bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of shear wave elastography in predicting the metabolic and androgenic alterations in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Turan Özgür Deniz , Tuncyurek Ozum , Ertekin Ersen 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimTo evaluate the variation in tissue stiffness caused by the changes in ovarian volume and stroma in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using a novel method of ultrasonography, that is shear wave elastography (SWE). The current study also aimed to evaluate the potential applications of this method in predicting the metabolic and androgenic alterations in patients with PCOS.MethodsThe present study included 33 patients with PCOS. The blood samples for the metabolic and androgenic parameters and SWE values pertaining to the patients were obtained on the same day during the early follicular phase. The predictive ability of SWE to reflect the metabolic and androgenic abnormalities was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis.ResultsThe mean SWE value pertaining to the group with higher total testosterone levels was significantly lower, compared to the group with normal testosterone levels (p = 0.041). The ROC analysis revealed that the predictive potential of SWE was statistically significant in regard to the serum testosterone levels alone (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.755, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.573–0.938, p = 0.041). There was no significant relationship between the SWE values and metabolic parameters.ConclusionsBased on the results of the present study, decreased SWE values appear to be associated with increased serum testosterone levels. However, the present study did not observe any significant relationship between the SWE values and metabolic parameters. SWE can be used as a practical and non‐invasive method to predict the serum testosterone levels during the follow‐up evaluations of the patients with PCOS.
Effect of hard gummy candy chewing on masticatory function
Authors: Fujiwara Shigehiro , Hori Kazuhiro , Shitara Satoko , Okawa Jumpei , Kodama Shohei , Murakami Kazuhiro , Ono Takahiro 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundAlthough various training methods have been reported for improving oral function such as occlusal force, there are few reports that show the training effect of eating hard food on the oral functions.ObjectiveTo examine the training effects of habitually ating hard gummy candies on oral functions.MethodsParticipants of this cohort study were recruited into a training (six women, eight men; mean age 27.6 ± 3.5 years) and control group (two women, seven men; mean age 28.3 ± 4.9 years). The training group ate nine custom‐developed hard gummy candies three times per week for 3 months. Training effects were evaluated by measuring the maximal occlusal force, masticatory performance, maximal tongue pressure, number of chewing cycles until swallowing the candy, duration of chewing and cycle time before training, after 1, 2 and 3 months of training, and 1 month after stopping training. The iEMG/force, which evaluates masseter muscle hypertrophy with electromyograms (EMG), was calculated.ResultsMasticatory performance after 1 month (p = 0.01), maximal occlusal force after 2 months (p < 0.01) and maximal tongue pressure after 3 months of training were significantly increased (p = 0.02), and the cycle time after 2 months of training (p = 0.02) was significantly decreased compared to before the intervention. Except for masticatory performance, the other effects were maintained for 1 month after stopping training. Changes in iEMG/force were not significant, but a tendency for muscle hypertrophy was observed in the training group.ConclusionHabitual eating of hard gummy candies is a task‐specific training that can improve overall masticatory function, including tongue pressure.
Religiosity and Immanent Justice Reasoning: A Replication Study in Japan and the U.S.
Authors: Murayama Aya , Miura Asako 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPrevious studies have investigated the importance of religiosity in enhancing peopleʼs justice reasoning, yet the findings have been limited to the Western culture, where a majority of people believe in Christianity. In order to investigate the effect of cultural difference and of religiosity on immanent justice reasoning, we compared and contrasted the degree of engagement in immanent justice reasoning regarding someoneʼs misfortune among American Christians, Japanese Buddhists, and nonreligious participants in the two cultures. The analysis found that among Americans, those who believed in Christianity engaged in stronger immanent justice reasoning toward an unfortunate person with lower moral values than did participants without a particular faith. The Japanese, on the other hand, showed stronger immanent justice reasoning for people with lower moral values, regardless of their faith. In addition, when the person had low moral value, the Japanese tended to engage in such reasoning more strongly than did Americans. Our results showed that religious beliefs may contribute to strengthening engagement in immanent justice reasoning in the Western culture, but such a generalization may not be accurate in other cultures.
Empowering our people: Predictors of retention in an STI risk reduction program among rural Native Americans with binge substance use
Authors: Tingey Lauren , Rosenstock Summer , Chambers Rachel , Patel Hima , Melgar Laura , Slimp Anna , Lee Angelita , Cwik Mary , Rompalo Anne , Gaydos Charlotte 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPurposeSubstance use and sexual risk‐taking have been shown to co‐occur. Programs focused on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) reduction may benefit substance‐using, particularly binge substance‐using, adults. This is especially true for rural Native American communities who endure sexual and substance use disparities and have few STI risk reduction programs. This study explores factors predicting retention in an STI risk reduction program among rural Native adults engaged in binge substance use.MethodsWe analyzed data from 150 Native adults ages 18‐55 participating in an evaluation of “EMPWR,” a 2‐session STI risk reduction program in a rural, reservation‐based community. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between independent variables and program completion across demographics, sexual behaviors, substance use behaviors, mental health, recent health care utilization, and perceived enculturation and discrimination.FindingsThe sample was 49.2% (n = 59) female with a mean age of 33.61 years (SD = 8.25). Twenty‐six completed only the first EMPWR session, 94 completed both EMPWR sessions, and 30 were randomized but completed 0 sessions. Being married/cohabiting (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 6.40, P = .0063) and living with an older generation (AOR = 4.86, P = .0058) were significantly associated with higher odds of completing EMPWR.ConclusionsFindings provide insight on factors driving retention of Natives with recent binge substance use in STI risk reduction programming. An important contribution to Native health literature is that living with an older generation positively predicted EMPWR program completion, suggesting that STI risk reduction programs should harness the strength of families to ensure program attendance and optimize impacts in rural reservation contexts.
Clinical efficacy of a benazepril and spironolactone combination in dogs with congestive heart failure due to myxomatous mitral valve disease: TheBEnazepril Spironolactone STudy(BESST)
Authors: Coffman Melissa , Guillot Emilie , Blondel Thomas , Garelli‐Paar Catherine , Feng Shuo , Heartsill Susanne , Atkins Clarke E. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS), when chronically activated, is harmful and RAAS‐suppressive drugs are beneficial in the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF). Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are widely used in the treatment of CHF in people.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo determine if a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (spironolactone) is beneficial and safe in CHF due to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) of varying severity, we hypothesized that, when combined with furosemide, a combination product (S+BNZ) containing the ACE inhibitor (ACE‐I), benazepril, and spironolactone, would be superior to benazepril alone.AnimalsFive hundred and sixty‐nine client‐owned dogs, with MMVD and CHF (ACVIM Stage C) of ≤10‐days' duration.MethodsAfter initial stabilization, dogs were randomized into a positive‐controlled, double‐blind, multicenter trial, to receive furosemide plus S+BNZ or furosemide plus benazepril. The primary outcome variable was the percentage of dogs reaching cardiac endpoint before Day 360. Cardiac endpoint was defined as cardiac death or euthanasia, recurrence of pulmonary edema, necessity for nonauthorized cardiac drug(s) or a furosemide dosage >8 mg/kg/d.ResultsA significantly lower percentage of dogs treated with S+BNZ reached the primary outcome variable by Day 360 (OR = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.32‐0.98;P = .04) and risk of dying or worsening from cardiac causes, was significantly reduced (HR = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.59‐0.89,P = .002) vs benazepril alone. Adverse events, potentially associated with treatment, were rare and equal between groups.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceThe combination of S+BNZ is effective, safe, and superior to benazepril alone, when used with furosemide for the management of mild, moderate or severe CHF caused by MMVD in dogs.
Resistance, recuperation, or deviance? The meaning of personal internet use at work
Authors: Miltsov Alex 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe use of internet‐based tools during work for personal purposes is a widespread phenomenon in both private and public organisations. By analysing 30 in‐depth interviews with cognitive workers in Canada, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States, this study explores the ways in which contemporary workers engage in, experience, and rationalise personal Internet use at work. The results show that inter‐generational differences, organisational culture, and the patterns in the organisation of labour affect how workers experience and rationalise the phenomenon of PIUW. This study contributes to the organisational literature with an analysis of how contemporary cognitive workers experience navigating between working and non‐working activities in the workplace.
Long Term outcomes of percutaneous atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with continuous monitoring
Authors: Sulke Neil , Dulai Rajdip , Freemantle Nick , Sugihara Conn , Podd Steven , Eysenck William , Lewis Michael , Hyde Jonathan , Veasey Rick A , Furniss Stephen S 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntroduction: There is limited data using continuous monitoring to assess outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. This study assessed long‐term outcomes of AF ablation in patients with implantable cardiac devices.Methods: 207 patients (mean age 68.1 ± 9.5, 50.3% men) undergoing ablation for symptomatic AF were followed up for a mean period of 924.5 ± 636.7 days. Techniques included The Pulmonary Vein Ablation Catheter (PVAC) (59.4%), cryoablation (17.4%), point by point (14.0%) and The Novel Irrigated Multipolar Radiofrequency Ablation Catheter (nMARQ) (9.2%).Results: 130 (62.8%) patients had paroxysmal AF (PAF) and 77 (37.2%) persistent AF. First ablation and repeat ablation reduced AF burden significantly (relative risk 0.91, [95% CI 0.89 to 0.94]; P <0.0001 and 0.90, [95% CI, 0.86–0.94]; P <0.0001).Median AF burden in PAF patients reduced from 1.05% (interquartile range [IQR], 0.1%‐8.70%) to 0.10% ([IQR], 0%‐2.28%) at one year and this was maintained out to four‐years. Persistent AF burden reduced from 99.9% ([IQR], 51.53%‐100%) to 0.30% ([IQR], 0%‐77.25%) at one year increasing to 87.3% ([IQR], 4.25%‐100%) after four years. If a second ablation was required, point‐by‐point ablation achieved greater reduction in AF burden (relative risk, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.65–0.91]; P <0.01).Conclusion: Ablation reduces AF burden both acutely and in the long‐term. If a second ablation was required the point‐by‐point technique achieved greater reductions in AF burden than “single‐shot” technologies. Persistent AF burden increased to near pre ablation levels by year 4 suggesting a different mechanism from PAF patients where this increase did not occur.
Dryopithecine palaeobiodiversity in the Iberian Miocene revisited on the basis of molar endostructural morphology
Authors: Fortuny Josep , Zanolli Clément , Bernardini Federico , Tuniz Claudio , Alba David M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractExtensive fieldwork at Abocador de Can Mata (north‐east Iberian Peninsula) has uncovered a previously unsuspected diversity of catarrhine primates in the middle Miocene (12.5–11.6 Ma) of Europe. However, the distinction of the great ape genera Pierolapithecus and Anoiapithecus from Dryopithecus (supported by craniodental differences) has been disputed by some authors. Here we revisit the diversity of great apes (dryopithecines) from the Iberian Miocene based on molar 3D endostructural morphology (relative enamel thickness, enamel distribution, and enamel–dentine junction (EDJ)). Using microtomography, we inspected an extensive sample of 49 hominoid molars representing at least five species from 12 localities. 2D and 3D relative enamel thickness values indicate that Dryopithecus and ‘Sivapithecus’ occidentalis (species inquirenda) display the thinnest and thickest enamel, respectively, while the remaining taxa (Hispanopithecus, Anoiapithecus, Pierolapithecus) show intermediate values. Upper molar enamel distribution maps exhibit a similar pattern in P. catalaunicus, A. brevirostris, D. fontani, H. laietanus and H. crusafonti whereas for the lower molars they reveal differences between H. laietanus and H. crusafonti. Lower molar enamel distribution and EDJ morphology of ‘S.’ occidentalis support the distinction of this species but do not resolve whether it is a junior synonym of Anoiapithecus brevirostris or Pierolapithecus catalaunicus. Overall our results support the distinction of middle Miocene dryopithecins from late Miocene hispanopithecins, the distinction of Pierolapithecus and Anoiapithecus from Dryopithecus among the former, and the distinct species status of H. crusafonti compared to H. laietanus among the latter. Our results highlight the potential of inner tooth morphology for hominoid alpha‐taxonomy.
Perceptual illusionism
Authors: Cutter Brian 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPerceptual illusionism is the view that perceptual experience is, in general, radically illusory. That is, perceptual experience presents objects as having certain sensible properties and standing in certain sensible relations, but nothing in the subject’s environment has those properties or stands in those relations. This paper makes the case for perceptual illusionism by showing how a broad set of philosophical and scientific considerations converge to support illusionism about the full range of sensible properties and relations. After clarifying the illusionist thesis, I set out the argument in three parts. First, I briefly make the case for an illusionist view of color. I then argue for illusionism about the spatial/temporal properties presented in experience on the assumption that some “radical” view of space (and/or time) is correct—that is, some view according to which nothing like our ordinary three‐dimensional space (or four‐dimensional spacetime) exists at the fundamental level. Finally, I argue that there is a strong case for illusionism even if all radical views turn out to be false..
Perspectives in the study of the political economy of COVID‐19 vaccine regulation
Authors: Fonseca Elize M. da , Jarman Holly , King Elizabeth J. , Greer Scott L. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractVaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2 continue to be developed at an astonishingly quick speed and the early ones, like Pfizer and Moderna, have been shown to be more effective than many public health scientists had dared to hope. As COVID‐19 vaccine research continues to progress, the world's eyes are turning toward medicine regulators. COVID‐19 vaccines need to be authorized for use in each country in which the pharmaceutical industry intends to commercialize its product. This results in a patchwork of regulations that can influence the speed at which products are launched and the standards that govern them. In this research forum article, we discuss several key questions about COVID‐19 vaccine regulations that should shape research on the next stage of the pandemic response. We call for a research agenda that looks into the political economy of pharmaceutical regulation, particularly from a comparative perspective, including Global South countries.
Exclusion from Educational Opportunity in Diversifying Rural Contexts*
Authors: Aylward Alexandra , Barrio Brenda , Kramarczuk Voulgarides Catherine 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRacial/ethnic disproportionality within special education refers to the over‐ or underrepresentation of a racial/ethnic group in an educational category, program, or service in comparison to the group's proportion in the overall population. The educational equity implications of disproportionality have been discussed in multiple studies, and schools may risk receiving federal citations and sanctions in significant instances of disproportionality. However, disproportionality in special education is rarely examined within rural settings, despite demographic change leading to more racially and ethnically diverse rural schools. This article uses event history methodology to understand how changing district‐level social contextual factors are associated with the issuance of federal citations for disproportionality in special education during 2004–2005 to 2011–2012 school years among rural districts within New York. We find that among majority‐white districts, the likelihood of citation is much greater when there is a substantial increase in the number of children of color enrolled. In contrast, racial/ethnic demographic changes within more diverse rural districts, whether enrollment increases or decreases, reduce the likelihood of a citation. Also, as teacher turnover and student enrollments increase, the likelihood of citation increases. As rural communities continue to become less racially and ethnically homogenous, scholars and educators must consider the ways in which Black, Indigenous, and students of color can be appropriately supported in schools and the important variation across rural spaces.
The complementary roles between clientelism and familism in social policy development
Authors: Yuda Tauchid Komara 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWhat drives social policy development? Most of the literature addressing this issue focuses on the economic crisis and the increase in left power as its causation. On the basis of the Indonesian case, this paper engages in a debate about the clouts of clientelism and familial ethics in shaping social policy path development. This article claims that the quick replacement of productivist welfare regimes with the more inclusive system after Asian Financial Crisis is motivated by increased elites' interest in repositioning their clientelistic network within a public institution. This is occurring while familial precepts are being used as effective moral politics in encouraging kinship networks to internalize social risks during the regime replacement process. Overall, the case of Indonesia reflects the common characteristic of welfare regimes development in East Asian countries where efforts to modernize social policy are conditioned under a situation where democracy is not well‐established and the post‐modern family structure has not fully matured either. Consequently, the development of social policy to a large extent is still confined within a huge clientelistic influence and implemented under the familial ideology. This situation has ultimately retarded welfare state development.
Cooperation of chloroplast ascorbate peroxidases and proton gradient regulation 5 is critical for protecting Arabidopsis plants from photo‐oxidative stress
Authors: Kameoka Takashi , Okayasu Takaya , Kikuraku Kana , Ogawa Takahisa , Sawa Yoshihiro , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Ishikawa Takahiro , Maruta Takanori 
Published: May 2021

SummaryHigh‐light (HL) stress enhances the production of H2O2 from the photosynthetic electron transport chain in chloroplasts, potentially causing photo‐oxidative damage. Although stromal and thylakoid membrane‐bound ascorbate peroxidases (sAPX and tAPX, respectively) are major H2O2‐scavenging enzymes in chloroplasts, their knockout mutants do not exhibit a visible phenotype under HL stress. Trans‐thylakoid proton gradient (∆pH)‐dependent mechanisms exist for controlling H2O2 production from photosynthesis, such as thermal dissipation of light energy and downregulation of electron transfer between photosystems II and I, and these may compensate for the lack of APXs. To test this hypothesis, we focused on a proton gradient regulation 5 (pgr5) mutant, wherein both ∆pH‐dependent mechanisms are impaired, and an Arabidopsis sapx tapx double mutant was crossed with the pgr5 single mutant. The sapx tapx pgr5 triple mutant exhibited extreme sensitivity to HL compared with its parental lines. This phenotype was consistent with cellular redox perturbations and enhanced expression of many oxidative stress‐responsive genes. These findings demonstrate that the PGR5‐dependent mechanisms compensate for chloroplast APXs, and vice versa. An intriguing finding was that the failure of induction of non‐photochemical quenching in pgr5 (because of the limitation in ∆pH formation) was partially recovered in sapx tapx pgr5. Further genetic studies suggested that this recovery was dependent on the NADH dehydrogenase‐like complex‐dependent pathway for cyclic electron flow around photosystem I. Together with data from the sapx tapx npq4 mutant, we discuss the interrelationship between APXs and ∆pH‐dependent mechanisms under HL stress.
Surgical treatment of persistent right aortic arch with combined ligamentum arteriosum transection and esophageal diverticulum resection in three dogs
Authors: Olson Nicholas J. , Reems Michael R. , Monnet Eric 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the treatment of persistent right aortic arch (PRAA) in dogs with combined ligamentum arteriosum (LA) transection and esophageal diverticulum resection.AnimalsThree client owned dogs.Study DesignShort case series.MethodsMedical records were reviewed for clinical signs, diagnostic procedures, surgical treatment, post‐operative therapies including medications and feeding regime, outcomes, and follow‐up imaging.ResultsEsophageal resection was performed using a thoracoabdominal (TA) stapler with suture overlay. All dogs recovered well from surgery and did not experience any peri‐ or post‐operative complications. The last follow‐up was performed between 64 and 1004 days post‐operatively. In all cases, regurgitation resolved and did not recur in any dogs. No dogs required medical therapy or dietary modifications. In two cases, follow‐up imaging was performed that revealed marked improvement of esophageal dilation.ConclusionResection of esophageal diverticulum secondary to PRAA utilizing a TA stapler with suture overlay was technically feasible and did not seem associated with early or late complications.