bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Examination of Gender Differences in the National Diabetes Prevention Program’s Lifestyle Change Program
Authors: Jackson Matt C. , Dai Shifan , Skeete Renée A. , Owens-Gary Michelle , Cannon Michael J. , Smith Bryce D. , Jabrah Rajai , Masalovich Svetlana E. , Soler Robin E.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to examine how gender was related to enrollment and number of sessions attended in the National Diabetes Prevention Program’s Lifestyle Change Program (DPP LCP).

Methods

To better understand program uptake, a population of those who would be eligible for the LCP was compared to those who enrolled. Estimates of those eligible were computed using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, whereas enrollment and sessions attended were computed using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program.

Results

Results revealed that although similar numbers of males and females were eligible for the program, only 39 321 males versus 121 007 females had enrolled in the National DPP LCP by the end of 2017 (odds ratio = 3.20; 95% CI, 3.17-3.24). The gender differences persisted even when stratifying by age or race/ethnicity. In contrast, no significant gender differences were found between the average number of sessions attended for males (14.0) and females (13.8).

Discussion

Results of the study can help inform efforts to market and tailor programs to appeal more directly to men and other groups that are underrepresented in the National DPP LCP.
Educational Differences in Risk of All-Cause Mortality After Acute Cardiovascular Events: Examining Cohort and Gender Variations
Authors: Fan Wen , Lam Jack
Published: October 2020

Acute cardiovascular events are prevalent in older adults. In this study, following a sample of respondents from the 1996–2016 Health and Retirement Study after diagnosis of myocardial infarction or stroke, we used discrete-time event history models to study mortality post diagnosis. We found an educational gradient in mortality following myocardial infarction or stroke with the better educated surviving longer, even as the gradient was weaker for stroke. Cohort variations existed with the educational gradients stronger for more recent cohorts (Silent and Boomer) as compared with the GI cohort. Gender interacted with cohort to shape mortality such that men from the Silent and Boomer cohorts benefited the most from high school and some college education. Mediation analysis showed that the educational differences in mortality are accounted for by spousal educational attainment, wealth, Medicaid coverage, change in health behaviors, and comorbidities.
Book review: Susmita Roye (Ed), Flora Annie Steel: A Critical Study of an Unconventional Memsahib
Authors: Kapuria Radha
Published: October 2020

Susmita Roye (Ed), Flora Annie Steel: A Critical Study of an Unconventional Memsahib (Edmonton: University of Alberta Press, 2017), xxvi + 224 pp.
Book review: Matthew McCartney, The Indian Economy
Authors: Tagat Anirudh
Published: October 2020

Matthew McCartney, The Indian Economy (Newcastle upon Tyne: Agenda Publishing, 2019), xii + 276 pp.
“It takes a village to get through cancer,” A photo-elicitation study exploring lived experiences of community cancer survivors
Authors: Polo Katie M , Ingram Gabrielle , Mather Tamzyn , Ragle Amy , Scholl Nicole , Welch Taylor
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Cancer survivors continue to experience complications that last months to years following diagnosis and treatment, which can impact daily life. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of adult community cancer survivors related to daily activities and occupational performance.

Method

Phenomenology study design and photo-elicitation were utilized to blend photos and words. Thirteen adult survivors were recruited from a community-based cancer support organization. Open coding, axial and in vivo coding, and constant comparative analysis were utilized to analyze data and achieve conceptual saturation.

Results

Participants experienced a shift in cultural context, wherein they took on a new context defined by their cancer survivorship. This context shift is dynamic and interconnected to the sub-themes of distress, changes in perspectives, and side effects that all ultimately influence occupational performance and engagement. The cultural context shift supported participants’ ability to engage in new, meaningful occupations, supported their new identity, and ultimately created a sense of support and belonging.

Conclusion

Occupational therapists have a unique position to assist with the adjustment process during this cultural context shift and provide interventions in cancer support communities to assure cancer survivors’ continued performance and engagement in meaningful activities.
Near infrared absorption spectroscopy for the quantification of unsulfated alcohol in sodium lauryl ether sulfate
Authors: Cunliffe SE , Martin PA , Baker MR , Mihailova O , Martin PJ
Published: October 2020

Compositional variations in the surfactants used to produce personal care products result in significant challenges during large scale manufacturing, for example errors in product viscosity. Characterisation of the surfactant can be completed using chromatographic techniques however these are time consuming and impractical during real-time manufacturing. Near infrared (NIR) absorption spectroscopy with a fibre-optic coupled transmission probe is proposed as an in-line method of determining the levels of unsulfated alcohol in sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES). NIR absorption spectra in the region of 4000 – 12000 cm−1 were collected for a range of supplier samples at three temperatures. Gas chromatography - mass spectrometry was used as a reference technique to quantify samples of SLES and quantitative chemometric data analysis was used to produce partial least squares (PLS) calibration models for the prediction of surfactant composition. PLS regression was performed on the data in the spectral regions between 7509 – 5334 cm−1 using a range of data pre-processing techniques to identify the best model. Models were evaluated using root mean square error of cross validation (RMSECV) and residual predictive deviation (RPD) as the primary indicator of model accuracy and robustness. A partial least squares regression model using a generalised least squares weighting data pre-processing approach was found to be the most robust in regards to sample non-homogeneity and temperature, producing a model with an RMSECV = 0.094 w/w% and RPD = 4.03. The model successfully predicted the unsulfated alcohol mass percentage in an external validation of unknown samples with alcohol levels within the model limits of 0.7–2.2 w/w%. Spectra acquired at a resolution of 8 cm−1 with 32 scans take just 16 seconds to obtain, proving that NIR spectroscopy can successfully be applied as an alternative analytical method to gas chromatography for the determination of low level impurities in viscous surfactant systems.
Naringenin Sensitizes Resistant C6 Glioma Cells with a Repressive Impact on the Migrating Ability
Authors: J Jayalakshmi , Vanisree Arambakkam Janardhanam
Published: October 2020

Background:

Glioma, the most common form of a malignant brain tumour is characterised by a poor prognosis, which is attributable to its resistance against current therapeutic approaches. Temozolomide (TMZ), a DNA alkylating agent, is the first-line drug for glioma treatment. Long-term treatment using TMZ was reported to culminate in the development of resistance with overexpression of multidrug resistance 1 gene coded protein P-glycoprotein, which in turn releases the drugs from the tumour cells.

Purpose:

Thus, to circumvent such resistance issues, the current study attempted to explore the effect of naringenin (a flavanone) with proven antiglial tumour potential, in mitigating the features of TMZ resistance.

Methods:

Colony-forming assay, invasion assay and scratch wound assay were performed among the groups, namely tumour control (C6), vehicle control (V), naringenin (NGEN)-treated, drug-resistant tumour cells (C6R), and drug resistance cells added with NGEN (C6R+NGEN), to examine the impact of NGEN on migration and invasion. The effect of NGEN on filopodia length and density during cell migration was also studied in addition to the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and p-ERK levels.

Results and Conclusion:

NGEN and C6R+NGEN groups had shown significant reduction ( P < .01) in length and density of filopodia, colony formation, invasion and wound healing. Further, NGEN could also modify the assessed protein levels ( P < .001), which were involved in migration and invasion in sensitive and resistant cells. Our study had provided the first evidence on NGEN-induced enhanced sensitivity against TMZ resistance with profound influence as an antimigratory and anti-invasive agent.
Potential Risk Factors Contributing to Development of Venous Thromboembolism for Total Knee Replacements Patients Prophylaxed With Rivaroxaban: A Retrospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Mian Owais , Matino Davide , Roberts Robin , McDonald Ellen , Chan Anthony K. C. , Chan Howard H. W.
Published: October 2020

Rivaroxaban after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is used to prevent postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE); however, despite thromboprophylaxis, some patients still develop postoperative VTE. To determine whether tourniquet time, time to initiate rivaroxaban (TTIRIV), or Body Mass Index (BMI) was associated with postoperative VTE. A retrospective case-control study was conducted. Those patients that developed VTE despite prophylaxis (cases) were compared to controls (no VTE). A univariate analysis was conducted (p < 0.05 statistically significant). Seven VTE cases were identified from 234 TKA-patients. Patients with and without VTE had BMI of 40.1 ± 9.1 and 32.8 ± 7.5, respectively (p = 0.064). TTIRIV in VTE and control group was 28.2 ± 4.7 hours and 26.4 ± 4.2 hours, respectively (p = 0.39). Mean tourniquet time in VTE and control group was 65.0 ± 8.7 minutes and 49 ± 8.8 minutes, respectively (p = 0.0007). Statistically significant differences in tourniquet times were noted between VTE and non-VTE group but not for TTIRIV and BMI. Prolonged tourniquet use could pose a potential risk factor for postoperative VTE. Thromboprophylaxis management may need to be adjusted, based on patient-specific factors that could include increasing doses of oral anticoagulants and/or mechanical prophylaxis. However, further large-scale studies are required to establish pathophysiology.
Stakeholder Experiences With Gender Identity Data Capture in Electronic Health Records: Implementation Effectiveness and a Visibility Paradox
Authors: Thompson Hale M.
Published: October 2020

Background

Advocates have endorsed transgender visibility via gender identity (GI) data capture with the advent of the Affordable Care Act and electronic health record (EHR) requirements. Visibility in data in order to enumerate a population contrasts with ways in which other LGBT and public health scholars have deployed these concepts.

Aims

The article aims to assess the effectiveness of GI data capture in EHRs and implications for trans health care quality improvements and research.

Method

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 27 stakeholders from prominent gender-affirming care providers across the United States. A range of informants shared their experiences with GI data capture. Interviews were coded, themes were identified, and the extended case method was used to contextualize data in relation to key concepts.

Results

Data capture is effective for increasing patient counts and making quality improvements but limited in terms of enhancing gender-affirming care depending on provider size, type, and competencies. Many challenges were highlighted regarding use of GI data for research, sharing GI data across systems, as well the ways data capture erases the dynamism of GI. These issues create conditions for limited kinds of disclosure, capture of particular categories, and care and treatment barriers.

Discussion

Stakeholders exposed a visibility paradox emerging from GI data capture. While data fields are created to increase the visibility of trans persons in medical settings and in health research, they work to increase the visibility of some while reducing the visibility of other gender diverse persons, including trans, nonbinary, and cisgender.

Conclusion

New approaches are needed to explore implications of GI data standardization and the logics of health care in the face of gender expansiveness.
The Influence of the BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism on the Association of Regular Physical Activity With Cognition Among Individuals With Diabetes
Authors: Liu Tingting , Canon McKenzie D. , Shen Luqi , Marples Benjamin A. , Colton Joseph P. , Lo Wen-Juo , Gray Michelle , Li Changwei
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Diabetes is associated with cognitive dysfunction that comes with substantial lifetime consequences, such as interference with diabetes self-management and reduced quality of life. Although regular physical activity has been consistently shown to enhance cognitive function among healthy subjects, significant interpersonal differences in exercise-induced cognitive outcomes have been reported among brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val/Val vs. Met carriers. However, the evidence on how the BDNF Val66Met variant influences the relationship between regular physical activity and cognition among individuals with diabetes is currently lacking.

Methods:

A total of 3,040 individuals with diabetes were included in this analysis using data from the Health and Retirement Study. Associations among moderate and vigorous physical activities (MVPA) and measures of cognitive function were evaluated using multivariable linear regression models within each stratum of the Val66Met genotypes.

Results:

MVPA was more strongly associated with total cognitive score, mental status, and words recall among Met/Met carriers, compared to Val/Val and Val/Met carriers.

Conclusions:

This study provided preliminary findings on how BDNF variants may modulate the exercise-induced cognitive benefits among mid-aged and older adults with diabetes. Given the limitations of the current study, it is necessary for randomized controlled trials to stratify by BDNF genotypes to more conclusively determine whether Met carriers benefit more from increased physical activity. In addition, future research is needed to examine how the interplay of BDNF Val66Met variants, DNA methylation, and physical activity may have an impact on cognitive function among adults with diabetes.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Respiratory Symptoms Among Bahir Dar Textile Industry Workers, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Kifle Manay , Gebremariam Brhane , Alemu Kasahun , Woldeyohannes Solomon Meseret
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

The expansions of labor-intensive investments in a developing countries, especially in textile production create a dusty work environment for workers, and those workers are from the low socio-economic group and need special safety concern.

Objective:

This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and associated factors among textile factories workers in Bahir Dar, Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2015.

Methods:

Institutional based cross-sectional study design was employed among randomly selected 384 textile workers using pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. We stratified workers by their working section in the textile industries. Then the proportional numbers of workers were selected from each working section of the factory by using a random number generator. The identification number of workers from each factory was used for selection. The data were checked, coded, and entered to Epi-info Version 7 and exported to the Statistical Package for Social Science Version 20 for further analysis. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify associated factors. Variables having a P ⩽ .2 were fitted to multivariate logistic regression so as to assess the presence and strength of association with the respiratory symptom. Variables having a P < .05 were considered as significant.

Results:

Three hundred eighty-three (99.74%) of the study participants responded completely filling the questionnaire. In this study, the prevalence of cough, phlegm, bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, and chest pain among the respondents were 31 (8.1%), 45 (11.7%), 26 (6.8%), 2 (0.5%), and 21 (5.5%), respectively. Generally, 141 (36.81%) of the respondents have either of the above respiratory symptoms in the textile industry. Working in the spinning section (AOR = 3.26, 95% CI: 1.80, 5.89), being in the grade 11 and 12 level and below (AOR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.50, 3.70) and personal protective equipment (PPE) utilization (AOR = 4.88 95% CI: 1.54-15.45) were significantly associated with respiratory symptoms in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of respiratory symptoms in Bahir Dar Textile workers was relatively high. Working department, educational status, and PPE use were variables significantly associated with respiratory symptoms in this study. Experience sharing across departments, employing educated workers and provision of personal protective equipment are important tasks to be followed to reduce respiratory symptoms in the industry.
Family bonds in the midst of adversity: Insights into refugee children’s coping ways
Authors: Iraklis Grigoropoulos
Published: October 2020

This study explored refugee children’s ways of coping focusing on their strengths. The present study involved 26 students, 8 Iraqi Kurds, 6 Afghans, and 12 from Syria attending reception classes (called early morning reception zone) in the morning program of two Greek Elementary schools. Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews. This study using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) explored the subjective narratives of the participating refugee children. Three superordinate themes relating to the aims of the current research emerged from the data: (1) caring relationships, (2) a place of (and for) safety and (3) new perspectives. Supportive family bonds, being securely resettled with other family members, security of housing and opportunities to study in a supportive school environment were found to be factors which either reduced significant stressors or ameliorated the effects of adverse childhood experiences as regards this study’s participants.
Effect of recycled coarse aggregate on physical and mechanical properties of concrete
Authors: Elansary Ahmed A , Ashmawy Mostafa M , Abdalla Hany A
Published: October 2020

Recycling of building waste has become essential process in the construction industry due to the sustainability and economic benefits such as decreasing the waste to landfill, conserving natural resources, and reducing pollution. Large amount of building waste is produced from the construction and demolition process of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. In this paper, the effect of using recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) on the behavior of concrete is experimentally studied. The RCA is prepared by crushing and sieving of waste of standard compression test cubes having a compressive strength ranging between 25 MPa and 30 MPa. The physical and mechanical properties of RCA are experimentally estimated and compared to those of natural coarse aggregate (NCA). A set of 72 standard concrete cubes, cylinders, and beams specimens are made using coarse aggregate replacement ratios (CARR) of 0%, 30%, 50%, and 100%. The specimens are tested to estimate the compressive, splitting, and flexure strengthens at the ages of 7 and 28 days. The study is extended by using the RCA in casting 12 RC columns with CARR similar to those of specimens. The columns are tested in an axial compression test protocol till failure. Crack patterns, failure loads, strains, displacements, and toughness of the tested columns are compared. It is concluded that using a CARR of 30% and 50% and a specific water cement ratio provides better mechanical behavior than that of NCA while the CARR of 100% yields worst mechanical behavior compared to that of NCA.
Cuffed together: A study on how law enforcement work impacts the officer’s spouse
Authors: Friese Karen M
Published: October 2020

Law enforcement officer spouses and significant others (LEOS) are susceptible to secondary trauma, i.e., psychological and physiological strain from exposure to occupational stress through their interpersonal relationship with their partner. Secondary, or vicarious, trauma in this population is a result of their partner’s occupational stress related to the dangerous nature of the work as well as the unpredictable work environment inherent in law enforcement. Research on secondary trauma for law enforcement personnel is limited, and there is even less for their spouses and significant others. This article begins to fill in the gap in the literature through a mixed-methods study that sought to identify how law enforcement work impacts LEOS, uncovering occupational stressors and various coping mechanisms. A survey of participants ( n = 171) found that LEOS report a variety of stressors and in light of these, use negative coping strategies twice as much as positive coping strategies. Focus group data support the survey results, with 70% of respondents acknowledging significant stress related to their partner’s occupation. Data revealed that LEOS experience elevated stress at levels close to, and sometimes more than, the law enforcement officer (LEO), contributing to the use of negative coping strategies to manage the strain. Further research is needed to demonstrate how LEOS are at risk for experiencing long-term physical and mental health concerns resulting from ongoing exposure to heightened levels of stress, and to explore or design effective interventions to address or prevent secondary stress.
Answer First or Google First? Using the Internet in ways that Enhance, not Impair, One’s Subsequent Retention of Needed Information
Authors: Giebl Saskia , Mena Stefany , Storm Benjamin C. , Bjork Elizabeth Ligon , Bjork Robert A.
Published: October 2020

Technological advances have given us tools—Google, in particular—that can both augment and free up our cognitive resources. Research has demonstrated, however, that some cognitive costs may arise from our reliance on such external memories. We examined whether pretesting—asking participants to solve a problem before consulting Google for needed information—can enhance participants’ subsequent recall for the searched-for content as well as for relevant information previously studied. Two groups of participants, one with no programming knowledge and one with some programming knowledge, learned several fundamental programming concepts in the context of a problem-solving task. On a later multiple-choice test with transfer questions, participants who attempted the task before consulting Google for help out-performed participants who were allowed to search Google right away. The benefit of attempting to solve the problem before googling appeared larger with some degree of programming experience, consistent with the notion that some prior knowledge can help learners integrate new information in ways that benefit its learning as well as that of previously studied related information.
Do Minimal Interventions Increase Participation Rates in Voluntary Online Training at High School?
Authors: van der Beek Sophie , Bellhäuser Henrik , Hertel Silke
Published: October 2020

In preparation for graduating from high school, students face the challenge of having to learn the subject matter of several school years with little guidance. The ability to self-regulate learning is conducive to this. Research has shown that students’ self-regulated learning can be successfully promoted through training. However, when such training is provided voluntarily, not all students participate and dropout rates tend to be high. Minimal interventions on utility value and implementation intention are promising approaches to increase the use of voluntary training. This study investigates whether short interventions can increase the participation in voluntary self-regulated learning training and whether differences in participation can be explained by motivation profiles. A randomized intervention study was conducted with 269 students assigned to one of four conditions: utility value, implementation intention, a combination of utility value and implementation intention, or a control condition. Regression analyses show the minimal interventions on utility value and implementation intention had no effect on training participation. Positive predictors, however, were expectancy for success and mean grade score. In addition, latent profile analyses showed a three-class model with the profiles “motivated,” “balanced,” and “unmotivated.” Motivated students participated in the training significantly more often than students with other profiles. Implications for theory development and practice are discussed.
Time history analysis-based nonlinear finite element model updating for a long-span cable-stayed bridge
Authors: Lin Kaiqi , Xu You-Lin , Lu Xinzheng , Guan Zhongguo , Li Jianzhong
Published: October 2020

Accurate finite element models play significant roles in the design, health monitoring and life-cycle maintenance of long-span bridges. However, due to uncertainties involved in finite element modelling, updating of the finite element model to best represent the real bridge is inevitable. This is particularly true after a long-span bridge experiences a moderate or severe earthquake and suffers some damage. This study thus proposes a time history analysis-based nonlinear finite element model updating method for long-span cable-stayed bridges. Special efforts are made to (1) establish the response time history-based objective functions and associated acceptance criteria, (2) conduct comprehensive sensitivity analyses to select appropriate nonlinear updating parameters and (3) develop a highly efficient cluster computing-aided optimization algorithm. A scaled structure of the Sutong cable-stayed bridge in China is adopted as a case study. Three nonlinear test cases performed in the shake table tests of the scaled bridge are used to validate the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method. A good agreement is observed between the simulated response time histories and the measured response time histories for the scaled bridge under both moderate and strong ground motions. The proposed method could provide an accurate nonlinear finite element model for better performance assessment, damage detection and life-cycle maintenance of long-span cable-stayed bridges.
Diffuse panbronchiolitis: A case report from a Chinese consanguineous marriage family and literature review
Authors: He Fang , Gong Hai-ying , Jiang Guo-lu , Chen Xiao-ju , Yao Qian-jing , Jiang Li
Published: October 2020

Diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) is a chronic diffuse airway inflammatory disease, which is strongly associated with the class I human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles. Here, we report a pair of sisters who have been suffering from chronic cough, expectoration and wheezing for many years. They were previously misdiagnosed as chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma, and were recently diagnosed as diffuse panbronchiolitis. The 36-year-old elder sister suffered from diffuse panbronchiolitis complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis. The 30-year-old younger sister suffered from diffuse panbronchiolitis complicated with bronchial asthma and bronchiectasis. We have performed HLA genotyping research on the two sisters, their parents and younger brother. The results showed that all family members were positive for HLA-A24 and HLA-B13. The younger sister and mother were positive for HLA-A2. The younger brother and father were positive for HLA-A11. We suspect that the two sisters’ disease susceptibility may be caused by their parents’ consanguineous marriage. In this study, we reported the clinical characteristics of the two sisters with diffuse panbronchiolitis and shared the associated HLA genotyping results of this family cluster, hoping to provide reference for the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
LncRNA-RP11 Modulates TGF-β1-Activated Radiation-Induced Lung Injury Through Downregulating microRNA-29a
Authors: Yang Xi , Ni Jianjiao , Li Yida , Zou Liqing , Guo Tiantian , Li Yuan , Chu Li , Zhu Zhengfei
Published: October 2020

Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is one of the most serious complications of thoracic radiation and TGF-β1 is a central regulator of RILI. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the fine tuning of TGF-β1 signaling in RILI has not been fully understood. In the current study, differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) among human lung fibroblasts cell lines HFL-1 and WI-38 treated with TGF-β1, were identified by microarray and validated by real time PCR. LncRNA-RP11 was found to be the most increased LncRNA and it mediated the promotion of fibrogenic activity in human lung fibroblasts after TGF-β1 treatment. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that TGF-β1 may be associated with the component and structure of extracellular matrix in lung fibroblasts cells, and LncRNA-RP11 was predicted and confirmed to be a competing endogenous RNA by directly binding to miR-29a. Functional experiments investigating the biological role of LncRNA-RP11/miR-29a axis in RILI, were then carried out in human fibroblasts. The results showed that radiation promoted the expression of LncRNA-RP11, but regressed the expression of miR-29a. Furthermore, radiation elevated the expression of various common collagenic proteins, which could be abolished by overexpression of miR-29a.
RNA Profiling Reveals a Common Mechanism of Histone Gene Downregulation and Complementary Effects for Radioprotectants in Response to Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Ge Changhui , Su Fei , Fu Hanjiang , Wang Yuan , Tian Baolei , Liu Bin , Zhu Jie , Ding Yong , Zheng Xiaofei
Published: October 2020

High-dose ionizing radiation (IR) alters the expression levels of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). However, the roles of ncRNAs and mRNAs in mediating radiation protection by radioprotectants remain unknown. Microarrays were used to determine microRNA (miRNA), long ncRNA (lncRNA), and mRNA expression profiles in the bone marrow of irradiated mice pretreated with amifostine, CBLB502, and nilestriol. Differentially expressed mRNAs were functionally annotated by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses. Some histone cluster genes were validated by real-time PCR, and the effects of radioprotectant combinations were monitored by survival analysis. We found that these radioprotectants increased the induction of lncRNAs and mRNAs. miRNA, lncRNA, and mRNA expression patterns were similar with amifostine and CBLB502, but not nilestriol. The radioprotectants exhibited mostly opposite effects against IR-induced miRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs while inducing a common histone gene downregulation following IR, mainly via nucleosome assembly and related signaling pathways. Notably, the effects of nilestriol significantly complemented those of amisfostine or CBLB502; low-dose drug combinations resulted in better radioprotective effects in pretreated mice. Thus, we present histone gene downregulation by radioprotectants, together with the biological functions of miRNA, lncRNA, and mRNA, to explain the mechanism underlying radioprotection.
Simplified morphological evaluation of skeletal muscle mass and maximum muscle strength in healthy young women: Comparison between thigh and calf
Authors: Yasuda Tomohiro
Published: October 2020

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to examine the prediction of skeletal muscle mass and maximum muscle strength using simplified morphology evaluation in young Japanese women from the thigh and calf perspective.

Methods:

A total of 249 Japanese young women (aged 18–25 years) were used for data analyses in this study. Thigh and calf girths were measured using a tape measure at 50% of thigh length and at 30% proximal of calf length, respectively. Muscle thickness was measured using B-mode ultrasound at the anterior and posterior thigh (at 50% of thigh length) and at the posterior lower leg (at 30% proximal of calf length), respectively. The measurements were carried out on the right side of the body while the participants stood with their elbows extended and relaxed. A stepwise multiple regression analysis (method of increasing and decreasing the variables; criterion set at p < 0.05) was performed for skeletal muscle index (defined by appendicular skeletal muscle mass/height2), handgrip strength, or sit-to-stand test and five variable factors (girth (thigh and calf) and muscle thickness (anterior and posterior thigh and posterior calf)).

Results:

Unlike the sit-to-stand test, skeletal muscle index or handgrip strength was correlated ( p < 0.001) with the girth or muscle thickness for both thigh and calf. Unlike the sit-to-stand test, the prediction equations for skeletal muscle index and handgrip strength estimation showed significant correlations with multiple regression analysis of data obtained from the calf girth and muscle thickness. In both skeletal muscle index and handgrip strength, calf girth was adopted as a Step 1, respectively.

Conclusion:

Our results indicated that skeletal muscle index and handgrip strength could be evaluated by the simplified morphology methods, especially that for the calf girth measurement, which may be a good indicator of screening/preventing for sarcopenia in healthy Japanese young women.
Safety of vedolizumab in the treatment of pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease: a targeted literature review
Authors: Terjung Birgit , Schmelz Renate , Ehehalt Robert , Klaus Jochen , Knop Jana , Schwind Sabine , Wilke Thomas , Stallmach Andreas
Published: October 2020

Background:

Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) commonly affect women in their childbearing years. Vedolizumab (VDZ) is approved for treatment of moderate-to-severe CD and UC, but there is a knowledge gap regarding its use during pregnancy. This targeted literature review describes available evidence on safety of VDZ in pregnant patients in order to offer physicians a detailed and balanced view on persistent data during their decision-making process for an individualized treatment concept.

Methods:

The search included literature from the MEDLINE database and abstracts of five gastroenterological conferences published until November 2019. Publications were included if pregnancy outcomes in women receiving VDZ or neonatal outcomes in newborns of women previously exposed to VDZ were reported.

Results:

Out of 196 initially identified records, 18 publications reporting results of five different studies were identified. In total, for 213 of 284 VDZ-exposed documented pregnancies the following pregnancy outcomes were reported: 167 live births (172 infants due to twin births), 1 stillbirth, 35 miscarriages, 10 elective terminations (1 due to detected Down syndrome). Furthermore, during pregnancy, the following complications were observed: seven cases of (pre) eclampsia, three cases of premature rupture of membranes and one case each of placenta previa, chorioamnionitis, pneumonia, first-trimester bleeding, cholestasis, sepsis, or neonatal intraventricular hemorrhage. Based on 172 infants, 30 preterm deliveries (17.4%), 9 cases of low birth weight (5.2%), 5 infections (2.9%), and 6 cases (3.8%) with congenital anomalies were reported.

Conclusion:

There was no evidence for safety concerns regarding pregnancy outcomes associated with VDZ therapy. Due to the limited scope of included records, further research is needed to understand the safety profile regarding the use of VDZ during pregnancy.
PD-L1 protein expression and copy number gains in HIV-positive locally advanced cervical cancer
Authors: Loharamtaweethong Kongsak , Puripat Napaporn , Praditphol Niphon , Thammasiri Jidapa , Tangitgamol Siriwan
Published: October 2020

Background:

The programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) axis may represent a target for cervical cancer; however, it is poorly understood in human immunodeﬁciency virus (HIV)-infected patients.

Methods:

We evaluated HIV-positive ( n = 42) and HIV-negative ( n = 110) women with locally advanced cervical cancer regarding their PD-L1 expression, determined by combined positive score (CPS) ⩾ 1 and tumor proportion score (TPS) ⩾ 25%, and PD-L1 copy number alterations, assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Results:

Regardless of HIV status, 84.9% and 44.8% of cases were PD-L1-positive according to CPS ⩾ 1 and TPS ⩾ 25%. Per CPS ⩾ 1, PD-L1 positive rate was similar between HIV-positive and HIV-negative women, whereas a significant difference was seen per TPS ⩾ 25%. Tumor size and parametrial invasion were correlated with PD-L1 positivity in HIV-negative women, whereas anti-retroviral therapy (ART) was correlated with TPS < 25%. Low CD4-positive cell counts were associated with CPS < 1 in HIV-positive women. No significant difference was observed in PD-L1 copy number status between HIV-positive and HIV-negative women. PD-L1 amplification and polysomy were independently associated with TPS ⩾ 25%, whereas the presence of parametrial invasion was independently associated with CPS ⩾ 1. Cancer stage and PD-L1 amplification were identified as independent predictors of recurrence-free survival [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.40 (1.32–4.36) and HR = 5.33 (1.94–14.61)] and cancer-specific survival [HR = 13.62 (5.1–36.38) and HR = 3.53 (1.43–8.69)]. PD-L1 polysomy was an independent predictor of locoregional recurrence-free survival [HR = 3.27 (1.27–8.41)]. HIV status and PD-L1 expression (CPS ⩾ 1 or TPS ⩾ 25%) were not associated with poor patient outcomes.

Conclusion:

PD-L1 amplification and polysomy are the strongest drivers of PD-L1 expression in cervical cancer, and could represent prognostic biomarkers for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. Cervical cancer biology may be modulated by HIV infection, CD4-positive cells, and HIV treatments.
Prognostic factors for steroid-free remission in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: importance of anthropometric measurements
Authors: Lee Jung Sun , Lee Jung Eun , Hong Seokchan , Lee Chang-Keun , Yoo Bin , Oh Ji Seon , Kim Yong-Gil
Published: October 2020

Background:

Several studies have been conducted on factors associated with mortality in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), but few studies have assessed prognostic factors for steroid-free remission in IIM. We investigated the various clinical factors, including body measurements, that affect IIM treatment outcomes.

Methods:

Patients who were newly diagnosed with IIM between 2000 and 2018 were included. Steroid-free remission was defined as at least 3 months of normalisation of muscle enzymes and no detectable clinical disease activity. The factors associated with steroid-free remission were evaluated by a Cox regression analysis.

Results:

Of the 106 IIM patients, 35 displayed steroid-free remission during follow-up periods. In the multivariable Cox regression analyses, immunosuppressants’ early use within 1 month after diagnosis [hazard ratio (HR) 6.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.61–14.74, p < 0.001] and sex-specific height quartiles (second and third quartiles versus first quartile, HR 3.65, 95% CI 1.40–9.51, p = 0.008 and HR 2.88, 95% CI 1.13–7.32, p = 0.027, respectively) were positively associated with steroid-free remission. Polymyositis versus dermatomyositis (HR 0.21, 95% CI 0.09–0.53, p = 0.001), presence of dysphagia (HR 0.15, CI 0.05–0.50, p = 0.002) and highest versus lowest quartile of waist circumference (WC; HR 0.24, 95% CI 0.07–0.85, p = 0.027) were negatively associated with steroid-free remission.

Conclusion:

The early initiation of immunosuppressant therapy, type of myositis and presence of dysphagia are strong predictors of steroid-free remission in IIM; moreover, height and WC measurements at baseline may provide additional important prognostic value.
The off-label use of anakinra in pediatric systemic autoinflammatory diseases
Authors: Maniscalco Valerio , Abu-Rumeileh Sarah , Mastrolia Maria Vincenza , Marrani Edoardo , Maccora Ilaria , Pagnini Ilaria , Simonini Gabriele
Published: October 2020

Interleukin 1 (IL-1), a central mediator of innate immunity, is considered a master cytokine of local and systemic inflammation. IL-1 has emerged as pivotal in the pathogenesis of autoinflammatory diseases (AIDs), and blockade of its pathway has become a crucial target for therapy. Anakinra (ANA), a recombinant IL-1β receptor antagonist, was the first anti-IL-1 agent employed in clinical practice. ANA is currently approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, adult-onset Still’s disease, and cryopyrin-associated autoinflammatory syndrome. It has also been successfully used for off-label treatment of various monogenic, polygenic, or undefined etiology systemic AIDs.

This review describes currently available evidence for the off-label use of ANA in pediatric rheumatologic diseases. Specifically, the use of ANA in Kawasaki disease, idiopathic recurrent pericarditis, Behçet disease, monogenic AIDs, undifferentiated AIDs, chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis, macrophage activation syndrome, and febrile infection-related epilepsy, in terms of its safety and efficacy. In selected pediatric rheumatic disorders, the off-label administration of ANA appears to be effective and safe. In order to control severe and/or relapsing disease, ANA should be considered as a valuable treatment option in children suffering from rare inflammatory diseases. However, currently available data consist of retrospective studies and short case series; thus, randomized controlled trials and larger series with long-term follow up are mandatory to better assess the efficacy and cost effectiveness of ANA in these challenging patients.
Extra-role behavior improvement model: Organizational learning culture, organizational trust, and organizational justice approach
Authors: Wahda  , Mursalim  , Fauziah  , Asty
Published: October 2020

One form of employee integrity can be seen from his desire to perform extra-role behavior. The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of Organizational Trust to Organizational Learning Culture directly or indirectly through Organizational Justice, the influence of Organizational Trust and Organizational Justice to Extra-Role Behavior directly or indirectly through Organizational Learning Culture, and the influence of Organizational Learning Culture on Extra-Role Behavior for employees of government hospitals in Makassar. This research was conducted at 7 Government Hospitals in Makassar City, South Sulawesi, Indonesia with Proportional random sampling. The analysis method that is used to test the research hypothesis is Partial Least Square (PLS) by using SmartPLS. The results showed that Organizational Trust directly and indirectly through Organizational Justice had a positive and significant influence on the Organizational Learning Culture for employees of government hospitals in Makassar. The direct relationship of Organizational Justice, Organizational Trust, and Organizational Learning Culture toward Extra-Role Behavior is positive but specifically Organizational Trust is not significant. Organizational Trust and Organizational Justice indirectly through Organizational Learning Culture had a positive and significant influence on Extra-Role Behavior for employees of government hospitals in Makassar.
I Know What You Mean: Information Compensation in an Authoritarian Country
Authors: Zhu Jiangnan , Wang Chengli
Published: October 2020

How do people address information deficiency caused by rigid control of information in authoritarian regimes? We argue that there exists an internally oriented information compensation approach through which people can glean extra information from official messages domestically. This approach does not violate state regulations directly and allows people to retrieve information not explicitly publicized by the government. We delineate the circumstances of internally oriented information compensation using the case of China. We conduct trend and text analysis on the data of millions of individual-level actions of Chinese Internet search engines and social media users during a large anticorruption campaign that conspicuously claimed to crack down on influential corrupt leaders without naming who exactly. We show that some Chinese netizens were able to identify the unnamed high-ranking officials targeted by the campaign based on negative official reports about their family members. Some of the netizens even correctly predicted the downfall of the officials months before the government’s announcements. As the existing literature is increasingly concerned about the threat of digital authoritarianism on throttling the free flow of information, our findings indicate that some authoritarian citizens, instead of passively accepting the government’s information control, acquired their own arts of information self-salvation. This, though not directly challenging the government, constitutes an everyday politics under digital authoritarianism.
A practitioner framework for blended learning classroom inquiry-based virtual reality lessons
Authors: Fegely Alex G , Hagan Heather N , Warriner George H
Published: October 2020

This article presents the Blended Learning Virtual Reality Inquiry Framework, an original framework for creating virtual reality inquiry-based lessons for the modern technology-driven classroom. The framework shared in this article invokes research on blended learning , experiential learning, and inquiry-based learning to structure a virtual reality-specific lesson model. The authors present the theory and research behind each aspect of the framework before explaining how the framework is used. The article concludes by providing practitioners with a standard-aligned Blended Learning Virtual Reality Inquiry Framework lesson example.
DRAG THEM: A brief etymology of so-called “cancel culture”
Authors: D. Clark Meredith
Published: October 2020

The term “cancel culture” has significant implications for defining discourses of digital and social media activism. In this essay, I briefly interrogate the evolution of digital accountability praxis as performed by Black Twitter, a meta-network of culturally linked communities online. I trace the practice of the social media callout from its roots in Black vernacular tradition to its misappropriation in the digital age by social elites, arguing that the application of useful anger by minoritized people and groups has been effectively harnessed in social media spaces as a strategy for networked framing of extant social problems. This strategy is challenged, however, by the dominant culture’s ability to narrativize the process of being “canceled” as a moral panic with the potential to upset the concept of a limited public sphere.