bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lost and Found: Bourgeois Dependency Theory and the Forgotten Roots of Neodevelopmentalism
Authors: Antunes de Oliveira Felipe
Published: September 2021

Neodevelopmentalism emerged in Brazil and Argentina in the aftermath of the demoralization of the Washington Consensus. Although its intellectual proponents place it within the long tradition of Latin American developmentalism, an important theoretical origin of neodevelopmentalism—dependency theory—has so far been ignored. The term appeared for the first time in 1978 as an expletive in the heated controversy between Ruy Mauro Marini and Fernando Henrique Cardoso and José Serra in the Revista Mexicana de Sociología. Breaking with the supposition that underdevelopment could be overcome only through social revolution, Cardoso and Serra embraced a perspective of long-term social transformation based on class alliances with fractions of the national bourgeoisie and international capital. This perspective was gradually weakened and finally abandoned in favor of full-fledged neoliberalism when Cardoso became president of Brazil in 1994, only to be resuscitated by so-called pink-tide administrations after 2002.

O neodesenvolvimentismo surgiu no Brasil e na Argentina após a desmoralização do Consenso de Washington. Embora seus proponentes intelectuais o coloquem dentro da longa tradição do desenvolvimentismo latino-americano, uma importante origem teórica do neodesenvolvimentismo - a teoria da dependência - até agora foi ignorado. O termo apareceu pela primeira vez em 1978 como um palavrão na polêmica acalorada entre Ruy Mauro Marini e Fernando Henrique Cardoso e José Serra na Revista Mexicana de Sociología. Rompendo com a suposição de que o subdesenvolvimento só poderia ser superado por meio da revolução social, Cardoso e Serra abraçaram uma perspectiva de transformação social de longo prazo baseada em alianças de classe com frações da burguesia nacional e do capital internacional. Essa perspectiva foi gradualmente enfraquecida e finalmente abandonada em favor do neoliberalismo completo quando Cardoso se tornou presidente do Brasil em 1994, apenas para ser ressuscitada por administrações da chamada maré rosa após 2002.
Energy, exergy and economic assessments of the dual-mode evaporative cooler for various international climate zones
Authors: Kashyap Sarvesh , Sarkar Jahar , Kumar Amitesh
Published: September 2021

The conventional desert cooler is effective for dry seasons and the regenerative evaporative cooler (REC) is an effective device for humid seasons in composite climate zones. Hence, the dual-mode evaporative cooler (a two-in-one device) is an intelligent choice for air conditioning, which can operate in both direct and regenerative modes depending on the seasonal climatic condition. The exergy and economic analyses of this novel device for global climatic conditions are performed to check the suitability in different regions of the world. An experimental prototype of a dual-mode evaporative cooler is developed and tested to validate the simulation model. The effectiveness, coefficient of performance, exergy destruction, exergy efficiency, operating cost, and specific total cost (STC) are evaluated for both (direct and regenerative) modes of operation. The annual and month-wise performances of dual-mode evaporative cooler have been assessed for five cities of international climate zones. The operating cost of both modes is compared by considering electricity charges in different countries. The dual-mode device is compared with the single-mode device as well. The specific cost is similar for both modes in most of the ASHRAE climatic zones. The present study reveals that significant energy and cost savings are possible by using the dual-mode evaporative cooler.

Practical application: This article considers the application of a dual-mode evaporative cooler (direct as well as regenerative mode) in different climate zones and, through investigating the exergy and economic performances, allows designers and operators to understand the potential benefits of employing various operating modes in particular climates.
Operative management of equinus associated with lower limb venous malformations
Authors: Hu Li , Chen Hui , Yang Xi , Sun Yi , Liu Hongyuan , Gu Hao , Liu Ming , Lin Xiaoxi
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Functional impairment is a common complaint in patients with venous malformations. Equinus can occur when the venous malformation involves the lower limb, a challenging condition with only a few studies to guide treatment choices. This study was aimed to investigate the operative management of equinus associated with lower limb venous malformations.

Method

Between August 2015 and September 2017, a total of 12 patients presented with equinus associated with lower limb venous malformations and underwent surgical correction. Preoperative and postoperative clinical symptoms, physical examination and orthopaedic evaluation were retrospectively reviewed. 8 patients who experienced pain underwent percutaneous sclerotherapy prior to the operation. Surgical management included gastrocnemius intramuscular aponeurotic recession, Z-lengthening of the Achilles tendon, Hoke technique and Taylor Spatial Frame external fixation.

Results

There were eight female and four male patients with a mean age of 14.3 ± 5.9 years. The mean follow-up period was 34.8 ± 9 months. The range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion (with knee extended) improved for each patient (mean, 25.4 degrees; standard deviation, 8.5 degrees). No neurovascular complications were observed.

Conclusion

Operative correction of equinus associated with lower limb venous malformations is safe and effective. Selective preoperative sclerotherapy is necessary for optimal outcomes.
Victimology and judicialized public policies. A study on complex victims of the Colombian armed conflict
Authors: Velásquez Cristina Montalvo , Rosero Luis Trejos , Sarmiento Ángel Tuirán
Published: September 2021

This article identifies victimological typologies typical of the Colombian internal armed conflict, which denote the double condition of victim–victims or vice versa victims–victimized. These have been classed throughout this research as ‘complex victims’, whose historical existence was unveiled from precursor victimology, which is used in the final part of the text to demonstrate that the exclusion of these victims from public policies of attention, assistance and reparation ignores the scientific contributions of victimology and the real asymmetry that occurred in the Colombian conflict. Finally, it is pointed out how these policies do not prevent victimization or contribute to guaranteeing measures of non-repetition, but, on the contrary, motivate the polarization of the armed actors into irreconcilable sides.
Elemental analysis of residual ash generated during plasma incineration of cellulosic, rubber and plastic waste
Authors: Pancholi Keyur C , Singh Param Jeet , Bhattacharyya Kaustava , Tiwari Mahesh , Sahu Sanjay Kumar , Vincent Tessy , Udupa Dinesh Venkatesh , Kaushik Chetan Prakash
Published: September 2021

Management of plastic, rubber and cellulosic waste from various industries is a challenging task. An engineering scale plasma pyrolysis based incinerator has been commissioned for incineration of combustible waste, including plastic, rubber and cellulose. Operational trials of wastes with simulated composition show a weight reduction factor of more than 18 and volume reduction factor of more than 30. The volume reduction factor is tenfold higher than the compaction process currently practised for rubber and plastic wastes. Representative residual ash samples derived from these runs are subjected to their elemental analysis using EDXRF technique and results are comparable with the published literature. Relative variation of individual elements is attributed to the type of waste and feed composition. Analysis is aided with the calculation of index of geoaccumulation, enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI). From this study, it is evident that S, Cr, Zn, As, Se, Hg and Pb are of concern for environment in residual ash from plasma incineration of combustible waste. The efficacy of the incineration process is evaluated; C, H and O reduction achieved is more than 98% and overall enrichment ratio (ER) for the inorganic elements is more than 4.5. This study highlights the importance of elemental composition for the performance analysis of the plasma based incineration as well as hazards evaluation of constituents in residual ash for its further management.
Bench-scale experimental study on the fire behavior of electric cable arrays by considering different layouts
Authors: Cai Zhou , Chen Xiao , Zhang Jiaqing , Lu Shouxiang
Published: September 2021

The effect of different cable layouts on the fire behavior of electric cable arrays was experimentally studied. The influence of external heat flux on cable fire characteristics was investigated. Several parameters for electrical cables such as the post-burning morphology, ignition time, heat release rate, peak heat release rate and total heat release were obtained. The results show that cable layouts could affect cable charring degrees according to the post-burning morphology. A linear relationship was found in the transformed form of time to ignition and radiant heat flux, and the critical radiant heat flux value for the single cable array appeared smaller than that for the other two layouts. The peak heat release rate for Cables A–D with the single array presents the increasing trend with an increase in radiant heat flux, while the two parallel and intersectional cable arrays present the different trends. Moreover, the total heat release values of Cables A–D in the different cable layouts were analyzed. This work provides the basic data and preliminary investigation to fire engineering of cable arrays with the different layouts.
A Case Study of Online Children's Ministry in South Korea During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Oh Hyun Joo , Hong Kyungwha
Published: September 2021

This article presents the case of a church in South Korea known for doing effective online children's ministry since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The study explored how the church transitioned from in-person to online worship and conducted online children's ministry during COVID-19. Data were collected through interviews, observations, documents, and videos. Results illustrated the process of transition and exposed the positive and negative aspects of online ministry. Future ministry considerations are also discussed.
The journey of research data: Accessing nordic health data for the purposes of developing an algorithm
Authors: Cathaoir Katharina Ó , Gunnarsdóttir Hrefna Dögg , Hartlev Mette
Published: September 2021

This article traces the journey of Nordic health data requested for developing a healthcare algorithm. We focus on the legal requirements and highlight that differences in the legislation of Denmark, Norway and Iceland, and the interpretation thereof by responsible bodies, can pose a barrier for scientific researchers. In addition, non-legal institutional requirements or practices may hamper data access. First, despite some European harmonization, the mandate of research ethics committees and the data protection authorities vary in the three countries. Second, domestic institutions impose tailored requirements, sometimes only allowing domestic or affiliated researchers to access data sets. Third, the manner in which a dataset is collected, catalogued and stored has implications for data access. We make several recommendations for increasing transparency in Nordic data access, such as, increasing knowledge sharing regarding interpretation of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) criteria, adopting clearer regulations and pursuing greater citizen engagement in secondary use of health data.
The Fork in the Road for Social Enterprises: Leveraging Moral Imagination for Long-Term Stakeholder Support
Authors: Brown Jill A. , Forster William R. , Wicks Andrew C.
Published: September 2021

Social enterprises (SEs) that receive early stakeholder support for their dual economic/social missions risk losing moral legitimacy when stakeholders assess them for social impact and find it lacking. We present a process model that begins at the “fork in the road” of stakeholder assessment and shows that when SEs continue to focus on primary stakeholders at the expense of secondary stakeholders impacted by the firm, they risk losing moral legitimacy and broader stakeholder support. Our model shows the process by which SEs can leverage their moral imagination and develop capabilities to generate long-term stakeholder support and sustained value creation.
An Unusual Case of Desmoplastic Melanoma With Monster Cells Imitating an Atypical Fibroxanthoma
Authors: Ríos-Martín Juan J. , Pérez-Pérez Manuel , Umbría-Jiménez Sebastián , Moreno-Ramírez David , Vallejo-Benítez Ana
Published: September 2021

Numerous cells with very large and irregular nuclei (“monster” cells) have not hitherto been reported in desmoplastic melanoma (DM). Their prognostic significance in melanomas is a matter of debate, although some authors have associated them with more aggressive tumor behavior. We report a mixed DM on the scalp of an 88-year-old woman imitating an atypical fibroxanthoma. Tumor cells stained positive for SOX10, S100, and cyclin D1; BRAF mutation status was negative, and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis showed copy number gains in 11q13 (cyclin D1) and 6p25 (RREB1), and loss in 6q23 (MYB). Cyclin D1 amplification is associated with poor prognosis in melanoma.
Association Between the Change of Coagulation Parameters and Clinical Prognosis in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients After Intravenous Thrombolysis With rt-PA
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhang Jia , Cao Zhentang , Zhang Qian , Zhao Xingquan
Published: September 2021

Acute ischemic stroke patients with intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) thrombolysis have different outcomes. The degree of thrombolysis depends largely on the delicate balance of coagulation and fibrinolysis. Thus, our study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of routine coagulation parameters in acute stroke patients treated with rt-PA. From December 2016 to October 2018, consecutive patients treated with standard-dose IV rt-PA within 4.5 h of stroke onset were collected in Beijing Tiantan Hospital. Routine coagulation parameters, including platelet count, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, and fibrinogen, were measured at baseline (h0) and 24 h (h24) after thrombolysis. The change of coagulation parameters was defined as the (h24-h0)/h0 ratio. The prognosis included short-term outcome at 24 h and functional outcome at 3 months. A total of 267 patients were investigated (188 men and 79 women) with a mean age of 60.88  ± 12.31 years. In total, 9 patients had early neurological deterioration within 24 h, and 99 patients had an unfavorable outcome at the 3-month visit. In multivariate logistic regression, the (h24-h0)/h0 of PT was associated with unfavorable functional outcomes at 3 months (odds ratio: 1.42, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-2.28). While the change of other coagulation parameters failed to show any correlation with short-term or long-term prognosis. In conclusion, the prolongation of PT from baseline to 24 h after IV rt-PA increases the risk of 3-month unfavorable outcomes in acute stroke patients.
Feline sialocoele: clinical presentation, treatment and outcome in 19 cases
Authors: Bobis-Villagrá Diego , Rossanese Matteo , Murgia Daniela , Pisani Guido , Vallefuoco Rosario , Matres-Lorenzo Luis , Bourbos Alexandros , Cantatore Matteo , Cinti Filippo
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The aim of this retrospective observational study was to describe the clinical presentation, treatment and outcome of cats with sialocoele.

Methods

Clinical records from seven referral hospitals were retrospectively searched to identify cats with sialocoele between 2007 and 2021.

Results

Nineteen cats were identified. The most common clinical signs were ptyalism, dysphagia and anorexia. Localisation of the sialocoele was cervical (n = 6), sublingual (n = 6), cervical/sublingual (n = 3), facial (n = 2), cervical/pharyngeal (n = 1) and zygomatic (n = 1). The affected salivary glands were mandibular–sublingual (n = 15), mandibular–sublingual/parotid (n = 1), zygomatic/parotid (n = 1) and parotid (n = 2). The aetiology of the sialocoele was traumatic in two cases, neoplastic in one cat and unknown in 16 cats. Sialoadenectomy was performed in 11 cats. Other treatments included ranula marsupialisation (n = 3), needle drainage (n = 2), single stab incision (n = 2) and parotid duct ligation (n = 1). The median follow-up time was 399 days (range 15–1460). Postoperative seroma was the only complication observed in one cat. No recurrence was reported.

Conclusions and relevance

Feline salivary sialocoele are relatively rare and have a good prognosis. They can be managed successfully with sialoadenectomy; however, a more conservative approach can be used with appropriate case selection.
The effect of range of motion simulated with a patient-specific three-dimensional simulation analysis on dislocation after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Mitsutake Ryo , Tanino Hiromasa , Ito Hiroshi
Published: September 2021

Background:

Dislocation continues to be a common complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Although previous studies of computed simulation analysis investigated the range of motion (ROM), it is unclear whether the ROM before impingement simulated using computed tomography-based 3-dimensional simulation analysis (simulated ROM) is related to dislocation after THA. It is also unclear what angles are required in computed simulation analyses for stable hips after THA. In this study, we compared the simulated ROM in patients with and without dislocation.

Methods:

16 patients with posterior dislocation were compared with 48 matched patients without dislocation. Risk factors including preoperative bone morphology of the hip, implant position, change of femoral offset, change of leg length, anterior aspect of the greater trochanter (GTa) length, and anterior inferior iliac spine length were also compared.

Results:

The mean flexion angle, internal-rotation at 90° flexion (IR) angle, cup anteversion based on the anterior pelvic plane (APP), tilt-adjusted cup anteversion and GTa length were significantly different between patients with dislocation and patients without dislocation ( p = 0.033, 0.002, 0.010, 0.047, 0.046). A receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis suggested cutoff points for flexion angle, IR angle, cup anteversion based on the APP, tilt-adjusted cup anteversion and GTa length, of 114.5°, 45.5°, 19.5°, 12.0° and 15.3 mm.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that preoperative planning to achieve a larger simulated ROM, flexion angle and IR angle, may reduce the risk of posterior dislocation. This study also suggests that fine-tuning of cup anteversion and/or trimming of the overhanging GTa during preoperative planning may reduce the risk of posterior dislocation.
A Review of Oral Therapies for the Treatment of Skin Hyperpigmentation
Authors: Shimshak Serena J. E. , Tolaymat Leila M. , Haga Claire B. , Dawson Nancy L. , Gillis Mindy S. , Yin Mingyuan , Kirsch Brandon , Cooper Maria , Sluzevich Jason C.
Published: September 2021

This review article examines evidence supporting the use of oral therapies in treating idiopathic, actinic, and metabolically induced skin hyperpigmentation. A thorough review of the literature regarding oral treatments for hyperpigmentation was systematically conducted through PubMed. Keywords used in the primary search include “Hyperpigmentation,” “Melanosis” or “Melasma,” “Lightening,” “Oral,” and “Therapeutics.” The search was limited to the English language, and no timeframe restrictions were implemented. Numerous orally administered therapies have been proposed for the treatment of skin hyperpigmentation. There is an abundant body of literature demonstrating the efficacy of orally administered tranexamic acid, glutathione, isotretinoin, and proanthocyanidin. It is reasonable to expect that the most effective oral therapies will address known underlying causes of hyperpigmentation such as thyroid disease, diabetes, and hormonal imbalance. Improvement due to oral therapy of otherwise unresponsive skin hyperpigmentation or hyperpigmentation of unknown cause is less predictable. This review is limited by the strength of evidence contained within the available studies. Clinical studies investigating the treatments discussed within this article are limited in number, at times lack blinding in the study design, and are based on small sample sizes. Based on existing research, the most promising oral remedies for hyperpigmentation appear to be tranexamic acid, glutathione, isotretinoin, and proanthocyanidin. Additional studies to better establish safety and efficacy are necessary.
Telemedicine use in orthopaedics: Experience during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Chin Brian Z , Nashi Nazrul , Lin Shuxun , Yik Kevin , Tan Gamaliel , Kagda Fareed HY
Published: September 2021

Introduction

With a recent resurgence of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases globally, an increasing number of healthcare systems are adopting telemedicine as an alternative method of healthcare delivery in a bid to decrease disease transmission. Continued care of orthopaedic patients in the outpatient setting during the coronavirus disease of 2019 era can prove challenging without a systematic workflow, adequate logistics, and careful patient selection for teleconsultation. The aim of this paper is to describe our single-centre experience with the application of telemedicine in our orthopaedic practice, and its effectiveness in maintaining outpatient follow-up of orthopaedic patients.

Methodology

We describe our centre's telemedicine model of care for orthopaedic patients on the outpatient follow-up – which includes workforce assembly, population health and target patients, logistics and communications, and overall workflow – with roles and responsibilities of involved people portrayed in detail.

Results

Feedback from both patients and orthopaedic surgeons reflected high satisfaction rates with care provided, noting minimal communication and clinical barriers compared to face-to-face consultations. Whilst not without limitations, our protocol allowed for rapid adoption of telemedicine in line with a national-wide initiative to digitize healthcare.

Discussion

The implementation of teleconsultation services at our orthopaedic centre has provided an effective method of healthcare delivery while enforcing social distancing measures – which proves vital in combating the spread of COVID-19 and ushering in a new normal.
Assessing (a)symmetry in multilingualism: The case of Mano and Kpelle in Guinea
Authors: Khachaturyan Maria , Konoshenko Maria
Published: September 2021

Aims and objectives:

The paper studies Kpelle–Mano bilingualism in the broader context of local multilingual repertoires and assesses symmetry in the patterns of language use.

Methodology:

We combine natural speech sampling with ethnographic observations, interviews, sociolinguistic surveys and elicitation tasks.

Data and analysis:

The data analyzed includes 88 questionnaire responses, targeted elicitation with 21 individuals, as well as corpus collection and ethnographic observations over the course of fieldwork from 2008 onwards.

Findings:

Neither Mano nor Kpelle has an overt prestige value. Marriage patterns and economic activity are symmetrical, and both languages can be in certain cases chosen as a means of interethnic communication. However, bilingualism is typically unreciprocated, and the Mano speak Kpelle more often than the other way round. Contact-induced change is almost exclusively unidirectional, with Kpelle influencing Mano. We suggest relative population size as the main explanatory factor. In contrast, both Mano and Kpelle are in an asymmetric relationship with Maninka, which is frequently used by urban Mano and Kpelle speakers. Even if some Maninka claim to speak Kpelle to a certain extent, they rarely use it in real life.

Originality:

This paper is a report on a previously unstudied multilingual setting. We stress the theoretical and the empirical importance of the patrilect. In addition to its being the defining identity feature, the patrilect is also the main predictor defining the language choice in communication and the volume of the repertoire.

Significance:

We applied long-term participant observation in various social settings to obtain a fine-grained account of the rules governing language choice, which a typical background questionnaire would overlook. We also sampled natural and elicited speech of L1 and L2 speakers of Mano and Kpelle, a method that yields better results than proficiency tests because it captures interference in grammar, which has far-reaching consequences for contacting languages.
Swirling mean flow effects on locally reacting interstage liner
Authors: Masson Vianney , Moreau Stéphane , Posson Hélène , Node-Langlois Thomas
Published: September 2021

Sound transmission through a finite-lined section in a rigid annular duct with swirling and sheared mean flow is analyzed with a new mode-matching method based on the conservation of the total enthalpy and the mass flow, which does not reduce to the conservation of the pressure and the axial velocity when the swirl is non-zero. It relies on a new projection method based on the property of the Chebyshev polynomials and on the scattering matrix formalism to yield transmission losses. This new method is first validated against a finite elements method tool in the uniform axial flow case, and then provides a parametric study of the effect of swirl. At low azimuthal mode order [Formula: see text], the swirl amplifies the attenuation of the contra-rotating modes and makes the attenuation of the co-rotating modes decrease with a trend of a general shift of the transmission loss curve toward contra-rotating modes. A small rotation of the transmission loss curves at low [Formula: see text] is also generally observed. The boundary condition in the lined section has a small effect on the transmission loss, except close to the cut-on thresholds. Finally, the duct boundary-layer thickness has a significant effect on the cut-on modes and the transmission loss but not its profile.
Patient perceptions of infectious illnesses preceding Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Jason Leonard A , Yoo Samuel , Bhatia Shaun
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is often reported to be caused by an infectious agent. However, it is unclear whether one infectious agent might be the cause or whether there might be many different infectious agents. The objective of this study was to identify self-reported infectious illnesses associated with the onset of ME/CFS.

Methods

The present study involved data from multiple sites in several countries. 1773 individuals diagnosed with either ME, CFS or ME/CFS provided qualitative data concerning infectious triggers which were coded and classified for analysis.

Results

60.3% of patients report a variety of infectious illnesses some time before onset of ME/CFS. The most frequently reported infectious illness was Mononucleosis, which occurred in 30% of infections. However, over 100 other infectious illnesses were mentioned.

Discussion

The findings suggest that many infectious agents might be associated with the onset of ME/CFS.
Regulating mirroring of emotions: A social-specific mechanism?
Authors: Sowden Sophie , Khemka Divyush , Catmur Caroline
Published: September 2021

There is evidence that humans mirror others’ emotional responses: brain responses to observed and experienced emotion overlap, and reaction time costs of observing others’ pain suggest that others’ emotional states interfere with our own. Such emotional mirroring requires regulation to prevent personal distress. However, currently it is unclear whether this “empathic interference effect” is uniquely social, arising only from the observation of human actors, or also from the observation of non-biological objects in “painful” states. Moreover, the degree to which this interference relates to individual differences in self-reported levels of empathy is yet to be revealed. We introduce a modified pain observation task, measuring empathic interference effects induced by observation of painful states applied to both biological and non-biological stimuli. An initial validation study ( N = 50) confirmed that painful states applied to biological stimuli were rated explicitly as more painful than non-painful states applied to biological stimuli, and also than both painful and non-painful states applied to non-biological stimuli. Subsequently, across two independent discovery ( N = 83) and replication ( N = 80) samples, the task elicited slowing of response times during the observation of painful states when compared to non-painful states, but the magnitude of this effect did not differ between biological and non-biological stimuli. Little evidence was found for reliable relationships between empathic interference and self-reported empathy. Caution should therefore be taken in using the current task to pursue an individual differences approach to empathic interference, but the task shows promise for investigating the specificity of the mechanism involved in regulating emotional mirroring.
Conjugated Polyene Ketones From the Marine Sponge Clathria (Thalysias) Reinwardti (Vosmaer, 1880) and Their Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Tai Bui H. , Hang Dan T. , Trang Do T. , Yen Pham H. , Huong Phan T. T. , Nhiem Nguyen X. , Thung Do C. , Thao Do T. , Hoai Nguyen T. , Kiem Phan V.
Published: September 2021

Five conjugated polyene ketones (1-5) were isolated from the methanol extract of the marine sponge Clathria ( Thalysias) reinwardti (Vosmaer, 1880) living in the coastal waters of Vietnam. Their structures were determined to be 8-(2′,3′,4′-trimethylphenyl)-6-methyl-oct-3( E),5( E),7( E)-trien-2-one (1), 13-apoastaxanthinone (2), 9-apoastaxanthinone (3), 2,3-dehydro-4-oxo- β-ionone (4), and 4-(2′,3′,4′-trimethylphenyl)-but-3( E)-en-2-one (5), by extensive analysis of high-resolution electron spray ionization mass spectrum (HR-ESI-MS), one-dimensional, and two-dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra, as well as by comparison of the spectral data with those reported in the literature. Compound 1 was new, compounds 2 to 4 were isolated from nature for the first time, and the chemical structure as well as the NMR assignments, of 5 were indicated by 2D NMR for the first time. Additionally, compound 5 exhibited cytotoxic activity against the human cancer cells SK-LU-1, SK-Mel-2, MCF-7, and Hep-G2 with half-minimal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 15.12 ± 3.43, 17.41 ± 2.83, 33.12 ± 3.39, and 34.38 ± 3.52 µM, respectively, but displayed only a weak cytotoxic effect on the normal HEK-239A cells (IC50 64.67 ± 3.67 µM). Compound 5 also significantly increased Caspase-3 activity in SK-LU-1 cells at concentrations of 10, 15, and 20 µM.
Achenbach's syndrome: a rare condition
Authors: Higuera-Cetina Carlos I , Montaña-Gómez Lina M , Picón-Jaimes Yelson A , Orozco-Chinome Javier E , Lozada-Martínez Iván , Moscote-Salazar Luis R
Published: September 2021

Achenbach's syndrome corresponds to a pathology characterized by the appearance of ecchymoses and bruises on the fingers of the hands and eventually on the feet. It is a benign and self-limited disease, which is accompanied by pain. It generates great concern because its sudden appearance leads women who are the most affected to consult the emergency services. At present, its pathophysiology is unknown and requires knowledge of the disease to diagnose it. It is a must for poorly trained professionals.
Sex and Culture Differences in Cultural Intelligence: A Study Comparing Saudi Arabians and Egyptians
Authors: Ziada Khaled Elsayed , van der Linden Dimitri , Dutton Edward , Almalki Nabil Sharaf , Bakhiet Salaheldin Farah Attallah , Ihsan Zohra , Furnham Adrian , Essa Yossry Ahmed Sayed , Alqafari Shehana Mohammed , Alsahli Daghaim Saud , Aljbr Abdulrahman Saad Rashd
Published: September 2021

Cultural Intelligence (CI) refers to the motivation and ability to understand and deal with cultural differences. As such, it is assumed to play a role in the effectiveness of social contact and communication between people from different cultures. Given its relevance to international relations, it is imperative to test which individual and group factors are associated with CI. Therefore, in the present study we examine cross-cultural and gender differences in CI. In one of their classes at their university, students ( N = 829) from Egypt and Saudi Arabia completed a multidimensional measure of CI. The results showed an interesting pattern of interactions between country and gender, which indicated that Egyptian men did not significantly differ from co-national women, but Saudi men scored significantly lower than women. We suggest that the different patterns of results in the two countries may partly arise from different levels of exposure to different cultures and partly from subtle differences in the constitution of the samples. Knowledge of individual and group differences in cultural intelligence may potentially contribute to explaining differential levels of success in individuals or countries in dealing with cultural differences.
Hyponatremia and Fever in a Patient on Ipilimumab and Nivolumab (Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors): A Case Report
Authors: Patel Sumit S. , Roy Sasmit , Pokal Mytri , Gayam Vijay , Adapa Sreedhar , Patel Eesha S.
Published: September 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are novel anticancer therapy approved in multiple tumors and their use is rapidly increasing. They are associated with various systemic side effects that are immune-mediated and clinically coined as “immune-related adverse effects” (irAE). Hyponatremia is a possible side effect in patients receiving ICIs. Fever is another side effect that is mostly non-infectious. There are different mechanisms leading to hyponatremia in patients on ICIs, which could be (1) hypovolemic hyponatremia due to hemodynamic disturbance secondary to volume depletion (eg, from irAE like colitis and enteritis) or hypervolemia due to congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, or nephrosis; (2) syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion (especially from underlying lung cancer or neurological irAE like encephalitis and meningitis) with elevated urine sodium and urine osmolarity; and (3) irAE-related endocrinopathies such as hypophysitis, adrenal insufficiency, and hypothyroidism leading to euvolemic hyponatremia. We describe an interesting case of hyponatremia and fever in a patient receiving Ipilimumab and Nivolumab. The possible etiology of hyponatremia, in this case, was hypovolemia and volume depletion secondary to fever.
Horizontal collaboration in the freight transport sector: barrier and decision-making frameworks
Authors: Karam Ahmed , Reinau Kristian Hegner , Østergaard Christian Richter
Published: September 2021

In the freight transport sector, competing companies horizontally collaborate through establishing Collaborative Transport Networks (CTNs). Fruitful implementation of CTNs will leverage environmental and socio-economic goals of sustainable development in the freight transport sector. The benefits of CTNs in horizontal collaborative settings have been widely demonstrated through several modelling approaches. However, in practice, the real applications of CTNs have been challenging and most did not achieve satisfactory performances. Some studies have addressed this issue by identifying different barriers to CTN implementation. However, a conceptual framework for the barriers is not well-established. In addition, the literature lacks a decision-making framework for the CTN implementation which considers the different barriers. To address this gap, this paper conducted a literature review of the barriers to CTN implementation. In total, 31 different barriers were identified. A conceptual barrier framework is developed by grouping the 31 barriers into five categories: the business model, information sharing, the human factors, the Collaborative Decision Support Systems (CDSSs), and the market. The paper additionally proposes a stage-gate model integrating the conceptual barrier framework into the CTN implementation decision-making process. The current work contributes to the existing literature by developing both theoretical and practical understandings of the barriers to implementing CTNs and will support decision makers in CTN implementation to maximize the CTN benefits and minimize the risk of CTN failure.
Identifying homogeneous subgroups of patients and important features: a topological machine learning approach
Authors: Carr Ewan , Carrière Mathieu , Michel Bertrand , Chazal Frédéric , Iniesta Raquel
Published: September 2021

Background

This paper exploits recent developments in topological data analysis to present a pipeline for clustering based on Mapper, an algorithm that reduces complex data into a one-dimensional graph.

Results

We present a pipeline to identify and summarise clusters based on statistically significant topological features from a point cloud using Mapper.

Conclusions

Key strengths of this pipeline include the integration of prior knowledge to inform the clustering process and the selection of optimal clusters; the use of the bootstrap to restrict the search to robust topological features; the use of machine learning to inspect clusters; and the ability to incorporate mixed data types. Our pipeline can be downloaded under the GNU GPLv3 license at https://github.com/kcl-bhi/mapper-pipeline.
Abnormal anther development leads to lower spikelet fertility in rice (Oryza sativa L.) under high temperature during the panicle initiation stage
Authors: Hu Qiuqian , Wang Wencheng , Lu Qifan , Huang Jianliang , Peng Shaobing , Cui Kehui
Published: September 2021

Background

Decreased spikelet fertility is often responsible for reduction in grain yield in rice (Oryza sativa L.). In this study, two varieties with different levels of heat tolerance, Liangyoupeijiu (LYPJ, heat susceptible) and Shanyou63 (SY63, heat tolerant) were subjected to two temperature treatments for 28 days during the panicle initiation stage in temperature/relative humidity-controlled greenhouses: high temperature (HT; 37/27 °C; day/night) and control temperature (CK; 31/27 °C; day/night) to investigate changes in anther development under HT during panicle initiation and their relationship with spikelet fertility.

Results

HT significantly decreased the grain yield of LYPJ by decreasing the number of spikelets per panicle and seed setting percentage. In addition, HT produced minor adverse effects in SY63. The decreased spikelet fertility was primarily attributed to decreased pollen viability and anther dehiscence, as well as poor pollen shedding of the anthers of LYPJ under HT. HT resulted in abnormal anther development (fewer vacuolated microspores, un-degraded tapetum, unevenly distributed Ubisch bodies) and malformation of pollen (obscure outline of the pollen exine with a collapsed bacula, disordered tectum, and no nexine of the pollen walls, uneven sporopollenin deposition on the surface of pollen grains) in LYPJ, which may have lowered pollen viability. Additionally, HT produced a compact knitted anther cuticle structure of the epidermis, an un-degraded septum, a thickened anther wall, unevenly distributed Ubisch bodies, and inhibition of the confluent locule, and these malformed structures may be partially responsible for the decreased anther dehiscence rate and reduced pollen shedding of the anthers in LYPJ. In contrast, the anther wall and pollen development of SY63 were not substantially changed under HT.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that disturbed anther walls and pollen development are responsible for the reduced spikelet fertility and grain yield of the tested heat susceptible variety, and noninvasive anthers and pollen formation in response to HT were associated with improved heat tolerance.
Clinical researchers’ lived experiences with data quality monitoring in clinical trials: a qualitative study
Authors: Houston Lauren , Yu Ping , Martin Allison , Probst Yasmine
Published: September 2021

Background

Fundamental to the success of clinical research that involves human participants is the quality of the data that is generated. To ensure data quality, clinical trials must comply with the Good Clinical Practice guideline which recommends data monitoring. To date, the guideline is broad, requires technology for enforcement, follows strict industry standards, mostly designed for drug-registration trials and based on informal consensus. It is also unknown what challenges clinical trials and researchers face in implementing data monitoring procedures. Thus, this study aimed to describe researcher experiences with data quality monitoring in clinical trials.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews following a guided-phenomenological approach. Participants were recruited from the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry and were researchers affiliated with a listed clinical study. Each transcript was analysed with inductive thematic analysis before thematic categorisation of themes from all transcripts. Primary, secondary and subthemes were categorised according to the emerging relationships.

Results

Data saturation were reached after interviewing seven participants. Five primary themes, two secondary themes and 21 subthemes in relation to data quality monitoring emerged from the data. The five primary themes included: education and training, ways of working, working with technology, working with data, and working within regulatory requirements. The primary theme ‘education and training’ influenced the other four primary themes. While ‘working with technology’ influenced the ‘way of working’. All other themes had reciprocal relationships. There was no relationship reported between ‘working within regulatory requirements’ and ‘working with technology’. The researchers experienced challenges in meeting regulatory requirements, using technology and fostering working relationships for data quality monitoring.

Conclusion

Clinical trials implemented a variety of data quality monitoring procedures tailored to their situation and study context. Standardised frameworks that are accessible to all types of clinical trials are needed with an emphasis on education and training.
COVID-19 may exacerbate the clinical, structural and psychological barriers to retention in care among women living with HIV in rural and peri-urban settings in Uganda
Authors: Nalubega Sylivia , Kyenkya Joshua , Bagaya Irene , Nabukenya Sylvia , Ssewankambo Nelson , Nakanjako Damalie , Kiragga Agnes N.
Published: September 2021

Background

Retention of pregnant and breastfeeding women and their infants in HIV care still remains low in Uganda. Recent literature has shown that the effects of COVID-19 mitigation measures may increase disease burden of common illnesses including HIV, Tuberculosis, Malaria and other key public health outcomes such as maternal mortality. A research program was undertaken to locate disengaged HIV positive women on option B+ and supported them to reengage in care. A 1 year follow up done following the tracing revealed that some women still disengaged from care. We aimed to establish the barriers to and facilitators for reengagement in care among previously traced women on option B+, and how these could have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This was a cross sectional qualitative study using individual interviews conducted in June and July, 2020, a period when the COVID-19 response measures such as lockdown and restrictions on transport were being observed in Uganda. Study participants were drawn from nine peri-urban and rural public healthcare facilities. Purposive sampling was used to select women still engaged in and those who disengaged from care approximately after 1 year since they were last contacted. Seventeen participants were included. Data was analysed using the content analysis approach.

Results

Women reported various barriers that affected their reengagement and retention in care during the COVID-19 pandemic. These included structural barriers such as transport difficulties and financial constraints; clinical barriers which included unsupportive healthcare workers, short supply of drugs, clinic delays, lack of privacy and medicine side effects; and psychosocial barriers such as perceived or experienced stigma and non-disclosure of HIV sero-status. Supportive structures such as family, community-based medicine distribution models, and a friendly healthcare environment were key facilitators to retention in care among this group. The COVID-19 pandemic was reported to exacerbate the barriers to retention in care.

Conclusions

COVID-19 may exacerbate barriers to retention in HIV care among those who have experienced previous disengagement. We recommend community-based models such as drop out centres, peer facilitated distribution and community outreaches as alternative measures for access to ART during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A study on knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding dengue fever, its prevention and management among dengue patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayawickreme K. P. , Jayaweera D. K. , Weerasinghe S. , Warapitiya D. , Subasinghe S.
Published: September 2021

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) has ranked dengue as one of the top ten threats to Global health in 2019. Sri Lanka faced a massive dengue epidemic in 2017, the largest outbreak in the country during the last three decades, consisting of 186,101 reported cases, and over 320 deaths. The epidemic was controlled by intense measures taken by the health sector. However, the reported dengue cases and dengue deaths in 2019 were significantly higher than that of 2018. Deaths were mostly due to delay in hospitalization of severe dengue patients. The mortality of dengue hemorrhagic fever is 2–5% if detected early and treated promptly, but is high as 20% if left untreated.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was done among patients with dengue fever presenting to the Sri Jayawardenepura General Hospital during October 2019. Data was collected using a questionnaire comprising 20 questions based on knowledge, attitudes and practices on dengue, which were categorized into questions on awareness of mortality and severity of dengue burden, prevention of dengue vector mosquito breeding and acquiring the infection, patient’s role in dengue management, and warning signs requiring prompt hospitalization.

Results

The mean KAP score on all questions was 55%, while a majority of 65.2% patients scored moderate KAP scores (50–75%) on all questions, and only 7.6% had high KAP scores (> 75%). The highest categorical mean score of 62% was on awareness of dengue prevention, followed by 54% on awareness of dengue burden, and only 51% on dengue management. Only 5.3% patients scored high scores on awareness of dengue management, followed by 28.5%, and 40.9% patients scoring high scores on awareness of dengue burden, and awareness of prevention of dengue respectively. The mean KAP scores on all questions increased with increasing age category.

Conclusion

The population relatively has a better awareness of dengue prevention, as compared to awareness of dengue mortality and dengue management. The identified weak point is patient awareness of the patients’ role in dengue management, and identifying warning signs requiring prompt hospitalization. This results in delay in treatment, which is a major cause for increased mortality. There was a correlation between those who had good knowledge on dengue burden and those who were aware of patients’ role in dengue management. An action plan should be implemented to improve public awareness through education programs on the role of the public and patients in dengue management to drive a better outcome.