bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute Hypobaric and Hypoxic Preconditioning Reduces Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats
Authors: Terada Hirofumi , Hirata Naoyuki , Sawashita Yasuaki , Ohno Sho , Yoshikawa Yusuke , Yamakage Michiaki
Published: March 2021

Background. Chronic and/or intermittent exposure to hypobaric hypoxia reportedly exerts cardioprotective effects against ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, few studies have focused on the cardioprotective effects of acute and/or short-term hypobaric and hypoxic exposures. This study investigated the effects of acute hypobaric hypoxia on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Materials and Methods. Rats were assigned to groups receiving normobaric normoxia (NN group), hypobaric hypoxia (HH group), or normobaric hypoxia (NH group). HH group rats were exposed to 60.8 kPa and 12.6% fraction of inspired oxygen in a hypobaric chamber for 6 h. NH group rats were exposed to hypoxic conditions under normal pressure. After each exposure, 30 min of myocardial ischemia was followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Cardiac function and infarct size were determined after reperfusion. Expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α) was also measured. Results. Cardiac function was better preserved in the HH and NH groups than in the NN group (

p

 < 0.01 each). Median infarct size/area at risk was significantly lower in the HH group (50%, interquartile range [IQR] 48–54%;

p

 < 0.01 vs. NN group) and NH group (45%, IQR 36–50%;

p

 < 0.01 vs. NN group) than in the NN group (72%, IQR 69–75%). HIF1α expression was significantly higher in the HH group (

p

 < 0.05 vs. NN group) and NH group (

p

 < 0.01 vs. NN group) than in the NN group. Conclusions. Exposure to acute and/or short-term hypobaric and hypoxic conditions might exert cardioprotective effects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury via HIF1α modulation.
Picture Fuzzy TOPSIS Method Based on CPFRS Model: An Application to Risk Management Problems
Authors: Jin Jiulin , Zhao Ping , You Taijie
Published: March 2021

It is not widely acknowledged that multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) problems in some particular circumstances cannot be effectively solved by some traditional methods. This paper aims to construct a novel decision-making method to effectively solve these MCDM problems. Firstly, we propose a covering-based picture fuzzy rough set (CPFRS) model by combining the picture fuzzy (PF) neighborhood operator and some PF logical operators. Secondly, by combining the proposed CPFRS model with the principle of TOPSIS method, a new method is proposed to solve the MCDM problems under PF environments. Finally, we apply our proposed method to the risk management of green buildings. By comparing the proposed method with some existing MCDM methods, the established method is effective and flexible and can be applied to a wide range of environments.
The 11-Year Prognostic Impact of Chronic Total Occlusion in the Noninfarct-Related Coronary Artery on Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: An Xuanqi , Yang Jingang , Dou Kefei , Yang Yuejin
Published: March 2021

Background. The prognostic significance of CTO in the non-IRA in patients with AMI has been under dispute. Relevant long-term follow-up studies are lacking. Hypothesis. CTO in the non-IRA is an independent predictor of poor long-term prognosis in patients with AMI. Methods. We prospectively enrolled 2336 patients with AMI who received emergent percutaneous coronary intervention successfully from January 2006 to May 2011. Our primary endpoints included death from cardiovascular causes, recurrent myocardial infarction, stroke, and target-vessel revascularization. We adopted Cox regression analysis adjusted for confounders to analyze the impact of CTO in the non-IRA on long-term mortalities. Results. We identified 628 (27.6%) subjects with CTO in the non-IRA among 2282 AMI patients. After a mean follow-up duration of 134.3 months, we found the CTO group had significantly higher MACCE rate than the group without CTO (30.4% versus 24.3%,

P
=
0.004

). CTO in the non-IRA independently predicted 11-year MACCE in the male AMI subgroup (hazard ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.06 to 1.54,

P
=
0.01

) and in the male NSTEMI subgroup (hazard ratio 1.53, 95% confidence interval 1.09 to 2.15,

P
=
0.02

). In the CTO group, three-vessel disease independently predicted 11 year MACCE (hazard ratio 2.05, 95% confidence interval 1.29 to 3.28,

P
=
0.002

). Conclusions. Our long-term observational study supported the association between CTO in the non-IRA and poorer prognosis in AMI patients undergoing primary PCI. We identified the group with the three-vessel disease as a high-risk subgroup in patients with CTO in the non-IRA.
Clinical Study on Electronic Medical Neuroelectric Stimulation Based on the Internet of Things to Treat Epilepsy Patients with Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Zhang Bo , Wang Weijie , Wang Shenguo , Li Shaoping , Liu Mingchao , Wang Lantian , Yang Caijun
Published: March 2021

With the continuous development and improvement of the level of medical technology in our country in recent years, the treatment of epilepsy has been constantly updated and developed. Nerve electrical stimulation is considered to be a very effective method for treating epilepsy with anxiety and depression. There are many traditional methods for the treatment of epilepsy. For example, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been applied earlier, and the therapeutic effect has been confirmed, but it will cause serious complications and is easier to be uncomfortable; deep brain stimulation for epilepsy is still in the immature stage, and there is no final conclusion. Therefore, this article proposes a clinical study on the treatment of patients with epilepsy with anxiety and depression based on the electronic medical nerve stimulation of the Internet of Things. First of all, this article uses the literature method to study the causes of epilepsy and previous treatment methods. Then, we designed an experimental study of epilepsy with depression based on the Internet of Things electronic medical neuroelectric stimulation therapy and selected the core quality of life questionnaire, SDS, and SAS as observation indicators. Finally, the comparison of epilepsy symptoms and depression and anxiety between the control group and the observation group before and after treatment was analyzed. The results of the experiment showed that, among the 50 subjects in the study, the observation group that used electrical nerve stimulation therapy had 5 people who stopped seizures after treatment, accounting for 10%, while in the control group of traditional drug treatment methods, after treatment, only one person stopped the seizure, accounting for 2%. In addition, the SAS and SDS scores of the observation group were also lower than those of the control group. Therefore, the use of nerve electrical stimulation to treat epilepsy with anxiety and depression symptoms has better performance and can help patients recover as soon as possible.
A New Coupled Awareness‐Epidemic Spreading Model with Neighbor Behavior on Multiplex Networks
Authors: Zuo Chao , Wang Anjing , Zhu Fenping , Meng Zeyang , Zhao Xueke
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we propose a nonlinear coupled model to study the two interacting processes of awareness diffusion and epidemic spreading on the same individual who is affected by different neighbor behavior status on multiplex networks. We achieve this topology scenario by two kinds of factors, one is the perception factor that can change interplay between different layers of networks and the other is the neighbors’ behavior status that can change the infection rate in each layer. According to the microscopic Markov chain approach (MMCA), we analyze the dynamical evolution of the system and derive the theoretical epidemic threshold on uncorrelated heterogeneous networks, and then, we validate the analysis by numerical simulation and discuss the final size of awareness diffusion and epidemic spreading on a scale‐free network. With the outbreak of COVID‐19, the spread of epidemic in China prompted drastic measures for transmission containment. We examine the effects of these interventions based on modeling of the awareness‐epidemic and the COVID‐19 epidemic case. The results further demonstrate that the epidemic spreading can be affected by the effective transmission rate of the awareness and neighbors’ behavior status.
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Is There a Link in Relatives?
Authors: Ocampo-Garza Sonia Sofía , Orizaga-y-Quiroga Thelma Laura , Olvera-Rodríguez Valeria , Herz-Ruelas Maira Elizabeth , Chavez-Alvarez Sonia , Vañó-Galván Sergio , Ocampo-Candiani Jorge
Published: March 2021

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is an acquired primary lymphocytic cicatricial alopecia characterized by frontotemporal hairline recession, leading to scarring alopecia with a band-like distribution. Prevalence is increasing worldwide, being the most frequent cause of primary scarring alopecia. The natural history of this condition is variable; however, slow progression with spontaneous remission is the most frequent reported outcome. The etiopathogenesis of FFA remains to be elucidated; numerous hypotheses concerning hormonal effects, environmental factors, and genetic predisposition have been proposed. Special interest on genetic basis has emerged since the first familial case was reported. Only a few more familial cases have been published. We report 6 additional cases of female patients with familial FFA (F-FFA) from 3 different families. Sixty-six percent had a family history of autoimmune disease in first-degree relatives; these same patients had a personal history of autoimmune disease. The families described in this cohort study plus the personal and family history of autoimmune disease, as well as the recently described involved genomic loci; reinforced the hypothesis of this disease being genetic. It is important to consider studying this entity since there are scarce data regarding familial cases and this might give us a better insight toward understanding its pathogenesis.
How to Read Fishes: Science, Empathy, and Salar the Salmon
Authors: Allmark-Kent Candice
Published: March 2021

Despite the interdisciplinarity of human-animal studies, there has been little research about the interactions between science and literature in relation to nonhuman animals. This paper explores the representation of Atlantic salmons (Salmo salar) and brown trouts (Salmo trutta) in Henry Williamson’s classic work of animal fiction, Salar the Salmon (1935). In particular, the analysis focuses on depictions of mental states and subjective experiences in fishes. This work offers the first animal-centric analysis of the text, while also addressing the marginalization of fishes in literary animal studies. The wider purpose is to identify the ways in which fiction can influence public perceptions and encourage empathy in readers. The ultimate aim is to improve our methods of communicating about fishes in both literature and science.
El Criterio del Placer en las Leyes V 733a-734e
Authors: Giménez José Antonio
Published: March 2021

In Book v of Plato’s Laws, he defends that a virtuous life is better than a vicious one, based on the idea that the former involves more pleasure than the latter (733a-734e). The use of this kind of argumentation seems to contradict other passages of the Laws, in which it will be objected that pleasure can work as a criterion of election. This essay aims to show that this recourse does not presuppose any kind of hedonism. In order to prove this, I hold that in the Laws (i) education tries to integrate our natural tendencies in the good life; (ii) this integration is possible because some pleasures can be pursued for their own sake because they are harmless. Based on these principles, I argue that (iii) the argument of Book v appeals to the possibility of choosing pleasure if they are not involved in other criteria of election.
Early ontogeny of Pimelodus blochii Valenciennes, 1840 (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae): Neotropical catfish
Authors: DA SILVA FABÍOLA KATRINE SOUZA , CAJADO RUINERIS ALMADA , DE OLIVEIRA LUCAS SILVA , RIBEIRO FRANK RAYNNER VASCONCELOS , ZACARDI DIEGO MAIA
Published: March 2021

Larval ontogeny of the long-whiskered catfish Pimelodus blochii Valenciennes, 1840 is described, providing useful characters for identification and determining the growth pattern throughout its development. Eighty-nine larvae classified in three stages (preflexion, flexion and postflexion) and 30 juveniles were analyzed, totaling 119 individuals. The specimens were collected monthly from January 2013 to May 2019 in the lower Amazon river. A suite of morphological, morphometric, and meristic data was used to describe the stages of development. Three analytical regression models were used: simple linear, quadratic and piecewise regressions. The larvae are characterized by small to moderate eyes, subinferior mouth, and long barbels (maxillary larger than the mental barbels), triangular-shaped adipose fin, and the final part of the intestine reaching half the body. Pigmentation consists of dendritic chromatophores distributed irregularly in the body, ventral region and head, intensifying in the flanks and dorsal region throughout development. The total number of myomeres has a mode of 42 muscle bundles, ranging from 40 to 42 (15 to 16 pre-and 25 to 26 post-anal) and the number of fin segments corresponded to: pectoral = I + 9, pelvic = 6, dorsal = I + 6 and anal = 11–12. All body variables showed discontinuous isometric growth, indicating a deceleration in the structural modeling of the body, between the flexion/post-flexion stages and acceleration in post-flexion/early juvenile period. Precisely when the formation of the fin rays, muscles and organs of the digestive system and ossification are observed, suggesting low morphological variation during ontogenetic development. Pimelodus blochii differs from other congeneric species in the lower Amazon river by meristic characters, which helps to correctly identify individuals in early stages of development.
A new species of Flavalona Sinev & Dumont, 2016 (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) from Bale Mountains, Ethiopia
Authors: NERETINA ANNA N. , SINEV ARTEM Y.
Published: March 2021

Here we describe a new species of Flavalona Sinev & Dumont, 2016 (Cladocera: Chydoridae) based on material from Bale Mountains, Ethiopia. F. darkovi sp. nov. clearly differs from other species of Flavalona known to date by fine ornamentation of valves, proportions of head pores, proximal exopod spine and seta on the middle exopod segment of antenna II. This species may be considered as endemic taxon of high mountain water bodies of Bale Mountains at an altitude of about 4000 m.a.s.l. Investigated species of the genus Flavalona in Africa demonstrate strong local mountain endemism accompanied by morphological differences between closest taxa, but the real diversity of this group in Africa is underestimated yet, and further studies are urgently need. Since the high mountain water ecosystems in Africa are especially vulnerable to increasing anthropogenic impact and global climate warming, it is necessary to speed up the studies of high mountain invertebrates and develop special measures for protection of such ecosystems.
Evaluation of the Antioxidant Potential of Tea by Optical Absorption Spectroscopy in the Presence of Double-Stranded DNA-Encased Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Wang Lijun , Oura Shusuke
Published: March 2021

Developing a simple method to qualitatively and quantitatively assess food quality is essential. Available methods primarily rely on nanotechnology and offer high selectivity and sensitivity. In this study, we aimed to develop a sensitive nano-probe, and to this end, a double-stranded DNA-encased HiPco carbon nanotube (dsDNA-HiPco) hybrid was prepared and used to evaluate the antioxidant potential of Chinese tea against H2O2, using a range of irradiation wavelengths. The morphology and dispersion of dsDNA-HiPco hybrids were analysed using atomic force microscopy, which showed a homogeneous dispersion of the rod-shaped tubes. The antioxidant effect of the hybrid was evaluated by near-infrared absorption and photoluminescence. The experimental results revealed that the tea exerted excellent antioxidant effects when the dsDNA-HiPco hybrid was pre-treated with 0.03 wt.% H2O2. Catechin contained in the Chinese tea played a pivotal role in exerting the antioxidant effect. Therefore, the simple detection method proposed herein can be successfully applied in various fields, including biology, medicine, and the food industry.
Vibration Analysis of Nanoplate with the Effects of Surface Irregularity and Initial Stresses
Authors: Selim Mahmoud. M. , El-Safty Sherif A.
Published: March 2021

Based on Kirchhoff plate theory, the vibration behavior of irregular nanoplate with consideration of initial compressive stress effects is investigated. The equations of motion are derived and the closed form solutions for the natural frequency of the nanoplate are obtained. The analytical solutions reveal that, the natural frequency of the nanoplate, are found to be significantly dependent on the irregularity and compressive initial stresses present in the nanoplate. Numerical results show that, the natural frequency of nanoplates increases with increase of surface irregularity and initial stress parameters. To the author best knowledge, the effects of surface irregularity and initial stresses on the vibration behaviour of nanoplates have not yet been studied, and the present work is an attempt to find out this effectiveness. The results of this work is expected to be useful to design and analyze the vibration properties of nanostructures and Devices in NEMS.
Physical Properties of Hydrophobic Epoxy-Based Silsesquioxane (EP-POSS) Photovoltaic Materials
Authors: Fang Yanhong , Wang Ping , Sun Lifang , Wang Linhong
Published: March 2021

With the increasing application of photovoltaic panels in the field of power generation, hydrophobic materials have gradually received attention from researchers. Because EP-POSS (epoxy-based silsesquioxane) has many excellent properties, such as transparency, hydrophobicity, flame retardancy and weather resistance, it may be widely used in photovoltaic power generation boards in the future. Therefore, it is important to study the physical properties of EP-POSS. This article studies the physical properties of synthesized EP-POSS, such as the light transmittance, adhesion, flame retardancy, surface energy, and dielectric properties. The results prove that EP-POSS is a hydrophobic material that can be applied to photovoltaic panels. This work laid a theoretical foundation for the application of EP-POSS as a hydrophobic material to photovoltaic panels.
Thermoelectric Effect in Janus Monolayer InSSe
Authors: Wang Tiantian , Chi Feng , Liu Jia
Published: March 2021

Thermoelectric effect in Janus monolayer InSSe is investigated by non-equilibrium Green's function and density functional theory. Janus monolayer InSSe is an indirect gap semiconductor with a bandgap of 1.24 eV. The value of the thermoelectric figure of merit is up to 4.39 at the temperature of 500 K and 1.38 at room temperature. We found a remarkably low and anisotropic phononic thermal conductance about 0.05987 WK–1m–1, which is originated from the soft lattice vibration modes. This low thermal conductance is responsible for the high value of the figure of merit. All the results indicate that Janus monolayer InSSe is a more suitable low dimensional thermoelectric material.
Effect of Drag Coefficient Parameterizations on Air–Sea Coupled Simulations: A Case Study for Typhoons Haima and Nida in 2016
Authors: Feng Xingru , Sun Junchuan , Yang Dezhou , Yin Baoshu , Gao Guandong , Wan Weiqi
Published: March 2021

Reasonable parameterization of air–sea momentum flux is important for the accuracy of ocean and atmosphere simulations, and in the numerical model, the parameterization of the air–sea momentum flux becomes a problem of parameterization of the sea surface wind stress drag coefficient (Cd). In this study, five kinds of typical Cd parameterization methods were assessed in the simulation of two typhoon cases, one of which was a supertyphoon and another was a common severe typhoon, based on an atmosphere–wave–ocean coupled model. Based on the two case studies, it was found that the typhoon path and minimum sea level pressure were not very sensitive to Cd parameterizations, though the spatial distribution of Cd and its variation with wind speed were all very different across the parameterization methods. However, Cd has a significant effect on the wind speed, and at high wind speed, the simulated maximum wind speed compared better with the observation in the experiment that adopted the Cd calculation method considering the effects of sea spray. Also, Cd plays an important role in the feedback processes between atmosphere and ocean during the typhoon process, through its effect on the air–sea heat and momentum flux, SST, ocean mixed layer depth, ocean currents, etc. The results of this study answered the question of how the Cd affects the atmosphere and ocean during the typhoon process, and to what extent they are affected, which can help to explain or even further improve the simulation results.
Creative Destruction: The Structural Consequences of Scientific Curation
Authors: McMahan Peter , McFarland Daniel A.
Published: March 2021

Communication of scientific findings is fundamental to scholarly discourse. In this article, we show that academic review articles, a quintessential form of interpretive scholarly output, perform curatorial work that substantially transforms the research communities they aim to summarize. Using a corpus of millions of journal articles, we analyze the consequences of review articles for the publications they cite, focusing on citation and co-citation as indicators of scholarly attention. Our analysis shows that, on the one hand, papers cited by formal review articles generally experience a dramatic loss in future citations. Typically, the review gets cited instead of the specific articles mentioned in the review. On the other hand, reviews curate, synthesize, and simplify the literature concerning a research topic. Most reviews identify distinct clusters of work and highlight exemplary bridges that integrate the topic as a whole. These bridging works, in addition to the review, become a shorthand characterization of the topic going forward and receive disproportionate attention. In this manner, formal reviews perform creative destruction so as to render increasingly expansive and redundant bodies of knowledge distinct and comprehensible.
Clinical Practices in Head and Neck Cancer: A Speech-Language Pathologist Practice Pattern Survey
Authors: Logan Ashley M. , Landera Mario A.
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Clinical practices of speech-language pathologists (SLP) treating head and neck cancer (HNC) patients range widely despite literature trending toward best practices. This survey study was designed to identify current patterns and assess for gaps in clinical implementation of research evidence.

Method:

A web-based survey was distributed to SLPs via listserv and social media outlets. Descriptive statistics and group calculations were completed to identify trends and associations in responses.

Results:

Of 152 received surveys, the majority of respondents were hospital-based (86%) and had greater than 5 years of experience (65%). There was group consensus for the use of prophylactic exercise programs (95%), recommendations for SLP intervention during HNC treatment (75%), and use of maintenance programs post-treatment (97%). Conversely, no group consensus was observed for use of pre-treatment swallow evaluations, frequency of service provision, and content of therapy sessions. Variation in clinical decision making was noted in use of prophylactic feeding tubes and number of patients taking nothing by mouth during treatment. No associations were found between years of experience and decision-making practices, nor were any associations found between practice setting and clinical decision making.

Conclusion:

Despite the growing body of literature outlining evidence-based treatment practices for HNC patients, clinical practice patterns among SLPs continue to vary widely resulting in inconsistent patient care across practice settings. As compared to prior similar data, increased alignment with best practices was observed relative to early referrals, implementation of prophylactic intervention programs, and intervention with the SLP during the period of HNC treatment.
Treatment of Paranasal Sinus Fungus Ball: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fadda Gian Luca , Allevi Fabiana , Rosso Cecilia , Martino Federica , Pipolo Carlotta , Cavallo Giovanni , Felisati Giovanni , Saibene Alberto Maria
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

Paranasal sinus fungus ball is a common non-invasive mycosis with excellent long-term surgical treatment results. The present systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken to define current treatment concepts and success rates in paranasal sinus fungus ball treatment.

Methods:

Systematic searches were performed in multiple databases with criteria designed to include all studies published until May 2020 focusing on paranasal sinuses fungus ball treatment in humans. We selected studies including at least 10 patients, specifying treatment modalities, providing a minimum 6-month follow-up, and objectivating treatment success. After duplicate removal, abstract and full-text selection, and quality assessment, we reviewed eligible articles for treatment modalities and success rates. Success rates were pooled in a random effect meta-analysis and compared according to the use of intraoperative sinus lavages and postoperative antibiotics.

Results:

Among 740 unique citations, 14 studies were deemed eligible. Most (n = 11) were retrospective case series. All studies relied on endoscopic sinus surgery. Intraoperative lavages were proposed in 10 studies and postoperative antibiotics in 7 (for all patients in 5 studies and for selected patients in 2). No significant heterogeneity was observed between results (Cochran’s Q P = .639, I2 test = 0). Treatment success rate was 98.4% (95% confidence interval 97.4%-99.3%). Intraoperative sinus toilette and postoperative antibiotics didn’t significantly improve the success rate.

Conclusion:

Endoscopic sinus surgery shows excellent results in fungus ball treatment. Further prospective studies might help further reducing antibiotics prescriptions in these patients and improve their management.
Assessment of Bulk Composition of Heterogeneous Food Matrices Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Andersen Petter Vejle , Wold Jens Petter , Afseth Nils Kristian
Published: March 2021

Raman spectroscopy (RS) has for decades been considered a promising tool for food analysis, but widespread adoption has been held back by, e.g., high instrument costs and sampling limitations regarding heterogeneous samples. The aim of the present study was to use wide area RS in conjunction with surface scanning to overcome the obstacle of heterogeneity. Four different food matrices were scanned (intact and homogenized pork and by-products from salmon and poultry processing) and the bulk chemical parameters such as fat and protein content were estimated using partial least squares regression (PLSR). The performance of PLSR models from RS was compared with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Good to excellent results were obtained with PLSR models from RS for estimation of fat content in all food matrices (coefficient of determination for cross-validation (R2CV) from 0.73 to 0.96 and root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV) from 0.43% to 2.06%). Poor to very good PLSR models were obtained for estimation of protein content in salmon and poultry by-product using RS (R2CV from 0.56 to 0.92 and RMSECV from 0.85% to 0.94%). The performance of RS was similar to NIRS for all analyses. This work demonstrates the applicability of RS to analyze bulk composition in heterogeneous food matrices and paves way for future applications of RS in routine food analyses.
HPLC with spectrophotometric or mass spectrometric detection for quantifying very-long chain fatty acids in human plasma and its association with cardiac risk factors
Authors: Shrestha Rojeet , Chen Zhen , Gao Zijun , Chen Yifan , Okada Emiko , Ukawa Shigekazu , Nakagawa Takafumi , Nakamura Koshi , Tamakoshi Akiko , Chiba Hitoshi , Hui Shu-Ping
Published: March 2021

Background

We developed and compared two liquid chromatography methods, one with UV/Visible spectrophotometric detection (HPLC) and the other with mass spectrometric detection (LC-MS), for quantifying very-long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) in human plasma. Association of VLCFA with various cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated.

Method

Fasting blood samples were collected from 541 human volunteers (242 men and 299 women; mean age ±SD, 58.9 ± 12.4 years), including 429 and 112 individuals with and without hypertriglyceridemia, respectively. Esterified VLCFA were saponified and derivatized with 2-nitrophenylhydrazine. Separation of VLCFA species was achieved with C4 Mightysil column (HPLC) and Ascentis Express Phenyl-Hexyl column (LC-MS) followed by spectrophotometric and selected-reaction monitoring mode of mass spectrometric detection, respectively.

Results

The HPLC assay of VLCFA was precise with intra-assay imprecision of 2.5% to 6.9% and inter-assay imprecision of 3.2% to 9.5%. Moreover, there was an excellent correlation (r > 0.96) between HPLC and LC-MS methods. The 95 percentile reference intervals (RI; upper limit) of VLCFA were determined to be 41.3 µmol/L in healthy volunteers. Plasma VLCFA were significantly correlated with triglycerides (Spearman’s ρ = 0.306, P <  0.001) and total cholesterol (Spearman’s ρ = 0.251, P <  0.001). All species of VLCFA were significantly elevated in hypertriglyceridaemic individuals compared with control.

Conclusion

We established LC-based assays of VLCFA with either spectrophotometry or mass spectrometry as a detection system. Hypertriglyceridaemia is significantly associated with elevated concentration of each species of VLCFA.
‘Modelling social exclusion in a diagnostically-mixed sample of people with severe mental illness’
Authors: Mezey Gillian , White Sarah , Harrison Isobel , Bousfield Jennifer , Killaspy Helen , Lloyd-Evans Brynmor , Payne Sarah
Published: March 2021

Background:

Social inclusion is an important indicator of recovery in individuals with severe mental illness. The Social Inclusion Questionnaire User Experience (SInQUE) is a new measure of social inclusion for mental health service users which assesses five domains (consumption, production, access to services, social integration and civil engagement). It has good psychometric properties and is acceptable to service users and mental health professionals. It is not clear whether individuals with different diagnostic conditions experience a similar reduction in social inclusion.

Aims:

(1) Investigate whether current social inclusion differs between diagnostic groups (people with schizophrenia/other psychotic disorders, common mental disorder or personality disorder); (2) Identify factors associated with lower social inclusion; (3) Examine associations between social inclusion and stigma, quality of life and loneliness.

Method:

Mental health service users with psychotic disorder, personality disorder or common mental disorder, living in the community, completed the SInQUE, alongside other validated outcome measures. Multiple regression investigated associations.

Results:

About 192 service users (55% with psychotic disorder; 26% with common mental disorder; 19% with personality disorder). Current social inclusion did not vary according to diagnosis, except for the sub-domain of productivity, where individuals with personality disorder were more socially included than the other two groups. Lower social inclusion was associated with older age ( p = .008), lack of higher education ( p < .001), more previous admissions ( p = .005), severity of current symptoms and greater experienced stigma ( p = .006) and anticipated stigma ( p = .035). Greater social inclusion was associated with better quality of life ( p < .001) and less loneliness ( p < .001).

Conclusions:

Barriers to social inclusion in individuals with severe mental health problems include factors related to the illness, such as symptom severity and external factors, such as stigma and discrimination. Social inclusion is a recovery goal and should be routinely assessed. Increasing people’s social inclusion benefits service users in terms of improved mental health, better quality of life and reduced loneliness.
Women in Zimbabwean Politics Post-November 2017
Authors: Bhatasara Sandra , Chiweshe Manase Kudzai
Published: March 2021

This article analyses the dynamics underpinning formal political institutions in relation to women’s participation in Zimbabwe, with a focus on the post November 2017 context. Patriarchal continuities and not changes characterize the post-November period. Under the “new dispensation”, patriarchy, intertwined with the increase in militarized masculinities, is producing exclusion with limited spaces for women’s participation. Simultaneously, Zimbabwean women at times have been destabilizing political spaces, while also being complicit in reproducing patriarchal practices and violence. The military-assisted transition is significant because of the fall of Grace Mugabe and the broader implications of this for women and politics in Zimbabwe.
Vehicle Writings as Conveyors of Humour, Slang and Witticism: A Case Study of Vehicle Writings in Ìbàdàn Metropolis
Authors: Faniran Olus̩e̩gun A , O̩po̩o̩la Bo̩lanle T , O̩laiya Oluwatoyin M , Iko̩tun Reuben O
Published: March 2021

We examine some vehicle writings that convey slang, humour and witticism to the readers of the vehicle insignia because none of the previous researchers on vehicle writings have focused on this subject matter. We adopt the ethnography of communication and our data comprised 15 randomly selected vehicle writings. We argue that the humour-laced messages convey profound messages, which serve as tension-dousing artefacts intended to be amusing and easily enjoyed by the users and some of the reading public. We submit that language use in social interactions can help douse tensions in societies where acute poverty and unrest are prevalent.
Effects of Octenidine on the Formation and Disruption of Dental Biofilms: An Exploratory In Situ Study in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Reda B. , Dudek J. , Martínez-Hernández M. , Hannig M.
Published: March 2021

Dental biofilms are highly structured, complex multispecies communities that, if left untreated, lead to severe oral complications such as caries and periodontal diseases. Therefore, antibiofilm agents are often recommended for both preventive and therapeutic measures. However, biofilm management can be challenging due to the low sensitivity of biofilms to antimicrobial treatments. Octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT) is a highly effective antibacterial agent. Because the OCT antibiofilm efficacy has not been studied in situ, this exploratory crossover study aimed to evaluate the effects of OCT mouth rinsing on biofilm formation and on the disruption of mature biofilms. Moreover, a comparison to the gold-standard chlorhexidine (CHX) was conducted. The biofilms were formed intraorally by 5 healthy volunteers on enamel specimens fixed to acrylic splints. For biofilm formation analysis, OCT, CHX, or water rinses were applied for 30 s every 12 h. The samples evaluation took place at 24-and 48-h time points. For biofilm disruption analysis, sample assessment was performed before and directly after the first OCT or CHX rinse on 48-h mature biofilms. A second rinse was carried out 12 h later. The last assessment was applied to 72-h mature biofilms. The biofilms were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed OCT significantly reducing biofilm formation and bacterial vitality in situ. Simultaneously, the biofilm thickness was strongly decreased. Moreover, a single application of OCT to a 48-h mature biofilm induced substantial biofilm disruption. In addition, the efficacy of OCT compared favorably to CHX. These findings show that OCT rinses prevent biofilm formation and disrupt preexisting mature biofilms formed by healthy subjects. This work suggests that OCT might be used for dental biofilm management as a part of the medical treatment of oral diseases. Future studies with a larger subject heterogeneity and number are needed to confirm the observed OCT effects.
Microbiological profile of urinary tract infections in a tertiary medical facility in Western Mexico: An update
Authors: Pasillas Fabian Fabiola Sarahi , Cremades Rosa , Sandoval Pinto Elena , Beas Ruiz Velasco Carlos , Hernandez Rios Cesar Javier , Sierra-Diaz Erick
Published: March 2021

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most important issues in modern medicine. In developing countries, the use of antibiotics is a common practice, and due to this, antibiotic resistance has increased. The objective of this research was to update and report on the microbiological profile of urinary tract infections based on the number of positive urine cultures (UCs), resistance, sensitivity, and the prevalence of bacterial strains. The results were obtained from the database of a tertiary medical facility in Western Mexico. The number of positive UCs was 1769 from inpatients and outpatients who were users of medical services in the hospital from January to December of 2017. The most commonly isolated microorganism was E. coli, with 1225 cases, of which 603 (49.2%) were ESBL (Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-producing bacteria) strains. The resistance rate of nitrofurantoin was 36.6%, and meropenem showed the most promising results with a resistance rate of only 7.1%. Resistances to quinolones and cephalosporins among the isolates investigated were 51%–67%. Based on our results, it is necessary to increase controls and to improve management protocols in order to achieve better medical practices by reducing antibiotic resistance.
Complex dynamical behaviors of a novel exponential hyper–chaotic system and its application in fast synchronization and color image encryption
Authors: Mostafaee Javad , Mobayen Saleh , Vaseghi Behrouz , Vahedi Mohammad , Fekih Afef
Published: March 2021

This paper proposes a novel exponential hyper–chaotic system with complex dynamic behaviors. It also analyzes the chaotic attractor, bifurcation diagram, equilibrium points, Poincare map, Kaplan–Yorke dimension, and Lyapunov exponent behaviors. A fast terminal sliding mode control scheme is then designed to ensure the fast synchronization and stability of the new exponential hyper–chaotic system. Stability analysis was performed using the Lyapunov stability theory. One of the main features of the proposed controller is the finite time stability of the terminal sliding surface designed with high–order power function of error and derivative of error. The approach was implemented for image cryptosystem. Color image encryption was carried out to confirm the performance of the new hyper–chaotic system. For image encryption, the DNA encryption-based RGB algorithm was used. Performance assessment of the proposed approach confirmed the ability of the proposed hyper–chaotic system to increase the security of image encryption.
Metacognitive Knowledge and the Self as Socially Distanced Online Learner: A Virtual Reality Assisted Analysis of Academic Self-Concept
Authors: Rivers Damian J. , Vallance Michael , Nakamura Michiko
Published: March 2021

With online learning solutions responding to the novel coronavirus pandemic, it is important for educational technologists and other practitioners to understand how learners are experiencing the demands of socially distanced online learning and how they conceive of themselves within distant spaces and digital communities. Research into the metacognitions of learners provides a non-technocratic focal point through which such information can be extracted. Framing learner self-beliefs as a form of metacognitive knowledge, the current article presents a virtual-reality-assisted thematic analysis into the self-appraisals of 210 socially distanced online learners at a Japanese university. The study focuses on the discursive rationalizations expressed in service of the academic self-concept. Four themes were identified in the data: formal assessment, affect and emotion, self-regulation, and transformative awareness. Such research provides educators with a platform for pedagogical intervention and course design considerations relative to the challenges of the online learning experience.
The art of cunning: Georg Lukács, Mikhail Bakhtin and Soviet Socialist realism
Authors: Zhang Yanping
Published: March 2021

This article examines Georg Lukács’ The Historical Novel (1937–8) and four works on the novel written by Mikhail Bakhtin between 1936 and 1941 in relation to the Great Terror and Soviet socialist realism. It argues that, to a large extent, Lukács’ and Bakhtin’s theories of the novel of the 1930s stemmed from a moral urgency felt and shared by the authors to salvage the novel – a category that has significant implications for history for both theorists – from the damages wrought by socialist realism. Focusing on the ways in which Bakhtin and Lukács encode their dissent into legitimate narratives, the article draws attention to the art of cunning – dissimulation, equivocation, doublespeak and coding – as a means of disrupting tyrannical discourse, registering difference and surviving. Both Lukács and Bakhtin held ambiguous views on socialist realism and both of them capitalized on the ambivalence inherent in official Soviet discourse.
‘Yr Beast’: Gender Parrhesia and Punk Trans Womanhoods
Authors: Szpilka Jay
Published: March 2021

While the subject of women’s activity in historical and contemporary punk scenes has attracted significant attention, the presence of trans women in punk has received comparatively little research, in spite of their increasing visibility and long history in punk. This article examines the conditions for trans women’s entrance in punk and the challenges and opportunities that it offers for their self-assertion. By linking Michel Foucault’s notion of parrhesia with the way trans women in punk do their gender, an attempt is made at showing how the embodied experience of a trans woman making herself heard from the punk stage can serve as a site of ‘gender pluralism’.
Sonic Cyberfeminisms, Perceptual Coding and Phonographic Compression
Authors: James Robin
Published: March 2021

I argue that sound-centric scholarship can be of use to feminist theorists if and only if it begins from a non-ideal theory of sound; this article develops such a theory. To do this, I first develop more fully my claim that perceptual coding was a good metaphor for the ways that neoliberal market logics (re)produce relations of domination and subordination, such as white supremacist patriarchy. Because it was developed to facilitate the enclosure of the audio bandwidth, perceptual coding is especially helpful in centring the ways that patriarchal racial capitalism structures our concepts and experiences of both sound and technology. The first section identifies sonic cyberfeminist practices that function as a kind of perceptual coding because they subject ‘sound’ and/or ‘women’ to enclosure and accumulation by dispossession. The second section identifies a type of sonic cyberfeminism that tunes into the parts of the spectrum that this perceptual coding discards, building models of community and aesthetic value that do not rely on the exclusion of women, especially black women, from both humanist and posthuman concepts of personhood. Here I focus especially on Alexander Weheliye’s ‘phonographic’ approach to sound, technology and theoretical text. This approach, which he develops in his 2005 book of that title and in recent work in collaboration with Katherine McKittrick, avoids fetishising tech and self-transformation and focuses on practices that build registers of existence that hegemonic institutions perceptually code out of circulation. I conclude with examples of such phonographic compression, including Masters At Work’s ballroom classic ‘The Ha Dance’ and Nicki Minaj’s ‘Anaconda’.
A Case Report of Spontaneous Nasal Septal Abscess in a Child
Authors: Li Jing , Tao Yuejin , Shi Xinyi
Published: March 2021

We describe a case of spontaneous nasal septal abscess (NSA) in a 9-year-old child. We also reviewed the literatures in recent years and summarized the characteristics of NSA, such as gender, age, inducement, pathogenic bacteria, treatment, and prognosis. We found that this boy reported by us has the most extensive abscess. May be the delay of treatment was related to the recent fluctuation of COVID-19 epidemic in China. Fortunately, with the help of surgery and anti-infection treatment, the boy was discharged from the hospital without septal perforation or saddle nose.
The Function of Cochlear Implant After Cardioversion in a Patient With Atrial Flutter: A Case Report
Authors: Kim Hong Chan , Sung Chung Man , Yang Hyung Chae , Cho Hyong-Ho
Published: March 2021

Hearing loss in older people can cause communication impairments, decreased quality of life, social isolation, depression, and dementia. Cochlear implant surgery is an effective treatment for older patients with hearing loss who cannot achieve satisfactory audiologic outcomes with hearing aids. However, older people have an increased risk of heart disease and often take medications that affect heart rhythm. Herein, we report a case of an 80-year-old woman who underwent cardioversion at 50J after cochlear implant surgery. Electrical impedance before and after cardioversion showed only minor changes without abnormality, and the cochlear implant functioned well. We believe that the electronic circuits of the cochlear implant may have been relatively tolerant to the electrical shock from the external defibrillator. Typically, cardioversion should be avoided in cochlear implant recipients because it may damage the implant. If cardioversion cannot be avoided, we strongly recommend starting cardioversion at the lowest energy level (50 J) and removing the sound processor of the implant during the procedure.
Connecting racial and species justice: Towards an Afrocentric animal advocacy
Authors: Cordeiro-Rodrigues Luis
Published: March 2021

Some philosophers and activists have been sceptical about the relevance of pursuing animal justice to progress racial justice. Routinely, these sceptics have argued that allying animal and racial justice struggles is politically unfeasible, counterproductive, distractive and disruptive for the achievement of racial justice. The conclusion of these sceptics is that animal justice is either a barrier or irrelevant to racial justice and, as such, activists should not ally both struggles. In this article, I wish to contest the arguments that forward the idea that these struggles should not be addressed together, especially in the case of addressing anti-Black racial injustices. I offer a negative argumentative strategy to forward my thesis; namely, I offer reasons to reject the arguments that are sceptical about the relevance of addressing animal justice to achieve progress in racial justice. I contend that racial injustice is partly fuelled by the capacity contract. The capacity contract, in turn, is intertwined with the way humans treat animals. Owing to the fact that speciesism fuels the contract that incites racism, then addressing speciesism is instrumentally relevant for overcoming racial injustices. Moreover, I demonstrate in this article that not only are there various ways that anti-racist and anti-speciesist struggles are interconnected, but also that the project of addressing them together is politically feasible and desirable.