bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping of non-value adding activities occurring in classical manufacturing companies with lean strategies
Authors: Ramesh Kumar D , Devadasan S R , Elangovan D
Published: November 2021

In the literature arena, it is claimed that lean manufacturing has been implemented successfully in organizations. However, lean manufacturing has been finding little application in classical manufacturing organizations. A careful study of the literature would indicate that non-value adding activities have been occurring in classical manufacturing organizations and preventing the successful implementation of lean manufacturing. In order to overcome this deficient situation, the research reported in this paper was carried out. By carrying out this research, non-value adding activities were mapped with lean manufacturing strategies. In the beginning, 50 non-value adding activities and 27 lean manufacturing strategies were gathered from the literature arena. Through critical thinking, the non-value adding activities were mapped with lean manufacturing strategies. The list containing this map presented in this paper will be useful to the engineers and managers for successfully implementing lean manufacturing in classical manufacturing organizations.
The Self in the Mind’s Eye: Revealing How We Truly See Ourselves Through Reverse Correlation
Authors: Maister Lara , De Beukelaer Sophie , Longo Matthew R. , Tsakiris Manos
Published: November 2021

Is there a way to visually depict the image people “see” of themselves in their minds’ eyes? And if so, what can these mental images tell us about ourselves? We used a computational reverse-correlation technique to explore individuals’ mental “self-portraits” of their faces and body shapes in an unbiased, data-driven way (total N = 116 adults). Self-portraits were similar to individuals’ real faces but, importantly, also contained clues to each person’s self-reported personality traits, which were reliably detected by external observers. Furthermore, people with higher social self-esteem produced more true-to-life self-portraits. Unlike face portraits, body portraits had negligible relationships with individuals’ actual body shape, but as with faces, they were influenced by people’s beliefs and emotions. We show how psychological beliefs and attitudes about oneself bias the perceptual representation of one’s appearance and provide a unique window into the internal mental self-representation—findings that have important implications for mental health and visual culture.
Tara in Vajrayana Buddhism: A Critical Content Analysis
Authors: Kaur Gurmeet
Published: November 2021

Tara is both a Buddhist and Hindu deity. She is widely worshipped in the esoteric branch of Buddhism: Vajrayana. Even in the exile, Tibetan refugees follow the practice and rituals associated with Tara. Lamentably, she has been given an auxiliary and secondary role in comparison to male deities. Various feminist scholars have begun to look at aspects of society through the lens of gender. They have been at the forefront of studying gender roles and its psychological consequences for those who try to abide by them. In religious studies, especially in Asian context, many of these discourses are difficult to perceive because they were unconsciously appropriated as truth by the people of the society in which they circulated as an inviolable aspect of the worlds or as nature. This study is an attempt to examine the representation of Goddess in various ancient texts as essential to the study of the divine feminine. This hybrid study merges traditional Indology with feminist studies, and is intended for specialists in the field, for readers with interest in Buddhist, and for scholars of Gender studies, cultural historians, and sociologists.
Militarism and the Bedouin: Intersections of colonialism, gender, and race in the Arab Gulf
Authors: Al-Noaimi Haya
Published: November 2021

This article investigates the development of militarism in the Arab Gulf using the militarized representation of the Bedouin and their poetic tradition as a site for its analysis. The article traces the ways in which Bedouin ‘martial masculinities’ and Bedouin culture have been appropriated and transformed by British colonialism and postcolonial nationalisms to produce unusual patterns of militarism within the Gulf. It addresses a gap in international relations and security studies literature, in which militarism is examined through state-centric and methodologically nationalist framings that largely overlook transnational and colonial histories. The article argues that contemporary displays of militarism by Qatar and the United Arab Emirates should be read in relation to how colonialism engendered militarism across the Gulf region through the paradoxical representation of the Bedouin as a ‘martial race’ whose martial-ness was also seen as a security ‘threat’ for the colonial/postcolonial state. Militarized responses and rationalities were normalized within Gulf society through the ‘Bedouin warrior’ stereotype, which served as a timeless and fixed construct, connecting the Gulf’s disjointed past to its present-day context. Significantly, the ‘Bedouin warrior’ stereotype helps foster the belief that stability and historical continuity underpin state-modernization processes in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The article’s intervention seeks to disrupt this continuity by looking at how militarism and its martial constructs created ruptures in state trajectories, using the example of the 1996 coup attempt, citizen revocations, and the depoliticization of the poetic act as evidence for the claim that militarism engenders particular insecurities for Bedouin populations in the Arab Gulf.
Geographical identification of Italian extra virgin olive oil by the combination of near infrared and Raman spectroscopy: A feasibility study
Authors: Bragolusi Marco , Massaro Andrea , Zacometti Carmela , Tata Alessandra , Piro Roberto
Published: November 2021

The potential of the combination of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy to differentiate Italian and Greek extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) by geographical origin was evaluated. Near infrared spectroscopy and Raman fingerprints of both study groups (extra virgin olive oil from the two countries) were pre-processed, merged by low-level and mid-level data fusion strategies and submitted to partial least-squares discriminant analysis. The classification models were cross-validated. After low-level data fusion, the partial least-squares discriminant analysis correctly predicted the geographical origins of extra virgin olive oils in cross-validation with 93.9% accuracy, while sensitivity and specificity were 77.8% and 100%, respectively. After mid-level data fusion, the partial least-squares discriminant analysis correctly predicted the geographical origins of extra virgin olive oils in cross-validation with 97.0% accuracy, while sensitivity and specificity were 88.9% and 100%, respectively. In this preliminary study, improved discrimination of Italian extra virgin olive oils was achieved by the synergism of near infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy as compared to the discrimination obtained by the separate laboratory techniques. This pilot study shows encouraging results that could open a new avenue for the authentication of Italian extra virgin olive oil.
A Case of Malignant Phyllodes Tumor of the Breast Metastasizing to the Ovary
Authors: Tada Yukiko , Yasunaga Masafumi , Tomonobe Hiroshi , Yamada Yuichi , Hori Emiko , Okugawa Kaoru , Yahata Hideaki , Oda Yoshinao , Kato Kiyoko
Published: November 2021

Phyllodes tumors of the breast are uncommon, and 6.2% of phyllodes tumors behave in a malignant fashion. The metastatic spread of malignant phyllodes tumor is mainly hematogenous to lung and bone, and malignant phyllodes tumor metastasizing to the ovary is rare, with only 2 cases reported. We report the third case of metastatic malignant phyllodes tumor to the ovary with a focus on the differential diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
Clinicopathological and Prognostic Significance of PRMT5 in Cancers: A System Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liang Zhenzhen , Liu Lianchang , Wen Chaowei , Jiang Heya , Ye Tianxia , Ma Shumei , Liu Xiaodong
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Since protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is abnormally expressed in various tumors, in this study we aim to assess the association between PRMT5 and clinicopathological and prognostic features.

Methods

Electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library were searched until July 25, 2021. The critical appraisal of the eligible studies was performed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Pooled hazard ratios (HR) and pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated to assess the effect. Engauge Digitizer version 12.1, STATA version 15.1, and R version 4.0.5 were used to obtain and analysis the data.

Results

A total of 32 original studies covering 15,583 patients were included. In our data, it indicated that high level of PRMT5 was significantly correlated with advanced tumor stage (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.22-3.70, P =.008; I2 = 80.7%) and positively correlated with poor overall survival (HR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.46-1.73, P < .001; I2 = 50%) and progression-free survival (HR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.24-1.88, P < .001; I2 = 0%). In addition, sub-group analysis showed that high level of PRMT5 was associated with poor overall survival for such 5 kinds of cancers as hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, gastric cancer, and lung cancer.

Conclusion

For the first time we found PRMT5 was pan-cancerous as a prognostic biomarker and high level of PRMT5 was associated with poor prognosis for certain cancers.
Modified Seldinger technique for neonatal epicutaneo-caval catheter insertion: A non-randomised retrospective study
Authors: Gibb Jack JC , MacLeod Rachael , Mahoney Liam , Elanjikal Ziju
Published: November 2021

Background:

Epicutaneo-Caval Catheters (ECCs) are critical for good neonatal care. No previous studies have evaluated which insertion method provides the highest likelihood of success.

Methods:

This study aimed to compare the success rates and cost of modified Seldinger technique (MST) and split needle technique (SNT). MST was introduced to St Michael’s Neonatal Unit, SNT was already in use. Routinely documented data on ECC insertion was retrospectively collected from the clinical notes. Practitioners were able to use their preferred insertion method. A sub-group analysis of success rates in patients born at ⩾35-weeks GA was performed.

Results:

There was a significantly higher first pass (53% vs 26%; p = 0.014) and overall (72% vs 40%; p = 0.0046) successful ECC insertion rate with fewer venipunctures per successful ECC with MST (2.5 vs 6.5; p = 0.002). Logrank test demonstrated a significantly higher successful ECC insertion with MST for patients of all GA ( p = 0.003) and for neonates born at ⩾35 weeks ( p = 0.015). The cost per successful MST ECC was £156.41 versus £152.51 for SNT.

Conclusion:

In this uncontrolled retrospective study, there was a higher chance of successful ECC insertion with MST, with a reduced number of venipunctures and similar costs per successful ECC. Further work in randomised studies is needed to verify this finding and should focus on other clinical outcomes, including rates in central line associated blood stream infections.
‘Cause We’re All Just Part of the System Really’: Complicity and Resistance in Young Sportsmen’s Responses to Violence Against Women Prevention Campaigns in England
Authors: Burrell Stephen R
Published: November 2021

In recent years, initiatives to prevent men’s violence against women on university campuses in England have been growing. However, there remains a lack of institutional recognition about the gendered dynamics of this abuse and the importance of engaging men in ending it. This research sought to shed light on how young men make sense of violence prevention campaigns, through eight focus groups with 45 members of men’s university sports teams. The focus groups illustrated the need for prevention work to expand men’s critical consciousness of complicity in violence against women, to encourage them to reflect on both their personal connections to the problem and the positive role they can play in preventing it. This complicity was at times exhibited within the focus groups themselves, such as in defensive responses when patriarchal privileges and norms were brought into question. These included shifting the focus away from men’s violence and onto men’s victimisation, naturalisations of partner violence as an inevitability, and disassociating from the problem as if it was separate from the participants’ lives. Collective masculine norms appeared to play a substantial role in shaping the discussions, illustrating how these can mediate young men’s responses to prevention campaigns. However, at times the participants did challenge sexism among one another and articulate resistance to men’s violence against women, demonstrating their capacity to create change. The article contends that violence prevention requires critically addressing men’s practices and what Hearn calls the ‘hegemony of men’ more broadly, rather than only problematising specific ‘forms’ of masculinities.
The doctor, the lawyer and the journalist: Neoliberal career changes and professional resistance during a mining boom
Authors: Phillips Tarryn
Published: November 2021

Recent scholarship has charted the dramatic social impact of mining booms and busts on local communities. Yet scant research addresses how mining economies shape different professions. This article ethnographically traces the careers of a doctor, a lawyer and a journalist during Western Australia's mining boom in the early 2000s. For vocally opposing a politically popular mining operation due to public health concerns, they were subject to backlash, which led to disillusionment and career changes. Their narratives share a pivotal shift: each expert initially conceptualised their role through a welfarist, liberal-democratic lens, underpinned by a moral imperative to disrupt imbalances of power, fight injustice and ‘help people’. Yet the mining boom revealed and exacerbated the neoliberalisation of their respective disciplines, in which profits were maximised, businesses treated leniently and worker protections calculated dispassionately. These stories illuminate the lived experience of neoliberalisation, and the limits of individual professional resistance in a pro-mining political economy.
The cultural origins of institutional trust: The case of the European Central Bank
Authors: Angino Siria , Ferrara Federico M , Secola Stefania
Published: November 2021

Does culture have a causal effect on institutional trust? We answer this question by assessing the non-economic determinants of public trust in the European Central Bank. To analyse institutional trust, we employ a novel dataset of citizen perceptions and knowledge about the European Central Bank. Cultural traits are measured by indicators of social trust at the level of Euro area sub-national regions. We show that individuals living in regions with lower social trust systematically exhibit less trust in the European Central Bank. An instrumental variable approach based on historical variables of education and political institutions supports a causal interpretation of our findings. These results are robust across different model specifications and measures of trust.
The Effect of Aggressive Wire Recanalization in Calcified Atheroma and Dilatation (ARCADIA) Technique in Eccentric Calcified Lesion of No-stenting Zone
Authors: Konishi Hirokazu , Koshida Ryoji , Habara Maoto , Nasu Kenya , Hirano Keisuke , Kinoshita Yoshihisa , Tsuchikane Etsuo , Terashima Mitsuyasu , Matsubara Tetsuo , Suzuki Takahiko
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

The endovascular approach for eccentric calcified lesions of the no-stenting zone is challenging. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a novel technique for these lesions.

Methods:

We performed EVT for severe and eccentric calcified lesions using the technique, which is presented previously and named aggressive wire recanalization in calcified atheroma and dilatation (ARCADIA). In brief, a guidewire is passed to the residual lumen firstly. Next, another guidewire is advanced into and cross through the calcified plaque and returned to the distal original lumen with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guided. The calcified plaque is dilated by using a scoring-balloon or non-compliant balloon.

Results:

Consecutive 14 peripheral artery disease patients with isolated and eccentric calcification in a no-stenting zone were treated using ARCADIA technique between January 2018 and March 2020. In IVUS data, lumen cross-section area was significantly increased from 5.2 ± 2.0 mm2 to 18.1 ± 6.9 mm2 (p < 0.01), lumen area was expanded roundly evaluating as symmetry index from 0.45 ± 0.09 to 0.81 ± 0.12 (p < 0.01). There were no distal embolization and perforation after ARCADIA technique. One-year target lesion revascularization occurred in only 2 cases. The primary patency of 1 year was 85.7%.

Conclusion:

ARCADIA technique is safe and appropriate, and can be 1 option to treat for eccentric calcified lesions of the no-stenting zone as an optimal wire crossing method.
Aberrant right subclavian artery: embryology, prenatal diagnosis and clinical significance
Authors: Annetta Rachel , Nisbet Debbie , O’Mahony Edward , Palma-Dias Ricardo
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The right subclavian artery normally arises as the first vessel from the brachiocephalic trunk. An aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) arises directly from the aortic arch and crosses behind the trachea towards the right arm. This variant occurs in approximately 1–2% of the population; however, the frequency increases in individuals with chromosomal abnormalities such as trisomy 21 and 22q11.2 microdeletion. Prenatal identification of ARSA therefore has a role in screening for such conditions.

Methods

Databases were searched for studies reporting the prenatal ultrasound evaluation of ARSA and its frequency in normal fetuses and in those with chromosomal abnormalities.

Results

A total of 23 studies were evaluated. Feasibility for the ultrasound evaluation of ARSA was 85–95%. The sonographic detection of ARSA is best in the three-vessel trachea view; however, sagittal and coronal imaging of the aortic arch may be useful. ARSA in isolation was not found to be associated with chromosomal abnormalities. The prevalence of ARSA in chromosomally abnormal fetuses was up to 24-fold higher than in normal fetuses, but the majority of chromosomally abnormal fetuses with ARSA had additional abnormal ultrasound findings, particularly cardiac abnormalities.

Conclusions

The prenatal detection of ARSA is a clinically useful prenatal marker for chromosomal abnormalities. In isolation, it is unlikely to be associated with pathogenic genetic variants. The ultrasound diagnosis of ARSA should prompt meticulous assessment of associated abnormalities. Invasive diagnostic testing should be offered to patients with non-isolated ARSA or in the presence of non-reassuring screening results or other risk factors.
Factors associated with being an older rather than younger unpaid carer of adults with a chronic health condition: Results from a population-based cross-sectional survey in South Australia
Authors: Chang Sungwon , Luckett Tim , Phillips Jane , Agar Meera , Lam Lawrence , DiGiacomo Michelle
Published: November 2021

Objective

To examine sociodemographic characteristics and caring experiences associated with being an older rather than younger carer of an adult with a chronic health condition.

Methods

The population-based cross-sectional South Australian Health Omnibus survey was administered in 2016. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify sociodemographic characteristics and caring experiences associated with being an older (≥65 years) versus younger (<65 years) carer of one or more adult(s) with a chronic health condition.

Results

Of 988 survey respondents who self-identified as carers, 198(20%) were 65 years or over. Characteristics associated with being an older carer included having a partner, having poor physical health, being born outside Australia, have no formal qualification, living in a household of 1–2 people, have an annual household income ≤$60,000, and owning one's home. Carer experiences associated with older carer status included providing ≥40 h of care per week, perceived control over caring, and caring for someone with a neurological condition, whereas caring for someone with a mental illness, reporting poor mental health of their own, and providing personal care were inversely associated.

Discussion

Interventions directed at older carers should consider the increased likelihood that they may be investing large amounts of time in caring for someone with a neurological condition, and be culturally and linguistically diverse.
Transitioning to long-term care for older adults with intellectual disabilities: A concept analysis
Authors: Egan Caroline , Mulcahy Helen , Naughton Corina
Published: November 2021

Aim:

To undertake a concept analysis of transitioning to long-term care for older adults with intellectual disabilities.

Background:

Individuals with an intellectual disability are experiencing increased longevity which is associated with an increase in transitions in later life to long-term care. Their experience of later life transitions is likely to be different to the general older population.

Methodology:

Concept Analysis was undertaken using the Walker and Avant framework.

Results:

Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Defining attributes are an older person with intellectual disability; a planned relocation to a long-term care facility; person-centred; and supported decision-making.

Conclusion:

There is a dearth of empirical evidence and theorisation on this concept. Transitions of this nature have been inadequately informed by the perspective of the older person with an intellectual disability, and future research and practice requires greater efforts to include their voice.
Selective inhibition of adenylyl cyclase subtype 1 reduces inflammatory pain in chicken of gouty arthritis
Authors: Liu Ren-Hao , Shi Wantong , Zhang Yu-Xiang , Zhuo Min , Li Xu-Hui
Published: November 2021

Lack of uricase leads to the high incidence of gout in humans and poultry, which is different from rodents. Therefore, chicken is considered to be one of the ideal animal models for the study of gout. Gout-related pain caused by the accumulation of urate in joints is one type of inflammatory pain, which causes damage to joint function. Our previous studies have demonstrated the crucial role of calcium-stimulated adenylyl cyclase subtype 1 (AC1) in inflammatory pain in rodents; however, there is no study in poultry. In the present study, we injected mono-sodium urate (MSU) into the left ankle joint of the chicken to establish a gouty arthritis model, and tested the effect of AC1 inhibitor NB001 on gouty arthritis in chickens. We found that MSU successfully induced spontaneous pain behaviors including sitting, standing on one leg, and limping after 1–3 h of injection into the left ankle of chickens. In addition, edema and mechanical pain hypersensitivity also occurred in the left ankle of chickens with gouty arthritis. After peroral administration of NB001 on chickens with gouty arthritis, both the spontaneous pain behaviors and the mechanical pain hypersensitivity were effectively relieved. The MSU-induced edema in the left ankle of chickens was not affected by NB001, suggesting a central effect of NB001. Our results provide a strong evidence that AC1 is involved in the regulation of inflammatory pain in poultry. A selective AC1 inhibitor NB001 produces an analgesic effect (not anti-inflammatory effect) on gouty pain and may be used for future treatment of gouty pain in both humans and poultry.
Efficacy and safety of immunosuppressive therapy in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody–associated disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lai Qi-Lun , Zhang Yin-Xi , Cai Meng-Ting , Zheng Yang , Qiao Song , Fang Gao-Li , Shen Chun-Hong
Published: November 2021

Background:

A considerable number of patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody–associated disease (MOGAD) will experience a relapse, but the effect of maintenance therapies on re-attack rates is currently unknown.

Objective:

To investigate the efficacy and safety of immunosuppressive therapy for preventing disease relapses in patients with MOGAD, including rituximab (RTX), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and azathioprine (AZA).

Methods:

English-language studies published prior to August 31, 2020, were searched in the NCBI (PubMed), ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases. Patient characteristics, treatment regimens, outcome measures, and adverse effects were retrieved.

Results:

We enrolled 11 studies in the final meta-analysis, including 346 patients with MOGAD. RTX therapy was demonstrated to result in reduced mean annualized relapse rate (ARR) by 1.35 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85–1.85) and reduced mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score by 0.80 (95% CI: 0.53–1.08) in patients with MOGAD. MMF therapy was associated with the mean ARR decreasing by 0.83 (95% CI: 0.31–1.35), and AZA was related to the mean ARR decreasing by 1.71 (95% CI: 0.83–2.58). The reported discontinuation rates of RTX, MMF, and AZA therapy due to adverse effects were 3/197 (1.52%), 3/39 (7.69%), and 4/37 (10.81%), respectively.

Conclusion:

The study provided evidence to support the efficacy of RTX, MMF, and AZA on the preventive treatment in patients with MOGAD. However, large randomized controlled trials are still needed in the future.
Sociodemographic Factors Associated With Decreased Compliance to Prescribed Rehabilitation After Surgical Treatment of Knee Injuries in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Metz Allan K. , Hart-Johnson Tami , Blackwood R. Alexander , Crawford Eileen A.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Rehabilitation is an important component of care in postsurgical knee patients, especially as it pertains to return to preinjury activity level. Despite the established significance of rehabilitation in improving outcomes after certain surgical procedures, there is a lack of investigation into compliance rates and factors that affect compliance in pediatric patients.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate sociodemographic factors associated with noncompliance in pediatric patients after knee surgery to characterize health disparities in this population. Our hypothesis was that certain sociodemographic factors would be associated with decreased compliance.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective review of medical records was used to gather data on compliance rate, demographics, and socioeconomic factors for pediatric patients undergoing rehabilitation after knee surgery. Compliance rate was determined by counting the total scheduled appointments, cancellations, and no-shows (defined as visits for which patients did not show up and did not provide notification of cancellation). Various types of knee injuries were included in this study. Data were evaluated using bivariate analyses in addition to hierarchical linear and binary logistic regression to assess for associations between sociodemographic factors and compliance rate.

Results:

Our total sample size was 186 patients. When compared with patients from non–single-parent households, patients from single-parent households were found to have a lower rate of physical therapy compliance (72.2% vs 80.1%; P < .001), were less likely to reach the 85% compliance threshold (9.1% vs 42.4%; P < .001), and had an increased amount of cancellations and no-shows (16.7 vs 11.7 visits; P = .02). Although a small sample size, Hispanic/Latino patients were shown to have a lower achievement of the 85% compliance threshold compared with non-Hispanic/Latino patients (0% vs 38.2%; P = .04). Increased distance from the rehabilitation clinic was associated with lower achievement of the 85% compliance threshold ( P = .033).

Conclusion:

Overall, there were several significant demographic and socioeconomic variables associated with rehabilitation compliance, specifically single-parent status, distance to rehabilitation clinic, and ethnicity. These results suggest potential predictors of decreased compliance that warrant prospective investigation.
Promoting Voice and Agency Among Forcibly Displaced Children and Adolescents: Participatory Approaches to Practice in Conflict-Affected Settings
Authors: Wessells Michael G.
Published: November 2021

Globally, large numbers of children and adolescents are displaced by armed conflict, which poses significant threats to their mental health, psychosocial well-being, and protection. Although humanitarian work to support mental health, psychosocial well-being, and protection has done considerable good, this paper analyzes how humanitarian action is limited by excessive reliance on a top-down approach. Although the focus is on settings of armed conflict, the analysis offered in this paper applies also to the wider array of humanitarian settings that spawn increasing numbers of refugees globally.
Use of Social Media in Teaching High School Students: A Case of United Arab Emirates
Authors: Jenaibi Badreya Al , Mansoori Alyazi Al
Published: November 2021

The use of social media platforms by the education sector has grown significantly in the past decade. The advancement in information and technology has prompted the integration of social media use in education. Social media use has revolutionized the learning processes from what was traditionally teacher-centered to the current student-centered approach. People between 16 and 24 years of age are considered among the active users of social media; hence, by incorporating an important part of their lives in school activities, learning may become more amusing and improve performance. Despite the United Arab Emirates being considered the technological hub of the Middle East, it has made minimal steps toward integrating social media in the learning system for high school students. This article explores the type of social media used by students and teachers in the Emirati high school system and examines the favorable social media tools used in learning in high schools by teachers and students and responds to questions like the purposes of using social media in learning and does social media use in learning affect student and teacher satisfaction and attitude? Further, it asks what the impacts of using social media on learning are. Finally, it discusses the challenges students and teachers come across when using social media for learning.
Primary cutaneous lymphoma: recommendations for clinical trial design and staging update from the ISCL, USCLC, and EORTC
Authors: Olsen Elise A. , Whittaker Sean , Willemze Rein , Pinter-Brown Lauren , Foss Francine , Geskin Larisa , Schwartz Lawrence , Horwitz Steven , Guitart Joan , Zic John , Kim Youn H. , Wood Gary S. , Duvic Madeleine , Ai Wei , Girardi Michael , Gru Alejandro , Guenova Emmanuella , Hodak Emmilia , Hoppe Richard , Kempf Werner , Kim Ellen , Lechowicz Mary Jo , Ortiz-Romero Pablo , Papadavid Evangelia , Quaglino Pietro , Pittelkow Mark , Prince H. Miles , Sanches Jose Antonio , Sugaya Makoto , Vermeer Maarten , Zain Jasmine , Knobler Robert , Stadler Rudolf , Bagot Martine , Scarisbrick Julia
Published: November 2021

The number of patients with primary cutaneous lymphoma (PCL) relative to other non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) is small and the number of subtypes large. Although clinical trial guidelines have been published for mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome, the most common type of PCL, none exist for the other PCLs. In addition, staging of the PCLs has been evolving based on new data on potential prognostic factors, diagnosis, and assessment methods of both skin and extracutaneous disease and a desire to align the latter with the Lugano guidelines for all NHLs. The International Society for Cutaneous Lymphomas (ISCL), the United States Cutaneous LymphomaConsortium (USCLC), and the Cutaneous Lymphoma Task Force of the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) now propose updated staging and guidelines for the study design, assessment, endpoints, and response criteria in clinical trials for all the PCLs in alignment with that of the Lugano guidelines. These recommendations provide standardized methodology that should facilitate planning and regulatory approval of new treatments for these lymphomas worldwide, encourage cooperative investigator-initiated trials, and help to assess the comparative efficacy of therapeutic agents tested across sites and studies.
The psychometric properties of the King's Brief Interstitial Lung Disease questionnaire and thresholds for meaningful treatment response in patients with progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases
Authors: Birring Surinder S. , Bushnell Donald M. , Baldwin Michael , Mueller Heiko , Male Natalia , Rohr Klaus B. , Inoue Yoshikazu
Published: November 2021

Background

There is a lack of fully validated patient-reported outcome measures for progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD). We aimed to validate the King's Brief Interstitial Lung Disease (K-BILD) questionnaire for measuring health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in these patients. We also aimed to estimate the meaningful change threshold for interpreting stabilisation of HRQoL as a clinical end-point in progressive fibrosing ILD, where the current goal of treatment is disease stability and slowing progression.

Methods

This analysis evaluated data from 663 patients with progressive fibrosing ILD other than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis from the INBUILD trial. Validation of the measurement properties was assessed for internal consistency, test–retest reliability, construct validity, known-groups validity and responsiveness. We calculated meaningful change thresholds for treatment response using anchor-based (within-patient) and distribution-based methods.

Results

K-BILD had strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α was 0.94 for total score, 0.88 for breathlessness and activities, 0.91 for psychological, and 0.79 for chest symptoms). The test–retest reliability intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.74 for K-BILD total score. K-BILD demonstrated weak correlations with forced vital capacity (FVC) percent predicted. Known-groups validity showed significant differences in K-BILD scores for patient groups with different disease severity based on use of supplemental oxygen or baseline FVC % pred (≤70% or >70%). We estimated a meaningful change threshold of ≥ –2 units for K-BILD total score for defining patients who remain stable/improvedversusthose with progressive deterioration.

Conclusions

Our results validate K-BILD as a tool for assessing HRQoL in patients with progressive fibrosing ILD and set a meaningful change threshold of ≥ –2 units for K-BILD total score.
Developmental series of gene expression clarifies maternal mRNA provisioning and maternal-to-zygotic transition in a reef-building coral
Authors: Chille Erin , Strand Emma , Neder Mayaan , Schmidt Valeria , Sherman Madeleine , Mass Tali , Putnam Hollie
Published: November 2021

Background

Maternal mRNA provisioning of oocytes regulates early embryogenesis. Maternal transcripts are degraded as zygotic genome activation (ZGA) intensifies, a phenomenon known as the maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT). Here, we examine gene expression over nine developmental stages in the Pacific rice coral,Montipora capitata, from eggs and embryos at 1, 4, 9, 14, 22, and 36 h-post-fertilization (hpf), as well as swimming larvae (9d), and adult colonies.

Results

Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis revealed four expression peaks, identifying the maternal complement, two waves of the MZT, and adult expression. Gene ontology enrichment revealed maternal mRNAs are dominated by cell division, methylation, biosynthesis, metabolism, and protein/RNA processing and transport functions. The first MZT wave occurs from ~4-14 hpf and is enriched in terms related to biosynthesis, methylation, cell division, and transcription. In contrast, functional enrichment in the second MZT wave, or ZGA, from 22 hpf-9dpf, includes ion/peptide transport and cell signaling. Finally, adult expression is enriched for functions related to signaling, metabolism, and ion/peptide transport. Our proposed MZT timing is further supported by expression of enzymes involved in zygotic transcriptional repression (Kaiso) and activation (Sox2), which peak at 14 hpf and 22 hpf, respectively. Further, DNA methylation writing (DNMT3a) and removing (TET1) enzymes peak and remain stable past ~4 hpf, suggesting that methylome programming occurs before 4 hpf.

Conclusions

Our high-resolution insight into the coral maternal mRNA and MZT provides essential baseline information to understand parental carryover effects and the sensitivity of developmental success under increasing environmental stress.
Multiomics study of a heterotardigrade, Echinisicus testudo, suggests the possibility of convergent evolution of abundant heat-soluble proteins in Tardigrada
Authors: Murai Yumi , Yagi-Utsumi Maho , Fujiwara Masayuki , Tanaka Sae , Tomita Masaru , Kato Koichi , Arakawa Kazuharu
Published: November 2021

Background

Many limno-terrestrial tardigrades can enter an ametabolic state, known as anhydrobiosis, upon desiccation, in which the animals can withstand extreme environments. Through genomics studies, molecular components of anhydrobiosis are beginning to be elucidated, such as the expansion of oxidative stress response genes, loss of stress signaling pathways, and gain of tardigrade-specific heat-soluble protein families designated CAHS and SAHS. However, to date, studies have predominantly investigated the class Eutardigrada, and molecular mechanisms in the remaining class, Heterotardigrada, still remains elusive. To address this gap in the research, we report a multiomics study of the heterotardigrade Echiniscus testudo, one of the most desiccation-tolerant species which is not yet culturable in laboratory conditions.

Results

In order to elucidate the molecular basis of anhydrobiosis in E. testudo, we employed a multi-omics strategy encompassing genome sequencing, differential transcriptomics, and proteomics. Using ultra-low input library sequencing protocol from a single specimen, we sequenced and assembled the 153.7 Mbp genome annotated using RNA-Seq data. None of the previously identified tardigrade-specific abundant heat-soluble genes was conserved, while the loss and expansion of existing pathways were partly shared. Furthermore, we identified two families novel abundant heat-soluble proteins, which we named E. testudo Abundant Heat Soluble (EtAHS), that are predicted to contain large stretches of disordered regions. Likewise the AHS families in eutardigrada, EtAHS shows structural changes from random coil to alphahelix as the water content was decreased in vitro. These characteristics of EtAHS proteins are analogous to those of CAHS in eutardigrades, while there is no conservation at the sequence level.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that Heterotardigrada have partly shared but distinct anhydrobiosis machinery compared with Eutardigrada, possibly due to convergent evolution within Tardigrada. (276/350).
Construction of a high-density genetic map and detection of a major QTL of resistance to powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator Sch.) in Caucasian grapes (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Possamai Tyrone , Wiedemann-Merdinoglu Sabine , Merdinoglu Didier , Migliaro Daniele , De Mori Gloria , Cipriani Guido , Velasco Riccardo , Testolin Raffaele
Published: November 2021

Background

Vitis viniferaL. is the most cultivated grapevine species worldwide.Erysiphe necatorSch., the causal agent of grape powdery mildew, is one of the main pathogens affecting viticulture.V. viniferahas little or no genetic resistances againstE. necatorand the grape industry is highly dependent on agrochemicals. Some CaucasianV. viniferaaccessions have been reported to be resistant toE. necatorand to have no genetic relationships to known sources of resistance to powdery mildew. The main purpose of this work was the study and mapping of the resistance toE. necatorin the Caucasian grapes ‘Shavtsitska’ and ‘Tskhvedianis tetra’.

Results

The Caucasian varieties ‘Shavtsitska’ and ‘Tskhvedianis tetra’ showed a strong partial resistance toE. necatorwhich segregated in two cross populations: the resistant genotypes delayed and limited the pathogen mycelium growth, sporulation intensity and number of conidia generated. A total of 184 seedlings of ‘Shavtsitska’ x ‘Glera’ population were genotyped through the Genotyping by Sequencing (GBS) technology and two high-density linkage maps were developed for the cross parents. The QTL analysis revealed a major resistance locus, explaining up to 80.15% of the phenotypic variance, on ‘Shavtsitska’ linkage group 13, which was associated with a reduced pathogen infection as well as an enhanced plant necrotic response. The genotyping of 105 Caucasian accessions with SSR markers flanking the QTL revealed that the resistant haplotype of ‘Shavtsitska’ was shared by ‘Tskhvedianis tetra’ and a total of 25 Caucasian grape varieties, suggesting a widespread presence of this resistance in the surveyed germplasm. The uncovered QTL was mapped in the region where theRen1locus of resistance toE. necator, identified in theV. vinifera‘Kishmish vatkana’ and related grapes of Central Asia, is located. The genetic analysis conducted revealed that the Caucasian grapes in this study exhibit a resistant haplotype different from that of Central Asian grape accessions.

Conclusions

The QTL isolated in ‘Shavtsitska’ and present in the CaucasianV. viniferavarieties could be a new candidate gene of resistance toE. necatorto use in breeding programmes. It co-localizes with theRen1locus but shows a different haplotype from that of grapevines of Central Asia. We therefore consider that the Caucasian resistance locus, namedRen1.2, contains a member of a cluster of R-genes, of which the region is rich, and to be linked with, or possibly allelic, toRen1.
Optimising an intervention to support home-living older adults at risk of malnutrition: a qualitative study
Authors: Payne Liz , Ghio Daniela , Grey Elisabeth , Slodkowska-Barabasz Joanna , Harris Philine , Sutcliffe Michelle , Green Sue , Roberts Helen C. , Childs Caroline , Robinson Sian , Gudgin Bernard , Holloway Pam , Kelly Jo , Wallis Kathy , Dean Oliver , Aveyard Paul , Gill Paramjit , Stroud Mike , Little Paul , Yardley Lucy , Morrison Leanne
Published: November 2021

Background

In the UK, about 14% of community-dwelling adults aged 65 and over are estimated to be at risk of malnutrition. Screening older adults in primary care and treating those at risk may help to reduce malnutrition risk, reduce the resulting need for healthcare use and improve quality of life. Interventions are needed to raise older adults’ risk awareness, offer relevant and meaningful strategies to address risk and support general practices to deliver treatment and support.

Methods

Using the Person-based Approach and input from Patient and Public Involvement representatives, we developed the ‘Eat well, feel well, stay well’ intervention. The intervention was optimised using qualitative data from think aloud and semi-structured process evaluation interviews with 23 and 18 older adults respectively. Positive and negative comments were extracted to inform rapid iterative modifications to support engagement with the intervention. Data were then analysed thematically and final adjustments made, to optimise the meaningfulness of the intervention for the target population.

Results

Participants’ comments were generally positive. This paper focuses predominantly on participants’ negative reactions, to illustrate the changes needed to ensure that intervention materials were optimally relevant and meaningful to older adults. Key factors that undermined engagement included: resistance to the recommended nutritional intake among those with reduced appetite or eating difficulties, particularly frequent eating and high energy options; reluctance to gain weight; and a perception that advice did not align with participants’ specific personal preferences and eating difficulties. We addressed these issues by adjusting the communication of eating goals to be more closely aligned with older adults’ beliefs about good nutrition, and acceptable and feasible eating patterns. We also adjusted the suggested tips and strategies to fit better with older adults’ everyday activities, values and beliefs.

Conclusions

Using iterative qualitative methods facilitated the identification of key behavioural and contextual elements that supported engagement, and issues that undermined older adults’ engagement with intervention content. This informed crucial revisions to the intervention content that enabled us to maximise the meaningfulness, relevance and feasibility of the key messages and suggested strategies to address malnutrition risk, and therefore optimise engagement with the intervention and the behavioural advice it provided.
Gonorrhoea: a systematic review of prevalence reporting globally
Authors: Whelan Jane , Abbing-Karahagopian Victoria , Serino Laura , Unemo Magnus
Published: November 2021

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends periodic gonorrhoea prevalence assessments in the general population or proxies thereof (including pregnant women, women attending family planning clinics, military recruits, and men undergoing employment physicals for example) and in population groups at increased risk, including men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) and sex workers.

Method

We evaluated reported prevalence data, including estimates from proxy general population samples to reflect the WHO recommendations. We describe the outcomes from the general population country-by-country and extend previous reviews to include MSM, sex workers, and extragenital infections.

Result and conclusion

In our systematic search, 2015 titles were reviewed (January 2010–April 2019) and 174 full-text publications were included. National, population-based prevalence data were identified in only four countries (the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Peru, New Caledonia) and local population-based estimates were reported in areas within five countries (China, South Africa, Brazil, Benin, and Malawi). The remaining studies identified only reported test positivity from non-probability, proxy general population samples. Due to the diversity of the reviewed studies, detailed comparison across studies was not possible. In MSM, data were identified from 64 studies in 25 countries. Rectal infection rates were generally higher than urogenital or pharyngeal infection rates, where extragenital testing was conducted. Data on sex workers were identified from 41 studies in 23 countries; rates in female sex workers were high. Current prevalence monitoring was shown to be highly suboptimal worldwide. Serial prevalence monitoring of critical epidemiological variables, and guidelines to optimize prevalence study conduct and reporting beyond antenatal settings are recommended.