bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal imaging of freezing drizzle droplets: pressure release events as a source of secondary ice particles
Authors: Kleinheins Judith , Kiselev Alexei , Keinert Alice , Kind Matthias , Leisner Thomas 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe freezing process of a supercooled water droplet freely falling through air is a remarkably dynamic and eventful process. During freezing from the outside in, the volume increase of liquid water upon solidification leads to a pressure rise inside the droplet. The pressure is released in various ways, e.g. by cracking or by complete fragmentation of the ice shell. These processes may be the source of secondary ice particles that are emitted during droplet freezing. In this study, the surface temperature of freezing drizzle-sized water droplets was measured with a high-resolution infrared thermography system, while recording the changes in shape and structure of the droplet by a high-speed video camera. The droplets were levitated in an electrodynamic trap under controlled conditions with respect to temperature, humidity and airflow velocity. Measurement of the surface temperature during freezing allowed for determination of the absolute pressure inside the liquid core. During the freezing of a droplet the pressure rise is interrupted many times by rapid pressure release events, each being a possible source of secondary ice. Pressure release events were three times more frequent for droplets freezing under free-fall conditions compared to droplets freezing in stagnant air. Naturally occurring sea salt content (< 100 mg/L) does not inhibit the pressure buildup inside freezing drizzle droplets.
Physical diseases and elderly suicide in rural China: A case–control psychological autopsy study
Authors: Wang Guojun , Jia Cunxian , Ma Zhenyu , Zhou Liang 
Published: March 2021

Objectives: Physical diseases are well-established risk factor for suicide, particularly among older adults. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism of the association. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of physical diseases and their influences on the elderly in rural China and to examine the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between physical diseases and suicide. Methods: This matched case–control psychological autopsy study was conducted from June 2014 to September 2015. Consecutive suicide cases (242) among people aged 60 years or above were identified in three Chinese provinces. The suicide cases were 1:1 matched with living comparisons based on age, gender and residential area. Two informants for each participant were interviewed to collect data on their demographic characteristics, the severity index of physical diseases, depressive symptoms, feelings of hopelessness, mental disorders and social support. Results: A significant difference was found between suicide cases and living comparisons regarding the prevalence of physical diseases (83.5% vs 66.5%, p < 0.001) and their severity (11.3 ± 6.2 vs 6.7 ± 5.3, p < 0.001). Independent risks of suicide included the following: not currently married (OR = 2.81, 95% CI = [1.04, 7.62]), mental disorders (OR = 7.18, 95% CI = [1.83, 28.13]), depressive symptoms (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = [1.05, 1.26]) and feelings of hopelessness (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = [1.20, 1.90]). The structural equation model indicated that the relationship between the severity index of physical diseases and suicide was mediated by depressive symptoms, feelings of hopelessness and mental disorders. Conclusion: The severity and number of physical diseases were found to be correlated with suicide among the elderly in rural China, after controlling for demographic characteristics. Physical diseases elevate one’s suicide risk by increasing depressive symptoms, feelings of hopelessness and mental disorders. Efforts for suicide prevention should be integrated with strategies to treat physical diseases along with psychological interventions.
The psychological experiences of Lebanese ground zero front-line nurses during the most recent COVID-19 outbreak post Beirut blast: A qualitative study
Authors: Fawaz Mirna , Itani Mohammad 
Published: March 2021

Background: For the past 2 months the number of COVID-19 cases in Lebanon has been on the rise, while frontline nurses after the Beirut Blast of August 4th have been practicing through limited resources and a challenging context. Aim: This paper aims at exploring the psychological experiences of Lebanese frontline nurses serving at ground zero hospital during the current COVID-19 outbreak. Setting: This study was carried out in three main ground-zero hospitals in Beirut which are receiving COVID-19 cases. Method: This study have employed a phenomenological exploratory qualitative research design, where virtual interviews were conducted with 18 frontline nurses during the second week of January 2021. Results: Thematic analysis of the data expressed by the frontline nurses working in the approached ground-zero hospitals gave rise to five themes, namely ‘helplessness and impending doom’, ‘increased mortality rates and depressive mood’, ‘fear of death and obsessive thinking’, ‘flashbacks, panic, and incompetence’, and ‘public recklessness, governmental responsibility, and anger‘. Conclusion: The frontline nurses working at ground zero hospitals in Beirut are facing significant psychological challenges that should be mediated by the government and health policymakers in order to safeguard the quality of care and avoid higher mortality rates.
How do international bureaucrats affect policy outputs? Studying administrative influence strategies in international organizations
Authors: Ege Jörn , Bauer Michael W. , Wagner Nora 
Published: March 2021

The article investigates how international public administrations, as corporate actors, influence policymaking within international organizations. Starting from a conception of international organizations as political-administrative systems, we theorize the strategies international bureaucrats may use to affect international organizations’ policies and the conditions under which these strategies vary. Building on a most-likely case design, we use process tracing to study two cases of bureaucratic influence: the influence of the secretariat of the World Health Organization on the “Global action plan for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases”; and the influence of the International Labour Office on the “Resolution concerning decent work in global supply chains”. We use interview material gathered from international public administration staff and stakeholders to illustrate varying influence strategies and the conditions under which these strategies are used. The study shows how and when international public administrations exert policy influence, and offers new opportunities to extend the generalizability of public administration theories. Points for practitioners International bureaucrats influence the outcomes of multilateral negotiations by means of their technical expertise and strategic involvement in the decision-making process. Their influence is primarily geared toward achieving organizational goals. However, the perception of too much influence can threaten the implementation of a decision. Political leadership needs to find the right balance between encouraging entrepreneurial behavior and providing sufficient political steering. Civil servants themselves need a well-functioning political radar to sense how far they can push with their ambitions.
Sleeping-related distress in a palliative care population: A national, prospective, consecutive cohort
Authors: Currow David C , Davis Walter , Connolly Alanna , Krishnan Anu , Wong Aaron , Webster Andrew , Barnes-Harris Matilda MM , Daveson Barb , Ekström Magnus 
Published: March 2021

Background: Sleep, a multi-dimensional experience, is essential for optimal physical and mental wellbeing. Poor sleep is associated with worse wellbeing but data are scarce from multi-site studies on sleeping-related distress in palliative care populations. Aim: To evaluate patient-reported distress related to sleep and explore key demographic and symptom distress related to pain, breathing or fatigue. Design: Australian national, consecutive cohort study with prospectively collected point-of-care data using symptoms from the Symptom Assessment Scale (SAS). Setting/Participants: People ( n = 118,117; 475,298 phases of care) who died while being seen by specialist palliative care services ( n = 152) 2013–2019. Settings: inpatient (direct care, consultative); community (outpatient clinics, home, residential aged care). Results: Moderate/severe levels of sleeping-related distress were reported in 11.9% of assessments, more frequently by males (12.7% vs 10.9% females); people aged <50 years (16.2% vs 11.5%); and people with cancer (12.3% vs 10.0% for other diagnoses). Sleeping-related distress peaked with mid-range Australia-modified Karnofsky Performance Status scores (40–60). Strong associations existed between pain-, breathing- and fatigue-related distress in people who identified moderate/severe sleeping-related distress, adjusted for age, sex and functional status. Those reporting moderate/severe sleeping-related distress were also more likely to experience severe pain-related distress (adjusted odds ratios [OR] 6.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.3, 6.9); breathing-related distress (OR 6.2; 95% CI 5.8, 6.6); and fatigue-related distress (OR 10.4; 95% CI 9.99–10.8). Conclusions: This large, representative study of palliative care patients shows high prevalence of sleeping-related distress, with strong associations shown to distress from other symptoms including pain, breathlessness and fatigue.
Simple method for constructing and repairing tissue microarrays using simple equipment
Authors: Zhang Wei , Qiu Fuman , Jiang Qingping , Liu Shaoyan , Xiong Zhongtang 
Published: March 2021

Objective Many methods for tissue microarray (TMA) construction were described in previous reports. Because TMA-based methods are expensive and complicated, their widespread application may be restricted. This study aimed to develop a simple method for TMA construction. Methods High-density TMAs were constructed using simple equipment, and hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining were performed to analyze the effect on the TMA block. Results A recipient block with 162 holes of 0.9 mm in diameter was prepared using a mini-drill and plastic mold. Tissue cores of 1.0 mm in diameter were obtained from multiple donor blocks with stainless-steel capillary tubes driven by the mini-drill. Under the fixation and guidance of the plastic mold, tissue cores could be easily injected into the holes in the recipient block by inserting a stainless-steel wire into the stainless-steel tube with the tissue core and then pressing using the stainless-steel wire. Conclusion A high-density TMA block with 162 1.0-mm cores was created. This new modified technique could be a good alternative in many laboratories.
The role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and adiponectin in children with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Zhang Ji-Yong , Peng Hong , Gong Si-Tang , Zeng Yong-Mei , Huang Miao , Liu Pei-Hui , Wang Li-Ting , Dong Guo-Qing 
Published: March 2021

Objective To investigate the relationship between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) mRNA, serum adiponectin (ADP) and lipids in paediatric patients with Kawasaki disease (KD). Methods This prospective study enrolled paediatric patients with KD and grouped them according to the presence or absence of coronary artery lesions (CAL). A group of healthy age-matched children were recruited as the control group. The levels of PPARγ mRNA, serum ADP and lipids were compared between the groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was undertaken to determine if the PPARγ mRNA level could be used as a predictive biomarker of CAL prognosis. Results The study enrolled 42 patients with KD (18 with CAL [CAL group] and 24 without CAL [NCAL group]) and 20 age-matched controls. PPARγ mRNA levels in patients with KD were significantly higher than those in the controls; but significantly lower in the CAL group than the NCAL group. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the PPARγ mRNA level provided good predictive accuracy for the prognosis of CAL. There was no association between PPARγ, ADP and lipid levels. Conclusion There was dyslipidaemia in children with KD, but there was no correlation with PPARγ and ADP. PPARγ may be a predictor of CAL in patients with KD with good predictive accuracy.
Localization of right ventricular non-apical lead position: comparison of three-dimensional echocardiography, computed tomography, and fluoroscopic imaging
Authors: Chen Yung-Lung , Wang Hui-Ting , Chen Huang-Chung , Chai Han-Tan , Lee Yi‐Wei , Liu Wen-Hao 
Published: March 2021

Objective Right ventricular (RV) septal pacing is considered a better pacing procedure compared with traditional apical pacing. This study aimed to investigate agreement among computed tomography (CT), three-dimensional echocardiography (3D-echo), and fluoroscopy for evaluating the tip of the RV pacing lead in the non-apical position in patients with permanent pacemaker implantation. Methods Fifty-four patients were prospectively enrolled. Data on patients’ characteristics and imaging findings were analyzed. The agreement rate in distinguishing the RV septal lead position among the three imaging modalities was determined. Results Thirty-three (61%) patients were men and the median age was 76 years. Overall, the agreement rate among the three imaging modalities was 87% (47/54; Kappa ratio: 0.734). The agreement of 3D-echo compared with thoracic CT (Kappa ratio: 0.893) was better than that for thoracic CT and fluoroscopy (Kappa ratio: 0.658). Agreement between fluoroscopy and 3D-echo was lowest (Kappa ratio: 0.632). Conclusions Agreement in evaluating the position of the septal lead between thoracic CT and 3D-echo is better than that between other imaging modalities. Our findings indicate that 3D-echo imaging might be the best imaging tool for defining the tip of the RV non-apical lead position and be useful for guiding positioning of the RV lead.
Exploring dysregulated miRNAs in cryptorchidism: a systematic review
Authors: Jia Hongshuai , Hao Chunsheng 
Published: March 2021

Objective To identify dysregulated miRNAs in testicular tissues from animal models and patients with cryptorchidism. Methods Databases were systematically searched for studies published before 10 May 2020 that had investigated miRNAs in cryptorchidism. Predicted targets of the identified miRNA biomarkers were obtained by searching TargetScan and Starbase. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were subsequently conducted. Results Five publications met the eligibility criteria for the review. 21 differentially expressed miRNAs were the most abundantly reported in 185 animal and human tissue samples. Three miRNAs (miR-210, miR-449a and miR-34c) were dysregulated in both animal and human testicular tissues. The top five relevant lncRNAs associated with the miRNAs were NEAT1, KCNQ1OT1, XIST, AC005154.1, and TUG1. Conclusions Further research is warranted to explore the potential of these dysregulated miRNAs as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for male infertility associated with cryptorchidism.
Use of Suture Tapes Versus Conventional Sutures for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repairs: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Boksh Khalis , Haque Aziz , Sharma Ashwini , Divall Pip , Singh Harvinder 
Published: March 2021

Background: Various suture materials are available for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. More recently, suture tapes have become popular as they are perceived to be easier to use with less soft tissue irritation. However, little is known about their biomechanical and clinical properties compared with conventional sutures in rotator cuff repairs. Purpose: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on whether suture tapes are biomechanically superior to conventional sutures in arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs and whether this translates to superior functional outcomes and a lower incidence of retears. Study Design: Meta-analysis. Methods: The Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, PubMed, Medline, and Embase were used to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria with the following search terms: (rotator cuff repair OR arthroscopic rotator cuff repair) AND (“tape” OR “wire” OR “cord” OR “suture”). Data pertaining to certain biomechanical properties (contact area, contact pressure, gap formation, load to failure, and stiffness), retears, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were extracted. The pooled outcome data were analyzed by random- and fixed-effects models. Results: After abstract and full-text screening, 7 biomechanical and 6 clinical studies were included. All biomechanical studies were on animals, with 91 suture tapes and 91 conventional sutures compared. Suture tapes had higher contact pressure (mean difference [MD], 0.04 MPa; 95% CI, 0.01-0.08; P = .02), higher load to failure (MD, 52.62 N; 95% CI, 27.34-77.90; P < .0001), greater stiffness (MD, 4.47 N/mm; 95% CI, 0.57-8.38; P = .02), and smaller gap formation (MD, −0.30 mm; 95% CI, −0.45 to −0.15; P < .0001) compared with conventional sutures. From the clinical analysis of the 681 rotator cuff repairs treated with a suture tape (n = 380) or conventional suture (n = 301), there were no differences in retear rates between the groups (16% vs 20% suture tape and wire, respectively; P = .26) at a mean of 11.2 months. Qualitatively, there were no differences in PROMs between the groups at a mean of 36.8 months. Conclusion: Although biomechanically superior, suture tapes showed similar retear rates and postoperative function to conventional sutures. However, higher-quality clinical studies are required to investigate whether there are no true differences.
Cosmetic results of circumcision and scar wrinkling: Do we exaggerate in terms of hemostasis and sutures?
Authors: Taş Tuncay , Çakıroğlu Basri , Ekici Uğur 
Published: March 2021

Objective: To objective of this study was to investigate poor scar appearance of the circumcision line and scar wrinkling caused by the sutures placed during the circumcision in primary school age circumcised children. Methods: A total of 455 children aged between 6 and 9 years, circumcised by four different specialists in our hospital between 2009 and 2018 were evaluated. Circumcisions performed due to balanitis, phimosis, secondary phimosis, and paraphimosis were excluded from the study. Only routine religious circumcisions performed on request of the family were included in the study. Children underwent a second procedure and those receiving treatment after the circumcision due to infection were excluded from the study. About 363 patients included the study. Patients were evaluated according to the Fitzpatrick skin type classification, independent observer scale, Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale, and Dunn-Bonferroni test. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between distributions of scar wrinkling levels in children according to the circumcision ( p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between age of circumcision according to scare wrinkling levels ( p = 0.001). According to the Dunn-Bonferroni test; the circumcision age was found to be significantly lower in children with severe scar wrinkling compared to the children with no or mild scar wrinkling ( p = 0.001; p = 0.011). Conclusion: The tense, short-interval sutures placed away from the wound margin during circumcision in order to control subcutaneous bleeding lead to scar wrinkling and a poor cosmetic appearance. Knowing the risk factors leading to scar wrinkling and taking appropriate measures will provide acceptable cosmetic outcomes after the circumcision.
Upper Extremity Motor Fatigability as an Early Indicator in Pediatric Onset Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Pilloni Giuseppina , Malik Martin , Malik Raghav , Krupp Lauren , Charvet Leigh 
Published: March 2021

Aim: To adopt a computer-based protocol to assess grip fatigability in patients with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis to provide detection of subtle motor involvement identifying those patients most at risk for future decline. Method: Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis patients were recruited during routine outpatient visits to complete a grip assessment and compared to a group of healthy age- and sex-matched controls. All participants completed a computer-based measurement of standard maximal grip strength and repetitive and sustained grip performance measured by dynamic and static fatigue indices. Results: A total of 38 patients with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis and 24 healthy controls completed the grip protocol (right-hand dominant). There were no significant group differences in maximal grip strength bilaterally (right: 21.8 vs 19.9 kg, P = .25; left: 20.4 vs 18.7 kg, P = .33), although males with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis were significantly less strong than healthy controls (right: 26.53 vs 21.23 kg, P = .009; left; 25.13 vs 19.63 kg, P = .003). Both dynamic and static fatigue indices were significantly higher bilaterally in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis compared with healthy control participants (left-hand dynamic fatigue index: 18.6% vs 26.7%, P = .003; right-hand static fatigue index: 28.3% vs 41.3%, P < .001; left-hand static fatigue index: 31.9% vs 42.6%, P < .001). Conclusion: Brief repeatable grip assessment including measures of dynamic and sustained static output can be a sensitive indicator of upper extremity motor involvement in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis, potentially identifying those in need of intervention to prevent future disability.
Strengthening Agriculture Value Chain through Collectives: Comparative Case Analysis
Authors: Kumari Sneha , Bharti Nisha , Tripathy K. K. 
Published: March 2021

Indian agriculture has always been less profitable. Several factors contribute to the low profitability in agriculture, but less value addition, weak value chain system and weak market linkage are some of the most important factors. Producer companies are helping small farmers to emerge in the market. The farmer producer organisations (FPOs) linked with the producer companies are the best example of collective actions. The collective actions for the agriculture value chain (AVC) have resulted in a decrease in the cost and an increase in revenue. FPO and producer company find a good place in the underpinning theory of collective action theory. This study examines various successful examples of strengthening AVC through cooperatives and tried to identify various factors responsible for the success of these collectives. This study has adopted a case study approach. Three successful cases, that is, Vasundhara Agriculture Horticulture Producer Company Ltd: a multi-state FPO, Abhinav Farms Club and Sahyadri Farmer Producer Company have been selected for the case study based on their successful interventions for strengthening the agriculture value chain. Primary and secondary data has been collected through telephonic interviews from the board of directors, chairman and the members of the FPO. Both primary and secondary data have been collected to compare the three cases for AVC models. The data has been analysed using a comparative case study approach. The parameters of AVC have been identified using the Delphi technique. The study has found that collective actions have helped the farmers to strengthen the agriculture value chain. The study also concluded that leadership played an important role in defining the success of the FPOs. The study brings out future directions to excel in AVC through collectives.