bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher complication rates after management of lower extremity fractures in lower socioeconomic classes: Are risk adjustment models necessary?
Authors: Henstenburg Jeffrey M , Lieber Alexander M , Boniello Anthony J , Kerbel Yehuda E , Shah Mitesh
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Alternative payment models, such as bundled payments, have been proposed to control rising costs in orthopaedic trauma surgery. Without risk adjustment models, concerns exist about the financial burden incurred by so called “safety-net hospitals” that serve patients of lower socioeconomic status. The purpose of this study was to determine whether lower socioeconomic status was associated with increased complications and subsequently higher resource utilization following surgical treatment of high-energy lower extremity fractures.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample database was queried for patients who underwent surgical fixation of the femur and tibia between 2005–2014. The top and bottom income quartiles were compared. Demographics, medical comorbidities, length of stay (LOS), complications, in-hospital mortality were compared between patients of top and bottom income quartiles. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was then performed to identify factors independently associated with complications, mortality, and increased resource utilization.

Results

Patients with femur fracture in the bottom income quartile had longer length of stay (6.9 days vs 6.5 days, p < 0.001) and a higher mortality rate (1.9% vs 1.7%, p = 0.034). Patients with tibia fracture in the bottom income quartile had greater complication rates (7.3% vs 6.1%, p < 0.001), longer length of stay (5.3 days vs. 4.5 days, p < 0.001), and higher mortality (0.3% vs. 0.2%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Lower income status is associated with increased in-hospital mortality and longer length of stay in patients following lower extremity fractures. Risk adjustment models should consider the role of socioeconomic status in patient resource utilization to ensure continued access to orthopedic trauma care for all patients.
Satirical news from left to right: Discursive integration in written online satire
Authors: Brugman Britta C , Burgers Christian , Beukeboom Camiel J , Konijn Elly A
Published: December 2020

Previous research suggests that a defining characteristic of satirical news shows (e.g. The Daily Show) is discursive integration: a creative blend of genre conventions of regular news and fiction. This study aimed to extend the concept of discursive integration to another popular form of satirical news: written satirical news. We focused on both liberal (e.g. The Onion) and conservative (e.g. The Babylon Bee) online outlets of satire. We collected texts published in 2018 by a total of 36 satirical news, regular news and fiction websites (65,530,647 words). Discursive integration was measured by means of linguistic register, because genres can be effectively identified through patterns of linguistic features. Four linguistic register dimensions were identified. Findings showed that written satirical news is indeed characterised by discursive integration because written satirical news’ register scored in between the registers of written regular news and written fiction. No differences in discursive integration levels were found between liberal and conservative satirical news. This study demonstrates the value of discursive integration for understanding the genre of satirical news across partisan lines.
Restaurant disclosure of food allergens: Analysis and economic implications
Authors: Bryan Endres A , Endres Renata , Nižić Marinela Krstinić
Published: December 2020

Research suggests that between 20–30% of consumers self-identify as having some form of food allergy or sensitivity and demand for allergy-safe foods is growing. European Union regulations require restaurants to inform diners of the presence of 14 primary food allergens. The method of disclosure, however, is left to the discretion of the restaurant and may include verbal communication, menu labels, or separate informational pamphlets. Despite these requirements, 74% of allergen related food incidents arise from the non-prepackaged (restaurant) environment. Individuals with allergens, therefore, may avoid restaurants or intentionally seek out, especially in the tourism context, venues with publicly disclosed allergen prevention protocols. Due to group effects and social media's ability to channel consumers, implementing allergy-friendly practices could substantially increase restaurant profits. This research examines the performance of the restaurant industry in leading tourist destinations in Croatia with respect to self-disclosure of potential food allergens. Menus, accompanying websites and social media reviews of 973 restaurants across 43 locations were analyzed. Results indicate that very few restaurants have taken affirmative steps to disclose food allergens on their websites (1.3% of English and 0.8% of Croatian websites). Of the subset of restaurants with on-line menus, 6.5% disclosed specific food allergens. In contrast, third-party social media reviews of 24.6% of the restaurants included some statement relating to food allergens. Based on the results, this paper suggests strategies for improved food allergen communication. Specifically, restaurants should make greater efforts to affirmatively disclose allergen information on their websites and monitor social media reviews. Very few restaurants responded to consumer comments, thereby allowing others to dictate the narrative. In light of the strong consumer interest and relatively weak self-disclosure efforts, the hospitality industry has a ready opportunity to attract new consumers by moving beyond regulatory minimums through enhanced allergen communication efforts and social media engagement.
A review of thermal barrier coatings for improvement in thermal efficiency of both gasoline and diesel reciprocating engines
Authors: Uchida Noboru
Published: December 2020

Cylinder wall heat insulation using thermal barrier coatings is both an old and new thermal efficiency improvement technology for internal combustion engines. This review first outlines the history of thermal barrier coating (TBC) technologies applied to reciprocating engines from the 1970s up to the present day, by referring to several distinctive reference papers. These research efforts, however, present a number of conflicting conclusions. In order to understand why the results did not always coincide, certain key features of TBC’s studied in the reference papers were then investigated in more detail, such as thermal properties, porosity, surface roughness, and translucence/emissivity. The studies of not only the effect of TBC’s on diesel exhaust emissions, but TBC effects on gasoline and HCCI performance and exhaust emissions, are also reviewed for the investigation of manifold TBC characteristics. Finally, state of the art techniques and constraints were reviewed for experimental and numerical analysis of the heat transfer mechanism, which should be applied to TBC research.
Ethnicization of religion in practice? Recasting competing communal mobilizations in coastal Karnataka, South India
Authors: Santhosh R , Paleri Dayal
Published: December 2020

We examine the competing processes of ethnicization taking place among Hindu and Muslim religious communities in the coastal region of Karnataka state in South India in the broader context of hegemonic ascendancy of Hindu nationalism in the country. We describe how an array of militant Hindutva organizations use an institutionalized system of religious vigilantism and violence against minorities to construct an ethnicized, exclusivist moral community of Hindus in the region. This construction of an ethno-Hinduism by a clever depoliticizing of caste inequalities and violence seeks to produce and naturalize religious difference into an incorrigible and exclusivist ethnic identity that thrives on a continuous process of enemy-making. Responding to this predatory ethnicization executed by militant Hindutva organizations, and capitalizing on the pervasive sense of alienation and anxiety of the Muslims in the region, radical Islamic organizations engage in a counter-predatory ethnicization of Muslim communities in the region. These organizations, while officially articulating secular positions, use the language of self-defence and securitization, coupled with radical Islamic identity for mass mobilization, to create an exclusive Islamic moral community, often mirroring the tactics of Hindutva vigilante organizations. We conclude that these competing processes of ethnicization of religious identities and the emergence of a ‘vigilante public’ will have far-reaching consequences for the central facets of democracy such as citizenship and secularism while leaving the socio-cultural spaces in coastal Karnataka highly polarized on religious lines and peaceful co-existence of religious communities challenging and undesirable.
Moderating effects of networks on the relationship between acculturation and entrepreneurial skills development: Evidence from Africans trained in China
Authors: Abodohoui Alexis , Fahinde Charles , Mayuto Radjabu , Su Zhan
Published: December 2020

With the growing number of Africans living in China for education and business engagements, it is timely and relevant to study how they are influenced by Chinese cultural values. Applying the theory of acculturation, this article analyses the influence of Chinese culture on the entrepreneurial skills of Africans trained in China. Several reports in the existing literature suggest that adaptation can lead to improved performance and creativity. We extend this to include both social and business networks as moderating factors. Using a survey of 378 African returnees from China, we found out that sociocultural and academic adaptations influence entrepreneurial skills development positively, whereas psychological adaptation has a negative effect. In terms of moderating effects, networking seems to have a negative effect on the relationship between academic adaptation and entrepreneurial skills development. However, it does not significantly moderate the impact of psychological and sociocultural adaptations on entrepreneurial skills development.
Development and validation of the Leadership Effectiveness in Africa and the Diaspora (LEAD) scale
Authors: Michaud James , Lvina Elena , Galperin Bella L , Lituchy Terri R , Punnett Betty Jane , Taleb Ali , Mukanzi Clive , Senaji Thomas , Bagire Vincent , Puplampu Bill , Ford David L , Acquaah Moses , Metwally Elham , Asiedu-Appiah Felicity , Agyapong Ahmed , Melyoki Lemayon , Woodham Omar , Knight Nicole S , Corbin Akentoolove , Charles Reccia , Singh Riann , Ballwant Paul , Stephanson Jacqueline , Williams Lynette , Alleyne Alethea
Published: December 2020

This article contributes to the literature on cross-cultural leadership by describing the development and validation of the Leadership Effectiveness in Africa and the Diaspora (LEAD) Scale. The LEAD Scale is a culturally sensitive measure of leadership effectiveness in the understudied settings of Africa and the African diaspora. A combination of methods and four studies using samples from Africa and the African diaspora based in Canada, the USA, and the Caribbean were used to develop the measure. Using the grounded theory approach and the Delphi technique ( n = 192), followed by a set of increasingly rigorous tests including exploratory factor analysis ( n = 441), confirmatory factor analysis ( n = 116), and a test of measure invariance ( n =1384), we developed and validated a culturally sensitive measure of effective leadership. Our results demonstrate that spirituality, tradition and community-centredness are important and culturally specific components of leadership in Africa and the African diaspora. This paper provides a validated measure of leadership and offers recommendations regarding the use of the measure by managers and researchers working in Africa or with African diaspora.
Out-of-sample data visualization using bi-kernel t-SNE
Authors: Zhang Haili , Wang Pu , Gao Xuejin , Qi Yongsheng , Gao Huihui
Published: December 2020

T-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) is an effective visualization method. However, it is non-parametric and cannot be applied to steaming data or online scenarios. Although kernel t-SNE provides an explicit projection from a high-dimensional data space to a low-dimensional feature space, some outliers are not well projected. In this paper, bi-kernel t-SNE is proposed for out-of-sample data visualization. Gaussian kernel matrices of the input and feature spaces are used to approximate the explicit projection. Then principal component analysis is applied to reduce the dimensionality of the feature kernel matrix. Thus, the difference between inliers and outliers is revealed. And any new sample can be well mapped. The performance of the proposed method for out-of-sample projection is tested on several benchmark datasets by comparing it with other state-of-the-art algorithms.
Predicting material properties of concrete from ground-penetrating radar attributes
Authors: Morris Isabel M , Kumar Vivek , Glisic Branko
Published: December 2020

We present here a laboratory-based experimental protocol that seeks to establish and characterize the relationship between ground-penetrating radar attributes and the mechanical properties (density, porosity, and compressive strength) of typical industry concrete mixes. The experimental data consist of ground-penetrating radar attributes from 900 MHz radargrams that correspond to simultaneously measured physical properties of Portland cement concrete, alkali-activated concrete, and cement mortar. Appropriate regression models are trained and tested on this data set to predict each physical property from ground-penetrating radar attributes. From a small selection of individual attributes, including total phase and intensity, trained random forest regression models predict porosity ( R2 = 0.83 from the instantaneous amplitude), density ( R2 = 0.67 from the intensity attribute), and compressive strength ( R2 = 0.51 from instantaneous amplitude). These novel relationships between physical properties and ground-penetrating radar attributes indicate that material properties could be predicted from the attributes of ordinary ground-penetrating radar scans of concrete.
Exploring schemas in the Welsh curriculum: A coming to know for practitioners and children
Authors: Thomas Amanda
Published: December 2020

This paper explores one child’s use of their schema to construct their knowledge and understanding within the early years curriculum for Wales – the Foundation Phase (FP). It considers how a knowledge of schemas can facilitate practitioners in supporting children along their learning continuum and inform classroom pedagogy. This paper explores and defines what schemas are and examines prior research into schemas. It examines FP practitioners’ lack of knowledge and understanding of schemas within the chosen setting, thus providing the rationale for the research. Lastly, it charts Harri’s learning journey over two terms and how a coming to know about Harri’s trajectory schema facilitated a different understanding of his actions by practitioners and helped shape classroom pedagogy. The paper highlights how an informed knowledge of schemas supported Harri’s engagement in tasks and fostered his collaboration with others. This paper is useful for policy makers, practitioners and researchers, particularly in Wales, in understanding how nurturing and nourishing a child’s schema supports knowledge construction within a play-based curriculum such as the Foundation phase.
Maternal education, home environment and chinese primary school children’s academic performance: Longitudinal follow-up results
Authors: Tan Tony Xing , Li Gen , Zhou Yi , Li Yanzheng
Published: December 2020

This paper reports a follow up analysis of longitudinal date. We (1) examined urban Chinese mothers’ occupations as a function of their educational levels, (2) tested mediating effects of home environment variables after fine-tuning key variables of maternal education and home environment by excluding data that were provided by the children’s fathers, and (3) tested if home environment variables mattered differently for academic performance in the first grade, second grade, and changes the children’s grade. Data on maternal education level (Group 1: No More than Junior High School; Group 2: High School; Group 3: At Least College), maternal occupation and 12 home environment variables were directly obtained from urban mothers in January of 2019 (Time 1; N = 231); data on academic performance were directly obtained from the children’s school in February (Time 1; N = 231) and then in October of 2019 (Time 2; N = 226). We found partial support for our earlier speculation that mothers in Group 1 and Group 2 were similarly positioned on the job market. Similar to our earlier finding, we found that children whose mothers were in Group 3 outperformed their peers in academic performance but children from the first two groups performed similarly. In both times, the link between maternal education and children’s academic performance was mediated by some home environment variables such as number of children’s books at home. However, the role of home environment variables in the link between maternal education and children’s academic performance is complex and may vary with time.
Dignity and its discontents: Towards an abolitionist rethinking of dignity
Authors: Simon Jonathan
Published: December 2020

As we approach the decade anniversary of the US Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Plata (2011), it is perhaps a good time to take stock of some of the optimism expressed by this author (Simon, 2014) that the landmark prisoners’ rights decision, with its stark condemnation of the toxic combination of chronic illness, medical neglect, and overcrowding so typical of American prison systems in the era of mass incarceration, and its rhetorical invigoration of ‘dignity’ as a constitutional value, could play a role in taming mass incarceration in the United States. In doing so, part of the inquiry is juridical and jurisprudential. Did the opinion move the court system towards more protection of human rights for prisoners? The second aspect of the question is cultural and political. At a time of unprecedented public interest in reforming the criminal legal system in the United States, has the language or rhetoric of ‘human dignity,’ along with the problems of illness and overcrowding that the Plata case called national attention to, played a role in the foment? The Black Lives Matter movement, a major force in the street protests against policing in the summer of 2020, emerged just two years after Plata and, completely independently, has revitalized abolition discourse in the United States, leading to popular calls to ‘defund’ the police. To what extent should abolition and other goals of the movement for racial justice, supplant human dignity, with its liberal legal genealogy, as a meaningful lodestar for legal and political efforts to end mass incarceration? As an essay in normative sociological jurisprudence, my answers will be both descriptive and prescriptive.
Dementia, beauty, and play: A way of seeing and being with the wearisome patient
Authors: Brummett Abram , Bach Michelle
Published: December 2020

We describe a case of an elderly patient suffering from advanced dementia (Mrs. M) whose chronic confusion has become a source of frustration for her caregivers. Mrs. M experiences a touching interaction with a new nurse (Nathan) who takes a different approach with her. We describe this interaction and elaborate upon it by drawing from Catholic social teaching and the philosophy of play. Cases like these do not involve dramatic or esoteric ethical problematics, but rather the sort of dilemma born of the everyday tragedies of lingering illness, aging and caretakers’ fatigue. Nathan’s approach offers a different way of seeing and being with the wearisome patient.
Reconceptualising and (re)forming early childhood professional identities: Ongoing transnational policy discussions
Authors: Arndt Sonja , Smith Kylie , Urban Mathias , Ellegaard Thomas , Blue Swadener Beth , Murray Colette
Published: December 2020

Problematic policy constructions of the purpose of education implicate professional identities and working conditions of professionals working with the youngest children. This paper builds on our earlier writing, to contest teacher professional identities in Australia, Ireland, Denmark and the United States of America, to illustrate the crucial importance of contextualised policy landscapes in early childhood education and care. It uses prevailing policy constructions, power imbalances and tensions in defining teacher identities, to ask crucial questions, such as what has become of the professional ‘self’. It questions the fundamental ethics of care and encounter, and of worthy wage and other campaigns focused on the well-being of teachers when faced with a world-wide crisis. The cross-national conversations culminate in a contemporary confrontation of teacher identity and imperatives in increasingly uncertain times as evolving in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Education Priorities and What Matters to Those Considering Living Kidney Donation
Authors: Schick-Makaroff Kara , Hays Rebecca E. , Hunt Julia , Taylor Laura A. , Rudow Dianne LaPointe
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

Although informed consent content elements are prescribed in detailed regulatory guidance, many live kidney donors describe feeling underprepared and under informed. The goal of this pilot study was to explore the educational components needed to support an informed decision-making process for living kidney donors.

Methods/Approach:

A qualitative description design was conducted with thematic analysis of 5 focus groups with 2 cohorts: living kidney donor candidates (n = 11) and living kidney donors (n = 8).

Findings:

The educational components needed to engage in an informed decision-making process were: 1) contingent upon, and motivated by, personal circumstances; 2) supported through explanation of risks and benefits; 3) enhanced by understanding the overall donation experience; and 4) personalized by talking to another donor.

Discussion:

Tailoring education to meet the needs for fully informed decision-making is essential. Current education requirements, as defined by regulatory bodies, remain challenging to transplant teams attempting to ensure fully informed consent of living kidney donor candidates. Information on the emotional, financial, and overall life impact is needed, along with acknowledgement of relational ties driving donor motivations and the hoped-for recipient outcomes. Discussion of care practices, and access to peer mentoring may further strengthen the informed decision-making process.
Preoperative Trapped Lung Is Associated With Increased Mortality After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation
Authors: Melamed Kathryn H. , Dai David , Cuk Natasha , Markovic Daniela , Follett Robert , Wang Tisha , Lopez Roxana Cortes , Shirali Aditya S. , Yanagawa Jane , Busuttil Ronald , Kaldas Fady , Barjaktarevic Igor
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

Trapped lung, characterized by atelectatic lung unable to reexpand and fill the thoracic cavity due to a restricting fibrous visceral pleural peel, is occasionally seen in patients with end-stage liver disease complicated by hepatic hydrothorax. Limited data suggest that trapped lung prior to orthotopic liver transplantation may be associated with poor outcomes.

Research Question:

What is the clinical significance of trapped lung in patients receiving orthotopic liver transplantation?

Design:

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent liver transplantation over an 8-year period. Baseline clinical characteristics and postoperative outcomes of adult patients with trapped lung were analyzed and compared to the overall cohort of liver transplant recipients and controls matched 3:1 based on age, sex, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and presence of pleural effusion.

Results:

Of the 1193 patients who underwent liver transplantation, we identified 20 patients (1.68%) with trapped lung. The probability of 1 and 2-year survival were 75.0% and 57.1%, compared to 85.6% and 80.4% (p = 0.02) in all liver transplant recipients and 87.9% and 81.1% (p = 0.03) in matched controls respectively. Patients with trapped lung had a longer hospital length of stay compared to the total liver transplant population (geometric mean 54.9 ± 8.4 vs. 27.2 ± 0.7 days, p ≤ 0.001), when adjusted for age and MELD score.

Discussion:

Patients with trapped prior to orthotopic liver transplantation have increased probability of mortality as well as increased health care utilization. This is a small retrospective analysis, and further prospective investigation is warranted.
Desire for a Magnificent Seven: A Queer Reading of a Western Remake
Authors: Alexander Bryant Keith
Published: December 2020

Reflecting on his audiencing experience of Westerns between the 1960 and 2016 remake of the movie, The Magnificent Seven, the author reflects on the social justice mission of the film plot. He comments on the complex presentation of the racialized/ethnic other in Yul Brynner and Denzel Washington as lead bad-boys-turned good, in a homosocial band of renegade brothers. The author uses a line from Johnny Cash’s “Man in Black” as commitment to a stylized performance for justice. In the end, the author attempts to reconcile his queer desire for the cowboy figure, as a form of disidentification with a romanticized yet still violent character-type.
Loading MicroRNA-376c in Extracellular Vesicles Inhibits Properties of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells by Targeting YTHDF1
Authors: Zhou Jianying , Xiao Dan , Qiu Tingting , Li Jun , Liu Zhentian
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Extracellular vesicles (Evs) secreted from cells have been revealed to mediate signal transduction between cells. Nevertheless, the mechanisms through which molecules transported by EVs function remain to be elucidated. In the present study, the functional relevance of endothelial cells (ECs)-secreted Evs carrying microRNA-376c (miR-376c) in the biological activities of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells was investigated, including the related mechanisms.

Methods:

Two cell lines with the highest YTH N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA binding protein 1 (YTHDF1) expression were selected for subsequent experiments. Cellular proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis were measured by EdU, wound healing, Transwell assays and flow cytometry, respectively. The binding relationship between miR-376c and YTHDF1 was analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter assays. The miR-376c, YTHDF1 and β-catenin expression was evaluated by qPCR assays and western blot assays.

Results:

The expression patterns of YTHDF1 were higher in NSCLC cells, whereas miR-376c was reduced versus the normal bronchial epithelial cells. Silencing of YTHDF1 repressed NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion and migration abilities, whereas enhanced apoptosis. miR-376c negatively modulated YTHDF1 expression. Under co-culture conditions, ECs transmitted miR-376c into NSCLC cells through Evs, and inhibited the intracellular YTHDF1 expression and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation. Rescue experiments revealed that YTHDF1 overexpression reversed the inhibitory role of miR-376c released by EC-Evs in NSCLC cells.

Conclusion:

EC-delivered Evs inhibit YTHDF1 expression and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway induction via miR-376c overexpression, thus inhibiting the malignant phenotypes of NSCLC cells.
The Effects of COVID-19 Home Confinement in Dementia Care: Physical and Cognitive Decline, Severe Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Increased Caregiving Burden
Authors: Borges-Machado Flávia , Barros Duarte , Ribeiro Óscar , Carvalho Joana
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

This study aims to analyze home confinement impact on individuals with neurocognitive disorders (NCD) through informal caregiver’s perspective and examine how it has affected caregiving burden.

Methods:

Thirty-six caregivers (64.94 ± 13.54 years, 41.7% female) of individuals with NCD (74.28 ± 6.76 years, 66.7% female) selected from the Body & Brain exercise program were interviewed over the phone. The following instruments were used: Barthel Index (BI) to assess care recipients’ ability to function independently on activities of daily living (ADL), the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) to evaluate neuropsychiatric symptoms, and the CarerQol-7D/ CarerQol-VAS to determine caregiver subjective burden/well-being.

Results:

Pre and post-confinement comparisons showed that care recipients significantly declined their independence in ADL (p = 0.003) and increased NPI total score (MD = 5.72; 95% CI: 1.19 to 10.25, p = 0.015). As for caregivers, results also showed an increased caregiving burden (MD = −0.17; 95% CI: −0.27 to −0.08; p = 0.001) and a decline in their well-being (p = 0.015).

Discussion:

COVID-19 crisis sheds light on how imperative it is to find solutions and design contingency plans for future crisis, in order to ensure properly sustained support to dementia caregiving dyads and mitigate caregivers’ burden.
Protosappanin B Exerts Anti-tumor Effects on Colon Cancer Cells via Inhibiting GOLPH3 Expression
Authors: Zheng Xue-Cong , Shi Ze-Sheng , Qiu Cheng-Zhi , Hong Zhong-Shi , Wang Chun-Xiao , Zhuang Hai-Bin , Chen Zhi-Chuan , Pan Jian-Peng
Published: December 2020

Protosappanin B (PSB) is a key active component of Lignum Sappan extract. Although the antiproliferative effects of Lignum Sappan extract have been demonstrated in various cancer cells, relatively little is known about the effects of PSB on tumor progression. The aim of this study was to explore the anti-tumor effects of PSB on human colon cancer cells by regulation of intracellular signaling pathways and Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) expression in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that PSB effectively inhibited the viability and migration of SW620 cells and induced apoptosis, but had poor effect on HCT116 cells. Furthermore, PSB significantly reduced the expression of p-AKT, p-p70S6K, β-catenin, and p-ERK1/2 proteins in SW620 cells, and this effect was reversed by the corresponding signaling pathway agonists. Interestingly, PSB could also suppress GOLPH3 expression of SW620 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, but SW620 cells transfected with lentiviral vectors overexpressing GOLPH3 can effectively resist the cytotoxic activity of PSB in vitro. The xenograft experiment of SW620 cells with LV-GOLPH3 confirmed that PSB distinctly inhibited the tumor growth via suppressing GOLPH3 expression. Collectively, these findings clarified a new anti-cancer mechanism of PSB through inhibition of GOLPH3 expression and intracellular signaling pathways in colon cancer cells. PSB may be a potential new drug for colon cancer.
Redox treatment ameliorates diabetes mellitus-induced skin flap necrosis via inhibiting apoptosis and promoting neoangiogenesis
Authors: Kim Yeon S , Lee Hye-Young , Jang Jeon Y , Lee Hye R , Shin Yoo S , Kim Chul-Ho
Published: December 2020

Intractable wound healing is the habitual problem of diabetes mellitus. High blood glucose limits wound healing by interrupting inflammatory responses and inhibiting neoangiogenesis. Oxidative stress is commonly thought to be a major pathogenic cause of diabetic complications. Edaravone (3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one, EDV) is a free radical scavenger which suppress oxidative stress. This study investigates whether EDV can reduce oxidative stress in wound healing HaCaT/human dermal fibroblasts cells (HDFs) in vitro and in vivo animal model. Cell viability and wound healing assays, FACS flow cytometry, and Hoechst 33342 staining were performed to confirm apoptosis and cytotoxicity in H2O2 and EDV-treated HaCaT and HDFs. A streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic animal model was made in adult C57BL6 mice. Full-thickness skin flap was made on dorsomedial back and re-sutured to evaluate the wound healing process. EDV was delivered slowly in the skin flap with degradable fibrin glue. The flap was monitored and analyzed on postoperative days 1, 3, and 5. CD31/DAPI staining was done to detect newly formed blood vessels. The expression levels of NF-κB, bcl-2, NOX3, and STAT3 proteins in C57BL6 mouse tissues were also examined. The wound healing process in hyper- and normoglycemic mice showed a difference in protein expression, especially in oxidative stress management and angiogenesis. Exogenous H2O2 reduced cell viability in a proportion to the concentration via apoptosis. EDV protected HaCaT cells and HDFs from H2O2 induced reactive oxygen species cell damage and apoptosis. In the mouse model, EDV with fibrin resulted in less necrotic areas and increased angiogenesis on postoperative day 5, compared to sham-treated mice. Our results indicate that EDV could protect H2O2-induced cellular injury via inhibiting early apoptosis and inflammation and also increasing angiogenesis. EDV might be valuable in the treatment of diabetic wounds that oxidative stress has been implicated.
Importance of extracellular vesicles in hypertension
Authors: Liu Zhi Z , Jose Pedro A , Yang Jian , Zeng Chunyu
Published: December 2020

Hypertension affects approximately 1.13 billion adults worldwide and is the leading global risk factor for cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and kidney diseases. There is emerging evidence that extracellular vesicles participate in the development and progression of hypertension. Extracellular vesicles are membrane-enclosed structures released from nearly all types of eukaryotic cells. During their formation, extracellular vesicles incorporate various parent cell components, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that can be transferred to recipient cells. Extracellular vesicles mediate cell-to-cell communication in a variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes. Therefore, studying the role of circulating and urinary extracellular vesicles in hypertension has the potential to identify novel noninvasive biomarkers and therapeutic targets of different hypertension phenotypes. This review discusses the classification and biogenesis of three EV subcategories (exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies) and provides a summary of recent discoveries in the potential impact of extracellular vesicles on hypertension with a specific focus on their role in the blood pressure regulation by organs—artery and kidney, as well as renin-angiotensin-system.
Nitric oxide and sickle cell disease—Is there a painful connection?
Authors: Hallmark Lillian , Almeida Luis EF , Kamimura Sayuri , Smith Meghann , Quezado Zenaide MN
Published: December 2020

Sickle cell disease is the most common hemoglobinopathy and affects millions worldwide. The disease is associated with severe organ dysfunction, acute and chronic pain, and significantly decreased life expectancy. The large body of work demonstrating that hemolysis results in rapid consumption of the endogenous vasodilator nitric oxide, decreased nitric oxide production, and promotion of vaso-occlusion provides the basis for the hypothesis that nitric oxide bioavailability is reduced in sickle cell disease and that this deficit plays a role in sickle cell disease pain. Despite initial promising results, large clinical trials using strategies to increase nitric oxide bioavailability in sickle cell disease patients yielded no significant change in duration or frequency of acute pain crises. Further, recent investigations showed that sickle cell disease patients and mouse models have elevated baseline levels of blood nitrite, a reservoir for nitric oxide formation and a product of nitric oxide metabolism, regardless of pain phenotype. These conflicting results challenge the hypotheses that nitric oxide bioavailability is decreased and that it plays a significant role in the pathogenesis in sickle cell disease acute pain crises. Conversely, a large body of work demonstrates that nitric oxide, as a neurotransmitter, has a complex role in pain neurobiology, contributes to the development of central sensitization, and can mediate hyperalgesia in inflammatory and neuropathic pain. These results support an alternative hypothesis: one proposing that altered nitric oxide signaling may contribute to the development of neuropathic and/or inflammatory pain in sickle cell disease through its role as a neurotransmitter.
Integrating photoacoustic microscopy with other imaging technologies for multimodal imaging
Authors: Dadkhah Arash , Jiao Shuliang
Published: December 2020

As a hybrid optical microscopic imaging technology, photoacoustic microscopy images the optical absorption contrasts and takes advantage of low acoustic scattering of biological tissues to achieve high-resolution anatomical and functional imaging. When combined with other imaging modalities, photoacoustic microscopy-based multimodal technologies can provide complementary contrast mechanisms to reveal complementary information of biological tissues. To achieve intrinsically and precisely registered images in a multimodal photoacoustic microscopy imaging system, either the ultrasonic transducer or the light source can be shared among the different imaging modalities. These technologies are the major focus of this minireview. It also covered the progress of the recently developed penta-modal photoacoustic microscopy imaging system featuring a novel dynamic focusing technique enabled by OCT contour scan.
Clinical Correlation Advised: Measuring Functional Connectivity in PNES
Authors: Perry M. Scott , Papadelis Christos
Published: December 2020

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The Heated Relationship Between Neural Activity and Seizures
Authors: Weston Matthew C.
Published: December 2020

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Cultural Brokers in Special Education
Authors: Mortier Kathleen , Brown Isabella C. , Aramburo Corrine M.
Published: December 2020

Culturally and linguistically diverse families face substantial barriers in the special education system and seek support from cultural brokers to help them navigate it. We used a qualitative design to study cultural brokering experiences among Latinx families of children with extensive support needs and cultural brokers. Through individual interviews with 10 Latinx families of children with extensive support needs, and focus groups with 10 Latinx cultural brokers, this study shows how cultural brokers inform, encourage, assist, and provide emotional support for Latinx families, and revealed their motivations, qualities, and skill sets. The findings also include recommendations for teachers and schools who want to engage in cultural brokering to improve their partnership with Latinx families.
Modeling and parameter analysis of IEEE 802.15.4-based networks and the metering application
Authors: Wang Yipeng , Yang Wei , Han Ruisong , Wu Tao , Zhao Haojiang
Published: December 2020

As the support of wireless sensor networks expands to various application scenarios, the communication environments and the performance requirements of different application scenarios vary a lot. To cope with different communication environments and performance requirements, both data transmission ability and medium access ability are equivalently important. In this article, a joint analytical model is proposed to fully and precisely estimate networks’ communication performance, energy efficiency, and scalability. In the proposed model, both the physical layer’s and medium access control layer’s key parameters are taken into consideration. By comparing with OPNET-based simulation model, the rationality of the proposed analytical model is first validated under a wide range of network scenarios. Then, a series of simulations under general network scenarios and metering network scenarios are conducted. With these simulations, the performance of adjusting both layers’ parameters in improving communication performance and energy efficiency was proved superior to single-layer’s parameter optimizations. Finally, by comparing the available range of different key parameters’ optimal value under different network scenarios, the maximum backoff numbers and the minimum backoff exponent are considered to be the most effective parameters for metering network optimization.
How to Develop a Risk Prediction Smartphone App
Authors: Mauch Jaclyn T. , Rios-Diaz Arturo J. , Kozak Geoffrey M. , Zhitomirsky Alex , Broach Robyn B. , Fischer John P.
Published: December 2020

Purpose. Powered by big data, predictive models provide individualized risk stratification to inform clinical decision-making and mitigate long-term morbidity. We describe how to transform a large institutional dataset into a real-time, interactive clinical decision support mobile user interface for risk prediction. Methods. A clinical decision point ideal for risk stratification and modification was identified. Demographics, medical comorbidities, and operative characteristics were abstracted from the electronic medical record (EMR) using ICD-9 codes. Surgery-specific predictive models were generated using regression modeling and corroborated with internal validation. A clinical support interface was designed in partnership with an app developer, followed by subsequent beta testing and clinical implementation of the final tool. Results. Individual, specialty-specific, and preoperatively actionable models incorporating clustered procedural codes were created. Using longitudinal inpatient, outpatient, and office-based data from a large multicenter health system, all patient and operative variables were weighted according to ß-coefficients. The individual risk model parameters were incorporated into specialty-specific modules and implemented into an accessible iOS/Android compatible mobile application. Conclusions. As proof of concept, we provide a framework for developing a clinical decision support mobile user interface, through the use of clinical and administrative longitudinal data. Point-of-care applications, particularly ones designed with implementation and actionability in mind, have the potential to aid clinicians in identifying and optimizing risk factors that impact the outcome of interest’s occurrence, thereby enabling clinicians to take targeted risk-reduction actions. In addition, such applications may help facilitate counseling, informed consent, and shared decision-making, leading to improved patient-centered care.
LncRNA-GAS5 Inhibits Expression of miR 103 and Ameliorates the Articular Cartilage in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Obese Mice
Authors: Chen Hongwei , He Chuan , Liu Yan , Li Xiaolin , Zhang Chaoju , Qin Qunyan , Pang Qixiong
Published: December 2020

We explored whether long noncoding RNA growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (LncRNA-GAS5) small interfering RNA (siRNA) reduced cartilage destruction in obese mice with adjuvant-induced arthritis. We studied the effects of LncRNA-GAS5 siRNA on the polyarthritis index; hind paw swelling; and the serum levels of certain biochemicals, cytokines, and oxidative stress parameters. We measured the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-13, NF-κB, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21, p38, Akt, and PI3K in cartilage via Western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Long noncoding RNA-GAS5 siRNA reduced joint swelling; the serum levels of arthritis-associated biochemicals, cytokines, and oxidative stress markers; and cartilage MMP-13, NF-κB, FGF21, p38, Akt, and PI3K levels. Cartilage miR-103 expression was reduced. Histopathologically, LncRNA-GAS5 siRNA ameliorated the pathological changes of cartilage. Long noncoding RNA-GAS5 siRNA prevented cartilage destruction by inhibiting miR-103 expression.
Preregistering Qualitative Research: A Delphi Study
Authors: Haven Tamarinde L. , Errington Timothy M. , Gleditsch Kristian Skrede , van Grootel Leonie , Jacobs Alan M. , Kern Florian G. , Piñeiro Rafael , Rosenblatt Fernando , Mokkink Lidwine B.
Published: December 2020

Preregistrations—records made a priori about study designs and analysis plans and placed in open repositories—are thought to strengthen the credibility and transparency of research. Different authors have put forth arguments in favor of introducing this practice in qualitative research and made suggestions for what to include in a qualitative preregistration form. The goal of this study was to gauge and understand what parts of preregistration templates qualitative researchers would find helpful and informative. We used an online Delphi study design consisting of two rounds with feedback reports in between. In total, 48 researchers participated (response rate: 16%). In round 1, panelists considered 14 proposed items relevant to include in the preregistration form, but two items had relevance scores just below our predefined criterion (68%) with mixed argument and were put forth again. We combined items where possible, leading to 11 revised items. In round 2, panelists agreed on including the two remaining items. Panelists also converged on suggested terminology and elaborations, except for two terms for which they provided clear arguments. The result is an agreement-based form for the preregistration of qualitative studies that consists of 13 items. The form will be made available as a registration option on Open Science Framework (osf.io). We believe it is important to assure that the strength of qualitative research, which is its flexibility to adapt, adjust and respond, is not lost in preregistration. The preregistration should provide a systematic starting point.
A feasibility study of implementation of oxy-fuel combustion on a practical diesel engine at the economical oxygen-fuel ratios by computer simulation
Authors: Li Xiang , Peng Zhijun , Ajmal Tahmina , Aitouche Abdel , Mobasheri Raouf , Pei Yiqiang , Gao Bo , Wellers Matthias
Published: December 2020

To help achieve zero carbon emissions from inland waterway vessels, this implementation of oxy-fuel combustion on a practical diesel engine at the economical oxygen-fuel ratios were systematically studied and analysed in this paper. A 1-D simulation was used to explore the effect of various operating parameters for recovering the engine power when the engine is modified to the oxy-fuel combustion from conventional air combustion. The brake power of oxy-fuel combustion is only 26.7 kW that has a noticeable decline compared with 40 kW of conventional air combustion with fixed consumption of fuel and oxygen. By optimising some valuable parameters, like fuel injection timing, intake charge temperature, intake components, engine compression ratio and water injection strategy, a benefit of 6.8 kW has been acquired in the engine power. Afterwards, a remarkable benefit was obtained with the increase of lambdaO2 from 1.0 to 1.5, finally obtaining the same engine power with the conventional air combustion. Above all, taking advantage of various operating parameters, it is expected to further improve the value of the implement of oxy-fuel combustion on diesel engines at the economical oxygen-fuel ratios.