bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Efficacy and Short- and Long-Term Side Effects of Radioactive Iodine Treatment in Pediatric Graves’ Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lutterman Sarah L. , Zwaveling-Soonawala Nitash , Verberne Hein J. , Verburg Frederik A. , van Trotsenburg A.S. Paul , Mooij Christiaan F.
Published: July 2021

Background: Graves’s disease (GD) is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Maximal 30% of pediatric GD patients achieve remission with antithyroid drugs. The majority of patients therefore require definitive treatment. Both thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine (RAI) are often used as definitive treatment for GD. However, data on efficacy and short- and long-term side effects of RAI treatment for pediatric GD are relatively scarce. Methods: A systematic review of the literature (PubMed and Embase) was performed to identify studies reporting the efficacy or short- and long-term side effects of RAI treatment in pediatric GD. Results: Twenty-three studies evaluating 1,283 children and adolescents treated with RAI for GD were included. The treatment goal of RAI treatment changed over time, from trying to achieve euthyroidism in the past to aiming at complete thyroid destruction and subsequent hypothyroidism in the last 3 decades. The reported efficacy of a first RAI treatment when aiming at hypothyroidism ranged from 42.8 to 97.5%, depending on the activity administered. The efficacy seems to increase with higher RAI activities. When aiming at hypothyroidism, both short- and long-term side effects of treatment are very rare. Long-term side effects were mainly seen in patients in whom treatment aimed at achieving euthyroidism. Conclusion: RAI is a safe definitive treatment option for pediatric GD when aiming at complete thyroid destruction. When aiming at hypothyroidism, the efficacy of treatment seems to increase with a higher RAI activity. Prospective studies are needed to determine the optimal RAI dosing regimen in pediatric GD.
Quantifying and Understanding the Higher Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Among South Asian Individuals
Authors: Patel Aniruddh P. , Wang Minxian , Kartoun Uri , Ng Kenney , Khera Amit V.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Individuals of South Asian ancestry represent 23% of the global population, corresponding to 1.8 billion people, and have substantially higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease compared with most other ethnicities. US practice guidelines now recognize South Asian ancestry as an important risk-enhancing factor. The magnitude of enhanced risk within the context of contemporary clinical care, the extent to which it is captured by existing risk estimators, and its potential mechanisms warrant additional study.

Methods:

Within the UK Biobank prospective cohort study, 8124 middle-aged participants of South Asian ancestry and 449 349 participants of European ancestry who were free of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease at the time of enrollment were examined. The relationship of ancestry to risk of incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease—defined as myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, or ischemic stroke—was assessed with Cox proportional hazards regression, along with examination of a broad range of clinical, anthropometric, and lifestyle mediators.

Results:

The mean age at study enrollment was 57 years, and 202 405 (44%) were male. Over a median follow-up of 11 years, 554 of 8124 (6.8%) individuals of South Asian ancestry experienced an atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event compared with 19 756 of 449 349 (4.4%) individuals of European ancestry, corresponding to an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.03 (95% CI, 1.86–2.22;
P
<0.001). This higher relative risk was largely consistent across a range of age, sex, and clinical subgroups. Despite the >2-fold higher observed risk, the predicted 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease according to the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Pooled Cohort equations and QRISK3 equations was nearly identical for individuals of South Asian and European ancestry. Adjustment for a broad range of clinical, anthropometric, and lifestyle risk factors led to only modest attenuation of the observed hazard ratio to 1.45 (95% CI, 1.28–1.65,
P
<0.001). Assessment of variance explained by 18 candidate risk factors suggested greater importance of hypertension, diabetes, and central adiposity in South Asian individuals.

Conclusions:

Within a large prospective study, South Asian individuals had substantially higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease compared with individuals of European ancestry, and this risk was not captured by the Pooled Cohort Equations.
Office, Central, and Ambulatory Blood Pressure for Predicting First Stroke in Older Adults: A Community-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Matsumoto Kenji , Jin Zhezhen , Homma Shunichi , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Schwartz Joseph E. , Rundek Tatjana , Mannina Carlo , Ito Kazato , Sacco Ralph L. , Di Tullio Marco R.
Published: July 2021

Hypertension is the most prevalent modifiable risk factor for stroke. Office blood pressure (BP) measurements may have limitations in defining the impact of hypertension on stroke. Our aim was to compare the stroke risk for office, central, and ambulatory BP measurements in a predominantly older population-based prospective cohort. Participants in the CABL study (Cardiovascular Abnormalities and Brain Lesions; n=816; mean age, 70.8±9.0 years; 39.8% men) underwent applanation tonometry of the radial artery for central BP and 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. During a follow-up of 9.6±3.1 years, stroke occurred in 76 participants (9.3%). Among office BP variables, only diastolic BP was associated with stroke in multivariable competing risk model (
P
=0.016). None of the central BP variables showed a significant association with stroke. Conversely, all ambulatory systolic and diastolic BP variables were significantly associated with stroke after adjustment for clinical confounders (all
P
<0.005). In an additional multivariable competing risk model including both ambulatory systolic and diastolic BP values obtained at the same time of the day, diastolic BP was more strongly associated with stroke than systolic BP in 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime periods (all
P
<0.05). Therefore, in a predominantly older population-based cohort, office diastolic BP was weakly associated with incident stroke; no central BP variable was prognostic of stroke. However, all ambulatory systolic and diastolic BP values were significantly associated with stroke in multivariable competing risk analyses. Moreover, ambulatory diastolic BP was a stronger predictor of stroke than ambulatory systolic BP.
Persistent Hypertension and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy After Repair of Native Coarctation of Aorta in Adults
Authors: Egbe Alexander C. , Miranda William R. , Warnes Carole A , Bonnichsen Crystal , Crestanello Juan , Anderson Jason H. , Connolly Heidi M.
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to describe procedural outcomes, hemodynamic improvement, regression of left ventricular (LV) mass hypertrophy, and cardiovascular. The primary outcomes were procedural complications, reinterventions, and hemodynamic improvement after coarctation of aorta (COA) repair. The secondary outcomes were improvement in the severity of hypertension, regression of LV mass index, and incidence of cardiovascular events (atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, heart failure hospitalization, and cardiovascular death) after COA repair. Secondary outcomes were assessed only in patients with isolated COA who had clinical and imaging follow-up at 1 year and 3 years postintervention. Of 172 patients that underwent COA repair (surgical 161; transcatheter 11), there were no procedural deaths, and all patients had residual COA gradient <20 mm Hg. Of 128 patients that met criteria for secondary outcomes assessment, 39 (36%) had a reduction in the intensity of antihypertension therapy, and cardiovascular events occurred in 16 (13%) patients. There was no significant reduction in the overall prevalence of hypertension (stage 1 and stage 2) over time (78% versus 70% versus 73%,
P
=0.4 at baseline, 1 year and 3 years). Postintervention hypertension (both stage 1 and 2) were independent risk factors for suboptimal left ventricular mass index regression and cardiovascular events. Persistent hypertension was common after repair of native COA in adults and was associated with suboptimal left ventricular mass index regression and cardiovascular events. These results suggest that optimal blood pressure control with medical therapy after COA repair may result in improved clinical outcomes.
Carapa wohllebenii (Meliaceae), a new tree species from montane forests in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi
Authors: FISCHER EBERHARD , KILLMANN DOROTHEE , LEH BURKHARD , JANSSENS STEVEN B.
Published: July 2021

Carapa wohllebenii is described as a new tree species from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi. Its affinities to Carapa grandiflora are discussed. It differs in a number of morphological features; the most prominent being the oblanceolate-oblong leaflets with distinctly mucronate apex and a length/width ratio of 3.2–4.7 (vs. oblong ovate leaflets with mucronulate apex and a length/width ratio of 1.9–2.7 in C. grandiflora). A molecular phylogeny of Carapa is presented that clearly indicates the distinct phylogenetic position of both species. Based on the current knowledge, the new species is given a preliminary conservation assessment of LEAST CONCERN (LC). Carapa grandiflora is here for the first time recorded from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Primulina cataractarum sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae) from limestone landform in Southern Hunan, China
Authors: DING CONG , LIU ANG , YU XUN-LIN , ZHANG CHUN-PING
Published: July 2021

A new species, Primulina cataractarum (Gesneriaceae) from limestone areas in southern Hunan, China, is described and illustrated with photographs based on morphological and molecular data. This new species is slightly similar to P. porphyrea and P. rubribracteata in morphology, but it can be easily distinguished by its smaller rounder leaves, large repand green bracts and purple corolla tube. Phylogenetic analysis proved that these three species are different, and their relationships are relatively distant. It also reveals that P. cataractarum is genetically similar to P. jiangyongensis, which is geographically next to the type locality of the new species, but they differ greatly in morphology. Following the IUCN Red List Criteria, P. cataractarum is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR B2a; C2b) because of its limited populations and vulnerable habitat.
A review of the Stigmatophora palmata (Moore, 1878) species-group (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae) with description of a new species from China
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , HUANG SI-YAO , DUBATOLOV VLADIMIR V.
Published: July 2021

The Stigmatophora palmata (Moore, 1878) species-group is reviewed. A new species, S. danieli Volynkin, S. -Y. Huang & Dubatolov, sp. nov. is described for the Chinese populations previously identified by authors as S. palmata. Stigmatophora palmata form inanis Seitz, 1913 is upgraded to species level: S. inanis Seitz, 1913, stat. nov. A new synonymy is established: S. inanis Seitz, 1913 = S. palliduspalmata N. Singh, Kirti & Joshi, 2016, syn. nov. A lectotype for Lyclene palmata Moore, 1878 is designated. The distribution patterns of S. palmata and S. hainanensis Fang, 1991 are clarified. Adults and male and female genitalia of all species are illustrated.
One new species of free-living marine nematode from the Yellow Sea, China
Authors: HAO YINGDONG , HU QUANAN , HUANG YONG
Published: July 2021

A new species of Setostephanolaimus Tchesunov, 1994, S. longiseta sp. nov. was discovered in an intertidal sand beach along the Rizhao coast of the Yellow Sea. It is characterized by its long and slender body, long cephalic setae (longer than 20 µm and 16 µm in males and females, respectively) and subcephalic setae, long spicules (longer than 90 µm), gubernaculum with dorsal hooked apophyses, along with presence of 10–12 tubular precloacal supplements in males. Updated dichotomous key for species of the genus Setostephanolaimus is also given.
Role of Aqueous-Phase Calcination in Synthesis of Ultra-Stable Dye-Embedded Fluorescent Nanoparticles for Cellular Probing
Authors: Rex Rachel , Siddhanta Soumik , Barman Ishan
Published: July 2021

Fluorescence imaging is a major driver of discovery in biology, and an invaluable asset in clinical diagnostics. To overcome quenching limitations of conventional fluorescent dyes and further improve intensity, nanoparticle-based constructs have been the subject of intense investigation, and within this realm, dye-doped silica-coated nanoparticles have garnered significant attention. Despite their growing popularity in research, fluorescent silica nanoparticles suffer from a significant flaw. The degradation of these nanoparticles in biological media by hydrolytic dissolution is underreported, leading to serious misinterpretations, and limiting their applicability for live cell and in vivo imaging. Here, the development of an ultra-stable, dye-embedded, silica-coated metal nanoparticle is reported, and its superior performance in long-term live cell imaging is demonstrated. While conventional dye-doped silica nanoparticles begin to degrade within an hour in aqueous media, by leveraging a modified liquid calcination process, this new construct is shown to be stable for at least 24 h. The stability of this metal-enhanced fluorescent probe in biologically relevant temperatures and media, and its demonstrated utility for cell imaging, paves the way for its future adoption in biomedical research.
Understanding treatment delay: Perceived barriers preventing treatment-seeking for eating disorders
Authors: Hamilton Amber , Mitchison Deborah , Basten Christopher , Byrne Susan , Goldstein Mandy , Hay Phillipa , Heruc Gabriella , Thornton Christopher , Touyz Stephen
Published: July 2021

Objective:

Only a small proportion of individuals with an eating disorder will receive targeted treatment for their illness. The aim of this study was to examine the length of delay to treatment-seeking and determine the barriers preventing earlier access and utilisation of eating disorder treatment for each diagnostic group – anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and other specified feeding or eating disorder.

Method:

Participants were recruited as part of the TrEAT multi-phase consortium study. One hundred and nineteen Australians (13–60 years; 96.9% female) with eating disorders currently accessing outpatient treatment for their illness completed an online survey comprised of self-report measures of eating disorder severity, treatment delay and perceived barriers to treatment-seeking. The treating clinician for each participant also provided additional information (e.g. body mass index and diagnosis).

Results:

Overall, the average length of delay between onset of eating disorder symptoms and treatment-seeking was 5.28 years. Controlling for age, latency to treatment-seeking was significantly longer for individuals with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder compared to anorexia nervosa. However, when perceived barriers to treatment-seeking were investigated, there were no significant differences between the diagnostic groups in regard to the perceived barriers they experienced. Stigma was rated as the most impactful barrier for each diagnostic group.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest that individuals with eating disorders face substantial delays in accessing appropriate treatment and that latency to treatment-seeking is often magnified for counter-stereotypical eating disorder presentations. Further research is required to investigate other factors contributing to this delay.
Effects of Propofol on Hemodynamic Profile in Adults Receiving Targeted Temperature Management
Authors: Hawkins W. Anthony , Kim Jennifer Y. , Smith Susan E. , Sikora Newsome Andrea , Hall Ronald G.
Published: July 2021

Background: Propofol is a key component for the management of sedation and shivering during targeted temperature management (TTM) following cardiac arrest. The cardiac depressant effects of propofol have not been described during TTM and may be especially relevant given the stress to the myocardium following cardiac arrest. The purpose of this study is to describe hemodynamic changes associated with propofol administration during TTM. Methods: This single center, retrospective cohort study evaluated adult patients who received a propofol infusion for at least 30 minutes during TTM. The primary outcome was the change in cardiovascular Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (cvSOFA) score 30 minutes after propofol initiation. Secondary outcomes included change in systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and vasopressor requirements (VR) expressed as norepinephrine equivalents at 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after propofol initiation. A multivariate regression was performed to assess the influence of propofol and body temperature on MAP, while controlling for vasopressor dose and cardiac arrest hospital prognosis (CAHP) score. Results: The cohort included 40 patients with a median CAHP score of 197. The goal temperature of 33°C was achieved for all patients. The median cvSOFA score was 1 at baseline and 0.5 at 30 minutes, with a non-significant change after propofol initiation ( P = .96). SBP and MAP reductions were the greatest at 60 minutes (17 and 8 mmHg; P < .05 for both). The median change in HR at 120 minutes was −9 beats/minute from baseline. This reduction was sustained through 240 minutes ( P < .05). No change in VR were seen at any time point. In multivariate regression, body temperature was the only characteristic independently associated with changes in MAP (coefficient 4.95, 95% CI 1.6-8.3). Conclusion: Administration of propofol during TTM did not affect cvSOFA score. The reductions in SBP, MAP, and HR did not have a corresponding change in vasopressor requirements and are likely not clinically meaningful. Propofol appears to be a safe choice for sedation in patients receiving targeted temperature management after cardiac arrest.
Antibiotic Prescribing in Adults Presenting with Pharyngitis Pre- and Post-Implementation of a Rapid Group A Streptococcus Test
Authors: Sarangarm Preeyaporn , Huerena Timothy A. , Norii Tatsuya , Walraven Carla J.
Published: July 2021

Background: Group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis is the most common bacterial cause of acute pharyngitis and is often over treated with unnecessary antibiotics. The purpose was to evaluate if implementation of a rapid antigen detection test (RADT) for GAS would reduce the number of inappropriately prescribed antibiotics for adult patients presenting with symptoms of pharyngitis. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of adult urgent care clinic patients pre- and post-implementation of a GAS RADT. We included patients who had a diagnosis of GAS identified via ICD-10 codes and either a throat culture, GAS RADT, or antibiotic prescribed for GAS. Antibiotic prescribing was assessed as appropriate or inappropriate based on testing and IDSA guideline recommendations. Thirty-day follow-up visits related to pharyngitis or the prescribed antibiotics was also evaluated. Results: A total of 1734 patients were included; 912 and 822 in the pre- and post-implementation groups, respectively. Following implementation of the GAS RADT, there was an increase in the number of antibiotics prescribed for GAS (43.4% vs 59.1%, P < .001) as well as an increase in appropriate prescribing (67.6% vs 77.5%, P < .001). More 30-day pharyngitis-related follow-up visits were seen in the pre-intervention group (12.5% vs 9.3%, P = .03). Conclusion: Implementation of a RADT for GAS pharyngitis was associated with an increase in both the overall number of antibiotic prescriptions for GAS and the proportion of appropriately prescribed antibiotics. There was also a reduction in follow up visits related to GAS pharyngitis, however educational efforts to further increase appropriate prescribing is needed.
Investigation of interface debonding behaviour in a unidirectional SiC fibre reinforced Ti-17 composite by a single fibre push-out technique
Authors: Fan Yingwei , Zhou Xiaorong
Published: July 2021

The debonding behaviour at the fibre/matrix interface in a unidirectional continuous carbon-coated SiC fibre reinforced Ti-17 composite was investigated. Single fibre push-out testing on thin slice specimen by micro-indentation was employed to evaluate the interface debonding strength. In order to investigate interface debonding modes, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were utilised to observe the microstructure at the fibre/matrix interface region after the fibres were pushed out. It is found that the interface debonding strength is evaluated to be 108.2 MPa in the composite. The interface debonding occurs at the interface between the interface reaction zone (RZ) and the carbon coating on the fibre surface. The carbon coating/SiC fibre interface and the RZ/matrix interface remain intact after the fibre was pushed out.
Information Disclosure Policy and Its Implications: Ratcheting in Supply Chains
Authors: Mittendorf Brian , Shin Jiwoong , Yoon Dae-Hee
Published: July 2021

Fear of escalating input prices in response to retail success is a commonly discussed phenomenon affecting supply chains. Such a ratchet effect arises when a retailer feels compelled to modify its investments to better serve the end customers in order to hide positive prospects and restrain future wholesale price hikes. In a two-period model of supply chain interactions, the authors demonstrate that such an endogenous ratchet effect can have multifaceted reverberations. A retailer fearing price hikes may be tempted to curtail near-term profits to ensure favorable long-term pricing. In response, the supplier can use deep discounts in its initial wholesale prices to convince the retailer to focus on its short-term profits rather than long-term pricing concerns. These deep discounts not only encourage mutually beneficial investments but also alleviate double marginalization inefficiencies along the supply chain. In light of these results, the authors show that a mandatory information disclosure policy to reduce the ratchet effect decreases total channel efficiency compared with no information disclosure, precisely because mandatory disclosure interrupts the healthy tension among supply chain partners. Thus, the model presents a scenario in which ratcheting concerns can create a degree of self-enforcing cooperation that results in socially beneficial responses in supply chains.
Rethinking the mineral fertilizer subsidy scheme to promote environmental protection in Italy
Authors: Gazzani Flavio
Published: July 2021

Nitrogen fertilizers are essential inputs into modern agriculture, however the use of large amounts of mineral fertilizers in Italy caused, in the last three decades, severe environmental impacts such as eutrophication of waters and soils, loss of biodiversity, and drinking water pollution including human health risks. To date, regulatory instruments, such as the Nitrate Directive applied to reduce and manage mineral fertilizers showed scarce results in terms of environmental protection. Meanwhile the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) subsidy scheme continues to encourage intensive agriculture and the national fiscal policy includes VAT reduction to 4% for mineral fertilizers. The aim of this paper is to propose a reform of direct and indirect fertilizers’ subsidies considering multiple fiscal options to adjust and eliminate some harmful incentives. The elimination of direct subsides shows the ability to generate a financial effect of €252.54 million per year. As for indirect subsidies for chemical fertilizers, their fiscal remodelling by bringing back the VAT rate from 4% to 22%, has the ability to generate revenues for the state of €597.40 million. The proposed subsides reform has the capacity to generate a significant revenue for the state amounting to €849.94 million every year, which may be used for investments in organic farming and sustainable agriculture practices.
RNA sequencing identified novel target genes for Adansonia digitata in breast and colon cancer cells
Authors: El-Masry Omar S. , Goja Arafat , Rateb Mostafa , Owaidah Amani Y , Alsamman Khaldoon
Published: July 2021

Adansonia digitata exhibits numerous beneficial effects. In the current study, we investigated the anti-cancer effects of four different extracts of A. digitata (polar and non-polar extracts of fruit powder and fibers) on the proliferation of human colon cancer (HCT116), human breast cancer (MCF-7), and human ovarian cancer (OVCAR-3 and OVCAR-4) cell lines. RNA sequencing revealed the influence of the effective A. digitata fraction on the gene expression profiles of responsive cells. The results indicated that only the polar extract of the A. digitata fibers exhibited anti-proliferative activities against HCT116 and MCF-7 cells, but not ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, the polar extract of the fibers resulted in the modulation of the expression of multiple genes in HCT116 and MCF-7 cells. We propose that casein kinase 2 alpha 3 ( CSNK2A3) is a novel casein kinase 2 ( CSNK2) isoform in HCT116 cells and report, for the first time, the potential involvement of FYVE, RhoGEF, and PH domain-containing 3 ( FGD3) in colon cancer. Together, these findings provide evidence supporting the anti-cancer potential of the polar extract of A. digitata fibers in this experimental model of breast and colon cancers.
“Between a Rock and a Hard Place”: The Coronavirus, Livelihoods, and Socioeconomic Upheaval in Harare’s High-Density Areas of Zimbabwe
Authors: Makombe Eric Kushinga
Published: July 2021

For Zimbabwe, the confirmed Covid-19 deaths for 2020 numbered in the hundreds, not thousands. Still, Covid-19 could not have come at a worse time owing to a myriad of crises the country was going through. As a result, the Covid-19 pandemic was much more than a public health crisis as it threatened already vulnerable people, putting lives and livelihoods at risk. This article focuses on the socioeconomic impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic, examining the social pattern of its unfolding and impact, analyzing the institutional and communal responses to the disease, and marking the effects of its aftermath in Harare’s high-density residential spaces. The research design captures a broad empirical picture of what was happening by specifically drawing on case study examples from Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe. The broad objective of the research brings out how low-income households experienced the Covid-19 pandemic compared to higher-income households as informed by sex-based differences, access to healthcare, and food. It also captures the differential impacts and inequalities in socioeconomic outcomes, livelihoods, poverty reduction, and human development informing these household experiences. Beyond this, the study captures and highlights how the Covid-19 crisis led to widespread instances of food insecurity, economic anxiety, and general disenfranchisement from alternative sources of income that, in turn, created further social upheaval. The last strand of this article exposes the implications of some of the public health measures instituted in attempts to tackle Covid-19.
What is Parental Stress Connected to in Families of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder? Implications for Parents’ Interventions
Authors: Di Renzo Magda , Guerriero Viviana , Petrillo Massimiliano , Bianchi di Castelbianco Federico
Published: July 2021

Raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be a very stressful experience, impacting parents and their ability to take care of their child. We examined the relationship between parenting stress and child, and parent and contextual factors in a sample of 61 families of children with ASD recruited in a centre for ASD assessment and treatment. Results showed that mothers had a higher level of stress related to their parental role when compared to fathers. Data also showed the importance of considering the specific role of parental emotion regulation, family functioning and educational level in influencing maternal stress and the specific role of couple adjustment in influencing fathers’ parental distress. This study pointed out the importance of employing a vision that embraces different domains of family life in cases of children with ASD and in parents’ intervention programmes because these factors may contribute to parental stress.
The Impact of Stereotype Threat on Memory and Cognition in Older Adults
Authors: McDougall Graham J. , Monroe Todd B. , Pituch Keenan A. , Carter Michael A. , Abbott Laurie
Published: July 2021

Cultural stereotypes that equate aging with decreased competence and increased forgetfulness have persisted for decades. Stereotype threat (ST) refers to the psychological discomfort people experience when confronted by a negative, self-relevant stereotype in a situation where their behavior could be construed as confirming that belief. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships of ST on memory performance in older adults over 24 months. The ST levels on average significantly declined, or improved in the memory training, but not the health training group. Although not significant at the .01 level, the bivariate correlation indicated that change in ST was moderately related to change in verbal memory, suggesting the possibility that improvements (or reductions) in ST may be related to increases in verbal memory scores. We discovered that the unique contribution of ST into the memory performance of healthy older adults offers a possible malleable trait.
The impact of intolerance on young people’s online political participation
Authors: Bosi Lorenzo , Lavizzari Anna , Portos Martín
Published: July 2021

This article investigates the impact of intolerance on online political participation among young Europeans. Based on the theoretical insights of (in)tolerance, political participation, youth, and media studies, we explore whether and to what extent intolerant attitudes drive young people’s online political participation. In doing this, we draw on original survey data with booster samples for young people, covering nine European countries. Our results show that intolerance leads to more online political activities among young people. However, these individuals are not socially isolated and marginalised; in fact, the effect of intolerant attitudes on online political engagement is reinforced by participation in offline unconventional forms of participation and social capital. Our findings bear important consequences for the understanding of intolerant attitudes, youth politics, and (online) political participation.
Victim, broker, activist, fixer: Surviving dispossession in working class Lahore
Authors: Maqsood Ammara , Sajjad Fizzah
Published: July 2021

Recent debates in urban geography and anthropology have urged a rethinking of ‘marginal’ groups, viewing them not only as intimately connected to the state and its power, but also as offering a lens into alternate modes of dwelling, endurance and political change. We reflect upon the conceptual possibilities of such forms of endurance by examining how those residing in urban margins utilise, enable and inhabit connections to centres of power when faced with dispossession. Focusing on evictions that took place in Lahore (Pakistan) between 2015 and 2017, to acquire land for the Orange Line Metro Train, we follow the actions and narrations of one interlocutor, as he confronted the loss of his home. Unravelling how survival at the margins depends upon tactility and a continuous shifting between roles and modes of actions, we highlight the unique and particular ways in which evictions are lived and embodied. Including such shifting modes of negotiating in conceptualisations of the ‘political’ in the Global South does indeed offer potentialities, but we urge caution in over-reading into these possibilities. Shape-shifting and movement in embodied roles allows for a certain kind of thriving in precarity but rarely allows inhabitants – as they so aspire – to override it altogether.
The ‘work’ of managing medications when someone is seriously ill and dying at home: A longitudinal qualitative case study of patient and family perspectives’
Authors: Wilson Eleanor , Caswell Glenys , Pollock Kristian
Published: July 2021

Background:

Managing medications can impose difficulties for patients and families which may intensify towards the end of life. Family caregivers are often assumed to be willing and able to support patients with medications, yet little is known about the challenges they experience or how they cope with these.

Aim:

To explore patient and family caregivers’ views of managing medications when someone is seriously ill and dying at home.

Design:

A qualitative design underpinned by a social constructionist perspective involving interviews with bereaved family caregivers, patients and current family caregivers. A thematic analysis was undertaken.

Setting/participants:

Two English counties. Data reported in this paper were generated across two data sets using: (1) Interviews with bereaved family caregivers ( n = 21) of patients who had been cared for at home during the last 6 months of life. (2) Interviews ( n = 43) included within longitudinal family focused case studies ( n = 20) with patients and current family caregivers followed-up over 4 months.

Results:

The ‘work of managing medications’ was identified as a central theme across the two data sets, with further subthemes of practical, physical, emotional and knowledge-based work. These are discussed by drawing together ideas of illness work, and how the management of medications can substantially add to the burden placed on patients and families.

Conclusions:

It is essential to consider the limits of what it is reasonable to ask patients and families to do, especially when fatigued, distressed and under pressure. Focus should be on improving support via greater professional understanding of the work needed to manage medications at home.
Intra- and inter-rater reliability for the measurement of the cross-sectional area of ankle tendons assessed by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Mansur Henrique , Estanislau Guilherme , Noronha Marcos de , Marqueti Rita de Cassia , Fachin-Martins Emerson , Durigan João Luiz Quagliotti
Published: July 2021

Background

The cross-sectional area (CSA) records make an essential measurement for determining the mechanical properties of tendons, such as stress and strength. However, there is no consensus regarding the best method to record the CSA from different tendons.

Purpose

To determine intra- and inter-rater reliability for CSA measures from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the following tendons: tibialis anterior; tibialis posterior; fibularis longus and brevis; and Achilles.

Material and Methods

We designed an observational study with repeated measures taken from a convenience sample of 20 participants diagnosed with acute or chronic ankle sprain. Two independent raters took three separate records from the CSA of ankle tendon images of each MRI slice. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and 95% limits of agreement (LoA) defined the quality (associations) and magnitude (differences), respectively, of intra- and inter-rater reliability on the measures plotted by the Bland–Altman method.

Results

Data showed very high intra- and inter-rater correlations for measures taken from all tendons analyzed (ICC 0.952–0.999). It also revealed an excellent agreement between raters (0.12%–2.3%), with bias no higher than 2 mm2 and LoA in the range of 4.4–7.9 mm2. The differences between repeated measures recorded from the thinnest tendons (fibularis longus and brevis) revealed the lowest bias and narrowest 95% LoA.

Conclusion

Reliability for the CSA of ankle tendons measured from MRI taken by independent rates was very high, with the smallest differences between raters observed when the thinnest tendon was analyzed.
The clinical value of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) semi-quantitative parameters in monitoring neoadjuvant chemotherapy response of osteosarcoma
Authors: Zeng Yan-ni , Zhang Bu-tian , Song Ting , Peng Jian-feng , Wang Juan-ting , Yuan Qiang , Tan Min-yi
Published: July 2021

Background

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is a non-invasive technique which could monitor tumor morphology, blood vessel dynamics, and micro-environmental changes.

Purpose

To evaluate the value of DCE-MRI semi-quantitative parameters in monitoring the neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) response of osteosarcoma.

Material and Methods

Twenty-five patients pathologically confirmed as osteosarcoma received four cycles of NAC followed by surgery. All patients underwent conventional and dynamic MRI twice, before starting chemotherapy and before surgical treatment. With a reference standard of histological response (tumor necrosis rate), semi-quantitative parameters were compared between good response group (TNR ≥ 90%) and non-response group (TNR < 90%). The differences between intra- and inter-group parameters before and after NAC were analyzed by Mann–Whitney U test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was generated to assess the parameters’ efficacy in predicting the outcome of NAC.

Results

The changes were statistically significant on slope, maximum signal intensity (SImax), time to peak (TTP), signal enhanced extent (SEE), peak percent enhancement (PPE), washout rate (WOR), and enhancement rate (ER) in the good response group ( P < 0.05), while only SImax and SEE were different in the non-response group after NAC. The changes in Slope, SImax, TTP, SEE, WOR, and ER were markedly different ( P < 0.05) between the two groups after NAC. Also, at the threshold values of 3.2%/s, 175 s, and 5.4% (slope, TTP, and ER), the sensitivity and specificity for predicting good response to chemotherapy were 83.3% and 92.3%, 91.7% and 69.2%, 84.6% and 75.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

Slope, TTP, and ER values could be used to evaluate and predict the response to NAC in osteosarcoma.
The stiffness of transplanted kidneys changes with time after renal transplantation
Authors: Chen Shaona , Li Jin , Zeng Bidan , Zhu Zhimin , Luo Yanhua , Chen Fei , Qiu Shaodong
Published: July 2021

Background

Kidney transplantation is one of the most effective ways to treat end-stage kidney disease. However, 5000 renal transplant recipients start or restart dialysis because of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) every year in the United States. Detecting changes in the stiffness of transplanted kidneys can help diagnose transplanted kidney disease.

Purpose

To explore changes in the stiffness of transplanted kidneys after renal transplantation using shear wave elastography (SWE).

Material and Methods

This study conducted consecutive follow-up observations on 10 patients after kidney transplantation. SWE examination was performed in the first week, second week, first month, second month, third month, fourth month, fifth month, and sixth month after surgery. This study also analyzed the graft stiffness of 86 patients with stable renal function recovery one month after surgery.

Results

The results show that there is a change in the stiffness of the transplanted kidney over time after renal transplantation. It decreases rapidly within one month after renal transplantation and tends to be stable after one month. The mean renal cortical and pyramidal stiffness of patients with stable renal function were 28.48 ± 4.27 kPa and 21.97 ± 3.90 kPa, respectively.

Conclusion

Consecutive stiffness measurement of transplanted kidneys is an effective method for monitoring the function of transplanted kidneys. According to the change in transplanted kidney stiffness, we can designate a more scientific review plan to determine the functional status of the transplanted kidney.
Short-term clinical and oncological outcomes after single-incision plus one-port laparoscopic surgery for rectosigmoid cancer: a retrospective clinical analysis of 30 cases
Authors: Wu Ze-Jian , Huang Xiang-Wu , Yu Jia-He , Lin Hui-Zhong , Zheng Feng-Wu
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of single-incision laparoscopic surgery+1 (SILS+1) radical resection of sigmoid and upper rectal cancer.

Methods

The clinical data of 30 consecutive patients with sigmoid and upper rectal cancer who underwent SILS+1 radical resection between October 2018 and January 2020 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. An initial 5-cm periumbilical transverse incision was made. Then, a multiport device was placed in the umbilical incision. Two 10-mm ports were used for laparoscope insertion, and the other two ports were used for laparoscope device insertion. A 12-mm trocar was placed in the right lower abdominal quadrant under laparoscopic view and served as the surgeon’s dominant operating channel.

Results

All operations were performed successfully without conversion to conventional laparoscopic surgery or open operation. Three patients developed postoperative complications: one patient developed ileus, one developed postoperative bleeding, and one developed wound infection. There were no perioperative deaths.

Conclusions

The safety and feasibility of SILS+1 radical resection of sigmoid and upper rectal cancer was established by experienced surgeons in our study. However, further studies are needed to demonstrate the advantages of this procedure compared with the benefits of conventional laparoscopic surgery.
Enhancement of subarachnoid space during magnetic resonance imaging of endolymphatic hydrops: a case report
Authors: Vajda Milan , Dědková Jana , Stříteská Maja , Jandura Jiří , Ryška Pavel
Published: July 2021

Enhancement of the subarachnoid space after intravenous administration of gadolinium contrast agent is not common. Enhancement usually occurs in pathological conditions that increase the permeability of the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier, most notably in meningitis. We herein describe possible subarachnoid enhancement in patients with no apparent effect on the meninges. These patients had clinical signs of Meniere’s disease and underwent specific magnetic resonance imaging of the inner ear to possibly visualize endolymphatic hydrops. The endolymphatic space can be noninvasively imaged by intravenous administration of contrast agent, usually at a double dose, 4 hours before the scanning process. During this time, the contrast agent penetrates not only the perilymph but also the subarachnoid space, where the highest concentration occurs after 4 hours according to some studies.
Toward an online strategy for mechanical failures diagnostics inside the wind turbine generators based on spectral analysis
Authors: Kramti Sharaf Eddine , Ali Jaouher Ben , Bechhoefer Eric , Takrouni Karim , Darghouthi Abdelghani , Sayadi Mounir
Published: July 2021

Mechanical faults in wind turbine generators lead to a huge problems of breaking electricity production, increase the maintenance cost and can damage the wind turbine generator, which caught fire in the nacelle. Gearbox installed in the nacelle is the important component in wind turbine, it composed by shafts bearings and gearings. Always bearings and gearings failures are related together. Therefore, to control these rotating components we need to analysis their vibration signature. This work was done with Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (STEG) it’s about mechanical failures diagnostics which are based on three temporal vibration signals which are made by three sensors installed also in three positions axial, vertical, and horizontal. In this work we present a Fast Fourier Transform which is applied on raw mechanical vibration signals by the vibration department of STEG, which are compared with a new strategy of envelope analysis is commonly used to obtain the mechanical faults harmonics from the envelope signal spectrum analysis and has shown a more suitable results of diagnostics which is applied on the same data sets from Fast Fourier Transform. In this work, we illustrate a squared envelope based on spectral kurtosis approach to determine optimum envelope analysis parameters including the filtering band and center frequency through a short time Fourier transform. This method proves a better diagnosis results using real vibration data set from vibration department of STEG.
Live Road Condition Assessment with Internal Vehicle Sensors
Authors: Levenberg Eyal , Skar Asmus , Pour Shahrzad M. , Kindler Ekkart , Pettinari Matteo , Bajic Milena , Alstrøm Tommy S. , Schlotz Uwe
Published: July 2021

Modern cars are equipped with many sensors that measure information about the vehicle and its surroundings. These measurements are therefore related to the ride-surface conditions over which the vehicle is passing. The paper commences by outlining a four-component vision for performing road condition evaluation based on in-vehicle sensor readings and subsequent feeding of pavement management systems (PMSs) with live condition information. This is expected to enrich the functionalities of PMSs, and ultimately lead to improved maintenance and repair decisions. Next the LiRA (Live Road Assessment) project—an ongoing proof-of-concept attempt to realize the vision components—is presented. The project elements and software architecture are described in detail, listing any assumptions, compromises, and challenges. LiRA involves a fleet of 400 electric cars operating in Copenhagen, both within the city streets and nearby highways. Sensor data collection is performed with a customized Internet of Things (IoT) device installed in the cars. Data processing and structuring involve new software tools for quality control, spatio-temporal interpolation, and map matching. A hybrid approach, combining machine learning models with physical (mechanics-based) models, is currently being applied to convert data into relevant information for PMSs. Based on the experience thus far with LiRA, the vision actualization is deemed achievable, workable, and up-scalable.
Use of the Alaska Geotechnical Asset Management Database in Evaluation of Retaining Structures After an Earthquake
Authors: Thornley John D. , Benko Barry A. , Mathers Alyson M.
Published: July 2021

Since 2010, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, U.S., has been a leader in the development of geotechnical asset management (GAM) as part of a proactive approach to identify and rate the condition of geotechnical infrastructure. Efforts have included, for example, a retaining structure database that has cataloged retaining structures throughout Alaska. On November 30, 2018, a moment magnitude (MW) 7.1 earthquake struck southcentral Alaska, home of more than half of the state’s population. Damage to infrastructure was significant in several roadway corridors in the region. The GAM database was utilized as an important tool to assist in the identification of earthquake damaged retaining structures. Lessons learned from this effort are outlined in this paper. They include discussion on the elements of the database that were effective and others that may be improved on in the future. The information gathered from the field observations was also collected in such a manner that it could be added to the GAM database in the future as another snapshot in time for the retaining structures evaluated after the earthquake.