bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New records of the predaceous midge genus Palpomyia from Mexico, with a new species in the Palpomyia distincta group (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: HUERTA HERÓN , SPINELLI GUSTAVO R.
Published: August 2021

Palpomyia auakua, a new predaceous midge in the Palpomyia distincta group, is described and illustrated from females collected with Malaise trap in a cloud forest at 1470 m. in Tlanchinol, Hidalgo, Mexico. This new species is compared with three Neotropical species, Palpomyia paulistensis Lane and P. castanea Macfie from Brazil, and P. yamana Spinelli et al. from Tierra del Fuego, and its similar Nearctic species P. jamnbacki Grogan & Wirth. Also included the first record of P. aspina Grogan & Wirth from Mexico and Guatemala, and new records of P. subaspera (Coquillett) from Veracruz and Tabasco. A key to males and females of species of Palpomyia that inhabit Mexico is also included.
Descriptions of two new genera and six new species of ghost-moths (Lepidoptera: Hepialoidea: Hepialidae) from south-eastern and southern Brazil
Authors: MIELKE CARLOS G.C. , GREHAN JOHN R. , KOIKE RICARDO M.
Published: August 2021

Agripialus gen. n. and Mutipialus gen. n. are described to accommodate the following species: A. campos sp. n., A. variabilis sp. n., A. itatiaia sp. n., A. caparao sp. n., M. dilatus sp. n., and M. monticolus sp. n. All are from southeastern and southern Brazil. Diagnostic characters suggest a closer phylogenetic relationship between these two genera, than to any other described genus.
Attenuation of Porphyromonas Gingival Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells Injury and Inflammation by Blocking Cell Pyroptosis
Authors: Jiang Shuangfeng , Huang Shanjuan , Liu Jin , Zhou Qi , Liu Xiaosheng
Published: August 2021

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of periodontal tissue, and programmed cell death plays an important role in chronic periodontitis induced by P. gingivalis. Studies have shown that the increased expression of pyroptosis-related NLRP3 inflammasome and the pro-inflammatory
cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 in gingivitis, invasive periodontitis, and chronic periodontitis patients. The present study aimed to investigate whether the inhibition of pyroptosis could protect porphyromonas gingival lipopolysaccharide (pg-LPS)-induced human periodontal ligament stem
cells (hPDLSCs) injury and inflammation. The hPDLSCs were treated with pg-LPS and ATP in the presence of caspase1/4 inhibitor VX765. The cell proliferation and survival were assessed by CCK-8, the osteogenic differentiation capacity was evaluated by Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) assay and alizarin
red staining. Then, cell apoptosis, cleavage of gasdermin D (GSDMD) and generation of inflammatory cytokines were estimated. Lastly, western blotting was used to detect the expression of potential target proteins. Results showed that the treatment of pg-LPS plus ATP significantly inhibited
the proliferation, survival and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs, while inducing cell apoptosis, pyroptosis and inflammation. However, the presence of VX765 partially recovered the cell proliferation, survival and osteogenic differentiation. At the same time, VX765 inhibited cell apoptosis,
cleavage of GSDMD and generation of inflammatory cytokines. Besides, the expression of related proteins including Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved (c)-caspase3, c-caspase4, c-caspase1, Toll Like Receptor 4, High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) and NLRP3 was all rescued by VX765. In conclusion, our results
revealed that the blocking of cell pyroptosis could protect hPDLSCs from pg-LPS-induced injury. Therefore, the application of pyroptosis inhibitor may be a valuable therapeutic approach for treating periodontitis.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 Aggravated the Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein-Induced Damage of Human Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Du Haiyan , Yang Lili , Zhang Xiaoqian
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Vascular endothelial injury could induce many cardiovascular diseases. Recently, some studies have indicated that matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) was associated with the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. However, whether higher levels of
MMP-7 were associated with the occurrence of the vascular endothelial injury is unclear. Material and methods: In this study, ox-LDL was used for the simulation of vascular endothelial injury in HUVECs. Next, we detected the expression of MMP-7 in these cells. After that, we established
the cell models with MMP-7 overexpression and knockdown, respectively. At last, the apoptosis and inflammation of HUVECs were detected with corresponding assays. Results: After the stimulation of ox-LDL, the expression of MMP-7 was enhanced compared to the control groups. After the
stimulation of ox-LDL and the overexpression of MMP-7, the apoptosis rates of HUVECs were enhanced, while MMP-7 knockdown led to the decreased apoptosis rates of these cells. Furthermore, after the stimulation of ox-LDL and overexpression of MMP-7, the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6,
IL-1β and TNF-α) was promoted. Additionally, the expression of these proteins was repressed after knockdown of MMP-7. Conclusion: MMP-7 aggravated the ox-LDL-induced damage of HUVECs by promoting the apoptosis and inflammation of these cells.
Alginate/Gelatin Sponges Composited with ZnO Sponge Effective Extensibility and Compressibility as a Wound Dressing for the Care of Fracture Surgery
Authors: Wang Yumei , Fu Huichao , Lin Ying
Published: August 2021

We designed and synthesized highly porous alginate and gelatin hydrogels with zinc oxide nanoparticles (AGZNPs) as dressings using sol–gel methods. The presence of functional groups and the surface characteristics of the as-synthesised dressings were analyzed via Fourier transforminfrared
(FT-IR) spectroscopy, while their morphology was studied via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the mechanical, inflammatory, and antibacterial properties and biocompatibility of the AGZNPs were evaluated to determine the efficiency of these bandages for wound healing applications.
The AGZNPs demonstrated enhanced inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The biocompatibility of the nanocomposites was investigated in noncancerous NIH3T3 human fibroblasts. Furthermore, in-vivo examinations showed that the composition of the synthesized AGZNPs enhanced wound healing
and promoted rapid cell construction and growth. Therefore, the AGZNP strategy promotes the future application of these nanoformulation hydrogels for wound bandaging in fracture surgeries.
Interferon Regulatory Factor 2 (IRF2) Inhibits the Invasion and Migration of Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma Cells by Downregulation of Spindle Pole Body Component 24 (SPC24)
Authors: Lu Bing , Xu Hongbo , Ding Meng , Yan Chunyin
Published: August 2021

It has been reported that the increased expression of SPC24 (spindle pole body component 24) was involved in the initiation and development of various cancers. However, the role of SPC24 in ccRCC (clear cell renal cell carcinoma) remains largely unknown. In the present study, the changes
and correlation of SPC24 and IRF2 (interferon regulatory factor 2) with ccRCC were evaluated by using GEPIA, TCGA and GTEx database. Then the involvement of SPC24 and IRF2 in invasion and migration was investigated in CaKi-1 cells, a human renal adenocarcinoma cell line. The bioinformatics
assay revealed that the expression of SPC24 and IRF2 in kidney tissue of patients with renal clear cell cancer was significantly increased, and the expression of SPC24 and IRF2 in kidney tissue was positively and negatively related to cancer phase and survival rate in patients with ccRCC respectively.
Notably, in vitro experimental study demonstrated that SPC25 promoted the invasion and migration of CaKi-1 cells, a human renal adenocarcinoma cell line. Furthermore, IRF2 shows potential binding site with SPC24 promoter, IRF2 overexpression significantly decreased SPC24 mRNA level,
whereas inhibition of IRF2 with specific small hairpin RNA (shRNA) significantly increased SPC24 mRNA level. Functionally, inhibition of SPC24 with specific shRNA reversed the stimulatory effect of IRF2 shRNA on the invasion and migration of cells, whereas SPC24 over-expression reversed the
inhibitory effect of IRF2 overexpression on the invasion and migration of cells. Finally, ChIP (chromatin immunoprecipitation) assay shows that IRF2 could directly bind with SPC24 promoter. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that IRF2/SPC24 signaling pathway contributes to the increased
invasion and migration in ccRCC.
miR-56a Mediates the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway to Promote the Efficacy of Radiation on Glioma
Authors: Chen Min , Zhou Heping , Mao Jun , Li Zhihong , Zha Zhengjiang
Published: August 2021

Clarification of the miR-56a-mediated effect of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in glioma cells on radiosensitization. miRNA arrays were used to analyze the differential expression of miRNAs in biopsies from glioma patients. qRT-PCR to detect the levels of miR-56a and Wnt/β-catenin
expressed in glioma cells and tissues. Evaluation of the impact of miR-56a on cell growth, invasion, and migrationforming ability by MTT assay and colony formation experiments. To analyze the involvement of miR-56a-mediated Wnt/β-catenin pathway in glioma biological processes and
to examine the impact of miR-56a in glioma cell radiosensitivity. After miRNA array analysis, we found that miR-56a expression was significantly increased, and further studies showed that ectopic miR-56a expression in glial cells was sensitive to radiotherapy. miR-56a induction of Wnt/β-catenin
promotes the upregulation of Parp in glioma cells. miR-56a can promote glioma cell migration and invasion in vitro as an important potential target for glioma disease.
MicroRNA-5100 Modulates Lung Cancer Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis via Inhibiting X-Linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein (XIAP) Expression
Authors: Ding Dongshen , Hong Liang , Shu Chang
Published: August 2021

This study assesses the miR-5100 expression and its function in human lung cancer. The expression of miR-5100 was analyzed by miScript miRNA method. Cancer cells were transfected with miR-5100 mimics (miR-5100), miR-5100 inhibitors (ASO-miR-5100), XIAP inhibitors (si-XIAP), negative
controls (NC) followed by analysis of cell proliferation by MTT and apoptosis by flow cytometry, the expression of XIAP related proteins by Western blot. miR-5100’ target was predicted by bioinformatics website and verified by dual luciferase assay. Finally, a xenogeneic tumor inhibition
model was established to detect tumor progression after treatments. Lung cancer cells and tissues exhibited significantly reduced miR-5100 level. Dual luciferase assay showed that miR-5100 bound XIAP 3′-UTR and reduced XIAP mRNA and protein level. Further, miR-5100 inhibited cell proliferation,
increased apoptosis and the expression of cleaved-capsase-3 and cleaved-capsase-9, the XIAP downstream factor. Finally, miR-5100 inhibited tumor growth, decreased cellular proliferation and promoted apoptosis, accompanied by reduced XIAP expression in vivo. miR-5100 inhibits lung cancer
cell proliferation and enhances apoptosis through inhibiting XIAP expression in vitro and in vivo.
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) Promote Neuronal Cell Repair in Spinal Cord Injury by Regulating Toll-Like Receptor 4/Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Signaling Pathway
Authors: Huang Wei , Cao Zheng , Wu Ye , Li Zhenzhou , Li Li , Zhao Yantao
Published: August 2021

SCI (SCI) poses a challenge to nerve cell repair strategies. SCI injury can lead to the development of inflammation, which in turn can exacerbate nerve cell damage. The TLR4/NF-kappa B signaling pathway is a common inflammatory signaling pathway. Since BMSCs are involved in injury repair,
whether they can promote the repair of SCI neuronal cells have not been reported. Spinal cord nerve cells were cultured in vitro and divided into mechanical injury group and BMSCs group followed by analysis of cell proliferation activity and detection of altered apoptotic activity.
Changes in the concentrations of IL-6 and IL-1β were measured by ELISA and cellular mitochondrial alterations was assessed by JG-B staining along with analysis of NF-kappa B, TLR4, related neurodevelopmental factor BDNF, and NGF expression by western blot. Mechanical damage to
neuronal cells resulted in decreased cell proliferation, increased apoptotic activity, decreased cellular mitochondrial activity, increased TLR4 and NF-kappa B expression, decreased BDNF and NGF expression, as well as increased secertions of IL-6 and IL-1β (P < 0.05).
In contrast, co-culture with BMSCs resulted in increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis of mechanically injured neuronal cells, increased cellular mitochondrial activity, with observation of the inverse changes in other factors (P < 0.05). In conclusion, BMSCs can suppress
inflammation and promote repair of injured neuronal cells by inhibiting TLR4/NF-kappa B signaling.
Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy is Associated With Improved Pathologic Outcomes and Survival in Resected Stage II-III Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Treated With Multiagent Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in the Modern Era
Authors: Hue Jonathan J. , Dorth Jennifer , Sugumar Kavin , Hardacre Jeffrey M. , Ammori John B. , Rothermel Luke D. , Saltzman Joel , Mohamed Amr , Selfridge Jennifer E. , Bajor David , Winter Jordan M. , Ocuin Lee M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT) is being utilized more frequently in patients diagnosed with localized pancreatic cancer. The role of additional neoadjuvant radiotherapy (RT) remains undefined. We explored outcomes associated with neoadjuvant RT in the modern era.

Methods

The National Cancer Database (2010-2017) was queried for patients with clinical stage II-III pancreatic adenocarcinoma who received neoadjuvant multiagent systemic CT +/− RT. Demographics, pathologic outcomes, postoperative outcomes, and overall survival were compared.

Results

A total of 5245 patients were included, of whom 3123 received CT and 1941 received CT + RT. Use of RT decreased over the 8-year study period. On multivariable analysis, treatment at academic facilities (odds ratio (OR) = 1.52, P < .001) and clinical T4 tumors (OR = 1.68, P < .001) were independently associated with receipt of RT. Patients treated with CT + RT had a higher frequency of ypT0-T2 tumors (35.8% vs. 22.7%) and a lower rate of ypT3-T4 tumors (57.3% vs. 72.8%; P < .001), lower rate of node-positive disease (36.6% vs. 59.8%, P < .001), and margin-positive resections (13.8% vs. 20.2%, P < .001), but slightly higher 90-day postoperative mortality (4.9% vs. 3.6%, P = .04). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy+ RT was associated with longer overall survival (32.7 vs. 29.8 months, P = .008), and remained independently associated with survival on multivariable analysis (HR = .85, P < .001).

Discussion

In patients with stage II-III pancreatic adenocarcinoma, the addition of neoadjuvant RT to multiagent neoadjuvant CT may be associated with increased rates of node-negative and margin-negative resection, as well as improved overall survival.
Open Hemorrhoidectomy With Ligasure™ Under Local or Spinal Anesthesia: A Comparative Study
Authors: Feo Claudio F. , Ninniri Chiara , Tanda Cinzia , Deiana Giulia , Porcu Alberto
Published: August 2021

Background

There is increasing evidence that many anorectal surgical procedures may be performed under local anesthesia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of local anesthesia in the outpatient clinic vs spinal anesthesia in the operating room for open hemorrhoidectomy.

Methods

Sixty-two patients with grade III or IV hemorrhoids underwent open hemorrhoidectomy with LigaSure™ between 2018 and 2020. Of them, 32 procedures were performed in the operating room under spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine and other 30 procedures were undertaken in the outpatient clinic under local anesthesia with ropivacaine.

Results

There were no significant differences regarding age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and Goligher’s grade in between groups. No significant differences were observed in postoperative pain score (P = .85), perioperative complications (P = .51), and reoperation rate (P = .96). No recurrences and no differences in patients’ satisfaction degree (P = .76) were documented at long-term follow-up in both study groups.

Discussion

Our results suggest that open hemorrhoidectomy with LigaSure™ performed in selected patients under local anesthesia in the outpatient clinic is a well-tolerated, safe, and effective procedure.
Deliberative Democracy, More than Deliberation
Authors: Scudder Mary F
Published: August 2021

What is the relationship between deliberation and democracy? Despite the volumes dedicated to this question, recent admissions by prominent deliberative democrats—that we need not pursue a necessarily deliberative political system, but merely a democratic one—suggest that this remains an open question. Here, I defend the deliberative model’s staying power against those who argue that it has been set normatively adrift. Addressing concerns of “concept-stretching,” I show that the deliberative model provides much more than a defense of the practice of deliberation. Indeed, its key contribution is the answer it provides to the question of what democracy itself means in large pluralistic societies. Moreover, I show that by de-centering the practice of deliberation from deliberative theories of democracy, we can acknowledge the weakness of deliberation and the strengths of non-deliberative practices, while retaining the model’s normative commitments.
Sympathetic ophthalmia after vitreoretinal surgery: a report of two cases
Authors: Shen Junhui , Zhang Zheng , Ye Dian , Wen Zuohui , Shu Xupeng , Chen Zhiqing
Published: August 2021

Sympathetic ophthalmia (SO) is a panuveitis that usually occurs after trauma to one eye. We describe two cases of SO occurring after 23-gauge vitrectomy. Case 1 involved a 66-year-old woman who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Two months later, she presented with decreased visual acuity (VA) and bilateral uveitis. Case 2 involved a 43-year-old woman who underwent a second PPV for recurrent retinal detachment. Two months later, she presented with bilateral panuveitis. Both patients were diagnosed with SO and were treated with methylprednisolone and cyclosporine. The first patient was further treated with a dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®) owing to the side effects of methylprednisolone. The VA and symptoms improved significantly after treatment in both patients. Bilateral granulomatous panuveitis following PPV should alert surgeons to consider SO. Appropriate interventions for SO can produce positive outcomes.
Predicting the risk of postoperative acute kidney injury: development and assessment of a novel predictive nomogram
Authors: Wu Yukun , Chen Junxing , Luo Cheng , Chen Lingwu , Huang Bin
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study aimed to establish and internally verify the risk nomogram of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with renal cell carcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data from 559 patients with renal cell carcinoma from June 2016 to May 2019 and established a prediction model. Twenty-six clinical variables were examined by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis, and variables related to postoperative AKI were determined. The prediction model was established by multiple logistic regression analysis. Decision curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the nomogram.

Results

Independent predictors of postoperative AKI were smoking, hypertension, surgical time, blood glucose, blood uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and radical nephrectomy. The C index of the nomogram was 0.825 (0.790–0.860) and 0.814 was still obtained in the internal validation. The nomogram had better clinical benefit when the intervention was decided at the threshold probabilities of >4% and <79% for patients and doctors, respectively.

Conclusions

This novel postoperative AKI nomogram incorporating smoking, hypertension, the surgical time, blood glucose, blood uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, the estimated glomerular filtration rate, and radical nephrectomy is convenient for facilitating the individual postoperative risk prediction of AKI in patients with renal cell carcinoma.
Parvoviral enteritis and salmonellosis in raccoons with sudden death
Authors: Lin Chun-Ming , Hause Benjamin , Gualtieri Deanna , Robinson Nicholas
Published: August 2021

Eight of 9 juvenile raccoons at a rehabilitation center died without obvious prior clinical signs. Gross changes were unremarkable except for mildly distended intestines. Microscopically, crypt loss, distension, necrosis, and regeneration with intranuclear viral inclusions were observed in the small intestine, with marked lymphoid depletion and necrosis in Peyer patches and mesenteric lymph nodes. Immunohistochemistry with a canine parvovirus antibody showed intensive signals of parvoviral antigens in the crypts and lymphoid germinal centers. Metagenomic sequencing allowed assembly of a complete parvoviral genome with >99% identity to canine parvovirus 2a, as well as Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica. Also, S. enterica subsp. enterica serovar Thompson with multiple antimicrobial resistance was isolated from the intestinal contents. Concurrent infection with parvovirus and Salmonella should be included as a differential diagnosis in raccoons with sudden death.
Expanding the Molecular Genetic Spectrum of Bone and Soft Tissue Fibrosarcomas: An Institutional Experience
Authors: Leckey Bruce D. , John Ivy , Wald Abigail , Naous Rana
Published: August 2021

Introduction. Fibrosarcomas, once comprising the majority of unclassifiable spindle-cell sarcomas, are now regarded as a diagnosis of exclusion. Objectives. Prompted by an index report of neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK)3 fusion in fibrosarcomas by Yamazaki et al bone/soft tissue tumors diagnosed as fibrosarcoma at our institution were evaluated in an attempt to expand the genetic spectrum of fibrosarcomas and identify therapeutically targetable cases. Methods. Institutional archives were searched for cases diagnosed as “fibrosarcoma” involving bone/soft tissue from 2000 to present. Twenty-one cases meeting inclusion criteria were identified, 10 of which had formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue available for molecular testing. One case, at the submitting clinician's request, underwent outside deoxyribonucleic acid/ribonucleic acid (DNA/RNA) sequencing while the 9 remaining cases underwent in-house next-generation sequencing RNA fusion analysis. Results. At the time of diagnosis the mean age was 54.5 (range 14-88) with a male to female ratio of 1.5:1. Locations included soft tissue of the lower extremity (3), trunk (2), pelvis (2), head (1), upper extremity (1), and bone (1). Of the 10 cases, 1 demonstrated an FNDC3B-PIK3CA gene fusion and 1 demonstrated a BRAF (p.G469A ) mutation and CDKN2A/B loss. Conclusion. In conclusion, our study demonstrated gene fusions in 1 (10%) of 10 fibrosarcomas diagnosed at our institution in the past 20 years, including FNDC3B-PIK3CA gene fusion. Additionally, 1 case harbored BRAF (p.G469A) mutation and CDKN2A/B loss with no evidence of gene fusion. NTRK rearrangements were not detected. The significance of these molecular aberrations is presently unclear and future studies are needed to establish whether these findings carry any clinicopathologic significance.
Study on the effect of the fastener support structure on rail corrugation in metros based on the friction-induce vibration
Authors: Wu Bowen , Liu Ting , Pan Jiabao , Zhang Rongyun
Published: August 2021

Rail corrugation is very serious in Cologne egg fastener track; effective control measures are still lacking. The cause of the corrugation wear on a curved metro track is analyzed based on the friction-induced vibration theory. A finite element model is established to study the frequency domain and time domain features of the friction-induced oscillation of this system. The influences of the fastener spacing and the fastener support length on the corrugation wear are investigated to develop countermeasures. The simulation results show that the friction-induced vibration of the wheel-track system is the wavelength-fixed mechanism of the corrugation wear of rail of the curved Cologne egg fastener track. There are two reasons why the low rail corrugation wear is more serious. The contact resultant force between the low rail and the wheel is obviously bigger than that between the wheel and the high rail, resulting in a higher wear rate of the low rail. The contact force fluctuation of the low rail caused by the friction-induced vibration is more severe, resulting in a higher corrugation wear evolution speed on the low rail. The friction-induced oscillation cannot be eliminated only by adjusting the fastener support length and spacing. However, the long-wavelength corrugation wear instead of the more harmful short-wavelength corrugation wear can be produced by adjusting the fastener support length and the fastener spacing to alleviate the influence of corrugation wear on the vehicle-track system.
An Integrated MERLA (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning, and Adapting) Framework for Evidence-Based Program Improvement
Authors: Stelmach Rachel D. , Fitch Elizabeth , Chen Molly , Meekins Meagan , Flueckiger Rebecca M. , Colaço Rajeev
Published: August 2021

Monitoring, evaluation, and research activities generate important data, but they often fail to change policies or programs. In addition, local program staff and partners often feel disconnected from these activities, which undermines their ownership of data and results. To bridge the gaps between monitoring, evaluation, and research and to give them a common purpose through locally owned, actionable learning, we developed an integrated Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning, and Adapting (MERLA) framework. Implemented and refined in over 20 countries, the framework integrates data-gathering methodologies with collaborative techniques for translating evidence into knowledge that influences program practice and government policy. In this publication, we describe the MERLA framework and present two case studies demonstrating how its application enables learning and adaptation led by in-country teams.
Empowering Indigenous Communities Through a Participatory, Culturally Responsive Evaluation of a Federal Program for Older Americans
Authors: Clarke Gretchen S. , Douglas Elizabeth B. , House Marnie J. , Hudgins Kristen E.G. , Campos Sofia , Vaughn Elizabeth E.
Published: August 2021

This article describes our experience of conducting a 5-year, culturally responsive evaluation of a federal program with Indigenous communities. It describes how we adapted tenets from “participatory evaluation models” to ensure cultural relevance and empowerment. We provide recommendations for evaluators engaged in similar efforts. The evaluation included stakeholder engagement through a Steering Committee and an Evaluation Working Group in designing and implementing the evaluation. That engagement facilitated attention to Indigenous cultural values in developing a program logic model and medicine wheel and in gathering local perspectives through storytelling to facilitate understanding of community traditions. Our ongoing assessment of program grantees’ needs shaped our approach to evaluation capacity building and development of a diverse array of experiential learning opportunities and user-friendly tools and resources. We present practical strategies from lessons learned during the evaluation design and implementation phases of our project that might be useful for other evaluators.
Phacoemulsification and dexamethasone intravitreal implant in diabetic patients: A combined approach
Authors: Montrone Lucrezia , Macinagrossa Giancarlo
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

To analyse the morpho-functional outcomes of dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex) injected after lens surgery in diabetic patients with coexisting cataract and macular oedema.

Methods:

This is a non-randomized, perspective, single-group study on 17 eyes with a diagnosis of cataract and early and advanced diabetic macular oedema. All eyes underwent combined phacoemulsification and Ozurdex injection at the end of surgery and morpho-functional outcomes were analysed in 3 months follow-up.

Results:

Foveal thickness decreased significantly from 349.6 ± 19.8 (95% CI) at baseline to 310.7 ± 17.5 (95% CI) 90 days after surgery ( p < 0.01). Mean BCVA (LogMAR) improved significantly from 0.38 ± 0.08 (95% CI) at baseline to 0.15 ± 0.06 (95% CI) after 90 days ( p < 0.01). Any ocular or systemic complications were observed during follow-up.

Conclusions:

Dexamethasone intravitreal implant combined with phacoemulsification may be safe and effective to improve morpho-functional outcomes in diabetic patients with coexisting cataract and macular oedema.
Yiddish–Slavic language contact in multilingual songs: Describing deliberate code-switching
Authors: Verschik Anna
Published: August 2021

Aims and objectives/purposes/research questions:

The aim of the article is to describe what language contact phenomena are present. The research questions are as follows: (a) what types of code-switching (CS) are at work; (b) is there any preference for any particular type of CS; and (c) what Jewish (seemingly) monolingual songs in Slavic languages can tell us about contact varieties of Slavic used by Jews.

Design/methodology/approach:

Collecting texts of Yiddish–Slavic and Jewish folk songs in Slavic languages; and qualitative analysis of CS and structural change.

Data and analysis:

Sixty-two Slavic–Yiddish texts were chosen from Jewish songs’ collections and CS instances analysed.

Findings/conclusions:

Both insertions and alternations are present but alternations are preferred. There is an asymmetry between Yiddish insertions into Slavic (nouns) and Slavic insertions into Yiddish (all parts of speech). Alternations may be just renditions of the same meaning in another language but most often they play the same role as in naturalistic speech described in the literature on multilingual communication (change of topic, addressee, etc.).

Originality:

Previous research on multilingual Jewish songs concentrated on the choice of languages and interpretation of the symbolic role that each language plays but not structural analysis of multilingual texts.

Significance/implications:

Now that some tendencies are identified, it remains to be seen whether naturalistic Yiddish–Slavic speech exhibits the same patterns of CS.
Post-fire performance of steel reinforced concrete columns with different steel sections
Authors: Hassani Meisam , Safi Mohammad , Rasti Ardakani Reza , Saedi Daryan Amir
Published: August 2021

This study investigates the post-fire performance of steel reinforced concrete composite (SRC) columns used in building construction using experimental compression tests. Four conventional steel sections as I-shaped, Cross, Box, and Plus were considered as the steel core. For fire loading, all fabricated columns were subjected to five target temperatures, including 25°, 250°, 500°, 700°, and 900°C, and then the cooling phase of the columns was done under natural conditions. Then using pressure jacks, the compressive behavior including strength and axial deformation of each of them was measured, and force-deformation curves were plotted and investigated for each SRC column. The results of these tests showed that the compressive strength and the elasticity modulus of the columns decrease at higher temperatures. Also, the effect of the steel core was examined on the compressive strength. Among the tested sections, SRC columns with the Box-steel core showed a more recovery in its compressive strength and elasticity modulus, and hence, its performance was better than SRC columns with the other steel cores. Moreover, SRC columns with the Plus-steel core indicated the weakest compressive strength and elasticity modulus. Finally, some equations were proposed for the prediction of the compressive strength and elasticity modulus of SRC columns at different temperatures by applying gene expression programming (GEP modeling) to the results.
Analysis and design of electromagnetic vibration and noise reduction method of permanent magnet motor
Authors: Hu Kai , Zhang Guangming , Zhang Wenyi
Published: August 2021

Vibration and noise parameters have a significant influence on the performance of permanent magnet motor (PMM). A new method of reducing vibration and noise of PMM was proposed in this study by optimizing the stator teeth profile. The optimal offset distance was determined by finite element method, and the results indicate that the vibration and noise amplitude become larger when the frequency is an even multiple of the fundamental frequency. The maximum and average vibration acceleration of the optimized PMM is reduced by 22.27% and 11.11%, respectively, and the total sound pressure level (SPL) is decreased by 3.67%. Finally, the correctness of the theoretical parameters was verified by the vibration and noise measuring experiment. The experimental data suggest that the average acceleration error is 7.07%, and the average SPL error is 2.28%. The research methods and conclusions of this study may be extended to the vibration and noise optimization of other PMM.
Conceptualizing social media sub-platforms: The case of mourning and memorialization practices on Facebook
Authors: Navon Sarit , Noy Chaim
Published: August 2021

This article offers a conceptual framework of Facebook’s sub-platforms: Profiles, Groups, and Pages. We demonstrate the crucially different affordances that these sub-platforms possess, and the various resulting social practices and dynamics that they enable. With mourning and memorialization as a case study, our findings point at emergent practices ranging along a personal-to-public spectrum of communicative functions and media uses: Profiles offer a personal quality, albeit differently for the bereaved’s Profile and the deceased’s Profile; Groups possess a hybrid nature, combining self-expression alongside public aspects, reviving thus premodern bereaved communities; and Pages possess a distinctly public quality, serving as online memorialization centers where the deceased becomes an icon and a resource for mobilizing broad social change. This comparative and integrated approach may be applied productively to other contexts and other social media (sub-)platforms.
Practices of patient participation: Getting a turn during hospital ward rounds
Authors: Lehtimaja Inkeri , Kurhila Salla
Published: August 2021

Patient participation is a fundamental principle in modern Western health care, but not necessarily simple to achieve. During hospital ward rounds, patient participation is further hindered by the multi-party nature of the encounter: at times, members of the medical team talk with each other rather than with the patient. This article examines patients’ opportunities to participate in ward round conversations when the patient is not the addressed recipient. The data consist of 3 hours of video-recorded ward rounds in a Finnish hospital. Using conversation analysis, we study patients’ practices for getting a turn in different sequential environments. The patients monitor the ongoing conversation and exploit its sequential organisation by producing responsive turns and repair initiations, thus becoming active participants. They also produce their own initiatives, although sequential and multimodal constraints affect their possibilities for modifying the participation framework. The results of this study can be exploited to promote patient participation.
Gender Gaps in Electoral Turnout: Surveys versus Administrative Censuses
Authors: Cox Paulo , Morales Quiroga Mauricio
Published: August 2021

Gender gaps in voter turnout are usually studied using opinion surveys rather than official census data. This is because administrative censuses usually do not disaggregate turnout according to voters’ sex. Without this official information, much of the research on gender gaps in electoral turnout relies on survey respondents’ self-reported behavior, either before or after an election. The decision to use survey data implies facing several potential drawbacks. Among them are the turnout overstatement bias and the attrition or nonresponse bias, both affecting the estimation of factors explaining turnout and any related statistical analysis. Furthermore, these biases may be correlated with covariates such as gender: men, more than women, may systematically overstate their electoral participation. We analyze turnout gender gaps in Chile, comparing national surveys with official administrative data, which in Chile are publicly available. Crucially, the latter includes the official record of sex, age, and the electoral behavior—whether the individual voted or not—for about 14 million registered individuals. Based on a series of statistical models, we find that analysis based on survey data is likely to rule out gender gaps in electoral participation. Carrying out the same exercises, but with official data, leads to the opposite conclusion, namely, that there is a sizable gender gap favoring women.
The Lasting Impact of NCAA Sanctions: SMU and the Death Penalty
Authors: Lawson Kerianne
Published: August 2021

In 1987, the Southern Methodist University (SMU) football program received the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA’s) harshest penalty, often referred to as the “death penalty.” SMU was caught committing two or more major violations of NCAA rules in [Formula: see text] years. Therefore, under the repeat offender clause, their football program was terminated for the 1987–1988 school year, and they chose to take the next season off as well. In the years following the death penalty, the team struggled to find success. Using the synthetic control method, this article measures the cost of the death penalty in terms of athletic performance and the university’s finances.
Interpersonal Therapy in Primary Infertility, Life-Cycle Transitions, and Dysthymia: A Single Case Study
Authors: Chakraborty Sampurna , Roy Prasanta K.
Published: August 2021

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is an evidence-based therapy, originally developed to treat major depression. IPT conceptualizes depression from a bio-psychosocial perspective where signs of depression are understood in the context of an individual’s current social and interpersonal stressors, defined in terms of role transitions, disputes, bereavements, and sensitivities. In this single case study, IPT was used to treat a woman undergoing primary infertility with multiple failed pregnancies and unsuccessful adoption procedures along with specific grief reactions and depressive symptoms for 2 years. The therapy was formulated over 12 weekly sessions in the outpatient set-up in a general hospital in Kolkata in 2017. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) was used to assess the efficacy of the therapy and its outcomes. The therapy was found to be effective in the patient and justifies the rationale of choosing the said therapy for the specific case from an interpersonal viewpoint. The case study may help suggest how and why to use interpersonal psychotherapy in infertility conditions with psychological ramifications.
Recommendations for perioperative care of adolescents at risk for suicide
Authors: Dustin Rachelle H , Winters Blaine A
Published: August 2021

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for the adolescent population, and as such, should be considered when adolescents have any contact with the healthcare system, including perioperative appointments. Although some surgical facilities screen patients with a history of suicide attempt or severe mental health conditions, many adolescents who have died by suicide do not have official mental health diagnoses or history of previous suicide attempt. Because of the impact surgery can have on mental health, each adolescent should be screened for suicide risk during pre-surgical consult appointments to assess suicide risk and take proper precautions, as needed. Suicide screening should be implemented as part of the focused assessment prior to surgery to more comprehensively combat the rising suicide rates of adolescents. This paper provides recommendations to direct care of adolescent surgical patients at risk for suicide.
Prevention of EAE by tolerogenic vaccination with PEGylated antigenic peptides
Authors: Pfeil Jennifer , Simonetti Mario , Lauer Uta , von Thülen Bianca , Durek Pawel , Poulsen Christina , Pawlowska Justyna , Kröger Matthias , Krähmer Ralf , Leenders Frank , Hoffmann Ute , Hamann Alf
Published: August 2021

Background:

Therapeutic treatment options for chronic autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) rely largely on the use of non-specific immunosuppressive drugs, which are not able to cure the disease. Presently, approaches to induce antigen-specific tolerance as a therapeutic approach; for example, by peptide-based tolerogenic ‘inverse’ vaccines have regained great interest. We have previously shown that coupling of peptides to carriers can enhance their capacity to induce regulatory T cells in vivo.

Method:

In this present study, we investigated whether the tolerogenic potential of immunodominant myelin T-cell epitopes can be improved by conjugation to the synthetic carrier polyethylene glycol (PEG) in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model for chronic MS (MOG C57BL/6).

Results:

Preventive administration of the PEGylated antigenic peptide could strongly suppress the development of EAE, accompanied by reduced immune cell infiltration in the central nervous system (CNS). Depletion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) abrogated the protective effect indicating that Tregs play a crucial role in induction of antigen-specific tolerance in EAE. Treatment during the acute phase of disease was safe and did not induce immune activation. However, treatment at the peak of disease did not affect the disease course, suggesting that either induction of Tregs does not occur in the highly inflamed situation, or that the immune system is refractory to regulation in this condition.

Conclusion:

PEGylation of antigenic peptides is an effective and feasible strategy to improve tolerogenic (Treg-inducing) peptide-based vaccines, but application for immunotherapy of overt disease might require modifications or combination therapies that simultaneously suppress effector mechanisms.
New approaches and procedures for cancer treatment: Current perspectives
Authors: Debela Dejene Tolossa , Muzazu Seke GY , Heraro Kidist Digamo , Ndalama Maureen Tayamika , Mesele Betelhiem Woldemedhin , Haile Dagimawi Chilot , Kitui Sophia Khalayi , Manyazewal Tsegahun
Published: August 2021

Cancer is a global health problem responsible for one in six deaths worldwide. Treating cancer has been a highly complex process. Conventional treatment approaches, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, have been in use, while significant advances are being made in recent times, including stem cell therapy, targeted therapy, ablation therapy, nanoparticles, natural antioxidants, radionics, chemodynamic therapy, sonodynamic therapy, and ferroptosis-based therapy. Current methods in oncology focus on the development of safe and efficient cancer nanomedicines. Stem cell therapy has brought promising efficacy in regenerating and repairing diseased or damaged tissues by targeting both primary and metastatic cancer foci, and nanoparticles brought new diagnostic and therapeutic options. Targeted therapy possessed breakthrough potential inhibiting the growth and spread of specific cancer cells, causing less damage to healthy cells. Ablation therapy has emerged as a minimally invasive procedure that burns or freezes cancers without the need for open surgery. Natural antioxidants demonstrated potential tracking down free radicals and neutralizing their harmful effects thereby treating or preventing cancer. Several new technologies are currently under research in clinical trials, and some of them have already been approved. This review presented an update on recent advances and breakthroughs in cancer therapies.
Participant views and experiences of sexual health research: The Contraception Choices online trial
Authors: Bailey Julia V , Bennett Kirsty F , Gubijev Anasztazia , Shawe Jill , Stephenson Judith
Published: August 2021

Background

Online sexual health research can be convenient, efficient and low cost, but there are debates about the adequacy of online informed consent, privacy, and the acceptability of different methods of follow-up.

Objectives

To explore women's views and experiences of the Contraception Choices feasibility trial procedures and the place of digital interventions for contraception decision making.

Methods

We analysed data from two sources: (1) Qualitative interviews. Eighteen interviews were conducted with women who had taken part in the Contraception Choices pre-trial feasibility study, to evaluate recruitment and online trial procedures. (2) Free-text comments. Women in the main Contraception Choices randomised controlled trial were followed up at 3 and 6 months, and asked ‘Please tell us what you liked or disliked about the website’ and ‘Has being in the study had any good or bad effects on your life?’ A total of 387 and 414 comments were made at 3 and 6 months respectively. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

Participants liked being involved in a study about contraception, although recruitment from an abortion clinic was less acceptable than in other sexual health settings. Women found the trial procedures straightforward, and expressed no major concerns about online self-registration, informed consent or online data collection. Online survey questions about contraception and fertility were acceptable, and participants liked the convenience of being followed up by email or text.

Conclusions

Participants appreciated the advantages of the online research design and did not express concerns about consent or privacy. Women would welcome digital interventions for contraception in a variety of settings.