bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Framing Policing in the Secular Trend of Accumulation: from the State-Centric View of Globalization towards the Household in the Modern World-System
Authors: Molk Florence
Published: September 2020

Mainstream interpretation segments globalization as: (a) a self-regulating-market neoliberal reincarnation; (b) an innovative regime of information communication technology; or (c) a reorganization of production on a world scale. This segmented view, however, is predicated on the state and the police in the background. In contrast to the mainstream view, which fits globalization in a state-centric prism of the police, we argue that what is referred to as globalization is policing. Policing is founded on household structures that are in turn instituted in the global commodity chains. Accordingly, it is the most crucial element integrating social-identity, social control, and social relations in the modern world-system. Hence, the unfolding prominence of globalization is actually the increasing saliency of policing. It reflects the terminal crisis of the capitalist world-economy, putting pressure on the household structures and the secular trend of accumulation. It is in view of this that policing, under the guise of globalization, is the re-intensification of social control, isolation of social-identities, and reification of social-relations.
Morphological and molecular identification of the Iranian bark and ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae)
Authors: AMINI SUDABE , NOZARI JAMASB , SMITH SARAH M , MARTINEZ ISABEL , HOSSEINI REZA , FACCOLI MASSIMO
Published: September 2020

A faunal and molecular taxonomic study of Iranian bark and ambrosia beetle species based on field collections, museum specimens and literature data was carried out from in the period 2011−2016. A total of 29 genera and 84 species were found for Iran. A morphological key for species identification is provided. Molecular identification based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (CO1) barcoding region gene was also performed for the collected specimens to confirm morphological identification, and an exclusive DNA barcode was provided and registered for the samples collected in this study. Host plants and distribution of each species in the Palearctic region and in Iran are reported in the key.
Effect of miR-20 on Apoptosis of Ovarian Cancer Cells by Regulating TIMP-2 Pathway
Authors: Zhan Zhijia , Xu Xiaoyan , Li Zining , Chen Xiujuan , Li Qian , Wang Xiaolei
Published: September 2020

Objective: miRNAs are involved in regulating cellular physiology ranging from tumor cells proliferation to apoptosis. miR-20 regulates tumorigenesis through regulating cell apoptosis. This study intends to assess miR-20's effectonovarian cancer cells. Methods: Hey cells
were cultured in DMEM medium. Western blotting was conducted to measure bcl-2, bax, and TIMP2 expression. Cell apoptosis was measured using Annexin V-FITC. Results: miR-20 significantly induced of Hey cells and downregulated bcl-2. miR-20 significantly inhibited the TIMP2 signaling
pathway. Meanwhile, miR-20 increased the protein expression of TIMP2. Simultaneously, miR-20 could regulate the proliferation of Hey cells. Conclusion: miR-20 induces apoptosis and promotes proliferation of ovarian cancer cells, indicating that targeting miR-20 might be a novel therapeutic
method for treating ovarian cancer.
MicroRNA-203a-3p Regulates the Apoptosis of MPP+ Induced SH-SY5Y Cells by Targeting A-Synuclein
Authors: Jiang Jianxin , Xiong Ran , Lu Jun , Wang Xiaolin , Gu Xiaobo
Published: September 2020

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a universal central nervous system degenerative diseases and has a serious impact on people's lives. MicroRNA-203a-3p (miR-203a-3p) is a tumor-inhibiting factor. Nevertheless, the role and mechanism of miR-203a-3p in PD remain unclear. Therefore, this investigated
the role and underlying mechanism of miR-203a-3p in PD. Firstly, we have established a PD cell model by treating SH-SY5Y cells with MMP+. We found that cell viability gradually decreased with increased MMP+ concentration. Subsequently, we choose 2000 μM MMP+
for subsequent experiments. Then, qRT-PCR assay demonstrated that miR-203a-3p was down-regulated in MMP+ treated SH-SY5Y cells. Next, results from TargetScan and dual luciferase reporter gene assay suggested that a-synuclein (SNCA), an important genetic risk factor of PD, had direct
binding sites with miR-203a-3p. Subsequently, we confirmed that miR-203a-3p negatively regulated SNCA expression in SH-SY5Y cells. Finally, we investigated the influence of miR-203a-3p on MMP+ -induced SH-SY5Y cells. CCK-8 assay results showed that MMP + reduced cell proliferation
and induced apoptosis were inhibited by miR-203a-3p up-regulation. In addition, we found that MMP+ enhanced expression of SNCA, p53 and cleaved Caspase-3 proteins was reduced by miR-203a-3p overexpression. However, these changes were reversed by SNCA-plasmid. In conclusion, miR-203a-3p
regulated the apoptosis of MPP+ induced SH-SY5Y cells by targeting SNCA. miR-203a-3p/SNCA axis might be a new latent targets for PD therapy.
Mechanism of Anti-Hepatic Fibrosis of TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Pathway Affected by Chymase Inhibitors
Authors: Han Xue-Ji , Chen Ning , Yin Ming-Shi
Published: September 2020

Objective: This study aims to investigate the pathological mechanism of chymase inhibitors (Chy-I) on liver tissue in rats with hepatic fibrosis. Methods: Rats in the model group and chymase inhibitor group were established by using carbon tetrachloride. Rats in the chymase
inhibitor group intragastrically received Chy-I (10 mg/kg/d) during the modeling. The pathological changes of rat liver tissues induced by chymase inhibitors were investigated, and the mRNA and protein expression of TGF-β1, Smad3 and Smad7 were observed in rat liver tissues. Results:
When compared to the model group, The results presented that the liver tissue pathology of rats had been significantly improved in the Chy-I group. When compared to the normal group, the mRNA expression level and protein expression level of TGF-β1 and Smad3 in liver tissues had
significantly increased, but the mRNA expression level and protein expression level of Smad7 significantly decreased (p < 0 05). When compared to the model group, the mRNA expression level and protein expression level of TGF-β1 and Smad3 was significantly downregulated,
but the mRNA expression level and protein expression level of Smad7 was significantly upregulated in the Chy-I group. Conclusion:Chy-I plays an active role in blocking hepatic fibrosis in rats by affecting the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in liver tissues through multiple
sites.
Sevoflurane Inhibits Growth and Metastasis of Cervical Cancer Through Up-Regulating miR-203 by Targeting Tumor Protein Translationally Controlled 1
Authors: Zhang Li , Wei Shiyou , Xu Zhenkai , Sun Wen , Hang Lihua
Published: September 2020

Background: Cervical cancer is a type of malignancy with high incidence and high mortality in women all over the world. Recent findings revealed the role of sevoflurane in the inhibition of development of various cancer types. This study aimed to explore whether sevoflurane could
suppress cells proliferation and metastasis through adjusting miR-203 expression in cervical cancer. Methods: The effects of sevoflurane on HeLa cell viability was assessed using CCK-8 assay. miR-203 level in Hela cells was determined by qRT-PCR. In addition, cells apoptosis, migration
and invasion were evaluated using flow cytometry and transwell analysis respectively after sevoflurane treatment or miR-203 expression changes. Bioinformatics software (TargetScan) was used to predict the potential target genes for miR-203 and the prediction was validated using dual-luciferase
reporter system. Results: Sevoflurane effectively inhibited cell viability, metastasis and stimulated apoptosis in cervical cancer. miR-203 demonstrated a low expression in cervical cancer tissues and cells and sevoflurane significantly up-regulated miR-203 expression in cervical cancer
cells. Upregulation of miR-203 significantly suppressed cell growth and metastasis and induced apoptosis, while down-regulation of miR-203 presented the opposite effects in cervical cancer cells. In addition, the inhibitory effects of sevoflurane were eliminated by down-regulating miR-203
in cervical cancer cells. In addition, TPT1 was confirmed as a target gene for miR-203. Conclusion: Sevoflurane inhibited cervical cancer cells viability and metastasis through up-regulation of miR-203 expression by targeting TPT1.
Color Masking Ability of Lithium Disilicate Ceramic for Titanium Alloy Implant Abutments
Authors: Vohra Fahim , Alnajashi Sulaiman , Aljardi Abdulwahab , Al Deeb Modhi , Al Deeb Laila , Al Ahdal Khold , Maawadh Ahmed M. , Al-Hamdan Rana S. , Alhenaki Aasem M. , AlHelal Abdulaziz , Alresayes Saad , Al-Aali Khulud A. , Abduljabbar Tariq
Published: September 2020

The aim was to assess the acceptable thickness of monolithic Lithium Disilicate (LD) ceramic in masking of Titanium (Ti) implant abutment by comparison to Zirconium (Zr) crowns through color matching. Forty LD and 10 Zr copings (control) using Hot-pressing and CAD-CAM techniques were
fabricated. A standard Ti abutment (Straumann, ITI, Basel, Switzerland) was used as foundation substrate. LD crowns were divided into different thickness [1.0 mm (n = 10), 1.2 mm (n = 10), 1.5 mm (n = 10) and 1.8 mm (n = 10)] and 10 Zr copings (control) had 0.5
mm thickness. Different crown materials and crown thicknesses resulted in 5 study groups designated as Zr-Ti-0.5, LD-Ti1.0, LD-Ti-1.2, LD-Ti-1.5 and LD-Ti-1.8. Specimens were cemented to Ti abutments and using a spectrophotometer the difference of color for specimen and controls was determined
by comparing ΔL, Δa and Δb (CIELab color system) and an overall ΔE. These were statistically compared using analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc multiple comparisons. Among LD specimens with Ti abutments, lowest color difference was achieved for LD-Ti-1.8
(2.3 ± 0.31) and the highest color difference was for LD-Ti-1.0 (4.93 ± 0.45). The lowest ΔE was recorded for Zr copings (control), which was lower than (p < 0 01) LD crowns of 1.0 and 1.2 mm thickness. LD crown thickness had a significant effect on ΔE
(color difference) on Ti abutments. Masking of Ti abutments by 1.5 mm LD crowns was comparable to Zr specimens (control). Lithium disilicate crown of 1.5 mm thickness showed statistically comparable color stability to 0.5 mm Zr copings on Ti implant abutments.
Impact of Mesenchymal Stem Cell on High Mobility Group AT-Hook 2 Gene and Tubular Epithelial Cell Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transitions in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Bai Yi-Hua , Yang Min , Wang Jia-Ping , Jiang Hong-Ying , Li Luo-Hua , Zhang Xin-Xin , Ma Li
Published: September 2020

The present study aims to probe the impact of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on the HMGA2 gene and renal tubular epithelial cell EMT in diabetic nephropathy (DN). The advanced glycation end product (AGE) in the later period was used to interfere with the HK-2 cell modeling of humans
in vitro, while STZ was used for the modeling of mice DN in vivo. Allogeneic MSCs were used to interfere with the model to detect the concentration of the correlation factor in cells and mice kidney tissues and HMGA2 expression level. The following aspects were prompted after
treatment with MSCs in vitro and in vivo: (1) TGF-β1 concentration, Smad2, HMGA2, vimentin and α-SMA expression levels were significantly reduced, when compared to the model group (P <0.05), while Smad7 and E-cadherin expression levels significantly
increased, when compared to the model group (P <0.05); (2) The proteinuria and serum creatinine level of mice were alleviated, and the ultrastructure damage condition of kidneys also improved, when compared to the model group. MSCs can restrain the high expression of HMGA2 in DN,
EMT and kidney fibrosis, and postpone renal function progression.
Finite Element Analysis of Stress in Dental Bridge with Implant
Authors: Huang Wan-Ting , Cheng Han-Yi
Published: September 2020

The objective of this research was to investigate dental bridges with and without implants. Threedimensional (3D) mandible models were reconstructed by computer tomography (CT) to simulate biting behaviors. The dental implant is an important factor in dental bridge applications. Several
studies have investigated finite element models for dental implants; however, few have examined a model for dental bridge with implant. The results revealed that stress was significantly increased when dental bridge was used with implant. Moreover, the dental bridge with implant group demonstrated
a relatively big stress in mandible, which was 4.01% lower compared with that of the control group. Dental bridge would be an effective means of recovering dental performance. However, the present research stated that the implant of dental bridge has a potential to increase abnormal stress,
and uniformly distributing stress in the dental bridges.
Preparation of Tetrodotoxin Extracellular Nanoparticles and Its Long-Term Local Anesthesia
Authors: Ma Dongmei , Liu Wei , Chen Yan , Qin Jianhua
Published: September 2020

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) can be applied in local anesthesia by blocking the sodium channel on the cell membrane. However, TTX can cause systemic toxicity and neurotoxicity, which limits its application. In this study, we prepared tetrodotoxin-Extracellular vesicles (TTX-EVs) and evaluated
their capability to achieve long-term local anesthesia without nervous system or systemic damage. Anesthesia effects and safety of TTX-EVs were evaluated by sciatic nerve block and neurobehavioral test, respectively. The local toxicity was evaluated by histological score of injection site
and characterization of sciatic nerve. Systemic toxicity was assessed for side nerve injury and mortality. We found that when TTX was 10 μg/mL (3 μg/0.3 mL), the average duration of sensory block of TTX-EVs was 4.23 hours, much longer than that of free drugs (P <
0.001). This TTX-EVs complex had minimal muscle toxicity and inflammation, and had no change in the percentage or diameter of unmyelinated nerve fiber compared with the blank group. In conclusion, the entrapped TTX can prolong the nerve block time obviously, and the sustained-release carrier
will not cause the neurotoxicity or systemic toxicity.
microRNA-221 (Mir-221) Influences Ovarian Cancer Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis Through Regulating Suppressors of Cytokine Signaling 3-Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2)/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) Pathway
Authors: Zhou Jie , Zhan Yang
Published: September 2020

Suppressors of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) regulates JAK-STAT signaling. Bioinformatics analysis showed a targeted relationship of Mir-221 with SOCS3 mRNA. Our study assessed whether Mir221 regulates SOCS3 expression and affects ovarian cancer cells. Ovarian cancer tissues were collected
and compared with adjacent tissues to detect Mir-221 and SOCS3 expression. Ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 cells were separated into miR-NC group and Mir-221 inhibitor group followed by analysis of Mir-221, SOCS3, p-JAK2, and p-STAT3 expression, cell apoptosis and proliferation. Compared with
adjacent tissues, Mir-221 expression in tumor tissues was significantly elevated and SCOS3 mRNA level was decreased. There is a targeted relationship between miR-203 and SOCS3 mRNA. Compared with IOSE80 cells, ovarian cancer A2780 and SKOV3 cells presented significantly elevated Mir-221 level
and decreased SOCS3 expression. Mir-221 inhibitor transfection significantly upregulated SOCS3, downregulated p-JAK2, p-STAT3 protein, promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited proliferation. The increased Mir-221 and decreased SOCS3 expression are related to the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer.
Mir-221 downregulates SOCS3, affects the activity of JAK-STAT signaling, and regulates ovarian cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis.
Effect of Vaspin on Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Rats and Expression of NLR Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3)
Authors: Xu Lili , Wang Zhe , Deng Lixiang
Published: September 2020

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) can cause myocardial damage. Vaspin can protect against myocardial damage. However, the effect of vaspin on MIRI rats and the expression of NLRP3 remains unclear. Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into sham group; MIRI group and Vaspin
group, in which 100 ng/ml vaspin was administrated before model preparation followed by analysis of cardiac function by M-mode ultrasound, level of NLRP3, of type I collagen, IL-6 and TNF-α by ELISA, SOD activity and ROS by spectrophotometry and Bcl-2 and PI3K/AKT signaling protein
expression by Western Blot. In MIRI group, left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), NLRP3 expression, contents of type I collagen, IL-6, TNF-α as well as ROS were significantly increased
and SOD activity was significantly decreased with decreased Bcl-2 expression and upregulated pAKT and pPI3K (P < 0.05). In Vaspin group, LVESD, LVMI and LVEDD and NLRP3 expression as well as type I collagen, IL-6, TNF-α and ROS was decreased, SOD activity and Bcl-2 expression
was significantly increased with downregulated pAKT and pPI3K (P < 0.05). Vaspin can regulate PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, inhibit NLRP3 expression, regulate oxidative stress, inhibit inflammation, reduce apoptosis, improve and improve cardiac function of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion
injury in rats.
Effects of Nonuniform Land Surface Warming on Summer Anomalous Extratropical Cyclone Activity and the East Asian Summer Monsoon: Numerical Experiments with a Regional Climate Model
Authors: Zhang Wanxin , Chen Haishan , Zhou Liming , Zhou Botao , Zhang Jie , Wei Jiangfeng
Published: September 2020

Previous studies detected significant negative correlations between the nonuniform land surface warming and the decadal weakened activities of the summer extratropical cyclones (ECs) over East Asia and the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) after the early 1990s. Here such relationships are further examined and the possible mechanisms are explored via numerical sensitivity experiments with a regional climate model (RegCM4.5). The positive/negative sensible heat flux (SH) anomalies were added as a forcing to a key region near 50°N of East Asia in RegCM4.5 to simulate the observed ground surface temperature (GST) anomalies. The model results suggest that the nonuniform land surface warming over the Lake Baikal area (50°–60°N, 90°–120°E) can indeed cause the weakening of the extratropical cyclogenesis and affect the decadal weakening of the EASM. Warm (cold) GST forcing over the key GST region can lead to decreasing (increasing) atmospheric baroclinicity and related energy conversion of the EC activity over the key EC region (40°–50°N, 90°–120°E), resulting in an evidently weakening (enhancing) of the ECs over East Asia. Meanwhile, precipitation shows a dipole pattern with significantly suppressed (enhanced) precipitation in northern and northeastern China, and slightly enhanced (suppressed) rainfall south of 40°N of East Asia, mainly over the East China Sea. Lake Baikal and its adjacent areas are occupied by a strong anticyclonic (cyclonic) circulation while the southeast coastal areas of China have a relatively weak cyclonic (anticyclonic) circulation accompanied with an anomalous northeasterly (southwesterly) wind to the southeast of the anticyclonic circulation, which is opposite to (coincident with) the atmospheric circulation anomalies that are associated with the second mode of the EASM.
On Leadership: Who are the real experts in your school system?
Authors: Starr Joshua P.
Published: September 2020

Experts have long sought systems to spur improvements in teaching and learning. PDK’s Joshua P. Starr reflects on how, in the 1990s, his Plainfield, New Jersey, district implemented walk-throughs to determine how well teachers and schools were implementing the district’s literacy program. Classroom visitors had a list of items to look for, and they made recommendations to school leaders based on what they saw. Although such a system has merit, Starr now questions whether it placed the expertise in the wrong place. Central offices have evolved to focus more on compliance and operations than on instructional leadership. As districts make decisions about how to get students back on track after the COVID-19 pandemic, they might be best served to look to teachers for understanding about how best to serve students.
Print Media Narratives of Bullying and Harassment at the Football Association: A Case Study of Eniola Aluko
Authors: Velija Philippa , Silvani Louie
Published: September 2020

In this article we draw on critical theory to discuss how power frames the media “narratives” of Eniola Aluko, a Black, female footballer who accused an established (White) football coach of bullying, harassment, and racial comments. We critically discuss data analyzed from 80 print media articles from three British newspapers (with circulation figures ranging from 1.4 million to 135,000 a day), from August 6, 2017 to October 19, 2017. In our findings, we discuss the four dominant themes identified from our analysis to examine how race, gender, and belonging frame Aluko in ways that seek to position her as an outsider and question her legitimacy in the White male space of football. We demonstrate how frames are shaped by, as well as reinforce, existing power relations, and influence how bullying, and racial harassment are represented in media accounts. We argue this type of analysis has implications for our understanding of how the narratives bullying and harassment in sport can be reframed along dominant power lines that question the legitimacy of athletes’ accounts and experiences.
Arterial spectral waveform analysis in the prediction of diabetic foot ulcer healing
Authors: Normahani Pasha , Agrawal Rishi , Sounderajah Viknesh , Tsinaslanidis Prodromos , Musonda Patrick , Mehar Zaheer , Powezka Katarzyna , Bravis Vasiliki , Aslam Mohammed , Jaffer Usman
Published: September 2020

Objective:

We assessed the association between (1) severity of vessel wall calcification, (2) number of patent vessels at the ankle and (3) arterial spectral waveform features, as assessed on a focused ankle Duplex ultrasound (DUS), and healing at 12-months in a cohort of patients who had their diabetic foot ulcers conservatively managed.

Research design and methods:

Scans performed on 50 limbs in 48 patients were included for analysis. Patient health records were prospectively reviewed for 12-months to assess for the outcome of ulcer healing.

Results:

We identified that the number of waveform components, peak systolic velocity, systolic rise time and long forward flow as well as the number of vessels patent at the ankle on DUS, may be useful independent predictors of healing, as noted by the trend towards statistical significance.

Conclusion:

Arterial spectral waveform features may be useful in predicting the chance of diabetic foot ulcer healing.
Missing the Forest for the Trees: Prior Entrepreneurial Experience, Role Identity, and Entrepreneurial Creativity
Authors: Zhan Siran , Uy Marilyn A. , Hong Ying-yi
Published: September 2020

Extant research has portrayed the effect of prior entrepreneurial experience as one that manifests uniformly across contexts. Drawing on the person-by-situation perspective, we elaborated how prior entrepreneurial experience could manifest differentially across contexts. Results from our lab experiment indicated that prior entrepreneurial experience brought an advantage in avoiding being overly “captivated” by a situationally salient role identity and missing the main goal of developing something that is both novel and commercially viable. Our research also examined the “role identity advantage” by demonstrating that compared to novice entrepreneurs, experienced entrepreneurs can better manage tensions between their chronic and situationally salient identities.
Pill-Swallowing Training in Very Young Children With Cancer: A Case Series and Developmental Considerations
Authors: Harman Jennifer L. , Scott Amy , Jurbergs Niki
Published: September 2020

Pill-swallowing training (PST) is a promising behavioral intervention. However, previous studies of PST have largely reported outcomes only in children aged 6 years and older. In the pediatric oncology setting, younger children may benefit from learning to swallow pills, with motivators such as avoiding bad-tasting liquid medications, simplifying oral medication routines, and accessing trials for patients with poor prognoses. Here, we briefly describe the standard PST intervention protocol and report success with very young patients experiencing a variety of medical, emotional, behavioral, and developmental complications. The current case series illustrates the utility of traditional behavioral PST interventions with novel supplements, such as intervention to increase general compliance or decrease anxiety, in four young children with cancer. These cases highlight the effectiveness of PST and describe the positive impact reported by each family. Developmental considerations for using PST with young children with cancer are offered.
Comparison of Point-of-Care Testing Methods and Laboratory Analysis for Assessing Urine Specific Gravity and pH of Children Undergoing Chemotherapy
Authors: Kalbfeld Karen , Parkosewich Janet A. , Teng Wei , Funk Marjorie
Published: September 2020

Background

To reduce the risk of renal toxicity, urine specific gravity (SG) and pH (potential of hydrogen) parameters should be met before nephrotoxic chemotherapeutic agents are administered. The purpose of this study was to compare laboratory urine SG and pH values with those obtained with urine point-of-care (POC) testing methods commonly used when caring for children receiving nephrotoxic chemotherapeutic agents.

Method

A method-comparison design was used to compare the values of three POC methods for SG (dipstick, automated dipstick reader, refractometer) and three pH (dipstick, automated dipstick reader, litmus paper) methods with laboratory analysis of 86 urine samples from 43 children hospitalized on a pediatric hematology oncology unit in a large academic medical center. The Bland–Altman method was used to calculate bias and precision between POC and laboratory values.

Results

Except for the SG refractometer, bias values from Bland–Altman graphs demonstrated poor agreement between POC and laboratory urine SG and pH results. The precision values between these methods indicated overestimation or underestimation of hydration or urine pH status. Compared with laboratory methods, 31% of POC visual reading of dipstick SG values were falsely low—putting the patient at risk of not receiving necessary hydration and subsequent nephrotoxicity.

Discussion

In conclusion, most POC urine testing methods for SG and pH are not accurate compared with laboratory analysis. Because laboratory analyses can take longer than POC methods to obtain results, clinicians need to collaborate with laboratory medicine to ensure that an expedited process is in place in order to prevent chemotherapy administration delays.
Adaptive magnetorheological energy absorber control method for drop-induced shock mitigation
Authors: Wang Mukai , Chen Zhaobo , Wereley Norman M
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a minimum duration deceleration exposure (MDDE) control method for drop-induced shock mitigation system using a magnetorheological energy absorber (MREA) at high sink rates. The key MDDE control goal is that the payload should come to rest after fully using the available MREA stroke, that is, to accomplish a soft landing, without exceeding the maximum allowable deceleration and simultaneously minimizing the duration of exposure to the maximum allowable deceleration. The MDDE control algorithm is developed as follows for a given available stroke. The payload deceleration is initially set to the maximum allowable value and held constant until the remaining damper stroke and payload velocity are such that the Bingham number control can be used for the terminal trajectory to ensure a soft landing. The sink rate range of the MDDE control is calculated and the results show that the MDDE control can be utilized at high sink rates, whereas prior Bingham number control can be used only at sufficiently low sink rates without violating the maximum allowable deceleration constraint. An optimal criterion to switch from the BN control method to MDDE control method is developed. Finally, the optimal control method is applied for a helicopter seat suspension system by optimal selection criterion to automatically accommodate varying sink rate (drop velocity) and occupant weight.
Surgical CPT Coding Discrepancies
Authors: Glauser Gregory , Sharma Nikhil , Beatson Nathan , Dimentberg Ryan , Savarese Frank , Gagliardi Michael , Grady M. Sean , Malhotra Neil R.
Published: September 2020

Surgeon providers and billing professionals use Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes to specify patient treatment and associated charges. In the present study, coding discrepancies between surgeons’ first pass coding and employed coders’ final codes were investigated. A total of 500 patients over 3 months were retrospectively analyzed for coding discrepancies. To quantify the impact of change, codes with the most accumulated discrepancies were studied and change to annual relative value unit (RVU) was determined. Final submission of codes to billing demonstrated a 161% increase in total codes by the professional coders, versus original surgeon-derived codes (1594 vs 987 CPT codes). The most common source of change between the surgeon and coder was the addition of distinct codes by the billing professional (270 patients, 54.51%). These results demonstrate the existence of coding discrepancies. Future investigation will evaluate the communication between surgeons and billing professionals.
Parent-Mediated Interventions for School-Age Children With ASD: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ratliff-Black Marie , Therrien William
Published: September 2020

Parent-mediated interventions (PMIs) are commonly used with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and their effectiveness for young children has been documented. However, no reviews have examined the use of PMIs with older children with ASD. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to investigate the state of the literature regarding PMIs for school-age children with ASD and to evaluate their effectiveness across domains. Eighteen studies of PMIs examining 170 child participants with ASD were included. Participants, interventions, and the effects of the interventions are described. Overall, studies demonstrated moderately positive effects for PMIs for school-age children with ASD. Group design studies demonstrated an overall effect size (ES) of 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.50, 1.09], while single-case design (SCD) studies yielded an overall ES of 1.84, 95% CI = [1.08, 2.60]. More research is needed to understand the differential effectiveness of parent training components, and future research should focus on including measures of parent treatment integrity, to aid in the understanding of program efficacy.
Correlates of depression and anxiety among homeless adults with latent tuberculosis infection
Authors: Garfin Dana Rose , Morisky Donald , Shin Sanghyuk S , Salem Benissa , Yadav Kartik , Deguzman Regine , Harvey Grace , Adams Isaac , Halas Katherine , Chang Alicia , White Kathryn , Wu Jesse , Nyamathi Adeline M
Published: September 2020

Homeless persons have disproportionate rates of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). LTBI treatment can prevent and reduce active tuberculosis spread. We examined associations between mental health, social support, and perceptions of general health in 50 LTBI-positive, homeless adults enrolled in LTBI treatment. Depression and anxiety prevalence were 40% and 48%, respectively. Depression was negatively associated with general health, positive social interaction, and tangible, emotional/informational, and total social support, and positively associated with severe substance use ( ps < 0.05). Anxiety was negatively associated with emotional/informational, tangible and total social support, and positively associated with severe substance use ( ps < 0.05). Mental health services may help improve LTBI interventions.
Is music streaming bad for musicians? Problems of evidence and argument
Authors: Hesmondhalgh David
Published: September 2020

Great controversy has surrounded the growth of the music streaming services that are now central to the music industries internationally. One important set of criticisms concerns the amount of money that music creators receive for the recorded music that is distributed on these services. Many claim that music streaming has made it harder than before for musicians to make a living from music. This article identifies and discusses some significant problems of argument and evidence surrounding these criticisms, as follows: (a) a dubious focus on ‘per-stream’ rates offered by music streaming services, (b) a failure to see streaming services as part of wider systems of music and ownership, (c) tendencies towards simplification when systemic problems are taken into account, and (d) the limited evidence provided when commentators claim, imply or assume that the system has become notably less just. It then discusses debates concerning what might be done to improve the system, especially whether ‘user-centric’ systems of payment might be adopted, instead of the current ‘pro-rata’ system. The article suggests that more musicians rather than fewer might now be able to earn money from recorded music than in preceding recorded-music systems. But it also proposes that the current system retains the striking inequalities and generally poor working conditions that characterised its predecessors, and that better debate requires greater transparency about usage and payment on the part of streaming services and music businesses.
Can Exercise Counteract Cancer Cachexia? A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Niels Timo , Tomanek Annika , Freitag Nils , Schumann Moritz
Published: September 2020

Background:

Cancer-cachexia is associated with chronic inflammation, impaired muscle metabolism and body mass loss, all of which are classical targets of physical exercise.

Objectives:

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effects of exercise on body and muscle mass in cachectic cancer hosts.

Data Sources:

PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, CINHAL, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched until July 2019.

Study Selection:

Trials had to be randomized controlled trials or controlled trials including cancer patients or animal models with cachexia-inducing tumors. Only sole exercise interventions over at least 7 days performed in a controlled environment were included.

Data Extraction:

Risk of bias was assessed and a random-effects model was used to pool effect sizes by standardized mean differences (SMD).

Results:

All eligible 20 studies were performed in rodents. Studies prescribed aerobic (n = 15), strength (n = 3) or combined training (n = 2). No statistical differences were observed for body mass and muscle weight of the gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis muscles between the exercise and control conditions (SMD = ‒0.05, 95%CI-0.64-0.55, P = 0.87). Exercise duration prior to tumor inoculation was a statistical moderator for changes in body mass under tumor presence ( P = 0.04).

Limitations:

No human trials were identified. A large study heterogeneity was present, probably due to different exercise modalities and outcome reporting.

Conclusion:

Exercise does not seem to affect cancer-cachexia in rodents. However, the linear regression revealed that exercise duration prior to tumor inoculation led to reduced cachexia-severity, possibly strengthening the rationale for the use of exercise in cancer patients at cachexia risk.
Endogenous switching regression model and treatment effects of count-data outcome
Authors: Hasebe Takuya
Published: September 2020

In this article, I describe the escount command, which implements the estimation of an endogenous switching model with count-data outcomes, where a potential outcome differs across two alternate treatment statuses. escount allows for either a Poisson or a negative binomial regression model with lognormal latent heterogeneity. After estimating the parameters of the switching regression model, one can estimate various treatment effects with the command teescount. I also describe the command lncount, which fits the Poisson or negative binomial regression model with lognormal latent heterogeneity.
Speaking Stata: Is a variable constant?
Authors: Cox Nicholas J.
Published: September 2020

Whether a variable is in fact constant—so that it takes on exactly the same value in different observations—is of common concern in statistical work. The question may arise for all the observations in a dataset or for different subsets of the dataset. It may arise because constancy is desirable or because constancy is undesirable, but either way we often need to check simply and quickly. In this column, I discuss several methods for checking. I do not claim to offer a complete analysis of why you might or should care but will give examples arising from experience.
Machine learning in cybersecurity: a comprehensive survey
Authors: Dasgupta Dipankar , Akhtar Zahid , Sen Sajib
Published: September 2020

Today’s world is highly network interconnected owing to the pervasiveness of small personal devices (e.g., smartphones) as well as large computing devices or services (e.g., cloud computing or online banking), and thereby each passing minute millions of data bytes are being generated, processed, exchanged, shared, and utilized to yield outcomes in specific applications. Thus, securing the data, machines (devices), and user’s privacy in cyberspace has become an utmost concern for individuals, business organizations, and national governments. In recent years, machine learning (ML) has been widely employed in cybersecurity, for example, intrusion or malware detection and biometric-based user authentication. However, ML algorithms are vulnerable to attacks both in the training and testing phases, which usually leads to remarkable performance decreases and security breaches. Comparatively, limited studies have been conducted to understand the essence and degree of the vulnerabilities of ML techniques against security threats and their defensive mechanisms. It is imperative to systematize recent works related to cybersecurity using ML to seek the attention of researchers, scientists, and engineers. Therefore, in this paper, we provide a comprehensive survey of the works that have been carried out most recently (from 2013 to 2018) on ML in cybersecurity, describing the basics of cyber-attacks and corresponding defenses, the basics of the most commonly used ML algorithms, and proposed ML and data mining schemes for cybersecurity in terms of features, dimensionality reduction, and classification/detection techniques. In this context, this article also provides an overview of adversarial ML, including the security characteristics of deep learning methods. Finally, open issues and challenges in cybersecurity are highlighted and potential future research directions are discussed.
Isolated Intermetatarsal Ligament Release as Primary Operative Management for Morton’s Neuroma: Short-term Results
Authors: Elghazy Mohamed Abdelaziz , Whitelaw Kathryn C. , Waryasz Gregory R. , Guss Daniel , Johnson Anne H. , DiGiovanni Christopher W.
Published: September 2020

Background

Although the precise pathoetiology of Morton’s neuroma remains unclear, chronic nerve entrapment from the overlying intermetatarsal ligament (IML) may play a role. Traditional operative management entails neuroma excision but risks unpredictable formation of stump neuroma.

Materials and methods

Medical records were examined for adult patients who failed at least 3 months of conservative treatment for symptomatic and recalcitrant Morton’s neuroma and who then underwent isolated IML decompression without neuroma resection.

Results

A total of 12 patients underwent isolated IML decompression for Morton’s neuroma with an average follow-up of 13.5 months. Visual Analog Pain Scale averaged 6.4 ± 1.8 (4-9) preoperatively and decreased to an average of 2 ± 2.1 (0-7) at final follow-up (P = .002). All patients reported significant improvement.

Conclusion

Isolated IML release of chronically symptomatic Morton’s neuroma shows promising short-term results regarding pain relief, with no demonstrated risk of recurrent neuroma formation, permanent numbness, or postoperative symptom exacerbation.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV: Case series
Predictors of stakeholders’ intention to adopt nutrigenomics
Authors: Mustapa Muhammad Adzran Che , Amin Latifah , Frewer Lynn J.
Published: September 2020

Background

Nutrigenomics is an emerging science that studies the relationship between genes, diet and nutrients that can help prevent chronic disease. The development of this science depends on whether the public accept its application; therefore, predicting their intention to adopt it is important for its successful implementation.

Objective

This study aims to analyse Malaysian stakeholders’ intentions to adopt nutrigenomics, and determines the factors that influence their intentions.

Methods

A survey was conducted based on the responses of 421 adults (aged 18 years and older) and comprising two stakeholder groups: healthcare providers (n = 221) and patients (n = 200) who were located in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. The SPSS software was used to analyse the descriptive statistics of intention to adopt nutrigenomics and the SmartPLS software was used to determine the predicting factors affecting their decisions to adopt nutrigenomics.

Results

The results show that the stakeholders perceived the benefits of nutrigenomics as outweighing its risks, suggesting that the perceived benefits represent the most important direct predictor of the intention to adopt nutrigenomics. The perceived risks of nutrigenomics, trust in key players, engagement with medical genetics and religiosity also predict the intention to adopt nutrigenomics. Additionally, the perceived benefits of nutrigenomics served as a mediator for four factors: perceived risks of nutrigenomics, engagement with medical genetics, trust in key players and religiosity, whilst the perceived risks were a mediator for engagement with medical genetics.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that the intentions of Malaysian stakeholders to adopt nutrigenomics are a complex decision-making process where all the previously mentioned factors interact. Although the results showed that the stakeholders in Malaysia were highly positive towards nutrigenomics, they were also cautious about adopting it.
Maternal exposure to Wenchuan earthquake and prolonged risk of offspring birth outcomes: a natural experiment study
Authors: Lian Qiguo , Ni Jiaying , Zhang Jun , Little Julian , Luo Shan , Zhang Lin
Published: September 2020

Background

The prolonged effects of disasters on reproductive outcomes among the survivors are less studied, and the findings are inconsistent. We examined the associations of maternal exposure to the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake years before conception with adverse birth outcomes.

Methods

We included 73,493 women who delivered in 96 hospitals in 24 provinces and autonomous regions from the 2015/16 China Labor and Delivery Survey. We weighted the multivariable logistic models based on the combination of coarsened exact matching (CEM) weight and survey weight, and performed sex-stratified analysis to test whether associations of maternal earthquake exposure with adverse birth outcomes (Stillbirth, preterm birth [PTB], low birthweight [LBW], and small for gestational age [SGA]) varied by sex.

Results

The bivariate models showed that the weighted incidence of each adverse birth outcome was higher in exposed group than unexposed group: stillbirth (2.00% vs. 1.33%), PTB (14.14% vs. 7.32%), LBW (10.82% vs. 5.76%), and SGA (11.32% vs. 9.52%). The multivariable models showed maternal earthquake exposure was only associated significantly with a higher risk of PTB in offspring among all births (adjusted risk ratio [aRR](95%CI):1.25(1.06–1.48), P = 0.010). The sex-stratified analysis showed the association was significant among male births (aRR (95%CI): 1.40(1.12–1.75),P = 0.002),but unsignificant among female births. The sensitivity analysis reported similar findings.

Conclusions

The 2008 Wenchuan earthquake exposure has a long-term effect on PTB. Maternal acute exposure to disasters could be a major monitor for long-term reproductive outcomes. More attention should be paid to the underlining reasons for disaster-related adverse birth outcomes.
AHRR methylation in heavy smokers: associations with smoking, lung cancer risk, and lung cancer mortality
Authors: Grieshober Laurie , Graw Stefan , Barnett Matt J. , Thornquist Mark D. , Goodman Gary E. , Chen Chu , Koestler Devin C. , Marsit Carmen J. , Doherty Jennifer A.
Published: September 2020

Background

A low level of methylation at cg05575921 in the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) gene is robustly associated with smoking, and some studies have observed associations between cg05575921 methylation and increased lung cancer risk and mortality. To prospectively examine whether decreased methylation at cg05575921 may identify high risk subpopulations for lung cancer screening among heavy smokers, and mortality in cases, we evaluated associations between cg05575921 methylation and lung cancer risk and mortality, by histotype, in heavy smokers.

Methods

The β-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET) included enrollees ages 45–69 with ≥ 20 pack-year smoking histories and/or occupational asbestos exposure. A subset of CARET participants had cg05575921 methylation available from HumanMethylationEPIC assays of blood collected on average 4.3 years prior to lung cancer diagnosis in cases. Cg05575921 methylation β-values were treated continuously for a 10% methylation decrease and as quintiles, where quintile 1 (Q1, referent) represents high methylation and Q5, low methylation. We used conditional logistic regression models to examine lung cancer risk overall and by histotype in a nested case-control study including 316 lung cancer cases (diagnosed through 2005) and 316 lung cancer-free controls matched on age (±5 years), sex, race/ethnicity, enrollment year, current/former smoking, asbestos exposure, and follow-up time. Mortality analyses included 372 lung cancer cases diagnosed between 1985 and 2013 with available methylation data. We used Cox proportional hazards models to examine mortality overall and by histotype.

Results

Decreased cg05575921 methylation was strongly associated with smoking, even in our population of heavy smokers. We did not observe associations between decreased pre-diagnosis cg05575921 methylation and increased lung cancer risk, overall or by histotype. We observed linear increasing trends for lung cancer-specific mortality across decreasing cg05575921 methylation quintiles for adenocarcinoma and small cell carcinoma (P-trends = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively).

Conclusions

In our study of heavy smokers, decreased cg05575921 methylation was strongly associated with smoking but not increased lung cancer risk. The observed association between cg05575921 methylation and increased mortality in adenocarcinoma and small cell histotypes requires further examination. Our results do not support using decreased cg05575921 methylation as a biomarker for lung cancer screening risk stratification.