bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Platelet‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) for Predicting the Survival of Stage I‐III Gastric Cancer Patients with a MGC Component
Authors: Zhu Ziyu , Gao Jialiang , Liu Zhixin , Li Chunfeng , Xue Yingwei
Published: May 2021

Background. The preoperative platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) evaluates the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. However, whether preoperative PLR may be used to evaluate the prognosis of mucinous gastric carcinoma (MGC) patients is poorly investigated. The present study evaluated the effect of preoperative PLR on overall survival in gastric cancer patients with a mucinous component. Methods. A total of 336 MGC were enrolled in this study, and the characteristics of the tumor, including pathological features and clinical data, were retrospectively analyzed. Results. A high PLR was associated with larger tumor size, advanced tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, advanced TNM stage, tumor location, total gastrectomy, low hemoglobin level, low albumin level, high fibrinogen level, high platelet level, and high neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR, all P′s < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified age (HR = 1.876; 95% CI 1.361‐2.585, P < 0.001), TNM stage (HR = 2.350; 95% CI 1.216‐4.542, P = 0.011), globulin (HR = 1.520; 95% CI 1.067‐2.165, P = 0.020), total gastrectomy (HR = 0.537; 95% CI 0.373‐0.772, P = 0.001), and PLR (HR = 1.582; 95% CI 1.066‐2.348, P = 0.023) as independent prognostic factors for OS. Conclusion. Preoperative PLR is related to pathological features and may independently evaluate the survival of MGC. Therefore, preoperative PLR may help physicians develop treatment plans and evaluate survival in these patients.
Frequency‐Based Control Strategy for Compact Electromagnetic Tuned Mass Damper
Authors: Kopylov Semen , Chen Zhaobo , Abdelkareem Mohamed A. A.
Published: May 2021

The control of harmonic machine‐induced vibration has been a common task in the engineering scope. The passive tuned mass dampers represent the most reliable and practical approach to reduce such excessive vibration. Additionally, different control strategies can be implemented on TMDs to improve the attenuation performance further. However, most of the proposed control strategies for TMDs represent cost and complex systems with many sensors, which hinders the broad implementation. In this paper, the frequency‐based semiactive control (FBC) strategy was proposed for an electromagnetic tuned mass damper (ETMD). The concept of a controllable system with switched transistor was utilized for the proposed control strategy. The proposed control policy′s effectiveness was validated by experimental results, where the controlled ETMD was applied on a protected mass test bench. This paper concluded that the proposed control strategy has a significant advantage over the passive TMD. The reduction of 14% of the excessive harmonic vibration for the protected structure was observed.
TCM-ISP: A Comprehensive Intelligent Service Platform for Industry Chain of Traditional Chinese Medicines
Authors: Cao Ting Ting , Wang Xian Rui , Sheng Ji Xu Wei , Wang Hui , Wang Yun
Published: May 2021

In order to promote information interaction, intelligent regulation, and scale management in Chinese medicines industry, in this paper, a Chinese medicines intelligent service platform with characteristics of flexibility, versatility, and individuation was designed under the guidance of theoretical model of intelligent manufacturing of Chinese medicines (TMIM). TCM-ISP is a comprehensive intelligent service platform that can be flexibly applied to all links of Chinese medicines industry chain, which realizes data integration and real-time transmission as well as intelligent-flexible scheduling of equipment in response to different demand. The platform took logical framework of data flow as the core and adopts the modular design in which microcontroller and sensor module are independent to obtain overall design scheme of TCM-ISP that contains the diagram of overall framework, hardware structure, and software technology. Then, on the groundwork of overall design scheme and modern science technology, TCM-ISP was successfully constructed with flexible, intelligent, and networked characteristics in which TTL-USB and TTL-RS485S were utilized to build unified interface between boards with supporting hot-plugging mode. The results of platform tests show that TCM-ISP can not only successfully realize the integration, real-time transmission, and display of data information but also well accomplish remote intelligent-flexible control of equipment and allow flexible configuration and expansion of sensors and devices according to the needs of each link in TCM’s industry chain. It is of great practical significance to the pursuit of intelligent manufacturing of Chinese medicines and the promotion of modernization of Chinese medicines industry.
Improved Lower Bound of LFMD with Applications of Prism-Related Networks
Authors: Javaid Muhammad , Zafar Hassan , Zhu Q. , Alanazi Abdulaziz Mohammed
Published: May 2021

The different distance-based parameters are used to study the problems in various fields of computer science and chemistry such as pattern recognition, image processing, integer programming, navigation, drug discovery, and formation of different chemical compounds. In particular, distance among the nodes (vertices) of the networks plays a supreme role to study structural properties of networks such as connectivity, robustness, completeness, complexity, and clustering. Metric dimension is used to find the locations of machines with respect to minimum utilization of time, lesser number of the utilized nodes as places of the objects, and shortest distance among destinations. In this paper, lower bound of local fractional metric dimension for the connected networks is improved from unity and expressed in terms of ratio obtained by the cardinalities of the under-study network and the local resolving neighbourhood with maximum order for some edges of network. In the same context, the LFMDs of prism-related networks such as circular diagonal ladder, antiprism, triangular winged prism, and sun flower networks are computed with the help of obtained criteria. At the end, the bounded- and unboundedness of the obtained results is also shown numerically.
Affine Graphs and their Topological Indices
Authors: Dayioglu Abdurrahman
Published: May 2021

Graphs are essential tools to illustrate relationships in given datasets visually. Therefore, generating graphs from another concept is very useful to understand it comprehensively. This paper will introduce a new yet simple method to obtain a graph from any finite affine plane. Some combinatorial properties of the graphs obtained from finite affine planes using this graph-generating algorithm will be examined. The relations between these combinatorial properties and the order of the affine plane will be investigated. Wiener and Zagreb indices, spectrums, and energies related to affine graphs are determined, and appropriate theorems will be given. Finally, a characterization theorem will be presented related to the degree sequences for the graphs obtained from affine planes.
The Landscape of Cell-Free HBV Integrations and Mutations in Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Zheng Bo , Liu Xiao-Long , Fan Rong , Bai Jian , Wen Hao , Du Lu-Tao , Jiang Guo-Qing , Wang Chun-Ying , Fan Xiao-Tang , Ye Yi-Nong , Qian Yun-Song , Wang Ying-Chao , Liu Gao-Jing , Deng Guo-Hong , Shen Feng , Hu He-Ping , Wang Hui , Zhang Qing-Zheng , Ru Lan-Lan , Zhang Jing , Gao Yan-Hang , Xia Jie , Yan Hua-Dong , Liang Min-Feng , Yu Yan-Long , Sun Fu-Ming , Gao Yu-Jing , Sun Jian , Zhong Chun-Xiu , Wang Yin , Kong Fei , Chen Jin-Ming , Zheng Dan , Yang Yuan , Wang Chuan-Xin , Wu Lin , Hou Jin-Lin , Liu Jing-Feng , Wang Hong-Yang , Chen Lei
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

Intratumoral hepatitis B virus (HBV) integrations and mutations are related to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has shown itself as a powerful noninvasive biomarker for cancer. However, the HBV integration and mutation landscape on cfDNA remains unclear.

Experimental Design:

A cSMART (Circulating Single-Molecule Amplification and Resequencing Technology)-based method (SIM) was developed to simultaneously investigate HBV integration and mutation landscapes on cfDNA with HBV-specific primers covering the whole HBV genome. Patients with HCC (n = 481) and liver cirrhosis (LC; n = 517) were recruited in the study.

Results:

A total of 6,861 integration breakpoints including TERT and KMT2B were discovered in HCC cfDNA, more than in LC. The concentration of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) was positively correlated with the detection rate of these integration hotspots and total HBV integration events in cfDNA. To track the origin of HBV integrations in cfDNA, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on their paired tumor tissues. The paired comparison of WGS data from tumor tissues and SIM data from cfDNA confirmed most recurrent integration events in cfDNA originated from tumor tissue. The mutational landscape across the whole HBV genome was first generated for both HBV genotype C and B. A region from nt1100 to nt1500 containing multiple HCC risk mutation sites (OR > 1) was identified as a potential HCC-related mutational hot zone.

Conclusions:

Our study provides an in-depth delineation of HBV integration/mutation landscapes at cfDNA level and did a comparative analysis with their paired tissues. These findings shed light on the possibilities of noninvasive detection of virus insertion/mutation.
Mediator of DNA Damage Checkpoint 1 (MDC1) Is a Novel Estrogen Receptor Coregulator in Invasive Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast
Authors: Sottnik Joseph L. , Bordeaux Evelyn K. , Mehrotra Sanjana , Ferrara Sarah E. , Goodspeed Andrew E. , Costello James C. , Sikora Matthew J.
Published: May 2021

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is the most common special histologic subtype of breast cancer, and nearly all ILC tumors express estrogen receptor alpha (ER). However, clinical and laboratory data suggest ILC are strongly estrogen-driven but not equally antiestrogen-sensitive. We hypothesized ILC-specific ER coregulators mediate ER functions and antiestrogen resistance in ILC, and profiled ER-associated proteins by mass spectrometry. Three ER+ ILC cell lines (MDA MB 134VI, SUM44PE, and BCK4) were compared with ER+ invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) line data, and we examined whether siRNA of identified proteins suppressed ER-driven proliferation in ILC cells. This identified mediator of DNA damage checkpoint 1 (MDC1), a tumor suppressor in DNA damage response (DDR), as a novel ER coregulator in ILC. We confirmed ER:MDC1 interaction was specific to ILC versus IDC cells, and found MDC1 knockdown suppressed ILC cell proliferation and tamoxifen resistance. Using RNA-sequencing, we found in ILC cells MDC1 knockdown broadly dysregulates the ER transcriptome, with ER:MDC1 target genes enriched for promoter hormone response elements. Importantly, our data are inconsistent with MDC1 tumor suppressor functions in DDR, but suggest a novel oncogenic role for MDC1 as an ER coregulator. Supporting this, in breast tumor tissue microarrays, MDC1 protein was frequently low or absent in IDC, but MDC1 loss was rare in ER+ ILC. ER:MDC1 interaction and MDC1 coregulator functions may underlie ER function in ILC and serve as targets to overcome antiestrogen resistance in ILC.

Implications:

MDC1 has novel ER coregulator activity in ILC, which may underlie ILC-specific ER functions, estrogen response, and antiestrogen resistance.
Bispecific Antibodies to PD-1 and CTLA4: Doubling Down on T Cells to Decouple Efficacy from Toxicity
Authors: Burton Elizabeth M. , Tawbi Hussein A.
Published: May 2021

Although combination anti–PD-1 and anti-CTLA4 mAbs have revolutionized outcomes for many cancers, their utility has been limited due to significant immune-related toxicities and the emergence of resistance. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Dovedi and colleagues describe the development and preclinical testing of MEDI5752, a bispecific anti–PD-1/CTLA4 antibody designed to optimize therapeutic response by maximizing CTLA4 blockade on antigen-experienced T cells, thereby increasing efficacy and potentially minimizing toxicity.

See related article by Dovedi et al., p. 1100.
Impact of Procedure Time on Clinical Outcomes of Patients Who Underwent Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Enomoto Yukiko , Uchida Kazutaka , Yamagami Hiroshi , Imamura Hirotoshi , Ohara Nobuyuki , Sakai Nobuyuki , Tanaka Kanta , Matsumoto Yasushi , Egashira Yusuke , Morimoto Takeshi , Yoshimura Shinichi
Published: May 2021

Background and Purpose: The time from onset to reperfusion is associated with clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO); nevertheless, the time limit of the continuing procedure remains unclear. We analyzed the relationship between procedure time and clinical outcomes in patients with LVO who underwent endovascular treatment (EVT). Methods: We assessed 1,247 patients who underwent EVT for LVO. Data were obtained from our multicenter registry, and patients were included if data on procedure time were available. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the impact of procedure time on clinical outcomes using the following parameters: favorable outcome (the modified Rankin score of 0–2 at 90 days), mortality within 90 days, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 72 h after stroke onset, and procedure-related complications. Results: The rate of favorable outcomes linearly decreased with increasing procedure time, but there was no linear relationship between procedure time and other outcomes. The adjusted odds ratio for 30-minute delay in procedure time was 0.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.68–0.84) for favorable outcome, 1.15 (0.97–1.36) for mortality, 1.08 (0.87–1.33) for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and 0.92 (0.75–1.16) for complications. Significant interactions in the effect of procedure time on favorable outcome were observed between the subgroups stratified by age (≥75 or <75 years). Younger patients had a greater deleterious effect of delayed reperfusion. Conclusions: Increasing procedure time was associated with less favorable outcomes, but not with the rate of mortality, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, or complications in our cohort.
Research Progress on the SERPINE1 Protein and Chronic Inflammatory Diseases of the Upper Respiratory Tract: A Literature Review
Authors: Chen Teng-yu , Zhou Min , Lin Man-qing , Liang Shu-ting , Yan Yan , Wang Si-min , Fang Cai-shan , Li Dan , Ruan Yan
Published: May 2021

SERPINE1 protein is one important member of the serine proteinase inhibitor E superfamily that plays a crucial role in the fibrinolytic system. It has been identified which is related to chronic inflammatory lung diseases like allergic asthma and lung fibrosis. Recently, researchers have focused on the impact of SERPINE1 and its genetic polymorphisms on inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. In this review, we conclude that SERPINE1 is widely involved in the pathological process of chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis (AR) and may play a pivotal role in tissue remodelling in chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps. It is also found that the 4G allele of SERPINE1 gene is associated with the risk of upper respiratory diseases. More studies are needed to further clarify how SERPINE1 influences chronic rhinosinusitis and AR, which would be conducive to improving the therapeutic efficacy of treatments for upper respiratory diseases.
Ponto de vista emocionado no gênero discursivo comentário on-line – violência verbal
Authors: Rodrigues Maria das Graças  Soares
Published: May 2021

Neste artigo, tomo por objeto de análise comentários produzidos por internautas on-line em um portal de notícias, em reação à matéria veiculada acerca de torturas sofridas por detentas em um presídio no Pará. Para tanto, estabeleci os seguintes objetivos: descrever, analisar e interpretar o ponto de vista (PDV) subjacente aos comentários dos locutores enunciadores primeiros (L1/E1) acerca de torturas sofridas por presidiárias. A análise revelou que os PDV subjacentes aos comentários se caracterizam pela violência verbal, tendo por efeito de sentido o sentimento de ódio. Os PDV são emocionados, decorrentes do aumento da tensão dos L1/E1, por ocasião da avaliação que fizeram acerca da situação. Certamente, o meio digital influenciou os L1/E1, no sentido de produzirem enunciados revestidos de ódio que não consideraram, em decorrência, a preservação de faces.
construção do sentido em interações verbais na rádio em Português Europeu: mecanismos discursivos em narrativas de experiência de vida
Authors: Almeida Carla Aurélia
Published: May 2021

Tendo por base um corpus de interações verbais realizadas na rádio em Portugal, o presente artigo analisa o modo como, nestes discursos, se estrutura o processo de construção do sentido. Para o efeito, considera o quadro enunciativo, as sequências de atos de discurso e as estratégias discursivas que permitem atribuir credibilidade e legitimidade ao discurso, captando a atenção. Analisam-se aspetos semânticos e pragmáticos da construção de narrativas de experiência de vida: as falas justapostas, as repetições, o uso da expressão aproximativa “e tal”, o uso de “pronto” como marcador discursivo, a ocorrência de identidades na fala e a realização de asserções avaliativas. Neste contexto, consideram-se atos de autoelogio com mitigadores e com o recurso ao uso do verbo declarativo dizer na terceira pessoa do plural para minimizar a ameaça da face. Analisam-se ainda os comentários de avaliação que denotam a escuta atenta, permitindo fazer a gestão das trocas interacionais.
Celso Furtado, centenário
Authors: Paixão Fernando , Gouveia Inês , Galvão Luciana
Published: May 2021

Editorial da Revista do IEB 78, de abril de 2021
O pensamento de Celso Furtado sobre Estado e planejamento
Authors: Wasques Renato
Published: May 2021

Estado e planejamento são temas recorrentes na vasta e original obra do economista brasileiro Celso Furtado (1920-2004). Embora sejam elementos ubíquos, as remissões do autor ao Estado são, por vezes, pouco explícitas. Não há, em toda a sua obra, nem mesmo um só capítulo que contemple explicitamente uma discussão teórico-conceitual sobre o Estado. Isso, porém, não significa dizer que inexista uma explicação de Estado nos escritos do intelectual brasileiro. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste artigo é desvelar e sistematizar o pensamento de Celso Furtado sobre Estado e planejamento. Para tanto, considera-se o conjunto da produção furtadiana, elaborada ao longo de seis décadas – de 1944 a 2004 –, pois se acredita que pouco se compreende quando se toma uma parte isolada da obra, sem levar em conta o desenvolvimento completo das ideias do autor.
Prevencija poremećaja prehrane - Prevention of eating disorders
Authors: Ćuk Marija , Rožman Josipa
Published: May 2021

Uzroci poremećaja prehrane povezuju se s biološkim, psihološki i sociokulturalnim čimbenicima a dovode do promjena obrazaca ponašanja koji izmiču kontroli, te se javlja nezadovoljstvo sobom u cjelini i izgledom. Poremećaji prehrane javljaju se postepeno, osoba ulazi u začarani krug prejedanja, gladovanja, povraćanja, zloupotrebe tableta. Najveći problem u poremećajima prehrane je u neprepoznavanju navedenih (ili negiranje postojanja problema) što vodi narušenom fizičkom i mentalnom stanju sa lošim ishodom bolesti. Cilj rada je prikaz glavnih poremećaji prehrane, etiologije nastanka poremećaja te mogućnosti liječenja i prevencije iz pozicije sestrinske skrbi. U radu su prikazani specifični poremećaji prehrane- anoreksija, bulimija i prejedanje, kao i najčešći nespecifični poremećaji hranjenja pregorexia, ortoreksija, diabulimia i drunkorexia. Uloga medicinske sestre je bitna u edukaciji i prevenciji poremećaja prehrane, osvješćivanju prisutnog problema, edukacija o mogućim čimbenicima koji se povezuju s nastankom poremećaja prehrane i štetnim navikama, pružanju psihološke podrške te pomoć kod rješavanja strahova i problema, procjena i praćenje zdravstvenog stanja bolesnika. Navedeni poremećaji prehrane javljaju su se najčešće kod adolescenata, mlađih žena iako je moguće i u srednjoj životnoj dobi. Učestaliji su u žena nego muškaraca. Posljedice poremećaja prehrane ostavljaju brojne negativne posljedice za zdravlje. Potrebna je suradnja sa zdravstvenim stručnjacima kao i edukacija obitelji, prijatelja i šire zajednice. Poremećaji prehrane zahtijevaju dugotrajno liječenje. Različiti su razlozi nastanka poremećaja hranjenja, te je sukladno tome potrebno svakom pacijentu pristupiti individualno i holistički. Poremećaji hranjenja se različito manifestiraju, bez obzira na različitost zahtijevaju liječenje te stručnu pomoć.
Effects of Ambient Air Pollution on Blood Pressure Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Huang Miao , Chen Jingyuan , Yang Yiping , Yuan Hong , Huang Zhijun , Lu Yao
Published: May 2021

Background

Previous studies have investigated the association of ambient air pollution with blood pressure (BP) in children and adolescents, however, the results are not consistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the relationship between short‐term and long‐term ambient air pollutant exposure with BP values among children and adolescents.

Methods and Results

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase before September 6, 2020. Two reviewers independently searched and selected studies, extracted data, and assessed study quality. The studies were divided into groups by composition of air pollutants (NO
2
, particulate matter (PM) with diameter ≤10 μm or ≤2.5 μm) and length of exposure. The beta regression coefficients (β) and their 95% CIs were calculated to evaluate the strength of the effect with each 10 μg/m
3
increase in air pollutants. Out of 36 650 articles, 14 articles were included in this meta‐analysis. The meta‐analysis showed short‐term exposure to PM with diameter ≤10 μm (β=0.267; 95% CI, 0.033‒0.501) was significantly associated with elevated systolic BP values. In addition, long‐term exposure to PM with diameter ≤2.5 μm (β=1.809; 95% CI, 0.962‒2.655), PM with diameter ≤10 μm (β=0.526; 95% CI, 0.095‒0.958), and NO
2
(β=0.754; 95% CI, 0.541‒0.968) were associated with systolic BP values and long‐term exposure to PM with diameter ≤2.5 μm (β=0.931; 95% CI, 0.157‒1.705), and PM with diameter ≤10 μm (β=0.378; 95% CI, 0.022‒0.735) was associated with diastolic BP.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that both short‐term and long‐term exposure to some ambient air pollutants may increase BP values among children and adolescents.
Carotid Stenosis and Recurrent Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Yaghi Shadi , de Havenon Adam , Rostanski Sara , Kvernland Alexandra , Mac Grory Brian , Furie Karen L. , Kim Anthony S. , Easton J. Donald , Johnston S. Claiborne , Henninger Nils
Published: May 2021

Background and Purpose:

Randomized trials demonstrated the benefit of dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with minor ischemic stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack. We sought to determine whether the presence of carotid stenosis was associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke and whether the addition of clopidogrel to aspirin was associated with more benefit in patients with versus without carotid stenosis.

Methods:

This is a post-hoc analysis of the POINT trial (Platelet-Oriented Inhibition in New TIA and Minor Ischemic Stroke) that randomized patients with minor ischemic stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack within 12 hours from last known normal to receive either clopidogrel plus aspirin or aspirin alone. The primary predictor was the presence of ≥50% stenosis in either cervical internal carotid artery. The primary outcome was ischemic stroke. We built Cox regression models to determine the association between carotid stenosis and ischemic stroke and whether the effect of clopidogrel was modified by ≥50% carotid stenosis.

Results:

Among 4881 patients enrolled POINT, 3941 patients met the inclusion criteria. In adjusted models, ≥50% carotid stenosis was associated with ischemic stroke risk (hazard ratio, 2.45 [95% CI, 1.68–3.57],
P
<0.001). The effect of clopidogrel (versus placebo) on ischemic stroke risk was not significantly different in patients with <50% carotid stenosis (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.50–0.93],
P
=0.014) versus those with ≥50% carotid stenosis (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.45–1.72],
P
=0.703),
P
value for interaction=0.573.

Conclusions:

The presence of carotid stenosis was associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke during follow-up. The effect of added clopidogrel was not significantly different in patients with versus without carotid stenosis.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03354429.
The effect of organic compost of Caryocar brasiliense waste against Meloidogyne javanica in two vegetable crops
Authors: Silva Fabíola de J. , Ribeiro Regina C.F. , Xavier Adelica A. , Gomes Vanessa A. , Pacheco Paulo V.M. , Neto José A. dos S.
Published: May 2021

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are responsible for various significant crop losses, which require taking integrated control measures. The present study aimed to identify a possible sustainable approach to the management of Meloidogyne javanica in vegetable crops using an organic compound based on pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) fruit residues. A pot experiment was conducted using cultivars of tomato and lettuce susceptible to M. javanica, with three amendments including inorganic fertiliser, cattle manure and five doses of organic compost with pequi residues. All treatments were inoculated with second-stage juveniles of M. javanica to simulate the root-knot nematode disease in field conditions. Increasing doses of organic compost with pequi residues from 5 kg m−3 to 30 kg m−3 promoted a significant decrease in the nematode population in both cultures evaluated. Organic compost (30 kg m−3) reduced the numbers of galls and eggs of M. javanica by 41.6 and 46.5% in tomato roots, and by 80.3 and 59.2% in lettuce roots, respectively, compared with non-treated control. Organic compost also increased crop development considerably. In general, there was a 43.0% increase in plant development compared to non-treated control. Hence, organic compost of pequi residues could be an alternative to toxic chemical nematicides and recommended as eco-friendly management of M. javanica in vegetable crops.
A Missing Link in a Thousand and One Nights Scholarship: A Narrative Grammar for the Frame Tale?
Authors: al-Musawi Muhsin
Published: May 2021

This article argues that scholarship has been missing the pre-Scheherazade dynamic scenes that set the stage for further action and narrative. These preludinal sites function as the stepping stone for action, a series of encounters that initiate and perpetuate instability and disequilibrium. It draws attention to the unnamed queens as prototypes for Scheherazade, the abducted bride, the three ladies of Baghdad, and many other women in unfolding varieties of rebellion or compromise. As there is little talk and more voyeurism in this prelude with its focus on the bedroom and garden scenes, readers and kings are spectators, and the spectacle unfolds as in cinematic close-ups. Hence, this significant turn to the spectacle contravenes common approaches to the frame tale as only an enveloping framework that accommodates an ongoing marvelous story-machine. Although cursorily passed on in scholarship, the bedroom and garden scenes offer us not only a powerful incitement for action, but also a sweeping challenge to authority which the named kings could hardly overcome. The discussion re-situates sites of trial and defiance in context of a flowing narrative. The article proposes therefore to come up with a narrative grammar that engages with current narratology.
Country of Words: Palestinian Literature in the Digital Age of the Refugee
Authors: Abu-Remaileh Refqa
Published: May 2021

The article reflects on how to embrace the unconventional, fragmented, scattered, transnational, exilic, and refugee elements of Palestinian Literature. Placing the refugees at the heart of the story of Palestinian literature raises serious questions about the compatibility of the national framework as the primary mode of analysis. The article explores the anatomy of Palestinian literature, including the wide array of sources, literary detective work, and expanded methodological toolbox needed to gather its fragments, and illustrates the potential of the digital sphere—drawing on the world of Digital Humanities—to house, express and visualize the data-fragments of Palestinian literature.
A new species of Ahaetulla Link, 1807 (Squamata: Colubridae) from the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors: LAM NGON QUANG , THU TRAN THI ANH , NGUYEN LUAN THANH , MURPHY ROBERT W. , NGUYEN SANG NGOC
Published: May 2021

A new vine snake, genus Ahaetulla, from Soc Trang Province, southern Vietnam is described based on morphological data and nucleotide sequences from COI and Cytb. Ahaetulla rufusoculara sp. nov. is diagnosed by the following morphological characters: bright red eyes; snout without dermal appendage; internasal separated from supralabial by loreal; body scale rows 15-15-13; ventrals 186–190 in males and 182–185 in females; subcaudals 143–153 in males and 128 or 129 in females; 8 (rarely 9) supralabials, fourth and fifth or fourth to sixth entering orbit; 12–14 maxillary teeth; hemipenis short, reaching 6th or 7th SC; cloacal plate divided; dorsum bright green; and yellow or white stripe along the lower flank. The new species differs from its congeners by an uncorrected p-distance in COI and Cytb sequences of at least 7.7% and 7.5%, respectively.
Larval features illuminating adult taxonomy? Case study in the European cardinal beetle species of the genus Pyrochroa (Coleoptera: Pyrochroidae: Pyrochroinae)
Authors: MOLFINI MARCO , GIULIO ANDREA DI , MANCINI EMILIANO , BOLOGNA MARCO A.
Published: May 2021

Larvae of the two European species of the genus Pyrochroa (P. coccinea and P. serraticornis) are redescribed, for the first time based on Italian samples, and new relevant and distinctive characters have emerged from P. serraticornis. Particularly, the presence of a single urogomphal pit between urogomphi (representing a new condition for the entire family), and new characters of mandibles, open new questions about the current taxonomic status of the European species.
Study on the Genus Hendecaneura Walsingham from China (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: ZHANG AIHUAN
Published: May 2021

The genus Hendecaneura Walsingham from China is reviewed. H. trapezia sp. nov. and H. similisimplex sp. nov. are described as new to science. H. aritai (Kawabe, 1989) is transferred from Notocelia, resulting in a new combination which is firstly reported from China. A key to Chinese species of Hendecaneura is given. All the specimens examined are deposited in the Insect Collections, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
A Synoptic Evolution Comparison of the Smallest and Largest MCSs in Subtropical South America between Spring and Summer
Authors: Piersante Jeremiah O. , Rasmussen Kristen L. , Schumacher Russ S. , Rowe Angela K. , McMurdie Lynn A.
Published: May 2021

Subtropical South America (SSA) east of the Andes Mountains is a global hotspot for mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). Wide convective cores (WCCs) are typically embedded within mature MCSs, contribute over 40% of SSA’s warm-season rainfall, and are often associated with severe weather. Prior analysis of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR) data identified WCCs in SSA and associated synoptic conditions during austral summer. As WCCs also occur during the austral spring, this study uses the 16-year TRMM PR dataset and ERA5 reanalysis to compare anomalies in environmental conditions between austral spring (SON) and summer (DJF) for the largest and smallest WCCs in SSA. During both seasons, large WCCs are associated with an anomalous mid-level trough that slowly crosses the Andes Mountains and a northerly South American low-level jet (SALLJ) over SSA, though the SON trough and SALLJ anomalies are stronger and located farther northeastward than in DJF. A synoptic pattern evolution resembling large WCC environments is illustrated through a multi-day case during the RELAMPAGO field campaign (10-13 November 2018). Unique high-temporal resolution soundings showed strong mid-level vertical wind shear associated with this event, induced by the juxtaposition of the northerly SALLJ and southerly near-surface flow. It is hypothesized that the Andes help create a quasi-stationary trough/ridge pattern such that favorable synoptic conditions for deep convection persist for multiple days. For the smallest WCCs, anomalously weaker synoptic-scale forcing was present compared to the largest events, especially for DJF, pointing to future work exploring MCS formation under weaker synoptic conditions.
Mapping the International System, 1886-2019: The CShapes 2.0 Dataset
Authors: Schvitz Guy , Girardin Luc , Rüegger Seraina , Weidmann Nils B. , Cederman Lars-Erik , Gleditsch Kristian Skrede
Published: May 2021

This article introduces CShapes 2.0, a GIS dataset that maps the borders of states and dependent territories from 1886 through 2019. Our dataset builds on the previous CShapes dataset and improves it in two ways. First, it extends temporal coverage from 1946 back to the year 1886, which followed the Berlin Conference on the partition of Africa. Second, the new dataset is no longer limited to independent states, but also maps the borders of colonies and other dependencies, thereby providing near complete global coverage of political units throughout recent history. This article explains the coding procedure, provides a preview of the dataset and presents three illustrative applications.
The Factor Structure of the Brief Cope: A Systematic Review
Authors: Solberg Marvin A. , Gridley Michael K. , Peters Rosalind M.
Published: May 2021

The Brief COPE is a widely used measure of coping that contains 28 items on 14 factors. Researchers have shortened the inventory, but the factor structure remains debated. A systematic review of peer-reviewed studies published in English between 1997 and 2021 was conducted to determine if a more parsimonious number of factors could be identified. Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Medline, PubMed, and Scopus databases were searched using keywords “Brief COPE” and “ factor, valid*, or psychometric.*” Searching yielded 1,303 articles; cited references added 38; 85 articles met inclusion criteria. Principal components analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were major analytic strategies used (28% and 27%, respectively). Only eight studies analyzed the original 14-factor structure. Factors identified ranged from 2 to 15, with dichotomous factors most frequently identified (25%; n = 21). A smaller number of factors may be able to represent the Brief COPE. Research is needed to test a condensed instrument.
Urgency of Esophageal Foreign Body Removal: Differentiation Between Coins and Button Cell Batteries
Authors: Safavi Arash R. , Brook Christopher D. , Sakai Osamu , Setty Bindu N. , Zumwalt Ann , Gonzalez Mauricio , Platt Michael P.
Published: May 2021

Objective

Coin‐shaped button battery foreign bodies have a similar initial presentation to coin ingestion, but delayed retrieval of a battery from the esophagus can have devastating consequences. Variations in timing of retrieval for children with ingestion of coin foreign bodies have been reported. The study assesses the sensitivity and specificity of conventional and digital radiographs to differentiate button batteries from coin foreign bodies.

Study Design

3B case control study.

Study Setting

Tertiary academic medical center.

Methods

A radiographic study of the 12 most common commercially available button batteries and 66 coins of varying international origins was performed. Foreign bodies were placed at the cervical esophagus of a cadaver, and anteroposterior (AP) and lateral conventional radiographs of the neck were obtained. Digital AP and lateral radiographs of standalone coins and batteries were also obtained. Images were blindly read by 2 otolaryngologists and 2 radiologists. Statistical analysis was performed to determine accuracy in identifying coins vs batteries.

Results

Using conventional radiographs to identify button batteries yielded a sensitivity of 0.88 and a specificity of 0.92 (positive predictive value [PPV] = 0.75, negative predictive value [NPV] = 0.97). Digital radiography yielded an overall sensitivity of 0.98 and specificity of 0.97 (PPV = 0.87, NPV = 0.99). Features of button batteries were only seen on AP conventional radiographs using reverse contrast.

Conclusions

Neither conventional nor digital radiographic imaging had perfect accuracy in identifying coins vs batteries. Features of common disc batteries were identified, which may aid in diagnosis. With potential devastating consequences from retained battery in the esophagus, emergent removal of any possible disc battery foreign body should be considered.
The Effect of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on Pediatric Tympanostomy Tube Placement
Authors: Diercks Gillian R. , Cohen Michael S.
Published: May 2021

Objective

To evaluate how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has affected tympanostomy tube placement and practice patterns.

Study Design

A retrospective review of billing data.

Setting

A large‐volume practice with both community and tertiary care providers.

Methods

As part of a quality initiative, billing data were queried to identify children <18 years of age who underwent tympanostomy tube placement between January 2019 and December 2020. Patient age, practice location, and case numbers were gathered.

Results

The study included data from 2652 patients. Prior to state‐mandated clinic and operating room restrictions, there were no significant differences in the number of tympanostomy tubes placed (P =. 64), including month‐to‐month comparisons, the distribution of patients being cared for at community vs tertiary care sites (P =. 63), or patient age at the time of surgery (P =. 97) between 2019 and 2020. After resumption of outpatient clinical and elective surgical activities, the number of tympanostomy tubes placed decreased significantly between 2019 and 2020 (831 vs 303 cases, P =. 003), with a persistent month‐to‐month difference. In addition, patients undergoing tube placement were older (4.5 vs 3.2 years, P <. 001). The distribution of cases performed in the community setting decreased during this time period as well (P <. 001).

Conclusion

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the rate of pediatric tympanostomy tube placement has significantly decreased. The age of patients undergoing surgery has increased, and more children are being cared for in a tertiary setting. These findings may reflect changes in the prevalence of acute and chronic otitis media as the result of the pandemic.
Retrospective evaluation of routine in-hospital observation in 433 patients after CT-guided biopsies
Authors: Fischer Tim , Baz Yassir El , Wildermuth Simon , Leschka Sebastian , Güsewell Sabine , Putora Paul Martin , Dietrich Tobias Johannes
Published: May 2021

Background

After computed tomography (CT)-guided interventions, routine in-hospital observation is recommended by the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe.

Purpose

To evaluate the frequency of delayed major complications or hospitalizations after CT-guided biopsies in patients with initially no or minor complications and to assess whether routine in-hospital observation is justified.

Material and Methods

This retrospective study included 433 outpatients after CT-guided biopsy of the thoracic (n = 176), abdominal (n = 129), or musculoskeletal (n = 128) region with subsequent in-hospital observation. Complications were graded according to the current Society of Interventional Radiology recommendations and grouped into minor or major. A complication that occurred during in-hospital observation was defined as delayed complication. A delayed major complication was a newly developed major complication or a progression from an initially minor to a major complication. Hospitalization frequencies were evaluated similarly. Occurrence, 95% confidence intervals (CI), and P values for significant differences between the three organ groups were calculated. If delayed major complications were more frequent than 1%, routine in-hospital observation was considered justified.

Results

Delayed, major complication frequencies were: thoracic, 8.2% (95% CI 4.6–13.4); abdominal, 0.0% (95% CI 0.0–2.9); and musculoskeletal, 0.0% (95% CI 0.0–2.9) ( P < 0.001). Delayed hospitalization frequencies were: thoracic, 8.8% (95% CI 5.0–14.2); abdominal, 1.6% (95% CI 0.2–5.6); and musculoskeletal, 0.0% (95% CI 0.0–2.9) ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

After thoracic interventions, routine observation is considered justified for patient safety whereas routine observation may be omitted after musculoskeletal interventions. In the abdominal group, no delayed complications were observed, but delayed hospitalization occurred. Thus, in-hospital observation could be justified in a safe patient environment, but remains an individual decision.
Access to Palliative Care for Critically Ill Cancer Patients in Mexico
Authors: Ñamendys-Silva Silvio A. , López-Zamora Adán R. , Córdova-Sánchez Bertha M. , Sánchez-Hurtado Luis A. , García-Guillén Francisco J. , Vidal-Arrellano Luis J. , Herrera-Gómez Angel
Published: May 2021

Objective:

To determine the outcomes of hospitalized cancer patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) intervention and receiving palliative care.

Materials and Methods:

An observational retrospective study was completed at a single academic critical care unit in Mexico City. All hospitalized cancer patients who were evaluated by the intensive care team to assess need for ICU were included between January and December 2018.

Results:

During the study period, the ICU group made 408 assessments of critically ill cancer patients in noncritical hospitalized areas. In total, 24.2% (99/408) of the patients in this population were consulted by the palliative care team. Of the patients evaluated, 46.5% (190/408) had advanced stage, but only 28.4% were receiving care by the palliative care team. The only risk factor for hospital mortality in the multivariate analysis was the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score at the time of the consultation by the ICU group (HR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.34-3.29, p = 0.001). The median time between palliative care consultation and death was 3 days (IQR = 2-22). A total of 63% (37/58) of patients who were discharged from the hospital died during follow-up. The median follow-up time was 55 days (95% CI = 26.9-83.0). The overall mortality rate for the entire group during hospitalization and after hospital discharge was 80.8% (80/99).

Conclusion:

Fewer than 3 out of 10 hospitalized cancer patients requiring admission to the ICU were evaluated by the palliative care team despite having incurable cancer. The qSOFA score of patients at the time of the ICU consultation was the only risk factor for mortality during hospitalization. Future research efforts in Mexico should focus on earlier integration of palliation care with usual oncology care in incurable cancer patients.
The Face of the Party: Party Leadership Selection, and the Role of Family and Faith
Authors: Yadav Vineeta , Fidalgo Amanda
Published: May 2021

Political parties in developing country democracies are often characterized by undemocratic internal party practices, including for selecting party organizational leaders. Scholars identify institutional, party-level, and demographic factors as driving such practices. In this paper, we contribute to this research by considering the effect of two personal factors—personal religiosity and membership in a political family. Politicians act in accordance with personal values and strategic incentives. We argue religiosity influences both in ways that undermine support for democratic intra-party selection practices. We hypothesize that membership in a political family increases the undemocratic effects of high religiosity because it strengthens the capacity of highly religious dynasts to access and mobilize politically through religious and family networks. This strengthens their strategic independence from their party, leading them to support undemocratic leadership selection practices. We test this prediction for the case of Turkey using original data from a 2017 survey of 200 Turkish politicians. We find that religiosity is only associated with reduced support for democratic leadership selection practices among politicians who are members of political families. This result is robust to the inclusion of party-specific effects, religious party membership, and individual characteristics including support for political Islam.
Technology-Aided Instruction and Intervention in Teaching Students With Autism to Make Inferences
Authors: Kouo Jennifer , Visco Courtney
Published: May 2021

Inferential readings skills are necessary in ensuring that students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are successful in the general education curriculum. These skills provide a foundation for reading comprehension across content areas. Technology-aided instruction and intervention (TAII) has the potential to address these reading deficits, by presenting content in an interactive format. Using an adapted alternating treatment design (ATD), the present study compared the impact of the TinyTap app, videos, and traditional graphic organizers to improve the inferential reading skills of two middle school students with ASD. Replication of the most effective intervention occurred, and maintenance data were collected. The results suggested that the TinyTap treatment condition was the most functionally effective in increasing inferential reading skills. From the research, there are a number of implications moving forward for both practitioners and future researchers examining the impact of TAII on academic skills.
Equality in the Youth Court: Meaning, Perceptions and Implications of the Principle of Equality in Youth Justice
Authors: van den Brink Yannick
Published: May 2021

Equality is a fundamental principle, also in youth justice. Nevertheless, children from ethnic minorities, children with disabilities and children from low socioeconomic backgrounds are vastly overrepresented in youth detention populations across the globe. This article combines interdisciplinary theoretical perspectives and empirical findings from interviews with practitioners from two English youth courts to explore the meaning, perceptions and implications of the principle of equality in the specific context of the youth court. Ultimately, this article presents the first contours of a conceptual model of equality in the youth court, which aims to inform policy, practice and future research.