bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing Digital Tools for Remote Clinical Research: How to Evaluate the Validity and Practicality of Active Assessments in Field Settings
Authors: Ferrar Jennifer , Griffith Gareth J , Skirrow Caroline , Cashdollar Nathan , Taptiklis Nick , Dobson James , Cree Fiona , Cormack Francesca K , Barnett Jennifer H , Munafò Marcus R
Published: May 2021

The ability of remote research tools to collect granular, high-frequency data on symptoms and digital biomarkers is an important strength because it circumvents many limitations of traditional clinical trials and improves the ability to capture clinically relevant data. This approach allows researchers to capture more robust baselines and derive novel phenotypes for improved precision in diagnosis and accuracy in outcomes. The process for developing these tools however is complex because data need to be collected at a frequency that is meaningful but not burdensome for the participant or patient. Furthermore, traditional techniques, which rely on fixed conditions to validate assessments, may be inappropriate for validating tools that are designed to capture data under flexible conditions. This paper discusses the process for determining whether a digital assessment is suitable for remote research and offers suggestions on how to validate these novel tools.
Web-Based Health Information Seeking Among African American and Hispanic Men Living With Chronic Conditions: Cross-sectional Survey Study
Authors: Sherman Ledric D , Goidel Kirby , Bergeron Caroline D , Smith Matthew Lee
Published: May 2021

Background

Previous research has identified disparities in seeking and using web-based health information to inform health-related behaviors. Relatively few studies however have examined the correlations between web-based health information seeking and use based on race, gender, age, and the presence of chronic health conditions.

Objective

In this study, we identify factors associated with seeking and using web-based health information among a uniquely vulnerable and intersectional population—middle-aged and older (40 years and older) African American and Hispanic men living with one or more chronic conditions.

Methods

Survey responses were collected from a purposive sample of African American and Hispanic men using Qualtrics web-based survey management software. To qualify for inclusion in the study, respondents had to identify as African American or Hispanic men, report having at least one chronic condition, and be aged 40 years and older. A series of binary logistic regression models was created using backward elimination. Statistical significance was determined at P<.05 for all analyses.

Results

Web-based health information seeking among African American and Hispanic men is a function of education, the presence of multiple chronic conditions, frustration with health care providers, internet use, and the perceived reliability of web-based health information. The use of web-based health information to inform interactions with health care providers was more common among African American and Hispanic men, who rated their health as relatively good, perceived barriers to care, used technology regularly, and took more daily medications.

Conclusions

Understanding the factors that influence African American and Hispanic men seeking web-based health information may help improve the care and treatment of chronic conditions. African American and Hispanic men seek web-based health information as a substitute for routine care and to inform their discussions with health care providers.
Corporate cultural characteristics of startups in developed countries and recommendations for vietnamese small businesses
Authors: Nguyen Quang Trung
Published: May 2021

In the situation of globally connected digital economy, changes in organizational structure and smart corporate governance are placing the entrepreneurial structures in the face of unprecedented decisions on building and developing corporate culture. By the method of literature review, desk review on the basis of secondary data is a typical study case on the cultural characteristics of startups in the United States of America (USA), China, Korea, Japan, Singapore and European Union. Based on the experiences from developed countries, some recommendations has been proposed for small business founders in Vietnam. It is expected to contribute an additional perspective on digital business in the era of globalization.
Las misiones de la ciencia: territorios, experticia y gubernamentalidad
Authors: Guerrero Siobhan
Published: May 2021

El presente texto ofrece una reflexión historiográfica que acompaña al resto de las historias comparadas presentadas en este número. Su objetivo fundamental es mostrar la fecundidad de las elecciones metodológicas que subyacen a esta empresa colectiva. Para ello, haré ver cómo los trabajos que integran este número permiten superar la oposición entre historia conceptual e historia social. Asimismo, estos trabajos nos permiten reflexionar acerca de cómo evolucionan términos como “misión” de tal suerte que sus cambios semánticos no necesariamente implican rupturas absolutas en las lógicas o dinámicas sociales que nombra. Finalmente, se ofrece una reflexión que permite hacer ver las conexiones entre una historia de la ciencia como herramienta misional/colonizadora y la creación de experticias que a un mismo tiempo territorializan un saber y un espacio físico.
Entre la formación religiosa y la excelente salud. Los saberes jesuitas en el septentrión novohispano (S. XVIII)
Authors: Morales Sarabia Angélica
Published: May 2021

En este artículo me interesa reconstruir la articulación de distintos saberes jesuitas en dos momentos de su trayectoria. Un primer momento, en su calidad de solicitantes y un segundo, en su itinerancia, ya como misioneros. A través de las cartas indipetae los estudiosos han profundizado en la subjetividad de los candidatos, reconociendo la indiferencia y el martirio como valores centrales en su formación religiosa. Estas cartas fueron enviadas por los jóvenes a sus superiores con el fin de ser elegidos misioneros. Sin embargo, incluso en su itinerancia podemos reconocer el despliegue de otros saberes prácticos y científicos, igualmente relevantes en la trayectoria de los misioneros. En este caso hemos elegido el septentrión novohispano, una región en la que podemos reconocer cómo los misioneros echaron mano de sus conocimientos cartográficos y de historia natural, además de su inclinación al aprendizaje de otras lenguas. Esta región de la Nueva España impuso una itinerancia sui generis en la conquista de nuevos territorios de misión.
Evangelización y ciencia: misiones antropológicas decimonónicas en territorio mexicano
Authors: García Bravo María Haydeé
Published: May 2021

En este trabajo busco rastrear el sentido del concepto misión en las denominadas misiones antropológicas que se desarrollaron en el México decimonónico en dos momentos: durante la intervención francesa y en el porfiriato. En el primer periodo voy a destacar el rol que tuvo el cura vicentino francés Emmanuel Domenech. Y en el segundo, a fines del siglo XIX, abordaré la misión que el jesuita belga Aquiles Gerste llevó a cabo en la Tarahumara por encargo de la Junta colombina de México. El objetivo es establecer la estrecha relación entre las misiones y la colonización, enfatizar que hay una serie de prácticas que estos personajes conjugaron y que comparten la labor pastoral eclesiástica y las incursiones antropológicas: el desplazamiento, el viaje a territorios lejanos; el permanecer ahí durante un cierto tiempo, el intento de aprender la lengua y el llevar a cabo una labor de adoctrinamiento, por un lado, y por el otro, abanderando la fe en el progreso y la ciencia, conrespecto al evangelio.
Líneas de conflicto en la apropiación de los recursos agrobiológicos: las contrastantes expediciones de Vavilov y Brücher
Authors: Jardón Barbolla Lev
Published: May 2021

Los estudios sobre domesticación y diversificación de las plantas cultivadas cobraron preminencia a partir del siglo XIX. En este marco el impulso a estas líneas de investigación ha estado ligado desde el principio a la relevancia de los recursos fitogenéticos frente a la fractura metabólica introducida por la agricultura industrial. La expedición botánica y la misión agronómica aparecen como dos momentos de un mismo movimiento dialéctico. Dependiendo de las características de la apropiación que se da en el primer momento, se construyen misiones con  rasgos particulares. En este trabajo se exploran los rasgos de dos tradiciones divergentes y por momentos contrapuestas en el estudio de los recursos agrobiológicos. Sostengo que la expedición botánica como apropiación, paso previo al de la misión extensionista, responde a y es hecha posible por el propio proceso de acumulación de capital. En contraste, la tradición vaviloviana que busca comprender e origen histórico de la agrobiodiversidad como producto del metabolismo sociedad-naturaleza, abre un intersticio o grieta hacia otra forma posible, que permita trascender la dominación implícita en el extensionismo. Esto, a su vez, abre la posibilidad de revisitar, más adelante, las posibilidades liberadoras del conocimiento científico.
Hueso: alteraciones relacionadas con obesidad electrónicos de administración de nicotina (SEAN)
Authors: Rico-Rosillo María Guadalupe , Vega-Robledo Gloria Bertha
Published: May 2021

The bone tissue, previously considered as a mechanical support or structure and movement, has shown an important participation in the homeostasis of the body, including energy metabolism and adipose tissue. Currently, it is considered an endocrine organ that synthesizes regulatory molecules of metabolism called osteokines. At the same time, the adipose issue, considered as an internal secretion gland, helps to maintain the body energy and produces proteins and molecules such as adipokines, some of which affect the bone directly. The analysis of bone resorption/formation cycle shows that bone mass is a reflection of the balance between both. When this balance is lost and there is a reduction of bone mass with increased fragility, osteoporosis appears and increases the risk of fracture. One in three women and one in five men over 50 years old have a fracture due to osteoporosis. The interaction between adipose tissue and bone is mediated by cytokines, osteokines and adipokines. Obesity may affect the bone by several mechanisms, among which the inflammatory is included and those induced by cytokines secreted by adipocytes such as leptin and adiponectin which can modify bone metabolism. Evidence supports the negative effect of obesity on bone health, although studies about it are still contradictory.
Keywords: Obesity; bone; adipokines; osteoporosis; osteoblast; osteoclast.
Neoplasia endocrina múltiple IIA: feocromocitoma bilateral A propósito de un caso y revisión de la literatura
Authors: Maldonado García Edwin Leopoldo , Nacud Bezies Yamir Amhed , Gómez Vela Carlos Miguel , Morfín Vela Cuauhtémoc , Guerra Martínez Juan Carlos
Published: May 2021

We present the case of a 54-year-old female patient with a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type II, with a genetic study for MEN 2 IIA EXON 11, CG6B c634, onset
with hypertensive heart disease and diastolic dysfunction, tomographic finding of bilateral adrenal tumor by imaging. A conventional transabdominal adrenalectomy was performed,
finding a right tumor with a capsule corresponding to pheochromocytoma with a weight of 1,100 g of 14.5 cm of greater diameter with invasion of the capsule without breaking it, and
a left adrenal tumor corresponding to pheochromocytoma with a weight of 950 g of 15 cm of greater diameter.
Keywords: Pheochromocytoma, Multiple endocrine neoplasia, adrenalectomy, retroperitoneum, adrenal gland."
Improved concentration data in two international geochemical reference materials (USGS basalt BIR-1 and GSJ peridotite JP-1) by outlier rejection
Authors: Verma Surendra P.
Published: May 2021

Se examinaron los datos de elementos mayores y traza en dos materiales internacionales de referencia geoquímica (MIRG):basalto BIR-1 de la Comisión Geológica de los Estados Unidos de Norte América (USGS) y peridotita JP-1 del Consejo Geológicode Japón (GSJ). Después de la aplicación de un procedimiento estadístico para la detección y eliminación de valores desviados(basado en catorce pruebas estadísticas con treinta y cinco variantes), los valores promedios de la concentración y otros parámetrosestadísticos fueron computados en estos dos materiales máficos difíciles, que contienen bajas concentraciones de la mayoría de loselementos traza, incluyendo los elementos de las tierras raras. Se emplearon dos métodos distintos para el procesado de los datos. Enel método Opción (A), se trataron todos los datos de concentración disponibles para un elemento como una muestra estadística deuna sola población. En el método Opción (B), se agruparon estos datos de acuerdo con el método analítico utilizado y luego seprobaron por posibles diferencias significativas entre los diferentes grupos de métodos por medio de la prueba de hipótesis ANOVA,aplicada a un nivel estricto de confianza de 99%.Para basalto BIR-1 de la USGS usando la Opción (A), fue posible obtener datos de valores promedios con alta calidad paracuatro elementos mayores (Ti, Fet, Ca, and FeO) y cuatro traza (Cu, Eu, Sc, and Sr) caracterizados como cve, así como datos decalidad intermedia para cinco elementos mayores y dieciocho traza. De igual manera para la peridotita JP-1 del GSJ, tres elementosmayores (SiO2, Fe2O3t, and CaO) y tres traza (Co, Ni, and Sc) tienen calidad cve y tres mayores y nueva traza son rv. La aplicaciónde la Opción (B) al material BIR-1 resultó en la calidad cve para dos elementos (Ti and Cu) y rv para once elementos. Para JP-1, doselementos mayores (SiO2 and CaO) fueron cve y tres traza (As, Yb, and Zn) rv. El resto de los elementos compilados en el presentetrabajo sigue con la calidad provisional (pv).Una comparación de estos resultados con los valores reportados en la literatura por los compiladores originales, quienes emplearonun método estadístico diferente, demuestra que el procedimiento estadístico presentado en el presente trabajo, que consiste en laaplicación de un gran número de pruebas para datos normales univariados, proporciona una mejor perspectiva de aplicación a estetipo de bases de datos geoquímicos.
Red tide evolution in the Mazatlán Bay area from remotely sensed sea surface temperatures
Authors: Aguirre Gómez Raúl , Alvarez Román , Salmerón García Olivia
Published: May 2021

En este artículo se presenta la evolución de un evento de marea roja ocurrido en la bahía de Mazatlán, localizada al noroeste de México, durante febrero de 1996. Las imágenes de temperatura superficial del mar (TSM), obtenidas mediante el radiómetro avanzado de muy alta resolución (AVHRR), mostraron una temperatura superficial inicial relativamente alta de 24°C en la zona costera, seguido de un decremento abrupto de 2.5°C debido a un enfriamiento eólico. Inmediatamente se restablecen las condiciones cálidas en la región. Las imágenes de satélite muestran buen potencial en el análisis de los procesos oceánicos de corto plazo responsables del desarrollo y comportamiento de las mareas rojas. La resolución espacial de 1.1 km del sensor AVHRR fue satisfactoria en latitudes cercanas a los 23° N.
Palaeoenvironmental record of the last 70 000 yr in San Felipe Basin, Sonora desert, Mexico: preliminary results
Authors: Ortega Guerrero Beatriz , Caballero Miranda Margarita , Lozano García Socorro , De la O Villanueva Margarita
Published: May 2021

Con el propósito de documentar los cambios paleoambientales, se lleva a cabo una investigación multidisciplinaria en la Laguna Seca de San Felipe, Baja California. Los resultados preliminares incluyen análisis sedimentológicos de diatomeas y propiedades magnéticas de un núcleo de 9.5 m de longitud. Fechamientos de 14C sugieren que la secuencia abarca los últimos 70 000 años. Los resultados de propiedades magnéticas (Ï‡, Ï‡fd%, MRIS, MRA, parámetros de histéresis y cocientes S), contenido de materia orgánica y tamaño de partículas indican condiciones contrastantes entre el último glacial del Pleistoceno y el glacial tardío-Holoceno. Se infieren condiciones secas entre 70 000 y 45 000 años A.P. El pleniglacial, entre 34 000 y 19 000 años A.P., está caracterizado por condiciones húmedas. A partir de 12 000 años A.P. la tasa de sedimentación y los parámetros magnéticos se incrementan en un factor de 5, cambio interpretado como el aumento en el escurrimiento de aguas superficiales. Entre 7000 y 6000 años A.P. se registra un periodo de aridez, a partir del cual se recuperan las condiciones húmedas. El establecimiento de las actuales condiciones áridas se infiere alrededor de 4000 años A.P.
3D-printing-assisted fabrication of chitosan scaffolds from different sources and cross-linkers for dental tissue engineering
Authors:   OMFS IMPATH Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33, 3000 Leuven, Belgium, EzEldeen M , Loos J , Mousavi Nejad Z , Cristaldi M , Murgia D , Braem A , Jacobs R
Published: May 2021

The aim of the present study was to fabricate and characterise chitosan scaffolds from animal and fungal sources, with or without gelatine as a co-polymer, and cross-linked to 3-glycidyloxyproply trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) or genipin for application in dental root tissue engineering. Chitosan-based scaffolds were prepared by the emulsion freeze-drying technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nano-focus computed tomography (nano-CT) were used to characterise scaffold microstructure. Chemical composition and cross-linking were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy. Compression tests were performed to evaluate scaffold mechanical properties. Scaffold degradation was evaluated by gravimetric method and SEM. Scaffold bioactivity immersed in simulated body fluid was evaluated by SEM, with associated electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and apatite formation was examined by X-ray diffraction. Finally, human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) viability was evaluated. The fabrication method used was successful in producing scaffolds with organised porosity. Chitosan source (animal vs. fungal), co-polymerisation with gelatine and cross-linking using GPTMS or genipin had a significant effect on scaffold properties and hDPSCs response. Chitosan-genipin (CS-GEN) scaffolds had the largest pore diameter, while the chitosan-gelatine-GPTMS (CS-GEL-GPTMS) scaffolds had the smallest. Animal chitosan-gelatine co-polymerisation increased scaffold compressive strength, while fungal chitosan scaffolds (fCS-GEL-GPTMS) had the fastest degradation rate, losing 80 % of their weight by day 21. Gelatine co-polymerisation and GPTMS cross-linking enhanced chitosan scaffolds bioactivity through the formation of an apatite layer as well as improved hDPSCs attachment and viability. Tailored chitosan scaffolds with tuned properties and favourable hDPSCs response can be obtained for regenerative dentistry applications.
Preparedness for Interprofessional Learning: An Exploratory Study Among Health, Social Care, and Teacher Education Programs
Authors: Almendingen Kari , Molin Marianne , Šaltytė Benth Jūratė
Published: May 2021

Background: Interprofessional learning (IPL) research is mainly restricted to health students. The purpose of this study was to assess the IPL preparedness of students from health, social care, and teacher education programs.Methods and findings: This project comprised an exploratory cross-sectionalstudy and online questionnaire. Of the 221 students included, the majority hadlearned about their own future role. In contrast, less than 20 percent had learnedabout other roles.Conclusions: This study suggests that teacher education and health and social carestudents were not equally prepared for IPL. Future research should explore howeducators may balance an unequal understanding of roles among students.
Prevalence, Plans, and Perceptions: Disability in Family Medicine Residencies
Authors: Meeks Lisa M. , Case Ben , Joshi Heidi , Graves Lisa , Harper Diane M.
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives: Leading medical organizations including the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) espouse the value of a diverse physician workforce, including disability, yet there is a dearth of research about this population in graduate medical education (GME). More information is needed on the prevalence of disability in the resident population, plans to recruit residents with disabilities, and program perceptions of barriers to inclusion. The goal of this study was to better understand the prevalence of disability in the resident population, plans to recruit residents with disabilities, and program perceptions of barriers to disability inclusion and frequency of disability-related complaints and litigation.
Methods: Surveys were emailed to 200 department chairs via SurveyMonkey as part of a larger omnibus survey conducted by the Council of Academic Family Medicine Educational Research Alliance (CERA).
Results: More than 30% of family medicine programs reported at least one faculty member with a disability, while 50% reported matriculating at least one resident with a disability in the previous 5 years. Programs with greater numbers of physicians with disabilities were more likely to have a plan to recruit residents with disabilities, and inadequate expertise was the largest perceived barrier to disability inclusion.
Conclusions: Employing faculty with disabilities may be the driving force for having an active plan to recruit residents with disabilities. In order to meet the stated diversity goals of medicine, programs will need to increase professional development around disability inclusion.
Comparison of Maternity Care Training in Family Medicine Residencies 2013 and 2019: A CERA Program Directors Study
Authors: Fashner Julia , Cavanagh Christina , Eden Aimee
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives: Maternity care training is a standard requirement for all family medicine residents, and family physicians play a critical role in the US maternity care workforce. In 2014, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) updated the required obstetrical experience during family medicine residency training from a volume-based to a competency-based requirement of 200 hours (2 months rotation). This study aimed to determine if family medicine resident maternity care training experience differed after this change in requirements.
Methods: A nationwide survey of family medicine program directors was conducted as part of the 2019 Council of Academic Family Medicine Educational Research Alliance (CERA) survey, replicating a 2013 CERA survey to determine if there was a change in family medicine resident maternity care experience after the ACGME requirements update.
Results: The priority programs place on residents’ continuity deliveries and family medicine faculty attending deliveries decreased between 2013 and 2019. The reported number of continuity deliveries and vaginal deliveries performed by residents also decreased significantly between 2013 and 2019, yet the program directors’ estimate of the number of graduates going on to provide obstetric deliveries or pursue a maternity care fellowship did not change significantly. Programs reporting more than 25% of graduates continuing to conduct vaginal deliveries have reported similar numbers of vaginal deliveries per resident as in 2013.
Conclusions: The majority of family medicine residents are graduating with less delivery experience, and residency programs are placing less priority on continuity deliveries and modeling by family physician faculty following the 2014 ACGME Family Medicine Requirements update. This trend may have major implications on the comprehensive nature of our specialty and further widen gaps in the maternity care workforce. Further studies are needed to determine the impact on the competency of graduating family medicine residents in providing maternity care and for the long-term effects on the maternity care workforce.
Ownership control intensity, corporate financial performance and revenue growth since the global financial crisis
Authors: El Beshlawy Hany , Ardroumli Sinan
Published: May 2021

The 2008 global financial crisis showed that despite the corporate governance scholars and regulatory efforts of the past 30 years, shareholders’ investments remain at risk due to poor or dishonest decisions made by some distinct groups of corporate stockholders. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), this study investigated the influence of ownership control on 222 public US companies’ performance after the 2008 financial crisis. The authors identify a new construct representing a third dimension (control intensity) of ownership structure, whereas previous literature has identified only two dimensions: identity and concentration. The control intensity construct of managerial ownership was measured using the number of manager-owners among individual shareholders instead of using the traditional ownership concentration measurement method. The study indicates that the higher the individual ownership stake and the lower managerial ownership control intensity are in an organization, the stronger the negative influence of individual ownership on corporate performance and growth
Editorial: Expanding the research horizons in governance and regulation research
Authors: Dell’Atti Stefano
Published: May 2021

This is the second issue of the journal in 2021 explores different areas of research regards: the client relationship management and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumption expenditures, governance and corporate social responsibility, board characteristics, risk management, and company performance
Latitude and epistatic effects uncover novel stable regulators of flowering time on chromosomes 5A and 3A in winter wheat
Authors: Benaouda Salma , Dadshani Said , Koua Patrice , Léon Jens , Ballvora Agim
Published: May 2021

Modern bread wheat has a huge genetic potential to adjust its heading
date with favorable conditions that has remained largely unexplored so
far. In this study, we used an association panel of in Germany adapted
cultivars that was tested in multi-location field trials across Germany
over three years. The genotypic response to climatic parameters
variation depending on location and year uncovered the implication of
photoperiod in promoting transition to flowering in higher latitudes,
while spring temperature accelerates flowering in lower ones. Spring
temperature overdominates other factors in decreasing the days to
heading whereas the higher amount of solar radiation is delaying it.
Genome wide scan detected a so far unknown stable locus TaHd14 on
chromosome 5A. Including non-adapted cultivars, the exotic allele
TaHd119 on chromosome 3A could be identified. The later explains up to
33% of the genetic variance and accelerates heading date by 5.63 days.
The response to the competition of latitude dependent climatic variables
detected fine tuning QTL responding to temperature and photoperiod in
lower and higher latitudes, respectively. A novel locus TaHd12 on
chromosome 5A showed significant epistatic interactions with 15 known
operators of HD regulation when exotic cultivars were included in the
analysis
Coronary stent rupture with infected false aneurysm and atrial fistula formation.
Authors: Kanj Mouhammad , Jomaa Mohammad , Moucadie Roula , Ghanem Moussa Abi , Mansour Ziad
Published: May 2021

Infectious complications after percutaneous transluminal coronary
angioplasty are uncommon and can occur at any point of time leading to
high morbidity and mortality. We report a case of delayed coronary
artery stent infection and rupture, with epicardial infected false
aneurysm formation, and right coronary artery to right atrium fistula
formation, presenting after one month of pyrexia.
Quantitative comparison of different inhaled corticosteroids in the treatment of asthma in children aged 5-12
Authors: Zhu Haoxiang , Zheng Qingshan , Liu Hongxia , Li Lujin
Published: May 2021

Objective: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are recommended by the Global
Initiative for Asthma for the treatment of steps 2-3 childhood asthma.
However, the difference in efficacy between these different ICS drugs is
not clear. The main purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of
different ICS drugs in the treatment of childhood asthma and to provide
effective quantitative information for guiding their use. Methods: We
searched PubMed and EMBASE for randomized controlled trials of ICS in
the treatment of childhood asthma. Using forced expiratory volume in the
first second (FEV) as the efficacy index, a time-course
model of ICS drugs was constructed. Related influencing factors were
also investigated. Important pharmacodynamic parameters, such as maximum
efficacy and onset time of each ICS, were calculated to reflect their
differences in efficacy characteristics. Results: A total of 6 studies
involving 2237 children were analyzed, including five arms of BUD (456
subjects), three arms of CIC (876 subjects), two arms of FP (352
subjects), one arm of MF (197 subjects), and three arms of FF (356
subjects). Since the study was limited by the data collected,
pharmacodynamic models could only be constructed for BUD and CIC. The
results showed that there was no significant difference in the maximum
efficacy between BUD and CIC, and that the E values
of the percentage change in FEV were 17.4 (95% CI:
16.9, 17.9)%. The ET of CIC and BUD was 1.23 (95%
CI: 0.76, 1.70) weeks and 2.97 (95% CI: 1.8, 4.14) weeks, respectively.
Compared with the 95% confidence intervals of BUD and CIC, FP had the
highest efficacy, MF had the lowest efficacy, and the efficacy of FF was
comparable to that of BUD and CIC. Conclusion: In this study, the
efficacy of five ICS drugs was quantitatively compared, providing
necessary information for the implementation of medication guidelines
for steps 2-3 asthma in children.
A New Transesophageal Echocardiography Guidance Protocol for Edge-to-Edge Repair of the Tricuspid Valve – The “Mainz Approach”
Authors: Silva Jaqueline da Rocha e , Ruf Tobias , Hell Michaela , Tamm Alexander , Geyer Martin , Munzel Thomas , Bardeleben Ralph Stephan von , Kreidel Felix
Published: May 2021

Intraprocedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance plays an
essential role in transcatheter repair therapy of the tricuspid valve
(TV). So far, several different imaging concepts are in use. However, an
imaging protocol that fully addresses the morphological complexity of
the TV and further offers efficacious workarounds for the frequently
occurring restrictions of TV imaging is still missing. As a tertiary
referral center with a large experience of more than 250 cases of
transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) of the TV performed at the
Heart Valve Center in Mainz/Germany, we have constantly adapted our
periinterventional echocardiographic approach to accomplish both. As a
key measure for success, we intensely rely on the transgastric acoustic
windows that not only delivers high-resolution information on the
morphology of the TV and all relevant procedural steps but also help to
avoid the frequent shadowing artefacts experienced in transesophageal
imaging.
Whole Blood Viscosity Estimated by de Simone's Formula in Patients with Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Akdi Ahmet , Yayla Kadriye Gayretli
Published: May 2021

Objectives. Whole blood viscosity (WBV) may promote endothelial shear
stress, endothelial inflammation, and vascular remodeling, and can
accelerate the atherosclerotic process. We aimed to evaluate the
relationship between WBV and Aortic Stenosis (AS). Methods. The study
population included 209 participants of which 49 patients with severe
AS, 98 patients with mild-to-moderate AS and 62 patients as control. The
WBV calculated with a formula from Hct and total plasma protein (TP) for
wall shear stress. WBV was cal-culated for both low shear rate (LSR)
(0.5 s–1) and high shear rate (HSR) (208 s–1) from Hct and TP protein
concentration using a validated formula. Results. WBV values were
significantly higher for HSR (p = 0.001) and for LSR (p=0.002) in severe
aortic stenosis group than mild-to-moderate aortic stenosis group. HSR
and LSR were correlated with mean systolic transaortic gradient
(p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). WBV for both
LSR and HSR were found to be independent predictors for the aortic
stenosis severity (β=0.265;p=0.034 and β=0.237;p=0.049, respectively).
Hypertension independently associated with the aortic stenosis severity
(p<0.05). Conclusion. We found a significant relationship
between WBV and AS
Reproductive water supply is prioritised during drought in tomato
Authors: Day Beatrice Harrison , Murphy Madeline Carins , Brodribb Timothy
Published: May 2021

Reproductive success largely defines the fitness of plant species.
Understanding how heat and drought affect plant reproduction will thus
be key to predicting future plant fitness under rising global
temperatures. Recent work suggests reproductive tissues are highly
vulnerable to water stress in perennial plants where reproductive
sacrifice could preserve plant survival. However, most crop species are
annuals where such a strategy would theoretically reduce fitness. We
examined the reproductive strategy in tomato (Solanum lycopersium) to
determine whether water supply to fruits was prioritized above
vegetative tissues during drought. Using optical methods, we map xylem
cavitation and tissue shrinkage in vegetative and reproductive organs
during dehydration to determine the priority of water flow under acute
imposed water stress. Stems and peduncles of tomato showed significantly
greater resistance to xylem cavitation than vegetative tissues. This
prioritization of reproductive water supply enabled tomato fruit to
continue expanding during acute water stress, utilising xylem water made
available by capacitance and cavitation of vegetative tissues. Here,
tomato plants prioritize water supply to reproductive tissues,
maintaining fruit development in drought conditions. These results
emphasize the critical role of water transport in shaping tomato life
history and suggest a broad relevance of hydraulic prioritization in
plant ecology.
INDIVIDUAL-RISK-SCORE FOR URINARY TRACT MALIGNANCY IN PATIENTS WITH MICROSCOPIC HEMATURIA
Authors: SANCI ADEM , ÖZKAYA MEHMET FATİH , kubilay eralp , GÖKÇE MEHMET İLKER , SÜER EVREN , Gulpinar Omer , BALTACI SÜMER , TÜRKÖLMEZ KADİR
Published: May 2021

Abstract Aim: To determine the patients who can be safely exempted from
undergoing unnecessary diagnostic procedures for microscopic hematuria
evaluation by using the developed individual-risk-scoring system
Materials–Method: The patients who underwent a complete urological
evaluation for microscopic hematuria (MH) were identified
retrospectively. All risk factors for urinary malignancy which defined
in the 2020 American Urological Association (AUA)/Society of
Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU)
guidelines were recorded for each patient. Multivariable logistic
regression was performed to establish a predictive risk-scoring system.
The odds ratios obtained as a result of the logistic regression analysis
were scored. Results: A total of 1,461 patients who had undergone a
complete urological evaluation for MH were identified. The urinary
malignancy rate was 3.4% (50 of the 1,461 patients). According to the
odds ratios, age > 40 was calculated as 1 point; male
gender, 2 points; smoking history, 4 points; presence of occupational
risk factor, 1 point; and presence of macroscopic hematuria, 2 points.
For the cut-off risk score, 5 points was found to be the most
appropriate score according to the sensitivity and specificity levels.
The patients with risk scores of 5 points or lower were considered to be
in the low-risk group for urinary tract malignancy. Conclusion: The
patients with a risk score of 5 points or above require complete
urological evaluation. The results of the present study may
significantly reduce the number of patients undergoing unnecessary
urological evaluation.
IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SONIC HEDGEHOG, MUCIN AND HER-2 IN GASTRIC ADENOCARCINOMA
Authors: Yılmaz Bayram , Demirkan Neşe Çallı
Published: May 2021

Background / Aims: Most stomach adenocarcinomas are still recognized in
the advanced stages despite improvements in diagnostic methods. The aim
of this study is investigate immunohistochemistry of mucin core proteins
(MUCs) and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) antibody expressions in gastric
adenocarcinomas in relation to prognosis and Human epidermal growth
factor receptor-2 (HER-2) levels. Material and Methods: Pathologic
diagnoses were reclassified according to World Health Organization
clasification. MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC6, SHH and HER-2 antibodies
examination was performed immunohistochemically. Tissue microarray
technique was used in the study. Results: HER2 overexpression was
associated with luminal staining with MUC1. When HER2 expression and SHH
expressions were compared, all cases with HER2 overexpression were found
to be positive with SHH. This is the first study to determine the
relationship between SHH, MUC1 and HER2 immunohistochemical expressions
in gastric adenocarcinomas. Conclusion: Examining the HER2 relationship
between SHH and MUC1 expressions we have shown, with future genetic and
molecular studies, will provide an understanding of different malignancy
pathways in gastric adenocarcinomas. We think that the treatment rate in
stomach cancer will be increased with agents aimed at preventing these
pathways. Key words: Gastric adenocarcinoma; mucins; Sonic Hedgehog;
HER2.
Title: A new era of atopic eczema research: Advances and highlights
Authors: Hülpüsch Claudia , Weins Andreas , Traidl-Hoffmann Claudia , Reiger Matthias
Published: May 2021

Atopic eczema (AE) is an inflammatory skin disease with involvement of
genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. One hallmark of AE is
a skin barrier disruption on multiple, highly interconnected levels:
filaggrin mutations, increased skin pH, and a microbiome dysbiosis
towards Staphylococcus aureus overgrowth are observed in addition to an
abnormal type 2 immune response. Extrinsic factors seem to play a major
role in the development of AE. As AE is a first step in the atopic
march, its prevention and appropriate treatment is essential. Although
standard therapy remains topical treatment, powerful systemic treatment
options emerged in the last years. However, thorough endotyping of the
individual patients is still required for ideal precision medicine
approaches in the future. Therefore, novel microbial and immunological
biomarkers were described recently for the prediction of disease
development and treatment response. This review summarizes the current
state of the art in AE research.
Macrophage Activation Syndrome in Two Infants with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children
Authors: DOMINGUEZ MIGUEL GARCIA , Torres Cynthia , Carreón-Guerrero Juan , Quibrera Jose , Arce-Cabrera Daniela , Yamazaki-Nakashimada Marco
Published: May 2021

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with
SARS-CoV-2 infection with clinical features of Kawasaki-like disease was
reported in various pediatric centers in late April 2020. Currently,
cases have increased throughout the world with a range of manifestations
from less to greater severity. However, hemophagocytosis has not been
described in patients with MIS-C. We describe two infants diagnosed with
MIS-C who presented Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS) with
hemophagocytosis documented in the bone marrow. MIS-C can be complicated
with MAS, the key features for diagnosis are splenomegaly,
hypofibrinogenemia, hypertriglyceridemia and bone marrow
hemophagocytosis. Cytokine storm and MAS in MIS-C may represent part of
the spectrum of the disease and HScore could be of value in order to
give timely and aggressive treatment.
MiR-493-5p inhibits Th9 cell differentiation in Allergic Asthma by targeting FOXO1
Authors: Zhang Weili , Li Gang , Dong He-ting , Sun Hui-ming , Gu Wen-jing , Zhang Xin-xing , Wang Mei-juan , Huang Li , Yan Yong-dong , Hao Chuang-li , Ji Wei , Zhu Can-hong , Chen Zhengrong
Published: May 2021

Background：There is an increasing attention on miRNAs because of their
functional effect on polarization of CD4+ T cells. This study explores
the mechanism of miR-493-5p regulating Th9 cell differentiation in
allergic asthma. Methods: The allergic airway inflammation is induced by
Ovalbumin(OVA)in mice. CD4+ T cells from normal mice are cultured under
Th9 cell conditions. IL-9 levels in mice and CD4+T cells are analyzed by
RT-qPCR, ELISA, flow cytometry and western blot. The miR-493-5p levels
in mice and cells are detected by RT-qPCR. The interaction between FOXO1
and miR-493-5p is predicted by TargetScan and confirmed by dual
luciferase assay. The pathological state is evaluated by H&E staining
and Lung resistance is measured in the allergic mice treated with
miR-493-5p agomiR before stimulation. Results: The miR-493-5p expression
in OVA-induced mice decreases significantly, accompanied by a
significant upregulation in IL-9, IRF4 and FOXO1 expression and
proportion of CD4+Th9 cells. MiR-493-5p mimic inhibits the expression of
IL-9, IRF4 and FOXO1 and Th9 cell differentiation, while the inhibitor
promotes these effects. MiR-493-5p mimic represses FOXO1 expression
through interacting with 3’UTR of FOXO1 mRNA. The rescue experiment
proves that miR-493-5p regulates the differentiation of Th9 cell and the
expression of IL-9 by targeting FOXO1. In addition, we find that
miR-493-5p agomiR treatment inhibits the FOXO1, IL-9 and IRF4
expression, decreases the proportion of CD4+ Th9 cells, alleviates the
pathological state of lung tissue and airway hyperreactivity in
OVA-induced asthma mice. Conclusions: Our study confirmed that
miR-493-5p inhibited Th9 cell differentiation in allergic asthma by
targeting FOXO1.
Citizenship Education in the Mathematics Curriculum after the Reform of the Education Content in Latvia
Authors:   University of Latvia, Andersone Rudite , Helmane Ineta ,   University of Latvia
Published: May 2021

Immense transformations occur in the modern society. Values, human rights, democracy, engagement in the life of the local community, school and the society at large are the content issues to be learnt at school which help to develop into responsible citizens of the country. The issues of citizenship education have been more extensively included both in the teaching/learning content and its implementation in all school subjects, including mathematics. Citizenship education is viewed in three aspects: knowledge about the society, skills to form relations with other people, to establish a safe and supporting environment, to follow rules and norms, attitudes to responsibilities and rights. Mathematics as a school subject is a sphere that has been little researched regarding its content and learning strategies in the aspect of citizenship education. The aim of the study is to explore and assess what changes have taken place after the education content reform in the mathematics curriculum in citizenship education. The data in the qualitative study have been obtained employing documentary research. Three criteria with respective indicators have been chosen for the analysis of the mathematics curriculum: civic knowledge, civic skills, civic values and attitudes. The study analyses two curricula of teaching/learning mathematics that are effective in Latvia for basic school (Grades 1–9) and secondary school (Grades 10–12). The results of the analyses are represented in the comparison showing the data obtained in 2013 and data obtained in 2020. The mathematics curriculum has extensively incorporated skills for learning selfrespect and respect for others, developing the capacity to engage with each other, to contribute to a safe environment, as well as the skills to offer the opportunity to experiment practically with democratic principles, working alone, in small and bigger groups, listening to classmates’ opinions and giving arguments for their opinion. The innovation in the new mathematics curriculum is the inclusion of the transversal skills in the learning outcomes, including the civic participation.
Modern topics in black hole physics and cosmology
Authors:   , Filippini Francesco
Published: May 2021

Motivated by the new opportunities that gravitational wave detections of-fer in both cosmology and astrophysics, in this thesis we study potentially detectable physical phenomena related with black hole physics, with partic-ular interest to systems of black holes interacting with cosmological scalar ﬁelds.First of all, we study a charged, rotating black hole solution in a Gener-alised Proca theory of gravity, obtained through a disformal transformation of the Einstein-Maxwell action. Due to the breaking of gauge symmetry, the gauge freedom of the components of the gauge vector is lost; thus, for a particular choice of the gauge vector, we are able to ﬁnd an exact, charged, rotating black hole solution, with event horizon and ergosphere parametri-cally diﬀerent from the General Relativity solution. For such solution, the Innermost Stable Circular Orbits (ISCOs) are studied. Subsequently, we consider the eﬀects of an external, ultralight scalar ﬁeld interacting with an electromagnetic Kerr-Newman black hole. Depending on the frequen-cies of the scalar’s modes and on the angular velocity of the black hole, the scalar waves scattering oﬀ the event horizon may trigger superradiance; for some scalar ﬁeld’s modes, a stationary scalar cloud is developed in the black hole’s surroundings, and the frequencies of the scalar’s modes in the cloud correspond to the resonant frequencies of the superradiant gain fac-tor. Moreover, we investigate the eﬀects of a massless scalar ﬁeld coupled to an electromagnetic rotating black hole through Chern-Simons couplings; in particular, we consider both scalar-vector and scalar-tensor couplings. Us-ing both a slow rotation and small couplings approximation scheme, we are able to ﬁnd an hairy black hole solution up to second order in the approxi-mation parameters. Such solution carries a secondary scalar charge, and it satisﬁes the Smarr formula for black hole thermodynamics. Furthermore, we propose a possible revealing eﬀect for such hairy conﬁguration, based on the polarization dependent angular deﬂection to which photons are subject to when interacting with the scalar ﬁeld. At the end, we study the linear perturbation theory for a static, electromagnetic black hole, also including a Chern-Simons scalar-vector coupling to an external, massless axion ﬁeld. We ﬁnd that due to the presence of the magnetic charge the decoupling be-tween axial and polar perturbations is broken, leading to a Regge-Wheeler perturbation equation containing terms with diﬀerent parity.