bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring frailty in younger populations: a rapid review of evidence
Authors: Spiers Gemma F , Kunonga Tafadzwa Patience , Hall Alex , Beyer Fiona , Boulton Elisabeth , Parker Stuart , Bower Peter , Craig Dawn , Todd Chris , Hanratty Barbara
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Frailty is typically assessed in older populations. Identifying frailty in adults aged under 60 years may also have value, if it supports the delivery of timely care. We sought to identify how frailty is measured in younger populations, including evidence of the impact on patient outcomes and care.

Design

A rapid review of primary studies was conducted.

Data sources

Four databases, three sources of grey literature and reference lists of systematic reviews were searched in March 2020.

Eligibility criteria

Eligible studies measured frailty in populations aged under 60 years using experimental or observational designs, published after 2000 in English.

Data extraction and synthesis

Records were screened against review criteria. Study data were extracted with 20% of records checked for accuracy by a second researcher. Data were synthesised using a narrative approach.

Results

We identified 268 studies that measured frailty in samples that included people aged under 60 years. Of these, 85 studies reported evidence about measure validity. No measures were identified that were designed and validated to identify frailtyexclusivelyin younger groups. However, in populations that included people aged overandunder 60 years, cumulative deficit frailty indices, phenotype measures, the FRAIL Scale, the Liver Frailty Index and the Short Physical Performance Battery all demonstrated predictive validity for mortality and/or hospital admission. Evidence of criterion validity was rare. The extent to which measures possess validity across the younger adult age (18–59 years) spectrum was unclear. There was no evidence about the impact of measuring frailty in younger populations on patient outcomes and care.

Conclusions

Limited evidence suggests that frailty measures have predictive validity in younger populations. Further research is needed to clarify the validity of measures across the adult age spectrum, and explore the utility of measuring frailty in younger groups.
Association between socioeconomic status and self-reported, tested and diagnosed COVID-19 status during the first wave in the Northern Netherlands: a general population-based cohort from 49 474 adults
Authors: Zhu Yinjie , Duan Ming-Jie , Dijk Hermien H. , Freriks Roel D. , Dekker Louise H. , Mierau Jochen O.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Studies in clinical settings showed a potential relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and lifestyle factors with COVID-19, but it is still unknown whether this holds in the general population. In this study, we investigated the associations of SES with self-reported, tested and diagnosed COVID-19 status in the general population.

Design, setting, participants and outcome measures

Participants were 49 474 men and women (46±12 years) residing in the Northern Netherlands from the Lifelines cohort study. SES indicators and lifestyle factors (i.e., smoking status, physical activity, alcohol intake, diet quality, sleep time and TV watching time) were assessed by questionnaire from the Lifelines Biobank. Self-reported, tested and diagnosed COVID-19 status was obtained from the Lifelines COVID-19 questionnaire.

Results

There were 4711 participants who self-reported having had a COVID-19 infection, 2883 participants tested for COVID-19, and 123 positive cases were diagnosed in this study population. After adjustment for age, sex, lifestyle factors, body mass index and ethnicity, we found that participants with low education or low income were less likely to self-report a COVID-19 infection (OR [95% CI]: low education 0.78 [0.71 to 0.86]; low income 0.86 [0.79 to 0.93]) and be tested for COVID-19 (OR [95% CI]: low education 0.58 [0.52 to 0.66]; low income 0.86 [0.78 to 0.95]) compared with high education or high income groups, respectively.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the low SES group was the most vulnerable population to self-reported and tested COVID-19 status in the general population.
Formononetin protects against concanavalin-A-induced autoimmune hepatitis in mice through its anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties
Authors: Liu Guangwei , Zhao Wenxia , Bai Jiameng , Cui Jianjiao , Liang Haowei , Lu Baoping
Published: March 2021

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease that seriously threatens the health of humans globally. Formononetin (FMN) is a natural herb extract with multiple biological functions. In this study, an experimental model of AIH was established in mice through the use of concanavalin A (ConA). To investigate the effects of FMN on ConA-induced hepatitis, the mice were pretreated with 50 or 100 mg/kg body mass of FMN. The results show that FMN alleviated ConA-induced liver injury of mice in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, pretreatment with FMN inhibited the apoptosis of hepatocytes in the ConA-treated mice through downregulating the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax, cleaved caspase 9, and cleaved caspase 3) and upregulating the expression of anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2). It was also found that the levels of proinflammatory cytokines were greatly reduced in the serum and liver tissues of mice pretreated with FMN. Further studies showed that FMN reduced the level of phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B (p-NF-κB) p65 and enhanced the level of IκBα (inhibitor of NF-κB), suggesting that FMN inhibits the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, FMN inhibited activation of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Therefore, FMN could be a promising agent for the treatment of AIH.
Runout analyses using 2014 Oso landslide
Authors: Xu Zhengdan , Stark Timothy D.
Published: March 2021

Understanding the runout of slope failures is important for hazard identification, risk assessments, and disaster prevention. This study evaluates the accuracy of three runout software packages, DAN3D, Anura3D, and FLO-2D, for modeling the runout of the 2014 Oso landslide and investigates the viability of predicting the runout of other landslides and slope failures under similar conditions. The Oso landslide runout analyses using Anura3D and FLO-2D conducted for this study adopt the geotechnical conditions and failure mechanism reported by Stark and his colleagues in 2017. Together with DAN3D and Anura3D modeling reviewed from previous studies, the accuracy and applicability of these runout models are assessed using field observations. These analyses show the importance of (i) using a digital terrain model in the runout analysis, (ii) modeling field representative shear strength properties and failure mechanisms, and (iii) predicting runout distance, splash height, and duration for risk assessments and to improve public safety for this and other slopes.
Influence of continuous application of feedlot manure and legacy treatments on soil organic carbon, soil hydrophobicity, and soil water repellency
Authors: Miller J.J. , Owen M.L. , Hao X. , Yang X.M. , Drury C.F. , Chanasyk D.S.
Published: March 2021

Continuous or discontinued manure applications to agricultural soils may impact soil organic carbon (SOC) and water balances because of manure carbon inputs and the potential for manure-induced soil hydrophobicity (SH) and soil water repellency (SWR). A laboratory study was conducted using a long-term (44 yr) field experiment on a clay loam soil to determine the effect of application rate of feedlot manure under dryland (0, 30, 60, and 120 Mg·ha−1 wet weight) and irrigation (0, 60, 120, and 180 Mg·ha−1) on SOC, SH, and SWR. In addition, we compared the effect of 44 yr of continuous annual manure applications (C44) to legacy treatments which had discontinued applications for 14 (D14) or 30 yr (D30). Laboratory measurements were conducted on air-dried and sieved (<2 mm) soil to determine SOC, SH using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and SWR using the repellency index (RI) method. Mean RI values for all treatments ranged from 2.20 to 13.0, indicating subcritical (RI > 1.95) SWR. Manure application rate had a significant (P ≤ 0.05) and positive effect on SOC and SH, and both followed an exponential model. In contrast, RI had a negative response to the application rate under dryland and had no response under irrigation. Overall, positive responses of SOC and SH to application rate supported our hypothesis, but it was not supported for RI. The hypothesis of greater SOC, SH, and RI for continuous versus discontinued treatments was also supported for SOC and SH but not for RI.
Description of Shapiro steps on the potential energy surface of a Frenkel–Kontorova model Part I: The chain in a variable box
Authors: Quapp W. , Bofill J. M.
Published: March 2021

We explain the vibrations of a Frenkel–Kontorova (FK) model under Shapiro steps by the action of an external alternating force. We demonstrate Shapiro steps for a case with soft ‘springs’ between an 8-particles FK chain. Shapiro steps start with a single jump over the highest $$\hbox {SP}_4$$

SP
4

in the global valley through the PES. They finish with doubled, and again doubled oscillations. We study in this part I a traditional FK model with periodic boundary conditions.
Semi-empirical determination of the nuclear quadrupole moment of $$^{109}$$Sn
Authors: Elantkowska M. , Ruczkowski J. , Wilman S. , Suski M.
Published: March 2021

The nuclear quadrupole moment (Q) of $$^{109}$$

109

Sn was determined by means of hyperfine structure (hfs) many-body parametrization method. The hyperfine structure splittings for isotopes $$^{117-131}$$

117
-
131

Sn recently measured by Yordanov et al. (Commun Phys 3:1, 2020) were used in multiconfiguration semi-empirical calculations. The contributions from the second-order perturbation theory to the magnetic dipole hyperfine structure, concerning electrostatically correlated hyperfine interactions, were taken into consideration for even and odd configurations simultaneously. Contributions from the second-order perturbation theory to the electric quadrupole hyperfine structure, concerning spin–orbit correlated hyperfine interactions, were included for the first time.
Rare Energy-Conservative Attractors on Global Invariant Hypersurfaces and Their Multistability
Authors: Hu Jianbing , Qi Guoyuan , Wang Ze , Chen Guanrong
Published: March 2021

A general formalism describing a type of energy-conservative system is established. Some possible dynamic behaviors of such energy-conservative systems are analyzed from the perspective of geometric invariance. A specific 4D chaotic energy-conservative system with a line of equilibria is constructed and analyzed. Typically, an energy-conservative system is also conservative in preserving its phase volume. The constructed system however is conservative only in energy but is dissipative in phase volume. It produces energy-conservative attractors specifically exhibiting chaotic 2-torus and quasiperiodic behaviors including regular 2-torus and 3-torus. From the basin of attraction containing a line of equilibria, the hidden nature of chaotic attractors generated from the system is further discussed. The energy hypersurface on which the attractors lie is determined by the initial value, which generates complex dynamics and multistability, verified by energy-related bifurcation diagrams and Poincaré sections. A new type of coexistence of attractors on the equal-energy hypersurface is discovered by turning the system parameter values to their opposite. The basins of attraction under three sets of parameter values demonstrate that the Hamiltonian is the leading factor predominating the dynamic behaviors of the system with a closed energy hypersurface. Finally, an analog circuit is designed and implemented to demonstrate the consistent theoretical and simulation results.
Loss of Determinacy at Small Scales, with Application to Multiple Timescale and Nonsmooth Dynamics
Authors: Webber S. , Jeffrey M. R.
Published: March 2021

A singularity is described that creates a forward time loss of determinacy in a two-timescale system, in the limit where the timescale separation is large. We describe how the situation can arise in a dynamical system of two fast variables and three slow variables or parameters, with weakly coupling between the fast variables. A wide set of initial conditions enters the [Formula: see text]-neighborhood of the singularity, and explodes back out of it to fill a large region of phase space, all in finite time. The scenario has particular significance in the application to piecewise-smooth systems, where it arises in the blow up of dynamics at a discontinuity and is followed by abrupt recollapse of solutions to “hide” the loss of determinacy, and yet leave behind a remnant of it in the global dynamics. This constitutes a generalization of a “micro-slip” phenomenon found recently in spring-coupled blocks, whereby coupled oscillators undergo unpredictable stick-slip-stick sequences instigated by a higher codimension form of the singularity. The indeterminacy is localized to brief slips events, but remains evident in the indeterminate sequencing of near-simultaneous slips of multiple blocks.
Controlling Hidden Dynamics and Multistability of a Class of Two-Dimensional Maps via Linear Augmentation
Authors: Zhang Liping , Jiang Haibo , Liu Yang , Wei Zhouchao , Bi Qinsheng
Published: March 2021

This paper reports the complex dynamics of a class of two-dimensional maps containing hidden attractors via linear augmentation. Firstly, the method of linear augmentation for continuous dynamical systems is generalized to discrete dynamical systems. Then three cases of a class of two-dimensional maps that exhibit hidden dynamics, the maps with no fixed point and the maps with one stable fixed point, are studied. Our numerical simulations show the effectiveness of the linear augmentation method. As the coupling strength of the controller increases or decreases, hidden attractor can be annihilated or altered to be self-excited, and multistability of the map can be controlled to being bistable or monostable.
ANALYSIS OF THE CORRELATION BETWEEN BRAIN AND SKIN REACTIONS TO DIFFERENT TYPES OF MUSIC
Authors: NAMAZI HAMIDREZA , BALEANU DUMITRU , OMAM SHAFIUL , KREJCAR ONDREJ
Published: March 2021

Evaluation of the correlation among the activities of various organs is an important research area in physiology. In this paper, we analyzed the correlation between the brain and skin reactions in response to various auditory stimuli. We played three different music (relaxing, pop, and rock music) to eleven subjects (4 M and 7 F, 18–22 years old) and accordingly analyzed the changes in the complexity of Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) signals by calculating their fractal exponent and sample entropy. A strong correlation was observed among the alterations of the complexity of GSR and EEG signals in the case of fractal dimension ([Formula: see text]) and also sample entropy ([Formula: see text]), which indicates the correlation between the activities of skin and brain. This analysis method could be further applied to investigate the correlation among the activities of the brain and other organs of the human body.
Ternary Γ-semihyperrings: Ideals and ideals extensions
Authors: Ostadhadi-Dehkordi S. , Davvaz B. , Heidari M.
Published: March 2021

The aim of this research work is to define a new class of multi-algebras that is called ternary [Formula: see text]-semihyperrings as a generalization of [Formula: see text]-semihyperrings and semihyperrings. Then, we define and study the concepts of ideals, mutual ideals, spectrum ideals, strong prime ideals and ultra-prime ideals of them. Also, we define a topology on the set of strong prime ideals. Finally, we introduce the concept of ideal extensions and obtain some related results.
Roots of 'program' revisited
Authors: De Mol Liesbeth , Bullynck Maarten
Published: March 2021

Considering the fundamental nature and malleability of programming.
Deep learning speeds MRI scans
Authors: Marks Paul
Published: March 2021

Machine intelligence significantly reduces the time needed for an MRI scan, which can help reduce patient anxiety.
Reflections on black in computing
Authors: Brown Q. , Grandison T. , Burge J. D. , Jenkins O. C. , Dillahunt T.
Published: March 2021

Seeking to improve systemic fairness in the computing realm.
Alcohol Use and Its Associated Factors among Adolescents Aged 15–19 Years at Governmental High Schools of Aksum Town, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2019: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gebeyehu Enguday Tirfeneh , Srahbzu Biresaw Mengesha
Published: March 2021

Introduction. The impact of alcohol use among adolescents is multidisciplinary and affects the adolescent’s academic performance, precipitates with sexually transmitted infections or psychiatric disorders, and disturbs the social domain of adolescents. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of alcohol use among adolescents aged 15–19 years at the governmental high schools of Aksum Town, Tigray, Ethiopia, in 2019. Methods. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 30 January 2019 at Aksum town high school. Alcohol use was assessed by asking the question “have you used at least one of the alcoholic beverages in the last three months for nonmedical purposes?” Study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected with face-to-face interview and were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to see the association between alcohol use and associated factors. Adjusted odds ratio at apvalue < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval was taken to declare the statistical significance of variables. Result. About 633 adolescents aged 15–19 years were addressed with a response rate of 99.7%. Prevalence of alcohol use was found to be 39.7% [95% CI (35.7, 43.6)]. Being male [AOR = 1.80; 95% CI (1.24, 2.60)], fathers’ educational status 1–8 grades [AOR = 2.98; 95% CI (1.60, 5.53)], fathers’ occupation farming [AOR = 4.24; 95% CI (2.038.85)], experienced parental neglect [AOR = 1.75; 95% CI (1.20, 2.55)], strong social support [AOR = 1.79; 95% CI (1.11, 2.87)], and family size of greater than five [AOR = 2.03; 95%CI (1.39, 2.97)] were factors identified to be significantly associated with alcohol use among adolescents aged 15–19 years. Conclusion. In the current study, the prevalence of alcohol use is found to be high when compared to other populations. A strong association has been found between alcohol use and lower paternal educational status and farming as an occupation of parents. There should be a regular awareness creation program for parents with lower education about the devastating effects of alcohol on adolescents.
Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms as a Manifestation of Homocystinuria
Authors: Froes Vera , Afonso Hugo , Gameiro Zita
Published: March 2021

Homocystinuria is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder due to a defect in the cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) that leads to high homocysteine plasma levels. Psychiatric symptoms secondary to homocystinuria have been described in the literature; however, there is a lack of information about obsessive-compulsive symptoms correlated to this disorder. We describe the case of a 39 years old man, diagnosed with homocystinuria in childhood, with no previous psychiatric history that presented obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) like symptoms, as a manifestation of homocystinuria. This case underlines the importance for a psychiatrist to explore medical nonpsychiatric history, especially when presentation is abrupt, atypical, or in treatment-resistant cases.
Controlled Sharing Mechanism of Data Based on the Consortium Blockchain
Authors: Li Jin , Wu Songqi , Yang Yundan , Duan Fenghui , Lu Hui , Lu Yueming
Published: March 2021

In the process of sharing data, the costless replication of electric energy data leads to the problem of uncontrolled data and the difficulty of third-party access verification. This paper proposes a controlled sharing mechanism of data based on the consortium blockchain. The data flow range is controlled by the data isolation mechanism between channels provided by the consortium blockchain by constructing a data storage consortium chain to achieve trusted data storage, combining attribute-based encryption to complete data access control and meet the demands for granular data accessibility control and secure sharing; the data flow transfer ledger is built to record the original data life cycle management and effectively record the data transfer process of each data controller. Taking the application scenario of electric energy data sharing as an example, the scheme is designed and simulated on the Linux system and Hyperledger Fabric. Experimental results have verified that the mechanism can effectively control the scope of access to electrical energy data and realize the control of the data by the data owner.
Evaluation of the PEΔIII-LC3-KDEL3 Chimeric Protein of Entamoeba histolytica-Lectin as a Vaccine Candidate against Amebic Liver Abscess
Authors: Martínez-Hernández Sandra L. , Becerra-González Viridiana M. , Muñoz-Ortega Martín H. , Loera-Muro Víctor M. , Ávila-Blanco Manuel E. , Medina-Rosales Marina N. , Ventura-Juárez Javier
Published: March 2021

Entamoeba histolytica is an intestinal parasite that causes dysentery and amebic liver abscess. E. histolytica has the capability to invade host tissue by union of virulence factor Gal/GalNAc lectin; this molecule induces an adherence-inhibitory antibody response as well as to protect against amebic liver abscess (ALA). The present work showed the effect of the immunization with PEΔIII-LC3-KDEL3 recombinant protein. In vitro, this candidate vaccine inhibited adherence of E. histolytica trophozoites to HepG2 cell monolayer, avoiding the cytolysis, and in a hamster model, we observed a vaccine-induced protection against the damage to tissue liver and the inhibition of uncontrolled inflammation. PEΔIII-LC3-KDEL3 reduced the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB in all immunized groups at 4- and 7-day postinfection. The levels of IL-10, FOXP3, and IFN-γ were elevated at 7 days. The immunohistochemistry assay confirmed this result, revealing an elevated quantity of +IFN-γ cells in the liver tissue. ALA formation in hamsters immunized was minimal, and few trophozoites were identified. Hence, immunization with PEΔIII-LC3-KDEL3 herein prevented invasive amebiasis, avoided an acute proinflammatory response, and activated a protective response within a short time. Finally, this recombinant protein induced an increase of serum IgG.
Integration of 5G and Block-Chain Technologies in Smart Telemedicine Using IoT
Authors: Hameed Kashif , Bajwa Imran Sarwar , Sarwar Nadeem , Anwar Waheed , Mushtaq Zaigham , Rashid Tayyaba
Published: March 2021

The Internet of Health Thing (IoHT) has various applications in healthcare. Modern IoHTintegrates health-related things like sensors and remotely observed medical devices for the assessment and managment of a patient's record to provide smarter and efficient health diagnostics to the patient. In this paper, we proposed an IoT with a cloud-based clinical decision support system for prediction and observation of disease with its severity level with the integration of 5G services and block-chain technologies. A block-chain is a system for storing and sharing information that is secure because of its transparency. Block-chain has many applications in healthcare and can improve mobile health applications, monitoring devices, sharing and storing of the electronic media records, clinical trial data, and insurance information storage. The proposed framework will collect the data of patients through medical devices that will be attached to the patient, and these data will be stored in a cloud server with relevant medical records. Deployment of Block-chain and 5G technology allows for sending patient data securely at a fast transmission rate with efficient response time. Furthermore, a Neural Network (NN) classifier is used for the prediction of diseases and their severity level. The proposed model is validated by employing different classifiers. The performance of different classifiers is measured by comparing the values to select the classifier that is the best for the dataset. The NN classifier attains an accuracy of 98.98. Furthermore, the NN is trained for the dataset so that it can predict the result of the dataset class that is not labeled. The trained Neural Network predicts and intelligently shows the results with more accuracy than other classifiers.
Recurrent Struma Ovarii Presented with High Levels of Thyroglobulin
Authors: Oikonomou Christiana , Spathari Nikol , Doumoulaki Stavroula , Koutela Antonella , Stagkoglou Christos , Keramidaris Dimitris
Published: March 2021

Struma ovarii are rare ovarian tumors, of monodermal germ cell origin, containing predominantly thyroid tissue. They are typically benign unilateral pelvic masses. Among the rare cases of malignancy, the most common histological type is that of the papillary carcinoma. A definite preoperative diagnosis of these tumors is difficult to achieve since most imaging findings are generally nonspecific. A rare exception is the case of synchronous abnormal thyroid blood tests where an ovarian teratoma should be highly suspected, especially when no pathology of the thyroid gland coexists. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment. Taking into account that struma ovarii are mainly encountered in patients of a childbearing age, a conservative surgical approach is a reasonable option. We present the case of a 56-year-old woman who was diagnosed with both a primary and recurrent struma ovarii while investigating the incidental finding of elevated blood laboratory levels of the thyroglobulin (Tg).
Environmental Exposure during Pregnancy: Influence on Prenatal Development and Early Life: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Gómez-Roig M. Dolores , Pascal Rosalia , Cahuana Marc Josep , García-Algar Oscar , Sebastiani Giorgia , Andreu-Fernández Vicente , Martínez Leopoldo , Rodríguez Gerardo , Iglesia Iris , Ortiz-Arrabal Olimpia , Mesa María Dolores , Cabero María Jesús , Guerra Lorenzo , Llurba Elisa , Domínguez Carla , Zanini Maria Julia , Foraster Maria , Larqué Elvira , Cabañas Fernando , Lopez-Azorín Manuela , Pérez Aitziber , Loureiro Begoña , Pallás-Alonso Carmen Rosa , Escuder-Vieco Diana , Vento Máximo
Published: March 2021

Preconception and prenatal exposure to environmental contaminants may affect future health. Pregnancy and early life are critical sensitive windows of susceptibility. The aim of this review was to summarize current evidence on the toxic effects of environment exposure during pregnancy, the neonatal period, and childhood. Alcohol use is related to foetal alcohol spectrum disorders, foetal alcohol syndrome being its most extreme form. Smoking is associated with placental abnormalities, preterm birth, stillbirth, or impaired growth and development, as well as with intellectual impairment, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases later in life. Negative birth outcomes have been linked to the use of drugs of abuse. Pregnant and lactating women are exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and heavy metals present in foodstuffs, which may alter hormones in the body. Prenatal exposure to these compounds has been associated with pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, and thyroid function. Metals can accumulate in the placenta, causing foetal growth restriction. Evidence on the effects of air pollutants on pregnancy is constantly growing, for example, preterm birth, foetal growth restriction, increased uterine vascular resistance, impaired placental vascularization, increased gestational diabetes, and reduced telomere length. The advantages of breastfeeding outweigh any risks from contaminants. However, it is important to assess health outcomes of toxic exposures via breastfeeding. Initial studies suggest an association between pre-eclampsia and environmental noise, particularly with early-onset pre-eclampsia. There is rising evidence of the negative effects of environmental contaminants following exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which should be considered a major public health issue.
The life-history of objects: memories for a history of computer science (1968-2008)
Authors: Temudo Ana
Published: March 2021

This article presents the results of a musealization project at the Computer Engineering Department of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Oporto (FEUP), which aimed to bring together the history of computing in the academic context of the city, between the sixties of the twentieth century and the first decade of the twenty-first century. This research was rooted in the subjective and naturally fallible memory (Pollack, 1992) of the key people interviewed who, through their testimony, described the impact of technological transformations on their professional and personal experience. During the investigation, we did not try to find the history of the great moments and their "heroes", but rather the small, fragmented and diverse narratives of key persons. Our aim was thus to create a narrative rich in the deviations, flaws, and imperfections that distinguish Man from Machine. We accumulated stories (Kopytoff, 1988) through objects that we used as memory triggers (Simon, 2010) to set a social history of computing in Oporto. Upon realizing that we were also interested in capturing the “procedural memory” the participants then began to enthusiastically describe striking moments, mimicking the sound of machines and identifying friends and colleagues in documents and photographs. However, the most recurrent was the access to “episodic” and “historical” memory (David Manier and William Hirst 2010). We may say that this is a male-written story annotated by women. The immaterial heritage that this project recorded in the form of interviews supports and attributes values to the material heritage (objects, machines, utensils, books and documents) existing at FEUP museum, and attests to the plurality of its contexts of use and agents.
Vive em mim toda Marielle Franco: Repressão, resistência, Arqueopoesia e a materialidade das vivências de mulheres negras
Authors: Passos Lara de Paula
Published: March 2021

Após o assassinato da vereadora socióloga negra, feminista e defensora dos direitos humanos Marielle Franco em 14 de março de 2018, começaram a eclodir diversas formas de manifestações de repressão e resistência envolvendo sua imagem. O caso desencadeou também em uma movimentação maior da produção e circulação de materiais (físicos ou digitais) envolvendo o genocídio do povo preto e o feminicídio que acontece em âmbito nacional e que atinge de forma particular as mulheres negras. Este trabalho se propõe observar esse fenômeno específico enquanto estudo de caso, abordando também de uma forma mais ampla o panorama material que envolve as vivências de mulheres negras sob uma ótica antropológica e arqueológica e poética no que tange às questões de repressão e resistência.
Fronteiras, portas e muralhas na cidadela de Micenas
Authors: Peixoto Gustavo Jorge Peloso
Published: March 2021

O presente artigo explora o conceito de fronteira no mundo antigo utilizando como estudo de caso as fronteiras materiais e simbólicas produzidas pelos muros e portas da cidadela de Micenas durante os séculos XIV a.C. e XIII a.C. Este estudo tem o objetivo de identificar o modo como as elites micênicas materializavam seu discurso de poder no espaço, seja na construção de muralhas ciclópicas monumentais, na criação de marcos simbólicos como a “porta dos leões”, ou na disposição proposital e estratégica de edifícios que se encontram entre o portão principal e o palácio do soberano micênico. Para compreendermos o discurso do poder empregado pelas elites micênicas analisaremos o trajeto pelo qual um indivíduo necessitaria percorrer da porta de acesso ao palácio no topo da cidadela e quais edifícios estariam sendo protegidos e privilegiados nesse caminho. Além disso, realizaremos um breve estudo comparativo entre a simbologia contida na “porta dos leões” e materiais iconográficos encontrados em contexto funerário. A partir da análise espacial e iconográfica poderemos concluir que as muralhas ciclópicas e a “porta dos leões” em Micenas atuam como fronteiras de poder monumentalizadas, capazes de produzir comportamentos em moradores e visitantes, regular fluxos e legitimar o poder da elite, por meio de símbolos e edifícios ligados à religião e aos antepassads.
Maintaining Normal Blood Pressure Across the Life Course
Authors: Hardy Shakia T. , Sakhuja Swati , Jaeger Byron C. , Oparil Suzanne , Akinyelure Oluwasegun P. , Spruill Tanya M. , Kalinowski Jolaade , Butler Mark , Anstey D. Edmund , Elfassy Tali , Tajeu Gabriel S. , Allen Norrina B. , Reges Orna , Sims Mario , Shimbo Daichi , Muntner Paul
Published: March 2021

Although mean blood pressure (BP) increases with age, there may be a subset of individuals whose BP does not increase with age. Characterizing the population that maintains normal BP could inform hypertension prevention efforts. We determined the proportion of Jackson Heart Study participants that maintained normal BP at 3 visits over a median of 8 years. Normal BP was defined as systolic BP <120 mm Hg and diastolic BP <80 mm Hg without antihypertensive medication. We identified lifestyle and psychosocial factors associated with maintaining normal BP and calculated the incidence rate for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Overall, 757 of 3432 participants (22.1%) had normal BP at baseline, and 262 of these participants (34.6%) maintained normal BP. Among participants with normal BP at baseline, normal body mass index (risk ratio [RR] 1.37 [95% CI, 1.08–1.75]), ideal physical activity (RR, 1.28 [95% CI, 0.99–1.65]), and never smoking (RR, 1.48 [95% CI, 0.99–2.20]) at baseline were associated with maintaining normal BP. Maintaining normal body mass index (RR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.10–1.84]) and ideal physical activity (RR, 1.51 [95% CI, 1.18–1.94]) at all study visits were associated with maintaining normal BP. The cardiovascular disease incidence rate was 4.5, 6.3, and 16.4 per 1000 person-years among participants who maintained normal BP, had normal BP at baseline but did not maintain normal BP, and had elevated BP or hypertension at baseline, respectively, over 5.9 years of follow-up. These data suggest that maintaining normal body mass index and ideal physical activity are potential approaches for African American adults to maintain normal BP.
Uric Acid Associates With Executive Function in Children and Adolescents With Hypertension
Authors: Stabouli Stella , Chrysaidou Katerina , Chainoglou Athanasia , Gidaris Dimos , Kotsis Vasilios , Zafeiriou Dimitrios
Published: March 2021

Observational studies show that serum uric acid levels associate with cardiometabolic risk factors and subclinical target organ damage. The aim of the present study is to investigate the association of traditional cardiometabolic risk factors and uric acid with the executive performance in children and adolescents. Ninety-nine children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 years referred for assessment of primary hypertension were included. Traditional cardiometabolic risk factors, uric acid, and ambulatory blood pressure parameters were assessed. Executive performance was assessed by the validated Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function parent questionnaire. Serum uric acid correlated with cardiometabolic parameters, daytime and nighttime systolic blood pressure. High uric acid levels and ambulatory hypertension were associated with behavior regulation independently of other cardiometabolic risk factors or presence of metabolic syndrome. Participants with combined hypertension and high uric acid levels presented the lowest behavior regulation performance. Children with high uric acid had worse behavior regulation indices T scores with estimated marginal means 56.47 (95% CI, 51.68–61.27) compared with 49.22 (95% CI, 45.91–52.53) in those with low uric acid levels (
P
=0.023, adjusted for age, sex, nighttime systolic blood pressure, daytime and nighttime heart rate). Mediation analysis showed that part of the effect of high uric acid levels on behavior regulation was mediated by nighttime systolic blood pressure. In conclusion, we found a positive association of serum uric acid with worse executive performance in children at risk for primary hypertension. Extending these cross-sectional findings with longitudinal studies may determine whether high uric acid levels increases the risk of cognitive decline in youth.
Defining the Role of “Relational Producer” in Arts-and-Health Collaborations in Hospitals: A Reflection on Catalysts and Partnerships
Authors: Ledgard Anna , Hall Susannah , Layton Sofie , Storor Mark , Petto Nicky , Wray Jo , Biglino Giovanni
Published: March 2021

As the profile of the arts-and-health sector grows and interdisciplinary projects with public outcomes become more common, it is useful to explore roles and ways of working at the interface between different disciplines. The authors analyze the complex role of producer, likely to become increasingly relevant in this landscape. While incorporating aspects of existing roles (e.g. hospital arts manager, cultural venue participatory producer, independent creative producer, public engagement manager), the producer has a very specific raison d'être and could be defined as “relational producer.” This role is not well understood and yet central to this field of practice.
In the Circle of Sense and Nonsense: Through a Mathematical Model of Meaning
Authors: Burgin Mark , Seaman William
Published: March 2021

In this article, the authors explore the relations and interactions between sense and nonsense with a threefold goal: (1) elaborations of formal definitions of these concepts; (2) investigation of the processes of making sense from nonsense; (3) establishment of the mathematical foundations for a sense-nonsense theory. The authors thus extend the dyad sense-nonsense by introducing the concept no-sense, situated between sense and nonsense, and by extending the concept sense to the concept poly-sense. The authors construct a mathematical model of these concepts and related processes using structures such as logical calculus, logical variety and logical prevariety. This approach accords with Leonardo da Vinci’s opinion that “no human investigation can claim to be scientific if it doesn’t pass the test of mathematical proof.”
Emerging Native-Similar Neural Representations Underlie Non-Native Speech Category Learning Success
Authors: Feng Gangyi , Li Yu , Hsu Shen-Mou , Wong Patrick C. M. , Chou Tai-Li , Chandrasekaran Bharath
Published: March 2021

Learning non-native phonetic categories in adulthood is an exceptionally challenging task, characterized by large interindividual differences in learning speed and outcomes. The neurobiological mechanisms underlying the interindividual differences in the learning efficacy are not fully understood. Here we examine the extent to which training-induced neural representations of non-native Mandarin tone categories in English listeners (n = 53) are increasingly similar to those of the native listeners (n = 33) who acquired these categories early in infancy. We assess the extent to which the neural similarities in representational structure between non-native learners and native listeners are robust neuromarkers of interindividual differences in learning success. Using intersubject neural representational similarity (IS-NRS) analysis and predictive modeling on two functional magnetic resonance imaging datasets, we examined the neural representational mechanisms underlying speech category learning success. Learners’ neural representations that were significantly similar to the native listeners emerged in brain regions mediating speech perception following training; the extent of the emerging neural similarities with native listeners significantly predicted the learning speed and outcome in learners. The predictive power of IS-NRS outperformed models with other neural representational measures. Furthermore, neural representations underlying successful learning were multidimensional but cost-efficient in nature. The degree of the emergent native-similar neural representations was closely related to the robustness of neural sensitivity to feedback in the frontostriatal network. These findings provide important insights into the experience-dependent representational neuroplasticity underlying successful speech learning in adulthood and could be leveraged in designing individualized feedback-based training paradigms that maximize learning efficacy.
Trading values in early modern Antwerp: An introduction
Authors: Göttler Christine , Ramakers Bart , Woodall Joanna
Published: March 2021

Christine Göttler, Bart Ramakers & Joanna Woodall: Introduction
Printing vernacular translations in sixteenth-century Antwerp
Authors: Meeus Hubert
Published: March 2021

Hubert Meeus: Printing vernacular translations in sixteenth-century Antwerp
Wit in painting, color in words: Gillis Mostaert’s depictions of fires
Authors: Göttler Christine
Published: March 2021

Christine Göttler: Wit in painting, color in words. Gillis Mostaert’s depictions of fires
Copies, cannibals and conquerors: Maarten de Vos’s The big fish eat the small
Authors: Porras Stephanie
Published: March 2021

Stephanie Porras: Copies, cannibals and conquerors. Maarten de Vos’s The big fish eat the small
Sophonisba’s dress: Costume, tragedy and value on the Antwerp stage (c. 1615-1630)
Authors: Ramakers Bart
Published: March 2021

Bart Ramakers: Sophonisba’s Dress. Costume, tragedy and value on the Antwerp Stage (c. 1615-1630)
Two new species of Zodarion Walckenaer, 1826 (Araneae: Zodariidae) from Turkey
Authors: COŞAR ILHAN
Published: March 2021

Two new species of the megadiverse genus Zodarion Walckenaer, 1826, from the Aegean and Southeastern Anatolian regions of Turkey are described and illustrated: Zodarion bozdagensis spec. nov. (♂,♀) from Izmir and Zodarion siirtensis spec. nov. (♂) from Siirt. This contribution increases the total number of Zodarion species to 23 for Turkey. The distribution of these species in Turkey is also mapped.
Taxonomic corrections for East and Southeast Asian Reduviidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera)
Authors: CHEN LING , WANG YANG , RÉDEI DÁVID
Published: March 2021

The identities of certain East and Southeast Asian genera and species of Reduviidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) are clarified based on their type materials and taxonomic conclusions are drawn. The following new subjective synonymies and new combinations are proposed: Harpactorinae: Cutocoris Stål, 1859 = Paracydnocoris Miller, 1954, syn. nov.; Cutocoris distinctus (Miller, 1954), comb. nov. (transferred from Paracydnocoris) = Cydnocoris ventralis Hsiao, 1979, syn. nov.; Cutocoris macgillavryi (Miller, 1954), comb. nov. (transferred from Paracydnocoris); Henricohahnia wangi Ren, 2001 = H. obscara Cai & Li, 2003, syn. nov.; Pahabengkakia Miller, 1941 = Stalireduvius Tomokuni & Cai, 2004, syn. nov.; Pahabengkakia piliceps Miller, 1941 = S. nodipes Tomokuni & Cai, 2004, syn. nov.; Reduviinae: Reduvius xantusi (Horváth, 1879), comb. nov. (transferred from Velitra) = R. decliviceps Hsiao, 1976, syn. nov. Pahabengkakia piliceps is recorded from Laos for the first time.
Using Ancillary Information from Radar-based Observations and Rain Gauges to Identify Error and Bias
Authors: Nelson Brian R. , Prat Olivier P. , Leeper Ronald
Published: March 2021

Ancillary information that exists within rain gauge and radar-based data sets provides opportunities to better identify error and bias between the two observing platforms as compared to error and bias statistics without ancillary information. These variables include precipitation type identification, air temperature, and radar quality. There are two NEXRAD based data sets used for reference; the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) stage IV and the NOAA NEXRAD Reanalysis (NNR) gridded data sets. The NCEP stage IV data set is available at 4km hourly and includes radar-gauge bias adjusted precipitation estimates. The NNR data set is available at 1km at 5-minute and hourly time intervals and includes several different variables such as reflectivity, radar-only estimates, precipitation flag, radar quality indicator, and radar-gauge bias adjusted precipitation estimates. The NNR data product provides additional information to apply quality control such as identification of precipitation type, identification of storm type and Z-R relation. Other measures of quality control are a part of the NNR data product development. In addition, some of the variables are available at 5-minute scale. We compare the radar-based estimates with the rain gauge observations from the U.S. Climate Reference Network (USCRN). The USCRN network is available at the 5-minute scale and includes observations of air temperature, wind, and soil moisture among others. We present statistical comparisons of rain gauge observations with radar-based estimates by segmenting information based on precipitation type, air temperature, and radar quality indicator.
Intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring using endotracheal electromyography during parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Hiramitsu Takahisa , Tomosugi Toshihide , Okada Manabu , Futamura Kenta , Goto Norihiko , Narumi Shunji , Watarai Yoshihiko , Tominaga Yoshihiro , Ichimori Toshihiro
Published: March 2021

Objective

To investigate the factors associated with adherence of an enlarged parathyroid gland to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and the effectiveness of intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM).

Methods

This single-center retrospective study involved samples from 197 consecutive patients (394 RLNs; 733 parathyroid glands) who underwent parathyroidectomy and transcervical thymectomy between September 2010 and December 2014. The presence of parathyroid gland adhesion to the RLN and the clinical characteristics of patients with and without nerve adhesion were recorded. All patients underwent intraoperative monitoring of the electromyographic responses of the vocal cords using the endotracheal NIM-Response 3.0 system. The patients’ postoperative clinical outcomes were recorded.

Results

Parathyroid gland adhesion to the RLN was significantly associated with maximum gland diameter (>15 mm), weight (>500 mg), and the presence of nodular hyperplasia. IONM demonstrated a sensitivity of 97.8%, specificity of 43.5%, and accuracy of 94.7% for detecting nerve damage. Parathyroid gland adhesion to 17 RLNs occurred in 3 cases (17.6%) of vocal cord paralysis, whereas the 377 glands without nerve adhesion resulted in vocal cord paralysis in 20 cases (5.3%).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated the effectiveness of IONM using endotracheal electromyography in patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Leading-Following: Nurse-Led Care Center Exemplars
Authors: Ortiz Mario R.
Published: March 2021

There are many ways to lead across all healthcare settings. It is important for nurses to find a way of leading that is grounded in unique nursing knowledge that is consistent with their values and beliefs. These values and beliefs are “lived out” in chosen projects. The purpose of this paper is to explore Parse’s leading-following model. This exploration is focused on nurse-led care centers or clinics exemplars, since the centers serve as “chosen” projects of nurse leaders.