bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Phenotypes in Cardiovascular Risk and Treatment Decisions: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cuenca-Barrales Carlos , Montero-Vilchez Trinidad , Salvador-Rodríguez Luis , Sánchez-Díaz Manuel , Arias-Santiago Salvador , Molina-Leyva Alejandro
Published: January 2021

Background: New integrative hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) lesion pattern phenotypes have been proposed, an inflammatory phenotype (IP) and a follicular phenotype (FP). They are characterized by different lesion patterns, symptoms, and risks of disease progression. Objectives: To evaluate whether lesion pattern phenotypes (1) have a different cardiovascular risk factor profile, and (2) are associated with a different therapeutic approach in the setting of an HS clinic. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 233 patients with HS. They were classified according to lesion pattern phenotype criteria. Data regarding cardiovascular risk factors and treatment decisions were gathered. Results: One hundred and seventeen HS patients (50.21%) were classified as FP and 112 (48.07%) as IP. IP was associated with more severe disease and greater impairment of quality of life. Regardless of disease severity, patients with IP may have a higher cardiovascular risk, assessed according to higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (12.75 vs. 5.89, p = 0.059). The lesion pattern phenotype also influenced treatment decisions regardless of disease severity. Patients with IP were more likely to be treated with systemic corticosteroids and adalimumab, showing that lesion pattern phenotypes are associated with different therapeutic approaches. Conclusions: IP is associated with higher CRP values, suggesting a greater cardiovascular risk in these patients and also a different therapeutic approach. This information could help guide dermatologists in the management of HS patients and help to determine future treatment recommendations.
Clinical Trial in a Dish
Authors: Lam Chi Keung , Wu Joseph C.
Published: January 2021

Drug-induced cardiotoxicity is a significant clinical issue, with many drugs in the market being labeled with warnings on cardiovascular adverse effects. Treatments are often prematurely halted when cardiotoxicity is observed, which limits their therapeutic potential. Moreover, cardiotoxicity is a major reason for abandonment during drug development, reducing available treatment options for diseases and creating a significant financial burden and disincentive for drug developers. Thus, it is important to minimize the cardiotoxic effects of medications that are in use or in development. To this end, identifying patients at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular adverse effects for the drug of interest may be an effective strategy. The discovery of human induced pluripotent stem cells has enabled researchers to generate relevant cell types that retain a patient’s own genome and examine patient-specific disease mechanisms, paving the way for precision medicine. Combined with the rapid development of pharmacogenomic analysis, the ability of induced pluripotent stem cell-derivatives to recapitulate patient-specific drug responses provides a powerful platform to identify subsets of patients who are particularly vulnerable to drug-induced cardiotoxicity. In this review, we will discuss the current use of patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells in identifying populations who are at risk to drug-induced cardiotoxicity and their potential applications in future precision medicine practice.

Graphic Abstract:

A graphic abstract is available for this article.
Analyzing China’s research collaboration with the United
States in high-impact and high-technology research
Authors: Zhu Yongjun , Kim Donghun , Yan Erjia , Kim Meen Chul , Qi Guanqiu
Published: January 2021

This study investigates China’s international research collaboration with the United States through a bibliometric analysis of coauthorship over time using historical research publication data. We investigate from three perspectives: overall, high-impact, and high-technology research collaborations using data from Web of Science (WoS), Nature Index, and Technology Alert List maintained by the U.S. Department of State. The results show that the United States is China’s largest research collaborator and that in all three aspects, China and the United States are each other’s primary collaborators much of the time. From China’s perspective, we have found weakening collaboration with the United States over the past 2 years. In terms of high-impact research collaboration, China has historically shared a higher percentage of its research with the United States than vice versa. In terms of high-technology research, the situation is reversed, with the United States sharing more. The percentage of the United States’ high-technology research shared with China has been continuously increasing over the past 10 years, while in China the percentage has been relatively stable.
Wood identification of an ancient Greek coffin from the Bosporan Kingdom
Authors: Stepanova Anna V. , Vasilyeva Nataliya A.
Published: January 2021

Wood identification of 13 samples is made for the first time for the well-preserved coffin from the Bosporan Kingdom exhibited in the State Hermitage Museum. Due to the decay state, observation was carried out with Scanning Electron Microscopy. Additional information was obtained from macerated material. The samples studied show a complex of characteristics common to the Cupressaceae family: axial tracheids without helical thickenings, presence of axial parenchyma, homogeneous rays, cupressoid cross-field pits, and absence of resin canals. The presence of dark-stained content in the ray cells and the structure of its end walls, as well as the size of the rays, allow the determination of the wood samples as Cupressus sp. and Juniperus sp. The supporting parts of the coffin construction are made from cypress, while the decorative details and an inner bed are from juniper. These results support the dating of the coffin and the known information about different usage of timbers in the production of coffins in the Bosporan Kingdom.
A new species of Loricaria (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Turiaçu River basin, Eastern Amazon region, Brazil
Authors: SARAIVA ANANDA CAROLINA S. , ABREU JOÃO MARCELO S. , OTTONI FELIPE POLIVANOV , PIORSKI NIVALDO MAGALHÃES
Published: January 2021

A new species of Loricaria is herein described from the Turiaçu River basin, Eastern Amazon region, Maranhão state, Brazil, within the Maranhão Hydrological Unit (MHU). Loricaria turi differs from its congeners mainly by the following combination of characters: abdominal plate development confined to the posterior median region, pectoral girdle mostly naked, with cluster of plates near pectoral fin bases; large eyes (minimum orbital diameter 16.2–20.7% of HL and maximum orbital diameter 19.8–24.0% of HL), 214.4 mm of maximum standard length, and large basicaudal plate (16.6–29.2% of HL). The description of this new species strengthens the hypothesis that the Maranhão Hydrological Unit (MHU) is a possible area of endemism for freshwater fishes and contributes to the knowledge of the freshwater fish diversity and composition of the region.
First report of the poplar leaf miner, Phyllonorycter populifoliella (Treitschke) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) from India
Authors: SHASHANK PATHOUR R. , SINGH NARENDRA , HARSHANA ANAND , SINHA TWINKLE , KIRICHENKO NATALIA
Published: January 2021

Here we report about the discovery of the poplar leaf miner, Phyllonorycter populifoliella (Treitschke) in India. The mines of this micromoth were found in noticeable density on the leaves of poplar, Populus sp. (Salicaceae) in the northern mountainous region Ladakh in 2017–2018. We provide short morphological diagnosis, describe bionomics and analyze molecular data of Ph. populifoliella from India comparing sequences with those from other countries in Eurasia where the species is known as native. We also illustrate male and female genitalia, an adult of the moth, the leaf mines and the infestation plot in Ladakh, and discuss the occurrence of the species in the country.
Influences of Summertime Arctic Dipole Atmospheric Circulation on Sea Ice Concentration Variations in the Pacific Sector of the Arctic during Different Pacific Decadal Oscillation Phases
Authors: Bi Haibo , Wang Yunhe , Liang Yu , Sun Weifu , Liang Xi , Yu Qinglong , Zhang Zehua , Xu Xiuli
Published: January 2021

Atmospheric circulation associated with the Arctic dipole (AD) pattern plays a crucial role in modulating the variations of summertime sea ice concentration (SIC) within the Pacific Arctic sector (PAS). Based on reanalysis data and satellite observations, we found that the impacts of atmospheric circulation associated with a positive AD (AD+) on SIC change over different regions of the PAS [including the East Siberian Sea (ESS), Beaufort and Chukchi Seas (BCS), and Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA)] are dependent on the phase shifts of Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO). Satellite observations reveal that SIC anomalies, influenced by AD+ during PDO− relative to that during PDO+, varies significantly in summer by 4.9%, −7.3%, and −6.4% over ESS, BCS, and CAA, respectively. Overall, the atmospheric anomalies over CAA and BCS in terms of specific humidity, air temperature, and thereby downward longwave radiation (DLR), are enhanced (weakened) in the atmospheric conditions associated with AD+ during PDO− (PDO+). In these two regions, the larger (smaller) increases in specific humidity and air temperature, associated with AD+ during PDO− (PDO+), are connected to the increased (decreased) poleward moisture flux, strengthened (weakened) convergence of moisture and heat flux, and in part to adiabatic heating. As a consequence, the DLR and surface net energy flux anomalies over the two regions are reinforced in the atmospheric scenarios associated with AD+ during PDO− compared with that during PDO+. Therefore, smaller SIC anomalies are identified over CAA and BCS in the cases related to AD+ during PDO− than during PDO+. Essentially, the changes of the DLR anomaly in CAA and BCS are in alignment with geopotential height anomalies, which are modulated by the anticyclonic circulation pattern in association with AD+ during varying PDO phases. In contrast, the SIC changes over ESS is primarily attributed to the variations in mechanical wind forcing and sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. The cloud fraction anomalies associated with AD+ during different PDO phases are found not to be a significant contributor to the variations of sea ice anomaly in the studied regions. Given the oscillatory nature of PDO, we speculate that the recent shift to the PDO+ phase may temporarily slow the observed significant decline trend of the summertime SIC within PAS of the Arctic.
Increasing Warm-Season Precipitation in Asian Drylands and Response to Reducing Spring Snow Cover over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Jie , Ma Qianrong , Chen Haishan , Zhao Siwen , Chen Zhiheng
Published: January 2021

Precipitation is crucial for life and the ecological environment in Asian drylands. This study investigated precipitation trends in Asian drylands in the previous four decades and simulated their possible linkage with snow cover reduction over the Tibetan Plateau. The results show that precipitation has been increasing and contributing to wetter conditions in Asian drylands. The increasing trends can be attributed to the deepened quasi-stationary wave trough around Lake Balkhash and the meridional water vapor flux originating from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The midlatitude waves and eddy disturbances correspond to the northward upper-level Tibetan Plateau (TP) mode of the South Asian high (TP-SAH) and the Afro-Asian jet with cyclonic rotation. Both SAH and Afro-Asian jet anomalies strengthen the ascending motion and northward water vapor convergence in Asian drylands, and those are favorable for summer precipitation. The anomalous circulations are linked to the following factors. First, the reduced snow cover (SC) over the west TP in the late spring results in decreasing soil moisture and increasing diabatic heating in summer and favors northward extension of TP-SAH and the Afro-Asian jet. Second, the reduced TP SC increases surface temperature over the TP and northeast Asia, which decreases the temperature gradient between the TP and the Indian Ocean, between northeast Asia and East Asia. Decreased temperature gradients are beneficial to the southwest–northeast cyclonic rotation of the Afro-Asian jet and consequently strengthen the southerly wind and northward water vapor flux over the TP and surrounding regions. This study emphasizes important effects of the reducing TP SC on intensifying summer precipitation in Asian drylands.
A Decline of Observed Daily Peak Wind Gusts with Distinct Seasonality in Australia, 1941–2016
Authors: Azorin-Molina Cesar , McVicar Tim R. , Guijarro Jose A. , Trewin Blair , Frost Andrew J. , Zhang Gangfeng , Minola Lorenzo , Son Seok-Woo , Deng Kaiqiang , Chen Deliang
Published: January 2021

Wind gusts represent one of the main natural hazards due to their increasing socioeconomic and environmental impacts on, for example, human safety, maritime–terrestrial–aviation activities, engineering and insurance applications, and energy production. However, the existing scientific studies focused on observed wind gusts are relatively few compared to those on mean wind speed. In Australia, previous studies found a slowdown of near-surface mean wind speed, termed “stilling,” but a lack of knowledge on the multidecadal variability and trends in the magnitude (wind speed maxima) and frequency (exceeding the 90th percentile) of wind gusts exists. A new homogenized daily peak wind gusts (DPWG) dataset containing 548 time series across Australia for 1941–2016 is analyzed to determine long-term trends in wind gusts. Here we show that both the magnitude and frequency of DPWG declined across much of the continent, with a distinct seasonality: negative trends in summer–spring–autumn and weak negative or nontrending (even positive) trends in winter. We demonstrate that ocean–atmosphere oscillations such as the Indian Ocean dipole and the southern annular mode partly modulate decadal-scale variations of DPWG. The long-term declining trend of DPWG is consistent with the “stilling” phenomenon, suggesting that global warming may have reduced Australian wind gusts.
Strong quasi-stationary wintertime atmospheric surface pressure anomalies drive a dipole pattern in the Subantarctic ModeWater formation
Authors: Cerovečki Ivana , Meijers Andrew J.S.
Published: January 2021

The deepest wintertime (Jul-Sep) mixed layers associated with Subantarctic Mode Water (SAMW) formation develop in the Indian and Pacific sectors of the Southern Ocean. In these two sectors the dominant interannual variability of both deep wintertime mixed layers and SAMW volume is a east-west dipole pattern in each basin. The variability of these dipoles are strongly correlated with the interannual variability of overlying winter quasi-stationary mean sea level pressure (MSLP) anomalies. Anomalously strong positive MSLP anomalies are found to result in the deepening of the wintertime mixed layers and an increase in the SAMW formation in the eastern parts of the dipoles in the Pacific and Indian sectors. These effects are due to enhanced cold southerly meridional winds, strengthened zonal winds and increased surface ocean heat loss. The opposite occurs in the western parts of the dipoles in these sectors. Conversely, strong negative MSLP anomalies result in shoaling (deepening) of the wintertime mixed layers and a decrease (increase) in SAMW formation in the eastern (western) regions. The MSLP variability of the Pacific and Indian basin anomalies are not always in phase, especially in years with a strong El Niño, resulting in different patterns of SAMW formation in the western vs. eastern parts of the Indian and Pacific sectors. Strong isopycnal depth and thickness anomalies develop in the SAMW density range in years with strong MSLP anomalies. When advected eastward, they act to precondition downstream SAMW formation in the subsequent winter.
Efficacy of Trimetazidine in Limiting Periprocedural Myocardial Injury in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Chang , Chen Weiwei , Yu Ming , Yang Ping
Published: January 2021

We systematically searched the literature to assess the efficacy of trimetazidine in reducing periprocedural myocardial injury and improving postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). An electronic search was conducted based on the PubMed, Ovid, Scopus, Springer, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar databases; 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Our meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels with trimetazidine compared with controls ( P < .00001) but not in serum creatine kinase-myocardial band levels ( P = .49). There were significantly reduced odds of ischemic ST-T segment changes with trimetazidine ( P = .0.03) but lack of significant difference in the incidence of anginal attacks between the 2 groups ( P = .10). Results also suggest significantly higher LVEF with trimetazidine compared with controls ( P < .00001). Meta-regression analysis indicated no influence of duration of trimetazidine therapy on cTnI levels. The administration of preprocedure trimetazidine may have a role in reducing periprocedural myocardial injury in patients with CAD undergoing PCI. Evidence also suggests that postoperative trimetazidine may improve LVEF in the short term. Lack of high-quality trials and the heterogeneity of studies limit the ability of our analysis to draw strong conclusions. Further well-designed RCTs are required to supplement current evidence.
Digital competences and skills as key factors between connectedness and tolerance to diversity on social networking sites: Case study of social work graduates on Facebook
Authors: Castillo de Mesa Joaquín , Gómez Jacinto Luis
Published: January 2021

Social networking services are becoming parallel socialization universes. In these digital contexts, people tend to connect with others who share their perspectives and opinions about the world. Emerging voices are warning about the growing homophily resulting from these forms of socialization, which can have a negative impact on tolerance to diversity and the quality of social capital. Relational approach disciplines such as social work can provide digital skills and competences to improve the manner in which these services are used. In this article, the authors analyse how patterns of connectedness among social work graduates affect tolerance to diversity and social capital. A sample of 126 social work graduates was analysed to assess their connectedness patterns on Facebook. Participants were also asked about their digital competences and skills in order to know how these variables can mediate the achievement of tolerance to diversity and social capital. Results show that higher connectedness, when social work graduates have digital skills on Facebook, leads to higher tolerance to diversity and social capital. In order to counteract homophily, social workers must encourage users to acquire digital skills thus increasing tolerance for diversity.
Underemploying highly skilled migrants: An organizational logic protecting corporate ‘normality’
Authors: Risberg Annette , Romani Laurence
Published: January 2021

Why do highly skilled migrants encounter difficulties getting a skilled job? In this study, instead of searching for an answer in migrants’ characteristics, we turn to organizations and ask: why do organizations underemploy highly skilled migrants? With an in-depth qualitative study of a programme for highly skilled migrants’ labour integration in Sweden, we show that highly skilled migrants are perceived as a potential threat to organizational norms and practices. Using the relational theory of risk – approaching risk as socially constructed – the study provides a novel explanation for highly skilled migrants’ underemployment. It shows an organization logic protecting corporate practices seen as ‘normal’ from a perceived disruption that employing highly skilled migrants could possibly cause. Theoretical contributions to the understanding of highly skilled migrants’ employability are threefold: (1) the field assumption that organizations are in favour of hiring migrants is challenged; (2) highly skilled migrants’ underemployment is explained through a protective organizational logic; and (3) we stress the necessity to problematize an implicit reference to organizational normality when recruiting.
A comparative study of two Mobile Mental Health Units in different catchment rural areas in Greece
Authors: Peritogiannis Vaios , Rousoudi Sofia , Vorvolakos Theofanis , Gioti Panagiota , Gogou Afroditi , Arre Argiri , Samakouri Maria
Published: January 2021

Background:

Mental healthcare service delivery in rural and remote areas in Greece is challenging due to socioeconomic and geographical reasons, and distant facilities. To address the needs of the underserved areas, the Greek state has launched a number of Mobile Mental Health Units (MMHUs).

Aim:

The objective of the present study was to explore the differences among two MMHUs, one being run by a university general hospital (MMHU UHA) and the other being run by a nongovernmental organization (MMHU I-T).

Methods:

The two MMHUs deliver services in rural areas of northeast and northwest Greece, respectively. Both MMHUs use the infrastructures of the primary healthcare system and have the potential for domiciliary visits.

Results:

Medical and nursing staff is much more in the MMHU UHA, whereas MMHU I-T has more psychologists, social workers and health visitors. Patients attended the MMHU I-T were significantly older than the patients attended the MMHU UHA (mean age 64.5 vs. 55.3 years) and the percentage of the elderly patients in treatment with the MMHU I-T (56.5%) is significantly higher than the corresponding percentage of the MMHU UHA (20%). The proportion of patients that received home-based care by the two MMHUs was almost identical. The percentage of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders that attended the MMHU UHA was significantly higher. Patients with affective disorders, anxiety disorders and organic brain disorders that attended the MMHU I-T were significantly more.

Conclusions:

Despite the similarities among the MMHUs in rural Greece, this study recorded some important differences. The differences in staffing may be accounted for by the availability of resources. The differences in the patients’ population may be explained by the fact that the MMHU UHA was designed from its beginning to treat patients with severe mental illnesses, mainly psychoses, and it accepts loss of referrals within the general hospital’s network of psychiatric services. The MMHU I-T is an independent, locally based service that may be better perceived as an expansion of the primary care system. The results of the study could inform service practice and mental health policy.
Climate Change Adaptation for Food Security and Gendered-Land Rights in Western Kenya
Authors: Etale Linda , Simatele Mulala Danny
Published: January 2021

This paper argues that for any community transformation to be achieved, cultural values and legal frameworks, which influence issues relating to land rights and food security, must form an integral part of any policy intervention efforts. We adopted feminism as both a methodological and an analytical framework. The dominant research paradigm was qualitative. The study sample was 184 people obtained using a systematic sampling method. Data collection was through focus groups and interviews. We challenge contemporary development initiatives, in terms of their intentions and sustainability. Finally, it is important that any development initiatives facilitate the participation and involvement of all genders.
Rethinking nineteenth-century literary culture: British worlds, southern latitudes and hemispheric methods
Authors: Comyn Sarah , Fermanis Porscha
Published: January 2021

Drawing on hemispheric, oceanic, and southern theory approaches, this article argues for the value of considering the nineteenth-century literary cultures of the southern settler colonies of Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa from within an interconnected frame of analysis. First, because of their distinctive historical and structural conditions; second, because of the density of their interregional networks and relations across intersecting oceanic spaces; and third, because of the long history of racialized imperialist imaginaries of the south. This methodological position rethinks current approaches to “British world” studies in two important ways: first, by decoupling the southern settler colonies from studies of settler colonialism in North America; and second, by rebalancing its metropolitan and northern locus by considering south-south networks and relations across a complex of southern islands, oceans, and continents. Without suggesting either that imperial intercultural exchanges with Britain are unimportant or that there is a culturally homogenous body of pan-southern writing, we argue that nineteenth-century literary culture from colonial Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa — what we call a “southern archive” — can provide a counterbalance to northern biases and provide new purchase on nation-centred literary paradigms — one that reveals not just south-south transnational exchanges and structural homologies between southern genres, themes, and forms, but also allows us to acknowledge the important challenges to foundational accounts of national literary canons initiated by southern theory and Indigenous studies scholars.
Analysis of the persistence time of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the cadaver and the risk of passing infection to autopsy staff
Authors: Aquila Isabella , Ricci Pietrantonio , Bonetta Carlo Filippo , Sacco Matteo Antonio , Longhini Federico , Torti Carlo , Mazzitelli Maria , Garofalo Eugenio , Bruni Andrea , Trecarichi Enrico Maria , Serapide Francesca , Gratteri Santo , Quirino Angela , Barreca Giorgio Settimo , Abenavoli Ludovico , Arena Vincenzo , Oliva Antonio , Giancotti Aida , Iavicoli Ivo , Liberto Maria Carla , Matera Giovanni
Published: January 2021

The activity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has not yet been studied in a post-mortem setting. The absence of these data has led to the prohibition of exposure of infected corpses during burial procedures. Our aim was to assess the virus’s persistence and the possibility of transmission in the post-mortem phase including autopsy staff. The sample group included 29 patients who were admitted to our Covid-19 Centre who died during hospitalisation and the autopsy staff. All the swabs were subjected to a one-step real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction with cycle threshold (Ct) values. Swab collection was performed at 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 12 h, over 24 since death. The following were the analysis of patients’ swabs: 10 cases were positive 2 h after death; 10 cases positive 4 h after death; 9 cases were found positive 6 h after death; 7 cases positive 12 h after death; 9 cases remained positive 24 h after death. The swabs performed on all the forensic pathologist staff on duty who performed the autopsies were negative. The choice to avoid rituals and the display of corpses before and at the burial procedures given appears cautiously valid due to the persistence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the post-mortem period. Although the caution in choosing whether or not to perform an autopsy on infected corpses is acceptable, not to perform autopsies is not biologically supported.
An Examination of Study Time Allocation as a Contributor to Sex Differences in Multitrial Verbal Learning Performance
Authors: Krueger Lacy E.
Published: January 2021

Researchers have noted sex differences in verbal memory performance with females showing a memory superiority effect. Research paradigms have largely incorporated experimenter-timed materials. Therefore, the extent to which self-regulating study time influences this pattern of sex differences is unclear. The researcher reexamined data from a published paper to determine whether sex differences in multitrial verbal learning are minimized when individuals self-regulate their study time, or if sex differences would still remain. The results from this study showed that females outperformed males on subsequent test trials, and they allocated more study time. Controlling for the influence of study time allocation reduced or eliminated sex differences in memory performance, and only study time allocation was related to whether items were gained or lost across trials. These findings suggest the importance of self-regulated learning in reducing sex differences on a verbal memory task and the contribution of study time allocation to memory performance.
Design of warp knitting electronic shogging system based on mixed-velocity planning curve
Authors: Zheng Baoping , Jiang Gaoming , Dong Zhijia , Liu Haisang
Published: January 2021

To realize high-speed running of a warp knitting machine, the shogging motion should not only meet the requirement of high dynamic response but should also satisfy high positioning accuracy. Due to the large location disturbance and the dynamic response delay in the interpolation method or the single velocity planning curve method, an electronic shogging system for a warp knitting machine based on the mixed-velocity planning curve is proposed in the present study. Through the analysis of the shogging motion combined with the knitted structure, the optimal resolution of the instruction signal is calculated, which is 725 pulses for one needle step, and the velocity loop bandwidth of the servo driver is optimized. In addition, the motor with a load inertia ratio close to 1 is also selected. Analysis of the shogging motion vibration curve confirms that the shogging motion has advantages of high positioning accuracy and high dynamic response under the mixed-velocity planning curve. The response performance with the mixed curve is 12.5% higher than that with the quintic polynomial, and the positioning accuracy of the mixed curve is 26% higher than that with uniform acceleration–deceleration curve.
Are running socks beneficial for comfort? The role of the sock and sock fiber type on shoe microclimate and subjective evaluations
Authors: West Anna M , Havenith George , Hodder Simon
Published: January 2021

This study evaluated the effect of socks (different in fiber type) and the effect of not wearing a sock on perceptions of thermal comfort in relation to changes in foot skin temperature and shoe microclimate (temperature and humidity) during rest and exercise. Ten females completed five trials on separate occasions. Four socks (cotton, wool, polyester, Coolmax) and no sock were evaluated. Trials were conducted at 23°C, 50% relative humidity and consisted of rest (10 min seated), treadmill running (40 min, 7.5 km·h−1) and recovery (15 min seated). Foot skin temperature and shoe microclimate were measured at seven sites on the right foot. Foot skin hydration was measured at nine foot sites. Perceptual responses were recorded. Foot thermo-physiological and foot perceptual responses were similar for all sock conditions ( p > 0.05). Similar foot thermo-physiological responses were also observed between the sock and no sock conditions ( p > 0.05). Interestingly, however, not wearing a sock resulted in greater perceptions of foot wetness, stickiness and discomfort ( p < 0.05). As tactile interactions caused by foot movement within the shoe are strong predictors of foot wetness perception (a key contributor to wear discomfort), socks are important in reducing the tactile cues generated. The sock is therefore an important area for development and relevant for overall improvements in footwear comfort.
Bilateral ocular involvement in congenital toxoplasmosis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Deniz Melis , Tapısız Anıl , Tezer Hasan , Demirdag Tugba Bedir
Published: January 2021

We report a case of neuro-ophthalmological complications of congenital toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondi. Its congenital form occurs either as a primary infection or as reactivation of the same due to immunosuppression during pregnancy. With an incidence rate of 1.5/1000 live births, this disease is an important cause of visual loss from chorio-retinal lesions in >82%. Recent studies have shown that treatment given in utero and in the first year of life can reduce ophthalmological complications.
Perforator-based propeller flap for coverage of lower leg: Single centre experience
Authors: Yadav Prashant , Thakur Sharad , Agarwal Pawan , Sharma Dhananjaya , Kukrele Rajeev
Published: January 2021

This study was conducted to assess outcomes of propeller flaps for reconstruction of small- to medium-sized defects in the distal third of the leg. Of 53 lower third leg defects covered using the propeller flap, 43 survived without complications. Only minor complications were seen and no flap was lost completely. The propeller flap is thus a safe option for medium-sized defects of the lower leg.
A gratitude intervention to improve clinician stress and professional satisfaction: A pilot and feasibility trial
Authors: Caragol Jennifer A , Johnson Alexandra R , Kwan Bethany M
Published: January 2021

Objective

Resilience training combined with medical system changes have the potential to reduce clinician burnout. We sought to estimate effects and assess feasibility of a brief gratitude intervention for primary care clinicians.

Methods

This was a pre-test/post-test single group intervention design with longitudinal follow-up. Volunteer participants were from either a primary care community engagement conference or worked at one of two clinical sites in a Western mid-size city. Eligible clinicians held an MD/DO or NP/PA degree and currently worked at least 0.50 FTE in a primary care clinical practice and were willing and able to participate in the initial group session and complete weekly journaling. The gratitude intervention consisted of an in-person 90-minute group psychoeducation and skills-building workshop, followed by an 8-week daily gratitude journal exercise. The primary outcomes were related to resilience, including coping self-efficacy, clinician autonomy, and self-care behaviors. The secondary outcomes were the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, as well as career satisfaction, and types and frequency of things for which clinicians were grateful in their daily work.

Results

The intervention was brief, feasible, and of interest to clinicians. Statistically significant improvements were seen in most outcome measures at both 4 and 8 weeks follow-up, with the exception of gratitude, which also increased, but not significantly so. Gratitude categories mentioned most frequently were support platforms at work (47%) and sense of competence (42%).

Conclusions

The intervention had positive effects on resilience and is a promising brief intervention for clinicians experiencing stress. Larger experimental designs are needed.
Supporting Muslim refugee youth during displacement: Implications for international school psychologists
Authors: Diaków Diana Maria , Goforth Anisa Naomi
Published: January 2021

School psychologists around the world have an important role in advocating for refugee youth, including Muslim refugees who experience increased risk for mental health issues due to discrimination. There are few studies, however, that have examined the resiliency factors that impact Muslim refugee youth’s well-being. This qualitative research study investigated these factors through the voices of humanitarian workers who are the primary source of support for these youth during displacement. Humanitarian workers ( N = 28 ) were recruited using snowball sampling through organizations that serve refugee youth and families during displacement. Using a recursive thematic process, we identified four main themes associated with risk factors: (1) gender norm expectations, (2) challenges in help-seeking, (3) unsafe climate and limited resources, and (4) challenges in collaborating with family. We also identified two main themes of protective factors: (1) faith and culture, and (2) family, peer, and community connections. We discussed these themes in the context of school psychological practice and provided specific recommendations for international school psychologists who support Muslim refugee students.
“Dangerous organizations: Facebook’s content moderation decisions and ethnic visibility in Myanmar”
Authors: Sablosky Jeffrey
Published: January 2021

On February 5th, 2019 Facebook labeled four Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) in Myanmar as “Dangerous Organizations” thereby formally banning them from using the company’s platform. At the time of the company’s announcement, all four of these groups were in open conflict with the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) who were themselves in the process of being prosecuted for genocide in the International Court of Justice. As a principle vector for communication in Myanmar, Facebook’s decision directly impacted the ability of these groups to connect with national and international stakeholders during their conflicts with the Tatmadaw. This study looks to examine this decision and other content moderation decisions involving ethnic speech within Myanmar to document Facebook’s evolution from a tool for democratic liberalization to international political authority. While outwardly projecting a stance of neutrality in foreign affairs, this work seeks to demarcate how Facebook’s content moderation practices have transformed the company into a new governmental apparatus freely adjudicating political speech claims around the globe with virtual impunity. Building on scholarly discussions around content moderation and digital governance in media studies, I look to interrogate how Facebook’s positionality affects ethnic visibility in nations beholden to the company for national and worldwide recognition.
Health Promotion Behaviors among Urban Black Women
Authors: Hepburn Millie , Bautista Cynthia , Feinn Richard
Published: January 2021

Health-promotion behaviors among urban Black women are the forefront of US health policy regarding health disparities. This cross-sectional study explored factors such as health literacy, self-efficacy, and readiness for change with health-promotion behaviors of urban Black women. Although these variables are relevant, urban Black women have identified that spirituality and history of domestic violence were also relevant. The sample consists of 152 participants from outpatient clinics, community events, and grocery stores in one Northeastern US city. The anonymous online survey contained the following Instruments: Newest Vital Sign, New General Self-efficacy Scale, Health Risk Instrument, Daily Spiritual Assessment Scale, FAST Survey, and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. Univariate statistics and bivariate/simultaneous linear regression identified significant relationships between health-promotion behaviors and the following: eeadiness for change, self-efficacy, and spirituality. Participants who engaged in health-promotion behaviors were ready to change, but these behaviors were negatively associated with spirituality, self-efficacy, and a history of domestic violence.
Brief Report: Ordinate Scaling and Axis Proportions of Single-Case Graphs in Two Prominent EBD Journals From 2010 to 2019
Authors: Peltier Corey , McKenna John W. , Sinclair Tracy E. , Garwood Justin , Vannest Kimberly J.
Published: January 2021

Single-case experimental designs (SCEDs) are frequently used to evaluate whether a functional relation exists between interventions and student outcomes. A critical factor in decision making is the evaluation of graphical data, typically displayed in time-series graphs. Distortion in the graphical display of data can lead to invalid decisions on whether a functional relation exists, as well as overestimating the magnitude of an effect. Previous research has identified two potentially analysis-altering elements that when manipulated alter visual analysts’ decision regarding the presence of a functional relation and magnitude of effect. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the graphical display of data from SCEDs in the field of emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). The review covered 40 SCEDs, including 258 graphs, published in Behavioral Disorders and Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders over the last 10 years (2010–2019). We identified large variation in the axis proportions of reviewed graphs, as measured using standardized x:y and the data points per x- to y-axis ratio (DPPXYR). A majority of graphs included an ordinate scaling procedure that aligns with findings from preliminary research on this analysis-altering element. We provide recommendations to the field on designing graphs to enhance the validity of visual analysis.
Prevalence and risk factors of anaemia among men: A study based on Empowered Action Group states, India
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Sharma Himani , Patel Kamalesh Kumar
Published: January 2021

Background:

Despite various programmes initiated by the Government of India, the nutritional indicators are not encouraging, as several problems like undernutrition, malnutrition and anaemia – still persist in the country, especially in the Empowered Action Group (EAG) states.

Aim:

Because of the dearth of studies regarding anaemia among men in India, the present study aimed to determine its prevalence in this population in the EAG states and to analyse its geographical and socio-demographic determinants.

Methods:

The study utilized nationally representative, cross-sectional survey data from round 4 of the National Family Health Survey conducted in 2015–16. Bivariate analysis along with binary logistic regression were performed to assess the predictors of anaemia among men in the EAG states.

Results:

Around a quarter of the men in the EAG states suffered from anaemia. A similar high-prevalence pattern was observed across the EAG states. Wherein, Bihar and Jharkhand had the highest prevalence of anaemia while Uttarakhand showed the lowest. Age, place of residence, marital status and caste were positively associated with the likelihood of anaemia among men in the EAG states.

Conclusions:

Focusing on the EAG states, this study considered the severity of anaemia as a public health problem among men. Strategies to reduce the burden of anaemia among this population are needed. The government should formulate programmes targeting anaemia specifically, and improving the nutritional status among men in general in the EAG states.
Association between left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and septic acute kidney injury in severe sepsis and septic shock: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Yu Guangwei , Cheng Kun , Liu Qing , Lin Xiaohong , Lin Fenghui , Wu Wenwei
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) adversely impacts renal function, and E/e′ is a significant predictor of adverse kidney events under different clinical conditions. However, no studies have evaluated the association between LVDD and septic acute kidney injury (AKI) among patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.

Methods:

This multicenter retrospective study evaluated adult patients with severe sepsis or septic shock between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2019, who underwent echocardiography within 24 hours after admission to an intensive care unit.

Results:

A total of 495 adult patients were enrolled in the study. LVDD grades II and III were associated with severe (stage 3) AKI ( p < 0.001, p for trend < 0.001). E/e′ and e′ were risk factors for septic AKI (OR, 1.155; 95% CI, 1.088–1.226, p < 0.001; and OR, 7.218; 95% CI, 2.942–17.712, p < 0.001, respectively) in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of E/e′ and e′ was 0.728 (95% CI, 0.680–0.777, p < 0.001) and 0.715 (95% CI, 0.665–0.764, p < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions:

LVDD was associated with septic AKI, and E/e′ and e′ are useful predictors of septic AKI among patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.

Trial registration

The study was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Protocol No. ChiCTR2000033083).
Platelet count reduction during in vitro membrane oxygenation affects platelet activation, neutrophil extracellular trap formation and clot stability, but does not prevent clotting
Authors: Winnersbach Patrick , Rossaint Jan , Buhl Eva M. , Singh Smriti , Lölsberg Jonas , Wessling Matthias , Rossaint Rolf , Bleilevens Christian
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Due to improved technology and increased application the mortality during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is constantly declining. Nevertheless, complications including haemorrhage or thrombus formation remain frequent. Local mitigation of coagulation within an ECMO system to prevent thrombus formation on ECMO components and optimizing systemic anticoagulation is an approach to reduce clotting and bleeding complications at once. Foreign surfaces of ECMO systems, activate platelets (PLTs), which besides their major role in coagulation, can trigger the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) contributing to robust thrombus formation. The impact of a reduced PLT count on PLT activation and NET formation is of paramount importance and worth investigating.

Methods:

In this study platelet poor (PLT–) and native (PLT+) heparinized human blood was circulated in two identical in vitro test circuits for ECMO devices for 6 hours. PLT reduction was achieved by a centrifugation protocol prior to the experiments. To achieve native coagulation characteristics within the test circuits, the initial heparin dose was antagonized by continuous protamine administration.

Results:

The PLT– group showed significantly lower platelet activation, basal NET formation and limited clot stability measured via thromboelastometry. Fluorescent and scanning electron microscope imaging showed differences in clot composition. Both groups showed equal clot formation within the circuit.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated that the reduction of PLTs within an ECMO system is associated with limited PLT activation and NET formation, which reduces clot stability but is not sufficient to inhibit clot formation per se.