bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulsed dye laser versus ablative fractional CO2 laser in treatment of old hypertrophic scars: Clinicopathological study
Authors: Elgarhy Lamia Hamouda , El‐Tatawy Rania Ahmed , Abdelaziz Dareen , Dogheim Noha Nabil 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThere is a continuous need to find out the best treatment for old hypertrophic scars (OHSs). Thirty patients with OHSs were included. Each scar was divided into right half treated with PDL (handpiece with a 7‐mm spot, pulse duration of 1.5 ms and fluence of 6 J/cm2) and left half treated with FrCo2 laser (15 W, spacing 800 μm, dwelling time 600 μs and stack 3) once every month for three sessions. Scars were assessed before and after treatment clinically by Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and histologically using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson trichrome and orcein stains. Both halves showed statistically significant improvement after treatment. However, there was no statistically significant difference in VSS between them (P = 0.176). FrCo2 laser showed more significant improvement in pliability and height (Pp = 0.017, Ph = 0,011), while, PDL showed more significant improvement in vascularity (P = 0.039) of OHSs. Both PDL and ablative FrCo2 laser were effective in the treatment of OHSs, however, FrCo2 laser was more effective in improving OHSs pliability, and height which are the main concern in OHSs.
Synthesis of Narrowly Dispersed Block Copolymer of Butyl Acrylate and Acrylic Acid in a Solution Acquiring Colloidal Properties during Cooling
Authors: Shushunova N. Yu. , Troitskii B. B. , Chesnokov S. A. , Kovylina T. A. , Konev A. N. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The homophase polymerization of acrylic acid is carried out in a solution of poly(butyl acrylate) trithiocarbonate (PBATC) in a mixed solvent 2-propanol–water. The phase diagram of the three-component PBATC-2-propanol–water system at 22°C is obtained. The homophase region of the compositions of semidilute solutions is determined. The homophase polymerization of AA in the three-component system at 70°C, in which the mixed solvent with respect to PBATC is similar in thermodynamic quality to the θ-solvent at 22°, yields solutions of the narrowly dispersed block copolymer butyl acrylate–acrylic acid. The content of the block copolymer in solutions is 15–23%, the MW of the copolymer is 10–20 × 103, and the polydispersity coefficient is 1.12–1.16. As evidenced by dynamic light scattering, under normal conditions, the solutions contain nanoparticles with a diameter of up to 50 nm with a narrow size distribution.
On mathematical analysis of a discrete electrical lattice with nonlinear dispersion
Authors: Elhassanein A. , Owyed S. , Abdou M. A. , Inc Mustafa 
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we consider the discrete electrical lattice with nonlinear dispersion described by Salerno equation, Fig. 1. Stability of equilibrium points, limit cycles and flip and Hopf bifurcations of the system are discussed. New exact solutions of a continuous approximation of the discrete system in the upper forbidden band gap are obtained by two methods, namely, [Formula: see text]-expansion function method and [Formula: see text] expansion method. Numerical simulation is used to follow the dynamics of the system and to investigate its physical properties.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Food Handlers in Mettu Town, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Yeshanew Solomon , Tadege Melaku , Abamecha Abdulhakim 
Published: February 2021

Food handlers are important sources of intestinal parasitic infection to the public and mass catering service areas. Several reports worldwide particularly in developing countries showed a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among these groups of individuals. In an attempt to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites, a cross-sectional study was carried out among food handlers in food establishment areas of Mettu town, Southwest Ethiopia. To collect sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants, a structured questionnaire and physical observation were employed. Stool specimens collected from each food handlers participated in the study were then examined using light microscopy of the wet mount followed by formol-ether concentration methods to see infection status. A total of 139 food handlers were enrolled in the study. Majority of them were females 89 (64%), and 124 (89.2%) of them had not taken any training related to food handling and preparation. Sixty-two (44.6%) of the study participants were diagnosed with one or more intestinal parasites. The chi-square test showed that intestinal parasite infection was found associated with personal hygiene (

p

≤ 0.0001), nail trimming status (

p

≤ 0.0001), and hair cover status (

p

≤ 0.040). The multivariable logistic regression indicated that the risk to be infected with intestinal parasites were related with older age (

p

≤ 0.032), food handlers who had no hand wash practices (

p

≤ 0.033), who had no food handling and preparation training (

p

≤ 0.005), poor personal hygiene (

p

≤ 0.0001), who had not taken regular medical checkup (

p

≤ 0.008), and whose nail was not trimmed (

p

≤ 0.0001). The most abundant intestinal parasite identified was G. lamblia (24, 26.7%) followed by E. histolytica/dispar (22, 24.4%), and A. lumbricoides (15, 16.7%). Twenty-eight (45.2%) study individuals were also found with mixed infections. The study thus revealed a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among apparently healthy food handlers in food establishments of the study area. Mass drug administration for all food handlers working in food establishment areas of the town coupled with health education and training should be initiated urgently.
An Intrastate Approach to the Withdrawal from International Organizations
Authors: Morais de Sa e Silva Michelle 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
When international organizations take measures that seem to go against the national interests of a Member State, is withdrawal inevitable? What do past cases reveal about how the extreme decision of withdrawal has been contained? This article examines the case of Brazil and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, which is part of the Organization of American States (OAS). Having received a harsh decision by the Commission, Brazil first threatened to leave OAS, but later mobilized diplomatic strategies to reform its Commission. What happened between a first reaction that considered withdrawal and the final decision to work to reform the system? The article advances the argument that containing international organization withdrawal benefits from the convergence and mutual reinforcement provided by internationally engaged institutions, bureaucrats committed to multilateralism, and a democratic leadership. The case helps to recognize the relevant intrastate variables that play out in the decision-making process that may eventually lead to withdrawal.
Understanding Regime Complexes through a Practice Lens
Authors: Bahr Thurid , Holzscheiter Anna , Pantzerhielm Laura 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
How do regime complexes as social orders affect relations among international organizations (IO s)? This article explores this question by studying the longitudinal development of interorganizational practices and the social meanings attached to these practices that constitute a regime complex. Adopting a practice lens, our analysis redirects scholarly attention from rationalist accounts of strategic interactions between IO s to the study of patterned “doings” among actors in regime complexes. The mixed-methods analysis of interorganizational practices between eight IO s in the global health regime complex shows that cooperation among IO s is not primarily the outcome of rational responses to problems of collective action. Rather, IO s engage in similar types of practices because they want to be considered “good” IO s that follow a repertoire of habitual and appropriate practices. In turn, interorganizational practices create social meanings that constrain IO s. The approach put forward in this paper demonstrates the ordering effect of practices on the global health regime complex.
Ink of Nostalgia: A Review Article of Home is Not Here, Dear China, and Recent Scholarship on China and the Chinese Overseas
Authors: Kuo Huei-Ying 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This article reviews Wang Gungwu, Home is Not Here (Singapore: National University of Singapore Press, 2018) and Gregor Benton and Hong Liu’s Dear China: Emigrant Letters and Remittances, 1820–1980 (Oakland, CA: University of California Press, 2018) in terms of how they reflect and revisit recent scholarship on China and the Chinese overseas published in English. Adopting different approaches, both books feature family correspondence within Chinese migrant families. This new focus unpacks concepts between ethnicity and language, and between family and homeland in migrants’ identity-making. Beginning from these studies, the article defends “Chinese overseas” as an intellectual concept and as a framework that allows an examination and comparison of the connections between China and its migrants as well as their descendants worldwide. In conclusion, the article argues that diasporas are made up of those who have left home but who miss that home, touching on the concept of nostalgia. Passing down the sense of nostalgia through successive generations via narrating, writing, and verifying, both in Sinophone and other languages, is a way by which Chinese diasporas construct their heritage. The process of retelling, rewriting, and reworking family heritage keeps the idea of home alive, wherever it might be, and whether or not it still exists.
Wage Inequality and Unemployment in the Presence of Imported Intermediate Goods: A Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Dutta Priya Brata , Ghosh Nirjhar 
Published: February 2021

This article develops a static three-sector and five-factor competitive general equilibrium model of a small open economy: sector 1 is the rural agricultural sector, which produces products using informal or unorganised unskilled labour and land as inputs; sector 2 is the urban manufacturing, final-goods-producing sector that produces products with the help of unskilled labour, who get unionised wages, and capital; and sector 3 is the service sector, which uses skilled labour with formal wages, capital and sophisticated hi-technology-intensive imported intermediate goods produced abroad as inputs. We show that an exogenous increase in capital inflow or an increase in tariff on imported intermediate input reduces the skilled–unskilled wage inequality and lowers unemployment as long as the return to capital is unaltered and output adjustments absorb the entire shock of the two policies. Such capital inflow increases rural wage and reduces unemployment via the Harris Todaro mechanism but interestingly does not allow the skilled wage to increase. Thus, two critical policy targets can be accommodated at the same time. JEL Codes: F13, J31, J46
Changes in extracellular water with hemodialysis and fall in systolic blood pressure
Authors: Tangvoraphonkchai Kamonwan , Davenport Andrew 
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Intra-dialytic hypotension (IDH) remains the most common complication with outpatient hemodialysis (HD) sessions. As fluid is removed during HD, there is contraction of the extracellular volume (ECW). We wished to determine whether the fall in ECW was associated with a fall in systolic blood pressure (SBP). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of adult dialysis outpatients attending for their midweek sessions who had corresponding pre- and post-HD bioimpedance measurements of ECW. Result: We reviewed 736 patients, median age 67 (54–76) years, 62.8% male, 45.7% diabetic with a median dialysis vintage of 24.4 (9.2–56.8) months. The percentage fall in ECW (ECW%) was associated with post-dialysis systolic blood pressure (SBP) ( r = −0.14, p < 0.001). Patients with SBP falls of >20 mmHg had a greater fall in ECW% compared to patients with stable SBP 7.6 (4.6–10.1) vs 6.0 (4.0–8.5), p < 0.001). Patients with greater dialyzer urea clearance had greater fall in ECW% ( r = 0.19, p < 0.001). In a logistic model an increased fall in ECW% was associated with weight loss (odds ratio (OR) 1.88, 95% confidence limits (CL) 1.62–2.176, p < 0.001), and session duration (OR 1.45 (CL 1.05–1.99), p = 0.024), and negatively with hemodiafiltration compared to hemodialysis (OR 0.37 (0.19–0.74) p = 0.005 and dialysate sodium to plasma gradient (OR 0.95 (CL 0.90–0.99), p = 0.021). Conclusion: We observed an association between the reduction in ECW and SBP with dialysis. Our results would advocate monitoring ECW changes during dialysis and developing biofeedback devices to control ultrafiltration and dialysate sodium to reduce the risk of IDH.
Augmented fascia temporalis sling for paralytic ectropion of the lower lid
Authors: Bagheri Abbas , Feizi Mohadeseh , Sahebghalam Ramin , Tavakoli Mehdi 
Published: February 2021

Purpose: To report the effect of lower eyelid temporalis fascia sling combined with lateral canthoplasty and tarsorrhaphy for paralytic ectropion. Methods: Prospective case series of 10 patients with lower lid paralytic ectropion who were treated with lower eyelid fascia temporalis sling and lateral canthoplasty in addition to lateral tarsorrhaphy as a single-session procedure. Additional medial tarsorrhaphy was applied if the medial lower lid apposition was not adequate at the end of the procedures. Eyelid configuration and function were compared before and after surgery. Results: The mean age of patients was 65.8 ± 10 years. Mean marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD1) and MRD2 changed from 3.5 ± 1.4 and 8.6 ± 2.4 mm to 2.2 ± 1.4 and 5.3 ± 1.2 mm respectively ( p = 0.001 and 0.006). Mean pre-operative lagophthalmos improved from 9.2 ± 4.9 to 3.4 ± 1.3 mm ( p = 0.001). The mean follow-up was 28.9 ± 12.1 months. Three patients required additional medial tarsorrhaphy to address residual medial ectropion in the same session. Conclusion: Combination of lower lid fascia temporalis sling, lateral canthoplasty and tarsorrhaphy as a single-session procedure can effectively improve the functional and aesthetic complications of paralytic ectropion.
Cannabis use among early adolescents and transdiagnostic mental health risk factors
Authors: Moreno-Mansilla Sara , Ricarte Jorge J , Hallford David J 
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Cannabis is the most widely used psychoactive substance among adolescents worldwide, and the age at which consumption begins to decrease. Cannabis use in adolescents is associated with a wide range of adverse consequences in adulthood including increased vulnerability to psychosis and other mental disorders, as well as suicidal ideation and attempt. The aim of this study is to extend understanding of the link between cannabis use and mental illness by examining whether cannabis use at early ages predicts transdiagnostic variables that are precursors to severe clinical diagnoses. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample was made up of 605 adolescents from 7th to 9th grades, with a mean age of 13.2 years ( SD = 1.0, 47% girls). The variables evaluated were: anomalous perception of reality, intolerance of uncertainty, rumination, suicide attempt, hopelessness, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. The administration of the questionnaires was carried out in groups of 20 participants under the supervision of a researcher in a unique session of 1 hour. Results: Adolescent cannabis users scored higher on all variables assessed: anomalous perception of reality (Cohen’s d = .60), rumination ( d = .48), intolerance of uncertainty ( d = .11), suicidal attempt (affirmative answer: 25.9% of users vs 7.7% of non-users), hopelessness ( d = .85), symptoms of depression ( d = .80), and anxiety ( d = .39). A binary logistic regression showed that the only variable uniquely related to cannabis use was hopelessness (Wald = 4.560, OR: 1.159, p = .033). Conclusions: Among some mental health risk factors, hopelessness appears uniquely related to cannabis use. Adolescents may use cannabis as a coping strategy for negative thoughts and emotions, or it may be a consequence of cannabis use. Future prevention programs should focus on preventing/treating modifiable factors such as hopelessness, and delaying cannabis use in specific subgroups of adolescents who experience pathologies such as depression or suicide attempts.
‘It’s not that they don’t want to access the support . . . it’s the impact of the autism’: The experience of eating disorder services from the perspective of autistic women, parents and healthcare professionals
Authors: Babb Charli , Brede Janina , Jones Catherine R G , Elliott Mair , Zanker Cathy , Tchanturia Kate , Serpell Lucy , Mandy Will , Fox John R E 
Published: February 2021

This study explores autistic women’s experiences of eating disorder services. Estimates suggest that 20%–30% of women in treatment for anorexia nervosa display diagnostic features characteristic of autism. Research suggests that autistic individuals’ needs are not being met by standard anorexia nervosa treatments. In the current study, in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 autistic women with experience of anorexia nervosa, 12 parents of autistic women with anorexia nervosa, and 11 eating disorder healthcare professionals. Using thematic analysis, three overarching themes were identified: misunderstanding autism and autistic traits, one treatment does not fit all, and improving accessibility and engagement within services. We found that there were diverse barriers facing autistic women when in treatment for anorexia nervosa, and these were accentuated by a lack of autism understanding within eating disorder services. Future research should focus on developing interventions that are tailored to the specific needs of autistic individuals with anorexia nervosa. Lay Abstract This study explores autistic women’s experiences of eating disorder services. About 20%–30% of people with anorexia nervosa are also autistic, and current treatments seem not to work as well for them. We interviewed 15 autistic women with experience of anorexia nervosa, 12 parents of autistic women with anorexia nervosa, and 11 healthcare professionals working in eating disorder services. We asked autistic women and parents about their experiences of eating disorder services, and we asked healthcare professionals about their experiences treating autistic women with anorexia nervosa. Participants’ views were represented by three overall themes: misunderstanding autism and autistic traits, one treatment does not fit all, and improving accessibility and engagement within services. We found that autistic women face many barriers when in treatment for anorexia nervosa, often because of a lack of autism understanding within eating disorder services. Future research should look at developing anorexia nervosa treatments that can specifically help autistic individuals.
Variability in Estimated Modelled Insulin Secretion
Authors: Ormsbee Jennifer J. , Burden Hannah J. , Knopp Jennifer L. , Chase J. Geoffrey , Murphy Rinki , Shepherd Peter R. , Merry Troy 
Published: February 2021

Background: The ability to measure insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells and monitor glucose-insulin physiology is vital to current health needs. C-peptide has been used successfully as a surrogate for plasma insulin concentration. Quantifying the expected variability of modelled insulin secretion will improve confidence in model estimates. Methods: Forty-three healthy adult males of Māori or Pacific peoples ancestry living in New Zealand participated in an frequently sampled, intravenous glucose tolerance test (FS-IVGTT) with an average age of 29 years and a BMI of 33 kg/m2. A 2-compartment model framework and standardized kinetic parameters were used to estimate endogenous pancreatic insulin secretion from plasma C-peptide measurements. Monte Carlo analysis (N = 10 000) was then used to independently vary parameters within ±2 standard deviations of the mean of each variable and the 5th and 95th percentiles determined the bounds of the expected range of insulin secretion. Cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) were calculated for each subject for area under the curve (AUC) total, AUC Phase 1, and AUC Phase 2. Normalizing each AUC by the participant’s median value over all N = 10 000 iterations quantifies the expected model-based variability in AUC. Results: Larger variation is found in subjects with a BMI > 30 kg/m2, where the interquartile range is 34.3% compared to subjects with a BMI ≤ 30 kg/m2 where the interquartile range is 24.7%. Conclusions: Use of C-peptide measurements using a 2-compartment model and standardized kinetic parameters, one can expect ~±15% variation in modelled insulin secretion estimates. The variation should be considered when applying this insulin secretion estimation method to clinical diagnostic thresholds and interpretation of model-based analyses such as insulin sensitivity.
Variation of Mean Absolute Relative Differences of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems Throughout the Day
Authors: Pleus Stefan , Stuhr Andreas , Link Manuela , Haug Cornelia , Freckmann Guido 
Published: February 2021

Background: There is an increasing use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) by people with diabetes. Measurement performance is often characterized by the mean absolute relative difference (MARD). However, MARD is influenced by a number of factors and little is known about whether MARD is stable throughout the day. Material and Methods: A total of 24 participants with type 1 diabetes were enrolled in the study. The study was performed for seven in-patient days. Participants wore two CGM systems in parallel and performed additional frequent blood glucose (BG) measurements. On two days, glucose excursions were induced. MARD was calculated between pairs of CGM and BG values, with BG values serving as reference values. ARD values calculated from CGM-BG pairs were grouped by hour of the day. Results were analyzed separately for glucose excursion days and for regular days. Results: Total MARDs for the complete study duration were 12.5% ± 3.6% and 13.2% ± 2.4% ( n = 24). Throughout the day marked variability of MARD was observed (8.0% ± 1.3%-16.3% ± 2.9% (G5); 9.1% ± 1.4%-16.3% ± 5.3% (FL), up to n = 157 each). Low(est) MARD values were observed before breakfast and dinner, when subjects were in or near a fasting state. Especially after breakfast and lunch, MARD values were higher than average. Conclusions: Analytical performance of the two CGM systems, assessed by MARD, was found to vary markedly throughout the day. Activities of daily life likely triggered these variations. An increasing number of CGM users base therapeutic decisions on CGM values, and they should be aware of these variations of performance throughout the day.