bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vascular Effects of ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) Inhibitors and Statins in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Chiesa Scott T. , Marcovecchio M. Loredana , Benitez-Aguirre Paul , Cameron Fergus J. , Craig Maria E. , Couper Jennifer J. , Davis Elizabeth A. , Dalton R. Neil , Daneman Denis , Donaghue Kim C. , Jones Timothy W. , Mahmud Farid H. , Marshall Sally M. , Neil H. Andrew W. , Dunger David B. , Deanfield John E. ,   on behalf of the Adolescent Type 1 Diabetes Cardio-Renal Intervention Trial (AdDIT) Study Group
Published: October 2020

An increased albumin-creatinine ratio within the normal range can identify adolescents at higher risk of developing adverse cardio-renal outcomes as they progress into adulthood. Utilizing a parallel randomized controlled trial and observational cohort study, we characterized the progression of vascular phenotypes throughout this important period and investigated the effect of ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors and statins in high-risk adolescents. Endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation and reactive hyperemia index) and arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity) were assessed in 158 high-risk participants recruited to a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled 2×2 factorial trial (randomized, placebo-controlled trial) of ACE inhibitors and/or statins in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (AdDIT [Adolescent Type 1 Diabetes cardio-renal Intervention Trial]). Identical measures were also assessed in 215 lower-risk individuals recruited to a parallel observational study. In the randomized, placebo-controlled trial, high-risk patients randomized to ACE inhibitors had improved flow-mediated dilation after 2 to 4 years of follow-up (mean [95% CI]: 6.6% [6.0–7.2] versus 5.3% [4.7–5.9];
P
=0.005), whereas no effect was observed following statin use (6.2% [5.5–6.8] versus 5.8% [5.1–6.4];
P
=0.358). In the observational study, patients classed as high-risk based on albumin-creatinine ratio showed evidence of endothelial dysfunction at the end of follow-up (flow-mediated dilation=4.8% [3.8–5.9] versus 6.3% [5.8–6.7] for high-risk versus low-risk groups;
P
=0.015). Neither reactive hyperemia index nor pulse wave velocity were affected by either treatment (
P
>0.05 for both), but both were found to increase over the duration of follow-up (0.07 [0.03–0.12];
P
=0.001 and 0.5 m/s [0.4–0.6];
P
<0.001 for reactive hyperemia index and pulse wave velocity, respectively). ACE inhibitors improve endothelial function in high-risk adolescents as they transition through puberty. The longer-term protective effects of this intervention at this early age remain to be determined.

Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier NCT01581476.
Association of Exhaled Carbon Monoxide With Ideal Cardiovascular Health, Circulating Biomarkers, and Incidence of Heart Failure in the Framingham Offspring Study
Authors: Tun Bradley , Ehrbar Rachel , Short Meghan , Cheng Susan , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Xanthakis Vanessa
Published: October 2020

Background

Exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) is directly associated with traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors and incident cardiovascular disease. However, its relation with the cardiovascular health score and incidence of heart failure (HF) has not been investigated.

Methods and Results

We measured eCO in 3521 Framingham Heart Study Offspring participants attending examination cycle 6 (mean age 59 years, 53% women). We related the cardiovascular health score (composite of blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, body mass index, smoking, diet, and physical activity) to eCO adjusting for age, sex, and smoking. Higher cardiovascular health scores were associated with lower eCO (β=−0.02,
P
<0.0001), even among nonsmokers. Additionally, C‐reactive protein, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1, fibrinogen, growth differentiation factor‐15, homocysteine, and asymmetrical dimethylarginine were positively associated with eCO (
P
≤0.003 for all). The age‐ and sex‐adjusted and multivariable‐adjusted heritabilities of eCO were 49.5% and 31.4%, respectively. Over a median follow‐up of 18 years, 309 participants (45% women) developed HF. After multivariable adjustment, higher eCO was associated with higher risk of HF (hazards ratio per SD increment: 1.39; 95% CI, 1.19–1.62 [
P
<0.001]) and with higher risk of HF with reduced ejection fraction (N=144 events; hazard ratio per SD increment in eCO: 1.43; 95% CI, 1.15–1.77 [
P
=0.001]).

Conclusions

In our community‐based sample, higher levels of eCO were associated with lower cardiovascular health scores, an adverse cardiovascular biomarker profile, and a higher risk of HF, specifically HF with reduced ejection fraction. Our findings suggest that carbon monoxide may identify a novel pathway to HF development.
Considerations in Addressing Social Determinants of Health to Reduce Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Stroke Outcomes in the United States
Authors: Skolarus Lesli E. , Sharrief Anjail , Gardener Hannah , Jenkins Carolyn , Boden-Albala Bernadette
Published: October 2020

We write this article amid a global pandemic and a heightened awareness of the underlying structural racism in the United States, unmasked by the recent killing of George Floyd and multiple other unarmed Black Americans (Spring 2020). Our purpose is to highlight the role of social determinants of health (SDOH) on stroke disparities, to inspire dialogue, to encourage research to deepen our understanding of the mechanism by which SDOH impact stroke outcomes, and to develop strategies to address SDOH and reduce stroke racial/ethnic disparities. We begin by defining SDOH and health disparities in today’s context; we then move to discussing SDOH and stroke, particularly secondary stroke prevention, and conclude with possible approaches to addressing SDOH and reducing stroke disparities. These approaches include (1) building on prior work; (2) enhancing our understanding of populations and subpopulations, including intersectionality, of people who experience stroke disparities; (3) prioritizing populations and points along the stroke care continuum when racial/ethnic disparities are most prominent; (4) understanding how SDOH impact stroke disparities in order to test SDOH interventions that contribute to the disparity; (5) partnering with communities; and (6) exploring technological innovations. By building on the prior work and expanding efforts to address SDOH, we believe that stroke disparities can be reduced.
Interventions Targeting Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Stroke Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Levine Deborah A. , Duncan Pamela W. , Nguyen-Huynh Mai N. , Ogedegbe Olugbenga G.
Published: October 2020

Systemic racism is a public health crisis. Systemic racism and racial/ethnic injustice produce racial/ethnic disparities in health care and health. Substantial racial/ethnic disparities in stroke care and health exist and result predominantly from unequal treatment. This special report aims to summarize selected interventions to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in stroke prevention and treatment. It reviews the social determinants of health and the determinants of racial/ethnic disparities in care. It provides a focused summary of selected interventions aimed at reducing stroke risk factors, increasing awareness of stroke symptoms, and improving access to care for stroke because these interventions hold the promise of reducing racial/ethnic disparities in stroke death rates. It also discusses knowledge gaps and future directions.
MetOp/AVHRR Snow Detection Method for Meteorological Applications
Authors: Siljamo Niilo , Hyvärinen Otto , Riihelä Aku , Suomalainen Markku
Published: October 2020

Snow cover plays a significant role in the weather and climate system by affecting the energy and mass transfer between the surface and the atmosphere. It also has far-reaching effects on ecosystems of snow-covered areas. Therefore, global snow-cover observations in a timely manner are needed. Satellite-based instruments can be utilized to produce snow-cover information that is suitable for these needs. Highly variable surface and snow-cover features suggest that operational snow extent algorithms may benefit from at least a partly empirical approach that is based on carefully analyzed training data. Here, a new two-phase snow-cover algorithm utilizing data from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) on board the MetOp satellites of the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) is introduced and evaluated. This algorithm is used to produce the MetOp/AVHRR H32 snow extent product for the Satellite Application Facility on Support to Operational Hydrology and Water Management (H SAF). The algorithm aims at direct detection of snow-covered and snow-free pixels without preceding cloud masking. Pixels that cannot be classified reliably to snow or snow-free, because of clouds or other reasons, are set as unclassified. This reduces the coverage but increases the accuracy of the algorithm. More than four years of snow-depth and state-of-the-ground observations from weather stations were used to validate the product. Validation results show that the algorithm produces high-quality snow coverage data that may be suitable for numerical weather prediction, hydrological modeling, and other applications.
The Detailed Dynamics of the Hadley Cell. Part II: December–February
Authors: Hoskins B. J. , Yang G.-Y.
Published: October 2020

This paper complements an earlier paper on the June–August Hadley cell by giving a detailed analysis of the December–February Hadley cell as seen in a 30-yr climatology of ERA-Interim data. The focus is on the dynamics of the upper branch of the Hadley cell. There are significant differences between the Hadley cells in the two solsticial seasons. These are particularly associated with the ITCZs staying north of the equator and with mean westerlies in the equatorial regions of the east Pacific and Atlantic in December–February. The latter enables westward-moving mixed Rossby–gravity waves to be slow moving in those regions and therefore respond strongly to upstream off-equatorial active convection. However, the main result is that in both seasons it is the regions and times of active convection that predominantly lead to upper-tropospheric outflows and structures that average to give the mean flow toward the winter pole, and the steady and transient fluxes of momentum and vorticity that balance the Coriolis terms. The response to active convection in preferred regions is shown by means of regressions on the data from the climatology and by synoptic examples from one season. Eddies with tropical origin are seen to be important in their own right and also in their interaction with higher-latitude systems. There is support for the relevance of a new conceptual model of the Hadley cell based on the sporadic nature of active tropical convection in time and space.
The Rapid Intensification of Hurricane Michael (2018): Storm Structure and the Relationship to Environmental and Air–Sea Interactions
Authors: Wadler Joshua B. , Zhang Jun A. , Rogers Robert F. , Jaimes Benjamin , Shay Lynn K.
Published: October 2020

The spatial and temporal variation in multiscale structures during the rapid intensification of Hurricane Michael (2018) are explored using a coupled atmospheric–oceanic dataset obtained from NOAA WP-3D and G-IV aircraft missions. During Michael’s early life cycle, the importance of ocean structure is studied to explore how the storm intensified despite experiencing moderate vertical shear. Michael maintained a fairly symmetric precipitation distribution and resisted lateral mixing of dry environmental air into the circulation upshear. The storm also interacted with an oceanic eddy field leading to cross-storm sea surface temperature (SST) gradients of ~2.5°C. This led to the highest enthalpy fluxes occurring left of shear, favoring the sustainment of updrafts into the upshear quadrants and a quick recovery from low-entropy downdraft air. Later in the life cycle, Michael interacted with more uniform and higher SSTs that were greater than 28°C, while vertical shear imposed asymmetries in Michael’s secondary circulation and distribution of entropy. Midlevel (~4–8 km) outflow downshear, a feature characteristic of hurricanes in shear, transported high-entropy air from the eyewall region outward. This outflow created a cap that reduced entrainment across the boundary layer top, protecting it from dry midtropospheric air out to large radii (i.e., >100 km), and allowing for rapid energy increases from air–sea enthalpy fluxes. Upshear, low-level (~0.5–2 km) outflow transported high-entropy air outward, which aided boundary layer recovery from low-entropy downdraft air. This study underscores the importance of simultaneously measuring atmospheric and oceanographic parameters to understand tropical cyclone structure during rapid intensification.
The Protective Role of Character Strengths in COVID-19 Stress and Well-Being in Individuals With Chronic Conditions and Disabilities: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Umucu Emre , Tansey Timothy N. , Brooks Jessica , Lee Beatrice
Published: October 2020

Individuals with chronic conditions and disabilities, in response to stress associated with COVID-19, may experience a decrease in their overall well-being beyond that experienced by otherwise healthy individuals. Therefore, it is imperative to identify internal resources (e.g., character strengths) that can help them better manage COVID-19-related stress and enhance well-being in spite of COVID-19. This study explored the potential protective role of character strengths and virtues in moderating the negative effects of COVID-19 on stress and well-being. A cross-sectional study design was implemented. Participants included 269 individuals with self-reported chronic conditions and disabilities. After controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics, we examined whether character strengths and virtues acted as independent moderators between COVID-19-related stress and well-being. A higher degree of multiple character strengths significantly and independently moderated the relationship between COVID-19-related stress and well-being. Findings suggested the importance of promoting more character strengths overall in people with chronic conditions and disabilities to help them better manage COVID-19-related stress and enhance well-being.
Clinical effectiveness of peroneal nerve functional electrical stimulation in chronic stroke patients with hemiplegia (PLEASURE): A multicentre, prospective, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hachisuka Kenji , Ochi Mitsuhiro , Kikuchi Takashi , Saeki Satoru
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To compare the effectiveness of gait training using a peroneal nerve stimulation device with the effectiveness of gait training without the device in improving gait ability and ankle-specific body functions.

Design:

Multicentre, prospective, randomised, open-label trial.

Setting:

Twenty-three hospitals.

Subjects:

In total, 119 stroke patients with foot drop were randomly assigned to the experimental (with the device) or control (without the device) group.

Intervention:

Subjects underwent 480-minute self-directed training over four weeks, followed by 260-minute physical therapist-assisted gait training with or without the device.

Main measures:

The primary endpoint was a change in the six-minute walk test (6MWT) without the device from baseline to after the four-week intervention. The secondary endpoints were changes in the 10-metre walk test (10MWT) without the device, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, range of motion, muscle strength, Modified Ashworth Scale, Stroke Impact Scale Japanese edition (J-SIS) and adverse events.

Results:

Fifty-six experimental and 59 control group participants, with an average age of 59 years (SD 12) completed the trial. The 6MWT distance changes (m) for the experimental and control groups were 14.7 (SD 37.6) and 22.2 (SD 49.3), respectively. The 10MWT speed changes (m/sec) for the experimental and control groups were 0.06 (SD 0.12) and 0.07 (SD 0.17), respectively. No significant differences were observed in these changes between both groups, and no differences were found in the other secondary endpoints, except for the J-SIS patient’s subjective assessment ( P = 0.048).

Conclusion:

The improvement in gait ability and body functions were equivalent with or without the use of the device.
Rare misdiagnosed case of penicilliosis marneffei in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Cheng Dan , Ding Xuhong
Published: October 2020

Background

Penicilliosis marneffei is a rare disease caused by Talaromyces marneffei, which is endemic in Southeast Asian countries, and usually occurs in immunocompromised or immunodeficient hosts. We report an unusual misdiagnosed case of penicilliosis marneffei in an immunocompetent patient from a non-endemic area of China. Case presentation: A 59-year-old man presented to hospital with a cough and progressive hemoptysis for a 3-month period. Clinical characteristics, radiological abnormalities, and prognosis were analyzed. Detailed examinations, chest computed tomography, and bronchoscopy were performed. The patient was misdiagnosed as having lung cancer and provided anti-tumor treatment for 1 month in the early stage. Imaging and bronchoscopy showed a neoplasm in the basal segment in the left lung, but a tissue biopsy did not establish a diagnosis. He subsequently underwent lobectomy for the lesion. The final pathological diagnosis was penicilliosis marneffei based on immunohistochemical staining. He was then prescribed specific anti-fungal treatment of voriconazole 200 mg twice daily for 12 weeks.

Conclusion

Timely fungal culture and pathological examination of clinical specimens are critical for the diagnosis of penicilliosis marneffei, especially in non-endemic regions and immunocompetent patients.
Evaluation of carotid atherosclerosis and related risk factors using ultrasonic B-Flow technology in elderly patients
Authors: Gong Hai-Ying , Shi Xiao-Ke , Zhu Heng-Quan , Chen Xian-Zhong , Zhu Jiang , Zhao Bo-Wen
Published: October 2020

Objective

This study was performed to identify the risk factors for carotid atherosclerotic plaque formation using B-Flow ultrasound.

Methods

In total, 120 patients who underwent bilateral carotid ultrasound examination were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The intima–media thickness was measured, and the risk factors for carotid atheromatous plaque formation were investigated.

Results

Age, sex, medical history of hypertension, coronary heart disease, and diabetes were risk factors for carotid atheromatous plaque formation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the main risk factors for carotid atheromatous plaque formation were male sex, advanced age, a high hemoglobin concentration, a high red cell distribution width, and a high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration.

Conclusion

The risk factors for carotid atheromatous plaque formation were basically the same as those for stroke. Early ultrasound examination of the carotid artery enables the identification of risk factors associated with stroke.
Nonlinear relationship between serum total bilirubin levels and initial ischemic stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Liu Ying , Wang Jie , Zeng Wen-zhen , Lyu Qing-shan
Published: October 2020

Objective

This study aimed to examine the relationship between total bilirubin levels and initial ischemic stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. Atrial fibrillation was diagnosed by 24-hour Holter electrocardiography and serum total bilirubin levels were divided into quintiles. Ischemic stroke was diagnosed by symptoms, signs, and a medical image examination. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model and survival analysis were used to estimate the association of total bilirubin with initial ischemic stroke.

Results

We studied 316 patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. During follow-up, there were 42 (13.29%) first ischemic strokes. After multivariate adjustment, for each 1 µmol/L increase in total bilirubin, the risk of first ischemic stroke increased by 4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 1.07). When using the first quintile as the reference, from the second to fifth quintiles, the risks of first ischemic stroke were 0.52 (95% CI: 0.17, 1.65), 0.23 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.87), 0.92 (95% CI: 0.32, 2.67), and 1.33 (95% CI: 1.09, 4.41), respectively. The optimal cut-off point of total bilirubin for the lowest risk of ischemic stroke was 17.0 µmol/L.

Conclusions

Total bilirubin levels are nonlinearly associated with initial ischemic stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
Phytobezoar-induced small bowel obstruction in an elderly patient undergoing dialysis: a case report
Authors: Wei Kuang-Yu , Sung Chih-Chien , Lin Shih-Hua
Published: October 2020

A phytobezoar is defined as an accumulation of poorly digested fruit and vegetable fibers in the gastrointestinal tract. Phytobezoar-induced small bowel obstruction is an uncommon entity and is usually removed surgically. We herein describe an elderly man undergoing dialysis who developed a phytobezoar because of excessive consumption of high-fiber fruits and inappropriate chewing. His potential predisposing factors were dialysis-related lifestyle changes, reduced activity levels, fluid restriction, and gastrointestinal motility dysfunction; however, he had no history of gastric surgery. The patient’s clinical history and characteristic imaging features aided in the diagnosis. He underwent medical treatment, and his recovery was uneventful. This case highlights the importance of an awareness of phytobezoar-induced small bowel obstruction in patients at increased risk of developing bezoars and demonstrates that this condition can occur in the absence of previous gastric surgery. We believe that elderly patients undergoing dialysis are at increased risk of developing bezoars. Excessive consumption of a strictly fibrous diet and insufficient chewing exacerbate the risk. A detailed dietary history and imaging features can aid in early diagnosis, leading to appropriate medical or surgical care. Surgical treatment is not inevitable in all cases. Individualized dietary suggestions in these patients are important for effective preventive control.
Can Orthodontic Informatics Combat the Pandemic Pitfalls?
Authors: Kaur Harneet , Izhar Arisha
Published: October 2020

The largest public health crisis of our time, COVID-19 has recklessly squandered many of the channelized healthcare facilities globally with execution of newer guidelines over the standard architectural norms. There has been unparalleled use of smartphones and internet services to bear the major pitfall- social distancing- especially for elective treatment services. This demands a new paradigm shift from offline to online doctor-patient, student-educator, researcher-researcher operations. This articles provides an insight into potential role of orthodontic informatics to provide a combined platform to generate a learning system that routinely collects, correlates, and analyzes data for developing artificial intelligence programs, lab exploratory systems, clinical decision support systems and health-information exchange systems. In order to develop this system, orthodontic analytic communities as start-ups for developing user-friendly programs must be encouraged, where orthodontic informatics itself can be taken up as a didactic career source.
Combined Effects of Oxidation, Moisture, and Freeze–Thaw on Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Bazuhair Rabeea W. , Howard Isaac L. , Middleton Alex , Jordan Walter S. , Cox Ben C.
Published: October 2020

This article demonstrates the need to laboratory condition asphalt mixtures to simulate combined environmental effects and then to test unconditioned and conditioned specimens in a manner that damage from these environmental effects can be accumulated. The current state-of-the-art for evaluating asphalt mixtures for use on projects relies on either single-mechanism laboratory conditioning such as oxidation in AASHTO R30, or test methods that cannot accumulate combined effects such as indirect tensile strength in AASHTO T283. This article evaluated hundreds of laboratory-conditioned and field-aged specimens in a hot and no-freeze climate to demonstrate a laboratory conditioning protocol that was able to simulate at least 4 years of field aging, whereas conventional single-mechanism protocols were not. Temperature and moisture conditions within asphalt mixtures were measured over time and used as part of the assessment. The conditioning protocol that showed the most promise consisted of combined exposure to oxidation, moisture, and freeze–thaw mechanisms. The specific combined-effects conditioning protocol used here was 5 days of oxidation at 85°C, 14 days of moisture while submerged in 64°C water, and one freeze–thaw cycle. Other combined-effects protocols could be more suitable for other environments or situations; the main point of this article is that inclusion of oxidation, moisture, and freeze–thaw conditioning into one protocol is promising. The environmental conditions and mechanical property test data presented here suggest the asphalt industry needs to be harsher on mixes during laboratory evaluations, and that combined environmental effects conditioning should be given implementation consideration.
The Effects of Family Firm CEO Traditionality on Successor Choice: The Moderating Role of Socioemotional Wealth
Authors: Lu Feifei , Kwan Ho Kwong , Zhu Zhu
Published: October 2020

Drawing on upper echelons theory, this study examines how the traditionality of family chief executive officers (CEOs) influences the selection of their successors, and how this relationship is moderated by two dimensions of socioemotional wealth. Recognizing the central role of CEOs in determining successors, we show that a family CEO’s cultural values regarding traditionality have a significant positive effect on the probability that a family member is chosen as successor. We find that this relationship is strengthened by the family members’ identification with the firm and weakened by the family members’ sense of dynasty. Our contributions to theory and practice are discussed.
Queer (af)filiations: Houria Bouteldja and decolonial feminism
Authors: Gomolka CJ
Published: October 2020

This article analyses Houria Bouteldja’s conceptualisation of decolonial feminism as a product of the queer (af)filiations between past and present socio-cultural, linguistic, and epistemological resources and as productive of dynamic, but also strained, transactions across generations, epistemologies, and material realities traversing a variety of local and global geographies. This analysis is framed in reference to specific social, cultural, political, sexual, and linguistic anxieties that inform the socio-political stances adopted in Houria Bouteldja’s ideological investments in the decolonial generally and in decolonial feminism specifically. Finally, the article will propose the notion of queer (af)filiations as a productive interface through which to articulate a socio-political project inclusive of all decolonial members of the postcolonial situation and a more nuanced understanding of translocal and global (af)filiations within decolonialité.
The role of libraries in misinformation programming: A research agenda
Authors: Young Jason C. , Boyd Brandyn , Yefimova Katya , Wedlake Stacey , Coward Chris , Hapel Rolf
Published: October 2020

Misinformation, or fake news, has exploded across social media platforms and communities over the past few years, with serious social and political implications. Many library practitioners and organizations have argued that libraries can and should play a central role in educating the public about this emerging issue. However, serious gaps exist in understanding how libraries can create effective community education about misinformation. This article maps out a research agenda that researchers and public library practitioners can use to make libraries more effective sites for combatting misinformation. This research agenda is grounded in analysis of interviews and workshop discussions of public library staff from Washington State. This analysis reveals three areas in which academic partners can support public libraries: through the design of effective programming, through the development of tools that help librarians keep up-to-date on relevant misinformation, and through interventions in the political and economic contexts that hamper the freedom of librarians to engage controversial topics. Our hope is that this article can help to spur more expansive library and information science research across these areas and become the beginning of a longer and more empirically grounded conversation about how public libraries can achieve their potential for combating misinformation.
When viruses and misinformation spread: How young Singaporeans navigated uncertainty in the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Tandoc Edson C , Lee James Chong Boi
Published: October 2020

Guided by the frameworks of uncertainty management and sensemaking during crises, this study examined how young adults in Singapore managed uncertainty around the COVID-19 outbreak. Through a series of eight focus group discussions involving 89 young adults, we found that participants experienced uncertainty about the outbreak, especially when it comes to how they should protect themselves. They managed this uncertainty in two ways: while some engaged in information seeking, others engaged in information scanning. Those who did not actively seek information did not avoid it either, with some of them finding it impossible to avoid information about COVID-19, as it comes up in their routine social media use and offline conversations. Understanding COVID-19 as an illness that does not threaten young people, our participants noted only minimal disruptions to them. Instead, they were more concerned about their parents and older family members, whom they considered as more vulnerable.
Why so Humorous? The Roles of Traditionality and Gender (Dis)Similarity in Leader Humor Behavior and Employee Job Performance
Authors: Tan Ling , Wang Yongli , Lu Hailing
Published: October 2020

Although the consequences of leader humor have been well documented, limited research attention has been devoted to its antecedents. The current research addresses this important issue by exploring whether and when an individual characteristic (i.e., traditionality) influences leader humor behavior. Based on the relational process model of humor and data from one multiwave, multisource field study, we find that leaders scoring low on traditionality are more likely to express humor with their followers, which in turn affects followers’ job performance. Moreover, the mediating effect of leader humor behavior on the link between leader traditionality and employee job performance is stronger when the genders of the leader and subordinates differ. We discuss the implications of the findings and future directions for research concerning the antecedents of leader humor.
Factors associated with non-adherence to insulin and non-insulin medications in patients with poorly controlled diabetes
Authors: Sagalla Nicole , Yancy William S , Edelman David , Jeffreys Amy S , Coffman Cynthia J , Voils Corrine I , Alexopoulos Anastasia-Stefania , Maciejewski Matthew L , Dar Moahad , Crowley Matthew J
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To evaluate differences in factors associated with self-reported medication non-adherence to insulin and non-insulin medications in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.

Methods

In this secondary analysis of a randomized trial in patients with obesity and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between several clinical factors (measured with survey questionnaires at study baseline) and self-reported non-adherence to insulin and non-insulin medications.

Results

Among 263 patients, reported non-adherence was 62% (52% for insulin, 55% for non-insulin medications). Reported non-adherence to non-insulin medications was less likely in white versus non-white patients (odds ratio (OR) = 0.42; 95%CI: 0.22,0.80) and with each additional medication taken (OR = 0.75; 95%CI: 0.61,0.93). Non-adherence to non-insulin medications was more likely with each point increase in a measure of diabetes medication intensity (OR = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.01,2.03), the Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) score (OR = 1.06; 95%CI: 1.02,1.12), and in men versus women (OR = 3.03; 95%CI: 1.06,8.65). For insulin, reporting non-adherence was more likely (OR = 1.02; 95%CI: 1.00,1.04) with each point increase in the PAID.

Discussion

Despite similar overall rates of reported non-adherence to insulin and non-insulin medications, factors associated with reported non-adherence to each medication type differed. These findings may help tailor approaches to supporting adherence in patients using different types of diabetes medications.
Seasonally Distinctive Growth and Drought Stress Functional Traits Enable Leucaena Leucocephala to Successfully Invade a Chinese Tropical Forest
Authors: Luo Jinhuan , Cui Jie , Pandey Shree P. , Jiang Kai , Tan Zhaoyuan , He Qifang , Zhang Hui , Long Wenxing
Published: October 2020

The nitrogen-fixing mimosid Leucaena leucocephala continues to be used for afforestation in degraded tropical forests. Yet, fast-growth and high drought stress tolerance enables L. leucocephala to outperform native species and L. leucocephala has been identified as one of the 100 most invasive species globally. This warrants development of effective control measures, including bio-controls, to prevent the spread of this species particularly across tropical islands. Here, we compare differences in key functional traits between L. leucocephala and eight dominant native species ( Bridelia tomentosa, Radermachera frondosa, Lepisanthes rubiginosa, Rhaphiolepis indica, Pterospermum heterophyllum, Fissistigma oldhamii, Psychotria rubra and Cudrania cochinchinensis) in L. leucocephala invaded tropical forests of Hainan Island, China. Functional traits related to growth (photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate) and drought stress tolerance (leaf turgor loss point) were measured in wet and dry seasons to investigate whether these functional traits differed between L. leucocephala and the eight dominant native species. Our results demonstrate that L. leucocephala has significantly increased growth rates (at least two-fold) in both wet and dry seasons. Additionally, L. leucocephala shows significantly higher drought stress tolerance (lower TLP) in the dry season. These results indicate that L. leucocephala would almost certainly outperform the eight dominant native species and might successfully invade Hainan tropical forests. There is an urgent need to identify native species that have similar growth and drought stress tolerance traits to enable the development of effective strategies to control L. leucocephala on Hainan Island.
Gendered transitions: Women’s experiences of experiential education
Authors: Burwell Rebecca , Huyser Mackenzi
Published: October 2020

This qualitative case study explores the transformative impact of an off-campus US-based experiential education program on female students. Founded by a group of Christian colleges, this program offers students the opportunity to live in a large metropolitan area while learning through experiences in both professional work settings and the city. Data collected from focus groups over the span of 2 years show female students were transformed in their understanding of themselves as professionals and leaders. Students also discovered tensions in messages previously received about identity and gendered expectations in relation to who they felt they were becoming.
Person- and System-Focused Prevention in Preparing Youth to Navigate an Uncertain Work Future
Authors: Kenny Maureen E. , Tsai Brenda W.
Published: October 2020

In this article, we discuss the integration of prevention science and vocational psychology for person- and system-focused prevention with a critical social justice agenda. More specifically, we focus on career development education as a potentially transformative primary prevention activity for increasing youth access to decent work and lives of well-being. We consider this as a critical agenda for two reasons. First, there are continued declines in the availability of decent work on a global level. In addition, youth who are marginalized by society are particularly vulnerable in competing for access to such dwindling opportunities and in thriving in communities and workplaces characterized by oppressive policies and practices. Building upon previous work in prevention and vocational psychology from a social justice perspective, we suggest that the psychology of working theory (PWT) can serve as a conceptual framework for developing and evaluating person- and system-focused preventive interventions that will address marginalization and seek to prepare all youth for an uncertain and shifting work future.
The geochemistry of gold assayers’ ingots from the SS Central America shipwreck: a geoarchaeological window into mid-1800s California assaying
Authors: Melchiorre Erik B. , Evans Robert D. , VonSydow Kathryn , Seymour Bryan H.
Published: October 2020

The assayers’ ingots recovered in 2014 from the SS Central America contain geochemical signatures and anomalies which convey information about the culture of miners and assayers in the late 1850s. A significant number of ingots (21%) contain elevated copper and zinc in the same ratio as a common brass alloy of the period, suggesting that adulteration of placer gold dust was a common issue. The ingots with the brass-like signature also have a gold fineness much lower than measured for typical California placer gold. Trace elements like palladium in uniform concentrations in all Kellogg & Humbert ingots suggest the use of quality high-temperature tools, while lead and tin in all ingots suggest specific contamination and industrial hygiene issues common to the whole industry. Other trace constituents such as arsenic, antimony and bismuth are likely to have originated from dense minerals associated with placer gold, or from the natural placer gold alloy itself. Comparison of modern analysis of ingots vs. assay values stamped on the ingots themselves suggests some firms like Kellogg & Humbert did superior assay work, while others like the San Francisco office of Justh & Hunter probably had issues with quality control. The variations in assay ingot alloy chemistry provide a window into this important period in American history.
Primary thromboprophylaxis in ambulatory cancer patients with a high Khorana score: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bosch Floris T. M. , Mulder Frits I. , Kamphuisen Pieter Willem , Middeldorp Saskia , Bossuyt Patrick M. , Büller Harry R. , van Es Nick
Published: October 2020

Guidelines suggest thromboprophylaxis for ambulatory cancer patients starting chemotherapy with an intermediate to high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) according to Khorana score. Data on thromboprophylaxis efficacy in different Khorana score risk groups remain ambiguous. We sought to evaluate thromboprophylaxis in patients with an intermediate- to high-risk (≥2 points) Khorana score and an intermediate-risk score (2 points) or high-risk score (≥3 points) separately. MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing thromboprophylaxis with placebo or standard care in ambulatory cancer patients. Outcomes were VTE, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality. Relative risks (RRs) were calculated in a profile-likelihood random-effects model. Six RCTs were identified, involving 4626 cancer patients. Thromboprophylaxis with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) significantly reduced VTE risk in intermediate- to high-risk (RR, 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34-0.67), intermediate-risk (RR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.36-0.83), and high-risk patients (RR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.28-0.67); the numbers needed to treat (NNTs) were 25 (intermediate to high risk), 34 (intermediate risk), and 17 (high risk), respectively. There was no significant difference in major bleeding (RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.69-1.67) or all-cause mortality (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82-1.01). The numbers needed to harm (NNHs) for major bleeding in intermediate- to high-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk patients were 1000, −500, and 334, respectively. The overall NNH was lower in DOAC studies (100) versus LMWH studies (−500). These findings indicate thromboprophylaxis effectively reduces the risk of VTE in patients with an intermediate- to high-risk Khorana score, although the NNT is twice as high for intermediate-risk patients compared with high-risk patients.
The role of the antigorite + brucite to olivine reaction in subducted serpentinites (Zermatt, Switzerland)
Authors: Kempf Elias D. , Hermann Jörg , Reusser Eric , Baumgartner Lukas P. , Lanari Pierre
Published: October 2020

Metamorphic olivine formed by the reaction of antigorite + brucite is widespread in serpentinites that crop out in glacier-polished outcrops at the Unterer Theodulglacier, Zermatt. Olivine overgrows a relic magnetite mesh texture formed during ocean floor serpentinization. Serpentinization is associated with rodingitisation of mafic dykes. Metamorphic olivine coexists with magnetite, shows high Mg# of 94–97 and low trace element contents. A notable exception is 4 µg/g Boron (> 10 times primitive mantle), introduced during seafloor alteration and retained in metamorphic olivine. Olivine incorporated 100–140 µg/g H2O in Si-vacancies, providing evidence for low SiO2-activity imposed by brucite during olivine growth. No signs for hydrogen loss or major and minor element diffusional equilibration are observed. The occurrence of olivine in patches within the serpentinite mimics the former heterogeneous distribution of brucite, whereas the network of olivine-bearing veins and shear zones document the pathways of the escaping fluid produced by the olivine forming reaction. Relic Cr-spinels have a high Cr# of 0.5 and the serpentinites display little or no clinopyroxene, indicating that they derive from hydrated harzburgitic mantle that underwent significant melt depletion. The enrichment of Mg and depletion of Si results in the formation of brucite during seafloor alteration, a pre-requisite for later subduction-related olivine formation and fluid liberation. The comparison of calculated bulk rock brucite contents in the Zermatt-Saas with average IODP serpentinites suggests a large variation in fluid release during olivine formation. Between 3.4 and 7.2 wt% H2O is released depending on the magnetite content in fully serpentinized harzburgites (average oceanic serpentinites). Thermodynamic modelling indicates that the fluid release in Zermatt occurred between 480 °C and 550 °C at 2–2.5 GPa with the Mg# of olivine varying from 68 to 95. However, the majority of the fluid released from this reaction was produced within a narrow temperature field of < 30 °C, at higher pressures 2.5 GPa and temperatures 550–600 °C than commonly thought. Fluids derived from the antigorite + brucite reaction might thus trigger eclogite facies equilibration in associated metabasalts, meta-gabbros, meta-rodingites and meta-sediments in the area. This focused fluid release has the potential to trigger intermediate depths earthquakes at 60–80 km in subducted oceanic lithosphere.
Literature based discovery of alternative TCM medicine for adverse reactions to depression drugs
Authors: Xie Qing , Yang Kyoung Min , Heo Go Eun , Song Min
Published: October 2020

Background

In recent years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and alternative medicine have been widely used along with western drugs as a complementary form of treatment. In this study, we first use the scientific literature to identify western drugs with obvious side effects. Then, we find TCM alternatives for these western drugs to ameliorate their side effects.

Results

We used depression as a case study. To evaluate our method, we showed the relation between herb-ingredients-target-disease for representative alternative herbs of western drugs. Further, a protein-protein interaction network of western drugs and alternative herbs was produced, and we performed enrichment analysis of the targets of the active ingredients of the herbs and examined the enrichment of Gene Ontology terms for Biological Process, Cellular Component, and Molecular Function and KEGG Pathway levels, to show how these targets affect different levels of gene expression.

Conclusion

Our proposed method is able to select herbs that are highly relevant to the target indication (depression) and are able to treat the side effects caused by the target drug. The compounds from our selected alternative herbal medicines can therefore be complementary to the western drugs and ameliorate their side effects, which may help in the development of new drugs.
A collaborative cloud-edge computing framework in distributed neural network
Authors: Xu Shihao , Zhang Zhenjiang , Kadoch Michel , Cheriet Mohamed
Published: October 2020

The emergence of edge computing provides a new solution to big data processing in the Internet of Things (IoT) environment. By combining edge computing with deep neural network, it can make better use of the advantages of multi-layer architecture of the network. However, the current task offloading and scheduling frameworks for edge computing are not well applicable to neural network training tasks. In this paper, we propose a task model offloading algorithm by considering how to optimally deploy neural network model into the edge nodes. An adaptive task scheduling algorithm is also designed to adaptively optimize the task assignment by using the improved ant colony algorithm. Based on them, a collaborative cloud-edge computing framework is proposed, which can be used in the distributed neural network. Moreover, this framework sets up some mechanisms so that the cloud can collaborate with edge computing in the work. The simulation results show that the framework can reduce time delay and energy consumption, and improve task accuracy.
Antibiotic appropriateness and adherence to local guidelines in perioperative prophylaxis: results from an antimicrobial stewardship intervention
Authors: Segala Francesco Vladimiro , Murri Rita , Taddei Eleonora , Giovannenze Francesca , Del Vecchio Pierluigi , Birocchi Emanuela , Taccari Francesco , Cauda Roberto , Fantoni Massimo
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) represents a major indication of antibiotic consumption worldwide. The present study aims to report the results of an enabling, long-term AMS intervention conducted between 2013 and 2019 on an Italian University Hospital performing more than 40.000 surgical interventions per year.

Methods

SAP inappropriateness was defined according to the ASHP guidelines and divided in four main categories: indication, selection and dosing, duration, timing. Between 2013 and 2019, we conducted a continuative AMS intervention over 14 surgical departments that included enablement, review of selected clinical records and feedback.

Results

We collected a total of 789 SAP prescribed to 735 patients (mean age 56.7 ± 17.8y). Overall, guideline adherence improved from 36.6% (n = 149) at baseline to 57.9% (n = 221) post-intervention (P <  0.0001). A significant improvement (P <  0.001) was also detected for each category: indication (from 58.5 to 93.2%), selection and dosing (from 58.5 to 80.6%), timing (from 92.4 to 97.6%), duration (from 71 to 80.1%).

Conclusions

Though results cannot be generalized to all hospital populations, enabling AMS interventions may be effective in establishing a sustained improvement in SAP appropriateness rates. Once identified the main causes of SAP inappropriateness, tailored AMS interventions for each department may be beneficial. Further studies are needed to evaluate specific outcomes as incidence of surgical site infections and antimicrobial resistance.