bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collaborative testing in physical examination skills training and the autonomous motivation of students: a qualitative study
Authors: Patiwael Jiska A. , Douma Anje H. , Bezakova Natalia , Kusurkar Rashmi A. , Daelmans Hester E. M.
Published: April 2021

Background

Teaching methods that stimulate the active learning of students make a positive impact on several aspects of learning in higher education. Collaborative testing blended with teaching is one such method. At our medical school, a training session was designed using a collaborative testing format to engage medical students actively in the theoretical phase of a physical examination training, and this session was evaluated positively by our students. Therefore, we extended the use of the format and converted more of the training into collaborative testing sessions. The literature on collaborative testing and the theoretical framework underlying its motivational mechanisms is scarce; however, students have reported greater motivation. The aim of the current study was to investigate student perceptions of a collaborative testing format versus a traditional teaching format and their effects on student motivation.

Methods

Year four medical students attended seven physical examination training sessions, of which three followed a collaborative testing format and four a traditional format.

The students were asked to evaluate both formats through questionnaires comprised of two items that were answered on a five-point Likert scale and five open-ended essay questions. Content analysis was conducted on the qualitative data. The themes from this analysis were finalized through the consensus of the full research team.

Results

The quantitative data showed that 59 students (55%) preferred collaborative testing (agreed or strongly agreed), 40 students (37%) were neutral, and 8 students (8%) did not prefer collaborative testing (disagreed or strongly disagreed).

The themes found for the collaborative testing format were: ‘interaction’, ‘thinking for themselves’, and ‘active participation’. ‘Interaction’ and ‘thinking for themselves’ were mainly evaluated positively by the students.

The most frequently mentioned theme for the traditional format was: ‘the teacher explaining’. Students evaluated this theme both positively and negatively.

Conclusions

The most frequently mentioned themes for the collaborative testing format, namely ‘interaction’, ‘thinking for themselves’, and ‘active participation’, fit within the framework of self-determination theory (SDT). Therefore, the collaborative testing format may support the fulfilment of the three basic psychological needs indicated in SDT: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Thus, our findings provide initial support for the idea that the use of collaborative testing in medical education can foster the autonomous motivation of students.
Contextual attributes to promote positive social interdependence in problem-based learning: a focus group study
Authors: Shimizu Ikuo , Matsuyama Yasushi , Duvivier Robbert , van der Vleuten Cees
Published: April 2021

Background

Problem-based learning (PBL) is classified as a collaborative learning approach, wherein students learn while contributing meaning to experiences and interactions with others. An important theoretical fundament of PBL is social interdependence theory (SIT) because positive social interdependence within a group has been found to be key to better learning performance and future attitudes towards team practice. However, most previous studies in health professions education focused on cognitive outcomes, and few studies have focused on collaborative behaviors in PBL groups. The lack of this empirical insight makes implementation of PBL difficult, especially in contexts where there is limited experience with collaborative learning. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate what promotes or hinders positive social interdependence and how the attributes work during PBL.

Methods

We conducted four focus groups among clinical year medical students (n = 26) who participated in PBL tutorials in the formal curriculum. We asked semi-structured questions that corresponded with the overall concept of SIT. We analyzed the transcript using constructivist grounded theory and developed a model to explain contextual attributes that promote or hinder positive social interdependence in PBL.

Results

Two contextual attributes of “academic inquisition” and “desire for efficiency” affect social interdependence among a student group in PBL. Academic inquisition is students’ desire to engage in their academic learning, and desire for efficiency is students’ attitude toward learning as an imposed duty and desire to complete it as quickly as possible. These attributes are initially mutually conflicting and constructing social interdependence through multiple steps including inquisition from a case, seeking efficient work, sharing interest in problem solving, expecting mutual contributions, and complementing learning objectives.

Conclusion

These findings will contribute to understanding collaborative learning environments in PBL and may help explain contexts where PBL is less successful. The model can also be used as a tool to support innovation of PBL as collaborative learning.
Contrasting ecological niches lead to great postzygotic ecological isolation: a case of hybridization between carnivorous and herbivorous cyprinid fishes
Authors: Gu Haoran , Wang Yuanfu , Wang Haoyu , He You , Deng Sihong , He Xingheng , Wu Yi , Xing Kaiyan , Gao Xue , He Xuefu , Wang Zhijian
Published: April 2021

Background

Postzygote isolation is an important part of species isolation, especially for fish, and it can be divided into two aspects: genetic isolation and ecological isolation. With the increase in parental genetic distance, the intensity of genetic isolation between them also increases. Will the increase in parental ecological niche differences also lead to the increase in ecological isolation intensity between them? This question is difficult to answer based on the current literature due to the lack of hybridization cases of contrasting ecological niche parents.

Results

Cyprinid fish parents (Schizothorax wangchiachiiandPercocypris pingi)with contrasting ecological niches (herbivorous and carnivorous) and their F1 hybrids were used as research objects. Fish and periphytic algae were selected as food corresponding to different parental resources. The foraging-related traits of these hybrids are generally the same between parents; however, the intermediate foraging traits of hybrids did not result in intermediate foraging performance for parental resources, and these hybrids could hardly forage for parental resources. The poor foraging performance of these hybrids for parental resources was caused not only by the decline in the foraging ability of these hybrids but, more importantly, by the decrease in foraging activity. Interestingly, these hybrids initially showed a high interest in foraging small fishes; however, after the first successful capture, these hybrids had difficulty ingesting fish and spit them out, which led to the subsequent decrease in foraging activity. We designed a series of experiments to explore the mechanism of the fish spitting of these hybrids, excluding the taste and the size of prey, and found that the decrease in their pharyngeal tooth puncture ability may be the reason.

Conclusions

This study was the first to demonstrate that these parents with contrasting ecological niches will produce great postzygotic ecological isolation for parental resources. The poor foraging performance of these hybrids for parental resources is mainly due to the decrease in foraging activity. Interestingly, these hybrids have obvious fish-spitting behaviour, which is a typical example of the incompatibility between intermediate traits and genetic behaviors.
Synthesis, spectroscopic, electrochemical and photophysical properties of high band gap polymers for potential applications in semi-transparent solar cells
Authors: Amin Peshawa O. , Ketuly Kamal Aziz , Saeed Salah Raza , Muhammadsharif Fahmi F. , Symes Mark D. , Paul Avishek , Sulaiman Khaulah
Published: April 2021

Background

The design of new polymers able to filter the electromagnetic spectrum and absorb distinctly in the UV and high-energy part of visible spectrum is crucial for the development of semi-transparent solar cells. Herein, we report on the synthesis and spectroscopic, electrochemical, and photophysical characteristics of three new polymers, namely (i) Poly(triamterene-co-terephthalate), (ii) Poly[triamterene-co- 3-(2-pyridyl)-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine-p,p′-disulfonamide], and (iii) Poly(5-hydroxyindole-2-carboxylate) that might show promise as materials for semi-transparent solar cells.

Results

The energy band gap, refractive index, dielectric constant, and optical conductivity of the electron donor polymer, poly(triamterene-co-terephthalate), were determined to be 2.92 eV, 1.56, 2.44 and 2.43 × 104 S cm−1, respectively. The synthesized electron acceptor polymers showed a relatively high refractive index, dielectric constant, and optical conductivity. The presence of a direct allowed transition was confirmed between intermolecular energy bands of the polymers.

Conclusions

The polymers showed relatively high energy gap and deep HOMO levels, making them strong absorbers of photons in the UV region and high energy part of the visible region. The synthesized donor and acceptors performed well relative to P3HT and fullerenes due to the close match of the HOMO and LUMO levels. With further development, the polymers could be viable for use as the active layers of semi-transparent solar cells.
The podium illusion: a phenomenological study of the influence of social support on well-being and performance in elite para swimmers
Authors: Aitchison Beth , Rushton Alison B. , Martin Paul , Soundy Andrew , Heneghan Nicola R.
Published: April 2021

Background

The value of social support in enhancing performance is well established in non-impaired and sub-international level athletes with impairments. Despite this, no research to date has explored the experiences of social support in elite para-athletes. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of social support in elite British para-swimmers and the influence on their wellbeing and performance.

Methods

A hermeneutic phenomenological study involving semi-structured interviews was undertaken with 8 elite British para-swimmers (3 male, 5 female, mean age 24.9 years). Participants represented 5 para-swimming classes and all 10 of the International Paralympic Committee impairment categories. Data were analysed following a modified version of the Framework Method. Research quality and trustworthiness were ensured through employing techniques including data triangulation, member checking and reflexivity.

Results

Five themes and 11 sub-themes were generated. The five themes were: ‘the coach-athlete relationship’, ‘team bond’, ‘tangible aid’, ‘The Podium Illusion’ and ‘British para-swimming’. The overall findings and the magnitude of support mentioned in the fourth theme led to the development of a new model called ‘The Podium Illusion’ which reflects the magnitude of support that is available to elite para-swimmers to help maximise their performance and wellbeing.

Conclusion

Social support is essential for athlete wellbeing and performance. Findings underpin a new model, ‘The Podium Illusion’.
Clinical evaluation of Bladder CARE, a new epigenetic test for bladder cancer detection in urine samples
Authors: Piatti Paolo , Chew Yap Ching , Suwoto Michiko , Yamada Taikun , Jara Benjamin , Jia Xi-Yu , Guo Wei , Ghodoussipour Saum , Daneshmand Siamak , Ahmadi Hamed , Rice Jeffrey , Bhasin Jeffrey , Holloway Faith , Tsai Yvonne , Chihara Yoshitomo , Liang Gangning
Published: April 2021

Background

Bladder cancer (BC) is the 5th most common cancer in the USA. Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer represents about 70% of all cases and has generally a favorable outcome. However, recurrence rates as high as 60 to 70% and progression rates of 10 to 20% necessitate intensive surveillance with cystoscopy. The invasiveness and high cost of cystoscopy poses significant burden on BC patients as well as on the healthcare system. In this study we test the feasibility of a simple, sensitive, and non-invasive detection of BC using Bladder CARE test in urine samples.

Results

Urine from 136 healthy and 77 BC subjects was collected using the at-home Bladder CARE Urine Collection Kit and analyzed with Bladder CARE test. The test measures the methylation level of three BC-specific biomarkers and two internal controls using methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes coupled with qPCR. Bladder CARE showed an overall sensitivity of 93.5%, a specificity of 92.6%, and a PPV and NPV of 87.8% and 96.2%, respectively. Bladder CARE has an LOD as low as 0.046%, which equates to detecting 1 cancer cell for every 2,200 cells analyzed. We also provided evidence that bisulfite-free methods to assess DNA methylation, like Bladder CARE, are advantageous compared to conventional methods that rely on bisulfite conversion of the DNA.

Conclusion

Highly sensitive detection of BC in urine samples is possible using Bladder CARE. The low LOD of the test and the measurement of epigenetic biomarkers make Bladder CARE a good candidate for the early detection of BC and possibly for the routine screening and surveillance of BC patients. Bladder CARE and the at-home urine sample collection system have the potential to (1) reduce unnecessary invasive testing for BC (2) reduce the burden of surveillance on patients and on the healthcare system, (3) improve the detection of early stage BC, and (4) allow physicians to streamline the monitoring of patients.
Epigenome-wide association study of level and change in cognitive abilities from midlife through late life
Authors: Karlsson Ida K. , Ericsson Malin , Wang Yunzhang , Jylhävä Juulia , Hägg Sara , Dahl Aslan Anna K. , Reynolds Chandra A. , Pedersen Nancy L.
Published: April 2021

Background

Epigenetic mechanisms are important in aging and may be involved in late-life changes in cognitive abilities. We conducted an epigenome-wide association study of leukocyte DNA methylation in relation to level and change in cognitive abilities, from midlife through late life in 535 Swedish twins.

Results

Methylation levels were measured with the Infinium Human Methylation 450 K or Infinium MethylationEPIC array, and all sites passing quality control on both arrays were selected for analysis (n = 250,816). Empirical Bayes estimates of individual intercept (age 65), linear, and quadratic change were obtained from latent growth curve models of cognitive traits and used as outcomes in linear regression models. Significant sites (p < 2.4 × 10–7) were followed up in between-within twin pair models adjusting for familial confounding and full-growth modeling. We identified six significant associations between DNA methylation and level of cognitive abilities at age 65: cg18064256 (PPP1R13L) with processing speed and spatial ability; cg04549090 (NRXN3) with spatial ability; cg09988380 (POGZ), cg25651129 (-), and cg08011941 (ENTPD8) with working memory. The genes are involved in neuroinflammation, neuropsychiatric disorders, and ATP metabolism. Within-pair associations were approximately half that of between-pair associations across all sites. In full-growth curve models, associations between DNA methylation and cognitive level at age 65 were of small effect sizes, and associations between DNA methylation and longitudinal change in cognitive abilities of very small effect sizes.

Conclusions

Leukocyte DNA methylation was associated with level, but not change in cognitive abilities. The associations were substantially attenuated in within-pair analyses, indicating they are influenced in part by genetic factors.
Safety, pharmacokinetics and exploratory pro-cognitive effects of HTL0018318, a selective M1 receptor agonist, in healthy younger adult and elderly subjects: a multiple ascending dose study
Authors: Bakker Charlotte , Tasker Tim , Liptrot Jan , Hart Ellen P. , Klaassen Erica S. , Doll Robert Jan , Brown Giles A. , Brown Alastair , Congreve Miles , Weir Malcolm , Marshall Fiona H. , Cross David M. , Groeneveld Geert Jan , Nathan Pradeep J.
Published: April 2021

Background

The cholinergic system and M1 receptor remain an important target for symptomatic treatment of cognitive dysfunction. The selective M1 receptor partial agonist HTL0018318 is under development for the symptomatic treatment of Dementia’s including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). We investigated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and exploratory pharmacodynamics of multiple doses of HTL0018318 in healthy younger adults and elderly subjects.

Methods

This randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled study was performed, investigating oral doses of 15–35 mg/day HTL0018318 or placebo in 7 cohorts of healthy younger adult (n = 36; 3 cohorts) and elderly (n = 50; 4 cohorts) subjects. Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic measurements were performed. Pharmacodynamics were assessed using a battery of neurocognitive tasks and electrophysiological biomarkers of synaptic and cognitive functions.

Results

HTL0018318 was generally well-tolerated in multiple doses up to 35 mg/day and were associated with mild or moderate cholinergic adverse events. There were modest increases in blood pressure and pulse rate when compared to placebo-treated subjects, with tendency for the blood pressure increase to attenuate with repeated dosing. There were no clinically significant observations or changes in blood and urine laboratory measures of safety or abnormalities in the ECGs and 24-h Holter assessments. HTL0018318 plasma exposure was dose-proportional over the range 15–35 mg. Maximum plasma concentrations were achieved after 1–2 h. The apparent terminal half-life of HTL0018318 was 16.1 h (± 4.61) in younger adult subjects and 14.3 h (± 2.78) in elderly subjects at steady state. HTL0018318 over the 10 days of treatment had significant effects on tests of short-term (working) memory (n-back) and learning (Milner maze) with moderate to large effect sizes.

Conclusion

Multiple doses of HTL0018138 showed well-characterised pharmacokinetics and were safe and generally well-tolerated in the dose range studied. Pro-cognitive effects on short-term memory and learning were demonstrated across the dose range. These data provide encouraging data in support of the development of HTL0018138 for cognitive dysfunction in AD and DLB.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register identifier NTR5781. Registered on 22 March 2016.
A novel method of mobility-based clustering protocol in software defined sensor network
Authors: Cao Buwen , Deng Shuguang , Qin Hua , Tan Yue
Published: April 2021

The distributed clustering method is widely used to extend network lifetime in traditional wireless sensor networks. However, it is difficult to achieve the idea performance of the whole network, such as transmission rate, energy consumption, and control overhead, neglecting the global stability of the network. To tackle this problem, a centralized mobility-based clustering (CMBC) protocol is proposed in the software defined sensor network. The method of CMBC mainly consists of two aspects: first, CMBC clusters the nodes with the connection time between the mobile nodes (i.e., noncluster head nodes, non-CH) and the cluster head (CH) and establishes stable topological structures between the non-CHs and the CH; second, when emergencies occur, the centralization management control center sends the configuration files to replace the CH. Compared to the distributed network of MBC, WCRA and IMP-MECA protocol, the proposed method can be applied in scenarios with high-speed mobile nodes to improve the network performance in terms of transmission successful rate, average power consumption, and average control overhead.
Rectal metastasis from bladder urothelial carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Ii Yuki , Munakata Shinya , Honjo Kumpei , Kawai Masaya , Kawano Shingo , Sugimoto Kiichi , Isotani Shuji , Kojima Yutaka , Horie Shigeo , Yao Takashi , Sakamoto Kazuhiro
Published: April 2021

Background

Urothelial carcinoma arises from transitional cells in the urothelial tract. In advanced cases, it can metastasize locally to surrounding organs or distally to organs such as the lungs, bones, or liver. Here we describe a case of rectal metastasis from urothelial carcinoma treated with multiple sessions of transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT).

Case presentation

A 72-year-old woman presented to our department with abdominal bloating andobstructed defecation. She had undergone two sessions of TURBT for early urothelial carcinoma in another hospital at 64 and 65 months ago, respectively. Cystoscopy at 3 months after the second TURBT session had indicated disease recurrence, and thus, she had been referred to our hospital for further examination, followed by TURBT for the third time at 59 months ago and for the fourth time at 48 months ago; thereafter, she had been followed up with cystoscopy every 6 months without any recurrence. However, she returned to our hospital, complaining of difficult defecation. Subsequent colonoscopy demonstrated an obstructive tumor in the rectum, which was pathologically diagnosed as metastatic urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. Laparoscopic examination revealed two small areas of peritoneal dissemination in the pelvis. A sigmoid colostomy was performed without rectal tumor resection. She has been receiving chemotherapy and is still alive 10 months after surgery.

Conclusions

Rectal metastasis is a rare site of metastasis for urothelial carcinomas. It is important to consider the possibility of annular rectal constriction caused by infiltrating or metastasizing urothelial carcinoma when managing patients with urothelial carcinoma and with difficult defecation.
Bio-nano interactions: binding proteins, polysaccharides, lipids and nucleic acids onto magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Abarca-Cabrera Lucía , Fraga-García Paula , Berensmeier Sonja
Published: April 2021

The major interest in nanoparticles as an application platform for biotechnology arises from their high surface-to-volume ratio. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are particularly appealing due to their superparamagnetic behavior, which enables bioseparation using external magnetic fields. In order to design advanced biomaterials, improve binding capacities and develop innovative processing solutions, a thorough understanding of the factors governing organic-inorganic binding in solution is critical but has not yet been achieved, given the wide variety of chemical and physical influences. This paper offers a critical review of experimental studies of the interactions between low cost IONPs (bare iron oxides, silica-coated or easily-functionalized surfaces) and the main groups of biomolecules: proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and carbohydrates. Special attention is devoted to the driving forces and interdependencies responsible of interactions at the solid-liquid interface, to the unique structural characteristics of each biomolecular class, and to environmental conditions influencing adsorption. Furthermore, studies focusing on mixtures, which are still rare, but absolutely necessary to understand the biocorona, are also included. This review concludes with a discussion of future work needed to fill the gaps in knowledge of bio-nano interactions, seeking to improve nanoparticles’ targeting capabilities in complex systems, and to open the door for multipurpose recognition and bioseparation processes.
An efficient stock market prediction model using hybrid feature reduction method based on variational autoencoders and recursive feature elimination
Authors: Gunduz Hakan
Published: April 2021

In this study, the hourly directions of eight banking stocks in Borsa Istanbul were predicted using linear-based, deep-learning (LSTM) and ensemble learning (LightGBM) models. These models were trained with four different feature sets and their performances were evaluated in terms of accuracy and F-measure metrics. While the first experiments directly used the own stock features as the model inputs, the second experiments utilized reduced stock features through Variational AutoEncoders (VAE). In the last experiments, in order to grasp the effects of the other banking stocks on individual stock performance, the features belonging to other stocks were also given as inputs to our models. While combining other stock features was done for both own (named as allstock_own) and VAE-reduced (named as allstock_VAE) stock features, the expanded dimensions of the feature sets were reduced by Recursive Feature Elimination. As the highest success rate increased up to 0.685 with allstock_own and LSTM with attention model, the combination of allstock_VAE and LSTM with the attention model obtained an accuracy rate of 0.675. Although the classification results achieved with both feature types was close, allstock_VAE achieved these results using nearly 16.67% less features compared to allstock_own. When all experimental results were examined, it was found out that the models trained with allstock_own and allstock_VAE achieved higher accuracy rates than those using individual stock features. It was also concluded that the results obtained with the VAE-reduced stock features were similar to those obtained by own stock features.
Influence of herbicides under biofertilizer application on fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) yield and quality with special reference to herbicide residues
Authors: Abdallah Ibrahim , Amer Alia , El-Hefny Dalia
Published: April 2021

Background

Weed occurrence and fertilization are considered two of the most factors influencing fennel yield. A two season’s field study was undertaken to investigate the response of fennel crop to two different herbicides under the application of biofertilizers. The two herbicides are pendimethalin (at reduced rate), fluazifop-p butyl and a combination of sequential application of both of them. The biofertilizers were used in 3 rates of 1:1:1, 2:1:1 and 1:1:2 (v/v/v) from atmospheric nitrogen-fixating, phosphorous-dissolving and potassium-solubilizing bacterial strains.

Results

The results indicated that under all rates of the biofertilizers, the two herbicides applied individually caused significant reduction in growth parameters of the fennel plant estimated. Hand weeding (untreated check) increased fruit yield by 63% and oil yield by 78% compared to unweeded control, while sequential application of pendimethalin + fluazifop increased fruit yield by 45% and oil yield by 83% under biofertilizers at the rate of 2:1:1. Slight decrease in protein content using pendimethalin + fluazifop (12.94, and 12.96%) compared to 13.56% for hand weeding was observed. However, fluazifop alone showed no significant differences (13.63 and 13.13%) during both seasons under the biofertilizer rate of 2:1:1. No detectable residues of pendimethalin and fluazifop applied alone or sequentially were found in the analyzed dry seeds.

Conclusion

The obtained results concluded that using proper level of biofertilizer combined with herbicides would increase the seed yield and oil content of fennel. Nevertheless, further investigation is needed to search for safer and effective weed control methods in medicinal plants.
Corruption and its diverse effect on credit risk: global evidence
Authors: Hasan Rashedul , Ashfaq Muhammad
Published: April 2021

Corruption has a complex relationship with economic growth. We have explored the impact of corruption on credit risk from a global perspective. The sample consists of 178 countries and covers 18 years that range from 2000 to 2017. Non-performing loan (NPL) is used as a proxy for credit risk and data regarding NPL is collected from the World Bank Database. Corruption scores are collected from the Transparency International reports. Panel regression results provide a positive association between corruption and credit risk for the global sample. Generalized Methods of Moments regression and robustness tests validate the findings. However, sub-sample analysis provides support for “grease the wheel” hypothesis for high corruption countries and indicates that corruption is beneficial in a weak form of governance and excessive regulatory pressure. This study advocate for the importance of strong governance mechanisms in high corruption countries that can minimize the impact of corruption on banking sector profitability and ensure economic development. Unlike past literature, we provide global evidence on the association between corruption and credit risk for the banking sector which allows generalizability.
Strobilanthes heyneanus root extract as a potential source for antioxidant and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Sundaram Vijayakumar , Sadhasivam Selvaraju , Chandrasekaran Sivaraj , Nanjian Raaman , Pandian Arjun
Published: April 2021

Background

Strobilanthes heyneanus (Nilgirianthus heyneanus) belongs to the family Acanthaceae that contains many species with potential for diverse medicinal uses. It is also called ‘Karun kurinji’ and is commonly found in the South-West regions of India. The species are commonly used in rheumatic complaints, sprain of the ankle, and hernia. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the antioxidant activity, phytochemical analysis, and antibacterial activities of the root extract of S. heyneanus.

Results

The radical scavenging and reduction assays such as DPPH● radical and OH● radical scavenging assays, as well as phosphomolybdenum reduction and Fe3+ reducing power assays, were determined for the root extract. The highest DPPH● radical scavenging activity was 88.23 ± 1.32 at 120 μg/mL concentration, and the calculated IC50 was 38.52 μg/mL concentration. The highest OH● radical scavenging activity was 51.28 ± 1.06 at 120 μg/mL concentration, and the calculated IC50 was 51.28 μg/mL concentration. The highest ABTS●+ radical scavenging activity was 91.28 ± 1.12 at 30 μg/mL concentration, and the calculated IC50 was 33.92 μg/mL concentration. The highest phosphomolybdenum reduction was 87.43 ± 0.90 at 120 μg/mL concentration, and the calculated RC50 was 24.74 μg/mL concentration. The highest Fe3+ reduction was 89.38 ± 0.98 at 120 μg/mL concentration, and the calculated RC50 was 31.06 μg/mL concentration. The antibacterial activity of S. heyneanus showed the highest zone of inhibition of 24 mm for Salmonella typhi with 500 μg/mL concentration. The cytotoxicity limits of the root extracts were tested by MTT assay using human dermal fibroblast cell lines, reflecting > 90% cell viability at a concentration of 500 μg/mL.

Conclusions

The current study showed that the root extract of S. heyneanus has better antioxidant properties and potential anti-bacterial compounds. The phytochemical analysis of the root extract showed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, and carbohydrates, which are responsible for the antibacterial root extract of S. heyneanus synergistically.
A novel anatomical classification of the frontal sinus: can it be useful in clinical approach to frontal sinusitis?
Authors: Özdemir Meltem , Kavak Rasime P. , Öcal Bülent , Soysal Handan
Published: April 2021

Background

We aimed to test the clinical relevance of a newly introduced anatomical classification system of the frontal sinus and to investigate the relation between the frontal sinus type according to this system and the development of frontal sinusitis. We retrospectively evaluated the computed tomography images of 808 frontal sinuses of 404 patients and classified the sinuses as small, medium-sized, and large, based on their size and relation to the orbital roof. We related this classification to the presence or absence of the findings of frontal sinusitis including mucosal thickening, retention cyst/polyp, and/or fluid collection.

Results

We found that the most common frontal sinus type is medium-sized (65.84%), followed by the small (22.89%) and large (11.26%) types, respectively. There was no significant difference between the right and left sides in terms of frontal sinus type (P<0.05). We recorded sinusitis in 28 (15.1%) small, 180 (33.8%) medium-sized, and 40 (43.9%) large sinuses. And we showed that the prevalence of sinusitis in medium-sized and large sinuses is significantly higher than that in small sinuses for both sides (P values were 0.001 and 0.015, respectively for the right, and 0.005 and 0.001, respectively for the left side).

Conclusion

The result obtained in this study may be considered the first step in demonstrating the clinical benefit of this classification. However, there is no doubt that further comprehensive studies with large series are needed to fully determine the clinical relevance of this newly introduced classification system.
Comparative study of tympanoplasty type I using periosteum versus tragal cartilage with perichondrium
Authors: Elmoursy Mohamed M. , Elbahrawy Mahmoud M.
Published: April 2021

Background

Various grafting materials and different techniques have been used for myringoplasty. The aim of the study was to compare the result of tympanoplasty in patients with safe-type chronic suppurative otitis media using periosteum versus tragal cartilage with perichondrium grafts through pre- and postoperative clinical and audiological evaluation.

Results

There was statistically significant difference for mean air-bone gap for group A (23.4 dB ± 0.03 SD) when compared to group B (19.4 dB ± 4.2 SD) withPvalue 0.103. Also, there was statistically significant difference in the hearing gain in group A after 6 months (25.53 dB ± 6.26 SD) when compared to group B (19.63 dB ± 9.76 SD) and thePvalue was 0.003. Graft taken was superior in the periosteal group (95%), compared to the cartilage grafts (90%).

Conclusion

Tympanoplasty with periosteal graft showed better hearing results and high rates of graft taken than tragal cartilage grafts.
Imaging the internal structure of trunks via multiscale phase inversion of ground-penetrating radar data
Authors: Fu Lei , Liu Lanbo
Published: April 2021

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a geophysical technique widely used in near-surface noninvasive detecting. It has the ability to obtain a high-resolution internal structure of living tree trunks. Full-waveform inversion (FWI) has been widely used to reconstruct the dielectric constant and conductivity distribution for crosswell applications. However, in some cases, the amplitude information is not reliable due to the antenna coupling, radiation pattern, and other effects. We have developed a multiscale phase inversion (MPI) method, which largely matches the phase information by normalizing the magnitude spectrum; in addition, a natural multiscale approach by integrating the input data with different times is implemented to partly mitigate the local minimal problem. Two synthetic GPR data sets generated from a healthy oak tree trunk and from a decayed trunk are tested by MPI and FWI. A field GPR data set consisting of 30 common-shot GPR data is acquired on a standing white oak tree ( Quercus alba); the MPI and FWI methods are used to reconstruct the dielectric constant distribution of the tree cross section. Results indicate that MPI has more tolerance to the starting model, noise level, and source wavelet. It can provide a more accurate image of the dielectric constant distribution compared to the conventional FWI.
Geochemical characteristics and geologic significance of rare earth elements in oil shale of the Yan’an Formation in the Tanshan area, in the Liupanshan Basin, China
Authors: Hai Lianfu , Xu Qinghai , Mu Caixia , Tao Rui , Wang Lei , Bai Jinhe , Song Yang
Published: April 2021

In the Tanshan area, in the Liupanshui Basin, abundant oil shale resources are associated with coals. We analyzed the cores, geochemistry of rare earth elements (REE), and trace element of oil shale with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technology to define the paleo-sedimentary environment, material source, and geologic significance of oil shale in this area. The results of the summed compositions of REE, and the total REE contents (ΣREE), in the Yan’an Formation oil shale are slightly higher than the global average of the composition of the upper continental crustal and are lower than those of North American shales. The REE distribution pattern is characterized by right-inclined enrichment of light REEs (LREE) and relative loss of heavy REEs (HREE), which reflects the characteristics of crustal source deposition. There is a moderate degree of differentiation among LREE, whereas the differences among HREE are not obvious. The [Formula: see text] values indicate a weak negative anomaly, and the [Formula: see text] values indicate no anomaly, which are generally consistent with the distribution of REE in the upper crust. The characteristics of REE and trace elements indicate that the oil shale formed in an oxygen-poor reducing environment and that the paleoclimatic conditions were relatively warm and humid. The degree of differentiation of REE indicates that the sedimentation rate in the study area was low, which reflected the characteristics of relatively deep sedimentary water bodies and distant source areas. The results also proved that the source rock mainly consisted of calcareous mudstone, and a small amount of granite was also mixed in.
Children and youth in the climate crisis
Authors: Sanson Ann , Bellemo Marco
Published: April 2021

This editorial is co-written by a developmental psychologist and a young climate activist. We start by showing how the climate crisis is imposing a heavy psychological burden on children and youth, both from experiencing climate-related disasters and from the knowledge that worse is to come. We then describe the global movement of youth demanding urgent climate action. We conclude that health professionals can support young people in many ways, but particularly by supporting their capacity to take action, raising awareness about the impact of the climate crisis on youth mental and physical health, and taking action themselves to work for a secure climate future.
Predictors of Unplanned Hospitalizations Among Older Adults Receiving Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: Klepin Heidi D. , Sun Can-Lan , Smith David D. , Elias Rawad , Trevino Kelly M. , Bryant Ashley Leak , Li Daneng , Nelson Christian , Tew William P. , Mohile Supriya G. , Gajra Ajeet , Owusu Cynthia , Gross Cary , Lichtman Stuart M. , Katheria Vani V. , Muss Hyman B. , Chapman Andrew E. , Cohen Harvey Jay , Hurria Arti , Dale William
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE:

Hospitalizations during cancer treatment are costly, can impair quality of life, and negatively affect therapy completion. Our objective was to identify risk factors for unplanned hospitalization among older adults receiving chemotherapy.

METHODS:

This is a secondary analysis of a multisite cohort study (N = 750) of patients ≥ 65 years of age evaluated with a geriatric assessment (GA) to predict chemotherapy toxicity. The primary outcome of this analysis was unplanned hospitalizations during treatment; the secondary outcome was length of stay (LOS) of the first hospitalization. Independent variables included pretreatment GA measures, laboratory values, cancer type and stage, and treatment intensity characteristics. We used logistic regression to estimate the odds of hospitalization and generalized linear models for LOS in multivariable analyses.

RESULTS:

The sample median age was 72 years (range, 65-94 years); 59% had stage IV disease. At least one unplanned hospitalization occurred in 193 patients (25.7%) during receipt of chemotherapy. In multivariable analyses controlling for cancer type, the following baseline characteristics were significantly associated with increased odds of hospitalization: needing help bathing or dressing (odds ratio [OR], 1.8; 95% CI, 1.0 to 3.1), polypharmacy (≥ 5 meds) (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.4), more comorbid conditions (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0 to 1.3), availability of someone to take them to the doctor (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.0 to 4.1), CrCl < 60 mL/min (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.4), and albumin < 3.5 g/dL (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.8). In multivariable analyses, older age, self-reported presence of liver or kidney disease, living alone and depressive symptoms were associated with longer LOS.

CONCLUSION:

Readily available GA variables and laboratory data, but not age, were associated with unplanned hospitalizations among older adults receiving chemotherapy. If validated, these data can inform prediction models and the design of interventions to decrease unplanned hospitalizations.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids Associate Negatively With Postprandial Insulin Secretion in Recent-Onset Diabetes
Authors: Karusheva Yanislava , Strassburger Klaus , Markgraf Daniel F , Zaharia Oana-Patricia , Bódis Kálmán , Kössler Theresa , Tura Andrea , Pacini Giovanni , Burkart Volker , Roden Michael , Szendroedi Julia
Published: April 2021

Context

In addition to unfavorable effects on insulin sensitivity, elevated plasma branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) stimulate insulin secretion, which, over the long-term, could impair pancreatic β-cell function.

Objective

To investigate cross-sectional and prospective associations between circulating BCAA and postprandial β-cell function in recently diagnosed type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Methods

The study included individuals with well-controlled type 1 and type 2 diabetes (known diabetes duration <12 months) and glucose-tolerant participants (controls) of similar age, sex, and body mass index (n = 10/group) who underwent mixed meal tolerance tests. Plasma BCAA levels were quantified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, postprandial β-cell function was assessed from serum C-peptide levels, and insulin sensitivity was determined from PREDIM index (PREDIcted M-value).

Results

In type 1 diabetes, postprandial total BCAA, valine, and leucine levels were 25%, 18%, and 19% higher vs control, and total as well as individual postprandial BCAA were related inversely to C-peptide levels. In type 2 diabetes, postprandial isoleucine was 16% higher vs the respective controls, while neither total nor individual BCAA correlated with C-peptide levels. Whole-body insulin sensitivity was lower in both diabetes groups than in corresponding controls.

Conclusion

Insulin deficiency associates with sustained high BCAA concentrations, which could contribute to exhausting the insulin secretory reserve in early type 1 diabetes.
Decomposing the Decline of Cash Assistance in the United States, 1993 to 2016
Authors: Parolin Zachary
Published: April 2021

Cash assistance allocations from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and its predecessor program fell from $34.3 billion to $7.4 billion in real value from 1993 to 2016, a 78% decrease. Some investigations of TANF point to favorable labor market changes as the source of the decline, whereas others point to declining benefit levels and barriers to benefit receipt. This study introduces a framework to decompose the decline of TANF cash assistance into changes in need for cash assistance, the participation rate among those meeting income-based eligibility standards, and benefit levels among those receiving cash support. Using the U.S. Current Population Survey, I find that declining participation explains 52% of the decline in TANF cash assistance from 1993 onward, whereas declining need explains 21%, and declining benefit levels explain 27%. The study then applies reweighting techniques to measure the extent to which compositional changes in the population, such as rising employment rates among single mothers, can explain changes in need, participation, and benefit levels. The results suggest that compositional changes explain only 22% of the decline of TANF cash assistance, confirming that the majority of the decline is due to reduced participation and benefit levels rather than reduced demand for cash support. Adding the noncompositional share of the decline in TANF back to observed levels of cash spending in 2016 would result in nearly $20 billion in additional transfers, more than the minimum amount necessary to lift all single-mother households out of poverty.
Changes in Couples' Earnings Following Parenthood and Trends in Family Earnings Inequality
Authors: Gonalons-Pons Pilar , Schwartz Christine R. , Musick Kelly
Published: April 2021

The growing economic similarity of spouses has contributed to rising income inequality across households. Explanations have typically centered on assortative mating, but recent work has argued that changes in women's employment and spouses' division of paid work have played a more important role. We expand this work to consider the critical turning point of parenthood in shaping couples' division of employment and earnings. Drawing on three U.S. nationally representative surveys, we examine the role of parenthood in spouses' earnings correlations between 1968 and 2015. We examine the extent to which changes in spouses' earnings correlations are due to (1) changes upon entry into marriage (assortative mating), (2) changes between marriage and parenthood, (3) changes following parenthood, and (4) changes in women's employment. Our findings show that increases in the correlation between spouses' earnings prior to 1990 came largely from changes between marriage and first birth, but increases after 1990 came almost entirely from changes following parenthood. In both instances, changes in women's employment are key to increasing earnings correlations. Changes in assortative mating played little role in either period. An assessment of the aggregate-level implications points to the growing significance of earnings similarity after parenthood for rising income inequality across families.
Some Introductory Remarks on the Cellular Basis of Differentiation
Authors: Weiss Paul
Published: April 2021

By request of the committee which organized the conference on ‘The Cellular Basis of Differentiation’, I undertook to open the meeting with a sort of topical outline that might serve as a guide in the subsequent free and informal discussion. In view of the diverse meanings attached to the term ‘differentiation’ in various quarters, from development in general in the broadest sense to the production of visible specialized cell structures in the narrowest sense, it seemed desirable to circumscribe at least the scope within which the conference was to hold itself. The instructions of the organizing group were to focus the discussion on the cellular transformations which lead to the final functional state of the mature cell. This limitation is taken into account in the following outline. At the same time it is clear that terminal cell specialization is part of a continuous process, hence cannot be neatly separated from antecedent developmental processes leading up to it. Therefore the difference between this presentation and others dealing with early embryonic phases lies in the emphasis rather than in the nature of the objects. In fact, it is becoming ever more evident that the study of special histogenesis and organogenesis may cast as much light on the interpretation of early embryonic processes as the study of early events, e.g. the formation of the fertilization membrane or of the sperm tail, contributes to the understanding of specific terminal cytodifferentiation. Accordingly, the main objective of the following outline is to set the problem of cellular differentiation into proper focus and perspective within the broad problems of ontogeny.