bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family-based intervention for prevention and self-management of disabilities due to leprosy, podoconiosis and lymphatic filariasis versus usual care in Ethiopia: study protocol for a cluster-randomised controlled trial
Authors: van 't Noordende Anna Tiny , Aycheh Moges Wubie , Moges Nurilign Abebe , Tadesse Tesfaye , Schippers Alice P.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Leprosy, podoconiosis and lymphatic filariasis (LF) are three skin-related neglected tropical diseases. All three conditions can lead to temporary and permanent impairments. These impairments progressively worsen and are major determinants of stigma, discrimination and participation restrictions. Self-care is essential to prevent disabilities and chronic disease complications. Many persons with leprosy-related, LF-related and podoconiosis-related disabilities need to practice self-management routines their entire life. This is difficult without support and encouragement of others. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a family-based intervention in terms of physical outcomes related to prevention and self-management of disabilities due to leprosy, podoconiosis and LF and family quality of life and well-being compared with usual practice and care.

Methods and analysis

The study will use a cluster-randomised controlled trial design with two study arms. The project will be carried out in endemic districts in East and West Gojjam zones in the Amhara region in Ethiopia. Clusters consist of kebeles (lower administrative structures in the district) that have been merged, based on their geographical proximity and the number of cases in each kebele. A total of 630 participants will be included in the study. The intervention group will consist of 105 persons affected by leprosy, 105 persons affected by LF or podoconiosis, and 210 family members. The control group will consist of 105 persons affected by leprosy and 105 persons affected by LF or podoconiosis. The family-based intervention comprises an essential care package that consists of the following three main components: (1) self-management of disabilities, (2) economic empowerment and (3) psychosocial support. Participants in the control areas will receive usual practice and care. Data analysis includes, but is not limited to, calculating the percentage of change and corresponding 95% CI of physical impairment outcomes in each group, before and after the intervention is implemented, effect sizes, intention to treat and difference in difference analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the Debre Markos University Health Sciences Institutional Research Ethics Review Committee. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and workshops.

Trial registration number

PACTR202108907851342.
Incremental significance and sex discrepancies of neck circumference on the odds of ischaemic stroke: a multistage, population-based, cross-sectional study from Northeast China
Authors: Li Guangxiao , Li Ying , Jing Li , Tian Yuanmeng , Shi Lei , Jiang Cuiqin , Sun Qun , Ren Guocheng , Dai Dong , Sun Jixu , Wang Weizhong , Xue Weishuang , Yang Zuosen , Liu Shuang , Xing Liying
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Accumulated evidence suggests that neck circumference (NC) is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors. However, limited studies are available regarding the association between NC or height normalised NC (neck-to-height ratio (NHR)) and risk of ischaemic stroke (IS) in the Chinese population. Therefore, we aimed at examining the associations between NC or NHR and odds of IS and exploring the discrepancies between men and women.

Design

A multistage cluster cross-sectional study.

Setting

A population-based study carried out in Northeast China.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was undertaken in Northeast China between September 2017 and March 2019, involving 7236 men and 11 352 women, respectively. The median age of participants was 60.30 years, ranging from 40 to 97 years. The associations between NC or NHR and odds of IS were calculated using multiple logistic regression models. Dose–response relationships were depicted using restricted cubic spline functions. Reclassification analyses were carried out to determine the incremental significance of NC or NHR on the odds of IS.

Results

In women, NC and NHR were significantly associated with the odds of IS, independent of traditional risk factors and other anthropometric parameters for obesity. The highest quartile of NC and NHR had a 1.60 (95% CI 1.16 to 2.22)-and 1.72 (95% CI 1.23 to 2.41) times higher odds of IS compared with the lowest quartile. Furthermore, the odds of IS increased by 1.10 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.20) and 1.12 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.22) times per 1 SD increase in NC and NHR, respectively. Reclassification analyses showed that the proportion of correct classification increased by 11.5% (95% CI 2.2% to 20.7%) and 22.8% (95% CI 13.5% to 32.0%) after the addition of NC or NHR into established models, respectively. However, the findings could not be replicated in men.

Conclusion

NC and NHR might be promising independent indicators for women IS. Their incremental value in the risk stratification of IS enables the individualised prevention of IS in women.
Large difference but high correlation between creatinine and cystatin C estimated glomerular filtration rate in Mesoamerican sugarcane cutters
Authors: Andersson Axel , Hansson Erik , Ekström Ulf , Grubb Anders , Abrahamson Magnus , Jakobsson Kristina , Xu Yiyi
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To explore the relationship between creatinine and cystatin C based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in actively working sugarcane cutters.

Methods

This cohort study included 458 sugarcane cutters from Nicaragua and El Salvador. Serum samples were taken before and at end of harvest seasons and analysed for creatinine and cystatin C. Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) formulas were used to calculate eGFRs based on creatinine (eGFRcr), cystatin C (eGFRcys) and both creatinine and cystatin C (eGFRcrcys) at each time point. Bland-Altman plots and paired t-tests were used to compare the difference between eGFRcrand eGFRcys, and the difference in eGFRs between before and at end of the harvest seasons.

Results

The mean eGFRcrwas higher than eGFRcysin both cohorts; absolute difference 22 mL/min/1.73 m2(95% CI 21 to 23) in Nicaragua and 13 mL/min/1.73 m2(95% CI 11 to 15) in El Salvador. Correlations between eGFRcrand eGFRcyswere high, with r=0.69, 0.77 and 0.67 in Nicaragua at pre-harvest, end-harvest and cross-harvest, and r=0.89, 0.89 and 0.49 in El Salvador.

Conclusions

Creatinine increases among heat-stressed workers reflect reduced glomerular filtration as estimated using eGFRcys, a marker independent of muscle mass and metabolism. The discrepancy between eGFRcrand eGFRcysmay indicate reduced glomerular filtration of larger molecules and/or systemic bias in CKD-EPI performance in this population.
Isoentropic equations of state of $$\beta $$-stable hadronic matter with a quark phase transition
Authors: Logoteta Domenico , Bombaci Ignazio , Perego Albino
Published: March 2022

We construct isoentropic equations of state (EOSs) of $$\beta $$
β
-stable dense hadronic matter considering the possibility that a quark deconfinement phase transition can take place. These conditions can be actually realized in different astrophysical contexts like core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe), during the early stages of the evolution of a newly formed neutron star (protoneutron star, PNS) or in the postmerger compact object formed in binary neutron star (BNS) mergers. We consider four different EOSs to describe the hadronic phase: three EOSs from relativistic mean field theory and one EOS recently derived from microscopic calculations in the framework of the Brueckner–Hartree–Fock approach. We combine these hadronic EOSs with a quark matter EOS obtained from a modified MIT-Bag model which takes into account some perturbative corrections in the grand canonical potential due to the quark–quark interaction. The two phases are then joined up through a Gibbs construction. For each model we study thermal and neutrino trapping effects on the matter composition and consequently on the EOS. We finally determine the PNS static structure integrating the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff equations. We find that the thermal contribution and particularly the effect of neutrino trapping play an important role on the full EOS. The latter can get softer or stiffer according to the strangeness content in the hadronic phase. These effects are thus crucial to provide a proper description of the dynamical evolution of both the postmerger compact object formed in a BNS merger or the PNS formed in a CCSN.
INVESTIGATING BLOOD SUPPLY TO THE CORACOID BONE GRAFT IN LATARJET PROCEDURES — A CADAVERIC STUDY
Authors: Esfandiari Alireza , Mitchell Christopher , Fallon Vallorie , Pimple Mahesh
Published: March 2022

Background: The Classic Latarjet Procedure (CLP) is a proven method for increasing anterior shoulder stability, where the posterior aspect of an osteotomized coracoid is fixed to the glenoid rim. De Beer’s Congruent-Arc Technique (CAT) is a recognized variation where the medial aspect of the coracoid is fixed to the glenoid. Consolidation of the coracoid graft depends on the compression achieved and the vascularity of the graft. Nonunion rates of 9.4% have been documented in the literature. Methods: Ethical approval was granted for our study by the medical school ethics board. Eight cadaveric shoulders were dissected using the standard deltopectoral approach. In each limb, the blood supply to the coracoid was identified, photographed, and protected. The coracoid process was osteotomized at its elbow and a bone transfer was performed. The effects on the coracoid blood supply of CLP vs CAT were noted. Results: In all cases, the blood supply to the coracoid process arose directly from the axillary artery, bifurcating close to the tip of the coracoid. CLP was performed with no disruption to the arterial supply of the coracoid or pectoralis minor. CAT was found to stretch the arterial supply in most specimens, potentially impacting blood supply to the coracoid. CAT also requires the sacrifice of the arterial branch to the insertion of the pectoralis minor. Conclusion: CLP appears less likely to stretch its arterial supply compared to CAT and allows retention of the arterial branch to pectoralis minor insertion. This has potential implications for graft union and recurrent shoulder instability.
A Survey of Sampling Method for Social Media Embeddedness Relationship
Authors: Cui Yingan , Li Xue , Li Junhuai , Wang Huaijun , Chen Xiaogang
Published: March 2022

Social media embeddedness relationships consist of online social networks formed by self-organized individual actors and significantly affect many aspects of our lives. Since the high cost and inefficiency of using population networks generated by social media embeddedness relationships to study practical issues, sampling techniques have become increasingly important than ever. Our work consists of three parts. We first comprehensively analyze current sampling selection methods, evaluation indexes, and evaluation methods in terms of technological evolution. In the second part, we systematically conduct sampling tests using representative large-scale social media datasets. The test results indicate that unequal-probability sampling methods can construct similar sample networks at the macroscale and microscale and outperform the equal-probability methods. However, non-negligible sampling errors at the mesoscale seriously affect the sampling reliability and validity. MANOVA tests show that the direct cause of sampling errors is the low in-degree nodes with medium-high betweenness located between the core and periphery, and current sampling methods cannot accurately sample such complex interconnected structures. In the third part, we summarize the pros and cons of current sampling methods and provide suggestions for future work.
On Teaching Mode of MTI Translation Workshop Based on IPT Corpus for Tibetan Areas of China
Authors: Huang Xin
Published: March 2022

With the technological turn of applied research in translation, increasing attention has been paid to the teaching of translation technology. This article addresses two important questions in this regard: how to independently develop Master of Translation and Interpreting (MTI) translation teaching resources with ethnic minority characteristics and how to use information technology to carry out Tibet-related computer-assisted translation (CAT) teaching. This article discusses the background, structure, and functions of the International Publicity Translation Corpus (IPT Corpus) for Tibetan Areas of China through empirical research, combining theory with practice, and validates the translation teaching mode through case study to better train translators and interpreters working on content related to Tibetan culture. Through teaching practice since 2017, the MTI translation workshop based on the IPT Corpus has proven to be an effective teaching mode that is worthy of further improvement and extension.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Serum AFP-L3 and GP-73 in the Diagnosis of Primary Liver Cancer
Authors: Yuan Jun-Jian , Xu Yan-Dong , Li Heng , Guo Qing-Jin , Li Guo-Ce , Chai Wei , Zhang Zhi-Quan , Liu Ru-Hai
Published: March 2022

Objective. To investigate the combined application value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-L3 and Golgi protein (GP)-73 in the diagnosis of primary liver cancer. Methods. The data of 200 patients with suspected liver cancer admitted to our hospital from February 2020 to February 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and they were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 100 cases in each group. The experimental group received a combined detection of MRI with serum AFP-L3 and GP-73, and the control group adopted traditional diagnostic methods (spiral computed tomography and serum AFP). The diagnostic yields of the two groups were compared. Surgical resection was performed after the diagnosis of primary liver cancer, and the correlation between the efficacy and combined detection of MRI with serum AFP-L3 and GP-73 levels was analyzed. Results. The two groups presented comparable general information (P >0.05). The surgical results showed 160 cases of primary liver cancer, including 75 cases in the experimental group and 85 cases in the control group, and 40 cases of benign liver lesions. The diagnostic accuracy of the experimental group (73/75, 95%) was significantly higher than that of the control group (76/85, 86%) (

P
<
0.05

). The serum levels of AFP-L3, GP-73, and AFP in patients with primary liver cancer were remarkably decreased after surgery (

P
<
0.001

). The preoperative and postoperative AFP-L3, GP-73, and AFP levels of patients with primary liver cancer were significantly higher than those of patients with benign liver lesions. The AUC (95% CI) for the combined detection of MRI and serum AFP-L3 and GP-73 levels in patients with surgically confirmed primary liver cancer was 0.747 (0.619-0.874). Conclusion. MRI combined with serum AFP-L3 and GP-73 presents favorable diagnostic efficiency in the diagnosis of primary liver cancer, which is worthy of clinical application.
Preparation and Photocatalytic Characterization of Modified Nano TiO2/Nd/Rice Husk Ash Material for Rifampicin Removal in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Dang Thi Ngoc Thuy , Thi Ha Nguyen , Nguyen Duc Dung , Nguyen Thi Sen , Nguyen Duc Toan , Nguyen Hoang Nam
Published: March 2022

Antibiotics like rifampicin are often persistent in the environment. When entering the water, it causes antimicrobial resistance that affects the ecosystem and accumulates in the aquatic organisms and affects human health through the food chain. In this study, titanium dioxide was doped with neodymium (0.01 to 0.8%) using the sol-gel hydrothermal method. TiO2/Nd was then coated on rice husk ash to produce a modified TiO2/Nd/rice husk ash material containing 0.36% (w/w) Nd. The structural characteristics and photocatalytic properties of the materials were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, forbidden zone energy, and specific surface area. The TiO2/Nd material exhibited a higher photocatalytic decomposition capacity than TiO2 and depended on the Nd content. The rifampicin removal efficiency of TiO2/Nd materials with 0.36 to 0.80% Nd contents was approximately 40% higher than that of TiO2/Nd containing 0.01 to 0.28% Nd. A new photocatalytic TiO2/Nd/rice husk ash material was developed to decompose rifampicin. The rifampicin-degrading efficiency of TiO2/Nd and TiO2/Nd/rice husk ash material reached approximately 86 and 75%, respectively, within 90 min under sunlight. Although a lower efficiency was obtained, the TiO2/Nd/rice husk ash material was selected to degrade rifampicin residue in water via the photocatalytic process (under sunlight) because of its advantages such as requirement of a small amount and easy recovery. In the rifampicin removal process, k values were found to match the zero- and first-order kinetics. In particular, for TiO2/Nd and TiO2/Nd/rice husk ash under solar irradiation, R2 values reached approximately 0.98. These results have been previously published as a preprint.
Oscillation of Fourth-Order Nonlinear Homogeneous Neutral Difference Equation
Authors: Sumitha G. , Kodeeswaran R. , Noeiaghdam S. , Balamuralitharan S. , Govindan V.
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we establish the solution of the fourth-order nonlinear homogeneous neutral functional difference equation. Moreover, we study the new oscillation criteria have been established which generalize some of the existing results of the fourth-order nonlinear homogeneous neutral functional difference equation in the literature. Likewise, a few models are given to represent the significance of the primary outcomes.
The Chebyshev Set Problem in Riesz Space
Authors: Wu Shengwei , Zhao Jiarui , Xu Yanyan , Chen Guanggui , Cheng Na
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we mainly study the best approximation theory in Riesz space, which is not constructed by the norm, but only rely on the order structure. Based on the order structure, we propose the concept of the order best approximation in Riesz space and discuss some problems related to the order best approximation, including some sufficient and necessary conditions for satisfying the order best approximation set. Finally, we consider the order best approximation projection and its related properties.
Identification of Immune-Related lncRNA Pairs and Construction and Validation of a New Prognostic Signature of Colon Cancer
Authors: Xu Minxian , Li Qing , Zhang Jianfang , Xie Hui
Published: March 2022

Background. More and more evidence has shown that immune-related long noncoding ribonucleic acid (irlncRNAs) is a potential prognostic factor for colon cancer. The relevant gene pair pattern can improve the sensitivity of the prognostic model. Therefore, our present study aimed to identify irlncRNA Pairs and construct and validate a new prognostic signature in colon cancer. Methods. We downloaded the expression matrix of mRNA and lncRNA of patients with colon cancer and their clinical information from the public TCGA database. We obtained immune genes from the ImmPort database. Coexpression analysis was performed to identify irlncRNAs. We built an irlncRNA pair matrix by comparing the expression levels of each lncRNA pair in a cycle. Univariate Cox regression analysis, LASSO penalized regression analysis, and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed to determine the final variables to construct the prognostic risk score model (a new signature). We draw the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of the signature and clinical characteristics and determine the optimal cutoff value by the optimal Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) value. Based on the optimal cutoff value of the ROC curve of the signature, colon cancer patients were divided into the high- and low-risk groups. Then, the signature was evaluated by clinicopathological features, tumor-infiltrating immune cells, checkpoint-related biomarkers, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy. Results. We identified 8 lncRNA pairs including AC103740.1|LEF1-AS1, LINC02391|AC053503.5, WWC2-AS2|AL355916.2, AC104090.1|NEURL1-AS1, AC099524.1|AL161908.1, AC074011.1|AL078601.2, AL355916.2|LINC01723, and AP003392.4|LINC00598 from 71 differently expressed irlncRNAs. We constructed a prognostic risk score model (a new signature) using these optimal eight irlncRNA pairs. ROC curve analysis revealed that the highest AUC value of the signature was 0.776 at 1 year, with the optimal cutoff value of 1.283. Our present study also showed that the constructed signature could accurately identify adverse survival outcomes, prognostic clinicopathological features, and specify tumor invasion status. The expression of immune checkpoint-related genes and chemical drug sensitivity were related to different risk groups. Conclusion. In our present study, we constructed a new irlncRNA signature of colon cancer based on the irlncRNA pairs instead of the special expression level of lncRNA. We found this signature had not only good prognostic value but also certain clinical value, which might provide a new insight into the treatment and prognosis of colon cancer.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Evaluate the Recovery Effects of Cerebral Nerve Function in Comprehensive Treatment of Poststroke Depression by Intelligent Algorithm-Based Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Authors: Yuan Chunhua , Zhang Lan , Hao Yankun , Liang Jun , Ma Tingting
Published: March 2022

This research was aimed to discuss magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of recovery effects of cerebral nerve function in comprehensive treatment of poststroke depression (PSD) by intelligence-based hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Low-rank matrix algorithm was adopted to denoise MRI images of patients with PSD, and mean square error (MSE) and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) were the evaluation indicators of the results of image denoising. 118 patients were randomly divided into the control group (administered escitalopram oxalate) and the research group (hyperbaric oxygen therapy was implemented based on the treatment in control group). National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and changes of norepinephrine (NE) level of patients in two groups were compared before and after treatment. The value of MSE of MRI images processed by low-rank matrix algorithm was 92.39, which was higher than that calculated by nonlocal mean (NLM) algorithm (80.54). The PSNR value calculated by low-rank matrix algorithm was 25.35, which was lower than that calculated by NLM algorithm (29.07). In contrast, NIHSS score and HAMD score of the research group after treatment were lower than those of the control group, while PSQI score of the research group was higher than that of the control group. The level of GFAP of the research group was at 852.46 ± 94.47, which was significantly lower than that of the control group, reaching 948.53 ± 98.42. However, the level of NE of the research group was 1478.59 ± 99.85, which was higher than that of the control group (1061.80 ± 98.02). All the comparisons of above indicators had statistical meaning (

P
<
0.05

). The low-rank matrix algorithm can help in clinical diagnosis and treatment to provide more accurate MRI images. In addition, hyperbaric oxygen comprehensive therapy can promote the recovery of neurological function in patients with poststroke depression and significantly improve the depressive state and sleep quality of patients.
Construction of MicroRNA‐mRNA Regulatory Network in the Molecular Mechanisms of Bleomycin‐Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Chen Liuyin , Shi Zhiling , Deng Lin , Wu Jiangtao , Wang Housheng , Lu Yushuang , Fan Ting , Lu Jiamei , Huang Weimei , Hu Kai
Published: March 2022

Bleomycin is a common antitumor agent used to treat many different types of malignancies; however, its main side effect is pulmonary fibrosis. The mechanism of bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis (BIPF) has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, to further explore the molecular mechanisms of BIPF, we screened for microRNA (miRNA) and mRNA expression obtained from BIPF samples from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Subsequently, we identified the differentially expressed miRNAs and genes that overlapped with the differentially expressed miRNAs target genes, predicted by using the miRWalk database selected as a candidate. The candidate genes were visualized based on Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. A protein‐protein interaction network was constructed. Hub differentially expressed genes were selected and corresponding miRNAs to construct a miRNA‐mRNA regulation network. Then, we chose three key miRNAs to study their regulatory relationship in bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis. Finally, mouse lung epithelial cells TC‐1 and MLE‐12 were treated with bleomycin with qPCR to validate the results of three important hub genes and all key miRNAs. And dual‐luciferase report experiment was carried out to verify the interaction of mmu‐miR‐1946a and serpina3n. The results revealed that the imbalance of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) plays a pivotal role in the occurrence and development of BIPF. In addition, Serpina3n and mmu‐miR‐1946a were proved interaction and may be involved in the regulation of the balance between MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1. The experimental results also verify the analysis. Our findings provide new insights into the key mediators and pathways related to the molecular mechanisms of BIPF.
An Unfortunate Cause of Chronic Nausea and Vomiting: Mitochondrial Neurogastrointestinal Encephalomyopathy (MNGIE)
Authors: Dasu Neethi , Blair Brian , Foster C. Jonathan , Smith Colin
Published: March 2022

We present a unique case of a 24-year-old male who was admitted for intractable nausea, emesis, weight loss, and abdominal discomfort. The patient underwent an extensive workup and was diagnosed with mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalopathy. Early diagnosis is critical to proper management of this disease process. MGNIE is a difficult disorder to diagnose given the complexity of the disease, and this case provides clinicians the proper understanding and management of such a unique and difficult diagnosis.
Analysis of Marketing Prediction Model Based on Genetic Neural Network: Taking Clothing Marketing as an Example
Authors: Peng Hua , Dong Luxiao , Sun Yi , Jiang Yanfang
Published: March 2022

With the economic and social development and the improvement of people’s living standards, consumers have put forward higher requirements for clothing from quantity to quality. The clothing industry has ushered in vigorous vitality and broad development space. China’s clothing industry has achieved great results after long‐term development. With the gradual abolition of world textile and apparel trade quotas, China’s apparel and textile industry is facing greater opportunities and challenges. In today’s increasingly developing market economy, many production companies are making marketing forecasts. A good forecast result can be used to guide the company’s decision‐making. The results of the model help decision‐makers to reasonably arrange production and formulate marketing strategies. With the development of genetic neural network technology, this technology has been more and more widely used in signal processing, pattern recognition and other application fields. This article discusses a marketing forecasting model based on genetic neural network, predicting model parameters based on historical data of actual sales, and then carrying out experimental analysis. First of all, a series of analysis and preprocessing must be performed on the collected data. In the process of estimating and calculating the parameters of the prediction model, an error criterion is selected to determine a set of relatively optimal prediction parameters, and finally the model results A verification analysis was carried out. The experimental results show that the genetic neural network method can be used to establish a marketing forecasting model, and the established forecasting model has certain practical application value.
Paracoccidioidomicose: perfil clínico e epidemiológico de pacientes internados em Passo Fundo - RS
Authors: Franz Ana Paula Giolo , Silva Ana Flávia Missio da , Albuquerque Antônio Benincá , Rovani André Luca Boeira , Bonacina Patrick , Barbosa Gilberto da Luz , Scortegagna Gabriela Trentin , Tonial Fabiana
Published: March 2022

A paracoccidioidomicose não é uma doença de notificação obrigatória apesar de sua relevância na América Latina, por isso as estimativas de prevalência, incidência e morbidade dessa micose são baseadas em relatórios de levantamentos epidemiológicos, séries de casos, registros de hospitalização e dados de mortalidade. O objetivo desse trabalho foi descrever aspectos relacionados com o paciente, evolução da doença, confirmação diagnóstica e tratamento de casos confirmados de paracoccidioidomicose atendidos em um hospital de ensino do sul do Brasil. Foram coletadas informações de prontuários de 27 pacientes com diagnóstico de paracoccidioidomicose confirmado no período de 2010 até 2019. O perfil prevalente foi de um paciente do sexo masculino, com idade média de 53 anos, envolvido com atividades laborais diversas, de procedência urbana, imunocompetente e sem comorbidades, tabagista, mas não etilista. Para a maioria dos casos o acometimento inicial foi pulmonar, com importante envolvimento do sistema linfático no percurso da doença. A observação microscópica das estruturas fúngicas patognomônicas em amostras de biópsia, aspirado linfonodal e escarro foi o método mais utilizado para confirmar a suspeita clínica. O itraconazol foi a primeira opção de tratamento, seguido da anfotericina B.
Yüksek ve Orta Teknolojili İhraç Ürünlerindeki Karşılaştırmalı Üstünlük ile Ekonomik Büyüme Arasındaki İlişki
Authors: TÜRKMEN Adem , YİĞİTLER Hamza
Published: March 2022

Çalışmada Türkiye’nin yüksek ve orta teknolojili ürünlerinde rekabetçiliği ile ekonomik büyüme arasındaki ilişki belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Bu amaçla 1989-2017 dönemi arasında Balassa’nın Açıklanmış Karşılaştırmalı Üstünlükler endeksi yardımıyla Türk imalat sanayinin yüksek ve orta teknolojili ürünlerinde rekabet gücü hesaplanarak, ekonomik büyüme üzerindeki etkisi zaman serisi analizi ile belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Johansen eş bütünleşme testi ile serilerin uzun dönem ilişkileri tespit edilmeye çalışılmış ve vektör hata düzeltme modeli ile de eş bütünleşik serilerin kısa dönem dinamiklerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda Türkiye’nin orta teknolojili ürünlerde rekabet gücüne sahip olduğu, yüksek teknolojili ürünlerde ise rekabet dezavantajına sahip olduğu ve kurulan modellerde yüksek ve orta teknolojili ürünlerin rekabet gücü endeks değerlerindeki artışın ekonomik büyümeyi pozitif yönde etkilediği bulgularına ulaşılmıştır.
The Poeisis of the Ordinary Being; a Cosmic Liturgy
Authors: Montoux Arnaud
Published: March 2022

Marie Noël, a 20th century poetess from Auxerre in the Burgundy region of France, said “The Saint offers sacrifice. The Artist furnishes the victim.” The quest to understand the far-reaching root system of the liturgy inevitably brings us into contact with the artist, and with all the words, colors and heavy stuff of the world that shape the artist’s work. It is the artist who harvests from deep within the human person the wheat, the dew and the lees of the world, to bring them in offering. Whether or not humanity is conscious of this ascensional mission of the liturgy, human beings must remain open above all to what the ministry of the artist reveals about their universal mission. It is in the words of the poet and in the flesh-encrusted canvases that the ascent begins, that the momentum builds, and so makes possible the eminently human activity which is liturgy.
The Coevolution of Emotional Job Demands and Work-Based Social Ties and Their Effect on Performance
Authors: Parker Andrew , Waldstrøm Christian , Shah Neha Parikh
Published: March 2022

In this article, we build upon the buffering hypothesis within the job demands–resources framework to develop a coevolutionary explanation to untangle the process by which emotional job demands, work-based social networks, and employee performance are associated over time. We integrate ideas from the social contagion and social network dynamics literatures to support our coevolutionary theory. To test our theory, we collected longitudinal data at three time points from 135 employees in a customer-facing research-and-development department. We employ a stochastic actor-oriented model that allows the simultaneous modeling of changes in work-based social network ties, emotional job demands, and employee performance. We find a social contagion effect whereby employees are more at risk of an increase in their emotional job demands, the more reciprocal work-based social relationships they have with colleagues who have high emotional job demands. In addition, individuals with high emotional job demands change their networks in two notable ways: They have a positive tendency for having work-based social ties, that is, sociability, and for having ties with others with high emotional job demands, that is, homophily. However, despite the unintended consequence of these network tendencies making employees more susceptible to the contagion effect of emotional job demands, we also find support for the buffering hypothesis. The negative effect of high emotional job demands on performance is lower for employees who have more work-based social ties.
Popliteal artery branching variations on computed tomography angiography of 1542 lower limbs and its associated factors
Authors: Arayapithak Karakkada , Suwannanon Ruedeekorn , Hongsakul Keerati
Published: March 2022

Background

The identification of popliteal artery branching variation is of anatomical importance for surgical and endovascular procedures in the posterior region of the knee and below.

Purpose

To evaluate the variations and associated factors of popliteal artery branching by computed tomography angiography (CTA).

Material and Methods

CTA of the lower extremities of 1542 lower limbs in 771 patients (513 men and 258 women) were retrospectively reviewed to assess the popliteal artery branching patterns. The patient's sex, side of lower limbs, and population were recorded and evaluated for their association with popliteal artery branching patterns. P < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.

Results

Variations in the branching of the popliteal artery were recorded in 9.3% of patients. The three most common variations were found to be hypoplastic-aplastic posterior tibial artery (PT) (3.6%), trifurcation (2.0%), and hypoplastic-aplastic anterior tibial artery (0.8%). A new pattern was detected in 2 (0.1%) cases, which were described as double PTs. Statistically significant differences were noted in the proportion of variation branching between the male and female groups (odds ratio = 1.52; 95% confidence interval = 1.07–2.16; P = 0.02).

Conclusion

The findings on popliteal variational branching patterns in the present study were in conformance to previous reports. Our study identified a novel variation of popliteal artery branching, which has not been mentioned in the literature so far. Sex was found to be an associated factor of branching variation.
Does Cognitive Training Affect Reading and Writing Skills of Students With Specific Learning Disabilities?
Authors: Atmaca Furkan , Yıldız-Demirtaş Vesile
Published: March 2022

The present study investigated the effects of the cognitive enhancement training (COGENT) program on the reading skills (reading speed, reading errors, and reading comprehension) and writing skills (dictation and text copying) of students with specific learning disabilities (SLD). The study was conducted with an experimental design. The study group consisted of 16 Turkish students. The treatment-group students ( n = 8) were administered COGENT for 6 weeks and 12 sessions. After the training, semi-structured interviews were made with the treatment-group students and their teachers for social validity. The results suggest that the COGENT improved the reading speed, reading comprehension, and dictation skills and reduced reading errors of the treatment-group students. However, there was no significant difference in text copying. Findings obtained from the interviews showed that the students liked the program and wanted it to continue. The teachers stated that they observed improvements in their students’ literacy skills and some social skills.
Interleukin 17A rs2275913 polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus: A meta and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Padhi Sunali , Sarangi Surjyapratap , Nayak Nisha , Barik Debashis , Pati Abhijit , Panda Aditya K
Published: March 2022

Background

The role of cytokines in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has received much attention. Interleukin-17 A upregulates several inflammation-related genes and is thought to have a crucial role in SLE development. The susceptibility to SLE development has been linked to functional genetic variations of the IL-17A gene; nevertheless, the findings have been conflicting. We conducted a meta-analysis that included previously published reports to establish a definitive conclusion on the role of the IL-17A rs2275913 polymorphism in SLE propensity.

Materials and Methods

The PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases were used to find eligible published articles. All analyses were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-analysis V3.1. Funnel plots and Egger’s regression analysis were used to assess publication bias. Q statistics and I2 test explored the heterogeneity among the included studies. Combined odds ratio, 95% confidence interval were calculated for each comparison model.

Results

Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of four reports, comprising of 608 SLE patients and 815 healthy controls, were considered for the present meta-analysis. The homozygous comparison (AA vs. GG: combined odds ratio= 2.046, p = 0.005) and recessive genetic model (AA vs. GG+GA: combined odds ratio=1.901, p = 0.010) analysis revealed a significant association of rs2275913 with susceptibility to the development of SLE. However, other genetic comparisons (A vs. G, GA vs. GG, AA+GA vs. GG) failed to demonstrate such association. Furthermore, trial sequential analysis revealed a sufficient number of studies, including enough cases and controls that have already been considered to conclude the role of IL17-A rs2275913 polymorphism in SLE.

Conclusions

IL-17A rs2275913 polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to SLE development.
Gender Differences in Enterprise Performance During the COVID-19 Crisis: Do Public Policy Responses Matter?
Authors: Birhanu Addis G. , Getachew Yamlaksira S. , Lashitew Addisu A.
Published: March 2022

The COVID-19 crisis has introduced unique tradeoffs between health and economic risk, leading to a “life vs. livelihoods conundrum.” This study contributes to research on adversity and entrepreneurship by examining the implications of the pandemic for gender differences in enterprise performance. We further consider how public policy responses in the domains of public health and economic support moderate the potential gendered effects of the pandemic. Data analysis of more than 20,000 enterprises across 38 countries shows that women-owned enterprises were more adversely affected by the pandemic, and that stronger public health policy responses helped reduce the observed gap in performance.
Cultural Safety as an Outcome of a Dynamic Relational Process: The Experience of Inuit in a Mainstream Residential Addiction Rehabilitation Centre in Southern Canada
Authors: Lauzière Julie , Fletcher Christopher , Gaboury Isabelle
Published: March 2022

Few addiction treatment options are available in Arctic Canada, leading many Inuit to seek treatment programs in southern cities. We conducted a case study to understand what contributes to a culturally safe experience for Inuit in a mainstream addiction rehabilitation centre in Southern Canada. We carried out more than 700 hours of participant observation, in addition to semi-structured interviews and member-checking activities with 20 Inuit residents, 18 staff and four managers. Data were analysed using an inductive interpretative process. Throughout their journey in the program, Inuit navigated through contrasting situations and feelings that we grouped under six broad themes: having Inuit peers, having limitations imposed on one’s ways of being and doing, facing ignorance and misperceptions, having conversations and dialogue, facing language barriers and being in a supportive and caring environment. This study highlights how cultural safety varies according to people, context and time, and relates to developing trustful relationships.
Real-world management of targeted therapies in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Weis Taylor M , Gutierrez Jillian , Kabel Charlene C , King Amber C , Daley Ryan J , Stump Sarah E
Published: March 2022

The advent of novel targeted therapies, including B-cell receptor (BCR) pathway and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) inhibitors, has substantially changed the treatment paradigm for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Although targeted therapies have improved outcomes compared to traditional chemoimmunotherapy in the front-line and relapsed or refractory settings, they are associated with resistance mutations and suboptimal outcomes in certain high-risk patients. Additionally, targeted therapies are associated with drug interactions and unique adverse effect profiles which can be challenging for patients and clinicians to manage. Ongoing studies continue to address questions regarding optimal sequencing of therapies, the role of treatment combinations, and the efficacy of next-generation novel agents. This review provides a comprehensive overview regarding the clinical management of targeted therapies for CLL and applies current literature to clinical practice.
The emergence of international comparisons of health inequalities as reflected in the Scandinavian Journal of Public Health during its five decades
Authors: Lahelma Eero , Rahkonen Ossi
Published: March 2022

Aims:

We examined the development of research articles published in the Scandinavian Journal of Public Health and its predecessors Acta Socio-Medica Scandinavica and the Scandinavian Journal of Social Medicine from 1969 until 2020 to be able to identify the place of international comparisons of socioeconomic inequalities in health in the journal.

Methods:

Altogether 3237 research articles were screened to yield 126 comparative research articles. Examining full texts of the comparative articles led to 13 articles reporting comparisons of health inequalities.

Results:

The first one came out in 1972, but the rest only after the mid-1990s. The most common socioeconomic indicator was education, but also occupational class and income was used. The most common health indicator was self-rated health. The articles compared Nordic countries with each other, but also with non-Nordic countries. Although the number of comparative studies on health inequalities was relatively small, there were examples of well-designed studies using advanced methodology. We examined only published journal articles over the past five decades, not submitted but rejected papers.

Conclusions:

In the Scandinavian Journal of Public Health and its predecessors, comparisons of health inequalities were few and emerged relatively late, that is, during the past two decades.
Multibody modelling of the foot for the biomechanical analysis of the ankle joint during running: A narrative review
Authors: Marta Gonçalo , Quental Carlos , Folgado João , Guerra-Pinto Francisco
Published: March 2022

The number of people running has risen exponentially in the last decade, increasing the need for better research on running-related injuries, shoe construction and performance enhancement. Considering the key role of the ankle, the second most injured joint after the knee and the only link of the body to the ground, for human motion, the aim of this study is to provide a general overview of generic foot multibody models and their application to the analysis of ankle biomechanics during running. Searches for studies published until February 2021 were performed in scientific databases. The selected studies contemplated original foot multibody models and their running applications. Multibody models of the foot included kinematic and dynamic approaches with the foot being modelled by 3 to 26 segments. Some models have been used to understand the ankle biomechanics regarding running, but most considered only simplified models of the foot. Moreover, their application in the understanding of running mechanics is still very shallow, focusing mainly on the study of joint angle variation and ground reaction forces. This narrative review shows that detailed multibody models of the ankle, which represent its high complexity, are still scarce. An understanding of the different parameters that influence sports performance and injury prevalence has yet to be achieved. Future research should address these topics to create intervention strategies on injury prevention and to maximise sports performance.
Who prefers nonpartisan elections? The role of individual party ID and county partisanship
Authors: Crawford Evan
Published: March 2022

To what extent does the public prefer local government officials to be selected via nonpartisan, as opposed to partisan, elections? Do preferences vary across different types of local offices? Do Democrats and Republicans systematically differ in their preference for nonpartisan versus partisan local elections? Using a novel dataset based on the 2018 and 2020 CES, I find that while nonpartisan elections are the modal preference for local offices, the proportion of voters favoring this model varies with office-type, party ID, and whether respondents live in counties with a majority of their co-partisans. Specifically, Democrats are more likely to prefer nonpartisan elections for local offices than are Republicans, but there is only evidence for these inter-party differences in Republican-leaning counties. County partisanship also has a significant effect on intra-party variation in preference for nonpartisan elections to certain local offices.