads to a model which allows one to predict the minimum energy configuration for any given combination of system parameters. We are able to predict a sequence of transitions between phyllotactic ground states at zero temperature. Our results are understood in terms of a newly identified global scale invariant, α, dependent on circumference and density, which alone determines the ground-state structure. This representation provides a framework within which to understand and create lattice structures on more complex curved surfaces, which occur in both biological and nanoscale experimental settings.
Erratum: Comment on “On a contextual model refuting Bell's theorem“ by Muchowski Eugen
Authors: Lambare Justo Pastor
Published: December 2021

Original article:
EPL, 134 (2021) 50001.
Acute High-Intensity Interval Exercise Modulates Corticospinal Excitability in Older Adults
Authors: NEVA JASON L. , GREELEY BRIAN , CHAU BRIANA , FERRIS JENNIFER K. , JONES CHRISTINA B. , DENYER RONAN , HAYWARD KATHRYN S. , CAMPBELL KRISTIN L. , BOYD LARA A.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Acute exercise can modulate the excitability of the nonexercised upper limb representation in the primary motor cortex (M1). Measures of M1 excitability using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are modulated after various forms of acute exercise in young adults, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT). However, the impact of HIIT on M1 excitability in older adults is currently unknown. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of lower limb cycling HIIT on bilateral upper limb M1 excitability in older adults.

Methods

We assessed the impact of acute lower limb HIIT or rest on bilateral corticospinal excitability, intracortical inhibition and facilitation, and interhemispheric inhibition of the nonexercised upper limb muscle in healthy older adults (mean age 66 ± 8 yr). We used single and paired-pulse TMS to assess motor evoked potentials, short-interval intracortical inhibition, intracortical facilitation, and the ipsilateral silent period. Two groups of healthy older adults completed either HIIT exercise or seated rest for 23 min, with TMS measures performed before (T0), immediately after (T1), and 30 min after (T2) HIIT/rest.

Results

Motor evoked potentials were significantly increased after HIIT exercise at T2 compared with T0 in the dominant upper limb. Contrary to our hypothesis, we did not find any significant change in short-interval intracortical inhibition, intracortical facilitation, or ipsilateral silent period after HIIT.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that corticospinal excitability of the nonexercised upper limb is increased after HIIT in healthy older adults. Our results indicate that acute HIIT exercise impacts corticospinal excitability in older adults, without affecting intracortical or interhemispheric circuitry. These findings have implications for the development of exercise strategies to potentiate neuroplasticity in healthy older and clinical populations.
China-India contemporary relations: Geopolitical challenges to the small states in South Asia
Authors: Pulami Manish Jung
Published: December 2021

Background: The two Asian giants, India and China, have shown unprecedented growth and development in recent decades. As neighbours, the bilateral relationship between the two countries has experienced turbulences, even wars, but their trade and economic relations date centuries back. These characteristics of cooperation and conflict between India and China as they aspire to become major powers globally have tuned up the competitiveness, which has further engaged them with collaborations in some areas, conflicts and contestations in others. This unique relation with antagonistic cooperation has implications for South Asian states, including India and other small states.

Methods: Thus, realising the research gap of future repercussions on the region and hypothesising that the contemporary China-India relations not only have consequences on each other but also brings challenges to the small states in South Asia, the paper primarily focuses on current China-India relations and the geopolitical challenges to the South Asian small states. Hence, it is crucial to comprehend ‘What is the nature and pattern of contemporary China-India relations?’ and ‘What are the geopolitical challenges to the small states because of this unforeseen relation?’

The study revisits the historical relationship between India and China to examine the trend of collaborations and contestations between the two. The paper also discusses the increasing forays of China into South Asia and the deepening US-India relationship to counter those looming Chinese influences.

Results: Notably, the research identifies the geopolitical challenges for other South Asian small states because of those fluctuations in the relationship and recommends strategies for the small states in South Asia to avert the increasing geopolitical challenges, generalising the challenges for the small states evolving due to the major power politics in different parts of the world.
Stage 2 Registered Report: How responsibility attributions to self and others relate to outcome ownership in group decisions
Authors: Jaquiery Matt , El Zein Marwa
Published: December 2021

Background: Responsibility judgements have important consequences in human society. Previous research focused on how someone's responsibility determines the outcome they deserve, for example, whether they are rewarded or punished. Here, in a pre-registered study (Stage 1 Registered Report: https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16480.2), we investigate the opposite link: How outcome ownership influences responsibility attributions in a social context. 

Methods: In an online study, participants in a group of three perform a majority vote decision-making task between gambles that can lead to a reward or no reward. Only one group member receives the outcome and participants evaluate their and the other players' responsibility for the obtained outcome.

Results: We found that outcome ownership increases responsibility attributions even when the control over an outcome is similar. Moreover, ownership had an effect on the valence bias: participants’ higher responsibility attributions for positive vs negative outcomes was stronger for players who received the outcome. Finally, this effect was more pronounced when people rated their own responsibility as compared to when they were rating another’s player responsibility.

Conclusions: The findings of this study reveal how credit attributions can be biased toward particular individuals who receive outcomes as a result of collective work, both when people judge their own and someone else’s responsibility.
The Availability of Firearms and Levels of Homicideand Suicide Perpetrated with Their Use
Authors: Stępka Leszek
Published: December 2021

The paper reviews the literature with a view to answering the question as to whether the easier availability of firearms affects the level of homicides and suicides with their use. The author compared Polish and other similar laws where the access to firearms is strictly regulated, as against systems where the availability of firearms is facilitated, either owing to liberal laws (Colombia, Brazil, Switzerland) or to Constitutional guarantees (USA, Mexico). The comparison revealed a correlation between the availability of firearms and levels of homicide and suicide by firearms.
Od folkloru do literatury i z powrotem. Rzecz o wzajemnych inspiracjach folkloru i literatury
Authors: Gołębiowska-Suchorska Agnieszka
Published: December 2021

Recenzja: Pesni literaturnogo proiskhozhdeniya v fol’klore Kemerovskoy oblasti: Khrestomatiya, sostavleniye, predisloviye,  primechaniya Viktorii Viktorovny Trubitsynoy, Izdatel’stvo Sitall, Krasnoyarsk 2020.
Actitudes y creencias de los jóvenes universitarios bonaerenses hacia la variedad andaluza del español.
Authors: Borzi Claudia , Gutiérrez Böhmer Sofía
Published: December 2021

Este trabajo trata las actitudes lingüísticas de 89 hablantes de español rioplatense hacia la variedad andaluza. El trabajo se inserta en el “Proyecto para el estudio de las variedades del español en el siglo XXI” (PRECAVES XXI). Se contemplan dos tipos de identificación (exacta y general) y cuatro criterios de significancia: semejanza consistente entre variedades; orden de la valoración; distancia entre valoraciones y diferencia entre valor máximo y mínimo. Se concluye que, en general, los hablantes rioplatenses, cuando evalúan la variante andaluza, se inclinan hacia el polo negativo en comparación con las otras variedades, tanto en la identificación exacta como en la general. Esto se repite cuando la comparan con la rioplatense, con la castellana, con la andina y la chilena. Se destacan, sin embargo, ciertos atributos positivos: divertida, rápida y bonita. A su vez, la variante andaluza es percibida como menos simpática que la rioplatense, pero como más simpática que la castellana.
Creencias y actitudes de los jóvenes universitarios eslovacos, checos y polacos hacia el andaluz.
Authors: Svetozarovová Radka
Published: December 2021

En el presente trabajo estudiamos la percepción de la variedad andaluza por parte de los jóvenes universitarios eslovacos, checos y polacos. Nuestro objetivo principal era analizar las actitudes y creencias de los estudiantes extranjeros hacia dicha variedad y comparar nuestros resultados con aquellos obtenidos con hablantes nativos. Para ello, seleccionamos una muestra de 39 estudiantes universitarios de carreras filológicas y no filológicas de Eslovaquia, República Checa y Polonia. Aplicando la encuesta del proyecto PRECAVES XXI, basada en el método indirecto matched-guise technique pudimos establecer que, a pesar de cierto desprestigio del andaluz, principalmente en comparación con la variedad castellana, la evaluación global es positiva
«Entre un obscuro bosque de letras unidas». El concepto de puntuación ortográfica en las obras normativas de la Real Academia Española (1726-1999).
Authors: Alejo Fernández Francisco
Published: December 2021

Este artículo aborda el estudio diacrónico del concepto de puntuación ortográfica en las obras normativas de la Real Academia Española desde 1726, fecha de la publicación del «Discurso proemial de la orthographía castellana», y el año 1999, en que apareció la penúltima Ortografía de la lengua española. En la Ortografía de 2010, de la que no se ocupa este trabajo, confluyen precisamente la tradición que aquí describimos y las concepciones de las modernas corrientes de la lingüística. La puntuación ortográfica es un capítulo importante, no totalmente desarrollado, de la historia de la lengua española. En ella se reflejan las doctrinas lingüísticas (sintácticas, prosódicas, textuales y discursivas) y las ideas estilísticas de cada época, además de ser una parte esencial de la historia de la lengua escrita.
Abstract Versus Concrete: How Managers’ Construal Influences Organizational Control Systems and Problem Solving
Authors: Zhong Bijuan , Makhija Mona V. , Morris Shad
Published: December 2021

This research considers how frontline managers’ construal affects their conceptualization of organizational problems, which in turn influences how they incentivize employees to search out appropriate solutions. Depending on whether they conceptualize problems in more abstract or more concrete ways, frontline managers will vary in organizational control mechanisms they use to incentivize their employees to engage in exploration and exploitation. Based on these relationships, we expect the solutions achieved by employees to vary in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. Using a database of 267 projects in a single firm, we find that, after holding project attributes constant, concrete-oriented managers tend to utilize more process controls that lead employees to solve organizational problems more efficiently, whereas abstract-oriented managers tend toward use of more outcome controls that lead to more effective problem solving. When employees engage in ambidextrous learning, both effectiveness and efficiency of outcomes are enhanced. This research sheds light on important microfoundational influences on organizational outcomes.
Regtech: Bits and Bytes of Financial Regulation
Authors: Ghosh Dr. Krishnendu
Published: December 2021

Global Financial Crisis of 2008 has caused dramatic structural changes in the financial sector and financial services worldwide. Technological disruption has changed the dimension of finance around the world. Increasing threats of cyber-attacks has raised a serious concern for the banking and financial sector across the entire world. Supervisory mechanisms, compliances and regulations have become the key factors of consideration. The paper stresses out an importance of stringent financial regulations and regulatory compliance in the recent era of technological changes and innovations towards financial stability. This paper attempts to establish a strong theoretical overview of the promise and potential of the Regulatory Technologies (RegTech) for the wider financial ecosystem based on existing academic research and also publicly available practice-oriented insights from industry sources. The purpose of this paper is to develop an insight about the implications of RegTech for financial institutions and regulation. This study will help regulatory standard setters, bankers, investors, national & international financial institutions and other academicians to envisage the future of disruptive potential in financial technology.
On 6G Visions and Requirements
Authors: Penttinen Jyrki T. J.
Published: December 2021

6G represents standardized communication systems that will be commercially available in 2030s. Even if the initial 5G networks, basing on the 3GPP Release 15, have hardly started become commercially available gradually as of 2019 and their large-scale deployment is still years away, industry is already keen to envision the justification and performance of the forthcoming generation. While there are no concrete 6G standards produced at this stage, their planning will benefit from realistic indications of the requirements and type of usage. The task is not straightforward as users, including a variety of verticals with their rather different communication environments, are sometimes not capable of expressing their future needs in technical terms nor industry might be able to prognosticate the demand that has not yet equivalence in preceding systems. This paper analyses some of the most important current visions of key standardization bodies and assesses indications of the industry for the potential requirements, service types, use cases, and architectural and functional models that can serve as a building block for the actual realization of the visions. This paper also presents means that can be applied in further interpretation and assessment of the vertical needs and priorities, with examples reflecting the benefits of Network Slice requirements that the GSMA North Americas Network Slicing Taskforce studied for foreseen near future environment and that may be extended to be utilized also in exploration of 6G requirements.
A bathythermograph
Authors: Spilhaus Athelstan F.
Published: December 2021

Originally published April 9, 1938, in the Journal of Marine Research 1(2), 95???100.
Adaptive thermal refocusing system for a high-resolution space camera
Authors: Li Weiyan , Lv Qunbo , Zhao Na , Wang Jianwei , Liu Yangyang , Zheng Tan
Published: December 2021

To solve the problem of camera imaging quality degradation caused by defocusing during on-orbit operation, we propose an adaptive thermal refocusing system for high-resolution space cameras—the system comprising active and passive thermal refocusing. Using a space camera with a Ritchey–Chretien optical system as an example, the secondary mirror assembly was determined to be a passive thermal refocusing system, the primary mirror assembly being an active thermal refocusing system. We analyzed the system through structure/thermal/optics performance simulation when temperature variation

Δ
T

was 5°C, 10°C, and 15°C; thermal vacuum experiments verified that the axial displacement of the active system was 0.0032, 0.0061, and 0.0090 mm, and the passive system was 0.00015, 0.00030, and 0.00069 mm, respectively. The data demonstrated the adaptive refocusing system theory to be consistent with the simulations and experiment, exhibiting high stability and reliability.