bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study of histomorphology and immunohistochemistry of papillary squamotransitional cell carcinoma: A rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma of cervix.
Authors: Tiwari Avani , Kumar Harendra , Thakur Ajay Singh , Choraria Amit , Chodhary Vivek
Published: July 2021

Background: Papillary squamotransitional cell carcinoma is a histopathological subcategory of squamouscell carcinoma of the uterine cervix that often resembles transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary tract.Histologically, it can be misdiagnosed as transitional cell carcinoma or other papillary lesions of thecervix. Stromal invasion on biopsy is difficult to diagnose due to the exophytic papillary growth of thetumor. It also has a propensity for local recurrence and late metastasis. The study is performed to diagnoseand categorize this uncommon variant of carcinoma cervix.Materials and Methods: Eighteen cases of Papillary squamotransitional cell carcinoma were diagnosedon a punch biopsy specimen on routine hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections. The tumors werecategorized into three groups according to the percentage of squamous and transitional components.Further, immunohistochemical evaluation for cytokeratin7 and cytokeratin20 was done.Results: The mean age of the patients was 51.61 years (range 37-62 years). The most common clinicalpresentation was postmenopausal bleeding. All the cases showed papillary architecture with fibrovascularcores. The papillae were lined by three cell types: clear, intermediate, and basaloid. Stromal invasionwas seen in all the cases. All the cases showed positive immunostaining for cytokeratin7 and negativeimmunostaining for cytokeratin20.Conclusions: Papillary squamotransitional cell carcinoma deserves accurate pre-operative biopsydiagnosis due to the risk of misdiagnosis as benign papillary or malignant transitional lesions.Immunohistochemistry plays an important role in the diagnosis of these tumors and is recommended inevery case. Late recurrence and metastasis warrants a longer duration of follow up.
Instytucja partii politycznej w Konstytucji Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej z 1997 r.
Authors: Przywora Bogusław
Published: July 2021

The study addresses the problem of to what extent and in what scope do the regulations concerning political parties, resulting from the Constitution of the Republic of Poland, determine the ordinary legislator? The analysis is made from the perspective of the triad of notions: freedom – duty – responsibility.
Trailer Park Boys and the Promotional Cultures of Cannabis in Canada: Audiences, Influencers, and Imminent Commodities
Authors: Phillips Ryan J.
Published: July 2021

While Canada, like most other nation states, has adopted various aspects of neoliberalism, the recent Cannabis Act presents ideological tensions and practical concerns given its advertising and promotional restrictions. Given the rise of neoliberalism within the dominant social, economic, and cultural system of consumer capitalism, it seems contradictory for the Canadian state to develop legislation that creates (or at least, legalizes) a new market wherein advertising and promotions (i.e., the driving forces of consumer capitalism) are effectively made absent. This article identifies and interrogates the existing tensions and contradictions between the Cannabis Act and the promotional cultures of consumer capitalism, as well as the ways in which the Trailer Park Boys (TPB) “brand” and performers (as promotional intermediaries) have attempted to circumvent the existing promotional restrictions. Beginning with a review of the existing literature regarding relevant theoretical perspectives and key concepts, the article provides a brief overview of the Cannabis Act, its promotional restrictions, and the exemptions and legal loopholes thereof. Finally, in presenting and engaging with a case study, this article concludes that the TPB brand has, effectively, circumvented the Cannabis Act’s existing restrictions and subsequently become a multi-platform promotional intermediary.
Implementing Regulation in an Emerging Industry: A Multi-Province Perspective
Authors: de Koning Alice J. , McArdle John F.
Published: July 2021

The decriminalization of cannabis in Canada has required a host of regulatory changes at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels. Provinces have operationalized the development of legal markets in very different ways, offering an opportunity to perform comparative analysis of business responses. This article outlines and delineates the various regulatory frameworks that have been employed at the provincial level, discusses how they have impacted the development of the legal cannabis market, and considers how they have resulted in some further regulatory changes. After reviewing coevolution as a conceptual framework, the implementation of legalization of recreational cannabis is discussed, followed by an exploration of different provincial approaches at a general level. The effects of that framework on the first phase of legal market operations are explored, with a focus on issues emanating from regulatory choices through discussions of five regions: British Columbia, the Prairies, Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick; each section exemplifying different priorities in the regulatory choices. Several themes emerge in the discussion. First, provincial approaches to retail licence approval have created severe bottlenecks, affecting consumer access to legal recreational cannabis. Additionally, the regulatory framework for those licences has resulted in a chilling effect on many potential entrepreneurs. Second, a reduction in black market sales has not yet occurred, largely due to the failure of some provinces to adequately provide retail licences and support legal distribution channels, or to operationalize the retail sales network. Third, many provinces struggled with operationalizing wholesale distribution to the retail stores, initially leading to administrative restrictions on store licences. Finally, issues of fairness and equity, effective displacement of the illegal market, government’s role as a market regulator and participant, and other issues that emerge from the critical comparison of the provincial markets are addressed.
Where Is the Fairness in Canadian Cannabis Legalization? Lessons to be Learned from the American Experience
Authors: Owusu-Bempah Akwasi
Published: July 2021

Canada has received praise and international attention for its departure from strict cannabis prohibition and the introduction of a legal regulatory framework for adult use. In addition to the perceived public health and public safety benefits associated with legalization, reducing the burden placed on the individuals criminalized for cannabis use served as an impetus for change. In comparison to many jurisdictions in the United States, however, Canadian legalization efforts have done less to address the harms that drug law enforcement has inflicted on individuals and communities. This article documents the racialized nature of drug prohibition in Canada and the US and compares the stated aims of legalization in in both jurisdictions. The article outlines the various reparative measures being proposed and implemented in America and contrasts those with the situation in Canada, arguing, furthermore that the absence of social justice measures in Canadian legalization is an extension of the systemic racism perpetuated under prohibition.
BİR ÖĞRENME YÖNETİM SİSTEMİ OLARAK AYDEP’İN SİSTEM KABUL EDİLEBİLİRLİK MODELİNE GÖRE İNCELENMESİ
Authors: ŞİMŞEK Hüseyin , ÇAVDAR Lokman
Published: July 2021

Günümüzde internet ve diğer bilişim teknolojilerinin kullanımı hızla artmaktadır. Buna bağlı olarak eğitim öğretim kurumları da bu teknolojilere uyum sağlamaya ve eğitim öğretim kalitesini artıracak yazılımları kullanmaya başlamışlardır. Bu bağlamda özellikle yükseköğretim kurumları kontrol mekanizması sağlayacak ve öz değerlendirme yapma imkânı sağlayan öğretim yönetim sistemlerini kullanmaya başlamışlardır. Bu çalışmada Kırşehir Ahi Evran Üniversitesi tarafından eğitimde kaliteyi artırmayı ve yeterliğe dayalı bir öğrenme yaklaşımı ile eğitimde kalite güvence sistemi oluşturmak amacıyla geliştirdiği AYDEP sisteminin sistem kabul edilebilirlik modeline göre değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu sistemi aktif olarak kullanan 123 öğrenci ve 27 öğretim elemanı oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada araştırmacılar tarafından geliştirilen AYDEP sistem değerlendirme anketi kullanılmıştır. Araştırma sonucuna göre AYDEP sistemi kullanıcılar tarafından teknik kabul edilebilirlik boyutuna ilişkin (teknik özellikler, tasarımın kullanıcı seviyesine uygunluğu, menülerin hatasız çalışması ve yapılan işlemlerin verimli olması) açılarından ortalamanın üzerinde, sosyal kabul edilebilirlik boyutuna ilişkin tüm maddelerde ise ortalama seviyesinde puanlama yaptığı görülmüştür.
Antik Yazarların Eserlerinde Adiabene ile İlgili Anlatımlar
Authors: YILDIRIM Ercüment
Published: July 2021

Seleukos Krallığı’nın güç kaybetmesinden sonra binyıllarca Asur Krallığı’nın merkezi olan coğrafyada ortaya çıkan Adiabene, bağımsızlığını sürdürdüğü yaklaşık yüzyıl boyunca Romalılar ve Partlar arasında tampon bir krallık olarak kalmıştır. Adiabene Krallığı’nın kurulmuş olduğu bölge, batıda Dicle Nehri, güneyde Küçük Zap Nehri, kuzeyde antik yazarların tanımı ile Gordyaean Dağları doğuda ise Zağros Dağları’nın batı yamaçları ile çevrilidir. Adiabene Krallığı ile ilgili anlatımlarda bulunan antik yazarların büyük çoğunluğu bu coğrafyada Ninova şehrinin ve Gaugamela’nın bulunduğunu belirtmektedir. Yine Antik kaynaklara göre Adiabene’nin bilinen ilk kralı Artaxares iken en güçlü döneminin II. Izates zamanında yaşandığı bilinmektedir. Josephus’a göre II. Izates döneminde Adiabene Krallığı, Yahudi dinini kabul etmiştir. Fakat bu dini değişikliğin kraliyet ailesi ile sınırlı kalmış olduğu düşünülmektedir. Adiabene bölgesi ile ilgili antik yazarlardan Strabon, Ammianus Marcellinus, Plutarch, Josephus, Tacitus ve Cassius Dio anlatımlarda bulunmaktadır. Bu anlatımlar, çoğunlukla krallığın konumu ve Roma – Part mücadelesine odaklanmıştır. Yine antik yazarlardan edinilen bilgiye göre Roma İmparatoru Trajan, MS 113 yılında Part Krallığı üzerine çıktığı seferde Adiabene Krallığını, Roma yönetimi altına almıştır. Sonrasında Adiabene Krallığının toprakları, Roma’nın Assyria eyaletine dönüştürülmüştür. Bu tarihten sonra Adiabene Krallığı gücünü tekrar toplayamamış ve bağımsız bir yönetime sahip olamamıştır. Bu çalışma Adiabene Krallığına dair antik kaynaklarda yer alan anlatımları bir araya getirerek krallığın tarihi hakkında genel bilgi vermeyi amaçlamaktadır.
Öğretmenlerin Yaratıcılığı Destekleme Durumları ile Öğrencilerin Yazma Özerkliklerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: BERKANT Hasan Güner , BURUN Zeynep
Published: July 2021

Bu araştırmanın genel amacı, öğretmenlerin yaratıcılığı destekleme durumları ile öğrencilerin yazma özerkliklerini incelemektir. Araştırma ilişkisel tarama modelindedir. Araştırmanın evrenini, 2019-2020 eğitim-öğretim yılında Kahramanmaraş Onikişubat ilçesinde bulunan ortaokullarda görev yapan öğretmenler ve bu okullarda öğrenim gören ortaokul öğrencileri oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmanın örneklemini ise, bu evrenden kolay ulaşılabilir örneklem yoluyla seçilen 50’si öğretmen, 281’i öğrenci toplam 331 kişi oluşturmaktadır. Araştırma verileri, “Yaratıcılığı Destekleyen Öğretmen İndeksi Ölçeği” ve “Yazma Özerkliği Ölçeği” kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Araştırma verilerinin analizinde, bağımsız gruplar t-testi, tek yönlü varyans analizi (ANOVA), Mann Whitney-U testi, Kruskal Wallis-H testi, Tukey anlamlılık testi ve Pearson korelasyon analizi kullanılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda, ortaokul öğretmenlerinin yaratıcılığı destekleme düzeylerinin yüksek olduğu belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca, ortaokul öğretmenlerinin cinsiyetinin, kıdemlerinin ve proje ödevi verme sıklıklarının öğretmenlerin yaratıcılığı desteklemeleri üzerinde genel olarak belirleyici bir etkiye sahip olmadığı tespit edilmiştir. Bunun yanı sıra, ortaokul öğrencilerinin yazma özerkliklerinin ortalamanın üzerinde olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Kız öğrencilerin yazma özerkliğinin erkek öğrencilerden daha yüksek olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Ortaokul 5, 6 ve 7. sınıf öğrencilerinin 8. sınıf öğrencilerine kıyasla daha yüksek oranda yazma özerkliğine sahip olduğu belirlenmiştir. Ortaokul öğrencilerinden her gün okuyan öğrencilerin, haftada birkaç saat okuyan, ayda birkaç saat okuyan ve hiç okumayan öğrencilere kıyasla daha fazla yazma özerkliğine sahip olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Ortaokul öğrencilerinin anne eğitim düzeyinin ve baba eğitim düzeyinin, öğrencilerin yazma özerkliklerinin farklılaşması üzerinde etkili olmadığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Öğretmenlerin yaratıcılığı destekleme durumları ile öğrencilerin yazma özerkliklerinin düşük düzeyde de olsa aynı yönde değişim gösterebileceği sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
İnovasyon ve Kârlılık Arasındaki İlişki: Otomotiv Sektörü Üzerine Bir Araştırma
Authors: SANDAL Mehmet , GACAR Anıl
Published: July 2021

Dijitalleşme ile birlikte işletmelerin varlığını sürdürebilmesi için doğru hedefler koyması ve performanslarını artırması gerekmektedir. İşletmelerin rekabet üstünlüğü sağlamak ve karlılıklarını artırmak için en çok ihtiyaç duyulan faktörlerin başında ise inovatif (yenilikçi) düşünce ile araştırma ve geliştirme faaliyetleri yer almaktadır. Bu çalışmada, otomotiv imalat sektöründe faaliyet gösteren işletmelerin inovasyon ve kârlılıkları arasındaki ilişkinin araştırılması amaçlanmaktadır. Çalışmada işletme karlılığını temsil eden iki farklı model oluşturulmuş ve 2016Q1-2020Q4 çeyrek dönemleri için panel veri analizi uygulanmıştır. Bununla birlikte, araştırma amacına uygun ekonometrik model belirlenerek model parametrelerinin tahmin edilmesi için dirençli tahmin yöntemleri kullanılmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda, Ar-Ge harcamalarının aktif karlılık oranı (return on assets- ROA) ve özsermaye karlılık oranı (return on equity- ROE) üzerinde anlamlı ve pozitif bir etkisi olduğu tespit edilerek Ar-Ge harcaması yapan işletmelerin karlılıklarının arttığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
The effectiveness of The Use of The Form of Jigsaw in The Reading Skill of The Islamic Middle School Shining Sedan Rambang
Authors: Agustina Nur Thoyibatin
Published: July 2021

Reading skill is one of the important points of the four skills that often students have difficulty in Arabic learning. Among the factors that support the achievement of goals are methods, medias, learning model, strategies, curriculums, and students' backgrounds. In this study, the researchers used cooperative learning of Jigsaw model. Jigsaw model is the students’ way to share knowledge and experience with other groups. The aimed is making fast and easy of the learning process to be understood. The objectives of this study were 1) Knowing how the Jigsaw model of cooperative learning process in learning reading skill (maharah qiro'ah) at Islamic Junior High School of As Sathi’ Sedan Rembang. 2) Measuring the extent of the influence of the Jigsaw model in learning reading skill (maharah qiro'ah) in Islamic Junior High School of As Sathi’ Sedan Rembang. The research method was an experimental method with a quantitative approach consisting of two groups. The first group is the non-experimental class (control). The second group is the experimental class. The instruments which used in data collection in this study were documentation, observation and tests in the form of pre-test and post-test. The results of this study shown that: 1) The cooperative learning of Jigsaw model in learning reading skill (maharah qiro'ah) can improve students' reading skill, apply appropriate vocabulary usage, and make the students easy to understand the reading text and also made students are motivated, understood, and enthusiastic in learning reading skill, because the learning process was felt more fun by students. 2) The t-test = 6.78 were greater than the t-table (significant list) 1% = 2.39 and 5% = 1.67. Its means that H1 was accepted.
EVIDENCE FROM THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON SMALL BUSINESS
Authors: BOSTAN MOTOAŞCĂ Nicoleta Gianina
Published: July 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected both individuals and the business environment in a profound and unexpected way. The restrictions imposed and the economic crises caused by them have led to the closure of some businesses, especially small businesses. The present research aims to study the opinions, perceptions, behaviour, and attitude of administrators, of small-business owners towards the impact of the pandemic in order to outline their emotional state and the sample of future needs. The qualitative study illustrates the combined analysis of the results of the answers of sixteen structured interviews, in-depth phone interviews. This research could represent the starting point of a more extensive research in this field
BOOK REVIEW. INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS – THEORIES, STRATEGIES, POLICIES, TOOLS AND CASE STUDIES
Authors: Brătucu Gabriel
Published: July 2021

This is a review for a collective book published both in Romanian (2017) and in English (2019) on the topic of international economic relations. The book has a comprehensive character and presents the issues related to international business and economics in a multi-facet manner. The book has a number of merits that are presented in the review.
CHANGES IN MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION. CASE STUDY IN ROMANIA
Authors: Popescu Maria , Mândru Lidia
Published: July 2021

"The paper addresses to the Public Administration (PA) from the
management perspective. The first part of the study defines the conceptual framework of the two management doctrines, generically called the New Public Management and New Public Government. The second part of the paper reviews the transformation movement in PA management and governance in Romania in the last two decades. The methodology of the study consists in the analysis of the recent theoretic studies on PA modern approach, and official documents, national and European reports, and other publications related to the PA reform in Romania. "
El currículo y la pedagogía en medio de la pandemia
Authors: Doony Harvey Rosero-Montezuma  , Jessica Andrea Bejarano-Chamorro
Published: July 2021

Este artículo, de tipo reflexivo, pretende abrir la crítica y la esperanza hacia la educación de lo que está ocurriendo en el año 2020: una pandemia que movilizó y dinamizó la vida, la economía, la política y los estados de mortalidad de los seres humanos. He ahí la dicotomía que se abre entre la vida y la muerte de toda una población que habita el planeta Tierra. La fragilidad del ser humano está expuesta por una pandemia que hasta el momento, ni la ciencia ni las grandes potencias han podido parar; esto repercute en el ser humano, como sujeto en masa que está al borde de la muerte; el ‘ser-a-la-mano’ de Heidegger entra a ser válido en estos tiempos; les encontramos existencia y valor a las cosas, cuando dejan de ser útiles para nosotros; ahora, todo se torna en algo valioso; ver las llantas de los carros que ruedan, los sonidos de los aparatos eléctricos, las plantas de nuestra casa, nuestro respirar, todo empieza a tener otro sentido. Así las cosas, se trabajará por el sentido que la educación toma en esta situación llamada pandemia COVID-19, frente a lo cual se involucra y se hace un llamado a la pedagogía y al currículo, como dos aspectos disonantes en la educación colombiana. Para ello se toma en cuenta la hermenéutica crítica como enfoque metodológico para el análisis documental de las categorías que se quiere dar a conocer, como son: pedagogía, currículo y pandemia.
Comparison among low intensity bridge exercises using suspension devices based on muscle activity and subjective difficulty
Authors: Lee Sang-Yeol , Park Se-Yeon
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND: Recent clinical studies have revealed the advantages of using suspension devices. Although the supine, lateral, and forward leaning bridge exercises are low-intensity exercises with suspension devices, there is a lack of studies directly comparing exercise progression by measuring muscular activity and subjective difficulty. OBJECTIVE: To identify how the variations in the bridge exercise affects trunk muscle activity, the present study investigated changes in neuromuscular activation during low-intensity bridge exercises. We furthermore explored whether the height of the suspension point affects muscle activation and subjective difficulty. METHODS: Nineteen asymptomatic male participants were included. Three bridge exercise positions, supine bridge (SB), lateral bridge (LB), forward leaning (FL), and two exercise angles (15 and 30 degrees) were administered, thereby comparing six bridge exercise conditions with suspension devices. Surface electromyography and subjective difficulty data were collected. RESULTS: The rectus abdominis activity was significantly higher with the LB and FL exercises compared with the SB exercise (p< 0.05). The erector spinae muscle activity was significantly higher with the SB and LB exercises, compared with the FL exercise (p< 0.05). The LB exercise significantly increased the internal oblique muscle activity, compared with other exercise variations (p< 0.05). The inclination angle of the exercise only affected the internal oblique muscle and subjective difficulty, which were significantly higher at 30 degrees compared with 15 degrees (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Relatively higher inclination angle was not effective in overall activation of the trunk muscles; however, different bridge-type exercises could selectively activate the trunk muscles. The LB and SB exercises could be good options for stimulating the internal oblique abdominis, and the erector spinae muscle, while the FL exercise could minimize the erector spinae activity and activate the abdominal muscles.
Slipping rib syndrome: A clinical and dynamic-sonographic entity. A serial cases report
Authors: Girbau Alba , Álvarez-Rey Guillermo , Cano-Herrera Carlos Leonardo , Balius Ramón
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND: Slipping rib syndrome (SRS) consists of false or floating rib hypermobility, which can force the ribs to come into contact with each other. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine each case by dynamic ultrasound to determine their ultrasound characteristics and analyze the clinical features of patients with SRS in order to better manage and follow them up. METHODS: Retrospectively, we collected 14 case series presenting to SRS between June 2016 and September 2018. The diagnosis was clinical and confirmed by dynamic ultrasound maneuvers. RESULTS: The mean age was 35.00 ± 10.66 years and 64.29% was male. The pain mechanism was caused by repetitive movements or a traumatic event. Dynamic ultrasound was considered a very useful tool for the diagnosis. Different conservative treatments were applied in most cases. Eco-guided infiltration was also an option. CONCLUSIONS: SRS should initially be based on a clinic suspicion in order to achieve a correct diagnosis and management. It is an underdiagnosed syndrome, so these case series contribute to our knowledge regarding this syndrome.
Differences in neck muscle activity according to lying positions using a smartphone
Authors: Ahn Sun-hee , Jung Sung-hoon , Kim Hyun-a , Kim Jun-hee , Weon Young-soo , Kwon Oh-yun
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND: Due to the extended use of smartphones, people spend a lot of time on these devices while lying down. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to compare the differences in neck muscle activity of participants while they watched videos on a smartphone in four different lying positions (supine (SUP), prone on elbows (PE), side lying (SIDE), and 45∘ head turn while side lying (45-SIDE)). METHODS: Twenty-three healthy volunteers (22.4 ± 1.7 years) were enrolled in this study. We assessed the activities of their right and left sternocleidomastoid (SCM), anterior scalene, cervical erector spinae (CES), and upper trapezius (UT) muscles while they watched videos on a smartphone in four different lying positions. RESULTS: The right and left SCM and CES had significantly different muscle activities depending on the lying positions. The SCM activity had a significantly greater asymmetry in the 45-SIDE position, while the CES activity had a significantly greater asymmetry in the SIDE and 45-SIDE positions. Moreover, the UT activity had a significantly greater asymmetry in the SUP, PE, and SIDE positions. CONCLUSIONS: Neck muscle activity and asymmetry were the lowest in the SUP position relative to the other positions. Therefore, lying down in the SUP position may minimize neck muscle activation while using a smartphone.
Usefulness of protein-based salivary markers in the diagnosis of oral potentially malignant disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Arroyo Esteban , Donís Sergio Piñeiro , Petronacci Cintia M. Chamorro , Alves Monica G. Oliveira , Mendía Xabier Marichalar , Fernandes Darcy , Pouso Alejandro I. Lorenzo , Bufalino Andreia , Bravo López Susana , Sayáns Mario Pérez
Published: July 2021

By using a meta-analytical approach, this study aimed to analyse the diagnostic capacity of protein-based biomarkers in saliva for the differential diagnosis of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) from healthy individuals as control group (HCG). Articles on protein-based biomarkers in saliva, which provided quantitative expression in individuals with clinical and histopathological diagnosis of OPMD or oral leukoplakia (OL) were considered eligible. Searches were conducted in eight electronic databases. The methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Studies tool (QUADAS-2). Functional analysis was also performed. Meta-analyses were performed using the OpenMeta tool (Analyst). Meta-analysis was possible for 4 of the 11 biomarkers studied. Only the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and the soluble fragment of cytokeratin 19 (CYFRA21) were significant for the OSCC/OPMD subgroup, both with a very low heterogeneity. CEA had an OE = 25.854 (CI95%: 13.215–38.492, p< 0.001, I2 = 0) and CYFRA21 had an OE = 9.317 (CI95%: 9.014–9.619, p< 0.001, I2 = 0). For the OPMD/HCG subgroup, only CYFRA21 was significant, with an OE = 3.679 (CI95%: 0.663–6.696, p= 0.017) although with high heterogeneity (I2 = 91.24). The CEA and CYFRA21 markers proved very useful when differentiating OSCC from OPMD. The CYFRA21 was the only protein that was capable of distinguishing between OPMD and healthy controls.
Comparative proteomic analysis of exhaled breath condensate between lung adenocarcinoma and CT-detected benign pulmonary nodule patients
Authors: Ma Lin , Xiu Guanghong , Muscat Joshua , Sinha Raghu , Sun Dongxiao , Xiu Guangli
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The collection of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is a non-invasive method that may have enormous potential as a biomarker for the early detection of lung cancer. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the proteomic differences of EBC between lung cancer and CT-detected benign nodule patients, and determine whether these proteins could be potential biomarkers. METHODS: Proteomic analysis was performed on individual samples from 10 lung cancer patients and 10 CT-detected benign nodule patients using data-independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry. RESULTS: A total of 1,254 proteins were identified, and 21 proteins were differentially expressed in the lung adenocarcinoma group compared to the benign nodule group (p< 0.05). The GO analysis showed that most of these proteins were involved in neutrophil-related biological processes, and the KEGG analysis showed these proteins were mostly annotated to pyruvate and propanoate metabolism. Through protein-protein interactions (PPIs) analysis, ME1 and LDHB contributed most to the interaction-network of these proteins. CONCLUSION: Significantly differentially expressed proteins were detected between lung cancer and the CT-detected benign nodule group from EBC samples, and these proteins might serve as potential novel biomarkers of EBC for early lung cancer detection.
Development and validation of a radiomics nomogram to discriminate advanced pancreatic cancer with liver metastases or other metastatic patterns
Authors: Zhang Tianliang , Dong Xiao , Zhou Yang , Liu Muhan , Hang Junjie , Wu Lixia
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND: Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (APC) and liver metastases have much poorer prognoses than patients with other metastatic patterns. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and validate a radiomics model to discriminate patients with pancreatic cancer and liver metastases from those with other metastatic patterns. METHODS: We evaluated 77 patients who had APC and performed texture analysis on the region of interest. 58 patients and 19 patients were allocated randomly into the training and validation cohorts with almost the same proportion of liver metastases. An independentsamples t-test was used for feature selection in the training cohort. Random forest classifier was used to construct models based on these features and a radiomics signature (RS) was derived. A nomogram was constructed based on RS and CA19-9, and was validated with calibration plot and decision curve. The prognostic value of RS was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier methods. RESULTS: The constructed nomogram demonstrated good discrimination in the training (AUC = 0.93) and validation (AUC = 0.81) cohorts. In both cohorts, patients with RS > 0.61 had much poorer overall survival than patients with RS < 0.61. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents a radiomics nomogram incorporating RS and CA19-9 to discriminate patients who have APC with liver metastases from patients with other metastatic patterns.
A comparison of naturalist and antinaturalist explanations for why people consider robots animate and experience emotions towards them
Authors: Musiał Maciej , Malinowska Joanna K.
Published: July 2021

An interesting aspect of love and sex (and other types of interactions) with robots is that human beings often treat robots as animate and express emotions towards them. In this paper, we discuss two interpretations of why people experience emotions towards robots and tend to treat them as animate: naturalistic and antinaturalistic. We first provide a set of examples that illustrate human beings considering robots animate and experiencing emotions towards them. We then identify, reconstruct and compare naturalist and antinaturalist accounts of these attitudes and point out the functions and limitations of these accounts. Finally, we argue that in the case of emotional and ‘animating’ human–robot interactions, naturalist and antinaturalist accounts should be – as they most often are – considered complementary rather than competitive or contradictory.
Effect of KRAS and BRAF mutations in metastatic colorectal cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis based on tumor sidedness and KRAS subtypes
Authors: Saravani Khadijeh , Salarzaei Morteza , Parooie Fateme
Published: July 2021

INTRODUCTION: Metastatic or recurrent colorectal cancer (MRCRC) has a poor prognosis. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to assess the prevalence of different subtypes of KRAS mutation and BRAF mutation in metastatic CRC patients, and evaluate the relationship between the tumor sidedness and prevalence of KRAS and BRAF mutation. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov from January 2010 to July 2020. The data were extracted independently according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The statistical analysis was done using STATA and Meta-Disk 1.4 applications. RESULTS: Overall, 6699 colorectal cancer patients were included. KRAS and BRAF mutation was reported in 28% and 6% of patients, respectively. The overall prevalence of right primary and left primary metastatic CRC patients with mutated KRAS was 40% and 60%. However, the prevalence BRAF mutated right primary and left primary metastatic CRC patients was 37% and 63%. The overall HR was 2.38 for patients with metastatic CRC who had a mutated type of KRAS. Our study showed a mean overall survival of 35.4 month for KRAS mutant and a 10.12 month survival for BRAF mutant patients with metastatic colorectal cancer patients. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of KRAS and BRAF mutations varied significantly according to the location of the tumor. BRAF mutations are more commonly found in metastatic colorectal cancers on the right side. Liver was the most common site of metastases in patients with mutant KRAS and the mortality of patients with mutant KRAS was 2.3 times higher than the patients with wild types. These results help to better describe the population of mCRC patients and can have implications for improving and organizing anti-EGFR therapies. Further research is needed to assess differences in survival through mutation status and primary tumor location.
A methodology using classification for traffic prediction: Featuring the impact of COVID-19
Authors: Liapis Stergios , Christantonis Konstantinos , Chazan-Pantzalis Victor , Manos Anastassios , Elizabeth Filippidou Despina , Tjortjis Christos
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a novel methodology using classification for day-ahead traffic prediction. It addresses the research question whether traffic state can be forecasted based on meteorological conditions, seasonality, and time intervals, as well as COVID-19 related restrictions. We propose reliable models utilizing smaller data partitions. Apart from feature selection, we incorporate new features related to movement restrictions due to COVID-19, forming a novel data model. Our methodology explores the desired training subset. Results showed that various models can be developed, with varying levels of success. The best outcome was achieved when factoring in all relevant features and training on a proposed subset. Accuracy improved significantly compared to previously published work.
The effect of active vs passive recovery and use of compression garments following a single bout of muscle-damaging exercise
Authors: Şahin Fatma Beyza , Kafkas Armağan Şahin , Kafkas Muhammed Emin , Taşkapan Mehmet Çağatay , Jones Andrew Mark
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND:

Some recovery strategies are needed to reduce or eliminate the effect of negative symptoms caused by exercise.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different types of recovery after single-bout strength exercises on biomarkers of muscle damage, cytokine release and lactate elimination.

METHODS:

Following familiarization, 10 male volunteers performed four randomized recovery protocols (passive or active recovery with or without compression garments) following a single bout of resistance exercise (squat and deadlift exercises). The blood creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), interleukine-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-[Formula: see text]) values were measured before and after exercise, and after 24, 48, 72 hours.

RESULTS:

The CK analysis showed that all protocols significantly increased ([Formula: see text] 0.05) CK activity compared to the pre and 24 h post time points. Interestingly, protocol 3 and 4 significantly decreased ([Formula: see text] 0.05) CK activity compared 24 and 72 h post-exercise. LDH, IL-6, and TNF values did not show significant difference ([Formula: see text] 0.05) at the time points tested.

CONCLUSIONS:

Active recovery is an effective method for reducing the severity and duration of muscle damage and for accelerating the clearance of blood lactate (BLa) following a single bout of strength training. There is no added benefit of using compression garments.
Synaptic Molecular and Neurophysiological Markers Are Independent Predictors of Progression in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Smailovic Una , Kåreholt Ingemar , Koenig Thomas , Ashton Nicholas J. , Winblad Bengt , Höglund Kina , Nilsson Per , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Jelic Vesna
Published: July 2021

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurogranin and quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) are potential molecular and functional markers of synaptic pathology in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Synaptic markers have emerged as candidate prognostic indicators of AD since synaptic degeneration was shown to be an early event and the best correlate of cognitive deficits in patients along the disease continuum. Objective: The present study investigated the association between CSF neurogranin and qEEG measures as well as their potential to predict clinical deterioration in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients. Methods: Patients diagnosed with MCI (n = 99) underwent CSF conventional AD biomarkers and neurogranin analysis and resting-state EEG recordings. The study population was further stratified into stable (n = 41) and progressive MCI (n = 31), based on the progression to AD dementia during two years follow-up. qEEG analysis included computation of global field power and global field synchronization in four conventional frequency bands. Results: CSF neurogranin levels were associated with theta power and synchronization in the progressive MCI group. CSF neurogranin and qEEG measures were significant predictors of progression to AD dementia, independent of baseline amyloid status in MCI patients. A combination of CSF neurogranin with global EEG power in theta and global EEG synchronization in beta band exhibited the highest classification accuracy as compared to either of these markers alone. Conclusion: qEEG and CSF neurogranin are independent predictors of progression to AD dementia in MCI patients. Molecular and neurophysiological synaptic markers may have additive value in a multimodal diagnostic and prognostic approach to dementia.
Markers of Kidney Function and Longitudinal Cognitive Ability Among Older Community-Dwelling Adults: The Rancho Bernardo Study
Authors: Richard Erin L. , McEvoy Linda K. , Oren Eyal , Alcaraz John E. , Laughlin Gail A. , LaCroix Andrea Z. , Salem Rany M.
Published: July 2021

Background: Reduced kidney function has been associated with cognitive decline. Most studies have examined a single marker of kidney function and have limited duration of follow-up. Objective: This study evaluated associations between markers of kidney function (urine albumin, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], and hyperuricemia) with cognitive performance over time. Methods: This is a longitudinal study of 1,634 community-dwelling adults (mean age = 71.7 years), with kidney function markers and cognitive ability measured at baseline (1992–1996) and at up to five additional time points with a maximum of 23.4 years (mean = 8.1 years) of follow-up. Associations between kidney function and cognitive performance were assessed using linear mixed effects models. Testing for interaction by sex was conducted. Results: Albuminuria (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio [ACR]≥30 mg/g) was associated with steeper annual declines in global cognitive function (MMSE, β= –0.12, p = 0.003), executive function (Trails B, β= 4.50, p < 0.0001) and episodic memory (Buschke total recall, β= –0.62, p = 0.02) scores in men. Results were similar when cognitive test scores were regressed on latent trajectory classes of ACR. In men, hyperuricemia (serum uric acid [SUA]≥6.8 mg/dl for men and SUA≥6.0 mg/dl for women) was associated with lower baseline MMSE (β= –0.70, p = 0.009) scores but not with MMSE change over time. No such associations were detected in women. There were no significant associations between eGFR and cognitive performance for either sex. Conclusion: In older men, albuminuria is an independent predictor of subsequent cognitive decline. More investigations are needed to explain the observed sex differences and the potential relationship between hyperuricemia and poorer global cognition.
Porphyromonas Gingivalis Infection Induces Synaptic Failure via Increased IL-1β Production in Leptomeningeal Cells
Authors: Huang Wanyi , Zeng Fan , Gu Yebo , Jiang Muzhou , Zhang Xinwen , Yan Xu , Kadowaki Tomoko , Mizutani Shinsuke , Kashiwazaki Haruhiko , Ni Junjun , Wu Zhou
Published: July 2021

Background: Studies have reported that synaptic failure occurs before the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) onset. The systemic Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) infection is involved in memory decline. We previously showed that leptomeningeal cells, covering the brain, activate glial cells by releasing IL-1β in response to systemic inflammation. Objective: In the present study, we focused on the impact of leptomeningeal cells on neurons during systemic P. gingivalis infection. Methods: The responses of leptomeningeal cells and cortical neurons to systemic P. gingivalis infection were examined in 15-month-old mice. The mechanism of IL-1β production by P. gingivalis infected leptomeningeal cells was examined, and primary cortical neurons were treated with P. gingivalis infected leptomeningeal cells condition medium (Pg LCM). Results: Systemic P. gingivalis infection increased the expression of IL-1β in leptomeninges and reduced the synaptophysin (SYP) expression in leptomeninges proximity cortex in mice. Leptomeningeal cells phagocytosed P. gingivalis resulting in lysosomal rupture and cathepsin B (CatB) leakage. Leaked CatB mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation inducing IL-1β secretion in leptomeningeal cells. Pg LCM decreased the expression of synaptic molecules, including SYP, which was inhibited by an IL-1 receptor antagonist pre-treatment. Conclusion: These observations demonstrate that P. gingivalis infection is involved in synaptic failure by inducing CatB/NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated IL-1β production in leptomeningeal cells. The periodontal bacteria-induced synaptic damage may accelerate the onset and cognitive decline of AD.
Putative Alcohol-Related Dementia as an Early Manifestation of Right Temporal Variant of Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Funayama Michitaka , Nakajima Asuka , Kurose Shin , Takata Taketo
Published: July 2021

Diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia is challenging in the early stages. Various psychiatric and neurological diseases are misdiagnosed as frontotemporal dementia and vice versa. Here we present a case with right temporal variant of frontotemporal dementia who presented with alcohol dependency and remarkable behavioral symptoms and was first misdiagnosed as having alcohol-related dementia. He then revealed symptoms related to right temporal variant of frontotemporal dementia, such as prosopagnosia, difficulty recognizing his housemates, loss of empathy, ritualistic behaviors, and difficulty finding and comprehending words. Retrospectively, his alcohol dependency itself was considered an early manifestation of right temporal variant of frontotemporal dementia.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scales to Detect Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yemm Heather , Robinson Dame Louise , Paddick Stella-Maria , Dotchin Catherine , Goodson Michaela Louise , Narytnyk Alla , Poole Marie , Mc Ardle Ríona
Published: July 2021

Background: The largest proportion of people with dementia worldwide live in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs), with dementia prevalence continuing to rise. Assessment and diagnosis of dementia involves identifying the impact of cognitive decline on function, usually measured by instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Objective: This review aimed to identify IADL measures which are specifically developed, validated, or adapted for use in LMICs to guide selection of such tools. Methods: A systematic search was conducted (fourteen databases) up to April 2020. Only studies reporting on development, validation, or adaptation of IADL measures for dementia or cognitive impairment among older adults (aged over 50) in LMICs were included. The QUADAS 2 was used to assess quality of diagnostic accuracy studies. Results: 22 papers met inclusion criteria; identifying 19 discrete IADL tools across 11 LMICs. These were either translated from IADL measures used in high-income countries (n = 6), translated and adapted for cultural differences (n = 6), or newly developed for target LMIC populations (n = 7). Seven measures were investigated in multiple studies; overall quality of diagnostic accuracy was moderate to good. Conclusion: Reliability, validity, and accuracy of IADL measures for supporting dementia diagnosis within LMICs was reported. Key components to consider when selecting an IADL tool for such settings were highlighted, including choosing culturally appropriate, time-efficient tools that account for gender- and literacy-bias, and can be conducted by any volunteer with appropriate training. There is a need for greater technical and external validation of IADL tools across different regions, countries, populations, and cultures.
Race-Related Association between APOE Genotype and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Qin Wei , Li Wenwen , Wang Qi , Gong Min , Li Tingting , Shi Yuqing , Song Yang , Li Ying , Li Fangyu , Jia Jianping
Published: July 2021

Background: The global race-dependent association of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype is not well understood. Transethnic analysis of APOE could clarify the role of genetics in AD risk across populations. Objective: This study aims to determine how race and APOE genotype affect the risks for AD. Methods: We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library since 1993 to Aug 25, 2020. A total of 10,395 reports were identified, and 133 were eligible for analysis with data on 77,402 participants. Studies contained AD clinical diagnostic and APOE genotype data. Homogeneous data sets were pooled in case-control analyses. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for developing AD were calculated for populations of different races and APOE genotypes. Results: The proportion of APOE genotypes and alleles differed between populations of different races. Results showed that APOE ɛ4 was a risk factor for AD, whereas APOE ɛ2 protected against it. The effects of APOE ɛ4 and ɛ2 on AD risk were distinct in various races, and they were substantially attenuated among Black people. Sub-group analysis found a higher frequency of APOE ɛ4/ɛ4 and lower frequency of APOE ɛ3/ɛ3 among early-onset AD than late-onset AD in a combined group and different races. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis suggests that the association of APOE genotypes and AD differ among races. These results enhance our understanding of APOE-related risk for AD across race backgrounds and provide new insights into precision medicine for AD.