bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dignity of older individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias: A scoping review
Authors: Torossian Maral R
Published: May 2021

Background

Supporting human dignity is the essence of delivery of care. Dignity is one’s sense of self-value that is influenced by the perceived value attributed to the individual from others. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are at risk of violations of their dignity, due to their diminished autonomy, the alteration in their sense of self, the loss of meaningful social roles, and their limited interactions with peers and confirmation of identity.

Objectives

A scoping review was conducted to explore the state of art regarding the dignity of individuals with ADRD. Methods: A search was conducted using CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. Relevant articles were analyzed and organized based on the themes they addressed, and a narrative description of findings was presented.

Results

Twenty-six articles were included in the review. Findings highlighted characteristics of care that affected the dignity of these individuals. Researchers found that care was task-centered, depersonalized, and lacked a genuine connection. Individuals with ADRD experienced embarrassment, lack of freedom, and powerlessness, which contributed to feelings of being devalued, and threatened their dignity. Studies testing interventions to enhance dignity were either inconclusive, lacked rigor, or had no lasting effect. Conclusion: The dignity of individuals with ADRD may be violated during healthcare interactions. More research is needed to objectively measure the dignity of these individuals and examine the effectiveness of interventions aimed at promoting dignity.
Grandparenting in rural China: A culture-centered approach (CCA) to understand economic inequality and rural labor change
Authors: Sun Kang , Dutta Mohan
Published: May 2021

The large-scale rural-to-urban migration in China has resulted in separated families and left-behind family members in the countryside. Various socioeconomic changes took place in rural China’s daily life due to migration, which provides unique perspectives to understand the hidden costs of the national discourse on development. This study aims to reveal how rural grandparenting resulted from the uneven economic development between a Chinese city and a village. A dual-site ethnographic study was conducted in one Northern village and one Southern city. Interviews, focus groups, and participant observation were used to form methodological triangulation to understand how socioeconomic features have made grandparenting necessary. Instead of focusing only on grandparents' daily responsibilities of taking care of their grandchildren, we compared grandparents' and parents' views on the changes in grandparents' socioeconomic roles, feelings of loneliness, and economic independence, as well as grandchildren's socialization processes. The study showcases grandparenting as having a social significance larger than being individualized acts of family care.
Exploring the integration of teaching and research in the contemporary classroom: An autoethnographic inquiry into designing an undergraduate music module on Adele’s 25 album
Authors: Wiley Christopher
Published: May 2021

This study seeks to investigate aspects of the relationship between the core academic activities of teaching and research in higher education, through a theoretically enriched discussion of the design of an innovative popular music module on Adele’s 25 album and its delivery to first-year undergraduates on a general-purpose music degree during the academic years 2015–21. Drawing on autoethnographic approaches, it contemplates the challenges associated with the execution of a module on genuinely contemporary topics, outlining the case for the importance of ensuring that university curricula remain up-to-the-minute as well as exploring strategies by which to realise this aspiration in the absence of a body of academic literature that might ordinarily have provided strong foundations for the content of such teaching. These lines of inquiry lead to consideration of broader questions concerning the evolving relationship between teaching and research in light of the substantial changes that have taken place within the UK higher education sector in recent years, as well as the possibilities for teaching-led research, developed exclusively for and in the academic classroom, as an alternative to the more traditional research-led teaching.
Intimate Distances: an artwork made on opposite sides of the world
Authors: Castleden Susanna
Published: May 2021

Intimate Distances is an art project created in two parts – 6 months and 20,000 km apart. As a creative research project, it was conceived as a way to physically and conceptually explore distance through the intimate gesture of touch. It sought to visually communicate the spatial, temporal and embodied experiences of being on opposite sides of the world through the humble process of frottage. Grand ideas were intended to be galvanised by even grander distances. However, as this article recounts, the 12-month project took unexpected turns, which were generated by a series of failures and finally resulted in an embracing of uncertainty. Rather than following the proposed script, my tacit knowledge led the project in unforeseen ways that were ultimately more productive than expected. Through this article, which itself is a form of enacting an ephemeral experience, I outline how Intimate Distances unfolded and how non-representational theory and performative research entwine in this creative project.
Guided wave–based rail flaw detection technologies: state-of-the-art review
Authors: Ge Hao , Chua Kim Huat David , Koh Chan Ghee , Dai Gonglian , Yu Yang
Published: May 2021

The unavoidable increase in train speed and load, as well as the aging of railway facilities, is requiring more and more attention to rail defects detection. As a promising tool for rail, in-service high-speed inspection, guided wave–based detection technologies have been developed in succession by researches in the past two decades. However, there is a lack of a systematic review on the developments and performances of these technologies. This article reviews ultrasonic rail inspection methods comprehensively with the focus on the state-of-the-art technologies based on guided wave. Different excitation options, including train wheel, electromagnetic acoustic transducer, pulsed laser, air-coupled, and contact piezoelectric transducer, are described, respectively, along with their inspection sensitivities, regions, and potential speeds. Finally, future challenges and prospects are discussed to a certain extent to provide references for researchers in this area.
Early childhood care and education in Ethiopia: A quest for quality
Authors: Diale Boitumelo M , Sewagegn Abatihun A
Published: May 2021

Early childhood care and education (ECCE) has a crucial contribution to the future life of children, and overall quality of learning and development of a country. Even though there are no well-established international criteria to evaluate the quality of ECCE programmes because of the variability in nations’ economies, workforces, political regimes and cultures, there are some common standards. Therefore, the purpose of this review article is to assess the status of ECCE in Ethiopia and its contribution to quality education. This review is based on a document analysis from different sources (i.e. policy documents, books, journals, theses and dissertations). The study focuses on identifying common quality indicators/dimensions for ECCE and the challenges that Ethiopian ECCE faces in terms of these dimensions. Indicating that the practice of ECCE in Ethiopia is faced with diverse challenges. Some of the challenges are lack of proper training for teachers and caregivers; use of developmentally inappropriate curriculum; lack of pedagogical skill; unfavourable working conditions; inadequate resources; lack of continuous supervision and programme evaluation; inactive parental and community participation; ineffective school organisation and leadership; imbalanced staff-child ratios; and improper healthcare and hygiene. Therefore, the Ministry of Education (MoE) in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA), the community and other concerned bodies should work together to improve the practice of ECCE.
Jihadist prisoners in Spain and the application of the high security prison regime
Authors: Marrero Rocha Inmaculada , Berdún Carrión Salvador
Published: May 2021

The presence in Spanish prisons of individuals linked with jihadist terrorism has alerted the authorities to the risk that these prisoners may pose as agents for radicalization and the establishment of organizational structures inside prisons. To address this risk, Spanish authorities have used similar policies to those applied to prisoners belonging to the Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) terrorist group, subjecting jihadist prisoners to a restrictive detention regime. Based on the data obtained from analysis of the judicial proceedings of 264 individuals imprisoned for jihadist acts and information from the questionnaires completed by 60 prison officers in direct contact with those persons, this article considers whether it is appropriate to indiscriminately apply a high security regime to these types of prisoners.
Speech-Language Pathologists’ Knowledge of Spanish-Influenced English and Dialectical Differences: A Survey
Authors: Smith Kelsey E. , Plumb Allison M. , Sandage Mary J.
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to assess the competence of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in serving bilingual or English-language learning children. Specifically, are SLPs able to identify acceptable English productions of a native Spanish speaker when described and/or given in context? Data were collected through an anonymous 28-question, web-based survey designed for practicing SLPs who worked with children. A total of 99 completed responses were received. The majority of SLPs demonstrated a basic understanding of aspects of Spanish-Influenced English (SIE) and dialectal features associated with native speakers of Spanish; however, SLPs were better able to identify errors in context than features of SIE. To ensure best practice in service provision for children who are English-language learners, SLPs need an understanding of the features of SIE and other English variants. Training programs should therefore provide education on the specific contrasts between languages/dialects while encouraging critical thinking and self-study.
A review of processing strategies to generate melt-blown nano/microfiber mats for high-efficiency filtration applications
Authors: Kara Yahya , Molnár Kolos
Published: May 2021

Protective masks – worn properly - have become the key to wither away the COVID-19 pandemic. Nowadays, the vast majority of these masks are made of nonwoven fabrics. High-quality products have mainly melt-blown filtering layers of nano/microfiber. Melt blowing produces very fine synthetic nonwovens from a wide range of polymers and allows a fair control of the fiber structure and morphology that makes it ideal for filtration purposes. Melt blowing has a high throughput, and the low price of the filter makes these products widely available for civil use. Although melt-blown fiber applications were rapidly growing in the last three decades, we still have limited knowledge on the processing parameters. In this regard, we detailed the melt blowing parameters to obtain a filter media with high particle capturing efficiency and a low-pressure drop. We summarized the melt-blown fiber mat characteristics with specific attention to the pore size, the porosity, the fiber diameter, the fiber packing density and the air permeability desired for highly efficient filtration. Even though we cannot estimate the future social effects and the trauma caused by the current pandemic, and protective masks might remain a part of everyday life for a long while. That also implies that near-future investments in wider manufacturing capacities seem inevitable. This paper also aims to facilitate masks' production with improved filtration efficiency by reviewing the recent developments in melt blowing, the related applications, the effects of processing parameters on the structure and performance of the nonwoven products focusing on the filtration efficiency via knowledge.
Fabrication of montmorillonite nanoclay-loaded electrospun nanofibrous mats for UV protection
Authors: Palak Handan , Aktürk Beste , Kayaoğlu Burçak Karagüzel , Göcek İkilem
Published: May 2021

In this study, the layered nanoclay was employed to impart ultraviolet (UV) protection functionality for electrospinning thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofibrous mats. This study is among the very rare studies which uses Montmorillonite (MMT) clay for UV protection. Due to its known UV protection property, titanium dioxide (TiO2) was used solely for comparison with MMT clay and as a blend with MMT for investigation of its synergetic effect with nanoclay. The morphology and chemical structure of virgin and nanoclay-loaded nanofibers were characterized via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Incorporation of TiO2 significantly improved UV protection performance of TPU electrospun nanofibers, as expected. UV protection factor (UPF) of electrospun mats including nanoclay was found as high as that of the ones including TiO2.Therefore, the study revealed that the clay has a considerable potential for producing nanofibrous layers with UV protection. Such a nanocomposite structure could be potentially employed as a layer in a multilayered technical textile such as tents, sun protective covers for automobiles, blind curtains, etc. This study proposed an eco-friendly and viable alternative to TiO2 which is a well-known material for its UV protection.
Ligustilide counteracts carcinogenesis and hepatocellular carcinoma cell-evoked macrophage M2 polarization by regulating yes-associated protein-mediated interleukin-6 secretion
Authors: Yang Jikang , Xing Zhiyuan
Published: May 2021

Cross-communication between cancer cells and macrophages within the tumor microenvironment fulfills the critical roles in the progression of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ligustilide exerts anti-inflammation, anti-injury, and anti-tumor pleiotropic pharmacological functions. Nevertheless, its roles in HCC cells and tumor microenvironment remain elusive. In the current study, ligustilide dramatically restrained HCC cell viability and migration but had little cytotoxicity to normal hepatocytes. Importantly, ligustilide antagonized HCC cell co-culture-induced macrophage recruitment and M2 polarization by enhancing the percentage of CD14+CD206+ cells and macrophage M2 markers (CD163, Arg1, CD206, CCL22, IL-10, and TGF-β). Mechanistically, ligustilide repressed yes-associated protein (YAP) activation by reducing nuclear translocation, protein expression, transcriptional regulatory activity of YAP, and increasing p-YAP levels. Noticeably, blocking the YAP offset the suppressive effects of ligustilide on macrophage recruitment and M2 polarization evoked by HCC cells. Moreover, the release of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was mitigated by ligustilide in a YAP-dependent manner in HCC cells, concomitant with inhibition of IL-6R/STAT3 signaling activation. Of interest, interdicting the IL-6 aggravated ligustilide-mediated suppression in HCC-induced macrophage recruitment and M2 polarization; whereas exogenous IL-6 treatment reversed the above effects. Additionally, blockage of IL-6R signaling also overturned IL-6-induced macrophage recruitment and M2 phenotype. Consequently, these findings support a notion that ligustilide not only restrains HCC cell malignancy but also antagonizes HCC cell-evoked macrophage recruitment and M2 polarization by inhibiting YAP/IL-6 release-induced activation of the IL-6 receptor/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (IL-6R/STAT3) signaling. Thus, ligustilide may be a promising therapeutic agent to fight HCC by regulating cancer cells and cross-talk between tumor cells and macrophages in tumor microenvironment.
Natural antioxidants attenuate mycolactone toxicity to RAW 264.7 macrophages
Authors: Kwaffo Yvonne A , Sarpong-Duah Mabel , Owusu-Boateng Kwabena , Gbewonyo Winfred SK , Adjimani Jonathan P , Mosi Lydia
Published: May 2021

Mycobacterium ulcerans produces a macrolide exotoxin, mycolactone which suppresses immune cells activity, is toxic to most cells and the key virulence factor in the pathogenesis of Buruli ulcer disease. Mycolactone is reported to mediate the production of reactive oxygen species in keratinocytes; cells that play critical role in wound healing. Increased levels of reactive oxygen species have been shown to disrupt the well-ordered process of wound repair; hence, the function of wound-healing cells such as macrophages, keratinocytes, and fibroblast could be impaired in the presence of the reactive oxygen species mediator, mycolactone. To ensure regeneration of tissues in chronic ulcers, with proper and timely healing of the wounds, natural antioxidants that can combat the effects of induced reactive oxygen species in wound-healing cells ought to be investigated. Reactive oxygen species activity was determined in mycolactone-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages and the scavenging ability of the antioxidants (ascorbic acid, gallic acid, and green tea kombucha) against mycolactone-induced reactive oxygen species (superoxide anions) was assessed using fluorescein probe (DCF-DA) and nitroblue tetrazolium dye. Cytotoxicity of the antioxidants, mycolactone, and the protective effect of the antioxidants on the cells upon treatment with mycolactone were determined using the Alamar blue assay. The expression levels of endogenous antioxidant enzyme genes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) in response to mycolactone-mediated reactive oxygen species were determined using RT-qPCR. Mycolactone induced the production of reactive oxygen species in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and the resulting superoxide anions were scavenged by some of the antioxidants. The selected endogenous antioxidant enzyme genes in the macrophages were upregulated in the presence of the antioxidants and mycolactone. The exogenously supplied ascorbic acid and green tea kombucha offered moderate protection to the macrophages against the toxicity of mycolactone. We conclude that the results provide insights into alternate and adjunct therapeutic approaches in Buruli ulcer treatment, which could significantly attenuate the toxicity of the pathogenic factor; mycolactone.
Perineuronal Net Dynamics in the Pathophysiology of Epilepsy
Authors: Chaunsali Lata , Tewari Bhanu P. , Sontheimer Harald
Published: May 2021

Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are condensed extracellular matrix (ECM) assemblies of polyanionic chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, hyaluronan, and tenascins that primarily wrap around GABAergic parvalbumin (PV) interneurons. During development, PNN formation terminates the critical period of neuroplasticity, a process that can be reversed by experimental disruption of PNNs. Perineuronal nets also regulate the intrinsic properties of the enclosed PV neurons thereby maintaining their inhibitory activity. Recent studies have implicated PNNs in central nervous system diseases as well as PV neuron dysfunction; consequently, they have further been associated with altered inhibition, particularly in the genesis of epilepsy. A wide range of seizure presentations in human and rodent models exhibit ECM remodeling with PNN disruption due to elevated protease activity. Inhibition of PNN proteolysis reduces seizure activity suggesting that PNN degrading enzymes may be potential novel therapeutic targets.
From the Editors
Authors: Ray Rashawn , Rojas Fabio
Published: May 2021

Contexts editors Rashawn Ray and Fabio Rojas introduce the spring issue, focusing on various economic experiences.
Dr. Obari Adeye Cartman: Healing, Youth Work, and Masculinity
Authors: Martinez Rod
Published: May 2021

Dr. Obari Adeye Cartman is an accomplished author, and he serves as the program director for Real Men Charities, Inc. This Chicago-based organization works with men, youth, and families to promote wellness through cultural programming. Dr. Cartman is also the President of the Chicago Association of Black Psychologists, associate editor of South Side Drive Magazine, and maintains a directory of Black mental health providers. Having been raised in a family that honored African traditions, his work marries theory and practice in very intentional and critical ways.
Stealing My Opportunity to be a Father
Authors: Battle Brittany Pearl
Published: May 2021

On April 4, 2015, Walter Scott was shot and killed while running away from a police officer in North Charleston, South Carolina, after being stopped for a broken taillight. As a video of the shooting circulated, it came to light that Scott had a warrant out for his arrest for failing to pay child support. Scott had previously been incarcerated for non-payment on three separate occasions. This case illuminates a major issue—the use of excessively punitive surveillance and enforcement mechanisms—in the child support system. The reality that parents could face incarceration for falling behind on their child support payments impacts how these individuals engage with their kids and live their daily lives.
Racialized Geographies
Authors: Bueker Catherine Simpson
Published: May 2021

From 2014-2016, the author of this article conducted 37 in-depth interviews with Black and Latina women who had graduated from a wealthy, predominantly White suburban high school in the Northeastern United States. The article explores the experiences of these students and the concept of being in the “wrong” place because of a perceived racial and geographic misalignment.
South Africa and the Black American Imaginary
Authors: McGee Holly Y. , Neely-fairbanks Shameka , Hall Tristen , Walker Jayni
Published: May 2021

For the author and photographer of this photo essay—a well-rounded southern woman who has traveled to more than 17 countries—there was something different yet very familiar about South Africa. This essay follows a group on a cultural immersion trip from Cincinnati, Ohio, throughout several cities in South Africa over five weeks.
Lessons Learned from River Communities in Peru
Authors: Gorenstein Sharon
Published: May 2021

In November 2014, the government of Peru enacted a law declaring the resettlement emergency of the community of Bajo Belen due to constant flooding. In this photo essay, the author attempts to document life inside Bajo Belen during the relocation process.
Queer Street Smarts
Authors: Robinson Brandon Andrew
Published: May 2021

Street smarts is a term people use to describe the cultural knowledge that marginalized people, often poor Black and Brown youth, have to learn in navigating their lives. In this article, the author illustrates how street smarts is figuring out how to get by with limited resources in a white supremacist society.
A Smarter Fight Against Corruption
Authors: Zaloznaya Marina , Lynn Freda B.
Published: May 2021

According to a recent study, in forty-eight countries around the world, more than a quarter of citizens pays bribes in exchange for service. In this article, the authors suggest that a key to a more effective and socially responsible fight against corruption lies in sequencing. Here, they explain how initiatives targeting high-level corruption in government and business must take priority, preceding the reforms of the public sector.
To Stay Gay, Boystown Becomes Less Queer
Authors: Decarsky Ryan
Published: May 2021

The book review explores Boystown by Jason Orne, a complex and explicit ethnography about the role of sex or sexualities in Chicago nightlife and community, inequality, and the ways queer sexualities struggle to survive the increasing assimilation of gays into the mainstream.
Pills and Control in the Carceral State
Authors: Lucy Meghann
Published: May 2021

The book review explores Silent Cells: The Secret Drugging of Captive America by Anthony Ryan Hatch explaining how the contemporary United States’ carceral state—prisons, nursing homes, foster care systems, active duty military, immigrant detention facilities, and schools—is mired in its own self-imposed drug addiction to psychotropic medication to control those in its “care.”
Motor Cortex Activation During Writing in Focal Upper-Limb Dystonia: An fNIRS Study
Authors: Prôa Renata , Balardin Joana , de Faria Danilo D. , Paulo Artur M. , Sato João R. , Baltazar Carlos A. , Borges Vanderci , Azevedo Silva Sonia M. C. , Ferraz Henrique B. , de Carvalho Aguiar Patricia
Published: May 2021

Background

Functional imaging studies have associated dystonia with abnormal activation in motor and sensory brain regions. Commonly used techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging impose physical constraints, limiting the experimental paradigms. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) offers a new noninvasive possibility for investigating cortical areas and the neural correlates of complex motor behaviors in unconstrained settings.

Methods

We compared the cortical brain activation of patients with focal upper-limb dystonia and controls during the writing task under naturalistic conditions using fNIRS. The primary motor cortex (M1), the primary somatosensory cortex (S1), and the supplementary motor area were chosen as regions of interest (ROIs) to assess differences in changes in both oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb) and deoxyhemoglobin (deoxy-Hb) between groups.

Results

Group average activation maps revealed an expected pattern of contralateral recruitment of motor and somatosensory cortices in the control group and a more bilateral pattern of activation in the dystonia group. Between-group comparisons focused on specific ROIs revealed an increased activation of the contralateral M1 and S1 cortices and also of the ipsilateral M1 cortex in patients.

Conclusions

Overactivity of contralateral M1 and S1 in dystonia suggest a reduced specificity of the task-related cortical areas, whereas ipsilateral activation possibly indicates a primary disorder of the motor cortex or an endophenotypic pattern. To our knowledge, this is the first study using fNIRS to assess cortical activity in dystonia during the writing task under natural settings, outlining the potential of this technique for monitoring sensory and motor retraining in dystonia rehabilitation.
Men’s Dropout From Mental Health Services: Results From a Survey of Australian Men Across the Life Span
Authors: Seidler Zac E. , Wilson Michael J. , Kealy David , Oliffe John L. , Ogrodniczuk John S. , Rice Simon M.
Published: May 2021

While increasing numbers of Australian men are accessing mental health services, the sustainability of their therapy engagement varies significantly, with many men being lost to follow-up. The current study investigated dropout rates in a large community-based male sample to highlight the reasons for, and potential predictors of, men dropping out of mental health care services. Data were drawn from an online survey of 1907 Australian men (aged 16–85; M = 44.1 years) reflecting on their broad experiences in mental health therapy. Participants responded to bespoke items assessing their past dropout experience and reasons for dropping out, the odds of which were modeled in relation to demographics and predictors (e.g., therapist engagement strategies, alignment to traditional masculinity and pre-therapy feelings of optimism, shame, and emasculation). The overall dropout rate from therapy was 44.8% ( n = 855), of which 26.6% ( n = 120) accessed therapy once and did not return. The most common reasons for dropout were lack of connection with the therapist (54.9%) and the sense that therapy lacked progress (20.2%). Younger age, unemployment, self-reported identification with traditional masculinity, the presence of specific therapist engagement strategies, and whether therapy made participants feel emasculated all predicted dropout. Current depressive symptoms and suicidality were also higher amongst dropouts. Therapists should aim to have an honest discussion with all clients about the importance of therapy fit, including the real likelihood of dropout, in order to ensure this does not deter future engagement with professional services.
Metatheme Analysis: A Qualitative Method for Cross-Cultural Research
Authors: Wutich Amber , Beresford Melissa , SturtzSreetharan Cindi , Brewis Alexandra , Trainer Sarah , Hardin Jessica
Published: May 2021

In recent years, there has been a florescence of cross-cultural research using ethnographic and qualitative data. This cutting-edge work confronts a range of significant methodological challenges, but has not yet addressed how thematic analysis can be modified for use in cross-cultural ethnography. Thematic analysis is widely used in qualitative and mixed-methods research, yet is not currently well-adapted to cross-cultural ethnographic designs. We build on existing thematic analysis techniques to discuss a method to inductively identify metathemes (defined here as themes that occur across cultures). Identifying metathemes in cross-cultural research is important because metathemes enable researchers to use systematic comparisons to identify significant patterns in cross-cultural datasets and to describe those patterns in rich, contextually-specific ways. We demonstrate this method with data from a collaborative cross-cultural ethnographic research project (exploring weight-related stigma) that used the same sampling frame, interview protocol, and analytic process in four cross-cultural research sites in Samoa, Paraguay, Japan, and the United States. Detecting metathemes that transcend data collected in different languages, cultures, and sites, we discuss the benefits and challenges of qualitative metatheme analysis.
Two-year single centre results with covered endovascular reconstruction of aortic bifurcation (CERAB) in the treatment of extensive aorto-iliac occlusive disease
Authors: Borghese Ottavia , Ferrer Ciro , Coscarella Carlo , Spataro Claudio , Diotallevi Nicolò , Giudice Rocco
Published: May 2021

Objective

To report the results of a single-centre in the treatment of extensive aorto-iliac occlusive disease (AIOD) by the covered endovascular reconstruction of aortic bifurcation (CERAB) technique.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on data obtained from the review of medical charts of all consecutive patients treated with CERAB technique for AIOD between January 2016 and December 2019 in San Giovanni-Addolorata Hospital (Rome, Italy). Clinical examination, duplex ultrasound with ankle-brachial index measurement and contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography were performed preoperatively. A clinical and ultrasound follow-up was carried out at one month and then half yearly after the intervention to evaluate patients’ clinical status, limb salvage, target lesion revascularization rate, primary and secondary patency rate.

Results

During the study period, 24 patients (14 men, 58.3%; 10 women, 41.7%; median age 59 years, range 37–79 years) underwent CERAB for AIOD (TASC II C 29.2%, TASC II D 70.8%). Indications for treatment were: intermittent claudication in 18 patients (75%) and critical limb ischemia in 6 (25%). Technical success was achieved in all cases. Perioperative minor complications occurred in three cases (12.5%). One patient reported an intraoperative iliac rupture requiring adjunctive covered stenting. Median hospital length of stay was two days (range 1–9). No patient died perioperatively nor at the last follow-up. At a median follow-up of 18 months (range 6–48 months), mean ankle-brachial index increased significantly (from 0.62 ± 0.15 before the procedure to 0.84 ± 0.18) ( P < 0.001) and target lesion revascularization rate was 12.5%. At two years, the limb salvage rate was 100%, and primary and secondary patency rates were 87.5% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion

CERAB technique demonstrated to be effective at the mid-term follow-up with low rate of complications and short length of stay. Long-term results and more robust data are needed to affirm this technique as the first-line treatment for extensive AIOD. However, it could become the preferred option especially in fragile patients and during contemporary COVID-19 pandemic due to the current limitations in vascular and critical care bed capacity.
Endovascular treatment of calcific lesions of the common femoral artery using atherectomy device associated with scoring balloon angioplasty in diabetic patients with high “major amputation” risk
Authors: Morosetti Daniele , Chiocchi Marcello , Argirò Renato , Salimei Fabio , Nezzo Marco , Vidali Sofia , Gasparrini Fulvio , Meloni Marco , Uccioli Luigi , Gandini Roberto
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To investigate the outcomes of patients with calcific lesions in the common femoral artery undergoing endovascular procedures with atherectomy device and scoring balloon angioplasty combined with treatment of steno-occlusive disease of the remaining arterial districts of the lower limb.

Methods

Between January 2015 and December 2018, 11 diabetic patients at high risk for “major amputation”, with calcific lesions of the common femoral artery and ischemic ulcers requiring endovascular treatment were retrospectively evaluated. Technical success was defined as revascularization of the common femoral artery with a residual stenosis lower than 30%. Primary endpoints were an immediate increase of perilesional transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TCPO2) > 40 mmHg, ulcerative lesions improvement up to healing or skin flaps re-epithelialization after minor amputation, limb rescue with rejected major amputation, and resolution of rest pain if present.

Results

The success rate of the revascularization procedures was 100%. No patient underwent surgical conversion. One case of peri-operative bleeding at the brachial access site was observed. There were no cases of arterial dissection or undesired distal embolization. The average baseline value of perilesional TCPO2 was 21.8 ± 9.2 mmHg. The mean TCPO2 value was 57.4 ± 7.2 mmHg three days after the procedure ( P < 0.05), and 51.2 ± 9.8 mmHg 15 days after ( P < 0.05). Minor amputations were performed in five patients with advanced ulcerative lesions. No major amputations were performed in the follow-up period. At 14 months follow-up, one patient developed new occlusion of the CFA for extension from the external iliac artery and underwent a new endovascular procedure. We observed an overall primary patency rate of 91% and a primary assisted patency rate of 100% in our 18-month follow-up.

Conclusions

Endovascular approach for severely calcified atherosclerotic lesions of the common femoral artery seems to represent a valid therapeutic option associated with promising results in terms of clinical outcome and low complication rates.
Case report of superficial femoral artery and popliteal artery aneurysm repair using brachial vein
Authors: Singh Nikita , Patel Ronak , Hingorani Anil , Ascher Enrico
Published: May 2021

Background

Several veins have been well-recognized as acceptable conduits for infrainguinal bypass surgery when the ipsilateral greater saphenous vein is unavailable. However, there is a paucity of literature describing the brachial vein as an adequate alternative. In the absence of other viable autogenous conduits, we describe the use of a brachial vein as a successful alternative for lower extremity revascularization.

Methods

A 70-year-old man presented with a chief complaint of right calf pain. Duplex ultrasound imaging of his right lower extremity revealed right-sided 2.5 cm acutely thrombosed superficial femoral artery and popliteal artery aneurysms. The patient underwent a suction thrombectomy with tissue plasminogen activator using the Power Pulse feature and Solent catheter from the AngioJet® (Boston-Scientific, Marlborough, MA) system. To repair the thrombosed aneurysms, an open bypass was planned. Due to lack of viable alternative traditionally used venous conduits, a bypass was created using the patient’s brachial vein.

Results

A bypass was created from the superficial femoral artery to the P2 segment of the popliteal artery using a non-reversed brachial vein with ligation of the side branches of the superficial femoral artery and popliteal artery aneurysm from within the sac lumen. Completion angiogram revealed runoff through the anterior tibial artery only. Follow-up imaging at three months demonstrated a patent brachial bypass.

Conclusion

Brachial veins can be safely used as viable venous conduits for lower extremity bypass surgery and should therefore be considered as an alternative when more commonly used veins are unsuitable or unavailable. However, more research is needed to determine the potential opportunities and challenges this alternative may present.
Clinical characteristics and prognostic value of the KRAS mutation in Chinese colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Yuan Ye , Liu Yingting , Wu Ye , Zhang Junling , Shen Chunti , Zhang Feng , Wu Changping , Hu Wenwei
Published: May 2021

Background:

The KRAS mutations are high-frequency somatic mutations found in colorectal cancer patients from Western and Asian countries however, with the exception of exon 2 of KRAS, other prevalence and prognostic values have not been adequately assessed in Asian patients. The aim of this study was to determine the mutation frequencies of whole exon mutations of KRAS in Chinese colorectal cancer patients and to investigate their impact on prognosis.

Methods:

A total of 7189 tumor tissue samples (iCohort) were subjected to next-generation sequencing for detection of KRAS mutations. All pathologic or likely pathologic mutations of KRAS were considered. In addition, clinical features and prognostic dates were collected from 145 patients at The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China (sCohort) and used droplet digital™ polymerase chain reaction to detect KRAS mutations.

Results:

In the iCohort, 2706 patients (37.6%) were confirmed harboring KRAS mutations. The most frequent of these mutations were G12D (32.19%), G12V (17.96%), and G13D (17.59%). In the sCohort, 51 colorectal cancer patients (35.17%) had KRAS mutations, among which KRAS G12D (64.71%), G13D (29.41%), and G14D (3.92%) were high-frequency. The KRAS mutations were associated with shorter median overall survival than wild-type tumors (69 vs. 55 months; HR 1.80; 95% Cl 1.22, 2.64; P=0.0003). In the Cox multivariate analysis, age (HR 1.562; 95% Cl 1.10, 2.22; P=0.013), tumor differentiation (HR 0.417; 95% Cl 0.19, 0.90; P=0.026), and KRAS mutation (HR 1.897; 95% Cl 0.19, 0.90; P=0.001) remained independent predictors of shorter overall survival. Among the common KRAS mutations, G12D was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (HR 2.17; 95% Cl 1.31, 3.58; P < 0.0001) compared with KRAS wild-type patients.

Conclusions:

Our findings indicate that KRAS genes are frequently mutated, and over 30% harbored the KRAS G12D mutation subtype. We found that the KRAS G12D mutation is associated with inferior survival and is a biomarker of poor prognosis in Chinese patients. Our data emphasize the importance of molecular features in colorectal cancer patients, which could potentially be improved by G12D-specific related inhibitors.
Meeting the care needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through the Model of Nursing Based on Activities of Living
Authors: Mert Selda , Köşgeroğlu Nedime
Published: May 2021

Aim:

This study aimed to identify the problems families of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities face in meeting their family members' care needs, using the Model of Nursing Based on Activities of Living, and planned implemented and evaluated the nursing interventions to fulfill these care needs.

Method:

A cross-sectional screening model was used in the study. One hundred families of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who accepted home visits between September 2008 and December 2008, were included in the study.

Results:

The study revealed a statistically significant difference ( p < 0.05) between the Model of Nursing Based on Activities of Living total mean scores of care needs in the pre- (1.69 ± 0.21) and post-nursing intervention (1.50 ± 0.24) periods. Nurse-led interventions for daily life activities of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families were found to be effective ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

In line with the Model of Nursing Based on Activities of Living, nurse-led collaboration with families and relevant institutions positively contributed to meeting the care needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Vicarious pain is an outcome of atypical body ownership: Evidence from the rubber hand illusion and enfacement illusion
Authors: Botan Vanessa , Salisbury Abigail , Critchley Hugo D , Ward Jamie
Published: May 2021

Some people report localised pain on their body when seeing other people in pain (sensory-localised vicarious pain responders). In this study, we assess whether this is related to atypical computations of body ownership which, in paradigms such as the rubber hand illusion (RHI), can be conceptualised as a Bayesian inference as to whether multiple sources of sensory information (visual, somatosensory) belong together on a single body (one’s own) or are distributed across several bodies (vision = other, somatosensory = self). According to this model, computations of body ownership depend on the degree (and precision) of sensory evidence, rather than synchrony per se. Sensory-localised vicarious pain responders exhibit the RHI following synchronous stroking and—unusually—also after asynchronous stroking. Importantly, this occurs only in asynchronous conditions in which the stroking is predictable (alternating) rather than unpredictable (random). There was no evidence that their bottom-up proprioceptive signals are less precise, suggesting individual differences in the top-down weighting of sensory evidence. Finally, the enfacement illusion (EI) was also employed as a conceptually related bodily illusion paradigm that involves a completely different response judgement (based on vision rather than proprioception). Sensory-localised responders show a comparable pattern on this task after synchronous and asynchronous stroking. This is consistent with the idea that they have top-down (prior) differences in the way body ownership is inferred that transcends the exact judgement being made (visual or proprioceptive).
How the size of exogenous attentional cues alters visual performance: From response gain to contrast gain
Authors: Wu Xiaogang , Wang Aijun , Zhang Ming
Published: May 2021

The normalisation model of attention (NMoA) predicts that the attention gain pattern is mediated by changes in the size of the attentional field and stimuli. However, existing studies have not measured gain patterns when the relative sizes of stimuli are changed. To investigate the NMoA, the present study manipulated the attentional field size, namely, the exogenous cue size. Moreover, we assessed whether the relative rather than the absolute size of the attentional field matters, either by holding the target size constant and changing the cue size (Experiments 1–3) or by holding the cue size constant and changing the target size (Experiment 4), in a spatial cueing paradigm of psychophysical procedures. The results show that the gain modulations changed from response gain to contrast gain when the precue size changed from small to large relative to the target size (Experiments 1–3). Moreover, when the target size was once again made larger than the precue size, there was still a change in response gain (Experiment 4). These results suggest that the size of exogenous cues plays an important role in adjusting the attentional field and that relative changes rather than absolute changes to exogenous cue size determine gain modulation. These results are consistent with the prediction of the NMoA and provide novel insights into gain modulations of visual selective attention.
An amino-functionalized three-dimensional cadmium metal–organic framework: Synthesis, characterization and excellent fluorescence sensing of Fe3+
Authors: Yin Jifa , Han Youjie , Zhu Hongmei , Tian Ye
Published: May 2021

An amino-functionalized three-dimensional cadmium metal–organic framework, [Cd1.5(L)(DMF)]·2H2O (complex 1) L = H3TTCA-NH2 = 2′-amino-[1,1′:3′,1″-terphenyl]-4,4″,5′-tricarboxylic acid), is successfully synthesized under solvothermal conditions and structurally characterized. Interestingly, as a transition metal organic framework, the cadmium metal–organic framework exhibits favorable luminescence properties. In addition, the cadmium metal–organic framework reveals excellent selective and sensitive fluorescence sensing for the recognition of Fe3+ with high quenching efficiency ( Ksv = 3.340 × 103 M−1), demonstrating that the cadmium metal–organic framework can be used as a potential sensor for Fe3+.
Panabipinoside A and panabipinoside B, two new oleanane triterpenoid saponins from the roots of Panax bipinnatifidus with nitric oxide inhibitory activity
Authors: Van Kiem Phan , DinhHoang Vu , Hoang Anh Nguyen Thi , Phuong Anh Dinh Thi , Trang Do Thi , Tai Bui Huu
Published: May 2021

Panax bipinnatifidus belongs to the ginseng genus and it is used in traditional Vietnamese and Chinese medicine. Phytochemical studies of the roots of this plant led to the isolation of two new oleanane triterpenoid saponins, panabipinoside A and panabipinoside B, and three known compounds, ginsennoside Ro, 3- O- β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)- β-glucuronopyranosyl oleanolic acid, and spinasaponin A 28- O-glucoside. Their structures are established by extensive spectroscopic analysis (IR, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance) and by comparison of the spectral data with those reported in the literature. The anti-inflammatory activity of the isolated compounds is evaluated by their inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Compounds 2–5 showed inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production with IC50 values of 0.62 ± 0.09, 0.21 ± 0.04, 0.30 ± 0.03, and 0.45 ± 0.05 µg/mL, respectively, compared to value of 8.08 ± 0.09 µg/mL for the positive control compound, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine.
Graph regularized low-rank representation for semi-supervised learning
Authors: You Cong-Zhe , Shu Zhen-Qiu , Fan Hong-Hui , Wu Xiao-Jun
Published: May 2021

Low-rank representation (LRR) has attracted wide attention of researchers in recent years due to its excellent performance in the exploration of high-dimensional subspace structures. However, in the existing semi-supervised learning problem based on the LRR method, graph construction and semi-supervised learning are two separate steps. Therefore, the existing label information in the data set is not well used to guide the construction of the affinity graph. Therefore, these methods do not guarantee that the final result is a global optimal solution. This paper proposes a graph regularized low-rank representation for semi-supervised learning, called GLR2S2. This method combines the construction of affinity graph with semi supervised learning and unifies them into an optimization framework. By solving the joint optimization problem, the global optimal solution can be obtained. Experimental results on several standard data sets show that the GLR2S2 method proposed in this paper is effective.