bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: The current state and uncertain future
Authors: Anyigba Claudia A , Awandare Gordon A , Paemka Lily
Published: April 2021

Breast cancer is the commonest cause of global cancer-related deaths in women and a public health burden in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Although the disease incidence in SSA seems lower, mortality rates are disproportionately high in comparison to high-income countries. The global disease burden is growing, with SSA reporting the majority of cases; however, the dearth of information results in insufficient data which is barely representative of the actual disease burden in this population. Future incidence predictions assign the subregion with a majority of the cases and associated deaths. Breast cancer presents with racial and ethnic variations, and available evidence suggests geographical diversity and persistent risk factors that have barely been explored in SSA. Breast cancer is a complex genetic disease, but the genetic risk factors in the extant African population, which is the most genetically diverse population, is scant and of low quality. This review focuses on the burden, prevalence, detection, treatment, survival, biology, as well as risk factors, and reinforces the need for breast cancer-associated risk factor investigation and population-specific studies in SSA.
Stimulating Research to Advance Evidence-Based Applications of Telehealth in Occupational Therapy
Authors: Proffitt Rachel , Cason Jana , Little Lauren , Pickett Kristen A.
Published: April 2021

Occupational therapy focuses on therapeutic means to address participation in meaningful everyday tasks across the lifespan. No single setting is more conducive to this pursuit than individuals’ authentic contexts. Occupational therapists are therefore uniquely suited to lead the charge toward stimulating research and advancing evidence-based application of telehealth. To this end, the American Occupational Therapy Foundation digitally convened their 2020 Planning Grant Collective to focus on the topic of Telehealth. Participants of the interdisciplinary collective collaboratively identified four themes: (1) Using technology to assess and intervene in the everyday context, (2) Partnerships with caregivers, (3) Telehealth delivery, and (4) Uniform data collection. Subgroups explored potential research and funding opportunities in their specialty area while also addressing the centralizing concepts of equity and diversity of telehealth delivery and COVID-19. Here, we provide a summary of the key concepts and recommendations from the 3 days of collaboration.
Locked (Down) and Loaded (Language): Effect of Policy and Speech on COVID-19 Outcomes
Authors: Doerr Alexa J.
Published: May 2021

Just over one year after COVID-19 reached the United States, the number of confirmed cases exceeds 26 million. The Centers for Disease Control has consistently recommended frequent handwashing, avoiding crowds, wearing masks, and staying home as much as possible to prevent the spread of the virus. Additionally, 42 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico issued stay-at-home orders in the spring of 2020. Length of stay-at-home orders varied and states have also diverged on policies that mandate masks in public places. Through the lens of signaling theory and the emotion as social information model, the current research sheds light on how governors' differing policies and communication have influenced COVID-19 behavior and outcomes. Governor press briefings between January 7, 2020, and January 1, 2021, were run through the linguistic inquiry and word count software. Results indicated that states with longer stay-at-home orders and a stronger mask mandate reported fewer COVID-19 cases. Furthermore, negative emotion in governor press briefings was related to fewer cases and this relationship was mediated by individuals spending less time away from home for an extended period (3–6 h). Practical implications and guidance for future public health messaging, including messaging aimed at bolstering vaccination efforts, are discussed.
Psychological Needs Satisfaction, Self-Rated Health and the Mediating Role of Exercise Among Testicular Cancer Survivors
Authors: Petrella Anika R. , Sabiston Catherine M. , Vani Madison F. , Matthew Andrew , Santa Mina Daniel
Published: April 2021

Exploring tenets of basic psychological needs theory, the objective of this study was to examine the association between psychological needs satisfaction, exercise behavior, and physical and mental health among testicular cancer survivors. The present study investigated whether psychological needs satisfaction was directly associated with increased self-rated health, and if this relationship was mediated by engagement in exercise. Testicular cancer survivors ( N = 135; Mage = 32.45; SD = 7.63) self-reported current psychological needs satisfaction, exercise behavior, and perceived global physical and mental health during routine oncology visits. Associations were examined using path analysis. Psychological needs satisfaction was a positive correlate of both self-rated physical and mental health in this sample, and exercise mediated the association between needs satisfaction and self-rated physical health. This study supports the assumptions underpinning basic psychological needs theory in this unique clinical population. Based on the findings, exercise engagement represents one mechanism associated with perceived health after cancer. Supportive care interventions should aim to enhance satisfaction of psychological needs and investigate exercise as a mechanism underpinning the relationship between needs satisfaction and perceived health in testicular cancer survivors.
Analysis and evaluation of temperature field and experiment for magnetorheological fluid testing devices
Authors: Xiong Hao , Luo Yiping , Ji Dongsheng , Ren Hongjuan , Wei Dan , Liu Wentao
Published: April 2021

When a large amount of heat is produced during the operation of a MRF (magnetorheological fluid) testing device, the temperature of the device will increase, which will in turn affect the characteristics of the MRF. Exploring the temperature field characteristics of the MRF yield stress testing device is necessary to improve the accuracy of the device. In this study, first, the yield stress testing device is designed, and then its temperature field model, including enameled wire and assembly gap, is established. Second, simulation software is used to simulate the temperature field change. Finally, a test platform is developed to test the simulation results, especially for two factors, namely, thermal conductivity of the coil winding and assembly gap, which demonstrate considerable influence. Comprehensive thermal conductivity and assembly clearance are determined, and the optimum temperature field of the device for measuring yield stress is resulted.
Dynamic characteristics of Mn-Cu high damping alloy subjected to impact load
Authors: Zhu Rui , Mao Baoquan , Zhao Qijin , Wang Zhiqian , Han Xiaoping , Yang Yuying , Li Hua
Published: April 2021

Mn-Cu high damping alloy is a twin-type damping alloy. Owing to its martensite twin structure at room temperature, it can convert vibration energy into heat energy, thereby reducing vibration. Although essentially a nonlinear elastic material, Mn-Cu damping alloys are treated as linear elastic materials in current engineering practice. However, introducing a constant damping coefficient alone will produce significant errors when modeling vibration reduction characteristics of the material, especially under impact loading. In this study, vibration test was performed on Mn-Cu damping alloy cantilever beam subjected to an impact load and deviation between the test result and the one of existing modeling method was analyzed. A generalized fractional-order Maxwell model was established to describe the nonlinear constitutive relation of the Mn-Cu damping alloy. Then, the model was extended to the three-dimensional state and a secondary development was performed. Finally, various applications for the damping alloy were explored and the effects of the damping alloy on the vibration characteristics of composite cantilever beam structures subjected to impact loads were investigated with the aim of better understanding the dynamic characteristics and improving the effectiveness of vibration reduction applications using Mn-Cu damping alloy in the future.
Cellular senescence at the saphenofemoral junction in patients with healthy, primary varicose and recurrent varicose veins – A pilot study
Authors: Mühlberger Dominic , Zumholz Anne-Katrin , Brenner Erich , Mumme Achim , Stücker Markus , Falkenstein Thomas , Hummel Thomas
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Cellular senescence could play a role in the development of venous disease. Superficial venous reflux at the saphenofemoral junction is a common finding in patients with primary varicose veins. Furthermore, reflux in this essential area is associated with higher clinical stages of the disease and recurrent varicose veins. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to investigate cellular senescence in the immediate area of the saphenofemoral junction in patients with healthy veins, primary varicose veins and additionally in patients with recurrent varicose veins due to a left venous stump.

Methods

We analyzed vein specimens of the great saphenous vein immediately at the saphenofemoral junction. Healthy veins were collected from patients who underwent arterial bypass reconstructions. Samples with superficial venous reflux derived from patients who received high ligation and stripping or redo-surgery at the groin, respectively. Sections were stained for p53, p21, and p16 as markers for cellular senescence and Ki67 as a proliferation marker.

Results

A total of 30 samples were examined (10 healthy, 10 primary varicose, and 10 recurrent varicose veins). We detected 2.10% p53+ nuclei in the healthy vein group, 3.12% in the primary varicose vein group and 1.53% in the recurrent varicose vein group, respectively. These differences were statistically significant ( p = 0.021). In the healthy vein group, we found 0.43% p16+ nuclei. In the primary varicose vein group, we found 0.34% p16+ nuclei, and in the recurrent varicose vein group, we found 0.74% p16+ nuclei. At the p < 0.05 level, the three groups tended to be significant without reaching statistical significance ( p = 0.085). There was no difference in respect of p21 and Ki67.

Conclusion

We found significantly higher expression rates of p53 in primary varicose veins at the saphenofemoral junction than in healthy veins. p16 expression tended to be increased in the recurrent varicose vein group. These preliminary findings indicate that cellular senescence may have an impact in the development of varicose veins or recurrence. Further studies addressing this issue are necessary.
Feeling responsible: Emotion and practical ethics in conflict journalism
Authors: Stupart Richard
Published: May 2021

This article examines the role of emotion in the practices of journalists reporting on conflict and its effects in South Sudan, based on a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews and ethnographic observations of the working routines of journalists from Nairobi, Kampala and Juba. Contrary to perceptions of emotion as an akratic failure to reason in a rational, detached manner, obligations felt to people and situations can be understood as rational, information-bearing guides to action, directing journalists to consider personal ethical norms that may sit in tension with the norms of their professional roles as they understand them. The presence of such feelings in the case of journalists committed to a norm of emotional detachment in their work points to the moral incoherence of norms of detachment in (at least) journalism of this type.
Sex identification of the ashy-throated parrotbill (Paradoxornis alphonsianus): A species heavily hunted for bird fighting in Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Xiong Nanqian , Tang Wei , Mu Tianyu , Dai Chuanyin
Published: May 2021

The ashy-throated parrotbill ( Paradoxornis alphonsianus) is a sexually monomorphic species with high abundance in Southwest China, which has been widely used as a fighting bird across Guizhou Province, leading it to become one of the most coveted and heavily hunted wild birds in the region at present. Information on the sexes is a fundamental requirement for a wide variety of avian studies. From a conservation perspective, knowledge necessary for quick sexing of this species should be important, as the determination of sex contributes to the understanding of which sexes are used for fighting. Our goal was to develop a quick method that can be used to identify sex of the ashy-throated parrotbill in the field. Seven body traits were measured and compared between the sexes among 124 individual ashy-throated parrotbills, with sex determined by molecular techniques. Data revealed that the male is the larger sex, with significantly greater measurements than the female in bill length, wing length, and middle claw length. The univariate discriminant function based on bill length featured the highest identification accuracy (67.7%). The larger body size of males may have evolved by sexual selection, but additional data are needed to test this hypothesis. This study found that male and female ashy-throated parrotbills are divergent in size, although further efforts are required for a discriminant function with more robust accuracy.
Oral drugs in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: García-Alfonso Pilar , Muñoz Martín Andrés Jesús , Ortega Morán Laura , Soto Alsar Javier , Torres Pérez-Solero Gabriela , Blanco Codesido Montserrat , Calvo Ferrandiz Pilar Aitana , Grasso Cicala Silvina
Published: April 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common forms of cancer, with an estimated 1.36 million new cases and almost 700,000 deaths annually. Approximately 21% of patients with CRC have metastatic disease at diagnosis. The objective of this article is to review the literature on the efficacy and safety of oral drugs available for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Several such drugs have been developed, and fluoropyrimidines are the backbone of chemotherapy in this indication. They exert their antitumour activity by disrupting the synthesis and function of DNA and RNA. Oral fluoropyrimidines include prodrugs capecitabine, tegafur, eniluracil/5-fluorouracil, tegafur/uracil, tegafur/gimeracil/oteracil and trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI). Oral drugs offer several advantages over injectable formulations, including convenience, flexibility, avoidance of injection-related adverse events (AEs) and, in some circumstances, lower costs. However, oral drugs may not be suitable for patients with gastrointestinal obstruction or malabsorption, they may result in reduced treatment adherence and should not be co-administered with drugs that interfere with absorption or hepatic metabolism. Oral fluoropyrimidines such as capecitabine, as monotherapy or in combination with oxaliplatin, irinotecan or bevacizumab, are as effective as intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in first-line treatment of mCRC. Other oral fluoropyrimidines, such as FTD/TPI, are effective in patients with mCRC who are refractory, intolerant or ineligible for 5-FU. In addition, oral fluoropyrimidines are used in adjuvant treatment of mCRC. Regorafenib is an oral multikinase inhibitor used in patients in whom several previous lines of therapy have failed. Frequent AEs associated with oral drugs used in the treatment of CRC include hand-foot syndrome and gastrointestinal and haematological toxicities.
Ethnography and Bush Kinder Research: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Speldewinde Christopher , Kilderry Anna , Campbell Coral
Published: May 2021

Bush kindergarten programmes (known as bush kinders), where preschool children learn in, about and with nature, are proliferating in Australian early childhood education. This scoping review reports on, and analyses, the research literature pertaining to how ethnography has been applied to the bush kinder context. We included studies conducted in related contexts, such as forest schools, and other programmes that focus on nature pedagogy, as these contexts assist us to better understand bush kinders. The findings from our literature review illustrate and confirm that empirical research in bush kinder settings is in its early stages. Consequently, bush kinders present opportunities for piloting research methodologies. After a review of the research literature, it was found that ethnography as a research methodology is valuable to understand teacher pedagogy, young children’s learning, the implications of researcher positionality, the context and the place of bush kinders in early childhood education and care.
The Political Meaning of the Hijab Style of Women Candidates
Authors: Ni’mah Zulfatun
Published: May 2021

For several decades, an increasing number of Indonesian women have worn the Islamic headscarf, or hijab. This phenomenon has been the subject of considerable scholarly analysis, with most analysts seeing it as one sign of growing Islamisation in the country. Relatively few studies, however, have considered the extraordinary variation in hijab styles or analysed how they are used in electoral politics. Through a close study of women candidates running for legislative seats in the Cilacap district in Indonesia’s 2019 election, this article analyses the political meaning of the style of hijab chosen by candidates as part of their political imaging. In particular, the article distinguishes between ideological and instrumental uses of the hijab, noting that while some candidates wore particular styles of hijab in order to convey a broad ideological vision about the future of Indonesia, others were far more instrumental in their use, tailoring their hijab style to increase their electoral chances.
Women Who Persist: Pathways to Power in Eastern Indonesia
Authors: Bayo Longgina Novadona
Published: May 2021

In contrast to accounts that explain increases in women’s political representation by reference to structural and institutional factors, this article draws attention to the agency of women candidates. The number of women elected in the Eastern Indonesian province of East Nusa Tenggara ( Nusa Tenggara Timur, NTT) increased markedly in 2019. To explain this increase, this article highlights the remarkable persistence of women candidates, many of whom succeeded in 2019 only after competing in multiple prior elections, slowly building their personal political skills and reputations. The article also draws attention to the effects of positive female role models – showing how a female candidate in a gubernatorial race inspired other women politicians – and the positive effects that can arise from co-operation among women candidates. It shows that, despite the emphasis on male dominance and dynastic power in much of the literature on Indonesian politics, there are still pathways to power for women with origins in the grassroots.
Nobiletin Inhibits Cell Growth, Migration and Invasion, and Enhances the Anti-Cancer Effect of Gemcitabine on Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Ren Xiang , Ma Yuran , Wang Xiao , Xu Xuetao , Wu Panpan , Liu Wenfeng , Zhang Kun , Goodin Susan , Li Dongli , Zheng Xi
Published: April 2021

Natural products are very promising adjuvants with a variety of biological activities. Nobiletin, a citrus polymethoxyflavone, has been shown to exert an anticancer effect in various cell lines. In this study, we investigated the effects of nobiletin on cell viability, sphere formation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells, and the underlying mechanisms. Our results demonstrate that nobiletin significantly inhibited PANC-1 cell migration and invasion, and these effects were associated with downregulation of MMP-2. We also found that nobiletin, in a low concentration, exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on sphere formation. The potential molecular mechanisms were related to significant downregulation of p-mTOR and p-STAT3. Furthermore, we found that nobiletin combined with gemcitabine synergistically inhibited PANC-1 cell viability and sphere formation. The underlying mechanisms of the synergistic inhibition on growth were associated with decreases in p-STAT3 expression. Overall, our results suggest that nobiletin may be a promising candidate for pancreatic cancer adjuvant treatment.
New York Restaurants: A Wine Odyssey Between 1865 and 1920
Authors: Masset Philippe , Weisskopf Jean-Philippe
Published: May 2021

We examine the existence of wine in New York City restaurant menus over the period 1865 to 1920 for a sample of 850,000 restaurant menu items and 51,000 wines. Wine was already commonly present on menus in 1865, and its offering increased up until 1914 before dropping with the outbreak of First World War (WWI). Casual restaurants offered a narrower wine selection. Special menus displayed a significantly higher probability of containing wine but with a more limited choice indicating that wine was especially appreciated on special occasions. French wines, especially from Bordeaux and Champagne, were the most represented on menus followed by wines from Germany. The average selling price of a bottle of wine was around US$40 in 2018 terms. Prices, however, fluctuated widely over time and wine type. Notably, American wines were about 50% less expensive than French or German wines.
Early Maximal Strength Training Improves Leg Strength and Postural Stability in Elderly Following Hip Fracture Surgery
Authors: Berg Ole Kristian , Stutzer Jens-Meinhard , Hoff Jan , Wang Eivind
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Hip fractures predominantly occur in the geriatric population and results in increased physical inactivity and reduced independency, largely influenced by a downward spiral of ambulatory capacity, related to loss of skeletal muscle strength and postural stability. Thus, effective postoperative treatment, targeting improvements in muscle strength, is sought after.

Materials & Methods:

Twenty-one hip fracture patients (>65 yr) were randomized to 8 weeks of either conventional physiotherapy control group (CG), or leg press and hip abduction maximal strength training (MST) 3 times per week. MST was performed applying heavy loads (85-90% of 1 repetition maximum; 1RM) and 4-5 repetitions in 4 sets. Maximal strength (bi- and unilateral 1RM), postural stability (unipedal stance test; UPS), and DEXA-scan bone mineral content/ density (BMC/BMD) were measured before and after the 8-week rehabilitation.

Results:

Both MST and conventional physiotherapy improved bilateral leg press 1RM by 41 ± 27 kg and 29 ± 17 kg, respectively (both p < 0.01), while unilateral leg press 1RM only increased after MST (within group and between groups difference: both p < 0.05). MST also resulted in an increase in abduction 1RM in both the fractured (5 kg, 95%CI: 2-7; p < 0.01) and healthy limb (6 kg, 95%CI: 3-9; p < 0.01), while no such improvement was apparent in the CG (between groups difference: p < 0.01). Finally, MST improved UPS of the fractured limb (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in BMC or BMD following the 8 weeks.

Discussion:

Early postoperative MST improved lower extremities maximal muscle strength more than conventional physiotherapy and was accompanied by improvements in postural stability.

Conclusion:

Implementing MST in early rehabilitation after hip fracture surgery should be considered as a relevant treatment to curtail the downward spiral of reduced ambulatory capacity typical for this patient group, possibly reducing the risk of recuring falls and excess mortality.

Trial Registration:

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03030092
Reproductive Healthcare Beliefs and Behaviours Among Displaced Tribal Communities in Odisha and Chhattisgarh: An Analysis Using Health Belief Model
Authors: Sahoo Madhulika , Pradhan Jalandhar
Published: April 2021

The modern healthcare system often experiences difficulties in understanding and providing care to indigenous communities. This is mainly because of the cultural distance between mainstream healing methods and indigenous health belief systems. The Lancet series (2006) on indigenous health discussed the integration of Western and traditional health practices and identified the importance of this integration for betterment of the human world. To understand what health and health care signify to tribal communities in India, it is necessary to examine the whole social system and the beliefs and behaviours related to their culture that provides meaning to people. This study examines the traditional medicinal practices and socio-cultural healthcare beliefs and behaviours of diplaced tribal communities in Odisha and Chattisgarh. The current study has used the health belief model (HBM) to examine the perceived susceptibility and severity of diseases among tribal communities, pertaining to their reproductive healthcare beliefs and practices.
Pituitary Sarcoidosis in a Pediatric Patient Successfully Treated With Adalimumab and Methotrexate
Authors: Villacis-Nunez D. Sofia , Thakral Amit
Published: April 2021

Neurosarcoidosis is a rare phenomenon in the pediatric population, with only a few cases reported in the literature worldwide. While hypothalamo-pituitary involvement is known to occur, direct infiltration of the pituitary gland and isolated anterior pituitary dysfunction without diabetes insipidus is seldom observed. A high index of suspicion is required for diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis, and treatment can be challenging due to lack of standardized guidelines. We present the case of a 17-year-old female with known sarcoidosis of the lacrimal glands, who developed severe headache and neurologic symptoms secondary to granulomatous infiltration of the pituitary gland and infundibulum due to neurosarcoidosis. She was successfully treated with corticosteroids, methotrexate, and adalimumab, with complete radiologic resolution. This is the first documented pediatric case of neurosarcoidosis with radiologic granulomatous infiltration of the pituitary gland, manifesting as partial anterior hypopituitarism, in the form of central hypothyroidism, without diabetes insipidus.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae: An Unexpected Cause of Polyarthritis and Meningitis
Authors: Mathew Reshmi , Chahin Michael , Isache Carmen
Published: April 2021

Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a gram-negative coccus, is a major cause of morbidity among sexually active individuals. Hematogenous spread of N gonorrhoeae from the initial site of infection is thought to occur in only 0.5% to 3% of infected patients. Disseminated gonococcal infections can rarely lead to serious sequelae, such as endocarditis or meningitis. In this article, we present a case that demonstrates a rare finding of disseminated gonococcal infection leading to N gonorrhoeae meningitis, complicated by hydrocephalus. The patient in this case initially presented with intermittent polyarthralgias for two years and later developed a rash. Cultures from blood and joint aspirate were negative. Urine nucleic acid amplification test for N gonorrhoeae was also negative. He was initially started on steroids for what was believed at first to be an autoimmune polyarthritis. The patient later developed acute encephalopathy. Head imaging revealed hydrocephalus. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was consistent with bacterial meningitis. Blood, joint, and mucosal membrane studies failed to isolate the causative organism, but his cerebrospinal fluid grew N gonorrhoeae. He was treated with high-dose intravenous ceftriaxone for two weeks with rapid improvement in his mental status and resolution of his joint pains and rash.
High Ripple-Density Resolution for Discriminating Between Rippled and Nonrippled Signals: Effect of Temporal Processing or Combination Products?
Authors: Nechaev Dmitry I. , Milekhina Olga N. , Tomozova Marina S. , Supin Alexander Y.
Published: April 2021

The goal of the study was to investigate the role of combination products in the higher ripple-density resolution estimates obtained by discrimination between a spectrally rippled and a nonrippled noise signal than that obtained by discrimination between two rippled signals. To attain this goal, a noise band was used to mask the frequency band of expected low-frequency combination products. A three-alternative forced-choice procedure with adaptive ripple-density variation was used. The mean background (unmasked) ripple-density resolution was 9.8 ripples/oct for rippled reference signals and 21.8 ripples/oct for nonrippled reference signals. Low-frequency maskers reduced the ripple-density resolution. For masker levels from −10 to 10 dB re. signal, the ripple-density resolution for nonrippled reference signals was approximately twice as high as that for rippled reference signals. At a masker level as high as 20 dB re. signal, the ripple-density resolution decreased in both discrimination tasks. This result leads to the conclusion that low-frequency combination products are not responsible for the task-dependent difference in ripple-density resolution estimates.
The relative importance of various job resources for work engagement: A concurrent and follow-up dominance analysis
Authors: Hakanen Jari J , Bakker Arnold B , Turunen Jarno
Published: April 2021

Job resources are known to be key drivers of work engagement, but surprisingly, little is known about the relative importance of specific job resources in comparison to one another. We investigated the relative importance of eight job resources both cross-sectionally and over a 3-year time period. We hypothesized that job resources at the task level are “universally” important and contribute relatively more to work engagement than other types of job resources. We employed dominance analyses to a large cross-sectional data set ( N = 11,468 from 87 organizations), focusing specifically on 11 jobs, and to a two-wave data set ( N = 2,334). Three job resources emerged as the most important both for concurrent and future work engagement across the jobs and samples: skill discretion, job feedback, and team empowerment. Practically, this study suggests that interventions to enhance work engagement could focus on increasing skill discretion and job feedback and on building team empowerment.

JEL: L200 Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior: General
Specialised Training, Courage and Commitment of the People with Disability Brings Positive Results: Examples from India and Nepal
Authors: Suryawanshi Manoj K. , Nepali Rabin , Saxena Deepak
Published: April 2021

The Census data of 2011 report that out of 121 crore total population in India, about 2.68 crore persons are living with disability. It constitutes nearly 2.21% of the total population of India. Similarly, in Nepal, the Census in 2011 reported that approximately 2% (513,321) of the total population of Nepal has ‘some kind of disability’. According to the World Health Organization, disability has three dimensions: impairment in a person’s body, structure or function or mental functioning; examples of impairments include loss of a limb, loss of vision or memory, also limitation of activity, such as difficulty in seeing, hearing, walking or problem-solving. Countries around the world are working hard to give better opportunity and changes to make life independent for a person with disability. However, the reality is that discrimination persists in the society. One of the studies1 (Selvi Narayanan, Faculty of Business, Asia Metropolitan University) reveals that discrimination against the disability is more pervasive and more systematic and can present challenges in getting important documents such as voter IDs and driving licenses. The study reveals that the discrimination stems from a lack of understanding of the needs of a person with a disability. Despite all these challenges, people with disabilities are moving forward and doing excellent in their career and education.
Education and Its Influence on the Nation-Building Process: A Reflection on Ambedkar’s Views in Colonial India
Authors: Agrawal Shivam
Published: April 2021

The perspective of looking at certain stalwarts of the Indian Freedom Struggle revolves around their acts which shaped times they lived in. These acts were widely considered as reactions to the prevailing discrepancies in the country’s social, political, economic and religious life. Consequently, the philosophical basis behind such action could not be elaborately and extensively articulated or analysed and thus, what ensued was a crude description of personalities. So seemed to be the case of Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar (1891–1956) who was recognized as a social reformer and political leader with a vision of social, political and economic inclusion of the Depressed Classes (Dalits) in mainstream society. But his ability to question the structures of society and religion which had come from consciousness developed out of education, remained neglected in academia for a long time. After significant recent work became available regarding views on education, he was accepted as an ‘educator’. However, the influence of his educational philosophy in the nation-building process needs to be further explored since he opposed the dominant nationalist discourse.
Platelets and tumor-associated RNA transfer
Authors: D’Ambrosi Silvia , Nilsson R. Jonas , Wurdinger Thomas
Published: May 2021

Until recently, the nucleic acid content of platelets was considered to be fully determined by their progenitor megakaryocyte. However, it is now well understood that additional mediators (eg, cancer cells) can intervene, thereby influencing the RNA repertoire of platelets. Platelets are highly dynamic cells that are able to communicate and influence their environment. For instance, platelets have been involved in various steps of cancer development and progression by supporting tumor growth, survival, and dissemination. Cancer cells can directly and/or indirectly influence platelet RNA content, resulting in tumor-mediated “education” of platelets. Alterations in the tumor-educated platelet RNA profile have been described as a novel source of potential biomarkers. Individual platelet RNA biomarkers as well as complex RNA signatures may be used for early detection of cancer and treatment monitoring. Here, we review the RNA transfer occurring between cancer cells and platelets. We explore the potential use of platelet RNA biomarkers as a liquid biopsy biosource and discuss methods to evaluate the transcriptomic content of platelets.
G9a/GLP targeting in MM promotes autophagy-associated apoptosis and boosts proteasome inhibitor–mediated cell death
Authors: De Smedt Eva , Devin Julie , Muylaert Catharina , Robert Nicolas , Requirand Guilhem , Vlummens Philip , Vincent Laure , Cartron Guillaume , Maes Ken , Moreaux Jerome , De Bruyne Elke
Published: May 2021

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an (epi)genetic highly heterogeneous plasma cell malignancy that remains mostly incurable. Deregulated expression and/or genetic defects in epigenetic-modifying enzymes contribute to high-risk disease and MM progression. Overexpression of the histone methyltransferase G9a was reported in several cancers, including MM, correlating with disease progression, metastasis, and poor prognosis. However, the exact role of G9a and its interaction partner G9a-like protein (GLP) in MM biology and the underlying mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. Here, we report that high G9a RNA levels are associated with a worse disease outcome in newly diagnosed and relapsed MM patients. G9a/GLP targeting using the specific G9a/GLP inhibitors BIX01294 and UNC0638 induces a G1-phase arrest and apoptosis in MM cell lines and reduces primary MM cell viability. Mechanistic studies revealed that G9a/GLP targeting promotes autophagy-associated apoptosis by inactivating the mTOR/4EBP1 pathway and reducing c-MYC levels. Moreover, genes deregulated by G9a/GLP targeting are associated with repressive histone marks. G9a/GLP targeting sensitizes MM cells to the proteasome inhibitors (PIs) bortezomib and carfilzomib, by (further) reducing mTOR signaling and c-MYC levels and activating p-38 and SAPK/JNK signaling. Therapeutic treatment of 5TGM1 mice with BIX01294 delayed in vivo MM tumor growth, and cotreatment with bortezomib resulted in a further reduction in tumor burden and a significantly prolonged survival. In conclusion, we provide evidence that the histone methyltransferases G9a/GLP support MM cell growth and survival by blocking basal autophagy and sustaining high c-MYC levels. G9a/GLP targeting represents a promising strategy to improve PI-based treatment in patients with high G9a/GLP levels.
LRRC4 functions as a neuron-protective role in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Zhang Yan , Li Di , Zeng Qiuming , Feng Jianbo , Fu Haijuan , Luo Zhaohui , Xiao Bo , Yang Huan , Wu Minghua
Published: May 2021

Background

Leucine rich repeat containing 4 (LRRC4), also known as netrin-G ligand-2 (NGL-2), belongs to the superfamily of LRR proteins and serves as a receptor for netrin-G2. LRRC4 regulates the formation of excitatory synapses and promotes axon differentiation. Mutations in LRRC4 occur in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuroinflammatory disease with spinal cords demyelination and neurodegeneration. Here, we sought to investigate whether LRRC4 is involved in spinal cords neuron-associated diseases.

Methods

LRRC4 was detected in the CNS of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice by the use of real-time PCR and western blotting. LRRC4−/− mice were created and immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide (MOG)35–55. Pathological changes in spinal cords of LRRC4−/− and WT mice 15 days after immunization were examined by using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Luxol Fast Blue (LFB) staining and immunohistochemistry. The number of Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg cells in spleens and blood were measured with flow cytometry. Differential gene expression in the spinal cords from WT and LRRC4−/− mice was analyzed by using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors were used to overexpress LRRC4 (AAV-LRRC4) and were injected into EAE mice to assess the therapeutic effect of AAV-LRRC4 ectopic expression on EAE.

Results

We report that LRRC4 is mainly expressed in neuron of spinal cords, and is decreased in the spinal cords of the EAE mice. Knockout of LRRC4 have a disease progression quickened and exacerbated with more severe myelin degeneration and infiltration of leukocytes into the spinal cords. We also first found that Rab7b is high expressed in EAE mice, and the deficiency of LRRC4 induces the elevated NF-κB p65 by up-regulating Rab7b, and up-regulation of IL-6, IFN-γ and down-regulation of TNF-α, results in more severe Th1 immune response in LRRC4−/− mice. Ectopic expression of LRRC4 alleviates the clinical symptoms of EAE mice and protects the neurons from immune damages.

Conclusions

We identified a neuroprotective role of LRRC4 in the progression of EAE, which may be used as a potential target for auxiliary support therapeutic treatment of MS.
Decline in attentional inhibition among migraine patients: an event‐related potential study using the Stroop task
Authors: Su Min , Wang Rongfei , Dong Zhao , Zhao Dengfa , Yu Shengyuan
Published: May 2021

Background

As a disorder of brain dysfunction, migraine has been associated with cognitive decline. However, no consistent results with respect to the attention function in migraineurs have been found, and the relationship between attentional inhibition and migraine is also unclear. In this study, the attentional inhibition function was evaluated using event-related potentials (ERPs) while migraine patients and healthy controls were performing the color–word Stroop task.

Methods

In this study, 75 migraine patients and 41 age-, gender-, and education-matched healthy controls were enrolled. The Stroop task was performed, and both behavioral and ERP data were analyzed.

Results

As to the behavioral data, the migraine group had a longer reaction time compared to the control group, but no difference in Stroop effect was observed. With respect to ERP components, the amplitudes of both early and late medial frontal negativity (MFN) were decreased in the migraine group. Additionally, obvious differences in the early MFN and sustained potential (SP) amplitudes were found between patients with and without allodynia.

Conclusions

At the behavioral level, migraine patients exhibited decreased executive ability but no obvious decline in inhibition. By contrast, a decline in attentional inhibition during the migraine interictal phase was confirmed by the analysis of ERP components, mainly those associated with changes in the conflict-monitoring stage, independent of confounding factors such as age, education, medication and mood disorders. Migraine patients with allodynia exhibited some significant differences in early MFN and SP compared to those without, supporting the hypothesis that migraine chronification aggravates the decline in attentional inhibition.
Galcanezumab for the prevention of high frequency episodic and chronic migraine in real life in Italy: a multicenter prospective cohort study (the GARLIT study)
Authors:   for the GARLIT Study Group, Vernieri Fabrizio , Altamura Claudia , Brunelli Nicoletta , Costa Carmelina Maria , Aurilia Cinzia , Egeo Gabriella , Fofi Luisa , Favoni Valentina , Pierangeli Giulia , Lovati Carlo , Aguggia Marco , d’Onofrio Florindo , Doretti Alberto , Di Fiore Paola , Finocchi Cinzia , Rao Renata , Bono Francesco , Ranieri Angelo , Albanese Maria , Cevoli Sabina , Barbanti Piero
Published: May 2021

Background

The clinical benefit of galcanezumab, demonstrated in randomized clinical trials (RCTs), remains to be quantified in real life. This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of galcanezumab in the prevention of high-frequency episodic migraine (HFEM) and chronic migraine (CM) in a real-life setting.

Methods

This multicenter prospective observational cohort study was conducted between November 2019 and January 2021 at 13 Italian headache centers. Consecutive adult HFEM and CM patients clinically eligible were enrolled and treated with galcanezumab subcutaneous injection 120 mg monthly with the first loading dose of 240 mg. The primary endpoint was the change in monthly migraine days (MMDs) in HFEM and monthly headache days (MHDs) in CM patients after 6 months of therapy (V6). Secondary endpoints were the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), monthly painkiller intake (MPI), HIT-6 and MIDAS scores changes, ≥50% responder rates (RR), the conversion rate from CM to episodic migraine (EM) and Medication Overuse (MO) discontinuation.

Results

One hundred sixty-three patients (80.5% female, 47.1 ± 11.7 years, 79.8% CM) were included. At V6, MMDs reduced by 8 days in HFEM and MHDs by 13 days in CM patients (both p < .001). NRS, MPI, HIT-6 and MIDAS scores significantly decreased (p < .001). Ten patients (6.1%) dropped out for inefficacy and classified as non-responders. Patients with ≥50%RRs, i.e. responders, were 76.5% in the HFEM and 63.5% in the CM group at V6. Among CM patients, the V6 responders presented a lower body mass index (p = .018) and had failed a lower number of preventive treatments (p = .013) than non-responders. At V6, 77.2% of CM patients converted to EM, and 82.0% ceased MO. Adverse events, none serious, were reported in up to 10.3% of patients during evaluation times.

Conclusions

Galcanezumab in real life was safe, well tolerated and seemed more effective than in RCTs. Normal weight and a low number of failed preventives were positively associated with galcanezumab effectiveness in CM patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT04803513.
Enhanced Patterned Cocatalyst TiO2/Fe2O3 Photoanodes for Water-Splitting
Authors: Hung Wei-Hsuan , Teng Yung-Jen , Tseng Chuan-Ming , Nguyen Hien Thi Thai
Published: May 2021

In this study, we used a hot-pressing process to enhance the photocatalytic properties of TiO2/Fe2O3 bimetallic oxide with a periodic patterned structure on the surface to increase photon absorption for photocatalysis in the oxygen evolution reaction for water splitting. The hot-pressed samples show that combining the two metal oxides improves the absorption band edge of the electrode at different wavelengths. The patterned structure obtained using the hot-pressing process successfully improves photon absorption, resulting in a two-fold enhancement compared with a flat surface electrode.
Controllable Spin Switching in a Single-Molecule Magnetic Tunneling Junction
Authors: Zhang Zhengzhong , Wang Ya , Wang Haiou , Liu Hao , Dong Liming
Published: May 2021

A new type of spin-current filter is proposed that consists of a single-molecule magnet (SMM) coupled to two normal metal electrodes. It is shown that this tunneling junction can generate a highly spin-polarized current, whose spin polarization can be switched by means of magnetic fields and gate voltages applied to the SMM. This spin switching in the SMM tunnel junction arises from spin-selective single-electron resonant tunneling via the lowest unoccupied molecular orbit of the SMM. The electron current spectrum is still spin polarized in the absence of an external magnetic field, which can help to judge whether the molecule’s spin state has reached the ground-state doublet $$|\pm S\rangle$$

|
±
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. This device can be realized with current technologies and may have practical use in spintronics and quantum information.
The evaluation of using new trachea and skin manikins for practicing emergency anterior neck access
Authors: Prathep Sumidtra , Jitpakdee Wilasinee , Pitathawatchai Pittayapon , Anuntaseree Sittichoke
Published: May 2021

Emergency anterior neck access may be performed if intubation and ventilation fail. Practicing this life-saving procedure with manikins before facing a real-life emergency anterior neck access is required to do this procedure successfully when we encounter a difficult airway situation. The current manikins are expensive and thus are sometimes difficult to acquire in low-cost settings such as Thailand. We devise a cost-effective training manikin using less expensive materials but retaining the simple design of the trachea and skin areas which are flexible polyurethane (PU) foam and silicone, but which still had the same utility as the current manikins. Five items were evaluated, and then scores were rated by experienced physicians from 1 to 5 points for each item, 1 being the least and 5 the highest. The mean score concerning the appropriate size of the manikins was 4.55 ± 0.56. The mean score of the ease of use for practicing was 4.58 ± 0.59. The mean score of the similarity of the skin of the manikins to human skin was 3.85 ± 0.66. The mean score of the similarity of the trachea of the manikins to the human trachea was 3.80 ± 0.69. The mean score of the sensation of inserting the tube in the manikin compared to a real trachea was 3.90 ± 0.67. The mean overall benefit score of practicing on the manikins was 4.38 ± 0.45. Our trial indicates that this low-cost and simply designed manikin can be useful for practicing emergency airway management procedures to save patients who are struggling with lack of oxygen or intubation failure or failure of ventilation or other airway equipment such as endotracheal intubation and supraglottic airway devices (SGA).