bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Efficacy of a New Robot-assisted Gait Training System for Acute Stroke Patients
Authors: Chien Andy , Chang Fei-Chun , Meng Nai-Hsin , Yang Pei-Yu , Huang Ching , Chou Li-Wei 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Robot-assisted gait rehabilitation has been proposed as a plausible supplementary rehabilitation strategy in stroke rehabilitation in the last decade. However, its exact benefit over traditional rehabilitation remain sparse and unclear. It is therefore the purpose of the current study to comparatively investigate the clinical benefits of the additional robot-assisted training in acute stroke patients compared to standard hospital rehabilitation alone.

Methods
Ninety acute stroke patients (< 3 month) were recruited. All participants received the standard hospital neurorehabilitation comprises 45–60 min sessions daily for 3 weeks. Sixty patients also received an additional 30 min of robot-assisted gait training with the HIWIN MRG-P100 gait training system after each of the standard neurorehabilitation session. Outcome measures included: 1. Berg Balance Scale (BBS); 2. Brunnstrom Stage; 3. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and 4. Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire (TDQ) which were assessed pre-treatment and then after every five training sessions.

Results
Both groups demonstrated significant improvement pre- and post-treatment for the BBS (robotic group p = 0.023; control group p = 0.033) but no significant difference (p > 0.1) between the groups were found. However, the robotic training group had more participants demonstrating larger BBS points of improvement as well as greater Brunnstrom stage of improvement, when compared to the control group. No significant within and between group statistical differences (p > 0.3) were found for Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire.

Conclusion
The addition of robotic gait training on top of standard hospital neurorehabilitation for acute stroke patients appear to produce a slightly greater improvement in clinical functional outcomes, which is not transferred to psychological status.
Knowing Women
Authors: Dankwa Serena Owusua 
Published: January 2021

Knowing Women is a study of same-sex desire in West Africa, which explores the lives and friendships of working-class women in southern Ghana who are intimately involved with each other. Based on in-depth research of the life histories of women in the region, Serena O. Dankwa highlights the vibrancy of everyday same-sex intimacies that have not been captured in a globally pervasive language of sexual identity. Paying close attention to the women's practices of self-reference, Dankwa refers to them as 'knowing women' in a way that both distinguishes them from, and relates them to categories such as lesbian or supi, a Ghanaian term for female friend. In doing so, this study is not only a significant contribution to the field of global queer studies in which both women and Africa have been underrepresented, but a starting point to further theorize the relation between gender, kinship, and sexuality that is key to queer, feminist, and postcolonial theories. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Adaptations of the United Kingdom Takeover Panel in Hong Kong and Singapore: Convergence or Divergence?
Authors: ARMSON Emma 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis article examines the transplantation of the Takeover Panel model from the United Kingdom into the takeover regulatory systems in Hong Kong and Singapore. It focuses on the extent to which this has resulted in formal convergence between the Takeover Panel in the UK and those established in Hong Kong and Singapore. Formal convergence is assessed in terms of the institutional structures of these Panels and is based on their independence and roles, the powers of the Panels and their Executives, and review of their decisions. Applying these criteria, this article concludes that there are medium levels of formal convergence with the UK Panel in both the Hong Kong and Singapore Panels. This article also examines functional convergence, namely the extent to which the Hong Kong and Singapore Panels operate similarly to the UK Panel in practice. In relation to the procedural rules and processes implemented by the Panels, this article concludes that there is a medium form of functional convergence in the case of the Hong Kong Panel, and a weak form of this for the Singapore Panel. Finally, the study of functional convergence in decision-making also includes an examination of the extent to which the Hong Kong and Singapore Panels refer explicitly to the UK approach in their decisions.
Correlation of pre-operative computed tomography, intra-operative findings and surgical outcomes in revision tympanomastoidectomy
Authors: Košec A , Matišić V , Gregurić T , Falak H , Ajduk J , Ries M 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo correlate pre-operative computed tomography findings, intra-operative details and surgical outcomes with cholesteatoma recurrence in revision tympanomastoidectomy.MethodsThis retrospective, non-randomised, single-institution cohort study included 42 patients who underwent pre-operative computed tomography imaging and revision surgery for recurrent chronic otitis media. Twelve disease localisations noted during revision surgery were correlated with pre-operative temporal bone computed tomography scans. A matched pair analysis was performed on patients with similar intra-operative findings, but without pre-operative computed tomography scans.ResultsPre-operative computed tomography identified 25 out of 31 cholesteatoma recurrences. Computed tomography findings correlated with: recurrent cholesteatoma when attic opacification and ossicular chain involvement were present; and revision surgery type. Sinodural angle disease, posterior canal wall erosion and dehiscent dura were identified as predictors of canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy. Patients with pre-operative computed tomography scans had a higher rate of cholesteatoma recurrence, younger age at diagnosis of recurrent disease, more revision surgical procedures and less time between previous and revision surgical procedures (all p < 0.05).ConclusionPre-operative imaging and intra-operative findings have important clinical implications in revision surgery for chronic otitis media. Performing pre-operative computed tomography increases diagnosis accuracy and reduces the time required to diagnose recurrent disease.
Starting a new life in the South? Swiss, Dutch and Flemish ageing in Morocco: a lifecourse perspective
Authors: Bolzman Claudio , Fokkema Tineke , Guissé Ibrahima , van Dalen Danique 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis article focuses on European migrants living in Morocco and now near retirement or retired. Using a lifecourse approach we are interested in whether their timing of migration to Morocco made a difference in terms of their motivations to settle there and subsequently with the social relationships at the destination. To this end, we conducted 36 biographical interviews with Swiss, Dutch and Belgian Flemish migrants aged 50 and older. Findings show the relevance of a lifecourse perspective for international migration studies. Early adulthood migrants to Morocco had no strong obligations in their home country and were ready to explore new affective or professional experiences in a new country. They had the time to discover and find a place in Moroccan society and to develop long-lasting social relationships with kin and non-kin. Middle-adulthood migrants moved with the intention of rapidly accessing a higher standard of living thanks to the tourism economy, with hedonistic perspectives in a setting with a better climate. Their social life is limited to interaction with business clients and a few like-minded migrants from Europe, and their communication with personnel is a daily challenge. Most late-in-life migrants experienced disruptive life events before migrating, and expected to find in Morocco a second chance to build a better life. They generally move in select circles of European expatriates.
Constructions of older people's identities in Indonesian regional ageing policies: the impacts on micro and macro experiences of ageing
Authors: Lestari Made Diah , Stephens Christine , Morison Tracy 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAs Indonesia experiences rapid growth of the ageing population, the government's attention has turned to the wellbeing of older people. This study aims to review critically the construction of older people's identity and care within regional ageing policies in Indonesia. Working from a critical gerontology perspective, a critical discourse analysis of 16 regional ageing policies identified two constructions, labelled ‘material’ and ‘cultural’ ageing, which were used to position older people. The analysis showed that ‘material ageing’ positions older people at the intersection of ‘decline’ and ‘successful ageing’ discourses, while ‘cultural ageing’ positions older people's welfare at the intersection of ‘public responsibility’ and ‘family obligation’ discourses. These discursive constructions in the policy documents have both micro (interpersonal) and macro (structural) constructive effects. At the micro-level, the regional ageing policies stand at a crossroad between empowering and marginalising older people and their families. While the dominant discourse of ‘successful ageing’ encourages older people to be healthy, it marginalises those who do not, or cannot, meet its criteria, undermining a rehabilitative approach as a policy priority. In addition, the rights of the family are overlooked, despite being a pivotal element of cultural ageing. At the macro level, a moral dilemma appears in defining the public and private domains of older people's welfare. Eligibility requirements for state assistance (due to budgetary constraints) ensure that elder care is often relegated to the private sphere, without support. Recommendations for policy improvement are discussed, including the recognition of families’ rights and the importance of local cultural practices in providing care for older people.
THE RELEVANCE OF PROPRIETY AND SELF-COMMAND IN ADAM SMITH’S THEORY OF MORAL SENTIMENTS
Authors: Montes Leonidas 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPropriety and self-command are distinctive and complex Smithian concepts. This essay attempts to shed more light on the meaning and significance of propriety and the virtue of self-command. After a brief introduction on the recent reappraisal of The Theory of Moral Sentiments (TMS), a short analysis of Smith’s crucial idea of sympathy follows. Then the relevance of propriety is discussed and some connections between propriety and the virtue of self-command are explored. Finally, the importance of Smith’s self-command is reassessed, paying attention to its origins and philosophical implications. It is noteworthy that, through self-command and propriety, TMS stresses the role of intentions and motivations. By doing so, Adam Smith opens up new threads to rethink personal liberty and its ethical importance for political economy.
The Adaptation of Japanese Economic Statecraft: Trade, Aid, and Technology
Authors: Govella Kristi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis article examines how Japan has adapted economic statecraft to serve changing strategic aims through case studies of trade arrangements, official development assistance, and dual-use technology. After World War II, Japan continuously adapted these economic tools to pursue shifting non-economic goals related to international reintegration, comprehensive security, human security, and traditional security. More recently, in response to escalating US–China strategic competition, Japan has employed economic statecraft to simultaneously reduce international instability and to counter China in targeted ways as part of a broader hedging approach. First, Japan has attempted to bolster multilateral trade arrangements amid a volatile policy environment, while also using them to both engage and counter China. Second, Japan has used official development assistance to stabilize and build defense capacity in Asian countries facing pressure from China. Third, Japan has increasingly militarized its dual-use technologies to enhance its ability to respond to Chinese activity in outer space.
Re-emergence of Great Power Conflict and US Economic Statecraft
Authors: Weiss Linda 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAfter almost two decades of dealing with asymmetric threats, America's strategic focus on technological superiority carefully honed during the Cold War, began to fracture, eroding its military and economic advantage. But China's recent emergence as a credible geopolitical rival has reinvigorated US efforts to sustain high-tech leadership as the basis of its military primacy. At the center of these efforts are the defense and defense-related agencies of the national security state (NSS) whose mission is to dominate the new technological frontiers of military power and achieve future competitive advantage. Alongside the quest for breakthroughs in foundational technologies, NSS agencies are seeking to correct long neglected deficiencies in advanced manufacturing, by rebuilding the industrial ecosystem's supply chains depleted after decades of offshoring. With this suite of initiatives, the US is following a course of action more consistent with the exercise of (economic) statecraft than industrial policy. However, unlike its authoritarian rival, the US faces the challenge of having to balance security imperatives with commercial interests and, not least, having to contend with a dysfunctional and maladapted presidency.
Hair cortisol levels in pregnancy as a possible determinant of fetal sex: a longitudinal study
Authors: Romero-Gonzalez Borja , Puertas-Gonzalez Jose A. , Gonzalez-Perez Raquel , Davila Marta , Peralta-Ramirez Maria Isabel 
Published: January 2021

AbstractStress during pregnancy has been widely studied and associated to different variables, usually with negative results for the health of the mother and the newborn, such as having a higher risk of suffering postpartum depression, premature birth, obstetrics complications or low birthweight, among others. However, there are not many lines of research that study the role that the sex of the baby plays on this specific stress and vice versa. Thus, the main objective was to analyse the relationship between the sex of the offspring and the stress of the mothers in the first trimester of pregnancy. In order to achieve this, 108 women had their biological stress measured (trough hair cortisol levels) and psychological stress evaluated (the Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (PSS), the Perceived Stress Scale (PDQ) and the Stress Vulnerability Inventory (IVE)). The results revealed significant differences in maternal hair cortisol levels in the first trimester based on the sex of the baby they had given birth to (t = −2.04; P < 0.05): the concentration of the hormone was higher if the baby was a girl (164.36:54.45-284.87 pg/mg) than if it was a boy (101.13:37.95-193.56 pg/mg). These findings show that the sex of the future baby could be conditioned, among many other variables, by the mother´s stress levels during conception and first weeks of pregnancy. Further research is needed in this area to support our findings.
Long-term outcomes with frontline nilotinib versus imatinib in newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase: ENESTnd 10-year analysis
Authors: Kantarjian Hagop M. , Hughes Timothy P. , Larson Richard A. , Kim Dong-Wook , Issaragrisil Surapol , le Coutre Philipp , Etienne Gabriel , Boquimpani Carla , Pasquini Ricardo , Clark Richard E. , Dubruille Viviane , Flinn Ian W. , Kyrcz-Krzemien Slawomira , Medras Ewa , Zanichelli Maria , Bendit Israel , Cacciatore Silvia , Titorenko Ksenia , Aimone Paola , Saglio Giuseppe , Hochhaus Andreas 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn the ENESTnd study, with ≥10 years follow-up in patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase, nilotinib demonstrated higher cumulative molecular response rates, lower rates of disease progression and CML-related death, and increased eligibility for treatment-free remission (TFR). Cumulative 10-year rates of MMR and MR4.5 were higher with nilotinib (300 mg twice daily [BID], 77.7% and 61.0%, respectively; 400 mg BID, 79.7% and 61.2%, respectively) than with imatinib (400 mg once daily [QD], 62.5% and 39.2%, respectively). Cumulative rates of TFR eligibility at 10 years were higher with nilotinib (300 mg BID, 48.6%; 400 mg BID, 47.3%) vs imatinib (29.7%). Estimated 10-year overall survival rates in nilotinib and imatinib arms were 87.6%, 90.3%, and 88.3%, respectively. Overall frequency of adverse events was similar with nilotinib and imatinib. By 10 years, higher cumulative rates of cardiovascular events were reported with nilotinib (300 mg BID, 16.5%; 400 mg BID, 23.5%) vs imatinib (3.6%), including in Framingham low-risk patients. Overall efficacy and safety results support the use of nilotinib 300 mg BID as frontline therapy for optimal long-term outcomes, especially in patients aiming for TFR. The benefit-risk profile in context of individual treatment goals should be carefully assessed.
A glycaemic index compendium of non-western foods
Authors: Henry Christiani Jeyakumar , Quek Rina Yu Chin , Kaur Bhupinder , Shyam Sangeetha , Singh Harvinder Kaur Gilcharan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCurrent international tables published on the glycaemic index (GI) of foods represent valuable resources for researchers and clinicians. However, the vast majority of published GI values are of Western origin, notably European, Australian and North American. Since these tables focus on Western foods with minimal inclusion of other foods from non-Western countries, their application is of limited global use. The objective of this review is to provide the GI values for a variety of foods that are consumed in non-Western countries. Our review extends and expands on the current GI tables in an attempt to widen its application in many other regions of the world.
Efficacy of telemedicine for persons with type 1 diabetes during Covid19 lockdown
Authors: Boscari Federico , Ferretto Sara , Uliana Ambra , Avogaro Angelo , Bruttomesso Daniela 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Starting March 2020 the Italian Government imposed a lockdown to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2. During lockdown outpatient visits were limited and telemedicine (TM) was encouraged.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed data from continuous or flash glucose monitoring systems shared through different cloud systems during the lockdown by subjects with type 1 diabetes and compared data obtained 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after structured telephonic visit. Variables considered were mean glucose, time spent in target (70–180 mg/dl), hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dl) and hyperglycemia (>180 mg/dl), coefficient of variation, and length of sensor use.

Results
During the 4 weeks following the telephonic visit there was an improvement of glycemic control, with a significant reduction of mean glucose values (161.1 before vs 156.3 mg/dl after, p = 0.001), an increase of the time spent in target (63.6 vs 66.3, p = 0.0009) and a reduction of time spent in hyperglycemia (33.4 vs 30.5, p = 0.002). No changes were observed regarding glucose variability, time spent in hypoglycemia, and length of sensor use. Similar results were observed in subjects treated with multiple daily injections or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion.

Conclusions
A structured telephonic visit appears to be an effective way to replace or integrate routine visits in particular conditions.
Shifting uncertainty intolerance: methylphenidate and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Mandali Alekhya , Sethi Arjun , Cercignani Mara , Harrison Neil A. , Voon Valerie 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRisk evaluation is a critical component of decision making. Risk tolerance is relevant in both daily decisions and pathological disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), where impulsivity is a cardinal symptom. Methylphenidate, a commonly prescribed drug in ADHD, improves attention but has mixed reports on risk-based decision making. Using a double-blinded placebo protocol, we studied the risk attitudes of ADHD patients and age-matched healthy volunteers while performing the 2-step sequential learning task and examined the effect of methylphenidate on their choices. We then applied a novel computational analysis using the hierarchical drift–diffusion model to extract parameters such as threshold (‘a’—amount of evidence accumulated before making a decision), drift rate (‘v’—information processing speed) and response bias (‘z’ apriori bias towards a specific choice) focusing specifically on risky choice preference. Critically, we show that ADHD patients on placebo have an apriori bias towards risky choices compared to controls. Furthermore, methylphenidate enhanced preference towards risky choices (higher apriori bias) in both groups but had a significantly greater effect in the patient population independent of clinical scores. Thus, methylphenidate appears to shift tolerance towards risky uncertain choices possibly mediated by prefrontal dopaminergic and noradrenergic modulation. We emphasise the utility of computational models in detecting underlying processes. Our findings have implications for subtle yet differential effects of methylphenidate on ADHD compared to healthy population.
A genome-wide methylation study reveals X chromosome and childhood trauma methylation alterations associated with borderline personality disorder
Authors: Arranz María J. , Gallego-Fabrega Cristina , Martín-Blanco Ana , Soler Joaquim , Elices Matilde , Dominguez-Clavé Elisabet , Salazar Juliana , Vega Daniel , Briones-Buixassa Laia , Pascual Juan Carlos 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBorderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe and highly prevalent psychiatric disorder, more common in females than in males and with notable differences in presentation between genders. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation may modulate gene × environment interactions and impact on neurodevelopment. We conducted an epigenome wide study (Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450k beadchip) in a group of BPD patients with (N = 49) and without (N = 47) childhood traumas and in a control group (N = 44). Results were confirmed in a replication cohort (N = 293 BPD patients and N = 114 controls) using EpiTYPER assays. Differentially methylated CpG sites were observed in several genes and intragenic regions in the X chromosome (PQBP1, ZNF41, RPL10, cg07810091 and cg24395855) and in chromosome 6 (TAP2). BPD patients showed significantly lower methylation levels in these CpG sites than healthy controls. These differences seemed to be increased by the existence of childhood trauma. Comparisons between BPD patients with childhood trauma and patients and controls without revealed significant differences in four genes (POU5F1, GGT6, TNFRSF13C and FAM113B), none of them in the X chromosome. Gene set enrichment analyses revealed that epigenetic alterations were more frequently found in genes controlling oestrogen regulation, neurogenesis and cell differentiation. These results suggest that epigenetic alterations in the X chromosome and oestrogen-regulation genes may contribute to the development of BPD and explain the differences in presentation between genders. Furthermore, childhood trauma events may modulate the magnitude of the epigenetic alterations contributing to BPD.