bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Accuracy of CBCT in the Detection of Dens Invaginatus in a Tunisian Population
Authors: Mabrouk Rym , Berrezouga Latifa , Frih Nadia
Published: January 2021

Objective. To assess the prevalence and characteristics and to classify the type of dens invaginatus (DI), in anterior teeth, basing on 200 Tunisian patients’ cone-beam computed tomography. Material and Methods. A retrospective study was performed using CBCT images of 200 Tunisian patients. Maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth were evaluated for the presence and characteristics of dens invaginatus. Results were reported as frequencies, means ± SD. Statistical evaluation of the presence of DI related to gender was performed by the Pearson chi-square test. Results. Dens invaginatus was observed in 42 out of 4945 examined teeth, with a prevalence of 0.85%.The anomaly affected especially maxillary lateral incisors (

p
≤
0.001

). DI location was unilateral in 36% and bilateral in 64%. Type II DI was the most commonly observed (47.61%), followed by type I (30.95%) and type III (21.42%). Apical periodontitis (AP) was mostly seen in type III DI, with a periapical index (PAI) varying from 3″ to 5 E″.The maxillary lateral incisors seem to be the most affected anterior teeth. The symmetric occurrence of DI was observed with a statistically significant difference (

p
≤
0.001

). Conclusion. Within the limits related to the present study, DI detected by CBCT is a rare anomaly that could be associated with AP. Maxillary anterior teeth should be bilaterally examined for DI in the absence of clinical symptoms.
Fracture Nonunion Treated with Low‐Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound and Monitored with Ultrasonography: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Zhang Peizhen , Li Pengdong , Liao Shihai , Li Xuan , Chen Wufan , Wang Xiaoyun , Wang Qing
Published: January 2021

The positive effect of low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on bone fracture healing has been proved. However, during the period of LIPUS therapy, it is undetermined whether LIPUS promotes the formation of heterotopic ossification (HO), which usually occurs in muscle tissues after trauma such as bone fracture and spinal cord injury. Here, we used 6‐week LIPUS therapy in a 42‐year‐old Chinese male patient with a fracture nonunion in combination with ultrasonography for monitoring fracture healing and HO formation. After the LIPUS therapy, the mineralized bone formation in the area of defect of the distal tibia was presented in an ultrasound image, which was consistent with the outcome of plain radiography showing callus formation and the blurred fracture line in the area exposed to LIPUS. In addition, ultrasound images revealed no evidence of HO development within soft tissues during the period of LIPUS therapy. This study suggests that ultrasonography is a potential tool to guarantee the performance of LIPUS therapy with monitoring HO formation. Easy to use, the integration of the handheld ultrasound scanner and the ultrasonic therapeutic apparatus is entirely dedicated to help orthopedists make high‐quality care and diagnosis.
Apelin/APJ‐Manipulated CaMKK/AMPK/GSK3β Signaling Works as an Endogenous Counterinjury Mechanism in Promoting the Vitality of Random‐Pattern Skin Flaps
Authors: Lou Zhi-Ling , Zhang Chen-Xi , Li Jia-Feng , Chen Rui-Heng , Wu Wei-Jia , Hu Xiao-Fen , Shi Hao-Chun , Gao Wei-Yang , Zhao Qi-Feng
Published: January 2021

A random‐pattern skin flap plays an important role in the field of wound repair; the mechanisms that influence the survival of random‐pattern skin flaps have been extensively studied but little attention has been paid to endogenous counterinjury substances and mechanism. Previous reports reveal that the apelin‐APJ axis is an endogenous counterinjury mechanism that has considerable function in protecting against infection, inflammation, oxidative stress, necrosis, and apoptosis in various organs. As an in vivo study, our study proved that the apelin/APJ axis protected the skin flap by alleviating vascular oxidative stress and the apelin/APJ axis works as an antioxidant stress factor dependent on CaMKK/AMPK/GSK3β signaling. In addition, the apelin/APJ‐manipulated CaMKK/AMPK/GSK3β‐dependent mechanism improves HUVECs’ resistance to oxygen and glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R), reduces ROS production and accumulation, maintained the normal mitochondrial membrane potential, and suppresses oxidative stress in vitro. Besides, activation of the apelin/APJ axis promotes vascular migration and angiogenesis under relative hypoxia condition through CaMKK/AMPK/GSK3β signaling. In a word, we provide new evidence that the apelin/APJ axis is an effective antioxidant and can significantly improve the vitality of random flaps, so it has potential be a promising clinical treatment.
Protective Effect of Biobran/MGN‐3 against Sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model: Possible Role of Oxidative Stress and Apoptotic Pathways
Authors: Ghoneum Mamdooh H. , El Sayed Nesrine S.
Published: January 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a debilitating and irreversible brain disease that affects an increasing number of aged individuals, mandating the development of protective nutraceuticals. Biobran/MGN‐3, an arabinoxylan from rice bran, has potent antioxidant, antiaging, and immunomodulatory effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of Biobran against sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (SAD). SAD was induced in mice via intracerebroventricular injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (3 mg/kg). STZ‐treated mice were administered with Biobran for 21 days. The effects of Biobran on memory and learning were measured via the Morris water maze, novel object recognition, and Y‐maze tests. Biomarkers for apoptosis, oxidative stress, and amyloidogenesis were measured using ELISA and western blot analysis. Histopathological examination was performed to confirm neuronal damage and amyloid‐beta deposition. Biobran reversed the spatial memory deficit in SAD‐induced mice, and it increased the expression of glutathione, reduced malondialdehyde, decreased IL‐6, decreased intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), and significantly increased nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and antioxidant response element (ARE). Moreover, Biobran exerted a protective effect against amyloid‐beta‐induced apoptosis via the suppression of both cleaved caspase‐3 and the proapoptotic protein Bax and via the upregulation of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐2. Furthermore, it reduced the expression of forkhead box class O proteins. It could be concluded from this study that Biobran may be a useful nutritional antioxidant agent for protection against SAD through its activation of the gene expression of Nrf2/ARE, which in turn modulates the apoptotic and amyloidogenic pathways.
Activation of Nrf2 by miR‐152 Inhibits Doxorubicin‐Induced Cardiotoxicity via Attenuation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Wen-Bin , Lai Xin , Guo Xu-Feng
Published: January 2021

Doxorubicin (DOX) could trigger congestive heart failure, which largely limited the clinical use of DOX. microRNAs (miRNAs) were closely involved in the pathogenesis of DOX‐induced cardiomyopathy. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of miR‐152 on DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity in mice. To study this, we used an adeno‐associated viral vector to overexpress miR‐152 in mice 6 weeks before DOX treatment, using a dose mimicking the concentrations used in the clinics. In response to DOX injection, miR‐152 was significantly decreased in murine hearts and cardiomyocytes. After DOX treatment, mice with miR‐152 overexpression in the hearts developed less cardiac dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and myocardial apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that miR‐152 overexpression attenuated DOX‐related oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell loss in cardiomyocytes, whereas miR‐152 knockdown resulted in oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell loss in cardiomyocytes. Mechanistically, this effect of miR‐152 was dependent on the activation of nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2) in response to DOX. Notably, Nrf2 deficiency blocked the protective effects of miR‐152 against DOX‐related cardiac injury in mice. In conclusion, miR‐152 protected against DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity via the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway. These results suggest that miR‐152 may be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity.
A Multiobjective Optimization Analysis of Spur Gear Pair: The Profile Shift Factor Effect on Structure Design and Efficiency
Authors: Belarhzal Samya , Daoudi Kaoutar , Boudi El Mostapha , Bachir Aziz , Elmoumen Samira
Published: January 2021

Spur gears are an indispensable element of power transmission, most of the time used in small environments with severe operating conditions such as high temperature, vibrations, and humidity. For this reason, manufacturers and transmission designers are required to look for better gear designs and higher efficiency. In this paper, a multiobjective optimization was conducted, using genetic algorithms (GAs) for corrected spur gear pair with an objective to reduce the structure volume and transmission power loss and reveal the influence of the profile shift factor on the optimal structure fitness. The optimization variables included are the pinion and wheel profile shift factors in addition to the module, face width, and the number of pinion teeth mostly used in standard gear optimization. The profile shift factor influences the shape of the gear teeth, the contact ratio, and the load sharing. It affects then the optimal results meaningfully. The gear pair volume, center distance, and efficiency presented the objective functions while contact stress, bending stress, face with coefficient, and tooth tip interferences served as constraints. Furthermore, a volume equation was developed, in which a bottom clearance formula is included for more accurate results. "Multiobjective optimization" is conducted at medium and high speeds, and the results show that the structure design is compact compared to standard gears with reasonable efficiency for medium contact ratio.
Percentage of Myeloid Dendritic Cells in Peripheral Venous Blood Is Negatively Related to Incidence of Graves’ Orbitopathy
Authors: Wojciechowska-Durczynska Katarzyna , Wieczorek-Szukala Katarzyna , Stefanski Borys , Zygmunt Arkadiusz , Stepniak Jan , Karbownik-Lewinska Małgorzata , Lewinski Andrzej
Published: January 2021

The aim of the study was to evaluate the distribution of blood dendritic cells (DCs) in patients with Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) and to assess the influence of methylprednisolone therapy on subsets of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Peripheral blood DC subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry in patients with active GO (

n
=
17

), inactive GO (

n
=
8

), and Graves’ disease (GD) without GO (

n
=
8

) and controls (

n
=
15

); additionally, in patients with active GO (

n
=
17

), analyses were done at three time points, i.e., before methylprednisolone treatment and after 6 weeks and after 12 weeks of the treatment. Percentage of myeloid DCs (mDCs) in PBMC fraction was significantly lower in patients with both active and inactive GO, compared to patients with GD without GO and controls (

p
<
0.05

). In addition, mDCs were also documented to be an independent factor negatively associated with GO, however without essential differences between active and inactive phases. On the other hand, we did not observe any changes in the percentage of DCs after methylprednisolone therapy (

p
>
0.05

). In the present study, we have succeeded to firstly demonstrate—according to our knowledge—that blood mDCs are negatively related to GO incidence.
A Hydrostatic Pressure-Driven Desalination System for Large-Scale Deep Sea Space Station
Authors: Cui Yifan , Ma Qingfen , Wu Zhongye , Lu Hui , Gao Zezhou , Fan Junqing
Published: January 2021

Compared with the common marine renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and wave energy, etc., the hydraulic pressure stored in the deep seawater can output stable and successive energy flow. Thus, it can be directly coupled with the reverse osmosis (RO) process to supply drinkable mineral water for crews of Deep Sea Space Station (DSSS). We proposed a novel submarine RO desalination system driven by the hydraulic pressure of deep seawater (SHP-RO), composed of a desalination branch to generate fresh water and a back pressure branch to ensure the depth independence of the desalination. The influences of the deep sea environment on the RO were analyzed, based on which the pretreatment of the seawater and the preparation of the drinkable mineral water were studied. The turbine-based energy recovery scheme was investigated in virtue of the CFD simulation on the flow behavior in the different turbine series. It was predicted that, when the DSSS was located at the depth of 1100 m and the operating pressure of the RO process was 6.0 MPa, for a drinkable water production rate of 240 m3/d, the recovered hydraulic pressure energy can achieve 39.22 kW·h, which was enough for driving electricity consumers in the SHP-RO system.
Risk Prediction for Renal Cell Carcinoma: Results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Singleton Rosie K. , Heath Alicia K. , Clasen Joanna L. , Scelo Ghislaine , Johansson Mattias , Calvez-Kelm Florence Le , Weiderpass Elisabete , Liedberg Fredrik , Ljungberg Börje , Harbs Justin , Olsen Anja , Tjønneland Anne , Dahm Christina C. , Kaaks Rudolf , Fortner Renée T. , Panico Salvatore , Tagliabue Giovanna , Masala Giovanna , Tumino Rosario , Ricceri Fulvio , Gram Inger T. , Santiuste Carmen , Bonet Catalina , Rodriguez-Barranco Miguel , Schulze Mattias B. , Bergmann Manuela M. , Travis Ruth C. , Tzoulaki Ioanna , Riboli Elio , Muller David C.
Published: January 2021

Background:

Early detection of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has the potential to improve disease outcomes. No screening program for sporadic RCC is in place. Given relatively low incidence, screening would need to focus on people at high risk of clinically meaningful disease so as to limit overdiagnosis and screen-detected false positives.

Methods:

Among 192,172 participants from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort (including 588 incident RCC cases), we evaluated a published RCC risk prediction model (including age, sex, BMI, and smoking status) in terms of discrimination (C-statistic) and calibration (observed probability as a function of predicted probability). We used a flexible parametric survival model to develop an expanded model including age, sex, BMI, and smoking status, with the addition of self-reported history of hypertension and measured blood pressure.

Results:

The previously published model yielded well-calibrated probabilities and good discrimination (C-statistic [95% CI]: 0.699 [0.679–0.721]). Our model had slightly improved discrimination (0.714 [0.694–0.735], bootstrap optimism-corrected C-statistic: 0.709). Despite this good performance, predicted risk was low for the vast majority of participants, with 70% of participants having 10-year risk less than 0.0025.

Conclusions:

Although the models performed well for the prediction of incident RCC, they are currently insufficiently powerful to identify individuals at substantial risk of RCC in a general population.

Impact:

Despite the promising performance of the EPIC RCC risk prediction model, further development of the model, possibly including biomarkers of risk, is required to enable risk stratification of RCC.
Very-Late-Onset Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder in a Patient with Breast Cancer and Parkinson Disease
Authors: Tajima Yasutaka , Sone Yukako , Yaguchi Hiroaki , Mito Yasunori
Published: January 2021

Anti-aquaporin-4 (anti-AQP-4) antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare autoimmune disorder resulting in severe, recurrent optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, brain stem syndrome, and other types of neurological involvement. Its median age of onset has been reported to be around 40 years. We report herein a case of very-late-onset NMOSD (76 years of age) and try to promote its awareness as a type of neurological deterioration in elder patients. A 76-year-old woman suffering from Parkinson disease was admitted to our hospital because of consciousness disturbance. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of fluid-attenuated inversion recovery high-signal-intensity lesions in the right peri- and intralateral ventricle. Part of this lesion and the meninges showed gadolinium enhancement. Physical examination revealed the presence of a tumor in the right breast, which was later diagnosed as invasive ductal carcinoma. In addition, laboratory examinations led to the detection of anti-AQP-4 antibodies in her serum; consequently, the patient was diagnosed as having NMOSD. She received initial pulsed steroid therapy, followed by right mastectomy. Although the patient’s consciousness improved significantly, she developed abrupt-onset bilateral leg weakness and multiple longitudinal spinal cord lesions. Additional steroid therapy ameliorated the patient’s leg weakness and reduced the swelling of the spinal cord.
Comparing the Effects of Massage Therapy and Aromatherapy on Knee Pain, Morning Stiffness, Daily Life Function, and Quality of Life in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Hasanpour-Dehkordi Ali , Kabiri Fariba , Dris Fatemeh
Published: January 2021

Background: Knee osteoarthritis is the most common articular disease, and non-medical treatment of this disease has attracted the attention of researchers. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of aromatherapy and massage therapy on knee pain, morning stiffness, daily life function, and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: This is a clinical trial. In this study, 93 patients referred to the Imam Ali Hospital (Physical Therapy Clinic) who entered the study were randomly divided into three groups including massage therapy (n = 31), aromatherapy (n = 31), and the control (n = 31). The data gathering tools were a demographic characteristics questionnaire and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire. The questionnaire was completed before intervention and at the 5th and 10th sessions after intervention in all three groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 20, and Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, repeated measures test, one-way ANOVA test, and Tukey’s post hoc test were used for analysis. Results: The study shows that mean score subscale Symptoms and dryness in the 5th session and 10th session of intervention in the aromatherapy group is significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). The massage therapy group had the highest pain score at the beginning of the intervention, but at the end of the 10th session of intervention had the least pain score. Mean score subscale Performance of daily life in the 5th session and 10th session of intervention in the aromatherapy group is significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). Mean score in the subscale Performance, exercise, and recreational activities significantly differs between the aroma therapy and massage therapy groups compared with the control group in all times of interventions (p < 0.05), and in the mean score in the subscale Quality of life, there is no significant difference between the groups in all times of interventions (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The use of both massage therapy and aromatherapy is recommended for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Interventions should be prolonged for at least 6 months in patients so their effects appear on the patient.
Quantification of Posterior Risk Related to Intrapartum FIGO 2015 Criteria for Cardiotocography in the Second Stage of Labor
Authors: Cavoretto Paolo Ivo , Seidenari Anna , Amodeo Silvia , Della Gatta Anna Nunzia , Nale Roberta , Ismail Yasmin Sara , Candiani Massimo , Farina Antonio
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Intrapartum cardiotocography (CTG) was used for several decades to detect a stressed fetus so that delivery can be expedited to prevent birth asphyxia. The main aim of the study was to calculate the risk of neonatal acidemia (pH ≤ 7.10) according to duration of the 2nd stage of labor and occurrence of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2015 CTG classification parameters. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective case-control study on 552 pregnancies receiving continuous CTG monitoring in labor and immediate hemogasanalysis at birth. Cases with umbilical artery (UA) pH ≤ 7.10 and controls with UA pH ≥ 7.10 were matched for parity and gestational age at delivery, with ratio 1:5. Logistic regression analysis, adjusted for the expected risk in the general population, was used to calculate the baseline risk of UA pH ≤ 7.10 in the absence of any CTG pathological feature and those associated with pathological CTG patterns occurring in the 2nd stage according to FIGO 2015. Results: Seventy-three cases and 387 controls reached 2nd stage and were included in the analysis. For those reaching 2nd stage, the mean adjusted risk of acidemia associated with nonpathological CTG was 1.6%. Stratification of risk according to duration of the 2nd stage yielded risks of neonatal acidemia of 1.23, 2.08, 5.81, and 15.22% at 30, 60, 120, and 180 min, respectively. Bradycardia >10 min was associated with risk of neonatal acidemia of 9.9 and 15.8% for 2nd-stage durations of 30 and 60 min, respectively. Risks associated with 1 prolonged deceleration >5 min were 6.80, 11.08, 27.0, and 51.0% at 30, 60, 120, and 180 min, respectively. Repetitive late or prolonged decelerations >30 min were associated with risk of neonatal acidemia of 2.43, 4.14, 11.17, and 26.45% at 30, 60, 120, and 180 min, respectively. Conclusion: The risk of neonatal acidemia is directly proportional to duration of the 2nd stage, irrespective of the presence of CTG abnormalities, increasing 12-fold (1.2–15.3%) from 30 to 180 min. Occurrence of FIGO 2015 pathological CTG patterns showed a decreasing impact from bradycardia >10 min to decelerations >5 min, recurrent later or prolonged decelerations >30 min, and nonpathological CTG.
Does the Trimester of Smoking Matter in the Association between Prenatal Smoking and the Risk of Early Childhood Caries?
Authors: Akinkugbe Aderonke A.
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Development of the primary tooth bud commences at the end of the 5th week of gestation, with mineralization starting at about the 13th week and continuing throughout pregnancy to the end of the first year of life. During this critical period, exposure to maternal lifestyle factors, specifically, prenatal smoking can negatively affect the quality (i.e., tooth calcification and mineralization) and timing of tooth eruption. Methods: This study evaluated the association between the trimester of smoking and offspring caries experience at 3 time points (31, 43, and 61 months) by analyzing data from 1,429 mother-offspring participants in the 1991/92 Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, conducted in Bristol, England. Prenatal smoking in the first, second, and third trimesters were self-reported during pregnancy while offspring caries experience was determined by clinical oral examinations. Adjusted for confounders, log-binomial regression estimated the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the association between trimester of smoking and the risk of offspring caries. Results: Twenty percent smoked in the first trimester of their pregnancy, 15% in the second, and 17% in the third. Forty-six percent of children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy had caries experience (i.e., dmft ≥1) with a mean dmft count of 1.58, versus children whose mothers did not smoke during pregnancy (33% of whom had dmft ≥1 with a mean dmft count of 0.33). Smoking in the first, second, and third trimesters were independently associated with a higher adjusted RR (95% CI) of caries experience at 61 months, i.e., 1.16 (0.93–1.43), 1.11 (0.75–1.65), and 1.60 (1.09–2.32), respectively. Conclusions: Within the limitations of covariates adjusted for, with the caveat that residual confounding and bias from unmeasured covariates are likely present, our findings suggest that smoking during pregnancy may be harmful to the oral health of the offspring irrespective of the trimester during which the smoking occurred. Nevertheless, these results should be interpreted cautiously because the findings might not generalize broadly.
Cortisol to Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate Ratio and Executive Function in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Tournikioti Kalliopi , Alevizaki Maria , Michopoulos Ioannis , Mantzou Aimilia , Soldatos Constantin , Douzenis Athanasios , Dikeos Dimitris , Ferentinos Panagiotis
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with impairment in cognitive domains such as verbal memory and executive functions. Very few studies have assessed dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) in BD and its relation to cognitive functioning despite evidence showing its regulatory effects on glucocorticoid action. The aim of our study was to explore the association of cortisol, DHEA-S, and cortisol to DHEA-S ratio with visuospatial memory and executive functioning in BD. Methods: Cognitive performance of 60 bipolar I patients and 30 healthy subjects was evaluated by using Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery tasks targeting visuospatial memory (spatial recognition memory) and executive functions (planning [Stockings of Cambridge; SOC] and attentional set shifting [ID/ED]). Morning serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels were measured in patients. Main effects of cortisol, DHEA-S, and cortisol/DHEA-S ratio for each neurocognitive task were explored in multiple regression analyses correcting for demographic and clinical parameters as well as treatment-related factors (current use of antipsychotic and mood stabilizer medication). Results: Bipolar patients showed poorer performance than healthy subjects in planning and attentional set shifting but not in visuospatial memory. Cortisol to DHEA-S ratio predicted worse performance in planning (SOC). Conclusions: This is the first study to assess memory and executive function in BD in relation to DHEA-S and cortisol to DHEA-S ratio. We report an association of cortisol to DHEA-S ratio with worse performance in planning in bipolar I patients, which warrants further investigation.
Komplementäre und alternative Therapien: Bildungsprogramm für Selbsthilfegruppen wird gut angenommen
Authors: Voiß Petra
Published: January 2021

Background: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among cancer patients is estimated to be approximately 40%. In self-help groups there is a need for information about CAM. This pilot study aimed to develop and evaluate a CAM educational program for cancer self-help groups. Methods: The educational program was developed in cooperation with health professionals and representatives of cancer self-help organizations. Participants were trained to increase their knowledge about CAM, to reflect their user behavior, and to use evidence-based information. Self-help group leaders were educated along the curriculum and motivated to carry out the course in their groups. Using questionnaires it was evaluated in terms of acceptance, feasibility, and satisfaction by participants. Results: A total of 171 self-help group leaders were educated. In a pilot run 7 implemented the course in their groups, with a total of 70 participants. Most of them (n = 60, 85.7%) appreciated its contents and material and would recommend it. Overall acceptance and satisfaction were high. Conclusions: The educational program was implemented successfully in a small sample and showed positive results for acceptance and feasibility. In addition to consultation by experts, it can be a good option to inform cancer survivors about CAM.
Acción colectiva juvenil rural: resistencia y re-existencia en tiempos de posacuerdo (Riosucio, Colombia)
Authors: Rovira-Rubio Rayén Amanda , Montoya-Castaño Maria Antonia
Published: January 2021

Abstract (analytical)This article collects the findings of a research of the practices of resistance and re-existence present in the youth collective action deployed in Riosucio (Caldas), a rural area affected by the Colombian armed conflict. Its purpose was to analyze the ways in which collective action youth builds peaceful horizons in times of post-agreement. The research is qualitative ethnographic and incorporates visual ethnography; four youth collectives collaborated and also elaborated a documentary film material. The main conclusions are: the surge of these collectives as a wager to the multiple violences they recognize in their local and national territory, and the potential of art as means of resistance and re-existance for the construction of peace in the rural area, the historical epicenter of the war in the country.Keywords: Rural youth, armed conflict, violence, resistance, esthetic, peace.
A filosofia da evolução em "The ecology of freedom": Potencialidades e cautelas no ensino de biologia e educação ambiental
Authors: Valdanha Neto Diógenes
Published: January 2021

A teoria da evolução biológica é uma das bases requisitadas interdisciplinarmente para melhor tratar de temas ambientais emergentes. Este artigo tem por objetivo discutir sobre as leituras filosóficas acerca da evolução biológica expressas em The ecology of freedom (“A ecologia da liberdade”) de autoria de Murray Bookchin publicado em 1982. O livro repercutiu fortemente nos movimentos de militância e também na discussão acadêmica sobre o ambientalismo, e é considerado a base da corrente da ecologia social. Foi desenvolvida uma análise de conteúdo da obra a partir da unidade de registro “evolução”, que permitiu a codificação em categorias e a explicitação de dados e realização de inferências sobre o objeto estudado. A análise mostrou que o autor constrói chaves filosóficas para a compreensão da evolução biológica tecendo considerações sobre o lugar do ser humano nela. As categorias de agrupamento “hierarquia” e “teleologia” permitiram a explicitação de componentes filosóficos com potência para ações educativas, explicitando as denúncias feitas acerca da naturalizada antropomorfização da natureza e dos anúncios de possibilidades de se pautar os temas ambientais a partir da interdependência entre os seres vivos. Os elementos e conexões presentes na obra indicam caminhos para uma melhor inclusão da ecologia social na esfera educacional com uma proposta filosófica acerca da evolução biológica que aproxima aspectos naturais e sociais da ecologia.
O ritual do candomblé refletido na sala de espetáculo: troca de ideias sobre e com o texto O caráter social da música de Cristopher Small (1987)
Authors: Souza Vitor Israel Trindade de
Published: January 2021

Este texto busca observar os pontos e contrapontos comuns que se encontram entre o Ritual do Candomblé e a Sala de Concerto. Discutindo seus cânones, similaridades e diferenças através da visão de Christopher Small (1987), que observa a Sala de Concerto como parte de um ritual que inclui o “musicar”, ou “musicking”, e que traz além do ato da execução musical, todo um conjunto de etiquetas que acontecem nas duas agências, que incluem ações semelhantes e comportamentos de pessoas, desde o regente até o vendedor de ingressos. Por outro lado, as visões de Jorge Vasconcelos (2010), Sacramento de Almeida (2009) e Vitor da Trindade (2019), pesquisadores do Candomblé, com vivência no mundo dos Orixás como Ogan Omoloyê do Ilê Axé Jagun, vistos aqui como profissionais da música.
Noncontrast Computed Tomography Markers as Predictors of Revised Hematoma Expansion in Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Yang Wen‐Song , Zhang Shu‐Qiang , Shen Yi‐Qing , Wei Xiao , Zhao Li‐Bo , Xie Xiong‐Fei , Deng Lan , Li Xin‐Hui , Lv Xin‐Ni , Lv Fa‐Jin , Dowlatshahi Dar , Li Qi , Xie Peng
Published: January 2021

Background

Noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) markers are the emerging predictors of hematoma expansion in intracerebral hemorrhage. However, the relationship between NCCT markers and the dynamic change of hematoma in parenchymal tissues and the ventricular system remains unclear.

Methods and Results

We included 314 consecutive patients with intracerebral hemorrhage admitted to our hospital from July 2011 to May 2017. The intracerebral hemorrhage volumes and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) volumes were measured using a semiautomated, computer‐assisted technique. Revised hematoma expansion (RHE) was defined by incorporating the original definition of hematoma expansion into IVH growth. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to compare the performance of the NCCT markers in predicting the IVH growth and RHE. Of 314 patients in our study, 61 (19.4%) had IVH growth and 93 (23.9%) had RHE. After adjustment for potential confounding variables, blend sign, black hole sign, island sign, and expansion‐prone hematoma could independently predict IVH growth and RHE in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. Expansion‐prone hematoma had a higher predictive performance of RHE than any single marker. The diagnostic accuracy of RHE in predicting poor prognosis was significantly higher than that of hematoma expansion.

Conclusions

The NCCT markers are independently associated with IVH growth and RHE. Furthermore, the expansion‐prone hematoma has a higher predictive accuracy for prediction of RHE and poor outcome than any single NCCT marker. These findings may assist in risk stratification of NCCT signs for predicting active bleeding.
Freedom of Scientific Research and Embryo Protection Under Italian and European Court of Human Rights’ Jurisprudence. Brief European Legislation Overview
Authors: Montanari Vergallo Gianluca
Published: January 2021

The paper addresses the issues of admissibility of human embryo research and the legal protection to be recognized, in light of the growing importance that scientific research has been gaining in the clinical and biomedical fields of embryonic stem cells for therapeutic purposes. As for human embryo experimentation, particularly on cryopreserved supernumerary embryos, European legislation varies, since the European Court has granted member States a wide margin of appreciation. Some countries, including Italy, have strict legislation protecting embryos from the fertilisation stage, whereas others have taken permissive approaches, allowing experimentation until 14 days after fertilisation. Science, however, has shown that the 14-day limit can be moved. The author finds it necessary to achieve broad international consensus and shared regulations. Lawmakers, however, need to balance respect for the principle of life, represented by the embryo, against scientific needs, in order to devise sound regulations safeguarding both apparently conflicting fundamental values.
Mental Imagery of Free Fall: Does a Falling Apple Accelerate in Our Minds?
Authors: Bratzke Daniel , Ulrich Rolf
Published: January 2021

The present study examined whether people’s mental imagery of falling objects includes the acceleration due to the earth’s gravitational force. To investigate this question, we used two different tasks, a height estimation and a fall-time estimation task. In the height estimation task, participants were presented with different free-fall times and had to indicate the corresponding heights from which the object fell to the ground. In the fall-time estimation task, participants had to produce the fall time associated with free falls from different heights. In contrast to the law of free fall, our results are more consistent with a linear than with an accelerated relationship between height and fall time. Thus, the present results suggest that mental imagery of an object’s free fall does not represent the gravitational acceleration due to gravity.
Timing and Attention: a Dual-task Experiment from Binet (1890)
Authors: Wearden John H.
Published: January 2021

This note discusses the dual-task study of Binet (1890), where rhythmic presses were perturbed by additional competing tasks such as mental arithmetic. Similarities to more recent work are discussed.
A new species of Icerya Signoret (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Monophlebidae) and a key to species of the genus found in India
Authors: JOSHI SUNIL , NAVIK OMPRAKASH , VEERESHKUMAR VEERESHKUMAR
Published: January 2021

A new species of iceryine scale insect, Icerya viraktamathi Joshi sp. n. (Hemiptera: Monophlebidae), is described and illustrated based on adult females collected from Magnolia champaca (L.) Baill. ex Pierre (Magnoliaceae) in Meghalaya, North-East India. A taxonomic key to the species of Icerya Signoret known from India is provided. The new species appears to be related to I. zimmermanni, which is known from Indonesia, Thailand and India.
Two new species of Abelocephala (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) from Taiwan
Authors: FORTHMAN MICHAEL
Published: January 2021

The millipede assassin bug genus Abelocephala Maldonado, 1996 (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Ectrichodiinae: Abelocephalini) is currently comprised of seven Oriental species. Two macropterous males, representing two new species, were recently collected from Taiwan in Malaise trap samples: A. baliensis sp. nov. and A. yilanensis sp. nov. Habitus and structural images are provided for each new species. A revised diagnosis of Abelocephala and an updated identification key to all species of the genus are given.
A new species of alpheid shrimp tentatively assigned to Salmoneus Holthuis, 1955 (Decapoda: Caridea) from the Ryukyu Islands, Japan
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI , MAENOSONO TADAFUMI , NARUSE TOHRU
Published: January 2021

A new alpheid shrimp species, provisionally assigned to the genus Salmoneus Holthuis, 1955, is described and illustrated on the basis of three specimens extracted from intertidal soft sediments on seagrass beds at Iriomote Island, southern Ryukyu Islands, Japan. Salmoneus singularis n. sp. is highly distinctive within the genus in having a pair of postorbital spines on the carapace, otherwise showing some affinities to the species of the S. gracilipes Miya, 1972 group. The possession of paired spines on the dorsolateral surface of the carapace is shared with several members of Triacanthoneus Anker, 2010, which is undoubtedly closely related to Salmoneus. However, the new species cannot be placed in Triacanthoneus because of the absence of a mid-dorsal spine on the carapace.
Taxonomic composition and monophyly of the genus Magnificus (Lepidoptera: Hepialoidea: Hepialidae)
Authors: GREHAN JOHN R. , MIELKE CARLOS G.C. , MINET JOËL , IGNATEV NIKOLAI , BUCHSBAUM ULF , XUE DAYONG
Published: January 2021

The genus Magnificus Yan, 2000 was originally established to include M. jiuzhiensis Yan, 2000 and M. zhiduoensis Yan, 2000. Here we also include the species M. bouvieri (Oberthür, 1913) comb. n., M. dirschi (Bang-Haas, 1939) comb. n., M. miniatus (Chu & Wang, 1985a) comb. n., M. regius (Staudinger, 1896) comb. n., and M. roseus (Oberthür, 1911) comb. n. Monophyly of Magnificus is supported by the shared presence of a unique shape of the tergosternal sclerite in the anterio-abdominal region and pseudoteguminal arm in the male genitalia. We also provide evidence for the inclusion of Magnificus and the northern Eurasian genera Hepialus Fabricius, Pharmacis Hübner, Triodia Hübner and Zenophassus Tindale as members of a larger monophyletic group supported by the shared presence in the male genitalia of a deep U-shaped medial notch in the posterior margin of the saccus and an expanded triangular flange at the lateral corners of the notch. The reciprocally allopatric distribution of Magnificus and its probable sister group is consistent with each originating locally by vicariance over different parts of a widespread ancestral range. This divergence may be the result of tectonic uplift in central Asia.
Revision of the Nearctic genus Tritoxa Loew (Diptera: Ulidiidae)
Authors: SINCLAIR BRADLEY J. , MACLEOD ALYSSA M. , WHEELER TERRY A.
Published: January 2021

The species of the Nearctic genus Tritoxa Loew are revised. Seven species of Tritoxa are recognized, including two new species: T. californica sp. nov. (type locality: near Spring Garden, California), T. cuneata Loew, T. decipiens sp. nov. (type locality: near Smithers, British Columbia), T. flexa (Wiedemann), T. incurva Loew, T. pollinosa Cole and T. ra Harriot. One species from California and Nevada based on female specimens remains undescribed. A key to all species is provided, species are illustrated and their distributions mapped. Wing patterns may be used to differentiate among all species, although confident identification of certain sympatric species requires confirmation by examination of male genitalia.
A taxonomic review of the coastal genus Iotarphia Cameron (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) with a description of new species based on morphological and molecular characters
Authors: SONG JEONG-HUN , OSBORN ANDREW W. , AHN KEE-JEONG
Published: January 2021

A taxonomic review of the marine littoral genus Iotarphia Cameron is presented. Three species are recognized, one of which is described as a new species (I. magna Song & Ahn, sp. n.) based on morphological and molecular characters. Genetic divergence of COI using uncorrected p-distance among Iotarphia species ranged from 10% to 11.6%, while intraspecific divergence ranged from 0% to 1.3%. All three species were strongly supported as a single lineage on both neighbor-joining and parsimony trees. The genus Iotarphia and I. australis Cameron are redescribed with illustrations of diagnostic characters. The female of I. rufobrunnea is characterized for the first time. A key and comparison table for similarities and differences among the species are presented.
Interdecadal Variation of the Wintertime Precipitation in Southeast Asia and Its Possible Causes
Authors: Dong Zizhen , Wang Lin , Xu Peiqiang , Pimonsree Sittichai , Limsakul Atsamon , Singhruck Patama
Published: January 2021

Based on several observational and reanalysis datasets for the winters 1901–2017, this study investigates the interdecadal (ID) variation of the Southeast Asian rainfall (SEAR) and its potential drivers. The dominant mode of the wintertime SEAR on the ID time scale features enhanced precipitation over the eastern Maritime Continent and the Philippines and a slight decrease of precipitation over the western Maritime Continent, or the opposite sign. The ID SEAR variability peaks at the 8–16-yr period and explains more than 20% of the total variance regardless of the datasets and period considered, highlighting the importance of the ID variability of the SEAR. The atmospheric circulation that facilitates abundant ID SEAR is characterized by enhanced lower-tropospheric wind convergence and cyclonic anomalies over the South China Sea and the Philippines. On the one hand, this wind convergence is attributed to the enhanced Walker circulation induced by the negative phase of the interdecadal Pacific oscillation (IPO). On the other hand, it is attributed to the enhanced northerly anomalies along the coast of East Asia induced by a strong East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) and reduced autumn Arctic sea ice in the Barents–Kara Seas. These mechanisms are further confirmed by model experiments from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). The effects of the IPO, EAWM, and Arctic sea ice on the SEAR are mostly independent. They together explain approximately 70% of the SEAR variance on the ID time scale.
Parental Migration and Risk of Sexual Assault Against Children in Rural China
Authors: Chen Xiaojin , Wu Yuning , Qu Jia
Published: January 2021

This study investigates the difference in rates of sexual assault between left-behind children and those living with both parents in rural China and attempts to identify potential social mechanisms explaining this variation. Using data from a probability sample of middle school students in Guizhou Province, China, our study reveals that parental migration, particularly maternal and both-parent migration, significantly increases children’s risk of sexual victimization. This relationship is mediated by three intervening pathways: weakened caretaker monitoring and supervision, children’s increased engagement in risky lifestyles, and elevated exposure to general victimization. These findings highlight the urgency to develop prevention and treatment programs based on a holistic understanding of protective and risk factors for sexual abuse against left-behind children in rural China.
Climate variability, crop and conflict: Exploring the impacts of spatial concentration in agricultural production
Authors: Vesco Paola , Kovacic Matija , Mistry Malcolm , Croicu Mihai
Published: January 2021

Although substantive agreement exists on the role of climate variability and food scarcity in increasing violence, a limited number of studies have investigated how food resources affect violent conflict. This article explores the complex linkages between climate variability, agricultural production and conflict onset, by focusing on the spatial distribution of crop production in a cross-country setting. We hypothesize that spatial differences in crop production within countries are a relevant factor in shaping the impact of climate variability on conflict in agriculturally -dependent countries. To test this hypothesis, we rely on high-resolution global gridded data on the local yield of four main crops for the period 1982–2015 and aggregate the grid-cell information on crop production to compute an empirical indicator of the spatial concentration of agricultural production within countries. Our results show that the negative impacts of climate variability lead to an increase in the spatial concentration of agricultural production within countries. In turn, the combined effect of climate extremes and crop production concentration increases the predicted probability of conflict onset by up to 14% in agriculturally dependent countries.
CORE management: The reality principle
Authors: Dumont Magali
Published: January 2021

Responsible science is mandatory for every research institution. As economic challenges, fast evolving technologies and competitiveness impact drastically the scientific productivity and quality, institutions must take action. Research core facilities using animal models (CORE) are central in biomedical institutions. Therefore, building a strong CORE represents a priority for research organizations. More precisely, COREs must define their purpose, ensure proper long term resources and promote ethics and transparency. The heads of COREs play, as managers, a key role in the development and in the coordination of all activities. They deal with multiple challenges, such as divergent objectives, heavy workload and limited resources, exposing them to psychosocial risks, and might compromise their ability to react rationally to the pressure. The implementation of a culture of care and of social responsibility is essential for COREs and for their institutions. In this, the collaborative efforts between institutions’ officials, administrative staff and scientists allow the support of CORE decisions, the development of innovative tools and the promotion of a responsible science. Overall, the improvement of the CORE strategy and functioning results in increased scientific success rates for the institution, while reducing psychosocial risks for personnel.