bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racial Disparities in Modifiable Risk Factors and Statin Usage in Black Patients With Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Agarwala Anandita , Bekele Nathan , Deych Elena , Rich Michael W. , Hussain Aliza , Jones Laney K. , Sturm Amy C. , Aspry Karen , Nowak Elizabeth , Ahmad Zahid , Ballantyne Christie M. , Goldberg Anne C.
Published: August 2021

Background

Black men and women are at higher risk for, and suffer greater morbidity and mortality from, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) compared with adults of European Ancestry (EA). Black patients with familial hypercholesterolemia are at particularly high risk for ASCVD complications because of lifelong exposure to elevated levels of low‐density‐lipoprotein cholesterol.

Methods and Results

This retrospective study analyzed ASCVD prevalence and risk factors in 808 adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia from 5 US‐based lipid clinics, and compared findings in Black versus EA patients. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the strongest predictors of ASCVD as a function of race. No significant difference was noted in the prevalence of ASCVD in Black versus EA patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (39% versus 32%, respectively;
P
=0.15). However, Black versus EA patients had significantly greater prevalence of modifiable risk factors, including body mass index (mean, 32±7 kg/m
2
versus 29±6 kg/m
2
;
P
<0.001), hypertension (82% versus 50%;
P
<0.001), diabetes (39% versus 15%;
P
<0.001), and current smoking (16% versus 8%;
P
=0.006). Black versus EA patients also had significantly lower usage of statins (61% versus 73%;
P
=0.004) and other lipid‐lowering agents. In a fully adjusted multivariate model, race was not independently associated with ASCVD (odds ratio, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.60–1.49;
P
=0.72).

Conclusions

The strongest predictors of ASCVD in Black patients with familial hypercholesterolemia were hypertension and cigarette smoking. These data support wider usage of statins and other lipid‐lowering therapies and greater attention to modifiable risk, specifically blood pressure management and smoking cessation.
Impact of Race on the In‐Hospital Quality of Care Among Young Adults With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Raparelli Valeria , Benea Diana , Nunez Smith Marcella , Behlouli Hassan , Murphy Terrence E. , D’Onofrio Gail , Pilote Louise , Dreyer Rachel P.
Published: August 2021

Background

The extent to which race influences in‐hospital quality of care for young adults (≤55 years) with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is largely unknown. We examined racial disparities in in‐hospital quality of AMI care and their impact on 1‐year cardiac readmission.

Methods and Results

We used data from the VIRGO (Variation in Recovery: Role of Gender on Outcomes of Young AMI Patients) study enrolling young Black and White US adults with AMI (2008–2012). An in‐hospital quality of care score (QCS) was computed (standard AMI quality indicators divided by the total a patient is eligible for). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with the lowest QCS tertile, including interactions between race and social determinants of health. Among 2846 young adults with AMI (median 48 years [interquartile range 44–52], 67.4% women, 18.8% Black race), Black individuals, especially women, exhibited a higher prevalence of cardiac risk factors and social determinants of health and were more likely to experience a non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction than White individuals. Black individuals were more likely in the lowest QCS tertile than White individuals (40.8% versus 34.7%;
P
=0.003). The association between Black race and low QCS (odds ratio [OR], 1.25; 95% CI, 1.02–1.54) was attenuated by adjustment for confounders. Employment was independently associated with better QCS, especially among Black participants (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.62–0.92; P‐
interaction
=0.02). Black individuals experienced a higher rate of 1‐year cardiac readmission (29.9% versus 20.0%;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions

Black individuals with AMI received lower in‐hospital quality of care and exhibited a higher rate of cardiac readmissions than White individuals. Black individuals had a lower quality of care if unemployed, highlighting the intersection of race and social determinants of health.
Association Between Black Race, Clinical Severity, and Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Phillips Amanda R. , Reitz Katherine M. , Myers Sara , Thoma Floyd , Andraska Elizabeth A. , Jano Antalya , Sridharan Natalie , Smith Roy E. , Mulukutla Suresh R. , Chaer Rabih
Published: August 2021

Background

Existing evidence indicates Black patients have higher incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) and PE‐related mortality compared with other races/ethnicities, yet disparities in presenting severity and treatment remain incompletely understood.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively queried a multihospital healthcare system for all hospitalizations for acute PE (2012–2019). Of 10 329 hospitalizations, 8743 met inclusion criteria. Black patients (14.3%) were significantly younger (54.6±17.8 versus 63.1±16.6 years;
P
<0.001) and more female (56.1% versus 51.6%;
P
=0.003) compared with White patients. Using ordinal regression, Black race was significantly associated with higher PE severity after matching 1:3 on age and sex (1210:3264; odds ratio [OR], 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03–1.14), adjusting for clinical (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01–1.27), and socioeconomic (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.05–1.35) characteristics. Among intermediate and high‐severity PE, Black race was associated with a decreased risk of intervention controlling for the competing risk of mortality and censoring on hospital discharge. This effect was modified by PE severity (
P
value <0.001), with a lower and higher risk of intervention for intermediate and high‐severity PE, respectively. Race was not associated with in‐hospital mortality (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.69–1.02).

Conclusions

Black patients hospitalized with PE are younger with a higher severity of disease compared with White patients. Although Black patients are less likely to receive an intervention overall, this differed depending on PE severity with higher risk of intervention only for life‐threatening PE. This suggests nuanced racial disparities in management of PE and highlights the complexities of healthcare inequalities.
Brain White Matter Structure and Amyloid Deposition in Black and White Older Adults: The ARIC‐PET Study
Authors: Walker Keenan A. , Silverstein Noah , Zhou Yun , Hughes Timothy M. , Jack Clifford R. , Knopman David S. , Sharrett A. Richey , Wong Dean F. , Mosley Thomas H. , Gottesman Rebecca F.
Published: August 2021

Background

White matter abnormalities are a common feature of aging and Alzheimer disease, and tend to be more severe among Black individuals. However, the extent to which white matter abnormalities relate to amyloid deposition, a marker of Alzheimer pathology, remains unclear. This cross‐sectional study examined the association of white matter abnormalities with cortical amyloid in a community sample of older adults without dementia and examined the moderating effect of race.

Methods and Results

Participants from the ARIC‐PET (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities‐Positron Emission Tomography) study underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging, which quantified white matter hyperintensity volume and microstructural integrity using diffusion tensor imaging. Participants received florbetapir positron emission tomography imaging to measure brain amyloid. Associations between measures of white matter structure and elevated amyloid status were examined using multivariable logistic regression. Among 322 participants (43% Black), each SD increase in white matter hyperintensity volume was associated with a greater odds of elevated amyloid (odds ratio [OR], 1.37; 95% CI, 1.03–1.83) after adjusting for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors. In race‐stratified analyses, a greater white matter hyperintensity volume was more strongly associated with elevated amyloid among Black participants (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.15–3.50), compared with White participants (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.89–1.89). However, the race interaction was not statistically significant (
P
interaction=0.09). We found no association between white matter microstructure and elevated amyloid.

Conclusions

The results suggest a modest positive relationship between white matter hyperintensity and elevated amyloid in older adults without dementia. Although the results indicate that this association is nonsignificantly stronger among Black participants, these findings will need to be confirmed or refuted using larger multiracial cohorts.
Les manuels de comptabilité, promoteurs de modèles et reflets de l’activité commerciale : trois exemples lyonnais des XVIe-XVIIe siècles
Authors: Bottin Jacques
Published: August 2021

L’historiographie du négoce lyonnais du premier âge moderne s’est fondée sur l’affirmation d’une asymétrie entre les acteurs locaux et les firmes italiennes qui dominaient la place grâce à meilleur savoir-faire technique et à des capacités économiques supérieures. En l’absence de sources directes, la littérature destinée aux marchands peut-elle témoigner d’un rattrapage ? L’étude des manuels de comptabilité ouvre quelques pistes. Les pratiques italiennes de gestion ont-elles influencé les modèles techniques que ces ouvrages proposent ? Dans quelle mesure ces fictions à but pédagogique produisent-elles une image de l’entreprise commerciale et de son rapport à l’économie globale ? Publiés à Lyon entre 1581 et 1627, les manuels de comptabilité de Pierre de Savonne et de Claude Boyer servent de base à cette étude.
A new species of freshwater amphipod (Crustacea, Peracarida, Hyalellidae) from Southern Brazil
Authors: LIMBERGER MARCIO , DA SILVA CASTIGLIONI DANIELA , GRAICHEN DANIEL ÂNGELO SGANZERLA
Published: August 2021

The freshwater amphipod of the genus Hyalella is typical from continental American waters and shows high levels of endemicity and Brazil has the second largest diversity. A new species is described here, Hyalella longipropodus n. sp. that occurs in a spring of southern Brazil in the municipality of Palmeira das Missões, in the northwestern region of state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brasil. Hyalella longipropodus n. sp. shows the following character states: antenna 2 more than half body length, gnathopod 2 propodus elongated, uropod 1 inner ramus of male without apical curved setae, uropod 3 peduncle with seven strong distal setae with accessory setae, ramus of uropod 3 with ten cuspidate setae with accessory setae. Hyalella longipropodus n. sp. occurs in sympatry with H. gauchensis, but these differ especially in the size and shape of gnathopod 2, the presence of curved setae on uropod 1 in H. gauchensis and the absence in H. longipropodus n. sp., antenna length (longer in H. longipropodus n. sp.) and number of cuspidate setae on uropods 1, 2, and 3. Besides the morphological differences, H. longipropodus n. sp. presented genetic differences always above 19% for the COI gene and 29 % for the 16S rRNA gene, when compared with other species found in the northwestern region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, showing that it is really a species not yet described by science.
Two new freshwater crab species of the genus Nanhaipotamon Bott, 1968 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Potamidae) from Huizhou, Guangdong Province, southern China
Authors: HUANG CHAO , MAO SIYING , SHIH HSI-TE
Published: August 2021

Two morphologically distinct new species of Nanhaipotamon Bott, 1968, are described from Huizhou, Guangdong Province, southern China. The smooth carapace and lack of flagellum on the third maxilliped exopod immediately separate N. incendium n. sp. from all other known Nanhaipotamon. It is also the first species of this genus to be recorded from a relatively high altitude of 700 m a.s.l. Nanhaipotamon aureomarginatum n. sp. is externally much more typical of species of its genus but can be distinguished from congeners by its unique male first gonopod. The two new species are more or less sympatric with a morphological disparate congener, which we tentatively assign as N. aff. aculatum Dai, 1997 and N. aff. hongkongense (Shen, 1940), respectively, but with different habitats. A genetic analysis using the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I shows that while the two new species are sufficiently distinct from other known species of Nanhaipotamon, they have extraordinarily close relationships with their respective sympatric congeners, which calls for further investigation. The ecology of these two new species are also noted.
[ARTICLE WITHDRAWN] MicroRNA-362-3p Inhibits Glioma Growth by Targeting PAX3 and Regulating Wnt/Beta-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Wan Hui , Liu Tingting , Lin Yuanxiang
Published: August 2021

THIS ARTICLE WAS WITHDRAWN BY THE PUBLISHER IN October 2021
MicroRNA (miR)-355 Suppressed Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Metastasis via Regulating P38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) Signaling
Authors: Wang Peng , Bai Chong , Hu Zhenli , Li Xingjing , Shen Fang , He Mudan
Published: August 2021

MicroRNA (miR)-355 was reported to mediate p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling, which exerted an effect on cell invasion and metastasis. But whether miR-355 could inhibit small cell lung cancer cell line H446 cell metastasis by regulating p38 MAPKs signaling needs
further study. H446 cells were cultured to establish miR-355 overexpression group and blank group. The expression of MT1-MMP, the activity and migration of H446 cells were evaluated. Further, the ability of invasion, the level of p-p38 MAPKs and the activity degree of MT1-MMP were observed
in H446 cells. MT1-MMP was mainly expressed on the cell membrane. miR-355 overexpression significantly decreased cellular viability and reduced MT1-MMP and p-p38 MAPKs levels relative to the blank group without influencing p38 MAPKs level. In addition, miR-355 overexpression suppressed cell
migration and invasive ability in H446 cells. Finally, miR-355 overexpression reduced pro-MMP and MMP-2 activity in H446 cells. miR-355 overexpression suppressed H446 cell metastasis through regulating P38 MAPKs signaling.
Astragalus Polysaccharide Injection Ameliorates the Apoptosis of Chondrocytes in the Ovariectomized Osteoporosis Mouse Model via Modulating Protein Kinase B/Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Beta Signal Transduction
Authors: Duan Xianbin , Lu Xiaohu , Liu Bi
Published: August 2021

The Akt/GSK3 signal pathway exerts an impact on the apoptosis of chondrocytes. We planned to elucidate the role and mechanism of Akt/GSK3 signal transduction in ovariectomized osteoporosis. 50 female mice in SPF-graded and healthy condition were processed to establish the ovariectomized
osteoporosis model, while 12 of the healthy mice were set as blank controls. The successfully established ovariectomized osteoporosis models were divided into model group (12 mice) and Astragalus group (12 mice). The following measurements were conducted: the bone mineral density in the left
humerus, serum estrogen level and Cx43 protein level in osteoblasts, proportion of apoptotic cells, as well as the protein and mRNA levels of Akt and GSK3β in murine bone tissues via Western blotting and RT-PCR detection, respectively. The bone mineral density of mice in Astragalus
group was the highest (0.174±0.04) g/cm2. The positive rate of Cx43 protein expression, apoptosis rate, as well as the protein and mRNA levels of Akt in osteocytes were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), but still significantly higher than model group. Estrogen
level in Astragalus group was (87.52 ±8.69) pmol/L. The positive rate of Cx43 expression, apoptosis rate, as well as the protein and mRNA levels of GSK3β in osteocytes were decreased in comparison to model group (P < 0.05). Astragalus polysaccharide injection could
ameliorate the apoptosis of chondrocytes and downregulate Cx43 protein via modulating Akt/GSK3β signal transduction, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on ovariectomized osteoporosis.
Effect of MicroRNA-150 (miR-150) on the Biological Activity of Breast Cancer Cells and Its Correlation with Notch Signal
Authors: Gao Jing , Liu Xiangchuan , Shi Huijuan , Liu Shugang
Published: August 2021

Our study explores miR-150’s effect on the biological activity of breast cancer cells and its correlation with Notch signaling. Human breast cancer cells MCF-7 were divided into WZ group (MCF-7 cells); KZ group (transfected with miR-150-NC); and group II (transfected with miR-150inhibitor)
followed by analysis of miR-150 expressio,n cell replication, apoptosis, invasion, migration ability and Notch1 and Notch3 expression by qRT-PCR, cloning, Hoechst33258 fluorescent staining, Transwell chamber, cell scratch test, dual luciferase report and Western blot. Lowest miR-150 expression
in MCF-7 cells indicated a successful transfection (P < 0.05). Compared with KZ and WZ groups, Notch1 and Notch3 mRNA levels in group II were decreased (P <0.05); and the number of cell clones in group II was reduced (P <0.05) without difference between WZ and
KZ group (P >0.05); miR-150 inhibitor reduced Notch1 and Notch3 expression (P <0.05). The fluorescence intensity of MCF-7 cells in group II was highest among three groups (P <0.05). The number of cell invasion and migration as well as Notch1 and Notch 3 expression
in group II was reduced (P <0.05) without difference between group KZ and WZ (P >0.05). miR-150 expression is increased in MCF-7 cells. The miR-150 inhibitor can inhibit cell apoptosis, migration and other biological behaviors, which is related to target Notch signaling
pathway.
Expressed Sequence Tags-1-Targeted MiRNA-326 in Gastric Cancer Induces Local Immune Inflammatory Microenvironment by Inducing T Helper Cell 17 Cell Differentiation
Authors: Wang Liu , Li Shuyuan , Wan Jinsong , Li Yuanyuan , Liu Peng
Published: August 2021

This study intends to assess miRNA-326’s effect on the immune-inflammatory microenvironment and its mechanism in gastric cancer (GC). GC adjacent tissues and tumor tissues were collected to analyze inflammatory factors by immunohistochemistry and ELISA, Est-1 and miRNA-326 level
by Western blot or PCR, Th17 cells by flow cytometry. CD4+ T cells were transfected with Est-1 inhibitor, Est-1 mimics, or miR-326 mimics followed by measurement of Th17 differentiation-related genes via gene chips and inflammatory factor release. Inflammatory factors in serum of GC patients
were significantly increased and miR-326 was upregulated with decreased Est-1 and unbalanced Th17/Treg cell ratio. miR-326 targeted Est-1 to inhibit its expression. After transfection with Est-1 inhibitor, Th17 differentiation-related genes were upregulated. After transfection with miR-326
mimics, Est-1 level was reduced and inflammation was enhanced with maturation of Th17 cells. In conclusion, miRNA-326 induces Th17 cell differentiation by targeting Est-1, thereby promoting the release of inflammatory factors and inducing immune inflammatory microenvironment.
mir-556-3p Promotes the Progression of Breast Cancer Through Targeting Disabled Gene Homolog 2 Interacting Protein (DAB2IP)
Authors: Fan Chunxiong , Deng Yanping , Liu Yaqing , Liu Xiaoying , Ke Xi , Zhou Cuiyun , Wu Xiufeng
Published: August 2021

Our study assessed miR-556-3p’s role in breast cancer cells. A total of 65 cases of breast cancer tissue samples were retrospectively analyzed to detect miR-556-3p level by PCR and analyze survival time and 30 normal breast tissues were included as a control group. Breast cancer
cells were cultured followed by analysis of cell proliferation by MTT, cell invasion by transwell assay. miR-556-3p level was significantly upregulated in breast cancer patients compared to control group (P <0.05) and inversely associated with survival rate (P <0.05). In
vitro experiments, cell activity and invasion were positively correlated with miR-556-3p level (P <0.05). In MCF-7 cell lines, miR-556-3p overexpression increased cell activity (P <0.05). Meanwhile, after miR-556-3p was overexpressed, the expression of DAB2IP, Erk,
p-Erk in breast cancer cells was significantly reduced and increased after miR-556-3p was knocked down. In conclusion, miR-556-3p targets DAB2IP3′-UTR, promotes breast cancer cell proliferation, indicating that miR-556-3p might be involved in breast cancer pathogenesis and may be a new
target for the treatment.
Allicin Improves Hepatic Fibrosis by Regulating Notch 1 Pathway
Authors: Li Wenxiang , Sun Yajing , Wang Zaixing
Published: August 2021

Aim: To discuss effects and mechanisms of allicin in hepatic fibrosis by vivo study. Materials and methods: Dividing 45 rats into 5 groups. Evaluating pathology and fibrosis by HE and Masson staining, measuring α-SMA, Collage III, Notch 1, p-AKT and p-mTOR
protein expression by IHC assay and WB assay; LC 3B protein expression were evaluated by Immunofluorescence. Liver function were measured by Elisa assay. Results: With Allicin supplement, rats’ liver function, pathological and Collagen volume fraction were significantly improved
with doses-dependent in liver tissues (P < 0.05, respectively); α-SMA, Collage III, Notch 1, p-AKT and p-mTOR protein expression were significantly suppressed with doses-dependent (P < 0.05, respectively); LC 3B protein expression was significantly increased
with doses-dependent (P < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion: Allicin improved hepatic fibrosis by authophagy up regulation via regulation Notrch1/AKT/mTOR pathway by vivo study.
Interaction between Strong Sound Waves and Cloud Droplets: Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Jia Ying-Hui , Li Fang-Fang , Fang Kun , Wang Guang-Qian , Qiu Jun
Published: August 2021

Recently, strong sound wave was proposed to enhance precipitation. The theoretical basis of this proposal has not been effectively studied either experimentally or theoretically. On the basis of the microscopic parameters of atmospheric cloud physics, this paper solved the complex nonlinear differential equation to show the movement characteristics of cloud droplets under the action of sound waves. The motion process of an individual cloud droplet in a cloud layer in the acoustic field is discussed as well as the relative motion between two cloud droplets. The effects of different particle sizes and sound field characteristics on particle motion and collision are studied to analyze the dynamic effects of thunder-level sound waves on cloud droplets. The amplitude of velocity variation has positive correlation with sound pressure level (SPL) and negative correlation with the frequency of the surrounding sound field. Under the action of low-frequency sound waves with sufficient intensity, individual cloud droplets could be forced to oscillate significantly. A droplet smaller than 40 μm can be easily driven by sound waves of 50 Hz and 123.4 dB. The calculation of the collision process of two droplets reveals that the disorder of motion for polydisperse droplets is intensified, resulting in the broadening of the collision time range and spatial range. When the acoustic frequency is less than 100 Hz (at 123.4 dB) or the SPL is greater than 117.4 dB (at 50 Hz), the sound wave can affect the collision of cloud droplets significantly. This study provides a theoretical perspective of the acoustic effect on the microphysics of atmospheric clouds.
The diagnosis about spatio-temporal characteristics and driving factors of flash drought and its prediction over typical humid and semi-arid basins in China
Authors: Zhu Qian , Wang Yushi
Published: August 2021

Flash drought is a rapid-onset drought, which has greatly threatened the agricultural production and economic development. However, the unclear development mechanism of flash droughts brings challenges for its monitoring, forecasting and mitigation. This study investigates the spatio-temporal characteristics, driving factors and the prediction of flash drought over typical humid and semi-arid basins. The main objectives and findings are as follows: (1) The patterns of flash drought are compared under different climate types. The results show that flash drought is more serious in the chosen humid basin than that in the semiarid basin, with more events, longer duration, larger frequency of occurrence (FOC). (2) The development mechanisms of flash drought are explored by analyzing the anomalies of seven meteorological variables in the evolution of flash drought. The results indicate that the main driving factors are the negative anomalies of precipitation and the positive anomalies of temperature, which usually occur at two pentads before the onset of flash drought. (3) The prediction of soil moisture as a key variable in flash droughts developing process is conducted using support vector machine (SVM), with meteorological variables and a remote sensing soil moisture, namely Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP), as inputs. In this study, about 65%-70% of flash droughts can be captured by the prediction. However, some events are missed, and false alarms also exist in most stations in both basins. This study can provide some references for monitoring and early warning of flash drought, which is important to reduce the losses and risks in agriculture production.
Flow-dependent modeling of acoustic propagation based on DG-FEM method
Authors: Wang Zichen , Xu Jian , Zhang Xuefeng , Lu Can , Jin Kangkang , Zhang Yinquan
Published: August 2021

This paper proposes a two-dimensional underwater sound propagation model using the Discontinuous Galerkin Finite Element Method (DG-FEM) to investigate the influence of current on sound propagation. The acoustic field is calculated by the convected wave equation with the current speed parameter. Based on the current speed data from an assimilation model, a two-dimensional coupled acoustic propagation model in the Fram Strait water area is established to observe the variability in propagation loss under different seasonal velocities in the real ocean environment. The transmission loss and signal time structure are examined. The results obtained in different source frequencies are also compared. It appears that the current velocity, time and range variation all have an effect on underwater sound propagation.
Observation of the Tropical Cyclone Diurnal Cycle Using Hyperspectral Infrared Satellite Sounding Retrievals
Authors: Duran Erika L. , Berndt Emily B. , Duran Patrick
Published: August 2021

Hyperspectral infrared satellite sounding retrievals are used to examine thermodynamic changes in the tropical cyclone (TC) environment associated with the diurnal cycle of radiation. Vertical profiles of temperature and moisture are retrieved from the
Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership
(
SNPP
) satellite system,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-20
(
NOAA-20
), and the Meteorological Operational (
MetOp-A/B
) satellite system, leveraging both infrared and microwave sounding technologies. Vertical profiles are binned radially based on distance from the storm center and composited at 4-h intervals to reveal the evolution of the diurnal cycle. For the three cases examined—Hurricane Dorian (2019), Hurricane Florence (2018), and Hurricane Irma (2017)—a marked diurnal signal is evident that extends through a deep layer of the troposphere. Statistically significant differences at the 95% level are observed in temperature, moisture, and lapse rate profiles, indicating a moistening and destabilization of the mid- to upper troposphere that is more pronounced near the inner core of the TC at night. Observations support a favorable environment for the formation of deep convection caused by diurnal differences in radiative heating tendencies, which could partially explain why new diurnal pulses tend to form around sunset. These findings demonstrate that the diurnal cycle of radiation affects TC thermodynamics through a deep layer of the troposphere, and suggest that hyperspectral infrared satellite sounding retrievals are valuable assets in detecting thermodynamic variations in TCs.
SMDI: An Index for Measuring Subgingival Microbial Dysbiosis
Authors: Chen T. , Marsh P.D. , Al-Hebshi N.N.
Published: August 2021

An intuitive, clinically relevant index of microbial dysbiosis as a summary statistic of subgingival microbiome profiles is needed. Here, we describe a subgingival microbial dysbiosis index (SMDI) based on machine learning analysis of published periodontitis/health 16S microbiome data. The raw sequencing data, split into training and test sets, were quality filtered, taxonomically assigned to the species level, and centered log-ratio transformed. The training data set was subject to random forest analysis to identify discriminating species (DS) between periodontitis and health. DS lists, compiled by various “Gini” importance score cutoffs, were used to compute the SMDI for samples in the training and test data sets as the mean centered log-ratio abundance of periodontitis-associated species subtracted by that of health-associated ones. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed with receiver operating characteristic analysis. An SMDI based on 49 DS provided the highest accuracy with areas under the curve of 0.96 and 0.92 in the training and test data sets, respectively, and ranged from −6 (most normobiotic) to 5 (most dysbiotic) with a value around zero discriminating most of the periodontitis and healthy samples. The top periodontitis-associated DS were Treponema denticola, Mogibacterium timidum, Fretibacterium spp., and Tannerella forsythia, while Actinomyces naeslundii and Streptococcus sanguinis were the top health-associated DS. The index was highly reproducible by hypervariable region. Applying the index to additional test data sets in which nitrate had been used to modulate the microbiome demonstrated that nitrate has dysbiosis-lowering properties in vitro and in vivo. Finally, 3 genera ( Treponema, Fretibacterium, and Actinomyces) were identified that could be used for calculation of a simplified SMDI with comparable accuracy. In conclusion, we have developed a nonbiased, reproducible, and easy-to-interpret index that can be used to identify patients/sites at risk of periodontitis, to assess the microbial response to treatment, and, importantly, as a quantitative tool in microbiome modulation studies.
An Analysis of Job Satisfaction Determinants of Educators in Low-Performing Schools in Mauritius: A Comparative Study of Private and State Secondary Schools
Authors: Bahadur Asvin Goonesh , Shakil Juddoo
Published: August 2021

This study analyzed the job satisfaction of educators in both private and public low-performing secondary schools in Mauritius. It also assessed the impact of some determinants on job performance and academic performance, and it provides a comparative study of the job satisfaction determinants from both types of schools. A survey was carried out with 120 educators from six secondary schools in Mauritius. It revealed several direct factors that create job dissatisfaction among educators. The article provides recommendations to tackle the problems that were raised. The study concluded that there is a significant relationship between job performance and job satisfaction.
The Functions and Features of ELT Textbooks and Textbook Analysis: A Concise Review
Authors: Vitta Joseph P
Published: August 2021

Decades of research have established that most English Language Teaching (ELT) contexts rely on textbooks and corresponding materials to drive the education process. Textbook analysis as a vital quality control check of these products has also become a popular trend in applied linguistics and second language (L2) research. In the main, ELT textbooks have been conceptualized in past literature as supporting target language proficiency attainment while also giving the teacher everything required to conduct a lesson. Textbook analysis has subsequently checked products’ utility and quality in relation to such proficiency development. Over time, the scope of textbook analyses has expanded to include issues such as cultural representations in these products to address how the products help students become better at English in a multicultural and globalized world. While teachers and researchers can reference numerous well-known books on these phenomena, a concise summary of how textbooks function within ELT contexts and the defining features of textbook analysis research appears to be lacking. This brief report meets this need and is useful to stakeholders in the ELT community, such as teachers and program managers, who might not have the time nor the resources to consult such extensive sources of information.
Cholesteatoma Causing a Horizontal Semicircular Canal Fistula
Authors: Djalilian Hamid , Borrelli Michela , Desales Alexis
Published: August 2021

Horizontal canal fistulas are not uncommon in patients with cholesteatoma. Patients with canal wall down cavities and exposed horizontal canal fistulas develop significant dizziness with wind or suction exposure. Obliteration of mastoid cavities in patients with exposed fistulas can be challenging. We describe a patient with horizontal canal fistula and chronic dizziness from wind exposure who underwent successful mastoid cavity obliteration with preservation of hearing. Patients with horizontal canal fistulas in a canal wall down cavity can be managed with mastoid obliteration for relief of dizziness.
Brief Synopsis: “Instruction Manual for Juvenile Clinical Pathology”
Authors: Provencher Anne , Katavolos Paula
Published: August 2021

This symposium synopsis summarizes key points discussed related to clinical pathology data interpretation for reproduction and juvenile toxicology studies. In pregnant and growing animals, several changes in clinical pathology parameters linked to growth/maturation of organ and physiological functions can occur, and understanding these changes is important to enable accurate interpretation of clinical pathology data. A brief overview of the general approach to clinical pathology data analysis according to contemporary practices is provided, followed by a discussion focused specifically on reproductive and juvenile clinical pathology. In this context, the approach to recognize and differentiate changes that may be related to pregnancy and growth as opposed to those that may be related to test article effects is highlighted.
Atypical Facial Emotion Recognition in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Exploratory Analysis on the Role of Task Demands
Authors: Nagy Emese , Prentice Louise , Wakeling Tess
Published: August 2021

People with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have difficulty with socio-emotional functioning; however, research on facial emotion recognition (FER) remains inconclusive. Individuals with ASD might be using atypical compensatory mechanisms that are exhausted in more complex tasks. This study compared response accuracy and speed on a forced-choice FER task using neutral, happy, sad, disgust, anger, fear and surprise expressions under both timed and non-timed conditions in children with and without ASD ( n = 18). The results showed that emotion recognition accuracy was comparable in the two groups in the non-timed condition. However, in the timed condition, children with ASD were less accurate in identifying anger and surprise compared to children without ASD. This suggests that people with ASD have atypical processing of anger and surprise that might become challenged under time pressure. Understanding these atypical processes, and the environmental factors that challenge them, could be beneficial in supporting socio-emotional functioning in people ASD.
Performance Measurement and Evaluation Framework of Public Microtransit Service
Authors: Hansen Todd , Walk Michael , Tan Shuman , Mahmoudzadeh Ahmadreza
Published: August 2021

This research project developed an evaluation framework and service standards for microtransit service at a metropolitan transportation authority. Microtransit provides an elevated level of service from traditional demand response, enabling more spontaneous travel and better connectivity to the fixed-route system, meaning microtransit service performance standards fit in between traditional demand response and fixed route. Microtransit neighborhood zones also serve distinct purposes depending on the operational and financial characteristics of a given zone. The purpose of this evaluation framework project was to determine the optimal performance measurement process for microtransit service. The research team developed the evaluation framework through gathering information from agency staff on current goals and objectives for microtransit, conducting an industry scan, and determining measurable metrics from available data sources. The project developed a typology of microtransit service zones, then created the evaluation framework using the performance measures applicable to agency goals. The research team conducted a final test of the framework at the six-month period of service to refine the measures as needed. Minimum standards and optimal goals were set for each performance measure based on system performance and agency goals for innovative service. The framework uses service standards and goals that are applicable to given types of neighborhood zones and distinct from baseline standards for fixed-route or other demand-responsive service. The evaluation framework can be integrated into transit agency service standards to measure the success of microtransit neighborhood zones and planning future service.
The Neuropeptide PDF Is Crucial for Delaying the Phase of Drosophila’s Evening Neurons Under Long Zeitgeber Periods
Authors: Vaze Koustubh M. , Helfrich-Förster Charlotte
Published: August 2021

Circadian clocks schedule biological functions at a specific time of the day. Full comprehension of the clock function requires precise understanding of their entrainment to the environment. The phase of entrained clock is plastic, which depends on different factors such as the period of endogenous oscillator, the period of the zeitgeber cycle (T), and the proportion of light and darkness (day length). The circadian clock of fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is able to entrain to a wide range of T-cycles and day lengths. Here, we investigated the importance of the neuropeptide Pigment-Dispersing Factor (PDF) for entrainment by systematically studying locomotor activity rhythms of Pdf 0 mutants and wild-type flies under different T-cycles (T22 to T32) and different day lengths (8, 12, and 16 hour [h]). Furthermore, we analysed PERIOD protein oscillations in selected groups of clock neurons in both genotypes under T24 and T32 at a day length of 16 h. As expected, we found that the phase of Drosophila’s evening activity and evening neurons advanced with increasing T in all the day lengths. This advance was much larger in Pdf 0 mutants (~7 h) than in wild-type flies causing (1) pronounced desynchrony between morning and evening neurons and (2) evening activity to move in the morning instead of the evening. Most interestingly, we found that the lights-off transition determines the phase of evening neurons in both genotypes and that PDF appears necessary to delay the evening neurons by ~3 h to their wild-type phase. Thus, in T32, PDF first delays the molecular cycling in the evening neurons, and then, as shown in previous studies, delays their neuronal firing rhythms to produce a total delay of ~7 h necessary for a wild-type evening activity phase. We conclude that PDF is crucial for appropriate phasing of Drosophila activity rhythm.
Barriers to Men’s Help Seeking for Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Taylor Julie C. , Bates Elizabeth A. , Colosi Attilio , Creer Andrew J.
Published: August 2021

Evidence suggests that male victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) are less likely to seek help for their victimization than female victims. Studies exploring barriers to help seeking are relatively scarce in the United Kingdom (UK) and those that have been undertaken across Europe, United States, Canada, and Australia have tended to rely on small samples of help-seeking men who have self-identified as victims of IPV. With a view to include more male victim voices in the literature, an anonymous qualitative questionnaire was distributed via social media. In total, 147 men (85% from the UK) who self-identified as being subject to abuse from their female partners, completed the questionnaire. The data was subjected to a deductive thematic analysis and one superordinate and two overarching themes were identified. The superordinate theme was stigmatized gender and the two overarching themes (subthemes in parentheses) were barriers prohibiting help seeking (status and credibility, health and well-being) and responses to initial help seeking (discreditation, exclusion/isolation, and helpfulness). The findings are discussed in the context of Overstreet and Quinn’s (2013) interpersonal violence and stigma model and findings from previous research. The conclusions and recommendations promote education and training and advocate a radical change to policy.
Use cases for obstacle detection and track intrusion detection systems in the context of new generation of railway traffic management systems
Authors: Hyde Paul , Ulianov Cristian , Liu Jin , Banic Milan , Simonovic Milos , Ristic-Durrant Danijela
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the concept of Obstacle Detection and Track Intrusion Detection (OD&TID) systems related to the operation of trains is introduced, along with a potential concept for such a system. The main focus of the work presented here is the identification and description of system requirements and Use Cases (UC), their detailed classification, including general UCs for mainline railway and UCs specific to freight, as well as an analysis of the UCs and of the method used. The identified UCs have been organised with respect to the mode of operation, Grade of Automation (GoA), and operating conditions. The UCs were further analysed in different UC scenarios, including the pre-conditions, system response, actions made by OD&TID and associated systems and the post use conditions of the scenarios. The priority for implementation and complexity of each UC are discussed with respect to the probability of scenario occurrence and required interfaces. This work has been carried out as part of the process to evaluate implementation constraints, risks and requirements, and the operational scenarios of the OD&TID developed within the EU-funded Shift2Rail project SMART2, which aims to design and develop a prototype OD&TID system.
It Is Time to Implement Primary Prevention in the Workplace to Ameliorate the Ongoing U.S. Opioid Epidemic
Authors: Le Aurora B. , Rosen Jonathan D.
Published: August 2021

The United States’ opioid public health crisis continues having disastrous consequences on communities, including workers and employers. From May 2019 to May 2020, the largest number of drug overdose deaths was recorded over a twelve-month period. The “twindemics” of COVID-19 and opioids underscore the urgent need to address workers’ physical and mental health. Although much has been written about the negative impacts of the opioid epidemic on the workplace, few initiatives have focused on primary prevention, addressing work-related root causes of opioid use disorders (e.g., injury, stress) that may lead to prescription or illicit opioid use. We suggest primary prevention efforts to address the connection between workplace hazards and opioid misuse, dependence, and addiction such as examining patterns of work injury and stress with records of opioid prescription. Government funding should be expanded to support primary prevention and research efforts to strengthen the evidence-base to support workplace primary prevention endeavors.
Communication, Flexibility, and Resilience: Navigating the Shift to Virtual Service-Learning During COVID-19
Authors: Reif-Stice Carrie , Smith-Frigerio Sarah
Published: August 2021

Major disruptions to traditional academic learning have occurred since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as most higher education institutions have shifted to online or hybrid course delivery. This virtual shift has significant implications for service-learning. In this study, we explored the impact of virtual service-learning on public relations instructors and community partners. Interview respondents described challenges to virtual service-learning related to the pandemic but also noted unanticipated benefits, such as creativity and resilience. In addition, community partners and public relations instructors recommended a heightened focus on communication, flexibility, and adaptability to ensure successful virtual service-learning experiences for students and organizations.
Feline comorbidities: The intermingled relationship between chronic kidney disease and hypertension
Authors: Lawson Jack S , Jepson Rosanne E
Published: August 2021

Practical relevance:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a highly prevalent disorder of senior cats. CKD is frequently diagnosed in association with hypertension, and the two conditions have an intermingled cause-and-effect relationship. Hypertensive target organ damage (TOD) to the eye, brain, heart and kidney significantly impacts the welfare of cats suffering from this comorbidity. Hypertension also drives proteinuria, which is an independent risk factor for progression and mortality in cats with CKD. Blood pressure monitoring and institution of effective antihypertensive treatment, where indicated, is therefore crucial in effective management of the feline CKD patient. Current guidelines recommend a target systolic blood pressure of <160 mmHg to minimise risk of TOD. Both amlodipine besylate and telmisartan are effective antihypertensive agents for use in these patients.

Clinical challenges:

Clinical signs of hypertension may not be apparent to owners of affected cats until severe hypertensive TOD is present. Despite this, blood pressure monitoring in cats with CKD is still infrequently performed, and hypertension likely remains underdiagnosed in this population.

Evidence base:

This review is based upon evaluation of the currently available published literature, including relevant consensus statements. There is a large body of evidence supporting the association between hypertension and CKD in cats. However, significant aspects, such as the mechanisms behind this association, and effect of hypertension and antihypertensive treatment on mortality and progression of CKD, remain unclear. Further research is therefore required in order to improve understanding of these conditions.
Feline abdominal ultrasonography: What’s normal? What’s abnormal? Abdominal lymph nodes, peritoneal cavity and aorta
Authors: Griffin Sally
Published: August 2021

Practical relevance:

Abdominal ultrasound plays a vital role in the diagnostic work-up of many cats presenting to general and specialist practitioners. Ultrasound examination of the lymph nodes, peritoneal cavity and abdominal vasculature provides important information useful in the investigation of a number of conditions, including aortic thromboembolism.

Clinical challenges:

Despite ultrasonography being a commonly used modality, many practitioners are not comfortable performing an ultrasound examination or interpreting the resulting images. Even for the experienced ultrasonographer, differentiating between incidental findings such as Bates bodies and pathological changes can be challenging.

Aim:

This review, the last in an occasional series on feline abdominal ultrasonography, discusses ultrasound examination of the abdominal lymph nodes and peritoneal cavity, and also the role of the technique in identifying thromboembolism of the aorta. Aimed at general practitioners who wish to improve their knowledge of and confidence in feline abdominal ultrasound, this review is accompanied by high-resolution images and videos available online as supplementary material.

Equipment:

Ultrasound facilities are readily available to most practitioners, although the use of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool is highly dependent on operator experience.

Evidence base:

Information provided in this article is drawn from the published literature and the author’s own clinical experience.