bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel simplified biomechanical assessment of the heel pad during foot plantarflexion
Authors: Ugbolue Ukadike C , Yates Emma L , Rowland Keir E , Wearing Scott C , Gu Yaodong , Lam Wing-Kai , Baker Julien S , Sculthorpe Nicholas F , Dutheil Frédéric
Published: November 2020

The heel pad (HP) which is located below the calcaneus comprises a composition of morphometrical and morphological arrangements of soft tissues that are influenced by factors such as gender, age and obesity. It is well known that HP pain and Achilles tendonitis consist of discomfort, pain and swelling symptoms that usually develop from excessive physical activities such as walking, jumping and running. The purpose of this study was to develop biomechanical techniques to evaluate the function and characteristics of the HP. Ten healthy participants (five males and five females) participated in this laboratory-based study, each performing a two-footed heel raise to mimic the toe-off phase during human locomotion. Twenty-six (3 mm) retroreflective markers were attached to the left and right heels (thirteen markers on each heel). Kinematic data was captured using three-dimensional motion analysis cameras synchronised with force plates. Descriptive and multivariate statistical tests were used in this study. In addition, a biomechanical technique that utilises only six markers from 26 markers to assess HP deformation and function has been developed and used in this study. Overall HP displacement was significantly higher in males on the most lateral part of the right heel ( p < 0.05). No significant differences were evident when comparing the non-dominant and dominant heels during the baseline, unloading and loading phases ( p > 0.05). Findings from this study suggested that biomechanical outputs expressed as derivatives from tracked HP marker movements can morphologically and morphometrically characterise HP soft tissue deformation changes. The outcome of this study highlights the importance of 3D motion analysis being used as a potential prospective intervention to quantify the function / characteristics of the heel pad soft tissues.
Husserlian empathy and embodied simulation
Authors: Williams Heath
Published: November 2020

In this article, I show that Husserl’s account of empathy supports embodied simulation theory. Both Husserl and embodied simulation accounts of intersubjectivity face the difficulty of accounting for the relations of similarity and difference between self and other, but there is ample neurological data available to the simulationist to establish the relations of similarity and difference, and Husserlian concepts provide a useful interpretive framework for this data. I then respond to the criticism that the theory of embodied simulation involves imitation and is therefore indirect and nonperceptual. Yet, some extra process must distinguish perceptual intersubjectivity from nonsocial perception, and the most direct additional process possible is the interbodily resonances of the kinaesthetic system endorsed by both simulationists and Husserl. Husserl gives an account of kinaesthetic sensations amounting to a phenomenological description of embodied simulation. This article exemplifies phenomenological correlationism whereby cognitive science and phenomenology serve to enlighten one another.
Binge Drinking and Drunk Driving Among Current Drinkers in Thailand: Analysis of Cigarette Smoking and Alcohol Drinking Behavior Surveys From 2007 to 2017
Authors: Vichitkunakorn Polathep , Intusoma Utcharee , Assanangkornchai Sawitri
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the association between binge drinking and drunk driving among the Thai population. Data in 2007, 2011, and 2017 of the Thai National surveys on Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption were analyzed. The household surveys collected information from the population, aged >15 years, using a face-to-face interview. There were 89 002 current drinkers from the 3 waves of surveys. About 40% reported drunk driving in the past 12 months. Binge drinking accounted for 17.3%, 17.8%, and 42.8% of the current drinkers in 2007, 2011, and 2017, respectively. The prevalence of drunk driving also increased from 36.6% to 57.7% over the 10-year period. Both occasional binge drinkers and regular binge drinkers showed about twice the risk of drunk driving (range of odds ratios [ORs] from 1.81; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.71-1.92 to OR 2.96; 95% CI = 2.64-3.31), compared with non–binge drinkers, and these OR increased by drinking frequency.
Parenting a Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Perspective of Jordanian Mothers
Authors: Shattnawi Khulood Kayed , Bani, Saeed Wafa’a M. , Al-Natour Ahlam , Al-Hammouri Mohammed M. , Al-Azzam Manar , Joseph Rachel A.
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

Parenting a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is challenging for mothers because of concerns related to behavior, difficulties in accessing specialized care, and lack of community acceptance, yet their stories in Jordanian context are still unknown. Common challenges in Jordan include financial burdens, lack of public awareness, and lack of specialized knowledge even among health care providers, which may lead to delays in obtaining the diagnosis and interventions for ASD.

Method:

A phenomenological descriptive approach was used to explore and understand the mothers’ everyday lived experiences of raising a child with ASD. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 14 mothers to identify their challenges so that nurses can identify gaps in services, empower families, and facilitate optimum care to these Jordanian families.

Findings:

The main themes that emerged were (1) mothers’ journeys with the diagnosis, in which mothers recognized the abnormalities of their children, reported delays in getting the diagnosis and initiation of treatment, and described a wide range of reactions to the diagnosis from grief and guilt to a blessing from God; (2) the burden of care, by which mothers reported physical and emotional exhaustion, financial burdens, and concerns about the quality of available services; and (3) the consequences and the hurdle of having a child with ASD, which affected the family relationships and social life.

Discussion:

Jordanian mothers caring for children with ASD face several challenges, including physical, psychological, financial, and social challenges, in addition to limited specialized services. Identifying their unique challenges and needs are essential to support them, provide appropriate services and resources, and develop policies and guidelines for culturally competent quality services.
Economic Burden of Osteoporosis-Related Fractures in the US Medicare Population
Authors: Williams Setareh A. , Daigle Shanette G. , Weiss Richard , Wang Yamei , Arora Tarun , Curtis Jeffrey R.
Published: November 2020

Background

Osteoporosis-related fractures are an important public health burden.

Objective

To examine health care costs in Medicare patients with an osteoporosis-related fracture.

Methods

Medicare fee-for-service members with an osteoporosis-related fracture between January 1, 2010, to September 30, 2014 were included. A nonfracture comparator group was selected by propensity score matching. Generalized linear models using a gamma distribution were used to compare costs between fracture and nonfracture cohorts.

Results

A total of 885 676 Medicare beneficiaries had fracture(s) and met inclusion criteria. Average age was 80.5 (±8.4) years; 91% were White, and 94% female. Mean all-cause costs were greater in the fracture vs nonfracture cohort ($47 163.25 vs $16 034.61) overall and for men ($52 273.79 vs $17 352.68). The highest mean costs were for skilled nursing facility ($29 216), inpatient costs ($24 190.19), and hospice care ($20 996.83). The highest incremental costs versus the nonfracture cohort were for hip ($71 057.83 vs $16 807.74), spine ($37 543.87 vs $16 860.49), and radius/ulna ($24 505.27 vs $14 673.86). Total medical and pharmacy costs for patients who experienced a second fracture were higher compared with those who did not ($78 137.59 vs $44 467.47). Proportionally more patients in the fracture versus nonfracture cohort died (18% vs 9.3%), with higher death rates among men (20% vs 11%).

Conclusion and Relevance

The current findings suggest a significant economic burden associated with fractures. Early identification and treatment of patients at high risk for fractures is of paramount importance for secondary prevention and reduced mortality.
A Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Analysis to Dose Optimize Daptomycin in Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium: Is the Answer Fixed Dosing or Lowering Breakpoints?
Authors: Butterfield-Cowper Jill M.
Published: November 2020

Background:

The optimal daptomycin dose for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium remains unclear. Dosing of 8 to 12 mg/kg/d has been recommended to improve outcomes, but literature suggests fixed dosing may improve methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia pharmacodynamic (PD) targets.

Objective:

This study sought to evaluate weight-based versus fixed dosing of daptomycin based on pharmacokinetic and PD (PK-PD) targets in vancomycin-resistant E faecium bacteremia.

Methods:

PK-PD analyses were conducted using previously published PK models for daptomycin. Probability of target attainment (PTA) was assessed for 8 to 12 mg/kg/d and various fixed doses. The percentage of simulated participants who achieved a free area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 hours to minimum inhibitory concentration ratio ( fAUC0-24/MIC) >27.43 for susceptible dose-dependent (SDD) MICs and the probability of a minimum concentration ( Cmin) > 24.3 mg/L were calculated.

Results:

At MICs ≤2 mg/L, fixed doses had the best overall PTA. At the SDD breakpoint of 4 mg/L, all weight-based doses had <60% PTA. A fixed dose of 1500 mg/d was necessary for >/= 90% PTA at higher MICs considered SDD; however, this dose had elevated risks of Cmin ≥24.3 mg/L.

Conclusion and Relevance:

Fixed doses were more likely to achieve a fAUC/MIC of 27.43 than weight-based doses up to 12 mg/kg/d. However, fixed doses necessary for 90% PTA against SDD isolates with higher MICs were associated with elevated risks of toxicity. A reevaluation of Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute breakpoints may need to be considered, with an emphasis on lowering the SDD breakpoint to 1 mg/L.
Well Homes Initiative: A Home-Based Intervention to Address Housing-Related Ill Health
Authors: Pierse Nevil , White Maddie , Ombler Jenny , Davis Cheryl , Chisholm Elinor , Baker Michael , Howden-Chapman Philippa
Published: November 2020

Background

Six thousand children are hospitalized each year in New Zealand with housing sensitive conditions, and 86.2% of these children are rehospitalized during childhood. The Healthy Homes Initiative, set up by the Ministry of Health, and implemented in Wellington through Well Homes, carries out housing assessments and delivers a range of housing interventions.

Method

Housing assessments were carried out by trained community workers. Philanthropic funding was received for the interventions through a local charitable trust.

Results

Well Homes saw 895 families. Mold in the home was the most commonly recorded area of poor housing quality, in 836 homes (93%). Partial or complete lack of insulation was also common, with 452 records (51%) having a documented need for further assessment and either an upgrade or full installation. Eighty-three percent of homes had insufficient sources of heating. A total of 5,537 interventions were delivered. Bedding, heaters, and draft stopping were delivered over 90% of the time. In contrast, insulation and carpets were only delivered 40% of the time. Interventions were least likely to be delivered in private rental housing.

Discussion

Targeted interventions using social partnerships can deliver housing improvements for relatively little health spending. Well Homes provides immediate and practical interventions, education, connection with social agencies, and advocacy for more substantial structural home improvements to help families keep their home warmer, drier, and healthier. This approach will be strengthened when combined with a new regulatory framework to raise the standards of private rental housing.
Public Housing and Well-Being: Evaluation Frameworks to Influence Policy
Authors: Rangiwhetu Lara , Pierse Nevil , Chisholm Elinor , Howden-Chapman Philippa
Published: November 2020

Background

A robust evidence base is needed to develop sustainable cross-party solutions for public housing to promote well-being. The provision of public housing is politically contentious in New Zealand, as in many liberal democracies. Depending on the government, policies oscillate between encouraging sales of public housing stock and reducing investment and maintenance, and large-scale investment, provision, and regeneration of public housing.

Aim

We aimed to develop frameworks to evaluate the impact of public housing regeneration on tenant well-being at the apartment, complex, and community levels, and to inform future policies.

Method

Based on a systems approach and theory of change models, we developed a mixed methods quasi-experimental before-and-after outcomes evaluation frameworks, with control groups, for three public housing sites. This evaluation design had flexibility to accommodate real-world complexities, inherent in evaluating large-scale public health interventions, while maintaining scientific rigor to realize the full effects of interventions.

Results

Three evaluation frameworks for housing were developed. The evaluation at the apartment level confirmed proof of concept and viability of the framework and approach. This also showed that minor draught-stopping measures had a relatively big impact on indoor temperature and thermal comfort, which subsequently informed healthy housing standards. The complex and community-level evaluations are ongoing due to longer regeneration timeframes.

Conclusion

Public housing is one of central government’s larger social sector interventions, with Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities the largest Crown entity. Evaluating public housing policies is important to develop an evidence base to inform best practice, rational, decision-making policy for the public as well as the private sector.
Comparative analysis of ocular redness score evaluated automatically in glaucoma patients under different topical medications
Authors: Giannaccare Giuseppe , Pellegrini Marco , Bernabei Federico , Senni Carlotta , Aloi Maria , Scalzo Giovanna Carnovale , Ceravolo Domenico , Iovino Claudio , Scorcia Vincenzo
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

To compare ocular redness score calculated automatically between glaucoma patients and healthy controls, and to assess the associations between this score and both demographical and clinical characteristics.

Methods:

Glaucoma patients under different topical medications and matched controls were enrolled in this observational cross-sectional study. The Keratograph 5M (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH) was used to automatically measure 5 redness scores: global; nasal bulbar; temporal bulbar; nasal limbal; temporal limbal. The Student t and ANOVA tests were used to compare continuous variables between groups. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between redness scores and the use of different active principles.

Results:

One hundred two glaucoma patients and 32 controls were included. Ocular redness scores were significantly higher in glaucoma patients compared to controls (always p < 0.001). The number of active principles was significantly associated with all the redness scores (always p < 0.05). The use of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) was the strongest predictor of overall redness, followed by prostaglandin analogs (PAs) and alpha-adrenergic agonists (AAAs) (respectively, β = 0.400, p = 0.002; β = 0.330, p = 0.013; β = 0.311, p = 0.044). The post hoc analysis measuring the effect of different PAs on redness scores showed that overall redness and bulbar nasal redness scores were significantly lower in patients using tafluprost and latanoprost compared to those using travoprost and bimatoprost 0.01% (respectively, p = 0.025 and p = 0.024).

Conclusion:

Ocular redness was significantly higher in patients with glaucoma compared to control subjects. The number of active principles and the use of PAs, CAIs and AAAs were associated with higher redness scores.
Vitrectomy combined with subretinal injection of tissue plasminogen activator for successful treatment of massive subretinal hemorrhage
Authors: Saito-Uchida Shoko , Inoue Makoto , Koto Takashi , Kato Yu , Hirakata Akito
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

To evaluate the outcome of vitrectomy combined with a subretinal injection of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to treat a massive subretinal hemorrhage.

Methods:

The medical records of 11 eyes of 11 patients (seven men, four women, mean age; 74.5 ± 9.6 years) with a massive (>10 disc area) subretinal hemorrhage were reviewed. The patients were treated with vitrectomy combined with a subretinal injection of tPA with or without external drainage.

Results:

The mean baseline visual acuity was 2.10 ± 0.45 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) units. The hemorrhage was externalized in three eyes due to bullous hemorrhagic retinal detachment. The subretinal hemorrhage was displaced away from the fovea in 10 eyes (91%) and reduced in one eye. Retinal reattachment was achieved in all eyes however reoperations were needed in five eyes (45%) among the eight eyes (73%) with recurrent vitreous and/or subretinal hemorrhages. The postoperative vision at 3 months was significantly improved to 1.32 ± 0.65 logMAR units ( p = 0.0076). The vision in the two eyes without postoperative subretinal hyperreflective material at the fovea recovered to 0.4 logMAR units but none of the nine eyes with the foveal subretinal hyperreflective material had vision better than 0.1 logMAR units.

Conclusion:

Vitrectomy with subretinal injection of tPA with or without external drainage of the subretinal hemorrhage was effective in treating massive subretinal hemorrhages.
Teachers’ and custodians’ views and dilemmas arising thereof regarding the integration of indigenous knowledge in the primary school
Authors: Govender Nadaraj , Mutendera Godfrey
Published: November 2020

Indigenous Knowledge is largely neglected in the primary school curriculum, yet it espouses the history, art, nature, and traditions of the community from which students come. This study explores the views of six custodians and six teachers on the integration of Indigenous Knowledge in the primary school curriculum in Zimbabwe. Indigenous standpoint theory and participatory research methodology framed the study. Data were generated through focus group discussions with Indigenous Knowledge custodians through individual interviews with teachers. The custodians’ views confirmed that Indigenous Knowledge was significant to their identities, but they were concerned with the loss of their culture due to modernization. Most teachers acknowledged the wisdom of Indigenous Knowledge custodians, welcomed their contributions, but some teachers were sceptical about custodians teaching formally in the classrooms. Several dilemmas arose from the views of participants, which have implication for the integration of Indigenous Knowledge in primary schools.
Cubic B-spline quasi-interpolation and an application to numerical solution of generalized Burgers-Huxley equation
Authors: Sun Lan-Yin , Zhu Chun-Gang
Published: November 2020

Nonlinear partial differential equations are widely studied in Applied Mathematics and Physics. The generalized Burgers-Huxley equations play important roles in different nonlinear physics mechanisms. In this paper, we develop a kind of cubic B-spline quasi-interpolation which is used to solve Burgers-Huxley equations. Firstly, the cubic B-spline quasi-interpolation is presented. Next we get the numerical scheme by using the derivative of the quasi-interpolation to approximate the spatial derivative of the dependent variable and modified Euler scheme to approximate the time derivative of the dependent variable. Moreover, the efficiency of the proposed method is illustrated by the agreement between the numerical solution and the analytical solution which indicate the numerical scheme is quite acceptable.
Online planning low-cost paths for unmanned surface vehicles based on the artificial vector field and environmental heuristics
Authors: Wen Naifeng , Zhang Rubo , Liu Guanqun , Wu Junwei , Qu Xingru
Published: November 2020

The study is concerned with the problem of online planning low-cost cooperative paths; those are energy-efficient, easy-to-execute, and low collision probability for unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) based on the artificial vector field and environmental heuristics. First, we propose an artificial vector field method by following the global optimally path and the current to maximize the known environmental information. Then, to improve the optimal rapidly exploring random tree (RRT*) based planner by the environment heuristics, a Gaussian sampling scheme is adopted to seek for the likely samples that locate near obstacles. Meanwhile, a multisampling strategy is proposed to choose low-cost path tree extensions locally. The vector field guidance, the Gaussian sampling scheme, and the multisampling strategy are used to improve the efficiency of RRT* to obtain a low-cost path for the virtual leader of USVs. To promote the accuracy of collision detection during the execution process of RRT*, an ellipse function-based bounding box for USVs is proposed with the consideration of the current. Finally, an information consensus scheme is employed to quickly calculate cooperative paths for a fleet of USVs guided by the virtual leader. Simulation results show that our online cooperative path planning method is performed well in the practical marine environment.
Energy optimization of an electric car using losses minimization and intelligent predictive torque control
Authors: Kraiem Habib , Shaaban Shaaban M
Published: November 2020

Autonomy is considered an important criterion that characterizes the performance of electric vehicles. It is represented by the distance that could be traveled by a fully electric vehicle which mainly depends on several parameters such as the vehicle model, type of battery, type of motor, etc. In this context, to improve the autonomy of electric vehicles, this paper represents an optimization study for the electric motor based on two contributions. The first devise an energy optimization algorithm to reduce the motor losses by calculation of the stator flux reference according to the electromagnetic torque and the rotation speed. The second is concerned with controller parameters adjustment using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique to improve the efficacy and robustness of the drive. The performance of this strategy is evaluated in terms of torque, flux ripples, and transient response to step variations of the torque control. A comparative study of the designed PI controllers based on PSO with four other control algorithms and tuning methods is established in order to prove the efficiency of PI_PSO. The analysis, modeling, and simulation results are presented to verify the validity of the proposed overall optimization study.
Facing post COVID-19 era, what is really important for Ecuadorian SMEs?
Authors: García-Vidal Gelmar , Guzmán-Vilar Laritza , Sánchez-Rodríguez Alexander , Martínez-Vivar Rodobaldo , Pérez-Campdesuñer Reyner , Uset-Ruiz Fernando
Published: November 2020

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have to face the time post COVID-19. The pandemic impacted the SMEs with great force worsening the well-known situation of lack of resources and its tendency to disappear in the very early years of existence. This systemic crisis jeopardizes SMEs in many ways and it is necessary to find ways to emerge and survive from this crisis. This manuscript conducts a literature study on more than 100 manuscripts that present recommendations from McKinsey & Company for SMEs to face post-pandemic time. Through the application of the entropy-weight coefficient method this paper finds priorities from Ecuadorian SMEs out of essential elements proposed at the literature review, to introducing at the managing process to face post COVID-19 era.
Starving Polar Bears and Melting Ice: How the Arctic Imaginary Continues to Colonize Our Perception of Climate Change in the Circumpolar Region
Authors: Brode-Roger Dina
Published: November 2020

This paper explores the Arctic Imaginary and its impact on how the circumpolar region is perceived by people outside of the region. Whether as imagined by the tourist industry, in connection to climate change, or as part of a geopolitical agenda, the Arctic is often portrayed in a simplified, mono-story way. A biased, simplified view of the region limits a deeper understanding of the issues that are important to the people living there. By tracing the Arctic Imaginary through its various historical manifestations and comparing it with the reality of living in the circumpolar region, this paper aims to challenge our collective, projected, and romanticized images of the “Arctic.” By discussing how different guises of the Arctic Imaginary continue to “other” and simplify the complexities of the region, this paper will show how recent environmental discourse anchors the Arctic Imaginary in a new way. Viewing the Arctic as a place to be saved, a pure, pristine place in need of protection, imposes upon it an identity as an object of (white, male, colonial) desire.
Safety and Hospital Costs Averted Using a Rapid Outpatient Management Strategy for Transient Ischemic Attack and Minor Strokes: The RAVEN Clinic
Authors: Shapiro Steven D. , Boehme Amelia K. , Chang Bernard P. , Miller Eliza C. , Willey Joshua , Elkind Mitchell S. V.
Published: November 2020

Study Objective:

Patients presenting to emergency departments (ED) with transient ischemic attack and minor strokes (TIAMS) are often admitted for evaluation, though experience in other countries have suggested that an expedited outpatient care models may be a safe alternative. We hypothesized that a rapid access clinic for select TIAMS was feasible and would avert hospitalization costs.

Methods:

This retrospective analysis included patients presenting to our institution’s ED with TIAMS and NIHSS ≤5 in calendar year 2017. We referred low-risk patients with TIAMS to a Rapid Access Vascular Evaluation-Neurology (RAVEN) clinic within 24 hours of ED discharge. We identified admitted patients who met RAVEN criteria at ED presentation. Rates of follow-up to the RAVEN clinic were recorded. Financial data collected included total hospital costs and time spent in the ED, as well hospital length of stay for admitted patients with low-risk TIAMS.

Results:

In 2017, 149 patients were referred to RAVEN clinic and 50 patients were admitted. Of the RAVEN patients 99 (94%) appeared as scheduled. None had clinical changes between ED discharge and clinical evaluation. One patient required hospitalization at the RAVEN evaluation. When compared to RAVEN patients, admitted patients had significantly higher $7,719 (SD 354) total hospital costs and were hospitalized for 2 days on average. Overall, the RAVEN strategy averted approximately $764,000 in hospitalization costs and 208 hospital bed-days in accounting year 2017.

Conclusions:

For select patients presenting with TIAMS without disabling deficits, a rapid outpatient evaluation may be feasible while averting significant total hospital costs and preserving inpatient hospital beds.
Association of plain computed tomography‐determined pulmonary artery‐to‐aorta ratio with clinical severity of coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Hayama Hiromasa , Ishikane Masahiro , Sato Rubuna , Kanda Kohei , Kinoshita Noriko , Izumi Shinyu , Ohmagari Norio , Hiroi Yukio ,   NCGM COVID‐19 clinical team
Published: November 2020

Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) is associated with pulmonary hypertension due to pulmonary embolism, which affects subsequent outcomes. However, definitive diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension is difficult because of the risk of spreading the infection. Here, we assess the utility of plane computed tomography in noninvasively predicting the clinical severity of COVID‐19.
Placental vascular maldevelopment, intrauterine growth restriction, and pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Mathias Maxwell , Bitar Mireille , Aldulescu Monica , Birkett Robert , Perez Marta , Mestan Karen
Published: November 2020

A 33‐year‐old gravida 2, para 1 woman was noted to have early intrauterine growth restriction at 22 weeks gestation and subsequently developed severe pre‐eclampsia. She delivered a 460 g male neonate at 28 weeks. The infant was managed on non‐invasive ventilatory support and was gaining weight on enteral feeds for the first eight weeks of life, at which point he developed necrotizing enterocolitis. He then developed severe pulmonary hypertension that was refractory to maximal medical management. He died at 10 weeks of life due to hypoxemic respiratory and heart failure. Placental pathology revealed a constellation of findings consistent with maternal vascular malperfusion. Lung autopsy revealed muscularized and hypertrophied pulmonary arterioles consistent with severe pulmonary hypertension. Von Willebrand factor immunofluorescent staining of autopsy specimens suggest parallels in extent of endothelial injury. This case study illustrates our evolving knowledge of the fetal origins of neonatal lung diseases.
Asymptomatic floating thrombus in the ascending aorta depicted on four-dimensional computed tomography
Authors: Nishimura Takamasa , Sueyoshi Eijun , Tasaki Yuichi , Uetani Masataka
Published: November 2020

Aortic mural thrombi of the ascending aorta are rare. If an aortic mural thrombus is dislodged, it can cause various embolic complications, which can sometimes be fatal. Although contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and transesophageal echography are useful for diagnosing aortic mural thrombi, four-dimensional CT (4D-CT) is one of the most useful modalities for both diagnosis and treatment selection in such cases. 4D-CT can be used to evaluate the morphology and mobility of thrombi. Furthermore, it is minimally invasive. To the best of our knowledge, there have not been any reports about 4D-CT being used to depict an asymptomatic ascending aortic thrombus. We report a very unusual case, involving an aortic mural thrombus of the ascending aorta.
Mothers’ Educational Beliefs and Preschoolers’ English Learning Attitudes: The Mediating Role of English Experiences at Home
Authors: Choi Naya , Kim Taeyeon , Kiaer Jieun , Morgan-Brown Jessica
Published: November 2020

This article analyzes the relationship between Korean mothers’ beliefs about early childhood English education and preschoolers’ attitudes toward English learning. English experiences in the home were also projected to be significantly related to the aforementioned factors. Participants consisted of 159 mother–child pairs in South Korea. This study yielded three main results. First, correlations were found between the mothers’ education level and all three factors, while the fathers’ education and family income levels correlated only with preschoolers’ English experiences at home. Second, the subfactors of the mothers’ beliefs, the preschoolers’ home English experiences, and their attitudes toward learning English were revealed to be partly related. Third, the study showed that preschoolers’ English experiences at home mediated the relationship between the mothers’ beliefs in the importance of English education and the preschoolers’ attitudes. In effect, while the mothers’ beliefs about early childhood English education did not directly affect their children’s attitudes, indirect effects were found to be mediated by English experiences at home. Based on these results, we propose that it is necessary for parents to create a rich language environment in the home that engenders in children positive foreign language learning attitudes.
How to Determine When SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Testing Is or Is Not Useful for Population Screening: A Tutorial
Authors: Keller Niklas , Jenny Mirjam A.
Published: November 2020

Extensive testing lies at the heart of any strategy to effectively combat the SARS-COV-2 pandemic. In recent months, the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay–based antibody tests has gained a lot of attention. These tests can potentially be used to assess SARS-COV-2 immunity status in individuals (e.g., essential health care personnel). They can also be used as a screening tool to identify people that had COVID-19 asymptomatically, thus getting a better estimate of the true spread of the disease, gain important insights on disease severity, and to better evaluate the effectiveness of policy measures implemented to combat the pandemic. But the usefulness of these tests depends not only on the quality of the test but also, critically, on how far disease has already spread in the population. For example, when only very few people in a population are infected, a positive test result has a high chance of being a false positive. As a consequence, the spread of the disease in a population as well as individuals’ immunity status may be systematically misinterpreted. SARS-COV-2 infection rates vary greatly across both time and space. In many places, the infection rates are very low but can quickly skyrocket when the virus spreads unchecked. Here, we present two tools, natural frequency trees and positive and negative predictive value graphs, that allow one to assess the usefulness of antibody testing for a specific context at a glance. These tools should be used to support individual doctor-patient consultation for assessing individual immunity status as well as to inform policy discussions on testing initiatives.
Active Learning of Contrast Sensitivity to Assess Visual Function in Macula-Off Retinal Detachment
Authors: Thomas Merina , Silverman Rebecca F. , Vingopoulos Filippos , Kasetty Megan , Yu Gina , Kim Esther L. , Omari Amro A. , Joltikov Katherine A. , Choi Eun Y. , Kim Leo A. , Zacks David N. , Miller John B.
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

This work characterizes the contrast sensitivity function (CSF) in patients with successful repair of macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) using an adaptive computerized contrast testing device.

Methods:

CSF was prospectively measured in patients with macula-off RD following successful repair and age-matched controls at W.K. Kellogg Eye Center and Massachusetts Eye and Ear using Adaptive Sensory Technology’s Manifold Contrast Vision Meter. Outcome measures included average area under the CSF curve, contrast-sensitivity thresholds (1-18 cycles per degree), and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in RD eyes, fellow eyes, and controls. A subanalysis was performed in eyes with BCVA of 20/30 or better.

Results:

Twenty-three macula-off RD eyes following repair, fellow healthy eyes, and 45 age-matched control eyes underwent CSF testing. Mean BCVA of the 23 RD eyes was 0.250 logMAR, which was, significantly reduced compared with fellow eyes 0.032 ( P < .001) and controls 0.026 ( P < .001). There was a statistically significant reduction in average area under the CSF curve in RD eyes compared with fellow eyes ( P < .0001) and age-matched controls ( z score –0.90, P < .0001) and CSF reduction across all spatial frequencies. In the 15 RD eyes with BCVA of 20/30 or better, the mean CSF was significantly reduced vs fellow eyes ( P = .02) and controls ( P = .045).

Conclusions:

CSF in macula-off RD eyes following repair was significantly reduced compared with fellow eyes and age-matched controls. CSF may be a promising visual function end point with applications in clinical practice and future clinical trials.
IKZF1 alterations predict poor prognosis in adult and pediatric T-ALL
Authors: Simonin Mathieu , Lhermitte Ludovic , Dourthe Marie-Emilie , Lengliné Etienne , Graux Carlos , Grardel Nathalie , Cayuela Jean-Michel , Arnoux Isabelle , Gandemer Virginie , Ifrah Norbert , Dombret Hervé , Baruchel André , Macintyre Elizabeth , Petit Arnaud , Boissel Nicolas , Asnafi Vahid
Published: November 2020

Patient outcomes in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-ALL/LBL) can be difficult to predict. Simonin et al report deletions and mutations in the gene encoding the transcription factor IKAROS among 1260 children and adults with immature T-ALL/LBL, defining its frequency and, importantly, its association with poor outcome in multivariate models. Pathogenic alterations in IKZF1 now can be added to minimal residual disease detection and the established 4-gene oncogenetic classifier to better predict poor outcomes of T-ALL/LBL.
Retraction Note to: A Comparative Study of the Toxicity of Polyethylene Glycol–Coated Cobalt Ferrite Nanospheres and Nanoparticles
Authors: Akhtar Shahnaz , Khan Qasim , Anwar Shahzad , Ali Ghafar , Maqbool Muhammad , Khan Maaz , Karim Shafqat , Gao Lan
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Genome mining and UHPLC–QTOF–MS/MS to identify the potential antimicrobial compounds and determine the specificity of biosynthetic gene clusters in Bacillus subtilis NCD-2
Authors: Su Zhenhe , Chen Xiuye , Liu Xiaomeng , Guo Qinggang , Li Shezeng , Lu Xiuyun , Zhang Xiaoyun , Wang Peipei , Dong Lihong , Zhao Weisong , Ma Ping
Published: November 2020

Background

Bacillus subtilis strain NCD-2 is an excellent biocontrol agent against plant soil-borne diseases and shows broad-spectrum antifungal activities. This study aimed to explore some secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters and related antimicrobial compounds in strain NCD-2. An integrative approach combining genome mining and structural identification technologies using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), was adopted to interpret the chemical origins of metabolites with significant biological activities.

Results

Genome mining revealed nine gene clusters encoding secondary metabolites with predicted functions, including fengycin, surfactin, bacillaene, subtilosin, bacillibactin, bacilysin and three unknown products. Fengycin, surfactin, bacillaene and bacillibactin were successfully detected from the fermentation broth of strain NCD-2 by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. The biosynthetic gene clusters of bacillaene, subtilosin, bacillibactin, and bacilysin showed 100% amino acid sequence identities with those in B. velezensis strain FZB42, whereas the identities of the surfactin and fengycin gene clusters were only 83 and 92%, respectively. Further comparison revealed that strain NCD-2 had lost the fenC and fenD genes in the fengycin biosynthetic operon. The biosynthetic enzyme-related gene srfAB for surfactin was divided into two parts. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that FenE in strain NCD-2 had a similar function to FenE and FenC in strain FZB42, and that FenA in strain NCD-2 had a similar function to FenA and FenD in strain FZB42. Five different kinds of fengycins, with 26 homologs, and surfactin, with 4 homologs, were detected from strain NCD-2. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a non-typical gene cluster related to fengycin synthesis.

Conclusions

Our study revealed a number of gene clusters encoding antimicrobial compounds in the genome of strain NCD-2, including a fengycin synthetic gene cluster that might be unique by using genome mining and UHPLC–QTOF–MS/MS. The production of fengycin, surfactin, bacillaene and bacillibactin might explain the biological activities of strain NCD-2.
The effect of side-alternating vibration therapy on mobility and health outcomes in young children with mild to moderate cerebral palsy: design and rationale for the randomized controlled study
Authors: Adaikina Alena , Hofman Paul L. , Gusso Silmara
Published: November 2020

Background

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of physical disability in early childhood. Vibration therapy (VT) is a promising rehabilitation approach for children with CP with potential to impact mobility, bone and muscle health as demonstrated by extant research. However, it is still unclear how long therapy must be conducted for and what the optimal vibration frequency is in order to gain health benefits.

Methods/design

The study is a randomized clinical trial evaluating and comparing the effects of two vibration frequency (20 Hz vs 25 Hz) and duration protocols (12 weeks vs 20 weeks) of side-alternating VT on mobility and other health parameters in children with CP. Children aged 5–12 years old with CP and GMFCS level I-III who are able to understand instruction and safely stand are eligible for the study. Exclusion criteria include bone fracture within 12 weeks of enrolment; acute conditions; the history of significant organic disease; the history of taking anabolic agents, glucocorticoids, growth hormone, and botulinum toxin injection into lower limbs within 3 months of enrolment. All participants will act as their own control with a 12-week lead-in period prior to intervention. The intervention period will consist of 20 weeks of home- or school-based VT 9 min per day, 4 times a week. After the baseline assessment, participants will be randomized to either a 20 Hz or 25 Hz vibration-frequency group. The primary outcome is mobility measured by a 6-min walking test, with analysis performed on the principle of intention to treat. Secondary outcomes include body composition, muscle strength, physical activity level, balance, gross motor function, respiratory function, and quality of life. Participants will undergo four assessment visits over the study period: baseline, at weeks 12, 24, and 32.

Discussion

The results of the study will provide evidence-based insights into the health benefits of side-alternating VT as a therapeutic tool in young children with cerebral palsy. The investigation of different vibration training protocols will help define the optimal parameters of intervention protocols (duration, frequency) of side-alternating VT to maximize outcomes on the health of 5–12-year-old children with CP.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): 12618002026202 (Registration date 18/12/2018).
Sestrin2 regulates microglia polarization through mTOR-mediated autophagic flux to attenuate inflammation during experimental brain ischemia
Authors: He Tingting , Li Wanlu , Song Yaying , Li Zongwei , Tang Yaohui , Zhang Zhijun , Yang Guo-Yuan
Published: November 2020

Background

Neuroinflammation is the major pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia. Microglia are activated and polarized to either the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype or anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, which act as a critical mediator of neuroinflammation. Sestrin2 has pro-survival properties against ischemic brain injury. However, whether sestrin2 has an anti-inflammatory function by shifting microglia polarization and its underlying mechanism is unknown.

Methods

Adult male C57BL/6 mice (N = 108) underwent transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and were treated with exogenous sestrin2. Neurological deficit scores and infarct volume were determined. Cell apoptosis was examined by TUNEL staining and Western blotting. The expression of inflammatory mediators, M1/M2-specific markers, and signaling pathways were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunostaining, and Western blotting. To explore the underlying mechanism, primary neurons were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and then treated with oxygenated condition medium of BV2 cells incubated with different doses of sestrin2.

Results

Sestrin2 attenuated the neurological deficits, infarction volume, and cell apoptosis after tMCAO compared to those in the control (p < 0.05). Sestrin2 had an anti-inflammatory effect and could suppress M1 microglia polarization and promote M2 microglia polarization. Condition medium from BV2 cells cultured with sestrin2 reduced neuronal apoptosis after OGD in vitro. Furthermore, we demonstrated that sestrin2 drives microglia to the M2 phenotype by inhibiting the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway and restoring autophagic flux.

Conclusions

Sestrin2 exhibited neuroprotection by shifting microglia polarization from the M1 to M2 phenotype in ischemic mouse brain, which may be due to suppression of the mTOR signaling pathway and the restoration of autophagic flux.
The importance of preoperative T1 slope for determining proper postoperative C2–7 Cobb’s angle in patients undergoing cervical reconstruction
Authors: Chen Jinshui , Wang Juying , Wei Xuepeng , Guan Huapeng , Wang Benhai , Xu Hao , Chen Jianmei
Published: November 2020

Background

This study aimed to explore the relationship among different cervical sagittal parameters in asymptomatic volunteers and the correlation between surgical efficacy and difference of presumed and actual postoperative C2–7 Cobbs’s angle (C2–7COBB), which was calculated based on preoperative T1 slope (T1S) in patients undergoing cervical reconstruction.

Methods

In total, 158 inpatients with cervical spondylosis and 274 asymptomatic volunteers were retrospectively reviewed. Cervical sagittal parameters, such as C2–7COBB, T1S, thoracic inlet angle (TIA), and neck tilt (NT), were compared. Then, the correlation among these parameters was analyzed in asymptomatic volunteers, and a regression equation between T1S and C2–7COBB was established and used to analyze the correlation among the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score improvement, the sagittal parameters, and the difference between presumed and actual postoperative C2–7COBB in patients after cervical reconstruction.

Results

The mean T1S, C2–7COBB, and TIA were significantly decreased in patients (P < 0.01). T1S and NT had a strong correlation with TIA (P < 0.01). T1S demonstrated a moderate correlation with C2–7COBB in asymptomatic volunteers (r = 0.569, P < 0.01). A regression equation had been established as C2–7COBB = 0.742 × T1S − 0.866. The mean C2–7COBB and JOA score improved significantly (P < 0.05) postoperatively. Moreover, the JOA improvement rate showed a significant negative correlation with the difference in the presumed and actual postoperative C2–7COBB (r = − 0.696, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our study successfully established a regression equation for calculating postsurgical C2–7COBB based on the correlation between T1S and C2–7COBB in asymptomatic volunteers. The regression equation could be used for guiding surgeons to accomplish an ideal postsurgical C2–7COBB for patients with cervical spondylosis.