bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The lncRNA Fer1L4 is an adverse prognostic parameter in clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma
Authors: Cox A. , Tolkach Y. , Kristiansen G. , Ritter M. , Ellinger J. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are involved in oncogenesis and tumor progression in various tumor entities. At present, little is known about the role in tumor biology of the lncRNA Fer-1 like family member 4 (Fer1L4) in clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The aim of this study is to evaluate the expression of Fer1L4 in patients with ccRCC, its association with clinicopathological parameters, and value as prognostic biomarker.

Material and methods
The expression of Fer1L4 was analyzed in the TCGA ccRCC cohort (n = 603; ccRCC n = 522, normal n = 81) and subsequently validated by quantitative real-time PCR in an independent cohort (n = 103, ccRCC n = 69, normal n = 34). Expression profiles were statistically correlated with clinicopathological and survival data.

Results
Fer1L4 lncRNA is overexpressed in ccRCC compared to adjacent normal tissues. Increased expression significantly correlates with tumor aggressiveness: high expression levels of Fer1L4 RNA were found in higher grade, higher stage, and metastatic tumors. Furthermore, Fer1L4 overexpression is an independent prognostic factor for overall, cancer-specific, and progression-free survival of patients with ccRCC.

Conclusion
Fer1L4 expression significantly correlates with aspects of tumor aggressiveness. Based on this impact on tumor progression and its influence as an independent prognostic factor, Fer1L4 appears to exert properties as an oncogene in ccRCC. As a prognostic tissue biomarker, further functional investigations are warranted to investigate Fer1L4 as a potential therapeutic target.
The results of lithic experiments performed on glass cores are applicable to other raw materials
Authors: Dogandžić Tamara , Abdolazadeh Aylar , Leader George , Li Li , McPherron Shannon P. , Tennie Claudio , Dibble Harold L. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAbout 10 years ago, a new experimental design, based on a mechanical flaking apparatus, allowed complete control over several independent variables essential to flintknapping. This experimental setting permitted the investigation of more fundamental aspects of stone technology, including the effect of particular platform attributes, core surface morphology, and the application of force on flake size and shape. These experiments used cores made of glass that were molded to exact configurations. Here we set out to investigate whether results obtained from experiments on glass cores can be extended to other materials, in this case varieties of basalt, flint, and obsidian that were cut to the exact core configurations. We focused on the relationships between the independent variables of exterior platform angle and platform depth and dependent variables of overall size (weight or mass), volume, and linear dimensions. It was found that in almost every comparison, all four materials show similar relationships in nature and degree. What differs instead is the amount of force needed to detach a flake. In other words, given the same core morphology and platform attributes the resulting flakes will be the same, but harder materials require more force to remove the flake. These results were additionally verified on Middle Paleolithic archeological materials made mostly on Late Cretaceous flints. Our results demonstrate that experiments using glass cores are valid and can be generalized and extended to other materials.
Optimum Design of the Dental Air-Turbine Handpiece System Using the Design of Experiment Method
Authors: Juraeva Makhsuda , Song Dong Joo , Kang Dong Jin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAn air-turbine and associated air supply tube was optimized as a dental air-turbine handpiece system. The system consists of an air-turbine with an impeller and a housing, and an air supply tube which supplies compressed-air to the air-turbine. The flow characteristics of the dental air-turbine handpiece system were investigated using ANSYS CFX. The study aimed to find the significant design parameters, and optimize them in terms of the maximum torque. The number of blades, the blade angle of the impeller and the gap between the impeller and the housing were chosen as the three major design parameters. The design of experiment technique was used to optimize two dental air-turbine handpiece systems: Type 1 was an air turbine alone and Type 2 was the air-turbine with an air supply tube. The optimization results showed that the gap between the impeller and the housing was not a significant parameter for Type 1. The maximum torque was lower for Type 2 than for Type 1. The optimized optimum blade number was the same for both types, but the blade angle and the gap differed between the two types. The blade angle and blade number were significant for Type 1, and all three design parameters were significant for Type 2. The performance improvement was greater for Type 2 than for Type 1. The performance of both optimized handpiece systems was reviewed in terms of the experimental measurements of noise level, rotational speed, and withdrawal force.
Towards concerted government efforts? Assessing nutrition policy integration in Uganda
Authors: Namugumya Brenda Shenute , Candel Jeroen J.L. , Talsma Elise F. , Termeer Catrien J.A.M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTo tackle malnutrition more effectively, Sub-Saharan African governments have developed overarching, integrative policy strategies over the past decade. Despite their popularity, little is known about their follow-up and ultimately their success (or failure). Consequently, tracking the progress of such political commitment has gained global importance. Various studies provide insights into changes in nutrition-related policies. Nevertheless, it is generally acknowledged that we have limited understanding of how nutrition concerns are explicitly addressed in policies of different ministries. This study uses a novel policy integration perspective to investigate the extent to which eight ministries in Uganda integrated nutrition concerns across their policy outputs between 2001 and 2017. The approach used assumes nutrition policy integration is a dynamic process occurring in different policy dimensions. We performed a qualitative content analysis to assess 103 policy outputs for changes in subsystems involved, policy goals, and instruments used. Overall, we found a shift towards increased integrated government action on nutrition over time. The 2011–2015 analysis period was a critical juncture where increased integration of nutrition was observed in all policy integration dimensions across all ministries. However, considerable variations in actor networks, goals, and instruments exist across sectors and over time. The sustainability of nutrition integration efforts remains contentious, because of which continuous monitoring will be essential.
Characteristics predicting recommendation for familial breast cancer referral in a cohort of women from primary care
Authors: Lee Siang Ing , Qureshi Nadeem , Dutton Brittany , Kai Joe , Weng Stephen 
Published: January 2020

AbstractFamily history of breast and related cancers can indicate increased breast cancer (BC) risk. In national familial breast cancer (FBC) guidelines, the risk is stratified to guide referral decisions. We aimed to identify characteristics associated with the recommendation for referral in a large cohort of women undergoing FBC risk assessment in a recent primary care study. Demographic, family history, psychological and behavioural factors were collected with family history questionnaires, psychological questionnaires and manual data extraction from general practice electronic health records. Participants were women aged 30–60 with no previous history of breast or ovarian cancer. Data from 1127 women were analysed with stepwise logistic regression. Two multivariable logistic models were developed to predict recommendations for referral: using the entire cohort (n = 1127) and in a subgroup with uncertain risks (n = 168). Model performance was assessed by the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC). In all 1127 women, a multivariable model incorporating five family history components (BC aged < 40, bilateral BC, prostate cancer, first degree relative with ovarian cancer, paternal family history of BC) and having a mammogram in the last 3 years, performed well (AUC = 0.86). For the 168 uncertain risk women, only paternal family history of BC remained significant (AUC = 0.71). Clinicians should pay particular attention to these five family history components when assessing FBC risk, especially prostate cancer which is not in the current national guidelines.
Global mapping of live cell mechanical features using PeakForce QNM AFM
Authors: Hu Jinrong , Chen Shenbao , Huang Dandan , Zhang Yan , Lü Shouqin , Long Mian 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAtomic force microscopy (AFM) has been widely used to acquire surface topography upon different scanning modes and to quantify mechanical properties of a cell using single-point ramp force mode. However, these traditional measurements need massive force curves originating from multiple points of a cell to exclude the potential errors resulted from limited and factitious selections of testing points, making the measurements time-consuming and highly localized. PeakForce Quantitative NanoMechanics (PF QNM) is a high-speed (faster by 3–4 order of magnitude) and global surface mechanical property mapping method with high spatial resolution, overcoming the drawbacks of traditional ramp mode especially used for a live cell with high heterogeneity. In this protocol, we elaborated how to run PF QNM measurements for live cells and relevant modification may be needed when extending this method to other cell-like soft materials.
Kant’s Conception of Moral Strength
Authors: Vujošević Marijana 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMost scholars assume that Kantian moral strength is needed only when it comes to following maxims. However, accounts based on this assumption can be challenged by Kant’s claim that virtue, as moral strength of the human will, can never become a habit because its maxims must be freely adopted in new situations. Even some accounts that are not based on this assumption fail to meet this challenge. By drawing on my interpretation of the Kantian capacity for self-control, I propose a twofold account of moral strength that can accommodate Kant’s point that maxims of virtue must always be freely adopted.
Plato on the Enslavement of Reason
Authors: Johnstone Mark A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractInRepublic8–9, Socrates describes four main kinds of vicious people, all of whose souls are “ruled” by an element other than reason, and in some of whom reason is said to be “enslaved.” What role does reason play in such souls? In this paper, I argue, based onRepublic8–9 and related passages, and in contrast to some common alternative views, that for Plato the “enslavement” of reason consists in this: instead of determining for itself what is good, reason is forced to desire and pursueasgood a goal determined by the soul’s ruler.
Frailty and adverse outcomes in older adults being discharged from the emergency department: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Afilalo Jonathan , Mottillo Salvatore , Xue Xiaoqing , Colacone Antoinette , Morais José A. , Delaney J. Scott , Afilalo Marc 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundA growing number of frail older adults are treated in the emergency department (ED) and discharged home. There is an unmet need to identify older adults that are predisposed to functional decline and repeat ED visits so as to target them with proactive interventions.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted in patients 75 years or older who were being discharged from the ED. The objective was to test the value of frailty screening tests, namely 5-meter gait speed and handgrip strength, to predict repeat ED visits at 1 and 6 months and functional decline at 1 month using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsAfter excluding 7 patients lost to follow-up, 150 patients were available for analysis. The mean age was 81.1 ± 4.9 years with 51% females, 13% arriving by ambulance, and 67% having at least two comorbid conditions. At ED discharge, 41% of patients were found to have slow gait speed, whereas 23% had weak handgrip strength. After adjustment, only slow gait speed was independently associated with functional decline at 1 month (odds ratio [OR] 1.39 per 0.1 meters/second decrement, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12 to 1.72) and repeat ED visits at 6 months (OR 1.20 per 0.1 meters/second decrement, 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.42).ConclusionsGait speed can be feasibly measured at the time of ED discharge to identify frail older adults at risk for early functional decline and subsequent return to the ED. Conversely, grip strength was not found to be associated with functional decline or ED visits.
Mapping Stakeholder Perspectives on Engagement in Concussion Research to Theory
Authors: Hunt Cindy , de Saint-Rome Miranda , Di Salle Carol , Michalak Alicja , Wilcock Ruth , Baker Andrew 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACT:Background:Involving stakeholders has been acknowledged as a way to improve quality and relevance in health research. The mechanisms that support effective research engagement with stakeholders have not been studied in the area of concussion. Concussion is a large public health concern worldwide with billions of dollars spent on health care services and research with improvements in care and service delivery not moving forward as quickly as desired. Enabling effective stakeholder engagement could improve concussion research and care.Objective:The aim of the study was to identify potential benefits, challenges, and motivators to engaging in research by gathering the perspectives of adults with lived experience of concussion.Methods:A thematic analysis of qualitative responses collected from a convenience sample attending a provincial brain injury conference (n = 60) was undertaken using open coding followed by axial coding.Results:Four themes regarding benefits to engagement emerged: first-hand account, meaningful recovery, research relevance, and better understanding of gaps. Three forces inhibited engagement: environmental barriers, injury-related constraints, and personal deterrents. Four enablers supported engagement: focus on positive impact, build connections, create a supportive environment, and provide financial assistance.Conclusions:Understanding stakeholder’s perspectives on research engagement is an important issue that may serve to improve research quality. There may be unique nuances at play with injury-specific stakeholders that require researchers to consider a balance between reducing inhibitors while supporting enablers. These findings are preliminary and limited. Nevertheless, they provide needed insight and guidance for ongoing investigation regarding improvement of stakeholder engagement in concussion research.
Depression among TB patients and associated factors in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: Shrestha P. , Subba U. K. , Brouwer M. , Sweetland A. C. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Introduction
When tuberculosis (TB) and depression co-occur, there is greater risk for comorbidities, disability, suffering, and health-related costs. Depression is also associated with poor treatment adherence in patients with TB. The major aim of this study was to assess the symptoms of depression and associated factors among TB patients currently receiving directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS) treatment.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among TB patients currently undergoing treatment in 27 DOTS centers in three districts of Kathmandu Valley. The study included 250 TB patients within 2 months of treatment initiation, aged 18 years and above. The previously validated Nepali Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to screen for depression and semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect socio-demographic information and other factors related to TB and/or depression. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20.

Results
The study found the mean PHQ Score to be 2.84 (s.d. 4.92, range 0–25). Among the respondents, 10% (n = 25) had PHQ-9 scores ⩾10, suggestive of probable depression. Multivariate linear regression indicated that depressive symptoms were significantly associated with being separated/widowed/divorced (p = 0.000) and having lower education (0.003). In addition, smoking (p = 0.02), alcohol use (p = 0.001), and experience of side effects from TB medications (p = 0.001) were risk factors for higher PHQ-9 scores.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that patients on TB treatment have higher risk of depression and efforts should be made by the National Tuberculosis Program to address this issue.
The bilingual [dis]advantage
Authors: BAILEY CASSANDRA , VENTA AMANDA , LANGLEY HILLARY 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTMost assessments of cognitive abilities are language bound (e.g., directions presented orally or written), even when not assessing linguistic ability. Understanding the relationship between bilingual language acquisition and outcomes on tests of cognitive abilities is critical, given the reliance on intelligence assessment for learning disability accommodations and intellectual disability diagnoses. Research has been mixed regarding the presence of a bilingual advantage or disadvantage on cognitive performance. Thus, the purpose of this review is to examine differences between several types of language users (i.e., early/late, simultaneous/sequential, English dominant / Spanish dominant/balanced), focusing on the relation between level of language acquisition and use and implications for outcomes on tests of cognitive abilities. To conduct the systematic review, guidelines from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were used (Liberati et al., 2009). Fifty-two articles met eligibility criteria and are included in this review. Results from the systematic review suggest that bilinguals perform differently than monolinguals in several domains and may be considered neurologically unlike monolinguals. The paper concludes by advocating for the need for appropriate assessment instruments and norms specific for bilingual speakers, as currently available measures cannot reliably and accurately differentiate monolinguals with a language impairment from typically developing bilinguals.
Political attitudes vary with detection of androstenone
Authors: Friesen Amanda , Gruszczynski Mike , Smith Kevin B. , Alford John R. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBuilding on a growing body of research suggesting that political attitudes are part of broader individual and biological orientations, we test whether the detection of the hormone androstenone is predictive of political attitudes. The particular social chemical analyzed in this study is androstenone, a nonandrogenic steroid found in the sweat and saliva of many mammals, including humans. A primary reason for scholarly interest in odor detection is that it varies so dramatically from person to person. Using participants’ self-reported perceptions of androstenone intensity, together with a battery of survey items testing social and political preferences and orientations, this research supports the idea that perceptions of androstenone intensity relate to political orientations—most notably, preferences for social order—lending further support to theories positing the influence of underlying biological traits on sociopolitical attitudes and behaviors.
Eustachian tube dysfunction in candidates for surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
Authors: Ungar O J , Rosenzweig E , Betito H Rotem , Cavel O , Oron Y , Handzel O 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundDefining the risk factors for Eustachian tube dysfunction can facilitate its prevention. It is hypothesised that Eustachian tube dysfunction as measured by the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 is associated with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.MethodsThe questionnaire was systematically translated into Hebrew and validated in the accepted manner. This questionnaire was applied to obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome patients before and after expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty, in pre-set time intervals. The results were compared to those of controls from the general population.ResultsThirty-one patients (males:females = 19:12) were enrolled in the obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome group. Mean age was 43 years (range, 31–55 years) and mean body mass index was 28 kg/m2 (range, 27–30 kg/m2). Median apnoea-hypopnea index (pre-operatively) was 34 events per hour. The questionnaire scores in expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty candidates were significantly worse than in controls (p < 0.001). Expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty did not change Eustachian tube function in the long term, but was associated with additional self-limiting Eustachian tube dysfunction in the first two post-operative months.ConclusionEustachian tube dysfunction is significantly worse in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome compared to controls. Expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty is not associated with Eustachian tube function improvement.
Do patients benefit from physiotherapy for shoulder dysfunction following neck dissection? A systematic review
Authors: Harris A S 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveAccessory nerve palsy affects a proportion of patients following neck dissection, and results in shoulder dysfunction and regional pain. This project aimed to establish the evidence supporting post-operative physiotherapy for the shoulder following neck dissection.MethodA systematic review was conducted of prospective trials investigating the efficacy of rehabilitation for shoulder or upper limb dysfunction and pain following any type of neck dissection.ResultsA total of 820 papers were identified; through a staged review process, 7 trials were found that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. These included three randomised, controlled trials and four non-randomised studies. Five out of the seven trials demonstrated a statistically significant benefit of physiotherapy.ConclusionCurrent evidence shows a benefit from physiotherapy in patients with shoulder dysfunction following neck dissection. Some evidence suggests progressive resistance is superior to other types of physiotherapy. Long-term benefit and cost efficacy have not been studied.
Knowledge of the audiological effects, symptoms and practices related to personal listening devices of health sciences students at a South African university
Authors: Seedat R Y , Ehlers R , Lee Y , Mung'omba C , Plaatjies K , Prins M , Randeree M , Zakhura M , Joubert G 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the knowledge of first year health sciences students at a South African university regarding hearing loss and symptoms attributable to personal listening devices and their practices concerning the use of personal listening devices.MethodThis was a cross-sectional study carried out using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire.ResultsOf 336 students, 269 (80.1 per cent) completed the questionnaire. While most participants could identify symptoms that could be caused by extensive use of personal listening devices, almost 30 per cent did not know that it could cause permanent hearing loss. Personal listening devices were used by 90.7 per cent of participants, with 77.8 per cent having used them for more than five years. Use was at a high volume in 14.9 per cent of participants and for more than 2 hours per day in 52.7 per cent.ConclusionThe findings indicate the need for an educational programme to inform students as to safe listening practices when using personal listening devices.