bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symptom Burden and Activity of Daily Living (ADL) Dependency Among Home Health care Patients Discharged to Home Hospice
Authors: Osakwe Zainab Toteh , Oni-Eseleh Ohiro , Bianco Gabriella , Saint Fleur-Calixte Rose
Published: January 2022

Background: We sought to examine sociodemographic and clinical characteristics present on admission to HHC associated with discharge to hospice. Methods: We used a 5% random sample of 2017 national Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) data. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was estimated for the primary outcome (discharge to hospice) to examine the associations with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of HHC patients. Results: Among 489, 230 HHC patients, 4268 were discharged to hospice. The median (interquartile range) length of HHC stay for patients discharged to hospice care was 33 (14-78) days. Compared to White patients, Black, Hispanic, and other race, (hazard ratio [HR] = .50 [95% confidence interval, CI = .44–.57]), (HR = .53 [95% CI = .46–.62]), and (HR = .49 [95% CI = .40–.61], respectively) was associated with shorter time to discharge to hospice care. Clinical characteristics including severe dependence in activities of daily (ADL) (HR = 1.68 [95% CI = 1.01–2.78]), cognitive impairment (HR = 1.10 [95% CI = 1.01–1.20]), disruptive behavior daily (HR = 1.11 [95% CI = 1.02–1.22]), and inability to feed oneself (HR = 4.78, 95% CI = 4.30, 5.31) was associated with shorter time to discharge to hospice. Symptoms of anxiety daily (HR = 1.55 [95% CI = 1.43–1.68]), and pain daily or all the time (HR = 1.54 [95% CI = 1.43–1.64]) were associated with shorter time to discharge to hospice. Conclusions: High symptom burden, ADL dependency, and cognitive impairment on admission to HHC services was associated with greater likelihood of discharge to hospice.
Cavovarus With a Twist: Midfoot Coronal and Axial Plane Rotational Deformity in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Authors: An Tonya , Haupt Edward , Michalski Max , Salo Jari , Pfeffer Glenn
Published: January 2022

Background:

The cavovarus deformity of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is often characterized by a paradoxical relationship of hindfoot varus and forefoot valgus. The configuration of the midfoot, which links these deformities, is poorly understood. Accurate assessment of 3-dimensional alignment under physiologic loadbearing conditions is possible using weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT). This is the first study to examine the rotational deformity in the midfoot of CMT patients and, thus, provide key insights to successful correction of CMT cavovarus foot.

Methods:

A total of 27 WBCT scans from 21 CMT patients were compared to control WBCTs from 20 healthy unmatched adults. CMT patients with a history of bony surgery, severe degenerative joint disease, or open physes in the foot were excluded. Scans were analyzed using 3-dimensional software. Anatomic alignment of the tarsal bones was calculated relative to the anterior-posterior axis of the tibial plafond in the axial plane, and weightbearing surface in the coronal plane.

Results:

Maximal rotational deformity in CMT patients occurred at the transverse tarsal joints, averaging 61 degrees of external rotation (supination), compared to 34 degrees among controls ( P < .01). The talonavicular joint was also the site of peak adduction deformity in the midfoot, with an average talonavicular coverage angle measuring 12 degrees compared with −11 degrees in controls ( P < .01).

Conclusion:

This 3-dimensional WBCT analysis is the first to isolate and quantify the multiplanar rotational deformity in the midfoot of CMT patients. Compared with healthy unmatched control cases, CMT patients demonstrated increased axial plane adduction and coronal plane rotation at the talonavicular (TN) joint. These findings support performing soft tissue release at the TN joint to abduct and derotate the midfoot as a first step for targeted deformity correction.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective case-control study.
The Dimensionality of Reading Self-Concept: Examining Its Stability Using Local Structural Equation Models
Authors: Basarkod Geetanjali , Marsh Herbert W. , Sahdra Baljinder K. , Parker Philip D. , Guo Jiesi , Dicke Theresa , Lüdtke Oliver
Published: January 2022

For results from large-scale surveys to inform policy and practice appropriately, all participants must interpret and respond to items similarly. While organizers of surveys assessing student outcomes often ensure this for achievement measures, doing so for psychological questionnaires is also critical. We demonstrate this by examining the dimensionality of reading self-concept—a crucial psychological construct for several outcomes—across reading achievement levels. We use Programme for International Student Assessment 2018 data ( N = 529,966) and local structural equation models (LSEMs) to do so. Results reveal that reading self-concept dimensions (assessed through reading competence and difficulty) vary across reading achievement levels. Students with low reading achievement show differentiated responses to the two item sets (high competence–high difficulty). In contrast, students with high reading achievement have reconciled responses (high competence–low difficulty). Our results highlight the value of LSEMs in examining factor structure generalizability of constructs in large-scale surveys and call for greater cognitive testing during item development.
A massively parallel time-domain coupled electrodynamics–micromagnetics solver
Authors: Yao Zhi , Jambunathan Revathi , Zeng Yadong , Nonaka Andrew
Published: January 2022

We present a high-performance coupled electrodynamics–micromagnetics solver for full physical modeling of signals in microelectronic circuitry. The overall strategy couples a finite-difference time-domain approach for Maxwell’s equations to a magnetization model described by the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation. The algorithm is implemented in the Exascale Computing Project software framework, AMReX, which provides effective scalability on manycore and GPU-based supercomputing architectures. Furthermore, the code leverages ongoing developments of the Exascale Application Code, WarpX, which is primarily being developed for plasma wakefield accelerator modeling. Our temporal coupling scheme provides second-order accuracy in space and time by combining the integration steps for the magnetic field and magnetization into an iterative sub-step that includes a trapezoidal temporal discretization for the magnetization. The performance of the algorithm is demonstrated by the excellent scaling results on NERSC multicore and GPU systems, with a significant (59×) speedup on the GPU using a node-by-node comparison. We demonstrate the utility of our code by performing simulations of an electromagnetic waveguide and a magnetically tunable filter.
Risk Factors of White Blood Cell Progression Among Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Authors: Addisia Gedam Derbew , Tegegne Awoke Seyoum , Belay Denekew Bitew , Muluneh Mitiku Wale , Kassaw Mahider Abere
Published: January 2022

Background:

Leukemia is a type of cancers that start in the bone marrow and produce a serious number of abnormal white blood cells. Bleeding and bruising problems, fatigue, fever, and an increased risk of infection are among symptoms of the disease. The main objective of this study is to identify the determinant of the progression rate of white blood cells among patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital (FHRH), Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

Methods:

A retrospective study design was conducted on 312 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia at FHRH, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia under treatment from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2019. A linear mixed-effects model was considered for the progression of the white blood cell data.

Results:

The estimated coefficient of the fixed effect intercept was 84.68, indicating that the average white blood cell (WBC) count of the patients was 84.68 at baseline time by excluding all covariates in the model ( P-value <.001). Male sex ( β = 2.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58, 0.5.25), age ( β = .17, 95% CI 0.08, 0.28), widowed/divorced marital status ( β = 3.30, 95% CI 0.03, 6.57), medium chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) stage ( β = −4.34, 95% CI −6.57, −2.68), high CLL stage ( β = −2.76, 95% CI −4.86, −0.67), hemoglobin ( β = .15, 95% CI 0.07, 0.22), platelet ( β = .09, 95% CI 0.02, 0.17), lymphocytes ( β = .16, 95% CI 0.03, 0.29), red blood cell (RBC) ( β = .17, 95% CI 0.09, 0.25), and follow-up time ( β = .27, 95% CI 0.19, 0.36) were significantly associated with the average WBC count of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients.

Conclusions:

The finding showed that age, sex, lymphocytic, stage of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, marital status, platelet, hemoglobin, RBC, and follow-up time were significantly associated with the average WBC count of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients. Therefore, health care providers should give due attention and prioritize those identified factors and give frequent counseling about improving the health of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients.
Writing for the audience or for public relations? How lifestyle editors perceive expectations about their professional role and manage potential for conflict
Authors: Viererbl Benno
Published: January 2022

Lifestyle journalists work in a boundary area between journalistic and commercial interests. They report journalistically on lifestyle topics such as travel, food, or fashion, while also incorporating promotional content and public relations concerns, either because reporting on lifestyle topics would otherwise not be possible or because their publications depend economically on commercial partners. These differing demands could lead to role conflicts for the editors of lifestyle magazines. This study investigates how lifestyle editors perceive expectations regarding their professional role and whether diverging expectations lead to role conflicts. To answer these questions, qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with lifestyle editors from Germany. The results show that lifestyle editors aim primarily to entertain, spread positivity, and inspire their readers, while attempting to report independently and objectively. However, commercial expectations compromise these norms, leading to perceptions of role conflict.
Food Culture in Youth Athletics: Exploration of the Beliefs in USA Stakeholders
Authors: Marx Jenna M. , Musher-Eizenman Dara R.
Published: January 2022

Objectives. The present study examined beliefs surrounding food culture in youth athletics. Design. Qualitative research. Methods. Coaches (n = 62), parents (n = 161), and youth athletes (n = 40) in the USA completed questionnaires that explored aspects of the food environment of youth athletics, including practices related to food and beverage consumption and perspectives on the nutritional value of available foods and beverages. Results. Coaches, parents, and athletes all reported a high number of available foods and beverages, and were mixed both about whether these were healthy or unhealthy, and whether the availability of unhealthy foods and beverages was problematic. Conclusions. This study aimed to add to the literature an examination of multiple perspectives on the current food culture in youth athletics. Participant perspectives suggest that the food environment of youth sport may be an unhealthy mismatch with the physical, social, and psychological benefits of participation. Further research could aim to identify optimal environments for promoting health in youth sport. Limitations and additional directions for future research are discussed.
Endovascular thrombectomy and repair of suprarenal inferior vena cava thrombosis: A case series
Authors: Vayani Omar R , Patel Manish J , Van Ha Thuong , Leef Jeffrey A , Lorenz Jonathan M , Millis Michael , Ahmed Osman
Published: January 2022

Objectives

The objective of this study is to document the combined use of catheter-based thrombectomy/thrombolysis with endovascular repair of high-risk segments of the inferior vena cava in the setting of iatrogenic and traumatic injuries. While the use of endovascular techniques to treat caval thrombosis is well documented and often preferred due to its minimally invasive nature, there is still little literature that focuses on the nuances related to injury of high mortality areas of the IVC as a result of major trauma, transplant, and other surgical interventions.

Methods

An IRB-approved retrospective review of all patients undergoing IVC thrombectomy was performed at a single tertiary care academic center between January 2018 and July 2021. Cases were subsequently selected based on those who underwent primary mechanical thrombectomy followed by endovascular stenting (or angioplasty). Among this cohort, four patients who underwent this procedure in the context of iatrogenic and traumatic injuries were included.

Results

All four patients undergoing primary mechanical thrombectomy followed by endovascular stenting (or angioplasty) due to IVC thrombus and/or stenosis were technically successful with immediate positive clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

Mechanical thrombectomy in conjunction with IVC recanalization via stenting may be a useful intervention with promising technical success and positive clinical outcomes for occlusive thrombosis and IVC stenosis.
Missed opportunities to identify cryptococcosis in COVID-19 patients: a case report and literature review
Authors: Chastain Daniel B. , Henao-Martínez Andrés F. , Dykes Austin C. , Steele Gregory M. , Stoudenmire Laura Leigh , Thomas Geren M. , Kung Vanessa , Franco-Paredes Carlos
Published: January 2022

SARS-CoV-2 may activate both innate and adaptive immune responses ultimately leading to a dysregulated immune response prompting the use of immunomodulatory therapy. Although viral pneumonia increases the risk of invasive fungal infections, it remains unclear whether SARS-CoV-2 infection, immunomodulatory therapy, or a combination of both are responsible for the increased recognition of opportunistic infections in COVID-19 patients. Cases of cryptococcosis have previously been reported following treatment with corticosteroids, interleukin (IL)-6 inhibitors, and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, for patients with autoimmune diseases, but their effect on the immunologic response in patients with COVID-19 remains unknown. Herein, we present the case of a patient with COVID-19 who received high-dose corticosteroids and was later found to have cryptococcosis despite no traditional risk factors. As our case and previous cases of cryptococcosis in patients with COVID-19 demonstrate, clinicians must be suspicious of cryptococcosis in COVID-19 patients who clinically deteriorate following treatment with immunomodulatory therapies.
Selection of risk assessment methods for osteoporosis screening in postmenopausal women with low-energy fractures: A comparison of fracture risk assessment tool, digital X-ray radiogrammetry, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
Authors: Woisetschläger Mischa , Chisalita Simona , Vergara Marta , Spångeus Anna
Published: January 2022

Objectives:

Fracture liaison services are designed to identify patients needing osteoporosis treatment after a fracture. Some fracture liaison service designs involve a prescreening step, for example, fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX®). Another possible prescreening tools are bone mass density assessment in the acute setting. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of prescreening tools.

Methods:

In the present prospective cohort study, women aged >55 years with a radius fracture were included. Patients were recruited at the emergency department after experiencing their fracture. All patients performed fracture risk assessment by fracture risk assessment tool, and bone mass density assessment by digital X-ray radiogrammetry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (prescreening steps) as well as full routine evaluation at the osteoporosis unit (endpoint). The main outcome measures were sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and area under the curve.

Results:

Forty-one women were recruited (mean age: 70 ± 8 years). Of these, 54% fulfilled the treatment indication criteria of osteoporosis after a full examination. Fracture risk assessment tool without bone mass density (cutoff ⩾ 15%) for prescreening patients had a high sensitivity (90%) but a low area under the curve (0.50) and specificity (16%). The highest area under the curve (0.73) was found prescreening with bone mass density assessment (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or digital X-ray radiogrammetry) having a sensitivity of 59%–86% and specificity of 61%–90%.

Conclusion:

This study, though small, raises questions regarding the effectiveness of using a prescreening step in fracture liaison services for high-risk individuals. In this cohort, FRAX® without bone mass density had a low precision, with a risk of both underestimating and overestimating patients requiring treatment. Bone mass density assessment in the acute setting could improve the precision of prescreening. Further investigations on the effectiveness and health economics of prescreening steps in fracture liaison services are needed.
Impact of motivational interviewing as a follow-up to an exercise intervention among women with or at risk for metabolic syndrome: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Suire Kameron B , Peart Ashley , Kavookjian Jan , Wadsworth Danielle D
Published: January 2022

Objectives:

Women have a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome than their male counterparts, and interventions should target women with or at risk for metabolic syndrome. The objective of this study was to compare two intervention strategies on long-term outcomes following the completion of an exercise intervention.

Methods:

Twenty-six women ( M age = 43.35 ± 9.03) with at least one risk factor for metabolic syndrome were randomized into either a motivational interviewing group ( n = 10) or self-regulation-based mobile messaging control group ( n = 16) as a 12-week follow-up to a 10-week, 30-session exercise intervention. Outcomes of interest were body fat percentage, bone mineral density, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose.

Results:

Mixed ANOVAs revealed a significant effect for group × time for body fat percentage F(1, 24) = 8.30, p = 0.01, [Formula: see text] = 0.26, bone mineral density F(1, 24) = 6.68, p = 0.02, [Formula: see text] = 0.22, waist circumference F(1, 24) = 10.35, p = 0.01, [Formula: see text] = 0.30, triglycerides F(1, 24) = 5.06, p = 0.03, [Formula: see text] = 0.17, and systolic blood pressure F(1, 24) = 5.39, p = 0.03, [Formula: see text] = 0.18 all in favor of the motivational interviewing group after 12 weeks when compared to the self-regulation-based mobile messaging group. No significant effect for group × time was noted for diastolic blood pressure p = 0.36, [Formula: see text] = 0.04, high-density cholesterol p = 0.08, [Formula: see text] = 0.12, or fasting blood glucose p = 0.85, [Formula: see text] = 0.01 when comparing the motivational interviewing and self-regulation-based mobile messaging groups.

Conclusions:

Motivational interviewing may be a more impactful solution to extend the effects of exercise intervention studies compared to a self-regulation-based mobile messaging control group. Future interventions should focus on increasing sample size, utilizing more objective measures of body composition, utilizing booster sessions, and increasing the length of follow-up periods.
Rapamycin as a potent and selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor in breast carcinoma
Authors: Muhammad Sakri Muhammad Shahidan , Tengku Din Tengku Ahmad Damitri Al-Astani , Jaafar Hasnan , Gopalan Vinod , Wan Abdul Rahman Wan Faiziah
Published: January 2022

Angiogenesis is the process of new vascular formation, which is derived from various factors. For suppressing cancer cell growth, targeting angiogenesis is one of the therapeutic approaches. Vascular endothelial growth factor family receptors, including Flt-1, Flk-1 and Flt-4, have been found to play an essential role in regulating angiogenesis. Rapamycin is a macrolide compound with anti-proliferative properties, while platelet factor-4 (PF-4) is an antiangiogenic ELR-negative chemokine. Rapamycin inhibits mTOR ligands activation, thus suppressing cell proliferation, while PF-4 inhibits cell proliferation through several mechanisms. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of rapamycin and platelet factor-4 toward breast carcinoma at the proteomic and genomic levels. A total of 60 N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea-induced rat breast carcinomas were treated with rapamycin, platelet factor-4 and rapamycin+platelet factor-4. The tumours were subsequently subjected to immunohistochemical protein analysis and polymerase chain reaction gene analysis. Protein analysis was performed using a semiquantitative scoring method, while the mRNA expression levels were analysed based on the relative expression ratio. There was a significant difference in the protein and mRNA expression levels for the selected markers. In the rapamycin+platelet factor-4-treated group, the Flt-4 marker was downregulated, whereas there were no differences in the expression levels of other markers, such as Flt-1 and Flk-1. On the other hand, platelet factor-4 did not exhibit a superior angiogenic inhibiting ability in this study. Rapamycin is a potent antiangiogenic drug; however, platelet factor-4 proved to be a less effective drug of anti-angiogenesis on rat breast carcinoma model.
Exploring the Effects of Product Knowledge, Trust, and Distrust in the Health Belief Model to Predict Attitude Toward Dietary Supplements
Authors: Tzeng Shian-Yang , Ho Tzu-Ya
Published: January 2022

Although the health belief model (HBM) has been widely applied in health behavior research, it cannot fully account for dietary supplement (DS) consumption. This study proposed a second-stage moderation model to empirically examine the mediating role of product knowledge and the moderating effects of trust and distrust in the HBM. Surveys were conducted both online and offline in first-tier Chinese cities; 768 effective samples were collected. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the hypotheses. The findings indicated that perceived susceptibility was a better predictor of attitude toward DS products. Second, perceived susceptibility’s effect on product attitude occurred through product knowledge. Third, trust in manufacturers positively affected product knowledge’s effect on product attitude. Based on these findings, to promote DS consumption, marketers can leverage consumers’ perceived susceptibility to illness, associate the benefits and efficacy of DSs with consumers’ health knowledge, and emphasize their production of high-quality DSs.
Foreign Language Anxiety and Individualism-Collectivism Culture: A Top-Down Approach for a Country/Regional-Level Analysis
Authors: Toyama Michiko , Yamazaki Yoshitaka
Published: January 2022

This study explored how foreign language anxiety in class relates to individualism-collectivism culture. Additionally, to serve as a guideline for foreign language anxiety assessment, the study determined a normative score of the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS), which is well known and frequently applied for foreign language anxiety examination. After conducting a literature search identifying 106 studies in 35 countries/regions, a top-down approach was used to analyze aggregate FLCAS mean scores by country/region and examine relationships between the FLCAS score and the rating of individualism-collectivism cultural dimension from Hofstede’s cultural index. This relationship was significant for higher education institutions but insignificant for all institutions and for elementary to high schools. The FLCAS normative score was 94.82, slightly lower than the theoretical midpoint of 99. The findings have implications for educators, since university/college/graduate students in countries/regions with stronger collectivism had higher foreign language anxiety.
Agro-Entrepreneurial Intention among University Students: a study under the premises of Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Che Nawi Noorshella , Mamun Abdullah Al , Hassan Ariezal Afzan , Wan Ibrahim Wan Suzanna Aafanii Adeeba , Mohamed Amaal Fadhlini , Permarupan P. Yukthamarani
Published: January 2022

This study empirically examines how graduate students’ attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, knowledge, and acceptance of agro-business influence student intention to start agro-entrepreneurship and the moderating effect of gender and faculty on the relationship among the factors based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. The study adopted the cross-sectional design from 300 public university students. The results of the study revealed that attitude toward agro-entrepreneurship, perceived behavioral control, and acceptance of agro-entrepreneurial exert a positive and significant effect on agro-entrepreneurial intention among university students. Moreover, the gender-based multiple group analysis revealed that male graduate students accept more agro-business than female students. Thus, policy makers can facilitate the promotion of agro-entrepreneurship among graduate students. Based on Theory of Planned Behavior, this study improves our understanding on university students’ agro-entrepreneurial intention in Malaysia. Finally, the discussion, recommendations and conclusion of the study are discussed in the research paper.
The Mobility Industry Trends Through the Lens of the Social Analysis: A Multi-Level Perspective Approach
Authors: Turienzo Javier , Cabanelas Pablo , Lampón Jesús F.
Published: January 2022

The mobility industry is experiencing an in-depth transformation looking for higher efficiency, and this evolution has relevant impact from the economic and social perspective. Nevertheless, technological and mobility trends involve uncertainty on users, policy makers, and businesses. Thus, the analysis of the technologies and their associated trends is relevant for enabling a general understanding of new features and social benefits that can shape the mobility trends toward a better experience. This paper intends to forecast and understand the impact of the new trends on general public through qualitative research deployed with experts from different European countries. It aims at clarifying the predisposition to adapt daily habits to adopt autonomous and connected vehicles, electrical motorizations and servitization. Those areas of deployment in the mobility industry represent relevant dilemmas in terms of social exchange. Businesses, technical and physical infrastructures, public services and regulations are among those areas highly affected by this evolution. Despite the reported advantages of those trends, those innovations will only be supported by specific groups of population and policy-makers unless they show similar benefits to traditional mobility means. Mobility-as-a-Services will be widespread in parallel with the improvement of the service offered, cost reduction, and geographical coverage.
How Internal IT Capability Affects Open Innovation Performance: From Dynamic Capability Perspective
Authors: Wu Suming , Gao Hui
Published: January 2022

Information technology (IT) and open innovation has been one of hot topic in existing research respectively. However, there are lack empirical research on inner mechanism of internal IT capability affecting open innovation performance. According to dynamic capability theory, this paper puts internal IT capability, internal knowledge integration, firm social capital, and open innovation performance into a theoretical model. Through 232 surveys, the results indicate that internal knowledge integration plays a mediator role in the effect of internal IT capability on open innovation performance. Meanwhile, the relationship between internal IT capability and internal knowledge integration can be positively moderated by firm social capital. This study extends the research on open innovation and IT business value, and provides theoretical direction for practice.
Improvement of Students’ Autonomous Learning Behavior by Optimizing Foreign Language Blended Learning Mode
Authors: Wang Xue , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2022

Given the significance of cultivating students’ autonomous learning ability, there is a need to develop an instructional model that can improve students’ awareness and behavior of autonomous learning, as well as to explore the effectiveness and optimization of this model effectively. Taking college English course as a case study, this paper constructs a blended learning mode based on SPOC, which combines advantages of online and offline teaching. 15 types of nonredundant sets resulting from 500 questionnaires has been explored, and the optimal factor combinations have been found out from 15 types with the technology of data mining to optimize the mode constructed previously. Optimized blended learning mode, emphasizing the optimal factors more, has been applied to College English curriculum design and teaching practice in China. Surveys of students’ achievement and autonomous learning behavior have been conducted after experiment. The results of the research indicate that the optimized blended learning mode will stimulate foreign language learners’ learning motivation, cultivate their autonomous learning ability, so as to construct and improve their autonomous learning behavior further.
“Willpower knows no obstacles”: Examining Neoliberal Postfeminist Messaging in Nike’s Transnational Advertisements for Women
Authors: Posbergh Anna , Andrews David L. , Clevenger Samuel M.
Published: January 2022

Nike, a US-headquartered transnational corporation lauded for its putatively empowering women-centered advertisements, frequently releases nationally/regionally focused advertisements depicting women determinedly engaging in physical activity and, in doing so, overcoming gendered barriers and stigmas. Indeed, the global ubiquity of the empowered (Nike-clad) woman illustrates Nike’s role in advancing women’s empowerment, both in the US and globally. Universalizing “just do it” beyond geographical borders, Nike’s form of transnational feminism centers on a carefully manufactured, Western-centered image of empowered female athleticism. However, this notably contradicts transnational feminist efforts to reject the universalization of Western-centered representations of women. Using a critical cultural studies approach in concert with a transnational feminist framework, we analyze six recent Nike advertisements (the United States, Mexico, the Middle East, Turkey, India, and Russia) and critique the corporation’s universalization of neoliberal postfeminist messaging within its global marketing strategies. We find that Nike utilizes three thematics to extend their caricature of the (Nike-powered) female athlete beyond the spatial and symbolic borders of the US market: responsibilitization, competitive individualism, and empowerment. We conclude that Nike normalizes a white, Western-centered neoliberal postfeminism, undermining the structural and sporting realities of the non-white/non-Western women their promotional campaigning seeks to embolden.
Treatment results of nondamaging retinal laser therapy in diabetic macular edema
Authors: Gültekin Burcu P.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Subthreshold nondamaging retinal laser therapy (NRT) provides a greater safety profile than conventional laser methods, but more data is needed on the efficacy and safety of subthreshold NRT in diabetic macular edema.

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of NRT for the treatment of clinically significant macular edema (CSME) that is partially responsive or resistant to intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment.

Methods:

This was a retrospective case series study. Fifty eyes of 38 diabetic patients with CSME previously treated with at least 6-monthly intravitreal bevacizumab injections with/without intravitreal Ozurdex therapy were evaluated. The patients received 577-nm yellow wavelength laser therapy with PASCAL laser system (Topcon Medical Laser Systems, Santa Clara, CA, USA). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central subfield thickness (CST) were evaluated before and 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after laser treatment.

Results:

Baseline mean CST was 368.06 ± 86.9 µm. The mean CST values at the 1-, 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month visits were 336.93 ± 79.8, 352.40 ± 113.5, 336.36 ± 109.3, 325.10 ± 104 µm, and 310.08 ± 84.7 µm, respectively. The mean CST decreased significantly at the first ( p = 0.002) and second year visits ( p < 0.001) when compared with pretreatment values. Although visual acuity was improved at the first year compared with baseline, this difference was not statistically significant ( p = 0.03). There was no significant difference in visual acuities between pretreatment and posttreatment visits. During 24-month follow-up, while 37 eyes were treated with [mean: 5.7 ± 3.4 (1–14)] intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, 3 eyes were administered single-dose intravitreal steroids. Additional intravitreal injections were not required in 10 (20%) eyes.

Conclusion:

NRT is effective by itself or in combination with anti-VEGF agents in diabetic macular edema that is partially responsive or resistant to previous intravitreal injections. T role in treating this disorder should be assessed in more detail with prospective controlled studies.
The Effects of Diabetes Self-Management Education on Quality of Life for Persons With Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Davidson Patricia , LaManna Jacqueline , Davis Jean , Ojeda Maria M. , Hyer Suzanne , Dickinson Jane K. , Todd Andrew , Hammons Tamara M. , Mohammed Fahim Shahariar , McDaniel Cassidi C. , McKee Cynthia A. , Clements Jennifer N. , Yehl Kirsten , Litchman Michelle L. , Blanchette Julia E. , Kavookjian Jan
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

It is well documented that chronic conditions, such as diabetes, impact quality of life (QoL). QoL assessment is essential when developing and evaluating diabetes self-management education support interventions. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence and gaps in the research and the impact of diabetes self-management education (DSME) on QoL outcomes in persons with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Methods

A systematic review of English language studies published between January 1, 2007, and March 31, 2020, was conducted using a modified Cochrane review method. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), participants had T1DM with or without caregivers, a DSME intervention alone or a component(s) of the ADCES7™ Self-Care Behaviors was described, and QoL was a primary or secondary outcome. A 3-tiered review process was utilized for selecting articles. Retained articles were assessed for risk of bias.

Results:

Nineteen articles, reporting on 17 RCTs, met inclusion criteria, of which 7 studies reported QoL as the primary outcome and 10 as a secondary outcome. Seven studies detected significant impact of DMSE on QoL outcomes in either the participants or family caregivers, which varied in participant populations, selection of QoL tools (generic vs diabetes-specific), intervention type, intervention length, and type of interventionist.

Conclusion:

DSME has the potential to influence QoL outcomes in people with T1DM. Research using more standardized methods are needed to delineate impact on a broader range of factors that influence QoL for those living with T1DM across the life span and their caregivers.
Consensus on Quality Indicators for Pediatric Oncology Nursing Care in Mainland China: A Delphi Method and Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: He Mengxue , Lu Hong , Shen Nanping , Wu Xinyi , Shen Guomei , Zhou Xuezhen , Shen Min , Mo Lin , Lily Hsu
Published: January 2022

Background: Because routine nursing quality indicators are not suitable to evaluate pediatric oncology nursing care, this study aimed to identify a set of quality indicators for pediatric oncology nursing care in mainland China. Method: This prospective investigation utilized a modified Delphi technique and an analytic hierarchy process. A survey questionnaire was developed using a literature review and semi-structured interviews. Fifteen invited experts evaluated the importance of potential indicators through three rounds of Delphi survey by email in 2018. The importance weight of each indicator was identified through analytic hierarchy process. Results: In the Delphi survey, the average authoritative coefficient was 0.93–0.96 for each round of the inquiry. After three rounds of survey, 29 quality indicators were identified as important nursing outcomes for assessing the quality of pediatric oncology nursing care in mainland China. The importance rating mean score of indicators ranged between 4.67 and 5.00 on a 5-point scale, and the variation coefficient ranged between 0 and 0.19. Expert-assigned indicator importance weight varied between 0.0040 and 0.0870. Conclusion: This study identified an indicator system with 29 nursing-sensitive quality indicators that may represent potential indicator candidates for quality assessment of pediatric oncology nursing practice in mainland China.
Symptoms of Survivors of Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant by Age, Sex, and Transplant Type
Authors: Morrison Caroline F. , Drake Sarah , Basile Nathan L. , Horn Mary Jane , Lambert Joshua , Myers Kasiani C. , Pai Ahna L.H.
Published: January 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe symptoms experienced by survivors of pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), and demographic and treatment-factors associated with ongoing symptomology. Methods: Fifty pediatric survivors completed a cross-sectional pilot study. Questionnaires were administered online via REDCap to assess symptoms experienced in the last week. Survivors also consented to a medical record chart review. Results: Survivors were on average 5.4 years post-HSCT (range 1.1 to 9 years), male (58%), and Caucasian (80%) who received an allogeneic HSCT (92%). The most commonly reported symptoms were difficulty concentrating (42.5%), pain (38%), worry (38%), nervousness (37.5%), and lack of energy/fatigue (34%). Survivors reported up to 14 symptoms, with 90% of the sample experiencing at least one symptom in the previous week. Average number of symptoms varied by age group between 2.1 (8–9 years) and 6.8 (18 and older). Age and female gender were associated with higher levels of fatigue. Conclusions: The majority of survivors experienced at least one symptom in the previous week. Neuropsychological symptoms and pain endure well into survivorship that can influence outcomes such as function and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Research is needed on biological mechanisms of ongoing symptomology, effective interventions to prevent or mitigate symptoms, and the impact of symptoms on patient outcomes including daily functioning and HRQOL. Implications Survivors of pediatric HSCT continued to experience symptoms for up to nine years. Survivors should be frequently screened for symptoms, as symptoms may affect function, learning/employment outcomes, and HRQOL.
Insulin sensitizes neural and vascular TRPV1 receptors in the trigeminovascular system
Authors: Rosta Judit , Tóth Máté , Friedrich Nadine , Sántha Péter , Jancsó Gábor , Dux Mária
Published: January 2022

Background

Clinical observations suggest that hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance can be associated with migraine headache. In the present study we examined the effect of insulin on transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor-dependent meningeal nociceptor functions in rats.

Methods

The effects of insulin on the TRPV1 receptor stimulation-induced release of calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) from trigeminal afferents and changes in meningeal blood flow were studied. Colocalization of the insulin receptor, the TRPV1 receptor and CGRP was also analyzed in trigeminal ganglion neurons.

Results

Insulin induced release of CGRP from meningeal afferents and consequent increases in dural blood flow through the activation of TRPV1 receptors of trigeminal afferents. Insulin sensitized both neural and vascular TRPV1 receptors making them more susceptible to the receptor agonist capsaicin. Immunohistochemistry revealed colocalization of the insulin receptor with the TRPV1 receptor and CGRP in a significant proportion of trigeminal ganglion neurons.

Conclusions

Insulin may activate or sensitize meningeal nociceptors that may lead to enhanced headache susceptibility in persons with increased plasma insulin concentration.
Body mass index and cognitive decline among community-living older adults: the modifying effect of physical activity
Authors: Pitrou Isabelle , Vasiliadis Helen-Maria , Hudon Carol
Published: January 2022

Objective

To examine the associations between BMI categories and subsequent 3-year cognitive decline among older adults, and to test whether physical activity modifies the associations.

Methods

Study sample included n = 1028 cognitively unimpaired older adults participating in the Étude sur la Santé des Aînés (ESA)-Services longitudinal study and followed 3 years later. Cognitive decline was defined as a decrease of > 3 points in MMSE scores between baseline and follow-up. BMI categories (normal weight (reference), underweight, overweight, obese) were derived from self-reported weight and height. Moderate to vigorous physical activity of ≥20 min (# of times per week) was self-reported. The presence of chronic disorders was ascertained from administrative and self-reported data. Logistic regression analyses were used to study the risk of cognitive decline associated with BMI categories stratified by weekly physical activity (≥140 min), the presence of metabolic, cardiovascular and anxio-depressive disorders.

Results

In the overall sample, there was no evidence that underweight, overweight, or obesity, as compared to normal weight, was associated with cognitive decline, after adjusting for sociodemographic, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Individuals with overweight reporting high physical activity had lower odds of cognitive decline (OR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.07–0.89), whereas no association was observed in individuals with overweight reporting low physical activity (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.41–1.75). Among participants with metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, individuals with overweight reporting high physical activity had lower odds of cognitive decline (OR = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.01–0.59 and OR = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.01–0.92 respectively), whereas no association was observed in those with low physical activity.

Conclusion

Physical activity modifies the association between overweight and cognitive decline in older adults overall, as in those with metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Results highlight the importance of promoting and encouraging regular physical activity in older adults with overweight as prevention against cognitive decline.
Influence of Defect Number, Distribution Continuity and Orientation on Tensile Strengths of the CNT-Based Networks: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Shi Xian , He Xiaoqiao , Sun Ligang , Liu Xuefeng
Published: January 2022

Networks based on carbon nanotube (CNT) have been widely utilized to fabricate flexible electronic devices, but defects inevitably exist in these structures. In this study, we investigate the influence of the CNT-unit defects on the mechanical properties of a honeycomb CNT-based network, super carbon nanotube (SCNT), through molecular dynamics simulations. Results show that tensile strengths of the defective SCNTs are affected by the defect number, distribution continuity and orientation. Single-defect brings 0 ~ 25% reduction of the tensile strength with the dependency on defect position and the reduction is over 50% when the defect number increases to three. The distribution continuity induces up to 20% differences of tensile strengths for SCNTs with the same defect number. A smaller arranging angle of defects to the tensile direction leads to a higher tensile strength. Defective SCNTs possess various modes of stress concentration with different concentration degrees under the combined effect of defect number, arranging direction and continuity, for which the underlying mechanism can be explained by the effective crack length of the fracture mechanics. Fundamentally, the force transmission mode of the SCNT controls the influence of defects and the cases that breaking more force transmission paths cause larger decreases of tensile strengths. Defects are non-negligible factors of the mechanical properties of CNT-based networks and understanding the influence of defects on CNT-based networks is valuable to achieve the proper design of CNT-based electronic devices with better performances.

Graphical Abstract
Down-regulation of the brain-specific cell-adhesion molecule contactin-3 in tuberous sclerosis complex during the early postnatal period
Authors: Korotkov Anatoly , Luinenburg Mark J. , Romagnolo Alessia , Zimmer Till S. , van Scheppingen Jackelien , Bongaarts Anika , Broekaart Diede W. M. , Anink Jasper J. , Mijnsbergen Caroline , Jansen Floor E. , van Hecke Wim , Spliet Wim G. , van Rijen Peter C. , Feucht Martha , Hainfellner Johannes A. , Krsek Pavel , Zamecnik Josef , Crino Peter B. , Kotulska Katarzyna , Lagae Lieven , Jansen Anna C. , Kwiatkowski David J. , Jozwiak Sergiusz , Curatolo Paolo , Mühlebner Angelika , van Vliet Erwin A. , Mills James D. , Aronica Eleonora
Published: January 2022

Background

The genetic disorder tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is frequently accompanied by the development of neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability, with varying degrees of impairment. These co-morbidities in TSC have been linked to the structural brain abnormalities, such as cortical tubers, and recurrent epileptic seizures (in 70–80% cases). Previous transcriptomic analysis of cortical tubers revealed dysregulation of genes involved in cell adhesion in the brain, which may be associated with the neurodevelopmental deficits in TSC. In this study we aimed to investigate the expression of one of these genes – cell-adhesion molecule contactin-3.

Methods

Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the contactin-3 gene (CNTN3) was performed in resected cortical tubers from TSC patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (n = 35, age range: 1–48 years) and compared to autopsy-derived cortical control tissue (n = 27, age range: 0–44 years), as well as by western blot analysis of contactin-3 (n = 7 vs n = 7, age range: 0–3 years for both TSC and controls) and immunohistochemistry (n = 5 TSC vs n = 4 controls). The expression of contactin-3 was further analyzed in fetal and postnatal control tissue by western blotting and in-situ hybridization, as well as in the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line differentiation model in vitro.

Results

CNTN3 gene expression was lower in cortical tubers from patients across a wide range of ages (fold change = − 0.5, p < 0.001) as compared to controls. Contactin-3 protein expression was lower in the age range of 0–3 years old (fold change = − 3.8, p < 0.001) as compared to the age-matched controls. In control brain tissue, contactin-3 gene and protein expression could be detected during fetal development, peaked around birth and during infancy and declined in the adult brain. CNTN3 expression was induced in the differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells in vitro (fold change = 6.2, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our data show a lower expression of contactin-3 in cortical tubers of TSC patients during early postnatal period as compared to controls, which may affect normal brain development and might contribute to neuropsychiatric co-morbidities observed in patients with TSC.