bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dilemmas in management of osteoporosis in patients with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome
Authors: Slayden Tanner , Bauer Elizabeth M , Shakir Mohamed KM , Hoang Thanh Duc
Published: May 2021

Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS)—resulting in 46,XY karyotype, but female phenotype—is a disorder of sex development and primary amenorrhea, but its effect on bone mineral density (BMD) is singular and difficult to manage. Androgens are an important modulator of bone remodeling and health, and the androgen receptor (AR) is pivotal for signaling within the bone cells. CAIS results in a severely disrupted AR throughout the body, causing an elevated risk of early osteoporosis. Timing of gonadectomy and hormone replacement therapy protocols are not established, creating a wide variety of treatment plans and BMD profiles. Our objective is to report a patient with CAIS status post prepubertal orchiectomy that developed early osteoporosis and to describe the lack of optimal strategies and consensus available to improve bone health in this population. Additionally, our case illustrates the fact there are no guidelines advocating the use of newer drugs for osteoporosis in this population.
Development of a data utility framework to support effective health data curation
Authors: Gordon Ben , Barrett Jake , Fennessy Clara , Cake Caroline , Milward Adam , Irwin Courtney , Jones Monica , Sebire Neil
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The value of healthcare data is being increasingly recognised, including the need to improve health dataset utility. There is no established mechanism for evaluating healthcare dataset utility making it difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of activities improving the data. To describe the method for generating and involving the user community in developing a proposed framework for evaluation and communication of healthcare dataset utility for given research areas.

Methods

An initial version of a matrix to review datasets across a range of dimensions was developed based on previous published findings regarding healthcare data. This was used to initiate a design process through interviews and surveys with data users representing a broad range of user types and use cases, to help develop a focused framework for characterising datasets.

Results

Following 21 interviews, 31 survey responses and testing on 43 datasets, five major categories and 13 subcategories were identified as useful for a dataset, including Data Model, Completeness and Linkage. Each sub-category was graded to facilitate rapid and reproducible evaluation of dataset utility for specific use-cases. Testing of applicability to >40 existing datasets demonstrated potential usefulness for subsequent evaluation in real-world practice.

Discussion

The research has developed an evidenced-based initial approach for a framework to understand the utility of a healthcare dataset. It is likely to require further refinement following wider application and additional categories may be required.

Conclusion

The process has resulted in a user-centred designed framework for objectively evaluating the likely utility of specific healthcare datasets, and therefore, should be of value both for potential users of health data, and for data custodians to identify the areas to provide the optimal value for data curation investment.
Core outcome set for three ophthalmic conditions: a healthcare professional and patient consensus on core outcome sets for amblyopia, ocular motility and strabismus (COSAMS Study)
Authors: Al-Jabri Samiya , Rowe Fiona J , Kirkham Jamie J
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Amblyopia, strabismus and ocular motility disorders are common conditions with significant impact on visual function, appearance and quality of life. We aimed to establish a core set of outcomes for each of the three conditions for use in clinical trials and routine clinical practice.

Design

A comprehensive databank of outcomes was developed from a systematic review of the literature and a series of focus groups with healthcare professionals, researchers, patients and carers. The databank of outcomes was scored in a two-round Delphi Survey completed by two stakeholder groups: healthcare professionals/researchers and patients/carers. Results of the online Delphi were discussed at a face-to-face consensus meeting where the core outcome sets were finalised.

Setting

UK-wide consultation.

Participants

Researchers, clinicians, patients and carers.

Outcome measures

Core outcome sets.

Results

For amblyopia, strabismus and ocular motility, 40/42/33 participants contributed to both rounds of the Delphi; six/nine/seven members attended consensus meetings, respectively. Consensus was reached on ten core outcomes for both amblyopia and ocular motility and nine for strabismus. All three conditions shared the core outcomes:adverse events, cost, vision-related quality of life and ocular alignment. The strabismus and ocular motility disorder core sets included, in addition,measuring the deviation, binocular vision, ocular movement, patient satisfaction and symptoms. The amblyopia set, distinct from the sets for the other two conditions, includedbest corrected distance and near visual acuity, spherical and cylindrical refraction, compliance and treatment-related and functionality/long-term impacts.

Conclusions

The study used robust consensus methods to develop a core outcome set for three ophthalmic conditions. Implementation of these core outcome sets in clinical trials and routine clinical practice will ensure that the outcomes being measured and reported are relevant to all stakeholders. This will enhance the relevance of study findings and enable comparison of results from different studies.
Association of work performance and interoceptive awareness of ‘body trusting’ in an occupational setting: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tanaka Chisato , Wakaizumi Kenta , Kosugi Shizuko , Tanaka Shintaro , Matsudaira Ko , Morisaki Hiroshi , Mimura Masaru , Fujisawa Daisuke
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Work performance has been known to be influenced by both psychological stress (mind) and physical conditions (body). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between work performance and ‘body trusting’, which is a dimension of interoceptive awareness representing mind–body interactions.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of workers in an industrial manufacturing company in Japan. Participants were assessed with a self-reported questionnaire including evaluations of work performance, body trusting, psychological distress, pain persistence, workplace and home stressors, and workaholism. Participants’ sociodemographic, health and lifestyle characteristics were collected from their annual health check data. The association between work performance and body trusting was examined using multivariable regression analyses in the overall sample and in a subsample of people with pain.

Results

A total of 349 workers participated in the study. A significant association between work performance and body trusting was observed, with higher body trusting representing higher work performance. The association was significant after controlling for psychological distress, workplace and home stress, workaholism and participants’ characteristics (p<0.001). Compared with people without pain (n=126, 36.1%), people with pain (n=223, 63.9%) showed less body trusting, which was associated with decreased work performance after controlling for pain-related variables (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Workers with higher body trusting showed higher work performance, even after controlling for various influencing factors. Body trusting may be an important target to promote work performance and to prevent loss of performance induced by health problems.
Health literacy in people with venous leg ulcers: a protocol for scoping review
Authors: Weller CD , Team Victoria , Probst Sebastian , Gethin Georgina , Richards Catelyn , Sixsmith Jane , Turnour Louise , Bouguettaya Ayoub
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Chronic venous leg ulcer (VLU) healing is a complex clinical problem. It requires intervention from skilled, costly, multidisciplinary wound-care teams, working with patients to manage their care. Compression therapy has been shown to help heal venous ulcers and to reduce recurrence, with some evidence suggesting the value of exercise as well. These activities require health education and health literacy (HL) as patients must process, understand and consistently apply health information for successful self-management. Research suggests that those most vulnerable to VLUs also tend to have limited HL, but there have been no reviews examining the state of HL in patients with previous or active VLUs. This scoping review aims to examine the level of HL in VLU patients and how HL may link to self-management behaviours (particularly exercise and compression adherence), and their VLU healing generally.

Methods and analysis

We will use Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Scoping Review guidelines and the Levac methodology framework to explore eligible papers that examine the effect of HL on their exercise and compression adherence. Electronic databases will be searched (MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, PsycInfo and Health, OpenGray), examining for all papers on these subjects published between 2000 and 2020. All studies describing compression and or exercise during VLU management will be included. Study characteristics will be recorded; qualitative data will be extracted and evaluated. Quantitative data will be extracted and summarised.

Ethics and dissemination

We will disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications. We will use data (ie, journal articles) from publicly available platforms; so, this study does not require ethical review. The consultation step will be carried out with patients, carers and health professionals as part of an established wound consumer group.
International survey for assessing COVID-19’s impact on fear and health: study protocol
Authors: Lok Kris Yuet-Wan , Fong Daniel Yee Tak , Wong Janet Y.H. , Ho Mandy , Choi Edmond PH , Pandian Vinciya , Davidson Patricia M , Duan Wenjie , Tarrant Marie , Lee Jung Jae , Lin Chia-Chin
Published: May 2021

Introduction

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2, has been one of the most highly contagious and rapidly spreading virus outbreak. The pandemic not only has catastrophic impacts on physical health and economy around the world, but also the psychological well-being of individuals, communities and society. The psychological and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic internationally have not been well described. There is a lack of international study assessing health-related impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially on the degree to which individuals are fearful of the pandemic. Therefore, this study aims to (1) assess the health-related impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in community-dwelling individuals around the world; (2) determine the extent various communities are fearful of COVID-19 and (3) identify perceived needs of the population to prepare for potential future pandemics.

Methods and analysis

This global study involves 30 countries. For each country, we target at least 500 subjects aged 18 years or above. The questionnaires will be available online and in local languages. The questionnaires include assessment of the health impacts of COVID-19, perceived importance of future preparation for the pandemic, fear, lifestyles, sociodemographics, COVID-19-related knowledge, e-health literacy, out-of-control scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4. Descriptive statistics will be used to describe participants’ characteristics, perceptions on the health-related impacts of COVID-19, fear, anxiety and depression, lifestyles, COVID-19 knowledge, e-health literacy and other measures. Univariable and multivariable regression models will be used to assess the associations of covariates on the outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been reviewed and approved by the local ethics committees in participating countries, where local ethics approval is needed. The results will be actively disseminated. This study aims to map an international perspective and comparison for future preparation in a pandemic.
Incidence of diabetes mellitus among people living with and without HIV in British Columbia, Canada between 2001 and 2013: a longitudinal population-based cohort study
Authors: Bratu Andreea , McLinden Taylor , Kooij Katherine , Ye Monica , Li Jenny , Trigg Jason , Sereda Paul , Nanditha Ni Gusti Ayu , Lima Viviane , Guillemi Silvia , Salters Kate , Hogg Robert
Published: May 2021

Introduction

People living with HIV (PLHIV) are increasingly at risk of age-related comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus (DM). While DM is associated with elevated mortality and morbidity, understanding of DM among PLHIV is limited. We assessed the incidence of DM among people living with and without HIV in British Columbia (BC), Canada, during 2001–2013.

Methods

We used longitudinal data from a population-based cohort study linking clinical data and administrative health data. We included PLHIV who were antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve at baseline, and 1:5 age-sex-matched persons without HIV. All participants had ≥5 years of historic data pre-baseline and ≥1 year(s) of follow-up. DM was identified using the BC Ministry of Health’s definitions applied to hospitalisation, physician billing and drug dispensation datasets. Incident DM was identified using a 5-year run-in period. In addition to unadjusted incidence rates (IRs), we estimated adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) using Poisson regression and assessed annual trends in DM IRs per 1000 person years (PYs) between 2001 and 2013.

Results

A total of 129 PLHIV and 636 individuals without HIV developed DM over 17 529 PYs and 88,672 PYs, respectively. The unadjusted IRs of DM per 1000 PYs were 7.4 (95% CI 6.2 to 8.8) among PLHIV and 7.2 (95% CI 6.6 to 7.8) for individuals without HIV. After adjustment for confounding, HIV serostatus was not associated with DM incidence (adjusted IRR: 1.03, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.27). DM incidence did not increase over time among PLHIV (Kendall trend test: p=0.9369), but it increased among persons without HIV between 2001 and 2013 (p=0.0136).

Conclusions

After adjustment, HIV serostatus was not associated with incidence of DM, between 2001 and 2013. Future studies should investigate the impact of ART on mitigating the potential risk of DM among PLHIV.
Role of interferon gamma release assay in the diagnosis and management ofMycobacterium tuberculosis-associated uveitis: a review
Authors: Rahman Samra , Irfan Muhammad , Siddiqui M A Rehman
Published: May 2021

Tuberculosis (TB)-associated uveitis is a common cause of infectious uveitis in the developing world. Diagnosis of TB uveitis remains a challenge. The role of interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) is uncertain. Herein we summarise the available literature on the utility of IGRAs in the diagnosis and management of TB uveitis. We searched PubMed database from 1 August 2010 to 31 July 2020 using the following keywords alone and in combination: ‘interferon-gamma release assay’, ‘QuantiFERON’, ‘T-SPOT.TB’, ‘TB uveitis’, ‘serpiginous like choroiditis’, ‘tuberculoma’, ‘TB vasculitis’, ‘TB panuveitis’ and ‘ocular tuberculosis’. Data from 58 relevant studies were collated. The review is focused on currently marketed versions of IGRA tests: QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube assay, QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus assay (QFT-Plus) and T-SPOT.TB. We found limited evidence regarding the diagnostic utility of IGRA in patients with uveitis. No study was identified evaluating the newer QFT test—the QFT-Plus—in patients with uveitis. Similarly, there is lack of data directly comparing QFT-Plus with T-SPOT.TB specifically for the diagnosis of TB uveitis.
$$3+1$$ active–sterile neutrino mixing in $$B-L$$ model with $$S_{3}{\times Z_4\times Z_2}$$ symmetry for normal neutrino mass ordering
Authors: Vien V. V.
Published: May 2021

We propose a non-renormalizable $$B-L$$

B
-
L

model with $$S_{3}{\times Z_4\times Z_2}$$

S
3

×

Z
4

×

Z
2

symmetry which successfully accommodates the current active–sterile neutrino mixing in $$3+1$$

3
+
1

scheme. The $$S_3$$

S
3

flavor symmetry is supplemented by $$Z_4\otimes Z_2$$

Z
4

⊗

Z
2

symmetry to consolidate the Yukawa interaction of the model. The presence of $$S_3\otimes Z_4\otimes Z_2$$

S
3

⊗

Z
4

⊗

Z
2

flavour symmetry plays an important role in generating the desired structure of the neutrino mass matrix. The model can reproduce the recent observed active-neutrino neutrino oscillation data for normal ordering in which two sterile–active mixing angles $$\theta _{14, 24}$$

θ

14
,
24

get the best-fit values and the obtained values of $$\theta _{34}, \delta _{14}, \delta _{14}$$

θ
34

,

δ
14

,

δ
14

, the sum of neutrino mass and the effective neutrino masses are within their currently allowed ranges.
Benefits of Fast Battery Formation in a Model System
Authors: Attia Peter M. , Harris Stephen J. , Chueh William C.
Published: May 2021

Lithium-ion battery formation affects battery cost, energy density, and lifetime. An improved understanding of the first cycle of solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) growth on carbonaceous negative electrodes could aid in the design of optimized formation protocols. In this work, we systematically study SEI growth during the formation of carbon black negative electrodes in a standard carbonate electrolyte. We show that the initial ethylene carbonate (EC) reduction reaction occurs at ∼0.5–1.2 V during the first lithiation, except under fast lithiation rates (≥10C). The products of this EC reduction reaction do not passivate the electrode; only the SEI formed at lower potentials affects the second-cycle Coulombic efficiency. Thus, cycling quickly through the voltage regime of this reaction can decrease both formation time and first-cycle capacity loss, without an increase in subsequent-cycle capacity loss. We also show that the capacity consumed by this reaction is minimized at low temperatures and low salt concentrations. Finally, we discuss the mechanism behind our experimental results. This work reveals the fundamental processes underlying initial SEI growth on carbonaceous negative electrodes and provides insights for both optimizing the battery formation process and enabling novel electrolytes.
[Retracted] Research on Dual Mode Target Detection Algorithm for Embedded Platform
Authors: Zhang Li , Wang Shaoqiang , Sun Hongwei , Wang Yifan
Published: May 2021

Aiming at the problem that the embedded platform cannot meet the real‐time detection of multisource images, this paper proposes a lightweight target detection network MNYOLO (MobileNet‐YOLOv4‐tiny) suitable for embedded platforms using deep separable convolution instead of standard convolution to reduce the number of model parameters and calculations; at the same time, the visible light target detection model is used as the pretraining model of the infrared target detection model and the infrared target data set collected on the spot is fine‐tuned to obtain the infrared target detection model. On this basis, a decision‐level fusion detection model is obtained to realize the complementary information of infrared and visible light multiband information. The experimental results show that it has a more obvious advantage in detection accuracy than the single‐band target detection model while the decision‐level fusion target detection model meets the real‐time requirements and also verifies the effectiveness of the above algorithm.
Graphical Structures of Cubic Intuitionistic Fuzzy Information
Authors: Khan Sami Ullah , Jan Naeem , Ullah Kifayat , Abdullah Lazim
Published: May 2021

The theory developed in this article is based on graphs of cubic intuitionistic fuzzy sets (CIFS) called cubic intuitionistic fuzzy graphs (CIFGs). This graph generalizes the structures of fuzzy graph (FG), intuitionistic fuzzy graph (IFG), and interval-valued fuzzy graph (IVFG). Moreover, several associated concepts are established for CIFG, such as the idea subgraphs, degree of CIFG, order of CIFG, complement of CIFG, path in CIFG, strong CIFG, and the concept of bridges for CIFGs. Furthermore, the generalization of CIFG is proved with the help of some remarks. In addition, the comparison among the existing and the proposed ideas is carried out. Finally, an application of CIFG in decision-making problem is studied, and some future study is proposed.
A constituição subjetiva no grafo do desejo de Lacan
Authors: Palma Renato Jesus Aparecido de Praga , Jorge Marco Antonio Coutinho
Published: May 2021

O presente trabalho objetiva discorrer sobre como a psicanálise considera o processo de constituição do sujeito, tomando como base o grafo do desejo estabelecido por Jacques Lacan no final da década de 50 como modelo que coloca em correlação o processo de constituição subjetiva e os processos encontrados em uma análise. Será realizada uma investigação sobre a subversão da ordem instintual quando se é constituído pelo significante. Para isso, considerou-se necessário abordar o decurso das primeiras relações da criança com o outro, tratando das relações do sujeito mítico da necessidade, do atravessamento da demanda, e do seu mais além, o desejo.
Do acolhimento institucional à família adotiva: a vivência da criança nesta transição
Authors: Silva Amanda Carollo Ramos da , Abrão Jorge Luís Ferreira
Published: May 2021

O presente artigo objetiva abordar, a partir da perspectiva psicanalítica, as vicissitudes de crianças, em transição do acolhimento institucional a uma família adotiva, dando especial atenção ao processo de vinculação à nova família. São apresentadas questões sobre a legislação e os trâmites processuais da adoção, e, em seguida, apresentados recortes da teoria psicanalítica sobre a vivência do abandono, da separação da família de origem, do luto e da formação de novos vínculos, situações comuns às crianças em adoção tardia. O método utilizado é o estudo de caso, no qual se busca elucidar a vivência de uma criança, em vias de adoção. A análise dos resultados aponta que a adotanda ainda não havia vivenciado o luto quanto à impossibilidade de seu retorno à sua família de origem, sendo interrompido o processo de aproximação com os pretendes à adoção.  Aponta-se a necessidade da escuta e da preparação da criança para vivenciar o processo adotivo, avaliando sua condição e disponibilidade psíquica para ser inserida em uma nova família.  Conclui-se que o fato de a criança estar juridicamente apta à adoção, não corresponde a estar emocionalmente pronta para essa mudança em sua vida. Evidencia-se, assim, a importância da atuação do psicólogo judiciário neste contexto.
A criança, a palavra e o brincar: enlaces possíveis
Authors: Souza Tharso Peixoto
Published: May 2021

Psicólogos e psicanalistas de crianças concordam que o brincar é uma atividade comum nos atendimentos clínicos. Contudo, quais seriam as especificidades desta clínica e qual seria a função do brincar nos atendimentos clínicos? Partindo do campo bibliográfico de autores cuja orientação é a psicanálise lacaniana, este artigo pretende explicar o lugar do brincar no atendimento clínico infantil e sua relação com as especificidades que envolvem a criança, enquanto sujeito do inconsciente atravessado pela palavra. É pelo que diz de si mesma e do mundo a seu redor, que a criança entra em análise, utilizando do brincar como um suporte da cadeia significante. Ademais, o psicanalista de crianças precisa atentar para os novos modos de brincar e sua relação com os novos sintomas – respostas frente ao real da contemporaneidade.
The Action of Shenmai Injection on the Inflammation and Proliferation of Smooth Muscle Cells of the Airway in Asthmatic Rats
Authors: Zhu He , Guo Yali , Wang Xiaoli , Zhu Min , Lei Jiahui , Xiao Yali , Xie Jing , Zhao Limin
Published: May 2021

To observe the effect of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel on the proliferation and inflammation of airway smooth muscle cells (SMC) in asthmatic rats, the rats were randomly allocated into three treatment groups: control, asthma, and Shenmai injection (SMI), with
15 rats in each group. Asthmatic rat models were induced by ovalbumin (OVA) inhalation. Rats in the control and asthma groups were intraperitoneally injected 2 mL NS daily, whereas rats in the SMI treatment group were intraperitoneally injected with 2 mL SMI daily. RT-qPCR and western blotting
were used to test for TRPA1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) mRNA and protein expression. ELISA was used to test the expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), and interleukin-13 (IL-13) in the serum. Compared with the control group, there were significantly higher
levels of TRPA1 and PCNA mRNA and protein, as well as of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in asthmatic rats (P< 0.05). After SMI treatment, there was significantly lower expression of TRPA1, PCNA, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 compared to the levels in asthmatic rats (P < 0.05). TRPA1, IL-4,
IL-5, and IL-13 were highly expressed in the tracheal SMC of asthmatic rats. Inhibiting TRPA1, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 using SMI may be one of the mechanisms that can intervene chronic airway inflammation and asthma proliferation.
Effect of Long Non-Coding RNA Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 14 Targeting miR-93-5p on Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein-Induced Endothelial Cell Injury and Its Mechanism
Authors: Zhong Chaochao , Huang Xinchong , Qin Yibin , Miao Haihang , Zhou Weiwei
Published: May 2021

To explore the influence and mechanism of lncRNA SNHG14 on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced vascular endothelial cell injury, cellular levels of SNHG14 and miRNA-93-5p were detected in oxLDL-induced vascular endothelial cells by RT-qPCR, and the levels of MDA, SOD and
GSH-Px were detected by ELISA. Flow cytometry was used to detect cellular apoptosis, and western blot analysis was used to determine the abundance of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins. SNHG14 small interfering RNA or miRNA-93-5p mimics were transfected into vascular endothelial cells to interfere with
SNHG14 expression or overexpress miRNA-93-5p. To study the effects of interfering with SNHG14 expression or overexpression of miRNA-93-5p, the levels of MDA, SOD and GSH-Px, apoptosis and the levels of Bcl-2 and Bax protein were studied in oxLDL-induced endothelial cells with either altered
SNHG14 expression or overexpressed miRNA-93-5p. A dual-luciferase reporter gene experiment verified the regulatory connection between SNHG14 and miRNA-93-5p. After oxLDL acted on vascular endothelial cells, the expression levels of SNHG14 were significantly increased, while the expression
levels of miRNA-93-5p were significantly reduced, MDA levels were increased, and SOD and GSH-Px activities were reduced. Both the apoptosis rate and Bax protein levels were significantly increased, and Bcl-2 expression was reduced. Interference with SNHG14 expression or overexpression of miRNA-93-5p
can reduce the MDA content in oxLDL-induced vascular endothelial cells, increase the activity of SOD and GSH-Px, and reduce the apoptosis rate and Bax protein levels, and promote Bcl-2 expression. SNHG14 targeted to negatively regulate miRNA-93-5p expression, inhibited miRNA-93-5p expression
and reversed the interference of SNHG14 expression with oxLDL-induced variation in MDA, SOD and GSH-Px levels, apoptosis rate, and Bax and Bcl-2 protein levels. Interference of SNHG14 expression may reduce oxidative stress and apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells induced by oxLDL by negatively
regulating the expression of miRNA-93-5p.
Prognostic Value of Long Non-Coding RNA Long Intergenic Non-Protein Coding RNA 1586 in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Yue Pengju , Bao Jing
Published: May 2021

This study investigated the prognostic value of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LINC01586 in pancreatic cancer. Three pancreatic cancer patients who received pancreaticoduodenectomies in our department in January 2019 were retrospectively selected. Cancer tissue and adjacent tissue
samples were collected for high-throughput sequencing of lncRNAs. Among them, 221 lncRNAs were up-regulated and 235 were down-regulated. The expression of LINC01586 was decreased in pancreatic cancer patients (logFC = -3.308). An additional 74 tissue specimens were collected from pancreatic
cancer patients from January 2011 to December 2016 for low-throughput validation. Patient samples were categorized into overexpression and low expression groups, based on the median LINC01586 expression level. The LINC01586 low expression group exhibited larger tumor size than the overexpression
group (P < 0.001), while the low expression group exhibited a lower cancer-related survival rate than the overexpression group (one-year cancer-related survival rate: 55.6% vs. 89.2%, P < 0.001). Further analysis confirmed that low expression of LINC01586 was associated
with poor prognosis for pancreatic cancer patients (OR = 0.169, 95% CI 0.066-0.437, P = 0.000). KEGG signaling pathway analysis was used to enrich LINC01586 target genes, and were mainly related to two metabolic pathways: insulin secretion (P = 0.011) and dopaminergic synapses
(P = 0.0129), with SNAP25 as the core gene. The expression of LINC01586 and SNAP25were positively correlated in pancreatic cancer (R = 0.81 and P < 0.001). Together, our results indicate that LINC01586 may be used as a biomarker for prognosis predictions
in pancreatic cancer patients, and its low expression is associated with poor prognosis.
Mechanism of Long Non-Coding RNA Homeobox Transcript Antisense RNAs Regulates Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts Multiplication, Immigration, and Invasion
Authors: Jiang Chang , Yang Qun , Wang Bo , Yang Jun , Li Linan , Tian Xiliang , Liu Yang
Published: May 2021

Long non-coding RNA HOX transcript antisense RNAs (LncRNA HOTAIR) are aberrantly expressed in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASFs), the main cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The inhibition, proliferation, and migrative ability of these cells offer one of the most important
therapies for RA. To investigate HOTAIR in RA, 72 patients with RA were selected along with 72 healthy volunteers. Serum HOTAIR and miRNA-526b-3p levels were measured in the study groups by qRT-PCR. Following the primary isolation and culture of RASFs, HOTAIR and miRNA-526b-3p expression was
detected in RASFs using qRT-PCR and the CCK-8 method was used to measure the cell proliferative capacity. The TNF-α and IL-1β levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while cell motility and invasive capacity were tested by the wound healing assay and transwell
chamber assay, respectively. The dual-luciferase reporter assay measured the target-relationship of HOTAIR and miRNA-526b-3p. Western blot detected MMP-2 and MMP-13 protein levels in the samples. We show that serum HOTAIR expression levels were dramatically augmented (P < 0.05) in
RA patients compared with the healthy individuals. However, the miRNA-526b-3p level was dramatically reduced (P < 0.05). Transfection of si-HOTAIR significantly reduced the OD value of RASFs, while the TNF-α level, IL-1β level, migration healing rate, MMP-2 protein expression,
MMP-13 protein expression (P < 0.05), and the invasive ability were all dramatically debased (P < 0.05). HOTAIR could be a competing endogenous RNAs for miRNA-526b-3p. Inhibiting miR-526b-3p expression could dramatically reduce silent HOTAIR on multiplication, immigration, invasion,
and inflammatory factor secretion of RASFs. These findings provide evidence that silent HOTAIR inhibits multiplication, immigration, invasion, and inflammatory factor secretion of RASFs by up-regulating the expression of miRNA-526b-3p.
Two-Year Clinical Outcomes According to Pre-PCI TIMI Flow Grade and Reperfusion Timing in Non-STEMI After Newer-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents Implantation
Authors: Kim Yong Hoon , Her Ae-Young , Jeong Myung Ho , Kim Byeong-Keuk , Hong Sung-Jin , Kim Seunghwan , Ahn Chul-Min , Kim Jung-Sun , Ko Young-Guk , Choi Donghoon , Hong Myeong-Ki , Jang Yangsoo
Published: May 2021

The 2-year clinical outcomes according to pre-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade and reperfusion timing were investigated in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) who received newer-generation drug-eluting stents. A total of 7506 NSTEMI patients were divided into 2 groups: early (PCI ≤ 24 hours: n = 6398; pre-PCI TIMI 0/1 [n = 2729], pre-PCI TIMI 2/3 [n = 3669]) and delayed (PCI > 24 hours: n = 1108; pre-PCI TIMI 0/1 [n = 428], pre-PCI TIMI 2/3 [n = 680]) invasive groups. Major adverse cardiac events were defined as all-cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction, or any repeat revascularization. All-cause death ( P = 0.005 and 0.009, respectively) and cardiac death ( P = .003 and 0.046, respectively) were significantly higher in pre-PCI TIMI 0/1 patients than in pre-PCI TIMI 2/3 patients both in the early and delayed invasive groups. In pre-PCI TIMI 0/1 patients, all-cause death rate was significantly higher in the delayed group ( P = .023). In pre-PCI TIMI 2/3 patients, the clinical end point was similar between the 2 groups. An early invasive strategy is preferred to a delayed invasive strategy in reducing all-cause death in patients with pre-PCI TIMI 0/1. However, in patients with pre-PCI TIMI 2/3, both treatment strategies are acceptable.
La Palabra De Dios Para La Salvaguarda De La Creación: Una reflexión desde la Biblia para reestablecer la alianza Dios-humanidad-Creación
Authors: Acosta Rodríguez Richard
Published: May 2021

Este articulo presenta una reflexión desde la Biblia para restablecer la alianza Dios-humanidad-Creación, es un ejercicio hermenéutico que pretende motivar la interpretación bíblica, a partir de diversos textos de la Sagrada Escritura, en clave medioambiental. La Palabra de Dios, su Revelación, se dice también en medio de la crisis que atravesamos. Se trata de una exhortación para que volvamos a nuestra esencia espiritual y primer llamado: ser imagen y semejanza de Dios, cuidadores y mayordomos de la obra paciente y amorosa de sus manos. Es una invitación a la responsabilidad, que como Iglesia tenemos, de ser profetas en un contexto de muerte planetaria, y a la praxis que nos es imperante como cristianos.
Virtual Resident Mentorship Groups for Fourth Year Medical Students Applying into Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Authors: Farlow Janice L. , Devare Jenna , Ellsperman Susan E. , Haring Catherine T. , Heft Neal Molly E. , Pleasant Terrence , Spielbauer Katie K. , Sylvester Michael J. , Xie Yanjun , Marchiano Emily J.
Published: May 2021

Objective:

To create a longitudinal near-peer mentorship program for medical students applying to otolaryngology.

Methods:

A program for longitudinal near-peer mentorship was designed based on a needs analysis of senior medical students. Program objectives were to (1) provide didactic education on common otolaryngology consults, (2) facilitate resident-student networking, and (3) enable applicants to meet other students. Senior otolaryngology residents were matched with medical students from across the United States applying to otolaryngology for a series of online small group meetings. Sessions included resident-designed didactics covering high-yield clinical scenarios and a mentorship component focused on transition to residency topics. Program evaluation included anonymized pre- and post-tests for each didactic session and an anonymous post-program participant survey.

Results:

There were 40 student participants from across the United States, with an average attendance of 73% of sessions per participant. Performance on didactic testing improved for 2 of the 3 sessions. Participants stated they would be very likely to recommend each session to another student in the future (4.96/5.00, obs = 155). Participants stated the most valuable part of the program was interacting with residents (82% of responses), transition to residency advice (28%), and learning about otolaryngology consults (28%). Suggestions for improvement included expanding content, increasing the number of sessions, and involving additional faculty and residents.

Conclusion:

A longitudinal virtual experience can be valuable for near-peer mentorship for medical students applying to otolaryngology.
Promoting mental health literacy in female students: A school-based educational intervention
Authors: Zare Somayeh , Kaveh Mohammad Hossein , Ghanizadeh Ahmad , Asadollahi Abdolrahim , Nazari Mahin
Published: May 2021

Background and objective:

Considering the worldwide increase in mental health problems among adolescents and the hypothetical positive impact of mental health literacy (MHL) on mental health promotive behaviours, this study examined the effect of a MHL intervention in a sample of Iranian high school students.

Design:

Educational intervention with a pretest–posttest and control group design conducted among Iranian high school students in 2019.

Setting:

Four public schools in Shiraz, Iran.

Methods:

In this study, 220 students (110 in each intervention and control group) were selected using the cluster multi-stage sampling and participated in the study. Participants completed the adolescent MHL questionnaire at two stages (pretest and posttest). A training programme which comprised six 60- to 90-minutes sessions using collaborative learning techniques and printed materials was conducted with the experimental group. Data were subjected to covariance analysis.

Results:

No significant differences were found between study groups regarding demographic and MHL scores before the intervention. After completing the training programme, the intervention group showed a significant improvement in MHL and subscale scores ( p < .01). Covariance analysis confirmed an improvement of MHL in the intervention group after controlling for pretest scores but not in the control group.

Conclusion:

Study findings demonstrated the efficacy of the training intervention to improve adolescents’ MHL. Further research is recommended to examine the effects of the same intervention among boys and longer-term outcomes.
Understanding the Pandenomics: Indian Aviation Industry and Its Uncertainty Absorption
Authors: Dash Devi Prasad , Dash Aruna Kumar , Sethi Narayan
Published: May 2021

This study seeks to identify the role of pandemics upon the Indian aviation industry. The main objectives of this study are threefold: First, to measure the impact of hotel sector upon the aviation market outcome of India post 2005: Second, to measure the impact of human fatality from the communicable diseases upon the Indian aviation market: Third, is to test the impact of economic uncertainty and pandemic uncertainty upon the Indian aviation market. This study has adopted the linear regression model in which total aviation market outcome is estimated as the function of movements of people in airlines, hotel industry cost and uncertainties. We utilise the quantile regression model to see the effects of various factors upon the aviation market at different quantiles. In order to study the cointegrating relation, we utilise Johansen Cointegration test. Further, we employ robustness techniques through FMOLS and DOLS to confirm our earlier findings. Results suggest that fatalities from communicable diseases have exerted negative impacts upon the Indian aviation market. Furthermore, we notice that increasing hotel cost volatility and rising uncertainty in hotel sector have impacted positively and negatively the aviation market, respectively. We also discover that economic uncertainty has impacted the aviation market more than pandemic uncertainty.

JEL Codes: G10, G11, G14
Crisis After Crisis: The Pandemic and Women’s Work
Authors: Neetha N.
Published: May 2021

The pandemic has resulted in severe dislocations in the lives of many women workers especially the poor and the neglected, exacerbating the ‘chronic crisis’ in the everyday existence of the workers to unprecedented proportions. Evidences from the ground signal desperate times with women workers facing severe unemployment, reduced incomes and adverse conditions of work. The article argues that the crisis of women’s work caused by COVID-19 is not a sudden tragic consequence of the pandemic, but an outcome of pre-existing structural and systemic ruptures. For long, women have confronted, exclusion and precarious employment opportunities resulting from anti-women attitude at workplaces with lack of acknowledgement and attempts to address the deep-rooted structural fault lines leading to systemic failures. After giving the larger background that are important in the understanding of women’s employment in the context of the pandemic, the article gives an overview of women’s employment during the pandemic taking up two specific sectors that are particularly marked—paid domestic work and frontline community workers (ASHA and Anganwadi workers) are examined in detail. The article suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated and personalised the endemic context of crisis for women calling for state intervention at the time to correct systemic issues that have positioned women unequally in employment.

JEL Codes: A14, B54, F66, J01, J21
Classism and Everyday Racism as Experienced by Racialized Health Care Users: A Concept Mapping Study
Authors: Mahabir Deb F. , O'Campo Patricia , Lofters Aisha , Shankardass Ketan , Salmon Christina , Muntaner Carles
Published: May 2021

In Toronto, Canada, 51.5 % of the population are members of racialized groups. Systemic labor market racism has resulted in an overrepresentation of racialized groups in low-income and precarious jobs, a racialization of poverty, and poor health. Yet, the health care system is structured around a model of service delivery and policies that fail to consider unequal power social relations or racism. This study examines how racialized health care users experience classism and everyday racism in the health care setting and whether these experiences differ within stratifications such as social class, gender, and immigration status. A concept mapping design was used to identify mechanisms of classism and everyday racism. For the rating activity, 41 participants identified as racialized health care users. The data analysis was completed using concept systems software. Racialized health care users reported “race”/ethnic-based discrimination as moderate to high and socioeconomic position-/social class-based discrimination as moderate in importance for the challenges experienced when receiving health care; differences within stratifications were also identified. To improve access to services and quality of care, antiracist policies that focus on unequal power social relations and a broader systems thinking are needed to address institutional racism within the health care system.
The unsustainable political economy of investor–state dispute settlement mechanisms1
Authors: Weghmann Vera , Hall David
Published: May 2021

Investor–state dispute settlement mechanisms were intended to protect companies from the Global North against expropriation by Global South countries. Since 2000, investor–state dispute settlement mechanisms have increasingly been used against Northern countries to obtain compensation for and constrain policy decisions around nationalisation and remunicipalisation, as well as around the environmental or social regulation of service provision that threatens commercial interests. Social movements and governments alike resisted investor–state dispute settlement mechanisms, and despite the power wielded by multinational companies, the global trend is now to exclude investor–state dispute settlement mechanisms from new investment treaties. The purpose of this article is to provide a political-economy analysis of the processes of supporting and contesting the role of investor–state dispute settlement mechanisms in international treaties, processes that include activity at national, sub-national and international levels. The ensuing conflicts are analysed in terms of post-colonial contradictions over sovereignty under globalisation, continued contestation over the role of the public sector and climate change policies.

Points for practitioners

The probability of investor success with investor–state dispute settlement mechanism claims should not be overestimated, and investor assessments of the basis and prospects for such cases should be subject to critical scrutiny. Governments should be aware of widespread popular antagonism towards investor–state dispute settlement mechanisms and global trends to remove such clauses from agreements. They should also review all bilateral investment treaties, free trade agreements and the Energy Charter Treaty that the country has ratified to assess the potential relative advantages of retention or leaving.
Elsa Joubert’s Cul-de-sac: A disability politics reflection
Authors: Swartz Leslie
Published: May 2021

Elsa Joubert’s 1978 novel Die swerfjare van Poppie Nongena, translated into English and a number of other languages and adapted into a play and a film, is recognized as one of the 100 best African books of the twentieth century, a landmark in South African writing. The work and its reception have drawn heated criticism around the politics of race, gender, privilege, and voice. Critics have expressed discomfort at the popularity of the book with white readers during apartheid, when other books dealing so clearly with racial oppression and dispossession were vilified and even banned.

In 2017, at the age of 95, Joubert published the third volume of her memoirs under the title Spertyd (later translated into English as Cul-de-sac). I suggest that this memoir fits into the categories both of the “Somebody memoir” and the “Some body memoir”, in the typology developed by G. T. Couser. Cul-de-sac is both the memoir of a famous person (a “somebody”) and an account of a life lived in a non-normative body, that of a very old and increasingly frail person. Cul-de-sac deals unflinchingly with highly personal issues to do with experiences related to incarceration and enfeeblement. I suggest that these issues, though personal, are also profoundly political, an issue which has been overlooked in the critical reception of the memoir. Furthermore, Joubert implicitly used the publication of the memoir as the basis for a platform on which to engage politically with South Africa’s leadership regarding the rights of very old people, like herself, during the Covid-19 lockdown.

It is inevitable that in South Africa, issues of race and to some extent gender are predominant in discussions of the politics of writing, but to ignore the age and disability politics of Cul-de-sac is to lose an important aspect of the work’s significance.
CFRP-to-concrete bond behavior under aggressive exposure of sewer chamber
Authors: Mohammadi Mahdie , Mostofinejad Davood
Published: May 2021

The growing industrialization over the past century has led to increased exposure of structures to such aggressive conditions as found in sewer networks. The rehabilitation and maintenance of sewer systems call for innovative wastewater collection systems based on their design life cycle and operational conditions. Acid exposure is one such condition whose impacts on sewer systems strengthened with FRP sheets still await adequate research. The present paper reports the results of a study conducted in an aggressive concrete sewer chamber in an industrial zone, chosen as an outdoor test design to investigate the effects of an acid environment on the bond strength of FRP sheets bonded on the concrete surface via either of the two techniques of externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) or externally bonded reinforcement on grooves (EBROG). The results show that the bond strength of the EBR specimens depends on both exposure type and duration while the aggressive environment has no significant effects on the bond strength of EBROG specimens. Generally, maximum bond strength in EBR specimens decreases by up to about 19.7% with increasing exposure duration to 6000 h. In the case of EBROG specimens, however, maximum bond strength initially increases by 8.9% after 3000 h of exposure before it declines by 3.6% after 6000 h.