bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of interoceptive accuracy and stimulation type on the out-of-body experience
Authors: Ma Ke , Yang Liping , Hommel Bernhard
Published: September 2022

People tend to perceive a virtual body standing in front of them as their own if it is either stroked or moving synchronously with their own real body—the out-of-body experience (OBE). We combined synchrony manipulation with two other factors of theoretical interest: the kind of stimulation, visuotactile stimuli or visuomotor correlations, being synchronised and the interoceptive accuracy (IA) of participants, assessed by means of the heartbeat counting task. Results showed that explicit measures of embodiment were systematically affected by synchrony, and this synchrony effect was more pronounced for visuomotor than for visuotactile conditions. The walking drift was affected by IA: In visuotactile conditions, the synchrony effect was pronounced in individuals with low IA, presumably reflecting a stronger impact of the visual information. In visuomotor conditions, however, the synchrony effect was stronger in individuals with high IA, presumably reflecting a stronger impact of re-afferent information generated by the participants’ own movements.
‘Black Lives Have Always Mattered’: Cultural specificity and transformative representations in Small Axe
Authors: Dunleavy Trisha
Published: September 2022

Small Axe, a series of five films, has brought innovation and prestige to TV drama not only for its overdue history of Caribbean migrant experiences in post-war Britain but also for its transformative representations of Black British people. The article examines three areas of the Small Axe production and text in recognition of their importance to these achievements: its creative genesis as a TV drama inspired by the under-representation of Britain’s Caribbean diaspora; the opportunities it gained as a BBC commission and Amazon coproduction; and the indicators and outcomes of its deployment of the four ‘markers’ of Third Cinema textuality.
Commentary: Connecting Müller's Philosophical Position-Taking Theory of Emotional Feelings to Mechanistic Emotion Theories in Psychology
Authors: Moors Agnes
Published: September 2022

Müller proposes a position-taking theory to account for the manifest image of emotional feelings as “feelings towards”. He reduces the process of position-taking to goal-based construal, which is akin to the stimulus-goal comparison process central in appraisal theories. Although this reduction can account for the heat of emotional feelings and the intuition that non-linguistic organisms can also have feelings, it may fail to keep the position-taking aspect on board. Moreover, the image of emotional feelings as active position-takings may itself be questioned and replaced with a passive image. I end by acknowledging that a passive image is still compatible with an active underlying mechanism as is the case in appraisal theories but even more so in the goal-directed theory.
Joint energy and shot mechanical energy of glide-style shot put
Authors: Chen Chao-Fu , Chuang Ming-Hsiu , Wu Hui-Ju
Published: September 2022

Shot put is a throwing exercise in track and field. Performance has a strong relationship with the thrower’s height, technique, and energy transferred. The purpose of this study was to compare basic kinematics, joint movement, shot mechanical energy, and joint energy of the male glide-style shot put between high-performance (HP) and low-performance (LP) athletes. Data for 12 right-handed male shot putters with glide-style was captured at the National Games held in Taipei city in 2013. The HP ( n = 6) and LP ( n = 6) groups were classified according to their best throwing distance in the competition. Additionally, the 2D kinematics of their joints and shots were obtained by Kwon 3D motion analysis. Finally, the kinematics and energy were calculated in Excel software package. Results showed significant differences in throwing distance, the relationship between throwing distance and body height index (RDH index), release velocity, and the shoulder-shot (BSX) angle at right toe-off ground instant (RTF) and the angle difference between the right toe-off instant and release instant (RI-RTF) between the HP and LP groups. However, the energy of the joints and shots were not significantly different between the two groups. The better throwers exhibited a faster release velocity, accompanied by a smaller change in the SSX angle, and the SSX angle can be used by the coach to assess the body’s forward or backward tilt during training.
An experimental study of the unsteady vortex structures of a clapping-wing micro air vehicle
Authors: Zhang Yanwei , Wang Zhonglai
Published: September 2022

It is a challenge to explore the unsteady vortex structures of flexible flapping wings of X-shaped flapping-wing micro air vehicles (also known as clapping-wing micro air vehicles (CWMAVs)). The objective of this paper is to obtain the influence of wind speed, flapping frequency, and angle of attack (AoA) on the instantaneous and average force coefficients of CWMAVs, investigate flow visualization of the leading-edge vortex (LEV), trailing-edge vortex (TEV) and wake vortex (WV) structures and identify some novel flow mechanisms of flapping propulsion. This paper proposes a mechanics and particle image velocimetry (PIV) measuring platform in a low-speed tunnel. In addition, cross-correlation peak analysis and kriging image reconstruction are applied for postprocessing to enhance PIV image recognition. Combining the time evolution of the forces, the force coefficients, and the flow visualization, we find the evolution and effects of LEV, TEV and WV structures.
Tissue Culture of Plagiochasma appendiculatum and the Effect of Callus Differentiation on Types and Content of Bisbibenzyls
Authors: Zhao Yu , Wen Xuesen , Ni Rong , Cheng Aixia , Lou Hongxiang
Published: September 2022

Plagiochasma appendiculatum, a thalloid liverwort, contains high levels of bisbibenzyls, aromatic compounds with potent antitumor as well as antifungal activities. In the present study, rapid growth callus was induced from the thallus of P. appendiculatum, and optimal culture conditions, including medium, temperature, pH, and plant growth regulators for callus production were evaluated. Under optimal culture conditions, the biomass of the callus doubled with a sigmoidal growth curve after 15 days. Differentiation and plant regeneration were studied on a medium supplemented with different plant hormones (α-naphthaleneacetic acid [NAA], 6-benzyladenine [6-BA], and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid [2,4-D]). NAA and 6-BA stimulated rhizoid and thallus differentiation, respectively, whereas 2,4-D inhibited the differentiation of thallus and rhizoid. Different metabolic profiles of callus, differentiated thallus, and thallus in the soil were studied by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that both the callus and thallus could synthesize bisbibenzyls. In addition, the kinds and content of bisbibenzyl differed significantly between the callus and thallus. In conclusion, P. appendiculatum thallus cultured in vitro possesses the ability to biosynthesize bisbibenzyl, and it may be utilized for the mass production of specific bisbibenzyls in an appropriate growth environment.
Unveiling the Mechanism of the Traditional Korean Medicinal Formula FDY003 on Glioblastoma Through a Computational Network Pharmacology Approach
Authors: Lee Ho-Sung , Lee In-Hee , Park Sang-In , Jung Minho , Yang Seung Gu , Kwon Tae-Wook , Lee Dae-Yeon
Published: September 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common type of primary malignant tumor that develops in the brain, with 0.21 million new cases per year globally and a median survival period of less than 2 years after diagnosis. Traditional Korean medicines have been increasingly suggested as effective and safe therapeutic strategies for GBM. However, their pharmacological effects and mechanistic characteristics remain to be studied. In this study, we employed a computational network pharmacological approach to determine the effects and mechanisms of the traditional Korean medicinal formula FDY003 on GBM. We found that FDY003 treatment decreased the viability of human GBM cells and increased their response to chemotherapeutics. We identified 10 potential active pharmacological compounds of FDY003 and 67 potential GBM-related target genes and proteins. The GBM-related targets of FDY003 were signaling components of various crucial GBM-associated pathways, such as PI3K-Akt, focal adhesion, MAPK, HIF-1, FoxO, Ras, and TNF. These pathways are functional regulators for the determination of cell growth and proliferation, survival and death, and cell division cycle of GBM cells. Together, the overall analyses contribute to the pharmacological basis for the anti-GBM roles of FDY003 and its systematic mechanisms.
Facial recognition technologies in human resources: Uses and challenges
Authors: Ramasundaram B. Aiswarya , Gurusamy Ramasundaram , Jayakumar Dominic
Published: September 2022

The face is the index of the mind. It is commonly said that the face reveals one’s emotions. Facial expressions convey feelings and reaction to any given situation. The application of technology in this field has influenced decisions in legal judgements, policy decisions, education, security and medicine and in almost all other social interactions. In this article, we go through the concept of facial recognition technology (FRT, and its application – not just for invading one’s privacy but to check on its authenticity too).

The application of this technology, and the possibility of technological bias that perpetuates the human bias, is the core issue to be solved in this case.

1. Does the expression of the face depict and portray real emotions of an individual?

2. When emotions like anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness and surprise are not expressed explicitly on the face for various reasons, does it limit the performance of this technology?
Digitalizing the maritime supply chain: The case of Rotterdam’s port call operations
Authors: Suvadarshini Pinakhi , Dandapat Pinak
Published: September 2022

Efficient and optimized port operations are required to keep up with the enormous pressure on the maritime supply chain caused by the rising demand for global goods. To achieve optimized and efficient port call operations, digitalization of the entire process is of the utmost importance. This case study thus analyzes the digitalization of port call operations in the maritime supply chain. We explain the port call operations, the inefficiencies of the traditional way the process is done and how digitalization can help reduce the inefficiencies. We then take the example of a port in Rotterdam, Netherlands and how they developed a platform called PortXchange and helped digitalize the port call operations, thus making the maritime supply chain resilient, efficient and fast. This case attempts to familiarize the readers with the dynamics of port operations, to assess the operational strategy taken by the Rotterdam port for developing the digital platform and to determine the competitive advantage it provides the users.
David Bentley Hart's New Testament Translation
Authors: de Lang Marijke H.
Published: September 2022

The article is an assessment of David Bentley Hart's New Testament translation, published in 2017. The article focuses on Hart's translation strategy, his views on Bible translation in general, some of his exegetical choices, and his stance on certain aspects of American evangelicalism.
Robert Alter's New Translation of the Hebrew Bible: An Assessment for Translators
Authors: de Regt Lénart J.
Published: September 2022

In the introduction to his new translation of the Hebrew Bible, Robert Alter is quite explicit about the task he set himself: “The present translation is an experiment in re-presenting the Bible in a language that conveys with some precision the semantic nuances and the lively orchestration of literary effects of the Hebrew and at the same time has stylistic and rhythmic integrity as literary English.” Alter explains this in more detail in the introduction and in his book, The Art of Bible Translation, with explicit criticisms of other English translations. In this paper I will explore Alter's own norms for translation and how he has applied them, paying special attention to parallel syntax, language level, repetition, wordplay, Hebrew and English word order, poetry in prose, rhythm, names of God, textual criticism, chapter division, and textual structure, as well as what Bible translators can learn from Alter’s translation.
The Translation of יהוה: Part 2, The Case of Dholuo
Authors: Kobimbo Mary Mercy
Published: September 2022

The first part of this study ( TBT 72[1]: 50–60) reviewed the history of the rendering of the key term יהוה YHWH in Bible translations into Dholuo (spoken in southwestern Kenya and northwestern Tanzania). This second part considers the translation of this key term within the context of modern Dholuo language and culture. The different renderings in two existing translations are analyzed and put in the broader perspective of Bible translation in Africa. Finally, the paper proposes a rendering for יהוה that does justice to the Dholuo culture and tradition, while maintaining the specific characteristics that are present in the source text.
Her Story, History, and the Ancient Versions of Daniel 11.6
Authors: Scolnic Benjamin
Published: September 2022

Text-critical study of Dan 11.6 shows that the Hebrew text behind the Old Greek may have been tweaked to be more historically accurate to present the verse as it appears in the Masoretic text and Theodotion. It is possible that two versions of this verse, one emphasizing the fate of the Ptolemaic princess Berenice and one that does not mention her, already existed in the earliest Hebrew texts. Recent proposals for the historical reconstruction of the Third Syrian War are considered alongside these textual points to portray the kind of close attention and activity that went into the writing and rewriting of Dan 10–12.
The Effect of Organizational Culture on the Quality of Accounting Information Systems: Evidence From Vietnam
Authors: Binh Vu Thi Thanh , Tran Nhat-Minh , Vu Manh-Chien
Published: September 2022

One of the approaches to assessing the organizational culture is to understand its effect on management functions, including the quality of accounting information systems. However, empirical studies about the influences of organizational culture on accounting information system quality, especially in the context of emerging countries like Vietnam, where accounting information is not reliable enough for decision making, have not yet provided enough evidence to confirm this relationship. This paper aims to investigate the effect of innovative organizational culture on the quality of accounting information systems by using the Structural Equation Model. A questionnaire was sent to the CEO, CFO, managers, and accounting staff of non-financial enterprises in Vietnam. With 649 valid respondents, the two-step approach was carried out, including exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis and examining the significance of the coefficient through a path analysis. Our findings identified that organizational culture is an essential factor in enhancing the quality of accounting information systems of Vietnamese firms. Implementing an innovative corporate culture will improve system quality and information quality of the accounting information systems that help accounting information more sufficient for making decisions.
Transportation Insecurity in the United States: A Descriptive Portrait
Authors: Murphy Alexandra K. , McDonald-Lopez Karina , Pilkauskas Natasha , Gould-Werth Alix
Published: September 2022

Transportation insecurity is a condition in which a person is unable to regularly move from place to place in a safe or timely manner and has important implications for the study of poverty and inequality. Drawing on nationally representative survey data and a new, validated measure of transportation insecurity, the Transportation Security Index, the authors provide the first descriptive portrait of transportation insecurity in the United States, offering national estimates, examining which demographic groups are most likely to experience this condition and considering what factors are correlated with it. The authors find that one in four adults experience transportation insecurity. Adults who live in poverty, do not own cars, live in urban areas, are younger, have less education, and are non-White experience the greatest transportation insecurity. Correlates analyses largely confirm these descriptive differences. Such high rates and large disparities suggest that greater investigation into this form of material hardship is warranted.
Explicating the Intersections of Value Disciplines for the Digital Era
Authors: M Vijaya Sunder , Modukuri Siddhartha
Published: September 2022

The digital age presents a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous industry landscape. We argue that mastering a single value discipline is important but insufficient in the digital age. This article aims to present the value discipline intersections as a resource to establish a competitive advantage in the digital era. With the rise in digital technologies, on the one hand, traditional firms that have gained a competitive advantage so far might not stand a chance before a digitally native firm that leverages multiple value disciplines simultaneously. On the other hand, digitally native firms, by not explicating the intersections between the value disciplines, do not reap a full harvest of their investments in digitalization. We present operational innovators, co-creators, efficient customer champions and bull’s eye to unfold the value discipline intersections, relevant to the digital age. We illustrate our idea through industry examples and conclude with implications for theory and practice.
Evaluation of hypertension in systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus overlap
Authors: Chew Erin , Barnado April , Ikizler Talat Alp , Zent Roy , Frech Tracy
Published: September 2022

Patients with systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus serologies present a unique challenge to the clinician when hypertension is detected in the outpatient setting. Treatment choices for non-renal crisis hypertension are different for systemic sclerosis versus systemic lupus erythematosus. Urgent laboratory studies and, in the presence of certain symptoms, imaging assessment are indicated in systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus overlap patients with systemic hypertension. Long-term assessment of systemic hypertension may be enhanced by advances in non-contrast imaging that serve as valuable biomarkers for progressive vasculopathy. In this review, the diagnostic approach to systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus overlap patients presenting with hypertension is discussed.
Multi-Level Correlates of the Nutritional Status of Nigerian Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Ezeama Nkiru N. , Okunna Nene , Ezeama Chukwuemeka O.
Published: September 2022

Poor nutrition compromises the capacity of women to perform their vital roles as mothers and productive workers in their families, communities and society. Using a conceptual framework developed by the United Nations Children’s Fund, this study determines individual-, household- and community-level factors associated with the nutritional status of Nigerian women of reproductive age. A secondary analysis of pooled data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) for 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2018 was conducted involving 82,734 non-pregnant women aged 15–49 years. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine predictors of nutritional status. Study results show that a significant proportion of the women had poor nutritional status; the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity were 12.1%, 16.8% and 7.2% respectively. Statistically significant factors associated with poor nutritional status were found at all three levels, highlighting the need for effective multidimensional, multisectoral policy interventions to address the double burden of malnutrition among women in Nigeria.
Renal Artery Aneurysm Mimicking Nephrolithiasis: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Viduetsky Alexander , Sommerville Britt
Published: September 2022

While originally described in the 18th century, the incidental detection of renal artery aneurysms (RAAs) has increased significantly with the advent and increased usage of modern cross-sectional imaging. Although the incidence remains low, RAAs are clinically important, especially if measuring greater than 2 cm in diameter. Therefore, ultrasonographers and radiologists alike should be aware of its features on multiple imaging modalities as well as imaging pitfalls. Renal duplex sonography is widely used for the evaluation of renal arteries stenosis, fibromuscular dysplasia, renal veins patency, and for the status of renal transplants. RAA is another, albeit rare, indication for renal arteries duplex examination. Furthermore, RAAs may be an incidental finding on abdominal or renal ultrasound. Therefore, familiarity with the sonographic presentation of a RAA is important. Diagnosing RAAs with duplex ultrasound may become exceptionally difficult when the aneurysm has peripheral calcification, even more so when the aneurysm is situated by the renal hilum. Those calcified arterial walls may produce strong acoustic shadowing, mimicking a renal calculus.
Pneumococcal meningitis secondary to otitis media in two patients with COVID-19 omicron variant
Authors: Franch-Llasat Diego , Bellaubí-Pallarés Naya , Pérez-Moreno Mar Olga , Chamarro-Martí Elena , García-Rodríguez Esther , Roche-Campo Ferran
Published: September 2022

Background

The SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant produces more symptoms in the upper respiratory tract than in the lower respiratory tract. This form of “common cold” can cause inflammation of the oropharynx and the Eustachian tube, leading to the multiplication of bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae in the oropharynx. Eustachian tube dysfunction facilitates migration of these bacteria to the middle ear, causing inflammation and infection (otitis media), which in turn could lead to further complications such as acute mastoiditis and meningitis.

Case presentation

In January 2022, during the rapid spread of the omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, two patients presented to the emergency room at our hospital complaining of headache and a low level of consciousness. A few days prior to admission, the patients had been diagnosed with COVID-19 based on clinical manifestations of a cold virus, without respiratory failure. Cranial computed tomography revealed signs of bilateral invasion of the middle ear in both cases. Lumbar puncture was compatible with acute bacterial meningitis, and S. pneumoniae was isolated in cerebrospinal fluid in both patients. RT-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 were repeated, confirming the presence of the omicron variant in one of the patients. We were unable to confirm the variant in the second patient due to the low viral load in the nasopharyngeal sample obtained at admission. However, the time of diagnosis (i.e., during the peak spread of the omicron variant), strongly suggest the presence of the omicron variant. Both patients were admitted to the intensive care unit and both showed rapid clinical improvement after initiation of antibiotic treatment.

Conclusions

The omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can promote the development of otitis media and secondary acute bacterial meningitis. S. pneumoniae is one of the main bacteria involved in this process.
Living with the neighbors: the effect of Venezuelan forced migration on the labor market in Colombia
Authors: Peñaloza-Pacheco Leonardo
Published: September 2022

I estimate the effect of the Venezuelan exodus on the Colombian labor market. The economic and social crisis in Venezuela triggered one of the most important migratory exoduses in recent decades: more than 4 million Venezuelans left their country and close to 1.8 million arrived in Colombia. I show that an increase in 1 p.p of labor supply due the migratory flow caused a decline in hourly wages in Colombia of 0.4% and a negative effect of 0.1 p.p. on the employment rate of low-skilled workers. The drop in wages was greater for men, low-skilled and informal workers.
Xylem structure and hydraulic characteristics of deep roots, shallow roots and branches of walnut under seasonal drought
Authors: Wang Lin , Dai Yongxin , Zhang Jinsong , Meng Ping , Wan Xianchong
Published: September 2022

Background

Despite the importance of root hydraulics, there is little research on the in situ dynamic responses of embolism formation and embolism repair of roots distributed in different soil depths in response to different water regimes.

Results

The vessel diameter, hydraulic conductivity, and vulnerability to cavitation were in the order of deep root > shallow root > branch. The midday PLC of shallow root was the highest in the dry season, while the midday PLC of deep root slightly higher than that of branch with no significant difference in the two seasons. The capacity of embolism repair of roots was significantly greater than that of branch both in dry season and wet season. The xylem pressure was in the order of deep roots > shallow root > branch, and it was negative in most of the time for the latter two in the dry season, but positive for both of the roots during the observation period in the wet season. The NSC and starch content in roots were significantly higher than those in branches, especially in the dry season. In contrast, roots had lower content of soluble sugar.

Conclusions

The relatively stable water condition in soil, especially in the deep layers, is favorable for the development of larger-diameter vessels in root xylem, however it cannot prevent the root from forming embolism. The mechanism of embolism repair may be different in different parts of plants. Deep roots mainly depend on root pressure to refill the embolized vessels, while branches mainly depend on starch hydrolysis to soluble sugars to do the work, with shallow roots shifted between the two mechanisms in different moisture regimes. There is theoretically an obvious trade-off between conducting efficiency and safety over deep roots, shallow roots and branches. But in natural conditions, roots do not necessarily suffer more severe embolism than branches, maybe due to their root pressure-driven embolism repair and relatively good water conditions.
Maternal preterm birth prediction in the United States: a case-control database study
Authors: Li Yan , Fu Xiaoyu , Guo Xinmeng , Liang Huili , Cao Dongru , Shi Junmei
Published: September 2022

Background

Preterm birth is serious public health worldwide, and early prediction of preterm birth in pregnant women may provide assistance for timely intervention and reduction of preterm birth. This study aimed to develop a preterm birth prediction model that is readily available and convenient for clinical application.

Methods

Data used in this case-control study were extracted from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) database between 2018 and 2019. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were utilized to find factors associated with preterm birth. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used as effect measures. The area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were utilized as model performance evaluation metrics.

Results

Data from 3,006,989 pregnant women in 2019 and 3,039,922 pregnant women in 2018 were used for the model establishment and external validation, respectively. Of these 3,006,989 pregnant women, 324,700 (10.8%) had a preterm birth. Higher education level of pregnant women [bachelor (OR = 0.82; 95%CI, 0.81–0.84); master or above (OR = 0.82; 95%CI, 0.81–0.83)], pre-pregnancy overweight (OR = 0.96; 95%CI, 0.95–0.98) and obesity (OR = 0.94; 95%CI, 0.93–0.96), and prenatal care (OR = 0.48; 95%CI, 0.47–0.50) were associated with a reduced risk of preterm birth, while age ≥ 35 years (OR = 1.27; 95%CI, 1.26–1.29), black race (OR = 1.26; 95%CI, 1.23–1.29), pre-pregnancy underweight (OR = 1.26; 95%CI, 1.22–1.30), pregnancy smoking (OR = 1.27; 95%CI, 1.24–1.30), pre-pregnancy diabetes (OR = 2.08; 95%CI, 1.99–2.16), pre-pregnancy hypertension (OR = 2.22; 95%CI, 2.16–2.29), previous preterm birth (OR = 2.95; 95%CI, 2.88–3.01), and plurality (OR = 12.99; 95%CI, 12.73–13.24) were related to an increased risk of preterm birth. The AUC and accuracy of the prediction model in the testing set were 0.688 (95%CI, 0.686–0.689) and 0.762 (95%CI, 0.762–0.763), respectively. In addition, a nomogram based on information on pregnant women and their spouses was established to predict the risk of preterm birth in pregnant women.

Conclusions

The nomogram for predicting the risk of preterm birth in pregnant women had a good performance and the relevant predictors are readily available clinically, which may provide a simple tool for the prediction of preterm birth.
Chasing a dream against all odds
Authors: Vivian Eva , Chewning Betty , Flanagan Constance
Published: September 2022

Background

Youth of color growing up in poverty face many challenges that children from more affluent families never experience. These children often reside in disadvantaged neighborhoods with substandard housing, inadequate medical care, and under resourced schools. This places these children at risk for poor academic achievement, school dropout, abuse and neglect, behavioral and socioemotional problems, and physical health problems. In spite of these risks, some children “beat the odds” and overcome the challenges and adversities in their external contexts. The paper reports the findings of a draw-and-write activity designed to learn the processes whereby protective factors promote resilience from a child’s point of view.

Methods

In this qualitative study, a draw-and-write activity was conducted with a convenience sample of 33 children, (23 females and 10 males of which 10 were Hmong, 11 were Middle Eastern, and 12 were African Americans) .The children were asked to make visual representations of resources (persons or things that, in their view, contribute to their wellbeing.) In depth interviews with a subset of 15 of the children was conducted to discuss the meaning of the images in their drawings. A summative content analysis of the visual and narrative data was performed using a resilience framework.

Results

Regardless of racial/ethnic background, parents, and especially mothers, were the main “person or thing” identified by these children living in poverty as helping them “make it thus far in life.” Ninety seven percent of the participants in this study described their parent(s) as nurturing and supportive, enabling them to overcome obstacles and adversities within their environment.

Forty five percent of participants identified their mother as a key anchor in their life Fifty eight percent of the African American children indicated that their parent(s) encouraged education to escape poverty.

Conclusion

The findings support that families, particularly parents have the strongest influence on supporting the resilience process in a child. These findings were consistent across ethnicity and gender. Families, particularly parents, should be the target of future interventions designed to produce resilient behaviors in youth of color living in poverty.
Long-term follow-up of tuberculosis-destroyed lung patients after surgical treatment
Authors: Ruan Hongyun , Liu Fangchao , Li Yunsong , Wang Yuxuan , Hou Dongdong , Yang Xinting , Liu Bin , Ma Teng , Liu Zhidong
Published: September 2022

Background

To monitor dypsnea and mortality at 5 and 10 years, respectively, after surgical treatment of tuberculosis-destroyed lung (TDL) patients.

Methods

TDL patients treated surgically at Beijing Chest Hospital from November 2007 to June 2019 were monitored in this observational study. Follow-up assessments of respiratory function indicators and survival conducted 5 and 10 years post-surgery led to patient grouping based on mMRC score into a dyspnea group (mMRC ≥ 1) and a non-dyspnea group (mMRC = 0). Cox regression analysis detected effects of patient demographics, clinical characteristics, surgical factors and respiratory function on 5 year post-surgical survival.

Results

By study completion (June 30, 2020), 32 of 104 patients were lost and 72 completed follow-up for a study total of 258.9 person-years. 45 patients (62.5%, 45/72) had mMRC scores of 0, while 12 (16.7%, 12/72), 21 (36.2%, 21/58) and 27 (60.0%, 27/45) patients exhibited dyspnea by 1, 3 and 5 years post-surgery, respectively. Low lung carbon monoxide diffusion score (DLCO% pred) and scoliosis contributed to dyspnea occurrence.

Conclusions

Most TDL patients lacked subjective dyspnea signs post-surgery, while dyspnea rates increased with time. Preoperative low lung diffusion function and Scoliosis were associated with factors for postoperative dyspnea. Surgical treatment increased TDL patient survival overall.
Can a workplace dialogue impact the perceived influence of neck and/or backpain on everyday activities and performance at work? A secondary analysis from the randomized controlled trial WorkUp
Authors: Axén Iben , Sennehed Charlotte Post , Eek Frida , Stigmar Kjerstin
Published: September 2022

Background

Neck- and back- pain are highly prevalent conditions in Sweden and world-wide. Such pain often has consequences on everyday activities, work- and personal life. One consequence is work absence and decreased productivity at work. Adding a workplace dialogue to structured physiotherapy was recently found to lead to increased workability, i.e., not being on sick leave during the 12th month of follow up.

Aim

The aim of the study was to explore the effect of a workplace dialogue intervention on secondary outcomes: perceived impact of neck and/or back pain on everyday activities and on performance at work, and total days of sick leave during 12 month follow up. A further aim was to examine associations between perceived influence of pain, and sick leave.

Method

Patients with neck and/or back pain in primary care in the south of Sweden were randomized into structured physiotherapy alone (n = 206) or with the addition of a workplace dialogue (n = 146). Data regarding the pain’s influence on everyday activities and on performance at work were collected using weekly text messages for 52 weeks. The pattern of change in perceived influence of neck and/or back pain on everyday activities and performance at work was compared between the groups with linear mixed models. Cross sectional correlations between perceived influence of neck and/or back pain on everyday activities and performance at work, and days of sick leave, during the preceding four weeks at months 3, 6, 9 and 12 were examined.

Result

We found no differences in change of perceived influence of neck and/or back pain on daily activities or perceived performance at work, or total days of sick leave during the 12 months of follow up between the groups with structured physiotherapy with or without a workplace dialogue. There was a weak to moderate positive correlation between days of sick leave and perceived influence of neck and/or back pain on everyday activities and performance at work (rho 0.28–0.47).

Conclusion

A workplace dialogue was not found to affect the perceived impact of neck and/or back pain on everyday activities and performance at work.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02609750.
How do people use and view infographics that summarise health and medical research? A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Zadro Joshua R. , Ferreira Giovanni E. , O’Keeffe Mary , Stahl-Timmins Will , Elkins Mark R. , Maher Christopher G.
Published: September 2022

Background

Understanding how people use infographics and their opinion on them has important implications for the design of infographics but has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to describe people’s use of and opinions about infographics summarising health and medical research, preferences for information to include in infographics, and barriers to reading full-text articles.

Methods

We conducted an online cross-sectional survey of consumers of infographics that summarise health or medical research. Demographic and outcome data were collected and summarised using descriptive statistics. A sensitivity analysis explored whether being a researcher/academic influenced the findings.

Results

Two hundred fifty-four participants completed the survey (88% completion rate). Participants included health professionals (66%), researchers (34%), academics (24%), and patients/the public (13%). Most used Twitter (67%) and smartphones (89%) to access and view infographics, and thought infographics were useful tools to communicate research (92%) and increase the attention research receives (95%). Although most participants were somewhat/extremely likely (76%) to read the full-text article after viewing an infographic, some used infographics as a substitute for the full text at least half of the time (41%), thought infographics should be detailed enough so they do not have to read the full text (55%), and viewed infographics as tools to reduce the time burden of reading the full text (64%). Researchers/academics were less likely to report behaviours/beliefs suggesting infographics can reduce the need to read the full-text article.

Conclusions

Given many people use infographics as a substitute for reading the full-text article and want infographics to be detailed enough so they don’t have to read the full text, a checklist to facilitate clear, transparent, and sufficiently detailed infographics summarising some types of health and medical research may be useful.
Boot camp approach to surgical residency preparation: feedback from a French university hospital
Authors: Buscail Etienne , Muscari Fabrice , Hostalrich Aurélien , Bolzinger Manon , Malavaud Sandra , Minville Vincent , Martin Charlotte , Delhoste Magali , Houze-Cerfon Charles Henri , Buscail Simon , Bastiani Bruno , Roumiguié Mathieu , Weyl Ariane , Carrère Nicolas , Abbo Olivier
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The transition from medical student to surgical resident is not a simple one. The aim of this study was to report the experience of a university hospital in the organization of the induction course for future surgical residents and the contribution of a video support in the learning of the suture.

Material and method

We were able to study two consecutive years of students (October 2020 and 2021). Concerning the practical and technical workshops (learning suture) we carried out a comparative study between two groups of students. A group that had video support for learning suture (video group) and a group without video (control group). The evaluation of the suture was performed in a blinded manner by two supervising surgeons. The other practical workshop was drain fixation; the students did not have a video for this workshop. A comparative study was also performed for the drain fixation workshop between the two groups (video group and control group). A program of theoretical courses was also set up. This program is established according to the different future functions of the residents by integrating medico-legal notions and teamwork. Satisfaction questionnaires were given to the students and the answers were given two months after taking up their duties in the hospital (6 questions with Likert scale and 4 free questions).

Results

The cohort consisted of 58 students (29 each in 2020 and 29 in 2021). Comparative analyses of the evaluation of the suture workshops showed better performance in the video group compared with the group without video. The comparison of these two groups did not show significant differences in the drain fixation workshop. The theoretical teaching was broken down according to the students' future tasks and each speaker was a specialist in his or her field of expertise. The results of the questionnaires showed a desire on the part of the students to increase the time spent on practical workshops and theoretical forensic teaching.

Conclusion

We were able to show through these two years of a program that we were able to offer a surgical resident preparation course. In addition, we have highlighted the contribution of a video support in the learning curve of the suture.
B-mode and color Doppler ultrasonography of normal external jugular vein in donkeys (Equus asinus)
Authors: Hussein Hussein Awad , Ibrahim Ahmed
Published: September 2022

Background

Although the jugular vein is a major important blood vessel in equine, the literature lacks this vessel's normal B-mode and Doppler ultrasonographic examinations in donkeys. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the reference ranges of B-mode and Doppler ultrasonographic indices of jugular veins in healthy adult donkeys (Equus asinus) and the possible effect of examination side (left and right), gender, and body condition on the ultrasonographic measurements of this vessel. B-mode and Doppler ultrasound imaging of the external jugular vein was conducted on 20 adult healthy donkeys of both sexes.

Results

In all donkeys, the jugular vein was 4.01 to 8.1 mm from the body surface. The longitudinal and transverse venous diameters ranged from 3.94 to 10.5 mm and from 0.88 to 1.9 cm, respectively. Moreover, the vein areas varied from 0.61 to 2.83 cm2. The reference values of superficial and deep wall thickness (SWT and DWT) were 0.56 ± 0.2 and 0.6 ± 0.13 mm, respectively. The blood velocity, blood follow rate, and congestion index of the external jugular vein can be expected in adult healthy donkeys as a range value from 8.4 to 13.5 cm/sec, from 0.33 to 1.78 ml/min, and from 0.06 to 0.27 cm.sec, respectively. Generally, the vein showed laminar monophasic waveforms. The examination side and gender have no significant effect on the ultrasound measurements of the vein (P > 0.05). Donkeys with a body condition score (BCS) ≥ 3 revealed increases in the depth of the vein (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results of this study can be used as reference values and provide a basis for comparison when evaluating donkeys with diseases that affect blood flow in the external jugular vein.
Adagrasib, a KRAS G12C inhibitor, reverses the multidrug resistance mediated by ABCB1 in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zhang Yuchen , Li Cheukfai , Xia Chenglai , Wah To Keneth Kin , Guo Zhixing , Ren Chongyang , Wen Lingzhu , Wang Fang , Fu Liwu , Liao Ning
Published: September 2022

Background

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a complex phenomenon that frequently leads to chemotherapy failure during cancer treatment. The overexpression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters represents the major mechanism contributing to MDR. To date, no effective MDR modulator has been applied in clinic. Adagrasib (MRTX849), a specific inhibitor targeting KRAS G12C mutant, is currently under investigation in clinical trials for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study focused on investigating the circumvention of MDR by MRTX849.

Methods

The cytotoxicity and MDR reversal effect of MRTX849 were assessed by MTT assay. Drug accumulation and drug efflux were evaluated by flow cytometry. The MDR reversal by MRTX849 in vivo was investigated in two ABCB1-overexpressing tumor xenograft models in nude mice. The interaction between MRTX849 and ABCB1 substrate binding sites was studied by the [125I]-IAAP-photoaffinity labeling assay. The vanadate-sensitive ATPase assay was performed to identify whether MRTX849 would change ABCB1 ATPase activity. The effect of MRTX849 on expression of ABCB1 and PI3K/AKT signaling molecules was examined by flow cytometry, Western blot and Quantitative Real-time PCR analyses.

Results

MRTX849 was shown to enhance the anticancer efficacy of ABCB1 substrate drugs in the transporter-overexpressing cells both in vitro and in vivo. The MDR reversal effect was specific against ABCB1 because no similar effect was observed in the parental sensitive cells or in ABCG2-mediated MDR cells. Mechanistically, MRTX849 increased the cellular accumulation of ABCB1 substrates including doxorubicin (Dox) and rhodamine 123 (Rho123) in ABCB1-overexpressing MDR cells by suppressing ABCB1 efflux activity. Additionally, MRTX849 stimulated ABCB1 ATPase activity and competed with [125I]-IAAP for photolabeling of ABCB1 in a concentration-dependent manner. However, MRTX849 did not alter ABCB1 expression or phosphorylation of AKT/ERK at the effective MDR reversal drug concentrations.

Conclusions

In summary, MRTX849 was found to overcome ABCB1-mediated MDR both in vitro and in vivo by specifically attenuating ABCB1 efflux activity in drug-resistant cancer cells. Further studies are warranted to translate the combination of MRTX849 and conventional chemotherapy to clinical application for circumvention of MDR.
Captopril alleviates epilepsy and cognitive impairment by attenuation of C3-mediated inflammation and synaptic phagocytosis
Authors: Dong Xinyan , Fan Jianchen , Lin Donghui , Wang Xuehui , Kuang Haoyu , Gong Lifen , Chen Chen , Jiang Jie , Xia Ningxiao , He Dahong , Shen Weida , Jiang Peifang , Kuang Rong , Zeng Linghui , Xie Yicheng
Published: September 2022

Evidence from experimental and clinical studies implicates immuno-inflammatory responses as playing an important role in epilepsy-induced brain injury. Captopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi), has previously been shown to suppress immuno-inflammatory responses in a variety of neurological diseases. However, the therapeutic potential of captopril on epilepsy remains unclear. In the present study, Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were intraperitoneally subjected to kainic acid (KA) to establish a status epilepticus. Captopril (50 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered daily following the KA administration from day 3 to 49. We found that captopril efficiently suppressed the KA-induced epilepsy, as measured by electroencephalography. Moreover, captopril ameliorated the epilepsy-induced cognitive deficits, with improved performance in the Morris water maze, Y-maze and novel objective test. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis indicated that captopril reversed a wide range of epilepsy-related biological processes, particularly the glial activation, complement system-mediated phagocytosis and the production of inflammatory factors. Interestingly, captopril suppressed the epilepsy-induced activation and abnormal contact between astrocytes and microglia. Immunohistochemical experiments demonstrated that captopril attenuated microglia-dependent synaptic remodeling presumably through C3–C3ar-mediated phagocytosis in the hippocampus. Finally, the above effects of captopril were partially blocked by an intranasal application of recombinant C3a (1.3 μg/kg/day). Our findings demonstrated that captopril reduced the occurrence of epilepsy and cognitive impairment by attenuation of inflammation and C3-mediated synaptic phagocytosis. This approach can easily be adapted to long-term efficacy and safety in clinical practice.

Graphical Abstract