bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How does tourism development affect environmental pollution?
Authors: Ahmad Najid , Ma Xuejiao
Published: March 2021

Tourism development has often been considered as a growth pillar over recent decades; however, studies on whether and how it can contribute to pollution reduction are scant. This study fills the research gaps by exploring the role of tourism development in pollution emissions by investigating two influencing mechanisms—the industry substitution effect and energy substitution effect—in the context of Asian Tigers. Several econometric techniques are used to show that a 1% increase in tourism development can lead to a 0.3862% decrease in carbon emissions. The results of multiple mediating effect analyses indicate that the tourism sector can curb carbon emissions by both replacing high-emissions industries and promoting the use of renewable energy; the effect of the former path is 4% greater than that of the latter. This study should serve as a reference by which policymakers can develop sustainable tourism and reduce pollution emissions.
Students from refugee backgrounds in physical education: A survey of teachers’ perceptions
Authors: Bartsch Fabienne , Wagner Ingo , Rulofs Bettina
Published: March 2021

Sport and physical education are considered important platforms for introducing people from refugee backgrounds to their new environment. However, studies dealing with the specific role of physical education in this context are scarce, although it is often the first and sometimes only setting in which people from refugee backgrounds come into contact with sport in the host country. To this end, this study attempts to shed light on how teachers—considered key actors in the resettlement process—perceive students from refugee backgrounds and their integration in physical education. In this study, teachers’ perceptions are defined as individually constructed truths influenced by biographical circumstances (migration experiences), socio-demographic characteristics (gender) and the environment (school type). We used integration theories to operationalise teachers’ perceptions, from which we derived a three-dimensional structure: cultural, structural-positional and communicative-interactive dimensions. Drawing on this theoretical foundation, quantitative data from a questionnaire administered to 491 physical education teachers in Germany were analysed using exploratory factor analysis, t-tests and variance analysis. The factor analysis resulted in a three-factor solution. The mean value comparison of the factors on the descriptive level revealed that the communicative-interactive dimension had slightly higher values than the other two dimensions. Furthermore, there were significant differences in perceptions in terms of gender and school type. Based on our findings, we suggest that teachers should be made aware that their views on students are never neutral and are shaped by various factors, especially gender and school type.
A theory-based approach to evaluations intended to inform transitions toward sustainability
Authors: Mickwitz Per , Neij Lena , Johansson Maria , Benner Mats , Sandin Sofie
Published: March 2021

There is an urgent need for radical transformations of unsustainable socio-technical systems, such as food, mobility, and housing. These transformations will not take place without new policies and research. In order to achieve these transitions, learning must be a central feature based on thorough evaluations of the actions taken. Evaluations have been conducted and studied for decades, but traditional evaluation approaches have largely been developed to produce knowledge for incremental changes, not for radical transformations. This article develops a framework for interdisciplinary evaluations targeting transformative changes toward a more sustainable society. The framework combines evaluation theory and practice with transition theory, sociology of science, policy analyses, and environmental psychology. While the primary purpose of the framework is to help design evaluations that would better enhance learning for transitions, it can also be used for systematic meta-evaluations of past evaluations.
Can Money Buy Happiness for a Family? Family Income, Parenting Style, and Life Satisfaction in Parents and Adolescents
Authors: Kim Kyoung Min , Chung Un Sun
Published: March 2021

This study investigated the associations among family income and life satisfaction in parents, and parenting styles, income, and overall happiness and depression in their adolescents. A total of 1,913 participants comprising adolescents (aged 14–16) and their parents were recruited for this study. Participants were assessed using self-report questionnaires. Monthly household income was recorded by an open-ended question item. The life satisfaction of parents and overall happiness of adolescents were assessed by one item each, rated on a 4-point Likert scale. Three subtypes of parenting style (affectionate, monitoring, over-control) were evaluated by adolescents using an inventory consisting of 21 items on a 4-point Likert scale. Adolescents’ depression was assessed with a checklist rated by the adolescents, consisting of 10 items on a 4-point Likert scale. The odds ratio (OR) for life dissatisfaction in adults was significantly higher in the lower (1st and 2nd) quintile groups of household income, by 9.94 ( p < .001) and 3.50 ( p < .001) folds, respectively, compared to the highest (5th) group. In contrast, household income had no significant association with life unhappiness in adolescents. Further, total household income had no significant association with the adolescent’s depression score in linear regression analysis, but parenting style did. While affectionate (β = −0.260; p < .001) and monitoring (β = −0.100; p < .001) parenting styles showed negative associations with adolescents’ depression scores, over-control style (β = 0.120; p < .001) showed a positive association. The results indicate the differences in factors impacting the life satisfaction of adults and happiness of adolescents, and the importance of effective parenting for adolescents’ mental health.
Development of surface ionization mass spectrometry for detection of stimulants in human urine
Authors: Akhunov Shovkatjon , Ashurov Khatam , Axmedov Sherzod , Kasimov Beknazar , Rotshteyn Vladimir , Radjabov Azim , Usmanov Dilshadbek
Published: March 2021

This paper demonstrates direct detection of stimulants such as amphetamine, methamphetamine and cocaine spiked with untreated urine and a real world sample using surface ionization mass spectrometry. Spiked samples were analyzed without preliminary chromatographic separation and extraction procedure using the developed method. Moreover, in order to check the analytical capabilities of the method non-extracted real world sample was analyzed. After liquid–liquid extraction, the same sample was analyzed using the method for comparative study. Limit of detection of spiked samples was in the range of 10 pg (10 ng/ml) to 100 pg (100 ng/ml). Linear ranges of samples were two orders of magnitude or more than two orders of magnitude. It was revealed these spiked samples and real world sample can be analyzed without preliminary chromatographic separation and preliminary extraction procedure due to high selectivity of the method and the presence of the indicator lines of studied analytes in the mass spectra. The surface ionization mass spectrometry data was attested by the GC/MS analysis of these samples.
Productive play: The shift from responsible consumption to responsible production
Authors: Whitson Jennifer , French Martin
Published: March 2021

Regulatory approaches to games are organized by boundaries between game/not-game, game/gambling game, skilled/unskilled play, consumption/production. Perhaps more importantly, moral justifications for regulating gambling (and condemning digital games) are rooted in the idea that they consume our time and wages but give little in return. This article uses two case studies to show how these boundaries and justifications are now perforated and reconfigured by digital mediation. The case study of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) illustrates a contemporary challenge to rigid dichotomies between game/not game, skilled/unskilled play, and game/gambling game, demonstrating how regulation becomes deterritorialized as gambling moves out of state-regulated physical casinos and takes the form of networked, digital games. Our second case study of Pokémon Go approaches regulation from a different direction, complicating the rigid dichotomy between production/consumption in online networked play. We show how play is increasingly realized as productive in economic, social, physical, subjective and analytic registers, while at the same time, it is driven by gambling design imperatives, such as extending time-on-device. Pokémon Go exemplifies analytic productivity, a term we use to refer to the production of data flows that can be leveraged for a wide variety of purposes, including to predict, shape, and channel the behaviour of player populations, thereby generating multiple streams of revenue. Ultimately, both cases illustrate how digital games and gambling increasingly blur into each other, complicating the regulatory landscape.
Haunting, ruination and encounter in the ordinary Anthropocene: storying the return Florida’s wild flamingos
Authors: Fredriksen Aurora
Published: March 2021

In the spring of 2006 wild flamingos returned to Florida, though not to the places their kind had inhabited 100 years and more ago at the southern edge of the Everglades and the Florida Keys. Instead this group of flamingos alighted 80 miles northward in Palm Beach County’s Stormwater Treatment Area 2 (STA-2), a human-made facility for filtering anthropogenic pollutants from storm runoff. This paper takes the return of wild flamingos to Florida as a case for thinking through haunting, ruination and encounters in what I call ‘the ordinary Anthropocene’: the ongoing, everyday more-than-human relationships, actions and less-than-planetary assemblages through which the Anthropocene is sensed and lived. After setting out a case for thinking with haunting, ruination and encounter as a way of making sense in the ordinary Anthropocene, I trace three interwoven narrative threads that unspool from the encounter with the STA-2 flamingos: First, I trace the transfiguration of living wild flamingos into idealised symbols of tropical dreamworlds over the 20th century. This leads me sideways to the present-absence of flamingos in the mid-century writings of Rachel Carson and through her backwards to John J. Audubon and the genocidal ruinations of the 19th century as they flicker in the margins of his ornithological writings. I end by returning to the present, to the encounter with STA-2 flamingos in the ongoing moment of living with others in the late capitalist ecologies of south Florida. The conclusion considers what might be taken forward, into the uncertain future, from this telling.
Revolt, activism and the posthuman university assemblage
Authors: Arndt Sonja
Published: March 2021

Revolt is a vital and transformative process of evolution and re-negotiation, Kristeva says, and, in the face of global/local, political, worldly and ecological crises, it is critical. This paper utilises the notion of revolt as an ongoing imperative to re-imagine activism through a human–posthuman framing. It conceptualises the university as a living, throbbing assemblage of beings, policies and practices that are closely and often indiscernibly entangled. In this assemblage COVID-19 is posited as an illustration of human and more-than-human life and uncertainty to provoke re-readings and reorientations towards policies and practices. Using revolt to refocus activisms in the university, the paper argues, blurs not only the human and nonhuman but also the policy–practice boundaries.
Choices Matter: How Response Options for Survey Questions about Sexual Identity Affect Population Estimates of Its Association with Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Use
Authors: West Brady T. , McCabe Sean Esteban
Published: March 2021

This study presents results from a randomized experiment in the 2015–2017 National Survey of Family Growth, where a large national sample of U.S. individuals aged 15–49 was randomly assigned to one of two different versions of a survey question about sexual identity (one with three response options, including heterosexual, gay/lesbian, and bisexual, and one adding the option “something else”). Analyses of changes in the associations of sexual identity with alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use across these treatments revealed evidence of significant differences in the associations that remained robust after adjusting for socio-demographics. The results suggest that when individuals choose their sexual identity from a more limited number of response options, the heterogeneity of the sexual identity subgroups increases, weakening estimated associations of sexual identity with these behaviors. Open-ended questions may therefore be necessary to measure sexual identity and estimate its associations with substance use behaviors accurately in surveys.
Overexpression of TMEM47 Induces Tamoxifen Resistance in Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Men Xin , Su Mengyang , Ma Jun , Mou Yueyang , Dai Penggao , Chen Chao , Cheng Xi An
Published: March 2021

Background:

Tamoxifen (TAM) is the eminent first-line drug for endocrine therapy of hormone receptor positive premenopausal breast cancer and reduces the risk of recurrence by ∼50%. However, many patients developed TAM resistance and their diseases recurred. Our previous study on transcriptome profile of TAM resistant breast cancer cells revealed that the TMEM47 is one of the most significantly differentially expressed genes. The mechanism of how TMEM47 is involved in TAM resistance was not known.

Methods:

We constructed a mammal breast cancer cell line, in which TMEM47 was stably overexpressed (TMEM47-OE/MCF-7), to further verify the role of TMEM47 in TAM resistance. siRNA targeting TMEM47 was transfected into TAMR / MCF-7 cells by Liposome. TMEM47 expression was validated on mRNA and protein level by qRT-PCR and western blotting. We tested the cytotoxicity of TAM in the cells. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry.

Results:

Compared to the MCF7 cells, TMEM47 mRNA was significantly up regulated more than 6 folds in the TAMR/MCF7 cells and so its protein. TMEM47 expression level in TMEM47-OE/MCF-7 was similar as in the TAMR/MCF-7 cells. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value (mean ± SD) of TAM in MCF-7, TAMR/MCF-7 and TMEM47-OE/MCF-7 cells was 1.58 ± 0.19, 2.74 ± 0.24 and 3.12 ± 0.32 µγ/mL, respectively. The apoptosis rates of TAMR/MCF-7 and TMEM47-OE/MCF-7 cell lines were significantly lower than that of MCF-7 cells. After 24 and 48 hours TAM treatments, cell viability was significantly inhibitied in TMEM47 knockdown TAMR/MCF7 cells (P < 0.01). Consistant with the decreased cell viability, the apoptosis rate in TMEM47 knockdown TAMR/MCF-7 cells was significantly increased.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that overexpression of TMEM47 in MCF-7 cells acquired TAM resistance to those cells, and knockdown of TMEM47 in TAMR/MCF-7 cells reversed their resistance to TAM. TMEM47 might confer TAM resistance on MCF-7 cells through the inhibition of apoptosis.
The Literature Review as an Exercise in Historical Thinking
Authors: Georgiou Ion
Published: March 2021

Approaching a body of literature from a historical perspective is widely acknowledged as essential to conducting a literature review. Methodological guidance for approaching a body of literature from a historical perspective depends on familiarity with works historians have written about the practice of historical research. This article provides some direction by drawing from the best-known work of one distinguished historian, a work which, upon careful reading, outlines some fundamental tasks for the historically-inclined reviewer of a body of literature. An evaluation rubric is presented that facilitates a progressive appraisal of the integration of history within a literature review. Ultimately, the article serves to stimulate the processes of thought, interpretation and rationalization when historically engaging with a body of literature. Numerous examples from the literature on human resource development are identified that illustrate the issues discussed in the article.
Cashmere and wool identification based on convolutional neural network
Authors: Luo Junli , Lu Kai , Zhong Yueqi , Zhang Boping , Lv Huizhu
Published: March 2021

Wool fiber and cashmere fiber are similar in physical and morphological characteristics. Thus, the identification of these two fibers has always been a challenging proposition. This study identifies five kinds of cashmere and wool fibers using a convolutional neural network model. To this end, image preprocessing was first performed. Then, following the VGGNet model, a convolutional neural network with 13 weight layers was established. A dataset with 50,000 fiber images was prepared for training and testing this newly established model. In the classification layer of the model, softmax regression was used to calculate the probability value of the input fiber image for each category, and the category with the highest probability value was selected as the prediction category of the fiber. In this experiment, the total identification accuracy of samples in the test set is close to 93%. Among these five fibers, Mongolian brown cashmere has the highest identification accuracy, reaching 99.7%. The identification accuracy of Chinese white cashmere is the lowest at 86.4%. Experimental results show that our model is an effective approach to the identification of multi-classification fiber.
A study for the evaluation of a safety education program me for nursing students: discussions using the QSEN safety competencies
Authors: Watanabe Yaeko , Claus Sachiko , Nakagawa Taiya , Yasunami Shigeko , Teshima Megumi
Published: March 2021

Background

To respond to calls for improvements in nursing education in Japan, a group of faculties of a baccalaureate nursing programme has made an initial attempt to incorporate quality and safety education for nurses safety competency into three related courses, two sophomore level courses and one senior level course.

Aims

To evaluate the learning experiences in a senior level course on medical safety in order to identify learning outcomes in terms of areas of strengths and areas for further improvements of the course and a system-wide implementation of quality and safety education for nurses competencies in the future.

Methods

Fourteen students who met the criteria had volunteered to participate in one of the two 40-minute focus group interviews. During the interviews, participants were asked questions as to what they have learned and how they may use that knowledge in the future. The sessions were tape recorded, the data were transcribed and analysed using the content analysis method according to Berelson.

Results

Eight categories of learning related to medical safety were identified, including awareness of own risks for errors and plans to reduce such risks. These categories of learning were thought to have achieved the level equal to 75% of quality and safety education for nurses knowledge, skills and attitudes items.

Conclusions

The current content and methods for this course identified strengths to be continued, with some areas of improvement for the future for further adoption of quality and safety education for nurses competencies into the entire curriculum.
Respiratory viral infections in the elderly
Authors: Watson Alastair , Wilkinson Tom M. A.
Published: March 2021

With the global over 60-year-old population predicted to more than double over the next 35 years, caring for this aging population has become a major global healthcare challenge. In 2016 there were over 1 million deaths in >70 year olds due to lower respiratory tract infections; 13–31% of these have been reported to be caused by viruses. Since then, there has been a global COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused over 2.3 million deaths so far; increased age has been shown to be the biggest risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Thus, the burden of respiratory viral infections in the elderly is becoming an increasing unmet clinical need. Particular challenges are faced due to the interplay of a variety of factors including complex multimorbidities, decreased physiological reserve and an aging immune system. Moreover, their atypical presentation of symptoms may lead to delayed necessary care, prescription of additional drugs and prolonged hospital stay. This leads to morbidity and mortality and further nosocomial spread. Clinicians currently have limited access to sensitive detection methods. Furthermore, a lack of effective antiviral treatments means there is little incentive to diagnose and record specific non-COVID-19 viral infections. To meet this unmet clinical need, it is first essential to fully understand the burden of respiratory viruses in the elderly. Doing this through prospective screening research studies for all respiratory viruses will help guide preventative policies and clinical trials for emerging therapeutics. The implementation of multiplex point-of-care diagnostics as a mainstay in all healthcare settings will be essential to understand the burden of respiratory viruses, diagnose patients and monitor outbreaks. The further development of novel targeted vaccinations as well as anti-viral therapeutics and new ways to augment the aging immune system is now also essential.

The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
A novel plating technique for Ideberg type 1 A glenoid fractures: a report of five patients
Authors: Oguzkaya Sinan , van der Wijk Jacobien , van Tongel Alexander , Beckers Joris , van Isacker Tom , Berghs Bart
Published: March 2021

Background

Glenoid rim fractures are uncommon and generally associated with high complication rates. The most common treatment techniques include screw or anchor fixation. Here, we introduce a new fixation method to treat Ideberg type 1 A fractures.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on patients treated with open reduction and plate fixation for Ideberg type 1 A fractures. The active range of motion capacity of both shoulders was recorded postoperatively. Constant-Murley score and Oxford disability index scores were used as outcome tools.

Results

Five patients (three men and two women) were evaluated; their mean age was 56 years (standard deviation (SD), 10 years). The mean follow-up period was 25 months (range, 6–69 months); all fractures healed radiologically during the follow-up period. The mean Constant-Murley score was 80.36 (SD 11.01); the mean Oxford disability index was 37 (SD 9). The subsequent flexion and external rotation of the injured shoulders were similar to those of the uninjured side (injured vs. uninjured side: flexion, 176 ± 5.4 vs. 178 ± 4.4; external rotation, 48 ± 10.9 vs. 60 ± 0). No patient showed signs of osteoarthritis, stiffness, instability, or chronic pain at the last follow-up.

Discussion

Open reduction and internal fixation with a plate is suitable for Ideberg type 1A glenoid fractures.
Clinical evaluation of thumb base osteoarthritis: A scoping review
Authors: Normand Mirka , Tang Tiffany S , Brismée Jean-Michel , Sobczak Stéphane
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Thumb base osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent hand OA phenotype, associated with specific risk factors, treatment strategies, and requiring a distinct subset of evaluative approaches. This paper aimed at surveying our clinical evaluative methods and identifying gaps in our ability to capture the thumb’s unique attributes and how they could impact our treatment recommendations.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology to gather relevant published and non-published articles regarding clinical tests currently available to assess the physical presentation of thumb base OA with special consideration of its specific multifactorial parameters namely architecture, ligaments, biomechanics, neuromuscular control, and proprioception. A full search strategy of MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Clinical Trials.gov from their inception through May 2020 was performed.

Results

Of 1936 citation identified, 54 met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-two clinical physical tests for the evaluation of thumb base OA were extracted, most of which well suited to address research questions regarding efficacy of clinical intervention, however providing limited information regarding the underlying impairments of ligaments, biomechanics, neuromuscular or proprioceptive components.

Conclusions

The tests and measures specific to the basal thumb OA phenotype, and capable of isolating its multifactorial contributors are scarce. Our limited physical assessment repertoire impedes our ability to describe and answer explicative research questions. Without these we cannot evaluate the effect of conservative management and provide specific treatment recommendations. Further research is needed to develop and validate distinct clinical tools for this debilitating pathology.
Luxury for Hire: Motivations to Use Closet Sharing
Authors: Vincent Racheal Louis , Gaur Sanjaya Singh
Published: March 2021

This article investigates consumers’ motives for using closet sharing services to satisfy their desire for luxury fashion brands. A thematic analytic procedure is carried out in six phases. Qualitative data in the form of testimonials from both renters and lenders were collected from Style Lend’s blog, also known as “The Style Lend Insider.” Findings indicate that there are eight main categories of motives for sharing closets. These motives are fashion innovativeness, hedonic experience, economic, sustainability, utilitarian, social, need for uniqueness, and no burden of ownership. Our study also provides theoretical and practical insights into relevant stakeholders related to the collaborative fashion consumption of luxury brands.
Europe as the Western Peninsula of Greater Eurasia
Authors: Diesen Glenn
Published: March 2021

Will increased economic connectivity on the Eurasian supercontinent convert Europe into the western peninsula of Greater Eurasia? US geoeconomic primacy has relied on organizing the two other major economic regions of the world, Europe and Asia, into the US-led trans-Atlantic region and Indo-Pacific region. Greater Eurasia is a geoeconomic initiative by Russia and China to integrate Europe and Asia to construct a new region. Greater Eurasia is constructed by first establishing a Russian-Chinese regional partnership that decouples from US primacy, and second to integrate Europe into the new Eurasian region. The geoeconomic architecture for region-building, much like the economics of nation-building, consists of developing connectivity and dependencies with strategic industries, transportation corridors, and financial instruments.
Design Thinking for Healthcare: Transliterating the Creative Problem-Solving Method Into Architectural Practice
Authors: Lorusso Lesa , Lee Jae Hwa , Worden Elisa A.
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

The purpose of this article is to define design thinking, provide insights into how it may be integrated into the healthcare design process, and provide a checklist for future implementation.

Background:

Design thinking is a collaborative method of inquiry that fosters innovative, team-generated solutions to complex scenarios, known as “wicked problems,” that are extraordinarily difficult to solve. It is a practical tool in the toolbox of the codesign team, which includes the client and design professionals as primary stakeholders. It is powered by team-based creativity that adaptively responds to a need for new approaches and products in an innovative and practically applicable way. The need for design thinking in healthcare is steadily increasing as the healthcare system and its care environments continue to grow in complexity. Although major medical breakthroughs have undeniably expanded the average human life span, the current healthcare system is inefficient. Now, more than ever, design thinking and the innovative, human-centered solutions it enables are needed within healthcare design. Although the use of design thinking as a method within the field of architecture is not new, many design teams struggle integrating it fully within the design process, particularly in healthcare. The knowledge, design method, checklists, and direction provided in this article can benefit healthcare design teams to successfully integrate the method into practice.

Conclusion:

If design thinking is integrated into the healthcare architectural design process with the creative problem-solving method, opportunities will arise for innovative solutions and deeper insights into problems to benefit healthcare delivery.
Level of Evidence for the Treatment of Chronic Noninsertional Achilles Tendinopathy
Authors: Peters Mikaela J. , Walsh Kellen , Day Chris , Younger Alastair , Salat Peter , Penner Murray , Wing Kevin , Glazebrook Mark , Veljkovic Andrea
Published: March 2021

Background

Noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy affects both athletes and sedentary individuals, and its incidence is rising. Conservative management is the mainstay of treatment, but a variety of operative techniques have been described to treat recalcitrant cases. We seek to outline the current available evidence for surgical management of noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy.

Study design and methods

A systematic review was performed using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, and all articles were reviewed by at least 2 authors. Each article was assigned a level of evidence in accordance with the standards of Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. The available data were reviewed and a level of evidence was assigned to each intervention of interest, based on the revised classifications of Wright.

Results and conclusion

A total of 46 articles met inclusion and exclusion criteria. There is fair evidence (grade B) in support of open debridement with 1 level II study, 1 level III study, and 8 level IV studies. There is fair evidence (grade B) in support of arthroscopic or minimally invasive surgical techniques. There is poor evidence (grade C) in support of flexor hallucis longus transfer, longitudinal tenotomy, peritenolysis, gastrocnemius recession, and plantaris excision. There is insufficient evidence (grade I) to provide a recommendation about other surgical treatment methods for noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy. Levels of Evidence: Level III: Systematic review
Prognostic Factors in Elderly Patients With Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Does Age Matter?
Authors: Briseño-Godínez Maria Eugenia , Arauz Antonio , López-Hernández Juan Carlos , de Saráchaga Adib Jorge , Pérez-Valdez Esther Y. , May-Más Raúl Nathanael , López-Hernández Gabriela , Bazán-Rodriguez Lisette , Galnares-Olalde Javier Andrés , León-Manríquez Elizabeth , Vargas-Cañas Edwin Steven
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Twenty to 40% of Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS) patients will not be able to walk independently despite effective treatment. Older patients carry additional risks for worse outcomes.

Methods:

A single center, ambispective cohort study was performed. Only subjects ≥18 years with a 3-month follow-up were included. Elderly patients were considered as a whole if ≥ 60 years. Demographics, CSF and nerve conduction studies were compared. A binomial logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were carried out to estimate good prognosis (Hugues ≤2) at 3-month follow-up.

Results:

From 130 patients recruited, 27.6% were elderly adults. They had a more severe disease, higher mEGOS and more cranial nerve involvement. Age ≥70 years, invasive mechanical ventilation and axonal subtype, portrayed an unfavorable 3-month outcome. Further analysis demonstrated an earlier recovery in independent walk at 3 months for patients <70 years.

Conclusions:

Elderly patients with GBS have a more severe disease at admission and encounter worse prognosis at 3-month follow-up, especially those above 70 years.
Segmental involvement of the corpus callosum in C9orf72-associated ALS: a tract of interest-based DTI study
Authors: Müller Hans-Peter , Lulé Dorothée , Roselli Francesco , Behler Anna , Ludolph Albert C. , Kassubek Jan
Published: March 2021

Background:

C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansions are associated with widespread cerebral alterations, including white matter alterations. However, there is lack of information on changes in commissure fibres. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can identify amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-associated patterns of regional brain alterations at the group level. The objective of this study was to investigate the structural connectivity of the corpus callosum (CC) in ALS patients with C9orf72 expansions.

Methods:

DTI-based white matter mapping was performed by a hypothesis-guided tractwise analysis of fractional anisotropy (FA) maps for 25 ALS patients with C9orf72 expansion versus 25 matched healthy controls. Furthermore, a comparison with a patient control group of 25 sporadic ALS patients was performed. DTI-based tracts that originate from callosal sub-areas I to V were identified and correlated with clinical data.

Results:

The analysis of white matter integrity demonstrated regional FA reductions for tracts of the callosal areas II and III for ALS patients with C9orf72 expansions while FA reductions in sporadic ALS patients were observed only for tracts of the callosal area III; these reductions were correlated with clinical parameters.

Conclusion:

The tract-of-interest-based analysis showed a microstructural callosal involvement pattern in C9orf72-associated ALS that included the motor segment III together with frontal callosal connections, as an imaging signature of the C9orf72-associated overlap of motor neuron disease and frontotemporal pathology.
Anticonvulsant and antipsychotic medications in the pharmacotherapy of panic disorder: a structured review
Authors: Masdrakis Vasilios G. , Baldwin David S.
Published: March 2021

Background:

As the remission rate of panic disorder (PD) achieved with conventional pharmacotherapy ranges between 20% and 50%, alternative psychopharmacological strategies are needed. We aimed to firstly review data regarding use of antipsychotic and non-benzodiazepine anticonvulsant medication in PD patients with or without comorbidities; secondly, to review data concerning reduction of panic symptoms during treatment of another psychiatric disorder with the same medications; and thirdly, to examine reports of anticonvulsant- or antipsychotic-induced new-onset panic symptomatology.

Methods:

We performed a PubMed search (last day: 28 April 2020) of English-language studies only, combining psychopathological terms (e.g. ‘panic disorder’) and terms referring either to categories of psychotropic medications (e.g. ‘anticonvulsants’) or to specific drugs (e.g. ‘carbamazepine’). All duplications were eliminated. All studies included in the review met certain inclusion/exclusion criteria. The level of evidence for the efficacy of each drug was defined according to widely accepted criteria.

Results:

In treatment-resistant PD, beneficial effects have been reported after treatment (mostly augmentation therapy) with a range of anticonvulsant (carbamazepine, gabapentin, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, oxcarbamazepine, valproate, vigabatrin, tiagabine) and antipsychotic (aripiprazole, olanzapine, risperidone, sulpiride) medications: overall, most medications appear generally well tolerated. Additionally, bipolar patients receiving valproate or quetiapine-XR (but not risperidone or ziprasidone) demonstrated reductions of comorbid panic-related symptoms. There are case reports of new-onset panic symptoms associated with clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine and topiramate, in patients with conditions other than PD. The small-to-modest sample size, the lack of control groups and the open-label and short-term nature of most of the reviewed studies hinder definitive conclusions regarding either the short-term and long-term efficacy of antipsychotic and anticonvulsant medications or their potential long-term side effects.

Conclusion:

Some atypical antipsychotic and anticonvulsant medications may have a role in the treatment of some PD patients, mostly when more conventional approaches have not been successful, but the quality of supporting evidence is limited.
Challenging Hegemony Through Narrative: Centering Women’s Experiences and Establishing a Sis-Science Culture Through a Women-Only Doping Forum
Authors: Andreasson Jesper , Henning April
Published: March 2021

Understandings of image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs) and their use has largely been conceptualized through the lens of male hegemonic patterns, treating women’s doping as a threat to the “natural” gender order. This article focuses on an exclusive, women-only online IPED forum. It aims to describe and analyze how this new forum was met within the broader doping community, and how issues related to IPED use and gender are addressed by women when their views are not backgrounded by potential male commentators and misogynistic discourses. The results show that first-hand knowledge is disseminated by women, which contributes to the foundation of a women’s ethnopharmacological (sub)culture. Women, their bodies, and experiences become the standard and the “unspoken” norm in the discussions. The secluded space allows women to challenge patterns of hegemonic masculinity, while building and reinforcing women’s experiences, bodies, and expertise as the standard. This stresses the importance of moving beyond hegemonic conceptualizations to understand the ongoing socio-cultural changes to the gender balance of IPED use and to center women’s doping experiences, and the risks associated with use. This has implications for the formation and development of both this community and of a “sis-science” based on women’s knowledge and experience.
Risk factors for hip dislocation in dyskinetic cerebral palsy
Authors: Okuno Kyoko , Kitai Yukihiro , Shibata Toru , Arai Hiroshi
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

To investigate the risk factors for hip displacement in patients with dyskinetic cerebral palsy (DCP).

Methods:

We evaluated 81 patients with DCP, 45 males and 36 females, aged 10–22 years, risk factors for hip displacement were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis with primary brain lesions, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, gestational age, birth weight, Cobb’s angle, and complication of epilepsy as independent factors. Hip displacement was defined as migration percentage >30%. Primary brain lesions were classified into globus pallidus (GP), thalamus and putamen (TP), and others using brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Perinatal and clinical features were compared between patients with GP lesions and those with TP lesions.

Results:

Hip displacement was observed in 53 patients (67%). Higher GMFCS levels (p = 0.013, odds ratio [OR] 2.6) and the presence of GP lesions (p = 0.04, OR 16.5) were independent risk factors for hip displacement. Patients with GP lesions showed significantly higher GMFCS levels, more frequent hip displacement, and lower gestational age and birth weight than those with TP lesions.

Conclusion:

Primary brain lesion location may be an important factor in predicting hip displacement among patients with DCP. Appropriate risk assessment using brain MRI may contribute to the early detection and intervention of hip displacement because brain lesion location can be assessed during infancy before GMFCS level is decided.
The utility and risks of therapeutic nanotechnology in the retina
Authors: Scheive Melanie , Yazdani Saeed , Hajrasouliha Amir R.
Published: March 2021

The clinical application of nanotechnology in medicine is promising for therapeutic, diagnostic, and surgical improvements in the near future. Nanotechnologies in nano-ophthalmology are in the early stages of application in clinical contexts, including ocular drug and gene delivery systems addressing eye disorders, particularly retinopathies. Retinal diseases are challenging to treat as current interventions, such as intravitreal injections, are limited by their invasive nature. This review examines nanotechnological approaches to retinal diseases in a clinical context. Nanotechnology has the potential to transform pharmacological and surgical interventions by overcoming limitations posed by the protective anatomical and physiological barriers that limit access to the retina. Preclinical research in the application of nanoparticles in diagnostics indicates that nanoparticles can enhance existing diagnostic and screening tools to detect diseases earlier and more easily and improve disease progression monitoring precision.
Prediction of Cross-Tension Strength of Self-Piercing Riveted Joints Using Finite Element Simulation and XGBoost Algorithm
Authors: Lin Jianping , Qi Chengwei , Wan Hailang , Min Junying , Chen Jiajie , Zhang Kai , Zhang Li
Published: March 2021

Self-piercing riveting (SPR) has been widely used in automobile industry, and the strength prediction of SPR joints always attracts the attention of researchers. In this work, a prediction method of the cross-tension strength of SPR joints was proposed on the basis of finite element (FE) simulation and extreme gradient boosting decision tree (XGBoost) algorithm. An FE model of SPR process was established to simulate the plastic deformations of rivet and substrate materials and verified in terms of cross-sectional dimensions of SPR joints. The residual mechanical field from SPR process simulation was imported into a 2D FE model for the cross-tension testing simulation of SPR joints, and cross-tension strengths from FE simulation show a good consistence with the experiment result. Based on the verified FE model, the mechanical properties and thickness of substrate materials were varied and then used for FE simulation to obtain cross-tension strengths of a number of SPR joints, which were used to train the regression model based on the XGBoost algorithm in order to achieve prediction for cross-tension strength of SPR joints. Results show that the cross-tension strengths of SPR steel/aluminum joints could be successfully predicted by the XGBoost regression model with a respective error less than 7.6% compared to experimental values.
Financial inclusion in China: an overview
Authors: Chen Weidong , Yuan Xiaohui
Published: March 2021

Financial inclusion has become an important development strategy in many countries, and related research is increasing. Financial inclusion in China has had significant progress recently. It has gradually formed a unique and sustainable development path with supporting policies and regulations as well as rapid development and application of digital technology. While challenges remain, the experience of Chinese financial inclusion provides valuable lessons and research directions for policymakers and researchers.
Abducens nerve palsy with associated retinal involvement secondary to rickettsia typhi infection
Authors: Abderrahim Kaies , Zina Sourour , Khairallah Molka , Ben Amor Hager , Khochtali Sana , Khairallah Moncef
Published: March 2021

Objective

To report a case of abducens nerve palsy with associated retinal involvement due to rickettsia typhi infection.

Material and methods

A single case report documented with multimodal imaging.

Results

A 18-year-old woman with a history of high-grade fever was initially diagnosed with typhoid fever and treated with fluoroquinolone. She presented with a 5-day history of diplopia and headaches. Her best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes. Ocular motility examination showed left lateral gaze restriction. Lancaster test confirmed the presence of left abducens palsy. Fundus examination showed optic disc swelling in both eyes associated with superotemporal retinal hemorrhage and a small retinal infiltrate with retinal hemorrhage in the nasal periphery in the left eye. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and orbits showed no abnormalities. A diagnosis of rickettsial disease was suspected and the serologic test for Richettsia Typhi was positive. The patient was treated with doxycycline (100 mg every 12 h) for 15 days with complete recovery of the left lateral rectus motility and resolution of optic disc swelling, retinal hemorrhages, and retinal infiltrate.

Conclusion

Rickettsial disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abducens nerve palsy in any patient with unexplained fever from endemic area. Fundus examination may help establish an early diagnosis and to start an appropriate rickettsial treatment.
Determining the optimal number of yard trucks in smaller container terminals
Authors: Stojaković Maja , Twrdy Elen
Published: March 2021

Background

In 2017, smaller container ports handled approximately 22% of total containerized cargo. Nowadays liner operators are calling on those ports with larger ships and demanding fast and efficient turnaround of the ships in port. This is possible only if the berth has the right capacities, is working properly and achieves a good productivity level.

Methodology

Productivity level does not depend only on the quay crane capacities but also the transfer mechanisation, of which the main function is to serve quay cranes on one side and yard cranes on the other side. Choosing the correct type and number of vehicles to transfer container units from berth to yard has become a very important decision in every container terminal.

Results

In small container terminals yard trucks represents the most common type of transfer mechanization. That is why this research is based on the allocation of the right number of yard trucks to quay cranes in order to assure better productivity levels in the berth and yard subsystems. For this purpose, a discrete-event simulation modelling approach is used. The approach is applied to a hypothetical small container terminal, which includes operations on the berth-yard-berth relation.
Weighted minimum feedback vertex sets and implementation in human cancer genes detection
Authors: Li Ruiming , Lin Chun-Yu , Guo Wei-Feng , Akutsu Tatsuya
Published: March 2021

Background

Recently, many computational methods have been proposed to predict cancer genes. One typical kind of method is to find the differentially expressed genes between tumour and normal samples. However, there are also some genes, for example, ‘dark’ genes, that play important roles at the network level but are difficult to find by traditional differential gene expression analysis. In addition, network controllability methods, such as the minimum feedback vertex set (MFVS) method, have been used frequently in cancer gene prediction. However, the weights of vertices (or genes) are ignored in the traditional MFVS methods, leading to difficulty in finding the optimal solution because of the existence of many possible MFVSs.

Results

Here, we introduce a novel method, called weighted MFVS (WMFVS), which integrates the gene differential expression value with MFVS to select the maximum-weighted MFVS from all possible MFVSs in a protein interaction network. Our experimental results show that WMFVS achieves better performance than using traditional bio-data or network-data analyses alone.

Conclusion

This method balances the advantage of differential gene expression analyses and network analyses, improves the low accuracy of differential gene expression analyses and decreases the instability of pure network analyses. Furthermore, WMFVS can be easily applied to various kinds of networks, providing a useful framework for data analysis and prediction.