bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of the Ferroptosis-Associated Gene Signature to Predict the Prognostic Status of Endometrial Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Qin Jinlong , Shao Xiaowen , Wu Lei , Du Hongling
Published: September 2021

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the most common gynecological carcinomas. As previously described, ferroptosis was reported to exhibit a significant association with the development of malignant neoplasms. Nevertheless, there are few studies towards the association between the implication of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) and the prognostic status of patients with EC. Our study demonstrated that ferroptosis-related genes were evidently differently expressed in EC. Further analysis showed that SLC7A11, SAT1, CDKN1A, and TP5MC3 expression was linked to the low stage, grade of pTNM, and longer survival time. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that these ferroptosis-related regulators played a crucial role in EC by modulating multiple biological processes, such as cell cycle, citrate cycle (TCA cycle), metabolism-related pathways, ERK activation, p53 signaling pathway, cellular senescence, TAp63 pathway, and Notch signaling pathway. Of note, our results showed that ATP5MC3, CDKN1A, and SLC7A11 expression was dramatically positively related with the tumor mutational burden (TMB) score in EC. However, we did not observe a significant correlation between SAT1 and the TMB score in EC. These findings for the first time demonstrated that ferroptosis was displayed crucially in EC progression. We speculated that our findings offered novel targets and strategies for personalized treatment.
Effect of Maternal and Fetal Characteristics in Feto-Placental Doppler and Impact of Using Adjusted Standards in the Definition of Fetal Growth Restriction at Term
Authors: Rial-Crestelo Marta , Velasco-Santiago Ana Rosy , Lubusky Marek , Hermanova Katerina , Kajdy Anna , Modzelewski Jan , Krofta Ladislav , Vojtech Jiri , Ferriols-Pérez Elena , Rueda-García Carol , Parra-Cordero Mauro , Socias Pamela , Zohav Eyal , Cruz-Lemini Monica , Gratacos Eduard , Figueras Francesc
Published: September 2021

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the effect and clinical impact of physiological characteristics on the 95th/5th centile of the umbilical artery (UA) Doppler and the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR), at 36+ weeks. Methods: From the multicenter randomized trial “Ratio37,” we selected 4,505 low-risk pregnant women between June 2016 and January 2020. We registered physiological characteristics and the pulsatility indexes (PI) of the UA and middle cerebral artery (36–39 weeks). The 95th/5th centile of the UA PI and CPR was modeled by quantile regression. To evaluate the clinical impact of adjusting Doppler, we retrospectively applied gestational age (GA) and fully adjusted standards to 682 small for gestational age (SGA)-suspected fetuses (37 weeks) from a cohort of consecutive patients obtained between January 2010 and January 2020. Results: Several physiological characteristics significantly influenced the 95th/5th centile of the UA and CPR PI. The fully adjusted 95th centile of the UA was higher, and the 5th centile of the CPR was lower than GA-only-adjusted standards. Of the 682 SGA fetuses, 150 (22%) were classified as late fetal growth restricted only by GA and 112 (16.4%) when we adjusted Doppler. These 38 fetuses had similar perinatal outcome than the SGA group. Discussion: The 95th/5th centile of the UA and CPR PI is significantly influenced by physiological characteristics. Adjusting Doppler standards could differentiate better between FGR and SGA.
LncRNA RMST Regulates Neuronal Apoptosis and Inflammatory Response via Sponging miR-150-5p in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Chen Chuanlei , Zhang Shijuan , Wei Yuhong , Sun Xibo
Published: September 2021

Introduction: LncRNA rhabdomyosarcoma 2-associated transcript (RMST) serves as a key regulator in neural stem cell fate and is involved in the progression of different neurological diseases. In this research, the serum level and clinical value of RMST in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients were detected, and the underlying mechanism was explored. Methods: Ninety-nine PD patients and 93 healthy individuals were collected for clinical experiments. SH-SY5Y cells were treated with the dopaminergic neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) to establish PD cell models. qRT-PCR was used for the detection of mRNA levels. CCK-8 and flow cytometry were used to detect neuronal viability and apoptosis. The target relationship of RMST with miR-15a-5p was confirmed applying luciferase reporter assay. Results: RMST was present at high levels in both serum of PD patients and PD cell models. Serum RMST had a certain clinical value for the diagnosis of PD with the AUC of 0.892 at a cutoff value of 1.225. Serum RMST was positively associated with the levels of TNF-α (r = 0.421, p < 0.001) and IL-1β (r = 0.567, p < 0.001) in PD patients. Knockdown of RMST alleviated the apoptosis and inflammatory response of SH-SY5Y cells induced by MPP+. miR-150-5p was the target gene of RMST and less expressed in the clinical serum samples and PD cell models. Conclusion: Serum RMST serves as a promising biomarker for the diagnosis of PD. RMST downregulation may regulate the occurrence and development of PD through inhibiting neuron cell apoptosis and the release of inflammatory cytokines via targeting miR-150-5p.
Acute Kidney Injury in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients: National Analysis of Impact of Age
Authors: Sakhuja Ankit , McCarthy Paul , Hayanga Jeremiah A. , Turley Steven , Smith Gordon , Kellum John A.
Published: September 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to determine epidemiology and outcomes of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and to assess if age modifies the effect of AKI on mortality. Methods: Using National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample Database for hospitalizations in the USA from 2003 to 2014, we identified adult patients on ECMO support. Using International Classification of Diseases 9th Revision, we assessed the rates of AKI and AKI requiring dialysis (AKI-D) among them and associated survival. We used a multivariable logistic regression to identify risk factors of and differential effect of age on mortality from AKI. Results: AKI was seen in 63.9% of 17,942 ECMO hospitalizations: 21.9% of those with AKI required dialysis. The percentage of those with AKI increased steadily. Mortality was higher in those with AKI, with highest in those with AKI-D (70.8% vs. 61.7%; p < 0.001). While both age and AKI were independent predictors of mortality, age was neither a risk factor for AKI nor did it modify the effect of AKI on mortality. Conclusions: AKI is common and is increasing among patients on ECMO support. Patients on ECMO have high mortality and AKI is an independent predictor of mortality. Though age is also an independent predictor of mortality in patients on ECMO, it is neither a predictor of AKI nor does not modify the relationship between AKI and mortality.
Canagliflozin Improves Liver Function in Rats by Upregulating Asparagine Synthetase
Authors: Wang Shiqi , Ding Yasong , Dong Ruoyao , Wang Hongyun , Yin Lingdi , Meng Shengnan
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Canagliflozin (CANA) is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor that was recently approved for treating diabetes. However, its effects on liver function are not well understood. The function of asparagine synthetase (ASNS) has been studied in several cancers but not in liver injury. Therefore, we investigated the connection between CANA and ASNS in alleviating damage (i.e., their hepatoprotective effect) in a rat liver injury model. Methods: The rat model of liver injury was established using carbon tetrachloride treatment. Rats with liver injury were administered CANA orally for 8 weeks daily. After week 8, peripheral blood was collected to measure serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Liver histopathology was examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining to determine the degree of liver injury. Protein expression in the rat livers was examined using Western blotting. Results: CANA treatment decreased serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels compared with those of the untreated group, demonstrating diminished liver injury. Mechanistically, CANA treatment activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), leading to increased nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), which upregulated ASNS expression in liver-injured rats. Conclusion: CANA significantly alleviated liver injury by activating the AMPK/Nrf2/ATF4 axis and upregulating ASNS expression, indicating its potential for treating patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with impaired liver function.
Neonatal Hemoglobin Levels in Preterm Infants Are Associated with Early Neurological Functioning
Authors: Kalteren Willemien S. , Mebius Mirthe J. , Verhagen Elise A. , Tanis Jozien C. , Kooi Elisabeth M.W. , Bos Arend F.
Published: September 2021

Background: Neonatal anemia may compromise oxygen transport to the brain. The effects of anemia and cerebral oxygenation on neurological functioning in the early neonatal period are largely unknown. Objective: This study aimed to determine the association between initial hemoglobin levels (Hb) and early neurological functioning in preterm infants by assessing their general movements (GMs). Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation was conducted. We excluded infants with intraventricular hemorrhage > grade II. On day 8, we assessed infants’ GMs, both generally as normal/abnormal and in detail using the general movement optimality score (GMOS). We measured cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (rcSO2) on day 1 using near-infrared spectroscopy. Results: We included 65 infants (median gestational age 29.9 weeks [IQR 28.2–31.0]; median birth weight 1,180 g [IQR 930–1,400]). Median Hb on day 1 was 10.3 mmol/L (range 4.2–13.7). Lower Hb on day 1 was associated with a higher risk of abnormal GMs (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.3–4.1) and poorer GMOSs (B = 0.9, 95% CI: 0.2–1.7). Hemoglobin strongly correlated with rcSO2 (rho = 0.62, p < 0.01). Infants with lower rcSO2 values tended to have a higher risk of abnormal GMs (p = 0.06). After adjusting for confounders, Hb on day 1 explained 44% of the variance of normal/abnormal GMs and rcSO2 explained 17%. Regarding the explained variance of the GMOS, this was 25% and 16%, respectively. Conclusions: In preterm infants, low Hb on day 1 is associated with impaired neurological functioning on day 8, which is partly explained by low cerebral oxygenation.
Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia: Terminology, Mechanism, Diagnosis, and Emergency Therapy
Authors: Viskin Sami , Chorin Ehud , Viskin Dana , Hochstadt Aviram , Schwartz Arie Lorin , Rosso Raphael
Published: September 2021

Polymorphic ventricular tachyarrhythmias are highly lethal arrhythmias. Several types of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia have similar electrocardiographic characteristics but have different modes of therapy. In fact, medications considered the treatment of choice for one form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, are contraindicated for the other. Yet confusion about terminology, and thus diagnosis and therapy, continues. We present an in-depth review of the different forms of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and propose a practical step-by-step approach for distinguishing these malignant arrhythmias.
The Effect of Mixed Cultivation Using Companion Plants on the Growth and Quality of Cherry Tomatoes
Authors: Lee Byoung-Kwon , Yun Hyung Kwon , Hong In-Kyoung , Jung Young-Bin , Lee Sang-Mi
Published: September 2021

Background and objective Recent urban agriculture meets the needs of urban residents that safety and avoids using chemical pesticides. This study was conducted to identify various factors of companion planting affecting the growth of cherry tomatoes, which will promoting urban agriculture by improving socioeconomic satisfaction with gardening activities through quality. Methods Four types of companion plants such as marigold, zinnia, spearmint and basil, that have a companion effect with growth, sugar content, and vitamin C content. We obtained the mean and standard deviation and tested the significance at a 95% confidence level (p < .05) with Duncan’s multiple range test after one way ANOVA and MANOVA. Results Compared to monoculture of cherry tomatoes, the plant growth in the treatment plots with companion planting showed a significant increase overall(p < .05), but there wasn’t interaction effect among companion plants, planting ratio and type. As for the absorption of inorganic components, the companion planting showed better absorption than monoculture of cherry tomatoes, as favorable growth, and there was an interaction effect among the individual factors. The sugar content was higher than the standard sugar content of 5.8 brix in both the treatment plots at the control, and vitamin C content was higher than the control at 26.27mg/100g in all treatment plots, but there wasn’t statistically significant difference. The soil pH in the cultivation plot ranges from 5.5 to 9.0 and was weakly alkaline in all treatment plots except zinnia, showing low contents of phosphoric acid, exchageable potassium, calcium and magnesium. Conclusion This study was conducted to analyze various factors such as the growth of cherry tomatoes, contents of inorganic components, sugar content and vitamin C content of fruits, and soil analysis according to companion plants, planting type, and planting ratio. We will study sugar content by measuring the change in growth every phase of fruits.
Unraveling the identity of Paepalanthus decorus (Eriocaulaceae)
Authors: DA SILVA LUCAS ESPINDOLA FLORÊNCIO , TROVÓ MARCELO
Published: September 2021

Paepalanthus decorus was described by Delia Abbiatti from a single collection of individuals made by Carlos Luis Spegazzini in Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, deposited at the La Plata Museum. The species is known only from the type specimens, which were unusual for being collected far to the south of the distribution of the other species included in P. sect. Diphyomene. In recent nomenclatural treatments for P. sect. Diphyomene, P. decorus was disregarded, remaining known only from its original publication. Here, we critically evaluate the protologue, type specimens, and the vegetative and floral morphology of this species. As a result, we propose its synonymization under P. flaccidus. A detailed comparison of these species is provided, along with comments on typification, with a lectotype designated for P. flaccidus.
Additional mislabeling in African Onthophagus Latreille, 1802 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae): the case of Onthophagus viviensis and Onthophagus laevatus
Authors: ROSSINI MICHELE
Published: September 2021

The study of the type material of Onthophagus viviensis d’Orbigny, 1905 and Onthophagus laevatus d’Orbigny, 1902 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Onthophagini) revealed that these two species described from Africa are instead two South American Onthophagus Latreille, 1802. The male of O. viviensis is described for the first time and its systematic position within the O. curvicornis species complex of American Onthophagus is discussed. In addition, Onthophagus laevatus new synonym is established as junior subjective synonym of Onthophagus curvicornis Latreille, 1812. Photographs of the type material examined, pictures of the body and male genitalia of O. viviensis and O. curvicornis, and an updated map of the geographic distribution of these two South American species is provided. A neotype is designated for O. curvicornis and lectotypes are designated for O. laevatus, O. minax Kirsch, 1866 and O. viviensis.
Involuntary Displacement and Rehabilitation: A Comparative Study of Hirakud and Kaptai Dams of India and Bangladesh
Authors: Nayak Arun Kumar
Published: September 2021

The present article has made a comparative study of Hirakud and Kaptai dams of India and Bangladesh, respectively, to study the approach of governance of both countries in addressing the issue of displacement, resettlement and rehabilitation. It found that the civil–military regime of Bangladesh and the democratic regime of India are equally repressive in addressing the aforesaid issues. However, in the case of the Kaptai Dam, the whole episode of displacement led to arms conflicts, statelessness and insurgency in the state, while no such things were experienced in the case of the Hirakud Dam.
Influence of fabric structure on electrical resistance of graphene-coated textiles
Authors: Ruiz-Calleja Tamara , Bonet-Aracil Marilés , Gisbert-Payá Jaime , Bou-Belda Eva , Montava Ignacio , Calderón-Villajos Rocío
Published: September 2021

Coating is a technique widely used in the textile industry for different purposes, mainly in coloring and functional finishes. Graphene is usually applied to fabrics using coating techniques to provide such fabrics with properties like thermal or electrical conductivity. All woven fabrics have peaks and valleys in their structure, generated by the warp and weft threads interlacing. When spreading the graphene coating, the paste is placed in the fabric’s interstices, and the connection between conductive particles is only produced when the height of the coating is sufficient to connect the different areas where it is deposited. This article analyzes three types of satin weave with three interlacing coefficients (ICs) (0.4, 0.25, 0.17) and two sets of weft yarns each (20 and 71.43 tex). For a blade gap of 1.5 mm, the electrical resistance of samples with weft yarn count of 20 tex and IC of 0.4 is 534.33 Ω, while for IC = 0.25 electrical resistance is 36.8% higher and for IC = 0.17 this parameter increases 249.3%. For samples with weft yarn count of 71.43, the sample with IC = 0.40 exhibits an electrical resistance of 1053 Ω, for IC = 0.25 this value rises to 33.9% and for IC = 0.17 the electrical resistance value increases a total of 78.9%. This finding can be of interest for coatings where continuity is crucial, and for the application of substances that need to be protected from external factors, for which fabrics with deep interstices can be designed to house said products.
Adverse Childhood Experiences, Family Social Capital, and Externalizing Behavior Problems: An Analysis Across Multiple Ecological Levels
Authors: Kysar-Moon Ashleigh
Published: September 2021

Some research on childhood adversity is critiqued for emphasizing the experiences of white, middle/upper-middle-class people and not accounting for adversities faced by more diverse populations. Adversities are also often summed up in ways that are unhelpful for targeting interventions to reduce risk of poor outcomes. I examine adversities across ecological levels—child, parent, family, and neighborhood—to determine the risk of externalizing behavior problems (EBP) using a racially diverse sample from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect ( N = 1058). I consider whether family social capital can offset the effects of adversity across ecological levels. Longitudinal models indicate that adversities across multiple levels and those at the child, parent, and neighborhood levels increase risk of EBP throughout childhood. Cross-sectional models yield that early family social capital is associated with fewer EBP for children with multiple levels of adversity and at the child, parent, family, and neighborhood levels.
Postoperative Pain After Endoscopic vs Microscopic Otologic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Toulouie Sara , Block‐Wheeler Nikolas R. , Rivero Alexander
Published: September 2021

Objective

Equivalent outcomes, such as procedural safety and audiometry, have been reported between endoscopic ear surgery (EES) and microscopic ear surgery (MES). This study aims to determine if EES leads to decreased postoperative pain when compared with MES.

Data Sources

PubMed, OVID MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central from 2000 to 2020.

Review Methods

A systematic review in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and standardized bias assessment was performed. Studies containing original data on postoperative pain following EES and MES were included.

Results

Fourteen studies fulfilled eligibility: 7 retrospective studies, 6 randomized controlled trials, and 1 case series. Studies included surgery for cholesteatoma (n = 3), tympanoplasty/myringoplasty (n = 6), and stapedotomy (n = 5), pooling data from 974 patients. Postoperative pain was quantitatively described through a variety of numeric pain scores. Meta‐analysis was performed on 11 studies. Among the 7 studies utilizing the numeric rating scale or visual analog scale, postoperative pain in the EES cohort was significantly lower than that of the MES cohort (standardized mean difference = −1.45 [95% CI, −2.05 to −0.85], P <. 001). Similarly, pain scores were lower in the EES cohort among the 4 studies utilizing the Three Grades Pain Scale (odds ratio = 0.2 [95% CI, 0.09‐0.45], P <. 001). Additional qualitative strengths identified in EES included significant improvements in visualization, operative time, postoperative complications, and decreased need for canalplasty. Quality assessment indicated low to moderate risk of bias for all studies.

Conclusion

Meta‐analysis confirms that EES results in significantly less postoperative pain when compared with MES. This surgical approach should be considered in the armamentarium of otologic surgeons, allowing for improved outcomes.
Sinogenic Intracranial Suppuration in Children: Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Milinis Kristijonas , Thompson Nathan , Atsmoni Smadar Cohen , Sharma Sunil Dutt
Published: September 2021

Objective

To evaluate temporal trends in the management of sinogenic intracranial suppuration and its outcomes in children.

Data Sources

A systematic search of databases was performed (Medline, Embase, Cochrane, ClinicalTrials.gov).

Review Methods

Studies in children (age <18 years) with sinogenic subdural empyema, extradural abscess, and intraparenchymal abscess were included. Data on treatment strategies were extracted. Primary outcome was death <90 days. Secondary outcomes were return to theater, neurologic disability at 6 months, and length of stay. Random effects meta‐analysis and meta‐regression were performed to investigate the effect of time and endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on these outcomes.

Results

A total of 32 retrospective observational studies involving 533 patients recruited across a 45‐year period (1975‐2020) were included. The pooled estimates for 90‐day mortality, permanent neurologic disability, and return to theater were 2.3% (95% CI, 1.1%‐3.6%; I2 = 0, P >. 99), 21.3% (95% CI, 15.3%‐27.3%; I2 = 75.2%, P <. 001), and 37.3% (95% CI, 29.5%‐45%; I2 = 71.2%, P <. 001), respectively, with no significant differences found across the study period. The pooled estimate for ESS was 58.4% (95% CI, 44.2%‐72.6%; I2 = 97.1%, P <. 001) with a significantly increasing trend in its use in the more recent years. ESS was not associated with improved mortality, reduced need for revision surgery, or neurologic disability.

Conclusion

The outcomes of sinogenic intracranial complications have not changed over the last 45 years, and ESS was not associated with improved patient outcomes. Further high‐quality studies are required to determine the most appropriate treatment modalities to improve the burden of morbidity associated with sinogenic intracranial suppuration in children.
Management of Flap Failure After Head and Neck Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Walia Amit , Lee Jake J. , Jackson Ryan S. , Hardi Angela C. , Bollig Craig A. , Graboyes Evan M. , Zenga Joseph , Puram Sidharth V. , Pipkorn Patrik
Published: September 2021

Objective

To systematically review management of flap loss in head and neck construction with free tissue transfer as compared with locoregional flap or conservative management.

Data Sources

Medline, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched up to October 2019.

Review Methods

Candidate articles were independently reviewed by 2 authors. Articles were considered eligible if they included adequate reporting of flap management after flap loss and outcomes for survival of reconstruction, length of hospitalization, and perioperative complications.

Results

A total of 429 patients had acute flap failure in the perioperative period. The overall success with a secondary free flap was 93% (95% CI, 0.89‐0.97; n = 26 studies, I2 = 12.8%). There was no difference in hospitalization length after secondary reconstruction between free tissue transfer and locoregional flaps or conservative management (relative risk of hospitalization ≥2 weeks, 96%; 95% CI, 0.80‐1.14; n = 3 studies, I2 = 0). The pooled relative risk of perioperative complications following free tissue transfer was 0.60 when compared with locoregional flap or conservative management (95% CI, 0.40‐0.92; n = 5 studies, I2 = 0).

Conclusion

Salvage reconstruction with free tissue transfer has a high success rate. Second free flaps following flap failure had a similar length of hospitalization and lower overall complication rate than locoregional reconstruction or conservative management. A second free tissue transfer, when feasible, is likely a more reliable and effective procedure for salvage reconstruction.
Translation and initial validation of the occupational balance questionnaire to Arabic—Occupational Balance Questionnaire-A
Authors: N Dhas Brightlin , Wagman Petra , Marji Firas A , Håkansson Carita , Carrasco Ricardo
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Occupational balance (OB) is related to many health indicators, including quality of life. The Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ11) was developed to measure OB, and to date, no Arabic translations of the questionnaire exist. The aim of the study was to describe the translation process of OBQ11 to Arabic and to evaluate its content validity, internal consistency, construct validity, and convergent validity.

Methods

OBQ11 was translated to Arabic (OBQ11-A) following standard guidelines. Content validity feedback was obtained from ten Arabic-speaking occupational therapists and in a cognitive debriefing with seven volunteers. In addition, OBQ11-A and the Family Quality of Life Survey-2006 were administered to 67 Arabic-speaking participants from a larger study about OB among parents.

Results

High level of agreement was found on the content of OBQ11-A from the occupational therapists. Cognitive debriefing interviews indicated that OBQ11-A was easy to understand. Cronbach’s alpha for the total OBQ11-A score was 0.864 indicating good internal consistency. Exploratory factor analysis showed acceptable factor loadings for all items. The total scores showed positive statistically significant associations with Family Quality of Life Scores ( r = 0.561, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

OBQ11-A may prove useful for assessing OB in Arabic-speaking populations. Further research is needed to establish its reliability.
Evaluating the Operational Efficiency of Two Versions of Super Diverging Diamond Interchange Design: A Case Study in Denver, Colorado
Authors: Tahmidul Haq Muhammad , Mehrara Molan Amirarsalan , Ksaibati Khaled
Published: September 2021

This paper aims to advance the current research on the new super diverging diamond interchange (super DDI) design by evaluating the operational efficiency using real-world locations. As part of a comprehensive research effort on improving the performance of failing service interchanges in the mountain-plains region, the study identified three interchanges (Interstate 225 and Mississippi Avenue, Interstate 25 and 120th Avenue, and Interstate 25 and Hampden Avenue) at Denver, Colorado as the potential candidates to model for future retrofit. Four interchange designs (i.e., existing CDI [conventional diamond interchange], DDI, super DDI-1, and super DDI-2) were tested in this study. The operational analysis was conducted using VISSIM and Synchro. Several microsimulation models (120 scenarios with 600 runs in total) were created with three peak hours (a.m., noon, and p.m.) for existing (the year 2020) and projected (the year 2030) traffic volumes. The study considered two simulation networks: (1) when no adjacent traffic signal exists, to determine how the four interchange designs would perform if there were no adjacent signals or they were far away from the interchange; and (2) when there are two adjacent traffic signals, to evaluate the performance of the four interchanges in a bigger corridor with signal coordination needed. An important finding is that super DDI designs outperformed DDI with adjacent signals and higher traffic demand, while DDI performed similarly to or sometimes insignificantly better than super DDI if no adjacent intersections were located in the vicinity and if the demand was lower than the DDI’s capacity.
Toxicity assessment of metallic nickel nanoparticles in various biological models: An interplay of reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, and apoptosis
Authors: Iqbal Shabnoor , Jabeen Farhat , Chaudhry Abdul Shakoor , Shah Muhammad Ajmal , Batiha Gaber El-Saber
Published: September 2021

Nickel nanoparticles (Ni-NPs) are widely used for multiple purposes in industries. Ni-NPs exposure is detrimental to ecosystems owing to widespread use, and so their toxicity is important to consider for real-world applications. This review mainly focuses on the notable pathophysiological activities of Ni-NPs in various research models. Ni-NPs are stated to be more toxic than bulk forms because of their larger surface area to volume ratio and are reported to provoke toxicity through reactive oxygen species generation, which leads to the upregulation of nuclear factor-κB and promotes further signaling cascades. Ni-NPs may contribute to provoking oxidative stress and apoptosis. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and mitogen-activated protein kinases pathways are involved in Ni-NPs associated toxicity. Ni-NPs trigger the transcription factors p-p38, p-JNK, p-ERK1/2, interleukin (IL)-3, TNF-α, IL-13, Fas, Cyt c, Bax, Bid protein, caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9. Moreover, Ni-NPs have an occupational vulnerability and were reported to induce lung-related disorders owing to inhalation. Ni-NPs may cause serious effects on reproduction as Ni-NPs induced deleterious effects on reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) in animal models and provoked hormonal alteration. However, recent studies have provided limited knowledge regarding the important checkpoints of signaling pathways and less focused on the toxic limitation of Ni-NPs in humans, which therefore needs to be further investigated.
Getting the Story Right: Reflecting on an Indigenous Rubric to Guide the Interpretation of Mortality Data
Authors: Cram Fiona , Cannell Heidi , Gulliver Pauline
Published: September 2021

The Family Violence Death Review Committee (FVDRC) is one of five Mortality Review Committees (MRCs) that sit within the Health Quality & Safety Commission, Aotearoa, New Zealand. A key goal of the work of these committees is the reduction of the unequal burden of disparities shouldered by Māori (Indigenous peoples). Guidance to the committees on interpreting and reporting Māori mortality comes from Te Pou (the pillar/post), a Māori responsiveness rubric published in 2019 by Ngā Pou Arawhenua (the caucus of Māori MRC members). This guidance was called upon by the FVDRC in the preparation of its sixth report, “Men who use violence,” published in 2020. In this article, the FVDRC reflects on how it strove to uphold responsibilities toward Te Titiriti o Waitangi 1 in its sixth report to get the story right ( Tika—to be correct or true), be culturally and socially responsive ( Manaakitanga—hospitability, kindness, support), advance equity, self-determination and social justice ( Mana—prestige, authority, spiritual power), and establish relationship for positive change ( Mahi Tahi—working together). Opportunities for improved responsiveness in FVDRC reporting are identified, alongside suggestions for extending the guidance in Te Pou. Reflective practice on responsiveness to Māori/Indigenous peoples is recommended more generally for MRCs.
An integrated control of front in-wheel motors and rear electronic limited slip differential for high-speed cornering performance
Authors: Cha Hyunsoo , Hyun Youngjin , Yi Kyongsu , Park Jaeyong
Published: September 2021

This paper presents an integrated control of in-wheel motor (IWM) and electronic limited slip differential (eLSD) for high-speed cornering performance. The proposed algorithm is designed to improve the handling performance near the limits of handling. The proposed controller consists of a supervisor, upper-level controller, and lower-level controller. First, the supervisor determines a target motion based on the yaw rate reference with a target understeer gradient. The target understeer gradient is devised to improve the lateral stability with in-wheel motor control based on a nonlinear static map. The yaw rate reference is designed based on the target understeer gradient to track the yaw reference with eLSD control. Second, the upper-level controller calculates the desired yaw moments for IWM and eLSD to generate the target motion. Third, the lower-level controller converts the desired yaw moment to the actuator torque commands for IWMs and eLSD. The tire friction limits are estimated based on the tire model and friction circle model to prevent tire saturation by limiting the torque inputs. The proposed algorithm has been investigated via both simulations and vehicle tests. The performance of the integrated control was compared with those of individual control and uncontrolled case in the simulation study. The vehicle tests have been performed using a rear wheel drive vehicle equipped with two front IWMs and eLSD in the rear axle. The vehicle test has been conducted at a racing track to show that the proposed algorithm can improve the lateral stability near the limits of handling.
Resveratrol reverses the cadmium-promoted migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition procession by regulating the expression of ZEB1
Authors: Qian Yan , Wang Rui , Wei Wei , Wang Min , Wang Siying
Published: September 2021

Resveratrol has been reported as an ideal medicine in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Meanwhile, cadmium could affect the occurrence and development of tumors in various ways. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition is a major progress regulated with colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to determine the effect and mechanism of resveratrol on the Cd-promoted EMT in CRC cells. First, we investigated the migration and invasion of CRC cells with or without the treatment of different concentrations of Cd in vitro by the transwell assay. Second, Western blot and RT-qPCR assay were used to detect the expressions of EMT-related markers (ZEB1, vimentin, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin) in Cd-exposed CRC cells. Subsequently, after treating with different concentrations of resveratrol, the migration and invasion of Cd-exposed CRC cells were detected again, as well as the expressions of EMT-related markers. Moreover, m6A-related RNAs in Cd-exposed CRC cells after treating with resveratrol were immunoprecipitated and validated by Me-RIP and RT-qPCR. These indicated that Cd promoted the migration and invasion of CRC cells. In addition, Cd up-regulated the expressions of N-cadherin, vimentin, and ZEB1, while it down-regulated that of E-cadherin in CRC cells. Resveratrol could reverse the Cd-promoted migration, invasion, and EMT procession by regulating the expression of ZEB1.
Exploring the Impact of Skin Tone Perception on Race-Related Outcomes and Familial Functioning Among African American Youth: Implications for African-Centered Interventions
Authors: Lateef Husain , Smyth Heather , Williams Maya , Gale Adrian , Williams Ed-Dee , Boyd Donte , Howard Howell Tyriesa , Williams-Butler Abigail
Published: September 2021

Racism and its ramifications are salient societal-level factors that detrimentally affect African American youth and families. Few studies have investigated how African American youth experience discrimination within families and society and colorism’s impact on racial identity, despite extensive racial discrimination research. We assessed whether the perceptions of African American youth of their skin tone affected their racial identity, familial functioning, and everyday discrimination, using the National Survey of American Life–Adolescent Supplement data. We found no significant relationships among skin tone perception, racial identity, familial functioning, or everyday experiences of discrimination. Conversely, age and gender differences were significant predictors of racial identity, family functioning, and discrimination reports. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings for social work practice.
“Something You Just Don’t Talk About”: An Analysis of Teenage Boys’ Experiences of Non-Consensual Sexting in Lower Secondary School
Authors: Hunehäll Berndtsson Kristina
Published: September 2021

The current study explores Swedish teenage boys’ exposure to non-consensual sexting, drawing on interviews with ninth-grade students, age 14 to 15 years, in a lower secondary school in northern Sweden. The results reveal that boys are exposed to unsolicited “dick pics,” unsolicited “female nudes” and non-consensual “explicit video” sharing via the social media platform Snapchat. However, traditional notions of heteronormativity and heterosexual masculinity prevented boys from talking about, understanding and handling experiences that may be identified as digital sexual harassment. Additionally, because of traditional gendered perceptions, students had difficulty categorizing victims and perpetrators of sexting. The study shows that there is a link between male vulnerability and male loneliness that can be manifested in both an individual and collective sense.
Metaphor in Science Communication: With Special Reference to Jade Rabbit of the Moon Rover
Authors: Zhang Yi
Published: September 2021

The metaphor can serve as an effective tool in science communication. This article studies the posts and comments of the Weibo account of Jade Rabbit of the Moon Rover, which construes the rover metaphorically as an anthropomorphized rabbit. This study explores the motivation and effect of this metaphor. Conceptual motivation can be found in the similarities between the rover and the anthropomorphized rabbit. Communicative motivation lies in its enhanced effectiveness in promoting science. The metaphor has been readily accepted by Weibo users who have displayed emotional reactions to its metaphorical construal, acquired astronomical knowledge, and determined to embark on scientific careers.
Youth as Climate Change Messengers: A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words
Authors: Hendrickson Lohmeier Jill , Thompson Shanna Rose , Chen Robert F. , Mishol Stephen
Published: September 2021

Artwork created by children can effectively communicate science content, especially for topics that are of universal concern for the public but may cause apprehension, like climate change. This commentary describes artwork from a youth art contest about climate change in which the winning art was displayed on public buses. Young artists learned about climate science while creating images that adults and youth easily engaged with in public spaces. Thus, we suggest that connecting youth with science through art, and then using youth-generated art to engage the general public in science learning can be an effective vehicle for science communication.
Seeing rainbows through the storms of a health condition: Making space for LGBTQ+ young people to have their identity acknowledged
Authors: Huckridge Jaymie , Arnold Asher , McParland James
Published: September 2021

LGBTQ+ youth accessing healthcare settings manage the ‘storms’ of health conditions (e.g. pain, fatigue, social isolation, etc.) while navigating emerging identity exploration and understandings in settings which may have historically overlooked or disaffirmed these identities. The launch of National Health Service Rainbow Badges across the paediatric division of an inner-city hospital provided a context for staff to begin thinking about their practice, development needs and dilemmas in working with LGBTQ+ youth. Through a programme of activity that included staff training, surveys, focus groups and youth engagement, we gained insight into current practice in supporting LGBTQ+ youth and families. This paper presents our findings, ideas for responding to challenges, and areas for future development, including implications in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Vaccination policy reactance: Predictors, consequences, and countermeasures
Authors: Sprengholz Philipp , Felgendreff Lisa , Böhm Robert , Betsch Cornelia
Published: September 2021

Ending the COVID-19 pandemic will require rapid large-scale uptake of vaccines against the disease. Mandating vaccination is discussed as a suitable strategy to increase uptake. In a series of cross-sectional quota-representative surveys and two preregistered experiments conducted in Germany and the US (total N = 4629), we investigated (i) correlates of individual preferences for mandatory (vs voluntary) COVID-19 vaccination policies; (ii) potential detrimental effects of mandatory policies; and (iii) interventions potentially counteracting them. Results indicate that reactance elicited by mandates can cause detrimental effects, such as decreasing the intention to vaccinate against influenza and adhere to COVID-19 related protective measures.
Risk perception of COVID-19: Susceptibility and severity perceived by the Brazilian population
Authors: Giordani Rubia Carla Formighieri , Giolo Suely Ruiz , Zanoni Da Silva Milene , Muhl Camila
Published: September 2021

This study investigated how the Brazilian population perceived the risk of COVID-19, people’s behavior in response to the pandemic, and trust in the health system in case of COVID-19 infection. The sample comprised 7430 Brazilian recruited through non-probability sampling. Association analysis was performed using logistic regression. The results revealed that the economically active population and those who lived with health professionals most perceived greater susceptibility to infection. In addition, the high severity of COVID-19 was more perceived by the elderly and by those who lived with individuals in high-risk groups.
Continuity as patterning: A process perspective on continuity
Authors: Feldman Martha S , Worline Monica , Baker Natalie , Lowerson Bredow Victoria
Published: September 2021

This article extends previous research on how work continues in the face of disruption by theorizing continuity as patterning and highlighting the difference between continuity of a thing and continuity as a process. Based on interviews with people who continued providing mental health care during and after the disruption caused by Hurricane Katrina, we show that continuity is a dynamic process that entails people orienting to what actions they can take and how they can connect these actions into paths in an unfolding material, social, and personal situation. The paths, taken together, are a pattern of work (in our case, a pattern of mental health care). While recognizing that exogenous goals play a role, we highlight the importance of the endogenous experience of an activity in taking action and creating paths. Viewing continuity as patterning suggests new roles for organizations in supporting flexible responses to disruption.
Reliable Sources? Correcting Misinformation in Polarized Media Environments
Authors: Kraft Patrick W. , Davis Nicholas R. , Davis Taraleigh , Heideman Amanda , Neumeyer Jason T. , Park Shin Young
Published: September 2021

Providing corrective information can reduce factual misperceptions among the public but it tends to have little effect on people’s underlying attitudes. Our study examines how the impact of misinformation corrections is moderated by media choice. In our experiment, participants are asked to read a news article published by Fox News or MSNBC, each highlighting the positive economic impact of legal immigration in the United States. While the news content is held constant, our treatment manipulates whether participants are allowed to freely choose a media outlet or are randomly assigned. Our results demonstrate the importance of people’s ability to choose: While factual misperceptions are easily corrected regardless of how people gained access to information, subsequent opinion change is conditional on people’s prior willingness to seek out alternative sources. As such, encouraging people to broaden their media diet may be more effective to combat misinformation than disseminating fact-checks alone.
Clinically Oriented Target Contour Evaluation Using Geometric and Dosimetric Indices Based on Simple Geometric Transformations
Authors: Xian Lixun , Li Guangjun , Xiao Qing , Li Zhibin , Zhang Xiangbin , Chen Li , Hu Zhenyao , Bai Sen
Published: September 2021

Purpose:

In radiotherapy, geometric indices are often used to evaluate the accuracy of contouring. However, the ability of geometric indices to identify the error of contouring results is limited primarily because they do not consider the clinical background. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between geometric and clinical dosimetric indices.

Methods:

Four different types of targets were selected (C-shaped target, oropharyngeal cancer, metastatic spine cancer, and prostate cancer), and the translation, scaling, rotation, and sine function transformation were performed with the software Python to introduce systematic and random errors. The transformed contours were regarded as reference contours. Dosimetric indices were obtained from the original dose distribution of the radiotherapy plan. The correlations between geometric and dosimetric indices were quantified by linear regression.

Results:

The correlations between the geometric and dosimetric indices were inconsistent. For systematic errors, and with the exception of the sine function transformation (R2: 0.023-0.04, P > 0.05), the geometric transformations of the C-shaped target were correlated with the D98% and Dmean (R2: 0.689-0.988), 80% of which were P < 0.001. For the random errors, the correlations obtained by the all targets were R2 > 0.384, P < 0.05. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the spatial direction resolution capability of geometric indices in different directions of the C-shaped target (with systematic errors), and the results showed only the volumetric geometric indices with P < 0.05.

Conclusions:

Clinically, an assessment of the contour accuracy of the region-of-interest is not feasible based on geometric indices alone. Dosimetric indices should be added to the evaluations of the accuracy of the delineation results, which can be helpful for explaining the clinical dose response relationship of delineation more comprehensively and accurately.