bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Discriminatory Attitudes Based on External Signs and Manifestations
Authors: Shamionov R.M.
Published: January 2021

External signs and manifestations of the Other are the most important source of information on the basis of which social and cognitive processes are launched, as a result of which their place in the system of representations of the world is established. Despite the efforts made by the society to eliminate discriminatory attitudes, their number does not decrease. Therefore, the study of the determinants of discriminatory attitudes based on the external manifestations of another does not lose its relevance. The purpose of the study is to identify the role of values and focus on authoritarianism and social dominance in variations of discriminatory attitudes based on external signs and manifestations of Another. The study involved 217 people, average age M = 28.9; SD = 11.2 (men-36%).We used a questionnaire for fixing socio-demographic characteristics, and original scales for evaluating discriminatory attitudes. The expression of values was determined using the Schwartz method (2012). To assess right-wing authoritarianism, which reflects the motivation and attitudes to maintain social cohesion, order, stability, and collective security, a short version of the Dakkit’s questioner developed by D. S. Grigoriev (2017) was used. It is shown that the person’s manifestation that causes the strongest rejection is unusual behavior, as well as emotional manifestations, and the sign of skin color was the least irritating factor. The values of tradition, social security, and reputation contribute to the manifestation of discriminatory attitudes on external grounds, and the values of independence-thoughts, independence-actions, universalism-tolerance, and universalism-concern for nature-undermine them. On the basis of structural modeling, the directions of relations from values to discriminatory attitudes are established directly and indirectly, through an assessment of the rejection of representatives of discriminated groups in various spheres of life and the ideological installation of right-wing authoritarianism.
Provisión de agua potable a las poblaciones sin acceso a redes durante la emergencia por COVID-19: Experiencias en Latinoamérica y el Caribe
Authors: Espinosa Carlos
Published: January 2021

El documento contiene el relevamiento de las soluciones implementadas por treinta entidades de servicios de agua potable y saneamiento de once países de LAC, respecto a soluciones implementadas para dotar de agua potable a poblaciones vulnerables sin acceso a redes y de prácticas para recolección y desecho de aguas residuales domésticas durante la pandemia por COVID-19. El relevamiento además de incluir las soluciones implementadas, relevó las características de la solución, características geográficas de actuación del prestador, tamaño de la población atendida, y los desafíos y lecciones aprendidas que los diferentes prestadores indicaron sobre la implementación de soluciones de provisión del servicio de agua potable a poblaciones vulnerables.
Thermodynamic Features and Design of Solar-Air Source Composite Heating System
Authors: Ni Na
Published: January 2021

Facing the huge energy consumption of buildings, it is highly practical to study every aspect of energy-saving technologies for heating and cooling devices. Solar thermal technology and air/water source heat pump are two popular energy-saving technologies, which could be combined into a composite heating system with good energy-saving effect and efficiency. This paper constructs a solar-air source composite heating system, analyzes its thermodynamic features, and builds up the corresponding thermodynamic model. In addition, the authors modeled the daytime and nighttime heat balances, as well as the monthly cumulative heat supply for the constructed system. Finally, a dual-tank composite heating system was designed with independent heat supply/storage. The proposed models and system were proved valid and scientific through experiments.
60 let študija tehnike v Mariboru
Authors: Prebevšek Pia
Published: January 2021

Publikacija 60 let študija tehnike v Mariboru opisuje razvoj Fakultete za elektrotehniko, računalništvo in informatiko; Fakultete za gradbeništvo, prometno inženirstvo in arhitekturo; Fakultete za kemijo in kemijsko tehnologijo ter Fakultete za strojništvo. Vsebina publikacije nas vodi skozi pregled zgodovine in pomembenjših mejnikov od vpisa prvega študenta do ločitve fakultet oz. ustanovitve štirih novih fakultet. Sledi predstavitev vsake fakultete z nagovorom dekana oz. dekanice in pomembenjšimi dosežki v zadnjih letih. V zadnjem poglavju se publikacija posveča razvoju in opisu delovanja Knjižnice tehniških fakultet.
Teisėjų tarybos sudėtis: reglamentavimo pokyčiai Lietuvoje 1994–2019 metais
Authors: Šinkūnas Haroldas , Driukas Artūras
Published: January 2021

Straipsnyje nagrinėjami Konstitucijos 112 straipsnio 5 dalyje numatytos specialios teisėjų institucijos, kuri šiuo metu galiojančiame Teismų įstatyme įtvirtinta Teisėjų tarybos pavadinimu, sudėties teisinio reguliavimo pokyčiai nuo pat šios institucijos įsteigimo 1994 metais iki paskutiniųjų 2019 metais padarytų pakeitimų. Įgyvendindama Konstitucijoje jai pavestas funkcijas Teisėjų taryba veikia kaip atsvara Respublikos Prezidentui formuojant teisėjų korpusą, o būdama viena svarbiausių teisminės valdžios savivaldos institucijų atlieka labai svarbią misiją saugodama teismų sistemos ir teisėjų nepriklausomumą. Straipsnyje nagrinėjamas esminius Teisėjų tarybos sudėties pokyčius nulėmęs Konstitucinio Teismo 2006 m. gegužės 9 d. nutarimas, kuriame buvo išaiškinta, kad šios institucijos nariais gali būti tik teisėjai. Autoriai pateikia siūlymus, kurie, jų manymu, sudarytų prielaidas gerinti Teisėjų tarybos veiklos veiksmingumą: įtvirtinti draudimą Teisėjų tarybos pirmininku rinkti Lietuvos Aukščiausiojo Teismo ir Lietuvos vyriausiojo administracinio teismo pirmininkus, sumažinti pernelyg didelę aukštesniųjų teismų teisėjų ir teismų pirmininkų įtaką teismų savivaldoje, nustatyti proporcingas visų teismų teisėjų atstovavimo kvotas, visus renkamus Teisėjų tarybos narius rinkti visuotiniame teisėjų susirinkime ir į Teisėjų tarybos sudėtį įtraukti ne tik teisėjus.
Kategoryzowanie świata a model sieciowy z perspektywy badań Beaty Rycielskiej
Authors: Wierzbiński Jarosław
Published: January 2021

Artykuł prezentuje najnowsze opracowanie monograficzne Beaty Rycielskiej pt. Języki słowiańskie w świetle lingwistyki kognitywnej. Studium przypadków, które ukazało się w 2020 r. nakładem cenionego wydawnictwa Księgarnia Akademicka w Krakowie. Badaczka jest dobrze rozpoznawalna w środowisku slawistów. Jej książka ma charakter komparatywny i transdyscyplinarny, ponieważ wyróżnia ją podejście kognitywistyczne, semiotyczne, kulturowe, antropocentryczne i socjologiczne. Monografia przybliża w sposób erudycyjny kwestie związane z kategoryzowaniem świata w kontekście modelu sieciowego Ronalda W. Langackera. Autorka omawia w rosyjsko-polskim zestawieniu afiksy prefiksalne, morfem zwrotny, przyimek w wyrażeniach z biernikiem i z miejscownikiem oraz kategorię celownika w konstrukcjach bezosobowych z czasownikiem zwrotnym. Rozpatruje też wybrane kategorie pojęciowe z uwzględnieniem teorii metafory konceptualnej w oparciu o utwory literackie rosyjskich i polskich twórców oraz ich przekładów. W artykule prezentuję walory naukowe, dydaktyczne i metodologiczne tej wartościowej książki, która w sposób nowatorski przedstawia i systematyzuje wiedzę z zakresu uniwersalnych wartości poznawczych.
Анна Падо, Беседа. Учебный комплекс для изучения русского языка. Издательство: Draco, сс. 130
Authors: Родина Марина
Published: January 2021

В настоящей статье представлена рецензия на учебный комплекс по русскому языку как иностранному на начальном уровне – Беседа (автор – Анна Падо). В частности, рассматриваются основные принципы построения учебного комплекса (коммуникативность, проблемность, модульность) и концепции, отраженные в его содержании. Представленный учебный комплекс предназначен для поляков и является этноориентированным. В учебном комплексе присутствуют языковые и речевые упражнения, учебные и аутентичные тексты, богатый грамматический и лексический материал, иллюстрации.
The Olympic Games and the economic performance of the host city – the case of London 2012 against selected global cities
Authors: Jastrząbek Julia
Published: January 2021

The highly competitive global environment reinforces the trend to seek new investment opportunities that have various impacts on the local economy, and staging the Olympic Games is seen as one such example. The 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London have been widely discussed and investigated due to the very ambitious plans for socioeconomic and infrastructural development prompted by the Olympic legacy framework. Based on these observations, there are two main aims of this article. The first one is to evaluate London’s post-event legacy based on a literature review. The second research goal is to assess London’s economic performance compared with reference groups of global cities by using selected economic indicators. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were applied in this research, such as a critical literature review, a series of figures and tables with economic indicators and descriptive statistics. Based on the literature review and the author’s own elaborations, it can be concluded that the Olympic legacy framework and the Games themselves fostered economic and urban development, especially in East London. However, positive impacts and legacies were intermingled with several adverse effects. In turn, a comparative analysis of economic performance between London as the host city and reference groups of global cities demonstrates that, in the adopted time intervals, the dynamics of changes in applied economic indicators is relatively quite similar in groups of European, North American and Australian cities. In contrast, Asian cities, as one reference group, outperformed London and other global cities for the vast majority of the adopted time span.
COPING MECHANISMS AS MEDIATORS IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERCEIVED STRESS AND PRECAUTIONS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Genc Ana , Pekić Jasmina , Milovanović Ilija
Published: January 2021

The current COVID-19 pandemic represents an accidental crisis of global proportions that requires humanity to adaptively cope with unknown and low-control stressors. This research aimed to explore coping mechanisms by first considering them in the domain of their factor structure and then examining their mediating role in the relationship between stress perception and precautionary measures in the context of a pandemic. The sample included a total of 582 adult respondents from Serbia (75.7% female), with an average age of 38.74 years (SD = 10.48). The Brief COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced) scale was used to measure coping mechanisms, the Perceived Stress Scale was used to assess the perception of the stress level, and the propensity to adhere to the prescribed precautions was examined with a scale constructed for the purpose of this study. The exploratory factor analysis extracted seven coping strategies. The first corresponded to problem-focused confrontation, the second referred to emotion-focused confrontation, three isolated dimensions were associated with avoidance coping strategies, while the functions of Humor and Religion could not be clearly defined. After conducting a higher-order factor analysis, two factors were singled out: the first, which combined problem-focused and emotion-focused coping, Humor, and Religion, and the second, which brought together mechanisms aimed at avoidance coping. The results of the hierarchical regression analysis suggested significant partial mediating effects of coping mechanisms. The first higher-order factor enhanced the effects of stress perception on the practice of precautionary behavior, while the second higher-order factor reduced these effects. The obtained results raise the question of adequacy of the standard coping mechanism measuring instruments in the assessment of stress caused by an accidental crisis and further question the possibility of an adequate response to stressors that are unknown and poorly controllable.
Plasma Extracellular Vesicle Subtypes May be Useful as Potential Biomarkers of Immune Activation in People With HIV
Authors: Bazié Wilfried Wenceslas , Boucher Julien , Vitry Julien , Goyer Benjamin , Routy Jean Pierre , Tremblay Cécile , Trottier Sylvie , Jenabian Mohammad-Ali , Provost Patrick , Alary Michel , Gilbert Caroline
Published: January 2021

Background: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are intercellular messengers with epigenetic potential since they can shuttle microRNA (miRNA). EVs and miRNA play a role in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection immunopathogenesis. Chronic immune activation and systemic inflammation during HIV infection despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) are associated with non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) comorbidities in people living with HIV (PLWH). Analysis of plasma EVs and their miRNA content may be useful as immune activation or inflammatory biomarkers in PLWH receiving ART. In this study, we hypothesized that the number, size, and miRNA of large and small EVs could reflect immune activation associated with an elevated CD8 T-cell count or a low CD4/CD8 ratio in PLWH.Methods: Plasma EVs subtype purified from PLWH and uninfected controls were sized using dynamic light scattering and quantified using flow cytometry and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity. Expression of mature miRNAs miR-92, miR-155, miR-223 was measured by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in EVs and leucocytes.Results: HIV infection induces increased production of small EVs in plasma. EV subtypes were differentially enriched in miR-92, miR-155, and miR-223. Positive correlations between CD8 T-cell count and large EVs abundance and small EVs AChE activity were observed. CD4/CD8 ratio was negatively correlated with small EV AChE activity, and miRNA-155 level per small EV was negatively correlated with CD8 T-cell count.Conclusions: These findings suggest that quantifying large or small EVs and profiling miRNA content per EV might provide new functional biomarkers of immune activation and inflammation.
Prevalence of Low Back Pain in a Sample of Primary School Students
Authors: Miñana-Signes Vicente , Monfort-Pañego Manuel , Bosh-Bivià Antonio Hans , Noll Matias
Published: January 2021

It is well known that low back pain (LBP) prevalence is high during the course of school age children’s lives. However, literature concerning the initial onset of back pain between ages of 3 and 11 years remains scarce. The present study aimed to analyze the prevalence of LBP in kindergarten and primary school students. 278 (9.9±2.1 years old; 52.2% girls) students from two public kindergarten and primary schools in Valencia, Spain participated in this cross-sectional study. The Nordic questionnaire on LBP was used to ask questions related to the duration of LBP symptoms over time. The lifetime prevalence of LBP was 47.5% (n = 132), a last year prevalence of 44.2% (n = 123), and a last week prevalence of 18.8% (n = 50) was reported. Boys and girls reached lifetime prevalence of 52.3% (n = 64) and 47.7% (n = 82) (χ2 = 1.978, p = .099), respectively. By age group, lifetime episodes of LBP also showed a higher prevalence with increasing age (χ2 = 32.637; p < .001). In summary, our findings suggest that LBP increases with age. In addition, our results further strengthen the evidence that LBP onset could start as young as 10-years-old.
The RNAi Mechanism Regulates a New Exonuclease Gene Involved in the Virulence of Mucorales
Authors: Pérez Arques Carlos , Navarro-Mendozo María Isabel , Murcia Laura , Navarro Eusebio , Garre Victoriano , Nicolás MOLINA FRANCISCO ESTEBAN
Published: January 2021

Mucormycosis is a lethal disease caused by Mucorales, which are emerging as human pathogens with virulent behavior. Antifungal resistance and ineffective treatments are two major causes that explain the high mortality for this disease. Consequently, the research community is searching for virulence determinants that could be repurposed as targets to develop new treatments against mucormycosis. Our work explores an RNA interference (RNAi)-based approach to find targets involved in the virulence of Mucorales. A transcriptome-wide analysis compared sRNAs and their target mRNAs in two Mucor lusitanicus different pathotypes, virulent and avirulent, generating a list of 75 loci selected by their differential sRNA accumulation in these strains. As a proof of concept and validity, an experimental approach characterized two loci showing opposite behavior, confirming that RNAi activity causes their differential expression in the two pathotypes. We generated deletion mutants for two loci and a knockin-strain overexpressing for one these loci. Their functional analysis in murine virulence assays identified the gene wex1, a putative DEDDy exonuclease with RNase domains, as an essential factor for virulence. The identification of wex1 showed the potential of our approach to discover virulence factors not only in Mucorales but also in any other fungal model with an active RNAi machinery. But, more importantly, it adds a new layer to the biological processes controlled by RNAi in M. lusitanicus, confirming that the Dicer-dependent RNAi pathway can silence gene expression to promote virulence.
Hormonal Regulation of Oligodendrogenesis I: Effects across the Lifespan
Authors: Long Kimberly , Breton Jocelyn , Barraza Matthew , Litvin Olga , Kaufer Daniela
Published: January 2021

The brain’s capacity to respond to changing environments via hormonal signaling is critical to fine-tuned function. An emerging body of literature highlights a role for myelin plasticity as a prominent type of experience-dependent plasticity in the adult brain. Myelin plasticity is driven by oligodendrocytes (OLs) and their precursor cells (OPCs). OPC differentiation regulates the trajectory of myelin production throughout development, and importantly, OPCs maintain the ability to proliferate and generate new OLs throughout adulthood. The process of oligodendrogenesis (OLgenesis), the creation of new OLs, can be dramatically influenced during early development and in adulthood by internal and environmental conditions such as hormones. Here, we review the current literature describing hormonal regulation of OLgenesis within physiological conditions, focusing on several classes of hormones: steroid, peptide, and thyroid hormones. We discuss hormonal regulation at each stage of OLgenesis and describe mechanisms of action, where known. Overall, the majority of hormones enhance OLgenesis, increasing OPC differentiation and inducing maturation and myelin production in OLs. The mechanisms underlying these processes vary for each hormone but may ultimately converge upon common signaling pathways, mediated by specific receptors expressed across the OL lineage. However, not all of the mechanisms have been fully elucidated, and here, we note the remaining gaps in the literature, including the complex interactions between hormonal systems and with the immune system. In the companion manuscript in this issue [1], we discuss the implications of hormonal regulation of OLgenesis for neurological and psychiatric disorders characterized by white matter loss. Ultimately, a better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of hormonal regulation of OLgenesis across the entire lifespan, especially in vivo, will progress both basic and translational research.
Pemetaan Wilayah Potensi Bencana di Provinsi Sulawesi Tengah Menggunakan Analisis Korespondensi Sederhana
Authors: Kasih Iis Cendrah , Tinungki Georgina Maria , Sirajang Nasrah
Published: January 2021

Disaster cases need to be analyzed considering that when a disaster occurs it will have an extraordinary impact. The statistical method that can be used to study disaster cases is a simple correspondence analysis. This study aims to map areas with the potential for natural disasters in the province of Central Sulawesi. So, in the analysis, regions are grouped according to row profile values that are greater than the average. The result of simple correspondence analysis obtained flood disaster has the potential to occur in Banggai, Morowali, Donggala, Buol, Parigi Moutong, Tojo Una-una, Sigi, and North Morowali. While the dominant tornado disaster occurred in Banggai Kepulauan, Banggai, Poso, Toli-toli, Parigi Moutong and Sigi. For regional landslides with potential Banggai Islands, Donggala, Toli-toli, Parigi Moutong, and Sigi. Then Banggai Islands and the City of Palu are the dominant regions for earthquake disasters. The results of the grouping can be the basis of government and community focus in tackling the dominant disasters occurring in their respective regions so as to minimize the impact when natural disasters occur.
Peramalan Jumlah Penumpang Kapal Laut Menggunakan Metode Fuzzy Runtun Waktu Chen Orde Tinggi
Authors: Adiputra Rizki , Herdiani Erna Tri , Sahriman Sitti
Published: January 2021

The port has become an important part of people's lives. On certain days there is an increase in the number of ship passengers which can slow down operational activities from the port, thus causing a buildup of passengers at the port. therefore, the port must be prepared to deal with the buildup of passengers at the port. Based on this, the researchers made a prediction or forecasting the number of ship passengers at Makassar Soekarno Hatta Port in the coming period to find out how much the estimated number of passengers at Makassar Soekarno Hatta Port. The results of these studies can be input to the PT. Pelabuhan Indonesia IV (Persero ) Makassar if there will be a surge in passengers in the future period. researchers used the fuzzy method of high order chen time series in forecasting or prediction in this study . The researcher divides the data onto training and testing data . The results of the study using fuzzy time series with the best high order chen are that the second order produces MAPE error size of 0,143 , MSE 13470993,9 and MAE of 9478,52 . The result of prediction of testing data onto one period in the future is 52.608.
Model Regresi Data Panel Pada Kasus Infeksi Saluran Pernapasan Akut (ISPA) di Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur
Authors: Jamaludin Indah Magfirrah , Atti Astri , Kleden Maria A.
Published: January 2021

Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is an infectious desease cause by bacteria or viruses that attack the respiratory organs. This research aims to determine the best panel data regression model in the case of the factors that influence the number of patients with ARI in East Nusa Tenggara Province from 2014 to 2018. Response variable used is the number of ARI patients. Independent variables were observed among others, low birth weight, malnutrition, immunization, exclusive breastfeeding, and vitamin A in 22 districts or city in East Nusa Tenggara. The results showed that the Random Effect Models eliminate outlier data on response variable is a model that can describe the influence of independent variables on the number of patients with ARI in East Nusa Tenggara Province from 2014 to 2018. Variables that influence of ARI are malnutrition and exclusive breastfeeding with a coefficient of determination (R) of 9,2%.
Peran Yatim Mandiri Kudus Dalam Meningkatkan Kesejahteraan Janda Miskin Melalui Program Kampung Mandiri Di Desa Cangkring Karanganyar Demak
Authors: Riyadi Fuad , Ramadhanti Firda
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this research is to analyze the role of the Amil Zakat Institution (LAZ) in the economic sector to improve the welfare of poor widowed families, namely through the economic empowerment program of the Kampung Mandiri National Amil Zakat Institute (LAZNAS) Yatim Mandiri, Kudus Branch located in Cangkring B Village, Karanganyar District, Regency. Demak. The results showed that the LAZNAS Yatim Mandiri Kudus Branch program in the formation of the Kampung Mandiri program, namely first, planning the formation of the Kampung Mandiri program in Cangkring B Village Karanganyar Demak to the implementation of the program, with the business being managed is fried onions with the branding "Guemez Onions". Second, the distribution of funds for the Kampung Mandiri program is budgeted at Rp. 128,590,000 for capital and program facilities and infrastructure. Third, monitoring the Kampung Mandiri program. The role of the Kampung Mandiri program for poor widows is first, to provide knowledge of entrepreneurship and Islam. Second, increase entrepreneurial skills. Third, increase income. The role of LAZNAS Yatim Mandiri, Kudus Branch is still not optimal in improving the welfare of poor widow families because the income earned from working wages when the production of fried onions is of little value, and the profits from sales cannot be used directly by widows because they are still collected and stored first. The Kampung Mandiri program has been supported by the existence of village approval, grants for program activities, and business capital from LAZNAS Yatim Mandiri Kudus Branch. Meanwhile, the obstacles experienced are the slow rate of development, the production process is not yet optimal, the lack of cohesiveness of the members of Kampung Mandiri, and the marketing of products that are not optimal.
Las palabras del mal en Actores vestidos de calle (2018) de Luisa Castro
Authors: Rodriguez Lazaro Nuria
Published: January 2021

Este artículo pretende mostrar cómo el mal, lejos de ser un mero elemento temático o semántico en el último poemario de Luisa Castro, Actores vestidos de calle (2018), da cuerpo a la misma estructura poemática al incidir tanto en el marco espacio-temporal como en el sistema enunciativo.
Retorno al trabajo durante la pandemia. La perspectiva bioética
Authors: Álvarez del Río Asunción
Published: January 2021

[no disponible]
New strategy of color and power doppler sonography combined with DMSA in the assessment of acute pyelonephritis in infants
Authors: Chen Min Guang , Yang Yan , Yang Qing , Zhuang Jie Qiu , Ye Xiao Hua , Zheng Wen Jie
Published: January 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of color and power doppler sonography (CPDS) when combined it with 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy (DMSA) in assessment of acute pyelonephritis (APN) in infants. Methods: A total of 79 children with APN admitted to our hospital from June 2016 to Jan 2019 were enrolled, including 52 boys and 27 girls, age range 1 month to 3 years old. All cases followed the diagnostic criteria for acute pyelonephritis and excluded anatomical abnormalities of urinary system. All 79 patients were examined by urinary ultrasonography (US), CPDS, and DMSA within 48 hours of fever and analyzed the clinical value of combining the two methods in the assessment of APN in infants. Results: Among 79 children, urinary ultrasonography revealed 2 cases of renal cortical echo changes, both located in the upper pole of the kidney, 24 cases of kidney enlargement, and 1 case of left kidney shrinkage. 95 kidneys were shown to be diseased with DMSA, while 105 kidneys abnormal by CPDS. The sensitivity of CPDS was 69.4%, and the specificity was 38.1%. In children younger than 6 months, the sensitivity of CPDS was 56.9%, which was 84.2% in childeren between 6 months to 1 year, and 94.4% from 1 to 3 years old, respectively. The corresponding specificity of CPDS was 44.1%, 26.7%, and 35.7%. There was no significant correlation between CPDS levels and DMSA positive results. The abnormal rate of intermediate part in the kidneys was significantly lower than that in the upper and lower poles. Children with abnormal CPDS have a greater risk of renal scarring(p<0.05). Conclusion: The clinical application value of CPDS is not as good as that of DMSA. But the sensitivity of CPDS is highly age-related, it can be used as a non-invasive helpful tool for early diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis in infants older than 6 months old.
Results of a Patient Reported Experience Measure (PREM) to measure the rare disease patients and caregivers experience: A Spanish cross-sectional study
Authors: Mora Mercedes Guilabert , Martínez-García Alba , Sala-González Marina , Solas Olga , Mira José Joaquín
Published: January 2021

Objective. To measure the experience of the person having a rare disease in order to identify objectives for optimal care in the health care received by these patients. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Spain involving patients associated with the Spanish Rare Diseases Federation [Federación Española de Enfermedades Raras] (FEDER). A modified version of the PREM IEXPAC [Instrumento para evaluar la Experiencia del Paciente Crónico] instrument was used (IEXPAC-rare-diseases). Scores ranged between 0 (worst experience) and 10 (best experience).Results. A total of 261 caregivers (in the case of paediatric population) and patients with rare diseases (response rate 54.4%) replied. 232 (88.9%) were adult patients and 29 (11.1%) caregivers of minor patients. Most males, 227 (87%), with an average age of 38 (SD 13.6) years. The mean time since confirmation of diagnosis was 7.8 (SD 8.0) years. The score in this PREM was 3.5 points out to 10 (95%CI 3.2-3.8, SD 2.0). Caregivers of paediatric patients scored higher, except for coordination of social and healthcare services.Conclusions. There are wide and important areas for improvement in the care of patients with rare diseases. This study involves a first assesment of the experience of patients with rare diseases in Spain.
A systematic review of interventions to improve acute hospital care for people with dementia
Authors: Karrer Melanie , Schnelli Angela , Zeller Adelheid , Mayer Hanna
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to provide an overview of interventions targeting hospital care of patients with dementia. We conducted a systematic review, including interventional study designs. We searched five electronic databases, conducted a hand search and performed citation tracking. To assess risk of bias, we used Cochrane Collaboration’s tool, ROBANS and AMSTAR. We narratively summarized the outcomes.The findings of twenty studies indicated a broad range of interventions and outcomes. We categorised the interventions into eight intervention types. Educational programmes were the most reported intervention type and resulted in improved staff outcomes. Family-/person-centred care programmes, use of specially trained nurses and delirium management programmes were effective in improving patient-related outcomes. However, current evidence is insufficient to declare which interventions are effective in improving dementia care in acute hospitals. Future research should focus on relevant patient and family caregiver outcomes and must to consider the complexity of the interventions. Trial registration: PROSPERO: CRD42018111032.
KLF14 Inhibits Renal Mesangial Cell Proliferation by Promoting Btg2 Gene Expression
Authors: Wu Xiaoyuan , Ma Yuxiang , Lian Xiaoying , Lin Shupeng , Shang Shunlai , Bai Xueyuan
Published: January 2021

Krüppel-like factor 14 is one of zinc finger protein family that are closely associated with regulation of transcription, and its function in the kidneys remains unclear. So KLF14-deficient mouse models were established using TALEN. The levels of blood cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and TGs were significantly decreased in KLF14-/- mice. KLF14-/- mice had more obvious mesangial cell proliferation and greater accumulation of extracellular matrix. RNA-Seq showed that these differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in metabolism, proliferation and inflammation pathways. ChIP-Seq was performed to identify KLF14 target genes. Five overlapping KLF14 target genes (Btg2, Socs2, Hdc, Ler2 and Akr1b3) were identified by combined analyses of RNA-Seq and ChIP-SEq. Dual luciferase reporter assay and EMSA confirmed that Btg2 was a target gene of KLF14. EdU assay revealed that KLF14 could inhibit the proliferation of primary renal mesangial cells by promoting Btg2 expression. KLF14 might exert its function in kidneys by regulating metabolism, proliferation, and inflammation signaling pathways. KLF14 inhibited the proliferation of primary RMCs by promoting expression of its target gene Btg2. This study provides a basis for further functional studies of KLF14 in the development of kidney diseases, especially in mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis, metabolic nephropathy and kidney tumors.
Nonvolatile Memristor-Based Reservoir Computing System with Reservoir Controllability
Authors: Jang Yoonho , Kim Ji Hun , Woo Gyung Seok , Lee Hyun Jae , Kim Woohyun , Jeon Jeong Woo , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: January 2021

Recent advances in reservoir computing (RC) using memristors have made it possible to perform complicated timing-related recognition tasks using simple hardware. However, the fixed reservoir dynamics in previous studies have severely limited application fields. In this study, RC was implemented with a reservoir that consisted of a W/HfO2/TiN memristor (M), a capacitor (C), and a resistor (R), in which the reservoir dynamics could be arbitrarily controlled by changing their parameters. After the capability of the RC to identify the static MNIST data set was proven, the system was adopted to recognize the sequential data set [ultrasound (malignancy of lesions) and electrocardiogram (arrhythmia)] that had a significantly different time constant (107 vs. 1 s). The suggested RC system feasibly performed the tasks by simply varying the C and R, while the M remained unvaried. These functionalities demonstrate the high adaptability of the present RC system compared to the previous ones.
Iranian HPV-positive Women's Needs and Preferences in Relation to Receiving Health Services: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Qaderi Kowsar , Geranmayeh Mehrnaz , Farnam Farnaz , Hasani Shahrzad Sheikh , Mirmolaei Seyedeh Tahereh
Published: January 2021

Background: HPV testing is performed in primary care, and in case of abnormal results, the patient is referred to specialized care for follow-up and treatment. Participating in HPV test and receiving an HPV diagnosis can create adverse psychosocial responses. In developing countries that HPV testing recently has been integrated in cervical cancer screening program, to enhance the quality of health services provided to HPV-positive women we need to assess their perceptions. This qualitative study aims to explore HPV-positive women's needs and experiences of receiving health services. Methods: We conducted 40 semi-structured interviews with HPV-positive women. Recorded interviews transcribed and analyzed using conventional content analysis approach.Results: Women sought information on HPV types, transmission, prevalence, and clearance. They also required information about other STIs, potential benefits of HPV vaccine, and the risk of HPV-related cancers. Women with abnormal cytology asked about HPV cofactors for cervical cancer. Participants sought ways to improve immunity and sexual health. HPV-positive women's expectations of health care providers (HCPs) include professional principles, communication and counseling skills and HPV-knowledge. Women prefer that HCPs treat them with non-judgmental attitude and do not ask for HIV/hepatitis tests immediately after HPV-diagnosis. "Precancerous" and "high-risk" words and watching colposcopy monitor during procedure had made women anxious. Weak referral system and limited interactions among gynecologists and other HCPs highlighted by participants.Conclusion: The results of this study, based on the experiences and perceptions of HPV women receiving health care, contain messages to healthcare providers at the primary and specialized levels of care to facilitate patient-provider communication around HPV. These practical tips will improve the quality of care for HPV-positive women.
Evaluation of Clinical Value and Potential Mechanism of MTFR2 in Lung Adenocarcinoma via Bioinformatics
Authors: Chen Cheng , Tang Yang , Qu Wendong , Han Xu , Zuo Jiebin , Cai Qingyong , Xu Gang , Song Yongxiang , Ke Xixian
Published: January 2021

Background: Mitochondrial fission regulator 2 (MTFR2) was involved in the progression and development of various cancers. However, the relationship between MTFR2 with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) had not been reported. Herein, this study analyzed the clinical significance and potential mechanisms of MTFR2 in LUAD via bioinformatics tools.Results: We found that the level of MTFR2 was increased, and correlated with sex, age, smoking history, neoplasm staging, histological subtype and TP53 mutation status in LUAD patients. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed LUAD patients with increased MTFR2 had a poor prognosis. In addition, univariate COX regression analysis showed neoplasm staging, T stage, distant metastasis and MTFR2 level were risk factors for the prognosis of LUAD. A total of 1127 genes were coexpressed with MTFR2, including 840 positive and 208 negative related genes. KEGG and GSEA found that MTFR2 participated in the progression of LUAD by affecting cell cycle, DNA replication, homologous recombination, p53 signaling pathway and other mechanisms. The top 10 coexpressed genes, namely CDK1, CDC20, CCNB1, PLK1, CCNA2, AURKB, CCNB2, BUB1B, MAD2L1 and BUB1 were highly expressed, and were associated with poor prognosis in LUAD. Conclusions: Consequently, we elucidated MTFR2 was a biomarker for diagnosis and poor prognosis in LUAD, and might participate in the progression of LUAD via affecting cell cycle, DNA replication, homologous recombination and p53 signaling pathway.
TREM2 interacts with TDP-43 and mediates microglial neuroprotection against TDP-43-related neurodegeneration
Authors: Xie Manling , Liu Yong , Zhao Shuyi , Zhang Lingxin , Bosco Dale , Pang Yuan-Ping , Sheth Udit , Martens Yuka , Zhao Na , Liu Chia-Chen , Zhuang Yongxian , Wang Liewei , Dickson Dennis , Mattson Mark , Bu Guojun , Wu Long-Jun
Published: January 2021

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell 2 (TREM2) is a surface receptor that, in the central nervous system, is exclusively expressed on microglia. TREM2 variants have been linked to increased risk for neurodegenerative diseases, but the functional effects of microglial TREM2 remain largely unknown. To this end, we investigated TAR-DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43)-related neurodegenerative disease via viral-mediated expression of human TDP-43 protein (hTDP-43) in mice or inducible expression of hTDP43 with defective nuclear localization signals in transgenic mice. We found that TREM2 deficiency impaired microglia phagocytic clearance of pathological TDP-43, and enhanced neuronal damage and motor function impairments. Mass cytometry analysis revealed that hTDP-43 induced a TREM2-dependent subpopulation of microglia with high CD11c expression and higher phagocytic ability. Using mass spectrometry, we further demonstrated an interaction between TDP-43 and TREM2, in vitro and in vivo, in hTDP-43-expressing transgenic mouse brains. We computationally identified the region within hTDP-43 that interacts with TREM2 and observed the potential interaction in ALS patient tissues. Our data reveal the novel interaction between TREM2 and TDP-43, highlighting that TDP-43 is a potential ligand for microglial TREM2 and the interaction mediates neuroprotection of microglial TREM2 in TDP-43-related neurodegeneration.
Resilience and its Associated Factors in Head and Neck Cancer Patients in Pakistan: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zahid Nida , Zahid Wajeeha , Khalid Wardah , Azam Iqbal , Ikram Mubasher , Iftikar Haissan , Bhamani Shireen , Jabbar Adnan , Akhtar Shabbir , Siddiqui Moghira , Awan Mohammad , Asad Nargis , Ahmad Khabir
Published: January 2021

Introduction: The study aimed to assess resilience and its associated factors in head and neck cancer patients, post-treatment in a low middle income country (LMIC), Pakistan. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2019 to May 2020 among head and neck cancer patients aged at least 18 years at the largest private tertiary care hospital, in Karachi, Pakistan. Information regarding resilience was collected through Wagnild and Young’s Resilience scale comprising of 14 items (RS-14). Depression and anxiety were assessed via Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and social support by Enriched Social Support Instrument (ESSI). Results: The data was analyzed by linear regression modeling. Unadjusted and adjusted beta coefficients with 95% CI were reported. Total 250 head and neck cancer patients were recruited, 79% were males. Mean age of the patients was 51.59 years with 93% having high social support and only 8% having severe depression and 3% having severe anxiety. After adjusting for covariates in multivariable analysis lower resilience was associated with severe depression (-17 [-20.98,-12.93]) or borderline depression (-4[-8.41,-0.39]), severe anxiety (-11 [-17.88,-4.18]), low social support (-6 [-9.62,-1.71 ]), family members > 6 in the household (- 2[-4.31,-0.29), smokeless tobacco quitters post- treatment (10 [ 5.79, 14.45]), and those who underwent tracheotomy (-4 [-7.67,-0.21]). There was significant interaction between education and role in the family (decision maker). Conclusion: Resilience and social support is highly prevalent in our part of the world where collectivist culture prevails, thus resulting in low prevalence of depression and anxiety. High resilience score is reported among current smokeless tobacco users as compared to quitters post treatment. Tracheotomy and Large family size are inversely related to resilience. Formal education and decision making power in the household are mediators to resilience, demonstrating protective effect on mental health in head and neck cancer patients. Resilience-building interventions should be formulated to aid head and neck cancer patients to cope with the disease.
The Statistical Approach in Trial-based Economic Evaluations Matters: Get your Statistics Together!
Authors: Mutubuki Elizabeth , Alili Mohamed El , Bosmans Judith , Oosterhuis Teddy , Snoek Frank , Ostelo Raymond Ostelo , Tulder Maurits van , Dongen Johanna van
Published: January 2021

Background: Baseline imbalances, skewed costs, the correlation between costs and effects, and missing data are statistical challenges that are often not adequately accounted for in the analysis of cost-effectiveness data. This study aims to illustrate the impact of accounting for these statistical challenges in trial-based economic evaluations. Methods: Data from two trial-based economic evaluations, the REALISE and HypoAware studies, were used. In total, 14 full cost-effectiveness analyses were performed per study, in which the four statistical challenges in trial-based economic evaluations were taken into account step-by-step. Statistical approaches were compared in terms of the resulting cost and effect differences, ICERs, and probabilities of cost-effectiveness. Results: In the REALISE study and HypoAware study, the ICER ranged from 636,744€/QALY and 90,989€/QALY when ignoring all statistical challenges to -7,502€/QALY and 46,592€/QALY when accounting for all statistical challenges, respectively. The probabilities of the intervention being cost-effective at 0€/ QALY gained were 0.67 and 0.59 when ignoring all statistical challenges, and 0.54 and 0.27 when all of the statistical challenges were taken into account for the REALISE study and HypoAware study, respectively.Conclusions: Not accounting for baseline imbalances, skewed costs, correlated costs and effects, and missing data in trial-based economic evaluations may notably impact results. Therefore, when conducting trial-based economic evaluations, it is important to align the statistical approach with the identified statistical challenges in cost-effectiveness data. To facilitate researchers in handling statistical challenges in trial-based economic evaluations, software code is provided.
Experimental quantification of the impact of heterogeneous mix on thermonuclear burn
Authors: Albright Brian , Murphy Thomas , Douglas M , Cardenas T , Cooley James , Day Thomas , Denissen Nicolas , Stefano Carlos , Gore Robert , Gunderson M , Haack Jeffrey , Haines Brian , Hamilton Christopher , Kim Yongho , Lee M , Oertel J , Olson R , Randolph R , Shah R , Smidt J , Yin Lin
Published: January 2021

In inertial confinement fusion (ICF), deuterium-tritium (DT) fuel is brought to densities and temperatures where fusion ignition occurs. Mix of ablator material into the fuel may prevent ignition by diluting and cooling the fuel. MARBLE experiments at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) provide new insight into how mix affects thermonuclear burn. These experiments use laser-driven capsules containing deuterated plastic foam and tritium gas. Embedded within the foam are voids of known sizes and locations, which control the degree of heterogeneity of the fuel. Initially, the reactants are separated, with tritium concentrated in the voids and deuterium in the foam. During the implosion, mix occurs, leading to DT fusion reactions in the mixed region. Here we show that by measuring ratios of DT and deuterium-deuterium (DD) neutron yields for different macropore sizes and gas compositions, effects of mix heterogeneity on thermonuclear burn may be quantified and understood for the first time.
Dimer-monomer equilibrium of SARS-CoV-2 main protease as affected by small molecule inhibitors: a biophysical investigation
Authors: Silvestrini Lucia , Belhaj Norhan , Comez Lucia , Gerelli Yuri , Lauria Antonino , Libera Valeria , Mariani Paolo , Marzullo Paola , Ortore Maria , Piccionello Antonio Palumbo , Petrillo Caterina , Savini Lucrezia , Paciaroni Alessandro , Spinozzi Francesco
Published: January 2021

The maturation of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which is the etiological agent at the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic, requires a main protease Mpro to cleave the virus-encoded polyproteins. Despite a wealth of experimental information already available, there is wide disagreement about the Mpro monomer-dimer equilibrium dissociation constant. Since the functional unit of Mpro is a homodimer, the detailed knowledge of the thermodynamics of this equilibrium is a key piece of information for possible therapeutic intervention, with small molecules interfering with dimerization being potential broad-spectrum antiviral drug leads. In the present study, we exploit small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) to investigate the structural features of the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro monomer-dimer equilibrium, by revealing the corresponding equilibrium dissociation constant and the associated thermodynamic parameters. SAXS is also used to study how the Mpro dissociation process is affected by small inhibitors selected through combinatorial design. Our results show that a clear picture connecting the ability of inhibitors to disrupt the Mpro dimerization with the loss of catalytic activity cannot be provided, thus highlighting the possible role of allosteric effects for the regulation of Mpro functionality.