bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of the Onset, Withdrawal, and Breaks of the Western North Pacific Summer Monsoon in the 1949–2014 Period
Authors: Vega Inmaculada , Ribera Pedro , Gallego David 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTThe western North Pacific summer monsoon (WNPSM) onset and withdrawal dates as well as its breaks have been determined throughout the 1949–2014 period by defining the monsoon daily directional index (MDDI). This index, developed exclusively with wind direction observations, is an upgrade of the monthly western North Pacific directional index. The onset date shows a high interannual variability, varying between early May and early August, whereas the WNPSM withdrawal shows a lower interannual variability, occurring between October and mid-November. The MDDI reflects the multibreak character of the WNPSM. Breaks, which tend to last a few weeks, are more likely to happen from mid-August to early September and from late June to mid-July. This bimodal distribution shows decadal variability. In addition, the monsoon dates determined by the MDDI show very good agreement with relationships previously described in literature, such as the influence of tropical Pacific SST on the monsoon onset/withdrawal and changes in tropical cyclone (TC) tracks related to monsoon breaks. The WNPSM tends to start earlier (later) and finish later (earlier) under eastern Pacific (EP) La Niña (El Niño) conditions, especially from the 1980s on. Central Pacific (CP) ENSO is also associated with the monsoon withdrawal, which is advanced (delayed) under CP El Niño (La Niña). TCs tend to move from the Philippine Sea to the South China Sea during active monsoon days whereas they tend to reach higher latitudes during inactive monsoon days, especially in August and July.
A Method for Probability Matching Based on the Ensemble Maximum for Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts
Authors: Qiao Xiaoshi , Wang Shizhang , Schwartz Craig S. , Liu Zhiquan , Min Jinzhong 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA probability matching (PM) product using the ensemble maximum (EnMax) as the basis for spatial reassignment was developed. This PM product was called the PM max and its localized version was called the local PM (LPM) max. Both products were generated from a 10-member ensemble with 3-km horizontal grid spacing and evaluated over 364 36-h forecasts in terms of the fractions skill score. Performances of the PM max and LPM max were compared to those of the traditional PM mean and LPM mean, which both used the ensemble mean (EnMean) as the basis for spatial reassignment. Compared to observations, the PM max typically outperformed the PM mean for precipitation rates ≥5 mm h−1; this improvement was related to the EnMax, which had better spatial placement than the EnMean for heavy precipitation. However, the PM mean produced better forecasts than the PM max for lighter precipitation. It appears that the global reassignment used to produce the PM max was responsible for its poorer performance relative to the PM mean at light precipitation rates, as the LPM max was more skillful than the LPM mean at all thresholds. These results suggest promise for PM products based on the EnMax, especially for rare events and ensembles with insufficient spread.
Meaningful Activity and Boredom in the Transition from Homelessness: Two Narratives
Authors: Marshall Carrie Anne , Keogh-Lim Daniel , Koop Michelle , Barbic Skye , Gewurtz Rebecca 
Published: July 2020

Background. Few studies have examined boredom and meaningful activity during the transition from homeless to housed, and those that exist are retrospective. Purpose. To prospectively examine how meaningful activities and boredom are experienced during the process of leaving homelessness. Method. Using a mixed-methods case study design, we interviewed 13 homeless participants at baseline using a 92-item quantitative interview, followed by a semi-structured qualitative interview. Two participants were located six months later and were interviewed again using the same protocol. Quantitative data are presented descriptively. Qualitative data were analyzed using narrative analysis. Findings. Qualitative data revealed two unique narratives of boredom and meaningful activity engagement in the transition from homeless to housed, with opportunities for engagement in meaningful activity limited largely by the social and housing environments in which both participants were situated. Quantitative data indicates that boredom and meaningful activity changed little before and after homelessness. At both baseline and follow-up, boredom scores for both participants were comparable to a sample of participants who were exposed to a “boredom” condition in an experimental study ( Hunter, Dyer, Cribbie, & Eastwood, 2016 ). Implications. Formerly homeless persons may struggle to engage in meaningful activity, and boredom may negatively affect mental well-being. Research with larger samples is needed.
Lasers in Rhinology—An Update
Authors: Lau Kimberley , Stavrakas Marios , Ray Jaydip 
Published: July 2020

Objectives: A wide and evolving range of lasers and their applications often makes it difficult for a busy surgeon to choose the ideal laser for a specific indication. With this in mind, this article aims to summarize the most recent literature concerning laser application in rhinology. Methods: A literature search from 2000 to 2020 using the PubMed database was employed. Keywords used included “laser,” “rhinology,” “endonasal endoscopic surgery,” “hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia,” “rhinitis,” “refractory rhinitis,” “Inferior turbinate hypertrophy,” “dacryocystorhinostomy,” “septoplasty,” “cartilage reshaping” and “choanal atresia.” The most up to date studies published for each rhinology condition that could potentially be treated with laser surgery was included. Results: Rhinological conditions appropriate for laser applications are discussed. We identified articles related to a number of applications including hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, rhinitis, turbinate surgery, dacryocystorhinostomy, septoplasty, choanal atresia, and sphenopalatine artery ligation, paying attention to the outcomes of the studies and their limitations. Conclusions: There is currently no one-size-fits-all laser and therefore being up to date on the latest clinical application results can help the clinician decide which are the best treatments to offer their patients.
Does gamification improve fruit and vegetable intake in adolescents? a systematic review
Authors: Yoshida-Montezuma Yulika , Ahmed Mustafa , Ezezika Obidimma 
Published: July 2020

Background: Nutrition and diet-related non-communicable diseases are a major cause of death worldwide. Food preferences and eating behaviours are likely to be established during adolescence, making it an important period to promote healthy behaviours. Aim: To review the effectiveness of gamification to improve fruit and vegetable intake in adolescents. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using eight databases and grey literature sources for articles published to date on the effectiveness of gamification on fruit and vegetable intake in adolescents. Search criteria included articles that were complete and peer reviewed, conducted empirical research, described gamified elements used, focused on individuals between 10 and 24 years, and were available in English. Results: Out of 402 studies identified by the search, 7 were included in the review. Overall, short-term gamified interventions showed promise in improving fruit and vegetable intake in those aged 10 to 24 years old. Gamification was primarily facilitated through extrinsic motivation (i.e. points, badges, vouchers, leaderboard, narration, avatars, challenges) rather than intrinsic motivation (i.e. team-based competition). Studies were moderate in quality and key methodological issues related to non-randomized study design, lack of comparison group, inadequate control for confounding, and small sample size. Conclusions: Gamification can be an effective tool in changing nutrition-related behaviour in adolescents over the short term. Future research should consider gamified interventions that are of longer duration, incorporate additional intrinsic gamified elements, tailor game elements for population subgroups, and address methodological issues.
Caffeine intake influences disease activity and clinical phenotype in systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Orefice Valeria , Ceccarelli Fulvia , Barbati Cristiana , Lucchetti Ramona , Olivieri Giulio , Cipriano Enrica , Natalucci Francesco , Perricone Carlo , Spinelli Francesca Romana , Alessandri Cristiano , Valesini Guido , Conti Fabrizio 
Published: July 2020

Objective Caffeine, one of the most widely consumed products in the world, seems to interact with multiple components of the immune system by acting as a non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor. In vitro dose-dependent treatment with caffeine down-regulates mRNA levels of key inflammation-related genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. So far, no robust data are available about the possible contribution of caffeine in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of caffeine consumption on SLE-related disease phenotype and activity, in terms of clinimetric assessment and cytokine serum levels. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study, enrolling consecutive patients and reporting their clinical and laboratory data. Disease activity was assessed by SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K). Caffeine intake was evaluated by a 7-day food frequency questionnaire, including all the main sources of caffeine. As previously reported, patients were divided into four groups according to the daily caffeine intake: <29.1 mg/day (group 1), 29.2–153.7 mg/day (group 2), 153.8–376.5 mg/day (group 3) and >376.6 mg/day (group 4). At the end of questionnaire filling, blood samples were collected from each patient to assess cytokine levels. These were assessed by using a panel by Bio-Plex assays to measure the levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-27, IFNγ, IFNα and BLyS. Results We enrolled 89 consecutive SLE patients. We observed a negative correlation between caffeine consumption and disease activity, measured with SLEDAI-2K. A significantly higher prevalence of lupus nephritis, neuropsychiatric involvement, haematological manifestations, hypocomplementaemia and anti-dsDNA positivity was observed in patients with a low intake of caffeine. Furthermore, patients with a low intake of caffeine were more frequently treated with glucocorticoids. Regarding cytokine analysis, a negative correlation between daily caffeine consumption and serum level of IFNγ was found ( p = 0.03, r = –0.2); furthermore, patients with a high intake of caffeine showed lower serum levels of IFNα ( p = 0.02), IL-17 ( p = 0.01) and IL-6 ( p = 0.003). Conclusions In this report we demonstrated the impact of caffeine on SLE disease activity status, as confirmed by the inverse correlation between its intake and both SLEDAI-2K values and cytokine levels. Moreover, patients with a low caffeine consumption seem to have a more severe disease phenotype.
Evaluation of human papillomavirus self-collection offered by community health workers at home visits among under-screened women in Brazil
Authors: Pantano Naitielle de Paula , Fregnani José H , Resende Júlio CP , Zeferino Luiz C , Fonseca Bruno de Oliveira , Antoniazzi Márcio , Oliveira Cristina M de , Sant’ana Gisele da Rocha , Longatto-Filho Adhemar 
Published: July 2020

Objective To explore the acceptability of high-risk human papillomavirus self-testing, involving community health workers, for never/under-screened Brazilian women. Cervical cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death among adult women in a large number of low-income and lower-middle-income countries, where it remains a major public health problem. High-risk human papillomavirus persistence is required for the development of cervical neoplasia. Methods The target population was all women aged 30+ from the list of families available in healthcare centre data, who had never been screened or were not screened in the previous 3 years (under-screened women), and who were living in the 17 cities included in this study. Results Of the 377 women included, 16.9% ( n = 64) had never had a pap smear. Of all samples included in the study, 97.1% ( n = 366) were considered adequate for evaluation, as 2.9% ( n = 11) were considered invalid for all high-risk human papillomavirus types. Analysing these 366 samples, 9.6% ( n = 35) of the women were infected by at least one high-risk human papillomavirus type and 90.4% ( n = 331) had no infection with any high-risk type of the virus. Conclusions Vaginal self-sampling is an adequate strategy to improve the effectiveness of the cervical cancer program by increasing screening in a high-risk group.
The fourth industrial revolution and labour market regulation in Singapore
Authors: Waring Peter , Bali Azad , Vas Chris 
Published: July 2020

The race to develop and implement autonomous systems and artificial intelligence has challenged the responsiveness of governments in many areas and none more so than in the domain of labour market policy. This article draws upon a large survey of Singaporean employees and managers (N = 332) conducted in 2019 to examine the extent and ways in which artificial intelligence and autonomous technologies have begun impacting workplaces in Singapore. Our conclusions reiterate the need for government intervention to facilitate broad-based participation in the productivity benefits of fourth industrial revolution technologies while also offering re-designed social safety nets and employment protections. JEL Codes: J88, K31, O38, M53
Plasma Level of von Willebrand Factor Propeptide at Diagnosis: A Marker of Subsequent Renal Dysfunction in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Yada Noritaka , Yoshimoto Kiyomi , Kawashima Hiromasa , Yoneima Ryo , Nishimura Nobushiro , Tai Yoshiaki , Tsushima Emiko , Miyamoto Makiko , Ono Shiro , Matsumoto Masanori , Fujimoto Takashi , Nishio Kenji 
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren syndrome, and systemic sclerosis, which are chronic inflammatory diseases, are prone to develop renal dysfunction, which is related to vascular endothelial cell damage. Material and Methods: We evaluated plasma levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF), VWF propeptide (VWF-pp), disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13), and VWF multimer pattern in patients with SARDs at diagnosis and investigated whether they may serve as markers to identify patients destined to develop renal dysfunction within 1 year. Renal dysfunction was defined as subsequent reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by >25% or the new appearance of abnormal urine findings such as proteinuria (protein > 30 mg/dL) or hematuria (red blood cells >20/HPF in urine sediments). Overall, 63 patients with SARDs were studied. Results and Conclusions: We observed a significant increase of VWF-pp and a significant decrease of ADAMTS13 in patients with SARDs compared with normal healthy controls. The highest level of VWF-pp was observed in patients with SLE among the groups. The levels of VWF and multimer pattern of VWF were not different compared with normal healthy controls. Von Willebrand factor propeptide predicted a subsequent decrease in eGFR at a cutoff point of 210% (sensitivity, 78.6%; specificity, 73.5%) and new urinary abnormal findings at a cutoff point of 232% (sensitivity, 77.8%; specificity, 77.8%) Using these cutoff points, multivariable analysis revealed that VWF-pp was a significant risk factor for renal dysfunction at an odds ratio of 8.78 and 22.8, respectively, and may lead to a new therapeutic approach to prevent vasculitis and renal dysfunction.
The empty form of fairness: Equality of educational opportunity as an instrumentalizing force in education
Authors: Blumsztajn Anna 
Published: July 2020

The article investigates the instrumentalizing and ontological effects of the concept of equality of educational opportunity (EEO). Starting with the Coleman report ( Coleman et al., 1966 ), through the democratization of secondary and tertiary education, and reading it in light of the recent debate on educationalization of social problems ( Smeyers and Depaepe, 2008 ), the text inquires what has become of education under the influence of this powerfull concept. The evolution of this becoming is shaped by the paradox of equal treatment and selection, two fundamental principles on which the EEO ideal is based. ( Dubet, 2008 ). The objectivity of evaluation and comparability of results that this ideal implies sets EEO as one of the most important bases for the development of quantitative evaluation and testing, thus transforming the curriculum and shaping educational practices ( Stańczyk, 2013 ; Terrail, 2002 ). Moreover, the EEO principle brings the educational system to legitimize social inequalities: since it means treating students equally while they have to be ranked and come out segregated, the belief in inequality of intelligence is being reinforced, and inequalities are educationalized instead of being alleviated. Finally, the research shows that EEO policy and the EEO concept is pedagogically empty, mainly serving as an expression, or allegory of our concern with social inequalities ( Labaree, 2008 ; Rancière, 2002 ), with no real educational means serving this concern. The good news here is that such emptiness leaves room for practices of pedagogical equality being invented and introduced into the school.
Identification of Hidradenitis Suppurativa-Related mRNA Expression Patterns Through Analysis of Gene Expression Omnibus
Authors: Teng Yan , Tao Xiaohua , Lu Wei , Huang Youming , Xu Danfeng , Li Meng , Fan Yibin 
Published: July 2020

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, follicular, and inflammatory skin disease with multifactorial pathogenesis, and its definite molecule mechanism is still not fully elucidated. Objective: The purpose of this research was to identify crucial differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and biological processes and pathways involved in HS through bioinformatics analysis. Methods: A total of 30 tissues from patients with HS, 17 lesional and 13 healthy, were obtained from the GSE72702 data set of the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The DEGs were sorted by GEO2R and analyzed by Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. MCODE analysis was visualized using Cytoscape. Results: Of the 723 identified DEGs, 364 were upregulated and 359 were downregulated. Upregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in immune response, inflammatory response, tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, and so on and downregulated DEGs were enriched in the positive regulation of the peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor pathways, the regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, and so on. The most significant DEGs group of 35 genes were screened. Conclusion: The internal biological information in HS can be revealed by bioinformatic methods, providing direction for further research and potential therapeutic targets.
Drug-coated balloon angioplasty for the treatment of edge stenosis after self-expanding covered stent placement for superficial femoral artery occlusive disease
Authors: van Wijck Iris PS , Holewijn Suzanne , van Walraven Laurens A , Reijnen Michel MPJ 
Published: July 2020

Background Edge stenoses are the predominant limitation of self-expanding covered stent treatment of superficial femoral artery (SFA) occlusive disease, necessitating reinterventions. Angioplasty of an edge stenosis is associated with a high recurrence rate. Drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment of edge stenoses might improve outcomes by decreasing the incidence of restenosis. Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of using a DCB for the treatment of edge stenoses after self-expanding covered stent placement for SFA occlusive disease. Method We performed a retrospective analysis of patients treated with a DCB for edge stenoses after self-expanding covered stent placement. The primary endpoint was primary patency at one year. The secondary endpoints included procedure-related complications, secondary patency, and freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR). Results A total of 21 patients with 28 edge stenoses were included. The time from primary treatment to treatment of the edge stenosis was 19 months (interquartile range (IQR) 8; 52 months). Primary patency and assisted primary patency at one year were 66.7% with a secondary patency of 90.9%. Freedom from TLR was 86.1%, and freedom from clinically driven TLR was 89.4%. Four patients presented with a hemodynamically significant restenosis, and three of those patients had an occlusion. Median time to failure was six months (IQR 3.5; 7.0 months), and median time to occlusion was four months (IQR 3.0; 6.0 months). Conclusion The treatment of edge stenoses using a DCB is associated with a safe one-year outcome; however, this has to be confirmed in larger prospective studies. The continuous surveillance of patients is indicated.
SGLT inhibitors in type 1 diabetes: weighing efficacy and side effects
Authors: Janssens Birgit , Caerels Simon , Mathieu Chantal 
Published: July 2020

Even before sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors (SGLTi) became popular agents for the treatment of people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), clinicians had explored their potential as adjunct therapies in type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Several trials have demonstrated improved glycemic control (compared with placebo) and a decrease in glucose variability with a clinically relevant increase of time in range. In addition, weight loss and decreased systolic blood pressure are observed. The magnitude of the effects observed depends on the type of SGLTi, the dose administrated, and the duration of observation in the studies. As seen in T2DM, there was an increase in the risk of urogenital mycotic infections, but no increase in the risk of severe hypoglycemia. However, concerns arose regarding an increase in incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis. Mitigation strategies, including careful patient selection, extensive education of patients and (para)medical personnel, adequate insulin dose titration, and the adoption of a ketone-centered approach, are suggested. In different areas of the world, SGLTi are approved for use in T1DM with restrictions concerning patient selection and SGLTi dose. Real-world data on the effect of introduction of SGLTi in people with T1DM will yield insight on the robustness of glycemic effects over time, and allow us to determine whether the positive risk–benefit profile observed in clinical trials can be translated to the real world.