bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solving Complex Fuzzy Linear Matrix Equations
Authors: Sun Yirong , An Junyang , Guo Xiaobin
Published: October 2021

In this paper, a kind of complex fuzzy linear matrix equation

A

X
˜

B
=

C
˜

, in which

C
˜

is a complex fuzzy matrix and

A

and

B

are crisp matrices, is investigated by using a matrix method. The complex fuzzy matrix equation is extended into a crisp system of matrix equations by means of arithmetic operations of fuzzy numbers. Two brand new and simplified procedures for solving the original fuzzy equation are proposed and the correspondingly sufficient condition for strong fuzzy solution are analysed. Some examples are calculated in detail to illustrate our proposed method.
Ranitidine and Risk of Bladder and Kidney Cancer: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Nørgaard Mette , Andersen Ina Trolle , Heide-Jørgensen Uffe , Erichsen Rune , Rees Judy R. , Karagas Margaret R. , Sørensen Henrik Toft
Published: October 2021

Background:

In 2019, ranitidine was withdrawn due to high levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine, a probable human carcinogen. The risk of bladder and kidney cancer in ranitidine users, however, remains unclear.

Methods:

In a Danish nationwide cohort study, we included adults (18 years or older) without previous cancer, who between 1996 and 2008 redeemed at least two prescriptions for ranitidine and, as two separate comparison cohorts, patients with at least two prescriptions for other H2-receptor antagonists (H2-blockers), or proton pump inhibitors (PPI). Follow-up for bladder or kidney cancer started at date of the second prescription and continued to date of cancer, death, emigration, or December 31, 2018, whichever occurred first. We used propensity scores for ranitidine use to compute stabilized inverse probability of treatment (sIPT) weights and used Cox regression to compute crude and weighted HRs.

Results:

We identified 31,393 initiators of ranitidine, 65,384 initiating other H2-blockers, and 509,849 initiating PPI. Compared with other H2-blockers, the crude HR for bladder cancer was 1.33 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15–1.55], but sIPT weighting attenuated this to 1.11 (95% CI: 0.95–1.29). Compared with PPI initiators, the weighted HR was 1.24 (95% CI: 1.04–1.48). For kidney cancer, the weighted HR was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.72–1.10) compared with users of H2-blockers and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.67–1.13) compared with users of PPI.

Conclusions:

Our findings did not suggest a substantial increase in bladder or kidney cancer occurrence in ranitidine users.

Impact:

These findings are reassuring for previous ranitidine users.
Serum Biomarkers of Iron Status and Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Yu Yi-Chuan , Luu Hung N. , Wang Renwei , Thomas Claire E. , Glynn Nancy W. , Youk Ada O. , Behari Jaideep , Yuan Jian-Min
Published: October 2021

Background:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a major contributor to the rising incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the United States and other developed countries. Iron, an essential metal primarily stored in hepatocytes, may play a role in the development of NAFLD-related HCC. Epidemiologic data on iron overload without hemochromatosis in relation to HCC are sparse. This study aimed to examine the associations between serum biomarkers of iron and the risk of HCC in patients with NAFLD.

Methods:

We identified 18,569 patients with NAFLD using the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center electronic health records from 2004 through 2018. After an average 4.34 years of follow-up, 244 patients developed HCC. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of HCC incidence associated with elevated levels of iron biomarkers with adjustment for age, sex, race, body mass index, history of diabetes, and tobacco smoking.

Results:

The HRs (95% CIs) of HCC for clinically defined elevation of serum iron and transferrin saturation were 2.91 (1.34–6.30) and 2.02 (1.22–3.32), respectively, compared with their respective normal range. No statistically significant association was observed for total iron-binding capacity or serum ferritin with HCC risk.

Conclusions:

Elevated levels of serum iron and transferrin saturation were significantly associated with increased risk of HCC among patients with NAFLD without hemochromatosis or other major underlying causes of chronic liver diseases.

Impact:

Clinical surveillance of serum iron level may be a potential strategy to identify patients with NAFLD who are at high risk for HCC.
Estudo da função sexual em mulheres submetidas a cirurgia bariátrica
Authors: Souza Lissa Cerosino de , Corrêa Krislainy de Sousa , Schimchak Gabriella Assumpção Alvarenga
Published: October 2021

Introdução: A Cirurgia Bariátrica (CB) surge como forma de tratamento de várias comorbidades associadas à obesidade, e pode estar associada a melhora significativa tanto da qualidade de vida quanto da função sexual de mulheres submetidas ao procedimento cirúrgico. Objetivo: avaliar a função sexual, qualidade de vida e identificar a prevalência de disfunção sexual em mulheres submetidas à cirurgia bariátrica. Método: Estudo transversal realizado com mulheres que foram submetidas a CB e que fizeram acompanhamento em um Hospital Particular e por busca ativa. Foram aplicados os instrumentos de Índice de Função Sexual Feminina (FSFI) e qualidade de vida (BAROS). Resultados: Foram avaliadas 26 mulheres, que se consideram à vontade ao falar de sexo (46%), 42% consideram que a frequência sexual após a CB aumentou, 30% consideram que diminuiu, 50% relatam que a satisfação sexual após a cirurgia melhorou, 42% consideram sua vida sexual boa, 26% ótima e 23% regular. A disfunção sexual teve prevalência de 38%, a média de desempenho no FSFI foi de 25,93 ± 7,86 pontos (Min=5 e Máx = 35,70 pontos). A qualidade de vida analisada pelo BAROS foi considerada “excelente” por 42% e “muito bom” por 38%. Houve correlação entre a função sexual (FSFI) e qualidade de vida (Baros) (r= 0,67, p<0,001). Além disso, não ter disfunção sexual está associado com melhor qualidade de vida (p=0,001). Conclusão: A prevalência de disfunção sexual foi de 38,5%, sendo que a maioria das mulheres apresentou função sexual preservada. A qualidade de vida foi avaliada como excelente e muito boa, enquanto a vida sexual foi classificada de boa a ótima pela maior parte das mulheres. Qualidade de vida mostrou associação a função sexual.
Vulnerabilidade mental e suicídio por contágio durante a vivência acadêmica
Authors: Muniz João Paulo Chagas , Finger Kamila Binsfeld , Davi Waldman Santos , Araújo Kassya Sthepanie Sousa de , Côrtes Mayra Aparecida
Published: October 2021

Introdução: O comportamento suicida evolui de uma etiologia multifatorial na qual ocorre um compartilhamento de fatores por indivíduos de uma mesma sociedade. O sujeito social em risco é aquele que se encontra, por meio de pensamentos e valores, em situação desesperada e alienada. O discente se enquadra nessa conjuntura de vulnerabilidade, de modo que, quando exposto a informações detalhistas, demográficas e censitárias locais  sobre casos de suicídio, pode vir a admitir inconscientemente o comportamento da prática, e, então, se tornar um perfil de risco. Conhecido como “Efeito Werther”, as exposições  midiáticas quantitativas e qualitativas sobre o fenômeno suicídio influenciam no aumento das taxas de suicídio em indivíduos. O grau de influência possui relação dose-efeito e depende de características variáveis para o processo de imitação, identificação e reprodução do evento. Um exemplo de influência no processo de imitação é a divulgação, feita majoritariamente em redes sociais, de técnicas de suicídio, e, para o processo de  identificação, a apresentação de nomes e perfis, como, por exemplo, de celebridades ou contextos sociais de suicidas. A adequação de informações expostas e a conscientização são elementos essenciais para o sucesso dos programas de prevenção do suicídio. Objetivo: Estabelecer a relação entre a vulnerabilidade mental de estudantes do ensino superior e a sua predisposição ao suicídio por contágio. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura a partir das bases de dados SciELO, LILACS, PubMed/MedLine, RCAAP, RCIPEA e daliteratura cinzenta usando os descritores: “tentativa de suicídio”; “estudantes”; “meios de comunicação”; e “saúde mental”. Resultado: Foram encontrados 3.143 artigos nas bases de dados pesquisadas. Após leitura do título e resumo e, considerando os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, foram elegíveis para o estudo 19 artigos. Somam-se às referências mencionadas  dois livros-textos importantes para a temática pesquisada e dois artigos pesquisados na literatura cinzenta. Discussão: O suicídio como notícia deve ser abordado de forma discreta e reportado cuidadosamente sem exagero em detalhes para que não haja enaltecimento do  fato em diversos aspectos. A população jovem é particularmente vulnerável ao efeito contágio para ideação suicida devido a uma maior inclinação para fenômenos de identificação e imitação. O ensino superior é um estágio de possível fragilidade psicológicae deve ser visto como período de risco para distúrbios mentais e desfechos trágicos. A adequação de informações expostas e a conscientização são elementos essenciais para o sucesso dos programas de prevenção do suicídio.
Tolerance and osmotic response to food deprivation and salt loading in the herbivorous non-drinking Moroccan Spiny-tailed lizard Uromastyx nigriventris (Sauria: Agamidae)
Authors: Safaa Bendami , Mohammed Znari
Published: October 2021

Animals inhabiting arid environments use a variety of behavioural and physiological strategies to balance their water and salt budgets. We studied the effects of dehydration and salt loading on osmoregulatory capacities in a large herbivorous desert lizard, the Moroccan Spiny-tailed lizard Uromastyx nigriventris, the family Agamidae. These lizards select plants with a high K+ to Na+ ratio of 15 to 20, and like other herbivorous lizards, effectively eliminate the extra electrolyte load, mainly via a pair of active nasal salt glands, which exude the extra ions from blood. Here we present results of a series of laboratory experiments, which tested a five-week food and water deprivation and the excretory response of nasal salt glands, during a short period of five days, following salt loading by two separated injections of KCl or NaCl at a 5-day interval (4th and 9th days). During food-water deprivation, hypohydrated lizards lost 32% of their initial body mass with a substantial decrease of their Body Condition Index and the tail volume as an index of energy (fat and then potential metabolic water) storage. Plasma osmolality significantly increased by 20%. There were also significantly increased plasma sodium, chloride, and total protein concentrations. On the other hand, there was no significant decrease in the plasma glucose level. Most of the salt loaded lizards secreted far more K+ than Na+ via the nasal glands, even after NaCl loading. The K+/Na+ ratio decreased only after two to three repetitive NaCl injections but insufficient Na+ was eliminated. Two successive KCl injections were successfully eliminated, but daily natural average K+ administration induced progressive hyperkaliemia. These experimental data agreed with previous observations showing variations of plasma Na+ and K+ concentrations in free-living lizards. The nasal gland constitutes the main route of Cl− excretion but the Cl−/(Na+ + K+) ratio may vary according to observations in other herbivorous species.
Descriptions of two new shell-dwelling species of Metriaclima (Cichlidae) from Lake Malaŵi, Africa
Authors: MILLER TORIN A. , KONINGS ADRIANUS F. , STAUFFER JAY R. JR.
Published: October 2021

Metriaclima is the most speciose genus of rock-dwelling fishes (mbuna) found in Lake Malaŵi with 32 described species and with about 40 recognized forms that still await formal description. The genus is comprised of many geographically narrow populations restricted to specific habitat landmarks, such as reefs or islands. A few species have taken to the open sandy habitat where empty gastropod shells provide shelter. Two species of such shell-dwellers are here described as new. A combination of a black submarginal band in the dorsal and anal fins and five or fewer bars on the flank distinguishes Metriaclima ngarae sp. n. and M. gallireyae sp. n. from all other species of Metriaclima. Metriaclima ngarae sp. n. differs from M. gallireyae by a greater interorbital width and by a greater ratio of the snout length in the distance between snout tip and pelvic fin origin. Adult males of M. gallireyae have a blue-brown overall coloration obscuring the bar pattern on the flank while males of M. ngarae and those of the closely related M. lanisticola retain the bar pattern and have a coloration very similar to that of females.
N, S Co-Doped Bagasse Mesoporous Carbon with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Zheng Shuang , Liu Huigen , Liao Dongliang , Luo Yuan , Hu Guobin , Zhang Kaiyou , Qin Aimiao , Hao Xinyu , Liao Lei
Published: October 2021

Nitrogen-sulfur co-doped interconnected honeycomb sheet-like biomass carbon (N, S-BC) from low-cost agriculture waste-bagasse, was prepared by a simple and effective strategy of one step heat treatment with thiourea as doping agent. The mesoporous structure of N, S-BC shows an average
pore diameter of 6–25 nm, a sheet thickness of 5–7 nm, and a relatively large BET surface area of 1576.7 m2 g−1. The N, S-BC anode material exhibits better electrochemical performance than the un-doped BC and the N, S single-doped BC (N-BC and S-BC).
The N, S-co-doping makes the first discharge specific capacity of BC increase 105.9%, the first coulomb efficiency increase 22.8%, and the reversible capacity increase 187.2% after 50 cycles. After 200 cycles, A relatively high reversible capacity of 572.8 mAh g−1 even can
be observed at a high current density of 2 A g−1, which is 3.7 times that of BC and almost twice that of N-BC and S-BC. When using as LEDs lighting power supply, the brightness duration of N, S-BC cell shows longer than that of BC cell. The dynamic storage mechanism study
results show that both the diffusion coefficient of lithium ions and capacitance contribution rate of N, S-BC are larger than those of BC. These enhanced electrochemical properties of N, S-BC are attributed to their high specific surface area, abundant uniform mesoporous structure of the honeycomb
layer and defects, and the synergistic effect of diatomic doping. The one-step method of N, S co-doping technology for sheet-like porous biomass carbon could be used to synthesize high-performance lithium-ion battery electrode materials with cheap and readily available agricultural waste is
used as precursors.
Estimating Nearshore Waves by Assimilating Buoy Directional Spectrum Data in SWAN
Authors: Walker David T. , Brunner Kelsey
Published: October 2021

This paper describes a variational data assimilation algorithm based on the Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN) wave spectrum model. The approach allows single-point wave spectrum observations to be used to estimate the wave field for a nearshore region under stationary conditions, assuming a spatially uniform incident wave spectrum at the offshore boundary. The assimilated data are in the form of Fourier directional coefficients, the standard output from operational wave buoys, and are used directly by incorporating the relationship between directional spectrum and the Fourier coefficients into the formulation. The algorithm was tested on data from nearshore buoys deployed off the coast of North Carolina in May 2012, and the estimated wave field is compared to both the input data and independent observation data. The results compare favorably to the independent data with overall RMS errors of 10%–20% for significant wave height, about half a second for mean wave period, and as much as three to four SWAN spectral grid cells for mean direction. Overall, the results show that the algorithm can be effectively used to estimate the offshore boundary spectrum and accurately reproduce wave conditions in the domain.
Soil Moisture Influence on the Incidence of Summer Mesoscale Convective Systems in the U.S. Great Plains
Authors: Gaal Rachel , Kinter III James L.
Published: October 2021

Mesoscale convective systems (MCS) are known to develop under ideal conditions of temperature and humidity profiles and large-scale dynamic forcing. Recent work, however, has shown that summer MCS events can occur under weak synoptic forcing or even unfavorable large-scale environments. When baroclinic forcing is weak, convection may be triggered by anomalous conditions at the land surface. This work evaluates land surface conditions for summer MCS events forming in the U.S. Great Plains using an MCS database covering the contiguous United States east of the Rocky Mountains, in boreal summers 2004–16. After isolating MCS cases where synoptic-scale influences are not the main driver of development (i.e., only non-squall-line storms), antecedent soil moisture conditions are evaluated over two domain sizes (1.25° and 5° squares) centered on the mean position of the storm initiation. A negative correlation between soil moisture and MCS initiation is identified for the smaller domain, indicating that MCS events tend to be initiated over patches of anomalously dry soils of ∼100-km scale, but not significantly so. For the larger domain, soil moisture heterogeneity, with anomalously dry soils (anomalously wet soils) located southwest (northeast) of the initiation point, is associated with MCS initiation. This finding is similar to previous results in the Sahel and Europe that suggest that induced meso-β circulations from surface heterogeneity can drive convection initiation.
Examining Violence Against Women at a Regional Level 1 Trauma Center During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tracy Brett M. , Whitson Amy K. , Chen JC , Weiss Brian D. , Sims Carrie A.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

There is a growing concern that certain public health restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could result in more violence against women (VAW). We sought to determine if the rates and types of VAW changed during the COVID-19 pandemic at our level 1 trauma center (L1TC).

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of female patients who presented to our L1TC because of violence from 2019 through 2020. Patients were grouped into a pre-COVID or COVID period. The primary aim of this study was to compare rates of VAW between groups. Secondary aims sought to evaluate for any difference in traumatic mechanism between periods and to determine if a temporal relationship existed between COVID-19 and VAW rates.

Results

There was no difference in rates of VAW between the pre-COVID and COVID period (3.1% vs 3.6%, P = .6); however, rates of penetrating trauma were greater during the COVID period (38.2% vs 10.3%, P = .01). After controlling for patient age and race, the odds of penetrating trauma increased during the pandemic (OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.6-28.5, P < .01). From February 2020 through October 2020, there was a direct relationship between rates of COVID-19 and VAW ( r2 .78, P < .01).

Conclusion

Rates of VAW were unchanged between the pre-COVID and COVID periods, yet the odds of penetrating VAW were 5 times greater during the pandemic. Moving forward, trauma surgeons must remain vigilant for signs of violence and ensure that support services are available during future crises.
Adjuvant Radiation Does Not Affect Locoregional Control Following Resection of Melanoma Satellitosis or In-Transit Disease
Authors: Yaney Alexander C. , Rossfeld Kara K. , Wu Trudy C. , Agnese Doreen M. , Terando Alicia M. , Wuthrick Evan J. , Howard John H.
Published: October 2021

Background

This study evaluates the association of adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) with improved locoregional (LR) recurrence for resected melanoma satellitosis and in-transit disease (ITD).

Materials and Methods

Data were collected retrospectively for resected melanoma satellitosis/ITD from 1996 to 2017.

Results

99 patients were identified. 20 patients (20.2%) received adjuvant RT while 79 (79.8%) did not. Mean follow-up in the RT group was 4.3 years and 4.7 years in the non-RT group. 80% of patients who underwent RT suffered a complication, most commonly dermatitis. Locoregional recurrence occurred in 9 patients (45%) treated with adjuvant RT and 30 patients (38%) in the non-RT group ( P = 0.805). Median LR-DFS was 5.8 years in the RT group and 9.5 years in the non-RT group ( P = 0.604). On multivariable analysis, having a close or positive margin was the only independent predictor of LR-DFS (HR 3.8 95% CI 1.7-8.7). In-transit disease was associated with improved overall survival when compared to satellitosis (HR 0.260, 95% CI 0.08-0.82).

Discussion

The use of adjuvant RT is not associated with improved locoregional control in resected melanoma satellitosis or ITD. Close or positive margin was the only treatment-related factor associated with decreased LR-DFS after surgical resection of satellitosis/ITD.
Iatrogenic Injuries in Manual and Mechanical Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Authors: Chun Magnus J. , Zhang Yichi , Toraih Eman A. , McGrew Patrick R.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Mechanical chest compression has been shown to be equivalent to manual chest compression in providing survival benefits to patients experiencing cardiac arrest. There has been a growing need for a contemporary review of iatrogenic injuries caused by mechanical in comparison with manual chest compression. Our study aims to analyze the studies that document significant life-threatening iatrogenic injuries caused by mechanical and manual chest compression.

Methods

A systematic review of PubMed and Embase was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. All studies published after January 1st, 2000 were reviewed using inclusion/exclusion criteria and completed by May 2020. A total of 7202 patients enrolled in 15 studies were included in our meta-analysis.

Results

Significant life-threatening iatrogenic injuries had higher odds of occurring when mechanical chest compression was used compared to manual chest compression, especially for hemothorax and liver lacerations. Mechanical chest compression involves consistently deeper compression depths compared to manual chest compression, potentially resulting in more injuries. In the mechanical chest compression cohort, chest wall fractures had the highest incidence rate (55.7%), followed by sternal fracture (28.3%), lung injuries (3.7%), liver (1.0%), and diaphragm (.2%) lacerations.

Conclusions

Mechanical chest compression was associated with more iatrogenic injuries as compared to manual chest compression. Further research is needed to define the appropriate application of mechanical in comparison with manual chest compression in different scenarios. Levels of provider training, different mechanical chest compression device types, patient demographics, and compression duration/depth may all play roles in influencing outcomes.
The Efficacy and Safety of Methylnaltrexone for the Treatment of Postoperative Ileus
Authors: Beavers Jennifer , Orton Lindsay , Atchison Leanne , Medvecz Andrew , Dennis Bradley , Guillamondegui Oscar , Smith Michael C.
Published: October 2021

Background

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a surgical complication resulting in increased morbidity and length of stay (LOS). Usual care for POI includes bowel rest and gastric decompression. It has been questioned if methylnaltrexone (MNTX), a peripheral opioid antagonist, could be used as treatment for POI. The purpose of this study was to determine if MNTX is effective and safe for POI treatment.

Methods

This single-center, retrospective cohort study included patients ⩾ 18 years with a POI. Patients with acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, small bowel obstruction, and gastrointestinal malignancy were excluded. The intervention was MNTX administration. The primary outcome was time to ileus resolution. Secondary outcomes included LOS, duration of nasogastric tube, total parenteral nutrition requirement, and incidence of gastrointestinal perforations.

Results

110 patients were included in the analysis; 28 received MNTX. Time to ileus resolution was 9.9 days for the MNTX group and 11.4 days for the control group ( P = .38). Duration of gastric decompression was 4.6 days for the MNTX group and 4.2 days for the control group ( P = .71). Length of stay was 19.9 days for the MNTX group and 19.7 days for the control group ( P = .96). The percentage of TPN requirement was 17.9% in the MNTX group and 22.0% in the control group ( P = .65). No gastrointestinal perforations were observed in either group.

Conclusion

For the treatment of POI, MNTX did not significantly reduce time to resolution of ileus, LOS, duration of gastric decompression, or TPN requirements. However, no gastrointestinal perforations were seen, indicating that MNTX may be safely used in these patients.
Raman Investigation of the Processing Structure Relations in Individual Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Electrospun Fibers
Authors: Laramée Arnaud W. , Lanthier Catherine , Pellerin Christian
Published: October 2021

*These authors contributed equally. Electrospun fibers often exhibit enhanced properties at reduced diameters, a characteristic now widely attributed to a high molecular orientation of the polymer chains along the fiber axis. A parameter that can affect the molecular organization is the type of collector onto which fibers are electrospun. In this work, we use polarized confocal Raman spectromicroscopy to determine the incidence of the three most common types of collectors on the molecular orientation and structure in individual fibers of a broad range of diameters. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) is used as a model system for fibers of weakly crystalline polymers. A clear correlation emerges between the choice of collector, the induced molecular orientation, the fraction of trans conformers, and the degree of crystallinity within fibers. Quantitative structural information gathered by Raman contributes to a general description of the mechanism of action of the collectors based on the additional strain they exert on the forming fibers.
Analysis of Highly Concentrated Aqueous Solutions of Alkali Metal Chlorides Using Sonoluminescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Yurchenko Oleg I. , Chernozhuk Tatyana V. , Baklanov Alexander N. , Baklanova Larisa V. , Rebrov Alexander L. , Ponomarenko Tamara V. , Rebrova Tatyana P. , Cherginets Victor L.
Published: October 2021

The use of the sonoluminescence spectroscopy for the determination of main components in concentrated aqueous solution of alkali metal halides is examined. In concentrated RCl solutions (R = Li, Na, K; C = 100–600 g · dm−3) the sonoluminescence intensity is inversely proportional to ultrasound frequency in the range from 2 Hz up to 5 Hz. In the CsCl case the inverse proportionality is disturbed at ultrasound frequencies higher than 3 MHz. This is the limiting value for the accurate analysis of the concentrated solutions of cesium chloride. The increase of initiating ultrasound frequency leads to a decrease of the main component determination in highly concentrated (more than 300 g ċ dm−3) natural and artificial solutions. Nevertheless, the metrological characteristics of the results of the main substance determination in these solutions improve. The routines of express determination of the main substance in concentrated saline solutions were developed.
Phonologically Impaired Preschoolers: Rhyme with an Eye toward Reading
Authors: Webster Penelope E. , Plante Amy Solomon
Published: October 2021

Summary.—In this study were compared the phonological awareness of 15 moderately to severely phonologically impaired and 15 phonologically normal children, matched on mental age and gender, on sensitivity to alliteration and to rhyme. Analysis showed no significant difference between the groups in detection of alliteration; however, there was a significant difference in detection of rhyme. The latter correlated .43 with speech intelligibility. We conclude that phonological awareness is associated closely with productive phonological ability early in development.
Syndromic Surveillance as a Tool for Case-Based Varicella Reporting in Georgia, 2016-2019
Authors: Adam Carolyn M. , Borroto René , Thomas Ebony , Tuttle Jessica , Pavlick Jessica , Drenzek Cherie L.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Syndromic surveillance can be used to enhance notifiable disease case-based surveillance. We analyzed features of varicella reported in Georgia to evaluate case detection through syndromic surveillance and to compare varicella reported through syndromic surveillance with varicella reported from all other sources.

Methods

Syndromic surveillance was incorporated into case-based varicella surveillance by the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) in May 2016. A cross-sectional study design evaluated syndromic and nonsyndromic varicella reported to GDPH from May 1, 2016, through December 31, 2019. Varicella was reported by nonsyndromic sources including health care providers, schools, and laboratories. We identified syndromic varicella cases from urgent care and emergency department visit data with discharge diagnoses containing the terms “varicella” or “chickenpox.”

Results

Syndromic notifications accounted for 589 of 2665 (22.1%) suspected varicella reports investigated by GDPH. The positive predictive value was 33.1% for syndromic notifications and 31.3% for nonsyndromic notifications. Mean days from rash onset to GDPH notification was 3.2 days fewer ( P < .001) among patients identified through syndromic notification than among patients identified through nonsyndromic notification. The odds of varicella identified by syndromic notification being outbreak-associated were 0.18 (95% CI, 0.09-0.36) times those of varicella identified through nonsyndromic notification.

Practice Implications

Syndromic notifications were an effective, timely means for varicella case detection. Syndromic patients were significantly less likely than nonsyndromic patients to be outbreak-associated, possibly because of early detection. Syndromic surveillance enhanced case-based reporting for varicella in Georgia and was a useful tool to improve notifiable disease surveillance.
Online Learning Performances of Children and Adolescents With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: He Shan , Shuai Lan , Wang Zhouye , Qiu Meihui , Wilson Amanda , Xia Weiping , Cao Xuan , Lu Lu , Zhang Jinsong
Published: October 2021

To investigate attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) core symptoms that impair executive function (EF), emotional state, learning motivation, and the family and parenting environment of children and adolescents with ADHD, both with and without severe difficulties. This will be explored within an online learning environment during the period of COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 183 ADHD children diagnosed using DSM-V criteria were selected and divided into 2 groups high difficulties during online learning (HDOL) and low difficulties during online learning (LDOL) according to the answer of Home Quarantine Investigation of the Pandemic (HQIP). The participants filled out a set of questionnaires to assess their emotional state and learning motivation, and their parents also filled out the questionnaires about ADHD core symptoms, EF, and family and parenting environment. Compared with ADHD children in the LDOL group, the children in the HDOL group had significant symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, oppositional defiant, behavioral and emotional problems according to the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale (SNAP). They also had more severely impaired EF according to the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), more difficulties and disturbances in the family by the Chinese version of Family Environment Scale (FES-CV), and lower parenting efficacy and satisfaction by Parenting Sense of Competence (PSOC). With regard to the self-rating questionnaires of children and adolescents, the HDOL group reported lower learning motivation according to the Students Learning Motivation Scale (SLMS). By Screening for Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders and Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children (DSRSC), those in HDOL presented more negative emotions. The HDOL group spent significantly more time on both video games and social software per day and significantly less time on multiple activities per week, when compared to those in the LDOL group. This study demonstrated that ADHD children and adolescents with HDOL had more inattention-related behaviors, more severe emotional problems and EF impairment, weaker learning motivation, and poorer family and parenting environment. Meanwhile, digital media use should be supervised and appropriate extracurricular activities should be encouraged by parents and schools.
How did the Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion Affect Coverage and Access to Care for Low-Income Parents Who Were Eligible for Medicaid Before the Law Was Passed?
Authors: McMorrow Stacey , Kenney Genevieve M.
Published: October 2021

We use the National Health Interview Survey from 2010 to 2017 and a difference-in-differences approach to assess the impact of the Affordable Care Cct (ACA) Medicaid expansion on coverage and access to care for a subset of low-income parents who were already eligible for Medicaid when the ACA was passed. Any gains in coverage would typically be expected to improve access to and affordability of care, but there were concerns that by increasing the total population with coverage and thereby straining provider capacity, that the ACA would reduce access to care for individuals who were already eligible for Medicaid prior to the passage of the law. We found that the expansion reduced uninsurance among previously eligible parents by 12.6 percentage points, or a 40 percent decline from their 2012–2013 uninsurance rate. Moreover, these effects grew stronger over time with a 55 percent decline in uninsurance 2 to 3 years following expansion. Though we identified very few statistically significant impacts of the expansion on affordability of care, descriptive estimates show substantial declines in unmet needs due to cost and problems paying family medical bills. Descriptively, we find no significant increases in provider access problems for previously eligible parents, and very limited evidence that the Medicaid expansion was associated with more constrained provider capacity. Though sample size constraints were likely a factor in our ability to identify impacts on access and affordability measures, our overall findings suggest that the ACA Medicaid expansion positively affected our sample of low-income parents who met pre-ACA Medicaid eligibility criteria.
Money matters: The impact of gender quotas on campaign spending for women candidates
Authors: Buckley Fiona , Mariani Mack
Published: October 2021

Despite concerns that women candidates are hampered by gender gaps in campaign financing, few scholars have examined how gender quotas impact women candidates’ access to campaign funds. We examine the effect of a party-based gender quota on women candidates’ financing and electoral success in Ireland. Under the gender quota, the number of women candidates increased and parties acted strategically to provide women challengers with increased financial support. However, women challengers spent less candidate funds than men challengers and were less likely to have prior officeholding experiences associated with fundraising. Women challengers’ disadvantage is concerning because candidate expenditures are associated with winning votes. Our findings show that the effectiveness of a gender quota is partly determined by how the quota interacts with the campaign finance system and the political opportunity structure.
Romantic and parental attachment, psychosocial risk, and personal agency in emerging adulthood
Authors: Nunes Filipa , Matos Paula Mena , Ferreira Tiago , Mota Catarina Pinheiro
Published: October 2021

This study focuses on emerging adults’ personal agency, an individual feature associated with enhanced adaptive and resilient developmental trajectories. The two objectives were to explore the role of demographic, psychosocial risk, and relational factors in predicting personal agency and analyze whether romantic attachment mediates the connection between parental attachment and personal agency. The sample consisted of 607 Portuguese emerging adults aged between 18 and 30 years. Structural equation modeling results suggest that men are more likely to exhibit higher levels of personal agency than women. Trustful romantic relations and good paternal emotional bonds are associated with greater personal agency, while dependent romantic relations and maternal relations, characterized by inhibition of exploration, are associated with lower personal agency. Moreover, in romantic relations, trust, unlike dependence, partially mediates the association between parental attachment and personal agency. These findings are discussed based on attachment and self-determination theories, considering the importance of secure relationships for agency and autonomy in personal actions. This study provides important evidence for the influencers and mediators of personal agency, contributing to a better understanding of this individual capacity.
Romantic Partner Interference and Psychological Reactance in the Context of Caregiving for an Aging Family Member
Authors: Ball Hannah , Bevan Jennifer L. , Urbanovich Tessa , Craw Erin S.
Published: October 2021

Negotiating romantic relational dynamics is inherent to family caregiving situations, which continue to be on the rise in the United States. However, despite evidence that family caregiving duties are linked to a variety of negative relational outcomes, limited research examines communication processes that contribute to or alleviate the burden of caregiver duties on romantic relationships. Guided by psychological reactance theory (PRT), this study examined the link between romantic partner interference with family caregiving duties and the reactance process, as well as directness of communication about irritation as a type of freedom restoration behavior associated with reactance. Adults caring for aging family members recruited from MTurk ( N = 187) completed an online survey as part of a larger study of romantic partner communication surrounding family caregiving. Results using PROCESS serial mediation indicated that greater partner interference was related to heightened perceptions of freedom threat, which was positively associated with the experience of reactance, which in turn was associated with communication about irritation. However, the association between reactance and directness of communication about irritation was negative, the opposite direction of what was hypothesized. Implications for PRT and interventions with caregivers and their romantic partners are discussed.
Experience with VariClose® vein sealing system in the Czech Republic
Authors: Balaz Peter , Rokosny Slavomir , Herman Jiri , Pirkl Miloslav , Vlachovsky Robert , Whitley Adam
Published: October 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess occlusion rates of saphenous veins treated with the VariClose vein sealing system.

Methods

A retrospective analysis including a total of 64 patients from four centres from the Czech Republic. Occlusion was defined as a non-compressible vein with absence of flow with exception to the first 3 cm from the saphenofemoral or saphenopopliteal junction on duplex ultrasound.

Results

In 64 patients a total of 79 veins were treated. Technical success of the procedure was achieved in 74 (94%) of cases. The mean follow-up was 5.5 months. The closure rates calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months were 94%, 85%, 69% and 36%, respectively, and there were no significant differences between centers. The average difference in VCSS score before and after the procedure was 1.8.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated surprisingly worse occlusion rates than the current literature.
Experiencing the Macromarketing Dimensions of Sustainability: Lessons Learned From Field Trips to the Ultra Novel
Authors: Samuel Anthony , Thomas Robert J. , McGouran Cathy , White Gareth R. T.
Published: October 2021

This paper seeks to determine the value of field trips that help establish macromarketing and sustainability scholarship in mainstream business/marketing education. It explores the experiences of postgraduate marketing and business strategy students undertaking a field trip to the “World’s Greenest Football Club,” Forest Green Rovers. It responds to the call to establish the macromarketing viewpoint within business and management education and provides contemporary insight into the hitherto unexplored use of field trips for postgraduate students. Through student focus groups, the study identifies the importance of selecting field trip locations where the complex and interwoven interplay of meso, micro, and macro activities can be critically evaluated through multiple stakeholder interactions. In addition, it points to the value of students experiencing “ultra-novel” organizations and situations to motivate learning, stimulate critical debate, and thereby facilitate cognition of macromarketing systems and sustainability.
XRCC2 Arg188His polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Zhiyu , Wei Yaning , An Lin , Xi Chenglin , Wang Kunjie , Hong Dan , Shi Yan , Zang Aiming , Su Shenyong , Li Wenwen
Published: October 2021

Objective

To investigate the potential correlation between the Arg188His (rs3218536) polymorphism of X-ray repair cross-complementing 2 ( XRCC2) and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, as the association remains unclear.

Methods

The CNKI, PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched for relevant studies published up to July 2021. Data were extracted from included studies, and analysed for pooled or subgroup odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using STATA 12.0 software.

Results

Seven published studies were included. Pooled analysis revealed that the XRCC2 Arg188His polymorphism was associated with increased CRC risk (His versus Arg: OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01, 1.29). Trial Sequential Analysis to test the power of the results showed that they were unreliable and the meta-analysis required additional studies.

Conclusion

The current meta-analysis suggests that the XRCC2 Arg188His polymorphism may be a risk factor for CRC.
Doxycycline sensitizes renal cell carcinoma to chemotherapy by preferentially inhibiting mitochondrial translation
Authors: Wang Bo , Ao Jinsong , Li Xiaoyan , Yu Weimin , Yu Dan , Qiu Chengjun
Published: October 2021

Objectives

The anti-cancer activity of doxycycline has been reported in many cancers but not renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This study aimed to determine the efficacy of doxycycline alone and in combination with paclitaxel and analyze the underlying mechanism in RCC.

Methods

Proliferation, colony formation and apoptosis assays were performed in RCC cell lines after drug treatments. An RCC xenograft mouse model was generated, and tumor growth was monitored. Mechanistic studies focused on mitochondrial translation and functions.

Results

Doxycycline at clinically achievable concentrations inhibited proliferation and colony formation and induced apoptosis in RCC cell lines. In normal kidney cells, doxycycline at the same concentrations either had no effect or was less effective. The combination index value demonstrated that doxycycline and paclitaxel were synergistic in vitro. Consistently, this combination therapy was significantly more effective than the monotherapy in RCC xenograft mice without causing significant toxicity. Mechanistic studies revealed that doxycycline acts on RCC cells via preferentially inhibiting mitochondrial DNA translation, thereby disrupting multiple mitochondrial complexes and impairing mitochondrial respiration.

Conclusions

Doxycycline is a useful addition to the treatment strategy for RCC. Our work also highlights the therapeutic value of mitochondrial translation inhibition in sensitizing RCC to chemotherapy.
Survival after multiple nail gun injuries to the brain, lung, and heart: a case report and a review of the literature
Authors: Wang Suo-Hsien , Chen Mao-Yu , Yan Jiun-Lin , Huang Tzu-Yen , Chang Che-Chia , Chien Chih-Ying
Published: October 2021

Most nail gun injuries involve the extremities and result from work-related accidents. Injuries to the brain or thorax are relatively rare, and cases with injuries to both regions are even rarer and often lethal. Initial evaluation, resuscitation, and surgical planning can be challenging for emergency physicians and surgeons. We present the details of a man with multiple nail gun injuries to the brain, lung, and heart following a suicide attempt. The patient presented to the emergency department in shock. After immediate resuscitation, emergent sternotomy, and subsequent craniotomy, he was discharged without significant morbidity. According to the literature, this is the only reported case involving multiple nail gun injuries to the brain, lungs, and heart. The mortality rate of multiple nail gun injuries involving the head and chest is approximately 20%. Rapid evaluation, immediate resuscitation, and appropriate imaging and surgery are crucial for increasing survival and achieving a good prognosis. Emergency sternotomy for cardiac injury is the foremost priority, and the timing of craniotomy depends on the patient’s vital sign status and whether brain injury is evident.

A preprint of this article is available online: DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-35448/v1.
Polygenic risk provides biological validity for the ICHD-3 criteria among Finnish migraine families
Authors: Häppölä Paavo , Gormley Padhraig , Nuottamo Marjo E , Artto Ville , Sumelahti Marja-Liisa , Nissilä Markku , Keski-Säntti Petra , Ilmavirta Matti , Kaunisto Mari A , Hämäläinen Eija I , Ripatti Samuli , Pirinen Matti , Wessman Maija , Palotie Aarno , Kallela Mikko ,   International Headache Genetics Consortium (IHGC)
Published: October 2021

Background

Migraine is diagnosed using the extensively field-tested International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) consensus criteria derived by the International Headache Society. To evaluate the criteria in respect to a measurable biomarker, we studied the relationship between the main ICHD-3 criteria and the polygenic risk score, a measure of common variant burden in migraine.

Methods

We used linear mixed models to study the correlation of ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria, underlying symptoms, and main diagnoses with the polygenic risk score of migraine in a cohort of 8602 individuals from the Finnish Migraine Genome Project.

Results

Main diagnostic categories and all underlying diagnostic criteria formed a consistent continuum along the increasing polygenic burden. Polygenic risk was associated with the heterogeneous clinical picture starting from the non-migraine headache (mean 0.07; 95% CI 0.02–0.12; p = 0.008 compared to the non-headache group), to probable migraine (mean 0.13; 95% CI 0.08–0.18; p < 0.001), migraine headache (mean 0.17; 95% CI 0.14–0.21; p < 0.001) and migraine with typical visual aura (mean 0.29; 95% CI 0.26–0.33; p < 0.001), all the way to the hemiplegic aura (mean 0.37; 95% CI 0.31–0.43; p < 0.001). All individual ICHD-3 symptoms and the total number of reported symptoms, a surrogate of migraine complexity, demonstrated a clear inclination with an increasing polygenic risk.

Conclusions

The complex migraine phenotype progressively follows the polygenic burden from individuals with no headache to non-migrainous headache and up to patients with attacks manifesting all the features of the ICHD-3 headache and aura. Results provide further biological support for the ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria.