bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation for Erythromelalgia Related Foot Pain: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hagedorn Jonathan M. , Canzanello Nicholas , Lamer Tim J.
Published: January 2021

Erythromelalgia is a rare neurovascular disorder characterized by erythema, warmth, and episodic burning pain, often felt in the face, hands, and feet. Symptoms are typically worse with heat, exercise, stress, and during the overnight hours. Management often requires a multidisciplinary approach, including pain trigger avoidance, cool water baths, and topical and oral neuropathic medications. The use of spinal cord stimulation has been described in multiple case reports with success reported out to 24 months. To our knowledge, the use of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation for erythromelalgia‐related pain has not been described. Herein, we present a case of erythromelalgia‐related pain at the bilateral plantar surfaces of the feet, which was treated successfully with bilateral sacral S1 nerve root DRG stimulation.
Successful treatment of chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatosis with lipodystrophy and elevated temperature (CANDLE) syndrome with tofacitinib
Authors: Patel Pooja N. , Hunt Raegan , Pettigrew Zachary J. , Shirley Joel Brian , Vogel Tiphanie P. , de Guzman Marietta M.
Published: January 2021

Chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatosis with lipodystrophy and elevated temperature (CANDLE) syndrome is a rare autoinflammatory disorder. Cutaneous manifestations of CANDLE syndrome include characteristic recurring violaceous annular plaques comprised of an immature dermal mononuclear cell infiltrate. In CANDLE syndrome, deleterious genetic mutations inhibit proteasome‐immunoproteasome function, resulting in cellular accumulation of ubiquitinated waste proteins that activate type I interferon signaling to drive inflammation. We describe a report of successful treatment of a 12‐year‐old girl with CANDLE syndrome with tofacitinib.
Antitumour metastasis and the antiangiogenic and antitumour effects of a Eimeria stiedae soluble protein
Authors: Huang Haibin , Yang Wentao , Hu Jingtao , Jiang Yanlong , Wang Jianzhong , Shi Chunwei , Kang Yuanhuan , Wang Dan , Wang Chunfeng , Yang Guilian
Published: January 2021

Some protozoa (Plasmodium falciparum, Toxoplasma gondii, etc) are used to treat cancer because they can improve tumour‐induced immunosuppression. This study aims to evaluate the antitumour effect of Eimeria stiedae oocyst soluble protein (ESSP). ESSP was extracted, and mice were injected with 5 × 105 CT26 cells in the right axilla, and then, 50 μg of ESSP was intraperitoneally injected for 5 continuous days. The effect of ESSP on tumour immunity was detected by flow cytometry 25 days after the CT26 inoculation. The results showed that ESSP can inhibit the growth of CT26 subcutaneous tumours; significantly increase the expression of MHC I, MHC II, CD80 and CD86 on the surface of splenic dendritic cells; and enhance the level of IL‐12 secretion. ESSP induced an increase in the number of NK cells in the mouse spleen, and the levels of IFN‐γ and CD107 were upregulated in the NK cells and CD8+ T cells. The number of metastatic nodules in the lung tumours in the mice was significantly reduced, and the number of tubes, area of the loops and total length of the tubes were significantly reduced. ESSP enhances the antitumour immune response and inhibits tumour growth, metastasis and angiogenesis.
Attributing Responsibility When Police Officers are Killed in the Line of Duty: An Ethnographic Content Analysis of Local Print News Media Frames
Authors: Gruenewald Jeff , Hipple Natalie Kroovand
Published: January 2021

The line‐of‐duty death of a police officer challenges the public’s shared views of social order and morality. Local news media help audiences make sense of these tragedies. This study examines how attributions of responsibility are framed in local print news stories, guided by the question, “How do news stories frame the cause of death when police officers are killed in the line of duty?” We conducted an ethnographic content analysis of stories about line‐of‐duty deaths published in Indianapolis, Indiana newspapers between 1872 and 2019. Six frames promoting causal explanations for police officer deaths emerged from our analysis: moral depravity, gun availability and lethality, the nature of the job, unaddressed mental illness, alcohol and drug abuse, and officer failings. While line‐of‐duty deaths have been consistently framed as a result of individual and societal moral depravity over time, we also find that officer deaths have more recently been framed as simply being part of the job. We discuss our findings within the broader framing of social problems literature, recognizing how frames shift over time and conflate social issues to maintain their salience.
Siblings versus parents: Warm relationships and shyness among Chinese adolescents
Authors: Chen Bin‐Bin , Chen Xiaochen , Wang Xiaoyuan
Published: January 2021

Associations between parent–child relationships and adolescents' shyness are well documented, but relatively little is known about the role of siblings. This three‐wave longitudinal research examined reciprocal associations between parental and sibling warmth and adolescents' shyness in China. One hundred and fifty Chinese adolescents (Mage = 12.84 years; 56.7% girls) participated. Data were collected from multiple sources including self‐reports and peer assessments. Cross‐lagged model analyses revealed unique longitudinal paths from sibling warmth to adolescents' shyness and from adolescents' shyness to sibling warmth. Moreover, no cross‐lagged paths existed between fathers' and mothers' warmth and adolescents' shyness. The results suggest that sibling relationships may be a unique social context for socialization and development among Chinese adolescents.
Mobile snapshot hyperspectral imaging device for skin evaluation using diffractive optical elements
Authors: Kern Christian , Speck Uwe , Riesenberg Rainer , Reble Carina , Khazaka Georg , Zieger Michael , Kaatz Martin , De Gregorio Marco , Fischer Frank
Published: January 2021

Objective

A mobile handheld snapshot hyperspectral imaging device was developed and tested for in vivo skin evaluation using a new spectral imaging technology.

Methods

The device is equipped with four different LED light sources (VIS, 810 nm, 850 nm, and 940 nm) for illumination. Based on a diffractive optical element (DOE) combined with a CMOS sensor chip, a snapshot hyperspectral imager is achieved for the application on human skin. The diffractive optical element (DOE) consists of a two‐dimensional array of identically repeated diffractive microstructures. One hyperspectral image for all wavelength regions is taken within a few seconds. Complex recalculation of the VIS spectral distribution and image information from the received DOE image requires several minutes, depending on computing performance. A risk assessment on the irradiation sources shows no risk of harm due to the LED radiation.

Results

Skin tone color patches experiments reproducibly deliver images and spectra of different skin tones. First in vivo use of the device identified pigmentation changes within the field of view.

Conclusion

We present a working mobile snapshot hyperspectral imaging tool based on diffractive optical elements. This device or future developments thereof can be used for broad skin evaluation in vivo.
Clearance of longstanding treatment‐resistant warts during COVID‐19 in a transplant recipient
Authors: Erkayman Merve H. , Bilen Handan
Published: January 2021

Human papillomavirus (HPV), a DNA virus, infects basal keratinocytes and causes common warts and as well as malignancies of skin and mucous membranes. Although many treatment options are available, persistent HPV infections are common among transplant recipients. Herein, we present a patient with a 15‐year history of treatment‐resistant warts that regressed during COVID‐19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) treatment.
Influence of submerged macrophyte Potamogetoncrispus growth on nutrient translocation in sediments
Authors: Zhao Jianwei , Mi Weijie , Lei Ziyan , Zhou Yiyong , Zhu Duanwei
Published: January 2021

Sediments with and without Potamogeton crispus were simultaneously incubated outdoors to determine the effects of plant growth on the nutrients migration. After 3 months of incubation, the Fe, Mn, Si, Cu and Zn concentrations of the plant roots were significantly higher than those of the shoots (p < .05). Additionally, when P. crispus was present, the nutrient contents varied in the descending order Ca (18.54 mg/L) > Mg (4.132 mg/L) > P (8.211 μg/L) > Cu (5.45 μg/L) > Mn (0.151 μg/L) in the overlying water and in the order Ca (24.31 mg/L) > Mg (11.33 mg/L) > Mn (1349 μg/L) > P (125 μg/L) > Cu (18.91 μg/L) in the pore water. The presence of P. crispus also significantly increased the P concentration of the overlying water and the Ca, Mg and Mn concentrations of the pore water (p < .05). Furthermore, the growth of P. crispus increased the water‐extractable P level in the sediment but decreased the amounts of available Fe and Mn in the sediment (p < .05). These results indicate that the presence of P. crispus can lead to the redistribution of nutrients in sediments and in the overlying water, and this redistribution is conducive to the restoration of contaminated sediments. We suggest that more submerged macrophytes be planted in polluted water bodies to improve the water restoration effect.
Non‐invasive peripheral focused ultrasound neuromodulation of the celiac plexus ameliorates symptoms in a rat model of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Akhtar Kainat , Hirschstein Zall , Stefanelli Allison , Iannilli Emilia , Srinivasan Aditya , Barenboim Linda , Balkaya Mustafa , Cunha Alexandra , Audil Aliyah , Kochman Eliyahu M. , Chua Fuyee , Ravi Maya , Mikkilineni Saisree , Watkins Hanel , O'Connor William , Fan Ying , Cotero Victoria , Ashe Jeffrey , Puleo Christopher , Kao Tzu‐Jen , Shin Damian S.
Published: January 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does peripheral non‐invasive focused ultrasound targeted to the celiac plexus improve inflammatory bowel disease?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Peripheral non‐invasive focused ultrasound targeted to the celiac plexus in a rat model of ulcerative colitis improved stool consistency and reduced stool bloodiness, which coincided with a longer and healthier colon than in animals without focused ultrasound treatment. The findings suggest that this novel neuromodulatory technology could serve as a plausible therapeutic approach for improving symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Individuals suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) experience significantly diminished quality of life. Here, we aim to stimulate the celiac plexus with non‐invasive peripheral focused ultrasound (FUS) to modulate the enteric cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway. This approach may have clinical utility as an efficacious IBD treatment given the non‐invasive and targeted nature of this therapy. We employed the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) model of colitis, administering lower (5%) and higher (7%) doses to rats in drinking water. FUS on the celiac plexus administered twice a day for 12 consecutive days to rats with severe IBD improved stool consistency scores from 2.2 ± 1 to 1.0 ± 0.0 with peak efficacy on day 5 and maximum reduction in gross bleeding scores from 1.8 ± 0.8 to 0.8 ± 0.8 on day 6. Similar improvements were seen in animals in the low dose DSS group, who received FUS only once daily for 12 days. Moreover, animals in the high dose DSS group receiving FUS twice daily maintained colon length (17.7 ± 2.5 cm), while rats drinking DSS without FUS exhibited marked damage and shortening of the colon (13.8 ± 0.6 cm) as expected. Inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐17, tumour necrosis factor‐α and interferon‐γ were reduced with DSS but coincided with control levels after FUS, which is plausibly due to a loss of colon crypts in the former and healthier crypts in the latter. Lastly, overall, these results suggest non‐invasive FUS of peripheral ganglion can deliver precision therapy to improve IBD symptomology.
Structural Mechanics of Negative Stiffness Honeycomb Metamaterials
Authors: Mehreganian Navid , Fallah Arash S. , Sareh Pooya
Published: January 2021

The development of multi-stable structural forms has attracted considerable attention in the design of architected multi-materials, metamaterials, and morphing structures, as a result of some unusual properties such as negative stiffness and, possibly, negative Poisson's ratio. Multi-stability is achieved through a morphological change of shape upon loading, and in doing so multi-stable structures undergo transitions from one equilibrium state to another. This paper investigates the structural performance of the negative stiffness honeycomb (NSH) metamaterials made of double curved beams which are emerging in various applications such as sensors, actuators, and lightweight impact protective structures with structural tunability and recoverability. An analytical treatment is pursued using the Euler–Lagrange theorem and the stability of the honeycomb has been studied. Based on a static analysis of the nonlinear elastic system, the developed tangent stiffness matrix and ensuing deformation curve were assessed through multiple phases of deformation. The closed-form solution was in good agreement with the numerical finite element (FE) model at different bistability ratios. It was shown that the bistability ratio had a pronounced effect on the overall response of the honeycomb and the desired negativity in the stiffness matrix could be achieved with high bistability ratios.
Electrowetting Induced Droplet Generation in T-Junctions
Authors: Merdasi A. , Moosavi A.
Published: January 2021

In this study, droplet generation in a T-junction fluidic channel device was studied by using electrowetting actuation with the consideration of different droplet forming regimes. For this purpose, the finite element method (FEM) was used to solve the unsteady Naiver–Stokes equation. In addition, the level set method was applied to capture the interface between two phases. It was shown that there was a good agreement between obtained data and other work during the process of droplet generation in the absence of electrowetting actuation which results in the decrease in the size of the droplet with increasing the velocity ratios. In the shearing regime, the effectiveness of electrowetting on the droplet generation frequency as well as droplet size is visible in a T-junction fluidic channel since after applying voltages, specified with nondimensional electrowetting numbers of η=0.5 and 1.2, dispersed phase is pulled out into the oil phase. In fact, by applying the voltage on the top wall, the droplet breakup time was decreased and smaller droplets were produced. Finally, different important parameters such as pressure difference across the interface as well as shear stress exerted from the continuous phase shear stress were examined in detail.
Discrete Phase Modeling of the Powder Flow Dynamics and the Catchment Efficiency in Laser Directed Energy Deposition With Inclined Coaxial Nozzles
Authors: Alya Sachin , Singh Ramesh
Published: January 2021

Laser directed energy deposition (DED) is one of the most promising additive manufacturing processes for restoring high-value components. The damaged components can have complex free-form shapes, which necessitate depositions with an inclined nozzle, where the gravity can adversely affect the powder flow dynamics and the powder catchment efficiency (PCE). PCE is defined as the fraction of the total mass flowrate entering the melt pool, and a low PCE can render the process inviable. In this paper, the effect of nozzle inclination on the powder flow dynamics and resulting PCEs have been studied. It was found that the powder flow dynamics is altered significantly in an inclined nozzle and results in an asymmetric and skewed powder jet. The PCE deteriorates rapidly with an increase in the nozzle inclination due to the progressive defocusing and falls below 20% at 75 deg. A discrete phase model has been developed to understand the powder flow dynamics at different inclinations and process conditions. The mass flow distribution asymmetries on the focal plane at various nozzle inclinations have been analyzed via the model. The model can predict PCEs at different nozzle inclinations with reasonable accuracy ranging from 5.4% at 0-deg inclination to 29.2% at 45-deg inclination. The carrier gas flow, particle size, and laser diameter affect the PCE significantly and can be used to counter the enhanced powder loss at large nozzle inclinations. Process maps have been developed to identify the favorable, acceptable, and low PCE regions to select optimal DED parameters.
Two Actuation Methods for a Complete Morphing System Composed of a VGTM and a Compliant Parallel Mechanism
Authors: Xi Fengfeng , Zhao Yinjun , Wang Jieyu , Wang Wenbin , Tian Yingzhong
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a complete morphing system consisting of a variable geometry truss manipulator (VGTM) is presented that is fully covered by a flexible panel skin. Two approaches are studied for the morphing control. The first one is to have the VGTM act as a driving mechanism and the flexible panels as a passive system. In this case, the VGTM is composed of active members and passive lockable members. It is shown that the morphing system can reach the desired shapes through intermediate steps. The second method is to have the flexible panels act as drivers and the VGTM as a passive supporting structure. In this case, the VGTM is only composed of passive lockable members. The morphing system can also achieve the desired poses through several steps. The control strategies of the two methods are discussed along with kinematic analysis, a comparison study is conducted to show their pros and cons, two prototypes are fabricated, and experiments are carried out to verify the feasibility of two actuation methods.
Numerical Assessment of Nanofluids in Recharging Microchannel: Thermo-Hydrodynamic and Entropy Generation Analysis
Authors: Samal Sangram Kumar , Moharana Manoj Kumar
Published: January 2021

Three-dimensional numerical study is presented in this work that deals with thermo-hydrodynamic and entropy generation analysis of water-based nanofluids in recharging microchannel (RMC). Four different water-based nanofluids (Al2O3, CuO, SiO2, and ZnO) are considered with volume concentrations of 1–5% and nanoparticle diameters of 10–50 nm to understand their effect on thermo-hydrodynamic performance and entropy generation. Substrate bottom surface is subjected to a constant wall heat flux of 100 W/cm2 while coolant with Reynolds number range of 100–500 flows through the RMC. It is revealed that among all the nanofluids under investigation, water/Al2O3 provides enhanced thermal performance with higher effectiveness parameter (η), and it also shows reduced entropy generation. With increasing volume concentration of water/Al2O3 nanofluid, heat transfer coefficient increases, effectiveness parameter increases, and entropy generation reduces. Water/Al2O3 nanofluid with smaller nanoparticle diameter shows enhanced heat transfer coefficient and reduced entropy generation, whereas it shows decreased effectiveness parameter. This is attributed to increased pressure drop with decreasing particle diameter. This study suggests that an optimized combination of particle diameter and volume concentration should be chosen for using nanofluid-based coolants for high heat flux removal.
Multibody Dynamics on Differentiable Manifolds
Authors: Haug Edward J.
Published: January 2021

Topological and vector space attributes of Euclidean space are consolidated from the mathematical literature and employed to create a differentiable manifold structure for holonomic multibody kinematics and dynamics. Using vector space properties of Euclidean space and multivariable calculus, a local kinematic parameterization is presented that establishes the regular configuration space of a multibody system as a differentiable manifold. Topological properties of Euclidean space show that this manifold is naturally partitioned into disjoint, maximal, path connected, singularity free domains of kinematic and dynamic functionality. Using the manifold parameterization, the d'Alembert variational equations of multibody dynamics yield well-posed ordinary differential equations of motion on these domains, without introducing Lagrange multipliers. Solutions of the differential equations satisfy configuration, velocity, and acceleration constraint equations and the variational equations of dynamics, i.e., multibody kinematics and dynamics are embedded in these ordinary differential equations. Two examples, one planar and one spatial, are treated using the formulation presented. Solutions obtained are shown to satisfy all three forms of kinematic constraint to within specified error tolerances, using fourth-order Runge–Kutta numerical integration methods.
Experimental Characterization of an Active Infrared Thermography Heat Source
Authors: Giron-Palomares Benjamin , Hernandez-Guerrero Abel , Romero Mendez Ricardo , Yang Hai Jie
Published: January 2021

Accurate knowledge of the heat flux characteristics provided by optical heat sources of long heating time nondestructive infrared thermography techniques is essential to determine the adequate application of such techniques; however, detailed characterizations are scarce. Therefore, a thermal and statistical characterization of a halogen lamp was developed. A highly repeatable experimental procedure was used to characterize the heat flux generated at an ideal inspection sample top surface. The characteristics studied were: lamp distance, bulb color, lamp orientation, heat quality, and heating time. The heat flux was determined by using the readings of temperature and heat flux from the sample back, and a finite differences lumped capacitance thermal model. Detailed studies using three sensors determined that the heat flux was nonuniform (13% maximum variation). Therefore, a full quantitative characterization of the lamp was developed by using the average of such sensor readings, determining that: this halogen lamp can provide consistent top heat fluxes (although not uniformly distributed) adequate for nondestructive testing infrared thermography, the lamp distance and bulb color affected the amount of heat provided as well as the heat flux uniformity, and lamp orientation did not affect the mean top heat fluxes. This research approach can be used to determine an approximation of the lamp time-averaged heat fluxes for any material with similar top surface optical characteristics. Moreover, the technical data provided are useful to determine the adequacy of heating time, lamp distance, lamp orientation, and bulb color for long heating time nondestructive testing infrared thermography.
Electrochemical Performance of Carbon Nanofibers/Cobalt Ferrite (CNF/CoFe2O4) Composites Synthesized by Two Approaches
Authors: Atram Rounak R. , Mangate Nutan V. , Atram Ramdas G. , Kondawar Subhash B.
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we report the fabrication of activated carbon nanofibers/cobalt ferrite (CNF/CoFe2O4) composites by electrospinning and hydrothermal methods for comparative study of electrochemical properties. The structural, morphological, and compositional analyses of the synthesized composites were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. CNF/CoFe2O4 electrodes were investigated for electrochemical behavior using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD). The results showed that hydrothermally synthesized CNF/CoFe2O4 composite exhibited the specific capacitance 188.36 F/g, whereas electrospun CNF/CoFe2O4 composite resulted the specific capacitance 106.59 F/g at lowest current density 0.5 A/g. 80% capacitance retention of CNF/CoFe2O4 prepared by hydrothermal as compared with 60% capacitance retention of CNF/CoFe2O4 prepared by electrospinning. These results concluded that CNF/CoFe2O4 electrode obtained by hydrothermal exhibited comparatively excellent electrochemical performance and found its suitability as electrodes for supercapacitors.
Analysis on the Inception of the Magnetohydrodynamic Flow Instability in the Annular Linear Induction Pump Channel
Authors: Ruijie Zhao , Xiaohui Dou , Qiang Pan , Desheng Zhang , van Esch B. P. M. (Bart)
Published: January 2021

Flow instability is the intricate phenomenon in the annular linear induction pump (ALIP) when the pump runs at off-design working condition. A three-dimensional (3D) numerical model is built to simulate the flow in the pump channel. The pump heads at different flow rates are accurately predicted by comparing with experiment. The simulation results show the fluid velocity is circumferentially nonuniform in the pump channel even at the nominal flow rate. The flow in the middle sector continuously decelerates to nearly zero with the reducing flow rate. Reversed flow occurs in the azimuthal plane, followed by vortex flow. The reason for the heterogeneous velocity field is attributed to the mismatch between nonuniform Lorentz force and relatively even pressure gradient. It is seen that the flow in the region of small Lorentz force has to sacrifice its velocity to match with the pressure gradient. An analytic expression of the axial Lorentz force is then developed and it is clearly demonstrated the Lorentz force could be influenced by the profiles of velocity and radial magnetic flux density. The coupling between velocity and magnetic field is studied by analyzing the magnitudes of different terms in the dimensionless magnetic induction equation. It is found the dissipation term is determined by not only the magnetic Reynolds number but also the square of wave number of the disturbance in each direction. The smaller disturbing wave number weakens the dissipating effect, resulting in the larger nonuniform magnetic field and axial Lorentz force.
Single germanium vacancy centers in nanodiamonds with bulk-like spectral stability
Authors: Nahra M. , Alshamaa D. , Deturche R. , Davydov V. , Kulikova L. , Agafonov V. , Couteau C.
Published: January 2021

Motivated by the success of group IV color centers in nanodiamonds (NDs) for hybrid technology requiring a single photon source, the authors study single germanium-vacancy (GeV−) centers in NDs at room temperature with size ranging from 10 to 50 nm and with remarkable spectral properties. The authors characterize their zero-phonon line, study their internal population dynamics, and compare their emission properties in the framework of a three level model with intensity dependent de-shelving. Furthermore, the authors characterize their lifetime, polarization, and brightness. The authors find a maximum photon emission count rate of 1.6 MHz at saturation. The authors also report a polarization visibility of 92% from the fluorescence light, which potentially makes GeV− centers good candidates for quantum key distribution requiring polarized single photons. The authors show that GeV− centers in NDs presented in this work have a comparable spectral stability compared to their bulk counterpart, which is needed for future applications using nanodiamonds.
Two-dimensional shape discrimination by sighted people using simulated virtual echoes
Authors: Fujitsuka Yumi , Sumiya Miwa , Ashihara Kaoru , Yoshino Kazuki , Nagatani Yoshiki , Kobayasi Kohta I. , Hiryu Shizuko
Published: January 2021

In this study, a new research method using psychoacoustic experiments and acoustic simulations is proposed for human echolocation research. A shape discrimination experiment was conducted for sighted people using pitch-converted virtual echoes from targets of dissimilar two-dimensional (2D) shapes. These echoes were simulated using a three-dimensional acoustic simulation based on a finite-difference time-domain method from Bossy, Talmat, and Laugier [(2004). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 115, 2314–2324]. The experimental and simulation results suggest that the echo timbre and pitch determined based on the sound interference may be effective acoustic cues for 2D shape discrimination. The newly developed research method may lead to more efficient future studies of human echolocation.
Gender, Sexual, and Sports Fan Identities
Authors: Allison Rachel , Knoester Chris
Published: January 2021

Using data from the National Sports and Society Survey (N = 3,988), this study analyzes associations between gender, sexual, and sports fan identities. The authors find that only 11% of U.S. adults do not identify as sports fans at all; also, nearly half of U.S. adults identify as quite passionate sports fans. Women and nonbinary adults are less likely to identify as strong sports fans compared with men. Compared with identifying as heterosexual, identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or another sexual identity is negatively associated with self-identified sports fandom. Yet, gender and sexuality interact such that identifying as gay (or lesbian) is negatively associated with men’s self-identified sports fandom but not women’s fandom. These findings persist even after consideration of adults’ retrospective accounts of their sports-related identities while growing up and their recognition of sports-related mistreatment.
A Test for the Rapid Detection of the Cefazolin Inoculum Effect in Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Rincon Sandra , Carvajal Lina P. , Gomez-Villegas Sara I. , Echeverri Aura M. , Rios Rafael , Dinh An , Pedroza Claudia , Ordoñez Karen M. , Nannini Esteban , Sun Zhizeng , Fowler Vance G. , Murray Barbara E. , Miller William R. , Palzkill Timothy , Diaz Lorena , Arias Cesar A. , Reyes Jinnethe
Published: January 2021

The cefazolin inoculum effect (CzIE) has been associated with therapeutic failures and mortality in invasive methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
(MSSA) infections. A diagnostic test to detect the CzIE is not currently available.
Screening of Botanical Drugs against Lassa Virus Entry
Authors: Liu Yang , Guo Jiao , Cao Junyuan , Zhang Guangshun , Jia Xiaoying , Wang Peilin , Xiao Gengfu , Wang Wei
Published: January 2021

Currently, there is no approved therapy to treat Lassa fever (LASF). Our goal was to identify potential candidate molecules for LASF therapy. Herein, we screened a botanical drug library and identified two compounds, casticin and bergamottin, that inhibited LASV entry via different mechanisms.
Supplemental Material: Further evidence for the Matanuska megaflood hypothesis, Alaska
Authors: Wiedmer R. Michael , al. et
Published: January 2021

Color elevation contour map of the area surrounding the junction of the Matanuska and Knik lobes of the Elmendorf moraine, as well as ground-penetrating radar profiles
Association between human papillomavirus vaccination and serious adverse events in South Korean adolescent girls: nationwide cohort study
Authors: Yoon Dongwon , Lee Ji-Ho , Lee Hyesung , Shin Ju-Young
Published: January 2021

Objective

To evaluate the association between human
papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and serious
adverse events in adolescent girls in South
Korea.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

A large linked database created by linking the
Korea Immunization Registry Information System and
the National Health Information Database, between
January 2017 and December 2019.

Participants

441 399 girls aged 11-14 years who had been
vaccinated in 2017: 382 020 had been vaccinated
against HPV and 59 379 had not been vaccinated
against HPV.

Main outcome measures

Outcomes were 33 serious adverse events,
including endocrine, gastrointestinal,
cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, haematological,
dermatological, and neurological diseases. A
cohort design was used for the primary analysis
and a self-controlled risk interval design for the
secondary analysis; both analyses used a risk
period of one year after HPV vaccination for each
outcome. Incidence rate and adjusted rate ratios
were estimated using Poisson regression in the
primary analysis, comparing the HPV vaccinated
group with the HPV unvaccinated group, and
adjusted relative risks were estimated using
conditional logistic regression in the secondary
analysis.

Results

Among the 33 predefined serious adverse events,
no associations were found with HPV vaccination in
the cohort analysis, including Hashimoto’s
thyroiditis (incidence rate per 100 000 person
years: 52.7
v
36.3 for the
vaccinated and unvaccinated groups; adjusted rate
ratio 1.24, 95% confidence interval 0.78 to 1.94)
and rheumatoid arthritis (incidence rate per
100 000 person years: 168.1
v
145.4 for the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups;
0.99, 0.79 to 1.25), with the exception of an
increased risk observed for migraine (incidence
rate per 100 000 person years: 1235.0
v
920.9 for the vaccinated and
unvaccinated groups; 1.11, 1.02 to 1.22).
Secondary analysis using self-controlled risk
intervals confirmed no associations between HPV
vaccination and serious adverse events, including
migraine (adjusted relative risk 0.67, 95%
confidence interval 0.58 to 0.78). Results were
robust to varying follow-up periods and for
vaccine subtypes.

Conclusions

In this nationwide cohort study, with more than
500 000 doses of HPV vaccines, no evidence was
found to support an association between HPV
vaccination and serious adverse events using both
cohort analysis and self-controlled risk interval
analysis. Inconsistent findings for migraine
should be interpreted with caution considering its
pathophysiology and the population of
interest.
Educational strategies to enhance EBM teaching and learning in the workplace: a focus group study
Authors: Welink Lisanne , de Groot Esther , Damoiseaux Roger , Bartelink Marie-Louise
Published: January 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to gather and synthesise educational strategies that can improve teaching and learning of evidence-based medicine (EBM) in the workplace, and make them concrete by listing ideas for implementing these strategies. Insight into current workplace-based EBM teaching and learning in general practice was the starting point to generate these strategies and ideas.

Design

Exploratory, qualitative focus group study, applying the consensus method of the nominal group technique.

Setting

Postgraduate medical education; general practitioner (GP) specialty training at University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands

Participants

33 GPs and 17 GP trainees, divided in four focus groups. Using opportunistic sampling, participants were selected from the GP workplace because of their role as supervisor or trainee.

Main outcomes

An overview of educational strategies and ideas on how to implement these strategies in the workplace, followed by the participants’ global ranking of the most useful ideas.

Results

The supervisors and trainees generated a list of educational improvement strategies that can be applied in learning conversations, while observing each other’s consultations, and in (multidisciplinary) learning opportunities in the workplace. Table 1 presents the educational strategies and suggestions for implementing them. Ideas regarded as most useful include taking turns to conduct consultations and observing the other, holding a structured, in-depth discussion after observation, preparing and discussing articles found in relevant journals and on-the-spot searching for relevant evidence during learning conversations.

Conclusions

Participants provided an extensive list of educational strategies and ideas on how to implement EBM learning in daily practice. As a great deal of GP training takes place in clinical practice, supervisors and trainees could apply the suggested ideas to enhance EBM teaching and learning in the workplace.
Public awareness of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline following the release of a hip-hop song
Authors: Torgerson Trevor , Swayze Cole , Sanghera Sara , Cooper Craig , Beaman Jason , Hartwell Micah , Vassar Matt
Published: January 2021

Objective

In light of the current national mental health crisis, we use Google Trends, Twitter and data obtained from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to evaluate the effect of ‘1-800-273-8255’ on public awareness for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis.

Main outcome measures

We extracted data from Google Trends and Twitter for terms related to suicide following the release of Logic’s song, ‘1-800-273-8255’. We then used a forecasting autoregressive integrated moving algorithm model to determine the greater than expected search interest.

Results

Google searches for ‘Suicide Hotline’ increased 49% more than expected the day after Logic’s song was released and sustained increase of queries resulted in an average relative search volume of 59.5%–9.1% higher than the mean forecasted value of 50.4% for the 28 days following the release. Tweets that engaged with the account ‘@800 273talk’ on Twitter increased by 10 450% more than expected the day after the song was released and increased by a mean of 1497% greater than expected the week after the songs released.

Conclusion

Findings from our study suggest that the entertainment industry can play an important role in increasing awareness of hotline numbers. Logic’s song provides an example of a positive influence on public health and provides support for further development and standards for proper awareness of suicide in the public view.
Words matter: political and gender analysis of speeches made by heads of government during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dada Sara , Ashworth Henry Charles , Bewa Marlene Joannie , Dhatt Roopa
Published: January 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on political leadership around the world. Differences in how leaders address the pandemic through public messages have practical implications for building trust and an effective response within a country.

Methods

We analysed the speeches made by 20 heads of government around the world (Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, Niger, Norway, Russia, South Africa, Scotland, Sint Maarten, United Kingdom, United States and Taiwan) to highlight the differences between men and women leaders in discussing COVID-19. We used an inductive analytical approach, coding speeches for specific themes based on language and content.

Findings

Five primary themes emerged across a total of 122 speeches on COVID-19, made by heads of government: economics and financial relief, social welfare and vulnerable populations, nationalism, responsibility and paternalism, and emotional appeals. While all leaders described the economic impact of the pandemic, women spoke more frequently about the impact on the individual scale. Women leaders were also more often found describing a wider range of social welfare services, including: mental health, substance abuse and domestic violence. Both men and women from lower-resource settings described detailed financial relief and social welfare support that would impact the majority of their populations. While 17 of the 20 leaders used war metaphors to describe COVID-19 and the response, men largely used these with greater volume and frequency.

Conclusion

While this analysis does not attempt to answer whether men or women are more effective leaders in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, it does provide insight into the rhetorical tools and types of language used by different leaders during a national and international crisis. This analysis provides additional evidence on the differences in political leaders’ messages and priorities to inspire citizens’ adhesion to the social contract in the adoption of response and recovery measures. However, it does not consider the influence of contexts, such as the public audience, on leaders’ strategic communication approaches.
Precision shielding for COVID-19: metrics of assessment and feasibility of deployment
Authors: Ioannidis John P A
Published: January 2021

The ability to preferentially protect high-risk groups in COVID-19 is hotly debated. Here, the aim is to present simple metrics of such precision shielding of people at high risk of death after infection by SARS-CoV-2; demonstrate how they can estimated; and examine whether precision shielding was successfully achieved in the first COVID-19 wave. The shielding ratio, S, is defined as the ratio of prevalence of infection among people in a high-risk group versus among people in a low-risk group. The contrasted risk groups examined here are according to age (≥70 vs <70 years), and institutionalised (nursing home) setting. For age-related precision shielding, data were used from large seroprevalence studies with separate prevalence data for elderly versus non-elderly and with at least 1000 assessed people≥70 years old. For setting-related precision shielding, data were analysed from 10 countries where information was available on numbers of nursing home residents, proportion of nursing home residents among COVID-19 deaths and overall population infection fatality rate (IFR). Across 17 seroprevalence studies, the shielding ratio S for elderly versus non-elderly varied between 0.4 (substantial shielding) and 1.6 (substantial inverse protection, that is, low-risk people being protected more than high-risk people). Five studies in the USA all yielded S=0.4–0.8, consistent with some shielding being achieved, while two studies in China yielded S=1.5–1.6, consistent with inverse protection. Assuming 25% IFR among nursing home residents, S values for nursing home residents ranged from 0.07 to 3.1. The best shielding was seen in South Korea (S=0.07) and modest shielding was achieved in Israel, Slovenia, Germany and Denmark. No shielding was achieved in Hungary and Sweden. In Belgium (S=1.9), the UK (S=2.2) and Spain (S=3.1), nursing home residents were far more frequently infected than the rest of the population. In conclusion, the experience from the first wave of COVID-19 suggests that different locations and settings varied markedly in the extent to which they protected high-risk groups. Both effective precision shielding and detrimental inverse protection can happen in real-life circumstances. COVID-19 interventions should seek to achieve maximal precision shielding.
What attributes do patients prefer in a family physician? A cross-sectional study in a northern region of Portugal
Authors: Nuno Joana , Fernandes Susana , Silva Teresa Rei , Guimarães Ana Catarina , Pereira Bernardo Morais , Laureano-Alves Sara , de Sousa Isabel Cristina Vieira , Brito Dinis , Firmino-Machado João
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To determine which modifiable and non-modifiable attributes patients prefer in a family physician, as well as to analyse participants’ characteristics associated with their choices.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Family healthcare units (FHU) in the city of Braga and Barcelos (Northern Portugal).

Participants

Adults aged 18 years or more, enrolled in the selected FHU.

Main outcome measures

The preferred attributes were assessed with a questionnaire delivered in the FHU. These attributes included gender, age and nationality and the importance of being Portuguese, of greeting with a handshake, of welcoming in the waiting area, of using an identification badge and of wearing a white coat.

Results

A total of 556 questionnaires were included in the analysis; 66% and 58% of the participants had no preference for the gender or age of the family physician, respectively. Using a multinomial logistic regression, male participants were 3.8 times more likely to have a preference for a male physician than having no preference, in comparison to female participants (OR 3.864, 95% CI 1.96 to 7.61). More than 69% of the participants considered greeting with a handshake, using an identification badge and wearing a white coat important or very important. There was a statistically significant association between being Portuguese and the major importance given to the use of an identification badge (β=0.68, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.12).

Conclusions

Our data show that modifiable attributes of the family physician (greeting, presence of an identification badge and wearing a white coat) are important for patients. Potential changes in family physician attitude in consultation could ultimately affect patient–physician relationship.
Patient and public priorities for breast cancer research: a qualitative study in the UK
Authors: Boundouki George , Wilson Rebecca , Duxbury Paula , Henderson Julia , Ballance Laura , Wray Julie , Appanah Vivienne , Ibrahim Ibrahim , Harvey James , Kirwan Cliona Clare
Published: January 2021

Objective

Internationally recognised specialist breast cancer scientists, clinicians and healthcare professionals have published breast cancer research gaps that are informing research funding priorities in the UK and worldwide. We aimed to determine the breast cancer research priorities of the public to compare with those identified by clinicians and scientists.

Design

We conducted a qualitative study and thematic analysis using ‘listening events’ where patients with breast cancer and public representatives used a patient’s breast cancer journey to identify research themes.

Participants and setting

Female participants were recruited from attendees at participating hospitals and support groups in the northwest of England, including patients, their family and friends as well as staff at a local retail centre.

Intervention

A framework approach was used to analyse transcribed discussions until thematic saturation was reached.

Main outcome measures

Breast cancer research priorities were identified from participant discussions and compared with the published gaps identified by scientists and healthcare professionals.

Results

Thematic saturation was reached after 27 female participants participated in listening events. Our participants consistently focused on improved methods of dissemination of information and improving education on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. This was not highlighted by scientists or healthcare professionals. There was strong emphasis on quality of life-related issues such as side effects of treatment. There was some agreement between the priorities deduced by our study and those of the professionals in the areas of screening, prevention and breast reconstruction.

Conclusion

Our study identified some research themes that were not identified by scientists and healthcare professionals in two earlier landmark studies. This highlights the importance of including patients and public representatives when setting research priorities. The results should be used to guide investigators when planning future studies and for funding bodies in allocating resources for future projects.