bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Threat and Motivation on Classical Musicians’ Professional Performance Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: López-Íñiguez Guadalupe , McPherson Gary E. , Zarza Alzugaray Francisco J.
Published: February 2022

In the past 2 years our world has experienced huge disruptions because of COVID-19. The performing arts has not been insulated from these tumultuous events with the entire music industry being thrown into a state of instability due to the paralyzing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we examined how classical professional musicians’ ability to cope with uncertainty, economic struggles, and work-life interplay during COVID-19 was influenced by various factors that affect a crucial part of the development and sustainment of music careers: musicians’ practice. We analyzed responses to an online survey of 309 classical performing musicians from 41 countries in Europe and Latin America across three pandemic stages: immediately before the pandemic, during the pandemic, and when vaccines were being made available and lockdowns were being reduced or lifted. Structural equation modeling indicates relationships between perceptions of threat at the peak of the pandemic and the musicians Self- or External-Based Motivation for the three periods in which respondents were asked to reflect. Findings suggest that musicians who are more internally self-motivated seemed to be more resilient to the pandemic threats and more capable of managing their practicing routines, whereas more externally motivated musicians experienced a reduction in their dedicated time to practice during lockdown. We suggest pedagogical and policy implications, as well as future lines of research that are oriented toward supporting professional musicians in assessing and understanding their motivational drives so that they can cope with situations that disrupt their professional lives.
Assessment and Treatment of Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia—A Regional Perspective
Authors: Bitter Istvan , Mohr Pavel , Raspopova Natalia , Szulc Agata , Samochowiec Jerzy , Micluia Ioana Valentina , Skugarevsky Oleg , Herold Róbert , Mihaljevic-Peles Alma , Okribelashvili Nino , Dragašek Jozef , Adomaitiene Virginija , Rancans Elmars , Chihai Jana , Maruta Natalia , Marić Nadja P. , Milanova Vihra , Tavčar Rok , Mosolov Sergey
Published: February 2022

Clinicians and researchers consider that there are a variety of symptoms that constitute negative symptoms in schizophrenia, and they may use different definitions for the same symptoms. These differences are also reflected in a variety of negative symptom rating scales. Both research and clinical work are negatively affected by the lack of consensus regarding the symptoms that constitute negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Leading research groups have investigated ways to reduce heterogeneity in the domain of negative symptoms in schizophrenia; however, little attention has been paid to regional differences in the concepts of negative symptoms in schizophrenia. The objective of this review was to collect and summarize information about the assessment and treatment of negative symptoms of schizophrenia in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Nineteen experts from 17 countries in CEE participated in this project. The participants collected information about their countries, including the following: (1) the most important publications about negative symptoms in schizophrenia (irrespective of the time of their publication); (2) the most frequently used negative symptom of schizophrenia in clinical practice; (3) definitions of frequently used negative symptoms; and (4) treatment of negative symptoms in schizophrenia. The participating experts/countries most frequently reported the following five negative symptoms: avolition, blunted affect, alogia, asociality, and anhedonia. Several experts also considered other symptoms as belonging to the negative symptom domain, such as a decrease in energy level and changes in personality. The importance of evaluating the long-term course and the relationship between negative symptoms and other symptom domains was also noted. No noticeable differences were reported in the treatment of negative symptoms compared to currently published guidelines and algorithms. The most frequently reported negative symptoms included those defined by the NIMH-MATRICS consensus statement on negative symptoms and recently endorsed in a guidance paper of the European Psychiatric Association. The main differences in the concepts, names, and definitions of primary negative symptoms, especially those related to personality changes, and to the evaluation of the long-term course and relationship between different symptom domains in CEE compared to the current English language literature deserve the attention of psychiatrists and other professionals in this field.
Habenular Involvement in Response to Subcallosal Cingulate Deep Brain Stimulation for Depression
Authors: Elias Gavin J. B. , Germann Jürgen , Loh Aaron , Boutet Alexandre , Pancholi Aditya , Beyn Michelle E. , Bhat Venkat , Woodside D. Blake , Giacobbe Peter , Kennedy Sidney H. , Lozano Andres M.
Published: February 2022

The habenula (Hb) is a small, evolutionarily conserved epithalamic structure implicated in functions such as reward and mood regulation. Prior imaging work suggests that Hb's structural and functional properties may relate to treatment response in depression and other mood disorders. We used multimodal MRI techniques to investigate the potential involvement of Hb in response to subcallosal cingulate area deep brain stimulation (SCC-DBS) for treatment-resistant mood disorders. Using an automated segmentation technique, we compared Hb volume at baseline and at a subsequent post-operative timepoint (4.4 ± 3.0 years after surgery) in a cohort of 32 patients who received SCC-DBS. Clinical response to treatment (≥50% decrease in HAMD-17 from baseline to 12 months post-operation) was significantly associated with longitudinal Hb volume change: responders tended to have increased Hb volume over time, while non-responders showed decreased Hb volume (t = 2.4, p = 0.021). We additionally used functional MRI (fMRI) in a subcohort of SCC-DBS patients (n = 12) to investigate immediate within-patient changes in Hb functional connectivity associated with SCC-DBS stimulation. Active DBS was significantly associated with increased Hb connectivity to several prefrontal and corticolimbic regions (TFCE-adjusted pBonferroni < 0.0001), many of which have been previously implicated in the neurocircuitry of depression. Taken together, our results suggest that Hb may play an important role in the antidepressant effect of SCC-DBS.
Participating in Longitudinal Observational Research on Psychiatric Rehabilitation: Quantitative Results From a Patient Perspective Study
Authors: Dehn Lorenz B. , Driessen Martin , Steinhart Ingmar , Beblo Thomas
Published: February 2022

Background

Longitudinal observational studies play on an important role for evidence-based research on health services and psychiatric rehabilitation. However, information is missing about the reasons, why patients participate in such studies, and how they evaluate their participation experience.

Methods

Subsequently to their final assessment in a 2-year follow-up study on supported housing for persons with severe mental illness, n = 182 patients answered a short questionnaire on their study participation experience (prior experiences, participation reasons, burden due to study assessments, intention to participate in studies again). Basic respondent characteristics as well as symptom severity (SCL-K9) were also included in the descriptive and analytical statistics.

Results

To help other people and curiosity were cited as the main initial reasons for study participation (>85%). Further motives were significantly associated with demographic and/or clinical variables. For instance, “relieve from boredom” was more frequently reported by men and patients with substance use disorders (compared to mood disorders), and participants ‘motive” to talk about illness” was associated with higher symptom severity at study entry. Furthermore, only a small proportion of respondents indicated significant burdens by study participation and about 87% would also participate in future studies.

Conclusions

The respondents gave an overall positive evaluation regarding their participation experience in an observational study on psychiatric rehabilitation. The results additionally suggest that health and social care professionals should be responsive to the expectations and needs of patients with mental illness regarding participation in research.
Framing Public Opinion on Physician-Patient Conflicts on Microblog: A Comparative Content Analysis
Authors: Gong Wanqi , Guo Qin
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Physician–patient conflicts in China have increased more than ten times from the 2000s to the 2020 and arouse heated discussions on microblog. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic is believed to have brought a turnaround in the physician–patient relationship. However, little is known about the similarities and differences among the views of opinion leaders from the general public, physicians, and media regarding physician–patient conflict incidents on microblog, and whether the outbreak had an impact on this.

Objective

This study aims to explore how opinion leaders from the physicians, general public, and media framed posts on major physician–patient conflict incidents on microblog, and compare the microblog post frames before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings will provide more objective evidence of the attitudes and perspectives of the health professionals, general public, and media on physician–patient conflicts, and the influence of pandemics on physician–patient relationship.

Methods

A comparative content analysis was conducted to examine the posts (n = 941) of microblog opinion leaders regarding major physician–patient conflicts in China from 2012 to 2020.

Results

Post-pandemic microblog posts used more cooperation, positive and negative frames, but mentioned less health-related knowledge; no difference was found in the use of conflict and attribution frames. Results on the use of frames by opinion leaders from different communities found that the media used more conflict, cooperation, attribution, and positive frames, but used fewer negative frames and mentioned less health-related knowledge than general public and physicians. Results on the use of frames for different incidents found that incidents of violence against physicians used more cooperation, positive and negative frames and mentioned less health-related knowledge; in the contract, incidents of patient death used more attribution frames and mentioned more health-related knowledge.

Conclusion

The physician and general public opinion leaders share some similarities in their post frames, implying that no fundamental discrepancy between them regarding physician–patient conflict incidents. However, the imbalanced use of frames by media microblogger would cultivate and reinforce the public perception of physician–patient contradictions. After the COVID-19 pandemic, more cooperation and positive frames were used in the posts, indicating an improvement in the physician–patient relationship in China.
LPMP: A Bio-Inspired Model for Visual Localization in Challenging Environments
Authors: Colomer Sylvain , Cuperlier Nicolas , Bresson Guillaume , Gaussier Philippe , Romain Olivier
Published: February 2022

Autonomous vehicles require precise and reliable self-localization to cope with dynamic environments. The field of visual place recognition (VPR) aims to solve this challenge by relying on the visual modality to recognize a place despite changes in the appearance of the perceived visual scene. In this paper, we propose to tackle the VPR problem following a neuro-cybernetic approach. To this end, the Log-Polar Max-Pi (LPMP) model is introduced. This bio-inspired neural network allows building a neural representation of the environment via an unsupervised one-shot learning. Inspired by the spatial cognition of mammals, visual information in the LPMP model are processed through two distinct pathways: a “what” pathway that extracts and learns the local visual signatures (landmarks) of a visual scene and a “where” pathway that computes their azimuth. These two pieces of information are then merged to build a visuospatial code that is characteristic of the place where the visual scene was perceived. Three main contributions are presented in this article: 1) the LPMP model is studied and compared with NetVLAD and CoHog, two state-of-the-art VPR models; 2) a test benchmark for the evaluation of VPR models according to the type of environment traveled is proposed based on the Oxford car dataset; and 3) the impact of the use of a novel detector leading to an uneven paving of an environment is evaluated in terms of the localization performance and compared to a regular paving. Our experiments show that the LPMP model can achieve comparable or better localization performance than NetVLAD and CoHog.
Wing Deformities in Monarch Butterflies in New Zealand: The Role of a Parasite and the Climate
Authors: Bulgarella Mariana , Lester Philip J.
Published: February 2022

Monarch butterflies can be infected by a parasite called OE. Butterflies with OE may not complete their development or, if they do, the adult butterflies might have deformed wings. We found that the proportion of adult butterflies with wing deformities increased further south in New Zealand, where the weather is colder. In contrast, the number of butterflies infected with the OE parasite decreased further to the south. No OE was observed in butterflies from the coldest, southernmost location of Dunedin, while all butterfly samples from the warmest, northernmost site at the top of the North Island were infected. The OE parasite seems to vary on a north-south gradient, with more OE in the north and less in the south. Our analysis showed that being parasitised by OE did not mean butterflies were more likely to have wing deformities. We think that the colder temperatures in the south of the country limit the development of the OE parasite and independently cause the wing deformities seen in the adult butterflies.
Let’s Campaign for a Fairer Society in the Aftermath of COVID-19
Authors: Scambler Graham
Published: February 2022

In this paper I ground a brief account of the impact of COVID-19 on the United Kingdom in an understanding of a decade of austerity politics from 2010 to 2020, itself a product of the advent and consolidation of post-1970s financialised or rentier capitalism. I argue that such an analysis is essential if realistic plans are to be laid for a “better”—understood here as a more equitable or “fairer”—society. I go on to consider the contributions that sociology can, and arguably should, make to this end. This involves a range of engagements from scholarship at one end of the spectrum to action or muckraking sociology at the other. In addition to plotting a role for sociology, I suggest a set of criteria for recognizing a “fairer society”; postulate a series of institutional reforms that might characterize the attainment of such a society; and outline and confront social structural, cultural and agential obstacles to its realization. A theme running throughout the paper is that the delineation and promulgation of the “good society” remains central to any credible—that is, post-Enlightenment reconstruction of - the sociological project.
Traditional Serrated Adenoma of the Gallbladder, a Case Report
Authors: Micsik Tamás , Jakab Anna , Lehoczki Csaba , Patai Árpád V.
Published: February 2022

While overwhelming majority of laparoscopic cholecystectomy specimens performed for gallstones or cholecystitis show rather typical findings, sometimes polypoid structures are also removed. These can be related to cholesterolosis or conventional adenomas, but occasionally extraordinary findings do emerge. In our case, a 67-year old lady with typical complaints of cholecystitis underwent routine laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Preoperative ultrasound revealed a polypoid mass with inflammation and without suspicion for malignancy. Microscopic examination showed partly conventional, low-grade dysplastic crypts forming a villous and rather complex structure. Ectopic crypt foci, slit-like serration pattern and serrated dysplasia with eosinophylic cytoplasm and centrally located nuclei were seen throughout the lesion, thus a traditional serrated adenoma (TSA) of the gallbladder was diagnosed. TSA represents the rarest subtype of serrated lesions in the colon and extracolonic manifestations are sporadically reported. Until now only a single case of a serrated adenoma was reported from the gallbladder. Here we describe the detailed clinical, pathological and molecular findings of our case and discuss these in the light of current literature data regarding this field.
Effect of Organic Matter Removal by Hydrogen Peroxide on the Determination of Soil Particle Size Distribution Using the Dynamometer Method
Authors: Papuga Krzysztof , Kaszubkiewicz Jarosław , Kawałko Dorota , Kreimeyer Maria
Published: February 2022

The dynamometer method of determining particle size distribution was developed several years ago. The principles of sample preparation for this method are based on those used in other sedimentation methods. With improvements in these procedures, an investigation of the effect on obtained particle size distribution results by removing organic matter using hydrogen peroxide was proposed. For this purpose, the particle size distributions were determined in 50 soil samples with varying organic matter content, before and after organic matter removal. A comparative analysis of the results, including calculation of the Euclidean distance, was performed on both groups. It was found that differences in the particle size distributions of the soils after the application of hydrogen peroxide were difficult to predict, and irregular in both magnitude and direction. However, in light soils, the process of organic matter removal caused an increase in the clay fraction at the expense of the silt fraction, which decreased. In soils with a higher initial clay fraction, there were decreases in the clay and sand fractions, while the silt fraction increased.
Realtime Tsunami Prediction System Using Ocean Floor Network for Local Regions
Authors: Takahashi Narumi , Imai Kentaro
Published: February 2022

The ocean floor network system for earthquakes and tsunamis is one of the effective tools for the early detection of large earthquakes on plate boundaries and the tsunamis they generate. The Dense Oceanfloor Network system for Earthquakes and Tsunamis (DONET) was installed in the first rupture areas of the 1944 Tonankai and 1946 Nankai earthquakes. The DONET around the Nankai Trough, a site of huge earthquakes that have caused severe damage, has the potential to detect the genesis of a tsunami. We developed a real-time tsunami prediction system for local communities that takes advantage of the features of DONET, and we have already made it available to several local governments and a commercial company. The outputs of the prediction are the tsunami arrival time, its height, its inundation area, and inundation depth. The system makes real-time monitoring of tsunamis possible. The system should be conceptually applicable to the Nankai Trough area, which has characteristics consistent with the assumptions the system makes about tsunami propagation, crustal activities, and coastal communities. Here, we describe the conceptual basis of the system, the features used to ensure the accuracy of predictions, and the policies used to develop and implement them.
Impact of the Restaurant Chimney Emissions on the Outdoor Air Quality
Authors: ElSharkawy Mahmoud Fathy , Ibrahim Osama Ahmed
Published: February 2022

The emission of cooking fumes becomes a serious concern due to the fast development of the restaurant business because it harms the health of restaurant workers and customers and damages the outdoor air quality. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of restaurant emissions on ambient air quality. Twenty restaurants with four different types of food cooking were selected in Dammam City, which represents a densely populated urban city in Saudi Arabia. Levels of five air pollutants were simultaneously measured in the restaurants’ chimneys and in the surrounding ambient air. The highest mean levels of CO (64.8 ± 44.3 ppm), CO2 (916.7 ± 463.4 ppm), VOCs (105.1 ± 61.3 ppm), NO2 (4.2 ± 2.4 ppm), and SO2 (8.0 ± 7.4 ppm) were recorded in chimneys of the grilling restaurants. Similarly, the highest levels of all pollutants were recorded in the areas adjacent to the grilling restaurants rather than other types.
Outdoor Atmospheric Microplastics within the Humber Region (United Kingdom): Quantification and Chemical Characterisation of Deposited Particles Present
Authors: Jenner Lauren C. , Sadofsky Laura R. , Danopoulos Evangelos , Chapman Emma , White David , Jenkins Rebecca L. , Rotchell Jeanette M.
Published: February 2022

Atmospheric microplastics (MPs) have been consistently captured within air samples on a global scale. Locations with high human activity are reported to have high MP levels. An urban sampling site in the Humber region (U.K.) has been sampled over a 13-month period, providing a seasonal variation profile of MP levels, size, shape, and polymer types that humans are exposed to. Mean MP levels, measured using passive fallout into a container, were 3055 ± 5072 MP m−2 day−1 (1164 median). An increase in levels with a decrease in MP size was observed, consisting of mainly film-shaped MPs (67%) that were polyethylene (31%) and nylon (28%) polymer types. No relationship between rainfall and MP fallout levels was observed. In parallel, MPs within five urbanised locations relevant to human exposure were characterised over a 2-week period. An overall MP mean (and standard deviation) of 1500 ± 1279 was observed (1012 median), from which petroleum resin accounted for 32% of MP polymer type, with a higher prevalence within industrial and roadside zones. These comprised mainly fragment (52%) and film (42%) shapes, and the MPs levels increased with decreasing particle size. The results provide novel information on characterising polymer levels and types, and can inform cellular toxicity studies, investigating the consequences of human MP exposure.
Predictive Performance of Mobile Vis–NIR Spectroscopy for Mapping Key Fertility Attributes in Tropical Soils through Local Models Using PLS and ANN
Authors: Eitelwein Mateus Tonini , Tavares Tiago Rodrigues , Molin José Paulo , Trevisan Rodrigo Gonçalves , de Sousa Rafael Vieira , Demattê José Alexandre Melo
Published: February 2022

Mapping soil fertility attributes at fine spatial resolution is crucial for site-specific management in precision agriculture. This paper evaluated the performance of mobile measurements using visible and near-infrared spectroscopy (vis–NIR) to predict and map key fertility attributes in tropical soils through local data modeling with partial least squares regression (PLS) and artificial neural network (ANN). Models were calibrated and tested in a calibration area (18-ha) with high spatial variability of soil attributes and then extrapolated in the entire field (138-ha). The models calibrated with ANN obtained superior performance for all attributes. Although ANN models obtained satisfactory predictions in the calibration area (ratio of performance to interquartile range (RPIQ) ≥ 1.7) for clay, organic matter (OM), cation exchange capacity (CEC), base saturation (V), and exchangeable (ex-) Ca, it was not repeated for some of them when extrapolated into the entire field. In conclusion, robust mappings (RPIQ = 2.49) were obtained for clay and OM, indicating that these attributes can be successfully mapped on tropical soils using mobile vis–NIR spectroscopy and local calibrations using ANN. This study highlights the need to implement an independent test to assess reliability and extrapolability of previously calibrated models, even when extrapolating the models to neighboring areas.
A New q-Hypergeometric Symbolic Calculus in the Spirit of Horn, Borngässer, Debiard and Gaveau
Authors: Ernst Thomas
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this article is to introduce a new complete multiple q-hypergeometric symbolic calculus, which leads to q-Euler integrals and a very similar canonical system of q-difference equations for multiple q-hypergeometric functions. q-analogues of recurrence formulas in Horns paper and Borngässers thesis lead to a more exact way to find these Frobenius solutions. To find the right formulas, the parameters in q-shifted factorials can be changed to negative integers, which give no extra q-factors. In proving these q-formulas, in the limit q→1 we obtain versions of the paper by Debiard and Gaveau for the solution of differential or q-difference equations. The paper is also a correction of some of the statements in the paper by Debiard and Gaveau, e.g., the Euler integrals and other solutions to differential equations for Appell functions, also without references to page numbers in the standard work of Appell and Kampé de Fériet. Sometimes the q-binomial theorem is used to simplify q-integral formulas. By the Horn method, we find another solution to the Appell Φ1 function partial differential equation, which was not mentioned in the thesis by Le Vavasseur 1893.
Economic Evaluation of a Geriatric Oncology Clinic
Authors: Alibhai Shabbir M. H. , Alam Zuhair , Saluja Ronak , Malik Uzair , Warde Padraig , Jin Rana , Berger Arielle , Romanovsky Lindy , Chan Kelvin K. W.
Published: February 2022

Geriatric assessment (GA) is supported by recent trials and guidelines yet rarely implemented due to a lack of resources. We performed an economic evaluation of a geriatric oncology clinic. Pre-GA proposed treatments and post-GA actual treatments were obtained from a detailed chart review of patients seen at a single academic centre. GA-based costs for investigations and referrals were calculated. Unit costs were obtained for surgical, radiation, systemic therapy, laboratory, imaging, physician, nursing, and allied health care (all in 2019 Canadian dollars). A six-month time horizon and government payer perspective were used. Consecutive patients aged 65 years or older (n = 152, mean age 82 y) and referred in the pre-treatment setting between July 2016 and June 2018 were included. Treatment plans were modified for 51% of patients. Costs associated with planned treatment were CAD 3,655,015. Costs associated with GA and related interventions were CAD 95,798. Final treatment costs were CAD 2,436,379. Net savings associated with the clinic were CAD 1,122,837, or CAD 7387 per patient seen. Findings were robust in multiple sensitivity analyses. Combined with mounting trial data demonstrating the clinical benefits of GA, our data can inform a strong business case for geriatric oncology clinics in health care environments similar to ours, but additional studies in diverse health care settings are warranted.
Systematic Review of Single-Fraction Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Early Stage Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Lung Oligometastases: How to Stop Worrying and Love One and Done
Authors: Bartl Austin J. , Mahoney Mary , Hennon Mark W. , Yendamuri Sai , Videtic Gregory M. M. , Stephans Kevin L. , Siva Shankar , Farrugia Mark K. , Ma Sung Jun , Singh Anurag K.
Published: February 2022

Adoption of single-fraction lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for patients with medically inoperable early stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or oligometastatic lung disease, even during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, was limited despite encouraging phase II trial results. Barriers to using single-fraction SBRT may include lack of familiarity with the regimen and lack of clarity about the expected toxicity. To address these concerns, we performed a systematic review of prospective literature on single-fraction SBRT for definitive treatment of early stage and oligometastatic lung cancer. A PubMed search of prospective studies in English on single-fraction lung SBRT was conducted. A systematic review was performed of the studies that reported clinical outcomes of single-fraction SBRT in the treatment of early stage non-small-cell lung cancer and lung oligometastases. The current prospective literature including nine trials supports the use of single-fraction SBRT in the definitive treatment of early stage peripheral NSCLC and lung oligometastases. Most studies cite local control rates of >90%, mild toxicity profiles, and favorable survival outcomes. Most toxicities reported were grade 1–2, with grade ≥3 toxicity in 0–17% of patients. Prospective trial results suggest potential consideration of utilizing single-fraction SBRT beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Next Paradigm Shift in the Management of Clear Cell Renal Cancer: Radiogenomics—Definition, Current Advances, and Future Directions
Authors: Gopal Nikhil , Yazdian Anari Pouria , Turkbey Evrim , Jones Elizabeth C. , Malayeri Ashkan A.
Published: February 2022

With improved molecular characterization of clear cell renal cancer and advances in texture analysis as well as machine learning, diagnostic radiology is primed to enter personalized medicine with radiogenomics: the identification of relationships between tumor image features and underlying genomic expression. By developing surrogate image biomarkers, clinicians can augment their ability to non-invasively characterize a tumor and predict clinically relevant outcomes (i.e., overall survival; metastasis-free survival; or complete/partial response to treatment). It is thus important for clinicians to have a basic understanding of this nascent field, which can be difficult due to the technical complexity of many of the studies. We conducted a review of the existing literature for radiogenomics in clear cell kidney cancer, including original full-text articles until September 2021. We provide a basic description of radiogenomics in diagnostic radiology; summarize existing literature on relationships between image features and gene expression patterns, either computationally or by radiologists; and propose future directions to facilitate integration of this field into the clinical setting.
A Double-Negative Feedback Interaction between miR-21 and PPAR-α in Clear Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Goujon Marine , Woszczyk Justine , Gaudelot Kelly , Swierczewski Thomas , Fellah Sandy , Gibier Jean-Baptiste , Van Seuningen Isabelle , Larrue Romain , Cauffiez Christelle , Gnemmi Viviane , Aubert Sébastien , Pottier Nicolas , Perrais Michaël
Published: February 2022

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the main histotype of kidney cancer, which is typically highly resistant to conventional therapies and known for abnormal lipid accumulation. In this context, we focused our attention on miR-21, an oncogenic miRNA overexpressed in ccRCC, and peroxysome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR- α), one master regulator of lipid metabolism targeted by miR-21. First, in a cohort of 52 primary ccRCC samples, using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry, we showed that miR-21 overexpression was correlated with PPAR-α downregulation. Then, in ACHN and 786-O cells, using RT-qPCR, the luciferase reporter gene, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and Western blotting, we showed that PPAR-α overexpression (i) decreased miR-21 expression, AP-1 and NF-κB transcriptional activity, and the binding of AP-1 and NF-κB to the miR-21 promoter and (ii) increased PTEN and PDCD4 expressions. In contrast, using pre-miR-21 transfection, miR-21 overexpression decreased PPAR-α expression and transcriptional activity mediated by PPAR-α, whereas the anti-miR-21 (LNA-21) strategy increased PPAR-α expression, but also the expression of its targets involved in fatty acid oxidation. In this study, we showed a double-negative feedback interaction between miR-21 and PPAR-α. In ccRCC, miR-21 silencing could be therapeutically exploited to restore PPAR-α expression and consequently inhibit the oncogenic events mediated by the aberrant lipid metabolism of ccRCC.
Prkci Regulates Autophagy and Pancreatic Tumorigenesis in Mice
Authors: Inman Kristin , Liu Yi , Scotti Buzhardt Michele , Leitges Michael , Krishna Murli , Crawford Howard , Fields Alan , Murray Nicole
Published: February 2022

Protein kinase C iota (PKCι) functions as a bonafide human oncogene in lung and ovarian cancer and is required for KrasG12D-mediated lung cancer initiation and progression. PKCι expression is required for pancreatic cancer cell growth and maintenance of the transformed phenotype; however, nothing is known about the role of PKCι in pancreas development or pancreatic tumorigenesis. In this study, we investigated the effect of pancreas-specific ablation of PKCι expression on pancreatic cellular homeostasis, susceptibility to pancreatitis, and KrasG12D-mediated pancreatic cancer development. Knockout of pancreatic Prkci significantly increased pancreatic immune cell infiltration, acinar cell DNA damage, and apoptosis, but reduced sensitivity to caerulein-induced pancreatitis. Prkci-ablated pancreatic acinar cells exhibited P62 aggregation and a loss of autophagic vesicles. Loss of pancreatic Prkci promoted KrasG12D-mediated pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia formation but blocked progression to adenocarcinoma, consistent with disruption of autophagy. Our results reveal a novel promotive role for PKCι in pancreatic epithelial cell autophagy and pancreatic cancer progression.
Bajacanthon, a New Subgenus for the Mexican Deltochilini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) Fauna
Authors: Halffter Gonzalo , Espinosa de los Monteros Alejandro , Nolasco-Soto Janet , Arriaga-Jiménez Alfonsina , Rivera-Gasperín Sara
Published: February 2022

In this study, data are presented for the designation of the new subgenus (Bajacanthon) for Canthon obliquus Horn, 1894 (Deltochilini). The new subgenus Bajacanthon is described based on a multiple evidence approach using morphological and molecular characters. This new subgenus has some unique characters, and is the remnant of an old South American migratory movement into the Mexican Transition Zone. This beetle species has survived in isolation in the south half of the peninsula of Baja California (Mexico). Results based on molecular clock inference showed that the split between the lineages leading to the subgenus Bajacanthon and Boreocanthon took place nearly 16 Mya, whereas the radiation within Bajacanthon was dated to 3.7 Mya.
Difference between Pavement Thickness Design and Pavement Life Prediction for Rigid Aircraft Pavements
Authors: White Greg
Published: February 2022

Aircraft pavements are generally designed using deterministic methods and using conservatively selected input parameter values, which combine to result in a low probability of structural failure occurring during the structural design life of the pavement. In contrast, when predicting the actual time until an as-constructed pavement will reach a structural failure condition, stochastic methods are required to take into account the inherently variable nature of pavement material properties and layer thicknesses, and the best-estimate of the input parameter values must replace the conservative values that are commonly used to introduce design reliability. A case study on a rigid aircraft pavement demonstrates the difference between pavement thickness design and pavement life prediction. Using Monte Carlo simulation, it was found that 98.5% of the as-constructed pavement was stronger than the designed pavement and that the predicted fatigue life of the pavement was approximately 180 times greater than the effective design life. It was concluded that the significant difference between pavement design and pavement life prediction explains the practical observation that rigid aircraft pavement service life generally exceeds typical structural design lives.
Screening and Assessment for Psychological Distress among Burn Survivors
Authors: Loehr Valerie , Goette William , Roaten Kimberly
Published: February 2022

Given the high rates of psychological distress after burn injury, thorough screening and assessment for psychosocial factors and psychiatric pathology should be routinely completed for individuals with burn injuries. Burn survivors experience unique psychosocial changes and injury sequelae, such as body image concerns, trauma-related pathology, and itching. Screening for these factors is integral to understanding how these may be contributing to psychological distress. Proactively identifying distress and psychiatric pathology is important to optimize physical and emotional outcomes. The aim of this manuscript is to summarize information about the available screening and assessment tools for psychological distress among burn survivors.
Population Genetic Structure Analysis Reveals Significant Genetic Differentiation of the Endemic Species Camellia chekiangoleosa Hu. with a Narrow Geographic Range
Authors: Huang Bin , Wang Zhongwei , Huang Jianjian , Li Xiaohui , Zhu Heng , Wen Qiang , Xu Li-an
Published: February 2022

In order to protect and utilize the germplasm resource better, it is highly necessary to carry out a study on the genetic diversity of Camellia chekiangoleosa Hu. However, systematic research on population genetics analysis of the species is comparatively rare. Herein, 16 highly variable simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used for genetic structure assessment in 12 natural C. chekiangoleosa populations. The genetic diversity of C. chekiangoleosa was low (h = 0.596), within which, central populations (such as Damaoshan (DMS), Sanqingshan (SQS), and Gutianshan (GTS)) at the junction of four main mountain ranges presented high diversity and represented the center of the C. chekiangoleosa diversity distribution; the Hengshan (HS) population in the west showed the lowest diversity, and the diversity of the eastern and coastal populations was intermediate. C. chekiangoleosa exhibited a high level of genetic differentiation, and the variation among populations accounted for approximately 24% of the total variation. The major reasons for this situation are the small population scale and bottleneck effects in some populations (HS and Lingshan (LS)), coupled with inbreeding within the population and low gene flow among populations (Nm = 0.796). To scientifically protect the genetic diversity of C. chekiangoleosa, in situ conservation measures should be implemented for high-diversity populations, while low-diversity populations should be restored by reintroduction.
Proof-of-Principle That Cellular Automata Can Be Used to Predict Infestation Risk by Reticulitermes grassei (Blattodea: Isoptera)
Authors: Sequeira João G. N. , Nobre Tânia , Duarte Sónia , Jones Dennis , Esteves Bruno , Nunes Lina
Published: February 2022

Over the past few decades, species distribution modelling has been increasingly used to monitor invasive species. Studies herein propose to use Cellular Automata (CA), not only to model the distribution of a potentially invasive species but also to infer the potential of the method in risk prediction of Reticulitermes grassei infestation. The test area was mainland Portugal, for which an available presence-only dataset was used. This is a typical dataset type, resulting from either distribution studies or infestation reports. Subterranean termite urban distributions in Portugal from 1970 to 2001 were simulated, and the results were compared with known records from both 2001 (the publication date of the distribution models for R. grassei in Portugal) and 2020. The reported model was able to predict the widespread presence of R. grassei, showing its potential as a viable prediction tool for R. grassei infestation risk in wooden structures, providing the collection of appropriate variables. Such a robust simulation tool can prove to be highly valuable in the decision-making process concerning pest management.
The Influence of High-Temperature and -Pressure Treatment on Physical Properties of Albizia falcataria Board
Authors: Julian Treza Chandra , Fukuda Hiroatsu , Novianto Didit
Published: February 2022

Albasia (Albizia falcataria), known as sengon wood, is a fast-growing tree species commonly found in Indonesian forests and community plantations. However, the low-density, hardness, and strength significantly restrict its commercial application. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of densification on the physical properties of Albizia falcataria under high-temperature and -pressure. Different temperatures were applied to the Albizia falcataria board (100 °C, 120 °C, 140 °C, sandwich 140 °C). The densification process influences the density properties, color changes, thickness, compression ratio, equilibrium moisture content, and anatomical properties of the material. With this procedure, the density can be increased to 0.62 kg/L, a gain of approximately 112.78% over untreated wood. The density of wood increases, resulting in the decomposition of its chemical components, especially hemicellulose, which darkens the wood color and stabilizes equilibrium moisture control. As a result, the thermal compression modification treatment under high-temperature and -pressure is a highly effective method for enhancing the physical properties of fast-growing wood species, such as Albizia falcataria.
Ambient UVR and Environmental Arsenic Exposure in Relation to Cutaneous Melanoma in Iowa
Authors: Langston Marvin E. , Brown Heidi E. , Lynch Charles F. , Roe Denise J. , Dennis Leslie K.
Published: February 2022

Intermittent sun exposure is the major environmental risk factor for cutaneous melanoma (CM). Cumulative sun exposure and other environmental agents, such as environmental arsenic exposure, have not shown consistent associations. Ambient ultraviolet radiation (UVR) was used to measure individual total sun exposure as this is thought to be less prone to misclassification and recall bias. Data were analyzed from 1096 CM cases and 1033 controls in the Iowa Study of Skin Cancer and Its Causes, a population-based, case-control study. Self-reported residential histories were linked to satellite-derived ambient UVR, spatially derived environmental soil arsenic concentration, and drinking water arsenic concentrations. In men and women, ambient UVR during childhood and adolescence was not associated with CM but was positively associated during adulthood. Lifetime ambient UVR was positively associated with CM in men (OR for highest vs. lowest quartile: 6.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.21–16.8), but this association was not as strong among women (OR for highest vs. lowest quartile: 2.15, 95% CI 0.84–5.54). No association was detected for environmental soil or drinking water arsenic concentrations and CM. Our findings suggest that lifetime and adulthood sun exposures may be important risk factors for CM.
Is Lower Trust in COVID-19 Regulations Associated with Academic Frustration? A Comparison between Danish and German University Students
Authors: Ballmann Julia , Helmer Stefanie M. , Berg-Beckhoff Gabriele , Dalgaard Guldager Julie , Jervelund Signe Smith , Busse Heide , Pischke Claudia R. , Negash Sarah , Wendt Claus , Stock Christiane
Published: February 2022

Despite the proximity of both countries, Danes and Germans differ in the level of trust in their government. This may play a role with respect to the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students. This study investigated the association between trust in governmental regulations, trust in university regulations, risk perceptions, and academic frustration among Danish and German students. As part of the COVID-19 International Student Well-being Study, an online survey was distributed among university students in participating European and non-European universities. In Denmark, 2945 students and Germany, 8725 students responded to the questionnaire between May and July 2020. Students from both countries reported approximately the same level of academic frustration concerning their progress and quality of education. However, German students perceived a higher risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 compared to Danish respondents. Danish students showed higher trust in their government’s COVID-19 regulations than German students. Lower trust in government and university COVID-19 regulations and higher risk perception were associated with higher academic frustration. These results indicate that the level of trust in COVID-19 regulations might have an impact the overall frustration of students regarding their study conditions.
Marginal Bone Loss around Implant-Retaining Overdentures versus Implant-Supported Fixed Prostheses 12-Month Follow-Up: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Dorj Odontuya , Lin Chin-Kai , Salamanca Eisner , Pan Yu-Hwa , Wu Yi-Fan , Hsu Yung-Szu , Lin Jerry C.-Y. , Lin Hsi-Kuei , Chang Wei-Jen
Published: February 2022

Few studies have compared marginal bone loss (MBL) around implant-retaining overdentures (IODs) vs. implant-supported fixed prostheses (FPs). This study evaluated the mean MBL and radiographic bone-implant interface contact (r-BIIC) around IODs and implant-supported FPs. We also investigated osseointegration and MBL around non-submerged dental implants. We measured the changes between the MBL in the mesial and distal sites immediately after prosthetic delivery and after one year. The mean MBL and its changes in the IOD group were significantly higher. The mean percentage of r-BIIC was significantly higher in the FP group. MBL and its changes in males were significantly higher in the IOD group. The percentage of r-BIIC was significantly higher in the FP group. MBL in the lower site in the IOD group was significantly higher. Regarding MBL, the location of the implant was the only significant factor in the IOD group, while gender was the only significant predictor in the FP group. Regarding the r-BIIC percentage, gender was a significant factor in the FP group. We concluded that non-submerged dental implants restored with FPs and IODs maintained stable bone remodeling one year after prosthetic delivery.
Traditional East Asian Herbal Medicine for Post-Stroke Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Kim Sang-Ho , Lim Jung-Hwa
Published: February 2022

Post-stroke insomnia (PSI) is a highly prevalent complication after stroke. Current evidence of psychotropic drug use for PSI management is scarce and indicates harmful adverse events (AEs). Traditional East Asian herbal medicine is a widely used traditional remedy for insomnia. However, so far, no study has systematically reviewed the efficacy and safety of traditional east asian herbal medicine (HM) for PSI. Therefore, we perform meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of HM for PSI. After a comprehensive electronic search of 15 databases, we review the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of HM use as monotherapy for PSI. Our outcomes were the Pittsburgh sleep quality index and total effective rate. In total, 24 RCTs were conducted with 1942 participants. HM showed statistically significant benefits in sleep quality. It also appeared to be safer than psychotropic drugs in terms of AEs, except when the treatment period was two weeks. The methods used for RCTs were poor, and the quality of evidence assessed was graded “low” or “moderate.” The findings of this review indicate that the use of HM as a monotherapy may have potential benefits in PSI treatment when administered as an alternative to conventional medications. However, considering the methodological quality of the included RCTs, we were uncertain of the clinical evidence. Further, well-designed RCTs are required to confirm these findings.