bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noncoding RNAs implication in cardiovascular diseases in the COVID-19 era
Authors: Greco S. , Madè A. , Gaetano C. , Devaux Y. , Emanueli C. , Martelli F.
Published: October 2020

COronaVIrus Disease 19 (COVID-19) is caused by the infection of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although the main clinical manifestations of COVID-19 are respiratory, many patients also display acute myocardial injury and chronic damage to the cardiovascular system. Understanding both direct and indirect damage caused to the heart and the vascular system by SARS-CoV-2 infection is necessary to identify optimal clinical care strategies. The homeostasis of the cardiovascular system requires a tight regulation of the gene expression, which is controlled by multiple types of RNA molecules, including RNA encoding proteins (messenger RNAs) (mRNAs) and those lacking protein-coding potential, the noncoding-RNAs. In the last few years, dysregulation of noncoding-RNAs has emerged as a crucial component in the pathophysiology of virtually all cardiovascular diseases. Here we will discuss the potential role of noncoding RNAs in COVID-19 disease mechanisms and their possible use as biomarkers of clinical use.
Association of hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia on incident hyperuricemia: an 8-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Zhang Miaomiao , Yu Xiawen , Wei Fengjiang , Chen Chen , Zhang Kai , Feng Shuzhi , Wang Yaogang , Li Wei-Dong
Published: October 2020

Background

Hypertension and high triglyceride are two of the most important risk factors for hyperuricemia. Epidemiological records show that hypertension and dyslipidemia often coexist and may significantly increase the risk of target organ damage. However, their combined effect on incident hyperuricemia is poorly understood. Thus, we aimed to investigate the separate and combined effect of hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia on the incidence of hyperuricemia.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of 6424 hyperuricemia-free participants aged 20 to 94 years between August 2009 and October 2017 was performed at Tianjin General Hospital of China. Participants were categorized into four groups by combining hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia status at baseline. The restricted cubic spline fitting Cox regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between blood pressure and triglyceride and hyperuricemia. Cox regression models were performed to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confident intervals (CIs) to estimate baseline factors and their association with the incidence of hyperuricemia. A Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed to compare the incidence of hyperuricemia among subjects in each separate and combined hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia group.

Results

During the 8-year follow-up period, 1259 subjects developed hyperuricemia (20.6%). There existed positive relationships between blood pressure and triglyceride levels and hyperuricemia. This risk factor arising from a combination of the two (HR, 3.02; 95% CI 2.60–3.50) is greater than that from hypertension (HR, 1.48; 95% CI 1.28–1.71) or hypertriglyceridemia (HR, 1.84; 95% CI 1.55–2.18) separately. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated that combined effect of hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia may predict higher onset of hyperuricemia.

Conclusion

The combined effect of hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia on the risk of hyperuricemia is much stronger than that by hypertension or hypertriglyceridemia separately. Hypertension combined with hypertriglyceridemia may be an independent and powerful predictor for hyperuricemia.
Telemedicine in pediatric rheumatology: this is the time for the community to embrace a new way of clinical practice
Authors: Shenoi Susan , Hayward Kristen , Curran Megan L. , Kessler Elizabeth , Mehta Jay J. , Riebschleger Meredith P. , Foster Helen E.
Published: October 2020

Background

The use of telemedicine in pediatric rheumatology has been historically low. The current COVID 19 global pandemic has forced a paradigm shift with many centers rapidly adopting virtual visits to conduct care resulting in rapid expansion of use of telemedicine amongst practices.

Body

This commentary discusses practical tips for physicians including guidance around administrative and governance issues, preparation for telemedicine, involving the multidisciplinary care team, and teaching considerations. We also outline a standard proforma and smart phrases for the electronic health record. A proposed variation of the validated pediatric gait arms legs spine examination (pGALS) called the video pGALS (VpGALS) as a means of conducting virtual pediatric rheumatology physical examination is presented.

Conclusion

This commentary provides a starting framework for telemedicine use in pediatric rheumatology and further work on validation and acceptability is needed.
Identification key to the Anopheles mosquitoes of South America (Diptera: Culicidae). III. Male genitalia
Authors: Sallum Maria Anice Mureb , Obando Ranulfo González , Carrejo Nancy , Wilkerson Richard C.
Published: October 2020

Background

Accurate identification of the species of Anopheles Meigen, 1818 requires careful examination of all life stages. However, morphological characters, especially those of the females and fourth-instar larvae, show some degree of polymorphism and overlap among members of species complexes, and sometimes even within progenies. Characters of the male genitalia are structural and allow accurate identification of the majority of species, excluding only those in the Albitarsis Complex. In this key, based on the morphology of the male genitalia, traditionally used important characters are exploited together with additional characters that allow robust identification of male Anopheles mosquitoes in South America.

Methods

Morphological characters of the male genitalia of South American species of the genus Anopheles were examined and employed to construct a comprehensive, illustrated identification key. For those species for which specimens were not available, illustrations were based on published illustrations. Photographs of key characters of the genitalia were obtained using a digital Canon Eos T3i attached to a light Diaplan Leitz microscope. The program Helicon Focus was used to build single in-focus images by stacking multiple images of the same structure.

Results

An illustrated key to South American species of Anopheles based on the morphology of the male genitalia is presented, together with a glossary of morphological terms. The male genitalia of type-specimens of previously poorly documented species were also examined and included in the key, e.g. Anopheles (Anopheles) tibiamaculatus (Neiva, 1906) which has a unique quadrangular-shaped aedeagus with an apical opening.

Conclusions

Male genitalia of South American species of Anopheles possess robust characters that can be exploited for accurate species identification. Distortion that can occur during the dissection and mounting process can obstruct accurate identification; this is most evident with inadvertent damage or destruction of unique features and interferes with correctly assigning shapes of the features of the ventral claspette. In some species, the shape, and anatomical details of the aedeagus also need to be examined for species identification. For members of the Myzorhynchella Series, both ventral and dorsal claspettes possess multiple characteristics that are herein used as reliable characters for species identification.
Effect of APOE ε4 genotype on amyloid-β and tau accumulation in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Baek Min Seok , Cho Hanna , Lee Hye Sun , Lee Jae Hoon , Ryu Young Hoon , Lyoo Chul Hyoung
Published: October 2020

Background

To assess the effects of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε4 genotype on amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau burden and their longitudinal changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) spectrum.

Methods

Among 272 individuals who underwent PET scans (18F-florbetaben for Aβ and18F-flortaucipir for tau) and ApoE genotyping, 187 individuals completed 2-year follow-up PET scans. After correcting for the partial volume effect, we compared the standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) for Aβ and tau burden between the ε4+ and ε4− groups. By using a linear mixed-effect model, we measured changes in SUVR in the ApoE ε4+ and ε4− groups.

Results

The ε4+ group showed greater baseline Aβ burden in the diffuse cortical regions and greater tau burden in the lateral, and medial temporal, cingulate, and insula cortices. Tau accumulation rate was higher in the parietal, occipital, lateral, and medial temporal cortices in the ε4+ group. In Aβ+ individuals, baseline tau burden was greater in the medial temporal cortex, while Aβ burden was conversely greater in the ε4− group. Tau accumulation rate was higher in the ε4+ group in a small region in the lateral temporal cortex. The effect of ApoE ε4 on enhanced tau accumulation persisted even after adjusting for the global cortical Aβ burden.

Conclusions

Progressive tau accumulation may be more prominent in ε4 carriers, particularly in the medial and lateral temporal cortices. ApoE ε4 allele has differential effects on the Aβ burden depending on the existing amyloidosis and may enhance vulnerability to progressive tau accumulation in the AD spectrum independent of Aβ.
Complete migration of a composite mesh into small bowel incidentally found during laparotomy for colectomy in an asymptomatic patient: a case report
Authors: Chandrasinghe Pramodh , De Silva Asantha , Welivita Ayomi , Deen Kemal
Published: October 2020

Background

Composite meshes are used for incisional hernia repair because they enable intraperitoneal mesh placement due to their dorsal surface, which is made of inert material. We report, for the first time, to our knowledge, a case of composite mesh migration detected incidentally during a laparotomy for colon cancer in an asymptomatic patient.

Case presentation

Our patient was a 71-year-old South Asian man who underwent ventral mesh repair following a postoperative complication after right hemicolectomy for colon cancer. The patient was diagnosed with a metachronous sigmoid cancer 5 years later, for which he underwent laparotomy. During laparotomy, a migrated mesh was incidentally found and extracted from his proximal ileum without any evidence of abscess or fistula formation.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first report of an incidentally found migrated composite mesh from a bowel lumen in an asymptomatic patient.
Parametric model construction of solid mechanics based on wireless environment and cloud computing mode
Authors: Jian Longji , Song Feifei , Huang Yuansong
Published: October 2020

Traditional parametric models of solid mechanics have disadvantages such as poor lightweight level of cloud data and low integrity of operations of solid mechanics. To solve the above problems, a parametric model for solid mechanics in engineering research based on cloud computing models is designed. By calculating the number of cloud data copy optimizations, the upper limit of resources required for engineering research is estimated, and the specific values is assessed by continuously cycling the demand, so as to complete the basic conflict analysis, and set up a cloud computing engineering research environment. On this basis, the modeling index is selected. By analyzing the sensitivity of the index, the purpose of optimizing the modeling parameters is achieved, and a new solid mechanics parametric model is constructed. Analyzing and contrasting the experimental data shows that after applying the parametric model of solid mechanics in the engineering research based on the cloud computing model, the lightweight level of cloud data can be increased by up to 24 levels, and the operational integrity of solid mechanics can be increased by about 30%.
On the reproduction number and the optimal control of infectious diseases in a heterogenous population
Authors: Chukwu A. U. , Akinyemi J. A. , Adeniyi M. O. , Salawu S. O.
Published: October 2020

The effect of infectious diseases cannot be overemphasised. The continuing surfacing of the infectious diseases gives the stakeholders a great concern. In this paper, the nature of the spread of Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa in 2014 is studied. We develop a model that analyses the spread of infectious diseases, and the reproduction number is determined by using the next generation matrix method. Finally, the effects of treatment of the infected individuals and vaccination of the susceptible population as the control strategies are looked into. The optimal control system showed that the combination of the two strategies proved more effective.
Optical solitons of fractional complex Ginzburg–Landau equation with conformable, beta, and M-truncated derivatives: a comparative study
Authors: Hussain Amjad , Jhangeer Adil , Abbas Naseem , Khan Ilyas , Sherif El-Syed M.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we investigate the optical solitons of the fractional complex Ginzburg–Landau equation (CGLE) with Kerr law nonlinearity which shows various phenomena in physics like nonlinear waves, second-order phase transition, superconductivity, superfluidity, liquid crystals, and strings in field theory. A comparative approach is practised between the three suggested definitions of derivative viz. conformable, beta, and M-truncated. We have constructed the optical solitons of the considered model with a new extended direct algebraic scheme. By utilization of this technique, obtained solutions carry a variety of new families including dark-bright, dark, dark-singular, and singular solutions of Type 1 and 2, and sufficient conditions for the existence of these structures are given. Further, graphical representations of the obtained solutions are depicted. A detailed comparison of solutions to the considered problem, obtained by using different definitions of derivatives, is reported as well.
A general quantum Laplace transform
Authors: Shehata Enas M. , Faried Nashat , El Zafarani Rasha M.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we introduce a general quantum Laplace transform $\mathcal{L}_{\beta }$

L
β

and some of its properties associated with the general quantum difference operator ${D}_{\beta }f(t)= ({f(\beta (t))-f(t)} )/ ({ \beta (t)-t} )$

D
β

f
(
t
)
=
(
f
(
β
(
t
)
)
−
f
(
t
)
)
/
(
β
(
t
)
−
t
)
, β is a strictly increasing continuous function. In addition, we compute the β-Laplace transform of some fundamental functions. As application we solve some β-difference equations using the β-Laplace transform. Finally, we present the inverse β-Laplace transform $\mathcal{L}_{\beta }^{-1}$

L
β

−
1

.
Traveling waves in nonlocal dispersal SIR epidemic model with nonlinear incidence and distributed latent delay
Authors: Wu Weixin , Teng Zhidong
Published: October 2020

This paper studies the traveling waves in a nonlocal dispersal SIR epidemic model with nonlinear incidence and distributed latent delay. It is found that the traveling waves connecting the disease-free equilibrium with endemic equilibrium are determined by the basic reproduction number $\mathcal{R}_{0}$

R
0

and the minimal wave speed $c^{*}$

c
∗

. When $\mathcal{R}_{0}>1$

R
0

>
1
and $c>c^{*}$
c
>

c
∗

, the existence of traveling waves is established by using the upper-lower solutions, auxiliary system, constructing the solution map, and then the fixed point theorem, limiting argument, diagonal extraction method, and Lyapunov functions. When $\mathcal{R}_{0}>1$

R
0

>
1
and $0< c< c^{*}$
0
<
c
<

c
∗

, the nonexistence result is also obtained by using the reduction to absurdity and the theory of asymptotic spreading.
Tiotropium/Olodaterol treatment reduces cigarette smoke extract-induced cell death in BEAS-2B bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Chen Cheng-hsiung , Li Yi-Rong , Lin Sheng-Hao , Chang Hsiu-Hui , Chai Woei-Horng , Chan Po-Chiang , Lin Ching-Hsiung
Published: October 2020

Background

Cigarette smoking is a critical risk factor for the destruction of lung parenchyma or the development of emphysema, which is characteristic of COPD. Disruption of epithelial layer integrity may contribute to lung injury following cigarette smoke extract (CSE) exposure. Tiotropium/olodaterol acts as a bronchodilator for COPD treatment; however, the effect of dual bronchodilators on epithelial cell injury and its underlying mechanism remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effect of tiotropium/olodaterol on CSE-mediated cell death and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Cell viability was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy were evaluated using flow cytometry. Autophagy-related protein, phosphorylated ERK, expression was determined using Western blotting.

Results

Tiotropium/olodaterol significantly inhibited CSE-induced cell death, mitochondria dysfunction, and autophagy, which had no significant effect on apoptosis or necrosis in BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelial cells. Moreover, tiotropium/olodaterol attenuated CSE-induced upregulation of JNK.

Conclusions

CSE induced cell death and caused consistent patterns of autophagy and JNK activation in BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelial cells. Tiotropium/olodaterol treatment protected bronchial epithelial cells from CSE-induced injury and inhibited activation of autophagy and upregulation of JNK phosphorylation. These results indicate that tiotropium/olodaterol may protect epithelial cells from the deleterious effects of CSE exposure, which is associated with the regulation of autophagy and JNK activation.
On the comparability of adults with low literacy across LEO, PIAAC, and NEPS. Methodological considerations and empirical evidence
Authors: Durda Tabea , Gauly Britta , Buddeberg Klaus , Lechner Clemens M. , Artelt Cordula
Published: October 2020

Background

In Germany, three large-scale surveys–the Level One Study (LEO), the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), and the National Educational Panel Study (NEPS)–provide complementary data on adults’ literacy skills that can be harnessed to study adults with low literacy. To ensure that research on low-literate adults using these surveys arrives at valid and robust conclusions, it is imperative to ascertain the comparability of the three surveys’ low-literacy samples. Towards that end, in the present study, we comprehensively assess the comparability of adults with low literacy across these surveys with regard to their sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics.

Methods

We used data from LEO, PIAAC, and NEPS. We identified features of the sample representation and measurement of (low) literacy as potential causes for variations in the low-literacy samples across the surveys. We then compared the low-literacy samples with regard to their sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics and performed logistic regressions to compare the relative importance of these characteristics as correlates of low literacy.

Results

The key insight our study provides is that–despite different sample representations and measurement approaches–the low-literacy samples in the three surveys are largely comparable in terms of their socioeconomic and sociodemographic characteristics. Although there were small differences between the surveys with regard to the distribution of gender, educational attainment, and the proportion of non-native speakers within the group of low-literate adults, results revealed that both the prevalence of low literacy and its correlates were largely robust across LEO, PIAAC, and NEPS. Across all three surveys, lower educational attainment emerged as the most significant correlate of low literacy, followed by a non-German language background, unemployment and low occupational status.

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence that all three surveys can be used for investigating adults with low literacy. The small differences between the low-literacy samples across the three surveys appear to be associated with sample representation and certain assessment features that should be kept in mind when using the surveys for research and policy purposes. Nevertheless, our study showed that we do not compare apples with oranges when dealing with low-literate adults across different large-scale surveys.
A new method for the empirical conversion of logging data to clay mineral fraction in the Nankai accretionary prism
Authors: Yabe Suguru , Fukuchi Rina , Hamada Yohei , Kimura Gaku
Published: October 2020

Sediment lithology, especially the clay mineral fraction, is basic geologic information, which is important for understanding faulting and evolutionary process of the accretionary prism. During scientific drilling, the clay mineral fraction is measured using X-ray diffraction analyses of samples from the acquired cores. However, coring in an accretionary prism is sometimes difficult, which hinders the acquisition of clay mineral fraction data. This study details the development of a new method used to empirically estimate the clay mineral fraction from the electrical resistivity and natural gamma ray logs obtained from the Kumano section of the Nankai Tough, where multiple scientific drilling expeditions have been conducted. This method is composed of two steps. First, porosity is estimated using electrical resistivity logs. In order to compensate for the effect of porosity, the natural gamma ray logs are then normalized using (1 − porosity). Second, the normalized natural gamma ray logs are converted into clay mineral fractions using an empirical conversion function. This empirical function was determined by comparing all available normalized natural gamma ray logs and clay mineral fractions data collected from the Kumano section of the Nankai Trough. As a byproduct of the porosity estimations, thermal conductivity and temperature depth profiles were also estimated for all of the logging sites. As electrical resistivity logs and natural gamma ray logs are essential measurements made during scientific drilling, this new method can be applied to future drilling expeditions in the Nankai Trough. Although the empirical conversion function established in this study is valid only at the Kumano section of the Nankai trough, the same procedure can be applicable to other subduction zones to establish local empirical conversion functions if enough data are available. The clay mineral fraction depth profile estimated using this method can provide useful information for various geological studies, including sedimentology and structural geology of the shallow accretionary prism.
A novel research method for workshops and co-production of interventions: using a secret Facebook group
Authors: Buelo Audrey , Kirk Alison , Jepson Ruth
Published: November 2020

Background

Co-production of interventions is reliant on good communication and consensus between participants and researchers, but attending in-person meetings and workshops is hard for time-constrained groups such as new mums, who may be geographically dispersed without reliable transport. Discussions with a lay advisory group resulted in the decision to hold a workshop over a secret Facebook group. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of a secret Facebook group for co-production activities. In the example presented, the population was women with previous gestational diabetes, the topic was physical inactivity, and the purpose was to develop an acceptable physical activity intervention.

Methods

The researchers created a secret Facebook group with content similar to an in-person workshop that sequentially progressed to develop a programme theory for an intervention. The researcher posted 1–2 times per day for 14 days, and members of the group were invited to comment and discuss the content. Feasibility and acceptability of the group were analysed using Facebook analytics and a post-workshop survey.

Results

Twenty-one participants took part. In total, 521 comments were provided in response to 18 posts of varying types (average = 28.9 comments per post). The total word count of participant comments was 21,142 words. The workshop was viewed positively, with 20 of 21 participants saying they liked the workshop “somewhat” or “a great deal”, and felt the group was a safe and open environment to share opinions. When asked if they would take part in something like this again, 15 of 21 said “Yes”. Participants mentioned the format was convenient; it allowed them to reflect on their experiences, and they liked helping research progress. Those who say “maybe” said it was difficult finding time and depended on what else was going on.

Conclusion

Using a secret Facebook group as a method of co-production or as a workshop in the research process is a feasible and acceptable method. Social media holds significant potential for co-production and involvement in research for populations who are geographically dispersed or time-constrained, with an uncommon condition or other circumstances where in-person meetings are either not appropriate or not possible.
Effectiveness of a mobile phone application to increase access to sexual and reproductive health information, goods, and services among university students in Uganda: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nuwamanya Elly , Nalwanga Robinah , Nuwasiima Afra , Babigumira Janet U. , Asiimwe Francis T. , Babigumira Joseph B. , Ngambouk Vitalis P.
Published: October 2020

Background

University students are one of the most vulnerable groups to sexual reproductive health [SRH] threats like sexually transmitted infections [STIs], unwanted pregnancies, and unsafe abortions and often have limited access to SRH information, goods, and services. This study assessed the effectiveness of using a mobile phone application (APP) to increase access to SRH information, goods, and services among university students in Uganda.

Methods

Using data from a double-blinded randomized controlled trial, participants were randomly assigned to both the intervention (APP) and control (standard of care) arms. We executed descriptive analyses for baseline demographic characteristics by intervention, difference in difference (DID), and quantile regression analyses for both primary and secondary outcomes.

Results

The median age of participants was 21 years of age, and the majority were female (over 60%), unemployed (over 85%) and Christian (90%). Over 50% were resident in off-campus hostels and in a relationship. Between baseline and end-line, there was a significant increase in SRH knowledge score (DID = 2, P < 0.001), contraceptive use (DID = 6.6%, P < 0.001), HIV Voluntary testing and counselling (DID = 17.2%, P < 0.001), STI diagnosis and treatment (DID = 12.9%, P < 0.001), and condom use at last sex (DID = 4%,P = 0.02) among students who used the APP. There was a significant 0.98 unit increase in knowledge score (adjusted coefficient = 0.98, P < 0.001), a significant 1.6-fold increase in odds of contraceptive use (adjusted coefficient = 1.6, P = 0.04), a significant 3.5-fold increase in HIV VCT (adjusted coefficient = 3.5, P < 0.001), and a significant 2-fold increase in odds of STI testing and treatment (adjusted coefficient = 1.9, P < 0.001) after adjusting for demographic characteristics among APP users compared to the control group.

Conclusion

A mobile phone application increased sexual and reproductive health information (knowledge score), access to goods (contraceptives), and services (HIV voluntary testing and counseling and sexually transmitted infection diagnosis and management) among sexually active university students in Uganda. Further technical development, including the refinement of youth-friendly attributes, extending access to the app with other platforms besides android which was pilot tested, as well as further research into potential economic impact and paths to sustainability, is needed before the app is deployed to the general youth population in Uganda and other low-income settings.

Trial registration

MUREC1/7 No. 07/05–18. Registered on June 29, 2018.
Benefits and damages of the use of touchscreen devices for the development and behavior of children under 5 years old—a systematic review
Authors: Rocha Bruno , Nunes Cristina
Published: October 2020

Aim

Several health organizations have been expressing concern about the amount of time children spend using electronic devices and about the benefits and damages of the use of touchscreen devices, such as smartphones or tablets, for the development and behavior of children under the age of 5. A systematic review was carried out in order to understand the impact of touchscreen device usage toward children’s development and behavior under the age of 5.

Methods

Using the PRISMA method, from a total of 6314 studies found in online databases, searched in English, between 01/01/2000 and 01/10/2018, 11 studies were selected for analysis.

Results

The results revealed that, in children under the age of 5, the damages of the use of touchscreen devices are superior to the benefits that may result, especially when there are more hours of screen time. More importance is given to the quality of the child-adult relationship and not to the use of touchscreen devices. Nevertheless, some studies emphasize some aspects that may reduce the negative effects, such as moderate use, less screen time, parental monitoring, and viewing educational programs in an academic environment.

Conclusions

Guidelines that should be given to parents about the use of touchscreen devices by children are discussed. The limitation of this study was the difficulty in finding studies directed to the desired age and type of electronic device. This may be taken as a potential cause of bias.
Evidence of validity and reliability of the adaptive functioning scale for intellectual disability (EFA-DI)
Authors: Selau Thais , da Silva Mônia Aparecida , de Mendonça Filho Euclides José , Bandeira Denise Ruschel
Published: October 2020

Intellectual disability (ID) is a developmental disorder characterized by deficits in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. The fifth edition of theDiagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders(DSM-5) defines adaptive functioning as a severity measure of ID. The availability of tests in the international context to assess this construct has increased in recent years. In Brazil, however, non-systematic assessment of adaptive functioning, such as through observation and interviews, still predominates. TheEscala de Funcionamento Adaptativo para Deficiência Intelectual EFA-DI[Adaptive Functioning Scale for Intellectual Disabilities] is a new instrument developed in Brazil to assess the adaptive functioning of 7- to 15-year-old children and support the diagnosis of ID. This study’s objectives were to investigate evidence of validity related to the EFA-DI’s internal structure, criterion validity, and reliability. The psychometric analyses involved two statistical modeling types, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and item response theory analysis (IRT). These results highlight the EFA-DI scale’s strong psychometric properties and support its use as a parental report measure of young children’s adaptive functioning. Future studies will be conducted to develop norms of interpretation for the EFA-DI. This study is expected to contribute to the fields of psychological assessment and child development in Brazil.
Percutaneous salvage interventions in the Glenn circuit: a case series
Authors: Mukherji Aritra , Ghosh Sanjiban , Das Jayita Nandi , Chattopadhyay Amitabha
Published: October 2020

Background

In majority of children bidirectional Glenn shunt is a safe and efficacious procedure with minimal post-operative issues. Rarely, there may be dysfunction in the Glenn pathway due loss of anatomical integrity or derangements in normal physiological or hemodynamic milieu. We report 4 cases in the last 3 years (2016-2019) where complications in the Glenn circuit led to serious consequences requiring transcatheter interventions.

Case presentation

Two of our patients presented with frank features of superior vena cava syndrome. One of them had right Glenn anastomotic site narrowing leading to severe obstruction along with significant left pulmonary artery origin stenosis. The other child had excessive antegrade flow impeding normal Glenn flow leading to superior vena cava syndrome. The next child in our series was initially lost to follow-up after bidirectional Glenn surgery. Later on, this child was noted to have discontinuous left pulmonary artery with perfusion only to the right lung from the Glenn. The remaining child described in this series had developed a large tortuous venous collateral post Glenn shunt leading to severe cyanosis. All the above children needed prompt percutaneous interventions to revert back to their basal state. On follow-up, the benefit was sustained in all.

Conclusions

Percutaneous intervention procedures often provide a successful bailout option in various complicated situations post Glenn surgery with reasonable efficacy and safety.
President's Page
Authors: Nessim Maurice
Published: November 2020

I am honored and eager to serve as the 90th SEG president. As I undertake this great responsibility, I am fully aware that I am standing on the shoulders of those presidents who served before me — all of them the visionaries, entrepreneurs, and intellectual foundations of the applied-geophysics industry. Alan Kay, credited as the father of mobile computing, is often quoted as saying, “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” As 2020–2021 SEG president, I commit to proactively support the difficult decisions necessary to maintain SEG’s legacy of excellence in applied geophysics and to invent an even more dynamic and relevant SEG for the future. Clearly, these times call for us all to be brave and proactive.
Xenoflesh
Authors: Ryle Simon
Published: November 2020

This essay explores three recent celebrated novels that are concerned with the consumption of meat: Joseph D’Lacey’s Meat, J. M. Coetzee’s Elizabeth Costello, and Han Kang’s The Vegetarian. The essay develops the critical terms xenoflesh, zoē poetics, and carnojectivity in order to further understanding of these novels and their wider bearing on human-animal relations. Building from the classical distinction between bios and zoē (political and “bare life”) described by Giorgio Agamben, this essay theorizes an occluded flesh that is violently excluded from discourse: xenoflesh. Industrial farming and its product, meat, is one of the most fundamental ways of enforcing this division of the flesh across modernity. As my essay explores, D’Lacey’s, Coetzee’s, and Han’s novels forge a new zoē poetics: an ethical, speculative, and ecological aesthetics that investigates how the meat is one of the most deeply inscribed modes of silencing the uncanny call of xenoflesh.
Research Roundup
Authors: Oliver Emily
Published: October 2020

Emily Oliver provides a synopsis and brief review of a selection of recently published research articles that are of interest to neuroscience nurses, highlighting key points to keep you up to date; a full reference is provided for those who wish to read the research in more detail
COVID-19's impact on neurology and national solutions through education
Authors: Peel Charli
Published: October 2020

The impact of COVID-19 on the neurological community has been significant. At the same time, a huge amount has been learned and shared in the healthcare community through new educational models, peer support and virtual platforms. Charlie Peel unpacks both the impact and the response at a national and local level.
LGBTQ+ people living with dementia: an under-served population
Authors: Cousins Emily , de Vries Kay , Dening Karen Harrison
Published: October 2020

Background

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people living with dementia are an under-served population. They are often at greater risk of vulnerability, discrimination, loneliness, health inequalities and poorer health outcomes.

Aims

The aim of this applied practice paper was to produce an introductory summary of some of the challenges and considerations facing LGBTQ+ people living with dementia. This is the second in a series of clinical articles on dementia in underserved populations.

Methods

A literature overview was undertaken comprising a number of literature searches. Salient academic articles, policy papers and third sector reports were analysed to identify themes.

Findings

Three main themes emerged from the analysis regarding LGBTQ+ people living with dementia: an increasing awareness of needs; challenges and considerations; and recommendations for improving practice and care.

Conclusions

Challenges and considerations facing LGBTQ+ people living with dementia include living with memory problems, remembering the past, reminiscence, personal relationships and receiving care. Recommendations include comprehensive training for health and care professionals, as well as strengthened peer support networks. Areas for future research to fully understand the needs of this under-served population are also suggested.
Identification of osteoporosis treatment gaps
Authors: Hemmer Christopher , Moore Karen
Published: October 2020

Background/aims

Osteoporosis is implicated in over 8.9 million fragility fractures worldwide with a cost in the United States of America of 19 billion dollars. The number of osteoporosis-related fractures and the associated human and financial costs are projected to continue to rise as the American population ages (Zeldow, 2018). Screening and identification of patients with decreased bone density can prevent or delay the onset of this insidious condition. This study was developed to evaluate the following research questions: 1. Which risk factors are most strongly associated with the completion of Dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) screening? 2. When patients are provided instruction on osteoporosis screening guidelines from a health care provider, how likely are they to comply with DXA screening? 3. Which healthcare providers are providing instruction on osteoporosis guidelines to patients?

Methods

A 22-question osteoporosis survey addressing history of fracture, modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, and compliance with recommendations was developed by the authors and distributed to a sample of 270 patients presenting to medical offices during a 1-month period in 2018.

Results

It was found that 49.26% (n=133) of patients reported they received counseling regarding osteoporosis prevention while 50.74% (n=137) of patients reported that bone health was never addressed by any healthcare provider. Those healthcare providers that did discuss bone health with their patients were noted to most frequently practice in the primary care setting 30.7% (n=83). Other healthcare providers patients identified in the survey as discussing bone health were specialists in orthopaedics at 8.5% (n=23), obstetrics/gynecology 7% (n=19), rheumatology 2.6% (n=7), oncology 2.9% (n=8), and endocrinology 1% (n=3). The risk factors most strongly associated with the completion of DXA screening in this survey were loss of height, fracture after 50 years of age, and oral corticosteroid use.

Conclusions

Osteoporosis is considered a ‘silent disease’ that often goes unrecognised by providers and patients until after fracture occurs. This study highlights the need for providers to educate on bone health and to find better ways to ensure patient compliance.
Body dysmorphic disorder: the ongoing effects of lockdown on mental health
Authors: Hool Claire
Published: October 2020

Though restrictions are lifting and we have already started navigating this ‘new normal’, the repercussions of the pandemic on mental health are yet to be fully realised. One area of concern is the apparent rise in people emerging from lockdown suffering from body dysmorphic disorder. Claire Hool explores the reasons for this rise and discusses the ways that aesthetic practitioners can help patients who are showing signs of this underdiagnosed disorder
Non-surgical rhinoplasty with dermal fillers
Authors: Gutierrez-Fayos Ricardo
Published: October 2020

With the increase in popularity of non-surgical rhinoplasty, there is an increasing risk of complications arising from this treatment.

The nose has a very complex vascularity, with frequent anatomical variations, making it difficult to create a safety rule for practicing dermal fillers. In-depth knowledge of the anatomy, as well as expert and gentle hands, are prerequisites for minimising the risks. Previous surgical rhinoplasty is a risk factor for the treatment with dermal fillers at the nose. Patient selection is of the utmost importance, and practitioners must assess the benefit versus the inherent risk for each patient.

Product selection is vital for the prevention of complications, as a large number of cases of blindness derive from fat transfer techniques, and in case of a vascular occlusion affecting the retina, there is only 1 hour to recover blood circulation before the retina suffers permanent damage.
Deeds not words
Authors: Bhatti Farah
Published: October 2020

Advancing surgical care by supporting our surgical workforce.
Rebels, groundbreakers and trailblazers: the first ladies of surgery
Authors: Rea V
Published: October 2020

This article explores the barriers preventing women from entering the surgical profession in the 19th century and the ingenious ways in which women overcame them. Elizabeth Garrett Anderson is known as the first woman in Britain to qualify as a doctor. What is less well known is that she also waged a 45-year battle with The Royal College of Surgeons of England over the admission of women to surgical examinations, which is documented in the College archive.

The history of women's entry into the surgical profession.
What's in a name?
Authors: Hopkins C
Published: October 2020

In this article, Claire Hopkins discusses how the neglect of professional titles when introducing women in surgery reflects a subtle form of unconscious bias that may appear trivial, but can adversely affect their perceived authority. Consistent use of titles across all members of the team, regardless of race or gender, or a decision to take a more informal approach across the team, is important to foster an environment of equality.

Addressing unconscious bias, with one pair of Mr Louboutins at a time.
Innovating with military precision
Authors: Kerstein Ryan
Published: October 2020

Our resident gadget geek surveys the tech landscape
Is being a role model a straightjacket or a privilege?
Authors: Cornish JA
Published: October 2020

What is a role model, how do you decide who they should be? If you are considered a role model, how do you talk to others about the choices you have made? With the decline in numbers of trainees opting for surgery as a career and an increasing numbers of female medical students in the UK, this article explores some of the issues around choosing role models and how we might present a career in surgery to students and trainees at all levels.

Redefining emulation.
1GHz clocked distribution of electrically generated entangled photon pairs
Authors: Shooter Ginny , Xiang Zi-Heng , Müller Jonathan R. A , Skiba-Szymanska Joanna , Huwer Jan , Griffiths Jonathan , Mitchell Thomas , Anderson Matthew , Müller Tina , Krysa Andrey B. , Mark Stevenson R. , Heffernan Jon , Ritchie David A. , Shields Andrew J.
Published: October 2020

Quantum networks are essential for realising distributed quantum computation and quantum communication. Entangled photons are a key resource, with applications such as quantum key distribution, quantum relays, and quantum repeaters. All components integrated in a quantum network must be synchronised and therefore comply with a certain clock frequency. In quantum key distribution, the most mature technology, clock rates have reached and exceeded 1GHz. Here we show the first electrically pulsed sub-Poissonian entangled photon source compatible with existing fiber networks operating at this clock rate. The entangled LED is based on InAs/InP quantum dots emitting in the main telecom window, with a multi-photon probability of less than 10% per emission cycle and a maximum entanglement fidelity of 89%. We use this device to demonstrate GHz clocked distribution of entangled qubits over an installed fiber network between two points 4.6km apart.
Light management in ultra-thin solar cells: a guided optimisation approach
Authors: Camarillo Abad Eduardo , Joyce Hannah J. , Hirst Louise C.
Published: October 2020

The success of ever-thinner photovoltaics relies on the introduction of light management strategies to enhance the absorption of incident illumination. Tailoring these strategies to maximise the absorption of light requires optimising the complex interplay between multiple design parameters. We study this interplay with a transfer matrix method and rigorous coupled-wave analysis, within the context of waveguide modes in an ultra-thin (80 nm) GaAs solar cell. Based on this study, we develop a framework for light management optimisation which is guided by the underlying optical phenomena that determine the most favourable design parameters. In contrast to other optimisation approaches which exhaustively simulate multiple parameter combinations looking for the highest integrated absorption, our framework reduces the parameter space for optimisation, furthers our fundamental understanding of light management and is applicable to multiple length-scales and device architectures. We demonstrate the power of our framework by using it to compare the light trapping performance of photonic crystal gratings to that of engineered quasi-random structures, finding that photonic crystal gratings offer a superior performance in our device of interest.
Miki Kratsman and Shabtai Pinchevsky: The Anti-Mapping project
Authors: Fisher Andrew
Published: October 2020

This article introduces an evolving project of visual mapping initiated by Israeli photographers Miki Kratsman and Shabtai Pinchevsky under the title of Anti-Mapping. Placing this critical project in the context of the Israel/Palestine conflict, the article examines how Kratsman and Pinchevsky develop complex, strategic and critically sophisticated approaches to visualizing the conditions that produce victims of violence and that place Palestinian villages under threat of destruction. The article explores their strategic, technical and critical approaches to the difficulties of representing particular contested places in this geopolitical context.
Between real and virtual, map and terrain: ScanLab Projects, Post-lenticular Landscapes
Authors: Ainsworth Peter
Published: October 2020

London-based company ScanLab Projects is a multi-disciplinary commercial collaboration between architect, artist, coders and designers who utilize technologies surrounding 3D laser scanning in their practice. Inherent in the manner their projects are pitched is through reference to the photographic as technological process. Central to their engagement with the light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning apparatus is a consideration of the relationality between virtual or digital object and what could be determined as extrinsic or ‘real’ terrain. In Post-lenticular Landscapes, 2017, ScanLab created a series of LiDAR scans of Yosemite National Park. The landscape, presented as a stereoscopic film work where the spectator flies through an ephemeral black and white point cloud, is contextualized relationally to a certain photo-historical context and lineage: As Yosemite is synonymous with the advent of photographic process through the work of Muybridge, Watkins, Woods and Adams, the work revisits an archetypal image of the American sublime. In this text, I unpack ScanLab’s usage and conceptualization of LiDAR scans referentially to an understanding of the photographic. By considering how ScanLab frames our understanding of the project through the technological apparatus, the text attempts to problematize the scans by reading them through a particular art historic heritage. In this context, I posit alternate ways of reading the work, specifically through reference to the image of Yosemite that has proliferated across the desktops of Apple computers since 2014. Furthermore, through a reading of metonymy in the writing of Eelco Runia, the eerie as understood by Mark Fisher and in relation to Lev Manovich’s description of photorealism, I propose that the future of the mediation and understandings of machinic vision are to be thought with a reconsidered notion of the photographic.