bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of Knowledge, Attitude, and Determinants of Tuberculosis-Associated Stigma in Rural and Urban Communities of Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Oladele David A. , Balogun Mobolanle R. , Odeyemi Kofoworola , Salako Babatunde L.
Published: December 2020

Background. Tuberculosis (TB) is an important public health concern in Nigeria. TB-associated stigma could lead to delayed diagnosis and care, treatment default, and multidrug resistance. Understanding of TB-associated stigma is therefore important for TB control. The study is aimed at determining and comparing the knowledge, attitude, and determinants of TB-associated stigma. Methodology. This was a comparative cross-sectional study among adults in urban and rural areas of Lagos State, Nigeria. Respondents were selected through a multistage sampling technique and interviewed using a semistructured questionnaire, which contained the Explanatory Model Interviewed Catalogue (EMIC) stigma scale. IBM SPSS Statistics Software package version 20 was used for analysis. Results. A total of 790 respondents were interviewed. High proportions of respondents in rural and urban areas were aware of TB (97.5% and 99.2%, respectively). Respondents in the urban areas had overall better knowledge of TB compared to the rural areas (59.4% vs. 23%;

p
<
0.001

), while respondents in the rural areas had a better attitude to TB (60.5% vs. 49.9%;

p
=
0.002

). The majority of respondents in rural and urban areas had TB-associated stigma (93% and 95.7%, respectively). The mean stigma score was higher in the urban compared to rural areas (

17.43
±
6.012

and

16.54
±
6.324

, respectively,

p
=
0.046

). Marital status and ethnicity were the predictors of TB-associated stigma in the rural communities (AOR-0.257; CI-0.086-0.761;

p
=
0.014

and AOR–3.09; CI-1.087-8.812;

p
=
0.034

, respectively), while average monthly income and age of respondents were the predictors of TB-associated stigma in urban areas (AOR–0.274; CI–0.009-0.807;

p
=
0.019

and AOR-0.212; CI–0.057-0.788;

p
=
0.021

, respectively). Conclusion. TB-associated stigma is prevalent in both rural and urban areas in this study. There is therefore a need to disseminate health appropriate information through the involvement of the community. Also, innovative stigma reduction activities are urgently needed.
Network Similarity Measure and Ediz Eccentric Connectivity Index
Authors: Yu Guihai , Chen Xinzhuang
Published: December 2020

Network similarity measures have proven essential in the field of network analysis. Also, topological indices have been used to quantify the topology of networks and have been well studied. In this paper, we employ a new topological index which we call the Ediz eccentric connectivity index. We use this quantity to define network similarity measures as well. First, we determine the extremal value of the Ediz eccentric connectivity index on some network classes. Second, we compare the network similarity measure based on the Ediz eccentric connectivity index with other well-known topological indices such as Wiener index, graph energy, Randić index, the largest eigenvalue, the largest Laplacian eigenvalue, and connectivity eccentric index. Numerical results underpin the usefulness of the chosen measures. They show that our new measure outperforms all others, except the one based on Wiener index. This means that the measure based on Wiener index is still the best, but the new one has certain advantage to some extent.
Physicochemical Studies on the Interaction between Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate and Methylene Blue in Methanol-Water Mixed Solvent Media
Authors: Shah Pawan , Jha Nilam , Bhattarai Ajaya
Published: December 2020

The surface activity and the process of micellization of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) with methylene blue (MB) in a methanol-water mixed solvent system were investigated by tensiometry and conductometry at 298.15 K. The measurements of surface tension and conductivity of SDS-MB complex were carried up to 0.3 volume fractions of methanol because the resulting complex appeared turbid above 0.3 volume fractions of methanol. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the SDS was determined from both tensiometry and conductometry. The CMC of SDS increased with the increasing volume fraction of methanol due to the inclusion of methanol in the micelles and decreased in the presence of methylene blue due to the reduction of electrostatic repulsion within the anionic moiety of SDS by the positive charge of the added dye. Different properties like surface excess concentration

Γ

max

, minimum surface area

A

min

, Gibbs free energy of micellization

Δ

G
m
o

, surface pressure (

π

CMC

), efficiency of a surfactant (

p

C

20

), packing parameter

P

, and standard free energy interfacial adsorption

Δ

G

ads

o

of SDS in the absence/presence of MB were calculated. On the basis of

Δ

G
m
o

values, it was noticed that the increasing volume fraction of methanol disfavors the micellization of SDS, while the presence of MB increased the efficiency of SDS making the micellization process more spontaneous.
Stability Analysis and Derived Control Measures for Rock Surrounding a Roadway in a Lower Coal Seam under Concentrated Stress of a Coal Pillar
Authors: Sun Zhuoyue , Wu Yongzheng , Lu Zhiguo , Feng Youliang , Chu Xiaowei , Yi Kang
Published: December 2020

Numerical simulations have often been used in close-distance coal seam studies. However, numerical simulations can contain certain subjective and objective limitations, such as high randomness and excessively simplified models. In this study, close-distance coal seams were mechanically modeled based on the half-plane theory. An analytical solution of the floor stress distribution was derived and visualized using Mathematica software. The principal stress difference was regarded as a stability criterion for the rock surrounding the roadway. Then, the evolution laws of the floor principal stress difference under different factors that influence stability were further examined. Finally, stability control measures for the rock surrounding the roadway in the lower coal seam were proposed. The results indicated the following: (1) The principal stress difference of the floor considers the centerline of the upper coal pillar as a symmetry axis and transmits radially downward. The principal stress difference in the rock surrounding the roadway gradually decreases as the distance from the upper coal pillar increases and can be ranked in the following order: left rib > roof > right rib. (2) The minimum principal stress difference zones are located at the center of the left and right “spirals,” which are obliquely below the edge of the upper coal pillar. This is an ideal position for the lower coal seam roadway. (3) The shallowness of the roadway, a small stress concentration coefficient, high level of coal cohesion, large coal internal friction angle, and appropriate lengthening of the working face of the upper coal seam are conducive to the stability of the lower coal seam roadway. (4) Through bolt (cable) support, borehole pressure relief, and pregrouting measures, the roof-to-floor and rib-to-rib convergence of the 13313 return airway is significantly reduced, and the stability of the rock surrounding the roadway is substantially improved. This research provides a theoretical basis and field experience for stabilizing the lower coal seam roadways in close-distance coal seams.
Preparation and Performance Assessment of Asphalt Emulsion Modified by the Fabricated SBS Latex
Authors: He Rui , Liang Yingping , Gao Lining , Chen Huaxin , Yang Ben , Guo Fengjun , Geng Jiuguang
Published: December 2020

Polymer modified asphalt emulsion (PMAE) has recently been proven to be one of the most effective methods to overcome the common distress of asphalt surface treatments, such as abrasion, rutting, ravelling, and poor durability. Because of the limited research studies about the preparation of PMAE using SBS latex, a new method to prepare SBS latex was developed and the feasibility of using it in preparing SBS latex modified asphalt emulsion (SBS‐LMAE) was verified in this study. The optimized swelling parameters for linear SBS solutions were swelling 24 h at the temperature of 50°C with the toluene/SBS (T/S) mass ratios of 2.5 : 1 to 2.0 : 1 which was determined according to the analysis of viscosity and Tyndall effect. After that, the SBS latex with favorable dispersivity and stability was successfully fabricated with the T/S ratio of 2.0 : 1. At last, the well‐specified SBS‐LMAE was prepared using the fabricated latex and tested for its conventional performances and microstructure. The results show that the SBS‐LMAE samples all meet the main requirements of PMAE for microsurfacing and possess appropriate uniformity and stability.
Association of Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio and the Presence of Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Li Tiewei , Dong Geng , Zhang Min , Xu Zhe , Hu Yidi , Xie Bo , Wang Yuewu , Xu Bangli
Published: December 2020

The neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an emerging risk factor of sepsis that is receiving increasing attention. However, the relationship between NLR and the presence of sepsis in neonates is poorly studied. Here, we retrospectively recruited 1480 neonates and collected and analyzed relevant clinical and laboratory data. According to the International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus, 737 neonates were diagnosed with sepsis, and 555 neonates were suspected for having infection. Neonates with hyperbilirubinemia (

n
=
188

) served as controls. Neonates with sepsis had significantly elevated neutrophil counts and NLR (

P
<
0.001

). The proportion of neonates with sepsis increased significantly from 41.6% when

NLR
<
0.91

to 66.2% when

NLR
>
1.88

group (

P
<
0.001

). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that NLR was an independent risk factor for the presence of neonatal sepsis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off value NLR for predicting the presence of neonatal sepsis was 1.62 (

area
 
under
 
curve
 

AUC

=
0.63

, 95% CI 0.60–0.66,

P
<
0.001

). In conclusion, our data suggest that elevated NLR levels are associated with a higher neonatal sepsis risk.
Adaptive Visually Servoed Tracking Control for Wheeled Mobile Robot with Uncertain Model Parameters in Complex Environment
Authors: Wang Fujie , Qin Yi , Guo Fang , Ren Bin , Yeow John T. W.
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates the stabilization and trajectory tracking problem of wheeled mobile robot with a ceiling-mounted camera in complex environment. First, an adaptive visual servoing controller is proposed based on the uncalibrated kinematic model due to the complex operation environment. Then, an adaptive controller is derived to provide a solution of uncertain dynamic control for a wheeled mobile robot subject to parametric uncertainties. Furthermore, the proposed controllers can be applied to a more general situation where the parallelism requirement between the image plane and operation plane is no more needed. The overparameterization of regressor matrices is avoided by exploring the structure of the camera-robot system, and thus, the computational complexity of the controller can be simplified. The Lyapunov method is employed to testify the stability of a closed-loop system. Finally, simulation results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the suggested control.
Development of a Novel Sensor System Based on Magnetic Microspheres to Detect Cardiac Troponin T
Authors: Zhang Junrong , Liu Hongxiang , Xu Baofeng , Huang Sijun , Liu Rui , Zhu Jinming , Guo Yi , Xu Li
Published: December 2020

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) causes irreversible injury to cardiomyocytes in a short time and may result in various complications, severely threatening patient safety. Therefore, it is necessary to predict the possibility of AMI in the prophase. Prognostic detection of biomarkers that specifically reflect myocardial damage in a patient’s blood has become an essential mediating measure to prevent the serious occurrence of AMI. The present study is aimed at exploring a novel sensing system with high specificity and precision based on magnetic microspheres developed to detect cardiac troponin T (cTnT), which is the most specific diagnostic marker for AMI in cardiovascular diseases. Naive human cTnT protein in serum samples and antigens on functional magnetic microspheres will competitively bind with limited specific antibodies. After rapid removal of heterogeneous elements in the sera using a magnetic separator, fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled immunoglobulin G is added to react with specific antibodies on the magnetic microspheres. Then, a flow cytometer is used to collect signals of different fluorescence intensities. The results show that the method is characterized by economy, high accuracy, and novelty. It can be used for the detection of cTnT in blood at 1.7–106.1 ng/mL, with a detection limit of 0.5 ng/mL. Thus, the proposed sensor improves the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis before clinical deterioration of AMI.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation on the Influence of the Rate of Injection (Roi) on Engine Performance for B100 Fuel Control Strategy in Diesel Engines
Authors: Ligan Noukpo Moïse , Ngayihi Abbe Claude Valery , Nkongho Anyi Joseph , Essola Dieudonné , Mezoue Cyrille , Mouangue Ruben , Nzengwa Robert
Published: December 2020

Maintaining the quality of breathing air in urban and industrial areas is one of the biggest challenges faced by humanity in the modern era. Diesel engines, as one of the main providers of energy supply for modern equipment and transport, are also unfortunately contributing highly to the deterioration of air quality. A recent research path on the limitation of diesel engine emissions is the use of alternative fuel from vegetable or animal fats or oil called biodiesel. Although the use of biodiesel has proven its efficiency in reducing emissions, it remains a problem to maintain the engine’s efficiency when shifting to biodiesel, especially due to its injection and atomization properties; most of the recent research focused on improving biodiesel fuel quality by blending it with traditional diesel fuel, but few works can be found on the regulation or control of diesel engine process when shifting to 100% biodiesel fuel (B100). This work proposes a fuel control strategy and methodology based on diesel engine operating data obtained from an experimentally designed rate of injection model (ROI) at different injection pressures and a jet and spray droplet distribution validated a two-zone model. Results show that B100 gives a higher amount of about 8% of injected fuel, a longer jet penetration of about 20 mm higher at 100 MPa injection pressure, a wider cone angle, and about a 40% increase of coarseness of the jet distribution. The experimental and numerical-based control strategy provides interacting relationships between B100 properties and specific engine features where actions shall be made to keep the engine’s efficiency when the shift is made; meanwhile, the algorithm provides a hierarchical step-by-step correcting procedure taking into account the possible degradation that could occur from the use of B100 in diesel engines.
Opportunities and Challenges in Drug Development for Pediatric Cancers
Authors: Laetsch Theodore W. , DuBois Steven G. , Bender Julia Glade , Macy Margaret E. , Moreno Lucas
Published: December 2020

The use of targeted small-molecule therapeutics and immunotherapeutics has been limited to date in pediatric oncology. Recently, the number of pediatric approvals has risen, and regulatory initiatives in the United States and Europe have aimed to increase the study of novel anticancer therapies in children. Challenges of drug development in children include the rarity of individual cancer diagnoses and the high prevalence of difficult-to-drug targets, including transcription factors and epigenetic regulators. Ongoing pediatric adaptation of biomarker-driven trial designs and further exploration of agents targeting non-kinase drivers constitute high-priority objectives for future pediatric oncology drug development.

Significance:

Increasing attention to drug development for children with cancer by regulators and pharmaceutical companies holds the promise of accelerating the availability of new therapies for children with cancer, potentially improving survival and decreasing the acute and chronic toxicities of therapy. However, unique approaches are necessary to study novel therapies in children that take into account low patient numbers, the pediatric cancer genomic landscape and tumor microenvironment, and the need for pediatric formulations. It is also critical to evaluate the potential for unique toxicities in growing hosts without affecting the pace of discovery for children with these life-threatening diseases.
Topical and Systemic Retinoids for the Treatment of Genital Warts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Oren-Shabtai Meital , Snast Igor , Lapidoth Moshe , Sherman Shany , Noyman Yehonatan , Mimouni Daniel , Hodak Emmilia , Levi Assi
Published: December 2020

Background: Genital warts, caused by the human papillomavirus, are a common sexually transmitted disease. The warts can regress spontaneously or exhibit a persistent clinical course. Various therapeutic modalities are available, yet none is curative, and there may be recurrences. Retinoids are considered the mainstay of therapy in many dermatologic diseases. Data on their use for genital warts are limited. Objective: To systematically review the published evidence on the efficacy and safety of retinoids for the treatment of genital warts. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of all publications evaluating topical or systemic retinoids for the treatment of genital warts was performed. The primary outcome was complete response (CR); the secondary outcomes were recurrence rate and adverse events. Results: Six publications were evaluated, three randomized controlled trials and three prospective cohort studies, including a total of 141 patients with genital warts treated exclusively with retinoids (90% with isotretinoin). CR rates were 100% for systemic etretinate (3 out of 3 patients, 95% CI 28–81%) and 56% for isotretinoin (95% CI 28–81%; I2 = 84%). Topical etretinate did not induce CR. The most common side effect of topical agents was irritant contact dermatitis (36%) and that of systemic agents mucocutaneous disorders (80%). The relapse rate was 12% for oral isotretinoin and was unavailable for the other modalities. Conclusions: Current data suggest that unlike topical retinoids, systemic retinoids are an effective and safe treatment for genital warts. Further studies are required to determine their specific role and the most effective regimen for each derivative.
Use of Anti-Dementia Drugs Reduces the Risk of Potentially Inappropriate Medications: A Secondary Analysis of a Nationwide Survey of Prescribing Pharmacies
Authors: Suzuki Yusuke , Sakakibara Mikio , Shiraishi Nariaki , Komiya Hitoshi , Akishita Masahiro , Kuzuya Masafumi
Published: December 2020

Aims: As the number of older people with dementia increases, safe pharmacotherapy in this population has attracted attention in recent years. The aims of this study were to clarify the prescribing patterns in older patients who were prescribed anti-dementia drugs and to investigate the association of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) with the use of anti-dementia drugs. Methods: Adults aged ≥65 years, who were prescribed anti-dementia drugs at 585 pharmacies across Japan (N = 7,953), were surveyed. The percentage of prescriptions of anti-dementia drugs and the effect of those prescriptions on PIMs were investigated. Results: Prescriptions of anti-dementia drugs were found in 4.4% of the entire study population. A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the use of anti-dementia drugs reduced the risk of prescribing psychotropic drugs, which represented PIMs, and that a combination of anti-dementia drugs (e.g., cholineesterase inhibitor with memantine) may reduce the risk of prescribing PIMs compared with monotherapy. Conclusion: The use of anti-dementia drugs was associated with fewer prescriptions of drugs considered as PIMs.
Arterial Thrombotic Complications of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Wu Melinda D. , Moslehi Javid J. , Lindner Jonathan R.
Published: December 2020

Abnormal expression or function of several classes of kinases contribute to the development of many types of solid and hematologic malignancies. TKs (tyrosine kinases) in particular play a role in tumor growth, metastasis, neovascularization, suppression of immune surveillance, and drug resistance. TKIs (tyrosine kinase inhibitors) targeted to TKs such as BCR-ABL1, VEGF receptors, PDGF receptors, have transformed therapy of certain forms of cancer by providing excellent efficacy with relatively low adverse event rates. Yet some of these agents have been associated with high rates of vascular events, presumably from prothrombotic complications that result in myocardial infarction, stroke, and critical limb ischemia. This review describes the scope of the problem evidenced by clinical experience with some of the most commonly used TKIs, with a focus on TKIs targeted to the BCR-ABL1 (breakpoint cluster region-Abelson 1) translocation. We also discuss the potential mechanisms responsible for arterial thrombotic complications that could lead to mitigation strategies or unique TK targeting strategies to reduce adverse event rates without compromising efficacy.
A Randomized Trial Evaluating Online 3-Dimensional Optical Frequency Domain Imaging–Guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Bifurcation Lesions
Authors: Onuma Yoshinobu , Kogame Norihiro , Sotomi Yohei , Miyazaki Yosuke , Asano Taku , Takahashi Kuniaki , Kawashima Hideyuki , Ono Masafumi , Katagiri Yuki , Kyono Hiroyuki , Nakatani Shimpei , Muramatsu Takashi , Sharif Faisal , Ozaki Yukio , Serruys Patrick W. , Okamura Takayuki ,   on behalf of OPTIMUM Investigators
Published: December 2020

Background:

Clinical implications of online 3-dimensional optical frequency domain imaging (3D-OFDI)-guided stenting for bifurcation lesions have not been investigated in the randomized controlled trials. The purpose of this study was to determine whether online 3D-OFDI-guided stenting is superior to angiography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in terms of incomplete stent apposition at the bifurcation segment.

Methods:

The OPTIMUM trial (Online 3-Dimensional Optical Frequency Domain Imaging to Optimize Bifurcation Stenting Using UltiMaster Stent) was a randomized, multicenter clinical trial. Eligible patients had an angiographically significant stenosis in the bifurcation lesion treated with a provisional single stent strategy using the Ultimaster sirolimus eluting stent. Patients were randomly allocated to either online 3D-OFDI-guided or angiography-guided PCI. Patients randomized to 3D-OFDI guidance underwent online 3D-OFDI assessment after rewiring into the jailed side branch after stenting and proximal optimization technique, while in the angiography guidance arm, rewiring was performed using conventional fluoroscopic/angiographic guidance. The primary end point of this trial was the postprocedural average percentage of malapposed struts per lesion assessed by OFDI in the confluence zone of the main and side branches.

Results:

Between June 8, 2017 and September 26, 2018, 110 patients with 111 bifurcation lesions were randomized at 4 Japanese centers. Of these, 56 patients with 57 lesions were treated with 3D-OFDI-guided PCI, whereas 54 patients with 54 lesions were treated with angiography-guided PCI. In the 3D-OFDI guidance arm, the feasibility of online 3D-OFDI was 98.2%. The average percentage of incomplete stent apposition per lesion at bifurcation was lower in the 3D-OFDI guidance arm than that in the angiography guidance arm (19.5±15.8% versus 27.5±14.2%,
P
=0.008). The superiority of the 3D-OFDI guidance arm was also confirmed in the strut level analysis (odds ratio: 0.54 [95% CI, 0.36–0.81];
P
=0.003).

Conclusions:

Online 3D-OFDI-guided bifurcation PCI was superior to angiography-guided bifurcation PCI in terms of acute incomplete stent apposition at bifurcation.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02972489.
Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Preclinical Target Organ Damage Among Adults in Ghana: Findings From a National Study
Authors: Li Jie , Owusu Isaac Kofi , Geng Qingshan , Folson Aba Ankomaba , Zheng Zhichao , Adu‐Boakye Yaw , Dong Xinran , Wu Wen‐Chih , Agyekum Francis , Fei Hongwen , Ayetey Harold , Deng Mulan , Adomako‐Boateng Fred , Jiang Zuxun , Abubakari Braimah Baba , Xian Zhao , Fokuoh Forster Nketiah , Appiah Lambert Tetteh , Liu Simin , Lin Chunying
Published: December 2020

Background

Although sub‐Saharan Africa has a high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), there remains a lack of systematic and comprehensive assessment of risk factors and early CVD outcomes in adults in sub‐Saharan Africa.

Methods and Results

Using a stratified multistage random sampling method, we recruited 1106 men and women, aged >18 years, from the general population in Ghana to participate in a national health survey from 2016 to 2017. In Ghanaian adults, the age‐standardized prevalence of known CVD risk factors was 15.1% (95% CI, 12.9%–17.3%) for obesity, 6.8% (95% CI, 5.1%–8.5%) for diabetes mellitus, 26.1% (95% CI, 22.9%–29.4%) for hypertension, and 9.3% (95% CI, 7.1%–11.5%) for hyperuricemia. In addition, 10.1% (95% CI, 7.0%–13.2%) of adults had peripheral artery disease, 8.3% (95% CI, 6.7%–10.0%) had carotid thickening, 4.1% (95% CI, 2.9%–5.2%) had left ventricular hypertrophy, and 2.5% (95% CI, 1.5%–3.4%) had chronic kidney disease. Three CVD risk factors appeared to play prominent roles in the development of target organ damage, including obesity for peripheral artery disease (odds ratio [OR], 2.22; 95% CI, 1.35–3.63), hypertension for carotid thickening (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.22–3.08), and left ventricular hypertrophy (OR, 5.28; 95% CI, 2.55–12.11) and hyperuricemia for chronic kidney disease (OR, 5.49; 95% CI, 2.84–10.65).

Conclusions

This comprehensive health survey characterized the baseline conditions of a national cohort of adults while confirming the prevalence of CVD risk factors, and early CVD outcomes have reached epidemic proportions in Ghana. The distinct patterns of risk factors in the development of target organ damage present important challenges and opportunities for interventions to improve cardiometabolic health among adults in Ghana.
Independent Impact of Peripheral Artery Disease on Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Perl Leor , Bental Tamir , Vaknin‐Assa Hana , Assali Abid , Codner Pablo , Talmor‐Barkan Yeela , Greenberg Gabriel , Samara Abed , Witberg Guy , Orvin Katia , Kornowski Ran
Published: December 2020

Background

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a known risk factor for adverse outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. However, in some studies PAD is not an independent risk factor. We sought to examine the independent impact of PAD on a large prospective percutaneous coronary intervention registry.

Methods and Results

From our single‐center prospective percutaneous coronary intervention registry, we have retrospectively analyzed 25 690 patients (years 2004–2018). We examined the influence of PAD on short‐ and long‐term outcomes using both regression and propensity‐matched analyses. Patients with documented PAD (n=1610, 6.3% of total) were older (66.7±10.8 versus 65.4±12.1,
P
<0.01), had higher rates of diabetes mellitus (69.3% versus 46.3%,
P
<0.01), hypertension (92.1% versus 76.1%,
P
<0.01) and renal failure (38.3% versus 18.2%,
P
<0.01). There were no differences in the rates of stable versus acute presentations, but less were treated with Prasugrel and Ticagrelor (3.3% versus 8.0% and 7.9% versus 11.9%, respectively,
P
<0.001 for both). Both 30‐day and 3‐year rates of all‐cause death and major adverse cardiac events were higher for patients with PAD versus control (4.9% versus 2.1% and 7.3% versus 3.3% death and major adverse cardiac events at 30 days, respectively; 43.4% versus 29.0% and 55.0% versus 37.8%, respectively at 3 years,
P
<0.001 for all). Following multivariate analysis, the presence of PAD was associated with a higher risk of both death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.66; CI 1.52–1.83;
P
<0.001) and major adverse cardiac events (HR, 1.51; CI, 1.40–1.64;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

PAD constitutes an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Further studies are needed to ascertain which effective therapies may mitigate this risk.
An Optimized Nontoxic Electrolytic Etching Procedure for Fine Art Printmaking
Authors: Bossmann Katharina , Covarrubias Jose , Yapa Asanka S. , Ingle Benjamin , Bossmann Stefan H. , Scuilla Jason
Published: December 2020

In their National Endowment for the Arts–funded project the authors sought to provide artists with an innovative method for creative expression using electrolytic etching techniques long used in the electronics and biotech industries. Using scientific methods, the electrolytic etching process was improved and then compared side by side with copper etched in ferric chloride after analysis with an AFM. The optimized electrolytic etching method proved to be superior to classical acid etching in intaglio printmaking.
Multiple Data
Authors: Hoffmann Christoph
Published: December 2020

Recent studies of scholarly data work argue that whatever researchers handle as data and, in particular, what researchers consider as potential evidence for supporting claims, counts as data. In this article I extend the relational approach towards data to the various ways of dealing with data in the course of a single research project. Relying on an example from ecology, I argue that data gain presence for and occupy researchers in manifold ways: for example, as a promise, desire or pressure, or as a problem of trust and strength. In this way we notice that data, in the eyes of researchers, have more than one mode of existence, each of which is linked with its own expectations, challenges and actions. And we notice that these modes of existence not only coexist in the framework of a single project, but can also compete with each other.
h-Index manipulation by undoing merges
Authors: van Bevern René , Komusiewicz Christian , Molter Hendrik , Niedermeier Rolf , Sorge Manuel , Walsh Toby
Published: December 2020

The h-index is an important bibliographic measure used to assess the performance of researchers. Dutiful researchers merge different versions of their articles in their Google Scholar profile even though this can decrease their h-index. In this article, we study the manipulation of the h-index by undoing such merges. In contrast to manipulation by merging articles, such manipulation is harder to detect. We present numerous results on computational complexity (from linear-time algorithms to parameterized computational hardness results) and empirically indicate that at least small improvements of the h-index by splitting merged articles are unfortunately easily achievable.
The Effect of Time Spent in Prison and Coping Styles on Psychological Distress in Inmates
Authors: Luke Riley J. , Daffern Michael , Skues Jason L. , Trounson Justin S. , Pfeifer Jeffrey E. , Ogloff James R. P.
Published: December 2020

Imprisonment can be an intensely stressful experience, and efforts to limit distress are critical to prevent adverse events such as suicide. This study examined whether time spent in prison predicted psychological distress in young adult and adult prisoners, and whether coping style moderated this relationship. While time spent in prison was not associated with distress, the use of avoidance coping was associated with higher levels of prisoner distress. Seeking social support was associated with lower levels of distress, but only for older adult prisoners. These results can be drawn upon to guide psychological treatments designed to lessen prisoner distress.
Praise Rather Than Solving Problems: Understanding the Doxological Turn of Laudato Si’ through Lonergan
Authors: Briola Lucas
Published: December 2020

This article employs the thought of Bernard Lonergan to understand the significance of Pope Francis’s doxological and eucharistic emphases in Laudato Si’. By drawing parallels between Lonergan’s identification of “general bias” (along with the “longer cycle of decline”) and Francis’s identification of the “technocratic paradigm” (along with its “ironclad logic”), the article shows why Francis makes doxology and the Eucharist central for the care of our common home and the implementation of an integral ecology that answers the cries of the earth and the poor. This conversation illustrates the radical, while pastorally focused, character of ecclesial mission outlined by Francis in Laudato Si’.
Comparison of Mindfulness With and Without Practice Among Women in Custody
Authors: Song Xiaolan , Zhao Huiwen , Lou Ting , Wang Yanming , Zheng Ming
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to explore the effects of standardized mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and MBCT training without practice on the negative mood of women in custody. Eighty participants were assigned to the standard MBCT group, theoretical learning group, or waitlist control group. We assessed participants’ mindfulness, stress, depression, and anxiety before and after the interventions. The results showed that, compared with controls, participants in the standard MBCT course showed significant improvement in depression and state anxiety; they also showed significant improvement in perceived stress. Although similar effects on depression were observed in the theoretical learning group, this group did not show decreased anxiety. These findings suggest that practice plays a crucial role in MBCT’s effects on female prisoners’ mental health. This study provides important insights into the application of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) as promising treatments for improving responsivity factors of the risk–need–responsivity model for female incarcerated populations.
The Relation Between Otolaryngology-Specific Symptoms and Computed Tomography Findings in Ambulatory Care COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Avcı Hakan , Karabulut Burak
Published: December 2020

Objective:

This study aimed to conduct a study to evaluate the relation between otolaryngology-specific symptoms and computed tomography findings in ambulatory care COVID-19 patients.

Patient and Methods:

The study was conducted with medical records of 987 (82%) patients with confirmed COVID-19 virus via real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction between March 11, 2020, and April 21, 2020. Patients were divided into 2 groups as computed tomography (CT)-negative and CT-positive groups considering the presence of the CT findings depicting COVID-19 disease.

Results:

The mean age was significantly higher in CT-positive group than CT-negative group (41.53 ± 12.82 vs 36.61 ± 11.81, P < .001). Cough and shortness of the breath were observed with a significantly higher rate in CT-positive group than that of CT-negative group (44% vs 29.9%, P = .001 and 18.4% vs 9.7%, P = .002, respectively).

Conclusions:

In conclusion, advanced age, cough, and shortness of breath could be related to CT scan positivity.
Influence and performance of user similarity metrics in followee prediction
Authors: Tommasel Antonela , Godoy Daniela
Published: December 2020

Followee recommendation is a problem rapidly gaining importance in Twitter as well as in other micro-blogging communities. Hence, understanding how users select whom to follow becomes crucial for designing accurate and personalised recommendation strategies. This work aims at shedding some light on how homophily drives the formation of user relationships by studying the influence of diverse recommendation factors on tie formation. The selected recommendation factors were studied considering multiple alternatives for assessing them in terms of user similarity. A data analysis comparing the similarity among Twitter users and their followees, regarding two commonly used followee recommendation factors (topology and content) was performed in the context of a followee recommendation task. This study is among the firsts to analyse the effect of the different criteria for followee recommendation in micro-blogging communities, and the importance of thoroughly analysing the different aspects of user relationships to define the concept of user similarity. The study showed how the choice of the different factors and assessment alternatives affects followee recommendation. It also verified the existence of certain patterns regarding friends and random users’ similarities, which can condition the adequacy of the available similarity metrics.
Shattered spaces of migrant childhood: Camps, borders and uncertain status
Authors: Albański Łukasz
Published: December 2020

This review essay discusses how migrant childhood is inextricably spatial, and therefore tied up with the material and discursive dimensions of places such as camps and borders. The focus is on the issue of how marginalized political subjects as migrant minors claim their rights through space, because unaccompanied and undocumented minors live in a state of limbo that can persist indefinitely. It means that in many cases they live as unaccompanied or undocumented minors across borders without full legal recognition, experiencing permanent temporariness and uncertainty. This tenuous life in the shadows is marked as fully ambiguous and too often without leading to durable solutions towards permanent legal status. The Jungle and Lives in Limbo offer significant insights into the discussion about migrating children in a broad context of such places as borders and camps.
The spirit of experimental socialism
Authors: Ali Haggag
Published: December 2020

Despite the widespread disenchantment with utopias, contemporary philosopher Axel Honneth argues that socialism still has a future. Honneth’s argument brings to mind late sociologist Zygmunt Bauman, who celebrated socialism as the active utopia of the modern epoch and the counter-culture to capitalism. However, while Bauman was disenchanted by the fall of the Soviet Union and almost gave up the very idea of a collective alternative, Honneth proposes a revision of socialism and a revival of its spirit, calling for a post-Marxist logic of historical experimentalism or a post-Marxist spirit of experimental socialism.
Hand anthropometry and its relation to grip/pinch strength in children aged 5 to 13 years
Authors: Wen Juan , Wang Jing , Xu Qu , Wei Yan , Zhang Lei , Ou Jiaxin , Hong Qin , Ji Chenbo , Chi Xia , Tong Meiling
Published: December 2020

Objective

To evaluate the development level of children’s physiological hand shape indicators and their relationship with grip/pinch strength.

Methods

Hand shape and grip/pinch strength in 1255 Chinese children aged 5 to 13 years were prospectively measured. Development curves of physiological hand shape indicators and grip/pinch strength were constructed.

Results

The physiological hand shape indicators (full length, middle finger length, width, and wrist thickness) and grip/pinch strength of boys and girls increased with age and showed statistically significant differences at different ages. In most age groups, hand shape indicators and grip/pinch strength were larger in boys than in girls of the same age. After puberty, the physiological hand shape indicators and grip/pinch strength increased more rapidly in girls than in boys of the same age, and the differences gradually decreased thereafter. Moreover, a significant difference in pinch strength between the right and left hands was observed in most age groups. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the physiological hand shape indicators were significantly positively correlated with grip/pinch strength, height, weight, and body mass index.

Conclusions

This study revealed the relationship between physiological hand shape indicators and grip/pinch strength and provided reference ranges of physiological hand shape indicators and grip/pinch strength for children.
Challenges in the Assessment of Bycatch: Postmortem Findings in Harbor Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) Retrieved From Gillnets
Authors: IJsseldijk Lonneke L. , Scheidat Meike , Siemensma Marije L. , Couperus Bram , Leopold Mardik F. , Morell Maria , Gröne Andrea , Kik Marja J. L.
Published: December 2020

Bycatch is considered one of the most significant threats affecting cetaceans worldwide. In the North Sea, bottom-set gillnets are a specific risk for harbor porpoises ( Phocoena phocoena). Methods to estimate bycatch rates include on-board observers, remote electronic monitoring, and fishermen voluntarily reporting; none of these are systematically conducted. Additionally, necropsies of stranded animals can provide insights into bycatch occurrence and health status of individuals. There are, however, uncertainties when it comes to the assessment of bycatch in stranded animals, mainly due to the lack of diagnostic tools specific for underwater entrapment. We conducted a literature review to establish criteria that aid in the assessment of bycatch in small cetaceans, and we tested which of these criteria applied to harbor porpoises retrieved from gillnets in the Netherlands ( n = 12). Twenty-five criteria were gathered from literature. Of these, “superficial incisions,” “encircling imprints,” and “recent ingestion of prey” were observed in the vast majority of our confirmed bycatch cases. Criteria like “pulmonary edema,” “pulmonary emphysema,” and “organ congestion” were also frequently observed, although considered unspecific as an indicator of bycatch. Notably, previously mentioned criteria as “favorable health status,” “absence of disease,” or “good nutritional condition” did not apply to the majority of our bycaught porpoises. This may reflect an overall reduced fitness of harbor porpoises inhabiting the southern North Sea or a higher chance of a debilitated porpoise being bycaught, and could result in an underestimation of bycatch rates when assessing stranded animals.
Induction of Lactation After Adoption in a Muslim Mother With History of Breast Cancer: A Case Study
Authors: Al-Mohsen Zainab AbdulHadi , Frookh Jamal Hasan
Published: December 2020

Introduction

With the prevalence of infertility increasing worldwide, many are seeking adoption to fulfill the need to start or expand their family. However, one of the challenges mothers face is the lack of the early maternal bond with the adopted infant, which typically starts during pregnancy, and then continues after birth, while providing care and nourishment to the infant. Breastfeeding is proven to strengthen the maternal–infant bond and provides numerous benefits to the dyad. Reports of induced lactation in non-biological mothers are uncommon, they are even more uncommon to find in women with a history of breast cancer.

Main issue

The induction of lactation in a Muslim adoptive mother who had a history of breast cancer.

Management

Pharmacologic methods, which included galactagogues Domperidone and fenugreek, in addition to non-pharmacologic methods that included breast stimulation by using a breast pump. The participant was able to provide her own milk for her adopted infant.

Conclusion

When provided with proper support, an adopting mother with a history of breast radiation was able to breastfeed. The participant’s need to provide her own expressed milk was met; although, she was counseled on the possibility that her milk production will most likely not be sufficient to entirely meet the infant’s needs. Determination and support definitely have a role in cases where the influence of past treatment on human milk production is not known.
Legalizing Street Vending in Los Angeles: Reframing a Movement during the Fourth Wave of Feminism
Authors: Bruene Sara , Capous-Desyllas Moshoula
Published: December 2020

Street vending was criminalized in the city of Los Angeles since the 1930s. The Los Angeles Street Vendor Campaign (LASVC) utilized several framing tactics over the last several years in order to mobilize participants to decriminalize and legalize the profession of street vending. This article applies frame alignment theory to illustrate how the LASVC reached its goals. This case study utilizes qualitative interviews of key players in the LASVC movement and a content analysis of LASVC’S Facebook page to document their push toward decriminalization over the course of 1 year. The LASVC transformed their narrative from issues of immigration and labor rights and reframed street vending as a women’s justice issue. By doing so, the LASVC extended the boundaries of their frames to incorporate the voices of women of color whose online and on-the-ground efforts to mobilize a larger population manifested during an era of the fourth wave feminism.
(Re)enacting Settler Colonialism via White Resident Utterances
Authors: Montalva Barba Miguel A.
Published: December 2020

This is a qualitative study outlining the links between white resident utterances and settler colonialism. Specifically, this article provides evidence of how settler colonialism continues to operate in a progressive community, despite the narratives of community and diversity shared by research respondents. This is primarily done by the cultural master narratives that respondents uttered to make sense of “community” and “diversity” in a borough that is undergoing gentrification. Because master narratives are created and reinforced by the socialization process where whiteness is the norm, white utterances continue the settler colonial project that invests in separate white communities to maintain racial privilege. While prior studies have detailed the tensions between community and diversity, this study contributes to this debate by adding a settler colonial frame that validates the idea that in a progressive neighborhood, diversity becomes a violation of settler emplacement. These findings are particularly significant given the vast literature on communities and diversity, but few have taken a settler colonial analytical approach to the debate.
Challenges and opportunities of building an entrepreneurial discovery process through university–industry interaction: A Norwegian case study
Authors: Brekke Thomas
Published: December 2020

This study provides new insights into the entrepreneurial role of universities in an entrepreneurial discovery process. Over the past decades, European policies have encouraged universities to identify opportunities and develop new partnerships and connections with society. This analysis focuses on the Vestfold region of Norway, which contains an institutionally rich and specialised electronic industry, supported by a university college. The development of entrepreneurial discovery as a process capability at the regional level is examined using qualitative analysis based on semi-structured interviews. Regional actors developed regional innovation capabilities based on a bottom-up entrepreneurial discovery approach, in which a local university college played an active role. Entrepreneurial discovery capabilities entail a rigorous assessment of the region’s knowledge base, experimentation and the institutionalisation of new collaborative work forms that mobilise industry–university interaction aimed at identifying and facilitating the emergence and growth of new domains. The article highlights the challenges and opportunities of a bottom-up entrepreneurial discovery approach and concludes with policy implications.