bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpersonal Communication, Teamwork Effectiveness, and Organizational Commitment in Pakistani Nurses
Authors: Farooqi Rabia , Ashraf Farzana , Nazeer Iram
Published: January 2021

The current study was focused on identifying how interpersonal communication affects teamwork effectiveness and organizational commitment in nurses. The sample of (N = 150) nurses were recruited through purposive sampling technique from a public hospital of Lahore. To test the study assumptions, Socio- Communicative Orientation Scale (Richmond & McCroskey, 1990), Teamwork Effectiveness Self-Assessment Questionnaire (Sterling & Selesnick, 1988), and Organization Commitment Scale (Allen & Meyer, 1990) were used. Results showed that interpersonal communication was directly proportionate to teamwork effectiveness and all measures of organizational commitment. Whereas, team effectiveness was partially linked with dimensions of organizational commitment. Furthermore, findings showed that organizational commitment (affective commitment and normative commitment) was predicted by measures of interpersonal communication that is assertiveness and responsiveness. Interpersonal communication may play a leading role in developing organization commitment, therefore, efforts should be made to improve and enhance the interpersonal communication skills of nurses in Pakistan.
Gratitude and Forgiveness as Predictors of Subjective Well-Being Among Young
Adults in Pakistan
Authors: Hermaen Hudaa , Hussain Bhutto Zainab
Published: January 2021

The present study was aimed to explore the impact of gratitude and forgiveness in predicting subjective well-being in young adults. The sample for the study included 300 participants between the ages of 18 and 24 years who were conveniently selected from a university in Karachi city. Gratitude Questionnaire (McCullough et al., 2002), Heartland Forgiveness Scale (Thompson et al., 2005) and Flourishing Scale (Diener et al., 2010) were used as the measures to collect data. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed gratitude to be nonsignificant predictor of subjective well-being, whereas, forgiveness was found to be a significant predictor of subjective well-being . Further, weak positive relation of gratitude with subjective well-being (r = .14), and forgiveness with subjective well-being (r = .34) has been found. However, the explanatory power of this model was revealed to be significant (R2 = .12), suggesting that the variables share an important association which needs further extensive study. This study implies that forgiveness and gratitude may be effectively used in psychotherapy and substantially integrated in general counselling for young adult clients.
Adipokine Leptin Co-operates With Mechanosensitive Ca2 +-Channels and Triggers Actomyosin-Mediated Motility of Breast Epithelial Cells
Authors: Acheva Anna , Kärki Tytti , Schaible Niccole , Krishnan Ramaswamy , Tojkander Sari
Published: January 2021

In postmenopausal women, a major risk factor for the development of breast cancer is obesity. In particular, the adipose tissue-derived adipokine leptin has been strongly linked to tumor cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here we show that treatment of normal mammary epithelial cells with leptin induces EMT-like features characterized by higher cellular migration speeds, loss of structural ordering of 3D-mammo spheres, and enhancement of epithelial traction forces. Mechanistically, leptin triggers the phosphorylation of myosin light chain kinase-2 (MLC-2) through the interdependent activity of leptin receptor and Ca2+ channels. These data provide evidence that leptin-activated leptin receptors, in co-operation with mechanosensitive Ca2+ channels, play a role in the development of breast carcinomas through the regulation of actomyosin dynamics.
CircRNAs Dysregulated in Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia: CircMCTP1 Stands Out
Authors: Dal Molin Anna , Hofmans Mattias , Gaffo Enrico , Buratin Alessia , Cavé Hélène , Flotho Christian , de Haas Valerie , Niemeyer Charlotte M. , Stary Jan , Van Vlierberghe Pieter , Philippé Jan , De Moerloose Barbara , te Kronnie Geertruij , Bresolin Silvia , Lammens Tim , Bortoluzzi Stefania
Published: January 2021

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), a rare myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm of early childhood, is characterized by clonal growth of RAS signaling addicted stem cells. JMML subtypes are defined by specific RAS pathway mutations and display distinct gene, microRNA (miRNA) and long non-coding RNA expression profiles. Here we zoom in on circular RNAs (circRNAs), molecules that, when abnormally expressed, may participate in malignant deviation of cellular processes. CirComPara software was used to annotate and quantify circRNAs in RNA-seq data of a “discovery cohort” comprising 19 JMML patients and 3 healthy donors (HD). In an independent set of 12 JMML patients and 6 HD, expression of 27 circRNAs was analyzed by qRT-PCR. CircRNA-miRNA-gene networks were reconstructed using circRNA function prediction and gene expression data. We identified 119 circRNAs dysregulated in JMML and 59 genes showing an imbalance of the circular and linear products. Our data indicated also circRNA expression differences among molecular subgroups of JMML. Validation of a set of deregulated circRNAs in an independent cohort of JMML patients confirmed the down-regulation of circOXNAD1 and circATM, and a marked up-regulation of circLYN, circAFF2, and circMCTP1. A new finding in JMML links up-regulated circMCTP1 with known tumor suppressor miRNAs. This and other predicted interactions with miRNAs connect dysregulated circRNAs to regulatory networks. In conclusion, this study provides insight into the circRNAome of JMML and paves the path to elucidate new molecular disease mechanisms putting forward circMCTP1 up-regulation as a robust example.
Passive Acoustic Monitoring Reveals Spatio-Temporal Distributions of Antarctic and Pygmy Blue Whales Around Central New Zealand
Authors: Warren Victoria E. , Širović Ana , McPherson Craig , Goetz Kimberly T. , Radford Craig A. , Constantine Rochelle
Published: January 2021

Effective management of wild animal populations relies on an understanding of their spatio-temporal distributions. Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is a non-invasive method to investigate the distribution of free-ranging species that reliably produce sound. Critically endangered Antarctic blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia) (ABWs) co-occur with pygmy blue whales (B. m. brevicauda) (PBWs) around New Zealand. Nationally, both are listed as “data deficient” due to difficulties in access and visual sub-species identification. PAM was used to investigate the distributions of blue whalesviasub-species specific song detections in central New Zealand. Propagation models, incorporating ambient noise data, enabled the comparison of detections among recording locations in different marine environments. ABW detections peaked during austral winter and spring, indicating that New Zealand, and the South Taranaki Bight (STB) in particular, is a migratory corridor for ABWs. Some ABW calls were also detected during the breeding season (September and October). PBW calls were highly concentrated in the STB, particularly between March and May, suggesting that an aggregation of PBWs may occur here. Therefore, the STB is of great importance for both sub-species of blue whale. PBW detections were absent from the STB during parts of austral spring, but PBWs were detected at east coast locations during this time. Detection area models were valuable when interpreting and comparing detections among recording locations. The results provide sub-species specific information required for management of critically endangered ABWs and highlight the relative importance of central New Zealand for both sub-species of blue whale.
Room to Breathe: The Impact of Oxygen Rationing on Health Outcomes in SARS-CoV2
Authors: Goyal Daniel K. , Mansab Fatma , Bhatti Sohail
Published: January 2021

As the primary surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) wanes in many countries, it is important to reconsider best practice. More cases, probably the majority of cases, are yet to come. Hopefully, during this next phase, we will have more time, more resources, and more experience from which to affect better outcomes. Here, we examine the compromised oxygen strategy that many nations followed. We explore the evidence related to such strategies and discuss the potential mortality impact of delaying oxygen treatment in COVID-19 pneumonia.
NEAr Transporter (NEAT) Domains: Unique Surface Displayed Heme Chaperones That Enable Gram-Positive Bacteria to Capture Heme-Iron From Hemoglobin
Authors: Ellis-Guardiola Ken , Mahoney Brendan J. , Clubb Robert T.
Published: January 2021

Iron is an important micronutrient that is required by bacteria to proliferate and to cause disease. Many bacterial pathogens forage iron from human hemoglobin (Hb) during infections, which contains this metal within heme (iron–protoporphyrin IX). Several clinically important pathogenic species within the Firmicutes phylum scavenge heme using surface-displayed or secreted NEAr Transporter (NEAT) domains. In this review, we discuss how these versatile proteins function in the Staphylococcus aureus Iron-regulated surface determinant system that scavenges heme-iron from Hb. S. aureus NEAT domains function as either Hb receptors or as heme-binding chaperones. In vitro studies have shown that heme-binding NEAT domains can rapidly exchange heme amongst one another via transiently forming transfer complexes, leading to the interesting hypothesis that they may form a protein-wire within the peptidoglycan layer through which heme flows from the microbial surface to the membrane. In Hb receptors, recent studies have revealed how dedicated heme- and Hb-binding NEAT domains function synergistically to extract Hb’s heme molecules, and how receptor binding to the Hb-haptoglobin complex may block its clearance by macrophages, prolonging microbial access to Hb’s iron. The functions of NEAT domains in other Gram-positive bacteria are also reviewed.
Cortical Tracking of the Speech Envelope in Logopenic Variant Primary Progressive Aphasia
Authors: Dial Heather R. , Gnanateja G. Nike , Tessmer Rachel S. , Gorno-Tempini Maria Luisa , Chandrasekaran Bharath , Henry Maya L.
Published: January 2021

Logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA) is a neurodegenerative language disorder primarily characterized by impaired phonological processing. Sentence repetition and comprehension deficits are observed in lvPPA and linked to impaired phonological working memory, but recent evidence also implicates impaired speech perception. Currently, neural encoding of the speech envelope, which forms the scaffolding for perception, is not clearly understood in lvPPA. We leveraged recent analytical advances in electrophysiology to examine speech envelope encoding in lvPPA. We assessed cortical tracking of the speech envelope and in-task comprehension of two spoken narratives in individuals with lvPPA (n = 10) and age-matched (n = 10) controls. Despite markedly reduced narrative comprehension relative to controls, individuals with lvPPA had increased cortical tracking of the speech envelope in theta oscillations, which track low-level features (e.g., syllables), but not delta oscillations, which track speech units that unfold across a longer time scale (e.g., words, phrases, prosody). This neural signature was highly correlated across narratives. Results indicate an increased reliance on acoustic cues during speech encoding. This may reflect inefficient encoding of bottom-up speech cues, likely as a consequence of dysfunctional temporoparietal cortex.
Gender Brain Structural Differences and Interoception
Authors: Longarzo Mariachiara , Mele Giulia , Alfano Vincenzo , Salvatore Marco , Cavaliere Carlo
Published: January 2021

Interoception, the ability to perceive inner body sensations, has been demonstrated to be different among genders, with a stronger female attention toward interoceptive information. No study correlated this capability with brain differences between males and females. This study aims to detect behavioral variances and structural neuroimaging interoception correlates in a sample of healthy volunteers matched for age. Seventy-three participants (37 females, mean age 43.5; 36 males, mean age 37.4) completed the Self-Awareness Questionnaire (SAQ) for interoceptive sensibility and underwent a structural MRI session. A t test corrected for Bonferroni multiple comparisons was performed to compare brain morphological parameters (cortical thickness and parcel volume) in both groups. A multivariate analysis of variance was performed to assess the effect of gender on scores obtained on the SAQ. A moderation model through multiple linear regression analysis was performed between gray matter volumes or parcels, cortical thickness, and the interoception score. Group analysis showed significant differences in morphometric brain data between males and females, both for cortical and subcortical volumes, but not for cortical thickness analyses. MANOVA underlined a significant difference in SAQ scores between males and females with higher values for the second ones. Moreover, a significant correlation between the interoception scores and gray matter volumes of the two groups has been detected, with a sharp prevalence for the female gender in the left insula with F1, F2, and SAQ interoception scores (R2 = 0.41, p < 0.001). Our results demonstrated that in the female group, a stronger predisposition was found toward interoceptive sensations, and that multiple brain areas were correlated with interoceptive measure. These data sustain a female advantage in the attention toward this process and support the idea that interoception in females is a process more shared across several regions that participate in creating the sense of self.
Changes of Causal Attribution by a Co-actor in Situations of Obvious Causality
Authors: Hayashida Kazuki , Miyawaki Yu , Nishi Yuki , Morioka Shu
Published: January 2021

In social contexts, people are responsible for their actions and outcomes. Diffusion of responsibility is a well-known social phenomenon: people feel less responsible when performing an action with co-actors than when acting alone. In previous studies, co-actors reduced the participant’s responsibility attribution by making the cause of the outcomes ambiguous. Meanwhile, it is unclear whether the presence of co-actors creates diffusion of responsibility even in situations where it is “obvious” that both oneself and the co-actor are the causes of an outcome. To investigate this potential diffusion of responsibility, we used a temporal binding (TB) task as a measure of causal attribution. Low TB effects indicate the enhancement of external attribution (i.e., diffusion of responsibility) in perceptual processing for the action and outcomes. To investigate the influence of presence of a co-actor on causal attribution, participants were required to act under two experimental conditions: an ALONE condition (participant only) or a TOGETHER condition (with a co-actor). The only difference between the two conditions was whether the actions were shared. In addition, to make participants feel responsible, they were induced to feel guilt. In the High-harm condition, participants gave a financial reduction to a third party. When guilt was induced, participants showed lower TB effects in the TOGETHER condition compared to the ALONE condition. Our study suggests that actions with a co-actor change causal attributions even though the causes of the outcome are obvious. This may have implications for understanding diffusion of responsibility in inhumane situations.
Pet Reptiles: A Potential Source of Transmission of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella
Authors: Marin Clara , Lorenzo-Rebenaque Laura , Laso Omar , Villora-Gonzalez José , Vega Santiago
Published: January 2021

Salmonella spp. is widely considered one of the most important zoonotic pathogens worldwide. The close contact between reptiles and their owners provides favourable conditions for the transmission of zoonotic pathogen infections, and ~6% of human salmonellosis cases are acquired after direct or indirect contact with reptiles. Moreover, antimicrobial resistance is one of the most important health threats of the twenty-first century and has been reported in Salmonella strains isolated from pet reptiles, which could entail therapeutic consequences for their owners and breeders. The aim of this study was to assess Salmonella carriage by pet reptiles in pet shops and households, and their role in the transmission of antimicrobial resistance, to inform the owners about the possible risks factors. During the period between January 2019 and December 2019, 54 reptiles from pet shops and 69 reptiles from households were sampled in the Valencian Region (Eastern Spain). Three different sample types were collected from each reptile: oral cavity, skin, and cloacal swabs. Salmonella identification was based on ISO 6579-1:2017 (Annex D), serotyped in accordance with Kauffman-White-Le-Minor technique, and antibiotic susceptibility was assessed according to Decision 2013/652. The results of this study showed that 48% of the pet reptiles examined from households and pet shops carry Salmonella spp. All the strains isolated presented resistance to at least one antibiotic, and 72% were multidrug-resistant strains, the most frequently observed resistance patterns being gentamicin-colistin and gentamicin-colistin-ampicillin. The present study demonstrates that pet reptiles could be a source of human multidrug-resistant Salmonella infection. In this context, the most optimal prevention of multidrug-resistant Salmonella infections necessarily involves strict control of the sanitary status of reptile pet shops and hygienic handling by the individual owners at home.
Characterization of Gelatin Hydrogels Cross-Linked with Microbial Transglutaminase as Engineered Skeletal Muscle Substrates
Authors: Gupta Divya , Santoso Jeffrey W. , McCain Megan L.
Published: January 2021

Engineered in vitro models of skeletal muscle are essential for efficiently screening drug safety and efficacy. However, conventional culture substrates poorly replicate physical features of native muscle and do not support long-term culture, which limits tissue maturity. Micromolded gelatin hydrogels cross-linked with microbial transglutaminase (gelatin-MTG hydrogels) have previously been shown to induce C21C2 myotube alignment and improve culture longevity. However, several properties of gelatin-MTG hydrogels have not been systematically characterized, such as changes in elastic modulus during incubation in culture-like conditions and their ability to support sarcomere maturation. In this study, various gelatin-MTG hydrogels were fabricated and incubated in ambient or culture-like conditions. Elastic modulus, mass, and transmittance were measured over a one- or two-week period. Compared to hydrogels in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or ambient air, hydrogels in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) and 5% CO2 demonstrated the most stable elastic modulus. A subset of gelatin-MTG hydrogels was micromolded and seeded with C2C12 or primary chick myoblasts, which aligned and fused into multinucleated myotubes with relatively mature sarcomeres. These data are important for fabricating gelatin-MTG hydrogels with predictable and stable mechanical properties and highlight their advantages as culture substrates for engineering relatively mature and stable muscle tissues.
A Group Parenting Intervention for Depressed Fathers (LTP + Dads): A Feasibility Study from Pakistan
Authors: Husain Muhammad I. , Chaudhry Imran B. , Khoso Ameer B. , Wan Ming W. , Kiran Tayyeba , Shiri Tinevimbo , Chaudhry Nasim , Mehmood Nasir , Jafri Syed F. , Naeem Farooq , Husain Nusrat
Published: January 2021

Background: Globally, paternal depression is a neglected and under-researched area. Aims: To feasibility test Learning Through Play Plus Dads (LTP+ Dads), a group parenting psychoeducation program adapted for depressed Pakistani fathers of children under 3 years of age. Methods: Fathers with depression were recruited in Karachi, Pakistan, for a pre-post feasibility study. Ten sessions of group LTP+ Dads were offered over three months. Clinical assessments were administered at baseline, three (end of intervention), and six (follow-up) months and included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Brief Disability Questionnaire, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Euro-Qol-5 Dimensions, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, Parenting Stress Index, and Knowledge, Attitude and Practices questionnaire. Results: Of the 78 fathers approached, 34 consented to screening and 18 were eligible to participate. Participants had a mean age of 33 years, with a mean of 3.61 children. Most were unemployed and were from low-income households with low education backgrounds. The intervention was feasible and acceptable based on a recruitment rate of 100% of eligible participants and a 100% attendance rate for five of the 10 sessions. Fathers showed, on average, a reduction in depressive symptoms, an increase in most areas of knowledge, and positive attitudes about child development. Perceived social support, self-esteem, and functioning scores also increased. Conclusions: A low-cost, culturally adapted group intervention was found to be feasible and acceptable. Changes in depression, parenting-related, and other outcomes are promising and inform a future larger trial. Trial Registration: The trial was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov on 9 December 2020 (identifier: NCT04660253).
Effect of the Conductor Positioning on Low-Power Current Transformers: Inputs for the Next IEC 61869-10
Authors: Mingotti Alessandro , Peretto Lorenzo , Tinarelli Roberto
Published: January 2021

Low-power instrument transformers (LPITs) are spreading among the distribution network thanks to their features (e.g., compactness, lightness, enhanced bandwidth, etc.). It is then a fundamental to guide users and manufacturers to a correct usage and manufacturing of the LPITs. Technical committees, which are in charge of writing dedicated standards, often tackle such a task. Focusing on the current type of LPITs, the low-power current transformers (LPCTs), the associated standard is the IEC 61869-10, which is going to be improved in 2021. To this purpose, the work aims at providing new inputs for the future version of such a standard. In particular, the focus is pointed towards the effects of the conductor positioning on the window-type LPCT accuracy. Literature and gained experience in the field are the two pillars that have been used to refine the outcomes of the work, which are provided in terms of suggestions for each technical aspect, as discussed in the standard, related to LPCTs.
Determining the Optimal Location and Number of Voltage Dip Monitoring Devices Using the Binary Bat Algorithm
Authors: Šipoš Mario , Klaić Zvonimir , Nyarko Emmanuel Karlo , Fekete Krešimir
Published: January 2021

Voltage dips represent a significant power quality problem. The main cause of voltage dips and short-term interruptions is an electrical short circuit that occurs in transmission or distribution networks. Faults in the power system are stochastic by nature and the main cause of voltage dips. As faults in the transmission system can affect more customers than faults in the distribution system, to reduce the number of dips, it is not enough to invest in a small part of the transmission or distribution system. Only targeted investment in the whole (or a large part of the) power system will reduce voltage dips. Therefore, monitoring parts of the power system is very important. The ideal solution would be to cover the entire system so that a power quality (PQ) monitor is installed on each bus, but this method is not economically justified. This paper presents an advanced method for determining the optimal location and the optimal number of voltage dip measuring devices. The proposed algorithm uses a monitor reach area matrix created by short-circuit simulations, and the coefficient of the exposed area. Single-phase and three-phase short circuits are simulated in DIgSILENT software on the IEEE 39 bus test system, using international standard IEC 60909. After determining the monitor reach area matrix of all potential monitor positions, the binary bat algorithm with a coefficient of the exposed area of the system bus is used to minimize the proposed objective function, i.e., to determine the optimal location and number of measuring devices. Performance of the binary bat algorithm is compared to the mixed-integer linear programming algorithm solved by using the GNU Linear Programming Kit (GLPK).
Home Energy Management System Embedded with a Multi-Objective Demand Response Optimization Model to Benefit Customers and Operators
Authors: Amer Aya , Shaban Khaled , Gaouda Ahmed , Massoud Ahmed
Published: January 2021

This paper proposes a Home Energy Management System (HEMS) that optimizes the load demand and distributed energy resources. The optimal demand/generation profile is presented while considering utility price signal, customer satisfaction, and distribution transformer condition. The electricity home demand considers electric vehicles (EVs), Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs), and all types of non-shiftable, shiftable, and controllable appliances. Furthermore, PV-based renewable energy resources, EVs, and BESSs are utilized as sources of generated power during specific time intervals. In this model, customers can only perform Demand Response (DR) actions with contracts with utility operators. A multi-objective demand/generation response is proposed to optimize the scheduling of various loads/supplies based on the pricing schemes. The customers’ behavior comfort level and a degradation cost that reflects the distribution transformer Loss-of-Life (LoL) are integrated into the multi-objective optimization problem. Simulation results demonstrate the mutual benefits that the proposed HEMS provides to customers and utility operators by minimizing electricity costs while meeting customer comfort needs and minimizing transformer LoL to enhance operators’ assets. The results show that the electricity operation cost and demand peak are reduced by 31% and 18%, respectively, along with transformer LoL % which is reduced by 28% compared with the case when no DR was applied.
Investigation of Buckwheat Hulls as Additives in the Production of Solid Biomass Fuel from Straw
Authors: Kulokas Mindaugas , Praspaliauskas Marius , Pedišius Nerijus
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to further increase the amount of straw that can be used to produce solid biofuels, as currently only about 130–140 thousand of the 3 million tonnes of straw collected annually in Lithuania are used for solid biofuel production. Therefore, the use of buckwheat hulls as an additive in solid biofuel production was investigated. Mixtures of wheat straw and buckwheat hulls were used for this research, with an increase in buckwheat hulls from 25% to 75% of the total weight of the mixture. Results of the analysis of the chemical composition, moisture, ash, and volatile matter content of the mixtures, as well as their ash properties, were compared with the corresponding results obtained with pure buckwheat hulls, wheat straw, and wood chips. It is observed an increase in all ash melting temperatures by increasing the portion of buckwheat hulls in the mixture. Additionally, the ash shrinkage starting temperature was shown to increase as the total content of buckwheat hulls also increased in the mixture. This increase ranged from 90 °C to 210 °C. Furthermore, the Cl concentration in fuel mixtures and the corrosion risk of equipment are accordingly reduced by using buckwheat hulls, as an addition that does not contain Cl.
Management and Economic Sustainability of the Slovak Industrial Companies with Medium Energy Intensity
Authors: Štefko Róbert , Vašaničová Petra , Jenčová Sylvia , Pachura Aneta
Published: January 2021

Industry 4.0 and related automation and digitization have a significant impact on competition between companies. They have to deal with the lack of financial resources to apply digital solutions in their businesses. In Slovakia, Industry 4.0 plays an important role, especially in the mechanical engineering industry (MEI). This paper aims to identify the groups of financial ratios that can be used to measure the financial performance of the companies operating in the Slovak MEI. From the whole MEI, we selected the 236 largest non-financial corporations whose ranking we obtained according to the amount of generated revenues in 2017. Using factor analysis, from eleven traditional financial ratios, we extracted four independent factors that measure liquidity (equity to liabilities ratio, quick ratio, debt ratio, net working capital to assets ratio, current ratio), profitability (return on sales, return on investments), indebtedness (financial leverage, debt to equity ratio), and activity (assets turnover, current assets turnover) of the company. Our analysis is an essential prerequisite for developing a realistic financial plan for companies operating in the MEI, especially when considering investments in new technologies related to Industry 4.0.
The Role of the PRMT5–SND1 Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wright Tanner , Wang Yalong , Bedford Mark T.
Published: January 2021

Arginine methylation is an essential post-translational modification (PTM) deposited by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) and recognized by Tudor domain-containing proteins. Of the nine mammalian PRMTs, PRMT5 is the primary enzyme responsible for the deposition of symmetric arginine methylation marks in cells. The staphylococcal nuclease and Tudor domain-containing 1 (SND1) effector protein is a key reader of the marks deposited by PRMT5. Both PRMT5 and SND1 are broadly expressed and their deregulation is reported to be associated with a range of disease phenotypes, including cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an example of a cancer type that often displays elevated PRMT5 and SND1 levels, and there is evidence that hyperactivation of this axis is oncogenic. Importantly, this pathway can be tempered with small-molecule inhibitors that target PRMT5, offering a therapeutic node for cancer, such as HCC, that display high PRMT5–SND1 axis activity. Here we summarize the known activities of this writer–reader pair, with a focus on their biological roles in HCC. This will help establish a foundation for treating HCC with PRMT5 inhibitors and also identify potential biomarkers that could predict sensitivity to this type of therapy.
A Momentum-Conserving Scheme for Flow Simulation in 1D Channel with Obstacle and Contraction
Authors: Swastika Putu Veri , Pudjaprasetya Sri Redjeki , Wiryanto Leo Hari , Hadiarti Revi Nurfathhiyah
Published: January 2021

We consider the extension of the momentum conservative staggered-grid (MCS) scheme for flow simulation in channels with varying depth and width. The scheme is formulated using the conservative properties of the Saint-Venant equations. The proposed scheme was successful in handling various steady flows and achieved results that are in complete accordance with the analytical steady solutions. Different choices of boundary conditions have created steady solutions according to the mass and energy conservations. This assessment has served as a validation of the proposed numerical scheme. Further, in a channel with a contraction and a nonuniform bed, we simulate two cases of dam break. The simulation results show a good agreement with existing experimental data. Moreover, our scheme, that uses a quasi-1-dimensional approach, has shown some fair agreement with existing 2-dimensional numerical results. This evaluation demonstrates the merits of the MCS scheme for various flow simulations in channels of varying width and bathymetry, suitable for river flow modeling.
Prevalence of Self-Reported Food Allergies and Their Association with Other Health Conditions among Adults in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Althumiri Nora A. , Basyouni Mada H. , AlMousa Norah , AlJuwaysim Mohammed F. , BinDhim Nasser F. , Alqahtani Saleh A.
Published: January 2021

Food allergies are a potentially life-threatening health issue, and few studies have determined their prevalence throughout Saudi Arabia. The main objective of our study was to estimate the prevalence and distribution of self-reported food allergies, and explore their association with other health conditions among adults in Saudi Arabia. This study was a nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted via phone interviews in June 2020. A proportional quota-sampling technique was used to obtain equal distributions of participants by age and gender across the 13 regions of Saudi Arabia. Self-reported food allergy, height, weight, health conditions, mental health status, and demographic variables were collected. Of the 6239 participants contacted, 4709 (75.48%) participants responded and completed the interview. Furthermore, 50.1% of the participants were female, with a mean age of 36.4 ± 13.5 years (18–90 years). The prevalence of food allergies was 19.7%. The most self-reported food allergies were egg, shellfish and shrimp, and peanuts, with a prevalence of 3.7%, 3.1%, and 3.0%, respectively. There was an association between the presence of food allergies and reported bariatric surgery, asthma, colon disease, and being at risk of depression. Bariatric surgery was significantly associated with lower likelihood of self-reported allergy (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.22–2.34, p = 0.002). This study revealed, for the first time, a high prevalence of self-reported food allergies among adults in Saudi Arabia in a large nationwide sample, and food allergy association with bariatric surgery, asthma, colon disease, and being at risk of depression. This information is valuable for clinicians and policymakers, particularly in terms of food allergen labeling.
Assessment of Saudi Mothers’ Attitudes towards Their Children’s Pain and Its Management
Authors: Alghadeer Sultan M. , Wajid Syed , Babelghaith Salmeen D. , Al-Arifi Mohamed N.
Published: January 2021

Background and objective: Pain is a bothersome issue that is common among newborns and children of all ages. Pain can be managed using various pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological strategies, which can be delivered by healthcare providers or parents. The aim of this study is to assess the attitude of mothers toward their children’s pain and its management. Methods and materials: A descriptive cross-sectional web-based study was conducted using a developed self-reported questionnaire, from March 2018 to April 2018. Participants involved were Arabic-speaking mothers of children aged between 0 and 12. The data collected included pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment methodologies utilized to treat pain and the mothers’ attitude towards pain management. Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 25 was applied to analyze the data, and descriptive statistics were performed. Results: As per the results of this study, the most common site of children’s pain as reported by the mothers was mouth/throat (211; 52.9%), abdomen (199; 49.9%), followed by head (58; 14.5%), and finally, ears (69; 17.3%). The frequency of children’s pain, as stated by the mothers, was less than once a month (196; 49.1%), once in a month (137; 34.3%), and once in a week (48; 12%). The non-pharmacological methods used by mothers at home for the management of their children’s pain were as follows: letting them take rest or sleep (250; 62.6%), feeding them with fluids (228; 57.1%), applying cold packs (161; 40.4%), providing massage therapy (147; 36.8%), using warm packs (141; 35.3%), and taking them to play (119; 29.8%). Conclusion: The misconceptions about pediatric pain management among Saudi mothers that can affect the children’s quality of life are quite noticeable. Implementing educational and awareness programs about the management of child pain could play a major role in making the parents understand the impacts of their misconceptions.
Medical Studies during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Impact of Digital Learning on Medical Students’ Burnout and Mental Health
Authors: Zis Panagiotis , Artemiadis Artemios , Bargiotas Panagiotis , Nteveros Antonios , Hadjigeorgiou Georgios M.
Published: January 2021

Objectives: The aim of this ecological study was to investigate what the impact of digital learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic was on the burnout and overall mental health (MH) of medical students. Background: During the unprecedented era of the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of countries worldwide adopted very strong measures. Universities closed their doors, and education continued through digital learning lectures. Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was administered to all 189 eligible candidates before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health was assessed via the MH domain of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory—Student Survey (MBI-SS). Results: The overall response rate was 81.5%. The overall burnout prevalence did not differ significantly between the two periods (pre-COVID-19 18.1% vs. COVID-19 18.2%). However, the burnout prevalence dropped significantly in year 4 (pre-COVID-19 40.7% vs. COVID-19 16.7%, p = 0.011), whereas it increased significantly in year 6 (pre-COVID-19 27.6% vs. COVID-19 50%, p = 0.01). When looking at each MBI-SS dimension separately, we found that emotional exhaustion decreased significantly in year 4 but increased in year 6, and cynicism increased in all years. The overall MH deteriorated significantly between the two periods (pre-COVID-19 58.8 ± 21.6 vs. COVID-19 48.3 ± 23, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Digital learning in medical studies carries significant risks. Not only does the MH deteriorate, but cynicism levels also increase. Emotional exhaustion was found to increase particularly in final year students, who struggle with the lack of clinical experience just before they start working as qualified junior doctors.
Bivariate Joint Spatial Modeling to Identify Shared Risk Patterns of Hypertension and Diabetes in South Africa: Evidence from WHO SAGE South Africa Wave 2
Authors: Chidumwa Glory , Maposa Innocent , Kowal Paul , Micklesfield Lisa K. , Ware Lisa J.
Published: January 2021

Recent studies have suggested the common co-occurrence of hypertension and diabetes in South Africa. Given that hypertension and diabetes are known to share common socio-demographic, anthropometric and lifestyle risk factors, the aim of this study was to jointly model the shared and disease-specific geographical variation of hypertension and diabetes. The current analysis used the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) South Africa Wave 2 (2014/15) data collected from 2761 participants. Of the 2761 adults (median age = 56 years), 641 (23.2%) had high blood pressure on measurement and 338 (12.3%) reported being diagnosed with diabetes. The shared component has distinct spatial patterns with higher values of odds in the eastern districts of Kwa-Zulu Natal and central Gauteng province. The shared component may represent unmeasured health behavior characteristics or the social determinants of health in our population. Our study further showed how a shared component (latent and unmeasured health behavior characteristics or the social determinants of health) is distributed across South Africa among the older adult population. Further research using similar shared joint models may focus on extending these models for multiple diseases with ecological factors and also incorporating sampling weights in the spatial analyses.
Muscular Strength of Upper and Lower Limbs and Self-Esteem in Chilean SchoolChildren: Independent Associations with Body Composition Indicators
Authors: Bolados Cristian Cofre , Ferrari Gerson , Suárez-Reyes Mónica , Quintiliano Scarpelli Dourado Daiana , Diaz-Peña Helen , Pizarro Tito
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between muscular strength from upper and lower limbs with self-esteem among Chilean schoolchildren, drawing independent associations with body composition indicators. The sample consisted of 1078 schoolchildren. The muscular strength of the upper and lower limbs was evaluated using a digital dynamometer and long jump performance. The general strength index was calculated based on Z-score values. Rosenberg’s test was used to determine the level of self-esteem of participants. Body fat and body mass index were employed as body composition indicators. Boys had significantly more upper and lower strength, and a general strength index higher than girls (11.7 vs. 10.6; 109.7 vs. 97.4; 0.19 vs. −0.24, respectively). For boys and girls combined, there were no significant associations between all muscular strength variables and self-esteem. In boys, upper and lower limb strength was positively associated with self-esteem. In girls, no association between muscular strength and self-esteem was found. In both sexes, the general strength index was not associated with self-esteem. Strategies and programs that promote mental health and muscular strength among schoolchildren, specifically in boys, are needed.
Associations between the Type of Tobacco Products and Suicidal Behaviors: A Nationwide Population-Based Study among Korean Adolescents
Authors: Huh Youn , Cho Hong-Jun
Published: January 2021

The relationships between multiple tobacco products, such as heated tobacco products (HTPs), electronic cigarettes (ECs), and combustible cigarettes (CCs), and suicide-related behaviors among adolescents have not been extensively researched. This study examined the associations between the type of tobacco products used and suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts among Korean adolescents. Data from the 2019 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey were analyzed, and participants included 57,069 individuals aged 13–18 years. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. Of the total participants, 13.0%, 4.0%, and 2.9% reported suicidal thoughts, suicidal plans, and suicidal attempts, respectively. After adjusting for confounding variables, all tobacco product users showed a greater likelihood of having suicidal behavior. However, compared with never users, dual users of CCs and HTPs were not significantly associated with having suicidal thoughts and attempts. Among tobacco product users, dual users of ECs and HTPs and triple users of CCs, ECs, and HTPs showed a greater likelihood of having suicidal behavior. Considering the prevalence of suicide and the increasing trend of using multiple tobacco products among Korean adolescents, tobacco control policies should monitor the effects of different products.
Dietary Salt-Related Determinants of Hypertension in Rural Northern Thailand
Authors: Rusmevichientong Pimbucha , Morales Celina , Castorena Gabriela , Sapbamrer Ratana , Seesen Mathuramat , Siviroj Penprapa
Published: January 2021

Hypertension and its connection to high salt consumption have been observed in the Thai population. This study mainly contributed to the literature to examine the dietary-salt-related determinants associated with the risk of hypertension in rural northern Thailand, which exhibited the highest prevalence of hypertension. A total of 376 adults residing in San Pa Tong District, Chiang Mai province, were face-to-face interviewed using a structured questionnaire assessing dietary-salt-related knowledge, attitudes, consumption, sources, and habits. The subject’s blood pressure (BP) was measured twice before and after the interview. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 130 mmHg or a diastolic BP ≥ 80 mmHg. The dietary-salt-related knowledge, attitude, and habits toward salt reduction were positively correlated; however, knowledge and attitudes were not significantly correlated with consumption. Multivariate logistic regression results indicated subjects who frequently bought ready-to-eat food, ate out, or used bouillon cube/monosodium glutamate (MSG) during food preparation were likely to have hypertension (OR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.36–3.69, p = 0.002). MSG was heavily consumed and used as a flavor enhancer in northern Thai cuisine; however, a few subjects realized it contains sodium due to no salty taste. The deficiency of specific dietary-salt-related knowledge illustrated the need for tailored educational intervention strategies.
Understanding the Variation within a Dietary Guideline Index Score to Identify the Priority Food Group Targets for Improving Diet Quality across Population Subgroups
Authors: Hendrie Gilly A. , Lyle Greg , Mauch Chelsea E. , Haddad Joyce , Golley Rebecca K.
Published: January 2021

Globally, population dietary intakes fall below the guideline recommendations and large-scale interventions have had modest success in improving diet quality. To inform the development of more targeted approaches, this study analysed the variations in self-reported data from an online survey of Australian adults collected between 2015 and 2020, to identify common combinations of low scoring components within a dietary guideline index. A low score was defined as meeting less than half the guideline recommendations (a score <50 out of 100). Among 230,575 adults, a single component analysis showed that 79.5% had a low score for discretionary choices, 72.2% for healthy fats and 70.8% for dairy. The combinations approach showed 83.0% of individuals had two to five low scoring components, with men, younger adults aged 18–30 years and individuals with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) more likely to have five or more. The most common dietary pattern combination included low scores for discretionary choices, dairy and healthy fats. There was a considerable but systematic variation in the low scoring components within the dietary patterns, suggesting that interventions with the flexibility to address particular combinations of key food groups across subgroups could be an effective and resource efficient way to improve diet quality in the population.