bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-Sectional Study of Resilience, Positivity and Coping Strategies as Predictors of Engagement-Burnout in Undergraduate Students: Implications for Prevention and Treatment in Mental Well-Being
Authors: de la Fuente Jesús , Santos Flavia H. , Garzón-Umerenkova Angélica , Fadda Salvatore , Solinas Giuliana , Pignata Silvia
Published: February 2021

In a population of young adults, this study analyzes possible linear relations of resilience and positivity to coping strategies and engagement-burnout. The aim was to establish a model with linear, associative, and predictive relations, to identify needs and make proposals for therapeutic intervention in different student profiles. A population of 1,126 undergraduate students with different student profiles gave their informed, written consent, and completed validated questionnaires (CD-RISC Scale; Positivity; Coping Strategies of Stress; Engagement, and Burnout). An ex post-facto design involved bivariate association analyses, multiple regression and structural predictions. The results offered evidence of associations and predictive relationships between resilience factors, positivity, coping strategies and engagement-burnout. The factors of resilience and positivity had significant differential associations (positive and negative) with factors of coping strategies. Their negative relationship to burnout factors, and positive relation to engagement factors, is especially important. Results of structural analysis showed an acceptable model of relationships between variables. We conclude with practical implications for therapeutic intervention: (1) the proactive factors of resilience reflect a perception of self-efficacy and the ability to change adaptively; (2) the reactive factors of resilience are usually associated with withstanding experiences of change, uncertainty or trauma.
Disrupted Regional Homogeneity in Melancholic and Non-melancholic Major Depressive Disorder at Rest
Authors: Yan Meiqi , He Yuqiong , Cui Xilong , Liu Feng , Li Huabing , Huang Renzhi , Tang Yanqing , Chen Jindong , Zhao Jingping , Xie Guangrong , Guo Wenbin
Published: February 2021

Background: Melancholic depression has been viewed as one severe subtype of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, it is unclear whether melancholic depression has distinct changes in brain imaging. We aimed to explore specific or distinctive alterations in melancholic MDD and whether the alterations could be used to separate melancholic MDD from non-melancholic MDD or healthy controls.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-one outpatients with melancholic MDD and thirty-three outpatients with non-melancholic MDD and thirty-two age- and gender-matched healthy controls were recruited. All participants were scanned by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Imaging data were analyzed with the regional homogeneity (ReHo) and support vector machine (SVM) methods.

Results: Melancholic MDD patients exhibited lower ReHo in the right superior occipital gyrus/middle occipital gyrus than non-melancholic MDD patients and healthy controls. Merely for non-melancholic MDD patients, decreased ReHo in the right middle frontal gyrus was negatively correlated with the total HRSD-17 scores. SVM analysis results showed that a combination of abnormal ReHo in the right fusiform gyrus/cerebellum Crus I and the right superior occipital gyrus/middle occipital gyrus exhibited the highest accuracy of 83.05% (49/59), with a sensitivity of 90.32% (28/31), and a specificity of 75.00% (21/28) for discriminating patients with melancholic MDD from patients with non-melancholic MDD. And a combination of abnormal ReHo in the right fusiform gyrus/cerebellum VI and left postcentral gyrus/precentral gyrus exhibited the highest accuracy of 98.41% (62/63), with a sensitivity of 96.77% (30/31), and a specificity of 100.00%(32/32) for separating patients with melancholic MDD from healthy controls.

Conclusion: Our findings showed the distinctive ReHo pattern in patients with melancholic MDD and found brain area that may be associated with the pathophysiology of non-melancholic MDD. Potential imaging markers for discriminating melancholic MDD from non-melancholic MDD or healthy controls were reported.
Susceptibility for Some Infectious Diseases in Patients With Diabetes: The Key Role of Glycemia
Authors: Chávez-Reyes Jesús , Escárcega-González Carlos E. , Chavira-Suárez Erika , León-Buitimea Angel , Vázquez-León Priscila , Morones-Ramírez José R. , Villalón Carlos M. , Quintanar-Stephano Andrés , Marichal-Cancino Bruno A.
Published: February 2021

Uncontrolled diabetes results in several metabolic alterations including hyperglycemia. Indeed, several preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that this condition may induce susceptibility and the development of more aggressive infectious diseases, especially those caused by some bacteria (includingChlamydophila pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, andStreptococcus pneumoniae, among others) and viruses [such as coronavirus 2 (CoV2), Influenza A virus, Hepatitis B, etc.]. Although the precise mechanisms that link glycemia to the exacerbated infections remain elusive, hyperglycemia is known to induce a wide array of changes in the immune system activity, including alterations in: (i) the microenvironment of immune cells (e.g.,pH, blood viscosity and other biochemical parameters); (ii) the supply of energy to infectious bacteria; (iii) the inflammatory response; and (iv) oxidative stress as a result of bacterial proliferative metabolism. Consistent with this evidence, some bacterial infections are typical (and/or have a worse prognosis) in patients with hypercaloric diets and a stressful lifestyle (conditions that promote hyperglycemic episodes). On this basis, the present review is particularly focused on: (i) the role of diabetes in the development of some bacterial and viral infections by analyzing preclinical and clinical findings; (ii) discussing the possible mechanisms by which hyperglycemia may increase the susceptibility for developing infections; and (iii) further understanding the impact of hyperglycemia on the immune system.
From Normal to Viral Body: Death Rituals During Ordinary and Extraordinary Covidian Times in Pakistan
Authors: Ali Inayat
Published: February 2021

Death is far from being simply a physiologic event; it is a complex phenomenon with sociocultural and politicoeconomic aspects. During extraordinary times such as the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, death becomes a contested site. I argue that the Pakistani government's dealings with the bodies of people who die from COVID-19 have shifted the meaning of a normal dead body to a viral body that poses particular challenges to cultures and people, including the government. This article is both autoethnographic and ethnographic. It concurrently draws on my observations and participation in death rituals in a Pakistani village in Sindh province as a member of that society, and on a recent experience that I faced after the death of a gentle lady of my acquaintance due to COVID-19. I also build on my previous long-term ethnographic research in Pakistan and my ongoing research on COVID-19 in that country. I discuss the death rituals and ceremonies performed during “ordinary” situations as background information; and the changes in these rituals that have resulted from the coronavirus pandemic. My data demonstrate significant differences between usual and customary death rituals and those performed during Covidian times by government mandate, which have severely and negatively affected people's mental health. I show the government's “symbolic ownership” of the viral body, in that the government can control how people deal with their viral dead.
COVID-19–Considerations for the Female Athlete
Authors: Bruinvels Georgie , Lewis Nathan A. , Blagrove Richard C. , Scott Dawn , Simpson Richard J. , Baggish Aaron L. , Rogers John P. , Ackerman Kathryn E. , Pedlar Charles R.
Published: February 2021

The SARS CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) caused the whole sporting calendar to be paused. As we embark on the challenge of navigating through the return to play (RTP) process, there is a necessity to consider the needs of all athletes. This commentary specifically considers recommendations and requirements for the female athlete with a physiological emphasis during and following the COVID-19 pandemic, however, it will be relevant for any similar future scenarios that may present. It is important to acknowledge that there remain many unknowns surrounding COVID-19 and the female athlete both in the short- and long-term.
The Role of Siblings in Talent Development: Implications for Sport Psychologists and Coaches
Authors: Taylor Robin D. , Collins Dave , Carson Howie J.
Published: February 2021

Developing talent requires consideration of social networks that can facilitate or inhibit progression. Of fundamental influence in this regard is the family, with recent investigation extending its focus from parents to the role of siblings. As such, the purpose of thisConceptual Analysisarticle is to, firstly, review the characteristics of the sibling relationship that may support or inhibit talent development. Secondly, the analysis then provides empirically derived practical examples to emphasize the holistic and complex role that siblings can play in talent development. Thirdly, strategies are proposed to support practitioners identify specific sibling characteristics, alongside recommendations for how the relationship can be utilized within both the formal and informal environments by coaches and psychologists. Finally, and crucially, important implications of these characteristics are considered to support effective coach and sport psychologist decision making.
Disentangling the Association of Corn Root Mycobiome With Plant Productivity and the Importance of Soil Physicochemical Balance in Shaping Their Relationship
Authors: Kandasamy Saveetha , Weerasuriya Nimalka , Subramanian Geetha , Thorn R. Greg , Patterson Greg , Ali Shimaila , Lazarovits George
Published: February 2021

Soil bacteria and fungi are integral parts of healthy ecosystem functioning in production agriculture. The effects of fungal abundance and diversity on crop productivity is poorly understood. We sampled 10 corn farms at the V10 growth stage across southwestern Ontario, Canada, using aerial infrared imaging to identify zones of low and high productive corn plants. Roots and soils were sampled from low and high yield zones and soil physical and chemical properties were measured in conjunction with assessment of the root mycobiome communities using Illumina MiSeq sequencing of 4 rRNA amplicons. Higher crop yields were associated with sites having greater fungal phylogenetic diversity and Fisher's α diversity. Indicator species associated with high and low yield sites within a farm could be identified but there were no shared fungal indicators of productivity differences across farms. Communities largely varied across locations despite crop genetics, demonstrating a major influence of soil texture and chemistry in shaping the mycobiome in a site-specific manner. Across all 4 primers, roots from high-yielding sites shared 35 major OTUs includingPenicilliumspp.,Trichoderma, Chalara fungorum, andGibellulopsis. Low-yielding sites shared 31 OTUs includingFusariumspp.,Pythium, Setophoma terrestris, andNeonectria. Soil physical and chemical parameters that contributed to broad scale differences in yield and mycobiome diversity included: %clay, %sand, %phosphorus saturation, cation exchange capacity, aluminum, pH, iron, potassium, %moisture, organic matter, and chlorine. The results show the importance of physicochemical balance in shaping the relationship between root mycobiome and plant productivity.
The principles that guided the of amending the Constitution of Greece in 1975 in the light of available classifications
Authors: Grabowski Radosław
Published: February 2021

Of all the procedures regulated by legal acts recognized as full constitutions, the provisions regulating the changes to the constitution play a particular role in the system. Their design determines the possibility or impossibility of adapting the basic law to the changing social, economic and political realities, which may reflect the constitutional stability, but it also stabilizes the constitution of a state into a certain shape. The proposed divisions, as well as the precise instruments of constitutional classification based thereon, can facilitate academic discourse and enrich didactics. The subject of the article is an analysis of the Greek constitution in the context of a system of classification, which differentiate this type of legislation into rigid and flexible.
Current developments in the legal institutionalization of the political parties in the Republic of Belarus
Authors: Гавриков Андрей Валерьевич
Published: February 2021

Political parties are an indispensable tool for the implementation of representative democracy, through which citizens participate in the process of managing society. The role and importance of parties has long been established at a time when their special legal regulation is relatively recent. Legal changes in the institutionalization of political parties has a significant impact on the political and legal activity of this socio-political institution. At present there is a public discussion in Belarus concerning proposed legislation on the activities of political parties. The draft Law of the Republic of Belarus, “On changing laws on the activities of political parties and other public associations” was submitted for public discussion. Most attention is being paid to the following issues: the reorganization of public associations into political parties, a reduction in the number of founders, and the introduction of state subsidies for the activities of political parties. This article considers the current developments in the legal institutionalization of political parties of the Republic of Belarus. Using institutional analysis, the author examines the legal aspects of the formation of political parties from a comparative legal aspect.
On the control function of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic
Authors: Мырзалимов Руслан Муратбекович , Джайлоева Айгерим Канатбековна
Published: February 2021

This article is devoted to the oversight function of the Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic. The article is based on an analysis of the Constitution and legal framework establishing the Parliament’s right to conduct the oversight function. A review of the interpretation of their oversight powers at different historical stages is made. The article discusses the types of oversight power that have been carried out in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the Jogorku Kenesh – the main law of the Kyrgyz Parliament. During the study, the authors characterize the oversight function of the Kyrgyz Parliament, identify issues to be discussed concerning the structure of the Rules of Procedure, and developed conclusions and recommendations on improving the relevant legislation.
Text Mining of Stocktwits Data for Predicting Stock Prices
Authors: Jaggi Mukul , Mandal Priyanka , Narang Shreya , Naseem Usman , Khushi Matloob
Published: February 2021

Stock price prediction can be made more efficient by considering the price fluctuations and understanding people’s sentiments. A limited number of models understand financial jargon or have labelled datasets concerning stock price change. To overcome this challenge, we introduced FinALBERT, an ALBERT based model trained to handle financial domain text classification tasks by labelling Stocktwits text data based on stock price change. We collected Stocktwits data for over ten years for 25 different companies, including the major five FAANG (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google). These datasets were labelled with three labelling techniques based on stock price changes. Our proposed model FinALBERT is fine-tuned with these labels to achieve optimal results. We experimented with the labelled dataset by training it on traditional machine learning, BERT, and FinBERT models, which helped us understand how these labels behaved with different model architectures. Our labelling method’s competitive advantage is that it can help analyse the historical data effectively, and the mathematical function can be easily customised to predict stock movement.
A Predictive Human Health Risk Assessment of Non-Choleraic Vibrio spp. during Hurricane-Driven Flooding Events in Coastal South Carolina, USA
Authors: Frank Alexandra M. , Cains Mariana G. , Henshel Diane S.
Published: February 2021

Densely populated, low-lying coastal areas are most at-risk for negative impacts from increasing intensity of storm-induced flooding. Due to the effects of global warming and subsequent climate change, coastal temperatures and the magnitude of storm-induced flooding are projected to increase, creating a hospitable environment for the aquatic Vibrio spp. bacteria. A relative risk model analysis was used to determine which census block groups in coastal South Carolina have the highest risk of Vibrio spp. exposure using storm surge flooding as a proxy. Coastal block groups with dense vulnerable sub-populations exposed to storm surge have the highest relative risk, while inland block groups away from riverine-mediated storm surge have the lowest relative risk. As Vibriosis infections may be extremely severe or even deadly, the best methods of infection control will be regular standardized coastal and estuarine water monitoring for Vibrio spp. to enable more informed and timely public health advisories and help prevent future exposure.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the Right Superior Parietal Lobule Modulates the Retro-Cue Benefit in Visual Short-Term Memory
Authors: Botta Fabiano , Lupiáñez Juan , Santangelo Valerio , Martín-Arévalo Elisa
Published: February 2021

Several studies have shown enhanced performance in change detection tasks when spatial cues indicating the probe’s location are presented after the memory array has disappeared (i.e., retro-cues) compared with spatial cues that are presented simultaneously with the test array (i.e., post-cues). This retro-cue benefit led some authors to propose the existence of two different stores of visual short-term memory: a weak but high-capacity store (fragile memory (FM)) linked to the effect of retro-cues and a robust but low-capacity store (working memory (WM)) linked to the effect of post-cues. The former is thought to be an attention-free system, whereas the latter would strictly depend on selective attention. Nonetheless, this dissociation is under debate, and several authors do not consider retro-cues as a proxy to measure the existence of an independent memory system (e.g., FM). We approached this controversial issue by altering the attention-related functions in the right superior parietal lobule (SPL) by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), whose effects were mediated by the integrity of the right superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF). Specifically, we asked whether TMS on the SPL affected the performance of retro cues vs. post-cues to a similar extent. The results showed that TMS on the SPL, mediated by right SLF-III integrity, produced a modulation of the retro-cue benefit, namely a memory capacity decrease in the post-cues but not in the retro-cues. These findings have strong implications for the debate on the existence of independent stages of visual short-term memory and for the growing literature showing a key role of the SLF for explaining the variability of TMS effects across participants.
Identification and Characterization of MortaparibPlus—A Novel Triazole Derivative That Targets Mortalin-p53 Interaction and Inhibits Cancer-Cell Proliferation by Wild-Type p53-Dependent and -Independent Mechanisms
Authors: Sari Anissa Nofita , Elwakeel Ahmed , Dhanjal Jaspreet Kaur , Kumar Vipul , Sundar Durai , Kaul Sunil C. , Wadhwa Renu
Published: February 2021

p53 has an essential role in suppressing the carcinogenesis process by inducing cell cycle arrest/apoptosis/senescence. Mortalin/GRP75 is a member of the Hsp70 protein family that binds to p53 causing its sequestration in the cell cytoplasm. Hence, p53 cannot translocate to the nucleus to execute its canonical tumour suppression function as a transcription factor. Abrogation of mortalin-p53 interaction and subsequent reactivation of p53’s tumour suppression function has been anticipated as a possible approach in developing a novel cancer therapeutic drug candidate. A chemical library was screened in a high-content screening system to identify potential mortalin-p53 interaction disruptors. By four rounds of visual assays for mortalin and p53, we identified a novel synthetic small-molecule triazole derivative (4-[(1E)-2-(2-phenylindol-3-yl)-1-azavinyl]-1,2,4-triazole, henceforth named MortaparibPlus). Its activities were validated using multiple bioinformatics and experimental approaches in colorectal cancer cells possessing either wild-type (HCT116) or mutant (DLD-1) p53. Bioinformatics and computational analyses predicted the ability of MortaparibPlus to competitively prevent the interaction of mortalin with p53 as it interacted with the p53 binding site of mortalin. Immunoprecipitation analyses demonstrated the abrogation of mortalin-p53 complex formation in MortaparibPlus-treated cells that showed growth arrest and apoptosis mediated by activation of p21WAF1, or BAX and PUMA signalling, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrate that MortaparibPlus-induced cytotoxicity to cancer cells is mediated by multiple mechanisms that included the inhibition of PARP1, up-regulation of p73, and also the down-regulation of mortalin and CARF proteins that play critical roles in carcinogenesis. MortaparibPlus is a novel multimodal candidate anticancer drug that warrants further experimental and clinical attention.
Immunotherapy and Its Development for Gynecological (Ovarian, Endometrial and Cervical) Tumors: From Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors to Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T Cell Therapy
Authors: Schepisi Giuseppe , Casadei Chiara , Toma Ilaria , Poti Giulia , Iaia Maria Laura , Farolfi Alberto , Conteduca Vincenza , Lolli Cristian , Ravaglia Giorgia , Brighi Nicole , Altavilla Amelia , Martinelli Giovanni , De Giorgi Ugo
Published: February 2021

Gynecological tumors are malignancies with both high morbidity and mortality. To date, only a few chemotherapeutic agents have shown efficacy against these cancer types (only ovarian cancer responds to several agents, especially platinum-based combinations). Within this context, the discovery of immune checkpoint inhibitors has led to numerous clinical studies being carried out that have also demonstrated their activity in these cancer types. More recently, following the development of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy in hematological malignancies, this strategy was also tested in solid tumors, including gynecological cancers. In this article, we focus on the molecular basis of gynecological tumors that makes them potential candidates for immunotherapy. We also provide an overview of the main immunotherapy studies divided by tumor type and report on CAR technology and the studies currently underway in the area of gynecological malignancies.
The Mitochondrial Protease LonP1 Promotes Proteasome Inhibitor Resistance in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Maneix Laure , Sweeney Melanie A. , Lee Sukyeong , Iakova Polina , Moree Shannon E. , Sahin Ergun , Lulla Premal , Yellapragada Sarvari V. , Tsai Francis T. F. , Catic Andre
Published: February 2021

Multiple myeloma and its precursor plasma cell dyscrasias affect 3% of the elderly population in the US. Proteasome inhibitors are an essential part of several standard drug combinations used to treat this incurable cancer. These drugs interfere with the main pathway of protein degradation and lead to the accumulation of damaged proteins inside cells. Despite promising initial responses, multiple myeloma cells eventually become drug resistant in most patients. The biology behind relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma is complex and poorly understood. Several studies provide evidence that in addition to the proteasome, mitochondrial proteases can also contribute to protein quality control outside of mitochondria. We therefore hypothesized that mitochondrial proteases might counterbalance protein degradation in cancer cells treated with proteasome inhibitors. Using clinical and experimental data, we found that overexpression of the mitochondrial matrix protease LonP1 (Lon Peptidase 1) reduces the efficacy of proteasome inhibitors. Some proteasome inhibitors partially crossinhibit LonP1. However, we show that the resistance effect of LonP1 also occurs when using drugs that do not block this protease, suggesting that LonP1 can compensate for loss of proteasome activity. These results indicate that targeting both the proteasome and mitochondrial proteases such as LonP1 could be beneficial for treatment of multiple myeloma.
Regulation of Antitumor Immune Responses by Exosomes Derived from Tumor and Immune Cells
Authors: Rincón-Riveros Andrés , Lopez Liliana , Villegas E Victoria , Antonia Rodriguez Josefa
Published: February 2021

Exosomes are lipid membrane-enclosed vesicles released by all cell types that act at the paracrine or endocrine level to favor cell differentiation, tissue homeostasis, organ remodeling and immune regulation. Their biosynthesis begins with a cell membrane invagination which generates an early endosome that matures to a late endosome. By inward budding of the late endosome membrane, a multivesicular body (MVB) with intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) is generated. The fusion of MVBs with the plasma membrane releases ILVs into the extracellular space as exosomes, ranging in size from 30 to 100 nm in diameter. The bilipid exosome membrane is rich in cholesterol, ceramides and phosphatidylserine and can be loaded with DNA, RNA, microRNAs, proteins and lipids. It has been demonstrated that exosome secretion is a common mechanism used by the tumor to generate an immunosuppressive microenvironment that favors cancer development and progression, allowing tumor escape from immune control. Due to their ability to transport proteins, lipids and nucleic acids from the cell that gave rise to them, exosomes can be used as a source of biomarkers with great potential for clinical applications in diagnostic, prognostic or therapeutic areas. This article will review the latest research findings on exosomes and their contribution to cancer development.
The Feasibility of Studying Metabolites in PICU Multi-Organ Dysfunction Syndrome Patients over an 8-Day Course Using an Untargeted Approach
Authors: Leimanis-Laurens Mara , Gil Danny , Kampfschulte Andrew , Krohn Claire , Prentice Elizabeth , Sanfilippo Dominic , Prokop Jeremy W. , Lydic Todd A. , Rajasekaran Surender
Published: February 2021

Metabolites are generated from critical biological functions and metabolism. This pediatric study reviewed plasma metabolites in patients suffering from multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) using an untargeted metabolomics approach. Patients meeting the criteria for MODS were screened for eligibility and consented (n = 24), and blood samples were collected at baseline, 72 h, and 8 days; control patients (n = 4) presented for routine sedation in an outpatient setting. A subset of MODS patients (n = 8) required additional support with veno-atrial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) therapy. Metabolites from thawed blood plasma were determined from ion pairing reversed-phase liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. Chromatographic peak alignment, identification, relative quantitation, and statistical and bioinformatics evaluation were performed using MAVEN and MetaboAnalyst 4.0. Metabolite analysis revealed 115 peaks per sample. From the partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) with variance of importance (VIP) scores above ≥2.0, 7 dynamic metabolites emerged over the three time points: tauro-chenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA), hexose, p-hydroxybenzoate, hydroxyphenylacetic acid (HPLA), 2_3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 2-keto-isovalerate, and deoxyribose phosphate. After Bonferroni adjustment for repeated measures, hexose and p-hydroxybenzoate were significant at one time point or more. Kendall’s tau-b test was used for internal validation of creatinine. Metabolites may be benign or significant in describing a patient’s pathophysiology and require operator interpretation.
The Complexities Associated with Caring for Hospitalised Infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: The Perspectives of Nurses and Midwives
Authors: Shannon Jaylene , Blythe Stacy , Peters Kath
Published: February 2021

The global incidence of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) has increased significantly in the last decade. Symptoms of NAS manifest from the central and autonomic nervous systems as well as the gastrointestinal system and vary in severity and duration. The clinical management of infants experiencing NAS is dependent on symptoms and may include both pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures. In cases where symptoms are severe, infants may be admitted to special care nurseries or neonatal intensive care units. Existing research on nurses’ involvement in caring for infants with NAS focuses on pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to treat physical symptoms associated with NAS. This research sought to add to the body of knowledge around NAS and conveys nurses’ and midwives’ experiences of delivering care for infants with NAS. Semi-structured interviews were held with nine nurses/midwives. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Five themes emerged from the data. These themes are: Complex care needs; Prioritising physiological care; Experiencing compassion fatigue; Lacking continuity of care; and Stigma. The findings demonstrated the complex nature of care provision for infants with NAS. Competing priorities and the stigmatising nature of NAS threaten optimal care being delivered to these vulnerable infants and their parents.
Challenges of High Renewable Energy Sources Integration in Power Systems—The Case of Croatia
Authors: Holjevac Ninoslav , Baškarad Tomislav , Đaković Josip , Krpan Matej , Zidar Matija , Kuzle Igor
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a high-level overview of the integration of renewable energy sources (RES), primarily wind and solar, into the electric power system (EPS) in Croatia. It presents transmission system integration aspects for the particular case of this country. It explains the current situation and technical characteristics of the current conventional generation units and currently installed wind energy capacities. Based on the current situation future development scenario is determined and used to evaluate the impacts of the wide-scale integration of renewables. Grid connections aspects, power balancing, market participation, and inertia reduction aspects are considered. Furthermore, some specifics of both solar and wind integration are discussed identifying problems and potential solutions. Primarily through the provision of the inertial response of both solar and wind and through better forecasting of wind production. Finally, the outlook for the Croatian power system is given, that will most probably double its RES capacity in the coming 3-year period and a certain level of investments and changes of current operational practices will need to be provided.
Extreme Wind and Waves in U.S. East Coast Offshore Wind Energy Lease Areas
Authors: Barthelmie Rebecca J. , Dantuono Kaitlyn E. , Renner Emma J. , Letson Frederick L. , Pryor Sara C.
Published: February 2021

The Outer Continental Shelf along the U.S. east coast exhibits abundant wind resources and is now a geographic focus for offshore wind deployments. This analysis derives and presents expected extreme wind and wave conditions for the sixteen lease areas that are currently being developed. Using the homogeneous ERA5 reanalysis dataset it is shown that the fifty-year return period wind speed (U50) at 100 m a.s.l. in the lease areas ranges from 29.2 to 39.7 ms−1. After applying corrections to account for spectral smoothing and averaging period, the associated pseudo-point U50 estimates are 34 to 46 ms−1. The derived uncertainty in U50 estimates due to different distributional fitting is smaller than the uncertainty associated with under-sampling of the interannual variability in annual maximum wind speeds. It is shown that, in the northern lease areas, annual maximum wind speeds are generally associated with intense extratropical cyclones rather than cyclones of tropical origin. Extreme wave statistics are also presented and indicate that the 50-year return period maximum wave height may substantially exceed 15 m. From this analysis, there is evidence that annual maximum wind speeds and waves frequently derive from the same cyclone source and often occur within a 6 h time interval.
A Small-Scale Test to Examine Heat Delamination in Cross Laminated Timber (CLT)
Authors: Miyamoto Byrne , Bechle Nathan J. , Rammer Douglas R. , Zelinka Samuel L.
Published: February 2021

This paper examines the strength of wood adhesive bonds at high temperatures. The goal of this research is to better understand the conditions of heat delamination in cross laminated timber (CLT) that is exposed to fire. Heat delamination in CLT occurs when one lamination detaches from the composite panel before the char front reaches the bondline. Timber that falls from the panel, as a result of delamination, contributes additional fuel to the fire, which can cause fire regrowth, while the loss of a lamination causes a sudden loss in strength. Currently, to demonstrate that an adhesive does not delaminate, it must pass a full scale (6 m by 3 m) compartment fire test as prescribed in the PRG-320 product standard. In this work, we scaled down the mechanical loads and temperatures to 300 mm lap shear specimens. Seven different adhesives were tested and compared against solid wood controls with the same geometry as the lap shear specimens. Quasi-static tests were run where the specimens were loaded to failure at 25 °C and 260 °C, when the samples were at thermal equilibrium. Additionally, creep tests were performed where the load and temperature ramp was matched to the adhesive bondline temperatures measured in the large scale PRG-320 tests. With the exception of some of the polyurethane formulations, all adhesives passed the scaled-down creep test that resembles the PRG-320 standard. Of the polyurethane adhesives tested, only one formulation remained intact for the duration of the test. These results can be used to help better predict which adhesives may pass the PRG-320 test prior to full scale testing.
Optimisation of the Extrusion Process through a Response Surface Methodology for Improvement of the Physical Properties and Nutritional Components of Whole Black-Grained Wheat Flour
Authors: Liu Yuxiu , Liu Miaomiao , Huang Shuhua , Zhang Zhengmao
Published: February 2021

Chronic undernourishment affects billions of people. The development of whole-grain food with high nutritional quality may provide a valuable solution to nutritional security. Black-grained wheat (BGW), as a rich source of protein and micronutrients, is a good raw material for value-added products. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of barrel temperature, feed moisture content, and feed rate on the physical properties and nutritional components of whole BGW flour extrudates and to optimise their processing conditions by using the response surface methodology. The increasing barrel temperature, feed moisture content, and feed rate affected the specific volume, expansion ratio, hardness, fracturability, water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), and total starch content of the extrudates, but did not significantly affect the content of protein, ash, iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn). The extruded wheat flour had a significantly higher content of Fe and Cu, and a lower total starch content than the unextruded flour under extrusion conditions. A significantly higher content of protein, ash, Zn, Cu, and Mn, and a significantly lower total starch content were found in the extruded and unextruded flours made of whole BGW than in those made of whole white-grained wheat. According to the significance of the regression coefficients of the quadratic polynomial model, the optimum extrusion parameters were as follows: a barrel temperature of 145.63 °C, feed moisture content of 19.56%, and feed rate of 40.64 g·min−1 in terms of the maximum specific volume, expansion ratio, fracturability, WAI and WSI, and the minimum hardness. These results may be used by food manufacturers to successfully develop extruded products from whole BGW flour, meeting consumer demands and needs.
Malignant Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder of Nasopharynx in Myelodysplastic Disorder
Authors: Luan Chih-Wei , Chen Chih-Cheng , Lee Kam-Fai , Tsai Ming-Shao , Tsai Yao-Te , Hsu Cheng-Ming , Chang Geng-He
Published: February 2021

(1) Background: Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a hematological disease and occurs because of immunosuppression after organ transplantation. Only a few studies have reported PTLD in the nasopharynx. In most cases, PTLD developed after solid organ transplantation, and cases of PTLD after bone marrow transplantation, are uncommon. (2) Case presentation: We report the case of a 40-year-old woman with myelodysplastic disorder who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). After 3 months, she developed low-grade fever, progressive nasal obstruction, and bloody rhinorrhea. Endoscopy revealed a mass completely occupying the nasopharynx. A polymorphic PTLD was diagnosed on the basis of histopathological examination results. Reduction in immunosuppression and low-dose radiotherapy were prescribed for treatment. After a 3-year follow-up, no recurrence of PTLD or myelodysplastic disorder was detected. (3) Conclusions: While nasopharyngeal PTLD is rare, a routine examination of the nasopharynx should be considered in the post-transplant follow-up of patients for early detection and treatment of PTLD.
Impact of Economic Accessibility on Realized Utilization of Home-Based Healthcare Services for the Older Adults in China
Authors: Di Xiaodong , Wang Lijian , Yang Liu , Dai Xiuliang
Published: February 2021

Home-based healthcare service has gradually become the most important model to cope with aging in China. However, the contradiction between oversupply and insufficient demand of healthcare services is becoming increasingly serious. How to effectively improve the realized utilization of healthcare resources has become a key issue in the development of healthcare services. Based on the social background of “getting old before getting rich”, this article explores the relationship between economic accessibility and realized utilization, and finds that the impact of economic accessibility on realized utilization is inverted U-shaped, not a linear positive effect. In addition, considering the moderating role of family support, it is found that family support can strengthen the inverted U-shaped effect of economic accessibility on realized utilization. Therefore, exerting the role of family and improving economic accessibility can effectively solve the dilemma of low utilization of healthcare services.
Factors Associated with an Unhealthy Lifestyle among Adults in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlQuaiz AlJohara M. , Kazi Ambreen , Almigbal Turky H. , AlHazmi Ali M. , Qureshi Riaz , AlHabeeb Khaled M.
Published: February 2021

Background: Unhealthy lifestyles are a global concern. This study measured the prevalence and factors associated with an unhealthy lifestyle in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. Methods: An interview-based, cross-sectional study was conducted with 968 males and 2029 females, aged 30–75 years, covering 18 primary health care centers in Riyadh. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the significant determinants associated with an unhealthy lifestyle. Results: Overall, men were 1.49 (1.28, 1.74) times at higher risk of an unhealthy lifestyle compared to women. Men reporting unhealthy lifestyle were 2.1 (1.3, 3.4) and 1.5 (1.0, 2.6) times more likely than men with healthy lifestyle to cite not enjoying physical activity, lack of social support, and not having enough information about a healthy diet [1.5 (1.0, 2.0)], whereas those ≥ 45 years age group were 30 times less likely to report unhealthy lifestyle [0.7 (0.5, 0.9)]. In contrast, in women aged ≥ 45 years [1.3 (1.1, 1.7)], lack of motivation [1.3 (1.1, 1.7)], feeling conscious while exercising [2.0 (1.4, 2.9)], not enjoying healthy food [1.6 (1.3, 2.1)], and no family support to prepare healthy food [1.4 (1.1, 1.8)] were significantly associated with an unhealthy lifestyle. Conclusions: In a Saudi sample, younger men and older women are at higher risk of an unhealthy lifestyle. In addition to self-motivation, combined strategies to promote physical activity and healthy eating are required to improve lifestyle.
Comparative Assessment of the Pharmacovigilance Systems within the Neglected Tropical Diseases Programs in East Africa—Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania
Authors: Barry Abbie , Olsson Sten , Khaemba Christabel , Kabatende Joseph , Dires Tigist , Fimbo Adam , Minzi Omary , Bienvenu Emile , Makonnen Eyasu , Kamuhabwa Appolinary , Oluka Margaret , Guantai Anastasia , van Puijenbroek Eugène , Bergman Ulf , Nkayamba Alex , Mugisha Michael , Gurumurthy Parthasarathi , Aklillu Eleni
Published: February 2021

Monitoring the safety of medicines used in public health programs (PHPs), including the neglected tropical diseases (NTD) program, is a WHO recommendation, and requires a well-established and robust pharmacovigilance system. The objective of this study was to assess the pharmacovigilance systems within the NTD programs in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania. The East African Community Harmonized Pharmacovigilance Indicators tool for PHPs was used to interview the staff of the national NTD programs. Data on four components, (i) systems, structures, and stakeholder coordination; (ii) data management and signal generation; (iii) risk assessment and evaluation; and (iv) risk management and communication, were collected and analyzed. The NTD programs in the four countries had a strategic master plan, with pharmacovigilance components and mechanisms to disseminate pharmacovigilance information. However, zero individual case safety reports were received in the last 12 months (2017/2018). There was either limited or no collaboration between the NTD programs and their respective national pharmacovigilance centers. None of the NTD programs had a specific budget for pharmacovigilance. The NTD program in all four countries had some safety monitoring elements. However, key elements, such as the reporting of adverse events, collaboration with national pharmacovigilance centers, and budget for pharmacovigilance activity, were limited/missing.
Experimental Efficacy of the Face Shield and the Mask against Emitted and Potentially Received Particles
Authors: Wendling Jean-Michel , Fabacher Thibaut , Pébaÿ Philippe-Pierre , Cosperec Isabelle , Rochoy Michaël
Published: February 2021

There is currently not sufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of face shields for source control. In order to evaluate the comparative barrier performance effect of face masks and face shields, we used an aerosol generator and a particle counter to evaluate the performance of the various devices in comparable situations. We tested different configurations in an experimental setup with manikin heads wearing masks (surgical type I), face shields (22.5 cm high with overhang under the chin of 7 cm and circumference of 35 cm) on an emitter or a receiver manikin head, or both. The manikins were face to face, 25 cm apart, with an intense particle emission (52.5 L/min) for 30 s. The particle counter calculated the total cumulative particles aspirated on a volume of 1.416 L In our experimental conditions, when the receiver alone wore a protection, the face shield was more effective (reduction factor = 54.8%), while reduction was lower with a mask (reduction factor = 21.8%) (p = 0.002). The wearing of a protective device by the emitter alone reduced the level of received particles by 96.8% for both the mask and face shield (p = NS). When both the emitter and receiver manikin heads wore a face shield, the protection allowed for better results in our experimental conditions: 98% reduction for the face shields versus 97.3% for the masks (p = 0.01). Face shields offered an even better barrier effect than the mask against small inhaled particles (<0.3 µm–0.3 to 0.5 µm–0.5 to 1 µm) in all configurations. Therefore, it would be interesting to include face shields as used in our experimental study as part of strategies to reduce transmission within the community setting.
Blood Work: Managing Menstruation, Menopause and Gynaecological Health Conditions in the Workplace
Authors: Sang Katherine , Remnant Jen , Calvard Thomas , Myhill Katriona
Published: February 2021

The menstrual cycle remains neglected in explorations of public health, and entirely remiss in occupational health literature, despite being a problematic source of gendered inequalities at work. This paper proposes the new concept of blood work to explain the relationship between menstruation (and associated gynaecological health conditions) and employment for women and trans/non-binary people. We build on and extend health and organisational literature on managing bodies at work by arguing that those who experience menstruation face additional work or labour in the management of their own bodies through the menstrual cycle. We discuss how this additional labour replicates problematic elements that are identifiable in public health initiatives, in that it is individualised, requiring individual women and trans/non-binary people to navigate unsupportive workplaces. We present findings from an analysis of qualitative survey data that were completed by 627 participants working in higher education, revealing that employees’ blood work comprises distinct difficulties that are related to the management of painful, leaking bodies, access to facilities, stigma, and balancing workload. We suggest developing supportive workplaces and public health policies, which refocus the responsibility for accessible, equal workplaces that accommodate menstruating employees, and those with gynaecological health conditions.
The Multiple Cellular Roles of SMUG1 in Genome Maintenance and Cancer
Authors: Raja Sripriya , Van Houten Bennett
Published: February 2021

Single-strand selective monofunctional uracil DNA glycosylase 1 (SMUG1) works to remove uracil and certain oxidized bases from DNA during base excision repair (BER). This review provides a historical characterization of SMUG1 and 5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxyuridine (5-hmdU) one important substrate of this enzyme. Biochemical and structural analyses provide remarkable insight into the mechanism of this glycosylase: SMUG1 has a unique helical wedge that influences damage recognition during repair. Rodent studies suggest that, while SMUG1 shares substrate specificity with another uracil glycosylase UNG2, loss of SMUG1 can have unique cellular phenotypes. This review highlights the multiple roles SMUG1 may play in preserving genome stability, and how the loss of SMUG1 activity may promote cancer. Finally, we discuss recent studies indicating SMUG1 has moonlighting functions beyond BER, playing a critical role in RNA processing including the RNA component of telomerase.