bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the G protein-coupled receptor kinase 6 promoter reveals a functional CREB binding site
Authors: Stegen Maike , Engler Andrea , Ochsenfarth Crista , Manthey Iris , Peters Jürgen , Siffert Winfried , Frey Ulrich H. 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundG protein-coupled receptor kinase 6 (GRK6) is part of the G protein-coupled receptor kinase family, whose members act as key regulators of seven-transmembrane receptor signalling. GRK6 seems to play a role in regulation of inflammatory processes, but mechanisms of transcriptional regulation of GRK6 expression in inflammatory cell lines have not been characterized. Protein kinase C (PKC) signalling is also involved in inflammatory regulation and an impact of PKC activation on GRK6 protein expression was described previously. Thus, the aim of this study was to 1) characterize theGRK6promoter, and 2) investigate a potential influence of PKC on GRK6 expression.MethodsFive deletion constructs of theGRK6promoter were cloned. After transient transfection into a human T cell line, promoter activity was assessed using luciferase reporter gene assays. Putative transcription factor binding sites were identified, mutated, and binding was investigated using electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA). Following stimulation with a PKC activator, GRK6 expression on mRNA and protein levels was assessed by reverse transcriptase qPCR and Western blots.ResultsInvestigation of theGRK6promoter revealed a putative cAMP responsive element (CRE), whose mutation led to decreased promoter activity (p = 0.0006). Functionality of the CRE binding protein (CREB) binding site was verified in EMSA blots. Stimulation with a PKC activator resulted in decreasedGRK6promoter activity (p = 0.0027), mRNA (p = 0.04) and protein expression.ConclusionWe characterized the humanGRK6promoter and identified promoter activity to be influenced by a CREB binding site. PKC might be one determinant contributing to altered GRK6 expression.
Sex-specific contemporary trends in incidence, prevalence and survival of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: A long-term real-world data analysis
Authors: Shiyovich Arthur , Chodick Gabriel , Azani Liat , Tirosh Matanya , Shuvy Mony , Pereg David , Katz Amos , Minha Sa’ar 
Published: February 2021

Introduction
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major increasing public health problem worldwide, with clinical and epidemiological differences between men and women. However, contemporary population-level data on incidence and survival are scarce.

Aim
To evaluate sex-specific contemporary trends in the incidence, prevalence, and long-term survival of non-valvular AF in a real-world setting

Methods
AF patients diagnosed between 2007–2015, insured by a large, state-mandated health organization in Israel (Maccabi Healthcare Services) were included. AF was diagnosed based on registered diagnoses. Patients with valvular disease, active malignancy, cardiac surgery ≤ 6 months, or recent pregnancy, were excluded. Annual incidence rate, period prevalence, and 5-year survival for each calendar year during the study period, were calculated.

Results
A total of 15,409 eligible patients (8,288 males, 7,121 females) were identified. Males were more likely to be younger, have higher rates of underlying diseases (ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), but with lower rates of hypertension and chronic kidney diseases as compared to female patients. During the study period, age-adjusted incidence decreased both in men: (-0.020/1,000-person year, p-for trend = 0.033) and, women (-0.025/1,000 person-year p = 0.009). The five-year survival rate was significantly higher among men vs. women (77.1% vs. 71.5%, respectively, p<0.001). Age-adjusted prevalence increased significantly among men (+0.102 per year, p-for trend<0.001) yet decreased among women (-0.082 per year, p-for trend = 0.005). A significant trend toward improved long-term survival was observed in women and not in men.

Conclusions
The current study shows significant sex-related disparities in the incidence, prevalence, and survival of AF patients between 2007–2015; while the adjusted incidence of both has decreased over-time, prevalence and mortality decreased significantly only in women.
Las escuelas de adultas en los inicios del siglo XX: legislación, currículo y justificación. Caso particular de orense)
Authors: Cid Galante Rosa María 
Published: February 2021

Las políticas educativas de comienzos de siglo xx en España se preocuparon por erradicar los problemas del analfabetismo y expansionar la educación a la población y entre sus objetivos estaba formalizar la enseñanza de adultos. Las escuelas de adultos y adultas eran una solución necesaria para los que no acudieran a la escuela primaria y no tenían los conocimientos académicos básicos. Para las mujeres era una gran oportunidad ya que presentaban una formación muy incompleta. Ahora bien, ¿podrían las escuelas de adultas, además de solucionar su mermada formación, allanarles el camino hacia la emancipación? Es la pregunta que subyace en este estudio, y para averiguarlo se revisa y examina la legislación y el currículum y se analizan las opiniones de la época sobre la necesidad de su implantación para deducir si las escuelas de adultas suponían una oportunidad para cambiar el estatus de las mujeres o, por el contrario, implicaban la permanencia de su condición social.
Tear and Crumble: Deterioration Processes in Skins and Hides in Mammal Collections
Authors: Bock Steffen , Quaisser Christiane 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In the mammal collection of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin (MfN), Germany a serious but inconspicuous deterioration of mammal skins and hides has been detected. The tear strength has been decreasing until the skins are falling apart, risking permanent loss of valuable specimens. At the MfN, about 80% of the 30,000 skins are affected. Although this phenomenon has been known by taxidermists for some time, there are very few publications on the subject. In this study, we surveyed the literature and conducted interviews with collections and leather industry professionals to understand the extent and potential causes of skin deterioration. In addition, analyses of skins in the collections of the MfN and the ZFMK (Bonn, Germany) showed that more than 80% of the tested skins had a very low tear strength. The tear strength appears correlated with the pH value and age of the skin. Our findings suggest that surplus acid from residual fat, preservation methods, or external sources such as air pollution might be a primary source of the degradation. Future steps should include further research on the chemical processes involved in deterioration, treatment options for threatened skins, and development of best practices, protocols for documentation, and development of a publicly available online knowledge base for museum skin preparation, preservation, and storage methods.
Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of compressive common peroneal neuropathy at the level of the fibular head
Authors: Bashlachev M. G. , Evzikov G. Yu. , Parfenov V. A. 
Published: February 2021

Common peroneal neuropathy (CPN) is the most common tunnel neuropathy in the lower extremities, many issues of diagnosis and treatment of which require further study.Objective: to analyze the clinical manifestations of CPN, methods of its diagnosis and treatment results.Patients and methods. Eighty patients (31 women and 49 men) aged 18 to 82 years (mean age, 51 years) with compressive CPN were followed up during 2012–2018. Unilateral CPN and bilateral CPN were found in 76 and 4 patients, respectively. Eighty-four common peroneal nerve decompression operations were performed.Results and discussion. There was paralytic CPN in 73 (87%) surgical cases, painful CPN in 8 (9.5%), and intermittent CPN in 3 (3.5%). Diagnostic errors (when CPN was regarded as discogenic radiculopathy or lumbar stenosis) were noted in the painful and intermittent forms of the disease. After surgical treatment, complete recovery of peroneal nerve function was observed in 61 (72.6%) of the 84 surgical cases; its partial recovery in 15 (17.9%). Positive results were seen in all cases of painful and intermittent CPN, whereas they were more often observed in paralytic CPN if the operation was performed early (up to 12 months) after the onset of the disease.Conclusion. Common peroneal nerve decompression is an effective and safe therapeutic method that, in painful and intermittent CPN, leads to complete reversal of symptoms and, in the paralytic form of the disease, it is most effective in the early stages of the disease.
Causes of ischemic stroke in patients younger than 45 years: analysis of data from the regional vascular center
Authors: Kulesh A. A. , Nurieva Yu. A. , Syromyatnikova L. I. 
Published: February 2021

In young patients, the causes of ischemic stroke (IS) are substantially different from those in older patients. Understanding the causes of the disease in patients younger than 45 years is needed to elaborate examination algorithms used in the country’s vascular departments.Objective: to present the nosological characteristics of IS in patients younger than 45 years according to the hospital register of the regional vascular center.Patients and methods. The data of the hospital register of the neurological unit for patients with acute cerebral circulatory disorders, who were in the Perm Territorial Vascular Center, City Clinical Hospital Four, in 2014 to 2020, were analyzed. The analysis included 126 patients under the age of 45 years with IS verified by magnetic resonance imaging.Results and discussion. The pathogenetic subtypes of IS according to the TOAST criteria were large artery atherosclerosis [n=10 (7.9%)], cardioembolism [n=27 (21.4%)], small vessel disease [n=15 (11.9%)], IS of other determined etiology [n=23 (18.3%)], and IS of undetermined etiology [n=51 (40.5%)]. After excluding incomplete examination cases (n=29), the most common causes of IS were cardiac embolism (patent foramen ovale, atrial septal defect, prosthetic valves, acute infective endocarditis, and chronic cardiac aneurysm) (27.8%), large artery disease (atherosclerosis and unspecified arteriopathy) (21.6%), small artery disease (15.5%), as well as cervical and cerebral artery dissection (10.3%). Cryptogenic stroke was observed in 13% of patients. There was a preponderance of cryptogenic IS in the age subgroup of 21–25 years, cardiac embolism (mainly patent foramen ovale) in the subgroup of 26–35 years; the proportions of cardiac embolism, large and small artery diseases, and dissections were comparable in the subgroup of 36–40 years; large and small artery diseases prevailed in the subgroup of 41–44 years.Conclusion. The most common causes of IS in 18–44-year-old patients are cardiac embolism (mainly through the mechanism of paradoxical embolism) and large artery disease, including dissection. The etiology of IS depended on age: cardiac embolism prevailed in the younger age range, whereas large and small artery diseases were dominant in the older age range.
Features of pain syndrome in genital endometriosis and migraine
Authors: Bagirova U. A. , Chernukha E. G. , Filatova E. G. 
Published: February 2021

Migraine is often concurrent with endometriosis; however, the mechanisms of comorbidity of these conditions are inadequately studied. Pain is considered as the most significant clinical symptom and maladaptive manifestation of both migraine and endometriosis. Studying the relationship between the clinical manifestations of pain syndrome in patients with endometriosis and migraine is important, since it will contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms of comorbidity of these diseases.Objective: to analyze the features of pain syndrome in patients with migraine and genital endometriosis to clarify the neurogenic mechanisms of their comorbid relationship.Patients and methods. A total of 125 patients who had gone to a gynecologist for endometriosis were examined for the presence of migraine. In accordance with the inclusion criteria, 79 patients (mean age, 34.68±7.11 years) with genital endometriosis confirmed by diagnostic laparoscopy participated in the further study. Two age-matched groups were formed: a study group consisted of 38 patients with endometriosis and concomitant migraine; a comparison group included 41 patients with endometriosis without migraine. All the patients underwent clinical neurological examination, questionnaire survey, pelvic ultrasound, assessment of the severity of pelvic pain according to the pelvic pain index, and determination of the level of central sensitization (CS) using the CS Inventory.Results and discussion. 42% out of the 125 patients who had visited their gynecologist for endometriosis suffered from concomitant migraine, which confirms the comorbidity of these diseases. Chronic pelvic pain (CPP), dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and dyschesia were more common in patients with endometriosis and migraine; there were more patients with asymptomatic endometriosis in the comparison group. The patients of the two groups did not differ in the presentation of different forms of endometriosis, which favors the leading role of central mechanisms in the pathogenesis of pain syndrome in comorbidity of these diseases.In addition, there was a statistically significant increase in the presentation of CPP and dysmenorrhea in patients with chronic migraine compared to those with episodic migraine and to those without migraine. Significantly higher levels of CS according to CSI and pelvic pain index were found in patients with chronic migraine and endometriosis, which suggests that CS plays a key role in the comorbidity of these diseases.Conclusion. The phenomenon of CS is one of the mechanisms of comorbidity of migraine and endometriosis, contributes to both the worsening of various painful manifestations of endometriosis and the increase in migraine attacks, thereby causing obvious maladaptation in patients. The role of CS in the comorbidity of migraine and endometriosis opens up possibilities for the elaboration of a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to treating these diseases.
Integrating quality assurance in autoimmunity: the changing face of the automated ANA IIF test
Authors: Van Hoovels Lieve , Bossuyt Xavier , Manfredi Mariangela , Grossi Valentina , Benucci Maurizio , Van Den Bremt Stefanie , De Baere Heidi , Franceschi Daria , Tosi Emiliano , Meoni Marco , Bizzaro Nicola , Infantino Maria 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Currently available computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems for the detection of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) assay enable a standardized measurement of system-specific fluorescent intensity (FI) measures. We aimed to evaluate an internal quality control (iQC) program that controls the total ANA IIF process in routine practice.

Methods
In addition to the kit iQC materials, supplemental quality indicators were integrated in a total quality assurance (QA) program: patient-derived iQC’s samples (negative, 1/160 fine speckled and 1/160 homogeneous), median sample FI per run and percentage of ANA IIF positive samples per run. Analytical rejection criteria were based on the imprecision of the positivity index (PI) measure of the Zenit PRO system (Menarini). Clinical rejection criteria were based on changes in FI that correspond to a change in ANA IIF titer of ≥2. To evaluate the QA program, different artificial errors were introduced during the ANA IIF process. After every run, quality indicators were evaluated and compared to the pre-set target values.

Results
Rescanning the ANA IIF slides five times, using an old conjugate and a needle obstruction resulted in analytically and even clinically relevant errors in ANA IIF results. All errors were correctly detected by the different defined quality indicators. Traditional Westgard rules, including analytically (and clinically) defined rejection limits were useful in monitoring quality indicators.

Conclusions
The integration of a total process iQC program in CAD systems, based on the specific FI measurands and performance criteria of the system, adds value to QA.
Impersonated personae – paralanguage, dialogism and affiliation in stand-up comedy
Authors: Logi Lorenzo , Zappavigna Michele 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper argues that paralinguistic resources employed by stand-up comedians to construe textual personae (impersonated characters) make a substantial contribution to the creation of humor by allowing the comedian to distance themselves from particular social values and by referencing shared cultural stereotypes. A stretch of stand-up comedy discourse is analyzed to explore how gesture and voice quality contribute to the construal of projected personae. These are mapped in relation to the interaction between comedian and audience to discern how they evoke specific social values. The results suggest that textual personae are deployed by the comedian to embody stereotypes that connote particular value positions, and that the comedian can construe blended or hybrid personae through the use of multiple semiotic resources. Impersonation thus constitutes a powerful resource for negotiating social values in order to generate tension and create humor.
Health literacy as a determinant of childhood and adult obesity: a systematic review
Authors: Chrissini Maria K. , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To assess whether Health Literacy (HL) acts as a determinant of obesity in adults and children by synthesizing the results of recent scientific evidence.

Content
This is a systematic qualitative review following the MOOSE guidelines. A systematic, computer-assisted literature search via PubMed scientific database, between January 1st, 2000, and September 30th 2020, was conducted. Only cross-sectional epidemiologic research studies that were published in the English language, investigating HL’s possible role as a determinant of childhood and adult obesity, were included.

Summary
After screening 725 citations from the PubMed database, 39 (n=39) studies in total were included in this literature review; Four (n=4) studies were conducted in the children population, seven (n=7) studies were performed in children-parent/caregiver dyads, and 28 studies (n=28) enrolled adults. There is significant evidence that HL knowledge and skills determine the consequent management of obesity and BMI rates in children and adult populations.

Outlook
Despite policies and action plans put in place by countries globally, overweight and obesity continue to be a pressing public health issue and one of the critical drivers of non-communicable diseases, constituting a health, social and economic burden worldwide. Health Literacy as an essential health policy and promotion agenda item and a critical empowerment strategy could increase children’s and adults’ control over their overall health and awareness to overcome obesity issues. Initiatives to improve HL levels could be useful tools in managing the obesity epidemic, starting from integrating HL in the school curriculum and further in family and community action plans.
Measures of variability in transitional phases in second language development
Authors: Verspoor Marjolijn , de Bot Kees 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper investigates measures of change to help demonstrate the necessity of variability as a developmental mechanism for advancing different features of L2 learning (related here primarily to writing, but also to reading) with a particular focus on learners at different stages of development. To do so, the work draws on three studies to build a case for using variability as a meaningful marker of change. Lowie, Wander M. & Marjolijn Verspoor. 2019. Individual differences and the ergodicity problem. Language Learning 69. 184–206 found in a group of 22 Dutch learners of English that the Coefficient of Variation (CoV), rather than individual factors such as motivation and aptitude, showed a significant correlation with writing proficiency gains. A replication study by Huang, Ting, Rasmus Steinkrauss & Marjolijn Verspoor. 2020b. Variability as predictors for L2 writing proficiency. Journal of Second Language Writing, with 22 Chinese learners of English revealed that the CoV rather than motivation, aptitude or working memory was a significant predictor in writing proficiency gains. A study by Gui, Min, Xiaokan Chen & Marjolijn Verspoor. Submitted. The dynamics of reading development in English for Academic Purposes, on reading for academic purposes with 27 Chinese Chemistry majors showed that the Standard Deviation of differences (SDd) rather than proficiency in English or knowledge of Chemistry correlated with reading gains. Two further studies present tentative evidence that these changes take place especially at transitional phases while learning a new skill.
New encoding/decoding design of SAC-OCDMA system with fixed correlation zone code
Authors: Garadi Ahmed , Mebarki Ghada 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The short code length makes impossible to increases the number of users in the SAC-OCDMA system, this work proposed a new family code with a fixed correlation zone, which makes it possible to construct w different zones for the code, every zone has a fixed correlation value, where the correlation by zone is from 0 to w-1, w is the code weight, i.e., this code is characterized by the incremented cross-correlation value between every two successive zones, The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed code provides better performances compared to other codes.
Dietary views and habits of students in health professional vs. non-health professional graduate programs in a single university
Authors: Downing Michael A. , Bazzi Michael O. , Vinicky Mark E. , Lampasona Nicholas V. , Tsvyetayev Oleg , Mayrovitz Harvey N. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Context
Students enrolled in health professional (HP) programs receive varying amounts of credit hours dedicated to nutritional education, and obesity remains an issue in the United States among healthcare providers.

Objectives
To assess whether HP students differ in nutrition and exercise habits from non-health professional (NHP) students at a single university, and whether any gender-related differences existed in those habits.

Methods
From September 25, 2018 to October 10, 2019, a 16-question multiple-choice survey was distributed via e-mail or in person to HP and NHP students enrolled at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Questions targeted participant dietary and exercise habits. Each question had five multiple-choice answer options, each of which was assigned a coded value to compare similarities and differences between the HP and NHP groups.

Results
Of 732 responses (569 HP, 163 NHP), results showed no statistically significant difference between enrollment groups (p>0.05) in any response parameter including consumption of sweets, fast food, red meat, caffeine, water, fruit, and vegetables. Comparisons among sexes demonstrated significant differences. Women consumed less red meat, water, and protein, and women participated in less exercise compared to men. Women also consumed more sweets compared to men.

Conclusions
Results suggest that NSU students enrolled in HP and NHP programs have similar nutritional concepts and eating habits. This may indicate a need to strengthen nutritional education in dietary health and wellness for HP students.