bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors of Early Childhood Caries Among Preschool Children in Eastern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Haj Ali Sanaa N. , Alsineedi Faisal , Alsamari Nouf , Alduhayan Ghaida , BaniHani Alaa , Farah Ra’fat I.
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to determine the risk factors of early childhood caries (ECC) among preschool children from eastern Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional study, 241 carers and their children from 10 daycares were recruited and asked to complete a questionnaire aimed at assessing their sociodemographic profile and oral health-related behaviors. This was followed by a dental examination of the children by two calibrated dentists. Caries status was recorded using the dmft index. Chi-square and logistic regression tests were used to analyze the data ( p < 0.05). The mean dmft of the children was 4.39 (SD ± 4.25). According to logistic regression analysis, children who were bottle-fed between 7 and 12 months (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 0.110) or breastfed between 13 and 18 months (AOR: 0.028) were less likely to have ECC than those with a prolonged feeding duration (>18 months). Also, those with smoking carers (AOR: 0.176) were less likely to have ECC than those with nonsmoking carers. On the other hand, children who had working carers, mainly mothers, in the education sector (AOR: 11.105), were more likely to have ECC ( p < 0.05). The risk factors associated with the presence of ECC among preschool children in eastern Saudi Arabia include the mother’s occupation and the carer’s smoking status, as well as feeding practices (particularly bottle feeding). These factors can be modified by encouraging carers to completely wean their children (particularly from the bottle) by 18 months of age and advising working mothers to perform tooth brushing for their children in the morning before they go to work and in the evening before the children go to bed.
Childhood Adversity Trajectories and Violent Behaviors in Adolescence and Early Adulthood
Authors: Salo Madeleine , Appleton Allison A. , Tracy Melissa
Published: April 2021

Violence and other antisocial behaviors, including fighting and weapon carrying, are highly prevalent among adolescents but usually decrease in young adulthood. Childhood adversities, including exposure to abuse, intimate partner violence, and household substance use and mental health problems, have been linked to violent behaviors in adolescence and adulthood. However, few studies of childhood adversity as determinants of persistent violent behavior among community-based samples have been conducted. Furthermore, the effects of adversity timing and duration on subsequent violent behaviors are unclear. We examined the association between five childhood adversity trajectories (representing stable-low, stable-mild, decreasing, increasing, and stable-high adversity from birth through age 11.5 years) and physical fighting and weapon carrying at ages 13-20 years among a sample of young adults followed continuously since birth from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children ( n = 9,665). The prevalence of violent behaviors declined sharply as participants aged (e.g., whereas 42.8% reported engaging in physical fighting in the past year at ages 13-15 years, this dropped to 10.4% at ages 17-20 years). Childhood adversity trajectories exhibited a strong dose-response relation with physical fighting and weapon carrying, with particularly pronounced relations for violent behaviors persisting across both adolescence and early adulthood (e.g., for physical fighting at both ages 13-15 years and 17-20 years compared to no fighting at either period, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.31-2.00 for stable-mild; aOR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.64-3.33 for decreasing; aOR = 3.18, 95% CI = 2.20-4.60 for increasing; and aOR = 3.73, 95% CI = 2.13-6.52 for stable-high adversity, compared to stable-low adversity). This work highlights the substantial implications of exposure to childhood adversity for youth violence prevention.
Why Should Businesses Support Public Health?
Authors: Myburgh Inge , Goetzel Ron Z. , Roemer Enid Chung , Kent Karen B.
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique opportunity to gain support from the business community for rebuilding a more effective and resilient public health infrastructure in the U.S. This commentary provides the rationale for more engaged business involvement in efforts to promote public health during the time of COVID-19. Drawing on the current pandemic, the commentary highlights the implications of a fragmented public health system for businesses and the nation at large, the shortcomings of which are apparent as never before.
An overview on the influence of process parameters through the characteristic of 3D-printed PEEK and PEI parts
Authors: El Magri Anouar , Vanaei Saeedeh , Vaudreuil Sébastien
Published: April 2021

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology is increasingly applied in automotive, aerospace and medical applications. FFF is one of the most widely used additive manufacturing techniques to manufacture thermoplastics or their composites. FFF enables improvement in both cycle time and total cost of product development. Such improvements are achieved through the quick manufacture of functional prototypes enable real-world product development and testing. While the benefits of FFF are undeniable, its use in demanding applications is hindered by materials properties. The used commodity and standard polymers actually exhibit low to medium thermal and mechanical properties. To overcome this limitation, the aerospace industry looks for high-performance thermoplastics to obtain plastic parts strong enough to be used as a replacement for metal. Recent developments in FFF equipment now enable engineering polymers, such as Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and Polyether imide (PEI), to be utilized for parts with increased mechanical and thermal properties. Thus, this article reviews and discusses the properties and the printing parameters of PEEK and PEI produced by FFF.
Three-dimensional cooperative interception guidance law with impact time constraint
Authors: Hongxia Li , Yifan Deng , Cai Yuanli
Published: April 2021

This article proposes a new terminal cooperative guidance law with impact time constraint in three-dimensional (3D) engagement. Two parts are comprised by this guidance scheme to control the impact time and fulfill the interception. The guidance law along the line-of-sight (LOS) direction is first designed based on finite time consensus protocol to share time-to-go values among missiles and reach the consensus. Meanwhile, the guidance law on the LOS normal direction is developed based on the fast finite time control method to achieve the interception. The stability analysis of the proposed guidance law based on the Lyapunov theory is also demonstrated in detail. Moreover, the maneuvering target can be intercepted successfully under the presented control algorithm, and the guidance system can fulfill stability within finite time. Additionally, the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed guidance scheme are explicitly verified through simulation tests.
Is public engagement gendered? An analytical proposal using some evidence from Italy
Authors: Anzivino Monia
Published: April 2021

The relationship between gender and public engagement in the literature is unclear. Unlike with other factors, research has not conclusively shown whether gender affects involvement in public engagement activities and, if it does so, in what direction. This article aims to investigate this ambiguity and intends to contribute to the understanding of underlying factors. Using survey data from a large national sample of Italian academics from all disciplines ( N = 5123), we find a gender gap in public engagement activities in the mass media and not in community-based activities. These results suggest a different analytical approach for investigating gender differences in public engagement.
Due process implications of law enforcement agencies using Investigative Genetic Genealogy to solve serious crimes
Authors: Rego Rhanee , Anderson John
Published: April 2021

Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) has opened up new frontiers in the search for the perpetrators of serious crimes. The pool of data held by consumer DNA databases has enabled law enforcement agencies to undertake database matching to find biological relatives of an unknown perpetrator. This relatively new forensic practice is not, however, without concerns when benchmarked against established norms of investigative practice and criminal procedure. The critical questions emerge: how should IGG be used and in what circumstances? In this article, we contend that the current laws in Australia are not capable of regulating IGG appropriately and legislative reform is required.
Accuracy electroencephalography classification by a regularized long short-term memory network
Authors: Gong Zhenying , Wang Tao , Zhao Zhen , Liu Xin , Guo Yina ,   Member, IEEE
Published: April 2021

The motor-based brain–computer interface is widely used in the exoskeleton reconstruction of patients with muscle weakness and to enhance the operating experience of somatosensory game customers through the combination of actions and electroencephalography signals. However, the recognition algorithms in traditional motor-based brain–computer interfaces have problems such as “brain–computer interface blindness” (recognition accuracy is less than 70%) and “one person one model.” In this study, a regularized long short-term memory algorithm and a hardware platform for gesture recognition by using the motor-based brain–computer interface are proposed. Experimental results show that the gesture recognition accuracy rate based on the motor brain–computer interface is up to 95.69%, which is significantly better than that of other algorithms. The proposed model enhances the applicability and generalization ability of the brain–computer interface, for which the practicability and effectiveness are verified.
MFIX-Exa: A path toward exascale CFD-DEM simulations
Authors: Musser Jordan , Almgren Ann S , Fullmer William D , Antepara Oscar , Bell John B , Blaschke Johannes , Gott Kevin , Myers Andrew , Porcu Roberto , Rangarajan Deepak , Rosso Michele , Zhang Weiqun , Syamlal Madhava
Published: April 2021

MFIX-Exa is a computational fluid dynamics–discrete element model (CFD-DEM) code designed to run efficiently on current and next-generation supercomputing architectures. MFIX-Exa combines the CFD-DEM expertise embodied in the MFIX code—which was developed at NETL and is used widely in academia and industry—with the modern software framework, AMReX, developed at LBNL. The fundamental physics models follow those of the original MFIX, but the combination of new algorithmic approaches and a new software infrastructure will enable MFIX-Exa to leverage future exascale machines to optimize the modeling and design of multiphase chemical reactors.
Aging with multiple sclerosis: A longitudinal study of physical function, mental health, and memory in two cohorts of US women
Authors: Cortese Marianna , Bjornevik Kjetil , Chitnis Tanuja , Ascherio Alberto , Munger Kassandra L
Published: April 2021

Background:

It is unknown how individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) age compared to unaffected peers.

Objectives:

The objective of the study is to describe the impact of MS on health and functioning in aging women.

Methods:

We used 10-item Physical Functioning Scale (PF10) scores (from the Short Form-36 (SF-36)) and other indicators of general, physical, mental health, and memory collected repeatedly over 25 years with self-administered questionnaires among participants in the Nurses’ Health Study ( n = 121,700 recruited at ages 30–55) and Nurses’ Health Study II ( n = 116,429 recruited at ages 25–42) to compare women with MS ( n = 733) to unaffected peers in their health and disability, and describe/quantify the burden of aging with MS.

Results:

Women with MS had a consistently lower PF10 by 0.9–1.7 standard deviations with greater overall variability than unaffected women. PF10-scores gradually decreased with increasing age in both groups, but MS cases declined 3–4 times faster in midlife, while decline was similar in old age. The physical function score of 45-year-old women with MS was comparable to that of 75-year-old unaffected women; 70-year-old women with MS scored similarly to 85-year-old unaffected women. MS cases also reported worse health/more disability throughout adulthood on the other indicators.

Conclusion:

The age-related decline in physical health is accelerated by 15–30 years in MS patients compared to unaffected peers.
Do interest groups bias MPs’ perception of party voters’ preferences?
Authors: Eichenberger Steven , Varone Frédéric , Helfer Luzia
Published: April 2021

This study analyses how information provided by different types of interest groups influences the ability of members of parliament (MPs) to accurately perceive the preferences of those citizens who voted them into office. To study how information provision by interest groups affects MPs’ perceptions, we combine unique data from a citizen survey and face-to-face meetings with 151 federal MPs in Switzerland, thus enabling a comparison of actual voter preferences with MPs’ estimations of these preferences. Ties to citizen groups, as self-reported by MPs in our survey, relate to more accurate perceptions by MPs, even when controlling for MPs’ partisan affiliation. Ties to business groups, as declared in the official registry, relate to less accurate perceptions. These findings suggest that interest groups can both tighten and weaken MPs’ link to their party voters, which might have repercussions on substantive representation and democratic accountability.
Is orthodontic treatment associated with changes in self-esteem during adolescence? A longitudinal study
Authors: Vulugundam Srichitra , Abreu Lucas Guimarães , Bernabé Eduardo
Published: April 2021

Objective:

This study explored the association between history of orthodontic treatment and changes in self-esteem among British adolescents.

Design:

Birth cohort study.

Setting:

United Kingdom.

Participants:

Data from 2600 participants of the British Cohort Study were analysed.

Methods:

Participants completed the Lawrence Self-Esteem Questionnaire (LAWSEQ) at the ages of 10 and 16 years. The change in LAWSEQ score over six years was the outcome. Participants were divided into two groups according to parental reports of orthodontic treatment at the same ages. The association between history of orthodontic treatment and six-year changes in LAWSEQ score was tested in linear regression models adjusting for demographic factors (adolescents’ sex and ethnicity), family socioeconomic status (parental social class and mothers’ education), perceived orthodontic treatment need and baseline LAWSEQ score.

Results:

According to parental reports, 8% of participants had a history of orthodontic treatment. The mean LAWSEQ score at baseline was 13.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 13.6–13.9) and increased significantly over time by 1.7 units (95% CI 1.5–1.9). Orthodontic treatment history was positively, albeit not significantly, associated with change in LAWSEQ score (coefficient: 0.08, 95% CI –0.56 to 0.72). The direction of the association reversed but remained non-significant after adjustment for all confounders (coefficient: –0.19; 95% CI –0.68 to 0.30). Improvements in self-esteem were positively associated with mothers’ education (coefficient: 0.85; 95% CI 0.09–1.61) and negatively associated with self-esteem at baseline (coefficient –0.79; 95% CI –0.82 to –0.75).

Conclusion:

This six-year longitudinal study provided no evidence for an association between history of orthodontic treatment and changes in self-esteem during adolescence.
The failed amnesty of the ‘years of lead’ in Italy: Continuity and transformations between (de)politicization and punitiveness
Authors: Rossi Federica
Published: April 2021

The ‘years of lead’ commonly refer in Italy to the decade of the 1970s, characterized by widespread conflictuality, the use of violence for political aims and harsh state repression of political activism. Political violence has been primarily handled with both normal and exceptional means of criminal justice, yet debates on amnesty and reconciliation have been recurrent over the years. This article traces the history of the debates on amnesty and pardon for politically motivated offences to show how they have been shaped by changing national and international contexts. On the one hand, the ‘failed amnesty’ reflects the long-lasting repressive approach adopted by the Italian state to address the question of the political violence in the 1970s and the reluctance to acknowledge its collective and political character. On the other hand, this article argues that, beyond the apparent continuity of a punitive approach, the gradual disappearance of amnesty from political debates in the 1990s–2000s is symptomatic of a more paradigmatic shift resulting from the combination of different factors and trends, such as the transformation of the Italian political landscape in the early 1990s, the emergence and affirmation of a new punitive discourse, as well as the increasing delegitimation of amnesties in transitional settings. Thus, through a specific case-study, this article draws links between criminal justice and penal trends, political transformations and developments in transitional justice, and consequently intends to contribute to the discussion of the concept of punitiveness and the effects of the expanding international criminal law on the treatment of politically motivated offences.
A novel topology optimization of coverage-oriented strategy for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Wang Shuxin , You Hairong , Yue Yinggao , Cao Li
Published: April 2021

Aiming at the key optimization problems of wireless sensor networks in complex industrial application environments, such as the optimum coverage and the reliability of the network, a novel topology optimization of coverage-oriented strategy for wireless sensor networks based on the wolf pack algorithm is proposed. Combining the characteristics of topology structure of wireless sensor networks and the optimization idea of the wolf pack algorithm redefines the group’s wandering and surprise behavior. A novel head wolf mutation strategy is proposed, which increases the neighborhood search range of the optimal solution, enhances the uniformity of wolf pack distribution and the ergodicity ability of the wolf pack search, and greatly improves the calculation speed and the accuracy of the wolf pack algorithm. With the same probability, the cluster heads are randomly selected periodically, and the overall energy consumption of wireless sensor networks is evenly distributed to the sensor node to realize the balanced distribution of the data of the member nodes in the cluster and complete the design of the topology optimization of wireless sensor networks. Through algorithm simulation and result analysis, compared with the particle swarm optimization algorithm and artificial fish swarm algorithm, the wolf swarm algorithm shows its advantages in terms of the residual energy of the sensor node, the average transmission delay, the average packet delivery rate, and the coverage of the network. Among them, compared with the particle swarm optimization algorithm and artificial fish swarm algorithm, the remaining energy of nodes has increased by 9.5% and 15.5% and the average coverage of the network has increased by 10.5% and 5.6%, respectively.
Switch from intravenous to subcutaneous immunoglobulin IgPro20 in CIDP patients: a prospective observational study under real-world conditions
Authors: Gingele Stefan , Koch Moritz , Saparilla Anna Christina , Körner Gudrun M. , von Hörsten Jarle , Gingele Marina , Seeliger Tabea , Konen Franz Felix , Hümmert Martin W. , Neyazi Alexandra , Stangel Martin , Skripuletz Thomas
Published: April 2021

Background:

IgPro20 is the first approved subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) preparation for the treatment of patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Two different doses of the SCIg preparation were investigated in the pivotal PATH study. Real-world data, and particularly the efficacy of an equivalent dose switch from intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) to SCIg, are still not available.

Methods:

In this prospective observational study, 41 patients with CIDP treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) were changed to an equivalent (1:1) dose of IgPro20 1 week after last IVIg treatment. Patients were examined at the time of switch from IVIg to SCIg, after 3 and after 6 months and efficacy, treatment preferences and systemic and local reactions were assessed.

Results:

Various clinical outcome parameters demonstrated overall stability regarding disability, general activity and social participation, grip and muscle strength, as well as gait impairment. Treatment satisfaction remained unchanged between IVIg and SCIg therapy. However, 88% of patients favoured treatment with subcutaneous IgPro20 over IVIg 6 months after switch to IgPro20.

Conclusion:

Results demonstrate that the switch of IVIg to an equivalent dose of SCIg represents an effective and preferred treatment option for CIDP patients.
Eye Protection in ENT Practice During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Ng Jia Hui , Daniel Dan , Sadovoy Anton , Teo Constance Ee Hoon
Published: April 2021

Objectives

There is a lack of evidence‐based guidelines with regard to eye protection for aerosol‐generating procedures in otolaryngology practice. In addition, some recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) is not compatible with commonly used ENT equipment. This study aims to investigate the degree of eye protection that commonly used PPE gives.

Study Design

Simulation model.

Setting

Simulation laboratory.

Methods

A custom‐built setup was utilized to simulate the clinical scenario of a patient cough in proximity of a health care worker. A system that sprays a xanthan‐fluorescein mixture was set up and calibrated to simulate a human cough. A mannequin with cellulose paper placed on its forehead, eyes, and mouth was fitted with various PPE combinations and exposed to the simulated cough. The degree of contamination on the cellulose papers was quantified with a fluorescent microscope able to detect aerosols ≥10 µm.

Results

When no eye protection was worn, 278 droplets/aerosols reached the eye area. The use of the surgical mask with an attached upward‐facing shield alone resulted in only 2 droplets/aerosols reaching the eye area. In this experiment, safety glasses and goggles performed equally, as the addition of either brought the number of droplets/aerosols reaching the eye down to 0.

Conclusion

When used with an upward‐facing face shield, there was no difference in the eye protection rendered by safety goggles or glasses in this study. Safety glasses may be considered a viable alternative to safety goggles in aerosol‐generating procedures.
Kaolinite-armoured polyurea microcapsules fabricated on Pickering emulsion: controllable encapsulation and release performance of a lipophilic compound
Authors: Li Cunjun , Wang Minghao , Liu Zhaoliang , Xu Yanqi , Zhou Chunhui , Wang Linjiang
Published: April 2021

Microcapsules are successfully used in various applications such as self-healing, drug delivery and military camouflage. The shells of the microcapsules based on the traditional surfactant-stabilized emulsion template method are often single organic materials. The surfactants generally have insufficient stability against demulsification during preparation of the microcapsules. In the present study, kaolinite was used as an emulsifier for stabilizing Pickering emulsions and subsequently as an enhancer for forming microcapsules. Kaolinite-armoured polyurea microcapsules were fabricated based on the interfacial polymerization of isophorone diisocyanate at the oil–water interfaces of kaolinite-stabilized Pickering emulsions. The prepared microcapsules with core–shell structure were spherical and exhibited good dispersibility in anhydrous ethanol. The shell thickness (~0.5–1.0 μm) and diameter (~20.0–160.0 μm) of kaolinite-armoured polyurea microcapsules may be tailored by varying the dosages of isophorone diisocyanate and kaolinite and the emulsifying speed of the high-shear homogenizer. Hence, the encapsulation and release performance of microcapsules may be controlled. The kaolinite particles were embedded and armoured in a polyurea matrix. The formed kaolinite-embedded and -armoured polyurea structures might prolong the release of the encapsulated lipophilic Sudan Red (III) from 20 to 45 h. The microcapsules have controllable encapsulation and release characteristics for lipophilic compounds and are cost effective, making them suitable pesticides.
Cancer immune control dynamics: a clinical data driven model of systemic immunity in patients with metastatic melanoma
Authors: Frisch Harold P. , Sprau Allan , McElroy Virginia F. , Turner James D. , Becher Laura R. E. , Nevala Wendy K. , Leontovich Alexey A. , Markovic Svetomir N.
Published: April 2021

Background

Recent clinical advances in cancer immuno-therapeutics underscore the need for improved understanding of the complex relationship between cancer and the multiple, multi-functional, inter-dependent, cellular and humoral mediators/regulators of the human immune system. This interdisciplinary effort exploits engineering analysis methods utilized to investigate anomalous physical system behaviors to explore immune system behaviors. Cancer Immune Control Dynamics (CICD), a systems analysis approach, attempts to identify differences between systemic immune homeostasis of 27 healthy volunteers versus 14 patients with metastatic malignant melanoma based on daily serial measurements of conventional peripheral blood biomarkers (15 cell subsets, 35 cytokines). The modeling strategy applies engineering control theory to analyze an individual’s immune system based on the biomarkers’ dynamic non-linear oscillatory behaviors. The reverse engineering analysis uses a Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) algorithm to solve the inverse problem and identify a solution profile of the active biomarker relationships. Herein, 28,605 biologically possible biomarker interactions are modeled by a set of matrix equations creating a system interaction model. CICD quantifies the model with a participant’s biomarker data then computationally solves it to measure each relationship’s activity allowing a visualization of the individual’s current state of immunity.

Results

CICD results provide initial evidence that this model-based analysis is consistent with identified roles of biomarkers in systemic immunity of cancer patients versus that of healthy volunteers. The mathematical computations alone identified a plausible network of immune cells, including T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells (DC) with cytokines MCP-1 [CXCL2], IP-10 [CXCL10], and IL-8 that play a role in sustaining the state of immunity in advanced cancer.

Conclusions

With CICD modeling capabilities, the complexity of the immune system is mathematically quantified through thousands of possible interactions between multiple biomarkers. Therefore, the overall state of an individual’s immune system regardless of clinical status, is modeled as reflected in their blood samples. It is anticipated that CICD-based capabilities will provide tools to specifically address cancer and treatment modulated (immune checkpoint inhibitors) parameters of human immunity, revealing clinically relevant biological interactions.
Study of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in a cohort of myocardial infarction patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Raljević Damir , Peršić Viktor , Markova-Car Elitza , Cindrić Leon , Miškulin Rajko , Žuvić Marta , Kraljević Pavelić Sandra
Published: April 2021

Background

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery diseases (CAD). As vitamin D manifests its biological function through its vitamin D receptor (VDR), VDR gene polymorphisms potentially affect VDR functionality and vitamin D activity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze three well-studied VDR gene polymorphisms—Fok1 (rs2228570), BsmI (rs1544410) and Taq1 (rs731236)—in a cohort of CAD patients after acute myocardial infarction.

Methods

In the presented cross-sectional study, 155 participants with CAD after acute myocardial infarction and 104 participants in a control group without CAD were enrolled. The participants in both groups were Caucasians of European origin. The genotyping of VDR polymorphisms rs2228570, rs1544410 and rs731236 was assessed by RT-PCR.

Results

The results show an association between the T/T genotype of the BsmI (rs1544410) and the G/G genotype of the Taq1 (rs731236) VDR polymorphism and CAD patients after acute myocardial infarction. There was no association between the Fok1 (rs2228570) VDR polymorphism and CAD patients after acute myocardial infarction.

Conclusion

The presented results suggest a potential association of the BsmI (rs1544410) and Taq1 (rs731236) VDR polymorphisms with CAD patients after myocardial infarction.
Correction to: Prevalence of depression and associated factors among elderly people in Womberma District, north-west, Ethiopia
Authors: Mulat Nebiyu , Gutema Hordofa , Wassie Gizachew Tadesse
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Effects of person-environment fit of gender-role orientation on burnout, engagement and hair steroids as stress biomarkers among women
Authors: Wacker Eva , Fischer Axel , Schorlemmer Julia
Published: April 2021

Background

Analysis on gender related differences in occupational stress and burnout levels usually reveal higher occupational stress and burnout levels for women compared to men, especially in male-dominated working environments. In opposition to group differentiation, more specific gender-related dimensions feminity and masculinity were used in the study to describe individual and work environment characteristics and analyze their effects.

Methods

In a cross-sectional design, survey results were linked to steroid levels in hair samples. Data was collected in a German medical services company with 146 employed women age 22–66 years (M = 40.48, SD = 10.38), 58 of them provided hair samples for steroid detection. Feminity and masculinity were measured by Gender Role Orientation Scale GTS+. Two Person-Environment fit scores in feminity and masculinity were calculated by subtracting individual from environment values. Both fit scores were proved as predictors in hierarchical linear regression models predicting burnout and work engagement as well as hair steroids cortisol, cortisone, DHEA, testosterone and progesterone detected by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) as stress biomarkers. Bivariate correlations as well as moderator and mediator analysis were implemented.

Results

After considering age, role clarity, and work organization, Person-Environment fit in feminity still added significant variance explanation (β = .23, ∆ R2 = .05, p = .003) for burnout. Person-Environment fit in feminity also explained poor variance in work engagement (β = −.29, R2 = .09, p < .001). Person-Environment fit in masculinity added considerable variance explanation (β = .34, ∆ R2 = .12, p = 0.018) to cortisol levels after including quantitative demands to the model.

Conclusions

Person-Environment fit in feminity might be inspected as a predictor for burnout and work engagement. Person-Environment fit in masculinity can be taken into consideration as a predictor for hair cortisol as stress biomarker. Feminity and masculinity can be used as personality traits as well as characteristics of work environment, thus providing a particular gender-role related method of differentiation within gender groups. Also, specific methods could be derived for stress and burnout prevention and promotion of work engagement. Representative population studies with bigger samples and longitudinal surveys are needed to better explore the benefits and limitations of this approach.
Correction to: Circ-ASH2L promotes tumor progression by sponging miR-34a to regulate Notch1 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Yan , Li Zhonghu , Zhang Mengyun , Wang Bo , Ye Jiaxin , Zhang Yang , Tang Di , Ma Dandan , Jin Weidong , Li Xiaowu , Wang Shuguang
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Correction to: KIFC1 is activated by TCF-4 and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma pathogenesis by regulating HMGA1 transcriptional activity
Authors: Teng Kai , Wei Shi , Zhang Chi , Chen Jiewei , Chen Jinbin , Xiao Kanghua , Liu Jun , Dai Miaomiao , Guan Xinyuan , Yun Jingping , Xie Dan
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Identification of X-chromosomal genes that drive sex differences in embryonic stem cells through a hierarchical CRISPR screening approach
Authors: Genolet Oriana , Monaco Anna A. , Dunkel Ilona , Boettcher Michael , Schulz Edda G.
Published: April 2021

Background

X-chromosomal genes contribute to sex differences, in particular during early development, when both X chromosomes are active in females. Double X-dosage shifts female pluripotent cells towards the naive stem cell state by increasing pluripotency factor expression, inhibiting the differentiation-promoting MAP kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and delaying differentiation.

Results

To identify the genetic basis of these sex differences, we use a two-step CRISPR screening approach to comprehensively identify X-linked genes that cause the female pluripotency phenotype in murine embryonic stem cells. A primary chromosome-wide CRISPR knockout screen and three secondary screens assaying for different aspects of the female pluripotency phenotype allow us to uncover multiple genes that act in concert and to disentangle their relative roles. Among them, we identify Dusp9 and Klhl13 as two central players. While Dusp9 mainly affects MAPK pathway intermediates, Klhl13 promotes pluripotency factor expression and delays differentiation, with both factors jointly repressing MAPK target gene expression.

Conclusions

Here, we elucidate the mechanisms that drive sex-induced differences in pluripotent cells and our approach serves as a blueprint to discover the genetic basis of the phenotypic consequences of other chromosomal effects.
Maternal drinking and smoking. Can it explain the exceptional academic performance of LBOTE children? A preliminary analysis
Authors: Gibson Louisa , Porter Melanie
Published: April 2021

Objective

Although children from language backgrounds other than English (LBOTE) may be disadvantaged in English-reliant exams, they outperform children from an English language background (ELB) on many Australian National Assessment Program–Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assessments. Maternal alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding have been associated with poorer cognitive and academic performance. Using data from the Growing Up in Australia Study, this paper aimed to identify demographic, lifestyle, and prenatal and perinatal risk differences related to maternal tobacco and alcohol use between LBOTE and ELB groups, as a first step in trying to understand the academic performance differences.

Results

Only data from breastfed babies was included in the current analyses. Although LBOTE children were disadvantaged in several demographic areas, their NAPLAN performance was the same or superior to ELB children across all Grade 3 and 5 NAPLAN assessments. The LBOTE group were, however, breastfed for longer, and their mothers smoked fewer cigarettes and drank less alcohol on fewer occasions throughout their pregnancy. The LBOTE mothers also had lower or less risky patterns of alcohol consumption while breastfeeding. The longer breastfeeding duration of LBOTE children combined with lower maternal use of alcohol and cigarettes during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding may partially contribute to their exceptional NAPLAN performance.
Postoperative malignant hyperthermia confirmed by calcium-induced calcium release rate after breast cancer surgery, in which prompt recognition and immediate dantrolene administration were life-saving: a case report
Authors: Miyazaki Natsumi , Kobayashi Takayuki , Komiya Takako , Okada Toshio , Ishida Yusuke , Fukui Hidekimi , Ogihara Yukihiko , Uchino Hiroyuki
Published: April 2021

Background

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare genetic disease characterized by the development of very serious symptoms, and hence prompt and appropriate treatment is required. However, postoperative MH is very rare, representing only 1.9% of cases as reported in the North American Malignant Hyperthermia Registry (NAMHR). We report a rare case of a patient who developed sudden postoperative hyperthermia after mastectomy, which was definitively diagnosed as MH by the calcium-induced calcium release rate (CICR) measurement test.

Case presentation

A 61-year-old Japanese woman with a history of stroke was hospitalized for breast cancer surgery. General anesthesia was introduced by propofol, remifentanil, and rocuronium. After intubation, anesthesia was maintained using propofol and remifentanil, and mastectomy and muscle flap reconstruction surgery was performed and completed without any major problems. After confirming her spontaneous breathing, sugammadex was administered and she was extubated. Thereafter, systemic shivering and masseter spasm appeared, and a rapid increase in body temperature (maximum: 38.9 °C) and end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) (maximum: 59 mmHg) was noted. We suspected MH and started cooling the body surface of the axilla, cervix, and body trunk, and administered chilled potassium-free fluid and dantrolene. After her body temperature dropped and her shivering improved, dantrolene administration was ended, and finally she was taken to the intensive care unit (ICU). Body cooling was continued within the target range of 36–37 °C in the ICU. No consciousness disorder, hypotension, increased serum potassium level, metabolic acidosis, or cola-colored urine was observed during her ICU stay. Subsequently, her general condition improved and she was discharged on day 12. Muscle biopsy after discharge was performed and provided a definitive diagnosis of MH.

Conclusions

The occurrence of MH can be life-threatening, but its frequency is very low, and genetic testing and muscle biopsy are required to confirm the diagnosis. On retrospective evaluation using the malignant hyperthermia scale, the present case was almost certainly that of a patient with MH. Prompt recognition and immediate treatment with dantrolene administration and body cooling effectively reversed a potentially fatal syndrome. This was hence a valuable case of a patient with postoperative MH that led to a confirmed diagnosis by CICR.
The clinical effects of cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring (NIRS) versus no monitoring: a protocol for a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Hansen Mathias Lühr , Hyttel-Sørensen Simon , Jakobsen Janus Christian , Gluud Christian , Kooi Elisabeth M. W. , Mintzer Jonathan , de Boode Willem P. , Fumagalli Monica , Alarcon Ana , Alderliesten Thomas , Greisen Gorm
Published: April 2021

Background

Multiple clinical conditions are associated with cerebral hypoxia/ischaemia and thereby an increased risk of hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury. Cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring (NIRS) is a tool to monitor brain oxygenation and perfusion, and the clinical uptake of NIRS has expanded over recent years. Specifically, NIRS is used in the neonatal, paediatric, and adult perioperative and intensive care settings. However, the available literature suggests that clinical benefits and harms of cerebral NIRS monitoring are uncertain. As rates of clinically significant hypoxic-ischaemic brain injuries are typically low, it is difficult for randomised clinical trials to capture a sufficiently large number of events to evaluate the clinical effect of cerebral NIRS monitoring, when focusing on specific clinical settings. The aim of this systematic review will be to evaluate the benefits and harms of clinical care with access to cerebral NIRS monitoring versus clinical care without cerebral NIRS monitoring in children and adults across all clinical settings.

Methods

We will conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis. We will only include randomised clinical trials. The primary outcomes are all-cause mortality, moderate or severe persistent cognitive or neurological deficit, and proportion of participants with one or more serious adverse events. We will search CENTRAL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Science Citation Index Expanded from their inception and onwards. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and extract data. The risk of bias will be appraised using the Cochrane risk of bias tool version 2.0. If feasible, we will conduct both random-effects meta-analysis and fixed-effect meta-analysis of outcome data. Additional analysis will be conducted to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity (e.g. risk of bias, clinical setting).

Discussion

As we include trials across multiple clinical settings, there is an increased probability of reaching a sufficient information size. However, heterogeneity between the included trials may impair our ability to interpret results to specific clinical settings. In this situation, we may have to depend on subgroup analyses with inherent increased risks of type I and II errors.

Systematic review registration

PROSPEROCRD42020202986. This systematic review protocol has been submitted for registration in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero) on the 12th of October 2020 and published on the 12th of November 2020 (registration IDCRD42020202986).
Influence of the link between resources and behavioural factors on the entrepreneurial intentions of electrical installation and maintenance work students
Authors: Ohanu Ifeanyi Benedict , Shodipe Taiwo Olabanji
Published: April 2021

With a theory of planned behaviour (TPB) framework, this study examined how the link between resources and behavioural factors influence the entrepreneurial intentions of electrical installation and maintenance work (EIMW) students. It showed how available resources, which are defined as those controlled by the technical institutions but are accessible by the students, influence their behaviour and consequently their entrepreneurial intention. Different approaches are used in the study to analyse the primary data collected from EIMW students and an empirical analysis was done using structural equation model. The study showed the robustness of TPB model in the face of available resource that attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control are behavioural factors that can be positively influence by several exogenous factors to enhance EIMW students’ entrepreneurial intentions. The results of the study enhance the institutional training of staff and instructors at all management to give career counselling services and be vast in the career opportunities available in the field of study. This skill will motivate EIMW students towards establishing their business venture.
Effects of climate adaptation on technical efficiency of maize production in Northern Ghana
Authors: Adzawla William , Alhassan Hamdiyah
Published: April 2021

Climate adaptation is an essential strategy for responding to climate change at local levels and required for sustainable food production to meet the growing food demand. In this light, this study analyzed the effects of climate adaptation strategies on technical efficiency of maize farmers in Northern Ghana. This involved a total of 619 maize farmers that were selected through a multistage sampling procedure. A Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier was fitted to the data. From the result, the major climate adaptation strategies adopted by the farmers include row planting, changing planting date, mixed farming, refilling, and intercropping. The frontier result shows that while climate adaptation significantly leads to higher maize outputs, only crop rotation and row planting significantly improve technical efficiency of maize farmers. Other factors that significantly influence maize output are farm size, labor, seed, and chemicals. The study concludes that climate adaptation, particularly, crop rotation and row planting, remains essential adaptation strategies for sustainable food production in the region. However, further understanding of mechanisms through which majority of the climate adaptation strategies significantly reduce technical efficiency is required.
Tumor suppressor SMAR1 regulates PKM alternative splicing by HDAC6-mediated deacetylation of PTBP1
Authors: Choksi Arpankumar , Parulekar Apoorva , Pant Richa , Shah Vibhuti Kumar , Nimma Ramakrishna , Firmal Priyanka , Singh Smriti , Kundu Gopal C. , Shukla Sanjeev , Chattopadhyay Samit
Published: April 2021

Background

Highly proliferating cancer cells exhibit the Warburg effect by regulation of PKM alternative splicing and promoting the expression of PKM2. Majority of the alternative splicing events are known to occur in the nuclear matrix where various MARBPs actively participate in the alternative splicing events. SMAR1, being a MARBP and an important tumor suppressor, is known to regulate the splicing of various cancer-associated genes. This study focuses on the regulation of PKM alternative splicing and inhibition of the Warburg effect by SMAR1.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was performed in breast cancer patient samples to establish the correlation between SMAR1 and PKM isoform expression. Further, expression of PKM isoforms upon modulation in SMAR1 expression in breast cancer cell lines was quantified by qRT-PCR and western blot. The acetylation status of PTBP1 was estimated by immunoprecipitation along with its enrichment on PKM pre-mRNA by CLIP in SMAR1 knockdown conditions. The role of SMAR1 in tumor metabolism and tumorigenesis was explored by in vitro enzymatic assays and functional assays upon SMAR1 knockdown. Besides, in vivo tumor formation by injecting adeno-SMAR1-transduced MDA-MB-231 cells in NOD/SCID mice was performed.

Results

The expression profile of SMAR1 and PKM isoforms in breast cancer patients revealed that SMAR1 has an inverse correlation with PKM2 and a positive correlation with PKM1. Further quantitative PKM isoform expression upon modulation in SMAR1 expression also reflects that SMAR1 promotes the expression of PKM1 over tumorigenic isoform PKM2. SMAR1 deacetylates PTBP1 via recruitment of HDAC6 resulting in reduced enrichment of PTBP1 on PKM pre-mRNA. SMAR1 inhibits the Warburg effect, tumorigenic potential of cancer cells, and in vivo tumor generation in a PKM2-dependent manner.

Conclusions

SMAR1 regulates PKM alternative splicing by causing HDAC6-dependent deacetylation of PTBP1, resulting in reduced enrichment of PTBP1 on PKM pre-mRNA. Additionally, SMAR1 suppresses glucose utilization and lactate production via repression of PKM2 expression. This suggests that tumor suppressor SMAR1 inhibits tumor cell metabolism and tumorigenic properties of cancer cells via regulation of PKM alternative splicing.