bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trained Immunity of IL-12-, IL-15-, and IL-18-Induced CD3+CD56+ NKT-Like Cells
Authors: Zhu Siyu , Zhang Chen , Sun Qian , Wang Yang , Yu Wenwen , Wei Feng , Ren Xiubao
Published: June 2022

CD3+CD56+ natural killer T (NKT)-like cells have an immune function of T cells and NK cells, which play an important role in antitumor and antiviral immune responses. This study aims to establish a CD3+CD56+ NKT-like cell model by simulating the memory NK effect induced by cytokines IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 (IL-12/15/18) and explore the formation mechanism. Our study found that the IL-12/15/18 preactivated CD3+CD56+ NKT-like cells exhibited enhanced IFN-γ production in response to restimulation with IL-12/15/18 for 6h on day 7. The intrinsic potential of these trained cells was significantly improved, showing an increase in IFN-γ, TNF-α, and cell proliferation potential. The IFN-γ release, granzyme B level, and proliferation ability significantly increased when stimulated by NK-cell-sensitive K562 tumor cells. Among these cytokines, the combination of IL-12/15/18 was particularly effective. After the preactivation of IL-12/15/18, some cell surface proteins related to function and differentiation, such as CD11b, CD62 L, NKp46, NKG2A, and CD127, showed an evident and consistent change trend. The CDK4/6 inhibitor can effectively weaken this effect, and the expression of cyclin D1, Rb protein phosphorylation, and E2F-1 decreased significantly. Our work revealed that cytokine IL-12/15/18 can induce CD3+CD56+ NKT-like cells to obtain enhanced training immunity, which was a memory-like phenomenon.
The Role of Mitochondria in Metabolic Syndrome–Associated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Li Jiayu , Li Jingye , Chen Yijun , Hu Wenyu , Gong Xuhe , Qiu Hui , Chen Hui , Xin Yanguo , Li Hongwei
Published: June 2022

With the rapid development of society, the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MS) is increasing rapidly. Evidence indicated that patients diagnosed with MS usually suffered from cardiomyopathy, called metabolic syndrome–associated cardiomyopathy (MSC). The clinical characteristics of MSC included cardiac hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction, followed by heart failure. Despite many studies on this topic, the detailed mechanisms are not clear yet. As the center of cellular metabolism, mitochondria are crucial for maintaining heart function, while mitochondria dysfunction plays a vital role through mechanisms such as mitochondrial energy deprivation, calcium disorder, and ROS (reactive oxygen species) imbalance during the development of MSC. Accordingly, in this review, we will summarize the characteristics of MSC and especially focus on the mechanisms related to mitochondria. In addition, we will update new therapeutic strategies in this field.
Association between Mesenchymal Stem Cells and COVID‐19 Therapy: Systematic Review and Current Trends
Authors: Javed Amaan , Karki Saurab , Sami Zeba , Khan Zuha , Shree Anagha , Sah Biki Kumar , Ghosh Shankhaneel , Saxena Sara
Published: June 2022

Background. The novel coronavirus first emerged in Wuhan, China, and quickly spread across the globe, spanning various countries and resulting in a worldwide pandemic by the end of December 2019. Given the current advances in treatments available for COVID‐19, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy seems to be a prospective option for management of ARDS observed in COVID‐19 patients. This present study is aimed at exploring the therapeutic potential and safety of using MSC obtained by isolation from health cord tissues in the treatment of patients with COVID‐19. Methods. A systematic search was done based on the guidelines of the PRISMA 2020 statement. A literature search was executed using controlled vocabulary and indexing of trials to evaluate all the relevant studies involving the use of medical subject headings (MeSH) in electronic databases like PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and clinicaltrials.gov up to 31 December 2021. The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO register with ID CRD42022301666. Findings. After screening finally, 22 remaining articles were included in this systematic review. The studies revealed that MSC exosomes are found to be superior to MSC alone in terms of safety owing to being smaller with a lesser immunological response which leads to free movement in blood capillaries without clumping and also cannot further divide, thus reducing the oncogenic potential of MSC‐derived exosomes as compared to MSC only. The studies demonstrated that the lungs healed with the use of exosomes compared to how they presented initially at the hospital. MSCs are found to increase the angiogenesis process and alveolar reepithelization, reducing markers like TNF alpha, TGF beta, and COL I and III, reducing the growth of myofibroblasts and increasing survivability of endothelium leading to attenuated pulmonary fibrosis and even reversing them. Interpretation. We can conclude that the use of mesenchymal stem cells or their derived exosomes is safe and well‐tolerated in patients with COVID‐19. It improves different parameters of oxygenation and helps in the healing of the lungs. The viral load along with different inflammatory cells and biomarkers of inflammation tend to decrease. Chest X‐ray, CT scan, and different radiological tools are used to show improvement and reduced ongoing destructive processes.
Oral Cancer Prevalence, Mortality, and Costs in Medicaid and Commercial Insurance Claims Data
Authors: Tranby Eric P. , Heaton Lisa J. , Tomar Scott L. , Kelly Abigail L. , Fager Gulielma Leonard , Backley Mary , Frantsve-Hawley Julie
Published: June 2022

Background:

This study compared prevalence, incidence, mortality rates, treatment costs, and risk factors for oral and oropharyngeal cancer (OC/OPC) between two large United States adult cohorts in 2012–2019.

Methods:

Medicaid and commercial claims data came from the IBM Watson Health MarketScan Database. Logistic regression analyses estimated incidence and risk factors for OC/OPC. Mortality was calculated by merging deceased individuals’ files with those of the existing cancer cohort. Summing costs of outpatient and inpatient services determined costs.

Results:

Prevalence of OC/OPC in Medicaid enrollees decreased each year (129.8 cases per 100,000 enrollees in 2012 to 88.5 in 2019); commercial enrollees showed a lower, more stable prevalence (64.7 per 100,000 in 2012 and 2019). Incidence trended downward in both cohorts, with higher incidence in the Medicaid (51.4–37.6 cases per 100,000) than the commercial cohort (31.9–31.0 per 100,000). Mortality rates decreased for Medicaid enrollees during 2012–2014 but increased in the commercial cohort. OC/OPC treatment costs were higher for commercial enrollees by $8.6 million during 2016–2019. OC/OPC incidence was higher among adults who were older, male, and white; used tobacco or alcohol; or had prior human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome diagnosis and lower among those who had seen a dentist the prior year.

Conclusions:

Medicaid enrollees experienced higher OC/OPC incidence, prevalence, and mortality compared with commercially insured adults. Having seen a dentist within the prior year was associated with a lower risk of OC/OPC diagnosis.

Impact:

Expanding Medicaid dental benefits may allow OC/OPC to be diagnosed at earlier stages through regular dental visits.
Ethnic Disparities in Early-Onset Gastric Cancer: A Population-Based Study in Texas and California
Authors: Tavakkoli Anna , Pruitt Sandi L. , Hoang Anh Q. , Zhu Hong , Hughes Amy E. , McKey Thomas A. , Elmunzer B. Joseph , Kwon Richard S. , Murphy Caitlin C. , Singal Amit G.
Published: June 2022

Background:

Incidence rates of gastric cancer are increasing in young adults (age <50 years), particularly among Hispanic persons. We estimated incidence rates of early-onset gastric cancer (EOGC) among Hispanic and non-Hispanic White persons by census tract poverty level and county-level metro/nonmetro residence.

Methods:

We used population-based data from the California and Texas Cancer Registries from 1995 to 2016 to estimate age-adjusted incidence rates of EOGC among Hispanic and non-Hispanic White persons by year, sex, tumor stage, census tract poverty level, metro versus nonmetro county, and state. We used logistic regression models to identify factors associated with distant stage diagnosis.

Results:

Of 3,047 persons diagnosed with EOGC, 73.2% were Hispanic White. Incidence rates were 1.29 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.24–1.35] and 0.31 (95% CI, 0.29–0.33) per 100,000 Hispanic White and non-Hispanic White persons, respectively, with consistently higher incidence rates among Hispanic persons at all levels of poverty. There were no statistically significant associations between ethnicity and distant stage diagnosis in adjusted analysis.

Conclusions:

There are ethnic disparities in EOGC incidence rates that persist across poverty levels.

Impact:

EOGC incidence rates vary by ethnicity and poverty; these factors should be considered when assessing disease risk and targeting prevention efforts.
SHR-1701, a Bifunctional Fusion Protein Targeting PD-L1 and TGFβ, for Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer: A Clinical Expansion Cohort of a Phase I Study
Authors: Feng Jifeng , Tang Dihong , Wang Jing , Zhou Qi , Peng Jin , Lou Hanmei , Sun Yuping , Cai Yunlang , Chen Hongmin , Yang Junqin , Liu Pan , Wang Linna , Zou Jianjun
Published: June 2022

Purpose:

Patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer have limited treatment options after platinum-containing treatment. We initiated a phase I study to assess SHR-1701, a novel bifunctional fusion protein composed of a mAb against programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) fused with the extracellular domain of TGFβ receptor II, in solid tumors (NCT03774979). Here, results from the cervical cancer cohort are presented.

Patients and Methods:

Patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer who progressed during or after platinum-based therapy were enrolled to receive SHR-1701 at 30 mg/kg every 3 weeks. Primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST v1.1.

Results:

In total, 32 patients were recruited. ORR was 15.6% [95% confidence interval (CI), 5.3–32.8], and disease control rate was 50.0% (95% CI, 31.9–68.1). Responses were still ongoing in 80.0% of the responders; 6-month duration of response rate was 80.0% (95% CI, 20.4–96.9). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 2.7 months (95% CI, 1.4–4.1). Of note, as assessed by immune-modified RECIST, median PFS was 4.1 months (95% CI, 1.6–4.3). Overall survival rate at 12 months was 54.6% (95% CI, 31.8–72.7). Treatment-related adverse events of grade 3 or 4 were reported in 11 (34.4%) patients. No treatment-related deaths occurred. No difference in ORR was found between patients with PD-L1 combined positive score ≥1 or <1; patients with high phosphorylated SMAD2 level in immune cells or tumor cells had numerically higher ORR.

Conclusions:

SHR-1701 exhibits encouraging antitumor activity and controllable safety in patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer after platinum-based regimens, and therefore might provide another treatment option for this population.

See related commentary by Miller and Friedman, p. 5238
Low-Dose JAK3 Inhibition Improves Antitumor T-Cell Immunity and Immunotherapy Efficacy
Authors: Dammeijer Floris , van Gulijk Mandy , Klaase Larissa , van Nimwegen Menno , Bouzid Rachid , Hoogenboom Robin , Joosse Maria E. , Hendriks Rudi W. , van Hall Thorbald , Aerts Joachim G.
Published: June 2022

Terminal T-cell exhaustion poses a significant barrier to effective anticancer immunotherapy efficacy, with current drugs aimed at reversing exhaustion being limited. Recent investigations into the molecular drivers of T-cell exhaustion have led to the identification of chronic IL2 receptor (IL2R)–STAT5 pathway signaling in mediating T-cell exhaustion. We targeted the key downstream IL2R-intermediate JAK 3 using a clinically relevant highly specific JAK3-inhibitor (JAK3i; PF-06651600) that potently inhibited STAT5-phosphorylation in vitro. Whereas pulsed high-dose JAK3i administration inhibited antitumor T-cell effector function, low-dose chronic JAK3i significantly improved T-cell responses and decreased tumor load in mouse models of solid cancer. Low-dose JAK3i combined with cellular and peptide vaccine strategies further decreased tumor load compared with both monotherapies alone. Collectively, these results identify JAK3 as a novel and promising target for combination immunotherapy.
PPM1D in Solid and Hematologic Malignancies: Friend and Foe?
Authors: Zhang Linda , Hsu Joanne I. , Goodell Margaret A.
Published: June 2022

In the face of constant genomic insults, the DNA damage response (DDR) is initiated to preserve genome integrity; its disruption is a classic hallmark of cancer. Protein phosphatase Mg2+/Mn2+–dependent 1D (PPM1D) is a central negative regulator of the DDR that is mutated or amplified in many solid cancers. PPM1D overexpression is associated with increased proliferative and metastatic behavior in multiple solid tumor types and patients with PPM1D-mutated malignancies have poorer prognoses. Recent findings have sparked an interest in the role of PPM1D in hematologic malignancies. Acquired somatic mutations may provide hematopoietic stem cells with a competitive advantage, leading to a substantial proportion of mutant progeny in the peripheral blood, an age-associated phenomenon termed “clonal hematopoiesis” (CH). Recent large-scale genomic studies have identified PPM1D to be among the most frequently mutated genes found in individuals with CH. While PPM1D mutations are particularly enriched in patients with therapy-related myeloid neoplasms, their role in driving leukemic transformation remains uncertain. Here, we examine the mechanisms through which PPM1D overexpression or mutation may drive malignancy by suppression of DNA repair, cell-cycle arrest, and apoptosis. We also discuss the divergent roles of PPM1D in the oncogenesis of solid versus hematologic cancers with a view to clinical implications and new therapeutic avenues.
Loss of E-cadherin Induces IGF1R Activation and Reveals a Targetable Pathway in Invasive Lobular Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Elangovan Ashuvinee , Hooda Jagmohan , Savariau Laura , Puthanmadhomnarayanan Susrutha , Yates Megan E. , Chen Jian , Brown Daniel D. , McAuliffe Priscilla F. , Oesterreich Steffi , Atkinson Jennifer M. , Lee Adrian V.
Published: June 2022

No special-type breast cancer [NST; commonly known as invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)] and invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) are the two major histological subtypes of breast cancer with significant differences in clinicopathological and molecular characteristics. The defining pathognomonic feature of ILC is loss of cellular adhesion protein, E-cadherin (CDH1). We have previously shown that E-cadherin functions as a negative regulator of the IGF1R and propose that E-cadherin loss in ILC sensitizes cells to growth factor signaling that thus alters their sensitivity to growth factor–signaling inhibitors and their downstream activators. To investigate this potential therapeutic vulnerability, we generated CRISPR-mediated CDH1 knockout (CDH1 KO) IDC cell lines (MCF7, T47D, and ZR75.1) to uncover the mechanism by which loss of E-cadherin results in IGF pathway activation. CDH1 KO cells demonstrated enhanced invasion and migration that was further elevated in response to IGF1, serum and collagen I. CDH1 KO cells exhibited increased sensitivity to IGF resulting in elevated downstream signaling. Despite minimal differences in membranous IGF1R levels between wild-type (WT) and CDH1 KO cells, significantly higher ligand–receptor interaction was observed in the CDH1 KO cells, potentially conferring enhanced downstream signaling activation. Critically, increased sensitivity to IGF1R, PI3K, Akt, and MEK inhibitors was observed in CDH1 KO cells and ILC patient-derived organoids.

Implications:

Overall, this suggests that these targets require further exploration in ILC treatment and that CDH1 loss may be exploited as a biomarker of response for patient stratification.
Brain Morphometric Correlates of Depressive Symptoms among Patients with and without Dementia
Authors: Barca Maria Lage , Alnæs Dag , Engedal Knut , Persson Karin , Eldholm Rannveig Sakshaug , Siafarikas Nikias , Selseth Almdahl Ina , Stylianou-Korsnes Maria , Saltvedt Ingvild , Selbæk Geir , Westlye Lars T.
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Findings regarding brain morphometry among patients with dementia and concomitant depressive symptoms have been inconsistent. Thus, the aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that dementia and concomitant depressive symptoms are associated with structural brain changes in the temporal lobe measured with structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: A sample of 492 patients from Norwegian memory clinics (n = 363) and Old Age Psychiatry services (n = 129) was studied. The assessment included the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, Mini Mental State Examination, and MRI of the brain, processed with FreeSurfer to derive ROI measures of cortical thickness, volume, and area using the Desikan-Killiany parcellation, as well as subcortical volumes. Dementia was diagnosed according to ICD-10 research criteria. Correlates of brain morphometry using multiple linear regression were examined. Results: Higher scores on the CSDD were associated with larger cortical volume (β = 0.125; p value = 0.003) and area of the left isthmus of the cingulate gyrus (β = 0.151; p value = <0.001) across all patients. Inclusion of an interaction term (dementia × CSDD) revealed a smaller area in the left temporal pole (β = −0.345; p value = 0.001) and right-transverse temporal cortex (β = −0.321; p value = 0.001) in patients with dementia and depressive symptoms. Discussion/Conclusion: We confirm the previous findings of structural brain changes in temporal regions among patients with dementia and concomitant depressive symptoms. This may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying depression in dementia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest study conducted on this topic to date.
Application of the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology: A Single Institutional Experience of 354 Cases with Cytologic-Histologic Correlation
Authors: Velez Torres Jaylou M. , Tjendra Youley , Zuo Yiqin , Garcia-Buitrago Monica , Jorda Merce , Kerr Darcy A. , Gomez-Fernandez Carmen R.
Published: June 2022

Background: Evaluation of salivary gland lesions is routinely done preoperatively by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC), with diagnostic categories I–VI, has been recommended to standardize the reporting of salivary gland lesions by FNAC. We aimed to reclassify archival salivary gland FNAC samples using MSRSGC, correlate the samples with surgical resections, and calculate the risk of malignancy (ROM) for each category. Methods: A total of 354 salivary gland FNAC samples (2013–2018) were reviewed. All FNAC results were retrospectively classified according to the MSRSGC. All cases had surgical follow-up. Histology was used to calculate the ROM, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy. Results: The 354 aspirates were classified as: nondiagnostic (ND) 17.0% (60), non-neoplastic (NN) 1.4% (5), atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) 11.0% (39), benign neoplasm (BN) 49.4% (175), salivary gland neoplasms of unknown malignant potential (SUMP) 10.7% (38), suspicious for malignancy (SM) 3.4% (12), and malignant (M) 7.1% (25). The ROM was as follows: ND 22%, NN 20%, AUS 15%, BN 2%, SUMP 53%, SM 75%, and M 96%. The diagnostic accuracy for separating benign versus malignant neoplasms was 96%. Cytologic-histologic correlation yielded a false-negative rate of 2.7%, false-positive rate of 10.5%, PPV of 89%, NPV of 97%, sensitivity of 87%, and specificity of 98%. Conclusion: MSRSGC helps standardize cytology reports, provides useful information for appropriate clinical management, and ensures the best care of patients with salivary gland lesions.
Simulation of Aerosol and Droplet Spread during Upper Airway and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Authors: Heymer Johannes , Dengler Florian , Krohn Alexander , Jaki Christina , Schilling Tobias , Mueller-Schilling Martina , Kandulski Arne , Ott Matthias
Published: June 2022

Background and Aims: Aerosols and droplets are the main vectors in transmission of highly contagious SARS-CoV-2. Invasive diagnostic procedures like upper airway and gastrointestinal endoscopy have been declared as aerosol-generating procedures. Protection of healthcare workers is crucial in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We simulated aerosol and droplet spread during upper airway and gastrointestinal endoscopy with and without physico-mechanical barriers using a simulation model. Results: A clear plastic drape as used for central venous access markedly reduced visualized aerosol and droplet spread during endoscopy. Conclusion: A simple and cheap drape has the potential to reduce aerosol and droplet spread during endoscopy. In terms of healthcare worker protection, this may be important particularly in low- or moderate-income countries.
Plataformas de propriedade de trabalhadores: cooperativas e coletivos de entregadores
Authors: Grohmann Rafael
Published: June 2022

O artigo tem o objetivo de analisar a emergência de plataformas de propriedade de entregadores no contexto de plataformização do trabalho. A análise apresenta seis casos em Espanha, França e Brasil, considerando: processos produtivos e organização do trabalho, desafios tecnológicos e construção de plataformas, usos de mídias sociais para organização e comunicação entre trabalhadores, cooperação entre cooperativas e futuro das experiências autogestionadas. As conclusões apontam para o papel central de mídias sociais para comunicação e organização do trabalho, e a cooperação entre cooperativas. Essas iniciativas podem ser o início de um processo mais amplo de plataformas digitais para o bem comum
Oral Contraceptives, Hormone Replacement Therapy, and Stroke Risk
Authors: Johansson Therese , Fowler Philip , Ek Weronica E. , Skalkidou Alkistis , Karlsson Torgny , Johansson Åsa
Published: June 2022

Background:

Millions of women worldwide use exogenous hormones as oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy. Still, time-dependent and long-term consequences of exogenous hormones on stroke risk remains unclear.

Methods:

We examined the association between self-reported oral contraceptive and hormone replacement therapy use and stroke risk in 257 194 women from the UK Biobank, born between 1939 and 1970. Outcomes included any type of stroke, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Exposures were analyzed as time-varying variables in Cox regression models.

Results:

During first year of oral contraceptive use, an increased event rate of any stroke was observed (hazard ratio [HR], 2.49 [95% CI, 1.44–4.30]), while the hazards were found to be comparable during remaining years of use (HR, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.86–1.14]), compared with nonusers. Similarly, first year of hormone replacement therapy use was associated with higher hazard rates of any stroke (HR, 2.12 [95% CI, 1.66–2.70]), as well as cause-specific stroke, including ischemic stroke (HR, 1.93 [95% CI, 1.05–3.57]) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (HR, 2.17 [95% CI, 1.25–3.78]), which remained increased for any stroke during remaining years of use (HR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.05–1.31]), and after discontinuation (HR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.02–1.32]).

Conclusions:

Oral contraceptive use and hormone replacement therapy were associated with an increased risk of stroke, especially during the first year of use, possibly due to immediate changes in hemostatic balance. This study provides new insights on the effects of hormone exposure on stroke risk and provide evidence of not only an overall risk but also a pronounced effects seen in the beginning of treatment.
Public Health Policy at Scale: Impact of a Government-Sponsored Information Campaign on Infant Mortality in Denmark
Authors: Altındağ Onur , Greve Jane , Tekin Erdal
Published: June 2022

We evaluate the impact of a nationwide public health intervention on deaths from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), using population data from Denmark in a regression discontinuity research design. The information campaign—implemented primarily through a universal nurse home visiting program—reduced infant mortality by 17.2% and saved between 11.6 and 13.5 lives over 10,000 births. The estimated effect sizes are 11–14 times larger among low-birthweight and preterm infants relative to the overall population. Improvement in infant mortality is concentrated among those with low socioeconomic status and with limited access to health information, thereby reducing health inequities at birth.
Language Training and Refugees’ Integration
Authors: Foged Mette , Hasager Linea , Peri Giovanni , Arendt Jacob Nielsen , Bolvig Iben
Published: June 2022

We evaluate a Danish reform focused on improving language training for those granted refugee status on or after January 1, 1999. Using a Regression Discontinuity Design, we find a significant, permanent, positive effect on earnings. This effect emerged after completion of language classes and was accompanied by additional schooling and a higher probability of working in complex jobs, consistent with language training, rather than other minor aspects of the reform, producing the results.
The Russian version of the Brief Resilience Scale: The psychometric analysis on the example of samples of students, parents with many children and parents of disabled children
Authors: Markova Victoria I. , Aleksandrova Lada A. , Zolotareva Alena A.
Published: June 2022

Background. B. Smith’s Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) is one of the most psychometrically sound instruments for assessing resilience worldwide (Windle et al., 2011). Objective. The aim of this study was to adapt the Russian version of the BRS. Design. Psychometric properties of the Russian BRS were analyzed on the materials of a series of studies involving 696 respondents, including parents of disabled children, parents with many children, and students of higher and secondary specialized educational institutions. Findings. The internal reliability of the Russian BRS was examined using the α-Cronbach coefficients, the values of which exceeded 0.8 in all study samples. The adapted scale demonstrated compliance with the original BRS factor structure containing direct and inverted test items, which provided the factor validity. Correlations between resilience and phenomenologically similar phenomena (hardiness, dispositional optimism, self-esteem, general self-efficacy, subjective vitality, life satisfaction, etc.) confirmed the convergent validity of the Russian BRS. In addition, parents of children with disabilities reported lower resilience than parents having many children, although statistically the results were not different from similar scores for students of higher and secondary specialized institutions. Conclusion. Russian version of BRS is reliable, valid and can be recommended for use for the assessment of resilience in Russian-speaking respondents.
Cyberchondria: an independent phenomenon or the manifestation of hypochondriacal traits online?
Authors: Rostovzeva Nadezhda A. , Rasskazova Elena I. , Thostov Alexander Sh. , Emelin Vadim A.
Published: June 2022

Background. The concept of cyberchondria is proposed to describe a psychological phenomenon that manifests in the increase in health anxiety after excessive search for medical information. The structure of cyberchondria is quite heterogeneous. Features of actions (compulsive actions in search of information about health and diseases online) the relation of these actions to other human activities (excessive search), emotional (distress after the search) and behavioral (the search for confirmation) consequences of those actions, as well as mentalsetting (mistrust in medical experts) can be revealed in this structure. The question of the independence of cyberchondria, which is closely connected to obsessive-compulsive symptoms, health anxiety, hypochondriacal behavior and user activity, is also controversial. Objective. The article aims to detect the relationship between cyberchondria and signs of excessive Internet use , somatization, hypochondrization, and health anxiety. Design. The present study (before the coronavirus pandemic) involved 127 healthy respondents aged 18 to 70 years old and 33 active users of online medical websites. The respondents filled out the Cyberchondria Severity Scale, the scales of hypochondriacal behavior, beliefs about the body and health, health anxiety, Internet addiction and a number of checklists assessing their user activity and behavior related to health and illness. Results. In the structure of cyberchondria, it is possible to reliably distinguish closely related components of the search for confirmation, compulsive actions, excessive and repetitive search, and distress after the search. Excessive search for information is more often associated with viewing images of diseases, seeking the confirmation along with reading reviews (i.e., it more often complements an actual search for a medical care, or cross-checks the results). Compulsive actions and distress are most closely associated with searching for information on social networks. Mistrust in healthcare professionals is weakly associated with cyberchondria. It reveals itself in a rare inclination to seek for a formal medical opinion both online and offline. However, a greater propensity for seeking for the information about alternative medicine on the Internet is observed. Manifestations of cyberchondria (apart from the mistrust in medical professionals) are closely associated with an excessive user activity and the tendency for somatoform symptoms and hypochondriacal behavior. This supports the hypothesis that cyberchondria is a specific behavior that is based on other clinical-psychological phenomena.
Outcomes of Coronary Artery By-Pass Grafting Under Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ipek Gokturk , Kehlibar Tamer , Keskin Muhammed , Yilmaz Hale , Ketenci Bulent , Bolca Osman
Published: June 2022

Patients with recent myocardial infarction (MI) or percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) have a higher ischemic risk in addition to perioperative bleeding risk when undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Data regarding preoperative dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) failed to create a clear recommendation. In the present study, we assessed the relationship between preoperative DAPT use and adverse outcomes, particularly in ST-elevation MI (STEMI) patients. We retrospectively analyzed 748 consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent subsequent CABG surgery. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those on DAPT up to the day before CABG and those discontinued DAPT >5 days before CABG. Predictors of in-hospital mortality and major bleeding were analyzed by multivariate analysis. Preoperative DAPT was not associated with in-hospital mortality (Odds Ratio (OR):1.81; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): .89-3.68, P = .10) and major bleeding (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: .63-2.08, P = .65) after multivariate analysis. However, glycoprotein (Gp) 2b/3a inhibitors were independently associated with higher major bleeding rates. Age, shock, and EF (ejection fraction) <30% were associated with in-hospital mortality. Previous MI, Gp 2b/3a inhibitors, and EF <30% were predictors of major bleeding. In conclusion, there were no association between pre-CABG DAPT use and in-hospital mortality and major bleeding.
Of charities and choice: Researching the choices of the long-term unemployed on third-sector employability programmes
Authors: Payne Jonathan , Butler Peter
Published: June 2022

‘Work-first’ (or ‘workfare’) activation policies severely restrict the choices of the unemployed. Can third-sector organisations (TSOs), with their person-centred mission, support long-term unemployed adults to make their own choices, given individual and societal constraints? Commentators often focus on ‘what works’ in supporting those with complex needs; others draw on the ‘capabilities approach’ (CA). With commentators often talking past each other, two key issues emerge. First, what constitutes real choice, and, second, how do we deal with the testimonies of programme users when those experiencing social deprivation may overstate the choices available to them? We argue that the CA’s dichotomisation of ‘true/real’ versus ‘constrained/no’ choice is problematic for a balanced assessment of choice possibilities across different programmes. Building on insights from current literatures, we develop a framework for researching choice possibilities. Using qualitative research, we apply this framework to a TSO employability programme in England, and find users have more control over their choices compared with UK workfare policy. The article contributes to international debates on the value of the CA, the links between programme form, user choice and well-being, and the scope for TSOs to deliver on their user-centred mission and prefigure better alternatives to workfare.
Status of Crop Diversification by Land Size Classes: A Case Study from State of West Bengal, India
Authors: Rahaman Hasibur , Ansari Sakil
Published: June 2022

The food basket of the world is diversifying toward high-value crops. A diversified cropping system offers multifaceted opportunities for farmers. The nature of diversification in developing countries is significantly different at both farming and cropping levels; thus, it is felt important to investigate such a study at different land size holding. This study is conducted to examine the spatiotemporal pattern of crop diversification under different land size classes in the state of West Bengal, which assumes as a representative image of India. The study uses secondary data obtained from the Agriculture Census for the years 1995–1996 and 2015–2016. Gibbs-Martin’s diversification technique is employed for the calculation of the diversification index. Overall analyses reveal that the stunting change in diversification is noted in marginal, small, large, and all land classes. The implication of such growth pushes the rural economy in a skewed direction. For de-stunting growth in diversification index, short- and long-term policy push from public and private agencies is the need of the hour.
“Lessons from Northern Ireland” in Israeli Public Discourse: The Politics of Analogies in Conflicted Societies
Authors: Dudai Ron
Published: June 2022

The Northern Ireland 1998 Good Friday Agreement has generated a global industry of “lessons from Northern Ireland” to other conflict situations. While a lively polemical literature has been debating what exactly should these lessons be and whether they could be validly exported, this article adopts the prism of the “politics of comparison”: examining why and how certain actors appeal to analogies with other societies, and the causes and functions of such appeals. The article explores the case-study of the resonance of the Northern Ireland analogy in Israeli public discourse. It identifies and analyses four themes: the analogy with Northern Ireland is used as an argument for hope; as a source of peacemaking models; as self-justification, to deflect blame; and to legitimize narrow local interventions. The article contributes to literatures on the politics of comparisons, and political dynamics in the context of intractable conflicts.
Speeko: An Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Personal Public Speaking Coach
Authors: Mei Bing , Qi Wenya , Huang Xiao , Huang Shuo
Published: June 2022

Recent years have witnessed the growing presence of artificial intelligence in language learning apps. Against this backdrop, this technology review provides an overview of the affordances of Speeko and discusses its potential in developing English-as-a-foreign-language students’ public speaking skills.
Psychometric Validation of the Scale of Ethnocultural Empathy in a Sample of Undergraduate and Graduate Students in Rehabilitation: A Brief Report
Authors: Blalock Kacie , Chan Fong , Cardoso Elizabeth , Lee Eun-Jeong , Iwanaga Kanako , Wu Jia-Rung , Chen Xiangli
Published: June 2022

Ethnocultural empathy is one of the most important multicultural competencies in counseling psychology. Wang et al. developed the Scale of Ethnocultural Empathy (SEE) for counseling psychology educators as an outcome variable to evaluate multicultural counseling competencies of counselors-in-training. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the measurement structure of the SEE in a sample of undergraduate and graduate students in rehabilitation. Confirmatory factor analysis results indicated that the four-factor intercorrelated model fit the data very well. The four factors are (a) empathic feeling and expression, (b) empathic perspective taking, (c) empathic awareness, and (d) acceptance of cultural differences. The SEE can be an invaluable tool for rehabilitation counselor educators to evaluate their students’ level of multicultural rehabilitation counseling competency and as an outcome variable for multicultural rehabilitation counseling training.
Feasibility of Work-Related Interviewing and Conversational Skills Trainings for Individuals With Psychiatric Disabilities
Authors: Lu Weili , Oursler Janice , Herrick Samantha J. , Gao Ni , Beninato John , Bazan Carolyn , Hill Kendall , Minor Tameika
Published: June 2022

This study examined the feasibility of group interventions using the Direct Skills Teaching (DST) approach to teach interview preparedness skills (“Presenting Qualifications”) and basic work-related conversational skills (“Conversing with Others”) to individuals with psychiatric disabilities. This quasi-experimental pilot study included 87 participants in Study 1 and 55 participants in Study 2, all with various psychiatric diagnoses. Each group intervention consisted of four sessions delivered by graduate counseling students. Participants reported increased confidence in presenting qualifications at interviews in Study 1 and in conversational skills at work in Study 2. Participants in both studies reported high levels of satisfaction with the respective group intervention. The results of the study supported the feasibility of DST group interventions designed to teach work-related skills to individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
Family transmission and identity construction: The perspective of ‘mixed’ individuals with a Muslim parent in Quebec
Authors: Le Gall Josiane , Comtois-Garcia Hernán
Published: June 2022

Based on interviews conducted in Quebec with 23 people with parents of different ethnic backgrounds and one of whom is Muslim by birth, this article explores how family transmission influences identity construction. More specifically, the article deals with how these mixed individuals identify themselves through certain identity references. The analysis highlights the essential role of family transmission in how individuals define themselves while showing the latitude they enjoy. It also shows that while their identity is linked to certain cultural references, identity markers such as language, religion, or nationality are not necessarily the most important elements for them.
Strategic culture and competing visions for the EU’s Russia strategy: flexible accommodation, cooperative deterrence, and calibrated confrontation
Authors: Silva Paul
Published: June 2022

This article analyzes the national security strategies of EU member states in the 2009–2018 period, and conceptualizes three security strategies EU member states have adopted toward Russia – flexible accommodation, cooperative deterrence, and calibrated confrontation. It tests strategic culture hypotheses against those of realism and commercial liberalism to explain the variation of EU member states’ security strategies toward Russia. While a realist explanation would predict EU member states geographically proximate to Russia would possess more confrontational security strategies, geographic proximity and confrontational security strategies toward Russia are not positively correlated. Bilateral economic interdependence with Russia, the presence of populist parties in EU member states governing coalitions, and EU member states’ alignment or status as an occupied state during the Cold War also do not explain EU member states’ security strategies toward Russia. A more consistent explanation of the variance in EU member states’ policy on Russia revolves around the strategic culture of the state in question. States with a more Atlanticist perspective tend to be more confrontation with Russia than their more Europeanist counterparts, regardless of geographic proximity or economic interdependence with Russia.
Big Five Personality Traits, Social Networks, and Depression Among Older Adults in Japan: A Multiple Mediation Analysis
Authors: Harada Ken , Sugisawa Hidehiro , Sugihara Yoko , Yanagisawa Shizuko , Shimmei Masaya
Published: June 2022

This study examines the mediating effect of social network size on depression among older adults in Japan in association with the Big Five personality traits: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness. Cross-sectional data were obtained from 739 older adults (Mean age = 75.13, SD = 6.86) residing in Tokyo. Multiple mediation analyses estimated total, indirect, and direct effects between personality and depression. Extraversion was associated with the number of kin and friend networks and agreeableness with the number of kin networks. Moreover, these social networks partially mediated the effects of extraversion and agreeableness on depression. The findings show that personality traits such as extraversion and agreeableness are associated with social network size, which contributes to better mental health in old age.
Techno-cultural domestication of online Tarot reading in contemporary China
Authors: Fu Han , Li Yihan , Lee Francis LF
Published: June 2022

This article examines the contemporary popularization of Tarot reading on China’s prominent online video platform Bilibili. It tries to make sense of the cultural and political import of the phenomenon through the conceptual lens of techno-cultural domestication, defined as a process in which a non-native cultural artifact or practice becomes embedded in and tamed by a techno-cultural arena in a receiver country. Based on digital ethnography and textual analysis, the article presents how Chinese online Tarot diviners constructed their participatory ritual by drawing upon the symbols of Western occultism and the technological affordances of Bilibili, especially the function of danmu. However, Tarot divination was also brought in line with dominant social values and state ideologies. It ultimately became a form of ‘sheer entertainment’ promoting common sense ideas, an image of a good Chinese citizen, private solutions to life’s challenges, and a positive social atmosphere.
Algorithmic power and African indigenous languages: search engine autocomplete and the global multilingual Internet
Authors: Chonka Peter , Diepeveen Stephanie , Haile Yidnekachew
Published: June 2022

Predictive language technologies – such as Google Search’s Autocomplete – constitute forms of algorithmic power that reflect and compound global power imbalances between Western technology companies and multilingual Internet users in the global South. Increasing attention is being paid to predictive language technologies and their impacts on individual users and public discourse. However, there is a lack of scholarship on how such technologies interact with African languages. Addressing this gap, the article presents data from experimentation with autocomplete predictions/suggestions for gendered or politicised keywords in Amharic, Kiswahili and Somali. It demonstrates that autocomplete functions for these languages and how users may be exposed to harmful content due to an apparent lack of filtering of problematic ‘predictions’. Drawing on debates on algorithmic power and digital colonialism, the article demonstrates that global power imbalances manifest here not through a lack of online African indigenous language content, but rather in regard to the moderation of content across diverse cultural and linguistic contexts. This raises dilemmas for actors invested in the multilingual Internet between risks of digital surveillance and effective platform oversight, which could prevent algorithmic harms to users engaging with platforms in a myriad of languages and diverse socio-cultural and political environments.
Tele-Consultation for the Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: Guidelines for Mental Health Professionals
Authors: Vranda Mysore Narasimha , Cicil Vasanthra Radhakrishnan
Published: June 2022

Providing psychosocial interventions through telehealth is an approach to mitigate intimate partner violence (IPV). However, tele-consultation for IPV survivors need to be handled perceptively considering the risk to safety of the survivor and need for emergency support. This article provides strategies to address such issues while providing interventions to IPV survivors using telehealth in the clinical settings. Strategies for screening, assessment, planning psychosocial interventions, and termination of sessions are also summarized with supportive guidelines.
Professional scaling work: How professional segments claim new jurisdictions in a world of trans-local connections
Authors: Meilvang Marie Leth , Blok Anders , Lindstrøm Maria Duclos , Pedersen Inge Kryger
Published: June 2022

The literature on professions, drawing on both sociological and management approaches, has recently turned its focus to the transnational scale. In this article, building on Andrew Abbott’s work on professional jurisdictions, we analyze the way transnational resources come to play a role in local professional claims-making and work practices in the inter-professional struggle over jurisdiction. Comparing case studies set in Denmark into three emerging professional jurisdictions, our analysis shows that professional segments claiming new work tasks engage actively in scaling work that attempts to ‘rescale’ the jurisdiction to fit their own professional projects and claims. We find that scaling practices consist of three different ways professionals invest in transnational resources: organizational avatars, new work regulations and prescriptions, and symbolic legitimacy. These ways in which professionals transform transnational resources into claims used in local professionals situations result in different outcomes for the professional segments involved.
Maternal Health Literacy, Health information‐seeking Behavior and Pregnancy Outcomes Among Iranian Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sabetghadam Shadi , Keramat Afsaneh , Goli Shahrbanoo , Malary Mina , Rezaie Chamani Sedighe
Published: June 2022

Background: Maternal health literacy (MHL) and health information-seeking behavior (HISB) could impact maternal health and pregnancy outcomes.

Purpose and Research Design: This cross-sectional study investigated MHL, HISBs, and pregnancy outcomes in Iranian pregnant women. This study was also aimed to determine the predictors of MHL and pregnancy outcomes.

Study smple and Data Collection: In this study, 337 randomly selected postpartum women completed three questionnaires, including a demographics form, an obstetrics history checklist, and the Maternal Health Literacy and Pregnancy Outcome Questionnaire (MHLAPQ).

Results: The mean MHL and pregnancy outcome scores were 60.80 ± 9.91 and 49.88 ± 5.69, respectively. Of the participants, 56% adopted both formal and informal HISB. Education and internet HISB was associated with the odds of being in the group with higher MHL. Participants with high MHL had more than twice higher odds for better pregnancy outcomes (OR = 2.25,  p < 0.004).

Conclusions: Continued efforts are required to make health information sources more accessible to pregnant women to improve their health literacy and pregnancy outcomes.