bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epiretinal membrane surgery outcome in eyes with abnormalities of the central bouquet
Authors: Brinkmann Max P. , Michels Stephan , Brinkmann Carolin , Rommel Felix , Ranjbar Mahdy , Graf Johansen Nicole , Becker Matthias
Published: January 2021

Background

Clinical studies have shown that epiretinal membranes (ERM) as well as abnormalities of the central foveal bouquet (CB) can be classified in different stages according to their morphological appearance. Furthermore, visual acuity correlates with the different stages of these features. The present study evaluated how these findings change after the surgical removal of the ERM and their impact on functional outcomes.

Methods

In this retrospective study eyes with ERM were evaluated by SD-OCT scans before and after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with macular ERM and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. CB abnormalities were classified according to their morphological appearance from stage 0 (no abnormalities) to stage 3 (acquired vitelliform lesion). ERMs were classified ranging from stage 0 (absence of ERM) to stage 4 (ERM with significant anatomic disruption of macula). Changes in morphology were correlated with visual acuity before and after surgery.

Results

151 eyes were included into the study. Before surgery 27.2% (n = 41) of eyes showed CB abnormalities with stage 1 being the most common (11.9%, n = 18). Before surgery ERM was seen in all patients. The most common form was stage 1 (28.5%, n = 43), followed by stage 3 (27.8%, n = 42) and 2 (25.2%, n = 38). Only 18.5% (n = 28) presented with stage 4 ERM. The mean BCVA was 0.42 (logMAR) before and increased to 0.19 (logMAR) 8 weeks after vitrectomy (95% CI 0.20–0.28; p < 0.001). Patients who suffered from CB abnormalities had less increase in BCVA than patients who had no evidence of CB (0.28 vs. 0.14 logMAR; p < 0.001). Of all the patients with CB abnormalities at baseline, 68% had lower CB grading after the surgery (n = 28; 95% CI; p < 0.001). All patients showed an improvement of their ERM grading, with 98.7% reaching stage 0 (n = 151 vs. n = 149; 95% CI; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The study indicates that the presence of CB abnormalities correlates with worse visual function. They are furthermore associated with worse visual outcomes after PPV with ERM and ILM peeling. These findings are valuable for deciding on PPV in patients with ERM.
Rethinking success, integrity, and culture in research (part 1) — a multi-actor qualitative study on success in science
Authors: Aubert Bonn Noémie , Pinxten Wim
Published: January 2021

Background

Success shapes the lives and careers of scientists. But success in science is difficult to define, let alone to translate in indicators that can be used for assessment. In the past few years, several groups expressed their dissatisfaction with the indicators currently used for assessing researchers. But given the lack of agreement on what should constitute success in science, most propositions remain unanswered. This paper aims to complement our understanding of success in science and to document areas of tension and conflict in research assessments.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews and focus groups with policy makers, funders, institution leaders, editors or publishers, research integrity office members, research integrity community members, laboratory technicians, researchers, research students, and former-researchers who changed career to inquire on the topics of success, integrity, and responsibilities in science. We used the Flemish biomedical landscape as a baseline to be able to grasp the views of interacting and complementary actors in a system setting.

Results

Given the breadth of our results, we divided our findings in a two-paper series, with the current paper focusing on what defines and determines success in science. Respondents depicted success as a multi-factorial, context-dependent, and mutable construct. Success appeared to be an interaction between characteristics from the researcher (Who), research outputs (What), processes (How), and luck. Interviewees noted that current research assessments overvalued outputs but largely ignored the processes deemed essential for research quality and integrity. Interviewees suggested that science needs a diversity of indicators that are transparent, robust, and valid, and that also allow a balanced and diverse view of success; that assessment of scientists should not blindly depend on metrics but also value human input; and that quality should be valued over quantity.

Conclusions

The objective of research assessments may be to encourage good researchers, to benefit society, or simply to advance science. Yet we show that current assessments fall short on each of these objectives. Open and transparent inter-actor dialogue is needed to understand what research assessments aim for and how they can best achieve their objective.

Study Registration

osf.io/33v3m.
The value of cervical MRI in surgical lumbar canal stenosis patients
Authors: Abdalla Omar Youssef , Al-Shami Hieder , Maghraby Heba Medhat , Enayet Abdelrhman
Published: January 2021

Background

The prevalence of cervical canal stenosis alone is estimated to be present in 4.9% of the adult population. Co-existence of dual pathology may complicate clinical presentation and necessitates a wise and individually based decision process.

Objectives

To estimate the co-existence of cervical canal stenosis in surgical lumbar canal stenosis patients and its reflection on decision-making regarding surgery.

Methods

It is a prospective study that was conducted on 70 cases with symptomatic lumbar canal stenosis by investigating them for cervical canal stenosis clinically and radiologically.

Results

The co-existence of cervical and lumbar canal stenoses was seen in 62 cases (88.57%); cases with relative cervical stenosis were 25 (35.714%) and absolute cervical stenosis was 37 (52.857%). Cases with no cervical stenosis were 8 (11.428%) and cases with relative lumbar stenosis were 22 (31.428%), while cases with absolute lumbar stenosis were 48 (68.571%). Cases with symptomatic cervical canal stenosis were 30 (42.857%). Cases with asymptomtic cervical canal stenosis were 32 (45.71%).

Conclusion

Tandem spinal stenosis (TSS) is not uncommon and MRI cervical spine should be done for every lumbar canal stenosis patient especially if indicated by history or clinical examination.
Ischemia-modified albumin and fibulin-5 as diagnostic and prognostic markers for acute cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Elshony Hosna S. , Okda Mohammed A. , El-Kabany Rasha A.
Published: January 2021

Background

Fibulin-5 and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels increase in acute phase of cerebrovascular diseases, yet data regarding their levels in various stroke subtypes and correlation with severity and prognosis are still insufficient. This work aims to evaluate serum IMA and fibulin-5 as markers for early detection and predicting prognosis in acute cerebrovascular disease.

Method

This case-control study was done on 100 patients with first time stroke, assessed by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) within the first 24 h after stroke event, lesion volume was calculated, serum fibulin-5 and IMA levels were measured in the first few hours of stroke, and their levels were compared with levels measured in 75 control subjects. Three months later, stroke patients were assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (MRS).

Results

Fibulin-5 and IMA were significantly higher in the patient than in the control group and were positively correlated with lesion volume and NIHSS score but inversely correlated with GCS score. Fibulin-5 was statistically higher in hemorrhage group, whereas IMA was statistically higher in infarction group. MRS score was positively correlated with fibulin-5 levels at onset of stroke but not with IMA.

Conclusion

Fibulin-5 and ischemia-modified albumin are increased during the acute stroke phase and correlated with severity of stroke, but only fibulin-5 shows significant correlation with prognosis.
Comparison of Cluster Analysis Methodologies for Characterization of Classroom Observation Protocol for Undergraduate STEM (COPUS) Data
Authors: Denaro Kameryn , Sato Brian , Harlow Ashley , Aebersold Andrea , Verma Mayank
Published: January 2021

With the increased value of independently collected classroom observation data to biology education research, it is important that the field analyzes these data in the most appropriate manner. This work highlights considerations for cluster analysis of COPUS data and provides recommendations for researchers moving forward.
Randomized Phase II Study of Bevacizumab in Combination With Carboplatin Plus Paclitaxel in Patients With Previously Untreated Advanced Mucosal Melanoma
Authors: Yan Xieqiao , Sheng Xinan , Chi Zhihong , Si Lu , Cui Chuanliang , Kong Yan , Tang Bixia , Mao Lili , Wang Xuan , Lian Bin , Li Siming , Bai Xue , Zhou Li , Dai Jie , Yao Hong , Guo Jun
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE

Mucosal melanoma (MM) is a highly vascularized tumor with an extremely poor prognosis. In this randomized, open-label, phase II study, we characterized the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab in combination with carboplatin plus paclitaxel (CPB) in patients with previously untreated advanced MM.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive carboplatin (area under the curve, 5) plus paclitaxel (175 mg/m2) once every 4 weeks in combination with (CPB arm, 5 mg/kg) or without (CP arm) bevacizumab once every 2 weeks. Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary end point. Secondary end points included overall survival (OS), objective response rate, and adverse events.

RESULTS

We recruited 114 patients to our study. The median PFS was significantly longer in the CPB arm (4.8 months; 95% CI, 3.6 to 6.0 months) than in the CP arm (3.0 months; 95% CI, 1.7 to 4.3 months) (hazard ratio, 0.461; 95% CI, 0.306 to 0.695; P < .001). Objective response rates were 19.7% and 13.2%, respectively ( P = .384). The median OS was also significantly longer in the CPB arm than in the CP arm (13.6 v 9.0 months; hazard ratio, 0.611; 95% CI, 0.407 to 0.917; P = .017). No new safety signals were observed.

CONCLUSION

PFS and OS were significantly better in patients with metastatic MM who received bevacizumab in addition to CPB than in those who received CPB alone. A phase III study should be performed to confirm these benefits (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02023710 ).
Phase I/II Study of Capmatinib Plus Erlotinib in Patients With MET-Positive Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: McCoach Caroline E. , Yu Aiming , Gandara David R. , Riess Jonathan W. , Vang Daniel P. , Li Tiahong , Lara Primo N. , Gubens Matthew , Lara Frances , Mack Philip C. , Beckett Laurel A. , Kelly Karen
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE

MET dysregulation is an oncogenic driver in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as well as a mechanism of TKI (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) resistance in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR)–mutated disease. This study was conducted to determine safety and preliminary efficacy of the combination EGFR and MET inhibitors as a strategy to overcome and/or delay EGFR-TKI resistance.

METHODS

A standard 3 + 3 dose-escalation trial of capmatinib in combination with erlotinib in patients with MET-positive NSCLC was used. Eighteen patients in the dose-escalation cohort received 100-600 mg twice daily of capmatinib with 100-150 mg daily of erlotinib. There were two dose-expansion cohorts. Cohort A included 12 patients with EGFR-mutant tumors resistant to TKIs. Cohort B included five patients with EGFR wild-type tumors. The primary outcome was to assess safety and determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of the combination.

RESULTS

The most common adverse events of any grade were rash (62.9%), fatigue (51%), and nausea (45.7%). Capmatinib exhibited nonlinear pharmacokinetics combined with erlotinib, while showing no significant drug interactions. The RP2D was 400 mg twice daily capmatinib tablets with 150 mg daily erlotinib. The overall response rate (ORR) and DCR in dose-expansion cohort A was 50% and 50%, respectively. In cohort B, the ORR and disease control rate were 75% and 75%.

CONCLUSION

Capmatinib in combination with erlotinib demonstrated safety profiles consistent with prior studies. We observed efficacy in specific patient populations. Continued evaluation of capmatinib plus EGFR-TKIs is warranted in patients with EGFR activating mutations.
Missing in Action
Authors: Giddings Paula J.
Published: January 2021

In 1930, Ida B. Wells-Barnett was surprised and disappointed to find that, despite her pioneering role as an anti-lynching activist and a founder of the NAACP, her name was not included in a contemporary Black history text by Carter G. Woodson, the “Father of Negro History.” This essay interrogates the social and political forces, beyond conventional racism and sexism, that marginalized Wells-Barnett’s place in history.
Art Comes for the Archbishop
Authors: Calvo Luz
Published: January 2021

Inspired by the Chicana feminist artist Alma López’s Our Lady (1999), this essay explores Chicana cultural and psychic investments in representations of the Virgin of Guadalupe. As an image of the suffering mother, the Virgin of Guadalupe is omnipresent in Mexican-American visual culture. Her image has been refigured by several generations of Chicana feminist artists, including Alma López. Chicana feminist reclaiming of the Virgin, however, has been fraught with controversy. Chicana feminist cultural work—such as the art of Alma López, performances by Selena Quintanilla, and writings by Sandra Cisneros and John Rechy—expand the queer and Chicana identifications and desires, and contest narrow, patriarchal nationalisms. By deploying critical race psychoanalysis and semiotics, we can unpack the libidinal investments in the brown female body, as seen in both in popular investments in protecting the Catholic version of the Virgin of Guadalupe and Chicana feminist reinterpretations.
Cosmopolitan Whiteness
Authors: Saraswati L. Ayu
Published: January 2021

Previous scholarship on the immense popularity of skin-whitening frames this practice as revealing women’s desire to emulate whiteness and upper class White populations. Others have focused on whitening practices to highlight the working of racialized color hierarchy and European/Euro-American hegemony in local and global contexts. This article breaks away from these established theoretical trajectories by arguing that desire for “whiteness” is not the same as desire for “Caucasian whiteness.” Examining advertisements for skin-whitening products in the Indonesian version of Cosmopolitan and skin-tanning products in the American version of Cosmopolitan, the author points out the construction of “cosmopolitan whiteness.” Whiteness is not simply racialized or nationalized as such, but transnationalized. Whiteness is represented as “cosmopolitanness,” embodying transnational mobility.
MRI imaging findings in prune perineum syndrome: an extremely rare entity
Authors: Torres de Carvalho Alves Isaac , Dorigatti Soldatelli Matheus , Cavalheiro Sérgio , Sari Omar Samir , Shigueo Yonekura Inada Bruno , Furtado Freitas Leonardo , Faria do Amaral Lázaro , Pereira Morimoto Tauy
Published: January 2021

We report a case of prune perineum syndrome, an extremely rare entity with only four cases reported to date, describing some typical clinical and radiologic features. We also present a newly associated imaging finding, the terminal ventricle’s cystic dilatation, and briefly discuss the differential diagnosis.
Mind the gap: life-threatening retropharyngeal haematoma resulting in acute airway obstruction following blunt trauma by closing train carriage doors
Authors: Patel Shaneil V , Reza Abbas , Rice Scott R
Published: January 2021

Delayed life-threatening airway obstruction due to venous injury following blunt, non-penetrative trauma to the neck.

A rare case of rapid force, blunt trauma by closing train carriage doors, leading to injury to the left internal jugular vein, subsequent retropharyngeal haematoma and airway obstruction. There was a significant delay of a few hours between injury and acute deterioration. Initial dual phase CT (unenhanced and arterial) studies identified the large retropharyngeal haematoma but the assessment of the source was inconclusive likely due to the venous injury becoming compressed by the swelling/haematoma at the time of investigation. Subsequent triple phase (unenhanced, arterial and venous) studies were performed identifying a flap in the left internal jugular vein as the likely site of vascular injury. A venous origin of haemorrhage supported the patients delayed onset of symptoms following the injury.

We suggest with blunt force trauma to the neck, in the context of suspicion of haematoma and airway compromise, the radiologist should consider protocolling a triple phase (unenhanced, arterial and venous) angiographic study.
EL INGRESO MÍNIMO VITAL COMO RETO SOCIAL: UNA VISIÓN PRÁCTICA.
Authors: Diaz Mordillo Maria Alexandra
Published: January 2021

BOE number 154 of 1 June published Royal Decree- Law 20/2020 of 29 May establishing the Minimum Income Scheme, a non-dispute-free benefit from its inception. This subjective right to non-poverty is set up as an economic benefit of an social nature whose competence is attributed to the National Institute of Social Security, which specializes mainly in the contributory benefits of the system. Despite its extensive experience, the implementation in record time of the IMV has been a challenge for the Managing Entity: the volume of applications, the health crisis or the lack of regulatory development have been the main problems. At this time, once the provision has been consolidated within the field of action of the INSS, it is necessary to influence the monitoring and control of the right while ensuring a quality public service
INGRESO MÍNIMO VITAL Y NACIONALES BRITÁNICOS EN ESPAÑA EN TIEMPOS DEL BREXIT.
Authors: Guerrero Padrón Thais
Published: January 2021

As from 1 January 2021, after the end of the transitional period imposed by the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, the UK will be for all purposes a third State and its nationals considered as “foreigners”. The change of status of the UK raises interesting questions regarding the social security rights of EU citizens and UK nationals. This paper deals with the possibility of access to the Minimum Living Income benefit for British nationals residing in Spain, either under the Spanish immigration laws or within the framework of the EU Regulations on the Coordination of Social Security systems. As a core issue, the identification of the Minimum Life Income benefit with the special non-contributory benefits of Article 70 of Regulation 883/2004 is argued. To this respect, the lack of inclusion of the Spanish benefit in Annex X can be considered as a serious oversight, possibly rectifiable by regulation and very necessary to avoid the conflict that this lack of clarification could generate
LAS OBLIGACIONES DE LAS PERSONAS BENEFICIARIAS DEL INGRESO MINIMO VITAL: LAS INFRACCIONES Y SANCIONES PREVISTAS Y SU POSIBLE INCIDENCIA EN LA COORDINACIÓN DE PRESTACIONES DE LA SEGURIDAD SOCIAL A NIVEL EUROPEO.
Authors: Burriel Rodríguez Pepa
Published: January 2021

THE OBLIGATIONS OF PEOPLE BENEFICIARIES OF THE MINIMUM VITAL INCOME: INFRACTIONS AND SANCTIONS AND THEIR POSSIBLE IMPACT ON THE COORDINATION OF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS AT THE EUROPEAN LEVEL
TRABAJADORES INMIGRANTES INDOCUMENTADOS EN TIEMPOS DE CRISIS Y PANDEMIA: EXIGENCIAS MORALES Y JURÍDICAS PARA LA REPOLITIZACIÓN DE LAS FRONTERAS.
Authors: Macedo de Britto Pereira Ricardo José
Published: January 2021

This text deals with the violation of the rights of undocumented immigrant workers by restrictive immigration policies. The vulnerability of this group increases in the current context of pandemic and economic crisis. It casts a criticism of the prevalence of those policies guided by the market expansion, restricting rights and intensifying inequalities. The primacy of rights goes through the repoliticization of the borders that respond to moral and legal demands regarding human beings. This repoliticization depends on the strengthening of the union organization, incorporating the undocumented immigrant workers’ fight.
Skin maculae, chronic diarrhea, cachexia, and splenomegaly—Late presentation of the first autochthonous case of visceral leishmaniasis in Tanzania
Authors: Henke Oliver , Mapendo Priscus John , Mremi Alex , Mmbaga Lilian Gasper , Pallangyo Angela Elisha , Harbaum Thomas , Mkwizu Elifuraha
Published: January 2021

A 20-year-old man from Simanjiro district in northern Tanzania presented with a 3-year history of splenomegaly, fatigue, cachexia, skin maculae, and recent onset of watery diarrhea at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Northern Tanzania. Due to laboratory findings of pancytopenia, diagnostic workup included bone marrow aspiration cytology and biopsy. Although the rapid test (IT LEISH, rK39 RDT) was negative, blood smear showed amastigote forms of leishmaniasis in macrophages. Repeat bone marrow aspiration and PCR eventually confirmed visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The patient denied travel to known endemic areas of VL. Treatment was initiated with Amphotericin B, but the patient died on the fourth day of treatment from respiratory insufficiency. An autopsy revealed massive organ manifestations of VL. This is the first reported autochthonous case of VL in Tanzania. Clark and colleagues detected the vector Phlebotomus martini in Northern Tanzania in 2013, in a region bordering the district of our patient. The negative rapid test draws attention to the fact that sensitivity and specificity were found to be low in East African VL patients as displayed earlier by a Kenyan study. Therefore, tissue samples (spleen or bone marrow) remain necessary for diagnosis. The variety of symptoms in this presented case was remarkable, including the occurrence of post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) and VL at the same time. This has been described in East African VL cases before as well as the occurrence of chronic diarrhea. An elongated undiagnosed period likely led to a mixed clinical picture that included hepato-splenomegaly, PKDL, cachexia, and diarrhea.
CLK-2/TEL2 is a conserved component of the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway
Authors: Guo Yanwu , Tocchini Cristina , Ciosk Rafal
Published: January 2021

Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) controls eukaryotic mRNA quality, inducing the degradation of faulty transcripts. Key players in the NMD pathway were originally identified, through genetics, inCaenorhabditis elegansassmg(suppressor with morphological effect on genitalia) genes. Using forward genetics and fluorescence-based NMD reporters, we reexamined the genetic landscape underlying NMD. Employing a novel strategy for mapping sterile mutations, Het-Map, we identifiedclk-2, a conserved gene previously implicated in DNA damage signaling, as a player in the nematode NMD. We find that CLK-2 is expressed predominantly in the germline, highlighting the importance of auxiliary factors in tissue-specific mRNA decay. Importantly, the human counterpart of CLK-2/TEL2, TELO2, has been also implicated in the NMD, suggesting a conserved role of CLK-2/TEL2 proteins in mRNA surveillance. Recently, variants of TELO2 have been linked to an intellectual disability disorder, the You-Hoover-Fong syndrome, which could be related to its function in the NMD.
Force output in giant-slalom skiing: A practical model of force application effectiveness
Authors: Cross Matt R. , Delhaye Clément , Morin Jean-Benoit , Bowen Maximilien , Coulmy Nicolas , Hintzy Frédérique , Samozino Pierre
Published: January 2021

Alpine ski racers require diverse physical capabilities. While enhanced force production is considered key to high-level skiing, its relevance is convoluted. The aims of this study were to i) clarify the association between performance path length and velocity, ii) test the importance of radial force, and iii) explore the contribution of force magnitude and orientation to turn performance. Ski athletes (N= 15) were equipped with ski-mounted force plates and a global navigation satellite system to compute the following variables over 14 turns: path length (L), velocity normalized energy dissipation [Δemech/vin], radial force [Fr], total force (both limbs [Ftot], the outside limb, and the difference between limbs), and a ratio of force application (RF=Fr/Ftot). Data were course-averaged or separated into sectional turn groupings, averaged, and entered into stepped correlation and regression models. Our results support Δemech/vinas a discriminative performance factor (R2= 0.50–0.74,p <.003), except in flat sections. Lower course times and better Δemech/vinwere associated with greaterFr(R2= 0.34–0.69 and 0.31–0.52, respectively,p <.032), which was related to bothFtotandRF(β= 0.92–1.00 and 0.63–0.81, respectively,p <.001) which varied in predictive order throughout the sections.Ftotwas associated with increased outside limb force and a more balanced contribution of each limb (β= 1.04–1.18 and -0.65– -0.92, respectively,p <.001).Frcan be improved by either increasing total force output or by increasing technical effectiveness (i.e., proportionally more force radially) which should increase the trajectories available to the skier on the ski course.
Attachment style, thought suppression, self-compassion and depression: Testing a serial mediation model
Authors: Murray Clara V. , Jacobs Juno Irma-Louise , Rock Adam J. , Clark Gavin I.
Published: January 2021

Attachment anxiety has been consistently linked with increased vulnerability to depression, and hyperactivating emotion regulation strategies (e.g., rumination) have been shown to mediate this relationship. Investigations of mediators of the attachment avoidance to depression relationship have yielded inconsistent findings, and the nature of this relationship remains to be clarified. There is evidence to suggest that the constructs of thought suppression and self-compassion are associated with attachment avoidance and also with depressive symptomology. In order to further clarify the nature of this relationship, the present study tested a serial mediation model, whereby it was hypothesised that thought suppression and self-compassion were serial mediators of the relationship between attachment avoidance and depression. One hundred and forty-eight participants completed an online composite questionnaire consisting of the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised Questionnaire, the White Bear Suppression Inventory, the Self-Compassion Scale, and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21. Initial results supported the hypothesised serial mediation model (Model A); that is, higher attachment avoidance predicted higher thought suppression, higher thought suppression predicted lower levels of self-compassion and lower levels of self-compassion predicted higher depression. However, this model was no longer significant following the inclusion of attachment anxiety as a covariate within the post-hoc analysis. A second, post-hoc serial mediation model was tested (Model B), with the only difference being that attachment anxiety replaced attachment avoidance as the independent variable. This model was significant, with and without the inclusion of attachment avoidance as a covariate. The study provides evidence for the central role of thought suppression and self-compassion as mechanisms underlying the relationship between insecure attachment and depression, and indicates that these factors operate in opposing directions. The findings are discussed in terms of explicating some of the processes through which insecure attachment confers vulnerability to depression. The implications of the observed degree of shared variance between the two attachment dimensions suggests these constructs may be more appropriately considered overlapping, rather than orthogonal.
Anemia and its association with Helicobacter pylori infection among adult dyspeptic patients attending Wachemo University Nigist Eleni Mohammad Memorial Referral Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Haile Kassahun , Yemane Tilahun , Tesfaye Girum , Wolde Deneke , Timerga Abebe , Haile Admasu
Published: January 2021

Background

Anemia is a worldwide public health problem and also associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Determining the association of anemia with H. pylori infection is important to develop evidence-based decision and intervention strategies, which is not well known in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to determine the association between anemia and H. pylori infection among adult dyspeptic patients attending Wachemo University Nigist Eleni Mohammad Memorial Referral Hospital in Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2019 involving 362 consecutive adult dyspeptic patients who came to the hospital during the study period. Socio-demographic, clinical and other related data were collected by structured questionnaires. Four milliliters of the venous blood sample was collected for hematological parameters analysis and blood film preparation. A stool sample was collected to detect H. pylori antigen and intestinal parasites. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 21. Logistic regression analyses were performed and p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results

The overall prevalence of anemia among dyspeptic patients was 24.3% (95%CI: 19.9–28.7). Among H.pylori infected participants 29.2% were anemic, of which 69.2% had mild anemia and 63.5% had normocytic normochromic anemia. Rural residence (AOR: 1.9, 95%CI: 1.1–3.3), H. pylori infection (AOR: 1.77, 95%CI: 1.05–2.98) and intestinal parasitic infection (AOR: 2.14, 95%CI: 1.14–4.03) were significantly associated with anemia.

Conclusion

The prevalence of anemia in this study indicated that it is a moderate public health problem. Rural residence, H. pylori and intestinal parasitic infection were significantly associated with anemia. The findings of this study should be taken into account for the prevention and control of anemia among dyspeptic adults.
Alpha-Power Exponentiated Inverse Rayleigh distribution and its applications to real and simulated data
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Khalil Alamgir , Ijaz Muhammad , Saeed Noor
Published: January 2021

The main goal of the current paper is to contribute to the existing literature of probability distributions. In this paper, a new probability distribution is generated by using the Alpha Power Family of distributions with the aim to model the data with non-monotonic failure rates and provides a better fit. The proposed distribution is called Alpha Power Exponentiated Inverse Rayleigh or in short APEIR distribution. Various statistical properties have been investigated including they are the order statistics, moments, residual life function, mean waiting time, quantiles, entropy, and stress-strength parameter. To estimate the parameters of the proposed distribution, the maximum likelihood method is employed. It has been proved theoretically that the proposed distribution provides a better fit to the data with monotonic as well as non-monotonic hazard rate shapes. Moreover, two real data sets are used to evaluate the significance and flexibility of the proposed distribution as compared to other probability distributions.
Feasibility of using a novel automatic cardiac segmentation algorithm in the clinical routine of lung cancer patients
Authors: Finnegan Robert Neil , Orlandini Lucia , Liao Xiongfei , Yin Jun , Lang Jinyi , Dowling Jason , Fontanarosa Davide
Published: January 2021

Incidental radiation exposure to the heart during lung cancer radiotherapy is associated with radiation-induced heart disease and increased rates of mortality. By considering the respiratory-induced motion of the heart it is possible to create a radiotherapy plan that results in a lower overall cardiac dose. This approach is challenging using current clinical practices: manual contouring of the heart is time consuming, and subject to inter- and intra-observer variability. In this work, we investigate the feasibility of our previously developed, atlas-based, automatic heart segmentation tool to delineate the heart in four-dimensional x-ray computed tomography (4D-CT) images. We used a dataset comprising 19 patients receiving radiotherapy for lung cancer, with 4D-CT imaging acquired at 10 respiratory phases and with a maximum intensity projection image generated from these. For each patient, one of four experienced radiation oncologists contoured the heart on each respiratory phase image and the maximum intensity image. Automatic segmentation of the heart on these same patient image sets was achieved using a leave-one-out approach, where for each patient the remaining 18 were used as an atlas set. The consistency of the automatic segmentation relative to manual contouring was evaluated using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and mean absolute surface-to-surface distance (MASD). The DSC and MASD are comparable to inter-observer variability in clinically acceptable whole heart delineations (average DSC > 0.93 and average MASD < 2.0 mm in all the respiratory phases). The comparison between automatic and manual delineations on the maximum intensity images produced an overall mean DSC of 0.929 and a mean MASD of 2.07 mm. The automatic, atlas-based segmentation tool produces clinically consistent and robust heart delineations and is easy to implement in the routine care of lung cancer patients.
PGE2 upregulates the Na+/K+ ATPase in HepG2 cells via EP4 receptors and intracellular calcium
Authors: Hodeify Rawad , Chakkour Mohamed , Rida Reem , Kreydiyyeh Sawsan
Published: January 2021

The Na+/K+ATPase is a key regulator of the hepatocytes ionic homeostasis, which when altered may lead to many liver disorders. We demonstrated recently, a significant stimulation of the Na+/K+ATPase in HepG2 cells treated with the S1P analogue FTY 720P, that was mediated through PGE2. The mechanism by which the prostaglandin exerts its effect was not investigated, and is the focus of this work. The type of receptors involved was determined using pharmacological inhibitors, while western blot analysis, fluorescence imaging of GFP-tagged Na+/K+ATPase, and time-lapse imaging on live cells were used to detect changes in membrane abundance of the Na+/K+ATPase. The activity of the ATPase was assayed by measuring the amount of inorganic phosphate liberated in the presence and absence of ouabain. The enhanced activity of the ATPase was not observed when EP4 receptors were blocked but still appeared in presence inhibitors of EP1, EP2 and EP3 receptors. The involvement of EP4 was confirmed by the stimulation observed with EP4 agonist. The stimulatory effect of PGE2 did not appear in presence of Rp-cAMP, an inhibitor of PKA, and was imitated by db-cAMP, a PKA activator. Chelating intracellular calcium with BAPTA-AM abrogated the effect of db-cAMP as well as that of PGE2, but PGE2 treatment in a calcium-free PBS medium did not, suggesting an involvement of intracellular calcium, that was confirmed by the results obtained with 2-APB treatment. Live cell imaging showed movement of GFP–Na+/K+ ATPase-positive vesicles to the membrane and increased abundance of the ATPase at the membrane after PGE2 treatment. It was concluded that PGE2 acts via EP4, PKA, and intracellular calcium.
Effect of shift work on fatigue and sleep in neonatal registrars
Authors: Anvekar Ajay P. , Nathan Elizabeth A. , Doherty Dorota A. , Patole Sanjay K.
Published: January 2021

Objective

We aimed to study fatigue and sleep in registrars working 12-hour rotating shifts in our tertiary neonatal intensive unit.

Methods and participants

This study involved neonatal registrar’s working day (08:00–21:00) and night (20:30–08:30) shifts. Participants maintained a sleep diary, answered a self-reported sleepiness questionnaire assessing subjective sleepiness, and performed a 10-minute psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) at the start and end of each shift. Primary outcomes: (1) Fatigue at the (i) “start vs end” of day and night shifts, (ii) end of the “day vs night” shifts, and (iii) end of “first vs last shift” in block of day and night shifts. (2) Duration and quality of sleep before the “day vs night” shifts. Mean reaction time (RTM), relative coefficient of variation (RTCV), and lapses (reaction time > 500ms) were used as measures of fatigue on PVT. Secondary outcome: Subjective sleepiness (self-reported sleepiness questionnaire) at the ‘start vs end” of day and night shifts.

Results

Fifteen registrars completed the study. Acuity was comparable for all shifts. (1) Psychomotor responses were impaired at the end vs start of day shifts [RTM (p = 0.014), lapses (p = 0.001)], end vs start of night shifts [RTM (p = 0.007), RTCV (p = 0.003), lapses (p<0.001)] and end of night vs day shifts [RTM (p = 0.007), RTCV (p = 0.046), lapses (p = 0.001)]. Only lapses were significantly increased at the end of the last (p = 0.013) vs first shift (p = 0.009) in a block of day and night shifts. (2) Duration of sleep before the night (p = 0.019) and consecutive night shifts was decreased significantly (p = 0.034). Subjective sleepiness worsened after day (p = 0.014) and night shifts (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Fatigue worsened after the 12-hour day and night shifts with a greater change after night shifts. Lapses increased after block of day and night shifts. Sleep was decreased before night shifts. Our findings need to be confirmed in larger studies.
Arachis hypogaea resveratrol synthase 3 alters the expression pattern of UDP-glycosyltransferase genes in developing rice seeds
Authors: Lee Choonseok , Hong Woo-Jong , Jung Ki-Hong , Hong Ha-Cheol , Kim Dool-Yi , Ok Hyun-Choong , Choi Man-Soo , Park Soo-Kwon , Kim Jaehyun , Koh Hee-Jong
Published: January 2021

The resveratrol-producing rice (Oryza sativaL.) inbred lines, Iksan 515 (I.515) and Iksan 526 (I.526), developed by the expression of the groundnut (Arachis hypogaea)resveratrol synthase 3(AhRS3) gene in thejaponicarice cultivar Dongjin, accumulated both resveratrol and its glucoside, piceid, in seeds. Here, we investigated the effect of theAhRS3transgene on the expression of endogenous piceid biosynthesis genes (UGTs) in the developing seeds of the resveratrol-producing rice inbred lines. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) analysis revealed that I.526 accumulates significantly higher resveratrol and piceid in seeds than those in I.515 seeds and, in I.526 seeds, the biosynthesis of resveratrol and piceid reached peak levels at 41 days after heading (DAH) and 20 DAH, respectively. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis showed that the expression patterns ofUGTgenes differed significantly between the 20 DAH seeds of I.526 and those of Dongjin. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) analyses confirmed the data from RNA-seq analysis in seeds of Dongjin, I.515 and I.526, respectively, at 9 DAH, and in seeds of Dongjin and I.526, respectively, at 20 DAH. A total of 245UGTs, classified into 31 UGT families, showed differential expression between Dongjin and I.526 seeds at 20 DAH. Of these, 43UGTs showed more than 2-fold higher expression in I.526 seeds than in Dongjin seeds. In addition, the expression of resveratrol biosynthesis genes (PAL,C4Hand4CL) was also differentially expressed between Dongjin and I.526 developing seeds. Collectively, these data suggest thatAhRS3altered the expression pattern ofUGTgenes, andPAL,C4Hand4CLin developing rice seeds.
The Caribbean Crisis in the Memory Politics of the USSR (Russia) and the United States: Comparative Characteristics
Authors: Dergacheva V.E. , Chernyshov Yu.G.
Published: January 2021

This paper discusses and compares two national versions of memory politics (Soviet/Russian and American versions) in the context of the Caribbean crisis, one of the most resonant events of the Cold war. The paper describes how each country interprets the Caribbean crisis in the context of the changes that took place in the international arena and in domestic political life. The main methods of memory politics implementation that are typical for each of the parties to the conflict are analyzed. An attempt is made to identify common approaches to memory politics implementation and distinctive features specific to each of the parties. The authors pay special attention to the coverage of the Caribbean crisis in schoolbook, in declassified archival documents, in museum exhibitions and memorials dedicated to the history of geopolitical and ideological confrontation between the two superpowers. The paper describes the areas where the policy in question is most often applied. The issue of how the memory politics was related to the evolution of the identities of the two states during the Cold war and after its end is also touched upon.
Comparison of Prognostic Scores in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated With Sorafenib
Authors: Sansone Vito , Tovoli Francesco , Casadei-Gardini Andrea , Di Costanzo Giovan Giuseppe , Magini Giulia , Sacco Rodolfo , Pressiani Tiziana , Trevisani Franco , Rimini Margherita , Tortora Raffaella , Nardi Elena , Ielasi Luca , Piscaglia Fabio , Granito Alessandro
Published: January 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Prognostic classifications for patients treated with sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) facilitate stratification in trials and inform clinical decision making. Recently, 3 different prognostic models (hepatoma arterial-embolization prognosis [HAP] score, sorafenib advanced HCC prognosis [SAP] score, and Prediction Of Survival in Advanced Sorafenib-treated HCC [PROSASH]-II) have been proposed specifically for patients treated with sorafenib. This study aimed to compare the prognostic performance of different scores.

METHODS:

We analyzed a large prospective database gathering data of 552 patients treated with sorafenib from 7 Italian centers. The performance of the HAP, SAP, and PROSASH–II models were compared with those of generic HCC prognostic models (including the Barcelona Clinic for Liver Cancer and Italian Liver Cancer staging systems, albumin–bilirubin grade, and Child-Pugh score) to verify whether they could provide additional information.

RESULTS:

The PROSASH-II model improved discrimination (C-index 0.62) compared with existing prognostic scores (C-index ≤0.59). Its stratification significantly discriminated patients, with a median overall survival of 21.5, 15.3, 9.3, and 6.0 months for risk group 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The HAP and SAP score were also validated but with a poorer performance compared with the PROSASH-II.

DISCUSSION:

Although suboptimal, PROSASH-II is the most effective prognostic classification model among other available scores in a large Italian population of patients treated with sorafenib.
The Class of 1951–2: The Institute of Archaeology and International Students
Authors: Stevenson Alice
Published: January 2021

This research note aims to draw attention to a little-studied aspect in the history of archaeology: the relationship between university training and international students. The article provides a brief background to the social and political context of international student recruitment in the UK (principally, but not exclusively, from the Commonwealth) before turning to the status of museum training courses in the Institute in the 1950s, which, it is argued, was a key concern for students coming from abroad. Six of these students are then briefly introduced: Richard Nunoo (Ghana), Justus Dojuma Akeredólu (Nigeria), Mom Chao Subhadradis Diskul (Thailand), Syed Ashfaq Naqvi (Pakistan), Braj Basi Lal (India) and Bijan Bihari Lal (India).
Zabawy literackie w szkole podstawowej – czytanie, pisanie i interpretacja głosowa
Authors: Wróblewski Maciej
Published: January 2021

Zawarte w artykule refleksje i uwagi, odnoszące się do podstawowych umiejętności uczniów szkół podstawowych województwa kujawsko-pomorskiego, a w szczególności do czytania ze zrozumieniem, interpretacji głosowej oraz pisania są efektem realizacji projektu „Zabawy literackie. Piękne czytanie. Piękne pisanie”, finansowanego przez Ministra Kultury i Dziedzictwa Narodowego. Jego uczestnicy wykonywali ćwiczenia związane z czytaniem, interpretacją głosową i twórczym pisaniem w związku z lekturą wybranych fragmentów powieści, opowiadań czy reportaży polskich i zagranicznych pisarzy dawnych i współczesnych, m.in. M. Reja, H. Sienkiewicza, M. Wańkowicza, J. R. R. Tolkiena, S. Mrożka, S. Lema, O. Tokarczuk i R. Kosika. Warsztaty składały się zazwyczaj z trzech części: ćwiczeń wprowadzających opartych na działaniach skojarzeniowych, uważnego czytania wcześniej przygotowanych fragmentów i interpretacji głosowej tekstów literackich oraz twórczego pisania. Celem pierwszej części było mentalne pobudzenie uczniów do kreatywnej pracy związanej, w dalszej kolejności z doskonaleniem umiejętności uważnego czytania i kreatywnego pisania. Niestety, w wyniku poczynionych obserwacji należy stwierdzić, że większość uczniów czytała teksty literackie powierzchownie i nie potrafiła ustalić, które informacje w nich zawarte są ważne. Również uczniowskie teksty, wywiedzione z jednego bądź kilku zdań czytanego utworu, pod względem fabularnym miały charakter wtórny w stosunku do oryginału i świadczyły o ubogim słownictwie ich autorów.
Zawód: reporter. Filmowy dyskurs o dziennikarstwie na lekcjach języka polskiego
Authors: Bobiński Witold
Published: January 2021

Artykuł dotyczy dydaktycznego wykorzystania filmów fabularnych związanych z problematyką niezależnego dziennikarstwa i etosu dziennikarskiego. We wstępnej części tekstu autor przybliża wspomnianą problematykę, odwołując się do współczesnych filozofów, klasyków myśli liberalnej i orędowników porządku demokratycznego wspartego na wartościach równości i wolności (Habermas, Rawls). Komponentem tak pojmowanego systemu demokracji parlamentarnej, i jednym z jej filarów, są wolne media, które umożliwiają funkcjonowanie niezależnego, a przy tym zaangażowanego w życie publiczne, dziennikarstwa. Problematyka ta znalazła odzwierciedlenie w niektórych filmach fabularnych zaliczanych do gatunku określanego jako dramat polityczny czy dramat społeczny. W artykule omówiono wybrane pozycje tego gatunku z ostatnich 45 lat, poczynając od Wszystkich ludzi prezydenta Alana Pakuli. Autor proponuje dydaktyczne wykorzystanie filmów, spoglądając na nie z trzech perspektyw: fabuły (świata przedstawionego), formy (języka filmu) i tzw. „wielkiej metafory”. Propozycje adresowane są nie tylko do polonistów, lecz także do innych nauczycieli, których działania lokują się w obszarze szkolnego kształcenia humanistycznego.
Local Labor Markets and Child Learning Outcomes in India
Authors: Tsaneva Magda , Balakrishnan Uttara
Published: January 2021

This paper uses data from rural India to study the relationship between local labor market opportunities and child education outcomes. We construct a Bartik index as a measure of exogenous changes in district-level labor demand and find that an increase in predicted overall employment growth is associated with higher years of education and better test scores for both boys and girls of primary school age. The effects on test scores of older boys are smaller and less statistically significant. Older girls, however, do benefit from better labor market opportunities. We do not find evidence for changes in school quality or district-level investment. Instead, we find support for increases in household education spending, possibly because of overall higher wages, or re-allocation of resources.