bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes in Patients with Type-2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease Identified in a United States Administrative Claims Database: A Population Cohort Study
Authors: Folkerts Kerstin , Kelly Amanda M.B. , Petruski-Ivleva Natalia , Fried Linda , Blankenburg Michael , Gay Alain , Velentgas Priscilla , Kovesdy Csaba P.
Published: March 2021

Introduction: CKD, a common complication of type-2 diabetes (T2D), causes considerable disease burden. Patients with T2D and CKD are considered high-risk for complications; however, studies describing patients with T2D and incident CKD identified from real-world data using the diagnostic gold-standard criteria – estimated glomerular filtration rate and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) – are scarce. Methods: In this population-based cohort study, we sought to estimate the rates of cardiovascular and renal outcomes among patients with T2D and CKD by comorbidity subgroups and CKD severity. Patients were sampled between 2008 and 2017 from de-identified US administrative claims enriched with laboratory data. Analyses were stratified by prevalent heart failure (HF), anemia, and resistant hypertension and the KDIGO categories at index. Results: We identified 106,369 patients with T2D and incident CKD. The rate of all-cause hospitalization was 189 [95% CI: 187, 191] per 1,000 person-years with cardiovascular-related hospitalizations being more frequent than kidney-related outcomes. The rate of acute kidney failure was 77.3 [95% CI: 76.2, 78.5] per 1,000 person-years. Patients with HF experienced a 4-times higher rate for cardiovascular events compared to those without. Rates of hospitalization increased from 5- to 6-fold with increasing KDIGO severity. Conclusions: Multimorbidity and advance stages of CKD increase the risk of cardiovascular and renal complications among patients with T2D diabetes. Earlier CKD diagnosis as well as interventions and coordinated care addressing other comorbid conditions present at diagnosis may reduce the overall disease burden in this population.
MASP-1 and MASP-3 Bind Directly to Aspergillus fumigatus and Promote Complement Activation and Phagocytosis
Authors: Rosbjerg Anne , Würzner Reinhard , Garred Peter , Skjoedt Mikkel-Ole
Published: March 2021

Activation of the complement system is mediated by the interaction between pathogens and pattern recognition molecules (PRMs); mannose-binding lectin (MBL), ficolins, and collectin-10/-11 from the lectin pathway and C1q from the classical pathway. Lectin pathway activation specifically depends on proteases named MBL-associated serine proteases (MASPs) that are found in complexes with PRMs. In this study, we hypothesize that MASPs can recognize selected pathogens independently of PRMs. Using different clinical strains of opportunistic fungi, we have observed that MASPs directly recognize certain fungal pathogens in a way that can facilitate complement activation. Among these were Aspergillus fumigatus – a dangerous pathogen, especially for immunocompromised patients. In flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, we found that MASP-1 and -3 bound to all A. fumigatus growth stages (conidia, germ tubes, and hyphae), whereas rMASP-2 and the nonproteolytic rMAP-1 did not. Bound rMASPs could recruit rMBL and rficolin-3 to A. fumigatus conidia in a nonclassical manner and activate complement via rMASP-2. In experiments using recombinant and purified components, rMASP-1 increased the neutrophilic phagocytosis of conidia. In serum where known complement activation pathways were blocked, phagocytosis could be mediated by rMASP-3. We have encountered an unknown pathway for complement activation and found that MASP-1 and MASP-3 have dual functions as enzymes and as PRMs.
Neonatal Rats Exhibit a Predominantly Anti-Inflammatory Response following Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Sutherland Theresa C. , Ricafrente Alison , Gomola Katarina , O’Brien Bronwyn A. , Gorrie Catherine A.
Published: March 2021

It has been reported that children may respond better than adults to a spinal cord injury (SCI) of similar severity. There are known biomechanical differences in the developing spinal cord that may contribute to this “infant lesion effect,” but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Using immunohistochemistry, we have previously demonstrated a different injury progression and immune cell response after a mild thoracic contusion SCI in infant rats, as compared to adult rats. Here, we investigated the acute inflammatory responses using flow cytometry and ELISA at 1 h, 24 h, and 1 week after SCI in neonatal (P7) and adult (9 weeks) rats, and locomotor recovery was examined for 6 weeks after injury. Adult rats exhibited a pronounced pro-inflammatory response characterized by neutrophils and M1-like macrophage infiltration and Th1 cytokine secretion. Neonatal rats exhibited a decreased pro-inflammatory response characterized by a higher proportion of M2-like macrophages and reduced Th1 cytokine responses, as compared to adults. These results suggest that the initial inflammatory response to SCI is predominantly anti-inflammatory in very young animals.
Post-Transplantation Diabetes Mellitus in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Grundman Jody B. , Wolfsdorf Joseph I. , Marks Brynn E.
Published: March 2021

More than 80% of pediatric solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients now survive into young adulthood and many encounter transplant-related complications. Post-transplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM), sometimes also referred to as post-transplant diabetes or new onset diabetes after transplant, occurs in 3–20% of pediatric SOT recipients depending upon the organ transplanted, age at transplantation, immunosuppressive regimen, family history, and time elapsed since transplant. To diagnose PTDM, hyperglycemia must persist beyond the initial hospitalization for transplantation when a patient is on stable doses of immunosuppressive medications. Though standard diagnostic criteria used by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to diagnose diabetes are employed, clinicians need to be aware of the limitations of using these criteria in this unique patient population. Management of PTDM parallels strategies used for type 2 diabetes (T2D), while also carefully considering comorbidities and potential interactions with immunosuppressive medications in these patients. In caring for patients with PTDM, it is important to be familiar with these interactions and comorbidities in order to coordinate care with the transplant team and optimize outcomes for these patients.
Peer Review of Paediatric Endocrine Services in the UK: A Template for Quality and Service Improvement
Authors: Schulga John , Mitchell Heather , Ahmed S. Faisal , Albanese Assunta , Warner Justin , Davies Justin H. , Shaw Nicholas , Banerjee Indraneel , Patel Leena
Published: March 2021

Background: Independent peer review of healthcare services can complement existing internal-, institutional-, and national-level regulatory mechanisms aimed at improving quality of healthcare. However, this has not been reported for paediatric endocrinology services in the UK. We aimed to test feasibility and acceptability through a first cycle of a national peer review of paediatric endocrine services. Methods: Tertiary centres in paediatric endocrinology across the UK were assessed against 54 quality standards, developed by the British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (BSPED) in five domains of healthcare by a team comprising paediatric endocrinologists and specialist nurses. The evaluation was supported by a self-assessment. A post-peer-review questionnaire was used as feedback. Results: All 22 centres in the UK underwent independent peer review between 2011 and 2017. Each served a median population of 2.6 million (range 1–8 million) and offered 1,872 (range 779–6,738) outpatient consultations annually. A total of 43 (range 30–49) standards were met in combined evaluation of all centres. Variance of adherence for essential standards ranged from 52 to 97% at individual centres with 90% adherence demonstrated by 32% of centres. Post-review feedback showed 20/22 (95%) validating the utility of the peer review. Conclusions: The BSPED peer review of all UK centres providing paediatric endocrine services is shown to be feasible and provides a quality benchmark for replication by national services.
Evaluation of cardiovascular disease program in Sleman District, Indonesia
Authors: Sofiana Liena , Rokhmayanti Rokhmayanti , Sulistyawati Sulistyawati , Nurfita Desi , Astuti Fardhiasih Dwi , Sholekhati Putri Arum
Published: March 2021

Cardiovascular disease remains the biggest cause of death, while hypertension is the biggest risk factor for heart disease for 12 years from 2000 to 2012. Various programs to prevent and control hypertension have been carried out throughout the Sleman District Health Center, but the achievement of minimum service standards (SPM) hypertension has not met the target. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cardiovasculer program in Sleman Regency, Indonesia. This research was mixed method design, with the sample consisted of 25 staff holding cardiovasculer program programs in health centers in Sleman Regency. The instruments used in this study were interview guides and check lists. Quantitative data analysis was conducted by entering data in spreadsheets and then categorizing, while qualitative analysis was conducted by using content analysis based on findings obtained from quantitative data. The results showed problems in the input aspect, namely the availability of human resources and facilities were still considered to be lacking, dual positions disturbed work effectiveness. In the aspect of the process it's good but there are still obstacles that are felt by the program holders. In the output aspect, Sleman Regency has not yet reached the SPM target for hypertension services.
Implementation of human development policy in health sector in decentralization perspective
Authors: Rizkyansah Genta , Rahayu Ety
Published: March 2021

The high case of malaria and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in Indonesia is resolved by government of the Republic of Indonesia through human development policies in health sector. This policy is implemented through the Indonesian health program with family approach. One of the goals of Indonesian health program with family approaches is a disease control. This was descriptive qualitative research to describe the implementation of human development policies in health sector through the Indonesian health program with family approach and to confirm the obstacles in the implementation of intended policy. The results showed that the communication factor is carried out through policy socialization and focus group discussion. The disposition factor is carried out by providing technical support in the form of regulations and intensive provision to health personnel. The bureaucratic structure factor is indicated by the division of tasks and functions of each organization involved. The resource is a factor that becomes an obstacle in policy implementation. Lack of staff and budget are the reasons of program does not run optimally.
Application of Tamarindus indica seed extract as bio-coagulant to removal suspended solids and colors
Authors: Dewi Agustin , Eri Iva Rustanti , Pratiwi Hermiyanti , Diana A.T Nerawati , Narwati Narwati
Published: March 2021

The batik traditional industries in East Java, Indonesia generally not have a proper wastewater treatment plant yet, so liquid waste directly discharge into the river. Batik wastewater generally have a dark color, which derived from the coloring of naphthol with number of suspended solids greater than 100 mg/L and color concentration more than 250 Pt.Co. Tamarind seed extract is known to contain natural polyelectrolytes active group, which had function as bio-coagulant. The research objective was to analyze the application of tamarind seed extract as bio-coagulant in wastewater treatment of the Batik traditional industries, by reducing suspended solids levels and color of wastewater. The research design used pretest and posttest control group design with variations of bio-coagulant doses of 10ml/L, 30ml/L, and 50ml/L, and analyzed using the Two Way Anova Test. The results showed that the level of suspended solids in wastewater before treatment averaged 291mg/L, and the average color content was 593 Pt-Co, so it did not meet the quality standards of the Governor of East Java No 72/2013. For the highest reduction in suspended solids levels at a dose of 10ml/L reduced up to 95.1% and the highest decrease in color levels at a dose of 50ml/L, reduced up to 87.8%. Traditional batik wastewater treatment, which used a coagulation-flocculation process with bio-coagulant extract of tamarind seeds could reduce levels of suspended solids and colors, in order to meet the specified quality standards.
Reduced hospital revenue due to error code diagnosis in the implementation of INA-CBGs
Authors: Maryati Warsi , Yuliani Novita , Susanto Anton , Wannay Aris Octavian , Justika Ani Ismayani
Published: March 2021

In the case-mix system, diagnostic codes are used as the basis for classifying health service rates. The difference in tariffs between hospitals and the accuracy of the diagnosis code causes a gap where there are hospitals that benefit and are disadvantaged by the Indonesian case-based groups (INA-CBGs) tariff policy. This study assesses the gap factor between hospital rates and INA-CBGs rates, which include hospital characteristics and the accuracy of the diagnosis code. Samples were taken of 100 medical record documents of inpatients at two hospitals in Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia in 2020 by stratified random sampling. Data were collected by observation and analyzed by Chi-Square test. There were errors in the primary diagnosis code 11 (32.35%), secondary diagnosis code 19 (55.88%), combination diagnosis code 4 (11.76%). Changes in the INA-CBG code that caused the inaccuracy of the claim rate were 26 (59.09%) case-mix main groups (CMG) codes, 44 (100%) CBG-specific codes, 31 (70.45%) severity level codes. Public-private hospitals with class B experienced a decrease in income of IDR 46,081,900 (-17.50%), while special government hospitals with class A experienced an additional income of IDR 99,733,869 (38.31%). An accurate diagnostic code can increase the odds by 42.128 times the accuracy of the INA-CBGs rate (b=42.128; 95% CI=11.127 to 159.497; p<0.001).
Health belief model and the understanding of rational use of medicines
Authors: Arimbawa Putu Eka , Adi Purwa Hita I Putu Gede , Wardhana Zainal Firdaus
Published: March 2021

Community perception is an experience that causes a different understanding of treatment. Differences in people's perceptions of drug safety will affect their attitudes towards rational use of medicines (RUM). Therefore, it is necessary to do an in-depth measurement of public perceptions. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between community perceptions through the health belief model (HBM) with the understanding of (RUM). This study used a cross-sectional design with 97 samples in Denpasar City, Bali, Indonesia. Data collection was conducted from November 2019 to January 2020 using a questionnaire and analyzed using binary logistic tests. The results showed that perceptions based on perceived susceptibility perceived severity, health motivation, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy did not provide a significant relationship with the understanding of RUM (p>0.05). Perceived barriers provide significant results on the understanding of RUM (p<0.05). Health perceptions in allergy reporting and awareness of drug use based on clinical conditions and selection of alternatives increase understanding of rational drug use. The drug-taking procedure needs to be done quickly and according to the provisions to appropriately use the medication. Therefore, health workers' role is essential in providing complete services and information about drugs in health care, especially in symptomatic drugs.
Reducing depressive symptoms and increasing positive feelings with expressive writing
Authors: Wong Chen Sung , Chua Melissa Jane , Prihadi Kususanto Ditto
Published: March 2021

This experimental study examined the effect of expressive writing on depressive symptoms. 86 undergraduate students were recruited from a private university to perform online positive experience writing (PEW) (n=31), negative experience (NEW) (n=32) and control topic (CW) (n=23) for three sessions in three consecutive weeks. The depressive symptoms of participants were measured at pre-treatment and post-treatment. It was hypothesized that PEW has significant greater reduction in depressive symptoms compared to NEW and CW based on broaden and build model. Nevertheless, results showed that PEW had significantly greater symptoms reduction than CW, yet there was no significant difference between PEW and NEW. The findings suggested that PEW might be potentially useful in reducing depressive symptoms among undergraduates.
Keeping millennials from quitting due to work stress: The roles of mattering, commitment and entrepreneurship orientation
Authors: Prihadi Kususanto Ditto , Chang Calvin K.W. , Goo Lyann
Published: March 2021

Studies in pre-pandemic era had established that millennial workers tend to leave their job due to low organizational commitment or strong entrepreneurial orientation; however, the pandemic had brought down economy due to lockdowns, work stress and mental health instability, limitation of business hours, working from home policy, downsizing of companies, and many other changes. This situation might contribute to a novel situation among millennial employees and their turnover intention might be developed differently. Because mattering has protective feature against work stress and depression, we hypothesized that their it will negatively contribute to their turnover intention, and this contribution is mediated by the organizational commitment. Furthermore, we also hypothesized that this phenomenon would only occur in the condition of lower levels of entrepreneurial orientation. Data was collected from 354 purposively recruited millennial employees who responded to the scales of mattering, organizational commitment, entrepreneurial orientation and turnover intention through online surveys Analyses were conducted with Bootstrap Method in PROCESS Macro Model 10. The findings indicated that the moderated mediation occurred; organizational commitment fully mediated the link between mattering and turnover intention among participants with moderate and high levels of entrepreneurial orientation.
The Ongoing Domestication of Global Models
Authors: Diehl David K.
Published: March 2021

Despite their political and cultural similarities, Anglosphere countries have developed distinct national multicultural education policies. These policy differences can be understood by examining the interrelated ways these nations domesticated multiple global cultural models over time. First, in response to the model of multiculturalism, Anglosphere nations decided whether or not to adopt official national multicultural policies. Second, in response to the model of neoliberalism, these same nations decided whether or not to centralize control of curriculum and testing. The nexus of these two decisions concerning the institutionalization of multiculturalism and the centralization of schooling created nation-specific trajectories for multicultural education policies.
Erechtites albiflorus (Asteraceae: Senecioneae), the correct name for Cacalia prenanthoides and E. petiolatus
Authors: HASSEMER GUSTAVO , FUNEZ LUÍS A.
Published: March 2021

In a recently-published work it was demonstrated that the previous circumscription of Erechtites valerianifolius encompassed two distinct species, thus calling for the re-establishment of E. petiolatus. However, in that work it was overlooked that Senecio albiflorus, a replacement name for Cacalia prenanthoides, was published three months before E. petiolatus. In the present work we make the necessary amendments to the taxonomic treatment of this species of Erechtites due to this nomenclatural oversight. We also discuss the issue of the provenance of the type of C. prenanthoides.
Survival of Snow in the Melting Layer: Relative Humidity Influence
Authors: Heymsfield Andrew J. , Bansemer Aaron , Theis Alexander , Schmitt Carl
Published: March 2021

This study quantifies how far snow can fall into the melting layer (ML) before all snow has melted by examining a combination of in-situ observations from aircraft measurements in Lagrangian spiral descents from above through the ML and descents and ascents into the ML, as well as an extensive database of NOAA surface observer reports during the past 50 years. The airborne data contain information on the particle phase (solid, mixed, or liquid), population size distributions and shapes, along with temperature, relative humidity, and vertical velocity. A wide range of temperatures and ambient relative humidities are used for both the airborne and ground-based data. It is shown that an ice bulb temperature of 0°C, together with the air temperature and pressure (altitude), are good first order predictors of the highest temperature snowflakes can survive in the melting layer before completely melting. Particle size is also important, as is whether the particles are graupel or hail. If the relative humidity is too low, the particles will sublimate completely as they fall into the melting layer. Snow as warm as +7°C is observed from aircraft measurements and surface observations. Snow pellets survive to even warmer temperatures. Relationships are developed to represent the primary findings.
Using Cartographies to Map Time and Space in Teacher Learning in and Outside School
Authors: Padilla-Petry Paulo , Hernández-Hernández Fernando , Sánchez-Valero Joan-Anton
Published: March 2021

This article explores the relations between teachers’ visual cartographies and oral narratives to better understand the spatial and temporal relations on teacher learning. It builds on a research project whose main questions were: 1) How and where do secondary school teachers learn to teach? 2) What are the consequences of this learning in their pedagogical relations and their students’ learning processes and results? Since narrative research has been a common way of approaching the subject and have led to an emphasis on learning as a journey across contexts and over time, some of its contributions to explore teachers’ learning paths are theoretically discussed, and visual methods, particularly cartographies, are also examined. Furthermore, the article presents the analysis of cartographies and video recordings of 29 secondary school teachers focusing on the interactions in different spaces and moments in time described by them. Findings suggest that learning to be a teacher may happen in interactions with objects, people and spaces beyond the boundaries of school, university and formal places of training and learning. They also show that the rhizomatic character of the cartographies may not prevent teleological thinking or the idea that any kind of learning is purposeful. Finally, this paper concludes that teachers’ learning does not fit the representational frame that distinguishes between formal contents and leisure activities, classrooms and private spaces, lessons and bodies, emotions and knowledge.
Magnesiohögbomite-6N12S, Mg5Al11TiO23(OH), a new högbomite-group mineral from the DeWitts Corners, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Lykova Inna , Rowe Ralph , Poirier Glenn , Giester Gerald , Helwig Kate
Published: March 2021

The new högbomite-group mineral magnesiohögbomite-6N12S, ideally Mg5Al11TiO23(OH), was found in calcite “vein-dikes” at the DeWitts Corners occurrence, lots 10 and 11, concession 1, Bathurst Township, Ontario, Canada. It forms tabular and short-prismatic crystals up to 5 mm in size. The major forms are pinacoid {0001} and hexagonal pyramid {11${\bar 2}$1}, sometimes modified by hexagonal prism {11${\bar 2}$0}. The associated minerals are magnesiohögbomite-2N3S, spinel, corundum, diopside, magnesio-hastingsite, pargasite, clinochlore and calcite. Magnesiohögbomite-6N12S is dark brown to black with brown streak and vitreous lustre. It has no cleavage and its fracture is uneven. The Mohs hardness is 6½. Dcalc is 3.87 g/cm3. The infrared spectrum is reported. The composition (wt.%) is MgO 13.09, ZnO 0.46, FeO 11.91, Fe2O3 6.84, Al2O3 62.70, TiO2 4.44, H2O 0.99, total 100.43. The empirical formula calculated on the basis of 17 cations, excluding H+, is (Mg2.95Fe2+1.51Al0.49Zn0.05)Σ5(Al10.71Fe3+0.78Ti0.51)Σ12O23(OH). The simplified formula is (Mg,Fe)5(Al,Fe,Ti)12O23(OH). The mineral is trigonal, R${\bar 3}$m, a = 5.7194(2), c = 83.069(5) Å, V = 2353.3(2) Å3 and Z = 6. The strongest reflections of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern [d,Å(I)(hkl)] are: 2.921(26)(0.1.23), 2.863(49)(110), 2.687(29)(0.1.26), 2.547(31)(0.1.$\overline{28}$) and 2.434(100)(1.1.18). The crystal structure was solved and refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data to R1 = 0.022. It is composed of alternating spinel (S) and nolanite (N) modules in the sequence 3 × (NSSNSS). The sequence of cubic ‘c’ and hexagonal ‘h’ closed-packed oxygen layers is 3 × (cccccchcccch). It is the first polysome in the högbomite supergroup with such a sequence.
Variations in situational risk factors for fractures of the distal forearm, hip, and vertebrae in older women
Authors: Yu Wen-Yu , Hwang Hei-Fen , Lin Mau-Roung
Published: March 2021

Background

Situational factors during a fall among three common types of fractures of the distal forearm, hip, and vertebrae among older women in Taiwan were investigated.

Methods

In 2016 ~ 2017, study participants were identified from those aged ≥65 years who visited emergency departments due to a fall in two university-affiliated hospitals in Taipei. In addition to individual characteristics, situational factors during the fall (location, activity, change of center of mass, fall mode, fall direction, initiating a protective response, and being hit) were collected. A sample of 203 distal-forearm fractures, 189 vertebral fractures, and 375 hip fractures was recruited, while 717 women with a soft-tissue injury were used as a control group. The identification of situational risk factors for each type of fracture was validated by using those who sustained one of the other two types of fracture as a control group.

Results

After adjusting for age and other individual characteristics, compared to soft-tissue injuries, distal-forearm fractures were significantly more likely to occur with slips (odds ratio [OR] = 11.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.76 ~ 25.4), trips (OR = 3.40; 95% CI = 1.42 ~ 8.17), step-downs (OR = 4.95; 95% CI = 2.15 ~ 11.4), and from sideways falls (OR = 1.73; 95% CI = 1.12 ~ 2.67) and significantly less likely to occur indoors (OR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.42 ~ 0.90) or from backwards falls (OR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.41 ~ 0.95). Hip fractures were significantly more likely to occur with step-downs (OR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.13 ~ 2.75) and from backwards (OR = 3.16; 95% CI = 2.15 ~ 4.64) or sideways falls (OR = 5.56; 95% CI = 3.67 ~ 8.41) and significantly less likely when hitting an object (OR = 0.26; 95% CI = 0.13 ~ 0.52) or initiating a protective response (OR = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.36 ~ 0.93). Vertebral fractures were significantly more likely to occur with slips (OR = 2.42; 95% CI = 1.30 ~ 4.50), step-downs (OR = 2.53; 95% CI = 1.43 ~ 4.48), and backwards falls (OR = 2.15; 95% CI = 1.39 ~ 3.32). Similar results were found in the validation analyses.

Conclusions

Large variations in situational risk factors for the three types of fracture in older women existed. A combination of individual and situational risk factors may display a more-comprehensive risk profile for the three types of fracture, and an intervention that adds training programs on safe landing strategies and effective compensatory reactions may be valuable in preventing serious injuries due to a fall.
A novel tp53-associated nomogram to predict the overall survival in patients with pancreatic cancer
Authors: Liu Xun , Chen Bobo , Chen Jiahui , Sun Shaolong
Published: March 2021

Background

Gene mutations play critical roles in tumorigenesis and cancer development. Our study aimed to screen survival-related mutations and explore a novel gene signature to predict the overall survival in pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Somatic mutation data from three cohorts were used to identify the common survival-related gene mutation with Kaplan-Meier curves. RNA-sequencing data were used to explore the signature for survival prediction. First, Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis was conducted to identify candidate genes. Then, the ICGC-PACA-CA cohort was applied as the training set and the TCGA-PAAD cohort was used as the external validation set. A TP53-associated signature calculating the risk score of every patient was developed with univariate Cox, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and stepwise regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier and receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to verify the accuracy. The independence of the signature was confirmed by the multivariate Cox regression analysis. Finally, a prognostic nomogram including 359 patients was constructed based on the combined expression data and the risk scores.

Results

TP53 mutation was screened to be the robust and survival-related mutation type, and was associated with immune cell infiltration. Two thousand, four hundred fifty-five genes included in the six modules generated in the WGCNA were screened as candidate survival related TP53-associated genes. A seven-gene signature was constructed: Risk score = (0.1254 × ERRFI1) - (0.1365 × IL6R) - (0.4400 × PPP1R10) - (0.3397 × PTOV1-AS2) + (0.1544 × SCEL) - (0.4412 × SSX2IP) – (0.2231 × TXNL4A). Area Under Curves of 1-, 3-, and 5-year ROC curves were 0.731, 0.808, and 0.873 in the training set and 0.703, 0.677, and 0.737 in the validation set. A prognostic nomogram including 359 patients was constructed and well-calibrated, with the Area Under Curves of 1-, 3-, and 5-year ROC curves as 0.713, 0.753, and 0.823.

Conclusions

The TP53-associated signature exhibited good prognostic efficacy in predicting the overall survival of PC patients.
Are occupational and environmental noises associated with periodontitis? Evidence from a Korean representative cross-sectional study
Authors: Han Dong-Hun , Kim Mi-Sun
Published: March 2021

Background

Evidences have shown that noise could be a risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Since periodontitis and CVD are characterized by inflammation, it is reasonable to doubt that occupational/environmental noise is a risk factor for periodontitis. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between occupational/environmental noise and periodontitis in a nationally representative sample of Korean adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used data from the 7th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The study sample included 8327 adults aged 40 to 80 years old. Noise exposure and the duration of the exposure were assessed with self-report questionnaires. The dependent variable was periodontitis. Age, gender, place of residence, income, marital status, smoking, frequency of daily tooth brushing, recent dental checkup, and diabetes were included as covariates. Logistic regression analyses estimated the association between noise exposure and periodontitis.

Results

Those who were exposed to environmental noise during their lifetime had an increased prevalence of severe periodontitis (odds ratio [OR] 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05 to 3.40), and this association was strengthened as the duration of the environmental noise exposure was longer (OR of > 120 months 2.35 and OR of ≤120 months 1.49). There was a combined relationship for severe periodontitis between occupational and environmental noise exposure (OR of both exposures 2.62, OR of occupational exposure only 1.12, and OR of environmental exposure only 1.57).

Conclusion

Our study shows that noise exposure is associated with periodontitis, and the association was higher in the synergism between occupational and environmental interaction.
Faculty’s attitudes and perceptions related to applying motivational principles to their teaching: a mixed methods study
Authors: Snook Abigail Grover , Schram Asta B. , Jones Brett D.
Published: March 2021

Background

It is uncommon for faculty development professionals to assess faculty attitudes towards their teaching responsibilities and their perceived obstacles to teaching effectiveness. The purposes of this study were (a) to document faculty attitudes and practices related to applying motivation principles, and (b) to identify the perceived contextual factors that may shape these attitudes and practices.

Methods

A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was used. Faculty members (n = 272; 32% response rate) were surveyed about their responsibility for and application of the five motivational principles that are part of the MUSIC Model of Motivation:eMpowerment,Usefulness,Success,Interest, andCaring. Repeated measures ANOVAs and Student’s t-tests were computed to detect differences. Subsequently, two focus groups of faculty members (n = 11) interpreted the survey results. We conducted a thematic analysis and used the focus group results to explain the survey results.

Results

Faculty rated their responsibilities for applying principles related toUsefulness,Interest, andCaringsignificantly higher than they did forSuccessandeMpowerment. Most faculty also reported that they actually appliedUsefulness,Interest, andCaringstrategies within the past year, whereas over half of the faculty appliedSuccessstrategies and about a third of faculty appliedeMpowermentstrategies. Focus group participants identified factors that affected their ability to applyeMpowermentstrategies, (e.g., offering choices), including students lacking generic skills (e.g., critical thinking, problem-solving), a lack of confidence in their abilities to implement empowering strategies and meet the needs of students, passive students, and large lecture-type courses. Focus group participants cited obstacles to implementingSuccessstrategies (e.g., providing feedback), including difficulty in providing feedback in large courses, lacking time and assistant teachers, limited knowledge of technologies, and lacking skills related to guiding effective student peer feedback.

Conclusions

Faculty appear adequately prepared to implement some types of motivational strategies, but not others, in part due to contextual factors that can influence their attitudes and, ultimately, their application of these strategies. We discuss how these factors affect attitudes and application of motivational strategies and formulate suggestions based on the results.
GPU-friendly data structures for real time simulation
Authors: Magnoux Vincent , Ozell Benoît
Published: March 2021

Simulators for virtual surgery training need to perform complex calculations very quickly to provide realistic haptic and visual interactions with a user. The complexity is further increased by the addition of cuts to virtual organs, such as would be needed for performing tumor resection. A common method for achieving large performance improvements is to make use of the graphics hardware (GPU) available on most general-use computers. Programming GPUs requires data structures that are more rigid than on conventional processors (CPU), making that data more difficult to update. We propose a new method for structuring graph data, which is commonly used for physically based simulation of soft tissue during surgery, and deformable objects in general. Our method aligns all nodes of the graph in memory, independently from the number of edges they contain, allowing for local modifications that do not affect the rest of the structure. Our method also groups memory transfers so as to avoid updating the entire graph every time a small cut is introduced in a simulated organ. We implemented our data structure as part of a simulator based on a meshless method. Our tests show that the new GPU implementation, making use of the new graph structure, achieves a 10 times improvement in computation times compared to the previous CPU implementation. The grouping of data transfers into batches allows for a 80–90% reduction in the amount of data transferred for each graph update, but accounts only for a small improvement in performance. The data structure itself is simple to implement and allows simulating increasingly complex models that can be cut at interactive rates.
In vivo tumour imaging employing regional delivery of novel gallium radiolabelled polymer composites
Authors: Stephens Ross W. , Tredwell Gregory D. , Bell Jessica L. , Knox Karen J. , Philip Lee A. , Senden Tim J. , Tapner Michael J. , Bickley Stephanie A. , Tanudji Marcel R. , Jones Stephen K.
Published: March 2021

Background

Understanding the regional vascular delivery of particles to tumour sites is a prerequisite for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic composites for treatment of oncology patients. We describe a novel imageable
67
Ga-radiolabelled polymer composite that is biocompatible in an animal tumour model and can be used for preclinical imaging investigations of the transit of different sized particles through arterial networks of normal and tumour-bearing organs.

Results

Radiolabelling of polymer microspheres with
67
Ga was achieved using a simple mix and wash method, with tannic acid as an immobilising agent. Final in vitro binding yields after autoclaving averaged 94.7%. In vivo stability of the composite was demonstrated in New Zealand white rabbits by intravenous administration, and intrahepatic artery instillations were made in normal and VX2 tumour implanted rabbit livers. Stability of radiolabel was sufficient for rabbit lung and liver imaging over at least 3 hours and 1 hour respectively, with lung retention of radiolabel over 91%, and retention in both normal and VX2 implanted livers of over 95%. SPECT-CT imaging of anaesthetised animals and planar imaging of excised livers showed visible accumulation of radiolabel in tumours. Importantly, microsphere administration and complete liver dispersal was more easily achieved with 8 μm diameter MS than with 30 μm MS, and the smaller microspheres provided more distinct and localised tumour imaging.

Conclusion

This method of producing
67
Ga-radiolabelled polymer microspheres is suitable for SPECT-CT imaging of the regional vascular delivery of microspheres to tumour sites in animal models. Sharper distinction of model tumours from normal liver was obtained with smaller MS, and tumour resolution may be further improved by the use of
68
Ga instead of
67
Ga, to enable PET imaging.
Genetic influences on externalizing psychopathology overlap with cognitive functioning and show developmental variation
Authors: Mollon Josephine , Knowles Emma E. M. , Mathias Samuel R. , Rodrigue Amanda , Moore Tyler M. , Calkins Monica E. , Gur Ruben C. , Peralta Juan Manuel , Weiner Daniel J. , Robinson Elise B. , Gur Raquel E. , Blangero John , Almasy Laura , Glahn David C.
Published: March 2021

Background

Questions remain regarding whether genetic influences on early life psychopathology overlap with cognition and show developmental variation.

Methods

Using data from 9,421 individuals aged 8–21 from the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort, factors of psychopathology were generated using a bifactor model of item-level data from a psychiatric interview. Five orthogonal factors were generated: anxious-misery (mood and anxiety), externalizing (attention deficit hyperactivity and conduct disorder), fear (phobias), psychosis-spectrum, and a general factor. Genetic analyses were conducted on a subsample of 4,662 individuals of European American ancestry. A genetic relatedness matrix was used to estimate heritability of these factors, and genetic correlations with executive function, episodic memory, complex reasoning, social cognition, motor speed, and general cognitive ability. Gene × Age analyses determined whether genetic influences on these factors show developmental variation.

Results

Externalizing was heritable (h2 = 0.46, p = 1 × 10−6), but not anxious-misery (h2 = 0.09, p = 0.183), fear (h2 = 0.04, p = 0.337), psychosis-spectrum (h2 = 0.00, p = 0.494), or general psychopathology (h2 = 0.21, p = 0.040). Externalizing showed genetic overlap with face memory (ρg = −0.412, p = 0.004), verbal reasoning (ρg = −0.485, p = 0.001), spatial reasoning (ρg = −0.426, p = 0.010), motor speed (ρg = 0.659, p = 1x10−4), verbal knowledge (ρg = −0.314, p = 0.002), and general cognitive ability (g)(ρg = −0.394, p = 0.002). Gene × Age analyses revealed decreasing genetic variance (γg = −0.146, p = 0.004) and increasing environmental variance (γe = 0.059, p = 0.009) on externalizing.

Conclusions

Cognitive impairment may be a useful endophenotype of externalizing psychopathology and, therefore, help elucidate its pathophysiological underpinnings. Decreasing genetic variance suggests that gene discovery efforts may be more fruitful in children than adolescents or young adults.
Evaluation of the Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Resources Available in Chile
Authors: Abu-Arja Mohammad H. , Rojas del Río Nicolás , Morales La Madrid Andres , Lassaletta Alvaro , Coven Scott L. , Moreno Rosa , Valero Miguel , Perez Veronica , Espinoza Felipe , Fernandez Eduardo , Santander José , Tordecilla Juan , Oyarce Veronica , Kopp Katherine , Bartels Ute , Qaddoumi Ibrahim , Finlay Jonathan L. , Cáceres Adrián , Reyes Mauricio , Espinoza Ximena , Osorio Diana S.
Published: March 2021

PURPOSE

Pediatric neuro-oncology resources are mostly unknown in Chile. We report the human and material resources available in Chilean hospitals providing pediatric neuro-oncology services.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 17 hospitals providing pediatric neuro-oncology services (Programa Infantil Nacional de Drogas Antineoplásicas [PINDA] hospitals, 11; private, 6).

RESULTS

Response rate was 71% (PINDA, 8; private, 4). Pediatric neuro-oncology services were mainly provided within general hospitals (67%). Registries for pediatric CNS tumors and chemotherapy-related toxicities were available in 100% and 67% of hospitals, respectively. CNS tumors were treated by pediatric oncologists in 92% of hospitals; none were formally trained in neuro-oncology. The most used treatment protocols were the national PINDA protocols. All WHO essential medicines for childhood cancer were available in more than 80% of the hospitals except for gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, paclitaxel, and procarbazine. The median number of pediatric neurosurgeons per hospital was two (range, 2-6). General neuroradiologists were available in 83% of the centers. Pathology specimens were sent to neuropathologists (58%), adult pathologists (25%), and pediatric pathologists (17%). Intensity-modulated radiotherapy, conformal radiotherapy, and cobalt radiotherapy were used by 67%, 58%, and 42% of hospitals, respectively. Only one private hospital performed autologous hematopoietic cell transplant for children with CNS tumors.

CONCLUSION

A wide range of up-to-date treatment modalities are available for children with CNS tumors. Our survey highlights future directions to improve the pediatric neuro-oncology services available in Chile such as the expansion of multidisciplinary clinics, palliative care services, long-term cancer survivorship programs, dedicated clinical research support teams, establishing standardized mechanism for sending pathologic specimen for second opinion to international specialized centers, and establishing specialized neuro-oncology training program.
Κοινωνικό κεφάλαιο και πολιτικές για την προαγωγή της υγείας στην τριτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση στην Ελλάδα
Authors: Σπυροπούλου Δήμητρα
Published: March 2021

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή μελετά θέματα κοινωνικού κεφαλαίου, υγείας και προαγωγής της υγείας, καθώς και πολιτικών για την προαγωγή της υγείας στην Τριτοβάθμια Εκπαίδευση. Πιο συγκεκριμένα η διδακτορική αυτή διατριβή εξετάζει πώς οι πολιτικές για την προαγωγή της υγείας, οι οποίες αναπτύσσονται στην Τριτοβάθμια Εκπαίδευση, συνδέονται με το κοινωνικό κεφάλαιο των φοιτητών και επηρεάζουν την υγεία τους με διαφορετικούς τρόπους. Επίσης, ο σκοπός της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι να διερευνήσει πώς οι φοιτητές υιοθετούν τις πολιτικές για την προαγωγή της υγείας στο Πανεπιστήμιο φοίτησής τους με βάση το κοινωνικό τους κεφάλαιο. Για τη διεξαγωγή της εμπειρικής έρευνας χρησιμοποιήθηκε το ανώνυμο γραπτό ερωτηματολόγιο. Η επεξεργασία των δεδομένων πραγματοποιήθηκε με το στατιστικό πακέτο SPSS 24 και χρησιμοποιήθηκαν οι στατιστικοί δείκτες: t-test, One Way Anova και Παραγοντική Ανάλυση, ενώ στα ποιοτικά δεδομένα του ερωτηματολογίου εφαρμόστηκε θεματική ανάλυση. Το δείγμα της έρευνας αποτελείτο από 445 τεταρτοετείς φοιτητές της Σχολής Ανθρωπιστικών και Κοινωνικών Επιστημών του Πανεπιστημίου Πατρών, οι οποίοι φοιτούσαν στο εαρινό εξάμηνο 2017-2018. Το μέγεθος του δείγματος θεωρήθηκε αντιπροσωπευτικό του πληθυσμού που διερευνήθηκε. Με βάση τα αποτελέσματα της εμπειρικής έρευνας, διαπιστώθηκε ότι το κοινωνικό κεφάλαιο των φοιτητών επηρεάζει σε μεγάλο βαθμό την αποδοχή και την υιοθέτηση των πολιτικών για την προαγωγή της υγείας οι οποίες προωθούνται από το Πανεπιστήμιο Πατρών, καθώς και τις αντιλήψεις τους σε θέματα σχετικά με την υγεία και την προαγωγή της υγείας στο Πανεπιστήμιο. Αυτή η έρευνα κατέδειξε ότι οι φοιτητές πρέπει να δημιουργήσουν ένα ισχυρό κοινωνικό κεφάλαιο στο Πανεπιστήμιό τους. Για να επιτευχθεί αυτό, τo Πανεπιστήμιο θα μπορούσε να βοηθήσει τους φοιτητές και τις φοιτήτριες να αναπτύξουν το κοινωνικό τους κεφάλαιο, για παράδειγμα δημιουργώντας δεσμούς μεταξύ του προσωπικού του Πανεπιστημίου και των φοιτητών, και παράλληλα προωθώντας δραστηριότητες οι οποίες να ενισχύουν την κοινωνική αλληλεπίδραση στην πανεπιστημιακή κοινότητα.
Conceptual Approaches to Modeling Effective Intercultural Communication in the Global World
Authors: Tyurikov A.
Published: March 2021

The article analyzes and describes the current challenges faced by intercultural communication in the XXI century in a globalizing and contradictory world. Conceptual approaches to the activity-phenomenological modeling of intercultural communication are presented, its main properties and determining circumstances are highlighted. The main models that can be used to evaluate cross-cultural communication in terms of its effectiveness are highlighted. Identified, systematized and described in terms of criteria for the effectiveness of the model of intercultural communication. On the basis of content analysis, the content components selected from scientific publications are analyzed and systematized, which can then be divided into criteria, indicators, conditions and products of effective intercultural communication. The concept of "space of active intersubjectivity" is introduced into scientific circulation. It is concluded that the definition of the effectiveness of intercultural communication and its modeling in Russian science, as well as the methodological framework for systematization of its evaluation criteria, are insufficiently studied.Expert testing of basic and additional criteria and a system of indicators for evaluating the effectiveness of intercultural communication was carried out.
Cultural and Ideological Foundations of Socio-Economic Development of Society
Authors: Didenko V. , Didenko N. , Mokiy M. , Kalickiy Vitaliy
Published: March 2021

The article devoted to the communication context created by the creative class - a social group that needs a diverse, renewable experience. The desire to buy this experience and look for new feelings transforms their behavior and communication activity into affective one. The idea of social and cultural mobility was formed in a democratic society together with the global idea of liberalism and tolerance. In this context media stimulate communication, public speaking becomes an easy form of activity and the creative class calls for multiculturalism and breaking political, social and cultural patterns. But this social group is still trying to create new patterns of behavior. Until these patterns of behavior are created, tolerance will exist as an ideologeme and communication will fight with formal patterns, but not with ideological patterns.