bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking attachment to empathy in childhood and adolescence: A multilevel meta-analysis
Authors: Li Song , Ran Guangming , Chen Xu
Published: July 2021

From promoting cooperation and resource sharing to forming and maintaining harmonious social bonds, empathy plays a key role in everyday life. However, despite the theoretical relevance of attachment to empathy, questions remain about the strength of the association between these two variables in childhood and adolescence. Thus, a series of multilevel meta-analyses were conducted to determine the strength of the relationship between each of the attachment patterns and empathy, and to test potential moderators altering this relationship in individuals aged 0 to 18 years. In total, 159 effect sizes from 50 studies, assessing 66 independent samples, including 29,653 young people, were retrieved by a systematic literature search. The results revealed that secure attachment was positively correlated with empathy, ambivalent attachment was not associated with empathy, and avoidant attachment was negatively related to empathy. In addition, the multivariate analysis showed that the dimension of empathy moderated the relationship between secure attachment and empathy. In sum, the findings of the current study were crucial for understanding the association between attachment and empathy in childhood and adolescence.
On segmental representations in second language phonology: A perceptual account
Authors: Barrientos Fernanda
Published: July 2021

The extent to which exposure to new phonemic contrasts (i.e. contrasts that are present in the L2 but not in the L1) will lead to the creation of a new phonemic category in L2 speakers, as well as the phonological nature of these categories, remains an open question insofar as there is no consensus on whether acquiring a new contrast would result in abstract, phoneme-like categories, or if they belong to a less abstract level of representation. This work explores the perception of the /ɑ/–/ʌ/ contrast ( cop – cup) in American English by Spanish speakers of L2 English through a discrimination task. The results show that while the interlanguage state of less experienced learners is best described as a case of single-category assimilation, the interlanguage state achieved by advanced learners is not a full phonemic split, despite the increased sensitivity to otherwise within-category perceptual cues; rather, it seems that while the ability to perceive differences is not affected, the ability to create a new phonemic representation is impaired.
Isolation and identification of leukocyte populations in intracranial blood collected during mechanical thrombectomy
Authors: Shaw Benjamin C , Maglinger G Benton , Ujas Thomas , Rupareliya Chintan , Fraser Justin F , Grupke Stephen , Kesler Melissa , Gelderblom Mathias , Pennypacker Keith R , Turchan-Cholewo Jadwiga , Stowe Ann M
Published: July 2021

Using standard techniques during mechanical thrombectomy, the Blood and Clot Thrombectomy Registry and Collaboration (BACTRAC) protocol (NCT03153683) isolates intracranial arterial blood distal to the thrombus and proximal systemic blood in the carotid artery. We augmented the current protocol to study leukocyte subpopulations both distal and proximal to the thrombus during human stroke (n = 16 patients), and from patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD) undergoing angiography for unrelated conditions (e.g. carotid artery stenosis; n = 12 patients). We isolated leukocytes for flow cytometry from small volume (<1 mL) intracranial blood and systemic blood (5–10 mL) to identify adaptive and innate leukocyte populations, in addition to platelets and endothelial cells (ECs). Intracranial blood exhibited significant increases in T cell representation and decreases in myeloid/macrophage representation compared to within-patient carotid artery samples. CD4+ T cells and classical dendritic cells were significantly lower than CVD controls and correlated to within-patient edema volume and last known normal. This novel protocol successfully isolates leukocytes from small volume intracranial blood samples of stroke patients at time of mechanical thrombectomy and can be used to confirm preclinical results, as well as identify novel targets for immunotherapies.
Multidisciplinary treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with severe arterioportal shunt: a case report
Authors: Luo Yao-chang , Lu Hai-lin , Song Wen-ling , Xuan Fei-fei
Published: July 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality globally. In addition, most patients present in advanced stages with limited curative treatment options. Therefore, multidisciplinary treatment is often warranted. Here, we report a patient with HCC and severe arterioportal shunt (APS) who was treated with a multidisciplinary approach comprising interventional radiology procedures, apatinib and camrelizumab. After treatment, the intrahepatic mass was stable, and a notable decrease in the number and size of lung lesions was observed. The patient achieved a long-term survival of more than 2 years. These data suggest that multidisciplinary treatments may be effective in the treatment of advanced HCC with severe APS.
Comparison of hemoglobin level and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio as prognostic markers in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Fouad Shaimaa Hani , Allam Mohamed Farouk , Taha Sara Ibrahim , Okba Ahmed Ashraf , Hosny Amr , Moneer Mayada , Roman Sylvia Wefky
Published: July 2021

Background

Anemia can negatively affect the outcome of many diseases, including infections and inflammatory conditions.

Aim

To compare the prognostic value of hemoglobin level and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for prediction of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, clinical data from patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were collected from hospital records from 10 April 2020 to 30 July 2020.

Results

The proportions of patients with mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 differed significantly in association with hemoglobin levels, neutrophil counts, lymphocyte counts, NLR, and total leukocyte counts. Patients with severe COVID-19 had significantly lower hemoglobin levels than those with moderate or mild COVID-19. There were statistically significant negative associations between hemoglobin and D-dimer, age, and creatinine. The optimal hemoglobin cut-off value for prediction of disease severity was 11.6 g/dL. Using this cut-off value, hemoglobin had higher negative predictive value and sensitivity than NLR (92.4% and 51.3%, respectively). The specificity of hemoglobin as a prognostic marker was 79.3%.

Conclusion

Both NLR and hemoglobin level are of prognostic value for predicting severity of COVID-19. However, hemoglobin level displayed higher sensitivity than NLR. Hemoglobin level should be assessed upon admission in all patients and closely monitored throughout the disease course.
Correlation of Growth Pattern and Palatal Rugae Pattern in South Indian Population
Authors: Sudhakar Shetty Suhani , Mithun K. , Sorake Abhinay , Shetty K. Nillan , Susan Thankam C.
Published: July 2021

Aim:

To determine the correlation between palatal rugae (PR) pattern and subjects with vertical, average, and horizontal growth pattern and to determine gender variation if any.

Material and Methods:

One hundred and twenty study models were divided into horizontal, vertical, and average growth patterns with 40 (20 males and 20 females) samples in each group. The pattern of PR was assessed in each group using a template.

Result:

Type B (wavy type) PR occurs more often in horizontal and average growth pattern (80% and 72.5% respectively), whereas its occurrence in vertical growth pattern subject is the least among other growth patterns, that is, 42.5% of the total subjects. Type E (curved type) PR has appeared highest in 27.5% of average growth pattern patient followed by 12.5% of vertical growth pattern subjects. The occurrence of type E PR is least in horizontal growth pattern which is just 5% of the total subjects.

Conclusion:

Curved-type PR was more prevalent in vertical and average growth patterns. Diverging PR pattern was mainly seen in vertical growth pattern. PR also shows sexual dimorphism. The association is clinically significant as it will lead to determination of facial vertical growth pattern at early age; thus, it serves as a diagnostic adjunct for different malocclusions very early in life and aids in preventive or interceptive orthodontic measures to alleviate forthcoming growth pattern.
Extracting Rules from Autonomous-Vehicle-Involved Crashes by Applying Decision Tree and Association Rule Methods
Authors: Ashraf Md Tanvir , Dey Kakan , Mishra Sabyasachee , Rahman Md Tawhidur
Published: July 2021

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) can dramatically reduce the number of traffic crashes and associated fatalities by eliminating the avoidable human-error-related crash contributing factors. Many companies have been conducting pilot tests on public roads in several states in the U.S. and other countries to accelerate AV mass deployment. AV pilot operations on Californian public roads saw 251 AV-involved crashes (as of February 2020). These AV-involved crashes provide a unique opportunity to investigate AV crash risks in the mixed traffic environment. This study collected the AV crash reports from the California Department of Motor Vehicles and applied the decision tree and association rule methods to extract the pre-crash rules of AV-involved crashes. Extracted rules revealed that the most frequent types of AV crashes were rear-end crashes and predominantly occurred at intersections when AVs were stopped and engaged in the autonomous mode. AV and non-AV manufacturers and transportation agencies can use the findings of this study to minimize AV-related crashes. AV companies could install a distinct signal/display to inform the operational mode of the AVs (i.e., autonomous or non-autonomous) to human drivers around them. Moreover, the automatic emergency braking system in non-AVs could avoid a significant number of rear-end crashes as, often, rear-end crashes occurred as a result of the failure of following non-AVs to slow down in time behind AVs. Transportation agencies can consider separating AVs from non-AVs by assigning “AV Only” lanes to eliminate the excessive rear-end crashes resulting from the mistakes of human drivers in non-AVs at intersections.
Incorporating Travel Time Reliability in Equitable Congestion Pricing Schemes for Heterogeneous Users and Bimodal Networks
Authors: Fakhrmoosavi Fatemeh , Zockaie Ali , Abdelghany Khaled
Published: July 2021

Congestion pricing is proposed as an effective travel demand management strategy to circumvent the problem of congestion and generate revenue to finance developmental projects. There are several studies focusing on optimal pricing strategies to minimize the congestion level or maximize the revenue of the system. However, with regard to equity issues, benefiting only users with higher value of time is claimed to be the main factor that prevents implementation of such policies in practice. While many studies aimed to tackle the equity issues by certain welfare analyses, most of these studies fail to fully consider realistic features of users’ behavior and the uncertainty in link travel times. Given the variability of travel time in real-world networks and the impacts of pricing policies on path travel time distributions, it is important to consider the users’ reliability valuations, in addition to their travel time valuations. Thus, the goal in this study is to find an equitable pricing scheme that minimizes the total travel time of auto users in a general bimodal network considering heterogeneous users with different values of time and reliability. A particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed to find self-funded and Pareto-improving optimal toll values. A reliability-based user equilibrium algorithm is embedded into this optimization algorithm to assign travelers to the equilibrated paths for different user classes given toll values. The proposed approach is successfully applied to a modified Sioux Falls network to explore impacts of subsidization, congestion level, and considering travel time reliability on the pricing strategy and its effectiveness.
Spatial and Temporal Differences in Weekday Travel Durations Between Private-for-Hire Transportation Services and Transit in the City Center
Authors: Shandobil Baxter , Lazarchik Ty , Clifton Kelly
Published: July 2021

There is increasing evidence that ridehailing and other private-for-hire (PfH) services such as taxis and limousines are diverting trips from transit services. One question that arises is where and when PfH services are filling gaps in transit services and where they are competing with transit services that are publicly subsidized. Using weekday trip-level information for trips originating in or destined for the city center of Portland, OR from PfH transportation services (taxis, transportation network companies, limousines) and transit trip data collected from OpenTripPlanner, this study investigated the temporal and spatial differences in travel durations between actual PfH trips and comparable transit trips (the same origin–destination and time of day). This paper contributes to this question and to a growing body of research about the use of ridehailing and other on-demand services. Specifically, it provides a spatial and temporal analysis of the demand for PfH transportation using an actual census of trips for a given 2 week period. The comparison of trip durations of actual PfH trips to hypothetical transit trips for the same origin–destination pairs into or out of the central city gives insights for policy making around pricing and other regulatory frameworks that could be implemented in time and space.
Modeling Car-Following Heterogeneities by Considering Leader–Follower Compositions and Driving Style Differences
Authors: Sun Zhanbo , Yao Xue , Qin Ziye , Zhang Peitong , Yang Ze
Published: July 2021

To better understand the behavioral heterogeneities of human-operated vehicles, the paper proposes a method to distinguish car-following behaviors in specific leader–follower contexts. Using the Next-Generation Simulation dataset, the car-following data are first classified into four leader–follower compositions, namely, truck–car, car–car, car–truck, and truck–truck. Based on the classified data, we calibrate the parameters of a few well-known car-following models, including Full Velocity Difference model, Intelligent Driver Model, and Gazis–Herman–Rothery model. Principal component analysis and clustering analysis are then applied to the calibrated parameters to discover the behavioral patterns and to find the probabilistic distributions of the parameters for the classified car-following (CCF) models. Simulation results show that compared with the unified car-following models, the estimation errors of calibrated CCF models are reduced by 20.79% to 49.05%, which indicates that the proposed method provides a more accurate description of car-following heterogeneities. The proposed framework could help highway traffic operators better know the traffic users.
Bilevel Optimization of Intercity Railway Alignment
Authors: Yang Dongying , He Qing , Yi Sirong
Published: July 2021

Intercity railway transit is the primary way to transfer passengers and freight over long distances on land. The design of an intercity railway alignment is usually challenging and complex because of great topographic variations and intersections with many existing geographic objects. This paper presents a bilevel optimization model for intercity railway alignment (BRAO) following the horizontal-vertical alignment design philosophy. The upper level is the horizontal alignment optimization, while the nested lower level is the vertical alignment optimization. A multistage augmented differential evolution algorithm is adopted for the solution at both levels. BRAO could generate corridor alignment, initial alignment, and optimal alignment through different allocations of the number and boundaries of decision variables. A real-world case study of railway design is conducted to verify the effectiveness of the BRAO model based on a geographic information system.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Diagnosis of Fetal Corpus Callosum Abnormalities and Follow-up Analysis
Authors: Li Xu , Wang Qing
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

We analyzed the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) manifestations of fetal corpus callosum abnormalities and discussed their prognosis based on the results of postnatal follow up.

Methods:

One hundred fifty-five fetuses were diagnosed with corpus callosum abnormalities by MRI at our hospital from 2004 to 2019. Gesell Development Scales were used to evaluate the prognosis of corpus callosum abnormalities after birth.

Results:

Corpus callosum abnormalities were diagnosed in 149 fetuses from singleton pregnancies, and 6 pairs of twins, 1 in each pair is a corpus callosum abnormality. Twenty-seven cases (27/155) were lost to follow up, whereas 128 cases (128/155) were followed up. Of these, 101 cases were induced for labor, whereas 27 cases were born naturally. Among the 27 cases of corpus callosum abnormality after birth, 22 cases were from singleton pregnancies (22/27). Moreover, 1 twin from each of 5 pairs of twins (5/27) demonstrated corpus callosum abnormalities. The average Gesell Development Scale score was 87.1 in 19 cases of agenesis of the corpus callosum and 74.9 in 3 cases of hypoplasia of the corpus callosum. Among the 5 affected twins, 2 had severe neurodevelopmental delay, 2 had mild neurodevelopmental delay, and 1 was premature and died.

Conclusion:

The overall prognosis of agenesis of the corpus callosum is good in singleton pregnancies. Hypoplasia of the corpus callosum is often observed with other abnormalities, and the development quotient of hypoplasia of the corpus callosum is lower compared with agenesis of the corpus callosum. Corpus callosum abnormalities may occur in one twin, in whom the risk may be increased.
Indicators of Crash Risk in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Analysis From the ACTIVE Study
Authors: Ball Karlene K. , Clay Olivio J. , Edwards Jerri D. , Fausto Bernadette A. , Wheeler Katie M. , Felix Cynthia , Ross Lesley A.
Published: July 2021

Objective: This study aims to examine indicators of crash risk longitudinally in older adults ( n = 486). Method: This study applied secondary data analyses of the 10 years of follow-up for the ACTIVE study combined with state-recorded crash records from five of the six participating sites. Cox proportional hazards models were first used to examine the effect of each variable of interest at baseline after controlling for miles driven and then to assess the three cognitive composites as predictors of time to at-fault crash in covariate-adjusted models. Results: Older age, male sex, and site location were each predictive of higher crash risk. Additionally, worse scores on the speed of processing cognitive composite were associated with higher crash risk. Discussion: Results support previous findings that both age and male sex are associated with higher crash risk. Our significant finding of site location could be attributed to the population density of our testing sites and transportation availability.
Looking for Semantic Similarity: What a Vector-Space Model of Semantics Can Tell Us About Attention in Real-World Scenes
Authors: Hayes Taylor R. , Henderson John M.
Published: July 2021

The visual world contains more information than we can perceive and understand in any given moment. Therefore, we must prioritize important scene regions for detailed analysis. Semantic knowledge gained through experience is theorized to play a central role in determining attentional priority in real-world scenes but is poorly understood. Here, we examined the relationship between object semantics and attention by combining a vector-space model of semantics with eye movements in scenes. In this approach, the vector-space semantic model served as the basis for a concept map, an index of the spatial distribution of the semantic similarity of objects across a given scene. The results showed a strong positive relationship between the semantic similarity of a scene region and viewers’ focus of attention; specifically, greater attention was given to more semantically related scene regions. We conclude that object semantics play a critical role in guiding attention through real-world scenes.
Gelatinous transformation of bone marrow in a rabbit
Authors: Alonso Flavio H. , Tarbert Danielle K. , Wu BinXi , Rodriguez Paula , Christopher Mary M.
Published: July 2021

A 9-y-old, spayed female rabbit was presented for evaluation of hypoglycemia and lateral recumbency. The patient was hypothermic and had diffuse muscle wasting; weight loss since a previous visit was also noted. Hematologic abnormalities included progressive nonregenerative anemia and severe heteropenia. Evaluation of a bone marrow aspirate sample revealed active hematopoiesis with abundant pink matrix. The matrix material stained positively with periodic acid–Schiff and alcian blue, and a diagnosis of gelatinous transformation of the bone marrow (GTBM, serous atrophy of fat) was made. Although its precise prevalence remains to be determined, GTBM should be suspected in rabbits with persistent cytopenias following prolonged starvation or gastrointestinal disease.
Cancer of unknown primary in a mare: case report and comparative pathology review
Authors: Brinker Emily J. , Ceriotti Serena , Naskou Maria C. , Spangler Elizabeth A. , Groover Erin S. , Neto Rachel L. A. L. T.
Published: July 2021

A 25-y-old Percheron mare was admitted to the teaching hospital because of lethargy and intractable dyspnea. Thoracoabdominal ultrasound examination identified severe peritoneal effusion, mild bilateral pleural effusion, and a diffuse pulmonary nodular pattern. Cytology of peritoneal fluid revealed a hypercellular sample with clusters of neoplastic polygonal cells and admixed macrophages. Euthanasia was followed by postmortem examination; marked bi-cavitary effusion was present, and innumerable up to 4-cm diameter, round-to-floriform nodules were diffusely evident throughout serosal surfaces as well as the pulmonary and hepatic parenchyma. Disseminated adenocarcinoma, predominantly affecting lung and liver with widespread serosal implantation, was confirmed on light microscopy. Neoplastic cells had strong immunolabeling for pancytokeratin and lacked immunoreactivity to vimentin, napsin A, and Pax8. Cytokeratin 7 and thyroid transcription factor-1 were non-contributory given absent and inconsistent internal control reactivity, respectively. Such results, combined with the lack of a major mass that would indicate a primary site, were supportive of carcinoma of unknown primary site, which remains a conundrum in human oncology, and is poorly explored in veterinary medicine, mainly as a result of clinical and diagnostic limitations.
Mothering Identity Experiences: A Backwards Glance
Authors: Simmons Robyn T. , Coker Kelly , Hanks Brooks B. , Sheperis Donna S. , Bohecker Lynn
Published: July 2021

Aspects of human growth and development have been studied since the inception of psychology as a field of science. The impact of the quality of mothering on children has been highly researched. However, little attention has been paid in the professional literature to the experiences of mothers as their children move through developmental stages. The focus of this hermeneutic phenomenology study was to investigate how mothers’ experiences of their child's growth and development changed her perceptions of her identity and herself. Participants were eight women who had launched the oldest child from the home within the last 2 years. Extensive data analysis and triangulation procedures were conducted to develop themes. Universal themes experienced by all participants were categorized as internal (questioning, comparison, being purposeful, and feeling supported) and external (experiencing joy). Some participant experiences were influenced by incidental themes such as subsequent children, expectations versus reality, and spirituality. Participants’ experience of their mothering role was also impacted by the process of letting go through the developmental progression of their children. Clinical implications are discussed.
Effect of a tilting reflective plane on the performance of an active noise control system
Authors: Boodoo Sajaad , Paurobally Mohammad R , Bissessur Yasdeo
Published: July 2021

This article presents the results of an investigation of the noise reduction performance of a single-channel active noise control system in the presence of a tilting reflective plane. It is shown that the noise reduction achieved by the system depends upon the orientation angle of the panel and on the separation distances between both the primary and the secondary source and the reflective panel. It is also observed that the maximum noise reduction is obtained when the reflective panel is vertical and when the separation distance is less than about 0.13 of the wavelength at the frequency of interest. When the panel is moved away, the maximum noise reduction occurs at other tilting angles. Experiments were carried out in a real living room which is close to real-life situations. It is found that there is an improvement in the extent of the quiet zone in the presence of the panel. The reduction in sound pressure level is also better with the reflective panel, which is up to 20 dB.
What are the competency requirements for clinical pharmacist verification of systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) prescribed within a clinical trial? A consensus study
Authors: Gilluley Nikki , Bennie Marion , Elliott Ben
Published: July 2021

Background

Since 2005 it has been a legal requirement in Scotland to have a suitably trained pharmacist verify SACT prescriptions. Published information for verification of SACT does not currently cover SACT prescribed within a clinical trial and the additional knowledge this requires. This poses the question of how pharmacists are deemed suitably trained to competently verify SACT prescribed within a clinical trial to ensure patient safety and service efficiency.

Aim

To determine and gain consensus on the competency requirements for clinical pharmacist verification of SACT prescribed within a clinical trial.

Method

A two stage process was adopted. Firstly, a Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was conducted with a multi-disciplinary expert panel (n = 7) from National Health Service (NHS) Lothian, part of the South East Scotland Cancer Network (SCAN). Secondly, a national survey was distributed to expert cancer care pharmacists with experience in clinical trial verification across NHS Scotland (n = 86).

Results

Of the 28 competencies proposed, 100% achieved consensus and were deemed important by the expert panel during the NGT. From the national survey, 26 (92.9%) of the competencies achieved national agreement and were considered transferable across Scotland. The final national competencies were split into four categories: general trial background (n = 13); calculations, laboratory results and toxicity assessments (n = 7); administration details (n = 3); prescription and patient details (n = 3). Based on the themes identified during the NGT the final national competencies were further split into two suggested complexity levels; Level 1 (core) and Level 2 (advanced).

Conclusion

The competency requirements for clinical pharmacist verification of SACT prescribed within a clinical trial were defined for national use across Scotland. The competencies were split into four categories and two complexity levels. Further work will be required to identify training requirements, develop a training programme to support these and to determine how these competencies should be assessed. In addition, further work could be undertaken to develop a United Kingdom wide competency framework based on the results of this study.
Bending fatigue of single-wall and double-wall corrugated paperboards under sinusoidal and random loads
Authors: Wang Zhi-Wei , Lai Yang-Zhou , Wang Li-Jun
Published: July 2021

The bending fatigue tests of single-wall and double-wall corrugated paperboards were conducted to obtain the εrms– N curves under sinusoidal and random loads in this paper. The εrms– N equation of corrugated paperboard can be described by modified Coffin–Manson model considering the effect of mean stress. Four independent fatigue parameters are obtained for single-wall and double-wall corrugated paperboards. The εrms– N curve under random load moves left and rotates clockwise compared with that under sinusoidal load. The fatigue life under random load is much less than that under sinusoidal load, and the fatigue design of corrugated box should be based on the fatigue result under random load. The stiffness degradation and energy dissipation of double-wall corrugated paperboard before approaching fatigue failure are very different from that of single-wall one. For double-wall corrugated paperboard, two turning points occur in the stiffness degradation, and fluctuation occurs in the energy dissipation. Different from metal materials, the bending fatigue failure of corrugated paperboard is a process of wrinkle forming, spreading, and folding. The results obtained have practical values for the design of vibration fatigue of corrugated box.
Leadership for SDG 6.2: Is Diversity Missing?
Authors: Worsham Kimberly , Sylvester Ruth , Hales Georgia , McWilliams Kelsey , Luseka Euphresia
Published: July 2021

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the global sanitation sector have not been the subject of extensive investigation or scrutiny. However, without diverse leadership, the sector will continue to experience failure, inefficient use of dwindling resources, and overall low sanitation coverage rates, with 2 billion people lacking sanitation access. This research presents the first quantitative study of sanitation leadership demographics. The results revealed that older, white males from High-Income Countries comprised over a third of all leadership positions. This research found that two-thirds of all sanitation leaders were white, with white leaders 8.7 times more likely to hold multiple positions across different organizations than Black, Indigenous, or other People of Color. Eighty-eight out of one hundred organizations were headquartered in a High-Income Country, and western institutions dominated education data. Black, Indigenous, and other Women of Color were the least represented group, highlighting the importance of an intersectional perspective when discussing gender and racial equality. These issues must be urgently addressed if the Sustainable Development Goal 6.2 targets are to be met effectively. Institutional reform, inclusive hiring policies, and transforming individual attitudes are starting points for change. More organizational data should be made available, and further research needs to be conducted on these topics if a change is to be seen in time for 2030.
Early Exposure is Necessary for the Lifespan Extension Effects of Cocoa in C. elegans
Authors: Munasinghe Mihiri , Almotayri Abdullah , Thomas Jency , Heydarian Deniz , Jois Markandeya
Published: July 2021

Background:

We previously showed that cocoa, a rich source of polyphenols improved the age-associated health and extended the lifespan in C. elegans when supplemented starting from L1 stage.

Aim:

In this study, we aimed to find out the effects of timing of cocoa exposure on longevity improving effects and the mechanisms and pathways involved in lifespan extension in C. elegans.

Methods:

The standard E. coli OP50 diet of wild type C. elegans was supplemented with cocoa powder starting from different larval stages (L1, L2, L3, and L4) till the death, from L1 to adult day 1 and from adult day 1 till the death. For mechanistic studies, different mutant strains of C. elegans were supplemented with cocoa starting from L1 stage till the death. Survival curves were plotted, and mean lifespan was reported.

Results:

Cocoa exposure starting from L1 stage till the death and till adult day 1 significantly extended the lifespan of worms. However, cocoa supplementation at other larval stages as well as at adulthood could not extend the lifespan, instead the lifespan was significantly reduced. Cocoa could not extend the lifespan of daf-16, daf-2, sir-2.1, and clk-1 mutants.

Conclusion:

Early-start supplementation is essential for cocoa-mediated lifespan extension which is dependent on insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway and mitochondrial respiration.
Randomized controlled trial of technology-assisted case management in low-income adults with type 2 diabetes: Effect on quality of life and blood pressure
Authors: Egede Leonard E , Dawson Aprill Z , Walker Rebekah J , Garraci Emma , Knapp Rebecca G
Published: July 2021

Introduction

A novel randomized controlled trial tested the efficacy of a technology-assisted case management program in a low income, rural population previously where nurses titrated medication over the phone instead of in a clinic. The primary analysis showed significant improvement in glycemic control at 6 months post-randomization decreasing hemoglobin A1c by 1%. This study aimed to test if the intervention was also effective at decreasing blood pressure without compromising quality of life.

Methods

A total of 113 adults with poorly controlled diabetes (hemoglobin A1c ≥ 8%) were randomly assigned to the technology-assisted case management intervention or usual care. Participants received a 2-in-1 telehealth system to monitor glycemic and blood pressure control, which was uploaded daily to a central server. A nurse case manager was trained to titrate medication under physician supervision every 2 weeks based on the readings. Outcomes were blood pressure and quality of life (12-item Short-Form Health Survey) at 6 months. Baseline adjusted mixed models using a random intercept were used to evaluate change at 6 months for the technology-assisted case management intervention group compared to usual care.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in systolic blood pressure, physical component of quality of life, or mental component of quality of life between the technology-assisted case management and control group. However, there was a significant change in diastolic blood pressure over time, with the technology-assisted case management group decreasing at 6 months ( p = .05), whereas the control group remained stable.

Conclusions

Technology-assisted case management by a nurse with medication titration under physician supervision was efficacious in improving diastolic blood pressure without compromising quality of life in low-income rural adults with diabetes.
Early childhood teachers’ perceptions and management of parental concerns about their child’s digital technology use in kindergarten
Authors: Schriever Vicki
Published: July 2021

Young children use, engage with, and experience digital technologies in their home and early childhood settings, yet their presence and use can be fraught with tensions and uncertainties. This paper reports on an Australian study focusing on how early childhood teachers perceive and manage parental concerns about their child’s digital technology use in kindergarten. Grounded theory was the methodological approach used to give insights into the early childhood teachers lived experiences. The findings revealed that early childhood teachers who taught kindergarten children, aged three-and-a-half to four-and-a-half years of age, experienced parents voicing concerns about their child’s digital technology use and made requests for mediation. Differences were identified between the children’s home environment and kindergarten setting regarding children’s access to digital devices, expectations for use and digital mediation practices. To manage the concerns parents raised, early childhood teachers endeavoured to educate and reassure parents about the nature of digital technology use in kindergarten. This paper invites early childhood professionals to reflect on how they respond to parental concerns about digital technology and to consider the role they play in educating parents about how digital technologies are used in kindergarten.
Carotid Doppler Ultrasound: Beyond Stenosis
Authors: Kwarcinski Thomas , Clemons Matthew Paul , Gorrell David , Griesbach Chad C. , Hejl Wesley , Moore Alastair , Haberman Amy
Published: July 2021

Carotid Doppler ultrasound is frequently used to evaluate for stenosis when a patient presents with stroke-like symptoms. This article aims to increase awareness of various sonographic findings associated with less common scenarios encountered when interpreting carotid Doppler examinations, such as aortic stenosis, aortic insufficiency, cardiac assist devices, and carotid-internal jugular fistula. Ultimately, carotid Doppler ultrasound is a useful tool in diagnosis and subsequent management of a multitude of clinical scenarios that may be encountered when interpreting carotid ultrasounds.
KeyLoop: Mechanical Retraction of the Abdominal Wall for Gasless Laparoscopy
Authors: Gupta Aryaman , Brown Erin , Davis Joseph T. , Sekabira John , Ramanujam Nimmi , Mueller Jenna , Fitzgerald Tamara N.
Published: July 2021

Background. Despite favorable outcomes of laparoscopic surgery in high-income countries, its implementation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is challenging given a shortage of consumable supplies, high cost, and risk of power outages. To overcome these barriers, we designed a mechanical retractor that provides vertical tension on the anterior abdominal wall. Methods. The retractor design is anatomically and mathematically optimized to provide exposure similar to traditional gas-based insufflation methods. Anatomical data from computed tomography scans were used to define retractor size. The retractor is constructed of biocompatible stainless steel rods and paired with a table-mounted lifting system to provide 5 degrees of freedom. Structural integrity was assessed through finite element analysis (FEA) and load testing. Functional testing was performed in a laparotomy model. Results. A user guide based on patient height and weight was created to customize retractor size, and 4 retractor sizes were constructed. FEA data using a 13.6 kg mass (15 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum) show a maximum of 30 mm displacement with no permanent deformation. Physical load testing with applied weight from 0 to 13.6 kg shows a maximum of 60 mm displacement, again without permanent deformation. Retraction achieved a 57% larger field of view compared to an unretracted state in a laparotomy model. Conclusions. The KeyLoop retractor maintains structural integrity, is easily sterilized, and can be readily manufactured, making it a viable alternative to traditional insufflation methods. For surgeons and patients in LMICs, the KeyLoop provides a means to increase access to laparoscopic surgery.
On the use of leading safety indicators in maritime and their feasibility for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships
Authors: Wróbel Krzysztof , Gil Mateusz , Krata Przemysław , Olszewski Karol , Montewka Jakub
Published: July 2021

Although the safety of prospective Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships will largely depend on their ability to detect potential hazards and react to them, the contemporary scientific literature lacks the analysis of how to achieve this. This could be achieved through an application of leading safety indicators. The aim of the performed study was to identify the research directions of leading safety indicators in three safety-critical operational aspects of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships: collision avoidance, intact stability, and communication. To achieve this, literature review is performed, taking into account scientific documents including journal and conference papers. The results indicate that the need for establishing operational leading safety indicators is recognized by numerous scholars, who sometimes make suggestions of what the set of indicators shall consist of. Some leading safety indicators for autonomous vessels are readily identifiable in the scientific literature and used in current practice. However, the research effort is lacking a holistic approach to the issue.
Analysis of Radiographic Spinopelvic Parameters in Patients With Degenerative Lumbar Kyphoscoliosis
Authors: Ge Rile , Yang Peng , Liu Xin , Wen Bingtao , Guo Zhaoqing , Chen Zhongqiang
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

To analyze the relationships between coronal and sagittal spinopelvic parameters in degenerative lumbar kyphoscoliosis (DLKS).

Methods:

We enrolled 75 patients with DLKS for a radiographic study between January 2016 and September 2018. Correlations between coronal and sagittal spinopelvic radiographic parameters were analyzed. Then patients were divided into 2 groups: sagittal balanced group (SVA< = 5 cm, 30 patients) and sagittal imbalanced group (SVA >5 cm, 45 patients), and relevant parameters were compared.

Results:

The Cobb angle and lumbar lordosis of the DLKS patients were 24.87 ± 11.59° and 17.26 ± 12.24°, respectively. The average age was 68 years old (range: 42-82), and the sex ratio was 2.6:1 (female: 54 patients; male: 21 patients). 50 patients (66.7%) located convexity of the curve at left side, while 25 patients (33.3%) at right side. The Cobb angle correlated with LL-TK (r = −0.228, p = 0.049), LL (r = −0.255, p = 0.027) and SS (r = −0.232, p = 0.045). There were significant differences in PI-LL (t = −3.484, P = 0.001), LL-TK (t = 2.354, P = 0.023), PI (t = −3201, P = 0.002) and PT (t = −2.521, P = 0.014) between sagittal balanced and imbalanced group.

Conclusions:

In degenerative lumbar kyphoscoliosis, there are some correlations between coronal and sagittal spinopelvic parameters. Moreover, PI-LL, LL-TK, PI, PT were significantly different between sagittal balanced and imbalanced DLKS patients.
Depressive Symptoms, Perceived Stress, Self-Compassion and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Among Emerging Adults: An Examination of the Between and Within-Person Associations Over Time
Authors: Boyne Holly , Hamza Chloe A.
Published: July 2021

Many emerging adults report experiencing mental health challenges (e.g., depressive symptoms and perceived stress) during the transition to university. These mental health challenges often coincide with increased engagement in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI; e.g., self-cutting or burning without lethal intent), but longitudinal research exploring the nature of the associations among depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and NSSI are lacking. In the present study, it was examined whether depressive symptoms and perceived stress predicted increased risk for NSSI over time (or the reverse), and whether these effects were mediated or moderated by self-compassion. The sample consisted of 1,125 university students ( Mage = 17.96 years, 74% female), who completed an online survey three times in first year university. A random intercept cross-lagged panel model revealed that higher depressive symptoms, perceived stress, NSSI, and lower self-compassion often co-occurred, but only NSSI predicted increased perceived stress over time. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Bilateral ovarian cysts of mature cystic teratoma and Endometrioma: Its surgical challenges and review of literature
Authors: Bindra Vimee , Reddy Mamatha , Mohanty Girija Shankar , Agarwal Neha , Kulkarni Aditya
Published: July 2021

Teratomas are most frequent germ cell tumors of ovary with an incidence of 15%–20% of all ovarian neoplasm while endometriomas are present in 25.5%–45% of women with pelvic endometriosis. In spite of their increased individual incidence, association of cystic teratomas and ovarian endometriomas is extremely rare. Our case is that of a 33-year-old nulligravida who presented with heavy menstrual flow and pain during periods for last few months, ultrasonography revealed 74 × 57 mm mass in right adnexa-likely ovarian dermoid, enlarged left ovary with two small cysts of size 33 × 29 mm and 25 × 20 mm likely endometrioma, managed by laparoscopy, found to have left ovarian endometrioma of 6 × 6 cm and right ovarian dermoid cyst of 10 × 8 cm size, histopathology confirmed the same. This association of teratoma in one ovary and endometrioma in other ovary of same patient poses a surgical challenge, when it affects young and nulliparous women. Further follow up is mandatory for this simultaneous finding of ovarian endometriosis with coincidental dermoid cyst to assess ovarian reserve, recurrence of either of the cysts, and it also presents a challenge to clinicians to predict the post-operative course of such cases.
The gender dimension of the 2020 Belarusian protest: Does female engagement contribute to the establishment of gender equality?
Authors: Navumau Vasil , Matveieva Olga
Published: July 2021

One of the distinctive traits of the Belarusian ‘revolution-in-the-making’, sparked by alleged falsifications during the presidential elections and brutal repressions of protest afterwards, has been a highly visible gender dimension. This article is devoted to the analysis of this gender-related consequences of protest activism in Belarus. Within this research, the authors analyse the role of the female movement in the Belarusian uprising and examine, and to which extent this involvement expands the public sphere and contributes to the changes in gender-related policies. To do this, the authors conducted seven semi-structured in-depth interviews with the gender experts and activists – four before and four after the protests.
“Still a bit uncomfortable, to be an arm of the state”: Making sense and subjects of counter-extremism in the UK and Morocco
Authors: Bastani Niyousha , Gazzotti Lorena
Published: July 2021

Countering violent extremism (CVE) policies infiltrate every corner of public life, travelling across the Global North and South. However, scholars have under-analysed the perspective of those charged with CVE’s implementation, and have treated CVE in a spatial binary, implying that its operationalisations in the Global North and South are conceptually distinct. This article presents a comparative political ethnography of CVE projects framed as care provision in the field of education in Morocco and the UK. It asks, how is CVE rationalised for and by non-traditional security actors in education, such as university and NGO administrators, and how is it integrated into the ordinary across the North and the South? In both contexts, implementation does not “just” enrol those involved with care duties at their institution into the government of the “dangerous other.” It also shapes the self-governance of those transformed into hesitant security actors. This paper argues that implementers leverage the ‘normal politics’ of institutional care to implement the global counter-extremist agenda. CVE enters spaces of education globally through camouflage – it blends itself into existing understandings and practices of institutional care, whatever they may be. By working across the North and the South through similar mechanisms of sense and subject-making, CVE recruits implementers for the co-production of an expansive global geography of exclusion that locates marginalised young Muslims as global outsiders within.