bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclic stress–strain response and crystal plasticity finite element analysis of AISI 9310 steel in biaxial fatigue loading
Authors: Liang Jiabin , Jiao Li , Yan Pei , Song Yifan , Gu Huiqing , Qiu Tianyang , Wang Xibin
Published: October 2022

There are still many gaps in the research on the multiaxial fatigue failure mechanism of the gear shaft. In this paper, cyclic stress–strain response and biaxial fatigue damage characteristics of gear steel AISI 9310 were investigated. The specimens showed obvious cyclic softening characteristics at all phase angles, and the softening rate was directly associated with the initiation and propagation of cracks. The fractographies at different phase angles revealed that the specimens under out‐of‐phase loading suffered fatigue failure caused by a single crack source on the surface, while the fatigue crack under in‐phase loading was gathered together by the propagation of different crack sources. Finally, the established crystal plastic finite element model showed a good prediction of the plastic strain energy density at different phase angles, and the maximum error was 13.03%. Furthermore, a biaxial fatigue life prediction method was proposed, with a maximum error of 39.5%.
Global networks of money and information at the crossroads: Correspondent banking and SWIFT
Authors: Robinson Gary , Dörry Sabine , Derudder Ben
Published: October 2022

This article explores how transaction information is a fundamental element enabling and fostering global flows of money. Financial systems, constructed around account‐based money, require infrastructure, which is separated into two parts: messaging and settlement, performed via trusted agents. This separation has allowed the geographical expansion of banking, and to this day constitutes a key architecture of increasingly global networks of money. Focusing on the correspondent banking system and the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, this article demonstrates the workings of this infrastructure in cross‐border payments and in enacting economic sanctions. This sociotechnical infrastructure is a crucial yet overlooked area of global banking, which makes global economic and financial activity possible in the first place. Importantly, by analysing the organizational architecture of the global payments system and including the actors and agencies within it, we elucidate the (changing) relationships between data/information, geographies and power, contributing to the formation of a literature that conceptualizes financial infrastructure.
Reversing delegation? Politicization, de‐delegation, and non‐majoritarian institutions
Authors: Thatcher Mark , Sweet Alec Stone , Rangoni Bernardo
Published: October 2022

Elected governments and states have delegated extensive powers to non‐majoritarian institutions (NMIs) such as independent central banks and regulatory agencies, courts, and international trade and investment organizations, which have become central actors in governance. But, far from having resolved the balance between political control and governing competence or removed certain issues from political debate, NMIs have faced challenges to their legitimacy by elected officials and sometimes attempts to reverse delegation through “de‐delegation”. Our special issue studies the politicization of NMIs, and then whether, why and how it leads to de‐delegation through reducing the formal powers of NMIs or increasing controls over them. In this article, we examine how to analyze de‐delegation, how politicization of NMIs has developed, and how it has affected de‐delegation. We underline not only institutional rules that constrain elected officials but also the actions of NMIs themselves and their relationships with other NMIs as part of multi‐level governance systems. We find that politicization has varied, but even when strong, elected officials have not introduced widespread and long‐lasting de‐delegation; on the contrary, they have frequently widened the powers of NMIs. Insofar as elected politicians have sought to curb NMIs, they have often preferred to use existing controls and non‐compliance. Finally, we consider the wider implications of the combination of politicization and lack of de‐delegation for broader issues of governance such as the division of powers between the elected and unelected and democratic accountability.
Business as usual is not working for women in business schools: Student perceptions of business people and entrepreneurs
Authors: Raile Amber N. W. , Kwapisz Agnieszka , Bratton Virginia K. , Leary Myleen , Aytes Kregg , Black Laura J. , Bryant Scott E.
Published: October 2022

Despite growth in the number of women pursuing business and entrepreneurship careers, dominance of masculine traits associated with these occupations persists. If business schools use language that subconsciously reinforces gendered stereotypes, students might perpetuate sexist expectations. Using a natural language text processing tool to analyze the written responses of 247 undergraduate students in a US‐based university, we found that student perceptions of entrepreneurs are associated with more masculine characteristics compared to student perceptions of business people. To some degree, female students were more likely to make these associations than male students. Our findings suggest that business schools must do their part to break the cycles that elevate masculine characteristics of entrepreneurship. The negative effects of this manifest in the persistent gender pay gap, rising but still minority numbers of women entrepreneurs, continued practices of rewarding masculine traits in organizations, and ongoing underrepresentation of women students in schools of business.
Dipole Flow Tracer Test Models for Identifying Skin Properties and Ambient Groundwater Flow Effects
Authors: Zhu Qi , Wen Zhang
Published: October 2022

As a special single‐well test with dual‐screened configuration, dipole flow test with a tracer (DFTT) has been an efficient tool for aquifer parameter interpretation. The tool is excellent for characterizing the vertical distribution of hydraulic conductivity, dispersivity and in situ reaction rate in aquifers. It is noteworthy that the effects of skin and ambient groundwater flow (AGF) on the solute transport, which have been widely investigated in terms of conventional tracer tests, have not been comprehensively studied with respect to DFTT. Meanwhile, it is important to elucidate the potentials of DFTT in identifying the primary skin properties as well as the methods to avoid the AGF effects on DFTT. Consequently, we developed a mathematical model for DFTT accounting for skin and AGF. The results show that a negative skin acts as a preferential pathway for tracer transport and the AGF effects on breakthrough curves (BTCs) can be easily mistaken for reaction. Through extensive mathematical model‐based experiments, the BTCs calculated from the DFTT models with skin effects were categorized into four types, each of which is able to imply a specific kind of skin. Additionally, a new dimensionless parameter , composed of injection/extraction rate, hydraulic conductivity, hydraulic gradient of AGF and screen parameters, was defined to quantitatively indicate the AGF effects on the overestimation degree of the in situ first‐order reaction, implying that one can adjust the field parameters of DFTT to keep less than 3.7% to achieve an overestimation error of reaction rate below 50%.
Patients with von Willebrand disease in China: Results of an online survey
Authors: Yang Wen , Bi Hui , Wang Xiuli , Yang Zhichun , Wang Yacan , Tan Yaxian , Wang Honghui , Xie Dongmei , Mu Hongli , Yin Lingmei , Zhou Zeping
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Little is known about the clinical characteristics of von Willebrand disease (VWD) patients in China, the impact of Covid‐19 on them and their genetic mutation.

Aim

To describe the clinical characteristics of a group of VWD patients in China, the impact of Covid‐19 on them and their genetic mutation.

Methods

An online survey using a self‐designed questionnaire was conducted among patients within a WeChat group of VWD patients in China. Data were analysed using t‐test, the Chi‐square test, Fisher's exact test and rank sum test.

Results

Data from a total of 96 patients were collected. Several important findings are yielded. Above all, type 3 patients accounted for over half of the surveyed patients. Secondly, a surprising rate (>40%) of patients had experience of being misdiagnosed. Thirdly, treatment regimens were dominated by cryoprecipitate, blood‐derived FVIII and plasma, and only a small percentage of patients received prophylaxis. Fourthly, we identified 17 new von Willebrand factor (VWF) mutant genes which merit further investigation. Additionally, Covid‐19 was found to pose some challenges for the patients.

Conclusion

In China, the high rates of type 3 patients and misdiagnosis suggest that most of the VWD patients may never be diagnosed in China. When it comes to diagnosis and treatment, there is a large gap between developing countries like China and developed countries.
Motivations and deterrents of blood donation among blood donors during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Hong Kong
Authors: Siu Judy Yuen‐man , Chan Engle Angela , Li Angus Siu‐cheong , Lee Yik Mun
Published: October 2022

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in a reduction in blood donations and limited blood supply in many countries. The theory of planned behaviour has been widely used in past studies to understand the factors influencing blood donation. However, this theory limits analyses to the individual level. Furthermore, most research on the determinants of blood donation during the COVID‐19 pandemic is quantitative in nature, with relevant qualitative research being rare.

Objectives

To investigate the motivators and demotivators for donating blood among current blood donors during COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

Forty in‐depth, individual semistructured interviews were conducted with current blood donors from December 2020 to March 2021 in Hong Kong. Thematic content analysis was adopted in the data analysis.

Results

The majority of the participants (n = 37) were demotivated from donating blood during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Factors at the perceptual, social and institutional levels interacted to cause this reluctance. Only three participants felt more motivated to donate blood. The data revealed that sociocultural forces and government pandemic prevention policies strongly affected the participants' motivations to donate blood during the pandemic.

Conclusion

This study presents a macro understanding of blood donation behaviour by investigating the institutional, social and perceptual factors influencing current blood donors during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This adds a more comprehensive understanding of blood donation where the theory of planned behaviour is widely used in past studies.

Public Contribution

The participants shared their experiences in the interviews. Their experiences provide hints for explaining the decreasing blood donation during the pandemic times.
Community stakeholder‐driven technology solutions towards rural health equity: A concept mapping study in Western Canada
Authors: Seaton Cherisse L. , Rondier Pierre , Rush Kathy L. , Li Eric P. H. , Plamondon Katrina , Pesut Barb , Oelke Nelly D. , Dow‐Fleisner Sarah , Hasan Khalad , Currie Leanne M. , Kurtz Donna , Jones Charlotte , Bottorff Joan L.
Published: October 2022

Background

Technology holds great potential for promoting health equity for rural populations, who have more chronic illnesses than their urban counterparts but less access to services. Yet, more participatory research approaches are needed to gather community‐driven health technology solutions. The purpose was to collaboratively identify and prioritize action strategies for using technology to promote rural health equity through community stakeholder engagement.

Methods

Concept mapping, a quantitative statistical technique, embedded within a qualitative approach, was used to identify and integrate technological solutions towards rural health equity from community stakeholders in three steps: (1) idea generation; (2) sorting and rating feasibility/importance and (3) group interpretation. Purposeful recruitment strategies were used to recruit key stakeholders and organizational representatives from targeted rural communities.

Results

Overall, 34 rural community stakeholders from western Canada (76% female, mean age = 55.4 years) participated in the concept mapping process. In Step 1, 84 ideas were generated that were reduced to a pool of 30. Multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis resulted in a six‐cluster map representing how technological solutions can contribute toward rural health equity. The clusters of ideas included technological solutions and applications, but also ideas to make health care more accessible regardless of location, training and support in the use of technology, ensuring digital tools are simplified for ease of use, technologies to support collaboration among healthcare professionals and ideas for overcoming challenges to data sharing across health systems/networks. Each cluster included ideas that were rated as equally important and feasible. Key themes included organizational and individual‐level solutions and connecting patients to newly developed technologies.

Conclusions

Overall, the grouping of solutions revealed that technological applications require not only access but also support and collaboration. Concept mapping is a tool that can engage rural community stakeholders in the identification of technological solutions for promoting rural health equity.

Patient or Public Contribution

Rural community stakeholders were involved in the generation and interpretation of technological solutions towards rural health equity in a three‐step process: (1) individual brainstorming of ideas, (2) sorting and rating all ideas generated and (3) collective interpretation and group consensus on final results.
Long‐term intake of aspartame‐induced cardiovascular toxicity is reflected in altered histochemical parameters, evokes oxidative stress, and trigger P53‐dependent apoptosis in a mouse model
Authors: Anbara Hojat , Kian Mehdi , Darya Gholam‐Hossein , Sheibani Mohammad Taghi
Published: October 2022

Aspartame (ASP) is probably the best known artificial sugar substitute that is used widely in food. Many experimental studies have reported the toxicity of long‐term administration of ASP in various organ tissues. However, there is little evidence available about the nature and mechanisms of the adverse effects of long‐term consumption of ASP on the cardiovascular system. This study was conducted to evaluate the possible effects of ASP on heart tissue. For this study 36 mature male mice were divided into one control group and three groups which received respectively 40 mg/kg, 80 mg/kg and 160 mg/kg ASP orally, for 90 days. ASP at the doses of 80 and 160 mg/kg increased the serum content of malondialdehyde (MDA), but decreased serum nitric oxide (NO), creatine kinase (CK) and CK‐MB, as well as blood superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Serum level of total anti‐oxidant capacity (TAC) in blood was also reduced in serum at the dose of 80 mg/kg. Histochemical staining, including Periodic acid‐Schiff, Masson's trichrome and Verhoeff‐van Gieson staining, indicated that ASP at doses of 80 and 160 mg/kg reduced glycogen deposition and decreased the number of collagen and elastic fibres in the cardiac tissue. The cardiac expression of pro‐apoptotic genes, including P53, Bax, Bcl‐2 and Caspase‐3, was modulated at the dose of 160 mg/kg. Moreover, transcription of Caspase‐3 was up‐regulated at the dose of 80 mg/kg. In conclusion, long‐term consumption of ASP any higher than the acceptable daily intake (40 mg/kg) appears to act by promoting oxidative stress, has the potential to alter both histopathological and biochemical parameters, and induces P53‐dependent apoptosis in cardiac tissue.
Malignant syphilis: a new and revised definition
Authors: Karanfilian Katrice M. , Almohssen Amer Ali , Kapila Rajendra , Schwartz Robert A.
Published: October 2022

Malignant syphilis is a rare, severe variant of secondary syphilis that primarily affects immunocompromised patients. Historically, the clinical presentation included a prodrome of constitutional symptoms followed by the development of characteristic skin lesions. The definition of malignant syphilis has not been updated since it was first described as only a cutaneous manifestation. In recent years, syphilis has reemerged as a major public health issue, particularly in men who have sex with men (MSM) and patients with HIV. With increasing rates of syphilis in the HIV‐positive population, the systemic manifestations of malignant syphilis have become more apparent. We propose a revised definition and elucidate why the term malignant syphilis should be expanded to include systemic manifestations, stressing musculoskeletal, central nervous system, ocular, ear, cardiovascular, rectal, liver, lung, and renal involvement. This updated definition is dramatically expanded to reflect its systemic manifestations. Recognition of these manifestations may prevent devastating long‐term effects.
Forming Humanity as Threefold Task
Authors: Herdt Jennifer A.
Published: October 2022

The theological task can fruitfully be framed as that of forming humanity in the face of recognizing our inhumanity when this is interpreted as a restatement of the Twofold Love Commandment. We can identify three distinct phases of reflection on the formation of humanity – the archaic, historicist, and evolutionary. The movement from one to the next does not represent theological or ethical progress, but it does reflect heightened reflexivity of the ways in which the reditus of creation to God lies in our hands – and of our incapacity for this task and our dependence on grace.
Generous Orthodoxy: Theology, Church and the Gift of the Spirit
Authors: Tomlin Graham
Published: October 2022

The article explores the concept of ‘Generous Orthodoxy’. It argues that the phrase focuses the task of theology on the worship of God, and its significance in spiritual formation. It also works to enable the church's witness by engaging with the realities of the world from the perspective of credal orthodoxy. The words ‘Generous’ and ‘Orthodoxy’ each illuminate the other, in that true orthodoxy is generous, and generosity is a vital part of true orthodoxy. Such an orthodoxy can only be maintained with a robust doctrine and experience of the Holy Spirit as the Church's principle of unity.
Young Black women's resistance to the Canadian settler colonial state apparatus: Negotiating the complexities of “being part of the system that oppresses”
Authors: Pillay Thashika
Published: October 2022

Young Black peoples encounter racism and discriminatory practices and policies through formal education and in the larger society (Creese, 2013; Dei & James, 1998; Kelly, 1998). As the experiences of the research participants—young Black women between the ages of 18 and 30—highlight, a formal education system that is structured to benefit and perpetuate the settler colonial state apparatus marginalizes Black youth, including those who are deemed “successful” through their acceptance into higher education as formal education and the labour market are structured according to the logic of settler colonialism. As such, these systems operate by imposing Euro‐Western systems of knowledge, justice, and community on racialized peoples, and in particular, Black peoples. Yet, the research also shows that while injustice is the reality for young Black people, so too is resistance through a small yet powerful contingent who are refusing to remain complicit in perpetuating settler colonialism.
Nuclear family and social capital of refugees in Austria
Authors: Kohlenberger Judith , Rengs Bernhard , Buber‐Ennser Isabella
Published: October 2022

This article provides insights into the role of the nuclear family for refugees' social capital in Austria, with a focus on gender‐specific differences. We use a multimethod approach, based on quantitative data from a survey with 548 refugees from Syria and Afghanistan and semi‐structured group discussions (N = 17 informants). In our analysis, we study frequency of contacts in first language and in German, as proxies for the bonding and bridging social capital. Marital status, childlessness and family work were identified as important factors: Frequency of contact substantially varied by gender and family context. Of all surveyed groups, married childless women and married men with children had the least contacts in both languages. Although an unequal distribution of childcare may limit women's time resources, we observed a positive association between motherhood and frequency of contact in German.
Neutrophils as drivers of vascular injury in sickle cell disease
Authors: Torres Lidiane S. , Hidalgo Andrés
Published: October 2022

While neutrophils are the main effectors of protective innate immune responses, they are also key players in inflammatory pathologies. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder in which red blood cells (RBCs) are constantly destroyed in the circulation which generates a highly inflammatory environment that culminates in vascular occlusions. Vaso‐occlusion is the hallmark of SCD and a predictor of disease severity. Neutrophils initiate and propagate SCD‐related vaso‐occlusion through adhesive interactions with the activated and dysfunctional endothelium, sickle RBCs, and platelets, leading to acute and chronic complications that progress to irreversible organ damage and ultimately death. The use of SCD humanized mouse models, in combination with in vivo imaging techniques, has emerged as a fundamental tool to understand the dynamics of neutrophils under complex inflammatory contexts and their contribution to vascular injury in SCD. In this review, we discuss the various mechanisms by which circulating neutrophils sense and respond to the wide range of stimuli present in the blood of SCD patients and mice. We argue that the central role of neutrophils in SCD can be rationalized to develop targets for the management of clinical complications in SCD patients.
International legal aspects of migration in the EU: Policies and standards
Authors: Korolova Viktoriya V. , Dolhoruchenko Kateryna O. , Oliinyk Olga B. , Glukh Maryna V. , Hrytsiak Ihor A.
Published: October 2022

The purpose of the article is to determine the basics of the migration policy in the European Union, its problematic aspects, and mechanisms for improvement. The methodological basis of the work involves a set of methodological approaches, philosophical, general scientific, and private‐scientific methods, which allowed to ensure the reliability and validity of the research results. The article presents the generalization of the migration policy in European countries and ways to improve it in today's realities. The practical significance of the results obtained is that the analysis provided in the results and conclusions of this work can improve the management mechanism of migration flows in Ukraine.
The effect of inflammation management on pH, temperature, and bacterial burden
Authors: Derwin Rosemarie , Patton Declan , Strapp Helen , Moore Zena
Published: October 2022

The aim of this feasibility study was to investigate the impact of inflammation management on wound pH, temperature, and bacterial burden, using the principles of TIME and Wound Bed Preparation. A quantitative non‐comparative, prospective, descriptive observational design. Following ethical approval, 26 participants with 27 wounds of varying aetiologies were observed twice weekly for 2 weeks. Wounds were treated with cleansing, repeated sharp debridement, and topical cadexomer iodine. Wound pH (pH indicator strips), temperature (infrared camera), bacterial burden (fluorescence imaging) and size (ruler method) was monitored at each visit. The mean age of all participants was 47 years (SD: 20.3 years), and 79% (n = 19) were male, and most wounds were acute (70%; n = 19) and included surgical and trauma wounds, the remaining (30%; n = 8) were chronic and included vascular ulcers and non‐healing surgical wounds. Mean wound duration was 53.88 days (SD: 64.49 days). Over the follow up period, pH values ranged from 6 to 8.7, temperature (centre spot) ranged from 28.4°C to 36.4°C and there was an average 39% reduction in wound size. Inflammation management had a positive effect on pH, temperature, bacterial burden, and wound size. This study demonstrated that it was feasible to practice inflammation management using a structured approach to enhance wound outcomes.
Ca‐vacancy effect on the stability of substitutional divalent cations in calcium‐deficient hydroxyapatite
Authors: Saito Tatsushi , Ishikawa Yuto , Noda Yusuke , Yokoi Tatsuya , Oshima Yu , Nakamura Atsutomo , Matsunaga Katsuyuki
Published: October 2022

First‐principles calculations were performed to reveal an effect of Ca vacancies on the stability of substitutional divalent cations M2+ (M = Mg, Zn, Sr) in Ca‐deficient hydroxyapatite (dHAp). M2+ concentrations up to 20 mol% in dHAp were considered, and the most stable substitutional sites and their lowest energy configurations in the dHAp lattice were examined with the aid of a generic algorithm method. It was found that defect formation energies of substitutional M2+ are lower in dHAp than in stoichiometric HAp (sHAp) at all M2+ concentrations. This indicates that these M2+ ions are more favorably involved in dHAp than in sHAp, which is in reasonable agreement with experiment. Detailed analyses on atomic structures in dHAp show that the presence of a Ca vacancy varies its surrounding Ca–O bond lengths over a wide area so that Ca–O polyhedrons with various sizes are produced. As a result, M2+ ions can predominantly occupy Ca sites at which M2+ fits better, depending on the ionic radii of M2+. For Zn2+ substitution in dHAp, its defect formation energy decreases more with the increasing concentrations and has the minimum value at 15 mol%. Such a trend can be understood from changes in effective coordination numbers of Zn in dHAp.
Normalization of Racism and Moral Responsibility: Against the Exculpatory Stance
Authors: Berdini Federica , Bonicalzi Sofia
Published: October 2022

In this article, we take the case of racism in contemporary Italy as a starting point for a discussion about moral responsibility for racism in cases where ignorance is involved. We focus on the issue of the normalization of racism and its contribution to different forms of ignorance to assess the extent to which these might potentially mitigate judgments of responsibility for racism, thereby grounding an Exculpatory Stance. After illustrating the phenomenon of the normalization of racism and offering an outline of how the normalization of racism contributes to ignorance, we argue against the Exculpatory Stance by appealing to a socially situated variety of capacitarian approach to the epistemic condition of moral responsibility. This approach provides us with the tools to claim that the moral ignorance favored by the normalization of racism does not mitigate judgments of individual responsibility. Finally, we point out that the interdependence of individual responsibility and the social environment is such that, in addition to backward‐looking individual responsibilities for racism, there are also forward‐looking, both individual and shared, responsibilities to counter racism in its various manifestations and the increased risk of moral ignorance connected to its normalization.
Identification and expression profiling of receptor‐interacting serine/threonine‐protein kinase 2 in Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii)
Authors: Lu Lu , Dai Shaotong , Zhu Hao , Zhang Xin , Li Zhiqiong , Huang Xiaoli , Ouyang Ping , Geng Yi , Chen Defang
Published: October 2022

Receptor‐interacting serine/threonine‐protein kinase 2 (RIPK2) is an adaptor protein of the pattern recognition receptors NOD1 and NOD2 involved in regulating inflammatory response and resisting pathogenic microbial infection. In this study, Acipenser baerii RIPK2 (AbRIPK2) was identified. The open reading frame of AbRIPK2 was 1815 bp encoding 604 amino acids. AbRIPK2 possessed the typical N‐terminal kinase domain (KD) and C‐terminal caspase recruitment domain (CARD). The phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that AbRIPK2 shared a relatively high identity with bony fish. Real‐time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT‐PCR) results indicated that AbRIPK2 was highly expressed in the gill, followed by muscle, liver and heart. AbRIPK2 was significantly induced in the spleen and valvular intestine after Streptococcus iniae and Aeromonas hydrophila infection. AbRIPK2 was significantly upregulated after peptidoglycan (PGN) treatment in the splenic leukocytes. This study indicated that AbRIPK2 played a potential role in resisting the pathogenic infection of Siberian sturgeon by responding to bacteria.
Optimisation of radioligand therapy in neuroendocrine tumours: Current and evolving evidence
Authors: Navalkissoor Shaunak , Gnanasegaran Gopinath , Grossman Ashley
Published: October 2022

Treatment of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) with radioligand therapy (RLT) for example, 177Lu‐DOTATATE is generally well‐tolerated and prolongs time to progression in most patients. However, approximately 20% of patients are nonresponders. In addition, complete responses are rare (<5% of patients), and durable responses beyond 3–4 years are uncommon. This article will discuss factors which may improve the outcomes of PRRT by using biomarkers to identify patients at high risk to be nonresponders (imaging and liquid biomarkers) and will examine mechanisms to potentially improve/optimise current RLT treatment strategies. These include mechanisms to potentiate the effects of RLT, increase tumour absorbed dose, overcoming radio‐resistance and upregulation of somatostatin receptors, although larger studies will be required to demonstrate which techniques are going to be most efficacious in clinical practice.
Successful vaginoscopic excision of the vaginal septum in a virgin girl of obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Yamada Yuki , Kawaguchi Ryuji , Iwai Kana , Waki Keita , Kawahara Naoki , Kimura Fuminori
Published: October 2022

Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA) is a rare malformation that not only causes severe menstrual cramps shortly after menarche but can also lead to endometriosis and infection in the future. We report a case of OHVIRA successfully managed by vaginoscopic excision of the vaginal septum. A 12‐year‐old virgin girl presented to our hospital with dysmenorrhea and lower abdominal pain. OHVIRA was diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging. Vaginoscopic surgery was performed for drainage of hematocolpos and excision of the vaginal septum. Vaginoscopic excision of the vaginal septum was performed using a resectoscope, without a vaginal speculum. The procedure was completed safely without injuring the hymen. This is the first case report of successful excision of the vaginal septum by vaginoscopic surgery for OHVIRA in Japan. Vaginoscopic excision may be one of the effective options for the treatment of vaginal obstruction.
Effects of cranioplasty in cerebral blood perfusion using quantification with 99m‐Tc HMPAO SPECT‐CT
Authors: Galiana Álvaro , Ruiz Sebastián , Alén JF , Gómez Grande Adolfo , Panero Irene , Vega Diana , García‐Pérez Daniel , Gutiérrez Elena , Romero Carmen , Lagares Alfonso , Tabuenca María José , Paredes Igor
Published: October 2022

Background and Purpose

Syndrome of the trephined or sinking skin flap syndrome is an underdiagnosed condition of craniectomized patients that usually improves after cranioplasty. Among the pathophysiological theories proposed, the changes of cerebral blood perfusion (CBP) caused by cranial defects might have a role in the neurological deficiencies observed. We aim to assess the regional cortex changes in CBP after cranioplasty with Technetium 99m hexamethylpropylene‐amine oxime (99mTc‐HMPAO) SPECT‐CT.

Methods

Twenty‐eight craniectomized patients subject to cranioplasty were studied with 99mTc‐HMPAO SPECT‐CT in three different times, before cranioplasty, a week, and 3 months after. The images were processed with quantification software comparing CBP of 24 cortical areas with a reference area, and with a database of controls. A mixed effects model and T‐Student were used.

Results

CBP increased significantly in both hemispheres after cranioplasty, either using ratio (β = .019, p‐value = .030 first postsurgical SPECT‐CT and β = .021, p‐value = .015 in the second study, vs. presurgical) or Z‐score (β = .220, p‐value = .026 and β = .279, p‐value = .005, respectively). Nine areas of the damaged side had a significant lower CBP ratio and Z‐score than the undamaged. Posterior cingulate showed an increased CBP ratio (p‐value = .034) and Z‐score (p‐value = .028) in the first postsurgical SPECT‐CT. These posterior cingulate changes represent a 4.83% increase in ratio and 91.04% in Z‐Score (p‐value = .035 and .040, respectively).

Conclusion

CBP changes significantly in specific cortical areas after cranioplasty. Posterior cingulate changes might explain some improvements in attention impairments. SPECT‐CT could be a useful tool to assess CBP changes in these patients and might be helpful in their clinical management.
Language ideology in an endogamous society: The case of Daghestan
Authors: Dobrushina Nina
Published: October 2022

Studies of multilingual systems found in Indigenous small‐scale communities often assume that exogamous marriages are the norm in such societies and contribute to their linguistic diversity. This paper is an account of the language ideology of endogamous societies in rural highland Daghestan (Northeast Caucasus). By studying language policing and language choice in infrequent mixed marriages, the paper uncovers the beliefs that support endogamy and reveals issues of linguistic identity and attitudes toward the usage of the matrilect within the family and the village. Interviews show that in‐married women do not bring new languages to the villages, because they quickly acquire the local language new to them and use it with all their in‐laws and their children. A strong association between villages and languages together with the ideology supporting linguistic homogeneity within the village contributes to the maintenance of the regional linguistic diversity.
Nasal transmission of equine parvovirus hepatitis
Authors: Tomlinson Joy E. , Van de Walle Gerlinde R.
Published: October 2022

Background

Equine parvovirus hepatitis (EqPV‐H) is highly prevalent and causes subclinical to fatal hepatitis, which can occur in outbreaks. Whereas iatrogenic transmission is well documented, the mode of horizontal transmission is not known. The virus is shed in nasal, oral and fecal secretions, and PO transmission has been reported in a single horse.

Hypothesis/Objective

Investigate the efficiency of PO and nasal transmission of EqPV‐H in a larger cohort.

Methods

Prospective experimental transmission study. Eleven EqPV‐H‐negative horses were inoculated with 5 × 106genome equivalents EqPV‐H. Serum PCR and serology for EqPV‐H were performed weekly and monthly, respectively. Horses first were inoculated PO, and then intranasally 8 weeks later.

Results

No horse became viremic or seroconverted within 8 weeks after PO inoculation. After intranasal inoculation, 5 horses became viremic within 6 to 12 weeks and seroconverted within 10 to 19 weeks. After a period without monitoring from 12 to 19 weeks postinoculation, another 5 horses were found to be viremic at 19 to 22 weeks. The second set of 5 horses could have been infected by horizontal transmission from the first 5 because of cohousing.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

We demonstrated that EqPV‐H can be transmitted nasally. The prolonged eclipse phase before detectable viremia indicates biosecurity measures to control spread could be impractical.
Diplomatic capacity and foreign policy changes under Bolsonaro: Elements of a paradox
Authors: Pinheiro Leticia , Santos Leandro W. dos
Published: October 2022

This article discusses Brazilian diplomatic capacities and their influence on foreign policy during Bolsonaro's administration. Academics and practitioners once recognized the Brazilian diplomatic service for its high skills, regardless of the foreign policy guidelines in force. In fact, the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs used to stand out for its professionalism, bringing together all the conditions the literature points out as the main characteristics of the concept of bureaucratic quality—those necessary to implement foreign policy objectives. Meanwhile, the literature notes that state capacities might increase or decrease over time. Likewise, governments might seek different foreign policy objectives; to achieve them, they rely on their current capacities, seek to create new ones, or both. Based on the literature on state capacities, policy feedback, and the role of the international environment, this article analyzes Jair Bolsonaro government's attempts to dismantle Brazilian diplomatic capacities to achieve its foreign policy goals.
Interviewing witnesses in a second language: A comparison of interpreter‐assisted, unaided, and self‐administered interviews
Authors: Ernberg Emelie , Mac Giolla Erik
Published: October 2022

Purpose

With increasing rates of migration worldwide, police are more likely than ever to interview witnesses who do not have the same first language as they do. We examined how to best approach this situation by comparing three different ways of conducting such interviews.

Methods

Native Arabic speakers (N = 128) living in Sweden witnessed a video of a mock crime and were allocated to one of three interview conditions: a face‐to‐face interview in Swedish (i.e. their second language), a face‐to‐face interview with an interpreter translating from Swedish to Arabic or an Arabic language Self‐Administered Interview© (SAI).

Results

For total number of details reported, the no interpreter condition resulted in moderately fewer details being reported than the interpreter and SAI conditions. A similar trend was seen for correct details; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Participants in the SAI condition were somewhat less accurate in their reports compared with both the interpreter and no interpreter conditions.

Conclusions

If interviewing without an interpreter, there is minimal loss of reported detail when the witness speaks the interviewer's language at an intermediate level and the questions posed are few and simple. Moreover, provided that the witness has a sufficient level of literacy, administrating the SAI in the witness's native language can be an alternative for witnesses with no or limited verbal ability in the interviewer's language.
Predicting and projecting memory: Error and bias in metacognitive judgements underlying testimony evaluation
Authors: Helm Rebecca K. , Growns Bethany
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Metacognitive judgements of what another person would remember had they experienced a stimulus—that is social metamemory judgements, are likely to be important in evaluations of testimony in criminal and civil justice systems. This paper develops and tests predictions about two sources of error in social metamemory judgements that have the potential to be important in legal contexts—errors resulting from beliefs informed by own memory being inappropriately applied to the memory of others, and errors resulting from differential experience of an underlying stimulus.

Method

We examined social metamemory judgements in two experimental studies. In Experiment 1 (N = 323), participants were required to make either social metamemory judgements relating to faces or predictions relating to their own memory for faces. In Experiment 2 (N = 275), we manipulated participant experience of faces, holding the described experience of the person whose memory was being assessed constant and asked participants to make social metamemory judgements.

Results

As predicted, judgements relating to the memory of others were prone to inaccuracy. Whilst participants making predictions relating to their own memory performed above chance, participants making social metamemory judgements performed no better than chance. Social metamemory judgements were also influenced by the way stimuli were experienced by an assessor, even where this experience did not correspond to the experience of the person whose memory they were assessing.

Conclusions

Having our own experiences of memory does not necessarily make us well‐placed to assess the memory of others, and, in fact, our own experiences of memory can even be misleading in making judgements about the memory of others.
Predictive factors for the success of trial catheter removal for women with urinary retention
Authors: Takanashi Masato , Ito Hiroki , Fukazawa Takeshi , Shinoki Risa , Tabei Tadashi , Kawahara Takashi , Kobayashi Kazuki
Published: October 2022

Objective

To investigate the outcome, determine the predictors for the success of, and evaluate the efficacy of pharmacokinetic therapy on trial catheter removal for women with urinary retention.

Methods

Inclusion criteria were female patients with acute urinary retention defined as painful, palpable, or percussive bladder, when the patient is unable to pass any urine, accompanied by postvoid residual (PVR) > 250 ml, and who underwent trial catheter removal between July 2009 and July 2019. Before trial catheter removal, alpha‐blockers alone or alpha‐blockers and parasympathomimetics (bethanechol or distigmine bromide) were used to facilitate spontaneous voiding in some cases.

Results

Fifty‐nine of 104 (56.7%) women with urinary retention were catheter‐free post trial. There was no significant difference between successful and non‐successful trials in average age (p = .392), median ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) performance status (p = .374), diabetes mellitus (p = .842), dementia (p = .801), previous history of cerebrovascular events (p = .592), or intrapelvic surgery (p = .800). Oral medications were administered for 39/59 (66.1%) in the success group and 30/45 (66.7%) patients in the non‐success groups (p = .598).

Serum albumin (3.2 ± 0.7 g/dl and 2.8 ± 0.8 g/dl, p = .039) and total protein values (6.5 ± 0.8 g/dl and 6.0 ± 1.0 g/dl, p = .038) at diagnosis of urinary retention were higher in the success group than the non‐success group, respectively.

Multivariate logistic regression found that a serum albumin >3 g/dl was an independent predictor of successful trial catheter removal for women with urinary retention (p = .030, odds ratio [OR] 3.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] of OR 1.1–9.9). Age < 70 years old was a likely predictor of successful trial catheter removal (p = .066, OR 4.8, 95% CI of OR 0.9–25.0).

Conclusions

This is the first retrospective study to investigate the predictive factors for successful trial catheter removal in women with urinary retention. A serum albumin value >3 mg/dl at diagnosis of urinary retention was a significant independent predictor of catheter‐free status after trial catheter removal, and age < 70 years‐old was a possible contributor. There was no evidence that oral medication contributed to catheter‐free status.
“There Would Be More Black Spaces”: Care/giving Cartographies during COVID‐19
Authors: Carney Megan A. , Chess Debi , Rascon‐Canales Michelle
Published: October 2022

Black geographies, Black feminist anthropology, and related fields have provided substantial evidence attesting to the effects of racially violent spatial practices such as dispossession, racial segregation, mass incarceration, and redlining for the health outcomes and life chances of Black communities and other racialized groups, and conversely, the political and healing potential of placemaking projects. We foreground theory from Black geographies and Black feminist work on care to examine care/giving cartographies at the height of the COVID‐19 pandemic. We present findings from semi‐structured interviews conducted virtually in 2021 that combined care/giving narratives and counter‐mapping with 20 African American residents of Tucson, Arizona, as part of a longer‐term community‐based placemaking project. Interview data underscore the spatial and discursive pervasiveness of anti‐Blackness, including within biomedical spaces of care, and negative effects on health. We argue that narratives centering care/giving alongside practices of counter‐mapping are indictments of the institutional structures abetting anti‐Black racism as a structuring, spatial logic. [anti‐Black racism, COVID‐19, caregiving, counter‐mapping]
Postmortem pathology investigation of the wounds from invasive tagging in belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) from Cook Inlet and Bristol Bay, Alaska
Authors: Burek‐Huntington Kathleen A. , Shelden Kim E. W. , Andrews Russel D. , Goertz Caroline E. C. , McGuire Tamara L. , Dennison Sophie
Published: October 2022

Wildlife researchers need to understand the effects of biotelemetry tags in order to better weigh benefits versus risks. We describe tag‐site healing and pathology of three beluga whales,Delphinapterus leucas, found dead in Alaska. The tags were secured with two or three nylon rods that pierced the dorsal ridge, and one beluga also had a LIMPET tag. The tag wounds in one Cook Inlet beluga featured a normal healing response with minimal inflammation ~12 years posttagging. Photo‐ID studies of another Cook Inlet beluga demonstrated degeneration of the tag wounds over several years. It died ~12.8 years posttagging of bronchopneumonia and septicemia due toStaphylococcus aureusthat also infected the tag wound. A Bristol Bay beluga died 4 months posttagging. Although it may have been predated by a killer whale attack,Orcinus orca, the tag site was inflamed and infected withStreptococcus uberiswhich spread to an abscessed lymph node. To reduce the risk of infection, researchers should adopt strict sterilization protocols for all implanted parts of tags and continue research into improved tagging methods. Clinical and behavioral assessment of potential preexisting conditions before tag deployment, as well as posttag monitoring, could help reduce tag‐associated mortality and identify immediate impacts and mortality.
A last resort? A scoping review of patient and healthcare worker attitudes toward strike action
Authors: Essex Ryan , Burns Calvin , Evans Thomas Rhys , Hudson Georgina , Parsons Austin , Weldon Sharon Marie
Published: October 2022

While strike action has been common since the industrial revolution, it often invokes a passionate and polarising response, from the strikers themselves, from employers, governments and the general public. Support or lack thereof from health workers and the general public is an important consideration in the justification of strike action. This systematic review sought to examine the impact of strike action on patient and clinician attitudes, specifically to explore (1) patient and health worker support for strike action and (2) the predictors for supporting strike action and the reasons given for engaging in strike action. A systematic scoping review was employed to identify all relevant literature, followed by a textual narrative synthesis. A total of 34 studies met inclusion criteria. Support for strike action was largely context‐dependent. A range of factors impact support for strike action; broader cultural and structural factors, such as unionisation and general acceptance of strike action; systemic factors, such as the nature of the healthcare system, including infrastructure and work conditions; the strike itself and a range of individual factors, the most notable of which was being a student or in an early career stage. There were also some surprising results, for example, during doctors strike, nurses were provided with the opportunity to expand their role, which led to greater professional autonomy and job satisfaction.