bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced growth and antioxidant efficiency of Vigna radiata seedlings in the presence of titanium dioxide nanoparticles synthesized via the sonochemical method
Authors: Thakur Kusum , Khurana Neerja , Rani Neelam , Hooda Vinita
Published: December 2021

Nanosized titanium dioxide (nTiO2) is one of the most diverse nanomaterials available today but inconclusive studies on the effects of nTiO2 on plants are withholding its successful application in agriculture. In the present work, an attempt has been made to evaluate the interaction of nTiO2 with Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek from the seed germination stage until the plants were 14 days old. TEM analysis revealed that nTiO2 was synthesized in the size range of 1–10 nm and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the crystal structure. The plants were raised hydroponically in nutrient solution spiked with two different concentrations of nTiO2 (10 and 100 mg L-1). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) results established the accumulation of nTiO2 in leaves. In response to the presence of nTiO2, V. radiata plants performed better as indicated by their increased seed germination, root and shoot length, higher fresh and dry weight and elevated chlorophyll and flavonoid contents. Germination percentage of V. radiata seeds increased by about 22% at 10 mg L-1 and 14% at 100 mg L-1 nTiO2 concentration. Maximum stimulation of total chlorophyll, flavonoids and phenolic contents was observed at 100 mg L-1 nTiO2 concentration in 7-day old plants, where an astonishing 8 fold increase in chlorophyll, 3 fold increase in flavonoids and 2 fold increase in phenolics was observed. However, a decrease in carbohydrate and protein contents and an increase in lipid peroxidation also marked the presence of mild oxidative stress that was neutralized by increased activity of antioxdant enzymes namely catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-s-transferase. The activity of superoxide dismutase was more or less stable while glutathione peroxidase activity reduced compared to the control plants. The higher ABTS and DPPH free radical scavenging activities of the nTiO2 treated plants also supported effective neutralization of free radicals.
The Past and its Possibilities in Nahḍa Scholarship
Authors: Krimsti Feras , Ghobrial John-Paul
Published: December 2021

This introduction to the special issue “The Past and its Possibilities in Nahḍa Scholarship” reflects on the role of the past in nineteenth- and early twentieth-century nahḍa discourse. It argues that historical reflection played a pivotal role in a number of scholarly disciplines besides the discipline of history, notably philosophy and logic, grammar and lexicography, linguistics, philology, and adab. Nahḍawīs reflected on continuities with the past, the genealogies of their present, and the role of history in determining their future. The introduction of print gave new impulses to the engagement with the historical heritage. We argue for a history of the nahḍa as a de-centred history of possibilities that recovers a wider circle of scholars and intellectuals and their multiple and overlapping local and global audiences. Such a history can also shed light on the many ways in which historical reflection, record-keeping practices, and confessional, sectarian, or communalist agendas are entwined.
The Engagement of Nineteenth-Century Scholars with Jirmānūs Farḥāt’s Baḥth al-Maṭālib: An Early Modern Textbook for Ottoman Schools
Authors: De Luca Rossella
Published: December 2021

This article focuses on the engagement of three scholars of the nineteenth century, later to be called scholars of the nahḍa, with an Arabic grammar manual titled Baḥth al-maṭālib wa-ḥathth al-ṭālib (“The Pursuit of the Questions and the Encouragement of the Student”), supposedly written in 1705 by the Maronite monk Jibrīl (later Jirmānūs) Farḥāt (1670–1732). The scholars considered in this contribution are Aḥmad Fāris al-Shidyāq (d. 1887), Buṭrus al-Bustānī (d. 1883), and Saʿīd al-Khūrī al-Shartūnī (d. 1912). They engaged with this text by editing and printing it, and by making it available for use in Ottoman public schools. Through a close reading of representative excerpts from their printed editions, this article explores the three scholars’ philological engagement with Baḥth al-maṭālib and its multiple uses in nineteenth-century schools. The ways in which they worked on the text, it is argued, illustrate their different pedagogical approaches towards the teaching of the Arabic language.
Absence and Elimination: Madhyamaka Interpretation in the Formation of Scholastic Traditions in Tibet
Authors: Vose Kevin
Published: December 2021

This paper examines early Tibetan authors’ treatment of “elimination” (viccheda/vyavaccheda), in order to trace competing lines of Madhyamaka exegesis. I compare Gyamarwa’s (rgya dmar ba byang chub grags; twelfth century) treatment of this topic in his Analysis of the Essence of Madhyamaka with that of his teacher Gangpa Sheu (gangs pa she’u) and four early Tibetan Prāsaṅgika authors. I conclude that Gyamarwa knew of Candrakīrti’s Madhyamaka from Atiśa’s followers, but prioritized utilizing Śāntideva’s and Jñānagarbha’s views to support his Madhyamaka position. I reflect further on the nature of “tradition” in early Tibetan scholasticism, focusing on Sangpu Neutok (gsang phu ne’u thog) Monastery.
Examining Macro-Policy Development Stages of Vocational Education in China: A Retrospective Policy Analysis
Authors: Jian Li
Published: December 2021

Since the reform and opening up, China’s vocational education has experienced a process of gradual recovery and development, which can be divided into five stages: the recovery and establishment period (1978–1984), the simultaneous development period (1985–1990), the sustained development period (1991–1998), the consolidation and adjustment period (1999–2009) and the strategic development period (2010-present). There are some problems, such as low degree of recognition, insufficient degree of adaptation to industrial development, incomplete school management system and lagging teacher team construction. To better cope with the challenges of the new era, we can accelerate the school-enterprise cooperation and industry-education integration, adapt to the changes brought by digital technology to vocational education, improve the management system of vocational education schools, strengthen the construction of vocational education teachers and other ways to promote the high-quality and balanced development of vocational education.
Developing Equitable Pedagogical Practices in Teacher Education: Considerations for Critical Transformative Perspectives in a North American Context
Authors: Tu Derrick
Published: December 2021

Teacher education programs may encourage their students to reflect upon their own school experiences through critical perspectives to develop equitable pedagogical practices for a better society. However, what are the implications of using critical perspectives? The purpose of this theoretical paper is to examine assumptions of using critical transformative approaches in teacher education for equity by addressing the following question: What issues between teacher educators and their students need to be considered when using a critical transformative learning approach to develop equitable pedagogical practices in a North American context? By framing critical and transformative learning as working with difficult knowledge and cognitive dissonance, I argue that teacher education courses need to create spaces that foster authentic dialogues to move beyond psychologizing to critical awareness for equity in education.
Exploring the Experiences of Social Justice-Oriented Teachers in South Korea: A Comparative Analysis of Elementary and Secondary Teachers
Authors: Woo Rami , Cho Hyunhee
Published: December 2021

Justice, equity, and diversity are more critical than ever in the global agenda in education. In the context of South Korea, this study aims to understand teachers’ practice of teaching for social justice, with a focus on how they respond to tensions and dilemmas encountered in different contexts of student development, student demographics, and school types. The process of data collection and analysis was guided by a narrative inquiry. Findings of this study demonstrate contextual constraints that the teachers face in their day-to-day practice of social justice teaching and instructional strategies that they crafted to deal with context-specific tensions and dilemmas. The discussion highlights politics of negotiation that has emerged from the teachers’ experiences of creating tactics for implementing social justice education in the given context.
Toward Equity-Based Pedagogy: Monolingual Teachers’ Transformative Thinking Process
Authors: Yoon Bogum
Published: December 2021

The reality that English language learners (ell s) have not been receiving adequate support in the mainstream classroom calls for urgency to prepare teachers in teacher education programs. Grounded in the theoretical construct of praxis and linguistically and culturally relevant approach (lcra), the purpose of this article is to share the author’s experience on how she supported monolingual teachers to engage in equity-based pedagogy. This article will focus on the specific projects that the author’s graduate students (mostly white and monolingual teachers/teacher candidates) conducted as a way to better understand the diverse needs of ell s in the dominant English context. The projects include: reflecting on monolingual identities through being in ell s’ shoes, building professional capital through theories of language learning, discussing and critiquing texts on ell s with a critical lens, designing lessons that integrate ell s’ culture as well as conducting the fieldwork in local schools, and synthesizing learning through the options of multiple final projects including learning a new language (e.g., ell s’ primary language). These activities intended to promote monolingual teachers’ transformative thinking process through the process of praxis and lcra in teacher education programs.
A Novel Nomogram for Early Identification and Intervention in Colorectal Cancer Patients at Risk for Malnutrition
Authors: Tang Joseph , Wong Gary , Naffouje Samer , Felder Seth , Sanchez Julian , Dineen Sean , Powers Benjamin D. , Dessureault Sophie , Gurd Erin , Castillo Diana , Hodul Pamela
Published: December 2021

Background

Malnutrition is under-recognized in cancer patients and can lead to poor treatment outcomes. We aim to develop an outpatient-focused score based on the Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) to help identify colorectal cancer (CRC) profiles at high risk for malnutrition.

Methods

506 CRC patients during initial outpatient oncology consultation at our tertiary referral outpatient oncology clinic completed the MST. Objective and subjective data were collected through chart review. Data gathered are as follows: demographics, anthropometrics, laboratory values, patient-reported symptoms, MST score, cancer history, performance status, socioeconomic status, and Charlson Comorbidity. Predictors of malnutrition were identified by logistic regression. Receiver operating curve (ROC), area under the curve (AUC), and our model’s predictability were determined.

Results

Significant predictors of malnutrition are as follows: younger age (20-39 vs >40 years) (P = .007), normal-to-low body mass index at presentation (P = .019), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group classification 2-3 (P = .012), metastatic disease (P = .046), albumin <3.0 g/dL (P = .033), fatigue (P < .001), and change in stool/bowel habits (P = .002). In our derived malnutrition score, risk of malnutrition increased from 11% for score 0, to 100% for scores 9-10. Receiver operating curve showed AUC .745 (95% CI, .697-.793).

Discussion

An outpatient clinic-derived malnutrition score obtained from objective and patient-reported variables may facilitate identification of CRC patients at highest risk for malnutrition. Rapid identification and intervention in high-risk patients may improve treatment recovery, therapy tolerance, and quality of life. Our tool requires external validation before application in clinical practice.
Degradation state identification for hydraulic pumps using modified hierarchical decomposition and image processing
Authors: Pei Mo-chao , Li Hong-ru , Yu He
Published: December 2021

Monitoring the degradation state of hydraulic pumps is of great significance to the safe and stable operation of equipment. As an important step, feature extraction has always been challenging. The non-stationary and nonlinear characteristics of vibration signals are likely to weaken the performance of traditional features. The two-dimensional image representation of vibration signals can provide more information for feature extraction, but it is challenging to obtain sufficient information based on small-size images. To solve these problems, a method for feature extraction based on modified hierarchical decomposition (MHD) and image processing is proposed in this paper. First, a set of signals decomposed by MHD are converted into gray-scale images. Second, features from accelerated segment test (FAST) algorithm are applied to detecting the feature points of the gray-scale image. Third, the real part of Gabor filter bank is used to convolve the images, and the responses of feature points are used to calculate histograms that are regarded as feature vectors. The method for feature extraction fully acquires the multi-layered texture information of small-size images and removes the redundant information. Furthermore, support vector machine (SVM) and nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) are introduced to conduct feature selection and state identification. NSGA-II and SVM can conduct the joint optimization of these two goals. The details of the proposed method are validated using experimental data, and the results show that the highest recognition rate of our proposed method can reach 100%. The results of the comparison among the proposed method, local binary pattern (LBP), and one-dimensional ternary patterns (1D-TPs) certify the superiorities of the proposed method. It obtains the highest classification accuracy (99.7%–98%) and the lowest feature set dimension (13–10).
Parents’ Anticipated Discussions About Death With Young Children
Authors: Su-Russell Chang , Russell Luke T. , Ermer Ashley E. , Greiner Csilla , Gregory Rebecca
Published: December 2021

Guided by family communication patterns theory and terror management theory this mixed-methods investigation explored how parents ( N = 112) of young children (ages 3–6) described the way they would discuss death when it comes up in conversations. Responses were coded inductively, resulting in four themes: explanations that death is inevitable, explanations that death is in the distance, the use of religion to frame discussions of death, and finally, discussing afterlife connections to deceased family members. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate whether parents’ conformity or conversation orientations were associated with the frequency with which parents discussed death with their child and the content of parent vignette responses. Quantitative analysis revealed parents’ conversation orientations were associated with the frequency with which they discussed death with their child and conformity orientations were associated with parents’ use of religion and discussing afterlife connections to deceased family members in their responses.
Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Investigating Mental Health, COVID-19 Health Beliefs, and News Media Consumption in the United States Population in the Year 2020
Authors: Lueck Jennifer A. , Callaghan Timothy , Scherr Sebastian
Published: December 2021

This study examines the role of general news media consumption during COVID-19 in aggravating mental health and suicide risk in the US population. In a sample of U.S. adults ( N = 5,010), we investigated how mental health, COVID-19 health beliefs, and general news consumption influenced the odds of suicidal ideation using hierarchical logistic regression models. Both worsening mental health overall and specifically in regard to COVID-19 increased suicidal ideation. Perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 infection did not increase suicidal ideation, yet higher levels of COVID-19 self-efficacy reduced suicidal ideation. Overall news consumption did not affect suicidal ideation, but media-specific post-hoc analyses revealed that TV news watching decreased suicidal ideation as much as high levels of COVID-19 self-efficacy decreased suicidal ideation. Furthermore, online news consumption increased suicidal ideation as much as worsening mental health overall increased suicidal ideation. Further implications are discussed.
Palliative care physicians’ motivations for models of practicing in the community: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Maybee Abby , Winemaker Samantha , Howard Michelle , Seow Hsien , Farag Alexandra , Park Hun-Je , Marshall Denise , Pereira Jose
Published: December 2021

Background:

Internationally, both primary care providers and palliative care specialists are required to address palliative care needs of our communities. Clarity on the roles of primary and specialist-level palliative care providers is needed in order to improve access to care. This study examines how community-based palliative care physicians apply their roles as palliative care specialists, what motivates them, and the impact that has on how they practice.

Design:

A qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured virtual interviews of community-based palliative care specialists. We asked participants to describe their care processes and the factors that influence how they work.

Setting/participants:

A qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured virtual interviews of community-based palliative care physicians in Ontario, Canada was undertaken between March and June 2020. At interview end, participants indicated whether their practice approaches aligned with one or more models depicted in a conceptual framework that includes consultation (specialist provides recommendations to the family physician) and takeover (palliative care physician takes over all care responsibility from the family physician) models.

Results:

Of the 14 participants, 4 worked in a consultation model, 8 in a takeover model, and 2 were transitioning to a consultation model. Different motivators were found for the two practice models. In the takeover model, palliative care physicians were primarily motivated by their relationships with patients. In the consultation model, palliative care physicians were primarily motivated by their relationships with primary care. These differing motivations corresponded to differences in the day-to-day processes and outcomes of care.

Conclusions:

The physician’s personal or internal motivators were drivers in their practice style of takeover versus consultative palliative care models. Awareness of these motivations can aid our understanding of current models of care and help inform strategies to enhance consultative palliative care models.
Early Treatment Change in Perpetrators of Sexual Versus Non-Sexual Violence
Authors: Keulen-de Vos Marije , Benbouriche Massil
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study is to assess treatment change at both a group and individual level in a sample of 81 Dutch male patients who received mandated care for either violent (non-sexual) behavior or sexual violent behavior. Psychiatric nurses rated patients’ social skills, insight, hostility, physical violence with the BEST-Index every 6 months over the course of 2 years after patients were admitted to hospital. Mixed analysis of covariances and the reliable change index indicated that patients, irrespective of offense type, showed treatment change over time with exception of physical violence. This study shows that general treatment may be useful in the first 18 month for risk factors common to different types of offenses, but that specialized treatment is needed to establish further change.
Phosphorus speciation in sewage sludge from three municipal wastewater treatment plants in Sweden and their ashes after incineration
Authors: Nilsson Charlotte , Sjöberg Viktor , Grandin Anna , Karlsson Stefan , Allard Bert , von Kronhelm Thomas
Published: December 2021

Given the high efficiency in phosphorus removal at municipal wastewater treatment plants (MMWWTP), sewage sludge constitutes a promising resource for phosphorus (P) recovery. Sewage sludge is, however, a complex matrix and its direct use as fertiliser is limited by its content of metals/metalloids and organic pollutants. In order to increase its usability as a potential resource of P, there is a need for increased knowledge on phosphorus speciation in these matrices. The sludge composition is highly influenced by local conditions (i.e. wastewater composition and treatment method), and it is therefore important to study sludge from several MMWWTPs. In this study, three different protocols for sequential extraction were utilised to investigate the chemical speciation of phosphorus in sludge from three different MMWWTP sludges in Sweden, as well as in corresponding ashes following incineration. The results showed that the total amounts of phosphorus ranged from 26 to 32 mg g−1 sludge (dry weight), of which 79–94% was inorganically bound (IP). In the sludge, 21–30% of the IP was associated with calcium (Ca-P), which is the preferred species for fertiliser production. Following incineration, this fraction increased to 54–56%, mainly due to transformation of iron-associated phosphorus (Fe-P), while aluminium-associated species of phosphorus (Al-P) remained unaltered. The results from this study confirm that incineration is a suitable treatment for sewage sludge in terms of potential phosphorus recovery.
Redressing forced removals of Yenish children in Switzerland in the 20th century: An analysis through transitional justice lens
Authors: Patrizi Elena
Published: December 2021

‘A society that does not tackle the bitterest chapters of its past risks repeating the same mistakes – sooner or later'. These are the words pronounced by the Swiss Minister of Justice to apologise for the harm suffered by victims of coercive social measures. Apology is one of the measures established by Switzerland for dealing with the legacy of forced removals of Yenish children. Through an analysis of the reparation schemes undertaken in Switzerland, the article shows that relying on the theoretical framework provided by transitional justice facilitates making a critical assessment of reparation schemes for past child abuse cases.
Catch-22: Token Women Trying to Reconcile Impossible Contradictions between Organisational and Societal Expectations
Authors: Aldossari Maryam , Chaudhry Sara , Tatli Ahu , Seierstad Cathrine
Published: December 2021

Extending tokenism theory, and Kanter’s work on numerical representation within organisations, we emphasise the societal context of gender inequality in order to understand token women’s lived experiences at work. Based on analysis of 29 in-depth interviews in a multinational (MNC) situated in the distinctive socio-institutional setting of Saudi Arabia, the article expands Kanter’s typology of roles, to capture token assimilation in a context-embedded way. In particular, we explore the interaction of a seemingly Western MNC espousing liberal values, rules and norms with the enduring patriarchal and traditional context of Saudi Arabia. Further adding texture to Kanter’s theory, this study reveals that the organisational context cannot be seen as fundamentally neutral and inevitably interacts with the societal context, resulting in unique manifestations of tokenism.
Professionalization and Corporate Social Responsibility: A Comparative Study on German and US Job Requirements in CSR
Authors: Benzinger Diana , Muller-Camen Michael
Published: December 2021

Given the steady interest in corporate social responsibility (CSR), this study explores the process of professionalization of CSR. Drawing upon the literature on ‘organizational’ professionals, explicit and implicit CSR, as well as varieties of capitalism, professionalization of CSR is explored in order to trace processes of explicitization and potential cross-national differences between the United States and Germany. In a comparative longitudinal study, we analyse job announcements in the field of CSR and find that although the hybridity of explicit and implicit CSR between the US and Germany is starting to unfold, job characteristics and job requirements in CSR in Germany and the US are still not the same. Our results suggest there is a more distinct trend in professionalization in the US than in Germany in terms of the manifestation of explicit CSR and that the institutional context is linked to how employers drive professionalization processes in non-traditional professions.
Wage Differences between Polish and Romanian Intra-EU Migrants in a Flexi-Secure Labour Market: An Over-Time Perspective
Authors: Felbo-Kolding Jonas , Leschke Janine
Published: December 2021

By merging longitudinal register data and a customised survey, this article explores whether sectoral segmentation, migrants’ pre- and post-migration human capital and social structures, shape wages of Polish and Romanian long-term migrants to Denmark. Pronounced wage differences in favour of Polish migrants are evident in the first two years in Denmark, notwithstanding the same regulatory context under the free movement of labour in the EU. Wage differences persist – albeit at a considerably lower level – throughout the eight-year period, mainly because of significant sectoral segmentation. Sectoral segmentation not explained by demographics, pre-migration human capital or crisis effects, might indicate categorical stereotyping by employers. Regarding (co-ethnic) social networks, at least for the early stages of migration, the study does not find significant effects on wages. While the evidence shows a positive return on wages of formal higher education taken post migration, this is not the case for further training and Danish language education.
The role of labour unrest and skilled labour on outward foreign direct investment in Taiwan, Republic of China, ROC
Authors: Lai Yu Cheng , Sarkar Santanu
Published: December 2021

This paper builds an estimation model to test whether improved labour standards necessarily lead firms to send work offshore to countries with lower wages and fewer employment protections; or improved labour standards influence the labour market, where with time, firms attract more skilled workers, which help deter outward foreign direct investment (FDI). When more firms comply with improved labour standards, the industrial relations climate also improves as non-compliance usually causes labour unrest. Using a model built on pooled cross-sectional time-series data from 2008–17, we studied the role of changes in labour unrest and the percentage of skilled workers in the labour force in predicting outward FDI in Taiwan. Per our estimation model, we found the percentage of skilled workers steadily increased as Taiwan maintained improved labour standards. The increase in skilled workers also increased labour costs making it challenging for firms to stay onshore. However, skilled workers helped firms improve productivity, which justified increased labour costs. As a result, firms in Taiwan that complied with labour standards found it less challenging to pay higher wages and stayed onshore.
Social Influences on Engagement With HIV Testing, Treatment and Care Services Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Living in Rural Uganda
Authors: Nakiganda Lydia J. , Bavinton Benjamin R. , Grulich Andrew E. , Serwadda David , Nakubulwa Rosette , Poynten Isobel M. , Bell Stephen
Published: December 2021

Men who have sex with men in Uganda are a heterogenous, discriminated population, experiencing high HIV burden, limited access to HIV testing, and low treatment adherence. We contribute to the lack of information about men who have sex with men in rural Uganda by using socio-ecological analyses to examine the social influences shaping their engagement with HIV services. Based on in-depth interviews with 16 men, our findings reveal the inhibitive influence of interpersonal relationships with sexual partners, peers and families, and institutional influences within health service and non-governmental organizational settings. Yet men take action to strategize and seek support to enhance engagement with HIV care in heavily criminalized and stigmatized settings. Future HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care responses could draw on what affected individuals and communities are already doing to enhance access to HIV services and the effective support strategies of some non-governmental organizations and healthcare workers.
Geometric characterization of continuously defective elastic crystals
Authors: Elżanowski Marek Z.
Published: December 2021

We show how some differential geometric structures associated with a concept of a homogeneous space appear naturally in a kinematic model of continuously distributed defects in an elastic crystal solid and discuss how one can use them to describe the defectiveness of such a continuum.
Low dose meloxicam is safe and tolerable when combined with toceranib phosphate in cancer-bearing cats
Authors: Keepman Samuel J , Pellin MacKenzie A
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are infrequently utilized in cats due to concern for renal compromise; however, recent studies demonstrate tolerability of low dose meloxicam. Toceranib phosphate is used to treat several feline cancers and is well tolerated. This study aimed to determine the tolerability and adverse event profile of combined toceranib and low dose meloxicam in cancer-bearing cats. Secondary goals involved assessing anticancer tumor efficacy and impact upon quality of life and analgesia.

Methods

Cats with any cancer not involving the kidneys were eligible. The study adopted a conventional 3 + 3 dose escalation design. Toceranib was administered every other day at a standard dose with meloxicam administered in an escalating fashion in subsequent cohorts, at a starting dose of 0.01 mg/kg on opposite days to toceranib, up to a maximum of 0.02 mg/kg daily, based upon previous safety studies. Laboratory work, blood pressure, tumor measurements, pain score and client-completed quality-of-life surveys were recorded every 2–4 weeks during the 12-week study period.

Results

Twenty-one cats were enrolled. When combined with toceranib, a meloxicam dose of 0.02 mg/kg q24h was safe and well tolerated, with no cats being withdrawn due to adverse events from the drug combination. The majority of cats demonstrated clinical benefit with stable to mildly improved tumor measurements, quality of life and pain scores.

Conclusions and relevance

Low dose meloxicam combined with toceranib is safe and well tolerated in cancer-bearing cats. Continued patient recruitment and data collection are needed to determine the maximum tolerated dose of meloxicam. The results of our study will guide further phase II/III trials.
Reflections on the physical, executive developmental and systems applied framework in child neuropsychological rehabilitation
Authors: Byard Katie , Gosling A Sophie , Tucker Peter , Richmond Josephine , Ashton Rebecca , Pickering Andrea , Charles Florence , Fine Howard , Reed Jonathan
Published: December 2021

This paper describes the influence of the Physical, Executive, Developmental and Systems (PEDS) framework on the delivery of community-based child neuropsychological rehabilitation and how it has been enhanced by the proliferation of neuroscientific, neuropsychological and psychosocial research and evidence-base in childhood brain injury and rehabilitation over the past decade. The paper signposts to some of the key models, theories and concepts currently shaping service delivery. Application of the PEDS framework in a clinical case is described.
Framing dementia experiences in a positive light: Conversational practices in one couple living with dementia
Authors: Nilsson Elin
Published: December 2021

The general approach to a life with dementia is negatively charged, and alternative views are rarely found in research or in media coverage. This case-study explores conversational practices for framing dementia in a more positive light, employed by a husband of a wife with dementia. Framing regards the structured experiences of dementia, drawing on Goffman’s ‘Frame Analysis’. Benefitting from conversation analysis, this article presents principal results of four conversational practices used by the spouse without dementia: mitigating trouble, normalising trouble, justifying trouble, and praising. The conclusions drawn are that the practices contribute to the challenging of the dominant negative framework of the dementia experience, as they facilitate talk which emphasises the wife with dementia’s positive progression and skills in managing the household chores. Despite a positive framing of dementia, this couple still embed their talk in the overall negative framework of loss and decreased cognitive competence. The visualisation of a positive framing could add to a broadened view of dementia, which in turn could contribute to greater well-being for those affected. However, the results may also imply a risk of one spouse’s conversational practices of normalising and mitigating trouble being dominant in interaction and thereby neglecting the other spouse’s experience of the situation.
Diagnostic and prognostic significance of miR-451a in patients with atherosclerosis
Authors: Wang Baizhi , Duan Xingliang , Xu Qing , Li Yani
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease. This study aimed to detect the expression level of miR-451a and investigate the diagnostic and prognostic values of miR-451a for AS patients.

Methods

The relative expression of miR-451a was assessed by qRT-PCR. Comparison of groups was analyzed with the t-test and chi-squared test. Pearson analysis was used to validate the correlation of miR-451 with CRP and CIMT. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, K-M analysis, and Cox regression analysis were conducted to explore the roles of miR-451a in diagnosing AS patients and predicting outcomes of AS patients.

Results

The expression of miR-451a was significantly decreased in the serum of AS patients. The results of Pearson analysis showed the expression of miR-451a was negatively correlated with CRP and CIMT. The data of ROC proposed miR-451a could differentiate AS patients from healthy individuals with high sensitivity and specificity. K-M analysis and Cox regression showed miR-451a might be an independent biomarker of suffering cardiovascular endpoint diseases in AS patients. The expression of miR-451a was obviously inhibited in AS patients with cardiovascular endpoint events.

Conclusion

Deregulation of miR-451a might be associated with the development of AS. MiR-451a might be used as a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for clinical treatment of AS patients.
Relationship Between C2 Semispinalis Cervicis Preservation and C2 Spinous Process Morphology During Cervical Laminoplasty Involving C3
Authors: Seok Sang Yun , Lee Dong-Ho , Lee Hyung Rae , Park Sehan , Cho Jae Hwan , Hwang Chang Ju , Lee Choon Sung
Published: December 2021

Study Design

Retrospective study

Objectives

Due to anatomical variations in the semispinalis cervicis insertion in the C2 spinous process, complete preservation is not always possible when the C3 level is included in a cervical laminoplasty. Three-dimensional computed tomography was used to evaluate the relationship between the incidence of semispinalis cervicis injury and the C2 inter-spinous angle.

Methods

We included 95 patients who underwent a cervical laminoplasty that included a C3 laminectomy for cervical myelopathy. Patients with a C2 inter-spinous angle above and below 60° were classified into wide- and narrow-angled groups, respectively (n = 48 and n = 47). Whether the C2 semispinalis cervicis insertion was preserved, or detached and reattached was reviewed from surgical records. The pre and postoperative C2-C7 lordosis and range of motion (ROM) were measured, and clinical outcomes were obtained from the patient charts.

Results

The C2 semispinalis cervicis was preserved in 47 patients (97.9%) in the wide-angled group but only in 14 patients (29.8%) in the narrow-angled group ( P < .001). The postoperative C2-C7 lordosis extension and ROM were significantly greater in the wide-angled ( P = .048 and .036). Postoperative neck pain was significantly greater in the narrow-angled ( P = .018).

Conclusions

The morphology of the C2 spinous process indicates that a C2 semispinalis cervicis insertion preservation is possible during a cervical laminoplasty that includes a C3 laminectomy. A careful surgical procedure should be conducted when the C2 inter-spinous angle is above 60° to increase the likelihood of achieving this preservation and thereby obtaining a more favorable clinical outcomes.
Coccydynia—The Efficacy of Available Treatment Options: A Systematic Review
Authors: Andersen Gustav Ø. , Milosevic Stefan , Jensen Mads M. , Andersen Mikkel Ø. , Simony Ane , Rasmussen Mikkel M. , Carreon Leah
Published: December 2021

Study design

Systematic Review

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of available treatment options for patients with persistent coccydynia through a systematic review.

Methods

Original peer-reviewed publications on treatment for coccydynia were identified using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines by performing a literature search of relevant databases, from their inception to January 17, 2020, combined with other sources. Data on extracted treatment outcome was pooled based on treatment categories to allow for meta-analysis. All outcomes relevant to the treatment efficacy of coccydynia were extracted. No single measure of outcome was consistently present among the included studies. Numeric Rating Scale, (NRS, 0–10) for pain was used as the primary outcome measure. Studies with treatment outcome on adult patients with chronic primary coccydynia were considered eligible.

Results

A total of 1980 patients across 64 studies were identified: five randomized controlled trials, one experimental study, one quasi-experimental study, 11 prospective observational studies, 45 retrospective studies and unpublished data from the DaneSpine registry. The greatest improvement in pain was achieved by patients who underwent radiofrequency therapy (RFT, mean Visual Analog Scale (VAS) decreased by 5.11 cm). A similar mean improvement was achieved from Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT, 5.06), Coccygectomy (4.86) and Injection (4.22). Although improved, the mean change was less for those who received Ganglion block (2.98), Stretching/Manipulation (2.19) and Conservative/Usual Care (1.69).

Conclusion

This study highlights the progressive nature of treatment for coccydynia, starting with noninvasive methods before considering coccygectomy. Non-surgical management provides pain relief for many patients. Coccygectomy is by far the most thoroughly investigated treatment option and may be beneficial for refractory cases. Future randomized controlled trials should be conducted with an aim to compare the efficacy of interventional therapies amongst each other and to coccygectomy.
Curating Spaces of Connection and Resisting Pandemic Isolation Through Innovative Digital Practices
Authors: Gavin Kara M.
Published: December 2021

In this time of global pandemic, there has been much adult discourse around what children need both academically and at home, emphasizing structure and continued learning across content areas. Missing from these discussions and recommendations are the perspectives of children themselves. Children, many of whom lack access to their own communication devices as well as social media and personal e-mail accounts, have felt the impact of separation from peers. This article examines ways in which a diverse group of 9- and 10-year-old children resisted the isolating circumstances early in the COVID-19 pandemic through creating and repurposing digital spaces to connect with friends, classmates, and family members.1
Authors’ response on Perkins et al. (2021) “Dead in the water: comment on “Development of an aquatic exposure assessment model for imidacloprid in sewage treatment plant discharges arising from use of veterinary medicinal products”
Authors: Valles-Ebeling Beatrice , Achtenhagen Jan , Atkinson Jackie , Starp Michael
Published: December 2021

In 2020, Anthe et al. published a newly developed model to predict imidacloprid surface water concentrations stemming from sewage treatment plant (STP) effluent as a consequence of the use of veterinary medicinal products containing imidacloprid in the UK (Anthe in Environ Sci Eur (2020) 32:147, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-020–00424-4). The modelled data indicate that these veterinary medicinal products make only a very small contribution to the levels of Imidacloprid observed in the UK water monitoring programme.

The commentary by Perkins et al. (Perkins in Environ Sci Eur (2021) 33:88, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-021-00533-8) questioned the validity and conclusions of the modelling approach. We believe the modelling approach, which considered what we anticipated to be, the major exposure pathways, gives a realistic picture of the chronic emission via STPs to UK rivers.
Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS): update on practical appraisal, diagnosis and clinicopathology; a review and an alternative comprehensive perspective
Authors: Papasavvas Ioannis , Mantovani Alessandro , Tugal-Tutkun Ilknur , Herbort Carl P.
Published: December 2021

Background

Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) is a rare inflammatory eye condition affecting the outer retina as a consequence of choriocapillaris non perfusion. The pathophysiology of MEWDS will be discussed based clinical appraisal and on multimodal imaging appraisal.

Methods

Narrative review and perspective opinion.

Results

Literature review results helped us to put forward (1) the specific symptomatology (decreased/blurred vision, photopsia, subjective scotomas), (2) the ill-asserted character of clinical findings (foveal granularity, white dots in fundoscopy), (3) and the crucial importance of multimodal imaging with the diagnostic triad of ICGA hypofluorescent areas, BL-FAF hyperautofluorescent areas and loss/damage of IS/OS-ellipsoid zone on SD-OCT that characterise the disease and can practically help the clinician to diagnose MEWDS. A comprehensive alternative perspective of the disease was formulated.

Conclusions

The bulk of evidence that we are presenting in this review, thanks to new performing non-invasive and invasive imaging modalities, is sufficiently compelling to consider MEWDS as a primary choriocapillaritis/inflammatory choriocapillaropathy. Multimodal imaging allows the clinician to diagnose MEWDS with a high level of certainty and ensures a precise follow-up.
Prioritising positively selected variants in whole-genome sequencing data using FineMAV
Authors: Wahyudi Fadilla , Aghakhanian Farhang , Rahman Sadequr , Teo Yik-Ying , Szpak Michał , Dhaliwal Jasbir , Ayub Qasim
Published: December 2021

Background

In population genomics, polymorphisms that are highly differentiated between geographically separated populations are often suggestive of Darwinian positive selection. Genomic scans have highlighted several such regions in African and non-African populations, but only a handful of these have functional data that clearly associates candidate variations driving the selection process. Fine-Mapping of Adaptive Variation (FineMAV) was developed to address this in a high-throughput manner using population based whole-genome sequences generated by the 1000 Genomes Project. It pinpoints positively selected genetic variants in sequencing data by prioritizing high frequency, population-specific and functional derived alleles.

Results

We developed a stand-alone software that implements the FineMAV statistic. To graphically visualise the FineMAV scores, it outputs the statistics as bigWig files, which is a common file format supported by many genome browsers. It is available as a command-line and graphical user interface. The software was tested by replicating the FineMAV scores obtained using 1000 Genomes Project African, European, East and South Asian populations and subsequently applied to whole-genome sequencing datasets from Singapore and China to highlight population specific variants that can be subsequently modelled. The software tool is publicly available at https://github.com/fadilla-wahyudi/finemav.

Conclusions

The software tool described here determines genome-wide FineMAV scores, using low or high-coverage whole-genome sequencing datasets, that can be used to prioritize a list of population specific, highly differentiated candidate variants for in vitro or in vivo functional screens. The tool displays these scores on the human genome browsers for easy visualisation, annotation and comparison between different genomic regions in worldwide human populations.
Identifying the hub genes for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Becker muscular dystrophy by weighted correlation network analysis
Authors: Wang Junjie , Fan Qin , Yu Tengbo , Zhang Yingze
Published: December 2021

Background

The goal of this study is to identify the hub genes for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) via weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA).

Methods

The gene expression profile of vastus lateralis biopsy samples obtained in 17 patients with DMD, 11 patients with BMD and 6 healthy individuals was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE109178). After obtaining different expressed genes (DEGs) via GEO2R, WGCNA was conducted using R package, modules and genes that highly associated with DMD, BMD, and their age or pathology were screened. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were also conducted. Hub genes and highly correlated clustered genes were identified using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) and Cystoscape software.

Results

One thousand four hundred seventy DEGs were identified between DMD and control, with 1281 upregulated and 189 downregulated DEGs. Four hundred and twenty DEGs were found between BMD and control, with 157 upregulated and 263 upregulated DEGs. Fourteen modules with different colors were identified for DMD vs control, and 7 modules with different colors were identified for BMD vs control. Ten hub genes were summarized for DMD and BMD respectively, 5 hub genes were summarized for BMD age, 5 and 3 highly correlated clustered genes were summarized for DMD age and BMD pathology, respectively. In addition, 20 GO enrichments were found to be involved in DMD, 3 GO enrichments were found to be involved in BMD, 3 GO enrichments were found to be involved in BMD age.

Conclusion

In DMD, several hub genes were identified: C3AR1, TLR7, IRF8, FYB and CD33(immune and inflammation associated genes), TYROBP, PLEK, AIF1(actin reorganization associated genes), LAPTM5 and NT5E(cell death and arterial calcification associated genes, respectively). In BMD, a number of hub genes were identified: LOX, ELN, PLEK, IKZF1, CTSK, THBS2, ADAMTS2, COL5A1(extracellular matrix associated genes), BCL2L1 and CDK2(cell cycle associated genes).