bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Survey on Microgrid Control Techniques in Islanded Mode
Authors: Ekanayake Uthpala N. , Navaratne Uditha S.
Published: October 2020

Traditional power networks with generation in upstream and consumption in the downstream were controlled with centralized controls like SCADA. However, in order to facilitate the penetration of distributed generation, the concept of microgrid was popularized. A microgrid can operate both in grid-connected and in islanded modes. One of the challenges in the microgrid environment is to provide both voltage control and maintain the system frequency while ensuring the stability of the network. This paper is a literature survey focused on different microgrid control techniques with different levels of communication especially in islanded operation.
Coronary CTA to Investigate Predictive Value of Left Atrial Appendage for Cardiogenic Stroke in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Wang Runrong , Hu Chunhong , Li Zheng , Zhang Shuai , Li Wei , Hou Hongling
Published: October 2020

Purpose. To investigate the predictive value of changes in LAA size and function for cardiogenic stroke (CS) in patients with NVAF by coronary CTA examination. Materials and Method. 179 patients with NVAF were selected and grouped according to the outbreak of acute ischemic stroke and TIA within 2 years after coronary CTA examination. Those who met the criteria for CS were selected as cases (87 patients), and those neither stroke nor TIA as controls (92 patients). LAA size of selected patients was measured and data postprocessing was performed. The differences of baseline data and LAA parameters between groups were analyzed. The impacts of BMI, hyperlipidemia, the duration of AF, the LAAOA Index, and the LAAEF on CS were assessed by binary logistic regression. The predictive abilities of LAAOA Index, LAAEF, and the combined predictor were assessed by ROC curves. Results. Proportions of BMI ≥ 25, prevalence of hyperlipidemia, duration of AF, and LAAODmax, LAAODmin, LAAOA, LAAVmax, and LAAVmin with their correction index were greater in cases than controls. The LAAEF was lower in cases than that in controls. The binary logistic regression model showed an increase in LAAOA Index (P = 0.005) and a decrease in LAAEF (P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for CS. ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cutoff values of LAAOA Index and LAAEF to predict CS were 3.16 cm2/m2 and 38.71%, with AUC value of 0.712 and 0.734, respectively. The LAAOA Index‐LAAEF combined predictor (AUC value = 0.786) was likely superior to either LAAOA Index or LAAEF. Conclusions. Coronary CTA can provide additional valuable parameters, as a by‐product of coronary artery assessment without additional radiation dose, for the risk assessment of CS in patients with NVAF. Coronary CTA may make up for the limitation of single indicator of CHA2DS2‐VASc in guiding anticoagulation program, to reduce the incidence of embolism and bleeding events.
Association of Glycemic Indices (Hyperglycemia, Glucose Variability, and Hypoglycemia) with Oxidative Stress and Diabetic Complications
Authors: Papachristoforou Eleftheria , Lambadiari Vaia , Maratou Eirini , Makrilakis Konstantinos
Published: October 2020

Oxidative stress (OS) is defined as a disturbance in the prooxidant-antioxidant balance of the cell, in favor of the former, which results in the antioxidant capacity of the cell to be overpowered. Excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is very harmful to cell constituents, especially proteins, lipids, and DNA, thus causing damage to the cell. Oxidative stress has been associated with a variety of pathologic conditions, including diabetes mellitus (DM), cancer, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, ischemia/reperfusion injury, obstructive sleep apnea, and accelerated aging. Regarding DM specifically, previous experimental and clinical studies have pointed to the fact that oxidative stress probably plays a major role in the pathogenesis and development of diabetic complications. It is postulated that hyperglycemia induces free radicals and impairs endogenous antioxidant defense systems through several different mechanisms. In particular, hyperglycemia promotes the creation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), the activation of protein kinase C (PKC), and the hyperactivity of hexosamine and sorbitol pathways, leading to the development of insulin resistance, impaired insulin secretion, and endothelial dysfunction, by inducing excessive ROS production and OS. Furthermore, glucose variability has been associated with OS as well, and recent evidence suggests that also hypoglycemia may be playing an important role in favoring diabetic vascular complications through OS, inflammation, prothrombotic events, and endothelial dysfunction. The association of these diabetic parameters (i.e., hyperglycemia, glucose variability, and hypoglycemia) with oxidative stress will be reviewed here.
Prevalence of Active Trachoma and Associated Factors in Areka Town, South Ethiopia, 2018
Authors: Alambo Melese Menta , Lake Eyasu Alam , Bitew Workie Shimelash , Wassie Addisu Yeshambel
Published: October 2020

Background. Globally, 1.2 billion people live in trachoma endemic areas, 40.6 million people are suffering from active trachoma, and 48.5% of the global burden of active trachoma is distributed in five countries including Ethiopia. However, there is no evidence or no conducted survey/research data or document regarding trachoma prevalence in Areka Town. We, therefore, did a study to assess the prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors in Areka Town in South Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was employed. A total of 586 children aged 1–9 years were involved. We compiled a structured questionnaire from the relevant literature and pretested before use. A range of data was collected on the sociodemographic, facility, and service-related, and environmental factors. The outcome variable was measured by using frequencies, cross-tabulation, and percent. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to control potential confounders and to identify the predictors. Results. This study revealed that 37.9% of children aged 1–9 years have active trachoma (95% CI: 34%–42%). Households without latrine (AOR = 6.88; 95% CI: 2.13–22.18), openly disposing domestically produced waste (AOR = 4.62; 95% CI: 2.41–8.83), cooking in the same room (AOR = 5.13; 95% CI: 2.21–11.88), and using the cooking room without a window (AOR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.11–4.69) were more likely to have their children develop active trachoma. Similarly, children with caretakers having inadequate knowledge about trachoma (AOR = 8.10; 95% CI: 2.04–32.17) were more likely to develop active trachoma. However, households consuming more than 20 liters of water per day were 82% (AOR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.07–0.44) less likely to have their children develop active trachoma while compared to those consuming less than the figure. Conclusions. The prevalence of active trachoma in the children aged 1–9 years in the study area was found to be high, and it is much higher than the WHO elimination threshold.
Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis Preceding Type 2 Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Dabrowski Dominik , Ozluk Ekin , Barbeito Silvia , Wei Eric X.
Published: October 2020

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the predominant renal malignancy in adults. Of the four general subtypes, papillary renal cell carcinoma (P-RCC) is the second most common and can be subdivided into type I, type II, and a mixture of type I and II. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is the most common glomerulopathy at all ages, and it can be seen as a paraneoplastic syndrome. RCC, in general, is known to present with many paraneoplastic syndromes, and glomerulopathies are among these. Rarely, RCC and glomerulopathies may overlap in the same patient. Here, we report a 58-year-old male with a past medical history of FSGS and chronic kidney disease (CKD), stage III, who was found to have an incidental renal mass that was later diagnosed as type II P-RCC. The histology showed pseudostratified tumor cells with an eosinophilic cytoplasm that formed papillary configurations and displayed areas of necrosis. The prior FSGS diagnosis exhibited segmental sclerosis, refractory tufts, and capillary membrane wrinkling. A period of 1.5 years elapsed between the diagnosis of the glomerulopathy and the malignancy. The tumor was found to be at stage TIb. To our knowledge, this may be the first reported case of usual-type FSGS as paraneoplastic glomerulopathy (PG) preceding P-RCC. Because FSGS only sparingly affects the kidney and is a common glomerulopathy in adults, it is reasonable to complete comprehensive diagnostic studies and commence medically necessary treatment, especially in the background of other renal comorbidities. These preexisting comorbidities may be associated with malignancy very early in its course. The probability of RCC-associated paraneoplastic glomerulopathy is low, which means an already incidentally found renal mass may conceal a serpentine paraneoplastic syndrome. A more developed understanding of these manifestations can lead experienced clinicians to suspect and possibly uncover an insidious RCC before it advances.
Online Doctor Recommendation with Convolutional Neural Network and Sparse Inputs
Authors: Yan Yongjie , Yu Guang , Yan Xiangbin
Published: October 2020

The recommendation system in the online medical consultation website is a system to assist patients to find appropriate doctors. Based on the analysis of the current situation of the development of an online medical community (Haodf.com) in China, this paper puts forward recommendation suggestions of finding the right hospital and doctor to promote the rapid integration of Internet technology and traditional medical services. A new recommendation model called Probabilistic Matrix Factorization integrated with Convolutional Neural Network (PMF-CNN) is proposed in the paper. Doctors’ data in Haodf.com were used to evaluate the performance of our system. The model improves the performance of medical consultation recommendations by fusing review text and doctor information based on CNN (Convolutional Neural Network). Specifically, CNN is used to learn the feature representation of the review text and the doctors’ information. Furthermore, the extended matrix factorization model is exploited to fuse the review information feature and the initial value of the doctors’ information for recommendation. As is shown in the experimental results on Haodf.com datasets, the proposed PMF-CNN achieves better recommendation performances than the other state-of-the-art recommendation algorithms. And the recommendation system in an online medical website improves the utilization efficiency of doctors and the balance of public health resources allocation.
The Fourth-Party Logistics Routing Problem Using Ant Colony System-Improved Grey Wolf Optimization
Authors: Lu Fuqiang , Feng Wenjing , Gao Mengying , Bi Hualing , Wang Suxin
Published: October 2020

The fourth-party logistics routing problem (4PLRP) is an important issue in the operation of fourth-party logistics (4PL). In this paper, the study of fourth-party logistics (4PL) path optimization considers that more third-party logistics (3PL) undertake transportation tasks. Under the condition that the 3PL transportation time, transportation cost, node transit time, and transit cost are uncertain, 4PL provides customers with a set of transportation solutions to transport transportation tasks from the initial node to the destination node according to the customer’s risk aversion preference. The transportation scheme not only meets the customer’s time and cost requirements but also meets the carrying capacity and reputation constraints of 3PL. Between the two nodes, one or more 3PLs will undertake the transportation task. The customer’s risk preference will be measured by the ratio utility theory (RUT). An ant colony system-improved grey wolf optimization (ACS-IGWO) is designed to solve the model, and the grey wolf optimization (GWO) is improved by the convergence factor and the proportional weight. Problem analysis is conducted through simulation experiments.
A Fast, Smart Packet Classification Algorithm Based on Decomposition
Authors: Li Chuanhong , Zeng Xuewen , Song Lei , Jiang Yan
Published: October 2020

Packet classification algorithms have been the focus of research for the last few years, due to the vital role they play in various services based on packet forwarding. However, as the number of rules in the rule set increases, not only the preprocessing time but also the memory consumption is increasing greatly. In this paper, we first model and analyze the above issue in depth. Then, a fast, smart packet classification algorithm based on decomposition is proposed. By boundary-based rule traversal and smart rule set partitioning, both the preprocessing time and memory consumption are reduced dramatically. Experimental results show that the preprocessing time of our method achieves 8.8-time improvement at maximum compared with the PCIU and achieves about 31.5-time improvement on average compared with CutSplit for large rule sets. Meanwhile, the memory overhead is reduced by 40% at maximum and 27.5% on average compared with the PCIU.
Identification of Long Noncoding RNAs lnc-DC in Plasma as a New Biomarker for Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Chen Yanhong , Chen Yongqiang , Zu Beibei , Liu Jia , Sun Li , Ding Chen , Wang Duping , Cheng Xing , Yang DeLiang , Niu Guoping
Published: October 2020

Objective. To evaluate the plasma levels of lnc-DC in primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) patients and investigate the potential associations between lnc-DC and disease activity. Methods. In this study, we recruited 358 enrollments, including 127 pSS patients without immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), 22 pSS patients with ITP, 50 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, and 50 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 109 healthy individuals, from Xuzhou Central Hospital. The expression of anti-SSA and anti-SSB was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Spearman rank correlation test was used to analyze the relationship between lnc-DC and pSS activity. pSS activity was measured by anti-SSA, anti-SSB antibody, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and β2-microglobulin levels. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the diagnostic performance of plasma lnc-DC for pSS. Results. Compared with healthy controls, SLE and RA patients, the lnc-DC expression levels were significantly elevated in pSS patients (

P
<
0.001

), especially in pSS patients with ITP (

P
<
0.001

). As expected, we also found that the lnc-DC expression positively correlated with anti-SSA (

R

2

=
0.290

,

P
<
0.001

), anti-SSB (

R

2

=
0.172

,

P
<
0.001

), ESR level (

R

2

=
0.076

,

P
=
0.002

), and β2-microglobulin level (

R

2

=
0.070

,

P
=
0.003

) in pSS patients. ROC curves showed that plasma lnc-DC in pSS patients had an AUC 0.80 with a sensitivity of 0.75 and specificity of 0.85 at the optimum cutoff 1.06 in discriminating SLE and RA patients. In addition, the combination of lnc-DC and anti-SSA/SSB (AUC: 0.84, sensitivity: 0.79, specificity: 0.90) improved significantly the diagnostic ability of pSS patients from SLE and RA patients. In the efficacy monitoring study, levels of plasma lnc-DC were dramatically decreased after treatment (

P
<
0.001

). Conclusion. These findings highlight that plasma lnc-DC as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of pSS and can be used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of pSS underwent interventional therapy.
Luteolin Attenuates IL-1β-Induced THP-1 Adhesion to ARPE-19 Cells via Suppression of NF-κB and MAPK Pathways
Authors: Huang Wen-Chung , Liou Chian-Jiun , Shen Szu-Chuan , Hu Sindy , Hsiao Chien-Yu , Wu Shu-Ju
Published: October 2020

Cytokine-induced endothelial dysfunction leads to inflammation and vascular adhesion molecule production in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Inflammation is a critical mediator in retinal degeneration (RD) diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and RD progression may be prevented through anti-inflammatory activity in RPE cells. The flavonoid polyphenol luteolin (LU) has anti-inflammatory and antidiabetes activities, but its effects regarding retinal protection remain unknown. Here, we examined the ability of luteolin to alleviate markers of inflammation related to RD in cytokine-primed APPE-19 cells. We found that luteolin decreased the levels of interleukin- (IL-) 6, IL-8, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and attenuated adherence of the human monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 to IL-1β-stimulated ARPE-19 cells. Luteolin also increased anti-inflammatory protein heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels. Interestingly, luteolin induced protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation, thus inhibiting nuclear factor- (NF-) κB transfer from cytoplasm into the nucleus and suppressing mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inflammatory pathways. Furthermore, cotreatment with MAPK inhibitors and luteolin decreased inflammatory cytokine and chemokine levels, and further suppressed THP-1 adhesion. Overall, these results provide evidence that luteolin protects ARPE-19 cells from IL-1β-stimulated increases of IL-6, IL-8, sICAM-1, and MCP-1 production by blocking the activation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, thus ameliorating the inflammatory response.
Implant Replacement or Removal: What Happens after Capsular Contracture? A German Study Examining Breast Implant Revision Surgery and Patient Choices in 946 Cases
Authors: Kühn Shafreena , Georgijewitsch Mara Anna , Wehle Andrej , Billner Moritz , Küenzlen Lara , Rothenberger Jens , Rieger Ulrich Michael
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Capsular contracture most often leads to implant revision surgery for aesthetic or reconstructive purposes. However, little is known about which operation is chosen when revision surgery has to be performed. We performed analysis of revision indications and performed revision surgery considering implant removal or replacement and additional surgical procedures. To our knowledge, this study presents the largest German single-center analysis regarding implant revision surgery after the onset of complications. Methods: Retrospective 10-year data analysis of a single-center population undergoing breast implant revision surgery. Results: Capsular contracture was the most frequent finding before reoperation, both removal and replacement (p < 0.05). It was linked to longer duration of in situ implant placement (p < 0.05) and more frequently in reconstructive patients (p < 0.05). Implant replacement was performed more often before definite implant removal for reconstructive patients (p < 0.05). Mean duration of in situ implant placement before definite removal was lower for reconstructive patients (p = 0.005). Overall reconstructive patients were older than aesthetic patients (p < 0.05). After implant removal, 61.7% of aesthetic patients chose to undergo mastopexy, 54.7% of reconstructive patients opted for autologous breast reconstruction, and 25.4% did not choose an additional surgical procedure after implant removal. Conclusion: Significant differences are observed for reconstructive and aesthetic patients regarding indication leading to revision surgery, time of revision surgery, and the type of performed revision surgery itself. After implant removal, more than 60% of aesthetic patients undergo mastopexy, more than half of reconstructive patients choose autologous breast reconstruction, and over a quarter of patients choose no additional surgical procedures.
Topical Treatment of Acyclovir-Resistant Herpes Simplex Virus Stomatitis after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Heidenreich Daniela , Kreil Sebastian , Mueller Nadine , Jawhar Mohamad , Nolte Florian , Hofmann Wolf-Karsten , Klein Stefan A.
Published: October 2020

Introduction: We report on patients who developed severe acyclovir-resistant (ACVr) herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) stomatitis after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Patients: HCT patients suffering from HSV-1 stomatitis without response after 1 week of high-dose acyclovir (ACV) were tested for ACV resistance. Patients with proven ACV resistance were treated either topically with cidofovir solution and gel or with topical foscavir cream or with intravenous foscavir. Results: Among 214 consecutive HCT patients, 6 developed severe ACVr HSV-1 stomatitis (WHO grade III n = 1, WHO grade IV n = 5). All 6 patients suffered from relapse of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after HCT. ACVr stomatitis was treated topically with first-line (n = 4) or second-line (n = 2) cidofovir. Topical foscavir cream was applied as first-line (n = 1) or second-line (n = 1) therapy. Intravenous foscavir was used in 3 patients (first-line therapy, n = 1; second-line therapy, n = 2). Complete remission was reached by topical cidofovir (n = 3), topical foscavir (n = 1), and intravenous foscavir (n = 1), respectively. Five of the 6 patients died due to progression of leukemia. Only 1 patient survived. Conclusions: ACVr HSV-1 stomatitis is a severe complication in AML patients relapsing after HCT. It reflects the seriously impaired general condition of these patients. This analysis shows that topical treatment with cidofovir or foscavir might be a sufficient first-line therapy approach in ACVr HSV-1 stomatitis. It might serve as a less toxic alternative to intravenous foscavir.
Relationship between Recurrence of Macular Edema Due to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion and Changes in Choroidal Thickness
Authors: Sakanishi Yoshihito , Tamaki Kazunori , Mashimo Keitaro , Sakuma Toshiro , Ebihara Nobuyuki
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The role of vascular endothelial growth factor in macular edema (ME) due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) by enhancing vascular permeability has been well studied. ME due to BRVO often recurs; however, there has been no report on the relationship between this recurrence and choroidal thickness (CT), considering the high vascularity of the choroid. This study was designed to investigate this relationship. Methods: In this retrospective consecutive case series, patients with recurrence of ME within 6 months of receiving intravitreal aflibercept injection treatment for naive ME due to BRVO at Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital were included. Retinal thickness (RT) and CT were measured in the fovea and on the occlusion, non-occlusion, nasal, and temporal sides at baseline, after the first intravitreal aflibercept administration, and before and after recurrence. We also examined the change for each side before and after reinjection. Results: This study included 11 patients and 11 eyes. The subfoveal CT and RT at baseline were 261.9 ± 93.4 μm and 691.5 ± 254.4 μm, respectively, which significantly decreased to 208.5 ± 70.3 μm and 188.6 ± 33.8 μm, respectively, at 1 month after the first injection (p = 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). These values also significantly decreased at all the other sites after treatment. There were 14 recurrences within the 6 months following intravitreal aflibercept injection; RT significantly changed at all sites before and after recurrence and reinjection. CT significantly changed at the subfovea and on the occlusion and non-occlusion sides; however, there was no significant change on the nasal and temporal sides. Conclusion: In patients with BRVO, the CT around the macula after initial treatment was significantly reduced; however, at the time of ME recurrence and reinjection, there were site-dependent differences in the changes observed in the CT. These findings suggest that the pathologies of ME at initial occurrence and at the time of recurrence are different.
Androgens Accentuate TGF‐β Dependent Erk/Smad Activation During Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Formation in Marfan Syndrome Male Mice
Authors: Tashima Yasushi , He Hao , Cui Jason Z. , Pedroza Albert J. , Nakamura Ken , Yokoyama Nobu , Iosef Cristiana , Burdon Grayson , Koyano Tiffany , Yamaguchi Atsushi , Fischbein Michael P.
Published: October 2020

Background

Male patients with Marfan syndrome have a higher risk of aortic events and root dilatation compared with females. The role androgens play during Marfan syndrome aneurysm development in males remains unknown. We hypothesized that androgens potentiate transforming growth factor beta induced Erk (extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase)/Smad activation, contributing to aneurysm progression in males.

Methods and Results

Aortic diameters in
Fbn1
C1039G/+
and littermate wild‐type controls were measured at ages 6, 8, 12, and 16 weeks.
Fbn1
C1039G/+
males were treated with (1) flutamide (androgen receptor blocker) or (2) vehicle control from age 6 to 16 weeks and then euthanized. p‐Erk1/2, p‐Smad2, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity were measured in ascending/aortic root and descending aorta specimens.
Fbn1
C1039G/+
male and female ascending/aortic root‐derived smooth muscle cells were utilized in vitro to measure Erk/Smad activation and MMP‐2 activity following dihydrotestosterone, flutamide or transforming growth factor beta 1 treatment.
Fbn1
C1039G/+
males have increased aneurysm growth. p‐Erk1/2 and p‐Smad2 were elevated in ascending/aortic root specimens at age 16 weeks. Corresponding with enhanced Erk/Smad signaling, MMP‐2 activity was higher in
Fbn1
C1039G/+
males. In vitro smooth muscle cell studies revealed that dihydrotestosterone potentiates transforming growth factor beta‐induced Erk/Smad activation and MMP‐2 activity, which is reversed by flutamide treatment. Finally, in vivo flutamide treatment reduced aneurysm growth via p‐Erk1/2 and p‐Smad2 reduction in
Fbn1
C1039G/+
males.

Conclusions

Fbn1
C1039G/+
males have enhanced aneurysm growth compared with females associated with enhanced p‐Erk1/2 and p‐Smad2 activation. Mechanistically, in vitro smooth muscle cell studies suggested that dihydrotestosterone potentiates transforming growth factor beta induced Erk/Smad activation. As biological proof of concept, flutamide treatment attenuated aneurysm growth and p‐Erk1/2 and p‐Smad2 signaling in
Fbn1
C1039G/+
males.
Molecular characterization and expression analysis of the inverbrate Dmrt1 homologs in the swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus (Miers, 1876) (Decapoda, Portunidae)
Authors: Wang Yaojing , Xie Xi , Wang Mengen , Zheng Hongkun , Zheng Liang , Zhu Dongfa
Published: October 2020

The doublesex/mab-3 related transcription factor (Dmrt) gene family plays a conserved sexual regulatory role in different phyla, thus providing an important clue for studying the sex mechanism of crustaceans. In this study, cDNAs of three Dmrt homologs were cloned and characterized in the swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus (Miers, 1876). Sequence analysis indicated the obtained Dmrts might be orthologs of the invertebrate Dmrt1 (iDmrt1) described in the spiny lobster, Sagmariasus verreauxi (H. Milne-Edwards, 1851). Real-time quantitative PCR revealed that the PtiDmrt1 transcripts were highly expressed in testis, muscle, Y-organ, and gill, and in the C2 stage during the developmental process. In addition, RNAi of PtiDmrt1 showed that the gene expression of insulin-like androgenic gland hormone (IAG) decreased remarkably at 24 h after injection, but increased to a higher level than in the control group at 48 h post injection. The results suggested that the PtiDmrt1 is a potential regulator of IAG, although the underlying mechanism may be complicated.
A new species of Resupinatus (Agaricomycetes) with merulioid hymenophore from India

Authors: BIJEESH C. , KUMAR A. MANOJ , PRADEEP C.K.
Published: October 2020

Resupinatus odoratus sp.nov. is described from Kerala State and is characterized by a merulioid to poroid hymenophore, inamyloid basidiospores, clavate to coralloid cheilocystidia, gelatinised tissues, coralloid pileipellis elements in the ixocutis, a fragrant spicy odor, and a distinct nrITS sequence. A comprehensive description, photographs, and comparison with similar species are provided.
Hydroporus novacula sp. n. from Georgia (Caucasus) (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Hydroporini)—the first terrestrial species of the genus?
Authors: FERY HANS
Published: October 2020

Hydroporus novacula sp. n. is described on a single male accidentally found when collecting Staphylinidae (Coleoptera) in south-western Georgia (Caucasus) by sifting more or less dry material quite far from any water. The species belongs to the longulus-group of the genus (former subgenus Sternoporus). However, the shape of the median lobe, the club-like pro- and mesotibiae and the evenly curved protarsal claws separate it from all other species of the group. Additionally, no natatory setae could be detected on any leg of the single male studied. Together with the collecting circumstances, it appears not unlikely that the new species is the first terrestrial Hydroporus known to science. The species is described in detail and important features are illustrated.
Come Together to Decrease Depression: Women’s mental health, social capital, and participation in a Kenyan combined microfinance program
Authors: Goodman Michael L , Elliott Aleisha J , Gitari Stanley , Keiser Philip , Onwuegbuchu Erica , Michael Nicole , Seidel Sarah
Published: October 2020

Background:

Tools and systems to improve mental health have been understudied in low-resource environments, such as sub-Saharan Africa. This study explores depression amongst women participating in a community-based intervention combining savings- and lending-groups, entrepreneurial training and other skills training.

Aims:

This study aims to determine whether depression decreases with more program participation, and the extent to which social capital variables may explain these changes.

Method:

Survey data were gathered in June 2018, within 6 months of group formation, and again in June 2019 from 400 women participants in the program. Data between 2018 and 2019 were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum and Chi square tests. Inferential statistics included random effects regression models and general structural equation models.

Results:

At 1-year follow-up, depression and loneliness amongst Kenyan women ( n = 400) participating in the program had decreased. Social capital remained higher within groups than within the broader community, and mediated the association between program participation and decreased depression.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest this novel, community-based intervention has the potential to benefit mental health. Future research, including a randomised control trial, is required to establish (1) the extent of the program’s benefits and (2) the program’s application to particular subject areas and population segments.
Promoting Professional Vision of Classroom Management Through Different Analytic Perspectives in Video-Based Learning Environments
Authors: Gold Bernadette , Pfirrmann Christina , Holodynski Manfred
Published: October 2020

This study investigated how taking different perspectives in teacher training courses influences the learning of professional vision, multiperspectivity, and strategic knowledge of classroom management. A total of 134 student teachers analyzed classroom management from one of three different perspectives: 36, from an observer perspective by viewing videos of unknown teachers (TG-V); 46, from only a protagonist perspective by remembering own teaching (TG-T); and 52, from both a protagonist and an observer perspective through videos of their own, their peers, and unknown teaching (TG-VT). An untreated control group (CG) received no classroom management training. Learning gains were investigated in a quasi-experimental pre–post–follow-up design using a mixed-methods approach. Results showed that all interventions fostered strategic knowledge of classroom management. Analyzing videos from own and unknown teachers (TG-VT) had the strongest positive effect on professional vision, but analyzing own teaching from memory also had higher effects on professional vision and multiperspectivity than analyzing stock videos.
Young Adults’ Preferences and Willingness to Pay for Invasive and Non-invasive Accelerated Orthodontic Treatment: A Comparative Study
Authors: Linjawi Amal I. , Abushal Amal M.
Published: October 2020

To evaluate the preference of young adult patients and their willingness to pay for the different approaches accessible to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from September to December 2019. Young adult orthodontic patients from 18 to 45 years old were interviewed via online survey regarding their perception to the extent of treatment, acceptability of non-invasive (customized appliances and medications) and invasive (surgery) approaches accessible to accelerate orthodontic treatment and increase in fees they were willing to pay. Statistical analyses were performed, and gender difference was calculated at P < .05. There are 100 respondents: 70% aged between 18 to 25, 50% male, and 56% with annual income <10 000 SR. About 72% of the respondents decided that treatment takes longer period and 51% wished it would last for less than 6 months. Customized appliances were reported to be the most convenient to use (58%) and to pay (44%), followed by medications (48%). On the other hand, surgery was reported to be the most inconvenient to use (58%) and to pay for (55%). About 70% of the respondents were unwilling to pay more than 10% to 20% for all procedures assessed; considerable variation was not observed in responses between gender at 95% confidence level. Majority of the respondents believed that orthodontic treatment is taking lengthy duration. Less invasive, nonsurgical techniques and procedures were more preferred. Likewise, financial factors play vital role in the selection of their preferred approach. Most of them agrees to provide up to 20% increment of the fee for additional procedures.
Modeling the Reciprocal Relationships Between Group-Based Developmental Trajectories of Peer Delinquency and Self-Reported Delinquency During Adolescence: An Application of Interactional Theory
Authors: Cho Sujung
Published: October 2020

This study examines whether one’s own delinquency and peer delinquency are reciprocally related and how prior delinquency and bonding variables influence peer delinquency trajectories. Using data from a 6-year follow-up study of 2,351 Korean adolescents, the study incorporates a group-based model to identify subgroups, each having a unique pattern of peer delinquency trajectories. The models yielded three subgroups: the early-onset and declining, the late-onset, and the nonoffending groups. The results reveal that compared with the nonoffending group, prior delinquency was significant for both the early-onset and decreasing and late-onset groups. Membership in the early-onset and decreasing group was associated with a greater likelihood of prior delinquency compared with the late-onset group. Commitment to school rule differentiated the early-onset and decreasing group from the nonoffending group, and partially mediated the effect of prior delinquency. The late-onset group members reported the highest probability of later delinquent behavior among the three groups.
Infusing Multiculturalism, Identity, and Social Justice in Asynchronous Courses
Authors: Maslowski Amy K.
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Creating a multiculturally aware and inclusive class is critical with students. The lack of face-to-face contact with asynchronous courses limits instructors’ ability to form relationships with students. A myriad of teaching research provides strategies for incorporating multiculturalism, social justice, and identity into synchronous courses; however, considerably less research exists with asynchronous courses.

Statement of the Problem:

The purpose of the current article is to provide strategies for incorporating multiculturalism and issues of identity into asynchronous courses with a social justice lens.

Literature Review:

I review several published topical and review articles and offer suggestions and strategies that I have used in my own courses and/or in courses I have been involved with.

Teaching Implications:

I discuss the importance of incorporating multiculturalism and identity while maintaining justice in asynchronous courses. Moreover, I offer suggestions and strategies for doing so, from prior to class starting to navigating instances of microaggressions.

Conclusion:

This article builds off and infuses components of counseling psychology into the teaching of psychology to advance instructors’ cultural awareness, skills, and competence with asynchronous online courses.
Pathways among Self-esteem, Marital Instability, and Depression: A Personality-Relationship Transactional Perspective
Authors: Tong Wei , Jia Jichao , Li Xiaomin , He Qiong , Zhou Nan , Lan Jing , Fang Xiaoyi
Published: October 2020

Guided by the dynamic-transaction model of health, the current study investigated how the interplay between self-esteem and marital instability affects future depressive symptoms. Based on longitudinal data, the present study demonstrated that higher self-esteem was associated with lower marital instability, thus decreasing the likelihood of depressive symptoms. At the same time, an unstable marital relationship was related to lower levels of self-esteem, which in turn increased depressive symptoms. Thus, the results of the current study provided preliminary evidence regarding the effects of the personality-relationship transaction on depressive symptoms. In addition, the prospective associations between personality-relationship transaction and depressive symptoms was not parallel for husbands and wives. For husbands, the indirect pathway from marital instability to their own depressive symptoms via self-esteem was significant. For wives, the indirect pathway from self-esteem to their own depressive symptoms via marital instability was significant. Theoretical implications and future directions for research are discussed.
Geriatric Telepsychiatry: Promoting Access to Geriatric Mental Health Care Beyond the Physical Barriers
Authors: Sivakumar Palanimuthu Thangaraju , Mukku Shiva Shanker Reddy , Kar Nilamadhab , Manjunatha Narayana , Phutane Vivek Haridas , Sinha Preeti , Kumar Channaveerachari Naveen , Math Suresh Bada
Published: October 2020

Psychiatric illnesses are an important contributor of morbidity and mortality in older adults. There is increase in older adults with psychiatric disorders paralleling their growth in absolute numbers. This leads to challenges in mental health care and service delivery. Several barriers that exists in our community hinder older adults from receiving mental health care. Additionally, lack of adequate human resources in geriatric mental health care compounds the problem. Telemedicine, though not new in other fields of medicine, is relatively new in the practice of psychiatry in India. This is probably due to lack of clear guidelines and regulations regarding the same in India. There is a recent increase in teleconsultations in India similar to other developed countries due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The recent telepsychiatry operational guidelines have made telepsychiatry a legitimate and official practice in India. Challenges specific to older adults in the form of low digital literacy, sensory issues, and cognitive impairment can be overcome by adopting telepsychiatry services in coming years. Concerns related to security and safety of telepsychiatry require further evaluation.
Book review: Haley Duschinski, Mona Bhan, Ather Zia and Cynthia Mahmood (Eds), Resisting Occupation in Kashmir
Authors: Dar Hayat Ashraf
Published: October 2020

Haley Duschinski, Mona Bhan, Ather Zia and Cynthia Mahmood (Eds), Resisting Occupation in Kashmir (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2018), vi + 302 pp.
‘There is No Such Thing as an Unrepatriable Pole’: Polish Displaced Persons in the British Zone of Occupation in Germany
Authors: Knapton Samantha K.
Published: October 2020

A group of Polish displaced persons (DPs) was stranded in the British zone of occupation in 1945, a smaller part of a much broader population upheaval in Europe in the 1940s that included Nazi forced labour and resettlement plans, as well as the expulsion of Germans from Eastern Europe. The relationship between British military officials, welfare workers and the Polish DPs within the British zone deteriorated quickly after German surrender. Using the issue of repatriation as a focal point, this article will explore the growing tensions between the British and Polish who had fought alongside one another and place these within the wider context of increasing East-West tensions in the immediate post-war world. As the British tendency to look upon the Polish DPs as a troublesome ‘nuisance’ can be viewed as a by-product of pressure on an economically weakened Britain straining to live up to its pre-war stature, in this context the need to help the very people who embodied the provocation for going to war became irrelevant.
‘Anyone who Abuses Animals is no Italian’: Animal Protection in Fascist Italy
Authors: Guazzaloca Giulia
Published: October 2020

This article examines the animal protection policies in fascist Italy, placing them in the more general framework of Mussolini’s political and economic strategies and the history of Italian animal advocacy, which began in the second half of the nineteenth century. Focusing on fascist propaganda campaigns on animal welfare, legislation on animal experimentation and slaughter, state reorganization of animal protection societies, which were incorporated in 1938 into the Ente nazionale fascista per la protezione animale, the article aims to show the conceptual and political basis of fascist activism in the prevention of cruelty to animals. Far from being based on the recognition of animals as sentient individuals, it was determined by specifically human interests: autarky and economic efficiency, public morality, the primacy of ‘fascist civilization’, and the regime’s totalitarian design.
Effect of kinesio taping on hemiplegic shoulder pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Deng Peilin , Zhao Zhengen , Zhang Shaojun , Xiao Ting , Li Yi
Published: October 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of kinesio taping for the management of hemiplegic shoulder pain.

Data sources:

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, CNKI, Wan Fang databases and the grey literature research were searched from inception to July 2020.

Methods:

We considered randomized controlled trials in English or Chinese that used kinesio taping for the treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain. Two reviewers independently screened the articles, scored the methodological quality using the PEDro scale, assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane’s risk of bias tool and extracted the data. The outcomes included pain, motor function of the upper limb, magnitude of shoulder subluxation and activities of daily living post-intervention.

Results:

A total of nine studies ( n = 424) met the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis demonstrated a significant effect of kinesio taping on pain (mean difference(MD)= −1.45, 95% confidence interval(CI): −1.98 to–0.92 cm, p < 0.0001), motor function of upper limb (MD = 4.22,95%CI: 3.49 to 4.95, p < 0.00001), magnitude of shoulder subluxation (standardized mean difference(SMD) = −0.65, 95%CI: −0.95 to −0.35, p < 0.0001) and activities of daily living (MD = 6.86, 95% CI: 3.99 to 9.73, p < 0.00001) post-intervention.

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis suggests a beneficial effect of kinesio taping for reducing shoulder subluxation, improving motor function of the upper limb and activities of daily living in patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain post-intervention, which could not be interpreted simply as a placebo effect. And it was associated with reduced pain for patients with chronic stroke.
Histamine H3 receptor gene variants associated with drug abuse in patients with cocaine use disorder
Authors: Pallardo-Fernández Iñigo , Muñoz-Rodríguez José Ramón , González-Martín Carmen , Alguacil Luis F
Published: October 2020

Background:

Preclinical work revealed significant interactions between ligands of the histamine H3 receptor and different drugs of abuse. In the case of psychostimulants, the results reported are somewhat controversial and human data are still scarce, despite the fact that an inverse agonist of the H3 receptor (pitolisant) has reached the market after approval for the treatment of narcolepsy.

Aims:

We have studied associations between histamine H3 receptor gene variants and cocaine use disorder to increase the knowledge of the possible involvement of histamine H3 receptor in drug abuse.

Methods:

Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms of the histamine H3 receptor gene were genotyped by using a multiplexing assay in 248 samples of subjects with cocaine use disorder and 500 randomized samples of subjects representative of the Spanish population.

Results:

The study of the epidemiological information associated to the samples revealed that subjects with cocaine use disorder broadly abused alcohol, tobacco and cannabinoids. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs3787430 and rs74627870) were found significantly associated with the occurrence of addiction and one more (rs13042865) was specifically related to the severity of cocaine dependence within drug abusers.

Conclusions:

The associations found in this study further extend the hypothesis that histamine H3 receptor function could be relevant in drug abuse in general and cocaine addiction in particular.
Mapping microhabitat structure and connectivity on a tropical inselberg using UAV remote sensing
Authors: Aristizábal-Botero Ángela , Páez-Pérez David , Realpe Emilio , Vanschoenwinkel Bram
Published: October 2020

In the past decade, unoccupied aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) have emerged as powerful tools for ecologists, and the quality and diversity of information they can reconstruct is increasing. Rocky outcrops or inselbergs are complex three-dimensional (3D) ecosystems with several spatial microhabitats that are difficult to characterize using ground-based methods. UAV-mounted cameras and photogrammetric software can be used to obtain 3D models of whole inselbergs with a spatial resolution of up to 4cm and small areas with a spatial resolution of up to 8mm. The shape and volume of eroded depressions and channels can be reconstructed. This allows simulation of the flow of rainwater that creates local differences in hydrological conditions and connectivity among microhabitats. By capturing the near-infrared (NIR) light spectrum, we mapped proxies of photosynthetic activity. This revealed that the microphytic crusts of tropical inselbergs can have higher values of potential photosynthetic activity than the vegetation on the rock. Overall, we show that in systems where the major ecological gradients depend on the 3D structure of the landscape, drone imaging can help to reconstruct spatial variation in microhabitat structure, including proxies for habitat quality and connectivity.