bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proximal Junction Kyphosis in Adult Scoliosis: Best Postoperative Radiological Predictors—A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Manini Daudi R. , Zhang Hong-qi , Gao Qile , Liu Shao-hua , YuXiang Wang , Du YuXuan
Published: March 2022

Background. Proximal junction kyphosis (PJK) is the postsurgical radiographic event seen in the surgical plane after the fusion of a spinal deformity. Unfavorable health outcomes have been reported in symptomatic PJK patients compared to non-PJK patients. Methods. The data for adult scoliosis patients who underwent curve correction were extracted from the hospital database. Pelvic and spinal parameters were measured and calculated to compare four predictive formulae for occurrences of PJK. Formula 1. Restoration of hypothetical values of lumbar lordosis (LL) and thoracic kyphosis (TK) according to pelvic incidence (PI). Formula 2. Evaluation of global sagittal alignment. Formula 3. Restoration of the apex of LL to its hypothetical position according to the spine shape. Formula 4. Evaluation of positive-sum and negative-sum of (LL + TK). Results. A total number of cases were 52. There were 14 cases of PJK. The incidence of PJK was 26.9%, and the mean age for PJK cases was 63.2 ± 5.2. The excellent predictor for occurrences of PJK was formula 3. Postsurgical sagittal apexes of lumbar lordosis were located in their hypothetical position in 24 cases, and 12.5% of these cases developed PJK. While sagittal apexes were not located in their hypothetical position in 28 patients, PJK occurred in 39.3% of them (

P
=
0.03

, OR: 4.53, (95% CI: 1.09–18.9)). The second good predictor for occurrences of PJK was formula 2 (GSA >45° versus GSA <45° OR = 2.5, (95% CI: 0.67–9.38),

P
=
0.17

). The other two formulae (1 and 4) were not good predictors for occurrences of PJK. Conclusion. Among the four proposed formulae for predicting occurrences of PJK, the position of the sagittal apex of lumbar lordosis is an excellent predictor of the development of PJK, followed by GSA. Hypothetical values of LL and TK, and positive or negative-sum of (LL + TK), are weak predictors for occurrences of PJK.
Multicancer Early Detection Technologies: A Review Informed by Past Cancer Screening Studies
Authors: Raoof Sana , Lee Richard J. , Jajoo Kunal , Mancias Joseph D. , Rebbeck Timothy R. , Skates Steven J.
Published: March 2022

More than 75% of cancer-related deaths occur from cancers for which we do not screen. New screening liquid biopsies may help fill these clinical gaps, although evidence of benefit still needs to be assessed. Which lessons can we learn from previous efforts to guide those of the future? Screening trials for ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, and esophageal cancers are revisited to assess the evidence, which has been limited by small effect sizes, short duration of early-stage disease relative to screening frequency, study design, and confounding factors. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) to show mortality reduction have required millions of screening-years, two-decade durations, and been susceptible to external confounding. Future RCTs with late-stage incidence as a surrogate endpoint could substantially reduce these challenges, and clinical studies demonstrating safety and effectiveness of screening in high-risk populations may enable extrapolation to broader average-risk populations. Multicancer early detection tests provide an opportunity to advance these practical study designs. Conditional approvals based on RCTs with surrogate endpoints, contingent upon real world evidence generation and continuation of trials to definitive endpoints, may lower practical barriers to innovation in cancer screening and enable greater progress.
Die deutsche Version der Interpersonal Hopelessness Scale (IHS)
Authors: Forkmann Thomas , Schwitzky Sarah , Plein Lena , Rath Dajana , Teismann Tobias , Höller Inken
Published: March 2022

Hintergrund: Angesichts des angenommenen Einflusses interpersonaler Hoffnungslosigkeit für die Entstehung aktiver Suizidgedanken, wie von der Interpersonalen Theorie Suizidalen Verhaltens [Joiner. Why people die by suicide. 2005] postuliert, zielt diese Studie darauf ab, erstmals eine deutsche Version der Interpersonalen Hoffnungslosigkeitsskala [IHS; Tucker et al. Psychiatry Res. 2018;259:427–32], die IHS-d, vorzustellen und psychometrisch zu überprüfen. Material und Methoden: N = 437 Teilnehmende (75.1% weiblich) zwischen 18 und 71 Jahren (M = 29.75, SD = 11.25) nahmen an einer querschnittlichen Online-Studie teil. Die Faktorstruktur der IHS-d wurde mittels konfirmatorischer Faktorenanalyse überprüft. Zusätzlich wurden Konstruktvalidität und Reliabilität evaluiert. Ergebnis: Es ergab sich eine signifikant bessere Datenpassung für ein 2-Faktor-Modell als für das 1-Faktor-Modell. Die identifizierten Subskalen (Interpersonale Hoffnungslosigkeit hinsichtlich perceived burdensomeness und hinsichtlich thwarted belongingness) erzielten hohe Faktorladungen ≥0.75; Inter-Item-Korrelationen, r ≥ 0.60, Item-Skala-Korrelationen, rit ≥ 0.71 und interne Konsistenzen, αPB = 0.93; αTB = 0.92. Diskussion: Die postulierte einfaktorielle Struktur der englischen Version konnte für die IHS-d nicht reproduziert werden. Die beiden identifizierten Subskalen zeigten jedoch gute psychometrische Eigenschaften. Schlussfolgerung: Der Einsatz der IHS-d erweitert die Möglichkeiten der Messung des wichtigen Konstrukts Hoffnungslosigkeit und kann daher die Suizidrisikoabschätzung sinnvoll ergänzen.
Herniation World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Scale Improves Prediction of Outcome in Patients With Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Raabe Andreas , Beck Jürgen , Goldberg Johannes , Z´Graggen Werner J. , Branca Mattia , Marbacher Serge , D’Alonzo Donato , Fandino Javier , Stienen Martin N. , Neidert Marian C. , Burkhardt Jan-Karl , Regli Luca , Hlavica Martin , Seule Martin , Roethlisberger Michel , Guzman Raphael , Zumofen Daniel Walter , Maduri Rodolfo , Daniel Roy Thomas , El Rahal Amir , Corniola Marco V. , Bijlenga Philippe , Schaller Karl , Rölz Roland , Scheiwe Christian , Shah Mukesch , Heiland Dieter Henrik , Schnell Oliver , Fung Christian
Published: March 2022

Background:

Favorable outcomes are seen in up to 50% of patients with World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade V aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Therefore, the usefulness of the current WFNS grading system for identifying the worst scenarios for clinical studies and for making treatment decisions is limited. We previously modified the WFNS scale by requiring positive signs of brain stem dysfunction to assign grade V. This study aimed to validate the new herniation WFNS grading system in an independent prospective cohort.

Methods:

We conducted an international prospective multicentre study in poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients comparing the WFNS classification with a modified version—the herniation WFNS scale (hWFNS). Here, only patients who showed positive signs of brain stem dysfunction (posturing, anisocoric, or bilateral dilated pupils) were assigned hWFNS grade V. Outcome was assessed by modified Rankin Scale score 6 months after hemorrhage. The primary end point was the difference in specificity of the WFNS and hWFNS grading with respect to poor outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score 4–6).

Results:

Of the 250 patients included, 237 reached the primary end point. Comparing the WFNS and hWFNS scale after neurological resuscitation, the specificity to predict poor outcome increased from 0.19 (WFNS) to 0.93 (hWFNS) (McNemar,
P
<0.001) whereas the sensitivity decreased from 0.88 to 0.37 (
P
<0.001), and the positive predictive value from 61.9 to 88.3 (weighted generalized score statistic,
P
<0.001). For mortality, the specificity increased from 0.19 to 0.93 (McNemar,
P
<0.001), and the positive predictive value from 52.5 to 86.7 (weighted generalized score statistic,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

The identification of objective positive signs of brain stem dysfunction significantly improves the specificity and positive predictive value with respect to poor outcome in grade V patients. Therefore, a simple modification—presence of brain stem signs is required for grade V—should be added to the WFNS classification.

Registration:

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02304328.
The genus Apholidoptera of Pholidopterini (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae): Molecular phylogeny confirms the generic status
Authors: YAHYAOĞLU ÖZGÜL , ULUAR ONUR , ÇIPLAK BATTAL
Published: March 2022

After a recent revision of the tribe Pholidopterini, the generic status of Apholidoptera becomes questionable and requires to be clarified by determining its phylogenetic position. The present study aims to obtain a phylogenetic tree using published DNA sequence data of Pholidopterini and representative sequences from Apholidoptera kurda, the only species of the genus. Phylogenetic analyses applied to the dataset, including three mitochondrial and one nuclear gene segments, suggested the Apholidoptera kurda within the clade constituting the most basal branch of Pholidopterini, containing five species of Aparapholidoptera. This clade consists of two sister subclades; the first consists of Apholidoptera kurda plus Aparapholidoptera pietschmanni, and the second species in the Aparapholidoptera distincta group. Two subclades share the last common ancestor about 12 million years ago, indicating a deep phylogenetic splitting. Further, both subclades are distinguishable by prominent morphological differences. Considering the ultimate ancestral ages of the con-tribal other genera and phenotypic disparity, we proposed each as a separate genus. This statement confirms the generic status of Apholidoptera with species content of the original description and requires retransferring Aparapholidoptera pietschmanni to Apholidoptera. This nomenclatural change also limits Aparapholidoptera with four species previously given in the Aparapholidoptera distincta group.
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Cells (BMSCs) on Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation and Metastasis by Regulating Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog 12
Authors: Fu Rong , Song Shiwen
Published: March 2022

Among the newly diagnosed cancers in women, breast cancer metastasis is a key factor contributing to the poor prognosis. BMSCs are critical components for the malignant microenvironment. Studies have shown that the interaction between tumor cells and BMSCs support breast cancer progression. However, BMSCs’ effect on breast cancer cells is not yet clear. BMSCs and breast cancer cell MCF-7 were co-cultured to analyze tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis along with analysis of E-cadherin and Vimentin expression by real-time PCR, interleukin-6 and matrix protease-2 and PTEN12 expression. Co-culture of BMSCs promoted breast cancer cell proliferation, decreased apoptosis-related Caspase 3 activity and downregulated the expression of EMT related factors, upregulated IL-6 secretion and MMP-2, and downregulated PTEN12 expression (P< 0.05). In conclusion, BMSCs can promote breast cancer cell proliferation and survival and affect breast cancer transformation possibly through inhibiting the expression of PTEN12.
Micro-Vibration Environment Promotes Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) Healing of Fracture Ends and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) Expression
Authors: Yang Kai , Li Chenmei , Wang Yapeng , Hao Junlong
Published: March 2022

When the muscle is stimulated by micro-vibration environment, it will produce a mechanical effect on skeletal muscle, thereby promoting growth of skeletal muscle cells. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), as mechanically sensitive cells, have ability to multipolarize and multiple
tropisms. This experiment explores the effect of BMSC cells on fracture end healing in fracture rats in a micro-vibration environment, and further explores whether it promotes the healing of fracture end to provide biological treatment ideas for the clinical repair of fracture patients. After
modeling, SD rats were assigned into blank group, control group, and experimental group (treated with BMSCs) followed by analysis of bone volume fraction and bone trabecular thickness and number by Micro-CT, callus growth by H&E staining, and expression of p38 and MMP-9 by immunohistochemical
staining. The BV/TV value of experimental group was (0.41±0.06), Tb.Th value (0.08±0.01), Tb.N value (3.96±0.48) and was higher than other two groups (P < 0.05). The growth of capillaries, trabecular bone, fibrous callus and cartilaginous callus in experimental
group showed increased growth and the calcification was observed at the edge of cartilage callus. In addition, experimental group showed increased distribution area of MMP-9 and elevated expression of MMP-9 and p38MAPK. In conclusion, the micro-vibration environment can effectively promote
the chemotaxis of BMSC cells to the fracture site to activate ossification, thereby promoting the proliferation and ossification and differentiation of BMSC, and further promoting the repair of fracture ends.
Bone Regeneration Using Autologous Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Spheroid Complex
Authors: Hayashi Katsuhiro , Fang Xang , Ueda Hiroshi , Miwa Akihiro , Naka Toshiaki , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: March 2022

Bone defects require reconstruction using various biomaterials or non-biological materials. Stem cell spheroids can be used for scaffold-free approaches for osteogenesis. We set up a culture method for creating an optimal osteogenic adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) spheroid complex
by measuring the expression of protein in a sequential series of culture media. After culturing ADSC spheroids for 24 hours in DMEM, the spheroids were cultured in ascorbic acid-containing medium for five days followed by osteoblast differentiation medium. One day after exchanging to osteoblast
differentiation medium, spheroids were collected and cultured for four days to obtain a spheroid complex. Each culture period was determined by analyzing the expression of collagen type I, alkaline phosphatase and integrin α5 to maximize the activity of ADSC spheroids. The expression
of collagen type I increased significantly in ascorbic acid-containing medium (p < 0.05) compared with control medium on day five, suggesting that culturing spheroids in ascorbic acid increases collagen synthesis. RNA was extracted from ADSC spheroids after 1, 3, 5, and 7 days in
each medium and RT-PCR was performed to measure integrin α5 expression. The expression was transiently high on the first day of osteoblast differentiation culture and then gradually decreased. Osteoblast differentiation medium enhanced cell adhesion in spheroids. An in vivo
study confirmed the osteogenic potential of the ADSC spheroid complex created by the established protocol. The ADSC spheroid complex stimulated bone regeneration and will be applied to the treatment of large bone defects.
miR-182 Enhanced the Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Malignant Melanoma Cells by Modulating Zinc Finger Protein 36, C3H Type-Like 1 (ZFP36L1)
Authors: Li Xuwen , Song Peijun , Zhang Li , Xu Jing
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives: Malignant melanoma (MM) is the most aggressive skin cancer based on the enhanced proliferative and metastatic ability of melanocytes. Recently, some studies have revealed that higher levels of ZFP36L1 suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion
of multiple types of cancer cells. By searching the database, it was found that miR-182 has the potential to target ZFP36L1 and reduce ZFP36L1 expression. However, whether the possible effects of miR-182 on the development of malignant melanoma and the underlying mechanism remains largely
unclear. Materials and Methods: ZFP36L1 and miR-182 expression levels in malignant melanoma cell lines were examined by performing western blotting and RT-qPCR. Then, CCK-8, wound healing and transwell assays were exploited to determine the potential roles of ZFP36L1 and miR-182in MM
cells, respectively. Results: In this study, aberrant downregulation of ZFP36L1 was observed in MM cell lines (WM-115, A375). ZFP36L1 overexpression repressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of MM cells. Besides, bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay confirmed
that miR-182 directly target ZFP36L1 and suppressed ZFP36L1 expression. What’s more, miR-182 weakened the inhibitory efficacy of ZFP36L1 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of these two cells. Conclusions: The study validated that miR-182 promoted the proliferation, migration
and invasion of malignant melanoma cells through the repression of ZFP36L1.
The Effects of Different Degrees of Hypoxia on Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Authors: Wang Min , Hu Fangyuan , Wu Jihong , Zhang Shenghai
Published: March 2022

In age-related macular degeneration (AMD), hypoxia causes abnormal changes in tissue metabolism and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). However, the changes in cell function and intracellular molecules in RPE cells induced by hypoxia are not fully understood. In our study, cell viability,
apoptosis, oxidative stress and changes in intracellular molecules at different time points were evaluated in ARPE-19 cells using a hypoxia model. A short period of mild hypoxia stimulated cell proliferation and apoptosis was induced as the period of hypoxia increased and the oxygen concentration
decreased. As hypoxia worsened, the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation was often accompanied with increased oxidative stress, increased intracellular HIF-1α accumulation and VEGF secretion to induce neovascularization. Additionally, p-ERK1 and ERK2 level
was increased and p-ERK2 was decreased during hypoxia. In conclusion, our results show that the changes in the RPE is a process that depends on the degree of hypoxia and exposure time.
Comparison of Surface Energy Fluxes from Global to Local Scale
Authors: Mayer Johannes , Mayer Michael , Haimberger Leopold , Liu Chunlei
Published: March 2022

This study uses the ECMWF ERA5 reanalysis and observationally constrained top-of-the-atmosphere radiative fluxes to infer net surface energy fluxes covering 1985–2018, which can be further adjusted to match the observed mean land heat uptake. Various diagnostics are applied to provide error estimates of inferred fluxes on different spatial scales. For this purpose, adjusted as well as unadjusted inferred surface fluxes are compared with other commonly used flux products. On a regional scale, the oceanic energy budget of the North Atlantic between the RAPID array at 26.5°N and moorings located farther north (e.g., at the Greenland–Scotland Ridge) is evaluated. On the station scale, a comprehensive comparison of inferred and buoy-based fluxes is presented. Results indicate that global land and ocean averages of unadjusted inferred surface fluxes agree with the observed heat uptake to within 1 W m−2, while satellite-derived and model-based fluxes show large global mean biases. Furthermore, the oceanic energy budget of the North Atlantic is closed to within 2.7 (−0.2) W m−2 for the period 2005–09 when unadjusted (adjusted) inferred surface fluxes are employed. Indirect estimates of the 2004–16 mean oceanic heat transport at 26.5°N are 1.09 PW (1.17 PW with adjusted fluxes), which agrees well with observed RAPID transports. On the station scale, inferred fluxes exhibit a mean bias of −20.1 W m−2 when using buoy-based fluxes as reference, which confirms expectations that biases increase from global to local scales. However, buoy-based fluxes as reference are debatable, and are likely positively biased, suggesting that the station-scale bias of inferred fluxes is more likely on the order of −10 W m−2.
Zonal Extension of the Middle East Jet Stream and Its Influence on the Asian Monsoon
Authors: Wei Wei , Ren Qiaoling , Lu Mengmeng , Yang Song
Published: March 2022

Investigation into the interannual variation of the Middle East jet stream (MEJS) and its influence on the Asian monsoon indicates that the eastward extension of MEJS is closely related with a wetter and colder winter in southern China and a later onset of the subsequent Asian summer monsoon, compared with normal conditions. When the MEJS extends eastward, a significant barotropic anomalous anticyclone is located over the Arabian Sea (AS), associated with the southeastward-propagating wave train from Europe. Intense divergence in the southwest of the AS anomalous anticyclone favors more convection over the western tropical Indian Ocean, which excites an anomalous upper-level anticyclone to the north as a Rossby wave response, further intensifying the AS anticyclonic anomaly. This positive feedback loop maintains the AS anomalous anticyclone and results in the eastward extension of the MEJS. Accordingly, intense northeasterly anomalies over the Mediterranean Sea and the subtropical westerly anomalies bring abundant cold air from the mid- to higher latitudes to subtropical regions, resulting in a widespread cooling in subtropical Eurasia including southern China. Barotropic anomalous westerlies occur around the Tibetan Plateau in the south and deepen the India–Burma (now Myanmar) trough, favoring more water vapor transport from the Bay of Bengal to southern China. These wetter and colder conditions in subtropical Eurasia can persist from winter to spring, leading to the much later onset of the Asian summer monsoon. Therefore, the winter MEJS variability can be considered an important indicator for the Asian monsoon.

Significance Statement

Diabatic heating over the western tropical Indian Ocean exerts significant influence on the wintertime Middle East jet stream (MEJS), whose eastward extension leads to a wetter and colder winter in southern China and a later onset of the Asian summer monsoon. When the MEJS extends eastward, an anomalous anticyclone appears over the Arabian Sea and strengthened northeasterlies occur over the Mediterranean Sea. The westerly anomalies bring cold air from the high latitudes, resulting in cooling in subtropical Eurasia. Anomalous westerlies also occur around the Tibetan Plateau and deepen the India–Burma trough, favoring water vapor transport from the Bay of Bengal. These wetter and colder conditions persist from winter to spring, leading to later onset of the Asian summer monsoon.
Exploring the multilevel nature of police confidence in Brazil
Authors: Solar Carlos
Published: March 2022

This article proposes multilevel modelling to account for individuals’ contexts when predicting police confidence. It uses the case study of Brazil considering 107 cities from 25 states to assess four evidence and literature-based predictors impacting police confidence measures in the country. The article found that being a crime victim, experiencing police corruption and having low interpersonal trust were negatively and significantly associated with confidence in the police. Levels of variance between individuals grouped by cities and states were a considerable explanatory feature of police confidence. The implications of these results are discussed in relation to police governance.
Stick-slip vibration characteristics of drilling tool during drilling in coal seam with gangue
Authors: Han Xiaoming , Li Peibo , Xue Liubing , Xu Jin
Published: March 2022

Aiming at the problem of stick-slip vibration caused by sudden drilling resistance torque during drilling in coal seam with gangue, the drilling tool dynamic model with two degree of freedom was established based on the interaction between the bit cutting teeth and the coal seam with gangue. So, the motion differential equation of torsional vibration of drilling tool was derived, and the torsional vibration response of drilling tool was analyzed. Taking the drilling tool with drilling depth of 300 m as an example, the response laws of angular displacement, angular velocity, resistance torque, driving torque, relative motion phase trajectory and torsional vibration of the drill bit were discussed. The results show that the drilling tool has obvious stick-slip vibration under the action of sudden drilling resistance in the process of drilling in coal seam with gangue. The angular velocity of the drill bit moves alternately between the viscous stage and the sliding stage. A stable limit cycle will appear in the phase trajectory curve of the drill bit.
Notes on the problem of the ‘ban’
Authors: Thomas John Heywood
Published: March 2022

This article argues that the biblical critic is obliged to interpret the sacred texts commanding genocide in the light of their historical nature. It demonstrates that this task is not simple. It then argues that the application of that interpretation to the problem of religious ethics is even less simple and that, in particular, nothing can replace the difficult task of moral reasoning.
Did the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program Reduce Readmissions without Hurting Patient Outcomes at High Dual-Proportion Hospitals Prior to Stratification?
Authors: Yang Zhiyou , Huckfeldt Peter , Escarce Jose J. , Sood Neeraj , Nuckols Teryl , Popescu Ioana
Published: March 2022

Since the implementation of Medicare’s Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP), safety-net hospitals have received a disproportionate share of financial penalties for excess readmissions, raising concerns about the fairness of the policy. In response, the HRRP now stratifies hospitals into five quintiles by low-income Medicare (dual Medicare–Medicaid eligible) stay proportion and compares readmission rates within quintiles. To better understand the potential effects of the revised policy, we used difference-in-differences models to compare changes in 30-day readmission, 30-day mortality, and 90th-day community-dwelling rates after discharge of fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction, heart failure and pneumonia during 2007-2014, for hospitals in the highest ( N = 677) and lowest ( N = 678) dual-proportion quintiles before and after the original HRRP implementation in fiscal year 2013. We find that high dual-proportion hospitals lowered readmissions for all three conditions, while their patients’ health outcomes remained largely stable. We also find that for heart failure, high dual-proportion hospitals reduced readmissions more than low dual-proportion hospitals, albeit with a relative increase in mortality. Contrary to concerns about fairness, our findings imply that, under the original HRRP, high dual-proportion hospitals improved readmissions performance generally without adverse effects on patients’ health. Whether these gains could be retained under the new policy should be closely monitored.
How Fiction Makes Amends for Journalism: The Case of When They See Us
Authors: Gastón-Lorente Lucía , Gómez-Baceiredo Beatriz , Martínez-Illán Antonio
Published: March 2022

The miniseries When They See Us constitutes an example of how a based-on-real-events fiction work can add to its poetic role the ability to participate in shaping democracy. Although journalism is not its central issue, this Netflix series makes a representation of the press in which it shows how the media failed in fulfilling its democratic role and tries to make amends for it. By analyzing 21 scenes dedicated to the media from a narrative perspective, this paper shows how the series represents the press’ failure in acting as watchdog during this case. Moreover, it also shows how this representation of the press turns the series into a watchdog itself.
“Pushing Geographic Boundaries: Interfacility transport and remote extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation of patients during COVID-19 pandemic”
Authors: Creel-Bulos Christina , Miller Casey , Hassani Brian , Farthing Heather , Caridi-Schieble Mark , Connor Michael J , Javidfar Jeffrey , Daneshmand Mani
Published: March 2022

Amidst the pandemic, geographical boundaries presented challenges to those in need of higher levels of care from referral centers. Authors sought to evaluate potential predictors of treatment success; assess our transport and remote cannulation process; and identify transport associated complications.

Retrospective series of critically ill adults with COVID-19 transferred by our Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) team 24 March 2020 through 8 June 2021. Descriptive statistics and associated interquartile ranges (IQR) were used to summarize the data.

Sixty-three patients with COVID associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring ECMO support were admitted to our ECMO center. Mean age was 44 years old (SD 12; IQR 36–56). 59% ( n = 37) of patients were male. Average body mass index was 39.7 (SD 11.3; IQR 31–48.5). Majority of patients (77.8%; n = 35) had severe ARDS. Predictors of treatment success were not observed.

Transport distances ranged from 2.2 to 236 miles (median 22.5 miles; IQR 8.3–79); round trip times from 18 to 476 min (median 83 min; IQR 44–194) . No transport associated complications occurred. Median duration of ECMO support was 17 days (IQR 9.5–34.5). Length of stay in the Intensive Care Unit (median 36 days; IQR 17–49) and hospital (median 39 days; IQR 25–57) varied. Amongst those discharged, 60% survived.
COVID-19 and Gun Violence: Keeping Unknown Shocks and Volatility in Perspective
Authors: Kim Dae-Young
Published: March 2022

The current study estimates the varying effects of the pandemic on gun violence by social distancing type, fatality, and location. Interrupted time series analyses are used to examine weekly crime data from 2016 to 2020 in New York City. Box-Cox power transformation and GARCH techniques are used to address the problems of non-normality and heteroscedasticity in the models. There were significant increases in fatal and non-fatal shootings during the relaxation of social distancing. The impact of the BLM protests and depolicing is significant for non-fatal shootings. The pandemic led to greater increases in gun violence in The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, as opposed to Staten Island. In addition, there is some evidence of increases in the volatility of gun violence during the pandemic. High volatility implies crime rates are in severe flux, which then leads to greater uncertainty and fear for public safety. This paper surfaces useful information for guiding policy and practice.
Genotoxic impact of di-n-butyl phthalate on DNA: A comparative study of three generations in the neuronal tissue of Wistar rats
Authors: Radha M. J. , Basha Mahaboob P.
Published: March 2022

Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), one of the plasticizers, is considered a ubiquitous environmental contaminant due to its widespread application in personal-care products and serves as a raw material in many industries for the generation of many plastic products. Several scientific investigations have shown that DBP caused embryotoxicity and cognitive impairments. However, there is less understanding of the genotoxic potential of DBP in neuronal tissue when exposure happens continuously for several generations. The present study was undertaken to investigate the impact of DBP on the nucleic acids of neuronal tissue in one-month-old rats by performing a comet assay and biochemical analyses. By oral gavage, the parental generation (F0) was administered DBP (500 mg/kg/day) during gestation (GD6-20) and lactation, and exposures were continued for three consecutive generations until the pups were grown to one-month-old. The oxidative stress assessments carried out in discrete brain regions isolated from one-month-old rats (F1–F3) following DBP exposure indicated significant inhibition in the levels of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) while oxidant status (malondialdehyde) was elevated significantly. The extent of DNA damage using the comet assay, as measured by the olive moment, tail DNA percentage and tail length, was greater in DBP-treated rats compared with the control group, but RNA/DNA content decreased significantly. The results of this study suggested a strong link between oxidative stress and genetic integrity in the neuronal tissue of rats exposed to DBP generationally. To summarise, DBP exposure during pregnancy caused oxidative stress, which resulted in genetic instability in specific discrete brain regions of the third generation.
Emission of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and methylene dianiline during use of cure-in-place methylene diphenyl diisocyanate-based consumer products
Authors: Karlsson Daniel , Merz Thomas , Nuthmann Volker
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to provide realistic isocyanate and amine emission data when using different methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI)-based polyurethane consumer products. Emission testing (air sampling) of diisocyanates and corresponding diamines was performed in a full-scale controlled-environment chamber during different work operations, such as gluing, mixing and foaming. The polyurethane products used were construction glue, one-component foam and two different two-component adhesives used in parquet flooring. Air sampling for isocyanates and amines was performed in the breathing zone of the worker and at different positions inside the controlled-environment chamber while the work operations were performed. Air sampling was also performed after the application, at different positions inside the chamber, to cover the post curing phase. Low air concentrations (0.1–0.7 μg MDI/m3, 0.03–0.2 μg isocyanate group (NCO)/m3) were found in the breathing zone and close to the work operation for some of the gluing applications. No methylene diphenyl diamine (MDA) concentrations above the limit of quantification were found for any of the applications in the breathing zone air. These results indicated that inhalation exposure to MDA or MDI would be expected to be minimal during application of do-it-yourself consumer products containing MDI.
Device-assisted continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: A single-centre experience
Authors: Pak Wai Lun Will , Chan Ka Lok , Chan Zi , Wong Yick Hei , Law Wai Ping , Lam Chi Kwan , Sunny Wong Sze Ho
Published: March 2022

Background:

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with impaired hand–eye function require helper assistance. Our centre developed a connection device that assists patients with impaired hand–eye function to perform PD exchange themselves, but the clinical outcomes in these patients have not been investigated.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed patients who had device-assisted continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) during 2007–2016 and compared their clinical outcomes with age- and sex-matched patients receiving helper-assisted CAPD.

Results:

One hundred seventy-two patients (86 each in the device- and helper-assisted CAPD groups) were followed for 29.9 (19.4–43.3) months. The device- and helper-assisted groups had comparable peritonitis rates (0.489 and 0.504 episode per patient-year, respectively, p = 0.814), with no difference in the distribution of causative organisms and the organism-specific peritonitis rates. The device-assisted group showed similar peritonitis-free survival compared with the helper-assisted group (2.58 (1.85–3.31) vs. 1.78 (0.68–2.88) years, p = 0.363) and time-to-PD discontinuation (6.27 (3.65–8.90) vs. 4.35 (3.48–5.22) years, p = 0.677). The median patient survival was similar between the two groups (3.89 (2.22–5.55) vs. 3.81 (3.27–4.36) years in the device- and helper-assisted groups, respectively, p = 0.505).

Conclusion:

Device-assisted CAPD confers comparable outcomes as helper-assisted CAPD and is a viable option in PD patients with impaired hand–eye function.
Migrants and Undeclared Employment within the European Construction Sector: Challenging Dichotomous Approaches to Workers’ Agency
Authors: Dimitriadis Iraklis
Published: March 2022

Drawing upon qualitative data on Albanians residing in Italy and Greece, this article furnishes new insights into the topic of undeclared migrant construction workers’ agency. It analyses different types of undeclared work through Katz’s theoretical framework that suggests a disaggregated conceptualisation of agency. In so doing, it adds to thinking on the factors shaping fluidity between types of agency and challenges dichotomous views on passive or voluntary participation. The article also highlights that mutual interests between workers and employers enable migrant builders to defy and resist state regulations, despite the impacts of undeclared work on workers and the fact that power dynamics are unequal. Thus, the main contribution the article makes is to suggest a more nuanced understanding of labour agency that may go beyond the conflict between employers and workers. Overall, the article highlights the relevance of this study for different economic sectors, geographical areas and migrant groups.
Who they are versus what they want: How dominance, influence, steadiness, and compliance profiles can aid in developing employability
Authors: Fertig Jason , O’Neill Bonnie S. , Wells Pamela , Bassil Carelle B.
Published: March 2022

This paper draws attention to a behavior-based assessment instrument that is frequently utilized in industry settings but less utilized in the academic classroom. The authors argue that this instrument, the dominance, influence, steadiness, and compliance (DISC) profile, can be useful in training and developing soft skills desired by employers. They also examine the effects of gender and work experience on the various DISC patterns to better understand how this instrument may be useful for coaching and mentoring in those academic and organizational contexts. In this study, DISC pattern data were gathered from 1547 undergraduate and graduate students across multiple universities in the USA. A multivariate analysis of variance was performed on the data and the results show males scoring higher on Dominance and females scoring higher on Steadiness, as predicted. Females scored higher on Compliance, contrary to predictions. Graduate students scored higher on Dominance and undergraduates scored higher in Steadiness, as hypothesized. Undergraduates also scored higher on Influence than did graduate students. Such differences in DISC profiles suggest that, as a behavior-based instrument, DISC may be helpful for students in understanding their behavioral tendencies as well as identifying workplace behaviors needed to bridge the gap between the soft skills employers want and the competencies students possess.
Manuscript and gender: Eve’s testament in GLAE/Apoc. Mos. 15–30 and LLAE 45–60
Authors: Standhartinger Angela
Published: March 2022

Whereas many of the so-called Jewish Pseudepigrapha still wait for a critical edition, the Life of Adam and Eve—or the Apocalypse of Moses, as the Greek version is captioned in some manuscripts—has received more than three critical editions in recent years. While the question which manuscript or version comes closest to the original form of the story is still under debate, this article argues that the manifold manuscript tradition opens a window into an ancient discussion on Satan’s, Eve’s, and Adam’s role in the story of their expulsion from Paradise. I will concentrate my discussion on Eve’s account of the story in GLAE 15–30 and LLAE 45–60. The three texts differ in their representation of gender roles in Eve’s own account of the fall. None of these versions only exonerates or denigrates Eve, nor is one with the most emancipatory potential easily identified. All three texts, however, document a constant discussion on Eve’s role in Paradise.
Vector field guidance for standoff target tracking
Authors: Harinarayana Tammineni , Hota Sikha , Kushwaha Rahul
Published: March 2022

This work presents a guidance algorithm for standoff target tracking by unmanned aerial vehicles using the traditional Lyapunov guidance vector field framework. Unlike the past work, this guidance law is the function of the minimum radius of curvature, and, hence, it can act more flexibly for different maneuverable vehicles. Moreover, normalized even and odd functions are proposed here as circulation and convergence terms to improve performance in terms of optimality. The presence of wind is also considered for real world applications. As the proposed guidance law generates paths of continuous curvature, the designed path is flyable by fixed-wing unmanned vehicles. Simulation results are presented to validate the proposed guidance law.
An Emphasis on Brilliance Fosters Masculinity-Contest Cultures
Authors: Vial Andrea C. , Muradoglu Melis , Newman George E. , Cimpian Andrei
Published: March 2022

Women are underrepresented in fields in which success is believed to require brilliance, but the reasons for this pattern are poorly understood. We investigated perceptions of a “masculinity-contest culture,” an organizational environment of ruthless competition, as a key mechanism whereby a perceived emphasis on brilliance discourages female participation. Across three preregistered correlational and experimental studies involving adult lay participants online ( N = 870) and academics from more than 30 disciplines ( N = 1,347), we found a positive association between the perception that a field or an organization values brilliance and the perception that this field or organization is characterized by a masculinity-contest culture. This association was particularly strong among women. In turn, perceiving a masculinity-contest culture predicted lower interest and sense of belonging as well as stronger impostor feelings. Experimentally reducing the perception of a masculinity-contest culture eliminated gender gaps in interest and belonging in a brilliance-oriented organization, suggesting possible avenues for intervention.
Nonparametric analysis of doubly truncated and interval-censored data
Authors: Shen Pao-sheng
Published: March 2022

In epidemiological studies, it is easier to collect data only from individuals whose failure events are within a calendar time interval, the so-called interval sampling, which leads to doubly truncated data. In many situations, the calendar time of the failure event can only be recorded within time intervals, leading to doubly truncated and interval censored (DTIC) data. Firstly, we point out that although the existing methods for DTIC data work adequately under the sampling scheme (Scheme 1) for doubly truncated data, Scheme 1 is not realistic for DTIC data. Secondly, we consider a commonly used sampling scheme (Scheme 2) , under which the individuals are included in the sample based on diagnosis date. We point out that under Scheme 2, due to violation of assumptions for Scheme 1, the NPMLE of the cumulative distribution function is severely biased if the likelihood function for Scheme 1 is used. To overcome this difficulty, we define a target population, under which a sampling scheme (Scheme 3) can be implemented such that appropriate truncation variables can be defined and the NPMLE of the cumulative distribution function can be obtained using the expectation-maximization algorithm. We also consider estimation of the joint distribution function for successive duration times. Using the imputed first failure times based on the NPMLE from Scheme 3, we then obtain the imputed right censored data of the second failure event. Based on the imputed data, we propose a nonparametric estimator of the joint distribution function using the inverse-probability-weighted approach. Simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed method performs well with moderate sample sizes.
Acupuncture for insomnia after ischemic stroke: an assessor-participant blinded, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cao Yan , Yan Yin-Jie , Xu Jian-Yang , Liwayiding Abulikemu , Liu Yi-Ping , Yin Xuan , Lao Li-Xing , Zhang Zhang-Jin , Xu Shi-Fen
Published: March 2022

Background:

To date, there has been little focus on research into acupuncture for insomnia after ischemic stroke. Insomnia is one of the most common sequelae after ischemic stroke, and it is the most unrecognized modifiable risk factor.

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for insomnia after ischemic stroke.

Methods:

In this assessor-participant blinded, randomized, controlled trial, 144 ischemic stroke patients with insomnia meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (fifth edition, DSM-5) criteria were assigned to verum or sham acupuncture treatment (n = 72 per group) for three sessions per week over 4 weeks. The outcomes were the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), stroke-specific quality of life (SSQoL), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores. Multiple objective sleep variables were recorded using actigraphy. Assessment was conducted at baseline, and thereafter once biweekly for the 4-week treatment and at 4 weeks of follow-up.

Results:

The verum acupuncture group had significantly greater improvements than the sham acupuncture group in sleep quality from 2 weeks into treatment throughout the follow-up, indicated by ISI scores and actigraphic variable SE (sleep efficiency). This greater improvement was also observed in the PSQI after 4 weeks of treatment throughout follow-up, as well as actigraphic variable TST (total sleep time), SSQoL and HADS scores at the end of treatment, and SSQoL and depression scores at follow-up. There was no significant difference between groups in the actigraphic variable SA (sleep awakenings). Adverse events were mild in severity, and their incidence was not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusion:

Acupuncture appears to be efficacious, in terms of improving insomnia, related quality of life, and affective symptoms, for patients with ischemic stroke.

Trial registration number:

ChiCTR-IIC-16008382 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry).
In Between Centre and Periphery: Kenya as a Key Scientific Nation in East Africa?
Authors: Lutomiah Agnes , Blanckenberg Jaco P. , Skupien Stefan
Published: March 2022

Kenya’s government has identified science, technology and innovation as key for its national development plan and has started to refurbish its research environment. In this article, we use the world system approach to discuss the largely peripheral relations of Kenya’s science systems to the global science system and to identify indications for Kenya becoming a semi-peripheral scientific player itself within Eastern Africa. While the publications are dominantly oriented towards the Global North and while foreign sources fund nearly half of Kenya’s research and development (R&D), the country starts to become an important country for its neighbours. However, Kenya is still facing an unstable system of integrating significantly more graduate students. These are seen as essential to provide for a sustainable knowledge base that is required for the country’s socio-economic goals. We point to the lack of robust and recent data on R&D in Kenya as an impediment to evidence-based policy-making.
The sexual and reproductive health of female psychiatric inpatients: An area needing more attention?
Authors: Niven Katie , Kovac Rachel , Tayba Layale , Varghese Sunny , Nguyen Thinh
Published: March 2022

Objective

Trauma-informed care and physical (including sexual and reproductive) health screening is standard in Western Australian mental health settings. We sought to determine the rates of reported sexual trauma and domestic violence (DV), the rates of sexual and reproductive health screening, and associations between sexual trauma and reproductive health screening in a sample of women of child-bearing age (WOCBA), that is, 18–49 years, admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit (IPU).

Methods

A retrospective study on 12 months of admissions to an outer metropolitan IPU (2017–2018), using descriptive analysis.

Results

Review of 160 admissions demonstrated high rates of reported sexual trauma (49.4%) and DV (38.8%). Rates of screening for pregnancy (56.9%) and sexually-transmitted infection risk (18.8%) were low. 5 out of 25 (20.0%) patients prescribed a mood stabiliser had documented discussions regarding reproductive risks of their medication. An overall lack of effect ( p > .6) was found between sexual trauma history and reproductive health screening.

Conclusions

WOCBA admitted to an IPU are vulnerable to having experienced sexual trauma and DV, with low rates of documented reproductive health screening despite existing clinical guidelines.