bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of acupuncture versus cognitive behavioral therapy on brain-derived neurotrophic factor in cancer survivors with insomnia: an exploratory analysis
Authors: Liou Kevin T , Garland Sheila N , Li Q Susan , Sadeghi Keimya , Green Jamie , Autuori Isidora , Orlow Irene , Mao Jun J
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with poor sleep. This study examined the effects of acupuncture versus cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) on serum BDNF and sleep outcomes in cancer survivors with insomnia.

Methods:

This was an exploratory analysis of a randomized clinical trial (n = 160) comparing acupuncture versus CBT-I for cancer survivors with insomnia. Interventions were delivered over 8 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and week 8. Serum BDNF was evaluated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sleep was evaluated with the insomnia severity index and consensus sleep diary. Pearson correlations between BDNF and sleep outcomes were calculated. Data analysis was limited to 87 survivors who provided serum samples.

Results:

Among 87 survivors, the mean age was 61.9 (SD: 11.4) years, 51.7% were women, and 24.1% were non-White. Mean serum BDNF did not significantly increase in acupuncture (n = 50) or CBT-I (n = 37) groups. When analysis was restricted to patients with low baseline BDNF (i.e. levels below the sample median of 47.1 ng/mL), the acupuncture group (n = 22) demonstrated a significant 7.2 ng/mL increase in mean serum BDNF (P = 0.03), whereas the CBT-I group (n = 21) demonstrated a non-significant 2.9 ng/mL increase (P = 0.28). Serum BDNF was not significantly correlated with sleep outcomes (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Among cancer survivors with insomnia and low baseline BDNF, acupuncture significantly increased serum BDNF levels; however, the clinical significance of this finding requires further investigation. Trial registration no. NCT02356575 (ClinicalTrials.gov)
On the Sociology of Law in Economic Relations
Authors: Miola Iagê , Picciotto Sol
Published: March 2021

A focus on law’s role in economic activities was central to many of the classical sociologists, and it remains a key theme in the sociology of law, although no longer central. The view of capitalism as a market economy is reflected in formalist perspectives on economics, law and even sociology, and limits these understandings. Economic sociologists and institutional economists have examined the extensive institutionalisation of economic activity due to the shift to corporate capitalism since the last part of the 19th century, and have focused on law’s role in these processes. The neo-liberal phase of capitalism since the 1970s brought a renewed emphasis on property rights and market-based management, but accompanied by an enormous growth of new forms of regulation, often of a hybrid public-private character, leading to a new view of law as reflective or responsive, very different from traditional formalist perspectives. We argue that law’s role in the economy can be better understood by examining the social processes of lawyering, mediating between the realms of political and economic power, through practices of legal interpretation that both reflect and shape economic activity.
Understanding the Causes of Variance in Provincial Response to COVID-19 in Pakistan by Using the Policy Capacity Framework
Authors: Siddiqi Huma
Published: March 2021

This comparative research looked at the causes of the variance in provincial response to COVID-19 in Pakistan using the policy capacity framework. Pakistan decentralised its policymaking in 2010 and granted autonomy to its provinces to mitigate the crisis, control law and order, generate resources and reform their institutions. There were serious concerns that the small provinces lacking the required policy competencies will not be able to deal with a crisis such as COVID-19. Using process tracing and inductive mixed methods, this research finds that the relationship with the centre, effective networking with international agencies, non-state actors and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are the key factors that improved the policy competency of the small provinces, whereas the weak steering ability of the state machinery, complacent and negligent behaviour of the political and administrative institutions and tension with the centre adversely impacted the analytical, operational and political competencies of the two large provinces of Punjab and Sindh, resulting in the spread of COVID-19 cases in these provinces.
Post-Bariatric Surgery Care in Israeli Adolescents: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Tashlizky Madar Raya , Zion Yohay Neriya , Grinstein Cohen Orli , Cohen Lea , Newman-Heiman Nitza , Dvori Yael
Published: March 2021

Undergoing bariatric surgery is a life-changing experience for adolescents. However, little is known about post-bariatric surgery management among Israeli adolescents. We aimed to identify the post-operative needs and support from a qualitative aspect. Seventeen adolescents who underwent bariatric surgery were interviewed by semi-structure telephone interview. The interview guide was validated by 10 content experts from different hospitals across the country. Data were collected in 2018. Analysis of the interviews revealed three major themes: “multi-disciplinary team management,” “patient satisfaction,” and “follow-up.” The “multi-disciplinary team management” theme was further divided into three major categories: “pain management,” “physiotherapy,” and “nutrition.” “Patient satisfaction” was further divided into “guidance” and “team handling” categories. The “follow-up” theme included recommendations for improvement. The analysis provides novel information about adolescents’ needs after bariatric surgery. Healthcare professionals’ awareness of the adolescents’ perspective could contribute to providing optimal post-operative care to this population.
Interrelationship of MMP-9, Proteoglycan-4, and Inflammation in Osteoarthritis Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Slovacek Hannah , Khanna Rajan , Poredos Pavel , Poredos Peter , Jezovnik Mateja , Hoppensteadt Debra , Fareed Jawed , Hopkinson William
Published: March 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition marked by joint pain, inflammation and loss of articular cartilage, that can be treated with total joint arthroplasty (TJA) at end stages. TJA is marked by post-operative inflammation, which directly effects levels of cartilage degradation biomarkers, proteoglycan-4 (PRG4) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). PRG4 is a protective glycoprotein that is decreased in individuals with OA. MMP-9 is a matrix metalloproteinase that contributes to articular cartilage loss and is elevated in OA patients. It is upregulated by pro-inflammatory markers, such as IL-1, IL-6 and CRP. This study aims to elucidate the immediate post-operative changes in levels of PRG4, MMP-9, IL-6, CRP, and WBC in patients undergoing TJA to clarify the role of inflammation in recovery after surgery and in the overall pathogenesis of OA. Blood was collected at 3 time points (day 0, day 1 post-operatively, and days 5-7 post-operatively), from 63 patients undergoing TJA due to OA, and levels of these biomarkers were quantified. IL-6, CRP, WBC and MMP-9 were lowest at day 0, highest at day 1, and stabilized at an intermediate level at days 5-7. Meanwhile, PRG4 followed the opposite trend. These studies suggest that IL-6, CRP and WBC showed predictable fluctuations, with pro-inflammatory biomarkers upregulating MMP-9 and downregulating PRG4. Measuring these biomarkers may help expose the role of inflammation in the post-surgical recovery of TJA patients and in long-term pathogenesis of OA. These levels may help risk stratify patients pre-operatively and help develop individualized post-surgical plans.
The ductile/brittle transition of polycrystalline aggregates in terms of their single crystal cubic properties
Authors: Christensen Richard M
Published: March 2021

The Kröner solution is used to determine the shear modulus of any polycrystalline aggregate composed of cubic crystals. This solution from the self-consistent method takes the form of a cubic equation specified by the three elastic properties of the crystal. The ductile/brittle transition for homogeneous and isotropic materials in uniaxial tension is specified by terms of the shear modulus and the bulk modulus of the aggregate. These two basic results are then combined to specify the ductile/brittle transition of the polycrystalline aggregate in terms of its cubic crystal symmetry elastic properties. The various forms that the combined results take are developed and interpreted. Examples and detailed results are given for carbon-diamond, copper, tungsten, iron, silicon, lithium and platinum element type polycrystal materials. The tungsten and iron cases very closely bracket the ductile/brittle transition for all of the solids forming elements of the Periodic Table, one from the brittle side and the other from the ductile side.
Prolonged flushing and locking interval for totally implantable vascular access device: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xiong Zhao-yu , Zhou Hui-min , Li Su-yun
Published: March 2021

The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the safety ad feasibility of the totally implantable vascular access devices (TIVADs) flushed more than 4 weeks. We searched the following electronic databases from the date their build-up to February 2020: PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and CINAHL. The final selection resulted in 14 trials fulfilling the inclusion criteria and being included in our review. A pooled frequency of port-related late complications with longer flushing intervals (>4 weeks) was 8.0%, and the pooled frequency of occlusions, infections, and mechanical complications was 5.0%, 2.0%, and 3.0%, respectively. Then, we compared the frequency of port-related complications between standard and longer flushing intervals. There were no differences between the group’s changes in the frequency of total late complications, occlusions, infections, and mechanical complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates that longer flushing intervals for ports are safe. However, more prospective, power appropriated randomized trials are needed to explore the specific flushing time for ports.
“Play with me”: Student perspectives on collaborative chamber music instruction
Authors: Zhukov Katie , Sætre Jon Helge
Published: March 2021

This article reports on a pilot project conducted in Australia and Norway evaluating new approaches to collaborative chamber music instruction in higher education settings. Following suggestions from the literature on collaborative and group learning in music, chamber music tuition was chosen as a suitable context to examine the possibility of teaching-through-playing and the impact of such an approach on students’ collaborative learning and their induction into the professional music community. Two groups of staff and students in each institution volunteered to participate in the project and implemented their own rehearsal schedule. Student focus group interviews were conducted after the final performance of rehearsed repertoire, and transcripts were analyzed by two researchers independently for the emerging themes and refined through iterative discussions. Key findings include students being inspired by working with experienced staff in a professional setting, learning the skills of ensemble playing such as effective rehearsal techniques, understanding of stylistic conventions, specific technical, musical and co-ordination skills, greater experimentation, positive impact of group discussions, and a more collaborative atmosphere. Students found it challenging to alter power roles, as the ingrained attitudes of teacher-led approaches prevailed. This project has shown that teaching-through-playing chamber music is a viable approach for developing students’ musical and social skills by providing them with authentic professional experiences. We propose an alternative model of higher education performance teaching that is more collaborative and participatory.
Online damage detection of earthquake-excited structure based on near real-time envelope extraction
Authors: Panda Satyam , Tripura Tapas , Hazra Budhaditya
Published: March 2021

A robust real-time damage detection technique of earthquake-excited structures based on a new demodulation technique for nonlinear and non-stationary vibration signals through the identification of signal envelopes in real time is presented. In the present work, the need for the detection of envelope in a vibration signal in real time is addressed by reformulating the concept of Hermitian interpolation functions to a recursive Hermitian polynomial, which is a key entitlement of the present work. Once, the near real-time demodulation is achieved, the proposed framework proceeds to the newly developed error-adapted framework by addressing the errors accrued between the standard and generalized eigen perturbation formulation in the context of real-time estimation of proper orthogonal modes and linear normal modes. In the adaptive framework, the error is modeled as a feedback, which is constructed to account for the truncation in the order of eigen perturbation. In addition to the improved accuracy due to the envelope extraction, the proposed error-adapted eigen perturbation further improves the detectability over the currently available eigen perturbation–based real-time algorithms. To ensure robustness of the proposed algorithm, a new real-time damage indicator based on the maximum of principal eigenvector of the evolving transformed covariance matrix is proposed. The proposed modules together not only improve the detectability of the damage detection in real-time but also enhance the overall performance in presence of non-stationary excitation, that often mask the damage information in the higher energy zones of the amplitude and frequency-modulated response. Simulations for the proposed framework is performed by considering a 5 degrees-of-freedom linear and base-isolated nonlinear structural system driven by non-stationary stochastic excitations with damage simulated at intermediate floor at a particular time instant. Evidence of the near real-time demodulation and/or envelope removal from the signal and improved damage identification is also provided. An examination of the proposed framework using experimental data further validates the robustness of the proposed scheme.
Review Article: The Flagship of Evidence-Based Medicine
Authors: Lazarides Miltos K. , Lazaridou Irene-Zacharo , Papanas Nikolaos
Published: March 2021

Global literature is ever-growing and physicians rely on it for evidence-based decision making. Review articles summarize available literature and provide the current state of knowledge on a given topic. Various review types exist, the main ones being narrative and systematic reviews. The former are based on studies selected in an undefined manner. They express the authors’ opinions of a given topic, lack a systematic search, and are prone to bias. By contrast, the latter represent an unbiased synthesis of knowledge on a particular topic and attempt to offer all relevant evidence. A systematic review may include a meta-analysis, which combines the results of quantitative studies using statistical techniques to provide a more precise summary of the evidence. With a dramatic increase in literature complexity, new “next-generation” types of reviews emerged to improve the quality of evidence synthesis: network meta-analysis, umbrella review, and meta-analysis of individual patient data, among others. Finally, scoping reviews are a special type, conducted as precursors to systematic reviews aiming to reveal specific knowledge gaps in a given subject.
Cancer Survivorship Care in Colombia: Review and Implications for Health Policy
Authors: Franco-Rocha Oscar Yesid , Carillo-Gonzalez Gloria Mabel , Garcia Alexandra , Henneghan Ashley
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

The number of cancer survivors is increasing in Colombia, and health policy changes are necessary to meet their unmet needs and improve their health outcomes. Similar trends have been identified in developed countries, and positive changes have been made.

Methods:

We conducted a narrative review to provide an overview of Colombia’s social structure, health care system, and health care delivery in relation to cancer, with recommendations for improving cancer survivorship in Colombia based on the model of survivorship care in the United States.

Results:

We proposed general recommendations for improving cancer survivors’ care including (1) recognizing cancer survivorship as a distinct phase of cancer, (2) strengthening methods and metrics for tracking cancer survivorship, (3) assessing and monitoring cancer symptoms and quality of life of cancer survivors, (4) publishing evidence-based guidelines considering the social, economic, and cultural characteristics of Colombian population and cancer survivors’ specific needs.

Conclusion:

These recommendations could be used to inform and prioritize health policy development in Colombia related to cancer survivorship outcomes.
The Role of the IL-4 Signaling Pathway in Traumatic Nerve Injuries
Authors: Daines John M. , Schellhardt Lauren , Wood Matthew D.
Published: March 2021

Following traumatic peripheral nerve injury, adequate restoration of function remains an elusive clinical goal. Recent research highlights the complex role that the immune system plays in both nerve injury and regeneration. Pro-regenerative processes in wounded soft tissues appear to be significantly mediated by cytokines of the type 2 immune response, notably interleukin (IL)-4. While IL-4 signaling has been firmly established as a critical element in general tissue regeneration during wound healing, it has also emerged as a critical process in nerve injury and regeneration. In this context of peripheral nerve injury, endogenous IL-4 signaling has recently been confirmed to influence more than leukocytes, but including also neurons, axons, and Schwann cells. Given the role IL-4 plays in nerve injury and regeneration, exogenous IL-4 and/or compounds targeting this signaling pathway have shown encouraging preliminary results to treat nerve injury or other neuropathy in rodent models. In particular, the exogenous stimulation of the IL-4 signaling pathway appears to promote postinjury neuron survival, axonal regeneration, remyelination, and thereby improved functional recovery. These preclinical data strongly suggest that targeting IL-4 signaling pathways is a promising translational therapy to augment treatment approaches of traumatic nerve injury. However, a better understanding of the type 2 immune response and associated signaling networks functioning within the nerve injury microenvironment is still needed to fully develop this promising therapeutic avenue.
Distinct Protocols of Physical Exercise May Improve Different Aspects of Well-being in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Kogure Gislaine Satyko , Lara Lúcia Alves da Silva , Ribeiro Victor Barbosa , Lopes Iris Palma , Mendes Maria Célia , Kodato Sérgio , Ferriani Rui Alberto , Furtado Cristiana Libardi Miranda , Reis Rosana Maria dos
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study to assess the effects of different protocols of physical exercise on the domains of the quality of life (QoL), sexual function, anxiety, and depression scores in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Data of 112 women with PCOS were extracted from 2 trials with different protocols of physical exercise: continuous aerobic training (ContinuousAT, n = 23), intermittent aerobic training (IntermittentAT, n = 22), and progressive resistance training (ResistanceT, n = 43) alongside a control group (CG, n = 24). Volunteers who completed self-report questionnaires—Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) for QoL—preprotocol and postprotocol of physical exercise were included. Within groups, from baseline to week 16, all ContinuousAT, IntermittentAT, and ResistanceT protocols promoted improvements in multiple FSFI domains and HADS scores. However, ResistanceT did not improve the QoL aspects. Between groups, from other physical training protocols, the IntermittentAT was most effective for QoL and FSFI domains as well as HADS scores. It is concluded that all interventions were effective and improved indicators of sexual function, anxiety, and depression. When comparing protocols, interval training with high-intensity stimuli and active recovery was more effective.
Exosomal miR-122-5p inhibits tumorigenicity of gastric cancer by downregulating GIT1
Authors: Jiao Yigang , Zhang Li , Li Jun , He Yuqi , Zhang Xin , Li Jingzhe
Published: March 2021

Background:

microRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs with important roles in the progression of human cancers, including gastric cancer. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles, which could transfer numerous noncoding RNAs, such as miRNAs. Here, in our study, we intended to investigate the role of exosomal miR-122-5p in gastric cancer progression.

Methods:

Exosomes were isolated utilizing commercial kit or ultracentrifugation. Biomarkers of exosomes or epithelia-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were monitored by western blot. Expression levels of miR-122-5p and G-protein-coupled receptor kinase interacting protein-1 ( GIT1) were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or western blot. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed by colony formation assay, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay and flow cytometry. Cell metastasis was evaluated via Transwell assay. The interaction between miR-122-5p and GIT1 was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, tumor growth in vivo was detected by xenograft assay.

Results:

Exosomes were successfully isolated. MiR-122-5p was downregulated in exosomes derived from the serum of gastric cancer patients. Exosomal miR-122-5p could hinder gastric cancer cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Knockdown of GIT1 also inhibited gastric cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Exosomal miR-122-5p targeted GIT1 to alter cellular behaviors of gastric cancer cells.

Conclusion:

Exosomal miR-122-5p suppressed gastric cancer progression by targeting GIT1.
Participative decision making in schools in individualist and collectivist cultures: The micro-politics behind distributed leadership
Authors: Or Mor Hodaya , Berkovich Izhak
Published: March 2021

Despite the popularity of distributed leadership theory, the investigation of the micro-political aspects of such models have scarcely been explored, and insights on the cultural variety of distributed practices in schools are limited. The present study aimed to explore what micro-political aspects emerge in participative decision making in collectivist and individualist cultures. To this end, a multiple case study method was adopted, focusing on four Israeli public high schools. Schools were chosen to represent an ‘extreme’ case selection rationale: two non-religious urban schools representing individualist cases, and two communal schools in religious kibbutzim representing communal schools. The analysis shed light on three micro-political points of comparison between the prototypes of participative decision making in collectivist and individualist cultures related to control, actors, and stage crafting. The findings and implications are discussed.
Method and software platform for electronic COTS parts reliability estimation in space applications
Authors: Rabiei Elaheh , Huang Lixian , Chien Hao-Yu , Earthperson Arjun , Diaconeasa Mihai A , Woo Jason , Iyer Subramanian , White Mark , Mosleh Ali
Published: March 2021

Adoption of electronic Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) parts in various industrial products is rapidly increasing due to the accessibility and appealing lower cost of these commodities. Depending on the type of application, having an accurate understanding of the COTS failure information can be crucial to ensure the reliability and safety of the final products. On the other hand, frequent large-scale testing is often cost prohibitive and time consuming for emerging technologies, especially in the consumer electronics sector where minimizing time-to-market and cost is critical. This paper presents a comprehensive Bayesian approach and software platform (named COTS Reliability Expert System), that integrates multiple pieces of heterogeneous information about the failure rate of COTS parts. The ultimate goal is to reduce dependency on testing for reliability analysis and yet to obtain a more accurate “order of magnitude” estimate of the failure rate through an efficient process. The method provides a foundation for incorporating manufacturers reliability data, estimates based on underlying physics-of-failure mechanisms and circuit simulations, partially relevant life test data of similar (but not necessarily identical) parts, and expert opinions on the manufacturing process of the COTS part of interest. The developed expert system uses Bayesian estimation to integrate all these types of evidence. The methodology is demonstrated in estimating the failure rate of a static random-access memory (SRAM) part.
A Psychological Network Approach to Attitudes and Preventive Behaviors During Pandemics: A COVID-19 Study in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands
Authors: Chambon Monique , Dalege Jonas , Elberse Janneke E. , van Harreveld Frenk
Published: March 2021

Preventive behaviors are crucial to prevent the spread of the coronavirus causing COVID-19. We adopted a complex psychological systems approach to obtain a descriptive account of the network of attitudes and behaviors related to COVID-19. A survey study ( N = 1,022) was conducted with subsamples from the United Kingdom ( n = 502) and the Netherlands ( n = 520). The results highlight the importance of people’s support for, and perceived efficacy of, the measures and preventive behaviors. This also applies to the perceived norm of family and friends adopting these behaviors. The networks in both countries were largely similar but also showed notable differences. The interplay of psychological factors in the networks is also highlighted, resulting in our appeal to policy makers to take complexity and mutual dependence of psychological factors into account. Future research should study the effects of interventions aimed at these factors, including effects on the network, to make causal inferences.
Epidemiology of Thyroid Carcinomas in North Macedonia (1999-2015)
Authors: Tanja Makazlieva , Olivija Vaskova , Sinisha Stojanoski , Nevena Manevska , Daniela Miladinova , Vesna Velikj Stefanovska
Published: March 2021

Objective:

We have set as objective to analyze epidemiological data of diagnosed thyroid carcinoma (TC) cases, incidence and prevalence rate by gender, age, histopathological type, and statistical regions in R. of N. Macedonia during the period 1999 to 2015.

Material and Methods:

Retrospective analysis of medical data collected from the 2 state thyroid departments. Inclusion criteria included newly diagnosed cases of TC in appropriate years for the period 1999 to 2015. We have evaluated: yearly incidence rate, incidence and prevalence by gender, age, the distribution in 8 statistical state regions and histopathological types and subtypes representation.

Results:

A total number of 422 TC patients were detected, average incidence rate of 1.22/105, with most prevalent papillary TCs79.5%, followed by follicular 10.9%, medullar 4.1%, anaplastic 3.1%, and other rare types with 2.3%. The highest incidence rate was detected in Skopje region, while the lowest in Southeast and the Polog region. The total prevalence rate for the female gender was 32.61/104 and for male 9.27/104 (f/m ratio = 3.52:1), with lowest female/male difference found in the elderly > 65 years (f/m = 2.21/1).

Conclusion:

Compared with regional epidemiological data we can conclude that Republic of N. Macedonia has very low incidence and prevalence rate, while female/male ratio was similar to that described in the literature. Our low incidence and prevalence rate may be due to 2 possible reasons, 1 would be insufficient diagnosis of only small portion of the real cases in the population, or the second reason may be a real low incidence resulting of specific etiopathogenetic circumstances.
Effects of Exposure to Risks on Household Vulnerability in Developing Countries: A New Evidence From Urban and Rural Areas of Nigeria
Authors: Mba Peter Nwachukwu , Nwosu Emmanuel O. , Orji Anthony
Published: March 2021

Exposure to risk may be seen as one of the many dimensions of poverty. Household exposure to risk consequent upon different types of shocks often leads to undesirable welfare outcomes. A shock can push an already income-poor household further into poverty or drive a non-poor household below the income poverty line. Risk appears to be one of the major challenges many households face in developing economies especially in the Sub-Saharan Africa. As a result, these issues have become central in the policy agenda not only in these countries but also in the international multilateral institutions. This study examines the exposure to risks in urban and rural areas and its effect on household vulnerability to poverty in Nigeria. The study applied the framework that computes vulnerability as expected poverty on the Nigeria General Household Survey for 2015 and the cross-sectional data and three-stage feasible generalized least squares analysis were employed. Findings show that exposure to risks such as job loss, business failure, harvest failure, livestock death, dwelling demolition, increase and decrease in input and output prices, and other similar risks significantly drive households into poverty but differ across households in rural and urban areas, both in characteristics and regions. These findings suggest that social safety nets should be designed to take care of not only the current poor households but also the non-poor households who are likely to be vulnerable in the future.
Analysis of Cryptocurrency Dynamics in the Emerging Market Economies: Does Reinforcement or Substitution Effect Prevail?
Authors: Anisiuba Chika Anastesia , Egbo Obiamaka P. , Alio Felix C. , Ifediora Chuka , Igwemeka Ebele C. , Odidi C. O. , Ezeaku Hillary Chijindu
Published: March 2021

We analyzed cryptocurrency dynamics in the global U.S. dollar–denominated market and the emerging market economies (EMEs) with a view to ascertaining whether activities in these markets are predominantly shaped by reinforcement or substitution effect. Cryptocurrencies analyzed include the Bitcoins, Ethereum, Litecoin, Steller, Bitcoin Cash, and USD Tether. The results suggest that, on average, correlation between digital assets in the cryptocurrencies’ ecosystem is positive. However, there is evidence of an outlier with respect to the USD Tether (USDT) in the global market, revealing that the USDT is negatively associated with all other cryptocurrencies. This is supported by the dynamic regression results that provided evidence of reinforcement effect in favor of the USDT in the global crypto market, thus confirming the status of the USDT as “Stablecoin” as it is pegged 1:1 to USD. In the global market context, the results also revealed that USDT/USD returns had identical outliers that could portend lesser chances of extreme gains or losses compared with suggestions of extreme gains or losses in the EMEs. Furthermore, USDT did not seem to have similar evolution in the EMEs where it had relatively marginal influence in the markets. The vector error correction (VEC) estimate showed mixed results between Altcoins in all the markets; moreover, our finding showed that reinforcement effects hold in favor of Steller (XLM) both in the Russian ruble and Indian rupee crypto markets, whereas the Chinese yuan crypto market was predominantly characterized by substitution effect in favor of Bitcoin.
From Learning on Mannequins to Practicing on Patients: Nursing Students' First-Time Experience of Clinical Placement in Jordan
Authors: Mahasneh Deema , Shoqirat Noordeen , Alsaraireh Arwa , Singh Charleen , Thorpe Lee
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Although clinical nursing placement is an indispensable component of student nurses' education, data on students' first clinical experiences is scarce in developing countries.

Objectives

The study aim is to uncover nursing students' first-time clinical placement experience and identify related influencing factors in Jordan. Methods: Focus group discussions (n=4) were used.

Results

The results showed that the transition from learning with mannequins to practicing on real patients in the clinical placement involved both effective learnings through hands-on practice to dealing with clinical challenges. Students perception of nursing ranged from positive comments such as “humanistic” and “nursing almost medicine” to negative images such as “nursing is all about bedside care” and “nursing has poor social status.”

Conclusion

Students' experience in their first clinical placement is multifaceted, and incorporation of student's perspective in the first clinical placement is a crucial component of educational planning.
Selection of the Number of Participants in Intensive Longitudinal Studies: A User-Friendly Shiny App and Tutorial for Performing Power Analysis in Multilevel Regression Models That Account for Temporal Dependencies
Authors: Lafit Ginette , Adolf Janne K. , Dejonckheere Egon , Myin-Germeys Inez , Viechtbauer Wolfgang , Ceulemans Eva
Published: March 2021

In recent years, the popularity of procedures for collecting intensive longitudinal data, such as the experience-sampling method, has increased greatly. The data collected using such designs allow researchers to study the dynamics of psychological functioning and how these dynamics differ across individuals. To this end, the data are often modeled with multilevel regression models. An important question that arises when researchers design intensive longitudinal studies is how to determine the number of participants needed to test specific hypotheses regarding the parameters of these models with sufficient power. Power calculations for intensive longitudinal studies are challenging because of the hierarchical data structure in which repeated observations are nested within the individuals and because of the serial dependence that is typically present in these data. We therefore present a user-friendly application and step-by-step tutorial for performing simulation-based power analyses for a set of models that are popular in intensive longitudinal research. Because many studies use the same sampling protocol (i.e., a fixed number of at least approximately equidistant observations) within individuals, we assume that this protocol is fixed and focus on the number of participants. All included models explicitly account for the temporal dependencies in the data by assuming serially correlated errors or including autoregressive effects.
“Adding salt to wounds”: Parentification among children living with parents with mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of social workers
Authors: Cudjoe Ebenezer , Kwabia Debora Daisy , Chiu Marcus Yu Lung , Abdullah Alhassan
Published: March 2021

Children living with a parent with mental illness experience challenges as some may take on the roles of their parents. Physical distancing restrictions introduced because of the COVID-19 pandemic means that many children will spend more time at home which could heighten the impact of parental mental illness. For many of these children, engaging in activities with peers provides them a sort of normal life outside their family environment. However, face-to-face interactions with others outside the family may be limited under existing public health protocols. Moreover, services for children in families where there is parental mental illness may also be limited considering limitations placed on people’s movements to reduce the rate of COVID-19 infections. This opinion article draws on existing research and practitioner knowledge to suggest how social workers can continue supporting these children and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Support, in the form of online interventions, have been recommended to meet the needs of children during the pandemic period. Online support is timely because it is easily accessible and often does not require face-to-face interactions. Social workers and other human service professionals should be able to adapt existing online services to the needs of the children which they serve.
Triple Whammy: Concurrent High-Altitude Exposure and COVID-19 Infection Presenting With STEMI
Authors: Chauhan Rajeev , Prasad Krishna , Vemuri Krishna Santosh , Kumar Rohit Manoj
Published: March 2021

Background:

High altitude is associated with altered cardiovascular, pulmonary, and blood physiology which can lead to various cardiovascular complications. The world is now facing grave pandemic of COVID-19, which has affected all regions of the world including high-altitude regions. Management of COVID-19 infection along with a medical emergency like acute coronary syndrome at high altitude is extremely challenging.

Case Presentation:

We present a 57-year-old paramilitary officer, acclimatized to high altitude who developed sore throat, fever, and cough while he was posted at an altitude of 3,500 m. Evaluation revealed positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for COVID-19; hence, he was managed in isolation ward with symptomatic therapy. During the hospital stay, he developed anterior wall ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) for which he underwent thrombolysis with Tenecteplase. He underwent air evacuation to a tertiary care center located at an altitude of 320 m. Three days later, his repeat RT-PCR was negative. However, he complained of angina at rest; hence, he underwent coronary angiography which revealed significant mid-left anterior descending artery disease for which percutaneous coronary intervention was done successfully. Patient was discharged on optimal medical management, and on follow-up at 1 month he remained asymptomatic.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the deleterious effects of high altitude on cardiovascular system which can get worsened by COVID-19 infection. In patients suffering triple whammy of high-altitude exposure, COVID-19 infection and STEMI, multipronged approach involving timely medical management, rapid evacuation, and necessary intervention can provide optimal clinical outcomes.
A Novel Surgical Technique for Large Frontoencephalocele Management: The Mercy Ships Approach
Authors: Munabi Naikhoba C. O. , Nagengast Eric S. , Parker Gary , Magdum Shaillendra A. , Hamer Mirjam , Chong David K.
Published: March 2021

Background: Large frontoencephaloceles, more common in low and middle-income countries, require complex reconstruction of cerebral herniation, elongated nose, telecanthus, and cephalic frontal bone rotation. Previously described techniques involve multiple osteotomies, often fail to address cephalad brow rotation, and have high complication rates including up to 35% mortality. This study presents a novel, modified, single-staged technique for frontoencephalocele reconstruction performed by Mercy Ships. This technique, which addresses functional and aesthetic concerns with minimal osteotomies, may help improve outcomes in low resources settings. Methods: Retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent frontoencephalocele reconstruction through Mercy Ships using the technique described. Patient data including country, age, gender, associated diagnoses, and prior interventions were reviewed. Intraoperative and post-operative complications were recorded. Results: Eight patients with frontoencephalocele (ages 4-14 years) underwent surgery with the novel technique in 4 countries. Average surgical time was 6.0 ± 0.9 hours. No intraoperative complications occurred. Post-operatively 1 patient experienced lumbar drain dislodgement requiring replacement and a second had early post-operative fall requiring reoperation for hardware replacement. In person follow-up to 2.4 months showed no additional complications. Follow-up via phone at 1 to 2 years post-op revealed all patients who be satisfied with surgical outcomes. Conclusions: Reconstruction of large frontoencephaloceles can be challenging due to the need for functional closure of the defect and craniofacial reconstruction to correct medial hypertelorism, long nose deformity, and cephalad forehead rotation. The novel surgical technique presented in this paper allows for reliable reconstruction of functional and aesthetic needs with simplified incision design, osteotomies, and bandeau manipulation.
Mouse multipotent progenitor 5 cells are located at the interphase between hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
Authors: Sommerkamp Pia , Romero-Mulero Mari Carmen , Narr Andreas , Ladel Luisa , Hustin Lucie , Schönberger Katharina , Renders Simon , Altamura Sandro , Zeisberger Petra , Jäcklein Karin , Klimmeck Daniel , Rodriguez-Fraticelli Alejo , Camargo Fernando D. , Perié Leïla , Trumpp Andreas , Cabezas-Wallscheid Nina
Published: March 2021

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and distinct multipotent progenitor (MPP) populations (MPP1-4) contained within the Lin−Sca-1+c-Kit+ (LSK) compartment have previously been identified using diverse surface-marker panels. Here, we phenotypically define and functionally characterize MPP5 (LSK CD34+CD135−CD48−CD150−). Upon transplantation, MPP5 supports initial emergency myelopoiesis followed by stable contribution to the lymphoid lineage. MPP5, capable of generating MPP1-4 but not HSCs, represents a dynamic and versatile component of the MPP network. To characterize all hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, we performed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis to identify specific transcriptomic landscapes of HSCs and MPP1-5. This was complemented by single-cell RNA-seq analysis of LSK cells to establish the differentiation trajectories from HSCs to MPP1-5. In agreement with functional reconstitution activity, MPP5 is located immediately downstream of HSCs but upstream of the more committed MPP2-4. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the LSK compartment, focusing on the functional and molecular characteristics of the newly defined MPP5 subset.
Phylogeography and population genetic structure of red muntjacs: evidence of enigmatic Himalayan red muntjac from India
Authors: Singh Bhim , Kumar Ajit , Uniyal Virendra Prasad , Gupta Sandeep Kumar
Published: March 2021

Background

Identifying factors shaping population genetic structure across continuous landscapes in the context of biogeographic boundaries for lineage diversification has been a challenging goal. The red muntjacs cover a wide range across multiple vegetation types, making the group an excellent model to study South and Southeast Asian biogeography. Therefore, we analysed mitogenomes and microsatellite loci, confirming the number of red muntjac lineages from India, gaining insights into the evolutionary history and phylogeography of red muntjacs.

Results

Our results indicated the Northwestern population of red muntjac or the Himalayan red muntjac (M. aureus) in India as genetically diverse and well-structured, with significant genetic differentiation implying a low level of gene flow. The phylogenetic, population genetic structure, as well as species delimitation analyses, confirm the presence of the lineage from Western Himalayan in addition to the previously identified red muntjac lineages. Relatively low genetic diversity was observed inM. aureuscompared toM. vaginalis,M. malabaricusandM. muntjak.TheM. aureusandM. vaginalislineages have split during the late Pleistocene, ~ 1.01 million years ago (Mya), makingM. aureusthe youngest lineage; whereas,M. malabaricussplit earlier, ~ 2.2 Mya and appeared as the oldest lineage among red muntjacs.

Conclusions

Pronounced climate fluctuations during the Quaternary period were pivotal in influencing the current spatial distribution of forest-dwelling species’ restriction to Northwestern India. Our finding confirms the distinct Himalayan red muntjac (M. aureus) within the red muntjac group from Northwestern India that should be managed as an Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU). We recommend a reassessment of the conservation status of red muntjacs for effective conservation and management.
Phytohormone and integrated mRNA and miRNA transcriptome analyses and differentiation of male between hermaphroditic floral buds of andromonoecious Diospyros kaki Thunb
Authors: Li Huawei , Wang Liyuan , Mai Yini , Han Weijuan , Suo Yujing , Diao Songfeng , Sun Peng , Fu Jianmin
Published: March 2021

Background

Persimmon (Diospyros kakiThunb.) has various labile sex types, and studying its sex differentiation can improve breeding efficiency. However, studies on sexual regulation patterns in persimmon have focused mainly on monoecy and dioecy, whereas little research has been published on andromonoecy. In order to reveal the sex differentiation regulation mechanism of andromonoecious persimmon, we performed histological and cytological observations, evaluatedOGIandMeGIexpression and conducted phytohormones assays and mRNA and small RNA transcriptome analyses of the male and hermaphroditic floral buds of the andromonoecious persimmon ‘Longyanyeshi 1’.

Results

Stages 2 and 4 were identified as the critical morphological periods for sex differentiation of ‘Longyanyeshi 1’ by histological and cytological observation. At both stages,OGIwas differentially expressed in male and hermaphroditic buds, butMeGIwas not. This was different from their expressions in dioecious and monoecious persimmons. Meantime, the results of phytohormones assays showed that high IAA, ABA, GA3, and JA levels at stage 2 may have promoted male floral bud differentiation. However, high JA levels at stage 4 and high ZT levels at stages 2 and 4 may have promoted hermaphroditic floral bud differentiation. In these phytohormone biosynthesis and signaling pathways, 52 and 54 differential expression genes (includingAux/IAA,ARFs,DELLA,AHP,A-ARR,B-ARR,CYP735A,CRE1,PP2C,JAZ,MYC2,COI1,CTR1,SIMKK,ACO,andMPK6) were identified, respectively. During the development of male floral buds, five metacaspases genes may have been involved in pistil abortion. In addition,MYB,FAR1,bHLH, WRKY,andMADStranscription factors might play important roles in persimmon floral bud sex differentiation. Noteworthy, miR169v_1, miR169e_3, miR319_1, and miR319 were predicted to contribute to phytohormone biosynthesis and signaling pathways and floral organogenesis and may also regulate floral bud sex differentiation.

Conclusion

The present study revealed the differences in morphology and phytohormones content between male and hermaphroditic floral buds of ‘Longyanyeshi 1’ during the process of sex differentiation, and identified a subset of candidate genes and miRNAs putatively associated with its sex differentiation. These findings can provide a foundation for molecular regulatory mechanism researching on andromonoecious persimmon.