bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rastafari in Germany: Jamaican Roots and Global–Local Influences
Authors: Wakengut Anastasia
Published: February 2021

The Rastafari movement arose in Jamaica in the 1930s and spread from that small island to a variety of areas around the world. Having emerged as a response to colonial legacies, racialization, and racial oppression, the movement of marginalized black Jamaicans transcended its local Caribbean borders and became a way of life for people of very diverse cultural origins. Rastafari, born within a tradition of resistance in Jamaica, helped its adherents reconstruct their “black consciousness” and African heritage. The worldview of the Afro‐Caribbean diaspora challenged established colonial views in the struggle for social justice. Also for many people in the West, this worldview became a source of spirituality as well as a philosophy criticizing Eurocentric assumptions of superiority. The Rastafari philosophy spread in Europe, producing a multicultural phenomenon. I focus on Rastafari in Germany, its peculiarities and similarities to, as well as its differences from, the Jamaican movement. This study poses questions about identity in the Rastafari movement in Germany and explores crucial issues in Rastafari, such as identity transformation, identity work, selfidentification, representation, cultural resistance, and globalization. My argument is that “Africanness” and “black consciousness” can be adjusted and interpreted in a European context as a cluster of ideas and symbols that offer German Rastafarians identification and embody social justice.
Remnants of Colonialist Ideology in Patagonian Tourism Representations and How Collaborative Heritage Tourism Can become Inclusive Heritage
Authors: Berg Kimberly
Published: February 2021

This paper explores the way in which colonial discourse is engaged and represented throughout the Argentinian Patagonian tourism industry and accompanying cultural heritage sites, as a resource from which local cultural communities gain political and social capital. Patagonian history is often associated with the presence of three distinct groups—the early Spanish colonial settlers, the indigenous groups, and the more contemporary Welsh diaspora. However, only the Welsh have been able to capitalize on this history. Regional history now commemorates and values Welsh presence over both predecessor groups. Despite this unequal valuing, however, Welsh heritage could conceivably be positioned as a tool for collaboration with that of indigenous heritage, in order to elevate this marginalized ethnic minority, and create a more inclusive heritage tourism destination. This paper explores the multiple cultural histories of the Patagonian landscape, through the lens of heritage representation, to argue how and why Welsh heritage is privileged, compared to its Patagonian counterparts, and the potential implications of the positioning of Welsh heritage for the Patagonian heritage industry more broadly.
The Intellectualization of Chicago&s Culture: An Ethnographic Analysis of the Chicago Cultural Center
Authors: Walters Noah
Published: February 2021

The Chicago Cultural Center (CCC), centrally-located on Randolph and Michigan, aims to represent the diverse population of Chicago. Each year, the Center draws thousands of tourists and locals, eager to see the famous Preston Bradley Tiffany Dome or one of the many constantly-rotating exhibits provided by the Chicago Architectural Foundation. Functionally, the Center is open every day with long hours and free admission, seemingly enticing all to enter. Rather contrary to the ethnic diversity of Chicago, however, the CCC, although it is staffed by a wide range of minorities, caters mostly to upper-middle class whites. This ethnographic analysis utilizes interviews and anthropological tourism literature to explain the intellectualization of this Chicago landmark.
Differences in victim experiences by gender/sexual minority statuses in Japanese virtual communities
Authors: Yokotani Kenji , Takano Masanori
Published: February 2021

This study clarified the advantages of virtual communities on non‐victim experiences among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) individuals in Japan. A total of 3504 Pigg Party users, including 1390 LGBTQIA individuals, reported their experiences of victimization, perceived emotional support, and concealment of their gender/sexual identity in both physical and virtual communities. Japanese individuals with multiple minority statuses had more victim experiences than those with a single or without minority status. Furthermore, differences in victim experiences by gender/sexual minority status were lower in the virtual community than in physical communities. Similar tendencies were also confirmed on perceived emotional support and concealment. Virtual communities provided a more bias‐free social resource to Japanese LGBTQIA individuals than physical communities.
Enhanced separation of chlorogenic and gallic acids extracted from spent coffee grounds using a three‐zone simulated moving bed process with partial feed and partial collection strategies
Authors: Tangpromphan Preuk , Nakkong Khwanchanok , Jaree Attasak
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Spent coffee grounds, a valuable source of phenolic compounds, are considered beneficial for human health because of their antioxidative properties. The liquid extract containing phenolic compounds (such as chlorogenic and gallic acids) can be obtained via extraction using environmentally friendly organic solvent. The separation of chlorogenic and gallic acids from the liquid extract was carried out using isocratic chromatography technique in a three‐zone simulated moving bed (SMB). However, due to the low selectivity of separation, the productivity of three‐zone SMB was sacrificed to meet the purity criteria. Hence this work aimed to enhance the productivity of three‐zone SMB for the separation of chlorogenic and gallic acids via model simulation using partial feed operation and to improve the concentration of extract and raffinate products using partial collection strategy.

RESULTS

The full feed scenario was designed based on the triangle theory, and the partial feed patterns (initial feed, middle feed and late feed) were implemented for each operating point in the triangle diagram to investigate the possibility of increasing the feed flow rate. The maximum productivity was evaluated based on the purity criteria (≥98%) for both extract and raffinate products. Under optimal conditions, productivity was doubled to 0.24 mg min−1 L−1 for both middle feed and late feed patterns compared to that of the full feed scenario. The partial collection strategy applied to the optimal point for each operational mode significantly increased the raffinate concentration to approximately 0.02 g L−1 at the optimal time fraction for discarding the solvent.

CONCLUSION

This work could be a foundation for the valorization of spent coffee ground. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Characterization of bio‐fabricated silver nanoparticles for distinct anti‐fungal activity against sugarcane phytopathogens
Authors: Amna  , Mahmood Tariq , Khan Umar Nawaz , Amin Babar , Javed Muhammad Tariq , Mehmood Shehzad , Farooq Muhammad Asad , Sultan Tariq , Munis Muhammad Farooq Hussain , Chaudhary Hassan Javed
Published: February 2021

Advanced research, development, and application of silver nanoparticles is proceeding in recent times due to their incredible utilization in various fields. Present study was focused on the production, characterization, and antifungal activities of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). An environment friendly extracellular biosynthetic approach was adopted to produce the AgNPs by using bacteria, fungi, and sugarcane husk. Agents used for reduction of silver to nanoparticles were taken from culture filtrate of plant growth promoting bacteria, Fusarium oxysporum and supernatant extract of sugarcane husk. Nanoparticles were also characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Synthesis of colloidal AgNPs was observed by UV–Visible diffused reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS). Primary peak of surface plasmon resonance band was noticed around 339.782, 336.735, and 338.258 nm for bacterial, fungal, and sugarcane husk produced AgNPs. Structure of all biologically produced nanoparticles were crystalline cubic with nano size of 45.41, 49.06, and 42.75 nm for bacterial, fungal, and sugarcane husk‐based nanoparticles, respectively as calculated by Debye–Scherrer equation using XRD. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed the presence of various compounds that aid in the reduction, capping, and stability of AgNPs. The antifungal activity of AgNPs was also investigated for sugarcane fungal pathogens Colletotricum falcatum and Fusarium moniliforme. All nanoparticles exhibit prominent antifungal activities. Maximum zone of fungal inhibition was noticed about 18, 19, and 21 mm for C. falcatum while 21, 20, and 24 mm for F. moniliforme in case of bacterial, fungal, and plant‐based nanoparticles (15 ppm), respectively. Best fungal inhibition was observed under application of sugarcane husk based AgNPs. Moreover, biologically produced AgNPs responded better towards the suppression of F. moniliforme in comparison to C. falcatum. Mentioned sources in present study can be ecofriendly nano‐factories for biosynthesis of AgNPs and mankind should benefit from their commercial application.
Description of the chondrocranium of the silky shark Carcharhinus falciformis with comments on the cranial terminology and phylogenetic implications in carcharhinids (Chondrichthyes, Carcharhiniformes, Carcharhinidae)
Authors: de Oliveira Lana Fernanda , Soares Karla D. A. , Hazin Fábio Hissa Vieira , Gomes Ulisses Leite
Published: February 2021

The definition and scope of the genus Carcharhinus has undergone several changes over the years and recent molecular studies have questioned its monophyly by the inclusion of other carcharhinid genera. Although many descriptions of chondrocranium are available for Carcharhinus species, some inconsistences and divergences are found in the literature, mainly regarding the foramina of the orbital region. In this study, the chondrocranium of the silky shark, Carcharhinus falciformis, from specimens caught at the Brazilian coast and the terminology of its components is revised has been described. Chondrocrania of other Carcharhinus species and carcharhinid genera are also examined in order to investigate the phylogenetic significance of chondrocranial morphology. Three new anatomical terms and nine chondrocrania characters are proposed and described in detail. The chondrocranial morphology varies widely among Carcharhinus species mainly regarding the rostrum and nasal capsules. The chondrocrania of Prionace, Nasolamia, and Negaprion are similar to Carcharhinus species and reveal the need to further explore the relationships among these genera. Characters potentially informative for systematics are the shape of rostral node, the preorbital process, and the subethmoidal fossa, and the occurrence of an epiphyseal notch and foramen, and must be included in phylogenetic studies encompassing other carcharhiniforms.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the diagnosis and management of acute colonic diverticulitis: a review of current and future use
Authors: Jerjen Franziska , Zaidi Tooba , Chan Shannon , Sharma Ajay , Mudliar Reuel , Soomro Khadija , Jimenez Yobelli , Reed Warren
Published: February 2021

Diverticular disease is one of the most common causes of outpatient visits and hospitalisations across Australia, North America and Europe. According to the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA, 2010), approximately 33% of Australians over 45 years of age and 66% over 85 years of age have some form of colonic diverticulosis. Patients with colonic diverticulosis are known to develop subsequent complications such as acute colonic diverticulitis (ACD), and when more than one attack of diverticulitis occurs, there is a 70‐90% chance that the individual will experience ongoing problems and recurring infections throughout their lifetime. Medical imaging is fundamental in the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of ACD and its complications, with Computed Tomography (CT) identified as the prevailing gold standard in the last few decades. Cross‐database searching highlighted a large gap in the literature regarding the effectiveness of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as a non‐ionising radiation alternative imaging tool for ACD imaging after the mid‐2000s, despite ongoing technological advancements in this modality. This narrative review identified 13 key publications (11 primary prospective cohort studies, 1 systematic review and 1 meta‐analysis) that evaluate MRI for ACD imaging, of which five were published within the last decade. Several existing MRI protocols are deemed suitable for ACD imaging, and it is recommended they be re‐evaluated in larger cohorts. Future studies should consider the rapidly growing technological improvements of MRI, its cost efficiency and its applicability in modern day healthcare settings when addressing ACD management. This is especially important considering the gradual rise in radiation dose among the Australian population attributable to increased CT referrals, alongside increased reporting of ACD cases in younger individuals.
Resilience, pain, and the brain: Relationships differ by sociodemographics
Authors: Tanner Jared J. , Johnson Alisa J. , Terry Ellen L. , Cardoso Josue , Garvan Cynthia , Staud Roland , Deutsch Georg , Deshpande Hrishikesh , Lai Song , Addison Adriana , Redden David , Goodin Burel R. , Price Catherine C. , Fillingim Roger B. , Sibille Kimberly T.
Published: February 2021

Chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is disabling to individuals and burdensome to society. A relationship between telomere length and resilience was reported in individuals with consideration for chronic pain intensity. While chronic pain associates with brain changes, little is known regarding the neurobiological interface of resilience. In a group of individuals with chronic MSK pain, we examined the relationships between a previously investigated resilience index, clinical pain and functioning measures, and pain‐related brain structures, with consideration for sex and ethnicity/race. A cross‐sectional analysis of 166 non‐Hispanic Black and non‐Hispanic White adults, 45–85 years of age with pain ≥ 1 body site (s) over the past 3 months was completed. Measures of clinical pain and functioning, biobehavioral and psychosocial resilience, and structural MRI were completed. Our findings indicate higher levels of resilience associate with lower levels of clinical pain and functional limitations. Significant associations between resilience, ethnicity/race, and/or sex, and pain‐related brain gray matter structure were demonstrated in the right amygdaloid complex, bilateral thalamus, and postcentral gyrus. Our findings provide compelling evidence that in order to decipher the neurobiological code of chronic pain and related protective factors, it will be important to improve how chronic pain is phenotyped; to include an equal representation of females in studies including analyses stratifying by sex, and to consider other sociodemographic factors.
Long‐term trend and variability of surface humidity from 1973 to 2018 in South Korea
Authors: Shin Ju‐Young , Kim Kyu Rang , Kim Jinwon , Kim Seungbum
Published: February 2021

Water vapour is among the most critical variables that shape the Earth's energy balance and hydrologic cycle. Surface relative humidity (RH) and specific humidity (SH) are the main measures of atmospheric moisture. Long‐term changes in these variables in South Korea vary regionally as well as locally, but have not been explored using long‐term observation data. This study analyzes the annual trends of the means and SD of RH, surface air temperature, and SH in South Korea at 55 stations for the period 1973–2018. Three trend detection tests based on the Mann–Kendall test have been performed to detect trends at the 5% significance level for the annual and monthly statistics (means and SD) of these variables. Significant decreasing and increasing trends have been detected in the annual means of RH and air temperature, while the annual mean of SH has remained nearly constant. Overall, the surface air in South Korea has become drier over the study period, particularly in winter. The trend in RH and SH varies widely according to months to result in the increase in the SD over the annual cycle. The monthly SD of RH, SH, and surface air temperature show especially large positive trends for March and September, when the transition from winter to spring and summer to fall, respectively, occurs.
Lactobacillus plantarum and molasses alter dynamic chemical composition, microbial community, and aerobic stability of mixed (amaranth and rice straw) silage
Authors: Mu L , Xie Z , Hu L , Chen G , Zhang Z
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

The objective was to determine how molasses and Lactobacillus plantarum affect chemical composition, fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and the microbial community of an ensiled mixture of amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriaus, AF) and rice straw. Treatments were control (C, no addition), L. plantarum (L; 2 × 105 cfu g−1 fresh weight), molasses (M; 40 g kg−1 fresh matter), and their combination (LM). All treatments were ensiled for 1, 3, 5, 7, and 30 days.

RESULTS

All additives improved fermentation quality with greater lactic acid (LA), acetic acid, and lower pH than C silage over the ensiling period. The LM silage combination optimized fermentability, manifested as greater LA contents and a more rapid pH reduction during the first 7 days of ensiling than L or M silages. After 30 days of ensiling, inoculant L. plantarum increased Lactobacillus abundance and reduced bacterial diversity and Enterobacteriaceae abundance compared with silage treated with molasses. Molasses addition reduced the relative concentration of structural carbohydrates (neutral and acid detergent fiber, and hemicellulose) after 30 days of ensiling. Finally, there was spoilage after 2 days and 4 days of aerobic exposure in C and LM silages respectively, whereas L silage had not spoiled after 4 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the combination of L. plantarum and molasses further optimized fermentation characteristics, L silage had better aerobic stability. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Determination of aquacultured whiteleg shrimp (Litopanaeus vannemei) quality using a sensory method with chemical standard references
Authors: Fan Ying , Odabasi Asli , Sims Charles A , Schneider Keith R , Gao Zhifeng , Sarnoski Paul J
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Fresh shrimp are highly perishable seafood and a reliable spoilage assessment method is necessary to ensure sufficient quality control. The current quality evaluation method employed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) uses subjective terms ‘odor of decomposition’ to reject shrimp shipments, which lacks reference standards to anchor the concept and can cause ambiguity. The present study aimed to develop chemical reference standards to assist in a more objective and consistent sensory evaluation of shrimp quality.

RESULTS

Chemical references were developed and used by the descriptive panel to demonstrate the aroma quality indicators of shrimp. The most important aroma attributes describing shrimp quality changes were ‘salty water‐like’, ‘natto water‐like’ and ‘sour milk‐like’ based on the results of multiple linear regression analysis. The overall rating consistency of the key quality indicators was confirmed by trained a descriptive panel such that the intensity scores in two separated evaluation sessions (30 days apart) were not significant different (P > 0.05). The sensory ratings also corresponded well with presumed FDA/NOAA grades of shrimp. An untrained panel also confirmed ‘salty water‐like’ as the main indicator of freshness and ‘natto water‐like’ as the main indicator of spoilage, whereas the discriminative capacity was lower compared to the trained panel.

CONCLUSION

The developed chemical references of key aroma quality indicators allowed the trained and untrained panels to distinguish shrimp of different freshness levels. The results indicate the potential of using chemical references as a new evaluation tool for on‐site quality inspection or industrial quality assurance/quality control of shrimp with improved objectivity and consistency. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Onion leaf and synthetic additives in broiler diet: impact on splenic cytokines, serum immunoglobulins, cecal bacterial population, and muscle antioxidant status
Authors: Adeyemi Kazeem D , Obaaro Blessing M , Awoyeye Elizabeth T , Edward Anne E , Asogwa Tobechukwu N
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

The disadvantages associated with the use of synthetic additives in animal production could threaten human and animal health, and the safety of animal‐derived foods. This study assessed the growth performance, blood chemistry, immune indices, selected caeca bacterial population, muscle antioxidant enzyme activities, and meat quality in broiler chickens fed diet supplemented with antibiotic (70% oxytetracycline +30% neomycin), tert‐butylhydroxytoluene or onion leaf powder (OLP). One day old Ross 308 chicks (n = 240) were assigned randomly to either D‐1, control diet (CD) without additives; D‐2, CD + 0.3 g kg−1 antibiotic +0.15 g kg−1 tert‐butylhydroxytoluene; D‐3, CD + 2.5 g kg−1 OLP; or D‐4, CD + 5 g kg−1 OLP for 42 days.

RESULTS

The D‐2 and D‐4 diets improved (P < 0.05) bodyweight gain and feed efficiency in broilers. Platelet and cecal Lactobacillus spp. counts were higher (P < 0.05) whereas muscle cholesterol was lower (P < 0.05) in the OLP‐supplemented birds. Supplemented birds had higher (P < 0.01) splenic interleukin‐10 and lower (P < 0.01) splenic tumor necrosis factor‐α, immunoglobulin A, cecal E. coli and C. perfringens counts compared with the D‐1 birds. The D‐4 birds had the least (P < 0.05) splenic interleukin‐1β. Dietary supplements increased (P < 0.05) catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity, and lowered (P < 0.05) drip loss, malondialdehyde and carbonyl content in breast meat.

CONCLUSION

Dietary supplementation of 5 g kg−1 OLP exerted antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects that were comparable to those of antibiotics and tert‐butylhydroxytoluene in broiler chickens. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Hydrogeomorphology Influences Swamp Rabbit Habitat Selection in Bottomland Hardwood Forests
Authors: Hillard Elizabeth M. , Crawford Joanne C. , Nielsen Clayton K. , Groninger John W. , Schauber Eric M.
Published: February 2021

In the last century, bottomland hardwood (BLH) forests throughout the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley in the United States declined >80% and have been degraded because of habitat loss, fragmentation, and altered hydrology. To better understand how current conditions in BLH forest systems influence wildlife and to better manage land use and vegetation, we characterized winter (Dec–Mar) multi‐scale habitat selection of 75 radio‐marked swamp rabbits (Sylvilagus aquaticus) based on 850 locations in southern Illinois, USA, during 2010–2016. We investigated habitat selection by fitting resource selection functions with generalized linear mixed models based on Euclidean distances (km) to 8 cover types that described hydrogeomorphic conditions. At the second‐order scale of selection (home range selection), swamp rabbits were closer to deciduous forest and low‐elevation BLH and farther from agriculture, permanent water, shallow BLH, and woody wetland. At the third‐order scale of selection (habitat selection within the home range), swamp rabbits selected areas closer to deciduous forest, low BLH, and shallow BLH, and farther from woody wetlands. For the swamp rabbit in Illinois, a BLH specialist at the northern extent of their range, habitat selection is limited to available terrestrial habitat that provides vegetation for food and hiding cover within linear and flood‐prone BLH corridors surrounded by agricultural cover types that are largely unsuitable as habitat. Because hydrologic conditions are spatially and temporally dynamic, wildlife managers should focus on providing diverse habitat conditions across elevations that ensure the continuous availability of terrestrial habitat regardless of water level and flooding extent across the BLH landscape. Further reforestation efforts in BLH ecosystems should target current agricultural land on higher elevations adjacent to characteristically flood‐prone forest remnants that escaped agricultural clearing due to frequent flooding. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Comparison of Effects of Shed Antler Hunting and Helicopter Surveys on Ungulate Movements and Space Use
Authors: Bates Steven B. , Whiting Jericho C. , Larsen Randy T.
Published: February 2021

Shed antler hunting (i.e., collecting cast cervid antlers) has increased in popularity during the past decade, but little is known about how this recreational activity affects ungulate movements and space use. We placed geographic positioning system (GPS)‐collars on 133 female and male bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), bison (Bison bison), and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) to quantify their movements and space use during shed antler hunts compared with those behaviors during helicopter surveys in Utah, USA, from 2012 to 2015. For each species, we calculated means and 95% confidence intervals for distance moved during 90‐minute segments (16 points/day) pre‐event (control, 7 consecutive days prior to event), event (1–2 days), and post‐event (7 consecutive days after event) for shed antler hunts and helicopter surveys. We also compared use of space for each species during these events. Female bighorn sheep did not increase distance moved or substantially change space use during shed antler hunts and helicopter surveys. Male bighorn sheep increased distance moved 41% on average during shed antler hunts and by 2.02 times during helicopter surveys but did not change space use during those events. Female bison increased distance moved 15% on average during shed antler hunts and 30% during helicopter surveys. Mule deer increased distance moved and altered space use the most during shed antler hunts; females increased distance moved 97%, and 54% of females moved a mean distance of 742 ± 642 (SD) m (range = 9–3,778 m) outside of their home ranges during those hunts for a mean of 9.2 ± 9.4 hours (range = 1.5 to 41 hr). Male mule deer increased distance moved by 2.10 times on average during shed antler hunts, and 82% of males moved a mean distance of 1,264 ± 732 m (range = 131–3,637 m) outside of their home ranges during those hunts for a mean of 12.6 ± 7.6 hours (range = 4.5–33 hr). Our results provide timely information about how legal shed antler hunting affects movements and space use of female and male ungulates, especially mule deer, and can guide the conservation of ungulate populations and their habitat. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
LINC01315 promotes the aggressive phenotypes of papillary thyroid cancer cells by sponging miR‐497‐5p
Authors: Ren Jian , Zhang Feng‐Jiao , Wang Jing‐Hong , Tang Jian‐Dong
Published: February 2021

Dysregulation of the long intergenic noncoding RNA 01315 (LINC01315) has recently been demonstrated in cancer. However, the role of LINC01315 in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has not been determined. We attempted to determine the function of LINC01315 in PTC. The levels of LINC01315 were higher in thyroid carcinoma tissues and cell lines compared with that in noncancerous tissues or normal cells, respectively. LINC01315 knockdown significantly inhibited the in vitro colony formation and invasion of PTC cells. Upregulation of LINC01315 produced opposite effects. Bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter assays indicated direct binding of miR‐497‐5p to LINC01315. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function assays indicated that miR‐497‐5p acts as a suppressive miRNA in PTC. Furthermore, LINC01315 facilitated the growth and invasion of PTC cells by sponging miR‐497‐5p. Our results demonstrated the critical role of the LINC01315‐miR‐497‐5p axis in the growth and invasion of PTC cells.
Hypothyroidism in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients Receiving Radiotherapy With or Without Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Leddon Jennifer L. , Chirra Martina , Frankart Andrew J. , Agrawal Arushi , Roof Logan , Trotier Danny , Shaikh Hira , Stone Timothy , Jandarov Roman , Takiar Vinita , Wise‐Draper Trisha M.
Published: February 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Hypothyroidism is a relatively common complication of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment. The objective of this study was to determine whether the addition of programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐1) or programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) inhibition (anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 therapy) to standard treatment increases the risk of hypothyroidism in HNSCC.

Study Design

Retrospective Cohort.

Methods

This is a retrospective, single institutional cohort study. Patients who received radiotherapy (RT) for HNSCC were identified in the electronic medical record. Patient factors collected include age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, alcohol use, Charlson comorbidity index, and HNSCC treatment records. The rate of hypothyroidism for patients with HNSCC receiving RT (+/− chemotherapy and surgery) (RT group, n = 101) was compared to that of HNSCC patients receiving RT (+/− chemotherapy and surgery) + anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 therapy, either concurrently or after RT (RT + anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 group, n = 38).

Results

There was no significant difference in the rate of clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism between the two groups. Multinomial logistic regression found no significant difference in hypothyroidism based on age, sex, or BMI.

Conclusions

The addition of anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 therapy to standard HNSCC treatment does not significantly increase the risk of developing hypothyroidism.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2413–E2419, 2021
Long‐Term Survival in 1,931 Patients With Dizziness: Disease‐ and Symptom‐Specific Mortality
Authors: Berge Jan Erik , Nordahl Stein Helge Glad , Aarstad Hans Jørgen , Goplen Frederik Kragerud
Published: February 2021

Objective

To evaluate mortality among patients referred for suspected vestibular disorder and to examine whether specific symptoms or disorders predict long‐term survival among patients with dizziness or vertigo.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study analyzed long‐term survival data. Consecutive patients examined for suspected vestibular disease at an otolaryngology clinic completed a detailed questionnaire regarding symptoms and comorbidities.

Results

The study included 1,931 patients. Their mean age (standard deviation) was 50.5 (16.5) years, and 60% were women. The mean follow‐up period was 20.6 years (range, 15.3–27.5 years). The standardized mortality ratio for the entire cohort compared with the Norwegian age‐ and sex‐matched population was 1.03 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.94–1.12), illustrating no difference in overall survival. Patients with a cerebrovascular cause of dizziness had higher mortality in adjusted Cox regression analyses (hazard ratio [HR] 1.56, 95% CI: 1.11–2.19), whereas patients reporting periodic or short attacks of dizziness had lower mortality (HR 0.62 [0.50–0.77] and 0.76 [0.63–0.93], respectively). Reported unsteadiness between dizziness attacks was associated with higher mortality with an HR of 1.30 (95% CI: 1.08–1.57).

Conclusion

This long‐term study found comparable mortality rates between patients evaluated for suspected vestibular disorder and that of the general population. However, subgroup analyses showed reduced mortality in patients with periodic or short attacks of dizziness and increased mortality in patients with unsteadiness between attacks or cerebrovascular causes of dizziness. The time course of vestibular symptoms should be determined, and thorough evaluation including fall risk and comorbidities must be considered in patients with nonepisodic symptoms.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2031–E2037, 2021
Jed announces comprehensive approach to support MH needs of students
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2021

Observing that high school students are struggling with their mental health now more than ever and are facing a “pressing wave of mental health” challenges, such as developing social connectedness in their school community, engaging in help‐seeking behaviors and building life skills, the Jed Foundation has established an approach to equip high schools with addressing those challenges.
Direct methods onη‐Hermitian solutions of the split quaternion matrix equation (AXB,CXD)=(E,F)
Authors: Li Ming‐Zhao , Yuan Shi‐Fang , Jiang Hua
Published: February 2021

This paper provides two direct methods for solving the split quaternion matrix equation whereXis an unknown split quaternionη‐Hermitian matrix, andA, B, C, D, E, Fare known split quaternion matrices with suitable size. Our tools are the Kronecker product, Moore–Penrose generalized inverse, real representation, and complex representation of split quaternion matrices. Our main work is to find the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a solution of the matrix equation mentioned above, derive the explicit solution representation, and provide four numerical algorithms and two numerical examples.
Profile optimum planning for degradation analysis
Authors: Peng Chien‐Yu , Cheng Ya‐Shan
Published: February 2021

Degradation tests are widely used to assess the lifetime information of highly reliable products. Before conducting a degradation test, the fundamental issues in regard to decision variables are to determine how many sample sizes are needed, how long samples need to be tested, and how many measurements are taken, particularly in early experiments with limited budgets. By minimizing the approximate variance of the estimated qth quantile of the product's lifetime distribution with a cost constraint, profile optimum planning (POP) is proposed to provide a systematic solution to these decision variables under mild conditions. Based on the derived theoretical results, the use of flow charts efficiently simplifies complex optimization problems in practical applications. In addition, sensitivity analysis is studied to elucidate the effect of how the uncertainty in POP can be divided and allocated to the experimental costs and model parameters. Technical derivations, flow charts, and analysis results are available online as Supporting Information.
Transcultural adaptation of the children's anxiety questionnaire in Brazil
Authors: Rodrigues Josiane Ramos Garcia , de Avila Marla Andréia Garcia , Jamas Milena Temer , Siqueira Fernanda Paula Cerantôla , Daniel Loiane Garcia , Nilsson Stefan
Published: February 2021

Aim

To describe the transcultural adaptation process of the Children's Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ) for the Brazilian culture.

Design

This is a methodological study of cross‐cultural adaptation.

Methods

Study conducted in Brazil and Sweden involved the following steps: preparation, translation, synthesis of translations, back‐translation and review, and harmonization of the translations by a committee of 13 healthcare professionals using the content validity index (CVI). Cognitive debriefing, using children between 4–10 years old, was completed by 15 children to determine if the images corresponded with their meanings and 17 children to determine if they could understand the Global CAQ after listening.

Results

Convergences and discrepancies between the original instrument in Swedish, the English version and the Brazilian translation were compared. The process of culturally adapting the CAQ to Brazilian Portuguese was validated, as demonstrated by a satisfactory S‐CVI (0.94) among professionals and an agreement of 95% and above by children.
Developing an assessment tool for geropsychiatric mental healthcare knowledge and attitude evaluations in clinical practice for nursing students
Authors: Wu Chia‐Shan , Chen Mei‐Fang , Rong Jiin‐Ru , Liu Chieh‐Yu
Published: February 2021

Aim

To develop an instrument to investigate geropsychiatric psychological symptoms, health problem nursing knowledge (GPN‐K), geropsychiatric psychological symptoms and health problem nursing attitude scale (GPN‐A) in clinical practice for nursing students.

Design

Instrument development and cross‐sectional study for psychometric testing.

Methods

Construct validity was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach's α.

Results

A total of 300 students have completed the questionnaires (85.71% response rate). The CFA of GPN‐K showed good fitness and validity. The Kuder‐Richardson 20 (KR‐20) value of the internal consistency reliability is 0.64. The GPN‐A overall content validity index is 0.95. A three‐factor structure was shown by exploratory factor analysis. The three factors are communication and care, helping others improve and problem evaluation tendency. The total variance explained is 59.01%. Cronbach's alpha of GPN‐A equals 0.84, which represents good internal consistency.
Electrocardiogram interpretation competency among emergency nurses and emergency medical service (EMS) personnel: A cross‐sectional and comparative descriptive study
Authors: Rahimpour Maryam , Shahbazi Shahla , Ghafourifard Mansour , Gilani Neda , Breen Cathal
Published: February 2021

Aims

The aim of this research study was to compare electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation competency among emergency nurses and EMS personnel.

Design

A cross‐sectional comparative descriptive study design was used.

Methods

This study recruited 170 participants (105 emergency nurses and 65 EMS personnel) in northwest of Iran. Data were collected during 2018 using ECG, an interpretation competency questionnaire and analysed using SPSS V.24 through independent t test, linear regression, Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficient. A statistical significance of p < .05 was assumed.

Results

The study results showed a mean score of 6.65 ± 2.16 out of 10 for emergency nurses' and 4.87 ± 1.81 for EMS personnel ECG interpretation competency (p < .05).

Conclusions

Hospital emergency nurses were more qualified to interpret the ECG than the pre‐hospital emergency medical personnel (p = .792 and β (SE)) = 0.22 (0.84). Active involvement in ECG interpretation and standard continued education are needed to develop and improve the emergency nurses and EMS personnel ECG interpretation competency.
The effect of nurse‐led Internet‐based cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia on patients with cardiovascular disease: A randomized controlled trial with 6‐month follow‐up
Authors: Siebmanns Sandra , Johansson Peter , Ulander Martin , Johansson Linda , Andersson Gerhard , Broström Anders
Published: February 2021

Aim

To test the effect of nurse‐led Internet‐based cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (I‐CBTI), tailored for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), with a 6‐month follow‐up.

Design

A two‐arm parallel‐group randomized controlled trial (RCT) registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NTC03938805) and reported according to the CONSORT checklist.

Methods

Forty‐eight patients (mean age 72 years, 65% men) diagnosed with CVD and insomnia were randomized to either 9‐week nurse‐led I‐CBTI with support, or an Internet‐based self‐study programme without support (control group). Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Short Form Health Survey (SF‐12) were used as primary and secondary outcomes.

Results

ISI showed a significant treatment effect of I‐CBTI compared to the control group at 9‐week follow‐up. The mean ISI score in the I‐CBTI group at 9 weeks post‐treatment was maintained at the 6‐month follow‐up. Patients' adherence to I‐CBTI was associated with a better effect on both the ISI and SF‐12.
Stress increases blood beta‐hydroxybutyrate levels and prefrontal cortex NLRP3 activity jointly in a rodent model
Authors: Nishiguchi Tsuyoshi , Iwata Masaaki , Kajitani Naofumi , Miura Akihiko , Matsuo Ryoichi , Murakami Shumei , Nakada Yumeto , Pu Shenghong , Shimizu Yuki , Tsubakino Tatsuya , Yamanashi Takehiko , Shinozaki Gen , Tsubota Jun , Shirayama Yukihiko , Watanabe Ken , Kaneko Koichi
Published: February 2021

Aim

This study aimed to assess the response of endogenous beta‐hydroxybutyrate to psychological stress, and its association with nucleotide‐binding domain, leucine‐rich repeat, pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and stress‐induced behavior.

Methods

Male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to 1‐hour restraint stress to examine changes in the endogenous beta‐hydroxybutyrate and active NLRP3 levels in the prefrontal cortex. Subsequently, we created a depression model applying 10‐day social defeat stress to the male C57BL/6J mice.

Results

One‐hour restraint stress rapidly increased beta‐hydroxybutyrate levels in the blood. The active NLRP3 levels in the prefrontal cortex also increased significantly. A correlation was found between the increased beta‐hydroxybutyrate levels in the blood and the active NLRP3 levels in the prefrontal cortex. The mice exposed to social defeat stress exhibited depression‐ and anxiety‐like behavioral changes in the open field, social interaction, and forced swim tests. There was a correlation between these behavioral changes and endogenous beta‐hydroxybutyrate levels. Among the social defeat model mice, those with high beta‐hydroxybutyrate levels tended to have more depression‐ and anxiety‐like behavior.

Conclusions

The increased blood beta‐hydroxybutyrate levels due to psychological stress correlate with the active NLRP3 levels in the prefrontal cortex, suggesting that the increased beta‐hydroxybutyrate levels due to stress may reflect a reaction to brain inflammation. In addition, mice with higher blood beta‐hydroxybutyrate levels tend to exhibit increased depression‐ and anxiety‐like behaviors; thus, an increase in blood beta‐hydroxybutyrate levels due to stress may indicate stress vulnerability.
Mismatch negativity of preschool children at risk of developing mental health problems
Authors: Aoi Toshiya , Fujisawa Takashi X. , Nishitani Shota , Tomoda Akemi
Published: February 2021

This study examined the relationship between mismatch negativity (MMN) during the passive oddball task and clinical assessment using a behavioral scale in nonclinical preschool children to identify neurobiological endophenotypes associated with the risk of developing mental health problems. We assessed the risk of developing mental health problems in preschool children using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, which is used worldwide as a behavior‐based screening tool for assessing mental health risks, and examined its relevance to amplitude and latency MMN. As a result, we found that children at a higher risk of mental health problems had smaller MMN amplitudes than those at lower risk. It was also found that MMN amplitude was negatively correlated with the assessed higher risk of mental health problems. Although it is not clear what neural mechanisms underlie the functional association between MMN and risk of mental health problems in preschool children, the findings of this study indicate that there is an involvement of individual differences in auditory processing in childhood mental health problems. The findings suggest that such neurological changes may be prodromal symptoms of the onset of psychiatric disorders and applicable as endophenotypic markers for the early detection of various psychiatric disorders.
Symptomatic Hypoglycemia After Gastric Bypass: Incidence and Predictive Factors in a Cohort of 1,138 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Bienvenot Rébecca , Sirveaux Marie‐Aude , Nguyen‐Thi Phi‐Linh , Brunaud Laurent , Quilliot Didier
Published: February 2021

Objective

After Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB), postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (PPHH) is particularly critical because of the risk of trauma. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and identify risk factors for symptomatic PPHH.

Methods

Patients with RYGB were classified into moderate PPHH (MH) or severe hypoglycemia (SH), which is defined as patients with neuroglycopenic symptoms. Logistic multivariate linear regressions were performed to identify predictive factors for symptomatic PPHH and more specifically for SH with neuroglycopenic symptoms. Patients with diabetes and those with a follow‐up shorter than 2 years were excluded.

Results

Among the 1,138 patients, 44.2% had at least one episode of hypoglycemia with a mean delay of 25.5 (21.3) months, 32.6% had MH, and 11.6% had SH. The annual incidence rate of SH was 2.5% the first year, 3.7% the second year, and 1.5% the third year. Independent predictive factors for higher risk of SH were: younger age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.05‐16.69; P = 0.0007), lower BMI after RYGB (OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.17‐2.22; P = 0.0035), and maximal weight loss (OR = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.39‐1.23; P = 0.0106), whereas higher preoperative BMI was protective (OR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.64‐0.95; P = 0.0112).

Conclusions

This observational cohort study showed that the incidence of severe PPHH with neuroglycopenic symptoms after RYGB was higher than expected.
Space‐confined thermal disintegration synthesis of graphene‐copper nanohybrids for enhanced tribological behaviors of epoxy‐based composites
Authors: Li Yong , Yuan Junya , He Guorong , Wu Liangfei , Wang Yanling , Liu Meng , Men Xuehu
Published: February 2021

Epoxy resin (EP) has received extensive attention in the field of mechanical engineering due to its outstanding physical mechanical performance and chemical stability. However, relatively weak thermal and abrasion properties seriously limit its application in motion conditions. Here, we report copper‐graphene nanohybrids (Cu‐G) prepared by a space‐confined thermal disintegration method as promising materials for improving the thermal and tribological properties of epoxy composites. Impressively, the thermal conductivity and stability properties of EP/Cu‐G composites present obvious enhancements compared to pure EP. Meanwhile, the tensile strength and elongation at break of EP/Cu‐G are increased by 8.0% and 7.5% compared to those of pure EP. In addition, sliding test results reveal that the wear rate of EP/Cu‐G composites show a 66.7% decline, which can be ascribed to the synergistic enhancement effects between graphene and Cu.