bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coping
Authors: Bovens Luc
Published: November 2021

Coping and Philosophy is a collection of philosophical essays on how we deal with life’s challenges. We hope for better times, but what is hope and is it a good thing to hope? How do we look back and make sense of our lives in the face of death? What is the nature of love and how do we deal with its hardships? What makes for a genuine apology and is there too much or too little apologizing in this world? Can we effect changes in ourselves to adapt to our circumstances? And how can we sense of all the counsel that people have: be grateful, don’t cry over spilled milk, eat well, …

This volume is a perfect companion text for courses such as Philosophy of Life, The Meaning of Life, or for a moral psychology component in an Ethics course. The material is written for readers who are new to philosophy and progresses in short blog-style sections. It draws on literature, music, podcasts, and news items. Each chapter has a set of questions for discussion or essay writing and suggestions for material to explore the topic further.
miRNA-130 Promotes Migration and Angiogenesis of Endothelial Progenitor Cells Through PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathways
Authors: Liu Ru-Sheng , Li Bin , Li Wen-Dong , Du Xiao-Long , Li Xiao-Qiang
Published: November 2021

Aim:
 In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of miRNA-130a in human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) involved in Deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Methods:

EPCs were isolated and identified by cell morphology and surface marker detection. The effect of miR-130a on the migration, invasion and angiogenesis of EPCs in vitro were also detected. In addition, whether miR-130a is involved in the MMP-1 expression and Akt/PI3K/mTOR signaling
pathway was also demonstrated.

Results:
 Results suggested that miRNA-130a promotes migration, invasion, and tube formation of EPCs by positively regulating the expression of MMP-1 through Akt/PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway.

Conclusion:
 Thus, as a potential therapeutic target, miRNA-130a may play an important role in the treatment of DVT.
Molecular Mechanism of Extractum Liquidum Drug Loading Materials on Promoting Chronic Wound Tissue Repair Through Phosphatidylinositol 3 Kinase/Protein Kinase B/Hypoxia Induction Factor 1αSignal Pathway
Authors: Ji Hui , Zhang Qian , Yang Zengmin , Rui Minjie , Chen Qiyi , Niu Xiaohong
Published: November 2021

To solve the shortcomings of traditional Zeji extractum liquidum (traditional Chinese medicine used for wound healing), and to explore the effect of Zeji Etractum Lquidum (ZLE) Nano Materials (ZLENM) on chronic wound (CW) healing and its molecular mechanism. 30 SD rats were divided into 3 groups in random: control group (Ctrl group), model group (CW group), and treatment group (ZLENM group). The results of wound healing rate showed that, in contrast with the CW, the healing rate of back wounds in the ZLENM group was greatly increased on the 7th and 14th days (P< 0.05). In contrast with the Ctrl, the rats in the CW and the ZLENM groups had greatly increased CD31 positive staining on the 7th and 14th days (P< 0.05), and the CW was lower than the ZLENM group (P< 0.05). In contrast with the 7th day, the MVD in the CW and the ZLENM groups was greatly reduced on the 14th day (P< 0.05). Western blot analysis of the expression of related signal molecules showed that the expressions of P-Akt, P-PI3K, HIF-1α, and VEGFR2 protein in the wounds in the CW and ZLENM groups were greatly increased in contrast with the Ctrl (P< 0.05), and CW was lower than ZLENM group (P< 0.05). In conclusion, ZLENM can promote wound healing and increase the number of wound angiogenesis in CW rats. The mechanism is related to the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B/hypoxia induction factor 1α(PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α) signaling pathway.
Preparation of Silver Ion Antimicrobial Dressings and Prevention and Treatment of Central Venous Catheter-Related Infection on Burn Wounds of Critically Burned Patients
Authors: Li Na , Li Xi , Li Juan , Yang Meng , Ren Liqing , Li Cuikun
Published: November 2021

To further understand the characteristics of Ag+ antimicrobial dressings and its application value in the prevention and treatment of infections in burn patients, in the study, the Ag+ gel dressings were prepared and their physical and chemical characteristics
were analyzed, and relationship between the gel dressing and central venous catheter (CVC)-related infections was further explored. The results showed that silver nitrate was made into nano silver particles, and its structure was clearly visible under microscope, and nano silver was further
applied to preparation of Ag+ antibacterial dressings. Fibrocytes were clearly visible in Ag+ gel dressing and arranged uniformly, which indicated that Ag+ gel dressing had good compatibility with biological materials and had no obvious toxicity. Further clinical
trials showed that Ag+ gel dressing can effectively reduce CVC-related infections. From 1 to 4 weeks of the experiment, the bacterial infection rate in burn wounds and blood of the treatment group (TG), which applied Ag+ gel dressing, was lower than the control group
(P < 0.05). During the treatment, the burn healing rate of the TG was also greatly higher than the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the burn wound exudate in the TG was greatly less than the control group (P < 0.05). In summary, the Ag+ gel dressing
prepared has good biological and physical and chemical properties, which have bright prospects in the prevention and treatment of burn wounds and CVC-related infections. This study provides an experimental basis for clinical application of Ag+ gel dressing.
Mechanism of Propofol-Lidocaine Hydrochloride Nano-Emulsion on Retinal Ganglion Cytopathic Effect in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Zhang He , Dong Wenli , Long Chao , Li Qingchun
Published: November 2021

The study drew attention to the influence mechanism of propofol and lidocaine hydrochloride nanoemulsion (NE) in the retinal ganglion cell pathology in diabetic rats. Specifically, the propofollidocaine hydrochloride NE was prepared using the emulsification method. The microscope and laser particle size analyser were used to observe the morphology and particle size of NE, respectively. Also, the viscosity of the NE and the recovery rate of the main ingredient were explored. 45 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group (PBS control), model group (diabetes model), and test group (diabetes model+propofol-lidocaine hydrochloride NE), with 15 rats in each group. The three groups were compared for the blood glucose, body weight, TNF-αand IL-1βmRNA levels in retinal tissue, and the number and apoptosis rate of ganglion cells. It was found that the average particle size of the NE was 89.76 nm, the maximum absorption wavelength was 280.0 nm, and the viscosity was 106.49 N/m/s. The average recovery rate of propofol in NE was 99.91%, and that of lidocaine hydrochloride was 99.80%. At 12th week after modeling, the blood glucose of the test group was lower versus the model group (P< 0.05); the blood glucose and body weight of rats in the control group were lower than those in the other two groups (P< 0.001). The test group exhibited lower mRNA levels of TNF-αand IL-1βand apoptosis index of retinal ganglion cells versus the model group (P< 0.05). The model group showed a lower number of retinal ganglion cells versus the other two groups (P< 0.05). It was inferred that propofol-lidocaine hydrochloride NE of a small particle size and good syringeability can notably reduce blood glucose, TNF-αand IL-1βmRNA levels, and retinal ganglion cell apoptosis index, and at the same time increase the number of retinal ganglion cells.
Therapeutic Effects of Sirtuin 1 Activator on Glaucoma Mice and the Regulation Mechanism of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway
Authors: Zhao Yuee , Yu Songping , Huang Zhenqiang , Chen Jiaqi , Zhang Xuying , Qu Chunsheng
Published: November 2021

The study focused on the therapeutic effects of resveratrol, sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) activator, on glaucoma, and its influence on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Specifically, C57BL/6 mice were used and the glaucoma mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection
of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). According to different treatment methods, they were randomly rolled into 3 groups: control group (no treatment), model group (glaucoma mouse model), and resveratrol (Res) group (intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg resveratrol solution on the basis of model
group). The intraocular pressure was measured, and Sirt1 mRNA and protein expression was detected using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. Subsequently, hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe histopathological morphology, the immunofluorescence
labeling was used to identify retinal survival ganglia, and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay (TUNEL) and Western blot were for apoptotic cells determination and the expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular regulated protein
kinase (ERK), and p38 protein in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, respectively. The model group showed lower intraocular pressure, Sirt1 mRNA and protein expression, number of survival retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and thinner retina versus the control group (P <
0.05), but number of apoptotic RGCs and the phosphorylation levels of the three kinds of protein were higher (P < 0.05), and it exhibited no notable difference from the Res group (P > 0.05). Also, compared with the control group, the number of survival RGCs in the Res group
was reduced (P < 0.05), but no notable difference was noted in the retinal thickness, the number of apoptotic RGCs, and the phosphorylation levels of the three kinds of protein (P > 0.05). In conclusion, resveratrol, the Sirt1 activator, can inhibit RGCs apoptosis through
the MAPK signaling pathway and improve the pathological manifestations of glaucoma animal models, thus playing a protective role of the retina.
Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs)-Derived miR-200c Regulates Wingless-Related Integration Site (Wnt)/β-Catenin Signaling in Prostate Cancer by Targeting Cortactin (CTTN)
Authors: Chen Wei , Jiang Juan , Wang Yu , Feng Gang , Fei Yan , Cheng Shigang , Lin Song
Published: November 2021

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are an integral part of cancer microenvironment. We intend to clarify BMSC-derived exosomes’ role in prostate cancer. The exosomes miR-200c secreted by BMSCs were identified by electron microscopy. The mice tumor model was used
to explore the role of miR-200c’s in tumor mice. Cell invasion was assessed by transwell assay and Wnt/β-catenin expression was measured by western blot. Exosomes miR-200c derived from BMSCs promoted tumor cell invasion and activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. miR-200c
targets CTTN-mediated cell signal transduction, and blocking CTTN expression can suppression miR-200c-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction and inhibit cell invasion. In conclusion, miR-200c regulates CTTN, thereby inducing Wnt/β-catenin signaling to enhance tumor
growth.
Scaled, citizen-led, and public qualitative research: A framework for citizen social science
Authors: Amirrudin Amirah , Harrigan Nicholas , Naqvi Ijlal
Published: November 2021

We propose a framework for citizen social science that brings together three reinforcing elements of a research project – scale, citizen-leadership, and publicness – to improve qualitative research. Our framework was born out of necessity; a desire to involve ordinary citizens, in researching public issues, with limited funding. We illustrate the application of our framework using insights from research we have led, involving first, a series of qualitative studies of state and civil society organizations working on community engagement by three separate years of public policy students; and second, a qualitative study on the system for processing salary and injury disputes for low-waged migrant workers in Singapore conducted by over 100 volunteers and activists. Drawing on a review of the literature and our own experiences, we speak to the advantages and trade-offs of adopting this approach and suggest practical methods for conducting citizen social science.
Country-level firearm availability and terrorism: A new approach to examining the gun-crime relationship
Authors: Carson Jennifer Varriale , Dierenfeldt Rick , Fisher Daren
Published: November 2021

Objectives: This study examines the association between a country's gun availability and firearm-related terrorism. Methods: Employing data from 140 countries, we assess the possible relationship between a country's rate of suicide by firearm and their count of terrorist attacks involving a firearm through a series of structural equation models. Results: Collectively, we find that there is a positive relationship between gun availability and firearm-related terrorism in 2016 and 2017. However, this result fails our robustness check and is sensitive to the inclusion of the U.S. Conclusion: With important caveats, we believe the U.S. to be unique in terms of both gun availability and terrorism.
Major Salivary Gland Cancer With Distant Metastasis Upon Presentation: Patterns, Outcomes, and Imaging Implications
Authors: Benchetrit Liliya , Mehra Saral , Mahajan Amit , Rahmati Rahmatullah W. , Judson Benjamin L. , Edwards Heather A.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Given limited data availability on distant metastasis (DM) in major salivary gland (MSG) malignancy presentation, we aimed to evaluate the rate, histologic patterns, location, and predictors of DM at first MSG cancer presentation and suggest potential implications on diagnostic workup.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

Commission on Cancer–accredited hospitals.

Methods

We included patients in the National Cancer Database (2010‐2016) with MSG malignancy. Site and rate of DM were stratified by histologic subtype. Factors predictive of DM at presentation were determined by multivariate regression analysis. Survival analyses were conducted via the Kaplan‐Meier method, log‐rank test, and Cox regression analysis.

Results

Of 5776 patients with MSG carcinoma, 333 (5.8%) presented with DM. The most common DM site was the lung (57.1%), followed by bone (46.8%) and liver (19.5%). DM was most common in adenocarcinoma–not otherwise specified (15.1%, 132/874) and salivary duct carcinoma (10.4%, 30/288). High‐grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma had the highest rate of lung metastases (81.6%, 31/38). Conversely, myoepithelial carcinoma had the highest rate of bone metastases (85.7%, 6/7). DM at presentation was independently associated with an increased mortality risk (hazard ratio, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.40‐1.90).

Conclusion

We identified a DM rate of 5.8% in MSG malignancy at presentation. Overall 43% of patients presented without DM to the lung but with DM to the bones, liver, and/or brain. The most common metastatic sites differed by tumor histology. Staging with computed tomography neck and chest alone may fail to detect sites of DM; this work can be used for patient counseling in the clinical setting.
Breathing exercises versus strength exercises through telerehabilitation in coronavirus disease 2019 patients in the acute phase: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rodríguez-Blanco Cleofas , Bernal-Utrera Carlos , Anarte-Lazo Ernesto , Saavedra-Hernandez Manuel , De-La-Barrera-Aranda Elena , Serrera-Figallo Maria Angeles , Gonzalez-Martin Maribel , Gonzalez-Gerez Juan Jose
Published: November 2021

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of two different exercise-based programs through telerehabilitation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019.

Design

Randomized, controlled, parallel, double-blinded, three-arm clinical trial.

Setting

Patients’ homes through telerehabilitation devices.

Subjects

Subjects with coronavirus disease 2019 in the acute phase.

Interventions

Subjects were divided into three groups: breathing exercises group, strength exercises group or no treatment/control group.

Main measures

We analysed visual analogue scale for fatigue, 6-minute walking test, 30-seconds sit-to-stand test, multidimensional dyspnoea-12 questionnaire and Borg scale at baseline and 14 days later.

Results

From 93 subjects recruited, 88 were enrolled, and 77 patients (mean [SD] age 39.40 [11.71]) completed the 14-days intervention and were included in the analysis: 26 in strength exercises group, 29 in breathing exercises group and 22 in control group. The intergroup analysis shows significant differences between the study groups and control group in all variables ( p < 0.05); Borg scale, multidimensional dyspnoea-12 questionnaire (pre–post intervention score: strength exercises group: 7.85 [6.82] – 4.54[4.82], breathing exercises group: 11.04 [6.49] – 5.32 [3.63], control group: 10.27 [6.49] – 10.59[6.58]), visual analogue scale for fatigue, 6-minute walking test and 30-seconds sit-to-stand test (pre–post intervention score: strength exercises group: 12.19 [4.42] – 13.58 [5.37], breathing exercises group: 11.18 [3.42] – 12.79 [4.00], control group: 10.45 [2.15] – 9.86[1.88]). The greatest effect sizes were found in the variables Borg Scale ( R2 = 0.548) and multidimensional dyspnoea-12 questionnaire ( R2 = 0.475).

Conclusions

Strength exercises group and breathing exercises group obtained significant improvements in fatigue, dyspnoea, perceived effort, and physical state, compared to control group, although the greatest benefits were found for dyspnoea and aerobic capacity in breathing exercises group.
The Role of Pornography Use in Intimate Partner Violence in Different-Sex Couples: A Prospective Longitudinal Study
Authors: Jongsma Katherine , Timmons Fritz Patti
Published: November 2021

Pornography use and intimate partner violence (IPV) are both prevalent in romantic relationships. However, information is lacking about whether pornography use predicts IPV. This study examined the relation between frequency of pornography use (FPU) and IPV across a span of 4 months in a sample of 132 different-sex couple dyads. At least one partner in each couple was attending a Canadian university. Participants ( N = 264) completed online measures of pornography use, IPV, and social desirability at baseline and at a 4-month follow-up. Two longitudinal actor–partner interdependence models using a structural equation framework to conduct path analyses demonstrated that (a) higher FPU among men at baseline predicted increases in IPV perpetration and victimization from baseline to 4-month follow-up for both men and women and (b) women’s baseline FPU did not predict change in IPV over time for themselves or their partners. These findings suggest that frequent pornography use among male partners in different-sex romantic relationships may represent an under-recognized risk factor for IPV, and further research is needed to identify latent factors that may be contributing to this relation. Although women’s baseline FPU did not predict changes in IPV over time, this may be because women used pornography less frequently than men.
An investigation on cutting sound effect on power consumption and surface roughness in CBN tool-assisted hard turning
Authors: Şahinoğlu Abidin , Rafighi Mohammad , Kumar Ramanuj
Published: November 2021

In machining activities, sound emission is one of the key factors toward the operator's health and safety. Sound generation during cutting is the outcome of the interaction between tool and work. The intensity of sound greatly influences the cutting power consumption and surface finish obtained during machining. Therefore, the current work emphasized the analysis of sound emission, power consumption, and surface roughness in hard turning of AISI 4340 steel using a CBN tool which was rarely found in the literature. Response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) techniques were utilized to formulate the model for each response. The results indicated that the maximum value of input parameters exhibited the highest level of sound due to the creation of vibration in the machine and tool. Higher sound level indicates the generation of lower power consumption but at the same instant surface roughness was leading with increment in sound level. The feed rate exhibited the utmost noteworthy consequence on surface quality with 87.71% contribution. The cutting power can be decreased by choosing the high level of cutting parameters. The RSM and ANN have a good correlation with experimental data, but the accuracy of the ANN is better than the RSM.
Livelihood Diversification into NFEs and Poverty Alleviation Among Farm Households in Rural India
Authors: Zeeshan  , Mohapatra Geetilaxmi , Giri Arun Kumar
Published: November 2021

Using the Indian Human Development Surveys of 2004–2005 and 2011–2012, this article examines the impact of livelihood diversification of farm households in non-farm enterprises (NFEs) on their poverty status, escaping from poverty and falling into poverty. The estimates reveal that livelihood diversification into NFEs prevent farm households from falling into poverty and helps them escape it. The result also indicates that NN (who did not diversify in 2004–2005 and 2011–2012), NY (who diversified in 2011–2012 but not in 2004–2005), and YN (who diversified in 2004–2005 but not in 2011–2012) had 4.1 per cent, 16.6 per cent and 24.5 per cent, respectively, lower odds of escaping poverty compared to those farm households that diversified their livelihood into NFEs in 2004–2005 as well as in 2011–2012. However, the results of whether previously non-poor households fell in poverty or not show that livelihood diversification status of NN and YN had 28 per cent and 44.7 per cent higher chances of falling into poverty than those farm households who diversified their livelihood in 2004–2005 as well as in 2011–2012. The results of control factors like religion, caste, education of household head, land holding, livestock ownership, quintiles of income and consumption represent consistent coefficients, which reveals robustness concerning the impact of control factors on outcome variables.
Branding in Informal Sector: Qualitative Analysis from a Developing Country Perspective
Authors: Shahriar Shamsul Huq Bin , Arafat Sayed , Alam M. Sayeed
Published: November 2021

This article discusses branding in informal sector. Unlike the informal organisations, informal business set-ups have different strategies for branding. Branding has always been projected with the vastness of any business with certain level of sustainability and growth. Nevertheless, its association with informal sector has not been discovered yet. In this article, the authors have attempted to explore some basic characteristics of informal businesses and informal brands. A qualitative research approach was adopted for this study. This research provides significant insights regarding the elementary thoughts of informal brands; those will help approaching the researchers to develop comprehensive concepts in the field of branding.
An Empirical Study on the Performance of Micro and Small Enterprises and the Financial Planning Managerial Practices
Authors: Ikrama Syeda
Published: November 2021

This research paper is intended to study the performance of micro and small enterprises and the financial planning practices adopted by these enterprises. Financial planning means enabling the enterprise to have the right amount of capital in order that the business operations would not get affected. The businesses must first ascertain the financial objectives of the firm to formulate the policies relating to borrowing and lending, cash control, cash management, inventory management, and credit risk management and other financial activities. The present study is an analytical study and a random sampling technique is used. For the purpose of the study Hyderabad district is chosen and a sample size of 120 micro and small enterprises was taken. The statistical tools used for this study are Spearman Rank correlation, KMO Bartlett’s test and Factor analysis. The results of factor analysis gave two factors to ten variables—Important Aspects of Corporate Taxes (IACT) and Recording Transactions and Credit policy (RTCP).
COVID-19 Pandemic and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): Policy Response for Revival
Authors: Behera Minaketan , Mishra Sanghamitra , Mohapatra Niharika , Behera Alok Ranjan
Published: November 2021

The outburst of COVID-19 has not only distressed the economic and social activities of Indian economy but also the world economy as a whole. Out of different economic activities, the micro, small and medium Enterprises (MSMEs) affected a lot. This article attempts to measure the contribution of MSMEs towards Indian economy and also attempts to find out the challenges and problems in pre- and during COVID period. We have used different descriptive statistics to measure the impacts of MSMEs and also use of correlation and co-integration to measure the relationship among the variables such as number of MSMEs, investment amount, employment and output. This pandemic is an exceptional shock for MSMEs. It is evident that there is a high degree of significant positive correlation among the variables. Johansen’s co-integration analysis resulted in the rejection of the null hypothesis signifying the existence of long-run co-integrating relationship. Given the extensive COVID-19 chaos, the government needs to establish an ongoing monitoring system and declare urgent relief steps to improve the MSMEs sector’s confidence. E-market linkage for MSMEs should be promoted, and fiscal stimulus should increase for this sector. The Government of India should take various measures to improve Indian MSMEs and achieve the vision of Self-reliant India.
Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Economic Development: An Indian Experience
Authors: Srikanth M. , Kumar G. Narendra , Reddy W. R.
Published: November 2021

Entrepreneurship and innovation are considered as key drivers for economic development. In this study, we made an attempt to answer the question as to what should be the policy framework to encourage entrepreneurship and foster innovative culture in India to achieve the desired level of economic development. Entrepreneurship is built upon pillars such as institutional and policy support, availability of capital and entrepreneurial culture. In an emerging economy like India, the government should institutionalise innovation and entrepreneurship and promote commercialisation of brilliant ideas by emulating the startup ecosystems in the developed nations. Besides the government, large and well-established companies in private sector and research institutes should nurture startups by extending hand-holding support and generous funding. If India wishes to be a leader in innovation, it needs to scale up its gross expenditure on R&D, that is, on par with the advanced economies by engaging more researchers, especially in the private sector. Our article has important implications for policymakers and all key stakeholders, as it can help in identifying and implementing the appropriate measures to eliminate the obstacles that entrepreneurs face and channels to support innovative entrepreneurial activities in India.
Assessing the Impact of Financial Literacy on Firm Sustainability: Mediating Role of Financial Access and Firm Growth
Authors: Kaur Harleen , Bansal Palvi
Published: November 2021

Even though firm sustainability is a long-standing concern, just a few studies on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sustainability have been conducted. Many studies have concentrated on a few particular sustainability criteria, but there is no comprehensive study on the subject from which to make concrete conclusions. The present research was inspired by the idea to examine how resources such as financial literacy, financial access and company development influence the sustainability of MSMEs. Data was gathered from 438 owner-managers of micro, small and medium enterprises through a questionnaire. The research discovered that financial literacy, financial availability and company growth are positively correlated with firm sustainability when using partial least squares. Surprisingly, the research found that financial access and firm growth moderate the anticipated connection between financial literacy and sustainability. As a result, policymakers and practitioners should ensure that firms have better access to financial resources, that owner-managers have the necessary financial literacy and that micro, small and medium-sized businesses grow effectively better firm sustainability.
Genetic evaluation of children with autism spectrum disorders in developing and low-resource areas
Authors: Masri Amira T , Nasir Arwa , Irshaid Fatima , Alomari Farah , Irshaid Aya , Al-Qudah Abdelkarim , Nafi Omar , Almomani Miral
Published: November 2021

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which genetic factors play key roles. Limited research has been conducted on genetic testing of children with autism spectrum disorder in low middle-income countries. This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the pediatric neurology clinics of three university hospitals in Jordan. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder who received care at these hospitals. Research personnel interviewed the parents and completed a questionnaire. A total of 274 parents were interviewed. A minority of children received chromosomal microarray (14.6%) or fragile X syndrome (4.4%) testing, as recommended by clinical guidelines. Karyotyping was performed in 103 (37.6%) patients, and whole-exome sequencing was performed in 9 (3.3%). The most common reason for not performing the recommended diagnostic investigations was that they were not ordered by the physician (185; 67.5%). The majority of children underwent non-genetic evaluations, including brain magnetic resonance imaging (222; 81.0%), electroencephalogram (221; 80.7%), and brain computed tomography scans (136; 49.6%). Only a minority of children with autism spectrum disorder in Jordan receive genetic workup, which may reflect a gap in physicians’ knowledge of clinical guidelines, as well as the availability and affordability of these tests.

Lay abstract

Autism is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in children worldwide. Genetic factors play an important role in the risk of developing autism. Determining the genetic cause of autism is key to understanding the biological processes that lead to the clinical manifestations of autism, and can inform the management and even prevention of this condition. Establishing genetic causes of autism requires collection of genetic data on a global scale. Limited research on genetic testing for individuals with autism is available from developing countries in low-resource regions. In this study, we explored the types of investigations ordered for Jordanian children with autism by their physicians. A representative sample of parents of children with autism in Jordan was questioned about the studies that their children received. We found that the recommended genetic testing was only performed in a small number of children with autism. In contrast, most children in the sample received non-genetic testing, which is not routinely recommended. We also explored the sociocultural factors that may influence the decision to perform genetic testing in this population. We discuss our findings in light of the data available from other developing and developed countries.
Love Thy Neighbour? Perceived Community Abidance and Private Compliance to COVID-19 Norms in India
Authors: Das Upasak , Sarkhel Prasenjit , Ashraf Sania
Published: November 2021

To arrest the spread of COVID-19 infection, strict adherence to frequent hand washing and respiratory hygiene protocols have been recommended. While these measures involve private effort, they provide health gains along with collective community benefits and hence are likely to be driven by pro-social motives like altruism and reciprocity. Using data from 934 respondents collected from April till May 2020 across India, we assess if changes in perceived community compliance can predict changes in individual compliance behaviour. We observe statistically significant and positive relationship between the two, even after accounting for observable and omitted variable bias allowing us to view the results from a plausible causal lens. Further, we find subsequent lockdowns having a detrimental effect on individual compliance though the gains from higher perceived community compliance seem to offset this loss. We also find positive perceptions about community can be particularly effective for people with pre-existing co-morbidities. Our findings underscore the need for multi-level behavioural interventions involving local actors and community institutions to sustain private compliance during the pandemic. We suggest these interventions need to be specially targeted for individuals with chronic ailments and emphasize on community behavioural practices in public messaging.

JEL Codes: I12, I18, I19, I31
The Key Characteristics and Role of Peer Support in the Aftermath of Victimization: A Scoping Review
Authors: de Ven Pien van , Leferink Sonja , Pemberton Antony
Published: November 2021

Topic:

Currently, research into the key elements and role of peer support in the aftermath of victimization is limited. This study reviews the types of evidence available, clarifying key concepts in the literature, examining how research is conducted and identifying key characteristics or factors related to peer support in the aftermath of a victimization experience.

Method:

A scoping review was performed for peer-reviewed papers using predefined search terms. Studies addressing peer support among victims and survivors of crime, traffic accidents, calamities, suicide, and veterans were included. Selection was based on title and abstract and resulted in 16 papers eligible for review. An inductive thematic analysis was used to synthesize data and findings.

Findings:

Empirical studies into the key elements and role of peer support in the aftermath of victimization are limited in availability and scattered in terms of approach to research (e.g., methodology, type of respondents, type of peer support) and focus (such as focus on effects on mental health and well-being, on key elements or an evaluation of a support program). Studies mainly have an explorative and interpretative character. Key elements, operationalizations, positive outcomes and negative outcomes of peer support are discussed.

Conclusion and discussion:

The currently available knowledge on peer support in the aftermath of victimization lacks four points: cross-cultural studies, lived experiences as empirical findings, a variety of victimization events and longitudinal studies. Moreover, it is argued that future research should be improved by adopting a contextual and narrative approach.
The dawn of a new era, adjuvant EGFR inhibition in resected non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Melosky Barbara , Cheema Parneet , Juergens Rosalyn A. , Leighl Natasha B. , Liu Geoffrey , Wheatley-Price Paul , Sacher Adrian , Snow Stephanie , Tsao Ming-Sound , McLeod Deanna , Chu Quincy
Published: November 2021

Background:

Adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy is standard of care for patients with resected stage IIA/B or IIIA NSCLC. Overall survival is suboptimal due to the high metastatic potential of early-stage NSCLC and there is substantial clinical need for additional efficacious adjuvant treatment options.

Methods:

PubMed (all time to 4 February 2021) and related conference databases were searched using the key search terms ‘NSCLC’ AND ‘Adjuvant’ AND ‘EGFR inhibitor’ OR respective aliases.

Results:

The literature search identified five adjuvant phase III trials of EGFR inhibitors in early NSCLC. The earlier BR19 and RADIANT trials failed to demonstrate statistically significant improvements in either OS or DFS for gefitinib and erlotinib, respectively, compared with placebo in patients with EGFR mutation-unselected NSCLC. Three subsequent phase III trials, ADAURA, CTONG1104, and IMPACT, were conducted in EGFR-mutant NSCLC. IMPACT showed no statistically significant DFS benefit for adjuvant gefitinib, and although CTONG1104 did report improved DFS for gefitinib (HR = 0.56, p = 0.001), this benefit was not enduring, resulting in comparable 5-year DFS rates. Statistically significant and clinically meaningful DFS benefits were observed in ADAURA for osimertinib compared with placebo in patients with stage IB-IIIA and II-IIIA disease (7th Edition Staging), and these benefits, coupled with a meaningful improvement in 2-year CNS DFS and favorable HRQoL, make osimertinib an important new treatment option for the adjuvant treatment of EGFR exon 19 deletion or exon 21 L858R-mutated stage II-IIIA NSCLC (UICC/AJCC 8th Edition Staging), with final mature OS data eagerly awaited.

Conclusion:

Adjuvant osimertinib used alone or following platinum-based chemotherapy is now recommended in patients with stage II-IIIA EGFR-mutated NSCLC.
The Politics of Vaccine Hesitancy: An Ideological Dual-Process Approach
Authors: Bilewicz Michał , Soral Wiktor
Published: November 2021

Ideological convictions are known to shape attitudes and behavior in various life domains. Based on existing psychological analyses of political ideology, we use an ideological dual-process approach to explain people’s vaccine hesitancy, which distinguishes between authoritarian (right-wing authoritarianism [RWA]) and hierarchical (social dominance orientation [SDO]) facets of conservatism as potential antecedents of vaccination attitudes. In a large international study performed in Germany ( N = 1,210), Poland ( N = 1,209), and the United Kingdom ( N = 1,222), we tested the roles of SDO and RWA in predicting vaccination hesitancy, as well as cross-cultural universality of the pattern of relationships between political ideologies and attitudes toward vaccines. In all three countries, high SDO was associated with higher vaccine hesitancy, whereas high RWA was associated with lower vaccine hesitancy. These findings contribute to our understanding of the distinctive roles that these two facets of right-wing ideology might play in the domain of public health.
Unpacking Q-Research: Context-Specific Considerations and Implications for Climate Change Education in Rural Areas
Authors: Terblanché-Greeff Aïda Chantell , Loubser Ruth Ananka
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we argue that William Stephenson, Qmethodology, when demonstrated through the research conducted for the SANCOOP: Climate & Beliefs project can provide guidance for doing context-specific mixed-method research and has implications for climate change education in South Africa. In the project, Q-methodology was mixed with techniques of transcendental philosophical analysis, to investigate the correlations between subjectivity and climate change adaptation in rural South African context. Subsequently, context-specific considerations are in order, since limited research employing mixed Q-methodology has previously been conducted in rural South Africa. Thereby, we hope to provide some guidance for conducting mixed methodological research in this context. Finally, the implications of mixed methodology for climate change education in South Africa are discussed in the light of epistemic justice in the construction of knowledge.
Nanodesigned coatings obtained by plasma electrolytic oxidation of titanium implant and their cytotoxicity
Authors: Magić Marko , Čolović Božana , Vasilijić Saša , Tadić Nenad , Stojadinović Stevan , Jokanović Vukoman
Published: November 2021

The titanium implant was treated with plasma electrolytic oxidation and subsequent ionic exchange and thermal treatment in order to obtain bioactive layer consisting of titanium oxide, calcium and sodium titanates and hydroxyapatite, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the given method, besides corresponding phase composition, enables suitable nanotopology for cell attachment and proliferation. Cytotoxicity investigations by MTT, LDH and propidium iodide assays and light microscopy showed that these coatings were not toxic to L929 cells.
An integrated approach based on advanced CTG parameters and Doppler measurements for late growth restriction management
Authors: Esposito Giuseppina , Pini Nicolò , Tagliaferri Salvatore , Campanile Marta , Zullo Fulvio , Magenes Giovanni , Maruotti Giuseppe Maria , Signorini Maria Gabriella
Published: November 2021

Background

The clinical diagnosis of late Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) involves the integration of Doppler ultrasound data and Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) monitoring through computer assisted computerized cardiotocography (cCTG). The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic power of combined Doppler and cCTG parameters by contrasting late FGR –and healthy controls.

Methods

The study was conducted from January 2018 to May 2020. Only pregnant women who had the last Doppler measurement obtained within 1 week before delivery and cCTG performed within 24 h before delivery were included in the study. Two hundred forty-nine pregnant women fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study; 95 were confirmed as late FGR and 154 were included in the control group.

Results

Among the extracted cCTG parameters, Delta Index, Short Term Variability (STV), Long Term Variability (LTV), Acceleration and Deceleration Phase Rectified Slope (APRS, DPRS) values were lower in the late FGR participants compared to the control group. In the FGR cohort, Delta, STV, APRS, and DPRS were found different when stratifying by MCA_PI (MCA_PI <5th centile or > 5th centile). STV and DPRS were the only parameters to be found different when stratifying by (UA_PI >95th centile or UA_PI <95th centile). Additionally, we measured the predictive power of cCTG parameters toward the identification of associated Doppler measures using figures of merit extracted from ROC curves.

The AUC of ROC curves were accurate for STV (0,70), Delta (0,68), APRS (0,65) and DPRS (0,71) when UA_PI values were > 95th centile while, the accuracy attributable to the prediction of MCA_PI was 0.76, 0.77, 0.73, and 0.76 for STV, Delta, APRS, and DPRS, respectively.

An association of UA_PI>95th centile and MCA_PI<5th centile with higher risk for NICU admission, was observed, while CPR < 5th centile resulted not associated with any perinatal outcome. Values of STV, Delta, APRS, DPRS were significantly lower for FGR neonates admitted to NICU, compared with the uncomplicated FGR cohort.

Conclusions

The results of this study show the contribution of advanced cCTG parameters and fetal Doppler to the identification of late FGR and the association of those parameters with the risk for NICU admission.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered.
Utilization of psychotropic medications in children with FASD: a retrospective review
Authors: Durr Michael-Roy R. , Petryk Susan , Mela Mansfield , DesRoches Andrea , Wekerle Mackenzie , Newaz Sanjida
Published: November 2021

Background

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition resulting from pre-natal alcohol exposure. In Canada, an estimated 1.4-4% of newborns are affected by FASD. FASD is often associated with behavioural comorbidities and many individuals require psychotropic medication. However, to date there are no FASD specific guidelines for prescribing medication. Recently, Mela and colleagues described four behavioural symptom clusters commonly seen in FASD with suggested pharmacologic treatment for each cluster within an algorithm. The primary objective was to compare the proposed treatment algorithm retrospectively to actual treatment in a real-world FASD pediatric practice. The secondary objective was to refine the description of symptom clusters which will be targeted with treatment.

Methods

We collected the diagnostic and medication history from all patient visits of a Regina Developmental Pediatrician who specializes in FASD diagnosis and medication treatment. Three hundred fifty-four FASD patients were identified between 2005 to 2020. The medications that would be predicted from the algorithm were compared to the real-world historical data. A positive case was defined as all algorithm-predicted medications matching the historical data; a negative case had one or more medications failing to match.

Results

Of the 354 patients, 36 were removed for insufficient information. Of the remaining 318 cases, 172 (54.1%) were positive compared to 146 (45.9%) negatives. In single prescription cases (n=147), the incidence of positives was 67.3%; in multi-prescriptions (n=72) it was 27.8%; and in cases where no prescription was needed (n=99), the positive incidence was 53.5%.

Conclusions

The prescription algorithm is promising but requires further refinement to accommodate the range of presentations in children with FASD. With respect to unclassified symptoms, we propose the following: sleep onset difficulty as hyperarousal; gender dysphoria and obsessive compulsive disorder as cognitive inflexibility; grief as emotional regulation; and autism spectrum disorder as hyperactive/neurocognitive.
The genetic susceptibility profile of type 2 diabetes and reflection of its possible role related to reproductive dysfunctions in the southern Indian population of Hyderabad
Authors: Irgam Kumuda , Reddy Battini Sriteja , Hari Sai Gayathri , Banapuram Swathi , Reddy Battini Mohan
Published: November 2021

Background

The genetic association studies of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) hitherto undertaken among the Indian populations are grossly inadequate representation of the ethnic and geographic heterogeneity of the country. In view of this and due to the inconsistent nature of the results of genetic association studies, it would be prudent to undertake large scale studies in different regions of India considering wide spectrum of variants from the relevant pathophysiological pathways. Given the reproductive dysfunctions associated with T2DM, it would be also interesting to explore if some of the reproductive pathway genes are associated with T2DM. The present study is an attempt to examine these aspects in the southern Indian population of Hyderabad.

Methods

A prioritized panel of 92 SNPs from a large number of metabolic and reproductive pathway genes was genotyped on 500 cases and 500 controls, matched for ethnicity, age and BMI, using AGENA MassARRAYiPLEX™ platform.

Results

The allelic association results suggested 14 SNPs to be significantly associated with T2DM at P ≤ 0.05 and seven of those—rs2241766-G (ADIPOQ), rs6494730-T (FEM1B), rs1799817-A and rs2059806-T (INSR), rs11745088-C (FST), rs9939609-A and rs9940128-A (FTO)—remained highly significant even after correction for multiple testing. A great majority of the significant SNPs were risk in nature. The ROC analysis of the risk scores of the significant SNPs yielded an area under curve of 0.787, suggesting substantial power of our study to confer these genetic variants as predictors of risk for T2DM.

Conclusions

The associated SNPs of this study are known to be specifically related to insulin signaling, fatty acid metabolism and reproductive pathway genes and possibly suggesting the role of overlapping phenotypic features of insulin resistance, obesity and reproductive dysfunctions inherent in the development of diabetes. Large scale studies involving gender specific approach may be required in order to identify the precise nature of population and gender specific risk profiles for different populations, which might be somewhat distinct.
Correction to: Hsa_circ_0005273 facilitates breast cancer tumorigenesis by regulating YAP1-hippo signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Xuehui , Ji Changle , Hu Jiashu , Deng Xiaochong , Zheng Wenfang , Yu Yunhe , Hua Kaiyao , Zhou Xiqian , Fang Lin
Published: November 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.