bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
[ARTICLE WITHDRAWN] Preventive and Therapeutic Effect of Lanthanide Coordination Polymers on Severe Burn Infection by Inhibiting Staphylococcus epidermidis Infection
Authors: Sun Tao , Huang Jiayi , Tan Jinglei , Ying Wenjie , Wang Shuangshuang , Sun Pengyu
Published: August 2022

THIS ARTICLE WAS WITHDRAWN BY THE PUBLISHER IN SEPTEMBER 2022
17β-Estradiol Inhibits Oxidative Damage in Cataracts Rats via NOTCH1 Signaling
Authors: Xie Qing , Cai Jianru , Shao Zicheng , Xue Lidan , Song Yu
Published: August 2022

This study assesses the effect of 17β-estradiol on oxidative damage and NOTCH1 levels in cataract rats. 45 SD rats, aged 8–12 weeks old and weighted 225–312 g were assigned into healthy group, cataract group, and treatment group with n = 15 in each group
followed by analysis of the pathological morphology of rat lens by HE staining, cell apoptosis by flow cytometry, and the degree of turbidity under a microscope. Meanwhile, MDA and SOD levels were measured and NOTCH1, p53 and BAX expressions was detected by PT-PCR. The Healthy group rats showed
complete and orderly lens structure, whereas, the cataract group showed disorganized and distributed loosely lens, with the formation of vacuoles and the rupture and degradation of fibrocells. In the treatment group, the lens epithelial cells were orderly and evenly distributed, and the vacuoles
were significantly reduced. The apoptotic rate of lens epithelial cells in healthy group (1.79±0.11)% was significantly lower than that in cataract group (15.22±1.17)% (P < 0.05), which showed significantly higher apoptotic rate than treatment group (6.31±1.12)%
(P < 0.05). The degree of eye turbidity was increased in cataract group and reduced in treatment group compared with that in healthy group (P < 0.05). In addition, cataract group showed significantly reduced SOD and increased MDA level groups along with upregulated Notch1,
p53 and Bax (P < 0.05). However, treatment group showed significantly increased SOD, decreased MDA and downregulated Notch1, p53 and Bax. In conclusion, 17β-estradiol reduces the apoptosis rate of lens epithelial cells in cataract rats by reducing NOTCH1 level, thereby
enhancing the ability to resist oxidative damage.
Effect of Two Different Experimental Mixing Ratios on Selective Physical, Antibacterial and Tissue Compatibility Properties of Two Commonly Used Endodontic Root Canal Sealers—An In-Vitro and In-Vivo Study
Authors: Al Shawkani Hamed A. , Mattoo Khurshid , Ali Fareedi Mukram , Hawzah Asim Ali , Jain Shailesh
Published: August 2022

Many root canal sealers have been launched in the last decade, with a lot of interest renewed in calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2], especially its long term intra-canal medication effect. This study aims to introduce two novel experimental composition percentage of calcium hydroxide
and epoxy resin based root canal sealers (RCS) material and observe the effect of such formulations in term of working time (WT), setting time (ST), radiopacity, histopathological reactions and antibacterial effects. Four different formulations were formed with first two being experimental
while remaining two being pure forms. Each formulation was assigned to a group (Gp) [Gp1 (Base: Epoxy resin 48%, Calcium Hydroxide 39%, Barium sulfate 13%; Catalyst: epoxy resin hardener; Gp2 (Base: Epoxy resin 37%, Calcium Hydroxide 46%, Barium sulfate 17%; Catalyst: epoxy resin hardener;
Gp 3 (Pure Resin based RCSs); Gp4 (Calcium hydroxide base cement)]. Physical properties like WT, ST and radiopacity were measured using different tests [WT—Penetration test; ST—surface loss of gloss; radiopacity—fluorescent viewer and bone densometer]. Histopathological reactions
were evaluated using 60 healthy rabbits, by injecting subcutaneously (2 sites). Scarified tissue was removed after 3, 14 and 28 days and the inflammatory response was evaluated. Antimicrobial effects were tested by deriving ten microbial samples from randomly selected patients with acute pulpitis
followed by culturing. Physical properties were associated with the composition and the percentage of calcium hydroxide. Resin RCS showed the severe inflammatory reaction while the experimental formulation showed mild—moderate inflammatory reaction. One of the experimental formula exhibited
the highest antibacterial action against all microorganisms tested.
Umbilical Cord Wharton’s Jelly Could be the Potential Precursor of Cartilage Tissue Engineering Complex
Authors: Wang Chenggong , Liu Ansong , Liao Qiande , Zhong Da
Published: August 2022

We aimed to investigate the structure and composition of human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly. Umbilical cord was obtained from the newborn in the operating room of our hospital. The transverse and longitudinal sections of umbilical cord were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. The ultrastructure of umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). H&E stain and SEM observation indicate that the collagen fiber closing to the blood vessels is consistent with the direction of the blood vessels. At the peripheral of the umbilical cord, the mainly direction of the collagen fiber surrounds vessels. At the same time, the density of collagen fiber including Collagen I, Collagen II, and Collagen III from outside to inside gradually becomes dense. Furthermore, Wharton’s jelly is enriched with Collagen fiber, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), water and cells. The mean density of cells in Wharton’s jelly was 2.04×106cell/g, and the mean percentage of MSCs was 54.67% of all separated cells. The structure and composition of the Wharton’s jelly are similar with cartilage. Therefore, Wharton’s jelly is supposed to be a suitable biological material for cartilage tissue engineering.
Prophylactic Antibiotics in Patients with Traumatic Pneumocephalus or Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak
Authors: Wang Hsin-Ping , Reif Rebecca J. , Kalkwarf Kyle J. , Jensen Hanna K. , Jenkins Allison K. , Bhavaraju Avi
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Pneumocephalus and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are uncommon after trauma, but they expose the sterile CSF to environmental pathogens and create theoretical risk of central nervous system infection (CNSI). Prophylactic antibiotics are commonly given to these patients, but there is a paucity of evidence to guide this practice. We aim to quantify the incidences of these entities and analyze the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics in preventing CNSIs.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using our institutional trauma registry. All patients admitted from January 2014 to July 2020 with traumatic pneumocephalus (TP) or basilar skull fracture with CSF leak (BSF-CSF) were included. ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes were used to identify CNSIs. CNSI rates among defined prophylactic antibiotic regimens, no antibiotics, and other antibiotic regimens were evaluated. ANOVA was used to analyze differences between the groups.

Results

365 patients met inclusion criteria: 360 with TP; 5 with BSF-CSF. 1.1% (4/365) of patients developed CNSI, all with isolated traumatic pneumocephalus. 1.4% of patients (1/72) without antibiotics; 1.2% (3/249) receiving IV antibiotics outside of a defined regimen; and 1.1% (1/88) on a designated prophylactic regimen developed CNSIs. ANOVA indicated the incidence of CNSI was not significantly different among patients who received antibiotics or not, regardless of the regimen (p-value 0.958).

Conclusion

TP and BSF-CSF are rare diagnoses among trauma patients. The rate of CNSI is marginal and antibiotics do not appear to confer a protective advantage. A larger trial is needed to elucidate the true effect of antibiotics on preventing CNSIs in patients with these uncommon diagnoses.
Book review: Mahendra Prasad Singh, Federalism in India
Authors: Bhattacharyya Harihar
Published: August 2022

Mahendra Prasad Singh, Federalism in India. New Delhi: SAGE Publications, 2021, 294 pp., $55.00 (Hardback).
Experience Matters, After All: What Social Psychology Can Teach Us about Transnational Contact and Trust
Authors: Sarmiento-Mirwaldt Katja
Published: August 2022

There has been much debate about the causes of trust in abstract groups of strangers such as foreign nations. Some scholars have highlighted the important role of personal experiences in shaping social trust, while others have largely dismissed such experiences. This article suggests that social psychological contact theory, which highlights one particular type of experience, has much to contribute to trust research: accordingly, people’s contact experiences with strangers lead them to generalise from these experiences and undergo a process of social learning. Using original survey data from Poland, this article shows that, consistent with contact theory, pleasant contact experiences with members of specific other nations increase trust in those nations, while unpleasant contact experiences decrease it. The characteristics of different objects of trust do not fundamentally challenge the universalist logic of contact theory. Ultimately, this supports the position that personal experience in adult life matters greatly in shaping trust.
How Job Stress Affect Flow Experience at Work: The Masking and Mediating Effect of Work-Related Rumination
Authors: Feng Xingyu
Published: August 2022

This study proposes and tests a theoretical model of how two types of stressors (challenge and hindrance stressors) elicit perseverative cognition processes in individuals (as characterized by two types of work-related rumination), and how, through this mechanism, these stressors can further affect individuals’ flow experience at work. Our model is largely supported by structural equation modeling analyses of a longitudinal questionnaire-based survey ( n = 344). We find that challenge stressors have a significant, positive, direct impact on the experience of flow. Additionally, both challenge and hindrance stressors simultaneously activate problem-solving pondering and affective rumination in employees; affective rumination inhibits flow, while problem-solving pondering promotes flow. The results of a bootstrap sampling analysis further indicate the presence of the masking and mediating effects of work-related rumination in the effects of these stressors on flow experience. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Infective Endocarditis in a District General Hospital
Authors: Manford M , Matharu J , Farrington K
Published: August 2022

Thirty-three cases of infective endocarditis presenting during a 6.5 year period to a district general hospital were analysed retrospectively. The annual incidence was 22 cases per million population. Twenty-two cases had pre-existing cardiac disease, mainly valvular disease — Usually rheumatic (nine cases) and prosthetic valves (10 cases). Recognizable precipitants such as recent surgery were uncommon. Two cases presented after deliberate drug overdose possibly due to depression exacerbated by systemic disease. Symptoms were usually non-specific. All but two cases had murmurs and most were pyrexial. Splinter haemorrhages and clubbing were seen in about 20% of cases. Viridans-type streptococci were the commonest infecting organisms (14 cases). Staphylococcal infection (six cases) was confined to intravenous drug abusers and patients with prosthetic valves. Five cases were culture negative. Cerdiac failure was present in 13 cases at presentation and developed in seven others during treatient. Acute valve replacement was necessary in eight cases, and late replacement in three. Renal impairment (plasma urea > 8 mmol/l and/or plasma creatinine > 120 μmol/l) occurred in 19 cases during the course of their illness. Embolic phenomena occurred in 12 patients and mostly involved the central nervous system. In the 8 fatal cases, the cause of death was cardiac failure in six, cerebrovascular accident in one, and myocardial infarction in one. Four of the six patients who subsequently died of cardiac failure had been referred for surgery. Both those who were not referred had coexisting medical problems. Factors associated with increased mortality were age, male sex, cardiac failure (P<0.01), renal impairment (P<0.05), and embolic phenomena (P< 0.01). These outcome figures are similar to those reported from regional centres, and support the management of infective endocarditis in district general hospitals, particularly those with adequate access to echocardiography, with transfer for surgery when necessary.
Bringing about Change: The Introduction of Secure Units
Authors: Stocking B
Published: August 2022

The introduction of regional secure units into the NHS was studied as one example of the diffusion of patient care innovations. As well as the general history of secure units events in four Regions were studied in detail for the period from 1974 up to mid-1983. It is concluded that secure units became gradually more acceptable over time as (i) the need for such units was recognized, (ii) the climat, of opinion changed in psychiatric hospitals from seeing secure units as a retrograde step, following the acceptance of more open door policies, to seeing secure units as a prestige development which might safeguard the future of a particular hospital, (iii) government loosened the definitions of what secure units should be and how they should operate so that there was more room for different regions to assess their own needs.

Regions which were able to move relatively fast on secure unit development were those where there-was already a ‘product champion’ present to promote the ideas, usually a forensic psychiatrist, and where there was also managerial support and designated responsibility for secure unit development at local and regional level. It is concluded that while public reaction was a hindrance it did not slow down secure unit development as much as might have been expected.
Ceftazidime versus Aminoglycoside and (Ureido)Penicillin Combination in the Empirical Treatment of Serious Infection
Authors: Finer N , Goustas P
Published: August 2022

Urgent treatment of serious infections with broad spectrum antibiotics usually starts before bacteriological evidence of the infective organism(s) becomes available. In this study 471 patients with a clinical diagnosis of sepsis were treated empirically with ceftazidime (CAZ) monotherapy (249 patients), or with an aminoglycoside+(ureido)penicillin combination (AG+PEN) (222 patients) to establish clinical outcome and bacteriological response.

Up to 72 h post-treatment 94.5% of patients in the CAZ group and 93.8% in the AG+PEN group were treated successfully (treatment difference 0.7%, P<0.01, 95% confidence interval −3.8%, 5.2%), 2–4 weeks after treatment neither regimen proved clinically superior. The differences in bacteriological response up to 72 h, and at 2–4 weeks after treatment, were 5.6% and 12.4% in favour of CAZ, however, these were not statistically significant. Overall, 56 patients reported 72 adverse events in the CAZ group, compared with 33 patients reporting 41 adverse events in the AG+PEN group. Deaths, 40 on CAZ and 21 on AG+PEN, were mainly related to their underlying condition. The two regimens were shown to be clinically equivalent in seriously ill patients treated empirically.
Aerobic Exercise in the Adjunctive Treatment of Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Veale D , Le Fevre K , Pantelis C , de Souza V , Mann A , Sargeant A
Published: August 2022

Two clinical trials have been conducted in a sample of depressed patients to determine whether the addition of an aerobic exercise programme to their usual treatment improved outcome after 12 weeks. In the first trial, an aerobic exercise group had a superior outcome compared with a control group in terms of trait anxiety and a standard psychiatric interview. A second trial was then conducted to compare an aerobic exercise programme with low intensity exercise. Both groups showed improvement but there were no significant differences between the groups. In neither trial was there any correlation between the extent of change in the subjects' physical fitness due to aerobic exercise and the extent of the improvement of psychiatric scores.
Management of Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma: A 6-Year Review
Authors: Wight R G , Birchall M A , Stafford N D , de L Stanbridge R
Published: August 2022

A retrospective review of 16 consecutive cases of squamous carcinoma of the hypopharynx treated by pharyngo-laryngo-oesophagectomy (PLO) and gastric transposition with a thoracotomy as part of the surgical technique is presented. An operative mortality of 6% and a hospital mortality of 12% occurred. Other complications are discussed. No significant morbidity or mortality occurred as a result of the thoracotomy. A comparison is made with the extra-thoracic technique of gastric transposition.
Acrokeratosis Paraneoplasticao of Bazex
Authors: Handfield-Jones S E , Matthews C N A , Ellis J P , Das K B , McGibbon D H
Published: August 2022

Bazex disease is one of the rarer cutaneous paraneo-plastic syndromes. It is characterized by psoriasiform changes on the digits, and in some patients spread to the ears, nose and in later stages to the limbs and trunk. The associated malignancy is typically a squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract. We review the literature regarding acrokeratosis paraneoplastica of Bazex and report three cases which illustrate both the typical and some of the less common changes that are seen in the condition.
Sudden Death in Epilepsy: An Avoidable Outcome?
Authors: Lip G Y H , Brodie M J
Published: August 2022

In a retrospective survey of mortality among the first 1000 unselected patients referred to the Epilepsy Research Unit at the Western Infirmary in Glasgow between 1985 and 1990, a total of 18 deaths were identified. Three patients had committed suicide and one each had died of status epilepticus in hospital, a subdural haematoma and a myocardial infarction. The remaining 12 deaths (67%) were sudden (median age 32 years; range 22–68 years). Poor seizure control and poor compliance with antiepileptic drug therapy were recorded in only three (25%) of these patients. There was a change in antiepileptic drug regimen in five (28%) in the month before death. Only two (17%) underwent postmortem examination. In nine of the 12 patients dying suddenly, the primary cause of death was not listed as epilepsy but as asphyxia (3), aspiration (2) and one each of ischaemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, asystole and drowning (in the bath). ‘Status epilepticus' was assumed to have been responsible for the other three deaths, two of which were unwitnessed. Sudden death in people with epilepsy is an entity of great concern. Appropriate death certification and mandatory postmortem examination are essential to provide a truer picture of this neglected phenomenon.
Beyond Music: Auditory Temporary Threshold Shift in Rock Musicians after a Heavy Metal Concert
Authors: Drake-Lee A B
Published: August 2022

Audiometry was undertaken before and within half an hour following a heavy metal concert to assess evidence of noise damage. Of the four members tested, one member wore an ear defender in his right ear during the period of noise exposure. All unprotected ears showed a temporary threshold shift which was maximum in the lower frequencies. There was some evidence that early noise damage had occurred with a dip at 6 kHz. The role of music as noise and its potential to damage the cochlea are discussed.
Psychological Impact of Body Recovery Duties
Authors: Thompson James
Published: August 2022

The psychological effects of body recovery duties were studied in two groups, 28 specialized police volunteers and 40 ambulance workers. The Impact of Events scale and the General Health Questionnaire were administered to both groups. The results showed that 20% of the ambulance workers and 3% of the policemen were in the moderate to severe category of psychological distress. In neither group did age, number of incidents attended or years in service correlate with distress. Possible causes of the difference between the two groups, such as the way they were managed, are discussed.
Perceived Religiousness is Protective for Colorectal Cancer: Data from the Melbourne Colorectal Cancer Study
Authors: Kune Gabriel A , Kune Susan , Watson Lyndsey F
Published: August 2022

The perceived or self-reported degree of ‘religiousness’ was obtained by interview from 715 colorectal cancer patients and 727 age/sex matched community controls, as part of a large, comprehensive population-based study of colorectal cancer incidence, aetiology and survival (The Melbourne Colorectal Cancer Study) conducted in Melbourne, Australia.

Self-reported or perceived ‘religiousness’, as defined in the study, was a statistically significant protective factor [relative risk (RR)=0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.6–0.9, P=0.002]. This statistically significant protection remained after the previously determined major risk factors found in the study, namely a family history of colorectal cancer, dietary risk factors, beer consumption, number of children and age at birth of the first child, were statistically corrected for ( P=0.004). There was no association between Dukes' staging of the cancer and perceived degree of ‘religiousness’ ( P=0.42). Although self-reported or perceived ‘religiousness’ was associated with a median survival time of 62 months compared with 52 months in those self-reporting as being ‘non-religious’, this difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.64).
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy and Repetitive Strain Injury: Temperature and Microcirculatory Changes following Mild Cold Stress
Authors: Cooke E D , Steinberg M D , Pearson R M , Fleming C E , Toms S L , Elusade J A
Published: August 2022

Temperature and blood flow studies were performed in the upper limbs of six patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), nine patients with repetitive strain injury (RSI) and 12 control subjects using thermography, laser Doppler flowmetry, infrared photoplethysmography and venous occlusion strain gauge plethysmography. The contralateral responses of the symptomatic and asymptomatic limbs were examined after being subjected, separately, to mild cold stress (20°C for 1 min). Altered thermoregulation and haemodynamics were evident in RSD. Though the pattern of response to contralateral cold challenge is similar to normal in RSI, vasodilatation and reduced vasomotion appears to be characteristic in this condition. Such changes may assist in distinguishing between RSD and RSI from other causes of chronic upper limb pain.
Control of Neonatal Group B Streptococcal Infection
Authors: Steele Russell W
Published: August 2022

Group B β-haemolytic streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of life-threatening perinatal infection in developed countries. As immunization of women is not yet available, selective intrapartum chemoprophylaxis appears to be the best current strategy for preventing disease. All pregnant women should be screened for GBS at 26 to 28 weeks gestation. During labour, all colonized women with risk factors for invasive GBS neonatal infection should be treated with intravenous penicillin or ampicillin. Risk factors include preterm labour, premature rupture of membranes, intrapartum fever, multiple births, prolonged rupture of membranes, maternal diabetes, previous sibling with invasive GBS disease, and maternal GBS bacteriuria. The latter two categories warrant chemoprophylaxis regardless of maternal colonization status.
Length of Life in the Ancient World: A Controlled Study
Authors: Montagu J D
Published: August 2022

The length of life for a population of ancient Greek and Roman men with quoted dates of birth and death has been compared statistically with three sample populations from different periods. It was found that the ancients who were born before 100 bc lived as long as the moderns who died before 1950; they lived significantly shorter lives than those who have died in the present half century.
Reasons for Rubella Susceptibility among Pregnant Women in West Lambeth
Authors: Lawman S , Morton K , Best J M
Published: August 2022

One hundred and thirty-three pregnant women who delivered at St Thomas' Hospital, in 1990 were noted to require rubella vaccination post partum. Fifty-three (39%) had completed a telephone questionnaire in order to determine reasons for susceptibility to rubella. Laboratory reports confirmed that 92 women were rubella seronegative and 27 had low levels of antibody. Of the 53 women interviewed, 25 gave a history of one or more rubella immunizations, 20 had no history of immunization and vaccination history was unknown for eight. Eleven of the 20 unvaccinated women had not been at school in the UK between 11 and 14 years of age. Eighty-seven per cent of the patients' general practitioners had no knowledge of their patients' rubella antibody status. Ninety-four per cent of the 133 women received rubella vaccine post partum. The Department of Health guidelines should be more vigorously implemented in order to identify and immunize remaining rubella susceptible women of child-bearing age. Susceptibility among women with a history of rubella immunization suggests that the seroconversion rate following rubella immunization in clinical practice may be lower than in vaccine trials.
The Effects of Coffee on Serum Lipids and Blood Pressure in a UK Population
Authors: Lancaster Tim , Muir John , Silagy Christopher
Published: August 2022

Data on coffee consumption were collected for 1074 adults attending for health checks in the OXCHECK study, to assess associations with serum lipids and blood pressure. Of the sample, 70.5% drank coffee, largely instant. Coffee had no significant effects on total or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or blood pressure, and was negatively correlated with serum triglycerides. The type of coffee drunk in the UK does not adversely effect these cardiovascular risk factors.
Pulse Oximetry in the Diagnosis of Non-Critical Peripheral Vascular Insufficiency
Authors: Couse N F , Delaney C P , Horgan P G , O'Keeffe J , Joyce W P , Gorey T F , Fitzpatrick J M
Published: August 2022

Pulse oximetry was used to detect return of pulsatile flow in 27 subjects during reactive hyperaemia following 3 min of total limb ischaemia induced by above knee tourniquet occlusion. Fourteen patients with exercise induced leg pain had 18 symptomatic limbs tested. Thirteen controls had 25 limbs tested. Return of pulsatile flow during reactive hyperaemia occurred within 20 s of tourniquet release in the 25 control limbs which was then regarded as normal. The mean time for return of pulsatile flow in 18 symptomatic limbs was 53±37 s ( P > 0.05 versus controls). Three limbs had a normal value, two of which did not have peripheral vascular disease. Pulse oximetry correctly identified all 25 asymptomatic limbs and 15 of 16 patients with claudication secondary to peripheral vascular disease (PVD). This modification of the reactive hyperaemia test using the pulse oximeter is simple and quick to perform. It has potential as a non-invasive screening test for PVD, suitable for outpatient assessment.
Hyperthyroidism and Radio-Iodine Therapy in a District General Hospital
Authors: Child D F , Mughni M A S S , Hudson P , Williams C P , Harvey J N
Published: August 2022

A retrospective analysis was performed of 48 patients with hyperthyroidism (41 women aged 35–80, mean 56.6 years; 7 men aged 31–77, mean 52.1 years) treated with a fixed dose of 550 MBq 131I during a 12 month period May 1991-April 1992. Weight loss was common at presentation but 28.57% of women aged 35–49 years weighed over 80 kg compared to 9.98% in a standard UK population P>0.05. Patients treated with carbimazole (73%) prior to 131I had higher FT3 levels at presentation (14.0±4.4 pmol/l) compared to those (27%) who were considered not to require such treatment (8.9±1.4 pmol/l, P>0.001).

Four months following radio-iodine, 67% were hypothyroid, 25% were euthyroid and 8% remained thyrotoxic and were retreated. Another patient became hypothyroid during 1 year of follow-up. Pre-treatment with carbimazole did not protect against the development of hypothyroidism (carbimazole treated 69% hypothyroid at 4 months, untreated 62% hypothyroid at 4 months). Patients with continuing thyrotoxicosis had very high FT3 levels at presentation (18.6, 21.1, 20 and in one patient reported only as > 10 pmol/l). A rationalized programme of follow-up assessments at 2, 3, 4, 8 and 12 months is suggested for patients treated with this dose of radio-iodine.
Through mindful colored glasses? The role of trait mindfulness in evaluating interactions with strangers
Authors: van der Schans Kim Lien , van Kraaij Janne AM , Karremans Johan C
Published: August 2022

Converging evidence shows that mindfulness is associated with various indicators of interpersonal behavior and well-being. Although promising, the effects of mindfulness should ultimately be expressed during interpersonal interactions and observed by interaction partners. The current study assessed the associations between trait mindfulness, interpersonal stress, and interpersonal perceptions during stressful interpersonal tasks between strangers. Sixty-seven same sex stranger dyads (134 individuals; all females) participated in a laboratory study. Trait mindfulness was measured via an online questionnaire. In the lab, participants were asked to engage in two tasks with a stranger: (1) a stressful interaction task (they were asked to introduce themselves standing only 27 cm apart) and (2) a joint coordination task. Afterwards, both partners’ levels of interpersonal stress and interpersonal perceptions (i.e. liking of the interaction, perceived attentiveness, and perceived coping) were assessed. Results of Actor Partner Interdependence Models (APIM) showed a negative association between trait mindfulness and experienced interpersonal distress. Trait mindfulness was positively associated with liking of the interaction, perceived attentiveness and perceived coping. Actors’ trait mindfulness was positively associated with the partners’ liking of the interaction (marginally significant), but no other partner effects were found. There was no association between trait mindfulness and performance on the joint coordination task. The current findings underscore the importance of studying trait mindfulness dyadically. In actual interpersonal interactions, trait mindfulness positively affects interaction experiences of actors, but we found little support for a transfer to experiences of interaction partners. We discuss the implications of these findings in light of several theoretical models.
Versatile articulated aerial robot DRAGON: Aerial manipulation and grasping by vectorable thrust control
Authors: Zhao Moju , Okada Kei , Inaba Masayuki
Published: August 2022

Various state-of-the-art works have achieved aerial manipulation and grasping by attaching additional manipulator to aerial robots. However, such a coupled platform has limitations with respect to the interaction force and mobility. In this paper, we present the successful implementation of aerial manipulation and grasping by a novel articulated aerial robot called DRAGON, in which a vectorable rotor unit is embedded in each link. The key to performing stable manipulation and grasping in the air is the usage of rotor vectoring apparatus having two degrees-of-freedom. First, a comprehensive flight control methodology for aerial transformation using the vectorable thrust force is developed with the consideration of the dynamics of vectoring actuators. This proposed control method can suppress the oscillation due to the dynamics of vectoring actuators and also allow the integration with external and internal wrenches for object manipulation and grasping. Second, an online thrust-level planning method for bimanual object grasping using the two ends of this articulated model is presented. The proposed grasping style is unique in that the vectorable thrust force is used as the internal wrench instead of the joint torque. Finally, we show the experimental results of evaluation on the proposed control and planning methods for object manipulation and grasping.
Immaterial animals and financialized forests: Asset manager capitalism, ESG integration and the politics of livestock
Authors: Brice Jeremy , Cusworth George , Lorimer Jamie , Garnett Tara
Published: August 2022

This article uses interviews with responsible investment professionals to examine the extent to which institutional equity investors, and specifically ‘universal owners’ with highly diversified shareholdings, engage with public issues associated with livestock agriculture. As share ownership becomes increasingly concentrated, and the market for Environmental, Social and Governance investment products grows, these investors are increasingly involved in governing the activities of publicly traded corporations (including leading agribusinesses). This paper brings together political economy and marketization studies research to explore how universal owners become concerned about particular environmental and ethical problems, why they overlook other public concerns, and in what ways their selective engagement with ethico-political issues might be altering the content of food politics. Comparing universal owners’ engagements with farm animal welfare issues and with tropical deforestation within animal feed supply chains, we argue that these institutions engage with tropical deforestation because it presents a financially material risk to firms across multiple industries. By contrast, the specificity of farm animal welfare issues to agribusinesses means that they do not pose a material risk to the overall performance of universal owners’ highly diversified asset portfolios. Efforts to concern universal owners about livestock agriculture's social, environmental and health impacts thus generate a food politics which focuses primarily on risks to global economic systems and renders animals themselves distinctly immaterial.
Guidelines of the International Headache Society for Controlled Clinical Trials in Cluster Headache
Authors: Schoenen Jean , Snoer Agneta Henriette , Brandt Roemer B , Fronczek Rolf , Wei Diana Y , Chung Chin-Sang , Diener Hans-Christoph , Dodick David W , Fontaine Denys , Goadsby Peter J , Matharu Manjit Singh , May Arne , McGinley James S , Tepper Stewart J , Jensen Rigmor Højland , Ferrari Michel D ,   for the IHS Standing Committee for Clinical Trials,   IHS cluster headache trial guideline subcommittee, Schoenen Jean , Jensen Rigmor , Ferrari Michel D , May Arne , Diener Hans-Christoph , Goadsby Peter J , Matharu Manjit S , Tepper Stewart J , Dodick David W , Chung Chin-Sang , Fontaine Denys , McGinley James S , Snoer Agneta Henriette , Fronczek Rolf , Brandt Roemer W , Wei Diana Y , Terwindt Gisela , Tassorelli Cristina , Diener Hans-Christoph , Ashina Messoud , Goadsby Peter J , Leroux Elizabeth , Lipton Richard B , Pozo-Rosich Patricia , Wang Shuu-Jiun , Christensen Marie Deen , Martini Daniela , van den Hoek Thomas
Published: August 2022

In 1995, a committee of the International Headache Society developed and published the first edition of the Guidelines for Controlled Trials of Drugs in Cluster Headache. These have not been revised. With the emergence of new medications, neuromodulation devices and trial designs, an updated version of the International Headache Society Guidelines for Controlled Clinical Trials in Cluster Headache is warranted. Given the scarcity of evidence-based data for cluster headache therapies, the update is largely consensus-based, but takes into account lessons learned from recent trials and demands by patients. It is intended to apply to both drug and neuromodulation treatments, with specific proposals for the latter when needed. The primary objective is to propose a template for designing high quality, state-of-the-art, controlled clinical trials of acute and preventive treatments in episodic and chronic cluster headache. The recommendations should not be regarded as dogma and alternative solutions to particular methodological problems should be explored in the future and scientifically validated.
Validating the MUSIC Model of Academic Motivation Inventory: Evidence for the Short Forms of the College Student Version
Authors: Jones Brett D. , Wilkins Jesse L. M.
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity evidence for the use of the 19-item and 20-item short forms of the MUSIC Model of Academic Motivation Inventory (College Student version) with undergraduate students. These shorter forms of the MUSIC Inventory could be beneficial to teachers and researchers. Our analysis included inventory responses from 2951 undergraduate students in 32 courses at a large public university in the Southeastern United States. Validity evidence for the scores was based on our examination of three types of validity inference: scoring, generalization, and extrapolation. We compared the short and long forms of the MUSIC Inventory using descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha values, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and fit indices from factor analyses. We were able to confirm all five of the validation hypotheses, thus demonstrating that the short forms of the MUSIC Inventory can provide scores that are valid for use with undergraduate students.
Cardiovascular Disease and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Older Adults
Authors: Đoàn Lan N. , Takata Yumie , Mendez-Luck Carolyn A. , Hooker Karen , Irvin Veronica L.
Published: August 2022

Objectives: Assess the relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (NH/PI) compared to white older adults. Methods: Data were from the 2011–2015 Health Outcomes Survey. HRQOL was assessed using the Veterans RAND 12-Item Survey, composed of physical (PCS) and mental component scores (MCS). Lower scores represent worse health. Multivariate regression was conducted to estimate PCS and MCS mean score differences related to self-reported CVD (coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, other heart conditions, stroke) and race/ethnicity. Results: There were marked differences in PCS and MCS scores by disaggregated Asian American and NH/PI subgroups. After adjustment, Asian American and NH/PI older adults had better PCS but worse MCS than white older adults. Race/ethnicity moderated the relationship between CVD and HRQOL. Discussion: Asian American and NH/PI older adults with CVD had poorer mental health compared to their white counterparts.
Do Positive Psychological Factors Equally Predict Resistance to Upper Respiratory Infections in African and European Americans?
Authors: Wiley Cameron R. , Blevins Kennedy M. , Cohen Sheldon , Pressman Sarah D.
Published: August 2022

Research has consistently shown that positive psychological constructs are linked to better physical health, but few studies have examined the role that race plays in this connection. We explored whether positive self-evaluations were equally protective against upper respiratory infection for 271 African American adults and 700 European American adults in a series of virus-exposure studies. Participants were assessed at baseline for psychological functioning and physical health, quarantined and exposed experimentally to a respiratory virus, and then monitored for infection and symptoms. Regression analyses revealed significant interactions between race and multiple positive psychological factors; several factors that were helpful to European Americans were unhelpful or even harmful to African Americans. Building on past work showing cross-cultural variation in the health correlates of affect, this study provides evidence that the health benefits of positive psychological constructs may not be universal and points to the need to explore factors that underpin these observed differential patterns.
End of an era or a moment of reshuffling: fragmentation of entry-level training in China’s psycho-boom
Authors: Huang Hsuan-Ying
Published: August 2022

This article examines the fragmentation of entry-level training in China’s psycho-boom since the state terminated its certification for psychological counsellors in 2017. Initially, the policy change was perceived as the end of an era marked by rapid yet disorderly development. The stringent state regulation that many people anticipated, however, did not occur. The certification’s ending turned out to be a moment of reshuffling that gave existing key players – including the Registry System under the Chinese Psychological Society, other quasi-official organizations and their partners in the training industry, and digital start-up companies – a new chance to vie for growth and dominance in the space it left behind. The heat of the psycho-boom continues, as do the chaos and struggles within it.
Relaying station for empires’ outcasts: managing ‘lunatics’ in pre-World War II Hong Kong
Authors: Wu Harry Yi-Jui
Published: August 2022

This article explores how ‘lunatics’ emerged and how they were managed beyond the capacity of institutionalization in colonial Hong Kong in the second half of the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century. The story contests the conventional historiography about madmen that focuses on institutions. Unlike in Britain or in other East Asian colonial cities, inpatients stayed at the asylum only for very short periods. Instead of psychiatric admission, they were then transported by ship, either to Canton in China or to London for further care until after World War II. This article analyses how this was done to maintain a ‘clean’ cityscape, as well as an instrument to ensure the smooth operation of the port city.
Thermal performance improvement on winglet tip of a turbine stage under engine condition-part II: Ejection angle adjustment
Authors: Wu Chenqi , Yan Xin
Published: August 2022

Part I has indicated that the vertical ejection causes pronounced coolant lifting-off effect on the winglet tip of turbine stage. To solve this problem, Part II presents the study on adjusting ejection angle to reduce thermal load on the winglet tip under engine condition. Three procedures were taken to realize the mitigation of thermal load on the winglet tip of turbine stage. Firstly, the streamwise ejection angle was varied to determine a suitable ejection angle for the majority of cooling holes. Secondly, different numbers of tip cooling holes were selected to adjust the ejection angles towards P.S. (pressure side), aiming at enhancing the film cooling effect at the front part of the cavity floor. Lastly, different P.S. deflection angles were tested to find the suitable streamwise ejection angles for the selected holes. The results show that the inclined coolant ejections are quite effective to reduce the thermal load on the winglet tip. As the P.S. defection angles for the tip cooling holes at the front part of the cavity floor equal to 60°, and the streamwise ejection angles for the other cooling holes are set to 120°, the lowest thermal load is achieved on the winglet tip of turbine stage. After adjustment, the area-averaged heat transfer coefficient on the tip surface is decreased by 38.84%, and the area-averaged film cooling effectiveness is increased by 42.24%, as compared with the vertical ejection case. Moreover, the uniformity of the coolant coverage on the winglet tip has been improved, significantly.
A generalized epidemiological model with dynamic and asymptomatic population
Authors: Ghatak Anirban , Singh Patel Shivshanker , Bonnerjee Soham , Roy Subhrajyoty
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we develop an extension of compartmental epidemiological models which is suitable for COVID-19. The model presented in this paper comprises seven compartments in the progression of the disease. This model, named as the SINTRUE (Susceptible, Infected and pre-symptomatic, Infected and Symptomatic but Not Tested, Tested Positive, Recorded Recovered, Unrecorded Recovered, and Expired) model. The proposed model incorporates transmission due to asymptomatic carriers and captures the spread of the disease due to the movement of people to/from different administrative boundaries within a country. In addition, the model allows estimating the number of undocumented infections in the population and the number of unrecorded recoveries. The associated parameters in the model can help architect the public health policy and operational management of the pandemic. The results show that the testing rate of the asymptomatic patients is a crucial parameter to fight against the pandemic. The model is also shown to have a better predictive capability than the other epidemiological models.
Development and Validation of a New COVID-19 Anxiety Scale (NCAS)
Authors: Rehman Usama , Shahnawaz Mohammad Ghazi , Gupta Kaveri , Khan Neda Haseeb , Kharshiing Korsi D. , Kashyap Drishti , Uniyal Ritika , Khursheed Masrat
Published: August 2022

The study aimed to develop and validate a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) anxiety scale. Three independent studies were done to achieve the stated aim of the research. Study 1 explored the factor structure of the scale. Study 2 aimed at confirming the factor structure and establishing test–retest reliability of NCAS. Study 3 aimed to test the incremental validity of the new scale over two most widely used scale (FCV-19S & CAS). EFA resulted in a three-dimensional factor structure with 4, 3, 5 items in ‘anxiety pertaining to threat posed by COVID-19’, ‘Anxiety pertained to public policies’ and ‘Anxiety pertaining to societal consequences’ respectively. CFA confirmed the findings of EFA and a higher order of ‘COVID-19 anxiety’ was also established. The test–retest reliability was found to be 0.91. NCAS shared 48% variance with FCV-19S (fear of COVID-19 scale) and 27% with CAS (Coronavirus anxiety scale). NCAS has significant incremental validity over FCV-19S and CAS in predicting self-reported mental health and life satisfaction. The scale would help in identifying people’s specific anxiety related to COVID-19, which would further help in their intervention/treatment.
Physicians’ Conceptions of the Dying Patient: Scoping Review and Qualitative Content Analysis of the United Kingdom Medical Literature
Authors: Qureshi Shaun Peter , Jones Derek , Dewar Avril
Published: August 2022

Most people in high income countries experience dying while receiving healthcare, yet dying has no clear beginning, and contexts influence how dying is conceptualised. This study investigates how UK physicians conceptualise the dying patient. We employed Scoping Study Methodology to obtain medical literature from 2006-2021, and Qualitative Content Analysis to analyse stated and implied meanings of language used, informed by social-materialism. Our findings indicate physicians do not conceive a dichotomous distinction between dying and not dying, but construct conceptions of the dying patient in subjective ways linked to their practice. We argue that the focus of future research should be on exploring practice-based challenges in the workplace to understanding patient dying. Furthermore, pre-Covid-19 literature related dying to chronic illness, but analysis of literature published since the pandemic generated conceptions of dying from acute illness. Researchers should note the ongoing effects of Covid-19 on societal and medical awareness of dying.