bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenome-Wide Study Identifies Epigenetic Outliers in Normal Mucosa of Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ghosh Jayashri , Schultz Bryant M. , Chan Joe , Wultsch Claudia , Singh Rajveer , Shureiqi Imad , Chow Stephanie , Doymaz Ahmet , Varriano Sophia , Driscoll Melissa , Muse Jennifer , Kleiman Frida E. , Krampis Konstantinos , Issa Jean-Pierre J. , Sapienza Carmen
Published: October 2022

Nongenetic predisposition to colorectal cancer continues to be difficult to measure precisely, hampering efforts in targeted prevention and screening. Epigenetic changes in the normal mucosa of patients with colorectal cancer can serve as a tool in predicting colorectal cancer outcomes. We identified epigenetic changes affecting the normal mucosa of patients with colorectal cancer. DNA methylation profiling on normal colon mucosa from 77 patients with colorectal cancer and 68 controls identified a distinct subgroup of normally-appearing mucosa with markedly disrupted DNA methylation at a large number of CpGs, termed as “Outlier Methylation Phenotype” (OMP) and are present in 15 of 77 patients with cancer versus 0 of 68 controls (P < 0.001). Similar findings were also seen in publicly available datasets. Comparison of normal colon mucosa transcription profiles of patients with OMP cancer with those of patients with non-OMP cancer indicates genes whose promoters are hypermethylated in the OMP patients are also transcriptionally downregulated, and that many of the genes most affected are involved in interactions between epithelial cells, the mucus layer, and the microbiome. Analysis of 16S rRNA profiles suggests that normal colon mucosa of OMPs are enriched in bacterial genera associated with colorectal cancer risk, advanced tumor stage, chronic intestinal inflammation, malignant transformation, nosocomial infections, and KRAS mutations. In conclusion, our study identifies an epigenetically distinct OMP group in the normal mucosa of patients with colorectal cancer that is characterized by a disrupted methylome, altered gene expression, and microbial dysbiosis. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether OMP could serve as a biomarker for an elevated epigenetic risk for colorectal cancer development.

Prevention Relevance:

Our study identifies an epigenetically distinct OMP group in the normal mucosa of patients with colorectal cancer that is characterized by a disrupted methylome, altered gene expression, and microbial dysbiosis. Identification of OMPs in healthy controls and patients with colorectal cancer will lead to prevention and better prognosis, respectively.
TP53-Mutated Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Biology, Current Therapy, and Future Directions
Authors: Daver Naval G. , Maiti Abhishek , Kadia Tapan M. , Vyas Paresh , Majeti Ravindra , Wei Andrew H. , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Craddock Charles , Sallman David A. , Kantarjian Hagop M.
Published: October 2022

TP53-mutated myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) form a distinct group of myeloid disorders with dismal outcomes. TP53-mutated MDS and AML have lower response rates to either induction chemotherapy, hypomethylating agent–based regimens, or venetoclax-based therapies compared with non–TP53-mutated counterparts and a poor median overall survival of 5 to 10 months. Recent advances have identified novel pathogenic mechanisms in TP53-mutated myeloid malignancies, which have the potential to improve treatment strategies in this distinct clinical subgroup. In this review, we discuss recent insights into the biology of TP53-mutated MDS/AML, current treatments, and emerging therapies, including immunotherapeutic and nonimmune-based approaches for this entity.

Significance:

Emerging data on the impact of cytogenetic aberrations, TP53 allelic burden, immunobiology, and tumor microenvironment of TP53-mutated MDS and AML are further unraveling the complexity of this disease. An improved understanding of the functional consequences of TP53 mutations and immune dysregulation in TP53-mutated AML/MDS coupled with dismal outcomes has resulted in a shift from the use of cytotoxic and hypomethylating agent–based therapies to novel immune and nonimmune strategies for the treatment of this entity. It is hoped that these novel, rationally designed combinations will improve outcomes in this area of significant unmet need.
Human Papillomavirus 42 Drives Digital Papillary Adenocarcinoma and Elicits a Germ Cell–like Program Conserved in HPV-Positive Cancers
Authors: Leiendecker Lukas , Neumann Tobias , Jung Pauline S. , Cronin Shona M. , Steinacker Thomas L. , Schleiffer Alexander , Schutzbier Michael , Mechtler Karl , Kervarrec Thibault , Laurent Estelle , Bachiri Kamel , Coyaud Etienne , Murali Rajmohan , Busam Klaus J. , Itzinger-Monshi Babak , Kirnbauer Reinhard , Cerroni Lorenzo , Calonje Eduardo , Rütten Arno , Stubenrauch Frank , Griewank Klaus G. , Wiesner Thomas , Obenauf Anna C.
Published: October 2022

The skin is exposed to viral pathogens, but whether they contribute to the oncogenesis of skin cancers has not been systematically explored. Here we investigated 19 skin tumor types by analyzing off-target reads from commonly available next-generation sequencing data for viral pathogens. We identified human papillomavirus 42 (HPV42) in 96% (n = 45/47) of digital papillary adenocarcinoma (DPA), an aggressive cancer occurring on the fingers and toes. We show that HPV42, so far considered a nononcogenic, “low-risk” HPV, recapitulates the molecular hallmarks of oncogenic, “high-risk” HPVs. Using machine learning, we find that HPV-driven transformation elicits a germ cell–like transcriptional program conserved throughout all HPV-driven cancers (DPA, cervical carcinoma, and head and neck cancer). We further show that this germ cell–like transcriptional program, even when reduced to the top two genes (CDKN2A and SYCP2), serves as a fingerprint of oncogenic HPVs with implications for early detection, diagnosis, and therapy of all HPV-driven cancers.

Significance:

We identify HPV42 as a uniform driver of DPA and add a new member to the short list of tumorigenic viruses in humans. We discover that all oncogenic HPVs evoke a germ cell–like transcriptional program with important implications for detecting, diagnosing, and treating all HPV-driven cancers.

See related commentary by Starrett et al., p. 17.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1
Hippo Signaling Pathway Regulates Cancer Cell–Intrinsic MHC-II Expression
Authors: Zeng Zexian , Gu Shengqing Stan , Ouardaoui Nofal , Tymm Carly , Yang Lin , Wong Cheryl J. , Li Dian , Zhang Wubing , Wang Xiaoqing , Weirather Jason L. , Rodig Scott J. , Hodi F. Stephen , Brown Myles , Liu X. Shirley
Published: October 2022

MHC-II is known to be mainly expressed on the surface of antigen-presenting cells. Evidence suggests MHC-II is also expressed by cancer cells and may be associated with better immunotherapy responses. However, the role and regulation of MHC-II in cancer cells remain unclear. In this study, we leveraged data mining and experimental validation to elucidate the regulation of MHC-II in cancer cells and its role in modulating the response to immunotherapy. We collated an extensive collection of omics data to examine cancer cell–intrinsic MHC-II expression and its association with immunotherapy outcomes. We then tested the functional relevance of cancer cell–intrinsic MHC-II expression using a syngeneic transplantation model. Finally, we performed data mining to identify pathways potentially involved in the regulation of MHC-II expression, and experimentally validated candidate regulators. Analyses of preimmunotherapy clinical samples in the CheckMate 064 trial revealed that cancer cell–intrinsic MHC-II protein was positively correlated with more favorable immunotherapy outcomes. Comprehensive meta-analyses of multiomics data from an exhaustive collection of data revealed that MHC-II is heterogeneously expressed in various solid tumors, and its expression is particularly high in melanoma. Using a syngeneic transplantation model, we further established that melanoma cells with high MHC-II responded better to anti–PD-1 treatment. Data mining followed by experimental validation revealed the Hippo signaling pathway as a potential regulator of melanoma MHC-II expression. In summary, we identified the Hippo signaling pathway as a novel regulator of cancer cell–intrinsic MHC-II expression. These findings suggest modulation of MHC-II in melanoma could potentially improve immunotherapy response.
Daptomycin Cross-Linked Chitosan Nanoparticles Serve as an Antibacterial Drug Delivery System
Authors: He Yujing , Jiang Hulin , Xing Lei , Zhu Yong , Hao Jifu , Wang Jianzhu , Zhang Jimei
Published: October 2022

This report was aimed to investigate smart chitosan-daptomycin nanoparticles (CTS-DAP NPs) prepared by a simple ionic gelation method and to document their bacteriostatic activity towards infections. The particle size of optimal CTS-DAP NPs was 146.3 ± 0.09 nm, with narrow polydispersity
index and zeta potential of 24.87 ± 1.06 mV. The drug loading efficiency of CTS-DAP NPs was 60.8%, and their in vitro drug release behavior exhibited that DAP could be released sustainedly. Zone of inhibition (ZOI) test, which was used to determine the activity of CTS-DAP NPs
against S. aureus, showed the inhibitory zone diameter increased from 11.7 to 15.06 mm along with increased DAP dose from 1.25 to 10 μg loaded in CTS-DAP NPs. Taken together, the CTS-DAP NPs may provide a reliable approach to inhibit bacterial infections.
Research on Mechanism of FePt Nanoparticles at Varied Concentrations in Regulating DNA Injury and Inactivation of Hela Cells Through Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signal Pathway
Authors: Zhu Chunxia , Ming Shenqiu , Qiu Bin , Zhong Hui
Published: October 2022

FePt nanoparticles were in this study prepared at varied concentrations to assess their mechanism in regulating DNA injury and inactivation of Hela cells through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathway. The cells were divided into following 5 group sets: 1st, 2nd, 3rd,
4th and 5th, which were randomly intervened by following varied concentrations of FePt nanoparticles; 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 μg/mL. Their action on cellular toxicity, proliferation and inactivation of cells was detected with CCK-8 method, while apoptotic condition was detected with
flow cytometry (FCM). The degree of DNA double chains fracture was detected with neutral single cell gel electrophoresis and immunofluorescence staining. The protein expressions of of EKR1/2, p-ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and p-p38 MAPK in every set were detected with Western Blot assay, while proliferative
activity in the 4th and 5th sets was lower than in the 1st set, and inhibiting action in the 4th set was best. There was no notable difference between 4th and 5th sets, and apoptotic rate in the 1st set was lower than in the other sets. The DNA percentage in the Hela cells was reduced and
Tial length was lengthened along with increased concentration of adopted FePt nanoparticles. The proliferation of Hela cells was restrained by FePt nanoparticles through restraining of the MAPK signal pathway, but growth of Hela cells was not affected, and DNA double-strand break (DSB) was
increased. The FePt nanoparticles could therefore be adopted as one kind of effective anti-tumor drug through increased DNA DSB in tumor cells based on killing effect of tumor cells and good compatibility for normal cells.
First-Principles Study on Adsorption of CO2 and SO3 in Flue Gas by Sc Doped MoS2 Sensor
Authors: Luo Qiang , Ma Zhi-wei , Zou Jiang-feng , Yang Heng , Liu Zhong-hua , Qiu Yi
Published: October 2022

Based on the first-principles method of density Functional Theory (DFT), a scandium atom doped twodimensional MoS2 model was constructed in this paper. The adsorption behavior of CO2 and SO3 on the surface of intrinsic MoS2 and Sc–MoS2
were studied, and the adsorption structure and electronic properties of the adsorption system were calculated. The results show that the geometric structure of the adsorption of CO2 and SO3 by intrinsic MoS2 changed a little, the adsorption energy is −0.756
eV and −0.910 eV, respectively. The band gap width does not change significantly. After Sc doped in MoS2, the binding energy of Sc–MoS2 is −1.115 eV, the band gap width changes from 1.720 eV to 0.323 eV, which reduced significantly. At the same time,
combined with the electron fractal wave state density diagram, it is found that the electrons at Fermi level are mainly provided by Sc, which indicated that doping contributes to improve the system conductivity. After the adsorption of CO2 and SO3 by Sc–MoS2,
the geometric structure of the former changed a little, the adsorption energy is −0.383 eV, and the forbidden band width changes little. The geometric structure of the latter changes significantly, the Sc–S bond length is elongated, SO3 changes from a plane equilateral
triangle to a pyramid shape, the adsorption energy is −4.823 eV, the forbidden band width becomes negative, the conductivity of the system is significantly improved, but it is difficult to decompose.
Resolved Gravity Waves in the Extratropical Stratosphere: Effect of Horizontal Resolution Increase from O(10) to O(1) km
Authors: Polichtchouk Inna , van Niekerk Annelize , Wedi Nils
Published: October 2022

Global ECMWF IFS simulations with horizontal grid spacings of 1, 4, and 9 km are used to assess gravity wave forcing (GWF) in the extratropical stratosphere. Results with important implications for GWF parameterizations at high and intermediate resolutions are presented. A doubling in the zonal-mean resolved GWF is observed when the horizontal resolution is increased from 9 to 1 km. Small-scale gravity waves with horizontal wavelengths < 100 km dominate this increase. Over most regions, excluding the polar night jet in the Antarctic spring, the total (resolved + parameterized) GWF at 9 km (4 km) is underestimated by up to 30% (15%). This implies that the parameterization of GWF is still required at 9 and 4 km horizontal resolutions. Despite the small land area in the Southern Hemisphere (SH), the resolved orographic and nonorographic GWF contribute equally to the total GWF in the SH at 1 km resolution. This is not reflected in the partitioning of the parameterized GWF, which has a significantly larger nonorographic contribution at 9 km. As a result, a zonal-mean momentum budget analysis reveals that the total GWF contributes one-third of SH springtime polar vortex deceleration at 1 km, whereas the contribution is as much as 50% at 9 km. This suggests that a rebalancing of the parameterized nonorographic and orographic GWF is required.
Anchoring Intraseasonal Air–Sea Interactions: The Moored Moist Static Energy Budget in the Indian Ocean from Reanalysis
Authors: Rydbeck Adam V. , A. Christophersen Jonathan , Flatau Maria K. , Janiga Matthew A. , Jensen Tommy G. , Reynolds Carolyn A. , Ridout James A. , Smith Travis A. , Wijesekera Hemantha
Published: October 2022

Moist static energy (MSE) and ocean heat content (OHC) in the tropics are inextricably linked. The processes by which sources and sinks of OHC modulate column integrated MSE in the Indian Ocean (IO) are explored through a reformulation of the MSE budget using atmosphere and ocean reanalysis data. In the reframed MSE budget, interfacial air–sea turbulent and radiative fluxes are replaced for information on upper ocean dynamics, thus “mooring” the MSE tendency to the subsurface ocean. On subseasonal time scales, ocean forcing is largely responsible for the amplification of MSE anomalies across the IO, with basin average growth rates of 10% day−1. Local OHC depletion is the leading contributor to anomalous MSE amplification with average rates of 12% day−1. Along the equator, MSE is amplified by OHC vertical advection. Ocean forcing only weakly reduces the propagation tendency of MSE anomalies (−2% day−1), with propagation predominantly resulting from atmosphere forcing (10% day−1). OHC in the IO acts as an MSE reservoir that is expended during periods of enhanced intraseasonal atmosphere convection and recharged during periods of suppressed convection. Because OHC is an MSE source during enhanced intraseasonal convection periods, it largely offsets the negative MSE tendency produced by horizontal advection in the atmosphere. The opposite effect occurs during suppressed convection periods, where OHC is a sink of MSE and counters the positive MSE tendency produced by horizontal advection in the atmosphere.
Summertime Subtropical Stationary Waves in the Northern Hemisphere: Variability, Forcing Mechanisms, and Impacts on Tropical Cyclone Activity
Authors: Chang Chuan-Chieh , Wang Zhuo , Ting Mingfang , Zhao Ming
Published: October 2022

The interannual variability of summertime subtropical stationary waves, the forcing mechanisms, and their connections to regional tropical cyclone (TC) variability are investigated in this study. Two indices are identified to characterize the interannual variability of subtropical stationary waves: the longitudinal displacement of the zonal wavenumber-1 component (WN1) and the intensity change of the zonal wavenumber-2 component (WN2). These two indices are strongly anticorrelated and offer simple metrics to depict the interannual variability of subtropical stationary waves. Furthermore, the longitudinal displacement of the WN1 is significantly correlated with the variability of TC activity over the North Pacific and North Atlantic, and its influences on regional TC activity can be explained by variations in vertical wind shear, tropospheric humidity, and the frequency of Rossby wave breaking. The subtropical stationary waves are strongly related to precipitation anomalies over different oceanic regions, implying the possible impacts of low-frequency climate modes. Semi-idealized experiments using the Community Earth System Model version 2 (CESM2) show that the longitude of the WN1 is strongly modulated by ENSO, as well as SST anomalies over the Atlantic main development region and the central North Pacific. Further diagnosis using a baroclinic stationary wave model demonstrates the dominant role of diabatic heating in driving the interannual variability of stationary waves and confirms the impacts of different air–sea coupled modes on subtropical stationary waves. Overall, subtropical stationary waves provide a unified framework to understand the impacts of various forcing agents, such as ENSO, the Atlantic meridional mode, and extratropical Rossby wave breaking, on TC activity over the North Atlantic and North Pacific.
Seasonal Variation of Peritonsillar Abscess Presentation to an Emergency Department in an Atlantic Canadian Climate: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Hathi Kalpesh , Lees Miranda X. , Chandra Kavish , Lewis David , McMullin Ben , Chin Christopher J.
Published: October 2022

Objectives:

Patients with a peritonsillar abscess (PTA) often present to emergency departments as the first point of medical contact. Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are more frequent in the winter. Therefore, we hypothesize that the incidence of PTAs will be more frequent in colder winter months as well. This is the first study assessing the seasonal variation and epidemiology of PTA presentations to an emergency department in Atlantic Canada, home to a unique maritime climate.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted through a chart review of all patients who presented to the Saint John Regional Hospital Emergency Department from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2020. Patient characteristics, treatment, and microbiology were reported. A chi-square goodness-of-fit test assessed the seasonal variation of PTA. Pearson correlations assessed PTA incidence per mean monthly temperature and humidity.

Results:

A total of 75 patients were included. 57.3% were male and 42.7% were female, with a mean age (±SD) of 35.9 ± 14.0. Most patients presented afebrile (82.7%, cutoff ≥ 38.0°C). Approximately half of all patients had an elevated WBC count (49.3%, cutoff ≥ 10.9 × 109). The most common bacteria isolated were Streptococcus species followed by anaerobic bacteria (17.9%). No significant variation was found with respect to season (X2(3) = 1.0, P = .801), temperature ( r(70) = 0.198, P = .096), or humidity, ( r(70) = 0.063, P = .599).

Conclusion:

This study did not find a seasonal variation of PTA in a maritime climate. These findings question the anecdotal hypothesis that PTA is associated with progression from acute URTIs and therefore would be more common in the winter months.
Community sadness: Clinical recommendations for working with grieving Arab American families
Authors: Tadros Eman , Salman Marram , Ramadan Abrea , Daifallah Nour
Published: October 2022

Grief is a universal emotion, both layered and multidimensional. Grief in Arab cultures center around three ideals: culture, family, and religion. This paper examines the multiple different factors that influence Arabs during their grief, broken down into how different religions process and view death, along with the impact of Westernized ideals and other relationships. We explore physiological responses of grief, gender differences in expressing emotions, self-care practice, and utilizing religion as a strength. The rules and traditions surrounding grief and loss in Arab communities need to be acknowledged by clinicians and incorporated into their practice. Recommendations and future directions for clinicians to support Arab grief within the three lenses of culture, family, and religion.
National Security Education and the Infrapolitical Resistance of Parent-Stayers in Hong Kong
Authors: Lui Lake
Published: October 2022

This study highlights political parenting after the introduction of National Security Education (NSE) in Hong Kong amid waves of political repression after the anti-extradition movement in 2019–2020. Do parents conform to or resist the new nationalistic, China-focused education curriculum that is inconsistent with their ideals of parenting and children education? How do parents navigate these changes? Based on the interviews with 26 parent-stayers in Hong Kong, I uncover that beneath the public transcripts of compliance, there are low-profile forms of resistance through (1) political parenting—nurturance of acquiescent but critical thinkers and resistance to nationalization by preparing their children to embracing cosmopolitan values in pursuit of a migration dream and (2) parents’ anonymous attempts to break the silence by using other dominant but depoliticized discourses to reconfigure their resistance to NSE. In so doing, they avoid provoking the authorities, while continuing to resist. These hidden transcripts are drawn from the cultural repertoires of parenting and liberal democracy in the pre-National Security Law (NSL) period.
Caries Incidence Is Associated with Wasting among Cambodian Children
Authors: Turton B. , Sullivan S. , Chher T. , Hak S. , Sokal-Gutierrez K. , Wieringa F. , Singh A.
Published: October 2022

Evidence suggests that dental caries is associated with chronic and acute malnutrition, manifested as stunting and wasting in children. However, studies have not always appropriately accounted for confounding factors or for the temporal ordering between exposure and outcome. This study examined relationships between the development of caries lesions with subsequent stunting and wasting outcomes using data from a population-based cohort in Cambodia. Caries incidence was assessed based on the presence of a new cavitated carious lesion or a new pulpally involved lesion across a 6-mo observation period. Anthropometric measurements were taken at regular intervals. Effects of carious lesions on stunting and wasting were assessed using inverse probability treatment weighting, adjusting for potential confounders, using z scores for height-for-age (HAZ) and weight-for-height (WHZ) as outcomes. In total, 894 children (mean age 20 mo at baseline) were followed over 2 y. At baseline, 350 (39.1%) were identified as having stunting malnutrition. At follow-up, 58 (6.5%) had a new pulpally involved lesion. There was no association between incidence of cavitated or pulpally involved carious lesions at follow-up and stunting (relative risk [RR] = 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75, 1.50). The incidence of pulpally involved carious lesions had an effect on wasting prevalence (WHZ <−2; RR = 1.35; 95% CI: 0.70, 2.62) and WHZ scores (average treatment effect = −0.294; 95% CI: −0.538, −0.050). This study offers evidence that the development of pulpally involved carious lesions has an effect on WHZ scores. Oral health promotion and clinical prevention and management of dental caries should be explored as interventions to promote normal growth and development among preschool children, particularly in low-income settings.
Who leads peace operations? A new dataset on leadership positions in UN peace operations, 1948–2019
Authors: Jenne Nicole
Published: October 2022

It is widely recognized that UN peace operations have been critically influenced by their leadership personnel in the field since the first UN peacekeepers were deployed in 1948. But who exactly are the people that lead peace operations and decide how these are implemented on the ground? This special data feature introduces a new dataset on leadership positions in UN peace operations from its interception in 1948 up to 2019. The relevance of different authorities in peace operations is discussed, followed by an examination of general trends in the data with regards to the duration of term in different leadership positions, the national and regional origin of peace operations authorities, and the distribution of gender. It is shown that scholars studying a variety of topics, including policymaking at the UN, the use of force in peace operations, international responsibilities, and the role of the global south in international politics, can benefit from paying closer attention to the question of who occupies leadership positions in UN peace operations.
A rubric as a tool for summative and formative evaluation in Laboratory Animals Technologist degree at the University of Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Authors: Cicale Eliana M , Casanova Verónica , Caturini Eduardo , Retamal Marianela Ceol , Greco María C , Gimenez Sofía , Gulin Julián E
Published: October 2022

Laboratory Animals Technologist degree ( Técnico Universitario en Gestión Integral de Bioterios) was created in 1989. It is offered jointly by the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry at the University of Buenos Aires. The complete programme is organized into 15 courses, including basic and applied sciences, along with specific courses ( Técnicas de Bioterio I to V) with a solid practice content that students must achieve.

An additional challenge occurs when practices consist of animal handling and procedures, which can be stressful for students and animals. Since traditional evaluation methods may not be the best way to determine the acquisition of knowledge and practical performance, an evaluation rubric is proposed to assess the practices carried out by students.

The aspects and criteria to be examined were previously known of by students and teachers. The evaluation levels include: ‘Daily report and record-keeping’, ‘Food and water supply’, ‘Cleaning and disinfection of areas, Standardized Operational Procedures and routines fulfilment’, ‘Personnel and supplies circulation’, ‘Use of personal protection equipment and physical care’, ‘Fulfilment of tasks in established times’, ‘Animals procedures and organization of needed materials’, ‘Animal care’ and ‘Teamwork camaraderie and organization’.

The proposed tool was implemented with good results to achieve the academic objectives while augmenting the confidence for practical expertise, minimizing doubts and uncertainties related to traditional evaluation methods, and providing students with an environment that favours knowledge acquisition and practical skills, establishing standard criteria among the teaching staff, and reducing and refining the use of animals for educational purposes.
An Exploration of Death Anxiety of Family Members of Silent Mentor Body Donation Program
Authors: Wong Li Ping , Alias Haridah , Tan Sik-Loo , Sia Thiam Eng , Saw Aik
Published: October 2022

Background: This study assesses the level of death anxiety among the family members of the Silent Mentor Programme (SMP) and determines whether their participation in various ceremonies during the training session impacted their death anxiety. Methods: The revised Collett–Lester Fear of Death Scale (CL-FODS) was administered to the study participants before the opening ceremony and after the sending-off ceremony of the programme. Results: All the four subscales that measure fear of one’s own death, fear of the process of one’s own dying, fear of the death of others and fear of the process of others dying in the CL-FODS showed significant reduction after the sending-off ceremony compared with before the opening ceremony. Younger family members reported significantly higher mean total death anxiety scores compared to the older members. Conclusion: The SMP not only nurtures doctors with humanity but also helps the family members to cope with grief and loss.
Punk ideals, school leaders and fashioning an “authentic” self
Authors: Heffernan Amanda , Thomson Pat
Published: October 2022

The field of education is in dire need of different ways of thinking about attracting, supporting, and retaining school leaders. We see the idea of punk as a space that may offer some leeway for thinking differently about professionalism for school leaders. In this paper, we draw on thinking about punk subcultures to recognise the ways in which leaders hold self-expression and identity as important, while also thinking about how leaders as a collective might push back against some of the narrow ideas of who or what a school leader can be and do. We present findings from a mixed-methods study of women school leaders from around the world. Drawing on an anonymous survey and interviews, and literatures from sociology, fashion studies, and cultural studies, we explore women’s experiences and identities as school leaders. The paper contributes to our understanding of professionalism and identity and also how we can better attract, support, and retain school leaders.
Dialogue in and as European heritage
Authors: Čeginskas Viktorija L A , Kaasik-Krogerus Sigrid
Published: October 2022

In this article, we scrutinize the use and institutionalization of the concept of ‘dialogue’ in the cultural politics of the European Union. Our focus is on how dialogue is understood in the context of the European Union’s flagship heritage action, the European Heritage Label, that aims to strengthen citizens’ sense of belonging to the Union. Since heritage has gained increasing prominence in the European Union international relations, we also discuss how ‘dialogue’ is institutionalized in the European Heritage Label as part of the European Union’s heritage diplomacy. We approach dialogue in the context of the European Heritage Label as a floating signifier; an ideal seldom explicitly defined and never fully achieved but actively used to organize society and power relations. The empirical data consist of official European Heritage Label reports and interviews conducted with European Union officials and members of the European Heritage Label panel in charge of the selection and awarding of European Heritage Label sites.
Association of Sleep and Physical Activity Among Older Adults and the Moderation of Chronotype
Authors: Huang Jing , Li Mengchi , McPhillips Miranda Varrasse , Lukkahatai Nada , Li Junxin
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to examine the associations of both subjectively and objectively measured sleep with physical activity among older adults and to explore the possible moderating role of chronotype in these associations. We included baseline data of 116 community-dwelling older adults without dementia from three prior studies. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Actigraphy were used as subjective and objective sleep measures, respectively. Physical activity was assessed by the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. The Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire was used to measure chronotype, which was further dichotomized into morning type and non-morning type. Multiple linear regressions were performed to examine the associations, controlling for demographic and health characteristics. We found that better subjective sleep quality, shorter actigraphy sleep duration, and higher actigraphy sleep efficiency were uniquely associated with greater physical activity. Being a morning type might alleviate the adverse association between poor subjective sleep quality and physical activity among older adults.
Recent progresses in state estimation of lithium-ion battery energy storage systems: A review
Authors: Yang Yi , Zhou Qi , Zhang Li , Du Dajun , Zheng Min , Niu Qun , Gao Lei , Yuan Xiaodong
Published: October 2022

Battery storage has been widely used in integrating large-scale renewable generations and in transport decarbonization. For battery systems to operate safely and reliably, the accuracy of state estimation is extremely crucial in battery management system (BMS). However, due to the complex working conditions and electrochemical reactions, it is difficult to accurately estimate the internal state of batteries. This survey focuses on categorizing and reviewing some of the most recent estimation methods for internal states, including state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH) and internal temperature, of which internal temperature estimation methods have been rarely reviewed in the existing literature. The main advantages and disadvantages of these methods are compared, with a focus on the new sensing technologies for internal state estimations. Then, the future prospects of battery state estimation technologies are discussed.
Injection of Platelet Rich Plasma in the Olfactory Cleft for COVID-19 Patients With Persistent Olfactory Dysfunction: Description of the Technique
Authors: Lechien Jerome R. , Saussez Sven
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we described technique of platelet rich plasma injection into the olfactory cleft in a 22-year-old female with 24-month post–COVID-19 anosmia. The technique starts with the blood extraction and the isolation of PRP through a 10-min centrifugation. The supernatant was injected in nasal regions after a local anesthesia through a 0° rigid optic. Several points of .2–.5 mL were performed in the nasal septum in regard of the head of the middle turbine and in the head of the middle turbine in both sides. The baseline threshold, discrimination, and identification scores were 1, 8, and 0, and the Olfactory Disorder Questionnaire score was 51, respectively. The injection of PRP in olfactory cleft was done without complication and mild pain. The patient perception of recovery of smell sense occurred at 3-week post-injection. From this time, the smell sense progressively improved to the 2-month consultation. At 2-month post-injection, the TDI scores reached 16, 16, and 16 (48), while the Olfactory Disorder Questionnaire was 73. The injection of PRP into the olfactory cleft appears to be a safe and easiness new approach that may improve the recovery of smell sense. Future controlled studies are needed.
Two-Sided Messages Promote Openness for a Variety of Deeply Entrenched Attitudes
Authors: Xu Mengran , Petty Richard E.
Published: October 2022

Prior research showed that people holding attitudes on relatively moral topics became more open to two- rather than one-sided messages as the moral basis of their attitudes increased. Across three studies ( N = 963), we extend this finding to relatively non-moral topics by demonstrating that two-sided messages can encourage people with strong attitudes indexed by various non-moral attitude strength measures to be more open to contrary positions. Study 1 demonstrated this for four indicators of attitude strength (e.g., certainty). As the strength of one’s attitude increased, two-sided messages increased in relative effectiveness over one-sided communication. This was mediated by perceived appreciation for the speaker acknowledging one’s view. Study 2 replicated this finding in a preregistered experiment. Study 3 conceptually replicated and extended it to people holding attitudes based on their political identity. Finally, evidence was obtained supporting perceived appreciation (rather than source evaluation) as the key driver of this interactive effect.
Reconsidering trauma and symbolic wounds in times of online misogyny and platforms
Authors: Johanssen Jacob
Published: October 2022

This article provides an exploratory discussion of the misogynist online incel community and its discourses around mental health. Incels’ discussion of mental health conditions, trauma and victimhood is outlined in relation to Allen Meek’s development of the concept of the symbolic wound. It is argued that incels’ alleged trauma constitutes the construction of a symbolic wound as a marker of group identity as well as a means of shocking and potentially traumatising others. The concept of the symbolic wound is further developed through the psychoanalytic notion of dis/inhibition which shows how incels are torn between modes of desiring and symbolically destroying women. The collective identity of the symbolic wound and its (non)-relation to trauma can thus be more fragile and contradictory than has been discussed in the literature so far.
How can consciousness be false? Alienation, simulation, and mental ownership
Authors: Bianchin Matteo
Published: October 2022

Alienation has been recently revived as a central concept in critical theory. Current debates, however, tend to focus on normative rather than on explanatory issues. In this paper, I confront the latter and advance an account of alienation that bears on the mechanisms that bring it about in order to locate alienation as a distinctive social and psychological fact and to dissolve a paradox it seems to involve. In particular, I argue that alienation can be explained as a disruption induced by social factors in the sense of mental ownership that comes with the first personal awareness of being a subject of attitudes, emotions, and actions, and outline how social factors can play a structuring causal role in the process that brings it about. In the first section, I introduce the theme and explain why it is important to focus on the mechanisms that underlie alienation. In the second section, I maintain that understanding how alienation works is crucial to make sense of false consciousness. In the third section, I consider the relevance of mental ownership to explaining alienation and discuss existing evidence about whether and how it can fail. In the final section, I argue that disturbances in the simulation routines that support social cognition might underpin alienation, and outline how social factors might play a structuring causal role in this connection.
The effect of Dioscorea esculenta powder on prostaglandin E2 and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 levels, menstrual pain, and premenstrual syndrome in young women: A randomized double-blind controlled trial
Authors: Sato Koji , Seto Kaori
Published: October 2022

Background Diosgenin, extracted from Dioscorea esculenta, has been reported to decrease prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels and any other inflammatory cytokine in rodents. However, it is still unclear whether D. esculenta intake suppressed PGE2 production and menstrual pain and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in younger female. Aim This study aims to investigate the effect of D. esculenta intake on PGE2 and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 (COX-2) levels and on menstrual pain and PMS in young women. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Methods Ten healthy young females were administered either a placebo or D. esculenta (300 mg/day) for 4 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period. Fasting blood sample was taken from the fingertips on the second day of menstrual cycle began and obtained 24h before the last D. esculenta to avoid acute effects. Participants then switched treatments for 4 weeks as a second trial. Plasma PGE2 and COX-2 levels were measured before and after each trial. The visual analogue scale (VAS), McGill pain questionnaire (MPQ), and Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) were also evaluated. The study was set and conducted from 2019 to 2020. Results PGE2 and COX-2 levels significantly decreased after D. esculenta intake compared to placebo ( p = 0.038, p = 0.042 each). The VAS and DRSP scores were also significantly lower after D. esculenta intake ( p = 0.046, p = 0.035 each). Conclusion Four-week D. esculenta intake suppressed PGE2 and COX-2 levels resulting in an improvement in PMS symptoms and menstrual pain in young women.
An Online Survey on Challenges and Needs for Identifying and Nurturing Twice Exceptional Learners
Authors: Chen Yen-Wei , Li Chia-Chao , Gläser-Zikuda Michaela , Kuo Ching-Chih
Published: October 2022

The current study conducted an online survey to understand the challenges and needs teachers face for identifying and nurturing students with twice exception. Among 896 respondent schools, 179 schools were reported to have 277 identified 2E students. The results indicated that schools with both gifted and disability classes/programs or services identified more 2E students than did schools without a special education program. Although increasing the awareness and knowledge of general education teachers is beneficial for the identification of 2E students, most of the respondents reported that they need gifted education teachers to get involved in developing students’ talents. Obvious opportunity gaps existed between schools with only disability education and with gifted and disability education. An effective support system with manpower and financial assistance from governments is also essential for closing opportunity gaps and meeting the needs of both learners and teachers.
The use of PSA testing over more than 20 years: A population-based study in North-Eastern Italy
Authors: Taborelli Martina , Toffolutti Federica , Bidoli Ettore , Dal Maso Luigino , Del Zotto Stefania , Clagnan Elena , Gobbato Michele , Serraino Diego , Franceschi Silvia
Published: October 2022

Objective:

To describe the practice of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing over more than 20 years in Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG), North-Eastern Italy.

Methods:

A population-based, ecological study was conducted using information derived from regional administrative health-related databases. Data on PSA and prostate biopsies performed on resident men aged ⩾45 years from 1998 to 2019 were retrieved. PSA and biopsy rates were calculated as the number of men who had at least one such procedure in each calendar year over the mean resident male population of the same year. Temporal trends were analyzed using joinpoint regression (annual percentage change –APC).

Results:

A total of 2,502,670 PSA were made between 1998 to 2019 in men aged ⩾45 years. The number of PSA steadily increased from 51,055 in 1998-1999 to 134,504 in 2010-2011, then dropped to 122,080 in 2018-2019. Significant changes in the slopes of PSA rates emerged in 2002 and 2009: the largest increase occurred during 1998-2002 (APC 18.4), followed by a smaller increase in 2002-2009 (APC 3.4) and a subsequent reduction (APC -2.5). Similar patterns emerged for all ages, but the decrease since 2009 was smaller for men aged ⩾65 years. An upward trend emerged in biopsy rate from 1998 to 2001 (APC 13.0), followed by a smaller increase until 2007 (APC 5.7) and a subsequent decrease. Biopsies as percentage of PSA decreased from 3.2% to 2.2%, particularly in those aged ⩾75 years.

Conclusions:

Although overall declining PSA rates have been observed in FVG since 2009, rates remained higher in the ⩾65-year-old group than in the 45-64–year-old group.
Trajectories of Emerging Adults’ Binge Drinking and Depressive Symptoms and Associations With Sexual Violence Victimization: Examining Differences by Sexual and Gender Minority Status
Authors: Siconolfi Daniel , Davis Jordan P. , Pedersen Eric R. , Tucker Joan S. , Dunbar Michael S. , Rodriguez Anthony , D’Amico Elizabeth J.
Published: October 2022

We examined longitudinal associations between binge drinking (BD), depressive symptoms, and sexual violence (sexual harassment and sexual assault) among sexual and gender minority (SGM) and non-SGM emerging adults. Data were drawn from four annual web-based surveys of a diverse cohort of 2,553 emerging adults, spanning from approximately age 19 (2016) to age 22 (2020). About 18% were SGM individuals. We tested a multigroup parallel process latent growth curve model (recent depression symptoms; past-year BD) with time-varying covariates (past-year sexual harassment; sexual assault) to determine associations of sexual violence with BD and depression outcomes over time, and whether growth curves and associations differed by SGM status. For both SGM and non-SGM emerging adults, past-year sexual harassment was associated with depressive symptoms at each time point, but harassment was not associated with BD. For both groups, sexual assault was associated with both depressive symptoms and BD. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine longitudinal, contemporaneous associations of sexual violence (including both harassment and assault as distinct constructs), with BD and depressive symptoms among racially and ethnically diverse emerging adults, comparing SGM and non-SGM groups. Although our models do not disentangle directionality or causality, the findings suggest the need to address sexual violence victimization (assault and harassment) in the context of depression screening and treatment, and vice versa. We discuss a number of intervention strategies currently in use for an implicitly non-SGM general population that could be adapted for greater inclusion of and relevance to SGM populations.
Ubuntu as an Instrument to Foster Holistic Nursing: The Views of South African Student Nurses
Authors: Muhammad-Lawal Ameenat Temitope , Anokwuru Rafiat Ajoke , Bhana-Pema Varshika , Mulaudzi Fhumulani Mavis
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Ubuntu is an African philosophy that reflects holistic and comprehensive care among people in the community. Holistic nursing is a philosophy of caring that focuses on holistic healing and humanism. The purpose of the study was to explore the views of the South African final-year student nurses on the ability of Ubuntu to foster holistic nursing. Methods: An exploratory descriptive qualitative method was used. Eight focus group interviews were conducted with final-year student nurses at selected universities. Colaizzi seven steps process of data analysis was utilized. Results: One of the themes that emerged was that Ubuntu can be an instrument to foster holistic nursing Ubuntu and holistic nursing share many common attributes, hence, the teaching and learning of Ubuntu could foster the type of caring embodied by holistic nursing. Discussion: Ubuntu represents an important care philosophy that can foster holistic nursing, especially when the inner driving force of the nurses is primarily to care for patients.
Determinants of Voluntary Organizations’ Attention on Facebook: The Case of Norwegian Voluntary Organizations
Authors: Enjolras Bernard
Published: October 2022

By offering low-cost tools of communication and coordination, social media platforms such as Facebook may constitute a substitute for coordination by means of hierarchical organization. Social media may disrupt, appearing as a “weapon of the weak,” a relationship that has traditionally linked membership to resources and influence. Against such a backdrop, this article investigates the extent to which organizational features and activities as well as the content of Facebook posts predict the reach and audience of voluntary organizations on Facebook. By linking organizational survey data and social media data and harnessing machine learning methods, hypotheses linking organizational features and the reach and level of attention obtained by voluntary organizations on Facebook are tested. The results support the notion that social media may work as a substitute for hierarchical forms of membership mobilization but do not support the “weapon of the weak” hypothesis.