bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of colour coordinates of LEDs used in the automotive exterior lighting
Authors: Latal Jan , Hanulak Patrik , Kolar Jakub , Wilcek Zdenek , Stratil Tomas , Sarlej Filip
Published: February 2021

Article deals with dichromatic white light-emitting diode (LED’s) color coordinates used in automotive exterior lighting. This article also describes basic white automotive LED functionality and basic physical processes that create white light of these LEDs. It focuses on measuring color coordinates of white automotive LEDs with different temperature of LED and how the LED’s color depends on LED’s temperature. The article is comparing very important datasheet information of LED producers and values measured in the laboratory at university. The article contains statistical results of measurements and graphical representation of measured values and declared color bins which are very important for producers of headlamps for automotive companies.
“He Needed Just About Everything”: Caring for Aging Adults Postincarceration
Authors: Jimenez Laylla B. , Cross Sarah H. , Boucher Nathan A.
Published: February 2021

Little is known about the experiences of caregivers for older adults reentering communities following incarceration. We sought to explore the challenges faced by such caregivers in Central North Carolina.

Methods:

We conducted a thematic analysis on semi-structured interviews with 11 caregivers.

Results:

Caregivers discussed how prior incarceration coupled with aging present barriers to housing, employment, and safety-net benefits—making caregiving more difficult. Caregivers assist their older care recipients to develop essential life skills (e.g., scheduling tasks, applying for services) and navigate the dynamic aging process (e.g., loneliness, illness). Caregivers struggle to gain care recipients’ trust, often due to their past trauma.

Discussion:

Caregivers play essential roles supporting older adults postincarceration, yet they experience significant challenges with limited resources. This study informed the development of a resource guide to assist caregivers. Dedicated programs and policies are needed to address these needs at the local level.
Relationships Between Childhood Interpersonal Trauma, Religious Coping, Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms, and Resilience
Authors: Walker Hannah E. , Wamser-Nanney Rachel , Howell Kathryn H.
Published: February 2021

Positive and negative religious coping strategies have been linked to symptom trajectories following adult interpersonal trauma. However, the interactions between childhood interpersonal trauma, religious coping, and psychological outcomes are less clear. This study examined whether aspects of religious coping moderated the associations between cumulative childhood interpersonal trauma and mental health outcomes, such as post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and resilience. Participants included 525 undergraduates from two universities ( Mage = 20.04, SD = 1.71; range = 18–24; 57.7% White; 82.1% female). In both the positive and negative religious coping models, cumulative childhood interpersonal trauma was related to PTSS ( b = 6.66; b = 6.10, respectively). While positive religious coping was not associated with PTSS ( b = .01), it was linked to resilience ( b = .69). Negative religious coping was significantly related to PTSS ( b = .75) but not resilience ( b = –.20). No significant interactions were identified between aspects of religious coping and cumulative childhood interpersonal trauma. While religious coping was directly related to both positive and negative mental health outcomes, it may not be associated with the relationships between childhood interpersonal trauma exposure and clinical outcomes. Such findings offer valuable information on malleable factors that may contribute to adaptive and maladaptive functioning following childhood adversity.
My experience as Editor-in-Chief of Recherche et Applications en Marketing: The memory of a pioneer
Authors: Jallais Joël
Published: February 2021

My experience as Editor-in-Chief of the journal Recherche et Applications en Marketing (RAM) is that of a pioneer with the specific challenges and constraints of the years 1987 to 1990 of scientific publishing: to publish in a brand-new French-language journal original and relevant research submitted by a community of researchers not necessarily yet familiar with this activity; to manage a review process based on the highest international standards, in the specific technical context of this time.
The Additional Cost of Operating Rural Schools: Evidence From Vermont
Authors: Kolbe Tammy , Baker Bruce D. , Atchison Drew , Levin Jesse , Harris Phoebe
Published: February 2021

State policymakers wrestle with long-standing questions and concerns about how to best provide additional fiscal support to rural school districts to ensure their students have access to adequate educational opportunities. In this study, we describe how one state developed empirically based estimates for the additional cost of operating rural schools, typified by small enrollment and location in sparsely populated areas. The study’s findings clarify that school size and location are relevant, but distinct, cost factors that should be accounted for state school finance policies. Additionally, the study provides a model for how other states might leverage administrative data and apply education cost modeling to estimate cost differences for rural schools that can be used to inform state school finance policy.
The Fiscal Effects of Tax Increment Financing on Rural School Districts: The Case of Iowa
Authors: Nguyen-Hoang Phuong
Published: February 2021

Tax increment financing (TIF)—an economic (re)development tool originally designed for urban cities—has been available to rural communities for decades. This is the first study to focus solely on TIF in rural school districts, to examine TIF effects on school districts’ property tax base and rates, and to conduct event-study estimations of TIF effects. The study finds that TIF has mostly positive effects on rural school districts’ property tax base and mixed effects on property tax rates, and that TIF-induced increases in tax base come primarily from residential property and slightly from commercial property. The study’s findings assert the importance of returned excess increment if rural school districts in Iowa and many other states are to benefit from TIF.
Contiguous Osteomyelitis of Distal Extremities in Children
Authors: Nandavar Akshay Vivek , Toledano Talya , Marino Catalina , Khanna Shefali , Sitnitskaya Yekaterina
Published: February 2021

Objective. To evaluate the burden of Contiguous Osteomyelitis (COM) in pediatric patients with cellulitis/abscess of hands/feet. Methods. Children aged 0-18 years, treated from 2009 to 2019 for cellulitis/abscess of hands/feet, who either had Magnetic Resonance Imaging at presentation, or Roentgenogram >10 days after symptom-onset, were included. Two-tailed T-test was used to compare patients with and without COM. P-value < .05 deemed statistically significant. Results. Twenty of forty-one patients with abscess/cellulitis of distal extremities were diagnosed with COM. Between groups, no differences identified in trauma-to-presentation time, antibiotic treatment for >48 hours before admission, abscess versus cellulitis, location of infection, presence of fever, or signs of infection. Conclusion. In our cohort, clinical presentation did not differentiate COM. Imaging helped diagnose patients with COM, who would otherwise receive a shorter antibiotic course. Hands/feet imaging in pediatric patients hospitalized with cellulitis/abscess should be considered to identify COM and customize treatment. Further research is warranted.
Physiological Pacing: A New Road to Future
Authors: Arora Vanita , Suri Pawan
Published: February 2021

Anatomy and physiology are the basis of human body functioning and as we have progressed in management of various diseases, we have understood that physiological intervention is always better than an anatomical one. For more than 50 years, a standard approach to permanent cardiac pacing has been an anatomical placement of transvenous pacing lead at the right ventricular apex with a proven benefit of restoring the rhythm. However, the resultant ventricular dyssynchrony on the long-term follow-up in patients requiring more than 40% ventricular pacing led to untoward side effects in the form of heart failure and arrhythmias. To counter such adverse side effects, a need for physiological cardiac pacing wherein the electrical impulse be transmitted directly through the normal conduction system was sought. His bundle pacing (HBP) with an intriguing alternative of left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) is aimed at restoring such physiological activation of ventricles. HBP is safe, efficacious, and feasible; however, localization and placement of a pacing lead at the His bundle is challenging with existing transvenous systems due to its small anatomic size, surrounding fibrous tissue, long-learning curve, and the concern remains about lead dislodgement and progressive electrical block distal to the HBP lead.

In this article, we aim to take the reader through the challenging journey of HBP with focus upon the hardware and technique, selective versus nonselective HBP, indications and potential disadvantages, and finally the future prospects.
Lyn Kinase Activity Is Required for Akt Mediated Erythroleukemia Cell Differentiation
Authors: Plani-LAM Janice H. C. , Maxwell Mhairi , Slavova-Azmanova Neli , Kucera Nicole , Louw Alison , Satiaputra Jiulia , Wu Susan , Bastow Edward , Le Cindy , Quilici Cathy , Hibbs Margaret L , Ingley Evan
Published: February 2021

Erythroleukemia (M6 subtype of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia) is uncommon but has a poor prognosis, with reports of successful differentiation therapy using erythropoietin (Epo). Signaling through the Epo-receptor, which involves JAK2 and Lyn tyrosine kinases, controls red blood cell progenitor development. We have highlighted the importance of Lyn for regulating downstream Akt, and feed-back inhibitory signaling of the Epo-receptor through analysis of Lyn-/-, Lynup/up (hyperactive Lyn) and Cbp-/- (Csk-binding protein, a negative regulator of Lyn) erythroid cells. However, the importance of maintaining Lyn activity as opposed to Lyn protein for erythroid cell development and signaling, has not been delineated. To address this, we generated LynKD/KD mice (expressing a kinase dead K275M mutant Lyn), and analysed their erythroid compartment and signaling in immortalized erythroid progenitors. We show that LynKD/KD mice display splenic extramedullary erythropoiesis and have evidence of elevate bone marrow erythropoiesis, similar to Lyn-/- mice but with a less severe phenotype. Immortalized erythroid progenitors from LynKD/KD mice show impaired Epo-induced differentiation and a greater dependence on Epo for viability, but unaltered proliferation, compared to wild-type cells. Epo-induced signaling of LynKD/KD cells showed enhanced pJAK2/pSTAT5, reduced pAkt/pGAB2, and substantially reduced ALAS-e levels, compared to wild-type cells. Importantly, elevating Akt signaling in LynKD/KD cells by addition of phosphatase inhibitors (okadaic acid or Calyculin A), or via expression of active Akt, restored their differentiation capacity (and ALAS-e levels) and reduced their dependence on Epo for viability. We have unveiled that Lyn kinase activity, and not just its expression, is required for correct signaling of Akt to GATA-1 to maintain ALAS-e expression in erythroid cells, enabling hemoglobin production and viability during differentiation.

Disclosures

No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
An Engineered RNA Platform to Neutralize DNMT1 Function and Control DNA Methylation for Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Authors: Esposito Carla Lucia , Autiero Ida , Bassal Mahmoud Adel , Annamaria Sandomenico , Ummarino Simone , Borchiellini Marta , Ruvo Menotti , Catuogno Silvia , Ebralidze Alexander , De Franciscis Vittorio , Di Ruscio Annalisa
Published: February 2021

DNA methylation is a major signature involved in the regulation of gene expression. Numerous studies have established a link between aberrant DNA methylation and cancer (Herman and Baylin 2003, Baylin and Jones 2011, Feinberg 2018). Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of clonal hematopoietic malignancies, characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, cytopenia and risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in approximately 30% of the cases (Khan, Vale et al. 2013, Arber, Orazi et al. 2016). Abnormal DNA methylation is considered the molecular lesion leading to tumor suppressor gene silencing and clonal variation in MDS and evolution to AML (Figueroa, Skrabanek et al. 2009, Jiang, Dunbar et al. 2009, Feinberg 2018).

In the past decades two nucleoside-based compounds, 5-azacytidine and 5-aza 2'-deoxycytidine have been extensively tested to reduce global DNA methylation levels and received approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of MDS. Both drugs have been used as the frontline therapy for the management of higher-risk-to-transform MDS, that are ineligible for more aggressive treatment such as: allogenic transplants and standard chemotherapy. Unfortunately, cytotoxic and global non-specific demethylation effects, have limited their clinical application, revealing the need for smarter and safer epigenetic drugs.

Nucleic-acid aptamers are a new class of specific targeting molecules and represent high affinity ligands and potential antagonists of disease-associated proteins.

Herein, we present an innovative RNA aptamer-based approach to target DNMT1 function by translating the inherent neutralizing properties of RNA (Di Ruscio, Ebralidze et al. Nature, 2013, 503(7476):371-6) into an aptamer platform. Through a combinatorial chemistry strategy named SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment) (Mercier, Dontenwill et al. 2017), we shortlisted the most specific DNMT1-neutralizing RNA aptamers. These molecules display high specificity and serum stability and reveal strong structural affinity in targeting DNMT1, by molecular modelling and dynamic simulations. Foremost, we found that the selected aptamers specifically inhibit DNMT1 enzymatic activity both in vitro and in cells, thus impairing cell viability and leading to global demethylation.

Collectively, this study provides a proof-of-concept for the generation of the first RNA-based epigenetic therapy as well as an attractive and scalable tool of precision medicine. Such a tool will overcome the toxicity of in-use demethylating protocols and greatly improve care and treatment of patients with MDS and other disease triggered by aberrant DNA methylation.

Figure

Disclosures

No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Factors Predictive of Oral Abstract Being Published: Is Gender Disparity Playing a Role?
Authors: Kapoor Ankita , Patel Mehul P. , Khunger Arjun , Jizzini Mazen , Ammad Ud Din Mohammad , Gill Simrat , Nasir Samar , Manogna Dharmini , Gandhi Roopali Goyal , Agrawal Nikhil , Ather Hussain Syed , Gandhi Pulkit , Jamshed Saad
Published: February 2021

Introduction: It remains unclear what percentage of abstracts proceed to manuscript publication and the characteristics that predict successful publication. This study aimed to determine factors associated with successful peer-reviewed publications following oral presentation at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting.

Methods: All oral abstract presentations (n=621) in the hematological malignancy category from 2016 ASH annual meeting were included in the study. Abstract publication was confirmed by searching for the publicly listed abstract on PubMed by title, first, and last author names, and institutional matching. We recorded time to online publication, US versus foreign journal publication, and journal impact factor by 3.5 years from 2016 ASH annual meeting. Abstracts characteristics that were analyzed also included number of authors, gender of first author, gender of last author, and single vs multi-institution studies. Gender of the first and last author was confirmed by looking at their biography details on their institutional website. Descriptive analysis was performed and an association between presenter's or last author's gender and publication matrix was analyzed using Chi-square tests.

Results: Of the 621 abstracts, 350 (56%) were published in full text by three and a half years since the 2016 ASH annual meeting. The abstracts' average time to journal publication was 17.46 months (SD +/- 11.32) (Table 1). Of the published articles, 64% (223/350) were published in U.S. journals; mean impact factor for all publications was 14.46 (SD+/- 11.47).The median number of authors for published and unpublished abstracts were similar. Females presented 37% (228/621) of the abstracts and 35% (123/350) of the journal publications had female first author and 22% (77/350) had female last author. A total of 53.9% (123/228) abstracts presented by a female author were published versus 57.7% (227/393) abstracts presented by a male author (p=<0.001). Males were more often involved in multi-institutional trials (p=0.045) and were more likely to have senior authorship (p=0.005). There was no correlation between the gender of the first author to journal impact factor (p=0.109) or time to publication (p=0.091).

Conclusion: More than half of the oral abstracts were successfully published regardless of gender and number of authors. The rate of successful publication is higher for male authors even though there was no correlation between the gender of the first author to journal impact factor or time to publication. Our study highlights gender disparity in senior authorship, however this difference is not as wide in first authorship.

Disclosures

Jamshed: Takeda, Amgen and Celgene: Honoraria.
Pembrolizumab in mycosis fungoides with PD-L1 structural variants
Authors: Beygi Sara , Fernandez-Pol Sebastian , Duran George , Wang Erica B. , Stehr Henning , Zehnder James L. , Ramchurren Nirasha , Fling Steven P. , Cheever Martin A. , Weng Wen-Kai , Kim Youn H. , Khodadoust Michael S.
Published: February 2021

Key Points

PD-L1 structural variants are recurrent in mycosis fungoides with large cell transformation. PD-L1 structural variants in relapsed/refractory mycosis fungoides should prompt consideration of treatment with PD-1 inhibitors.
Constitutive activation of NF-κB during early bone marrow development results in loss of B cells at the pro-B-cell stage
Authors: Paun Andrea , Claudio Estefania , Siebenlist Ulrich K.
Published: February 2021

There is a considerable body of work exploring the role of NF-κB family of transcription factors in the maturation and functions of later stage B cells; however, their role in the earlier bone marrow stages of development is less well understood despite the demonstration that NF-κB activity is present at all early stages of B-cell development. To explore the consequences of early, B cell–targeted constitutive activation of both NF-κB pathways on B-cell development, we generated mice that have either or both. NF-κB pathways constitutively activated beginning in early pro-B cells. In marked contrast to activating a single pathway, we found mice with both pathways constitutively activated displayed a profound loss of B cells, starting with early pro-B cells and peaking at the late pro-B-cell stage, at least in part as a result of increased apoptosis. This effect was found to be cell autonomous and to have striking phenotypic consequences on the secondary lymphoid organs and circulating antibody levels. This effect was also found to be temporal in nature as similar activation under a Cre expressed later in development did not result in generation of a similar phenotype. Taken together, these findings help to shed further light on the need for tight regulation of the NF-κB family of transcription factors during the various stages of B-cell development in the bone marrow.
Measurable residual disease in elderly acute myeloid leukemia: results from the PETHEMA-FLUGAZA phase 3 clinical trial
Authors: Simoes Catia , Paiva Bruno , Martínez-Cuadrón David , Bergua Juan-Miguel , Vives Susana , Algarra Lorenzo , Tormo Mar , Martinez Pilar , Serrano Josefina , Herrera Pilar , Ramos Fernando , Salamero Olga , Lavilla Esperanza , Gil Cristina , Lopez Jose-Luis , Vidriales Maria-Belen , Labrador Jorge , Falantes Jose-Francisco , Sayas María-José , Ayala Rosa , Martinez-Lopez Joaquin , Villar Sara , Calasanz Maria-Jose , Prosper Felipe , San-Miguel Jesús F. , Sanz Miguel Ángel , Montesinos Pau
Published: February 2021

The value of measurable residual disease (MRD) in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is inconsistent between those treated with intensive vs hypomethylating drugs, and unknown after semi-intensive therapy. We investigated the role of MRD in refining complete remission (CR) and treatment duration in the phase 3 FLUGAZA clinical trial, which randomized 283 elderly AML patients to induction and consolidation with fludarabine plus cytarabine (FLUGA) vs 5-azacitidine. After consolidation, patients continued treatment if MRD was ≥0.01% or stopped if MRD was <0.01%, as assessed by multidimensional flow cytometry (MFC). On multivariate analysis including genetic risk and treatment arm, MRD status in patients achieving CR (N = 72) was the only independent prognostic factor for relapse-free survival (RFS) (HR, 3.45; P = .002). Achieving undetectable MRD significantly improved RFS of patients with adverse genetics (HR, 0.32; P = .013). Longer overall survival was observed in patients with undetectable MRD after induction though not after consolidation. Although leukemic cells from most patients displayed phenotypic aberrancies vs their normal counterpart (N = 259 of 265), CD34 progenitors from cases with undetectable MRD by MFC carried extensive genetic abnormalities identified by whole-exome sequencing. Interestingly, the number of genetic alterations significantly increased from diagnosis to MRD stages in patients treated with FLUGA vs 5-azacitidine (2.2-fold vs 1.1-fold; P = .001). This study supports MRD assessment to refine CR after semi-intensive therapy or hypomethylating agents, but unveils that improved sensitivity is warranted to individualize treatment and prolong survival of elderly AML patients achieving undetectable MRD.
A patient with a germlineGATA2mutation and primary myelofibrosis
Authors: Rütsche Cyrill V. , Haralambieva Eugenia , Lysenko Veronika , Balabanov Stefan , Theocharides Alexandre P. A.
Published: February 2021

Key Points

First description of a patient with a germline GATA2 mutation and diagnosis of primary myelofibrosis. Development of bone marrow failure on a Janus kinase inhibitor.
Determining the transverse isotropic rocks’ static elastic moduli with cylindrical plugs: Shortfalls, challenges, and expected outcomes
Authors: Shen Luyi W. , Playter Tiffany
Published: February 2021

Cylindrical-shaped plugs can be tested using a Hoek-cell-like apparatus that allows for efficient and inexpensive measurements of a rock’s static elastic properties. However, when it comes to transverse isotropic material, this approach has a natural limitation due to the isotropic radial stresses; particular attention to the boundary conditions and the proper design of pressurization steps is warranted. Typical attempts to constrain the complete set of compliances ([Formula: see text]), using multiple plugs of different orientations, are impeded by the heterogeneity and pressure-dependent elasticities inherent to sedimentary rocks. Through stepwise pressure increases, we can constrain four normal compliances [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], describing two Young’s moduli and three Poison’s ratios, using a single horizontal plug drilled parallel to the rock’s isotropic plane, contrary to the common assumption that both horizontal and vertical plugs are needed. The measurement of the shear modulus [Formula: see text] needs to be obtained using a plug that is drilled oblique to the isotropic plane; replicating the in situ stress environment is not possible using this approach. Finally, the specimen’s anisotropic plane’s geometry is elliptical under isotropic radial stress; this causes a discrepancy between the strain gauge’s contraction and the actual strain. We have developed an iterative inversion approach to account for this issue and calculate the exact strains useful for inferring [Formula: see text] from measurements reported by strain gauges. The example included in this writing indicates that, without correction, inferred values of [Formula: see text] may suffer errors of 20%.
High-resolution acoustic data revealing periplatform sedimentary characteristics in the Xisha Archipelago, South China Sea
Authors: Ma Benjun , Qin Zhiliang , Wu Shiguo , Cai Guanqiang , Li Xiangbo , Wang Bin , Liu Xueqin , Qin Yongpeng , Huang Xiaoxia
Published: February 2021

Newly collected high-resolution acoustic data are used to describe the morphologies and sedimentary characteristics along the slopes of isolated carbonate platforms in the Xisha (Paracel) Archipelago. Based on multibeam bathymetric and seismic data, we have identified seven types of morphological and depositional features around the platforms, including erosive grooves, mass transport deposits, gullies, confined channels, canyons, mounded sediments, and marginal contourite depressions. The occurrence of erosive channelized features around the platforms indicates that gravity flow is a major sediment-export mechanism for the transportation of excess neritic carbonates towards the slope. Marginal contourite depressions and mounded sediments are interpreted as bottom-current reworking products, suggesting an important role of bottom current and deepwater circulation of the South China Sea in shaping the slope morphology of the carbonate platforms. Furthermore, the bottom-current products tend to develop along the slopes of the carbonate platforms at the Xisha Uplift margin; in particular, erosional features formed by bottom current frequently occur in the southern side of the carbonate platforms. By comprehensive analysis of morphological and depositional features, we establish a facies model around the carbonate platforms to interpret different sedimentary transport processes, such as off-platform and along-slope sediment transport processes. These findings highlight a notable and complex relay-style channelized transport system consisting of grooves/gullies-channels-canyons, which has implications for linking neritic carbonate platforms into deep-sea basins.
Dolomitization geometry and reservoir quality from supervised Bayesian classification and probabilistic neural networks: Midland Basin Leonardian Wichita and Clear Fork Formations
Authors: Caf Abidin B. , Pigott John D.
Published: February 2021

Extensive dolomitization is prevalent in the platform and periplatform carbonates in the Lower-Middle Permian strata in the Midland and greater Permian Basin. Early workers have found that the platform and shelf-top carbonates were dolomitized, whereas slope and basinal carbonates remained calcitic, proposing a reflux dolomitization model as the possible diagenetic mechanism. More importantly, they underline that this dolomitization pattern controls the porosity and forms an updip seal. These studies are predominately conducted using well logs, cores, and outcrop analogs, and although exhibiting high resolution vertically, such determinations are laterally sparse. We have used supervised Bayesian classification and probabilistic neural networks (PNN) on a 3D seismic volume to create an estimation of the most probable distribution of dolomite and limestone within a subsurface 3D volume petrophysically constrained. Combining this lithologic information with porosity, we then illuminate the diagenetic effects on a seismic scale. We started our workflow by deriving lithology classifications from well-log crossplots of neutron porosity and acoustic impedance to determine the a priori proportions of the lithology and the probability density functions calculation for each lithology type. Then, we applied these probability distributions and a priori proportions to 3D seismic volumes of the acoustic impedance and predicted neutron porosity volume to create a lithology volume and probability volumes for each lithology type. The acoustic impedance volume was obtained by model-based poststack inversion, and the neutron porosity volume was obtained by the PNN. Our results best supported a regional reflux dolomitization model, in which the porosity is increasing from shelf to slope while the dolomitization is decreasing, but with sea-level forcing. With this study, we determined that diagenesis and the corresponding reservoir quality in these platforms and periplatform strata can be directly imaged and mapped on a seismic scale by quantitative seismic interpretation and supervised classification methods.
Improving referrals from primary care to secondary mental health services through an educational intervention: experience from Qatar
Authors: Wadoo Ovais , Ouanes Sami , Ahmed Mohamed Ali Siddig , Saeid Iman Saeed Ahmed , AlAbdulla Samya Ahmad , AlAbdulla Majid
Published: February 2021

Primary care is geared to manage patients with mild to moderate presentations of common mental disorders and to refer patients with more severe mental disorders to specialist mental health services. With growing demand for specialty care, the quality of the referral is increasingly important to ensure efficient patient flow across the primary/secondary care interface and appropriate use of secondary services. We report on an initiative in a Qatari mental health clinic to improve the quality of referrals from primary care to specialist mental health services through an educational intervention for family physicians. We highlight the problem, the intervention and the outcome of our initiative, which was the first of its kind in the region. The number of inappropriate referrals fell by 93%, and the number of referrals with inadequate clinical information declined from 15 (January 2019) to 1 (September 2019). Feedback was very positive; respondents reported feeling supported, with better understanding of care pathways, the scope of primary care and mental health services.
Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthase 2 (PTGS2) in the Oviduct: Roles in Fertilization and Early Embryo Development
Authors: Anamthathmakula Prashanth , Winuthayanon Wipawee
Published: February 2021

The mammalian oviduct is a dynamic organ where important events such as final maturation of oocytes, transport of gametes, sperm capacitation, fertilization, embryo development, and transport take place. Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), also known as cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), is the rate-limiting enzyme in the production of prostaglandins (PGs) and plays an essential role during early pregnancy, including ovulation, fertilization, implantation, and decidualization. Even though the maternal-embryo communication originates in the oviduct, not many studies have systemically investigated PTGS2 signaling during early development. Most of the studies investigating implantation and decidualization processes in Ptgs2-/- mice employed embryo transfer into the uterus, thereby bypassing the mammalian oviduct. Consequently, an understanding of the mechanistic action as well as the regulation of PTGS2 and derived PGs in oviductal functions is far from complete. In this review, we aim to focus on the importance of PTGS2 and associated PGs signaling in the oviduct particularly in humans, farm animals, and laboratory rodents to provide a broad perspective to guide further research in this field. Specifically, we review the role of PTGS2-derived PGs in fertilization, embryo development, and transport. We focus on the actions of ovarian steroid hormones on PTGS2 regulation in the oviduct. Understanding of cellular PTGS2 function during early embryo development and transport in the oviduct will be an important step toward a better understanding of reproduction and may have potential implication in the assisted reproductive technology.
Thyrotropin N-glycosylation and Glycan Composition in Severe Primary Hypothyroidism
Authors: Wide Leif , Eriksson Karin
Published: February 2021

Context

In severe primary hypothyroidism (sPH), the serum thyrotropin (TSH) levels are elevated with an increased degree of sialylation. The circulating TSH comprises 2 different TSH glycoforms: TSHdi with 2 and TSHtri with 3 N-glycans and methods have developed to determine their contents of anionic monosaccharides (AMS), that is, sialic acid (SA) and sulfonated N-acetylglactosamine (SU) residues.

Objective

Characterize N-glycosylation and glycan composition of circulating TSH molecules and determine the effects during levothyroxine treatment in patients with sPH.

Methods

Serum samples were obtained from 25 patients with sPH, from 159 euthyroid individuals, and from 12 women during treatment with levothyroxine for sPH. Degrees of N-glycosylation and concentrations of TSHdi and TSHtri as well as their contents of AMS, SA, and SU residues were determined.

Results

The circulating TSH molecules in sPH patients had lower degrees of N-glycosylation, higher degrees of sialylation, and lower degrees of sulfonation than in euthyroid individuals. Levothyroxin restored sialylation and sulfonation of the glycans already at low free thyroxine (FT4) levels, while degree of N-glycosylation was not restored until the FT4 levels were normal.

Conclusions

The majority of TSH molecules in severe primary hypothyroidism were less N- glycosylated, more sialylated, and less sulfonated compared with euthyroid individuals. This glycan pattern favors a prolonged half-life in the circulation combined with lower in vitro biopotency at the target cells. During levothyroxine treatment of sPH patients, the sialylation and sulfonation of glycans were restored already at low FT4 levels, while N-glycosylation of TSH was not restored until the FT4 levels were normal.
Implementation of a Referral Scheme to Text Messaging Programs for Physical Activity and Healthy Eating in Underserved Hispanics
Authors: Portacio Francia G. , Corvalan Deborah , Stoutenberg Mark
Published: February 2021

Hispanics share a disproportionate burden of several of the nation’s leading chronic diseases caused by poor lifestyle habits, such as a lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating. Interventions that include text messaging have shown the ability to positively affect health behaviors. This study examined the implementation of a referral scheme connecting Hispanic patients attending a community health clinic to text messaging programs encouraging health behavior change. A mixed methods approach was used to evaluate the implementation of the referral scheme. Assessments included tracking referral rates patient enrollment, as well as semistructured interviews conducted to identify barriers and facilitators experienced by health care providers. During the 2-month referral period, five health care providers referred 26 (8.9%) of the 291 eligible patients. Of these patients, only one self-enrolled in the text messaging program (3.9% of referred patients), with an additional 11 patients (42.3% of referred patients) enrolling after follow-up from an intern at the clinic. In-depth interviews with clinic administrators and providers, conducted at the end of the referral period, revealed four overarching barriers to the text messaging referral scheme: a lack of time during patient visit, limited resources and personnel, a lack of communication between administrators and health care providers, and an inefficient technology system. Addressing these barriers using alternative implementation strategies may lead to increased levels of health care provider adoption and patient enrollment in text messaging programs. Information from this study can inform areas of improvement in better linking underserved Hispanic patients to available resources for lifestyle modification.
A Systematic Evaluation of Six Different Physical Activity Routines: A Strategic Science Approach
Authors: Taylor Wendell C. , Bui Chuong , Paxton Raheem J. , Maity Suman , Walker Timothy J. , Robertson Michael C. , Sadruddin Shehla M. , Hare-Everline Nicole , Craig Derek W.
Published: February 2021

Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviors are major contributors to chronic diseases and premature mortality. Although the benefits of physical activity have been documented, no study has systematically evaluated the feasibility and satisfaction of different physical activity routines designed for workplace settings. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to develop and evaluate six different types of 15-min physical activity routines. Based on pilot testing, we developed six different physical activity routines designed for the 15-min break during the workday, and 12 dimensions were used to evaluate each routine. The dimensions were as follows: appropriateness of work attire, benefit, challenge, complexity, confidence, effort (i.e., physical), embarrassment, enjoyment, fatigue, flexibility, likability, and sweat (i.e., perspiration). Before completing the ratings, participants received definitions of each dimension. Ninety-four full-time employees participated in six routines (i.e., aerobic dance, ballet, Booster Break, circuit training, muscle strengthening, and yoga) and rated their experiences using a 5-point Likert scale immediately after each session. All routines received some favorable ratings and seemed acceptable as a workplace activity. Circuit training and aerobic dance ranked highest on challenge, complexity, effort (i.e., physical), embarrassment, fatigue, and sweat, and low on work attire appropriateness. Booster Break ranked relatively high on benefit, confidence, likability, and work attire appropriateness; moderate on fatigue; and low on sweat and embarrassment. Circuit training and aerobic dance routines were the most challenging and appropriate for workforces with employees who are physically active and/or prefer challenges. For workforces with a diversity of preferences, abilities, or new to physical activity routines, the Booster Break is recommended because it was rated favorably on all dimensions. Future research is recommended to replicate these findings and improve the implementation effectiveness of work break routines.
Information Technology Skills and Labor Market Outcomes for Workers
Authors: Atasoy Hilal , Banker Rajiv D. , Pavlou Paul A.
Published: February 2021

Job erosion is a major concern globally, especially given the COVID-19 pandemic. Unemployment and low wages remain pressing societal challenges in the wake of increased automation, more so for traditionally disadvantaged groups in the labor market, such as women, minorities, and the elderly. However, workers who possess relevant information technology (IT) skills may have an edge in an increasingly digital economy. In this study, we examine the role of IT skills in labor market outcomes for workers, using a household IT use survey from an emerging economy that captures detailed, individual-level data on IT skills, which are also integrated with data on workers’ wages, occupations, and industries between 2007 and 2015. The results indicate that basic IT skills increase individuals’ employment probability, which is driven by both higher labor force participation and a higher probability of transitioning from unemployment to employment, after accounting for the decision to participate in the workforce. Advanced IT skills do not provide a significant incremental effect on employment probability on top of basic IT skills. However, having advanced IT skills helps workers to earn higher wages while incrementally increasing the probability that they are employed in higher-paid jobs. Interestingly, the effect of basic IT skills on employment is significantly larger for the female and older workforce that typically has a higher preference for flexible work options. These results emphasize the importance of providing necessary IT access and offering basic IT training to traditionally disadvantaged groups to close the IT skills gap and the digital divide. We offer implications for the future of work, education, and public policy for designing IT training policies for workers, students, and organizations to stimulate employment with higher wages, particularly in developing economies and for traditionally disadvantaged segments of the workforce, such as women and the elderly, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Procurement Strategies with Unreliable Suppliers Under Correlated Random Yields
Authors: Dong Lingxiu , Geng Xin , Xiao Guang , Yang Nan
Published: February 2021

Problem definition: This paper studies the sourcing of a monopoly firm that procures from multiple unreliable suppliers to meet its deterministic/price-dependent demand. The suppliers’ production processes are unreliable and are modeled by correlated proportional random yields. Academic/practical relevance: As a proactive risk-mitigation tool, supply diversification has been widely studied in the literature, with the primary focus on independent supply risks. However, supply risks in practice may be correlated in nature for various reasons. By accounting for yield correlation among suppliers’ production processes, our work aims to help firms better manage their supply base and fully exploit the benefit of risk pooling through diversification. Methodology: Stochastic optimization serves as our main tool for analysis. Results: We formulate the firm’s problem in a general n-supplier setting and prove its structural properties. For a two-supplier case, we fully characterize the firm’s optimal sourcing decision and provide a unified measurement to quantify how yield correlation and characteristics jointly affect the supply base selection. Specifically, we show that when the two suppliers are highly positively correlated, the firm may sole-source from the supplier with higher effective procurement cost (the procurement cost per expected delivered unit) and also higher reliability. In addition, as the production yields become more positively correlated, supply diversification becomes less likely, and the firm’s profit decreases. Moreover, assuming multivariate normally distributed yields, we generalize those results and relevant insights to the multiple-supplier case. We uncover the critical role played by yield correlation and illustrate the insufficiency of using effective procurement cost alone to qualify a supplier. Finally, we incorporate demand uncertainty to confirm the robustness of our findings. Managerial implications: Our results urge caution in selecting the optimal supply base when the yield risks are correlated. Particularly, yield correlation, effective procurement costs, and supplier reliability should be jointly taken into account; otherwise, ignoring any one of these factors may lead to suboptimal outcomes.
Short Communication: Diversity of medicinal plants used to treat human ailments in rural Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Authors: Tsegay Berhanu , Mazengia Ethiopia , Beyene Tadesse
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Mazengia E, Beyene T, Tsegay BA. 2019. Short Communication: Diversity of medicinal plants used to treat human ailments in rural Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Asian J For 3: 75-82. Survey of traditional medicinal plants used to treat human ailments by the rural community of Bahir Dar City Administration was conducted from November 23, 2017 to May 30, 2018 with the aim of identifying and documenting plants and the associated knowledge used to treat humans. We collected data from six study sites using semi-structured interview, field observation and group discussion. Data analyses were made using preference ranking, direct matrix ranking and fidelity level index. A total of 77 medicinal plants were identified. The majority of plants (58.4%) are harvested from the wild. The largest number of plants were herbs (42.6%) followed by shrubs (32.6%). The most frequently used plant parts in human disease treatments are leaves (54%) followed by roots (18%). Most remedies are prepared by pounding and mixing (concoction) (36%). The remedial administration was mostly oral (51%) followed by dermal (31%). Allium sativum and Ocimum lamiifolium are frequently used. The community in the study area uses considerable diversity of plant species for maintaining their health care system. Nonetheless, conservation for those plants whose roots are harvested is necessary.
Morphological characteristic and physical environment of Terminalia catappa in East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: MARJENAH MARJENAH , PUTRI NOVY PRALISA
Published: February 2021

Marjenah, Putri NP. 2017. Morphological characteristic and physical environment of Terminalia catappa in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Asian J For 1: 33-39. Tropical almond (Terminalia catappa) is a large, spreading tree distributed throughout the tropics in coastal environments. The tree is tolerant of strong winds, salt spray, and moderately high salinity in the root zone. It is widely planted throughout the tropics, especially along sandy seashores, for shade, ornamental purposes, and edible nuts. The timber can be made into a useful and decorative general-purpose hardwood and is well suited for conversion into furniture and interior building timbers. Fruits are produced from about 3 years of age. The leaves change color from green to red, yellow or gold and copper brown during the dry season and then are shed. Terminalia catappa L. belongs to the family Combretaceae. This study aims to determine the morphological characteristics and physical environment of T. catappa. Habitat and to obtain T. catappa Linn. tree that produces the best biodiesel. The research object was a T. catappa trees planted as shade trees on the side of road in three regency/cities (Balikpapan, Samarinda, and Kutai Kartanegara), that are categorized in pursuance of the height above sea level. Data collected from each tree are Physical Environmental and Morphological Characteristics. The flushing, flowering, and fruiting are also observed, to determine the fruit/seed produced by a T. catappa tree.
Dimensional stability and tensile strength of biopolymer composite reinforced with hardwood fiber at varying proportions
Authors: BOLA TOMIYOSI , OLUYEGE AMOS , AINA KEHINDE
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Bola TS, Oluyege AO, Aina KS. 2020. Dimensional stability and tensile strength of biopolymer composite reinforced with hardwood fiber at varying proportions. Asian J For 4: 1-5. This study was designed to produce bio-composites made from three different wood species and at three different mixing ratio of plastic to wood on weight to weight basis. The main variables employed in this study are wood species of Triplochiton scleroxylon, Terminalia superba and Gmelina arborea; at plastic: wood of 40:60, 50:50, and 60:40 respectively. The composite samples were made through compounding and extrusion process. The properties evaluated were carried out in accordance with the American Standard Testing Methods of 570 and 790 to determine the dimensional stability and strength properties of the composites. The values obtained for the wood species range from 0.59 g/cm3 to 0.72 g/cm3, 0.59 % to 0.71 %, 0.63% to 0.7 %and 1.84 MPa to 2.07 MPa for density, water absorption, thickness swelling, and tensile strength respectively. Meanwhile, the values obtained from the mixing ratio range from 0.54 g/cm3 to 0.79 g/cm3, 0.53% to 0.79%, 0.42% to 1.00%, and 1.58 MPa to 2.37 MPa for density, water absorption, thickness swelling, and tensile strength respectively. It was observed that mixing ratio and wood species used in this study influenced the dimensional stability and strength properties of the WPCs. This study revealed that as the wood-flour content increased to plastic, the dimensional properties, and tensile strength values increases.