bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Young People With Borderline Personality Disorder Have an Increased Lifetime Risk of Being the Victim of Interpersonal Violence
Authors: Cavelti Marialuisa , Thompson Katherine , Betts Jennifer , Fowler Claire , Luebbers Stefan , Cottton Sue M. , Chanen Andrew
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to examine the lifetime risk of being the victim of criminal or violent offenses among young people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) features (1-9 DSM-IV criteria). Demographic and diagnostic data from 492 outpatients who attended a specialist public mental health service for 15- to 25-year-olds between January 1998 and March 2008 were linked with offending data from a state-wide police database, collected between March 1993 and June 2017, in order to establish victimization history. This included information on criminal offenses perpetrated against these young people and intervention orders implemented to protect them from being victimized by another person’s violent behavior. Logistic regression analyses, adjusted for sex and co-occurring mental state disorders, were conducted on n = 378 who had complete data (76.5% females). As hypothesized, BPD diagnosis and number of BPD criteria were both significantly associated with an increased risk of being the victim of a violent offense and the complainant of a family violence intervention order. Anger and impulsivity independently predicted a higher risk of being the victim of a violent offense, while unstable relationships, impulsivity, and affective instability independently predicted a higher risk of being the complainant of a family violence intervention order. No significant association was found between BPD and the risk of being the victim of a nonviolent offense. These findings indicate that young people with any BPD features (even below the DSM diagnostic threshold) are at increased risk for victimization by interpersonal violence. Moreover, this risk increases according to the number of BPD criteria. This issue needs to be addressed by prevention and early intervention programs (e.g., by working on self-assertion and interpersonal skills, taking into account the possible influence of previous traumatizing relationship experiences).
Alternate Nostril Breathing to Reduce Stress: An Option for Pregnant Women Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence?
Authors: Rung Ottilie , Stauber Leah , Loescher Lois J. , Pace Thaddeus W.
Published: January 2021

Background:

Stress resulting from intimate partner violence (IPV) on pregnant women causes and sustains poor health and contributes to poor pregnancy and birth outcomes. Appropriate interventions to reduce stress in this population of women are warranted.

Objective:

To present a systematic review and the state of the science of evidence on alternate nostril breathing (ANB) as a holistic intervention for stress reduction for pregnant survivors of IPV, framed by complex adaptive systems theory and psychoneuroimmunology.

Data Sources:

Eight databases and reference lists of potential articles.

Study Eligibility Criteria:

Randomized controlled trials published between January 2013 and July 2019.

Participants:

Adults.

Intervention:

ANB.

Study Appraisal and Synthesis Method:

PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.

Results:

ANB is effective in reducing stress, as measured by psychological and biological indicators.

Limitations:

Studies were limited in ethnic and gender diversity, most of the populations being Asian Indian and predominately male.

Conclusions:

Use of ANB as a safe and effective holistic intervention for stress reduction shows promise, but research in pregnant survivors of IPV is limited.

Implications:

Stress reduction benefits may be significant for pregnant survivors of IPV and their fetuses, with minimal risk.
Two-dimensional high-precision non-contact automatic measurement method based on image corner coordinates
Authors: Li Maoyue , Xu Yonghao , Chen Zengtao , Ma Kangsheng , Liu Lifei
Published: January 2021

Aiming at some shortcomings of the existing non-contact two-dimensional high-precision measurement methods, this paper proposes a two-dimensional high-precision non-contact automatic measurement method based on the corner coordinates of the image. Firstly, this paper designs a set of simple image acquisition device and explains the advantages of the Canny operator used in the image contour detection algorithm. Subsequently, this paper proposes a dimension calibration algorithm based on image corner coordinates, which can convert the pixel size to the actual size, and achieves the function of the algorithm by hierarchical, multi-step processing of the image. Finally, in order to realize the intelligent positioning and selection of the standard size workpiece position, an automatic measurement and positioning system is designed, which can convert the actual size signal into the pulse time control signal. The experimental results show that the measurement method proposed in this paper has the advantages of fast measurement speed, high robustness, low cost and high degree of automation. When using a black-and-white checkerboard paper with an accuracy of 0.1 mm, the measurement accuracy can reach the micron level.
Photostable electroactive polymer based nanocomposite films for the protection of mild steel from corrosion
Authors: Pugazhenthi I , Safiullah S Mohammed , Basha K Anver
Published: January 2021

The deterioration of organic film due to chemical and UV attack is an increasing concern in paint technology. Thus, the development of new material for UV blocking anticorrosive film draws significant attention in materials science research. This can be achieved by the incorporation of wide band gap nanoparticles like titania (TiO2NPs) and zirconia (ZrO2NPs) in electroactive polymer namely poly(pyridine-4-yl-methyl) methacrylate-co-butyl methacrylate (poly(PyMMA-co-BMA)) film (hybrid film) for the protection of mild steel (MS) from corrosion. The TiO2NPs and ZrO2NPs in combination with polymer absorb more UV light which prevents the deterioration of film. The hybrid material made of poly(PyMMA-co-BMA) and wide band gap nanoparticles was prepared by in situ solution polymerization. The resultant hybrid materials were characterized by various techniques namely X-ray diffraction studies (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The hybrid materials were deposited as film on the MS by spin coating method. The anticorrosive performance of hybrid films was analysed out using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies. The surface examination of films were characterized with scanning electron microscope to confirm the formation of poly(PyMMA-co-BMA) and its different nanocomposite films on MS. The UV blocking studies were also carried out using UV-visible spectroscopy. The electrochemical and optical studies reveals that the poly(PyMMA-co-BMA)/TiO2 film on MS in 3.5% (w/v) NaCl provides better protection against corrosion than ZrO2 based nanocomposite hybrid film.
Trichorhinopharyngeal Syndrome Type 1 and Trisomy 21: A Patient with 2 Genetic Mutations
Authors: Wolfe Viktoriya , Chinnakaruppan Nachammai R.
Published: January 2021

Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome (TRPS) Type I is a rare, autosomal dominant genetic syndrome with a spectrum of characteristics affecting hair, craniofacial, and skeletal development. It was first described in 1966 by Giedion based on three main features of sparse hair, bulbous nasal tip, and short deformed fingers. TRPS Type I is generally associated with mutations or microdeletions in the TRPS1 gene on chromosome 8q23.3, with translocations on this chromosomal arm also reported. The prevalence of TRPS Type I is unknown due to varying and subtle presenting features. Approximately 100 cases of TRPS Type I and III and 100 cases of TRPS Type II have been described and published up until 2017. We describe the neonatal course of an infant with TRPS Type I and Trisomy 21, two chromosomal anomalies prenatally diagnosed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of TRPS with Trisomy 21.
Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), Crisis Communication Principles and the COVID-19 Response in South Korea
Authors: Paek Hye-Jin , Hove Thomas
Published: January 2021

This case study highlights several communication insights that have emerged from the South Korean national response to COVID-19. In particular, it focuses on how innovative disease control programmes and information and communications technologies (ICT) have been used in conjunction with appropriate message strategies. The South Korean government used ICTs in a variety of ways to enhance crisis communication, coordinate large-scale public health efforts and supply chains, and facilitate widespread adoption of preventive measures such as social distancing and mask wearing. The response and communication strategies were based on principles established by research in social sciences and recommended for pandemic response, including social marketing, crisis communication, and normative influence. South Korea’s COVID-19 response and communication strategies can provide useful insights for national efforts to manage COVID-19 and other possible future infectious disease outbreaks.
Measure point arrangement strategy for in-service continuous girder bridge SHM with consideration of structural robustness (Special Issue of ICAST 2019)
Authors: Jin Qiwen , Liu Zheng
Published: January 2021

In-service bridges, under long-term service operational environment, are usually accompanied by different damage types. Traditional method for the measure point arrangement of in-service bridge SHM is usually based on engineering experience. A large number of SHM sensors are usually arranged on the structure, followed by a high engineering cost and a heavy maintenance task. These sensors will also produce large amounts of data, creating a challenge for operators requiring to deal with data processing in an effective manner. This study serves as a part of the series of studies on the measure point arrangement strategy of in-service bridge SHM. In this study, the SHM sensor measure point arrangement of in-service continuous girder bridge (a common structural style of high way bridge in China) is proposed. Two-span continuous beam, three-span continuous beam, and four-span continuous beam are taken as examples. Detailed comparison and verification are also performed with consideration of numerical simulation and previous studies. Different traffic speeds and different bridge spans are considered. The effect of different damage locations and different damage degrees are analyzed in detail. This study shows that a general similar trend can be observed for the structural robustness of in-service continuous girder bridge. The elements with smaller structural robustness of this kind of bridge are basically located around the middle cross section of side spans (first span and last span), followed by the middle span. Moreover, the numerical value of structural robustness of different elements in a continuous girder bridge is significantly different from each other, due to the complexity of the joint effect of different traffic speeds and damage locations. Therefore, the measure point should be generally arranged at the side span firstly, followed by the middle span. With consideration of the specific traffic speed and damage location in engineering application, a detailed analysis is also proposed for the further optimization of SHM sensor measure point arrangement. Once the elements are arranged in order of the numerical value of structural robustness, the SHM sensor measure point arrangement of this kind of bridge can be more targeted, and the number of sensors can also be greatly reduced.
Community-Based Interventions to Reduce Child Maltreatment
Authors: Lo Camilla Kin-Ming , Cho Yuet Wing
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

This review seeks to summarize selected literature on existing findings on the impacts of community-based interventions on the actual reduction of child maltreatment and to identify the core components of the interventions.

Methods:

This study systematically searched electronic databases, including PsycInfo, Medline, and Web of Science. The findings of the selected studies were summarized using narrative synthesis.

Results:

A total of four studies met the inclusion criteria of this study. The studies showed declines in child maltreatment incidences reported by child protective services and hospitals during the study periods. Four major components and approaches were identified among the selected interventions, including (1) the involvement of community members, (2) partnerships with community institutions, (3) multidisciplinary collaboration, and (4) responsiveness to the needs of the communities involved.

Conclusions:

The results of this review support the need for further development of community-based interventions using a hybrid approach.
An Ethically Justified Approach That Integrates Advance Directives Discussions With Care of the Patient With Cancer
Authors: Patel Rima , Mathew Paul
Published: January 2021

Although the frequency of advance directives discussions may be increasing, there is a need to improve the quality of these discussions. In a range of advanced medical illnesses, including cancer, poor outcomes with advanced cardiopulmonary life support (ACLS) have been well documented. However, when speaking to patients at the end-of-life, physicians frequently withhold evidence-based information and guidance about prognosis or outcomes of ACLS. Tools and models developed to facilitate communication at the end-of-life do not explicitly include recommendations on advance directives and specifically do not discuss the available evidence on ACLS outcomes in the seriously ill. Here, we review the current literature on outcomes of ACLS and current tools and communications for end-of-life discussions. A majority of patients have a preference for truth-telling and guidance. We advocate an approach that integrates individual goals and preferences with a shared understanding of prognosis and appropriate management options, as judged and recommended by the disease experts, in order to reach an evidence-based decision on advance directives. This pragmatic and ethically justified approach emphasizes active empathic communication to prioritize the care of the patient over the mechanical details of ACLS, thereby aligning end-of-life discussions with current practices in other domains of medicine.
Unbiased examination of genome-wide human endogenous retrovirus transcripts in MS brain lesions
Authors: Elkjaer Maria L , Frisch Tobias , Tonazzolli Arianna , Röttger Richard , Reynolds Richard , Baumbach Jan , Illes Zsolt
Published: January 2021

Background:

Human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) expression in multiple sclerosis (MS) brain lesions may contribute to chronic inflammation, but expression of genome-wide HERVs in different MS lesions is unknown.

Objective:

We examined the HERV expression landscape in different MS lesions compared to control brains.

Methods:

Transcripts from 71 MS brain samples and 25 control WM were obtained by next-generation RNA sequencing and mapped against HERV transcripts across the human genome. Differential expression of mapped HERV-W and HERV-H reads between MS lesion types and controls was analysed.

Results:

Out of 6.38 billion high-quality paired end reads, 174 million reads (2.73%) mapped to HERV transcripts. There was no difference in HERVs expression level between MS and control brains, but HERV-W transcripts were significantly reduced in chronic active lesions. Of the four HERV-W transcripts exclusively present in MS, ERV3633503 located on chromosome 7q21.13 close to the MS genetic risk locus had the highest number of reads. In the HERV-H family, 75% of transcripts located to nearby 7q21-22 were overrepresented in MS, and ERV3643914 was expressed more than 16 times in MS compared to control brains.

Conclusion:

Novel HERV-W and HERV-H transcripts located at chromosome 7 regions were uniquely expressed in MS lesions, indicating their potential role in brain lesion evolution.
Urgent and non-emergent telehealth care for seniors: Findings from a multi-site impact study
Authors: Bernstein Paul , Ko Kelly J , Israni Juhi , Cronin Alexandria O , Kurliand Michael M , Shi Jiaxiao M , Chung Joanie , Borgo Lina , Reed Amanda , Kosten Larissa , Chang Anna Marie , Sites Frank D , Funahashi Tadashi , Agha Zia
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The global pandemic has raised awareness of the need for alternative ways to deliver care, notably telehealth. Prior to this study, research has been mixed on its effectiveness and impact on downstream utilization, especially for seniors. Our multi-institution study of more than 300,000 telehealth visits for seniors evaluates the clinical and utilization outcomes for urgent and non-emergent symptoms.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study from November 2015 to March 2019, leveraging different models of telehealth from three health systems, comparing them to in-person visits for urgent and non-emergent needs of seniors based on International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition diagnoses. The study population was adults aged 60 years or older who had access to telehealth, and were affiliated with and resided in the geographic region of the healthcare organization providing telehealth. The primary outcomes of interest were visit resolution and episodes of care for those that required follow-up.

Results

In total, 313,516 telehealth visits were analysed across three healthcare organizations. Telehealth encounters were successful in resolving urgent and non-emergent needs in 84.0–86.7% of cases. When visits required follow-up, over 95% were resolved in less than three visits for both telehealth and in-person cohorts.

Discussion

While in-person visits have traditionally been the gold standard, our results suggest that when deployed within the confines of a patient’s existing primary care and health system provider, telehealth can be an effective alternative to in-person care for urgent and non-emergent needs of seniors without increasing downstream utilization.
White tears, white rage: Victimhood and (as) violence in mainstream feminism
Authors: Phipps Alison
Published: January 2021

Using #MeToo as a starting point, this paper argues that the cultural power of mainstream white feminism partly derives from the cultural power of white tears. This in turn depends on the dehumanisation of people of colour, who were constructed in colonial ‘race science’ as incapable of complex feeling (Schuller, 2018). Colonialism also created a circuit between bourgeois white women’s tears and white men’s rage, often activated by allegations of rape, which operated in the service of economic extraction and exploitation. This circuit endures, abetting the criminal punishment system and the weaponisation of ‘women’s safety’ by the various border regimes of the right. It has especially been utilised by reactionary forms of feminism, which set themselves against sex workers and trans people. Such feminisms exemplify what I call ‘political whiteness’, which centres assertions of victimhood: through these, womanhood (and personhood) is claimed to the exclusion of the enemy. Through legitimating criminal punishment and border policing and dehumanising marginalised Others, claims to victimhood in mainstream feminism often end up strengthening the intersecting violence of racial capitalism and heteropatriarchy.
Political justice, political obligation and the European Union: Lessons from Habermas
Authors: De Angelis Gabriele
Published: January 2021

What principles of political justice ought to apply to the European Union? This question is particularly relevant considering the deepening integration process that resulted from the crises of the past decade. Habermas’s conception of a transnational democracy allows identification of the methodological components of transnational political justice: to unite in a transnational polity, people belonging to different national communities need a common purpose ( finalité), principles governing the distribution of constitutional and legislative power and a common political infrastructure that allows them to form democratic will as free and equal citizens. This article attempts to further expand these points through a public goods approach. European policies generate European public goods. These must be produced and accessed based on a fair cooperation scheme. Identifying these specific fairness conditions allows further clarification on how legislative and constitutional power ought to be distributed within the European polity.
Three-component reaction involving isoquinoline and dimethyl acethylenedicarboxylate in the presence of indole: Theoretical and experimental investigations of the reaction mechanism
Authors: Zakarianezhad Mohammad , Habibi-Khorassani Sayyed Mostafa , Makiabadi Batoul , Zeydabadi Elham
Published: January 2021

The reaction kinetics among isoquinoline, dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate, and indole (as NH-acid) were investigated using ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry. The reaction rate equation was obtained, the dependence of the reaction rate on different reactants was determined, and the overall rate constant ( kov) was calculated. By studying the effects of solvent, temperature, and concentration on the reaction rate, some useful information was obtained. A logical mechanism consistent with the experimental observations was proposed. Also, comprehensive theoretical studies were performed to evaluate the potential energy surfaces of all structures that participated in the reaction mechanism. Finally, the proposed mechanism was confirmed by the obtained results and the probable and logical reaction paths and also a correct product configuration were suggested based on the theoretical results.
Semiotics of destruction: traces on the environment
Authors: Björkvall Anders , Archer Arlene
Published: January 2021

Research in fields such as multimodality and semiotics has focused on creation of value in different forms: aesthetic, economic and symbolic. However, the destruction of value has attracted much less attention. The aim of this article is to identify social, semiotic and ideological functions of acts of destruction based on an analysis of the traces these acts leave on the urban environment. Five overarching acts of destruction are discussed, but the authors’ main focus is on what they call transformation-driven and social presence-driven destruction, with two examples from Sweden and South Africa. The article discusses sanctioned destructive acts that are largely in compliance with dominating semiotic regimes at a certain time and place, as well as disruptive actions that challenge or even disobey those regimes. The analysis shows how a distinction between sanctioned and disruptive is in no way clear and often depends on complex power distributions between semiotic regimes at a given time and place. In fact, traces in the physical environment that may point to or index highly destructive acts can, in relation to other semiotic regimes, be regarded as creative and constructive. The authors argue that the semiotic processes of destruction and the traces they leave deserve more attention from research in the fields of multimodality and semiotics.
Jirga System and Its Role in Peacebuilding and Development in Pakistan’s Terrorism-Affected Pashtun “Tribal” Districts
Authors: Alam Jan
Published: January 2021

Pakistan’s erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) have suffered a lot due to terrorism and extremism after the 9/11 attacks in the United States because these areas were used by local and transnational militant groups as a haven after the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. These groups attacked the security forces, the local tribal leaders, and all those who opposed them and killed, many of them to get control over these areas. This resulted in huge physical, economic, social, and psychological damages in the region. To bring the region back on the path of peace and development, Jirgas were held on the local and governmental levels. To explore the role of Jirga, this study used a qualitative method to identify and explain the factors of peace and development. This study also includes primary data where 25 participants, who are/were active and experienced in tribal customary matters, were purposively selected and interviewed through a semi-structured interview guide. Data analysis was performed by using thematic analysis techniques. This study explored that Jirga played an important role in peacebuilding and development in the form of policymaking for FATA; mobilisation for action, restoration, and rehabilitation; resolving local feuds; and the establishment of FATA University in the region. This study recommended that all reforms and efforts must be made under the priorities and needs of the people of former FATA.
Emotional trajectory at different career stages of principalship: A perspective from excellent principals
Authors: Chen Junjun , Walker Allan
Published: January 2021

Emotions hover like a shadow over the lives and work of school principals. This study aimed to build an understanding of principals’ emotional trajectories across principalship career stages by investigating the life stories of four excellent principals from China who were approaching retirement. The major data source was semi-structured interviews conducted with the participating principals. This study is a first to attempt to capture the dynamic emotional trajectory of excellent principals. The results show that the principals experienced more negative emotions than positive emotions during the earlier stages of their careers, but fewer negative and more positive emotions during the later stages. The principals tended to adopt genuine expressions throughout their principalship in order to achieve desirable consequences. They were more likely to utilise surface acting strategies during earlier career stages, but more deep acting strategies to achieve emotional consonance later in their careers as they became more confident about accomplishing professional goals. The study offers fresh insights into principals’ emotional trajectories. The findings aim to better inform principals, scholars and policy makers about the place and shape of principal emotional leadership.
A crossover trial investigating the atmospheric content of improvised respirators
Authors: Greig Paul R , Carvalho Clarissa , Ramessur Suniel , Schumacher Jan , El-Boghdadly Kariem
Published: January 2021

Introduction

This study was designed to determine the respiratory safety of improvised respirators based on modified full-face snorkel masks, making comparisons with a purpose-designed mask

Methods

This is a prospective crossover study conducted on ten recruits. Volunteers wore snorkel masks mated to an anaesthetic heat and moisture exchange filter. The system was worn at rest then during exercise. Gases were sampled from the mask at 5-min intervals.

Results

The modified snorkel was satisfactory in seven participants. For three carbon dioxide concentrations were >1%. Two participants exposed to excessive CO2 also experienced oxygen concentrations <19%. All participants exposed to unsatisfactory gas mixtures were non-white.

Conclusions

Modifying snorkel masks changes the way that gases circulate through the system. These modifications increase the risk of rebreathing in some users, which may yield an unsafe gas mixture. These improvised masks cannot be recommended as a substitute for purpose-designed equipment.
A New Chromene Derivative and a New Polyalcohol Isolated From the Fungus Xylaria sp. 111A Associated With Garcinia polyantha Leaves
Authors: Tegha Hycienth Fung , Jouda Jean-Bosco , Dzoyem Jean Paul , Sema Denis Kehdinga , Leutcha Bosco Peron , Allémann Eric , Delie Florence , Shiono Yoshihito , Sewald Norbert , Lannang Alain Meli
Published: January 2021

From the crude extract of the plant-associated fungus Xylaria sp. collected in Cameroon, a new 2 H-chromene derivative, hexacycloxylariolone (1), and a new polyalcohol, xylatriol (2), were isolated, in addition to 3 known compounds, 2,3-furandiol (3), 1,8-dimethoxynaphthalene (4), and 1-palmitoyl-rac-glycerol (5). Their chemical structures were established on the basis of the interpretation of spectroscopic data. Hexacycloxylariolone (1), 1,8-dimethoxynaphthalene (4), and 1-palmitoyl-rac-glycerol (5) showed antiproliferative activity by inhibiting the growth of Raw 264.7 and THP-1 cancer cell lines.
The Silenced Narrator and the Notion of “Proto-Narrative”
Authors: Biti Marina , Rosanda Žigo Iva
Published: January 2021

Narrative voices in Ismet Prcić’s memoir/novel “Shards” are many; this article primarily focuses on what we refer to as the voice of the “silenced narrator” that appears to speak from a deep (“s ubdiegetic”) narrative level shaped by the unconscious workings of traumatic experience. Starting from psychological insights into traumatic states (Elbert and Schauer, Hunt, Crossley, etc.) and tracing the encoded symptoms of this illness across the text, the discussion moves on to a theoretical level to investigate notions proposed by authors such as Genette (to discuss narrative levels), Ricœur (in examining the construction of self), Caruth (in evaluating narrative implications of the literary voicing of trauma), Antonio Damasio (in exploring the source and the nature of the trauma-related destruction of the narratively voiced “I”), and others. These are used to establish the concept of a narrative subject whose voice emerges from the deep zone of their “proto-self” (Damasio), to be weaved into a distinctive narrative form that we will refer to as “proto-narrative.”
Pharmacologic, Dietary, and Psychological Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Constipation: Cost Utility Analysis
Authors: Shah Eric D. , Salwen-Deremer Jessica K. , Gibson Peter R. , Muir Jane G. , Eswaran Shanti , Chey William D.
Published: January 2021

Introduction. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common gastroenterology referral and one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in primary care. We performed a cost-utility analysis of the most common treatments available in general practice for IBS with constipation (IBS-C), the most expensive IBS subtype. Methods. We developed a decision analytic model evaluating guideline-recommended and Food and Drug Administration–approved drugs, supplements, and dietary/psychological interventions. Model inputs were derived from “global symptom improvement” outcomes in systematic reviews of clinical trials. Costs were derived from national datasets. Analysis was performed with a 1-year time horizon from patient and payer perspectives. We analyzed a prototypical managed-care health plan with no cost-sharing to the patient. Results. From a payer perspective, global IBS treatments (including low FODMAP, cognitive behavioral therapy [CBT], neuromodulators), which are not specific to the IBS-C bowel subtype were less expensive than on-label prescription drug treatments. From a patient perspective, on-label prescription drug treatment with linaclotide was the least expensive treatment strategy. Drug prices and costs to manage untreated IBS-C were most important determinants of payer treatment preferences. Effects of treatment on missed work-days and need for repeated appointments to complete treatment were the most important determinants of treatment preference to patients. Discussion. Due mostly to prescription drug prices, neuromodulators, low FODMAP, and CBT appear cost-effective compared to on-label drug treatments from a payer perspective in cost-utility analysis. These findings may explain common treatment barriers in clinical practice.
Optimization of frequency domain impedances for time-domain response analyses of building structures with rigid shallow foundations
Authors: Kusanovic Danilo S , Seylabi Elnaz , Asimaki Domniki
Published: January 2021

The effects of dynamic soil–structure interaction (SSI) have been extensively studied in the last few decades, and proper analysis for the linear elastic case in frequency domain has been established successfully. However, SSI is rarely considered in the design of building structures, and instead, buildings are frequently analyzed using a rigid base assumption and quasi-static loading conditions that ignore SSI and its dynamic nature. Acknowledging these shortcomings, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) published in 2012 a set of recommendations on time-domain analyses of SSI for building structures compatible with standard finite element packages for consideration in engineering design. The so-called NIST GCR 12-917-21 report introduced a major simplification to enable frequency domain tools to be implemented in time domain analyses. That is, replacing the frequency-dependent soil impedance functions by a single-valued functions read at the flexible-base structure frequency; This work seeks to quantify the accuracy of this simplification considering fully coupled two-dimensional (2D) finite element models (FEM) as the reference. Using a Bayesian approach based on ensemble Kalman inversion (EnKI) and a range of numerical simulations of soil–foundation–building interaction, we estimate the optimal frequency that can be used to estimate soil impedance for time domain analyses; and we evaluate the improvement that the corresponding impedance offers relative to the full FEM results when compared to time domain analyses performed in accordance to the NIST recommendations outlined above.
Renal response in real-world carfilzomib- vs bortezomib-treated patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Kumar Shaji , Fu Alan , Niesvizky Ruben , Jagannath Sundar , Boccia Ralph , Raje Noopur
Published: January 2021

In the phase 3 ENDEAVOR study, carfilzomib-dexamethasone (Kd) improved survival over bortezomib-dexamethasone (Vd) in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), regardless of baseline renal function. This real-world study compared renal response in patients with RRMM (1-3 prior lines) and renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤50 mL/min) treated with Kd vs Vd. Electronic medical records data from the Oncology Services Comprehensive Electronic Records database were assessed (from January 2012 through February 2018). Time to renal response (defined according to International Myeloma Working Group criteria) was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for renal overall response (ROR) and renal complete response (RCR) using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for baseline covariates. Included were 543 Kd-treated and 1005 Vd-treated patients. In line 2 (2L), compared with Vd, Kd achieved significantly higher ROR (51.4% vs 39.6%; P < .0001) and RCR (26.6% vs 22.2%; P = .0229). After baseline covariate adjustment, 2L patients receiving Kd vs Vd were 45% more likely to achieve ROR (IRR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.18-1.78), and 68% were more likely to achieve RCR (IRR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.24-2.28). The renal response benefit with Kd remained consistent in 2L to line 4 (4L). In a combined analysis of patients receiving Kd and Vd (2L and 2L-4L), renal responders had longer overall survival and time to next treatment than renal nonresponders. These results demonstrate improved real-world effectiveness of Kd over Vd in RRMM renal rescue, and the positive association between renal response and improved survival.
Custom-made reverse shoulder arthroplasty for severe glenoid bone loss: review of the literature and our preliminary results
Authors: Porcellini G. , Micheloni G. M. , Tarallo L. , Paladini P. , Merolla G. , Catani F.
Published: January 2021

The treatment of severe glenoid bone loss in shoulder arthroplasty represents a challenge, and the results of current prosthetic designs with only glenoid fixation still remain unsatisfactory. In the past decade, customized glenoid prostheses have been developed to address severe glenoid arthritis and in the revision setting. In this review, we analyzed the current surgical options, the classification limits, past literature evidence, and our preliminary results of 6 patients (3 male, 3 female) treated with a reverse implant and custom-made glenoid implant (ProMade; LimaCorporate, Italy). Computer analysis of the residual shape and the amount of glenoid bone stock in association with new classifications could help the surgeon to obtain good clinical and radiological outcomes. The development of navigation systems could improve the adequacy of the implant and, thus, the reliability and longevity of the implant itself.
Comparative whole-genome and proteomics analyses of the next seed bank and the original master seed bank of MucoRice-CTB 51A line, a rice-based oral cholera vaccine
Authors: Sasou Ai , Yuki Yoshikazu , Honma Ayaka , Sugiura Kotomi , Kashima Koji , Kozuka-Hata Hiroko , Nojima Masanori , Oyama Masaaki , Kurokawa Shiho , Maruyama Shinichi , Kuroda Masaharu , Tanoue Shinjiro , Takamatsu Narushi , Fujihashi Kohtaro , Goto Eiji , Kiyono Hiroshi
Published: January 2021

Background

We have previously developed a rice-based oral vaccine against cholera diarrhea, MucoRice-CTB. UsingAgrobacterium-mediated co-transformation, we produced the selection marker–free MucoRice-CTB line 51A, which has three copies of the cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) gene and two copies of an RNAi cassette inserted into the rice genome. We determined the sequence and location of the transgenes on rice chromosomes 3 and 12. The expression of alpha-amylase/trypsin inhibitor, a major allergen protein in rice, is lower in this line than in wild-type rice. Line 51A was self-pollinated for five generations to fix the transgenes, and the seeds of the sixth generation produced by T5 plants were defined as the master seed bank (MSB). T6 plants were grown from part of the MSB seeds and were self-pollinated to produce T7 seeds (next seed bank; NSB). NSB was examined and its whole genome and proteome were compared with those of MSB.

Results

We re-sequenced the transgenes of NSB and MSB and confirmed the positions of the three CTB genes inserted into chromosomes 3 and 12. The DNA sequences of the transgenes were identical between NSB and MSB. Using whole-genome sequencing, we compared the genome sequences of three NSB with three MSB samples, and evaluated the effects of SNPs and genomic structural variants by clustering. No functionally important mutations (SNPs, translocations, deletions, or inversions of genic regions on chromosomes) between NSB and MSB samples were detected. Analysis of salt-soluble proteins from NSB and MSB samples by shot-gun MS/MS detected no considerable differences in protein abundance. No difference in the expression pattern of storage proteins and CTB in mature seeds of NSB and MSB was detected by immuno-fluorescence microscopy.

Conclusions

All analyses revealed no considerable differences between NSB and MSB samples. Therefore, NSB can be used to replace MSB in the near future.
Disability, Frailty and Depression in the community-dwelling older adults with Osteosarcopenia
Authors: Park Ki-Soo , Lee Gyeong-Ye , Seo Young-Mi , Seo Sung-Hyo , Yoo Jun-Il
Published: January 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of osteosarcopenia in the over 60-year-old community and to evaluate whether osteosarcopenia is associated with disability, frailty and depression.

Methods

This study was performed using the baseline data of Namgaram-2, among the 1010 surveyed subjects, 885 study subjects who were 60 years or older and had all necessary tests performed were selected. The Kaigo-Yobo checklist (frailty), World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) and Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form-Korean (GDSSF-K) were used. The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS 2019) were applied in this study. Osteopenia was measured using data from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and osteopenia was diagnosed when the T-score was less than − 1.0.

The study subjects were divided into four groups: the normal group, in which both sarcopenia and osteopenia were undiagnosed, osteopenia only, sarcopenia only and the osteosarcopenia group, which was diagnosed with both sarcopenia and osteopenia.

Results

Of the 885 subjects over 60 years old evaluated, the normal group comprised 34.0%, the only osteopenia group 33.7%, the only sarcopenia group 13.1%, and the osteosarcopenia group 19.2%. WHODAS (17.5, 95% CI: 14.8-20.1), Kaigo-Yobo (3.0, 95% CI: 2.6-3.4), and GDSSF mean score (4.6, 95% CI: 3.9-5.4) were statistically significantly higher in the osteosarcopenia group compared the other groups. Partial eta squared (ηp2) of WHODAS (0.199) and Kaigo-Yobo (0.148) values ​​according to Osteosarcopenia were large, and GDSSF (0.096) was medium

Conclusions

Osteosarcopenia is a relatively common disease group in the older adults community that may cause deterioration of health outcomes. Therefore, when evaluating osteopenia or sarcopenia in the older adults, management of those in both disease groups should occur together.
Abnormal eye movements in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3
Authors: Lin Junyu , Zhang Lingyu , Cao Bei , Wei Qianqian , Ou Ruwei , Hou Yanbing , Xu Xinran , Liu Kuncheng , Gu Xiaojing , Shang Huifang
Published: January 2021

Background

Abnormal eye movements are common in spinocerebellar ataxias Type 3 (SCA3). We conducted the research to explore the frequency of abnormal eye movements in Chinese patients with SCA3, to compare the demographic and clinical characteristics between SCA3 patients with and without each type of abnormal eye movement, and to explore the correlation between abnormal eye movements and the severity of ataxia.

Methods

Seventy-four patients with SCA3 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Six types of abnormal eye movements including impaired smooth pursuit, increased square-wave jerks (SWJ), gaze-evoked nystagmus (GEN), slowing of saccades, saccadic hypo/hypermetria and supranuclear gaze palsy were evaluated by experienced neurologists. The severity of ataxia was evaluated by Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA).

Results

The prevalence of impaired smooth pursuit, increased SWJ, GEN, slowing of saccades, saccadic hypo/hypermetria and supranuclear gaze palsy in Chinese SCA3 patients was 28.4, 13.5, 78.4, 41.9, 23.0, and 5.4%, respectively. SCA3 patients with GEN had higher scores of International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS-IV) and total ICARS, and longer length of CAG repeat than patients without GEN. SCA3 patients with slowing of saccades had a longer disease duration, higher scores of ICARS-I, ICARS-II, total ICARS and SARA than patients without slowing of saccades. SCA3 patients with saccadic hypo/hypermetria had higher scores of ICARS-III, ICARS-IV, and SARA than patients without saccadic hypo/hypermetria. The demographic and clinical characteristics did not differ significantly between SCA3 patients with and without impaired smooth pursuit, increased SWJ, or supranuclear gaze palsy. Multivariate linear regression showed that the number of abnormal eye movements (0–6), disease duration, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-24 (HDRS-24) score, and CAG repeat length were positively correlated with SARA score, whereas Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score was negatively correlated with SARA score in SCA3.

Conclusions

An increased number of abnormal eye movement types correlated with the severity of ataxia in SCA3.
Sexual function in Chinese women from pregnancy to postpartum: a multicenter longitudinal prospective study
Authors: Zhang Qiuxiang , Shen Min , Zheng Yaning , Jiao Shimei , Gao Shangxiao , Wang Xiaoling , Zou Li , Shen Miao
Published: January 2021

Background

The aims of our research were as follows: First, to estimate the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction in early, middle, late stages of pregnancy, and postpartum 6 months after delivery. Second, to discuss relevant factors associated with female sexual dysfunction among women in 6 months after delivery in Nanjing, Yangzhou and Huaian Main, China.

Methods

Our multicenter longitudinal study was carried out from September 2017 to March 2019, with participants recruited from Southeast China: Nanjing, Yangzhou and Huaian. Participants were recruited when they built their Record of Prenatal Care in community hospitals. The online questionnaires included a set of validated tools, sociodemographic information as wells as medical history data. In the meantime, qualitative interviews were conducted during different periods of pregnancy (from the first trimester to the third trimester of pregnancy and following up to six-month postpartum) respectively. All participants have obtained written informed consent.

Results

By qualitative interview, the vast majority of the participants were inactive in having sex from pregnancy to postpartum. There were negative aspects of sexual experiences, emotional responses closely related to self-attitudes toward sexual behavior during this period. Through quantitative analysis, pre pregnancy BMI (OR = 1.15, P = 0.012), postpartum weight gain (OR = 1.057, P = 0.033) and partnership quality (OR = 1.181, P = 0.04) were associated with postpartum sexual dysfunction 6 months after delivery.

Conclusions

Women are at the risk of significantly different FSD with regard to pre-pregnancy BMI, postpartum weight gain and partnership quality. The impaired sexual function from pregnancy to postpartum period indicated the requirement for further survey as well as extensive investigation.
Correction to: Differential effects of different delivery methods on progression to severe postpartum hemorrhage between Chinese nulliparous and multiparous women: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xu Chang , Zhong Wanting , Fu Qiang , Yi Li , Deng Yuqing , Cheng Zhaohui , Lin Xiaojun , Cai Miao , Zhong Shilin , Wang Manli , Tao Hongbing , Xiong Haoling , Jiang Xin , Chen Yun
Published: January 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
The role of capecitabine-based neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huo Xingfa , Li Jinming , Zhao Fuxing , Ren Dengfeng , Ahmad Raees , Yuan Xinyue , Du Feng , Zhao Jiuda
Published: January 2021

Background

The role of capecitabine in neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly controversial. Our meta-analysis was designed to further elucidate the effects of capecitabine on survival in early-stage TNBC patients and its safety.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and papers presented at several main conferences were searched up to December 19, 2019, to investigate capecitabine-based versus capecitabine-free neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy in TNBC patients. Heterogeneity was assessed usingI2test, combined with hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) computed for disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and over grade 3 adverse events (AEs).

Results

A total of 9 randomized clinical trials and 3842 TNBC patients were included. Overall, the combined capecitabine regimens in neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy showed significantly improved DFS (HR = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.65–0.86;P < 0.001) and OS (HR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.53–0.77;P < 0.001). In subgroup analysis, there were improvements in DFS in the groups with addition of capecitabine (HR = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.53–0.78;P < 0.001), adjuvant chemotherapy (HR = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.63–0.85;P < 0.001), and lymph node positivity (HR = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44–0.86;P = 0.005). Capecitabine regimens were related to higher risks of diarrhea (OR = 2.88, 95% CI 2.23–3.74,P < 0.001), stomatitis (OR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.53–2.64,P < 0.001) and hand–foot syndrome (OR = 8.67, 95% CI 6.70–11.22,P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis showed that neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy combined with capecitabine significantly improved both DFS and OS in early-stage TNBC patients with tolerable AEs. There were benefits to DFS in the groups with the addition of capecitabine, adjuvant chemotherapy, and lymph node positivity.