bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Safety Control of Large‐Section Roadway with High Stress and Broken Surrounding Rock
Authors: Peng Wen-qing , Zhu Hao , Wang Qi , Peng Gang
Published: January 2021

In order to solve the problem of difficult support of the roadway with high stress and large‐section broken surrounding rock, this paper takes the subinclined shaft in Gaokeng mine of Jiangxi Province as the engineering background, analyzes the deformation mechanism and support mode of the roadway under the influence of mining through field investigation and mechanical derivation, and concludes that the stress concentration point of the roadway is in the middle point of roof and floor and the middle point of left and right sides. Through the modeling analysis of FLAC3D numerical software and the comparison of various support schemes, it is concluded that, after the combined support method of “anchor, net, and spray + grouting + full‐section anchor cable + floor anchor cable“ is adopted, the convergence of roof and floor is reduced by 508 mm, and the convergence of two sides is reduced by 663 mm. And, it is applied in engineering practice. The results show that the combined support scheme can effectively control the stability of the surrounding rock.
Limonene through Attenuation of Neuroinflammation and Nitrite Level Exerts Antidepressant-Like Effect on Mouse Model of Maternal Separation Stress
Authors: Lorigooini Zahra , Boroujeni Shakiba Nasiri , Sayyadi-Shahraki Mohammad , Rahimi-Madiseh Mohammad , Bijad Elham , Amini-khoei Hossein
Published: January 2021

Background and Aim. Depression is a social problem with high economic burden in the society. Finding an effective agent with high efficacy and few side effects is therefore needed. Involvement of neuroimmune response as well as nitric oxide (NO) has been determined in the pathophysiology of depression. Limonene is a terpene with various pharmacological properties. Thus, we aimed to evaluate antidepressant-like effect of limonene on a mouse model of maternal separation (MS) focusing on neuroinflammation and NO level in the hippocampus. Methods. Mice were randomly divided into experimental groups as follows: the control group received normal saline and MS groups received normal saline, limonene (10 and 20 mg/kg), L-NAME (10 mg/kg), L-arginine (L-arg) (75 mg/kg), limonene (10 mg/kg) plus L-NAME, and limonene (20 mg/kg) plus L-arg. Behavioral tests including the forced swimming test (FST), open field test (OFT), and splash test were performed. Finally, serum and hippocampal nitrite levels as well as the expression of inflammatory genes (IL-1β and TNF-α) in the hippocampus were measured. Results. We showed that MS caused depressive-like behavior. Treatment of MS mice with limonene reduced the duration of immobility time in FST and increases the grooming activity time in the splash test. Limonene also reduces serum and brain nitrite levels and reduces the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α in the hippocampus. We found that L-NAME potentiated the effects of a subeffective dose of limonene. Conclusion. We concluded that the antidepressant-like effects of limonene are probably mediated through inhibition of neuroinflammation and attenuation of nitrite levels in the hippocampus.
Cutaneous Coinfection of Cytomegalovirus and Mycobacterium chelonae Accelerated by Immunosuppression
Authors: Tsutsumi Yutaka , Odani Kentaro , Kaneko Yasuhito , Hashizume Hideo , Tachibana Mitsuhiro
Published: January 2021

A mildly diabetic 58-year-old male had traumatic ulceration on the left popliteal fossa, and the lesion progressed to a painful 6 cm deep ulcer. After surgical debridement and skin grafting, ulceration recurred. Pyoderma gangrenosum was clinically diagnosed after the first biopsy, indicating a noninfective ulcer. Immunosuppressive therapy (prednisolone and cyclosporine A) induced complete epithelialization in three months. Four months later, subcutaneous nonulcerated nodules appeared on the anterior area of the left lower leg. Subcutaneous induration progressed and ulceration recurred, so that immunosuppressive therapy continued for one year. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia was detected, and the second biopsy demonstrated CMV inclusions of endothelial and perivascular cells in fibrosing septolobular panniculitis. Cyclosporine A was cancelled, prednisolone was tapered, and ganciclovir started. Viremia soon disappeared, but the lesion progressed to large induration with multiple ulcers measuring up to 3 cm. The third biopsy disclosed infection of Gram-positive mycobacteria, accompanying fat droplet-centered suppurative granulomas without CMV infection. Microbial culture identified Mycobacterium chelonae. Clarithromycin with thermotherapy was effective. A review of the second biopsy confirmed coinfection of CMV and Gram-positive mycobacteria. Immunostaining using a panel of anti-bacterial antibodies visualized the mycobacteria in the lesion. Positive findings were obtained with antibodies to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin, Bacillus cereus, MPT64 (Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific 24 kDa secretory antigen), LAM (Mycobacterium tuberculosis-related lipoarabinomannan), and PAB (Propionibacterium acnes-specific lipoteichoic acid).
Using Fuzzy Logic Method to Investigate the Effect of Economic Sanctions on Business Cycles in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Authors: Saeed Iranmanesh M. I. , Norallah Salehi A. , Seyyed Abdolmajid Jalaee B.
Published: January 2021

One of the main economic issues in Iran is the issue of economic sanctions. These sanctions have been imposed by various institutions and countries around the world in various forms since 1979 against Iran. Economic sanctions have affected large sections of Iran’s economy. Meanwhile, economic sanctions against Iran have had far-reaching effects on trade cycles in Iran. The purpose of this article is to investigate the impact of economic sanctions on the structure of business cycles in Iran. The sanction index is a tool for studying quantitative sanctions. The opinions of 15 experts in sanctions economics were collected using fuzzy questionnaires. And the sanction index was obtained. The fuzzy logic method in the MATLAB software space calculated the economic sanction index for 1979–2019. The self-regression calculated the effect of economic sanctions on business cycles. There are two scenarios in this article. In scenario 1, sanctions increased inflation, reduced production, and reduced investment. Also, during the embargo period, the recessions are longer. The second scenario of the research shows the economy without sanctions. The results showed that, in these conditions, inflation has less effect on production and investment. And the economy will experience a long period of prosperity without sanctions.
Epigenetic Regulation and Nonepigenetic Mechanisms of Ferroptosis Drive Emerging Nanotherapeutics in Tumor
Authors: Cheng Yue , Xie Yao , Chen Yan , Liu Xiaojing
Published: January 2021

Currently, traditional cancer therapy still falls far short of expectations. However, a variety of invasive cancers that are resistant to chemotherapy (such as platinum drugs, one of the most applied antineoplastics in clinic) and targeted agents are susceptible to ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is a form of cell death that is driven by cell metabolism and iron‐dependent lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis inducers can eliminate the drug resistance of tumor cells in the mesenchymal state, effectively inhibit the drug resistance of acquired tumor cells, and optimize cancer efficacy. Research based on the epigenetic mechanism of ferroptosis is still in the stage of screening and verifying the regulatory effect, and there is no complete regulatory mechanism network. In this review, we expound on the epigenetic regulation and nonepigenetic mechanisms of ferroptosis and review the epigenetic‐based mechanisms of tumor therapy potential and emerging nonepigenetic‐based therapies (nanotherapeutics).
Vibration Response of Combine Harvester Chassis Undergoing Multisource Excitation Force Distribution
Authors: Li Yu , Tang Zhong , Ren Hui , Zhou Yuepeng
Published: January 2021

When a combine harvester is harvesting in field under complicated conditions, vibration characteristics of the chassis frame under the excitation of multiple sources are complex and changeable. In order to analyze the vibration characteristics of the chassis frame of the combine harvester under complex working conditions and multisource excitation, this paper carried out three-dimensional modeling and static calculation of the chassis frame of the combine harvester. On this basis, the experimental modal analysis was carried out on the designed chassis frame, and finally, the vibration response under multiple excitations and complex working conditions was tested and analyzed in the field. Results showed that when the combine harvester was fully loaded, the maximum bending moment was at the load-bearing beam under the grain box. The maximum bending moment was 2298.08 N/m, and it was located at the cross section of the left end of the bearing beam at 1.61 m. When the components of the whole machine were working, the vibration of the chassis frame at the rear right was the most intense. The horizontal vibration of the threshing drum, the reciprocating motion generated by the vibrating screen, and the vertical vibration generated by the engine were the main vibration sources of the combine harvester in the three directions of X, Y, and Z. With the i\ncrease of engine speed, the excitation capacity of each working component connected to the engine on the whole machine increased. The results of this paper provide experimental basis for the research on the vibration characteristics of the chassis frame of the rice combine harvester under multisource excitation and also provide a reference for the further improvement of the chassis frame of the combine harvester.
Cardiac Graft Assessment in the Era of Machine Perfusion: Current and Future Biomarkers
Authors: Bona Martina , Wyss Rahel K. , Arnold Maria , Méndez‐Carmona Natalia , Sanz Maria N. , Guensch Dominik P. , Barile Lucio , Carrel Thierry P. , Longnus Sarah L.
Published: January 2021

Heart transplantation remains the treatment of reference for patients experiencing end‐stage heart failure; unfortunately, graft availability through conventional donation after brain death is insufficient to meet the demand. Use of extended‐criteria donors or donation after circulatory death has emerged to increase organ availability; however, clinical protocols require optimization to limit or prevent damage in hearts possessing greater susceptibility to injury than conventional grafts. The emergence of cardiac ex situ machine perfusion not only facilitates the use of extended‐criteria donor and donation after circulatory death hearts through the avoidance of potentially damaging ischemia during graft storage and transport, it also opens the door to multiple opportunities for more sensitive monitoring of graft quality. With this review, we aim to bring together the current knowledge of biomarkers that hold particular promise for cardiac graft evaluation to improve precision and reliability in the identification of hearts for transplantation, thereby facilitating the safe increase in graft availability. Information about the utility of potential biomarkers was categorized into 5 themes: (1) functional, (2) metabolic, (3) hormone/prohormone, (4) cellular damage/death, and (5) inflammatory markers. Several promising biomarkers are identified, and recommendations for potential improvements to current clinical protocols are provided.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Insights From PARADIGM‐HF
Authors: Ehteshami‐Afshar Solmaz , Mooney Leanne , Dewan Pooja , Desai Akshay S. , Lang Ninian N. , Lefkowitz Martin P. , Petrie Mark C. , Rizkala Adel R. , Rouleau Jean L. , Solomon Scott D. , Swedberg Karl , Shi Victor C. , Zile Michael R. , Packer Milton , McMurray John J. V. , Jhund Pardeep S. , Hawkins Nathaniel M.
Published: January 2021

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common comorbidity in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, associated with undertreatment and worse outcomes. New treatments for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction may be particularly important in patients with concomitant COPD.

Methods and Results

We examined outcomes in 8399 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, according to COPD status, in the PARADIGM‐HF (Prospective Comparison of Angiotensin Receptor Blocker–Neprilysin Inhibitor With Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitor to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure) trial. Cox regression models were used to compare COPD versus non‐COPD subgroups and the effects of sacubitril/valsartan versus enalapril. Patients with COPD (n=1080, 12.9%) were older than patients without COPD (mean 67 versus 63 years;
P
<0.001), with similar left ventricular ejection fraction (29.9% versus 29.4%), but higher NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide; median, 1741 pg/mL versus 1591 pg/mL; P=0.01), worse functional class (New York Heart Association III/IV 37% versus 23%;
P
<0.001) and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire–Clinical Summary Score (73 versus 81;
P
<0.001), and more congestion and comorbidity. Medical therapy was similar in patients with and without COPD except for beta‐blockade (87% versus 94%;
P
<0.001) and diuretics (85% versus 80%;
P
<0.001). After multivariable adjustment, COPD was associated with higher risks of heart failure hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR], 1.32; 95% CI, 1.13–1.54), and the composite of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.05–1.34), but not cardiovascular death (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.94–1.30), or all‐cause mortality (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.99–1.31). COPD was also associated with higher risk of all cardiovascular hospitalization (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.05–1.31) and noncardiovascular hospitalization (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.29–1.64). The benefit of sacubitril/valsartan over enalapril was consistent in patients with and without COPD for all end points.

Conclusions

In PARADIGM‐HF, COPD was associated with lower use of beta‐blockers and worse health status and was an independent predictor of cardiovascular and noncardiovascular hospitalization. Sacubitril/valsartan was beneficial in this high‐risk subgroup.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01035255.
Progress Toward Achieving National Targets for Reducing Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke Mortality: A County‐Level Perspective
Authors: Vaughan Adam S. , Woodruff Rebecca C. , Shay Christina M. , Loustalot Fleetwood , Casper Michele
Published: January 2021

Background

The American Heart Association and Healthy People 2020 established objectives to reduce coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke death rates by 20% by the year 2020, with 2007 as the baseline year. We examined county‐level achievement of the targeted reduction in CHD and stroke death rates from 2007 to 2017.

Methods and Results

Applying a hierarchical Bayesian model to National Vital Statistics data, we estimated annual age‐standardized county‐level death rates and the corresponding percentage change during 2007 to 2017 for those aged 35 to 64 and ≥65 years and by urban‐rural classification. For those aged ≥35 years, 56.1% (95% credible interval [CI], 54.1%–57.7%) and 39.8% (95% CI, 36.9%–42.7%) of counties achieved a 20% reduction in CHD and stroke death rates, respectively. For both CHD and stroke, the proportions of counties achieving a 20% reduction were lower for those aged 35 to 64 years than for those aged ≥65 years (CHD: 32.2% [95% CI, 29.4%–35.6%] and 64.1% [95% CI, 62.3%–65.7%]), respectively; stroke: 17.9% [95% CI, 13.9%–22.2%] and 45.6% [95% CI, 42.8%–48.3%]). Counties achieving a 20% reduction in death rates were more commonly urban counties (except stroke death rates for those aged ≥65 years).

Conclusions

Our analysis found substantial, but uneven, achievement of the targeted 20% reduction in CHD and stroke death rates, defined by the American Heart Association and Healthy People. The large proportion of counties not achieving the targeted reduction suggests a renewed focus on CHD and stroke prevention and treatment, especially among younger adults living outside of urban centers. These county‐level patterns provide a foundation for robust responses by clinicians, public health professionals, and communities.
Characterisation of root-knot nematode resistance in black oat, Avena strigosa, ‘Terara’
Authors: Uesugi Kenta , Katsura Masaaki , Uwatoko Naohiro , Murata Gaku , Iwabuchi Kei
Published: January 2021

The mechanism of root-knot nematode (RKN) resistance in black oat ‘Terara’ and its stability under high temperatures were examined. To investigate the suppressive mechanism, we observed root invasion and development of RKN in ‘Terara’. Juveniles of Meloidogyne incognita, M. arenaria and M. javanica successfully invaded roots of ‘Terara’ 3 days after inoculation (DAI), whereas juveniles of M. hapla were hardly observed in black oat roots. The total number of M. incognita and the ratio of successfully developing juveniles were significantly lower in roots of ‘Terara’ than a susceptible cultivar from 7 DAI. A number of M. incognita developed to sausage-shaped juveniles in ‘Terara’; however, juveniles beyond that stage were seldom observed. Histological observation of feeding sites suggested the poor development of giant cells was involved in this arrested development. Juveniles of M. arenaria and M. javanica also only developed to the sausage-shaped stage at 21 DAI. These observations indicated that ‘Terara’ and resistant common oat cultivars suppressed RKN in a similar way. The effect of high temperature on resistance was evaluated using ‘Terara’ cultivated at 30°C throughout the experiment and at 32°C for the initial 5 DAI. The number of egg masses of M. incognita under the 32°C treatment was slightly higher than the 25°C control. However, it was still suppressed to 4.9% of the susceptible cultivar.
Introduction
Authors: Burnard Trevor
Published: January 2021

This essay introduces a special issue on the management of enslaved people working on plantations in the British Caribbean and the American South. It focuses on the relationships between commodification, control, persuasion and enslaved autonomy.
Autism, Inc.: The Autism Industrial Complex
Authors: Broderick Alicia A. , Roscigno Robin
Published: January 2021

We contend that, within capitalism, the Autism Industrial Complex (aic) produces both autism as commodity and the normative cultural logic of intervention in relation to it. Comprised of ideological/rhetorical as well as material/economic infrastructure, we argue that the aic is not the myriad businesses and industries that capitalize and profit from it; rather, these constitute its epiphenomenal features. In the production of autism as commodity, the aic also simultaneously produces that commodity’s market, its consumers, and its own monopoly control of that market through production for consumption of need for, consent to, and legitimacy of interventionist logics. Within this apparatus, almost anyone can capitalize on and profit from autism. And within the aic, autistic people—their very bodies—function as the raw materials from which this industrial complex is built, even as autistic people—their very identities and selves—also become unwitting, and often unwilling, products of the aic.
Miners, Benevolent Government, and Administration: A History of Medical Policy in Tokugawa Japan
Authors: Fujimoto Hiro
Published: January 2021

Since the 1980s, the rise of local history scholarship has increasingly pushed historians of medicine of Japan’s Tokugawa period to examine how people dealt with sickness and disease in local communities. Scholars have shown that while local people benefitted from the rising number of village doctors, the shogunate and domains provided scant medical services. In part for this reason, the history of medical policy in the Tokugawa has been understudied, despite important initiatives by some domains to employ physicians and distribute drugs to save lives. Specifically, this article examines how the Akita domain was more actively engaged in medical policy than the shogunate or other domains, both in terms of ideology and administration. The Tenmei famine (1782-1788) sparked political reformation in Akita, leading newly educated officials to play a significant role in providing medical aid to the population, especially miners, as an act of benevolent government.
Mapping in Manchu: The Development of Usage of the Manchu Script and Language on Qing Imperial Mapping Projects
Authors: Eijk Juul
Published: January 2021

The Qing Overview Maps of the Imperial Territories are heterogeneous in nature: from the production process and production techniques to the different languages and scripts in the finished works, each complete edition is different from the others. This article focuses on the heterogeneity found in the usage of the Manchu language, which functions as the descriptive language of the Outer parts of the empire in all editions of the Overview Maps. After the transcriptions of toponyms, synonymous head addition occurs; e.g. in the Manchu transcription hvwang ho bira (Yellow River), both the Chinese character he 河 transcribed in Manchu script as ho and the Manchu bira mean ‘river’. The use of the Manchu language separates the Outer from the Inner regions, but it takes varying forms; Manchu is even written in Chinese characters in several editions, and it conceals a profound variety of languages used in toponyms across the maps. Through a comparison between the different editions, Manchu emerges not merely as a tool to accurately represent geographical space and names, but also as a way to idealize the division of space in the empire.
Activity Tracking After Surgery: Does It Correlate With Postoperative Complications?
Authors: Nevo Yehonatan , Shaltiel Tali , Constantini Naama , Rosin Danny , Gutman Mordechai , Zmora Oded , Nevler Avinoam
Published: January 2021

Background

Postoperative ambulation is an important tenet in enhanced recovery programs. We quantitatively assessed the correlation of decreased postoperative ambulation with postoperative complications and delays in gastrointestinal function.

Methods

Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were fitted with digital ankle pedometers yielding continuous measurements of their ambulation. Primary endpoints were the overall and system-specific complication rates, with secondary endpoints being the time to first passage of flatus and stool, the length of hospital stay, and the rate of readmission.

Results

100 patients were enrolled. We found a significant, independent inverse correlation between the number of steps on the first and second postoperative days (POD1/2) and the incidence of complications as well as the recovery of GI function and the likelihood of readmission ( P < .05). POD2 step count was an independent risk factor for severe complications ( P = .026).

Discussion

Digitally quantified ambulation data may be a prognostic biomarker for the likelihood of severe postoperative complications.
Perioperative Multimodal Anesthetic Care Incorporating Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Is Associated With Reduced Narcotic Use in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Martin Sean P , Etzel Joshua , Aghazarian Gary , Wert Yijin , Answine Joseph F , DiMarco Luciano
Published: January 2021

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery performed in North America. As our knowledge of the importance in limiting narcotic use in postoperative patients increases, we sought to evaluate the effect of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks on inpatient narcotic use in patients undergoing LSG.

Methods

A retrospective review of LSG performed at a single institution by 3 bariatric surgeons was performed. All cases over a 15-month period were included, and anesthesia records were reviewed to stratify patients that received a TAP block and those that did not. Demographic, as well as surgical, outcomes were collected for all patients. Narcotic utilization, as reported in morphine equivalents (ME), was evaluated between the 2 groups.

Results

384 LSG patients were identified, of which 37 (9.6%) received a TAP block. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative morbidity, length of stay, or readmission between groups. Median narcotic utilization in hospital days 1 and 2 in patients with TAP blocks was 49 ME (Interquartile Range (IQR) 14.5-84.5) to 82.5 ME (IQR 57.4-106) in the no-TAP group ( P < .001). After controlling for multiple demographic- and patient-related cofactors, multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated TAP block patients utilized 22.48 ME less than the no-TAP group ( P < .001) in the first 2 days of their hospitalization.

Discussion

Patients that received a TAP block as a part of their perioperative anesthetic care utilized less in-hospital narcotics than those patients that did not receive a TAP block. TAP blocks should be considered as part of a multimodal pain control strategy for patients undergoing LSG.
Transanal Opening of Intersphincteric Space for Fistula-in-Ano
Authors: Li Yu-bo , Chen Ju-hua , Wang Meng-di , Fu Jun , Zhou Bing-chuan , Li De-gang , Zeng Hai-qing , Pang Li-ming
Published: January 2021

Background

The role of the intersphincteric space in the pathogenesis of fistula-in-ano is being increasingly recognized. Submucosal and intersphincteric rectal abscesses have been surgically managed by laying open and draining the intersphincteric space as well as by the modified ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) procedure. In 2017, the transanal opening of intersphincteric space (TROPIS) technique was reported for the treatment of high, complex anal fistulae.

Aim

We aim to investigate the advantages of performing the TROPIS procedure in patients with fistula-in-ano.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study investigating the outcomes in patients who had undergone a procedure using the TROPIS technique for the treatment of fistula-in-ano. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans and electronic colonoscopies were performed on all patients. A clinical database evaluating the following variables was constructed: age, gender, body mass index (BMI), previous fistula surgery, type of fistula, postoperative complications, duration of follow-up, success rate, and incontinence scores pre- and postoperatively.

Results

The TROPIS procedure was performed on 41 patients with fistula-in-ano with a follow-up time of 6-23 months. The characteristics of the patients were as follows: 36 males, 6 females, mean age 38.6±13.2 years, and mean BMI 23.5±3.9 kg·m−2. All patients (41) had transsphincteric fistulae, and 90.2% (37) had high fistula. Of the 41 patients, 22% (9) had recurrent fistulae, 29.27% (12) had horseshoe fistulae, 7.3% (3) had supralevator fistulae, and 14.6% (6) had an associated abscess. The fistula healed completely in 85.3% (35) of patients and failed to heal in 14.7% (6) of patients, and the healing of high fistula was 86.5% (32). Of those patients who had not healed completely, 2 were found to have contracted iatrogenic infections due to foreign residues and underwent surgery with the passing of a loose seton. The additional 4 patients who had not healed underwent a fistulotomy and healed completely thereafter. There were no significant changes in incontinence scores. The incontinence scores were .15 ± .36 preoperatively and .22 ± .47 3 months postoperatively (t = −1.438, P = .16).

Conclusions

The TROPIS technique is a novel sphincter-preserving procedure, which can be effectively used in treating fistula-in-ano.
Relationship Between Remnant Pancreatic Volume and Endocrine Function After Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Yamazaki Tatsuya , Aoki Takeshi , Tashiro Yoshihiko , Koizumi Tomotake , Kusano Tomokazu , Matsuda Kazuhiro , Fujimori Akira , Yamada Kosuke , Nogaki Koji , Hakozaki Tomoki , Wada Yusuke , Shibata Hideki , Tomioka Kodai , Enami Yuta , Murakami Masahiko
Published: January 2021

Background

Decreased pancreatic volume (PV) is a predictive factor for diabetes mellitus (DM) after surgery. There are few reports on PV and endocrine function pre- and post-surgery. We investigated the correlation between PV and insulin secretion.

Methods

Seventeen patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) Pre- and post-surgery PV and C-peptide index (CPI) measurements were performed. Additionally, the correlation between PV and CPI was analyzed.

Results

The mean preoperative PV (PPV) was 55.1 ± 31.6 mL, postoperative remnant PV (RPV) was 25.3±17.3 mL, and PV reduction was 53%. The mean preoperative C-peptide immunoreactivity (CPR) was 1.39 ± .51 and postoperative CPR was .85±.51. The mean preoperative CPI was 1.29±.72 and postoperative CPI was .73 ± .48. Significant correlations were observed between RPV and post CPR (ρ = .507, P = .03) and post CPI (ρ = .619, P = .008).

Discussion

There was a significant correlation between RPV and CPI after PD. A smaller RPV resulted in lower insulin secretion ability, increasing the potential risk of new-onset DM after PD.
A State-Level Analysis of Gender Inequality on Male and Female Homicide
Authors: Moore Matthew D. , Heirigs Mark H. , Barnes Allison K.
Published: January 2021

Inequalities have received a fair amount of study from criminologists interested in homicide and crime. The vast majority of the examinations exploring the relationship between inequality and homicide and crime have examined income inequality. Nonetheless, feminist theorists have stated that gender inequality may be predictive of all violence, not just female victimization. The UNDP gender inequality index was replicated for states in the United States and applied to overall, male, and female homicide rates. The findings demonstrate that increased gender inequality is predictive of increased overall, male, and female homicide. These findings illustrate that gender inequality is predictive of overall, male, and female homicide victimization.
Behavioural, Socio-economic Factors, Financial Literacy and Investment Decisions: Are Men More Rational and Women More Emotional?
Authors: Prasad Swati , Kiran Ravi , Sharma Rakesh Kumar
Published: January 2021

This study covers the gender-wise analysis of how behavioural factors and socio-economic factors along with the level of financial literacy influence investment decisions of Indian retail investors. Equally pertinent is to understand that will it have a different influence and bearing on males and females. Multivariate technique partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) has been applied to develop the model and analyse the results. The study used a structured questionnaire for collecting data from retail investors. The findings of PLS-SEM show that in both genders, behavioural factors, socio-economic factors and financial literacy factors significantly affect investment decisions. However, the findings demonstrate that for women investors, the model is more effective. This study may be useful for prospective fund managers as, in many earlier studies, women are considered to be risk aversive. The results demonstrate that there is a need to target women, and the scenario today is not similar to the pre-existing ones.

JEL Classification: G110, G4
Analysis of the early mother-child relationship in schizophrenic patients
Authors: Khoshgoftar Marziyeh , Khodabakhshi-Koolaee Anahita , Sheikhi Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2021

Background and Aim:

The mother as the first caregiver plays a significant role in the formation of the child’s behavior, growth, and communication. The present study aimed to analyze the early mother-child relationship in schizophrenic patients.

Materials and Methods:

This qualitative study employed a descriptive phenomenological approach. The participants were male patients with schizophrenia who were hospitalized in Qazvin Bahman Psychiatric Hospital from March to September 2020 with an age range of over 18 years. Given the objective of the study, the data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The participants were selected using purposive sampling and the sampling procedure continued until data saturation as the point when no new information is observed in the data. Accordingly, the data were saturated after interviewing 15 participants. The data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method.

Results:

The analysis of the data revealed four main themes including ambivalent attachment to the mother, feelings of constant fear and worry, a sense of constant care for the mother, and a cold and emotionless relationship with the child.

Conclusion:

The present study suggested that schizophrenia is a disorder that affects the mother-child relationship, and does the term “schizophrenic mothers” need to be reconsidered? However, the result of this research has been done according to the nature and cultural context of Iranian society.
Policing Black Film: Racism, Black Resistance and the Applicational Dexterity of Race Relations in Babylon
Authors: Nwonka Clive James
Published: January 2021

The racial unrests permeating across Britain in the late 1970s resulted in a set of political agendas responding to racism to be brought into being though legislation, culminating in the passing of the 1976 Race Relations Act. Crucial to such agendas were strategies for the prevention of black urban uprisings against state authority and the politicisation of black youths against racism. The emergence of politicised black British film during the late 1970s offered a crucial counter-hegemonic exploration and re-enactment of an extra-filmic reality of police violence and popular racism within the British body social. However, these texts were subjected to forms of political censorship through a number of state organisations who identified radical black cinema as a political threat with the potential to incite violent responses from black youths. This article will offer a detailed analysis of Babylon (1980) and seeks to investigate the ideological processes leading to its X certification and the moral panic located in its representations of black youths within the crisis of race vis-a-vis the political, social and cultural authority of race relations, situating Babylon’s controversial X certification as an exemplar of the ‘applicational dexterity’ of the race relations discipline.
The Utility of Clinical Psychology Concepts for Judgment and Decision-Making Research: The Case of Histrionic Features
Authors: Posavac Steven S. , Kardes Frank R. , Posavac Heidi D. , Gaffney Donald R.
Published: January 2021

This research was conducted to highlight the utility of considering clinical psychology concepts in judgment and decision research. Our overarching thesis is that the judgments and choices people make may often be influenced by clinically relevant phenomena, and that understanding these relationships can, in a reciprocal fashion, help advance our understanding of judgment and decision making as well as specific clinical diagnoses and proclivities. We focused on histrionic personality disorder and conducted four studies that show that histrionic symptomology predicts preferences and choices that facilitate grabbing others’ attention, even when such choices cost more money, and are at the expense of giving up more tangible features. In addition to demonstrating a new implication of the histrionic personality, we provide insight into the process underlying this tendency and discuss implications for mental health service providers.
Victim Number Effects in Charitable Giving: Joint Evaluations Promote Egalitarian Decisions
Authors: Garinther Alexander , Arrow Holly , Razavi Pooya
Published: January 2021

Studies of victim number effects in charitable giving consistently find that people care more and help more when presented with an appeal to help an individual compared with an appeal to help multiple people in need. Across three online experiments ( N = 1,348), Bayesian estimation revealed the opposite pattern when people responded to multiple appeals to help targets of different sizes (1, 2, 5, 7, and 12). In this joint evaluation context, participants donated more to larger groups, when appeals were presented in both ascending order (Study 1) and random order (Study 2). The pattern held whether or not participants saw an overview of all appeals at the start of the study and when a single individual was added to the array (Study 3). These results clarify how compassion fade findings typical of separate evaluations may not generalize to contexts in which people encounter multiple appeals within a short temporal window.
Attitudinal Effects of Stimulus Co-Occurrence and Stimulus Relations: Range and Limits of Intentional Control
Authors: Gawronski Bertram , Brannon Skylar M.
Published: January 2021

Research suggests that evaluations of an object can be simultaneously influenced by (a) the mere co-occurrence of the object with a pleasant or unpleasant stimulus (e.g., mere co-occurrence of object A and negative event B) and (b) the object’s particular relation to the co-occurring stimulus (e.g., object A starts vs. stops negative event B). Using a multinomial modeling approach to disentangle the two kinds of influences on choice decisions, three experiments investigated whether learners can intentionally control the relative impact of stimulus co-occurrence and stimulus relations. An integrative analysis of the data from the three experiments ( N = 1,154) indicate that incentivized instructions to counteract effects of stimulus co-occurrence by focusing on stimulus relations increased the impact of stimulus relations without affecting the impact of stimulus co-occurrence. Implications for evaluative learning, intentional control, and public policy are discussed.
The Spatial Ingroup Bias: Ingroup Teams Are Positioned Where Writing Starts
Authors: Bettinsoli Maria Laura , Suitner Caterina , Maass Anne , Finco Luigi , Sherman Steven J. , Salvador Casara Bruno Gabriel
Published: January 2021

In four studies, we test the hypothesis that people, asked to envisage interactions between an ingroup and an outgroup, tend to spatially represent the ingroup where writing starts (e.g., left in Italian) and as acting along script direction. Using soccer as a highly competitive intergroup setting, in Study 1 ( N = 100) Italian soccer fans were found to envisage their team on the left side of a horizontal soccer field, hence playing rightward. Studies 2a and 2b ( N = 219 Italian and N = 200 English speakers) replicate this finding, regardless of whether the own team was stronger or weaker than the rival team. Study 3 ( N = 67 Italian and N = 67 Arabic speakers) illustrates the cultural underpinnings of the Spatial Intergroup Bias, showing a rightward ingroup bias for Italian speakers and a leftward ingroup bias for Arabic speakers. Findings are discussed in relation to how space is deployed to symbolically express ingroup favoritism (Spatial Ingroup Bias) versus shared stereotypes (Spatial Agency Bias).
Conflict Resolution Strategies and Marital Adjustment of Heterosexual Couples: Assessment of Actor–Partner Interaction
Authors: Batista da Costa Crístofer , Pereira Mosmann Clarisse
Published: January 2021

This study tested a dyadic theoretical model in which conflict resolution strategies have impact on couples’ marital adjustment. The study features a quantitative and transversal approach and a correlational and explanatory design. Participants included 231 heterosexual couples from different regions of Brazil, contacted after indication. The instrument composed of the Conflict Resolution Behavior Questionnaire (CRBQ) and the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (R-DAS) was filled out in the residence of the participants. Data were submitted to dyadic analysis by the latent trait model. The results indicated that the strategies have a strong impact on the individual’s adjustment. Assessing the impact of one of the spouse’s strategies on the other, only the marital adjustment of the men was affected. The evidence suggests differences between husbands and wives regarding the impact of strategies on adjustment. The data are discussed in light of the literature and considering their applicability in the clinical area.
Modulating the Barrier Function of Human Alveolar Epithelial (hAELVi) Cell Monolayers as a Model of Inflammation
Authors: Metz Julia Katharina , Wiegand Birgit , Schnur Sabrina , Knoth Katharina , Schneider-Daum Nicole , Groß Henrik , Croston Glenn , Reinheimer Torsten Michael , Lehr Claus-Michael , Hittinger Marius
Published: January 2021

The incidence of inflammatory lung diseases such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains an important problem, particularly in the present time with the Covid-19 pandemic. However, an adequate in vitro test system to monitor the barrier function of the alveolar epithelium during inflammation and for assessing anti-inflammatory drugs is urgently needed. Therefore, we treated human Alveolar Epithelial Lentivirus-immortalised cells (hAELVi cells) with the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α (25 ng/ml) and IFN-γ (30 ng/ml), in the presence or absence of hydrocortisone (HC). While TNF-α and IFN-γ are known to reduce epithelial barrier properties, HC could be expected to protect the barrier function and result in an anti-inflammatory effect. We investigated the impact of anti-inflammatory/inflammatory treatment on transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and the apparent permeability coefficient (P app) of the low permeability marker sodium fluorescein (NaFlu). After incubating hAELVi cells for 48 hours with a combination of TNF-α and IFN-γ, there was a significant decrease in TEER and a significant increase in the P app. The presence of HC maintained the TEER values and barrier properties, so that no significant P app change was observed. By using hAELVi cells to study anti-inflammatory drugs in vitro, the need for animal experiments could be reduced and pulmonary drug development accelerated.
Opportunities, challenges and trade-offs with decreasing avoidable food waste in the UK
Authors: Patel Shivalee , Dora Manoj , Hahladakis John N , Iacovidou Eleni
Published: January 2021

Around 6 million tonnes of edible food are being wasted (post-farm gate) in the UK each year. This fraction of edible wasted food is known as avoidable food waste. In a circular economy food is a valuable resource that must be captured at all stages of the food supply chain and, where possible, redistributed for consumption. This can prevent avoidable food waste generation, and dissipation of food’s multidimensional value that spans environmental, economic, social, technical and political/organisational impacts. While the importance and benefits of surplus food redistribution have been well documented in the global literature, there are still barriers that prevent perfectly edible food from being wasted. This study looks at the main stages of the food supply chain, and amasses the opportunities, challenges and trade-offs associated with surplus food redistribution to the UK economy. It highlights points in the food system where interventions can be made, to improve food’s circularity and sustainability potential. Stakeholder interrelations, regulatory and socio-economic aspects are discussed in relation to their influence on decreasing avoidable food waste. The main output from this work is a diagrammatic depiction of where challenges and trade-offs occur along the food supply chain, and how policy and socio-economic reforms are needed to maximise avoidable food waste prevention, and the surplus avoidable food redistribution in the food supply chain for social benefit.
Spirituality as a Mediator Between Depressive Symptoms and Subjective Well-being in Older Adults
Authors: Soósová Mária Sováriová , Timková Vladimíra , Dimunová Lucia , Mauer Boris
Published: January 2021

As the population is aging, strategies for helping older people to maintain and promote good health and well-being are needed. This study aims to assess whether depressive symptomatology and spirituality are associated with subjective well-being in older adults when controlled for sociodemographic variables. Furthermore, the mediating role of spirituality in the association between depressive symptomatology and subjective well-being was examined. A total of 250 participants (mean age 75.91 ± 7.60) in this cross-sectional study completed the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale, the Zung’s Self-rating Depression Scale, and the Personal Wellbeing Index. Multiple linear regression and mediation analyses were used to analyze the data. Subjective well-being was negatively associated with depressive symptoms and positively associated with spiritual experiences. The indirect effect of depressive symptomatology on subjective well-being via spirituality was 28.7%. The enhancement of spirituality seems to represent one of the relevant interventional strategies in prevention and treatment of depressive symptoms and well-being improvement.
Evaluation of TReatment With Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and the Risk of Lung Cancer: ERACER—An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Anderson Jeffrey L. , Knowlton Kirk U. , Muhlestein J. Brent , Bair Tami L. , Le Viet T. , Horne Benjamin D.
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are widely prescribed medications. A recent British study reported a 14% increased risk of lung cancer with ACEI versus angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) prescriptions, and risk increased with longer use. We sought to validate this observation.

Methods:

We searched the Intermountain Enterprise Data Warehouse from 1996 to 2018 for patients newly treated with an ACEI or an ARB and with ≥1 year’s follow-up or to incident lung cancer or death. Unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for lung cancer and for lung cancer or all-cause mortality were calculated for ACEIs compared to ARBs.

Results:

A total of 187,060 patients met entry criteria (age 60.2 ± 15.1 y; 51% women). During a mean of 7.1 years follow-up (max: 20.0 years), 3,039 lung cancers and 43,505 deaths occurred. Absolute lung cancer rates were 2.16 and 2.31 per 1000 patient-years in the ARB and ACEI groups, respectively. The HR of lung cancer was modestly increased with ACEIs (unadjusted HR = 1.11, CI: 1.02, 1.22, P = .014; adjusted HR = 1.18, CI: 1.06, 1.31, P = .002; number needed to harm [NNH] 6,667). Rates of the composite of lung cancer or death over time also favored ARBs. Lung cancer event curves separated gradually over longitudinal follow-up beginning at 10-12 years.

Conclusions:

We noted a small long-term increase in lung cancer risk with ACEIs compared with ARBs. Separation of survival curves was delayed until 10-12 years after treatment initiation. Although the observed increases in lung cancer risk are small, implications are potentially important because of the broad use of ACEIs. Thus, additional work to validate these findings is needed.
Uncovering Family Treatment Decision-Making Processes: The Value and Application of Case Study Methods to Family Research
Authors: Schulz Ginny L. , Patterson Kelly Katherine , Armer Jane , Ganong Lawrence
Published: January 2021

Research on how and why family processes influence phenomena is essential to advancing many areas of science. Case study methods offer an approach that overcomes some of the sampling and analysis obstacles researchers face when studying families. This article aims to illustrate the benefits of case study methods for studying complex family processes using an example from treatment decision-making in sickle cell disease. Using survey, observation, and interview data from various family members within multiple family units, we detail our application of the following analytic strategies: (a) proposition-building, (b) pattern-matching, and (c) cross-case synthesis. Incorporating propositions from a conceptual framework assisted us in study development, data collection, and analysis. Development of graphs and matrices to create thematic family profiles uncovered how and why treatment decision-making occurred as a family process in a pediatric chronic illness. Case study methods are an established, but innovative approach to investigating various phenomena in families.