bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase as an Important Player in Intestinal Cell Differentiation
Authors: Cizkova Katerina , Koubova Katerina , Foltynkova Tereza , Jiravova Jana , Tauber Zdenek
Published: February 2021

There is growing evidence that soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) may play a role in cell differentiation. sEH metabolizes biologically highly active and generally cytoprotective epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), generated from arachidonic acid metabolism by CYP epoxygenases (CYP2C and CYP2J subfamilies), to less active corresponding diols. We investigated the effect of sEH inhibitor (TPPU) on the expression of villin, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2J2, and sEH in undifferentiated and in vitro differentiated HT-29 and Caco2 cell lines. The administration of 10 μM TPPU on differentiated HT-29 and Caco2 cells resulted in a significant decrease in expression of villin, a marker for intestinal cell differentiation. It was accompanied by a disruption of the brush border when microvilli appeared sparse and short in atomic force microscope scans of HT-29 cells. Although inhibition of sEH in differentiated HT-29 and Caco2 cells led to an increase in sEH expression in both cell lines, this treatment had an opposite effect on CYP2J2 expression in HT-29 and Caco2 cells. In addition, tissue samples of colorectal carcinoma and adjacent normal tissues from 45 patients were immunostained for sEH and villin. We detected a significant decrease in the expression of both proteins in colorectal carcinoma in comparison to adjacent normal tissue, and the decrease in both sEH and villin expression revealed a moderate positive association. Taken together, our results showed that sEH is an important player in intestinal cell differentiation.
Stone Localization Is Pivotal for the Success of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Lesch Tammo , Uphoff Jens , Mayer Wolfgang , Winter Alexander , Wawroschek Friedhelm , Schiffmann Jonas
Published: February 2021

Objective: The objective of this study was to predict computed tomography (CT)-controlled treatment success after minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (Mini-PCNL). Patients and Methods: We relied on retrospective single institutional data from 92 kidney stone patients treated with Mini-PCNL. Residual stones after treatment were evaluated by post-Mini-PCNL CT scans. Stone-free status was defined as clinically insignificant residual stones ≤3 mm after surgery. Multivariable logistic regression analyses predicted stone-free status after Mini-PCNL. Results: Overall, 53 (57.6%) patients achieved stone-free status after Mini-PCNL treatment. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, stone localization was the strongest predictor for stone-free status after Mini-PCNL. Specifically, patients with exclusively pelvic stones were 7.1-fold more likely to achieve stone-free status than those patients with stones at multiple localizations (OR: 7.1; p = 0.005). Additionally, stone size represented a barrier for stone-free status (OR: 0.9; p = 0.03). Conclusions: Stone localization revealed the highest impact on treatment success after Mini-PCNL. Especially, those patients with exclusively pelvic stones were most likely to achieve stone-free status. Conversely, patients with multiple stone localizations were less likely to achieve stone-free status and need to be informed about higher risk of additional interventions after initial Mini-PCNL.
Real-Time Confocal Imaging for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Description of Morphological Aspects and Focus on the Role of Follicular Ostia
Authors: Cappilli Simone , Giovanardi Giulia , Di Stefani Alessandro , Longo Caterina , Perino Francesca , Chiricozzi Andrea , Peris Ketty
Published: February 2021

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin disease involving the follicular unit. Growing evidence suggests a crucial role of hyperkeratosis, infundibular plugging and perifolliculitis in its pathogenesis. Objectives: To characterize the microscopic morphology of open comedos using in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and define alterations occurring in HS normal-appearing perilesional skin compared to healthy skin of a control group, discussing therefore microscopic differences. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients (11 males, 9 females; aged 19–51 years) affected by HS were recruited. RCM was performed on open comedos of axillary/inguinal regions and on normal-appearing skin areas distant at least 1.5 cm from HS lesions. Ten healthy individuals (6 males, 4 females) were included as control group. Results: RCM aspects of 78 open comedos were explored, observing circular/ovoidal structures disclosing a hyperrefractive amorphous material (72/78, 92.3%) within the infundibular cavity surrounded with a bright (51/78, 65.4%) and regular (52/78, 66.2%) border. Follicular ostia of HS perilesional skin (n = 541) compared to follicular ostia of a control group (n = 321) were characterized by a larger infundibular diameter (183.4 vs. 85.8 µm) and diverged in terms of material collected inside infundibula (44.5 vs. 21%) and keratinization of the border (47.6 vs. 25.5%). Conclusion: In vivo characterization of open comedos and the recognition of microscopic subclinical alterations of HS normal-appearing skin, compared to healthy skin, could add further insights into the definition of biological events leading to HS manifestations, including the dysregulated process of keratinization.
A Systematic Review on the Impact of Genetic Testing for Familial Melanoma I: Primary and Secondary Preventative Behaviours
Authors: Primiero Clare A. , Yanes Tatiane , Finnane Anna , Soyer H. Peter , McInerney-Leo Aideen M.
Published: February 2021

Background: Increasing availability of panel testing for known high-penetrance familial melanoma genes has made it possible to improve risk awareness in those at greatest risk. Prior to wider implementation, the role of genetic testing in preventing melanoma, through influencing primary and secondary preventative behaviours, requires clarification. Methods: Database searches of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library were conducted for studies describing preventative behaviour outcomes in response to genetic testing for melanoma risk. Publications describing original research of any study type were screened for eligibility. Results: Eighteen publications describing 11 unique studies were reviewed. Outcomes assessed are based on health behaviour recommendations for those at increased risk: adherence to sun-protective behaviour (SPB); clinical skin examinations (CSE); skin self-examinations (SSE); and family discussion of risk. Overall, modest increases in adherence to primary prevention strategies of SPB were observed following genetic testing. Importantly, there were no net decreases in SPB found amongst non-carriers. For secondary preventative behaviour outcomes, including CSE and SSE, increases in post-test intentions and long-term adherence were reported across several subgroups in approximately half of the studies. While this increase reached significance in mutation carriers in some studies, one study reported a significant decline in annual CSE adherence of non-mutation carriers. Conclusions: Evidence reviewed suggests that genetic testing has a modestly positive impact on preventative behaviour in high-risk individuals. Furthermore, improvements are observed regardless of mutation carrier status, although greater adherence is found in carriers. While additional studies of more diverse cohorts would be needed to inform clinical recommendations, the findings are encouraging and suggest that genetic testing for melanoma has a positive impact on preventative behaviours.
Вплив лікувально-профілактичного комплексу на показники пероксидного окиснення ліпідів та антиоксидантного захисту ротової рідини дітей із хронічним катаральним гінгівітом
Authors: Kaskova L. F. , Honcharenko V. A.
Published: February 2021

Резюме. Дані клінічних та експериментальних досліджень свідчать про тісний зв’язок захворювань тканин пародонта з порушенням функції ендокринних залоз. Велике значення в патогенезі захворювань пародонта надають ролі вільнорадикальним процесам як універсальному стресреалізуючому механізму ушкодження клітини.

Мета дослідження – вивчити вплив запропонованого лікувально-профілактичного комплексу, який містить препарати з антиоксидантними властивостями, на стан прооксидантно-антиоксидантної системи ротової рідини у дітей із хронічним катаральним гінгівітом на тлі цукрового діабету.

Матеріали і методи. Лікувально-профілактичні заходи проводили дітям із хронічним катаральним гінгівітом, яким призначали загальноприйнятий комплекс (перша, друга групи), та запропонований нами (третя група), до складу якого входять препарати, що мають антиоксидантну дію. Визначали активність каталази, супероксиддисмутази, рівень дієнових кон’югатів, малоновий діальдегід у ротовій рідині.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Результати застосування лікувально-профілактичного комплексу свідчать про позитивний вплив його складових на процеси пероксидного окинення ліпідів ротової рідини обстежуваних дітей. Спостерігали найбільш значиме зниження активності малонового діальдегіду в групі пацієнтів, яким призначали запропонований нами комплекс. Через 6 місяців показник малонового діальдегіду в пацієнтів першої та другої груп повернувся до початкових значень, а в третій групі він був вірогідно нижчий, ніж до проведеного лікування, та знаходився на рівні показника дітей першої групи. Вивчення рівня дієнових кон’югатів свідчить про те, що найкращі результати в короткі (після завершення курсу лікування) терміни спостереження отримані у дітей, яким призначали комплекс, що вміщує складові з антиоксидантами. Також у цих пацієнтів виявлена вірогідна різниця показника під час обстеження через 6 місяців відносно I обстеження (рɪ-v<0,05). Зниження процесів пероксидного окиснення ліпідів під час проведеного лікування хронічного катарального гінгівіту в пацієнтів із цукровим діабетом супроводжується підвищенням та утриманням на достатньо високому рівні протягом 6 місяців показників антиоксидантного захисту ротової рідини, про що свідчать дослідження активності ферментів супероксиддисмутази та каталази.

Висновки. Застосування запропонованого нами лікувально-профілактичного комплексу дало можливість знизити показники пероксидного окиснення ліпідів та підвищити антиоксидантні властивості ротової рідини дітей, які мають  хронічний катаральний гінгівіт, та хворіють на цукровий діабет.
Hemodynamics and Clinical Implications of Occult Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Adults Undergoing Ebstein Anomaly Repair
Authors: Egbe Alexander C. , Miranda William R. , Dearani Joseph A. , Connolly Heidi M.
Published: February 2021

Background:

Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) can detect early phases of LV systolic dysfunction, but its application has not been studied in Ebstein anomaly. We hypothesized that LVGLS can detect early phases of LV systolic dysfunction and that patients with occult LV systolic dysfunction will have worse hemodynamics, end-organ dysfunction, and suboptimal postoperative LV reverse remodeling after tricuspid valve surgery in comparison to patients with normal LV systolic function.

Methods:

In this retrospective cohort study, 371 Ebstein patients that underwent tricuspid valve surgery were divided into 3 groups: normal LV systolic function (normal LVGLS and LV ejection fraction; n=244, 77%), occult LV systolic dysfunction (abnormal LVGLS with normal LV ejection fraction; n=44, 14%), and overt LV systolic dysfunction (abnormal LVGLS and LV ejection fraction; n=27, 9%).

Results:

Compared with the normal LV function group, the occult group had smaller LV volume and cardiac output (2.1±0.4 versus 2.9±0.6 L/min per m
2
,
P
<0.001), worse end-organ dysfunction (glomerular filtration rate, 78±14 versus 91±18 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
,
P
=0.01), and suboptimal postoperative LV reverse remodeling. Although both the occult and overt groups had a similar degree of end-organ dysfunction (glomerular filtration rate, 78±14 versus 82±16 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
,
P
=0.3), the occult group was less likely to be on heart failure therapy (48% versus 96%,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

Abnormal LVGLS was associated with suboptimal postoperative LV reverse remodeling. These data suggest that LVGLS can potentially be used for risk stratification and provides a foundation for further studies to determine whether optimal heart failure therapy or tricuspid valve intervention can improve outcomes for LV systolic dysfunction in patients with Ebstein anomaly.
Sex, Permanent Drug Discontinuation, and Study Retention in Clinical Trials
Authors: Lau Emily S. , Braunwald Eugene , Morrow David A. , Giugliano Robert P. , Antman Elliott M. , Gibson C. Michael , Scirica Benjamin M. , Bohula Erin A. , Wiviott Stephen D. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Bonaca Marc P. , Cannon Christopher P. , Im KyungAh , Guo Jianping , Sabatine Marc S. , O’Donoghue Michelle L.
Published: February 2021

Background:

Women are underrepresented across cardiovascular clinical trials. Whether women are more likely than men to prematurely discontinue study drug or withdraw consent once enrolled in a clinical trial is unknown.

Methods:

Eleven phase 3/4 TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) trials were included (135 879 men and 51 812 women [28%]). The association between sex and premature study drug discontinuation and withdrawal of consent were examined by multivariable logistic regression after adjusting for potential confounders in each individual trial and combining the individual point estimates in random effects models.

Results:

After adjusting for baseline differences, women had 22% higher odds of premature drug discontinuation (adjusted odds ratio [OR
adj
], 1.22 [95% CI, 1.16–1.28];
P
<0.001) compared with men. Qualitatively consistent results were observed for women versus men in the placebo arms (OR
adj
, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.13–1.27]) and active therapy arms (OR
adj
, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.17–1.30)]; there was some evidence for regional heterogeneity (
P
interaction <0.001). Of those who stopped study drug prematurely, a similar proportion of men and women in the active arm stopped because of an adverse event (36% for both;
P
=0.60). Women were also more likely to withdraw consent compared with men (OR
adj
, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.17–1.36];
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

Women were more likely than men to prematurely discontinue study drug and withdraw consent across cardiovascular outcome trials. Premature study drug discontinuation was not explained by baseline differences by sex or a higher proportion of adverse events. Future trials should better capture reasons for drug discontinuation and withdrawal of consent to understand barriers to continued study drug use and clinical trial participation, particularly among women.
Worldwide Trends in Prevalence, Mortality, and Disability-Adjusted Life Years for Hypertensive Heart Disease From 1990 to 2017
Authors: Dai Haijiang , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Younis Arwa , Zhong Wen , Liu Xinyao , Wu Jianhong , Grossman Ehud
Published: February 2021

Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) is a major cause of global morbidity and mortality. Understanding its current burden among various countries and populations is crucial for formulating effective strategies for preventing and managing HHD. This study aimed to use the estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 to describe the prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years for HHD for 195 countries and territories from 1990 to 2017. Worldwide, the age-standardized prevalence rate of HHD in 2017 was 217.9 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 184.1–254.1) per 100 000 people, an increase of 7.4% (95% UI, 5.0–9.7) from 1990. The global age-standardized mortality and disability-adjusted life year rates of HHD were 12.3 (95% UI, 9.0–13.2) and 209.4 (95% UI, 160.5–226.3) per 100 000 people, a decrease of −19.3% (95% UI, −29.7 to −8.1) and −24.0% (95% UI, −31.0 to −13.7) from 1990, respectively. The global age-standardized prevalence rate of HHD was higher in females and increased with age. Between 1990 and 2017, Bolivia (51.3% [95% UI, 29.6–84.5]) and Maldives (32.3% [95% UI, 22.9–43.8]) showed the greatest increases in age-standardized prevalence rates. Generally, a negative association was found between the age-standardized disability-adjusted life year rates and Sociodemographic index at the regional and national levels. Our results suggest that HHD is a major public health challenge worldwide with an increasing prevalence rate over the past decades. Efforts to improve public awareness and management of high blood pressure and HHD, especially for vulnerable populations, were necessary.
Association of Ischemic Evaluation and Clinical Outcomes Among Patients Admitted With New‐Onset Heart Failure
Authors: McGuinn Erin , Warsavage Theodore , Plomondon Mary E. , Valle Javier A. , Ho P. Michael , Waldo Stephen W.
Published: February 2021

Background

The significant morbidity associated with systolic heart failure makes it imperative to identify patients with a reversible cause. We thus sought to evaluate the proportion of patients who received an ischemic evaluation after a hospitalization for new‐onset systolic heart failure.

Methods and Results

Patients admitted with a new diagnosis of heart failure and a reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (≤40%) were identified in the VA Healthcare System from January 2006 to August 2017. Among those who survived 90 days without a readmission, we evaluated the proportion of patients who underwent an ischemic evaluation. We identified 9625 patients who were admitted with a new diagnosis of systolic heart failure with a concomitant reduction in ejection fraction. A minority of patients (3859, 40%) underwent an ischemic evaluation, with significant variation across high‐performing (90th percentile) and low‐performing (10th percentile) sites (odds ratio, 3.79; 95% CI, 2.90–4.31). Patients who underwent an evaluation were more likely to be treated with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (75% versus 64%,
P
<0.001) or beta blockers (92% versus 82%,
P
<0.001) and subsequently undergo percutaneous (8% versus 0%,
P
<0.001) or surgical (2% versus 0%,
P
<0.001) revascularization. Patients with an ischemic evaluation also had a significantly lower adjusted hazard of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.47–0.61) compared with those without an evaluation.

Conclusions

Ischemic evaluations are underutilized in patients admitted with heart failure and a new reduction in left ventricular systolic function. A focused intervention to increase guideline‐concordant care could lead to an improvement in clinical outcomes.
Japan at the World’s Fairs: A Reflection
Authors: Demeulenaere-Douyère Christiane
Published: February 2021

The primary purpose of world’s fairs was commercial and industrial, focused on the celebration of technical and material progress. At the same time, they were places of immaterial exchanges between exhibitors and visitors, all of whom contributed a diversity of customs and cultures. As major exhibitions developed in Europe (1850–1900), Japan was opening to Western influences after a centuries-old period of self-isolation. The advent of the Meiji era marked the decision to transform feudal Japan into a modern capitalist state; in order to find economic partners, Japan became a regular presence at the world’s fairs. Openness gave way to confluence: European visitors discovered a living, rich image of Japan, complete with its traditions and arts. The revelation, to a wider audience, of Japanese art was at the origin of an artistic movement – Japonisme – which would have a lasting influence on European artists. Japan’s regular contributions to world’s fairs, especially those in Paris (1867, 1878, 1889, and 1900), enjoyed great popular success and shaped the European understanding of, and taste for, Japanese arts and culture.
Taxonomic implications of seed morphology and storage proteins in three tribes of the subfamily Papilionoideae (Fabaceae) in Egypt
Authors: ABOULELA MOSTAFA A. , EL-KAREMY ZEINAB A. , HOSNI HASNAA A. , SALEH SARA M. , FARIED AHMED M.
Published: February 2021

Papilionoideae is the most species-rich subfamily of Fabaceae. Within Papilionoideae, the “core genistoids” comprise many genera of the tribes Podalyrieae, Thermopsideae, Euchresteae, Crotalarieae, Genisteae, and part of Sophoreae. Seed macro- and micro-morphological characters and seed storage proteins of 12 Egyptian species belonging to three tribes of the core genistoides (Sophoreae, Crotalarieae, and Genisteae) were examined using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. Seed shape, size, surface topography, hilum characteristics, epidermal cell patterns, periclinal cell walls, and anticlinal cell boundaries are described here. Seed protein profiles show variable banding patterns with molecular weights ranging from approximately 5 to 270 kDa. Multivariate analyses based on seed morphology and storage proteins elucidate the phenetic relationships among the investigated species at both the tribal and intrageneric levels. The taxonomic and phylogenetic implications of multivariate analyses are compared with previous and current systematic treatments of the genera within the three tribes. Our results confirm the high taxonomic importance of seed morphology in distinguishing among the investigated species. A key to the species using seed macro- and micro-morphological characters is presented.
Rayenia malalcurensis (Escalloniaceae), a new genus and species endemic to Central Chile
Authors: VILLARROEL ALEJANDRO E. , MENEGOZ KORA , LAVANDERO NICOLÁS
Published: February 2021

Rayenia, a new monotypic genus assigned here to the Escalloniaceae, is provided with a description of the type species Rayenia malalcurensis, endemic to San Fabián de Alico, Ñuble Region, Central Chile. Molecular phylogenetics and morphological data support its placement in a new genus, separated from its sister taxon Tribeles australis. A detailed description, distribution map, insights about its ecology, conservation status and a key to the genera of Escalloniaceae in South America are given.
Intubation-Related Laryngeal Pathology Precluding Tracheostomy Decannulation: Incidence and Associated Risk Factors
Authors: Meenan Kirsten , Bhatnagar Kavita , Guardiani Elizabeth
Published: February 2021

Objectives:

To identify the incidence and risk factors for intubation-related laryngeal lesions that preclude tracheostomy decannulation in a large population.

Methods:

A 3-year retrospective case-control study was performed of tracheotomized adults in acute rehabilitation facilities who underwent routine endoscopic evaluation of the airway as part of the facilities’ decannulation protocol. Patients with known upper airway pathology, external laryngeal trauma, cricothyrotomy or emergent tracheostomy, prior head and neck radiation, isolated tracheal lesions, and patients with incomplete reports were excluded. The laryngeal pathologies were classified, and demographics and clinical features were compared between those whose lesions precluded decannulation and all other patients.

Results:

Three hundred seventy-one patients met inclusion criteria. One hundred six (28.6%) had laryngotracheal lesions. Forty-nine patients (13.2%) had intubation-related lesions of the larynx that precluded decannulation. These lesions included posterior glottic stenosis (30.6%), granulation tissue (24.5%), vocal fold immobility (16.3%), subglottic stenosis (16.3%), a combination of granulation tissue and stenosis (10.2%), and glottic edema (2.0%). A BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 was associated with laryngeal lesions precluding decannulation. There was no difference in age, sex, race, diabetes mellitus, endotracheal tube size, number of days intubated, and number of intubations between groups. Seventy-eight percent of patients with lesions precluding decannulation were decannulated after medical or surgical therapy. The decannulation rate of patients without lesions precluding decannulation was 79.9%.

Conclusions:

BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 may increase the risk of development of laryngeal lesions preventing decannulation. Given that 13.2% of tracheotomized patients have laryngeal lesions precluding decannulation, an endoscopic evaluation of the airway is important to prevent decannulation failure and future airway symptoms.
Office-Based Intralesional Steroid Injection for Treatment of Laryngeal Sarcoidosis
Authors: Farlow Janice L. , Park Jiwon V. , Morrison Robert J. , Kupfer Robbi A.
Published: February 2021

Objectives:

To report preliminary outcomes of a case series of in-office intralesional steroid injections for treatment of laryngeal sarcoidosis.

Methods:

After diagnosis of laryngeal sarcoidosis, 3 patients were offered in-office steroid injections for primary or adjunctive treatment. Triamcinolone 40 was injected into supraglottic sarcoidosis lesions in the office using a channel laryngoscope. Response to treatment and need for further injections was determined based on patient symptoms and repeat flexible laryngoscopy.

Results:

In-office intralesional steroid injections provided rapid symptom relief within days that lasted for months, thus decreasing the frequency of operative interventions. For one of the patients in this series, these injections even eliminated the need for tracheostomy. No complications were observed.

Conclusions:

In-office intralesional steroid injection is an emerging adjunctive treatment for laryngeal sarcoidosis. Prospective studies are required to determine efficacy and long-term risk profiles in relation to the current standard of operative management and systemic treatments.
Perfectly Confident Leadership
Authors: Moore Don A.
Published: February 2021

The leadership literature is replete with admonitions that successful leadership requires confidence. While that may be true, striving for greater confidence runs the risk of overconfidence. Overconfident leaders put themselves, their teams, and their organizations at risk. There are reasons to be skeptical that greater confidence improves performance, and substantial reasons to worry that greater confidence can undermine preparation. This article offers suggestions to avoid being fooled by overconfident charlatans. It also offers strategies for wise and honest leaders who would like to be both confident and truthful.
“I am an atypical mother”: Motherhood and maternal language in Giovanna Cristina Vivinetto’s poetry
Authors: Cannamela Danila
Published: February 2021

In her debut book Dolore minimo, Giovanna Cristina Vivinetto engages in a reflection on motherhood to recount an autobiographical story of gender self-determination and male to female transition. This article explores Vivinetto’s poetry as the retelling of transformative moments in two mother–daughter relationships, which generate a reshaping of life and language. In the book, these two storylines intersect, blur, and even overlap, creating a poetic discourse in which the maternal acts simultaneously as powerful catalyzer and producer of meanings. In discussing how, in Dolore minimo, the relationship of two atypical mothers becomes the creative site of a new possible symbolic order, my analysis engages an atypical approach: it reads Vivinetto’s queer representation of motherhood via the theorization developed by the women of Diotima—including, in particular, Luisa Muraro, Chiara Zamboni, Diana Sartori, and Ida Dominijanni. These feminist thinkers have been generally criticized for reinforcing binary understandings of sex and gender, based on an essentialist view of the category of woman. Yet, what if the feminism forwarded by Diotima, by positioning the feminine as a creative producer and first-person narrator of change, could still offer a productive avenue for dialogue? The article begins with a discussion of Diotima’s key theorizations, which lays the groundwork for interpreting the maternal poetics of Dolore minimo. The subsequent sections examine in more depth how Vivinetto’s poetry has reinvented the figure of the mother as a teacher and learner of new words, and how, through this reinvention, she has crafted a maternal language that knits together new relations of contiguity and change. Ultimately, by redeploying the figure of the mother beyond cisgender norms, Vivinetto’s poetry is revealing the inexhaustible vitality of this character.
A novel algorithm of ship structure modeling and target identification based on point cloud for automation in bulk cargo terminals
Authors: Miao Yang , Li Changan , Li Zhan , Yang Yipeng , Yu Xinghu
Published: February 2021

Achieving port automation of machinery at bulk terminals is a challenging problem due to the volatile operation environments and complexity of bulk loading compared to the situations in container terminals. In order to facilitate port automation, we present a method of hull modeling (reconstruction of hull’s structure) and operation target (cargo holds under loading) identification based on 3D point cloud collected by Laser Measurement System mounted on the ship loader. In the hull modeling algorithm, we incrementally register pairs of point clouds and reconstruct the 3D structure of bulk ship’s hull blocks in details through process of encoder data of the loader, FPFH feature matching and ICP algorithm. In the identification algorithm, we project real-time point clouds of the operation zone to spherical coordinate and transforms the 3D point clouds to 2D images for fast and reliable identification of operation target. Our method detects and complements four edges of the operation target through process of the 2D images and estimates both posture and size of operation target in the bulk terminal based on the complemented edges. Experimental trials show that our algorithm allows us to achieve the reconstruction of hull blocks and real-time identification of operation target with high accuracy and reliability.
Psychotherapy in the Kurdistan region of Iraq (KRI): Preferences and expectations of the Kurdish host community, internally displaced- and Syrian refugee community
Authors: Böge Kerem , Hahn Eric , Strasser Judith , Schweininger Stephanie , Bajbouj Malek , Karnouk Carine
Published: February 2021

Background and Aim:

The Kurdish Region of Iraq (KRI) is home to Kurds, internally displaced persons, and Syrian refugees. In the last decades, its inhabitants have witnessed a great deal of political instability, which has led to increased rates of psychological distress. Mental illness contrasts with limited access to and availability of mental health services – and so the treatment gap remains high. This study aims to investigate the perspectives, perceptions, and expectations of Syrian refugees, internally displaced persons and KRI host community members concerning mental health care in the governorate of Duhok. Attitudes and perspectives regarding psychotherapy, such as satisfaction with services, effects of therapy, bias toward therapy, and stigma, are explored.

Methods:

One hundred one participants were recruited from hospitals, clinical settings, and institutions from the governorate of Duhok in the KRI. Participants received the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) and were asked to evaluate services through four subscales: patient satisfaction, effects of therapy, bias toward therapy, and stigma.

Results:

Results revealed overall high satisfaction with services and effects of therapy. In contrast, both bias and stigma subscales were rated more ambivalently.

Conclusion:

Patient satisfaction is key for assessing health care quality, understanding attitudes toward therapy, and help-seeking behavior. Results offer insight for stakeholders in the psychosocial field allowing for a better understanding and improvement of availability and access to quality-driven mental health care services
“I Don’t Know What to Say”: Teachers’ Perspectives on Supporting Bereaved Students After the Death of a Parent
Authors: Levkovich Inbar , Elyoseph Zohar
Published: February 2021

This qualitative study examined teachers’ experiences dealing with bereaved students following the death of a parent. The researchers conducted in-depth, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with 25 teachers in Israeli schools who had counseled one of their students after the death of a parent. The interviews were recorded and transcribed and underwent content analysis. Analysis of the findings revealed that the teachers felt helpless, confused, overloaded emotionally and anxious when counseling students who had lost a parent. In addition, the teachers discussed the complex nature of their relationship with the remaining parent, ranging from a desire to support the family through avoidance for fear of hurting the parent to fears of being overwhelmed by the child’s problems. Many teachers mentioned their need for support from school officials.
Psychometric Properties of a DSM-5-Based Screening Tool for Women's Perceptions of Premenstrual Symptoms
Authors: Richards Meghan A. , Oinonen Kirsten A.
Published: February 2021

A premenstrual screening tool is needed when time constraints and attrition limit the feasibility of daily ratings. The present study examines the utility of a novel, 33-item, retrospective, dimensional, DSM-5-based, screening measure developed to explore women’s perceptions of premenstrual symptomatology. This is the first measure that examines perception of impairment for each DSM-5 symptom and assesses the frequency criterion. Participants (N = 331) reported symptoms ranging from none to a level consistent with a provisional DSM-5 diagnosis of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Initial psychometric properties indicated a five-factor structure: (1) affective symptoms; (2) fatigue, sleep, and anhedonia; (3) symptom frequency; (4) impairment and severity of appetite change and physical symptoms; and (5) difficulty concentrating. The total symptom scale and the frequency, severity, and impairment subscales demonstrated high internal consistency. Strong correlations between this dimensional measure and other retrospective and prospective premenstrual symptom measures suggest strong convergent, concurrent, and predictive validity. Premenstrual symptom groups created using this screening measure (minimal, mild/moderate, severe) differed on other retrospective and prospective measures of premenstrual symptoms. There was evidence of divergent validity and lack of an acquiescence bias. We also report data describing women’s perceptions of the frequency, level of impairment, and level of severity for each DSM-5 PMDD symptom over a 12-month period and discuss implications for future research on premenstrual phenomenology. Initial evidence for the reliability and construct validity of this symptom screening measure suggests potential value for assessing premenstrual symptomatology in research and practice.
An Examination of the Relationship of Core Self-Evaluations and Life Satisfaction in College Students With Disabilities
Authors: Smedema Susan Miller , Lee Deborah , Bhattarai Muna
Published: February 2021

For many students with disabilities, the transition from high school to a postsecondary educational institution can be challenging as they navigate a new environment with new or different supports. Recent research has demonstrated strong relationships between core self-evaluations (CSE) and a variety of psychosocial and employment outcomes in individuals with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to test a mediation model of the relationship between CSE and life satisfaction in 195 college students with disabilities. Hayes’ (2018) PROCESS macro for SPSS was used to evaluate the model. The results showed that acceptance of disability, social support from significant others, employment-related self-efficacy, and social self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between CSE and life satisfaction. The direct effect of CSE on life satisfaction was still significant after controlling for the effects of all mediators. Overall, CSE affected life satisfaction in college students with disabilities, both directly and indirectly, through improved disability acceptance, greater support from significant others, increased employment-related self-efficacy, and improved social self-efficacy. Implications of the results to improve life satisfaction in college students with disabilities are discussed.
Development of novel segmented-pie microfibers from copper-carbon nanoparticles and polyamide composite for antimicrobial textiles application
Authors: Jin Longsheng , Zhou Fang , Wu Shaohua , Cui Congjing , Sun Shibin , Li Guanglu , Chen Shaojuan , Ma Jianwei
Published: February 2021

Development of novel antibacterial fibers with mass production is urgently required in the technical textiles industry. In this paper, a series of segmented-pie composite microfibers based on polyamide 6 (PA6) and different amounts of copper–carbon nanoparticles (CuCNPs) were fabricated by utilizing a melt-spinning apparatus with twin-screw extruders. The encapsulation of CuCNPs and the formation of segmented-pie structure of as-prepared PA6/CuCNP microfibers were confirmed. The CuCNPs or their agglomeration with an average diameter of approximately 200 nm exhibited a uniform distribution in PA6/CuCNP segmented-pie microfibers. Compared with the pure PA6 microfibers, the PA6/CuCNP segmented-pie microfibers showed obviously enhanced crystallinity, thermal stability as well as UV resistance. As the CuCNP content increased to 1.0 wt%, the tensile strength and initial modulus increased to 3.79 cN/dtex and 22.4 cN/dtex, respectively. Importantly, the PA6/CuCNP segmented-pie microfibers presented excellent antimicrobial activities to both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (antimicrobial efficiency around 99%) and great antifungal activity to Candida albicans (antimicrobial efficiency around 82%). Taken together, our present study demonstrated that the PA6/CuCNP segmented-pie microfibers show great prospects in the fabrication of technical textiles for healthcare applications.
A study on the electromagnetic properties of graphite/bismuth/bismuth oxide-coated composites
Authors: Liu Yuanjun , Yang Yanfeng
Published: February 2021

Coating is a commonly used process for the preparation of protective textiles. In this study, the absorbing coated composite material was prepared by a coating process, using plain weave polyester/cotton fabric as the base fabric, PU-2540 polyurethane as the binder, and graphite, bismuth and bismuth oxide as the functional particles. The effects of the content of functional particles and the ratio of functional particles on the dielectric constant, reflection loss, shielding effectiveness, and tensile strength of the single-layer coating composites were studied using the control variable method. The results showed that when the frequency was 1–1000 MHz, the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant, the tangential value of the loss angle, and the tensile value increased with the increase of the coating content, and the polarization, loss and attenuation property, and mechanical property of the electromagnetic wave were enhanced. When graphite, bismuth, and bismuth oxide was mixed at the ratio of 9:0:0 in weight, the polarization property was the best. When mixed at the ratio of 6:1:2 in weight, the loss performance and attenuation ability were the best. When mixed at the ratio of 6:3:0 in weight, the absorbing property and mechanical property were the best. When mixed at the ratio of 6:2:1 in weight, the shielding property was the best.
Development of apparatus to evaluate cutting resistance of protective fabrics
Authors: Messiry Magdi El , Eid Elshiamaa Mohamed
Published: February 2021

In recent decades, attention has been focused on the design of protective soft fabrics against cutting. The anticipated textiles should shield the wearer's body from threats caused by pointed or sharp-edged objects, such as a knife, sharp blade, or spike. Therefore, as it is of great importance to design slash-resistant fabrics, it is also necessary to have an apparatus that gives the possibility to simulate the conditions of cutting processes of the protective fabric. The main objective of the present work is to develop a new apparatus to test the slash-proof materials used in soft protective armor or gloves. The apparatus can test the material with different cutting angles, different speeds, and various normal forces applied to the sample at the point of contact between the material and the cutting blade, with the capability to change all the parameters affecting the cutting force. This study aims to develop a cutting apparatus to study the cutting mechanism of textile materials with the capability to change all the parameters affecting the cutting force. The cutting angle and cutting speed have a significant effect on the maximum cutting force; however, the latter showed a high decrease of the maximum cutting force.
Education, neighbourhood context and depression of elderly Chinese
Authors: Li Yuanfei , Zhao Dandan
Published: February 2021

Research on depression among older adults has begun to take a contextual approach. This study advances scholarship by examining the relevance of education and neighbourhood context for individual depression in China. Using data from the 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS 2011), a nationally representative survey of Chinese aged 45 years or older, results of multilevel linear models show that the negative association between education and depression goes beyond individuals and extends to the neighbourhood level, although great variations exist across neighbourhoods. The individual education–depression relationship is more pronounced in disadvantaged neighbourhoods characterised by low incomes. Older adults living in rural neighbourhoods fare much worse with more depressive symptoms than their urban counterparts. While larger proportions of adults with a high-school education or higher are related to better mental health among the elderly in rural villages, it is not the case in urban communities. Promoting education in the general population, especially in rural and disadvantaged areas, may prove mentally beneficial to the aging residents.
Heat Stress-Related Symptoms among Bakery Workers in Lebanon: A National Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Habib Rima R. , El-Haddad Nataly W. , Halwani Dana A. , Elzein Kareem , Hojeij Safa
Published: February 2021

Heat exposure is linked to a range of heat-related illnesses and injuries. This study assessed the association between workers’ perceptions of the work environment and reports of heat stress-related health symptoms in bakery workers in Lebanon. A national cross-sectional survey of workers was carried out in 504 bakeries in Lebanon. One worker in each bakery was interviewed using questions relating to the workplace environment and heat stress-related health symptoms. Heat and humidity measurements were recorded in bakeries. Descriptive analyses were performed, and logistic regression assessed relationships between the workplace environment, worker perceptions, and reports of heat stress-related health symptoms. In total, 47.2% of workers experienced heat stress-related symptoms, 83% perceived workplace temperatures as hot, and 48% perceived these temperatures as affecting their health. Humidex readings showed that 49% of bakeries had conditions unsafe for routine work tasks. Working under pressure (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.12-2.43), job dissatisfaction (AOR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.12-2.79), and perceptions that high temperatures negatively affected health (AOR = 2.73; 95% CI = 1.87-3.99) were all significantly correlated to reports of heat stress-related symptoms. Females were more likely to experience heat stress-related symptoms (AOR = 1.96; 95% CI = 1.13-3.39). Workers who reported low levels of water consumption at work were also more likely to experience heat stress-related health symptoms. We conclude that heat exposure potentially impacts workers’ health in Lebanese bakeries. Improvements in workplace conditions, adequate infrastructure, and workers’ training are key interventions for maintaining workers’ health.
Vitamin D levels in paediatric intensive care unit patients and its relation to severity of illness: An Indian experience
Authors: Kumar Durgesh , Singh Mukesh V , Yadav Rajesh K , Singh Dinesh K , Singh Deepak K , Siddiqui Shahid Akhtar
Published: February 2021

Vitamin D deficiency is a common disorder that is associated with morbidity and mortality in the general population. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 384 children admitted to paediatric intensive care to determine its prevalence and association with severity of illness and outcome in critically ill children. The severity of illness was evaluated using the paediatric risk of mortality score (PRISM III), on admission, at 24 and 48 h. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 175 children (45.6%) and was associated with higher severity of illness, need for mechanical ventilation and increased mortality.
Attachment to God and Quest as Moderators of the Relationship between Religious Doubt and Mental Health
Authors: Love Noah S. , Merlo Cassidy A. , Hall M. Elizabeth Lewis , Hill Peter C.
Published: February 2021

The present study examined attachment to God and quest as potential moderators of the relationship between religious doubt and mental health. A sample of Christian participants ( N = 235) completed a survey which included measures of attachment to God, quest, religious doubt, and mental health. As hypothesized, attachment to God and quest significantly moderated an individual’s experience of religious doubt. Low avoidant attachment to God (i.e., a more secure attachment) was associated with a more negative relationship between cognitive religious doubt and positive mental health than high avoidant attachment. In contrast, low avoidant attachment to God also ameliorated the positive relationship between affective religious doubt and mental health problems. Low anxious attachment was associated with a stronger negative relationship between both measures of religious doubt (i.e., cognitive and affective) and positive mental health. In addition, high soft quest weakened all four of the relationships between measures of religious doubt and mental health. High hard quest ameliorated the positive relationship between both measures of religious doubt and mental health problems. These results indicate that an individual’s attachment to God and the way an individual is oriented toward religion each play a role in the mental health outcomes associated with religious doubt.
Experiences of Divine Grace Among Christian Friends
Authors: Webster Kyle T. , McMinn Mark R. , Dunlop Irene H. , Andrews Glena L. , Buhrow William , Schollars Nicholas A. , Peterson Kylee
Published: February 2021

Although topics of prayer, forgiveness, and gratitude have received attention in the psychology of religion, there is sparse literature regarding the concept of grace. Thirty interviews were conducted with Friends (Quakers) in the Pacific Northwest, using a semi-structured interview developed for a larger study of how Christians from various denominations experience grace. Four organizing themes were derived from the interview questions and then grounded theory was used to uncover associated subthemes within each organizing theme. Participants emphasized the loving nature of God and how grace is a transforming relational experience with God that helps people move toward wholeness and completeness. Although participants sometimes linked grace with questions of eternal destiny, it was also associated with being fully accepted and loved by God in the present moment. Many expressed concerns about conservative Christian perspectives of grace that seem to overly focus on being saved from hell, instead preferring views of grace that are inclusive and available to all. Ongoing disciplines of grace included being in nature, community relationships, creative expressions, prayer, quiet, and reading sacred texts. These findings are consistent with historical and contemporary distinctives of Friends. Implications for future research are considered.