bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Identification of Potential Crucial Genes and miRNA‐mRNA Regulatory Networks in Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Nan Ben-yu , Xiong Guo-Feng , Zhao Zi-Rui , Gu Xi , Huang Xin-Sheng
Published: January 2021

Background. Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, with a recent global increase of 20% in age‐related incidence. Ultrasonography and ultrasonography‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) are the most widely used diagnostic tests for thyroid nodules; however, it is estimated that up to 25% of thyroid biopsies are cytologically inconclusive. Molecular markers can help guide patient‐oriented and targeted treatment of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer. Methods. Datasets related to papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) or thyroid carcinoma (GSE129562, GSE3678, GSE54958, GSE138042, and GSE124653) were downloaded from the GEO database and analysed using the Limma package of R software. For functional enrichment analysis, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis and Gene Ontology were applied to differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using the Metascape website. A protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network was built from the STRING database. Gene expression, protein expression, immunohistochemistry, and potential functional gene survival were analysed using the GEPIA website, the Human Protein Atlas website, and the UALCAN website. Potential target miRNAs were predicted using the miRDB and Starbase datasets. Results. We found 219 upregulated and 310 downregulated DEGs, with a cut‐off of p < 0.01 and ∣log FC | >1.5. The DEGs in papillary thyroid cancer were mainly enriched in extracellular structural organisation. At the intersection of the PPI network and Metascape MCODEs, the hub genes in common were identified as FN1, APOE, CLU, and SDC2. In the targeted regulation network of miRNA‐mRNA, the hsa‐miR‐424‐5p was found to synchronously modulate two hub genes. Survival analysis showed that patients with high expression of CLU and APOE had better prognosis. Conclusions. CLU and APOE are involved in the molecular mechanism of papillary thyroid cancer. The hsa‐miR‐424‐5p might have the potential to reverse the processes of papillary thyroid cancer by modulating the hub genes. These are potential targets for the treatment of patients with papillary thyroid cancer.
Efficacy of Deep Cervical Flexor Muscle Training on Neck Pain, Functional Disability, and Muscle Endurance in School Teachers: A Clinical Trial
Authors: Iqbal Zaheen A. , Alghadir Ahmad H. , Anwer Shahnawaz
Published: January 2021

Background. Neck pain (NP) is a common work‐related disorder, with high prevalence in the profession of teaching. The daily duties of a school teacher involve head‐down postures while reading and writing, which expose them to the risk of developing NP. Deep cervical flexor (DCF) muscles have been reported to have lower endurance in patients with cervical impairment, which has additionally been associated with disability. There is limited evidence regarding the efficacy of training of DCF muscles in occupational NP. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of DCF muscle training on pain, muscle endurance, and functional disability using pressure biofeedback in school teachers with NP. Methods. Sixty‐five teachers (age, 25‐45 years) with more than 5 years of teaching experience participated in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental (E) and control (C) groups. In the E group, the subjects underwent DCF muscle training using pressure biofeedback in addition to conventional exercises for neck pain, while those in the C group underwent conventional exercises only. Pain, muscle endurance, and disability were measured at day 0 (before the treatment) and days 14 and 42 after the treatment. Endurance of DCF muscles was measured by the craniocervical flexion test using pressure biofeedback, pain intensity was measured using the numeric pain rating scale, and functional disability was assessed using the neck disability index questionnaire. This study was performed in accordance with CONSORT guidelines. Results. On day 0, there were no significant differences in the age, pain, muscle endurance, and disability levels between the groups. After initiating the intervention, although there were improvements in both groups, there was a statistically significant improvement in muscle endurance, pain, and disability in subjects who received additional training with pressure biofeedback. Conclusions. Besides increasing muscle endurance, specific training of DCF muscles in addition to conventional exercises can improve neck pain and functional disability. These results should be further correlated clinically. A dedicated time for exercises at school could help prevent the development of NP in teachers. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03537300 May 24, 2018 (retrospectively registered).
Anticancer Activity of Kefir on Glioblastoma Cancer Cell as a New Treatment
Authors: Fatahi Arghavan , Soleimani Neda , Afrough Parviz
Published: January 2021

Kefir drink is one of the most important probiotic products, which is made using kefir microorganisms in fermenting the milk. Numerous investigation have been accomplished in the field of the therapeutic property of probiotic products. In the present study, we assessed the cytotoxic effect of kefir on the rate of growth and increase of glioblastoma cancer cell as the most severe form of brain tumors. In this experimental study, we used a U87 cancer cell line (glioblastoma). The interaction between cancer cells and different concentrations of kefir drink and supernatants at 24 and 48 hours was considered. The cell cytotoxicity of kefir and sedimentation of cell lysate and extract of kefir was assessed using the MTT test after 24 and 48 hours. The result of the MTT test, treatment of the cells with the 48-hour fermented drink, demonstrated the most cell cytotoxicity in comparison with the control group. Results showed that the toxicity effect in all groups was dose-dependent, and by increasing the concentration, cell survival decreased noticeably. The results indicated that the supernatant of fermented kefir drink as a probiotic product has more toxicity and lethality effect on the glioblastoma cancer cell. This product can be utilized as a replacement or a complementary therapy of cancer.
Critical Incident Disclosing Behaviors and Associated Factors among Nurses Working in Amhara Region Referral Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Eshete Yeshiambew , Tesfaye Bekele , Dagnew Zewdu , Kefale Demewoz , Mesfin Belay Demke , Minuye Binyam
Published: January 2021

Background. Though the goal of healthcare institutions is patient safety, errors have been committed by healthcare providers. Incident reporting behavior enhances patient safety by reducing the repeated occurrence of errors in the health facility. Therefore, this study aims to identify incident disclosing behaviors and associated factors among nurses working in referral hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. Institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among randomly selected 319 nurses working in referral hospitals of Amhara region from March 1–30, 2019. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Data were coded and entered into EpiData 4.2 software and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 for analysis. All variables with

p

value <0.25 during bivariable binary logistic regression analysis were considered for multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. Odds ratio along with 95% CI was estimated to measure the strength of the association. Level of statistical significance was declared at

p

value ≤0.05. Results. The proportion of nurses who reported incidents was 31.9% (95% confidence interval (CI), 27, 3)). Fear of administrative sanctions (adjusted odd ratio (AOR) = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.22, 0.90), fear of legal penalty (AOR = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.14, 0.50), lack of feedback (AOR = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.13, 0.66), nonsupportive environment (AOR = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.14, 0.52), and feel that reporting to colleague is easier (AOR = 2.65; 95% CI, 1.35, 5.20) were all found to be significant factors. Conclusions. The proportion of nurses who reported incidents was low. Fear of administrative sanctions, fear of legal penalty, lack of feedback, nonsupportive environment, and felling that reporting to colleagues was easier are found to be significant factors. Developing a system that encourages critical incident reporting behavior and provide protection from penalties for nurses to report incidents for the enhancement of patient safety and quality of care at each health facility and regional level is crucial.
Familial Risks between Pernicious Anemia and Other Autoimmune Diseases in the Population of Sweden
Authors: Li Xinjun , Thomsen Hauke , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan , Försti Asta , Hemminki Kari
Published: January 2021

Background. Pernicious anemia (PA) is an autoimmune disease (AID) which is caused by lack of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) due to its impaired uptake. PA is a multifactorial disease which is associated with a number of other AID comorbidities and which is manifested as part of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome. Due to the shortage of family studies on PA, we planned to address the problem by assessing familial risks for concordant PA between family members and for discordant PA in families of other AID patients. Methods. We collected data on patients diagnosed with AIDs from the Swedish hospitals and family data from a population register. We calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) in families for concordant and discordant risks. Results. The number of PA patients in the offspring generation (for which the familial risk was calculated) was 7701; 278 (3.6%) patients had a family history of PA. The population prevalence of PA was 0.9/1000. The familial risk for PA was 3.88 when any first-degree relative was the proband, equal for men and women. The familial risk was two times higher between siblings than between offspring and parents which may be due to complex genetic background. Associations of PA with 14 discordant AIDs were significant; these included some AIDs that have previously been described as comorbidities in PA patients and several yet unreported associations, including rheumatoid arthritis and other AIDs. Conclusions. The familial risks for PA were high suggesting multifactorial genetic etiology. The results call for further population-level studies to unravel mechanisms of familial PA which may help to understand the etiology of this disease.
Pharmacological Neuroenhancement: Current Aspects of Categorization, Epidemiology, Pharmacology, Drug Development, Ethics, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Daubner Johanna , Arshaad Muhammad Imran , Henseler Christina , Hescheler Jürgen , Ehninger Dan , Broich Karl , Rawashdeh Oliver , Papazoglou Anna , Weiergräber Marco
Published: January 2021

Recent pharmacoepidemiologic studies suggest that pharmacological neuroenhancement (pNE) and mood enhancement are globally expanding phenomena with distinctly different regional characteristics. Sociocultural and regulatory aspects, as well as health policies, play a central role in addition to medical care and prescription practices. The users mainly display self-involved motivations related to cognitive enhancement, emotional stability, and adaptivity. Natural stimulants, as well as drugs, represent substance abuse groups. The latter comprise purines, methylxanthines, phenylethylamines, modafinil, nootropics, antidepressants but also benzodiazepines, β-adrenoceptor antagonists, and cannabis. Predominant pharmacodynamic target structures of these substances are the noradrenergic/dopaminergic and cholinergic receptor/transporter systems. Further targets comprise adenosine, serotonin, and glutamate receptors. Meta-analyses of randomized-controlled studies in healthy individuals show no or very limited verifiability of positive effects of pNE on attention, vigilance, learning, and memory. Only some members of the substance abuse groups, i.e., phenylethylamines and modafinil, display positive effects on attention and vigilance that are comparable to caffeinated drinks. However, the development of new antidementia drugs will increase the availability and the potential abuse of pNE. Social education, restrictive regulatory measures, and consistent medical prescription practices are essential to restrict the phenomenon of neuroenhancement with its social, medical, and ethical implications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the highly dynamic field of pharmacological neuroenhancement and elaborates the dramatic challenges for the medical, sociocultural, and ethical fundaments of society.
Complicated Dengue Fever and Its Treatment Dilemmas: A Single-Center Experience in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayaweera D. K. , Subasinghe S. , De Silva R. F. , Sanjeewa W. A. H. P. , Jayawickreme K. P.
Published: January 2021

Dengue is an arboviral infection that affects humanscausing significant morbidity and mortality in tropical countries. Our first patient who had diabetes presented with shock and was managed as dengue hemorrhagic fever with superadded sepsis which required noradrenalin plus broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics. The second patient developed severe bradycardia during the ascending limb of the critical phase with hemodynamic stability, which recovered on discharge. Third patient presented with severe and rapid leaking; we used intravenous albumin as an alternative colloid with good outcome. The fourth patient was a pregnant mother at term, and she went into spontaneous labor during the latter half of the critical phase. The fifth patient developed dengue hemorrhagic fever complicated with probable haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. She was treated with intravenous steroids andimmunoglobulin, yet succumbed on day 7. Conclusion. Dengue is an extremely challenging and dynamic disease, which can lead to many unusual complications.A high index of suspicion is key to diagnose and treat promptly.
Mercury, Lead, and Cadmium in the Muscles of Five Fish Species from the Mechraâ-Hammadi Dam in Morocco and Health Risks for Their Consumers
Authors: Mahjoub Mohammed , Fadlaoui Soufiane , El Maadoudi Mohammed , Smiri Youssef
Published: January 2021

This study aims to assess the degree of metal contamination (mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb)) in the muscles of five species of fish Esox lucius, Sander lucioperca, Micropterus salmoides, Lepomis macrochirus, and Scardinius erythrophthalmus, from the Mechraâ-Hammadi Dam between July 2017 and May 2018, and to conduct a risk assessment for human consumers. Trace metals were determined by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for the Pb and the Cd and by Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for the Hg. The results gotten from the study of the muscles of the different fish species show that the higher mean amounts of Cd and Hg were determined in E. lucius, and the maximum mean levels of Pb were detected in S. erythrophthalmus. Results suggested that demersal fishes inhabiting near the sediments and piscivorous fishes with higher trophic level were likely to accumulate higher trace metal concentrations. The general order of bioaccumulation of the trace metals measured in the muscles of the fish species is as follows: Hg > Pb > Cd. Therefore, the bioaccumulation of Hg in fish studied is more important than that of Cd and Pb. Furthermore, these concentrations are higher in summer than in winter for all trace metals. All the values of the trace metals in the muscle tissues are below the maximum limits recommended by the European Community (EC) N° 1881/2006. However, estimation of noncarcinogenic health risks by the target hazard quotient indicated no obvious noncarcinogenic risks to humans that consume those fishes (THQ < 1). Results of THQ and maximum safe consumption indicated that Hg may cause more harm to human by fish consumption especially for E. lucius and S. lucioperca. Therefore, reduced intake of carnivorous fishes should be promoted as part of a healthier diet.
Efficacy of Psychiatric Treatment to Treat a Specific Phobia of Intravitreal Injections in a Patient with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Ozaki Atsuta , Matsubara Hisashi , Sugimoto Masahiko , Kuze Manami , Kondo Mineo , Shiroyama Takashi
Published: January 2021

Intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) is essential for the treatment of macular diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration and macular edema. Although continued treatment is needed to maintain good vision, some patients cannot continue such injections for various reasons, including specific phobias. Here, we report a case of a patient with a specific phobia of intravitreal injections who could resume treatment after undergoing combined drug and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). A 74-year-old Japanese man diagnosed with retinal angiomatous proliferation by fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography was treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF injection. However, at 8 months after the first treatment, he became difficult to treat because of a phobia of injections. He was treated with photodynamic therapy, but his macular edema did not improve. After a psychiatric consultation, he was diagnosed with a specific phobia of intravitreal injections. Combined drug and CBT enabled him to resume receiving intravitreal injections. This case demonstrates that a specific phobia of intravitreal injections may benefit from combined drug and CBT. In this regard, some patients with high anxiety and fear of intravitreal injections should be referred to a psychiatrist at an early stage.
Mortality Risk and Its Association with Geriatric Domain Deficits in Older Outpatients: The Amsterdam Ageing Cohort
Authors: Rhodius-Meester Hanneke Frederica Maria , van de Schraaf Sara A.J. , Peters Mike J.L. , Kleipool Emma E.F. , Trappenburg Marijke C. , Muller Majon
Published: January 2021

Introduction: In older patients, life expectancy is determined by a complex interaction of multiple geriatric domains. A comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) captures different geriatric domains. Yet, if and how components of the CGA are related to mortality in an outpatient geriatric setting is unknown. In the Amsterdam Ageing Cohort, we therefore studied distribution and accumulation of geriatric domain deficits in relation to mortality. Methods: All patients received a CGA as part of standard care, independent of referral reason. We summarized deficits on the CGA, using predefined cutoffs, in 5 geriatric domains: somatic, mental, nutritional, physical, and social domain. Information on mortality was obtained from the Dutch municipal register. We used age- and sex-adjusted Cox proportional hazards analyses to relate the separate domains and accumulation of impaired domains to overall mortality. Results: From the 1,055 geriatric outpatients (53% female; age 79 ± 7 years), 172 patients (16%) had died after 1.7 ± 1.1 years. In 626 patients (59%), 3 or more domains were impaired. All domains were independently associated with mortality, with the highest hazard for the somatic domain (HR 3.7 [1.7–8.0]) and the lowest hazard for the mental domain (HR 1.5 [1.1–12.0]). In addition, accumulation of impaired domains showed a gradually increased mortality risk, ranging from HR 2.2 (0.8–6.1) for 2 domains to HR 9.6 (3.7–24.7) for all 5 domains impaired. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that impairment in multiple geriatric domains is highly prevalent and independently and cumulatively associated with mortality in an outpatient geriatric setting.
Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of Aichi Virus 1 from Urban Wastewater in Senegal
Authors: Kebe Ousmane , Fernandez-Garcia Maria-Dolores , Fall Amary , Dia Hamet , Bidalot Maxime , Ambert-Balay Katia , Ndiaye Kader
Published: January 2021

Aichi virus 1 (AiV-1) has been proposed as a causative agent of human gastroenteritis. In this study, raw, decanted, and treated wastewater samples from a wastewater treatment plant in an urban area of Dakar, Senegal, were collected. AiV-1 was detected in raw (70%, 14/20), decanted (68.4%, 13/19), and treated (59.3%, 16/27) samples, revealing a noticeable resistance of AiV-1 to chlorine-based treatment. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all sequences clustered within genotype B. Our study presents the first report on the detection of AiV-1 in the environment of Dakar and constitutes indirect evidence of virus circulation in the population.
ДІТИ З ОСОБЛИВИМИ ПОТРЕБАМИ В УМОВАХ РЕФОРМУВАННЯ СИСТЕМИ МІСЦЕВОГО САМОВРЯДУВАННЯ
Authors: Vykhrushch A. V. , Yablon T. V. , Drach I. D.
Published: January 2021

Рівень розвитку суспільства, досягнення в утвердженні засад демократії та гуманізму можна оцінити за ставленням до дітей з особливими потребами. Якщо в минулі роки турбота про таких громадян здебільшого мала декларативний характер, то в даний час стаємо свідками системного вирішення проблем, які накопичувалися десятиліттями. Це обумовлено змінами в органах управління, прагненням досягти європейських стандартів, необхідністю використання можливостей кожної особистості. Аналіз нормативних документів, результатів наукових досліджень дозволяє зробити висновок про необхідність уточнення системи базових понять, узагальнення регіонального досвіду, вивчення переваг і недоліків діяльності органів місцевого самоврядування.
Investigação geotécnica de taludes rochosos por meio da análise estrutural: estudo de caso da BR-116, Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Nadalin Luiz Felipe , Fiori Alberto Pio , Giusti Donizeti Antônio , Salamuni Eduardo
Published: January 2021

A BR-116, localizada no nordeste do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, atravessa a Escarpa da Serra Geral, composta de derrames ácidos e básicos da Formação Serra Geral. Diversos movimentos de massa são observados na rodovia, relacionados com a queda e os deslizamentos de blocos dos taludes rochosos. Como hipótese, pretendeu-se verificar se as famílias de fraturas tectônicas regionais causam os movimentos de massa nos taludes da BR-116. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi aperfeiçoar os métodos de investigação geotécnica, correlacionando a Geologia Estrutural com a estabilidade de taludes rochosos. Entre os métodos utilizados estão o sensoriamento remoto e a análise de lineamentos estruturais, a análise estrutural geométrica e a análise geotécnica dos maciços rochosos (identificação de possíveis planos de ruptura e cálculo de seus fatores de segurança). Os resultados dos lineamentos estruturais regionais indicam o predomínio da direção ENE, seguida pelas direções subordinadas NE e WNW. Em relação às fraturas de alto ângulo analisadas em campo, caracterizou-se um máximo com direção N50-70E, similar ao observado regionalmente. A interpretação do diagrama de movimentos de massa indica que 75% dos movimentos que podem ocorrer na BR-116 seriam causados por deslizamentos em cunha, e o restante são planares, com predomínio de descontinuidades de alto ângulo. A direção máxima dos lineamentos (N70-90E) pode causar movimentos em seis dos sete taludes estudados, e o segundo máximo (N60-80W) condiciona deslizamentos em quatro dos sete pontos. Essa evidência mostra que as estruturas provenientes dos lineamentos regionais são as que mais podem gerar movimentos de massa.
Arcabouço magnetométrico-geológico do setor sudeste do Cinturão Dom Feliciano, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
Authors: Silveira Renato Luiz da , Koester Edinei , Rosales Mario Jesus Tomas , Ramos Rodrigo Chaves , Vieira Daniel Triboli , Porcher Carla Cristine , Barbosa Laércio Dal Olmo-
Published: January 2021

No setor sudeste do Cinturão Dom Feliciano, Rio Grande do Sul, está localizado o limite entre os Terrenos Pelotas e Punta del Este, região que contém diversos granitoides e rochas metamórficas neoproterozoicas e vulcânicas mesozoicas. Três domínios magnéticos foram individualizados com base em diferentes orientações dos lineamentos observados: Domínio I, II e III, com lineamentos dominantes, respectivamente, N040–90ºE, N060–90ºE, e N070–90ºE. Modelagens magnéticas 2.5D foram realizadas em dois perfis geológico-geofísicos orientados N-S, com 6 km de extensão, distantes 3 km entre si. O perfil A-A’ secciona o Terreno Pelotas até a porção Norte do Terreno Punta del Este, enquanto o perfil B-B’ secciona apenas esse último terreno. No perfil A-A’, em uma análise qualitativa do modelo, observam-se três patamares de susceptibilidade que refletem o contraste litológico da região: rochas básicas aflorantes (Gabro Desvio Herval); granitoides associados a estruturas tardias (Suíte Dom Feliciano); e rochas granitoides/metamórficas associadas ao Complexo Pinheiro Machado e Gnaisse Arroio Pedrado. No perfil B-B’, também se observa três patamares de susceptibilidade que refletem as diferenteslitologias da região: corpos básicos tabulares anastomosados não aflorantes; granitoides associados a estruturas de cisalhamento (Granitos Chasqueiro e Três Figueiras), granitoides associados a estruturas tardias (Granito Bretanha) e rochas metamórficas associadas aos Complexos Arroio Telho e Arroio Grande. A caracterização magnetométrica das rochas da região, em conjunto com os dados geológicos disponíveis, possibilitam um avanço no entendimento do setor sudeste do Cinturão Dom Feliciano. Sugere-se, assim, como limite entre os Terrenos Pelotas e Punta del Este a Zona de Cisalhamento Ayrosa Galvão, bem como a identificação de corpos em profundidades e não aflorantes, sincinemáticos às zonas de cisalhamento e rochas magmáticas básicas
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring to Diagnose and Manage Hypertension
Authors: Huang Qi-Fang , Yang Wen-Yi , Asayama Kei , Zhang Zhen-Yu , Thijs Lutgarde , Li Yan , O’Brien Eoin , Staessen Jan A.
Published: January 2021

This review portrays how ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring was established and recommended as the method of choice for the assessment of BP and for the rational use of antihypertensive drugs. To establish much-needed diagnostic ambulatory BP thresholds, initial statistical approaches evolved into longitudinal studies of patients and populations, which demonstrated that cardiovascular complications are more closely associated with 24-hour and nighttime BP than with office BP. Studies cross-classifying individuals based on ambulatory and office BP thresholds identified white-coat hypertension, an elevated office BP in the presence of ambulatory normotension as a low-risk condition, whereas its counterpart, masked hypertension, carries a hazard almost as high as ambulatory combined with office hypertension. What clinically matters most is the level of the 24-hour and the nighttime BP, while other BP indexes derived from 24-hour ambulatory BP recordings, on top of the 24-hour and nighttime BP level, add little to risk stratification or hypertension management. Ambulatory BP monitoring is cost-effective. Ambulatory and home BP monitoring are complimentary approaches. Their interchangeability provides great versatility in the clinical implementation of out-of-office BP measurement. We are still waiting for evidence from randomized clinical trials to prove that out-of-office BP monitoring is superior to office BP in adjusting antihypertensive drug treatment and in the prevention of cardiovascular complications. A starting research line, the development of a standardized validation protocol for wearable BP monitoring devices, might facilitate the clinical applicability of ambulatory BP monitoring.
On the identity of Hieracium garibaldianum (Asteraceae)
Authors: GOTTSCHLICH GÜNTER , BRANDSTÄTTER GERALD
Published: January 2021

The rediscovery of Hieracium garibaldianum in the Napoli region (Italy) where its type was originally collected, allowed us to compare it with a drawing of the holotype which was made by Fries. As a result, H. garibaldianum is placed in the synonymy of H. racemosum subsp. crinitum.
On a New Insular Subspecies of Chrysozephyrus mushaellus (Matsumura) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) Discovered from Hainan
Authors: HSU YU-FENG , LO YIK-FUI PHILIP , LIN RUNG-JUEN
Published: January 2021

Chrysozephyrus mushaellus paolongkoui, ssp. nov. is described and illustrated from Hainan island of southern China. This new subspecies possesses diagnosable characters different from previously recognized subspecies of C. mushaellus in wing marking and genitalia of both sexes. It utilizes Lithocarpus litseifolius (Fagaceae) as the larval hostplant.
Abnormal Platelet miRNA Profile Associated with Endometriosis
Authors: Du Miaomiao , Wu Jiabao , Zhu Yali , Mao Di , Liu Zhihong , Gong Guifang , Lu Qinsheng , Huang Yanqing
Published: January 2021

Endometriosis (EM) is a condition characterized by the growth of functional endometrium in areas other than the uterus. In this study, microRNAs (miRNAs) were extracted from peripheral blood platelets from patients diagnosed with EM and from healthy controls for high-throughput sequencing;
differential expression of miR-542-3p and miR-618 was identified via database comparisons. Dual pathway enrichment analysis revealed that both miRNAs may target the cyclin protein, G1/S-specific cyclin-D2 (CCND2). CCND2 was verified as a target gene of both miR-542-3p and miR-618 via experiments
carried out in vivo. Taken together, these results reveal that CCND2 may serve as a functional biomarker for the diagnosis of EM.
Effect of Carbothermal Reduction Nitriding of Si/SiO2 Composite Green on Properties of Fused Silica Ceramics
Authors: Tian Liang , Hou Qinglin , Wang Yingxia , Hou Yihui , Chen Tao
Published: January 2021

Si/SiO2 composite green body with solid content of 50% was prepared by low toxic gel system and sintered in nitrogen at high temperature. Nitrogen compounds were synthesized in situ on fused silica ceramic substrate. The influence of different temperatures on nitriding reaction
was discussed: different temperatures were used for nitriding at 1350 °C, 1400 °C, 1450 °C, 1500 °C. The effect of different nitriding times on nitriding reaction was discussed: different holding times were used for nitriding +1 h, 1.5 h, 2 h and 2.5 h. The best nitriding process
was obtained by analyzing the composition, microstructure and properties of the nitrided samples.
Presidential Television Advertisements: Testing Functional Theory in Mexico and the United States
Authors: Valencia Ulises Cruz , Benoit William
Published: January 2021

This study employs the Functional Theory of Political Campaign Discourse to analyze the 2006 and 2012 presidential elections in Mexico. In the United States, the theory has been satisfactorily validated; nevertheless, in order to investigate the extent to which it can be generalized in other national contexts, this theory tested with Mexican television spots. Four out of seven subsamples were consistent with the predictions. The variations were mainly focused on the themes and incumbency related hypotheses. Themes regarding character were more frequent than policy themes. Candidates of the party in the government attacked more and acclaimed less than challenger candidates. Likewise, referring to past deeds, challengers acclaimed more and attacked less than the candidates from the government party. Apparently, these results are explained by the absence of a direct link between the candidates and the public office for which they compete.
Concepts of Resilience Among Trauma-Exposed Syrian Refugees
Authors: Atari-Khan Rawan , Covington Anna Hope , Gerstein Lawrence H. , Herz Huda al , Varner Betsy R. , Brasfield Casey , Shurigar Bryan , Hinnenkamp Samantha F. , Devia Marlenne , Barrera Scott , Deogracias-Schleich Alicia
Published: January 2021

Syrian refugees comprise the largest population of internally displaced people in the world, with about 18,000 Syrian refugees resettled in the United States from 2011 to 2016. Although many of these individuals experience trauma that can lead to different mental health problems, most are quite resilient. This qualitative study explores themes of resilience in Syrian refugees, and how these themes differ from Western ideas of resilience. Eight in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Syrian adults in the United States. Questions focused on three experiences: preflight, flight, and postflight. Interviews were conducted in Arabic with a bilingual translator. Thematic analysis was used to identify concepts of resilience. Themes that emerged included: life in Syria outside of conflict, life in Syria during war, seeking refuge, life in the United States, hardships and challenges, systemic failure, comparison between cultures, health and well-being, external sources of resilience, and internal sources of resilience. We discuss research and counseling implications of these results.
Understanding drivers of illiberal entrenchment at critical junctures: institutional responses to COVID-19 in Hungary and Poland
Authors: Hajnal György , Jeziorska Iga , Kovács Éva Margit
Published: January 2021

The present article aims to improve understanding of institution formation in (former) liberal-democratic polities characterized by autocratization tendencies. We examine how the critical juncture created by the COVID-19 pandemic was used, as well as the interplay between antecedent, structural conditions and the particular combinations of political agency and contingency. By comparing the two similar cases of Hungary and Poland – the two European Union countries that have progressed the farthest towards illiberal transformation – and using documentary and interview evidence, we conclude that: (1) whereas Hungary exhibited significant institutional changes, Poland did not; (2) these differences in institutional outcomes can be significantly attributed to differences in certain critical antecedent conditions; and (3) the ability of key political actors – Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Poland’s Jarosław Kaczyński – to control their own political camp seems to have exerted an unmistakable effect as well.

Points for practitioners

The build-up and entrenchment of institutions of illiberal rule in (previously) liberal-democratic contexts are encumbered by diverse political and institutional constraints. External shocks, such as the COVID-19 crisis, may offer an opportunity to bypass those constraints and to change institutions permanently. Our study concludes that the extent to which such historical windows of opportunity can indeed be used to achieve lasting institutional changes depends not only on the objective, historically given political and institutional constraints that illiberal reforms face, but also on their subjective ability to act in a controlled, coordinated and coherent manner.
Factors Associated with Extraction following Root Canal Filling in Adults
Authors: Fransson H. , Bjørndal L. , Frisk F. , Dawson V.S. , Landt K. , Isberg P.-E. , EndoReCo  , Kvist T.
Published: January 2021

Essentially, root fillings are performed to preserve natural teeth. Over time, however, some root-filled teeth will inevitably be extracted. The aim of this historical prospective cohort study in the adult Swedish population was to identify factors associated with extractions within 5 y of registration of a root filling. The cohort consisted of all those whose root fillings had been reported to the tax-funded Swedish Social Insurance Agency (SSIA) in 2009. Demographic data on the individuals registered with a root filling (sex, age, country of birth, disposable income, educational level, and marital status) were received from Statistics Sweden or the SSIA. Dental care setting, tooth type, and any registration of subsequent restorations within 6 mo were received from the SSIA. Multivariable regression analysis was used, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. In total, 216,764 individuals had been registered with at least 1 root filling. Individuals ( n = 824) without complete data were excluded from the analyses. After 5 y, 9.3% of the root-filled teeth had been registered as extracted. Logistic regression analysis found significant associations for all variables except country of birth, disposable income, and educational level. The highest odds ratios for extractions were associated with the type of restoration: teeth with no registration of any restoration and teeth with a direct restoration combined with a post were 3 times more likely to undergo extraction than teeth restored with an indirect restoration combined with a post and core. Overall, high odds ratios for extractions were associated with any type of composite restoration, including composite fillings and crowns combined with or without any post. In summary, after root filling in the Swedish adult population, several individual- and tooth-specific variables were associated with extraction. The reasons for the extractions remain to be studied further.
Hyperlipidemia Impairs Osseointegration via the ROS/Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Wang Y.N. , Jia T.T. , Feng Y. , Liu S.Y. , Zhang W.J. , Zhang D.J. , Xu X.
Published: January 2021

The influence of hyperlipidemia on titanium implant osseointegration and the underlying mechanisms is not well understood. This study investigates the changes in osseointegration and explores the potential mechanisms in hyperlipidemia conditions. In vivo, specialized titanium implants were implanted in the femurs of diet-induced or genetic hyperlipidemia mice. In vitro, primary murine osteoblasts were cultured on the titanium surface in high-fat medium. Results showed that hyperlipidemia led to poor osseointegration in both types of mice in vivo, and high-fat medium impaired the osteogenic differentiation of primary osteoblasts on the titanium surface in vitro. In addition, high-fat medium caused significant overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in osteoblasts. Both N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC, an ROS antagonist) and Wnt3a (an activator of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway) attenuated the poor osteogenic ability of osteoblasts. In addition, NAC reactivated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in osteoblasts under high-fat stimulation. These results demonstrate that hyperlipidemia impairs osseointegration via the ROS/Wnt/β-catenin pathway and provide support for the ROS or Wnt/β-catenin pathway as a promising therapeutic target for the development of novel drugs or implant materials to improve the osseointegration of implants in hyperlipidemic patients.
The repair and maintenance of locomotives as sources of innovation and technology transfer. New insights from the Ryazan–Uralsk private railway (Russia, 1890–1914)
Authors: Lykov Egor
Published: January 2021

This paper provides an overview of the practices of the repair, maintenance, and appropriation of locomotives on Russian railways at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries, exemplified by a case study of the Ryazan–Uralsk railway. Particular attention has been paid to the function of repair and maintenance in the railway context. Repair and maintenance have therefore been considered complex phenomena bringing together infrastructure, things to be repaired or maintained, and people involved in these actions on the one hand, and field research, innovation and business on the other. Based on a broad range of sources regarding the legal prescriptions, statistics, reports of railway employees to their superiors, financial documentation, and drafts of repaired locomotives, the diversity of the repair and maintenance of locomotives in late imperial Russia is analysed.
First-language influence on second language speech perception depends on task demands
Authors: Freeman Max R. , Blumenfeld Henrike K. , Carlson Matthew T. , Marian Viorica
Published: January 2021

While listening to non-native speech, second language users filter the auditory input through their native language. We examined how bilinguals perceived second language (L2 English) sound sequences that conflicted with native-language (L1 Spanish) constraints across three experiments with different task demands. We used the L1 Spanish phonotactic constraint (i.e., rule for combining speech sounds) that vowels must precede s+consonant clusters (e.g., Spanish: estricto, “strict”). This L1 Spanish constraint may influence Spanish-English bilinguals’ processing of L2 English words such as strict because of a missing initial vowel, as in estrict. We found that the extent to which bilinguals were influenced by the L1 during L2 processing depended on task demands. When metalinguistic awareness demands were low, as in the AX word discrimination task (Experiment 1), cross-linguistic effects were not observed. When metalinguistic awareness demands were high, as in the vowel detection (Experiment 2) and lexical decision (Experiment 3) tasks, response times demonstrated that bilinguals were influenced by the L1 constraint when processing L2 words beginning with an s+consonant. We conclude that bilinguals are cross-linguistically influenced by L1 phonotactic constraints during L2 processing when metalinguistic demands are higher, suggesting that L2 input may be mapped onto L1 sub-lexical representations during perception. These results extend previous research on language co-activation and speech perception by providing a more fine-grained understanding of task demands and elucidating when and where cross-linguistic phonotactic access is present during bilingual comprehension.
Improving Soccer Knowledge From Computerized Game Diagrams: Benefits of Sequential Instructional Arrows
Authors: Rekik Ghazi , Belkhir Yosra , Jarraya Mohamed
Published: January 2021

In this study, we used Cognitive Load Theory to examine the role of a sequential versus simultaneous presentation technique for learning tactical skills from computerized diagrams of soccer scenes with two levels of complexity. Young soccer players learned the evolution of soccer game systems from computer-based diagrams with three types of instructional arrows: simultaneous, sequential-without-tracing, and sequential-with-tracing. We randomly assigned participants to one of six experimental conditions (three arrow presentation methods by two levels of soccer scene complexity) and asked them to rate their invested mental efforts, complete a recall-reconstruction test, and indicate their attitudes, immediately after the learning phase. When diagram content complexity was low, the three types of arrow presentations had similar learning effects. However, when diagram content complexity was high, the two sequential means of presenting instructional arrows produced better learning outcomes (with a clear relative advantage for the sequential-with-tracing presentation). We also found that the sequential presentation of arrows elicited more positive player attitudes whatever the level of content complexity. Considering the better learning outcomes and improved player attitudes from sequential diagram presentations, soccer coaches should present computer-based instructional diagram arrows sequentially, rather than simultaneously. A sequential-with-tracing arrow presentation was particularly beneficial for learning complex team sport scenes.
Does Trait Hostility Moderate the Asymmetry in Victim-Perpetrator Perceptions of Aggressive Behaviors?
Authors: McCarthy Randy J. , Rivers Alison K.
Published: January 2021

Victims often perceive aggressive behaviors as being more harmful than do perpetrators—a so-called victim-perpetrator asymmetry. We examined whether this victim-perpetrator asymmetry was especially strong for individuals who were high in trait hostility. In two studies—one where participants recalled actual aggressive experiences and one where participants took the perspective of a person in a vignette—we found that victims who were high in trait hostility, relative to those who were low, viewed aggressive behaviors as being most harmful. We found somewhat inconsistent effects for whether perpetrators viewed the aggressive behaviors as more justified than victims did and whether trait hostility moderated this judgment. Collectively, the current findings show that victims who are high in trait hostility are especially likely to view an aggressive behavior as harmful, which potentially makes conflict resolution difficult for these individuals and increases the likelihood they would retaliate.
Association of Demographic and Disability Characteristics With Total PROMISE Expenditure: Wisconsin PROMISE Findings—Brief Report
Authors: Umucu Emre , Lee Beatrice , Estala-Gutierrez Veronica , Tansey Timothy N.
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine whether demographic and disability variables predict total health care expenditure of Wisconsin PROMISE. The findings are intended to assist in promoting cost-effectiveness for future similar initiates. This study data were extracted from Wisconsin PROMISE data set. This study had a total of 1,443 youth with disabilities ( Mage = 14.89). The majority of participants were male (69%). Our results indicated that some demographic and disability–related characteristics are associated with total health care expenditure in control with VR case during PROMISE, control without VR case during PROMISE, and treatment group. Overall, findings of the current study suggest demographic and disability variables do assist in predicting total health care expenditure of Wisconsin PROMISE.
Academically Eligible and Ineligible Pell Grant Community College Students: A Qualitative Investigation
Authors: Ocean Mia
Published: January 2021

Objective: The purpose of this research is twofold: first, to investigate financially eligible Pell Grant community college students’ perceptions of barriers and enablers to student success, and second, to critique the financial aid satisfactory academic progress (SAP) criteria through a cross-case comparison of students who are meeting and are not meeting the academic requirements. Method: To complete this investigation, I conducted semistructured interviews with financially eligible Pell Grant community college students ( N = 62) who were meeting SAP ( n = 31) and who were not meeting SAP ( n = 31). To analyze the data, I drew on Brint and Karabel’s theory of democratization and diversion as well as Gutiérrez and Lewis’s conceptualization of empowerment theory, and I followed Braun and Clarke’s six-step iterative thematic approach. Results: Financially eligible Pell Grant community college students believe students need motivation, enough resources to meet their responsibilities, and cultural capital to succeed. Observable differences were identified between the two student groups in three areas: environmental responsibilities to resources ratios, cultural capital, and powerlessness. Contributions: Through this article, I created a platform for the voices of financially eligible Pell Grant community college students and their perceptions of barriers and enablers to student success. By conducting the cross-case analysis, the potentially arbitrary nature of the SAP criteria is apparent, despite the real consequences they create for students. This research contributes a long overdue qualitative critique of the SAP criteria, but additional research is warranted.
Add-on integration module-based proportional-integration-derivative control for higher precision electro-optical tracking system
Authors: Duan Qianwen , Mao Yao , Zhang Hanwen , Xue Wenchao
Published: January 2021

This paper concerns the improvement on proportional-integration-derivative (PID) control for the electro-optical tracking system for high-mobility targets. To achieve higher tracking precision and stronger disturbance rejection while fully utilizing the existing PID loop, the add-on integration module is proposed and seamlessly integrated into the conventional PID loop. It is proven that for any given conventional PID controller parameters, the add-on integration module based PID control can improve the ability of error attenuation at low frequency and keep the stability of resulting closed-loop system. More importantly, the feasible set of all parameters in the added module is explicitly given. Based on the feasible set, the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) is adopted to obtain the globally optimal controller’s parameter under certain performance indices. The experiments are carried out for a typical electro-optical tracking test bed with several reference signals. It is shown that the proposed method has much smaller tracking errors than the existing PID method.