bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heavy Precipitation over Italy from the Mediterranean Storm “Vaia” in October 2018: Assessing the Role of an Atmospheric River
Authors: Davolio S. , Della Fera S. , Laviola S. , Miglietta M. M. , Levizzani V. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The Mediterranean storm “Vaia” developed within a typical autumn synoptic circulation, generally associated with heavy rain conditions over the western Mediterranean Sea basin. Intense precipitation was responsible for floods over Italy between 27 and 30 October 2018, and the storm was accompanied by explosive cyclogenesis, storm surge, and extremely intense wind gusts that caused casualties and extensive damage, especially to the Alpine forests. This study investigates the contribution of different moisture sources to the extreme precipitation by means of numerical model simulations using the Bologna Limited Area Model (BOLAM). In particular, the attention is focused on the significant amount of water vapor transported into the Mediterranean basin from the Atlantic Ocean tropical area and organized along a narrow corridor across the African continent. First, a newly developed detection algorithm is applied to identify this transport as an atmospheric river (AR). Then, the implementation of an atmospheric water budget diagnostic, supported by sensitivity experiments, allows us to assess the role of the AR in terms of water supply to the precipitation systems. Although the transport of moisture from remote regions is known to be an important ingredient for the onset of heavy precipitation in the Mediterranean, the role of ARs, already identified in correspondence with some of these events, has not been deeply investigated and quantified yet in this specific area. The results demonstrate that the AR was critical for determining the magnitude of this heavy precipitation episode over Italy, whereas evaporation from the sea played a secondary role, especially for precipitation over the Alps.
Intraoperative Radiation Therapy Versus Whole Breast Radiation for Early-Stage Breast Cancer Treatment in Rural Appalachia
Authors: Abdelsattar Jad M. , McClain Katherine , Afridi Faryal G. , Wen Sijin , Cai Yilin , Musgrove Kelsey A. , Bailey Kimberly , Shaikh Parvez M. , Jacobson Geraldine M. , Marsh Wallis , Lupinacci Kristin , Cowher Michael S. , Jenkins Hannah Hazard 
Published: August 2020

Background Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is an alternate accelerated form of radiation following breast-conserving surgery (BCS). Lack of data regarding long-term outcomes has limited adoption. We report our experience with IORT in patients undergoing BCS versus whole breast radiation therapy (WBRT). Methods Retrospective review of patients undergoing BCS with IORT versus WBRT (2012-2017). Inclusion: low grade, T1-2N0M0, estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor positive, and Her2-negative infiltrating ductal carcinomas. IORT was delivered as a single fraction of radiation (20 Gy) intraoperatively. Outcomes were compared using Fisher’s test for discrete variables or Wilcoxon signed-rank test for continuous variables. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate disease-free survival (DFS). Results Fifty-one patients (44%) received IORT, and 66 (56%) received WBRT. There was no difference in age, tumor size, receptor status, or in-breast recurrence (1.9% vs 0%, all P > .05). Length of follow-up was longer in the WBRT group due to time to inception of IORT (mean ± SD: 44 ± 8.1 vs 73 ± 13 months, P < .001). There was no difference in DFS between the 2 groups (HR 2.5; P = .44). IORT patients experienced delay to BCS (mean ± SD: 38 ± 12.7 vs 27 ± 12.2 days, P < .001) likely due to coordination of care. Analysis demonstrated IORT patients would have traveled a mean distance of 20 miles to the closest WBRT center (range 1-70, miles) for a mean travel time of 31 minutes (range 4-90, minutes) per WBRT treatment. Discussion IORT produces noninferior oncologic outcomes and decreased skin toxicity compared with WBRT. It can be convenient for patients in rural regions with limited health care access.
Efficacy of a Brief Self-management Intervention in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial from India
Authors: Abraham Anisha Mary , Sudhir Paulomi M , Philip Mariamma , Bantwal Ganapathi 
Published: August 2020

Background: Diabetes mellitus places a considerable burden on the individual and the family with respect to lifestyle changes. There is a paucity of systematic studies in India examining the efficacy of self-management programs for diabetes. The study examined the impact of a brief self-management intervention (SMI) on primary outcome of HbA1c and secondary outcomes of quality of life (QOL), self-care, perceived barriers to self-care (BSC), perceptions regarding illness and mood in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods and materials: Eighty patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomly allocated to either a 4-session SMI or treatment as usual (TAU) and were assessed on HbA1c levels, QOL, self-care, BSC, illness perceptions, anxiety, and depression at baseline, postintervention , and at three-month postintervention follow-up. Results: Repeated measures analysis of variance indicated significant improvement in the SMI group from baseline to follow-up on HbA1c (P = 0.001), impact of diabetes on QOL (P = 0.006), self-care with respect to diet and exercise (Ps = 0.001), perceived barriers in adherence to diet, exercise, (P = 0.001), medication (P < 0.01), glucose testing (P = 0.04), general BSC (P = 0.001), total barriers (P = 0.001), illness perceptions-timeline or chronicity of illness (P = 0.002), personal control over illness, (P = 0.001), belief in effectiveness of treatment (P = 0.002), understanding of one’s illness (P = 0.001), and emotional representations regarding illness (P =0.001), depression, (P = 0.001), and anxiety (P = 0.001). In the SMI group, large effect sizes were obtained at the postintervention assessment and the three-month follow-up on most outcome measures. Conclusions: Brief psychological intervention is efficacious in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Inflammatory risk factors for hypertriglyceridemia in patients with severe influenza
Authors: Zhai Tianshu , Wu Xiaojing , Zhang Nannan , Huang Xu , Zhan Qingyuan 
Published: August 2020

Objective Inflammation and viral infections can induce significant changes in lipid metabolism. Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) often occurs secondary to obesity, which is an independent risk factor for influenza virus infection. However, the inflammatory risk factors contributing to HTG in patients with severe influenza have yet to be elucidated. Materials and methods Plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were collected from 33 patients with severe influenza (n = 26 control patients with normal serum triglyceride levels and n = 7 HTG patients with serum triglycerides >2.3 mM). Levels of 45 putative inflammatory risk factors were quantitated using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results Plasma levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-18, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, hepatocyte growth factor, stem cell factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor A were significantly higher in HTG patients compared with control patients. BALF samples from HTG patients contained significantly higher levels of IL-1RA and lower levels of IFN-γ-inducible protein-10. Conclusion HTG in patients with severe influenza is associated with alterations in several inflammatory risk factors. Our results provide new insights that may enable more effective clinical management of severe influenza combined with HCT.
Relationships between excessive gestational weight gain and energy and macronutrient intake in pregnant women
Authors: Rugină Cosmin , Mărginean Cristina Oana , Meliţ Lorena Elena , Giga Dana Valentina , Modi Viviana , Mărginean Claudiu 
Published: August 2020

Objective This study aimed to compare energy and macronutrient intake, birth weight, and anthropometric parameters (mid-upper arm circumference or tricipital skin-fold thickness) between women who had adequate and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) during pregnancy. Methods We studied 115 pregnant women and divided them according to GWG into two groups: adequate GWG (n = 49) and excessive GWG (n = 66). We assessed the medical history, clinical examinations, and dietary habits through a detailed 7-day dietary recall using myfitnesspal software. Results Weight, body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference, and tricipital skin-fold thickness were significantly higher at the time of delivery in women with excessive GWG compared with those with adequate GWG. A lipid-based diet was a risk factor for excessive GWG (relative risk: 1.488, 95% confidence interval: 1.112–1.991), whereas a protein-based diet was a protective factor (relative risk: 0.6723, 95% confidence interval: 0.4431–1.020). We found no significant relationship between a carbohydrate-based diet and GWG. The total energy intake was significantly higher in the excessive GWG group than in the adequate GWG group. Conclusions Mainly a lipid-based diet in pregnant women might represent a risk factor for excessive GWG. However, a protein-based diet is a protective factor for excessive GWG.
Acacia honey from different altitudes: total phenols and flavonoids, laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectra, and anticancer activity
Authors: Mohammed Moammed Elimam Ahamed , Shati Ali A , Alfaifi Mohammad Y , Elbehairi Serag Eldin I , Alshehri Mohammed Ali , Alhag Sadeq K , Suleiman Mohamed H A , Ghramh Hamed A , Ibrahim Akram , Alshehri Ali M , Al-Mosa Amal Ahmed Ali , ALaerjani Wed Mohammed Ali 
Published: August 2020

Objective To investigate Acacia honey from different altitudes regarding total phenols and flavonoids, laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectra and anticancer activity against human cancer cell lines. Methods Anticancer activity was investigated using sulforhodamine B cytotoxicity assays in the following human cancer cell lines: HCT116 (colon); MCF7 (breast), and HepG2 (liver). Total phenols and flavonoids were measured using spectrophotometric methods and LIF was used to differentiate between low and high-altitude honey. Results The LIF spectra differed between low and high-altitude Acacia honey. High altitude Acacia honey was characterized by significantly lower total phenol content (81.47 ± 1.25 mg gallic acid equivalent [GAE]/100 g) and increased total flavonoids (10.63 ± 0.53 mg quercetin equivalent [QE]/100 g) versus low altitude Acacia honey (91.33 ± 0.96 mg GAE/100 g and 8.78 ± 0.23 mg QE/100 g, respectively). Low altitude Acacia honey displayed increased IC50 values against HCT116 and MCF7 cells (264.17 ± 10.5 and 482.65 ± 20.3 µg/ml, respectively) versus high altitude Acacia honey (117.99 ± 12.7 and 189.82 ± 15.8 µg/ml, respectively). Conclusions High altitude Acacia honey had significantly more effective anticancer activity against HCT116 and MCF7 cells compared with low altitude honey.
Development of a Culturally Valid Instrument Examining HPV Knowledge and Beliefs of Lakota Women on the Pine Ridge Reservation
Authors: Bowker Dawn , Gee Julie , Huttlinger Kathleen 
Published: August 2020

Introduction The aim of this article is to describe the modification of an instrument to secure cultural validity using cognitive interviewing to adequately examine and address health issues in a diverse population. Method Cultural experts ( n = 8) on the Lakota reservation were identified to provide input on cultural items of an instrument. Two rounds of cognitive interviewing ensued with each expert. The instrument items ( n = 40) were reviewed and revised as indicated. Results The results of this project were twofold; a culturally valid instrument was developed, and a process was delineated to ensure cultural validity. Content validity was supported by the 100% consensus among the Lakota cultural experts on every item. Discussion This article describes how cognitive interviewing was applied for instrument modification to obtain cultural validity resulting in a relevant instrument which may useful to researchers when working with diverse populations that have unique needs.
Investigating the Impacts of Acculturation Stress on Migrant Care Workers in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities
Authors: Adebayo Bola , Nichols Pam , Albrecht Matthew A. , Brijnath Bianca , Heslop Karen 
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Migrant care workers are a growing portion of the aged care workforce in high-income countries. This study investigated the impacts of acculturation stress on the well-being of migrant care workers. Method: A cross-sectional national survey was conducted among migrant care workers ( n = 272) across five Australian states and one territory using the Riverside Acculturation Stress Inventory (RASI) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 21). Results: Acculturation stress was high ( M = 38.4; SD = 14.1; 38.9% scored ≥40 out of 75), but respondents scored in the normal to mild ranges (85% to 93%) on the DASS 21 scale. Enrolled and registered nurses had the highest acculturation stress levels when compared with other occupational roles. Ethnicity, F(4, 254) = 11.0, p < .001; occupational roles, F(3, 254) = 3.0, p = .03; and self-reported English proficiency, F(1, 254) = 4.17, p = .04, were statistically significant. Conclusions: Addressing acculturation stress may improve job satisfaction and retention among migrant care workers.
Giardia Is Often Overlooked on Histopathologic Examination: A High-Volume, Single-Institution Experience
Authors: Shen Minqian (Jasmine) , Voltaggio Lysandra , Robertson Scott 
Published: August 2020

Aims. Giardia is sometimes missed by the pathologist, and we sought to determine how often this occurs at our institution—a large tertiary care center with a subspecialty gastrointestinal pathology service and what certain clinical and histologic clues can be used to flag cases with a higher likelihood of infection, targeting them for greater scrutiny. Methods and Results We identified a set of patients who tested positive for Giardia with a stool-based test, and who also received a small bowel biopsy at a similar time-point. These biopsies were retrospectively reviewed for Giardia, finding 8 positive cases. The organism was prospectively detected in 4 cases (50%) but overlooked in the remaining 4 cases (50%). Three of the 4 cases missed cases showed only rare organisms. The detected cases tended to more frequently have prominent lymphoid aggregates (3 detected cases, 0 overlooked cases) and intraepithelial lymphocytosis (3 detected cases, 0 overlooked cases). Certain clinical and histologic clues can be used to flag cases with a higher likelihood of infection. Specifically, we found abnormalities of the mucosa (active inflammation, intraepithelial lymphocytosis, villous expansion, prominent lymphoid aggregates) in each case, and 4 of 8 cases were from immunocompromised patients. Finally, 2 of 8 cases were terminal ileum biopsies. Conclusions Biopsies with a histologic abnormality or those from immunocompromised patients should receive greater attention. Routinely looking for Giardia at that terminal ileum is necessary.
Retention of televised advertising in L2: An experiment with Chinese–English bilinguals
Authors: Özdinç Özlem 
Published: August 2020

Aim: This paper examines bilinguals’ retention of a television (TV) advertisement in their second language (L2) to test whether L2 competence, liking for the advertisement, and involvement with the advertised product cause a change in L2 retention. Methodology: An experiment exposed 304 Chinese–English bilinguals to audio-visual advertisements that were technically (e.g. similar executions) and linguistically alike (e.g. discourse with similar ratios of ‘content words-to-grammatical lexicon’) in their native language (L1; control) and L2 (treatment). Data and analysis: Content analysis of four unstructured items operationalised L2 advertisment memory by ranking retention scores from 0 to 4. We performed t-tests (with Cohen’s d) and F-tests to compare retention across the levels of independent variables. Findings: L2 proficiency did not facilitate meaning-deduction from within context, but the length of bilinguals’ residence did, indicating that subjects linguistically adapt to their L2 environment in time. Content features (e.g. message clarity) increased liking for the L2 advertisment while execution (e.g. music) increased L2 advertisement memory. Involvement with the advertised product did not affect L2 retention. Originality: Print stimuli use has limited the utility of earlier findings from research on advertising to bilinguals for exercising one language skill (i.e. L2 reading). The use of audio-visual stimuli to exercise concurrently L2 listening and reading skills have been rare despite the increased consumption of TV advertisements through online video-sharing platforms. Implications: When designing audio-visual inputs for bilinguals, ‘what’ (i.e. content) hardly matters in relative to ‘how’ (i.e. execution) unless bilinguals orient themselves to the natural contexts of their L2 settings. Firms in bilingual markets can optimise their communicative (e.g. belief reinforcement or creating awareness) and behavioural objectives (e.g. sales) by provoking the peripheral processing of their straightforward messages using appeals (e.g. music, emotional, and animated visuals) for longer retention among their non-native-speaker targets.
miRNA-9 Inhibits Proliferation and Migration of Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells by Regulating NRSF/EGFR
Authors: Wang Kangning , Xu Kai , Leng Xuefeng , Han Yongtao , Fang Qiang 
Published: August 2020

Background: To investigate the mechanism of microRNA9 in inhibiting proliferation and migration of lung squamous cell carcinoma cells via neuron-restricted silencing factor/epidermal growth factor receptor. Material and Methods: Detection of microRNA9, neuron-restricted silencing factor, and epidermal growth factor receptor expression levels in lung cancer patients’ tissues and lung cancer cells by Western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Detection of cell proliferation by colony formation assay and cell counting kit-8 assay. Detection of cell migration by wound-healing assay and Transwell assay. And detection of the regulatory effect between neuron-restricted silencing factor and epidermal growth factor receptor by Luciferase reporter gene system. Subcutaneous implantation mouse models of NCI-H520 cells were constructed to detect cell proliferation in vivo, and Kaplan–Meier method calculated patient survival. Results: The expression of microRNA9 and epidermal growth factor receptor was higher in lung cancer tissues than in normal lung tissues, while the expression of neuron-restricted silencing factor was lower in lung cancer tissues than in normal lung tissues. MicroRNA9 higher expression was strongly related to tumor size, and TNM stage and predicted showed reduced overall survival in patients with lung cancer. Further loss of function and enhancement experiments revealed that inhibition of microRNA9 could significantly inhibit lung squamous carcinoma cell proliferation and migration. Luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that microRNA9 could bind to NRSF messenger RNA and inhibit its expression, neuron-restricted silencing factor overexpression also exerted inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, Luciferase reporter assay showed that neuron-restricted silencing factor downregulate epidermal growth factor receptor expression levels by binding to epidermal growth factor receptor promoter regions, and Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated that the levels of microRNA9 in lung cancer tissues were correlated with neuron-restricted silencing factor and epidermal growth factor receptor. Combined microRNA9 with neuron-restricted silencing factor or epidermal growth factor receptor to predict the prognosis of patients with lung cancer may be more accurate. Conclusion: MicroRNA9 inhibits proliferation and migration of lung squamous cell carcinoma cells by inhibiting neuron-restricted silencing factor/epidermal growth factor receptor axis. MicroRNA9 can be a new prognostic marker and therapeutic target for lung squamous cell carcinoma.
Is Low-Intensity Isometric Handgrip Exercise an Efficient Alternative in Lifestyle Blood Pressure Management? A Systematic Review
Authors: Loaiza-Betancur Andrés F. , Chulvi-Medrano Iván 
Published: August 2020

Context: High blood pressure is one of the leading preventable causes of cardiovascular death worldwide. In this regard, several studies have shown interest in the benefits of isometric exercise on blood pressure regulation. Objective: To assess whether low-intensity isometric handgrip exercise (LI-IHE) is an effective strategy to lower blood pressure levels in prehypertensive and hypertensive patients. Data Source: This study was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement and registered with PROSPERO. Potentially eligible studies were identified after a systematic search conducted on 4 international databases: PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PEDro, and SPORTDiscus. Study Selection: We included randomized controlled trials that comprised patients who received LI-IHE. Study Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Data Extraction: Data related to patient characteristics, exercise programs, risk-of-bias assessment, and outcomes of interest were systematically reviewed independently by 2 authors. Results: The following reductions (mean differences) were observed after LI-IHE: systolic blood pressure (SBP), (MD) = −5.43 mm Hg; (95% CI, −8.47 to −2.39; P = 0.0005); diastolic blood pressure (DBP), −2.41 mm Hg (95% CI, −4.33 to −0.48; P = 0.01); mean arterial pressure (MAP), −1.28 mm Hg (95% CI, −2.99 to 0.44; P = 0.14). Conclusion: LI-IHE seems to lower SBP, DBP, and MAP values in prehypertensive and hypertensive adults. It appears that LI-IHE reduces, in greater magnitude, blood pressure levels in hypertensive patients, specifically in patients aged <45 years, those who are overweight, and those on medications. Nevertheless, substantial heterogeneity in the main results and in the analyses by subgroups generated uncertainty about the real reduction magnitude that LI-IHE can produce on blood pressure.