bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reference intervals for electrophoretograms obtained by capillary electrophoresis of dialyzed urine from healthy dogs
Authors: Navarro Paula F. , Gil Laura , Martín Germán , Fernández-Barredo Salceda
Published: June 2021

Electrophoresis of urine to evaluate protein fractions in dogs with proteinuria to differentiate glomerular from tubular damage has increased in recent years; however, capillary electrophoresis (CE) of urine has not been reported in a study of > 40 healthy animals, to our knowledge. We aimed to establish reference intervals (RIs) for the urine protein fractions obtained by CE of urine from healthy dogs. We obtained urine samples from 123 clinically healthy dogs of both sexes between December 2016 and April 2019; urine was frozen until CE was performed. The electrophoretic patterns obtained were divided into 5 protein fractions, and RIs were established in percentages and absolute values using nonparametric methods. RIs were obtained for the fractions (F) as follows: 5.5 to 56.2% for F1, 3.2 to 16.5% for F2, 3.5 to 16.2% for F3, 17.8 to 69.8% for F4, and 5.1 to 23.9% for F5. These RIs obtained by CE might be useful clinically as a basis for comparison with pathologic samples. Age was a statistically significant factor for F2 ( p = 0.01) and F3 ( p = 0.02), and sex was a statistically significant factor for F1 ( p = 0.03).
PCR-RFLP molecular confirmation of color dilution alopecia in dogs in Brazil
Authors: Caramalac Silvana M. , Caramalac Simone M. , Babo-Terra Veronica J. , Ramos Carlos A. N. , Palumbo Mariana I. P.
Published: June 2021

Color dilution alopecia (CDA) is a dermatopathy observed exclusively in animals having a diluted coat color. In dogs, color dilution occurs as a result of a single-nucleotide variation (SNV) c.-22G  >  A in the melanophilin gene. We standardized a PCR–restriction-fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique to identify this mutation and determine its frequency in dogs in Brazil. The standardized PCR-RFLP technique could efficiently identify the SNV c.-22G  >  A in the melanophilin gene, with mutated allele frequencies of 0.1, 0.1, and 0.0875 in Dachshund, Miniature Pinscher, and Yorkshire Terrier breeds, respectively, with no statistical difference among the breeds ( p = 0.252). The mutation was identified in 2 homozygous Dachshund dogs with alopecia, confirming the clinical characteristic of CDA. The standardization of a simpler and more accessible molecular technique for recognition of the SNV c.-22G  >  A in the melanophilin gene allows identification of heterozygous (phenotypically normal) dogs that can be excluded from reproduction, to avoid the birth of dogs with diluted coat color and consequently CDA.
Not My Pandemic: Solution Aversion and the Polarized Public Perception of COVID-19
Authors: Chu Haoran , Yang Janet Z. , Liu Sixiao
Published: June 2021

Applying the solution aversion model in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, we examine how ideology and support for free markets influence Americans’ assessment of COVID-19 risks and support for mitigation policies. Results from an experiment ( N = 438) indicate that conservatives are more likely to dismiss the risks of COVID-19 when governmental regulations are highlighted. In contrast, liberals are less likely to support Emergency Use Authorization of COVID-19 vaccines when market-oriented solutions are highlighted. Findings from this study suggest that in addition to party elite cues, polarization in public opinions on the pandemic may also stem from solution aversion.
Rolling element bearing multi-fault diagnosis using morphological joint time–frequency adaptive kernel–based semi-smart framework
Authors: Lonare Sunil , Fernandes Neville , Abhyankar Aditya
Published: June 2021

The wavelet transform is a state of the art time–frequency analysis method for rolling element bearing localized fault detection, using vibration signals. When these localized faults are present at more than one location of bearing, it is called “multi-fault.” Using wavelet transform fault detection with high severity is possible, but this method fails to detect the presence of fault as well as the location of a fault in multi-fault case and when the fault severity is low. The identification of the fault location, in rolling element bearing when more than one location of bearing contains a localized fault, is very useful for further root cause analysis; therefore, multi-fault detection is a challenge today. In the present work, a new morphological joint time–frequency adaptive kernel–based semi-smart framework is developed to address this challenge. In morphological joint time–frequency adaptive kernel, the kernel will adapt itself by analyzing the basic morphology of the bearing under observation and by considering the location of a fault. The simulation and experimental results show that morphological joint time–frequency adaptive kernel–based framework is able to detect low severity single fault as well as the location of the localized fault on rolling element bearing in the multi-fault case. Experimental results also show that the morphological joint time–frequency adaptive kernel framework is independent of bearing dimensions as well as machine operating conditions.
Focal superior quadrant haemorrhages in post COVID-19 patient: A target for personalized medicine
Authors: Savastano Maria Cristina , Culiersi Carola , Savastano Alfonso , Gambini Gloria , Caporossi Tomaso , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

To report a case of multiple superior quadrant intraretinal haemorrhages in post-COVID-19 patient.

Case description:

A 58-year-old male with a history of coronary artery disease and hypertension, presented with multiple superior quadrant intraretinal haemorrhages in the superonasal quadrant of the left eye 1 month after hospitalization for COVID-19. The right eye was normal. During his 10-day stay, he was treated with hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir + ritonavir, ceftriaxone, and his pre-existing antiplatelet therapy. During hospitalization, a complete medical work up showed an anomalous increase in D-dimer. He did not require intensive care support.

Conclusions:

In this report, we focused on the origin of retinal bleeding in a post COVID-19 patient, likely due to a focal occlusion of a vessel. Considering the nature of SARS-CoV-2 infection, we hypothesize that retinal haemorrhages were caused by a combination of factors including the patient’s antiplatelet therapy and the thrombotic microvascular injury caused by the virus.
European recommendations on the proper indication and use of peripheral venous access devices (the ERPIUP consensus): A WoCoVA project
Authors: Pittiruti Mauro , Van Boxtel Ton , Scoppettuolo Giancarlo , Carr Peter , Konstantinou Evangelos , Ortiz Miluy Gloria , Lamperti Massimo , Goossens Godelieve Alice , Simcock Liz , Dupont Christian , Inwood Sheila , Bertoglio Sergio , Nicholson Jackie , Pinelli Fulvio , Pepe Gilda
Published: June 2021

Since several innovations have recently changed the criteria of choice and management of peripheral venous access (new devices, new techniques of insertion, new recommendations for maintenance), the WoCoVA Foundation (WoCoVA = World Conference on Vascular Access) has developed an international Consensus with the following objectives: to propose a clear and useful classification of the currently available peripheral venous access devices; to clarify the proper indication of central versus peripheral venous access; discuss the indications of the different peripheral venous access devices (short peripheral cannulas vs long peripheral cannulas vs midline catheters); to define the proper techniques of insertion and maintenance that should be recommended today. To achieve these purposes, WoCoVA have decided to adopt a European point of view, considering some relevant differences of terminology between North America and Europe in this area of venous access and the need for a common basis of understanding among the experts recruited for this project. The ERPIUP Consensus (ERPIUP = European Recommendations for Proper Indication and Use of Peripheral venous access) was designed to offer systematic recommendations for clinical practice, covering every aspect of management of peripheral venous access devices in the adult patient: indication, insertion, maintenance, prevention and treatment of complications, removal. Also, our purpose was to improve the standardization of the terminology, bringing clarity of definition, and classification.
Converged journalism: practices and influences in Pakistan
Authors: Ittefaq Muhammad , Ejaz Waqas , Fahmy Shahira S , Sheikh Ammar Malik
Published: June 2021

Based on the hierarchy of influences model, we explored journalists’ understanding and perceptions about media convergence in Pakistan’s media industry and its influence on journalistic practices and routines. In-depth interviews with Pakistani news practitioners revealed several challenges hindering the successful implementation of media convergence in Pakistan. These challenges included the lack of resources for incorporating digital technologies, the lack of financial incentives, and stringent journalistic work routines, we found that technology-induced routines have severely affected both the personal and the professional lives of media practitioners. The adoption of convergence in Pakistan has been largely based on economic and commercial concerns rather than attempts to improve the quality of media content. Overall, the work contributes to the media convergence literature by providing insights from an emerging non-Western media system.
Māori and autism: A scoping review
Authors: Tupou Jessica , Curtis Sally , Taare-Smith Dorothy , Glasgow Ali , Waddington Hannah
Published: June 2021

Cultural groups may vary considerably in their understandings of autism spectrum disorder and approaches to supporting autistic individuals. However, approaches to researching, identifying and managing autism are largely dominated by Western perspectives. This review provides an overview of the literature related to autism and Māori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. A search of the peer-reviewed and grey literature identified 273 potentially relevant publications, and 13 of these met inclusion criteria. The included publications addressed questions related to Māori understandings of autism, Māori prevalence rates and diagnostic and support services for Māori. Findings suggest broad differences in Māori and Western understandings of autism and slightly higher autism prevalence rates for Māori than for non-Māori New Zealanders. The need for diagnostic and support services that are both effective and culturally appropriate for Māori was also highlighted. These findings are discussed in relation to implications for future research and the provision of services for autistic Māori.

Lay abstract

Most current approaches to identifying, researching and managing autism are based on Western views and understandings. However, different cultural groups may understand and approach autism differently. We searched a wide range of websites, academic journals and other sources for published information related to autism and Māori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Our search identified 13 publications that addressed questions related to Māori understandings of autism, Māori prevalence rates and diagnostic and support services for Māori. Overall, we found broad differences in Māori and Western understandings of autism and slightly higher autism prevalence rates for Māori than for non-Māori New Zealanders. Findings also highlighted a need for diagnostic and support services that are both effective and culturally appropriate for Māori. We discuss what these findings might mean for future research and the provision of services for Māori with autism.
Defining autistic burnout through experts by lived experience: Grounded Delphi method investigating #AutisticBurnout
Authors: Higgins Julianne M , Arnold Samuel RC , Weise Janelle , Pellicano Elizabeth , Trollor Julian N
Published: June 2021

Although commonly described on social media by autistic people, there is little recognition of autistic burnout in the academic literature. Anecdotally, autistic burnout is described as a debilitating condition that severely impacts functioning, is linked to suicidal ideation and is driven by the stress of masking and living in an unaccommodating neurotypical world. We sought to define autistic burnout using the Grounded Delphi method. Autistic adults, experts by the lived experience of autistic burnout (n = 23), co-produced and agreed to a definition intended for clinicians and the autistic and autism communities. A thick description and conceptual framework were developed from the open-ended round 1 survey, with a high majority of agreement reached in the round 3 survey. Autistic burnout was defined as a highly debilitating condition characterised by exhaustion, withdrawal, executive function problems and generally reduced functioning, with increased manifestation of autistic traits – and distinct from depression and non-autistic burnout. Further work is needed to differentiate autistic burnout from other conditions and to build clinician understanding of the accompanying complexity to be considered in treatment planning.

Lay abstract

Autistic burnout has been commonly described in social media by autistic people. There is little mention of autistic burnout in the academic literature. Only one recent study has used interviews and reviews of social media descriptions to try to understand autistic burnout. Anecdotally, autistic burnout is a very debilitating condition that reduced people’s daily living skills and can lead to suicide attempts. It is suggested that autistic burnout is caused by the stress of masking and living in an unaccommodating neurotypical world. We wanted to create a definition of autistic burnout that could be used by clinicians and the autism community. We used the Grounded Delphi method, which allowed autistic voice to lead the study. Autistic adults who had experienced autistic burnout were considered as experts on the topic, in the co-production of this definition. The definition describes autistic burnout as a condition involving exhaustion, withdrawal, problems with thinking, reduced daily living skills and increases in the manifestation of autistic traits. It is important for future research that there is a specific description of the condition. In practice, it is important for clinicians to be aware that autistic burnout is different from depression. Psychological treatments for depression potentially could make autistic burnout worse. Further awareness of autistic burnout is needed, as well as further research to prove this condition is separate from depression, chronic fatigue and non-autistic burnout.
A longitudinal analysis of the privacy paradox
Authors: Dienlin Tobias , Masur Philipp K , Trepte Sabine
Published: June 2021

The privacy paradox states that people’s concerns about online privacy are unrelated to their online sharing of personal information. On the basis of a representative sample of the German population, which includes 1,403 respondents interviewed at three waves separated by 6 months, we investigate the privacy paradox from a longitudinal perspective. Using a cross-lagged panel model with random intercepts, we differentiate between-person relations from within-person effects. Results revealed that people who were more concerned about their online privacy than others also shared slightly less personal information and had substantially more negative attitudes toward information sharing (between-person level). People who were more concerned than usual also shared slightly less information than usual (within-person level). We found no long-term effects of privacy concerns on information sharing or attitudes 6 months later. The results provide further evidence against the privacy paradox, but more research is needed to better understand potential causal relations.
Political discourses, ideologies, and online coalitions in the Brazilian Congress on Twitter during 2019
Authors: García-Sánchez Efraín , Benetti Pedro Rolo , Higa Gustavo Lucas , Alvarez Marcos César , Gomez-Nieto Erick
Published: June 2021

The aim of this research is to describe the pattern of interactions of Brazilian legislators on Twitter during 2019 in the construction of political discourses. Based on 20,076 replies during 2019, posted on Twitter by 514 Brazilian legislators, we conducted descriptive analysis of legislators’ Twitter profiles, social network analyses from their interactions, and content analysis of the messages. We found that (1) there are large disparities between legislators in the use of Twitter; (2) the pattern of interactions depicted five clusters defined by political affinities; (3) each cluster had different features regarding their composition and impact; (4) the centrality of the legislators within the network was positively associated with public endorsement on Twitter; and (5) the topics of messages within the clusters reinforce discourses aligned to political ideologies. We argue that the pattern of interactions on Twitter allows to identify online coalitions that reinforce particular discourses within the Brazilian parliament.
Human evaluations of machine translation in an ethically charged situation
Authors: Asscher Omri , Glikson Ella
Published: June 2021

Despite the immense influence of machine translation (MT) on cross-cultural communication worldwide, little is known about end users’ predispositions toward MT. Our online experiment ( N = 284) compares people’s perceptions of MT and human translation in an ethically charged situation, in which the translation serves an immigrant worker in an interaction defined by power imbalance. Using hierarchical linear regression, we found that an otherwise identical translation was evaluated differently when it was attributed to MT or human translation. Results reveal that translators and non-translators alike exhibit a negative bias toward the MT product when asked to assess its accuracy and reliability, its ability to convey cultural and emotional otherness, and its potential effectiveness in helping the disadvantaged immigrant in need of the translation. We also demonstrate how lower evaluations of the MT product lead to a stronger wish to intervene in the translation by introducing changes to the original message. Our results suggest that predispositions toward MT must be taken into account in any consideration of MT-mediated communication, as these predispositions may shape the communicative act itself.
Determination of Internet appropriation by older people through technological support services
Authors: Tirado-Morueta Ramón , Rodríguez-Martín Alejandro , Álvarez-Arregui Emilio , Ortíz-Sobrino Miguel Ángel , Aguaded-Gómez José Ignacio
Published: June 2021

While social support—friends, family, and colleagues—is one of the main sources of encouragement and digital literacy for older people, there is evidence that suggests that they may prefer formal sources of support. This study aims to verify the capacity of technological support services to promote literacy and Internet use by older people in multiple contexts. The participants ( N = 560) were retired adults (over 54) residing in Spain and habitual users of technological support services in four organizational contexts (nursing homes, community senior centers, university programs for seniors, and adult education programs). The results show the moderating role of organizational contexts on the capacity of formal technological supports to determine the use and appropriation of the Internet by older people. Finally, the findings are discussed in terms of their usefulness for initiatives that adapt to the needs of the users of these services.
The conventions and politics of migration data visualizations
Authors: Allen William L
Published: June 2021

What visual features characterize online migration data visualizations, and what do they suggest for the politics of representing migration and informing public attitudes? Audiences increasingly encounter quantitative information through visualization, especially in digital environments. Yet visualizations have political dimensions that manifest themselves through “conventions,” or shared symbols and practices conveying meaning. Using content analysis, I identify patterns of representation in a sample of 277 migration data visualizations scraped from Google Images. I find evidence of several conventions including appeals to objectivity and traceability as well as perspectives and units of analysis centered on states—particularly higher income migrant destinations. Then, by locating my analysis within the growing field of digital migration studies, I argue these conventions potentially shape public attitudes and understandings about migrants, and contribute to broader migration politics involving categorization and quantification that have relevance both on- and off-line.
An energy-efficient multi-objective permutation flow shop scheduling problem using an improved hybrid cuckoo search algorithm
Authors: Gu Wenbin , Li Zhuo , Dai Min , Yuan Minghai
Published: June 2021

The flow shop scheduling problem has been widely studied in recent years, but the research on multi-objective flow shop scheduling with green indicators is still relatively limited. It is urgent to strengthen the research on effective methods to solve such interesting problems. To consider the economic and environmental factors simultaneously, the paper investigates the multi-objective permutation flow shop scheduling problems (MOPFSP) which minimizes the makespan and total carbon emissions. Since MOPFSP is proved to be a NP-hard problem for more than two machines. A hybrid cuckoo search algorithm (HCSA) is proposed to solve the problems. Firstly, a largest-order-value method is proposed to enhance the performance of HCS algorithm in the solution space of MOPFSP. Then, an adaptive factor of step size is designed to control the search scopes in the evolution phases. Finally, a multi-neighborhood local search rule is addressed in order to find the optimal sub-regions obtained by the HCSA. Numerical experiments show that HCSA can solve MOPFSP efficiently.
Point and shoot: Police media labor and technologies of surveillance in End of Watch
Authors: McVey James Alexander
Published: June 2021

This article analyzes the 2012 found-footage buddy-cop film End of Watch. The author analyzes the film’s production, plot, para-textual materials, audience reviews, and audience-generated media to examine the film’s rhetorical strategies and cultural impact. The author shows how police media work inspired the film’s creation, influenced the film’s production, and shaped the film’s messages. End of Watch is a crucial test case for understanding how police collaborate with the entertainment industry to respond to public crises of police visuality. Police media labor shaped the creation, production, and performances of the film, helping create a media product branded simultaneously as a realistic look at police life and a positive correction to negative media representations of police officers. End of Watch breathes cinematic life into commonplace hegemonic tropes of police backlash rhetoric. This article argues that End of Watch uses surveillant narration to humanize police and dehumanize the subjects of police violence. It also demonstrates how End of Watch served as a source of rhetorical invention for pro-police publics who drew on images and tropes from the film to defend police in the face of the crises of police visibility that emerged in the years following the film’s release.
Political corruption in Zimbabwe: News media, audiences and deliberative democracy
Authors: Ndhlovu Mthokozisi Phathisani , Santos Phillip
Published: June 2021

Even though corruption by politicians and in politics is widespread worldwide, it is more pronounced in developing countries, such as Zimbabwe, where members of the political elite overtly abuse power for personal accumulation of wealth. Ideally, the news media, as watchdogs, are expected to investigate and report such abuses of power. However, previous studies in Zimbabwe highlight the news media’s polarised and normative inefficacies. Informed by the theoretical notion of deliberative democracy developed via Habermas and Dahlgren’s work and Hall’s Encoding, Decoding Model, this article uses qualitative content analysis to examine how online readers of Zimbabwe’s two leading daily publications, The Herald and NewsDay, interpreted and evaluated allegations of corruption leveled against ministers and deputy ministers during the height of factionalism in the ruling party (ZANU PF). The article argues that interaction between mainstream media and their audiences online shows the latter’s resourcefulness and, at least, discursive agency in their engagement with narratives about political corruption, itself an imperative premise for future political action.
Couple communication and contraception use in urban Senegal
Authors: Grabert Brigid K , Speizer Ilene S , Domino Marisa Elena , Frerichs Leah , Corneli Amy , Fried Bruce J
Published: June 2021

Objectives:

Couple communication about family planning has been shown to increase uptake of contraception. However, couple communication is often measured based solely on one partner’s report of communication. This research investigates the influence of couple-reported communication about family planning on current and future use of contraception using couple-level data.

Methods:

We used baseline data from the Measurement, Learning, and Evaluation (MLE) project collected through household surveys in 2011 from a cross-sectional representative sample of women and men in urban Senegal to conduct secondary data analysis. We used multivariable logit models to estimate the average marginal effects of couple communication about family planning on current contraception use and future intention to use contraception.

Results:

Couple communication about family planning reported by both partners was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of current use of contraception and with future intention to use contraception among non-contracepting couples. Couples where one partner reported discussing family planning had a 25% point greater likelihood of current contraception use than couples where neither partner reported discussing, while couples where both partners reported discussing family planning had a 56% point greater likelihood of current contraception use, representing more than twice the effect size. Among couples not using contraception, couples where one partner reported discussing family planning had a 15% point greater likelihood of future intention to use contraception than couples where neither partner reported discussing, while couples where both partners reported discussing family planning had a 38% point greater likelihood of future intention to use contraception.

Conclusion:

These findings underscore the importance of the inclusion of both partners in family planning programs to increase communication about contraception and highlight the need for future research using couple-level data, measures, and analysis.
Testicular vein thrombosis mimicking epididymo-orchitis after suspected Covid-19 infection
Authors: Whiteley Mark S , Abu-Bakr Omar , Holdstock Judith M
Published: June 2021

A 70-year-old man presented to our vein clinic with intermittent and recurrent left testicular and groin pain, clinically resembling epididymo-orchitis. He had never had any genitourinary problems until contracting a severe flu-like illness in January 2020, strongly suspected to have been Covid-19. He had failed to respond on four separate occasions to antibiotics prescribed by his GP and had only responded on these occasions to aspirin. Duplex ultrasonography at our clinic showed thrombosis of the left testicular vein with venous collateral formation. The testicle itself showed mild oedema, but a reduced arterial flow supporting the pain to be secondary to thrombosis. Covid-19 is known to be associated with venous thromboembolic disease, but usually in patients sick enough to be hospitalised and particularly in those requiring intensive care. This man appears to have had a left testicular vein thrombosis secondary to relatively mild Covid-19 infection, as he did not require hospitalisation.
A Systematic Literature Review of Physical Activity-Based Health Programs for Indigenous Women: Impacts on Physical Activity Levels, Obesity, and Community Building
Authors: Wicklum Sonja , Willis Elsy , Amson Ashley , McGuire K. Ashlee , Crowshoe Lynden Lindsay , McBrien Kerry , Henderson Rita
Published: June 2021

Indigenous women experience a disproportionate burden of chronic diseases and health challenges related to obesity. The need for culturally relevant programming to support and empower women to optimize health is well established. Participatory physical activity [PA]-focused programming responsive to the sociocultural realities of Indigenous women may hold promise. However, obesity and chronic disease literature for Indigenous women focusing on PA change predominantly discusses individual behaviors, leaving a knowledge gap around the social and environmental supports needed to realize improved outcomes. We searched PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Bibliography of Native North Americans, and the University of New Mexico’s Native Health Databases for English language peer-reviewed articles on PA-based programs addressing prevention or management of obesity with Indigenous women as a primary focus. Fifteen articles, representing 13 unique programs, were included in the review. Outcome measures included program attendance and factors influencing program acceptance, PA, biochemical markers and blood pressure, weight and waist circumference measurements, the development of social supports, and nutritional knowledge acquisition. Although some studies found improvements in PA level and other outcomes, the marked variability in study design makes it difficult to draw conclusions about best practices for PA-based wellness and weight management programs for Indigenous women. However, programming that acknowledges and provides accommodation for the complex factors that influence behavior, incorporates cultural and community elements, and integrates opportunities for supportive network development may improve outcomes.
The Impact of Cross-Border Capital Flows on the Chinese Banking System
Authors: Zhao Yang , Xu Zichun
Published: June 2021

With the accelerated opening of China’s capital account, China’s banking sector is exposed to the impacts of cross-border capital flows. This article explores the impact of cross-border capital flows on banks’ risk-taking in China. Employing bank-level data of 50 Chinese commercial banks from 2005 to 2018 and a sys-GMM (system generalized method of moments) estimation method, we show that cross-border capital flows are positively associated with the risk-taking of Chinese commercial banks. Moreover, banks that are larger, more capital adequate, and more profitable are more sensitive to the degree of capital account openness toward risk-taking, and the capital account openness has the greatest influence on the profitability-driven bank risk-taking. Nevertheless, such positive effects of capital account openness on bank risk-taking may be weakened under bad macro-environment, indicated by low economic growth, poor legitimate law enforcement, and unstable political condition.
Immunoglobulin G-4-Related Retroperitoneal Fibrosis
Authors: Huda Syed Arqum , Kahlown Sara Akram , Elder Rachel , Kaul Viren , Landsberg David
Published: June 2021

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is caused by the replacement of normal retroperitoneal tissue with fibrosis. The majority of the cases are idiopathic, but some secondary causes include malignancy, infection, drugs, and radiotherapy. Immunoglobulin G-4 (IgG-4) related disease is a relatively newer disease and one of the rarer causes of retroperitoneal fibrosis. It usually involves the pancreas, lungs, kidneys, aorta lacrimal and salivary glands, or extrapancreatic bile duct. Elevated serum IgG-4 is the biomarker of the disease and its levels correlate with disease activity. High-dose glucocorticoid is the treatment of choice.
BCIM Economic Corridor an Integral Part of BRI for Regional Cooperation: Positioning India’s North-East and Act East Policy
Authors: Marchang Reimeingam
Published: June 2021

China proactively wants to establish the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM-EC) as an integral part of the Belt and Road Initiative for economic cooperation. Through the BCIM-EC, China wants to revive the ancient Southern Silk Road trade route. Beijing realises that to achieve the BCIM-EC, India’s cooperation would be indispensable. India has been hesitant to fully commit to the BCIM-EC owing mainly to the surging trade deficit with China, overlapping of objectives with other similar existing regional cooperation initiatives, China’s dominance in South Asia, security concerns, territorial disputes and trade-related logistic issues. However, in recent times, India has shown more interest in developing the economic corridor considering its potential to promote development, security and stability in the Indian Northeast, which would align well with the geostrategic objectives of India’s Act East Policy (AEP). India however needs to better align its AEP with BCIM-EC in order to promote and strengthen the AEP and thereby concurrently build the BCIM-EC to link Southeast Asia and China.
The effect of spray angle on the microstructural and mechanical properties of plasma sprayed8YSZ thermal barrier coatings
Authors: Kadam Nikhil R. , Karthikeyan G. , Kulkarni Dhananjay M.
Published: June 2021

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are favorable for better protection of gas turbines and aero engines at high temperatures. The TBCs were fabricated using NiCrAlY bond coat and 8% wt. yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) topcoat onto the nickel-based superalloy Inconel 800 by atmospheric plasma spray. In this article, the investigation of microstructural and mechanical properties of 8YSZ TBCs with the effect of spray angle has been discussed. The microstructural and elemental analyses were conducted by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS). The porosity analysis was conducted based on SEM image analysis using a gray scale threshold. Mechanical properties such as coating hardness, surface roughness, and thickness are measured by indentation, surface profilometer, and optical microscopy. The result shows the effect of the spray angle over the coating surface in terms of pores and microcracks. The influence of the spray angle leads to different grain growth resulting in the shadow region. A large number of defects and a decrease in coating hardness were observed for 60 degrees pray angle compared to the 90 degrees pray angle. A large number of defects led to developing rough surfaces, resulting in low hardness and increased porosity. The experimental results showed that the plasma sprayed 8YSZ TBC with a 90 degree spray angle can improve the durability and performance of the TBCs, as it has better microstructural and mechanical properties.
Demographic Profile and Presenting Complaints of Patients of Psychosexual Disorders: A Study in a Specialized Psychosexual Clinic of a Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Parkar Shubhangi , Behere Nilam Shivajirao
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Sexual disorders are practically not addressed in community and primary care settings in India. Understanding the profile of patients visiting tertiary care centers’ psychosexual clinics (PSC) may be of value, to map some critical gaps in the service utilization.

Aim:

To understand the demographic profile and presenting complaints of patients with psychosexual disorders visiting a PSC.

Methods:

An audit of patients’ case records, diagnosis based on ICD-10 classification system, in a PSC over last 1 month was done, noting demographic factors and their frequency distributions.

Results:

Out of 55 patients visiting the clinic, most common age group was 21 to 30 years (49.09%) and only 2 were females. Maximum patients had education up to higher-secondary level (69.09%), were married (65.4%), and had a sexual partner during past 3 months (70.09%). Premature ejaculation (occurring singly or along with other sexual disorders) was diagnosed in 45.28% patients.

Conclusion:

Further exploration is needed into the services provided by the PSC. There is scope for sensitizing female patients, customizing psychoeducation suitable to the educational status and work holistically in the PSC.
Vertical Tire Forces Estimation of Multi-Axle Trucks Based on an Adaptive Treble Extend Kalman Filter
Authors: Zhang Buyang , Xu Ting , Wang Hong , Huang Yanjun , Chen Guoying
Published: June 2021

Vertical tire forces are essential for vehicle modelling and dynamic control. However, an evaluation of the vertical tire forces on a multi-axle truck is difficult to accomplish. The current methods require a large amount of experimental data and many sensors owing to the wide variation of the parameters and the over-constraint. To simplify the design process and reduce the demand of the sensors, this paper presents a practical approach to estimating the vertical tire forces of a multi-axle truck for dynamic control. The estimation system is based on a novel vertical force model and a proposed adaptive treble extend Kalman filter (ATEKF). To adapt to the widely varying parameters, a sliding mode update is designed to make the ATEKF adaptive, and together with the use of an initial setting update and a vertical tire force adjustment, the overall system becomes more robust. In particular, the model aims to eliminate the effects of the over-constraint and the uneven weight distribution. The results show that the ATEKF method achieves an excellent performance in a vertical force evaluation, and its performance is better than that of the treble extend Kalman filter.
Effects of low back pain on balance performance in elderly people: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ge Le , Wang Chuhuai , Zhou Haohan , Yu Qiuhua , Li Xin
Published: June 2021

Background

Research suggests that individuals with low back pain (LBP) may have poorer motor control compared to their healthy counterparts. However, the sample population of almost 90% of related articles are young and middle-aged people. There is still a lack of a systematic review about the balance performance of elderly people with low back pain. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to understand the effects of LBP on balance performance in elderly people.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis included a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for full-text articles published before January 2020. We included the articles that 1) investigated the elderly people with LBP; 2) assessed balance performance with any quantifiable clinical assessment or measurement tool and during static or dynamic activity; 3) were original research. Two independent reviewers screened the relevant articles, and disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer.

Results

Thirteen case-control studies comparing balance performance parameters between LBP and healthy subjects were included. The experimental group (LBP group) was associated with significantly larger area of centre of pressure movement (P < 0.001), higher velocity of centre of pressure sway in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively), longer path length in the anteroposterior direction (P < 0.001), slower walking speed (P = 0.05), and longer timed up and go test time (P = 0.004) than the control group.

Conclusion

The results showed that balance performance was impaired in elderly people with LBP. We should pay more attention to the balance control of elderly people with LBP.
Dietary supplement use in elementary school children: a Japanese web-based survey
Authors: Ishitsuka Kazue , Sasaki Satoshi , Mezawa Hidetoshi , Konishi Mizuho , Igarashi Maki , Yamamoto-Hanada Kiwako , Nakayama Shoji F. , Ohya Yukihiro
Published: June 2021

Background

A variety of dietary supplements are commercially available. However, the efficacy and safety of dietary supplement use in children are not well established. Understanding dietary supplement use is important for developing public health policy regarding dietary supplements. This study aimed to investigate the types of dietary supplements used and characteristics of dietary supplement users among Japanese elementary school children.

Method

We conducted a cross-sectional web-based questionnaire study. Dietary supplement use, socio-demographics, and health-related behaviors were assessed through mother-reported questionnaire. Types of dietary supplements were identified based on ingredient using product barcodes and brand names. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the socio-demographics and health-related behaviors associated with supplement use.

Results

Among 4933 children, 333 (6.8%) were identified as dietary supplement users. The most common supplement was amino acids or protein (1.4%), followed by n–3 fatty acids or fish oil (1.0%), probiotics (1.0%), multivitamins (0.9%), multivitamin-minerals (0.8%), and botanicals (0.8%). Overall, any dietary supplement use was significantly associated with the highest frequency of sports participation (odds ratio [OR], 2.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65–4.02), highest household income (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.13–3.10), highest maternal educational level (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.31–2.52), and male sex (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.09–1.75). The highest frequency of sports participation was significantly associated with higher odds of use of amino acids or protein (OR, 6.06; 95% CI, 1.78–20.6) and multivitamins (OR, 3.56; 95% CI, 1.11–11.5), compared to the lowest frequency of sports participation.

Conclusion

This study showed that Japanese children primarily use non-vitamin, non-mineral supplements. Non-vitamin, non-mineral supplements should thus be included in future studies aimed at monitoring dietary supplement use. We also found that dietary supplement use in children was associated with sports participation. Guidelines for dietary supplement use for children, in particular sport participants, are needed.
Integration of Dual Stress Transcriptomes and Major QTLs from a Pair of Genotypes Contrasting for Drought and Chronic Nitrogen Starvation Identifies Key Stress Responsive Genes in Rice
Authors: Sevanthi Amitha Mithra , Sinha Subodh Kumar , V Sureshkumar , Rani Manju , Saini Manish Ranjan , Kumari Sapna , Kaushik Megha , Prakash Chandra , K. Venkatesh , Singh G. P. , Mohapatra Trilochan , Mandal Pranab Kumar
Published: June 2021

We report here the genome-wide changes resulting from low N (N-W+), low water (N+W-)) and dual stresses (N-W-) in root and shoot tissues of two rice genotypes, namely, IR 64 (IR64) and Nagina 22 (N22), and their association with the QTLs for nitrogen use efficiency. For all the root parameters, except for root length under N-W+, N22 performed better than IR64. Chlorophyll a, b and carotenoid content were higher in IR64 under N+W+ treatment and N-W+ and N+W- stresses; however, under dual stress, N22 had higher chlorophyll b content. While nitrite reductase, glutamate synthase (GS) and citrate synthase assays showed better specific activity in IR64, glutamate dehydrogenase showed better specific activity in N22 under dual stress (N-W-); the other N and C assimilating enzymes showed similar but low specific activities in both the genotypes. A total of 8926 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified compared to optimal (N+W+) condition from across all treatments. While 1174, 698 and 903 DEGs in IR64 roots and 1197, 187 and 781 in N22 roots were identified, nearly double the number of DEGs were found in the shoot tissues; 3357, 1006 and 4005 in IR64 and 4004, 990 and 2143 in N22, under N-W+, N+W- and N-W- treatments, respectively. IR64 and N22 showed differential expression in 15 and 11 N-transporter genes respectively, under one or more stress treatments, out of which four showed differential expression also in N+W- condition. The negative regulators of N- stress, e.g., NIGT1, OsACTPK1 and OsBT were downregulated in IR64 while in N22, OsBT was not downregulated. Overall, N22 performed better under dual stress conditions owing to its better root architecture, chlorophyll and porphyrin synthesis and oxidative stress management. We identified 12 QTLs for seed and straw N content using 253 recombinant inbred lines derived from IR64 and N22 and a 5K SNP array. The QTL hotspot region on chromosome 6 comprised of 61 genes, of which, five were DEGs encoding for UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, serine threonine kinase, anthocyanidin 3-O-glucosyltransferase, and nitrate induced proteins. The DEGs, QTLs and candidate genes reported in this study can serve as a major resource for both rice improvement and functional biology.
A Single Nucleotide Substitution of GSAM Gene Causes Massive Accumulation of Glutamate 1-Semialdehyde and Yellow Leaf Phenotype in Rice
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhu Baiyang , Chen Congping , Yuan Zhaodi , Guo Jia , Yang Xiaorong , Wang San , Lv Yan , Liu Qingsong , Yang Bin , Sun Changhui , Wang Pingrong , Deng Xiaojian
Published: June 2021

Background

Tetrapyrroles play indispensable roles in various biological processes. In higher plants, glutamate 1-semialdehyde 2,1-aminomutase (GSAM) converts glutamate 1-semialdehyde (GSA) to 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), which is the rate-limiting step of tetrapyrrole biosynthesis. Up to now, GSAM genes have been successively identified from many species. Besides, it was found that GSAM could form a dimeric protein with itself by x-ray crystallography. However, no mutant of GSAM has been identified in monocotyledonous plants, and no experiment on interaction of GSAM protein with itself has been reported so far.

Result

We isolated a yellow leaf mutant, ys53, in rice (Oryza sativa). The mutant showed decreased photosynthetic pigment contents, suppressed chloroplast development, and reduced photosynthetic capacity. In consequence, its major agronomic traits were significantly affected. Map-based cloning revealed that the candidate gene was LOC_Os08g41990 encoding GSAM protein. In ys53 mutant, a single nucleotide substitution in this gene caused an amino acid change in the encoded protein, so its ALA-synthesis ability was significantly reduced and GSA was massively accumulated. Complementation assays suggested the mutant phenotype of ys53 could be rescued by introducing wild-type OsGSAM gene, confirming that the point mutation in OsGSAM is the cause of the mutant phenotype. OsGSAM is mainly expressed in green tissues, and its encoded protein is localized to chloroplast. qRT-PCR analysis indicated that the mutation of OsGSAM not only affected the expressions of tetrapyrrole biosynthetic genes, but also influenced those of photosynthetic genes in rice. In addition, the yeast two-hybrid experiment showed that OsGSAM protein could interact with itself, which could largely depend on the two specific regions containing the 81th–160th and the 321th–400th amino acid residues at its N- and C-terminals, respectively.

Conclusions

We successfully characterized rice GSAM gene by a yellow leaf mutant and map-based cloning approach. Meanwhile, we verified that OsGSAM protein could interact with itself mainly by means of the two specific regions of amino acid residues at its N- and C-terminals, respectively.