bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulatory VCAN polymorphism is associated with shoulder pain and disability in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Mafu Trevor S. , September Alison V. , Shamley Delva 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background and purpose
Shoulder morbidity following breast cancer treatment is multifactorial. Despite several treatment- and patient-related factors being implicated, unexplained inter-individual variability exists in the development of such morbidity. Given the paucity of relavant genetic studies, we investigate the role of polymorphisms in candidate proteoglycan genes.

Patients and methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study on 254 South African breast cancer survivors, to evaluate associations between shoulder pain/disability and ten single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within four proteoglycan genes: ACAN (rs1126823 G>A, rs1516797 G>T, rs2882676 A>C); BGN (rs1042103 G>A, rs743641 A>T, rs743642 G>T); DCN rs516115 C>T; and VCAN (rs11726 A>G, rs2287926 G>A, rs309559). Participants were grouped into no–low and moderate–high shoulder pain/disability based on total pain/disability scores: < 30 and ≥ 30, respectively using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI).

Results
The GG genotype of VCAN rs11726 was independently associated with an increased risk of being in the moderate-to-high shoulder pain (P = 0.005, OR = 2.326, 95% CI = 1.259–4.348) or disability (P = 0.011, OR = 2.439, 95% CI = 1.235–4.762) categories, after adjusting for participants’ age. In addition, the T-T-G inferred allele combination of BGN (rs74364–rs743642)–VCAN rs11726 was associated with an increased risk of being in the moderate-to-high shoulder disability category (0 = 0.002, OR = 2.347, 95% CI = 1.215–4.534).

Conclusion
Our study is first to report that VCAN rs11726, independently or interacting with BGN polymorphisms, is associated with shoulder pain or disability in breast cancer survivors. Whereas our findings suggest an involvement of proteoglycans in the etiology of shoulder pain/disability, further studies are recommended.
Development of the Paranormal and Supernatural Beliefs Scale using classical and modern test theory
Authors: Dean Charlotte E. , Akhtar Shazia , Gale Tim M. , Irvine Karen , Wiseman Richard , Laws Keith R. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThis study describes the construction and validation of a new scale for measuring belief in paranormal phenomena. The work aims to address psychometric and conceptual shortcomings associated with existing measures of paranormal belief. The study also compares the use of classic test theory and modern test theory as methods for scale development.MethodWe combined novel items and amended items taken from existing scales, to produce an initial corpus of 29 items. Two hundred and thirty-one adult participants rated their level of agreement with each item using a seven-point Likert scale.ResultsClassical test theory methods (including exploratory factor analysis and principal components analysis) reduced the scale to 14 items and one overarching factor:Supernatural Beliefs. The factor demonstrated high internal reliability, with an excellent test–retest reliability for the total scale. Modern test theory methods (Rasch analysis using a rating scale model) reduced the scale to 13 items with a four-point response format. The Rasch scale was found to be most effective at differentiating between individuals with moderate-high levels of paranormal beliefs, and differential item functioning analysis indicated that the Rasch scale represents a valid measure of belief in paranormal phenomena.ConclusionsThe scale developed using modern test theory is identified as the final scale as this model allowed for in-depth analyses and refinement of the scale that was not possible using classical test theory. Results support the psychometric reliability of this new scale for assessing belief in paranormal phenomena, particularly when differentiating between individuals with higher levels of belief.
CT-based multi-phase Radiomic models for differentiating clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Menglin , Yin Fu , Yu Yuanmeng , Zhang Haijie , Wen Ge 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
The aim of the study is to compare the diagnostic value of models that based on a set of CT texture and non-texture features for differentiating clear cell renal cell carcinomas(ccRCCs) from non-clear cell renal cell carcinomas(non-ccRCCs).

Methods
A total of 197 pathologically proven renal tumors were divided into ccRCC(n = 143) and non-ccRCC (n = 54) groups. The 43 non-texture features and 296 texture features that extracted from the 3D volume tumor tissue were assessed for each tumor at both Non-contrast Phase, NCP; Corticomedullary Phase, CMP; Nephrographic Phase, NP and Excretory Phase, EP. Texture-score were calculated by the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) to screen the most valuable texture features. Model 1 contains the three most distinctive non-texture features with p < 0.001, Model 2 contains texture scores, and Model 3 contains the above two types of features.

Results
The three models shown good discrimination of the ccRCC from non-ccRCC in NCP, CMP, NP, and EP. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC)values of the Model 1, Model 2, and Model 3 in differentiating the two groups were 0.748–0.823, 0.776–0.887 and 0.864–0.900, respectively. The difference in AUC between every two of the three Models was statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
The predictive efficacy of ccRCC was significantly improved by combining non-texture features and texture features to construct a combined diagnostic model, which could provide a reliable basis for clinical treatment options.
The impact of COVID-19 outbreak and perceptions of people towards household waste management chain in Nepal
Authors: Acharya Ashis , Bastola Govinda , Modi Bindu , Marhatta Asmi , Belbase Suraj , Lamichhane Ganesh , Gyawali Narayan , Dahal Ranjan Kumar 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe spread of COVID-19 is posing significant challenges to the household (HH) waste management sectors putting waste personnel and concerned bodies under massive pressure. The chain of collection, segregation, recycling, and disposal of household generated wastes is interrupted. This study aimed to assess how the household waste management chain was disrupted by novel coronavirus in Nepal and find the perception of the people towards the existing household waste management system (HHWMS). A descriptive online survey was carried out among 512 people using a cross-sectional research design and data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire method. Both descriptive, as well as inferential tests, were conducted using SPSS software. The finding of this study showed that 62.3% of respondents were not satisfied with the present HHWMS. Furthermore, there was a significant association of the satisfaction level of household waste management during coronavirus outbreak with gender, waste volume change in lockdown, PPE for waste collectors, and education on waste handling techniques provided by the government sector at 5% level of significance (p < 0.05). Proper HH waste management has become a challenge, and to address this some innovative works such as awareness programs for people, health and hygiene related support to waste workers, and effective policy formulation and implementation should be done by the Government of Nepal.
Antidiarrhoeal potentials of methanol bark extract of Hymenocardia Acida Tul (Euphorbiaceae) in laboratory animals
Authors: Usman Abba Musab , Danjuma Nuhu Muhammad , Ya’u Jamilu , Ahmad Muslim Muhammad , Alhassan Zakariyya , Abubakar Yusuf Muhammad , Ahmad Mubarak Hussaini 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
The plant Hymenocardia acida (Euphorbiaceae) is utilized as herbal preparation against diarrhoea, dysentery and other diseases. We aimed to determine the antidiarrhoeal potentials of Hymenocardia acida (MEHA) stem bark in vivo and in vitro. Preliminary phytochemical contents, as well as the acute toxicity effect of the extract, were investigated based on standard experimental methods. The antidiarrhoeal properties of the MEHA at 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg were studied against diarrhoea induced by castor oil, intestinal fluid accumulation, as well as intestinal movement tests using distilled water (10 ml/kg) and loperamide/atropine sulphate as the control groups. Besides, the in vitro effects of the extract (8 × 10−2–640 × 10−2 mg/ml) on the rabbit jejunum and guinea-pig ileum were evaluated.

Results
Phytochemical screening showed alkaloids, glycoside, saponins, tannins, triterpenes, flavonoids and steroids in the MEHA. The median lethal dose (LD50) of the MEHA after oral administration was approximately greater than 2000 mg/kg. The MEHA declined the diarrhoea onset and remarkably decreased the number of watery stools in the group that received 300 and 600 mg/kg. It also elicited a remarkable and non-dose-dependent reduction in the intestinal fluid volume. At 1000 mg/kg, the MEHA significantly inhibited the charcoal movement. In addition, the MEHA (8 × 10−2–640 × 10−2 mg/ml) elicited a remarkable decrease in the contractility of the rabbit jejunum over time and relaxed the guinea pig ileum. Besides, it showed concentration-dependent attenuation of the acetylcholine and histamine-induced contraction.

Conclusion
The extract under investigation revealed promising antidiarrhoeal properties that justified its traditional claim for use against diarrhoea.
Filtered Life: Air Purification, Gender, and Cigarettes in the People's Republic of China
Authors: Kohrman Matthew 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAir purification in Chinese contexts over the last half century has been generative for a way of being human, what the author calls “filtered life.” This is a materially, aesthetically, and even humorously mediated form of dwelling. In it, people confront ethics and anxieties under conditions of aerosolized ruination. This article sheds special light on links between gender binaries and filtered life. It traces how, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists, marketers, and many others residing in urban China interacted with air filters in ways textured by the male state. Notably chronicled here is a critique of ecological ruin emergent in homes of the People's Republic of China (PRC), one mutating from ire toward husbands for smoking cigarettes in the home to more recent indictments of men despoiling the environment.
Comparison of the oncogenomic landscape of canine and feline hemangiosarcoma shows novel parallels with human angiosarcoma
Authors: Wong Kim , Ludwig Latasha , Krijgsman Oscar , Adams David J. , Wood Geoffrey A. , van der Weyden Louise 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTAngiosarcoma (AS) is a highly aggressive tumor of blood and lymphatic vessels in humans that shares many similarities with spontaneously occurring hemangiosarcoma (HSA) in dogs and cats. To investigate the genetic suitability of HSA as a model for AS, we sequenced ∼1000 cancer genes in 41 cases of HSA and matched germline tissue: 15 canine visceral HSAs, 13 canine skin HSAs and 13 feline skin HSAs. Analysis of visceral HSAs from dogs presenting with concurrent splenic and cardiac neoplasms showed that the tumors were not independent primaries, consistent with the highly metastatic nature of HSA. Comparison of HSA to AS revealed that several driver genes were recurrently mutated in both species, such as TP53, PIK3CA, ATRX, GRIN2A and LRP1B. Similar to AS, a UV mutational signature was found in a subset of canine cutaneous HSAs and both species show differing mutational profiles between tissue sites. Our characterization of canine and feline HSA demonstrates many important parallels to AS and provides hope that future studies on these cancers will benefit of all three species.
Multiple pools of PP2A regulate spindle assembly, kinetochore attachments and cohesion in Drosophila oocytes
Authors: Jang Janet K. , Gladstein Amy C. , Das Arunika , Shapiro Joanatta G. , Sisco Zachary L. , McKim Kim S. 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
Meiosis in female oocytes lacks centrosomes, the microtubule-organizing centers. In Drosophila oocytes, meiotic spindle assembly depends on the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC). To investigate the mechanisms that regulate Aurora B activity, we examined the role of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in Drosophila oocyte meiosis. We found that both forms of PP2A, B55 and B56, antagonize the Aurora B spindle assembly function, suggesting that a balance between Aurora B and PP2A activity maintains the oocyte spindle during meiosis I. PP2A-B56, which has a B subunit encoded by two partially redundant paralogs, wdb and wrd, is also required for maintenance of sister chromatid cohesion, establishment of end-on microtubule attachments, and metaphase I arrest in oocytes. WDB recruitment to the centromeres depends on BUBR1, MEI-S332 and kinetochore protein SPC105R. Although BUBR1 stabilizes microtubule attachments in Drosophila oocytes, it is not required for cohesion maintenance during meiosis I. We propose at least three populations of PP2A-B56 regulate meiosis, two of which depend on SPC105R and a third that is associated with the spindle.
An exploratory study of social media users’ engagement with COVID-19 vaccine-related content
Authors: Al-Zaman Md. Sayeed 
Published: June 2021

Background: Facebook, as the world’s most popular social media platform, has been playing various important roles throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing users to produce and share health-related information that both eases and complicates public health communication. However, the characteristics of vaccine-related Facebook content and users’ reaction to the vaccine issue has been an unexplored area to date. Methods: To fill the previous knowledge-gap, this exploratory study wants to understand the communication climate of Facebook on the COVID-19 vaccine issue, including the nature of dominant content and users’ engagement patterns with them. Therefore, the study analyzes the 10,000 most popular Facebook posts with the highest interactions on the vaccine issue. Results: The results show that Facebook users prioritize more vaccine-related news links (71.22%) over other content. The declining interactions on the issue suggests that interaction growth mainly depends on positive news on the vaccine. Finally, users’ reaction to the vaccine issue is dominantly positive, though they may show a highly negative attitude toward vaccine misinformation. Conclusions: A few limitations and strengths of this study are discussed along with values and implications. This study for the first time analyzes Bangla language-based Facebook content related to the COVID-19 vaccine issue, which is largely overlooked in global academic research.
Analysis of the Reasons of Personnel Currency Under Covid-19 Preview (on the Example of Russian Post)
Authors: Grihno V. , Simonova M. 
Published: June 2021

During the period of coronavirus restrictions, the issue of staff stability is of particular importance, and, as a result, the management of staff turnover. In the difficult economic situation caused by the pandemic, employers had to not only keep the team, not allowing massive layoffs, but also retain valuable workers.
We conducted a survey among the quitting employees in the branches of the Volga Macroregion of the Russian Post. Based on the data obtained, the reasons for dismissal were analyzed during the period of restrictive government measures in connection with the spread of COVID-19 and immediately after the lifting of severe restrictions. The main trends in changes in employee behavior during a pandemic and their impact on staff turnover have been identified.
In the course of the study, the following conclusions were made:
- employees of the organization, in the context of instability in the country caused by COVID-19, are less likely to decide on layoffs, but they still occur, even in such a difficult period of a pandemic and rising unemployment and increase sharply after the lifting of severe restrictions;
- the main reasons for dismissal are still "insufficient wages" and "high intensity of work, heavy physical activity", while the reasons of an everyday nature that can be endured are fading into the background. Thus, an employee makes a decision to dismiss if he is not satisfied with materially significant working conditions;
- due to the peculiarities of the age structure of the organization, the change in the turnover rate, both during severe restrictions and after their relaxation, is not affected by the number of employees leaving the company due to retirement, which changes insignificantly from month to month.
Relationship Between Parent and Teacher Reported Executive Functioning and Maladaptive Behaviors in Children With Down Syndrome
Authors: Esbensen Anna J. , Hoffman Emily K. , Shaffer Rebecca C. , Patel Lina R. , Jacola Lisa M. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The current study evaluates the concurrent relationship between parent ratings of executive functioning and maladaptive behavior among children and adolescents with Down syndrome and then repeats this evaluation using teacher reports. Parents and teachers of 63 school-age children with Down syndrome rated the child's executive functioning (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function) and behaviors (Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist). For parent and teacher ratings, elevated behavior dysregulation predicted higher levels of rule-breaking, aggressive, and externalizing behavior. For teacher ratings, elevated behavior dysregulation also predicted higher levels of inattention problems. Among both parent and teacher ratings, greater metacognitive difficulties predicted challenges with attention. Understanding the relationship between these constructs has important implications for targets of intervention and developing preventative strategies.
Combining time of flight and photometric stereo imaging for 3D reconstruction of discontinuous scenes
Authors: Le Francois Emma , Griffiths Alexander D. , McKendry Jonathan J. D. , Chen Haochang , Li David Day-Uei , Henderson Robert K. , Herrnsdorf Johannes , Dawson Martin D. , Strain Michael J. 
Published: June 2021

Time of flight and photometric stereo are two three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques with complementary properties, where the former can achieve depth accuracy in discontinuous scenes, and the latter can reconstruct surfaces of objects with fine depth details and high spatial resolution. In this work, we demonstrate the surface reconstruction of complex 3D fields with discontinuity between objects by combining the two imaging methods. Using commercial LEDs, a single-photon avalanche diode camera, and a mobile phone device, high resolution of surface reconstruction is achieved with a RMS error of 6% for an object auto-selected from a scene imaged at a distance of 50 cm.
Resistance exercise, alone and in combination with aerobic exercise, and obesity in Dallas, Texas, US: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Brellenthin Angelique G. , Lee Duck-chul , Bennie Jason A. , Sui Xuemei , Blair Steven N. 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundObesity is a significant and growing public health problem in high-income countries. Little is known about the relationship between resistance exercise (RE), alone and in combination with aerobic exercise (AE), and the risk of developing obesity. The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to examine the associations between different amounts and frequencies of RE, independent of AE, and incident obesity.Methods and findingsParticipants were 11,938 healthy adults ages 18–89 years with a BMI < 30 kg/m2at baseline who completed at least 2 clinical examinations during 1987–2005 as part of the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study. Self-reported RE participation in minutes/week and days/week was collected from a standardized questionnaire. Incident obesity was defined as a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2at follow-up. Incident obesity was also defined by waist circumference (WC) > 102/88 cm for men/women and percent body fat (PBF) ≥ 25%/30% for men/women at follow-up in participants who were not obese by WC (n =9,490) or PBF (n =8,733) at baseline. During the average 6-year follow-up, 874 (7%), 726 (8%), and 1,683 (19%) developed obesity defined by BMI, WC, or PBF, respectively. Compared with no RE, 60–119 min/wk of RE was associated with 30%, 41%, and 31% reduced risk of obesity defined by BMI (hazard ratio [95% CI], 0.70 [0.54–0.92],p= 0.008), WC (0.59 [0.44–0.81],p <0.001), and PBF (0.69 [0.57–0.83],p <0.001), respectively, after adjusting for confounders including age, sex, examination year, smoking status, heavy alcohol consumption, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and AE. Compared with not meeting the RE guidelines of ≥2 d/wk, meeting the RE guidelines was associated with 18%, 30%, and 30% reduced risk of obesity defined by BMI (hazard ratio [95% CI], 0.82 [0.69–0.97],p= 0.02), WC (0.70 [0.57–0.85],p <0.001), and PBF (0.70 [0.62–0.79],p <0.001), respectively. Compared with meeting neither guideline, meeting both the AE and RE guidelines was associated with the smallest hazard ratios for obesity. Limitations of this study include limited generalizability as participants were predominantly white men from middle to upper socioeconomic strata, use of self-reported RE, and lack of detailed diet data for the majority of participants.ConclusionsIn this study, we observed that RE was associated with a significantly reduced risk of obesity even after considering AE. However, meeting both the RE and AE guidelines was associated with the lowest risk of obesity.
Attitude and behavior toward bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation during COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Chong Kah-Meng , Chen Jiun-Wei , Lien Wan-Ching , Yang Mei-Fen , Wang Hui-Chih , Liu Sot Shih-Hung , Chen Yen-Pin , Chi Chien-Yu , Wu Marvin Chih-Hsien , Wu Cheng-Yi , Liao Edward Che-Wei , Huang Edward Pei-Chuan , He Hsien-Chin , Yang Hsiang-Wen , Huang Chien-Hua , Ko Patrick Chow-In 
Published: June 2021

Background
Outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, have negative impacts on bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCPR) for fear of transmission while breaking social distancing rules. The latest guidelines recommend hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and facemask use. However, public willingness in this setup remains unknown.

Methods
A cross-sectional, unrestricted volunteer Internet survey was conducted to assess individuals’ attitudes and behaviors toward performing BCPR, pre-existing CPR training, occupational identity, age group, and gender. The raking method for weights and a regression analysis for the predictors of willingness were performed.

Results
Among 1,347 eligible respondents, 822 (61%) had negative attitudes toward performing BCPR. Healthcare providers (HCPs) and those with pre-existing CPR training had fewer negative attitudes (p < 0.001); HCPs and those with pre-existing CPR training and unchanged attitude showed more positive behaviors toward BCPR (p < 0.001). Further, 9.7% of the respondents would absolutely refuse to perform BCPR. In contrast, 16.9% would perform BCPR directly despite the outbreak. Approximately 9.9% would perform it if they were instructed, 23.5%, if they wore facemasks, and 40.1%, if they were to perform hands-only CPR. Interestingly, among the 822 respondents with negative attitudes, over 85% still tended to perform BCPR in the abovementioned situations. The weighted analysis showed similar results. The adjusted predictors for lower negative attitudes toward BCPR were younger age, being a man, and being an HCP; those for more positive behaviors were younger age and being an HCP.

Conclusions
Outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, have negative impacts on attitudes and behaviors toward BCPR. Younger individuals, men, HCPs, and those with pre-existing CPR training tended to show fewer negative attitudes and behaviors. Meanwhile, most individuals with negative attitudes still expressed positive behaviors under safer measures such as facemask protection, hands-only CPR, and available dispatch instructions.