bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Haematological, serum biochemical and electrophoretic data on healthy captive Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus)
Authors: Moretti Pierangelo , Ravasio Giuliano , Magnone William , Di Cesare Federica , Paltrinieri Saverio , Pecile Alessandro , Giordano Alessia
Published: August 2020

Bats play a key role as reservoir hosts of many emerging viral diseases with zoonotic potential. However, little is known about the laboratory reference intervals (RIs) of bats, especially Egyptian fruit bats ( Rousettus aegyptiacus). The aim of this study was to obtain haematological, biochemical and electrophoretic RIs from captive fruit bats. Blood was collected from 21 R. aegyptiacus (11 females and 10 males). Complete blood cell count was performed using an impedance cell counter followed by the morphologic analysis of blood smears. Clinical biochemistry was performed with an automated spectrophotometer and agarose gel electrophoresis was carried out with an automated instrument. Reference intervals were determined using the Reference Value Advisor V2.1, following the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines. Possible differences related to sex or sexual maturity were also investigated. The RIs for most of the analytes investigated were similar to those of other types of bats and other mammalian species. Haematology revealed mild polychromasia and slightly lower haematocrit, haemoglobin, leukocyte and lymphocyte counts compared to other bats. Glucose levels varied possibly due to stress, the anaesthetic protocol and fasting time. Creatine kinase was higher, while triglycerides were lower compared with domestic mammals and other bats. No sex- or age-related differences were found. Serum protein electrophoresis showed five fractions (albumin, α-, β1-, β2- and γ-globulins). The values recorded in this study could be helpful as a reference biological dataset to monitor the health status of wild and captive R. aegyptiacus and, possibly, of other Chiroptera.
Flubromazolam: Detection in five post-mortem cases
Authors: Abdul Kemba , Hikin Laura , Smith Paul , Kurimbokus Hassan , Ashong Emily , Couchman Lewis , Morley Stephen R
Published: August 2020

Flubromazolam is a potent triazole benzodiazepine with moderately long-lasting central nervous system–depressant effects relative to other benzodiazepines such as commonly prescribed diazepam. Flubromazolam has been studied in the living. However, there are no published reports including measured drug concentrations in post-mortem cases. We report five cases in which flubromazolam was detected in a systematic screen using high-resolution mass spectrometry and then quantified in femoral blood. In none of the five cases was the cause of death directly attributed to flubromazolam toxicity, as there was a variety of both sedative and stimulant drugs also present. However, it is important that the drug concentrations that were measured are made available for future post-mortem forensic interpretation.
Servant Leadership and Service Performance: A Multilevel Mediation Model
Authors: Peng Jui-Chen , Chen Shou-Wei
Published: August 2020

This study proposes and tests a multilevel mediation framework to explicate the processes that link servant leadership to frontline employees’ service performance at both the employee and the branch levels of analysis. Data were obtained from 58 branch managers and 324 branch frontline employees of a chain restaurant in Taiwan. The results of hierarchical linear modelling indicate that two factors, concern climate and work engagement, mediate the relationship between branch managers’ servant leadership and frontline employees’ service performance; and that work engagement mediates the relationship between concern climate and such service performance. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are considered, along with future research directions and the study’s limitations.
Fixing the future? How architects make time in buildings for later life care
Authors: Beynon-Jones Siân M. , Martin Daryl , Buse Christina , Nettleton Sarah , Annandale Ellen
Published: August 2020

Drawing on scholarship that explores the making of time, this article aims to develop sociological understandings of architecture’s relations with temporality. Commentary from within and outside architecture has often suggested that a sensitivity to time is missing from its practices (and indeed, that time is actively excluded from architecture). We argue that, rather than attempting to rectify a perceived absence of engagement with time in architecture, it is more fruitful to explore architecture as inevitably implicated in the making of time(s). Mobilising empirical material from a qualitative study of building design for residential care in later life in the UK, we illustrate various relations with, and visions of, the future that are produced through architectural practice. Rendering architecture’s time-making practices explicit, we suggest, makes it possible to reflect on whether, and to what extent, its time(s) could be done differently.
The Indirect Effects of Thinspiration and Fitspiration Images on Young Women’s Sexual Attitudes
Authors: Chansiri Karikarn , Wongphothiphan Thipkanok , Shafer Autumn
Published: August 2020

Applying the sociocultural theory and the objectification theory, this experiment examined the indirect effects of inspirational Instagram images (i.e., fitspiration and thinspiration) on young women’s sexual attitudes. A post-test only between-subjects design with three experimental conditions (i.e., fitspiration, thinspiration, and control images) was conducted with female college students ( N = 221). The results supported the sociocultural theory, revealing that viewing inspirational Instagram images led to higher appearance comparison and greater body dissatisfaction, respectively, which, in turn, predicted lower sexual self-efficacy and greater sexual self-consciousness. Testing a new theoretical model combining the sociocultural theory components and self-objectification reported a significant causal mediating chain of appearance comparison, self-objectification, and body dissatisfaction, respectively, in the relationship between viewing inspirational Instagram images and sexual attitudes (i.e., lower sexual self-efficacy and greater sexual self-consciousness). The indirect effect sizes of fitspiration were larger than those of thinspiration. Implications and limitations are discussed.
Effect of peat mire evolution on pore structure characteristics in thick coal seam: Examples from Xishanyao Formation (Middle Jurassic), Yili Basin, China
Authors: Qin Rongfang , Wang Anmin , Cao Daiyong , Wei Yingchun , Ding Liqi , Li Jing
Published: August 2020

The physical properties of thick coal seams show strong vertical heterogeneity; thus, an accurate characterization of their pore structure is essential for coalbed methane (CBM) exploration and production. A total of 18 coal samples, collected from a thick coal seam in the Yili Basin of NW China, were tested by a series of laboratory experiments to investigate the peat mire evolution and pore structure characteristics. The results show that the No. 4 coal seam has undergone multiple stages of evolution in the peatification stage, and was divided into four water-transgression/water-regression cycles according to the regular cyclic changes of the vitrinite/inertinite ratio, structure preservation index, gelification index, vegetation index, trace element ratios, and stable carbon isotopes of organic matter. The changes of pore structure characteristics with the changes of coal deposition cycles are also analyzed. It is concluded that pore structure characteristics of the four cycles are quite different. In each water-transgression cycle, the vitrinite gradually increased and the inertinite gradually decreased, resulting in a decrease of the porosity, pore volume, specific surface area, and fractal dimension. While in each water-regression cycle, the vitrinite gradually decreased and the inertinite gradually increased, leading to an increase of the porosity, pore volume, specific surface area, and fractal dimension. A strong relationship exists between the porosity, pore volume, specific surface area, fractal dimension, and submacerals, with fusinite and semifusinite which contained more pores having a positive correlation, desmocollinite and corpovitrinite which contained few pores having a negative correlation.
Modelling and study of energy storage devices for photovoltaic lighting
Authors: Slimene Marwa Ben , Arbi Khlifi Mohamed
Published: August 2020

The electricity production via these sources of energy, offers a bigger safety of supply to the consumers while respecting the environment. For that reason, the principal objective of this paper is to study and control the photovoltaic lighting energy storage system. We presented the study of the whole PV system such as solar panels, DC chopper, batteries with account of all conditions of the sites of installation (period of sunshine and temperature). This study analyzed the integration of a photovoltaic power plant, super capacitor energy storage system, and lightning system. Our approach of sizing is based on the modeling of various components describing the functioning of every part of the installation among others. We can mention the production, the consumption and the storage of energy through solar battery.
Dysphagia Precipitated by Cervical Lordosis in the Aged
Authors: Sato Kiminori , Chitose Shun-ichi , Sato Kiminobu , Sato Fumihiko , Ono Takeharu , Umeno Hirohito
Published: August 2020

A lordotic curve of the cervical spine in the aged is a physiological curvature of the cervical spine. The swallowing disorder precipitated by lordosis of the cervical spine in the aged, the swallowing function and intervention were reported on. An 86-year-old woman complained of swallowing difficulty for a few months. A lordotic curve (physiological curvature) of the cervical spine was observed. In the neutral neck position, the cervical lordotic angle was 29° using the Cobb C2-C7 method. When the lordotic curve of the cervical spine was intentionally straightened, the lordotic angle became 0°, the laryngeal elevation changed from 0.5 times the height of a cervical vertebra to 1.75 times, the laryngeal elevation delay time changed from 0.5 seconds to 0.23, the percent laryngeal elevation changed from 50% to 72% and pharyngeal transit time changed from 0.83 seconds to 0.75. Lordosis of the cervical spine inhibited laryngeal elevation and influenced the swallowing function. In cases in which lordotic curvature of the cervical spine adversely influences the swallowing function in the aged, rehabilitation to manage the lordosis of the cervical spine is useful. For the purpose of effective intervention, not only diagnostic but also therapeutic videofluorographic examination of swallowing is very important.
Mastoiditis Masquerade
Authors: Keidar Eytan , Bowers Ian , Sargent Eric
Published: August 2020

We report a case of primary temporal bone diffuse B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a rare entity. A 71-year-old male with a history of dementia and hemicraniectomy presented due to 1 month of a pronounced left ulcerative mastoid lesion. Strikingly, there were no cranial nerve deficits which was unexpected due to the degree of the lesion. Initially, infectious mastoiditis was suspected based on physical examination alone. Due to the patient being a poor historian, it was difficult to determine whether this was an acute or chronic issue. Temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma, infectious mastoiditis, and actinomycosis were on the differential, but biopsies revealed non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Application of the Supraclavicular Artery Island Flap for Fistulas in Patients With Laryngopharyngeal Cancer With Prior Radiotherapy
Authors: Li Chen , Chen Wei , Lin Xueying , Zheng Longxiang , Chen Xiaoqiang , Wang Desheng
Published: August 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of the supraclavicular artery island flap (SAIF) in reconstructing pharyngocutaneous fistula in patients with laryngopharyngeal cancer with prior radiotherapy.

Methods:

Six patients with laryngopharyngeal cancer with pharyngocutaneous fistula due to previous radiotherapy and surgery during 2016 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Initially, the fistula was treated conservatively. The SAIF was applied with double folding technique to reconstruct fistula in the patients who failed to heal after conservative treatment.

Results:

The fistulae closed in 4 patients after conservative treatment. After SAIF operation, fistula closure was achieved in the other 2 patients who received highest dose of radiation and had largest fistulae size. The flaps grew well and there were no donor-site complications in these 2 patients. All patients achieved oral feeding without any complications.

Conclusion:

The SAIF is an effective and safe approach to reconstruct the pharyngocutaneous fistula after laryngopharyngeal surgery in patients with laryngopharyngeal cancer with previous radiotherapy, especially for those who have received high-dose radiation and have large fistula.
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Nonpharmacological Interventions for Lung Cancer Fatigue
Authors: Ma Rui-Chen , Yin Ying-Ying , Wang Ya-Qing , Liu Xin , Xie Jiao
Published: August 2020

Fatigue is one of the most common adverse effects of lung cancer, and the efficacy of nonpharmacological interventions on fatigue in lung cancer patients is still unclear. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions on lung cancer-induced fatigue. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed on studies retrieved from the PubMed, Embase Ovid, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science databases from inception to June 2020. A total of 18 of randomized controlled trials with three intervention categories were identified, comprising 1,446 patients. We observed that fatigue was significantly affected by physical therapies (standard mean difference [SMD] = –1.26, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: –2.05 to –0.47, p = .002), but not by exercise interventions (SMD = –0.52, 95% CI: –1.46 to 0.43, p = .29) or education and psychological interventions (SMD = –0.39, 95% CI: –0.92 to 0.14, p = .15). More research with robust methodology is needed to justify these findings.
Illness Uncertainty in Patients Awaiting Liver Transplant
Authors: Bailey Donald E. , Yao Jia , Yang Qing
Published: August 2020

Illness uncertainty is prevalent in patients awaiting liver transplant. We described high levels of illness uncertainty in these patients and examined relationships between uncertainty and person factors and the antecedents of uncertainty. Mishel uncertainty in illness scale was used to measure illness uncertainty. We used modes and interquartile range (IQR) to describe illness uncertainty levels in 115 patients. Multiple logistic and linear regression models estimated the associations of uncertainty with hypothesized antecedents. High total illness uncertainty score was reported by 15.6% of the patients. After adjusting for all variables, illness uncertainty was associated with two antecedents of uncertainty, low social well-being (OR = 0.816; p = .025) and low self-efficacy (OR = 0.931; p = .013). Complexity was negatively associated with social well-being; ambiguity and inconsistency were negatively associated with self-efficacy. One in seven patients experienced high illness uncertainty. Social well-being and self-efficacy were negatively related to illness uncertainty.
Complications After Soft Tissue With Plate vs Bony Mandibular Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Bauer Eric , Mazul Angela , Zenga Joseph , Graboyes Evan M. , Jackson Ryan , Puram Sidharth V. , Doering Michelle , Pipkorn Patrik
Published: August 2020

Objective

Mandibular reconstruction for segmental defects is a well‐studied topic. However, there are conflicting data on the risks of delayed plate‐related complications. The objective of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to assess long‐term plate‐related complications following reconstruction of the mandible with soft tissue and a plate as compared with immediate vascularized bony reconstruction.

Data Sources

A medical librarian created search strategies with a combination of keywords and controlled vocabulary in Ovid Medline (1946–), Embase (1947–), Scopus (1960–), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Clinicaltrials.gov.

Review Methods

Candidate articles were independently reviewed by 2 authors. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were uniformly applied. Articles were considered eligible if they included adequate reporting of plate extrusion and/or fracture and had follow‐up ≥12 months.

Results

A total of 2379 patients were included. The risk of plate fracture was low in cases of soft tissue with a plate (5%; 95% CI, 0.03‐0.08) and osseous reconstruction (1%). The risk of extrusion following soft tissue and plate reconstruction was 20% (95% CI, 0.15‐0.27). In the osseous reconstruction group, the risk of extrusion was 10% (95% CI, 0.06‐0.18). Revision surgery was performed twice as often following soft tissue with a plate as compared with vascularized bony reconstruction (32% [95% CI, 0.25‐0.40] vs 14% [95% CI, 0.09‐0.21], respectively).

Conclusion

Delayed plate‐related complications remain a significant problem following segmental defect reconstruction. Soft tissue and plate reconstruction techniques may increase the risk of plate removal and revision surgery.
Pass/Fail Scoring of USMLE Step 1 and the Need for Residency Selection Reform
Authors: Salehi Parsa P. , Azizzadeh Babak , Lee Yan Ho
Published: August 2020

The Federation of State Medical Boards and the National Board of Medical Examiners recently announced a change in the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 scoring convention to take effect, at the earliest, on January 1, 2022. There are many reasons for this change, including decreasing medical student stress and incentivizing students to learn freely without solely focusing on Step 1 performance. The question remains how this will affect the future of the otolaryngology–head and neck surgery match. By eradicating Step 1 grades, other factors, such as research, may garner increased importance in the application process. Such a shift may discriminate against students from less well‐known medical schools, international medical graduates, and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, who have fewer academic resources and access to research. Residency programs should try to anticipate such unintended consequences of the change and work on solutions heading into 2022.
Five-Year Trend in Issuing Disability Certificates from a General Hospital Psychiatric Unit in South India
Authors: Nagarajan Padmavathi , Bharadwaj Balaji , Kattimani Shivanand
Published: August 2020

Background:

Mental disability is a common condition but is considered as an invisible disability. The disability certificate in psychiatry remains underexplored. Some reasons are issues of confidentiality, stigma, lack of awareness in the public, and the hesitancy in the mental health professionals. We aim to provide a brief profile of patients with mental illness issued disability certificates from a psychiatric unit over a five-year period (2013–2017).

Methods:

Our retrospective study is based on the data available from the copies of the issued disability certificates from a psychiatric unit that functions in a multispecialty tertiary care teaching government hospital in Southern India. Patients undergoing treatment in psychiatry apply for a disability certificate to the medical superintendent of the hospital. Each applicant undergoes a detailed workup to ascertain the diagnosis, and the mental disability is assessed using Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale (IDEAS). Those with intellectual developmental disorder (IDD) are assessed by a clinical psychologist for quantifying intelligence quotient, based on which the disability certificate is issued. Data were extracted and analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics were used.

Results:

Over five years, 258 disability certificates were issued. A total of 218 were for mental illness and 40 were for IDD. Schizophrenia was the commonest primary diagnosis. There was no gender predominance, nor the influence of gender on different domains of IDEAS except on work domain dysfunction due to mental illness. The validity period was not mentioned in 81% of the issued certificates for mental illness.

Conclusions:

This descriptive study found a lower number of certificates issued from the psychiatric unit. Schizophrenia remains the main psychiatric diagnosis for which a disability certificate was issued. We did not assess the utilization pattern of the issued certificates.
The sidelining of gender equality in a corporatist and knowledge-oriented regime: The case of failed family leave reform in Finland
Authors: Elomäki Anna , Mustosmäki Armi , Sandberg Paula Koskinen
Published: August 2020

Reform of the family leave system has been on the Finnish political agenda for a long time but has proved to be a challenging task. The challenges relate to ideological differences between the political parties and to non-decision making in tripartite working groups, where the labour market parties participate in policy formulation. The article analyses the recent attempt to reform the Finnish family leave system under a right-conservative government (2015–2019) as an example of how diverging political ideologies and vested interests undermine adoption of government gender equality policy. The case also serves as an example of the growing influence of knowledge, and especially economic knowledge, in policy-making. The article provides new insights into the changing processes of decision-making in relation to gender equality policy.
Activist conceptualisations at the migration-welfare nexus: Racial capitalism, austerity and the hostile environment
Authors: Vickers Tom
Published: August 2020

In recent years British welfare policy and immigration policy have intertwined in new ways, with widespread cuts alongside increasing conditionality, rationing, and differentiation of rights. This article explores perspectives among activists attempting to resist these developments, with a focus on those that go beyond narrow reactions and engage in systemic critiques. It draws on in-depth qualitative interviews with activists from a variety of campaigns in England. The article presents a conceptual framework, synthesising these activists’ ideas and comprising three elements: racialised profit-seeking as a driver of policy; ‘situated universalism’ as a counter-hegemonic basis for unity; and a theory of change through grassroots campaigns.
Carbachol HCl-Induced Opacity of Porcine Isolated Cornea
Authors: Igarashi Haruyoshi , Katsuta Yasumaja , Matsuno Hidefumi , Nakazato Yoshiharu , Kawasaki Tohru
Published: August 2020

The in vitro development of porcine corneal opacity induced by carbachol was monitored using a simple, specially constructed opacitometer. Corneas were used intact, without epithelium, or without endothelium, or stroma only. Solutions of carbachol were applied to both surfaces, to the epithelial surface only or to the endothelial surface only. When carbachol was applied either to both surfaces or to the epithelial surface only, there was a significant increase in opacity compared with controls in the order: both epithelium and endothelium removed>epithelium removed>endothelium removed>intact. However, when applied to the endothelial surface only of intact and endothelium-removed corneas, carbachol caused an opacity comparable to control values. This confirms that the drug is safe for use as a topical application in the eye. However, the opacity which develops in corneas in response to benzalkonium chloride indicates that great care must be taken in determining the optimal concentration to use as a “wetting agent”.
μ-Opiate Receptors in Neuronal Primary Cultures from Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Eriksson Peter S. , Hansson Elisabeth , Rönnbäck Lars
Published: August 2020

The presence of μ-opioid receptors was demonstrated as effects of receptor stimulation on PGE1-induced cAMP accumulation in neuronal-enriched primary cultures from rat cerebral cortex. Morphine was used as a μ-receptor agonist. There was a dose-dependent inhibition of the PGE1-stimulated cAMP accumulation by morphine, blocked by the μ-receptor antagonist naloxone. These findings suggest that these neuronal cultures express μ-receptors, possibly connected to adenylate cyclase via an inhibitory Gi-protein. The probable use of functional μ-receptors in neurotoxicological tests is discussed.
Cytotoxic and Enzyme-Inducing Effects of Rodent Diets and Cage Bedding Materials: Evaluation by a Cell Culture Study
Authors: Törrönen Riitta , Pelkonen Kai , Karenlampi Sirpa
Published: August 2020

Several rodent diets and wood-based materials used as cage bedding for laboratory animals were studied for their cytotoxic and cytochrome P450-inducing properties by an in vitro method. The cell culture system using a mouse hepatoma cell line (Hepa-1) proved to be a convenient and sensitive screening method, and considerable differences among both the feeds and the bedding materials were detected.
Use of Isolated Tight Epithelia to Study the Site and Mode of Drug Action on Cell Membrane Transport: Effect of the Antipsychotic Agent Trifluoperazine
Authors: Bjerregaard Henning F.
Published: August 2020

The aim of the present study was to investigate the site and mode of trifluoperazine (TFP) action on cell membrane transport by the use of isolated frog skin. This cellular system gives access to the apical (outer) and basolateral (inner) membranes of the polarised epithelial cells.

Both apical and basolateral TFP addition induced a dose-dependent stimulation of Na transport, and depolarised the cellular potential. The data indicate that TFP acts by increasing the Na permeability of the apical membrane. However, the mechanisms localised in the apical and basolateral membranes are quite different. Basolateral TFP addition increased Na transport due to a stimulation of PGE2 synthesis, whereas apical TFP addition abolished Na inhibition of the apical Na channels, and thereby enhanced the Na transport. An acute toxic effect on the electrophysiological parameters was noted after addition of high apical TFP concentrations (50–100μM). This toxic effect was dependent on the presence of Na in the apical solution.
Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity of 18 Compounds in Six Rat Cell Lines
Authors: Garza-Oeañas Lourdes , Torres-Alanís Oscar , Piñeyro-López Alfredo
Published: August 2020

A comparison of the potential of different cell lines as a screening system for predicting general toxicity was made by measuring the cytotoxicities (CT50) of 18 compounds in six rat cell lines. The criterion for cytotoxicity was failure of the cells to attach to the substratum, which was assessed at two incubation times: 24 hours and 7 days (168 hours).

For nine of the compounds tested, an increased incubation time resulted in increased cytotoxicity; in these cases, the CT50 values at 168 hours were lower than those at 24 hours. For the majority of the compounds, the CT50 values obtained using liver, lung, intestine, kidney, heart or skin rat cell lines did not differ markedly from one line to another.

These results are discussed in terms of the similar in vitro susceptibilities of different cell types obtained from the same species.
In Vitro Methods as a Tool in Neurotoxicity Studies
Authors: Tähti Hanna , Vaalavirta Leila , Toimela Tarja
Published: August 2020

— There are several hundred industrial chemicals with neurotoxic potential. The neurotoxic risks of most of these chemicals are unknown. Additional methods are needed to assess the risks more effectively and to elucidate the mechanisms of neurotoxicity more accurately than is possible with the conventional methods.

This paper deals with general tasks concerning the use of in vitro models in the evaluation of neurotoxic risks. It is based on our previous studies with various in vitro models and on recent literature. The induction of glial fibrillary acidic protein in astrocyte cultures after treatment with known neurotoxicants (mercury compounds and aluminium) is discussed in more detail as an important response which can be detected in vitro.

When used appropriately with in vivo tests and with previous toxicological data, in vitro neurotoxicity testing considerably improves risk assessment. The incorporation of in vitro tests into the early stages of risk evaluation can reduce the number of animals used in routine toxicity testing, by identifying chemicals with high neurotoxic potential.
Adverse remodeling in atrial fibrillation following isolated aortic valve replacement surgery
Authors: Oliveira João Pedro , Fragão-Marques Mariana , Lourenço André , Falcão-Pires Inês , Leite-Moreira Adelino
Published: August 2020

Background:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia with adverse clinical outcomes. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is one of the most frequently performed cardiac surgeries, although there is scarce evidence on arrhythmic outcomes. We aimed to evaluate AF during the first year post- isolated aortic valve replacement surgery and its clinical, analytical, and echocardiographic predictors.

Methods:

Severe aortic stenosis patients with no prior atrial fibrillation submitted to isolated aortic valve replacement surgery were included in our study, of which 316 remained in sinus rhythm and 24 developed AF. We performed logistic regression searching for AF predictors and a longitudinal comparison between pre and post-operative echocardiographic data.

Results:

Postoperative AF (POAF), diabetes, and follow-up indexed Left Atrium Diameter (iLAD) were significantly higher in the group of patients developing AF. POAF and iLAD were independent AF predictors at follow-up. No differences between groups were found regarding baseline and follow-up echocardiographic data except for indexed Left Ventricle End-diastolic Diameter (LVED), which failed to decrease after surgery in the AF group.

Conclusions:

POAF and iLAD independently predicted AF at 1 year following isolated AVR surgery in aortic stenosis patients with no AF history. iLVED did not decrease significantly at follow-up in AF patients, possibly reflecting adverse ventricular remodeling.
Geometry-aware manipulability learning, tracking, and transfer
Authors: Jaquier Noémie , Rozo Leonel , Caldwell Darwin G , Calinon Sylvain
Published: August 2020

Body posture influences human and robot performance in manipulation tasks, as appropriate poses facilitate motion or the exertion of force along different axes. In robotics, manipulability ellipsoids arise as a powerful descriptor to analyze, control, and design the robot dexterity as a function of the articulatory joint configuration. This descriptor can be designed according to different task requirements, such as tracking a desired position or applying a specific force. In this context, this article presents a novel manipulability transfer framework, a method that allows robots to learn and reproduce manipulability ellipsoids from expert demonstrations. The proposed learning scheme is built on a tensor-based formulation of a Gaussian mixture model that takes into account that manipulability ellipsoids lie on the manifold of symmetric positive-definite matrices. Learning is coupled with a geometry-aware tracking controller allowing robots to follow a desired profile of manipulability ellipsoids. Extensive evaluations in simulation with redundant manipulators, a robotic hand and humanoids agents, as well as an experiment with two real dual-arm systems validate the feasibility of the approach.
Compliant gripper design, prototyping, and modeling using screw theory formulation
Authors: Hussain Irfan , Malvezzi Monica , Gan Dongming , Iqbal Zubair , Seneviratne Lakmal , Prattichizzo Domenico , Renda Federico
Published: August 2020

This article investigates some aspects related to the design, modeling, prototyping, and testing of soft–rigid tendon-driven grippers. As a case study, we present the design and development of a two-finger soft gripper and exploit it as an example to demonstrate the application scenario of our mathematical model based on screw theory. A mathematical formulation based on screw theory is then presented to model gripper dynamics. The proposed formulation is the extension of a model previously introduced including the mechanical system dynamics. In this type of gripper, it is possible to achieve different behaviors, e.g., different fingertip trajectories, equivalent fingertip stiffness ellipsoids, etc., while keeping the same kinematic structure of the gripper and varying the properties of its passive deformable joints. These properties can be varied in the prototype by properly regulating some manufacturing parameters, such as percentage of printing infill density in a 3D printing process. We performed experiments with the prototype of the gripper and an optical tracking system to validate the proposed mathematical formulation, and to compare its results with other simplified formulations. We furthermore identified the main performance of the gripper in terms of payload and maximum horizontal resisted force, and verified the capabilities of the gripper to grasp objects with different shapes and weights.
Association between fish intake and glioma risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lei Honcho , To Chiho , Lei Unpeng
Published: August 2020

Objectives

We investigated the association between the consumption of fresh and processed fish and glioma risk using a meta-analysis approach.

Methods

We selected and analyzed observational studies that discussed the relationships between fresh and processed fish intake on glioma risk from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the SinoMed and Wanfang databases from inception to 31 March 2020. Studies were selected according to pre-established eligibility criteria and data were extracted separately by two researchers. A meta-analysis was conducted based on a random-effects model to provide pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Eight studies considered the relationship between fish intake (seven fresh and seven processed fish) and glioma risk and were included in this meta-analysis. The OR effect size for fresh fish intake and glioma risk was 0.72 (95%CI 0.53–0.97) and the overall OR effect size for processed fish intake and glioma risk was 1.88 (95%CI 1.06–3.34).

Conclusion

Dietary intake of fresh fish may reduce the risk of glioma, but consumption of processed fish may increase the risk of glioma. This study had some limitations, and further studies are therefore required to clarify the associations between fish intake and glioma risk.
Evaluation of stability of deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities using Doppler ultrasound
Authors: Zhang Shefang , Chu Wen , Wang Hua , Liang Yajun , Fan Yajuan , Liu Hui , Wei Guoshi
Published: August 2020

Objective

This study aimed to assess using Doppler ultrasound for analyzing stability of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities.

Methods

Patients with DVT of the lower extremities who were treated from August 2017 to December 2019 were selected. The patients were divided into stable and unstable groups according to whether thrombus was collected in a filter. Related ultrasound and blood test results were analyzed and compared.

Results

A total of 126 patients with DVT of the lower extremities were included, of whom 74 were in the stable group and 52 were in the unstable group. There were significant differences in the prothrombin time (PT), and lipoprotein alpha, D-dimer, and triglyceride levels between the groups. D-dimer levels >2800 ug/L, smoking, history of venous thrombosis, PT >13.15 s, and body mass index >24.45 kg/m2 were independent risk factors for stability of DVT of the lower extremities. The area under the curve with combined detection of DVT was significantly higher than that for body mass index, PT, and D-dimer alone.

Conclusion

Doppler ultrasound may be reliable for analyzing the stability of DVT of the lower extremities. Related strategies targeting risk factors are required for reducing DVT of the lower extremities.
The real cause of right lower abdominal pain: an analysis of ultrasonographic findings
Authors: Zhang Xia , Liu Biaohu , Zhu Xiangming , Hu Guobing
Published: August 2020

A pelvic accessory spleen is uncommon and most patients with this condition are asymptomatic. Ureteral calculus is a common disease and can cause acute abdominal pain. We report a 51‐year‐old male patient who presented at our hospital with acute right lower abdominal pain and gross hematuria. A large mass on the right side of the pelvis was detected on an ultrasound examination, as well as a calculus in the lower segment of the right ureter. Computed tomography angiography showed the presence of a long vascular pedicle with an artery originating from the splenic artery and a vein that joined with the splenic vein. Laparoscopy was carried out and it showed a solid mass covered with omentum on the right lower abdomen. The mass was then removed surgically. Histopathological examination of the resected specimens confirmed splenic tissue. We speculate that the accessory spleen and ureteral calculus caused right lower abdominal pain in our case. However, the ureteral calculus might have played a much more important role in causing acute right lower abdominal pain than the accessory spleen.
Unsolicited urbanism: development monopolies, regulatory-technical fixes and planning-as-deal-making
Authors: Rogers Dallas , Gibson Chris
Published: August 2020

This article identifies the evolution of, and critiques, unsolicited urbanism—a project of city-shaping favouring powerful market actors but inconsistent with the neoliberal tenet of competition. Marked by predetermined outcomes, unsolicited urbanism legitimates secretive monopolies over specific sites and the normalization of planning-as-deal-making. Such features are not uncommon globally, as circuits of capital seek rent opportunities latent in urban land, and as market actors increasingly exercise power over development decision-making. But following casino-led mega-development in Melbourne (Southbank/Docklands) and Sydney (Barangaroo), Australia, unsolicited urbanism has coalesced as a clearly-identifiable project, inflected by relationships forged in the Asia-Pacific. The project, promoted by coalitions of developers, global capital, state government, and real estate, engineering and financing consultants, targets not just new sites for development, but the planning system itself. At its heart is a novel urban planning instrument, Unsolicited Proposals, that codifies and legitimizes bold and secretive bids for sites and assets over which governments and communities have not signalled intent or need for change. Unsolicited Proposal guidelines solicit premeditated, commercial-in-confidence bids to redevelop key urban assets without outside competition. Originating in two high-profile waterfront sites in Australia, the formalized Unsolicited Proposal planning process has spread elsewhere as a ‘fix’ to ‘unlock’ urban spaces for casino development, infrastructure financing and quasi-privatizations, with foreboding signs of its rapid mobility. The project of unsolicited urbanism connects money and power in new ways to reshape cities, and this analysis shows how a suite of regulatory-technical processes has been reconfigured to make this possible.
Realigning the Cosmos: The intertextual image of judgment and restoration in Zephaniah
Authors: Werse Nicholas R
Published: August 2020

Two extensive intertextual voices in the final-form of Zephaniah consist of Gen 1-11 (in Zeph 1.2-3; 2.11-15; 3.9-10) and Isaiah (in Zeph 2.15; 3.9-10, 14-17). Although often explored independently, these intertextual voices overlap in Zeph 2.11-15 and 3.9-10, constructing a dialogue. This study argues that this intertextual dialogue reorients the surrounding pronouncements of judgment and salvation along cosmic lines. This dialogue reframes the message of Zephaniah within a chiastic structure in which judgment against Jerusalem inaugurates the undoing of creation (A. Zeph 1.2-3). The voices of Isaiah and Gen 1-11 direct this undoing toward the nations, which culminates in the undoing of an archetypal Mesopotamian cultic center (B. Zeph 2.11b-15). Following this, the nations are reoriented around Jerusalem as the new international cultic center (B’. Zeph 3.9-10). This reorientation culminates in Jerusalem’s praise on account of its cosmic restoration (A’. Zeph 3.14-17).
Centuries of Irish Childhoods
Authors: Hay Marnie
Published: August 2020

This article serves as an introduction to a special issue of Irish Economic and Social History (Volume 47) that illuminates the diversity of childhoods experienced by children growing up in Ireland and in the Irish diaspora between the mid sixteenth and the early twentieth centuries. The article explores the development of the history of children and childhood in Ireland as a growing area of academic enquiry and discusses the problems and challenges associated with studying children and childhood in the past. It also contextualises the articles included in the special issue of the journal, which demonstrate how age, class, gender, geography, religion and ethnicity combined with adult control to influence the lives of children ranging from infancy to early adolescence. Adult control was reflected in decisions made regarding the feeding, fostering, educating, employing, entertaining and punishing of children. Such decisions could have lifelong consequences for the children concerned. This introductory article highlights the central role of adults in influencing, controlling and representing children’s lives but also provides insight into the diverse experiences of Irish childhoods during five centuries.
Neurophysiological correlates of abnormal auditory processing in episodic migraine during the interictal period
Authors: Vilà-Balló Adrià , Marti-Marca Angela , Torres-Ferrús Marta , Alpuente Alicia , Gallardo Victor José , Pozo-Rosich Patricia
Published: August 2020

Background

The characteristics of the hypersensitivity to auditory stimuli during the interictal period in episodic migraine are discussed. The combined use of event-related potentials, time-frequency power and phase-synchronization can provide relevant information about the time-course of sensory-attentional processing in migraine and its underlying mechanisms.

Objective

The aim of this nested case-control study was to examine these processes in young, female, episodic migraine patients interictally and compare them to controls using an active auditory oddball task.

Method

We recorded, using 20 channels, the electrophysiological brain activity of 21 women with episodic migraine without aura and 21 healthy matched controls without family history of migraine, during a novelty oddball paradigm. We collected sociodemographic and clinical data as well as scores related to disability, quality of life, anxiety and depression. We calculated behavioural measures including reaction times, hit rates and false alarms. Spectral power and phase-synchronization of oscillatory activity as well as event-related potentials were obtained for standard stimuli. For target and novel stimuli, event-related potentials were acquired.

Results

There were no significant differences at the behavioural level. In migraine patients, we found an increased phase-synchronization at the theta frequency range and a higher N1 response to standard trials. No differences were observed in spectral power. No evidence for a lack of habituation in any of the measures was seen between migraine patients and controls. The Reorienting Negativity was reduced in migraine patients as compared to controls on novel but not on target trials.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that migraine patients process stimuli as more salient, seem to allocate more of their attentional resources to their surrounding environment, and have less available resources to reorient attention back to the main task.
Investigation of dielectric relaxation phenomena and AC electrical conductivity in graphite/carbon nanotubes/engine oil nanofluids
Authors: Barnoss S , Melo BMG , El Hasnaoui M , Graça MPF , Achour ME , Costa LC
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we report an investigation on electrical conduction mechanisms of nanofluids based on commercial engine oil loaded with graphite (Gt) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes, at different concentrations. The impedance spectroscopy technique was used to measure the resistance and capacity characterizing each sample in a frequency range 100 Hz–1 MHz and a temperature range 300–400 K. Two formalisms were used to analyze the data: (a) the electrical conductivity which has found to follow the Jonscher’s law with single and double exponents for carbon nanotube concentrations below and above the percolation threshold, respectively, and (b) the complex impedance that has permitted to identify the relaxation peaks according to the Cole–Cole model. Both the two formalisms showed that when the carbon nanotube concentration is higher than the percolation threshold, a positive temperature coefficient and a remarkable change in conductivity were observed, suggesting that the presence of the carbon nanotube greatly affect the electrical properties of the engine oil as a result of additional polarization effect induced by these nanoparticles. Furthermore, the analysis of the temperature dependence of dc conductivity and relaxation time using the Arrhenius equation indicated the addition of carbon nanotubes into engine oil increase the activation energies.
A Tool to Predict Readmission to the Intensive Care Unit in Surgical Critical Care Patients—The RISC Score
Authors: Hammer Maximilian , Grabitz Stephanie D. , Teja Bijan , Wongtangman Karuna , Serrano Marjorie , Neves Sara , Siddiqui Shahla , Xu Xinling , Eikermann Matthias
Published: August 2020

Background:

Readmission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is associated with a high risk of in-hospital mortality and higher health care costs. Previously published tools to predict ICU readmission in surgical ICU patients have important limitations that restrict their clinical implementation. We sought to develop a clinically intuitive score that can be implemented to predict readmission to the ICU after surgery or trauma. We designed the score to emphasize modifiable predictors.

Methods:

In this retrospective cohort study, we included surgical patients requiring critical care between June 2015 and January 2019 at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, MA, USA. We used logistic regression to fit a prognostic model for ICU readmission from a priori defined, widely available candidate predictors. The score performance was compared with existing prediction instruments.

Results:

Of 7,126 patients, 168 (2.4%) were readmitted to the ICU during the same hospitalization. The final score included 8 variables addressing demographical factors, surgical factors, physiological parameters, ICU treatment and the acuity of illness. The maximum score achievable was 13 points. Potentially modifiable predictors included the inability to ambulate at ICU discharge, substantial positive fluid balance (>5 liters), severe anemia (hemoglobin <7 mg/dl), hyperglycemia (>180 mg/dl), and long ICU length of stay (>5 days). The score yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.78 (95% CI 0.74-0.82) and significantly outperformed previously published scores. The performance of the underlying model was confirmed by leave-one-out cross-validation.

Conclusion:

The RISC-score is a clinically intuitive prediction instrument that helps identify surgical ICU patients at high risk for ICU readmission. The simplicity of the score facilitates its clinical implementation across surgical divisions.