bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Stress-Dependent Permeability of Fracture Networks in Fractured Porous Media
Authors: Feng Yueli , Liu Yuetian , Lei Gang
Published: June 2021

In order to investigate the stress-sensitive characteristics of fracture networks under reservoir actual stress condition and its influence on the seepage in fractured porous media, we carried out permeability tests on experimental models with fracture networks under constant-volume boundary condition. In addition, a novel analytical stress-dependent permeability model of fracture networks in different directions was derived. Based on the test results and the proposed analytical model, the effects of various parameters (e.g., initial fracture aperture, fluid pressure, rock elastic modulus, effective-stress coefficient, and fracture dip) on deformation characteristics of fracture networks and the corresponding permeability tensor of fracture networks were studied. The research results show that, for a fractured porous media with a single group of fractures, the principal value of permeability is always parallel to the fracture-development direction. With increasing effective stress, the principal value of permeability decreases; however, the principal value direction remains unchanged. Moreover, for the fractured porous media with multiple sets of fractures, the principal direction of equivalent permeability will be inclined to the fractures with larger fracture aperture. Specifically, for the fractured porous media with two sets of intersecting fractures, the principal direction of equivalent permeability is parallel to the angular bisector of these two sets of intersecting fractures. Furthermore, the greater the difference of the fracture aperture change rate under effective stress, the more obvious the deviation of the permeability principal direction. The derived analytical model is of great theoretical and scientific significance to deepen the understanding of the stress-sensitive permeability of fractured reservoirs.
Link Interference and Route Length Based Dynamic Channel Allocation Algorithm for Multichannel Wireless Mesh Networks
Authors: Li Zhengping , Zhang Didi , Shi Hao
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the theoretical analysis showed that the length of the route and the interference of links were the main factors that influence the throughput of the network. Then, a dynamic channel allocation algorithm base on the length of routes and the interference of links was proposed to enhance the system throughput. In the proposed algorithm, ant colony algorithm was used to collect the information of network, such as the length of routes and the interference of links. Then, the priority of link access channel was decided according to the collected information. The simulation results showed that the proposed algorithm could improve the whole network throughput obviously.
The Implementation of Deep Reinforcement Learning in E-Learning and Distance Learning: Remote Practical Work
Authors: El Gourari Abdelali , Raoufi Mustapha , Skouri Mohammed , Ouatik Fahd
Published: June 2021

The world has seen major developments in the field of e-learning and distance learning, especially during the COVID-19 crisis, which revealed the importance of these two types of education and the fruitful benefits they have offered in a group of countries, especially those that have excellent infrastructure. At the Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University Marrakech, Morocco, we have created a simple electronic platform for remote practical work (RPW), and its results have been good in terms of student interaction and even facilitating the employment of a professor. The objective of this work is to propose a recommendation system based on deep quality-learning networks (DQNs) to recommend and direct students in advance of doing the RPW according to their skills of each mouse or keyboard click per student. We are focusing on this technology because it has strong, tremendous visibility and problem-solving ability that we will demonstrate in the result section. Our platform has enabled us to collect a range of students’ and teachers’ information and their interactions with the learning content we will rely on as inputs (a large number of images per second for each mouse or keyboard click per student) into our new system for output (doing the RPW). This technique is reflected in an attempt to embody the virtual teacher’s image within the platform and then adequately trained with DQN technology to perform the RPW.
Blockchain-Based Secure Outsourcing of Polynomial Multiplication and Its Application in Fully Homomorphic Encryption
Authors: Song Mingyang , Sang Yingpeng , Zeng Yuying , Luo Shunchao
Published: June 2021

The efficiency of fully homomorphic encryption has always affected its practicality. With the dawn of Internet of things, the demand for computation and encryption on resource-constrained devices is increasing. Complex cryptographic computing is a major burden for those devices, while outsourcing can provide great convenience for them. In this paper, we firstly propose a generic blockchain-based framework for secure computation outsourcing and then propose an algorithm for secure outsourcing of polynomial multiplication into the blockchain. Our algorithm for polynomial multiplication can reduce the local computation cost to

O

n

. Previous work based on Fast Fourier Transform can only achieve

O

n
log

n

for the local cost. Finally, we integrate the two secure outsourcing schemes for polynomial multiplication and modular exponentiation into the fully homomorphic encryption using hidden ideal lattice and get an outsourcing scheme of fully homomorphic encryption. Through security analysis, our schemes achieve the goals of privacy protection against passive attackers and cheating detection against active attackers. Experiments also demonstrate our schemes are more efficient in comparisons with the corresponding nonoutsourcing schemes.
Glucose Homeostasis Is Dysregulated in Ducks Infected with Duck Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: Tan Yanlian , Liu Jianxiang , Qin Yingjian , Liang Bin , Gu Yunyan , Liang Lilan , Liu Lili , Liu Yongming , Su Heling
Published: June 2021

Introduction: The association between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and the development of diabetes remains controversial. This study examined the effect of HBV infection on glucose homeostasis using a duck HBV (DHBV) model. Methods: Plasma DHBV DNA was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Tissue infection of DHBV was determined by detecting DHBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) with a method of rolling circle amplification combined with cross-gap PCR, and verified by fluorescence in situ hybridization assay. An intravenous injection glucose tolerance test (GTT) was used to analyze the effect of DHBV infection on glucose tolerance. Results: Of the finally included 97 domestic ducks, 53 (54.6%) were congenitally infected by DHBV. The positive rate of DHBV cccDNA in the liver, kidney, pancreas, and skeletal muscle of the infected ducks was 100, 75.5, 67.9, and 47.2%, respectively. The DHBV-infected ducks had higher blood glucose levels at 15 and 30 min post-load glucose (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively) in the GTT, much more individuals with greater glucose area under curve (p < 0.01), and a 57% impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) rate, as compared with noninfected controls. In addition, the subgroups of the infected ducks with DHBV cccDNA positive in skeletal muscle maintained the higher blood glucose level up to 2 h post-load glucose during the GTT and had a 76% IGT rate. Conclusion: These results suggest that DHBV intrahepatic and extrahepatic infection impairs glucose tolerance, and thus evidence the association of DHBV infection with the dysregulation of glucose metabolism.
Rinsing with Statherin-Derived Peptide Alters the Proteome of the Acquired Enamel Pellicle
Authors: Taira Even Akemi , Ferrari Carolina Ruis , Carvalho Gabriel , Ventura Talita Mendes Oliveira , Martini Tatiana , Dionizio Aline Salgado , Araújo Tamara Teodoro , Crusca Edson , Marchetto Reinaldo , Buzalaf Marília Afonso Rabelo
Published: June 2021

Changes in the proteomic profile of the acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) formed for 3 min or 2 h after rinsing with a peptide containing the 15 N-terminal residues of statherin, with serines 2 and 3 phosphorylated (StatpSpS), were evaluated. Nine volunteers participated in 2 consecutive days. Each day, after professional tooth cleaning, they rinsed for 1 min with 10 mL of phosphate buffer containing 1.88 × 10−5 M StatpSpS or phosphate buffer only (control). The acquired pellicle formed on enamel after 3 min or 2 h was collected with electrode filter papers soaked in 3% citric acid. After protein extraction, samples were analyzed by quantitative shotgun label-free proteomics. In the 3-min AEP, 19 and 131 proteins were uniquely identified in the StatpSpS and control groups, respectively. Proteins typically found in the AEP were only found in the latter. Only 2 proteins (neutrophil defensins) were increased upon treatment with StatpSpS, while 65 proteins (among which are several typical AEP proteins) were decreased. In the 2-h AEP, 50 and 108 proteins were uniquely found in StatpSpS and control groups, respectively. Hemoglobin subunits and isoforms of keratin were only found in the StatpSpS group, while cystatin-C, cathepsin D, and cathepsin G, isoforms of heat shock 70 and protocadherin were exclusively found in the control group. In addition, 23 proteins were increased upon treatment with StatpSpS, among which are histatin-1, serum albumin, and isoforms of neutrophil defensin and keratin, while 77 were decreased, most of them were typical AEP proteins. In both evaluated periods, rinsing with StatpSpS profoundly changed the proteomic profile of the AEP, which might impact the protective role of this integument against carious or erosive demineralization. This study provides important insights on the dynamics of the protein composition of the AEP along time, after rinsing with a solution containing StatpSpS.
Topical α-Gal Nanoparticles Enhance Wound Healing in Radiated Skin
Authors: Samadi Arash , Buro Justin , Dong Xue , Weinstein Andrew , Lara Daniel O. , Celie Karel-Bart , Wright Matthew A. , Gadijko Mariam A. , Galili Uri , Spector Jason A.
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Surgery within radiated tissue is associated with increased complication rates. It is hypothesized that impaired wound healing may result from aberrant inflammatory responses that occur in previously radiated tissues. Previous work has demonstrated that the topical application of naturally occurring antigen α-gal (Galα1-3Galβ1-(3)4GlcNAc-R) nanoparticles (AGNs) within wounds accelerates macrophage recruitment and subsequent healing in both normal and diabetic wounds. Herein, we hypothesize that application of this antigen would similarly enhance wound healing in irradiated tissues. Methods: To simulate human physiology, α-1,3-galactosyltransferase knockout (KO) mice were exposed to the antigen to produce anti-α-gal antibodies (anti-Gal). Ten days prior to wounding, the dorsal skin was irradiated with 1 session of 40 Gy. Bilateral dorsal 6-mm splinted full-thickness wounds were created within the radiated skin and treated with 50 µL of AGNs (50 mg/mL) immediately after wounding and again on postoperative day 1. A control KO group underwent similar irradiation and wounding protocols but was treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) vehicle. Wild-type (WT) mice, which do not produce anti-Gal, went through the same irradiation and wounding. Results: Histologic analysis demonstrated enhanced epithelial migration in the radiated/AGN-treated KO wounds, which was significantly elevated in comparison to radiated/PBS-treated KO wounds beginning by day 15 and continuing until the end of the study (p < 0.01). In WT mice, treatment with AGNs showed no effect on epithelial migration. Conclusions: Topical application of AGNs onto irradiated wounds significantly ameliorates the delayed wound healing classically seen in radiated skin and results in faster wound closure with only transient application.
Safety and Efficacy of Leadless Pacemakers: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Ngo Linh , Nour Daniel , Denman Russell A. , Walters Tomos E. , Haqqani Haris M. , Woodman Richard J. , Ranasinghe Isuru
Published: June 2021

Background

Leadless pacemaker is a novel technology, and evidence supporting its use is uncertain. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to examine the safety and efficacy of leadless pacemakers implanted in the right ventricle.

Methods and Results

We searched PubMed and Embase for studies published before June 6, 2020. The primary safety outcome was major complications, whereas the primary efficacy end point was acceptable pacing capture threshold (≤2 V). Pooled estimates were calculated using the Freedman‐Tukey double arcsine transformation. Of 1281 records screened, we identified 36 observational studies of Nanostim and Micra leadless pacemakers, with most (69.4%) reporting outcomes for the Micra. For Micra, the pooled incidence of complications at 90 days (n=1608) was 0.46% (95% CI, 0.08%–1.05%) and at 1 year (n=3194) was 1.77% (95% CI, 0.76%–3.07%). In 5 studies with up to 1‐year follow‐up, Micra was associated with 51% lower odds of complications compared with transvenous pacemakers (3.30% versus 7.43%; odds ratio [OR], 0.49; 95% CI, 0.34–0.70). At 1 year, 98.96% (95% CI, 97.26%–99.94%) of 1376 patients implanted with Micra had good pacing capture thresholds. For Nanostim, the reported complication incidence ranged from 6.06% to 23.54% at 90 days and 5.33% to 6.67% at 1 year, with 90% to 100% having good pacing capture thresholds at 1 year (pooled result not estimated because of the low number of studies).

Conclusions

Most studies report outcomes for the Micra, which is associated with a low risk of complications and good electrical performance up to 1‐year after implantation. Further data from randomized controlled trials are needed to support the widespread adoption of these devices in clinical practice.
Is the Failed Pandemic Response a Symptom of a Diseased Administrative
State?
Authors: Lewis David E.
Published: June 2021

David E. Lewis is the Rebecca Webb Wilson University Distinguished Professor and Professor of Law (by courtesy) at Vanderbilt University. He is the author of Presidents and the Politics of Agency Design (2003) and The Politics of Presidential Appointments: Political Control and Bureaucratic Performance (2008).
The Innovative State
Authors: Noveck Beth Simone
Published: June 2021

To create government that is neither bigger nor smaller but better at solving problems more effectively and legitimately, agencies need to use big data and the associated technologies of machine learning and predictive analytics. Such data-analytical approaches will help agencies understand the problems they are addressing more empirically and devise more responsive policies and services. Such data-processing tools can also be used to make citizen engagement more efficient, helping agencies to make sense of large quantities of information and invite meaningful participation from more diverse audiences who have never participated in our democracy. To take advantage of the power of new technologies for governing, however, the federal government needs, first and foremost, to invest in training public servants to work differently and prepare them for the future of work in a new technological age.
Constraining Bureaucracy Beyond Judicial Review
Authors: Walker Christopher J.
Published: June 2021

The modern regulatory state–and the field of administrative law that studies it–is in need of “deconstruction.” That does not mean that it should be dismantled entirely. This essay does not embrace the reformers' fixation on courts as the bulwark against agency overreach. Rather, this essay develops the concept of bureaucracy beyond judicial review: not only agency actions that statute or judicial doctrine precludes from judicial review, but also agency actions that are technically subject to judicial review yet effectively insulated from it. Appreciating the phenomenon of bureaucracy beyond judicial review should encourage us to rethink theories and doctrines in administrative law. If judicial review provides no safeguard against potential abuses of power in most regulatory activities, we must turn to other mechanisms. All three branches of the federal government must play their roles, as should civil society and the agencies themselves.
The Impact of Integrated UN Missions on Humanitarian NGO Security
Authors: Kisangani Emizet F. , Mitchell David F.
Published: June 2021

Since the end of the Cold War, the UN has extended many of its missions in conflict zones to include political, military, and humanitarian activities. Many humanitarian nongovernmental organizations have been critical of these “integrated” UN missions, claiming that they can blur the distinction between political, military, and humanitarian action, thus placing humanitarian aid workers at risk of retaliation from warring factions opposed to the UN’s political objectives. This proposition is empirically tested using generalized methods of moments statistical analysis of sixty-seven countries that experienced intrastate conflict between 1997 and 2018. When assessing attacks in general—to include the sum of aid workers killed, wounded, and kidnapped—the results indicate that humanitarian aid workers are more likely to come under attack in countries that have an integrated UN mission. However, when the attacks are assessed separately, results show that this relationship holds only with aid workers who are killed in the field.
Jesuit Diplomacy towards Japan. The Tenshō Embassy, the Dialogue with Hideyoshi, and the Emergence of a “Global Model” (1582–90)
Authors: Tripepi Alessandro
Published: June 2021

Jesuit activities in Japan were always considered from a missionary perspective and the results were examined only in terms of conversions. This article aims to bring attention to a different branch of Jesuit activities in the archipelago, with a focus on their diplomatic abilities and their mediation efforts with the Kyushu daimyōs and, above all, with Toyotomi Hideyoshi. In the middle of the 1580s, the Jesuits tried to establish a dialogue with local political authorities so as to obtain ample space for maneuver. At the same time, they extended the area of their diplomatic efforts by sending an embassy to the Pope with the hope to enhance their income. These two paths represent the Jesuits’ ability to interact with political authorities in both Europe and Asia, and could be considered a part of a more complex and connected strategy to permit their diffusion all over the world.
City Diplomacy: Another Generational Shift?
Authors: Acuto Michele , Kosovac Anna , Hartley Kris
Published: June 2021

City diplomacy has a long history and has witnessed a clear sprawl over the last century. Successive “generations” of city diplomacy approaches have emerged over this period, with a heyday of networked urban governance in the last two decades. The covid-19 pandemic crisis presents a key opportunity to contemplate the direction of city diplomacy amid global systemic disruptions, raising questions about the effectiveness of differing diplomatic styles across cities but also the prospect of a new generational shift. This essay traces the history of generations in city diplomacy, examines prospects for novel ways of understanding city diplomacy, and contemplates how the pandemic’s impact heralds not the demise of internationalization in urban governance but an era in which city diplomacy is even more crucial amid fundamental limitations.
A Different View on City Diplomacy: Mid-sized Baltic Towns and Their International Contacts
Authors: Clerc Louis
Published: June 2021

Recent developments in the study of city diplomacies have kept small and mid-sized towns mostly outside of focus. This robs the field of an opportunity to consider the international activities of most cities and networks of cities, and deprives us from a reflection on the reasons why most cities would feel a need to develop their international outreach, and on the ways they would do it. Studying the city diplomacy of small cities reminds us of the depth of practices and of the variety of realities blanketed under the notion of city diplomacy – variety both in geographical but also in chronological terms. From the point of view of these small and mid-sized towns, city diplomacy appears subtly different than from the vintage point of great cities. This essay will reflect on this through the example of Turku, a mid-sized town in the Baltic Sea region. It aims to show that, in a field concentrated on big cities, studying mid-sized cities bring the same returns as studying small states: a wider understanding of the way foreign relations work on a daily basis.
British Cities versus Apartheid: UK Local Authority Activism as City Diplomacy
Authors: Cull Nicholas J.
Published: June 2021

This essay considers the phenomenon of British local authorities mobilizing to oppose the policies of apartheid in post-war South Africa. Activities include boycott, divestment, twinning agreements, media campaigns, and re-naming/memorialization. The activity is placed in the context of a transnational anti-apartheid network overseen by the United Nations organization. The campaign is shown to be inversely related the level of national government activity and especially associated with opposition to Margaret Thatcher and her government.
Bright Future for City Diplomacy and Soft Power
Authors: Sevin Efe
Published: June 2021

Cities are once again in the forefront of diplomatic activities. In this essay, I unpack a relatively understudied area within city diplomacy: the link between cities and countries. Although cities enjoy a heightened level of agency in the international arena, they do not exist in a vacuum. As substate actors, the actions of cities could impact their home countries. Using lessons learned from public diplomacy studies and situating soft power as a framework to describe such activities, I first present the changes in the diplomatic landscape that paved the way to resurgence of city diplomacy. Next, I propose a more inclusive definition of the activities of cities in the international arena. Last, I show the link between cities and countries.
Clarifying the typification of the names Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi and K. waldheimii (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), two leaf-succulent shrubs indigenous to Madagascar
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F. , SHTEIN RONEN
Published: June 2021

N/A
Silibinin-Albumin Nanoparticles: Characterization and Biological Evaluation Against Oxidative Stress-Stimulated Neurotoxicity Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Pan Qichen , Ban Yunchao , Xu Lijun
Published: June 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is strongly associated with oxidative stress which can damage neural cells. Silibinin has shown potential antioxidative effects. However, due to its low solubility in water, silibinin provides low biological activity and bioavailability. Therefore, to
increase its pharmacological effects, silibilin was encapsulated into human serum albumin (HSA) nanoparticles and well-characterized by DLS and TEM techniques. The antioxidant activity of silibinin-HSA nanoparticles was evaluated on LPS-induced oxidative stress in neuron-like cells (SH-SY5Y)
through MTT, antioxidant activity and apoptotic assay. It was shown that the mean diameter of HSA and silibinin-HSA nanoparticles were 88 and 105 nm, respectively with a drug loading of 24.08%, drug encapsulation rate of 94.72%, and the yield of silibinin-HSA nanoparticles of around 83.41%
and the HSA nano-formulation released silibinin for 15 h. The results displayed that cell viability was reduced by LPS (10 μg/mL), who’s also determined to stimulate oxidative stress and apoptosis. However, co-incubation of cells with silibinin (50 μg/mL) or silibinin-HSA
nanoparticles led to the recovery of cell viability, activation of SOD and CAT, increase of GSH content, and reduction of ROS level, Caspase-3 activity and fragmentation of DNA. It was also indicated that the neuroprotective and antioxidant activities of silibinin-HAS nanoparticles was greater
than free silibinin, indicating that using albumin can be a potential formulation approach for improving the antioxidant efficacy of silibinin.
Damage to the Blood Brain Barrier Structure and Function from Nano Titanium Dioxide Exposure Involves the Destruction of Key Tight Junction Proteins in the Mouse Brain
Authors: Hong Fashui , Mu Xu , Ze Yuguan , Li Wuyan , Zhou Yingjun , Ji Jianhui
Published: June 2021

Numerous studies have proven that nano titanium dioxide (nano TiO2) can accumulate in animal brains, where it damages the blood brain barrier (BBB); however, whether this process involves destruction of tight junction proteins in the mouse brain has not been adequately investigated.
In this study, mice were exposed to nano TiO2 for 30 consecutive days, and then we used transmission electron microscopy to observe the BBB ultrastructure and the Evans blue assay to evaluate the permeability of the BBB. Our data suggested that nano TiO2 damaged the BBB
ultrastructure and increased BBB permeability. Furthermore, we used immunofluorescence and Western blotting to examine the expression of key tight junction proteins, including Occludin, ZO-1, and Claudin-5 in the mouse brain. Our data showed that nano TiO2 reduced Occludin, ZO-1
and Claudin-5 expression. Taken together, nano TiO2-induced damage to the BBB structure and function may involve the destruction of key tight junction proteins.
Curcumin Loading on Alginate Nano-Micelle for Anti-Infection and Colonic Wound Healing
Authors: Zhang Zhiyong , Zhang Xin
Published: June 2021

Despite the antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin (C), its effect on wound healing, especially in the colorectal, is ambiguous. Moreover, due to the hydrophobic properties of C, its use is limited. Therefore, to reduce the bioavailability challenge and improve
the transfer to colon area, we designed a C-alginate-based nano-micelle (C-A-NM). After fabrication of C-A-NM (55.5 nm) and physicochemical studies with the TEM, DLS and XRD, the C release rate based on gastrointestinal state was evaluated. Furthermore, the effects of C-A-NM on the survival
of HCT-8 cells at 24 and 48 hours by MTT method and its antibacterial effects were also evaluated. To explain the effects of wound healing in rats, in addition to colonoscopy on the 14th-day, the repaired tissue on the 7th and 14th days were examined by Hematoxylin and Eosin method. Also,
for evaluating wound healing in the colon, the protein/collagen concentration, and TGFβ1/NFκB gene expression were determined. The results of C cumulative release showed that the NM allows the drug to be loaded in the colon in a favourable manner. Also, the toxicity
outputs revealed that C-A-NM at a concentration of 7.5 mg had no negative effects on cell viability. While the activity of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, bacteria decreased based on the minimum inhibitory concentration value with 153, 245 and 319
(μg/mL). The use of C-A-NM not only increases protein and collagen in damaged sites, but also increases TGFβ1 expression in contrast to NFκB. Based on these results, and the results of histopathology and colonoscopy, it was found that C-A-NM accelerates the
healing of damaged areas. Overall, the results show that the use of C-A-NM can significantly accelerate the healing of wounds in the gastrointestinal tract based on collagen induction and reduced bacterial activity.
Intra-Articular Injection of a Nanosuspension of Tetramethylpyrazine Dihydroxynaphthalenate for Stronger and Longer-Lasting Effects Against Osteoarthritis
Authors: Li Hanmei , Zhuo Hongyi , Yin Dan , Li Wei , Zhang Yamei , Li Peng , Zou Liang
Published: June 2021

Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), isolated from the rhizome of the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Chuanxiong (Ligusticum wallichii Franchat) shows therapeutic efficacy against osteoarthritis. After intra-articular injection, the retention time of TMP in the joint cavity is short, which
limits its treatment effect. To avoid this problem, the present study explored the preparation of a TMP nanosuspension (TMP-NS) based on hydrophobic ion pairing. TMP-NS showed a particle size of approximately 588 nm and, after intra-articular injection in rats, it had longer retention in the
articular cavity, higher TMP concentrations in joints, and greater anti-osteoarthritic efficacy than TMP solution. TMP-NS didn’t cause significant inflammation at the joint. These results suggest that TMP-NS may strengthen and prolong the therapeutic efficacy of TMP against osteoarthritis
without systemic toxicity.
Closed Gastroschisis: A Rare Abdominal Wall Defect
Authors: Cockrell Hannah , Shaw Taylor , Morris Michael W.
Published: June 2021

Gastroschisis is a rare congenital abdominal wall defect characterized by intestinal evisceration to the right of the umbilical stalk. In less than 6% of cases, the fascial defect closes around the herniated viscera in utero. The mechanism of fascial closure in these cases is unknown; however, the tourniquet effect on the mesenteric vasculature is thought to lead to intestinal atresia and midgut infarction. We report a case of a female neonate with a prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis who was found to have a closed defect at the time of delivery. She required emergent operation for symptoms of intestinal obstruction and bowel ischemia.
Reducing neonatal phlebotomy blood losses through the accurate calculation of minimum test volume requirements
Authors: Kilpatrick Eric S , Ginn Elicia L , Lee Ben H
Published: June 2021

Background

Repeated phlebotomy for laboratory diagnostic testing is a known cause of iatrogenic anaemia and in critically ill neonates often leads to blood transfusion being required. This study has developed a spreadsheet clinical decision support tool to allow neonatal staff to determine the true minimum blood volume required to analyse groups of blood tests and modelled its potential benefit compared with the existing system in use.

Methods

The tool calculates the minimum blood volume accounting for novel factors including the current patient haematocrit for plasma/serum samples, instrument minimum test and dead volumes (including those where shared) and sharing of samples within/between laboratory departments. A year of neonatal unit laboratory requests were examined comparing the volumes and containers of blood recommended by the hospital information system with both the amount actually collected by staff and that recommended by the tool.

Results

A total of 463 patients had 8481 blood draws for 23,899 tests or test profiles over the year. The hospital information system recommended collecting 11,222 mL of blood into 18,509 containers, while 17,734 containers were actually received (10,717 mL if fully filled). The tool recommended collecting 4915 mL of blood into 15,549 containers.

Conclusions

This tool allows neonatal intensive care unit staff to objectively determine the minimum blood volume required for a combination of tests and is generalizable between laboratory instruments. Compared with the hospital information system, use of the minimum blood volume clinical decision support tool could maximally reduce the volume of blood collected from this neonatal unit by more than a half. Neonatal intensive care unit staff had apparently already gone some way to determining their own minimum volumes required.
Excluding Whom? Race, Gender, and Suspension in High School
Authors: Erickson Jacob H. , Pearson Jennifer
Published: June 2021

Students of color are more apt to face exclusionary discipline in school, such as suspension or expulsion, than their white counterparts, and once suspended students may be more likely to drop out of school altogether. Utilizing the Education Longitudinal Study (ELS), we assess the separate and combined effects of various student level influences while controlling for contextual influences on the odds of suspension and dropping out. Results suggest students of color face a more punitive schooling experience and are more likely to experience scholastic exclusion even after controlling for a host of covaraites. Thus, findings indicate implicit perceptions of students of color, irrespective of their attitudes and behaviors, guide disciplinary practices which have real effects for students’ subsequent academic experience.
Learning from the Earthquake Nation: Japanese Science Diplomacy in the Twentieth Century
Authors: Jacoby Julia Mariko
Published: June 2021

Earthquake sciences, such as seismology and earthquake engineering, were important for Japanese science diplomacy throughout the twentieth century and remain relevant for Japan’s science diplomacy initiatives today. This article traces how the earthquake sciences were constructed as a ‘Japanese science’, giving Japan authority in science diplomacy, what science diplomacy practices scientists engaged in, and the images of Japan they helped to convey internationally. In the late nineteenth century, Japan played a crucial role in establishing seismology as a scientific discipline, which supported claims of Japanese research experience with their highly seismically active environment. Thus, Japanese earthquake specialists were enabled to act on equal terms with their Western counterparts in international networks, and even became regarded as ‘teachers’ of earthquake-proof construction. This image that was built and expanded upon by generations of scientists and maintained regardless of the shifting political climate. Consequently, prewar science diplomacy served to justify ‘civilised’ Japanese colonial rule in East Asia, while postwar earthquake science underlined Japan’s new identity as a peaceful ‘developed’ country and became a crucial part of Japan’s developmental aid programs. Science diplomacy also helped open diplomatic channels for Japan during difficult international conditions and created sustainable networks between seismic countries.
Bifunctional Composites for Biofilms Modulation on Cervical Restorations
Authors: Balhaddad A.A. , Garcia I.M. , Mokeem L. , Ibrahim M.S. , Collares F.M. , Weir M.D. , Xu H.H.K. , Melo M.A.S.
Published: June 2021

Cervical composites treating root carious and noncarious cervical lesions usually extend subgingivally. The subgingival margins of composites present poor plaque control, enhanced biofilm accumulation, and cause gingival irritation. A potential material to restore such lesions should combine agents that interfere with bacterial biofilm development and respond to acidic conditions. Here, we explore the use of new bioresponsive bifunctional dental composites against mature microcosm biofilms derived from subgingival plaque samples. The designed formulations contain 2 bioactive agents: dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) at 3 to 5 wt.% and 20 wt.% nanosized amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) in a base resin. Composites with no DMAHDM and NACP were used as controls. The newly formulated 5% DMAHDM–20% NACP composite was analyzed by micro-Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The wettability and surface-free energy were also assessed. The inhibitory effect on the in vitro biofilm growth and the 16S rRNA gene sequencing of survival bacterial colonies derived from the composites were analyzed. Whole-biofilm metabolic activity, polysaccharide production, and live/dead images of the biofilm grown over the composites complement the microbiological assays. Overall, the designed formulations had higher contact angles with water and lower surface-free energy compared to the commercial control. The DMAHDM-NACP composites significantly inhibited the growth of total microorganisms, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia/nigrescens, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Fusobacterium nucleatum by 3 to 5-log ( P < 0.001). For the colony isolates from control composites, the composition was typically dominated by the genera Veillonella, Fusobacterium, Streptococcus, Eikenella, and Leptotrichia, while Fusobacterium and Veillonella dominated the 5% DMAHDM–20% NACP composites. The DMAHDM-NACP composites contributed to over 80% of reduction in metabolic and polysaccharide activity. The suppression effect on plaque biofilms suggested that DMAHDM-NACP composites might be used as a bioactive material for cervical restorations. These results may propose an exciting path to prevent biofilm growth and improve dental composite restorations’ life span.
England's rate of involuntary psychiatric admission is double that of the Republic of Ireland: Why? A consideration of some possible causes
Authors: Conlan-Trant Rebecca , Kelly Brendan D
Published: June 2021

Involuntary psychiatric admission or ‘sectioning’ is a serious event with clear implications for the right to liberty, among other rights. Rates of involuntary admission vary considerably across jurisdictions. The rate of involuntary admission in England is approximately double that in the Republic of Ireland. Why? This paper examines potential explanations for this difference, including the prevalence of mental disorder in the two jurisdictions, factors relating to mental health legislation, differing levels of police involvement in care-pathways, funding and resources, and attitudes to risk among the public and professionals. Overall, it appears that the relatively high rate of involuntary admission in England might be attributable to the role of perceived risk in shaping mental health law in England but not Ireland, the broader definition of ‘mental disorder’ in the Mental Health Act, 1983 in England, broader legal criteria for involuntary admission in the 1983 Act, differences in the operational definitions of ‘voluntary patient’ between the two jurisdictions and, possibly, increased involvement of police in pathways to care in England and differences in relation to different ethnic groups. The relatively higher number of inpatient beds in England could be a cause or a consequence of higher rates of involuntary admission. Future research could usefully focus on other factors that are also likely relevant: issues relating to social care, substance misuse, availability of alternative treatment options in the community and various other factors that are, as yet, unknown. The potential impact of risk aversion among mental health professionals and others merits particular attention.
Classroom Management and Remote Teaching: Tools for Defining and Teaching Expectations
Authors: Goldman Samantha E. , Finn Jamie B. , Leslie Melissa J.
Published: June 2021

The remote instruction context presents many challenges for teachers, including managing student behavior. The practice of defining and teaching expectations is considered a high-leverage practice in special education, and should be applied to the remote setting to support the learning of students with and without disabilities. We present four recommended steps for adapting this practice for the remote setting and use a fictional vignette with example materials to demonstrate the process. Additionally, we provide other useful online resources for providing effective online instruction for students with disabilities.
Charity Care and Community Benefit in Non-Profit Hospitals: Definition and Requirements
Authors: Zare Hossein , Eisenberg Matthew , Anderson Gerard
Published: June 2021

Policymakers are using different ways to measure the community benefit provided by non-profit hospitals because different policy makers have different policy objectives. We compare 3 commonly used measures of community benefit; examine the correlation across the 3 measures; examine how the distribution of community benefits varies across non-profit hospitals; and compare the factors associated with the level of community benefit for each definition. The main dataset for this study is the Schedule H of IRS Form 990 data for 2017. We merged this data with the 2017 American Hospital Association (AHA), the 2017 CMS Hospital Cost Report, and the 2018 American Community Survey data. The final sample consists of 1904 non-profit hospitals. We define 3 measures of community benefit: (1) Total community benefits: combining all 17 possible measures in the 990 data; (2) Total community benefits less unreimbursed Medicaid care because it reflects a policy choice made by the state; and (3) only charity care. We also subdivided the community benefits into individual and service-based benefit. Gini Coefficients and descriptive analysis show the distribution of 3 types of community benefit measures. On average, hospitals spent 8.1% of their expenses on all community benefits; 4.3% on community benefits less unreimbursed Medicaid; and 1.7% on charity care. The provision of charity care showed more variation (Gini coefficient) than the other 2 measures. Different hospital and geographic characteristics were associated with each definition, suggesting that different types of hospitals place emphasis on different community benefits. When policy makers choose among different definitions of community benefit, they should consider what incentives they want to instill.
Colon Cancer With Metastatic Involvement of the Thyroid Incidentally Found at Excision of Parathyroid Adenoma
Authors: Sullivan Thaddeus J. , Chahfe Fayez
Published: June 2021

Metastatic disease from primary colon cancer in the thyroid is rare. The authors have submitted such a case. What makes this case particularly unusual is that it was in a man. 80% of such cases are in women. It has been speculated that there may be a humoral component. What is even more unique in this case is that it was found during the workup of a symptomatic parathyroid adenoma. The diagnosis was confirmed with immunochemistry using markers Cytokeratin 20 (CK20), Cytokeratin 7 (CK7), and Thyroid Transcription Factor 1 (TTF-1) .
ENT Telephone Clinics During the Coronavirus Pandemic: An Analysis of 400 Telephone Consultations at a District General Hospital
Authors: Sargsyan Narek , Karunaratne Dilhara , Masani Alisha , Howell Lauren , Yousif Madi
Published: June 2021

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the introduction of telephone consultations in order to provide specialist health care remotely. This study analyses the outcomes of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) telephone consultations.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis was undertaken of 400 ENT telephone consultations.

Results:

All 2-week-wait neck or face lump patients underwent imaging and 78% were successfully discharged. 80% of vertigo patients and 100% of 2-week-wait throat symptom patients were offered face-to-face consultations. All primary hyperparathyroidism patients were managed remotely, being discharged, or with telephone follow-up. The majority of routine referrals were managed without the need for face-to-face consultation.

Conclusion:

Vertigo patients and 2-week-wait throat symptom patients should be offered a face-to-face consultation in the first instance. For patients with neck or face lumps, initial referral for imaging may improve patient flow and facilitate safe discharge. It is appropriate to continue with telephone consultations for all other patient groups.
How can we ensure the success of specialised palliative home-care? A qualitative study (ELSAH) identifying key issues from the perspective of patients, relatives and health professionals
Authors: Seipp Hannah , Haasenritter Jörg , Hach Michaela , Becker Dorothée , Ulrich Lisa-R , Schütze Dania , Engler Jennifer , Michel Cathrin , Bösner Stefan , Kuss Katrin
Published: June 2021

Background:

Specialised palliative home-care supports patients with life-limiting diseases in their familiar surroundings. The number of palliative care teams and patients being cared for is increasing worldwide. To assess and improve quality, it is needed to understand, how specialised palliative home-care can be provided successfully. For this purpose we examined the views of all involved stakeholders.

Aim:

To identify the issues that patients, their relatives and involved health professionals view as important in ensuring the success of specialised palliative home-care.

Design:

We used a qualitative design based on participant observations, interviews and focus groups following the principles of a Grounded Theory approach.

Setting/participants:

All specialised palliative home-care teams ( n = 22) caring for adults in Hesse, Germany, participated. We conducted participant observations ( n = 5), and interviewed patients ( n = 14), relatives ( n = 14) and health professionals working in or collaborating with specialised palliative home-care ( n = 30). We also conducted focus groups ( n = 4) with health professionals including a member check.

Results:

Successful specialised palliative home-care needs to treat complex symptoms, and provide comprehensive care including organisation of care, involving relatives and addressing issues of death and dying. Sense of security for patients and relatives is key to enable care at home. Care delivery preferences include a focus on the quality of relationships, respect for individuality and the facilitation of self-determination.

Conclusions:

Consideration of the identified key issues can help to ensure successful specialised palliative home-care. Knowledge of these should also be considered when researching and assessing quality of care.

Trial registration:

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS-ID: DRKS00012421; http://www.germanctr.de .
The Rho kinase signaling pathway participates in tubular mitochondrial oxidative injury and apoptosis in uric acid nephropathy
Authors: Su Yan , Hu Langtao , Wang Yanni , Ying Gangqiang , Ma Chunyang , Wei Jiali
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Oxidative stress is a pathologic feature of hyperuricemia that is highly prevalent and that contributes to kidney tubular interstitial fibrosis. Rho-kinase is closely related to mitochondrial-induced oxidative stress. Herein, we designed a study to explore the expression and role of Rho-kinase in hyperuricemia nephropathy. The secondary objective was to investigate whether the Rho-kinase signaling pathway regulates hyperuricemic tubular oxidative injury and apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway in addition to the mechanisms that are involved.

Materials and methods

HK-2 cells were divided into the following five groups: normal; uric acid (UA); UA+Fasudil; UA+ROCK1 si-RNA; and UA+sc-siRNA. Rho-kinase activity, mitochondrial oxidative injury, and apoptosis-related protein levels were measured in each group. A t-test was used to analyze the difference between groups.

Results

Myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT1) overexpression was shown in HK-2 cells, which was caused by UA. High concentrations of UA also up-regulated Rho-kinase expression and mitochondrial and apoptosis-related protein expression, while treatment with fasudil and ROCK1 si-RNA significantly attenuated these responses.

Conclusion

The Rho-kinase signaling pathway participates in tubular mitochondrial oxidative injury and apoptosis via regulating mitochondrial dyneins/biogenic genes in UA nephropathy, which suggests that the mitochondrial pathway might be a potential therapeutic target for hyperuricemia nephropathy.