bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor with Benign Serous Cystadenoma: A Rare Entity
Authors: Yadav Randhir Sagar , Pokharel Ashik , Shrestha Shumneva , Pokharel Ashbita , Gaire Deepshikha , Pradhan Sumita , Kansakar Prasan Bir Singh
Published: August 2021

Mixed serous-neuroendocrine neoplasm constitutes pancreatic serous cystic neoplasms and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, two tumor components with different underlying pathologies. The differentiation of these tumors is important as the management and prognosis depend on the pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor component. We report a case of mixed serous-neuroendocrine neoplasm in a 47-year-old female who presented with epigastric pain abdomen for two years. Imaging studies, tumor markers, thorough systemic evaluation, surgical resection, histopathological examination, and timely follow-up constituted our management approach. A 4 cm × 4 cm mass in the distal pancreas with multiple cysts in the pancreatic parenchyma containing serous fluid on distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy was found. The histopathological examination revealed combined benign serous cystadenoma and neuroendocrine tumor. She did not have any recurrence or metastasis by four years of follow-up.
Does Endometriosis Disturb Mental Health and Quality of Life? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Yuehan , Li Bo , Zhou Yang , Wang Yizi , Han Xue , Zhang Shitai , He Zheng , Ouyang Ling
Published: August 2021

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate whether endometriosis could disturb the mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients and to provide a new prospective for further treatment of endometriosis. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted among 4 international databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) and 2 of the largest Chinese databases (the China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wangfang). The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the included articles. Six effect sizes were synthesized through a meta-analysis, and a subgroup analysis was performed to identify potential moderating factors, including types of control groups, methods of assessment, number of study groups, and origin of the study. Potential publication bias was examined using a funnel plot. Results: This meta-analysis pooled 44 articles from 4 continents and 13 countries and compared 6 types of main effect sizes (the odds ratio [OR] for depression, the OR for anxiety, the standardized mean difference [SMD] for depression, the SMD for anxiety, the SMD for the physical component summary [PCS] and the SMD for the mental component summary [MCS]) between endometriosis patients and controls. Except for the SMD for depression, all other effect sizes revealed statistically significant differences between the study group and the controls. The main effect size outcomes of the subgroup analysis were also similar. The type of control group (I2 = 35% in non-endometriosis control groups for the SMD of anxiety; I2 = 47% in non-endometriosis control groups for the MCS of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey) and the continent of origin (I2 = 0% in studies from South America for the OR of depression; I2 = 47% in studies from Europe for the SMD of anxiety) may influence heterogeneity in this analysis. Additionally, depression and anxiety symptoms in patients seemed to be more apparent compared with healthy controls when the sample was smaller and when a questionnaire was used. The publication bias of the articles was acceptable. Conclusion: Endometriosis can disturb mental health (specifically depression and anxiety) and decrease both the mental and physical HRQoL of patients. There may be some moderating factors that we were unable to identify in the subgroup analysis, but more research is necessary to develop proper management and improve the prognosis of endometriosis patients.
Bilateral Parietal Skull Fractures in Infants Attributable to Accidental Falls
Authors: AlSahlawi Aysha , Morantz Gillian , Lacroix Caroline , Saint-Martin Christine , Dudley Roy W. R.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Multiple skull fractures, including bilateral parietal skull fractures (BPSFs) in infants are considered to be suspicious for abusive head trauma (AHT). The aim of this report is to describe a series of BPSF cases in infants which occurred due to accidental falls. Methods: We searched our neuroradiology database for BPSF in infants (<1 year old) diagnosed between 2006 and 2019; we reviewed initial presentation, mechanisms of injury, clinical course, head imaging, skeletal survey X-rays, ophthalmology, social work and child abuse physicians (CAP) assessments, and long-term follow-up. “Confirmed accidental BPSF” were strictly defined as having negative skeletal survey and ophthalmology evaluation and a CAP conclusion of accidental injury. Results: Twelve cases of BPSF were found; 3 were confirmed to be accidental, with a mean age at presentation of 3 months. Two infants had single-impact falls, and 1 had a compression injury; all 3 had small intracranial hemorrhages. None had bruises or other injuries, and all remained clinically well. A literature search found 10 similar cases and further biomechanical evidence that these fractures can occur from accidental falls. Conclusion: While AHT should be kept in the differential diagnosis whenever BPSFs are seen, these injuries can occur as a result of accidental falls.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Noncystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis
Authors: Ora Josuel , Prendi Emanuela , Ritondo Beatrice Ludovica , Pata Xhesika , Spada Florian , Rogliani Paola
Published: August 2021

Background: Current guidelines for the treatment of noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) recommend pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), but to date, there are few studies that have proven its effectiveness. Objective: The main objective of this study was to examine the effect of PR on pulmonary function tests and exercise capacity. Method: The aim of this study was to systematically review the effects of PR in NCFB on (1) forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and (2) exercise capacity evaluated by the 6-min walk test (6MWT) and the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT). This meta-analysis was undertaken according to PRISMA recommendations. Results: This pair-wise meta-analysis included data obtained from studies that enrolled 529 NCFB patients. The FEV1 assessment after PR between the active and control group did not show any significant increase (FEV1 difference 0.084 mL; CI: −0.064, +0.233; p = 0.264), and there was an increasing trend (188 mL; CI: −0 to 0.009, +0.384) at the limits of statistical significance (p = 0.061). Walked distance showed a significant increase in the PR group compared to the control group (ISWT distance difference 070.0 m; CI: 55.2, 84.8; p < 0.001), and this finding was confirmed before and after PR both by the ISWT (68.85 m greater than baseline; CI: 40.52, 97.18; p < 0.001) and by the 6MWT (37.7 m greater than baseline; CI: 20.22, 55.25; p < 0.001). Conclusions: PR improves exercise tolerance in NCFB patients, but it has a modest impact on respiratory function.
Potential Heart, Liver, and Kidney Donation after Circulatory Determination of Death in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Trottier Alexandra , Maitre Guillaume , Hébert Audrey , Weiss Matthew J.
Published: August 2021

Background: Pediatric organ donation after circulatory determination of death (DCD) has increased in recent years; however, there are few data reporting the number of neonatal potential DCD organ donors and no Canadian-specific reports. Objective: The main objective of this study was to estimate the number of patients who may have become actual DCD organ donors from a single, tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) over 5 years. Methods: We reviewed all medical charts of newborns ≥2.5 kg, who died in our center’s NICU from January 2013 to December 2017. We determined how many could have become actual organ donors after brain death (DBD) or DCD based on 3 sets of organ-specific eligibility criteria defined as conservative, standard, and liberal. Results: Of the 39 deceased patients, none met the criteria for DBD. Twenty-nine (75%) died after the withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies. According to the conservative criteria, 1 patient would have been eligible for kidneys and liver donation. Three patients met standard criteria for kidneys and 1 for liver. Eight patients would have been eligible donors for kidneys, 7 for liver, and 2 for heart according to liberal criteria. Only 2 patients were evaluated for DCD, and no organ donation was performed. Conclusions: While uncommon, we identified potential DCD organ donors in the NICU population for kidney, heart, and liver transplants. The substantial variability in the number of potential donors depending on the selected eligibility criteria emphasizes the need for a standardized definition adapted to local capacities.
White Piedra: An Uncommon Superficial Fungal Infection of Hair
Authors: Gaurav Vishal , Grover Chander , Das Shukla , Rai Gargi
Published: August 2021

White piedra is a superficial fungal infection of hair caused by Trichosporon species. It presents clinically as white nodules encasing the hair shafts and may lead to increased fragility. It can usually be differentiated easily from clinically similar conditions based on clinical and microbiologic features. We report a case of white piedra of scalp hair in a 32-year-old female caused by T. ovoides, diagnosed using clinical, trichoscopic, microbiologic and molecular methods. In this case, trichoscopy acted as an interface between clinical and microbiologic examination, obviating the need for hair shaft microscopy. The genus Trichosporon contains 6 species of clinical significance viz., T. asahii, T. asteroides, T. cutaneum, T. inkin, T. mucoides, and T. ovoides, which cannot be differentiated based on their morphologic characteristics. A genotypic identification using molecular methods helped determine the causative species. It was treated successfully with oral itraconazole and topical ketoconazole.
Effectiveness of Caplacizumab Nanobody in Acquired Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Refractory to Conventional Treatment
Authors: Palanques-Pastor Tomás , Megías-Vericat Juan Eduardo , Bosó Ribelles Virginia , Gómez Seguí Inés , Poveda Andrés José Luis
Published: August 2021

Acquired thrombocytopenic thrombotic purpura (aTTP) is an autoantibody-mediated disease against the enzyme A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease domain with ThromboSpondin-1 type motif 13, which until now has been treated with plasma exchange (PEX) and corticosteroids. A 29-year-old female patient, who presented with aTTP in the context of pregnancy, has developed multiple relapses after treatment with PEX, corticosteroids, and rituximab. Recently, caplacizumab, a nanobody against von Willebrand factor, has been approved for the treatment of aTTP. In our patient, caplacizumab achieved better disease control, with a lower platelet count restoration time, days of PEX and hospitalization duration, as compared to standard therapy, reproducing the results of clinical trials. Caplacizumab represents a significant advance in the treatment of aTTP, especially in cases of recurrent relapses.
Editorial do n.43
Authors: Bergonzoni Gisela Anauate , Romero Julia , Spineli Patricia Kiss
Published: August 2021

Editorial do n. 43
Hacer hablar al silencio: la intensificación de la realidad en la poesía de Xavier Villaurrutia
Authors: Teixeira Nuno Miguel de Brito e Sousa
Published: August 2021

O presente artigo tem como objeto de estudo a criação poética do poeta contemporâneo mexicano Xavier Villaurrutia, destacando-se, sobretudo, o aspecto da intensificação da realidade como uma presença constante em sua obra, que se faz sentir através de uma potente revitalização do espaço e do tempo do poema. Procura-se analisar de que forma esta intensificação se conecta a uma despolarização entre as ideias de vida e de morte e como a morte é significada e representada na sua produção. Por último, é dado um enfoque especial ao tema do erotismo, tema indissociável da própria elaboração da morte.
Krüppel‐Like Factor 15/Interleukin 11 Axis‐Mediated Adventitial Remodeling Depends on Extracellular Signal‐Regulated Kinases 1 and 2 Activation in Angiotensin II–Induced Hypertension
Authors: Guo Yue‐Tong , Lu Yuan‐Yuan , Lu Xiao , He Shun , Li Shi‐Jin , Shao Shuai , Zhou Han‐Dan , Wang Rui‐Qi , Li Xiao‐Dong , Gao Ping‐Jin
Published: August 2021

Background

Adventitial remodeling is a pathological hallmark of hypertension that results in target organ damage. Activated adventitial fibroblasts have emerged as critical regulators in this process, but the precise mechanism remains unclear.

Methods and Results

Interleukin 11 (IL‐11) knockout and wild‐type mice were subjected to angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion to establish models of hypertension‐associated vascular remodeling. IL‐11 mRNA and protein were increased especially in the adventitia in response to Ang II. Compared with wild‐type mice, Ang II–treated IL‐11 knockout mice showed amelioration of vascular hypertrophy, adventitial fibrosis, macrophage infiltration, and inflammatory factor expression. Recombination mouse IL‐11 exacerbated adventitial fibrosis in Ang II–infused wild‐type mice. Interestingly, IL‐11 neutralizing antibody attenuated adventitial fibrosis, macrophage infiltration, and inflammatory factor expression after Ang II infusion for 7 days. Mechanistically, in primary cultured adventitial fibroblasts, Krüppel‐like factor 15 negatively regulated Ang II–induced IL‐11 expression. Ang II increased extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 activation, especially in adventitia, and caused biphasic extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 activation in adventitial fibroblasts. A rapid and early activation increased IL‐11 production through decreasing Krüppel‐like factor 15 expression, which, in turn, induced the second extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 activation, resulting in posttranscriptional profibrotic gene expression.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 activation is important for Krüppel‐like factor 15–mediated IL‐11 expression in adventitial fibroblasts to promote adventitial remodeling in Ang II–induced hypertension. Therefore, targeting the Krüppel‐like factor 15/IL‐11 axis might serve as a new therapeutic strategy for vascular diseases.
Domains of Physical Activity in Relation to Stiffness Index in the General Population
Authors: Arnold Natalie , Deiseroth Arne , Hahad Omar , Diestelmeier Simon , Schulz Andreas , Daubenbüchel Andrea , Gori Tommaso , Binder Harald , Pfeiffer Norbert , Prochaska Jürgen , Beutel Manfred , Lackner Karl J. , Münzel Thomas , Wild Philipp S.
Published: August 2021

Background

Regular exercise training represents an important modifier of arterial stiffness (AS). Therefore, sex‐specific relations between domains of physical activity (PA; commuting, domestic, and leisure‐time PA, including active sport and occupational PA) with AS were investigated.

Methods and Results

Stiffness index by digital photoplethysmography was investigated in 12 650 subjects from the GHS (Gutenberg Health Study). Self‐reported PA was evaluated by the “Short Questionnaire to Assess Health‐Enhancing Physical Activity” and reported as activity score peer week, being a combined measure of duration, frequency, and intensity of PA. Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated strong beneficial effects of repetitive activities, such as active commuting or leisure‐time PA–related walking on AS in men, but not in women. Lower AS associated with endurance training was also found among men and premenopausal women. In contrast, intense occupational PA was related to stiffer vessels in men (
P
<0.0001) and women (
P
=0.0021) in a fully adjusted model. Combination of both, performing endurance training and having stiffness index values below median, resulted in the best survival. In contrast, subjects with elevated stiffness index at baseline without any endurance activities demonstrated the worst survival.

Conclusions

In this population representative sample, a differential impact of domains of self‐reported PA on AS was demonstrated. Our data strengthen the importance of regular endurance PA to induce a reduction of AS, which, in turn, may improve cardiovascular prognosis. We also report deleterious effects of intense occupational PA on stiffness index, a finding that needs further confirmation by larger prospective trials.
Research Priorities in the Secondary Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation: A National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Virtual Workshop Report
Authors: Benjamin Emelia J. , Al‐Khatib Sana M. , Desvigne‐Nickens Patrice , Alonso Alvaro , Djoussé Luc , Forman Daniel E. , Gillis Anne M. , Hendriks Jeroen M. L. , Hills Mellanie True , Kirchhof Paulus , Link Mark S. , Marcus Gregory M. , Mehra Reena , Murray Katherine T. , Parkash Ratika , Piña Ileana L. , Redline Susan , Rienstra Michiel , Sanders Prashanthan , Somers Virend K. , Van Wagoner David R. , Wang Paul J. , Cooper Lawton S. , Go Alan S.
Published: August 2021

There has been sustained focus on the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease and heart failure; yet, apart from stroke prevention, the evidence base for the secondary prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence, AF progression, and AF‐related complications is modest. Although there are multiple observational studies, there are few large, robust, randomized trials providing definitive effective approaches for the secondary prevention of AF. Given the increasing incidence and prevalence of AF nationally and internationally, the AF field needs transformative research and a commitment to evidenced‐based secondary prevention strategies. We report on a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute virtual workshop directed at identifying knowledge gaps and research opportunities in the secondary prevention of AF. Once AF has been detected, lifestyle changes and novel models of care delivery may contribute to the prevention of AF recurrence, AF progression, and AF‐related complications. Although benefits seen in small subgroups, cohort studies, and selected randomized trials are impressive, the widespread effectiveness of AF secondary prevention strategies remains unknown, calling for development of scalable interventions suitable for diverse populations and for identification of subpopulations who may particularly benefit from intensive management. We identified critical research questions for 6 topics relevant to the secondary prevention of AF: (1) weight loss; (2) alcohol intake, smoking cessation, and diet; (3) cardiac rehabilitation; (4) approaches to sleep disorders; (5) integrated, team‐based care; and (6) nonanticoagulant pharmacotherapy. Our goal is to stimulate innovative research that will accelerate the generation of the evidence to effectively pursue the secondary prevention of AF.
AOL4PS: A Large-scale Data Set for Personalized Search
Authors: Guo Qian , Chen Wei , Wan Huaiyu
Published: August 2021

Personalized search is a promising way to improve the quality of Websearch, and it has attracted much attention from both academic and industrial communities. Much of the current related research is based on commercial search engine data, which can not be released publicly for such reasons as privacy protection and information security. This leads to a serious lack of accessible public data sets in this field. The few publicly available data sets have not become widely used in academia because of the complexity of the processing process required to study personalized search methods. The lack of data sets together with the difficulties of data processing has brought obstacles to fair comparison and evaluation of personalized search models. In this paper, we constructed a large-scale data set AOL4PS to evaluate personalized search methods, collected and processed from AOL query logs. We present the complete and detailed data processing and construction process. Specifically, to address the challenges of processing time and storage space demands brought by massive data volumes, we optimized the process of data set construction and proposed an improved BM25 algorithm. Experiments are performed on AOL4PS with some classic and state-of-the-art personalized search methods, and the experiment results demonstrate that AOL4PS can measure the effect of personalized search models.
A Virtual Reality Embodiment Technique to Enhance Helping Behavior of Police Toward a Victim of Police Racial Aggression
Authors: Kishore Sameer , Spanlang Bernhard , Iruretagoyena Guillermo , Halan Shivashankar , Szostak Dalila , Slater Mel
Published: August 2021

There is an alarming level of violence by police in the US toward African Americans. Although this may be rooted in explicit racial bias, the more intractable problem is overcoming implicit bias, bias that is non-conscious but demonstrated in actual behavior. If bias is implicit, it is difficult to change through explicit methods that attempt to change attitudes. We carried out a study using virtual reality (VR) with 38 officers in a US police department, who took part in an interrogation of an African American suspect alongside an officer who was racially abusive toward the suspect. Seventeen of the participants witnessed the interview again from a third person perspective (Observer) and 21 from the embodied perspective of the suspect, now a victim of the interrogation (Victim condition), having been assigned randomly to these two groups. Some weeks later, all witnessed aggression by an officer toward an African American man in a virtual cafe scenario. The results show that the actions of those who had been in the Victim condition were coded as being more helpful toward the victim than those in the Observer condition. We argue that such VR exposures operate at the experiential and implicit level rather than the explicit, and hence are more likely to be effective in combating aggression rooted in implicit bias.
Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Eocene amber from the Rovno region, Ukraine
Authors: GIŁKA WOJCIECH , HARBACH RALPH E. , PERKOVSKY EVGENY E.
Published: August 2021

Culex ekaterinae sp. nov. is described based on an adult male embedded in amber from the Rovno region, northwestern Ukraine. The new species is compared with its presumed closest known relative, i.e. Culex erikae Szadziewski et Szadziewska, 1985 described from adults in Baltic amber. The two species exhibit distinct differences in the size of the main body parts, including the antenna, maxillary palpus and proboscis, as well as in the venation of the wing, the structure of the ungues and male genitalia—characters crucial in the diagnosis of adult mosquitoes. A redescription of Culiseta gedanica Szadziewski et Giłka, 2011, to date known from a single adult male, is presented based on a male in amber from Voronki, Rovno region. A tabulation of fossil Culicidae with their geological ages is provided.
A new species of Myrsidea (Insecta: Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) from Chile
Authors: SYCHRA OLDRICH , PALMA RICARDO L.
Published: August 2021

Myrsidea danielalfonsoi new species is described and illustrated from the Austral thrush (Turdus falcklandii magellanicus King, 1831) in Chile.
Carvacrol Induces Cell Apoptosis in Human Esophageal Squamous Carcinoma the Human Esophageal Squamous Carcinoma Cell Line (KYSE-150) Cells
Authors: Lin DaoBin , Yang Zhangkai , Su YiHua , Cheng YaWei
Published: August 2021

Carvacrol is a natural phenol with antioxidant, antimicrobials, and anti-cancer activities. The present study aimed to explore the anti-cancer activity of carvacrol in human esophageal squamous carcinoma KYSE-150 cells. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured using WST-1 assay
and cell death detection ELISA kit respectively. Caspase activities were determined with caspase fluorometric assay kits. WST-1 assay revealed that carvacrol suppressed KYSE-150 cell proliferation in both dose and time-dependent manner. Carvacrol could increase cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent
manner through caspase-3 and caspase-9 activation. In addition, Bcl-2 mRNA levels were significantly decreased by carvacrol treatment. This study delivers that carvacrol exerts a favorable anti-cancer action against esophageal cancer via inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing cell apoptosis.
These discoveries suggest that carvacrol is deserved to be further studied and developed as a chemotherapeutic agent for esophageal cancer.
Tanshinone IIA Regulates Osteoblast Differentiation and Promotes Fracture Healing via Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Fang Ming , Wang Xingwu , Wei Yongli , Yu Wuliang , Lu Jianmeng
Published: August 2021

This study assessed the effect and potential molecular mechanism of tanshinone IIA on fracture healing. Mice model with fracture were established. Digital radiographic photographic system was used to detect callus formation after treatment with tanshinone II A (Tan IIA) and alkaline
phosphatase (ALP) staining analyzed ALP activity. Osteoblast proliferation was also measured. Western blot and Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) measured osteogenic markers expression. Compared with control group, Tan IIA treatment could increase callus formation, stimulate osteoblast proliferation,
osteogenic proteins and genes expression, and activate mTORC1 signaling pathway. However, Tan IIA’s effects were significantly inhibited after rapamycin treatment. Tan IIA regulates osteoblast differentiation by mTORC1 signaling and promotes intramembranous ossification in the process
of callus formation, which accelerates bone healing.
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription6 Signaling Pathway in Tumor-Associated Macrophage Aggravates Lung Cancer Progression
Authors: Wan Jun , Wang Jian , Huang Qiurong , Ding Guanggui , Ling Xiean
Published: August 2021

Lung cancer is a most common cancer worldwide. Tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) is known a key effector cell in tumor microenvironment. Meanwhile, STAT6 is crucial to cancer development. We aimed to determine the interaction between STAT6 and TAMs in lung cancer. In this work, firstly,
we established mouse model of lung cancer. Then, immunofluorescence was performed to determine STAT6 and CD206 level in lung cancer tissue and adjacent normal tissues as well as model mice. RT-qPCR was applied to detect differentiation of macrophage and determine related gene expression. After
treatment of siRNA of STAT6 or STAT6 inhibitor (AS1517499), Transwell assay and MTT were used to determine cell proliferation and migration. STAT6 was upregulated in lung cancer tissues while arginase was more active in M2 macrophage rather than M1 macrophage. Transfection of si-STAT6 not
only decreased differentiation in M2 macrophage but also inhibited proliferative, migratory and invasive ability of cancer cells while AS1517499 led to reduced tumor growth. STAT6 inhibition caused decreased expression of M2 macrophages. Similarly, intratumoral T cell markers showed that CD8+T
cell gene expression and CD4-mediated T cell marker FoxP3 was increased slightly. Taken altogether, macrophage-STAT6 promotes cell migration and proliferation in lung cancer.
Exosomes Derived from Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells (huMSCs) Carrying MicroRNA-342 Relieve Protect Severe Acute Pancreatitis Injury (SAP)
Authors: Zhou Xiaohong , Hao Xuzhong , He Feifei
Published: August 2021

To investigate whether exosomes (exo) derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (huMSCs) and microRNA (miRNA)-342 have a protective effect on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Human umbilical cord blood was collected to extract huMSC-exo. With sham-operated mice as control
group (n = 10), the other mice were induced to SAP model (n = 20), while 10 of the SAP mice received treatment with huMSC-exo. ELISA was performed to determine amylase and TAP level as well as inflammatory factors and HE staining to evaluate pathological changes of pancreatic
tissue. The expression of miR-342 and Shh, Ptchl, and Smo in the Hh signal pathway was detected using RT-qPCR. The expression of miR-342 and the mRNA expression of Shh, Ptchl, and Smo was higher than that in model group (p < 0.05). The level of serum amylase, trypsinogen, and IFN-γ,Fasl,
and IL-6 was upregulated in pancreas tissues of SAP mice relative to healthy mice, but their levels were decreased upon treatment with huMSC-exo and slightly higher than those of the control group, just not significantly. Collectively, the huMSC-exo may activate the Hh signaling pathway by
regulating the expression of miR-342 increasing the expression of Shh, Ptchl, and Smo, and thereby healing of damaged pancreatic tissues in SAP.
An Exploration of the Method for Repairing Knee Joint Trauma-Induced Skin Defects with a Saphenous Flap
Authors: Guan Li-Feng , Fang Chao , Wang Xiao-Ni , Luo Qi-Yun , Wu Yin-Sheng
Published: August 2021

The present study aimed to explore the methods and clinical outcomes of repairing skin defects caused by knee joint trauma with a saphenous flap. Fifteen patients with skin and soft tissue defects after knee joint trauma received saphenous flap transposition, and the rotation axis point
of the pedicle and transposition method were modified. The flap was transposed through a “semi-open tunnel” using a subcutaneous tissue pedicle and by parallel “bilobed” flap transposition through an “open tunnel.” The whole flap survived after the surgery
in all patients. The pedicle was not bulging, had no “cat’s ear” deformity, and was flattened. The donor site was sutured directly, and the wound healed by primary intention without postoperative complications. When a saphenous flap is applied to repair the knee joint trauma
skin defects with small and medium size, by modifying the pedicle transposition method, the flap rotation angle is more flexible, surgery is safer and more reliable, and flap appearance is more optimized.
The African SWIFT Project: Growing Science Capability to Bring about a Revolution in Weather Prediction
Authors: Parker Douglas J. , Blyth Alan M. , Woolnough Steven J. , Dougill Andrew J. , Bain Caroline L. , de Coning Estelle , Diop-Kane Mariane , Kamga Foamouhoue Andre , Lamptey Benjamin , Ndiaye Ousmane , Ruti Paolo , Adefisan Elijah A. , Amekudzi Leonard K. , Antwi-Agyei Philip , Birch Cathryn E. , Cafaro Carlo , Carr Hamish , Chanzu Benard , Clarke Samantha J. , Coskeran Helen , Danuor Sylvester K. , de Andrade Felipe M. , Diakaria Kone , Dione Cheikh , Diop Cheikh Abdoulahat , Fletcher Jennifer K. , Gaye Amadou T. , Groves James L. , Gudoshava Masilin , Hartley Andrew J. , Hirons Linda C. , Ibrahim Ishiyaku , James Tamora D. , Lawal Kamoru A. , Marsham John H. , Mutemi J. N. , Okogbue Emmanuel Chilekwu , Olaniyan Eniola , Omotosho J. B. , Portuphy Joseph , Roberts Alexander J. , Schwendike Juliane , Segele Zewdu T. , Stein Thorwald H. M. , Taylor Andrea L. , Taylor Christopher M. , Warnaars Tanya A. , Webster Stuart , Woodhams Beth J. , Youds Lorraine
Published: August 2021

Africa is poised for a revolution in the quality and relevance of weather predictions, with potential for great benefits in terms of human and economic security. This revolution will be driven by recent international progress in nowcasting, numerical weather prediction, theoretical tropical dynamics, and forecast communication, but will depend on suitable scientific investment being made. The commercial sector has recognized this opportunity and new forecast products are being made available to African stakeholders. At this time, it is vital that robust scientific methods are used to develop and evaluate the new generation of forecasts. The Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) African Science for Weather Information and Forecasting Techniques (SWIFT) project represents an international effort to advance scientific solutions across the fields of nowcasting, synoptic and short-range severe weather prediction, subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) prediction, user engagement, and forecast evaluation. This paper describes the opportunities facing African meteorology and the ways in which SWIFT is meeting those opportunities and identifying priority next steps. Delivery and maintenance of weather forecasting systems exploiting these new solutions requires a trained body of scientists with skills in research and training, modeling and operational prediction, and communications and leadership. By supporting partnerships between academia and operational agencies in four African partner countries, the SWIFT project is helping to build capacity and capability in African forecasting science. A highlight of SWIFT is the coordination of three weather forecasting “Testbeds”—the first of their kind in Africa—which have been used to bring new evaluation tools, research insights, user perspectives, and communications pathways into a semioperational forecasting environment.
A theology of gratitude for rising generations
Authors: Townes Stephanie
Published: August 2021

Rising generations (Millennials and Gen Z) already have a solid understanding of gratitude from gratitude’s pervasiveness in popular culture, and because of this, gratitude is an opportunity for the Church to reach rising generations where they already are. To do this, the Church should underscore a theological why of gratitude and a practical theological how of gratitude. The theological why of gratitude is based on Kathryn Tanner’s gift-giving nature of God, from her book Jesus, Humanity, and the Trinity. The practical theological how of gratitude will rise up from our holy habits of gratitude, both personal and collective, reinforced by the Eucharist, and taught through discipleship and practices of stewardship.
Developing reasoning within a geometric learning progression: Implications for curriculum development and classroom practices
Authors: Seah Rebecca , Horne Marj
Published: August 2021

Promoting reasoning is the goal of mathematics education. While reasoning behaviours can be observed, how to characterise them and nurture their growth remains ambiguous. In this article, we report our effort in drafting a learning progression and geometric thinking model and using them to investigate Australian students’ geometric reasoning abilities. The data were taken from a large-scale study into the development of mathematical reasoning. Rasch analysis resulted in eight thinking zones being charted. Using a mixed method, we analysed 446 Year 7 to 10 students’ responses on a task that requires them to enlarge a logo, state its coordinates and calculate the enlarged area. In-depth, fine-grained analysis of students’ explanations revealed the range of skills and techniques students used to reason about the situation. The findings suggest that higher level reasoning was characterised by evidence of increased visualisation skills and proficient use of mixed mediums to communicate intent. The implications of the findings for curriculum and classroom practice are discussed.
Deriving Effective Decision-Making Strategies of Prosthetists: Using Hidden Markov Modeling and Qualitative Analysis to Compare Experts and Novices
Authors: Saravanan Pratima , Menold Jessica
Published: August 2021

Objective

This research focuses on studying the clinical decision-making strategies of expert and novice prosthetists for different case complexities.

Background

With an increasing global amputee population, there is an urgent need for improved amputee care. However, current prosthetic prescription standards are based on subjective expertise, making the process challenging for novices, specifically during complex patient cases. Hence, there is a need for studying the decision-making strategies of prosthetists.

Method

An interactive web-based survey was developed with two case studies of varying complexities. Navigation between survey pages and time spent were recorded for 28 participants including experts ( n = 20) and novices ( n = 8). Using these data, decision-making strategies, or patterns of decisions, during prosthetic prescription were derived using hidden Markov modeling. A qualitative analysis of participants’ rationale regarding decisions was used to add a deep contextualized understanding of decision-making strategies derived from the quantitative analysis.

Results

Unique decision-making strategies were observed across expert and novice participants. Experts tended to focus on the personal details, activity level, and state of the residual limb prior to prescription, and this strategy was independent of case complexity. Novices tended to change strategies dependent upon case complexity, fixating on certain factors when case complexity was high.

Conclusion

The decision-making strategies of experts stayed the same across the two cases, whereas the novices exhibited mixed strategies.

Application

By modeling the decision-making strategies of experts and novices, this study builds a foundation for development of an automated decision-support tool for prosthetic prescription, advancing novice training, and amputee care.
Coopetition in a merger process: Regulators and management of coopetitive tensions
Authors: Thelisson Anne-Sophie
Published: August 2021

Coopetitive tensions can arise as strategic decisions are imposed on firms that challenge them to pursue competition and collaboration with other organizations. Regulators—such as the state—can interfere in merger strategies. Using a longitudinal case study, the objective of the study is: (1) to analyze which regulators influence coopetitive tensions in a merger process (including negotiation and integration stages); and (2) to explore how coopetitive tensions are coped with during the process. We found that the state and customers have architectural roles as regulators during the process (negotiation period, deal, and integration process). We explore coopetition paradox management at different levels (interorganizational, organizational, and individual levels) over the merger process.

Points for practitioners

Our study sheds light on tensions experienced by managers with conflicting identities at the beginning of the integration and on the way they coped with such tensions. Indeed, our study shed lights on the integration principle as managers were able to transcend the paradox in their decisions and actions implemented at the organizational level through reorganizing the organization and favoring tandem teams and joint piloting.
Influence of preheating on the fracture behavior of over-molded short/continuous fiber reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Paramasivam Anandakumar , Timmaraju Mallina Venkata , Velmurugan Ramachandran
Published: August 2021

Over-molded composites (consist of short and continuous fiber composites) have been extensively used in automotive structures because of their lightweight, high strength-to-weight ratio, and ability to make complex profiles. However, the poor interfacial bonding between short and continuous fiber composites reduces the performance of the over-molded composites. The preheating process has been utilized to enhance the interface bond of the over-molded composites. In the present study, the influence of preheating on the fracture behavior was studied by conducting tensile, flexural, short beam shear, mode I and mode II interlaminar fracture tests on over-molded short/continuous fiber polypropylene composites. The experimental results of the preheated specimens demonstrated an enhancement of tensile, flexural and short beam shear strength by 15%, 221% and 17%, respectively, compared with non-preheated specimens. Further, preheating enhanced the mode I and mode II interlaminar propagation fracture toughness by 655% and 44%, respectively compared with non-preheated specimens.
Image retrieval of wool fabric. Part III: based on aggregated convolutional descriptors and approximate nearest neighbors search
Authors: Zhang Ning , Xiang Jun , Wang Lei , Gao Weidong , Pan Ruru
Published: August 2021

For sample reproduction, texture and color are both significant when the consumer has no specific or individual demands or cannot describe the requirements clearly. In this paper, an effective method based on aggregated convolutional descriptors and approximate nearest neighbors search was proposed to combine the texture and color feature for wool fabric retrieval. Aggregated convolutional descriptors from different layers were combined to characterize the wool fabric image. The approximate nearest neighbors search method Annoy was adopted for similarity measurement to balance the trade-off between the search performance and the elapsed time. A wool fabric image database containing 82,073 images was built to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method. Different feature extraction and similarity measurement methods were compared with the proposed method. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method can combine the texture and color feature, being effective and superior for image retrieval of wool fabric. The proposed scheme can provide references for the worker in the factory, saving a great deal of labor and material resources.
Why Asian states cooperate in regional arrangements: Asian regionalism in comparative perspective
Authors: Panke Diana , Rüland Jürgen
Published: August 2021

Regional cooperation in Asia takes place in formal Regional Organizations (ROs) as well as in less formal Regional Fora (RF). In addition, unlike in other parts of the world, Asian regionalism mainly developed in one instead of two waves. Especially after the end of the Cold War, Asian countries created numerous ROs and RF. Over time, Asian states became members of several ROs and RF at the same time, thereby contributing to Asian regime complexity. Given that multiple memberships in regional cooperation agreements can place high demands on diplomatic and financial resources of member states, the fact that Asian states became members in between one and 17 ROs and RF is puzzling. This article investigates why Asian countries join regional cooperation agreements. Based on a theory-guided empirical analysis that combines quantitative and qualitative methods, it argues that hedging and economic interests are the main driving forces behind Asian regionalism and that these motivations are often interlinked.
Novel method and case study of a deep shale fracability evaluation based on the brittleness index
Authors: Lu Cong , Ma Li , Guo Jianchun , Li Xinyang , Zheng Yunchuan , Ren Yong , Yin Congbin , Li Junfeng , Zhou Guangqing , Wang Jiandong , Du Zhenjing , Meng Xianbo , Song Mingshui , Yang Bin
Published: August 2021

Deep shale has gradually become a focus point for unconventional natural gas exploration and development in China and even the world. The key to deep shale development is the fracability evaluation of a reservoir; conventional evaluation methods cannot provide accurate evaluations of deep shale fracability under high confining pressures. In this study, experimental methods are used to obtain the mechanical parameters, mineral composition, and stress–strain characteristics of shale. The fracture complexity coefficient based on the fractal dimension and fracture angle is defined by analyzing the fracture morphology of shale samples. Using the rock fracturing complexity as an index, the weight coefficients of different factors for the shale fracture morphology are obtained, thus establishing a new evaluation model for the deep shale brittleness index. The results show that the Young's modulus, dilatancy angle, and peak strain are the main factors affecting the complexity of shale fractures. The gray correlation theory is used to calculate the weights of various factors in the model. The weight coefficients of the Young's modulus, dilatancy angle, and peak strain on the rock brittleness index are 0.262, 0.353, and 0.385, respectively. Based on this, a novel method for evaluating the fracability of deep shale using the brittleness index is proposed. The fracability index of the horizontal section of the deep shale gas well in this area was calculated, and the location of the fracturing perforation cluster was optimized accordingly. This technology has been successfully applied in more than 10 deep shale gas wells in the southern Sichuan Basin, effectively reducing the fracturing pressure by 5–10 MPa, increasing the average daily production of a single well by 15.3 ×  104 m3. This paper proposes a novel fracability evaluation method for deep shale based on the brittleness index, which provides a reference for optimizing deep shale fracturing design.
My Fair Lady? Inferring Organizational Trust From the Mere Presence of Women in Leadership Roles
Authors: Joshi Mansi P. , Diekman Amanda B.
Published: August 2021

The history of male dominance in organizational hierarchy can leave a residue of mistrust in which women in particular do not expect fair treatment. The mere presence of a female leader relative to a male leader led perceivers to anticipate fairer treatment in that organization (Study 1) and greater projected salary and status (Study 2). This mere presence effect occurred uniquely through communal and not agentic affordances; these patterns emerged especially or only for women. Female leaders cued organizational trust in both male- and female-dominated industries (Study 3) and when they occupied different levels of the organizational hierarchy (Study 4). When information about organizational communal affordances is directly communicated, both female and male leaders signal trust (Study 5). The processes and practices of male-dominated organizational culture can leave a residue of mistrust, but viewing women in leadership is one beacon illuminating paths forward and upward.
Investigating the Psychometric Properties of the Arabic Version of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale IV (FACES IV) in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Sarour Enas O. A. , El Keshky Mogeda E. S.
Published: August 2021

The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale IV (FACES IV) has been widely used to assess family functioning and to implement family therapeutic interventions. Cross-cultural adaptation is needed given the high sensitivity of family norms with culture. This study investigates the psychometric properties of the FACES IV in the context of Saudi culture. The sample consisted of 369 participants (270 females and 99 males) aged between 13 and 70. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis supported the FACES IV model, after some adjustments. The findings indicated that FACES IV was a reliable and valid measure that can be used in the context of Saudi Arabia. The study showed some particularities with the rigid and enmeshed dimensions and concurred with previous validation studies in suggesting that these dimensions must be investigated further with respect to different cultures.