bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The correlated effects of polyetheramine-functionalized graphene oxide loading on the curing reaction and the mechanical properties of epoxy composites
Authors: Tian Junpeng , Yang Cheng , Yang Jiping , Shi Shuangqiang , Hao Sijia
Published: March 2021

In this study, the effects of polyetheramine (D230) functionalized graphene oxide loading on the curing reaction, thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy composites were studied and the correlation between structure and property of epoxy composite was established. In the functionalization of graphene oxide (GO), the effect of the mass ratio of D230 to GO on chemical properties of the functionalized GO was investigated. Results showed that D230 were successfully covalently grafted onto surface of two-dimensional functionalized GO sheet. The functionalized GO sheets prepared under optimal condition of D230/GO ratio of 1:1 dispersed evenly in epoxy composites, indicating the possibility of the epoxy composite fabrication by the solvent-free technique. The analysis of qualitative Cure Index suggested that epoxy composites were subjected to excellent curing. The quantitative evaluation of curing kinetics demonstrated that the functionalized GO exhibited a chemical facilitation on the curing reaction. However, the functionalized GO simultaneously physically restricted the curing reactivity, especially at high loading. These contributed to the improved interfacial properties and high toughness of the epoxy composites. Compared to neat epoxy, the epoxy composites showed effective tensile strength improvement of ∼10.0% (77.0 MPa), tensile modulus enhancement of ∼7.7% (3.34 GPa), flexural modulus increment of ∼12.1% (3.43 GPa), and flexural strength increment of ∼10.6% (124.3 MPa). This study demonstrated an effective and environment-friendly strategy to design GO reinforced epoxy composites with favorable dispersion and interfacial bonding, and it further clarified the relationship between the crosslinking network/interfacial structure and the mechanical properties of epoxy composites.
Optimal radiation shielding capacity and thermal properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) films enhanced with different metal complexes
Authors: Saudi Heba A , Gomaa Hossam M , El-Mosallamy El-Said H , Elkatlawy Saeid M
Published: March 2021

Samples of pure poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and PMMA enhanced with metal complexes of Zn, Cd, and Hg were synthesized via catalytic chain transfer polymerization. Structural analysis, by means of XRD, showed the amorphous nature of the studied samples which meant high homogenous dissolution of the metals (Zn, Cd and Hg) into the polymer matrix. Density values increased linearly with respect to atomic radius of the incorporated metals. Addition of such elements causes an increase in mass attenuation coefficients and a remarkable decrease in the Half Value Layer (HVL) values, in comparison to existing standard shielding materials. Thermal studies by DSC indicated highly homogenous internal structure of the studied samples, with slight decrease in the Tg value when introducing metals due to heterogeneous nucleation agent role of the Cd, Zn and Hg. All observations and results suggest the studied materials to be used as promising and proper aprons for medical radiation shielding applications.
Book review: Carol Upadhya, Mario Rutten and Leah Koskimaki, Eds. 2018. Provincial Globalization in India: Transregional Mobilities and Development Politics
Authors: Singh Prabudh
Published: March 2021

Carol Upadhya, Mario Rutten and Leah Koskimaki, Eds. 2018. Provincial Globalization in India: Transregional Mobilities and Development Politics. London and New York: Routledge. ISBN 978-1-138-06962-6 (hardcover), pp. 194, $155.00
Book review: Kanta Murali. 2017. Caste, Class and Capital: The Social and Political Origins of Economic Policy in India
Authors: Mahmood Zaad
Published: March 2021

Kanta Murali. 2017. Caste, Class and Capital: The Social and Political Origins of Economic Policy in India. Cambridge University Press, 317pp., Paperback, £24.99. ISBN: 978-1316608173.
Women’s Collectives and Social Transformations in South Asia: Negotiations, Navigations and Self-making
Authors: Kamra Lipika , Sen Debarati
Published: March 2021

This introduction to the special issue lays out the importance of studying women’s collectives in South Asia. We argue in this issue that it is particularly important to examine collectives in this moment because transformations in South Asian women’s lives are increasingly described in individual terms in state policy and international development discourses. The emphasis on individual empowerment alone, however, effaces the subtle negotiations that women carry out with state actors, development workers, families, the market and their communities through collectives. The articles in the special issue examine how women’s participation in collectives and collective spaces enables them to imagine transformations in their lives. We also discuss the limitations of collectives-led transformation.
A Case of Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia with Misalignment of the Pulmonary Veins (ACD/MPV): The Importance of Early Genetic Testing
Authors: Callan Emily A. , Geddes Gabrielle , Konduri Girjia G. , Handler Stephanie
Published: March 2021

Alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of the pulmonary veins (ACD/MPV) is a rare, lethal condition caused by irregular pulmonary vascular maturation. Almost all cases present in the newborn period with ensuing respiratory decline within a couple days of life, ultimately leading to nearly 100% neonatal mortality. While the gold standard for diagnosis is lung biopsy, the identification of the Forkhead Box F1 (FOXF1) gene as the main genetic cause of ACD/MPV has allowed for a definitive diagnosis to be made without performing a high-risk procedure in a critically-ill neonate. This case report describes an ACD/MPV patient with hyperinsulinemia and refractory hypoglycemia as well as multiple anomalies who was found to have a novel pathogenic variant in the FOXF1 gene, identified via exome with copy number analysis, which results in premature protein termination (NM 001451.2 c.637 dup, p.Val213Glyfs*82). Our patient showcases the importance of early genetic testing to diagnose ACD/MPV given the substantial risk in obtaining a lung biopsy in a patient with hypoxemic respiratory failure, severe pulmonary hypertension, and vasodilator-induced pulmonary edema.
Teaching Music Online: Using Microsoft PowerPoint to Create Prerecorded Lessons
Authors: Norman Timothy David
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many schools temporarily moving to online learning. For some general music teachers, this involves prerecording lessons. This column discusses how general music teachers can create prerecorded lessons using Microsoft PowerPoint.
Parental Bereavement in Older Age: A Scoping Review
Authors: Wright Patricia Moyle
Published: March 2021

A scoping review of parental bereavement in older age was conducted to identify the unique needs of older adults after the loss of an adult child. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed in accordance with the stated objectives of this review, which was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). In total, 26 research studies were included. The data were then analyzed using a systematic approach for organizing and synthesizing key data. The results indicated that some consequences and mediators of parental bereavement are similar regardless of age. But, older adults experience greater loneliness, isolation, and stigma than their younger counterparts. Older parents are also at greater risk for physical decline, mortality, and institutionalization following the death of an adult child. Religious and cultural mores also have influence on the bereavement process.
Modeling and experimental study on the mechanical behavior of glass/basalt fiber metal laminates after thermal cycling
Authors: Azghan Mehdi Abdollahi , Bahari-Sambran F , Eslami-Farsani Reza
Published: March 2021

In the present study, the effect of thermal cycling and stacking sequence on the tensile behavior of fiber metal laminate (FML) composites containing glass and basalt fibers was investigated. To fabricate the FML samples, fibers reinforced epoxy composite were sandwiched between two layers of 2024-T3 aluminum alloy sheet. 55 thermal cycles were implemented at a temperature range of 25–115°C for 6 min. The tensile tests were carried out after the thermal cycling procedure, and the results were compared with non-thermal cycling specimens. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed for the characterization of the damage mechanisms. The FMLs containing four basalt fibers’ layers showed higher values of tensile strength, modulus, and energy absorption. On the other hand, the lowest strength and fracture energy were found in the asymmetrically stacked sample containing basalt and glass fibers, due to weak adhesion between composite components (basalt and glass fibers). The lowest tensile modulus was found in the sample containing glass fibers that was due to the low modulus of the glass fibers compared to basalt fibers. In the case of the samples exposed to thermal cycling, the highest and the lowest thermal stabilities were observed in basalt fibers samples and asymmetrically stacked samples, respectively. In accordance with the experimental results, a non-linear damage model using the Weibull function and tensile modulus was employed to predict the stress-strain relationship. The simulated strain–strain curves presented an appropriate agreement with the experimental results.
Eligibility for and Enrollment in Medicaid Among Nonelderly Adults After Implementation of the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Decker Sandra L. , Abdus Salam , Lipton Brandy J.
Published: March 2021

The Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) Medicaid expansion resulted in substantial gains in coverage. However, little research has documented eligibility or participation rates among eligible adults in the post-ACA period in part because of the complexities involved in assigning eligibility status. We used simulation modeling to examine Medicaid eligibility and participation during 2014 to 2017. More than one in five adults were Medicaid eligible in expansion states in the post-ACA period. In contrast, about one in 30 adults were Medicaid eligible in nonexpansion states. While eligibility rates differed substantially by expansion status, participation rates among Medicaid-eligible adults were similar in both sets of states (44% to 46%). These estimates indicate that differences in eligibility rather than in participation rates explained differences in enrollment between expansion and nonexpansion states during the study period. Participation in Medicaid is expected to grow during the coronavirus pandemic. Our study provides baseline estimates for future analyses of enrollment trends.
The Ghost of Violence: The Lived Experience of Violence After the Act
Authors: Henze-Pedersen Sofie
Published: March 2021

Based on ethnographic fieldwork and thematic analysis, this article explores how violence is lived after violent events have taken place, and how it shapes women’s everyday lives post-separation. First, the analysis shows how violence is negotiated in the context of a women’s refuge, shaping women’s perceptions of themselves and their experiences. Second, it explores how the potential of violence taking place can influence women’s everyday lives, and third, how past acts of violence can become part of the present atmosphere of everyday life. This raises questions about the meaning of time in analyses of violence.
Fractional derivative modeling of time-varying viscosity materials considering initial loading ramp in real experiments
Authors: Su Teng , Zhou Hongwei , Zhao Jiawei , Dias Daniel
Published: March 2021

The fractional derivative models with time-varying viscosity have been used in characterizing creep or relaxation properties of different viscoelastic material, and many combination models were presented using the Boltzmann superposition principle. However, those models defined as initial ones in this manuscript usually ignored the initial loading ramp, and the ideal-loading condition is commonly assumed as a step function in modeling. The real-loading conditions of tested samples are usually a ramp load followed by constant stress or strain. The difference in loading conditions between the theoretical modeling and experimental procedure strongly influences the models’ rheological property characterization and parameter determination. It is especially the case for the fractional derivative model due to its memory or history-dependent characters, even though the ramp time is short compared with the total experimental time. An application example of the Maxwell model with time-varying viscosity Scott–Blair model (TVSM) shows that the initial loading ramp has a strong influence. To solve this problem, the authors propose modified models of TVSM based on real-loading conditions. The relative errors between initial and modified models are presented. In addition, a history-dependent optimization algorithm for parameter determination is proposed. Three sets of polymer experimental data are employed to suggest that the fitting results of models disregarding initial ramp loads are unreliable. The modified model should be used for characterizing rheological behavior, as this leads to obtaining the best fitting results even for a short experimental time.
The effect of intravitreal recombinant tissue plasminogen activator injection on diabetic tractional fibrovascular membranes: Proposed criteria using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Ghasemi Falavarjani Khalil , Anvari Pasha , Dehghan Niri Mohammadhasan , Molaei Saber , Abdi Fateme , Shad Esrafil , Kazemi Pegah , Sadda SriniVas R
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect of intravitreal recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) on diabetic tractional fibrovascular membranes (FVM) using proposed optical coherence tomography (OCT) criteria.

Methods:

This prospective, interventional case series enrolled eyes with tractional retinal detachment who were candidates for pars plana vitrectomy. OCT images were obtained to evaluate the border of the attached–detached retina and overlying FVP at baseline and 1 week post-intravitreal tPA injection using the follow-up scan acquisition protocol. Two independent graders assessed retinal detachment (RD) height, FVM height, and retinal thickness at the site of membrane attachment.

Results:

Thirteen eyes from 13 individuals were included. Assessment of RD height, FVM height, and retinal thickness at membrane attachment point were feasible at both visits in 10/13 (77%), 10/13 (77%), and 8/13 (62%) of eyes, respectively. There was excellent agreement between the two graders for all measurements (all ICC > 0.94). Release of the retina-membrane attachment point was not observed in any eyes. No statistically significant change was found in any of the measured parameters.

Conclusions:

Excellent agreement was achieved between the graders for quantitative assessment of diabetic FVM using our proposed OCT criteria. We did not observe a significant change in the FVM measurements, 1-week after intravitreal tPA injection.
The effects of amblyopia on children’s reading performance after patching treatment
Authors: Fernandes Arthur Gustavo , Ferraz Nívea Nunes
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of amblyopia on children’s reading performance after the successful patching treatment with 20/20 visual acuity (VA) in the treated eye.

Methods:

The treated amblyopes group included 10 children with strabismic amblyopia diagnosed on the first visit presenting VA equal or better than 0.0 logMAR (20/20 Snellen) in the better vision eye and VA worse than 0.2 logMAR (20/32 Snellen) in the worse eye that underwent patching treatment of amblyopia reaching a final VA  equal to  0.0 logMAR in the treated eye. The control group comprised 10 children matched by age, gender and school-grade with no visual disorders. Reading performance was evaluated according to reading acuity (RA), critical print size (CPS), reading speed (RS) at 0.7 logMAR, and maximum reading speed (MRS) using the MNREAD chart.

Results:

Binocular reading performance was compared between groups and no statistically significant differences were found on RA, CPS, RS, or MRS ( p > 0.05). When analyzing monocular reading performances of treated amblyopes, a worse RA ( p = 0.04) and CPS ( p = 0.04) were observed on the previously amblyopic eye when compared to the fellow eye. When comparing the fellow eye from treated amblyopes and a randomly selected eye from controls, no statistically significant differences on RA, CPS, RS, or MRS were found ( p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

The results suggest that even patients who reached 20/20 VA in the treated eye after patching treatment for amblyopia may present persistent impaired reading performance. These findings reinforce the importance of reading performance testing as a tool when evaluating the visual function development in amblyopic patients.
Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamic analysis of high-speed water-lubricated hydrodynamic journal bearing with groove texture considering turbulence
Authors: Feng Huihui , Jiang Shuyun , Shang-Guan Yanqin
Published: March 2021

Water-lubricated bearings have attracted increasing attention in the field of high-speed machine tools for their low friction due to low viscosity. However, new problems, in particular, insufficient load capacity, are on the way. To the point, groove-textured journal bearing is adopted in this study. Aiming at investigating the effects of groove texture on high speed, water-lubricated, hydrodynamic journal bearing precisely, and thoroughly, three-dimensional computational fluid dynamic analyses considering cavitation and turbulence are undertaken to assess the tribological performances of the bearing. To reduce the amount of three-dimensional modeling and meshing work, mesh deformation is presented. The numerical results are compared with experiments to verify the validity of the present models and calculation procedures. Pressure distribution, load capacity, and friction of groove-textured water-lubricated journal bearing are analyzed with respect to operating conditions and geometric parameters. Comparisons between groove-textured water-lubricated journal bearing and smooth bearing are carried out to find out the influence of groove texture. It is found that the groove texture can achieve a remarkable improvement of load capacity at a smaller eccentricity ratio and higher rotary speed. The load capacity is affected by the combined effects of groove depth, width, and length. However, generally, the friction force of water-lubricated journal bearing is slightly influenced by groove texture. Results can provide theoretical guidance for the optimal design of groove-textured water-lubricated journal bearing under different operating parameters.
A qualitative study of clinician perceptions regarding the potential role for digital health interventions for the management of COPD
Authors: Slevin Patrick , Kessie Threase , Cullen John , Butler Marcus W. , Donnelly Seamas C. , Caulfield Brian
Published: March 2021

Effective self-management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can lead to increased patient control and reduced health care costs. However, both patients and healthcare professionals encounter significant challenges. Digital health interventions, such as smart oximeters and COPD self-management applications, promise to enhance the management of COPD, yet, there is little evidence to support their use and user-experience issues are still common. Understanding the needs of healthcare professionals is central for increasing adoption and engagement with digital health interventions but little is known about their perceptions of digital health interventions in COPD. This paper explored the perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding the potential role for DHI in the management of COPD. Snowball sampling was used to recruit the participants ( n = 32). Each participant underwent a semi-structured interview. Using NVivo 12 software, thematic analysis was completed. Healthcare professionals perceive digital health interventions providing several potential benefits to the management of COPD including the capture of patient status indicators during the interappointment period, providing new patient data to support the consultation process and perceived digital health interventions as a potential means to improve patient engagement. The findings offer new insights regarding potential future use-cases for digital health interventions in COPD, which can help ease user-experience issues as they align with the needs of healthcare professionals.
Counterterrorism legislation and far-right terrorism in Australia and the United Kingdom
Authors: Blackbourn Jessie
Published: March 2021

Over the past two decades, since the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States, a number of countries have enacted new laws tailored specifically to the threat posed by Islamic extremist terrorism. This includes recent legislation that has criminalised behaviour associated with ‘foreign terrorist fighters’, such as the act of travel to, or fighting in, foreign conflicts. This legislative response reflects the enactment of earlier laws, with measures designed for prior iterations of the contemporary Islamic extremist terrorist threat, such as control orders and preventative detention orders, prohibitions on extremist speech and disseminating terrorist propganda and the criminalisation of terrorist training. Yet despite the focus on Islamic extremist terrorism, this is not the only terrorist threat that Western democracies face. The rise of far-right terrorism in recent years has, however, not seen the same recourse to new legislation as has been the case for Islamic extremist terrorism. Using Australia and the United Kingdom as case studies, this article assesses the extent to which counterterrorism legislation has been used to deal with the particular threat posed by far-right terrorism. In doing so, it evaluates the lessons that might be learned from applying counterterrorism legislation designed for one particular terrorist threat to other types of terrorism.
Nonparametric nonlinear restoring force and excitation identification with Legendre polynomial model and data fusion
Authors: Xu Bin , Zhao Ye , Deng Baichuan , Du Yibang , Wang Chen , Ge Hanbin
Published: March 2021

Identification of nonlinear restoring force and dynamic loadings provides critical information for post-event damage diagnosis of structures. Due to high complexity and individuality of structural nonlinearities, it is difficult to provide an exact parametric mathematical model in advance to describe the nonlinear behavior of a structural member or a substructure under strong dynamic loadings in practice. Moreover, external dynamic loading applied to an engineering structure is usually unknown and only acceleration responses at limited degrees of freedom of the structure are available for identification. In this study, a nonparametric nonlinear restoring force and excitation identification approach combining the Legendre polynomial model and extended Kalman filter with unknown input is proposed using limited acceleration measurements fused with limited displacement measurements. Then, the performance of the proposed approach is first illustrated via numerical simulation with multi-degree-of-freedom frame structures equipped with magnetorheological dampers mimicking nonlinearity under direct dynamic excitation or base excitation using noise-polluted measurements. Finally, a dynamic experimental study on a four-story steel frame model equipped with a magnetorheological damper is carried out and dynamic response measurement is employed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method by comparing the identified dynamic responses, nonlinear restoring force, and excitation force with the test measurements. The convergence and the effect of initial estimation errors of structural parameters on the final identification results are investigated. The effect of data fusion on improving the identification accuracy is also investigated.
Integrative Oncology Consultations Delivered via Telehealth in 2020 and In-Person in 2019: Paradigm Shift During the COVID-19 World Pandemic
Authors: Narayanan Santhosshi , Lopez Gabriel , Powers-James Catherine , Fellman Bryan M , Chunduru Aditi , Li Yisheng , Bruera Eduardo , Cohen Lorenzo
Published: March 2021

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed the use of mobile technologies to deliver health care. This new medical model has benefited integrative oncology (IO) consultations, where cancer patients are counseled about healthy lifestyle, non-pharmacological approaches for symptom management, and addressing questions around natural products and other integrative modalities. Here we report the feasibility of conducting IO physician consultations via telehealth in 2020 and compare patient characteristics to prior in-person consultations conducted in 2019.

Methods:

An integrated EHR-telemedicine platform was used for IO physician consultations. As in the prior in-person visits, patients completed pre-visit patient-reported outcome (PRO) assessments about common cancer symptoms [modified Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, (ESAS)], Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCaW), and the PROMIS-10 to assess quality of life (QOL). Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and PROs for new telehealth consultation in 2020 were compared to new in-person consultations in 2019 using t-tests, chi-squared tests, and -Wilcoxon rank-sum test.

Results:

We provided telehealth IO consultations to 509 new patients from April 21, 2020, to October 21, 2020, versus 842 new patients in-person during the same period in 2019. Most were female (77 % vs 73%); median age (56 vs 58), and the most frequent cancer type was breast (48% vs 39%). More patients were seeking counseling on herbs and supplements (12.9 vs 6.8%) and lifestyle (diet 22.7 vs 16.9% and exercise 5.2 vs 1.8%) in the 2020 cohort than 2019, respectively. The 2020 telehealth cohort had lower symptom management concerns compared to the 2019 in-person cohort (19.5 vs 33.1%).

Conclusions:

Delivering IO consultations using telehealth is feasible and meets patients’ needs. Compared to patients seen in-person during 2019, patients having telehealth IO consultations in 2020 reported lower symptom burden and more concerns about lifestyle and herbs and supplements. Additional research is warranted to explore the satisfaction and challenges among patients receiving telehealth IO care.
A Review of Current Noninvasive Imaging Surveillance Practices for Deep Venous Arterialization Procedures
Authors: Yan Qi , Treffalls John A. , Ferrer Lucas , Davies Mark G.
Published: March 2021

Venous arterialization is an increasingly common procedure performed in patients with critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) where there are no open or percutaneous revascularization options. This study aims to review the imaging follow-up for venous arterialization described in the literature. A systematic review was performed on venous arterialization studies for CLTI using the PRISMA methodology. A literature search was performed on 5 databases from inception. We included all original studies, case reports, and reviews regarding venous arterialization for all pathologies. We excluded free standing abstracts, animal studies, other than lower extremity, and foreign language studies. Our search strategy yielded 23 studies that met inclusion criteria, with 16 studies reporting a specific value from at least one surveillance imaging methodology. Most studies used Duplex imaging (16 studies) and TCPo2 (9 studies). Only 9 studies provided any detail regarding the Duplex findings. One study used focal peak systolic velocity (PSV) gradient (PSV at the lesion in the graft divided by PSV in a proximal segment of the graft) above 2.5 as an indicator for flow-inhibiting venous valves or stenosis in the graft. Another study reported a turbulent flow pattern in the graft, elevating peak velocities to 100 to 200 cm/s throughout the bypass. Four studies reported flow volume measurement through the bypass or in pedal vein ranging from 40 to 437 mL/min. Seven studies reported a mean increase of 18.7 mmHg in TCPo2. Eighty-two percent of patients saw an improvement of TCPo2 in 2 studies. To date, no criteria have been identified that are predictive of the success or failure of deep vein arterialization. Venous arterialization is an increasingly common procedure in the “no-option” diabetic patient. Duplex imaging with TCPo2 offers the most appropriate means of surveillance; however, the literature is sparse with no guidance on normal or critical values.
A Robotic System with EMG-Triggered Functional Eletrical Stimulation for Restoring Arm Functions in Stroke Survivors
Authors: Ambrosini Emilia , Gasperini Giulio , Zajc Johannes , Immick Nancy , Augsten Andreas , Rossini Mauro , Ballarati Roberto , Russold Micheal , Ferrante Simona , Ferrigno Giancarlo , Bulgheroni Maria , Baccinelli Walter , Schauer Thomas , Wiesener Constantin , Gfoehler Margit , Puchinger Markus , Weber Mathias , Weber Sebastian , Pedrocchi Alessandra , Molteni Franco , Krakow Karsten
Published: March 2021

Background

Robotic systems combined with Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) showed promising results on upper-limb motor recovery after stroke, but adequately-sized randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are still missing.

Objective

To evaluate whether arm training supported by RETRAINER, a passive exoskeleton integrated with electromyograph-triggered functional electrical stimulation, is superior to advanced conventional therapy (ACT) of equal intensity in the recovery of arm functions, dexterity, strength, activities of daily living, and quality of life after stroke.

Methods

A single-blind RCT recruiting 72 patients was conducted. Patients, randomly allocated to 2 groups, were trained for 9 weeks, 3 times per week: the experimental group performed task-oriented exercises assisted by RETRAINER for 30 minutes plus ACT (60 minutes), whereas the control group performed only ACT (90 minutes). Patients were assessed before, soon after, and 1 month after the end of the intervention. Outcome measures were as follows: Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Motricity Index, Motor Activity Log, Box and Blocks Test (BBT), Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SSQoL), and Muscle Research Council.

Results

All outcomes but SSQoL significantly improved over time in both groups ( P < .001); a significant interaction effect in favor of the experimental group was found for ARAT and BBT. ARAT showed a between-group change of 11.5 points ( P = .010) at the end of the intervention, which increased to 13.6 points 1 month after. Patients considered RETRAINER moderately usable (System Usability Score of 61.5 ± 22.8).

Conclusions

Hybrid robotic systems, allowing to perform personalized, intensive, and task-oriented training, with an enriched sensory feedback, was superior to ACT in improving arm functions and dexterity after stroke.
Training executive functions using an adaptive procedure over 21 days (10 training sessions) and an active control group
Authors: De Lillo Martina , Brunsdon Victoria EA , Bradford Elisabeth EF , Gasking Frank , Ferguson Heather J
Published: March 2021

The degree to which executive function (EF) abilities (including working memory [WM], inhibitory control [IC], and cognitive flexibility [CF]) can be enhanced through training is an important question; however, research in this area is inconsistent. Previous cognitive training studies largely agree that training leads to improvements in the trained task, but the generalisability of this improvement to other related tasks remains controversial. In this article, we present a pre-registered experiment that used an adaptive training procedure to examine whether EFs can be enhanced through cognitive training, and directly compared the efficacy and generalisability across sub-components of EF using training programmes that target WM, IC, or CF versus an active control group. Participants ( n = 160) first completed a battery of tasks that assessed EFs, then were randomly assigned to one of the four training groups, and completed an adaptive procedure over 21 days (10 training sessions) that targeted a specific sub-component of EF (or was comparatively engaging and challenging, but did not train a specific EF). At post-test, participants returned to the lab to repeat the battery of EF tasks. Results revealed robust direct training effects (i.e., on trained task), but limited evidence to support near (i.e., same EF, different task) and far (i.e., different EF and task) transfer effects. Where indirect training benefits emerged, the effects were more readily attributable to the overlapping training/assessment task routines, rather than more general enhancements to the underlying cognitive processes or neural circuits.
Prostate cancer biomarkers and multiparametric MRI: is there a role for both in prostate cancer management?
Authors: Saltman Anna , Zegar Joseph , Haj-Hamed Monzer , Verma Sadhna , Sidana Abhinav
Published: March 2021

Several advancements have been made in recent years with regards to the detection and evaluation of prostate cancer (PCa). The low specificity of prostate specific antigen (PSA) has left much to be desired in a test, but a boom in novel biomarkers has made screening and surveillance more complicated. Several attempts at identifying a niche for these tests has helped somewhat, but much is still undetermined about the benefit that each test provides. In addition to laboratory tests, advancements in multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and PIRADSv.2 scoring have provided significant benefit to the evaluation of PCa. With the widespread use of prostate imaging, it is important to re-evaluate the impact of novel biomarkers in the context of furthering PCa screening and management. In this review, we aim to assess the influence mpMRI has on the role of nine different novel biomarkers in the detection and evaluation of PCa. We performed a review of current peer-reviewed literature to assess this question. Much data has been published on the role of these tests, allowing for their placement into one of three best-fit categories: tests for biopsy-naïve men (Prostate Health Index, Mi Prostate Score, 4K Score); tests for men with prior negative biopsies (ConfirmMDx, Progensa PCA3); and men on active surveillance (OncotypeDx, Prolaris, Decipher). Data on the role of these tests with the use of mpMRI have not been comprehensive and excludes several of the markers. More research is needed to determine the combined impact mpMRI and the novel biomarkers on the evaluation and management of PCa.
An integrated process targeting and continuous review system with sampling inspection
Authors: Tuffaha Firas M , AlDurgam Mohammad M
Published: March 2021

It is common in the integrated targeting inventory literature to assume 100% inspection. Yet, sampling inspection is still a valid alternative in numerous situations. Inspection time has been assumed negligible in the literature of integrated inventory and sampling inspection. Neglecting inspection time is unrealistic, especially when rejected lots are sent for 100% inspection. This research work integrates process targeting, production lot-sizing and inspection. Given a scenario of a producer and distributer, the objective is to determine the optimal mean setting at the producer, the production lot size to be produced and shipped to the distributor and the reorder point at the distributor under a given sampling inspection plan. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, sampling inspection and its associated costs are rarely addressed in integrated supply chain models, and have never been addressed in integrated models with controllable production rates. Numerical illustrations using an efficient solution technique are presented to highlight the impact of various model parameters. The results indicated that inspection time has a significant impact on the total cost of the developed model, especially, when tightened inspection plans are used.
An Intuitive Risk Communication Tool to Enhance Patient–Provider Partnership in Diabetes Consultation
Authors: Rouyard Thomas , Leal José , Salvi Dario , Baskerville Richard , Velardo Carmelo , Gray Alastair
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

This technology report introduces an innovative risk communication tool developed to support providers in communicating diabetes-related risks more intuitively to people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods:

The development process involved three main steps: (1) selecting the content and format of the risk message; (2) developing a digital interface; and (3) assessing the usability and usefulness of the tool with clinicians through validated questionnaires.

Results:

The tool calculates personalized risk information based on a validated simulation model (United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study Outcomes Model 2) and delivers it using more intuitive risk formats, such as “effective heart age” to convey cardiovascular risks. Clinicians reported high scores for the usability and usefulness of the tool, making its adoption in routine care promising.

Conclusions:

Despite increased use of risk calculators in clinical care, this is the first time that such a tool has been developed in the diabetes area. Further studies are needed to confirm the benefits of using this tool on behavioral and health outcomes in T2DM populations.
Freezing and confiscation under the EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement
Authors: Ramos Vânia C. , Pons Gary
Published: March 2021

This contribution presents a critical and practical analysis of the changes the EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement brings to the recognition and enforcement of freezing and confiscation orders. It provides an overview of how this area of law may develop in the future post-Brexit.
Extradition under the EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement
Authors: Grange Edward , Keith Ben , Kerridge Sophia
Published: March 2021

When the EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) was reached between the UK and the EU on 24 December 2020, it gave extradition practitioners only a few days to identify what, if anything, would remain from the European Arrest Warrant (EAW) system before it came into force on 1 January 2021. The article starts by setting out how the EAW was implemented in the UK prior to 1 January 2021, before turning to the TCA itself and what it means for extradition or ‘surrender’ between EU member states and the UK. In short, the EAW system no longer applies. The authors set out how the TCA provides a degree of continuity, now under the watchful eye of the UK–EU ‘Specialised Committee on Law Enforcement and Judicial Cooperation’. There are notable departures from the EAW system however, in both practical and legal terms, that open the door to increased scrutiny of extradition requests. The authors explore the impact these changes may have on the future of extradition with the EU27, to or from the UK.
Mutual legal assistance under the EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement
Authors: Oehmichen Anna , Keith Ben
Published: March 2021

This article provides an analysis of the new provisions in the EUUK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) that govern Mutual Legal Assistance in criminal matters. While only few provisions of the European Investigation Order are picked up by the TCA, it is mostly based on the Council of Europe’s European Mutual Assistance Convention of 1959. An overview on applicable law is provided, after which a closer look is taken at procedural aspects in general as well as specific differences between previously applicable and new provisions. In this respect, two conditions for issuing a request are considered, namely availability in similar domestic cases and proportionality. Grounds for refusal, provisional measures and legal remedies also are highlighted. The authors conclude that the new provisions leave a lot of unanswered questions and that while mutual legal assistance can continue, it will happen at reduced pace.
Barriers to Accessing Kidney Transplantation Among Populations Marginalized by Race and Ethnicity in Canada: A Scoping Review Part 2—East Asian, South Asian, and African, Caribbean, and Black Canadians
Authors: El-Dassouki Noor , Wong Dorothy , Toews Deanna M. , Gill Jagbir , Edwards Beth , Orchanian-Cheff Ani , Neves Paula , Marshall Lydia-Joi , Mucsi Istvan
Published: March 2021

Background:

Kidney transplantation (KT), a treatment option for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), is associated with longer survival and improved quality of life compared with dialysis. Inequities in access to KT, and specifically, living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT), have been documented in Canada, along various demographic dimensions. In this article, we review existing evidence about inequitable access to KT and LDKT for patients from communities marginalized by race and ethnicity in Canada.

Objective:

To characterize the currently published data on rates of KT and LDKT among East Asian, South Asian, and African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) Canadian communities and to answer the research question, “what factors may influence inequitable access to KT among East Asian, South Asian, and ACB Canadian communities?.”

Eligibility criteria:

Databases and gray literature were searched in June and November 2020 for full-text original research articles or gray literature resources addressing KT access or barriers in East Asian, South Asian, and ACB Canadian communities. A total of 25 articles were analyzed thematically.

Sources of evidence:

Gray literature and CINAHL, OVID Medline, OVID Embase, and Cochrane databases.

Charting methods:

Literature characteristics were recorded and findings which described rates of and factors that influence access to KT were summarized in a narrative account. Key themes were subsequently identified and synthesized thematically in the review.

Results:

East Asian, South Asian, and ACB communities in Canada face barriers in accessing culturally appropriate medical knowledge and care and experience inequitable access to KT. Potential barriers include gaps in knowledge about ESKD and KT, religious and spiritual concerns, stigma of ESKD and KT, health beliefs, social determinants of health, and experiences of systemic racism in health care.

Limitations:

This review included literature that used various methodologies and did not assess study quality. Data on ethnicity and race were not reported or defined in a standardized manner. The communities examined in this review are not homogeneous and views on organ donation and KT vary by individual.

Conclusions:

Our review has identified potential barriers for communities marginalized by race and ethnicity in accessing KT and LDKT. Further research is urgently needed to better understand the barriers and support needs of these communities, and to develop strategies to improve equitable access to LDKT for the growingly diverse population in Canada.
Categorizing and Rating Patient Complaints: An Innovative Approach to Improve Patient Experience
Authors: Bayer Stephanie , Kuzmickas Paul , Boissy Adrienne , Rose Susannah L. , Mercer Mary Beth
Published: March 2021

The Ombudsman Office at a large academic medical center created a standardized approach to manage and measure unsolicited patient complaints, including methods to identify longitudinal improvements, accounting for volume variances, as well as incident severity to prioritize response needs. Data on patient complaints and grievances are collected and categorized by type of issue, unit location, severity, and individual employee involved. In addition to granular data, results are collated into meaningful monthly leadership reports to identify opportunities for improvement. An overall benchmark for improvement is also applied based on the number of complaints and grievances received for every 1000 patient encounters. Results are utilized in conjunction with satisfaction survey results to drive patient experience strategies. By applying benchmarks to patient grievances, targets can be created based on historical performance. The utilization of grievance and complaint benchmarking helps prioritize resources to improve patient experiences.
Macular pigment optical density in central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Polat Gultekin Burcu , Sahli Esra
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

The aim of our study was to evaluate the macular pigment optical density in patients with acute and chronic central serous chorioretinopathy and to describe the association between central retinal thickness and choroidal thickness with the macular pigment optical density.

Materials and Methods:

Eyes with acute central serous chorioretinopathy and chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (patients, who were diagnosed as having disease activity for 6 months) were included in this study. Macular pigment was measured using the heterochromatic flicker technique of the MPS II device for both eyes in patients with acute and chronic central serous chorioretinopathy and in control subjects.

Results:

Twenty-seven eyes with acute central serous chorioretinopathy, 23 eyes with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy, and 25 control eyes were enrolled. The mean macular pigment optical density in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (0.480 ± 0.16 density unit (95% confidence interval: 0.390–0.570) was found to be significantly lower than in the control eyes (0.571 ± 0.128 density unit) (95% confidence interval: 0.480–0.670) ( p = 0.007). In correlation analysis, no significant association was detected between the central retinal thickness, choroidal thickness, and macular pigment optical density values in central serous chorioretinopathy group ( p = 0.31, p = 0.71).

Conclusion:

Macular pigment optical density levels were significantly lower in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy patients than in controls, possibly due to degeneration of the neurosensorial retina, as a result of the long-term persistence of subretinal fluid. There was not a significant correlation between choroidal thickness and macular pigment optical density levels in central serous chorioretinopathy group.
Prolonged maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells that escape from thrombopoietin deprivation
Authors: Nakamura-Ishizu Ayako , Chin Desmond Wai Loon , Matsumura Takayoshi , Tan Darren Qiancheng , Mochizuki-Kashio Makiko , Jianwen Deng , Suda Toshio
Published: March 2021

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) rarely divide, rest in quiescence, and proliferate only upon stress hematopoiesis. The cytokine thrombopoietin (Thpo) has been perplexingly described to induce quiescence and promote self-renewal divisions in HSCs. To clarify the contradictory effect of Thpo, we conducted a detailed analysis on conventional (Thpo−/−) and liver-specific (Thpofl/fl;AlbCre+/−) Thpo-deletion models. Thpo−/− HSCs exhibited profound loss of quiescence, impaired cell cycle progression, and increased apoptosis. Thpo−/− HSCs also exhibited diminished mitochondrial mass and impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics. Abnormal HSC phenotypes in Thpo−/− mice were reversible after HSC transplantation into wild-type recipients. Moreover, Thpo−/− HSCs acquired quiescence with extended administration of a Thpo receptor agonist, romiplostim, and were prone to subsequent stem cell exhaustion during competitive bone marrow transplantation. Thpofl/fl;AlbCre+/− HSCs exhibited similar stem cell phenotypes but to a lesser degree compared with Thpo−/− HSCs. HSCs that survive Thpo deficiency acquire quiescence in a dose-dependent manner through the modification of their metabolic state.