bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the implementation of mindfulness approaches in an early years setting
Authors: Holt Stephanie , Atkinson Cathy , Douglas-Osborn Erica
Published: November 2021

Children as young as pre-school are experiencing difficulties related to stress, anxiety and inattention which could be supported through the use of mindfulness. However, there is very little research on how to effectively deliver mindfulness approaches within Early Years (EYs) practice. A year-long action research project was conducted with an EYs setting to explore how EYs practitioners can effectively deliver mindfulness, understanding their perceptions of the impact, facilitators and challenges to successful implementation. Findings revealed various facilitating factors including: developing effective and inclusive mindfulness approaches; reflecting on practice; working collaboratively and creating a supportive community. Challenges included issues related to the school context and delivery of mindful approaches. Findings revealed perceived benefits for the children, staff and the EYs setting. Implications for practice suggest it is feasible for school psychologists to support EYs settings to develop mindfulness practices using an action research approach. Future research and study limitations are discussed.
Determinants of Political Trust during the Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Putting Policy Performance into Evidence
Authors: Belchior Ana Maria , Teixeira Conceição Pequito
Published: November 2021

Basing on the previous and early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, this article analysis the main determinants of citizens’ trust in the prime minister over that period. Prior research on the political effects of the pandemic has mostly focused on identifying a rally around the flag effect, and little is known about other reasons behind the increase in trust after the outbreak of the pandemic. Based on survey data from February to July 2020 for Spanish citizens, we argue that the reasons for the increased trust in the prime minister following the pandemic outbreak are due more to performance evaluations than to emotional-related factors regarding COVID-19 health issues. We also argue that among performance evaluations, the assessment of policy performance in fighting the COVID-19 crisis is of preeminent relevance in explaining trust in the prime minister during the pandemic period. Findings widely support our argument. By comparing the effects of conventional to emotional-related factors, we extend scholarship on political trust in the context of an exogenous crisis.
Intercultural Communication Concepts in Clinical Pastoral Education: The Intercultural Experience of Muslim Students
Authors: Jamal Sadaf , Isgandarova Nazila
Published: November 2021

This essay argues that inclusivity and multicultural-theological representation in CPE is its most valuable component. We will explore Muslim students’ interaction, communication, and other processes, including conceptual analysis during their CPE training. Furthermore, gaps in the CPE curriculum will be addressed.
Hygrothermal performance of a brick wall with interior insulation in cold climate: Vapour open versus vapour tight approach
Authors: Klõšeiko Paul , Kalamees Targo
Published: November 2021

Interior insulation of historic buildings is well-studied in Central Europe; however, their conclusions might not be directly applicable to colder climates. Heat, air and moisture (HAM) modelling can be a valuable tool for studying those solutions in different conditions. Recently, incorporating the capillary condensation redistribution (CCR) test into the material characterization process has shown to cause dramatic improvement in correlating hygrothermal modelling results to measurements in certain situations. It is also noteworthy, that the HAM modelling errors made using material data from conventional characterization process can be severely non-conservative. In this article a parametric study of a 51 cm thick mass masonry wall is undertaken to determine the effect of the improved material properties on the reliability of a vapour open ‘capillary active’ autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) and calcium silicate (CaSi) interior insulation solutions and to compare them to a vapour tight insulation system. A 49-year real weather dataset from Estonia is used. The results show that compared to conventionally characterized material properties the CCR-optimized material data causes more critical conditions directly behind the interior insulation, while having a similar performance in the exterior part of the masonry. The differences occur close to the performance limits and highlight the importance of using the CCR test in material characterization process. The vapour tight and vapour open systems showed a very similar impact on the freeze-thaw cycles and on the maximum ice saturation of the exterior part of the masonry. The vapour open solutions perform better than the vapour tight PIR in terms of frost damage and possible mould growth behind the insulation – even though the advantage has been reduced when using the CCR-optimized material data. Regardless of the insulation solution, a case-specific approach is still required to avoid damaging the original wall and/or the added insulation system.
The development of three ruthenium-based antimicrobial metallodrugs: Design, synthesis, and activity evaluation against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Wang Liqiang , Huang Bin , Duan Xuemin , Jiang Guijuan , Xiong Yanshi , Zhong Shengfei , Wang Jintao , Liao Xiangwen
Published: November 2021

The development of new classes of antimicrobial is urgently needed due to the widespread occurrence of multi-resistant pathogens. In this study, three novel ruthenium complexes: [Ru(dmob)2(BTPIP)](PF6)2 (Ru(II)-1), [Ru(dbp)2(BTPIP)](PF6)2 (Ru(II)-2), and [Ru(dpa)2(BTPIP)](PF6)2 (Ru(II)-3) (dpa = 2,2’-dipyridylamine, dmob = 4,4’-dimethoxy-2,2’-bipyridyl, dbp = 4,4’-di- tert-butyl-2,2’-dipyridyl, BTPIP = 4-(benzo[ b]thiophen-2-yl)phenyl-1 H-imidazo[4,5- f][1,10]phenanthroline) are synthesized and investigated as antimicrobial metallodrugs. We demonstrate that all three complexes have significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus by testing their minimal inhibitory concentrations = 0.0015–0.0125 mg/mL. The antibacterial activity of the best active complex Ru(II)-3 is 13 times that of ofloxacin (minimal inhibitory concentration = 19.5 μg/mL). Importantly, Ru(II)-3 not only increases the susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus to existing common antibiotics but also shows noticeably delayed and decreased resistance in Staphylococcus aureus since the minimal inhibitory concentration values of Ru(II)-3 only increased eightfold times after 20 passages. Furthermore, the biofilms formation and rabbit erythrocyte hemolysis assays verified that Ru(II)-3 also efficiently inhibit the biofilm formation and toxin secretion of Staphylococcus aureus.
A cucurbit[7]uril-based supramolecular fluorescent probe for the detection of metronidazole with high sensitivity and strong anti-interference capacity
Authors: Hu Xuemei , Zhang Huaqing , Liu Mei
Published: November 2021

We propose a new method for the selective detection of the antibiotic metronidazole (MNZ) using CB[7]-JAT (cucurbit[7]uril = CB[7] and JAT = jatrorrhizine) as a fluorescent probe, which is based on the competitive reaction between MNZ and JAT for the occupancy of the CB[7] cavity. The proposed method gives a good calibration curve in the concentration range of 0.38–60 μM, and the limit of detection for MNZ is 65 ng mL−1 with those obtained by the standard curve method. Moreover, the proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of MNZ in liquid milk. Most importantly, due to the high binding affinity between CB[7] and MNZ, the proposed method shows great anti-interference capacity to accurately detect MNZ in the presence of other antibiotics.
The monumentalization of the Portuguese Colonial War: Commemorating the soldier’s efforts amid the persistence of imperial imaginaries
Authors: Caiado André
Published: November 2021

This article presents an analysis of the monumentalization of the Portuguese Colonial War (1961–1974) and explores the dynamics that sustain its growth recently, while other symbols and forms of public memorialization associated with the colonial past have increasingly been called into question and contested, nationally and internationally. Through the semiotic and epigraphic analysis of monuments, observational visits and interviews with some of the people who put them up, the main representational dynamics of the approximately 415 monuments in Portugal are identified. The article examines the (under)-representation in black troops of the Portuguese Army, the boom in monument construction (over 350) from the year 2000 onward and the maintenance (and reinforcement from 2010 onward) of messages and visual narratives projecting a sort of imperial imaginary. This work shows how the vernacular remembering and the public memory of the conflict and the colonial past are reflected on the monuments’ representations and images.
Arthroscopic one-tunnel transosseous reconstruction of chronic triangular fibrocartilage complex foveal tears: outcomes in 12 patients
Authors: Zhang Wen , Hou Peng , Wang Chunyang , Wu Tianyi , Ho Pak-Cheong , Sun Luyuan
Published: November 2021

We report the surgical method and outcomes of a simple arthroscopic-assisted technique of repairing triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) foveal injuries in 12 patients with chronic distal radioulnar joint instability. An ulnar transosseous tunnel was created with its distal exit point located 3 to 4 mm radial to the fovea. A tendon graft was cut into two parts, and both were then passed through the bone tunnel to secure the radioulnar ligament remnants back to the fovea in a ‘V’ shape configuration. At the final follow-up of 13 to 26 months (average 21), all patients had a reduction of wrist pain, with the mean visual analogue scale dropped from 4.6 to 1.6 out of 10. The distal radioulnar joint was completely stable in nine patients and had improved stability in three patients. The mean Mayo modified wrist scores improved from 72 to 89, and the clinical outcomes were excellent in four patients, good in seven and fair in one. No major surgical complications occurred. This simple arthroscopic one-tunnel transosseous approach is effective for chronic foveal tears of the TFCC with intact radioulnar ligament remnants.

Level of evidence: IV
Investigating the Feasibility of Multisensory Environments to Improve the Assisted Bathing Experience for Veterans With Dementia: A Clinical Trial
Authors: Lorusso Lesa , Bosch Sheila , Park Nam-Kyu , Shorr Ronald , Conroy Maureen , Ahrentzen Sherry , Freytes Magaly
Published: November 2021

Objectives:

This evidence-based design clinical trial assessed the feasibility of a multisensory environment (MSE) using aromatherapy, color-changing lights, and music as a behavioral intervention to calm Veterans with dementia during assisted bathing to improve the patient experience.

Background:

The number of Veterans with dementia is growing rapidly, along with the associated debilitating behavior challenges. The severity of these distressed behaviors that predominantly occur at bath time often necessitates costly, dangerous sedatives. Feasibility studies of nonpharmacological behavioral interventions during bathing for people with dementia are urgently needed, and research supports MSE as a viable solution.

Method:

Using an A–B, multiple baselines across participants design, this study tracked operational behaviors of four Veterans with dementia during bathing without and with an MSE intervention. Sessions were provided and recorded by a dedicated team of five nurses, so the study team could analyze the Veterans’ operational behaviors to understand the impact of individualized MSE during both baseline and intervention phases.

Results:

The results support the feasibility of MSE as a helpful, nonpharmacological behavioral intervention for Veterans with dementia during bathing. All participants experienced an overall increase in duration of positive operational behaviors and an overall decrease in duration of negative operational behaviors.

Conclusions:

Healthcare environments are integral components in dementia care and the use of MSE within the bathing setting appears to improve not only operational behaviors but the overall bathing experience.
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome due to pericardial hematoma: A case report and mini-review of literature
Authors: Saboe Aninka , Pramanda Andra Naufal , Hasan Melawati , Kusumawardhani Nuraini Yasmin , Maryani Euis , Ruhimat Undang , Cool Charlotte Johanna
Published: November 2021

Superior vena cava syndrome is a life-threatening condition. Typically, the clinical presentations are gradual; hence, the diagnosis is often delayed until critical compression or obstruction has occurred. Pericardial hematoma is a rare condition that could occur after cardiac surgery. An asymptomatic, 25-year-old female, who underwent surgical atrial septal defect closure 5 days ago, was sent for routine echocardiography examination before discharge. An intrapericardiac hematoma was detected at the right atrium’s free wall without any intracardiac hemodynamic consequences. The patient was discharged and planned for monthly evaluation. During follow-up, the intrapericardiac hematoma was expanding. In the third month’s follow-up, the patient complained of shortness of breath, headaches, and coughs. Echocardiography evaluation revealed enlarged pericardial hematoma, which compressed the right atrium and superior vena cava orifice, without echo’ sign of cardiac tamponade. Computed tomography scan revealed superior vena cava compression by the pericardial hematoma and appearance of the collateral vessel. The patient was diagnosed with superior vena cava syndrome and sent for surgical evacuation. Pericardial hematoma after cardiac surgery should be evaluated meticulously. Chronic expanding hematoma could cause superior vena cava syndrome, which is fatal. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential in managing this condition.
Bridging the Gap Between Product Design and Customer Engagement: Role of Self-Determined Needs Satisfaction
Authors: Hashmi Hammad Bin Azam , Shu Chengli , Haider Syed Waqar , Khalid Adeel , Munir Yasin
Published: November 2021

This study aims at exploring the influence of product design on customer engagement through self-determined needs satisfaction. This study used the survey method in three ways: (1) mall intercept approach, (2) email survey, and (3) survey through Wechat. The sample was collected from 500 customers of electronic products living in Xi’an, China. The data analysis is done through structural equation modeling. Findings show that perceived product design in terms of functional, esthetic, and symbolic design is positively related to self-determined needs (autonomy, relatedness, competence) satisfaction. Furthermore, results reveal that self-determined needs satisfaction has a positive influence on customer engagement. The moderation results show that prevention focused customers moderate the relationship between functional design and self-determined needs satisfaction. Whereas, promotion focused customers moderate the relationship between esthetic design and self-determined needs satisfaction. This study adds value to the self-determination theory by examining the link between product design dimensions and customer engagement through self-determined needs satisfaction. Furthermore, this study adds value to the existing literature on regulatory focus theory.
Hola Followers! Content Analysis of YouTube Channels of Female Fashion Influencers in Spain and Ecuador
Authors: Castillo-Abdul Bárbara , Romero-Rodríguez Luis M. , Balseca Johana
Published: November 2021

The objective of this article is to analyze the contents and unconventional advertising narratives of the eight most important women in the world of fashion in Spain and Ecuador in relation to the number of followers and points of view, in order to identify the discursive and esthetic strategies and narratives that may reflect the keys to their experience as prescribers, through a content analysis based on the interpretation of the five most viewed videos between 2018 and 2019 from four Spanish to four Ecuadorian YouTube channels ( ME = 40) based on a three-round Delphi analysis sheet with a validity of W = 0.828 and α = .947. The content is analyzed from a qualitative perspective, which allows an in-depth exploration of the dimensions and indicators of impact and influence on YouTube channels. The research presents the findings that the influencers reviewed use crutches, idioms, and set phrases to identify with their audience. The audiovisual narrative is simple, maintaining its amateur style. Advertising positioning in the channels analyzed is given by identifying the brand in the spoken discourse, the presence of brand logos, advertisements and promotions, and the presence of products of the sponsoring brands.
Six-Month Outcomes of Clinically Relevant Meniscal Injury in a Large-Animal Model
Authors: Bansal Sonia , Meadows Kyle D. , Miller Liane M. , Saleh Kamiel S. , Patel Jay M. , Stoeckl Brendan D. , Lemmon Elisabeth A. , Hast Michael W. , Zgonis Miltiadis H. , Scanzello Carla R. , Elliott Dawn M. , Mauck Robert L.
Published: November 2021

Background:

The corrective procedures for meniscal injury are dependent on tear type, severity, and location. Vertical longitudinal tears are common in young and active individuals, but their natural progression and impact on osteoarthritis (OA) development are not known. Root tears are challenging and they often indicate poor outcomes, although the timing and mechanisms of initiation of joint dysfunction are poorly understood, particularly in large-animal and human models.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

In this study, vertical longitudinal and root tears were made in a large-animal model to determine the progression of joint-wide dysfunction. We hypothesized that OA onset and progression would depend on the extent of injury-based load disruption in the tissue, such that root tears would cause earlier and more severe changes to the joint.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Sham surgeries and procedures to create either vertical longitudinal or root tears were performed in juvenile Yucatan mini pigs through randomized and bilateral arthroscopic procedures. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 3, or 6 months after injury and assessed at the joint and tissue level for evidence of OA. Functional measures of joint load transfer, cartilage indentation mechanics, and meniscal tensile properties were performed, as well as histological evaluation of the cartilage, meniscus, and synovium.

Results:

Outcomes suggested a progressive and sustained degeneration of the knee joint and meniscus after root tear, as evidenced by histological analysis of the cartilage and meniscus. This occurred in spite of spontaneous reattachment of the root, suggesting that this reattachment did not fully restore the function of the native attachment. In contrast, the vertical longitudinal tear did not cause significant changes to the joint, with only mild differences compared with sham surgery at the 6-month time point.

Conclusion:

Given that the root tear, which severs circumferential connectivity and load transfer, caused more intense OA compared with the circumferentially stable vertical longitudinal tear, our findings suggest that without timely and mechanically competent fixation, root tears may cause irreversible joint damage.

Clinical Relevance:

More generally, this new model can serve as a test bed for experimental surgical, scaffold-based, and small molecule–driven interventions after injury to prevent OA progression.
Lessons From a Community Driven Experiential Public Health Course
Authors: Humphries Debbie L. , Bastida Christina , Walker Mahaya C.
Published: November 2021

Applied practice opportunities are essential in both undergraduate and graduate public health programs, and are emphasized in the 2016 changes to the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accreditation requirements. To generate and implement solutions to challenges our communities face, there is an increased need for public health training that includes both rigorous coursework and experiential learning opportunities. We share here a framework and scaffolding from a class that has provided a supportive structure for public health students to conduct applied practice activities in response to expressed needs of community organizations. Guiding Principles: The practicum is grounded in theories of practice-based learning, community based participatory research, and community engaged research with a vision of preparing students to participate in community knowledge generation partnerships to more effectively address health disparities. Lessons learned: Advance planning creates a foundation for success. Community partner and student interests are aligned; teams share the common goal of promoting sustainable long-term impact through their projects. Students are prepared for success through the development of instrumental tools (e.g., logic models, program impact pathways, and work plans) that guide project development and implementation. Students learn to adapt to evolving partner needs. Students have a unique learning experience that is practice-based. Future work to understand key functions of different course elements will add quantitative metrics to the existing qualitative metrics in the preceptor evaluation, work with other practicum instructors to develop common best practices and will include a qualitative analysis of student reflections.
Grounded Framework for Culturally Relevant and Responsive Music Teaching
Authors: Palmer Elizabeth S. , Vodicka Jason , Huynh Tina , D’Alexander Christine , Crawford Lisa
Published: November 2021

Building upon the work of Ladson–Billings, Lind and McKoy, and Shaw, our proposed framework takes into consideration the depth and breadth of musical experiences and contexts, musical content, and the diversity of musical cultures. The proposed framework includes four quadrants: (a) teacher competencies, (b) informed choices, (c) authenticity, and (d) holistic and comparative lessons. The framework provides K–16 teachers with tangible, accessible, and actionable methods for implementing a teaching pedagogy that has often been misunderstood or implemented without fidelity, and therefore ineffective. Each quadrant’s description and detail provide educators with guidance, supporting their individual musical growth, facilitating authentic relationships with students, authentic performances, and careful idea development for lesson planning that is inclusive of multiple musical perspectives and origins. Muñiz and Richards et al. acknowledged that community support and teacher capacity are essential for culturally relevant pedagogy to be implemented effectively, thus increasing students’ academic growth.
Method development and validation for simultaneous quantification of microcystin congeners in water
Authors: Qiao Xiaocui , Ge Simin , Liu Chengyou , Jiao Lixin , Li Xue , Zhao Xingru , Qi Tong , Liu Yan
Published: November 2021

Background

Microcystins (MCs) are secondary metabolites of cyanobacteria that are hepatotoxic to humans through the ingestion of cyanobacteria-contaminated water and accidental inhalation from lake activities. MCs with diverse congeners in water can be precisely quantified using online solid-phase extraction-ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (online-SPE UPLC–MS/MS). A method was developed and validated to simultaneously quantify eight different MCs (microcystin-RR, -LR, -YR, -WR, -LA, -LF, -LY, and -LW) in water using online-SPE UPLC–MS/MS.

Results

The method achieved the highest efficiency and sensitivity by selecting acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid and water with 0.1% formic acid as the best mobile phase conditions. The linearity, accuracy, and precision were validated using matrix-mixed water with a leucine enkephalin internal standard. The limit of detection (LOD) was calculated using the signal-to-noise ratio of three passes of the daily water-surface inspection for MCs. This method showed both high sensitivity and high resolution for the separation of eight MC congeners with LODs ranging from 0.020 to 0.371 ng L–1 and limits of quantitation ranging from 0.066 to 1.24 ng L–1. The detection time was reduced to 11 min. Except for MC-RR (58.8% recovery at high concentration) and MC-WR (45.1% and 40.9% recoveries at medium and high concentrations, respectively), the recoveries of the other MCs ranged from 70 to 135%, and the relative standard deviation was less than 10%.

Conclusion

Eight different MCs in 12 water samples collected from Chaohu Lake, China, were analyzed. The sum of all MC congeners was calculated to range from 101 to 585 ng L–1 (less than the World Health Organization’s safe drinking water limit of 1 μg L–1 for MC-LR).
Emulating complex simulations by machine learning methods
Authors: Stolfi Paola , Castiglione Filippo
Published: November 2021

Background

The aim of the present paper is to construct an emulator of a complex biological system simulator using a machine learning approach. More specifically, the simulator is a patient-specific model that integrates metabolic, nutritional, and lifestyle data to predict the metabolic and inflammatory processes underlying the development of type-2 diabetes in absence of familiarity. Given the very high incidence of type-2 diabetes, the implementation of this predictive model on mobile devices could provide a useful instrument to assess the risk of the disease for aware individuals. The high computational cost of the developed model, being a mixture of agent-based and ordinary differential equations and providing a dynamic multivariate output, makes the simulator executable only on powerful workstations but not on mobile devices. Hence the need to implement an emulator with a reduced computational cost that can be executed on mobile devices to provide real-time self-monitoring.

Results

Similarly to our previous work, we propose an emulator based on a machine learning algorithm but here we consider a different approach which turn out to have better performances, indeed in terms of root mean square error we have an improvement of two order magnitude. We tested the proposed emulator on samples containing different number of simulated trajectories, and it turned out that the fitted trajectories are able to predict with high accuracy the entire dynamics of the simulator output variables. We apply the emulator to control the level of inflammation while leveraging on the nutritional input.

Conclusion

The proposed emulator can be implemented and executed on mobile health devices to perform quick-and-easy self-monitoring assessments.
Long-read sequencing settings for efficient structural variation detection based on comprehensive evaluation
Authors: Jiang Tao , Liu Shiqi , Cao Shuqi , Liu Yadong , Cui Zhe , Wang Yadong , Guo Hongzhe
Published: November 2021

Background

With the rapid development of long-read sequencing technologies, it is possible to reveal the full spectrum of genetic structural variation (SV). However, the expensive cost, finite read length and high sequencing error for long-read data greatly limit the widespread adoption of SV calling. Therefore, it is urgent to establish guidance concerning sequencing coverage, read length, and error rate to maintain high SV yields and to achieve the lowest cost simultaneously.

Results

In this study, we generated a full range of simulated error-prone long-read datasets containing various sequencing settings and comprehensively evaluated the performance of SV calling with state-of-the-art long-read SV detection methods. The benchmark results demonstrate that almost all SV callers perform better when the long-read data reach 20× coverage, 20 kbp average read length, and approximately 10–7.5% or below 1% error rates. Furthermore, high sequencing coverage is the most influential factor in promoting SV calling, while it also directly determines the expensive costs.

Conclusions

Based on the comprehensive evaluation results, we provide important guidelines for selecting long-read sequencing settings for efficient SV calling. We believe these recommended settings of long-read sequencing will have extraordinary guiding significance in cutting-edge genomic studies and clinical practices.
In silico analysis and expression profiling of S-domain receptor-like kinases (SD-RLKs) under different abiotic stresses in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Mondal Raju , Biswas Subhankar , Srivastava Akanksha , Basu Suvajit , Trivedi Maitri , Singh Sunil Kumar , Mishra Yogesh
Published: November 2021

Background

S-domain receptor-like kinases (SD-RLKs) are an important and multi-gene subfamily of plant receptor-like/pelle kinases (RLKs), which are known to play a significant role in the development and immune responses of Arabidopsis thaliana. The conserved cysteine residues in the extracellular domain of SD-RLKs make them interesting candidates for sensing reactive oxygen species (ROS), assisting oxidative stress mitigation and associated signaling pathways during abiotic stresses. However, how closely SD-RLKs are interrelated to abiotic stress mitigation and signaling remains unknown in A. thaliana.

Results

This study was initiated by examining the chromosomal localization, phylogeny, sequence and differential expression analyses of 37 SD-RLK genes using publicly accessible microarray datasets under cold, osmotic stress, genotoxic stress, drought, salt, UV-B, heat and wounding. Out of 37 SD-RLKs, 12 genes displayed differential expression patterns in both the root and the shoot tissues. Promoter structure analysis suggested that these 12 SD-RLK genes harbour several potential cis-regulatory elements (CREs), which are involved in regulating multiple abiotic stress responses. Based on these observations, we investigated the expression patterns of 12 selected SD-RLKs under ozone, wounding, oxidative (methyl viologen), UV-B, cold, and light stress at different time points using semi-qRT-PCR. Of these 12 SD-SRKs, the genes At1g61360, At1g61460, At1g61380, and At4g27300 emerged as potential candidates that maintain their expression in most of the stress treatments till exposure for 12 h. Expression patterns of these four genes were further verified under similar stress treatments using qRT-PCR. The expression analysis indicated that the gene At1g61360, At1g61380, and At1g61460 were mostly up-regulated, whereas the expression of At4g27300 either up- or down-regulated in these conditions.

Conclusions

To summarize, the computational analysis and differential transcript accumulation of SD-RLKs under various abiotic stresses suggested their association with abiotic stress tolerance and related signaling in A. thaliana. We believe that a further detailed study will decipher the specific role of these representative SD-RLKs in abiotic stress mitigation vis-a-vis signaling pathways in A. thaliana.
Imaging features of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma mimicking a liver abscess: an analysis of 8 cases
Authors: Liu Manrong , Chen Jiong , Huang Ruisui , Huang Jianning , Li Lin , Li Yunqian , Qin Mi , Qin Wenqi , Nong Haiyang , Ding Ke
Published: November 2021

Background

In rare cases, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma can present as a pyogenic liver abscess and are often misdiagnosed. This study aimed to analyze the imaging features of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma mimicking a pyogenic liver abscess.

Methods

The clinical data and imaging results of eight patients with pathologically confirmed intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma mimicking a liver abscess were retrospectively collected.

Results

The mean age was 58 years with a range of 46–68 years. Fever and leukocytosis were present in six patients. All the eight lesions were a single mass. Air–liquid levels were present in two patients. Only one patient showed hepatic lobar atrophy and hepatic capsule retraction. The double target sign of liver abscess was not noticed in the CT/MRI images of all eight patients. The inner wall of the lesion was rough and irregular, with multiple dot/patchy and wall nodule enhancements. The abscess wall and the marginal parenchyma were supplied by the hepatic artery in four patients, and the intralesional arteries were rough and disrupted. Bile duct dilatation was seen adjacent to the lesion. In seven patients, diffusion-weighted images showed irregular patchy restricted diffusion in the marginal parenchyma of the necrotic area in addition to the prominent restricted diffusion in the necrotic area. Two patients with cholangiolithiasis showed patchy slight CT hypodensity, slight T1 hypointensity, slight T2 hyperintensity, and patchy delayed enhancement. Multiple lymph nodes enlargement in the hepatic hilar area and the retroperitoneal space were seen in five patients.

Conclusion

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma mimicking a pyogenic liver abscess have unique imaging features and require careful image examination to avoid misdiagnosis.
Functional decline in hospitalized older patients with coronavirus disease 2019: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hosoda Tomohiro , Hamada Shota
Published: November 2021

Background

This study aimed to determine the frequency of functional decline and to identify the factors related to a greater risk of functional decline among hospitalized older patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of patients aged over 65 years who were admitted to a tertiary care hospital for COVID-19 over 1 year from February 2020. We evaluated the proportion of functional decline, which was defined as a decrease in the Barthel Index score from before the onset of COVID-19 to discharge. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients at admission and a greater risk of functional decline. Two sensitivity analyses with different inclusion criteria were performed: one in patients without very severe functional decline before the onset of COVID-19 (i.e., limited to those with Barthel Index score ≥ 25), and the other with a composite outcome of functional decline and death at discharge.

Results

The study included 132 patients with COVID-19; of these, 72 (54.5%) developed functional decline. The severity of COVID-19 did not differ between patients with functional decline and those without (P = 0.698). Factors associated with a greater risk of functional decline included female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25 to 7.94), Barthel Index score < 100 before the onset of COVID-19 (aOR, 13.73; 95% CI, 3.29 to 57.25), and elevation of plasma D-dimer level on admission (aOR, 3.19; 95% CI, 1.12 to 9.07). The sensitivity analyses yielded similar results to those of the main analysis.

Conclusions

Over half of the older patients who recovered from COVID-19 developed functional decline at discharge from a tertiary care hospital in Japan. Baseline activities of daily living impairment, female sex, and elevated plasma D-dimer levels at admission were associated with a greater risk of functional decline.
Prolonged rectal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 in a 22-day-old-neonate: a case report
Authors: Holm-Jacobsen Julie Niemann , Vonasek Julia Helena , Hagstrøm Søren , Donneborg Mette Line , Sørensen Suzette
Published: November 2021

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is characterized by a diverse clinical picture. Children are often asymptomatic or experience mild symptoms and have a milder disease course compared to adults. Rectal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 has been observed in both adults and children, suggesting the fecal-oral route as a potential route of transmission. However, only a few studies have investigated this in neonates. We present a neonate with a mild disease course and prolonged rectal SARS-CoV-2 shedding.

Case presentation

A 22-day old neonate was admitted to the hospital with tachycardia and a family history of COVID-19. The boy later tested positive for COVID-19. His heart rate normalized overnight without intervention , but a grade 1/6 heart murmur on the left side of the sternum was found. After excluding signs of heart failure, the boy was discharged in a habitual state after three days of admission. During his admission, he was enrolled in a clinical study examining the rectal shedding of SARS-CoV-2. He was positive for SARS-CoV-2 in his pharyngeal swabs for 11 days after initial diagnosis and remained positive in his rectal swabs for 45 days. Thereby, the boy remained positive in his rectal swabs for 29 days after his first negative pharyngeal swab.

Conclusions

The presented case shows that neonates with a mild disease course can shed SARS-CoV-2 in the intestines for 45 days. In the current case, it was not possible to determine if fecal-oral transfer to the family occurred, and more research is needed to establish the potential risk of the fecal-oral transmission route.
Validity of the patient health questionnaire 9-item in autistic youths: a pilot study
Authors: Pilunthanakul Thanita , Goh Tze Jui , Fung Daniel Shuen Sheng , Sultana Rehena , Allen John Carson , Sung Min
Published: November 2021

Background

Autistic adolescents have greater predisposition to depression and suicidality than neurotypical adolescents. Early detection is essential for timely treatment. The Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item (PHQ-9) is a brief screen for depression. The study examines the validity of the PHQ-9 for detecting major depressive disorder (MDD) in autistic youths.

Methods

English speaking youths aged 10–18 years, with DSM-IV/DSM-5/ICD-10 diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and their parents presenting to a child psychiatric service were invited to participate between May 2018 to August 2020. Participants completed the respective self- and parent-rated PHQ-9 independently. MDD was verified using the MINI-Kid (Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Kid version).

Results

One hundred one youth, mean (SD) age 14.6 (2.3), were enrolled. 27 (27%) met criteria for current MDD. Mean total PHQ-9 scores, percentage ratings for severity of symptoms of depression, functional impairment, dysthymia and suicidality were compared. Areas under the ROC curve and statistically optimal cutoffs were determined. Parents rated depressive symptoms severity lower than their children. The PHQ-9 displayed low sensitivity with high false negative rates at conventional, adjusted and proposed cutoffs.

Conclusions

Future studies should improve on the validity and reliability of existing depression screening tools, or develop more appropriate screening methods of depression, for autistic youths.
The interaction of adverse childhood experiences and gender as risk factors for depression and anxiety disorders in US adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Whitaker Robert C. , Dearth-Wesley Tracy , Herman Allison N. , Block Amy E. , Holderness Mary Howard , Waring Nicholas A. , Oakes J. Michael
Published: November 2021

Background

Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and being female are distinct risk factors for having a major depressive episode (MDE) or an anxiety disorder (AD) in adulthood, but it is unclear whether these two risk factors are synergistic. The purpose of this study was to determine whether exposure to ACEs and being female are more than additive (synergistic) in their association with MDE and AD in US adults.

Methods

We pooled cross-sectional survey data in the Midlife in the United States study from two nationally-representative cohorts of English-speaking US adults. Data from the first cohort were collected in 2004–2006 and from the second in 2011–2014. Data from both cohorts included the 12-month prevalence of MDE and AD (generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder) assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Short Form, gender (here termed female and male), and the count of five categories of exposure to ACEs: physical, sexual, or emotional abuse; household alcohol or substance abuse; and parental separation or divorce.

Results

Of the 5834 survey respondents, 4344 (74.5%) with complete data on ACEs were included in the analysis. Mean (SD) age was 54.1 (13.8) years and 53.9% were female. The prevalences of MDE, AD, and exposure to 3–5 categories of ACEs were 13.7, 10.0, and 12.5%, respectively. After adjusting for covariates (age, race, and current and childhood socioeconomic disadvantage), for those with both risk factors (female and 3–5 ACEs) the prevalence of MDE was 26.9%. This was 10.2% (95% CI: 1.8, 18.5%) higher than the expected prevalence based on the additive associations of the two risk factors. The adjusted prevalence of AD among females with 3–5 ACEs was 21.9%, which was 11.4% (95% CI: 4.0, 18.9%) higher than the expected prevalence.

Conclusions

For both MDE and AD, there was synergy between the two risk factors of exposure to ACEs and being female. Identification and treatment of MDE and AD may benefit from understanding the mechanisms involved in the synergistic interaction of gender with ACEs.
Symptoms, impacts, and suitability of the Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension-Symptoms and Impact (PAH-SYMPACT™) questionnaire in patients with sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (SAPH): a qualitative interview study
Authors: Currie Brooke M. , Davies Evan W. , Beaudet Amélie , Stassek Larissa , Kleinman Leah , Baughman Robert P.
Published: November 2021

Background

Sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (SAPH) is a prevalent and serious complication of sarcoidosis. No SAPH-specific self-report instruments for assessing SAPH symptoms and their impact on patients are available to date. This study sought to determine whether the Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension-Symptoms and Impact (PAH-SYMPACT™) questionnaire is suitable for use in patients with SAPH.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with SAPH participated in qualitative one-on-one telephone interviews to better understand SAPH symptoms and their impacts on patients’ lives and to determine the appropriateness of the PAH-SYMPACT™ for use in patients with SAPH. The interviews comprised concept elicitation, completion of the PAH-SYMPACT™, and cognitive debriefing. Interview transcripts were analyzed by content analysis.

Results

Eleven patients with SAPH were interviewed between August 2019 and June 2020. In the concept elicitation, all 11 participants endorsed shortness of breath and nine participants (82%) rated it as their “most bothersome or severe” symptom. Impacts endorsed by all 11 participants were difficulty walking uphill or up stairs and difficulty in performing daily activities. Cognitive debriefing indicated that the PAH-SYMPACT™ items were relevant and understandable to most participants and reflected their experiences of SAPH. Participants indicated that no key symptoms or impacts of SAPH were missing. They also reported that the PAH-SYMPACT™ instructions and response options were clear, and that it would be feasible to complete the 11 symptom items and one oxygen use item as part of their daily schedule.

Conclusions

This study suggests the PAH-SYMPACT™ is suitable for assessing symptoms and their impact in patients with SAPH. However, larger longitudinal studies are needed to confirm that it is fit for use in this patient population and that it can be used to reliably detect temporal changes in patients’ symptom status.

Trial registration Not applicable.
Effect of local somatosensory stimulus on postural sway during sit-to-stand movement in the elderly
Authors: Annor Peter , Kwak Kiyoung , Kim Huigyun , Kim Dongwook
Published: November 2021

Background

Sit-to-stand (STS) is a complex movement that requires successful postural control. Aging is a normal part of human life that leads to weakness of sensory capabilities, resulting in diminished postural control. Therefore, STS movement is a challenging task for the elderly. Local tendon vibration (LTV) can be utilized to assist STS of the elderly by improving postural control. Many studies have revealed that the LTV has various physiological positive effect. However, previous studies did not consider subjects’ individual difference for properties of applied LTV. Also, there are almost no studies to assist and to improve elder’s STS movement. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the influence of lower limb LTV on postural sway during STS in the elderly, and to examine whether a specific vibration frequency can increase postural control in the elderly.

Results

The common characteristic differences between the elderly and younger population during STS movement were analyzed. In addition, the effect of vibration on the center of mass (COM) and the center of pressure (COP) variable responses in young adults and the elderly were investigated. As a result, the elderly exhibit larger COP sway area and higher COP mediolateral (ML) displacement than the young adults. In addition, the elderly generally have lower COM velocities in all directions compared to the young adults. It was found that COP and COM related to postural stability are affected when LTV of the 180 Hz, 190 Hz and 250 Hz is applied to the elderly. Particularly, the 190 Hz vibration induced significant reduction in COP sway area and COP ML displacement.

Conclusions

These results mean that the LTV contributes to stability of elders’ STS movement by reducing postural sway. Furthermore, a reduction of postural sway depends on frequency of the LTV. These findings suggest that individual response to characteristics of vibration must be considered, and imply that the LTV can be used as rehabilitation therapy to improve postural control in the elderly, and utilized in motion assistive devices to deliver apt vibration frequencies.

Trial registration

CRIS, KCT0005434, Registered 25 September 2020, Retrospectively registered, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/index/index.do