bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Multinational Clinical Practice Guideline: A Practical Structured Procedure
Authors: Sonyi Marc , Keller Jutta , Fox Mark , Hammer Heinz F.
Published: August 2020

Introduction: The development of a clinical guideline is a challenging process. National and international organizations have established a variety of approaches, grading systems, evaluation scales, and voting modes; however, a practical description which illustrates all steps from starting the initiative to publication and dissemination of the guideline is usually not provided. We describe a structured guideline procedure that can be adjusted to the requirements of other multinational guidelines. Methods: A group of European specialist gastroenterological societies and national societies initiated a guideline for the use of breath tests in gastroenterology. A balance between scientific evidence and clinical experience was achieved by involving European specialist societies and physicians from 18 European countries. For persons contributing to the guideline process, different levels of involvement were defined. The tasks were assigned to different groups of persons, which formed scientific institutions. Results: We describe organizational structures and institutions, the stepwise approach, and illustrate the multistep guideline development procedure in a flowchart diagram that shows workflow and assigned responsibilities and provides details for the execution of each step, including timelines. The process is split into 4 phases: foundation, preparation, voting, and publication. Discussion: This structured procedure of a gastroenterological clinical practice guideline can serve as a blueprint for future multinational guideline initiatives and may aid future attempts to standardize and harmonize guideline development processes in gastroenterology and in other medical fields. Although the described procedure is for a diagnostic guideline, it may also be appropriate for therapeutic guidelines by adjusting the acceptance criteria for recommendations.
Obstrução gástrica por pólipos múltiplos em Akita. Relato de caso
Authors: Yoshitoshi E. R. , Yoshitoshi F. N. , Santos R. C. , Smetana G. C. M. , Taboada P. , Santos F. A. M.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Shifting surface
Authors: Fellendorf Ansgar
Published: August 2020

This research explores how satellite images of Arctic sea ice contribute to climate change discourse. Different discourses require distinct responses. Policy measures are contingent upon representation, be it i.e. a threat or opportunity. The representations discussed are by the NSIDC and NASA, which hold a visual hegemony. First, the introduction discusses visual studies in policy research and identifies a simplified dichotomy of a threat discourse and environmental citizenship. Moreover, the methodology of visual discourse analysis based on poststructuralism is described. The delineated images portray a vertical, planar view allowing for spatial reference. Arctic sea ice is a visible climate change effect and the absence of boundaries, intervisuality with the Earthrise icon and focus on environmental effects support a discourse of citizenship.
Visualizing the experience of flight
Authors: Nilsson Maria
Published: August 2020

This paper explores how photojournalism addresses refugee migration in Sweden, a country currently receiving a large influx of asylum seekers, in particular during a surge in global migration in 2015. Theoretically informed by literature calling for a compassionate visual storytelling focusing on the experience of refugees, the specific focus is on entries in the Swedish Picture of the Year contest. Images of children were particularly prominent among contest entries focusing on forced migration in the examined years, presenting an opportunity to further explore visual representation while also considering portraiture as a photojournalistic genre and visual strategy. A close reading drawing on semiotics and compositional analysis was conducted on images and written contest jury motivations. Findings showed a humanitarian aesthetic, formality as a storytelling tool, and an unresolved tension between showing and shielding young victims of trauma.
Avaliação da concentração sérica de sódio e potássio através do método de dosagem de íon seletivo em Tigre d'água (Trachemis scrypta) pertencentes ao CETAS - Centro de Triagem de Animais Selvagens da PUC-PR
Authors: Mangrich-Rocha R. M. V. , Silva C. C. V. da , Lugarini C. , Belettini S. T. , Thoms E. , Condas L. A. Z. , Budziak C.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Caracterização laboratorial da enteropatia observada na Síndrome de Emagrecimento Progressivo de Sagüis mantidos em cativeiro
Authors: Sá L. R. M. , Mirandola R. M. S. , Duarte M. I. S.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Usefulness of chlorezidine gluconate in 2% aqueous solution for treating bacterial pododermatitis in dogs
Authors: Sousa M. G. , Gerardi D. G. , Teshima E. , Ferreira L. S. , Carareto R. , Tinucci-Costa M. , Murolo F.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Ultra-sonografia intervencionista: drenagem percutânea de lesões renais e peri-renais. Estudos de casos
Authors: Froes T. R. , Gonzalez J. R. M. , Kanayama L. M. , Iwasaki M. , Fantoni D.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Ocorrência de helmintos e protozoários em cães capturados da cidade de São João da Boa Vista-SP
Authors: Dall'Olio A. J. , Santos R. S.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Ocorrência de estágios larvais de Ancylostoma spp na areia de parques públicos infantis do município de Santos, Baixada Santista
Authors: Carvalho T. P. A. , Murolo F. P. A. , Mattiacci M. , Ramos R. N. , Rodrigues A. C.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Ocorrência de parasitos gastrointestinais em cães (Canis familiaris) em três municípios da Baixada Santista
Authors: Pontes M. J. S. , Dias R. A. , Pereira J. C. F. , Feliz J. C. , Rodrigues A. C. , Nobiling A. R.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Transmissão vertical natural por Hepatozoon canis em neonatos caninos. Relato de caso
Authors: Martins R. R. , Klein R. P. , Silveira V. F. , Takahira R. K.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Osteopatia crânio-mandibular. Relato de caso
Authors: Gonçalves S. , Pinto C. F. , Oliveira S. M. , Rocha A. D.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo
Estenose esofágica por Tricobezoar gástrico no cão. Relato de caso
Authors: Yoshitoshi F. N. , Migliani M. , Taboada P.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Restauração biológica através da colagem de fragmento dentário alógeno. Uma nova alternativa na reconstrução de dentes fraturados
Authors: Corrêa H. L. , Venturini M. A. F. A. , Venceslau A. , León Román M. A. , Gioso M. A.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Hemangiossarcoma cardíaco em cão. Relato de dois casos
Authors: Carvalho Filho A. S. , Aptekmann K. P. , Schwartz D. S. , Calderón C. , Amorim R. L. , Rodrigues M. M. P.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Análise histológica e imuno-histoquímica de neoplasias melanocíticas cutâneas caninas
Authors: Perrone E. A. , Guerra J. L.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Leucemia monocítica em cão. Relato de caso
Authors: Bonello F. L. , Ciarlini P. C. , Feitosa M. M. , Machado G. F. , Silva I. C.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Hyperglycemia Induces Myocardial Dysfunction via Epigenetic Regulation of JunD
Authors: Hussain Shafaat , Khan Abdul Waheed , Akhmedov Alexander , Suades Rosa , Costantino Sarah , Paneni Francesco , Caidahl Kenneth , Mohammed Shafeeq A. , Hage Camilla , Gkolfos Christos , Björck Hanna , Pernow John , Lund Lars H. , Lüscher Thomas F. , Cosentino Francesco
Published: August 2020

Rationale:

Hyperglycemia -induced reactive oxygen species are key mediators of cardiac dysfunction. JunD (Jund proto-oncogene subunit), a member of the AP-1 (activator protein-1) family of transcription factors, is emerging as a major gatekeeper against oxidative stress. However, its contribution to redox state and inflammation in the diabetic heart remains to be elucidated.

Objective:

The present study investigates the role of JunD in hyperglycemia-induced and reactive oxygen species–driven myocardial dysfunction.

Methods and Results:

JunD mRNA and protein expression were reduced in the myocardium of mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus as compared to controls. JunD downregulation was associated with oxidative stress and left ventricular dysfunction assessed by electron spin resonance spectroscopy as well as conventional and 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. Furthermore, myocardial expression of free radical scavenger superoxide dismutase 1 and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 was reduced, whereas the NOX2 (NADPH [nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphatase] oxidase subunit 2) and NOX4 (NADPH [nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphatase] oxidase subunit 4) were upregulated. The redox changes were associated with increased NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) binding activity and expression of inflammatory mediators. Interestingly, mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of JunD via the α MHC (α- myosin heavy chain) promoter (α MHC
JunD

tg

) were protected against hyperglycemia-induced cardiac dysfunction. We also showed that JunD was epigenetically regulated by promoter hypermethylation, post-translational modification of histone marks, and translational repression by miRNA (microRNA)-673/menin. Reduced JunD mRNA and protein expression were confirmed in left ventricular specimens obtained from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus as compared to nondiabetic subjects.

Conclusions:

Here, we show that a complex epigenetic machinery involving DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs mediates hyperglycemia-induced JunD downregulation and myocardial dysfunction in experimental and human diabetes mellitus. Our results pave the way for tissue-specific therapeutic modulation of JunD to prevent diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Taxonomic status of the Neotropical salamanders Bolitoglossa altamazonica and Bolitoglossa peruviana (Amphibia: Caudata: Plethodontidae), with the description of a new species from Northern Peru
Authors: CUSI JUAN C. , GAGLIARDI-URRUTIA GIUSSEPE , BRCKO ISABELA CARVALHO , WAKE DAVID B. , MAY RUDOLF VON
Published: August 2020

We examine the phylogenetic relationships among salamanders of the genus Bolitoglossa (Eladinea) distributed in the Amazonian basin of northern Peru and southern Ecuador and assess species diversity based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses. We infer a molecular phylogeny using sequences from two mitochondrial (Cytb, 16S) and two nuclear genes (RAG–1, POMC). We find two well-supported subclades, one including [B. altamazonica + B. peruviana] + B. awajun sp. n., and the other including Bolitoglossa sp. Ituxi + Bolitoglossa sp. Jurúa. Ecuadorian lineages form divergent clades from the Peruvian lineages. Accordingly, Ecuadorian populations previously assigned to Bolitoglossa peruviana sensu lato are treated as members of a Bolitoglossa equatoriana species complex. A newly defined Bolitoglossa altamazonica species complex contains only populations from the Amazonian rainforest of Peru. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian Inference analyses confirm the phylogenetic placement of B. altamazonica and B. peruviana, and support recognition of a related new species of Bolitoglossa. The uncorrected genetic distances between the new species and B. altamazonica are 6.5% for Cytb and 4.9% for 16S; and the uncorrected genetic distances between the new species and B. peruviana are 8.0% for Cytb and 3.9% for 16S. Additionally, analyses of nuclear gene sequences show no haplotype sharing between the new species and closely related species. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) Standard length mean 37.7 mm in males (range 32.0–42.2; n=5) and 41.4 mm in females (range 34.9–48.2; n=6); (2) in life, dorsal coloration uniformly brown with a dark brown triangular marking between the eyes or some irregular light cream spots or patches on the head, back and flanks; (3) iris pale golden; (4) in preservative, dark brown venter with cream mottlings or moderate-sized blotches on the gular region, belly, cloacal region and tail; (5) tips of third finger and third toe protuberant and pointed with nearly complete webbing on the hands and feet; (6) 11–26 maxillary teeth and 8–24 vomerine teeth. Given that the syntypes of B. altamazonica are lost, we designate a neotype for B. altamazonica from Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve, Loreto department, Peru. Newly collected specimens from ~30 km NE from Moyobamba (type locality of B. peruviana) provide a better understanding of B. peruviana and enable us to show that it is the sister taxon of B. altamazonica. The new species is known from pre-montane forests in Cordillera Escalera Regional Conservation Area, Cordillera Azul National Park and Shucshuyacu, San Martin department, Peru at 485–1311 m elevation,  ~75 km SE from Moyobamba. Bolitoglossa awajun sp. n. is the fourth endemic species of salamander from Peru.
Dielectric Properties of Eucalyptus urophylla Under an Ultra-Wide Frequency Range
Authors: Xia He , Yong Wang , Yunyan Li , Yanqiang Wei , Peng Quan , Xianjun Li
Published: August 2020

Dielectric properties of Eucalyptus urophylla wood were measured by using a network analyzer over an ultrawide frequency range between 0.2 GHz and 20 GHz. The effects of moisture content (MC), temperature and frequency on the dielectric permittivity and the dielectric loss factor
of Eucalyptus urophylla were investigated along different grain directions. The results showed that the dielectric permittivity along with the dielectric loss factor increased significantly with the elevation in MC. At the frequency of 2380 MHz with the MC increasing from 0% to 100%,
the dielectric permittivity along different grain directions (including longitudinal, radial and tangential directions) increased by 180%, 110% and 112%, respectively, while the loss factor along these three directions increased by 1642%, 3703% and 5058%, respectively. In addition, the increase
in dielectric properties of Eucalyptus urophylla wood was determined with the temperature elevating. When the temperature elevated from 20 °C to 140 °C, the dielectric permittivity at 2380 MHz along the longitudinal, radial and tangential directions, increased by 19%, 14% and
15%, respectively, while the loss factor increased by 133% at most. As the radio frequency increased, the dielectric permittivity of wood decreased. Regression equations satisfactorily described the dielectric properties of wood along different grain directions with different moisture contents.
Rapid Estimating Rumen Digestibility of Forage with Lignin Structures Based on Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Ruonan , Sun Ruitao , Zheng Fei , Tang Kenan , Liu Dasen
Published: August 2020

The experiment was aimed to predict the relationship between rumen degradation parameters and chemical composition, especially acid detergent lignin, and molecular structure profiles of lignin (the relative content ratio of syringyl and guaiacyl unit) of twenty-two herbaceous and leguminous
forage, which were commonly used as roughage for dairy cows in the northeast of China. Analyses of the spectra of forage materials' high boiling solvent lignin samples showed that common features and specific vibrations to each unique lignin were found in the spectrum. In this paper, the spectra
of materials high boiling solvent lignin demonstrated absorption at the band around 1332 cm–1 (syringyl) and 1258 cm–1 (guaiacyl). The spectra indicated that the lignin of the plant materials used in this study are H-G-S type. A broad range was found among
the chemical composition for each feedstuff. The degradation kinetics characteristics among feedstuffs also had relatively large range of variation. The relative content ratio of syringyl (S) and guaiacyl (G) unit of leguminous samples positively correlated with some rumen degradation characteristics.
However, there was no correlation between relative content ratio of S and G unit and degradation parameters among the herbaceous materials (p > 0.05). According to analyses, content acid detergent lignin (ADL) and relative content ratio of S and G could be the predictors of the degradation
parameters expect SCP among forage. In conclusion, the relative content ratio of S and G might be potentially used to predict some of the degradation parameters (Kd CP, EDCP, SNDF) of leguminous feedstuffs.
Factors Regulating the Multidecadal Changes in MJO Amplitude over the Twentieth Century
Authors: Fu Zhen , Hsu Pang-Chi , Liu Fei
Published: August 2020

This study examined multidecadal changes in the amplitude of the boreal-winter Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) over the twentieth century using two century-long reanalysis datasets (20CR and ERA-20C). Both revealed reasonable MJO variability compared to other state-of-the-art reanalysis datasets. We detected pronounced multidecadal variations along with an increasing trend in MJO amplitude during the period 1900–2009 in both datasets, although this linear trend was less significant in the reconstructed MJO index proposed by Oliver and Thompson. The two twentieth-century reanalysis datasets and the Oliver–Thompson MJO index consistently showed the intensified amplitude of MJO precipitation and circulation in the later decades (1970–99) compared to the earlier decades (1920–49). The most significant enhancement of MJO precipitation in the later decades appeared over the western Pacific warm pool. To understand the mechanisms controlling the changes in western Pacific MJO precipitation amplitude over the twentieth century, we diagnosed the moisture budget equation. The enhanced MJO precipitation variability in the later decades mainly came from increased moisture associated with a strengthened low-level convergence anomaly working on background mean moisture []. Further diagnosis showed that the effect of anomalous circulation (∇ ⋅ V′) change on the MJO precipitation amplitude change over the twentieth century was about an order larger than that of mean moisture () change, different from the mechanisms (i.e., increased gradient of ) responsible for the intensified MJO precipitation amplitude under future warmer climate. The enhanced MJO circulation anomalies during 1970–99 may be caused by an enhanced diabatic heating anomaly, offset partly by the increased mean static stability.
A Global Quasigeostrophic Diagnosis of Extratropical Extreme Precipitation
Authors: Dai Panxi , Nie Ji
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a global picture of the dynamic processes and synoptic characteristics of extratropical extreme precipitation events (EPEs), defined as annual maximum daily precipitation averaged over 7.5° × 7.5° regional boxes. Based on the quasigeostrophic omega equation, extreme precipitation can be decomposed into components forced by large-scale adiabatic disturbances and amplified by diabatic heating feedback. The spatial distribution of the diabatic feedback parameter is largely controlled by atmospheric precipitable water and captured by a simple model. Most spatial heterogeneities of EPEs in the middle and high latitudes are due to the spatial variations of large-scale adiabatic forcing. The adiabatic component includes the processes of vorticity advection, in which the synoptic vorticity advection by background wind dominates; temperature advection, in which the total meridional temperature advection by synoptic wind dominates; and boundary forcing. The synoptic patterns of EPEs in all extratropical regions can be classified into six clusters using the self-organizing map method: two clusters in low latitudes and four clusters in middle and high latitudes. Synoptic disturbances are characterized by strong pressure anomalies throughout the troposphere over the coastal regions and oceans and feature upper-level shortwave disturbances and a large westward tilt with height over land. Synoptic configurations favor moisture transport from ocean to land over coastal regions.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Drainage Versus Surgery First in Severe Pancreatitis
Authors: Harfouche Melike , Clark Jaclyn , Kim Kevin , Bruns Brandon , Diaz Jose J.
Published: August 2020

Background

Percutaneous drainage as the initial procedure for severe pancreatitis (SP) may not always be optimal. Our aim was to identify the characteristics of patients who failed percutaneous drainage and compare their outcomes with patients who underwent surgical intervention as the initial approach.

Methods

A retrospective review of a prospectively collected emergency general surgery registry of patients admitted to a tertiary-care, academic center with the diagnosis of SP who underwent an intervention was performed (2010-2018). Patients were divided into successful drainage (SD), drainage failure (DF), and surgery first (SF) groups. DF was defined as the need for surgical intervention.

Results

The study included 129 patients. Fifty (38.8%) patients underwent SF as their initial management modality. Among 79 patients who underwent drainage, 34 (43.0%) were in the DF group and progressed to surgical intervention. Within that group, 19 (55.9%) underwent open necrosectomy. The DF group was more likely to have lower rates of peripancreatic fluid collections, a higher rate of necrotizing pancreatitis, and a higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score when compared with the DS group. Mortality was higher in the DF and SF groups, and total length of stay and ICU length of stay were highest in the DF group.

Discussion

Patients who experience failure of drainage for SP have high morbidity and mortality rates and fare worse overall than patients who undergo surgery as the primary intervention. Patients with necrotizing pancreatitis and a higher APACHE II score might warrant surgical intervention over a drainage-first approach.
Is Excisional Biopsy Needed for Pure FEA Diagnosed on a Core Biopsy?
Authors: Miller-Ocuin Jennifer L. , Fowler Brett B. , Coldren Daniel L. , Chiba Akiko , Levine Edward A. , Howard-McNatt Marissa
Published: August 2020

Background

The management of flat epithelial atypia (FEA) on core needle biopsy remains controversial. The upstaging rates after surgical excision are variable. In this study, we seek to determine the upstaging rate of FEA at our institution.

Methods

Patients with a diagnosis of FEA were identified from the institution’s pathology database from 2009 to 2018. Patients were included in the study if FEA alone, without atypia or cancer, was identified on core needle biopsy. Patient demographics, imaging, management, and pathology characteristics were obtained. Statistical analysis performed using IBM SPSS 26.0 (Armonk, NY, USA).

Results

FEA was diagnosed on core needle biopsy in 235 patients from 2009 to December 2018. Forty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria. The majority of patients presented with calcifications on mammogram (n = 21, 64%) with the remainder as masses (n = 6, 18%) or architectural distortion (n = 6, 18%). Of those, 15 (31%) patients declined surgical excision, of which none developed cancer over a mean follow-up of 4.4 years. Of the 33 (69%) patients undergoing excisional biopsy, 17 (52%) confirmed FEA, 11 (33%) had benign findings, and 3 (9%) demonstrated atypical ductal hyperplasia on final pathology. One (3%) case revealed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and 1 (3%) was upgraded to invasive cancer for an overall upstaging rate of 4% (2/48). After a mean follow-up of 3.4 years, none of the excisional biopsy patients developed invasive breast cancer. Adjuvant therapy was used in the cases of DCIS and invasive cancer; however, chemoprevention with raloxifene or tamoxifen was not chosen by any of the remaining patients.

Conclusion

In our cohort, expectant management of FEA alone appears to be a safe option as our upstaging rate to DCIS or invasive cancer for FEA diagnosed on core biopsy was only 4%. Our study suggests that close follow-up is a safe and feasible option for pure FEA without a radiographic discordance found on core biopsy.
Impact of Age on the Functional Evaluation of Intermediate Coronary Stenoses With Instantaneous Wave-Free Ratio and Fractional Flow Reserve
Authors: Verdoia Monica , Gioscia Rocco , Nardin Matteo , Negro Federica , Tonon Francesco , Suryapranata Harry , Khedi Elvin , Marcolongo Marco , De Luca Giuseppe
Published: August 2020

The optimal strategy for assessing the ischemic significance of intermediate coronary stenoses with adenosine-induced fractional flow reserve (FFR) and instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) is still debated. Few studies have previously assessed the impact of age on FFR and iFR, which was the aim of our study. Patients undergoing FFR and iFR evaluation for intermediate (40%-70%) coronary lesions were included and divided according to age. Fractional flow reserve was performed by intracoronary boluses of adenosine (60-1440 μg). Instantaneous wave-free ratio was automatically calculated. Among 148 patients undergoing FFR measurement of 166 lesions, 45.3% were ≥70 years. Elderly patients had higher minimal lumen diameter ( P = .03). We also observed a linear relationship between iFR and FFR independently of age. Fractional flow reserve values were higher in the elderly patients, whereas iFR was not related to age. A total of 33 lesions had a positive iFR with no difference for age (17.3% vs 22%, P = .56), while FFR <0.80 was more infrequent in the elderly patients (17.1% vs 34.8%, P = .02). In intermediate coronary stenoses, iFR and FFR correlation is unaffected by age. Fractional flow reserve is higher in the elderly patients, whereas iFR is less affected by age. Future large-scale studies are needed to define whether iFR should be the preferred choice in elderly patients.
Atherogenic Index of Plasma Is an Independent Risk Factor for Coronary Artery Disease and a Higher SYNTAX Score
Authors: Wang Luzhao , Chen Fangyao , Xiaoqi Chai , Yujun Chen , Zijie Li
Published: August 2020

We aimed to identify the best diagnostic cutoff value of the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) for coronary artery disease (CAD) and its correlation with the SYNTAX score (SS). From January 2016 to December 2019, 2253 patients with CAD and 1347 non-CAD patients with complete data were included in the study. Coronary angiography was performed using the Judkins technique, and the SS was calculated using network software. There were differences in age, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and AIP between groups (all P < .01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that AIP was an independent risk factor for CAD and a high SS (SS ≥ 23) with adjusted odds ratios of 2.248 (95% CI: 1.666-3.032, P < .01) and 1.623 (95% CI: 1.118-2.358, P < .01) per standard deviation increase. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the best diagnostic cutoff value of AIP for the prediction of CAD and SS ≥ 23 was 2.035 and 2.23, the specificity was 61.8% and 65.7%, the sensitivity was 76.4% and 54.9%, the Youden index was 0.382 and 0.206, and the area under the curve was 0.733 (95% CI: 0.717-0.750, P < .01) and 0.653 (95% CI: 0.630-0.676, P < .01). Atherogenic index of plasma, as a biomarker, may assist in the prevention of CAD in the Chinese population.
Characteristics of temporal dynamics of intrinsic brain activity in unmedicated bipolar disorder with suicidality
Authors: Gong Jiaying , Chen Guanmao , Zhou Mengyao , Jia Yanbin , Zhong Shuming , Chen Feng , Lai Shunkai , Luo Zhenye , Wang Jurong , Xu Hao , Wang Lu , Huang Li , Wang Ying
Published: August 2020

Background:

Bipolar disorder is associated with a high risk of suicide. Routine neuroimaging examination exhibited that bipolar disorder with suicidality was associated with brain structural and functional changes. However, the alterations of brain dynamics have still remained elusive.

Purpose:

To investigate the alterations of brain dynamics in unmedicated bipolar disorder II depression with suicidality and predict the severity of suicidality.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective study included 106 bipolar disorder II participants (20 with suicidal attempt, 35 with suicidal ideation, 51 without suicidal ideation) and 50 healthy controls who underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging between February 2016 and December 2017. We first used sliding window analysis to evaluate the dynamic amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations. Then, we predicted the severity of suicidality using a multivariate regression model.

Results:

One-way analysis of covariance revealed that the dynamic amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in the right temporal pole, inferior temporal gyrus, superior temporal gyrus and the bilateral precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex was significantly different among the four groups. Post hoc pairwise comparisons revealed that dynamic amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations was remarkably decreased in the bilateral precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex in the three bipolar disorder II groups compared with that in healthy controls group. Increased dynamic amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations was found in the right superior temporal gyrus and inferior temporal gyrus in the suicidal attempt group compared with that in the other groups, and in the right temporal pole in the suicidal attempt group compared with that in the suicidal ideation and healthy controls groups. Importantly, these temporal variabilities could be used to predict the severity of suicidality ( r = 0.330, p = 0.036), whereas static amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations couldn’t ( r = –0.050, p = 0.532).

Conclusion:

Our findings indicated that alterations of temporal variability in the precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex are such a common feature of bipolar disorder patients. Besides, the severity of suicidality could be predicted by the dynamic amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations abnormalities rather than static amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations abnormalities, which is the first evidence of dynamic brain alterations in bipolar disorder patients with suicidality. The proposed predictive model may be advantageous for clinical applications.
Moral education teaching in colleges and universities based on the application of multimedia technology
Authors: Teng Yue , Jiang Pin-Xuan , Wang Kai
Published: August 2020

In the recent past, Due to continuous development in the field of multimedia technology on moral education teaching in colleges and universities, Students interest and enrollment in smart classrooms with multimedia technology are enhancing worldwide due to diverse demands on high end technologies on moral studies for interactive teaching learning process. At present scenario due to inefficient usage of technology for higher education in colleges and universities, teachers and mentors need to educate themselves and improve their way of teaching through interactive sessions with the students than using white board. This research surveys various elements used in multimedia technology such as music, data interpretation, presentation using image, video analytics, animation and user control metrics which attracted lot of attention by the researchers due to its importance on moral education teaching. This research finds firm survey on interactive teaching process using blooms multimedia technology for smart classroom environment which helps to enhance the teaching methodologies of teachers and mentors in colleges and universities. In addition, this paper discusses the advantage and disadvantages of teaching learning process and the importance of blooms multimedia technology rather than writing on the white board. The main objective of this article is focused in improving socialization on moral education with advanced multimedia techniques which reforms higher education.
Mental illnesses and related vulnerabilities in the Hijra community: A cross-sectional study from India
Authors: Sartaj Deepak , Krishnan Vijay , Rao Ravindra , Ambekar Atul , Dhingra Neeraj , Sharan Pratap
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

The Hijra community is a cultural and gender grouping in South Asia broadly similar to western transgender communities, but with literature suggesting some differences in gender experience and patterns of psychosocial adversity. The present study aims to describe patterns of mental illness and psychoactive substance use in Hijra subjects and study their association with gender experience and psychosocial adversity.

Methods:

Fifty self-identified Hijras availing HIV-prevention services in New Delhi, India, were interviewed. Data on mental disorders, psychoactive substance use, quality of life, discrimination, empowerment, violence and gender identity were assessed using structured instruments.

Results:

Subjects were mostly in their mid-twenties, and had joined the Hijra community in their mid-teens. More subjects (46%) were involved in begging than in traditional Hijra roles (38%). Sex work was reported by 28% subjects. The rates of lifetime mental illness was 38%, most commonly alcohol abuse (26%); others had anxiety or depressive disorders (8% each), somatoform disorders (6%) and bulimia nervosa ( n = 1). Disempowerment was mostly experienced in domains of autonomy and community participation; 52% had experienced sexual or psychological violence. Discrimination was attributed to gender (100%), appearance (28%) or sexual orientation (28%). There were negative correlations between the physical domain of WHO-QOL and physical violence and depression scores; and between discrimination and WHO-QOL environmental, physical and psychological domains.

Conclusions:

This Hijra group showed high rates of mental disorder and substance involvement, related to QOL domains and experiences of discrimination and disempowerment.
Social workers of the world unite! A call to unionize the social work profession
Authors: Farr Paddy
Published: August 2020

Across industries, labor activism and unionism has emerged as a powerful force from the crisis of COVID-19 to advocate for job security, workplace safety, and public policy. However, social workers have largely not participated in this movement. In order to better represent social worker interests, unionizing the social work labor force is essential.
International student experiences in Queensland during COVID-19
Authors: Gallagher Hilary L , Doherty Ainsley Z , Obonyo Michael
Published: August 2020

Penetrating perceptions and fostering cultural connections: Universities in Australia rely heavily on income from international students to stay financially viable, as international student income makes up the shortfall of government funding for Australian universities. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many international students studying in numerous countries faced racism, starvation, homelessness and an inability to pay their tuition fees. This article explores how staff and students in the School of Human Services and Social Work at Griffith University in Australia responded to these challenges during the pandemic in Queensland.
Comparing the Effects of Reading Intervention Versus Reading and Mindset Intervention for Upper Elementary Students With Reading Difficulties
Authors: Wanzek Jeanne , Otaiba Stephanie Al , Petscher Yaacov , Lemons Christopher J. , Gesel Samantha A. , Fluhler Sally , Donegan Rachel E. , Rivas Brenna K.
Published: August 2020

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effects of providing mindset intervention in addition to reading intervention compared with only reading intervention for fourth graders with reading difficulties. Reading intervention was provided daily in 45 min sessions throughout the school year. Mindset intervention occurred in small groups for 24–30 min lessons. Multilevel structural equation modeling (SEM) via n-level SEM was used to account for the latent variable representation of constructs, and the complex nesting and cross-classification structure of the data. Students in the reading intervention plus mindset condition significantly outperformed the business as usual condition on nonword reading ( d = 0.35) as did students in the reading intervention condition ( d = 0.20), who also outperformed the business as usual condition on phonological processing ( d = 0.28). There were no significant differences among students in the three conditions on nonword reading, word reading, phonological processing, reading comprehension, or growth mindset. Initial reading achievement, mindset, and problem behavior did not generally moderate these findings.
Magnitude Comparisons, Number Knowledge and Calculation in VeryPreterm Children and Children With Specific Learning Disability: A Cross-Population Study Using Eye-Tracking
Authors: Guarini Annalisa , Tobia Valentina , Bonifacci Paola , Faldella Giacomo , Sansavini Alessandra
Published: August 2020

Difficulties in mathematics have been described in very preterm children, but their origins are not well understood and may differ from other populations with specific learning disability. Very preterm children, children with learning disability, and typically developing children were compared in mathematics skills, using standardized tools, experimental tasks, and eye-tracker measures. We assessed symbolic and nonsymbolic magnitude comparisons, number knowledge, calculation, as well as cognitive skills of 103 Italian-speaking fourth and fifth graders. Compared to typically developing peers, very preterm children showed delays in number knowledge, slower reaction times in nonsymbolic magnitude comparisons, and an atypical gaze exploration characterized by more and shorter fixations that lacked a target preference. The profile of mathematics skills of very preterm children appeared different from that of children with learning disability. Although both populations showed mainly preserved cognitive skills and slower reaction times in nonsymbolic magnitude comparisons, children with specific learning disability showed more severe impairments in calculation and were slower in symbolic magnitude comparisons, compared to very preterm children. Including eye-tracking measures in preterm follow-up programs and planning tailored interventions are recommended.
Confronting genetic gains with markets: Retrospective lessons from New Rice for Africa (NERICA) in Uganda
Authors: Britwum Kofi , Owusu Eric S , Demont Matty
Published: August 2020

Breeders have two non-exclusive strategic investment options for increasing smallholder farmers’ and consumers’ livelihoods through genetic improvement of crop varieties: (i) enhancing productivity; and (ii) enhancing value and market access. New Rice for Africa (NERICA) varieties with superior agronomic characteristics were bred and introduced in various African countries in the early 2000s. Two decades later, drought tolerant NERICA4 is among the popular upland rice varieties grown across Africa. We analyze market evidence for NERICA4 from Uganda in 2011, i.e. well before it massively reached urban markets, where it is currently commingled with standard rice. We then compare the breeding priorities that would have ensued from the 2011 market evidence with the reality a decade later. Non-hypothetical auction experiments with consumers were conducted in urban Uganda in 2011 to predict potential market share and value of non-fragrant NERICA4 and fragrant NERICA1, relative to two market standards, i.e. non-fragrant Kaiso, and Supa, the most popular fragrant rice variety in the region. Average consumer bids positioned the two NERICAs between both market standards. Whereas NERICA1 easily outcompeted NERICA4 and Kaiso in the non-fragrant rice category, it failed to compete with Supa in the fragrant category. The 2011 market evidence would have suggested breeders prioritize investment in breeding programs for fragrant NERICAs to help smallholders gain access to high-value markets and expand consumers’ choice with cheaper fragrant rice alternatives. However, the popularity of NERICA4 relative to NERICA1 in farmers’ fields seems to suggest that agronomic genetic gains may have outweighed market traits such as fragrance.
Anatomy of Stigma: Understanding COVID-19
Authors: Srivastava Vinay Kumar
Published: August 2020

Taking the lead from Erving Goffman’s celebrated work on stigma, this article attempts to examine ‘stigma as process’ (the process of stigmatisation), delineating the conditions most fecund for the crystallisation of ‘stigma as product’. These factors, appearing almost infallible, make an individual highly vulnerable, non-rational and lonely, with his or her survival instinct climbing the summit. Selfishness reigns, as the cause is located in an external factor which becomes the enemy. In fact, the infected comrades-in-arms become the foes. The lower strata of society, the working force in the tertiary sector of the economy, the poverty-stricken and minorities are stigmatised as potential carriers of the virulent virus. The realisation that the coronavirus has no soul, no life, no discretion and can grip anyone is pushed away. One panacea to eradicate the stigma is to think in terms of the reversal of roles and with the ethos of empathy. We should not forget that those who were stigmatised as disease spreaders are saving the lives of others by donating their plasma.
Pathways to health: conceptual clarification and appropriate statistical treatment of mediator, moderator, and indirect effects using examples from burnout research
Authors: Pretorius Tyrone B
Published: August 2020

In my role as consulting statistical editor for the South African Journal of Psychology, I have witnessed a steady increase in articles that focused on the presumed role of mediator and moderator variables. While straightforward cause–effect studies have an important explanatory role, our task in the helping profession is to identify those factors that ‘intervene’ and make individuals differentially vulnerable in the cause–effect relationship. However, in a significant number of papers I have reviewed, there appeared to be considerable conceptual confusion about these variables with moderator and mediator often used interchangeably. In addition, no single paper I have reviewed considered indirect effects. This article attempts to differentiate between the various roles that a third variable can play in the adverse condition–wellbeing relationship (e.g., the stress–depression relationship). In addition, the appropriate statistical procedures for testing these roles are demonstrated using burnout research data. In this particular research project, 207 secondary school teachers completed a range of research questionnaires designed to assess among others burnout, work environment, social support, personal competence, coping, and problem-solving appraisal. Using this data, the various roles that third variables can play are demonstrated using hierarchical regression analyses.
Extrapolation of wind data using generalized versus site-specific wind power law for wind power production prospective at Shahbandar- a coastal site in Pakistan
Authors: Sumair Muhammad , Aized Tauseef , Gardezi Syed Asad Raza
Published: August 2020

The aim of this work is to compare the wind data extrapolated by 1/7th wind power law and site-specific wind power law for wind power potential estimation at Shahbandar. Both the Wind shear exponents (WSE) and local air density values were calculated using measured wind data at 10 and 30 m heights and they were found minimum in summer and maximum in winter. Weibull distribution was applied with a newly developed method to estimate the Weibull parameters whose accuracy was tested using coefficient of determination which was more than 95%. Technical analysis of energy generation was conducted which showed that GE1 and GE2 turbines have highest yield and capacity factors respectively while B3 and V5 has corresponding minimum values. Comparison showed that 1/7th wind power estimates lower values of wind potential than site-specific wind power law. Moreover, comparison of predicted data with measured data shows that site-specific wind power law estimates data more accurately.
Disrupting Beliefs in Racial Progress: Reminders of Persistent Racism Alter Perceptions of Past, But Not Current, Racial Economic Equality
Authors: Onyeador Ivuoma N. , Daumeyer Natalie M. , Rucker Julian M. , Duker Ajua , Kraus Michael W. , Richeson Jennifer A.
Published: August 2020

Although there has been limited progress toward economic equality between Americans over the past half-century, many Americans are largely unaware of the persistence of economic racial disparities. One intervention for this widespread ignorance is to inform White Americans of the impact of racism on the outcomes of Black Americans. In two studies, we attempted to improve the accuracy of Whites’ perceptions of racial progress and estimates of contemporary racial economic equality. Reminding White Americans about the persistence of racial disparities produced smaller overestimates of how much progress had been made toward racial economic equality between 1963 and 2016. Rather than modifying overestimates of contemporary racial economic equality, participants who read about disparities assessed the past as more equitable than participants who did not. We discuss implications of these findings for efforts to address Whites’ misperceptions of racial economic equality and to challenge narratives of American racial progress.
Opinion on Immune Tolerance Therapeutic Development
Authors: Radi Zaher A. , Wynn Thomas A.
Published: August 2020

Immune tolerance is defined by an active state of immune system unresponsiveness to foreign and self-antigens. Loss of immune tolerance to self-antigens and the resulting overexpression of autoantibodies can lead to tissue injury and development of various autoimmune diseases. In drug development, the goal of newly emerging immune tolerance therapies is to treat autoimmune disorders by restoring the immunoregulatory capacity of the immune system. Development of immune tolerance targets is initiated with the establishment of pharmacological efficacy in relevant disease animal models, followed by their stepwise translation to humans. This review discusses the major challenges to developing tolerance inducing pharmaceutical drugs, including the selection of appropriate disease models to establish efficacy, adequate, and acceptable in vitro and in vivo safety assessments, relevant biomarkers of human safety and efficacy, and finally, some regulatory guidelines to successfully develop immune tolerance therapeutics.

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Feasibility of an Emotion Regulation Intervention for Patients in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Wierenga Kelly L. , Fresco David M. , Alder Megan , Moore Shirley M.
Published: August 2020

Cardiac rehabilitation is important to improve physical activity and reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors among people who have experienced a major cardiac event. However, poor emotion regulation can make it difficult to change cardiovascular risk factors. The purpose of this article was to assess the feasibility of the Regulating Emotions to improve Nutrition Exercise and reduce Stress (RENEwS) intervention, an education program aimed at improving emotion regulation strategies among patients in cardiac rehabilitation. A total of 14 cardiac rehabilitation patients (mean age 61 years) enrolled in five weekly RENEwS sessions. Qualitative analysis of participants’ comments was used to assess eight elements of feasibility. In total 57% of participants completed the intervention. Participants thought the intervention was feasible, with strengths in the areas of acceptability, demand, adaptation, integration, and implementation. Other comments regarding practicality, expansion, and perceived efficacy provide guidance for intervention refinement.