bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of ventilator-associated pneumonia on the prognosis of intensive care unit patients within 90 days and 180 days
Authors: Luo Wenjuan , Xing Rui , Wang Canmin
Published: July 2021

Background

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is often applied in critically ill patients in intensive care unit (ICU) to protect the airway from aspiration, and supplement more oxygen. MV may result in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in ICU patients. This study was to estimate the 90-day and 180-day mortalities of ICU patients with VAP, and to explore the influence of VAP on the outcomes of ICU patients.

Methods

Totally, 8182 patients who aged ≥18 years and received mechanical ventilation (MV) in ICU from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC III) database were involved in this study. All subjects were divided into the VAP group (n = 537) and the non-VAP group (n = 7626) based on the occurrence of VAP. Clinical data of all participants were collected. The effect of VAP on the prognosis of ICU patients was explored by binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

The results delineated that the 90-day mortality of VAP patients in ICU was 33.33% and 180-day mortality was 37.62%. The 90-day and 180-day mortality rates were higher in the VAP group than in the non-VAP group. After adjusting the confounders including age, ethnicity, heart failure, septicemia, simplified acute physiology score II (SAPSII) score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, serum lactate, white blood cell (WBC), length of ICU stay, length of hospital stay, length of ventilation, antibiotic treatment, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.aeruginosa), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), other pathogens, the risk of 90-day and 180-day mortalities in VAP patients were 1.465 times (OR = 1.465, 95%CI: 1.188–1.807, P < 0.001) and 1.635 times (OR = 1.635, 95%CI: 1.333–2.005, P < 0.001) higher than those in non-VAP patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that ICU patients with VAP had poorer prognosis than those without VAP. The results of this study might offer a deeper insight into preventing the occurrence of VAP.
Associations of education and work status with alcohol use and cessation among pregnant women in Japan: the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study
Authors: Murakami Keiko , Obara Taku , Ishikuro Mami , Ueno Fumihiko , Noda Aoi , Kuriyama Shinichi
Published: July 2021

Background

There is inconsistent evidence on the associations of education and work status with alcohol use during pregnancy. Our aim was to examine the associations of education and work status with alcohol use and alcohol cessation during pregnancy in Japan.

Methods

Data were analyzed from 11,839 pregnant women who participated in the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study from 2013 to 2017 in Japan. Women were dichotomized as current drinkers or non-drinkers in both early and middle pregnancy. Alcohol cessation was defined as alcohol use in early pregnancy, but not in middle pregnancy. Multivariable log-binomial regression analyses were conducted to examine associations of education and work status with alcohol use in early and middle pregnancy and alcohol cessation, adjusted for age and income. The prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by work status and education.

Results

The prevalence of alcohol use in early and middle pregnancy was 20.9 and 6.4%, respectively. Higher education was associated with alcohol use in early pregnancy both among working and non-working women; the PRs of university education or higher compared with high school education or lower were 1.62 (95% CI, 1.34–1.96) and 1.29 (95% CI, 1.16–1.45), respectively. Higher education was associated with alcohol cessation during pregnancy among working women; the corresponding PR was 1.09 (95% CI, 1.01–1.17). Working was associated with alcohol use in early and middle pregnancy. Working was associated with a decreased probability of alcohol cessation among women with lower education but with an increased probability of alcohol cessation among women with higher education; the PRs of working compared with not working were 0.91 (95% CI, 0.82–1.00) and 1.10 (95% CI, 1.00–1.20), respectively.

Conclusions

Women with higher education were more likely to consume alcohol in early pregnancy and to cease alcohol use between early and middle pregnancy, especially working women. Working women were more likely to consume alcohol throughout pregnancy. Working women with lower education were less likely to cease alcohol use, whereas working women with higher education were more likely to cease alcohol use between early and middle pregnancy.
The 3 levels of HIV stigma in the United States military: perspectives from service members living with HIV
Authors: Yabes Joseph M. , Schnarrs Phillip W. , Foster Leroy B. , Scott Paul T. , Okulicz Jason F. , Hakre Shilpa
Published: July 2021

Background

Epidemiological surveillance data indicate that a majority of HIV-infected in the United States (U.S.) military are African-Americans and men who have sex with men. There is limited research about barriers to HIV prevention among military service members and the unique factors that contribute to HIV stigma.

Methods

A convenience sample of 30 U.S. service members were recruited from an infectious disease clinic. In depth interviews were conducted and data analyzed using a thematic coding process.

Results

Two broad categories were identified: 1) Outcomes of HIV Stigma: Fear of Rejection, Shame, and Embarrassment; and 2) Strategies for combating stigma which include increasing HIV education and prevention resources. Military policies and institutional culture regarding sexuality were found to contribute to stigma.

Conclusions

Participants identified a need for HIV education and suggested individuals living with HIV serve as mentors. A peer-to-peer intervention for delivering HIV prevention education may address these needs and reduce HIV stigma.
Health authorities’ health risk communication with the public during pandemics: a rapid scoping review
Authors: Berg Siv Hilde , O’Hara Jane K. , Shortt Marie Therese , Thune Henriette , Brønnick Kolbjørn Kallesten , Lungu Daniel Adrian , Røislien Jo , Wiig Siri
Published: July 2021

Background

Responses from the H1N1 swine flu pandemic and the recent COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic provide an opportunity for insight into the role of health authorities’ ways of communicating health risk information to the public. We aimed to synthesise the existing evidence regarding different modes of communication used by health authorities in health risk communication with the public during a pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a rapid scoping review. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for publications in English from January 2009 through October 2020, covering both the full H1N1 pandemic and the response phase during the COVID-19 pandemic. The search resulted in 1440 records, of which 48 studies met our eligibility criteria.

Results

The present review identified studies across a broad interdisciplinary field of health risk communication. The majority focused on the H1N1 pandemic and the COVID-19 pandemic. A content analysis of the studies identified three categories for modes of communication: i) communication channels, ii) source credibility and iii) how the message is communicated. The identified studies on social media focused mainly on content and engagement, while studies on the effect of the use of social media and self-protective behaviour were lacking. Studies on the modes of communication that take the diversity of receivers in the field into account are lacking. A limited number of studies of health authorities’ use of graphic and audio-visual means were identified, yet these did not consider/evaluate creative communication choices.

Conclusion

Experimental studies that investigate the effect of health authorities’ videos and messages on social media platforms and self-protective behaviour are needed. More studies are needed across the fields of health risk communication and media studies, including visual communication, web design, video and digital marketing, at a time when online digital communication is central to reaching the public.
Evolution of knowledge on meniscal biomechanics: a 40 year perspective
Authors: Mohamadi Amin , Momenzadeh Kaveh , Masoudi Aidin , Walley Kempland C. , Ierardi Kenny , Ramappa Arun , DeAngelis Joseph P. , Nazarian Ara
Published: July 2021

Background

Knowledge regarding the biomechanics of the meniscus has grown exponentially throughout the last four decades. Numerous studies have helped develop this knowledge, but these studies have varied widely in their approach to analyzing the meniscus. As one of the subcategories of mechanical phenomena Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms, mechanical stress was introduced in 1973. This study aims to provide an up-to-date chronological overview and highlights the evolutionary comprehension and understanding of meniscus biomechanics over the past forty years.

Methods

A literature review was conducted in April 2021 through PubMed. As a result, fifty-seven papers were chosen for this narrative review and divided into categories; Cadaveric, Finite element (FE) modeling, and Kinematic studies.

Results

Investigations in the 1970s and 1980s focused primarily on cadaveric biomechanics. These studies have generated the fundamental knowledge basis for the emergence of FE model studies in the 1990s. As FE model studies started to show comparable results to the gold standard cadaveric models in the 2000s, the need for understanding changes in tissue stress during various movements triggered the start of cadaveric and FE model studies on kinematics.

Conclusion

This study focuses on a chronological examination of studies on meniscus biomechanics in order to introduce concepts, theories, methods, and developments achieved over the past 40 years and also to identify the likely direction for future research. The biomechanics of intact meniscus and various types of meniscal tears has been broadly studied. Nevertheless, the biomechanics of meniscal tears, meniscectomy, or repairs in the knee with other concurrent problems such as torn cruciate ligaments or genu-valgum or genu-varum have not been extensively studied.
Reporting ethical approval in health and social science articles: an audit of adherence to GDPR and national legislation
Authors: Asplund Kjell , Hulter Åsberg Kerstin
Published: July 2021

Background

Previous studies have indicated that failure to report ethical approval is common in health science articles. In social sciences, the occurrence is unknown. The Swedish Ethics Review Act requests that sensitive personal data, in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), should undergo independent ethical review, irrespective of academic discipline. We have explored the adherence to this regulation.

Methods

Using the Web of Science databases, we reviewed 600 consecutive articles from three domains (health sciences with and without somatic focus and social sciences) based on identifiable personal data published in 2020.

Results

Information on ethical review was lacking in 12 of 200 health science articles with somatic focus (6%), 21 of 200 health science articles with non-somatic focus (11%), and in 54 of 200 social science articles (27%; p < 0.001 vs. both groups of health science articles). Failure to report on ethical approval was more common in (a) observational than in interventional studies (p < 0.01), (b) articles with only 1–2 authors (p < 0.001) and (c) health science articles from universities without a medical school (p < 0.001). There was no significant association between journal impact factor and failure to report ethical approval.

Conclusions

We conclude that reporting of research ethics approval is reasonably good, but not strict, in health science articles. Failure to report ethical approval is about three times more frequent in social sciences compared to health sciences. Improved adherence seems needed particularly in observational studies, in articles with few authors and in social science research.
Short leukocyte telomeres predict 25-year Alzheimer's disease incidence in non-APOE ε4-carriers
Authors: Hackenhaar Fernanda Schäfer , Josefsson Maria , Adolfsson Annelie Nordin , Landfors Mattias , Kauppi Karolina , Hultdin Magnus , Adolfsson Rolf , Degerman Sofie , Pudas Sara
Published: July 2021

Background

Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) has been shown to predict Alzheimer’s disease (AD), albeit inconsistently. Failing to account for the competing risks between AD, other dementia types, and mortality, can be an explanation for the inconsistent findings in previous time-to-event analyses. Furthermore, previous studies indicate that the association between LTL and AD is non-linear and may differ depending on apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele carriage, the strongest genetic AD predictor.

Methods

We analyzed whether baseline LTL in interaction with APOE ε4 predicts AD, by following 1306 initially non-demented subjects for 25 years. Gender residualized LTL (rLTL) was categorized into tertiles of short, medium, and long rLTLs. Two complementary time-to-event models that account for competing risks were used; the Fine-Gray model to estimate the association between the rLTL tertiles and the cumulative incidence of AD, and the cause-specific hazard model to assess whether the cause-specific risk of AD differed between the rLTL groups. Vascular dementia and death were considered competing risk events. Models were adjusted for baseline lifestyle-related risk factors, gender, age, and non-proportional hazards.

Results

After follow-up, 149 were diagnosed with AD, 96 were diagnosed with vascular dementia, 465 died without dementia, and 596 remained healthy. Baseline rLTL and other covariates were assessed on average 8 years before AD onset (range 1–24). APOE ε4-carriers had significantly increased incidence of AD, as well as increased cause-specific AD risk. A significant rLTL-APOE interaction indicated that short rLTL at baseline was significantly associated with an increased incidence of AD among non-APOE ε4-carriers (subdistribution hazard ratio = 3.24, CI 1.404–7.462, P = 0.005), as well as borderline associated with increased cause-specific risk of AD (cause-specific hazard ratio = 1.67, CI 0.947–2.964, P = 0.07). Among APOE ε4-carriers, short or long rLTLs were not significantly associated with AD incidence, nor with the cause-specific risk of AD.

Conclusions

Our findings from two complementary competing risk time-to-event models indicate that short rLTL may be a valuable predictor of the AD incidence in non-APOE ε4-carriers, on average 8 years before AD onset. More generally, the findings highlight the importance of accounting for competing risks, as well as the APOE status of participants in AD biomarker research.
Exosomes derived from adipose-derived stem cells overexpressing glyoxalase-1 protect endothelial cells and enhance angiogenesis in type 2 diabetic mice with limb ischemia
Authors: Zhang Xing , Jiang Yihong , Huang Qun , Wu Zhaoyu , Pu Hongji , Xu Zhijue , Li Bo , Lu Xinwu , Yang Xinrui , Qin Jinbao , Peng Zhiyou
Published: July 2021

Background

Diabetic limb ischemia is a clinical syndrome and refractory to therapy. Our previous study demonstrated that adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) overexpressing glyoxalase-1 (GLO-1) promoted the regeneration of ischemic lower limbs in diabetic mice, but low survival rate, difficulty in differentiation, and tumorigenicity of the transplanted cells restricted its application. Recent studies have found that exosomes secreted by the ADSCs have the advantages of containing parental beneficial factors and exhibiting non-immunogenic, non-tumorigenic, and strong stable characteristics.

Methods

ADSCs overexpressing GLO-1 (G-ADSCs) were established using lentivirus transfection, and exosomes secreted from ADSCs (G-ADSC-Exos) were isolated and characterized to coculture with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and tube formation of the HUVECs were detected under high-glucose conditions. The G-ADSC-Exos were injected into ischemic hindlimb muscles of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice, and the laser Doppler perfusion index, Masson’s staining, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry assays were adopted to assess the treatment efficiency. Moreover, the underlying regulatory mechanisms of the G-ADSC-Exos on the proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and apoptosis of the HUVECs were explored.

Results

The G-ADSC-Exos enhanced the proliferation, migration, tube formation, and anti-apoptosis of the HUVECs in vitro under high-glucose conditions. After in vivo transplantation, the G-ADSC-Exo group showed significantly higher laser Doppler perfusion index, better muscle structural integrity, and higher microvessel’s density than the ADSC-Exo and control groups by Masson’s staining and immunofluorescence assays. The underlying mechanisms by which the G-ADSC-Exos protected endothelial cells both in vitro and in vivo might be via the activation of eNOS/AKT/ERK/P-38 signaling pathways, inhibition of AP-1/ROS/NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1/IL-1β, as well as the increased secretion of VEGF, IGF-1, and FGF.

Conclusion

Exosomes derived from adipose-derived stem cells overexpressing GLO-1 protected the endothelial cells and promoted the angiogenesis in type 2 diabetic mice with limb ischemia, which will be a promising clinical treatment in diabetic lower limb ischemia.
Divergence in chondrogenic potential between in vitro and in vivo of adipose- and synovial-stem cells from mouse and human
Authors: Chijimatsu Ryota , Miwa Satoshi , Okamura Gensuke , Miyahara Junya , Tachibana Naohiro , Ishikura Hisatoshi , Higuchi Junya , Maenohara Yuji , Tsuji Shinsaku , Sameshima Shin , Takagi Kentaro , Nakazato Keiu , Kawaguchi Kohei , Yamagami Ryota , Inui Hiroshi , Taketomi Shuji , Tanaka Sakae , Saito Taku
Published: July 2021

Background

Somatic stem cell transplantation has been performed for cartilage injury, but the reparative mechanisms are still conflicting. The chondrogenic potential of stem cells are thought as promising features for cartilage therapy; however, the correlation between their potential for chondrogenesis in vitro and in vivo remains undefined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the intrinsic chondrogenic condition depends on cell types and explore an indicator to select useful stem cells for cartilage regeneration.

Methods

The chondrogenic potential of two different stem cell types derived from adipose tissue (ASCs) and synovium (SSCs) of mice and humans was assessed using bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP2) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1). Their in vivo chondrogenic potential was validated through transplantation into a mouse osteochondral defect model.

Results

All cell types showed apparent chondrogenesis under the combination of BMP2 and TGFβ1 in vitro, as assessed by the formation of proteoglycan- and type 2 collagen (COL2)-rich tissues. However, our results vastly differed with those observed following single stimulation among species and cell types; apparent chondrogenesis of mouse SSCs was observed with supplementation of BMP2 or TGFβ1, whereas chondrogenesis of mouse ASCs and human SSCs was observed with supplementation of BMP2 not TGFβ1. Human ASCs showed no obvious chondrogenesis following single stimulation. Mouse SSCs showed the formation of hyaline-like cartilage which had less fibrous components (COL1/3) with supplementation of TGFβ1. However, human cells developed COL1/3+ tissues with all treatments. Transcriptomic analysis for TGFβ receptors and ligands of cells prior to chondrogenic induction did not indicate their distinct reactivity to the TGFβ1 or BMP2. In the transplanted site in vivo, mouse SSCs formed hyaline-like cartilage (proteoglycan+/COL2+/COL1−/COL3−) but other cell types mainly formed COL1/3-positive fibrous tissues in line with in vitro reactivity to TGFβ1.

Conclusion

Optimal chondrogenic factors driving chondrogenesis from somatic stem cells are intrinsically distinct among cell types and species. Among them, the response to TGFβ1 may possibly represent the fate of stem cells when locally transplanted into cartilage defects.
Rabeprazole inhibits inflammatory reaction by inhibition of cell pyroptosis in gastric epithelial cells
Authors: Xie Jing , Fan Long , Xiong Liya , Chen Peiyu , Wang Hongli , Chen Huan , Zhao Junhong , Xu Zhaohui , Geng Lanlan , Xu Wanfu , Gong Sitang
Published: July 2021

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common pathogen in development of peptic ulcers with pyroptosis. Rabeprazole, a critical component of standard triple therapy, has been widely used as the first-line regimen for H. pylori infectious treatment. The aim of this study to explore the function of Rabeprazole on cell pyroptosis in vitro.

Methods

The clinical sample from patients diagnosed with or without H. pylori-infection were collected to analyze by Immunohistochemistry (IHC). Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), western blot (WB) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa) were performed to analyze the effect of Rabeprazole on cell pyroptosis, including LDH, IL-1β and IL-18.

Results

In this study, we showed that Rabeprazole regulated a phenomenon of cell pyroptosis as confirmed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. Further results showed that Rabeprazole inhibited cell pyroptosis in gastric epithelial cells by alleviating GSDMD-executed pyroptosis, leading to decrease IL-1β and IL-18 mature and secretion, which is attributed to NLRP3 inflammasome activation inhibition. Further analysis showed that ASC, NLRP3 and Caspase-1, was significantly repressed in response to Rabeprazole stimulation, resulting in decreasing cleaved-caspase-1 expression. Most important, NLRP3 and GSDMD is significantly increased in gastric tissue of patients with H. pylori infection.

Conclusion

These findings revealed a critical role of Rabeprazole in cell pyroptosis in patients with H. pylori infection, suggesting that targeting cell pyroptosis is an alternative strategy in improving H. pylori treatment.
Risk factors for overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Mosha Dominic , Paulo Heavenlight A. , Mwanyika-Sando Mary , Mboya Innocent B. , Madzorera Isabel , Leyna Germana H. , Msuya Sia E. , Bärnighausen Till W. , Killewo Japhet , Fawzi Wafaie W.
Published: July 2021

Background

Overweight and obesity have increased considerably in low- and middle-income countries over the past few decades, particularly among women of reproductive age. This study assessed the role of physical activity, nutrient intake and risk factors for overweight and obesity among women in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 1004 women aged 15–49 years in the Dar es Salaam Urban Cohort Study (DUCS) from September 2018 to January 2019. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Physical activity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) using metabolic equivalent tasks (MET). Modified poison regression models were used to evaluate associations between physical activity and nutrient intake with overweight/obesity in women, controlling for energy and other factors.

Results

The mean (±SD) age of study women was 30.2 (±8.1) years. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was high (50.4%), and underweight was 8.6%. The risk of overweight/obesity was higher among older women (35–49 vs 15–24 years: PR 1.59; 95% CI: 1.30–1.95); women of higher wealth status (PR 1.24; 95% CI: 1.07–1.43); and informally employed and married women. Attaining moderate to high physical activity (≥600 MET) was inversely associated with overweight/obesity (PR 0.79; 95% CI: 0.63–0.99). Dietary sugar intake (PR 1.27; 95% CI: 1.03–1.58) was associated with increased risk, and fish and poultry consumption (PR 0.78; 95% CI: 0.61–0.99) with lower risk of overweight/obesity.

Conclusion

Lifestyle (low physical activity and high sugar intake), age, wealth status, informal employment and marital status were associated with increased risk of overweight/obesity, while consumption of fish and poultry protein was associated with lower risk. The study findings underscore the need to design feasible and high-impact interventions to address physical activity and healthy diets among women in Tanzania.
Two-dimensional simulation of frost formation on the NACA0012 airfoil under strong convection by using the p-VOF method
Authors: Xia Bin , Xu Xianghua , Liang Xingang
Published: July 2021

A newly developed frosting simulation method, p-VOF method, is applied to simulate the dynamic frost formation on the NACA0012 airfoil under strong convection. The p-VOF method is a pseudo VOF method of the multiphase flow simulation with phase change. By solving a simplified mass conservation equation explicitly instead of the original volume fraction equations in CFD software, the efficiency and robustness of calculation are greatly improved. This progress makes it possible to predict a long-time frost formation. The p-VOF method was successfully applied to the simulation of dynamic frosting on the two-dimensional NACA0012 airfoil under strong convection conditions with constant frost physical properties. The simulation result shows that the average thickness of the frost layer increases, and the frost bulges and flow separation appear earlier, when the airfoil surface temperature decreases or the air humidity increases. The frost bulges and flow separation appear earlier, when the air velocity is faster, the growth rate of the frost layer at the early stage is greater, but the final frost layer is thinner.
A chrome-free combination tanning strategy: based on silicic acid and plant tannin
Authors: Zhang Zetian , Liu Yang , Wang Junchao , Xie Taoling , Sun Liying , Li Zhengjun
Published: July 2021

Silicic acid, commonly derived from cheap and easily available sodium silicate, has recently received great attention for application in leather industry to produce ecological leather with a cleaner approach. However, leather tanned with silicic acid alone is poor in storage stability, which limits its practical application in leather production. In this work, a new environment-friendly combination tannage based on silicic acid and plant tannin was developed to address this issue along with improving the comprehensive performances of leather. The obtained leather was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and so on. The results showed that compared with leather tanned with silicic acid alone, the leather tanned with this combination method possessed improved thermal stability, enhanced mechanical properties, acceptable softness, appropriate hydrophilicity, and especially enhanced storage stability. More importantly, the combination tanned leather with 1:1 of the mass ratio of silicic acid to vegetable tannin (composed of valonea extract and mimosa extract with the same weight) had more prominent comprehensive performances. In addition, the results demonstrated that hydrogen bonding played an important role in the combination tanning process. Furthermore, the hydrogen bonds generated between phenolic hydroxyl groups of polyphenols with silicon hydroxyl groups of silicic acid molecules inhibited the excessive condensation of Si-OH groups between themselves. Subsequently, the assessment of environmental impact revealed the value of BOD5/COD of the wastewater produced in this combination tanning process is more than 0.3, indicating the chrome-free combination tannage based on silicic acid and plant tannin was an environment-friendly tanning technology. These findings therefore indicated that a new chrome-free tanning method with silicon and biomass materials as main tanning agents has potential practical application prospect in leather production.

Graphical abstract
Viscoacoustic reverse time migration with a robust space-wavenumber domain attenuation compensation operator
Authors: Yang Jidong , Huang Jianping , Zhu Hejun , Li Zhenchun , Dai Nanxun
Published: July 2021

Intrinsic attenuation gives rise to phase dispersion and amplitude loss during seismic wave propagation. Not correcting these effects in seismic imaging can result in inaccurate reflector locations, dimmed amplitudes, and degraded spatial resolution. In reverse time migration (RTM), attenuation compensation can be implemented by reversing the sign of the dissipation term and keeping the dispersion term unchanged for backward wavefield extrapolation. Although this Q-compensated RTM scheme can effectively correct attenuation effects, amplitude amplification during backpropagation might lead to numerical instabilities, especially for field data with strong high-frequency noise. To mitigate this problem, we have developed a robust space-wavenumber compensation operator and applied it to viscoacoustic RTM. By analyzing the dispersion-only and viscoacoustic Green’s functions, we obtain an analytical solution for the attenuation compensation operator in a homogeneous medium. Because it is a time-frequency operator, to apply it directly in viscoacoustic RTM requires access to the extrapolated wavefields within a certain time window. To avoid storing the wavefields and improve the computational efficiency, we use an approximated dispersion relation and convert the time-frequency operator to an equivalent space-wavenumber operator, which allows us to implement attenuation compensation on the fly during wavefield extrapolation. The hybrid-domain property of the operator enables us to account for the wavenumber-dependent compensation. A similar strategy also can be applied to the migrated images as a poststack processing approach, which is more efficient than the prestack compensation. Two synthetic and one land field data set examples demonstrate the feasibility and adaptability of our method.
Burden of Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer Among Women Living in East Africa: An Analysis of the Latest Demographic Health Surveys Conducted Between 2014 and 2017
Authors: Abila Derrick Bary , Wasukira Sulaiman Bugosera , Ainembabazi Provia , Wabinga Henry
Published: July 2021

PURPOSE

In East Africa, cervical cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women diagnosed with cancer. In this study, we describe the burden of risk factors for cervical cancer among women of reproductive age in five East African countries.

METHODS

For each country, using STATA13 software and sampling weights, we analyzed the latest Demographic and Health Survey data sets conducted between 2014 and 2017 in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. We included women age 15-49 years and considered six risk factors (tobacco use, body mass index, age at first sexual intercourse, age at first birth, number of children, and hormonal contraceptive use).

RESULTS

Of the 93,616 women from the five countries, each country had more than half of the women younger than 30 years and lived in rural areas. Pooled proportion of women with at least one risk factor was 89% (95% CI, 87 to 91). Living in a rural area in Burundi (adjusted incidence rate ration 0.94; 95% CI, 0.9 to 0.99; P = .019) and Rwanda (adjusted incidence rate Ration 0.92; 95% CI, 0.88 to 0.96; P < .001) was associated with a lower number of risk factors compared with living in an urban area. In all the countries, women with complete secondary education were associated with a lower number of risk factors compared with those with no education.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals a high burden of risk factors for cervical cancer in East Africa, with a high proportion of women exposed to at least one risk factor. There is a need for interventions to reduce the exposure of women to these risk factors.
Serpouhi Dussap’s Mayda; or, The Birth of Armenian Women’s Literature through the Palimpsestic Narrative of Feminism
Authors: Aktokmakyan Maral
Published: July 2021

Mayda (1883), Serpouhi Dussap’s first eponymous novel, quickly met the patriarchal reaction among the Armenian male intelligentsia of Constantinople over the issue of female emancipation. Today the significance of Dussap’s best-known novel and feminist ideology is both welcome and appreciated yet not with much gratifying analysis of the literary and intellectual ventures invested in this first-time production. This article seeks to place this literary event among the feminist literature scholarship of the nineteenth century. For this initial venture to bring recognition to Armenian feminist literature, the present study introduces the general literary scene in the Ottoman Armenian community in the late nineteenth century, then outlines the critical detraction leveled against the novel, only to produce a new reading that reflects the feminist literary strategy of the time, namely, the palimpsestic mode of writing. Finally, the reading suggested in this article is linked to another underrated work, the mythical tale of Arachne. Reworking Nancy K. Miller’s theory of “Arachnologies” into the context of Armenian women’s literature, the analysis of Arachne’s tale is the “mytheme,” the foundational unit, so to speak, that encapsulates the feminist literary ideology of nineteenth-century Armenian women’s literature.
Postfeminism à la Turca
Authors: Özdemir Burcu Dabak
Published: July 2021

This essay analyzes how postfeminism is constructed on a visual level in the Turkish context. It uses theories of postfeminism to discuss new popular romantic comedies of Turkish cinema by comparing the new female protagonists with the women portrayed in Yeşilçam melodramas. Three films—Kocan Kadar Konuş (dir. Kıvanç Baruönü, 2014), Hadi İnşallah (dir. Ali Taner Baltacı, 2014), and Aşk Nerede? (dir. Semra Dündar, 2015)—are analyzed from a postfeminist perspective, opening up a new scholarly discussion about the place of postfeminism in the Turkish cinema. These films represent what may be termed “Turkified” postfeminism, which has been commonly discussed for the Western world but not sufficiently taken into account for Middle Eastern women.
Newborn Socialist Things
Authors: Coderre Laurence
Published: July 2021

Contemporary China is seen as a place of widespread commodification and consumerism, while the preceeding Maoist Cultural Revolution is typically understood as a time when goods were scarce and the state criticized what little consumption was possible. Indeed, with the exception of the likeness and words of Mao Zedong, both the media and material culture of the Cultural Revolution are often characterized as a void out of which the postsocialist world of commodity consumption miraculously sprang fully formed. In Newborn Socialist Things, Laurence Coderre explores the material culture of the Cultural Revolution to show how it paved the way for commodification in contemporary China. Examining objects ranging from retail counters and porcelain statuettes to textbooks and vanity mirrors, she shows how the project of building socialism in China has always been intimately bound up with consumption. By focusing on these objects—or “newborn socialist things”—along with the Cultural Revolution’s media environment, discourses of materiality, and political economy, Coderre reconfigures understandings of the origins of present-day China.
Bioenergetic Mechanisms Linking V˙O2 Kinetics and Exercise Tolerance
Authors: Goulding Richie P. , Rossiter Harry B. , Marwood Simon , Ferguson Carrie
Published: July 2021

We hypothesize that the V˙O2 time constant (τV˙O2) determines exercise tolerance by defining the power output associated with a “critical threshold” of intramuscular metabolite accumulation (e.g., inorganic phosphate), above which muscle fatigue and work inefficiency are apparent. Thereafter, the V˙O2 “slow component” and its consequences (increased pulmonary, circulatory, and neuromuscular demands) determine performance limits.
Genome-wide analyses of XRN1-sensitive targets in osteosarcoma cells identify disease-relevant transcripts containing G-rich motifs
Authors: Pashler Amy L. , Towler Benjamin P. , Jones Christopher I. , Haime Hope J. , Burgess Tom , Newbury Sarah F.
Published: July 2021

XRN1 is a highly conserved exoribonuclease which degrades uncapped RNAs in a 5′–3′ direction. Degradation of RNAs by XRN1 is important in many cellular and developmental processes and is relevant to human disease. Studies in D. melanogaster demonstrate that XRN1 can target specific RNAs, which have important consequences for developmental pathways. Osteosarcoma is a malignancy of the bone and accounts for 2% of all pediatric cancers worldwide. Five-year survival of patients has remained static since the 1970s and therefore furthering our molecular understanding of this disease is crucial. Previous work has shown a down-regulation of XRN1 in osteosarcoma cells; however, the transcripts regulated by XRN1 which might promote osteosarcoma remain elusive. Here, we confirm reduced levels of XRN1 in osteosarcoma cell lines and patient samples and identify XRN1-sensitive transcripts in human osteosarcoma cells. Using RNA-seq in XRN1-knockdown SAOS-2 cells, we show that 1178 genes are differentially regulated. Using a novel bioinformatic approach, we demonstrate that 134 transcripts show characteristics of direct post-transcriptional regulation by XRN1. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are enriched in this group, suggesting that XRN1 normally plays an important role in controlling lncRNA expression in these cells. Among potential lncRNAs targeted by XRN1 is HOTAIR, which is known to be up-regulated in osteosarcoma and contributes to disease progression. We have also identified G-rich and GU motifs in post-transcriptionally regulated transcripts which appear to sensitize them to XRN1 degradation. Our results therefore provide significant insights into the specificity of XRN1 in human cells which are relevant to disease.
Relative advantages and compatibility of a biometric patient identification tool in Zambia: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Lissin Polina , Hamapa Arnold , Kobayashi Misaki , Smith-Sreen Joshua , Etter Lauren , Pieciak Rachel , Mukuka Euphrasia , Mumba Zulu Joseph , Michelo Charles , Mwananyanda Lawrence , Gill Chris J.
Published: July 2021

Background: The Scanning Ears for Child Health (SEARCH) system is a biometric patient identification tool which uses a pattern recognition algorithm to translate an image of the ear into a unique identifier. If integrated into an electronic medical records (EMR) system, it would provide a patient identification solution that replaces unreliable paper, under-five card (UFC), or number-based identifiers. This study aims to understand the relative advantage of the biometric system, the sociocultural and pragmatic compatibility, and the extent of UFC deterioration over time.

Methods: Interviews on impressions of the novel biometric patient identification tool were conducted in urban and rural settings in Zambia. Focus group discussions included 59 participants and key informant interviews included 5 healthcare workers and 2 government officials. Transcripts were coded into thematic categories for analysis. We sought to understand 1) the perceived relative advantage of a biometric system over the traditional UFCs among Zambian mothers, 2) the perceived sociocultural compatibility of a biometric system in the healthcare setting, and 3) pragmatic compatibility of the proposed system.

Results: We found that the current UFC system presents issues for continuity of care and quality of data management, therefore posing disadvantages relative to the proposed system. Sociocultural and pragmatic barriers to acceptance included the existing fear of Satanism and electrical power issues throughout Zambia. Mothers and healthcare workers expressed that adoption of the biometric system could be successful given efforts to sensitize the community.

Conclusions: Switching to an EMR backed by biometric identification would fill a critical gap in Zambian healthcare information systems and has numerous perceived advantages in both urban and rural settings. We determine that strategies for implementation should be localized, context informed, and conducted by trusted community members with knowledge of best approaches to diffusing information and a deep understanding of the novel biometric system.
Large to massive rotator cuff tendon tears: a protocol for a systematic review investigating the effectiveness of exercise therapy on pain, disability and quality of life
Authors: Fahy Kathryn , Galvin Rose , Lewis Jeremy , McCreesh Karen
Published: July 2021

Background: Rotator cuff tendon tears are inextricably linked with the natural process of aging often resulting in severe disability, poor quality of life and an added burden to the health care system. The occurrence of rotator cuff tendon tears increases exponentially with every decade of life to approximately 60% in individuals over 80 years of age. Exercise is a commonly prescribed intervention although research on its efficacy is in its infancy and often conflicting. The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the effectiveness of exercise interventions for people diagnosed with large to massive rotator cuff tendon tears.

Methods: This systematic review will adhere to the PRISMA reporting guidelines. A comprehensive search of five databases will be conducted. Randomised clinical trials (RCT) or quasi-randomised control trials will be included if they evaluate exercise as the core intervention or as part of the intervention in the management of large to massive rotator cuff tears. To quantify response to treatment we will compare changes in pain, disability and quality of life (QoL). The Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) will be used to characterise the different types of exercise intervention. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool will be used to assess study quality.

A narrative synthesis with meta-analysis will be performed, and the certainty of evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria.

Discussion: This review will synthesise the totality of GRADE A and B evidence on the effectiveness of exercise for large to massive rotator cuff tendon tears. It will provide clinically important information and guidance for immediate implementation by clinicians, health policymakers and may be used to guide future research.

PROSPERO registration: 244502 (24/03/2021)
Instagram como objeto de estudio en investigaciones recientes. Una revisión de literatura con enfoque en revistas científicas.
Authors: Figuereo-Benítez Juan C. , González-Quiñones Fidel , Machin-Mastromatteo Juan D.
Published: July 2021

Una de las redes sociales con mayor crecimiento en la actualidad es Instagram, lo cual resulta significativo porque apenas celebró su décimo aniversario. Es tal la influencia actual y potencial de esta red social, que se ha planteado esta revisión de literatura sobre investigaciones relacionadas con esta plataforma, publicadas desde 2018 a la fecha por medio de un análisis de contenido temático. Se han incluido también un número limitado de publicaciones anteriores a este año con el propósito de comparar y destacar los datos aportados por las investigaciones más recientes. Este trabajo ha tenido en cuenta diversas publicaciones realizadas en inglés y español, seleccionadas de diversas revistas científicas indexadas. Los datos permiten establecer conclusiones sobre las principales temáticas tratadas en los últimos años, donde resaltan los análisis de públicos, el marketing, la propaganda, los influencers y un lado oscuro, representado por la ansiedad, depresión y el conflicto. Los datos obtenidos permiten conocer las tendencias más recientes en cuando a la investigación sobre Instagram y, a la vez, ayudan a vislumbrar hacia dónde se dirige esta red y sus usuarios.
Instagram como herramienta de salud pública: un estudio sobre América del Sur.
Authors: Araujo Pinto Pâmela , João Antunes Maria , Pisco Almeida Ana Margarida
Published: July 2021

Entre 2015 y 2020, la adhesión de las autoridades sanitarias sudamericanas a Instagram ha aumentado. En 2015, de un total de 12 países, había tres perfiles activos, y en 2019, nueve. Sin embargo, son pocos los estudios que analizan el uso de Instagram como herramienta estratégica en el contexto de la salud pública en los países en desarrollo o de bajos ingresos. Así pues, este estudio pretende trazar un mapa de los perfiles de Instagram de las autoridades sanitarias de América del Sur. Para ello se realizó un estudio exploratorio basado en una revisión de la literatura y un análisis de contenido de estos perfiles. Se efectuó un análisis cualitativa y cuantitativa sobre los usos de la plataforma para ampliar la información relacionada con la salud pública. La muestra consta de 2.418 posts, publicados entre abril y mayo de 2020 y enero y febrero de 2021. Independientemente de las profundas desigualdades socioeconómicas de la región, ésta presenta un intenso uso de Internet y de las redes sociales. Los resultados señalan a Instagram como una herramienta de comunicación emergente para las autoridades de los países analizados, que la utilizan con diferentes enfoques. En la muestra predominaron los mensajes centrados en la prevención, la promoción de la salud y las instituciones. El card fue el formato dominante para la presentación de los posts. La pandemia de COVID-19 fue el tema más frecuente. En las consideraciones finales, hay sugerencias de buenas prácticas dirigidas a los perfiles evaluados, basadas en las cuestiones presentadas en el análisis.
La credibilidad periodística en jaque: conexión entre propaganda y fake news.
Authors: Parreira do Prado Magaly
Published: July 2021

El tema es la emergencia de las fake news tumultuando la cultura democrática y desacreditando el periodismo. El objetivo es proponer una reflexión sobre cómo ciertos elementos comunes al universo de la propaganda sirven para pensar en los flujos de producción de las fake news. Se considera aquí que el alineamiento de las fake news con las técnicas de la propaganda se produce en el procesamiento y almacenamiento de información, la elección del público objetivo y la consiguiente dirección de la distribución de la información adulterada, con el fin de modular el pensamiento de los seleccionados y, al final, afecta a la credibilidad periodística. Se parte de una conexión entre propaganda, algoritmos de inteligencia artificial y desorden informativo, especialmente cuando afecta a un público que, sin educación mediática, no dispone de técnicas básicas de verificación para llegar a la verdad de los hechos. Para la discusión en torno a este conjunto de fenómenos, que forma el corpus observado, se realizó una investigación bibliográfica para tensar las perspectivas teóricas que profundizan en esos temas. En los tiempos actuales, la propaganda especialmente en el campo político (con una gran ayuda del marketing digital), se ha sofisticado hasta el punto de asumir para sí la responsabilidad de proporcionar la base para la difusión de fake news y campañas de desinformación
A representação do negro em Cogumelos de Outono (1972) de Gladstone Osório Mársico
Authors: Zinani Rodrigues Gláucia Elisa
Published: July 2021

O artigo analisa a representação do negro na literatura pós-moderna, especificamente no romance, Cogumelos de Outono do escritor erechinense Gladstone Osório Mársico (1927-1976). O recorte do estudo é o ano de publicação da obra, em 1972, e a ambientação proposta pelo autor – mesmo quando faz uso de cidades fictícias - é Erechim, localizada no norte do Rio Grande do Sul. Erechim ex-distrito de Passo Fundo, foi emancipada em 30 de abril de 1918. Trata-se de uma região povoada por indígenas, caboclos, lusos, afrodescendentes e, posteriormente, por outros imigrantes. Neste ambiente o escritor e vereador erechinense se inspirou para elaboração de sua obra satírica ficcional. O estudo, em termos teóricos metodológicos, dialoga com a História Cultural e situa-se na fronteira entre a Literatura e a História. O cruzamento de fontes inclui revisão bibliográfica e utiliza para a análise o conceito de representações de Roger Chartier.