bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The gut microbiome modulates nitroglycerin-induced migraine-related hyperalgesia in mice
Authors: Kang Li , Tang Wenjing , Zhang Yaofen , Zhang Mingjie , Liu Jing , Li Yingji , Kong Shanshan , Zhao Dengfa , Yu Shengyuan
Published: October 2021

Background

Gut microbiota disturbance is increasingly suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of migraine but this connection remains unsubstantiated. This study aimed to investigate whether the gut microbiome influences migraine-related hyperalgesia.

Methods

Nitroglycerin-induced hyperalgesia was evaluated in mice with different gut microbiota statuses as follows: Specific pathogen-free mice; germ-free mice; specific pathogen-free mice treated with antibiotics to deplete the gut microbiome (ABX mice); and germ-free mice transplanted with the gut microbial profile from specific pathogen-free mice (GFC mice). Moreover, nitroglycerin-induced hyperalgesia was compared between recipient mice transplanted with gut microbiota from a patient with migraine and those that received gut microbiota from a sex- and age-matched healthy control.

Results

In specific pathogen-free mice, a decreased mechanical threshold in the hind paw, increased grooming time, increased c-Fos expression level and decreased calcitonin gene-related peptide expression level as well as increased tumor necrosis factor-α concentration in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis were observed after nitroglycerin administration compared with saline treatment. However, increased basal sensitivity and higher basal concentrations of TNF-α in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis were observed in germ-free and ABX mice, while no significant difference in hyperalgesia was observed between the nitroglycerin group and saline group in germ-free and ABX mice. Moreover, significant hyperalgesia was induced by nitroglycerin administration in GFC mice. The mice transplanted with the gut microbial profile from a patient with migraine had more severe nitroglycerin-induced hyperalgesia than the mice receiving microbiota from a matched healthy control.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the involvement of the gut microbiome in normal mechanical pain sensation and pathogenesis of migraine.
Formaldehyde induces ferritinophagy to damage hippocampal neuronal cells
Authors: Hu Yu , Wu Lei , Yang San-Qiao , Wei Hai-Jun , Wang Chun-Yan , Kang Xuan , Jiang Jia-Mei , Zhang Ping , Tang Xiao-Qing
Published: October 2021

Formaldehyde (FA) causes neurotoxicity and contributes to the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the mechanism of FA-induced neurotoxicity has not been fully elucidated. Ferritinophagy, an autophagy process of ferritin mediated by the nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4), is a potential mechanism of neurotoxicity. In this study, we explored whether ferritinophagy is associated with the neurotoxicity of FA. Our results showed that FA (50, 100, 200 μM; 24 h) exposure upregulated ferritinophagy in the mouse hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells, which was evidenced by the upregulated autophagic flux, the increased colocalizations of NCOA4 with ferritin heavy chain (FTH1) and NCOA4 with microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain-3B (LC3B), the augmented expression of NCOA4, and the reduced content of FTH1. We also found that FA (0.1, 1, and 10 μmol, i.c.v., 7d) administration boosted ferritinophagy in the hippocampus of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, which was demonstrated by the accumulated autophagosomes, the increased expressions of LC3II/I and NCOA4, and the decreased contents of p62 and FTH1 in the hippocampus. Further, we confirmed that inhibition of ferritinophagy by silencing the expression of NCOA4 decreased FA-induced toxic damage in HT22 cells. These results indicated that FA induces neurotoxicity by promoting ferritinophagy. Our findings suggest a potential mechanism insight into the FA-induced neurotoxicity, which in turn provides a new thought for the treatment of FA-related neurodegenerative diseases.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus potentiates acute acrylonitrile toxicity: Potentiation reduction by phenethyl isothiocyanate
Authors: Zhou Jie , Zhu Xueyu , Dong Ying , Yang Bobo , Lu Rongzhu , Xing Guangwei , Wang Suhua , Li Fang
Published: October 2021

Acrylonitrile (AN) is a known animal carcinogen and suspected human carcinogen. Recently, occupational exposure to AN has considerably increased. Previously, we demonstrated that streptozotocin-induced diabetes potentiates AN-induced acute toxicity in rats and that the induced cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) is responsible for this effect. In the present study, we examined whether induction of CYP2E1 is also the underlying mechanism for the potentiation of AN-induced acute toxicity in type 2 diabetes in db/db mice. The effect of phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) in reducing potentiation was also investigated. The mice were randomly divided into the normal control, diabetic control, AN, diabetes + AN, PEITC + AN, and diabetes + PEITC + AN groups. PEITC (40 mg/kg) was orally administered to rats for 3 days, and 1 h after the last PEITC gavage, 45 mg/kg AN was intraperitoneally injected. Time to death was observed. The CYP2E1 level and enzymatic activity, cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) activity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured. The survival rate was decreased in AN-treated db/db mice compared with that in AN-treated wild-type mice. The hepatic CYP2E1 level and enzymatic activity remained unaltered in db/db mice. Phenethyl isothiocyanate alleviated AN-induced acute toxicity in db/db mice as evident in the increased survival rate, restored CCO activity, and decreased ROS level in both the liver and brain. The study results suggested that CYP2E1 may not be responsible for the sensitivity to AN-induced acute toxicity in db/db mice and that PEITC reduced the potentiation of AN-induced acute toxicity in db/db mice.
Blood lead levels, calcium metabolism and bone-turnover among automobile technicians in Sagamu, Nigeria: Implications for elevated risk of susceptibility to bone diseases
Authors: Nwobi Nnenna L , Nwobi Joseph C , Adejumo Esther N , Usiobeigbe Osahon S , Adetunji Opeyemi A , Atulomah Nnodimele O , Anetor John I
Published: October 2021

Lead is an occupational toxicant and a recognised health threat particularly in developing countries. Hence, this study explored the interaction of blood lead level (BLL), a conventional marker of lead exposure, with indices of calcium metabolism and biomarkers of bone-turnover in 120 adult male automobile technicians (AT) with ≥ 1 year duration in professional practice. The AT as well as the control group, which comprised 120 age, body-size and socio-economically matched male administrative workers, were recruited from Sagamu, South West Nigeria. Levels of blood lead, serum indices of calcium metabolism [total calcium (tCa), ionised calcium (iCa), phosphate, albumin, magnesium (Mg) and 25-Hydroxycholecalceferol (25-OHCC)], biomarkers of bone formation [bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and osteocalcin (OC)] and biomarkers of bone resorption [tartarate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TACRP-5b) and urinary hydroxyproline (UHYP)] were determined in all participants. The BLL, 25-OHCC, TRACP-5b and UHYP significantly increased while tCa and iCa significantly reduced in AT compared to control. However, no significant difference was observed in phosphate, albumin, Mg, BALP and OC in AT compared to control. Interestingly, BLL demonstrated a significant negative association with tCa and iCa but a significant positive association with 25-OHCC, TRACP-5b and UHYP. However, BLL did not show significant association with phosphate, albumin, Mg, BALP and OC. Increased lead exposure as well as altered calcium metabolism and bone-turnover demonstrated by the automobile technicians may be suggestive of lead-induced accelerated bone demineralisation. These workers may be predisposed to high risk of increased susceptibility to bone diseases if this sub-clinical picture is sustained.
Malnutrition and Depressive Symptoms in Elderly Palliative Care Patients
Authors: Efendioglu Eyyup M. , Cigiloglu Ahmet , Turkbeyler Ibrahim H.
Published: October 2021

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of and relationship between malnutrition and depressive symptoms in older palliative care inpatients. Methods: One hundred and thirty-six older adults were included in the study. The Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form, Mini Mental State Examination, Barthel index, and Lawton & Brody index were used to evaluate the mood, nutrition status, mental status, and activities of daily living of the patients. Results: The mean age of the patients was 74.88 ± 8.82 years, and 63.2% of the patients were female. According to the nutritional assessment, 39.7% of the patients suffered from malnutrition, while 47.1% were at risk for it, and depressive symptoms were detected in 79.4% of the patients. A strong negative correlation was found between the scores for nutritional and depressive symptoms (r = −.750, 95% CI = −.834 to −.668). Conclusion: Malnutrition, risk of malnutrition, and depressive symptoms were found to occur often among the patients, and the relationship between them was statistically significant. Our results highlight that the quality of life of palliative care patients could be improved by providing adequate nutrition and psychological support.
Mesothelial Cell Transplantation in Models of Acute Inflammation and Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Hekking Liesbeth H.P. , Harvey V. Susan , Havenith Carin E.G. , van den Born Jacob , Beelen Robert H.J. , Jackman Robert W. , Nagy Janice A.
Published: October 2021

♦ Objectives

Mesothelial cell (MC) injury caused by continuous exposure to unphysiological peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluid and by episodes of peritonitis can eventually lead to peritoneal adhesions and peritoneal fibrosis. In the present study, we evaluated the possibility of using autologous genetically modified MCs for transplantation after the induction of peritoneal injury by acute inflammatory mediators or chronic instillation of PD fluid.

♦ Methods

Rats were injected intraperitoneally either once with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP), or thioglycollate, or PD fluid [ i.e., Dianeal (Baxter Healthcare, Deerfield, Illinois, USA) or Physioneal (Baxter, Nivelles, Belgium)], or chronically (up to 8 weeks) with Dianeal. From 2 to 48 hours later, animals were injected with syngeneic MCs genetically modified to express the LacZ reporter gene. Rats were sacrificed 2 days later and expression of β-galactosidase (β-Gal) was visualized by X-Gal staining of excised tissues. Quantification of the percent area of β-Gal–positive MCs on part of the parietal peritoneum was performed using computerized image analysis.

♦ Results

The highest numbers of repopulated genetically modified MCs were observed 8 hours after a single thioglycollate injection, approximately 0.66% of a representative 2-cm2 area selected for study (corresponding to approximately 10% of the peritoneal surface). The number of genetically modified MCs found to repopulate the peritoneal surface following short-term injury varied with inflammatory mediator (thioglycollate > PD fluid > fMLP) and duration of exposure. No obvious difference's were observed between the two PD fluids tested. Reimplantation of syngeneic genetically modified MCs was also observed after chronic instillation of PD fluid.

♦ Conclusions

These data demonstrate that transplanted genetically modified MCs repopulate the denuded areas on the peritoneal surface that were caused by acute or chronic inflammation. This technique opens possibilities of MC transplantation and gene therapy in order to prevent complications relevant to the continuous ambulatory PD setting.
Effect of Peritoneal Dialysis on Plasma and Peritoneal Fluid Concentrations of Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, and Rifampin
Authors: Ahn Curie , Oh Kook-Hwan , Kim Kiwon , Lee Kyung Yi , Lee Jung Geon , Oh Myung Don , Kim Yonsu , Han Jin Suk , Kim Suhnggwon , Lee Jung Sang , Jang In-jin , Shin Sang-Goo
Published: October 2021

♦ Objective

This study was performed to elucidate the pharmacokinetic profiles of antimycobacterial regimens for peritoneal dialysis patients.

♦ Patients

Nine patients on maintenance continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) were included in this study.

♦ Methods

After administering a conventional oral dose of antituberculosis medications, we measured plasma and peritoneal fluid concentrations of isoniazid by fluorometry, and rifampin and pyrazinamide by high performance liquid chromatography. The assay data were subjected to pharmacokinetic analysis.

♦ Results

Average peak plasma concentrations of isoniazid, rifampin, and pyrazinamide were 3.3 mg/L, 6.5 mg/L, and 30.9 mg/L, respectively, all of which much exceed the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Peritoneal fluid concentrations of isoniazid and pyrazinamide were maintained well above the MICs for M. tuberculosis; however, peritoneal fluid concentration of rifampin was below the therapeutic range most of the time.

♦ Conclusion

For the treatment of systemic or pulmonary tuberculosis in CAPD patients, no dose adjustments are required for isoniazid, rifampin, or pyrazinamide. On the contrary, for the treatment of tuberculous peritonitis, oral rifampin therapy is not expected to be effective because of its low peritoneal fluid concentration.
Prospective Observational Evaluation of Predatory Journals in Critical Care Pharmacy Practice: Defining Characteristics Associated With Receiving Unsolicited Invitations to Publish
Authors: Peppard William J. , Peppard Sarah R. , Feih Joel T. , Kim Andy K. , Obenberger Steve J. , Mulvey Ashley F. , Teng Bi Qing , Brazauskas Ruta , Pape Kate O. , Gibson Gabrielle A. , Dzierba Amy L. , Dobesh Paul P.
Published: October 2021

Open-access publishing promotes accessibility to scholarly research at no cost to the reader. The emergence of predatory publishers, which exploit the author-pay model by charging substantial publication fees for publication in journals with questionable publishing processes, is on the rise. Authors are solicited through aggressive marketing tactics, though who is targeted is not well described. The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics associated with critical care pharmacists that make them targets of unsolicited invitations to publish. A prospective, observational study of critical care pharmacists was performed. Participants archived emails received by their professional email that were unsolicited invitations to submit their original work for publication in a journal (unsolicited journals). Variables were evaluated to determine which were associated with unsolicited invitations; these were compared to legitimate journals, defined as all PubMed-indexed journals in which the participants were previously published. Twenty-three pharmacist participants were included, all of whom were residency and/or fellowship trained and practicing in an academic medical center. Participants had a median of 7 years of experience since their post-graduate training, 6 years since their last change in professional email address, and 2 years since their first PubMed-indexed publication. From these participants, 136 unsolicited and 59 legitimate journals were included. The average number of invitations increased 1.04 (95% CI, 1.02–1.05) times for every additional PubMed-indexed publication ( P < .001). Most unsolicited journals were considered predatory. Legitimate and unsolicited journals differed significantly. The number of previous PubMed-indexed publications strongly correlates with the likelihood of critical care pharmacists receiving unsolicited publication invitations, often from predatory journal.
Applications of little blades in a high-load compressor cascade with leaned blade
Authors: Ma Shan , Sun Xiaolin
Published: October 2021

The development of boundary layer affects the compressor cascade performance to a certain extent. Therefore, the compound lean and little blades are selected to redistribute the boundary layer, and the influences of these two flow control technologies on the axial compressor cascade performance are further studied. The calculated results showed that appropriate high pressure region on the blade suction surface near the end-wall is helpful to reduce the total pressure loss of compressor cascade, which can be achieved by positive lean technique. Meanwhile, the maximum stable operation boundary can be expanded by the application of positive leaned blade. On the other hand, the introduction of negative lean angle not only increases the total pressure loss of cascade, but reduces the stable operation range. As the little blades are introduced in the negative lean compressor cascade, the stable operation range is significantly improved by the introduction of little blades. Especially the cascade with −10° lean angle, the maximum stable operation boundary is increased from 1° to 6°. In the positive lean compressor cascade, although more low-energy fluid is accumulated on the blade suction surface near the mid-span, the little blades still show an active role in reducing the total pressure loss and expending the stable operation range, because the influence range of induced vortex reaches 30%span. The results provide a reference for improving the aerodynamic performance of compressor stator, especially when more low-energy fluid is blocked in the range near the mid-span.
Multi-material topology optimization of large-displacement compliant mechanisms considering material-dependent boundary condition
Authors: Zhan Jinqing , Sun Yu , Liu Min , Zhu Benliang , Zhang Xianmin
Published: October 2021

Multi-material compliant mechanisms design enables potential design possibilities by exploiting the advantages of different materials. To satisfy mechanical/thermal impedance matching requirements, a method for multi-material topology optimization of large-displacement compliant mechanisms considering material-dependent boundary condition is presented in this study. In the optimization model, the element stacking method is employed to describe the material distribution and handle material-dependent boundary condition. The maximization of the output displacement of the compliant mechanism is developed as the objective function and the structural volume of each material is the constraint. Fictitious domain approach is applied to circumvent the numerical instabilities in topology optimization problem with geometrical nonlinearities. The method of moving asymptotes is applied to solve the optimization problem. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method. The optimal topologies of the compliant mechanisms obtained by the proposed method can satisfy the specified material-dependent boundary condition.
Multi-objective optimization for control parameters of underwater gliders considering effect of uncertain input errors
Authors: Wu Hongyu , Niu Wendong , Wang Shuxin , Yan Shaoze
Published: October 2021

In actual application, the energy utilization rate of underwater glider directly affects the total voyage range. When underwater glider is used for executing exploration mission for a fixed point, the position that the glider resurfaces should be accurate enough. In this paper, we employ a multi-objective optimization method to determine the control parameters values that can maximize the position accuracy that the glider resurfaces and the energy utilization rate simultaneously. Especially, the optimization of this paper considers the effect of uncertain input errors. The control parameters include the net buoyancy adjustment amount and the movable mass block translation amount. The input errors include the control parameters errors, the motion depth error and the current. Based on the dynamic model of an underwater glider, we propose the calculation model and evaluation flow that are used for analyzing the glider position accuracy and energy utilization rate, considering the effect of uncertain input errors. Besides, a combinatorial experimental design method is proposed to calculate the performance evaluation parameters under different control parameters values. Then the radial basis function neural network is employed to establish the surrogate models of performance evaluation parameters to participate in the optimization calculation, which can improve the optimization efficiency. After optimization calculation based on the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II, we obtain a Pareto optimal set consisting of 257 sets of non-dominated solutions. Finally, the selection rule of optimal control parameters values is given, and the optimization results are validated under 3 sets of solutions. This research may be valuable for the improvement of the glider work quality.
Design of sliding mode flight control system for a flexible aircraft
Authors: Mohamed Majeed , Gopakumar Madhavan
Published: October 2021

The evolution of large transport aircraft is characterized by longer fuselages and larger wingspans, while efforts to decrease the structural weight reduce the structural stiffness. Both effects lead to more flexible aircraft structures with significant aeroelastic coupling between flight mechanics and structural dynamics, especially at high speed, high altitude cruise. The lesser frequency separation between rigid body and flexible modes of flexible aircraft results in a stronger interaction between the flight control system and its structural modes, with higher flexibility effects on aircraft dynamics. Therefore, the design of a flight control law based on the assumption that the aircraft dynamics are rigid is no longer valid for the flexible aircraft. This paper focuses on the design of a flight control system for flexible aircraft described in terms of a rigid body mode and four flexible body modes and whose parameters are assumed to be varying. In this paper, a conditional integral based sliding mode control (SMC) is used for robust tracking control of the pitch angle of the flexible aircraft. The performance of the proposed nonlinear flight control system has been shown through the numerical simulations of the flexible aircraft. Good transient and steady-state performance of a control system are also ensured without suffering from the drawback of control chattering in SMC.
Effect of three non-axisymmetric stator schemes on compressor performance with distorted inlet
Authors: Fu Wenguang , Sun Peng
Published: October 2021

In the boundary layer ingesting propulsion system, the compressor suffers from a non-uniform flow field. The compressor operating with distorted inflow continuously results in the loss of aerodynamic performance and stability margin. In this paper, three non-axisymmetric configurations are described for the stator of a transonic compressor to match the non-uniform flow field. The flow fields with distorted inflow at near stall condition are obtained and analyzed, the effects of the prototype stator and the three non-axisymmetric stators on aerodynamic performance are compared in detail. Results show that the non-axisymmetric stator schemes can effectively improve the stability margin of the transonic compressor and the maximum stability margin is relatively increased by 22.3% in all the three non-axisymmetric stators. The non-axisymmetric stator design is effective on decreasing the aerodynamic losses and improving the performance of the compressor operating with distorted inflow. Overall, the results show that in the design of the non-axisymmetric stator, the adoption of a curved-twisted blade and the increase of cascade solidity have the potential to reduce loss sources caused by distorted inflow.
The Development of Communication Across Timescales
Authors: Piazza Elise A. , Nencheva Mira L. , Lew-Williams Casey
Published: October 2021

How do young children learn to organize the statistics of communicative input across milliseconds and months? Developmental science has made progress in elucidating how infants learn patterns in language and how infant-directed speech is engineered to ease short-timescale processing, but less is known about how children link perceptual experiences across multiple levels of processing within an interaction (from syllables to stories) and across development. In this article, we propose that three domains of research—statistical summary, neural processing hierarchies, and neural coupling—will be fruitful in uncovering the dynamic exchange of information between children and adults, both in the moment and in aggregate. In particular, we discuss how the study of brain-to-brain and brain-to-behavior coupling between children and adults will advance the field’s understanding of how children’s neural representations become aligned with the increasingly complex statistics of communication across timescales.
Rice waste–based polymer composites for packaging applications: A review
Authors: Laftah Waham Ashaier , Wan Abdul Rahman Wan Aizan
Published: October 2021

Rice wastes are abundant, low-cost, cellulosic-based materials. The potential of using rice waste such as husk, straw, and bran in bio-composite production is a crucial target of the composite industry. Chemical composition is the main factor that offers diverse possible applications of rice wastes in bio-composite-based materials. Eco-friendly products of bio-composite polymers can be produced by reinforcing and filling polymer matrices with high cellulosic content materials such as rice waste. From manufacturing point of view, rice wastes can be used to reduce the production cost of polymer-based products and meet the requirements for green packaging materials.
‘De-Securitising the Arctic’ in Climate Change: An Indian Perspective
Authors: Sharma Bipandeep
Published: October 2021

The rapidly transforming Arctic has led to rethink the concept of security in the region. The increasing global warming and opening up of the Arctic have brought multiple geopolitical issues before the Arctic and non-Arctic states. 1 In pursuit of their perceived geopolitical, geo-economics and strategic interests, a race to ‘securitise the Arctic’ has started amongst the major Arctic states. This process of securitisation appears to be dictated and driven not only by traditional military-strategic considerations but also by non-traditional security threat dilemmas related to energy, environment, sustainability, human security, connectivity, etc. As the old and the new Arctic challenges are being taken out of the realm of ‘normal politics’ and placed in the contested domain of ‘security politics’, the Asian states, that are directly or indirectly impacted by the changing Arctic realise that securitisation of the Arctic is leaving little space for addressing common issues of global concern. This study argues that all these emerging issues (otherwise perceived as ‘security threats’) in the Arctic, instead of being addressed in the securitisation framework, could and should be approached and addressed as compelling reasons for mutual cooperation and thus in need of de-securitisation.
An Empirical Model for Assessing the Impact of Air Quality on Urban Residents’ Loyalty to Place of Residence
Authors: Karaca Ferhat , Turkyilmaz Ali , Myrzagali Alikhan , Kerimray Aiymgul , Bell Phillip
Published: October 2021

There has been a growing interest in the impact of environmental awareness on ‘green’ or ‘environmentally friendly’ consumption patterns, and this has been the subject of much research by environmental psychologists. However, the effect of environmental awareness on residents and their attachment to their homes and their environment has received little attention and is worthy of closer examination. Outdoor air quality can be considered one of the most critical environmental factors impacting the value of a residential location.

This research investigates how air pollution-related environmental factors influence residents’ attachment to the place of residence and their willingness to move. It defines the structural relationship between air pollution awareness parameters, which are later employed in the proposed structural equation model (SEM), to explain ‘district loyalty’. A survey was carried out in Almaty, Kazakhstan, one of the most populated and polluted cities in Central Asia. A total of 550 respondents responded. Based on the overall model’s test results, the factors relating to district loyalty explained the 17.5% variation in the samples, which suggests that the perception of residents to their district air quality has a low-level impact on loyalty to their place of residence. The power of perceived environmental risks appears to have little relation to district loyalty. The most influential factor on the model is environmental behaviour parameter, which is about adopting attitudes and behaviours aimed at minimizing negative impacts on the environment. When the perceived environmental risk increased, their place attachment levels only slightly decreased. However, the obtained results do not confirm that district loyalty significantly correlates with their readiness/unreadiness to move to another residence in order to enjoy improved air quality.

To sum up, environmental awareness of local air quality seems not to directly affect residents’ attachment to place. Nevertheless, indirect effects can be presented in research relating to urban residents’ place attachment. Research, policy and sectoral implications of the findings are addressed and discussed in detail.
Behavioral and Social Functioning of Children With and Without Positional Plagiocephaly: Late Infancy to School Age
Authors: Ola Cindy , Speltz Matthew L. , Collett Brent R.
Published: October 2021

Positional plagiocephaly and/or brachycephaly (PPB) is associated with cognition, motor, and other developmental outcomes, but little is known about the social-behavioral adjustment of children with PPB. The primary aim of this study was to compare the social-behavioral development of preschool and school-age children with and without PPB and to examine the potential moderating effects of PPB severity on group differences.

Two hundred twenty children with a history of PPB and 164 controls participated in at least one behavioral assessment at 4-11 months, 18 months, 36 months, and 7 years. The frequencies of observed problem behaviors and social competence were estimated using the Child Behavior Checklist Ages 1.5-5 (CBCL/1.5-5), Caregiver-Teacher Report Form(C-TRF), CBCL/6-18, and Teacher Report Form.

Children with PPB were similar to controls on the internalizing, externalizing, or total problems composites. At 7 years, CBCL/6-18 total competence scores were significantly lower in children with histories of PPB than controls. In analyses stratified by PPB severity, we found that children with moderate/severe PPB had slightly higher scores on the C-TRF internalizing scale at 36 months and lower total competence scores at age 7 years. Children who had a history of mild PPB were similar to controls on all outcomes.

This study is the first to examine social and behavioral outcomes in a large cohort of children with and without a history of PPB. We found limited evidence of an association between PPB and parent and teacher-reported social-emotional and behavioral adjustment through early school-age.
Using a Rural Index to Assess Crime Risk and Crime Prevention Behavior Across the Urban–Rural Continuum: A Japanese Case Study
Authors: Shimada Takahito , Suzuki Ai
Published: October 2021

The study proposes a new method of crime analysis combining data from multiple secondary data sources (census, open crime data, and social survey) to assess the risk of victimization and crime prevention behavior in resource-limited settings. Principal component analysis was performed on municipal-level census data ( n = 1,883) to generate a rural index that represents the ecological characteristics of each municipality across the urban–rural continuum. Multilevel logistic analyses were then applied to crime incident data ( n = 207,771) to assess the municipal-level effects on victims’ use of locks in motor vehicle and bicycle thefts. A linear pattern of victimization was found for bicycle theft (the risk was about one-thirtieth in the most rural municipalities than that in the most urban municipalities), while the pattern found was nonlinear for motor vehicle thefts. The analysis also revealed that victims in rural areas were less likely to have locked their vehicles before they were stolen than those living in urban areas. Using the rural index developed in this study, police forces can have a better understanding of crime problems in their jurisdiction across the urban–rural continuum. The study discusses the implications of the results for crime prevention and problem-solving policymaking in the urban–rural continuum.
Marginalization as a Structural Constraint: How Group Position Shapes Out-Group Hostility
Authors: Proctor Andrew
Published: October 2021

Theories of out-group hostility have long held that attitudes about marginalized groups are important predictors of policy support. These theories, however, have mostly examined the attitudes of white people and sexual orientation has rarely been a category of analysis. Thus, we know less about whether these theories are conditional on group position in racial and sexual hierarchies. This paper argues that processes of marginalization shape out-group hostility. Using comparative relational analysis, I examine support for pro-minority policies among white lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people, straight people of color and whites. I find that ethnocentrism is not a general predictor of out-group hostility among the members of marginalized groups. Alternatively, group-targeted homophobia, racism, and nativism predict opposition to pro-minority policies, but the members of marginalized groups have more egalitarian attitudes overall. These findings challenge long-held conventional wisdoms about prejudice, underscoring the importance of centering on marginalized groups in public opinion.
A Retrospective Analysis of Patients Undergoing Telemedicine Evaluation in the PreAnesthesia Testing Clinic at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center
Authors: Aldawoodi Nasrin N. , Muncey Aaron R. , Serdiuk Andrew A. , Miller Melissa D. , Hanna Mark M. , Laborde Jose M. , Garcia Getting Rosemarie E.
Published: October 2021

Background

Telemedicine for preanesthesia evaluation can decrease access disparities by minimizing commuting, time off work, and lifestyle disruptions from frequent medical visits. We report our experience with the first 120 patients undergoing telemedicine preanesthesia evaluation at Moffitt Cancer Center.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of 120 patients seen via telemedicine for preanesthesia evaluation compared with an in-person cohort meeting telemedicine criteria had it been available. Telemedicine was conducted from our clinic to a patient’s remote location using video conferencing. Clinic criteria were revised to create a tier of eligible patients based on published guidelines and anesthesiologist consensus.

Results

Day-of-surgery cancellation rate was 1.67% in the telemedicine versus 0% in the in-person cohort. The two telemedicine group cancellations were unrelated to medical workup, and cancellation rate between the groups was not statistically significant ( P = .49). Median round trip distance and time saved by the telemedicine group was 80 miles [range 4; 1180] and 121 minutes [range 16; 1034]. Using the federal mileage rate, the median cost savings was $46 [range $2.30; 678.50] per patient. Patients were similar in gender and race in both groups ( P = .23 and .75, respectively), but the in-person cohort was older and had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification ( P = .0003).

Conclusions

Telemedicine preanesthesia evaluation results in time, distance, and financial savings without increased day-of-surgery cancellations. This is useful in cancer patients who travel significant distances to specialty centers and have a high frequency of health care visits. American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification and age differences between cohorts indicate possible patient or provider selection bias. Randomized controlled trials will aid in further exploring this technology.
Environmental Factors, Lifestyle Risk Factors, and Host Characteristics Associated With Philadelphia Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasm: A Systematic Review
Authors: Allahverdi Niloofar , Yassin Mohamed , Ibrahim Mohamed
Published: October 2021

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders characterized by the overproduction of mature myeloid cells and are often associated with an acquired genetic mutation of Janus Kinase2V617F. Various epidemiological studies have indicated associations between environmental factors, lifestyle factors, and host characteristics with developing MPNs. This review aims to collect and summarize the existing information on these risk factors and establish their association with pathogenesis MPNs. Medline, Embase, PubMed, and grey literature were systematically searched using key terms for MPNs, and epidemiological study designs, that is, cross-sectional studies, case-control, and cohort, that investigated the risk factors for MPNs published were identified. Out of the 4621 articles identified, 20 met the selection criteria and were included in this review. Heterogeneity, study reliability, and bias were assessed. A significant association was found between smoking and the development of MPNs. This relationship has been explained by the substantial increase in several proinflammatory mediators and systematic oxidative stress causing hyperstimulation of myeloid compartments leading to the development of MPNs. Obesity was modestly linked with an increased risk of MPNs. The underlying mechanisms have been linked to changes in endocrine, metabolic, and inflammatory systems. No strong association was found between exposure to hazardous substances, that is, benzene and MPNs, but further investigation on the effects of increased levels and duration of exposure on hematopoietic stem cells will be beneficial. Unique individual and host variations have been determined as a modifier of disease pathogenesis and phenotype variations. There is a higher incidence rate of females developing MPNs, specifically ET, than males with higher PV incidence. Therefore, gender contributes to the heterogeneity in myeloproliferative neoplasm. Studies identified as part of this review are very diverse. Thus, further in-depth assessment to explore the role of these etiological factors associated with MPNs is warranted.
Compound faults feature extraction of inter-shaft bearing based on vibration signal of whole aero-engine
Authors: Yu Mingyue , Fang Minghe , Chen Wangying , Cong Haonan
Published: October 2021

To effectively extract the information of compound faults of inter-shaft bearing of an aero-engine based on casing vibration signals, the paper has introduced the concept of weighted Katz fractal dimension and proposed the method combining information fusion, wavelet transform (WT), singular value decomposition (SVD), and Katz fractal dimension, the cross-correlation function (CCF-WT-SVD-Katz algorithm). The method includes homologous information fusion achieved by the CCF of horizontal and vertical vibration signals of the rotor from the same section; signal separation and denoising of blended signals through WT and SVD; reinforcement of fault characteristics of signals according to weighted Katz fractal dimension; and extraction of characteristic frequencies of compound faults of inter-shaft bearing by frequency spectrum of weighted and reconstructed signals. The result indicates that the proposed CCF-WT-SVD-Katz algorithm is capable of effectively extracting compound fault characteristics of inter-shaft bearing and precisely identifying a fault type based on whole casing vibration signals and will be of very good application value in engineering.
Intimate Partner Violence, Animal Maltreatment, and Concern for Animal Safekeeping: A Survey of Survivors Who Owned Pets and Livestock
Authors: Giesbrecht Crystal J.
Published: October 2021

An online survey was completed by victims/survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), living in both urban and rural areas, who owned pets and/or livestock. The majority of the sample had not received services from domestic violence shelters and services. Quantitative and qualitative data regarding barriers to accessing support and escaping IPV are presented for both pet and livestock owners. Using validated measures of IPV and animal abuse, differences in experiences of IPV are described for victims who had experienced their partners mistreat their animals and those who had not. Recommendations are offered for training, legislation, and pet-friendly domestic violence shelters and rental housing.
Strategies for climate change communication through social media: Objectives, approach, and interaction
Authors: León Bienvenido , Bourk Michael , Finkler Wiebke , Boykoff Maxwell , Davis Lloyd S
Published: October 2021

Social media are prominent channels to foster the social debate about climate change. This research explores the strategies that institutions supporting scientific consensus on climate change undertake in order to communicate through social media. We conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with community managers and communication directors of organizations of different characteristics in several countries. From the responses we have identified strategies that are based on communicators’ perceptions and experience. We identified strategies that: (a) orientate the communication objectives, (b) help to approach citizens in an effective way, and (c) create interaction with the users. This provides a repertoire of well-grounded strategies that can work as a guide that may help organizations to design their actions to communicate climate change through social media. We conclude that including higher levels of interaction in social media strategies remains a challenge that could lead to a more effective social debate on climate change.
Institutional vulnerabilities, COVID-19, resilience mechanisms and societal relationships in developing countries
Authors: Kiwanuka Mary Assumpta Nalwoga
Published: October 2021

In this article the author submits that COVID-19 pandemic challenges could be utilised as an opportunity to reform government institutions to develop resilience measures that would potentially meet contemporary and future challenges. It will highlight that the current approach of institutions has failed to meet societal need. It focuses on developing countries, particularly the continent of Africa, drawing on results from a qualitative study of a justice institution of Uganda as a case study that explored how institutions coped to maintain societal relationship during the pandemic. Results suggested that, despite the pandemic challenges, institutions suffer epistemic issues that require critical examination for states to develop policies that would facilitate institutional reform to gain resilience mechanisms needed to meet contemporary and future societal challenges. A vulnerability theoretical framework is introduced and suggested as the remedy.
Low-cycle fatigue life evaluation of buckling-restrained braces based on cumulative plastic deformation curves
Authors: Tong Chao , Wu Jing , Hua Kun , Tian Huiwen
Published: October 2021

To quantitatively evaluate the low-cycle fatigue life of buckling-restrained braces (BRBs), an evaluation method for BRBs based on the combination of the CPD curves and CPD measurement meter (CMM) is established herein. The difference between two CPD curves (i.e., the CPD curves under constant strain amplitude loading history (C-CPD) and under random strain amplitude loading history (R-CPD)), and their selection criteria to evaluate the low-cycle fatigue life of BRBs are discussed. An example under the variable strain amplitude (VSA) loading history and an example under the multiple earthquakes are carried out. Finally, the CPD limit values of BRBs in the ANSI/AISC 341-10 and FEMA-450 are discussed by statistical analysis of the test results of BRBs. The analysis results show that the C-CPD curve can be used to evaluate the low-cycle fatigue life of BRBs under the VSA loading, and the R-CPD curve can be used to evaluate the low-cycle fatigue life of BRBs under the multiple earthquakes. The degree of reliability of the current CPD limit value is not enough. A CPD limit curve is recommended in this study to quantify the low-cycle fatigue performance of BRBs.
“He is lovely and awful”: The challenges of being close to an individual with alcohol problems
Authors: Hellum Rikke , Bilberg Randi , Nielsen Anette Søgaard
Published: October 2021

Introduction: In the last 20 years, there has been growing evidence that heavy drinking causes serious harm not only to the person who drinks but also to the person's relations and concerned significant others (CSOs). A relationship with a heavy drinker is often full of conflicts, and CSOs are frequently exposed to aggression, psychological, and sometimes physical violence from the heavy drinker. Despite their struggles, CSOs often feel it is difficult to seek professional help for these problems. The aim of this study was to investigate what problems CSOs of people with alcohol problems experience prior to seeking professional help to handle these issues. Moreover, to investigate what led to seeking professional help at all. Methods: This is a qualitative study with 12 female help-seeking CSOs of persons with alcohol problems. The participants were recruited from a randomised controlled trial (RCT) on Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT). Semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and transcribed. The analysis was based on interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Three overall themes and one sub-theme emerged from the analysis: (1) The CSO’s feelings and experiences of the situation prior to help-seeking, (2) The relationship with the drinker, (3) Reasons for help-seeking and its trajectory; and the sub-theme, What the CSOs hoped to gain from help-seeking. Conclusion: The present study showed that female CSOs of people with alcohol problems had suffered for a long time before seeking professional help. They felt their daily lives were unpredictable and stressful. They were often exposed to verbal and mental abuse and their relationships with the drinking relative were often characterised by frequent rowing. The CSOs had tried to cope for a long time using a number of different strategies; seeking help seemed to be the last option considered. Despite all the struggles and pain, the CSOs also felt a lot of love for their drinking relative and hoped for the return of their once sober relative. Our findings can be viewed as a support to the stress-strain-coping-support (SSCS) model proposed by Orford and colleagues.
Proterrence, rule illegitimacy, and the ban on tobacco smoke in Amsterdam's coffeeshops
Authors: Jacques Scott , Jacobs Bruce A.
Published: October 2021

This article examines the concept of proterrence: scaring people into doing something to stop others from doing something bad. This contrasts to deterrence, which involves threatening persons to not do something bad. The tobacco ban in Amsterdam coffeeshops and, more specifically, coffeeshop personnel's reaction to it is used as the empirical vessel to examine proterrence. Proterrence permits examination of the interface between order maintenance and social control against a backdrop of perceived sanction illegitimacy. It also permits exploration of the process by which formal sanctions thread through informal mechanisms—where that threading is enforcement rather than consequence-based and where rule implementers face the brunt of the sanction that a third party violates. Data are based on in-depth fieldwork in Amsterdam coffeeshops. The wider applicability of proterrence is discussed.