bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MMP-9 Knockdown Inhibits Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Lymph Node Metastasis in the Nude Mouse Tongue-Xenografted Model through the RhoC/Src Pathway
Authors: Yin Panpan , Su Ying , Chen Suhong , Wen Jinlin , Gao Feng , Wu Yanlin , Zhang Xinyan
Published: March 2021

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common types of cancers in developing countries. A major contributor to the high mortality rate of OSCC is the tendency of oral cancer cells to metastasize to lymph nodes around the head and neck during the early stages of cancer development. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), an endopeptidase, can degrade the extracellular matrix and basement membrane and plays a key role in tumor invasion and metastasis. In vitro, cell migration ability was conducted by scratching assays. We also investigated the interaction abilities between OSCC cells and vascular endothelial cells (ECs) by an adhesion assay and transendothelial migration assay. And we established a BALB/c nude mouse tongue-xenografted metastasis model to investigate the role of MMP-9 and explore its potential underlying mechanism in OSCC growth, lymph node metastasis, and angiogenesis in vivo. The results showed that knockdown of MMP-9 could significantly suppress OSCC cell migration, proliferation, interactions between endothelial cells, xenografted tumor growth, and angiogenesis and simultaneously markedly inhibited OSCC cell metastasis to mouse lymphonodi cervicales superficiales, axillary lymph nodes, and even distant inguinal lymph nodes. Mechanistic studies revealed that knockdown of MMP-9 also led to a decreased expression of RhoC, Src, and F-actin by RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. And the bioinformatic analysis showed that MMP-9, RhoC, and Src mRNA expression was positively and linearly correlated in OSCC on TCGA database. Together, our findings indicated that MMP-9 plays a very important role in OSCC growth, migration, angiogenesis, and lymph node metastasis, and its potential mechanism may be mediated by RhoC and Src gene expression.
Fabrication of Hybrid Materials Based on Waste Polyethylene/Porous Activated Metakaolinite Nanocomposite as an Efficient Membrane for Heavy Metal Desalination Processes
Authors: Mubarak Mahmoud F. , Zayed Mohamed A. , Nafady Ayman , Shahawy Abeer E. L.
Published: March 2021

Hybrid nanostructure materials derived from activated metakaolinite are of growing importance due to their intriguing structural/functional properties and promising biomedical/environmental applications, especially designing desalination membranes. Herein, we report procedures to design and fabricate membranes based on waste polyethylene/porous activated-metakaolinite thin film nanocomposites (WPE/PAMK-TFN). It has been devoted to improving water desalination processes, where efficient removal of trace level (~250 ppm) of toxic heavy metals such as Cd(II), Pb(II), and Cu(II) ions from synthetic wastewater solutions was highly accomplished. Physicochemical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface analysis (BET), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) have been extensively employed to elucidate the structure/composition of the prepared nanomaterials. The effect of concentration (0–0.5 wt%) of porous activated-metakaolinite (PAMK) on water permeation was investigated. The results obtained revealed that 0.5 wt% of PAMK clay particles produced the highest dispersion, as evident by SEM images of the nanocomposite membranes. Significantly, the constructed membrane showed marked improvements in porosity, hydrophilicity, and hydraulic resistance. Moreover, elemental mapping studies have confirmed the intercalation of activated bentonite clay within the polymer matrix. The obtained results demonstrated that increased flux and rejection capability of membranes occurred at high clay dosage. In contrast, the low rejection capability was observed at either lower pH and higher initial feed concentrations. Ultimately, for 250 ppm of Cd(II), Pb(II), and Cu(II) ions, the constructed membranes showed maximum removal capability of 69.3%, 76.2%, and 82.5% of toxic cations, respectively.
Pharmacokinetic Study of Safrole and Methyl Eugenol after Oral Administration of the Essential Oil Extracts of Asarum in Rats by GC‐MS
Authors: Fan Yuqi , Yang Dongyue , Huang Xuhua , Yao Guangzhe , Wang Wei , Gao Mengyuan , Jia Xiaohua , Ouyang Huizi , Chang Yanxu , He Jun
Published: March 2021

Asarum is a traditional medicine and has been widely used as remedies for inflammatory diseases, toothache, headache, local anesthesia, and aphthous stomatitis in China, Japan, and Korea. Our previous research found that safrole and methyl eugenol were vital compounds that contribute to distinguish the different species and raw Asarum and its processed products apart. The pharmacokinetics of safrole and methyl eugenol after oral administration of Asarum extract has not been reported yet. In this study, a rapid and simple gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) method that has a complete run time of only 4.5 min was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination and pharmacokinetic study of safrole and methyl eugenol in rat plasma after administration of Asarum extracts. The chromatographic separation was realized on a DB‐17 column (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 μm). And detection was carried out under selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. Plasma samples were pretreated by n‐hexane. The pharmacokinetic parameters provided by this study will be beneficial for further developments and clinical applications of Asarum.
Design and Application of Risk Early Warning System for Subway Station Construction Based on Building Information Modeling Real‐Time Model
Authors: Tang Qianlong , Lei Mingfeng , Zhu Binbin , Peng Limin , Wu Weimin , Shi Chenghua
Published: March 2021

The problems faced by subway stations in the construction process are more complex than those by overground buildings. Therefore, the construction risk for such structures is highly unpredictable and the risk management is difficult. Building information modeling (BIM) technology has strong visualization, simulation, and integration characteristics that make it conducive to the development of a risk early warning system for underground engineering. According to the functional requirements of risk early warning for subway stations, a risk early warning system based on a BIM real‐time construction model is designed in this study for a subway station construction. The operation process of the risk early warning system is established through the grey prediction method to propose the operation method of the early warning system. The early warning system is applied to the Xiangjiang New Town Station of Changsha Metro Line 4 in China to verify its feasibility.
Clinical Characteristics of Presenile Cataract: Change over 10 Years in Southern Taiwan
Authors: Yu Hun-Ju , Kuo Ming-Tse , Wu Pei-Chang
Published: March 2021

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics of presenile cataract and compare that to ten years ago in southern Taiwan. Methods. The subjects who received cataract surgeries aged 30 to 54 years were recruited in Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital during September 2015 and August 2016. Patients with uveitis or those who received combined cataract surgeries were excluded. Retrospective chart review was performed in this study. Results. A total number of 2439 cataract surgeries were performed, and 302 (12.38%) eyes were having presenile cataract. Mean age was 47.55 ± 5.64 years old, and mean axial length was 26.00 ± 2.89 mm. Among 302 presenile cataract eyes, the leading cause was high myopia (defined as mean axial length ≥ 26 mm, 47.02%), followed by diabetes mellitus (26.82%). In types of lens opacity analysis, 67.55% of the patients were nuclear sclerosis dominant. Compared to the previous study 10 years ago, the leading cause of presenile cataract changed from idiopathy to high myopia, whereas the lens opacity types changed from posterior subcapsular opacity dominant to nuclear sclerosis dominant. Conclusions. High myopia has become the most important clinical characteristic associated with presenile cataract in a myopia epidemic area, and the most common type of lens opacity was nuclear sclerosis. With the increasing prevalence of high myopia, we should pay more attention to the management of presenile cataracts in high myopes to avoid complications.
Deubiquitinase UCHL1 Maintains Protein Homeostasis through the PSMA7–APEH–Proteasome Axis in High-grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Tangri Apoorva , Lighty Kinzie , Loganathan Jagadish , Mesmar Fahmi , Podicheti Ram , Zhang Chi , Iwanicki Marcin , Drapkin Ronny , Nakshatri Harikrishna , Mitra Sumegha
Published: March 2021

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is characterized by chromosomal instability, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and high metabolic demand that exacerbate misfolded, unfolded, and damaged protein burden resulting in increased proteotoxicity. However, the underlying mechanisms that maintain protein homeostasis to promote HGSOC growth remain poorly understood. This study reports that the neuronal deubiquitinating enzyme, ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1), is overexpressed in HGSOC and maintains protein homeostasis. UCHL1 expression was markedly increased in HGSOC patient tumors and serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (HGSOC precursor lesions). High UCHL1 levels correlated with higher tumor grade and poor patient survival. UCHL1 inhibition reduced HGSOC cell proliferation and invasion, as well as significantly decreased the in vivo metastatic growth of ovarian cancer xenografts. Transcriptional profiling of UCHL1-silenced HGSOC cells revealed downregulation of genes implicated with proteasome activity along with upregulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress–induced genes. Reduced expression of proteasome subunit alpha 7 (PSMA7) and acylaminoacyl peptide hydrolase (APEH), upon silencing of UCHL1, resulted in a significant decrease in proteasome activity, impaired protein degradation, and abrogated HGSOC growth. Furthermore, the accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins in the UCHL1-silenced cells led to attenuation of mTORC1 activity and protein synthesis, and induction of terminal unfolded protein response. Collectively, these results indicate that UCHL1 promotes HGSOC growth by mediating protein homeostasis through the PSMA7–APEH–proteasome axis.

Implications:

This study identifies the novel links in the proteostasis network to target protein homeostasis in HGSOC and recognizes the potential of inhibiting UCHL1 and APEH to sensitize cancer cells to proteotoxic stress in solid tumors.
Dapagliflozin Improves Cardiac Hemodynamics and Mitigates Arrhythmogenesis in Mitral Regurgitation‐Induced Myocardial Dysfunction
Authors: Lin Yu‐Wen , Chen Chin‐Yu , Shih Jhih‐Yuan , Cheng Bor‐Chih , Chang Ching‐Ping , Lin Mao‐Tsun , Ho Chung‐Han , Chen Zhih‐Cherng , Fisch Sudeshna , Chang Wei‐Ting
Published: March 2021

Background

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a major contributor for heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation. Despite the advancement of MR surgeries, an effective medical therapy to mitigate MR progression is lacking. Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, a new class of antidiabetic drugs, has shown measurable benefits in reduction of HF hospitalization and cardiovascular mortality but the mechanism is unclear. We hypothesized that dapagliflozin (DAPA), a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, can improve cardiac hemodynamics in MR‐induced HF.

Methods and Results

Using a novel, mini‐invasive technique, we established a MR model in rats, in which MR induced left heart dilatation and functional decline. Half of the rats were randomized to be administered with DAPA at 10 mg/kg per day for 6 weeks. After evaluation of electrocardiography and echocardiography, hemodynamic studies were performed, followed by postmortem tissue analyses. Results showed that DAPA partially rescued MR‐induced impairment including partial restoration of left ventricular ejection fraction and end‐systolic pressure volume relationship. Despite no significant changes in electrocardiography at rest, rats treated with DAPA exhibited lower inducibility and decreased duration of pacing‐induced atrial fibrillation. DAPA also significantly attenuated cardiac fibrosis, cardiac expression of apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress‐associated proteins.

Conclusions

DAPA was able to suppress cardiac fibrosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress and improve hemodynamics in an MR‐induced HF rat model. The demonstrated DAPA effect on the heart and its association with key molecular contributors in eliciting its cardio‐protective function, provides a plausible point of DAPA as a potential strategy for MR‐induced HF.
Life Support: The Problems of Working for a Living
Authors: Williams Christine L.
Published: March 2021

For most Americans, paid work is their primary means of support. A small percentage of Americans are wealthy enough that they do not need a job, but most people rely on their paychecks for survival. The coronavirus pandemic starkly reveals the limitations of this dependence. In this address, I draw attention to three “problems of working for a living”: lack of access to jobs, poor job quality, and inequality in the workplace. I will argue that addressing these problems is urgently needed to ensure the well-being of all workers. Going even further, I encourage consideration of alternative forms of life support, including expanding the private and the public safety nets, arguing that our existence should not depend exclusively on working for a living.
The Myth of the Latin American Race Monolith: Notes for Future Comparative Research on Racial Inequality in the Americas
Authors: Ayala-McCormick Diego
Published: March 2021

It has become common to compare racial inequality in the United States with a “Latin American” pattern of racial inequality in which egalitarian racial ideologies mask stark socioeconomic inequalities along racial lines. However, relatively few comparative studies exist attempting to analyze variations in degrees of racial inequality in the Americas. To stimulate further research in this area, the following study analyzes census data on racial inequality in unemployment rates, educational attainment, homeownership rates, and income in Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the United States. The results suggest that while Brazil is similar to the United States in displaying large levels of racial inequality in the areas measured, Cuba and Puerto Rico display significantly lower levels of racial inequality and Colombia falls in between, undermining conceptions of a monolithic Latin American racial system.
A solitary giant neurofibroma of inguinal region: A case report
Authors: Zhou Haiying , Lu Hui
Published: March 2021

Neurofibroma is a rare nerve sheath tumor of neuroectodermal origin, especially the huge and isolated neurofibroma located in the inguinal region. To our knowledge, no such case has previously been reported. We report a case of 34-year-old male patient with a 4-year history of progressive enlargement of the medial root mass in his left thigh with sitting and standing disorders along with pain. The tumor was completely removed by operation, and pathological diagnosis showed neurofibroma. There was no obvious neurologic defect after surgery, and no recurrence tendency was found in the follow-up of 2 years. For a large solitary mass with slow growth and no malignant clinical manifestations for a long time, clinicians cannot rule out the hypothetical diagnosis of neurofibroma, even though its growth site is very rare, such as this case of a huge tumor located in the groin. For neurogenic tumors, early operation should be performed, and the prognosis of patients after tumor resection is excellent.
Development of an H-shaped antenna with FR4 for 1–10 GHz wireless communications
Authors: Kannadhasan S , Nagarajan R
Published: March 2021

Wireless networking is now central to modern life, and is anticipated to become ever more pervasive. Therefore, there may be several possible uses for combining lightweight fabric antennas. A flexible fabric is used to increase convenience, and the inclusion of antennas in garments ensures they do not have to be hand-held. Wireless deployment, a single-feed and a dual-frequency H-shaped antenna is presented. The transmitting model is used to build the H-shaped antenna. Varying the dual frequency is achieved with the aid of a capacitive range between 3.85 and 1.88 pF and a Zener diode. The operating frequencies for the cellular implementations of the H-shaped antenna are 2.5–4.5 GHz. The configuration of the antenna is built on an 80 mm × 60 mm dielectric by using FR4 epoxy substrate; the scale of the switch dimension is 0.7 mm × 1.4 mm with relative permittivity of 3.68 and the height of the substratum is 1.6 mm. The patch of the planned structure is supplied by a 50 ohm matching impedance co-axial cable. In this research work the proposed antenna structure gain is 8.2 dBi (86%) for wireless devices. Under the current structure, the high and minimal return losses are from –39.05 to –18.68 dB. The highest and lowest Voltage Standing Wave Ratio values of the proposed structure are 1.78 and 1.02, respectively.
Joy in leadership
Authors: Cho Eun Ah
Published: March 2021

Where is joy in leadership? Where can one find joy in leadership which seems to be most needed in times of crises, conflicts, challenges, and changes? Are joy and leadership even compatible?
“Our One Great Hope”: The Interdependence of the Woman’s Relief Corps and the Grand Army of the Republic
Authors: Chamberlain Adam , Yanus Alixandra B.
Published: March 2021

The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) played a critical role in the lives of many Union veterans after the Civil War. Its efforts were supported by its women’s auxiliary, the Woman’s Relief Corps (WRC). Yet scholars do not know much about the evolution of the relationship between the rising WRC and the slowly declining GAR, whose members were dying away in the early 20th century. Here, we evaluate state-level membership and local group data for both associations to determine the nature of their connection from 1884 to 1924. The evidence reveals that the WRC’s auxiliary role helped sustain the GAR while providing an organizational structure that allowed women to chart an independent course.
A reservoir quality evaluation approach for tight sandstone reservoirs based on the gray correlation algorithm: A case study of the Chang 6 layer in the W area of the as oilfield, Ordos Basin
Authors: Liu Yuyang , Zhang Xiaowei , Shi Junfeng , Guo Wei , Kang Lixia , Yu Rongze , Sun Yuping , Wang Zhelin , Pan Mao
Published: March 2021

As an important type of unconventional hydrocarbon, tight sandstone oil has great present and future resource potential. Reservoir quality evaluation is the basis of tight sandstone oil development. A comprehensive evaluation approach based on the gray correlation algorithm is established to effectively assess tight sandstone reservoir quality. Seven tight sandstone samples from the Chang 6 reservoir in the W area of the AS oilfield in the Ordos Basin are employed. First, the petrological and physical characteristics of the study area reservoir are briefly discussed through thin section observations, electron microscopy analysis, core physical property tests, and whole-rock and clay mineral content experiments. Second, the pore type, throat type and pore and throat combination characteristics are described from casting thin sections and scanning electron microscopy. Third, high-pressure mercury injection and nitrogen adsorption experiments are optimized to evaluate the characteristic parameters of pore throat distribution, micro- and nanopore throat frequency, permeability contribution and volume continuous distribution characteristics to quantitatively characterize the reservoir micro- and nanopores and throats. Then, the effective pore throat frequency specific gravity parameter of movable oil and the irreducible oil pore throat volume specific gravity parameter are introduced and combined with the reservoir physical properties, multipoint Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area, displacement pressure, maximum mercury saturation and mercury withdrawal efficiency parameters as the basic parameters for evaluation of tight sandstone reservoir quality. Finally, the weight coefficient of each parameter is calculated by the gray correlation method, and a reservoir comprehensive evaluation indicator (RCEI) is designed. The results show that the study area is dominated by types II and III tight sandstone reservoirs. In addition, the research method in this paper can be further extended to the evaluation of shale gas and other unconventional reservoirs after appropriate modification.
Friend or foe? A qualitative study exploring the relationship of people with obesity and food consumption
Authors: Broers Valérie JV , De Mol Jan , Van den Broucke Stephan , Luminet Olivier
Published: March 2021

Background:

Obesity is a major health problem worldwide, and one of its causes is unhealthy eating. A healthy diet should ensure that energy intake (calories) is in balance with energy expenditure, but in this paper a subjective experience of healthy eating will be discussed. Research has revealed many determinants of food consumption, but a more holistic view of food consumption is often overlooked.

Aim:

The aim was to go beyond identifying determinants of eating by exploring the experience of (healthy) food for people with obesity.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight patients with obesity.

Results:

Interpretative phenomenological analysis identified four superordinate themes: ambivalence in the emotional relationship with food, an obesogenic environment where it is less acceptable to society to be obese, an experience of unfairness in the relationship to eating in comparison with other people, and the parental role as an existential motivation to eat healthier.

Conclusion:

The relationship of people with obesity and food is highly complex and personal, and is influenced by the uncontrollability of the social and physical environment. These personal experiences of people with obesity should be taken into account in the psychological treatment of obesity. The current research adds to the mostly motivational determinants discovered with social cognition models, by showing the subjective experience of (healthy) food consumption for people with obesity.
Exploring the Link Between Wages and Psychological Capital
Authors: Beck Jason
Published: March 2021

Traditional Mincer-type hedonic wage equations typically fail to account for the effect of psychological capital, in part because such factors are often regarded as unobservable. This article incorporates a measure of psychological capital (specifically, self-esteem) that has been validated in the psychology literature into an otherwise typical hedonic wage model. Then, the sample is divided into race and gender subgroups and estimates are compared. The results suggest that self-esteem does play a role in determining wages for Whites (White men, in particular), but it has no detectable effect on the wages of African-Americans. Data are drawn from the 1979 National Longitudinal Study of Youth.

JEL: D (‘Microeconomics’), J (‘Labor and demographic economics’), J31 (‘Wage levels and structure, wage differentials’)
Projection-specific dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area participated in morphine-induced hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance in male mice
Authors: Sun Guo-Lin , Song Zhi-Jing , Peng Xiao-Han , Chen Pan-Pan , Song Ying , Qin Xia , Hua Rong , Zhang Yong-Mei
Published: March 2021

Background:

Long-term morphine use is associated with serious side effects, such as morphine-induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance. Previous investigations have documented the association between dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and pain. However, whether VTA DA neurons are implicated in morphine-induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance remains elusive.

Methods:

Initially, we observed behavioural effects of lidocaine administration into VTA or ablation of VTA DA neurons on morphine-induced hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance. Subsequently, c-Fos expression in nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell-projecting and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)-projecting VTA DA neurons after chronic morphine treatment was respectively investigated. Afterwards, the effects of chemogenetic manipulation of NAc shell-projecting or mPFC-projecting DA neurons on morphine-induced hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance were observed. Additionally, effects of chemogenetic manipulation of VTA GABA neurons on c-Fos expression in VTA DA neurons were investigated.

Results:

Lidocaine injection into VTA relieved established hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance whereas ablation of VTA DA neurons prevented the development of morphine-induced hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance. Chronic morphine treatment increased c-Fos expression in NAc shell-projecting DA neurons, rather than in mPFC-projecting DA neurons. Chemogenetic manipulation of NAc shell-projecting DA neurons had influence on morphine-induced hyperalgesia and tolerance. However, chemogenetic manipulation of mPFC-projecting DA neurons had no significant effects on morphine-induced hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance. Chemogenetic manipulation of VTA GABA neurons affected the c-Fos expression in VTA DA neurons.

Conclusions:

These findings revealed the involvement of NAc shell-projecting VTA DA neurons in morphine-induced hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance, and may shed new light on the clinical management of morphine-induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance.

Perspective:

This study demonstrated that NAc shell-projecting DA neurons rather than mPFC-projecting DA neurons in the VTA were implicated in morphine-induced hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance. Our findings may pave the way for the discovery of novel therapies for morphine-induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance.
Future Proof and Real-World Ready: The Role of Live Project-Based Learning in Students’ Skill Development
Authors: Rohm Andrew J. , Stefl Matt , Ward Noriko
Published: March 2021

The rapid pace of technological change taking place today makes it even more important for marketing educators to incorporate relevant technical and higher level meta-skills in their digital marketing courses. We review the pedagogical literature on skill development and project-based learning and detail two live course projects designed to help students develop technical skills related to digital marketing in addition to important meta-skills involving creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. We evaluate the impact of the projects through a direct and indirect assessment process. Findings suggest that live project–based learning can support the development of the technical and meta-skills necessary for students to adapt to uncertainty and ambiguity and become future proof and real-world ready as they enter the workforce. We discuss the benefits and challenges associated with moving digital marketing education from conceptual to real-life projects and highlight pedagogical recommendations for educators who want to integrate live project-based learning into their courses.
Nexus between COVID-19 and periodontal disease
Authors: Sukumar Kanchana , Tadepalli Anupama
Published: March 2021

Over the past several decades, studies have demonstrated the existence of bi-directional relationships between periodontal disease and systemic conditions. Periodontitis is a polymicrobial and multifactorial disease involving both host and environmental factors. Tissue destruction is primarily associated with hyperresponsiveness of the host resulting in release of inflammatory mediators. Pro-inflammatory cytokines play a major role in bacterial stimulation and tissue destruction. In addition, these cytokines are thought to underlie the associations between periodontitis and systemic conditions. Current research suggests that increased release of cytokines from host cells, referred to as the cytokine storm, is associated with disease progression in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). An intersection between periodontitis and pulmonary disease is biologically plausible. Hence, we reviewed the evidence linking COVID-19, cytokines, and periodontal disease. Plaque control is essential to prevent exchange of bacteria between the mouth and the lungs, reducing the risk of lung disease. Understanding these associations may help identify individuals at high risk and deliver appropriate care at early stages.
Giant mantle cell lymphoma in the soft tissue of the leg: rare presentation
Authors: Erdem Büşra Erşan , Kiraz Umay , Vural Çiğdem , Atmaca Halil , Eruyar Ahmet Tuğrul
Published: March 2021

Background:

Mantle cell lymphomas are aggressive, mature B-cell neoplasms characteristically showing overexpression of cyclin D1. Although lymphadenopathy is the most common presentation, involvement of extranodal sites including bone marrow, peripheral blood, liver, gastrointestinal system, and Waldeyer ring is also seen frequently. Soft tissue localization is extremely rare. It has blastoid and pleomorphic subtypes associated with aggressive course.

Case description:

We describe a 74-year-old man who had been diagnosed 3 years previously with “mantle cell lymphoma-blastoid type” and presented 3 months ago with a giant mass in the right lower extremity that enlarged rapidly up to 15 cm in a few months.

Conclusion:

We present this rare presentation, which was evaluated in favor of hemangioma before biopsy, together with the data in the literature to emphasize the need for differential diagnosis, especially in cases with a clinical history.
Predicting Coordinated Actuated Traffic Signal Change Times using Long Short-Term Memory Neural Networks
Authors: Eteifa Seifeldeen , Rakha Hesham A. , Eldardiry Hoda
Published: March 2021

Vehicle acceleration and deceleration maneuvers at traffic signals result in significant fuel and energy consumption levels. Green light optimal speed advisory systems require reliable estimates of signal switching times to improve vehicle energy/fuel efficiency. Obtaining these estimates is difficult for actuated signals where the length of each green indication changes to accommodate varying traffic conditions and pedestrian requests. This study details a four-step long short-term memory (LSTM) deep learning based methodology that can be used to provide reasonable switching time estimates from green to red and vice versa while being robust to missing data. The four steps are data gathering, data preparation, machine learning model tuning, and model testing and evaluation. The input to the models includes controller logic, signal timing parameters, time of day, traffic state from detectors, vehicle actuation data, and pedestrian actuation data. The methodology is applied and evaluated on data from an intersection in Northern Virginia. A comparative analysis is conducted between different loss functions including the mean squared error, mean absolute error, and mean relative error used in LSTM and a new loss function that is proposed in this paper. The results show that while the proposed loss function outperforms conventional loss functions in overall absolute error values, the choice of the loss function is dependent on the prediction horizon. Specifically, the proposed loss function is slightly outperformed by the mean relative error for very short prediction horizons (less than 20 s) and the mean squared error for very long prediction horizons (greater than 120 s).
Evaluating the Performance of Wicking Geotextile in Providing Drainage for Flexible Pavements Built over Expansive Soils
Authors: Biswas Nripojyoti , Puppala Anand J. , Khan Md Ashrafuzzaman , Congress Surya Sarat Chandra , Banerjee Aritra , Chakraborty Sayantan
Published: March 2021

The longevity and performance of a pavement section depend on the characteristics of the subgrade soil. A majority of the pavements in North Texas, U.S., are constructed on expansive soils. The deterioration of the pavement performance because of rutting, cracking, and differential heaving is a regular phenomenon in the regions predominantly distributed with expansive soils. The pavements, particularly those built for low-volume traffic conditions, experience distress because of the high swelling and shrinkage characteristics of the underlying problematic soils. Geosynthetics have been traditionally used to improve such poor subgrades because of their many benefits, such as ease of installation, and ample mechanical and hydraulic properties. In the last decade, a newly available wicking geotextile, with a moisture redistribution capacity, has been developed to improve the performance of pavements constructed over expansive and frozen soils. In this study, small-scale laboratory and full-scale field studies were conducted to comprehend the wicking ability of this innovative geotextile in an expansive soil environment. Full-scale test sections were constructed with reclaimed asphalt pavement aggregate and traditional crushed stone aggregates in the base layer near North Texas. Details of the construction and instrumentation procedure are discussed in this paper. A comparative study between the performance of the pavement sections subjected to traffic loads and moisture intrusion was also performed. Furthermore, the rutting life of the sections, estimated using a linear elastic model, was compared and validated using the in situ data. The observations during the initial phase indicated that the wicking geotextile has the potential to improve the long-term pavement performance.
COVID-19 and slowdown of residents’ activity: Feedback from a novel e-learning event and overview of the literature
Authors: Calcagnile Tommaso , Sighinolfi Maria Chiara , Sarchi Luca , Assumma Simone , Filippi Beatrice , Bonfante Giulia , Cassani Alessandra , Spandri Valentina , Turri Filippo , Puliatti Stefano , Bozzini Giorgio , Moschovas Marcio , Bianchi Giampaolo , Micali Salvatore , Rocco Bernardo
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of an e-learning online event, created for supporting resident’s training during the slowdown of surgical and clinical activities caused by COVID-19 pandemic. An overview of PubMed literature depicting the state of the art of urology residency in the COVID-19 era was performed as well, to contextualize the issue.

Methods:

An online learning event for residents was set up at the beginning of the pandemic; the faculty consisted of experts in urology who provided on-line lectures and videos on surgical anatomy, procedures, updates in guidelines, technology, training. The audience was composed of 30–500 attendees from Italy, USA, India and Belgium. A questionnaire to analyze relevance, satisfaction and popularity of the lessons was mailed to 30 local residents.

Results and limitations:

Almost all residents defined the web environment suitable to achieve the learning outcomes; the method, the number and the competence of the faculty were appropriate/excellent. Most of the younger residents (81.8%) stated their surgical knowledge would improve after the course; 72.7% declared they would take advantage into routine inpatients clinical activity. Nineteen more expert residents agreed that the course would improve their surgical knowledge and enhance their practical skills; almost all stated that the initiative would change their outpatients and inpatients practice. Overall, 44 articles available in PubMed have addressed the concern of urological learning and training during the pandemic from different standpoints; four of them considered residents’ general perception towards web-based learning programs.

Conclusions:

The paper confirms residents’ satisfaction with e-learning methods and, to our knowledge, is the first one focusing on a specific event promptly settled up at the beginning of the outbreak. Web-based educational experience developed during the pandemic may represent the very basis for the implementation of prospective on-site training and overall scientific update of future urologists.
Dissection Methods in Abdominoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tran Peter Duy , Tsang Clement Lam , Bezic Ron Paul
Published: March 2021

Abdominoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed worldwide. Despite recent advances in surgical technique, the risk of complications remains high. The advantages of using various dissection devices as a method of flap elevation in abdominoplasty remains unclear. A systematic search was undertaken to identify studies comparing electrocautery dissection with scalpel dissection and plasma-kinetic energy-based dissection methods in abdominoplasty. A meta-analysis was performed using the selected studies. Seven studies were analyzed. These studies included a total of 1143 patients who underwent abdominoplasty using electrocautery (n = 617), steel scalpel (n = 457), or plasma dissection (n = 69). A meta-analysis was conducted, which showed an overall reduction in incidences of seroma, operative time, and length of hospital stay in the scalpel dissection group compared with the electrocautery group. The plasma dissection group showed a reduction in rate of postoperative wound infection and hematoma, as well as a reduction in drain output and length of hospital stay, compared with the electrocautery group. There are few studies comparing outcomes using different dissection techniques in abdominoplasty. These studies are small and heterogeneous in design. However, using plasma-kinetic energy-based devices or scalpel dissection appears to be associated with reduced complication rates, shorter operative time, lower drain volumes, and a reduction in the length of hospital stay.
Ce qu’être propriétaire peut aussi vouloir dire : une étude socio-anthropologique sur le développement d’un rapport oublié aux objets
Authors: Dabadie Isabelle , Robert-Demontrond Philippe
Published: March 2021

En réponse à la crise écologique, de nouveaux modèles socio-économiques se sont développés sur le principe du remplacement de la propriété par l’usage. Leur étude a donné lieu à de nombreux travaux en marketing. La propriété individuelle, supposée connue et dont il s’agit de sortir, y est cependant peu questionnée. C’est l’objectif de cette recherche, qui interroge les significations accordées par les consommateurs au concept de propriété. Grâce à un protocole d’investigation socio-anthropologique et une ethnographie sur des terrains de recherche originaux relevant de pratiques collaboratives autour d’objets variés (logements, bateaux, vêtements), nos résultats révèlent le développement d’un rapport à la propriété en rupture avec le paradigme social dominant. Dans ce paradigme alternatif, remettant en question l’individualisme possessif, le propriétaire apparaît comme un « passeur » d’objets. L’identification de ses attentes ouvre des perspectives managériales et sociétales immédiates pour la construction de nouvelles offres lui permettant de tenir ce rôle.
Critical Care Transport of Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Frakes Michael A. , Richards Jeremy B. , Cocchi Michael N. , Cohen Ari , Cohen Jason E. , Dargin James , Friedman Franklin D. , Kaye Adam S. , Rettig Jordan S. , Seethala Raghu , Wilcox Susan R.
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

Critical care transport is associated with a high rate of adverse events, and the risks and outcomes of transporting critically ill patients during the COVID-19 pandemic have not been previously described.

Materials and Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of transports of subjects with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 from sending hospitals to tertiary care hospitals in Boston. Follow-up data were obtained for patients transported between March 1st and April 20th, 2020.

Results:

Of 254 charts identified, 250 patients were transported. Nine patients (3.5%) had cardiac arrest prior to transport. Twenty-nine (11.6%) had hypotension, 22 (8.8%) had a critical desaturation, and 4 (1.6%) had both en route. Hospital follow-up data were available for 189 patients. Of those intubated during their hospitalization, 44 (25.0%) had died, 59 (33.5%) had been extubated, and 13 (17.6%) had been discharged alive. For the subgroup with prior cardiac arrest, follow-up data available for 6. Of these 6, 2 died and 4 (66.7%) have been discharged alive.

Conclusions:

Few patients with COVID-19 had an adverse event in transport. The in-hospital mortality rate was 25%, with a 33.5% extubation rate. Patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest prior to transport had a 66.7% discharge rate among those transported to consortium hospitals.
Developing a Middle-Range Theory of Heart Failure Self-Care
Authors: Attaallah Sumayya A. , Peters Rosalind M. , Benkert Ramona , Yarandi Hossein , Oliver-McNeil Sandra , Hopp Faith
Published: March 2021

Middle-range nursing theories provide a bridge between the more abstract grand nursing theories, research, and clinical practice. As such, middle-range nursing theories derived from extant nursing theories are critical for developing and advancing both nursing science and practice. This paper describes the strategy used in developing a middle-range theory of heart failure self-care. After integrating theoretical and empirical literature, a hypothetico-deductive approach was used to develop the middle-range theory of heart failure self-care from Orem’s theory of self-care. Theoretical substruction was used to provide a graphic representation of the conceptual-theoretical-empirical structure demonstrating the congruence between the theoretical and operational systems.
A Cross-Sectional Study: Patient Privacy According to Doctors and Nurses
Authors: Demirsoy Nilüfer , Öztürk Hülya , Ergün Acar Nurdan
Published: March 2021

Confidentiality is fundamental in building trust between patients and healthcare professionals. This research aims at presenting healthcare professionals’ opinions on patient privacy, using a 5-point Likert-type scale titled “Opinion of the Healthcare Professionals on Patient Privacy,” and 262 physicians’ and 231 nurses’ opinions were evaluated. Results showed that nurses and doctors working at emergency services got higher mean scores than those working at other units. Results revealed that doctors had the highest mean score for the item “ It is important that the patient’s body is not seen by other patients and professionals during the treatment,” while nurses had the highest mean score for the item “ I approach with due care to protect privacy in the work environment.” Results of this work highlight that patient’s right to privacy constitutes one of the most significant issues to be noted by healthcare professionals.
Privacy: An Elusive Concept
Authors: Florczak Kristine L.
Published: March 2021

The subject of this Research Issues Column is privacy as it applies to healthcare. To that end, the notion of privacy from the perspective of the law is considered, followed by a consideration of its linkage to healthcare. This serves as an introduction to research on opinions of physicians and nurses in Turkey about the nature of privacy for the patients they serve.
Thoughts About Presence During Dying
Authors: Fawcett Jacqueline , Morgan Jennifer
Published: March 2021

This essay is about what nurses can do when patients are at risk of dying alone during a hospitalization. A pilot program, “No One Dies Alone,” is described as the program modifications required by the coronavirus pandemic. The centrality of being present with the dying person is discussed, with emphasis on Parse’s concept of true presence.
Shame: Ethical Considerations During the Pandemic
Authors: Milton Constance L.
Published: March 2021

The concept of shame and shaming has been prevalent in the healthcare literature and on social media platforms during the pandemic. There are innumerable ethical implications for the discipline of nursing to consider as the concept of shaming oneself and others is evident in healthcare situations. Shame is an enduring truth found in the humanbecoming ethos of human dignity. This article begins an analysis and discussion of the straight-thinking implications of shame and shaming others while desiring to honor others with human dignity as they traverse the chaotic healthcare system.
Sexual Violence: A Review and Case Study Utilizing Watson’s Caring Science
Authors: Ali Naheed Feroz , Mansha Rubeka , Carroll Karen
Published: March 2021

The care provided to persons who experience sexual violence is complex and needs to be individualized and account for the person’s expressed needs. Nurses have the potential to facilitate the recovery from such traumatic events. Utilizing Watson’s theory of human caring science, nursing care practices provide an influence through their utilization of artistry with caring-healing processes and attending to the healing environment for people. The authors in this article present a case study enlightening the applicability, implementation, and outcomes of caring for patients with this experience sensitively and holistically.
The Lived Experience of Persons with Terminal Cancer: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kyota Ayumi , Kanda Kiyoko
Published: March 2021

This study aims to elucidate the life and death experiences of patients with terminal cancer. The researchers interviewed 18 terminal cancer patients, for a total 3,118 min. A psychophenomenological approach was used for analysis. Three themes were derived: a new appreciation for the gleam of an ordinary life after experiencing extreme suffering, a desire to at least pass away peacefully when sensing impending death, and a desire to remain useful to loved ones and other suffering patients like them. The novelty of this research derives from its finding that life and death are not in conflict and can lead to hope.
Commentary and Book Review of Middle Range Theories: Application to Nursing Research and Practice (5th Edition) by Sandra J. Peterson and Timothy S. Bredow (2020),
Authors: Butcher Howard K.
Published: March 2021

The author in this article provides a review of Peterson and Bredow’s 5th edition of Middle Range Theories: Application to Nursing Research and Practice. The author also shared some concerns and thoughts about the current status of nursing theory and middle-range theory.
Linking Facebook User Types With Civic Participation: From a Communication Infrastructure Perspective
Authors: Yu Rebecca Ping , Lai Chih-Hui
Published: March 2021

The rise of social media has coincided with the emergence of an expressive citizenship model that emphasizes the role of expression in networked environments centering on personal interests. Yet relatively little is known about how civic participation might develop from daily, general social media use. Drawing on communication infrastructure theory, this study uses two-wave survey data from Taiwan to investigate which types of Facebook users are more likely to become civic action takers and how. Results show that high public expressers—those who manifest higher levels of public expression (e.g., updating status)—have more integrated connectedness to the civic information sharing network, which in turn facilitates civic participation. This pathway to civic participation is relatively open to users with diverse levels of political interest. Overall, these findings help to explain how general social media users become civic action takers, presenting important implications for addressing inequalities in civic participation.