bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shattering crystal with crystal: Galileo’s rhetoric, lenses, and the epistemology of metaphor
Authors: Marcus Hannah , Hall Crystal
Published: October 2021

The terms that Galileo’s contemporaries used for lenses ( cristallo/i, lente/i, and vetro/i) have often been treated, and even translated, interchangeably. In this article, we argue that Galileo used references to crystals as lenses to embed epistemological and cosmological arguments in the material object of the telescope. Across Galileo’s correspondence and letters, the term crystal had many uses and meanings. As a substance, crystal was a form of raw material, but crystal was also a substance that was central to scholastic cosmology and an explanatory device on which scholastics relied to explain first the appearance of the new star of 1604 and then Galileo’s new telescopic discoveries. When Galileo began using the word crystals as a synonym for lenses, he endowed the material of his instrument with cosmological arguments. Galileo’s choice of language was deliberate and polemical, serving as a joke at the expense of scholastics and as a linguistic marker of social proximity to Galileo and his intellectual agenda, especially among the members of the Academy of the Lincei. Rhetorically and linguistically, Galileo chose to refer to his lenses as crystals both because of the material from which they were made and because in so doing he signaled the epistemological work that the lenses would perform. Ultimately, the crystal lenses in Galileo’s telescope and writings shattered the crystalline spheres, replacing explanatory metaphors with a polemical emphasis on the material and empirical realities of objects.
Concise leader-follower formation control of underactuated unmanned surface vehicle with output error constraints
Authors: Zhao Meijiao , Peng Yan , Wang Yueying , Zhang Dan , Luo Jun , Pu Huayan
Published: October 2021

In this paper, a concise leader-follower formation control approach is presented for a group of underactuated unmanned surface vehicle with dynamic system uncertainties and external environment disturbances, where the output errors are required to be within constraints. To settle the output error constraints, a standard barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) is incorporated into the backstepping control method. Furthermore, the “differential explosion” problem of virtual control laws is avoided by introducing the dynamic surface control. To estimate the unknown dynamic terms, an adaptive neural network is designed and a nonlinear disturbance observer is adopted to compensate for the approximation errors of neural network and ocean environment disturbances. Under the constraint of output error, the presented controller based on standard BLF has simpler structure and better control performance than depended on tan-type BLF. The presented controller can ensure that the formation errors converge to a small range around zero, while the output error constraint requirements are met. All signals in the closed-loop system are bounded, and the numerical simulation further shows the effectiveness of the presented control scheme.
Design and implementation of a mobile terminal cloud supervisory control platform for networked control systems
Authors: Chi Chuanguo , Liu Guo-Ping , Hu Wenshan
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates the design and implementation of a mobile terminal cloud supervisory control (MTCSC) platform based on networked control systems (NCSs). The platform relying on mobile programming and C/S architecture provides real-time data transmission and supervisory for the cloud control system (CCS). Users can deploy the platform in smart phones, tablet computers and other mobile devices, which solves the problem of the dependence on PC for networked supervisory system. Both asynchronous data receiving and synchronous real-time monitoring of different cloud nodes are supported on mobile terminal. Additionally, through data cloud transmission, users can realize remote cloud monitoring. Moreover, to overcome the data delay during users’ monitoring and to improve the reliability of the system, a multi-threaded communication and real-time communication scheme are proposed. The virtual instruments and function modules of the system can be customized by users, which not only increase the flexibility of operation but also enhance the customization and expansion of functions. Finally, the feasibility of the MTCSC platform is verified by online simulation and experiment.
Postnatal Hepatobiliary and Gastrointestinal Systems Development and Impact on ADME
Authors: G. Halpern Wendy , Kluever April , Irizarry Rovira Armando R.
Published: October 2021

Toxicity can result from variable target organ sensitivity and exposure based on postnatal development. Changes in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in neonates are driven by initial enteral feedings. These are important for nutrient uptake as well as drug disposition and include motility, expansion of enzyme and transporter function, permeability, intestinal microbiome, and species-specific maturation. Some aspects of GIT function do not mature until driven by increased dietary complexity. As with the GIT, postnatal hepatic maturation in the rat includes a variety of anatomic and functional changes that include refinements in the activities or expression of drug transporters and drug-metabolizing enzymes. These changes may impact rodent pharmacokinetics, nonclinical toxicity profiles, and estimation of safe pediatric doses. Pilot or dose range finding studies can help characterize and mitigate toxicity related to drug disposition, especially in juvenile rodents. Interpretation of developmental toxicity requires knowledge of developing systems in humans and nonclinical models.
An exploratory study to improve reading and comprehending mathematical expressions in braille
Authors: van Leendert Annemiek , Boonstra LG , Doorman Michiel , Drijvers Paul , van der Steen Johannes , Pel Johan
Published: October 2021

Braille readers read and comprehend mathematical expressions while moving their fingertips over braille characters. The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate the effect of an intervention that teaches braille readers who use a braille display to use finger movements with a focus on the expression’s mathematical structure. The finger movements involved movements where the two index fingers are about one or two braille cells apart and movements where the index fingers explore different parts of the expression. We investigated to what extent the intervention supports an interplay between finger movements and the expression’s mathematical structure to make the process of calculating the value of an expression easier and to make braille readers more aware of the expression’s structure. Three braille readers, respectively in Grades 7, 8, and 11, received the intervention consisting of five individual lessons. During the pre-, post-, and retention test, the braille readers’ finger movements were video recorded, as well as the time needed to read and process the mathematical tasks. Four expressions were selected for further analysis. The results show that during the posttest, each braille reader required at least 29% less time to read and process the expressions. The retention test results were even better. Scanpaths indicated that braille readers picked up features of mathematical structures more easily after the intervention. Based on our findings, we recommend that braille readers receive lessons in tactile reading strategies that support the reading and processing of mathematical expressions and equations.
Accuracy in recognising happy facial expressions is associated with antidepressant response to a NOP receptor antagonist but not placebo treatment
Authors: Dawson Gerard R , Post Anke , Smart Trevor S , Browning Michael , Harmer Catherine J
Published: October 2021

Background:

Clinical trials with putative antidepressants can be difficult to execute as it can take up to 8 weeks before differences emerge between drug and placebo, and long expensive trials often fail. Implementation of early response biomarkers could aid this process significantly with potential to identify new treatments.

Aims:

In a secondary analysis, we examined the association of early effects on emotional processing with later clinical outcome following treatment with the novel NOP antagonist LY2940094 versus placebo. We hypothesised that early induction of positive bias would be associated with reduced severity of depression after 8 weeks of treatment.

Methods:

This was a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, fixed-dose, placebo-controlled, 8 week study to assess sensitivity of the facial emotional recognition task (FERT) to early changes in emotional bias induced by LY2940094. Patients who met diagnostic criteria for major depression were randomised to receive LY2940094 ( N = 70) or placebo ( N = 66). At week 1 and 6, the FERT was completed by 33 patients in the LY2940094 group and 34 in the placebo group.

Results:

Patients identified happy faces with higher accuracy (Wald χ2(1,33) = 14.25, p < 0.001) after 1 week treatment with LY290094 compared to placebo (Wald χ2(1,32) = 0.83, p = 0.36) and this correlated with eventual treatment response measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 7 weeks later.

Conclusion:

These data suggest that emotional processing biomarkers may be sensitive to early effects of antidepressant treatment indicative of later clinical response. Further studies in this area may be useful in developing new treatments and clinical trial designs for predicting antidepressant response.
Risk factors for rebleeding in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding from southern China
Authors: Liu Boying , Liu Sudong , Wen Pingwu , Wang Shengbing , Wang Fuqun , Gu Xiaodong
Published: October 2021

Background

To identify the risk factors associated with rebleeding in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) patients from southern China.

Methods

This retrospective study involved 229 patients who underwent small bowel endoscopy in our hospital between 1 January 2018 and 1 December 2020. The clinical characteristics and risk factors related to rebleeding were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

Rebleeding patients were significantly older than non-rebleeding patients (53.0 ± 15.9 vs. 46.2 ± 17.8 years), had lower hemoglobin concentrations (89.2 ± 28.1 vs. 126.2 ± 25.1 g/L), and higher blood urea nitrogen concentrations (5.4 ± 2.6 vs. 4.5 ± 2.2 µmol/L), respectively. A higher percentage of rebleeding patients had diabetes mellitus (13.9% vs. 2.9%) and overt bleeding (70.4% vs. 38.6%), and required blood transfusions (43.1% vs. 8.0%), compared with non-rebleeding patients, respectively. Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that drinking alcohol (odds ratio (OR): 9.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.35–63.78), anemia (OR: 17.38; 95% CI = 5.48–55.10), and blood transfusion (OR: 3.76; 95% CI = 1.04–13.56) increased the risk of rebleeding in OGIB patients.

Conclusion

Our data suggested that OGIB patients who drink alcohol, have anemia, and require blood transfusion have an increased risk of rebleeding.
What Makes or Breaks Evidence-Based Supervision? Staff and Organizational Predictors of Evidence-Based Practice in Probation
Authors: Debus-Sherrill Sara , Breno Alex , Taxman Faye S.
Published: October 2021

Research on staff and organizational factors that affect receptivity, adoption, feasibility, and utilization of innovations in justice settings is limited. This study uses survey data from 349 employees in one probation agency to assess how staff and perceived organizational factors influence attitudes related to evidence-based practices (EBPs) and their self-reported use. Staff characteristics, including education and knowledge about EBPs, and perceptions of the organization, including cynicism about the organization’s ability to change, predicted EBP outcomes. Staff age, tenure at the agency, and caseload size affected perceptions of organizational culture, but did not predict attitudes or use of EBPs. There is weak evidence for a relationship between self-reported use of EBPs with attitudinal support for EBPs, prior EBP training, and knowledge of EBPs. This study contributes to an emerging body of literature about the impact of various individual and organizational factors on support for EBPs with important lessons for implementation.
Callous-Unemotional Traits are Associated With Child-to-Parent Aggression
Authors: Kuay Hue San , Boothroyd Lynda G. , Towl Graham J. , Tiffin Paul A. , Muñoz Luna C.
Published: October 2021

This study examined the relations between callous-unemotional traits and perpetration of aggression toward parents in two separate studies, while also considering motivation for aggression and parenting styles experienced among young people. Study 1 involved 60 parents of children aged between 11 and 17 years old. The online study found high callous-unemotional traits, as reported by parents, to be associated with aggression toward both parents. Both types of motivation (proactive and reactive, as reported by parents) were associated with aggression toward parents. Study 2 involved 42 youths from an alternative education sample (between 11 and 16 years old). Youths with higher self-reported callous-unemotional traits reported more aggression toward both parents. Both studies, which had different reporters and different samples, showed youths with higher callous-unemotional traits were more aggressive toward their parents. In discussing the results, we note the importance of including callous-unemotional traits in future research on parent-directed aggression and in studies on domestic violence more broadly.
State capitalism and capital markets: Comparing securities exchanges in emerging markets
Authors: Petry Johannes , Koddenbrock Kai , Nölke Andreas
Published: October 2021

Finance plays a major role in discussions about state capitalism in emerging markets, but the focus has so far been on banks. Capital markets have been neglected. Moreover, findings from the growing literature on financialization in emerging markets indicate that in some cases there is increasing state involvement in the development and functioning of capital markets. Hence, the relationship between the state and finance in these economies may be fundamentally different from the picture provided by liberal Western-centric perspectives. Instead of looking at capital markets as uniform entities, we propose to analyse them as variegated – while characterized by common financialization processes, they can be informed by different institutional logics, leading to very different market dynamics and outcomes. We explore to what extent these differences exist and how state-capitalist economies facilitate capital market development. Our comparative institutional analysis of securities exchanges as central parts of capital markets in six increasingly financialized emerging market economies – Brazil, China, India, Russia, South Africa and South Korea – focuses on the degree to which capital markets are integrated into state-capitalist institutions. Instead of mere platforms on which market transactions take place, we analyse exchanges as powerful actors which actively shape capital markets. While in most advanced economies exchanges are situated within an institutional setting informed by neoliberal institutional logic, we demonstrate that exchanges in emerging markets often organize capital markets to facilitate state objectives.
Effect of Robo-Taxi User Experience on User Acceptance: Field Test Data Analysis
Authors: Lee Sunghee , Yoo Soyoung , Kim Seongsin , Kim Eunji , Kang Namwoo
Published: October 2021

With the advancement of self-driving technology, the commercialization of robot taxi (Robo-taxi) services is expected. However, there is some skepticism as to whether such taxi services will be successfully accepted by real customers because of perceived safety-related concerns; therefore, studies focused on user experience have become more crucial. Although many studies statistically analyze user experience data obtained by surveying individuals’ perceptions of Robo-taxis or indirectly through simulators, there is a lack of research that statistically analyzes data obtained directly from actual Robo-taxi service experiences. Accordingly, based on the user experience data obtained by implementing a Robo-taxi service in the downtown of Seoul and Daejeon in South Korea, this study quantitatively analyzes the effect of user experience on user acceptance through structural equation modeling and path analysis. Balanced and highly valid insights were also obtained by re-analyzing meaningful relationships obtained through statistical models based on the results of in-depth interviews. The results revealed that the experience of the traveling stage had the greatest effect on user acceptance, and the cutting-edge nature of the service and apprehension of technology were emotions that had a significant effect on user acceptance. Based on these findings, guidelines are suggested for the design and marketing of future Robo-taxi services.
Is it Good or Bad to Provide Driver Fatigue Warning During Take-Over in Highly Automated Driving?
Authors: Niu Jianwei , Ma Chuang
Published: October 2021

When and how the driver should be intervened to relieve the fatigue status in Society of Automotive Engineers Level 3 automated driving has raised numerous debates. In this paper, we identify the driver’s fatigue level according to the driver’s facial features before the system issues the take-over request (TOR), and then perform the fatigue warning (FW) intervention to investigate whether the driver would be better prepared for taking over the vehicle safely and efficiently. In a simulator-based study, we compared the driver’s driving performance under the condition of whether a FW intervention was provided before a possible TOR, with the aim to gain insights into the ability of fatigued drivers to regain manual control and situation awareness after automated driving. A FW + TOR condition was compared with a TOR-only condition using a within-subject design with 30 participants. Under the effect of FW, participants exhibited better take-over performance; for example, they gazed at the road and placed their hands on the steering wheel earlier before taking over the vehicle. Moreover, in the FW + TOR state, they also exhibited better take-over performance, with a shorter average braking reaction time and a higher average speed, which reflects that the driver’s speed is more stable during the take-over of the vehicle and that the take-over task can be completed with a smaller deceleration. Furthermore, it is concluded that the FW (5 s before TOR) + TOR mode has greater potential to increase the safety and acceptance of automated driving, and could reduce the driver’s safety risk in a fatigue state when driving automatically compared with the FW (10 s before TOR) + TOR mode. It is concluded that FW (5 s before TOR) + TOR mode has the potential to increase safety and acceptance of automated driving as compared with systems that provide only TORs. In addition, we need to design take-over scenarios and non-driving-related tasks with different levels of complexity to satisfy subsequent research. The fatigue detection method based on image-processing techniques also needs further improvement.
Macrophages, the main marker in biocompatibility evaluation of new hydrogels after subcutaneous implantation in rats
Authors: Lužajić Božinovski Tijana , Todorović Vera , Milošević Ivan , Prokić Bogomir Bolka , Gajdov Vladimir , Nešović Katarina , Mišković-Stanković Vesna , Marković Danica
Published: October 2021

Biocompatibility of materials is one of the most important conditions for their successful application in tissue regeneration and repair. Cell-surface interactions stimulate adhesion and activation of macrophages whose acquaintance can assist in designing novel biomaterials that promote favorable macrophage–biomaterial surface interactions for clinical application. This study is designed to determine the distribution and number of macrophages as a means of biocompatibility evaluation of two newly synthesized materials [silver/poly(vinyl alcohol) (Ag/PVA) and silver/poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene (Ag/PVA/Gr) nanocomposite hydrogels] in vivo, with approval of the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade. Macrophages and giant cells were analyzed in tissue sections stained by routine H&E and immunohistochemical methods (CD68+). Statistical relevance was determined in the statistical software package SPSS 20 (IBM corp). The results of the study in terms of the number of giant cells localized around the implant showed that their number was highest on the seventh postoperative day (p.o.d.) in the group implanted with Ag/PVA hydrogels, and on the 30th p.o.d. in the group implanted with Ag/PVA/Gr. Interestingly, the number of macrophages measured in the capsular and pericapsular space was highest in the group implanted with the commercial Suprasorb© material. The increased macrophage number, registered around the Ag/PVA/Gr implant on 60th p.o.d. indicates that the addition of graphene can, in a specific way, modulate different biological responses of tissues in the process of wound healing, regeneration, and integration.
Protective Influence of Breastfeeding on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Women With Previous Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Their Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pathirana Maleesa M. , Ali Anna , Lassi Zohra S , Arstall Margaret A. , Roberts Claire T. , Andraweera Prabha H.
Published: October 2021

Background:

There is evidence that breastfeeding may provide protection against cardiovascular risk factors in mothers with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus and their children who were exposed in utero.

Research Aim:

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to ascertain the effects of breastfeeding on cardiovascular risk factors in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus and their children exposed in utero.

Methods:

Studies assessing conventional cardiovascular risk factors in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus and children exposed in utero stratified by breastfeeding/no breastfeeding or breastfed/not breastfed were included. Gestational diabetes mellitus was defined based on the International Association of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group definition or previous accepted definitions. Breastfeeding was defined as reported in each study.

Results:

The literature search yielded 260 titles, of which 17 studies were selected to be in the review. Women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus who did not breastfeed had higher blood glucose ( SMD: 0.32, 95% CI [0.12, 0.53]) and a greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes mellitus ( RR: 2.08 95% CI [1.44, 3.00]) compared to women with no history. There were not enough studies to conduct a meta-analysis on the effects of breastfeeding on risk factors for cardiovascular disease among children exposed to gestational diabetes mellitus in utero.

Conclusion:

Breastfeeding appears to be protective against cardiovascular risk factors among women who experience gestational diabetes mellitus.
Machine learning approach to improve vapor recovery: Prediction and frequency converter with a new vapor recovery system
Authors: Liu Yajun , Zhang Shenchao , Liu Zhendong
Published: October 2021

In practice, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) pollution can exist when refueling due to the properties of the gasoline, low viscosity and high saturated-vapor pressure. A new gasoline vapor recovery system involving frequency conversion technology and machine learning is developed to cope with this problem. In the proposed system, firstly, the pumping capacity of the vacuum pump is evaluated, and test shows an almost linear relationship between suction volume and frequency. Then, the Multi-Layer Perception (MLP) neural network and the support vector regression (SVR) are employed to predict the gas-liquid ratio, and the numerical examples are presented to prove the high prediction accuracy of the MLP and SVR, respectively, where the MLP neural network has better generalization ability. Finally, compared with the two gasoline vapor recovery systems based on the 1: 1 fixed control model and the PID control model, respectively, the gasoline vapor recovery efficiency is improved significantly by the new gasoline vapor recovery system.
Book review: Priya Jaikumar, Where Histories Reside: India as Filmed Space
Authors: Philips Alastair
Published: October 2021

Priya Jaikumar, Where Histories Reside: India as Filmed Space. Durham and London: Duke University Press, 2019, 398 pp., $29.95 (Paperback). ISBN: 978-1-4780-0475-2.
Mining the Past: History Scripting Strategies and Competitive Advantage in a Family Business
Authors: Ge Bingbing , De Massis Alfredo , Kotlar Josip
Published: October 2021

History is increasingly recognized as a distinctive source of competitive advantage for family businesses. Taking a rhetorical history perspective, we study how a family business leveraged the family’s three generations long history of entrepreneurship to sustain profitable growth over 16 years. Through our analysis, we identify three history scripting strategies—embedding, elaborating, and building family history—that created important sources of competitive advantage for the family business, facilitating acceptance by broader communities, building a reputation of continuity, and inspiring innovation through tradition. These findings advance the history-informed understanding of family firms’ idiosyncratic sources of superior performance.
End of Life Neuropsychological Impairments and Psychological Care of Persons With Advanced Parkinsonism
Authors: Prigatano George P. , Salins Naomi
Published: October 2021

Decline in executive functioning, before frank dementia occurs, has been reported in patients with a history of stroke and malignant brain tumors. This may also be true in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD). In this paper, we summarize the limited research on the motor and cognitive predictors of mortality in advanced PD. We then provide 2 case vignettes of patients with end of life advanced PD who demonstrated a substantial decline in working memory and speech festination. We contrast these patients’ neuropsychological features to a third patient with advanced PD who shows no signs of impending death. Monitoring neuropsychological signs of executive dysfunction, explaining the neuropsychological dysfunctions to the patient and spouse while recognizing the past and retained cognitive competencies of the person is an important component of end of life psychological care. In the context of this type of consultation, the patient may experience an opportunity to communicate their emotional concerns prior to death which further reduces the anxiety associated with death.
A Rapid Review and Narrative Synthesis of the Consequences of Non-Inclusive Sex Education in UK Schools on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Young People
Authors: Epps Beth , Markowski Marianne , Cleaver Karen
Published: October 2021

Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) in schools are predominantly heterocentric. Consequently, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning young people have reported feeling excluded. This exclusion results in feelings of being “different” and “other,” which in turn leads to further disengagement in the sex education classroom, contributing to poor sexual health literacy, greater risk of abusive relationships, and higher rates of sexually transmitted infections. A rapid review was undertaken to identify the impact of non-inclusive sex education. The review makes recommendations for policy and practice, which includes the provision of training courses to school teaching staff with an emphasis on inclusive RSE, appropriate online resources for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people, as well as offering 1:1 emotional health support for LGBTQ young people as they begin to question their sexual orientation.
The Impact of Adolescent Substance Abuse on Family Quality of Life, Marital Satisfaction, and Mental Health in Qatar
Authors: Hamza Eid G. Abo , Gladding Samuel , Moustafa Ahmed A.
Published: October 2021

This study investigated the impact of substance-addicted adolescents on family quality of life in the Arab country of Qatar. Two groups of families were compared: families with a teenager who had a substance addiction ( n = 50) and families without such a teen ( n = 53). Results showed families with a substance-addicted teenager had a lower family quality of life, that is, lower marital satisfaction, and higher couple scores on depression, anxiety, and stress. The study suggests that the relationship between family dynamics and adolescent substance addiction is bidirectional in Arab families, that is, family problems may lead to adolescent substance abuse, and substance addiction in adolescents may also impact marital health quality and the mental health of parents.
The Pre- and Postoperative Prevalence and Risk Factors of ASA Nonresponse in Vascular Surgery
Authors: Kazimi Alia Uzra , Weber Christian Friedrich , Keese Michael , Miesbach Wolfgang
Published: October 2021

Background

An antiplatelet therapy with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is prescribed in the prevention of cardiovascular events, but around 24% of ASA takers are resistant to the treatment.

Aim

In this prospective, observational cohort study, we aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors of ASA nonresponse in patients who underwent vascular surgery.

Methods

The study was conducted in the University hospital in Frankfurt am Main. In total, 70 patients were pre-treated with 100 mg of ASA per day and underwent either elective carotid thromboendarterectomy, femoral thromboendarterectomy or endovascular aneurysm repair of the abdominal aorta. The platelet function was measured on the first preoperative and the second or fourth postoperative day with the multiple electrode aggregometry by in-vitro stimulation with arachidonic acid (ASPItest) and thrombin receptor activating peptide 6 (TRAPtest). The primary end point was the in-vitro induced platelet aggregation in the ASPItest. If the ASPItest amounted ≥400 AU × min, the patients were categorized as ASA nonresponders.

Results

The total prevalence of ASA nonresponse in our study was 20% preoperatively and 35.7% postoperatively (p = 0.005). As significant predictors for ASA nonresponse, we demonstrated the area under the aggregation curve in the TRAPtest preoperatively (p = 0.04) and postoperatively (p = 0.02), and the two comorbidities arterial hypertension ( P < .001; rho 0.44) and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.04; rho 0.39), which are already well known to be associated with ASA nonresponse.

Conclusion

In conclusion, data of the study indicate a high incidence of perioperative, laboratory ASA nonresponse in patients undergoing vascular surgery.
Mechanical response of double-stranded DNA to dynamic excitation
Authors: Mousavi Hamze , Mirzaei Moein , Jalilvand Samira
Published: October 2021

The present work investigates the vibrational properties of a DNA-like structure by means of a harmonic Hamiltonian and the Green’s function formalism. The DNA sequence is considered as a quasi one-dimensional system in which the mass-spring pairs are randomly distributed inside each crystalline unit. The sizes of the units inside the system are increased, in a step-by-step approach, so that the actual condition of the DNA could be modeled more accurately. The linear-elastic forces mimicking the bonds between the pairs are initially considered constant along the entire length of the system. In the next step, these forces are randomly shuffled so as to take into account the inherent randomness of the DNA. The results reveal that increasing the number of mass-spring pairs in the crystalline structure decreases the influence of randomness on the mechanical behavior of the structure. This also holds true for systems with larger crystalline units. The obtained results can be used to investigate the mechanical behavior of similar macro-systems.
The Effects of Home Health Value-Based Purchasing on Home Health Care Quality in For-Profit and Nonprofit Agencies: A Comparative Interrupted Time-Series Analysis, 2012–2018
Authors: Perera Uduwanage Gayani E. , Dick Andrew W. , Chastain Ashley M. , Stone Patricia W. , Shang Jingjing
Published: October 2021

Beginning in 2016, the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) model incentivized U.S. Medicare-certified home health agencies (HHAs) in nine states to improve quality of patient care and patient experience. Here, we quantified HHVBP effects upon quality over time (2012–2018) by HHA ownership (i.e., for-profit vs. nonprofit) using a comparative interrupted time-series design. Our outcome measures were Care Quality and Patient Experience indices composed of 10 quality of patient care measures and five patient experience measures, respectively. Overall, 17.7% of HHAs participated in the HHVBP model of which 81.4% were for-profit ownership. Each year after implementation, HHVBP was associated with a 1.59 ( p < .001) percentage point increase in the Care Quality index among for-profit HHAs and a 0.71 ( p = .024) percentage point increase in the Patient Experience index among nonprofits. The differences of quality improvement under the HHVBP model by ownership indicate variations in HHA leadership responses to HHVBP.
Capecitabine induced fingerprint loss: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Deneken-Hernandez Zuratzi , Cherem-Kibrit Marcos , Gutiérrez-Andrade Luis , Rodríguez-Gutiérrez Georgina , Colmenero-Mercado Juan Oswaldo
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Adermatoglyphia is defined as the medical condition clinically diagnosed to those who have a congenital or acquired loss of the epidermal ridges on the fingertips, commonly known as fingerprints. Capecitabine, a fluoropyrimidine, is the treatment of choice in a myriad of tumors and has occasionally been reported to cause adermatoglyphia as a secondary effect upon its use.

Case Report

A 52-year-old female patient, diagnosed with stage IV metastatic left breast cancer with extension to bone in late 2011 reported upon biopsy a hormone receptor positive Her2 negative ductal carcinoma. After initial treatment with a combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy palliative treatment, hepatic and lung metastasis progression obliged capecitabine oral intake. In 2018, after two years on the fluoropyrimidine (capecitabine), the patient reported adermatoglyphia.

Management & Outcome

The patient opted to continue taking the medication, since such treatment was working with no other meaningful side effects. Her last work-up studies continue to show complete lung and liver response with stable bone disease.

Discussion

Capecitabine is a common drug in the therapy against metastatic breast cancer due to its manageable safety profile. Hand-foot syndrome is a frequent side effect caused by this drug, with dosage adjustment recommended with progression of symptoms. Recent publications have reported adermatoglyphia as a rare side effect of capecitabine use. Upon further examination through dermatoscopy and biopsy, the patient was evidenced to have lost the epidermal ridges that form fingerprints. A score of 9 on the Naranjo scale confirmed to be a consequence of the administration of capecitabine.
Safety and feasibility of outpatient high-dose cytarabine and intermediate-dose cytarabine for consolidation therapy in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Li Wenhui , Richter Katherine , Lee Jamie , McCarthy Kevin , Kubal Timothy
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The standard of care consolidation therapy for acute myeloid leukemia is high-dose cytarabine or intermediate-dose cytarabine, which are traditionally given inpatient. At Moffitt Cancer Center, we have moved the administration of high-dose cytarabine and intermediate-dose cytarabine to the outpatient setting through the inpatient/outpatient program. To facilitate outpatient administration, high-dose cytarabine and intermediate-dose cytarabine are given in a shorter interval of every 10 h instead of 12 h. The safety of a shorter duration interval of high-dose cytarabine and intermediate-dose cytarabine is unknown. This study aims to assess the safety and feasibility of administering high-dose cytarabine and intermediate-dose cytarabine consolidation therapy in the inpatient/outpatient setting.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review to analyze acute myeloid leukemia patients treated with inpatient/outpatient high-dose cytarabine or intermediate-dose cytarabine consolidation therapy at Moffitt Cancer Center from January 1, 2015, through November 1, 2018. The primary objective was to determine the incidence of hospitalization during the inpatient/outpatient administration of high-dose cytarabine or intermediate-dose cytarabine.

Results

Two hundred fifty-three of 255 cycles of high-dose cytarabine/intermediate-dose cytarabine were delivered outpatient over the reviewed time period to 118 patients. No patients receiving outpatient high-dose cytarabine/intermediate-dose cytarabine consolidation required hospitalization during chemotherapy. Our incidence of hospitalization (24%) after chemotherapy is consistent with the reported literature. Through the inpatient/outpatient administration of high-dose cytarabine and intermediate-dose cytarabine, 1265 inpatient days were saved with an approximate revenue of $3,135,176 generated in our study period.

Conclusion

Inpatient/outpatient administration of high-dose cytarabine and intermediate-dose cytarabine is both safe and feasible. Moving high-dose cytarabine/intermediate-dose cytarabine administration to the outpatient setting resulted in significant additional revenue vs. inpatient administration.
V.I.T.A.M. in COVID 19: A Systematic Approach to a Global Pandemic
Authors: Yarrarapu Siva Naga S. , Bansal Pankaj , Abia-Trujillo David , Cusick Austin , Melody Megan , Moktan Varun , Rivero Andrea , Brigham Tara J. , Libertin Claudia , Brumble Lisa , O'Brien Jennifer J. , Lee Augustine , Klaus Torp , Santos Christan , Rivera Candido , Siegel Jason , Guru Pramod , Franco Pablo Moreno , Sanghavi Devang
Published: October 2021

Introduction

In the unprecedented era of COVID-19, ongoing research and evolution of evidence has led to ever-changing guidelines for clinical monitoring and therapeutic options. Formulating treatment protocols requires the understanding and application of the evolving research.

Objective

The primary objective of this study is to present a systematic evidence-based approach to synthesize the necessary data in order to optimize the management of COVID-19.

Methods

At Mayo Clinic Florida, we developed a multidisciplinary centralized COVID Treatment Review Panel (TRP) of expert pulmonologists, intensivists, infectious disease specialists, anesthesiologists, hematologists, rheumatologists, and hospitalists that in real-time reviews the latest evidence in peer-reviewed journals, the available clinical trials, and help guide the rapid application of therapeutics or interventions to the patient and the bedside provider.

Results/Conclusions

The multi-disciplinary team approach of synthesizing clinical data and coordinating care is effective in responding to rapidly evolving and changing evidence. Systematic data collection and evidence-based treatment algorithms enable physicians to rapidly translate the current literature to clinical practice, and improve care and outcomes of patients.
No benefit of vorapaxar on walking performance in patients with intermittent claudication
Authors: Tsai Shirling , Liu Yulun , Alaiti Mohamad Amer , Gutierrez Jorge Antonio , Brilakis Emmanouil S , Banerjee Subhash
Published: October 2021

Background: The effect of pharmacologic agents in improving walking and quality of life measures in patients with intermittent claudication (IC) is variable. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the novel antithrombotic vorapaxar on symptom status in patients with IC. Methods: The study was a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial wherein patients with IC were treated with either vorapaxar or placebo in addition to a home exercise program for 6 months. Walking performance and quality of life were assessed by graded treadmill test (GTT) and 12-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-12), respectively, at baseline and at 6 months. A total of 102 subjects were randomized across 12 centers. Results: Of the subjects randomized, 66 completed all study assessments and comprised the dataset that was analyzed. After 6 months, there was no significant difference between the vorapaxar and placebo groups in walking performance, as reflected by the GTT, or in quality of life, as reflected by the SF-12. There were no severe bleeding events in either group. Conclusion: This study found no benefit of vorapaxar in patients with IC and reiterates the need for future drug therapy studies that expand the benefits of supervised exercise therapy in patients with IC. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02660866
Prevalence of parental mental health conditions among children aged 0–16 years in Denmark: A nationwide register-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Christesen Amanda M.S. , Knudsen Camilla K. , Fonager Kirsten , Johansen Martin N. , Heuckendorff Signe
Published: October 2021

Aim: Parental mental health conditions adversely affect the children. Information on the prevalence of parental mental health conditions is needed to help policymakers allocate resources appropriately. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of children with parental mental health conditions in Denmark and further estimate the age-specific prevalence and geographical variation. Methods: In this nationwide register-based cross-sectional study, we included all children born between 2000 and 2016 if they resided in Denmark on 31 December 2016. Information on both maternal and paternal mental health conditions was retrieved from primary and secondary healthcare registers. Parental mental health conditions were categorised in three severity groups: minor, moderate, and severe. We estimated the proportion of children with parental mental health conditions on 31 December 2016. Results: Of the 1,106,459 children aged 0–16 years, 39.1% had at least one parent with a mental health condition. The prevalence increased with age of the children until the age of six years. Geographical variation in the prevalence ranged from 29.0% to 48.3% in the 98 municipalities. Minor parental mental health conditions (23.5%) were more common than moderate (13.5%) and severe parental mental health conditions (2.2%). Hospital-diagnosed parental mental health conditions were prevalent in 12.8% of the children. Conclusions: Two in five children aged 0–16 years in Denmark have parents with a mental health condition and geographical variation exists. The high prevalence of children with parental mental health conditions is an important public health challenge, which calls for attention.
FarGen – participants in the genetic research infrastructure of the Faroe Islands
Authors: Apol Katrin D. , Lydersen Leivur N. , Mortensen Ólavur , Weihe Pál , Á. Steig Bjarni , Andorsdóttir Guðrið , Gregersen Noomi O.
Published: October 2021

Background: The demographic history of the Faroe Islands makes this isolated population – founded in the 9th century – interesting for genetic research. The goal of the FarGen project was to recruit individuals to the FarGen infrastructure to promote research into the genetic features of the Faroese people, and to develop a reference panel of population-specific variants. We aimed to recruit 1500 individuals. Participation was voluntary; participants had to donate a blood sample for whole-genome sequencing, and had to answer a questionnaire regarding sociodemographics, health, motivation and attitude towards participation in genetic research. Methods: A total of 1541 participants voluntarily joined the project, donated a blood sample and returned the questionnaire. Results: Answers from the questionnaire show that participants are, in general, European, have children, have a relatively high level of education, rate their health to be good, are willing to participate in future health-related research, and were motivated to sign up primarily to participate in research to help others and local research competency building. Conclusions: Overall, the initial cohort of the FarGen infrastructure comprises 3% of the Faroese population, and represents the general population well based on the collected sociodemographic data. However, there is an excess of women, and some geographic sub-regions and age groups are slightly underrepresented. We find the recruitment method with voluntary sign-up appropriate, and knowledge acquired through the first phase will aid the next phase of the project, with the aim of expanding the FarGen cohort with additional individuals, bio-specimens and body measurements in order to perform multifactorial analyses.
Multiple airflow patterns in human microenvironment and the influence on short-distance airborne cross-infection – A review
Authors: Nielsen Peter V , Xu Chunwen
Published: October 2021

The global spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has increased the demand of effective control of the disease transmission between people, especially when they are in close distance between each other. The microenvironment between the people in short distance contains multiple airflow patterns that directly affect the disease transmission. By understanding and respecting this special localized environment, the airborne cross-infection at both short and long distance can be minimized. This paper gives an overview of the flow fields in human microenvironment. The exhalation flow from different respiratory activities, e.g. normal breathing, speaking, coughing or sneezing is considered as a part of the microenvironment. The dynamics of the exhalation flow and the contained droplets or aerosols are summarized from previous studies. The factors influencing the flow fields in human microenvironment are discussed, including both the physiological factors of the occupants and the environmental factors in the ventilated context (macroenvironment). Effective control of these influencing factors can be helpful to mitigate airborne transmission risk between individuals. This paper highlights the importance of better understanding of the dynamics and transmission routes of the expelled virus-laden droplets or aerosols, which are largely affected by complex flow interactions in human microenvironment.