bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping the field of educational leadership and management in the Arabian Gulf region: A systematic review of Arabic research literature
Authors: Hammad Waheed , Samier Eugenie A , Mohammed Azzam
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this systematic review was to identify trends in educational leadership and management (EDLM) knowledge production in the Arabian Gulf region, drawing on a database of 272 studies published in local (Arabic) journals over a 10-year period (2009–2018). The review focused on the geographic distribution of the literature, authorship trends, types of studies, research topics, research methods and data collection techniques. The study employed quantitative methods aimed at highlighting patterns of EDLM knowledge production rather than synthesising research findings. The study used the Arabic databases hosted by Dar Almandumah (EduSearch, EcoLink, IslamicInfo, AraBase, and Humanindex), in addition to the Shamaa database to identify relevant sources. The study found that the literature under investigation reflected many of the features characterising EDLM literatures from other developing countries, especially in terms of the types of studies, topical coverage and research methods. The most notable features included uneven geographic distribution, predominance of single-authored papers, absence of certain important topics, prevalence of empirical articles, and heavy reliance on quantitative research methods and data collection techniques. Recommendations were provided to improve future EDLM research in the region. The study supports findings from previous reviews of EDLM literature in the Arab region and highlights the need for more concerted efforts to enhance the quality and relevance of this literature to increase its ability to inform policy and practice.
Research ethics in practice: challenges of using digital technology to embed the voices of children and young people within programs for fathers who use domestic violence
Authors: Lamb Katie , Humphreys Cathy , Hegarty Kelsey
Published: July 2020

There has been growing enthusiasm amongst those who undertake research with children, for the development of participatory and visual research methods. The greater availability and affordability of digital technology (such as digital cameras, tablets and smart phones) has meant that there has been greater scope for digital technology to support participatory research methods, or augment more traditional qualitative research methods.

While digital technology provides new opportunities for qualitative researchers, they also come with a series of challenges – some of which have been grappled with by those using more traditional research methods but also some which are new. Our study was undertaken in Victoria, Australia, and used a combination of interviews, focus groups and digital storytelling to bring together two strands of work which have historically occurred separately: work with children experiencing domestic violence and programs for men who use domestic violence. While digital storytelling proved to be an effective method of engaging children and young people in the research, a range of challenging ethical issues emerged. Some of these issues were considered as part of the formal ‘procedural ethics’ process, but additional and more challenging issues relating to anonymity and the complex safety considerations of using of the children’s digital stories within programs for men who use violence and dissemination emerged in practice. It is hoped that sharing our experiences and decision-making will contribute to the knowledge base for others considering engaging in sensitive research using digital technology.
Effects of video, priming, and music on motivation and self-efficacy in American football players
Authors: Pettit Joseph A , Karageorghis Costas I
Published: July 2020

Highlight videos accompanied by inspiring music can help in enhancing an athlete’s motivational state and self-efficacy (SE). The addition of verbal priming techniques could provide a further boost, but this combination of audiovisual stimuli has yet to be examined in a sport context. A repeated-measures, crossover design was used. The study entailed a pretraining intervention administered to American football players ( N = 32). Measures included the Situational Motivation Scale and an SE scale. Participants were exposed to control, music, video, video-music, video-priming, and video-music-priming conditions. Repeated-measures MANOVA indicated that the video-music condition elicited the strongest response in terms of increasing intrinsic forms of motivation ( p = .010) and decreasing amotivation ( p = .019). Three of eight SE components (Perceptions of Effort, Consistency, and Concentration), and an overall global SE score were significantly enhanced by the experimental stimuli, with video-music-priming eliciting the most positive response, followed by video-music. The present findings indicate the utility of audiovisual interventions combined with verbal primes immediately prior to sporting performance. Practitioners working with athletes might consider the preperformance use of motivational music and videos along with embedded subliminal verbal primes.
A sparsity augmented probabilistic collaborative representation based classification method
Authors: Cai Xiao-Yun , Yin He-Feng
Published: July 2020

In order to enhance the performance of image recognition, a sparsity augmented probabilistic collaborative representation based classification (SA-ProCRC) method is presented. The proposed method obtains the dense coefficient through ProCRC, then augments the dense coefficient with a sparse one, and the sparse coefficient is attained by the orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) algorithm. In contrast to conventional methods which require explicit computation of the reconstruction residuals for each class, the proposed method employs the augmented coefficient and the label matrix of the training samples to classify the test sample. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method can achieve promising results for face and scene images. The source code of our proposed SA-ProCRC is accessible at https://github.com/yinhefeng/SAProCRC
C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, D-dimer, and ferritin in severe coronavirus disease-2019: a meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Ian , Pranata Raymond , Lim Michael Anthonius , Oehadian Amaylia , Alisjahbana Bachti
Published: July 2020

Background:

Patients critically ill with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) feature hyperinflammation, and the associated biomarkers may be beneficial for risk stratification. We aimed to investigate the association between several biomarkers, including serum C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), D-dimer, and serum ferritin, and COVID-19 severity.

Methods:

We performed a comprehensive systematic literature search through electronic databases. The outcome of interest for this study was the composite poor outcome, which comprises mortality, acute respiratory distress syndrome, need for care in an intensive care unit, and severe COVID-19.

Results:

A total of 5350 patients were pooled from 25 studies. Elevated CRP was associated with an increased composite poor outcome [risk ratio (RR) 1.84 (1.45, 2.33), p < 0.001; I2: 96%] and its severe COVID-19 (RR 1.41; I2: 93%) subgroup. A CRP ⩾10 mg/L has a 51% sensitivity, 88% specificity, likelihood ratio (LR) + of 4.1, LR- of 0.5, and an area under curve (AUC) of 0.84. An elevated PCT was associated with an increased composite poor outcome [RR 3.92 (2.42, 6.35), p < 0.001; I2: 85%] and its mortality (RR 6.26; I2: 96%) and severe COVID-19 (RR 3.93; I2: 63%) subgroups. A PCT ⩾0.5 ng/ml has an 88% sensitivity, 68% specificity, LR+ of 2.7, LR- of 0.2, and an AUC of 0.88. An elevated D-dimer was associated with an increased composite poor outcome [RR 2.93 (2.14, 4.01), p < 0.001; I2: 77%], including its mortality (RR 4.15; I2: 83%) and severe COVID-19 (RR 2.42; I2: 58%) subgroups. A D-dimer >0.5 mg/L has a 58% sensitivity, 69% specificity, LR+ of 1.8, LR- of 0.6, and an AUC of 0.69. Patients with a composite poor outcome had a higher serum ferritin with a standardized mean difference of 0.90 (0.64, 1.15), p < 0.0001; I2: 76%.

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis showed that an elevated serum CRP, PCT, D-dimer, and ferritin were associated with a poor outcome in COVID-19. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
Emotional Pursuits and the American Revolution
Authors: Eustace Nicole
Published: July 2020

A major paradox of modern happiness gained wide public exposure in 1776 when Thomas Jefferson substituted the phrase “the pursuit of happiness” in place of Locke’s formulation: “life, liberty, and property.” In substituting happiness for property, Jefferson obscured the central hypocrisy of the Revolution, that—as contemporaries complained—the “loudest yelps for liberty” were made by those practicing slavery. Jefferson elided the overlap between the pursuit of happiness and the protection of human property. And he blurred the connection between the assertion of slave power and the creation of a broad emotional hegemony in the service of multifaceted projects of political-economic mastery. Today, historians of emotion face an urgent need to explore the deep roots of this feeling in systems of unfreedom.
UGN-101 (mitomycin gel): a novel treatment for low-grade upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Kokorovic Andrea , Matin Surena F.
Published: July 2020

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare malignancy. The standard treatment for localized high-risk disease is radical nephroureterectomy, which confers significant morbidity and is not appropriate for all patients. Patients harboring low-risk, non-invasive disease may be candidates for organ-sparing treatment, which includes endoscopic resection with or without intracavitary drug therapy. Successful administration of intracavitary chemotherapy to the upper tracts is impeded by rapid washout of the agent and short dwell times. This has limited the clinical utility of mitomycin C for treatment of upper tract tumors, despite the successful outcomes observed in low-grade urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. Currently, there is an unmet need for development of a technically feasible and oncologically sound intracavitary therapy for management of low-grade UTUC. UGN-101 (Jelmyto™) is a novel formulation of mitomycin C that uses a unique hydrogel designed to increase urinary dwell time, and thereby efficacy of treatment. Preclinical data demonstrated promising results regarding the safety and feasibility of this agent. Preliminary results of a phase III trial (OLYMPUS study) [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02793128] demonstrated the efficacy of UGN-101 as a successful chemo-ablative agent for low-grade upper tract tumors. UGN-101 may represent a pivotal paradigm shift in the treatment of low-grade UTUC. Indeed, the drug has recently been granted approval by the US Food and Drug Administration as the first treatment for low-grade UTUC, which may lead to significant improvements in patient care and a long-awaited decrease in the burden of disease.
Studying the empirical implications of the liberalization of airport markets
Authors: Button Kenneth
Published: July 2020

This paper offers an overview of what we know about the impacts of the economic regulation of commercial airports. It offers no new empirical findings, but rather considers the challenges of conducting ex post analysis of regulatory reform. It provides an overview of what completed studies have found and assesses whether regulations have achieved their objectives. Little is said about the desirability of these objectives. The focus is on the infrastructure needed to provide commercial passenger air services. Part of the discussion concerns the extent to which the results found in more recent studies offer replication of earlier findings. One function of applied analysis is to offer confirmation or refutation of the findings of prior studies, but this is often given short shrift compared to “novelty.” The paper focuses, in particular, on matters concerning ownership, slot allocation, and supplementary incomes.
Teaching Honors Courses: Perceptions of Engagement from the Faculty Perspective
Authors: Miller Angie L. , Silberstein Samantha M. , BrckaLorenz Allison
Published: July 2020

Research suggests that honors students are more likely to be engaged in some, but not all, aspects of the college experience, although there is less information available from the faculty perspective. This study presents findings from the Faculty Survey of Student Engagement (FSSE), comparing various engagement-related practices between faculty who teach honors courses and those who do not. Along with core FSSE items, this study uses responses from 1,487 faculty members at 15 institutions on two items about teaching honors courses. A series of ordinary least squares regression analyses suggest that faculty who teach honors courses are more likely to encourage engagement in the areas of student–faculty interaction, learning strategies, and collaborative learning, even after controlling for other demographic and institutional variables. These findings are considered within the context of existing research and theory, connecting knowledge from higher education and gifted education.
Chemical Compositions of Commercial Essential Oils From Coriandrum sativum Fruits and Aerial Parts
Authors: Satyal Prabodh , Setzer William N.
Published: July 2020

Coriander and cilantro, the fruit and herb of Coriandrum sativum, are popular additives in various cuisines worldwide. The essential oils derived from coriander and cilantro are also popular and have shown some remarkable biological properties and health benefits. In this report, we have analyzed the essential oil compositions of 19 commercial coriander and 28 commercial cilantro essential oil samples by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) techniques. In addition, 5 coriander and 4 cilantro commercial essential oil samples were analyzed by chiral GC–MS. Commercial coriander essential oil is dominated by linalool (62.2%-76.7%) with lesser quantities of α-pinene (0.3%-11.4%), γ-terpinene (0.6%-11.6%), and camphor (0.0%-5.5%). Commercial cilantro essential oil is composed largely of (2 E)-decenal (16.0%-46.6%), linalool (11.8%-29.8%), (2 E)-decen-1-ol (0.0%-24.7%), decanal (5.2%-18.7%), (2 E)-dodecenal (4.1%-8.7%), and 1-decanol (0.0%-9.5%). The enantiomeric distribution of linalool was 87% (+)-linalool:13% (−)-linalool in both coriander and cilantro essential oils, while α-pinene was 93% (+):7% (−) in coriander, 90% (+):10% (−) in cilantro; and (+)-camphor:(−)-camphor was 13%:87% in both essential oils. Chiral GC–MS analysis was able to detect an adulterated coriander essential oil sample. The data provided in this study serves to establish a baseline for future evaluations of these essential oils as well as a screen for authenticity or adulteration.
What is Cyber or Digital Autoethnography?
Authors: Atay Ahmet
Published: July 2020

Because of rapid developments in new media technologies and digital platforms, we live in a media-driven and highly digitalized society. Most of our everyday experiences are either highly mediated or digitalized. Hence, we live in a complex and multidimensional cyberculture. In order to understand and make sense of our experiences and identities within this culture, as scholars, we require fresh, new methods; hence, I propose cyber or digital autoethnography. In this essay, I define cyber or digital autoethnography and making a case for their importance. I will also outline cyber or digital autoethnography’s potentiality.
The future is now: a call for action for cardiac telerehabilitation in the COVID-19 pandemic from the secondary prevention and rehabilitation section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology
Authors: Scherrenberg Martijn , Wilhelm Matthias , Hansen Dominique , Völler Heinz , Cornelissen Véronique , Frederix Ines , Kemps Hareld , Dendale Paul
Published: July 2020

The role of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation is well established in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease and heart failure. Numerous trials have demonstrated both the effectiveness as well as the cost-effectiveness of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation in improving exercise capacity and quality of life, and in reducing cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. However, the current COVID-19 pandemic has led to closure of many cardiac rehabilitation centres in Europe resulting in many eligible patients unable to participate in the optimisation of secondary prevention and physical performance. This elicits an even louder call for alternatives such as cardiac telerehabilitation to maintain the delivery of the core components of cardiac rehabilitation to cardiovascular disease patients. The present call for action paper gives an update of recent cardiac telerehabilitation studies and provides a practical guide for the setup of a comprehensive cardiac telerehabilitation intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic. This set up could also be relevant to any cardiovascular disease patient not able to visit cardiac rehabilitation centres regularly after the COVID-19 pandemic ceases.
A case of classic Kaposi sarcoma in an immunocompetent human immunodeficiency virus–negative Dominican man
Authors: Gupta Kush , Tun Aung , Gupta Ashish , Berkowitz Leonard B , Anwar Raheel , Liu Yingxian , Guevara Elizabeth
Published: July 2020

Kaposi sarcoma is an uncommon tumor that primarily arises in the skin and mucosal surfaces, but may metastasize to the internal organs. Four main variants of Kaposi sarcoma are recognized as the following: classic Kaposi sarcoma, which occurs in middle-aged or elderly men; epidemic Kaposi sarcoma, associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection; iatrogenic Kaposi sarcoma seen in patients on immunosuppressive drug therapy; and endemic Kaposi sarcoma. This report is of a case of classic Kaposi sarcoma in 55-year-old immunocompetent and human immunodeficiency virus–negative Dominican man who had lived in the United States for 2 years, who presented with a 2-year history of skin lesions on his lower extremities and soft palate. Biopsy of the soft palate was consistent with Kaposi sarcoma. The patient was treated with paclitaxel with a good response. This case report demonstrates the importance of recognizing that classic Kaposi sarcoma, first described almost 150 years ago, can still present in immunocompetent middle-aged men of all ethnicities.
Does body mass index impact the efficacy and complication rate of mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy?
Authors: Burns Hannah , Ahmad Nafees , Hendry Jane , Nalagatla Sarath
Published: July 2020

Aim:

This was a retrospective cohort study exploring the efficacy of mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy in obese patients and whether stone clearance, complication rate and length of stay is impacted by an increasing body mass index.

Method:

Data was collected retrospectively for all mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomies performed at a single centre over a 21-month period commencing March 2017. The primary outcomes included length of stay, stone clearance rates and complications.

Results:

Fifty-eight percutaneous nephrolithotomies were undertaken during the study period and of these cases 81% of patients had a body mass index of 25 or greater. The stone clearance rate was 83%. However, severely obese patients were noted to have a lower stone clearance rate. No complications occurred in the normal body mass index cohort. However, there was no difference in the complication rate for the remaining groups. Post-operative stay was approximately 3 days.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates that supine mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomies are a safe option in obese patients with no increased risk of serious complication. Whilst stone clearance rates were lower in the severely obese category, clearance was complete in the majority of cases.

Level of evidence:

3
Endoscopic management of transvaginal mesh kit bladder extrusion: A case report and literature review
Authors: Dunn Ariel J. , Dengler Katherine L. , Gruber Daniel D. , Osborn David J.
Published: July 2020

Objective:

A rare complication of transvaginal synthetic mesh kits is bladder mesh extrusion. Treatment options include abdominal or vaginal surgical mesh excision or endoscopic mesh vaporization. There are very few published studies detailing endoscopic management. This unique case describes how repeated endoscopic mesh vaporization may be required as mesh extrusion may progress.

Methods:

A 71-year old female with a history of pelvic organ prolapse managed with an anterior transvaginal mesh kit presented years later with persistent urgency incontinence and recurrent acute cystitis. Cystoscopy eventually revealed bladder calculi adherent to extruded mesh. The stones and extruded mesh were vaporized using the Holmium laser on three occasions over 3 years.

Results:

Our approach offered a minimally invasive technique with short recovery, no use of a catheter post-operatively and maintained original prolapse repair; however, these patients may be at risk of mesh extrusion recurrence.

Conclusion:

Bladder extrusion of transvaginal pelvic organ prolapse kit mesh is thankfully a rare complication. With no current consensus for treatment of bladder mesh extrusion, the decision to perform complete mesh excision versus endoscopic treatment should be based on the degree and location of the extrusion, the risk of major complications, mesh extrusion recurrence and the patient’s desired outcomes, including recovery time and risk for prolapse recurrence. Endoscopic vaporization of extruded pelvic organ prolapse mesh likely has a higher recurrence rate than vaginal or abdominal excision. The risks and benefits are important to discuss during counseling and informed consent in these difficult cases.

Level of evidence:

4
Preparing care home staff to manage challenging behaviours among residents living with dementia: A mixed-methods evaluation
Authors: Campbell Niyah , Maidment Ian D , Randle Emma , Shaw Rachel L
Published: July 2020

We evaluated an intervention designed to manage challenging behaviours of people with dementia. Framework analysis of interviews ( n = 21) showed the intervention modified practice and perceptions. The intervention ( n = 58; power calculation proposed n = 160 for medium effect) had no significant effect on attitudes to dementia for time ( p = .42) or care home ( p = .15). The Maslach burnout scores did not change significantly for person-centredness for time ( p = .83) or care home ( p = .29). Hope scores showed a significant effect post-intervention ( p = .004), but this was not maintained. No significant main effect was found for care home ( p = .36). Experiential learning enabled staff to experience benefits of person-centred care firsthand.
Witches on Facebook: Mediatization of Neo-Paganism
Authors: Renser Berit , Tiidenberg Katrin
Published: July 2020

This article investigates the mediatization of neo-Paganism by analyzing how Estonian witches use Facebook groups and Messenger and how Facebook’s affordances shape the neo-Paganism practiced in those spaces. This is a small-scale exploratory study based on ethnographic interviews and observational data. To understand the mediatization of neo-Paganism, we use the communicative figurations model which suggests three layers of analysis: framing, actors, and communicative practices. For a more granular understanding of these three on social media, we rely on the framework of affordances. We found that social media neo-Paganism is (1) characterized by networked eclecticism; (2) enacted by witches who amass authority by successfully using social media affordances; and (3) consists of practices and rituals that are preferred by seekers, easily transferable to social media settings and validated by Facebook algorithms. Social media neo-Paganism thus is a negotiation between authoritative witches, seekers, and platform affordances that validate some practices over others.
Brick-and-Platform: Listing Labor in the Digital Vintage Economy
Authors: Kneese Tamara , Palm Michael
Published: July 2020

Vintage goods are valued for their nostalgic association with pre-digital modes of production, but their contemporary trafficking is increasingly organized by processes of platformization. The central component of what we call “listing labor in the digital vintage economy” is the online display of collectible merchandise, but listing labor also entails promoting sellers’ brands on social media and using sales platforms and other logistical media to manage inventory, process transactions, and handle shipments. Listing labor is performed by branded merchants and their employees alongside independent entrepreneurs. The digital vintage economy connects brick-and-mortar shops and resale supply chains organized around flea markets, thrift shops and charity bins, estate sales, and consigners, to online clearinghouses like eBay and Craigslist, and to social media and payment apps. In this article, we argue that listing labor in the digital vintage economy further develops the concept of “platform labor.” We focus on vintage clothes and vinyl records, dominated by women and men, respectively, to help us analyze divisions of listing labor organized by gender, race, age, and class. We draw upon 20 semi-structured interviews with shop owners and employees and on participant observation in independently owned clothing boutiques and record stores in several US cities. The digital vintage economy provides another angle for understanding how identity-based distinctions affect the opportunities associated with platform labor, and our account of listing labor highlights the need for studies of platformization that analyze its effects on specific local economies as well as on job markets and commercial sectors.
It Takes a Village to Combat a Fake News Army: Wikipedia’s Community and Policies for Information Literacy
Authors: McDowell Zachary J. , Vetter Matthew A.
Published: July 2020

The fake news crisis points to a complex set of circumstances in which new media ecologies struggle to address challenges related to authenticity, rhetorical manipulation and disinformation, and the inability of traditional educational models to adequately teach toward critical information literacy. While social media sites such as Facebook acknowledge the culpability of their platforms in spreading fake news, and create new strategies for addressing this problem, such measures are woefully inadequate. Wikipedia, nearing its 20th year, however, has developed numerous practices and policies to ensure information validity and verifiability. This article explores the connection between participation in the Wikipedia community, the development of critical information literacies, and the ability to navigate the current new media landscape. Analysis and review of Wikipedia’s community policies and the procedures resulting from these policies demonstrate the encyclopedia’s unique capacity to protect against problematic information. We ultimately argue that Wikipedia has become and remains one of the few places on the internet dedicated to combating fake news, and make recommendations on how to leverage Wikipedia practices and policies for information validation outside of the encyclopedia.
The dangers of ignoring underlying trends in before-and-after studies – A cautionary tale using hip fracture mortality data
Authors: Cheik-Hussein Mohammad , Harris Ian A , Lewin Adriane M
Published: July 2020

Background:

Before-and-after studies are a valuable study design in situations where randomization is not feasible. These studies measure an outcome both before and after an intervention and compare the outcome rates in both time periods to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. Before-and-after studies do not involve a contemporaneous control group and must, therefore, take into account any underlying secular trends to separate the effect of the intervention from any pre-existing trend.

Methods:

To illustrate the importance of accounting for underlying trends, we performed a before-and-after study assessing 30-day mortality in hip fracture patients without any actual intervention, and instead designated an arbitrarily chosen time point as our ‘intervention’. We then analysed the data first disregarding and then incorporating the pre-existing underlying trend. We did this to show that even intervention of nothing may be spuriously interpreted to have an effect if the before-and-after study design is incorrectly analysed. Our study involved a secondary analysis of routinely collected data on 30-day mortality following hip fracture in our institution.

Results:

We found a secular trend in our data showing improving 30-day mortality in hip fracture patients in our institution. We then demonstrated that disregarding this underlying trend showed that our intervention of nothing ‘resulted’ in a significant 54% decrease in mortality, from 6.7% in the ‘before’ period to 3.1% in the ‘after’ period ( p < 0.0008). Though the 30-day mortality rate decreased during the ‘after’ period, the decrease was not significantly different from the underlying trend in the ‘before’ period, projected onto the ‘after’ period. When we accounted for the underlying trend in our analysis, the impact of the intervention (nothing) on 30-day mortality was no longer apparent (incidence rate ratio 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.32–1.78; p = 0.5).

Conclusion:

Our study highlights the importance of appropriate measurement and consideration of underlying trends when analysing data from before-and-after studies and illustrates what can happen should researchers neglect this important step.
A Case of Testicular Granulomatous Inflammation Mistaken for Malignancy: Tuberculosis Identified Post Orchiectomy
Authors: Civelli Valerie F. , Heidari Arash , Valdez Michael C. , Narang Vishal K. , Johnson Royce H.
Published: July 2020

We describe the case of a 41-year-old Hispanic male, inconsistently adherent to visits and workup due to socioeconomic challenges, who presented with a right testicular mass. Because of the overriding concern that this was malignant, he underwent a right orchiectomy. Pathology revealed granulomatous disease with no evidence of malignancy. No specific diagnosis was made histologically or microbiologically on primary laboratory investigation. Six months later, he developed swelling of the left testicle and was subsequently seen in consultation at the Infectious Disease Clinic Kern Medical. An extensive evaluation for granulomatous inflammation was undertaken without a positive result. A clinical diagnosis of tuberculous epididymal orchitis was made and the patient was initiated on standard 4-drug antituberculous therapy. There was a gradual resolution of pain and swelling. After 6 months of therapy, there was no evidence of residual disease. The patient remains asymptomatic after 8 months of post-therapy follow-up.
Gender and Racial Differences in Awareness and Consideration of Curricular Programs: Exploring a Multistage Model of Major Choice
Authors: Baker Rachel , Orona Gabe Avakian
Published: July 2020

One method for reducing gender and racial segregation in career fields is addressing sorting by major in college. However, previous research has not examined the full process of major sorting; few studies have explicitly explored the majors of which students are aware or the majors that students consider choosing. In this study, we use survey data from community college students to examine differences in the size and composition of awareness and consideration sets of groups of students. We find significant differences in the size of awareness sets and the composition of consideration sets in our sample. Applying the methodological advances from this study could help college administrators identify key opportunities, in timing or methodology, for supporting and guiding students’ decisions.
My Pilgrimage in Mission
Authors: Montgomery Robert L.
Published: July 2020

As a missionary among the aboriginals in Taiwan, I wondered why this people’s response to the gospel was so open, compared with that of the Chinese of my youth and the Taiwanese majority population. This question became almost an obsession for me. After sixteen happy years in service in Taiwan still holding my question, I began another stage in my pilgrimage in mission in graduate school seeking for answers. I continued my ministry in America, writing articles and then a series of books trying to answer my question regarding receptivity or nonreceptivity to outside religions, especially Christianity.
Observed damage in public school buildings during the 2017 Mexico earthquakes
Authors: Alcocer Sergio M , Murià-Vila David , Fernández-Sola Luciano R , Ordaz Mario , Arce José C
Published: July 2020

In September 2017, two major earthquakes struck south and central Mexico. These earthquakes produced widespread damage in public and private school infrastructure. In Mexico, all school buildings are classified as essential infrastructure and are expected to attain an immediate occupancy performance level after major earthquakes. However, there is a large variation in the quality of the design and construction practices of these buildings due to age of construction, material quality and availability, and great socioeconomic gaps around the country. In this article, an analysis of the observed damage in public school buildings is presented. The results are analyzed depending on the structural system, construction material, and year of construction. The results showed that damage intensity in seismically designed buildings was significantly lower than that observed in the pre-1985 structures. Load bearing and infill masonry walls were the most damaged structural elements.
Therapeutic targeting of metabolic alterations in acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Robinson Matthew John , Krasnodembskaya Anna D.
Published: July 2020

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains a significant source of mortality in critically ill patients. Characterised by acute, widespread alveolar inflammation and pulmonary oedema, its pathophysiological heterogeneity has meant that targeted treatments have remained elusive. Metabolomic analysis has made initial steps in characterising the underlying metabolic derangements of ARDS as an indicator of phenotypical class and has identified mitochondrial dysfunction as a potential therapeutic target. Mesenchymal stem cells and their derived extracellular vesicles have shown significant promise as potential therapies in delivering mitochondria in order to redivert metabolism onto physiological pathways.
Pathways of extra- and intercellular diffusion of colored substances in the blackened xylem of Diospyros kaki
Authors: Iwami Kana , Noma Satoshi , Ban Takuya , Matsushita Yasuyuki , Arakawa Izumi , Kitin Peter , Funada Ryo , Nakaba Satoshi
Published: July 2020

Some species of Diospyros form the black wood that is known as ebony. Infrequently, D. kaki forms wood with black patterning that is called “kurogaki” in Japan and is highly valued. To understand the mechanism of formation of the blackened xylem, we attempted to clarify the pathways of diffusion of colored substances from the site of their biosynthesis to their deposition in secondary xylem. We observed colored substances in pits and intercellular spaces and we recorded the deposition of colored substances in the cell walls of wood fibers. In gray and black regions, we found colored substances in the pits between xylem cells, in blind pits and in intercellular spaces. At the boundary between whitish and black regions, areas of coloration in the cell walls of wood fibers gradually increased in size from the whitish to the black regions. Heavy deposition of colored substances was observed in the inner region of the secondary walls of wood fibers. Furthermore, coloration of the outer region of the secondary walls and compound middle lamella (CML) of wood fibers gradually became stronger toward the black regions. Our observations suggest that pit-pairs and intercellular spaces might provide the pathways for inter- and extracellular diffusion of colored substances, respectively. In addition, colored substances might penetrate the cell walls of wood fibers, moving from the lumen into the cell wall.
Two Switchable Plasmonically Induced Transparency Effects in a System with Distinct Graphene Resonators
Authors: Guan Jingrui , Xia Shengxuan , Zhang Zeyan , Wu Jing , Meng Haiyu , Yue Jing , Zhai Xiang , Wang Lingling , Wen Shuangchun
Published: July 2020

General plasmonic systems to realize plasmonically induced transparency (PIT) effect only exist one single PIT mainly because they only allow one single coupling pathway. In this study, we propose a distinct graphene resonator-based system, which is composed of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) coupled with dielectric grating-loaded graphene layer resonators, to achieve two switchable PIT effects. By designing crossed directions of the resonators, the proposed system exists two different PIT effects characterized by different resonant positions and linewidths. These two PIT effects result from two separate and polarization-selective coupling pathways, allowing us to switch the PIT from one to the other by simply changing the polarization direction. Parametric studies are carried to demonstrate the coupling effects whereas the two-particle model is applied to explain the physical mechanism, finding excellent agreements between the numerical and theoretical results. Our proposal can be used to design switchable PIT-based plasmonic devices, such as tunable dual-band sensors and perfect absorbers.
Small Auxin Up RNAs influence the distribution of indole-3-acetic acid and play a potential role in increasing seed size in Euryale ferox Salisb
Authors: Huang Zhiheng , Bao Ke , Jing Zonghui , Wang Qian , Duan Huifang , Zhu Yaying , Zhang Sen , Wu Qinan
Published: July 2020

Background

AquaticEuryale feroxSalisb. is an economically important crop in China and India. Unfortunately, low yield limitations seriously hinder market growth. Unveiling the control of seed size is of remarkable importance in improvement of crops. Here, we generated a new hybrid line (HL) with larger seeds by crossing South Gordon Euryale and North Gordon Euryale (WT) which hasn’t been reported before. However, the functional genes and molecular mechanisms controlling the seed size inEuryale feroxSalisb. remain unclear. In this study, we focused on the differentially expressed genes in the auxin signal transduction pathway during fruit development between HL and WT to explore candidate regulatory genes participated in regulating seed size.

Results

Both concentration and localization of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at two growth stages of fruits of WT and HL were detected by LC-MS and immunofluorescence. Although IAA content between the two lines did not differ, IAA distribution was significantly different. To elucidate the mechanism and to seek the key genes underlying this difference, RNA-seq was performed on young fruits at the two selected growth stages, and differentially expressed genes related to the auxin transduction pathway were selected for further analysis.

Conclusion

HybridEuryale feroxSalisb. expressed significant heterosis, resulting in non-prickly, thin-coated, large seeds, which accounted for the significantly larger yield of HL than that of WT. Our study indicated thatSmall Auxin Up RNAs (SAURs) -mediated localization of IAA regulates seed size inEuryale feroxSalisb. We found that some SAURs may act as a positive mediator of the auxin transduction pathway, thereby contributing to the observed heterosis.
Characterization and transcriptome analysis of a dominant genic male sterile cotton mutant
Authors: Cheng Xin-Qi , Zhang Xin-Yu , Xue Fei , Zhu Shou-Hong , Li Yan-Jun , Zhu Qian-Hao , Liu Feng , Sun Jie
Published: July 2020

Background

Male sterility is an efficient trait for hybrid seed production and germplasm innovation. Until now, most studies on male sterility were on cytoplasmic and recessive genic sterility, with few on dominant genic male sterility, especially in cotton, due to lack of such mutant.

Results

We discovered a natural male sterile (MS) Sea Island cotton (G. barbadense) mutant. Genetic analysis showed the mutation was caused by a dominant mutation in a single nuclear gene. Comparative cytological observation of anther sections from MS and wild-type (WT) uncovered cellular differences in anther at and after the tetrad stage of pollen mother cells (PMC). In the MS anthers, the outer wall of pollen grains was free of spinules, the tapetum was vacuolated and showed delayed degradation, consequently, no functional pollen grains. Comparison of transcriptomes from meiosis, tetrad, mononuclear and binuclear pollen, and pollen maturation stages identified 13,783 non-redundant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between MS and WT. Based on the number of DEGs, analyses of enriched GO terms and KEGG pathways, it was evident that significant transcriptomic changes occurred at and after the tetrad stage, consistent with cytological observation, and that the major differences were on metabolism of starch, sucrose, ascorbate, aldarate, alanine, aspartate and glutamate, and biosynthesis of cutin, suberine and wax. WGCNA analysis identified five modules containing 920 genes highly related to anther development, especially the greenyellow module with 54 genes that was highly associated with PMC meiosis and tetrad formation. A NAC transcription factor (Gh_D11G2469) was identified as a hub gene for this module, which warrants further functional characterization.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that the MS trait was controlled by a single dominant nuclear gene and caused by delayed tapetum degradation at the tetrad stage. Comparative transcriptome analysis and gene network construction identified DEGs, enriched GO terms and metabolic pathways, and hub genes potentially associated with anther development and the MS trait. These results contribute to our understanding of dominant genic male sterility (DGMS) and provided source for innovation of cotton germplasm.
Association of PIN3 16-bp duplication polymorphism of TP53 with breast cancer risk in Mali and a meta-analysis
Authors: Diakite Brehima , Kassogue Yaya , Dolo Guimogo , Kassogue Oumar , Keita Mamadou Lassine , Joyce Brian , Neuschler Erin , Wang Jun , Musa Jonah , Traore Cheick Bougari , Kamate Bakarou , Dembele Etienne , Nadifi Sellama , Isichei Mercy , Holl Jane L. , Murphy Robert , Doumbia Seydou , Hou Lifang , Maiga Mamoudou
Published: July 2020

Background

Breast cancer, the most common tumor in women in Mali and worldwide has been linked to several risk factors, including genetic factors, such as the PIN3 16-bp duplication polymorphism of TP53. The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of the PIN3 16-bp duplication polymorphism in the susceptibility to breast cancer in the Malian population and to perform a meta-analysis to better understand the correlation with data from other populations.

Methods

We analyzed the PIN3 16-bp duplication polymorphism in blood samples of 60 Malian women with breast cancer and 60 healthy Malian women using PCR. In addition, we performed a meta-analysis of case-control study data from international databases, including Pubmed, Harvard University Library, Genetics Medical Literature Database, Genesis Library and Web of Science. Overall, odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI from fixed and random effects models were determined. Inconsistency was used to assess heterogeneity between studies and publication bias was estimated using the funnel plot.

Results

In the studied Malian patients, a significant association of PIN3 16-bp duplication polymorphism with breast cancer risk was observed in dominant (A1A2 + A2A2 vs. A1A1: OR = 2.26, CI 95% = 1.08–4.73; P = 0.02) and additive (A2 vs. A1: OR = 1.87, CI 95% = 1.05–3.33; P = 0.03) models, but not in the recessive model (P = 0.38). In the meta-analysis, nineteen (19) articles were included with a total of 6018 disease cases and 4456 controls. Except for the dominant model (P = 0.15), an increased risk of breast cancer was detected with the recessive (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.15–1.85; P = 0.002) and additive (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.02–1.19; P = 0.01) models.

Conclusion

The case-control study showed that PIN3 16-bp duplication polymorphism of TP53 is a significant risk factor for breast cancer in Malian women. These findings are supported by data from the meta-analysis carried out on different ethnic groups around the world.
Assessment of quality of life in individuals with chronic headache. Psychometric properties of the WHOQOL-BREF
Authors: Brzoska Patrick
Published: July 2020

Background

The WHOQOL-BREF is a frequently used instrument for the assessment of health-related quality of life. Unlike other generic instruments used for the assessment of this construct, little is known about its properties in individuals with headache disorders. The present study examines the reliability and factorial validity of the WHOQOL-BREF in individuals with chronic headache residing in Austria.

Methods

Data from a representative population-based survey on 963 individuals with chronic headache surveyed between 2013 and 2015 was used. The factorial validity was examined by means of confirmatory factor analysis. Differential item functioning related to sex was analyzed using multiple indicators multiple causes models.

Results

Information on 239 men and 724 women with chronic headache was available. The four-factor, 24-item baseline model showed a moderate fit (RMSEA = 0.066; CFI = 0.868; TLI = 0.852; SRMR = 0.053), which improved significantly after the addition of six error covariances (RMSEA = 0.052; CFI = 0.920; TLI = 0.908; SRMR = 0.046). Sex-related differential item functioning was observed in two items of the environment factor, two items of the psychological health factor and two items of the physical health factor.

Conclusions

After some modifications to the measurement model, the WHOQOL-BREF shows a satisfactory fit among individuals with chronic headache in Austria. Because of these modifications and the questionnaire’s susceptibility for differential item functioning, a latent variable framework should be employed for the analysis. Future studies need to confirm these results for other language regions and should also examine different subtypes of headache.