bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limb-Shaking Transient Ischemic Attacks in a Patient with Previous Bilateral Neck Irradiation: The Role of Collateral Flow
Authors: Tan Chai-Hoon Nowel , Taneja Manish , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy
Published: December 2020

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is commonly treated with bilateral neck radiation, which is closely associated with the complication of carotid-occlusive disease. This leads to cerebral hemodynamic compromise and possible ischemic stroke. Another manifestation is limb-shaking transient ischemic attacks (LS-TIAs), characterized by rhythmic jerks which can be easily mistaken as a focal motor seizure. We describe a case of unilateral LS-TIAs from bilateral carotid occlusion that resolved with contralateral carotid revascularization. Our patient is a 65-year-old gentleman who had no significant co-morbidities other than a past history of bilateral neck irradiation for NPC 8 years before. He presented with left-sided limb weakness and subsequently left-sided limb involuntary movements whenever he sat up or stood. His symptoms did not respond to anti-epileptic therapy. Clinical and neurological examination was significant for a left pronator drift and weak left finger abduction. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed infarcts in the right periventricular and watershed areas; MR angiogram showed bilateral internal carotid artery occlusion. Single photon emission computed tomography showed reduced blood flow in the right frontal, temporal, and parietal regions, that reduced further after acetazolamide challenge. He was diagnosed as having LS-TIA secondary to carotid-occlusive disease. Attempts at endovascular opening the right internal carotid artery failed. Following successful left carotid angioplasty and stenting, his symptoms gradually resolved. The left internal carotid artery remained patent at the 3-month follow-up; the right side remained occluded. Our case supports the hypothesis that LS-TIAs are due to hemodynamic compromise and may respond to improved collateral cerebral blood flow.
Successful Bridging Therapy in a 103-Year-Old Woman with Acute Terminal Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion
Authors: Nguyen Trung Quoc , Phan Hoang Thi , Dang Tinh Quang , Tran Vu Thanh , Nguyen Thang Huy
Published: December 2020

The efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular therapy and their favorable treatment outcomes have been established in clinical trials irrespective of age. Current guidelines do not recommend an age limit in selecting eligible patients for reperfusion treatment as long as other criteria are satisfied. A 103-year-old woman was admitted at our hospital within 1 h of stroke onset secondary to a left internal carotid artery terminus occlusion. On admission, her National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 30, with a small left thalamic diffusion restriction lesion on MRI. Her medical history included paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, prior myocardial infarction, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes mellitus. Her pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale score was 0, and she was fully independent before stroke. Once intravenous thrombolysis was started, the patient successfully underwent mechanical thrombectomy, and thrombolysis in cerebral infarction-3 recanalization was achieved 225 min after symptom onset. She showed dramatic recovery (NIHSS score of 5 after 48 h) and was discharged on day 7 with a modified Rankin Score of 1. To our knowledge, our patient is the second oldest documented patient who successfully underwent bridging therapy for stroke.
Perfusion-Based Decision-Making for Mechanical Thrombectomy in a Transient Ischemic Attack Patient with Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Authors: Nguyen Thang Huy , Pham Binh Nguyen , Phan Hoang Thi , Nguyen Trung Quoc , Phan Bau Van
Published: December 2020

A significant proportion of patients with large-vessel occlusion (LVO) initially present to the hospital with transient ischemic attack (TIA) and mild clinical manifestations such as low National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores (≤5). However, due to the natural course of the disease, the individuals may subsequently develop worsening symptoms. To date, there is lack of evidence-based guidelines on mechanical thrombectomy (MT) among those patients. Therefore, the predicting factors associated with better or worse outcomes for acute stroke patients receiving MT compared to those not receiving the treatment are unknown. We describe a TIA case with LVO who was treated with MT; we used perfusion imaging as a decision aid. A 55-year-old male patient with a past medical history of TIA, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia was admitted to our hospital for evaluation of transient mild right hemiparesis and dysarthria lasting for 5 min 3 h before admission. He reported that he had experienced the same condition 1 day before. On admission, neurological examination showed normal function with an NIHSS score of 0. Computed tomography angiography revealed left proximal M1 occlusion. In addition, perfusion magnetic resonance imaging maps calculated by the RAPID software showed acute small lesions on the left hemisphere with core volume (0 mL) and a large ischemic penumbra (70 mL). Immediate endovascular thrombectomy was performed 5 h following symptom onset with complete recanalization and clinical recovery. The case suggests that MT in LVO patients with low NIHSS scores, even a score of 0, on presentation is potentially a safe and effective treatment. The use of perfusion imaging in the acute phase of stroke should be encouraged for the decision-making process.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage due to Ruptured Spinal Artery Aneurysm: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Hoang , Le Vien Chi , Nguyen Trung Quoc , Nguyen Thang Huy
Published: December 2020

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to a solitary spinal aneurysm is extremely rare. Early diagnosis of spinal SAH is challenging, particularly when the spinal cord has not been compressed. We report a case of a 45-year-old male who presented with sudden onset of abdominal pain, followed by severe headache, vomiting, and generalized seizure. Three days after admission to the hospital, he developed progressive paraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed spinal SAH with hematoma resulting in cord compression at the level of T9. Diagnostic spinal angiography identified a ruptured aneurysm of a radiculomedullary artery. In conclusion, rupture of a spinal aneurysm should be considered a possible cause of SAH in appropriate clinical settings, and clinicians must be aware of the possibility of cord compression.
The Influence of Hearing Aids on Balance Control: A Systematic Review
Authors: Borsetto Daniele , Corazzi Virginia , Franchella Sebastiano , Bianchini Chiara , Pelucchi Stefano , Obholzer Rupert , Soulby Andrew J. , Amin Nikul , Ciorba Andrea
Published: December 2020

Aim: To assess the current opinion on the effects of hearing loss treatment by hearing aids (HAs) and the benefits of HA use on imbalance. Methods: PRISMA-compliant systematic review was done, including observational studies in patients affected by mild to severe sensorineural hearing loss with HAs, investigating the benefits of HAs on balance. Electronic searches were performed through Medline, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. Results: A total of 200 patients in 8 studies were included in this systematic review. Four studies were cross-sectional, 3 cross-sectional controlled and 1 prospective nonrandomized study. Static and dynamic balance in the aided condition improved in patients assessed using clinical investigations including Romberg test and Functional Ambulation Performance/mini-BESTest, respectively. Variable outcomes were found measuring static and dynamic balance during the aided condition with objective tests (computerized posturography, Mobility Lab device). Improved quality of life outcomes and self-confidence were noted, while subjective measurements of balance had conflicting results. Conclusion: Although an improvement in balance in patients with HAs has been shown in certain conditions, the overall benefit is still unclear and it is only possible to speculate that HAs may also improve static, dynamic, or subjective perception of balance function in adults affected by hearing loss.
Nutritional Therapy in COVID-19 Management
Authors: Medeiros de Morais Cecilia
Published: December 2020

This review deals with the relationship among nutrition, the immune system, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The influence of nutrients and bioactive molecules present in foodstuffs on immune system activity, the influence of COVID-19 on the nutritional status of the patients, and the dietary recommendations for hospitalized patients are addressed. Deficient nutritional status is probably due to anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypoalbuminemia, hypermetabolism, and excessive nitrogen loss. There is limited knowledge regarding the nutritional support during hospital stay of COVID-19 patients. However, nutritional therapy appears as first-line treatment and should be implemented into standard practice. Optimal intake of all nutrients, mainly those playing crucial roles in immune system, should be assured through a diverse and well-balanced diet. Nevertheless, in order to reduce the risk and consequences of infections, the intakes for some micronutrients may exceed the recommended dietary allowances since infections and other stressors can reduce micronutrient status. In the case of critically ill patients, recently published guidelines are available for their nutritional management. Further, several natural bioactive compounds interact with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, the gateway for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Natural bioactive compounds can also reduce the inflammatory response induced by SARS-CoV-2. These compounds are potential beneficial tools in the nutritional management of COVID-19 patients.
Pneumothorax bei COVID-19-Erkrankung – Inzidenz und klinische Merkmale
Authors: Zantah Massa , Dominguez-Castillo Eduardo , Townsend Ryan , Dikengil Fusun , Criner Gerard J.
Published: December 2020

Hintergrund: Der Spontanpneumothorax ist eine selten auftretende Komplikation der Viruspneumonie bei COVID-19. Die genaue Inzidenz sowie die Risikofaktoren sind weiter unklar. In der vorliegenden Arbeit untersuchen wir die Inzidenz und die Outcomes von mehr als 3.000 Patienten mit Pneumothorax, die mit Verdacht auf COVID-19-Pneumonie in unsere Klinik aufgenommen wurden. Methoden: Wir überprüften retrospektiv die Fälle von COVID-19-Patienten, die in unsere Klinik aufgenommen worden waren. Zur Berechnung der Inzidenz dieses Ereignisses wurden Patienten mit diagnostiziertem Spontanpneumothorax identifiziert und ihre klinischen Merkmale wurden umfassend dokumentiert. Es wurden Daten zum klinischen Outcome erhoben. Die einzelnen Fälle werden jeweils in Form einer kurzen Zusammenfassung vorgestellt. Ergebnisse: Zwischen 1. März und 8. Juni 2020 wurden 3368 Patienten mit Verdacht auf eine COVID-19-Pneumonie in unsere Klinik aufgenommen; von diesen wiesen 902 Patienten einen positiven Nasopharyngealabstrich auf. Es wurden sechs COVID-19-Patienten, die einen Spontanpneumothorax entwickelten, identifiziert (0,66 %). Die Baseline-Bildgebung zeigte bei diesen Patienten diffuse bilaterale Milchglastrübungen und Konsolidierungen, überwiegend in den posterioren und peripheren Lungenregionen. Vier der sechs Patienten wurden mechanisch beatmet. Bei allen Patienten war eine Thoraxdrainage erforderlich. In allen Fällen bestand kein direkter Zusammenhang zwischen dem Pneumothorax und der Mortalität (66,6%). Schlussfolgerung: Der Spontanpneumothorax ist eine seltene Komplikation der Viruspneumonie bei COVID-19, die auch ohne mechanische Beatmung auftreten kann. Kliniker sollten im Hinblick auf die Diagnose und Behandlung dieser Komplikation wachsam sein.
The Willingness of Patients to Participate in an Eye Donation Registry for Research
Authors: Huss Muriel B. , Schmitz-Valckenberg Steffen , Finger Robert P. , Löffler Karin U. , Fleckenstein Monika , Holz Frank G. , Pfau Maximilian
Published: December 2020

Introduction: For ophthalmologic research, the systematic correlation of clinical data with data obtained from postmortem tissue donation is of great benefit. In this respect, the establishment of an eye donation registry represents a prerequisite for the acquisition of such data. Methods: A total of 300 patients were interviewed at a tertiary referral center in Germany by means of a standardized questionnaire. Binary questions were evaluated by percentage; Likert-scaled questions (1 = does apply; 5 = does not apply) were analyzed by the median and 25th (Q25) and 75th (Q75) percentiles. Results: The majority of patients (77.0%) would agree to donate their eyes for research purposes. When asked about reasons against an eye donation, 60.9% of all patients only stated reasons in the category “addressable” (e.g., not enough awareness of the topic). The vast majority of patients considered it appropriate for an ophthalmologist to approach them on the issue of postmortem eye donation (median 1, Q25 1, Q75 1). Conclusion: Overall, patients had a positive attitude towards postmortem eye donation for research purposes. Importantly, reasons given against postmortem eye donation were often related to misconceptions and were potentially addressable. These results underline the fundamental willingness of ophthalmological patients in Germany to donate their eyes postmortem for research purposes.
As duas mortes do poeta
Authors: Miceli Sergio
Published: December 2020

Escrutínio da análise da poesia de Manuel Bandeira em livro clássico de Davi Arrigucci Jr., com ênfase em poemas que mesclam materiais da experiência pessoal a circunstâncias políticas incidentes sobre a trajetória e a visão de mundo do escritor.
Insuficiência cardíaca grave e rapidamente progressiva em paciente adulto jovem com cardiomiopatia chagásica crônica: desafio diagnóstico e terapêutico
Authors: Morais Ana Flávia Pereira de , Souza Dandara Freitas da Silveira e , Tomazini Murilo Henrique Fabri , Bachur Cynthia Kallás , Oliveira Rui Pereira Caparelli de
Published: December 2020

A Doença de Chagas é responsável por 12 mil mortes anualmente nas Américas em decorrência da Cardiomiopatia Chagásica crônica (CCC) que ocorre em 20 a 30% dos infectados, após os 60 anos, 30 a 40 anos após a primo-infecção, levando à Insuficiência Cardíaca (IC) biventricular, arritmias, bloqueios e embolias. O diagnóstico é baseado na epidemiologia, quadro clínico, alterações eletrocardiográficas e de exames de imagem associados à sorologia. O presente estudo relata o caso de paciente com evolução atípica para a idade devido à rápida progressão para IC avançada e refratária, associada à alta morbimortalidade, manifestação tipicamente tardia da CCC. Caso clínico: paciente de 37 anos, sexo feminino, internada na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva de um hospital terciário no interior do Estado de São Paulo por IC congestiva descompensada, associada a derrame pleural. O ecocardiograma e sorologia para Trypanossoma Cruzi confirmaram o diagnóstico de CCC e risco de mortalidade estimado em 84%. Foi iniciado tratamento com betabloqueador, espironolactona, diurético, enalapril e paciente recebeu alta. Após 20 meses, reinternou com choque cardiogênico, síndrome cardiorrenal e fibrilação atrial tratados com diuréticos, inotrópicos e amiodarona, evoluindo para óbito após três dias. Não foi possível encaminhamento para terapia de ressincronização ou transplante cardíaco, devido à comorbidade psiquiátrica, má adesão medicamentosa e indisponibilidade no serviço. A precocidade da apresentação da IC avançada e refratária, neste caso, revela a importância da adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso, redução de reinternações e o rápido referenciamento a centro de transplante e suporte ventricular, como tentativa de diminuir a morbimortalidade desses pacientes.
Espaço, debate e (in)visibilidade: estudos sobre terreiros de candomblé em revistas brasileiras de Geografia (2000-2019)
Authors: Melo Emerson , Silveira Aline da Fonseca Sá e
Published: December 2020

Este artigo põe em evidência estudos sobre as dinâmicas socioespaciais inerentes aos processos de formação, organização e gestão dos terreiros de candomblé publicados em revistas brasileiras de Geografia entre 2000 e 2019 e, com isso, mostra a pouca visibilidade desse debate no âmbito da ciência Geográfica. Essa crítica foi elaborada a partir de referenciais metodológicos quantitativos e qualitativos empregados no levantamento bibliográfico realizado no acervo on-line de 88 periódicos de Geografia, classificados pelo sistema de avaliação Qualis Capes (quadriênio 2013-2016/2019) em: A1 e A2, periódicos de excelência internacional; B1 e B2, de excelência nacional; B3, B4 e B5, de média relevância, e C, de baixa relevância científica, compondo uma base de dados de 2.341 exemplares de revistas analisadas.
Panorama da recepção crítica de Hiroshima mon amour no Brasil
Authors: Brum Alessandra
Published: December 2020

Na década de 1960, havia no Brasil uma intensa atividade em torno da crítica de cinema que era exercida em quase todos os jornais e revistas com grande visibilidade entre seus leitores. A exibição de Hiroshima mon amour (1959), primeiro longa-metragem de Alain Resnais, foi um marco não só pelas suas renovações estéticas, mas também pelo grande impacto causado entre os críticos, motivando um caloroso debate refletido nos inúmeros artigos publicados sobre o filme. Este artigo tem por objetivo traçar um panorama da recepção crítica de Hiroshima mon amour no Brasil.
Nevers e Hiroshima: ‘como suportar tamanha dor?’
Authors: Ferreira Júlia Simone
Published: December 2020

Marguerite Duras em Hiroshima, mon amour coloca luz à arte de uma literatura engajada. Ela não teme em denunciar os acontecimentos políticos de seu tempo. Neste “texto-filme”, ela denuncia, com veemência, a guerra, o amor, a morte, a miséria e as loucuras humanas, a memória, o esquecimento, o presente, o passado e o abatimento do ser, temáticas durassianas que figuram em Hiroshima. O objetivo desta pesquisa é de analisar todas estas temáticas que se apresentam num contexto fortemente político.
Traduções do feminino em Persuasion, de Jane Austen
Authors: Silvestre Marcela Aparecida , Lima Jonathan Gustavo Pessoa Cavalcanti de
Published: December 2020

Estudos recentes indicam que o conceito de tradução tem sido repensado no sentido de se atribuir ao ato tradutório uma dimensão artística e subjetiva. Com isso, a questão da obrigação de fidelidade ao texto original, que, por muito tempo, foi central nas discussões sobre a boa qualidade das traduções, é colocada em suspeição. Os Estudos da Tradução manifestam um interesse crescente sobre o papel cultural do texto traduzido e da figura do tradutor na sociedade. A associação dos Estudos da Tradução com a Crítica Literária Feminista busca detectar e comparar como os tradutores lidam com as ocorrências presentes no texto-fonte e a sua recriação no texto traduzido. Com base nos aspectos teóricos apontados, a presente pesquisa propõe uma análise descritiva e comparativa entre a obra Persuasion (1818), da escritora inglesa Jane Austen, e duas traduções para o português brasileiro, produzidas por Celina Portocarrero (L&PM, 2017) e Roberto Leal Ferreira (Martin Claret, 2012), observando a importância da interferência do tradutor e de suas concepções socioculturais no processo de produção de sentido dos textos traduzidos.
intérprete comunitário: sua agência na entrevista de solicitação de refúgio
Authors: Garcia Fernanda de Deus , Gorovitz Sabine
Published: December 2020

O texto aborda o papel do intérprete comunitário na interação entre o oficial de elegibilidade e o solicitante de refúgio no contexto das entrevistas de solicitação de refúgio no Comitê Nacional para Refugiados (Conare), órgão do Ministério da Justiça brasileiro, responsável pelo deferimento ou não da solicitação de refúgio pelo migrante. Partindo de uma abordagem sociolinguística interacional, buscou-se analisar como o intérprete se faz presente na interação durante a entrevista, e de que forma se manifesta linguisticamente. Para conduzir esse estudo, foi realizada uma pesquisa de campo empírica com observação participante em algumas entrevistas no Conare, além do acesso a diversas gravações dessas interações para a condução das análises. Estas revelam estratégias de mediação não apenas linguística, mas também social e cultural por parte do intérprete.
Entre sobrevivências e metamorfoses: a montagem de imagens em Aby Warburg e André Malraux
Authors: Fernandes Rafaela Alves
Published: December 2020

O artigo examina as concepções de história da arte e temporalidade da imagem presentes no Atlas Mnemosyne, de Aby Warburg (1866 – 1929), e no Museu Imaginário, de André Malraux (1901 – 1976). Para tanto, investiga ali os usos da montagem como processualidade visual e como modo de pensamento. Deste modo, constitui foco principal deste estudo os conceitos de sobrevivência e metamorfose. Mostra-se, pois, como Warburg reivindica um tempo anacrônico, que não é o tempo da atualidade histórica ou artística, mas o tempo inatual das sobrevivências dos gestos e das formas, ou então o tempo sempre atual dos sintomas. E mostra-se, por fim, como Malraux, enuncia um tempo fora do Tempo, o tempo das metamorfoses que desafia a natureza biológica da matéria em benefício da imortalidade das obras-primas.
Lifelong Reduction in LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol due to a Gain-of-Function Mutation in
LDLR
Authors: Bjornsson Eythor , Gunnarsdottir Kristbjorg , Halldorsson Gisli H. , Sigurdsson Asgeir , Arnadottir Gudny A. , Jonsson Hakon , Olafsdottir Eva F. , Niehus Sebastian , Kehr Birte , Sveinbjörnsson Gardar , Gudmundsdottir Steinunn , Helgadottir Anna , Andersen Karl , Thorleifsson Gudmar , Eyjolfsson Gudmundur I. , Olafsson Isleifur , Sigurdardottir Olof , Saemundsdottir Jona , Jonsdottir Ingileif , Magnusson Olafur Th. , Masson Gisli , Stefansson Hreinn , Gudbjartsson Daniel F. , Thorgeirsson Gudmundur , Holm Hilma , Halldorsson Bjarni V. , Melsted Pall , Norddahl Gudmundur L. , Sulem Patrick , Thorsteinsdottir Unnur , Stefansson Kari
Published: December 2020

Background:

Loss-of-function mutations in the LDL (low-density lipoprotein) receptor gene (
LDLR
) cause elevated levels of LDL cholesterol and premature cardiovascular disease. To date, a gain-of-function mutation in
LDLR
with a large effect on LDL cholesterol levels has not been described. Here, we searched for sequence variants in
LDLR
that have a large effect on LDL cholesterol levels.

Methods:

We analyzed whole-genome sequencing data from 43 202 Icelanders. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms and structural variants including deletions, insertions, and duplications were genotyped using whole-genome sequencing-based data. LDL cholesterol associations were carried out in a sample of >100 000 Icelanders with genetic information (imputed or whole-genome sequencing). Molecular analyses were performed using RNA sequencing and protein expression assays in Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphocytes.

Results:

We discovered a 2.5-kb deletion (del2.5) overlapping the 3′ untranslated region of
LDLR
in 7 heterozygous carriers from a single family. Mean level of LDL cholesterol was 74% lower in del2.5 carriers than in 101 851 noncarriers, a difference of 2.48 mmol/L (96 mg/dL;
P
=8.4×10
−
8
). Del2.5 results in production of an alternative mRNA isoform with a truncated 3′ untranslated region. The truncation leads to a loss of target sites for microRNAs known to repress translation of
LDLR
. In Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphocytes derived from del2.5 carriers, expression of alternative mRNA isoform was 1.84-fold higher than the wild-type isoform (
P
=0.0013), and there was 1.79-fold higher surface expression of the LDL receptor than in noncarriers (
P
=0.0086). We did not find a highly penetrant detrimental impact of lifelong very low levels of LDL cholesterol due to del2.5 on health of the carriers.

Conclusions:

Del2.5 is the first reported gain-of-function mutation in
LDLR
causing a large reduction in LDL cholesterol. These data point to a role for alternative polyadenylation of
LDLR
mRNA as a potent regulator of LDL receptor expression in humans.
What Does Rigged Mean? Partisan and Widely Shared Perceptions of Threats to Elections
Authors: Park-Ozee Dakota , Jarvis Sharon E.
Published: December 2020

This article is a piece of a larger line of research supported by the Democracy Fund studying how to communicate about threats to elections in ways that do not dampen people’s desire to vote or make them question the integrity of electoral outcomes. It reports findings from a computerized text analysis of 2,970 open-ended survey responses in the field during the fall of 2018 to the prompt “when people say that elections are rigged, what do you think they mean?” Four key themes emerged in the data: (1) Democrats and Republicans were equally likely to regard electoral outcomes as predetermined, (2) Republicans were twice as likely to be concerned about illegal voting than Democrats, (3) Democrats were slightly more likely to be upset about money in politics than Republicans, and (4) Democrats were twice as likely to be preoccupied with Russian meddling than Republicans. A qualitative analysis of the first theme revealed both similarities across partisans as well as how Democrats focus on how threats to elections benefit people already in power, whereas Republicans worry that elections are threatened by ordinary people cheating. These findings, and the nuances contributing to them, raise new paths for research on communicating about elections without decreasing people’s faith in them.
Association Between Plasma ADAMTS-9 Levels and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Wei Mengqiu , Pan Hailin , Guo Kai
Published: December 2020

Genome-wide association studies have shown that a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 9 (ADAMTS-9) is associated with the development of atherosclerosis. We assessed the level of ADAMTS-9 in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and its severity and prognosis. We selected 666 participants who underwent coronary angiography in our hospital and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria; participants included non-CAD patients, patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP), unstable angina, non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, or ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The serum level of ADAMTS-9 was higher in patients with CAD than in non-CAD patients (37.53 ± 8.55 ng/mL vs 12.04 ± 7.02 ng/mL, P < .001) and was an independent predictor for CAD (odds ratio = 1.871, 95% CI: 1.533-2.283, P < .001). Subgroup analysis showed that compared with the SAP group, the acute coronary syndrome groups had higher serum levels of ADAMTS-9. In addition, the level of ADAMTS-9 was related to the SYNTAX score (r = 0.523, P < .001). Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with elevated levels of ADAMTS-9 had a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 12 months than those with lower levels (log-rank = 4.490, P = .034). Plasma ADAMTS-9 levels may be useful for the diagnosis of CAD and as predictors of MACE in AMI patients.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Takeover Performance During Conditionally Automated Driving
Authors: Weaver Bradley W. , DeLucia Patricia R.
Published: December 2020

Objective

The aim of this paper was to synthesize the experimental research on factors that affect takeover performance during conditionally automated driving.

Background

For conditionally automated driving, the automated driving system (ADS) can handle the entire dynamic driving task but only for limited domains. When the system reaches a limit, the driver is responsible for taking over vehicle control, which may be affected by how much time they are provided to take over, what they were doing prior to the takeover, or the type of information provided to them during the takeover.

Method

Out of 8446 articles identified by a systematic literature search, 48 articles containing 51 experiments were included in the meta-analysis. Coded independent variables were time budget, non-driving related task engagement and resource demands, and information support during the takeover. Coded dependent variables were takeover timing and quality measures.

Results

Engaging in non-driving related tasks results in degraded takeover performance, particularly if it has overlapping resource demands with the driving task. Weak evidence suggests takeover performance is impaired with shorter time budgets. Current implementations of information support did not affect takeover performance.

Conclusion

Future research and implementation should focus on providing the driver more time to take over while automation is active and should further explore information support.

Application

The results of the current paper indicate the need for the development and deployment of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) services and driver monitoring.
Phase field modelling of microscopic failure in composite laminates
Authors: Hu Xiaofei , Zhang Peng , Yao Weian
Published: December 2020

The previous study of the authors on a phase field method for modelling progressive failure in multi-phase materials is further extended in this study to capture microscopic failure processes in composite laminates. The auxiliary phase field model for the regularization of material interface is re-formulated. In the computational model, a small part of the model is built from microscopic length scale to explicitly consider the microstructure of the material while the other area is built from macroscopic length scale to improve the efficiency. Cohesive elements are employed to link the two mesh parts with different length scales and also to capture the intralaminar failure. The existing ABAQUS subroutine “UEL” has been rewritten for the present study due to the introduction of cohesive elements and a BFGS solver is used to improve the iteration stability. The thickness effect of a thin ply made laminate is considered and the crack suppression effect is investigated.
Different Cognitive Correlates of Early Learning of Spelling of Different Target Types in Korean Hangul Among First Language Children and Adult Foreign Language Learners
Authors: Cho Jeung-Ryeul , McBride Catherine
Published: December 2020

This study examined whether different cognitive correlates are associated with spelling of different target types, such as phonologically consistent and inconsistent syllables, of Korean Hangul among 94 five-year-old first language (L1) Korean children and 41 foreign language (FL) learners who are Hong Kong Chinese college students. Korean children performed tasks of spelling, along with measures of syllable and phoneme coda awareness, phonological and orthographic working memory, morphological awareness, vocabulary, and orthographic knowledge. Among Korean 5-year-old children, coda awareness and orthographic working memory explained unique variance in spelling of phonologically consistent syllables, whereas syllable and coda awareness, orthographic working memory, orthographic knowledge, and vocabulary all explained unique variance in spelling of inconsistent syllables. When Chinese college students were tested on spelling of Korean Hangul as a foreign language, along with a battery of tasks in Korean similar to those administered to the L1 children, only orthographic working memory significantly explained spelling of consistent syllables, whereas only vocabulary knowledge explained spelling of inconsistent syllables. In both groups, spelling accuracy was lower in phonologically inconsistent than in consistent Hangul syllables. These findings suggest that different cognitive demands are involved in early spelling of phonologically consistent and inconsistent syllables in Korean Hangul among L1 and FL learners.
Effects of Exercise on Explicit Memory Function: Incidental and Intentional Encoding May Depend on Exercise Timing
Authors: Loprinzi Paul D. , Lovorn Ashley , Gilmore Jackson
Published: December 2020

The present experiment evaluated the effects of self-reported exercise behavior and an acute bout of high-intensity exercise on explicit memory function. The memory tasks were encoded either incidentally or intentionally; for intentional encoding, participants were told to focus on memorizing the stimuli (words), whereas for incidental encoding, participants were unaware that they would be subsequently asked to complete an object recognition task. Among a sample of 150 adults (Mage = 20 years), randomly assigned experimental participants engaged in the following task sequence: (a) incidentally encoded a series of objects, (b) engaged in 20 minutes of high-intensity exercise, (c) intentionally encoded a word list, and (d) completed explicit memory retrieval tasks. Control group participants viewed a time matched video in lieu of high intensity exercise. We measured self-reported exercise behavior via an exercise questionnaire. We did not observe convincing evidence of an effect of high-intensity acute exercise, when occurring during the early consolidation period, on memory function, for either incidental or intentional encoding tasks. However, self-reported engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was favorably associated with explicit memory performance.
Social Polarisation at the Local Level: A Four-Town Comparative Study on the Challenges of Politicising Inequality in Britain
Authors: Koch Insa , Fransham Mark , Cant Sarah , Ebrey Jill , Glucksberg Luna , Savage Mike
Published: December 2020

This article examines how intensifying inequality in the UK plays out at a local level, in order to bring out the varied ways polarisation takes place ‘on the ground’. It brings a community analysis buttressed by quantitative framing to the study of economic, spatial and relational polarisation in four towns in the UK. We distinguish differing dynamics of ‘elite-based’ polarisation (in Oxford and Tunbridge Wells) and ‘poverty-based’ polarisation (in Margate and Oldham). Yet there are also common features. Across the towns, marginalised communities express a sense of local belonging. But tensions between social groups also remain strong and all towns are marked by a weak or ‘squeezed middle’. We argue that the weakness of intermediary institutions, including but not limited to the ‘missing middle’, and capable of bridging gaps between various social groups, provides a major insight into both the obstacles to, and potential solutions for, re-politicising inequality today.
Are E-cigarette Users a Unique Group of Smokers? Latent Class Analysis of the National Youth Tobacco Survey
Authors: Scheier Lawrence M. , Komarc Martin
Published: December 2020

We used data from the 2014 National Youth Tobacco Survey to examine patterns of cigarette smoking behavior and tobacco use. In light of the recent upsurge in e-cigarette use, we modeled current use and future intentions to use vape products along with combustible cigarette smoking and other tobacco products (i.e., cigars, cigarillos, chew, snuff, and dip). Latent class analyses indicated four discrete classes of smokers including a nominally involved class with very modest levels of tobacco product use, a class blending e-cigarette and cigars, a class of youth who predominantly use combustible cigarettes, and a group reporting indiscriminate use of almost all tobacco products excluding chew. Tests of invariance in item response probabilities and latent class proportions showed little variation across race and gender, albeit a new class of combustible cigarette and e-cigarette users emerged when examined by grade. Members of the heavy smoking and tobacco use class were more likely to be male, White, and older. Predictors of class membership included expectancies (perceived benefits of use), perceived harm (risk), media exposure, tobacco dependence, and the desire to quit. Findings are discussed in terms of characterizing risk among already smoking youth and how actionable prevention measures can be incorporated into existing universal and indicated programs that target reducing tobacco use and smoking behaviors.
First Bite Syndrome After Parotidectomy: A Case Series and Review of Literature
Authors: Xu Vivian , Gill Kurren S. , Goldfarb Jared , Bovenzi Cory , Moayer Roxana , Krein Howard , Heffelfinger Ryan
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

First bite syndrome (FBS) is a rare but potentially debilitating complication observed after surgery involving the upper cervical region. Patients classically complain of severe facial pain in the ipsilateral parotid region with the first few bites of a meal.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to shed light on the incidence and potential risk factors of FBS, including a series of cases depicting FBS observed after parotidectomy.

Methods:

Retrospective review of 419 patients who underwent parotidectomy at a single tertiary care facility between December 2016 and June 2020.

Results:

With a mean follow-up time of 16.5 months, 8 (2%) patients were documented to have symptoms of FBS after parotid gland surgery. Six of these patients underwent partial parotidectomy by dissection of the deep lobe of the parotid (DLP).

Conclusion:

Patients undergoing dissection of the DLP are particularly at risk for the development of FBS. All patients should be appropriately counseled during informed consent discussions, especially in high-risk cases.
Spontaneous Healing of the Crust Type of Nasopharyngeal Bursitis
Authors: Lee Jae-Hoon
Published: December 2020

The nasopharyngeal bursa is an invaginated space that links the remnants of the notochord with the pharyngeal epithelium. Nasopharyngeal bursitis can occur in the midline of the upper portion of the nasopharynx if the notochord remnants and midline recess continue to persist. Nasopharyngeal bursitis, also known as Tornwaldt cyst, can be divided into cystic and crusting types. Crust types are relatively rare. Electrocauterization of the ulcerative lesion of the crust type is an effective and minimally invasive method. This report presents a case of crust-type nasopharyngeal bursitis that heals spontaneously without electrocauterization therapy.
Impact of COVID Lockdown on the Presentation of Nasal Foreign Bodies to a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Roy Suparna , Jain Neha , Narang Ekta , Singh Jyoti , Gupta Natasha
Published: December 2020

Background:

India announced nationwide lockdown on March 24, 2020, to control the COVID crisis. Due to lockdown, the health care system, that is, delivery and utilization of the health facilities were adversely affected.

Clinical Setting:

Presentation and management of nasal foreign body cases over 3 months post COVID lockdown has been discussed. Factors for delayed diagnosis and management are assessed and compared with pre-COVID era.

Result/Outcome:

Due to lockdown and COVID phobia, more complicated cases of nasal foreign body are presented in post lockdown period.

Conclusion:

We need to formulate and standardize the management strategies to avoid such unfortunate circumstances so that even non-COVID cases are managed more appropriately and in a timely manner.
Giant diffuse neurofibroma of the chest wall involving the sternum: Challenging chest wall reconstruction
Authors: Mahajan Sachin , Jaswal Vivek , Bansal Vidur , Sekar Aravind , Kumar Vikas
Published: December 2020

Diffuse neurofibroma is a rare form of neurofibroma, usually reported in the head and neck. To our knowledge, diffuse neurofibroma of the anterior chest wall has not been reported previously. Even rarer is involvement of the sternum in neurofibroma. We report a case of a 30-year-old lady who presented with a rapidly growing, painless giant exophytic mass involving almost the entire anterior chest wall. The tumor mass was infiltrating the sternum. Excision of the tumor left a large full-thickness thoracic defect that was covered using polypropylene mesh beneath a pedicled omental flap with a split skin graft over it.
Shocks, uncertainty and regional resilience: The case of Brexit and Scottish SMEs
Authors: Brown Ross , Kalafsky Ronald V , Mawson Suzanne , Davies Lori
Published: December 2020

Regional resilience is a topic of growing academic and policymaker interest. This article empirically examines this concept by scrutinising the impact of Brexit on Scottish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Given their crucial importance for the Scottish economy, SMEs are a good ‘unit of analysis’ and a powerful barometer for measuring regional resilience. The research adopted a novel mixed methods approach examining the Longitudinal Small Business Survey together with in-depth interviews with SMEs. It is clear from the survey analysis that certain types of SMEs (i.e. innovators and exporters) were disproportionately fearful of Brexit. This was firmly corroborated by the interview data which found these same firms to be the most detrimentally impacted, manifesting in reductions in employment, exports and innovation. In contrast, the majority of domestically focused, less innovative SMEs were much less concerned and less negatively affected. While a small minority managed to deploy adjustment mechanisms to mitigate these negative effects, overall many firms had major difficulties operationally and strategically coping with this uncertain and turbulent environment. The findings suggest proactive public policies will be needed to help mitigate the difficulties caused by Brexit for certain types of SMEs.
Identification of a genome-wide serum microRNA expression profile as potential noninvasive biomarkers for chronic kidney disease using next-generation sequencing
Authors: Liu Xinying , Wang Weijie , Bai Yaling , Zhang Huiran , Zhang Shenglei , He Lei , Zhou Wei , Zhang Dongxue , Xu Jinsheng
Published: December 2020

Objective

To identify serum microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential non-invasive biomarkers for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

We collected serum samples from healthy controls, CKD stage 1 (CKD1), and stage 5 (CKD5) patients with primary glomerulonephritis (GN), screened differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) using next-generation sequencing (NGS), and confirmed the sequencing data using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Results

We identified 20 and 42 DEMs in the CKD1 and CKD5 patients compared with the controls, respectively, and 70 DEMs in the CKD5 compared with the CKD1 patients. The qRT-PCR results showed that miR-483-5p was up-regulated in the CKD1 and CKD5 patients compared with controls (fold change = 2.56 and 18.77, respectively). miR-363-3p was down-regulated in the CKD5 patients compared with the controls and CKD1 patients (fold change = 0.27 and 0.48, respectively).

Conclusion

We identified a genome-wide serum miRNA expression profile in CKD patients, and serum miR-483-5p and miR-363-3p may act as potential diagnostic biomarkers for CKD.
Triggering business responses to climate policy in Australia
Authors: Markey Raymond , McIvor Joseph , O’Brien Martin , Wright Chris F
Published: December 2020

The ‘Porter hypothesis’ predicts that well-designed environmental regulations will stimulate businesses to innovate to reduce their environmental impact for efficiency reasons. This article analyses the impacts and anticipation effects of Australia’s carbon price on firms’ carbon reduction activities, through survey data on 466 medium-to-large Australian businesses. We build upon the Porter hypothesis by demonstrating that the anticipated impact of regulation may be as important as its implementation in triggering environmental innovation, thus developing the notion of a ‘signal’ effect.

JEL Classification: D22 and 033
Goal Programming Framework for Prioritization of Low-Volume Road Projects Considering Network Accessibility and Stakeholders’ Preferences
Authors: Woldemariam Wubeshet
Published: December 2020

One of the benefits of implementing transportation infrastructure projects is the maximization of network accessibility performance, so that system users’ mobility is optimized. However, infrastructure investment decisions rarely consider stakeholders’ preferences to network performance measures and the impact of project selection and prioritization on the network accessibility performance. This paper presents a goal programming framework that considers network accessibility performance and the total cost of road infrastructure projects or project bundles to prioritize investments, taking into account stakeholders’ preferences to the performance criteria. Results of the case study using the low-volume road (LVR) network showed that the accessibility benefits of LVR projects depend on their relative spatial location in the network, their total project cost, target performance goals, and stakeholders’ preferences to performance criteria. The study results also showed that LVR projects could maximize network accessibility even after the occurrence of network disruption events. Therefore, the proposed framework could help the decision-makers develop efficient infrastructure investment plans to mitigate natural and human-made network disruption events.
Women’s Experience of Sexual Coercion and Reactions to Intimate Partner Sexual Violence
Authors: Garrido-Macías Marta , Valor-Segura Inmaculada , Expósito Francisca
Published: December 2020

Sexual coercion is one of the most subtle manifestations of gender-based violence and may profoundly affect victims’ sexuality. This research analyzed the association of previous experiences of sexual coercion by an intimate partner (intimate partner sexual coercion [IPSC]) with women’s reactions and responses to a scenario of sexual violence. Female college undergraduates ( N = 207) completed a computer task in which they watched a video about a couple that ended in a woman having unwanted sex with her male partner. Participants answered several questions about tolerance (risk recognition, risk response, delays in behavioral response, and probability of leaving the relationship). They also responded about their level of commitment to their current partner, as well as their previous experience of sexual coercion. Results showed no differences between victims and nonvictims on the time they took to perceive the situation of sexual violence as threatening (risk recognition). However, victims of current sexual coercion took more time deciding to leave the abusive situation of the video (risk response), required a greater time lag between risk recognition and risk response, and they would be less likely to leave the relationship than victims of past sexual coercion and nonvictims. Finally, commitment predicted later risk recognition and risk response only for victims of past sexual coercion. Overall, the results suggested that previous sexual coercion by an intimate partner and being committed to the relationship may be risk factors associated with the increase of women’s tolerance toward situations involving the risk of sexual victimization.
An Examination of Probation Officer Tasks by Officer-Caseload Type
Authors: Martin Kelli D. , Zettler Haley R.
Published: December 2020

Prior research regarding probation officer roles and tasks has included statutory analyses, time studies, and computation of daily tasks in relation to risk level of offenders. However, there is limited research investigating specific proportions of probation officer tasks by officer caseload type. The current study builds on existing literature by providing an initial investigation into the daily tasks of adult probation officers of a medium-sized, tri-county probation department in a Southwestern state. For all officers, only 26% of tasks involved face-to-face contact with probationers. While regular caseload officers had the largest caseloads, specialized officers were more likely to supervise high-risk individuals. Court officers had the lowest proportion of face-to-face contact with probationers among the three groups. There were some significant differences in tasks observed between specialized and court officers and no statistically significant differences between regular officers and specialized officers. Recommendations for changes in probation practice are provided.