bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract P2031: Control Of Antihypertensive Effect Of Small Interfering RNA Targeting Angiotensinogen
Authors: Uijl Estrellita , Mirabito Colafella Katrina M , Hoorn Ewout J , Zlatev Ivan , Kim Jae B , Huang Stephen , Melton Lauren , Foster Don , Danser A.H. Jan
Published: September 2019

A single dose of small interfering ribonucleic acids (siRNA) targeting angiotensinogen (AGT) provides a strong and sustained antihypertensive effect, lasting weeks to months in preclinical models. It is not known whether conventional vasopressors are effective to reverse RNAi-mediated blood pressure lowering. Here, we investigated whether conventional vasopressors can elevate arterial pressure under conditions of AGT depletion. Spontaneously hypertensive rats on a low-salt diet (<0.03% NaCl) were treated for 4 weeks with siRNA (10 mg/kg fortnightly; s.c.), supplemented with fludrocortisone (6 mg/kg/day; s.c.), midodrine (4 mg/kg/day; s.c.) or a high-salt diet (4% NaCl) during the final 2 weeks (all groups n=6-7). Before and after 2 weeks of siRNA, blood pressure responses to intravenous bolus injections of angiotensin II (0.05; 0.5 and 5 μg/kg) and noradrenalin (0.1; 1.0 and 10 μg/kg) were examined in anesthetized rats, via radiotelemetry. Baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP; 136±3 mmHg) was lowered by 19±1 mmHg by AGT siRNA combined with a low-salt diet. Acute pressor responses to angiotensin II and noradrenalin were identical before and after siRNA. Fludrocortisone restored MAP to baseline levels (137±3 mmHg), as did replacing the low-salt diet with a high-salt diet (139±4 mmHg). Midodrine had no effect. Under low salt conditions, siRNA virtually abolished plasma AGT by 99.2±0.1% to 6±1 nM, and increased active plasma renin concentrations. AGT was not altered by midodrine, only marginally increased by high sodium intake, but increased to 20±5% of pre-siRNA treatment levels by fludrocortisone, paralleled by near-elimination of plasma renin levels by 97.6±0.9% to 2.1±0.9 ng angiotensin I/mL.h. Collectively, these data indicate that the efficacy of angiotensin II and noradrenaline to raise blood pressure is not affected by RNAi-mediated AGT suppression. Increased sodium intake or fludrocortisone may represent chronic, less invasive alternatives for controlling blood pressure during AGT depletion, of which the latter seems to be facilitated by amplification of AGT production.
Effect of HIF‐1α/miR‐10b‐5p/PTEN on Hypoxia‐Induced Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis
Authors: Wu Liping , Chen Yafen , Chen Yuanyuan , Yang Wenbo , Han Yanxin , Lu Lin , Yang Ke , Cao Jiumei
Published: September 2019

Background

Few reports have addressed the mechanism by which microRNA miR‐10b‐5p regulates post–myocardial infarction (post‐
MI
) cardiomyocyte apoptosis under hypoxic conditions.

Methods and Results

C57
BL
/6 mice underwent surgical ligation of the left anterior descending artery to create an
MI
or ischemia/reperfusion animal model. The expression of miR‐10b‐5p, PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog), and HIF‐1α (hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α) was detected in infarct border zone tissues at various time points. After precordial injections of the negative control or miR‐10b‐5p, overexpression lentiviruses were made in the areas surrounding the
MI
sites at 1 week, and myocardial infarct size, cardiac function, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis were examined. A miR‐10b‐5p mimic was transfected into primary mouse cardiomyocytes to analyze its effects on cardiomyocyte apoptosis and
PTEN
expression. Meanwhile,
PTEN
as a target of miR‐10b‐5p was verified via luciferase reporter gene assays. Cotransfection of miR‐10b‐5 and
PTEN
verified the relationship between miR‐10b‐5 and
PTEN
. Under hypoxic stress, the expression of
HIF
‐1α and miR‐10b‐5p was examined. The results showed that miR‐10b‐5p expression was markedly reduced in the infarct border zone. Overexpression of miR‐10b‐5p in the murine model of
MI
significantly reduced MI size, improved cardiac function, and inhibited apoptosis. Overexpression of miR‐10b‐5p in vitro antagonized hypoxia‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and specifically inhibited the expression of the apoptosis‐related gene
PTEN
, but overexpression of
PTEN
weakened these effects. We also found that hypoxia‐induced accumulation of
HIF
‐1α resulted in decreased expression of miR‐10b‐5p. Interfering with the activation of the
HIF
‐1α signaling pathway promoted Pri‐miR‐10b and miR‐10b‐5p expression and inhibited
PTEN
expression.

Conclusions

MicroRNA miR‐10b‐5p antagonizes hypoxia‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, indicating that miR‐10b‐5p may serve as a potential future clinical target for the treatment of
MI
.
Paul’s Attitude at Athens (Acts 17:16–34)
Authors: Duniya Reuben E.
Published: September 2019

Commentators have interpreted Acts 17:16–34 in various ways. George Otis’s choice to associate Paul’s attitude and activity at Athens with spiritual mapping is an invitation to have another look at that text. Paul, being a human like anyone else, had background influences informing his perception of the images he saw at Athens. Whether this background influence is sufficient to interpret Paul’s response as an expression of cultural naiveté on the one hand or as spiritual mapping on the other depends on the textual data and background information available to us from his Jewish background and from evidence about the culture and thought of the first-century Greco-Roman world in which Paul lived. This article concludes that Paul was not expressing cultural naiveté at Athens, though it would be a stretch also to conclude that his action was spiritual mapping in the manner in which the concept is understood today even when lessons can be drawn from it for today’s practice.
“With the Tatar Barbarism of Batu:” References to History in Russian Works Concerning Napoleon’s Campaign, 1812–1814
Authors: Parppei Kati
Published: September 2019

The invasion of Napoleon’s troops all the way to Moscow in 1812 has been seen as a turning point that accelerated the development of nationalistic thinking in Russia, already burgeoning at the turn of the century. Depictions of the invasion, produced from 1812–1814 indicate that perceptions of the collective past were in a state of both fermentation and formation, together with questions of Russia’s geopolitical position. The authors were leaning simultaneously on the eighteenth-century image of enlightened, imperial and European Russia, and the medieval ideas of religion as the dividing line between “us” and “them.”
Kievan Rus’ Theology: Yes, No, and It Depends
Authors: Prestel David
Published: September 2019

This essay addresses the long-standing and much-discussed question of the intellectual silence of Rus’ culture, which was first formally posed by Georges Florovsky in a 1962 forum published in the Slavic Review. Initially viewing the issue within the context of Donald Ostrowski ‘s recent book, Europe, Byzantium, and the “Intellectual Silence” of Rus’ Culture (2018), the study contends that in contrast to the practice of theology in Byzantium and the West, Rus’ theology, as Gerhard Podskalsky maintained, is not expressed through traditional theological disciplines but assumes a decidedly pragmatic function that is best served by narration, exhortation, and admonition. The analysis leads to the conclusion that questions concerning the absence of intellectual developments of the medieval West are not helpful in the study of Rus’ culture, as they can obstruct a more productive approach that focuses on Rus’ narrative sources. A brief example illustrating the direction such an approach might take is provided.
The Yardsticks by Which We Measure Rus
Authors: Vukovich Alexandra
Published: September 2019

The central question in the comparative history Rus has been its differential development vis-à-vis its western neighbours and the meaning and reasons for this difference. The recent publication by Donald Ostrowski, Europe, Byzantium, and the “Intellectual Silence” of Rus’ Culture, is a further contribution to this debate that revisits the reasons for a differential development between Rus and medieval Europe, focussing on the intellectual contributions of the Eastern Christian Church and Latin Church to their respective spheres of influence. Ostrowski’s book, along with other analogous studies, produces a regime of knowledge that shapes information about the intellectual history of Rus as diametrically opposed to that of medieval Europe. A postcolonial critique of the treatment of information about the emergence of Rus questions some of the ideas (or yardsticks) (re)produced here and suggests new critical ways to approach the study of early Rus.
“Mourning a Loss: Conservative Support for Ngo Dinh Diem”
Authors: Offenbach Seth
Published: September 2019

The U.S. conservative movement in the mid-20th Century argued that the United States needed to continuously get tougher in the fight against communism worldwide. It remained supportive of U.S. efforts throughout the Vietnam War. However, in the period immediately preceding Americanization of the war in 1965, conservatives were uncertain about the outcome of any fighting in Vietnam. Specifically, they claimed that optimism for the Republic of Vietnam was lost with the assassination of President Ngo Dinh Diem in 1963. Without Diem, conservatives claimed, the Vietnam War was likely lost before it began. This article discusses how Diem went from a barely talked-about anti-Communist ally prior to his death to becoming posthumously the last great hope for Southeast Asia. Conservatives argued that without Diem, the only way the United States would be able to stop Communist expansion in Indochina would be to engage in a massive aerial bombing campaign and find a regional partner to deploy troops. Had he survived, this might not have been necessary. Learning why and how conservatives supported Diem after his death helps us better understand how conservatives reacted to the Vietnam War once Americanization began in 1965.
Contributions to the taxonomy, identification, and biogeography of Casinaria Holmgren and Venturia Schrottky (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Campopleginae)
Authors: VAS ZOLTÁN
Published: September 2019

Two new species of Casinaria Holmgren, C. camura sp. nov. and C. scalaris sp. nov. and the first record of C. kriechbaumeri (Costa) are recorded from Mongolia. Venturia aquila sp. nov. is described from Ghana. The previously unknown female of V. crassicaput (Morley), an Afrotropical species, is described here for the first time. First records of Venturia anatolica Horstmann from Romania and V. canescens (Gravenhorst) from Mongolia are reported, and an identification key to the Western Palaearctic species of Venturia Schrottky is provided.
Why Do Precipitation Intensities Tend to Follow Gamma Distributions?
Authors: Martinez-Villalobos Cristian , Neelin J. David
Published: September 2019

The probability distribution of daily precipitation intensities, especially the probability of extremes, impacts a wide range of applications. In most regions this distribution decays slowly with size at first, approximately as a power law with an exponent between 0 and −1, and then more sharply, for values larger than a characteristic cutoff scale. This cutoff is important because it limits the probability of extreme daily precipitation occurrences in current climate. There is a long history of representing daily precipitation using a gamma distribution—here we present theory for how daily precipitation distributions get their shape. Processes shaping daily precipitation distributions can be separated into nonprecipitating and precipitating regime effects, the former partially controlling how many times in a day it rains, and the latter set by single-storm accumulations. Using previously developed theory for precipitation accumulation distributions—which follow a sharper power-law range (exponent < −1) with a physically derived cutoff for large sizes—analytical expressions for daily precipitation distribution power-law exponent and cutoff are calculated as a function of key physical parameters. Precipitating and nonprecipitating regime processes both contribute to reducing the power-law range exponent for the daily precipitation distribution relative to the fundamental exponent set by accumulations. The daily precipitation distribution cutoff is set by the precipitating regime and scales with moisture availability, with important consequences for future distribution shifts under global warming. Similar results extend to different averaging periods, providing insight into how the precipitation intensity distribution evolves as a function of both underlying physical climate conditions and averaging time.
Re-Examining the First Climate Models: Climate Sensitivity of a Modern Radiative–Convective Equilibrium Model
Authors: Kluft Lukas , Dacie Sally , Buehler Stefan A. , Schmidt Hauke , Stevens Bjorn
Published: September 2019

We revisit clear-sky one-dimensional radiative–convective equilibrium (1D-RCE) and determine its equilibrium climate sensitivity to a CO2 doubling (ECS) and associated uncertainty. Our 1D-RCE model, named konrad, uses the Rapid Radiative Transfer Model for GCMs (RRTMG) to calculate radiative fluxes in the same way as in comprehensive climate models. The simulated radiative feedbacks are verified by a line-by-line radiative transfer model, with which we also investigate their spectral distribution. Changing the model configuration of konrad enables a clear separation between the water vapor and the lapse rate feedbacks, as well as the interaction between the two. We find that the radiative feedback and ECS are sensitive to the chosen relative humidity profile, resulting in an ECS range of 2.09–2.40 K. Using larger CO2 forcings we find that the radiative feedback changes up to 10% for surface temperatures of 291–299 K. Although the ECS is similar to previous studies, it arises from the compensation of a larger clear-sky forcing (4.7 W m−2) and more strongly negative feedbacks (−2.3 W m−2 K−1). The lapse rate feedback and the feedback from the interaction of lapse rate and humidity compensate each other, but the degree of compensation depends on the relative humidity profile. Additionally, the temperature profile is investigated in a warming climate. The temperature change at the convective top is half as large as at the surface, consistent with the proportionally higher anvil temperature hypothesis, as long as the humidity is consistently coupled to the temperature profile.
Midlatitude Fronts and Variability in the Southern Hemisphere Tropical Width
Authors: Rudeva Irina , Simmonds Ian , Crock David , Boschat Ghyslaine
Published: September 2019

This study examines the relationship between midlatitude synoptic activity and variations in the width of the tropics in the Southern Hemisphere for the period 1979–2016. The edge of the tropical belt is defined here in terms of the latitude of the subtropical ridge (STR) of sea level pressure, and eddy activity in the midlatitudes is characterized by the behavior of atmospheric fronts. It is shown that the location and intensity of the STR are significantly correlated with the number of cold fronts between 20° and 40°S and that these relationships exhibit seasonal and zonal asymmetry. The link between the STR and the number of fronts is analyzed in five sectors of the Southern Hemisphere to reveal regional differences in their behavior and relationship with the southern annular mode. Some earlier studies on the widening of the tropics suggest that such changes may be caused by a shift in the location of midlatitude eddies. Our analysis explores the connection between these on a synoptic time scale. It shows that the variability of the width of the tropics is indeed strongly influenced by changes in the midlatitude synoptic activity, and that changes in synoptic activity lead those in the edge of the tropical belt by approximately one day.
Radioisotope Brain Scans in the Diagnosis of Brain Tumors: Technic and Applications
Authors: Samuels LARRY D.
Published: September 2019

Since brain tumors continue to be the most common solid tumor in pediatrics, and cancer is still the number one killer of children (accidents excepted), better diagnosis of children's brain tumors should be the goal of everyone concerned with pediatrics.
The mobility of workers living at work in Europe
Authors: Ceccagno Antonella , Sacchetto Devi
Published: September 2019

Scholars, mainly focusing on Asia, consistently describe the im/mobility of workers living at work as orchestrated from above. This article bring to the forefront forms of workers’ mobility that take place outside of the established and often policed tracks. Focusing on Europe, the article shows that the mobility of workers is the outcome of the interplay of both employers’ strategies and workers’ agency. Based on extensive fieldwork among migrant workers in Europe – Chinese migrants in the Italian fashion industry, and Eastern European migrant workers at the Foxconn electronics plants in the Czech Republic – the article offers a new approach. Instead of focusing on the single workplace at a certain point in time, it adopts a perspective that considers the multiplicity of accommodations at work for workers across Europe along the time dimension. By extending the study of the dormitory regime to the European Union, the article highlights the way the growing frequency of factories cum dormitories to a certain extent empowers the workers as their horizons extend to other sites within Europe and are not limited to a single firm.
Book review: Prakash Chand Kandpal, Environmental Governance in India: Issues and Challenges
Authors: Malhotra Dr. Sarthak
Published: September 2019

Prakash Chand Kandpal, Environmental Governance in India: Issues and Challenges. New Delhi: SAGE, 2018, 255 pp., ₹350 (paperback). ISBN: 978-93-528-0711-6.
Book review: Anil Kumar Vaddiraju, Federalism and Local Government in India
Authors: Lal Moti
Published: September 2019

Anil Kumar Vaddiraju, Federalism and Local Government in India. New Delhi: Stadium Press, 2017, XVII + 232 pp. (hardbound). ISBN: 93-85046-10-1.
The Wythenshawe Hybrid Circuit for lung transplantation: a previously undescribed circuit for lung transplant
Authors: Brazier Andrew , Seville Edward , Hesford Wesley , Pate Bryce , Exton Paul , Sinstadt Naomi , Sanders Megan , Dosouto Elena , Barnard James B
Published: September 2019

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a safe modality of cardiorespiratory support for lung transplantation, with a reduction in coagulopathy and transfusion requirement when compared with cardiopulmonary bypass. In some scenarios, in lung transplantation, there are advantages to the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, which allows cardiac decompression, filtering of embolic air, easy addition and removal of volume, and a means to immediately reintroduce lost blood into circulation. We describe a novel circuit which allows safe and easy switch between modalities without prolonged interruption of flow. This circuit offers a safety net during surgery to minimise the risks influencing the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Haematocrit differences modify the association of cardiopulmonary bypass reoxygenation with acute kidney injury after paediatric Tetralogy of Fallot repair
Authors: Liu Hong , Zheng Si-qiang , Qian Si-chong , He Huang-he , Xue Jin-rong
Published: September 2019

Background:

Little is known regarding the potential impact of haematocrit differences in the association between cardiopulmonary bypass reoxygenation and acute kidney injury following Tetralogy of Fallot repair.

Methods:

We investigated the association of perfusate oxygenation during aortic occlusion associated with acute kidney injury between 204 normal and 248 higher haematocrit children with Tetralogy of Fallot, aged 1 month-18 years, who were surgically repaired in 2012-2018. Normal and higher haematocrit children were defined as having a preoperative haematocrit within and above age- and sex-specific reference intervals, respectively. Acute kidney injury was determined as a binary variable according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria.

Results:

After adjusting for baseline and clinical covariates, a significant interaction between the haematocrit and continuous perfusate oxygenation on acute kidney injury was found (pinteraction = 0.049): a higher perfusate oxygenation was associated with a greater acute kidney injury risk among higher haematocrit children (adjusted odds ratio = 1.50, 95% confidence interval = [1.02, 2.22] per SD, p = 0.038) but not among normal haematocrit children (adjusted odds ratio = 0.91, 95% confidence interval = [0.51, 1.63] per SD, p = 0.73). After a similar adjustment, there was a marginal interaction between tertiles of perfusate oxygenation and haematocrit on acute kidney injury (pinteraction = 0.09): the middle and top tertiles of perfusate oxygenation were associated with a trend towards increased acute kidney injury risks among higher haematocrit children (adjusted odds ratio = 1.69, 95% confidence interval = [0.61, 4.66]; adjusted odds ratio = 2.25, 95% confidence interval = [0.84, 5.99], respectively) but not among normal haematocrit children (adjusted odds ratio = 1.16, 95% confidence interval = [0.46, 2.94]; adjusted odds ratio = 0.45, 95% confidence interval = [0.15, 1.36], respectively) compared with the bottom tertile.

Conclusion:

Preoperative haematocrit differences significantly modify the association of perfusate oxygenation with acute kidney injury, highlighting differential control of reoxygenation for different haematocrit children with Tetralogy of Fallot in the management of cardiopulmonary bypass.
Effectiveness of early rehabilitation on range of motion, muscle strength and arm function after breast cancer surgery: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ribeiro Ivana Leão , Moreira Roberta Fátima Carreira , Ferrari Angélica Viana , Alburquerque-Sendín Francisco , Camargo Paula Rezende , Salvini Tania Fátima
Published: September 2019

Objective:

The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of early rehabilitation on arm range of motion (ROM), strength and function after breast cancer surgery (BCS). Data sources: PubMed, MEDLINE, Bireme, Embase, LILACS and CINAHL databases were searched.

Methods:

Two independent reviewers selected randomized controlled trials evaluating women who underwent early rehabilitation to restore arm ROM, strength or function after BCS. Cochrane Collaboration recommendations and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Methodological quality was assessed by the PEDro scale. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health was considered to analyze results. Effect size (ES) was calculated for clinical relevance interpretation of the outcomes of interest, and the evidence was summarized through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

Results:

Up to June 2019, a total of 1658 references were identified and 15 studies were included. Twelve of them presented adequate methodological quality. A total of 1710 patients were evaluated. Few studies performed the simultaneous assessment of variables related to body structure and function and patient-reported outcomes. A moderate level of evidence was synthesized regarding the effectiveness of ROM exercises for improving arm flexion, abduction and external rotation (ES: 0.45–2.5). A low level of evidence was synthesized regarding the effectiveness of isolated strengthening exercises for patient-reported arm function. ROM exercises associated with muscle strengthening exhibited a moderate level of evidence for improving shoulder flexion (ES: 1.4–2.4).

Conclusion:

Both ROM and strengthening exercises associated with ROM exercises improved shoulder flexion, abduction and external rotation ROM after BCS. Shoulder abduction and external rotation showed less recovery, irrespective of the intervention applied.
An Innovative Use of Vacuum-Formed Appliance for Molar Intrusion and Immediate Aesthetic Rehabilitation
Authors: Talwar Aditya , Kontham Rakesh K. , Bhat Shweta R.
Published: September 2019

A number of methods are available for correcting an isolated supra-erupted molar. The most commonly used method involves using orthodontic miniscrew implants with supporting spring and elastics. This article describes a simple, non-invasive and versatile method of intrusion of the isolated supra-erupted molar. The method used provides additional benefits in not only being pain-free while providing continuous force but also being flexible enough to inculcate other design modifications to suit the patient’s need.
Treatment Status of Elderly Patients With Severe Mental Disorders in Rural China
Authors: Chen Hong-Lin , Xiao Yunyu , Liu Yu-Jun , Zhang Tian-Ming , Luo Wei , Zeng Ya , Hu Shi-Hui , Yang Hai-Jun , Yang Xin , Liu Bo , Xu Mei-Jun , Chan Cecilia Lai-Wan , Conwell Yeates , Ran Mao-Sheng
Published: September 2019

This study was performed to compare the treatment status between older (≥65 years) and younger adults (18-64 years) with severe mental illness (SMI) and explore factors associated with treatment status in rural China. Persons with SMI were identified in one mental health survey in 2015 in 6 townships of Xinjin County, Chengdu, China. Logistic regressions were conducted to explore factors associated with treatment status. Older adults with SMI, especially major depressive disorder, reported significantly lower rates of treatment than younger group. Older age, longer duration of illness, and poor mental status were risk factors for never-treated status in these patients. Never-treated status (46.3%) and poor treatment status in these older patients are serious issues. Different treatment statuses in these patients had various influencing factors. It is crucial to develop culture-specific, community-based mental health services to improve early identification, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of older adults with SMI in rural China.
Preexisting Cerebral Abnormalities and Functional Outcomes After Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Qu Jian-Feng , Chen Yang-Kun , Zhong Huo-Hua , Li Wei , Lu Zhi-Hao
Published: September 2019

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between preexisting cerebral abnormalities in patients with acute ischemic stroke upon their functional outcomes.

Methods:

We recruited 272 patients with first-ever acute ischemic stroke. Cerebral abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging included infarction, silent brain infarcts (SBI), enlarged perivascular spaces, white matter lesions (WMLs), global brain atrophy, and medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTLA). Functional outcomes were assessed using the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scale and basic activities of daily living (BADL) scale, at 3 and 6 months after the index stroke.

Results:

Two hundred and fifty patients completed the 3-month follow-up and 246 patients completed the 6-month follow-up. Univariate analyses showed that patients with poor IADL and BADL were older, more likely to be men, had higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission, more frequent atrial fibrillation, and large artery atherosclerosis subtypes. They also had more frequent cortical infarcts, subcortical infarcts, infratentorial infarcts, larger infarct volume, more frequent presence of SBI, severe WMLs, and MTLA. In multiple regression analyses, NIHSS on admission, subcortical region infarct and MTLA were significant predictors of poor IADL at 3 months. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale on admission, SBI and MTLA were significant predictors of poor IADL at 6 months. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale on admission and MTLA were significant predictors of poor BADL at 3 months. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale on admission and SBI were significant predictors of poor BADL at 6 months.

Conclusions:

In patients with acute ischemic stroke, the presence of SBI, and severe MTLA represent significant predictors of poorer functional outcomes, thus highlighting the importance of preexisting cerebral abnormalities.
Antipsychotic Polypharmacy in Older Adult Asian Patients With Schizophrenia: Research on Asian Psychotropic Prescription Pattern
Authors: Dong Min , Zeng Liang-Nan , Zhang Qinge , Yang Shu-Yu , Chen Lian-Yu , Sim Kang , He Yan-Ling , Chiu Helen Fung-Kum , Sartorius Norman , Tan Chay-Hoon , Chong Mian-Yoon , Shinfuku Naotaka , Lin Shih-Ku , Ng Chee H. , Ungvari Gabor S. , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: September 2019

Background and Objective:

Antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) is a controversial topic in the treatment of older adults with schizophrenia. The objective of this study was to examine the use of APP in older adult Asian patients with schizophrenia and its associated demographic and clinical factors.

Methods:

This study was based on the fourth survey of the consortium known as the Research on Asian Psychotropic Prescription Pattern for Antipsychotics. Fifteen Asian countries/territories participated in this survey, including Bangladesh, Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Basic demographic and clinical characteristics were collected using a standardized data collection form.

Results:

Among the 879 older adults with schizophrenia included in the survey, the rate of APP was 40.5%. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that higher antipsychotic doses ( P < .001, odds ratio [OR] = 1.003, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.002-1.003), longer duration of illness ( P = .02, OR = 1.845, 95% CI: 1.087-3.132), and the prescription of anticholinergics ( P < .001, OR = 1.871, 95% CI: 1.329-2.635), second-generation antipsychotics ( P = .001, OR = 2.264, 95% CI: 1.453-3.529), and first-generation antipsychotics ( P < .001, OR = 3.344, 95% CI: 2.307-4.847) were significantly associated with APP.

Conclusion:

Antipsychotic polypharmacy was common in older adult Asian patients with schizophrenia. Compared to the results of previous surveys, the use of APP showed a declining trend over time. Considering the general poor health status of older patients with schizophrenia and their increased risk of drug-induced adverse events, the use of APP in this population needs careful consideration.
Automated Brain MRI Volumetry Differentiates Early Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease From Normal Aging
Authors: Zhao Weina , Luo Yishan , Zhao Lei , Mok Vincent , Su Li , Yin Changhao , Sun Yu , Lu Jie , Shi Lin , Han Ying
Published: September 2019

As an enrichment strategy supplemented by the diagnostic framework of subjective cognitive decline (SCD), SCD plus identifies features that may increase the likelihood of including future-Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. This study aimed to identify the shared and distinct atrophy patterns between patients specified by SCD plus and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI, a prodromal stage of AD) and to investigate the extent that automated brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumetry can differentiate patients with SCD from normal control (NC) participants and patients with aMCI. We acquired structural MRI brain scans from 44 patients with aMCI, 40 patients with SCD (who met the major criteria of SCD plus), and 48 NC participants. Automatic brain segmentation was performed to quantify the volumetric measures of cognitive-relevant areas. These volumetric measures were compared across the 3 groups with analysis of variance. In addition, we performed support vector machine analyses using volumetric measures of single regions or multiple regions to further evaluate the sensitivity of automated brain volumetry in differentiating a specific group from another. The atrophy patterns in patients with aMCI and SCD were similar. Using the regional volumetric measures, we achieved high performance in differentiating aMCI and SCD from NCs (average classification accuracy [ACC] > 90%). However, the performance was not ideal when differentiating aMCI from SCD (ACC < 63%). In conclusion, patients with SCD specified by SCD plus presented similar atrophy patterns as patients with aMCI, which was distinguishable from NC participants. Future studies should aim to associate the atrophy patterns of SCD with possible conversion to aMCI or AD in a longitudinal design.
Mental Health-Care Delivery for Older People in China: An Update of Challenges and Recent Clinical Research
Authors: Zhang Qing-E , Ng Chee H. , Ungvari Gabor S. , Van Iat-Kio , Wang Gang , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: September 2019

China is facing rapid population aging and the country has the world’s largest aging population. The rapid demographic shift in aging population is associated with many social and health problems, in particular mental health issues. The aim of this article is to summarize the challenges and recent progress in mental health-care delivery and clinical research for older people in China.
Roadway piezoelectric energy harvester design considering electrical and mechanical performances
Authors: Niasar Erfan Hamsayeh Abbasi , Dahmardeh Masoud , Googarchin Hamed Saeidi
Published: September 2019

Piezoelectric energy harvesting is an efficient technique among energy scavenging methods employed in asphalt pavements. Several designs are reported in the literature; however, what is less discussed is how to design the harvester. In this paper, a fixed volume of piezoelectric material is considered, and various design parameters are discussed in order to achieve an improved design. The main objective is to enhance the harvester performance, considering electrical and mechanical aspects, simultaneously. The output power, the level of induced stress on the piezoelectric material, the endurance limit, and the coupling effect of the device with the pavement are considered. As a case study, the finite element model of a piezoelectric harvester is developed and validated with the experimental results. A parametric study is then carried out in order to improve both the electrical and mechanical characteristics of the device. Various parameters, such as piezoelectric disks cross-section, piezoelectric material, as well as the disks aspect ratio are considered. The proposed structures are compared with similar ones reported in the literature and show higher output powers of 3 − 5.8 times. A case study is presented to show the signal conditioning process of the harvested power for practical applications. Improvements in various aspects of the device performance, while considering the economic aspects, i.e., the amount of consumed piezoelectric material, show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Learning critical feminist research: A brief introduction to feminist epistemologies and methodologies
Authors: Wigginton Britta , Lafrance Michelle N
Published: September 2019

This article serves as a welcoming introduction to feminist epistemologies and methodologies, written to accompany (and intended to be read prior to) the Virtual Special Issue on ‘Doing Critical Feminist Research’. In recalling our own respective journeys into the exciting field of feminist research, we invite new readers in appreciating the steep learning curve out of conventional science. This article begins by sketching out the emergence of feminist scholarship – focusing particularly on the discipline of psychology – to show readers how and why feminist scholars sought to depart from conventional science. In doing so, we explain the emergence of three main ways of doing and thinking about research (i.e. epistemologies): feminist empiricism, standpoint theory, and the various ‘turn to language’ movements (social constructionism, constructivism, postmodernism, poststructuralism). We then connect the dots between feminist epistemologies, methodologies and methods. We close by offering suggestions to guide the readers in using the Virtual Special Issue on their respective research journeys.
A novel hydraulic pulsation reduction component based on discharge and suction self-oscillation: Principle, design and experiment
Authors: Shang Yaoxing , Tang Hong , Sun Huawang , Guan Changbin , Wu Shuai , Xu Yuanzhi , Jiao Zongxia
Published: September 2019

The reduction of fluid ripple in pipes is extremely important for the reliability and safety of aircrafts and ships. Currently, most researches only pay attention to the discharge port and ignore the suction port and the inherent characteristic of the axial pump between both ports, which may cause significant underestimation of fluid ripple especially in the closed-loop hydraulic system. Therefore, the aim of this study is to propose a novel passive fluid ripple attenuator, which can simultaneously reduce discharge and suction pulsation of the axial-piston pump, and adapt to the condition of frequent change of load reversing in closed hydraulic system. First, the phase matching rule is discovered between discharge and suction ripple, and then based on that, the proposed discharge and suction self-oscillation principle is verified through simulation on the phase relationship of the pump internal pistons, instead of considering the two separately as before. The attenuator designed with the concept of the discharge and suction self-oscillation principle is presented, and models of how ripple generates and the attenuator works are represented analytically. The corresponding simulation model is established, and the result indicates that the ripple of both ports of the piston pump is weakened significantly. Moreover, one testing platform is developed, and the experimental study is conducted on the discharge and suction ripple. It proves that the proposed attenuator based on discharge and suction self-oscillation principle can reduce the fluid ripple effectively.
The means-end cognitions of perceived information quality in academic social networking sites
Authors: Zhang Ning , Yuan Qinjian
Published: September 2019

Academic social networking sites (ASNS) have received substantial attention in recent years. The information quality of academic resources is vital to users. In order to improve the users’ information quality experience, it is necessary to understand how users perceive information quality in ASNS and what factors or relations affect their results of information quality perception. Drawing on the approach of the means-end chain, our study implemented a laddering interviews with ASNS users. We both elucidated various factors influencing information quality perception and constructed a hierarchical value map, all of the complex relationships were quantitatively calculated and represented in a hierarchical structure. The results showed that 13 factors were identified and 18 relations were described. This study contributes by addressing the process of users’ information quality perception in the ASNS and by giving a deep and nuanced understanding of the factors affecting information quality. This is different from prior research that mainly focused on information quality evaluation. The results not only enrich the information quality research but also can be used to guide ASNS’ platform design and management.
Book review: Sarbeshwar Sahoo, Pentecostalism and Politics of Conversion in India
Authors: Somayaji Ganesha
Published: September 2019

Sarbeshwar Sahoo, Pentecostalism and Politics of Conversion in India. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2018, pp. 205, $99.9 (hardback). ISBN: 978-1-108-41612-2.
“It Was Like a Magnet to Bring People In”: School Administrators’ Responses to the Gentrification of a Two-Way Bilingual Education (TWBE) Program in Central Texas
Authors: Heiman Daniel , Murakami Elizabeth
Published: September 2019

This critical ethnographic study investigated how gentrification processes shaped an elementary school’s community and two-way bilingual education (TWBE) program in Central Texas. Findings revealed how these gentrification processes impacted the principal and vice principal at the ontological and epistemological levels, as their ways of being and knowing around their TWBE program were altered as a dual gentrification process pushed in new customers thirsting for bilingualism and pushed out Spanish-speaking families due to rapidly rising rents. Implications highlight the urgency for administrators to develop critical consciousness around the original race radical vision of bilingual education.
Seeking Ambidexterity in an Increasingly Turbulent Environment: The Case of the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business
Authors: Olk Paul
Published: September 2019

The Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver has shown resilience in navigating an increasingly turbulent environment. In working to transform itself, while still performing current activities, the College has pursued ambidexterity. That is, it has exploited its existing capabilities to deliver traditional academic programs and activities, while exploring new capabilities, academic programs, and activities that will help position the school for future growth. This effort started with revisions in the College’s strategy, structure, and mission, which were then followed by several operational changes. The depth and process of these changes are illustrated in the discussion of three significant initiatives: a focus on challenge-driven education, the launching of an online MBA, and the commencement of an executive PhD program. These changes have impacted enrollment as well as the College’s ability to consider and implement additional changes.
Transformation and Resilience at the University of Redlands
Authors: Spee James C.
Published: September 2019

Small, private, non-profit liberal arts universities with professional schools face threats that differ from those of large, public, and private institutions. These include threats such as low brand recognition outside a small geographic area, changes in the natural environment, and lower business school enrollments which reduce income from tuition. The University of Redlands responded to these threats by merging with a small institution in a different market and by adding a major in sustainable business and adding online delivery to its MBA program. These changes both built on the existing capacity for change and added new sources of resilience. They hired and developed leaders and followers with resilient traits and values. They built organizational cultures, identities, and character that could support resilience and positive change. They built a network of positive stakeholder relationships with diverse groups. Finally, they instituted teams, plans, and other resources that enabled agility.
The importance of memory for the success of cooperation under ecological adversity
Authors: Sousa David Naves , Correia Luís , Garcia-Marques Leonel
Published: September 2019

While cooperation maximizes collective welfare, selfishness maximizes short-term individual benefits. Why should any organism cooperate? Selfishness seems to be favored by natural selection. While this presents a classical dilemma in many fields, cooperation is observed at all levels of biological organization. By preserving the common good, cooperation may guarantee better survival chances for all. Evolution and maintenance of cooperation are possible by a combination of multiple mechanisms including reciprocity, which in primates and particularly in humans is largely dependent on memory and the ability to exchange social information, a function of language. In this article, we present a multi-agent model developed with the aim of evaluating the importance of memory in cognitive and social adaptations for cooperation based on reciprocity when populations are under ecological stress. We show that in a society under ecological pressure, the reciprocity network permitted by collaborative memory promotes cooperation.
Impact of an electronic health record transition on chemotherapy error reporting
Authors: Hess Elizabeth , Palmer Shannon E , Stivers Andrew , Amerine Lindsey B
Published: September 2019

Background

Incident reporting systems allow for frontline employees to report errors and are a critical component of healthcare patient safety programs. Although incident reporting systems cannot quantify total errors, organizations can utilize incident reporting systems to help identify risks and trends to act upon. The objective of this article is to utilize incident reporting systems to evaluate trends in medication error reporting before and after implementation of a new electronic health record system.

Methods

A five-month pre- and post-analysis was completed in a cancer hospital following electronic health record conversion by reviewing medication errors reported via the institution’s voluntary incident reporting systems. Error reports included medication error category, date error was reported/occurred, patient location at time of error, harm severity score, medication(s) involved, medication use system node error originated/discovered in, medication source, narrative summary, and contributing factors. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics within Office Excel.

Results

Oncology medication error reports submitted pre- and post-electronic health record were 68 vs. 57, respectively. During the pre- and post-electronic health record conversion, a majority of errors had a harm severity index of 0 or 1; 12 (18%) in pre-electronic health record and 3 (5%) in post-electronic health record were level 2, and one (1%) in pre-electronic health record vs. 0 in post-electronic health record were level 3. Reported medication errors originated most commonly during the prescribing, administration, and preparation/dispensing phase and were primarily identified in the administration phase of the medication use process. The most frequently reported error category was ‘wrong dose’ followed by ‘other’ and ‘overdose’ in the pre-electronic health record phase and ‘missing dose/delayed delivery’ and ‘order incorrect’ in the post-electronic health record phase. The most frequently reported medications included methotrexate, chemotherapy (unspecified), and cisplatin.

Conclusion

Analyzing data from incident reporting system reports allowed our institution to understand different trends of reporting in the cancer hospital following electronic health record adoption. Utilization of incident reporting systems must be combined with proactive risk identification approaches to enable systems-focused improvements to improve patient safety.