bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymorphism rs1801516 (G > A) in the ATM gene is not associated with overall cancer risk: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yueting , Shi Pengxu , Jiang Daqing
Published: July 2020

Objective

The ataxia telangiectasia mutated ( ATM) gene contains a functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1801516 (G > A) that may be associated with cancer risk. This meta-analysis aimed to interrogate the relationship between rs1801516 and cancer occurrence and disease etiology.

Methods

We retrieved and identified the available case–control studies that met the inclusion criteria from the PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to measure the association between rs1801516 and cancer risk. Additionally, we performed sensitivity, subgroup, and publication bias analyses.

Results

After inclusion criteria were met, the meta-analysis included 29 studies, with 9,453 cancer patients (cases) and 14,646 controls. No association was found between rs1801516 and cancer risk (pooled OR = 0.911; 95% CI, 0.740–1.123). Concordantly, no association was found between rs1801516 and cancer risk after subgroup analysis by source of controls, cancer type, or ethnicity, which confirmed the finding of the dominant model that this SNP is not involved in the occurrence of cancer.

Conclusions

Through this meta-analysis, we found no association between rs1801516 and cancer occurrence as a risk factor. These data provide useful information for future case–control studies on cancer etiology.
How to prevent in-hospital COVID-19 infection and reassure women about the safety of pregnancy: Experience from an obstetric center in China
Authors: Gu Xiao-Xia , Chen Kai , Yu Hong , Liang Ge-Yu , Chen Hui , Shen Yang
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study aimed to describe the emergency responses to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for pregnant patients at our hospital and their effect on hospital operations and patients’ outcomes.

Methods

We developed strategies to prevent hospital-associated transmission of COVID-19 in obstetric care. Infrastructure, including the fever clinic and wards, were modified. Outpatient volume was controlled and screening processes were strictly performed. Verification of the virus was compulsory for non-surgery and non-emergency patients. Emergency operations were performed in a negative pressure theater with surgeons fully protected. Outcomes were analyzed and the patients’ characteristics were evaluated. The effect of intervention on depressed and anxious patients was assessed. Data from the first 2 months of 2019 and 2020 were compared.

Results

No in-hospital COVID-19 infections occurred in our unit. During the epidemic, patient volume significantly decreased. While major characteristics of patients were similar, a higher prevalence of gestational hypertension was found in 2020 than in 2019. Psychological interventions showed optimistic effects in ameliorating depression and anxiety at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions

Our strategies were effective in preventing in-hospital infection of COVID-19 and reassuring women about the safety of pregnancy. Monitoring and managing psychological issues were necessary during this critical period.
AA Amyloid Deposition in the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems in Flamingos
Authors: Ono Ayumi , Nakayama Yumi , Inoue Maki , Yanai Tokuma , Murakami Tomoaki
Published: July 2020

AA amyloidosis is characterized by amyloid deposition in systemic organs, but amyloid deposition in the central nervous system (CNS) or peripheral nervous system (PNS) is rare. In this study, AA amyloidosis was observed in 31 of 48 flamingos that died at a Japanese zoo. Almost all cases developed AA amyloidosis secondary to inflammatory diseases such as enteritis. Affected flamingos had AA amyloid deposition around blood vessels in periventricular white matter of the brain and in peripheral nerves. In addition, cerebral Aβ amyloidosis was observed in one of the 31 cases with AA amyloidosis. In conclusion, flamingos in the zoo commonly developed systemic amyloidosis with frequent amyloid deposition in the CNS and PNS, which seems to be a unique distribution in this avian species. Comparative pathological analyses in flamingos may help elucidate the pathogenesis of amyloid neuropathy.
In vivo study of silver nanomaterials’ toxicity with respect to size
Authors: Al-Doaiss Amin A , Jarrar Qais , Alshehri Mohammed , Jarrar Bashir
Published: July 2020

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are widely used in nanomedicine, pharmaceutical products, industry and other consumer products owing to their unique physiochemical properties with probable potential risk to human health and the ecosystems. The aim of this work was to investigate the in-life morphological effects, biochemical, histological and histochemical alterations that might be induced by variable sizes of Ag NPs in hepatic, renal and testicular tissues with the hypothesis that variable sizes of nano-Ag could induce variable effects in the vital organs. Five groups of adult healthy male mice (BALB/C) were exposed to 35 intraperitoneal injections of Ag NPs (1 mg/kg bw) using five different particle sizes (10, 20, 40, 60 and 100 nm). All mice were subjected to in-life morphometric, biochemical, histological and histochemical analysis. The findings demonstrated that Ag NPs could induce alterations in the average body weight gain, food consumption, water intake and organ indices. In addition, these NPs significantly altered hepatic and renal biomarkers. Moreover, Ag NPs produced ground glass hepatocyte cytoplasm, with mitotic activity, nuclear alterations, degeneration, glycogen depletion and inflammatory cells infiltration in the liver. The kidneys of treated mice exhibited proximal renal tubules degeneration, distal renal tubules regeneration, glomerular shrinkage, Bowman’s capsule thickening and interstitial inflammation. The testicular tissues demonstrated spermatocyte sloughing and spermatid giant cell formation. The findings together indicated that Ag NPs could interact with the anatomical structures of the liver, kidney and testis in ways that could induce injury. In addition, the results indicated that smaller Ag NPs posed a greater potential risk than the larger ones, which might be associated with their behaviour, dissolution rate, bioavailability and their probable variable toxicokinetics.
Changing Clinicoradiologic Spectrum of Intracranial Neurotuberculosis in Children: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Banga Sumiti , Azad Chandrika , Gupta Rekha , Sawal Nishit , Mahajan Vidushi , Chander Jagdish , Guglani Vishal
Published: July 2020

Background:

Neurotuberculosis is among the most severe type of tuberculosis with high mortality and morbidity in all age groups. Various sociodemographic and disease-/treatment-related factors have emerged over the years that can affect clinical and radiologic features of neurotuberculosis.

Objective:

To investigate various clinical and neuroradiologic presentations of neurotuberculosis.

Methodology:

This cross-sectional study was done in a tertiary care center of northern India. The patients between the ages of 3 months and 18 years with newly diagnosed neurotuberculosis were enrolled after taking informed consent.

Results:

A total of 78 patients (37% males) were enrolled. Fifty-six patients (72%) had tubercular meningitis (TBM) and 22 (28%) isolated tuberculomas. Very high percentage of patients in both the groups was BCG vaccinated. In the tubercular meningitis group, fever (68%), headache (59%), and vomiting (54%) were the most common complaints whereas in the tuberculoma group, seizures (95.5%) were the main complaint and systemic symptoms were rare. In tubercular meningitis patients, cerebrospinal fluid–based studies showed cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (Xpert MTB/RIF) positivity for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 17.6% cases, whereas on gastric aspirate and sputum examination, acid-fast bacilli were seen in 30.7% and cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test was positive in 19% patients. On neuroimaging, hydrocephalus was seen in 44.6% of tubercular meningitis patients, infarcts in 32%, and basal exudates in 12% patients only; coexistent tuberculomas were seen in 53%.

Conclusion:

Compared with the available literature, the present study showed a smaller percentage of children <5 years of age, stage III tubercular meningitis cases, and typical neuroradiologic findings like hydrocephalus and basal exudates and more tuberculomas associated with tubercular meningitis.
Varicella Vaccine Meningitis as a Complication of Herpes Zoster in Twice-Immunized Immunocompetent Adolescents
Authors: Ramachandran Veena , Elliott Stephen C. , Rogers Kathie L. , Cohrs Randall J. , Weinberger Miles , Jackson Wallen , Carpenter John E. , Grose Charles , Bonthius Daniel J.
Published: July 2020

Varicella-zoster virus vaccination is recommended for virtually all young children in the United States, Canada, and several other countries. Varicella vaccine is a live attenuated virus that retains some of its neurotropic properties. Herpes zoster caused by vaccine virus still occurs in immunized children, although the rate is much lower than in children who had wild-type varicella. It was commonly thought that 2 varicella vaccinations would protect children against the most serious complication of meningitis following herpes zoster; however, 2 meningitis cases have already been published. We now report a third case of varicella vaccine meningitis and define risk factors shared by all 3 immunized adolescents. The diagnosis in cerebrospinal fluid in this third case was verified by amplifying and sequencing portions of the viral genome, to document fixed alleles found only in the vaccine strain. Viral antibody was also detected in the cerebrospinal fluid by confocal microscopy. When compared with the other 2 cases, remarkably all 3 were 14 years old when meningitis occurred. All 3 were treated with intravenous acyclovir, with complete recovery. The adolescent in our case report also had recurrent asthma, which was treated with both prednisone tablets and beclomethasone inhaler before onset of meningitis. When the 3 cases were considered together, they suggested that immunity to varicella-zoster virus may be waning sufficiently in some twice-immunized adolescents to make them vulnerable to varicella vaccine virus reactivation and subsequent meningitis. This complication rarely happens in children after wild-type varicella.
Acute Flaccid Myelitis: A Single Pediatric Center Experience From 2014 to 2019
Authors: Patel Rifali , Gombolay Grace Y. , Peljovich Allan E. , Conklin Jessica , Blackwell Laura S. , Howarth Robyn , Wolf David S. , Upadhyayula Saila R. , Verma Sumit
Published: July 2020

Background:

Acute flaccid myelitis has emerged as the leading cause of acute flaccid paralysis in children. Acute flaccid myelitis leads to significant physical disability; hence, objective outcome measures to study disease severity and progression are desirable. In addition, nerve transfer to improve motor function in affected children needs further study.

Methods:

Retrospective study of acute flaccid myelitis subjects managed at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta from August 2014 to December 2019. Clinical, electromyography and nerve conduction study, neuropsychological functional independence (WeeFIM), and nerve transfer data were reviewed.

Results:

Fifteen children (11 boys and 4 girls) mean age 5.1±3.2 years (range 14 months to 12 years) were included. All subjects (n = 15) presented with severe asymmetric motor weakness and absent tendon reflexes. Motor nerve conduction study of the affected limbs in 93% (n = 14) showed absent or markedly reduced amplitude. Ten patients received comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation and neuropsychological evaluation. Admission and discharge WeeFIM scores showed deficits most consistent and pronounced in the domains of self-care and mobility. Multiple nerve transfer surgery was performed on 13 limbs (9 upper and 4 lower extremities) in 6 children. Postsurgery (mean duration of 10.4 ± 5.7 months) follow-up demonstrated improvement on active movement scale (AMS) in 4 subjects.

Conclusion:

Acute flaccid myelitis affects school-age children with asymmetric motor weakness, absent tendon reflexes, and reduced or absent motor amplitude on nerve conduction study. Comprehensive rehabilitation and nerve transfer led to improvement in motor function on neuropsychology WeeFIM and AMS scores.
Incorporation of phytochemicals into electrospun scaffolds for wound-healing applications in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Letha Neethu , Joseph Josna , Sundar Gayathri , Pillai Arun Unnikrishna , John Annie , Abraham Annie
Published: July 2020

Despite advances in wound treatment, wound-associated infections and delayed healing still remains an ‘unmet clinical need’. The present treatment modalities include topical application of ointments and perhaps it may better be substituted by phytochemical incorporated nanofibers which increases wound-healing efficiency and reduce risk of infections. Hence, the aim of this study was to synthesise Areca catechu–incorporated polycaprolactone scaffolds for wound-healing applications. In this study, the tender nut of Areca catechu plant was collected and extracted with ethanol using the maceration technique. The presence of various active phytochemical constituents of ethanolic fraction of Areca catechu like phenol, flavonoid, tannin and alkaloid were identified qualitatively and estimated quantitatively. Areca catechu incorporated 10%w/w polycaprolactone scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning technique and characterised physico-chemically by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope analysis. In vitro cytotoxicity analysis was evaluated with L929 fibroblasts and in vivo wound-healing studies using rat models for both polycaprolactone and Areca catechu–incorporated polycaprolactone scaffolds. Extract of Areca catechu exhibited antioxidant properties and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Psuedomonus aeru ginosa. Scanning electron microscope image revealed the nanofibrous structural morphology of Areca catechu–incorporated polycaprolactone and polycaprolactone with average diameter of 350 and 399 nm, respectively. The characteristic peak of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy depicted the presence of biomolecules and detection of functional groups confirming the incorporation of Areca catechu into the polycaprolactone scaffold. Furthermore, cells were cytocompatible with 85% viability over Areca catechu–incorporated polycaprolactone scaffolds, and wounds treated with Areca catechu–incorporated polycaprolactone healed faster with a significant difference in the wound area than polycaprolactone controls. The phytochemical-incorporated polycaprolactone scaffolds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, biocompatible and wound-healing properties is proposed to be an indigenous approach towards wound care management globally and seems to be better and cost-effective wound dressings.
On 3D-printed ZnO-reinforced PLA matrix composite: Tensile, thermal, morphological and shape memory characteristics
Authors: Singh Mohit , Singh Rupinder , Kumar Ranvijay , Kumar Pawan , Preet Pawan
Published: July 2020

The zinc oxide (ZnO)-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) matrix has established shape memory characteristics. But hitherto little has been reported on two-way programmed 3D-printed ZnO-reinforced PLA functional prototypes (prepared on commercial fused deposition modelling (FDM) set-up). This article reports the effect of 3D printing process parameters on tensile, thermal, morphological and two-way programmed shape memory characteristics of ZnO-reinforced PLA-based functional prototypes. It has been ascertained that the maximum strength at peak (14.32 MPa) and maximum strength at break (12.89 MPa) were observed for sample printed at 80% infill density, four number of perimeters with triangular pattern. Maximum Young’s modulus (233.68 MPa) was observed for samples printed at 80% infill density and three perimeters with honeycomb pattern. Also, the maximum modulus of toughness (0.883 MPa) was observed in case of sample printed at 80% infill density, five perimeters with rectilinear pattern. Further based upon thermal analysis using differential scanning calorimetry, it has been ascertained that there is no significant effect of FDM process parameters on normalized heat capacity of functional prototype. As regards to two-way programmed specimens, it has been observed that the porosity of functional prototypes increase with 30 min immersion in water as stimulus at 70°C and it again decreases (regain) after 30 min exposure at atmospheric temperature. Contrary to this, the samples’ porosity values decrease with 30 min immersion in water at 10°C and regain after 30 min exposure at atmospheric temperature. Further some effect of shape memory has been noticed on functional prototypes volume and weight at two different temperatures.
The Moderation of Parental Support on the Relationship Between Race-Related Career Barriers and Academic Achievement
Authors: Li Xu , Wang Yu-Wei , Kim Young Hwa
Published: July 2020

This study investigated the relationship between college students’ perception of race-related barriers in career and educational development and their immediate (first-semester grade point average [GPA]) and long-term academic performance (4-year cumulative GPA) and the role of parents’ instrumental and emotional support in moderating such effects. Participants were 820 undergraduate students at a Mid-Atlantic university in the United States. Path analysis of the proposed moderated mediation model indicated that (1) perception of race-related barriers was significantly and negatively correlated with students’ 4-year cumulative GPA, (2) parents’ instrumental support negatively predicted students’ 4-year GPA, whereas emotional support positively predicted students’ 4-year GPA, and (3) parental emotional support significantly buffered the negative direct effect of race-related barriers on students’ 4-year GPA. Research and practical implications were discussed.
Hope in the Lives of Low-Income Students of Color: A Qualitative Study of Experiences in a Work-Based Learning Program
Authors: Medvide Mary Beth , Kenny Maureen E.
Published: July 2020

This study explored the experiences of low-income students of color who participated in a work-based learning (WBL) program while attending a Catholic high school. Historically, research on student outcomes in WBL programs has been mixed, and few studies have provided insights into how low-income youth of color can benefit. This study utilized a phenomenological methodology to capture hope among these youth and to delineate these students’ lived experiences within their relational, organizational, and sociocultural contexts. The results showed participants’ goal setting and motivation were fostered by a sense of connection to others at school and a collective belief that success was possible for all students despite whatever challenges they faced. The participants also discussed hopes for the future within the context of workplace support, religious faith, and past hopelessness. The results provide avenues to design WBL programs that consider students’ supports and barriers and further contextualize hope theory.
Dynamics Between Applied Work Demands and Related Competence Beliefs: A 4-Year Study With Scientists
Authors: Lerche André D. S. , Burk Christian L. , Wiese Bettina S.
Published: July 2020

In the frameworks of Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) theory and concepts of competence beliefs, we investigated trajectories of and dynamics between demands and competence beliefs relevant to applied work fields. The study had a longitudinal panel design with eight measurement waves (overall study span of 4 years). Participants (38.1% female) were early career scientists from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields who either worked at a university (academia group, n = 1,205) or in industry after having previously worked in academia (industry group, n = 436). We conducted bivariate dual change score modeling and found demands to increase in both groups and competence beliefs to increase in the industry group. While demands accelerated change in competence beliefs in the academia group, competence beliefs accelerated change in demands in the industry group. Implications for JD-R theory and concepts of ability-related self-views as well as practice are discussed.
Expanding the Role of the Pharmacist: Immunoglobulin Therapy and Disease Management in Neuromuscular Disorders
Authors: Tichy Eric M. , Prosser Barbara , Doyle Drew
Published: July 2020

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is a commonly used treatment for chronic neuromuscular disorders (NMDs), such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and multifocal motor neuropathy. IgG therapy has also shown promise in treating other NMDs including myasthenia gravis, polymyositis, and dermatomyositis. IgG is administered as either intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg), with SCIg use becoming more popular due to the treatment burden associated with IVIg. IVIg requires regular venous access; long infusions (typically 4-6 hours); and can result in systemic adverse events (AEs) for some patients. In contrast, SCIg can be self-administered at home with shorter infusions (approximately 1 hour) and fewer systemic AEs. As patient care shifts toward home-based settings, the role of the pharmacist is paramount in providing a continuation of care and acting as the bridge between patient and clinic. Pharmacists with a good understanding of current recommendations, dosing strategies, and administration routes for IgG therapy are best placed to support patients. The aims of this review are to highlight the evidence supporting IgG therapy in the treatment of NMDs and provide practical information on patient management and IVIg/SCIg dosing in order to guide pharmacists on optimizing clinical outcomes and patient care.
Sensorless direct torque control based on nonlinear integral sliding mode controllers for an induction motor drive: Experimental verification
Authors: Krim Saber , Krim Youssef , Mimouni Mohamed Faouzi
Published: July 2020

In this article, a novel sliding mode adaptation mechanism of a model reference adaptive system speed estimator and a modified sliding mode speed controller are proposed to replace the proportional-integral controller used in the adaptation mechanism of the model reference adaptive system and the proportional-integral speed controller, respectively. The suggested control strategy is designed by sensorless direct torque control with space vector modulation based on a sliding mode speed controller and a model reference adaptive system sliding mode speed estimator. The contribution of this work is the development of one control law based on a modified nonlinear component to overcome the first-order sliding mode control limitations, such as the chattering phenomenon. The performance of the suggested controller-based direct torque control with space vector modulation is verified by digital simulation with different operation conditions, like the abrupt variations in the load torque and the reference speed, using the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment. In fact, such simulation results are experimentally checked utilizing a dSPACE-1104.
Synchronization for hybrid coupled reaction-diffusion neural networks with stochastic disturbances via spatial sampled-data control strategy
Authors: Song Xiaona , Li Xingru , Ning Zhaoke , Wang Mi , Man Jingtao
Published: July 2020

The synchronization of reaction-diffusion neural networks with state and spatial couplings is investigated in this article, and the time-varying delay and stochastic disturbances are considered in the proposed systems. Due to the development and merits of digital controllers, sampled-data control is a natural choice to establish synchronization in continuous-time systems. Here, we suggest a spatial sampled-data controller design, where the sampled-data (in space) measurements of the state are taken in a finite number of fixed sampling points in the spatial domain. It is assumed that the sampling intervals in space are bounded. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, Young’s and Wirtinger’s inequalities techniques, some sufficient conditions are presented to synchronize the hybrid coupling reaction-diffusion neural networks with stochastic disturbances. Finally, the efficiency of the derived criteria will be demonstrated by resorting to two numerical examples.
Tolerability of Highly Protein Bound Targeted Oral Oncolytic Drugs in Patients With Hypoalbuminemia: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Murdock Joshua L. , Duco Marissa R. , Reeves David J.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Hypoalbuminemia is commonly observed in cancer patients. Given the pharmacokinetic interactions between serum proteins and protein bound medications, administration of highly protein bound targeted oral oncolytic drugs may result in elevated unbound drug levels and decreased tolerability in those with hypoalbuminemia.

Objective:

To describe the impact of hypoalbuminemia on oral oncolytic drug tolerability.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted of adult patients receiving treatment with targeted oral oncolytic drugs with ≥95% protein binding. The primary end point of this study was to compare time to discontinuation resulting from documented toxicity in those with and without hypoalbuminemia.

Results:

The study included 143 patients receiving 16 targeted oral oncolytic drugs (42% with hypoalbuminemia, 58% without hypoalbuminemia). Adverse events were common, with similar incidence among patients with and without hypoalbuminemia (73% vs 76%, respectively; P = 0.727). Median time to therapy discontinuation resulting from documented toxicity was significantly shorter in those with hypoalbuminemia (22 months vs not reached; P = 0.003). Cox regression demonstrated that hypoalbuminemia was the only significant risk factor for shorter time to discontinuation resulting from documented adverse effects (hazard ratio = 3.0; 95% CI = 1.15-8.0; P = 0.025).

Conclusion and Relevance:

This represents the first report of the impact of hypoalbuminemia on tolerability of highly protein bound oral oncolytic drugs, demonstrating that patients with hypoalbuminemia may be at increased risk for early discontinuation resulting from toxicity. Given the importance of maintaining dose intensity in patients receiving oncolytic therapy, albumin levels should be monitored throughout treatment and supportive care maximized in those developing hypoalbuminemia.
Primary Histiocytic Sarcoma in Adult Polycystic Kidney Disease: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Krishnamurthy Kritika , Delgado Ruben , Kochiyil Jyotsna , Medina Ana Maria
Published: July 2020

Genetically driven tissue destruction followed by remodeling in adult polycystic kidney disease (APKD) raises the possibility of malignant transformation. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) associated with APKD has been frequently reported in the literature; however, only a few cases of nonepithelial neoplasms arising in APKD have been described so far. Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is a lymphohematopoietic malignant neoplasm that accounts for less than 1% of hematologic malignancies. In this article, we describe a case of primary HS occurring in a 61-year-old man with end-stage renal disease secondary to APKD. This is the first reported case of primary HS in the setting of APKD. The aberrant h-caldesmon expression seen in this case is another novel finding that has previously not been described. This case highlights the importance of morphology in guiding diagnostic workup and reiterates the necessity of maintaining a high index of suspicion for neoplastic entities in APKD.
Optimal design of inerter-based isolators minimizing the compliance and mobility transfer function versus harmonic and random ground acceleration excitation
Authors: Baduidana Marcial , Kenfack-Jiotsa Aurelien
Published: July 2020

This study is concerned with the problem of analysis and optimization of inerter-based systems. A main inerter system is generally composed of an inerter, a spring, and viscous damper. Series – parallel inerter system s and series inerter system s are two commonly used configurations of inerter-based system s . First , in this study , the H∞ optimum parameters of inerter-based isolators are derived to minimize the compliance and mobility transfer function of a single-degree -of-freedom system under a harmonic ground acceleration excitation. Under the optimum tuning condition, it is shown that the proposed inerter-based isolators when compared with the traditional dynamic vibration absorber provide larger suppression of the peak value of the magnitude of compliance and mobility transfer function s of the primary system. For the studied cases, more than 40% and 45% improvement can be attained in terms of minimizing the compliance and mobility transfer function s , respectively, as compared with the traditional dynamic vibration absorber for the series – parallel inerter system and 15% and 11% improvement can be attained respectively , for the series inerter system . Finally, further comparison between the inerter-based isolators and traditional dynamic vibration absorber under white noise excitation also shows that the series – parallel inerter system and series inerter system s are superior to the traditional dynamic vibration absorber . The results of the studied systems show that m ore than 23% and 16% improvement are attained in terms of minimizing the compliance and mobility transfer function s respectively , as compared with the traditional dynamic vibration absorber for the series – parallel inerter system and 26% and 13% improvement can be attained respectively , for the series inerter system . The optimal parameters for different cases are obtained. It is shown that the optimal parameters obtained using the minimized mobility transfer function are smaller than those using the compliance transfer function at all mass ratios or inertance-to-mass ratio. The results of this study can provide theoretical basis for design of the optimal inerter-based isolators in engineering practice.
Flutter mitigation of a superlong-span suspension bridge with a double-deck truss girder through wind tunnel tests
Authors: Sun Yanguo , Lei Yongfu , Li Ming , Liao Haili , Li Mingshui
Published: July 2020

As flutter is a very dangerous wind-induced vibration phenomenon, the mitigation and control of flutter are crucial for the design of long-span bridges. In the present study, via a large number of section model wind tunnel tests, the flutter performance of a superlong-span suspension bridge with a double-deck truss girder was studied, and a series of aerodynamic and structural measures were used to mitigate and control its flutter instability. The results show that soft flutter characterized by a lack of an evident divergent point occurred for the double-deck truss girder. Upper central stabilizers on the upper deck, lower stabilizers below the lower deck, and horizontal flaps installed beside the bottoms of the sidewalks are all effective in suppressing flutter for this kind of truss girder. By combining the structural design with aerodynamic optimizations, a redesigned truss girder with widened upper carriers and sidewalks, and double lower stabilizers combined with the inspection vehicle rails is identified as the optimal flutter mitigation scheme. It was also found that the critical flutter wind speed increases with the torsional damping ratio, indicating that the dampers may be efficient in controlling soft flutter characterized by single-degree-of-freedom torsional vibration. This study aims to provide a useful reference and guidance for the flutter design optimization of long-span bridges with double-deck truss girders.
Maintenance of quality and bioactive compounds of cold stored pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit by organic acids treatment
Authors: Ehteshami Sakineh , Abdollahi Farzin , Ramezanian Asghar , Rahimzadeh Mahsa , Dastjerdi Abdolmajid Mirzaalian
Published: July 2020

Pomegranate is a subtropical and chilling sensitive fruit. In this study, the effects of malic acid (50 and 100 mM) and oxalic acid (5 and 10 mM) on quality properties of pomegranate during cold storage (2 ℃) were investigated. The lowest weight loss was observed in fruit treated with 50 mM malic acid. Malic acid had positive effects on color parameters ( L*, a*, and b*) of pomegranate at low temperature. Organic acid treatments reduced chilling injury, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide and increased catalase activity. The lowest activity of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase was observed in 5 mM oxalic acid-treated fruit. On the other hand, fruit treated with 50 mM malic acid showed the maximum ascorbic acid and citric acid content. The most antioxidant activity was found in fruit treated with 5 mM oxalic acid and 50 mM malic acid. Also, all treatments except 10 mM oxalic acid and 100 mM malic acid resulted in higher titratable acidity than control fruit. Overall, 50 mM malic acid and 5 mM oxalic acid were the most effective for preserving the quality of pomegranate fruit at low temperature.
Evaluation of the effect of label attributes over the purchase intention of a cashew nut functional beverage using conjoint analysis
Authors: Cabral Rebouças Marina , do Carmo Passos Rodrigues Maria , Burnier Arcanjo Ferreira Bruno , Maria de Freitas Silvia
Published: July 2020

The package label is an important factor to be evaluated, for constituting the first contact of the product with the consumer, which may exert influence on the purchase intention. Thus, this study identified and evaluated the importance of front label attributes of a new functional beverage made from cashew nut added with mango juice on consumers’ purchase intention; it also evaluated the influence of consumers’ attitudinal issues regarding functional foods on the importance of these attributes to the attitude of buying the beverage. Focus group methodology was used to assess which front label attributes of the product are important in the choosing process. The combination of attributes and their levels was used to develop 18 labels, which were analyzed by consumers in relation to their buying intention. The results were analyzed by conjoint and cluster analysis. The most relevant qualitative information on the purchase intention process of the cashew nut beverage highlighted by the focus groups were the illustration, the nutritional information (0% lactose and 0% cholesterol), and the term “prebiotic” with its functional claim. According to the conjoint analysis, the illustration was the attribute with more influence on the consumers’ purchase intention concerning this product, revealing the consumers’ preference for the image of the cashew nut standing alone on the label. Nutritional information and the term prebiotic and its functional claim had a positive impact, but were considered of low importance. Regarding the attitudinal factors involving functional foods there was no significant difference among the three groups of consumers.
Teacher Candidates Talking (but Not Talking) About Dis/ability and Race in Preschool
Authors: Beneke Margaret R. , Cheatham Gregory A.
Published: July 2020

In educational contexts, including early childhood settings, ableism and racism circulate interdependently to define normalcy and deviance. Book reading offers an important platform for dismantling these interlocking ideologies with young children. In this article, we examine dis/ability and race talk in the context of picture-book reading, analyzing the ways four white, nondisabled teacher candidates attempted to discursively resist deficit-based framings of dis/ability and race with small groups of young children in preschool classrooms. Findings revealed how—despite stated intentions to advance educational justice—teacher candidates drew on discourse models that reinforced status quo notions of normativity. We argue that understanding how teacher candidates navigate dis/ability and race talk with young children in the context of literacy instruction can lend insight into the teacher education experiences needed to support these critical conversations.
Challenges of Screening Prospective Stool Donors for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
Authors: Dubois Nancy E. , Read Catherine Y. , O’Brien Kelsey , Ling Kelly
Published: July 2020

Despite high efficacy rates, significant costs and logistical challenges associated with procuring stool from healthy donors for fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) have presented barriers to broader institutional adoption and limited the availability of this life-saving treatment. Published outcomes for donor screening programs report donor deferral rates between 90% and 96%. Due to the paucity of FMT donor screening data, a secondary analysis on a cohort of previously screened donors (n = 7,968) was conducted to provide a synopsis of the observed trends and rationales for prospective stool donor deferrals. Upon completion of the evaluation, 1.7% of prospective donors (n = 134) qualified for stool donation. Over 50% of donors who completed the online pre-screen were deferred, primarily for a body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or greater (n = 1,516, 37.0%), logistics (n = 841, 20.5%), and travel history (n = 638, 15.5%). Despite pre-screening, 569 donors (72.8%) who completed the in-person clinical assessment were ultimately deferred due primarily to potentially microbiome-mediated diseases (n = 187, 32.9%). A notably small portion of donors (n = 46, 25.6%) were deferred during the laboratory assessment process suggesting the clinical assessment was effective at deferring donors at higher risk for transmissible diseases. Donors lost to follow-up throughout the screening process presented a significant challenge and contributed to a notable (n = 3,117; 39.1%) portion of donor attrition. Findings were used to support recommendations for improving prospective stool donor screening programs and to provide suggestions for future research.
Extensive conjunctival melanoma successfully treated with surgical resection and pre- and postoperative topical mitomycin C
Authors: Mazzini Cinzia , Pieretti Giulia , Vicini Giulio , Nicolosi Cristina , Virgili Gianni , Giansanti Fabrizio
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

To report a case of a large conjunctival melanoma (CM) successfully treated with surgical resection and pre- and postoperative topical mitomycin C (MMC).

Methods:

This is a single observational case report.

Results:

A 58-year-old man was referred to us for a large pigmented conjunctival lesion of the right eye. Slit lamp examination revealed an extensive pigmented lesion diffusely involving the temporal bulbar conjunctiva, with multifocal intensely dark areas and an elevated limbal component extending on the corneal surface. The remaining bulbar and forniceal conjunctiva was not involved. The lesion was clinically diagnosed as CM. Clinical examination and head and neck ultrasonography did not show regional lymphadenopathy. The patient was treated with neoadjuvant topical MMC 0.04% four times a day for 3 weeks. At the end of MMC therapy we observed a reduction in pigmentation and thickness of the lesion. Subsequently, the patient underwent surgical excision of the lesion with “no touch technique,” double freeze-thaw cryotherapy of the margins and reconstruction of the tissue defect with amniotic membrane graft. Histopathologic examination of the specimen confirmed the presence of CM, surrounded by primary acquired melanosis with atypia. The excision margins were positive for tumor involvement, so we decided to perform an adjuvant treatment with other four cycles of topical MMC.

Conclusions:

The patient was closely followed-up after the treatment, without any local or distant recurrence at 32 months.
Mid- and long-term outcome of Salter’s, Pemberton’s and Dega’s osteotomy for treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Merckaert Sophie R , Zambelli Pierre-Yves , Edd Shannon N , Daniele Starnoni , Brigitte Jolles
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

Early diagnosis and early treatment have become the gold standard for management of developmental dysplasia of the hip. Surgery is required in case of failed initial treatment. Innominate pelvic osteotomy of Salter (SIO), Pemberton’s pericapsular osteotomy (PPO) and Dega’s acetabuloplasty (DA) are among the most used procedures. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the past 57 years in order to assess the mid- and long-term outcome of these techniques.

Methods:

Studies met inclusion criteria if they: (1) reported at least 5 cases treated by 1 of the abovementioned surgical techniques; (2) included children aged between 1 and 8 years; (3) surgical indication was late detected DDH or a failed initial treatment; (4) presented a minimal follow-up of 24 months; (5) reported the radiological score of Severin and/or the clinical score of McKay. Clinical and radiological outcomes were dichotomised into favourable and unfavourable outcome and weighted summary rates were determined using meta-analysis models.

Results:

From a total of 7391 articles, 48 level of evidence grade IV articles were included in our review. A total of 2143 cases with a mean follow up of 112.4 months were included. Pooled Severin score indicated a statistically better outcome for PPO and DA compared to SIO ( p = 0.0003 and p = 0.002, respectively). By dichotomising the results in favourable and unfavourable outcome, PPO showed the best results ( p = 0.0002 vs. SIO, p = 0.01 vs. DA). Pooled McKay score showed a statistically better outcome for PPO and DA compared to SIO ( p < 0.0001 and p = 0.03, respectively) as well as better outcomes for PPO compared to DA ( p = 0.01). By dichotomising the results in favourable and unfavourable, PPO showed the best results.

Conclusions:

Even if our review demonstrates slightly better radiological and clinical results with the PPO, the currently available and limited data do not allow for clear recommendation towards one of these techniques.
Overwhelming whiteness of BDSM: A critical discourse analysis of racialization in BDSM
Authors: Martinez Katherine
Published: July 2020

Ahmed’s (2007) theory of the phenomenology of whiteness serves as a theoretical tool for assessing how whiteness presents itself within bondage, discipline, dominance/submission, and sadomasochism (BDSM) play. Given the “overwhelming whiteness” of BDSM in both research and practice, this study serves as a theory-building exercise for analyzing the relationship between what researchers have described as inclusive BDSM communities that continue to naturalize the whiteness of BDSM spaces. Through critical discourse analysis of interviews and blog submissions from BDSM participants, this study reflects on the whiteness of BDSM. Analyses suggest that the differences between white and racialized BDSM participants in their explanations for the whiteness of BDSM continue to support and privilege the white experience in white BDSM spaces.
Affective generalization from intergroup contact: Associations between contact-related and outgroup-related empathy, anxiety, and trust
Authors: Fuochi Giulia , Voci Alberto , Boin Jessica , Hewstone Miles
Published: July 2020

This paper studied affective generalization from intergroup contact, namely when and how affective empathy, anxiety, and trust-related feelings towards specific outgroup members (contact-related affective variables) generalize to the whole outgroup (outgroup-related affective variables). We analysed affective generalization using multilevel models, with items of each affective variable nested within the individual, to avoid aggregation bias due to averaging across items, hence false positives. As hypothesized, we found strong associations, but not perfect correspondence, between contact-related and outgroup-related affective variables. Moreover, we found that category salience facilitated the affective generalization of affective empathy and trust, whereas the quantity of intimate contact facilitated the generalization of anxiety. These findings suggest that affective intergroup climate hinges upon specific contact interactions, and that it is vital to promote positive affective reactions during contact and the formation of more intimate relationships with outgroup members.
Rural–urban differences in suicide attempts and mortality among young people in northern Sweden, 1998–2017: A register-based study
Authors: San Sebastián Miguel , Edin-Liljegren Anette , Jonsson Frida
Published: July 2020

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess trends in suicide attempts and mortality between 1998 and 2017 by residential area and gender among northern Swedish youths. Methods: Events of suicide attempts and deaths for each municipality in the four counties of the northern Swedish region, stratified by gender, were retrieved for each year from 1998 to 2017. All cases identified within the registers with the diagnostic codes X60–X84 or Y10–Y34 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision) for individuals aged 15–24 years were included. Place of residence at municipal level was categorized into three groups: rural – municipalities with a population of <10,000 inhabitants; semi-rural – those between 10,000 and 50,000; and urban – those with >50,000 inhabitants. Results: The rates of attempted suicides in the northern region were higher in both men and women than in Sweden, while the rates of suicide deaths were slightly higher in young men but similar in young women compared to the national averages. Overall, the risk of suicide attempts was higher in semi-rural municipalities compared to urban ones, particularly among women. A significantly higher risk of mortality was also observed for men and women in semi-rural municipalities, but only in the period 2010–2013. Conclusions: The high rates of attempted and completed suicides among youth in northern Sweden and the higher risks in rural and semi-rural municipalities need close attention. The implementation of suicide prevention programs, especially in rural and semi-rural municipalities, should be intensified.
Subjecting pandemic sport to a sociological procedure
Authors: Rowe David
Published: July 2020

The Covid-19 global pandemic posed a particularly acute problem for sport. Although there was massive sectoral disruption in areas like higher education, music, and tourism, sport is unusually dependent on commercial media-financed, impossible-to-repeat live events performed before large co-present crowds that form a key part of the spectacle for the many times larger, distant audiences using an expanding range of screens. Covid-19 exposed the inner workings of sport as a machine that could be disabled by its own global interdependency. The compulsive generation of inequalities of class, ‘race’/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, age, ability, space, and so on resulting from the advanced commoditisation and consequent hierarchisation of contemporary global sport, created the structural imbalance and vulnerability that Covid-19 has mercilessly punished. This article applies a sociological analysis to sport before, during and after the pandemic, arguing that an emphasis on the relationships between human rights and cultural citizenship is required to improve the social institution of sport. It argues that if sociology does not play a key role in reforming sport after Covid-19, then it will have lost the moral compass that first guided the discipline in early modernity when the institution of sport emerged.